Empire - User contributions [en]

Sumaah Republic

2026-07-04T17:02:44Z

Responsible1: /* Magic */

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==Overview==
Before the Empire, missionaries of the nascent Way came to the jungles of Sumaah and called it 'the ends of the earth.' They found a corrupt, diseased kingdom ruled by despotic kings supported by a selfish and idolatrous religion, propped up by the satraps of the [[Asavean Archipelago]]. Yet they also found embers of their own faith, hidden in old stories and legends. They fanned those embers, and without warning ignited a revolution. A people sickened by the excesses of their leaders, hungry for a philosophy of truth, took the teachings of [[the Way]] and forged a sword with which they swept away the corrupt and the greedy and built something new, and better.

For nearly a century, emissaries and diplomats travelled the vast distances between Sumaah and the Empire. Few pilgrims managed to make the arduous journey to [[Highguard]], but those who did were increasingly dissatisfied with what they found - compromise, expediency and tolerance were poisoning the roots of the shared faith. The Sumaah had no interest in joining the Empire, and so were denied a place in the [[Synod]]; indeed, they saw little in the Imperial Synod that was relevant to them - the virtues of [[Ambition]] and [[Pride]] made it clear to these fervent converts that to look to an outside source for guidance would be wicked.

Eventually the Sumaah had had enough. In 118YE, during the reign of [[Empress Aenea]] the Republic broke with the [[Synod]] and technically excommunicated not only the Empress but all the priests of the Empire. The Empire was technically at war with the Sumaah Republic for the next two hundred years, but the vast distances involved meant that military conflict was all but impossible, All trade between the Republic and the Empire ceased, however, and it was not until 326YE that the trade-routes were re-opened.

Today. the Sumaah are a great power. Their ambition is limitless; they regularly engage in wars of conquest with their neighbours. converting them to the faith by sword and spear. Those who will not convert are given a simple choice to leave, or die. They burn with the fire of the zealot, and those who live near them look with some concern towards their borders. Still, they are far away and while some priests of the Synod insist on debating what they call the Sumaah problem, for most of the Empire they are little more than another exotic foreign nation, far away, that just happens to have a faith in common with the Empire.

Of particular interest to Imperial citizens outside of the Synod are the [[Sumaah Republic ports|Sumaah ports]] which are open to trade with the Empire. </onlyinclude>


==Terrain==
The Sumaah Republic far lies to the south-west of the Empire on the northern shores of a continent that is almost entirely unknown to the Empire. It is much warmer than even the Brass Coast. While the common image of Sumaah is that of a land is dominated by great swathes of tropical and sub-tropical jungle, dotted with sprawling pyramid-cities and overlooked by a spine of cloud-scraping mountains, in actuality most of the people make their homes in fertile coastal areas; the heart of the jungle is as impenetrable to the Sumaah as it is to anyone else.

This misperception persists because the majority of the Sumaah Republic is unknown to Imperial travellers. Foreigners are not welcome outside the port-city of [[Sumaah Republic ports|Zemeh]], and are forcibly returned there - or even exiled from the nation forever - if they are discovered elsewhere. The cities are undeniably wonderful; Sumaah architecture tends towards the creation of great stone buildings with most public structures being pyramids or many-stepped ziggurats riddled with passages and chambers. A family of urban Sumaah is more likely to occupy a series of apartments in a squat three-storey building shared with other families than to have a private structure of their own; only the wealthiest or largest families have entirely private residences.

Almost every city or large town is built on the banks of one of the wide, slow-moving rivers that run down through the jungle to the sea. The majority are built at the mouths of the rivers, while those cities built in-land tend to be smaller and often dedicated to the exploitation of specific valuable resources. Boats and ships are vital to the nation, due to the difficulty of constructing roads in the fast-growing jungles - the few roads that do exist are wide, straight constructions that cut through the teeming jungle and require constant maintenance.

This tendency to build along the coast led to the second-century [[Dawn|Dawnish]] diplomat Bernice de Clevau dubbing the nation "''One of those long, thin countries such as you see nowhere else - a bit like a giant comb built of stone, wood and water.''"


==Timoj==
After the Winter Solstice 382YE, for the first time in its history, the city of Timoj has been opened to foreign pilgrims. Indeed, a grand white granite highway has been built linking Zemeh on the coast to the city itself. Pilgrims are welcomed to travel the road to visit the temples and shrines, and the House of the People that is the heart of the Republican government. The road itself is impressive enough, with shrines every league or so dedicated to the virtues or to [[Paragons_and_exemplars|exemplars]] recognised by the Houses of Virtue. Regular hostelries maintained by the House of Prosperity provide rest and refreshment at reasonable prices to pilgrims traveling to and from the coast.

The city itself is breath-taking, easily rivalling the splendours of [[Bastion#Bastion.2C_the_White_City|the White City]], and much more exotic than Zemeh. While not a match for the sprawling urban landscapes of the cities of [[the League]], it is still a dynamic and cosmopolitan city. Surrounded on both sides by wide rivers, Timoj is as much garden as city with great public parks and open plazas between temples, government buildings, and terraced homes. Many unfamiliar animals live in the city - from the cheeky little monkeys that crowd the rooftops around the marketplaces to gorgeously coloured jungle birds that roost in the trees, to the stocky green-scaled [[Mundane_beasts#Drakes|drake-like]] quadrupeds that serve as a common beast of burden. Flowers are everywhere - every public building has a garden sometimes on their roofs. The people themselves are vibrant and full of life - a far cry from the dourly monochromatic emissaries familiar to most Imperials - wearing bright fabrics and adorned with feathers, flowers, and beautiful wooden and amber jewellery.

The House of the People that stands at the heart of Zemeh is impressive enough, but even more impressive still are the seven Houses of Virtue - great white granite and mithril ziggurats each dedicated to one of the seven virtues - and the beautiful Court of the Way - a great open courtyard that lies before the House of the People where priests meet to enact the business of the Sumaah Synod. Around each ziggurat, and around the Court, are beautiful shrines dedicated to the memory of the [[Paragons_and_exemplars|Sumaah paragons]]. These shrines do not approach the basilica of Bastion in splendour - they are surprisingly low-key in nature - but what they lack in size they more than make up for in beauty and in the [[Consecration#True_Liao|profound sense of spirituality]].

Imperial pilgrims are welcome here, and soon find themselves rubbing shoulders with followers of the Way from all over the known world. These include some pilgrims from places the Empire has no contact with - primarily allies of the Republic similar in size to those nations that border the Empire.

('''OOC Note:''' Any Imperial citizen is welcome to roleplay that they have visited Timoj; as always however no further information will be provided about the city than is presented here).

==People==
The Sumaah are first and foremost devout, and the philosophy of [[the Way]] permeates all aspects of their life. Families engage in regular communal acts of discussion and readings from books and scrolls that discuss the Way and its teachings. Almost all art serves a religious function, from the statues of the Paragons that decorate the façades of many public buildings, to the instructional rhymes the children sing.

All citizens of the Sumaah Republic are human. [[orc|Orcs]] and [[daeva]] are viewed as subhuman; when the Sumaah encounter orcs, they exterminate them. The Sumaah do not keep slaves - doing so is seen as being an offence against the very fundamentals of [[Prosperity]]. It is also one of their many points of contention with the [[Asavean Archipelago]] - although it is a minor point compared to the many other reasons the Sumaah have to despise that northern nation of idolaters.

The lineaged are viewed with a little suspicion by urban Sumaah, and there is some social pressure for them to remain celibate. This stems less from concerns about their souls and more from the fact that they were invariably the priests of the corrupt idol-based religion the Sumaah followed in the distant past. Rural Sumaah tend to be much more tolerant of and accepting of the lineaged. For its part the ''Präster'' (a Sumaah term for priest, pronounced roughly as "''pressed-AIR''"; singular Präst, used by people of all genders) teach that while the lineaged must master the influences of their blood, as long as they accept that challenge they are due the same rights as any other citizen of the Republic.

The Way encourages humans to seek new knowledge and put it to practical use. The Sumaah are at least as technically adept as the people of the Empire, although some inventions (such as the crossbow or the printing press) have not proved popular. Only in the area of philosophy do the Präster exert overt control, and while there may be many natural scientists in Sumaah there are very few philosophers.

The jungles are home to many creatures considered marvellous by Imperial travellers. A number of species of massive drakes are known to be native to the Sumaah jungles, including several breeds that have been domesticated as watch-beasts, companions and beasts of burden. Indeed, the burly workdrake is used where the Empire might use oxen. The forests and jungles are also home to a profusion of brightly-coloured birds and big-cats, as well as uncountable breeds of insect many unknown in colder climates. The shores teem with giant turtles, and immense panthers move like oiled juggernauts through the deeper jungles preying on great drakes and humans alike.

==Politics==
The citizens of the Republic democratically elect representatives to sit in the ''House of the People'' which meets in the city of [[#Timoj|Timoj]] in the southern heartlands. These representatives rule on behalf of the people, raising taxes, initiating public works, and ensuring that the populace prosper. In practice, however, Sumaah is a theocracy in all but name. The Präster of the Way have an unlimited ability to veto the decisions of the representatives in the name of Virtue. The day-to-day running of the nation is accomplished by the Virtue assemblies, and law is enforced by the religiously appointed Censors who interpret the laws passed by the republic. For the most part, however, the Assemblies do not interfere in the business of the House of the People as long as they remain virtuous and lawful.

Individual Präster have greater political power than their counterparts in the Empire, but they are also more carefully monitored by their peers. The individual Virtue assemblies wield sweeping powers over the people. For example, the Assembly of Vigilance maintains the Censors, responsible for enforcing and ensuring all laws are respected, while the Assembly of Courage effectively controls all military forces within the nation. The Assembly of Wisdom is responsible for education and for ensuring all written works are truthful, while the Assembly of Loyalty ensures all elections are scrupulously honest and that all representatives are truly reflecting the wishes of their constituents.

There are no nobles in Sumaah; everyone is a citizen. Individual wealth goes some way towards creating a simple class-structure, but the wealthy are expected to spend appropriate amounts of their wealth in celebration of their [[prosperity]]. Every individual is equally worthy of protection before the law, and the Assembly of Ambition works tirelessly to help citizens achieve their greatest potential in the service of the nation.

Under the auspices of the Assembly of Pride, the Sumaah engage in wars of conquest against their neighbours. These crusades are fought carefully and methodically, targeting the nations most offensive to the Sumaah first and wherever possible integrating them into the Republic through diplomacy and forced conversion. Imperial scholars estimate that the Sumaah have destroyed five other smaller nations in the last 400 years, completely absorbing their lands and their people. The one nation they have had no luck destroying is the one they would most like to - the [[Asavean Archipelago]] offends the Sumaah to the core, but they have had only limited success spreading the fire of crusade to the northern nation, partly due to the distances involved.

It would be easy to dismiss Sumaah as a totalitarian theocratic dictatorship, but it would also be slightly unfair. The majority of Präster appear to genuinely believe they are upholding the greater good. Präst who become corrupt or self-serving is stripped of authority and usually executed. The Assemblies repeatedly speak of using their veto to prevent the representatives making mistakes, rather than out of any desire to control or dominate the secular authorities. Before wielding their power, the Assemblies often debate the pros and cons of action and inaction for days on end before reaching a decision. As Bernice de Clevau wryly commented in her final letter to the Senate in 118YE "''The garden of tyranny is laid out with the best of intentions.''"

==Magic==
Many magicians in Sumaah are also Präster, and the virtue assemblies are known to maintain cadres of ritualists who specialise in specific areas of magic. For example, there are many covens within the Assembly of Prosperity who specialise in magical effects similar to [[Rivers of Gold]] or [[The Lure of Distant Shores]] while the Assembly of Vigilance has covens who make good use of divinations such as [[Signs and Portents]].

On a practical level, Sumaah magicians are known to use the [[Music of the spheres|music of the spheres]], but they do not use runes or anything recognisable as dramaturgy. While in the Empire some magicians evoke the names of paragons or exemplars, magical beasts or [[eternal|eternals]], doing so in Sumaah would be at best heresy and at worst blasphemy. The most common form of magic involves the manipulation of physical materials or energies, devoid of spiritual powers. For example, fire, polished crystals and water are used extensively, as are coloured sands or earths. Blood, as long as it comes from living humans, may also be used as a representative of the spiritual power of the human soul. Tools such as metal bowls, mirrors and knives are also popular because the shaping of raw materials into useful tools is a potent symbol of the way humans can shape the world and the powers of magic to their own end. Some scholars refer to this oddly eclectic set of traditions as ''spiritual materialism''.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Lizard.jpg|caption=The Sumaah characterise many eternals with animal aspects, depicting them as a variety of panthers, birds, snakes, lizards, monkeys, and even the great drakes of the deep jungle.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
The people of Sumaah know that magic is a tool, like any other; but like any other tool it is dangerous in the wrong hands. Magicians in the Republic are carefully guided by the Präster. In particular any magic that mimics the kind of [[aura]] created with [[religious skills|liao ceremonies]], such as [[The Chamber of Delights]] or [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul]], is considered blasphemous and magicians who perform these rituals face prosecution when they are discovered.

Interaction with [[eternal|eternals]] is very carefully monitored, and magicians who deal with an eternal without the guidance of one of the Präster may find themselves called to [[inquisition]] and face serious censure. For a long time it was assumed the Sumaah dealt with an entirely different roster of eternals, but in Summer 388YE a [[Senate]]-commissioned [[appraisal]] helped to deal with this, and other, misconceptions. The Sumaah know almost all the same eternals as Imperial magicians deal with, they simply use completely different names and imagery to depict them. There ''are'' a few eternals such as ''Deep Drummer'', ''Span of the Sky'', or ''Wind Panther'' who are unfamiliar however. It's also notable that the Sumaah consider many eternals to be enemies of the Republic, deeming them "anathema". A more detailed breakdown of the Sumaah attitude to eternals forms part of the [[Satraps_of_the_Abyss#Republican_Eternals|Satraps of the Abyss]] wind of fortune.

Partially due to this level of control, and partially due to the emphasis on less supernatural means of resolving problems, the Sumaah republic lags behind the rest of the world in terms of magical might - it has not a fraction of the magical capability of the Empire or the heathen [[Principalities of Jarm]]. It makes up for this by having more ''organised'' magical traditions than any other nation with the possible exception of the [[Commonwealth]].

Many citizens of the Republic prefer to avoid magic altogether; they would rather receive the blessings of the faith in the form of [[Religious skills#Anointing|anointing]] or [[Religious skills#Hallow|hallows]] that the magical effects of a ritual. ''Satraps of the Abyss'' also talks a little about the widespread attitudes the people of Sumaah have to the use of magic.

==Religion==

The Way is the only philosophy tolerated in Sumaah. The Präster of the Republic share the same [[The Way#Overview|core values]] as the Imperial Synod; they recognise the same virtues and agree broadly in the guidance they offer in pursuing those virtues. Their symbols remain broadly the same, although the labyrinth image used in Sumaah is often rendered in three-dimensions rather than two, often resembling a circular or heptagonal pyramid.

Where they differ greatly from the Empire is in their absolute adherence to dogma. Having accepted that the Way is correct, they have come to the conclusion that all other philosophies must logically be incorrect. Given that the greatest good lies in ensuring that human souls pass quickly through the labyrinth, it follows that any action that impedes that progress must be evil. Left to their own devices, people may choose easy paths that lead to evil - in the same way that a child may stick their hand in a fire. It falls to the wise to prevent the ignorant from making evil choices, just as it falls to a parent to prevent their child harming themselves. Several popular treatises in Sumaah claim that [[Malign spiritual presences#Anarchy|anarchy]] is the most wicked of the malign spiritual presences because it claims that the freedom to do evil, the freedom to make catastrophic mistakes, is a virtue.

As a result the Präster of the Republic are committed to enforcing the teachings of the Way, even on those who might choose other paths. Where heretics and blasphemers may be prosecuted in the Empire, they are persecuted in the Republic. There is a scale of punishments available to the Präster, and they do their best to ensure that deeds are punished over words and intent is punished over accident but at the end of the day their tolerance extends only so far. Heretics and blasphemers are hanged, while idolaters are hanged until they lose consciousness then burnt alive on slow-burning pyres. An honest repudiation of heresy or blasphemy can earn a reprieve from the gallows. but the slightest backsliding is likely to result in death. While the Sumaah accept that a heretic can turn their life around, if they judge the heretic incapable of doing so it is better that they enter the labyrinth now and begin preparing for their next life. The harshest punishments are reserved for those who teach heretical or blasphemous doctrine; the next harshest are reserved for Präster who abuse their position. In Sumaah the ceremony of [[Religious skills#Excommunication|excommunication]] is invariably a prelude to execution.

The Präster are divided into the same Virtue Assemblies as the Empire, including the Assembly of the Way. In theory, there is also a General Assembly but in practice the kind of powers that would be wielded by the General Assembly in the Empire are wielded by the Assembly of the Way, which is without doubt the most powerful of the eight Assemblies. The (somewhat misnamed) Council of Eight is made up of the seven Cardinals of the virtue assemblies and two Cardinals from the Assembly of the Way. No National assemblies exist; rather there are Local assemblies made up of all the Präster in a village or city ward who meet to pass judgements, hear criminal cases, and the like.

The Republic produces large amounts of [[liao]] - great plantations controlled by the Assembly of the Way are dedicated to the cultivation of plants used to create their own version of this precious substance. They sell their surplus to merchants from the Empire and the [[Commonwealth]], and while the 'recipe' may differ, the results are the same - some Imperial priests claim it has a 'smoky' quality. It is often prepared in the form of incense that is burnt and inhaled - indeed, incense is one of the most common luxury goods found in Sumaah and it is a common feature in both public places and private homes.

Before they embraced the Way, the people of Sumaah were literal idolaters, making offerings of valuables and good to a small pantheon of spirits combining idealised animal qualities with elemental powers. The religion was utterly dominated by the secular powers who used the greed and corruption of the heathen priests to control the masses. In the wake of the reforms that created the modern Republic, the idols were cast down. Imperial scholars are quick to point out, however, that several of the Paragons embraced by the practitioners of the Way in Sumaah bear a striking resemblance to the idols their ancestors worshipped. ''Vena the Great-hearted'' Paragon of [[Courage]] shares many attributes and stories with ''Fire-Lion'' while depictions of the Paragon of Wisdom that the Sumaah call [[Zoria]] have more in common with the idol called ''Cloud Eagle'' than with the Ushkan sorceress.
===Shared Paragons and Exemplars===
Despite the schisms, the Sumaah share certain paragons and exemplars with the faithful of the Empire. They acknowledge the Paragons [[Tian]], [[Korl]], and [[Atun]] as well as the Exemplar [[Zemress]]. They also recognise a Paragon they call ''The Builder'' who seems to be the same Paragon that the Empire knows as [[The Sentinel]].

Other than this, the Sumaah and the Empire maintain separate lists of Exemplars and Paragons. One interesting note made by an Imperial scholar who spent many years in Zemeh is that the Exemplar of Courage they call ''[[Tales of Amma the Wanderer|Amma the Wanderer]]'' bears a resemblance to [[Adelmar the Lion]], and that the historical provenance for the character (who appears in Sumaah stories starting around 80YE) supports this contention. No proof either way has been gathered to date, although in 387YE then [[Minister of Historical Research]] Watt Lambrook dispatched a member of the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|Department of Historical Research]] to Sumaah to investigate the matter further.

===Excommunication===
Following the Summer Solstice 387YE there were a [[Talking_to_friends#Abrasion_Oil|number of questions]] posed by the Imperial Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic, Accalon of Felix's Watch, regarding the approach of the präster to the rite of [[excommunication]]. The queries arose from the discovery of a preparation called ''Abrasion Oil'', a rare substance developed by the präster who live in Nyaerdivik, which is a hard-to-reach settlement on the very edge of the Sumaah Republic, which by all accounts causes an effect similar to the liao ceremony and was used as part of an execution of convicted criminals. The response from Ambassador Oxtitocszin touched on a number of matters but provides some insight into the practice of the Way in the Republic.

There are präster in Sumaah who believe that excommunication makes a soul unable to pass onwards but they are far from the majority. The only thing that is known for certain is that it renders the soul unable to use [[Religious skills|liao ceremonies]], and prevents dreaming, but nobody truly knows what happens to the soul of one who is excommunicated. Such things are ultimately a matter of philosophy and most importantly - faith. The [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_the_Labyrinth|Doctrine of the Labyrinth]] says that ''the Labyrinth of Ages is a place of pure spirit and beyond the true comprehension of any but a paragon'' after all.

The accepted view is that excommunication can be a just punishment that is merited in the most serious of cases where nothing less will suffice. There is a popular belief that it ''might'' even assist passage. [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The Doctrine of the Seven|The Doctrine of Seven]] states that "Other qualities may benefit humanity, but lend no aid through the passage of death to rebirth, and ''some may hinder it''." That last part is often taken to mean that unvirtuous acts hinder the soul's passage, indelibly marking the soul as unvirtuous, delaying rebirth. Excommunication of someone whose deeds are so terrible that they warrant this fate may disconnect the soul from the unvirtuous acts they have taken, allowing it to be reborn without the stain of an ill-spent past life dragging the soul down both in the Labyrinth and, potentially, in future lives.

Of course there are also some Präster that believe those who commit the most heinous acts ''need'' to spend additional time in the Labyrinth. Here the Präster tend to fall to arguments on the role of the Labyrinth and the spiritual value of punishment and its role in redemption and recidivism in a way that the Ambassador was not certain was a useful topic for diplomacy between two great nations, even if they do share the Way.

Theologians in the Republic hold that it ''may'' be true that excommunication severs a soul from the Labyrinth, but say that nobody can be sure. If that is the case, is it not appropriate that such people are excluded from the Labyrinth? Is that not a fitting end for those who have proven themselves to be entirely without Virtue? Virtue is contagious, but so is vice. Wicked deeds spread, so the worst criminals are a danger to the future generations, so arguably it is ''better'' to stop their reincarnation, to save future generations from the influence of such an unvirtuous soul.

The Ambassador noted that ultimately the truth is that nobody ''knows'' what the ultimate effects of excommunication are, just as nobody can be certain they know what the ultimate effects of [[testimony]] or [[dedication]] are. These are, ultimately, matters of faith. Nobody should trifle with the human soul, that much is clear, but in the Republic, excommunication is often a prelude to execution - an indication that your deeds are beyond the pale. It's not something the Republic takes lightly.

This exchange provided a surprising view of a nation that is often seen as being a religious monolith - that the präster struggle with many of the same deep questions that also bemuse Imperial students of spirituality. While they are strongly orthodox, it appears that they are not closed-minded.

==Look and Feel==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Sumaah.jpg|title=Sumaah Delegate|caption=A high standing delegate dressed in the appropriate official attire.|align=right|width=300}}
When at home in Sumaah, or relaxing among friends, they favour loose garments in single bright colours, and brightly coloured jewellery. Their normal climate is very warm, so a short tunic or even a skirt or woollen kilt is sufficient coverage to protect against the elements. Those traveling to cooler climates add a loose robe cinched at the waist or a long poncho likewise tied at the middle with a decorated belt, or both when visiting particularly chilly climes (such as the Empire).

This bright clothing is put aside when the Sumaah are on official business. On a pilgrimage, or when representing their people abroad, the basic outlines are the same but the bright colours are replaced with white, silver, and gold fabrics. Jewellery is much more muted, and again tends to mirror the paler colours. This same dress is favoured by both members of the House of the People, and senior Präster who are engaged in business related to their office

Tattoos and piercings are common, and jewellery is selected for its aesthetic value before its material worth. Orichalcum alloys (gold and red-gold metals) are common. Feathers and semi-precious stones are a common feature of their national costume; when at home, brightly coloured jungle flowers are regularly used as temporary decorations for the person or the home. Animal products are common in costume and decoration - the hides of jungle cats, leather made from drakehide, and polished turtle shell are all common components. While they may use animal products, the Sumaah avoid using animal imagery in their costumes or decorations -the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] animal icons, for example, would be blasphemous to the Sumaah.

Almost everyone in Sumaah has a religious symbol of some sort that they wear or carry at all times. This might be a tattoo, but is most commonly a piece of jewellery or a belt that can be worn with many different suits of clothing.

Sumaah is not as iron-rich as the Empire. Spears and axes (which serve double-duty as tools for hunting or crafting as well as weapon) are common as are bows. Daggers are usually a sign of some wealth or status, and swords are reserved for professional soldiers or the very wealthy. Armour is often of hide or thick leather, with only professional soldiers or the most wealthy owning suits of metal armour which are often passed down from generation to generation.

To Imperial eyes, the Sumaah are even stranger than the [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarmish]] or the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]]. Of course the dour colours and restrictive styles of the Imperials are just as jarring to the Sumaah eye.

==Languages==
The Sumaah speak a number of languages which, according to their histories, are the languages spoken by their distant ancestors. The dominant languages are represented by those of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scandinavian_languages north Germanic] or Scandinavian language group, especially Swedish, Norwegian and Danish. The three languages are used interchangeably, and many Präster are fluent in all of them (and often several rarer dialects, commonly spoken by the people of conquered nations). No one language dominates, and when people talk about the Sumaah language they could be referring to any one or all of them.
==The Sumaah Republic in Play==
The Sumaah appear exotic, and are made all the more exotic by their adherence to a faith that they share with the Empire. They have the fervour of the convert - the Empire tolerates insults to its faith that would have the average Sumaah reaching for a noose. They can appear dour, but it is important to understand that they generally celebrate their religion; the Way liberated them from centuries of despotic rule by cruel overlords. It exalts the human spirit, and tells every one of them that they are important and that they have ultimate control of their own destiny.

While the Präster are totalitarian, arguably fascistic, to outsiders they are in the main motivated by a genuine concern for the spiritual wellbeing of their people. They simply believe that they alone know what is best for their people. Most Sumaah look at the Empire and see a nation of cowardly backsliders who lack the courage of their convictions, who would rather talk than act, and who would rather let someone die that risk some incomprehensible notion of egalitarian freedom.

It is entirely appropriate to play a Sumaah character who has left the Republic in search of freedom, or to avoid persecution or execution for heretical or blasphemous beliefs that the Empire would take in its stride. Likewise, a character who is a magician or whose parents were magicians might have left Sumaah to avoid the restrictive way the practice of magic is controlled by the Präster. It is also worth noting that to the Republic 'not believing' is the same as being a heretic - characters who might in the real world be considered agnostics or atheists have good reason to leave Sumaah behind. For that matter, a Sumaah missionary Präst here to try and convince the Imperials to adopt a less liberal interpretation of the faith might also make for a fun character concept.

For all that this description of the Republic goes into some depth, Sumaah is also an enigma to the Empire. For everything they know about it there are a dozen unanswered questions, and the Sumaah like it that way. Backgrounds that involve extensive exploration in Sumaah, or contacts outside Zemeh, are unlikely to be approved.
[[Category:Foreign Nations]]
[[Category:The World]]
{{Sumaah Links}}

Yaw'nagrah

2026-07-04T17:01:50Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=QueenOfTheForestArt.jpg |title="Queen of the Forest" by Marcher artist Martha Riversbank. Painted in 293YE, as part of a commission for the never-completed Hall of Spring (a college of magic intended to be built in Miaren later abrogated by the Senate).|caption=The ''Queen of the Forest'' appears to be a literal primaeval forest in the Spring realm|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Spring==
===Sobriquets===
Most commonly, Yaw'nagrah is called the ''Green Mother'' or the ''Queen of the Forest''.

As with many eternals, Yaw'nagrah has a number of other names both within the Empire and beyond. She may be called ''Rootwinder'', ''Old Bloodbark'', the ''Verdant Queen'', the ''Lady of the Woods'', ''Lady of Bark and Bramble'', the ''One who Sways and Stands'', ''Thorncreeper'', ''Treecaller'', and ''Woodwyf''. In her more benevolent guises she may be called ''Cornwalker'', ''Midwife'', or ''Wheatweaver''. The [[Druj]] sometimes call her the ''Green Hand'' and ''Nest of Thorns'', while among the [[Thule]] she is called the ''Plentiful''. The [[Sumaah Republic]] see her as the ''Hungry Forest'', whose destructive chaos is at odds with civilisation.

==Appearance==
Like [[Llofir]], Yaw'nagrah is immense. She appears to be a primaeval forest of immense size that spreads across an area of the Spring realm roughly the size of [[Varushka]], although it is possible that this estimation is out by several magnitudes. She rarely speaks directly to magicians, but spawns ''handmaidens'' from her body that take the form of human-shaped tree creatures who work to make her guests more at home.

Some magicians describe these handmaidens as being close to human in looks, often with briar trappings, rather than animate tree creatures but it is not clear if these are a different kind of creature (possibly heralds), or the result of some exposure to hallucinogenic pollen.

==Concerns==
Yaw'nagrah is concerned with life, in infinite diversity and infinite combinations. Her forest is [[Spring_magic#Fertility|fecund]], but she is a creature without compassion; she favours no form of life over any other. Discussions with her handmaidens have suggested that she may consider all forms of life other than plants and perhaps insects to be an aberration, a temporary infestation on the mortal world that will eventually disappear. Until then, however, she revels in seeing how life expresses itself in uncountable different ways. Her touch is known to change and alter life to create new shapes, new expressions of the life force. She is a creature of [[Spring magic#Chaos|chaos]], and while she is sometimes [[Spring magic#Savagery|savage]] she prefers to promote life and growth - often without any consideration as to how that will affect other living creatures.
{{CaptionedImage|file=SpringEternal1.JPG|title=A Handmaiden of Yaw'nagrah|align=right|width=350}}
While she is not specifically malicious, she is also entirely without mercy and her concerns are often quite alien to mortals. Her interests in the Empire appear to generally be quite limited, beyond her somewhat detached interest in all living things. Some magicians have noted, however, that she appears to look favourably on those who bring her gifts of plants she has not encountered before, or who bring children into the presence of her handmaidens. For the most part, though, she is known to view the Empire as an enemy of growth and change - that its stranglehold on the natural world demonstrates that it does not understand the true state of the world. Ultimately, Yaw'nagrah would prefer humans and orcs to live more like animals than civilised folks, to abandon their farms and towns and roads and embrace the chaos of the wild like any other animals.

In recent years it has become apparent that Yaw'nagrah favours the spread of the [[vallorn]]. While she is by no means responsible for the doom that destroyed Terunael, she seems to see its uncontrollable growth and transformative energies as preferable to the stagnation of the Empire. She was placed under the [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] of the [[Conclave]] in late 380YE, apparently due to evidence regarding an attempt to rouse the [[Therunin]] vallorn that led to the destruction of the [[steading]] of [[Therunin#Upper_Tarn_Valley|Return]]. She would later support the treacherous [[Rise of Terunael|Heirs of Terunael]] in their efforts to awaken all the vallorn. While they were ultimately defeated, Yaw'nagrah was unrepentant.

Yaw'nagrah is occasionally called ''Mother of Briars'' or ''Barkspawner'' and some old stories tentatively link her with the foundation of the [[briar]] lineage. Her handmaidens have never offered conclusive proof one way or another, and according to many magicians appear not to understand the question - although it cannot be denied that Yaw'nagrah and her handmaidens respond more favourably to those with briar lineage than to other humans. She is also believed to favour [[orc|orcs]] over humans - on occasion her handmaidens have spoken of the fact that orcs are more "aware of themselves" - although what that means is not clear.

She is strongly associated with the rune [[Bravash]].

==Boons==
Magicians seek out Yaw'nagrah because she has powerful abilities related to [[Spring magic#Fertility|fertility]] in all forms. She has been known to help those who could not otherwise conceive offspring to do so, although these offspring may show odd signs of the magic that gave them life. She is also able to help magicians to restore fertility to blighted crops or beasts, as well as to encourage fecundity over large areas - potentially to a dangerous degree. There is some circumstantial evidence that she helped Imperial magicians to create the [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]] ritual, providing access to the spirits required to rouse the trees, and is known to offer boons to support its performance. She is likely responsible for the facility the orcs of [[the Mallum]] demonstrate with this powerful curse.

Concerned as she is with growth and life, she can also offer boons to those who grow and harvest living things - owners of [[farm|farms]], [[forest|forests]] and occasionally [[herb garden|herb gardens]] as well. Such boons are almost always influenced by the powerful resonance of [[Spring magic#Chaos|chaos]] that runs through her being. While a farm or a forest may become fecund, it often produces unexpected crops. Strangely coloured fruit, odd flowers, herd animals with peculiar additional qualities. These products are generally no less wholesome than any other, but their strangeness can be pronounced and make people cautious about consuming them.
===Donahorti===
Among her bounty, her most common gifts take the form of the ''donahorti'', a cornucopia of magically infused fruits of the forest. The [[Realm#Spring|Primal Forest]] is a wellspring of wonderful plants and beasts, and those that dwell in the vast demesne of the ''Great Gardener'' are said to be the most magical and variable of all. Taking the form of juice, fruit, sap, bark, or other natural substances, these boons are often referred to as ''donahorti''. The term comes from the old Asavean name for the boons of Yaw'nagrah used by scholars of Spring Magic - the ''donahorti mirabilis'', or the Marvellous Gifts of the Garden. The ''donahorti'' are similar to [[potion|potions]] in some regards, and generally [[Potion#Consuming_a_Potion|used in the same way]]. These boons come in a myriad of different shapes and flavours, but they always take the form of natural substances - fruit, juice, sap, flakes of moss, shavings of bark, shredded leaves and so on. Some of the more common ''donahorti'' include:
* '''''Milksap''''': a milky white liquid with an intensely sweet, floral scent that provides similar benefits to [[vis#Warm Honey|warm honey]] when smeared on the face and palms, but has unpleasant effects on anyone who accidentally drinks it.
* '''''Glomsbark''''': shavings of bark and moss that can be used to empower many Spring [[enchantment|enchantments]], providing both a little mana toward their casting but also empowering a magician familiar with [[Magical skills#Realm Lore|Spring lore]] to work such enchantments more easily.
* '''''Ornsap''''': a dark red juice with the consistency of blood that provides a great boost to physical stamina and fortitude.
* '''''Mornsalve''''': a thick light-green sap that treats many ailments of the body.
* '''''Thornsting''''': a vicious waxy honey-like substance that inflames violence and grants combat prowess.
* '''''Queensleaf''''': oddly shaped leaves that when crushed and the juice applied to the wrists and throat grants magical healers a reserve of inner power.
* '''''Sallamoss''''': a kind of moss that heartens the body and is particularly effective when used by briars (and in sufficient quantity can sometimes cause someone to take on briar lineage).
* '''''Magepetals''''': which come in a variety of forms and various colours, each variety providing additional facility when performing certain kinds of Spring ritual depending on their shade
* '''''Sunfoil''''': a unique flowering herb that possesses all the qualities of those herbs familiar to herbalists and apothecaries.
There are also many kinds of other ''donahorti'' which are rarer or less easily identifiable. Regardless, all these boons come from Yaw'nagrah. Any ritual magic devised to deal with them (such as prompting their growth in a farm, or trying to make more of them with an effect like [[Churning Cauldron of Bravash]]) would require her direct support.

==Further Reading==
* [[Secret_meeting#Forest_Queen|Secret meeting]] - 386YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[The_bird_and_the_child#Yaw'nagrah|The bird and the child]] - 384YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[A_pleasing_and_deceptive_face#Yaw'nagrah|A pleasing and deceptive face]] - 383YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[We%27ve_been_here_forever#Yaw'nagrah|We've been here forever]] - 382YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[Immortal_hand#Yaw.27nagrah|Immortal hand]] - 381YE Spring plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Whisper Gallery

2026-07-04T16:48:40Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=WhisperGalleryArt.jpg |title="The Repairers of Reputations" by Marcher artist James Riverbank. Painted in 258YE it was exhibited once in Meade in 259YE and then disappeared under mysterious circumstances.|caption=It is not clear if the Shadow Courtiers are five creatures or one creature with five bodies.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Night==
===Sobriquets===
The Whisper Gallery are also known as the ''Shadow Courtiers'', the ''Concilium of the Perjured Throne'', and the ''Court of the Shadowed Oracle''; the terms are all used interchangeably.

In the [[Sumaah Republic]] they are called ''Screaming Monkey Kings'' and are anathema - a status similar to the Empire's enmity.

Specific shadow courtiers (assuming such a concept is relevant) claim to have their own names and demonstrate individual personalities and quirks. However, observers note that these names and personalities seem to lack stability - more than one magician has come away convinced that the courtier she has just spoken to is the same being as a courtier they interacted with on a previous occasion, now with a different name and apparent personality.

The [[Earl#Enchanters|enchanter]] Warwick de Alyons made a study of the Whisper Gallery and identified five distinct 'flavours' of courtier (see [[#Members of the Court|below]]). Modern magicians have found his notes relatively reliable. The enchanter himself disappeared one night from his locked bedchamber less than a month after he first presented his findings to the Conclave; his sleeping husband was undisturbed by whatever happened to him but later enacted a [[Declaration#Declaration of Enmity|declaration of enmity]] against the Courtiers, blaming them for the disappearance of his husband. The declaration stood for ten years before being overturned, allegedly in return for information leading to the recovery of tomes of Night magic believed lost during the purges of [[Emperor Nicovar]].

The Whisper Gallery were again placed under enmity by the Imperial Conclave during the Summer Solstice 379YE for their role in the [[Bloody murder|heinous murder]] of a number of members of the [[Historical research#Department of Historical Research|Department of Historical Research]]. Both the enmity, and the threat from the Whisper Gallery to the civil servants of the Department, continue to this day.

==Appearance==
The Whisper Gallery claim to be serpents (that is, their true form is that of winged snakes as distinct from the wyrm-form Night eternals who are more draconic). No magician has ever seen one assume their 'true form' however. Rather, they invariably appear as robed figures wearing full-face masks and gloves. Every part of their body is covered; some scholars have speculated that the shadow courtiers are composed entirely of living shadow inhabiting their garments rather than being physical beings. Some scholars have proposed that the Whisper Gallery as a whole might be a single entity, taking multiple forms; there does seem to be an odd continuity of knowledge among them, although this could be explained by a supernaturally developed method of communication or preternatural levels of intuition.

Also unlike other Night eternals, the Whisper Gallery do not noticeably shift their shape - their appearance as robed, masked figures is constant. This supports supposition that the Whisper Gallery may not actually be eternals at all, but the constructs of another eternal using them as a mask. On more than one occasion both [[Sadogua]] and [[Lashonar]] have made comments that have been interpreted to suggest that they 'created' the whisper gallery in some fashion. If there is any truth behind this hints, it is clear that the Gallery has achieved independence from their creator, and on rare occasions where courtiers have been in the company of agents of these two eternals observers have claimed that they seemed ambivalent toward them - if not downright hostile. A similar hostility exists between the eternals of the Gallery and the ''Lady of Mysteries'' [[Sung]], whose fascination with the preservation of enigmas they appear to consider self-indulgent and the expression of a weak mind.

They are rarely encountered individually; a meeting with the Whisper Gallery usually involves at least two of them and a [[#Members of the Court|Sommelier]]. When they gather together, they create an aura that encourages mystery, circumspection and secrecy in the mortals they meet with which can make audiences a less than straightforward affair.

==Concerns==
The Whisper Gallery are obsessed with secrets. Unlike some other Night eternals, they are equally concerned with learning secrets and with ensuring that secrets ''remain'' secrets. They have also evidenced some interest in the way that the things individuals know (or believe they know) about each other influence their interactions and desires.

The gallery collects secrets. While the courtiers themselves have referred to their "collection" the details of what form it takes seem to be fluid. They also act to preserve secrets - in the past agents of the Whisper Gallery have acted to destroy rare books containing esoteric knowledge, and even (allegedly) to assassinate scholars who have been probing into hidden lore.

The Shadow Courtiers love to interact with mortals, discussing their hopes and dreams and their innermost secrets. Individual courtiers appear to have specific interests (see [[#|Courtiers]] below).

==Boons==
On a mundane level, the Whisper Gallery are privy to an astonishing range of secrets. Before they will share something, however, they must usually be 'paid' with a secret of equal or greater value. They are known to employ mortal agents to uncover specific pieces of lore, or to protect those pieces of lore from being uncovered.

The Shadow Courtiers are closely connected to the ritual [[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]], and often evoked when it is cast - they have been known to offer boons that allow this ritual to be performed more effectively, as well as mysterious boons that allow individuals to add specific pieces of information to the 'pool' of secrets the magic draws on.

The Whisper Gallery are also known to offer boons that enhance the ability to conceal people, places or things whether through ritual such as [[Masque of the Blinded Weaver]] or [[Shroud of Mist and Shadow]]; permanently remove memories with effects such as [[Cast Off The Chain of Memory]]; or invoke [[enchantment|enchantments]] or [[curse|curses]] that preserve secrecy, such as [[Secrets of the Empty Heart]].

They are also known to have an interest in, and the ability to offer enhancements to, the [[night pouch]] spell (and by extension the ritual [[Secrets for the Shadow Courier]]). Some magicians have reported that they can be prevailed upon to deliver messages or even small items to anyone, anywhere in the world provided there is an area of shadow or darkness near the target.

Finally, they are known to be fascinated by and perhaps even dimly aware of the many shapes that future events might take. They enjoy hearing the results of rituals such as [[Signs and Portents]], and occasionally are known to speak prophecy - although in such vague and mysterious terms that their pronouncements are invariably incomprehensible until after the event they describe has come to pass.

==Members of the Court==
Warwick de Alyons wrote a short treatise on the Whisper Gallery called 'The Book of Whispering Shadows' in which he identified five specific 'flavours' of Shadow Courtier. Four of the courtiers are identified by the colour of their robe and their general interest - and by the fact that there are never two matching these descriptions in the same group. The courtiers do not answer to these names, nor are they names they give themselves; rather these are viewed as being titles that have more weight than whatever name the courtier is claiming at the time.

The fifth courtier (the Sommelier) seems to be a special case, and may actually be the form taken by some of the Courtiers' heralds.

'''The Lover Clad in Crimson Robes''': This courtier appears the most pleasant and engaging of the Shadow Courtiers. It is usually dressed in red, although Warwick mentions that sometimes the courtier appears in black or white robe but always with some scarlet element. It is fascinated by concepts of passionate romance, and by what motivates heroic (or villainous) deeds, especially those done in the name of love. In character it seems 'flighty' or impulsive, easily distracted, and apparently responds well to gifts of painting or sculpture.

'''The Vizier Arrayed in the Raiment of Dawn''': This courtier often takes the lead in situations where they are encountered as a group. It is usually dressed in yellow silk or gold, and with a mask to match. It encourages ambition, and is interested in the inner lives of leaders (especially but not restricted to senators; generals; cardinals and gatekeepers; archmages and grandmasters) and reformers. In character it seems easily angered, and occasionally flies into uncontrollable rages that subside as rapidly as they arose into gloomy introspection. It appreciates deference, politeness and being treated with respect.

'''The Emerald Scholar in Sable Ribbons''': This courtier is always wrapped in green and black, and seems the most cerebral and introverted of the identified courtiers. It often presents a scholarly or even priestly appearance, and seems fascinated by educated discussion and philosophical debate. It considers itself a poet, and is said to appreciate gifts of poetry or song; it favours tragedy over all other themes however. It collects secrets that lead to, or have resulted from, tragic failure or internal flaws. It is especially interested in those who are motivated by jealousy or anger, but never seems entirely satisfied with the results its agents achieve.

'''The Incarnadine Minister''': This courtier is usually in blue, and is often arrayed like a magician. It appreciates riddles, and is often the most reserved and distant of the identifiable courtiers. It is fascinated with magic, but never seems to perform any itself. It often answers questions with questions, and appears averse to making statements. It is known to consistently encourage those it meets to perform actions, without any concern for that the outcome might be (and often appears to offer material support although such rarely materialises). It is fascinated by secret lore, especially that of the distant past, or secrets that contradict widely-held belief. It is said to hoard such dangerous secrets in the same way a dragon hoards gold

'''The Sommelier''': The fifth identifiable courtier never speaks, and is usually dressed in white. While it wears mask and gloves like the other courtiers, it rarely wears a robe. More commonly it appears as a servant or retainer, often in a [[The League|League]] or [[Dawn|Dawnish]] style. It attends the other courtiers and their guests, bringing food and drink, arranging chairs and the like. It delivers payment, and is probably a herald rather than a true eternal. Also unlike the other Courtiers, flashes of skin may occasionally be seen beneath its clothing. When the Whisper Gallery wish to deliver a message, they will sometimes send a Herald attired in a similar manner to the Sommelier, usually with a message or gift on a silver platter.
==Rituals that deal with the Whisper Gallery==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with the Whisper Gallery. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]]</td><td>[[Whisper Gallery]]</td><td>Enables limited communication with the Whisper Gallery</td><td>Night</td><td>8</td>
</table>
<div style="float: right; max-width: 350px; margin-right: 10px;">{{HoverImage|WhisperGal004.png|WhisperGal005.png}}</div>

==Further Reading==
* [[Ourselves_and_immortality#Only_Gossamer,_My_Gown|Ourselves and immortality]] - 387YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Secret_meeting#Unseen_Curators|Secret meeting]] - 386YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Seven_locks#The_Veiled_Ladies|Seven locks]] - 386YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Whisper_Gallery|I knew you were trouble]] - 384YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Bury_the_hatchet#Whisper_Gallery|Bury the hatchet]] - 382YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Immortal_hand#The_Whisper_Gallery|Immortal hand]] - 381YE Spring plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Whisper Gallery

2026-07-04T16:48:28Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=WhisperGalleryArt.jpg |title="The Repairers of Reputations" by Marcher artist James Riverbank. Painted in 258YE it was exhibited once in Meade in 259YE and then disappeared under mysterious circumstances.|caption=It is not clear if the Shadow Courtiers are five creatures or one creature with five bodies.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Night==
===Sobriquets===
The Whisper Gallery are also known as the ''Shadow Courtiers'', the ''Concilium of the Perjured Throne'', and the ''Court of the Shadowed Oracle''; the terms are all used interchangeably.

In the [[Sumaah Republic]] they are called ''Screaming Monkey Kings'' and are anathema - a status similar to the Empires enmity.

Specific shadow courtiers (assuming such a concept is relevant) claim to have their own names and demonstrate individual personalities and quirks. However, observers note that these names and personalities seem to lack stability - more than one magician has come away convinced that the courtier she has just spoken to is the same being as a courtier they interacted with on a previous occasion, now with a different name and apparent personality.

The [[Earl#Enchanters|enchanter]] Warwick de Alyons made a study of the Whisper Gallery and identified five distinct 'flavours' of courtier (see [[#Members of the Court|below]]). Modern magicians have found his notes relatively reliable. The enchanter himself disappeared one night from his locked bedchamber less than a month after he first presented his findings to the Conclave; his sleeping husband was undisturbed by whatever happened to him but later enacted a [[Declaration#Declaration of Enmity|declaration of enmity]] against the Courtiers, blaming them for the disappearance of his husband. The declaration stood for ten years before being overturned, allegedly in return for information leading to the recovery of tomes of Night magic believed lost during the purges of [[Emperor Nicovar]].

The Whisper Gallery were again placed under enmity by the Imperial Conclave during the Summer Solstice 379YE for their role in the [[Bloody murder|heinous murder]] of a number of members of the [[Historical research#Department of Historical Research|Department of Historical Research]]. Both the enmity, and the threat from the Whisper Gallery to the civil servants of the Department, continue to this day.

==Appearance==
The Whisper Gallery claim to be serpents (that is, their true form is that of winged snakes as distinct from the wyrm-form Night eternals who are more draconic). No magician has ever seen one assume their 'true form' however. Rather, they invariably appear as robed figures wearing full-face masks and gloves. Every part of their body is covered; some scholars have speculated that the shadow courtiers are composed entirely of living shadow inhabiting their garments rather than being physical beings. Some scholars have proposed that the Whisper Gallery as a whole might be a single entity, taking multiple forms; there does seem to be an odd continuity of knowledge among them, although this could be explained by a supernaturally developed method of communication or preternatural levels of intuition.

Also unlike other Night eternals, the Whisper Gallery do not noticeably shift their shape - their appearance as robed, masked figures is constant. This supports supposition that the Whisper Gallery may not actually be eternals at all, but the constructs of another eternal using them as a mask. On more than one occasion both [[Sadogua]] and [[Lashonar]] have made comments that have been interpreted to suggest that they 'created' the whisper gallery in some fashion. If there is any truth behind this hints, it is clear that the Gallery has achieved independence from their creator, and on rare occasions where courtiers have been in the company of agents of these two eternals observers have claimed that they seemed ambivalent toward them - if not downright hostile. A similar hostility exists between the eternals of the Gallery and the ''Lady of Mysteries'' [[Sung]], whose fascination with the preservation of enigmas they appear to consider self-indulgent and the expression of a weak mind.

They are rarely encountered individually; a meeting with the Whisper Gallery usually involves at least two of them and a [[#Members of the Court|Sommelier]]. When they gather together, they create an aura that encourages mystery, circumspection and secrecy in the mortals they meet with which can make audiences a less than straightforward affair.

==Concerns==
The Whisper Gallery are obsessed with secrets. Unlike some other Night eternals, they are equally concerned with learning secrets and with ensuring that secrets ''remain'' secrets. They have also evidenced some interest in the way that the things individuals know (or believe they know) about each other influence their interactions and desires.

The gallery collects secrets. While the courtiers themselves have referred to their "collection" the details of what form it takes seem to be fluid. They also act to preserve secrets - in the past agents of the Whisper Gallery have acted to destroy rare books containing esoteric knowledge, and even (allegedly) to assassinate scholars who have been probing into hidden lore.

The Shadow Courtiers love to interact with mortals, discussing their hopes and dreams and their innermost secrets. Individual courtiers appear to have specific interests (see [[#|Courtiers]] below).

==Boons==
On a mundane level, the Whisper Gallery are privy to an astonishing range of secrets. Before they will share something, however, they must usually be 'paid' with a secret of equal or greater value. They are known to employ mortal agents to uncover specific pieces of lore, or to protect those pieces of lore from being uncovered.

The Shadow Courtiers are closely connected to the ritual [[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]], and often evoked when it is cast - they have been known to offer boons that allow this ritual to be performed more effectively, as well as mysterious boons that allow individuals to add specific pieces of information to the 'pool' of secrets the magic draws on.

The Whisper Gallery are also known to offer boons that enhance the ability to conceal people, places or things whether through ritual such as [[Masque of the Blinded Weaver]] or [[Shroud of Mist and Shadow]]; permanently remove memories with effects such as [[Cast Off The Chain of Memory]]; or invoke [[enchantment|enchantments]] or [[curse|curses]] that preserve secrecy, such as [[Secrets of the Empty Heart]].

They are also known to have an interest in, and the ability to offer enhancements to, the [[night pouch]] spell (and by extension the ritual [[Secrets for the Shadow Courier]]). Some magicians have reported that they can be prevailed upon to deliver messages or even small items to anyone, anywhere in the world provided there is an area of shadow or darkness near the target.

Finally, they are known to be fascinated by and perhaps even dimly aware of the many shapes that future events might take. They enjoy hearing the results of rituals such as [[Signs and Portents]], and occasionally are known to speak prophecy - although in such vague and mysterious terms that their pronouncements are invariably incomprehensible until after the event they describe has come to pass.

==Members of the Court==
Warwick de Alyons wrote a short treatise on the Whisper Gallery called 'The Book of Whispering Shadows' in which he identified five specific 'flavours' of Shadow Courtier. Four of the courtiers are identified by the colour of their robe and their general interest - and by the fact that there are never two matching these descriptions in the same group. The courtiers do not answer to these names, nor are they names they give themselves; rather these are viewed as being titles that have more weight than whatever name the courtier is claiming at the time.

The fifth courtier (the Sommelier) seems to be a special case, and may actually be the form taken by some of the Courtiers' heralds.

'''The Lover Clad in Crimson Robes''': This courtier appears the most pleasant and engaging of the Shadow Courtiers. It is usually dressed in red, although Warwick mentions that sometimes the courtier appears in black or white robe but always with some scarlet element. It is fascinated by concepts of passionate romance, and by what motivates heroic (or villainous) deeds, especially those done in the name of love. In character it seems 'flighty' or impulsive, easily distracted, and apparently responds well to gifts of painting or sculpture.

'''The Vizier Arrayed in the Raiment of Dawn''': This courtier often takes the lead in situations where they are encountered as a group. It is usually dressed in yellow silk or gold, and with a mask to match. It encourages ambition, and is interested in the inner lives of leaders (especially but not restricted to senators; generals; cardinals and gatekeepers; archmages and grandmasters) and reformers. In character it seems easily angered, and occasionally flies into uncontrollable rages that subside as rapidly as they arose into gloomy introspection. It appreciates deference, politeness and being treated with respect.

'''The Emerald Scholar in Sable Ribbons''': This courtier is always wrapped in green and black, and seems the most cerebral and introverted of the identified courtiers. It often presents a scholarly or even priestly appearance, and seems fascinated by educated discussion and philosophical debate. It considers itself a poet, and is said to appreciate gifts of poetry or song; it favours tragedy over all other themes however. It collects secrets that lead to, or have resulted from, tragic failure or internal flaws. It is especially interested in those who are motivated by jealousy or anger, but never seems entirely satisfied with the results its agents achieve.

'''The Incarnadine Minister''': This courtier is usually in blue, and is often arrayed like a magician. It appreciates riddles, and is often the most reserved and distant of the identifiable courtiers. It is fascinated with magic, but never seems to perform any itself. It often answers questions with questions, and appears averse to making statements. It is known to consistently encourage those it meets to perform actions, without any concern for that the outcome might be (and often appears to offer material support although such rarely materialises). It is fascinated by secret lore, especially that of the distant past, or secrets that contradict widely-held belief. It is said to hoard such dangerous secrets in the same way a dragon hoards gold

'''The Sommelier''': The fifth identifiable courtier never speaks, and is usually dressed in white. While it wears mask and gloves like the other courtiers, it rarely wears a robe. More commonly it appears as a servant or retainer, often in a [[The League|League]] or [[Dawn|Dawnish]] style. It attends the other courtiers and their guests, bringing food and drink, arranging chairs and the like. It delivers payment, and is probably a herald rather than a true eternal. Also unlike the other Courtiers, flashes of skin may occasionally be seen beneath its clothing. When the Whisper Gallery wish to deliver a message, they will sometimes send a Herald attired in a similar manner to the Sommelier, usually with a message or gift on a silver platter.
==Rituals that deal with the Whisper Gallery==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with the Whisper Gallery. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]]</td><td>[[Whisper Gallery]]</td><td>Enables limited communication with the Whisper Gallery</td><td>Night</td><td>8</td>
</table>
<div style="float: right; max-width: 350px; margin-right: 10px;">{{HoverImage|WhisperGal004.png|WhisperGal005.png}}</div>

==Further Reading==
* [[Ourselves_and_immortality#Only_Gossamer,_My_Gown|Ourselves and immortality]] - 387YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Secret_meeting#Unseen_Curators|Secret meeting]] - 386YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Seven_locks#The_Veiled_Ladies|Seven locks]] - 386YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Whisper_Gallery|I knew you were trouble]] - 384YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Bury_the_hatchet#Whisper_Gallery|Bury the hatchet]] - 382YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Immortal_hand#The_Whisper_Gallery|Immortal hand]] - 381YE Spring plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Janon

2026-07-04T16:45:04Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=JanonArt.png|title="A Shadowed Fire" by Marcher artist James Riverbank. Painted in 258YE it hung for several years in the Diora University before being stolen by the Grendel|caption=The ''Shadowed Fire'' often appears as a pillar of spinning flame|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Night==
===Sobriquets===
Janon is most commonly known as the ''Shadowed Fire''. This epithet refers to the strong symbolic connection between the eternal and the rune [[Zorech]], but also to the idea of a fire that warms the body, but provides only a limited amount of light. Some stories credit Janon with the ability to peer out of fires that burn low in the presence of lovers, for example, while poets often claim that the shadowed fire is a metaphor for the mortal spirit, whence comes all passion.

Like many Night eternals, Janon collects names for itself. Some artists call it the ''Muse of Fire'' and claim the inspiration it brings can come at the price of health or sanity. It is variously called ''Firebrand'' and ''Torchbearer'' - it encourages anyone with strong philosophical, political or social stances to express their causes without fear of censure.

The Faraden call it the ''Night Sword'' and claim that it sometimes offers boons to those who give up everything in the name of vengeance (indeed, there is said to be a ritual specifically designed to sever a Faraden vengeance-seeker from their past that involves burning symbols and mementos of the life they leave behind in pursuit of justice).

In the [[Sumaah Republic]], it is called ''Whirling Chaos'' and it is seen as a creature of anarchy that does not care what people feel as long as they allow their passions to consume them utterly.

==Appearance==
Janon appears proud of the fact that it is a ''wyrm'' (that is, its true form is that of a wingless lizard as distinct from the serpent-form Night eternals who possess feathered wings such as [[Sung]]). As with other wyrms, this tends to mean that the Shadowed Fire is more earthy and concerned with practical matters than the more cerebral and philosophical serpents such as [[Soghter]]. Janon is rarely encountered in anything approaching its 'true form' however - as with most Night eternals it loves to change its shape. Old stories suggest its true form is that of a ruby-red lizard with patches of golden scales, who glows like the embers of a banked fire.

The Shadowed Fire puts on bodies in the way a human might put on a suit of clothes. It is known to claim that a body, like a sword or a harp, is nothing more than a tool. It should be honed, of course, but the body is not the person - the person is the burning spirit shaped by passion, that hides inside. Since the [[Imperial Orcs]] became part of the Empire, Janon has increasingly been seen adopting the form of an orc.

The heralds of Janon usually refer to themselves as members of its band - as its companions. The only constant among them is that they tend to be easy-going, open with their emotions and passions, and capable of reckless action at the drop of a hat.

==Concerns==
Janon burns with passion, and encourages others to be like it is. Inevitably, this passion sometimes takes the form of carnal pursuits - Janon is known to be prone to regular infatuations with mortals from all walks of life. However, it would be foolish - perhaps even dangerous - to assume that Janon is a dissolute rake. It encourages all passions equally - it is as likely to help someone take vengeance on a hated enemy as to help a general rouse her shattered troops before a battle, or encourage an uncertain senator to make a landmark speech about a contentious topic.

It is known to have a love-hate relationship with followers of [[The Way|the Way]]. It encourages mortals to embrace their passions, and several times it has worked through allies in the [[Sevenfold Path]] [[Conclave order]] to give support and inspiration to the priests of [[Ambition]], [[Courage]], [[Loyalty]], and [[Pride]]. Unfortunately, it has also offered succour to cults of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Anarchy|Anarchy]] and [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Vengeance|Vengeance]]. At various points, its involvement with such blasphemous or heretical cults has led to a (usually short-lived) [[Declaration#Declaration_of_Enmity|declaration of enmity]].

Worse, Janon is known to offer its aid to the [[Jotun]] barbarians on occasion. It makes little effort to conceal this fact, but as near as agents of the [[Shuttered Lantern]] can tell, its aid is limited to evocation in a few rituals - the Jotun favour more direct magics in their battles against the Empire.

Even when it is not patronising heretical cults or barbarian enemies of the Empire, Janon is unequivocal in its belief that passion must be followed despite the constraints of society. Laws that exist to censor or restrict freedom of expression, are anathema to it. It is said to work occasionally with [[Lashonar]] to encourage mortals to rebel against repressive tyrannies. Its support of individual freedoms is not unilateral - on rare occasions where someone has used the defence of their own freedom as a way to take it away from others, Janon has been known to whip itself into a devastating fury with unfortunate consequences.

Janon enjoys the company of artists, but also warriors such as the [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] [[The_Brass_Coast_military_concerns#Kohan|kohan]], political individuals committed to a cause, and anyone with an interesting obsession.

==Boons==
Janon encourages people to follow their passions. It is said to have the capacity to recognise people with [[Heroic_skills#Hero_Points|reserves of inner strength]]; it is known to be able to revitalise those reserves, stoke their power and even occasionally give boons that let mortals use their heroic passions in different or more effective ways in pursuit of their driving ambitions. Consequently, it is often evoked during rituals such as [[Embrace the Living Flame]] or [[Still Waters, Running Deep]].

The touch of the eternal is known to create powerful enchantments similar to [[Freedom of the Soul]], [[Secrets of the Empty Heart]] or [[Unfettered Anarchy]] as it deems appropriate. It also has some ability to free individuals from the imposition of unwanted passions or obsessions, especially those that come from curses.

Janon apparently loves [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]] and [[Materials#Orichalcum|orichalcum]], and those seeking its aid sometimes offer gifts crafted from these materials.

==Further Reading==
* [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Marshal_of_Flame|Can you hear me?]] - 387YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Back_in_town#Janon|Back in town]] - 385YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[What_did_the_deep_say%3F#Janon|What did the deep say?]] - 381YE Winter plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Sadogua

2026-07-04T16:43:34Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=SadoguaArt.jpg |title="Father of Bats" by Marcher artist James Riverbank. Painted in 258YE it was purchased by a herald of Sadogua for an undisclosed boon shortly after completion. It occasionally shows up in private collections or public auctions but no collector seems to keep hold of it for long.|caption=The ''Botherer of Wizards'' presents himself as a philanthropic patron of magicians|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Night==
===Sobriquets===
Sadogua is most commonly known as the ''Brother of Wizards''; the eternal claims to be male, although this does not prevent him from taking on female guises when the mood strikes.

Sadogua likes grand titles and collects them. He clearly enjoys being flattered, especially when the flattery is amusing. Common sobriquets include the ''Toad King'', ''Wyrm-King'' or the ''Father of Bats''. He is sometimes referred to as the ''Glutton'', the ''Lazy'' or the ''Black Sloth'' - names that he appears to find amusing rather than offensive. His associations with the rune [[Diras]] occasionally lead to him being called ''Shuttered Lantern'' (although this can cause confusion with all the other meanings for that phrase). The [[hakima]] Isobella i Javos i Guerra dubbed him ''Eater of Secrets'' due to his observed habit of consuming written secrets and mysteries. Not all Sadogua's names are quite so flattering - some Dawnish magicians have taken to calling him "''the Globberslotch''" for example. Yet it appears that the Brother of Wizards is just as pleased with names that reference his slovenly, slothful, gluttonous nature as those that recognise his role as a companion to magicians. Other magicians refer to him as ''Oracle Pig'' especially in [[the Marches]] and [[the League]], a title that apparently makes him chuckle indulgently.

In the [[Sumaah Republic]], where he is despised and anathema, he is called "''Forfører''" which translates roughly as 'seducer', while the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]] call him "''o Patrício astuto''" which means 'the Cunning Patrician'. In [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] they often call him "''Wujek Sadogua''" which means 'uncle Sadogua'. In the [[Commonwealth]] he is often called ''Spell Glutton'', and viewed with suspicion partly for his unreliable nature and partly for his obvious preference for the Principalities of Jarm.

==Appearance==
Sadogua makes no bones about the fact that he is a ''wyrm'' (that is, his true form is that of a wingless lizard as distinct from the serpent-form Night eternals who possess feathered wings). As with other wyrms, this tends to mean that the Brother of Wizards is more earthy and concerned with practical matters than the more cerebral and philosophical serpents such as [[Soghter]]. It is extremely rare to meet Sadogua in anything approaching his 'true form' however - as with most Night eternals he loves to change his shape.

His most common appearance is as a rotund, jolly humanoid, sometimes with [[naga]] features. He often incorporates elements of toad, bear, or bat into his form and on more than one occasion has appeared with orc-like characteristics. The only constant is a golden chain, which may be worn around the neck, wrist, waist or ankle and seems to shift its appearance as readily as its master does. He almost always has a [[Weapons & Armour#Implements|wand, staff or rod]] to hand and regularly consults divinatory devices such as crystal spheres or runes.

While Sadogua generally appears lazy, self-indulgent, lustful, avaricious and gluttonous it is dangerous to underestimate him. Several magicians have warned that this genial appearance is almost certainly a mask to conceal deeper and darker motivations. Ultimately, he seems committed to the supremacy of magicians. While it is unlikely his every action is motivated by a desire to advance the status of magicians, it is certainly his overriding goal.

Sadogua is almost never encountered alone; he is gregarious and affable, and usually has at least two heralds - which he refers to as his Children. Questions about where these Children come from are always deflected. Some scholars have pointed out that a number of them bear naga features. These Children reflect the personality of Sadogua - they tend to be curious, friendly and prone to self-indulgence. Most also possess magical abilities.

==Concerns==
Sadogua likes secrets, but does not obsessively collect them like some eternals of the realm of Night; he appears to view them as useful tools in games of intrigue and manipulation rather than things that have value in themselves. He is often openly contemptuous of the [[Whisper Gallery]] and other beings who value secrets as discrete items. Many magicians have reported that he ''eats'' secrets - the more scandalous they are, the more flavoursome he finds them. It is not clear if this is a metaphor or if the eternal gains sustenance from doing so.

He is usually eating - and is said to offer additional favour to anyone who shares food or drink with him or his Children. He is likewise known to enjoy pleasant company, verbal interplay, gossip and romance. He enjoys games of skill and chance, but more for the pleasure of playing (and, allegedly, the chance to learn about his opponents) than from any drive to win. Few things make him angry - the denigration of magicians appears to be one of the few things likely to raise his ire; blatant disrespect annoys him, and anything that forces him to waste energy or tire himself out can make him exceptionally irritable.

He loves to serve as a patron of the arts, especially musicians and poets. He is also known to be an especial fan of the culinary arts, and the arts of the brewer. While he is gluttonous and avaricious, he is not selfish - artists and chefs are likely to receive the benefit of his largesse in the form of small boons in recognition of their skill.

He is known to dislike priests of [[The Way|the Way]], with the exception of the priests of [[Prosperity]]. He is known to be more tolerant toward the heterodox faith of the [[Asavean Archipelago]]. During the reign of [[Empress Teleri]] he was the subject of a [[Alignment#Enmity|Declaration of Enmity]] that was not repealed until 132YE. The foundation of this enmity is unclear, and he will not speak of it, but it is assumed to have involved magicians from the [[Sevenfold Path]]. Since that time, he has presented a more appealing face to those magicians who follow the Way, although his sincerity is very much in question. On rare occasions when he has expressed an opinion, he has dismissed the Way - and indeed most forms of religion - as 'unnecessary restraints'. During the Spring Equinox 384YE the Conclave passed a [[384YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Sadogua_and_the_Vallorn|Declaration]] of [[Concord]] raised by '''Ibiss Briarheart''' that "''the Conclave did NOT hold Sadogua responsible for the <u>whole</u> vallorn business. Additionally Conclave at the time of Teleri was wrong to blame Sadogua for the <u>whole</u> vallorn business.''"

At the end of the day, Sadogua appears to firmly believe that magic and magicians should be promoted at all times. Magic allows the individual to change the world, and magicians wield that power. Mundane humans are parochial, limited, restricted and ultimately boring. Anything that restricts magic or the freedom of magicians is anathema to Sadogua, and should be swept aside. Magicians are the only people fit to lead their fellow humans, and magic is the only tool that anyone need ever master. It has unlimited versatility, and in time it can solve almost any problem - and the problems it cannot solve are inconsequential. While he favours the Lore of Night over the other lores, he is a rare eternal who sees value in the mastery of any form of magic, and actively encourages magicians to seek out their own path to power.

Sadogua is prone to complicated enmities, and another uncommon quality is his awareness of and keen interest in eternals of other realms. He is known to dislike the eternals [[Meraud]], [[Kimus]], [[Basileia]], and [[Wise Rangara]] and appears to view them as 'rivals' for the affection of the Empire's magicians. For unknown reasons, he appears to be deathly afraid of the [[Leviathan]], and will do nothing that might incur that eternal's wrath. Other eternals tend to be viewed with a measure of amused contempt.

The [[Highguard|Highborn]] [[magister]] Zenobia daughter of Jocasta warned that Sadogua not only lies constantly, but that he actively encouraged [[Religious Crimes#idolatry|idolatry]] and [[Malign spiritual presences#Anarchy|anarchy]]. These claims have been repeated by numerous critics down through the ages. Sadogua and his allies rarely bother to respond to such claims. The [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] naga [[sutannir]] Daniego i Casiddia i Riqueza pointed out in response to Zenobia's claims that what Sadogua definitely does is encourage [[Pride]] and [[Ambition]] in the Empire's magicians, as well as being a staunch supporter of the virtue of [[Prosperity]] (for all that he encourages magicians to find easy ways to solve their problems).

==Boons==
Sadogua may be greedy, but he is not selfish. He appears to enjoy giving small tokens of his approval to those who entertain or assist him. These tokens are usually physical in nature, and commonly take the form of exotic flavours of mana, potions, and other consumables, and trinkets that aid with or duplicate the effectiveness of magical spells of all sorts. Those who advance his agenda or assist him in some significant way receive more lasting gifts, but again he would rather give someone an object than investing them with any portion of his power.

He appears to be a master of the Lore of Night, with wide-ranging abilities to enhance or empower the performance of almost any ritual. He has a special fondness for both the [[night pouch]] incantation and the [[Secrets for the Shadow Courier]] ritual - things that conceal treasured items, rather than magic that conceals or reveals secrets, seem to be especially dear to him.

He often engages in trades with magicians, and is known to have an insatiable desire for [[Materials#Iridescent gloaming|iridescent gloaming]], [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]], [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]] and [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]] - often quite literally eating measures and ingots of these materials with every sign of gusto.

He loves to promote magic. Rituals such as [[Missive for Sadogua]] and [[Tithe of Bats]] draw on his power directly - he is slightly more likely than other eternals to bind himself to a ritual promise if he can be convinced that doing so will offer assistance to many magicians without requiring too much actual activity from the lazy eternal.

Several magicians have mentioned that Sadogua is comparatively easy to manipulate, not least because he enjoys giving gifts and receiving praise. He rarely becomes angry if he is tricked, seeming to take it in good part and praise the cleverness of an opponent who has bested him in some way. Magicians are not advised to take his good nature for granted, however, as occasionally the treasures gained from Sadogua have proved to possess unpleasant curses or side-effects.

==Rituals that deal with Sadogua==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Sadogua. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Missive for Sadogua]]</td><td>[[Sadogua]]</td><td>Sends a message to an Eternal</td><td>Night</td><td>2</td>
<tr><td>[[Tithe of Bats]]</td><td>[[Sadogua]]</td><td>Exchanges measures of iridescent gloaming and dragonbone for Night vis</td><td>Night</td><td>10</td>
<tr><td>[[Rule of Risk and Reward]]</td><td>[[Sadogua]]</td><td>Grants 2 additional ranks of lore for performing arcane projections.</td><td>Night</td><td>20</td>
<tr><td>[[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]]</td><td>[[Sadogua]]</td><td>Creates a temporary supernatural fortification in marsh territory.</td><td>Night</td><td>80</td>
</table>

==Further Reading==
* [[Speak_to_me#Father_of_Bats|Speak to me]] - 387YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Begins_where_it_ends#Sadogua|Begins where it ends]] - 385YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Hopeless_as_a_feather#Sadogua|Hopeless as a feather]] - 384YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[Between_the_lines_of_ages#Sadogua|Between the lines of ages]] - 383YE Summer plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Lashonar

2026-07-04T16:42:15Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=LashonarArt.jpg|title="Speaker in Dreams" by Marcher artist James Riverbank. Painted in 258YE it was purchased by the then Archmage of Night Savannah i Riqueza and gifted to Lashonar as thanks for its work in protecting a delegation of merchant-venturers from the Sarcophan Delves|caption=Lashonar the Loquacious sometimes appears as a wall of colours|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Night==
===Sobriquets===
Lashonar is most commonly called ''Gibbering Lashonar'' or ''Lashonar the Loquacious''.

It has a number of other names, and seems to make titles up for itself whenever the fancy takes it. Previous examples include ''Guardian of the Southern Skies'', ''Keeper of the Gates of Wisdom'', ''Eater-of-Silence'', ''Speaker in Dreams'' and ''Conscience-of-Kings''.

In the [[Sumaah Republic]] it is called ''Chattering Bird'', but their tolerance is limited, and it is illegal to accept boons from it to assist in preaching the Way.

==Appearance==
Lashonar is either a wyrm - a sinuous body with delicate claws and wide shimmering eyes - or a serpent with a lithe body and spreading feathered wings. Like all eternals of Night it is a clever shapeshifter and takes on other forms as the mood takes it, and refuses to definitively confirm one way or another which is his true form arguing that what people look like is less important than what they say. It is rarely seen in either of these shapes, however. The two most common appearances are as a colourfully-dressed bird-like humanoid usually clad in the style of [[The League]] or [[The Brass Coast]], or as a wall of shifting colours that speaks with several voices.

To say Lashonar is talkative would be an understatement of epic proportions. It is almost constantly speaking, humming, whistling or making some other quiet noise. It flicks from subject to subject erratically, and appears to have a very short attention span - but is capable of suddenly circling back round to surprise those it is talking to with sudden insights or queries.
<div style="float:right; width: 275px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=IconLashonar.jpg|caption=A weltsilver medallion depicting one of Lashonar's common forms.|title=Items such as these are often given as gifts by Lashonar and commonly possess abilities similar to those of a [[Pauper's Key]]. They have in the past been used as proof that the bearer is an [[Religious Crimes#Idolatry|idolator]].|align=right|width=275}}</div>
When meeting with Lashonar a magician is warned to be careful to avoid direct questions, especially questions to which the only appropriate answers are 'yes' and 'no'. Lashonar reacts unpredictably to questioning; general queries such as "''How are you?''" or those relating to opinion or supposition such as "''Why do you think that is?''" are usually safe. Specific questions are dangerous - one [[Earl#Enchanter|enchanter]] was struck with a malediction that forced them to verbalise their innermost thoughts as a consequence of asking Lashonar exactly why it was interested in a certain bard.

Heralds of Lashonar often have a bird-like appearance, and many have a reputation for being petty thieves. They are generally as loquacious as the Conscience-of-Kings, and tend to view visits to the mortal realm as an amusing holiday rather than a serious duty.
==Concerns==
Lashonar exists to communicate, and is quite capable of conversing with itself if it has nobody to talk to. Indeed Lashonar has been observed arguing both sides of a question with equal vigour, and occasionally creates duplicates that appear to house variant personalities, simply for the joy of being able to engage in multiple conversations at once. Lashonar is often characterised as insane, but this is unfair - rather its mind operates very differently from that of a human and it is simply trying to vocalise the many insights that assail it every moment.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Lashonar.jpg|title=Picture from Beth Nichol|caption=Lashonar loves pictures of itself|align=right|width=250}}
All forms of active communication are important to Lashonar. It is largely disinterested in written works, pamphlets, or similar texts with the single exception of personal letters (especially love letters) which it is believed to eat after it has read them. Previous experience with Lashonar has shown the being to be far more interested in hearing the recital of doggerel by a small child than in receiving an entire book full of the finest examples of Wintermark poetry.

Lashonar delights in performances of singing, poetry, storytelling and drama, as well as furious debates; gossip and rumour; and the solving of mysteries. It loves to hear secrets, but often finds itself at odds with the [[Whisper Gallery]]; where that group of eternals hoard secrets, Lashonar effectively destroys them by sharing them with all and sundry.

The Eater-of-Silence loves innuendo, subtle references, double-meanings and clever speakers. It has little time for demagogues, unless they are entertaining, and becomes restive when exposed to monologues. It much prefers the give-and-take of conversation to passive listening. It has an endless capacity for gossip, the more salacious and entertaining the better.

As with all the winged-serpents, there is a more complex side to Lashonar that is easy to overlook. It encourages others to communicate because it is endlessly fascinated by the ways mortals use words to influence each other, especially how they change the feelings and emotions of others. It loves to hear stories of how people change the attitudes of others, or effect actual changes through speech.

It actively opposes efforts to restrict communication; its supporters have several times attempted to overturn laws of heresy and blasphemy that restrict speech. The eternal also dislikes things that restrict free movement - the ability to go to strange places and talk to strange people is a fundamental right of all thinking beings as far as it is concerned. It encourages the creation of embassies, the use of diplomats rather than armies, and the removal of barriers to travel. Its interests in this regard often align with those of the eternal [[Janon]], who opposes anything that restricts mortal ability to follow their passions; the two are believed to be occasional allies.
{{CaptionedImage|file=LashonarHerald.jpg|caption=Heralds of Lashonar often have bird-like characteristics|align=right|width=250}}
==Boons==
Boons from Lashonar almost always include speech, communication or movement. It has been known to grant enchantments that empower inspirational speech, and curses that do everything from encouraging the target to lie constantly to removing their ability to speak above a whisper - or below a shout. Lashonar is also known to possess magical drinks made from fruit and honey that can remove curses or empower orators to gather great congregations.

It can also grant abilities to travel, and seems to have an affinity for the use of portals matched by few other eternals.
===Caucus Forum===
The Caucus Form is a magical chamber that exists part-way between the mortal world and the [[Realms#Night|Night realm]], much like those chambers that exist on the other side of many [[regio]]. This one, however, has unique properties. Lashonar can cause the chamber to connect to other regio, allowing mortals to enter from different parts of the world. Within the Empire this most often means a connection to the [[Anvil#The_Hall_of_Worlds|Hall of Worlds]] or more rarely a direct connection to the [[Regio#The_Imperial_Regio|Imperial regio]]. The purpose of the Forum is to allow two (or occasionally more) groups to come together to communicate in safety. Lashonar is very clear that ''any'' violence in the chamber will be met with immediate, swift, and long-lasting reprisals including loss of access to the Caucus Forum. While the eternal is generally considered quite relaxed and peaceful, it is difficult to predict what form their wrath might take - and it is notable that to date nobody has ever chosen to risk it. At the very least, when Imperial citizens use the Caucus Forum it is often as the result of a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] request from the [[Archmage of Night]] meaning that any meeting is likely to be held under the auspices of [[Archmage#Parely|parley]] as well.

The Empire has made good use of the Caucus Forum in the past to speak with allies and enemies alike. It has been used to establish initial contact with unfamiliar nations, to negotiate treaties, to meet with clandestine organisations, to discuss matters of culture and philosophy, and everything in between. Other nations also make use of the Forum - it is common for the [[Thule]] in particular to do much of their diplomacy via the Caucus Forum, and the [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarmish]] are likewise known to favour it as a way to meet with foreigners without needing to leave the comfort of their mansions.

In the past, Lashonar has provided the Archmage of Night with the privilege of always being able to call the Caucus Forum, and to indicate who they would wish to speak to. When the relationship between the Conclave and Lashonar [[Hey_now_how_you_doing%3F#Mutinous_Chattering_(Lashonar)|soured slightly]] in Autumn 386YE, it withdrew this boon. The Archmage can still request the use of the Forum via plenipotentiary, but Lashonar [[Has reared himself a throne#Forum|no longer grants]] privileged access.

==Further Reading==
* [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Resignedly_Beneath_the_Sky|Has reared himself a throne]] - 387YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[Dream_to_me#Lashonar_(Conjunction)|Dream to me]] - 386YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[The_bird_and_the_child#Lashonar|The bird and the child]] - 384YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[A_pleasing_and_deceptive_face#Caucus_Forum|A pleasing and deceptive face]] - 383YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[Who_benefits%3F#Lashonar|Who benefits?]] - 383YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Nowhere_and_everywhere#Lashonar|Nowhere and everywhere]] - 382YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Under_the_red_sky#Lashonar|Under the red sky]] - 381YE Summer plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Sung

2026-07-04T16:40:36Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=SungArt.jpg|title="Lord of Illusions" by Marcher artist James Riverbank. Painted in 258YE, was the last (and perhaps most valuable) of the so-called "Night Paintings" to be completed. Attempts to track it down have been stymied by the almost complete lack of information concerning its whereabouts - although tantalizing snippets and hints scattered here and there may offer provide a clue to its current location if they can just be figured out.|caption=The ''Lord of Illusions'' cloaks herself in mystery and obfuscation|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Night==
===Sobriquets===
Sung is the '''Rainbow Serpent'''. This eternal appears equally at home in male or female guises - as a shapeshifter Sung can take on whatever form she considers appropriate. She is usually considered to be female, however, and often identifies herself as such - regardless of the gender (if any) of the form she has taken.

Sung collects neither titles nor sobriquets, but acquires them nonetheless. In some places she is called the ''Whispering Wind'' or the ''Night Singer'', while [[Kallavesi]] mystics refer to her as the ''Feather on the Breeze''. She is both ''Lady of Mysteries'' and ''Lord of Illusions'', as well as the ''Spiral Dancer'' in the [[The Brass Coast|Brass Coast]]. In [[Urizen]] several spires celebrate her as the ''Everflowing River'' and hang brightly coloured streamers on their battlements that dance and sway in the wind.

In [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] she is called ''Neznámy Otázka'' which means 'unknown question' while in the [[Commonwealth]] she is referred to by a name that roughly translates as "the one who hides the truth under its wings". In the [[Sumaah Republic]] she is called ''Moon Moth'' - and depicted as a huge rainbow-winged moth.

It is well known that Sung claims that her name both is and is not ''actually'' Sung. Before his unexpected disappearance while investigating the [[Whisper Gallery]] the [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Earl#Enchanters|enchanter]] Warwick de Alyons put forward a theory suggesting that Sung's real name may actually be expressed as music rather than words - in that this would mean it was not "Sung" but was still 'sung' (rather than spoken). The eternal did not confirm or deny, but did allegedly favour the clever Dawnishman with a special boon of which he never spoke.

==Appearance==
Sung admits freely that she is a ''serpent'' - that her true form is that of a limbless snake with feathered wings (as distinct from a ''wyrm'' , the Night eternals whose true form is that of a wingless lizard). As with other serpents, this tends to mean that Sung is more cerebral and philosophical than the earthy, practical eternals such as [[Sadogua]]: she is concerned with subtle, esoteric matters. Unlike her fellow serpents such as [[Soghter]], however, Sung appears to be somewhat grounded and less prone to the kind of extremes that lead scholars to dub an eternal 'mad'.

Her most common appearance is as a [[naga]] dressed in layers of loose multicoloured robes. Regardless of their precise cut, they always include flowing sleeves that suggest wings. She usually wears a head-dress of brightly coloured feathers, similar to those favoured by many [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]]. This head-dress often holds in place a veil, similar to those popular in parts of [[Highguard]].

Sung is soft spoken, with a gentle and pleasant temperament, but given to teasing and asking impossible or leading questions. She rarely raises her voice and appears to genuinely enjoy pleasant conversation. She especially enjoys the discussion of mysteries, enigmas and riddles - not so much the attempt to answer them, but the joy that comes from sharing theory and speculation with like-minded individuals.

This eternal is usually encountered alone - she often seems quite solitary in her nature. Her heralds usually wear multicoloured garb, and share her desire to discuss enigmas and inexplicable events. They tend to express a deep personal affection for their patron - and almost alone of the heralds of the Night eternals there are none who do not identify themselves as her children.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Sung001b.JPG |title=Picture from Steph Morris|caption=Sung is a winged serpent, with feathers of iridescent hue|align=right|width=350}}

==Concerns==
Sung is closely associated with the rune [[Wyr]]. She adores mysteries, as distinct from secrets; she loves to explore, expound on, discuss and study the things that ''nobody'' knows the truth about. It is mostly disinterested in discovering the solution or answer to a mystery - unless that solution or answer itself raises more mysteries. "''It is the mystery which endures.''" says Sung. "''The light of truth kills the mystery, and leaves the seeker desolate.''" That isn't to say that she will not help those who seek to fathom out a mystery, but the greater the enigma the more tangential or esoteric her aid is likely to be.

Like many Night eternals she loves art - especially music, spoken poetry and stories, drama and dance - but prefers them improvised rather than technical. She also appears to take endless delight in well-done misdirection, sleight of hand and the skills of mundane magicians. She is known to have little appreciation of sculpture, painting or literature unless those art forms are full of allegory and multi-layered metaphor. Unsurprisingly, she loves mystery stories - but one of the few things known to anger her is the explanation that so often comes at the end of a mystery story or play. It is wise, when performing for Sung, to leave the resolution of the mystery unstated and instead engage in speculation about how the story might have developed.

There are certain "great mysteries" that Sung returns to time and again. They include the purpose of death; where life comes from; the existence of the soul; the meaning of existence; the identity of the Creator; the nature of love; the meaning of faith; the point of suffering, and why living beings have the capacity to appreciate beauty. She is fascinated by the priests of [[The Way|Way]], but apparently loves to tease them by presenting heretical or blasphemous viewpoints.

Lesser mysteries and enigmas intrigue her, but are quickly discarded. She is sometimes prepared to offer aid in seeking an explanation for such lesser mysteries that are actually secrets - situations where some people already know the answer but are keeping that information to themselves. Examples might include investigations into mysterious murders, or for seemingly inexplicable events that are actually the work of mortals.

Sung has little time for the eternals of Day - she makes little effort to conceal her distaste for their focused nature and their common drive to banish all illusion and understand everything. She clearly believes that "''nothing sane can survive for long in conditions of absolute truth.''" This dislike often manifests in an abrupt or unwelcoming attitude to any [[merrow]] who come before her. She is also known to dislike the eternals of the [[Whisper Gallery]], considering their fascination with secrets to be 'vulgar'.

Sung never knowingly lies, but she rarely tells the entire truth as she knows it. She enjoys misleading and obfuscating, hiding the "facts" in layers of doubt designed to allow people to come to their own conclusions. Speaking about direct facts or trying to cut through to the heart of a situation is a sure-fire way to annoy this subtle eternal.

Unsurprisingly, Sung is known to favour Imperial citizens who reflect something of her own nature. She enjoys verbal sparring with magicians from the [[The League|League]] and esoteric speculation with Kallavesi mystics and Urizen stargazers alike. She is also known to have a special affection for the people of [[Dawn]], especially the [[Weaver cabal|Weaver cabals]] and [[Troubadour|troubadours]], but with a soft spot for anyone who embraces the romanticism that lurks at the heart of many Dawnish quests.

The Rainbow Serpent encourages imagination, optimism and speculation. She inspires mortals to embrace the wonder of their world, and to question tradition and easy solutions to problems. She is also a romantic - not just in a carnal sense, but in the sense of a quality or feeling of mystery, excitement, and remoteness from everyday life.

==Boons==
Sung enjoys communicating with mortals. She loves novelty, the inexplicable and the wondrous.

She enjoys weaving illusions, and is known to offer boons to magicians who seek to obfuscate or conceal with shadows, mists or false images (such as the magical disguise created with [[The Twilight Masquerade]]). Magic used to preserve uncertainty or mystery may also gain her favour.

When she wishes to offer a minor boon to someone, she may give them one of her feathers - when dissolved in wine or spirits they may create effects similar to those caused by the [[Infusions of Feathers]], or enhance the effect of rituals such as [[Signs and Portents]] or [[Sift the Dreamscape's Sands]] - Sung is said to be the only creature who knows the truth about the ruined city visited by mortal magicians who invoke that ritual, but refuses to share her knowledge. In her darker moments she inspires curses and maledictions that cause confusion or hallucinatory madness.

She sometimes engages in trades with magicians, and is known to greatly desire cloth dyed with [[Materials#Iridescent gloaming|iridescent gloaming]] and jewellery that incorporates [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]] - especially if these items are enchanted.

Sung encourages mortals to embrace mysteries, providing help and advice to those who are looking to learn more, seeking wisdom, or insight. For simple riddles and hidden secrets, Sung will often provide assistance to see a mystery resolved, believing that revelation will lead to more mysteries. Such help will usually be veiled or cryptic in some way - deliberately obfuscated such that the help itself becomes a mystery. The ritual [[Shadowed Glass of Sung]] goes some way towards explaining her attitude - the ritual does not provide facts or resolve a situation - it allows the magician to find the clues that will help them work out their own conclusion. More than anything else, this is how Sung prefers to see the world; a multitude of people, places, things and events that can be understood only through the exercise of intuition and imagination.

Sung rarely provides help with the "great mysteries", she is passionately interested in questions of life and death and similar, but is clear that she does not have any answers to provide. When pressed on the matter, she has always expressed surprise that anyone might think such questions even have answers. More than once she has professed the view that what distinguishes a "great mystery", like what is the meaning of life, is precisely the fact that it defies any one explanation. If a single answer to such a question existed, then Sung claims it would have been discovered millennia ago and thus would not be a great mystery.

There are some questions that Sung actively discourages people from trying to answer. These are most commonly fables or myths such as where [[Steinr]] and the Vard [[Wintermark_history#Origins|came from]], the provenance of the buildings believed attributed to the Sentinel, and the name of the First Empress. While the Night Singer admits that such questions must have answers, she claims not to know them and actively discourages those who seek them. She claims to do this because she does not wish to see these mysteries solved (or "destroyed" as she might put it). According to her, the world would be less colourful if these mysteries were revealed.

During Winter 378YE, Sung made contact with Imperial magicians and helped them to design the ritual [[Clear Counsel of the Everflowing River]]. The master-magician Simargl of the Circle of Zulgan-Tash arranged for the creation of a suitable [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts|ritual text]], and during the Spring Equinox 379YE, the [[Conclave]] [[Imperial lore|added]] the ritual to the body of [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Some arcane scholars point to this ritual as being the powerful equivalent not only of [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]], but of [[Missive for Sadogua]] as well.

==Rituals that deal with Sung==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Sung. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Clear Counsel of the Everflowing River]]</td><td>[[Sung]]</td><td>Seeks aid from the eternal Sung in solving a mystery</td><td>Night</td><td>20</td>
<tr><td>[[Sift the Dreamscape's Sands]]</td><td>[[Sung]]</td><td>Grants 1 additional rank of any lore overnight, which can be changed each morning for a season.</td><td>Night</td><td>20</td>
</table>

==Further Reading==
* [[Famine_and_feast#Sung|Famine and feast]] - 386YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Impossible_landscapes#Sung|Impossible landscapes]] - 383YE Winter plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Cold Sun

2026-07-04T16:35:40Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=Cold Sun Art.jpg|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Day==
===Sobriquets===
Given that Cold Sun seems to be a relatively new eternal with no previous history of having interacted with the Empire, it is not known to have any other names within the Empire.

The [[Sumaah Republic]] have taken to calling it ''Oblivion'', declaring it anathema - the only outstanding debate being whether criminals seeking to contact it should be excommunicated prior to their execution.

==Appearance==
There has been no confirmed meeting with the eternal known as Cold Sun so its physical appearance is a matter of wild hypothesis. Some imagine that its physical form might be that of a single flame smaller than that of a candle to represent the singular perfection that it represents and wishes to impress upon the world. Others suggest that it may be the source of all the light that shines in the Day realm or that it somehow infuses all the light that shines there.

==Concerns==
Cold Sun represents the search for order and perfection, at any cost. The eternal appears to have some existential hatred of art and free will and its heralds claim that the inherent chaos of life, particularly art, music, and other creative endeavours represent a fundamental flaw. Cold Sun seeks to eliminate this flaw; it is determined to bring perfection to the mortal realm by killing every single sapient creature, starting with the citizens of the Empire.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 600px; margin-left: 10px;">
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+'''Armies of Cold Sun <br>as of Summer 386YE'''
! Army
! Territory
|-
| <s>The Winnowers</s> || [[Eclipse#Winnowers|Destroyed]]
|-
| <s>The Ending Tide</s> || [[Things_that_burn#The_Ending_Tide|Destroyed]]
|-
| <s>The Silence Arc</s> || [[Last_rays_of_the_sun#Tower_of_the_Eagle|Destroyed]]
|-
| <s>The Still Walkers</s> || [[Eclipse#Still_Walkers|Destroyed]]
|-
| <s>The Exigent Span</s> || [[Eclipse#Exigent_Span|Destroyed]]
|-
| <s>The Blade of Skies</s> || [[Eclipse#Blade_of_Skies|Destroyed]]
|-
| <s>The Empty Hands</s> || [[Last_rays_of_the_sun#Rhonwen's_Fall|Destroyed]]
|-
| <s>The Fire Beacon</s> || [[Eclipse#Fire_Beacon|Destroyed]]
|-
| <s>The Shepherds of Ash</s> || [[Eclipse#Shepherds_of_Ash|Destroyed]]
|-
|}</div>

==History==
Very little is actually known about Cold Sun. The earliest recorded instance of Cold Sun interacting with the Empire was a week before the Summer Solstice 385YE when a peculiar translucent monolith [[Three_and_three#Unknown|appeared at the Imperial regio]] at dawn with a message engraved on each of its eight sides: "''A formal parley is agreed at eleven hours after noon, on Saturday during the Summer Solstice, in the Hall of the Worlds, with the Archmage of Day''". The monolith disappeared at sunset the same day, and a few days later word came from Astolat, Kallavesa, and Miaren, [[Ruin#Battle_and_Sorrow|reporting]] divisions of strange soldiers marching on targets in the area. At the Summer Solstice these divisions were defeated - with many Imperial losses - and the targets saved.

Even as the Archmage of Day and magicians of the Conclave met with representatives of this new eternal in [[Archmage#Parely|formal parley]], news began to spread of further attacks across the Empire. These assaults targeted locations as diverse as the [[Tassato#The_Blood_Red_River_Museum|Blood Red River Museum]] in [[Tassato]], the [[Jade_Custodian#The_Wellspring_of_Jade|Wellspring of Jade]] in [[Sarvos]], the [[Skarsind_spoils_of_war#The_Wells_of_Janon|Wells of Janon]] in [[Skarsind#Gulhule|Gulhule]], the farmlands of the [[Reikos_Spoils_of_War#Grey_Watch_Grasses|Grey Watch Grasses ]] in [[Reikos]], [[Hahnmark#Gulnar.E2.80.99s_Deeps|Gulnar's Deeps]], the [[Redoubt#Grand_Conservatory (Ruined)|Grand Conservatory of Music]] and the [[Penumbral_Watcher#Tower_of_Light_and_Shadow|Tower of Light and Shadow]] in [[Redoubt]], the [[Patron_of_the_Pavilion#Pavilion_on_Looking_Glass_Lake|Pavilion on Looking Glass Lake]] in [[Holberg]].

The ''scions'' of Cold Sun [[To the last syllable|invaded]] the Empire in force after the Summer Solstice. A full eight armies, later joined by the <span style="color: #696969;">''Ending Tide''</span> in [[Bregasland]], marched through the potent regios that had been opened by the casting of [[Bright Eyes Gleam in the Depths]]. The [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Alignment_:_Cold_Sun|first order]] of business for the Imperial Conclave at the Autumn Equinox 385YE was the [[Declaration]] of [[Alignment]] to place Cold Sun under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]].

Shortly after the Autumn Equinox 385YE the first season of campaign against the ''scions'' [[Things that burn|began]]. Imperial ritualists had placed dozens of fortifications summoned from the realms in an attempt to block the armies of Cold Sun. Four of Cold Sun's armies were met with Imperial armies: in [[Bastion]], the heart of the Way, the <span style="color: #696969;">''Winnowers''</span> were blocked by the Highborn of the [[Granite Pillar]] and seven and a half thousand independent soldiers; in [[Hercynia]] the steadings were protected by the [[Black Thorns]] marching all the way from Madruga to hold off the <span style="color: #696969;">''Still Walkers''</span>; in [[Segura]] a combined force of the [[Burning Falcon]] and the [[Fist of the Mountains]] attacked the <span style="color: #696969;">''Fire Beacon''</span>; and in Bregasland the <span style="color: #696969;">''Ending Tide''</span> were slaughtered as they entered into the mortal realm by the [[Bounders]], [[Drakes]], [[Strong Reeds]], and [[Isaella's Dance]].

==Boons==
The only "boon" Cold Sun offers mortal beings is a swift and efficient, if painful, death.

==Heralds==
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''Marks and Channelling'''<br>What sets the heralds of Cold Sun apart from many other enemies faced by Imperial heroes is that they are the direct beneficiaries of the eternal's power. When the text speaks of marks, or channelling, it is often using in-character language to describe effects ''equivalent'' to the [[enchantment|enchantments]] created by Imperial magicians. Cold Sun's heralds are rarely equipped with [[magic items]], but all of them are empowered with an enchantment that draws on one or more of the [[Day magic#resonance|resonances]] of the Day realm. For example, a ''scion'' might be empowered with effects reminiscent of [[Horizon's Razor Edge]], [[Blades of Clear Sight]], [[Alignment of Mind and Blade]], [[Kimus' Glaring Eye]], [[Irresistible Stance of Force and Focus]], [[Arete and the Fields of War]], or other unfamiliar (but equivalent) abilities.<br><br>Not all the scions' abilities can be reproduced with ritual magic. The ''archon'' leaders of a Cold Sun contingent in particular, can have unique powers that draw on the resonance of the Day realm, but don't directly replicate existing skills or enchantments.</box></div>

Collectively the heralds of Cold Sun refer to themselves as ''scions'', with different groups of heralds having their own name based on their role. They are all highly disciplined however, and absolutely zealous in their pursuit of the eternal's goals. They are clearly individuals but they seem to value their existence less than they value the eradication of life in the mortal realm and are capable of an unsettling degree of self-sacrifice in pursuit of their aims. They don't engage in insults or threats in the way a mortal might; if anything their calm commitment to the total eradication of their foes is one of the most upsetting things about them.

All of the heralds so far encountered appear capable of channelling the power of Cold Sun. Some of them are empowered directly - [[enchantment|bearing marks of Cold Sun]] that enhance their ability to pursue its aims or grants them the ability to deliver blows supported by [[Day magic#Force|magical force]].

The bulk of Cold Sun's forces in the Empire are made up of heavily armoured soldiers, divided into three classes. The first wield mighty great weapons with which they inflict [[Calls#IMPALE|devastating blows]] capable of hewing limbs and slicing through light armour, flesh and bone alike. These so-called '''''juggernauts''''' have also been observed channelling the power of Cold Sun into their weapons to [[Calls#SHATTER|shatter]] shields and weapons although they are clearly only capable of doing so a limited number of times. '''''Winnowers''''' are armed with polearms, and are as skilled as any [[the Marches|Marcher]] when it comes to [[Calls#STRIKEDOWN|sending their foes sprawling]]. These heralds channel the power of the Day realm to [[Calls#REPEL|hurl enemies away]] forcing open gaps in enemy lines. The final group are less commonly encountered, these '''''clerists''''' are heavily-armoured archers who serve as the eyes of a Cold Sun force. They try to avoid melee where possible, and can draw on the power of the eternal to [[Calls#ENTANGLE|hold in place]] anyone who gets too close. They occasionally dive into a skirmish to offer support to their fellow scions, restoring their ability to fight.

Supporting the warrior-''scions'' are heralds whose focus is on channelling Cold Sun's power more directly. The '''''ardents''''' are armed with shields and rods and wear garb reminiscent of [[Weapons_%26_armour#Mage_Armour|mage armour]]. Indeed, some of those who have faced them have commented on their superficial similarity to the entities that can be [[Carve the Crystal Guardian|drawn from mana sites]] by Imperial magicians. They fight using magical force to [[Repel|hurl]] or [[entangle|impede]] their foes, and sometimes to [[Calls#PARALYSE|freeze them in place]], as well as using a fraction of their energy to [[empower]] their allies.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''Seed of Fire'''<br>''Scions'' of Cold Sun may make use of the [[Calls#CURSE|CURSE]] call. CURSE does not immediately affect your character; you are aware that you have been cursed but may continue to fight and act normally. You should see a referee for more details once you are able to do so without interrupting your roleplaying (or fighting). Unless the referee indicates otherwise at the start of the skirmish, it's fine to wait until you are heading back through the Sentinel Gate to check in and find out what the results of the curse will be.</box></div>
A '''''channeler''''' by contrast bears a staff, and uses the energy of Cold Sun in a different manner. They repair and restore their allies, not only healing and purifying their bodies, but also mending their weapons. Indeed, they seem not to differentiate between the two, doing whatever is needed to ensure their fellows are capable of serving the eternal's aims most efficiently. What makes them frightening, and sets them apart somewhat from being mere healers, is their ability to come together in groups and direct the raw power of Cold Sun directly at their enemies. Several times a trio has been observed working together to [[Calls#Mass_Calls|unleash destructive power]] that plants a "[[Calls#CURSE|seed of flame]]" inside warriors who get too close - flames that blossom into a violent conflagration a short time later leaving only ashes. This seems to be an attack aimed at the will-to-fight of their opponents.

Whatever its makeup, a unit of ''scions'' is usually led by an '''''archon''''' - a champion or captain. They often bear a standard marked with symbols of their master, and rather than engaging directly with their enemies they seem empowered to motivate and direct their fellow ''scions''. These ''archons'' seem to evidence more diversity and individuality than other servants of Cold Sun, and their abilities are unpredictable. One encountered in [[Hahnmark]] demonstrated the ability to restore the health of other scions within a short distance by leading a chant in the name of Cold Sun. Another was able to strike blows that mimicked the malediction created by the ''channelers'' with every strike of their great spear.

Whatever the specific capabilities of the scion, they are united by their absolute commitment to bringing Cold Sun's version of perfection to the mortal world. They do not balk at slaughtering any human or orc who comes within reach of their weapons. There are rarely any bodies left behind, however. Some of the ''scions'' have been observed calling on the power of Cold Sun whilst near a [[Combat#Dying|dying]] or [[Combat#Terminal|terminal]] enemy, and within a few moments their victim simply [[Calls#EXECUTE|crumbles to ash]]. It is assumed that they use a similar ability to destroy the corpses of those who have fallen to them. In large numbers, they seem capable of even more destructive feats using the power of their master to burn, break, and shatter buildings and perhaps even fortifications given enough time.

==Further Reading==
* [[Cold war]] - 387YE Winter wind of fortune
* [[Last rays of the sun]] - 386YE Summer Solstice wind of war about the third season of campaigns against the heralds of Cold Sun
* [[Eclipse]] - 386YE Spring Equinox wind of war about the second season of campaigns against the heralds of Cold Sun
* [[Things that burn]] - 385YE Winter Solstice wind of war about the first season of campaigns against the heralds of Cold Sun
* [[To the last syllable]] - 385YE Autumn Equinox wind of war detailing the initial invasion
* [[Ruin#Battle_and_Sorrow|Ruin]] - 385YE Summer Solstice wind of fortune with the first confirmed attacks by heralds of Cold Sun
* [[Three_and_three#Unknown|Three and three]] - 385YE Summer Solstice plenipotentiary response which set the timing for the parley with Cold Sun
[[Category:Eternals]]

Ylenwe

2026-07-04T16:33:53Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=YlenrithArt.jpg|title="The Swan" artist unknown. Part of the Sunspire collection, auctioned in 125YE to raise funds for the construction of the Halls of Knowledge. Current whereabouts unknown.|caption=In the past, ''the Swan'' was concerned with purity and harmony. Recent changes have seen the eternal undergo a subtle but profound transformation and adopt a new identity.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Eternal of Day==
===Sobriquets===
Ylenwe is called ''the Dove'', sometimes ''Dove of the Perfect Morning''. Since zir reemergence, zir heralds have begun using names such as ''Morningstar'', ''Pathway to Serenity'', ''Nested Interval'', ''Morning Glory'', ''Epsilon Close'', ''Childe of Gentleness'', ''Cradlesong'', and variations on these themes. Zie has less well-known sobriquets than many other eternals, but as zie finds strength and healing in the aftermath of the [[Cold Sun]] crisis, zie appears to be finding zirself equipped with more and more.

In the [[Sumaah Republic]] zie is called ''Silk Mask'', sibling to ''[[Roshanwe|Salt Mask]]'', and seen as a deceiver who tempts the faithful into idolatry.

Zie uses zie/zir/zirself pronouns almost exclusively.

==Appearance==
Ylenwe (''Il-LEN-way'') appears as a humanoid, often with strong [[merrow]] characteristics. Zie is neither female nor male, although zir physical form may suggest elements of any gender. Zie is usually dressed simply in a single pale colour, often white, light green or soft pastel blues. Zie usually wears a cloak of white feathers, and a belt of silver scales. Zie always speaks quietly, never raising zir voice except to sing.

As with [[Roshanwe]], the eternal is said to make zir home at the point where the ocean of the realm of Day rises to touch the sky. Also like Roshanwe, zie expresses emotions such as bittersweet joy and quiet sadness in a way that is comprehensible to humans. While zie is clearly a creature with great emotional depth, zie rarely expresses those emotions - and when zie does zie does so through the medium of song.

Ylenwe claims that zie never lies - that lying creates unnecessary dissonance - but this claim is difficult to substantiate.

The Dove is often accompanied by one or two heralds; they are generally either musicians or mathematicians and some observers have suggested that they treat Ylenwe with a kind of restrained awe or worship that can be slightly unsettling.

==Concerns==
Prior to 384YE, Ylenwe was strongly associated with concepts of purity and harmony. After the [[Have_you_seen_me_lately#Ylenrith|Spring parley]] with [[Archmage of Day]] Skywise Gralka, it seems that zie has undergone a subtle but far-reaching transformation. Zie has abandoned the pursuit of purity, and taken on a new name. Focus, clarity, calm, and reason remain powerful touchstones as far as Ylenwe is concerned, but the emphasis is on working toward achieving harmony rather than destroying things that are "corrupt" or "impure."

In [[381YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions|Winter 381YE]], as a result of allegations regarding the kidnap of Imperial citizens, Ylenwe was declared an [[Alignment#Enmity|enemy of the Empire]] by the [[Conclave]]. A [[Archmage#Parely|parley]] was [[Shake_it_off#Swan.27s_Polite_Request|requested]] by the eternal in Winter 384YE, and the [[Archmage of Day]] at the time met with zir [[Have_you_seen_me_lately#Ylenrith|during the Spring Equinox]]. Ultimately, Ylenwe was reconciled with the Conclave by Skywise Gralka during the [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Yelenwe|Summer Solstice]] of the same year.

Zie is a consummate musician, and regularly expounds the idea that true communication takes place only through music (and occasionally through dance). The Dove appears to believe that spoken and written language impedes, rather than promotes, communication and suggests that it might be a dead end that encourages division rather than harmony. When individuals make music together their spirits briefly move into alignment with each other and with the greater scheme of things - they become a metaphor for the power of unity without sacrificing individual identity. Emotions and passions expressed through music are 'harnessed' to the will of the musicians, and allow for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catharsis catharsis], without which they can overwhelm the good sense of an individual and cause them harm. Ylenwe teaches that it is not wrong to feel things strongly, but that unless powerful emotions are carefully controlled they can lead to suffering and dissonance. By expressing them through music, they can be experienced in a contained and ordered way and provide strength and spiritual communion, rather than encouraging selfishness and disharmony.

Ylenwe encourages magicians to practice their magic with music - even the passionate dancing of the [[The Brass Coast magical traditions|hakima]] - and especially favours magicians who employ the [[Music of the spheres]] in their rituals.

Finally, music is also used as the gateway to Ylenwe's only true passion; mathematics. Zie firmly believes that the study of mathematics is the only 'pure' discipline, and that through it every truth of existence can be expressed in an elegant, simple and above-all truthful way. Mortals who study mathematics as more than "''the physics of bottlecaps''" are of great interest to Ylenwe.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ylenrith.jpg|caption=Ylenwe was once Ylenrith, who appeared as a humanoid with strong <br>merrow traits.|align=right|width=300}}
This eternal is interested in medicine and healing, but focuses on treating the "entire patient" - finding the root cause of illness rather than focusing on treating symptoms, and recognising the link between the body and the spirit.

In the past, Ylenwe was closely associated with the rune [[Cavul]], but that association has apparently been broken by the recent transformation. Zie is still associated with fresh water, but no longer has any association with magical fire.

As Ylenrith, the eternal was viewed with some suspicion by followers of the [[The Way|Way]]. Zie made no effort to conceal zir disdain for the auras created through [[Religious skills#Consecration|consecrate]], [[Religious skills#Hallow|hallowing]] and [[Religious skills#Anointing|anointing]]. Some religious magicians further pointed to the way that zir heralds seem to encourage worship of the eternal, and warned that zir philosophy and boons may represent an attempt to spread [[Religious_Crimes#Idolatry|idolatrous]] worship of an eternal to the Empire. They also point to the tranquillity zie seeks to promulgate as being no different to the malign spiritual presence of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Peace|peace]] which ultimately robs humanity of its drive to strive and leads to stagnation and death. It remains to be seen if the "new" Ylenwe will have the same attitudes.

==Boons==
Ylenwe can remove almost any strong passion, alleviate pain, and grant [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul|clarity and clear-thinking]], especially though the [[Solace of Chimes|use of music]]. In the same way zie can help restore harmony to a mind or spirit, zie can also help bring equilibrium to physical things, especially by [[Ascetic Star of Atun|helping to treat infection and disease]]. Zie sometimes offers zir boons through consumable items (usually clear water) or enchanted musical instruments. At least [[Abraxus_Stone#The_Swan.27s_Chalice|one story]] concerns an apparently familiar magic item - in this case an [[Abraxus Stone]] - that the eternal commits to "renewing" each year through the use of a dedicated herald.

With Ylenwe's new focus, it remains to be seen what form the boons zie can offer will take.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Ylenwe001.webp|align=right|width=300]]</div>
==Further Reading==
* [[Ourselves_and_immortality#And_Eternity|Ourselves and immortality]] - 387YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Speak_to_me#Zie_of_the_Morning|Speak to me]] - 387YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Have_you_seen_me_lately#Ylenrith|Have you seen me lately]] - 385YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Hunter_of_stars#Ylenrith|Hunter of stars]] - 382YE Spring plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]
{{pdf}}

Ylenwe

2026-07-04T16:33:38Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=YlenrithArt.jpg|title="The Swan" artist unknown. Part of the Sunspire collection, auctioned in 125YE to raise funds for the construction of the Halls of Knowledge. Current whereabouts unknown.|caption=In the past, ''the Swan'' was concerned with purity and harmony. Recent changes have seen the eternal undergo a subtle but profound transformation and adopt a new identity.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Eternal of Day==
===Sobriquets===
Ylenwe is called ''the Dove'', sometimes ''Dove of the Perfect Morning''. Since zir reemergence, zir heralds have begun using names such as ''Morningstar'', ''Pathway to Serenity'', ''Nested Interval'', ''Morning Glory'', ''Epsilon Close'', ''Childe of Gentleness'', ''Cradlesong'', and variations on these themes. Zie has less well-known sobriquets than many other eternals, but as zie finds strength and healing in the aftermath of the [[Cold Sun]] crisis, zie appears to be finding zirself equipped with more and more.

In the [[Sumaah Republic]] zie is called ''Silk Mask'', sibling to ''[[Salt Mask|Roshanwe]]'', and seen as a deceiver who tempts the faithful into idolatry.

Zie uses zie/zir/zirself pronouns almost exclusively.

==Appearance==
Ylenwe (''Il-LEN-way'') appears as a humanoid, often with strong [[merrow]] characteristics. Zie is neither female nor male, although zir physical form may suggest elements of any gender. Zie is usually dressed simply in a single pale colour, often white, light green or soft pastel blues. Zie usually wears a cloak of white feathers, and a belt of silver scales. Zie always speaks quietly, never raising zir voice except to sing.

As with [[Roshanwe]], the eternal is said to make zir home at the point where the ocean of the realm of Day rises to touch the sky. Also like Roshanwe, zie expresses emotions such as bittersweet joy and quiet sadness in a way that is comprehensible to humans. While zie is clearly a creature with great emotional depth, zie rarely expresses those emotions - and when zie does zie does so through the medium of song.

Ylenwe claims that zie never lies - that lying creates unnecessary dissonance - but this claim is difficult to substantiate.

The Dove is often accompanied by one or two heralds; they are generally either musicians or mathematicians and some observers have suggested that they treat Ylenwe with a kind of restrained awe or worship that can be slightly unsettling.

==Concerns==
Prior to 384YE, Ylenwe was strongly associated with concepts of purity and harmony. After the [[Have_you_seen_me_lately#Ylenrith|Spring parley]] with [[Archmage of Day]] Skywise Gralka, it seems that zie has undergone a subtle but far-reaching transformation. Zie has abandoned the pursuit of purity, and taken on a new name. Focus, clarity, calm, and reason remain powerful touchstones as far as Ylenwe is concerned, but the emphasis is on working toward achieving harmony rather than destroying things that are "corrupt" or "impure."

In [[381YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions|Winter 381YE]], as a result of allegations regarding the kidnap of Imperial citizens, Ylenwe was declared an [[Alignment#Enmity|enemy of the Empire]] by the [[Conclave]]. A [[Archmage#Parely|parley]] was [[Shake_it_off#Swan.27s_Polite_Request|requested]] by the eternal in Winter 384YE, and the [[Archmage of Day]] at the time met with zir [[Have_you_seen_me_lately#Ylenrith|during the Spring Equinox]]. Ultimately, Ylenwe was reconciled with the Conclave by Skywise Gralka during the [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Yelenwe|Summer Solstice]] of the same year.

Zie is a consummate musician, and regularly expounds the idea that true communication takes place only through music (and occasionally through dance). The Dove appears to believe that spoken and written language impedes, rather than promotes, communication and suggests that it might be a dead end that encourages division rather than harmony. When individuals make music together their spirits briefly move into alignment with each other and with the greater scheme of things - they become a metaphor for the power of unity without sacrificing individual identity. Emotions and passions expressed through music are 'harnessed' to the will of the musicians, and allow for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catharsis catharsis], without which they can overwhelm the good sense of an individual and cause them harm. Ylenwe teaches that it is not wrong to feel things strongly, but that unless powerful emotions are carefully controlled they can lead to suffering and dissonance. By expressing them through music, they can be experienced in a contained and ordered way and provide strength and spiritual communion, rather than encouraging selfishness and disharmony.

Ylenwe encourages magicians to practice their magic with music - even the passionate dancing of the [[The Brass Coast magical traditions|hakima]] - and especially favours magicians who employ the [[Music of the spheres]] in their rituals.

Finally, music is also used as the gateway to Ylenwe's only true passion; mathematics. Zie firmly believes that the study of mathematics is the only 'pure' discipline, and that through it every truth of existence can be expressed in an elegant, simple and above-all truthful way. Mortals who study mathematics as more than "''the physics of bottlecaps''" are of great interest to Ylenwe.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ylenrith.jpg|caption=Ylenwe was once Ylenrith, who appeared as a humanoid with strong <br>merrow traits.|align=right|width=300}}
This eternal is interested in medicine and healing, but focuses on treating the "entire patient" - finding the root cause of illness rather than focusing on treating symptoms, and recognising the link between the body and the spirit.

In the past, Ylenwe was closely associated with the rune [[Cavul]], but that association has apparently been broken by the recent transformation. Zie is still associated with fresh water, but no longer has any association with magical fire.

As Ylenrith, the eternal was viewed with some suspicion by followers of the [[The Way|Way]]. Zie made no effort to conceal zir disdain for the auras created through [[Religious skills#Consecration|consecrate]], [[Religious skills#Hallow|hallowing]] and [[Religious skills#Anointing|anointing]]. Some religious magicians further pointed to the way that zir heralds seem to encourage worship of the eternal, and warned that zir philosophy and boons may represent an attempt to spread [[Religious_Crimes#Idolatry|idolatrous]] worship of an eternal to the Empire. They also point to the tranquillity zie seeks to promulgate as being no different to the malign spiritual presence of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Peace|peace]] which ultimately robs humanity of its drive to strive and leads to stagnation and death. It remains to be seen if the "new" Ylenwe will have the same attitudes.

==Boons==
Ylenwe can remove almost any strong passion, alleviate pain, and grant [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul|clarity and clear-thinking]], especially though the [[Solace of Chimes|use of music]]. In the same way zie can help restore harmony to a mind or spirit, zie can also help bring equilibrium to physical things, especially by [[Ascetic Star of Atun|helping to treat infection and disease]]. Zie sometimes offers zir boons through consumable items (usually clear water) or enchanted musical instruments. At least [[Abraxus_Stone#The_Swan.27s_Chalice|one story]] concerns an apparently familiar magic item - in this case an [[Abraxus Stone]] - that the eternal commits to "renewing" each year through the use of a dedicated herald.

With Ylenwe's new focus, it remains to be seen what form the boons zie can offer will take.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: right;">[[file:Ylenwe001.webp|align=right|width=300]]</div>
==Further Reading==
* [[Ourselves_and_immortality#And_Eternity|Ourselves and immortality]] - 387YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Speak_to_me#Zie_of_the_Morning|Speak to me]] - 387YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Have_you_seen_me_lately#Ylenrith|Have you seen me lately]] - 385YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Hunter_of_stars#Ylenrith|Hunter of stars]] - 382YE Spring plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]
{{pdf}}

Roshanwe

2026-07-04T16:32:14Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=RoshanweArt.jpg|title="The Beacon where Sky meets Sea" artist unknown. Part of the Sunspire collection, auctioned in 125YE to raise funds for the construction of the Halls of Knowledge. Current whereabouts unknown.|caption=''The Beacon'' is the light that leads the traveller to their destination|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Day==
===Sobriquets===
Roshanwe is usually called the ''Navigator'' or the ''Walker on the Littoral''. While Roshanwe appears in both male and female vessels, it is usually referred to as 'she' by casual scholars of the eternals.

Other names often have maritime connotations; she is called the ''Mariner'', the ''Beacon'', the ''Elder Pharos'', the ''Fisherman'', the ''Weaver of Nets'', ''The Finder of the Path'' (or rarely the contentious ''Finder of the Way''), ''Wise Pioneer'', ''Seeker of the Star'', and the ''Beachcomber''. Her association with the ocean is metaphoric rather than strictly literal; while she may serve as a patron of explorers, she is not especially concerned with either sea trade or naval battle.

In the [[Sumaah Republic]], she is called ''Salt Mask'', sibling to ''[[Ylenwe|Silk Mask]]'', and seen as a deceiver who tempts the faithful into idolatry.

==Appearance==
Roshanwe appears as a humanoid with strong [[merrow]] characteristics. It is often dressed very simply, usually in the style of a fisherman, sailor, navigator, [[corsair]] or mariner. It seems to have a strong connection to the sea. It appears to be female more often than male, but concepts of gender have little meaning to this highly spiritual being.

The eternal is said to make its home at the point where the sky of the realm of Day touches the ocean. Unlike many other eternals of Day, Roshanwe appears to possess a deep understanding of humans, and expresses emotions such as joy, amusement and pleasure in a comprehensible way. She appears to consider the ability of thinking beings to understand each other to be of paramount experience, and has even been known to express pity for eternals such as [[Sinokenon]] or [[Phaleron]] who have difficulty relating to humans.

The Navigator is usually accompanied by a small group of heralds referred to as its disciples. They are philosophical creatures that love to engage in debate with mortals and each other; noted scholar of the realm of Day Elinora de Ys claimed once that "''Left to their own devices, the heralds of Roshanwe will engage in heated philosophical debate with the rocks, the trees and the sun itself.''"

==Concerns==
Roshanwe represents the spirit of discovery, of seeking the truth and revealing it.

Roshanwe claims to have embraced the Way; she does not reveal precise details, saying only that a persuasive missionary sought her out and engaged in a spirited debate that lasted ''for eternity, and for no time, as is the way of ideas''. At the end of the debate, Roshanwe embraced the tenets of the virtue of [[wisdom]]. The eternal refuses to divulge the name of the missionary who converted her, saying only that it is ''obvious'', but she has confirmed that the priest (if it was a priest) was a human woman and that it took place before the Empire was founded. While Roshanwe sees the value of the other Virtues, she does not embrace them in the same way she embraces Wisdom.

She has served as a patron for magicians of the order of the [[Sevenfold Path]] in the past, but her real affection lies with the [[Urizen_leadership#Torchbearers|Torchbearers]], and similar societies that dedicate themselves to uncovering the truth and revealing it to others.

She is closely associated with the rune [[Sular]].

==Boons==
Roshanwe despises secrets, especially those that are kept for malicious or spiteful reasons. However, she considers the quest for wisdom and knowledge to be more important than the possession of that knowledge; as such she is loathe to answer important questions, instead preferring to lead others to uncover the truth themselves. The ritual [[Combing the Beach]] allowed magicians to secure insight from the eternal for their own investigations, for example, before it was superseded by [[Netweaver's Eye]], which uses the assistance of the eternal to determine if a magician has recently cast a certain ritual or used a specific realm of magic.

While Roshanwe is not herself especially interested in foreign trade, she is known to offer aid to mariners of all stripes and may be evoked during the performance of rituals such as [[Sular's Promise]].

<ic>"I understand the urgency, I truly do, but I will not, cannot, tell you the name you seek. If I do that, I would deny you the chance to discover the truth, which goes far beyond the syllables of a name - and what is a name, truly?

"Didn't the prophets put it best when they said 'Wisdom is not always knowing the answer; wisdom is finding the right question'? Or do you contest the truth behind 'test what you learn; only fools accept hearsay as truth'?

"Ah, would you not call them prophets, those who went before you? That is interesting ... what word would you use,? I wonder, why does the word 'prophet' make you uncomfortable? Please, sit, and let us discuss your reasoning..."</ic>

==Rituals that deal with Roshanwe==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Roshanwe. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Netweaver's Eye]]</td><td>[[Roshanwe]]</td><td>Determines if someone has cast a specific spell or used a realm of magic</td><td>Day</td><td>30</td>
</table>

==Further Reading==
* [[Seven_locks#Navigator|Seven locks]] - 386YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[Begin_to_speak#Roshanwe|Begin to speak]] - 384YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Impossible_landscapes#Roshanwe|Impossible landscapes]] - 383YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Under_the_red_sky#Roshanwe|Under the red sky]] - 381YE Summer plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Sinokenon

2026-07-04T16:30:22Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

<ic> Unity is not a virtue. But it has never said it was, I suppose.</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=SinokenonArt.jpg|title="Turning Mirror" artist unknown. Part of the Sunspire collection, auctioned in 125YE to raise funds for the construction of the Halls of Knowledge.|caption=''The Turning Mirror'' favours societal structures based on loyalty, and clear hierarchies.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Day==
===Sobriquets===

Sinokenon is apparently a word in an extinct language meaning ''Unity''. It is often referred to with a name that translates as some synonym of "unity" in an appropriate local language.
__TOC__
Other common names include ''The Apex Hyperion'', ''Silver Sovereign'', ''That Which Lies Above All'', ''The Way of Hierarchy'' and ''That Which Lives In Its Name''. Other names reflect its interest in predictable change, such as ''The Argent Mantra'', ''The Turning Mirror'' or ''The Wheel of Light''. Although some depictions of it superficially resemble the full moon, it strongly rejects any such comparison, and one way to raise this eternal's wrath is to reference this with a name such as ''Old Master Moon'', ''Lunar Silver'', or any of a number of such epithets.

Some older texts call it ''The Throne of the Sun'', but some scholars claim this is an incorrect translation from an older tongue. They argue that the word "Throne" in this name more properly means "that which holds in place", and related words mean something akin to "law", "binding", or "the way of reality". According to this viewpoint, it would be more proper to call Sinokenon ''That Which Holds The Sun In Place''. Opponents of this view point out that the sun is very much ''not'' held in place, moving across the sky from east to west each day. The emergence of the [[Cold Sun]] in 385YE has caused some scholars to revisit what was once an academic discussion; there is some speculation that it hints at a relationship between Sinokenon and this "new" eternal.

In the Commonwealth they refer to it as ''die Einheit'', and have cordial relations with it and its ministers, while in [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] magicians call it ''il Sovrano'' and claim it as a magical patron of their Plenum. In [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]] by contrast, it is called ''Dumma måne'' or ''Stupid Moon'', and contact is forbidden by the House of [[Vigilance]].

==Appearance==
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="''The Book of the Old Sun'', Constantia of Canterspire"> It is not a mirror. This is the first and most important lesson. Learn it, and keep your life.</quote></div>
As with [[Leviathan]], few mortals claim to have actually seen Sinokenon directly. It is usually encountered as a blinding light and a clear voice. Occasionally magicians have described encounters with a great turning mirror, a shimmering sphere, or mass of rings that are in constant motion. Some even speak about encountering a metallic construct or a stern but calm figure, usually in the garb of [[Highguard]], [[Urizen]] or [[Navarr]], but most scholars believe these are confused encounters with heralds acting on Sinokenon's behalf. Most audiences involve high-ranked bureaucrats of Sinokenon's vast ''Sovereign Ministry'', in which each herald occupies a strict and proper place so that the ''Apex Hyperion'' might most efficiently discharge its will. While no herald of Sinokenon would conceive of disobeying it, its will is often slow to manifest. Outside of their clear instructions from above, the ministers of ''That Which Is Above All'' often pursue their own agendas and advancement within the hierarchy, and may send out their own servants in turn to deal with mortals.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="''A Chave e o Portão'', author unknown">it is not of the sky - it is the firmament itself.</quote></div>
Most accounts of the realm of Day agree that it is split into "levels" - the waters that form the foundation are the domain of [[Leviathan]]; the point where the sky and the sea meet contains the demesnes of [[Roshanwe]], [[Zakalwe]], and [[Ylenwe]]; and the skies is the domain of [[Phaleron]], [[Kimus]], and [[Sinokenon]]. Most sources agree that it Sinokenon itself is strongly associated with the highest point of the realm, as Leviathan is located with the deepest. Some ministers of ''Turning Mirror'' claim that "the highest point of the Day realm" and "Sinokenon" are two ways of saying the same thing. When servants of the Sovereign Ministry are asked about where, exactly, the domain which they govern from is to be found, they simply smile, and explain that they operate "from within the Silver Directorate itself" or "within and with all necessary authority". They do not act as if they are concealing a secret nor creating a mystery - such things are anathema to Day. Whatever they mean by these explanations, it is clear that they hold the truths contained within to be self-evident.

==Concerns==
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="''The Book of the Old Sun'', Constantia of Canterspire">What is, is. The world is the world is the world. It is what it is.</quote></div>
Sinokenon has two main concerns; the creation and operation of hierarchies, and the concept of predictable change. It encourages others to band together, usually into hierarchical societies but not always. While Sinokenon likes defined hierarchies (and clearly believes they are the best social model), it encourages individuals to form communities and create something greater than the sum of the parts.

According to certain ministers, Sinokenon itself knows that every society has a single correct form: that they should all be "like unto a perfect lattice, contained within a greater lattice". In simple terms: all should have a place, and be in their right place, and have those who owe fealty to them and those to whom they owe fealty in turn. That is simply the best way of running society; it is self-evident; all other ways of structuring a society will eventually fail and prove the correctness of this position. However, a society must not be forced to adopt this approach. It encourages individuals to form communities and create something greater than the sum of the parts, believing that, over time, they will slowly begin to see the evident and total wisdom of the strictly hierarchical approach it prescribes.

Sinokenon strongly opposes radical or revolutionary urges. While it is in principle happy to engage with post-revolutionary societies after they have ceased their period of extreme instability, it will turn its face from any place undergoing such events. It believes strongly that traditional practices are good and ought to be maintained unless a full justification can be given for their ceasing, because they are manifestations of truths forgotten.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="''The Silver Book'', a heretical collection of the teachings allegedly derived from the Apex Hyperion">Full is the fool who fetches the fence from their field without first finding full favour for the farmer who laid its foundation.</quote></div>

It is fascinated by the idea of [[loyalty]], and the way that the Empire has put it close to the heart of its society. It believes that the ideal hierarchy has leaders who are responsible to those they lead and those who in turn lead them. The ideal laws are those that encourage behaviour that supports society, and that promote the good of the many over the needs of the few, or the one. However, it disapproves of the way that the Empire encourages people to decide for themselves where their loyalties lie, and its ministers compare this habit to throwing a lodestone into a fire until it forgets itself. It is far better, in the eyes of the Silver Ministry, for all loyalties to be ultimately directed in one direction, towards one purpose. For this reason, it favours autocracy over more republican and democratic forms of government. It is apparently very interested in the philosophy of Leonitz Altmann which forms the basis for the Commonwealth's shared unity, and it has a particular fondness for the daeva of that land. It sees the daeva's natural inclination towards "making the world a better place", along with their relatively short life spans in which they might achieve this, as an excellent vehicle for continuous, steady improvement.

Its interest in slow changes extends beyond the societal. It promotes the idea that sudden change or change for its own sake is as damaging as stagnation. It believes that perfection is inevitable, and that each person has the potential to reach their perfect state, to be the perfect piece within the perfect hierarchy. Something that is ideal no longer needs to change, because it has reached its apex. Sinokenon's ministers imply that to reach the truest ideal state is what it means to be Sinokenon, and only It can achieve this. Sinokenon is known to be fascinated by the Imperial faith and the idea of individual (and thus presumably societal) perfection through multiple reincarnations: it chimes with its belief in eventual idealism. Frustratingly, it has little interest in theological discussions, being more interested in examining the structures of the [[Synod]] than discussing the philosophy of the Way. It simply believes that there is a way things are and a way they ought to be, and anything that can prepare the path there - such as the refinement of a soul over multiple lifetimes - is of course useful to that end.

Sinokenon also encourages the idea that the future can be extrapolated from current or past events. By studying the way events unfold, it is possible to learn to predict what will happen in response to certain other events. If it has an obvious blind spot, it is that it underestimates the ability of individuals to disrupt situations, or exert unpredictable influence over events. It has made suggested in the past that it is prepared to help civil service prognosticators with their projections, but a combination of this weakness in its models and the fact it requires those it aids to submit to its authority, have meant they have not been taken up save in the most limited ways.

The Empire is, fundamentally, of interest to Sinokenon because it sees in it an aspiration to create an ideal society. It is also known to be fascinated by several foreign nations, especially [[the Commonwealth]], approving of their ambition to unite everyone into a single society. It is reported to be fascinated by the [[Sumaah Republic]], apparently seeing something that mirrors its own self in their strongly ordered society which aspires towards a perfect form. The Sumaah, for their part, view it as a dangerous entity that seeks to assume control of the entire world and as such proscribe interaction with it. Indeed, given the way the eternal's ministers talk about hierarchy and lattices, their caution might not be misplaced.

==Boons==
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="''The Book of the Old Sun'', Constantia of Canterspire"> You can't trade with it. That isn't how the relationship works. Trade is a thing that equals do together.</quote></div>
Sinokenon is adept at creating bonds between individuals, and has special interest in [[Groups#Covens|covens]], [[Groups#Banners|banners]] and other forms of [[Groups#Bands|band]]. It seems to dislike temporary co-operation and instead prefers individuals to form groups of increasing size and complexity. It sometimes fosters cooperation between such groups, and has in the past lent crystal orbs that function in a manner similar to a [[Web of Celestial Attunement]], which are called "Wheels Within the Wheel". On a few occasions it has helped individuals come together to form different types of bonded group, providing a boon that mirrors the [[Arcane Mark]] effect combined with an ability similar to [[Traitor's Fate]] that can only be invoked on those members below one in the group hierarchy.

It is known to be fascinated by the [[egregores]], which serve as foci to help unite a large group of people. According to some reports, it sent ministers to speak to the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] magicians who developed the original ritual, to encourage them to create spirits capable of uniting individuals into a strict hierarchy. They received short shrift; the Freeborn had no interest in perverting their magic. It tried again when the [[Urizen]] created their own egregore and while there was slightly more interest in an effect that might make it easier for members of the nation to cooperate with one other, Sinokenon's aid was ultimately politely declined.

The ''Apex'' is able to slow or reverse transformations, but also to encourage changes that it considers help an individual move towards their ideal state. In particular, Sinokenon can offer ways to decrease the expression of a person's [[lineage]] if they consider the touch of the realms upon them has grown beyond their liking. It also likes to encourage changes that help an individual move towards their ideal state. It has in the past sent ministers to listen to the troubles of the powerful, offering counsel and allowing them to unburden wild emotions into the still mirrors of Day. There are said to be places in the mortal world that are dedicated to this purpose - usually containing Day [[regio]] - and at these places it is easy for people to unburden unwelcome emotions, dull aching hearts, and find clarity. This is the gentler form of what is otherwise a relatively strange and potentially troubling Eternal: but it is no less part of its remit.

On a more mundane level, Sinokenon has a great many agents and servitors that form part of its hierarchy. Its senior ministers are powerful in their own right, with their own domains and areas of expertise and control, but it is also able to offer the assistance of supernatural warriors. One boon that has been seen several times is a focus that makes it easier to perform [[Carve the Crystal Guardian]], embodying spirits of the Day realm to fight in mortal conflicts. This represents a pattern in Sinokenon's military aid; it prefers to support individual [[military unit|warbands]] rather than empower entire armies - an approach referred to by one minister as "Raising the Foundation". It is rumoured, though never confirmed, that in the peak of the desperation of Empress Brannan, she met with Sinokenon and asked it for an army from its realm, to be under her personal command. It replied that it would agree to the request: if she would swear fealty to it, and grant it the Imperial Crown as a concrete act of fidelity. If this truly ever happened, clearly, the Empress clearly did not agree to its offer.

Sinokenon also has access to a great deal of information, especially about societies, political structures, and large-scale events. If it has a weakness it is that it is better at suggesting developments and outcomes in the future than discussing the causes and subtleties of events. Interestingly, some Apulian [[orc]] practitioners of "[[Grendel#Magic|Sky magic]]" have their own stories of Sinokenon. There is apparently a legend that a minister of the eternal was involved in the events that brought together the scattered tribes of [[Bay_of_Catazar#The_Broken_Shore_and_Attar|Attar]], that would one day become the [[Grendel]]. If the stories are to be believed, it offered counsel and support to the orcs working to unite the tribes under their banner. Apparently that same minister's advice is still sought by Grendel magicians to this day, providing them with limited access to a predictive ability that in very narrow ways mirrors the abilities of the civil service prognosticators.

==Further Reading==
* [[Dream_to_me#Sinokenon|Dream to me]] - 386YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Hopeless_as_a_feather#Sinokenon|Hopeless as a feather]] - 384YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[The_bird_and_the_child#Sinokenon|The bird and the child]] - 384YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Between_the_lines_of_ages#Sinokenon|Between the lines of ages]] - 383YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Bury_the_hatchet#Sinokenon|Bury the hatchet]] - 382YE Summer plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Phaleron

2026-07-04T16:27:22Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=LibraryArt.jpg|title="Silent Archives" artist unknown. Part of the Sunspire collection, auctioned in 125YE to raise funds for the construction of the Halls of Knowledge. Last known to be in the possession of a Hakima coven in Anduz prior to the Lasambrian orc invasion.|caption=''The Archives of Silence'' seek to encompass and preserve all knowledge.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Day==
===Sobriquets===
Phaleron is a location, and perhaps also an eternal. It is usually called ''The Great Library''.

Occasionally it is called the ''Vault of Phaleron'', ''The Archives of Silence'' or ''The Coral Library''. Parts of the Library are built on the great floating islands that hang in the sky of the realm of Day, and the entire structure is said to be lit with a sourceless effulgence, both of which have earned it the epithet ''The Celestial Library''.

In the [[Sumaah Republic]] it is known as the ''Archive of Rainbow Coral''.

The eternals and heralds that serve there are universally called the ''Attendants''; they are quick to correct someone who refers to them as ''Librarians''; they attend Phaleron, so they are attendants.

==Appearance==
The library is said to be an immense structure built across hundreds of islands of coral and white marble. Stairs and bridges connect the lower levels to the higher levels, and some of the levels are underwater. Parts of the library are isolated entirely from others, reached through shimmering white-coral archways filled with coiling silver mist that transport an attendant across vast distances in the blink of an eye. Some scholars theorise that parts of the Great Library may be in the material realm itself, and some [[Earl|enchanters]] who have visited the [[regio]] of Day say they have found chambers that appeared to be of white coral, full of scribes or row upon row of scrolls and books.

The attendants refer to the library as if it is alive, and most scholars agree that Phaleron appears to be an eternal although how it can be both an eternal and a building is not clear. Sometimes the context is different; some attendants seem to have implied that Phaleron is the name for the knowledge stored in the library, rather than the building itself, although this is even harder to understand. When asked directly, the attendants tend to shrug, and say that Phaleron is what it is and that its nature is impossible to encompass in language (which seems to be an evasion, rather than an answer, and leaves some magicians very suspicious indeed).

Those attendants who deal directly with mortals tend to appear as [[merrow]] in robes, usually with a book chained to their wrist or a series of scrolls sealed and locked to the waist. These books and scrolls apparently record the books and other works and the parts of the library that the attendant is permitted to access. Chains and locks are a common element of the costume or regalia of the attendants and the heralds that the library sends out into the mortal world.

==Concerns==
The goal of the Great Library of Phaleron is simple; it seeks to record and contain all knowledge in Creation. At the point where everything is known, everything will be understood. When this happens, the Library will open its doors and all creatures will be free to partake of the perfect knowledge it contains. Unfortunately, this goal does not seem to be any closer than it was when mortals first encountered the attendants. Some of them appear to recognise this, others appear to live in complete denial, confident that soon their work will be done.

The Library is not especially interested in ''sharing'' this knowledge, at least not until it is complete. A partial archive would be misleading, some attendants claim. Others mutter darkly about the dangers of letting incomplete knowledge fall into the wrong hands, or the danger posed by thieves or those who wish to exploit knowledge for their own ends. Consequently, the library is first and foremost a place where knowledge is stored, not where it is used or shared.

The library places greater value on works of fact than works of fiction, but is known to collect both. The ritual [[The Celestial Library]] was a common method for magicians to give a tome or scroll to the Library, but heralds and Attendants alike are always still on the look-out for new works that will expand the sum-total of knowledge held in the archive.

On occasion, items have been stolen from the Great Library. The Attendants wish to see thieves hunted down and annihilated, and will offer favours for the return of any work stolen from them, no matter how trivial. They are said to be entirely implacable in their pursuit; once something is part of the Library, it is part of the Library forever.

==Boons==
Occasionally, the Attendants will allow a mortal access to information held in the library. If it has been written down in a book, scroll or pamphlet there is a good chance the attendants will either have that information or know where it may be found. In addition to scrolls and books they have great stores of historical records, letters, journals and the like. Gaining access to that information can prove tricky, however. The attendants can be persuaded to copy information from the library, but once a tome has been submitted it is ''never'' available to outsiders to read at their leisure; there will be plenty of time for that when the collection is complete.

The price to gain information from the library varies, and is very hard to predict. An attendant once required a small fortune in [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]] to allow a [[Troubadour]] access to a copy of a love-poem written by [[Dawn history#Joining the Empire|Cien]], while another traded an annotated copy of the [[Revelatory Light of the Empyrean Spheres]] ritual variant devised to [[Emperor Nicovar]] in return for a mathematical treatise by an obscure [[The League|League]] philosopher. Once the price is set it is non-negotiable.

Rarely an Attendant offers a favour; these favours are usually written on a thin sheet of ivory, and entitle the bearer to request a single piece of written information from any work to which the Attendant has access. Any attendant will honour one of these favours, and no additional price can be charged.

As well as written works, the attendants at the library seem to desire [[Materials#Weltsilver|weltsilver]] and [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]] for some reason. In addition to information, they can also provide tokens or incantations that support rituals of Day, especially those that deal with divination, protection or immobility.

==Rituals that deal with Phaleron==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Phaleron. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td><s>[[The Celestial Library]]</s></td><td>[[Phaleron]]</td><td>Delivers book or scroll to Eternal for possible destruction</td><td>Day</td><td>4</td>
<tr><td>[[Gift of Knowledge]]</td><td>[[Phaleron]]</td><td>Delivers book or scroll to Phaleron in return for prismatic ink</td><td>Day</td><td>4</td>
</table>
==The Chief Attendants==
There are five Attendants who have especial interest in the Empire and its works. They have been encountered on numerous occasions, and are regarded as representatives of the Library. Each has a different area of specific concern. Briefly, they are:

* '''Elioe''' (interested in poetry, stories and legends; a special interest in [[Dawn]] and the [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]])
* '''Lioc''' (interested in historical records of the Empire and its nations; a special interest in the [[Navarr]])
* '''Pollaman''' (interested in religion; has a special interest in the [[Highguard|Highborn]] and the [[Imperial Orcs]])
* '''Arannia''' (interested in astronomy, mathematics and philosophy; has a special interest in [[The League]])
* '''Melchiore''' (interested in magic; has a special interest in the [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] and people of [[Varushka]])

As with the other attendants, they tend to appear as high-lineage merrow, and when meeting with magicians are known to adopt the dress of scholars from the nations that interest them.

==Further Reading==
* [[The_bird_and_the_child#Phaleron|The bird and the child]] - 384YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Who_benefits%3F#Phaleron|Who benefits?]] - 383YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Nowhere_and_everywhere#Phaleron|Nowhere and everywhere]] - 382YE Winter plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Leviathan

2026-07-04T16:26:01Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=LeviathanArt.jpg|title="Deep One" artist unknown. Part of the Sunspire collection, auctioned in 125YE to raise funds for the construction of the Halls of Knowledge.|caption=''The Deep One'' is endlessly fascinated by the foundation of events.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Day==
===Sobriquets===
Leviathan is, by all accounts, one of the most ancient of the eternals of the realm of Day.

Many of its titles refer to its home in the very deepest parts of the realm-ocean. It is sometimes called ''The Deepest One'' or ''The Foundation''; it may be called ''The Dweller in the Depths'' or ''The Abyssal Lord''. Some younger citizens call it ''the Fish of Why?''.

It is also said to be a being that exists to observe events and explore how they happen, and how they spawn other events - in this guise it is also called ''The Watcher Beneath the Waters''. The [[Faraden]] are known to refer to it by the slightly poetical name of ''She-Who-Counts-The-Ripples'', in reference to its fascination with the root cause of events (and also ''The Unspeakable One Who Lies Beneath The Eternal Ocean'' in reference to their fear of the sea).

The [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaash]] call it ''Watcher in the Waters'', but caution their magicians that, as an eternal, it is not infallible.

==Appearance==
No mortal has ever seen Leviathan. According to its heralds and the other eternals of Day, it is a creature of such titanic size that it cannot be seen all in one go. It is said to have the aspect of a gargantuan whale and a serpent of colossal size, with immense faintly glowing eyes and thousands of sail-like fins that extend across its tremendous frame. It dwells at the point where the light of the Upper Realm fades to twilight, but the realm is never truly dark; Leviathan's scales, fins and hides are said to be colourful, almost hypnotically so.

Its voice is usually described as a rumbling, faintly amused whisper by those who have heard it - while it has never been seen there are those who have spoken to it through one of the hollow glass spheres said to serve as conduits to the part of the realm it calls its home. In all recorded history, there are no known incidents of Leviathan being anything other than calm, reasonable and pleasant regardless of who or what it is talking to. It is much more likely to terminate an interview than to become angry.

The heralds of Leviathan appear very much like extremely high-lineage [[merrow]]. These creatures, like their patron, are almost insanely calm at all times. They also claim to be quite 'young' - the heralds of Leviathan apparently continue to grow larger and larger throughout their existences until they become "''too big to fit through the doors''", in the words of one herald. It is unclear whether it was joking.

==Concerns==
Leviathan is concerned with two philosophical areas: the past, and the way it serves as the foundation of the present and future; and the way that actions have consequences both here and now, and in other places and times.

It is fascinated with the way that events spawn other events, and the way they can be traced further and further back; it is known to be engrossed by the question of whether any event can truly be said to have a "root cause" or whether everything is simply a development of something else. If the smallest decision can have repercussions that affect the fate of Empires, can any decision or any event, no matter how minor, really be said to be insignificant?

The Deepest One claims to have been pondering these questions since it first achieved awareness ''a very long time ago'' and has not yet reached any conclusions, or even built a durable thesis. It has said many times that it expects the questions that fascinate it to be unanswerable until after creation ends, assuming it ever does.

If Leviathan has a blind-spot it is that clever as it is, it cannot entirely understand motivations. It can observe actions, but sometimes those actions make no sense and cannot be predicted. Leviathan and its agents can only perceive events, they cannot look inside the minds of others no matter how much they desire to do so, so in the end they can only make (extremely) educated guesses about ''why'' people do the things they do. This is one of the reasons Leviathan loves to speak to mortals, or send its heralds to do so; it finds the endless motivations for mortal action fascinating, if slightly incomprehensible.

Recent information gathered by the Eternal Family of Navarr during the Winter Solstice 384YE revealed that Leviathan's favourite colour is apparently ''cerulean blue''.

==Boons==
Magicians consort with Leviathan and its heralds for two main reasons. It is fascinated by the past, and so has access to unspeakably detailed, unimaginably vast archives of information about past events; it is fascinated by the philosophy of cause-and-effect, and the question of whether free will can truly be said to exist, and finds discussions about these questions endlessly entertaining. It can grant boons that enhance the ability of diviners and seers to gather information about the present, as well as providing access to the great vaults of artefacts and trinkets that have been given to it in return for its assistance over the centuries. It is known to desire ownership of physical items that were present at, or the cause of, important events.

Unfortunately, Leviathan is very careful about sharing what it knows because the act of sharing information can have vastly unforeseen repercussions. But then, as it sometimes observes with a wry tone, so can the act of ''not'' sharing information. Those who can convince Leviathan that sharing information will have more (or less) profound impact than not sharing it can learn all sorts of fascinating facts about the past.

==Rituals that deal with Leviathan==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Leviathan. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Swim Leviathan's Depth]]</td><td>[[Leviathan]]</td><td>Asks a specific question of the eternal Leviathan to divine a past cause or event that has led to a present-day state of affairs or consequence</td><td>Day</td><td>18</td>
</table>

[[Category:Eternals]]

Leviathan

2026-07-04T16:25:44Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=LeviathanArt.jpg|title="Deep One" artist unknown. Part of the Sunspire collection, auctioned in 125YE to raise funds for the construction of the Halls of Knowledge.|caption=''The Deep One'' is endlessly fascinated by the foundation of events.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Day==
===Sobriquets===
Leviathan is, by all accounts, one of the most ancient of the eternals of the realm of Day.

Many of its titles refer to its home in the very deepest parts of the realm-ocean. It is sometimes called ''The Deepest One'' or ''The Foundation''; it may be called ''The Dweller in the Depths'' or ''The Abyssal Lord''. Some younger citizens call it ''the Fish of Why?''.

It is also said to be a being that exists to observe events and explore how they happen, and how they spawn other events - in this guise it is also called ''The Watcher Beneath the Waters''. The [[Faraden]] are known to refer to it by the slightly poetical name of ''She-Who-Counts-The-Ripples'', in reference to its fascination with the root cause of events (and also ''The Unspeakable One Who Lies Beneath The Eternal Ocean'' in reference to their fear of the sea).

The [[Sumaash|Sumaah Republic]] call it ''Watcher in the Waters'', but caution their magicians that, as an eternal, it is not infallible.

==Appearance==
No mortal has ever seen Leviathan. According to its heralds and the other eternals of Day, it is a creature of such titanic size that it cannot be seen all in one go. It is said to have the aspect of a gargantuan whale and a serpent of colossal size, with immense faintly glowing eyes and thousands of sail-like fins that extend across its tremendous frame. It dwells at the point where the light of the Upper Realm fades to twilight, but the realm is never truly dark; Leviathan's scales, fins and hides are said to be colourful, almost hypnotically so.

Its voice is usually described as a rumbling, faintly amused whisper by those who have heard it - while it has never been seen there are those who have spoken to it through one of the hollow glass spheres said to serve as conduits to the part of the realm it calls its home. In all recorded history, there are no known incidents of Leviathan being anything other than calm, reasonable and pleasant regardless of who or what it is talking to. It is much more likely to terminate an interview than to become angry.

The heralds of Leviathan appear very much like extremely high-lineage [[merrow]]. These creatures, like their patron, are almost insanely calm at all times. They also claim to be quite 'young' - the heralds of Leviathan apparently continue to grow larger and larger throughout their existences until they become "''too big to fit through the doors''", in the words of one herald. It is unclear whether it was joking.

==Concerns==
Leviathan is concerned with two philosophical areas: the past, and the way it serves as the foundation of the present and future; and the way that actions have consequences both here and now, and in other places and times.

It is fascinated with the way that events spawn other events, and the way they can be traced further and further back; it is known to be engrossed by the question of whether any event can truly be said to have a "root cause" or whether everything is simply a development of something else. If the smallest decision can have repercussions that affect the fate of Empires, can any decision or any event, no matter how minor, really be said to be insignificant?

The Deepest One claims to have been pondering these questions since it first achieved awareness ''a very long time ago'' and has not yet reached any conclusions, or even built a durable thesis. It has said many times that it expects the questions that fascinate it to be unanswerable until after creation ends, assuming it ever does.

If Leviathan has a blind-spot it is that clever as it is, it cannot entirely understand motivations. It can observe actions, but sometimes those actions make no sense and cannot be predicted. Leviathan and its agents can only perceive events, they cannot look inside the minds of others no matter how much they desire to do so, so in the end they can only make (extremely) educated guesses about ''why'' people do the things they do. This is one of the reasons Leviathan loves to speak to mortals, or send its heralds to do so; it finds the endless motivations for mortal action fascinating, if slightly incomprehensible.

Recent information gathered by the Eternal Family of Navarr during the Winter Solstice 384YE revealed that Leviathan's favourite colour is apparently ''cerulean blue''.

==Boons==
Magicians consort with Leviathan and its heralds for two main reasons. It is fascinated by the past, and so has access to unspeakably detailed, unimaginably vast archives of information about past events; it is fascinated by the philosophy of cause-and-effect, and the question of whether free will can truly be said to exist, and finds discussions about these questions endlessly entertaining. It can grant boons that enhance the ability of diviners and seers to gather information about the present, as well as providing access to the great vaults of artefacts and trinkets that have been given to it in return for its assistance over the centuries. It is known to desire ownership of physical items that were present at, or the cause of, important events.

Unfortunately, Leviathan is very careful about sharing what it knows because the act of sharing information can have vastly unforeseen repercussions. But then, as it sometimes observes with a wry tone, so can the act of ''not'' sharing information. Those who can convince Leviathan that sharing information will have more (or less) profound impact than not sharing it can learn all sorts of fascinating facts about the past.

==Rituals that deal with Leviathan==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Leviathan. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Swim Leviathan's Depth]]</td><td>[[Leviathan]]</td><td>Asks a specific question of the eternal Leviathan to divine a past cause or event that has led to a present-day state of affairs or consequence</td><td>Day</td><td>18</td>
</table>

[[Category:Eternals]]

Kimus

2026-07-04T16:23:55Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=LordOfEscapedBalloons.jpg|title="The Celestial Eye" artist unknown. Part of the Sunspire collection, auctioned in 125YE to raise funds for the construction of the Halls of Knowledge. Currently believed to be in possession of the Grendel orcs, most likely one of their Salt Lords.|caption=''The Celestial Eye'' seeks to observe all things simultaneously.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Day==
===Sobriquets===
The most common name for Kimus is the ''Unblinking Eye'', a name of which the eternal apparently approves.

As with many eternals, especially those of the realm of Day, Kimus has no true gender. It is often referred to as female, but concepts such as this seem to have minimal relevance for this being. It is sometimes called ''The Celestial Eye'', ''She Who Watches'', the ''Thousand Eyes of the Sun and Moon'', the ''Glass of the Heavens'', and the ''Seer Clad in Veils of Light''

In Asavea, it is often called "''del sátrapa de la aurora''", or 'the satrap of dawn.' Some texts refer to Kimus as the ''High Mandarin'', the ''First Minister'' or the ''Grand Vizier'' and suggest that it is a subject or agent of [[Sinokenon]]. These texts usually reference a very old [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] scroll called ''''A chave e o portão''" which claims to detail secrets of the eternals of the realm of Day. There is little evidence for the claim that Kimus is in any way subservient to Sinokenon, and modern scholars largely discount these claims - although all such claims are made in texts that reference ''A chave e o portão'' - no copies of the original scroll are known to exist outside the archipelago.

In the [[Sumaah Republic]] the ''Mirror of Dawn and Dusk'' is seen as strange and esoteric, but unthreatening.

==Appearance==
Kimus is usually perceived as a statuesque figure wrapped in white and lemon-yellow veils. It is invariably blindfolded, or its face concealed by a featureless mask. Rather than being blind, Kimus sees through its thousand eyes - globes of glass, crystal or fire that burn with an unquenchable light and can move independently of their mistress. Whenever it is encountered, it is always surrounded by an aura of piercing white light that can damage the eyes of the unwary, or those who look directly at it.

Kimus rarely moves; the [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Earl#Enchanters|Enchanter]] Rasiyon de Tiron suggested that it may simply be a construct or image created by the floating eyes that are the true form of Kimus. Its voice is described as calm, clear and piercing. The only emotions it seems to manifest are anger and curiosity - magicians who have interacted with it claim that it tends to speak in statements, as if describing how the world was, is or will be if the one it is speaking to does as it is instructed.

As with many of the eternals of the realm of Day, Kimus has a number of heralds and attendants who are usually referred to as [[#Viziers|viziers]]. When they visit the mortal realm they are invariably accompanied by a scrying device through which Kimus can observe their surroundings. When encountered in the realm of Day, audiences with these Viziers will invariably be observed by one or more eyes of Kimus.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by ="Excerpt from the essay 'Man of Dawn' written by Enchanter Marcus of House Aurelius during the reign of Empress Aenea>"O, man of Dawn, how I admire you," said Kimus.

"You perceive barely one fraction of one fraction of what happens in a limited arc to the front of your head. Your hound knows more of the world than you do; its nose is keener; its ears keener; every moment it senses a hundred things you cannot imagine; it knows the world around it in a way that would utterly overwhelm you, leave you crying, begging for it to stop."

"The birds that soar in your skies sense the currents of the wind; they can see a mouse creep through the grass from where they hang amid the clouds; they encompass the invisible threads of your world so profoundly that you do not have the language to understand even if I were capable of expressing it."

"The spider... the tree... the fish... you are surpassed in every sense by creatures you consider barely aware... and yet you aspire to master the lore of the heavens, strive to enfold yourself with true understanding of the nature of your existence."

"O, man of Dawn, you are truly a wonder of creation."</quote></div>

==Concerns==
Kimus proposes a two-fold philosophy. First, only those things which are directly observed can be proven to have occurred, but that the act of observation changes both the events observed and the observer itself. Second, it claims that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solipsism only the existence of the self] (in this case, Kimus) is sure - the existence of all other things is unsure. It does not attempt to conceal this philosophy, and encourages mortals to think about, explore and challenge the implications of its belief.

The thousand eyes (the exact number is unknown) allow Kimus to observe multiple events simultaneously, and from multiple viewpoints. It has an insatiable desire to observe events, especially events of significance (although how Kimus defines significance has yet to be determined), but it also sees value in 'experiencing' individuals who have perceived such events - through audiences and discussions. Second-hand information is much less interesting to Kimus; only personal, first-hand accounts truly interest this powerful eternal.

According to the [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazer|stargazer]] Ilitan of Mirrorfalls, Kimus repeatedly demonstrates the ability to perceive events before they happen - in his treatise ''The Moving Moment'' he claimed that Kimus does not see existence the same way other beings do, and simultaneously perceives a short distance into both the past and the present. She tried to explain this perception in more detail, but her treatise is considered entirely incomprehensible apart from some references to the idea that it is easier to observe something when one is apart from it, rather than within it. Other scholars suggest Kimus' uncanny ability to predict important events stems more from a its ability to perform thousands of calculations simultaneously, extrapolating potential future scenarios from present conditions with superhuman capacity.

Of further interest to Kimus is the way that individuals (which may or may not be extensions of Kimus' own mind) are changed by or react to the events they observe - or do not observe. An individual who sees a loved one killed and hunts down the killers fascinates Kimus, but so does one who does not directly witness the events and acts on second-hand knowledge.

This eternal is also fascinated by the idea of understanding. By observing, studying, experimenting with and thinking about something, an individual can understand that thing - and gain power over it. An individual that understands the whole of creation can set itself ultimately apart from and above creation, assuming a new order of being. Kimus claims that the first step to understanding is perception - that an individual can only ever hope to gain true understanding of (and thus wield true power over) something they can perceive clearly.

Both the Empire and the [[Commonwealth]] are of special interest to Kimus because they actively aspire to understand the truths of creation. Older nations, such as Asavea or the [[Principalities of Jarm]] tend to try and find shortcuts to true understanding - they seek power for its own sake, or accept received wisdom, rather than striving for true understanding.

Ultimately, Kimus' deep concern with ideas of perception and understanding, and fostering them in others, means that it often serves as a patron of magicians, especially the more restrained members of the [[Unfettered Mind]] [[Conclave order|order]]. It is known to have little patience for the [[Shuttered Lantern]] order; in the past it has expressed frustration at their tendency to pursue 'knowledge rather than understanding' and 'power rather than clarity'.

Unlike many eternals, Kimus has an interest in practitioners of the [[The Way|Way]], especially those who meditate on the virtues of [[Wisdom]] and [[Vigilance]]. Rasiyon de Tion suggested that ultimately Kimus wishes to understand the nature of the soul as much as any pilgrim of the way, and that it forms a key piece in this eternal's wider scheme to understand and encompass the whole of existence.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><ic>Rasiyon de Tiron recorded in his journals the experience of 'focusing' the light of Kimus during a battle against the [[Druj]] in the Mallum.

In his account, Kimus agreed to help remove a shroud of madness and nightmares woven by the monstrous Ghulai Tithuman but required Rasiyon to serve as an "anchor" for its power. At a key moment. the Dawnish enchanter evoked Kimus' name through a rune carved into his forehead, and a shaft of blinding light struck the magician and every living thing nearby, blinding them and tearing asunder the potent ritual Ghulai Tithuman had created. According to Rasiyon, he lost consciousness and did not recover for three weeks during which time he apparently suffered inexpressible visions of alien vistas. His Druj opponent was apparently likewise stricken, even though he was half a mile from the battlefield. The stargazer Ilitan of Mirrorfalls made a study of the area fifty years later and discovered lingering (though slowly fading) effects that would make it exceptionally difficult for any magician to work certain forms of [[Shroud_of_Mist_and_Shadow|Night magic]] in the area for decades to come.</ic></div>

==Boons==
Kimus is a powerful diviner. It can perform potent acts of scrying, observing distant events as they are happening. It often has first-hand knowledge of significant events from all over the world. It has little interest in the future or the past, except as they are extensions of the present. It can provide boons that empower divination; most commonly in the form of a sphere or ball of glass or crystal which focus the mind and allow the performance of rituals such as [[Eyes of the Sun and Moon]] or [[The Eye of the High Places]]. Boons from Kimus can also enhance understanding - rituals such as [[Clear Lens of the Eternal River]] and [[Bright Lantern of Ophis]] allow magicians to observe and gain information using senses normally denied to mortals and Kimus may occasionally grant boons associated with them or with similar powers.

Divination is not the only concern of Kimus however; it is closely tied to concepts of light and force, and claims to have great understanding of the physical forces that make up creation. As a consequence, it is capable of directing large amounts of focused magical energy to harm or protect. It can cause blindness, for example, as well as removing that condition. It can [[Calls#REPEL|repel]] or [[Calls#PARALYSIS|paralyse]] mortals - indeed, the ritual [[Kimus' Glaring Eye]] makes good use of this ability, and its name is sometimes evoked when casting [[Revelatory Light of the Empyrean Spheres]]. The ability to focus the revelatory light has also been used several times to perform an extremely potent version of [[Piercing Light of Revelation]] - Kimus is said to despise glamours, obfuscation, and illusion, burning them away with the irresistible light of its gaze.

The crystalline spheres that Kimus lends to magicians might actually be a form of its thousand eyes. On the few occasions when one of the spheres was broken or shattered there was often an explosion of magical energy that threw those nearby to the ground, stunned them or blinded them.

Very occasionally Kimus will grant a crystalline rod or staff to one of its agents that grants mastery of violent energy such as that used in the [[repel]] incantation. Such [[Weapons_%26_armour#Implements|implements]] are considered powerful boons and are often given only in return for a significant gift of [[Materials#weltsilver|weltsilver]], a substance which Kimus appears to value very highly.

==Rituals that deal with Kimus==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Kimus. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Kimus' Glaring Eye]]</td><td>[[Kimus]]</td><td>Grants the ability to use repel on two targets at once</td><td>Day</td><td>19</td>
<tr><td>[[Crystalline Focus of Aesh]]</td><td>[[Kimus]]</td><td>Grants one rank of Day lore for a season and additional prowess when performing divination rituals</td><td>Day</td><td>20</td>
</table>
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Vizier of Eyes.jpg|caption=Kimus' heralds serve as the eternal's eyes and ears - and hands - in the mortal world.|align=right|width=350}}</div>

==Viziers==
There is a strict hierarchy among the viziers of Kimus. The most powerful are minor eternals in their own right, and do not leave the realm of Day. The least powerful are actually heralds, and these are the entities that serve as Kimus' eyes and ears - and hands - in the material world.

Viziers often appear with many of the trappings of the [[merrow]], although their skin colouration tends to be paler - often bone white, ivory or lemon-yellow. They are almost always dressed in sumptuous pale-coloured robes, and invariably carry a crystal sphere, orb, staff or rod. Most are competent magicians, and often possess magical abilities related to scrying, detection and the release of crushing force. They are always marked in some fashion with a symbol associated with Kimus - the rune [[Ophis]], the unblinking eye or the constellation of [[The Key and The Lock#The Key|the key]] are most common.

Both Rasiyon de Tiron and Ilitan of Mirrorfalls agreed that Kimus is aware of everything that its Viziers are aware of, although they disagreed on the specifics. Rasiyon claimed that Kimus knew only generally what was going on with her viziers, while Ilitan claimed the eternal had complete understanding of everything the Vizier perceived or experienced.

==Further Reading==
* [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Golden_Seer|Can you hear me?]] - 387YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Famine_and_feast#Kimus|Famine and feast]] - 386YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Kimus|I knew you were trouble]] - 384YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[A_pleasing_and_deceptive_face#Kimus|A pleasing and deceptive face]] - 383YE Autumn plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Zakalwe

2026-07-04T16:22:21Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=zakalweArt.jpg|title="General of Day" artist unknown. Part of the Sunspire collection, auctioned in 125YE to raise funds for the construction of the Halls of Knowledge. Current whereabouts unknown.|caption=''The General of Day'' is the lord of the upper shallows and a master of military strategy.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Day==
===Sobriquets===
Zakalwe is called ''Master Strategist'' and the ''General of Day''.

The Master Strategist is also called ''weapon-wise'' due to his skill with the many accoutrements of war. The [[Suaq]] in particular call him "''Hunter of Tides''" and tell several stories in which his counsel helps an [[Wintermark magical traditions#Icewalkers|Icewalker]] to defeat an opponent.

In distant centuries he was a patron of the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]] at the height of their civilisation, regularly worshipped as "''Zakalwe Dieu de la Guerre''" - a name that apparently still causes mild embarrassment to this self-effacing eternal. In the [[Commonwealth]] he is called "''Strategos''", an ancient word meaning "military general". In [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] he is called "''Manush''" a name which apparently literally means "mind". The [[Sumaah Republic]] call him ''Brilliant Javelin'' and see his focus on encouragement over leadership as less of a challenge to Virtue.

==Appearance==
The Hunter of Tides appears as a large humanoid, generally masculine, wearing archaic armour in a style that has not been worn in the Empire for centuries. He always carries a two-handed weapon, generally a trident or glaive but occasionally a spear. He usually has at least one sword at his side, generally a single-bladed long sword with an exotic curved blade. On rare occasions he might appear in more "civilian" guise in which case he usually appears in robes appropriate to an [[Urizen]] [[Urizen_leadership|arbiter]]. Even in such a non-martial guise, he is never unarmed.
<div style="float:right;"><quote>There is not a single conflict in all of history<br>that has been won save that ten thousand tiny<br>events have been resolved in favour of the victors.</quote></div>
He never appears human; he has a strong mark of the sea in his appearance. This often takes the form of gills and webbed fingers. Unlike a [[merrow]] however, Zakalwe rarely has barbels or scales - his skin may be mottled but is much more likely to be black-and-white than blue. According to several sources Zakalwe is an actual shapeshifter - while he assumes humanoid for to deal with humanoids his "natural" form is more like a large black-and-white whale, narwhal, or dolphin.

Zakalwe is a master of weapons - he can wield anything anyone has ever conceived to use as a weapon with deadly force. He prefers the versatility of a polearm, but has demonstrated skill with bows, thrown weapons, crossbows, one-handed swords, maces and axes, a variety of great weapons, shields of all sizes, siege weapons, daggers, staves, one- and two-handed spears, flails, and even the occasional exotic weapon wielded by specialist warriors. When he encounters a weapon for the first time, he wastes no time studying it in great detail until he has mastered it. "''If you are to master war,''" he has said "''you must first master yourself, then master all the weapons there have ever been, and then realise which mastery is the most important to ensure victory.''"

Like [[Roshanwe]], with whom he is sometimes associated, he lives at the point where the sky of the realm of Day touches the sea. Unlike the Navigator, who tends to live on the airy side of the divide, Zakalwe's domain is the upper shallows, the brightly lit sub-marine region between the many islands that dot the surface of the eternal ocean. He apparently resides in a great citadel of coral, crystal, and mithril built on the edge of the oceanic abyss, the bottom of which is the domain of [[Leviathan]].

In personality Zakalwe is said to be calm, with a dry wit and perhaps even a certain cynicism. He is softly spoken and while he can be moved to great passions, he never allows his emotions to rule his head. He is known to practice philosophies very similar to those the Urizen call [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Poise|poise]] and [[arete]] as well as cultivating scrupulous sincerity - when Zakalwe says he will or will not do something there is very little that can sway him from his avowed course.

The Strategos is sometimes alone and sometimes accompanied by aides. He is often found in the company of warriors or soldiers who appear to be carved from living crystal and motivated by a cool intellect similar to that of Zakalwe himself. The warriors are very similar to those created/summoned by [[Carve the Crystal Guardian|certain rituals]], and Zakalwe is often evoked during their performance.
<div style="float:left;"><quote>The merciless will never know mercy.<br>If you can safely show mercy, show mercy.<br>If you cannot safely show mercy, strike without malice<br>and kill without spite.</quote></div>

==Concerns==
Zakalwe is fascinated by conflict, especially war. He exemplifies a philosophy of warfare that focuses on preparation, gathering of information, and fighting with absolute commitment and focus. His philosophy can be applied at many levels, from individual warriors facing each other to entire nations at war. He also preaches that martial conflict and political conflict are the same thing - the diplomat, the spy, the politician and the general all employ the same strategies to win.

He collects and studies the writings of generals, captains, soldiers, and politicians from every nation and realm. He himself has written an immense number of epigraphs, essays, treatises, and books of philosophy, both original and echoing the thoughts of mortal war-makers. He encourages the idea that during peace, one should be honing oneself and preparing for future conflict; in this as in other areas he is seen as supporting the Virtue of [[Ambition]].

The core of his philosophy is threefold. The first step to triumph is understanding - knowing who the real enemy is and what must be done to achieve victory. This need for understanding extends to all areas of war: the general whose intelligence is greater has an advantage. The second step is preparation; ensuring that one's soldiers are armed and armoured, supported, and aware of their role in the battle. A poorly-prepared army will always lose out to an army whose general has given thought to logistical and strategic matters. The final step to victory is absolute commitment; being engaged in a battle, the triumphant general does not stop until the enemy is defeated.

A general who does not appreciate the value of intelligence, logistics, and preparation will find Zakalwe has little time for them. He is fascinated by militaristic societies (such as those of many orc nations), and by concepts such as peoples' militias, military councils, and the like.

Zakalwe is deeply critical of those who believe in fate, destiny, or higher powers. He regularly decries [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Hope|hope]] as the biggest enemy of rational thought. Skill, ambition, understanding, and thought buy victory; faith in the righteousness of one's cause is a luxury. Despite this, the Master Strategist cautions that the best soldiers and generals believe in the cause they are fighting for.

The Master Strategist has strong views on the integrity and self-knowledge of the warrior. He believes firmly in concepts of personal honour and that every soldier is ultimately responsible for the actions they take on the battlefield. His commitment to rational thought even in the thick of battle is very appealing to a certain breed of soldier and general, but often puts him at odds with those who embrace the idea that the ends justify the means.

He has no patience for the weak willed; those who will not or cannot protect themselves seem to annoy him on some level. He does not expect everyone to be a warrior, but he ''does'' expect that everyone be capable of standing up for the things they believe in; of acting on their convictions; and of actively fighting against anyone who would attempt to subjugate them.

The [[Earl|Enchanter]] Lydia de Courland described him as a fascinating creature that "''Loves the idea of war, but hates the horror, inhumanity and slaughter. At heart this is a gentle being that nonetheless is drawn to everything that is abominable in the human spirit.''"

Zakalwe is associated with the rune [[Aesh]].
<div style="float:right;"><quote>When it is time to strike, strike.<br>Strike with all your heart, and all your strength,<br>and hope that all your preparation will mean<br>that one blow shall be sufficient to achieve victory.</quote></div>

==Boons==
As a master of strategy it should come as no surprise that the boons Zakalwe offers are often martial in nature. He is known to offer crystalline tokens that assist in the performance of [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]] and [[Carve the Crystal Guardian]]. On a more personal level, he offers boons that enhance [[Alignment of Mind and Blade]], and is known to offer similar boons that allow individuals to share their martial knowledge with one another or demonstrate instant (if temporary) mastery of [[Combat skills|martial skills]]. Unlike eternals of realms such as Spring, Zakalwe's boons rarely deal with [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]] or [[Combat skills#Fortitude|fortitude]]; he is much more interested in armour than in innate abilities to survive blows, and in skill with weapons more than innate talents.

Zakalwe has an immense collection of books about war, including many collections of poetry written by warriors and soldiers. He is known to pay quite well for new books, or copies of books he has been unable to acquire, especially if those books are not part of the repository of written lore that is [[Phaleron]]. He is said to be especially interested in the battle philosophies of the [[Druj]] barbarians - and their justification for their methods.

While not an artificer, Zakalwe is able to provide enchanted weapons to those he deals with, and often gives them in payment for martial writings. He especially favours magical swords and polearms, magical shields, and magical suits of armour. Occasionally his boons take the form of a rod or a suit of mage armour. Very rarely, he gifts a diplomat or politician with a magical robe or belt designed to help them maintain their poise in the political arena. In addition to the weapons he offers as boons, he is known to collect weapons, armour, and other items that have been wielded by notable individuals or in notable events - regardless of whether they are enchanted or not.

Zakalwe loves games of strategy - he is known to greatly enjoy chess. He has expressed the opinion that such games hone the mind, and also allow one to gain insight into the personality and strategic style of one's opponents. He greatly appreciates anyone who can introduce him to a new game of this kind.

==Rituals that deal with Zakalwe==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Zakalwe. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Carve the Crystal Guardian]]</td><td>[[Zakalwe]]</td><td>Transforms a mana site into a powerful military unit for a season.</td><td>Day</td><td>20</td>
</table>
<ic>While it is true that no plan survives contact with the enemy, I should also say that without a plan ''nobody'' survives contact with the enemy for very long.<br>Fight a war, not a battle. <br>Fight the war that you are ''in'', not the war you ''wish'' you were in. <br>Sometimes you will want to fight with minimal force, with respect for your foe and honouring the politeness of war; other times you will want to crush them utterly with shock and awe and leave not one brick above another. Be sure you know which situation requires which approach, and that you have the will for what is to come.</ic>

==Further Reading==
* [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#No_Ripples_Curl|Has reared himself a throne]] - 387YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[Secret_meeting#Ceaseless_Struggle|Secret meeting]] - 386YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Begins_where_it_ends#Zakalwe|Begins where it ends]] - 385YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Back_in_town#Zakalwe|Back in town]] - 385YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[We%27ve_been_here_forever#Zakalwe|We've been here forever]] - 382YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[Rabbits_and_snares#Zakalwe|Rabbits and snares]] - 381YE Autumn plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Kaela

2026-07-04T16:18:25Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=Kaela.jpg|caption=Kaela is the Lady of the Grim Host and awaits the end of all things.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Winter==
===Sobriquets===
Most commonly, Kaela is called the ''Lady of the Grim Host'' after the army of undying warriors she commands.

She is also known as the ''Sorrowful One'', sometimes as ''End-of-Strength'', sometimes as ''The Lady of Oblivion''. Among the [[Wintermark magical traditions#Icewalkers|Icewalkers]] of [[Wintermark]] she is called ''the Cold-Hearted''; the [[Urizen]] [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazers|stargazers]] refer to her as ''Dark-Between-The-Stars'' and say she despises and fears the [[Urizen culture and customs#The Net of the Heavens|Net of the Heavens]]; the [[Navarr]] call her ''Queen of Silence'' and say that she despises music and dance; and in [[The Marches]] she is called ''The Black Dog''.

Her influence is strong in [[Axos]] and, to a lesser degree, the [[Sarcophan Delves]]. The Axou call her ''Queen Esk'' and seek her favour; there are several covens of magicians who serve as her agents selecting the best and brightest to convey to her presence so she may add them to her Grim Legion. In the [[Sumaah Republic]] she known as ''Dread Condor on Silent Wings'' and is shunned; magicians who deal with her are likely to face charges of blasphemy, heresy, idolatry or all three. In the [[Asavean Archipelago]] she is worshipped as a goddess - she is referred to as ''la Reine qui siège sur le Trône Noir'' (the Queen on the Black Throne) and it is customary for wealthy Asaveans, especially those of advanced age, to offer a sacrifice of food, wine and blood to her at the Winter Solstice.

==Appearance==
This Winter eternal appears either as a pale-skinned woman dressed in black armour, usually with a helmet crowned with the antlers of an elk and bearing a great axe, or as an ancient crone dressed in dark-green and black with jewellery made from finger-bones. Traditionally she has appeared dressed as a [[Varushka|Varushkan]] wise-one or boyar, but in recent decades she has taken to attire reminiscent of [[The Brass Coast]] or [[The League]].

Kaela is never encountered alone; she is always accompanied by the warriors of her grim legion and by her undying attendants.

==Concerns==
Kaela exemplifies weakness, despair, old-age, senility and desperation. She takes no joy in these things, but presents them as simple, unquestionable facts. Everything fails. Everything dies. Everything falls apart. In the end, entropy wins.

It is not a matter of whether things will collapse, merely a matter of when. She respects those who strive to hold back the end... as long as they accept that the end is inevitable, that there is no hope. Likewise she appreciates those who work to open the eyes of others to the essential futility of existence... as long as they accept that their own actions are largely meaningless as well, in the long term. Optimists and priests alike tend to incur her cold wrath.

Despite her concern with ending and death, she is not especially interested in the undead. Husks, wights, ghosts and the like are said to bore her. At the point where a being becomes undead, they have already died - already ''lost'' - and undead creatures are pitiful shadows of living beings. In some cases, according to scholars, she has referred to them literally as shadows - cast-off by the mortal who created them. Like many Winter eternals her pragmatic nature does not balk at the use of the undead as tools, but she does not consider them people. Her grim legionnaires are sometimes mistakenly referred to as undead, but she prefers to call them "unliving" - they are neither alive, nor dead, and have never actually stopped living.

Unlike beings such as [[Llofir]] however, Kaela does not despise the undead - for the most part she simply ignores them. She rarely, if ever, offers boons that destroy them, and never offers boons that allow them to be created except in the most short-lived circumstances (such as by enhancing the ability of [[Quickening Cold Meat]] to call forth Winter spirits to temporarily ride empty corpses).

Many priests despise Kaela; they fear that she is trapping human souls, removing them from the cycle of reincarnation. The [[Synod]] has prevailed on the [[Conclave]] several times to declare her an enemy of the Empire. Some theologians speculate that the undying legions do not have souls at all; that the human dies, and their soul moves on to the Labyrinth, and that the grim warriors are merely memories of themselves, little more than husks animated by a particularly strong animus. Speculation is likely to continue, as Kaela herself has no interest in answering questions about souls; she is generally dismissive when challenged.

In [[Wintermark]] she is strongly associated with the runes [[Kyrop]] and [[Yoorn]]. Recent research in [[Miaren]] has also brought to light a connection between the eternal and [[On_Rhonwen's_Fall#The_Kaela_Connection|Rhonwen's Fall]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=KaelaArt.jpg|title="Frayed". Artist Unknown. Part of the House of Leaves collection.|caption=Kaela is fascinated by the way all things end.|align=right|width=400}}

==Boons==
Kaela's gifts are sorrow, despair and weakness; very few people want them for themselves. She can also offer wisdom, but always at a price - usually blindness or crippling infirmity. Some scholars say this is proof that she is connected to [[The Thrice-cursed Court]]; others point out that what she offers is ''wisdom'', not ''power'' and that while the two appear similar, in the Winter realm they are poles apart.

Her greatest boon, and the one she is most often approached to provide, is release from the fear of death (for at least as long as Creation endures). She can take someone who is not dead, even if they hover on the very brink of death, and bring them to her hopeless realm to live on for eternity as one of her undying warriors. Sometimes she allows magicians to [[Clarion Call of Ivory and Dust|invoke her grim legion]] to fight alongside living warriors, but this return to the mortal realm is always short-lived, and is a cruel reminder of the light, life, colour and joy that can never be experienced in the domain of Kaela.

Kaela prefers to take warriors over civilians, but anyone who has fought and striven in life who wishes to avoid death at any cost may find a place in her sorrowful court. Very rarely, she will bring forth a specific member of her legions to speak to mortals, provided they can be invoked by name and is among the legion. It is entirely at her whim if she chooses to do so. She can even be prevailed upon to allow one of her legion to die, but she will certainly charge a high price for this 'gift'.

Some seek out her ability to grant a painless death - she is said to be able to end ''anything'' that exists. She can kill a willing individual with a gentle caress, and it is said that even an apparently immortal creature such as a [[Volodny]] can be obliterated by her kiss. However, she is not a murderer and has no interest in forcing extinction on anyone. Only those who embrace death willingly will receive the painless death she offers. Her ability to kill is not limited to living beings - she is often evoked when performing [[Words of Ending]], [[Black Iron Blade]] or by those attempting to unravel a permanent [[curse]] or [[enchantment]].

Very rarely, Kaela offers a boon to an artist who has attracted her attention. She is known to appreciate well-crafted lays of lament, tragic poems, sad songs and theatrical events that end in despair, sorrow and bittersweet loss. A musician, playwright or poet who seeks to win her approval must be careful however, as she is known to dismiss those who fail to please her with a curse or a crippling malediction.

===The Gift of Kaela===
During the Autumn Equinox 382YE, the eternal was [[382YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Amity:_Kaela|granted]] [[Alignment#Amity|amity]] by the [[Conclave]]. This allowed her to reach out her cold hand to the Empire and offer them her gift - a gift she has also offered to Imperial citizens outside Imperial borders.

Secured through a bargain with the Winter Archmage, the gift allows any Imperial citizen in the hands of the [[Druj]] to choose to die painlessly. No corpse remains for the Druj to defile, to impale, or to use to taunt the living - the body turns to dust and ashes. This gift extends across the entire eastern Empire, and into the Mallum, [[Zenith]], and [[the Barrens]].

During the Autumn Equinox 385YE, the Order of the [[Sevenfold Path]] raised a declaration of concord committing their order to speak to Imperial priests about the [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Concord_:_The_Gift_of_Kaela|Gifts of Kaela]] on how both gifts - of oblivion and membership of the grim legion – are not to be feared. The gift allows any Imperial citizens fighting in the [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|vallorn miasma]] to choose death and ''dissolution'' before their bodies could be infested with the vallorn's sick version of immortality.

'''OOC Note:''' Using the gift requires thirty seconds of appropriate roleplaying. This ability may be used by player characters captured by the Druj during an event or who is [[Combat#Dying|dying]] in an area of vallorn miasma; if you do so you should ensure that you mark your character as dead as soon as you can so that your egregore is aware of your death. There is however one drawback to this, as Imperial magicians may soon discover: anyone who takes advantage of this ability cannot be contacted with [[Whispers through the Black Gate]].

This ability is an exception to the normal rules on using abilities while [[Combat#Terminal|terminal]]; a terminal character ''can'' use this ability if they are captured by the Druj or fallen in vallorn miasma.

<ic>"By all means enjoy your life,

"But never forget that it is fleeting.

"Even if you manage to avoid violence, accident, pestilence... even then you will age; you will decline; you will grow weak and infirm; your vision will dim, you will begin to forget; and then you will die. So will everyone you know and so will all your children down through all the ages until Creation itself gutters... and goes out like a candle.

"So by all means, return to your home and raise your family, and strive to build a better world, and fight terrible wars for what you know is right and true; it gives one real hope for the whole future of Creation... except, of course, we '''both''' know it has none."
</ic>

==Rituals that deal with Kaela==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Kaela. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Clarion Call of Ivory and Dust]]</td><td>[[Kaela]]</td><td>Conjures unliving winter troops to greatly enhance the rank of a military unit when fighting in support of an army.</td><td>Winter</td><td>20</td>
</table>
<box><big>'''OOC Note : The Grim Legion</big><br>
It is entirely possible for a PC to join the Grim Legion in play, usually though an audience with the eternal. The PC must still be alive when they reach her chamber, and is usually [[Combat#Terminal|terminal]]. A character who is accepted into the Legion feels their infirmity drop away, and is restored to full health but they can ''never'' leave Kaela's realm without her permission. The player may have time for a final farewell to loved ones, but at the end of the audience the character is considered to have died or retired and cannot be played any further.

Requests to speak to specific player characters who have joined the Grim Legion are invariably refused. Joining the Grim Legion exists as a dramatic in-character way for a terminal character to 'die' and once the role-playing is complete, there will be no further chances to play that PC just as there are none when a PC dies by any other means.

Individuals who have joined the Grim Legion are also considered dead by the [[Egregores|egregore]] ability to sense if someone is alive.</box>

==Further Reading==
* [[Seven_locks#Queen_of_Silence|Seven locks]] - 386YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[Have_you_seen_me_lately#Kaela|Have you seen me lately]] - 385YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Impossible_landscapes#Kaela|Impossible landscapes]] - 383YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[We%27ve_been_here_forever#Kaela|We've been here forever]] - 382YE Autumn plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

The Thrice-cursed Court

2026-07-04T16:16:28Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=CourtArt.jpg|title="Bound". Artist Unknown. Part of the House of Leaves collection.|caption=The Thrice-cursed Court are bound together by ties of bitterness and spite.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Winter==
===Sobriquets===
Most commonly, the Court are called "''The Three''" or sometimes "''The Bound''."

Individually, the three known members of the Thrice-cursed Court are [[#Tharim|Tharim]], [[#Skathe|Skathe]] and [[#Surut|Surut]].

In the [[Sumaah Republic]], they are called the ''Satrapy of Woe'', along with [[Agramant|Traitor]].

==Appearance==
The Thrice-cursed court are rarely encountered individually - when they are found alone it is usually because they are conspiring in some way against the other two.

Servitors of the Thrice-cursed Court are often tormented and tortured, flesh mortified or scarred, and are usually in constant pain. Even their favoured courtiers are broken or twisted in some fashion, either in body or mind.

==Concerns==
As a whole, the Thrice-cursed Court strongly exemplify the ideas that power comes at a price, and that spite and malice can be dangerous forces. They deal in curses more than any other eternal, crafting specific curses for angry sorcerers and helping petitioners to lay curses over those they hate.

More than many other eternals, the Thrice-cursed consider themselves bound by their word. While they may seek to frame agreements in such a way as to place the other party at a disadvantage, once the agreement is struck they stick to the word and the spirit. Woe betide someone who does not keep to their side of the agreement - the Thrice-cursed view treachery as an unforgivable act that can only be repaid by a lifetime of suffering and torture.

The Thrice-cursed generally hate beauty and purity. They are suspicious of anyone who appears to have no personal agenda, and expect everyone to be as conniving, ruthless and ambitious as they are. They are known to actively oppose unselfish, altruistic people and groups, instead preferring that everyone looks after themselves and the people who 'belong' to them.

According to stories, the Thrice-cursed Court are themselves accursed. Each labours under a powerful malediction that twists their body and mind. Scholars agree that the Court wish to share their curses with others. It is believed that if enough people simultaneously share the curse of one of the Thrice-cursed then that eternal is freed from the curse and restored to their 'true power' - whatever that might be. The Thrice-cursed themselves have often claimed to have once been Summer eternals until they ran afoul of a dark curse. Some scholars say this is impossible, and warn that unlike many other eternals the Thrice-cursed Court ''lie'' about their history and their motivations.

There are also stories that [[Sorin]] was once part of the Thrice-cursed Court. According to these rumours, Sorin was cursed with an insatiable hunger but managed to escape the curse, and the Court, by passing his curse onto the [[draughir]] [[lineage]]. Modern scholars point out that this is actually nothing more than anti-draughir propaganda, and makes no sense. Sorin himself refuses to comment on it, and the Thrice-cursed Court give inconsistent replies when questioned about it.

Nobody really agrees on who cursed the Thrice-cursed Court. They have appeared in their current forms since they were first encountered by the [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Earl#Enchanter|enchanter]] Mellisande de Cullwich a century before the formation of the Empire. There is some evidence that they have been known in other parts of the world much longer than this, especially in the [[Sarcophan Delves]].

==Boons==
The Thrice-cursed Court are experts at the creation of curses and magically binding oaths. They can place such themselves, or empower those who wish to do so. Oaths bound by the Thrice-cursed Court usually bring down awful retribution on those who break them.

They can also offer power, especially magical power, to those who bargain with them. The price for more powerful boons is often that the bargainer take on a fraction of one of the Thrice-cursed's maledictions. So someone who bargains with [[#Tharim|Tharim]] may find it difficult to move quickly or with surety; someone who bargains with [[#Surut|Surut]] is likely to experience constant pain and burning wounds, while someone who bargains with [[#Skathe|Skathe]] may find themselves becoming twisted, hateful and ugly in the eyes of others.

They are said to be able to destroy anything that is brought before them, and to be able to kill anything that has ever been alive. Between the cruel intellect of [[#Tharim|Tharim]], the malicious knowledge of [[#Skathe|Skathe]] and the irresistible strength of [[#Surut|Surut]] it is said that nothing can resist their efforts to bring it to its ending. They are known to take great pleasure in destroying beautiful or precious things, and one of the few boons they will offer for free is the absolute destruction of something irreplaceable. Their most well-known ritual [[Tribute to the Thrice-Cursed Court]] provides them with [[magic items]] that they apparently take great pleasure in destroying, providing those who do so with [[Vis#Heart's Blood|Heart's Blood]]. As detailed in the '''[[In_the_ground#Stones_in_the_Soil|In the ground]]''' wind of fortune, one or other of the Court might tweak the effects of the ritual to allow other things to be sent to them, or to provide different rewards. The ''Blade of Petition'' or the ''Bitter Salt'' mentioned in that wind are examples of the kinds of material benefits the Court can provide to those who deal with them.

Each of the three has their own boons, as well as providing power to boons offered by the Court as a whole. For example Tharim has offered the support of his "Bleak Knights" to Imperial armies on many occasions; Surut has helped destroy [[vallorn]] creatures; Skathe has offered numerous magical [[curse|curses]] for Imperial magicians to deploy. In each case, these boons came with an equally significant price - Tharim sated his unending hunger of the plants of the Brass Coast; Surut destroyed the woodlands and the [[regio]] of [[Realms#Spring|Spring]] alongside the vallornspawn; the magical rites offered by Skathe often come with unpalatable downsides for those who perform them or for the people they target.

The Court are considered relatively easy to manipulate, as long as one is cautious of their fractured personalities. They are known to be especially jealous of other Winter eternals, and seem to take great glee in thwarting them and rewarding those who steal from or confound their eternal peers.
{{CaptionedImage|file=ThriceCursed.jpg|caption=The court are tied together by bonds of hate and jealousy.|align=right|width=400}}

==Tharim==
'''The Bound King''', ''Stoneheart''<br>
'''Appearance''': The Bound King is a pale, corpse-like humanoid with inhuman features wearing fine blue robes and a tarnished silver crown. Tharim is usually seated, and is always wrapped in chains. He is immobile - he can speak, and turn his head a little, and can move the fingers of one hand a little, but that is all.

'''Concerns''': Like all the Thrice-cursed, Tharim is believed to desire freedom from his curse. He is described as being arrogant beyond belief, and utterly cold-blooded. He can demand unspeakable acts with icy detachment, and even his fury is cold and measured. According to some scholars, Tharim's true curse is that he has no empathy for other creatures - it is his heart that is bound, not his body.

While he is immobile he is not without power. He can speak words of such cold clarity that they drive those who hear them to their knees, as well as paralyse or cause unspeakable agony. While he cannot move personally he is said to be able to travel magically between thrones in many places, solely through the effort of his cold will.

Tharim makes little effort to disguise the contempt he feels for the other member of the Thrice-cursed Court.

'''Boons:''' In addition to the boons offered by the Court as a whole, Tharim can offer physical [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]] and [[Combat skills#Fortitude|fortitude]] to bargainers, but as with the ritual [[Pallid Flesh of the Dead King]], such physical strength usually comes with additional weakness. The Bound King is also said to be an expert in binding and constraining supernatural creatures such as [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns|sovereigns]].

==Skathe==
'''The Hag Queen'''<br>
'''Appearance''': The Hag Queen is a monstrous, corpse-like humanoid with inhuman features. She wears tattered finery and wields a sceptre-like rod. She is very ugly indeed, and the nature of her curse means that her appearance changes constantly. Even more than her outer appearance, she is spiritually ugly - she is malicious, hateful, spiteful, envious and unnecessarily cruel.
<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Skathe">Oh, look at you with all your ''compassion'' - but it couldn't save the people you love, could it?</quote></div>
'''Concerns:''' Like all the Thrice-cursed, Skathe is believed to desire freedom from her curse. She is described as manipulative, deceptive and wicked, and more than any of the others she despises beauty and purity. She cannot resist malicious behaviour, and sometimes undermines her own plans with her drive to exact petty revenge on those she dislikes. According to some scholars, Skathe's true curse is that her outer form reflects her soul - that were she able abandon her malice and spite she would be revealed as a great beauty.

Skathe carefully conceals the contempt she feels for the other members of the Thrice-cursed Court, and often plays [[#Tharim|Tharim]] and [[#Surut|Surut]] against one another.

'''Boons:''' In addition to the boons offered by the Court as a whole, Skathe offers enchanted items as gifts. These gifts almost always involve a double-edged curse of some sort - for example she once gifted a [[The League|League]] magician with a mirror that helped him to spy on his rivals but which slowly drove him mad by encouraging him to dwell on the inevitable advance of old age and death.

Skathe is also the magician of the Court, and knows horrible rituals and dark spells that delve into the darkest parts of the Winter realm. She is known to be extremely jealous of [[Wise Rangara]] and often demands that a petitioner steal something from that eternal before she will offer her own magical assistance.
<div style="float: right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; margin-left: 10px;"><box>'''Three Eternals or One?'''<br>
Whether the Thrice-cursed Court are one eternal or three is unclear. Current Imperial law treats them differently - but that doesn't imply anything magically - and it has been interpreted differently in the past. The [[declaration]] of [[Alignment]] seems to work on them differently - which implies they are different eternals.

They're often spoken of together, talked about together. And [[Tribute to the Thrice-Cursed Court]] draws on all three of them - which implies they are one eternal. ''"The court are tied together by bonds of hate and jealousy."'' Such bonds are very powerful in the Winter realm.
</box></div>

==Surut==
'''The Charred Prince''', ''The Ashen Knight'', ''The Burnt Steward''<br>
'''Appearance:''' Surut is a warrior in heavy armour, usually with a two-handed sword or axe. He is hideously scarred, burnt from head to foot. Sections of his skin are missing, and he appears to be in constant pain. As with Skathe his appearance shifts over time, as new injuries appear. Likewise his armour varies from encounter to encounter - most often in recent times he appears as a [[The Marches|Marcher]] [[steward]].

'''Concerns:''' Like all the Thrice-cursed, Surut is believed to desire freedom from his curse. He is described as consumed with anger, hateful of those with whole bodies and souls, and bloodthirsty in the extreme. He is likely to suggest frontal-assaults against anything that gets in his way, and encourages both warriors and politicians alike to be utterly ruthless in pursuit of their goals.

Despite generally being given a lower station that [[#Tharim|Tharim]] or [[#Skathe|Skathe]], Surut seems to hold equal rank within the Court while at the same time choosing to act as their strong arm and enforcer. The Charred Prince seems the most conflicted of the Court, sometimes descending into maudlin self-pity. It is in such moods that he is at his most dangerous - while he may agree to deals he might otherwise dismiss, his mood may shift to bloodthirsty slaughter at a moment's notice.

'''Boons:''' In addition to the boons offered by the Court as a whole, Surut can offer martial prowess and sometimes loans one of his enchanted weapons or suits of armour to a bargainer. He is also known to possess a box into which he can seal another person's empathy and conscience for a time, which he tends to view as a boon rather than the horrible curse it generally proves to be.

According to some scholars, Surut can wield or offer deadly powers of unleashed destruction against fortifications and even enemy armies but rarely chooses to do so. On at least one occasion, stories tell of Surut providing aid to the [[Varushka_magical_traditions#Cabalists|cabalists]] of a beleaguered vale; they gained the power to burn undead husks to ashes with their staves, but at the cost of permanent burning wounds.
==Rituals that deal with the Thrice-cursed Court==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with the Thrice-cursed Court - either individually or as a whole. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Tribute to the Thrice-Cursed Court]]</td><td>[[The_Thrice-cursed_Court|The Thrice-cursed Court]]</td><td>Trades crafted items for Winter mana</td><td>Winter</td><td>4</td>
<tr><td>[[Petrifying Command of the Tyrant]]</td><td>[[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Tharim|Tharim]]</td><td>Grants a magician the ability to cast Paralysis twice per day as if they knew it without spending mana.</td><td>Winter</td><td>10</td>
<tr><td>[[Pallid Flesh of the Dead King]]</td><td>[[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Tharim|Tharim]]</td><td>Grants three ranks of endurance for a season at the cost of persistent venom.</td><td>Winter</td><td>13</td>
</table>
{{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}}
==Further Reading==
* [[Ourselves_and_immortality#And_Eternity|Ourselves and immortality]] - 387YE Winter plenipotentiary response from the entire Court
* [[In_the_ground#Stones_in_the_Soil|In the ground]] - 387YE Winter wind of fortune detailing boons offered to the [[the Marches|Marcher]] [[landskeeper|landskeepers]] by Tharim
* [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_King_on_the_Throne_of_Chains|Can you hear me?]] - 387YE Summer Tharim plenipotentiary response
* [[Speak_to_me#Pale_Empress|Speak to me]] - 387YE Spring Skathe plenipotentiary response
* [[Begins_where_it_ends#Surut|Begins where it ends]] - 385YE Winter Surut plenipotentiary response
* [[Back_in_town#Tharim|Back in town]] - 385YE Autumn Tharim plenipotentiary response
* [[Begin_to_speak#Tharim|Begin to speak]] - 384YE Summer Tharim plenipotentiary response
* [[A_pleasing_and_deceptive_face#Surut|A pleasing and deceptive face]] - 383YE Autumn Surut plenipotentiary response
* [[Between_the_lines_of_ages#Skathe|Between the lines of ages]] - 383YE Summer Skathe plenipotentiary response
* [[Bury_the_hatchet#Skathe|Bury the hatchet]] - 382YE Summer Skathe plenipotentiary response
* [[What_did_the_deep_say%3F#Tharim|What did the deep say?]] - 381YE Winter Tharim plenipotentiary response
* [[Under_the_red_sky#Tharim|Under the red sky]] - 381YE Summer Tharim plenipotentiary response
* [[Immortal_hand#Tharim|Immortal hand]] - 381YE Spring Tharim plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Agramant

2026-07-04T16:15:30Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=Agramant.jpg|caption=Agramant encourages atrocious acts in the name of survival.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Winter==
===Sobriquets===
Agramant - or sometimes ''the'' Agramant - goes by a number of names. It is usually identified as male, and is commonly called ''The Howler'' or ''The Hunter in the Wastes''. He's also known as ''Wendigo'' in some places.

Agramant is also known as the ''Devourer of the Fallen'', and ''The Voice of the Pines''. In [[Wintermark]] the [[Suaq]] call him ''Blood-on-the-Snow'' and the [[Kallavesi]] call him ''The Dream of Famine''. In some old [[Varushka|Varushkan]] tales he is referred to as ''The Whisperer'' or ''The Wastewalker''; these stories focus on the belief that he tries to encourage the hungry and the lost to atrocious acts in the name of survival, or how he lures the greedy to acts of self-debasement and madness until they finally snap and become literal or figurative monsters.

In [[Highguard]] the [[Magister|magisters]] call him ''The Abominable One'' and many count him the worst of the [[eternal|eternals]]. In [[The Brass Coast]] and parts of [[Dawn]] he is sometimes called ''The Horned Manticore'', and there are several stories that suggest the [[Legendary beasts#Sphinxes and Manticores|beasts of the same name]] are his children. In [[The Marches]] he is often mentioned as ''The Harvester of Graves'' or more colloquially ''Old Bloody Teeth'', while the lower classes in [[the League]] sometimes call him ''Scrandaddy'' and only partly in jest. The superstitious spit when they mention him by any of his epithets - there are old stories that suggest that food eaten or drink drunk will cause a stomach upset while you still have the same saliva in your mouth that spoke his name.

The [[Sumaah Republic]] simply call him ''Traitor'', but think him part of [[The Thrice-cursed Court|Satrapy of Woe]].

==Appearance==
Agramant is sometimes depicted as a massive, hairy monster with razor-sharp claws and wide, staring eyes. He is usually shown possessing a massive mouth of shark-like teeth, and is generally pale in colour and spattered with blood. In some cases he appears as a brutish and thuggish [[Orc|orc]] wielding a club made from the legbone of a great beast.

[[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazers|Stargazers]], [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Earl|enchanters]] and [[Wintermark magical traditions#Icewalkers|icewalkers]] who have experience of dealing with Agramant claim that his most common form is that of a sturdy [[draughir]]-like being wrapped in flayed hides, usually those of a bear or stag, still dripping with blood and gore. He often wears the head of a great beast as a helmet, or crown. They say that his razor-sharp teeth and tearing-claws are quite real, however.

Agramant is almost always encountered alone.

Agramant has claimed numerous times to be the source of the [[draughir]] although there is absolutely no evidence of this claim. Those dealing with Agramant would do well to remember that he ''lies'' and he lies ''often''.
{{CaptionedImage|file=AgramantArt.jpg|title="Voice of the Pines". Artist Unknown. An enigmatic part of the House of Leaves collection.|caption=Agramant recruits bloodthirsty cults from among the desperate and the wicked.|align=right|width=400}}

==Concerns==
Agramant teaches that ultimately everyone is alone. That survival is all that matters - another breath is the only truly precious thing in creation. His twisted philosophy appears to include ideas such as the expendability of all those who are weak, and the need for the strong to prey on and devour the weak. He expresses the idea that only those with the will to power are truly aware of their place in the cosmos, and that those bound by rules, laws and the expectations of society or concern for others are little more than sheep, who deserve to be slaughtered by those with superior souls.

This eternal, like [[Sorin]], is associated with hunger, but for Agramant it is the hunger that leads to unnatural acts of murder and cannibalism. He is the only Winter eternal who seems to actively approve of wanton acts and the consumption of the flesh of other thinking creatures for its own sake, rather than as a desperate act brought on by circumstance. He is known to use heralds and gifts to actively encourage cults and bands of murderers to perform cannibalistic feasts in his name, and in the name of proving their own superiority over the herd.

Agramant has been considered an [[Alignment#Enmity|enemy]] of the Empire by the Conclave for most of its existence. Occasionally, the enmity is relaxed and then a short time later inevitably reinstated as evidence is uncovered of the eternals involvement in some form of unacceptable threat to, or corruption of, Imperial citizens. At the time of [[Empress Britta|Britta]]'s death, Agramant was the only eternal considered to be an enemy of the Empire, due to an [[Alignment#Enmity|Declaration of Enmity]] in 306YE following exposure of his involvement in no less than three cannibalistic cults dedicated to blasphemy, idolatry, and heresy. The declaration was brought by the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[Varushka_magical_traditions#Volhov|volhov]] Beloslava Velkovitch.

The [[Agramant's Bargain]] is a magical staff. The term also means a bargain where both parties are weakened or harmed, but one of the parties is capable of enduring or mastering the pain or debilitation to the detriment of the other party.

Some thoughtful scholars suggest that Agramant is not entirely what he appears to be. There is wisdom in him, they claim. All he does is point out to his followers that they ''could'' do unspeakable things - he never coerces them. He encourages them to become monsters, but they could just as easily choose to ignore his inducements. Agramant, they say, drives his cults until they self-destruct, demonstrating the foolishness of his professed philosophy and reminding others that there are monsters in their midst who look ''just like they do''. Agramant himself laughs at this, apparently, and changes the subject.

In Winter 385YE, the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]] shared some of their understanding of Agramant and his followers which talked in some detail about the [[Hear_your_footsteps#On_The_Cults_of_Agramant|cults of Agramant]] in the Empire.

==Boons==
Agramant offers strength to those who undertake his ''Unspeakable Feast'' - usually a ritual involving the consumption of the fresh meat of a thinking being such as a human or [[Orc|orc]]. He is also believed to be especially keen to encourage the [[draughir]] to embrace their facility to gain sustenance from rotten flesh. He may provide powers associated with physical weakness, most often through the evocation of his terrible howl - the same howl that can send mortals stumbling away in terror.

He is also said to be a consummate hunter; that he can hunt not only in the Winter realm, but can somehow hunt in the dreams of others, finding anyone who has ever known hunger or desperation. Agramant can deliver or empower many curses, and by hunting in the dreams of an enemy he can drive them slowly insane, twisting them until they turn against their neighbours attacking and slaughtering without warning; such unfortunates often believe that they have transformed into bloodthirsty beasts, free of the constraints their human scruples place on them.

He rarely uses his powers or grants them as boons unless he receives some sort of tribute in return - usually a savage murder or act of cannibalism.

==Rituals that deal with Agramant==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Agramant. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Treacher's Quill]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup></td><td>[[Agramant]]</td><td>Sends a message to the eternal Agramant</td><td>Winter</td><td>2</td>
<tr><td>[[Mark of Agramant]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup></td><td>[[Agramant]]</td><td>Places an enduring magical mark on a target that can only be detected with detect magic</td><td>Winter</td><td>4</td>
<tr><td>[[The Crimson Feast]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup></td><td>[[Agramant]]</td><td>Target gains three ranks of endurance for a season.</td><td>Winter</td><td>15</td>
<tr><td>[[Unleash the Beasts Within]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup></td><td>[[Agramant]]</td><td>Grants an additional three ranks to a military unit that takes a campaigning action.</td><td>Winter</td><td>16</td>
<tr><td>[[Thirst of the Devourer]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup></td><td>[[Agramant]]</td><td>Grants a target the ability to heal themselves when they successfully deliver an IMPALE</td><td>Winter</td><td>24</td>
<tr><td>[[Loosen the Shackles]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup></td><td>[[Agramant]]</td><td>Summons the power of Agramant to enchant a campaign army, granting murderous hunger.</td><td>Winter</td><td>120</td>
</table>

==Childer of the Black Drop==
In 344YE or thereabouts, a cabal of magicians from [[the League]] calling themselves the ''Childer of the Black Drop'', apparently inspired by the (possibly fictional) character ''Esconius of Highguard'' set out to learn everything they could about the hateful [[eternal]] [[Agramant]].They committed themselves to collecting every scrap of lore they could find about the eternal, apparently hoping to find some kind of weakness that could be exploited to protect the Empire completely from his depredations. At first, they were involved in numerous attempts to stamp out groups that drew on the boons of Agramant. For example. a recent investigation by the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]] brought to light their [[Hear_your_footsteps#The_Silent_Bell_and_a_Silent_Bell|potential involvement]] in destroying the ''Circle of the Stones'', a [[coven]] of [[the Marches|Marcher]] magicians who were allegedly agents of Agramant.

According to dusty records, all thirteen members of the cabal were - perhaps inevitably - declared [[Sorcery|sorcerers]] by the Imperial Conclave in Summer 354YE. In pursuit of their quest they had apparently used magic in very unwise ways - mastering rituals that drew on the power of ''Blood-on-the-Snow'' to "better understand his dark temptations". They were unrepentant, and eight of their members were killed in the resulting fracas including ''Paulus Magen di Sarvos'' and ''Davina Inquilina di Tassato Regario''. Five of them - ''Johann Perivale von Sarvos'', ''Wilhelm Ecaso di Temeschwar'', ''Padik Tarvin of Tassato Mestra'', ''Tomazi duPain de Holberg'', and ''Jodeya Watiker di Tassato Mestra'' - were unaccounted for. They were assumed to have fled the Empire.

In Summer 384YE, the bodies of four of them were [[Out_of_the_realm#Through_the_Black_Gate|unexpectedly discovered]] in a cottage in the [[Temeschwar#Vardstein_Vale|Vardstein Vale]] by scouts exploring the area around [[Delver_of_the_Depths#Lorenzo.27s_Deep_Pockets|Lorenzo's Deep Pockets]]. They had been dead for at least a month, perhaps longer, and as near as could be ascertained Johann had been poisoned with the [[The_Assassin%27s_Gate#The_Crimson_Gate|Crimson Gate]]. Tomazi duPain had fallen out of a window, and hanged by his own splendid cloak. Padik Tarvin was discovered with five vicious daggers embedded in his back, but with no sign of a struggle. Wilhelm was found at the dinner table, a half-full glass of Dawnish wine still in one hand, with no sign of how he died - his body transformed to stone through use of [[Mark the Flesh Incorruptible]], concealing the cause of death. There were place settings for five, but only four bodies. A mystery that has baffled the magistrates. Even more mysterious is the presence in the cottage of a large trunk, inlaid with weltsilver runes of [[Aesh]], [[Sular]], and [[Ophis]]. The trunk itself was empty. Of Jodeya Watiker di Tassato Mestra there was no sign; nor was there any sign of the Childer of the Black Drop's library (assuming it still existed).

Three days before the Autumn Equinox, a ritual [[A_yellow_star_hung#A_Gift_of_Lore|suddenly appeared]] in [[Urizen magical traditions#Urizen lore|Urizen lore]]. [[Treacher's Quill]] was apparently part of a grimoire called the ''Ceremonies of the Black Drop Society''. Three months later, a further five rituals from that book - [[The Crimson Feast]], [[Loosen the Shackles]], [[Mark of Agramant]], [[Thirst of the Devourer]], and [[Unleash the Beasts Within]] - also entered Urizen lore.

Apparently the attendants of the [[Phaleron|Great Library]] are deeply uncomfortable with these rituals and their presence among Urizen lore, more due to their illegal nature than any sentimental concerns about their origin. They were apparently all submitted at the same time as Treacher's Quill, but Phaleron itself intervened to delay their appearance in lore while it pondered how best to respond. In the end it decided to do the only thing it could: present the rituals to the Urizen as part of their lore as agreed when Urizen lore was created. The Celestial Library does not enjoy causing trouble for its Urizeni allies, but the [[Gift of Knowledge]] is available to every Imperial citizen; it cannot pick and choose who can contribute rituals via the ritual. If it is any consolation, there appear to be no further rituals waiting to enter Urizen lore relating to the Black Drop.

Around the same time that the rituals appeared, news spread that the body of ''Jodeya Watiker di Tassato Mestra'' had been found in a parador in [[Kahraman#Jade Range|the Jade Range]] "The Gecko's Nest". She had been killed during the Autumn Equinox during or immediately after a meeting with three strangers - none of them Freeborn. The night barman was present for part of the meeting but did not hear what was discussed; Jodeya dismissed him and when he returned half an hour later she was dead. He reports that the visitors were a mixed assortment - a Marcher, a Navarr, and an Urizeni, although the barman believes the Marcher left before he did. It seems the killers came via the [[Sentinel Gate]] from Anvil and left the same way. The death was reported to the magistrates at Anvil who dealt with it accordingly.

It was hoped that with the death of Jodeya, that would be the last anyone will hear of the Childer of the Black Drop; and that no more baleful rituals from their grimoire will appear to trouble the Empire. Unfortunately, a Spring 386YE [[judgement]] in the Vigilance Assembly by '''Prince Bishop Jonah Yakovitch''' has [[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_90|raised concerns]] that one of the members presumed dead - ''Davina Inquilina di Tassato Regario'' - may have in fact survived the initial purge and remains a threat to the League, and the Empire.

==Further Reading==
* [[The life of Penni the White]] - Discussion of one of the more famous historical individuals known to have made deals with Agramant.
* [[Famine_and_feast#Founder_of_the_Feast|Famine and feast]] - 386YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Hear your footsteps]] - 385YE Winter detailing the followers of Agramant
<quote by="''Beware the Agramant'', Valshok Juerdann">Beware the Agramant, my child, <br>
When the moon is fat and the sky is clear;<br>
<br>
Beware his grinning maw and gentle voice, <br>
His joysome tales of warm, red meats.<br>
<br>
Beware the Agramant, my child, <br>
When the wind is cold and home not near;<br>
<br>
Beware his grasping claw and whisper'd choice'<br>
His gleesome talk of soft, dark treats.<br>
<br>
Beware the Agramant, my child<br>
When the moon is fat and the sky is clear.<br></quote>

[[Category:Eternals]]

Sorin

2026-07-04T16:12:21Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=Sorin.jpg|caption=Sorin is the ruler of a bleak sand-choked wasteland called the "Silent Kingdom".|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Winter==
===Sobriquets===
Most commonly, Sorin is called the ''Hungry Wolf''.

He is also known as the ''Tomb King'', the ''Empty One'' and sometimes as ''Devourer-of-Hope''. Among the [[Wintermark magical traditions#Icewalkers|Icewalkers]] of [[Wintermark]] he is called ''the Hunger-Crow''.

He is occasionally called ''Father of Draughir'' or ''Master of Whelps'' although these names have more to do with his association with cruel strength and mastery over suffering than with any biological connection to the Draughir.

In the [[Sumaah Republic]], he is the ''Bone Dragon'', a great skeletal drake lurking on the edge of civilisation to devour the unwary.

==Appearance==
This Winter eternal appears as a deathly pale, emaciated man dressed in tattered funereal finery, often with a furred mantle and often in the [[Highguard|Highborn]] style. He usually wears a crown of fingerbones, or carries a rod made from bones wired together with [[Materials#Weltsilver|weltsilver]] and tipped with [[materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]] - the trappings of a heathen king. These trappings are reflected in his demeanour - he expects to be treated as if he were a royal sovereign and has little patience for familiarity or disrespect.

He inhabits a sand-choked wasteland, sometimes called the ''Silent Kingdom''. He rules this empty demesne from a palace of black basalt and polished bone that stands at the heart of a nameless necropolis city. His realm is scattered with tombs, mausoleums, burial mounds, and memorial stones from all known nations of the world, and many more beside.

==Concerns==
Sorin is an eternal of hunger and thirst. He represents physical lack of sustenance, but is much more interested in the way that privation and suffering build strength. He is cruel, but not needlessly so - he does not encourage others to be cruel for the sake of it, but to allow them to survive and gain strength. If he were asked, he would say that he is cruel, because the world is cruel.

He is fascinated by terrible choices and no-win situations. Deep moral and ethical dilemmas, and their resolution, are as interesting to him as more straightforward challenges. He constantly asks whether the ends justify the means, probing those he deals with to expose any hypocrisy. He never judges, however; he simply forces people to confront their own failings and weakness whenever he can. Sorin is not above manufacturing situations where individuals or groups will be forced to make difficult decisions. He is sometimes seen as a dark mirror of the Summer eternal [[Barien]], an idea that he finds amusing (up to a point).

The Wolf of Winter has no patience for opinions or beliefs. He deals in hard facts as gathered through actual situations. One of the most dangerous things for a mortal to do when dealing with Sorin is to put forward a belief about themselves that has not been tested - the Tomb King sometimes sees it as an open invitation to create a situation where their belief will be tested, almost invariably with terrible, tragic results. "''People believe that they can withstand adversity, but until they are confronted with it, belief is all it is. Until you are tested, you cannot know for sure that the morality you profess is true, only that you believe it to be true. Belief blinds more people than it enlightens; it binds more people than it liberates.''"

The Tomb King is known to favour [[draughir]] more even than is natural for a Winter eternal. He seems to view them as his children, and has at times been described as being indulgent or paternal towards them. He can even offer a [[#boons|boon]] that will transform a human into a draughir, or strengthen the [[lineage]] of one who already possesses it.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Sorin1.JPG |title=Devourer-of-Hope|align=right|width=267|height=360}}
He is known to have an intense dislike of [[the Thrice-cursed Court]] - some stories claim that at one point he was part of their court but that he managed in some way to free himself from his curse of eternal hunger and thirst by "sharing" it with the world. Sorin refuses to comment on this story, and becomes angry if pressed.

He is strongly associated with the rune [[Naeve]] and, paradoxically, occasionally with [[Verys]], the Rune of Strength.

==Boons==
The Hungry Wolf fosters and encourages strength, but only the strength that comes from abandoning weakness. He encourages the ambitious to embrace expediency in pursuit of their goals. Sometimes the price he demands is straightforward (he is known to have a taste for [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]] as well as for relics of the honoured dead). Often, it is a pact, oath, or agreement to engage in or refrain from a certain behaviour - one boon he has offered several times is a boon of martial might that comes at the expense of the ability to create bonds with other people.

Sorin can provide boons that help people endure privation - whether that privation comes in the form of wounds, or the slow suffering of hunger, sickness, or thirst. One of these boons takes the form of a draught of wine that will [[Lineage#Gaining_lineage_in_play|transform an unlineaged human]] into a [[draughir]] over the course of a single night - or strengthen the lineage of one who already possesses it.

He can also offer some metaphysical boons - Sorin is said to be able to remove the pain of grief from an individual with a touch, for example, as well as the memory of a loved one.
{{CaptionedImage|file=SorinArt.jpg|title="Crown of Bone." Artist Unknown. Part of the "House of Leaves" collection.|caption=Sorin wears a ''Crown of Bone'' and rules a city of tombs.|align=right|width=300}}
Wintermark scholars point out that the rune Naeve, which has strong associations with Sorin, represents more than physical hunger. It also represents the hunger for power - ambition. Many magicians who seek an audience with Sorin do so in the pursuit of boons that will increase their power (such as that granted through the ritual [[Sorin's Rite of Agony]]). Some seek his assistance in gaining temporal power, but they must be prepared to endure an inquisition at Sorin's hands if they want his aid in such matters, and they should be prepared to answer truthfully.

Finally, Sorin has a strong resonance with ideas of kingship. He seems more keen than most eternals to help establish [[regio]] in the mortal world. He can lay terrible curses on those who attract his displeasure. He can send powerful malign spirits to the mortal world to form potent animated horrors (often using his [[#Hounds of Sorin|hounds]] for this purpose). He has been known to provide additional might to rituals such as [[Quickening Cold Meat]], as well as to offer members of his [[#The Tomb Guard|tomb guard]] to fight alongside mortal warriors.

Unlike some eternals of Winter ([[the Thrice-cursed Court]] for example), Sorin appears to deal "fairly" with mortals. If he offers a gift, he will make the consequences of accepting that gift apparent - there is never a hidden curse when dealing with Sorin. This is not to say that his gifts are without price; quite the contrary. His belief that strength comes from suffering means that his boons are invariably two-edged swords. Much of the challenge of dealing with Sorin lies in deciding if the price he asks is worth the benefit he offers.

Also, boons of Sorin have been known to backfire with tragic consequences; he is utterly merciless and uncompromising in pursuit of payment for a boon. The story of the [[the Marches|Marcher]] [[steward]] who received Sorin's aid to defeat a monstrous [[Legendary_beasts#Dragons.2C_Wyverns_and_Wyrms|wyvern]] that was terrorising her [[Yeomen of the Marches|yeomen]] agreed to offer a blood sacrifice to the eternal of "the first living being to touch you after your victory." In the end, despite preparations, the first living thing to touch the steward was her own daughter. When the steward refused to honour the pact, Sorin granted malign life to the skeleton of the wyvern, creating a monster much worse than it had been in life. The beast rampaged across the steward's land and that of her neighbours until she was forced to fulfil her agreement with Sorin.

Wise bargainers pay in advance when dealing with Sorin.

<ic>"You cannot eat hope, nor drink it, nor shelter in it from the gaze of the noonday sun, nor warm yourself with it when the night is dark and the snow falls. You cannot strangle a murderer with pride, nor free yourself from shackles of despair with love, nor defend your walls with mercy, nor find your way across the wasteland with compassion."</ic>

==Rituals that deal with Sorin==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Sorin. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sorin's Chastising Touch]]</td><td>[[Sorin]]</td><td> Grants a magician the ability to repeatedly call CLEAVE with a rod.</td><td>Winter</td><td>14</td>
<tr><td>[[Sorin's Rite of Agony]]</td><td>[[Sorin]]</td><td>Grants 1 rank of winter lore for a season, and additional prowess with curses, at the cost of an unhealing wound</td><td>Winter</td><td>20</td>
<tr><td>[[The Basalt Citadel]]</td><td>[[Sorin]]</td><td>Creates a temporary supernatural fortification in ruined region in a territory</td><td>Winter</td><td>100</td>
</table>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Herald_of_Sorin.jpg|title=Note the dark Axos-style robe and the bone mask. Even the diplomatic heralds of Sorin adopt a sepulchral appearance, in service to their King.|caption=A dour herald of Sorin about their master's business on the field at [[Casinea#Anvil|Anvil]].|align=right|width=600}}

==Heralds of Sorin==
The heralds of Sorin usually appear as either very high lineage draughir, or animated corpses or skeletons. They are usually clad as courtiers or knights, and reside in his gloomy sepulchral city. According to some magicians, Sorin seeks the mortal remains of particularly famous individuals and binds Winter spirits into them to create many of his more powerful heralds - while they may have the countenance of a dead champion, however, they have none of their memories. Unlike [[Kaela]], Sorin does not usually welcome living beings as heralds (despite their cadaverous appearance, [[insight]] shows that heralds of Sorin are creatures of the realms, not unliving creatures or spirits).

==The Tomb Guard==
In plazas and parade grounds across his dark realm stand motionless legions of skeletal or mummified soldiers. They often bear tattered, faded banners and are often accompanied by musicians, scouts, and heralds. Historians claim that some of them are possessed of a grim intellect, but live only to fight at Sorin's command. From time to time he will offer a magician the ability to call on a band of his tomb guard.

==The Hounds of Sorin==
Sorin is said to command a great pack of starving, ghostly wolves that serve as his eyes, ears, and occasionally messengers. Some of the hounds are thus given a humanoid form, with a variety of wolf- or dog-like characteristics, and sent out as agents. Sometimes, Sorin will bind one of these ghostly canines to a skeleton or corpse to create a monster. He can also infuse a living being with the essence of one (or more) of his hounds to grant them great physical prowess at the cost of unholy hungers. A few people who have gained Sorin's ire have spoken of being hunted by invisible hounds that invade their dreams, and there are several stories of such people vanishing without a trace one cold winter's night.

==Further Reading==
* [[Secret_meeting#Empty_Throne|Secret meeting]] - 386YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Sorin|I knew you were trouble]] - 384YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Who_benefits%3F#Sorin|Who benefits?]] - 383YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Hunter_of_stars#Sorin|Hunter of stars]] - 382YE Spring plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Wise Rangara

2026-07-04T16:10:37Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=WiseRangara.jpg|caption=Wise Rangara is outwardly the least malign of the Winter eternals.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Winter==
===Sobriquets===
Most commonly, Rangara is called "''The Wise''."

She is also known as ''The Ancient One'', ''Eldest'' or ''Grandmother Winter'' and ''Kind Rangara'', all epithets intended to flatter her and show the respect she considers so important. Some [[Kallavesi]] use the name ''Pale Raven'' when speaking of her, while the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[Varushka religious beliefs|wise ones]] use the old Ushka name ''Clever Spider''. Regardless of the name used, Rangara herself demands respect and finds flattery entertaining - the more florid the greetings she is given, the more amused she becomes.

In the [[Sumaah Republic]], she is known as ''White Eye Serpent'', and is tolerated for the lessons and lore she offers as she encourages people to understand a situation through their own efforts.

Outside her hearing she is sometimes called ''the Cruel Lady'', or the ''Crone'', but woe betide someone who refers to her as such within her hearing - such individuals will be ejected from her presence and may well receive a curse for their insolence.

==Appearance==
One of the oldest known eternals, Rangara appears as an extremely old woman with snow-pale skin. She is believed to be blind, although this does not seem to effect her ability to perceive visitors and should never be mistaken for weakness - indeed most scholars agree she has a supernatural ability to penetrate disguises and transformations in those who come before her. She wears a cloak of black feathers, and either a dark cowl or more often a ritual mask made from the bones of a great bird, likewise covered in feathers.

Wise Rangara may be encountered alone, but is often assisted by dark figures that combine elements of birds with humanoid form. Sometimes she is accompanied by a human child, often expressing a strong [[draughir]] [[lineage]] who she refers to as her apprentice.

==Concerns==
The exemplifies the strength that comes from old age and tradition. She possesses great stores of knowledge, and often has a keen insight into difficult situations. She expects respect and politeness from those who meet her, and insolence or disrespect may be answered with expulsion from her presence and sometimes a curse. She prefers the company of older humans, those with hard-won experience gained over a long life. She believes that wisdom is gained by experience, but that it can be passed to other people. She is disdainful of books and schools, however, and expresses the belief that wisdom is only really passed down from one person to another person - anything else is just ''knowledge'', which is not the same.

She has limited patience with the young - she always prefers the company of older folk to younger folk. The exception is her love of children. This appreciation of the young is double-edged; while she often indulges their foolish behaviour, she is also known to send her heralds to lure clever children to her to serve as her apprentice. She controls at least one [[Regio#Portals_and_Chambers|chamber]] containing a cottage in the deep woods where her apprentices stay while serving her. She is known to take an extremely dim view of those who harm or kill the very old or the very young without good reason.

Wise Rangara served as a patroness to the Ushka people, and she maintains a soft spot for their descendants the [[Varushka|Varushkans]]. She is always interested in the doings of the Varushkan people. She also has a long tradition of good relations with the [[Kallavesi]] [[Wintermark magical traditions#Mystics|mystics]], and is usually happy to welcome one to her presence. By contrast she is known to have had conflicts in the past with both [[Suaq]] [[Wintermark magical traditions#Icewalkers|icewalkers]] and [[Urizen]] [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazers|stargazers]] and those who identify themselves as such often receive a chilly reception.

Wise Rangara does not appear to be able to read. While she is blind, her illiteracy seems to have little to do with her lack of sight - she has demonstrated the ability to easily identify colours and fine details by handling objects, for example. On the few occasions that someone has quizzed her about this or offered to help her she has claimed that she is too ''set in her ways'' to learn to read. Her apprentice reads anything presented to her - she has several times said that she finds children to be best suited to read documents as their lack of preconception often allows unexpected insight into the words or their writer.

In [[Wintermark]] she is strongly associated with the rune [[Irremais]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=TreeArt.jpg|title=Part of the "House of Leaves" collection, this is believed to be a painting representing Wise Rangara entitled ''Grandmother Winter'', artist unknown.|caption=Wise Rangara is one of the oldest of the known eternals.|align=right|width=400}}

==Boons==
The most important thing to understand about Rangara is that she never gives anything of value away without exacting an appropriate price. She warns those who bargain with her that nothing of value is ever gained without price. She rarely barters with those she is dealing with; she states a price, and if it is not appropriate she rarely agrees to a counter-offer. The prices she exacts are often painful, and often involve an effort to teach the bargainer a lesson of some sort. If the bargain appears too good to be true, scholars warn, be ''very'' careful as there is likely to be a hidden catch.

The Eldest is a mistress of herbs, and can brew any potion. She can also combine herbs in such a way as to create unique elixirs, salves and infusions beyond the ability of mortal apothecaries. Often these potions require a strange or symbolic element in addition to the normal herbs - the blood of a warrior or a tear from a boyar, for example. She is known to request difficult quests from those who ask her for potions, usually involving gathering a unique ingredient some of which goes into the potion and some of which she takes as payment. According to stories she can brew a draught that renders the one who drinks it immortal - they will continue to age, but they will not die except by violence.

Her cauldron is believed to be an especially potent artefact, and she sometimes lends or gives magical cauldrons to those who gain her favour. These items may duplicate the effects of talismans such as the [[Escharotic Cauldron]], while others have offered benefits to cabals of apothecaries or ritualists as a form of [[Magic_items#Paraphernalia|paraphernalia]]. The ''Sisters of the Silver Goblet'' in [[Dawn]], for example, received a cauldron that allowed their coven to use herbs in their rituals, renewed each year in return for unknown service.

Rangara possesses great stores of both wisdom and knowledge gathered over her long existence. She can often identify objects by handling them, sometimes having special insight into their nature or purpose. Likewise she can examine and understand any [[enchantment]] or [[curse]] simply by examining it, and can often remove supernatural curses especially those that involve nightmares or compulsions.

She has a great interest in dreams, and sometimes trades small trinkets in return for stories of strange dreams, especially those that later prove to be prophetic in some way. She sometimes trades with mortals for the ability to dream their dreams - those who accept find their sleep wracked with terrible nightmares for the duration of the exchange. On occasion Rangara has repaid this boon with knowledge gleaned from these dreams, sometimes even that which has to do with past lives.

Rangara can deliver horrible curses, but she rarely offers this ability to others. Her curses are often tailored to ironically punish their victim, and despite the fact they tend to be less debilitating than ritual curses, are often surprisingly difficult to remove. On rare occasions in the past some winter [[Archmage|archmages]] have brought criminals before her and asked her to judge them. She is known to be a ruthless judge who often interrogates a guilty person to see what ''else'' they are guilty of. The reason behind her judgements is not always obvious -she has been known to pardon criminals who acted for the good of their families while punishing those whose transgressions appeared minor. Needless to say Imperial Magistrates do not consider Rangara to be an Imperial authority - something her allies have occasionally tried to rectify.

Following the relation that Wise Rangara was the "patron" of the [[Quickening Cold Meat]] ritual - that she provided the access to the Winter spirits that ritual calls forth - there has been speculation that she might be able to provide boons relating to its performance. To date, she has shown no inclination to do so.

==Rituals that deal with Wise Rangara==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Wise Rangara. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Quickening Cold Meat]]</td><td>[[Wise Rangara]]</td><td>Summons Winter spirits to create murderous animated corpses that fight alongside and enchanted army for a year.</td><td>Winter</td><td>120</td>
</table>
<ic>"You are a hero of your Empire, not a spoiled child to demand a treat for sweeping the step.

"What you come by too easily, you value too little. If you were to sweat, and bleed, and strive for six months to possess a smooth stone from the beach, just a simple stone, I would say that you would value that little stone more than any amount of silver.

"As to the parents of the little boy... either they will kill you and realise that their son was threatened and learn to protect him better; or you will bring the boy to me and they will learn the lessons that loss teaches. In time they will come to me to bargain for his return, or they will realise they did not truly love him after all and he will abide with me until he is of age.

"Either way, the boy will be safer and his parents will have learnt a lesson."
</ic>

==Rangara's Apprentice==
Rangara has a special interest in children; her ''apprentice'' is always a human child, and rarely of any lineage other than draughir. Children who approach Rangara politely and offer her assistance may be allowed to spend time with her in her realm. Those who do must be exceptionally careful to specify the duration of their apprenticeship - there are stories of unwise children who have failed to do so and end up serving the Cruel Lady for years until a family member is able to bargain with Rangara for their release. A child who spends time with Rangara usually receives a gift from the eternal when they return to the mortal realm. Children who spend time with Rangara are very likely to return marked by the draughir lineage, and in later life often follow the path of the [[Surgical skills#Physick|physician]] or [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]]. The eternal only ever has one apprentice at a time; before she will accept another she must be persuaded to release her current apprentice. There are several stories of families who have rescued foolish children from her by exchanging one child for another, sometimes through trickery sometimes by provided Rangara with an apprentice she considers "superior."
<br><br>
'''Rangara's Apprentice in Play:''' A player-character child may become Rangara's apprentice for a time. This will usually last between a season and a year. In such cases heralds may collect the child at the end of an event, but they will always be delivered safely to their parents by the start of the next event. Between events the player-character child will spend time with Wise Rangara in one of her many homes, and may be asked to achieve goals for the eternal during an event.

Children are only likely to be stolen away for a longer period with appropriate permission.

While an apprentice is ''more likely'' to become a draughir, or an apothecary, there's no requirement for this to be the case.

==Further Reading==
* [[Dream_to_me#Wise_Rangara|Dream to me]] - 386YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Three_and_three#Wise_Rangara|Three and three]] - 385YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Hopeless_as_a_feather#Unknown|Hopeless as a feather]] - 384YE Autumn plenipotentiary response on behalf of the Silent Witness
* [[The_bird_and_the_child#Wise_Rangara|The bird and the child]] - 384YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Nowhere_and_everywhere#Wise_Rangara|Nowhere and everywhere]] - 382YE Winter plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Mazen

2026-07-04T16:05:03Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=MazenArt.jpg|title="Smoke" artist unknown. Like all images related to Mazen, this one is considered suspect in its intent and rumoured to exert an unpalatable influence over anyone who stares at it for too long. The painting itself is said to have been interdicted by the Imperial Conclave.|caption=''Smoke'' seems to reference the (no-doubt fictional) city Mazen is said to have once ruled.|align=left|width=400}}
==Destruction==
The eternal Mazen was apparently [[Inkpot_gods#All_That.27s_Fit_To_Read|destroyed]] in some fashion in the lead-up to the Summer Solstice 385YE. What this means for the Autumn realm is not clear at this time.
==Eternal of Autumn==
===Sobriquets===
Known invariably as the ''Many-Faced'' or ''Mazen of the Many Faces''.

They are also sometimes referred to as the ''Unseen Hand'', and a handful of [[Urizen]] texts cryptically refer to them as the ''Price of Folly'' (there are arguments as to whether this is a mis-print of 'Prince') or occasionally the ''Gull-Catcher''. In the [[The League|League]], Mazen is sometimes called the ''Lord of the Masks'', owing to their physical appearance and the nature of their boons. In [[Highguard]] the most common epithet for Mazen is ''False-face''; in [[Varushka]] and [[Wintermark]] they are more commonly termed ''No-face''; magicians from all three nations tend to be very cautious when dealing with them, but there are several stories of both [[Kallavesi]] and Ushka mystics exploiting Mazen's love of manipulation to gain valuable power in time of need.

In the [[Sumaah Republic]], Mazen is called ''Løgner'' which literally means ''liar'' and contact with them is absolutely proscribed, although they are believed to be a part of the [[Basileia|Satrapy of Lies]]. The [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]] call them ''com duas caras'' or "with two faces", referring both to their multiple features and their manipulative nature. Unlike the Sumaah the Asaveans consider Mazen to be largely harmless; indeed in some places they are viewed as a minor god of trickery and ambition, and offerings are burnt before statues of the creature. The [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarmish]] have a number of names for Mazen, the most prevalent of which is ''Lutkar''. While some magician princes are known to make bargains with Lutkar to gain power, doing so is often seen as an act of foolishness or desperation.

A few old League plays feature Mazen, usually as a gently comic figure who helps both villain and hero at different points in the story. There are persistent rumours that one of the thousands of theatrical masks in the Facio Hall of the Armetto Theatre in [[Sarvos]] is Mazen’s, but if this is true, nobody has found it.

Mazen is often associated with [[Queros]], rune of plots.
<ic>When you know what someone believes, you know who they are, and how to move them.</ic>

==Appearance==
Mazen of the Many Faces is an Autumn eternal of uncertain form. While other Autumn eternals generally appear to be horned humanoids, Mazen usually appears as the 'Lord of the Masks'; an inhuman creature with a head comprising at least four masks or faces, each of which speaks with its own voice, and with a varying number of limbs. In this form they tend to dress garishly, forsaking the understated elegance of [[Callidus]] and the classier denizens of the Labyrinth in favour of displaying their wealth. This form tends to seat themselves on a high throne, so that they speak down to their mortal visitors.

While this is their common form, they have been encountered in a variety of other guises. On occasion they appear as ''the Chorus'' - a collection of their heralds speaking with the same voice; or as ''the Gallery of Masks'' - a room full of framed masks which glow with an eerie light and speak with many voices.

They refer to themselves using plural pronouns, and eschew any particular gender.

There is a great deal of speculation among Imperial magicians as to the nature of Mazen. Their masks are clearly not actual faces; they have been known to remove them to hand out as boons. On occasions, magicians treating with Mazen have reported that upon removing one mask, another was present beneath it, as if the eternal had no true face. Others have pointed to the fact that the many forms Mazen takes are at odds with the traditional appearance of Autumn eternals as horned humanoids - they speculate that ''nobody'' has ever met the real Mazen, assuming it even exists. Rather, they suggest that ''all'' the multifarious shapes Mazen takes are masks, presumably constructed through the cunning artifice of the creature itself or perhaps by the eternal [[Estavus]] given their tendency to include metallic substances. Indeed Daniella Vassa di Sarvos at her trial put forward the supposition that Mazen is in fact a constructed being, perhaps made by Estavus, who freed themselves and now pursues their own agenda - while this seems unlikely it goes some way towards explaining the slightly alien and unpredictable nature of the Many-Masked.
<ic>Just because something isn't a lie does not mean that it isn't deceptive. A liar knows that he is a liar, but one who speaks mere portions of truth in order to deceive is an artificer of outcomes.</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Mazen1.jpg|title=Manipulation is the key to power|align=right|width=600}}
==Concerns==
Mazen appears less interested in advancing their own power than in encouraging others to do pursue their own goals. They generally encourage mortals to use any tool at their disposal to advance their agenda; subtle action; misdirection; conspiracy; naked power grabs; the use of lies, deception and misdirection; accusations against political rivals; blackmail, bribery and threats; using dupes, pawns and patsies; and the manipulation of sentiment, pride and perceived bonds of loyalty or obligation. To Mazen, power over others is an end in itself, and there is no method too unethical or immoral to achieve that end.

Mazen ''claims'' to be interested in what will motivate mortals to put aside their squabbles and work together. They ''claim'' that their shape is a metaphor for a nation or other great body of people: greater than the sum of its parts, yet still formed of every individual therein. In an address before the [[Conclave]] in 286YE their herald [[#Jannam|Jannam]] argued that Mazen could make a powerful ally for those in positions of power, especially a great unifying figure prepared to do their work. In passionate rebuttal Nero of the Dreaming Spires - then [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Celestial Arch]] - reminded everyone that Mazen was an eternal of Autumn; that their words were not to be trusted; and that they had no interest in the glory of empires, but the glory of Empresses. Mazen's petition for [[Amity and enmity|amity]] was defeated by a narrow margin.

Mazen's expression of interest in mortal [[pride]], [[loyalty]] and co-operation is generally seen as a slightly unconvincing veneer over a deep-seated fascination with silver-tongued manipulators who use these sentiments to control others. They enjoy the antics of ruthless politicians, corrupt leaders and vicious warriors alike - as long as they are charismatic or cunning enough to build up a following; but they reserves a special place in their 'heart' for the artist of the long-con. Mazen is always interested in aiding a truly spectacular con, and the more convoluted the hustle, the better. Confidence tricksters are cautioned that Mazen is equally happy with a trick that ends in spectacular failure as they are with one that ends in spectacular success; it is the spectacle in which Mazen revels.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Mazen2.jpg|title=Mazen wears many masks|align=left|width=600}}
The most famous recent example of Mazen's patronage was that of Daniella Vassa di Sarvos, a corrupt [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] in the reign of [[Emperor Barabbas]]. A razor-sharp long-con artist, she convinced many of her victims that she was their friend and ally and that she would use her influence and resources to aid their cause. So thoroughly were many of her victims gulled that they defended her vehemently at her eventual trial, even inventing elaborate theories to account for the evidence against her. Mazen sent heralds to her funeral, and occasionally refers to her in tones of apparent fondness.

Mazen regularly expresses the opinion that they are the greatest of all Autumn eternals. They consider themselves wiser than [[Basileus Flint]], whom mortals fear; more subtle than [[Callidus]], who invokes naked greed; wealthier than [[Estavus]] who wastes her time on creation when she would be better served to control creation. Those who follow such paths, they claim, will find themselves easily betrayed, manipulated or used as tools to advance the agenda of another. The [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] scholar Serval i Riqueza, when opposing the suggestion that the [[Unfettered Mind]] support the development of a ritual to allow trade with Mazen, pointed out that Mazen is quite clearly much less powerful than the eternals it claims to despise - "''Perhaps,''" he said "''It still hasn't had its chance to betray them?''" Indeed, while they are often contemptuous of the others, they seem to have little problem co-operating with them - apart from Basileus Flint. Mazen ''despises'' Flint, although the details of their enmity are unknown.

Beyond the drive to manipulate and gain power, Mazen is also fascinated with questions of identity. On occasion they have claimed that knowing someone else is the first step toward binding them to your cause. They warn against expressing one's true identity to others, who might be able to find weaknesses to exploit; whenever they offer patronage they recommend concealment and misdirection. Some scholars have suggested that Mazen is trapped in a quest to uncover their own identity - that they lack some fundamental self-knowledge that mortals take for granted. Given they are said to express an irrational dislike of mirrors, there may be some truth in this theory.
<ic>Truth; hear it at all times but speak it only when it does not matter.</ic>

==Boons==
Mazen of the Many Faces is fond of magicians, claiming that (in their experience) they are the best-placed to control others. Their boons often come in the form of masks which grant powers to their wielders - ritual power, knowledge of ritual magic and potent auras similar to those created through [[Religious_skills#Hallow|hallowing]] are all common boons.

They also have a soft-spot for priests of all faiths and religions, sometimes opining that priests are the most effective wielders of sentiment and the best exploiters of weakness in the mortal world. They offer boons appropriate to the faith of the priest - and while the faithful tend to view Mazen's interest as suspicious, those more interested in political power than the spiritual well-being of others are quick to accept. When dealing with priests of [[The Way]], Mazen is known to make gifts that enhance the [[Mantle of the Golden Orator]] as well as objects that increase the ability of the wielder to employ [[Religious skills]]. The latter has raised some eyebrows in the [[Synod]] and questions about where Mazen acquires these talismans have never been satisfactorily answered.

Mazen never gives a boon of power directly to a mortal; the boons it offers are always physical objects, and invariably require bonding. Mazen appears to find it appealing that any gift of patronage or power they give can be stolen, traded, given, taken, lost or found.
<ic>Control another's actions and you must forever watch your back; control another's heart and they will watch it for you.</ic>
==Jannam==
It is not clear whether Mazen of the Many Faces has many heralds or only one. When its heralds appear, they tend to be stone-faced or stone-masked creatures, dressed in a variety of costumes and with a variety of personalities – yet they all claim to be called Jannam, and to be the same entity. Stories from Asavea, Jarm and Sumaah alike all agree that this entity pursues Mazen's goals all over the mortal world.

As with Mazen itself, this appearance is very different to the usual appearance of Autumn heralds - speculation suggests they are "made things" rather than living creatures. Darker theories suggest that it is the masks that are Mazen's heralds, and that the bodies that wear them are somehow enslaved or subordinate to the mask

Mazen ''appears'' to give Jannam free rein, apparently confident that they cannot be betrayed or outwitted.

[[Category:Eternals]]

Mazen

2026-07-04T16:04:49Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=MazenArt.jpg|title="Smoke" artist unknown. Like all images related to Mazen, this one is considered suspect in its intent and rumoured to exert an unpalatable influence over anyone who stares at it for too long. The painting itself is said to have been interdicted by the Imperial Conclave.|caption=''Smoke'' seems to reference the (no-doubt fictional) city Mazen is said to have once ruled.|align=left|width=400}}
==Destruction==
The eternal Mazen was apparently [[Inkpot_gods#All_That.27s_Fit_To_Read|destroyed]] in some fashion in the lead-up to the Summer Solstice 385YE. What this means for the Autumn realm is not clear at this time.
==Eternal of Autumn==
===Sobriquets===
Known invariably as the ''Many-Faced'' or ''Mazen of the Many Faces''.

They are also sometimes referred to as the ''Unseen Hand'', and a handful of [[Urizen]] texts cryptically refer to them as the ''Price of Folly'' (there are arguments as to whether this is a mis-print of 'Prince') or occasionally the ''Gull-Catcher''. In the [[The League|League]], Mazen is sometimes called the ''Lord of the Masks'', owing to their physical appearance and the nature of their boons. In [[Highguard]] the most common epithet for Mazen is ''False-face''; in [[Varushka]] and [[Wintermark]] they are more commonly termed ''No-face''; magicians from all three nations tend to be very cautious when dealing with them, but there are several stories of both [[Kallavesi]] and Ushka mystics exploiting Mazen's love of manipulation to gain valuable power in time of need.

In the [[Sumaah Republic]], Mazen is called ''Løgner'' which literally means ''liar'' and contact with them is absolutely proscribed, although they are believed to be a part of the [[Basileia|Satrapy of Lies]. The [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]] call them ''com duas caras'' or "with two faces", referring both to their multiple features and their manipulative nature. Unlike the Sumaah the Asaveans consider Mazen to be largely harmless; indeed in some places they are viewed as a minor god of trickery and ambition, and offerings are burnt before statues of the creature. The [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarmish]] have a number of names for Mazen, the most prevalent of which is ''Lutkar''. While some magician princes are known to make bargains with Lutkar to gain power, doing so is often seen as an act of foolishness or desperation.

A few old League plays feature Mazen, usually as a gently comic figure who helps both villain and hero at different points in the story. There are persistent rumours that one of the thousands of theatrical masks in the Facio Hall of the Armetto Theatre in [[Sarvos]] is Mazen’s, but if this is true, nobody has found it.

Mazen is often associated with [[Queros]], rune of plots.
<ic>When you know what someone believes, you know who they are, and how to move them.</ic>

==Appearance==
Mazen of the Many Faces is an Autumn eternal of uncertain form. While other Autumn eternals generally appear to be horned humanoids, Mazen usually appears as the 'Lord of the Masks'; an inhuman creature with a head comprising at least four masks or faces, each of which speaks with its own voice, and with a varying number of limbs. In this form they tend to dress garishly, forsaking the understated elegance of [[Callidus]] and the classier denizens of the Labyrinth in favour of displaying their wealth. This form tends to seat themselves on a high throne, so that they speak down to their mortal visitors.

While this is their common form, they have been encountered in a variety of other guises. On occasion they appear as ''the Chorus'' - a collection of their heralds speaking with the same voice; or as ''the Gallery of Masks'' - a room full of framed masks which glow with an eerie light and speak with many voices.

They refer to themselves using plural pronouns, and eschew any particular gender.

There is a great deal of speculation among Imperial magicians as to the nature of Mazen. Their masks are clearly not actual faces; they have been known to remove them to hand out as boons. On occasions, magicians treating with Mazen have reported that upon removing one mask, another was present beneath it, as if the eternal had no true face. Others have pointed to the fact that the many forms Mazen takes are at odds with the traditional appearance of Autumn eternals as horned humanoids - they speculate that ''nobody'' has ever met the real Mazen, assuming it even exists. Rather, they suggest that ''all'' the multifarious shapes Mazen takes are masks, presumably constructed through the cunning artifice of the creature itself or perhaps by the eternal [[Estavus]] given their tendency to include metallic substances. Indeed Daniella Vassa di Sarvos at her trial put forward the supposition that Mazen is in fact a constructed being, perhaps made by Estavus, who freed themselves and now pursues their own agenda - while this seems unlikely it goes some way towards explaining the slightly alien and unpredictable nature of the Many-Masked.
<ic>Just because something isn't a lie does not mean that it isn't deceptive. A liar knows that he is a liar, but one who speaks mere portions of truth in order to deceive is an artificer of outcomes.</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Mazen1.jpg|title=Manipulation is the key to power|align=right|width=600}}
==Concerns==
Mazen appears less interested in advancing their own power than in encouraging others to do pursue their own goals. They generally encourage mortals to use any tool at their disposal to advance their agenda; subtle action; misdirection; conspiracy; naked power grabs; the use of lies, deception and misdirection; accusations against political rivals; blackmail, bribery and threats; using dupes, pawns and patsies; and the manipulation of sentiment, pride and perceived bonds of loyalty or obligation. To Mazen, power over others is an end in itself, and there is no method too unethical or immoral to achieve that end.

Mazen ''claims'' to be interested in what will motivate mortals to put aside their squabbles and work together. They ''claim'' that their shape is a metaphor for a nation or other great body of people: greater than the sum of its parts, yet still formed of every individual therein. In an address before the [[Conclave]] in 286YE their herald [[#Jannam|Jannam]] argued that Mazen could make a powerful ally for those in positions of power, especially a great unifying figure prepared to do their work. In passionate rebuttal Nero of the Dreaming Spires - then [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Celestial Arch]] - reminded everyone that Mazen was an eternal of Autumn; that their words were not to be trusted; and that they had no interest in the glory of empires, but the glory of Empresses. Mazen's petition for [[Amity and enmity|amity]] was defeated by a narrow margin.

Mazen's expression of interest in mortal [[pride]], [[loyalty]] and co-operation is generally seen as a slightly unconvincing veneer over a deep-seated fascination with silver-tongued manipulators who use these sentiments to control others. They enjoy the antics of ruthless politicians, corrupt leaders and vicious warriors alike - as long as they are charismatic or cunning enough to build up a following; but they reserves a special place in their 'heart' for the artist of the long-con. Mazen is always interested in aiding a truly spectacular con, and the more convoluted the hustle, the better. Confidence tricksters are cautioned that Mazen is equally happy with a trick that ends in spectacular failure as they are with one that ends in spectacular success; it is the spectacle in which Mazen revels.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Mazen2.jpg|title=Mazen wears many masks|align=left|width=600}}
The most famous recent example of Mazen's patronage was that of Daniella Vassa di Sarvos, a corrupt [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] in the reign of [[Emperor Barabbas]]. A razor-sharp long-con artist, she convinced many of her victims that she was their friend and ally and that she would use her influence and resources to aid their cause. So thoroughly were many of her victims gulled that they defended her vehemently at her eventual trial, even inventing elaborate theories to account for the evidence against her. Mazen sent heralds to her funeral, and occasionally refers to her in tones of apparent fondness.

Mazen regularly expresses the opinion that they are the greatest of all Autumn eternals. They consider themselves wiser than [[Basileus Flint]], whom mortals fear; more subtle than [[Callidus]], who invokes naked greed; wealthier than [[Estavus]] who wastes her time on creation when she would be better served to control creation. Those who follow such paths, they claim, will find themselves easily betrayed, manipulated or used as tools to advance the agenda of another. The [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] scholar Serval i Riqueza, when opposing the suggestion that the [[Unfettered Mind]] support the development of a ritual to allow trade with Mazen, pointed out that Mazen is quite clearly much less powerful than the eternals it claims to despise - "''Perhaps,''" he said "''It still hasn't had its chance to betray them?''" Indeed, while they are often contemptuous of the others, they seem to have little problem co-operating with them - apart from Basileus Flint. Mazen ''despises'' Flint, although the details of their enmity are unknown.

Beyond the drive to manipulate and gain power, Mazen is also fascinated with questions of identity. On occasion they have claimed that knowing someone else is the first step toward binding them to your cause. They warn against expressing one's true identity to others, who might be able to find weaknesses to exploit; whenever they offer patronage they recommend concealment and misdirection. Some scholars have suggested that Mazen is trapped in a quest to uncover their own identity - that they lack some fundamental self-knowledge that mortals take for granted. Given they are said to express an irrational dislike of mirrors, there may be some truth in this theory.
<ic>Truth; hear it at all times but speak it only when it does not matter.</ic>

==Boons==
Mazen of the Many Faces is fond of magicians, claiming that (in their experience) they are the best-placed to control others. Their boons often come in the form of masks which grant powers to their wielders - ritual power, knowledge of ritual magic and potent auras similar to those created through [[Religious_skills#Hallow|hallowing]] are all common boons.

They also have a soft-spot for priests of all faiths and religions, sometimes opining that priests are the most effective wielders of sentiment and the best exploiters of weakness in the mortal world. They offer boons appropriate to the faith of the priest - and while the faithful tend to view Mazen's interest as suspicious, those more interested in political power than the spiritual well-being of others are quick to accept. When dealing with priests of [[The Way]], Mazen is known to make gifts that enhance the [[Mantle of the Golden Orator]] as well as objects that increase the ability of the wielder to employ [[Religious skills]]. The latter has raised some eyebrows in the [[Synod]] and questions about where Mazen acquires these talismans have never been satisfactorily answered.

Mazen never gives a boon of power directly to a mortal; the boons it offers are always physical objects, and invariably require bonding. Mazen appears to find it appealing that any gift of patronage or power they give can be stolen, traded, given, taken, lost or found.
<ic>Control another's actions and you must forever watch your back; control another's heart and they will watch it for you.</ic>
==Jannam==
It is not clear whether Mazen of the Many Faces has many heralds or only one. When its heralds appear, they tend to be stone-faced or stone-masked creatures, dressed in a variety of costumes and with a variety of personalities – yet they all claim to be called Jannam, and to be the same entity. Stories from Asavea, Jarm and Sumaah alike all agree that this entity pursues Mazen's goals all over the mortal world.

As with Mazen itself, this appearance is very different to the usual appearance of Autumn heralds - speculation suggests they are "made things" rather than living creatures. Darker theories suggest that it is the masks that are Mazen's heralds, and that the bodies that wear them are somehow enslaved or subordinate to the mask

Mazen ''appears'' to give Jannam free rein, apparently confident that they cannot be betrayed or outwitted.

[[Category:Eternals]]

Basileia

2026-07-04T16:02:47Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=BasileusArt.jpg|title="Locks" artist unknown. The waters of the City of Locks are said to be a profound poison, but that any mortal who drinks them and survives is granted consummate skill in espionage and treachery.|caption=''Locks'' depicts a city of complex interconnecting intrigues and schemes.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Autumn==
===Sobriquets===
The ''Sovereign Lord of the City of Locks'' changes in a way few other eternals do. The current incumbent has chosen the title ''Basileia'', or sometimes ''Basileia Brazen''.

She is sometimes referred to as the ''Princess of Weirs'', a further reference to the canals that crisscross her domain, as well as the ''Carver of Cliques'', alluding to her concern with small, exclusive groups. She enjoys being called the ''Crown of the Archway'', referring to her status as an essential and load-bearing part of the City. She has also been called the ''Mistress of Falls''; while on the surface this is another reference to her city's many canals, it is also a hint at the fate that awaits those who challenge her status.

She is sometimes known as the ''Patron of Spies and Traitors'' due to her role in keeping other people's secrets. Brazen is dubbed ''Princess of the Black Vaults'', in recognition of the role that espionage and military defence play in her realm – and of the oubliettes to which those who fail or displease her are consigned.

The ''Satrapy of Lies'' and her heralds are particularly despised in the [[Sumaah Republic]], condemned as anathema by the High House of Loyalty for trying to mire every human in a web of treachery and betrayal.

While she sometimes appears in male or monstrous guises, Basileia is currently referred to with feminine pronouns. Basileia is confirmed to be her title as ruler of her city – her personal name is Brazen.

Several sources reference ''Basileus Kade'', and ''Basileus Flint'', as former rulers of the City of Locks. The latter, allegedly an Imperial citizen before some kind of poorly understood "ascension", usurped the former as Sovereign Lord. They in turn were apparently deposed by the [[Lictors]] following their involvement in the destruction of the entity known as [[Mazen|Mazen of the Masks]]. Given that ''Basileia'' is the third ruler of the City of Locks in the last decade it is likely that there are many more, their names lost to history. This unique pattern inspires a great deal of discussion among scholars of the eternal realms; what does it mean that the identity of the Sovereign Lord of the City of Locks seems to change while other eternals remain constant?
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Seven Locks 2.jpg|caption=The inhabitants of the City of Locks are caught in an endless struggle for power and position that regularly spills over into the mortal world.|align=left|width=250}}</div>

==Appearance==
Basileia has two distinct forms, and swaps between them as they wish. Most commonly she appears to be a woman dressed in the well-tailored clothes of a professional of some kind. She can also appear as the Beast of the Locks; a monstrous horned creature reserved for the darkest deeds. While she rarely carries a weapon in her other guises, as the Beast she may wield a brutal weapon or even two. When she is encountered in this form, all pretence of civilisation is abandoned, and she appears entirely consumed with the ruthless application of power to achieve one's goals. All the scholars agree - deal with the Beast of Locks ''extremely carefully''. The Sovereign Lord of the City of Locks was once known to take the form of a lithe young man as well, but this guise has not been seen since the ascension of Basileia Brazen.

It is not common for an Autumn eternal to change shape so freely, and scholars of the eternals theorise that she does so via access to an item of power, possibly a mask or the Belt of Locks. Others suggest that it is a demonstration of the dual-faced nature of those who seek power. They may appear civilised and mannered when it suits them, but are capable of ruthless brutality when their ambition demands it.
{{CaptionedImage|file=IconBasilius.png |caption=Triptych believed to show servitors of the City of Locks, intended for use in ritual magic.|align=left|width=400}}
However else she appears, she is always wealthy, powerful and in control. Regardless of form, she wears discreet yet obviously valuable jewellery to reinforce her appearance as a person of high station. Regardless of her attire, she invariably wears a belt with a lock and set of chains worn over the buckle.

Like her predecessors, Basileia almost never appears alone. She may remain aloof, allowing her heralds to do the talking for her (especially when she is in the guise of the Beast of the Locks). Other times she plays the gracious host, entertaining guests with conversation and fine food - but a guest should never forget that this creature is a being of intrigue and power, and that very little she says or does should be taken at face value.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Carolinus_Kade.jpg|caption=Carolinus, an inhabitant of the City of Locks. The citizens of the city are divided into dozens of competing factions, guilds, secret societies, and cabals.|align=right|width=250}}</div>

==Concerns==
While previous eternal rulers of the City of Locks have kept only a thin veil over their obsession with power and control, Basileia Brazen has worked to present a more pleasing face to the outside world. The naive may believe that this indicates some fundamental change under her rule, but those who pry beneath the surface will find the same dog-eat-dog city with a ruler no less ruthless than her predecessors.

Ultimately, the concern of Basileia Brazen, and indeed everyone within the City of Locks, revolve around the ways that social and political structures can be used to dominate other people. Unlike some of her predecessors, the ''Crown of the Archway'' is quite open about the fact that her power exists as a result of the collective efforts of others. She claims that it comes from the fact that she has made herself as close to irreplaceable as possible – her underlings may resent that she has more power than they do, but they know they would be worse off without her - a state of affairs she works very hard to maintain.

While her primary concern is her own power, the ''Princess of Weirs'' is known to have a fondness for certain mortal nations and institutions that she believes embody her philosophies. She finds the conflict between the various Imperial houses of state to be endlessly fascinating, and apparently holds the position of [[the Throne]] in high regard, seeing it as something similar to her own position. She approves of the ruthless internal politics of [[the League]], especially since the Apulian Orcs joined them. She has an interest in the pragmatism and religious philosophies of the [[Navarr]], although some vates claim that she fundamentally misunderstands the nature of self-sacrifice for the greater good and should under no circumstances be allowed to offer advice to any guides. She also has a strange fascination with the [[Imperial Orcs]] that she refuses to explain, although whether she will disproportionately favour or disfavour any given Unshackled as a result is never a sure bet.
<div style="float: right; margin-left:10px; max-width: 40%; clear: right;"><ic><big>'''''Basileus Flint is gone, and now Basileia Brazen sits on the throne of the City of Locks and all is right with the world, all is right with the world, and all manner of things are now right.'''''</big></ic></div>
Outside the Empire, the Carver of Cliques is said to favour both the populist authoritarianism of the [[Commonwealth]] and the dynamic oligarchy of the [[Principalities of Jarm]], seeing things to admire in both. How much of a hand she is taking in either nation is unknown, but the fact that they hate one another does not seem to concern her in the slightest.

==Boons==
The Sovereign Lady of the City of Locks gathers secrets; not mystical secrets like the eternals of Night, but the secrets gathered by spies and agents who watch and record what the people around them are doing. She spreads her power by making herself useful to people who seek power themselves – anyone could become a node in her web of influence and control. She helps those who seek to exploit systems, to become the indispensable linchpins of their own personal networks, granting them the power to abuse their station without the fear of reprisal. Of course, anyone who receives help from the Princess of Weirs should be aware that they themselves are playing into her hands. Altruism is alien to the City of Locks, and if you aren't buying something, you're being sold.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Flint.jpg|caption=Flint, before his alleged ascension.|align=left|width=250}}</div>
Dealing with the Basileia herself may be profitable, but it is far more likely that an enterprising citizen may find themselves making common cause with one of the [[#The Five Pillars|Five Pillars]]. Each of the Sovereign Lady's advisors is constantly working to build up their network of contacts in order to outshine their peers, and advancing their City's interests in the mortal realm is the surest way to do that. Those looking for hidden information, the chance to move prohibited goods, or to make illicit connections may well benefit from making friends in the City of Locks. However, these connections are not likely to provide any easy answers in the long term. The Five Pillars cannot afford to take unnecessary risks with their position, and are far more likely to furnish their allies with chances to take those risks on their behalf. Assassins from the City of Locks are unlikely to kill the Empire's enemies, but they may point out opportunities for Imperial citizens to wield the knife themselves.

Those dealing with Brazen should take care to remember that trade is not her primary goal; it is a means to increasing her power and control over the world. While some Autumn eternals engage in trade for the love of the deal and its subtleties, ultimately Brazen is concerned only with power over others. Playing the game with the Sovereign Lady of Locks is not for the fainthearted. Although the potential rewards are great, the risks are possibly even worse. The Archway's Crown has no love for those who beat her at her own game.
==The Five Pillars==
Previous iterations of the City of Locks channelled the quintessential struggle of its inhabitants through the Charter Houses, associations built around control of certain districts. This system fell apart after the removal of Basileus Flint, and Basileia Brazen has made no effort to re-establish it. Instead she has created a council of advisors known within the City of Locks as the ''Five Pillars''. While Brazen calls the shots, she has allowed these figures an unprecedented level of influence in the exercise of her City's power. The current Five Pillars are:
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=City of Locks.png|align=right|width=250|caption=The Five Pillars serve as advisors to Basileia, each convinced they have her special favour.}}</div>
* '''Overseer Hook of the Surveyors' Cartel''', to whom the City's many spies and informants ultimately report.
* '''Boss Callarook of the Union of Lock-Keepers and Stevedores''', who controls smuggling and other lucrative illicit operations within the City.
* '''Mistress Alabaster of the Guild of Accountants''', who directs the City's assassins.
* '''President Orlando of the City Of Locks Benevolent Association''', who arranges bribery and hushes up corruption.
* '''Facilitator Kaige of the Matchmaker's Forum''', who organises the many conspiracies and conspiratorial groups that take root within the City.

Each of these figures seems to represent one of Basileia Brazen's primary interests and may be encountered alone or with their own underlings in pursuit of those aims. Those who have interacted with more than one of them describe the Five Pillars as a group riven with rapidly shifting splits and temporary alliances, constantly jostling and feuding with one another. Each believes themselves to have their Basileia’s special favour, unlike the others who are mere tools. A disgruntled City of Locks resident who preferred the old regime once called them "the most toxic workplace romance in all the realms" while drunk at a party. The herald passed out shortly after their next drink, and suffered a deadly seizure within the hour.
{{anchor|The_Truth_About_Basileia}}<box>'''The Truth About Basileia'''<br>Most recent historical records refer to Basileus Kade as the ruler of the City of Locks. During the Autumn Equinox 379YE, following a significant period of turmoil in the City of Locks, Kade was supplanted by a citizen of the [[The League|League]] city of [[Tassato]]. The details of precisely ''how'' Flint was able to claim this position and become Basileus Flint are known only to those directly involved. What the political, religious (and legal) implications of this ascension, assuming it is even real, are extremely unclear. Now Basileus Flint is also gone, apparently "replaced" by on the throne of the City of Locks by Basileia Brazen. Her ascension apparently began in Summer 385YE with the [[Inkpot_gods#All_That.27s_Fit_To_Read|disappearance]] of the eternal [[Mazen]], and an Imperial Orc named Ashborn Trosk was apparently [[All_my_magic_friends#Ashborn_Trosk_and_the_Mysterious_Prison|involved]] in the removal of Flint by the Lictors. In Autumn 386YE, in response to a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message from the Archmage of Autumn, Basileia formally declared her [[Seven_locks#City_of_Locks|dominion of the City of Locks]] to the Empire and announced significant changes to the way her domain would be operating in future.</box>

==Further Reading==
* [[Can you hear me?#The Queen of Locks|Can you hear me?]] - 387YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Seven locks#City of Locks|Seven locks]] - 386YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[Nowhere and everywhere#Basileus Flint|Nowhere and everywhere]] - 382YE Winter plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Callidus

2026-07-04T15:59:29Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=CallidusArt.jpg|title="Chains" artist unknown. Depicts the Argent Tower, allegedly the residence of the eternal himself in the heart of his sinister city.|caption=''Chains'' allegedly symbolises the way that desire can become a trap.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Autumn==
===Sobriquets===
Known as the ''Prince of the Argent Tontine'', Callidus is most concerned with greed.

He is also called ''Sovereign-Lord of the City of Chains'', a fanciful reference to the many deals and agreements he has made - as far as anyone knows he does not rule an actual city at all (despite rumours that he owns a portable citadel of iron and white basalt), preferring to remain a peripatetic instigator. Some [[mountebank|mountebanks]] and [[hakima]] refer to him as the ''Golden Bargainer'', whilst [[vate|vates]] and [[magister|magisters]] will often use the ''Keeper of the Gilded Chains''.

Forbidden in the Sumaah Republic, they call him the ''Satrapy of Hunger'' or ''Drooling Maw''.

==Appearance==
Callidus is a potent horned male with fine clothing. He is rarely encountered without a ledger or two, and never without the ability to create a contract.

He is usually accompanied by one or more of his [[#The Secretaries of the Argent Tontine|secretaries]] - clever eternals in their own right who serve as his proxies and advisors. His massive appointment tome, the Iron Ledger, is kept by his meticulous heralds, who often appear as [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] [[cambion|cambions]]. Scrupulous and precise, Callidus sometimes sends heralds to offer bargains, or to follow-up on bargains made by others.

==Concerns==
Callidus seeks to control everything through greed and desire. He exemplifies the idea that everyone wants something, and that by identifying their desires and being able to supply their needs, an individual can wield immense power. He also sees greed itself as the primary motivating force of living things, and supports and extols philosophies that highlight the influence of avarice and wealth.

While all Autumn eternals enjoy bargains, Callidus revels in them. He invariably creates a contract to cover any agreement he makes, and is the Autumn eternal most likely to invoke the [[Lictors]] to witness an important agreement. He invariably sticks to the letter of a contract, and some bargainers have met unfortunate fates due to not reading their agreement carefully enough. He can and has been bested in his bargains, and tales are told of heroes who dealt with the Silver Prince and came away rich, but his nature is such that a bargain that seems fair at first often grows more constrictive and dangerous as time goes by.... Callidus is quite pragmatic; he does not hold those who best him in contempt; he often tries to arrange an audience with them to discuss how they bested his contract, so that he can avoid the same mistakes another time. However, he is absolutely ruthless in hunting down anyone who breaks a bargain they have made with him.

Callidus has no single home within the Autumn realm, but instead cultivates an ability to be in the right place at the right time. While his movements seem random, through synchronicity he often finds himself in the right place at the right time to offer someone what they desperately want. His secretaries share this ability to some degree, but for some reason they are limited to appearing at crossroads; literal crossroads as well as figurative crossroads, however.

While the massive amount of business engaged in by his army of scribes and secretaries would necessitate a palace of bureaucracy, instead all such paperwork is contained within the single Iron Ledger. The Ledger itself seems to operate on much the same principles as Callidus himself; simply by inserting his hand he seems to be able to pull out the document he is seeking.

Callidus must surely have an enormous collection of religious items, after centuries of buying such things from mortals, but where he keeps this vault is unknown. Fanciful tales claim that his immense wealth is stored by the [[Lictors]], while others say that his Ledger can be "unfolded" to reveal a massive citadel of iron and white basalt that is his true domain.

While undoubtedly the equal in power of any of the rulers of the cities of Autumn, Callidus does not compete with them directly. Rather he acts as a broker for such beings, supplying their desires, acting as a notary and occasionally offering advice. Beings of such scope are too clever to deal with Callidus lightly, and only utilise his services when completely necessary. However, by long standing tradition Callidus is generally free to meet and bargain with any of their underlings, and thus passes across the labyrinthine paths of the Autumn realm unmolested.

Traditionally Callidus uses a Fleur-de-Lys type symbol as his seal, the three points symbolising the three Secretaries that he is currently using. Competition to remain at such a level is fierce, and his underlings constantly scheme to advance themselves.

The Prince of the Argent Tontine is fascinated with mortal religions. Callidus understands that faith is a powerful force, but one that is extremely ephemeral. One of his personal desires is to understand the value of faith, and the need it satisfies in the faithful, the better to manipulate others using their beliefs. An extremely patient eternal, he has been studying mortal religion for centuries, and often appears to tempt or bargain mortals away from their faith. Over this time he has amassed a great trove of lore on faith, and is said to possess several relics of the Imperial religion. His knowledge is best described as being 'technical' - he understands the politics of religion much better than he does individual faith.

Callidus is associated with both the rune [[Lann]], and the rune [[Queros]].

==Boons==
Bargains themselves fascinate Callidus, and he has several supernatural powers relating to creating and sealing them. He is known to possess many favours with other eternals, and to draw on them to fulfil bargains on his behalf. He is particularly keen of getting bargainers into his debt, and reinforcing his ability to call those debts due with curses. His bargains are more likely to involve the bargainer doing or not doing something in return for a favour or service - it is less likely to involve mere payment with materials.

His most potent abilities deal with the manipulation of desire and greed, and guiding serendipity to increase wealth. He also possesses several abilities that deal with bonds, especially bonded items, and is said to be able to locate highly desired items in the material world with sufficient inducement, especially those that are unique or exotic.

Some priests are interested in the religious artefacts Callidus has gathered, but they tend to be very leery about entering into a bargain with the eternal. Callidus appears to take particular delight in challenging and testing priests and other strongly religious characters who come to deal with him.

==The Secretaries of the Argent Tontine==
Unlike eternals such as [[Basileus Flint]], Callidus runs a tight ship. The eternals who serve him do so out of a belief in his creed and a desire to increase their own wealth and service their own needs. There are few stories of incidents where one of them attempts to overthrow or betray Callidus, and many scholars theorise that all the eternals of the Argent Tontine are bound with oaths and contracts that keep them loyal.

The Secretaries - literally ''secret keepers'' - who serve Callidus are lesser eternals rather than heralds. They sometimes deal with the Empire directly, either pursuing their own agenda or operating as proxies for Callidus. They may arrange audiences in the [[Regio#The_Anvil_Portal|Hall of Worlds]], or send heralds on their own business. The three best known of Callidus' secretaries, who have dealt with the Empire in the past, are Numis, Malleas and Zand.

===Numis===
A female eternal who is fascinated by the role of coins and hard currency in agreements. She occasionally likes to take credit for inventing the idea of currency, or spreading it across the mortal realm - it is not clear if she expects this claim to be taken literally. She is the longest serving of Callidus' secretaries and is acknowledged as the entity who designed the iron coins used in many parts of the Autumn realm.

===Malleas===
A male eternal who favours gamblers and wagerers. He is known to send heralds to arrange wagers on important events, and often creates bargains that involve gambles or risky ventures - he is also known to lend money but demand extortionate rates of interest for the repayment of the debt with dire consequences for forfeiture. He has been Callidus' secretary for the shortest time (barely longer than a century or so) and is known to favour both gaudy displays of wealth and allowing others to make a pitch as to why he should invest some of it in them. He often seems to lose out on deals, but never seems to grow any less wealthy.

===Zand===
A lawyer, and usually dresses in the style of a wealthy [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] [[The Brass Coast economic interests#Scriveners|scrivener]], but in colours few Freeborn would choose. His robes and tagelmust are the dull metallic colours of well-handled coinage, and the deep black of oxidised silver. Scrupulous and precise, he is fascinated by the way contracts are created and used to regulate behaviour. He effects the air of a stereotypical bureaucrat – obsequious to Callidus, polite to those he wants something from, and relatively rude to those he has no use for. He is the eternal most frequently sent forth to make deals with mortals at present, but this is subject to change at Callidus' whim.

One or more of the secretaries tends to attend Callidus when he deals with mortals, and may make their own bargains at the same time.

==Further Reading==
* [[Hopeless as a feather#Callidus|Hopeless as a feather]] - 384YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[Bury the hatchet#Callidus|Bury the hatchet]] - 382YE Summer plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Lictors

2026-07-04T15:58:18Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=LictorsJohn.jpg|title="Green Iron" artist unknown. A disturbing image giving an impression of the Green Iron Prison that is sometimes referred to as the "City of the Lictors".|caption=''Green Iron'' depicts the prison where the Lictors take those who break their word.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternals of Autumn==
===Sobriquets===
Most commonly, Lictors are referred to as ''The Punishers'', ''The Hunters'', or most recently the ''Sovereign Lords of the City of Bar and Bond''.

They may also be known as ''The Chainbound'', ''The Binders'', the ''Brass Magistrates'' and occasionally ''The Furious Ones''. In [[The League]] they are sometimes called ''The Reckoners''. Individual lictors bear names such as 'Implacable', 'Inescapable', 'Treacherhound' and 'Wordbinder'.

It is forbidden to deal with the ''Satrapy of Cages'' in the [[Sumaah Republic]] because of their attempts to intefere with virtuous laws.

==Appearance==
The Lictors are hooded figures and cloaked, armoured wrapped in heavy iron and [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]] chains, with razor-sharp brass claws and horns, and iron face-masks. Armed with scourges, whips, flails, ropes and nets they stalk the dark places of the Autumn realm, looking for miscreants. Their voices are said to be very quiet, except when they are pursuing their prey when they are said to give voice to deafening metallic cries that chill the blood and may even paralyse a weak-willed target.

Through 385YE and into 386YE, the Lictors appear to have undergone a transformation. Following an apparent [[Inkpot_gods#All_That.27s_Fit_To_Read|murder]] in the Autumn realm, they [[Inkpot_gods#City_of_Bars|all but vanished]] from the world for several months. When their emissaries began to visit the Empire again, they had undergone a marked transformation. Gone were the hooded robes and sinister masks. Rather, they were soberly yet smartly dressed, and while they were armed with chains their talons were short and decorated with runes and tiny gemstones rather than jagged edges. Those who spoke to them found them apparently amicable, and even on occasions expressing a dry wit. Their harshness is still clearly there, but it is now somewhat concealed beneath a more personable facade.

==Concerns==
The Lictors hunt oath-breakers, and those who refuse to honour agreements, contracts or obligations. In the Autumn realm they are viewed with some suspicion or fear, and even deadly political rivals think twice before breaking sworn agreements. They can be invoked, apparently, by any of the other [[eternal|eternals]] of Autumn to officiate over agreements or oaths. Those who break such oaths are mercilessly hunted and either destroyed or carried back to the green iron citadel that the Lictors use as a prison. The Lictors are individually quite potent, but in a group they are almost irresistible, even by the powerful eternal lords of Autumn. Some eternals will simply invoke their name when making a promise, indicating that they consider themselves bound, although to what degree this is actually binding, mortals are uncertain.

Magicians who have studied the lictors disagree as to whether they are an order of eternals, possibly led by a single powerful figure, or some sort of product of the Autumn realm itself, an expression of the role that agreements, favours and grudges play in a realm so thematically linked to deception and manipulation.

==Boons==
The Lictors are rarely encountered by mortals, but there are said to be rituals that can summon them to the mortal realm as well as [[Regio#Portals and Regio|chambers]] where they can be encountered, or where the outskirts of their green iron citadel can be visited. They can be persuaded to offer boons that deal with binding and holding prisoners, especially oathbreakers and those who have debts to pay. They can oversee mortal covenants, oaths, promises and contracts, placing powerful curses that may fall on those who break their agreements - or even calling down the ire of the Lictors themselves.

They may sometimes accept prisoners; how they transport a mortal prisoner to the Autumn realm is unclear, and it may be that they simply kill them. They can also allow access to some of those creatures and beings imprisoned in their citadel. They appear to value [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]] especially, although they have never explained why and simply ignore questions - it is theorised that they may use it to expand their citadel, or even to craft new Lictors.

They also very occasionally offer bounties - although what someone would have to do to come to the attention of the lictors is unclear and has led to much nightmarish speculation.

==Further Reading==
* [[Famine_and_feast#The_Lictors|Famine and feast]] - 386YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Between_the_lines_of_ages#Lictors|Between the lines of ages]] - 383YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Rabbits_and_snares#The_Lictors|Rabbits and snares]] - 381YE Autumn plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Prospero

2026-07-04T15:53:56Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=ProsperoArt.jpg|title="Bridges" artist unknown. A much darker depiction of the City of Bridges than is usual - normally it is depicted as a sprawling and beautiful garden-city. This picture presents a much less welcoming locale|caption=''Bridges'' symbolises the connections between people that form the web of influence.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Autumn==
===Sobriquets===
Known as the ''Golden Prince'', Prospero is the master of influence, favours and serendipity.

He is commonly referred to as the ''Weaver'', and the ''Lord of the Loom''. He is the ''Sovereign Lord of the City of Bridges'' and the ''Prince of Ties''. He is sometimes referred to as the ''Reckoner of Ebony and Bone'' in reference to the ledgers in which he records his favours and enmities. His love of influence sometimes leads to him being called the ''Golden Spider'' or the ''Threadweaver''. Very old sources sometimes call him ''Cloven-hoofed'', apparently a metaphor for the mountain-goat-like dexterity with which he navigates the difficult terrain of the halls of power.

In [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] he is called ''Polymitarius'' or ''el tejedor''; in [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] he is called ''Jemný Pavouk'' which translates a something akin to ''Subtle Spider''. The magicians of the [[Sumaah Republic]] believe he is a trap for the virtuous; they call him ''Skredderen'', the ''Wheedling Spider'' and the ''Satrapy of Rope'' - and it is illegal for any citizen of Sumaah to owe Prospero a favour.

Prospero always appears to be male, and uses male pronouns.

==Appearance==
Prospero is always finely dressed; he displays his wealth, power and influence in his garments and accoutrements. His curving horns are often gilded, and he drips with fine jewellery. He is invariably friendly, affable, gregarious and loquacious. He enjoys verbal fencing and clever conversation, especially when it is accompanied by food or drink. Debate and discourse are his meat-and-drink. He is slow to anger, but utterly implacable when his ire is raised. The angrier Prospero becomes, the colder his demeanour and the more cutting his comments. On the few occasions Prospero has genuinely lost his temper, he is said to turn his entire will to ruining the target of his ire.

Prospero rules the City of Bridges. Built on a thousand small islands, connected by bridges in an impossible variety of styles, it is a city-sized maze of white marble and gold. Said to be one of the richest and most beautiful cities in the Autumn realm, it is an urban wonderland of well-maintained parks, plazas, fora, public buildings and princely villas. Traveling between islands is possible only via the bridges - no boats ply the dark waters of the allegedly bottomless lake. The layout is unchanging but incredibly intricate, and is said to be impossible for visitors to navigate without assistance from the residents - who of course demand favours or services in return for their guidance. While the majority of buildings are single storey affairs, the impossibly tall towers of Prospero's palace dominate the skyline, a visible reminder to all the inhabitants of who rules here.

The Weaver is not a warrior, but is said to be the most potent magician of the Autumn eternals, at least on par with [[Meraud]] in Summer, [[Sadogua]] in Night and [[Kimus]] in Day. He is always equipped with potent magical items that enhance his already formidable supernatural powers; the nature of these items changes regularly. On occasion he lends one to a mortal in return for some valuable service.

Prospero never appears alone. He is usually accompanied by two or three "nobles" from his city, chosen for their talents and unique skills. These courtiers share their Prince's love of conversation, and may have boons of their own to offer.

The Golden Spider is known to project an aura similar to the [[Chamber of Pallas]], encouraging everyone in his vicinity to engage in discussion and eschew confrontation. This power is especially potent when combined with a feast or banquet.

The Lord of the White City is associated with [[Hirmok]], rune of dominion and with [[Lann]] rune of bargains. Unlike many eternals he is also associated with [[Astronomancy|astronomantic]] constellations; in this case the [[The Chain|Chain]], [[The_Spider_and_The_Web|Spider]] and [[The_Spider_and_The_Web|Web]]. According to Prospero and his heralds, these constellations can be seen in the sky above the City of Bridges just as they can in the mortal world.

==Concerns==
Prospero prides himself on being the image of a wise ruler, who exerts the maximum amount of influence with the minimal amount of effort. He is well loved by the inhabitants of his city, and respected even by his enemies. He stands at the centre of an impossibly complex web of favour, patronage and influence - what he cannot achieve by calling in a favour directly, he can often manage by calling in a favour from someone who is owed a favour by his target.

Wealth is useful to Prospero, but it is not an end in itself. As far as the Sovereign Lord of the City of Bridges is concerned, being prosperous and secure allows one the freedom to focus on politics and personal ambitions - the poor and powerless are trapped in cycles of desperation that prevent them achieving their goals. "''There are few things more depressing than a farmer,''" he is often quoted as saying, "''unless it is a slave. I would always choose the company of the landowner or the merchant over the farmer.''"
{{CaptionedImage|file=Simone.jpg|title=Prospero's heralds often appear as no more than very high lineage cambion.|caption=Simone, herald of Prospero|align=left|width=250}}
Prospero is also disdainful of the trade of goods - it is a useful tool, but objects are nothing compared to the talents of individuals. Gold and silver are cold and worthless compared to the talent that lies in the hands and mind of the jeweller and the silversmith. It is the merchant who creates wealth, not the goods they traffic in - and the best merchants wield the subtle tools of influence to increase their prosperity. He has several times expressed scorn for the [[Bourse]] while praising the [[Senate]] as "''a good idea, for all that it still has a little way to go.''"

The Echoing Market, which lies at the heart of the City of Bridges, is a unique bazaar where no goods change hands - rather, the merchants here trade in favours. Many eternals associated with Prospero insist on writing down favours owed on strips of paper, which they treat as the physical manifestation of the favour. Anyone who presents the paper can claim the favour - and there is a brisk exchange with a complex rate. Two favours from a soldier might equal a major favour from a grocer; the favour of a Cardinal of the Way might fetch a price of six minor favours from various diplomats to the courts of Jarm. Mortal magicians may sometimes engage in trade for favours, but woe betide anyone who attempts to avoid or welch on an owed favour. A favour recorded on the papers of the Echoing Market is said to be able to reach beyond death, to call back a spirit or perhaps even to influence a mortal who has been reborn from the Labyrinth again.

When someone makes an agreement with Prospero (or angers him), he has one of his scribes or aides make a note of it, and the paper is dispatched to the City of Bridges to be entered in one of his ledgers. He rarely bothers to invoke the [[Lictors]] to safeguard his agreements - but anyone who attempts to betray Prospero is likely to find that offending someone with an innate understanding of synchronicity can be extremely painful. Prospero is not cruel, particularly; only the most heinous offences against him cannot be at least partially resolved with a heartfelt apology and an offer of favours.

The Golden Prince aspires to be a scion of subtlety. Where his rival [[Basileus Flint]] rules with a fist of iron, Prospero weaves threads of favour and patronage to influence the members of his court - and indeed anyone else who interacts with them. Despite his emphasis on subtlety and influence, Prospero has little time for either deception or treachery. Wherever he can he encourages honest dealings, where everyone involved knows what they are getting in to. Only in the realm of trading favours does this honest approach begin to break down a little - but the assumption in the Court of Flowers is always that someone who offers a favour without placing limitations on it or defining how the favour can be spent - or traded - deserves everything they get.

Within the Empire, Prospero is known to favour the [[The League|League's]] style of favour and influence, and appears to have a great deal of respect for the [[Net of the Heavens]] philosophy as practiced by the [[Urizen]]. He is believed to be fascinated by the [[The Marches|Marches]], and on several occasions has attempted to increase the power of the [[Market town|market towns]] over that of the [[Steward|Stewards]] - although always through proxies rather than direct action. When it comes to the [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] Prospero appears conflicted; he appreciates their directness and honesty, but finds their "''obsession''" with money to be a little off-putting.

The [[Synod]] is said to intrigue Prospero - he sees a lot to approve of in the teachings of [[Loyalty]] and [[Ambition]], while viewing the virtues of [[Wisdom]] and [[Vigilance]] in particular as being largely irrelevant. His heralds are always careful to remain polite to priests they encounter, and Prospero appears more than happy to assist those priests who treat him with respect.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Prospero is fascinated by the [[The_Throne#Creation_of_an_Imperial_Favour|Imperial favour]], and it is believed he will offer a valuable boon to anyone who willingly gives an existing favour into his control.

==Boons==
Prospero is the master of [[create bond|bonds]]. He can effortlessly create and dissolve bonds between people and magic items, and between groups of people. He is known to be able to exert his will to forge bonds that are extremely difficult to unravel, or to carefully unpick complex bonds created by others. From time to time he demonstrates the ability to manipulate the bonds between members of a [[Bands|band]] in remarkable ways - for example, he once wove the bonds of the Whisper of the North [[Varushka magical traditions#Cabalists|cabal]] with an enchantment that allowed them to perform more rituals than other covens, although the price he required in return allegedly involved the magicians influencing the Varushkan [[senate|senators]] in some profound (but secret) fashion.

This facility for bonds also manifests in the ability to employ an effect similar to [[Ties that Bind]] at will, and to empower mortal magicians to perform the ritual with greater facility.

His understanding of the connections between people, places and things gives him an innate sense for ''synchronicity'' and ''serendipity'' - the way that events can combine to influence seemingly unrelated circumstances. This takes a number of forms, but he is known to be able to grant boons that empower rituals such as [[Streams of Silver]], [[Rivers of Gold]], [[Winds of Fortune]] and [[Gift of the Wily Broker]]. Furthermore, his fascination with influence sometimes manifests in boons that strengthen the ties of loyalty between individuals such as [[Circle of Gold]] or [[Mantle of the Golden Orator]].

This perception of synchronicity means that those who cross Prospero often find themselves [[curse|cursed]] in ways that turn fortune against them. The most common effect is something similar to the ritual effect [[Like Water Through Your Fingers]], although often more powerful. Prospero is also able to reduce or even remove the effects of this kind of curse - but generally requires a major favour for doing so.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dreyfus.jpg|title=Prospero's heralds often appear as no more than very high lineage cambion.|caption=Dreyfus, herald of Prospero|align=right|width=250}}
Prospero sometimes accepts payment for his boons, but is much more interested in services or favours. An agreement to gain a boon regarding [[Rivers of Gold]] for example might include a requirement to perform the ritual once each season in a certain way for certain targets or types of targets. The exception is that Prospero has a weakness for [[Materials#Orichalcum|orichalcum]], and may agree to accept payment in ingots of this golden material.

==The Spiders of the City of Bridges==
Prospero is said to control a small army of metallic spider-like creatures who live in the City of Bridges. These creatures are rarely seen, but defend the city from attack. They are said to be able to entangle enemies in strands of metallic thread, quickly wrapping them into cocoons and rendering them immobile and powerless. While Prospero has never been known to grant control of these spiders to others, he has occasionally been known to offer boons or magical items that draw on their abilities in some way.

==The Books of Ebony and Bone==
Prospero keeps two immense ledgers in his palaces. One book is bound in ebony with black pages written in golden ink, in which Prospero records all the favours he is owed, and who he has traded them to. The other book, which is covered in a thin layer of dust, is bound in ivory with white pages written on in red ink. This is where Prospero records all his grudges. The book of ebony is said to fill up quickly - there are said to be twenty-three volumes of favours carefully curated by Prospero's heralds. The book of bone, however, is unique; it is no more than half filled with grudges, many of which have been expiated in one way or another.

==The Loom of Stars==
The Loom of Stars is an immense artefact that Prospero keeps in the centre of his palace in the City of Bridges. An incredibly complex machine made up of thousands upon thousands of coloured threads that criss-cross the chamber, sometimes crossing, sometimes tied in knots. Prospero claims that every strand represents the life of a single influential entity, and that by identifying which thread corresponds to which entity he can learn much about their relationships. The loom is ever-changing, and some Urizen [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazers|stargazers]] say that it is a model of a part of the Net of the Heavens. According to Prospero himself, the loom contains strands connected to mortals, eternals and "''other creatures''" and even he does not know where it came from, nor precisely what it does.

==Threadweaver==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Threadweaver.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
The game originates in the City of Bridges, the realm of Prospero. Rumours of the game started in the lead-up to the [[The_illusion_of_majesty#Unseen_Hand|Spring Equinox 383YE]]. There was a game hosted by the Lord of the Loom during the [[Power,_corruption,_and_lies#Prospero|Autumn Equinox 383YE]] which was attended by several Imperial citizens. Knowledge of the game has since spread across the Empire. Games of Threadweaver take place over a number of rounds, agreed beforehand by all participants.

<span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">Lots</span><br>
Each player should have several distinct lots in front of them, these can be anything from a [[Game_items#Coins|crown]] or a measure of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]], to a favour offering a service. These are used throughout rounds to buy additional cards from the deck by placing one of their lots into the jail.

<span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">Jail</span><br>
The jailer card can be used to unlock the jail, giving the person who played the card all the lots within. The jailer card can only be revealed on the player’s turn, and not at the same time as revealing a set.

Everyone involved in the game is expected to provide at least one lot for the jail but something that has become commonplace is that if the game is hosted by someone looking to demonstrate their [[Prosperity]], such as a [[The_League_leadership|merchant prince]] of the League or a [[Wintermark_political_leadership|thane]] of Wintermark, then they often provide the greater part of the pot or even all of it.

<span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">Rounds</span><br>
At the start of each round, every player receives two cards. Each player, starting with the person immediately to the left of the previous winner and proceeding clockwise, then takes their turn. A turn involves purchasing a card from the deck by providing a lot to the jail, and then one of three things: reveal the jailer card to take all lots from the jail; reveal a set to win the current round; or pass to the next player.

How the order of play is decided in the first round of a game varies; often it is the player immediately to the left of the dealer, or by general acclaim of offerings to the jail.

<span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">Winning</span><br>
A round ends when the player whose turn it is reveals a set: three of the same suit, three of the same number, or two of the same and the wild card. Winning a round allows you to take a single lot from any other player.

==The Deck==
The game, as created by the eternal Prospero, is played with a deck of 27 cards; five suits of five cards each, a wild card, and a jailer. The suits represent the five different cities of the realm of Autumn: the [[Estavus|City of Forges]], the [[Callidus|City of Chains]], the [[Ephisis|City of Gold and Lead]], the [[Basileus Flint|City of Locks]], and of course the City of Bridges. The wild card represents [[Mazen|Mazen of the Many Faces]] and the jailer serves as a reminder of the [[Lictors]].

Other deck variants exist within the Empire such as the Varushkan deck, featuring the [[Varushka_territories|five territories]], the volhov, and the sovereign. It is possible to play using a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_52-card_deck standard 52-card deck], the best way being to play with just four suits.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Prospero001.webp|align=right|width=200}}
==Further Reading==
* [[Ourselves_and_immortality#Before_a_House|Ourselves and immortality]] - 387YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Back_in_town#Prospero|Back in town]] - 385YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Prospero|I knew you were trouble]] - 384YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[The_bird_and_the_child#Prospero|The bird and the child]] - 384YE Spring plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Prospero

2026-07-04T15:53:39Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=ProsperoArt.jpg|title="Bridges" artist unknown. A much darker depiction of the City of Bridges than is usual - normally it is depicted as a sprawling and beautiful garden-city. This picture presents a much less welcoming locale|caption=''Bridges'' symbolises the connections between people that form the web of influence.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Autumn==
===Sobriquets===
Known as the ''Golden Prince'', Prospero is the master of influence, favours and serendipity.

He is commonly referred to as the ''Weaver'', and the ''Lord of the Loom''. He is the ''Sovereign Lord of the City of Bridges'' and the ''Prince of Ties''. He is sometimes referred to as the ''Reckoner of Ebony and Bone'' in reference to the ledgers in which he records his favours and enmities. His love of influence sometimes leads to him being called the ''Golden Spider'' or the ''Threadweaver''. Very old sources sometimes call him ''Cloven-hoofed'', apparently a metaphor for the mountain-goat-like dexterity with which he navigates the difficult terrain of the halls of power.

In [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] he is called ''Polymitarius'' or ''el tejedor''; in [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] he is called ''Jemný Pavouk'' which translates a something akin to ''Subtle Spider''. The magicians of the [[Sumaah Republic]] believe he is a trap for the virtuous; they call him ''Skredderen'' the ''Wheedling Spider'' and the ''Satrapy of Rope'' - and it is illegal for any citizen of Sumaah to owe Prospero a favour.

Prospero always appears to be male, and uses male pronouns.

==Appearance==
Prospero is always finely dressed; he displays his wealth, power and influence in his garments and accoutrements. His curving horns are often gilded, and he drips with fine jewellery. He is invariably friendly, affable, gregarious and loquacious. He enjoys verbal fencing and clever conversation, especially when it is accompanied by food or drink. Debate and discourse are his meat-and-drink. He is slow to anger, but utterly implacable when his ire is raised. The angrier Prospero becomes, the colder his demeanour and the more cutting his comments. On the few occasions Prospero has genuinely lost his temper, he is said to turn his entire will to ruining the target of his ire.

Prospero rules the City of Bridges. Built on a thousand small islands, connected by bridges in an impossible variety of styles, it is a city-sized maze of white marble and gold. Said to be one of the richest and most beautiful cities in the Autumn realm, it is an urban wonderland of well-maintained parks, plazas, fora, public buildings and princely villas. Traveling between islands is possible only via the bridges - no boats ply the dark waters of the allegedly bottomless lake. The layout is unchanging but incredibly intricate, and is said to be impossible for visitors to navigate without assistance from the residents - who of course demand favours or services in return for their guidance. While the majority of buildings are single storey affairs, the impossibly tall towers of Prospero's palace dominate the skyline, a visible reminder to all the inhabitants of who rules here.

The Weaver is not a warrior, but is said to be the most potent magician of the Autumn eternals, at least on par with [[Meraud]] in Summer, [[Sadogua]] in Night and [[Kimus]] in Day. He is always equipped with potent magical items that enhance his already formidable supernatural powers; the nature of these items changes regularly. On occasion he lends one to a mortal in return for some valuable service.

Prospero never appears alone. He is usually accompanied by two or three "nobles" from his city, chosen for their talents and unique skills. These courtiers share their Prince's love of conversation, and may have boons of their own to offer.

The Golden Spider is known to project an aura similar to the [[Chamber of Pallas]], encouraging everyone in his vicinity to engage in discussion and eschew confrontation. This power is especially potent when combined with a feast or banquet.

The Lord of the White City is associated with [[Hirmok]], rune of dominion and with [[Lann]] rune of bargains. Unlike many eternals he is also associated with [[Astronomancy|astronomantic]] constellations; in this case the [[The Chain|Chain]], [[The_Spider_and_The_Web|Spider]] and [[The_Spider_and_The_Web|Web]]. According to Prospero and his heralds, these constellations can be seen in the sky above the City of Bridges just as they can in the mortal world.

==Concerns==
Prospero prides himself on being the image of a wise ruler, who exerts the maximum amount of influence with the minimal amount of effort. He is well loved by the inhabitants of his city, and respected even by his enemies. He stands at the centre of an impossibly complex web of favour, patronage and influence - what he cannot achieve by calling in a favour directly, he can often manage by calling in a favour from someone who is owed a favour by his target.

Wealth is useful to Prospero, but it is not an end in itself. As far as the Sovereign Lord of the City of Bridges is concerned, being prosperous and secure allows one the freedom to focus on politics and personal ambitions - the poor and powerless are trapped in cycles of desperation that prevent them achieving their goals. "''There are few things more depressing than a farmer,''" he is often quoted as saying, "''unless it is a slave. I would always choose the company of the landowner or the merchant over the farmer.''"
{{CaptionedImage|file=Simone.jpg|title=Prospero's heralds often appear as no more than very high lineage cambion.|caption=Simone, herald of Prospero|align=left|width=250}}
Prospero is also disdainful of the trade of goods - it is a useful tool, but objects are nothing compared to the talents of individuals. Gold and silver are cold and worthless compared to the talent that lies in the hands and mind of the jeweller and the silversmith. It is the merchant who creates wealth, not the goods they traffic in - and the best merchants wield the subtle tools of influence to increase their prosperity. He has several times expressed scorn for the [[Bourse]] while praising the [[Senate]] as "''a good idea, for all that it still has a little way to go.''"

The Echoing Market, which lies at the heart of the City of Bridges, is a unique bazaar where no goods change hands - rather, the merchants here trade in favours. Many eternals associated with Prospero insist on writing down favours owed on strips of paper, which they treat as the physical manifestation of the favour. Anyone who presents the paper can claim the favour - and there is a brisk exchange with a complex rate. Two favours from a soldier might equal a major favour from a grocer; the favour of a Cardinal of the Way might fetch a price of six minor favours from various diplomats to the courts of Jarm. Mortal magicians may sometimes engage in trade for favours, but woe betide anyone who attempts to avoid or welch on an owed favour. A favour recorded on the papers of the Echoing Market is said to be able to reach beyond death, to call back a spirit or perhaps even to influence a mortal who has been reborn from the Labyrinth again.

When someone makes an agreement with Prospero (or angers him), he has one of his scribes or aides make a note of it, and the paper is dispatched to the City of Bridges to be entered in one of his ledgers. He rarely bothers to invoke the [[Lictors]] to safeguard his agreements - but anyone who attempts to betray Prospero is likely to find that offending someone with an innate understanding of synchronicity can be extremely painful. Prospero is not cruel, particularly; only the most heinous offences against him cannot be at least partially resolved with a heartfelt apology and an offer of favours.

The Golden Prince aspires to be a scion of subtlety. Where his rival [[Basileus Flint]] rules with a fist of iron, Prospero weaves threads of favour and patronage to influence the members of his court - and indeed anyone else who interacts with them. Despite his emphasis on subtlety and influence, Prospero has little time for either deception or treachery. Wherever he can he encourages honest dealings, where everyone involved knows what they are getting in to. Only in the realm of trading favours does this honest approach begin to break down a little - but the assumption in the Court of Flowers is always that someone who offers a favour without placing limitations on it or defining how the favour can be spent - or traded - deserves everything they get.

Within the Empire, Prospero is known to favour the [[The League|League's]] style of favour and influence, and appears to have a great deal of respect for the [[Net of the Heavens]] philosophy as practiced by the [[Urizen]]. He is believed to be fascinated by the [[The Marches|Marches]], and on several occasions has attempted to increase the power of the [[Market town|market towns]] over that of the [[Steward|Stewards]] - although always through proxies rather than direct action. When it comes to the [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] Prospero appears conflicted; he appreciates their directness and honesty, but finds their "''obsession''" with money to be a little off-putting.

The [[Synod]] is said to intrigue Prospero - he sees a lot to approve of in the teachings of [[Loyalty]] and [[Ambition]], while viewing the virtues of [[Wisdom]] and [[Vigilance]] in particular as being largely irrelevant. His heralds are always careful to remain polite to priests they encounter, and Prospero appears more than happy to assist those priests who treat him with respect.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Prospero is fascinated by the [[The_Throne#Creation_of_an_Imperial_Favour|Imperial favour]], and it is believed he will offer a valuable boon to anyone who willingly gives an existing favour into his control.

==Boons==
Prospero is the master of [[create bond|bonds]]. He can effortlessly create and dissolve bonds between people and magic items, and between groups of people. He is known to be able to exert his will to forge bonds that are extremely difficult to unravel, or to carefully unpick complex bonds created by others. From time to time he demonstrates the ability to manipulate the bonds between members of a [[Bands|band]] in remarkable ways - for example, he once wove the bonds of the Whisper of the North [[Varushka magical traditions#Cabalists|cabal]] with an enchantment that allowed them to perform more rituals than other covens, although the price he required in return allegedly involved the magicians influencing the Varushkan [[senate|senators]] in some profound (but secret) fashion.

This facility for bonds also manifests in the ability to employ an effect similar to [[Ties that Bind]] at will, and to empower mortal magicians to perform the ritual with greater facility.

His understanding of the connections between people, places and things gives him an innate sense for ''synchronicity'' and ''serendipity'' - the way that events can combine to influence seemingly unrelated circumstances. This takes a number of forms, but he is known to be able to grant boons that empower rituals such as [[Streams of Silver]], [[Rivers of Gold]], [[Winds of Fortune]] and [[Gift of the Wily Broker]]. Furthermore, his fascination with influence sometimes manifests in boons that strengthen the ties of loyalty between individuals such as [[Circle of Gold]] or [[Mantle of the Golden Orator]].

This perception of synchronicity means that those who cross Prospero often find themselves [[curse|cursed]] in ways that turn fortune against them. The most common effect is something similar to the ritual effect [[Like Water Through Your Fingers]], although often more powerful. Prospero is also able to reduce or even remove the effects of this kind of curse - but generally requires a major favour for doing so.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Dreyfus.jpg|title=Prospero's heralds often appear as no more than very high lineage cambion.|caption=Dreyfus, herald of Prospero|align=right|width=250}}
Prospero sometimes accepts payment for his boons, but is much more interested in services or favours. An agreement to gain a boon regarding [[Rivers of Gold]] for example might include a requirement to perform the ritual once each season in a certain way for certain targets or types of targets. The exception is that Prospero has a weakness for [[Materials#Orichalcum|orichalcum]], and may agree to accept payment in ingots of this golden material.

==The Spiders of the City of Bridges==
Prospero is said to control a small army of metallic spider-like creatures who live in the City of Bridges. These creatures are rarely seen, but defend the city from attack. They are said to be able to entangle enemies in strands of metallic thread, quickly wrapping them into cocoons and rendering them immobile and powerless. While Prospero has never been known to grant control of these spiders to others, he has occasionally been known to offer boons or magical items that draw on their abilities in some way.

==The Books of Ebony and Bone==
Prospero keeps two immense ledgers in his palaces. One book is bound in ebony with black pages written in golden ink, in which Prospero records all the favours he is owed, and who he has traded them to. The other book, which is covered in a thin layer of dust, is bound in ivory with white pages written on in red ink. This is where Prospero records all his grudges. The book of ebony is said to fill up quickly - there are said to be twenty-three volumes of favours carefully curated by Prospero's heralds. The book of bone, however, is unique; it is no more than half filled with grudges, many of which have been expiated in one way or another.

==The Loom of Stars==
The Loom of Stars is an immense artefact that Prospero keeps in the centre of his palace in the City of Bridges. An incredibly complex machine made up of thousands upon thousands of coloured threads that criss-cross the chamber, sometimes crossing, sometimes tied in knots. Prospero claims that every strand represents the life of a single influential entity, and that by identifying which thread corresponds to which entity he can learn much about their relationships. The loom is ever-changing, and some Urizen [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazers|stargazers]] say that it is a model of a part of the Net of the Heavens. According to Prospero himself, the loom contains strands connected to mortals, eternals and "''other creatures''" and even he does not know where it came from, nor precisely what it does.

==Threadweaver==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Threadweaver.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
The game originates in the City of Bridges, the realm of Prospero. Rumours of the game started in the lead-up to the [[The_illusion_of_majesty#Unseen_Hand|Spring Equinox 383YE]]. There was a game hosted by the Lord of the Loom during the [[Power,_corruption,_and_lies#Prospero|Autumn Equinox 383YE]] which was attended by several Imperial citizens. Knowledge of the game has since spread across the Empire. Games of Threadweaver take place over a number of rounds, agreed beforehand by all participants.

<span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">Lots</span><br>
Each player should have several distinct lots in front of them, these can be anything from a [[Game_items#Coins|crown]] or a measure of [[Materials#Ambergelt|ambergelt]], to a favour offering a service. These are used throughout rounds to buy additional cards from the deck by placing one of their lots into the jail.

<span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">Jail</span><br>
The jailer card can be used to unlock the jail, giving the person who played the card all the lots within. The jailer card can only be revealed on the player’s turn, and not at the same time as revealing a set.

Everyone involved in the game is expected to provide at least one lot for the jail but something that has become commonplace is that if the game is hosted by someone looking to demonstrate their [[Prosperity]], such as a [[The_League_leadership|merchant prince]] of the League or a [[Wintermark_political_leadership|thane]] of Wintermark, then they often provide the greater part of the pot or even all of it.

<span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">Rounds</span><br>
At the start of each round, every player receives two cards. Each player, starting with the person immediately to the left of the previous winner and proceeding clockwise, then takes their turn. A turn involves purchasing a card from the deck by providing a lot to the jail, and then one of three things: reveal the jailer card to take all lots from the jail; reveal a set to win the current round; or pass to the next player.

How the order of play is decided in the first round of a game varies; often it is the player immediately to the left of the dealer, or by general acclaim of offerings to the jail.

<span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">Winning</span><br>
A round ends when the player whose turn it is reveals a set: three of the same suit, three of the same number, or two of the same and the wild card. Winning a round allows you to take a single lot from any other player.

==The Deck==
The game, as created by the eternal Prospero, is played with a deck of 27 cards; five suits of five cards each, a wild card, and a jailer. The suits represent the five different cities of the realm of Autumn: the [[Estavus|City of Forges]], the [[Callidus|City of Chains]], the [[Ephisis|City of Gold and Lead]], the [[Basileus Flint|City of Locks]], and of course the City of Bridges. The wild card represents [[Mazen|Mazen of the Many Faces]] and the jailer serves as a reminder of the [[Lictors]].

Other deck variants exist within the Empire such as the Varushkan deck, featuring the [[Varushka_territories|five territories]], the volhov, and the sovereign. It is possible to play using a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_52-card_deck standard 52-card deck], the best way being to play with just four suits.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Prospero001.webp|align=right|width=200}}
==Further Reading==
* [[Ourselves_and_immortality#Before_a_House|Ourselves and immortality]] - 387YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Back_in_town#Prospero|Back in town]] - 385YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Prospero|I knew you were trouble]] - 384YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[The_bird_and_the_child#Prospero|The bird and the child]] - 384YE Spring plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Ephisis

2026-07-04T15:48:14Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=EphisisArt.jpg|title="Gold and Lead" artist unknown.|caption=''Gold and Lead'' depicts the wondrous minarets of Ephisis' city.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Autumn==
===Sobriquets===
Known as the ''Hidden Prince'', Ephisis is a mistress of trade, barter and fair exchange.

She is sometimes referred to as the ''Accounter'', ''High Merchant'', and the ''Lady of the Counting House''. She is the ''Sovereign Lady of the City of Gold and Lead'' and the ''Prince of Scales''. She is sometimes referred to as the ''Invisible Hand'' in reference to both her sequestration and to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invisible_hand certain economic theories]. Her love of trade sometimes leads to her being called the ''Merchant Queen''. Her great wealth is often referenced in the title ''Grand Plutocrat''.

In [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] she is sometimes worshipped directly as a patroness of merchants, traders and wealth; in both the [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] and [[Axos]] she and her heralds are courted for the various mercantile boons they offer. The magicians of the [[Sumaah Republic]], where she is known as the ''Eternal Bazaar'' consider her, along with [[Estavus]] to be an acceptable eternal to treat with; that said it is illegal for any citizen of Sumaah to deal with Ephisis without the assistance of a priestly mediator from the Assembly of Prosperity or the Assembly of Wisdom.

The [[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan]] have something of a love-hate relationship with Ephisis; their tendency to seek a profit without regard for ethics, and to engage in piracy, occasionally grates with this fair-minded eternal.

Ephisis is always referred to as being female.

Her heralds are often referred to as ''chamberlains'' or ''seneschals'' in reference to the role they have in managing the City of Gold and Lead on her behalf.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Ephisis.jpg|caption=Artists impression of Ephisis by Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra|width=400|align=right}}

==Appearance==
No mortal in living memory has provably interacted directly with Ephisis. She does not host audiences in the Hall of the Worlds, and deals entirely through intermediaries. This has led to a lot of speculation – but nobody has met a herald who has met her, either. She apparently never leaves her citadel – a pyramid of polished gold at the centre of the sprawling city she rules.

The City of Gold and Lead is built on the Plains of Aggido, framed between two great mountains. Some texts refer to it as the ''City of Five Rings'', referring to the five great concentric walls that have been built to contain the city as it grows. The closer one gets to the central citadel, the richer and more influential the citizens. The central ring is said to be a place of wonders where some of the wealthiest of the Autumn eternals can be found – along with the embassies from the other eternals. Almost all the buildings in and around the City are businesses – Ephisis rules the greatest trade hub in the realm.

The High Merchant is closely associated with the rune [[Lann]], which represents bargains, and the rune [[Pallas]] which represents wealth. Her sigil is the balanced scale, and appears on many official documents and banners of the City of Gold and Lead.

==Concerns==
While nobody has ever met Ephisis directly, scholars can theorise about her philosophies and concerns based on the actions her heralds take.

Ephisis is fascinated with trade in all its forms. She encourages trade across the realm and the mortal world - from a bartered exchange of goods, to the most complex financial schemes of the League or the Sarcophan Delves.

She opposes attempts to restrict or control trade, but equally is fascinated by them and by what they can teach her about her obsession. She is known to be ambivalent about taxes – and the citizens of the City of Gold and Lead are known to pay a tenth of their profits to the Accounter's coffers. Of taxes, she has repeatedly expressed the opinion that taxation is a form of trade – the government provides services and facilities, and the citizens contribute to their upkeep. That said, she has also praised systems where citizens voluntarily donate to the state, and those anarchies where the individual has no responsibility to the state at all.

Ephisis is immensely rich. In her opinion, wealth is both a means to an end (securing happiness), and a way of recognising talent and ambition. People who make themselves wealthy in their society deserve to be more powerful because they have worked hard to gain their wealth. Wealth is also an equaliser – anyone can become wealthy, and unwise investments can plunge a complacent plutocrat into the gutter.

Core to her philosophy, however, is the belief in ethical behaviour. This quality is sometimes seen as being at odds with her obsession with trade. Ephisis expects trade to be 'honest' and absolutely despises cheats and con artists. While profit is integral to many trading models, it is up to the merchant, the customer and their society to determine what is a 'fair' profit on a transaction. She dislikes business practices that involve tricking, or deceiving customers or workers and despises the use of force to take wealth from others.

While Ephisis mostly focuses on the trade of material goods. She dislikes trades involving 'future favours'; she dislikes attempts to turn economic interactions into social interactions, and absolutely ''despises'' those who fail to pay their debts or honour their bargains. She views many social exchanges in terms of trade. Whether it is a stonemason sculpting a statue for a client, a mercenary fighting for an employer, or a mine-worker extracting ore, all these activities are trades of time and skill for recompense. A common phrase used by the eternals of the City of Gold and Lead is that the only real commodity of any value is time.

Her heralds are often used as advocates by other eternals and mortals alike, and view mediation as another form of trade. She would always rather mediate a dispute than fight, but that is not to say that she is weak. She employs brotherhoods of mercenary soldiers to guard her city, and they are very well paid indeed.

In the Autumn realm, Ephisis remains neutral. She is believed to have close ties with Estavus, but to keep the other eternals at arm's length. There is particular rivalry between Ephisis and [[Prospero]] over the Echoing Bazaar – a mirror of her own marketplaces but one where favours and influence are used rather than good hard coin. Many of the other powers of the Autumn realm come to the City of Gold and Lead to trade, and none are interested in losing access to her services. A Prince who attacked Ephisis would risk drawing the ire of all the other Princes.

Ephisis and her heralds regularly invoke the [[Lictors]]. Given they are invariably dealing from an open and honest position, they see no harm in using magic to ensure that anyone they are dealing with is incentivised to be likewise honest.

Within the Empire, Ephisis is known to favour the [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] especially, being impressed by their commitment to honesty in business dealings. The murky practices of the League are a source of constant frustration, and she is known to be interested in the slow struggle between [[Market town|market towns]] and households in [[the Marches]]. On the whole, Ephisis is a quiet supporter of the Empire, especially impressed by the institution of the [[Bourse]]. Indeed, her heralds have directly intervened to assist or protect the Bourse on the rare occasions where it has been threatened.

==Boons==
Ephisis is the mistress of exchange. She is a source of many boons that enhance trading ventures – and can weave potent [[enchantment|enchantments]] to improve [[business|businesses]] and [[fleet|fleets]].

She is also fascinated with the idea of open trade. Her heralds often demonstrate the ability to quickly evaluate the magical properties of an object offered for trade. She is known to share this ability with some mortals, although the boon often comes at a steep price.

Most magicians know the eternal through the ritual [[Ephisis' Scale]]. Beneath her citadel, Ephisis has vaults of unimaginable size, containing all the valuable items she has accumulated through trade with her fellow eternals and the mortal world. It is impossible to guess what lost treasures, secrets and objects of incalculable worth are contained in those vaults. “Mundane” trade with Ephisis is very common – she has an encyclopaedic knowledge of everything she owns, and queries to the eternal regarding specific items have sometimes been remarkably successful.

This connection with the preservation of wealth means that Ephisis has access to some of the finest vaultsmiths and lockmakers in the Autumn realm. She is known to be able to create secure containers similar to those made with the [[night pouch]] incantation or the [[Secrets for the Shadow Courier]] ritual, and may share them with magicians.

Ephisis seems to have no interest in [[curse|cursing]] anyone. Indeed, she is much more likely to trade for something that can help remove a curse than to help a magician in placing one. Curses that disrupt trade are particularly abhorrent to her – a single malediction can disrupt the economic activity of an entire region.

Ephisis does not deal in influence. She never does something for a promised favour in the future. This does not mean that she does not understand intangible trades – only that she avoids trades where someone promises to do something unspecified at a future date. A deal in which one party agrees to perform a specified task for payment is eminently acceptable to the eternal.

==Rituals that deal with Ephisis==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Ephisis. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Ephisis' Scale]]</td><td>[[Ephisis]]</td><td>Allows trade with the eternal Ephisis</td><td>Autumn</td><td>4</td>
<tr><td>[[Balanced Scales of Lann]]</td><td>[[Ephisis]]</td><td>Grants one rank of Autumn lore for a season, and allows the trade of metal for magical power.</td><td>Autumn</td><td>20</td>
</table>
==Significant Heralds==
===Pharam Vex, Voivode of Chains===
Pharam Vex, known in the Empire as the Voivode of Chains, concerned itself with the trade and value of ''sentient beings'' - primarily in the form of slavery - and was particularly active in the nations of [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]] and [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]]. Pharam Vex was once active in the Empire as well, but withdrew its patronage when placed under [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] by the [[Conclave]] during the reign of [[Emperor Ahraz]]. While the enmity was later revoked, the Voivode remained distant from Imperial concerns.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="From a speech to the Imperial Conclave in 328YE by Constantia Flamespire, Imperial Archmage of Autumn">I therefore hypothesise the following. Were one to somehow find a way to ''free'' the Voivode from its mistress, it would simply vanish and cease to be. Pharam Vex is defined by the fact that it is a slave. Without that, it is nothing.</quote></div>
Pharam Vex was apparently capable of taking many forms, usually with shining copper or crimson skin and great curling horns, but it was always richly dressed in the manner of a foreign merchant prince and attended on by silent, often masked servants. Regardless of its appearance, every recorded encounter with Vex mentions that it was bedecked with chains. These chains did not seem to be ceremonial; the Voivode claimed to be as much a slave as the chattel it was so eager to barter and trade in, bound to Ephisis' service.

The ''Maître de la Cage d'Or'', as it was called in Asavea, was said to manage great hosts of enslaved Autumn entities in the City of Gold and Lead, trading their labour and services to other eternals and heralds in return for riches and wealth. When dealing with the mortal world, the Voivode sometimes offered boons of service from its slave-host, dispatching regiments of wretched minions to work in mines or haul wagons of building materials. These slaves were sometimes humanoid but can take other, stranger forms, although they almost always wore masks that could not be removed without killing the hapless entity.

The herald eventually met its end during the [[Burning|assault on the aerie of the Slave Lords of Rachensgrab]] following the Autumn Equinox 384YE. Liberty Pact forces assaulted the island stronghold of the slave lords, located in the northern [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Steel|Sea of Steel]], where a sizable temple dedicated to Pharam Vex stood. As part of the raid, [[Burning#Temple_of_Chains|Pharam Vex was destroyed and the temple reduced to ashes]].

==Further Reading==
* [[Speak to me#Invisible Hand|Speak to me]] - 387YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Begins where it ends#Ephisis|Begins where it ends]] - 385YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Have you seen me lately#Ephisis|Have you seen me lately]] - 385YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Impossible landscapes#Ephisis|Impossible landscapes]] - 383YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Who benefits?#Ephisis|Who benefits?]] - 383YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[We've been here forever#Ephisis|We've been here forever]] - 382YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[What did the deep say?#Ephisis|What did the deep say?]] - 381YE Winter plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Estavus

2026-07-04T15:45:46Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=EstavusArt.jpg|title="Fire and Iron" artist unknown. It depicts the burning furnaces on the slopes of Shikal, which are said to belch forth black smoke in such abundance that the entire mountain-city is cloaked in darkness at all times.|caption=''Fire and Iron'' represents the volcanic furnaces of Shikal.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Autumn==
===Sobriquets===
Most commonly, she is known as ''The Forgemistress'', or the ''Sovereign Lord of the City of Fire and Stone''.

She may also be called ''The Prince of Shikal'', ''The Bronze Artisan'', ''The Towers of Calx and Coom'' and occasionally ''The Hammer of Fire and Stone''.

In the [[Sumaah Republic]], she is known as ''the Anvil of Thunder and Granite''. She is popular with Sumaash magicians due to its aid being straightforward and deeply transactional.

==Appearance==
Estavus is a powerfully built female with bronze skin and curling steel horns. Her left arm appears to be made of metal, and she is usually clad in a metal breastplate wielding a two-handed hammer. She is often marked with soot either from her infernal volcanic home or from her work at her forge.

The Forgemistress is often accompanied by lesser eternals and heralds who serve her as guards or assistants, but she is often found with magical metal constructs such as brass minotaurs; warriors crafted of living [[Materials#materials|dragonbone]]; or bejewelled courtiers of ivory and porcelain who converse in gentle, soothing terms and appear quite intelligent.

==Concerns==
The Prince of Shikal dwells in a great city that occupies an active volcano of immense size. The Forge of Shikal holds the immense workshop of Estavus, suspended above the living magma of the volcanic caldera. The City of Fire and Stone is inhabited by artisans and labourers, and riddled with deep delves that drop down far below the surface of the realm into great mines.

Estavus is driven to build, construct and create. Her ambition is to reshape entire worlds; she seeks to encourage others to do the same by mastering nature and building great cities and fortresses. If she had her way, the wilderness would be tamed with roads and cities, and natural things would be found only in parks. She is especially driven to create artificially living things that mimic natural plants and beasts.
{{CaptionedImage|file=EstavusConstruct.jpg|title=Estavus crafts her servitors in many shapes and forms, and is known to lend them to those who gain her favour.|caption=A bronze guardian, a typical servitor of Estavus.|align=right|width=300}}
She constantly desires raw materials from the mortal realm; while she has access to strange metals from the mines around her domain, she has no ready source of the magical materials found in the mortal realm.

While she is somewhat singleminded, she is still an eternal of Autumn. She is fascinated by, and well versed in, the ways that crafters can exert power. Being able to make something for someone else is potentially an incredible source of influence. The rarer the things a crafter can craft, the more power they wield. She supports and encourages the formation of artisan guilds that create monopolies to protect their interests and influence their fellows, and she is known to have a special interest in [[The League|League]] [[Guild|carta]], [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[weaver cabal|weaver cabals]], and both [[The Marches|Marcher]] and [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]] smiths. She is said to have a great deal of interest in the guilds of the [[Sarcophan Delves]].

It is almost unknown for Estavus to respond in person to a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] missive from the [[Archmage of Autumn]]. Sometimes she will dispatch a favoured lieutenant, if the matter requires direct negotiation. More often, she seems to take plenipotentiaries as invitations to perform work - meaning she is likely to simply send some [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] to assess a situation and put forward a proposal for how she might use her assets to deal with that situation. This is commonly seen in response to requests to offer her aid in building projects such as [[Spiral#Curstag's_Way|Curstag's Way]] or the Crucible of Fate, for example. Even if heralds are dispatched, they are usually members of one of the guilds that make up the population of the ''City of Fire and Stone'' rather than creatures who report directly to the ''Mistress of the Fire Mountain''.

==Boons==
Estavus has made numerous bargains with mortal ritualists and offers her power directly to rituals such as [[The Anvil of Estavus]] and [[Before the Throne of Estavus]] and indirectly to [[Timeless Hammer Rhythm]] or [[Smooth Hands Shape the World]]. She can offer several boons related to the [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisan]] skill. She may be called on to provide any of these boons or to craft unique weapons and armour in her forge as well as larger structures such as castles, bridges or roads.

She has been known to lend her constructs to mortals for a short time, sometimes as additional troops, sometimes as labourers of grand constructions, and sometimes in a more personal capacity. She can even create unique constructs, fit for a specific purpose.

What she can create she can also destroy - she can reduce anything created by crafters or artisans to its component parts. Likewise, she can destroy constructs and offer assistance in the form of things that will [[Calls#SHATTER|shatter]] weapons or shields.

==Rituals that deal with Estavus==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Estavus. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Before the Throne of Estavus]]</td><td>[[Estavus]]</td><td>Swaps raw materials for Autumn mana.</td><td>Autumn</td><td>4</td>
<tr><td>[[Fire on the Water]]</td><td>[[Estavus]]</td><td>Draws on a contract with the House of Fire and Flame to gain their aid</td><td>Autumn</td><td>120</td>
</table>
====Mystic Scrolls of Estavus====
During the Summer Solstice 384YE, in response to a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] from the [[Archmage of Autumn]], Edmundo of Damakan's forge, Estavus made a quartet of ''[[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus|mystic scrolls]]'' available to Imperial magicians - assuming they were [[Begin_to_speak#Estavus|prepared to pay for them]]. These scrolls were temporary texts, similar to a ritual text, that allowed up to a dozen magicians to master a specific ritual drawing on Estavus' power. They were only potent for the Summer Solstice, but any magician who used one to master the magic they contained retained that knowledge just as they would any other mastered ritual. The scrolls made available included [[Mystic scrolls of Estavus#Ramparts of Ashlar|Ramparts of Ashlar]], [[Mystic scrolls of Estavus#Hammers of Fury|Hammers of Fury]], [[Mystic scrolls of Estavus#Machines of Destruction|Machines of Destruction]], and [[Mystic scrolls of Estavus#Accoutrements of War|Accoutrements of War]].

==Further Reading==
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;">[[file:Estavus001a.png|align=right|width=350]]</div>
* [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Sculptured_Ivy_and_Stone_Flowers|Has reared himself a throne]] - 387YE Autumn plenipotentiary
* [[Hammers_and_boxes#Ceaseless_Hammers|Hammers and boxes]] - 386YE Winter Wind of Fortune detailing offers to clear Pakaanan's Pass and help build [[Spiral#Curstag's_Way|Curstag's Way]]
* [[Secret_meeting#Endless_Ringing|Secret meeting]] - 386YE Winter plenipotentiary
* [[Metal and stone]] - 386YE Summer Wind of Fortune detailing proposals by the ''Architects of Iron and Stone'' to improve Imperial [[Bourse]] seats.
* [[Cities_of_the_Iron_Labyrinth#Towers_of_Calx_and_Coom|Cities of the Iron Labyrinth]] - 386YE Spring Wind of Fortune detailing boons offered by Estavus
* [[Dream_to_me#Estavus|Dream to me]] - 386YE Spring plenipotentiary
* [[Inkpot_gods#City_of_Fire_and_Stone|Inkpot gods]] - 385YE Summer wind of fortune detailing boons offered following the ''Bounty of the Brilliant Broker'' [[:Category:Imperial_Enchantment|Imperial enchantment]]
* [[Fate and function]] - Summer 385YE Wind of Fortune detailing Estavus' involvement with the [[Zenith#Crucible_of_Fate|Crucible of Fate]]
* [[Three_and_three#Estavus|Three and three]] - Summer 385YE plenipotentiary
* [[Begin to speak#Estavus|Begin to speak]] - Summer 384YE plenipotentiary including the offer of [[Mystic scrolls of Estavus]].
* [[A_pleasing_and_deceptive_face#Estavus|A pleasing and deceptive face]] - 383YE Autumn plenipotentiary
* [[Hunter_of_stars#Estavus|Hunter of stars]] 382YE Spring plenipotentiary
* [[Immortal_hand#Estavus|Immortal hand]] - 381YE Spring plenipotentiary
[[Category:Eternals]]

Barien

2026-07-04T15:41:17Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=BarienArt.jpg|title=Barien rarely uses any personal heraldry; when he does, it depicts birds of prey such as eagles, falcons, and owls.|caption=Barien is a contrast to the other Summer eternals. He is often subdued where they are<br>extravagant; considered where they are impulsive.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Summer==
===Sobriquets===
Barien is called the ''Iron Duke''.

He is sometimes called the ''Seneschal of the Road'', the ''Lord of the Crossroads'', ''Knight of the Long Road'', the ''Host of Hosts'' or the ''Traveller''. He is the ''Master of Challenges'', the ''Keeper of the Revels'' and the ''Reeve of the Summer Lands''. A common name among the [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]], the [[Jotun]] and the people of the [[Commonwealth]] is ''Barien Dragonforge'', referring to his hidden forge rather than his role as master of challenges - he accepts this title with mild good humour. The [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]] and [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]] alike both call him ''Iron-Staff'', and he is also known as the ''Lord of the Arena'' to the Sumaash, who seem to have a long and complicated history with him.

==Appearance==
The Iron Duke appears as a man of average height and build. His ears are pointed and his skin is covered with coiling silver and grey marks. The Duke is lame - he favours his right leg, and sometimes leans on his iron-bound staff for support. He makes no secret of the fact that his lameness is a "natural" condition, rather than the result of any injury.

In contrast to many of the other Summer eternals, he dresses conservatively; favours dark, subdued colours; and eschews jewellery save for a circlet of polished [[Materials#Weltsilver|weltsilver]] that surmounts his brow. When dealing with the Empire his attire is often influenced by the fashions of [[Dawn]] or the [[The Marches|Marches]], but from time to time he favours clothing more appropriate to a [[Wintermark]] [[Wintermark magical traditions#Runesmiths|runesmith]].

The Knight of the Crossroads is an artisan, and at any given moment is likely to have several wondrous items about his person which he may call upon if he feels the need to defend himself - and lend or gift to someone he considers worthy. On the rare occasions he has chosen to fight, he wields his iron staff with devastating skill.

When Barien is encountered as part of group, he may be accompanied by members of his own household, or by those seeking his favour. The former tend to be skilled individuals who serve as seneschals, heralds, messengers and artisans. The latter are eternals of Summer who are paying a debt to Barien, or seeking his favour. They are often knights or entertainers, and may be heralds in their own right in service to other eternals.

The most common figure accompanying Barien is his [[#Castellan|Castellan]], an eternal whose power is comparable to that of the Iron Duke and who is his most trusted lieutenant.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Barien.jpg|caption=The iron duke is neutral in the rivalries of the Summer realm.|align=right|width=300}}

==Concerns==
Barien exemplifies meeting, setting and overcoming challenges. He regularly sets challenges for those who seek to prove their worth, but also ensures that great successes - or even brave failures - are recognized and celebrated. He favours not only heroes and champions, but also the [[Troubadour|troubadours]], [[Wintermark_culture_and_customs#Art_and_history|scops]] and storytellers who celebrate their deeds.

He is scrupulously neutral in the rivalries and alliances of the Summer realm. His role means he regularly oversees tournaments and presents challenges to the other eternals. He is a regular guest at the courts of [[Eleonaris]] and [[Cathan Canae]] in particular. He has no realm of his own, but his household travels freely from place to place, and his court is based in a great pavilion camp or outdoors under the open sky. It is not unknown for his heralds to pitch their tents in strong Summer [[regio]] from time to time, offering hospitality to travellers and engaging them in contests of strength, wit and will. A common task set by Barien to those who seek his favour is to set their tent up at a crossroads and challenge all travellers to appropriate contests of arms or wit.

In personality Barien is much more restrained than many of the other eternals of Summer. He is absolutely confident in himself, his abilities and the abilities of his court. He is polite - friendly even - to those who treat him and his people with respect, but those who presume too much or who assume too great a level of familiarity find him cold and condescending. Anyone who tries his patience will be given one opportunity to apologise and if they do not they will be ejected from his presence.

He admires self confidence, while disdaining overconfidence and arrogance. People who actively seek out ways to test themselves and hone their abilities find it easier to attract his favour. He enjoys helping others solve their problems almost as much as he loves seeing an underdog overcome the obstacles life has placed in their way. Woe betide the individual who asks Barien for help they do not need, however. He is much more likely to offer advice or suggest allies the petitioner might seek out than he is to involve himself directly. Despite this there are several stories of individuals who asked Barien for advice, triumphed over their challenges, and then received some minor gift of Barien's favour in recognition of their accomplishments.

Barien does not favour any particular form of challenge - strength of arms, cunning, wits and subtlety are all equally important to him. He appears to prefer challenges that pit people against each other if only because it means every challenge will produce a victor, but he celebrates victory over nature or the self with almost as much enthusiasm. The mountaineer who conquers a mountain nobody else has ever scaled receives just as warm a welcome from the Master of Revels as the warrior who saves a village from [[ogre|ogres]].

The Master of Revels takes hospitality extremely seriously. Anyone who eats or drinks under his roof and treats him with the cordial respect he is due is treated as part of his household, and he expects the same in return for his heralds and agents. He may ask an unwelcome guest to leave, but when he does so the guest will be assured of safety until they reach the mortal world again - but they should be very cautious about returning to his court.

He has no patience for those who demand what is not due to them - those who expect respect without earning it, or who express feelings of entitlement. Those who take their position, possessions or friends for granted or who assume they are 'owed a living' by the universe irritate him, and he has little time for them. The complacent and the content also annoy him, but he is more likely to try and challenge their complacency or contentment than to eject them from his court.

He absolutely despises both cheats and those who claim deeds or glory they have not earned. On the rare occasions such individuals have been exposed before him, he has lain terrible [[curse|curses]] on them that have robbed them of their strength and will, and occasionally seen them waste away and die.

The Iron Duke is known to look on the Empire with approval as a place where merit often determines success; where personal glory is recognised and celebrated; and where commitment to ideals and goals is encouraged. While he predictably favours people of [[Dawn]], he is also known to appreciate the [[Wintermark]] willingness to test themselves and the stubbornness of the [[The Marches|Marchers]]. He is also said to have a soft spot for the [[Imperial Orcs|Imperial orcs]] and is believed to greatly admire their commitment to their [[Imperial_Orcs_territories#The_Plan|plan]].

He is also known to approve of the [[Jotun]] orcs, however, and this has occasionally resulted in short periods where he has been the subject to the [[Amity_and_enmity#Enmity|enmity]] of the [[Conclave]].

In [[Wintermark]] he is strongly associated with [[Jotra]], rune of challenges and [[Tykonus]], rune of victory.

==Boons==
The most common boon offered by the Iron Duke is a challenge - an opportunity to face dangerous odds and either triumph or fail. The ritual [[Challenge the Iron Duke]] is specifically designed to allow mortal magicians to find those worthy of the Duke's time. He has been known to offer covens who favour this ritual boons that make the ritual easier to perform, or that allow the coven to help arrange the challenge more easily.

Barien is an artisan, and he makes many of the rewards he offers to victorious challengers himself. He also collects items of ''worth'' - and in this regard his definition of 'worth' is very similar to that of the [[Imperial Orcs]]. Specifically, he likes to acquire items associated with heroes and champions which he then uses as the basis for the magical items he crafts to reward the victorious. When questioned about it, he explains that his purpose is two-fold. First, he honours the champion who bore the worthy item; second, he finds it easier to make a potent artefact from a worthy relic. Magical items crafted by Barien often [[Roleplaying effects|encourage]] personal pride, strength of will and the drive to seek out and overcome obstacles in their bearers.

The Master of Revels knows how to prepare a magical brew that restores bodily strength and integrity, removing supernatural afflictions such as the [[Curse of Gangrenous Flesh]] or the [[Curse of Decrepitude]] and similar effects. Gaining a flask of this strong elixir always requires someone to complete a difficult quest on Barien's behalf.

He has some ability to help smooth the path of those seeking a personal challenge. He might identify someone who knows the location of an object a questor seeks, or suggest ways to overcome a certain problem presented by a difficult quest. This aid never removes the danger from a challenge or quest; instead it helps make the quest or challenge attemptable. For example, when the [[Knight-errant]] Trisant sought aid in defeating the terrible ''Azerdack'' it was Barien who told him about the [[Kallavesi]] mystic who could prepare a defensive elixir to let them penetrate the fetid glen where it dwelt - although this meant Trisant and his companions had to face three challenges from a Jotun warlord in order to secure the rare flowers that formed the basis of the elixir.

While he is largely disinterested in trade, he is said to value [[Materials#Dragonbone|dragonbone]] and [[ilium]], and favours those who offer him gifts of these materials - although any suggestion that these gifts are bribes or payment is likely to annoy him.

<ic>It's a tired metaphor, but those who face challenges are ''forged'' in a way that those who live an easy life are not. I don't think I need to belabour my point any further?</ic>

==Rituals that deal with Barien==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Barien. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Challenge the Iron Duke]]</td><td>[[Barien]]</td><td>Binds an Eternal to provide a challenge and a reward</td><td>Summer</td><td>30</td>
</table>


==Known Heralds==
The following are known heralds of Barien:
* Revel
* Temper
* Flute
* Bellows

==Further Reading==
* [[What did the deep say?#Barien|What did the deep say?]] - 381YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Under the red sky#Barien|Under the red sky]] - 381YE Summer plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Eleonaris

2026-07-04T15:38:04Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|title=The crimson and gold pennants of Queen Eleonaris flutter over the Fields of Glory in the Summer realm.|caption=Regal, noble, and terrible in anger; Eleonaris is the Lion of Summer.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Summer==
===Sobriquets===
Eleonaris has many titles; she is the ''Queen of the Fields of Glory'', the ''Lady of Pennants'', the ''Commander of the Golden Armies'', the ''Sovereign in Scarlet and Gold'' and ''The Lion of Summer''.

She has many other names besides; bards and [[troubadour|troubadours]] in her court and beyond compete to glorify her name with flattering titles. She smiles indulgently, but their adoration rarely turns her head.

In the [[Sumaah Republic]], ''Sun Drake'' is seen as encouraging a dangerously unvirtuous creed of personal glory and warrior-supremacy, and those who try to breach the injunction against seeking her favour are hunted down by the High House of Vigilance.

==Appearance==
The ''Queen of the Fields of Glory'' appears as a powerful woman in gold and red. She has a golden mane reminiscent of a lion, and her skin is marked with swirling patterns that are said to spiral outwards from her heart. When she is calm these markings are golden, but when she is in a wrathful aspect or going to war, they are deep crimson.

She may be attired in a flowing gown or clad head-to-toe in plate harness. Usually she appears in clothing and armour reminiscent of [[the Brass Coast]], although sometimes she appears as a resplendent [[Dawn|Dawnish]] noble. Very occasionally she may appear in garb that echoes the leaders or nobles of other warrior societies.

Eleonaris is almost never alone; she is generally accompanied by knights, nobles, courtiers, soldiers, and servants. Some of these are lesser eternals, others seem to be more akin to magical creatures in human forms. Like their mistress, they tend to be fierce and proud. Most bear banners, pennants, tabards, or surcotes bearing some sort of image of a golden lion on a red background.

==Concerns==
Eleonaris seems to be the ruler of a great swathe of the Summer realm called the Fields of Glory. She also claims parts of the Forest of Arden, and is known to contend with other eternals for dominance of other territories. She is said to have a number of lesser eternals who serve her as vassals - lords and ladies and knights of her court, each of which is responsible for a demesne within her greater realm. Whether this is 'real' or not is never clear - it is possible that these eternals simply play at being a feudal court for their own amusement, but if so they take their game so seriously that ignoring it can have serious repercussions.

The ''Commander in Crimson and Gold'' exemplifies ideas of nobility, civility, and conquest. Her armies, resplendent in gold-and-red, fight beneath her leonine pennant in great tourneys, and in open warfare with the armies of other Summer eternals. She seems to have a great deal of time for those who have earned the respect they are given through war or politics.

As long as records have existed, the ''Lady of Pennants'' has been closely associated with the eternal [[Jaheris]]. He is sometimes her rival, and sometimes her ally. In some stories he is her father whom she overthrew to claim her throne, in others he is her son who strives to usurp his mothers' seat. Sometimes it seems he is her beloved consort, but he always plots against her and is cast down. Sometimes he is her brother, who seeks to take her throne by force. In recent years, their relationship appears to have undergone a fundamental shift, and Jaheris has quit the Fields of Glory for the Forest of Arden, which he now rules as his own realm.

The Hawk Lord, [[Hayaak]], driven from the Forest of Arden by Jaheris has sought sanctuary on the Fields of Glory where he no doubt plans his triumphant return to his former demesne. A shadow of his former self, the exact nature of the relationship between the two eternals is unclear but the presence of a second eternal - even one diminished by exile - on the Fields of Glory must surely be resulting in some confusion.

She is strongly associated with the runes [[Feresh]] and [[Tykonus]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=IconEleonaris.png |caption=A medallion showing Eleonaris as the ''Lion of Summer''.|title=Items such as these have in the past been used as proof of [[Religious Crimes#Idolatry|idolatry]], although they are also a legitimate tool for performing Summer rituals.|align=right|width=300}}
During Summer Solstice 378YE, Eleonaris was made subject to the [[Declaration#Declaration of Enmity|Declaration of Enmity]] by the [[Conclave]]. This status continued until Winter 378YE when the [[Declaration#Declaration_of_Reconciliation|Declaration of Reconciliation]] was used to restore her to neutrality, primarily due to the influence of Corvus of the Spire of the Auric Horizon, [[Archmage]] of Summer.

==Boons==
Magicians consort with Eleonaris because she is an exemplar of the ideas of war and leadership. She can offer some of her warriors to fight in mortal battles, as well as giving boons that relate to command, majesty and the arts of war. She has a great love of banners, pennants, heraldry, livery and the like and her weavers are known to spin enchanted threads and dyes that can help a mortal [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisan]] or [[Weaver cabal|weaver]] create magical standards of great potence. She is known to love both [[Materials#Orichalcum|orichalcum]] and [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]], and gifts made with these materials are sure to get her attention.

Eleonaris offers boons related to battle, leadership and nobility; she does not appreciate the idea of raiding, or of small bands that fight for their own glory - or worse [[Military unit#Paid work|for pay]]. Those who seek those kinds of boons would be better seeking the court of cold [[Cathan Canae]], the Queen of Ice.

The ritual [[Knights of Glory]] draws directly on her power, and she has been known to provide occasional boons related to its performance.

During the [[Queens_and_kings#A_Tourney_of_Sun_and_Ice|Tourney of Sun and Ice]] of Autumn 381YE, Eleonaris was recognised as eternal patron of the [[Miekarova#The_Icy_Crag_of_the_Eternal_Sun|Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun]], and laid claim to the [[regio]] associated with the [[College of magic]].

==Rituals that deal with Eleonaris==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Eleonaris. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Knights of Glory]]</td><td>[[Eleonaris]]</td><td>Summons supernatural troops to enhance a campaign army</td><td>Summer</td><td>120</td>
</table>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Eleonaris and Jaheris.jpg|caption=The relationship between Jaheris and Eleonaris is at best a complicated one.|title=Games of courtly love are best spiced with betrayal.|align=right|width=400}}

==Eleonaris and Jaheris in Empire culture==
*[[The Lion and the Unicorn]] - Song about [[Jaheris]] and [[Eleonaris]] becoming well known, especially by those associated with the Summer realm

==Further Reading==
* [[Dream to me#Eleonaris|Dream to me]] - 386YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Three and three#Eleonaris|Three and three]] - 385YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[I knew you were trouble#Eleonaris|I knew you were trouble]] - 384YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[A pleasing and deceptive face#Eleonaris|A pleasing and deceptive face]] - 383YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[We've been here forever#Eleonaris|We've been here forever]] - 382YE Autumn plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Cathan Canae

2026-07-04T15:34:49Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=CathanArt.jpg|title=The snow bear, a powerful arctic predator, is often displayed on the battle standards of the warriors of Cathan Canae - often by warriors who ride into battle astride great magical beasts that resemble dire bears with curving ram horns.|caption=Cathan Canae does not often display a heraldic device but when she does she favours<br>the visage, skull, or pelt of strong, powerful beasts.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Summer==
===Sobriquets===
Cathan Canae is called the ''Queen of Ice and Darkness'' or the ''Lady of the Frost''.

She is sometimes called ''The Breath of Winter'' (perhaps confusingly, given she is an eternal of Summer), ''Mistress of Blizzards'' and ''The Immovable One''.

In the [[Sumaah Republic]] she is called ''Thunder Lizard'', and is tolerated for her straightforward approach, and warrior ideals perceived as compatible with Virtue.

==Appearance==
This Summer eternal often appears as a tall, muscular woman dressed in heavy chain in the style of a [[Wintermark]] warrior-heroine, bearing a vicious hooked polearm called ''Ironwind''. On her brow is a tall crown of ice set with three blue jewels. She usually wears a mantle of white bear fur, which stories say was made for her by the [[Suaq]] [[Wintermark magical traditions#Icewalker|icewalker]]-hero Fainomaiken from the hide of the titanic Devilbear that haunted the wastes of [[Sermersuaq]] centuries before the [[Steinr]] came and the people of Wintermark became one.

On the rare occasions that she is presenting a more peaceful mien, she dresses in the manner of a rich [[Steinr]] [[Wintermark political leadership|thane]], or wealthy [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[Varushka leadership|boyar]], usually with her white mantle over the top and her regal crown. She is by turns imperious; mighty; cold as the glacier; furious as the blizzard.

Cathan Canae is rarely encountered alone; she is usually accompanied by warriors or occasionally [[ogre]]-like giants or savage supernatural beasts. She rules a great swathe of territory in the Summer realm from her immense frozen citadel. Her realm is composed of awe-inspiring mountains, frozen waterfalls, glaciers and trackless snow-covered plains, haunted by legendary monsters and bands of savage warriors. Her armies regularly engage in skirmishes and battles with those of [[Eleonaris]] on the Fields of Glory.

==Concerns==
Cathan Canae exemplifies and glories in physical strength; she is the awesome strength of the glacier, the might of the howling blizzard, the irresistible majesty of the mountain, the implacable force of the avalanche. She reaches for the strength that none can stand against, and that cannot be overcome - both the irresistible force and the immovable object. She is extremely stubborn and respects only two things: might and resilience. She is extremely proud, and those who disrespect her earn her unending ire. As with many of the Summer eternals, she is known to occasionally call tourneys and formal challenges in which mortals compete for her favour - the [[Calling_the_Drottningbjotha|Drottningbjotha]] of Summer 379YE in which champions from across the Empire and beyond fought in a grand tourney in her honour is a recent example of this kind of competition.

In many stories, it is Cathan Canae who sends blizzards and avalanches down from the mountains, or south from the frigid wastes, to batter Wintermark and Varushka. She does not do this from wickedness but because it is in her nature to test others. Those who endure the onslaught of winter, or who fight with courage against the armies of their enemies, become ever stronger, ever more capable of resisting whatever the world throws at them.

The relationship of the ''Queen of Ice and Darkness'' with the [[Conclave]] has always been a little complicated. Among other things, her open support for the [[Jotun]] [[orc|orcs]] has proved to be a bone of contention with the Empire throughout Imperial history. For example, the eternal was under the [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity of the conclave]] for most of the reigns of [[Emperor Guntherm]] and [[Empress Brannan]], apart from a brief period of neutrality during the two-year peace treaty towards the end of Guntherm's reign.

Of particular note is her patronage of the [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Skjaldir|Skjaldir]], [[elite Jotun troops]] who often number among them orcs specifically blessed by the eternal with supernatural strength and resilience. As with many eternals however, Cathan Canae seems to see no conflict between supporting both the Jotun and the Empire with her boons - something successive [[Archmage of Summer|Summer Archmages]] have been at pains to try and explain to their fellow magicians.

In [[Wintermark]] and among the [[Jotun]] she is strongly associated with the rune [[Verys]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=HeraldOfIce.jpg|title=Most heralds of Cathan Canae do not look at all human - her servants tend to appear monstrous to mortal eyes.|caption=The heralds of Cathan Canae tend to be strong and taciturn.|align=right|width=300}}

==Boons==
Cathan Canae can give boons of strength, martial prowess and supernatural [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]] or [[Combat skills#Fortitude|fortitude]]. She almost always demands that those who would receive her boons prove their strength by defeating one of her champions or enduring a challenge of their resilience, constitution or will. According to stories, the hero Fainomaiken endured twelve impossible tasks during his fabled courtship of this proud queen, including holding back the glacier Immanoviel for a year-and-a-day and enduring seven days and seven nights naked beneath the frozen waterfall called Unending Frost. Modern heroes are likely to receive slightly less dramatic challenges, but those who fail are often left broken or maimed. Cathan Canae has neither mercy nor respect for those who fail to live up to her high standards of excellence.

On rare occasions, she will lend a weapon, shield or piece of armour from her extensive collection to a mortal to wield for a time. Her artisans are some of the most skilled in the Summer realm and work with all manner of exotic materials, including living ice, water, wind and starlight. Even other eternals of Summer seek the aid of her crafters.

Sometimes, she will offer the services of her giant warriors, massive humanoids often reaching seven or eight feet in height and possessed of unspeakable strength. She may likewise send some of the legendary beasts and savage hunters of her realm to bedevil mortals. There are tales of her having been prevailed upon to raise an avalanche or blizzard, or aid mortal ritualists in doing the same.

Some mortal ritualists are able to prevail on ancient pacts to [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|call forth a frozen fortification]] from her realm, and she can make this process easier or harder.

Very few people have wooed Cathan Canae; those who impress her with their strength, courage, and fortitude may spend one night as her consort. Should they survive this honour, it is said that ever after they are inured to the cold of winter - they can walk naked through the mightiest blizzard without difficulty or swim the frozen floes of [[Sermersuaq|Tsirku]] without fear.

==Rituals that deal with Cathan Canae==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Cathan Canae. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Hook of the Hoarfrost Guardian]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup></td><td>[[Cathan Canae]]</td><td>Grants four strikedowns a day with a pole-arm for a season</td><td>Summer</td><td>40</td>
<tr><td>[[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]]</td><td>[[Cathan Canae]]</td><td>Creates a temporary supernatural fortification in mountainous region in a territory</td><td>Summer</td><td>120</td>
</table>

==Further Reading==
* [[Speak to me#Mistress of Ice and_Darkness|Speak to me]] - 387YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Begins where it ends#Cathan Canae|Begins where it ends]] - 385YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[The bird and the child#Cathan Canae|The bird and the child]] - 384YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Who benefits?#Cathan Canae|Who benefits?]] - 383YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Immortal hand#Cathan Canae|Immortal hand]] - 381YE Spring plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Satraps of the Abyss

2026-07-04T15:34:31Z

Responsible1: /* Of Summer */

[[Category:388YE Spring]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:Appraisal]][[Category:Eternals]][[Category:Sumaah]]
<ic>"Please stop haunting me, Roderick." Lisane didn't look at her son, continuing to fold clothes and place them in a large weirwood travelling trunk. He sighed again, gustily, and she didn't need to see him to imagine his expression of deep concern.

"I'm just worried, mother. I assumed - we all assumed - that working for the Prognosticator's Office would involve something a little closer to home. At least at first. We were picturing an office at the Castle of Thorns. Somewhere that we could..."

"Check in on me?" She suppressed a smile, kept her tone sharp. "Honestly, I am an old woman Roderick. And you have a grandchild for goodness' sake! And do not ''dare'' start your next sentence with anything approaching 'at your age' or I will demand a Trial of Resolve from Melisandre and everyone will see you being thoroughly trounced by a great-grandmother!"

Roderick blew through his massive moustaches. "I'm just worried..." he said again. "The Sumaah Republic is two entire seas away. Three if you count Teeth. Seas swarming with bloodthirsty Asavean pirates. And even when you get there I hear its full of danger. Dragons. Giant panthers. Strange priests. At least take a few knights with you. Just to set my - our - minds at rest!"

Lisane looked down at her things. The last thing she needed to pack was Empress Lisabetta's book about eternals, and the colouring book full the children had presented her with. The Navarr artist's delightful line drawings of the various eternals, which were only slightly idolatrous, had been coloured in with a great deal of enthusiasm and glancing at it softened her heart. She dropped it into her trunk, shut the lid, threaded and tightened the buckles. Then she turned round, hands on hips.

Roderick looked absolutely wretched. He had always been the most anxious of her children, and in the shadow of the forty-year-old noble in front of her she could see the little boy sobbing from one too many nightmares of the Druj coming to get him.

"Roddy," she said gently, crossing the room to put her hands on his shoulders. She had to reach up, look up to meet his eyes. She sometimes forgot how tall he was. "I understand, I really do. When Gerard told me what my first appraisal was going to be, I confess it put moths in my stomach. But I took his offer up precisely because I ''want'' a challenge. Something more complex and important than keeping bees."

"But-"

She laid a finger on his lips and smiled at him. "I've no doubt that the Freeborn and the... the Sumaah Zemress pilgrims... will see me safely to and from the Republic. Merchants make the trip every season, you know, and nothing bad happens to them. And I am absolutely certain the Sumaah will not let a hungry drake or deadly panther eat me. I'm sure they don't let monstrous predators lurk around their cities, and Timoj is one of the great cities of the world as I understand it. It's lovely that the family are so worried, and I will miss you all just as much as you miss me, but I'll be back before you know it. Back in time for the Winter Solstice feast. I'm not going to miss Melisandre's first feast as earl, am I??"

She continued to gaze into Roderick's eyes. There was a great well of love there, but also that hard core of steel that had served her so well as earl and would serve her well dealing with the people of the Sumaah Republic. He looked away.

"Yes my ea-. Yes mother," he said quietly. She patted his arm.

"Excellent. Now, I'm going to go and say goodbye to the children. You can make yourself useful by putting those broad shoulders of yours to good use and carrying my trunk down to the wagon."</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Black Panther.jpg|align=left|caption=The unfamiliar spirits of the deep jungle are equally dangerous and enticing to Imperial scholars.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
At the Spring Equinox, the Senate took advantage of an opportunity brokered by the [[Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic]], '''Accalon of Felix's Watch''', regarding magical cooperation between the Empire and the [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaash]]. The [[Senate]] elected to send the freshly-appointed prognosticator ''[[Appraisal#Lisane de Terresford|Lisane de Terresford]]'' on the task, to "''appraise how the High Houses of Virtue and the Imperial Conclave can find ways to co-operate in interactions with [[eternal|eternals]]''".

The former [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[earl]] took passage to the Sumaah Republic immediately after the Spring Equinox, and made the crossing safely. She and her small staff have been granted apartments in [[Sumaah_Republic#Timoj|Timoj]], the capital city of the Republic, as guests of the High Houses of [[Wisdom]] and [[Vigilance]]. Lisane is expected to remain in Timoj for the next several seasons, and will not be available to undertake other appraisals until she returns to the Empire. As the Summer Solstice approaches, however, a preliminary report has already reached ''Gerard La Salle''.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Wisdom.png|align=right|width=175}}

==Wisdom of the Conclave==
* '''During the Summer Solstice the Conclave can send a single order to support the appraisal
* '''This will end the order's involvement in any other project
* '''The order will be engaged until the start of the Winter Solstice 383YE
* '''The order chosen will contribute to the outcome of the appraisal depending on its nature
As discussed in the [[Forging_links#Joining_Virtue_and_Magic|original proposal]], the Sumaash are happy to host a delegation from a single [[Conclave order]] to support Lisane. Her initial report is dense, full of information about the situation in Sumaah, partly because she believes this will help the Conclave to determine which order would be best suited to make the long journey to the southern shores of the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Salt|Sea of Salt]].

During the Summer Solstice, the Conclave may choose to ask one order to contribute to the ongoing appraisal. This requires an order to raise a [[declaration]] of [[Concord]] following the usual rules for [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order|guiding an order]]. If the Conclave agrees, members of the order will travel to the Sumaah Republic to support Lisane and her team. It would not be possible to guide that order again until the Winter Solstice, which is also when the outcome of their involvement will be presented to the Empire. Guiding an order already involved elsewhere - such as in the fighting against Cold Sun - will end their participation in the situation.

If more than one such declaration passes the Conclave, the last one to pass will win out.

Any order could be dispatched to Sumaah; there are members of each who are enthusiastic about the opportunity. Any order could secure a benefit for the Empire, but only some of them would do so by supporting Lisane and her team. Some orders have different areas of concern, and will make use of the opportunity to be hosted in the Republic in ways that are only peripherally associated with studying eternals. The civil service are confident that sufficient magicians will work with Lisane, so there's no chance of a diplomatic incident unless one of the orders goes out of its way to cause one, and the appraisal will still be successful no matter who goes.

* The [[Sevenfold Path]] are the most obvious order to send to Sumaah. If this order is chosen, their contribution will help focus the appraisal on ways for the [[Synod]] to help guide the Conclave in its interactions with the eternal realms.
* The [[Celestial Arch]] are diplomats, and well versed in dealing with eternals. If this order is chosen, their contribution will involve making contact with non-Assembly magicians, and learning more about eternals the Empire does not currently have relations with.
* The [[Shuttered Lantern]] may have a shadowy reputation, but part of their remit is to use magic ''in the detection and monitoring of threats''. Their contribution to the appraisal will be to focus on the ways that the Sumaash keep their people safe from eternal influence without access to the [[Alignment|Declaration of Alignment]], and to any unique eternal threats the Empire is blind to or blasé about.
* If the [[Rod and Shield]] are dispatched to support the appraisal, their contribution will be to look at how the Sumaash use magic on the battlefield. For a nation extremely hesitant to use rituals such as [[Knights of Glory]], they must make up the "shortfall" in other ways.
* The [[Silver Chalice]] would encourage the appraisal to look for ways that Sumaash magicians and Imperial magicians could pool their lore of magical healing, especially with regard to eternal boons. The jungles of Sumaah are known to be rich in rare healing fruits and plants, and its likely that the Chalice could learn more about such things and perhaps even gain access to them.
* The [[Golden Pyramid]] are generally not as excited about matters of spirituality, but ''are'' excited about potential trade opportunities with the Republic. Their "contribution" will be to seek out [[opportunity|opportunities]] to secure new trade goods, especially those related to eternals, or new routes to the Sumaah Republic for Imperial [[Fleet#Trading|merchants]].
* The [[Unfettered Mind]] are relentlessly enthusiastic about magic of all kinds. If they are guided to Sumaah, they will provide minimal support to the actual appraisal underway. Instead, they will reach out to non-Assembly magicians, discuss matters of magical theory, learn about Sumaah's magical colleges, explore magic familiar to Sumaash magicians but not in use in the Empire, and make a study of the "spiritual materialism" tradition that many Sumaah magicians employ. If the Grandmaster of the Unfettered Mind were particularly interested in one of these themes more than the others they could mention it in their Declaration, and the Unfettered Mind magicians would focus some their attention in that direction, at least at first.

<div style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; align-items: center;" class="imagegrid">
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderSevenfoldPath.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderCelestialArch.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderShutteredLantern.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderRodAndShield.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Chalice.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderGoldenPyramid.jpg|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderUnfetteredMind.jpg|width=150}}
</div>

Regardless of which order is chosen - if any - the trip represents a rare opportunity to gain access to the magicians of the Sumaah Republic. It is not likely to be one that gets repeated any time soon.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Accalon5901.jpg||caption=Accalon of Felix's Watch, Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic|align=right|width=350}}
==Virtue and Magic==
* '''The first part of Lisane's preliminary report provides a general overview of attitudes to magic and eternals
The first part of Lisane's report discusses the general Sumaah attitude to magic, [[magical skills#magicians|magicians]], and eternals. It builds on and informs [[Sumaah_Republic#Magic|common knowledge]], and it seems some things "everyone knows" about the Republic may be outdated or based on misconceptions.
===Sumaash Magicians===
Many magicians in Sumaah are also ''präster'', and each of the High Houses contain ritual magicians who specialise in specific areas of magic that support the wider role of the House. For example, within the Assembly of Prosperity are several covens that specialise in [[enchantment|enchantments]] that lead to increased wealth, while [[divination]] is carefully studied by both the vigilant and the wise. This same attitude extends to dealing with eternals; within each of the Houses are some magicians experienced with dealing with the creatures of the [[realms]].

That is not to say that all magicians are priests, or that only the High Houses work with magic. Far from it. The practice of ritual magic is not as widespread or organised as it is in the Empire, but there are still large numbers of practitioners from all walks of life spread across the Republic. It is a misconception that the priesthood "controls" all magic in the Republic. As with all Sumaash, their magicians are acutely aware of the virtuous implications of their skills, and naturally look to the präster for guidance on how best to reconcile magic with faith. In particular, they are alert to the threat of [[Religious_crime#Idolatry|idolatry]] - subsuming their human destiny to inhuman entities. Perhaps as a result, the practice of [[Aspect_magic#Goetia|goetia]] is banned in the Republic, and a Sumaash tradition similar to Imperial [[Aspect_magic#Theurgy|theurgy]] is only practised by dedicated ''präster''. Lisane also notes that there are serious restrictions on a number of rituals Imperial magicians might consider harmless such as [[Chamber of Delights]] or [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul]], and that the Sumaash approach to the creation of [[arcane projection|arcane projections]] appears to be very much more controlled than it is in the Empire. The focus of the appraisal, for now at least, is on the eternals however and the prognosticator focuses her efforts on that first and foremost.

Whenever a Sumaah coven is anticipating an interaction with an eternal, or one of their [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]], they usually seek the support of one of the präster. The priest serves as an advisor, ensuring that virtue and the Way are foremost in the minds of those dealing with inhuman creatures. There is no law that demands this; rather the long experience of Sumaah magicians demonstrates that having a präst on hand tends to lead to better outcomes. The präst doesn't need to be present for every interaction - there are covens trusted to engage with certain eternals or use certain rituals without oversight. For example, as long as the questions and answers are discussed with a präst there is no requirement to log every single performance of [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]] (or its Sumaah equivalent at least).

On the other hand, anyone known to be regularly interacting with creatures of the realms ''without'' the support or advice of one of the präster will find themselves called to [[inquisition]] by the High House of Vigilance and asked to give a thorough report on their dealings. Those unable or unwilling to do so to the satisfaction of the assembly may face serious censure. Sumaah is determined to ensure that their nation remains uncorrupted by the influence of the inhuman eternals.

===Anathema and Tolerance===
<div style="float:right; width: 500px;"><box>'''Eternals and virtue'''<br>No Sumaash would describe an eternal as "virtuous". The common attitude is that the inhuman entities of the realms are incapable of virtue. While the Republic has in recent years begun to re-examine its prejudice that only humans are capable of following the Way, the idea that an eternal or herald might be able to do so is rejected wholeheartedly. The idea that an eternal might possess anything approaching a soul is considered actively blasphemous. Any eternal that claims interest in virtue is presumed to be engaging in misdirection or manipulation and the subject of immediate suspicion. Obviously this belief further reinforces the careful and suspicious attitude to the eternals.</box></div>

* '''An eternal has only two states in the Republic - tolerated or anathema'''
* '''Without a Conclave the Sumaah must use more direct methods to guard against hostile eternals'''
There is no body in the Republic analogous to the [[Conclave]]. When it comes to dealings with eternals, the Assembly of Vigilance takes an active role and ultimately wields the legal power to declare a given eternal to be ''anathema''. Dealing with an eternal who has been declared ''anathema'' is a serious offence that may result in the death penalty. While ''anathema'' is superficially similar to the status of [[Alignment#enmity|enmity]] there is no equivalent of [[Alignment#Amity|amity]] in Sumaah. All eternals are either tolerated (equivalent to [[Alignment#Neutrality|neutrality]]) or anathema. In the past when a new eternal was encountered, all interactions with it would be undertaken by präster, or Vigilant magicians, until the High House had weighed it and determined if it was anathema or not.

Even this status of neutrality is not quite the same as that in the Empire - there are no Sumaah titles specifically dedicated to liaising with an eternal. [[Emissary to the Celestial Library]], [[Shadowed Torchbearer]], and [[Churnspire Adjutor]] would all be considered dangerously close to idolatry. There are likewise no titles analogous to [[archmage]] - at least not in terms of their interaction with the realms. The equivalent of an Imperial enchantment such as [[Hallow of the Green World]] is unknown in Sumaah, and if it were its practice would be anathema. Even rituals such as the [[Golden magicians fayre]] would be condemned - the idea of providing an eternal access to the Republic in such an uncontrolled way would horrify most Sumaash.

There is also, as previously noted, no Conclave. The functions that might be wielded by that body in the Empire are either absent, or employed by the House of the People or one of the Houses of Virtue instead. The Sumaash view the idea of leaving decisions on the use of magic and items to magicians to decide by themselves to be dubious at best. Deciding what magic is safe to use is fundamentally a matter of Virtue and requires the appropriate expertise.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''Eternals and Free Will'''<br>A common philosophical view in Sumaah is that eternals are physically incapable of Virtue, because they don't have free will. In the view of some präster, free will is fundamental to the exercise of Virtue. Nobody would suggest that a sword is courageous for taking the battlefield. Eternals they argue, are eternal and unchanging, their nature is fixed. They cannot change or be changed. If their nature cannot change, can eternals actually be said to exercise any choices at all about the actions they take? Do they have free will? If they do not, then how can they be any more virtuous than a sword or a shield?</box></div>
One area where the Empire has a clear advantage is dealing with hostile eternals. The metaphysical defence provided by enmity is not perfect, but it does greatly reduce the threat of an eternal influencing Imperial citizens. The Sumaah are forced to use more mundane methods to protect their people. The Assembly of [[Vigilance]] - and to a lesser degree the Assemblies of [[Wisdom]] and [[Pride]] - maintain or coordinate cadres of Sumaash investigators and warriors who actively seek out the machinations of enemy eternals and put a stop to them. These groups of "idolator hunters" are widely respected, and their investigation of suspicious events usually welcomed. They're also heavily subsidised by the House of the People, meaning that they are well equipped to deal with the unpredictable enemies of the Republic they hunt.

The Republic use warding magic to complement this approach. Rituals such as [[There Is No Welcome Here]] may be employed, but the Sumaash also use [[hearth magic]] wards. One common practice is to build a shrine or temple over or near a strong [[regio]] when it is identified, allowing comings and goings of heralds to be carefully monitored or prevented. This is harder to do with regio in the deep jungle, but even so there are apparently several places of pilgrimage dedicated to maintaining a vigilant watch on the "verdant wastelands" of the wild tropical forests.

Lisane notes that these virtuous practices mirror Imperial efforts such as the [[Venture#War_of_Whispers|War of Whispers]], the [[Venture#Hunt_the_Suaq_Wastes|hunt of the Suaq Wastes]], or the practices of vigilant folk in [[Varushka]] in response to the threats of their own cold wilderness.

===Refusal===
* '''The Sumaah are very cautious in accepting ''any'' eternal boon
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|caption=Unlike the Empire, the Sumaah are very suspicious of many eternals, including Eleonaris, eschewing her boons and declaring her anathema.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
The Sumaah are much more likely to turn down a boon or an eternal offer of aid than to accept it. In theory every eternal boon is weighed carefully, usually with the guidance of at least one präst, and in some cases might even be discussed with a [[statement of principle]] before it is accepted. Powerful boons are often presented for scrutiny by the House of the People as well, especially if they are likely to impact the citizens of a territory or region. The more powerful and all-encompassing a boon is, the more scrutiny it demands, so potent, far-reaching boons are rarely taken up simply because the risks involved are usually considered too large or too difficult to assess.

Rituals that draw on the power of an eternal directly are less common among Sumaash magicians. There are a few - a version of [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]] for example is relatively well known. One of the Sumaah responsible for hosting Lisane, a magician-präst named ''Chikkal, Assessor of the High House of Vigilance'' expands a little on this, explaining that even in those uncommon cases where such a ritual is created, it will almost always be bound with a stricture that it may only legally be performed in the presence of a priest, or with the approval of an assessor from one of the High Houses. This is done to ensure that the eternals do not begin to exert subtle control over magicians who may become reliant on such magic, or influence the subjects of such magic in a way that is unvirtuous.

Chikkal's view is that no human ever ''needs'' an eternal boon, however much they may ''want'' them. Any agreement with an eternal, they argue, will invariably tarnish the virtue of the one who seeks it, and risk corrupting their fellows. "Easy is not the same as virtuous," claims Chikkal piously. While it initially seems Chikkal speaks for the majority of the präster, Lisane notes that it quickly becomes apparent that there are any number of other opinions on the matter and many priests openly disagree with the ultra-conservative approach of peers such as Chikkal. Still, there is a common stereotype in the Republic that Imperial magicians unwisely seek every advantage they can gain from inhuman spirits rather then relying on themselves and their fellow humans. The unwise bargainer who brings ruin on themselves by making deals with eternal spirits is a very common character in Sumaah literature, there are scores of cautionary tales whose ultimate fate is so awful, it provides a sobering example to readers or audience.

==Republican Eternals==
* '''The second part of Lisane's preliminary report provides an overview of the eternals the Republic has encountered'''
* '''The Sumaah deal with a much smaller group of eternals than the Empire does'''
* '''Some eternals are known by very different names and appearances in the Republic'''
* '''There appear to be some eternals known in the Republic that are not familiar to Lisane or her staff'''

The second part of Lisane's preliminary report deals with the actual eternals the Sumaash deal with (or don't deal with). Sumaah don't commonly group the eternals together in the same way their Imperial peers do. Rather than focusing on which [[realms|realm]] they hail from, the only significant division is between "tolerated" and "anathema". Lisane, however, falls back on Imperial categorization, simply because her report is intended for Imperial eyes.

One of the challenges Lisane faces is that the Sumaah frequently use different names for eternals to those used in the Empire, and like the Empire they have many different sobriquets for the eternals. This may well be the root of some misconceptions about the beings the Republic deals with. The Empire has long considered [[Yaw'nagrah]] for example to be favoured in Sumaah, but it seems likely this was based on a misconception based on the at-the-time unknown eternal [[Ossegrahn]] (given the ''Green Mother'' is anathema in the Republic and has been for much of its history).

In most cases the prognosticators have been able to link the names of Sumaash eternals to those known in the Empire, but there are some cases where there is no direct correlation. In the case of these "unknown" eternals, she has been able to gather a little information, enough to satisfy herself that they are ''probably'' distinct entities. It is entirely possible that some of these unfamiliar eternals are actually powerful lieutenants (heralds) of a more familiar eternal. Sadly, an in-depth study of individual eternals in Sumaah is beyond the scope of this appraisal.

===Of Spring===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:SpringRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Ossegrahn and Arhallogen are tolerated in Sumaah'''
* '''Wind Panther appears to be an unfamiliar eternal, who is tolerated'''
* '''Siakha, Ira Harrah, Yaw'nagrah and Llofir are all anathema'''
Of the Spring eternals familiar to the Empire, only two are tolerated. ''[[Ossegrahn|Rainbird]]'', with his power to help mend wounds, bring fresh water, and promote wholesome growth, provides boons useful to the Republic's farmers and healers alike. The Assembly of Prosperity keeps a weather-eye on magicians who deal closely with the eternal, most prominent among which is the coven of The Wellspring (which met with Imperial magicians in 383YE). The problem is that Rainbird regularly seeks to encourage the Republic to abandon its virtuous war against the unvirtuous. Rainbird is told "no" on a regular basis, which means that his power is generally restricted to the small scale - empowering individual physicks or bringing fertile rains to farms for example.

''[[Arhallogen|Wicked Fangs]]'' is barely tolerated, and the High Houses have gone back and forth on it several times over the years. In stark contrast to ''Rainbird'', it actively encourages the Sumaah to slaughter their enemies without mercy; to strike before their foes are ready; and to use whatever tools are available to them to do so. While it is popular in some quarters, many präster question whether its boons are compatible with virtue. Regardless, there are Sumaah warriors who embrace the [[venom|venomous]] or warlike enchantments it offers to bring down their enemies. Lisane remarks that there is historical evidence it offered significant aid when the Sumaash threw off the yoke of the Asaveans.

The other Spring eternal the Sumaash deal with seems to be unknown in the Empire. Commonly known as ''Wind Panther'', it seems to be a creature of the [[realms#Spring|Spring realm]] associated with hunting, and to a degree fishing. It apparently encourages both self-sufficiency and support of one's family or community through direct action. Wind Panther is most often called on for her powerful boons that empower skirmishers and archers to fight monsters, hunters to track and dispatch dangerous prey, or to bring down predators that would threaten the family. Given that the jungles of Sumaah are, at least to Imperial eyes, swarming with dangerous creatures on every scale, these boons have apparently proved vital in the past.

[[Siakha|Storm Bringer]] and [[Yaw'nagrah|Hungry Forest]] are anathema because they are creatures of destructive chaos that are at odds with civilisation; they are despised in the same way that Imperial citizens might feel about ''Blood on the Snow''. [[Irra Harah|Shadow Slinker]] was an ally of the Sumaah generations ago, but today it is anathema because it seeks to lure people away from Virtue, and provides boons to the Republic's enemies. [[Llofir|Blood Choke]] is an unpredictable creature of the deep wilderness that has nothing to offer the Sumaah and is associated with a particular poisonous fungus that causes agonizingly slow death if eaten in error. While anathema it seems to mostly ignore the Republic although, as with Shadow Slinker, it provides boons to some of the people the Sumaah are at war with.

===Of Summer===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:SummerRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Cathan Canae, Rhianos and Adamant are tolerated
* '''All the other Summer eternals are anathema
Of the eternals of the Summer realm, [[Adamant|Stone Dragon]], [[Rhianos|Ninth Wave]], and [[Cathan Canae|Thunder Lizard]] are tolerated. Stone Dragon provides useful boons and rarely wants anything unvirtuous in exchange. It's still illegal to accept his aid to build buildings dedicated to virtue however - any temple or shrine must be shaped by human hands alone.

Ninth Wave is also tolerated, but remains controversial with interactions carefully monitored to ensure that folk are not being lead astray by unvirtuous endeavour. It is clear that the eternal desires mortals to embrace peril for the excitement it brings - such motivation is dubious at best and the endeavours themselves are frequently desperately irresponsible in nature. However moments of great Virtue often occur while engaged on such exploits and so the eternal is tolerated. Even so they are primarily dealt with by ''Frieøyer'' magicians rather than by the Republic as a whole.

Thunder Lizard - characterised as an immense drake of the deep jungle - is tolerated for her straightforward approach to the Republic. Her magical [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|citadel]] is one of the few rituals that draw directly on an eternal that is regularly employed. She also promotes warrior-ideals which are seen as compatible with virtue, and significantly more acceptable in general than those taken from ''Wicked Fangs''.

The rest of the Summer eternals known by the Empire are anathema in the Republic. This includes [[Jaheris|White Snake]], [[Hayaak|Blood Eagle]], [[Meraud|Flame Wing]], and especially [[Eleonaris|Sun Drake]]. The latter in particular is seen as an enemy of the Sumaah thanks to her dangerously unvirtuous creed of personal glory and warrior-supremacy. There are nonetheless some small hidden cults dedicated to her service, and the Vigilant remain alert to any rumour of their corrupting influence. The [[Barien|Lord of the Arena]] is known, but likewise considered anathema. The Sumaash attitude is that it is good to test oneself, but question the Virtue of doing so for rewards granted by some inhuman force. The virtuous should always be open to challenges, but in pursuit of human destiny, not dancing to the tune of an eternal. Lisane notes that there is a long history here, with fragmentary stories that suggest the Lord of the Arena is associated in the Sumaah memory with the Asaveans, and the hated satraps, although they were unwilling to discuss the details.

The Republic never uses titles such as king, queen, or (outside of the Lord of the Arena), lord or lady for any eternal. Simply calling someone like Sun Drake, the "Lady of Pennants" or naming Thunder Lizard, the "Queen of Ice and Darkness" would be treated as a minor act of idolatry. This makes the odd nomenclature for the eternal the Empire knows as Barien particularly stand out. The one exception to this abhorrence of titles, is "satrap" which is frequently used in sobriquets for the more corrupt and wicked eternals - particularly those of the Autumn realm.

===Of Autumn===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:AutumnRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Estavus and Ephisis are tolerated
* '''Polyptoton is not entirely familiar to the Empire and is tolerated
* '''Prospero, Callidus, Basileia, and the Lictors are anathema
* '''The Satrapy of Discord appear to be part of an unfamiliar city of the Autumn realm that is anathema
One of the more popular eternals among Sumaah magicians is [[Estavus|Fire Mountain]], also known as ''the Anvil of Thunder and Granite''. The Republic is not rich in ore, and a common bargain between Sumaash and Fire Mountain involves the trade of [[Materials#Natural_Materials|natural materials]] for [[Materials#Natural_Materials|valuable metals]]. From the point of view of the Sumaah, the prices demanded by the Anvil of Thunder and Granite for its aid tend to be straightforward, and deeply transactional, in a way that does not threaten virtue. Even so, it is much more common to deal with Fire Mountain to secure raw materials than worked goods, however. There is a fairly common belief that purchasing worked goods from Fire Mountain deprives a mortal human of their industry and Prosperity.

The [[Ephisis|Eternal Bazaar]] is tolerated, but carefully monitored due to its refusal to abide by the laws of the House of the People, or the dictates of the High Houses in what it will trade. Interactions with the Eternal Bazaar are limited to magician-präster of the High House of Prosperity. The ritual [[Ephisis' Scale]] is not practised in the Republic; any deals with the Bazaar are undertaken "face to face" with heralds rather than being left in the hands of an easily-accessible and impossible to restrict ritual. The Eternal Bazaar is also a source of friction within the Republic; the High House of Prosperity argues that the boons it provides are worth the need for constant vigilance while other präster are often less convinced. So far, however, the High Houses have not declared the eternal to be anathema.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SaltAndSail001.png|caption=The "Great Turtle", the eternal Polyptoton, the City of Salt and Sail - this eternal spoke with the Empire via its herald for the first time last season.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
The [[Polyptoton|Great Turtle]] or the ''Wandering Port'', with the ability to carry messages across great distances almost instantaneously, is tolerated by the Sumaah. The heralds of the eternal rarely demand anything the Sumaah consider unvirtuous, although they have clashed with the censors of the High House of Vigilance in the past over their unnatural veneration of the written word over matters of virtue. The Great Turtle is also sought out for boons related to protecting or aiding ships, especially merchant vessels, particularly where they help them avoid or outrun the more powerful vessels of the Asavean Archipelago. Lisane believes that while the eternal was previously, largely unknown in the Empire, there have been [[Key_of_dreams#Many_Minds_Move_As_One_(Autumn)|recent developments]] that indicate this is no longer the case.

The rest of the Autumn realm is kept at arms length, either because they have nothing Sumaah wants or because they are considered active threats. The [[Prospero|Satrapy of Rope]], the ''Wheedling Spider'' seeks to trap the virtuous with bonds of unnatural obligation, and all too often threaten to draw innocent people into idolatry. The [[Lictors|Satrapy of Cages]] are seen as an inhuman force trying to meddle in virtuous laws. The [[Callidus|Satrapy of Hunger]] and their leader ''Drooling Maw'' fundamentally preach materialism and obsession with the accumulation of wealth. Worst of all are the inhabitants of the [[Basileia|Satrapy of Lies]]; corrosive enemies of virtue who work to corrode the souls of the virtuous and want to mire every human in murder, betrayal, and treachery. The High House of Loyalty see the Satrapy of Lies as particular enemies. Whenever a herald from the ''City of Lies'' is found in the Republic it is summarily executed; nothing good is built on a foundation of lies.

One other set of eternals - the ''Satrapy of Discord'' - are anathema in the Republic but are unfamiliar to Lisane. Reporting to a leader the Sumaah call ''Mockingbray'', they apparently hail from a city that burns with the fire of riot, rebellion, and revolution. According to the High House of Wisdom, these heralds once offered aid in the rebellion against the hated Asavean satraps, but then immediately tried to ruin any attempt to create a new government. Mockingbray, the ruler of the City of Wreckage, is always looking for ways to undermine tradition; to burn everything down in pursuit of a state of abominable anarchy. Obviously, once its true nature was clear, it was immediately proscribed by the Sumaah.

Lisane theorises that this ''might'' be a version of the entity once known as [[Mazen]], but the ''Lord of Masks'' is widely recognised as part of the ''Satrapy of Lies''. The Sumaah say the Satrapy of Discord is still active, which would mean that if reports of that creature's demise are to be trusted, this would have to be a different eternal.

===Of Winter===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:WinterRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Wise Rangara is tolerated
* '''An unfamiliar eternal named Pale Jaguar is tolerated
* '''Agramant, the Thrice-cursed Court, Sorin, and Kaela are anathema
* '''Khobel Tavah appears to be unknown in the Republic
Only two Winter eternals are tolerated among the Sumaah. [[Wise Rangara|White Eye Serpent]] is a black-scaled creature associated with "wisdom" that is one of the oldest spirits known to the Republic. It isn't wisdom as the virtuous understand it, but more the importance of learning difficult lessons, questioning assumptions, and cleaving to tradition. It's a font of herbal lore, and has ways of bringing out human insight that can prove invaluable. One reason it is tolerated is that it rarely if ever seeks to provide answers, but will offer aid to nudge someone along the path towards understanding a situation through their own efforts.

''Pale Jaguar'' or the ''Maiden of Mists'' is not an eternal familiar to Lisane. It seems to be a Winter eternal of trackless places, that represents becoming lost, the deep jungle, and a primaeval fear of the wilderness. It also speaks of the importance of memory, especially remembering the dead or the lost, and the importance of perseverance even against an end that seem inevitable. While few magicians deal with Pale Jaguar, a small group of Sumaah mystics interact with the eternal with the blessing of the High House of Wisdom. They engage in long durances in the wilds of the jungle, hoping to unlock visionary experiences or temper their bodies or spirits. One of Lisane's staff wonders if this might simply be a particular guise of the eternal the Empire knows as [[Sorin]], designed to circumvent his anathema. For the moment, there is no evidence one way or the other, but it appears that once one peels away the more mystical levels the Maiden of Mists is much more explicitly concerned with matters of [[Winter magic#Survival|survival]], [[Winter magic#Preservation|preservation]], and certain ideas of [[Winter magic#Wisdom|wisdom]] than the ''Whelpmaster'' seems to be.

In the Republic Sorin is known as the ''Bone Dragon'', and is depicted as a great skeletal [[Mundane_beasts#Drakes|drake]] whose encouragement of sacrifice, suffering, and hidden traps makes him anathema. He is depicted in stories as lurking on the edge of civilisation, seeking to steal away the unwary to devour their flesh or consume their spirits. Some of these stories cast Bone Dragon in the traditional role of a "bogeyman" - he appears in that role occasionally in cautionary tales for children especially.

The [[Agramant|Traitor]], who has easily as many aliases as he does in the Empire, is anathema as a matter of course, but among the Sumaah is numbered as a member of the [[The Thrice-cursed Court|Satrapy of Woe]]. The ''Corrupters'' are active opponents of the Republic and particularly the High Houses of Virtue. The Vigilance assembly puts a great deal of effort into trying to prevent them from interfering in the affairs of the Republic or corrupting the foolish with their tainted gifts. The [[Kaela|Dread Condor on Silent Wings]] is anathema, primarily due to her open offer of what appears to be eternal servitude via her ''Silent Household'', but responds by simply ignoring the Republic in a similar manner to Llofir.

Finally, [[Khobel Tavah]] is unknown in the Republic, and they express no interest in learning more about them.

===Of Day===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:DayRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Zakalwe, Kimus, Leviathan, and Phaleron are all tolerated
* '''Span of the Sky is an unfamiliar eternal who is tolerated
* '''Sinokenon, Roshanwe, Ylenwe, and Cold Sun are all anathema
The eternals of Day are among the most popular of the eternals the Republic deals with (for a given value). ''[[Zakalwe|Brilliant Javelin]]'' is one of the few martial eternals the Sumaah tolerate; its interest in encouraging rather than leading is seen as less of a challenge to the pursuit of virtue. Along with ''Thunder Lizard'', they are the eternal most likely to see their boons accepted on the battlefield. ''[[Kimus|Mirror of Dawn and Dusk]]'' is considered to be a strange and esoteric entity, whose ability to gather information and willingness to provide it are as welcome as its requests to observe events are seen as unthreatening.

The ''[[Leviathan|Watcher in the Waters]]'' is tolerated because it seems to have little active agenda beyond discussing history and current events with mortals. The chief concern is that magicians are too ready to accept the answers the eternal provides, without stopping to consider that while the Watcher maybe eternal, they are not the Creator. Präster are quick to remind those who deal with this eternal that just because the being expresses boundless confidence in its abilities, it is not infallible.

The ''[[Phaleron|Archive of Rainbow Coral]]'' is likewise tolerated due to its limited agenda. It is clear that the Archive values the preservation of knowledge far and above the preservation of life, but that is something that can be managed by those who deal with it. More of a problem is Phaleron's jealous attitude to the information it contains, which is occasionally decried as counter to human destiny.

A fifth eternal of the Day realm, unfamiliar to Imperial prognosticators, is also tolerated. ''Span of the Sky'' appears to be concerned with wind and water, and favoured by a small number of magicians that live along the coast including the ''Frieøyer''. There is speculation this might be an aspect of Kimus, but it is treated as distinct by the magicians that deal with it. Notably, the groups that interact with it most apparently also field cadres of [[Magical_skills#Battle_Mage|battle-mages]] whose mastery of the [[repel]] and [[entangle]] spells are invaluable when fighting the Republic's enemies.

By contrast, ''[[Sinokenon|Stupid Moon]]'' is anathema; its efforts to undermine the House of the People and push the Houses of Virtue to prominence have won it the enmity of most of the Republic and any attempt to make contact with Sumaah magicians is met with violence. At first two others considered anathema - the siblings ''Salt Mask'' and ''Silk Mask'' - were assumed to be unfamiliar eternals but further investigation indicated there were Sumaash names for [[Roshanwe]] and [[Ylenwe]]. According to Chikkal, Assessor of Vigilance, these two creatures are deceivers and liars who present a false-face to mortals in which they appear to be concerned with matters of virtue but in fact seek to subvert and twist the faithful into engaging in idolatry.

Finally, there is ''[[Cold Sun|Oblivion]]''. The eternal has had no interaction with the Republic, but the High Houses of Virtue have lost no time in declaring it anathema. Anyone attempting to make contact with Cold Sun will be executed, and there is some discussion of whether it might be best to [[excommunication|excommunicate]] such criminals if they emerge. The High House of Vigilance regard the matter as settled there - given their emphasis on Virtue, they are confident that nobody will be unwise enough to approach the eternal, given how appalling the consequences have been elsewhere.

===Of Night===
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">[[File:NightRune.jpg|267px]]</div>
* '''Sung and Lashonar are tolerated in the Republic
* '''An unfamiliar eternal named Deep Drummer is tolerated
* '''Janon, Sadogua, Azoth, and the Whisper Gallery are anathema
* '''Azoth appears unknown in the Republic'''
''[[Sung|Moon Moth]]'' is idly tolerated. She is depicted as a huge rainbow-winged moth who encourages mortals to pursue the great mysteries of the world and the spirit, without claiming to be an authority on either. This includes the mysteries of virtue and the Labyrinth, and apparently she has offered boons relating to both the cultivation of [[iridescent gloaming]] and the creation of [[potion|potions]] that help pursue spiritual matters. Lisane notes with interest that the Sumaah apparently believe that ''all'' moths are agents of Moon Moth, and that the reason they are never seen during the day is that they pass into the Night realm when the sun rises. This belief, and the toleration of Sung, apparently dates back to a time long before the foundation of the Republic.

''[[Lashonar|Chattering Bird]]'' is tolerated, but only just. As with the ''Great Turtle'', it provides useful abilities for the Sumaah to communicate with others that they cannot achieve themselves - access to the [[Lashonar#Caucus_Forum|Caucus Forum]] is considered a valuable resource. Whenever it attempts to have an opinion on politics the virtuous quickly shut it and its followers down. One interesting proscription Lisane notes is that it is illegal to accept boons from Chattering Bird related to preaching the Way in the same vein in which it is illegal to accept the aid of Stone Dragon to build places of virtue.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Rainbow Moth.jpg|caption="Moon Moth" is the most common Sumaah Republic name for the eternal the Empire knows as Sung; rather than a feathered serpent they depict her as an insect with beautiful iridescent wings.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
There is another eternal tolerated by the Sumaah that at first is mistaken for [[Janon]]. The ''Deep Drummer'' is a creature that appears to represent mystical ideas of catharsis, the channelling strong emotions, and celebration of victories and achievements. It is popular not only with Sumaah warriors, but also with artists as it encourages them to both express and inspire strong feelings through their art. The High House of Vigilance has clashed with the High Houses of Courage and Pride in the past around the toleration of Deep Drummer, who are concerned that the eternals enthusiasm for celebration can lead the virtuous astray. The Sumaah apparently view Deep Drummer as the sibling or spouse of ''Whirling Chaos'', claiming the former is a creature of balance where the latter is a creature of discord.

The rest of the Night realm is anathema in Sumaah. [[Sadogua|Seducer]], the ''Satrap of Bats'', is famously despised in the Sumaah Republic. He shamelessly encourages magicians to put their own selfish concerns above virtue, and regularly opined that the assemblies should "butt out" of magicians' affairs. He was also involved in early attempts to form a magical fraternity similar on paper to the Imperial Conclave, that was roundly rejected on grounds of being a terrible idea two hundred years ago. The eternal itself is one of those that still seeks to deal with Sumaash magicians, and its influence is actively resisted by the hunters of idolators.

[[Janon|Whirling Chaos]], as has already been mentioned, is anathema. A dangerously unpredictable entity that appears on the surface to encourage Virtue but is actually a creature of anarchy who does not care what people feel as long as they allow their passions to consume them utterly. The [[Whisper Gallery|Screaming Monkey Kings]] are also anathema, not least because they cannot be trusted in any way not to support the Asavean Archipelago at every turn. Lisane mentions that Chikkal, Assessor of the High House of Vigilance, seems to take the existence of the Screaming Monkey Kings as a personal affront and that this attitude is by no means uncommon in the Republic.

The Sumaah do not seem to be familiar with the eternal [[Azoth]], and on learning more about them, Chikkal suggests there will be little interest in changing that situation.

==Design Note==
* '''Unknown eternals begin disinclined to speak to the Empire
* '''This is the first part of an appraisal that will run over several events
The preliminary report includes an overview of the eternals, and introduces several that appear to be unknown in the Empire. While there is enough information here for Imperial magicians to attempt to contact one of these eternals, if they wished, all start from a position of disinterest in the Empire. While an eternal is bound to respond to a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]], as has been [[Hunter_of_stars#Capradan|seen previously]] on several occasions that response can be a polite (or impolite) refusal.

Most Imperial magicians will be aware that if these eternals desired a relationship with the Empire, they would already be pursuing one. It's also important to bear in mind that none of the creatures mentioned here are more powerful or more inclined to offer better deals than the eternals the Empire already deals with. Whenever a new eternal starts paying attention to the Empire it will often create more problems than it solves - [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]] is arguable on this point, [[Cold Sun]] less so...

The opportunity to send a prognosticator to the Sumaah Republic to engage with an appraisal means they will be unavailable for several seasons. In contrast to some previous opportunities, our intent is to present part of the appraisal each event until this time is up. One reason is to prevent the requirement to do a single massive appraisal at the end of the period, the other is to reinforce the idea that this is an ''opportunity'' - the invitation of the Sumaah presents further options to gather a deeper understanding of the situation. This wind of fortune presents the opportunity for the Conclave to engage in the Republic, and expands the information about magic in Sumaah and their attitudes to the eternals. The next stage of the appraisal will present opportunities related to adapting the Sumaah Republic attitude to the eternals. The nature of the final stage of the appraisal, presented at the Winter Solstice, will depend on which of the orders - if any - the Conclave has chosen to send to the Republic.

==Further Reading==
* [[Sumaah Republic]]
* [[Conclave]]
* [[Alignment]]
* [[Eternal]]

Meraud

2026-07-04T15:32:41Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=MeraudArt.jpg|title=While Meraud's seal is a lion with a rod in its jaws, he is also closely associated with falling stars, comets, and meteors.|caption=Meraud revels in the splendour and majesty of powerful magic.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Summer==
===Sobriquets===
Meraud is sometimes called ''The Summer Enchanter''.

In addition Meraud is sometimes called ''The Golden Magician'' or ''The Lord of Summer Stars''. In [[Varushka]] he is called ''The Fire Mage'' and characterised as a particularly meddlesome [[Varushka magical traditions#Volhov|volhov]]. He is sometimes called ''The Lord of the Lake'' in reference to his tower, which is apparently built on a great shrouded lake in the Summer realm.

Contact with him is forbidden in the [[Sumaah Republic]], where they call him ''Flame Wing''.

Prior to the Autumn Equinox 386YE, Meraud apparently entered a period of crisis. Details are sparse, but the gates out of his demesne were all sealed from the inside and the eternal retreated to his tower. A message managed to get out thanks to the ritual [[From the Mouths of Babes]], in which a [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|herald]] begged for the [[Archmage of Summer]] to sent a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|pleniptentiary]] missive and ask for a parley. This was done, and an apprentice of the ''Summer Mage'' visited the Hall of Worlds, as discussed in the [[Secret_meeting#Fire_Mage|Secret meeting]] wind of fortune. Imperial magicians made numerous sacrifices to help Meraud stabilize his power and identity. As of the Spring Equinox 387YE it seems Meraud is once again in command of his demesne, but there is talk of significant changes of personality that are still being identified by the magicians of the Empire.

==Appearance==
Meraud appears as a magician with golden skin and a leonine mane. His body is often marked with spiral designs that shift and change over time - he claims that each spiral represents the skein of a mortal life that he is observing. He bears either a bandolier of wands, a pair of rods or a single staff. In all cases, these implements bear enchantments that help Meraud in his role of the master of Summer magics.

Traditionally he appears in a flowing robe, with a pointed hat similar to those favoured by itinerant [[Varushka magical traditions#Volhov|volhov]]. He also commonly appears as a resplendent [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] [[hakima]] in red and gold with a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagelmust tagelmust], and as a [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[Varushka magical traditions#Volhov|volhov]] with a glowing staff. His seal, which often appears on a banner or as part of his costume, is a lion with a staff in its mouth. From time to time he is also represented by a magical golden fox, representing his cleverness and cunning.

Sometimes Meraud likes to appear incognito, disguising himself with simple enchantments. When he does so, he is always marked out by his apparent strong [[changeling]] [[lineage]], by his manner and by the fact that he cannot refuse to answer to his name if he is challenged.

If there is a danger to dealing with Meraud it is that he is extremely mercurial even by the standards of the Summer eternals. He is prone to sudden enthusiasms and obsessions and unexpected outbursts of wrathful temper. He is said to have a poor memory, and finds it difficult to focus on the past or the future, always being more concerned about the here-and-now.

Meraud is often accompanied by apprentices and journeymen. Usually these are heralds or eternals, sometimes they are mortal youths who study magic with Meraud. According to these apprentices, Meraud's tower is a great castle that stands in the centre of an enchanted lake and serves as an academy of magical study. The few mortal children who have spent a season as a guest of Meraud have reported that it is an impossibly magical place full of golden fire, strange adventures and majestic fantastical beasts.

==Concerns==
The Golden Magician loves magic. He loves the power that it gives an individual, and the way that it can achieve acts of unparalleled potence. He is capable of performing magic himself, and most commonly performs powerful [[enchantment|enchantments]] or potent acts of destruction or creation. He is something of a paradox - he regards the process of ''becoming'' powerful as less important than the act of ''being'' powerful. He approves as much of the magician who uses his [[heal]] spell to support his allies as he does of the coven that masters a powerful ritual. It is ''using'' magic that is important, not hoarding it.

His primary concern, however, is with magic that is [[Summer_magic#Majesty|majestic]] and awe inspiring. He himself is not especially imposing, but he wields magic that can shatter castles and transform green troops into powerful champions - at least for a time. Magic grants anyone who masters it [[Summer_magic#Prowess|prowess]] beyond the physical - there is often little relationship between the physical presence of a magician and the power they can wield. Meraud in many ways is the iconic "book who should not be judged by its cover".

He is always pleased to hear stories of mortals using their magic to overcome challenges and obstacles, and is known to enjoy setting such challenges himself on occasion. His enthusiasm is not always a positive thing - he sometimes creates obstacles and challenges without telling anyone what he is doing, disrupting and endangering mortal lives in the process.

He is especially prone to offer patronage to the [[Rod and Shield]] [[Conclave order|order]] and the [[Celestial Arch]], but also has a soft-spot for the [[Unfettered Mind]], finding their enthusiasm and inventiveness endlessly exciting. Those magicians who consistently develop new rituals, especially in the Summer realm, or find impressive ways to use existing magic to overcome challenges, often attract his attention.

In [[Wintermark]] he is associated with the runes [[Verys]] and [[Tykonus]].

==Boons==
Meraud offers boons to magicians, enhancing and empowering their mastery of Summer lore. More than many other magically-inclined eternals, Meraud also favours those who specialise in raw spellcasting especially those who use [[empower]] and the various other offensive incantations.

He is known to have little interest in most crafted items, but to be endlessly fascinated by the items mortals craft to increase and use their magical power - robes, implements, mage armour and ritual paraphernalia especially. He is said to be capable of creating several unique magical staffs, and may do so for the correct inducements.

On occasion Meraud may be prevailed upon to help perform an impossible act - a powerful magical creation or destruction. In the past he has helped to call down a star to devastate an enemy fortification, created an unquenchable forest fire, and carved a great citadel out of the side of a mountain. He demands a high price for such assistance, and it usually involves a small fortune in crystallised mana.

The ritual [[From the Mouths of Babes]] allows communication with Meraud. Along with [[Golden Ramparts]], it was entered into Imperial Lore at the urging of the ''Summer Mage''.

==Rituals that deal with Meraud==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Meraud. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[From the Mouths of Babes]]</td><td>[[Meraud]]</td><td>Sends a message to the eternal Meraud.</td><td>Summer</td><td>8</td>
<tr><td>[[Prowess of the Golden Magician]]</td><td>[[Meraud]]</td><td>Grants one rank of Summer lore for a season and additional prowess when performing powerful rituals.</td><td>Summer</td><td>20</td>
<tr><td>[[Lions of Phoenix Reach]]</td><td>[[Meraud]]</td><td>Transforms a mana site into a military unit of summer warriors.</td><td>Summer</td><td>24</td>
<tr><td>[[Golden Ramparts]]</td><td>[[Meraud]]</td><td>Summons servants of Meraud to defend a fortification. It increases the defensive strength of a fortification by 1500 points.</td><td>Summer</td><td>80</td>
</table>

==Further Reading==
* [[Secret_meeting#Fire_Mage|Secret meeting]] - 386YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Back_in_town#Meraud|Back in town]] - 385YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[Hopeless_as_a_feather#Meraud|Hopeless as a feather]] - 384YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[Bury_the_hatchet#Meraud|Bury the hatchet]] - 382YE Summer plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Hayaak

2026-07-04T15:31:49Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=HayaakArt.jpg|title=Where the lion and the eagle meet, there lies the wrath of Hayaak.|caption=The gryphon-king is proud and ferocious, and few things escape his keen gaze.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Summer==
===Sobriquets===
Hayaak is called the ''[[Legendary beasts#Gryphon|Gryphon]]-King'', and has recently been dubbed the ''Prince-in-Exile''.

He is also known variously as the ''Brother of Lions'' and the ''Hawk Lord''.

In the [[Sumaah Republic]], where he is anathema to the authorities there, he is called ''Blood Eagle''.

==Appearance==
Hayaak is a heavy-set masculine figure with a feathered brow. When he is in a warlike mood he wears a helm shaped like the head of an eagle, armour made from the thick hide of some monstrous lion, and gauntlets with clawed fingers; when he is calm, he wears fine gold and brown clothing in the style of a [[Dawn|Dawnish]] [[Earl]] with a golden crown. He is rarely without his warhorn and his great two-handed axe.

Those who meet Hayaak are left in no doubt that this is a being with a quick temper; he has an aura that warns them of the danger of attracting his ire. Weak-willed individuals cannot meet his gaze, and must fight to stay in his presence if they think they have offended him.

The Gryphon-king has a well-known weakness; he enjoys and savours tales of romance, especially those that involve treachery and retribution. Some bards and [[Troubadour|troubadours]] have performed before Hayaak and received valuable gifts or boons when their work has pleased him, and occasionally painful curses when their work has bored or offended him.

Prior to his exile, he claimed the Forest of Arden as his demesne, at the heart of which stood his great castle. Since he lost the Forest to the treachery of [[Jaheris]] he has been an exile, allegedly living as the guest of [[Eleonaris]] on the Fields of Glory.

==Concerns==
Relatively straightforward and bluff, Hayaak is passionate about questions of honour and revenge. He encourages those who consider themselves wronged to seek redress, but seems to lack a sense of justice. One [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazers|stargazer]] described him as being "''wildly disproportionate in his retribution; tread mud through his home and he will burn down your town to settle the score.''"

Hayaak is in exile: the eternal [[Jaheris]] has seized his demesne and made it his own. His servants are scattered - many have apparently shifted their allegiance to Jaheris, while others are dead or in hiding. Recent reports suggest that he has been given sanctuary by [[Eleonaris]] on the Fields of Glory.

Hayaak exemplifies the wrath that lies at the heart of the Summer realm. When he is in a good mood, he is gregarious, regal and welcoming. His mood can shift quickly in response to a real or imagined slight, and while it is rare for him to become angry when he does he seeks to annihilate whatever has drawn his ire. He is often involved in conflicts with other Summer eternals. It is suggested by scholars of the Summer realm that this exile and the treachery of Jaheris will not end well for anyone involved.

==Boons==
This moody eternal is known for his ''Lion-bound horn'' that drives foes before it, and the one-handed spear ''Retribution'' that shatters the shields of his enemies and inflicts deadly wounds on their bodies - only a knight in full harness can hope to stand against Hayaak in battle - and he will sometimes offer a fraction of these powers to mortals. He can also fan the flames of wrath or vengeance in a mortal heart, helping to harden them for the retribution they feel they must take.

Many of Hayaak's court were knights and warriors, but since his exile that court is greatly diminished.

==Further Reading==
* [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Peregrine_Knight|Can you hear me?]] - 387YE Summer plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Jaheris

2026-07-04T15:30:54Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=JaherisArt.jpg|caption=Silver and deep blue are the colours of Jaheris, the Unicorn Prince.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Summer==
===Sobriquets===
Jaheris' servants refer to him as the ''Unicorn King'', or sometimes the ''Unicorn Prince''.

Many of Jaheris' sobriquets reference silver, or the moon. Often called the ''Lord of the Forest of Arden'' or the ''Moonsilver King'', he is also sometimes named ''Silverbrow'' for his white hair. Jaheris' enemies in the Summer realm, and mortals aligned with them, will often refer to him as the ''Shadowed King'' due to his alleged fondness for working in the background to make quests more difficult. His subjects often refer to him as the ''Lord of Despite'', though his goblin knights almost exclusively use the title ''Regent of the Spiderlands''. In recent times, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] from the forest of Arden have described Jaheris as the ''Magister of the Argent Tower''. His fondness for archery has earned him the moniker ''Moonbow'' in some quarters, he is called ''Cunning Wolf'' and it is said that when he hunts in the Forest (which he does infrequently) he is accompanied by two massive muscular wolf-beasts whose fur changes colour as the moon waxes and wanes.

The ''White Snake'' is seen as anathema by the people of the [[Sumaah Republic]].

==Appearance==
The ''Moonsilver King'' usually presents as masculine, and is generally clad in blue-and-silver. He wears the horns of a stag and his device is a silver unicorn on a blue background. When equipped for war, the ''Lord of Despite'' wields a mighty longbow of pale wood from which he looses deadly silver arrows. This seems to be in direct, almost mocking, defiance of the glorious ideals of many of the other Summer eternals who see face-to-face combat as the highest ideal of the champion or hero.

The ''Lord of Despite'' was closely associated with the eternal [[Eleonaris]] at one point. He was sometimes her rival, and sometimes her ally. In recent years, their relationship appears to have undergone a fundamental shift, and Jaheris quit the Fields of Glory for the Forest of Arden, which he now rules as his own realm. In older stories, he was her father whom she overthrew to claim her throne, in others her son who strove to usurp his mother's seat. Sometimes he would serve as her beloved consort, but he would always plot against her and be cast down. Sometimes he was depicted as her brother, who sought to take her throne by force. These stories increasingly fall out of favour as the ''Silver Prince'' establishes himself more strongly as a Summer monarch in his own right but there is still said to be some close connection between the two rulers.
==Concerns==
Jaheris rules over the Forest of Arden, having claimed the demesne from [[Hayaak]]. [[On_wings_aspire#The_Forest_of_Arden|According to rumour]], the Forest underwent a profound change under his stewardship. Where once it was a place of curated wilderness, where beasts ran free to be hunted at the whim of the Lord of the Hunt, it is now significantly wilder. The trees huddle together, and conspire with each other; the great boars, bears, and stags who once roamed there have been devoured by immense spiders which scuttled out from the mountains to the north or have become monstrous in their own right; and feral unicorns now patrol the paths hungering for the blood of intruders. Jaheris has raised a pale white tower in the heart of the woods, tall enough that he can stand in the highest room and look out across his domain - tall enough to see even the edges of his realm where it touches those of the other eternal regents.

In addition to claiming the forested realm, Jaheris has exerted his authority over the former court of Hayaak. Several heralds who once served the Hawk Lord have been encountered wearing the blue and silver of Jaheris, having given their allegiance to the Throne of the Moon. Those who encountered them before the change describe them as being similar but different; more cunning, more subtle, less impulsive. There is obviously bad blood between them and those who chose other masters in the wake of Hayaak's fall.

Some time ago the [[Earl|enchanter]] Lydia de Courland once wrote that: "''Jaheris is treachery and ambition incarnate,''" but his interests seem to have changed with his circumstances. Now he encourages people to pursue their ambitions and goals - not from any virtuous intent but because he seems to believe everyone should be prepared to do whatever it takes to gain personal power. He is not especially interested in treachery any more because, in the Summer realm, treacherousness is a profound weakness. What once he embraced he now eschews, and has little time for those who can only achieve their ends by betraying their allies.

That is not to say he has become "nice" - he simply teaches that there is a profound difference between allies and agents, or between friends and pawns. The former one can rely on (and by extension must be able to rely on you), the latter are ultimately expendable (and should be wise enough to realise this). It is notable that since he abandoned treachery, his schemes have been significantly more successful. As Lydia concluded, it was his use of betrayal that ensured he remained in the shadow of more noble eternals.

Jaheris continues to have a tumultuous relationship with Eleonaris. Their armies and courtiers clash in open conflict - but he is also rival to [[Meraud]] and [[Hayaak]]. The former covets the forest of Arden and its magical secrets; the latter sees him as the personification of the unjust ruler who cares little for their subjects. The names may shift, but the Summer realm remains a land of endless conflict, witness to the clash of mighty kings and queens, whose eternal ambitions are forever unfulfilled as each seeks to claim dominance over one another and their world.

The ruler of the Forest of Arden seems to be increasingly interested in mortals. These days, however, it seems he schemes ''with'' them, rather than specifically against them. The ''Shadowed King'' has taken a more active approach to encouraging mortals to triumph over adversity in recent years, but it is ''struggle'' he finds appealing. What can be achieved easily is of no account, and he is not above quietly using heralds or human agents to intercede specifically to make things more difficult - and thus more worthy of celebration.

==Boons==
The Unicorn King takes joy in using alloys of [[weltsilver]] to create delicate works of art. At times, he is struck by a fey mood that demands extensive use of the precious metal and sees him driven to seek vast quantities from the mortal realm. Whilst by no means a smith on par with [[Barien]], the armoury of his pale tower is filled with an array of weapons and armour forged from alloys of the pale silver. Jaheris occasionally offers one of these items to someone in recognition of overcoming a great difficulty, or at least what he considers to be a great difficulty. He might also make a gift of one to someone who is pursuing a martial challenge.

Almost alone of the Summer eternals Jaheris will gift someone with a magical bow, and has recently displayed several boons related to the use of bows. He does not simply favour martial [[Combat skills#marksman|archers]] - some of his gifts seem specifically designed for battle mages who reject traditional close-combat roles for the precision and devastating power of the bow.

He does not restrict his favour to martial champions in other areas, appearing even more fond of war-witches and battle-mages. The ''Unicorn Prince'' once served as patron of the [[Master of Ice and Darkness|Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun]]. His heralds ''Mahine'' and ''Esmeray'', pale skinned elves dressed in heavy all-covering robes, served to assist the researchers in the codification of [[curse|curses]]. Jaheris is capable of offering boons to magicians, enhancing and empowering their mastery of curses, even those that do not use [[Summer magic]], but he expects to see those boons ''used'' in the pursuit of ambitious schemes and is easily annoyed if they are simply hoarded.

===Brews of Silverbrow===
Massive spiders infest the mountains in the northern reaches of Jaheris' realm. Some of the spiders have an extremely potent venom, which is brewed by a reclusive order of goblin knights. This ''toxicant'' has a consistent quality - [[Calls#VENOM|poisoning]] the blood of the imbiber - but provides an array of effects depending on the species of spider, how much moonlight it is exposed to, along with a myriad of other things at the time.

The brews are similar to [[potion|potions]] in some regards, and generally [[Potion#Consuming_a_Potion|used in the same way]]. These come in a myriad of different flavours, but they are always in liquid form. Some of the more commonly known brews include:
* '''''Shadowtouch''''': A deep, garnet red concoction with a sweet, fruity scent that provides similar benefits to [[Vis#Golden_Apples|golden apples]] when drunk during a ritual
* '''''Last Kiss''''': A cloudy, golden white vintage with an overpoweringly spicy scent that invigorates reserves of [[Heroic skills|personal power]]
* '''''Guiltless''''': A hazy, pale yellow preparation with a delicate floral scent that enhances a magician's natural [[Magical skills#Realm Lore|Summer lore]], especially when dealing with curses
* '''''Bittertouch''''': A clear, tawny blend with an earthy scent and potent almond taste that provides a great boost to physical stamina and fortitude.
* '''''Kingsting''''': A rich, red mixture with a pleasant peppery scent and sweet cherry taste that grants a magician the limited ability to [[empower]] their allies
* '''''Tenderblood''''': A strong, ruby vintage with a musty scent and a deep oaky taste that grants a warrior the limited ability to [[Calls#SHATTER|shatter]] weapons and shields
There are many kinds of brews which are rarer or less easily identifiable. Regardless, all of them ultimately come from Jaheris.

==A New Demesne==
For much of Imperial History, Jaheris was involved in a peculiar cyclic relation with Eleonaris in which one would take the role of a noble monarch, and the other their villainous opponent. Shortly after the death of [[Empress Britta]], this changed. Jaheris became increasingly independent, and when [[Hayaak]] lost control of the Forest of Arden, Jaheris severed his ties with Eleonaris and claimed the demesne for himself. Since then he has undergone slow, but cumulative change, moving away from the spoiled and treacherous princeling to a monarch in his own right - albeit one that still values cleverness and ambition over brute force and duty.
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<big>'''Sobriquets'''</big><br>
Jaheris is the ''Unicorn Prince'', and the ''Lord of the Forest of Arden''.

<big>'''Appearance'''</big><br>
The ''Moonsilver Prince'' is usually clad in blue-and-silver, and appears with the horns of a stag. His device is a silver unicorn on a blue background. He has white hair, which has earned him the moniker ''Silverbrow''.

The ''Lord of Despite'' is closely associated with the eternal [[Eleonaris]]. He is sometimes her rival, and sometimes her ally. In some stories he is her father whom she overthrew to claim her throne, in others he is her son who strives to usurp his mothers' seat. Sometimes it seems he is her beloved consort, but he always plots against her and is cast down. Sometimes he is her brother, who seeks to take her throne by force. In recent years, their relationship appears to have undergone a fundamental shift, and Jaheris has quit the Fields of Glory for the Forest of Arden, which he now rules as his own realm.

<big>'''Concerns'''</big><br>
Until very recently, Jaheris had no realm of his own. Now, he rules over the Forest of Arden having claimed the demesne from the eternal [[Hayaak]]. [[On_wings_aspire#The_Forest_of_Arden|According to rumour]], the Forest has undergone a profound change under his stewardship. It seems to have become a significantly more dangerous place - the trees huddle together, and conspire with each other; the great boars, bears, and stags who once roamed there have been devoured by immense spiders which scuttled out from the mountains to the north; and feral unicorns now patrol the paths, hungry for the blood of intruders. Jaheris is said to have raised a pale white tower in the heart of the woods, tall enough that he can stand in the highest room and look out across his new domain - tall enough that he can see even to the edges of the Fields of Glory.

In addition to claiming the realm, Jaheris appears to have become the ruler of Hayaak's court. It seems only a fraction of Hayaak's servants have followed him into exile. Some have gone into hiding, others are likely to have been destroyed. Several heralds identified as serving the Hawk Lord have been encountered wearing the blue and silver of Jaheris. Those who have encountered them describe them as being more bitter, more spiteful, and more vengeful than before.

Jaheris appears to be filled with bitterness about his relationship with Eleonaris. Their armies and courtiers clash in open conflict - there is comparatively little scheming or plotting between them. Rather, their relationship seems to exemplify the clash of kings, the thrill of ambition, and the striving between powerful individuals to claim dominance over one-another and the world. Some key event appears to have shattered their relationship forever - scholars and students of the Summer realm agree that this seems to be a much more profound separation than any that has been seen before.

The new steward of the Forest of Arden seeks to draw others into his schemes. These schemes appear more steeped in bitterness and a desire for vengeance than before. Once, the [[Earl|enchanter]] Lydia de Courland wrote that: "''Jaheris is treachery and ambition incarnate, but this is the Summer realm, not the Autumn realm; his schemes never succeed, and it may be that they never can. The only way he can ever usurp Eleonaris would be to become mightier, more noble, more powerful than she - and were that to happen I truly believe the only result would be that the two of them would swap roles. He would become the regal king of the Fields of Glory, and she would become the bitter rival scheming to steal his throne. In fact, I would not be surprised to discover that exactly that had happened before, perhaps many times. Indeed, it could well be that they are not two eternals at all, but one powerful magical spirit in two bodies.''" Now... the situation appears to have changed profoundly.

<big>'''Boons'''</big><br>
What boons Jaheris might offer now he appears to have laid claim to his own domain are not clear. It is likely he may provide boons that encourage revenge or ambition, but this is merely speculation.
</div>
<br>
Click ''Expand'' to see Jaheris' old page, which describes the eternal as he was understood for much of Imperial history prior to his recent changes.

==Further Reading==
* [[The Lion and the Unicorn]] - A song about [[Jaheris]] and [[Eleonaris]] that has become well known, especially by those associated with the Summer realm
<br><big>'''Winds of War and Fortune'''</big>
* [[Golden_magicians_fayre#The_Strings_of_Jaheris|Golden magicians fayre]] - 387YE Spring Wind of Fortune concerning Jaheris heralds in Astolat
<br><big>'''Plenipotentiary'''</big>
* [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Melancholy_Waters_Lie|Has reared himself a throne]] - 387YE Autumn plenipotentiary with Jaheris
* [[Begin_to_speak#Jaheris|Begin to speak]] - 384YE Summer [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] with Jaheris
[[Category:Eternals]]

Cathan Canae

2026-07-04T15:28:48Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=CathanArt.jpg|title=The snow bear, a powerful arctic predator, is often displayed on the battle standards of the warriors of Cathan Canae - often by warriors who ride into battle astride great magical beasts that resemble dire bears with curving ram horns.|caption=Cathan Canae does not often display a heraldic device but when she does she favours<br>the visage, skull, or pelt of strong, powerful beasts.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Summer==
===Sobriquets===
Cathan Canae is called the ''Queen of Ice and Darkness'' or the ''Lady of the Frost''.

She is sometimes called ''The Breath of Winter'' (perhaps confusingly, given she is an eternal of Summer), ''Mistress of Blizzards'' and ''The Immovable One''.

In the [[Sumaah Republic]] she is called ''Thunder Drake'' or ''Thunder Lizard'', and is tolerated for her straightforward approach, and warrior ideals perceived as compatible with Virtue.

==Appearance==
This Summer eternal often appears as a tall, muscular woman dressed in heavy chain in the style of a [[Wintermark]] warrior-heroine, bearing a vicious hooked polearm called ''Ironwind''. On her brow is a tall crown of ice set with three blue jewels. She usually wears a mantle of white bear fur, which stories say was made for her by the [[Suaq]] [[Wintermark magical traditions#Icewalker|icewalker]]-hero Fainomaiken from the hide of the titanic Devilbear that haunted the wastes of [[Sermersuaq]] centuries before the [[Steinr]] came and the people of Wintermark became one.

On the rare occasions that she is presenting a more peaceful mien, she dresses in the manner of a rich [[Steinr]] [[Wintermark political leadership|thane]], or wealthy [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[Varushka leadership|boyar]], usually with her white mantle over the top and her regal crown. She is by turns imperious; mighty; cold as the glacier; furious as the blizzard.

Cathan Canae is rarely encountered alone; she is usually accompanied by warriors or occasionally [[ogre]]-like giants or savage supernatural beasts. She rules a great swathe of territory in the Summer realm from her immense frozen citadel. Her realm is composed of awe-inspiring mountains, frozen waterfalls, glaciers and trackless snow-covered plains, haunted by legendary monsters and bands of savage warriors. Her armies regularly engage in skirmishes and battles with those of [[Eleonaris]] on the Fields of Glory.

==Concerns==
Cathan Canae exemplifies and glories in physical strength; she is the awesome strength of the glacier, the might of the howling blizzard, the irresistible majesty of the mountain, the implacable force of the avalanche. She reaches for the strength that none can stand against, and that cannot be overcome - both the irresistible force and the immovable object. She is extremely stubborn and respects only two things: might and resilience. She is extremely proud, and those who disrespect her earn her unending ire. As with many of the Summer eternals, she is known to occasionally call tourneys and formal challenges in which mortals compete for her favour - the [[Calling_the_Drottningbjotha|Drottningbjotha]] of Summer 379YE in which champions from across the Empire and beyond fought in a grand tourney in her honour is a recent example of this kind of competition.

In many stories, it is Cathan Canae who sends blizzards and avalanches down from the mountains, or south from the frigid wastes, to batter Wintermark and Varushka. She does not do this from wickedness but because it is in her nature to test others. Those who endure the onslaught of winter, or who fight with courage against the armies of their enemies, become ever stronger, ever more capable of resisting whatever the world throws at them.

The relationship of the ''Queen of Ice and Darkness'' with the [[Conclave]] has always been a little complicated. Among other things, her open support for the [[Jotun]] [[orc|orcs]] has proved to be a bone of contention with the Empire throughout Imperial history. For example, the eternal was under the [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity of the conclave]] for most of the reigns of [[Emperor Guntherm]] and [[Empress Brannan]], apart from a brief period of neutrality during the two-year peace treaty towards the end of Guntherm's reign.

Of particular note is her patronage of the [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Skjaldir|Skjaldir]], [[elite Jotun troops]] who often number among them orcs specifically blessed by the eternal with supernatural strength and resilience. As with many eternals however, Cathan Canae seems to see no conflict between supporting both the Jotun and the Empire with her boons - something successive [[Archmage of Summer|Summer Archmages]] have been at pains to try and explain to their fellow magicians.

In [[Wintermark]] and among the [[Jotun]] she is strongly associated with the rune [[Verys]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=HeraldOfIce.jpg|title=Most heralds of Cathan Canae do not look at all human - her servants tend to appear monstrous to mortal eyes.|caption=The heralds of Cathan Canae tend to be strong and taciturn.|align=right|width=300}}

==Boons==
Cathan Canae can give boons of strength, martial prowess and supernatural [[Combat skills#Endurance|endurance]] or [[Combat skills#Fortitude|fortitude]]. She almost always demands that those who would receive her boons prove their strength by defeating one of her champions or enduring a challenge of their resilience, constitution or will. According to stories, the hero Fainomaiken endured twelve impossible tasks during his fabled courtship of this proud queen, including holding back the glacier Immanoviel for a year-and-a-day and enduring seven days and seven nights naked beneath the frozen waterfall called Unending Frost. Modern heroes are likely to receive slightly less dramatic challenges, but those who fail are often left broken or maimed. Cathan Canae has neither mercy nor respect for those who fail to live up to her high standards of excellence.

On rare occasions, she will lend a weapon, shield or piece of armour from her extensive collection to a mortal to wield for a time. Her artisans are some of the most skilled in the Summer realm and work with all manner of exotic materials, including living ice, water, wind and starlight. Even other eternals of Summer seek the aid of her crafters.

Sometimes, she will offer the services of her giant warriors, massive humanoids often reaching seven or eight feet in height and possessed of unspeakable strength. She may likewise send some of the legendary beasts and savage hunters of her realm to bedevil mortals. There are tales of her having been prevailed upon to raise an avalanche or blizzard, or aid mortal ritualists in doing the same.

Some mortal ritualists are able to prevail on ancient pacts to [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|call forth a frozen fortification]] from her realm, and she can make this process easier or harder.

Very few people have wooed Cathan Canae; those who impress her with their strength, courage, and fortitude may spend one night as her consort. Should they survive this honour, it is said that ever after they are inured to the cold of winter - they can walk naked through the mightiest blizzard without difficulty or swim the frozen floes of [[Sermersuaq|Tsirku]] without fear.

==Rituals that deal with Cathan Canae==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Cathan Canae. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Hook of the Hoarfrost Guardian]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup></td><td>[[Cathan Canae]]</td><td>Grants four strikedowns a day with a pole-arm for a season</td><td>Summer</td><td>40</td>
<tr><td>[[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]]</td><td>[[Cathan Canae]]</td><td>Creates a temporary supernatural fortification in mountainous region in a territory</td><td>Summer</td><td>120</td>
</table>

==Further Reading==
* [[Speak to me#Mistress of Ice and_Darkness|Speak to me]] - 387YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Begins where it ends#Cathan Canae|Begins where it ends]] - 385YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[The bird and the child#Cathan Canae|The bird and the child]] - 384YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Who benefits?#Cathan Canae|Who benefits?]] - 383YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Immortal hand#Cathan Canae|Immortal hand]] - 381YE Spring plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Rhianos

2026-07-04T15:25:24Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=RhianosArt.jpg|title=The dolphin appears to be a fine symbol for Rhianos; seemingly friendly but with a well-developed capacity for cruelty and violence when the mood takes them.|caption=The banners of the Regent of the Eternal Sea invariably depict sea creatures - <br>both mundane and fanciful.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Summer==
===Sobriquets===
Rhianos has been called both King Rhianos and Queen Rhianos, but the most common sobriquet appears to be ''Regent of the Eternal Sea''. Rhianos is believed to have relatively close ties with magicians in [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavea]] and the [[Sarcophan Delves]].

As befits a changeable and dynamic eternal, Rhianos collects names and sobriquets. They are also known as ''Foamfollower'', ''Bottlenose'', ''Lord (or Lady) Gullscry'', ''Hornsounder'', and ''Wind-at-the-Back'', all names that present a positive, supportive aspect. In some parts of the world they are seen as having a more sinister aspect. For example, in parts of the [[Sumaah Republic]] they are known by a title that translates roughly to ''Homebreaker'', referencing the call to adventure which often causes folk to abandon their family in pursuit of glory and excitement. The Sumaash also call him ''Ninth Wave''. In parts of [[Varushka]], they are called ''Pathtwister'', the one who ensures that travellers encounter dangers and challenges. A few old texts go further, and name the eternal ''Deathpiper'' claiming that their siren call of adventure lures the foolish and unwise into disaster.

Rhianos appears to have more names than there are stars in the sky. Other sobriquets include ''Furole'', ''Quicksilver'', ''Glimmerbreeze'', ''Corposant'', ''Dancing Merlin'', ''Azure Songbird'', ''Bright Zephyr'', ''Booming Avalanche'', ''Endless Voyage'', ''Diving Falcon'', ''Treasure Giver'', ''Golden Shatterspray'', ''Lightning Fish'', ''Leaping Salmon'', ''Roaring Wavefather'', ''Mother of the Wildest'', ''Waverider'', ''Tiger's Eye'', ''Pathtwister'', ''Foamfollower'', ''Shimmergold'', ''Stormchaser'', ''Sail Runner'', ''Second Strike'', ''Coruscating Oarfish'', ''Seadragon'', ''Windweaver'', ''Spume Sailor'', ''Tide Dancer'', ''Ocean Caller'', ''Leaf-on-the-Breeze'', the ''Auspicious Mariner'', the ''Laird of the Golden Tides'', the ''Sailor on the Sunlit Sea'', the ''Lord of the Argent Rime'', the ''King of the Nine Tides'', the ''Lady of the Far Horizon'', the ''Master of the Far Shore'', and the ''Lord of the Rolling Waves''. There is a belief that their heralds like to make up new names for their eternal lord on the fly: their heralds deny this and claim that Rhianos simply ''likes'' names, especially ones with a dramatic cadence and a nautical or adventurous theme.

==Appearance==
Unknown within the Empire. Foreign magicians characterise them as being somewhat fluid in appearance - "changeable as the sea itself". While it is unlikely they are a shapeshifter in the way (for example) the eternals of Night are shapeshifters, it seems that Rhianos slips between masculine and feminine forms with ease, and adopts elements of many different marine creatures as they do so. Depictions in Asavea often include the lower body of a fish, dolphin, or serpent; vivid emerald green or sapphire blue hair and beard; multiple arms; additional octopus-like arms; webbed fingers; and the alien all-black eyes of a sea mammal. Regardless of outward appearance, Rhianos is described as being filled with a bottomless supply of ''joie de vivre'' and lust for life and adventure - as well as an endless capacity for wonder at new and exciting things, people, and vistas.

Heralds of Rhianos are often encountered as blue-skinned creatures with sharp ears and golden markings, though other - ''stranger'' - creatures have been reported.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Four Continents.jpg|caption=Ships taking part in Rhianos' race were able to uncover the layout of four continents of the known world|title=Map collated by Esteban i Del Rio Blanco i Guerra, Bakar i Riqueza, and Kay i Orzezz i Guerra|align=left|width=500}}</div>

==Concerns==
Rhianos appears to be interested in the sea as a place that is full of, or leads to, adventure and opportunities to face and overcome great danger. Unlike many Summer eternals, Rhianos appears to perceive wealth as something that has value - especially if it is gained through heroism or daring - or under conditions of extreme danger. Yet they are not an Autumn eternal - Sarcophan traders have commented that the boons of Rhianos are tricky because they expect that once wealth has been gained it will be "spent" (or indeed "squandered") on fine living, and to create more opportunities for adventure in the future. One Sarcophan ship's mage described the eternal thus "''They are always moving, always moving. For Rhianos to stand still is the utmost torment. There is always a new thing to see, there is always a horizon stretching ahead of them. Regret, duty, introspection - these are less than ballast to Rhianos. Anything that weighs them down is discarded in a moment, forgotten before it has entirely sunk out of sight.''"

==Boons==
It is likely that Rhianos possesses boons related to water, and to both real and fanciful qualities of the sea. Both Sarcophan and Asavean mariners have claimed that Rhianos offers a common boon that ensures any sea voyage will be "eventful but lucrative". This sounds very similar to the [[enchantment]] Rhianos offered during Winter Solstice 380YE. The "[[Across the seven seas|lure of adventure]]" presented challenges and treasures to [[fleet|sea captains]] engaged in [[Fleet#Questing|privateering]] and [[fleet#Trading|trade]] during the Winter Solstice 380YE.

According to some scholars, Rhianos also provides martial boons to those they favour, but these boons are always distinctly personal in nature. There appears to be no large-scale enchantment that enhances the ability to engage in warfare for example. More than other eternals of Summer, Rhianos seems to favour the individual over the group, the champion over the soldier.

==Further Reading==
* [[Famine_and_feast#Rhianos|Famine and feast]] - 386YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Have_you_seen_me_lately#Rhianos|Have you seen me lately]] - 385YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Between_the_lines_of_ages#Rhianos|Between the lines of ages]] - 383YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Nowhere_and_everywhere#Rhianos|Nowhere and everywhere]] - 382YE Winter plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Adamant

2026-07-04T15:22:23Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=AdamantArt.jpg|title=The image of Adamant as a dragon, coiled atop a hoard of gold and jewels of incalculable value, is a powerful one.|caption=If the ''koboldi'' are anything to go by, there is something draconic about King Adamant.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Summer==
===Sobriquets===
Until recently, King Adamant, sometimes known as the ''King Under the Mountain'', has been largely unknown in the Empire. The magicians of the [[Principalities of Jarm]] are believed to have extensive contact with him, where he is known as ''Sharaz, of the Throne of Adamant'' which implies that "Adamant" may be a title rather than his actual name. He is also believed to be a patron of some [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] magicians, especially those responsible for building the great temples and monuments so beloved by the people of the western archipelago. He is tolerated in the [[Sumaah Republic]] for providing useful boons and rarely wanting anything unvirtuous in exchange. He is known as ''Stone Dragon'' there.

Some other common names include ''Imperishable Potentate'', ''Master of the Endless Delve'', ''Throne of Stone'', ''Deep Dragon'', ''Wallshaper'', the ''Liege Unbreakable'', and ''Keeper of the Impenetrable Vault''.

==Appearance==
In the Empire, very little is known about King Adamant. In one Jarmish text, he is depicted as a titanesque man with skin of white granite – like a living statue - seated on a throne, crowned, in vestments of mithril. In another, more fanciful image, he is depicted as a dragon with skin of gold, his scales encrusted with brilliant gemstones. Some scholars who have managed to speak to his ''koboldi'' describe him as a great stone face that appears on the wall of an immense throne room.

He is said to be the king of a subterranean nation inhabited by short, stocky servitors who are incredible stonemasons and miners - the ''koboldi''. These servants plumb the depths of the earth for gemstones and precious metal which they craft into beautiful forms as gifts for Sharaz. They are also sometimes sent to aid other eternals, or even evoked by mortals, to help in the creation of great, enduring works of stone especially fortifications.

==Concerns==
Adamant is strongly connected to the [[Summer_magic#Adamant|enduring nature]] of the Summer realm. One Jarmish text refers to him as a consort, child or rival of Cathan Canae, but it is not clear if there is any actual relationship. Adamant also embodies the resonance of [[Summer_magic#Majesty|majesty]] - he encourages mortals to build immense, inspiring structures and beautiful, glittering jewels with equal gusto; to delve deep into the earth to uncover the treasures hidden there; and to do everything on an immense, awe-inspiring scale.

It is not clear what has sparked his current interest in the Empire, but the first recorded appearance of his koboldi came during the Winter Solstice 379YE when a [[A_job_worth_doing|koboldi workforce]] appeared to help deal with accursed damage to the [[Astolat#The_Castle_of_Thorns|Castle of Thorns]]. The koboldi have been seen several times since - on the field at Anvil, and helping to maintain the [[Redoubt#The_Court_of_the_White_Fountain|Court of the White Fountain]] in the face of a malign [[curse]].

==Boons==
Adamant appears to have boons related to construction and repair of castles, that much is clear. His ''koboldi'' claim to be expert miners as well - it is likely he may be able to offer boons related to mining such as [[Delve Deep, Beneath the Mountain]]. There is some speculation that he may be able to offer boons that grant mortals the properties of stone such as [[Stout Resolve of the Unyielding]] or [[Unbreakable_Spirit,_Unbreakable_Blades|Unbreakable Spirit, Unbreakable Blades]]. At this time, it is difficult to do more than guess.

During the Winter Solstice 383YE, two rituals that draw on the power of Adamant became part of [[Urizen lore]]. [[Raise the Dragonsworn Cohort]] provides a warband of ''koboldi'' to a [[mine]] owner, and in return Adamant claims the production they would otherwise have received. [[Stone's Unyielding Defiance]] [[enchantment|enchants]] a [[fortification]], both greatly enhancing its strength and repairing any damage at the point the ritual is cast. In theory, Adamant could provide assistance to an Imperial magician who wanted to create versions of these rituals.
==Heralds==
The iconic servants of Adamant are the ''koboldi''. These scaled humanoids tend to be shorter than the average human or orc, and have characteristics that could be considered lizard-like. Their scales come in a panoply of colours, and they are invariably inclined to be optimistic, enthusiastic, and cheerful. They have been noted to have a ''laissez faire'' attitude to workplace safety, often taking risks a mortal labourer would not countenance in the service of completing construction. There seem to be multiple "ranks" within a band of ''koboldi'', often with a foreperson or gaffer organising their peers, but this structure is very fluid and confounds attempts by Imperial scholars to understand it.

While the ''koboldi'' are familiar to Imperials, they are not the only servants of the ''Throne of Stone''. Other heralds include [[Ourselves_and_immortality#On_Gnomes|gnomes]], and the various unique creatures encountered at the [[Master_of_the_Koboldi#College_of_Engineering|College of Engineering]].

==Rituals that deal with Adamant==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Adamant. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Raise the Dragonsworn Cohort]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup></td><td>[[Adamant]]</td><td>Provides a powerful military unit for a season in return for a mine</td><td>Summer</td><td>20</td>
<tr><td>[[Stone's Unyielding Defiance]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup></td><td>[[Adamant]]</td><td>Enchants a fortification, repairing it and increasing the combat strength by 1,500 for a season</td><td>Summer</td><td>90</td>
</table>

==Further Reading==
* [[Seven locks#King Under the Mountain|Seven locks]] - 386YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[Impossible landscapes#Adamant|Impossible landscapes]] - 383YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Hunter of stars#Adamant|Hunter of Stars]] - 382YE Spring plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Llofir

2026-07-04T15:15:56Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=LlofirArt.jpg|title="Ruin" by Marcher artist Martha Riversbank. Painted in 293YE, as part of a commission for the never-completed Hall of Spring (a college of magic intended to be built in Miaren later abrogated by the Senate). One of several canvases recovered in 326YE from a crawlspace in the Forge in Anvil, it was apparently significantly damaged by damp.|caption=''Ruin'' is the slow moving harbinger of fungus, rot, pestilence, and decomposition|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Spring==
===Sobriquets===
Most commonly Llofir is ''The Rotlord'' or the ''Lady of Spores''. It generally uses "it" as a pronoun.

It is also known as ''The Quiet One'', or ''The Great Fungus'', or ''Wisdom of Dead Wood'', but seems mostly unconcerned with what names mortals give it. It appears broadly immune to flattery, enduring it with quiet stoicism before ignoring it and moving on. Other names commonly used include ''End of Empires'', ''Inevitable Circle'', and ''Ruin''. It is called ''Blood Choke'' by the Sumaash.

==Appearance==
As with eternals such as [[Yaw'nagrah]], Llofir is believed to be truly massive - an entire ecosystem with a single consciousness behind it. Where Llofir differs from other Spring eternals is that its body is composed of fungus and moulds - sometimes on an epic scale. It is known to 'bud' smaller, humanoid forms that are in some way vessels for its consciousness with which it can speak to mortals; many of these strange creatures serve as its heralds, guards and courtiers. They range in size from a few feet tall through dangerous animalistic creatures to massive, shambling horrors that move like a tide of animate matter.

Its heralds most often appear as humanoids infested with rot and fungus. Often quiet and slow-moving, their appearance is a little deceptive - they are actually creatures in their own right rather than reanimated flesh.

==Concerns==
The Quiet One is usually described as calm, placid and extremely long-sighted. Where other Spring eternals live in the moment, Llofir seems utterly disconnected from concerns of past and future. It in some way exemplifies ideas of natural rot, corruption, decomposition and decay - the way things tend to break down into simpler forms, from which new things arise. It is also fascinated with disease and sickness, and the way they cause healthy organisms to fall apart or become weak.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Herald of Llofir.jpg|caption=The heralds of Llofir often appear as humanoids infested with rot.|align=right|width=300}}
Some magicians believe that Llofir's interest in rot and decay extends beyond the physical, literal manifestation of decomposition and includes the philosophical idea that complex structures such as societies and empires also need to be periodically killed and broken down so that new societies can grow from the 'mulch' they leave behind. This would be a very sophisticated position for a Spring eternal to take, but not entirely inconsistent with the 'long view' that Llofir appears to take.

The eternal has several times expressed a dislike for the [[vallorn]], and even offered aid in weakening or destroying it. It appears that the unquenchable wellspring of life that fills vallorn-infested areas is at odds with Llofir's focus on the cyclic nature of death, decay, and new life arising from the remnants of the old. In a similar vein, the ''Lady of the Toadstools'' expresses an uncharacteristic virulent hatred for things which inhabit dead flesh and prevent it rotting (such as the husks produced by [[Quickening Cold Meat]] or the transformation effected by [[Mark the Flesh Incorruptible]]). It offers boons to help destroy them or return them to their "natural" space in the cycle; on one occasion this involved investing the unliving husks created by ''Quickening Cold Meat'' with spores that quickly rotted the bodies inhabited by the winter spirits.
==Recent History==
In 380YE, Llofir was responsible for a [[A_season_of_mushrooms|wave of Spring magic]] that swept across newly-liberated [[Reikos]]. In the process, it claimed the region of [[Reikos#Tamarbode|Tamarbode]] for itself. In the years that followed, it resisted Imperial efforts to reclaim the region while simultaneously offering to provide assistance to the efforts to fight the vallorn. The Winter Solstice 382YE saw Llofir [[382YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Enmity_:_Llofir|placed under enmity]] by the Conclave. Then in Summer 383YE, a [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Destroying_Angels|combined operation]] by the [[Wolves of War]] and the [[Towerjacks]] ultimately destroyed Llofir's Garden and drove the eternal's forces back into the Spring realm. Llofir was less than pleased, to put it mildly.

Indeed, when the [[Archmage of Spring]] Ibiss Briarheart next sought [[Archmage#Parley|parley]] with the ''End of Empires'', in Winter 386YE, the eternal [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Llofir|refused in no uncertain terms]]. Instead, it made an extreme demand of the Conclave - that it be granted [[alignment#amity|amity]] with the intent that it would "ravage the Empire" in retribution for the destruction of its garden. Unsurprisingly, the Conclave refused to provide it with the opportunity to take revenge on Imperial citizens.

In Autumn 387YE, however, Ibiss made another attempt to reconcile the Empire and the ''Rot Lord''. This time, [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Hours_Breathing_Faint_and_Low|Llofir's response]] appeared a little more measured. In the end however, the Empire did not meet the eternal's demands; they did however, [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Llofir,_Neutrality|remove the existing enmity]] as "a show of trust."

==Boons==
The ''Great Fungus'' has a number of boons that might interest Imperial magicians. It can offer aid with rituals that encourage [[Spring magic#Ruin|decay and collapse]], or the destruction of crafted goods or structures. It also has power to support attempts to renew damaged or ruined lands, or to bring forth new life from rot and decay. As a being fascinated with fungus and mushrooms, it can also offer boons related to replicating or enhancing the hallucinogenic or poisonous properties of many fungi. According to some sources, this interest can provide insight into the magic of Spring, or even into the nature of living creatures.

More than any other eternal except perhaps [[Yaw'nagrah]], Llofir's realm bursts at the seams with magical substances. Often referred to as ''[[Yaw%27nagrah#Donahorti|donahorti]]'', they differ from those associated with the ''Green Mother'' both in their properties - related to ruin and renewal rather than [[Spring magic#chaos|chaos]] or [[Spring_magic#Fertility|fertility]] - and because they invariably take the form of fungus or fungal spores. ''Whisperspore'', for example, takes the form of pale, powdery spores that can be inhaled to empower an adept of Spring lore to work their magic more easily, especially Spring magic that causes rot and renewal such as [[Turns the Circle]]. There have also been several cases of mushrooms gathered under Llofir's auspices that have produced powerful if sometimes unpredictable mind-altering substances.

==Further Reading==
* [[Mushroom, mushroom, mushroom]] - 387YE Winter wind of fortune detailing certain boons offered by Llofir especially to the Navarr
* [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Hours_Breathing_Faint_and_Low|Has reared himself a throne]] - 387YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Llofir|I knew you were trouble]] - 384YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Destroying_Angels|Destroying angels]] - 383YE Summer Wind of War detailing the destruction of Llofir's garden in Tamarbode
* [[When_all_the_land_is_in_ruins#The_Aid_of_Llofir|When all the land is in ruins]] - 382YE Winter Wind of Fortune including offers of aid from Llofir
* [[Bury_the_hatchet#Llofir|Bury the hatchet]] - 382YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Under_the_red_sky#Llofir|Under the red sky]] - 381YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[380YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#Our_Neighbour's_Field|Our neighbours field]] - 380YE Autumn Wind of War involving the Citadel Guard attack on Llofir's garden
* [[A season of mushrooms]] - 380YE Summer Wind of Fortune discussing Llofir's "restoration" of Reikos
[[Category:Eternals]]

Irra Harah

2026-07-04T15:14:21Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=BunnyArt.jpg|title="Prince with a Thousand Foes" by Marcher artist Martha Riversbank. Painted in 293YE, as part of a commission for the never-completed Hall of Spring (a college of magic intended to be built in Miaren later abrogated by the Senate). The painting was stolen from the Archmage of Spring in 306YE and has never been recovered.|caption=The ''Prince with a Thousand Foes'' has a strained relationship with the Empire.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Spring==
===Sobriquets===
Irra Harah is known as the ''Prince with a Thousand Foes''. He is generally referred to with the masculine pronoun, but like all Spring eternals actually lacks strong concepts of gender.

Several scholars believe that the eternal itself has never actually made an appearance, and that he always speaks through a herald. In parts of [[Varushka]] Irra Harah is called ''Papa Otec'', and those who wish to protect their children from the dangers of the Varushkan wilderness may seek his favour. He is also known as ''Guard of the Young'', and some [[Imperial Orcs]] refer to him as ''Thorn of the Ancestors'' and ''Shackle Smasher''. He is associated with an [[Religious Crimes#Idolatry|idolatrous]] cult who call him ''The Golden Hare'' and wear icons of that animal as a badge of membership.

The [[Sumaah Republic]] and [[Commonwealth]] alike proscribe contact with this eternal. In the [[Asavean Archipelago]] he is known as ''il Odioso'' which means the ''Hateful One'' - he is associated with various slave revolts and allegedly supports nations subject to Asavean rule against their masters. The Sumaah Republic know him as ''Shadow Slinker'', who tries to lure people away from Virtue despite being an ally generations ago. In the [[Sarcophan Delves]] they call him the ''Prince of Beggars'' and his heralds are known to occasionally assist both the dregs of Sarcophan society and those outside the Delves that the beggar-kings seek to exploit.

==Appearance==
Irra Harah is invariably young, and takes the form of a humanoid with strong [[briar]] lineage. He is usually dressed in leather armour, and carries a one-handed spear and a shield. Any equipment he bears is woven from briars, vines, branches and leaves - occasionally it will include elements such as stone or polished flint but it rarely includes any metal. On occasion he appears in a less martial aspect, in which case he wears clothing appropriate to that of a slave, outsider or oppressed people.

The ''Prince with a Thousand Foes'' appears in a number of very ancient stories told to children. In such tales, he appears as a child, rabbit or sparrow, and usually encounters a creature clearly based on the eternal [[Arhallogen]] which wishes to eat him. Through cunning, deception, and [[Courage]] Irra Harah escapes or in rare circumstances defeats Arhallogen. It is believed that this enmity is reflected in reality - given Arhallogen is the epitome of the strong predator and Irra Harah epitomizes the weak and preyed upon, this is unsurprising.

Scholars are uncertain what Irra Harah's "true" form may look like - it is speculated that it is a wild expanse of bramble-choked, wild woodland in the same way that [[Yaw'nagrah]] is a mighty forest or [[Llofir]] is a region of fungus.

==Concerns==
Irra Harah is extremely sophisticated - for a Spring eternal. It is concerned with the oppressed, the silenced and the powerless. Early tales suggest that Irra Harah's interest in the weak and the conquered has grown throughout history and that initially its concerns revolved mostly around survival by any means. Even today, Irra Harah will tend to suggest that the truly weak flee rather than offer armed resistance to overwhelming force. When the weak must fight, he encourages them to use any weapon at their disposal, and win by any means necessary to secure their safety.

He has neither interest in nor time for the strong, mighty and powerful; they can look after themselves. His primary concern is with the physically weak who must use tools other than personal strength to survive in a hostile world. As his concerns have matured, he has increasingly encouraged the downtrodden to stand up for themselves and question their lot in life. Some are encouraged to leave dangerous situations - there are a few minor anecdotes that suggest one of the [[Landskeeper|Landskeepers]] involved in the [[The Marches|Marcher]] exodus from [[Dawn]] spent time communicating with Irra Harah. Others are encouraged to take up arms against tyrants or rulers who deny them freedoms they themselves take for granted. It appears to not entirely understand the concept of peaceful resistance, but approves of the use of activism, rhetoric and social change by those who are lucky enough to live in civilised nations where such things are possible.

He is not concerned about fighting people’s battles for them, but it concerned with giving people the ability to stand up for themselves. He will rarely help those in power or with status, but will often help those who are fighting to survive struggling. Irra Harah is also concerned about defending children and providing for them, and his vengeance about those who abuse or undervalue children is legendary. He is interested in the Empire, however, and was happy to help the Imperial Orcs when they were fighting to be accepted.

The Prince with a Thousand Foes strongly encourages the protection of the next generation and the preservation of the young. Irra Harah believes strongly that children should be protected at all times; everyone should ensure that children are preserved from physical dangers and raised with the cleverness and cunning to ensure they survive to have children of their own. Anyone who cannot have, or chooses not to have, children should spend time protecting and strengthening their pack, clan or family.
<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Thousand Foes.png|caption=Irra Harah helps when the chips are down, and his boons tend to be straightforward in nature.|align=left|width=350}}</div>
During the [[The_Orc_Rebellion|orc revolt]], several slave-magicians were able to meet with heralds of Irra Harah and gain boons that helped them support their allies, destroy slaver stockades and the like - one common boon was a cudgel that smashed chains apart. During the orc revolt, Irra Harah was placed under [[Declaration]] of [[Amity_and_enmity#Enmity|enmity]] by the [[Conclave]]; the declaration persisted through the events of the [[Freedom Heresy]], as the eternal made no attempt to hide its support for the briars - and by extension the atrocities they committed in the name of their [[Malign spiritual presences#anarchy|personal freedom]]. This decision of the Conclave apparently made no difference to the eternal at all, who continued to use whatever power it could to interfere in the Empire.

The declaration was overturned in 368YE; the heralds of Irra Harah offered valuable assistance to several communities besieged by barbarians - they helped citizens in [[Reikos]], [[Spiral]], [[Liathaven]], and the [[Mournwold]] to escape orc attackers, and several Navarr [[steading|steadings]] in Liathaven are still receiving sporadic aid.

==Boons==
This eternal wishes those who are fighting to better themselves and to improve themselves. He generally only helps when the chips are down and people have nowhere else to go. Gifts from Irra Harah tend to be straightforward; the most common take the form of simple items made of natural materials that contain properties that heal, empower or protect. Weapons are less common boons, and they generally have properties that [[Calls#SHATTER|smash]] enemy defences or weapons or [[Calls#CLEAVE|cripple]] enemy combatants.

Irra Harah is also known to grant boons that smash structures designed to contain or imprison people, or that enhance [[Rising_Roots_that_Rend_Stone|rituals with similar effects]]. Likewise, he encourages mortals to fight back by whatever means they can against powerful opponents - poison, [[Calls#VENOM|venom]] and vicious curses are all appropriate weapons to use to free or protect oneself and one's family.

On occasion, Irra Harah also offers boons that will help an underdog take the first steps towards prosperity or at least prevent starvation or disaster. There are sporadic tales of sudden bursts of fertility for otherwise barren [[farm|farms]] that allow a bumper harvest, or a sequence of inexplicable multiple-births in the herd of domestic or hunted animals that allow a group on the verge of starvation to not only survive the winter but sell their surplus to improve their position.

The curses of Irra Harah are varied and unsubtle; those who harm children, in particular, will discover their own flesh sloughing from their bones and eventually face a gruesome death.

==Rituals that deal with Irra Harah==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Irra Harah. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Forge the Wooden Fastness]]</td><td>[[Irra Harah]]</td><td>Creates a temporary supernatural fortification in a forested region</td><td>Spring</td><td>80</td>
</table>
<ic>If you cannot hide, run.<br>
If you cannot run, yield.<br>
If you will not yield, kill.</ic>

==Further Reading==
* [[Can_you_hear_me%3F#The_Prince_of_a_Thousand_Foes|Can you hear me?]] - 387YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Begins_where_it_ends#Irra_Harah|Begins where it ends]] - 385YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Hopeless_as_a_feather#Irra_Harah|Hopeless as a feather]] - 384YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[Between_the_lines_of_ages#Irra_Harah|Between the lines of ages]] - 383YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Nowhere_and_everywhere#Irra_Harah|Nowhere and everywhere]] - 382YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[Rabbits_and_snares#Irra_Harah|Rabbits and snares]] - 381YE Autumn plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Yaw'nagrah

2026-07-04T15:12:25Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=QueenOfTheForestArt.jpg |title="Queen of the Forest" by Marcher artist Martha Riversbank. Painted in 293YE, as part of a commission for the never-completed Hall of Spring (a college of magic intended to be built in Miaren later abrogated by the Senate).|caption=The ''Queen of the Forest'' appears to be a literal primaeval forest in the Spring realm|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Spring==
===Sobriquets===
Most commonly, Yaw'nagrah is called the ''Green Mother'' or the ''Queen of the Forest''.

As with many eternals, Yaw'nagrah has a number of other names both within the Empire and beyond. She may be called ''Rootwinder'', ''Old Bloodbark'', the ''Verdant Queen'', the ''Lady of the Woods'', ''Lady of Bark and Bramble'', the ''One who Sways and Stands'', ''Thorncreeper'', ''Treecaller'', and ''Woodwyf''. In her more benevolent guises she may be called ''Cornwalker'', ''Midwife'', or ''Wheatweaver''. The [[Druj]] sometimes call her the ''Green Hand'' and ''Nest of Thorns'', while among the [[Thule]] she is called the ''Plentiful''. The Sumaah Republic see her as the ''Hungry Forest'', whose destructive chaos is at odds with civilisation.

==Appearance==
Like [[Llofir]], Yaw'nagrah is immense. She appears to be a primaeval forest of immense size that spreads across an area of the Spring realm roughly the size of [[Varushka]], although it is possible that this estimation is out by several magnitudes. She rarely speaks directly to magicians, but spawns ''handmaidens'' from her body that take the form of human-shaped tree creatures who work to make her guests more at home.

Some magicians describe these handmaidens as being close to human in looks, often with briar trappings, rather than animate tree creatures but it is not clear if these are a different kind of creature (possibly heralds), or the result of some exposure to hallucinogenic pollen.

==Concerns==
Yaw'nagrah is concerned with life, in infinite diversity and infinite combinations. Her forest is [[Spring_magic#Fertility|fecund]], but she is a creature without compassion; she favours no form of life over any other. Discussions with her handmaidens have suggested that she may consider all forms of life other than plants and perhaps insects to be an aberration, a temporary infestation on the mortal world that will eventually disappear. Until then, however, she revels in seeing how life expresses itself in uncountable different ways. Her touch is known to change and alter life to create new shapes, new expressions of the life force. She is a creature of [[Spring magic#Chaos|chaos]], and while she is sometimes [[Spring magic#Savagery|savage]] she prefers to promote life and growth - often without any consideration as to how that will affect other living creatures.
{{CaptionedImage|file=SpringEternal1.JPG|title=A Handmaiden of Yaw'nagrah|align=right|width=350}}
While she is not specifically malicious, she is also entirely without mercy and her concerns are often quite alien to mortals. Her interests in the Empire appear to generally be quite limited, beyond her somewhat detached interest in all living things. Some magicians have noted, however, that she appears to look favourably on those who bring her gifts of plants she has not encountered before, or who bring children into the presence of her handmaidens. For the most part, though, she is known to view the Empire as an enemy of growth and change - that its stranglehold on the natural world demonstrates that it does not understand the true state of the world. Ultimately, Yaw'nagrah would prefer humans and orcs to live more like animals than civilised folks, to abandon their farms and towns and roads and embrace the chaos of the wild like any other animals.

In recent years it has become apparent that Yaw'nagrah favours the spread of the [[vallorn]]. While she is by no means responsible for the doom that destroyed Terunael, she seems to see its uncontrollable growth and transformative energies as preferable to the stagnation of the Empire. She was placed under the [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] of the [[Conclave]] in late 380YE, apparently due to evidence regarding an attempt to rouse the [[Therunin]] vallorn that led to the destruction of the [[steading]] of [[Therunin#Upper_Tarn_Valley|Return]]. She would later support the treacherous [[Rise of Terunael|Heirs of Terunael]] in their efforts to awaken all the vallorn. While they were ultimately defeated, Yaw'nagrah was unrepentant.

Yaw'nagrah is occasionally called ''Mother of Briars'' or ''Barkspawner'' and some old stories tentatively link her with the foundation of the [[briar]] lineage. Her handmaidens have never offered conclusive proof one way or another, and according to many magicians appear not to understand the question - although it cannot be denied that Yaw'nagrah and her handmaidens respond more favourably to those with briar lineage than to other humans. She is also believed to favour [[orc|orcs]] over humans - on occasion her handmaidens have spoken of the fact that orcs are more "aware of themselves" - although what that means is not clear.

She is strongly associated with the rune [[Bravash]].

==Boons==
Magicians seek out Yaw'nagrah because she has powerful abilities related to [[Spring magic#Fertility|fertility]] in all forms. She has been known to help those who could not otherwise conceive offspring to do so, although these offspring may show odd signs of the magic that gave them life. She is also able to help magicians to restore fertility to blighted crops or beasts, as well as to encourage fecundity over large areas - potentially to a dangerous degree. There is some circumstantial evidence that she helped Imperial magicians to create the [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]] ritual, providing access to the spirits required to rouse the trees, and is known to offer boons to support its performance. She is likely responsible for the facility the orcs of [[the Mallum]] demonstrate with this powerful curse.

Concerned as she is with growth and life, she can also offer boons to those who grow and harvest living things - owners of [[farm|farms]], [[forest|forests]] and occasionally [[herb garden|herb gardens]] as well. Such boons are almost always influenced by the powerful resonance of [[Spring magic#Chaos|chaos]] that runs through her being. While a farm or a forest may become fecund, it often produces unexpected crops. Strangely coloured fruit, odd flowers, herd animals with peculiar additional qualities. These products are generally no less wholesome than any other, but their strangeness can be pronounced and make people cautious about consuming them.
===Donahorti===
Among her bounty, her most common gifts take the form of the ''donahorti'', a cornucopia of magically infused fruits of the forest. The [[Realm#Spring|Primal Forest]] is a wellspring of wonderful plants and beasts, and those that dwell in the vast demesne of the ''Great Gardener'' are said to be the most magical and variable of all. Taking the form of juice, fruit, sap, bark, or other natural substances, these boons are often referred to as ''donahorti''. The term comes from the old Asavean name for the boons of Yaw'nagrah used by scholars of Spring Magic - the ''donahorti mirabilis'', or the Marvellous Gifts of the Garden. The ''donahorti'' are similar to [[potion|potions]] in some regards, and generally [[Potion#Consuming_a_Potion|used in the same way]]. These boons come in a myriad of different shapes and flavours, but they always take the form of natural substances - fruit, juice, sap, flakes of moss, shavings of bark, shredded leaves and so on. Some of the more common ''donahorti'' include:
* '''''Milksap''''': a milky white liquid with an intensely sweet, floral scent that provides similar benefits to [[vis#Warm Honey|warm honey]] when smeared on the face and palms, but has unpleasant effects on anyone who accidentally drinks it.
* '''''Glomsbark''''': shavings of bark and moss that can be used to empower many Spring [[enchantment|enchantments]], providing both a little mana toward their casting but also empowering a magician familiar with [[Magical skills#Realm Lore|Spring lore]] to work such enchantments more easily.
* '''''Ornsap''''': a dark red juice with the consistency of blood that provides a great boost to physical stamina and fortitude.
* '''''Mornsalve''''': a thick light-green sap that treats many ailments of the body.
* '''''Thornsting''''': a vicious waxy honey-like substance that inflames violence and grants combat prowess.
* '''''Queensleaf''''': oddly shaped leaves that when crushed and the juice applied to the wrists and throat grants magical healers a reserve of inner power.
* '''''Sallamoss''''': a kind of moss that heartens the body and is particularly effective when used by briars (and in sufficient quantity can sometimes cause someone to take on briar lineage).
* '''''Magepetals''''': which come in a variety of forms and various colours, each variety providing additional facility when performing certain kinds of Spring ritual depending on their shade
* '''''Sunfoil''''': a unique flowering herb that possesses all the qualities of those herbs familiar to herbalists and apothecaries.
There are also many kinds of other ''donahorti'' which are rarer or less easily identifiable. Regardless, all these boons come from Yaw'nagrah. Any ritual magic devised to deal with them (such as prompting their growth in a farm, or trying to make more of them with an effect like [[Churning Cauldron of Bravash]]) would require her direct support.

==Further Reading==
* [[Secret_meeting#Forest_Queen|Secret meeting]] - 386YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[The_bird_and_the_child#Yaw'nagrah|The bird and the child]] - 384YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[A_pleasing_and_deceptive_face#Yaw'nagrah|A pleasing and deceptive face]] - 383YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[We%27ve_been_here_forever#Yaw'nagrah|We've been here forever]] - 382YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[Immortal_hand#Yaw.27nagrah|Immortal hand]] - 381YE Spring plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Siakha

2026-07-04T15:11:26Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=SiakhaArt.jpg|title="Maelstrom" by Marcher artist Martha Riversbank. Painted in 294YE, a private commission, following her work on the gallery for the never-completed Hall of Spring (a college of magic intended to be built in Miaren later abrogated by the Senate). The picture has never been exhibited in the Empire.|caption=''Maelstrom'' is the harbinger of violent, bloody destruction.|align=left|width=350}}
==Eternal of Spring==
===Sobriquets===
Siakha is largely unfamiliar to Imperial magicians. Among the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]] she is also known as ''the Maelstrom'', ''the Empress of Sharks'', and ''Schiuma Sanguinosa.'' The [[Grendel]] [[orc|orcs]] call her ''the Salt-born Devourer'', ''Thunder-that-Speaks'', and ''Mother of Wrecks''. The [[Sarcophan Delves|Sarcophan]] call her ''the red squid'' and ''the maw of stone'' and she is treated with a combination of terror and awe, while she is anathema to the Sumaah Republic as ''Storm Bringer''.

==Appearance==
Uncertain. It is believed that Siakha appears as an immense shark-like beast with crimson and black hide. All three of the nations known to have relations with Siakha also depict her as a churning maelstrom, whirlpool, or water spout that is simultaneously a gaping maw full of crushing, tearing teeth. The Grendel claim that Siakha is present in any feeding frenzy of sharks - several of the nations that live on the Broken Shore allegedly claim that sharks are her favoured children.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Shark mouths.jpg|align=right|caption=Siakha's heralds are invariably savage killers.|width=400}}
==Concerns==
Siakha is mostly unknown in the Empire. Her disdain for law and lust for blood leave her with little time for the people of civilised nations. Even before she was placed under [[Amity and enmity|enmity]] by then [[Archmage of Spring]] '''Rosamund Holt''' in [[381YE_Spring_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Saturday_Session|Spring 381YE]] it was, and still is, unlikely she would ever seek any peaceful contact with representatives of the Empire. Much of what the Empire knows about her comes from discussions with Asavean, Sarcophan, and Grendel magicians. That said, there are rumours that certain [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] [[corsair]] families that have hidden shrines dedicated to [[Religious_Crimes#Idolatry|idolatrous]] worship of the Empress of Sharks - although there are no records of such shrines ever being uncovered.

Siakha embodies destructive forces, especially those associated with the sea and the sky. She is said to revel in hurricanes, typhoons, devastating storms, tidal waves, and whirlpools. She also encourages piracy - Grendel orcs who draw on the boons of Siakha are known to be especially bloodthirsty, offering sacrifices of blood and flesh to the sharks that they say symbolise her endless hunger. It seems odd that an eternal of the Spring realm seemingly encourages something as sophisticated as piracy; Imperial scholars tentatively theorise that it is an element of predation and domination combined with her obvious marine connections. Some of the land-based nations of the Broken Shore are said to receive her boons when they engage in land-based [[Military unit#Paid Work|raiding]] as well as piracy.

The eternal briefly enjoyed the [[Alignment#Neutrality|neutrality]] of the Conclave following an [[A_murder_of_one#Mother_of_Wrecks|unexpected approach]] made on her behalf by a [[Grendel]] "priestess". Then-[[Archmage of Spring]] '''Ibiss Briarheart''' met with [[Three_and_three#Siakha_.28Conjunction.29|Siakha's representatives]] during the Summer Solstice, and almost immediately [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment_:_Siakha|reinstated the enmity]] dubbing the eternal a "baddy".
==Boons==
Siakha offers boons related to water, piracy, raiding, and destructive qualities of sea and storm. Magicians that enjoy her favour are said to gain power over rituals such as [[Foam and Spittle of the Furious Sea]], [[Thunderous Deluge]], [[Merciless Wrath of the Reaver]], and [[Blood and Salt]]. Some foreign magicians report that Siakha also makes gifts of weapons to those who win her approval - brutal, savage weapons with supernatural ability to [[Calls#CLEAVE|rend flesh]], [[Calls#IMPALE|shatter bone]] and even occasionally [[Calls#SHATTER|splinter shields]].

Siakha has also demonstrated in the past that she is able to provide significant power to destructive rituals performed in her name. The recent '''[[Hurricane party]]''' provides a sample of what she might offer. It is notable that in almost every case the boons of Siakha are indiscriminate - she makes little effort to shield those who favour her from the devastating forces they unleash with her aid. In Autumn 387YE, as detailed in the '''[[The_tune_without_the_words#Quivering_and_Chill|The tune without the words]]''' wind of fortune, her servants placed dangerous rituals into [[Urizen_magical_traditions#Urizen_Lore|Urizen lore]] that give further insight into the kind of power the eternal can offer those prepared to deal with her.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Feeding Time.jpg|caption=The ''carcharodon'' heralds of Siakha are without mercy, having more in common with sharks than humans.|align=right|width=400}}</div>

==Servants of Siakha==
There are any number of monstrous [[inhabitants of the realms|monstrous creatures]] that serve the ''Mother of Wrecks''. Among the most commonly encounters [[inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|heralds]] are the [[Spring magic#Savagery|savage]] ''carcharodons'' - shark-like humanoids who revel in butchery and often pause during a fight to feast on the fallen before returning to the fray; and the disruptive ''tempests'' who channel the power of the storm to [[repel|break battle-lines]] and cause as much [[Spring magic#Chaos|chaos]] as possible. She is also served by her fair share of [[inhabitants of the realms#Guardians|guardians]] including great sea serpents who coil around ships and drag sailors to their deaths, and hulking beasts with thick scales and razor sharp fangs that can smash a wall to splinters in a matter of moments. It's likely that she also has a significant amount of sway over spirits of storm and sea, similar to those that accompany invocations of [[Foam and Spittle of the Furious Sea]], although even for Siakha her ability to direct these wild spirits is likely limited.
==Rituals that deal with Siakha==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Siakha. Rituals with a <sup>(1)</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Blood-dimmed Tide]]<sup>(1)</sup></td><td>[[Siakha]]</td><td>With Siakha's aid, adds five ranks to a military unit that takes a raiding action during the next season.</td><td>Spring</td><td>10</td>
<tr><td>[[Rhythm of the Tempest]]<sup>(1)</sup></td><td>[[Siakha]]</td><td>With Siakha's aid, grants a battle mage the ability to repeatedly repel their foes with a staff</td><td>Spring</td><td>16</td>
<tr><td>[[Shark's Rampage]]<sup>(1)</sup></td><td>[[Siakha]]</td><td>With Siakha's aid, fills the target with bloodthirsty prowess</td><td>Night</td><td>20</td>
</table>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Siakha001.webp|align=right|width=200}}

==Further Reading==
* [[Ourselves_and_immortality#I_Would_Not_Stop|Ourselves and immortality]] - 387YE Winter plenipotentiary response
* [[The_tune_without_the_words#Quivering_and_Chill|The tune without the words]] - 387YE Winter wind of fortune regarding the "gift" of rituals placed into [[Urizen_magical_traditions#Urizen_Lore|Urizen lore]]
* [[Dream_to_me#Siakha|Dream to me]] - 386YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Hurricane party]] - 386YE Spring wind of fortune detailing a number of boons offered by Siakha to Imperial magicians
* [[Three_and_three#Siakha_(Conjunction)|Three and three]] - 385YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Begin_to_speak#Siakha|Begin to speak]] - 384 Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[What_did_the_deep_say%3F#Siakha|What did the deep say?]] - 381YE Winter plenipotentiary response
[[Category:Eternals]]

Arhallogen

2026-07-04T15:10:32Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=ArhallogenArt.jpg|title="Predator" by Marcher artist Martha Riversbank. Painted in 293YE, as part of a commission for the never-completed Hall of Spring (a college of magic intended to be built in Miaren). The painting has changed hands multiple times since the college was abandoned - in each case the painting was said to bring tragedy to its owners all of whom (according to whispered legend) die mysteriously within six months of acquiring it.|align=left|width=400}}
==Eternal of Spring==
===Sobriquets===
Most commonly, Arhallogen is called the ''Spider King'', ''Scorpion Queen'' or the ''Centipede General'' (it uses all pronouns interchangeably, like many Spring eternals). ''Shadow-Hunter'' and ''Sharp Fangs'' are less common names, but neither seem to offend the eternal. Other less commonly-used names include ''Maw-of-Spikes'', ''Envenomed Blade'', ''Gasping Breath'', ''Web of Blades'', ''Many Move as One'' and ''Skittering Dark''. In the Sumaah Republic, it is barely tolerated as ''Wicked Fangs'', with debate as the to virtue of its boons.

It is also occasionally referred to by other eternals by a name that sounds like a sequence of quick clicking noises - noises commonly produced by Arhallogen, its heralds and its spawn.

==Appearance==
A swarm of poisonous insects and arachnids that speak with a single whispering voice; a monstrous spider-like, scorpion-like horror, all pincers and deadly stingers; or sometimes an insect-like vaguely-humanoid shape in cobweb robes and an iron crown, bearing a poisoned glaive.

==Concerns==
Arhallogen is an inhabitant of the Spring realm, and part of the family of eternals that are the most alien to humanity. It seems to be fascinated by the ways living things prey on and compete with each other, especially the adaptations and natural qualities that let them hunt, kill and consume prey - or that let the prey fight off their predators.

Unsurprisingly, the Spider King rates venom as one of the most potent tools that any living creature can employ, and is delighted to encounter new poisons.

During the Winter Solstice 378YE, Arhallogen was declared to have the [[Amity_and_enmity#Enmity|enmity]] of the [[Conclave]]. The enmity was later removed, but not before the eternal launched a vicious attack on the Hall of the Worlds with venomous heralds.

==Boons==
This dark eternal encourages competition between living things, not so much out of a desire to see death or conflict but apparently from an urge to see living things survive and prosper. It offers a number of boons, many of them violent, and often involved with crushing weaker prey or poisoning stronger creatures to make them weak.

It lends its power directly to the ritual [[Fire in the Blood]], an [[enchantment]] that grants increased ability to wield [[Spring magic]], especially where venom is involved. It is known to favour the entire suite of Spring rituals that envenom opponents from [[Touch of Vile Humours]] all the way up to [[Fetid Breath of Teeming Plague]] and beyond. The Spider King is also reported to offer its power directly to rituals that create magical venom or poison, and there are stories of sinister [[curse|curses]] that go beyond even the [[Curse of Gangrenous Flesh]] in their lethality.

In addition to attacks that kill, or envenom, Arhallogen also favours more subtle magic. The staff known as the [[Caress of Arhallogen]] allows the wielder to [[paralysis|paralyse]] their opponents, and some scholars believe that the knowledge of how to make these magical implements was first derived from this eternal. Likewise, those who enjoy his favour have demonstrated the ability to [[entangle]] their foes to prevent them escaping. Neither effect is commonly associated with Spring magic, but heralds and agents of Arhallogen often wield implements that allow these powers to be employed.

==Rituals that deal with Arhallogen==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Arhallogen. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Fire in the Blood]]</td><td>[[Arhallogen]]</td><td>Grants 1 rank of spring lore, and additional prowess with venomous rituals for a season, at the cost of lasting venom</td><td>Spring</td><td>20</td>
</table>

==Further Reading==
* [[Seven locks#Centipede General|Seven locks]] - 386YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[Back in town#Arhallogen|Back in town]] - 385YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
* [[Who benefits?#Arhallogen|Who benefits?]] - 383YE Spring plenipotentiary response

[[Category:Eternals]]

Ossegrahn

2026-07-04T15:08:32Z

Responsible1: /* Sobriquets */

{{CaptionedImage|file=OssegrahnArt.jpg|caption=''Ossegrahn'' is the bringer of healing and gentle rain.|align=left|width=350}}
==Eternal of Spring==
===Sobriquets===
Ossegrahn is not especially familiar to Imperial magicians, but it seems that at one point he was reasonably well known. Following his [[A_pleasing_and_deceptive_face#An_Unexpected_Request|recent reappearance]] during the Autumn Equinox 383YE, there has been some effort made to uncover references to him in early historical documents. So far the number of names associated with him is surprisingly large: ''Lord Rain'' (believed to be a [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarmish]] sobriquet) is also known as ''Coomarta of the Rains'', ''Cupbearer'', ''Brother Harvest'', ''Bogfearthan'', ''Father Tarn'', ''Llomon'', ''Elder Fossegrim'', ''Willowbraid'', ''Beckburn'', and ''Greenfount''. He is known as ''Rainbird'' to the Sumaah Republic, though his involvement is kept small scale. For now it appears the eternal prefers to be known as ''Ossegrahn'' by the Imperials who have spoken to his heralds, though he seems to have no objection to any of the other titles so far uncovered.

==Appearance==
Uncertain; no Imperial magician will admit to having spoken to Ossegrahn in the last four centuries. From some references in obscure texts and discussion with heralds, it seems that Ossegrahn may in some way be a large body of fresh water, perhaps a lake or river. According to one unsubstantiated piece of writing in a pre-Imperial treatise on Spring eternals, a creature that seems to be Ossegrahn is said to be incarnated in ''all'' fresh water in the Spring realm, even going so far as to claim that the rain itself is part of Ossegrahn's body. Regardless of the facts, there is an obvious association between the eternal and fresh water in the same manner that [[Siakha]] is associated with salt water, or [[Yaw'nagrah]] is associated with forests.

As with other Spring eternals, Ossegrahn likely has neither gender nor sex, but where gender is defined the vast majority of names associated with him appear to be masculine in nature. According to the same sources that mention his many names, it is believed he favours the form of a human man, dressed in flowing robes of blue and green, and apparently bears a magical ewer which is always full of cool, fresh water.

==Concerns==
As the Empire has had no dealings with Ossegrahn for nearly four centuries, it is difficult to say with any certainty what the eternal ''wants''. From discussions with heralds it appears that Ossegrahn is intensely concerned with the preservation and proliferation of life. They claim that Ossegrahn brings healing and fertility - not the twisted fertility of Yaw'nagrah but the healthy fertility that comes from the urge to live and to create offspring. He is equally happy with the fertility of plants, animals, and people. This claim is supported by some of the older writings concerning the eternal - he apparently loves farms and wild forests equally.

Furthermore, he apparently despises the elements of the Spring realm that cause suffering - venom, poison, disease are anathema to him. As such he is apparently very much at odds with Siakha, Yaw'nagrah, and [[Arhallogen]]. He further claims to be no friend of the [[vallorn]] incidentally - its twisted fecundity that is profoundly unhealthy.

He accepts the necessity for some creatures to kill to provide themselves with sustenance, but that is the only reason he believes anyone should kill ''anything''. According to his heralds, Ossegrahn prefers that those who seek his favour cause as little harm as possible, even to the extent of eschewing the eating of meat. While the eternal does not seem to oppose violence as such - especially when necessary to defend oneself - it favours a philosophy of ''least harm'' when doing so that appears even on a surface review to be fundamentally at odds with the practicalities of day-to-day life in the Empire.

There is an obvious further potential problem with Ossegrahn - the same problem that led to his initial [[Amity and enmity#Enmity|enmity]] in the reign of [[Emperor Giovanni]]. Ossegrahn despises magic that causes suffering, or brings sickness. He resolutely opposes [[Rivers Run Red]] - indeed it was apparently the extended period of [[interdiction]] of the ritual that was one of the things that encouraged the eternal to contact the Empire again in the first place. Following some discussion, it is clear that he also despises ''any'' magic that causes sickness - Rivers Run Red, [[Touch of Vile Humours]], [[Fetid Breath of Teeming Plague]], and [[Unending Cascade of Blood's Fire]] are all equally abhorrent to Brother Harvest. Indeed, one of his heralds has described [[Mountain Remembers Its Youth]] for example as the product of "''an ill mind''" and mused that perhaps an empire that could enshrine such a monstrous perversion of magic is not after all ready to renew its association with ''Bogfearthan''.

While the interdiction of Rivers Run Red has apparently attracted Ossegrahn's attention, it is not the only positive step the eternal believes the Empire has taken. The creation of the [[Silver Chalice]] order - an order of healers very distinct from the [[Rod and Shield]] that previously had a strong association with healing magic - is another indication that perhaps there is a possibility for the eternal to find common ground with Imperial magicians. The eternal appears very interested in supporting the magicians who have founded this new [[Conclave order]].

==Enmity==
During the reign of Emperor Giovanni, Ossegrahn was [[Amity and enmity#Enmity|declared an enemy of the Empire]] by the [[Conclave]]. As near as can be ascertained, this enmity was placed because Ossegrahn and his supporters were not only actively seeking to remove Rivers Run Red and similar rituals from [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|imperial Lore]], but went so far as to counter the effect of the ritual using [[Rivers of Life]], offering healing and succour to the Empire's barbarian enemies.

During the Autumn Equinox 383YE, the Conclave chose to [[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Neutrality:_Ossegrahn|remove the enmity]] at least for the time being. It remains to be seen whether Ossegrahn and the Empire are able to find common ground, or whether he and his servants will continue to offer healing to the enemies of the Empire.

==Boons==
The eternal apparently has the ability to offer boons associated with healing, and is intimately interested in rituals such as [[Hands of Sacred Life]], [[Rivers of Life]], and [[Fountain of Life]]. He may offer magicians additional prowess with the [[heal]], [[purify]], and [[restore limb]] incantations, either as direct boons or in the form of [[magic items|physical gifts]]. Ossegrahn is also apparently a patron of mundane healers - [[Surgical skills#Physick|physicks]] and [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecaries]] as well as their more magical counterparts. Indeed, according to one of his heralds, Ossegrahn is capable of imbuing any fresh water with powerful life-giving energy equivalent to the most potent healing available to herbalists. It is likely that his boons will often involve water in some fashion.

It is likely given his avowed interest in propagating life that Lord Rain can also offer boons related to magic such as [[Fan the Flame of New Life]] or potentially even more powerful boons over larger areas. There is some concern that, like Yaw'nagrah, Ossegrahn may seek to infuse humans with [[Spring magic]] to transform them into [[briar|briars]] but so far the eternal has shown no sign of being so inclined. Indeed, his servants seem to believe that Ossegrahn prefers "offspring to look like their parents", preserving and nurturing life rather than viewing it as an alchemical laboratory with which to experiment.

Finally, if the heralds are to be believed, Ossegrahn favours [[enchantment|enchantments]] that improve the fertility of plants and animals as well as humans and orcs - it is likely he may be able to offer boons that strengthen and improve Imperial [[farm|farms]].

==Rituals that deal with Ossegrahn==
The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Ossegrahn. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Wellspring of the High Peak]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup></td><td>[[Ossegrahn]]</td><td>Trades measures of ambergelt with an eternal to produce Spring vis</td><td>Spring</td><td>6</td>
</table>

==Further Reading==
* [[Songs like trees]] - 387YE Autumn wind of war in which Ossegrahn turned away from the Empire
* [[Speak to me]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune that lays out the cost of Ossegrahn's continued protection of [[Therunin#Peakedge_Stead|Peakedge Stead]]
* [[Famine_and_feast#Ossegrahn|Famine and feast]] - 386YE Summer plenipotentiary response
* [[Have_you_seen_me_lately#Ossegrahn|Have you seen me lately]] - 385YE Spring plenipotentiary response
* [[Rain king]] - 385YE Spring wind of fortune detailing a number of Ossegrahn's boons, and offering further insight into his concerns and philosophy
* [[A_pleasing_and_deceptive_face#An_Unexpected_Request|A pleasing and deceptive face]] - 383YE Autumn request for parley from the, at the time, unknown eternal

[[Category:Eternals]]

User:Responsible1

2026-07-02T18:09:44Z

Responsible1:

User Page for Tim E, who is here to fix broken links, typos and inconsistent spelling...

Photo Notes:

<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NAME OF FILE.FILETPYE|caption=Some evocative words about the picture|align=right|width=450}}</div>
That'll make a picture that is on the right side of the screen. Change right for left to get it on the left side. 450 is the width - you can make a picture bigger or smaller depending how it looks on the screen. We need permission from the photographer. You can add data about the subject.

A search for Category:Photos: will bring up a list of the people who already have category pages - you can click through to them. If they're a new photographer you want it in the format:<nowiki>
[[Category:Photos:YourName]] [[:Category:Photos:YourName|Image by Your Name]]</nowiki>

For Tom, with thanks to GuiltyConscience:

<nowiki>
Spring 386</nowiki><p><nowiki>

https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Research_Stories_of_Vardas_and_Mikkal</nowiki><p><nowiki>

Summer 386</nowiki><p><nowiki>
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Life_of_Vardas</nowiki><p><nowiki>
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_127</nowiki><p><nowiki>
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167</nowiki><p><nowiki>
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_191</nowiki><p><nowiki>
Autumn 386</nowiki><p><nowiki>
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/True_faith</nowiki><p><nowiki>
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_20</nowiki><p><nowiki>
Winter 386</nowiki><p><nowiki>
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Pride_and_paragons</nowiki><p><nowiki>
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Friend_of_mine#Exemplars_and_Paragons</nowiki><p><nowiki>
Spring 387</nowiki><p><nowiki>
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Research_Origins_of_Exemplars</nowiki><p><nowiki>
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/The_right_question</nowiki><p>

User:Responsible1

2026-07-02T18:09:01Z

Responsible1:

User Page for Tim E, who is here to fix broken links, typos and inconsistent spelling...

Photo Notes:

<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=NAME OF FILE.FILETPYE|caption=Some evocative words about the picture|align=right|width=450}}</div>
That'll make a picture that is on the right side of the screen. Change right for left to get it on the left side. 450 is the width - you can make a picture bigger or smaller depending how it looks on the screen. We need permission from the photographer. You can add data about the subject.

A search for Category:Photos: will bring up a list of the people who already have category pages - you can click through to them. If they're a new photographer you want it in the format:<nowiki>
[[Category:Photos:YourName]] [[:Category:Photos:YourName|Image by Your Name]]</nowiki>

For Tom, with thanks to GuiltyConscience:

<nowiki>
Spring 386</nowiki><p><nowiki>

https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Research_Stories_of_Vardas_and_Mikkal</nowiki><p><nowiki>

Summer 386
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Life_of_Vardas
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_127
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_191
Autumn 386
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/True_faith
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_20
Winter 386
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Pride_and_paragons
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Friend_of_mine#Exemplars_and_Paragons
Spring 387
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Research_Origins_of_Exemplars
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/The_right_question

</nowiki>