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Arranging grace

2026-05-18T14:56:22Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Consequences */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>
"It's a lovely idea Genia, I'm all for it ''in theory''... but you've no reason to imagine that the Senate will approve this... what did you call it?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fine as a principle then; what would it mean in practice?
===Appointments===
* '''The well worn path for any Imperial title with responsibility for culture or the arts would be election by the Cat's Graces'''
* '''There are seven extant titles that would change appointment method to election by the Cat's Graces'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Affected Titles'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Azure Sutannir]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Curator of Memories]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Curator of the Blood Red River]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Dean of the First Voice Glade]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[High Bard of the Empire]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Voice of the Twin Roses]]</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
There are several Imperial titles whose responsibilities are concerned with culture and the arts. The most obvious example is the [[High Bard of the Empire]], an important position whose responsibility includes the need ''"to promote and encourage excellence and passionate demonstration of artistic performance across all the nations of the Empire"''. Currently this position is elected by the [[Assembly of the Nine]]. Music does have an important role in Virtue, as demonstrated by [[:Category:Musical_Instruments|magic items like]] the [[Celebrant's Fiddle]], but the High Bard's [[High Bard of the Empire#Responsibilities|responsibilities]] make it clear their remit extends to art rather than matters of spirituality.

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

The civil service have conducted a preliminary review of all current Imperial titles to identify those that would be affected. If the Senate approves the Cat's Graces in the current form, each of the listed positions would change - going forwards it would be elected by vote of members of the sodality. No other details would change; titles with tenure like the [[Azure Sutannir]] or the [[Dean of the First Voice Glade]] would only come up for election by the sodality at the point where the incumbent died, stepped down, or was [[revocation|revoked]]. National positions would be voted on by all members of the sodality, but only citizens of the relevant nation would be eligible to hold the title. The unusual limitation on the [[High Bard of the Empire]] which prohibits any person from holding the title more than once in their lifetime would continue unchanged, and so on.

The constitutional implications of the sodality's existence would also impact any [[New Imperial titles|new Imperial title]]. The [[New_Imperial_titles#Well_Worn_Paths|well worth path]] for any position whose primary responsibilities included the creation or promotion of culture or the arts, would be appointment by simple vote of members of the Cat's Graces sodality.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

==Further Reading==
* [[Imperial sodality]]
* [[Empress Richilde#Empress Richilde in play|Songbirds]]

* [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|Forever is composed of nows]] - 387YE Winter wind of fortune introducing the opportunity to appraise Imperial sodality manifestos
* [[Senate Motions]] - An informal group that meets each season to celebrate the art of dance

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

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

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

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

Conduct

2026-05-15T15:33:56Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Bullying and Abuse of Power */

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If you believe that anyone has breached any of the conduct rules below, we encourage you to [[Reporting_a_conduct_problem|let us know]], regardless of where it took place.

If you have any questions about any of these rules, please [mailto:conduct@profounddecisions.co.uk contact the conduct team] who will be happy to help.

If you are at an event, and a conduct experience has led to you feeling anxious or distressed, you can ask to speak with a member of the [[participant welfare]] team. You may do this before, after or instead of speaking with the conduct team.
__TOC__
==When and Where do These Rules Apply?==
* '''Our conduct rules apply equally to all participants - that is anyone who is attending the event in any capacity'''
* '''The relevant rules apply at all times, actions that breach our guidelines for behaviour are not acceptable no matter when or where they occur'''
Our conduct rules apply equally to everyone attending an event in any capacity, whether they are players, crew, staff, caterers or traders - whenever we refer to a ''participant'' it refers to everyone covered by this list. Most of our conduct rules apply at all times, including online. You can report any breach of these conduct rules, even if it takes place outside of an Empire event. For example, if you are concerned that another member of the Empire community has sexually harassed someone at work, or via online messages, then we would encourage you to report that.

The sections of our conduct rules that restrict your roleplaying are specific to the Empire setting and community. These include our rules [[Conduct#Equality_and_Diversity|restricting the types of character you can play]], the in-character use of [[Conduct#Language|language]], [[#Sexual_Activity_and_Performances|sexual performances]], and roleplaying [[Conduct#Roleplaying_Romance|romance]] or certain types of [[#Roleplaying_Conflict|conflict]]. These sections of our conduct rules apply at all Profound Decisions Empire events and [[Sanctioned_events|social and sanctioned events run by players]].

None of the following excuses are acceptable:

* ''"I was only joking"''
* ''"I was in-character"''
* ''"I was drunk"''
* ''"I'm their mate and they don't mind"''
* ''"I didn't know it was against the rules"''

If you believe that anyone has breached any of these rules, we encourage you to [[reporting a conduct problem|let us know]].

==Equality and Diversity==
* '''You must not insult another participant on the basis of an out-of-character attribute such as race, ethnicity, nationality, class, religion, gender, disability, sexuality, transgender status, age, or body shape'''
* '''You must not discriminate against other participants on the basis of any of these out-of-character attributes and must be aware of unconscious bias'''
* '''Empire is a gender-neutral setting - you cannot play a character who is sexist'''
* '''You cannot play a homophobic or transphobic character'''

The Empire setting includes in-character prejudice and bigotry - you can insult another ''character'' on the basis of an in-character attribute, such as their [[lineage]], species, [[archetype|archetype]], or in-character class, nationality or beliefs. What is not acceptable is any insults or prejudice based on the listed out-of-character attributes.

Empire includes a number of [[common attitudes]] towards matters of age, race, sexuality and gender throughout the setting. We have deliberately opted to discard real-world history to create a game setting that does not include any form of gender discrimination. It is not acceptable to play a character that doesn't conform to these common attitudes. There are no social roles reserved for specific genders - and the idea of assigning responsibilities based on gender should be seen as ridiculous by every character. Characters in the world of Empire do not make any assumptions about characters based on their gender.

==Disability==
* '''The option to use access aids or services are all done on a self-declared basis'''
* '''You must not challenge another participant's right to use aids and adaptations put in place for disabled players and crew'''

At Empire, the option to use access aids, such as the accessible camping areas, toilets, or the in-character camping fields and similar are all done on a self-declared basis. You must not challenge another participant's right to use these options. Many medical conditions are not obvious to an observer and even a friend you know well may have a medical condition that you are unaware of. Non-disabled people may also find they need to use these provisions from time to time, be it due to injury, having children, or other caring responsibilities. These provisions are there for those that find they have need of them.

If you are absolutely certain that someone is repeatedly using a facility or service they openly admit they don't have a need for, to the direct detriment of disabled players, then you may report the matter to Profound Decisions to deal with. Challenging other participants or publicly complaining about their behaviour is not acceptable under any circumstances.

==Gender Identity==
* '''We support our trans and non-binary participants and their right to declare their own gender and that of their characters'''
* '''You must use a participant's stated pronoun'''
* '''All participants are entitled to use the toilets that they feel most comfortable using'''
{{CaptionedImage|file=Pronoun Badges.jpeg|align=right|width=350|caption=You are welcome to use pronoun badges}}
We support our trans and non-binary participants and their right to declare their own gender and that of their characters. All participants must use a person's stated pronouns. We understand that it is easy to make honest mistakes in this regard, but refusing to acknowledge a correction or deliberately misgendering another player or their character is not acceptable. If you make a mistake, and are corrected, then accept the correction and move on with minimal fuss. We welcome and encourage the use of pronoun badges, they exist as part of the setting and can be worn in-character, by those who want to use them. It is fine to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossplay_(cosplay) crossplay] at Empire events, and for a player to use different pronouns to their character, provided it is done with serious intent.

Transgender and non-binary identities are commonplace [[Common_attitudes#Gender_Identity|in the setting]] and are considered unremarkable. Some individuals who choose to change their gender expression choose to use [[Technology#Groveblossom_and_Changing_Gender|Groveblossom]] to pursue physical changes, but not all trans characters make that choice.

All the larger blocks of toilet and hygiene facilities that are located around the site are split into male, female and gender neutral toilets. All our participants are entitled to use the facilities that they feel most comfortable using. You must not challenge other participants when using the facilities.

==Language==
* '''Avoid language that assumes gendered roles in the Empire setting'''
* '''Avoid gendered nouns when referring to mixed groups'''
* '''Your roleplaying must avoid any reference to rape or any form of non-consensual sexual activity'''
* '''Your roleplaying must avoid all references to slut-shaming'''
* '''These rules also apply to songs and performances'''
* '''Empire is not a family-friendly event - profanity is permissible'''
<div style="float: right; width: 50%; max-width: 650px;"><box>
<span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%;">Suggestions for Addressing Mixed Gendered Groups</span><br>
We specifically ask people to avoid using gendered nouns like "lads" or "boys" to describe mixed groups, but even phrases like "ladies and gentlemen" can be problematic in Empire, since the setting includes large numbers of non-binary characters. A better alternative is "citizens" which applies equally well to everyone, but you could use "honoured guests", "warriors" or similar in different circumstances. In [[Highguard]] it is quite common to refer to "brothers, sisters, and siblings" to make clear that you are referring to everyone, while in [[Dawn]] you might say "nobles and yeofolk" (or just nobles!).
</box></div>
There are no gendered roles in Empire, so you must make a good faith attempt to avoid phrases such as "protect the women" which wrongly imply that women in the setting are helpless or need protecting. You must make a similar effort to avoid gendered nouns like "men", "guys", "lads", or "boys" for groups that include members of other genders. Similarly, you should avoid using dismissive nouns and phrases that are gendered, such as "calm down love".

The Empire setting includes themes of mind-influencing magic, drugs and addiction, slavery, human sacrifice, racism and prejudice, sex work, violence, robbery, torture and murder. The setting does not include rape, non-consensual sex, or sex with minors - these concepts simply do not exist in Empire. You must avoid in-character references to these subjects. Sexual activity is never intrinsically shameful in Empire and you must avoid [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slut-shaming slut-shaming language].

These rules also apply to songs, performances and any material you write or publish in-character. You can write and perform your own songs at Empire events, or filk existing material, but you must follow all the above guidelines. Songs like "Three Dirty Goblins", that notoriously celebrate non-consensual sex, may not be performed at Empire events, even if the offending verses are changed or removed.

Empire is not a family friendly event, so it is acceptable to use profanity while in-character. As with all language in Empire, you should make sure it fits with the setting.

==Sexual Harassment==
* '''Sexual harassment will not be tolerated'''

A victim of sexual harassment can be of any gender, as can the perpetrator. Our definition of sexual harassment includes any of the following behaviour:

* Repeatedly asking a person to socialise when they have indicated they are not interested
* Repeatedly standing or sitting too close to or brushing up against a person without their consent
* Sexual comments, banter, jokes, or innuendo in company that includes people who are not comfortable with that
* Sexualising or sexually objectifying another person without their consent
* Touching a person in an intimate or sexual way without their consent
* Any form of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slut-shaming slut-shaming]

Bluntly, if you continue to hit on other participants after they have indicated that they are not interested or if you make sexual comments or jokes that make other participants uncomfortable - then we will treat that as sexual harassment and deal with you accordingly.

You must not sexualise another participant against their wishes. This rule covers how you speak to another participant, but also how you speak about them, as well as any writing or art that you publish. Portrayals of any character (PC or NPC) that is played by a person, needs the explicit & enthusiastic consent of that person. You and that person should also ensure you discuss how you'll remove them from the work should they change their mind for any reason. If you have any doubts at all, don't do it.

Crew must not [[#Bullying_and_Abuse_of_Power|abuse their status]] to harass other participants.

==Sexual Activity and Performances==
* '''At Empire events, sexual touching in public spaces is prohibited'''
* '''At Empire events, nudity and sexual performances are prohibited'''

You must not make other people into an audience for overt sexual activity whether in-character or out-of-character at an Empire event. Everyone has different levels of comfort and we want to respect each other's boundaries. Consensually kissing someone else in public at an event is fine, but if things are progressing to a 'hot and heavy' level, then you must move to a private space such as your own tent. This rule also includes sharing erotic fiction with other participants - IC smut or erotica are fine at events but any promotion must be tasteful and discreet.

Nudity, overt sexual displays in public, and performance roleplaying that is focused on sexual displays are not acceptable at Empire events. This means that anything involving nudity, striptease, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erotic_dance erotic dance], burlesque or similar is not permitted. Clothing and costume should ensure that genitalia are covered at all times.

==Sexual Consent==
* '''All sexual activity must be based on informed consent in and out-of-character'''
* '''People who are drunk, intoxicated, asleep, or passed out can't consent to sex'''
* '''Any individual with a conviction, or pending trial, for a sexual offence involving a minor or a lack of consent that is in the public record cannot attend Empire events'''
We expect all participants to meet the specific standards for consent based on the [https://www.voicesagainstviolence.org/what-is-consent/ FRIES model]. We encourage you to report any behaviour that falls short of these standards in any way that causes you distress.

<box>
The [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/relationships/sexual-consent Planned Parenthood website explains the FRIES model of consent] as:

* '''Freely given.''' Consenting is a choice you make without pressure, manipulation, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
* '''Reversible.''' Anyone can change their mind about what they feel like doing, anytime. Even if you’ve done it before, and even if you’re both naked in bed.
* '''Informed.''' You can only consent to something if you have the full story. For example, if someone says they’ll use a condom and then they don’t, there isn’t full consent.
* '''Enthusiastic.''' When it comes to sex, you should only do stuff you WANT to do, not things that you feel you’re expected to do.
* '''Specific.''' Saying yes to one thing (like going to the bedroom to make out) doesn’t mean you’ve said yes to others (like having sex).
</box>

People who are drunk, intoxicated, asleep, or passed out cannot consent to sex. Consent is never implied by things like your past behaviour, what you wear, or where you go. Sexual consent is always clearly communicated — silence is not consent. You get the final say over what happens with your body. It doesn’t matter if you’ve hooked up before or even if you said yes earlier and then changed your mind. You’re allowed to say “stop” at any time, and your partner must respect that.

We encourage you to [[Reporting a conduct problem|report any incident]] involving a lack of sexual consent so that the conduct team can investigate it. If the team conclude that someone has engaged in sexual contact in recent years that left the other party distressed and did not stop at the point where lack of consent was indicated, then we will [[sanctions#Permanent Ban|issue a ban]]. If the actions caused distress but the perpetrator stopped at the point where lack of consent should have been apparent, then we will issue a [[sanctions#Formal Warning|formal warning]]. For instance if someone freezes during intimacy, then we expect a person to become aware of that in a credible time-frame and stop.

==Relationships with Minors==
* '''All participants must observe the laws concerning the age of consent and act appropriately around younger participants'''
* '''Prominent members of the community must not use status, responsibility or power to groom, sexualise, or pressure participants who are under 18'''
The age of consent in the UK (the legal age when people can engage in sexual activity) is 16 years old. All participants who are over 16 must not engage in sexual activity with anyone who is under 16. The law says anyone under the age of 13 can never legally give consent; any sexual activity involving children will result in a ban and a child protection referral.

The law gives additional protection to young people who are over 16 but under 18 - in particular it is illegal for a person in a position of trust to engage in sexual activity with anyone under the age of 18 who is in the care of their organisation. Because we operate a live roleplaying game, our crew are not the only people with positions of authority and trust. Player characters gain in-character authority as part of playing Empire or organising for the game. We will regard any participant who plays a significant national figure, holds an Imperial title such as [[general]], [[senator]], or [[cardinal]], or who is a group leader, organiser, minibus driver or similar as holding a position of prominence in the community. This means that all participants who are over 18 and in a position of prominence must not sexualise or engage in sexual activity with participants who are under 18.

[https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/grooming Grooming] is not acceptable under any circumstances. If you have any concerns that an Empire participant is behaving inappropriately around minors or younger players, please [[reporting a conduct problem|let us know]].

==Bullying and Abuse of Power==
* '''All participants must refrain from out-of-character bullying'''
* '''Participants must not out-of-character abuse any status they may have'''

Bullying can be any behaviour that is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting. It may involve the abuse or misuse of power that undermines, humiliates, or causes physical or emotional harm to someone. No participant may out-of-character bully another participant. We use the definition of bullying laid out by the [https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/tools-information/all-about-bullying/understanding-bullying/definition anti-bullying alliance] which states:

'''"Bullying is the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. It can happen face to face or online."'''

Empire is a game of politics - we expect players to try to seek in-character advantages when roleplaying with each other - but participants must keep in-character and out-of-character goals distinct and separate. Crew and players who have authority or status as part of playing Empire, or organising for the game, must avoid using their position to benefit themselves inappropriately. Anyone in a position of prominence must not abuse an in-character relationship with another participant for out-of-character gain - such as demanding sexual favours for in-character benefits. Likewise, you must not abuse an out-of-character relationship with another participant for in-character gain, such as the out-of-character group leader demanding people in their group give them their ribboned items and resources.

Our crew are entitled to the respect of the community for the hard work they do in supporting the game. Members of crew must not abuse this responsibility by invoking their crew status in any relationship with another participant in any way, for sexual, romantic or material gain.

If you have any concerns that a relationship between two or more Empire participants is unhealthy, bullying, or potentially abusive in any way, please [[Reporting_a_conduct_problem|let us know]].

As per our [[Costume#Criticism|costume guidelines]], we don't allow participants to criticise anyone's costume unless constructive feedback has been requested.

==Roleplaying Romance==
* '''You need a participant's consent to roleplay a sexual or romantic relationship with their character'''
* '''You need another participant's consent to sexualise their character in any way'''
* '''Slut shaming is never acceptable at Empire'''
* '''You can always ask another player to stop if their roleplaying towards your character is making you uncomfortable'''
* '''If you are asked to stop roleplaying with someone then you must stop'''

<div style="float: right; width: 50%; max-width: 650px;"><box>
<span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%;">When Should I Check In On IC Flirting?</span><br>
Relationships between characters can develop organically at any time. For example, you don't normally need to check in with someone before politely complimenting them, offering to buy them a drink or asking them to dance with you.

But you need someone's out-of-character consent to take things further in-character. For example, expressing strong romantic or sexual feelings for someone's character, pursuing them romantically, sending them expensive gifts, or sending gifts to their home. You should check in with the player first to be sure they are happy with the idea. If they are, then you should mutually agree clear boundaries and discuss whether you both want to include affectionate touching as part of your roleplaying.

If you want to send someone anonymous expressions of your character's feelings, then you should find a third party who will agree to check that the other player is out-of-character happy to receive them.
</box></div>
Although Empire includes themes of romance, love, desire and sex, you must have another participant's ongoing consent to roleplay a sexual or romantic relationship with their character. You must never put pressure on another participant to consent and you must accept that they may withdraw their consent at any time.

Check out-of-character with another player before engaging in romantic roleplay with them to be certain they are enthusiastic for you to do that. You should mutually agree clear boundaries for physical contact and ensure that you respect them.

Empire is a sex-positive setting that includes bawdy humour and sex work. However, just as you [[Conduct#Sexual_Harassment|must not sexualise another participant against their wishes]], you must not sexualise their ''character'' without their consent, either verbally or in any writing you produce for the game. For example, check with another player before you create suggestive poetry or erotic fiction about their character. You may not slut-shame another participant under any circumstances.

Characters in nations like Dawn or the League might have reason to disdain or criticise another character for the decisions they make regarding love, romance and marriage. You should only engage in conflict of this nature within a context where you have respect for the other player involved and where you have good reason to believe that they are comfortable with it. Check in regularly and establish clear boundaries. Whatever you agree, your roleplaying must not include [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slut-shaming slut-shaming], which is not part of the setting.

You can roleplay dysfunctional, emotionally toxic or tempestuous relationships, or relationships which shift between romantic and adversarial - for example, someone falling in love with a person they have bullied, or former lovers becoming sworn foes. However, please remember that [[Conduct#Language|sexual assault, sexual coercion, and rape are not part of the Empire setting]], so you should not include these themes in any character history or relationship roleplay.

If another participant's romantic roleplaying is making you feel uncomfortable, you can ask them to stop if you feel able to. If you do not feel able to, or if the participant persists, then please speak to a member of crew who will contact the conduct team for you.

If you are asked to stop romantic roleplaying with another character then you must do so immediately. You must minimise any further potential for out-of-character distress, regardless of any in-character considerations, even if you feel your actions have been misconstrued. By default, you should avoid any romantic references to their character and avoid referring in-character to any romantic history you have previously had.

==Roleplaying Conflict==
* '''Empire is explicitly a PvP game; the primary source of conflict derives from the tension between different players' ambitions'''
* '''You should avoid in-character confrontations with other characters where there is out-of-character animosity, or when you are angry out-of-character for any reason'''
* '''You must not out-of-character intimidate other participants when confronting their character'''
* '''If you have a high intensity, in-your-face encounter with another character, then you should find a way to check in with the player afterwards'''
* '''If you regularly bully or belittle another character, you must check in periodically with the player'''
<div style="float: right; width: 50%; max-width: 650px; clear: right;"><box>
<span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%;">When Should I Check In On IC Conflict?</span><br>
Empire is built around the idea of political struggle. The game is designed to give you opportunities to oppose characters whose ambitions run contrary to your own - everyone playing a politically active character has opted into that game. You may take all reasonable in-character actions to oppose another character, up to and including killing a player's character (though this should always be a last resort for any character) without discussing that with them.

If your opposition to another character involves hostile confrontations that feature close-quarters shouting or abuse, or if you are regularly bullying or belittling another person's character, then you must be mindful of the other player's experience. If your roleplaying with that player includes elements like these - which would be inappropriate if they were out-of-character - you must check in with the other player. You can do this at an appropriate moment after an encounter has come to a natural end.</box></div>
Empire is a character-driven game where the majority of the conflict that you experience at events will come about from [[The_game#Player_vs_Player_Politics|the competing agendas and rivalries of different player-characters]]. The game is intended to be a sandbox for player-vs-player politics and is designed for people who enjoy this kind of conflict in their live roleplaying games. Many people enjoy attending Empire without getting involved in the ruthless in-character politics, but if you play a political character, a character who pursues a political title or pushes a political agenda - or you seek to advance an unorthodox, contentious, or heretical view, then you must expect that you will encounter stiff in-character resistance from other characters who set out to oppose you.

This kind of in-character conflict can quickly become unpleasant if it is marred by any element of out-of-character animosity. You should take reasonable steps to avoid in-character conflicts with another character if there is a significant out-of-character disagreement between you. You must avoid in-character confrontations with another character if you are out-of-character angry with them for any reason. We ask participants to assume best faith of each other, but if you believe that another participant is not following the spirit of these rules, we encourage you to raise the matter with a member of the conduct team.

<div style="float: right; width: 50%; max-width: 650px; clear: right;"><box>
<span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%;">Avoiding Being Physically Intimidating</span><br>
If you are engaged in a dramatic confrontation with another character, then consider your relative sizes. If you are taller or have a bigger build than someone you are talking to, then you can reduce the impact of your size by keeping an arm's length distance or more between you.

If you are confronting someone in a tent or building, make sure that you don't block the only exit from the area.

If you know the other participant well, they are significantly less likely to be physically intimidated by your in-character actions. Checking in with someone after your character has been in a confrontation with them will help you establish appropriate boundaries and build out-of-character trust.</box></div>

No participant should ever feel out-of-character intimidated or threatened by the roleplay they are participating in. You must take reasonable steps to ensure that nobody is out-of-character physically intimidated by your roleplaying in a dramatic confrontation. If you want to deliberately roleplay being physically intimidating towards another character, then you must ensure that you have their specific, informed, and enthusiastic consent to the roleplaying beforehand.

If you have a dramatic confrontation with another character that involves shouting or hurling abuse, then you should check in with that player afterwards. Look for an opportunity to have a quiet chat with them after an in-character scene has concluded or after time-out if needed. If the other party does not enjoy being the recipient of this kind of open hostility, then you must reduce the intensity of any future encounters. You can still engage in political opposition to that character but you must ensure any future confrontations are less threatening.

If you regularly confront another character in ways that involve bullying or belittling them, then you must check in periodically with that player to ensure that they are enjoying the interactions. If the other participant is not enjoying the roleplaying, then you can still engage in political opposition to their character but you must stop bullying or demeaning them.

The best reason to enter into an intensely antagonistic dynamic with another player-character is to make the event more enjoyable for them. The best people to roleplay these ongoing antagonistic relationships with are people you are good friends with out-of-character - they should be avoided with anyone with whom you have a poor out-of-character relationship.

==Grappling==
* '''You must not grapple or roughly handle other participants without their consent'''

You must not grapple or physically roughly handle another participant without their prior consent at Empire events. We do not permit grappling on the battlefield under any circumstances. Please ensure that you are familiar with the [[Combat_safety#Grappling,_Body_Contact_and_Shields|specific rules for grappling]] at events if you wish to include that in your roleplaying.

==Extremism==
* '''Symbols, slogans, and politics of any totalitarian or oppressive movement, such as the far-right, are not acceptable'''
Any extremist politics that are fundamentally intolerant are not acceptable to us. This includes political slogans, gestures, symbols and statements of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Far-right_politics far right] or any totalitarian or oppressive movement. It also includes [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt-right 'alt-right'] symbols, memes, and humour. Individuals who support any extremist, intolerant politics of this kind are not welcome at Empire events.

==Crew==
* '''All participants must remain civil when dealing with crew who are in pursuit of their Empire duties'''
* '''You must not argue with crew over their decisions; if you have a disagreement then ask to speak to the head of department'''
* '''Any member of crew who receives a formal warning for their conduct will be permanently removed from crew'''

All our crew are entitled to carry out their role without being abused or mistreated. We understand that events can be stressful, but Empire is completely dependent on the goodwill of our crew to create the events - without the hard work of our volunteers the events could not happen. You should assume good faith when dealing with a member of crew and must remain civil towards them when they are carrying out their appointed role.

Players are not permitted to argue decisions with game referees or any other member of crew. If you believe a member of crew has made a mistake, then you can raise that with them provided you remain civil. You must not raise your voice with a member of crew or attempt to intimidate them. If you disagree with the decision, then you should ask to speak to the head of department. If you are not satisfied with the answer, then you can ask for a meeting with [[Profound_Decisions_management_team#Matt_Pennington|Matt Pennington]] to discuss it. If you're not at an event then you can email [mailto:matt@profounddecisions.co.uk matt@profounddecisions.co.uk].

All our crew are required to uphold all our conduct policies. If any member of crew is the subject of a [[Reporting a conduct problem|conduct complaint]] that results in a [[Sanctions#Formal_Warning|formal warning]] then they will be permanently removed from crew. If you have any complaint about a member of the conduct team then please speak to [[Profound_Decisions_management_team#Matt_Pennington|Matt Pennington]].

==Challenging Bad Behaviour at Events==
* '''If you feel safe to, please challenge any behaviour at events that violates our conduct rules'''
* '''If you do not feel able to do so, then please speak to the conduct team about the incident'''
* '''You may ask another participant to leave your group tent or group campfire at any time'''
* '''If your behaviour is challenged at an event, you must apologise and back off'''

We ask all participants to support our efforts to enforce our conduct rules by making clear that misbehaviour will not be tolerated. If you encounter people breaching these conduct rules, we encourage you to challenge the people involved on the spot if you feel confident enough to do so. A simple forceful statement such as "OOC - please stop doing X" is ideal.

If a player is in a tent belonging to you or your group, or is around your group campfire, you may instruct them to leave if their behaviour is inappropriate. If your group has additional social rules for your own space, such as a ban on smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol, you may instruct players to leave if they break your rules. Your social space at the event is considered to be your area - participants are only welcome to enter with your blessing.

If your behaviour is challenged in this way, then you ''must'' apologise for any offence caused and back off immediately. If you are asked to leave another group's tent or campfire by a member of the group then you must do so.

The Empire campsite can be very noisy - in some camps there is singing and celebrating late into the night. This isn't against our conduct rules. If you are struggling with noise after time-out, you can ask your neighbours to reduce the noise, or you can contact our security team, who can speak to them on your behalf.
{{CaptionedImage|file=MirandaBrennan.jpg|align=right|caption=Head of Online Moderation: Miranda Brennan}}

==Online Conduct==
* '''We expect reasonable and appropriate online behaviour from all our participants'''
* '''Breaches of our conduct rules are reportable regardless of where they take place'''
* '''Our code of conduct includes behaviour of all participants in online public forums and spaces devoted to Empire'''

Everyone in the Empire community should follow our code of conduct online and at events. Although we do not "police the internet", part of the function of our conduct guidelines is to lay out the standards of behaviour that we require from everyone who participates in our game. We will look into any evidence of behaviour that violates our rules that is reported to us, regardless of where it takes place. For example, it is not acceptable to sexually harass someone in private messages, or to post racist or homophobic content on any platform.

If you have concerns that the online behaviour of an individual who you believe attends Empire breaches our conduct policy (whether that is posts on social media or private messages sent), then please let us know. You can email our conduct team ([mailto:conduct@profounddecisions.co.uk conduct@profounddecisions.co.uk]), or our team of online mods ([mailto:mods@profounddecisions.co.uk mods@profounddecisions.co.uk]) between events. You can speak to any member of the conduct team at an event. We will investigate anything that is [[Reporting a conduct problem|reported to us]] and attempt to identify who is responsible where necessary. If we find evidence of a breach of our rules by a member of the Empire community then we will [[sanctions|take action]].

Profound Decisions provides a set of official [https://forums.profounddecisions.co.uk/ Empire forums] and Facebook groups for all participants to discuss the game. These are overseen by a team of moderators - members of our crew who implement the published [[moderation]] guidelines. Moderation is distinct from conduct; there are additional guidelines designed to ensure that our groups remain welcoming, friendly and on topic. Having a post moderated does not automatically constitute a breach of conduct - but if a post does violate our conduct rules then the moderators will pass the matter to our conduct team to deal with after they remove it.

{{Conduct_Further_Reading}}

Dean of the First Voice Glade

2026-05-11T15:04:33Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Responsibilities */

==Overview==
The Dean of the First Voice Glade is an Imperial title [[Construct First Voice Glade|created by the Imperial Senate in Autumn 382YE]]. The First Voice Glade School was destroyed by the [[Things_that_burn#The_Empty_Hands|Empty Hands]] shortly before the Winter Solstice 385YE. The Dean lost their seasonal income of herbs, but the title remained and retained its responsibilities. Shortly before the Winter Solstice 387YE, a new school was built in the glade and became an [[inspirational location]] dedicated to the teachings of the exemplar Geralt Brackensong. It currently serves as a [[great work]] supporting the [[herb garden|herb gardens]] of Miaren.

==Responsibilities==
The Dean of the First Voice Glade is expected to uphold the musical and cultural traditions of the Navarr. These responsibilities include encouraging emerging and potential talent, ensuring Navarr musical traditions and history is honoured.

They have little in the way of administrative responsibilities to the school, but it is assumed that they will frequently lecture or run workshops, and so should be at least somewhat familiar with Navarr musical traditions and are expected to be passionate about furthering Navarr culture. If the Glade were to be threatened in any way, it would be the responsibility of the Dean to deal with those threats.


==Appointment==
The Dean of the First Voice Glade is appointed by unanimous decision of the [[Navarr]] [[senator|senators]]. If a unanimous decision cannot be reached, the title [[Appointments_by_the_Senate#National_Position|may be appointed]] by the [[Senate]] instead.

The title can be held by a Navarr citizen. The Dean has [[tenure]], and serves until they die or step down. They can be [[revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the Navarr [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]], and by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].
{{Anchor|First Voice Glade (Ruined)}}
==First Voice Glade==
There have been two schools built at First Voice Glade. The original stood in a glade in [[Miaren#Oakways|Oakways]] that was chosen to mark the memory of the exemplar [[Known_exemplars#Gerallt_Brackensong|Gerallt Brackensong]], a Navarr bard who fell battling the [[vallorn]] at [[Therunin#Upper_Tarn_Valley|Return]]. [[Navarr_groups#Splitroot_Striding|Splitroot Striding]], the [[Navarr_groups#Splinterspears|Splinterspears]] and the Twisted Tree Tradehouse funded and built the small school at the location as part of an effort to ensure that Gerallt continued to provide a lasting legacy for future generations. The school quickly became a gathering place for members for several [[striding|stridings]]. The music school was strictly focused on Navarr traditions, training students in the musical traditions of that nation as well as other performing arts skills such as dancing, juggling, and fire performance.

When the [[eternal]] known as [[Cold Sun]] sent its ''scions'' to attack the Empire in 385YE, one of its armies - the Empty Hands - [[Things_that_burn#The_Empty_Hands|appeared in Miaren]]. All the armies of Cold Sun are drawn to places of beauty, art, and culture and this brought their devastating attention down on First Voice Glade. The grand archon of the Empty Hand itself lead the force that burned the school, and while most of the staff and students made it to safety, the structure itself was torn apart. The beautiful trees and gardens that surrounded the school were transformed into cursed stone effigies, a painful symbol of the damage being done to the heart of the Navarr nation.

Then in Spring 386YE, Gerallt Brackensong was the subject of one of the first [[Writ of consecration|writs of consecrations]] issued by the [[Synod]]. Among the locations proposed for an [[inspirational location]] dedicated to his life, the ruins of First Voice Glade were preeminent. Doing so would require that the school be rebuilt however, a task that took over a [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Rebuild_First_Voice_Glade|year to complete]]. Shortly before the Winter Solstice 387YE, however, a new school building was built in First Voice Glade. Brodi Brackensong was [[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_70|entrusted]] by the General Assembly with the solemn task of [[consecration|consecrating]] the new inspirational location.

The new structure stands as a monument to the [[Pride]] Gerallt inspired in performers and storytellers across his nation. Pilgrims leave with a greater appreciation for Navarr music, and many are be inspired to celebrate and explore the songs and stories of their own people. The location also celebrates the kind of [[Watercolours_in_the_rain#With_Tomorrow_in_Mind|celebration of culture and beauty]] the Pride assembly proposed as a response to the hateful destruction of [[Cold Sun]]. While the site remains primarily of interest to the Navarr, it also serves as a place of pilgrimage for those who have seen the things they love ruined by the forces of [[Cold Sun|Oblivion]], providing reassurance that the beauty of the [[orc]] and human spirit can never truly be burnt away.

The twisted petrified trees created by the scions of Cold Sun still stand in the grounds of the school, but their austerity is counterbalanced by a profusion of brightly coloured flowers and new growth trees that blossom in the surrounding areas.
==Opportunity : Botanical Gardens==
The original First Voice Glade school had extensive botanical gardens, but they were overlooked in the rebuilding proposal presented by the [[Civil Service|civil service]]. With scores of visitors coming to the shrine, however, there is now a chance to recreate the gardens and take advantage of that with the school itself.

The work proposed is not insignificant, but if the gardens were restored to their former glory and a new classroom built, the Dean would resume receiving a bounty of herbs, but they would also be able to select a member of the Vallornguard to train and study with Navarr masters of herb lore. Provided the student was not already highly proficient, the skills they gained would provide them with permanent benefits, allowing them to grow more herbs each season.

This opportunity is described in the '''[[Every_path_you_know#Home_on_the_Remains|Every path you know]]''' wind of fortune presented during the Winter Solstice 387YE and remains available in its current form until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE (or until the situation changes significantly as per the [[opportunity]] rules).

{{RecentElections|Dean_of_the_First_Voice_Glade}}
[[Category:Navarr]]
[[Category:Title]]

Keeper of the Breadbasket

2026-05-10T07:49:01Z

Thespaceinvader: /* A Stitch in Time */

{{CaptionedImage|file=Granary.png|caption=Granary outside [[Mitwold#Hay|Hay]] in [[Mitwold]].|align=right|width=500}}
==Overview==
This [[Imperial title]] was [[Create_title_of_Keeper_of_the_Breadbasket|created]] by the [[Senate]] during the Autumn Equinox 381YE to oversee the function of the granaries and storehouses in [[Mitwold]] and [[Upwold]] that make up the [[The_Marches_economic_interests#Granaries_and_Storehouses_-_the_Imperial_Breadbasket|Imperial Breadbasket]]. Prior to the creation of this title, decisions about the Breadbasket were made by the [[the Marches|Marcher]] [[Senator|senators]] - now such decisions would be made by the Keeper instead.

The Senate [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Amend_Keeper_of_the_Breadbasket|voted]] to amend the position to be appointed by Tally of the Votes at the Spring Equinox 387YE, following a vote of the farm owners of Bregasland, Mitwold, and Upwold at the Winter Solstice 386YE. More information can be found on the '''[[Send for me]]''' wind of fortune.

==Responsibilities==
The Keeper is responsible for the [[great work]] known as the Imperial Breadbasket. The breadbasket on the whole requires little effort to maintain, being largely run by the civil service. If the structures that make it up were to be threatened in any way, however, it would be the responsibility of the Keeper to deal with those threats. Likewise, if any particular [[opportunity]] were to arise related to the Breadbasket, the Keeper would expect to be consulted as to how that opportunity might be resolved.

==Benefits==
The existence of the Breadbasket boosts the income of every farm in Bregasland, Mitwold, and Upwold. It provides an additional 36 rings to each farm in the territories, regardless of curses and other effects that impact their harvests.
__TOC__
The presence of this great work in the Empire also provides a "safety net" to the Imperial armies. If a nation of the Empire is unable to support their armies (because of a powerful curse or because they have lost a territory, for example), then the Keeper of the Breadbasket can opt to direct the bounty of the Breadbasket to support them. This natural decay of all its armies and navies is then halved. The silos can only support a single nation in this way - if a second nation were to have more armies than it could support, then the Keeper of the Breadbasket would need to choose which nation to assist. The grain stores do not allow an Imperial nation to build more armies than it can support.

==Powers==
===Right of Address===
The Keeper of the Breadbasket has the right to make a [[Senate address]] once per summit. This is intended to allow them to present important information for the senators consideration. To make an address, the Keeper must inform the [[Speaker for the Senate]] of their intention, so that the Speaker can add the address to the agenda for the next [[Senate session]].

When the title was created, an attempt was made to require that the address be used whenever the Keeper sought to exercise their power to determine how the benefits of the Imperial Breadbasket may be applied, but this was deemed unconstitutional. It is not possible for the Senate to dictate how a power such as the right of address can be used.

===Distribution of Imperial Bounty===
The Imperial Breadbasket can be used to support a single Imperial nation whose armies are suffering from [[Army#Insufficient_Supply|insufficient supply]] or a single Imperial territory that was suffering from hunger, famine or crop failure.

To use this ability, the Keeper must make an announcement in the Imperial Senate. If the Keeper announces that the Breadbasket is supporting a nation's armies, then the natural decay of all its armies and navies of that nation is halved. If the Keeper announces that the Breadbasket is supporting an Imperial territory, then the support may prompt additional effects, often resulting in an entry into the following seasons [[Recent history|Winds of Fortune]].

If either of these are employed, then the farm owners of the Marches would receive no additional income from the Breadbasket until it is resolved. Further, the silos can only support action in this way - if a second nation were to have more armies than it could support, or a territory were to suffer a famine, then the Keeper of the Breadbasket would need to choose which to assist. The grain stores do not allow an Imperial nation to build more armies than it can support.

No voting is possible by the Senate at this point, as the power has been delegated to the Keeper of the Breadbasket. The [[Synod]] may, however, choose to exercise its [[veto]] over the Keeper's decision.

==Appointment==
This title is appointed during the Winter Solstice by citizens of the Marches who control [[farm]] [[Resource|personal resources]]. The larger the farm an individual has, the more votes they can allocate in support to a candidate. The voting is handled by the civil servants in the Bourse.

Only a Marcher character may hold the title. As a title in the Bourse, they cannot be [[revocation|revoked]] by the [[Synod]]
{{CaptionedImage|file=Orson.jpg|caption='''Orson BogMyrtle''', Keeper of the Breadbasket|align=left|width=300}}
{{RecentElections|Keeper_of_the_Breadbasket}}
==History==
The three northern territories of the Marches - [[Bregasland]], [[Mitwold]], and [[Upwold]] - are dotted with public buildings referred to as a whole as the ''Imperial Breadbasket''. These granaries, barns, warehouses, gain silos, and storage houses are maintained by the civil service, and overseen by the [[Keeper of the Breadbasket]] who makes any important decisions regarding their bounty. They exist to ensure that the [[farm|farms]] of the Marches are prepared to meet any potentially disastrous setbacks such as poor harvests or wide-scale curses. They were completed just before the Spring Equinox 381YE. Any Marcher farm-owner can make use of their services, and at a reasonable price. The [[great work]] they represent was created as a result of the disasters that beset the nation in 379YE and 380YE.

The [[March on their belly|disastrous failure of the Autumn harvest]] in 379YE was followed by a particularly [[March on their belly#Resolution|harsh winter]] during which the farmers of the Marches suffered significant losses in order to keep the Imperial armies marching. Then the Spring 380YE planting was hit with torrential rains and a vicious blight that devoured many of the seeds before they can be put in the ground. While the rest of the Empire was enjoying a burst of [[The prime colour of the world|vitality and fertility]], the farms of Bregasland, Upwold, and Mitwold were once again labouring under the yoke of a vicious magical [[curse]] that ruined the crops, sapped the life from the beasts in the fields, and spread sickness and hunger wherever it touched.

Next came the [[380YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#The_Heralds_of_Mourning|catastrophic news from the Mourn]]. Across the Marches morale was low, and tempers frayed. But surrendering in the face of hardship is not really in the Marcher psyche. Rather than turn on each other, the Marchers helped their neighbours - grumbling and complaining all the while, and making it clear their aid was a loan and not a gift.

The plan to construct the ''Imperial Breadbasket'' began in the markets of [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] and received immediate support from many of the [[market town|market towns]]. The call went out for the construction of a great work, a network of granaries and storage barns, coupled with the creation and cultivation of stocks of seed to be made available to all for a modest price in the face of blight, harsh weather, or similar disasters. Meade has long since grown past the point where it can feed itself. It relies on a steady influx of grain, meat, milk, and cheese not just from Mitwold, but from across the Marches. Its prosperity relies on trade routes supported by well-fed and healthy merchants selling food and metal and wood produced by labourers who are not starving to death. The rest of the market towns are in a similar situation - and recognise a simple truth. When the farmers starve, ''everyone'' starves. The alders put their hands in their pockets - but not as a gift, or as charity, but as recognition of the fact the Marches - and the Empire - prosper when the farmers prosper. It was an investment for the future, as well as an effort to "darn the rip" between the folk of the market towns, and the rest of the Marches.

The project required the support of the [[Senate]], and it was not cheap. In the end, even with the assistance of the market towns, building granaries and seed stores for Bregasland, Mitwold, and Upwold still required 100 wains of weirwood and 40 wains of white granite, plus labour costs of 35 Thrones. In the end the project was [[commission|commissioned]] in Summer 380YE, and work completed shortly before the Spring Equinox 381YE.

The benefits to the farm owners of Bregasland was lost when Mathilda Fisher and her Jotun allies conquered Bregasland. The granaries and storage barns went towards supporting the Jotun armies until the territory was reclaimed and the barns restocked.

===The Mournwold===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Mournwold Breadbasket'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Mournwold</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 15 white granite, 35 weirwood, and 150 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 2 seasons</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Grant every farm in the Mournwold an additional 36 rings each season
* Increases the Marcher ability to support armies by one, once Bregasland is back in Marcher hands</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Until another great work increasing investment in farms is commissioned in the Mournwold</td></tr></table>
</div>
As of the Winter Solstice 387YE, the network of granaries and storehouses only covers [[Bregasland]], [[Upwold]], and [[Mitwold]]. Expanding the great work so that it includes the [[Mournwold]] is certainly possible. It would require a [[commission]] as for any other great work, and would require 35 wains of weirwood, 15 wains of white granite, 150 crowns of labour, and take six months to complete (assuming [[Great_work#Multiple_Great_Works|no other great works]] were built increasing investment in farms in the interim). When finished, it would grant every farm in the Mournwold an additional 36 rings each season. It would fall under the custodianship of the [[Keeper_of_the_Breadbasket|Keeper]] by default. If Bregasland, Mitwold, Mournwold, and Upwold were all in Marcher hands when it was completed, it would also increase the Marches ability to support armies by one.

====A Stitch in Time====
* '''These opportunities are available until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE'''
* '''Seven wains of white granite will be provided by Stockwater Monastery in exchange for 126 mana crystals'''
* '''Five wains of weirwood will be provided by Harry the Axe if the Marcher Assembly supports the Feni's claim to Alderly'''
* '''The alders of Wayford are holding ten wains of weirwood, ready for the expansion to be commissioned'''
* '''Three wains are being held by Stockwater Monastery ready for the expansion to be commissioned'''
{{:Search high and low}}

==Further Reading==
* [[Search high and low]] - 387YE Winter Solstice wind of fortune that laid out how the Breadbasket could be extended into Mournwold, and the construction of a cottage for the Keeper
* [[Send for me]] - 386YE Winter Solstice results of an appraisal that established how the title might support other nations

{{Responsibilities Expectation}}
[[Category:The Marches]] [[Category:Title]][[Category:Bourse]]

Appraisal

2026-05-07T21:52:14Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Lutomysla Niegoslava */

[[Category:Senate]][[Category:Appraisal]]
==Overview==
The Imperial civil service support [[the Throne]] and all arms of the Imperial government, providing detailed reports for consideration by the Empire's leaders every summit. For the most part these reports entail detailed assessments of the latest developments in the Empire, outlining what is known about the situation, what options might exist, and what the implications of those options are. The bulk of these reports are reactionary - the civil servants responding to current events as they are developed between summits.

However, during periods where civil service capacity to produce effective summaries is demonstrably greater than is needed to keep pace with current events, they place this additional capacity at the disposal of the Senate. Doing so allows the Senate to pass a motion of appraisal, instructing the civil service to investigate a specific area to see what opportunities if any exist for the Empire to take action.

During the Winter Solstice 384YE, the Imperial Senate took advantage of an [[opportunity]] offered by the [[Watches from the Wall|consecration of the walls of Holberg]] to restructure the [[Historical research#The Department of Historical Research|Department of Historical Research]], encouraging some of the civil servants there to join the Prognosticators' Office. As such, the Senate can now commission ''two'' appraisals each season.

==Commission an Appraisal==
The power to direct the civil servants lies with the Imperial Senate. At present this must be employed by use of a [[senate motion]], although in theory there is no reason that the Senate could not delegate this authority to an Imperial title - such as [[the Throne]] - or to another house entirely if they chose. Any Imperial title that was endowed with the ability to instruct the civil service would need to make an appropriate announcement in the Senate each time the power was used.

Regardless of how the power is employed, the thrust of the research should be clear. The purpose of an appraisal is to investigate a specific subject, with a view to identifying what [[opportunity|opportunities]] exist to influence the situation. It does not matter how broad the scope is, it is possible to commission broad research into a significant topic such as "fortifying the borders of the Empire" or into something very specific such as "Uses for the ruined Runeforge in Gildenheim". Provided that the wording of the motion clearly identifies a known problem or a current situation the Imperial civil service will be able to provide some insight.

An appraisal is very different to [[historical research]]. Historical research unearths information on past events, so that the leaders of the Empire can be better informed about matters of history. An appraisal must be focused on current events - the civil servants who carry out an appraisal work for the Prognosticators Office, they are mathematicians, diviners, actuaries, and logisticians, ''not'' historians. Their focus is to identify options that exist today - not lost records of the past.
{{CaptionedImage|file=ImperialOffices.jpg|align=right|width=600}}
==Capacity==
At present, the Imperial civil service have sufficient resources to support '''two appraisals''' each season. If more than two are passed by the Senate, subsequent motions will be ignored unless they include explicit instruction to abrogate all earlier motions of appraisal.

Prior to the [[Bloody_murder|murderous events of 379YE]], the civil service were unable to support any instructions to carry out an appraisal but some experienced researchers chose to leave the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|department of Historical Research]] for their own safety. Those with the inclination and ability joined the Prognosticators Office, significantly improving their capacity. This situation may change unexpectedly - many of these individuals are due to retire soon - but for now the capacity of the office has been increased, allowing it to carry out a single appraisal instructed by the Imperial Senate each season.

==Necessary Details==
There are no [[Motion_wording#Necessary_Details|necessary details]] with an appraisal; the civil service will only look at the actual wording of the motion as presented to the Senate.

The senate motion may specify which member of the civil service will lead the appraisal, but this ''must'' be explicitly included in the wording of the motion.

==The Results of the Appraisal==
The civil service will produce a detailed report outlining every opportunity that has been identified during the course of the appraisal. This will be widely published alongside the normal reports in the weeks immediately preceding the summit to allow those planning to attend the summit to consider the matter carefully. The report will be complete, which is to say that it will identify all options that exist currently; unless the report explicitly indicates otherwise it should be understood to cover every option available. There is no benefit in instructing the civil service to carry out the same appraisal unless the extenuating circumstances have substantially altered in the meantime.

The appraisal should be understood to apply ''only'' to the location and scenario laid out in the report. Unless otherwise noted, options that may exist to address the problem are not applicable elsewhere. An appraisal which identifies an opportunity to build a navy in Meade, is specific to a navy in Meade - it does not apply to Sarvos or any other location. Nor does it apply to an army or a fortification. Any options that exist to vary what can be achieved will be explicitly laid out in the report.

If the appraisal identifies any opportunities which are time-limited, that is they are only valid if carried out within a limited time-frame, then this will be made clear in the report.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Knowledgeable Citizen.jpg|align=left|width=400}}

==The Prognosticators Office==
The Prognosticators Office is ultimately overseen by the Imperial Auditor, Gerard La Salle, who is a member of the Constitutional Court. He is known to be a meticulous individual, who despises waste and inefficiency, but there is no other individual alive with a better grasp of the options available to the Empire. The day to day running of the office defaults to the most senior scholars, each of which in turn directs the remaining researchers, magicians, and bookkeepers.

As of the Winter Solstice 384YE, there are four senior researchers in the department. Each is a veteran civil servant and respected scholar with a particular emphasis. The Senate may choose which civil servant will be the lead on the appraisal by including the name of the researcher in the Senate motion (along with the name of a backup researcher if the first is already employed elsewhere, if desired). Everyone from the department will work on the appraisal, but the character of the lead civil servant appointed will help to shape the nature of the opportunities. If no individual is directed to lead the research, Gerard La Salle will select whichever researcher he considers most appropriate to do the work. In the event that two appraisals both call for the same civil servant, the first raised and passed will take priority. If the second motion does not also propose an alternative researcher, Gerard La Salle will pick.

Towards the end of 387YE, the Prognosticator's Office began to encounter problems responding to Senate requests. Partly this was a result of the sabbatical of Eilian Sweetwater (and his subsequent disappearance while exploring a lighthouse in [[Redoubt]] during what turned out to be a surprise [[Grendel]] invasion) and commissions taking longer than anticipated. Gerard La Salle requested support from the Senate to [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_La_Salle_Stratagem|recruit additional staff]] for the Office, not only to increase the ability to perform appraisals but also to increase the pool of talents available. The Senate [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Hire_Prognosticators|approved the required funds]] allowing the Office to permanently recruit [[#Lisane de Terresford|Lisane de Terresford]], [[#Rosemary Stockland|Rosemary Stockland]], and [[#Vainakoma Dawnstongue|Vainakoma Dawnstongue]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBBrassCoast.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
===Available Prognosticators===
====Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra====
* '''Graciana is an ideal prognosticator to look for ambitious outside-the-box solutions to complex problems'''
* '''She is unconcerned about the costs involved in enacting her novel proposals'''
Graciana is known for her unusual techniques and novel approaches to any problem. She is a skilled night mage, one of few who work in the prognosticators office, she is known to value imagination over industry in those who work for her. She came late to her calling, in her early days she was a wealthy merchant and corsair; she has travelled widely and spent years living abroad. When she finally returned home, she chose to join the civil service, determined to place the benefits of her wide-ranging experience at the disposal of those who lead the Empire.

If the Senate instructs Graciana to carry out an appraisal then the work will be focused on seeking novel or unusual solutions to the problem. But work by Graciana will usually produce ways to tackle a problem that are as innovative as they are unorthodox. Such options are ''never'' cheap, tried and tested techniques are invariably cheaper than new ideas because of the accrued expertise that supports them, but the costs will take a completely different form to the normal channels.
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBHighguard.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
====Naomi of Virtue's Rest====
* '''Naomi is an ideal prognosticator to look for diplomatic solutions to problems'''
* '''She seeks the best results for the Empire's citizens, and is unconcerned by matters of cost or efficiency'''
Naomi is the youngest of the lead scholars in the office. A diminutive woman with an endearing smile and an engaging personality, she is known for her charm; a quality she brings to her work. The eldest of five sisters, she joined the office at an early age, driven by a desire to help the Empire achieve the best possible results for its citizens. Though she is no great scholar of the Way she is a trained priest, skilled with all the religious rites that use liao.

If the Senate instructs Naomi to carry out an appraisal then the work will be focused on finding the most diplomatic possible solution. Naomi is adroit at identifying options that are best placed to satisfy the concerns of the people affected. The risk of such an approach is that it concentrates on the best possible solution to a problem rather than the cheapest or the most efficient.
{{CaptionedImage|file=NightRune.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
====Lutomysla Niegoslava====
* '''Lutomysla is an ideal prognosticator to look for practical magical solutions to problems'''
* '''She is unconcerned with the potential side effects of the solutions she offers'''
Lutomysla is an experienced [[cabalists|cabalist]] from [[Karov]] who sees magic as the most effective tool to address complex situations. They served for a time as [[Archmage of Night]] during the reign of [[Emperor Hugh]], and after stepping down from the title joined the Civil Service as an aide to the [[Conclave]]. Unlike their predecessor and fellow [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[#Mladen Escovitch|Mladen]], Lutomysla is unlikely to be concerned about efficiency or parsimony. Rather, they are interested in identifying practical magical solutions to problems - with only cursory attention paid to any additional side effects of their proposals.

If the Senate instructs Lutomysla to carry out an appraisal then the work will focus on magical solutions. They are not interested solely with ritual magic; as a cabalist they are practiced at dealing with powers such as eternals or even sovereigns and have made an extensive study of esoteric magics such as [[hearth magic]], peculiar [[regio]], [[astronomancy|astronomantic]] [[Astronomancy#Tulpas|tulpas]] and even more obscure occult topics.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Wisdom.png|align=right|width=200}}

====Lisane de Terresford====
* '''Lisane is an ideal prognosticator to look for virtuous solutions to problems'''
* '''She will not pursue avenues she considers to be fundamentally unvirtuous'''
The Terres is a narrow river that runs through [[Semmerholm]], and House Terresford is a relatively minor [[noble house]] that looks after the ford. They are not an especially old house - dating back to the time of [[Emperor Hugh]] - but they have a reputation among the yeofolk for being even-handed and loyal. ''Lisane de Terresford'' served for several decades as [[earl]] of the house, but when Gerard approached her she was in the process of retiring to embrace a new life of "keeping bees".

Before becoming earl, Lisane visited [[Anvil]] many times and was intimately involved with the doings of the [[Synod]]. She was known for her [[Wisdom]], and for her commitment to asking questions rather than taking easy answers. Gerard believes that she will add a much needed spiritual perspective to the business of the Prognosticators, being an ideal appraiser to look for specifically virtuous solutions to the problems the Senate raises. If she has a weakness it is that she will not pursue avenues she considers to be fundamentally unvirtuous, even if they might present an easier or cheaper opportunity.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cute and Cuddly Cows.png|width=200|align=right}}
====Rosemary Stockland====
* '''Rosemary is an ideal prognosticator to look for mercantile solutions to problems'''
* '''She will pursue opportunities that involve trades in which all parties gain'''
[[Upwold#Stockland|Stockland]] is a region of [[Upwold]] well known for its fair and for its sheep and cattle markets. For the last twenty years ''Rosemary Stockland'' has served as an [[The_Marches_economic_interests#Alder|alder]] of the town, maintaining the peace and dealing with arguments between merchants from many parts of the Empire. A former [[Bailiff of the Grand Market]], she is known for plain speaking, and cutting to the heart of any problem. She's also renowned for her patience - while she may not suffer fools gladly she still does her best to get to the bottom of what it is they are after. It's been three decades since she was last at Anvil, but reports say she still keeps an eye on the doings at the centre of the Empire, especially with regards to the Bourse. Indeed, she was heavily involved with the [[High hopes|cow bonds]] issued earlier this year, during Spring cattle drives, helping ensure that the scheme went off without any obvious hitches.

As a merchant, and more importantly perhaps a ''manager'' of merchants, she has contacts across the Empire. She's also interested in the idea of [[prosperity]] as a right of every Imperial citizen, and represents an excellent choice for any appraisal that focuses on improving the quality of life of Imperial citizens, establishing trade routes, or sorting out diplomatic snarls related to mercantile matters. If she has a weakness it is that solutions she provides are likely to be based on mercantile arrangements that reward all parties.
{{CaptionedImage|file=GreenShields_Colour.png|align=right|width=200}}
====Vainakoma Dawnstongue====
* '''Vainakoma is an ideal prognosticator to look for solutions to military problems'''
* '''She will pursue opportunities that involve employing Imperial armies in novel ways'''
A [[Suaq]] born and raised in [[Hahnmark]], Vainakoma cut her teeth as a soldier in the [[Green Shield]], serving with distinction through the reign of [[Emperor Walter]] and [[Empress Britta]]. She retired from active duty after the loss of the ''Young Empress''. Most recently she helped with the mustering and training of the [[Narwhal's Spear]], but ultimately declined to take up the military life again. La Salle describes her as a woman who is always looking for something to throw herself in to, and one who absolutely relishes a challenge. She combines the mind of an expert logistician with the instincts of a canny hunter.

Vainakoma has a great deal of experience in the Imperial military and a deep familiarity with the unique talents of the Empire's armies. She would be an excellent choice for an appraisal that involved novel military problems or strategic challenges - but her solutions are likely to require the use of Imperial armies to achieve the goals.
===On Sabbatical===
====Eilian Sweetwater====
Eilian of Storm's Run Striding joined the prognosticator's office in 384YE following the Imperial Senate decision to [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Retrain_Researchers|shift focus away]] from the [[Historical research]] toward appraisal. A former researcher with the [[Historical research#Department of Historical Research|Department of Historical Research]], he is perhaps best known for his [[Terunael in Axos|in-depth report]] on the nation of [[Axos]] and its history with the ancient Terunael people. He heads up a small cadre of other former researchers, civil servants well versed in exploring archives, collecting information, and uncovering past events. He also maintains excellent relations with the remaining researchers at the Department, and with the Imperial Archivist.

If the Senate instructs Eilian to carry out an appraisal then the work will be firmly grounded in the Empire's history. This might mean revisiting and reassessing historical proposals, building on past discoveries and theories, or finding inspiration in the stories and traditions of the ten nations. He's also a Navarr, and where history provides no guidance he will fall back on the most practical solution - although just like his colleague Graciana he recognises that "practical" sometimes means ''expensive''.

In Summer 387YE, Eilian was [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Grant_Sabbatical_to_Eilian_Sweetwater|granted a leave of absence]] by the Senate to pursue [[For those in peril on the sea|a surprise enthusiasm]] for the Empire's historical lighthouses. He immediately went missing when the lighthouse ruins he was exploring were overrun during the [[Grendel]] invasion of [[Redoubt]]. As of Winter 387YE, his wherabouts are unknown.

==="Retired" Prognosticators===
====Mladen Escovitch====
Three decades ago, Mladen was one of the most brilliant [[schlacta]] of his age, a master of the two-handed axe he was not just a capable warrior but also a brilliant strategist. His ambitions were cut tragically short by the permanent loss of all mobility in his right arm to a Druj poison. Unable to fight, he rededicated his life to the prognosticator's art, rising steadily through the ranks of the civil service. He soon developed a reputation as a notorious stickler for economy, driven to examine every possible option, to find ways to save even a single ring. He [[A place on a map|retired]] shortly before the Spring Equinox 384YE, following a final appraisal - of opportunities to fortify the nation of Urizen. Prior to that his work was focused on identifying the most efficient way to resolve a problem. The options identified by an appraisal are rarely cheap - and they will usually make use of standard practices available to the Empire, but Mladen usually tried to do so in a way that would save the Empire valuable money or resources.
<onlyinclude>

==Previous Appraisals==
<table class="wikitable">
<tr><td>'''Appraisal'''</td><td>'''Date'''</td><td>'''Senate Decision'''</td><td>'''Civil Servant'''</td><td>'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Prosperity_of_Spiral|Prosperity of Spiral]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[My friends are my estate]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Expansion_of_Printer's_Guild|Expansion of Printer's Guild]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Professor Immanuel Gelberg</td><td>[[The truth but tell it slant]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Bridges_in_Brass_Coast|Bridges in the Brass Coast]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>[[Mermaids in the basement]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Exploration_of_Tsirku|Exploration of Tsirku]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Withdrawn</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Society_of_Inspiration|Society of Inspiration]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Withdrawn</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Ministries|Ministries]]</td><td>Summer 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra assigned</td><td>[[The circle game]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Port_in_Utterlund|Port in Utterlund]]</td><td>Summer 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[Any port in a storm]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Food_and_Water_of_Holberg|Supplies of Holberg]]</td><td>Summer 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Professor Immanuel Gelberg</td><td>[[Threats that are to come]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Building Lighthouses|Building lighthouses]]</td><td>Spring 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Eilian Sweetwater</td><td>[[For those in peril on the sea]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Disruption_of_Druj_Resupply_in_Forest_of_Ulnak|Disrupting Druj resupply]]</td><td>Spring 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Nobody requested; Mladen Escovitch assigned</td><td>[[Hope and fear]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Port_in_Utterlund|Port in Utterlund]]</td><td>Spring 387YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Destroying_the_Kongegőr|Destroying the Kongegőr]]</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>[[A bridge too far]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Displaced_Varushkans|Displaced Varushkans]]</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[Outside the wall]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Powers_of_the_State|Powers of the Senate]]</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_interfering_with_Salt_Lord_relationships|Interfering with Salt Lord relationships]]</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[Fake empire]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Seed_Exchange|Seed Exchange]]</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Nobody requested; Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra assigned</td><td>[[Send for me]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_interfering_with_Mallum_supply|Interfere with Mallum supply]]</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Removing_Uncooperative_from_Mareave|Improve cooperation in Mareave]]</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Eilian Sweetwater</td><td>[[Here to stay]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Peace_with_the_Jotun|Peace with the Jotun]]</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[A stone for a stone]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Armoury_of_Hercynia|Hercynian armoury]]</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Eilian Sweetwater</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Dho'uala|Dho'uala]]</td><td>Spring 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>[[Less welcome tenants]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Wealth of Sermersuaq|Wealth of Sermersuaq]]</td><td>Spring 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>[[Farm, fur, and fish]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Dry_Patricians|Dry Patricians]]</td><td>Winter 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>[[Parched earth]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Fleets_in_the_Bay_of_Catazar|Fleets in the Bay of Catazar]]</td><td>Winter 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>[[An angry blade]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Roads|Extending road networks]]</td><td>Autumn 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>[[Road out of nowhere]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Spider.27s_Dream_Bridge|Spider's Dream Bridge]]</td><td>Autumn 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Eilian Sweetwater</td><td>[[Dreaming in strands]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Raids_Defence|Defence against raiding]]</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Nobody requested; Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra assigned</td><td>[[Restraint]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Urizen_in_Spiral|How the League can support Urizen in Spiral]]</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[A question of loyalty]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_integration_of_septs_of_the_Barrens|Integration of Barrens septs]]</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Naval Supply II|Naval Supply II]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Gardens of Pallas|Gardens of Pallas]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Default to Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>[[Restoration and renewal]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Improving Ossium|Improving Ossium]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Nobody requested; a prognosticator will need to be assigned</td><td>[[Culling the threat]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Naval Supply|Naval Supply]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Graciana i Lopez i Guerra</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Black_Canals|Black Canals]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Naomi requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Kahraman|Kahraman]]</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi requested</td><td>[[Time and time again]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Pilgrims_of_the_Way|Pilgrims of the Way]]</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi requested; Eilian Sweetwater of Storm's Run Striding was assigned</td><td>[[Blood will thicken]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_stabilising_Zenith|Restore Zenith]]</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Default to Naomi</td><td>[[Write your own ending]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_pilgrims_of_the_Way|Attract foreign pilgrims]]</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Naomi Requested</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Architectural_University_in_Temeschwar|Architectural University in Temeschwar]]</td><td>Summer 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana assigned</td><td>[[Back in the same place]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_slave_uprising_in_Sarangrave|Incite uprising in Sarangrave]]</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana assigned</td><td>[[Make it happen]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraisal_of_Grendel_prisoners|Identify people taken as slaves by the Grendel]]</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody specified</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td>
<tr><td>[[383YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise fortifications in Urizen territory|Appraise Urizen fortifications]]</td><td>Winter 383YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Defaulted to Mladen Escovitch</td><td>[[A place on a map]]</td>
<tr><td>[[Appraise_Sign_of_Tamar|Appraise Sign of Tamar]]</td><td>Autumn 383YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana assigned</td><td>[[Signs and sigils]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraise_trods|Appraise Trods]]</td><td>Summer 383YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana assigned</td><td>[[Woven as a weapon]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraise possibility of reclamation|Reclamation]]</td><td>Summer 383YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Graciana requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraisal_of_integration_of_Mournwold_Orcs|Mournwold Orc Integration]]</td><td>Spring 383YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Defaulted to Naomi</td><td>[[Heart of gold]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraisal_of_trade_sanctions|Trade Sanctions]]<td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Defaulted to Naomi</td><td>[[The price of liberty]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraisal of Feni dispersion|Disperse Feni]]</td><td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraisal_of_Bite_legalisation|Legalize Bite]]</td><td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
</table>
</onlyinclude>

<div style="max-width: 500px; width: 50%; float: right;"><box>
====Appraisal Structure====
<p>Any appraisal involves three elements - the first is the fundamental problem that the players wish to overcome or address. The second element, is the method - the way that the problem will be addressed. The final part is the outcome - the result that will occur if the methods outlined are enacted by the Empire.</p>

The crucial information needed by the plot team to write a useful appraisal response is a clear outline of the problem that the Empire wants addressed. Only if we are certain what problem the players want to deal with can we be confident that the solutions we present will address those issues. We don't want to give players possible solutions to different problems.

It is usually better to avoid outlining a method for the appraisal, as this can lead to disappointment if it isn't possible to solve the problem that way. However, it is also better to avoid defining the outcome you want - since that outcome may not be possible. A motion that clearly states what problem the Senate would like addressed is the best way to maximise your chances that the results achieve what the Empire wants.
</box></div>

==OOC Design==
An appraisal is designed to allow the Imperial Senate to direct the civil service to look for a new solution to an existing problem facing it. Inline with the broad remit of the Senate, this could be economic, magical, military or religious in nature. The normal powers of the Senate allow the institute to address a wide range of problems using well-known and clearly defined powers. For instance, fortifications can be built, armies raised, navies constructed. They can disburse the contents of the Imperial treasury, make declarations of war or peace and so on.

An appraisal is different - it directs the civil service to look into a specific situation to see if there is an [[opportunity]] to address the problem in a way that either does not use the standard powers of the Senate to commission, or does so in a way that is unorthodox or unique. It will result in a Wind of Fortune that is produced for the next event which defines what is known about the problem and identifies what opportunities if any exist to take effective action to address it.

Like any other Wind of Fortune, the options presented in the plot opportunity on the wiki only apply in the situation explicitly laid out in the update. An appraisal does not create new powers for the Senate, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it simply creates a unique, one-off opportunity to act in ways outside the normal rules. Any variations which are possible will be clearly and explicitly identified in the wind of fortune, the flexibility with an appraisal is in what you ask for, not how you employ it. As always with winds of fortune we will try to be absolutely explicit about what the costs and benefits of any actions are.

We will treat the appraisal exactly as we would any other plot that we working on for a wind of fortune. Players should anticipate that appraisals will ''often'' identify solutions that benefit one group of Imperial citizens at the expense of another. Many will be contentious or expensive or both. Appraisal is a chance to tackle a problem in a novel way, it is not a free-lunch generator.

In particular, appraisal will generate a plot opportunity focused on the problem outlined in the motion that ordered it. It does not generate a specific solution - senators should specify the problem they want examined, not the solution they want found. It is not possible to specify the nature or shape of the solution - all attempts to do so will be ignored at best. At worst they may cause the whole appraisal to fail.
{{Senate Further Reading}}

Spiral

2026-05-05T21:53:52Z

Thespaceinvader:

<div style="float: left; max-width: 500px; margin-right: 10px;">{{HoverImage|RegionsofSpiral.png|WiderSpiral.png|500x500px|Caption1|Caption2|Caption3|Caption4|Caption5|Caption6|A rising city in the shadow of the {{Black Plateau}}}}</div>
==Overview==
Spiral is a hard place to live; its arid and rocky valleys mean that the majority of food needs to be imported in from Highguard, the Marches, and Dawn. Where there is vegetation it is more often than not light scrubland except in [[#Apstrus|Apstrus]] and [[#Cinion|Cinion]] which are home to light rolling woodland and a tangled mess of [[Beware_my_power#The_Rejuvenation_of_Cinion|vines and trees]] respectively. And at the heart of the territory sits the oppressive malignancy of the {{Black Plateau}}.

Spiral has always been isolated, and has always had a haunted reputation. The [[Urizen]] lived here long before there was an Empire, although the main focus of pre-Imperial Urizen settlement was in [[Morrow]] to the north. The two territories were connected by a tenuous "bridge" of spires stretching across south-western [[Zenith]]. At some point in the far distant past, before even the Urizen lived here, powerful magic was enacted in Spiral. At the heart of the territory is the {{Black Plateau}}, a great plateau of volcanic glass with a dire reputation. Artefacts from the {{Black Plateau}} are often considered haunted or touched by malign evil, and are generally destroyed when they are encountered. Since being [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_.28Spiral.29|roused to full wakefulness]], its oppressive miasma penetrates the entire territory, inescapable save in scattered oases bound with magically infused mithril.

Spiral has always been a battleground, most recently between the Empire and the Grendel to the south. Where it was once an Urizen territory, it is now part of the League. A clever political stratagem saw the Grendel governor of the territory, Salt Lord Kaliact, split from the orcs of the Broken Shore and become an Imperial citizen. The repercussions of this profound change to Urizen and the Empire are still being felt. Today Spiral is home to citizens of [[the League]] - a mixture of immigrants from the other cities, former Grendel [[orc|orcs]], and former Urizen who chose to embrace city life - as well as many Urizen who [[A_question_of_loyalty#Serve_Your_Cause|refuse to abandon their loyalties]].

==Recent History==
Spiral was lost to the Empire over fifty years ago. In 331YE, barbarians from the [[Bay_of_Catazar#The_Broken_Shore_and_Attar|Broken Shore]] came up through [[#Apulus|Apulus]] along the coast, and with weapons fashioned from the glass taken from the {{Black Plateau}} overran the defenders of Spiral, resisting all efforts to throw them back. Refugees streamed into [[Morrow]] and [[Zenith]], and many of them - and their descendants - remain in their new homes.

During Winter 377YE there was a concentrated effort to shore up the defences of [[#Ruins of Fort Mezudan|Fort Mezudan]]. Identifying a weakness in the Grendel supply lines, a [[378YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Dawn|concerted campaign of seaborne raiding]] was followed in Autumn by the invocation of a [[378YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#The_Tempest|cataclysmic tempest]] that devastated the docks at [[#Apulus|Apulian]]. Shortly after the Autumn Equinox 379YE the Grendel responded in kind when a [[379YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#The_Ruin_of_Fort_Mezudan|powerful magical storm]] left the fort in ruins.

In Spring 381YE, the Grendel orcs launched a [[381YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Patterns_of_Force_.28Spiral.29|major offensive]] on all fronts that saw Imperial forces driven back to Cinion, and the territory again fell into barbarian hands. Over the next year, war raged relentlessly across the territory, accompanied by the slow rousing of the {{Black Plateau}} in [[#Screed|Screed]]. The situation came to a head shortly after the Winter Solstice 381YE when the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] army of the Iron Helms were [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_.28Spiral.29|unleashed against the Grendel]]. During the Battle of Solen's Doubt in [[#Apstrus|Apstrus]], three Grendel armies were permanently destroyed as a wave of madness swept through both Imperial and orc forces that culminated in the awakening of the {{Black Plateau}} - an event whose repercussions are still not entirely understood.

The [[Cambion#Stubborn Will|stubborn will]] of the [[cambion]] lineage has proved to provide a measure of protection from this oppressive atmosphere. As such, [[Urizen]] cambions are increasingly in demand as messengers between the [[spire|spires]] of the south-eastern [[territory]] and are often sought out to perform scouting, support, or rescue missions here, although the very quality that makes them so useful also means they tend to be [[Cambion#independent|frustratingly intractable]] and prone to embarking on unrelated side quests that they have decided are more important

The Senate ratified a peace treaty with the Grendel during the [[Ratify treaty with the Grendel Autumn 383YE|Autumn Equinox 383YE]] that saw the Empire cede the regions of Ankra, Cinion and Ateri to the Grendel. Over the next three months [[From_the_sieve_of_your_hands#The_New_Boss|Salt Lord Kaliact]] established herself as the new, almost reasonable, ruler of the territory. Over the next year the new inhabitants of Spiral engaged with the Empire, helping to create the position of [[Spiral Envoy]] to encourage trade with the people of Apulian. The Senate voted against [[Ratify treaty with Salt Lord Kaliact|ratifying a treaty]] with Kaliact that would see the territory treated as a separate entity to the rest of the Broken Shore. Undeterred, Kaliact tried again and a season later, in [[Ratify_treaty_with_Salt_Lord_Kaliact_Spring_385YE|Spring 385YE]], the Senate voted to ratify a historic treaty that ceded the territory to the Empire and saw it [[A tide in the affairs|claimed]] by the [[Wolves of War]] shortly after.

During the Summer Solstice 385YE Merchant Prince Kaliact and the rest of the Apulians swore to [[League Egregore|Guise]] and [[Windfall|joined the League]] as full Imperial citizens. '''Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian''', one of the many immigrants from the other cities, was elected as the first League senator of Spiral. Now, with the Empire once again [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Declare_war_on_the_Grendel|at war]] with the Grendel, the territory looks south to the [[Bay_of_Catazar#The_Broken_Shore_and_Attar|Broken Shore]].

==Major Features==
===Apulian===
Standing on the coast of [[#Apulus|Apulus]], the fortunes of the town of Apulian have waxed and waned in recent years. A centre for sea-trading, as well as a regular destination for [[the League|League]] and [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] vessels operating in the eastern [[Bay of Catazar]], it was a jewel of the Urizen coast. This changed with the Grendel invasion. Perhaps the worst casualty of the barbarian invasion, the '''Lighthouse at Apulian''' was a [[great work]] that served as both a spire dedicated to foreign trade and a beacon for all the Urizen fleets based in Spiral. The last Keeper of the Lighthouse, Hadrian of Apulian, burst the entire structure apart once it became clear it would fall to the orcs, shattering the magical stone (a gift from the [[eternal]] [[Kimus]]) that served as the light. The white granite tower exploded in a thunderous detonation, the echoes of which were reportedly heard as far away as [[Sarvos]] and the island of the [[Madruga#The_Lyceum|Lyceum]]. The release of magical power incinerated several hundred orcs, along with all the defenders of Apulian. Some refugees from Spiral attempted to have Hadrian declared an [[Paragons_and_Exemplars#Exemplars|Exemplar]] of [[Loyalty]], but received little support from the [[Synod]]. Most of the survivors are dead now, of course.

In 378YE the [[378YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#The_Tempest|invoked devastation]] finished what Hadrian of Apulian had started - the rebuilt waterfront at Apulian was smashed to pieces. Then in 380YE, during a [[Tree_of_ice_(conjunction)|conjunction of The Fountain]], powerful ritual magic sank the entire coastline of Apulus into the Bay, transforming the region into a stinking mire. Many of the remaining buildings collapsed and sank in the marshes, leaving the entire area in ruins. Since then, Apulian has switched between Urizen and Grendel control several times. The Grendel seem to see it as a prize, rebuilding the docks and many of the buildings. When Merchant Prince Kaliact took control of Spiral, she spent [[white granite]] like water to restore Apulian. Reports say that she had the support of both local Urizen architects, and [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarmish]] magicians in not only building the city but also establishing a [[fortification]] here.

Apulian is now the "''City of Nets''" and an established city of the League, equivalent to [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] in the Marches or [[Skarsind#Gildenheim|Gildenheim]] in distant Skarsind. It boasts strong walls of solid granite, extensive docks, and a melange of architectural styles both Grendel and Urizen. All the newer structures have been built with the aid of Urizen scholars, and incorporate mithril weaves that protect those within from the worst effects of living in Spiral; the intricate designs give a certain continuity of theme to the otherwise disparate building styles, and have led to the name "City of Nets." The beautiful, well-fortified palace takes pride of place near the docks. '''OOC Note:''' The Palace of Apulian is a rank one fortification.

===The {{Black Plateau}}===
<div style="float:right; width: 500px;"><box>'''The Plateau Ascendant'''<br>
Shortly before the Spring Equinox 382YE, the {{Black Plateau}} became active to a degree unprecedented in the history of the Empire. This has a number of effects, many of which are not yet clear. What is certain for the time being however is:
* Every army fighting in Spiral takes 25% additional casualties
* It is impossible to receive natural resupply in Spiral
* Any army that sends the season in Spiral will lose 5% of its maximum fighting strength over the course of that season even if it is not engaged.
* [[fleet|Fleets]], [[military unit|military units]], [[business|businesses]], and [[farm|farms]] have their production reduced by a quarter. The nightmares and the oppressive power of the {{Black Plateau}} encourages any living person in Spiral to leave. Only the completion of [[#The Block|the Block]] allows other [[Resource#Personal_Resource|personal resources]] to prosper, and creates safe havens for citizens to live here.
* The mithril in the Legacy appears to shield the workers there somewhat, but there are few workers prepared to make the trip to Ossuary given the recent history of the mithril mine and the constant threat of the {{Black Plateau}}. As a consequence, the upkeep of the Legacy has been doubled for the foreseeable future.

Over the last few years there have been several magical rituals designed to deal with the {{Black Plateau}}. None of those rituals will have any effect, for good or ill, on the active {{Black Plateau}}. Indeed, it is highly unlikely that ''any'' ritual magic will be effective against the {{Black Plateau}} in its current roused state.</box></div>
A great plateau of volcanic glass with a dire reputation. Artefacts from the {{Black Plateau}} are often considered haunted or touched by malign evil, and are generally destroyed when they are encountered. Scholars have established that while many of the artefacts recovered from the {{Black Plateau}} date back to the days of distant Terunael, and to pre-Urizen Spiral, there are occasional artefacts that reach back even further - they cannot agree on the exact age of the plateau but the volcanic glass may date back to a period before human history.

Barbarians armed with weapons fashioned from the glass taken from the {{Black Plateau}} overran the defenders of Spiral, resisting all efforts to throw them back. There are no permanent settlements or spires in the area [[#Screed|around the {{Black Plateau}}]] - attempts to establish them ended in tragedy without exception. For the last four decades there have been stories of wild, bestial humans - presumably the offspring of Urizen left behind when Spiral fell to the barbarians - who live on and around the plateau. Their motivations, assuming they even exist, are unknown.

The plateau feeds on and amplifies negative emotions - especially hate, rage, fear, and despair. Those fighting in the territory when it became active also reported hallucinations and oppressive, malign thoughts causing them to dwell on past failures, insults, and suspicions. In some cases, these thoughts led to tragic action. Shortly before the Spring Equinox 382YE, the {{Black Plateau}} was [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_.28Spiral.29|roused to full wakefulness]] with dire consequences.

Interestingly, it seems that those of the [[cambion]] [[lineage]] are particularly resistant to this oppressive influence; they still experience the urges, thoughts, and visions but rather than giving in to them they tend to become stubborn, obdurate, uncooperative, and self-contained. This means that those with cambion blood are very much in demand to serve as scouts and messengers between isolated settlements not connected by the Heliopticon - but the very quality that makes them so useful also means they tend to be frustratingly intractable and prone to embarking on unrelated side quests that they have decided are more important than the mission given to them by their "superiors".

In 386YE, the [[Vigilance]] assembly encouraged some of the virtuous to travel to Spiral to explore various threats there; they provided a comprehensive report at the Spring Equinox 387YE paying particular attention to the ''people'' who help make the plateau such a threat. This report can be read in the '''[[Our_eyes_in_Spiral#The_Black_Plateau|Our eyes on Spiral]]''' wind of fortune.
===Oblivion's Edge===
Today, the plateau is watched over by the [[Oblivion Sentinel]], from the old spire of [[Oblivion_Sentinel#Oblivion's_Edge|Oblivion's Edge]]. Part of the dominion of the [[eternal]] [[Sung]], the old spire is [[The_fate_of_the_many#The_Serpent's_Edge|wrapped in obfuscating power]] providing two significant benefits. The watchful eternal provides advance warning of any significant threats posed by the {{Black Plateau}}, but more immediately valuable is the magical pact that allows any Urizen living in Spiral to use the [[Vale of Shadows]] to draw on its obfuscating power to help hide their home and create a mystical connection with the rest of their nation. This required the creation of two mithril sculptures, one at the northern end of the Twilight Gate in southern Proceris and one above the Brilliant Star in the peaks of Optarion in Redoubt. Once they were in place they aligned with Oblivion's Edge focussing the mysterious [[Night magic]] Sung was already employing there. This allowed Urizen citizens to continue living in Spiral without suffering the usual disadvantages folk of one nation encounter when living in a territory belonging to a different nation.

{{Anchor|The Three Passes}}

===The Passes===
Before the [[381YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#Game_Information_-_Spiral|Autumn Equinox 381YE]], the Grendel engaged in a program of collapsing the passes through the western and the northern mountains out of Spiral. At this time there are four major passes still open that are large enough to allow a campaign army to pass through them without difficulty.
* The '''Onyx Path''' linking [[Redoubt#Optarion|Optarion]] and [[Spiral#Ateri|Ateri]]. The western end of the pass is guarded by the [[Redoubt#Court of the White Fountain|Court of the White Fountain]], while the eastern end emerges near the ruins of Fort Mezudan.
* The '''Crow Road''' linking [[Redoubt#Willstone|Willstone]] and [[Spiral#Cinion|Cinion]]. The western end of the pass is watched by the resourceful sentinels of Willstone spire, while the eastern end emerges in the hills above the area that was once home to Damakan's Forge
* The '''Twilight Gate''' linking the plains of [[Zenith#Proceris|Proceris]] and the northern [[Spiral#Ossuary|Ossuary]]. This "pass" is wide enough that it would be extremely difficult to close it without constructing a [[fortification]]. The Grendel attempted this with the [[#Ballaghadruh|Ballaghadruh]] but with limited success.
* The '''Apulian Way''' links southern [[#Apulus|Apulus]] with northern [[Bay of Catazar#Mareave|Mareave]]. This "pass" runs through the foothill, along the coast of the [[Bay of Catazar]], and has been widened a little of late by [[Grendel]] caravans bringing [[white granite]] into the territory from the [[Bay_of_Catazar#The_Broken_Shore_and_Attar|Broken Shore]].
These passes are a significant [[#Strategic Considerations|strategic consideration]] when discussing conflict in the territory. There are several smaller, higher passes still intact of course that can be used by small groups or caravans - but these are not suitable for a [[Army|campaign army]] to use. Of particular note, the mountains of southern [[#Apstrus|Apstrus]] contain no passes through to the Grendel territory of [[Bay of Catazar#Mareave|Mareave]] that are suitable for use by an Imperial army. Without an opportunity it is only possible to enter Mareave through the Apulian Way.

===Ballaghadruh===
Begun shortly after Merchant Prince Kaliact took control of Spiral, the Ballaghadruh is a [[fortification]] built at the southern end of the [[#The Tree Passes|Twilight Gate]] in [[#Ossuary|Ossuary]]. The initial plans apparently intended to close the entire pass with a wall of white granite, but the structure as it currently stands consists of a solidly built keep and several garrison towers across the mouth of the pass. One reason for the less ambitious structure is likely the amount of mithril required to protect the inhabitants from the effects of living and working in Spiral. The fortress itself was completed in only six months thanks to magical assistance from well-paid [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarmish]] magician-engineers. '''OOC Note:''' Ballaghadruh is a rank one fortification.

===The Block===
Not far from Ossen's Spire in [[#Cinion|Cinion]] stands the Block, a vital construction that helps alleviate some of the impact of the {{Black Plateau}}. Proposed in Winter 382YE by a group of [[Urizen_religious_beliefs#Illuminates|illuminates]], [[The_path_that_winds#The_Block|the Block]] is positioned within a circle of blasted and burnt trees that seems to be a powerful locus of [[Winter magic]].

Following their suggestions, the Imperial Senate [[Construct_Mithril_Block|approved construction]] of a carefully shaped block of mithril, aligned with the [[The Oak|Oak]] and the [[The_Key_and_The_Lock#The_Lock|Lock]] and used to harness the power of the [[regio]] that lies at the heart of the blasted grove. The block now emanates waves of magic across the territory following the old heliopticon paths. While it is in no way powerful enough to impact the emanations of the {{Black Plateau}}, any spire built in the territory with the correct web of mithril nodes is able to focus that energy and protect the inhabitants of the spire from the worst of the Plateau's influence. The protection offered by the block means that people can live in Spiral despite the curse of the {{Black Plateau}}, allowing for a slight increase in the rate of recovery for the territory and its contributions to Imperial coffers.

Unfortunately the power of the block is not sufficient to deal with all the problems encountered by those ''outside'' the warded spires or [[#Apulian|Apulian]]. The penalties to armies, in particular, and the increased upkeep of the Legacy, are not affected. Likewise, the wilderness outside the spires continues to be extremely dangerous.

There is also some concern that the Block lies in the area of Spiral conceded to the Silver Flame rebels - the "non Imperial Urizen" who separated from the Empire over the decision to [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Assignment|assign]] Spiral to the League. So far the rebels have shown no interest in interfering with the Block - they rely on its power as much as anyone else does - but the fact it lies outside Imperial control is enough to give some people pause. While relations remain good there is little to worry about; if they deteriorate then it is not impossible the Silver Flame might threaten the Block and there would be little Imperial forces could do about it.

=== The [[Legacy]] ===

This vast mine complex is mostly played out today, but still manages to produce significant quantities of mithril for whoever controls it. According to legend the site was part of a great gift to the Urizen people but who gave it to them, and why, are details lost to time.

The Legacy is a national [[Bourse|Bourse position]] which produces mithril. Control of the Legacy is assigned by national auction at the Autumn Equinox each year. This Bourse position produces 22 Imperial wains of [[mithril]] every season.

This Bourse seat has changed hands numerous times. As of the Winter Solstice 385YE it is a national seat of the League auctioned to the highest bidder.
===Bridge of the Air===
The [[Morrow#Bridge of the Air|Bridge of the Air]] was constructed in [[Morrow]] to help transport [[white granite]], but the mithril cables and lifts also spread through the adjoining territories to create a transport network that has greatly improved travel particularly in northern Redoubt. A true wonder, the Bridge transports both people and trade goods, smoothing travel through the dangerous mountains and between the mountains and the lowlands. Lifts help transport travellers and cargo from the lowlands to the highlands, and conventional roads and bridges have been employed where they are most useful. The ''skyways'' are concentrated in the mountainous regions, but the roads included as part of their construction have linked up with Curstag's Way to greatly improving the ability of travellers and traders to move across the territory.

===Curstag's Way===
[[We_all_stand#Trade_Routes|Curstag's Way]] is a broad highway that runs through southern Spiral, connecting [[Redoubt]] and [[Mareave]]. The road is a major lifeline to the [[Imperial Orcs]] in the arid south-eastern territory but has also improved prosperity across Spiral. The road is officially named for the first League orc to die in battle for the Empire - Curstag von Apulian Crimson Way - but is also known in some quarters as the ''Calumo-Sheeva-Nightshadow Road'', or the ''Greater Apulian Way''. The road itself is valuable, but what makes it particularly effective are the establishment of several mithril-woven rest-stops along the route that offer protection from the malign effects of the {{Black Plateau}} to those wishing to trade with Apulian, or the orcs of Mareave.

===Ruins of Fort Mezudan ===
The [[fortification|fortress]] Fort Mezudan - also known as the Fist - was under construction at the time the barbarians attack, but workers and guards refused the order to destroy the walls. When the original defences against the barbarians fell, the workers armed themselves and held the semi-completed fortress for two weeks until Imperial reinforcements arrived. For that reason the stone-crafters guild were always considered to have nominal control of this small fortress, and no decade went by without some major renovation or improvement being undertaken.

During Winter 377YE, the [[Imperial Master of Works]] arranged for emergency supplies and many wains of white granite collected by Marcus of Endsmeet to reach the stone-crafters guild of Ateri. While Imperial forces occupied the invading orc armies, the final months of work were [[Fortify_Ateri_in_Spiral|completed]] at a feverish rate that burnt out almost the entire ushabti work force. By the middle of Spring 378YE, the Fist was complete, ready to serve its intended purpose as a bastion for Imperial forces against the invaders of Spiral.

Unfortunately, shortly after the Autumn Equinox 379YE, a [[379YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#The_Ruin_of_Fort_Mezudan|powerful magical storm]] struck the fortress, which had already been damaged as part of the [[379YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#The_Siege_of_Fort_Mezudan|renewed Grendel offensive]]. The Fist was completely destroyed.

===Ruins of Ankarien===
On the slopes of [[#Ankra|Ankra]] stood the Spire of Ankarien. One of the oldest and most prestigious of the Urizen spires, it was home to perhaps the finest library in the Empire. The infamous [[Emperor Nicovar]] was born here, and lived much of his early life at Ankarien; this did not spare the library from his destructive wrath as he descended into madness. What Nicovar did not quite achieve, the barbarians almost managed. As they drew near the librarians carried much of the contents to [[Zenith#Endsmeet|Endsmeet]]. The Spire of Ankarien now lies in ruins, the remainder of its books and scrolls destroyed or stolen by the barbarian plunderers.

==Regions==
===Ankra===
*'''Quality:''' Hills
The mountains of Ankra are the site of some of the oldest spires in Urizen, including the ruins of one of the most prestigious - the library of [[#Ruins of Ankarien|Ankarien]]. The most well known settlement was the Spire of Endless Horizen; home to the architect ''Tiborion'' who is one of the ring leaders of the [[A_question_of_loyalty#Urizen|secessionist Urizen]].

===Apstrus===
The lower slopes of the Apstrus peaks are covered in rolling woodland, carefully cultivated by ushabti and at one time produced a great bounty of [[forest]] materials, especially [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|iridescent gloaming]]. The ''dreaming spires of Apstrus'' (as they were often known) were dedicated to philosophical thought, their forest-bounty providing the inhabitants with lives of comfort despite their location on the very eastern edge of the Empire. One of the most prestigious was '''Solen's Doubt'''. Dedicated to experimental philosophy, it was a place for solitary study and thought. Unsurprisingly, it was overrun during the barbarian march to conquer the territory. The Battle of Solen's Doubt shortly before the Spring Equinox 382YE saw Imperial and Grendel forces clash here for the final time during the campaign. Three Grendel armies disbanded due to the actions of the Iron Helms, and the {{Black Plateau}} became fully active. Five hundred Imperials died in the very instant the plateau awoke; both forces withdrew in disarray in the wake of the calamity.

Of special interest to the Urizen, the central [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Heliopticon|Heliopticon]] tower for Spiral stood on the northern slopes of Apstrus, the heart of the communication network. The defenders held the tower for several months against the barbarians, allowing the rest of Spiral additional warning of army movements, and relaying desperate messages for aid to Morrow and Redoubt. Though the tower finally fell, it is still unknown if the barbarians destroyed the specially calibrated mirror and the light-source (a glowing stone infused with the magic of the realm of Day), or stole them away. Some recent rumours suggest these two components might have been hidden by the defenders, and only uncovered recently, but the facts are unclear - and idle speculation has no place in the study of history.

===Apulus===
*'''Quality:''' City, Coastal
Before it was taken by the barbarians, Apulus was the gateway to adventure for the people of Urizen and, to a degree, the Empire. Expeditions south into the wilds of [[Bay_of_Catazar#Mareave|Mareave]] would rest here before undertaking their quests into the unknown wilderness. Ships from across the Bay of Catazar docked at the coastal spires here, with [[The League|League]] and [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] adventurers in particular being regular visitors.

The jewel on the coast here is the city of [[#Apulian|Apulian]] whose fortunes have been extremely mixed in the years since the original Grendel invasion. What started as a minor frontier settlement that was the last resting place for adventurous citizens journeying south has now blossomed into a thriving city on par with [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] and [[Hahnmark#Kalpaheim|Kalpaheim]]

===Ateri===
*'''Quality:''' Hills
[[#Ruins_of_Fort_Mezudan|Fort Mezudan]] once stood on the slopes of the mountains here before its destruction by Grendel magic. The Onyx Path is one of the [[#The Passes|three passes]] wide enough to allow an [[Army]] to move between Spiral and the rest of the Empire. The eastern end of the pass was guarded by Fort Mezudan, while the western end is protected by the [[Redoubt#The_Court_of_the_White_Fountain|Court of the White Fountain]].

===Cinion===
* '''Quality:''' Silver Flame
The wide valleys of Cinion are lush and covered in rolling woodland. Until [[Beware_my_power#The_Rejuvenation_of_Cinion|Winter 380YE]] the region was littered with ruined spires, most long since looted by the barbarians. Several of these spires stood over plentiful [[mine|mines]] and there were many rich veins of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]] and [[Materials#Weltsilver|weltsilver]]. The mines remain, but almost all the ruined spires are now gone. Those that survived the [[380YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Fire on the Mountains|supernatural fires that raged across the mountains]] in Spring 380YE were consumed by [[Beware_my_power#The_Rejuvenation_of_Cinion|trees and vegetation]] invoked with powerful Spring magic designed to rejuvenate the area.

One small area proved resistant to the magic released to heal the wounded hills. A grove of blasted and burnt trees, no more than twenty-feet across, remains devoid of greenery to this day. Magicians who have visited the area suggest that it is infused with the power of [[Winter magic]] and that it forms the locus of a [[regio]] tied to the [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court|Thrice-cursed Court]]. A small group of [[Urizen magical traditions#Illuminates|illuminates]] have committed to keeping an eye on the place; their suggestion in Winter 382YE lead to the creation of [[#The Block|the Block]] that now occupies the blasted grove and provides magical protection to the spires of Spiral against the influence of the {{Black Plateau}}.

The [[#The Three Passes|Crow Road]] is one of the three passes that connect Spiral to the Empire, linking Cinion with [[Redoubt#Willstone|Willstone]] in [[Redoubt]]. The eastern end of the pass is watched by the resourceful sentinels of Willstone spire, while the eastern end emerges in the hills above the area that was once home to [[Zenith#Crucible of Fate|Damakan's Forge]].

===Ossuary===
Ossuary takes its name from the large number of giant bones regularly unearthed in the mines here. Scholars are at a loss to explain them - some claim they may be the bones of great [[Mundane_beasts#Drakes|drakes]] or perhaps even [[Legendary_beasts#Dragons.2C_Wyverns_and_Wyrms|dragons]]. Many of these bones have been exported to other parts of the Empire where they are studied or presented as curiosities.

The [[#The Legacy|Legacy]] is in Ossuary; a vital resource that once provided mithril to the people of Urizen, and now serves to support the ambitions of the League. It was lost to the Grendel in Summer 379YE, and traded hands between them, the Empire, and the Druj for many years before being [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Allocation|allocated]] to the League in [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Allocate_the_Legacy|Autumn 385YE]]

From northern Ossuary, the [[#The Passes|Twilight Gate]] connects Spiral to [[Zenith#Proceris|Proceris]] in [[Zenith]]. This "pass" is wide enough that it would be extremely difficult to close it without constructing a [[fortification]] at one end or the other.

===Screed===
*'''Quality:''' Accursèd
The [[#The Black Plateau|{{Black Plateau}}]] occupies most of Screed. Even when the territory was held by Urizen, Screed was largely deserted apart from temporary camps of scholars studying the plateau and its artefacts. When the region was held by the Druj they used scavenging teams - some supplemented with human slaves - here to source new instruments of cruelty. Now, small encampments of daring Leagueish adventurers are dotted across Screed, but likewise have avoided creating any permanent settlements.

==Strategic Considerations==
The {{Black Plateau}} has major strategic implications for any conflict in the territory. As well as the effects mentioned above, whenever armies have clashed in Spiral the influence of the {{Black Plateau}} has made everything worse in an unpredictable fashion. Any extended campaign in Spiral will need to take that into account.

The mountains that surround Spiral have a direct impact on how [[Army|armies]] can move into and out of the territory. The only easily accessible routes are via the passes. Entering or leaving Spiral is ''only'' possible between [[Redoubt#Optarion|Optarion]] and [[Spiral#Ateri|Ateri]] (the Onyx Path); [[Redoubt#Willstone|Willstone]] and [[Spiral#Cinion|Cinion]] (the Crow Road); [[Zenith#Proceris|Proceris]] and the northern [[Spiral#Ossuary|Ossuary]] (the Twilight Gate); and [[Spiral#Apulus|Apulus]] to [[Bay_of_Catazar#Mareave|Mareave]] on the [[Bay_of_Catazar#The_Broken_Shore_and_Attar|Broken Shore]] (the Apulian Way).
<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=SenatorSpiral.jpg|caption=Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian, Senator for Spiral|align=left|width=350}}</div>
{{Senate Elections|Senator_for_Spiral|Territory=Spiral|Season=Summer}}
==OOC Notes==
* As of the start of the Summer Solstice 386YE, the [[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Ratify_Treaty_with_Urizen_of_the_Silver_Flame|Silver Flame]] control Cinion. The League, and by extension the Empire, controls the rest of the territory.
* Shortly before Spring 382YE, the {{Black Plateau}} awoke to full malignancy. Its influence is felt across the entire territory.
* [[#Apulian|The Palace of Apulian]] is a rank one [[fortification]] in Apulus
* [[#Ballaghadruh|Ballaghadruh]] is a rank one fortification in Ossuary
* [[business|Businesses]] in the territory benefit from the Bridge of Air and Curstag's Way and produce an extra 72 rings each season.
* [[mana site|Mana sites]] in the territory benefit from the Bridge of Air and produce an extra mana crystal each season.
* Following the Summer Solstice 385YE, the Urizen National Assembly sent '''Lepidina''' to [[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_67|enact a mandate]] urging Urizen residents of Spiral to avoid cooperating with the new inhabitants. This included refusing to share the secrets of [[#The Block|the Block]] with them which led to an increase in construction costs and the need for additional wains of mithril. During the Summer Solstice 386YE the Urizen Assembly sent '''Tarquinius Ankarien''' to [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_96|enact a mandate]] urging the Urizen who still live in Spiral to use the Block to help protect the minds of all citizens from the malignant {{Black Plateau}} removing the need for additional construction costs and wains of mithril. Further details can be found in the '''[[The fate of the many#A Precious Secret|Fate of the many]]''' and the '''[[The_city_below#The_Block|The city below]]''' winds of fortune.

[[Category:The League]][[Category:Gazetteer]][[Category:Imperial_Territory]][[Category:Urizen]]

Everything is trying to kill us

2026-04-22T19:03:40Z

Thespaceinvader: /* The Poisoned Air */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>
"I bet its' not wet in Mareave."

"Given the entire territory is unbelievably arid and our cousins are struggling to find enough clearn water to drink let alone water their farms, I'd say that's a safe bet."

The sarcasm in Camilla's response was withering. If she'd hoped it would stop the pointless carping, she was about to be disappointed. "Sure, it's a bit ''too'' dry" retorted Megaris, "But at least it's not literally under-water". He lifted up the hem of his robe and pointedly rung it out, squeezing the marsh water out as if it would make the land itself dry.

Unlike her companion, Camilla's poise remained firmly intact. She craned her head left and right surveying the landscape arrayed before them, trying to take it all in. "It's a challenge certainly."

"A challenge?" shot back Megaris. "More like a trap. The Senate has given us this place as a bloody consolation prize for losing Spiral. The whole place is a marsh and everything is trying to kill us. Snakes, rebels, frogs, Druj, insects, vallorn - and whatever that bloody thing in Kroll is! Why did they give it to us?"

"Because we asked for it, I assume" responded Camilla still calm. "And who else would they give it to. You're right - the Sarangrave is inhospitable and unwelcoming. It's like something from the Spring realm itself - filled with creatures all trying to kill us. But who would the Senate give it to? You want the Dawnish here, will a test of mettle sort the vallorn out? Love overcomes all - will it overcome the miasma? You think that will work? Or maybe the Highborn could take it on - they can explain to a guardian of the Spring realm about Virtue. Or the Varushkans can turn up and make a pact with it? Does that sound like a good idea to you?"

"If your point is that nobody should be here, then I think that's my argument" grumbled Megaris.

"No sodales. ''My'' argument is that the Senate gave it to us, because we're the only people brilliant enough to be able to solve ''all'' these problems."

<p style="display:none;">"So you're saying it's a bit of a ''fixer-upper''?"</p></ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Regions of Sarangrave.png|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
Last season, the [[Senate]] voted the [[Sarangrave]], would be [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Assignment|assigned]] to [[Urizen]]. There is absolutely no doubt that this presents a challenge to the people of the mountainous nation. As when the Imperial Orcs won [[Mareave]], there are significant obstacles to be addressed before there is any chance that Sarangrave will become a productive part of Urizen. It is, after all, a fetid swamp in which very few Urizen have ever set foot.

When any new territory is added to the Empire, it presents problems. Imperial and Druj armies are still actively on campaign in the territory, battling for control of the land. A single slip could be all it takes for the Druj to wrestle control of the Sarangrave back from the Empire. As with Mareave, there are a lot of orcs living here - and with the best will in the world the people of the High Peaks have a lot less experience dealing with large numbers of orcs than the Unshackled do. If anything, the situation risks becoming more like that of [[the Barrens]] that saw murder and bloodshed on a massive scale and where scars will take a generation or more to heal.

It would be challenging for any nation to incorporate Sarangrave. To make a success of this territory is going to take years of investment and hard work. Yet the people of Urizen are not strangers to challenges and obstacles, and recent years have given some of them a first-hand understanding of what it means to be tyrannised by the Druj. Fortunately, the pillar of ambition lives deep within the bones of the people of the high peaks - a burning passion to transform the world into a better place. There is a mountain to climb, it is true, but there are no peaks that cannot be surmounted if one has the [[courage]] and [[ambition]] to take the first step.

Where there is darkness, we will make light.

==The Only Mountain is the One in the Sky==
* '''The Urizen Assembly can use a statement of principle to encourage solutions to a given problem'''
* '''If it is upheld with a greater majority, then Urizen of the named archetype will look at ways to resolve the stated issue'''
There are many problems facing any Urizeni who would see Sarangrave become a Prosperous national territory. Overcoming these challenges will be difficult and expensive, and in other times the [[Civil Service|civil service]] might advise senators employ the power of [[appraisal]] to seek solutions. In the Sarangrave there are so many problems that multiple appraisals would likely be needed. Indeed, it is difficult even to know where to start.

Fortunately, the triumph in the [[To_fight_aloud|conflict with the recidivist sword scholars]] means that may not be necessary. Virtue is contagious - inspired by their success driving out the disciples of Sulemaine, there is a Vigilant fervour to address these problems. People are ready to tear out the poison in the fields, before it can spread. All they need is some direction on where to start.

The national assembly is ideally positioned to direct people for this. Each summit, they can use a single [[statement of principle]] to direct Urizen to look into one of the problems laid out below. Provided the statement passes with [[greater majority]] (and with the highest margin in case of multiple statements) then people will investigate the issue and look to see what solutions might be available. They won't be able to solve the problem themselves - but they will present their findings in [[opportunity|opportunities]] to be laid out to address it next season. The only requirement is that the statement be clear which problem needs to be looked into next. As with an [[appraisal]], attempts to define how the problem be resolved are likely to simply complicate the issue and potentially result in unsatisfactory outcomes.

When the Imperial Orcs began to explore Mareave, they drew on the different strengths of the six [[sept|septs]] that comprise their nation. Each was set a challenge, and each brought their particular expertise to bear on the subject. This approach bore dividends, and Urizen assembly will need to do something similar if they wish to follow suit. By choosing the right group to take the lead on a given problem, they can ensure that the best of their nation work to find solutions in keeping with their motivations and beliefs. Alongside the problem they identify, they must pick any one of the nine current Urizeni archetypes - [[Arbiter]], [[Architect]], [[Sentinel]], [[Stargazer]], [[Illuminate]], [[Mage]], [[Torchbearer]], [[Seer]] or [[Questor]] - to take the lead on the matter.

A given archetype can only be invoked once, but the resulting opportunities would be heavily influenced by the skills and philosophy of whichever group the Assembly invited to lead the effort. Since this fervour has been inspired by the victory over the original [[sword scholar|sword scholars]] they can't ask the few remaining sword scholars to take the lead, but any other group could be asked to help with a single one of the seven problems laid out.

At the rate of one per season, it is still going to take a lot of time to address the problems in the Sarangrave. A well-worded [[appraisal]] could also be used to target one of the problems, if the Empire wishes to speed up the approach.

===A Bitter Pill===
* '''There is widespread hostility to the Empire across all the inhabitants of the Sarangrave'''
* '''There is an organised band of rebels occupying and controlling Nesustak Forest
Much hay has been made of the rising up of the Water Walkers, the Bloodwater Spears, and other rebels against Druj rule. With the aid of [[Irra Harah]], they now control [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest|Nesustak Forest]]. At present, they are not outwardly hostile to the Empire, but only because they are taking a once in a lifetime opportunity for vengeance on the hated Druj.

It would be a mistake, however, to imagine that makes them friends of the Empire. Or to imagine that they might be importuned by the words of the Synod. The Dawnish Assembly raised a judgement [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_25|inviting]] the septs who rose up against the Druj in the Sarangrave to break bread and drink wine with them, but there is no evidence they even know about the judgement much less would be inclined to accept such an invitation if they were.

These sentiments are not confined to the rebels. The people living here have been fed a diet of Druj propaganda their entire lives. While it is relatively easy to counter the more lurid lies, many of the accusations are built on a foundation of truth. Urizen magicians unleashed curses in the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] without concern for those living there. The Druj have made absolutely certain that every single one of these people knows about the massacre of the Montanians, the assault on the Rahvin, the fate of the Black Wind...

These people are fearful, hostile and rebellious. Their view of the Empire is built on every tragedy that has ever befallen the Barrens, along with more than a few that never happened. Whatever the causes were at the time, and there are always reasons, Urizeni will need to find a way to deal with that legacy. Even if that is achieved, there is no way these rural farmers and bitter rebels will "join" Urizen. They are not philosophers or scholars, not students of high magic. They might be persuaded to surrender their animosity but they could ''never'' bond to the Urizen egregore.

===A Stinking Bog===
* '''The Sarangrave is a fetid marsh filled with venomous insects, snakes, and other horrors'''
* '''No ushabti can operate in this lowland environment'''
The Sarangrave is stinking, insect-filled bog. There are poisonous snakes, poisonous frogs, poisonous insects, poisonous plants, deadly predators of all kinds, and so many mosquitos. There is water everywhere, but outside of the farms very little of it is potable - it is not called the "Feverwater" for nothing. Even a [[Bregasland|Bregas]] might look askance at being asked to move here; it is all too easy to imagine the land itself is constantly trying to kill you.

Worse than that, if such a thing were possible, this is ''lowland''. The only mountains here are on the border with [[Tsark]] and [[Axos]]. That means that none of the [[Urizen_economic_interests#Ushabti|the ushabti]] that the Urizen rely on for all their manual labour will work here.

Having dominion over the land can't change the [[Laws_of_magic#The_Law_of_Essence|essence of it]]. How is Urizen, a nation of brilliant minds, learned scholars, and wise philosophers going to prosper in a territory composed of sucking marshland. What can they do to replace the ushabti they use to make life liveable?

===The Poisoned Air===
* '''There are miasma pillars in every region in the Sarangrave save one that must be found and dealt with'''
* '''Each pillar will need to be destroyed to lift the pallor from the land'''
The Empire may have wrestled control of the Sarangrave, but they have yet to weaken the grip of the [[Druj miasma]]. The as-yet-unlocated miasma pillars are the oldest that the Empire will have ever directly interacted with and there is definitely at least one in every region. The mark the Druj have left on the land ensures that life here will always struggle until the miasma is dealt with.

In theory, this is the simplest problem to deal with - the Empire knows how to deal with miasma pillars. They simply needs to locate all the pillars and destroy them. Of course that is easier said than done - the Druj hide the pillars, and they have had centuries to secure them in Sarangrave. They set traps and place monsters to defend them even in the territories they have only recently conquered. Once found, there will need to be multiple dangerous expeditions through the Sentinel Gate to deal with these pillars.

===A Gift Horse===
* '''Few if any Urizeni currently want to settle here'''
In terms of population, the Urizeni are one of the smallest nations in the Empire. A rarefied society, living in spires on mountain tops, they have never been a numerous people. Traditionally, new spires are created for one of two reasons. Either an existing spire has become too crowded, or a faction of a spire wishes to follow its own path. In recent years, there has been a great deal of upheaval, with Urizen from Spiral and Zenith in particular having to find new homes. There is a lack of drive to move ''again'', a fatigue with the itinerant lifestyle. A lot of people just want a little stability - starting all over again in a new territory is less than appealing. Even if they can be persuaded to settle the Sarangrave, it will never become a bustling metropolis filled with people. That isn't a problem per se, but it does mean that motivation will be crucial.

If the territory is going to achieve it's full potential, the nation will need to find ways to persuade people that they can pursue their [[arete]] here. That this unwelcoming land holds the potential for greatness. That is a part of the Net of the Heavens. That their lives here will be stable, and they will not be back relying on the charity of other spires again if the Druj reconquer the territory. The Senate can vote to make the Sarangrave part of Urizen, but they can't make the Urizeni part of the Sarangrave. People will need reasons to want to overturn their lives and settle here.

===The Golden Hare===
* '''Irra Harah is active in the territory encouraging the rebels to fight'''
* '''He will empower the rebels to cause problems for the Empire'''

[[Irra Harah|The Prince with a Thousand Foes]] seems to be everywhere in the Sarangrave. The [[Conclave]] power of [[Alignment]] will ultimately restrict what eternals can achieve in the territory while it is under Imperial control, but currently ''Papa Otec'' does not have enmity. Even if he did, his heralds are already ''here'' - working hand-in-hand with the rebels to fight the Druj. Even if the Empire slams that door shut, it won't get rid of the heralds already here. Enmity also has limits; while there are mortals able and ready to perform ritual magic to call new heralds into place, it cannot completely prevent an eternal wielding influence over those who welcome it. If it could, there would never be any problems with [[Agramant]] or the [[Whisper Gallery]] or [[Siakha]] ever.

''Shackle Smasher'' has a troubled history with the Empire. He was directly involved with the Barrens, trying to help the various septs throw off their chains - and that included helping and supporting them against the Empire. It is safe to assume that he is likely to do everything in this power to help the rebels here.

Those septs who have risen up have done so because they want [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Anarchy|Freedom]] for the Sarangrave. They are fighting against the Druj at the moment, but they are not fighting for the Empire. Once the Druj are gone, they could easily turn their weapons on the Empire. With the help of Irra Harah they could pose a credible threat if they are not decisively dealt with.

===The Sickening Heart===
* '''There is a powerful vallornheart in the centre of the Sarangrave'''
* '''If it escapes its bonds it will try to consume everything in its path'''
{{SOP|statement=If the Sarangrave is assigned to Urizen we commit to work with Navarr, the experts on the vallorn, towards their goal of the destruction of the vallorn. We recognise the cultural significance to the Navarr of a territory with vallorn.|by=Theodoretos, Urizen National Assembly|vote={{GM}} 204-34|when=Autumn 387YE}}
The Urizen have committed themselves to supporting the Navarr in their centuries-old opus to eliminate the [[vallorn]] from the continent. The [[Citadel Guard]] has in recent years engaged in fighting back ''The Green Menace'', but thus far there has been little need for the Urizeni as a whole to really engage with the vallorn as an issue - now they have one in their back garden.

Not just any vallornheart - this one looks like it could be the biggest heart in the Empire. It has never been connected to the trods - instead the Druj walled it up with magical wards. That contained the vallorn, it stopped it from spreading, but like a coiled spring, the horror is simply bottled up waiting patiently for a chance to explode.

The magicians at [[Morrow#Sunspire_(ruined)|Sunspire]] could have helped, but the Druj destroyed both them and their stores of knowledge several years ago. The Urizen Assembly agree on a statement of principle recognising the Navarr expertise on this matter, but that doesn't compel their Navarr cousins to reciprocate. They would certainly be the best source of aid, especially if the Navarr national assembly [[Every_path_you_know#Thanks_for_Sharing|offer to support the nation]].

The Wards of Béantal Dol hold the vallorn in place ''for now''. Even if the Empire never choose to [[A thousand years of longing|link up the vallornhearts]], enemies like the Druj and the [[Rise of Terunael|Heirs of Terunael]] could find ways to wield this weapon against the Empire. The problem is contained with powerful magic, but that magic is not or Urizeni making nor under their control. That at least cannot be allowed to stand.

===The Writhing Horror===
* '''The terrible guardian of Kroll was defeated but not slain'''
* '''It will return to hunt when its hunger grows stronger than its fear'''
The vallorn is not the only abomination dwelling in this accursed territory. The giant octopus-thing of [[Sarangrave#Kroll|Kroll]] was defeated but not slain. It has slunk away, hiding in the deep waters of the surrounding marshes but at some point it will return. Where else can it go?

Most Urizeni magicians suspect the creature is a [[guardian]] of some kind from the Spring realm. The assumption is that it has been here for centuries and instead of driving it back into the realms like any civilised people would have done, the Druj have been feeding it. That would explain why it has grown to such huge size.

If it is a horror from the Spring realm there is no possibility that it will just starve. Nobody is sacrificing anything to the monster anymore, so when it gets hungry it is going to hunt for food. It would be prudent to have a plan in place before that happens.

In harmony and unison

2026-04-19T07:55:17Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Makeover */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"And this, children, is the ''exact site'' the paragon Atun landed with the first Highborn all those years ago. From here the First Empress would go on to found the Empire at Anvil in Casinea and introduce all the other peoples of the continent to the seven Virtues of the Way. Now, who thinks they can name all seven Virtues for me?"

"Uhm, Steward Shem?"

"Yes, Master Japheth?"

"Did, um. Was Ah-toon very afraid of the water?" Japheth had been standing notably further away from the shore-line than the rest of the children, some of whom had already been dipping in their toes during lunch-break.

"She may well have been, Japeth, but remember that Virtue can give us the strength to face our fears! Now, about-. Yes, Japheth?"

"Even with all the bad eternals in the sea like Sha-ka and Kobe...Kobe, um, Salty-Lungs?"

"Yes Japeth, but the Empire and the Imperial Conclave will protect you from all the bad eternals, there's no need to worry."

"Does, does that mean Mr Syrup is a good Eternal?"

One of the two greatsword-wielding warriors stood a little behind the group smiled and spoke up. "Oh yes Japeth, ''Prince'' Surut is a <u>very</u> good eternal. So good that your Senator and the Conclave expressly arranged for us to come and make sure you were all safe from all the bad ones." Steward Nimrod was not best pleased and re-asserted himself.

"Thank you, Warden. This is ''NOT'' magic class with Magister Shem, Japheth, this is our class field trip to Sanctuary Sands. I think it's just about time we packed up for the day anyway. Your homework is to draw a picture of Paragon Atun, including at least one of the tenets and symbols of Wisdom. Run along everyone!"

The rusted warden inclined their head to Steward Shem and continued their dutiful watch over the children and the coastline.</ic>
<div style="float: left; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=OrderSevenfoldPath.jpg|caption=Let all power be guided by virtue.|width=300px}}</div>
==Overview==
<div style="float: right; max-width: 400px; margin-left: 10px;">
<quote by="Grandmaster Elagabala, on behalf of the Sevenfold Path">
The Conclave asks for plans for a Grand Lodge of the Sevenfold Path in Sanctuary, Sanctuary Sands, Necropolis. It would stand in remembrance of the magician-paragon Atun and their Virtue in voyaging to the continent, and looking to the horizon as a promise that this Empire will bring the light of Virtue to everyone, everywhere.
</quote></div>
The ongoing project to create a grand lodge for each of the [[Conclave order|Conclave orders]] proceeds apace. The recently completed grand lodge of the [[Golden Pyramid]] in [[Mareave]] was briefly in danger from the orcs of the [[Grendel|Broken Shore]], but, thankfully, the intervention of the Military Council has secured it. At least for now.

There can only be two ongoing projects at any one time, and with the completion of the first grand lodge, the [[Conclave]] declared that the [[Sevenfold Path]] would be next in line while the recently [[The shape of things to come|upgraded plans]] for the [[Silver Chalice]] are yet to be commissioned by the [[Senate]]. For the next set of plans to be prepared by Conclave, either the Silver Chalice or the Sevenfold Path must commission and finish building their grand lodges. Of course, the potential for an [[appraisal]] is still available.

==Homecoming==
The people of Sanctuary Sands are ''delighted'' to hear that the Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path decided that the site of the landing (or at least, a little inland) would be the order's chosen place for their grand lodge. Virtuous magicians from across the Empire heard the call of '''Elagabala''' and began scouting out the prime location, with the best view, to prepare the designs. So what if it's directly on the coast? So what if it's an obvious target for the Grendel? So what if the heralds of [[Siakha]] find priests delicious aperitifs? This place is to be a beacon for the light of virtue! The gleaming fortress of [[Necropolis#Reumah's_Rest|Reumah's Rest]] stands overlooking the cliffs in Coursmouth! Besides, the Military Council have protected the grand lodge in [[Mareave#Clisearn|Clisearn]], they will surely manage any lesser concerns of the material world.
__TOC__
==Dreams come true==
There are seven true virtues, and not one of them is Subtlety. Plans for an enormous [[weirwood]] vessel come together, one large enough to host a full cadre of order magicians along with not one but two small shrines to the Virtues. The vessel will sit in the water next to a small but [[Edifice#Grandeur|impressive basilica]] dedicated to [[the Way]]. A pier extends out a little further into the Catazar for pensive walks along the shoreline while meditating on the paragon-magician Atun. Two masts of [[mithril]] are to protrude from the structure, displaying sails showing the emblem of the order, ever lit by lightstones strategically placed along both the masts.

Unsurprisingly, the presence of the grand lodge would provide a big benefit for the people of [[Necropolis]]. Such a powerful reminder of the crucial role of the Highborn in bringing Wisdom and the Way to the world would benefit every [[congregation]] in the territory. More it would remind the Highborn of their naval history, that their people were once masters of the oceans. That would spark renewed interest in Highborn naval endeavours, permanently raising the capability of the nation to support one additional navy.

As with the first two lodges, the Grandmaster would gain better rates for their ministry (unless, of course, the Senate were to abrogate it as discussed in the '''[[The circle game]]''' wind of fortune) and the Conclave would see a healthy increase in the mana crystals available in the [[font]].
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Grand Lodge of the Sevenfold Path'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work (Grand Lodge)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Sanctuary Sands, Necropolis</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 20 white granite, 15 mithril, 65 weirwood and 300 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 5 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Adds 15 mana crystals to the Conclave font each season
* Incorporates a [[Edifice#Grandeur|grand basilica]] dedicated to the Way
* Reduces the cost of mana purchases by the Grandmaster
* Raises the level of investment of congregations in the territory by one
* Allows Highguard to raise and support one additional navy over the current limits
* Provides a dose of true liao to the order's vaults at the Summer and Winter solstice
* Provides every member of the order with a single dose of liao for a year
* Adds the Voice of the Paragons to Imperial lore for as long as [[Net of Gossamer Chains]] is interdicted
* Can request a single relic linked to an important historical figure for the Winter Solstice after the grand lodge is complete
</td></tr>
</table></div>
What excites everyone the most, however, is what a confluence of the Empire's most advanced minds of the intersection of magic and virtue might achieve. By using a combination of the divinatory magics of the [[Day]] and [[Night]] realms and the experienced hands of those who spend a lifetime handling the [[liao|purple substance]], the able to examine Imperial [[liao]] production to find doses with the potential spark to be developed into [[true liao]] that might otherwise be discarded. As a result, a single dose of true liao would be handed over to the Grandmaster at Summer and Winter Solstice, to use as she and her successors see fit. There would also be a little extra normal liao for everyone in the order for a year following the completion of the grand lodge.

==Props==
* '''Voice of the Paragons is a ritual focus that helps magicians cast Mantle of the Golden Orator, Silver Tongue of Virtue, and A Light That Moves'''
* '''The Paragon's Voice Chapter will add the focus to Imperial lore for as long as Net of Gossamer Chains is interdicted'''

Some enterprising benefactors from the ''Paragon's Voice Chapter'' are keen to encourage and reward this endeavour and have come to the magicians of the Sevenfold Path with an offer for when the lodge is completed. They specialise in a unique [[:category:foci|focus]] that aids in the casting of rituals that enhance one's ability to [[Congregation#Downtime_Options|preach]], specifically [[Mantle of the Golden Orator]], [[Silver Tongue of Virtue]], and [[A Light That Moves]], though they've not had the opportunity to test that one yet.

They'd be willing to allow Imperial artisans to visit their chapter house to learn how to create this item in exchange for one concession. They are strongly of the belief that while the practice and mastery of mortal magic can be be pursued and celebrated as part of one's path to transcending the Labyrinth, no [[eternal]] has any place in the consecrated halls of a [[congregation]]. They will teach any Imperial artisan who wishes to learn how to make the foci for as along as [[Net of Gossamer Chains]] is [[Interdiction|interdicted]] by the Conclave. Provided [[Callidus]] cannot seek to corrupt and manipulate the teachings of the [[Synod]], the focus will effectively be in Imperial lore - it just couldn't be disseminated to anyone.

==Duets==
* '''The Black Tablet will seek out a single relic connected to a chosen historical figure suitable for casting Whispers through the Black Gate'''
The ''Paragon's Voice'' are not the only ones to have an offer for the grandmaster for choosing to build her grand lodge in the Necropolis. The ''Black Tablet'' have for some years now supported the work of the [[Imperial Necromancer]], and see their work as validation that magic that is often treated with suspicion and trepidation (that of the winter realm) can still be used for virtuous ends. Once the lodge has been built, if the Grandmaster is willing and able to pass a [[declaration]] of [[concord]] in support of the practice of necromancy, they will aim to provide some help to the magicians at Anvil.

In return for this support, they will look to the Conclave for direction towards a single past historical figure of great virtue for whom they may have some remnants in the Necropolis. They will see if they can find and prepare a relevant relic for someone who was in some way cotemporaneous, connected with or may have insight into that figure (if not the figure themselves) that is a valid target for [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] and provide it to the Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path at the start of the next Winter Solstice following the completion of the grand lodge. If multiple declarations are passed, they will default to the first one raised by the Sevenfold Path.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Atun.jpg|caption=Atun; paragon of [[Wisdom]] and magician, who led her people to safety when it seemed there was no sanctuary to be found.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
==Makeover==
* '''The impressive basilica could be consecrated with true liao, either as a basilica or as an inspirational memorial to Atun'''

The designs for the grand lodge include an impressive basilica. In theory, the plans could be expanded even further, but another 25 white granite would be needed to expand the central house of worship into a bona fide cathedral ('''OOC Note:''' Any Senate motion or announcement must be explicit if they plan to do this). Even a basilica would be impressive however, especially if it were consecrated with true liao. If that happened, there would be the potential for the Senate to create a new Imperial title to lead the worship in the basilica and minister to the needs of the magicians of the order. Such a position could be on a par with the archbishop of Capodomus Cathedral, though the Order would have to choose the virtue carefully... such a decision would naturally impact the whole Order.

The alternative might be to create an [[Inspirational_location#Memorials|inspirational memorial]] to Atun. The Paragon of Wisdom led her people to safety at Sanctuary Sand, she didn't remain here with them. According to the legends she never left her ship. On the fourth day she set sail again, allegedly alone, although most people believe that part is probably an ahistorical story. The new basilica could be consecrated to create a memorial to Atun's legendary status as a [[Paragons and exemplars|paragon]] of [[Wisdom]].

There is no requirement to use a precious dose of true liao in this manner - it is simply that the potential exists to do so, once the grand lodge is complete. The inherent grandeur of the structure would make a suitable housing for either plan.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Elagabala Preaching.jpg|caption='''Elagabala ''', Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path|align=right|width=500}}</div>

==Movin' out==
* '''The shipwrights propose to name the vessel Elagabala's Vision'''
* '''It could set sail and travel anywhere on the Bay of Catazar in a single season'''
* '''It would be vulnerable to attack while at sea'''
* '''The vessel would move the level of investment in congregations to the territory the season after it arrived'''

The design for the grand lodge is built around the idea of massive sea-going vessel, in a style the architects imagine captures the historical tradition of Highborn seafaring. It is much bigger than a normal Imperial [[fleet]], closer in size to one of the Asavean warships currently threatening the Empire's coasts. The original idea was that the grand lodge would be built in the ''shape'' of a ship, but as soon as someone suggests that the rejoinder from one of the Order's Freeborn magicians is "Or... we could include an actual enormous ship!"

The designers propose to call the vessel ''Elagabala's Vision''. In fairness, it's not an uncommon strategy for architects and shipwrights who are eager to find a powerful patron who will authorise their work being built. The truth is that the vessel they have sketched would be ungainly and clumsy. It would be utter folly to risk it on an actual voyage in open waters far away from land, but it could waddle around the Bay of Catazar, clinging to the coastline, if it needed to. It would be vulnerable if the Grendel attacked (although the Grendel are often loathe to destroy valuable things), and it certainly wouldn't be a lot of use in battle. That said, it could accompany a Highborn navy if one were ever launched, providing spiritual succour to the sailors and soldiers fighting for the Empire. And if Sanctuary Sands were ever seriously threatened, the vessel could put to sea to save the lives of order magicians and local inhabitants if needed.

Once complete the grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path could give orders for ''Elagabala's Vision'' to sail to any territory on the Bay of Catazar currently under Imperial control. It would take a season to get there - it couldn't do anything in the season it was sailing and it will always be vulnerable to Grendel navies while at sea. But once it made landfall, it would allow the order to project their power and influence in whatever territory they had sailed to. There are few practical benefits to this arrangement - the only one the prognosticators can find is that it would move the benefits the grand lodge provides to congregations to the new territory in the season after it arrived. But half the grand lodge would definitely be mobile and who knows when that might come in useful?

==Further Reading==
* [[Sevenfold Path]]
* [[Lit_up#Grand_Lodges|Lit up]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune introducing the concept of grand lodges

A wild night and a new road

2026-04-14T15:57:02Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Polite Correspondence */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>Out of the corner of her eye, De Leeuw watched the Imperial merchant poring over the glass cases with the bounty of rings, necklets, and more exotic adornments that filled her shop. She hadn't seen the like before. He'd paused outside to make use of the boot scraper, and the mud had sloughed off his shoes once he saw the sable carpet. Someone who knew how to get around a marsh, mused De Leeuw. A nice change. Most of the Imperials she had dealt with were smartly dressed League merchants or brightly coloured Freeborn. Often as not they were unfamiliar with the realities of the Delves, and invariably tracked mud into her shop. Not this fellow, though.

She kept being drawn to the mask he was wearing, though. A thing of bone and feathers, with a beak like a crow's. She itched to ask if it was a real beak or not - she couldn't tell. Most of her clients wore a little jewellery and the Imperial was no exception; uncharacteristically though he seemed to eschew gold and silver, preferring dragonbone and what looked to be polished flint. Strange choices, Yet she didn't doubt he had the money to be here; his coat and trousers were beautifully decorated and spoke of prosperity and position.

At last he spoke. "I was wondering about these pieces," he said casually. She smiled inwardly. She had made a bet with herself that this was what he was here for. She smoothly moved over, lifting the glass bell jar that covered her new pieces.

"You are a person of discernment," she said in fluent Imperial (it always paid to address a customer in their own language). "These are fine pieces indeed, especially for someone versed in magic. See here? This necklace is of orichalcum and tempest jade; a beautiful piece you'll agree. Yet its true value lies in its provenance - each of the jewels bears a tiny portion of starlight from certain stars. If you know what you are doing, that starlight can be used to cast potent healing spells beyond what any normal magician could attempt."

"And this one?" He pointed to the ring, set with a single eleven black stones that looked like onyx but were not.

"Oh, you have a good eye!" She flattered the customer without even thinking about it, putting the necklace down and lifting up the ring to show him how it sparkled in the light. "You may find it hard to believe, but these gems are also chips of tempest jade, treated with beggar's lye in a secret fashion that causes the colour to leech from them. The ring itself is dragonbone, polished with ambergelt. A wearer versed in the arts of death can draw on the unlight of the Unfortunate Sailor to command the dead to speak, and they cannot resist. A rare piece indeed."

The mask-wearing Imperial pondered her words, and reached out to take the ring. He was polite enough not to touch it without permission; De Leeuw nodded. He handled it carefully as if afraid it might break. Up close, the Sarcophan jeweller could see the dark green scales spilling out from under his mask. A naga.

"And do you craft these yourself?" He asked, although there was something in his tone that told the canny shopkeeper he already knew the answer.

"Oh no, I'm afraid not." She smiled cheerfully. "Many of the articles here are either salvaged by agents, or made in-house. Not these ones, though. These come from far across the sea. From a nation of magicians. I will not be gauche enough to name it given the current political differences between your people and theirs..."

He nodded slowly.

"These difficulties give your people an opportunity for significant profit it seems."

She flashed him another smile, revealing even more of her razor-sharp teeth this time. "Indeed it does," she said. "But at the end of the day there is always profit in taking things from places others cannot or will not go, and selling them on. That case over there for example bears pearl rings recovered at no small danger from the wreck of the ''Silver Serpent'' for example, drowned fifty years ago in the Sea of Teeth. You will find similar treasures throughout the quarter. These are simply recovered from a slightly drier place, with a different kind of danger."

He seemed preoccupied. There was something else.

"Are you interested in the star jewels then?" she asked.

"I am... but I am also interested in something else." He cleared his throat. "Something... less polished?"

She raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry? I don't follow?"

"Something in the line of... condiments." He did not look at her as he asked. She resisted laughter.

"Oh I see! I see your problem immediately of course but I'm afraid I only sell jewellery. You'll be hard pressed to find anyone in the Jakhalsmarkt who carries what you are looking for, if I understand you right."

He sighed. She got the impression that De Leeuw's was not the first establishment he had visited asking about Jarmish... condiments.

"I am sorry to have wasted your time then," he said. "I will be on my way."

As he turned, she tutted and leant forward, laying one ivory-pale hand on his sleeve.

"So hasty, you Imperials," she said. "I said ''I'' didn't carry... condiments. I didn't say I couldn't ''help'' you."

He turned round. De Leeuw smiled like a happy shark.

"But first let's talk about which of my delicious star jewels you are going to buy. And then we can talk of... condiments."</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=AmbassadorSarcophanDelves.jpg|caption='''Dino i Riqueza''', Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves|align=left|width=300}}
==Overview==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

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

The Sarcophan ambassador to the Empire is ''Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike'', of the Tower of Crows. She reports to the beggar-landlords of Sarcophan, and is known to be a wily and subtle diplomat. No stranger to the murkier waters of espionage and intelligence-gathering, she constantly seeks opportunities to expand the influence of the Sarcophan mercantile Empire across the Known World. She has no particular loyalty to any one faction; her main concern appears to be the prosperity of the nation as a whole.
{{Nation|nation=[[Sarcophan Delves]]|status=Foreigner|port=[[Sarcophan_Delves_ports#Sarcophan|Sarcophan]] and [[Sarcophan_Delves_ports#Betovering|Betovering]]|ambassador= Dino i Riqueza of [[the Brass Coast]]}}
==Polite Correspondence==
* '''The usual pleasantries have been exchanged between the Empire and the Delves
* '''The Delves remain concerned about the proscription of consuming human meat but have been reassured by the Ambassador
* '''Interest in investing in the Celesti Lighthouse remains strong for the time being
* '''Snowstorm Henk has safely arrived in the Delves to begin research into Sarcophan knowledge of sea-based eternals
* '''There is news of a visiting delegation from Beoraidh supported by the Delves planning to visit Anvil during the Winter Solstice
Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike thanks the Ambassador for their advice around the funerary traditions of Sarcophan and how they might conflict with Imperial law. They understand the difficulty created by the van de Moerassen request, and appreciate Amassador Dino offering their advice. Hopefully this - and similar - matters can be dealt with sensibly going forward.

[[Historical_research#Snowstorm_Henk|Snowstorm Henk]] has arrived safely in the Delves following the [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Research_Eternals_of_the_Sea|commission of research]] by '''Watt of Lambrook''', the [[Minister of Historical Research]]. Funds to support the expedition have been provided by the Senate, and the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] researcher has by all accounts been warmly received. They are busy speaking with [[Sarcophan_Delves#Magic|zielweven]] about their knowledge of Khobel Tavah in particular. Their report is due shortly before the Spring Equinox.

There is still Sarcophan interest in investing in the expansion of the [[For_those_in_peril_on_the_sea#The_Celesti_Lighthouse|Celesti Lighthouse]], but it is contingent on the Senate commissioning the lighthouse as a significant fortification to protect Oran. The commission actually completed represents a more modest structure, albeit one with a magically imbued beacon thanks to the [[eternal]] [[Kimus]]. Unfortunately, with the completion of the lighthouse, the original plans are no longer available, and so new plans would need to be drawn up, either using another appraisal or with the [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Mladen_Initiative|aid]] of Mladen Escovitch. While Bedelaar-Huisbaas Annike confirms interest, she cautions that it will be all too easy for investors to shift their attention elsewhere - perhaps to the city-state of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] and suggests that if the expansion of the lighthouse is not commissioned by the end of the Summer Solstice, the opportunity will be lost.

On the subject of Beoraidh, the Ambassador has also raised the matter of Sarcophan involvement in the little city-state. Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has discussed the Ambassador's suggestions with the entrepreneurs involved in Mareave, and stresses that the Delves is excited by the opportunities presented by the city-state and can't wait to start developing their presence there. Yet at the same time they have no interest in antagonising their Imperial friends; the Delves has every interest in smoothing relations between the Empire and Beoraidh. Indeed, partly thanks to their influence, some representatives of Beoraidh are planning to visit Anvil during the Winter Solstice to speak with their [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] neighbours. Some of the Delves merchants dealing directly with the folk of western Mareave will be supporting them.

As Beoraidh is an independent state, it is Annike's understanding that the [[Imperial Consul]] will be dealing with any diplomatic matters relating to them. Obviously Annike hopes that the Ambassador and the Consul can liaise on any other concerns they have about Sarcophan involvement in Beoraidh. Further information about the situation with Beoraidh can be found in the '''[[TBC]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Canis aureus syriacus.jpg|align=right|width=300}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Buidelrats.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>

==Jackals, Ports, and Buidelrats==
* '''Trade with Jakhalsmarkt has been something of a success and extended for another season at least
* '''The Commonwealth seem unaware that Imperial traders are buying goods explicitly created by Jarmish crafters
* '''The house of the Buidelrat are pestering Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike about their proposal to open the port of Moeraskriden
During the Autumn Equinox, the ''Annabel de Gouden'' of the [[Founders of the Delves#The Jackal|House of the Jackal]] secured access for Imperial traders to the [[All_the_night-tide#Jakhalsmarkt|Jakhalsmarkt]]. Masters of the jewel-trade in the Delves, the various families of the Jackal House are experts in acquiring, evaluating, and securing markets for precious materials and ornaments. Annabel de Gouden was apparently pleased with the response of Imperial captains - and especially impressed by enthusiastic reports of dealings with several [[Wintermark]] captains particularly one '''Bron Mordssen''' whose impressive ships drew quite a stir when they arrived in [[Foreign_ports#Betovering|Betovering]] where the Jakhalsmarkt is located.

Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike confided in the Ambassador that as long as the trade proved lucrative, de Gouden would likely keep the port open. That has indeed proven to be the case, with Annabel cheerfully claiming that it was her plan all along to provide Imperial access at least until the end of the year (which was not what she said in her original proposal). As such, Imperial fleets can continue to visit the Jakhalsmarkt after the Winter Solstice, and potentially even longer if the demand is there.

Obviously, the crow in the parlour is that one of the draws of the Jakhalsmarkt are the ''star jewels'' - magical jewellery bought by Sarcophan traders in the [[Principalities of Jarm]] and sold at a reasonable mark-up to Imperial citizens. The trade here is a little less cut and dried than that taking place in the [[When_peace_was_far_away#Free_Port|port of Radosmo]] but the Commonwealth may not see a difference - especially given they are already [[The_price_is_great#Liberty|apparently quite annoyed]] about the trade in Zemelso. Buying goods that are definitely Jarmish still puts money in the pockets of the Magician-Princes after all.

While the Jakhalsmarkt has been a success, Annike admits to being pestered by the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Buidelrat|House of the Buidelrat]] regarding an agreement they [[All_the_night-tide#Moeraskriden|proposed]] to allow Imperial captains access to the port of ''Moeraskriden''. In return, they requested the [[dissemination]] of some ritual texts related to herbs by the [[Conclave]]. They have apparently heard nothing. In traditional diplomatic fashion, the Bedelaar Huisbaas of the Tower of the Crow has passed the pestering on. Can Ambassador Dino offer any information about Conclave deliberations on this matter? Is there some other agreement that might be more palatable to the [[Grandmaster|Grandmasters]]? Or should the Buidelrat just accept that there is no interest in their offer and move on (and stop pestering the Tower of the Raven)?

Both the [[All_the_night-tide#Jakhalsmarkt|Jakhalsmarkt]] and the proposed deal for access to [[All_the_night-tide#Moeraskriden|Moeraskriden]] are described in more detail in the '''[[All the night-tide]]''' wind of fortune from last event.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RedWindCorsairs_Colour.png|align=right|width=300}}

==Children of Wrecks==
* '''The Sarcophan Delves are prepared to offer support in fighting the Children of Wrecks if it is required'''
* '''The Ambassador to the Delves, Senator for Sarvos, or Senator for Madruga can enlist their aid at the cost of 12 Thrones'''
* '''They insist they will only fight as part of a force that is supported by the Imperial Guerdon'''
Along with the Ambassador, some private individuals - including apparently '''Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos''' the [[Senator]] for [[Sarvos]] - wrote to thank Sarcophan for their intervention during the [[Those_that_break_a_thing#Battle_of_Trivento|attack on Trivento]] by the Children of Wrecks during Summer. Two dozen Sarcophan vessels supported the [[Red Wind Corsairs]], driven by a palpable disdain for pirates and cutthroats. Most of these vessels were from the Alivetti estates, but several belonged to the [[Prime_Factor_of_the_deBruin_Docks#deBruin_Docks|deBruin]]. Annike thanks the Empire for their kind words, but plays down Sarcophan involvement as being "merely good business sense".

However, the DeBruin family are keen to offer mercenary support toward any attack on the Children of Wrecks - specifically securing [[Madruga#Free Landing|Free Landing]]. Experienced in fighting from boats and around islands, the DeBruin are also apparently ''well'' up for kicking the snot out of the Children of Wrecks, who they see as the worst kind of pirate - indiscriminate and savage. Assuming the Empire wants their aid. As Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike notes, the Empire's ship captains have their own bones to pick over with regard to the servants of ''Hullbreaker''.

If they want DeBruin aid, the Ambassador themselves, the [[Senator]] for [[Madruga]] '''Eulàlia i Phovas i Riqueza''', or the Senator for [[Sarvos]] (the aforementioned '''Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos''') can indicate as such in a missive to Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike. They can specify which [[army]] or [[navy]] they want the DeBruin to support, or leave it to the Sarcophan to allocate their own forces. Regardless, the expertise and resources of the DeBruin will add an additional 1,500 effective strength to any attack on [[Madruga#Free_Landing|Free Landing]]. They will participate in the next attack, provided it takes place before the start of Summer.

Their aid will cost 12 Thrones, paid in advance. ('''OOC Note:''' If the Ambassador or one of the senators wishes to take advantage of this offer, they can do so by emailing {{plot}} and ensuring the 12 Thrones are in their inventory after the event. If more than one person does this, they'll take a portion of their payment from each). However, they have an additional requirement - that they are up-front about. For ethical reasons, they will only participate in an attack against the Children of Wrecks if the force they support receives a portion of the [[Military_unit#Guerdon_Shares|Imperial guerdon]]. They won't claim it themselves - the DeBruin will act if they're paid the agreed amount of money for their involvement - but as a matter of principle, they won't fight alongside other soldiers who are "not being paid for risking their lives." It's an odd point of order for the Delves, but one they are quite adamant about.

In the equally unlikely event that the Children of Wrecks manage to fight off the might of the Empire, they're happy to commit troops each season until the Wreckers are dealt with and Free Landing is back in Imperial hands - provided they are paid each season and the force they support receives the Imperial Guerdon, of course.

==Alivetti Estates Five Years On==
* '''It is the five-year anniversary of the Sarcophan enclave in Sarvos
* '''The enclave appears to be prospering despite magisterial dissatisfaction with many of the goods sold there
It has been five years since the [[Sarvos#Sarcophan_Enclave|Alivetti estate]] enclave in [[Sarvos]] was established. [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Sarcophan_Delves_Autumn_383YE|Conceded by treaty]] in late 383YE, the first new buildings were completed shortly before the Winter Solstice of that year. The ruined estates that once belonged to the guild of [[Empress Giselle]] have been transformed; Sarcophan engineers with experience draining marshes and building on flooded ground have constructed towers in the Sarcophan style which now now rise over both carefully preserved ruins and newly expanded docks.

For the most part relations between the Sarcophan and their Imperial neighbours have been cordial - beneficial even. The magistracy is still frustrated that the Sarcophan refuse to stop selling things the Empire considers illegal to visitors who want to buy them, but the treaty leaves no opportunity for them to enter Alivetti without an invitation. Mostly Imperial visitors are sensible enough to consume the drugs they buy ''in situ'' rather than try smuggling them back into the Empire proper. Mostly.

Much - but by no means all - of the trade that passes through Alivetti consists of herbs, medicinal potions, and luxuries from various parts of the Known World. Business is booming, and news has reached the Ambassador's office that ''Burgemeester Vandersaar'' plans a lavish party to celebrate five years of prosperity and opportunity.
{{WingedMessenger|address=Missives pertinent to the Alivetti Estates can be directed to ''Burgomeester Oudolf Vandersaar, Duifstraat, Alivetti Estates, Sarvos''. The Burgomeester has made it clear that the life of a Sarcophan burgomeester is a hectic one and replies are likely to be short when they relate to anything other than the enclave. Business with Sarcophan citizens trading from the enclave would be best addressed to them directly, and anything related to the wider Sarcophan Delves should go through Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike.}}
===Prosperity and Opportunity===
* '''The Sarcophan are having a party at the Alivetti estates
* '''Imperial citizens, especially those of Sarvos, are invited to attend and discuss business
* '''Immediately after the Winter solstice a new diversification option is available
Burgemeester Vandersaar invites their neighbours not only in Sarvos but in [[Tassato]], [[Casinea]], [[Necropolis]], and [[Madruga]] to attend the upcoming party. They plan to celebrate in style, with a weeklong festival of drinking, music, recreation, theatrical performances, urban athletic events, and new business discussions. Festivities will start the week after the Winter Solstice. A traditional cleaning-out event will be held in which Sarcophan citizens engage in a flurry of cleaning that culminates in bonfires where rubbish - literal and metaphorical - is burnt. It will end with a traditional ''rat run'' in which business owners don rat masks and sack cloth and skulk through the streets pursued by children who can demand sweets and other treats if they catch them.

There is also an old tradition that any deals struck during a festival such as this are as binding as those arranged when both participants are sober. This custom is usually observed by a resolution among participants not to make any ''important'' deals during this time and restrict themselves to minor agreements and contracts, but there are always stories of people who have bartered their ways into a fortune in an inebriated state (or lost the same, of course).

This presents an opportunity to citizens of the nations invited - [[the League]], [[Highguard]], and [[the Brass Coast]]. [[Business]] owners from one of these three nations who attend the festivities will be able to secure small but potentially valuable deals. After the Winter Solstice any player whose character owns a [[business]] in one of these nations can choose a free [[Business#Diversification|diversification]] option. Their business provides 36 rings fewer, but will instead provide two random ingots, two random measures, or two random herbs each downtime (as chosen by the player).

Furthermore, following the Winter solstice, every business owner in Sarvos, Tassato, Madruga, Casinea, and Necropolis will receive two doses of a random consumable acquired from the Alivetti Estates. These consumables represent either treats picked up during the party, or goods acquired after the event from Imperial citizens who did attend. Most of these consumables will be harmless - but there is a chance some will not be legal in the Empire. The magistrates, already a little stretched, will find it almost impossible to prevent Imperial citizens bringing illegal goods out of Alivetti intentionally or accidentally. ('''OOC Note:''' Business owners who wish to ensure they have nothing to do with this dubious activity should hand these consumables back to GOD when they collect their pack).
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Freeborn.png|align=right|width=190}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png|align=right|width=170}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=200}}
===Party Planning===
* '''The National Assemblies of the three nations could discourage their citizens from attending
* '''Alternatively they could wholeheartedly embrace and contribute to the ceremonies
* '''Burgemeester Vandersaar plans to give a gift to the people of Sarvos if the festivities are well attended
The celebrations of the enclaves' founding provides an opportunity for the neighbouring nations to consider their relationship with the Sarcophan Delves. During the Winter Solstice the League, Highborn, and Freeborn National Assemblies can take the opportunity to either enthusiastically support or clearly discourage participation in the anniversary celebrations using a [[mandate]]. If they do not, then their citizens will attend or not as they see fit, with the effects described above. If they do enact a mandate the outcome will depend on which approach they take.

An assembly might discourage their people from attending by reminding their citizens of the importance of following Imperial law and the danger of celebrating with heretics and blasphemers,

{{Mandate|mandate=The Sarcophan folk of the Alivetti estates celebrate their enclave, but we must all remain Vigilant to the threats it may represent. While they seem to be honest traders, their ways are not our ways, and their faith is very different to ours. Their refusal to acknowledge Imperial law is a challenge to the Empire and we send (named priest) with 25 liao to urge all virtuous citizens who must attend this gathering to keep their wits about them and remain alert for threats within and without.|assembly=Highborn, Freeborn, or League National Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, individual player characters from the nation can roleplay that they attend, but there will be no opportunities for them to diversify their business, and no consumables will be received by businesses near the enclave. It will also send a message to the Alivetti estates that while that nation tolerates them, they do not welcome further engagement. For at least the next year there will be no more approaches from the Delves to that nation.

Alternatively, one or more of the three nations might choose to encourage their people to accept the hospitality of the Delves, and enthusiastically participate with their own contributions.

{{Mandate|mandate=The Sarcophan folk of the Alivetti estates bring prosperity to the Empire, and help smooth relations between Empire and Delves. We join them in proudly celebrating both our differences and similarities. and send (named priest) with 25 liao and 10 Thrones to both encourage the businessfolk of our nation to take up this offer, and to ensure that we are good guests and bring gifts of our own to share with our hosts.|assembly=Highborn, Freeborn, or League National Assembly}}

If this mandate is passed, it will increase the opportunities available in the Alivetti Estates for everyone in that nation. They will gain four consumables rather than two, on top of the free diversification option following the Winter Solstice. It will also send a message to the Delves that the folk of that nation welcome trade with the Delves, and appreciate the services offered in the enclave.

It is something of an open secret that ''Burgemeester Vandersaar'' is considering making a gift to the city at the height of the festivities. The Burgemeester has commissioned the [[schema]] for a [[:Category:Foci|magical mask]] used by Sarcophan Delves magicians. If the three Imperial nations all participate in the festivities it will reassure them that this is the right idea. If that happens, they will deliver this gift to the [[Mirrored Maschieri]] - currently '''Magdelena Alanga Di Sarvos''' - as the foremost proponent of fashion and design right across the Empire, in time for the Spring Equinox. That is provided that none of the three National assemblies enact a mandate discouraging people from attending; the gift is predicated on the celebrations being a resounding success and one or more of the three invited nations being disinterested will sour the Burgemeester on their expensive gift.

Obviously Imperial citizens have their own opinions on the matter. Among those interested in the outcome, magistrate ''Georgie Arcobalena di Sarvos'' has urged restraint and expressed concerns about the challenges of protecting the internal Imperial/Sarcophan border. On the other hand, ''Bishop Ziphania Fantoccio von Caricomare'' has spoken several times about the importance of trusting people to understand their own path of [[Pride]] and make decisions about their own behaviour without interference from the Chamber of Commerce or the League Assembly.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Burning oil lamp.jpg|caption=There are arguments that concerns about the Alivetti enclave are really a matter of Vigilance, rather than Prosperity.|align=right|width=200}}</div>
===Questions of Legality===
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Walls of Liberty'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Sarvos#Caricomare|Caricomare, Sarvos]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 40 wains of [[white granite]], 120 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates the title of "Alivetti Gatekeeper"
* Resolves ongoing issues of Imperial citizens bringing illegal goods out of the Sarcophan Delves enclave
* Annoys the Sarcophan Enclave
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Alivetti Gatekeeper'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' League</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives an income of 19 crowns each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Oversee the Walls of Virtue and work with the Sarcophan Delves and the Ambassador to maintain relations with the Alivetti estates</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''The Senate could increase funding to the magistrates to help them secure the internal border with the Sarcophan enclave'''
* '''A proposal for an actual wall to prevent smuggling has been put forward'''
* '''The wall creates an opportunity to place tariffs on Imperial citizens entering and leaving the estate to support an ''Alivetti Gatekeeper'' '''
* '''Either funding or walls would end the legal issues relating to illegality around the Enclave but annoy Burgemeester Vandersaar'''
Concerns about the clash between Imperial law, and the barely-extant laws of the Sarcophan Delves have been ongoing for some time and this festivity serves to bring them to a head. In the run up to the Winter Solstice, the magistrate notionally overseeing the area around the Alivetti Estates - the aforementioned ''Georgie Arcobalena di Sarvos'' - has finally admitted that her current resources are insufficient to the task. She has asked the chief magistrates ''Stanislav Karkovich'' and ''Cosme i Zuhri i Guerra'' for assistance. They in turn look to the [[Senate]].

The Senate could pass a [[Senate motion]] allocating increased budget to the Sarvosan magistrates explicitly to deal with the border problems experienced in Caricomare due to the tension between the laws of the two nations. This would cost an additional 10 Thrones each season but would allow Magistrate Acrobalena to stamp out smuggling - whether intentional or accidental - of proscribed substances and materials out of the Alivetti estates enclave. It would take a little time to arrange - and thus would not directly impact the upcoming celebrations that begin so soon after the Solstice - but it would effectively put a stop to the problem presented by the Sarcophan enclave for as long as the money was allocated or until the situation significantly changed.

News of the request clearly frustrates ''Bishop Ziphania Fantoccio von Caricomare'', who sees the opportunity for Imperial citizens to mingle freely with foreign visitors to the Empire's shores as an unmitigated good. In a rousing sermon delivered from his church in Sarvos, he mockingly suggests that surely it would be easier for Magistrate Arcobalena to simply build a massive wall around the enclave to remove the liberty and dignity of the people of Sarvos. Indeed, he quips, one would not even need to put a gate in it.

This being Sarvos, within a week of the sermon a plan is presented to Magistrate Arcobalena for just such a project. In the event the Senate are interested, an [[edifice]] could be constructed around the Alivetti estate that would greatly restrict easy access to the enclave. The "Walls of Liberty" would require a "mere" 40 wains of white granite, 120 crowns, and three months to complete. They would greatly restrict free passage into the enclave, making it much easier to ensure that citizens are aware of the consequences of smuggling. They would be built entirely on the Imperial side of the "border" meaning no legal impediment to their creation.

In theory, whoever commissions the wall could specify that it has no gates in it, but not even Magistrate Arcobalena thinks that is a good idea. Instead they could specify that the gates will collect tolls on Imperial citizens entering the enclave. Once the costs of operating the gates are taken into account, this would provide an income of 19 crowns each season. The proposal posits the creation of an "Alivetti Gatekeeper" - a League [[Imperial title|title]] established by [[Tally of the Votes]] who would be charged with overseeing the walls and gates, but also working with the Delves and the [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves|Imperial ambassador]] to maintain relations with the Alivetti estates.

This move would obviously anger ''Burgomeester Vandersaar'' but it would effectively resolve the ongoing issues with citizens bringing illegal goods out of the Sarcophan enclave. Placing a toll on the gates, and creating the consequent Imperial title, would absolutely infuriate Burgomeester Vandersaar - it is one thing to restrict trade but to do so in a way that requires a price of admission to visit the estates, as if they were an exotic menagerie is something the burgomeester would find particularly outrageous. But as long as they want to operate from the Alivetti estates, their ability to actually do anything about an Imperial wall is somewhat limited.

===The Silent Manse===
* '''The Silent Manse has been proscribed by the League assembly'''
After the Autumn Equinox, '''Cosimo Argyra''' [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_127|enacted a mandate]] urging "''all Imperial citizens planning to visit the (Alivetti) estates to express only polite and civil disinterest in their unvirtuous religion''." Cautions against getting drawn into an unwholesome religion have been heard and taken to heart and the teachings of the ''Community of Silence'' will remain restricted to the enclave. This hasn't particularly impacted the ''Community'' itself - their focus is on serving the needs of the Sarcophan rather than proselytising. It does mean that there will be no further opportunity to establish cordial relations between the Way and the Community of Silence, nor to learn about their beliefs, nor any sharing of their knowledge of ghosts and the like. But that may be a small price to pay to prevent a blasphemous and heretical faith seeking to expand into the Empire.

It is still possible to send [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messengers]] to ''Poortwachter Lenart Farber'', the leader of the Community of Silence at the Silent Manse, but anyone doing so should anticipate that there might be no response. The Community has been told loudly and clearly to focus on their own people, after all.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|title=Imperial Apothecaries' Guild|align=right|width=240}}

==Apothecary Guild==
* '''The Sarcophan Kruidenkenner Guild are enthusiastic about closer ties with the Apothecaries' Guild
* '''The current Apothecaries' Guild Leader is Esmé i Estrico i Erigo'''
The Sarcophan Delves are masters of the arts of the herbalist, [[Surgical skills#Physick|physick]], and especially the [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]]. Many of their most prestigious and experienced herblorists belong to the wealthy and influential ''Kruidenkenner'' which is apparently a powerful guild that exists outside the [[Founders_of_the_Delves|thirteen houses]] in a manner analogous to an [[Imperial sodality]]. The guild is at the forefront of the trade in herbs and medicinal products and have [[Can%27t_give_everything_away#The_Apothecaries_Guild|enthusiastically sought out]] closer ties with their Imperial peers in the [[Apothecaries Guild]]. There has been some communication between '''Esmé i Estrico i Erigo''' - the [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Guild_Leader|Guild Leader]] of the apothecaries - and luminaries of the Kruidenkenner regarding [[All_the_night-tide#Apothecary_Allies|opportunities]] to work together.

One outcome has been a proposition to [[The_circle_game#Sarcophan_and_the_Kruidenkenner|alter certain trade ministries]] to deal in metals rather than Imperial coin. It has been suggested that the returns on these trades might not be as profitable as the current arrangements. The Kruidenkenner don't deny that accusation but just point out that it is the Empire seeking to change the arrangements and that barter is inherently more expensive. More details of this arrangement can be found in the '''[[The_circle_game#Sarcophan_and_the_Kruidenkenner|The circle game]]''' wind of fortune.

The Kruidenkenner remain enthused about the [[Kruidenkenner Trademaster]] and [[Master of the Root and Stem]] being [[All_the_night-tide#Magazijn|appointed by the Apothecaries' Guild]]. While they could use heavy-handed tactics to try and force this, they acknowledge that diplomacy may provide a better solution. Indeed, adjusting their ministerial trade to use barter rather than cold hard cash may well be an attempt endear themselves to the Imperial Senate. Obviously the matter of the Master of the Root and Stem is a little moot at the moment given the [[Jotun]] have [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#The_Walls_of_Meade|captured Meade]], but the Delves consider this only a minor aberration. They are confident the Marches will reclaim their city before too long and will wait patiently until they do so, so that trade can resume. And they remain invested in seeing the Master appointed through the Apothecaries.

They are however aware that there is a problem around the appointment of the Kruidenkenner Trademaster in that, as it stands, the title is [[Auction of the Seats|auctioned]] to raise money for the [[Imperial treasury]]. Their proposal is that if the Senate does amend the appointment of the Kruidenkenner and the Master of Root and Stem to the Apothecaries' Guild, they would also be prepared to shift the [[Custodian_of_Ivarsgard_Docks#Sarcophan_Traders|Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks]] to deal in ambergelt, the [[High_Herbalist_of_Sybella#The_Kruidenkennerx|High Herbalist of Sybella]] to deal in dragonbone, and the [[Master_of_the_Clearing_House#The_Kruidenkenner|Master of the Clearing House]] to deal in beggar's lye. With the blessing of Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike, Ambassador Dino could present all these changes as part of a treaty with the Delves rather than as a series of separate senate motions.
===Prescriptions===
* '''The matter of who has the power to disseminate potion herbals has been raised by the Kruidenkenner'''
* '''The manifesto of the Guild approved by the Senate suggests they should have this power but this has not yet been legally confirmed'''
* '''The Constitutional Court have asked the Speaker to raise an administrative motion to settle the matter'''

The Kruidenkenner have already [[All_the_night-tide#Herbal_Lore|raised the matter of trading herbal lore]] with the Apothecaries. Unfortunately, their proposal still requires some kind of legal response. While the Guild has the acknowledged legal power to [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Imperial_Lore|spread knowledge of potions]] across the Empire, their ability to do so beyond the Empire is in question. The Conclave has the power of [[dissemination]] to allow them to create copies of rituals in Imperial lore to share with non-Imperial citizens. Who now holds the legal power to do so?

In the past dissemination of a herbal would have required a successful Senate motion. The creation of the Apothecaries guild puts that in doubt; the Senate approved the manifesto stating the sodality exists to "Coordinate and support Imperial efforts in the research, development, '''education, and dissemination''' of ingredients, potions, and antidotes". The wording implies they should have the power to disseminate knowledge of potion recipes to other nations and groups - but thus far the Senate has not confirmed that was their intention.

As in any such matters where there is uncertainty, an [[administrative motion]] will be added to the Senate schedule to clarify the situation. The motion is deliberately written in such a way as to force a clarification - either the Senate amends the Guild's manifesto to bring it into line with the previous status quo - or they leave it as is and the power passes to the Guild. This approach ''ensures'' that the wording of the law is consistent with implementation after the motion is decided by the Senate.

<quote by="Administrative Constitutional Senate Motion">To amend the manifesto of the Apothecaries Guild to read "Coordinate and support Imperial efforts in the research, development, education, and dissemination of ingredients, potions, and antidotes to Imperial citizens.</quote>

This is a clear change to the manifesto of a sodality - so it would require a constitutional vote. If it passes with the necessary majority and is ratified by the Throne, then the manifesto of the Apothecaries Guild will be amended to make clear that their remit extends only to Imperial citizens. That will clarify the current situation, the Guild will ''not'' have the legal power to disseminate a herbal - that power will remain with the Senate and will require a Senate motion and ten thrones from the Imperial treasury.

If the motion fails or is rejected by the Senate, then the Guild's manifesto will not be amended. That will mean that the Senate no longer has the power to disseminate a herbal - instead that power will lie with the Apothecaries Guild. It will require a vote of members of the sodality and ten thrones, provided by the [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Guild_Leader|apothecary guild leader]].

Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike politely asks Ambassador Dino to use their influence to get this motion rejected. At the moment the Kruidenkenner and their peers are enthusiastic about cultivating closer ties with the Apothecary Guild - they are keen to strike while the iron is hot.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Starcathedral.jpg|align=right|width=500|caption=The cathedral of the Navigators remains a beautiful and inspiring building, but its ability to attract converts in the Delves has become increasingly limited.}}</div>

==The Monument Trade==
* '''Highborn businesses and mines continue to prosper from a fashion for Highborn sculpture and stone
* '''The fortunes of the Cathedral of the Navigators continue to decline
During the Spring Equinox an art dealer named ''Senna van Ijzer'' [[Waiting_for_the_worms#Tombs_and_Tribulations|spoke with]] the [[Highguard|Highborn]] Council of [[Benefactors]]. They represented ''De Verzamelaars van Beeltenissen '' - "the Collectors" - a fringe Sarcophan sect who hold beliefs considered peculiar even by the standards of the Delves. In particular they preach that valuable objects depicting a deceased person's face hold particular value for buying a place in the Houses of Silence.

The year-long agreement between Senna and the benefactors to acquire Highborn pieces has seen [[business|businesses]] and [[mine|mines]] prosper across the nation with each such resource receiving an extra 18 rings production per season. Support for the trade from the Highborn assembly and especially the [[Bishop of the Navigators]] has been gratefully accepted by the Collectors and has done much to increase the demand for Highborn artwork. Indeed a fashion for Highborn iconography and grave monuments has taken hold in the Delves. Anyone who is anyone wants a Highborn funerary marker for their dear departed relatives' tomb. Senna is apparently busy securing more investment for the contract, and plans to return to Anvil during the Spring equinox to discuss continuing the lucrative trade for another year.

The arrangement also continues to draw criticism among followers of the Way in the Delves however. ''Mischa van de Libel'', a Sarcophan priest of the Way and [[dedication|dedicant]] of [[Prosperity]], has urged her fellow ''priester'' to cut ties with the Cathedral entirely and look to their own communities in the face of this blatant commodification of their faith. They are not the only ones; the [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]] ''präster'' at the rival temple of the Way in the ''Buitenlandsewijk'' continue to preach openly that the Highborn treat virtue as a commodity to be bought and sold, devaluing their shared faith. Unfair as these words may appear, there has been an undeniable loss of prestige for the Cathedral and the Bishop.

The businesses and mines of Highguard prosper, but it has come at the cost of the prestige of the [[Bishop_of_the_Navigators#Cathedral_of_the_Navigators|Cathedral of the Navigators]]. The [[Bishop_of_the_Navigators#Merchant_Ministry|merchant ministry]] and the [[Bishop_of_the_Navigators#Low Ministry|Low Ministry]] have permanently lost another level of production. By the start of the Spring Equinox, the Cathedral will have completely lost access to the Low Ministry, and the Merchant Ministry will be reduced to a single level. This represents a significant loss of influence for the cathedral, the Bishop, and the Imperial version of the Way in the Sarcophan Delves.
{{Sarcophan Links}}

A wild night and a new road

2026-04-11T14:24:30Z

Thespaceinvader: /* The Monument Trade */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>Out of the corner of her eye, De Leeuw watched the Imperial merchant poring over the glass cases with the bounty of rings, necklets, and more exotic adornments that filled her shop. She hadn't seen the like before. He'd paused outside to make use of the boot scraper, and the had sloughed off his shoes once he saw the sable carpet. Someone who knew how to get around a marsh, mused De Leeuw. A nice change. Most of the Imperials she had dealt with were smartly dressed League merchants or brightly coloured Freeborn. Often as not they were unfamiliar with the realities of the Delves, and invariably tracked mud into her shop. Not this fellow, though.

She kept being drawn to the mask he was hearing, though. A thing of bone and feathers, with a beak like a crows. She itched to ask if it was a real beak or not - she couldn't tell. Most of her clients wore a little jewellery and the Imperial was no exception; uncharacteristically though he seemed to eschew gold and silver, preferring dragonbone and what looked to be polished flint. Strange choices, Yet she didn't doubt he had the money to be here; his coat and trousers were beautifully decorated and spoke of prosperity and position.

At last he spoke. "I was wondering about these pieces," he said casually. She smiled inwardly. She had made a bet with herself that this was what he was here for. She smoothly moved over, lifting the glass bell jar that covered her new pieces.

"You are a person of discernment," she said in fluent Imperial (it always paid to address a customer in their own language). "These are fine pieces indeed, especially for someone versed in magic. See here? This necklace is of orichalcum and tempest jade; a beautiful piece you'll agree. Yet its true value lies in its provenance - each of the jewels bears a tiny portion of starlight from certain stars. If you know what you are doing, that starlight can be used to cast potent healing spells beyond what any normal magician could attempt."

"And this one?" He pointed to the ring, set with a single eleven black stones that looked like onyx but were not.

"Oh, you have a good eye!" She flattered the customer without even thinking about it, putting the necklace down and lifting up the ring to show him how it sparkled in the light. "You may find it hard to believe, but these gems are also chips of tempest jade, treated with beggar's lye in a secret fashion that causes the colour to leech from them. The ring itself is dragonbone, polished with ambergelt. A wearer versed in the arts of death can draw on the unlight of the Unfortunate Sailor to commend the dead to speak, and they cannot resist. A rare piece indeed."

The mask-wearing Imperial pondered her words, and reached out to take the ring. He was polite enough not to touch it without permission; De Leeuw nodded. He handled it carefully as if afraid it might break. Up close, the Sarcophan jeweller could see the dark green scales spilling out from under his mask. A naga.

"And do you craft these yourself?" He asked, although there was something in his tone that told the canny shopkeeper he already knew the answer.

"Oh no, I'm afraid not." She smiled cheerfully. "Many of the articles here are either salvaged by agents, or made in-house. Not these ones, though. These come from far across the sea. From a nation of magicians. I will not be gauche enough to name it given the current political differences between your people and theirs..."

He nodded slowly.

"These difficulties give your people an opportunity for significant profit it seems."

She flashed him another smile, revealing even more of her razor-sharp teeth this time. "Indeed it does," she said. "But at the end of the day there is always profit in taking things from places others cannot or will not go, and selling them on. That case over there for example bears pearl rings recovered at no small danger from the wreck of the ''Edmund Fitzgerald'' for example, drowned fifty years ago in the Sea of Teeth. You will find similar treasures throughout the quarter. These are simply recovered from a slightly drier place, with a different kind of danger."

He seemed preoccupied. There was something else.

"Are you interested in the star jewels then?" she asked.

"I am... but I am also interested in something else." He cleared his throat. "Something... less polished?"

She raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry? I don't follow?"

"Something in the line of... condiments." He did not look at her as he asked. She resisted laughter.

"Oh I see! I see your problem immediately of course but I'm afraid I only sell jewellery. You'll be hard pressed to find anyone in the Jakhalsmarkt who carries what you are looking for, if I understand you right."

He sighed. She got the impression that De Leeuw's was not the first establishment he had visited asking about Jarmish... condiments.

"I am sorry to have wasted your time then," he said. "I will be on my way."

As he turned, she tutted and leant forward, laying one ivory-pale hand on his sleeve.

"So hasty, you Imperials," she said. "I said ''I'' didn't carry... condiments. I didn't say I couldn't ''help'' you."

He turned round. De Leeuw smiled like a happy shark.

"But first let's talk about which of my delicious star jewels you are going to buy. And then we can talk of... condiments."</ic>

{{CaptionedImage|file=AmbassadorSarcophanDelves.jpg|caption='''Dino i Riqueza''', Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves|align=left|width=300}}
==Overview==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

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

The Sarcophan ambassador to the Empire is ''Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike'', of the Tower of Crows. She reports to the beggar-landlords of Sarcophan, and is known to be a wily and subtle diplomat. No stranger to the murkier waters of espionage and intelligence-gathering, she constantly seeks opportunities to expand the influence of the Sarcophan mercantile Empire across the Known World. She has no particular loyalty to any one faction; her main concern appears to be the prosperity of the nation as a whole.
{{Nation|nation=[[Sarcophan Delves]]|status=Foreigner|port=[[Sarcophan_Delves_ports#Sarcophan|Sarcophan]] and [[Sarcophan_Delves_ports#Betovering|Betovering]]|ambassador= Dino i Riqueza of [[the Brass Coast]]}}
==Polite Correspondence==
* '''The usual pleasantries have been exchanged between the Empire and the Delves
* '''The Delves remain concerned about the proscription of consuming human meat but have been reassured by the Ambassador
* '''Interest in investing in the Celesti Lighthouse remains strong for the time being
* '''Snowstorm Henk has safely arrived in the Delves to begin research into Sarcophan knowledge of sea-based eternals
* '''There is news of a visiting delegation from Beoraidh supported by the Delves planning to visit Anvil during the Winter Solstice
Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike thanks the Ambassador for their advice around the funerary traditions of Sarcophan and how they might conflict with Imperial law. They understand the difficulty created by the van de Moerassen request, and appreciate Amassador Dino offering their advice. Hopefully this - and similar - matters can be dealt with sensibly going forward.

[[Historical_research#Snowstorm_Henk|Snowstorm Henk]] has arrived safely in the Delves following the [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Research_Eternals_of_the_Sea|commission of research]] by '''Watt of Lambrook''', the [[Minister of Historical Research]]. Funds to support the expedition have been provided by the Senate, and the [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] researcher has by all accounts been warmly received. They are busy speaking with [[Sarcophan_Delves#Magic|zielweven]] about their knowledge of Khobel Tavah in particular. Their report is due shortly before the Spring Equinox.

There is still Sarcophan interest in investing in the expansion of the [[For_those_in_peril_on_the_sea#The_Celesti_Lighthouse|Celesti Lighthouse]], but it is contingent on the Senate commissioning the lighthouse as a significant fortification to protect Oran. The commission actually completed represents a more modest structure albeit one with a magically imbued beacon thanks to the [[eternal]] [[Kimus]]. While Bedelaar-Huisbaas Annike confirms interest, she cautions that it will be all too easy for investors to shift their attention elsewhere - perhaps to the city-state of [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] and suggests that if the expansion of the lighthouse is not commissioned by the end of the Spring equinox the opportunity will be lost. For now details of the arrangement remain as laid out in the '''[[All_the_night-tide#Investment_in_the_Brass_Coast|in the night-tide]]''' wind of fortune.

On the subject of Beoraidh, the Ambassador has also raised the matter of Sarcophan involvement in the little city-state. Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has discussed the Ambassador's suggestions with the entrepreneurs involved in Mareave, and stresses that the Delves is excited by the opportunities presented by the city-state and can't wait to start developing their presence there. Yet at the same time they have no interest in antagonising their Imperial friends; the Delves has every interest in smoothing relations between the Empire and Beoraidh. Indeed, partly thanks to their influence, some representatives of Beoraidh are planning to visit Anvil during the Winter Solstice to speak with their [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] neighbours. Some of the Delves merchants dealing directly with the folk of western Mareave will be supporting them.

As Beoraidh is an independent state, it is Annike's understanding that the [[Imperial Consul]] will be dealing with any diplomatic matters relating to them. Obviously Annike hopes that the Ambassador and the Consul can liase on any other concerns they have about Sarcophan involvement in Beoraidh. Further information about the situation with Beoraidh can be found in the '''[[TBC]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Canis aureus syriacus.jpg|align=right|width=300}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Buidelrats.jpg|align=right|width=300}}</div>

==Jackals, Ports, and Buidelrats==
* '''Trade with Jakhalsmarkt has been something of a success and extended for another season at least
* '''The Commonwealth seem unaware that Imperial traders are buying goods explicitly created by Jarmish crafters
* '''The house of the Buidelrat are pestering Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike about their proposal to open the port of Moeraskriden
During the Autumn Equinox, the ''Annabel de Gouden'' of the [[Founders of the Delves#The Jackal|House of the Jackal]] secured access for Imperial traders to the [[All_the_night-tide#Jakhalsmarkt|Jakhalsmarkt]]. Masters of the jewel-trade in the Delves, the various families of the Jackal House are experts in acquiring, evaluating, and securing markets for precious materials and ornaments. Annabel de Gouden was apparently pleased with the response of Imperial captains - and especially impressed by enthusiastic reports of dealings with several [[Wintermark]] captains particularly one '''Bron Mordssen''' whose impressive ships drew quite a stir when they arrived in [[Foreign_ports#Betovering|Betovering]] where the Jakhalsmarkt is located.

Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike confided in the Ambassador that as long as the trade proved lucrative, de Gouden would likely keep the port open. That has indeed proven to be the case, with Annabel cheerfully claiming that it was her plan all along to provide Imperial access at least until the end of the year (which was not what she said in her original proposal). As such, Imperial fleets can continue to visit the Jakhalsmarkt after the Winter Solstice, and potentially even longer if the demand is there.

Obviously, the crow in the parlour is that one of the draws of the Jakhalsmarkt are the ''star jewels'' - magical jewellery bought by Sarcophan traders in the [[Principalities of Jarm]] and sold at a reasonable mark-up to Imperial citizens. The trade here is a little less cut and dried than that taking place in the [[When_peace_was_far_away#Free_Port|port of Radosmo]] but the Commonwealth may not see a difference - especially given they are already [[The_price_is_great#Liberty|apparently quite annoyed]] about the trade in Zemelso. Buying goods that are definitely Jarmish still puts money in the pockets of the Magician-Princes after all.

While the Jakhalsmarkt has been a success, Annike admits to being pestered by the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Buidelrat|House of the Buidelrat]] regarding an agreement they [[All_the_night-tide#Moeraskriden|proposed]] to allow Imperial captains access to the port of ''Moeraskriden''. In return, they requested the [[dissemination]] of some ritual texts related to herbs by the [[Conclave]]. They have apparently heard nothing. In traditional diplomatic fashion, the Bedelaar Huisbaas of the Tower of the Crow has passed the pestering on. Can Ambassador Dino offer any information about Conclave deliberations on this matter? Is there some other agreement that might be more palatable to the [[Grandmaster|Grandmasters]]? Or should the Buidelrat just accept that there is no interest in their offer and move on (and stop pestering the Tower of the Raven)?

Both the [[All_the_night-tide#Jakhalsmarkt|Jakhalsmarkt]] and the proposed deal for access to [[All_the_night-tide#Moeraskriden|Moeraskriden]] are described in more detail in the '''[[All the night-tide]]''' wind of fortune from last event.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RedWindCorsairs_Colour.png|align=right|width=300}}

==Children of Wrecks==
* '''The Sarcophan Delves are prepared to offer support in fighting the Children of Wrecks if it is required'''
* '''The Ambassador to the Delves, Senator for Sarvos, or Senator for Madruga can enlist their aid at the cost of 12 Thrones'''
* '''They insist they will only fight as part of a force that is supported by the Imperial Guerdon'''
Along with the Ambassador, some private individuals - including apparently '''Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos''' the [[Senator]] for [[Sarvos]] - wrote to thank Sarcophan for their intervention during the [[Those_that_break_a_thing#Battle_of_Trivento|attack on Trivento]] by the Children of Wrecks during Summer. Two dozen Sarcophan vessels supported the [[Red Wind Corsairs]], driven by a palpable disdain for pirates and cutthroats. Most of these vessels were from the Alivetti estates, but several belonged to the [[Prime_Factor_of_the_deBruin_Docks#deBruin_Docks|deBruin]]. Annike thanks the Empire for their kind words, but plays down Sarcophan involvement as being "merely good business sense".

However, the DeBruin family are keen to offer mercenary support toward any attack on the Children of Wrecks - specifically securing [[Madruga#Free Landing|Free Landing]]. Experienced in fighting from boats and around islands, the DeBruin are also apparently ''well'' up for kicking the snot out of the Children of Wrecks who they see as the worst kind of pirate - indiscriminate and savage. Assuming the Empire wants their aid. As Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike note, the Empire's ship captains have their own bones to pick over with regard to the servants of ''Hullbreaker''.

If they want DeBruin aid, the Ambassador themselves, the [[Senator]] for [[Madruga]] '''Eulàlia i Phovas i Riqueza''', or the Senator for [[Sarvos]] (the aforementioned '''Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos''') can indicate as such in a missive to Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike. They can specify which [[army]] they want the DeBruin to support, or leave it to the Sarcophan to allocate their own forces. Regardless, the expertise and resources of the DeBruin will add an additional 1,500 effective strength to any attack on [[Madruga#Free_Landing|Free Landing]]. They will participate in the next attack, provided it takes place before the start of Summer.

Their aid will cost 12 Thrones, paid in advance. ('''OOC Note:''' If the Ambassador or one of the Senators wishes to take advantage of this offer they can do so by emailing {{plot}} and ensuring the 12 Thrones are in their inventory after the event. If more than one person does this they'll take a portion of their payment from each). However, they have an additional requirement - that they are up-front about. For ethical reasons they will only participate in an attack against the Children of Wrecks if the force they support receives a portion of the [[Military_unit#Guerdon_Shares|Imperial guerdon]]. They won't claim it themselves - the DeBruin will act if they're paid the agreed amount of money for their involvement - but as a matter of principle they won't fight alongside other soldiers who are "not being paid for risking their lives." It's an odd point of order for the Delves, but one they are quite adamant about.

In the equally unlikely event that the Children of Wrecks manage to fight off the might of the Empire, they're happy to commit troops each season until the Wreckers are dealt with and Free Landing is back in Imperial hands - provided they are paid each season and the force they support receives the Imperial Guerdon of course.

==Alivetti Estates Five Years On==
* '''It is the five-year anniversary of the Sarcophan enclave in Sarvos
* '''The enclave appears to be prospering despite magisterial dissatisfaction with many of the goods sold there
It has been five years since the [[Sarvos#Sarcophan_Enclave|Alivetti estate]] enclave in [[Sarvos]] was established. [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Sarcophan_Delves_Autumn_383YE|Conceded by treaty]] in late 383YE, the first new buildings were completed shortly before the Winter Solstice of that year. The ruined estates that once belonged to the guild of [[Empress Giselle]] have been transformed; Sarcophan engineers with experience draining marshes and building on flooded ground have constructed towers in the Sarcophan style which now now rise over both carefully preserved ruins and newly expanded docks.

For the most part relations between the Sarcophan and their Imperial neighbours have been cordial - beneficial even. The magistracy is still frustrated that the Sarcophan refuse to stop selling things the Empire considers illegal to visitors who want to buy them, but the treaty leaves no opportunity for them to enter Alivetti without an invitation. Mostly Imperial visitors are sensible enough to consume the drugs they buy ''in situ'' rather than try smuggling them back into the Empire proper. Mostly.

Much - but by no means all - of the trade that passes through Alivetti consists of herbs, medicinal potions, and luxuries from various parts of the Known World. Business is booming, and news has reached the Ambassador's office that ''Burgemeester Vandersaar'' plans a lavish party to celebrate five years of prosperity and opportunity.
{{WingedMessenger|address=Missives pertinent to the Alivetti Estates can be directed to ''Burgomeester Oudolf Vandersaar, Duifstraat, Alivetti Estates, Sarvos''. The Burgomeester has made it clear that the life of a Sarcophan burgomeester is a hectic one and replies are likely to be short when they relate to anything other than the enclave. Business with Sarcophan citizens trading from the enclave would be best addressed to them directly, and anything related to the wider Sarcophan Delves should go through Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike.}}
===Prosperity and Opportunity===
* '''The Sarcophan are having a party at the Alivetti estates
* '''Imperial citizens, especially those of Sarvos, are invited to attend and discuss business
* '''Immediately after the Winter solstice a new diversification option is available
Burgemeester Vandersaar invites their neighbours not only in Sarvos but in [[Tassato]], [[Casinea]], [[Necropolis]], and [[Madruga]] to attend the upcoming party. They plan to celebrate in style, with a weeklong festival of drinking, music, recreation, theatrical performances, urban athletic events, and new business discussions. Festivities will start the week after the Winter Solstice. A traditional cleaning-out event will be held in which Sacrophan citizens engage in a flurry of cleaning that culminates in bonfires where rubbish - literal and metaphorical - is burnt. It will end with a traditional ''rat run'' in which business owners don rat masks and sack cloth and skulk through the streets pursued by children who can demand sweets and other treats if they catch them.

There is also an old tradition that any deals struck during a festival such as this are as binding as those arranged when both participants are sober. This custom is usually observed by a resolution among participants not to make any ''important'' deals during this time and restrict themselves to minor agreements and contracts, but there are always stories of people who have bartered their ways into a fortune in an inebriated state (or lost the same, of course).

This presents an opportunity to citizens of the nations invited - [[the League]], [[Highguard]], and [[the Brass Coast]]. [[Business]] owners from one of these three nations who attend the festivities will be able to secure small but potentially valuable deals. After the Winter Solstice any player whose character owns a [[business]] in one of these nations can choose a free [[Business#Diversification|diversification]] option. Their business provides 36 rings fewer, but will instead provide two random ingots, two random measures, or two random herbs each downtime (as chosen by the player).

Furthermore, following the Winter solstice, every business owner in Sarvos, Tassato, Madruga, Casinea, and Necropolis will receive two doses of a random consumable acquired from the Alivetti Estates. These consumables represent either treats picked up during the party, or goods acquired after the event from Imperial citizens who did attend. Most of these consumables will be harmless - but there is a chance some will not be legal in the Empire. The magistrates, already a little stretched, will find it almost impossible to prevent Imperial citizens bringing illegal goods out of Alivetti intentionally or accidentally. ('''OOC Note:''' Business owners who wish to ensure they have nothing to do with this dubious activity should hand these consumables back to GOD when they collect their pack).
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Freeborn.png|align=right|width=190}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png|align=right|width=170}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=right|width=200}}
===Party Planning===
* '''The National Assemblies of the three nations could discourage their citizens from attending
* '''Alternatively they could wholeheartedly embrace and contribute to the ceremonies
* '''Burgemeester Vandersaar plans to give a gift to the people of Sarvos if the festivities are well attended
The celebrations of the enclaves' founding provides an opportunity for the neighbouring nations to consider their relationship with the Sarcophan Delves. During the Winter Solstice the League, Highborn, and Freeborn National Assemblies can take the opportunity to either enthusiastically support or clearly discourage participation in the anniversary celebrations using a [[mandate]]. If they do not, then their citizens will attend or not as they see fit, with the effects described above. If they do enact a mandate the outcome will depend on which approach they take.

An assembly might discourage their people from attending by reminding their citizens of the importance of following Imperial law and the danger of celebrating with heretics and blasphemers,

{{Mandate|mandate=The Sarcophan folk of the Alivetti estates celebrate their enclave, but we must all remain Vigilant to the threats it may represent. While they seem to be honest traders, their ways are not our ways, and their faith is very different to ours. Their refusal to acnowledge Imperial law is a challenge to the Empire and we send (named priest) with 25 liao to urge all virtuous citizens who must attend this gathering to keep their wits about them and reamin alert for threats within and without.|assembly=Highborn, Freeborn, or League National Assembly}}

If this mandate is enacted, individual player characters from the nation can roleplay that they attend, but there will be no opportunities for them to diversify their business, and no consumables will be received by businesses near the enclave. It will also send a message to the Alivetti estates that while that nation tolerates them, they do not welcome further engagement. For at least the next year there will be no more approaches from the Delves to that nation.

Alternatively, one or more of the three nations might choose to encourage their people to accept the hospitality of the Delves, and enthusiastically participate with their own contributions.

{{Mandate|mandate=The Sarcophan folk of the Alivetti estates bring prosperity to the Empire, and help smooth relations between Empire and Delves. We join them in proudly celebrating both our differences and similarities. and send (named priest) with 25 liao and 10 Thrones to both encourage the businessfolk of our nation to take up this offer, and to ensure that we are good guests and bring gifts of our own to share with our hosts.|assembly=Highborn, Freeborn, or League National Assembly}}

If this mandate is passed, it will increase the opportunities available in the Alivetti Estates for everyone in that nation. They will gain four consumables rather than two, and the free diversification option following the Winter Solstice any. It will also send a message to the Delves that the folk of that nation welcome trade with the Delves, and appreciate the services offered in the enclave.

It is something of an open secret that ''Burgemeester Vandersaar'' is considering making a gift to the city at the height of the festivities. The Burgemeester has commissioned the [[schema]] for a [[:Category:Foci|magical mask]] used by Sarcophan Delves magicians. If the three Imperial nations all participate in the festivities it will reassure them that this is the right idea. If that happens, they will deliver this gift to the [[Mirrored Maschieri]] - currently '''Magdelena Alanga Di Sarvos''' - as the foremost proponent of fashion and design right across the Empire, in time for the Spring Equinox. That is provided that none of the three National assemblies enact a mandate discouraging people from attending; the gift is predicated on the celebrations being a resounding success and one or more of the three invited nations being disinterested will sour the Burgemeester on their expensive gift.

Obviously Imperial citizens have their own opinions on the matter. Among those interested in the outcome, magistrate ''Georgie Arcobalena di Sarvos'' has urged restraint and expressed concerns about the challenges of protecting the internal Imperial/Sarcophan border. On the other hand, ''Bishop Ziphania Fantoccio von Caricomare'' has spoken several times about the importance of trusting people to understand their own path of [[Pride]] and make decisions about their own behaviour without interference from the Chamber of Commerce or the League Assembly.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Burning oil lamp.jpg|caption=There are arguments that concerns about the Alivetti enclave are really a matter of Vigilance, rather than Prosperity.|align=right|width=200}}</div>
===Questions of Legality===
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Walls of Liberty'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Edifice]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Sarvos#Caricomare|Caricomare, Sarvos]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 40 wains of [[white granite]], 120 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Creates the title of "Alivetti Gatekeeper"
* Resolves ongoing issues of Imperial citizens bringing illegal goods out of the Sarcophan Delves enclave
* Annoys the Sarcophan Enclave
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Alivetti Gatekeeper'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' League</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives an income of 19 crowns each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Oversee the Walls of Virtue and work with the Sarcophan Delves and the Ambassador to maintain relations with the Alivetti estates</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
* '''The Senate could increase funding to the magistrates to help them secure the internal border with the Sarcophan enclave'''
* '''A proposal for an actual wall to prevent smuggling has been put forward'''
* '''The wall creates an opportunity to place tariffs on Imperial citizens entering and leaving the estate to support an ''Alivetti Gatekeeper'' '''
* '''Either funding or walls would end the legal issues relating to illegality around the Enclave but annoy Burgemeester Vandersaar'''
Concerns about the clash between Imperial law, and the barely-extant laws of the Sarcophan Delves have been ongoing for some time and this festivity serves to bring them to a head. In the run up to the Winter Solstice, the magistrate notionally overseeing the area around the Alivetti Estates - the aforementioned ''Georgie Arcobalena di Sarvos'' - has finally admitted that her current resources are insufficient to the task. She has asked the chief magistrates ''Stanislav Karkovich'' and ''Cosme i Zuhri i Guerra'' for assistance. They in turn look to the [[Senate]].

The Senate could pass a [[Senate motion]] allocating increased budget to the Sarvosan magistrates explicitly to deal with the border problems experienced in Caricomare due to the tension between the laws of the two nations. This would cost an additional 10 Thrones each season but would allow Magistrate Acrobalena to stamp out smuggling - whether intentional or accidental - of proscribed substances and materials out of the Alivetti estates enclave. It would take a little time to arrange - and thus would not directly impact the upcoming celebrations that begin so soon after the Solstice - but it would effectively put a stop to the problem presented by the Sarcophan enclave for as long as the money was allocated or until the situation significantly changed.

News of the request clearly frustrates ''Bishop Ziphania Fantoccio von Caricomare'', who sees the opportunity for Imperial citizens to mingle freely with foreign visitors to the Empire's shores as an unmitigated good. In a rousing sermon delivered from his church in Sarvos, he mockingly suggests that surely it would be easier for Magistrate Arcobalena to simply build a massive wall around the enclave to remove the liberty and dignity of the people of Sarvos. Indeed, he quips, one would not even need to put a gate in it.

This being Sarvos, within a week of the sermon a plan is presented to Magistrate Arcobalena for just such a project. In the event the Senate are interested, an [[edifice]] could be constructed around the Alivetti estate that would greatly restrict easy access to the enclave. The "Walls of Liberty" would require a "mere" 40 wains of white granite, 120 crowns, and three months to complete. They would greatly restrict free passage into the enclave, making it much easier to ensure that citizens are aware of the consequences of smuggling. They would be built entirely on the Imperial side of the "border" meaning no legal impediment to their creation.

In theory, whoever commissions the wall could specify that it has no gates in it, but not even Magistrate Arcobalena thinks that is a good idea. Instead they could specify that the gates will collect tolls on Imperial citizens entering the enclave. Once the costs of operating the gates are taken into account, this would provide an income of 19 crowns each season. The proposal posits the creation of an "Alivetti Gatekeeper" - a League [[Imperial title|title]] established by [[Tally of the Votes]] who would be charged with overseeing the walls and gates, but also working with the Delves and the [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves|Imperial ambassador]] to maintain relations with the Alivetti estates.

This move would obviously anger ''Burgomeester Vandersaar'' but it would effectively resolve the ongoing issues with citizens bringing illegal goods out of the Sarcophan enclave. Placing a toll on the gates, and creating the consequent Imperial title, would absolutely infuriate Burgomeester Vandersaar - it is one thing to restrict trade but to do so in a way that requires a price of admission to visit the estates, as if they were an exotic menagerie is something the burgomeester would find particularly outrageous. But as long as they want to operate from the Alivetti estates, their ability to actually do anything about an Imperial wall is somewhat limited.

===The Silent Manse===
* '''The Silent Manse has been proscribed by the League assembly'''
After the Autumn Equinox, '''Cosimo Argyra''' [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_127|enacted a mandate]] urging "''all Imperial citizens planning to visit the (Alivetti) estates to express only polite and civil disinterest in their unvirtuous religion''." Cautions against getting drawn into an unwholesome religion have been heard and taken to heart and the teachings of the ''Community of Silence'' will remain restricted to the enclave. This hasn't particularly impacted the ''Community'' itself - their focus is on serving the needs of the Sarcophan rather than proselytising. It does mean that there will be no further opportunity to establish cordial relations between the Way and the Community of Silence, nor to learn about their beliefs, nor any sharing of their knowledge of ghosts and the like. But that may be a small price to pay to prevent a blasphemous and heretical faith seeking to expand into the Empire.

It is still possible to send [[Call Winged Messenger|winged messengers]] to ''Poortwachter Lenart Farber'', the leader of the Community of Silence at the Silent Manse, but anyone doing so should anticipate that there might be no response. The Community has been told loudly and clearly to focus on their own people, after all.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|title=Imperial Apothecaries' Guild|align=right|width=240}}

==Apothecary Guild==
* '''The Sarcophan Kruidenkenner Guild are enthusiastic about closer ties with the Apothecaries' Guild
* '''The current Apothecaries' Guild Leader is Esmé i Estrico i Erigo'''
The Sarcophan Delves are masters of the arts of the herbalist, [[Surgical skills#Physick|physick]], and especially the [[Surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]]. Many of their most prestigious and experienced herblorists belong to the wealthy and influential ''Kruidenkenner'' which is apparently a powerful guild that exists outside the [[Founders_of_the_Delves|thirteen houses]] in a manner analogous to an [[Imperial sodality]]. The guild is at the forefront of the trade in herbs and medicinal products and have [[Can%27t_give_everything_away#The_Apothecaries_Guild|enthusiastically sought out]] closer ties with their Imperial peers in the [[Apothecaries Guild]]. There has been some communication between '''Esmé i Estrico i Erigo''' - the [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Guild_Leader|Guild Leader]] of the apothecaries - and luminaries of the Kruidenkenner regarding [[All_the_night-tide#Apothecary_Allies|opportunities]] to work together.

One outcome has been a proposition to [[The_circle_game#Sarcophan_and_the_Kruidenkenner|alter certain trade ministries]] to deal in metals rather than Imperial coin. It has been suggested that the returns on these trades might not be as profitable as the current arrangements. the Kruidenkenner don't deny that accusation but just point out that it is the Empire seeking to change the arrangements and that barter is inherently more expensive. More details of this arrangement can be found in the '''[[The_circle_game#Sarcophan_and_the_Kruidenkenner|The circle game]]''' wind of fortune.

The Kruidenkenner remain enthused about the [[Kruidenkenner Trademaster]] and [[Master of the Root and Stem]] being [[All_the_night-tide#Magazijn|appointed by the Apothecaries' Guild]]. While they could use heavy-handed tactics to try and force this, they acknowledge that diplomacy may provide a better solution. Indeed, adjusting their ministerial trade to use barter rather than cold hard cash may well be an attempt endear themselves to the Imperial Senate. Obviously the matter of the Master of the Root and Stem is a little moot at the moment given the [[Jotun]] have [[Rose_grow_the_rushes_o%27#The_Walls_of_Meade|captured Meade]], but the Delves consider this only a minor aberration. They are confident the Marches will reclaim their city before too long and will wait patiently until they do so, so that trade can resume. And they remain invested in seeing the Master appointed through the Apothecaries.

They are however aware that there is a problem around the appointment of the Kruidenkenner Trademaster in that, as it stands, the title is [[Auction of the Seats|auctioned]] to raise money for the [[Imperial treasury]]. Their proposal is that if the Senate does amend the appointment of the Kruidenkenner and the Master of Root and Stem to the Apothecaries' Guild, they would also be prepared to shift the [[Custodian_of_Ivarsgard_Docks#Sarcophan_Traders|Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks]] to deal in ambergelt, the [[High_Herbalist_of_Sybella#The_Kruidenkennerx|High Herbalist of Sybella]] to deal in dragonbone, and the [[Master_of_the_Clearing_House#The_Kruidenkenner|Master of the Clearing House]] to deal in beggar's lye. With the blessing of Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike, Ambassador Dino could present all these changes as part of a treaty with the Delves rather than as a series of separate senate motions.
===Prescriptions===
* '''The matter of who has the power to disseminate potion herbals has been raised by the Kruidenkenner'''
* '''The manifesto of the Guild approved by the Senate suggests they should have this power but this has not yet been legally confirmed'''
* '''The Constitutioanl Court have asked the Speaker to raise an administrative motion to settle the matter'''

The Kruidenkenner have already [[All_the_night-tide#Herbal_Lore|raised the matter of trading herbal lore]] with the Apothecaries. Unfortunately, their proposal still requires some kind of legal response. While the Guild has the acknowledged legal power to [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Imperial_Lore|spread knowledge of potions]] across the Empire, their ability to do so beyond the Empire is in question. The Conclave has the power of [[dissemination]] to allow them to create copies of rituals in Imperial lore to share with non-Imperial citizens. Who now holds the legal power to do so?

In the past dissemination of a herbal would have required a successful Senate motion. The creation of the Apothecaries guild puts that in doubt; the Senate approved the manifesto stating the sodality exists to "Coordinate and support Imperial efforts in the research, development, '''education, and dissemination''' of ingredients, potions, and antidotes". The wording implies they should have the power to disseminate knowledge of potion recipes to other nations and groups - but thus far the Senate has not confirmed that was their intention.

As in any such matters where there is uncertainty, an [[administrative motion]] will be added to the Senate schedule to clarify the situation. The motion is deliberately written in such a way as to force a clarification - either the Senate amends the Guild's manifesto to bring it into line with the previous status quo - or they leave it as is and the power passes to the Guild. This approach ''ensures'' that the wording of the law is consistent with implementation after the motion is dedicded by the Senate.

<quote by="Administrative Constitutional Senate Motion">To amend the manifesto of the Apothecaries Guild to read "Coordinate and support Imperial efforts in the research, development, education, and dissemination of ingredients, potions, and antidotes to Imperial citizens.</quote>

This is a clear change to the manifesto of a sodality - so it would require a constitutional vote. If it passes with the neccessary majority and is ratified by the Throne, then the manifesto of the Apothecaries Guild will be amended to make clear that their remit extends only to Imperial citizens. That will clarify the current situation, the Guild will ''not'' have the legal power to dissemminate a herbal - that power will remain with the Senate and will require a Senate motion and ten thrones from the Imperial treasury.

If the motion fails or is rejected by the Senate, then the Guild's manifesto will not be amended. That will mean that the Senate no longer has the power to disseminate a herbal - instead that power will lie with the Apothecaries Guild. It will require a vote of members of the sodality and ten thrones, provided by the [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Guild_Leader|apothecary guild leader]].

Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike politely asks Ambassador Dino to use their influence to get this motion rejected. At the moment the Kruidenkenner and their peers are enthusiastic about cultivating closer ties with the Apothecary Guild - they are keen to strike while the iron is hot.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Starcathedral.jpg|align=right|width=500|caption=The cathedral of the Navigators remains a beautiful and inspiring building, but its ability to attract converts in the Delves has become increasingly limited.}}</div>

==The Monument Trade==
* '''Highborn businesses and mines continue to prosper from a fashion for Highborn sculpture and stone
* '''The fortunes of the Cathedral of the Navigators continue to decline
During the Spring Equinox an art dealer named ''Senna van Ijzer'' [[Waiting_for_the_worms#Tombs_and_Tribulations|spoke with]] the [[Highguard|Highborn]] Council of [[Benefactors]]. They represented ''De Verzamelaars van Beeltenissen '' - "the Collectors" - a fringe Sarcophan sect who hold beliefs considered peculiar even by the standards of the Delves. In particular they preach that valuable objects depicting a deceased person's face hold particular value for buying a place in the Houses of Silence.

The year-long agreement between Senna and the benefactors to acquire Highborn pieces has seen [[business|businesses]] and [[mine|mines]] prosper across the nation with each such resource receiving an extra 18 rings production per season. Support for the trade from the Highborn assembly and especially the [[Bishop of the Navigators]] has been gratefully accepted by the Collectors and has done much to increase the demand for Highborn artwork. Indeed a fashion for Highborn iconography and grave monuments has taken hold in the Delves. Anyone who is anyone wants a Highborn funerary marker for their dear departed relatives' tomb. Senna is apparently busy securing more investment for the contract, and plans to return to Anvil during the Spring equinox to discuss continuing the lucrative trade for another year.

The arrangement also continues to draw criticism among followers of the Way in the Delves however. ''Mischa van de Libel'', a Sarcophan priest of the Way and [[dedication|dedicant]] of [[Prosperity]], has urged her fellow ''priester'' to cut ties with the Cathedral entirely and look to their own communities in the face of this blatant commodification of their faith. They are not the only ones; the [[Sumaah Republic|Sumaah]] ''präster'' at the rival temple of the Way in the ''Buitenlandsewijk'' continue to preach openly that the Highborn treat virtue as a commodity to be bought and sold, devaluing their shared faith. Unfair as these words may appear, there has been an undeniable loss of prestige for the Cathedral and the Bishop.

The businesses and mines of Highguard prosper, but it has come at the cost of the prestige of the [[Bishop_of_the_Navigators#Cathedral_of_the_Navigators|Cathedral of the Navigators]]. The [[Bishop_of_the_Navigators#Merchant_Ministry|merchant ministry]] and the [[Bishop_of_the_Navigators#Low Ministry|Low Ministry]] have permanently lost another level of production. By the start of the Spring Equinox, the Cathdedral will have completely lost access to the Low Ministry, and the Merchant Ministry will be reduced to a single level. This represents a significant loss of influence for the cathedral, the Bishop, and the Imperial version of the Way in the Sarcophan Delves.
{{Sarcophan Links}}

Ourselves and immortality

2026-03-23T17:41:09Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Civility */

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It did not, in fact, help. Aemelia caught herself nibbling her thumbnail, and it took an effort to put her hand back in her lap.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In response to questions, or requests for clarification, the messenger simply smiles and shakes their head. Once they have finished delivering their messages, they depart Anvil the way they came - not via the Imperial regio, but along the road leading out of the town. Those few brave enough to follow a herald of the Thrice-cursed soon lose it as the evening darkens into night and the first curtains of snow close around it.
===Tribute Collectors===
* '''Surut intends to send tribute collectors to Anvil prior to the parley
* '''These tribute collectors are due to arrive at Anvil around 10.00 pm on Friday evening
* '''They are only interested in speaking to "warriors" - whatever that means
There is another matter to consider; the ''Burnt Knight'' intends to send some of his heralds to Anvil before the parley proper to collect "tribute". They will be looking for warriors - and the herald stresses they must be warriors - prepared to accept a tiny portion of Surut's curse for a time. This will apparently involve the herald-knights [[Calls#CLEAVE|injuring]] the arms or legs of those prepared to receive their strike. They may arrange for [[Surgical skills#Physick|physicks]] to be on hand if they wish; the important thing is the willingness to offer tribute.

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

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

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

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

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

The heralds’ notes fall silent, and they bow their scaled head for several moments in contemplation. When their music resumes it has a more hopeful tone. When it comes to the White Wood and its song, though, the ''Shape of Sound'' can achieve something a little more wholesome. She intends to send her herald ''Trunembra of the Strings'' to the Hall of Worlds during the [[Arcane Colloquium]]. Once the Archmage of Day has completed their hosting duties, there will be a chance to discuss matters. The eternal asks that the [[High Bard of the Empire]] also be there, if possible. There will be discussion of musical instruments, and the role that music can play in uplifting the spirit and honing understanding of the world.
===Passed the Setting Sun===
* '''Ylenwe proposes to serve as patron for a house of harmonius music in Skarsind
* '''Zie wishes the Archmage and High Bard to consider how to help those threatened by Cold Sun
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''The Harmonious Hall'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' TBC, Skarsind</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 15 white granite, 15 weirwood, 10 mithril, 10 ilium, 120 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' None</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' Must be ceded to Ylenwe (??)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Unclear at this time
</td></tr>
</table></div>
The ''Harmonious Chorister'' proposes the construction of a hall of music in the White Wood, a place where Imperial citizens can come together to study magic especially as it relates to the [[Day magic|Realm of Sea and Sky]] and the pursuit of harmony. The herald is not clear on what precisely this means - this is partly the matter that is to be discussed with the Archmage and the High Bard - but they do deliver plans for the structure. It appears to be a spacious hall, designed to complement the natural beauty of the area, with plenty of room for musical study and performance. The hall of music is an [[edifice]] that would require 15 wains of white granite, 10 wains of mithril, and 10 rings of ilium to construct, and would need to be conceded to Ylenwe. This last point raises a few eyebrows, but the herald gently suggests that questions would be better held until Trunembra of the Strings can answer them with more authority.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The circle game

2026-03-20T21:40:14Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Prosperity Ministries */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>Graciana reached out carefully to receive the proferred book. He passed it to her slowly, handling the book as reverently as if it were a relic of the Way.

A relic of the past, I suppose, she mused to herself. "The Foundation of the Bourse" by Apomedes of Heaven's Reach. She could just make out the letters stamped into the leather bound cover, the paint that had once filled them, had long since cracked and fallen away.

"Giovanni's contribution to the Empire is often overlooked." the old man said sadly. "It's because it's so pedestrian I guess. There's no great battles. No epic wars. Apomedes claims he killed more forgers than barbarians. No moments of heroism. Well apart from Miaren I suppose and it's pretty clear that he thought that campaign was a disaster."

Graciana cupped the priceless book in both hands, unsure if it would be safe to open the cover. "I'm not sure how this will help me?" she queried.

"Apomedes first" he replied inscrutably, "then we can have a talk."
</ic>

<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Fedelmidd Sydanjaa's Heart Floer.png|caption='''Fedelmidd Sydanjaa's Heart Floer''', Senator for Sermersuaq|align=left|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
Six months ago, during the Summer Solstice, the Imperial Senate charged the Prognosticator's Office with examining "''the ministries of the Empire to identify any alternative trades their associated titles could make that would '''not''' involve us paying coin.''" On the advice of the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court|Constitutional Court]], [[Senator]] for [[Sermersuaq]] who raised the motion - '''Fedelmidd Sydanjaa's Heart Floer''' - acknowledged that the prognosticator would need additional time to complete their review - that period has now been completed.

The Senate did not select a specific appraiser to oversee the work, so the Auditor of the Imperial Treasury Gerard La Salle assigned [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] to oversee it. His first choice - the diplomatic [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi]] - had unfortunately already been assigned to oversee an [[Any_port_in_a_storm|appraisal of Utterlund docks]]. The Freeborn has some expertise in this area, having been a successful merchant herself before joining the Civil Service. As an experienced practitioner of [[Night magic]], she is known for approaching problems in ways that are novel, albeit often expensive.

Despite her talents, it is clear that Graciana has found the task extremely challenging. The truth is that there are precious few options for alternative trades for the various existing ministries that would provide alternatives to spending money. Frustrated, the prognosticator has tried to take a broader view and look at what she has ''guessed'', is the more fundamental problem - declining revenues for the Imperial treasury, using the time available to study the problem as thoroughly as possible. She has included the findings of that investigation as part of the overall appraisal.

<div style="float:right;"><quote by="William Stanley Jevons">Money's a matter of functions four,<br>
A Medium, a Measure, a Standard, a Store.</quote></div>
==The Liquidity Problem==
* '''Imperial citizens prefer to deal in money in most cases'''
* '''Most foreigners prefer either Imperial coinage, or to deal in high-value commodities such as wains and rings of ilium'''

The fundamental problem that Graciana identifies is that the majority of potential customers would vastly prefer to deal in coin than engage in barter. There are exceptions of course, the [[Quaymaster of the Hesychian Docks]] for example, is able to trade Dragonbone for white granite. But these rare cases are the exception - most citizens strongly prefer to deal in coin rather than barter.

Coin has many advantages, as a medium of exchange it ensures that a trade isn't reliant on both parties wanting what the other party is selling. As a measure of value it is quickly and easily quantified and transferred - it is much quicker to count and transfer 20 thrones than 300 ingots of weltsilver. Coins allow people to accumulate and tally obligations and debts in ways that allow for payments to be easily deferred. Imperial coins, backed as they are by the full weight of the Empire and the tireless work of the Master of the Mint to prevent forgeries, act as a peerless store of wealth. They make it simple to keep wealth safe, so that it can be employed in the future.

In simpler terms, money is just much more desirable for buying and selling than barter is. It's flexible, and at the end of the day it is much easier to give people money to buy the things they need than it is to swap the thing you have for the thing they have. It's no use having a cart-load of weltsilver to trade for dragonbone if your opposite number actually wants orichalcum. Most established, prosperous people look at "barter" - swapping things for other things - a little askance.

While there are a few possibilities, they seem to be very specific and very limited in scope. The established ways within the Empire to buy and sell resources, all rely on money, and there is no appetite to change those. There may be some limited opportunities to create new deals with foreign nations - trading liao and dragonbone to Axos for example - but they would require careful diplomatic negotiation. In all cases foreign nations usually prefer to take payment in Imperial coin when dealing with Imperial traders - none of them are likely to accept barter unless it comes with a considerable discount that favours them.

Stymied by the inability to find any systematic or extensive solution to the appraisal, Graciana has tried to look at what she ''assumes'' is the more fundamental problem - a concern about the finance available to the Imperial treasury.

==Giovanni's Legacy==
* '''The fundamental basis of the modern Imperial economy was laid down by Emperor Giovanni'''
* '''Giovanni deliberately constrained the ability of the Empire to tax or borrow to ensure the burden of government fell on the wealthiest'''
{{CaptionedImage|file=Appendix-A---Economy-Flowchart.jpg|caption=Leaflet reproduced with the kind permission of '''Laurencio di Sarvos'''.<br>Art created by '''Persephone Sage-Fletcher'''|align=right|width=350}}</div>

The fundamental basis of the modern Imperial economy was laid down in a series of reforms instituted by [[Emperor Giovanni]]. He established the modern currency based on steel coins issued by the Imperial Mint, (which he ensured was based in Tassato). Giovanni also laid the foundations of the Bourse, and worked with the Senate and Synod to codify the body of Imperial Law. Crucially it was Giovanni that ''fixed'' the taxation that Imperial citizens must pay - by reinterpreting "a measure of silver" to be a single crown. The few texts that survive that describe this period suggest that before Giovanni, the early leaders of the Empire had anticipated that they might vary how much silver citizens might be taxed. Giovanni closed the door on that possibility.

Instead he established the Imperial Bourse as the primary method by which the nascent Empire would raise funds for the Imperial treasury. He did so at the same time that he instituted a tradition of meeting once every three months at Anvil. The few accounts of Emperor Giovanni that survive paint him as a shrewd and brilliant politician, but on a personal level he was widely regarded as cynical man whose studies of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_dismal_science the dismal science] led him to expect the worst of literally everyone. According to the [[Torchbearer]], Apomedes of Heaven's Reach, Giovanni deliberately created the Bourse to ensure that the burden of paying for the decisions of the Senate would fall on those who made them and those who put them there.

Interest in Emperor Giovanni tends to wax and wane. When economic times are good, few people pay any attention to his life's work. These periods are often marked by ''years'' of steady rises in the price of wains, accompanied by a growth in expenditure authorised by the Imperial Senate. When the wheel turns, the price of wains begins to fall and the pressure on the Imperial treasury begins to rise dramatically. When that happens interest in the Imperial economy suddenly becomes more pressing.

In recent years, noted Imperial economists like the respected Wintermark scholar, and current [[Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]] '''Vauraus Korppitkotka''' of the [[Wintermark_groups#Sussivari|Sussivari]], have published insightful analysis that map out the flow of money into the Imperial treasury. Similar work by the tireless campaigner, '''Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos''' of the First Spark, have aimed to drill home just how important the impact of things like ministries are on the "Anvil economy". Graciana's research largely confirms what both these economists have long been saying - all the money spent at Anvil ultimately circulates around Anvil until it ends up returning to the Imperial treasury.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sussivari.png|align=right|width=200|caption=The Sussivari are known for a particual appreciation of matters magical.}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos.jpg|align=right|caption='''Laurencio di Sarvos''', economic analyst and hammer owner.|width=200}}</div>
The document produced by Laurencio di Sarvos, graphically illustrates how the Anvil economy works. The yellow boxes show where money enters the system - taxation by the Senate, the personal income of wealthy citizens, and so forth. The blue boxes show how this money circulates around Anvil - guerdon payments don't leave Anvil because they are paid to people who then bring the money back to Anvil to spend it. The Bourse works to draw money from everyone attending Anvil, ever directly or indirectly, which it then funnels back to the Senate. Wealth only leaves the system through the red boxes, the upkeep of armies and fortifications or the spending in ministries and similar.

When more money enters the system than leaves the system, the price of wains goes up, and the Senate grows rich. When more money leaves the system than enters it, the price of wains goes down and the Senate's budget is squeezed. Encouraging citizens to pay more at the Bourse auctions might feel virtuous, but since it doesn't change the fundamental money supply in the slightest, all it can possibly do is delay the inevitable correction. Virtuous citizens moving money from the Anvil economy to the Bourse and from there to the Senate cannot be sustained, if the money in circulation in the Anvil economy continues to decline.
<div style="float:right; clear:right;"><quote by="Emperor Giovanni">Those who call the tune must pay the piper.</quote></div>
This design perfectly reflects Giovanni's gloomy disposition. The Emperor ''expected'' his Senate to be profligate in their spending - he changed the constitution to ensure that the burden fell squarely on the heads of the citizens coming to Anvil. His belief was that they, and they alone, might have the collective political power to restrain their senators.

If alternative trades could be found, so that Imperial citizens who attend Anvil could make significant purchases using wains, resources, mana, herbs or similar, that would result in significantly less money leaving the Anvil economy - and by extension more money ultimately flowing into the Imperial treasury. However that is very difficult to do, there are few good options for doing that for the reasons described above, most people want to get paid, in coin, for their services or goods. However increasing the money flowing into the Anvil economy would have the same net effect as decreasing the money flowing out of the Anvil economy - and that might be easier to achieve.

==Cutting Corners==
* '''There are few good options for alternative trades for ministries, but the Senate could abrogate them'''
* '''There are some ministries that could provide a benefit to the Empire without requiring money to operate'''

As mentioned, there are few good options for alternative trades that don't involve coin. The handful that do exist are ad hoc limited options that affect some of the smaller ministries; Graciana is dubious that these will produce significant net benefits to the Imperial treasury.

The drastic solution would be to abrogate all ministries. The Imperial Senate could use a single Senate motion to abrogate every ministry in the Empire. That would have a huge effect, dramatically curbing the powers of some titles and disestablishing others (any title whose only power was to operate a ministry would be abrogated at the same time). Such a motion would mean any investment into the ministry in question was lost - there would be no way to recover the materials used to build the commision and no easy way to repurpose them for some other use.

A less drastic answer might be to abrogate certain specific ministries. With a more tailored approach, it is possible to address the changes as they happen, shifting commissions so that some benefits still accrue. Graciana has looked at four "groups" of ministries - the [[grandmaster|grandmasters]] of the [[Conclave]], the [[ambassador|ambassadors]], the [[Northern trade network]], and the Prosperity ministries that provide bourse resources. In the first three cases, she has identified some benefits that could be had if the Senate acted to remove their ministries. She has not been able to identify benefits that would flow from abrogating the Prosperity ministries and she advises ''against'' dis-establishing them.
<div style="float:right;"><quote by="Lebannon of Haros Water">No, Grandmaster. It is not 'yours'.

It is ours.</quote></div>
====Grandmaster Ministries====
* '''The ministries that provide Grandmasters with crystal mana could be abrogated'''
* '''Doing so would mean an additional 127 crystal mana going directly to the font'''
One group of ministries that see a large amount of money flow from Anvil into the wider Empire are the so-called "mana ministries" possessed by each [[Grandmaster]]. These ministries were greatly enhanced in 384YE when the Senate [[Honey_and_vinegar#Old_Stones|took advantage of an opportunity]] to expand the mana exchanges in [[Steward of the Tassato Mana Exchange|Tassato]], [[Magic Butcher|Temeschwar]], and [[Steward_of_the_Sarvos_Mana_Exchange|Sarvos]]. Graciana estimates that, in total, the Grandmasters have spent over a hundred thrones collectively buying over a thousand crystal mana for their orders over the last year. This is in addition to the mana that is distributed to them via [[Conclave_vault#The_Font|the font]]. It is clearly valuable to have so much additional mana available to the Empire, but the Senate might consider that the costs are not worth the benefits.

The Senate could use a single senate motion to shut these ministries down. If that happened, the civil servants responsible for securing crystal mana for the grandmasters could be redeployed, and the structures used to support them could be repurposed to support a public trade in mana crystals between citizens, with the profits from that operation being used to fund mana purchases for the font.

Graciana calculates that this would result in an additional 127 crystal mana each season being raised for the font, at no additional cost to the Empire. That would be a significant loss for the Empire - five hundred mana crystals a year is significantly less than the thousand mana crystals that the grandmasters purchased between them - but it would represent a considerable saving to the Anvil economy.

====Diplomatic Ministries====
* '''The Senate could end the practice of merchants offering favourable rates to ambassadors'''
* '''They could redefine the role of the ambassador and indicate such gifts are for the benefit of the Empire rather than the ambassador'''
* '''Doing so would remove the ministry, but would also remove the upkeep costs of the embassys the Empire has not embargoed'''

As it currently stands, the [[Imperial Consul]] and each [[ambassador]] oversees an [[embassy]]. Alongside the political powers and prestige an embassy affords an ambassador, they also support a degree of [[Ambassador#Mercantile_Support|mercantile activity]]. Merchants who engage in trade between the Empire and the nation in question, or vice versa, visit the embassy to curry favour with the ambassador. Commonly they take a portion of the items they buy and sell and make them available to the ambassador at favourable prices. This benefit is represented by a ministry that allows the ambassador to directly purchase raw materials from traders and merchants of the associated nation.

This practice obviously leads to questions about what exactly is going on. Virtuous individuals in particular sometimes look at this behaviour with raised eyebrows - these merchants are trying to curry favour with the ambassador to get special treatment. This is usually perfectly innocuous, merchants offer incentives to get their shipments cleared by the dock authorities more quickly than their rivals, or to expedite permits to sell their wares, arrange meetings with their Imperial counterparts, or the like. But in theory, if a merchant were engaged in criminal activity, the ambassador might be the first person they would seek to bribe to look the other way...

It would be relatively straightforward for the Senate to end this practice. With a suitably worded Senate motion they could make it clear that such lobbying is no longer acceptable, for all existing embassies and future embassies. The ministries would be lost. Ambassadors would still be able to engage in direct trade with foreign nations of course, but the practice of merchants bringing goods to the embassies to "trade" at a "special discount" to the Ambassadors would end. None of the diplomats from the foreign nations would bat an eyelid at this change.

That is not to say that the giving of "gifts" is the problem. In practice most of the actual work of operating an embassy is done by the civil service - they could still help foreign merchants with their trade, but any gifts would be understood to a gift to the embassy itself, and by extension the Empire. The civil service could sell these gifts, at least those that had real value, and use the proceeds to pay the costs of running the embassy. That would mean the Empire not need to pay the upkeep costs of any embassay unless they declared war with the nation in question - or embargoed their trade.

The Imperial Senate could remove the ministries from every embassy with a single motion. The impact is not small - removing the ability of the Consul and the ambassadors to purchase goods would save nearly two hundred thrones a year, but it would also cut nearly thirty five thrones a season in upkeep costs.

Of course impoverishing the diplomatic corps, who have presumably been using the profits of their embassy to fund the vital work they do, might be too high a cost for the Senate to stomach. If that was a concern, the Senate could give each title a stipend - that would be drawn directly from the Imperial treasury of course, but it would mean those funds weren't leaving the Anvil economy.

====Northern Trade Network====
* '''The Northern Trade Network was established as a set of ministries but Graciana believes that lacks ambition
* '''Investing in the Northern Trade Network would remove the small-scale individual benefits and improve the situation for the entire territory where they are built
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:500px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Ministry !! Territory
|-
| [[Bonesetter of Torfast Trading Post]] || [[Skarsind]]
|-
| [[Broker of Treji Wayhouse]] || [[Hercynia]]
|-
| [[Overseer of the Westward Road]] || [[Karov]]
|-
| [[Northbound Trademaster]] || [[Temeschwar]]
|-
| [[Kalpaheim Tradeholder]] || [[Hahnmark]]
|-
|}

A series of ministries have been established across the northern Empire that together became the [[Northern trade network]]. These ministries, anchored by the [[Bonesetter of Torfast Trading Post|Torfast Trading Post]] in [[Skarsind]] connect [[Hahnmark]], [[Hercynia]], [[Skarsind]], [[Temeschwar]], and [[Karov]]. Their establishment saw the northern territories establish closer trade ties among themselves. The Thule also participate in this trade, exchanging their own crystal mana for Imperial ingots and measures.

<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Kalapaheim Tradehall'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Hahnmark#Kalpamark|Kalpamark, Hahnmark]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 wains of [[white granite]], 90 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in businesses is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the "trade profits" and "eastern route" from the Kalpaheim Tradeholder, leaving only the Urdur trade
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Hahnmark by one, providing 36 extra rings to every business in the territory
* Allows the Kalpaheim Tradeholder to change the additional money provided by the great work to 2 extra ingots of a chosen metal by email to {{template:plot}}
</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Torfast Trading Post'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Skarsind#Southpine|Southpine, Skarsind]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 wains of [[white granite]], 90 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in businesses is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the "southern", "western" and "eastern route" from the Bonesetter of Torfast Trading Post, leaving only the northern Urdur trade route
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Skarsind by one, providing 36 extra rings to every business in the territory
* Allows the Bonesetter to change the additional money provided by the great work to 2 extra measures of a chosen forest resouce by email to {{template:plot}}
</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Treji Wayhouse'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Hercynia#The_Glen_of_Shadows|The Glen of Shadows, Hercynia]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 wains of [[white granite]], 90 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in herb gardens is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the "trade profits" and "eastern route" from the Broker of Treji Wayhouse, leaving only the Urdur trade
* Raises the level of investment in herb gardens in Hercynia by one, providing two additional bladeroot and one additional marrowort to every herb garden in the territory
* Allows the Broker to change the additional herbs provided by the great work to 3 bladeroot, or 3 marrowort or 3 true vervain or any combination thereof by email to {{template:plot}}
</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Delev Market'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Karov#Duzekani|Duzekani, Karov]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 wains of [[white granite]], 150 crowns, six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in mines or forests is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' Can only be upgraded if the Treji Warehouse, Torfast Trading Post and Kalapaheim Tradehall have all been converted into great works
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the "trade profits" from the Overseer of the Westward Road, leaving only the Urdur trade
* Raises the level of investment in mines and forests in Karov by one, providing 2 additional materials to every mine and forest in the territory
* Allows the Broker to change the additional ingots and measures provided by the great work to 36 rings instead by email to {{template:plot}}
</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Northbound Trade'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Temeschwar#Hanuri|Hanuri, Temeschwar]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 60 wains of [[white granite]], 180 crowns, six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in businesses is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' Can only be upgraded if the Treji Warehouse, Torfast Trading Post, Kalapaheim Tradehall, and Delev Market have all been converted into great works
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the "trade profits" and "eastern route" from the Northbound Trademaster, leaving only the Urdur trade
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Temeschwar by one, providing 36 additional rings to every business in the territory
* Allows the Trademaster to change the additional money provided by the great work to two measures or two ingots by email to {{template:plot}}
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

The network itself grew up fairly haphazardly, with each new member added improving the opportunities for each of the others. In each case, money is used to buy trade goods that the other nations in the network have in abundance. Graciana sees an opportunity here; rather than focusing the trade through one location, these ministries could be the basis for securing larger-scale prosperity across the territory.

In each case, the existing structure would need considerable further investment - and the costs involved are not small. Each would require a Senate motion or announcement by someone able to commission a great work - they could '''not''' be done with a single commission. In each case, the relevant title holder would see the loss of all trade privileges currently granted by the ministry, bar the oversight of trade with the Thule. Once the work to upgrade the existing commission into a great work was complete, the ministry would only be able to acquire mana crystals from the Urdur trade option in each case - all other options would be lost.

The benefits could be considerable however, providing significant boosts to income for businesses and other personal resources across the north territories of the Empire. In most cases, the work could be done independently of the other branches of the northern trade network, with the exception of the Delev Market in Karov and the trade hub in Temeschwar. The Delev Market, would only provide benefits to mines and businesses once the Treji Warehouse, Torfast Trading Post and Kalapaheim Tradehall were upgraded. The trade hub in Temeschwar would only provide benefits to businesses once the overhaul of ''all'' the other branches of the network was complete.

====Prosperity Ministries====
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:500px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Ministry !! Nation !! Resources
|-
| [[Cinderpath Custodian|Cinder Path Exchange]] || Highguard|| Mithril
|-
| [[Bargainer of the Iron Tower|Iron Tower]] || Varushka || Mithril
|-
| [[Mistress of the Dust Parador|Parador of Dust]] || Brass Coast || Mithril
|-
| [[Reeve of Boar's Market|Boar's Market]] || Dawn || Mithril, white granite, and weirwood
|-
| [[Broker of the Invisible Cord|Invisible Cord Brokerage]] || Navarr || Weirwood
|-
| [[Talon of Kauppahall|Kauppahall]] || Wintermark || White granite and ilium
|-
|}
* '''The six "Prosperity ministries" allow title holders to purchase wains and rings of ilium from Imperial citizens'''
* '''They were established following the efforts of the Prosperity Assembly to ensure virtuous citizens are paid fairly for their resources'''
* '''Large sums of money are spent acquiring bourse materials through these ministries'''
* '''Abrograting these ministres would be counter-productive, citizens would find other ways to sell wains to people coming to Anvil'''

In the last several years, a series of ministries arose as a result of the Prosperity assembly drive to disband the private and public auctions and ensure Imperial citizens with wains to sell received ''just reward for their labour''. The first was the [[Cinderpath Custodian|Cinder Path Exchange]] in [[Highguard]], but the practice quickly spread to other nations. These specialised ministries allow the purchase of [[white granite]], [[mithril]], [[weirwood]], and [[ilium]] from citizens of a nation at a "fair price", as determined by the prosperous citizens of the Empire. While the money spent on these resources continues to enrich Imperial citizens, those who receive it rarely come to Anvil so it does not appear in the Imperial treasury.

Graciana looks into the possibility of altering these ministries so that they would not rely on Imperial coinage but she stops once she identifies the fundamental problem. These ministries replaced the need for citizens to send wains to Anvil to be sold by public auction - if they were abrograted or repurposed in some way - then it is certain that citizens would find some other way to sell their excess wains to the wealthy citizens at Anvil. It might mean less money leaving the Anvil economy - but it could mean ''more'' money escaping the Imperial treasury, it is impossible to predict.

As such Graciana suggests that the Senate avoid changing any ministries that allow the title holder to purchase bourse resources from Imperial citizens, at least if they are seeking to increase the amount of funds available.

==Clipping Coins==
* '''Graciana has identified half a dozen opportunities to alter existing ministries to operate without spending coin'''

While Graciana has found few systemic ways to remove the need to spend coin when operating ministries, she has idenfied a number of individual opportunities to change specific ministries. In many cases these opportunities involve deals with foreigners. Graciana is no diplomat, but [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] is able to help with these negotiations - any of which the Empire could take up or turn down without causing undue offence.

As ever, any deal with foreigners is inherently fragile - any ministry that relies on a deal with a foreign power will cease to function if the Empire finds itself at war with that nation.

===Axos and the Bursars===
* '''The Halls of Maykop are prepared to exhange crystal mana for the materials they need to make magic items'''
* '''The Halls are interested in closer links with the Bursar of the Conclave'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Bursar of the Conclave'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>7 Dragonbone</td><td>8 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 Dragonbone, 6 Beggar's Lye</td><td>16 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 Dragonbone, 10 Beggar's Lye, 7 Ambergelt</td><td>24 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 Dragonbone, 10 Beggar's Lye, 10 Ambergelt, 10 Irridescent Gloaming</td><td>32 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>20 Dragonbone, 15 Beggar's Lye, 10 Ambergelt, 10 Irridescent Gloaming</td><td>40 mana crystals</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''House of Spirits'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>40 liao</td><td>1 ring of [[ilium]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>80 liao</td><td>2 rings of ilium</td></tr>
<tr><td>125 liao</td><td>3 rings of ilium</td></tr>
<tr><td>175 liao</td><td>4 rings of ilium</td></tr>
<tr><td>230 liao</td><td>5 rings of ilium</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

The [[Bursar of the Conclave]] has been empowered by the Imperial Senate to purchase mana for the Conclave from Imperial citizens. The Axou are usually a good source for mana and it appears they are open to getting involved with the ministry. Two things make them suitable for this, one is that the Axou from the Halls of Maykop seem keen to forge closer links with the Bursar - and the other is that this citadel would be prepared to take payment in forest materials rather than Imperial coin.

The [[Bursar of the House of Spirits]] is responsible for the House of Spirits in [[Casinea]]. This remote campus hosts students from the College of Necromantia in Maykop. Despite their willingness to help, the Axou are not prepared to accept forest materials for their precious ilium, however they would be prepared to accept large amounts of liao instead.

The Imperial Senate could use a single Senate motion to accept the two Axou offers.

===Sarcophan and the Kruidenkenner===
* '''The Sarcophan are prepared to barter metals for herbs in the two Kruidenkenner trade enclaves'''

<table style="width:400px; float: right; margin-left:10px; clear: right;" class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Trademaster Cerulean Mazzarine'''</td></td>
<tr><td>6 green iron</td><td>12 cerulean mazzarine</td></tr>
<tr><td>15 green iron</td><td>24 cerulean mazzarine</td></tr>
<tr><td>27 green iron</td><td>36 cerulean mazzarine</td></tr>
</table>

<table style="width:400px; float: right; margin-left:10px; clear: right;" class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Trademaster Herbs'''</td></td>
<tr><td>10 tempest jade</td><td>16 random herbs</td></tr>
<tr><td>22 tempest jade</td><td>32 random herbs</td></tr>
<tr><td>36 tempest jade</td><td>48 random herbs</td></tr>
</table>

<table style="width:400px; float: right; margin-left:10px; clear: right;" class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Root and Stem'''</td></td>
<tr><td>6 orichalcum</td><td>12 bladeroot</td></tr>
<tr><td>15 orichalcum</td><td>24 bladeroot</td></tr>
<tr><td>27 orichalcum</td><td>36 bladeroot</td></tr>
</table>

The Kruidenkenner, the large Sarcophan trading house that supplies herbs to the [[Kruidenkenner Trademaster]] and the [[Master of the Root and Stem]], are also prepared to indulge the Empire switch to barter at their establishments. They are quick to produce a proposed schedule of purchases and prices at each of the two establishments. There is some suggestion that the returns on these trades might not be as profitable as the current arrangements - the Kruidenkenner don't deny that accusation exactly - rather they point out that it is the Empire seeking to change the arrangements and that barter is inherently more expensive.

The Imperial Senate could use a single motion to accept all the changes proposed by the Kruidenkenner - if that happened then the ministries associated with the titles would require ingots to operate them from then on, rather than coin.

===The Ossium Trade===
* '''Merchants in Ossium would be prepared to accept ingots in place of coin for the goods available to the Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market and the Apothecary of Orieb'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Merchant Boyar Ossium herbs'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;"></td></tr>
<tr><td>8 weltsilver</td><td>6 doses of [[marrowort]], 10 random [[herb|herbs]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 weltsilver, 8 orichalcum</td><td>13 doses of [[marrowort]], 20 random herbs</td></tr>
<tr><td>16 weltsilver, 10 orichalcum, 10 green iron</td><td>20 doses of [[marrowort]], 30 random herbs</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Orieb Apothecary Herbs'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>7 tempest jade</td><td>14 random herbs, 1 dose of realmsroot</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 tempest jade, 9 weltsilver</td><td>28 random herbs, 2 doses of realmsroot</td></tr>
<tr><td>20 tempest jade, 9 weltsilver, 6 green iron</td><td>42 random herbs, 3 doses of realmsroot</td></tr>
</table>

</div>
Not all the opportunities that Graciana has identified involve trade with foreigners. Citizens in Ossium have an insatiable desire for ingots, which are used by artisans in the territory to make fine magical weapons for sale. The Ketsov are open to the idea of procuring the herbs currently purchased by the [[Apothecary of Orieb]] and the [[Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market]] in exchange for ingots.

On the face of it, this seems like a simple deal, but Graciana cautions that the Ketsov, in particular, have proven "touchy" in recent years, having had run-ins with the Synod and with some of their Varushkan peers. This proposal won't make those problems any worse, but it would make the trade through the Stinking Market and the Orieb dependent on the continued involvement of the Ketsov. If relations with them soured, the Merchant-Boyar and the Apothecary would need to deal with the fallout of that if they wanted to continue operating their ministry.

The Imperial Senate could use a single motion to accept all the changes proposed by the Ketsov - if that happened then the ministries associated with the titles would require ingots to purchase herbs them from then on, rather than coin.

==Growing the Pot==
* '''Graciana has looked for alternative ways to increase the funds flowing into the Anvil economy'''
* '''She has identified numerous outstanding opportunities for great works, all of which ultimately mean more money paid to the Senate in the bourse auction'''

Graciana has done her best to find ways to repurpose existing ministries, but it is clear that the options are limited. At the point where it is clear that there are no further opportunities to do so, she devotes the remaining time to looking for alternative solutions. As with any appraisal, the ideal is for the prognosticator's office to know what the underlying ''problem'' is that the Senate are looking to solve. Stopping ministries spending coin to buy goods is a "solution" to a problem - the outcome of which would be that less money left the Anvil economy. It seems reasonable therefore, to guess that the real problem the Senate are trying to solve is to get more money to flow into the Imperial treasury. Stopping ministries from spending coin would achieve that, but it's far from the only way.

The clear alternative to stopping money leaving the Anvil economy is to take steps to make more money flow into the Anvil economy. The obvious way to do that would be to build great works that boost the profits of farms and businesses across the Empire. It's not a cheap solution, but the benefits are clear - yeofolk and business owners with more money in their pockets to spend at anvil means more money in the Imperial treasury. It's not possible for Graciana to invest a lot of time into looking for new opportunities to raise great works, that is outside the scope of the appraisal, but she has been able to do a thorough review of outstanding opportunities to see which ones are still available.

===Inkworks at Joharra===
* '''The bustling industry of Joharra was ruined by an attack from Isidore i Boyaga'''
* '''An inkworks could be built in Oranseri to aid and assist businesses in Feroz'''
* '''The inkworks would remove the impoverished quality from the region'''
*'''It would also boost the seasonal income of scriveners by 22 rings for a year once completed'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Inkworks of Joharra'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Oranseri, Feroz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 60 white granite and 60 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increases investment in businesses is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Increases the level of investment of businesses in Feroz by one.
* Removes the impoverished quality from Oranseri.
* Increases the seasonal income of scriveners by 22 rings for a year.
* Creates the title of ''Scrivener of the Inkworks''</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Scrivener of the Inkworks'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Brass Coast National</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' [[Tally of the Votes]] or Senate</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Receives 15 measures of iridescent gloaming each season.
* Receives a Therasia's Chain each year.
* Can make an announcement in the Senate to redirect the Inkworks if there is a [[opportunity]] that explicitly allows it.</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To direct the inkworks as needed, to support the scriveners of Feroz, and to ensure contracts are being kept in the Brass Coast</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Restriction''' This title will only receive a Therasia's Chain if the holder is a scrivener</td></tr>
</table></div>
In Winter 386YE, Graciana presented a proposal for a new [[Send_for_me#Inkworks_of_Joharra|Inkworks at Joharra]] in Feroz. The facility offered a number of useful benefits, removing the impoverished quality from Oranseri and boosting income of businessholders across the territory. As it turns out, it would also boost the income of scriveners by 22 rings for one year after completion, all of which would help to sustain the Anvil economy.

The opportunity is still available, without any changes.

===Fish and Fur in Sermersuaq===
* '''A fishery built at the town of Atalaq would support farms and fisherfolk across the territory'''
* '''A grand trading post in southern Sermersuaq would provide a significant boost to businesses in the territory'''
* '''It would provide additional benefits to Wintermark ships trading with foreign ports by providing rich luxury goods to sell'''
* '''The Custodian of the Bloody Great Sausage would be in prime position to make a profit from the increased availability of fine, exotic meats'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Atalaq Fishery'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Sealtoq, Sermersuaq</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 75 weirwood, 25 mithril, 300 crowns, 6 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work that increases investment in farms is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Increases investment in farms in Sermersuaq from two to three.
* Allows farms owned by Suaq characters to diversify their farm to produce a mana crystal.</td></tr></table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Atalaq Tradehall'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Sealtoq, Sermersuaq</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 weirwood, 150 crowns, 3 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work that increases investment in businesses is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Increases investment in businesses in Sermersuaq by one.
* Increase taxation from Sermersuaq by 4 thrones.
* Increases income of the Custodian of the Bloody Great Sausage by 7 crowns
* Boosts income of Wintermark fleet owners by 36 rings for one year whenever they engage in trade with foreign nations</td></tr></table></div>
Graciana also provided a [[Farm, fur, and fish|report]] on opportunities for investment in Skarsind in Summer 386YE. The proposal for the Atalaq Fishery would have provided 36 rings to every farm in Skarsind as well as allowing them to diversify their farms to acquire mana crystals.

Perhaps of more interest to the Senate is the less ambitious project to establish the Atalaq Tradehall. That would have increased investment in businesses in Sermersuaq, but it would also benefit the treasury directly, increasing taxation from the territory by 4 thrones. The burst of luxury goods and materials the trade post provided would have also helped Wintermark traders, providing an additional 36 rings to any fleet owner in a Wintermark territory whenever they engaged in [[Fleet#Trade|trade]] with foreign nations. It would permanently boost the income of the Custodian of the Bloody Great Sausage by 7 crowns each event.

The opportunity is still available, without any changes.

===Marshways in Kallavesa===
* '''The marshways would raise the level of investment in herb gardens and businesses by one in Kallavesa'''
* '''It would cost 80 wains of weirwood, 240 crowns and take a year to complete'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Kallevesa Marshways'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Kallavesa</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 80 wains of weirwood, 240 crowns, 6 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work that increases investment in herb gardens or businesses is built in Kallavesa</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Raises the level investment in businesses in Kallavesa by one providing an additional 36 rings
* Raises the level investment in herb gardens in Kallavesa by one providing two true vervain, and one Marrowort in Spring, one Cerulean Mazzarine in Summer, one Imperial Roseweald in Autumn, and one Bladeroot in Winter
* Creates a [[Venture#Guarding_Ventures|guarding venture]] for Wintermark and Dawnish military units to protect the merchants using the marshways in exchange for herbs
</td></tr></table></div>

As part of her appraisal on [[Road_out_of_nowhere#Marshways|roads]] in Winter 385YE, Graciana suggested the Senate could establish marshways across the marshy territories of the Empire, Kallavesa, Therunin and Bregasland. All three territories have a strong tradition of boat use – not sea-going ships but various incarnations of flat-bottomed skiffs and punts that pole the shallow waters of the fens. The ideas was to establish a number of ferries, river-side wayhouses, strategically placed bridges, jetties, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portage portage rails], and boatworks that she called the ''Marshways''.

Sadly Therunin and Bregasland are currently suffering from invasion and war; no longer controlled by the Empire, the idea of building there is out of the question. However, Kallevesa is still ripe for investment - so Graciana has updated the costs for just the Wintermark territory. That would cut costs considerably - to 80 wains of weirwood and 240 crowns - but it could be done in six months. Once it was finished, it would raise the level of investment for businesses providing an additional 36 rings every season. It would also raise the level of investment for herb gardens by one, providing two true vervain, and one seasonal herb - Marrowort in Spring, Cerulean Mazzarine in Summer, Imperial Roseweald in Autumn, and Bladeroot in Winter.

In the original proposal, Graciana suggested that the Senate establish a title-holder to oversee the marshways and be responsible for their safety. The position would then be able to fund their operations by purchasing herbs from merchants using the marshways. Given the purpose of the appraisal, Graciana has updated the original plan - now the completion of the marshways would create a new guarding venture for Wintermark and Dawnish military units to protect merchants using the Marshways. The new version of the opportunity replaces the original.

===Docks in Madruga===
* '''There is a proposal to build the Municipal Docks in Calvos to spur the growth of the town in the coming years'''
* '''If built, the municipal docks would create conditions for Calvos to ultimately grow into one of great cities of the Empire'''
* '''The Docks would have an upkeep of 5 thrones a season but would increase taxation by 12 thrones a season'''
* '''Once complete the docks would provide significant benefits in Madruga, and in the Brass Coast as a whole'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Municipal Docks'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work (Shipyard)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Calvos Sound, Madruga </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 80 white granite, 40 weirwood and 45 Thrones, 12 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work that increases investment in fleets is built in Madruga</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 5 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Raises the level of investment in fleets in Madruga engaging in trading, questing or raiding
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Madruga
* Reduces the cost for Freeborn characters to upgrade fleets by one weirwood for a year after completion
* Raises income of all Freeborn characters by 7 rings for a year after completion
* Boosts taxation from the territory by 12 thrones a season
* Protects Calvos Sounds as a level one fortification
* Acts as a shipyard allowing the construction or refuge of up to two navies at a time
* Creates a new questing Voyage for Freeborn fleets, Hunt the Free Landing Kraken
* Creates the Freeborn position Quaymaster of the Municipal Docks
* Includes personal offices and accommodation for the Quaymaster and their family
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Quaymaster of the Municipal Docks'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Freeborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Can purchase goods from Commonwealth ships docking at Calvos</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Oversee the Municipal Docks</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Trade Purchases Volkavaar'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>50 rings</td><td>1 Hero Stones</td></tr>
<tr><td>120 rings</td><td>2 Hero Stones</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Trade Purchases Leerdam'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>36 rings</td><td>1 draught of Clear Headedness</td></tr>
<tr><td>80 rings</td><td>2 draughts of Clear Headedness</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
In Spring 387YE, Gisli 'the Provider' Baerson paid Professor Immnual Gelberg's team of visiting scholars to investigate the possibilities for building a new city in the former Freeborn territory of Madruga. The Commonwealth academics created a [[Germinating_a_city|plan]] to build new municipal docks in Madruga that would raise the level of investment in fleets in Madruga engaging in trading, questing or raiding and raise the level of investment in businesses in the territory. They would raise the income of all Freeborn characters by 7 rings for a year after completion and boost taxation from the territory by 12 thrones a season. All these benefits would result in more money flowing into the economy at Anvil.

Those are not the only benefits - the new docks would reduce the cost for Freeborn characters to upgrade their fleets by one weirwood for a year after completion and protect Calvos Sounds as a level one [[fortification]]. The docks would also act as a [[shipyard]], allowing the construction or refuge of up to two navies at a time and create a new questing voyage for Freeborn fleets; '''Hunt the Free Landing Kraken'''. None of these additional benefits result in more money directly in the Imperial treasury, however.

Professor Gelberg's plan also included the creation of a Freeborn position Quaymaster of the Municipal Docks which would include personal offices and accommodation for the Quaymaster and their family and give them access to a ministry that would allow them to spend a small amount of money to purchase rare items and potions. That would result in ''less'' money flowing into the Anvil economy - a clearly net negative if the Senate is seeking to get rid of ministries. However, the sums of money involved are relatively small - a tiny fraction of the benefits. Graciana is absolutely certain that the net effect would be significantly more money coming to the treasury.

The opportunity is still available, without any changes.

===Markets in Delev===
* '''Delev Market could be expanded to make the place a true centre of trade and commerce to rival Temeschwar'''
* '''Completing the expansion of the market would require 50 wains of white granite, 150 crowns, and take three months'''
* '''It would increase investment in businesses in Karov by one rank, adding 36 rings each season to their production'''
* '''As the Little Boyar's Welcome has been warded, the market will ''also'' improve taxation from the territory by 4 thrones'''
* '''This commission would replace the opportunity to upgrade the Delev Market run by the Overseer of the Westerward Road'''
* '''It could increase the money spent by several existing ministries'''

<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Great Market at Delev'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Delev, Duzekani, Karov</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 white granite, 150 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year or until another great work that increases investment in businesses is built in Karov</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Karov by one
* Allows citizens to take a business in Karov for free for one year after completion
* Adds an additional purchase rank to the [[Bargainer of the Iron Tower|Iron Tower]], [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak|Korotny Docks]] and the [[Overseer of the Westward Road|Delev Market]]
* Increases taxation of Karov by an additional 4 thrones a season if the Little Boyar's Welcome is also upgraded
* Would allow Senate to use a motion to permit the Boyar of the Iron Roads to create a sinecure instead of a ministry each season without using a Senate commission
</td></tr>
</table></div>

Rather than the fairly simple upgrade of the Delev Market that Graciana proposed to curtail the trade conducted by the Overseer of the Westward Road, the Senate could choose to engage in a major upgraded of the Market.

The proposals for this were published nearly a year ago in an appraisal by Naomi of Virtue's Rest. Her plan involved the creation of the Great Market at Delev which would raise the level of investment in businesses in Karov by one, but would also allow citizens to take a business in Karov for free for one year after completion. If her proposal for the Little Boyar's Welcome was also commissioned it would increase taxation from Karov by four thrones a season and allow the Senate to use a motion to permit the Boyar of the Iron Roads to create a sinecure instead of a ministry each season without using a Senate commission.

There are two key drawbacks to this plan - the first is that it is incompatible with the plans Graciana has drawn up to convert the existing market facilities run by the Overseer of the Westward Road. The Senate could commission the Great Market or convert the existing ministry to a great work - but not both.

The second drawback is that the work would provide additional trade opportunities for the [[Bargainer of the Iron Tower]], and the [[Overseer of the Westward Road]] to trade. It will also provide options for [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]] as prosperity spreads. The net effect would be to add an additional rank to each of the main ministries overseen by these titles.

This commission could easily result in significantly more money leaving the Anvil economy than it brought in - if the Bargainer and the Harbourmaster took full advantage of the opportunity. Of course, they would have more goods to show for that coin, but that might be slim consolation to a Senate that is focused on saving the Imperial treasury from running dry.

The opportunity is still available, without any changes.

===Friends in High Places===
* '''There is a recent proposal to build roads in Zenith which would raise the level of investment in businesses in the territory'''

Finally, Graciana notes that there is a new appraisal published by her colleague Naomi of Virtue's Rest which includes proposals to [[My_friends_are_my_estate#Northern_Way|build roads in Zenith]] which would raise the level of investment in businesses in the territory.

==Stirring the Pot==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_League.png|align=right|width=200}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Marcher.png|align=right|width=200}}
</div>
* '''One way to increase funds flowing into the Anvil economy would be if more citizens operated farms and businesses'''
* '''The League and Marcher Assembly could enact mandates to encourage their citizens to embrace tradition and support the Imperial economy'''
* '''Such mandates would make it easier for people to switch resources to take a farm or business and cheaper to upgrade a farm or business'''

Studying Laurencio di Sarvos' guide to the Anvil economy, it is clear that another way to increase the funds flowing into the Anvil economy would be to increase the amount of asset income that citizens coming to Anvil have available. Great works are one way to do that - as are casting rituals like [[Streams of Silver]], [[Rivers of Gold]], and the seasonal [[Farm#Rituals|rituals]] for farms. But one of the most effective ways to increase the money available would be if more people at Anvil had farms and businesses, and fewer people operated other resources. In the last decade, there has been a push to encourage citizens to sell their farm or business and take on the running of a [[military unit]] to support the war effort. However, Graciana claims that a better way to support the war effort might be to dispense with military units and acquire a business or a farm.

In practice, there isn't great demand for this in most places, and Graciana has little success in looking for opportunities to help encourage the practice, with two notable exceptions. Both the League and the Marches have strong cultural traditions that make ownership of businesses and farms important respectively - and what is more, owning a business in the League or a farm in the Marches comes with considerable political influence.

Of course, the Senate can't mandate that Marcher and League citizens put down their arms and take up running a farm or a business - but there is one body that could encourage it. The Synod could use a mandate to urge citizens of the Marches and the League to embrace traditional values, not just out of Pride and Ambition - but out of Loyalty to the needs of the Empire.

{{mandate|mandate=Pride in small things, loyalty to great ones. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to encourage Marcher citizens to settle the land. War is a thrice-ploughed field.|assembly=Marcher Assembly}}

{{mandate|mandate=Nothing great without cost. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to encourage League citizens to invest in a business. Coin counts, and everything costs.|assembly=League Assembly}}

If these mandates are passed in the relevant assemblies, then it will create an opportunity for one year for any character of that nation to change a military unit, fleet, herb garden, mine or forest to a farm (in the Marches) or a business (in the League) without incurring a cost. Crucially, the new resource will be the same level as any resource they give up to make the change - reflecting local support for their efforts to embrace their national traditions and support the Imperial economy.

What is more, there will a groundswell of support for League and Marchers looking to improve their resources. If the Marcher mandate is passed then any farm in the Marches can be upgraded for one wain fewer than normal (to a minimum of one) for one year. If the League mandate is passed then any business in the League can be upgraded for one wain fewer than normal (to a minimum of one) for one year.
==Further Reading==
* [[Appraisal]]
* [[Ministry]]
* [[Imperial treasury]]

Grandmaster

2026-03-20T21:33:35Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Funding the Order */

[[Category:Conclave]] [[Category:Title]] [[Category:Conclave order]]
==Overview==
Grandmaster is an Imperial title bestowed upon a [[Magical skills#Magician|magician]] who is a member of a [[Conclave order]]. Each order is represented by a single grandmaster, which means that at this time there are seven grandmasters.

Grandmaster is a political title closely involved with the running of the Conclave. Grandmasters encourage members of their order to participate in Conclave affairs, and represent their order during a Conclave session. Most grandmasters also work to maintain cohesion within their order and to encourage members to pursue and advance the manifesto of the order. A strong grandmaster can organise the magicians that are part of their order and help them wield political and magical power throughout the Empire.

==Responsibilities==
Each grandmaster is responsible for supporting the manifesto, advancing the goals, and representing the members of their [[Conclave order]]. They receive numerous political powers to allow them to do so. Their responsibility is to their order first, to the [[Conclave]] second, and to the Empire as a whole third.

The grandmaster is also responsible for overseeing the distribution and use of the resources made available to their order. Each order receives a share of the mana from the font, and it is the responsibility of the grandmaster to ensure that the mana they receive on behalf of their order is used in pursuit of their order's goals. Grandmasters have been removed, and in extreme cases [[Writ of Excommunication|excommunicated]] for engaging in too much brazen corruption at the expense of their order.

==Powers==
Each grandmaster position is an [[Imperial title]] in the [[Conclave]].

===Guiding the Conclave===
Each Conclave order is entitled to submit a single [[declaration]] of any kind to the agenda for ''each'' [[Conclave session]]. An order's declaration must be submitted by a member of the order, but it can be anyone chosen by the grandmaster, including themselves. To support the orders, the Civil Service provide two writs that allow the bearer to submit a declaration, one for each Conclave session.

Although the grandmaster is empowered to choose how to employ their order's declaration, it remains uniquely tied to the order. The Imperial titles with the power to raise a declaration may have their proxy speak instead of them in Conclave, but since you legally cannot proxy your status as a member of a Conclave order, it is not possible to have a proxy present an order declaration on your behalf. This means whoever the grandmaster chooses to submit the declaration to the [[Prefect of the Conclave]] is the only person who can be legally recognised as the person presenting the declaration. Whoever signs the writ, must present the declaration to Conclave (the only exception will be where OOC reasons make this impossible).

===Guiding an Order===
* '''A grandmaster can direct their order using a declaration of concord
* '''An order can only support a single situation each season
* '''It is currently only possible to direct an order as part of an opportunity
* '''Sending an order costs 20 mana crystals from the Conclave font
One of the potential uses of a [[Declaration]] of [[Concord]] is to direct one of the [[Conclave order|Conclave orders]] to support or investigate an ongoing situation. It is only possible to direct an order using one of that order's declarations; it is not possible for any other declaration to call an order to action. A declaration guiding an order in this way must clearly state which ongoing situation the order is to support. If the declaration is passed then at the end of the Conclave session twenty [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals|mana crystals]] are removed from the font to fund the members of the order in supporting whichever situation they have been called to action over.

===Veil of Night===
Once per summit, if a grandmaster choses to submit their order [[declaration]] to the Conclave agenda personally (rather than allowing another member of their order to submit it), then they can choose to invoke the Veil of Night. If they do so, they are not required to reveal any detail of a declaration: it is added to the agenda simply as "The Grandmaster of (Order) presents a declaration under the Veil of Night." The grandmaster must still provide the wording of the declaration to the Civil Service when the matter is raised to the agenda and as normal it is the precise wording presented that will be discussed and voted on. After the summit, the details become public knowledge as with any other declaration.

===Power of Precedence===
During a Conclave session the ability to speak before the Conclave - to [[Conclave_session#Debating_a_Declaration|take part in the debate]] - is controlled by the grandmasters. After the presentation of an [[Conclave_session#Setting_the_Agenda|agenda item]] is complete, the grandmaster may nominate volunteers to speak on the topic being discussed, in order determined by the [[Conclave#Principle of Precedence|Principle of Precedence]].

Rather than nominate a speaker, the grandmaster may choose to pass (sitting out that round of the debate but allowing them to nominate someone in future rounds) or move to vote. If they move to vote the grandmaster cannot nominate any new speakers, but the debate finishes at the end of the current round once more than half of the grandmasters have moved to vote.

<div style="width:350px; float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
<table><tr><th style="background-color: LightBlue;">Total Money Spent</th><th style="background-color: LightBlue;">Production</th></tr>
<tr><td>15 Crowns</td><td>16 crystal mana</td></tr>
<tr><td>35 Crowns</td><td>30 crystal mana</td></tr>
<tr><td>60 Crowns</td><td>42 crystal mana</td></tr>
<tr><td>90 Crowns</td><td>54 crystal mana</td></tr>
<tr><td>125 Crowns</td><td>72 crystal mana</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

===Share of the Font===
At the start of each summit, any [[Conclave_vault#The_Font|mana that was left in the Font]] at the end of the previous summit is divided up between the orders according to the [[Principle of Precedence]], along with a share of [[ilium]] and any bequests made to their order (such as [[materials]] or [[vis]]). The grandmaster is the sole arbiter of how these resources are used, within the remit of their [[#responsibilities|responsibilities]].

===Funding the Order===
The grandmaster has the ability to spend money to buy crystal mana for their order's vault. A grandmaster can spend money each season as if they controlled a [[ministry]]. The civil service uses the money spent in this manner to buy directly from other Imperial citizens who have access to crystal mana, and provides it to the grandmaster along with their share of the font at the start of the next summit.

During the Spring Equinox 384YE, the Imperial Senate chose to [[Expand Mana Ministries|take advantage]] of an opportunity to [[Honey_and_vinegar#Old_Stones|improve]] the ability of the grandmasters to purchase mana. Expansions to the mana exchanges in [[Steward of the Tassato Mana Exchange|Tassato]], [[Magic Butcher|Temeschwar]], and [[Steward_of_the_Sarvos_Mana_Exchange|Sarvos]] allow the civil service to purchase more mana without increasing the cost to the grandmaster.

===Stipend===
During the Winter Solstice 380YE, the Imperial Senate [[Amend_powers_of_Grandmasters|voted]] to grant the grandmasters a [[New_Imperial_titles#Stipend|stipend]] to assist in the purchase of crystal mana. The amount of the stipend was, however, set to 0 crowns. A motion to [[Increase_Grandmasters_stipend|increase the stipend]] during the Spring Equinox 382YE was defeated. Each grandmaster technically receives a stipend from the treasury, but gets no money for it.

==Appointment==
Each grandmaster is selected by full members of their Conclave order. Only a member of the order can present themselves for the title, and only a member of the order can vote in a grandmaster election. The candidate who gains the most votes from the members of their order receives the title of grandmaster. Once a magician has been eligible to vote in a grandmaster election they cannot vote in the election of the grandmaster of a different order until a year has passed.

A grandmaster serves for a year, until a [[Conclave_order#Challenging_the_Grandmaster|challenge]] forces their re-election, until they die or step down, or until the start of the next election.

A grandmaster ''cannot'' be [[Revocation|revoked]] by any chamber of the [[Synod]]. However, the members of an order may [[Conclave order#Challenging the Grandmaster|challenge]] the grandmaster and trigger a new election.

The schedule for annual appointment is:
* Winter - [[Celestial Arch]] and [[Rod and Shield]]
* Spring - [[Golden Pyramid]] and [[Sevenfold Path]]
* Summer - [[Unfettered Mind]]
* Autumn - [[Shuttered Lantern]] and [[Silver Chalice]]

===Hustings===
At an event where a grandmaster is to be re-elected, the Civil Service organises hustings immediately prior to the Conclave session on Saturday evening. The Civil Service will not run emergency grandmaster elections.

The Hall of Worlds is ceded to the order in question, and they have an allotted period of time (around half an hour) to decide their grandmaster. While members of other orders (and priests of the Imperial Synod exercising the right of [[Member_of_the_Synod#Witness|witness]]) can attend the meeting they cannot speak, and the civil service will exclude anyone who attempts to interrupt the proceedings.

Each candidate receives a minute to state their case, but may spend crystal mana to make a longer speech if they require (at the rate of one crystal mana per minute as usual). Each magician who is a full member of the order may then cast one vote. The candidate who receives the largest number of votes gains the title of Grandmaster of the Order.

Crystal mana paid during hustings is not added to [[Conclave vault#Crystal mana|the font]], but is instead placed directly into the order's vault at the next summit.

===Incumbent===
The current grandmasters are listed below - see the individual order pages for a full election history for each position.
* [[Celestial Arch]] - {{#lst:Archive:All_Election_Results|Grandmaster_of_the_Order_of_the_Celestial_Arch_occupant}}
* [[Golden Pyramid]] - {{#lst:Archive:All_Election_Results|Grandmaster_of_the_Order_of_the_Golden_Pyramid_occupant}}
* [[Rod and Shield]] - {{#lst:Archive:All_Election_Results|Grandmaster_of_the_Order_of_the_Rod_and_Shield_occupant}}
* [[Sevenfold Path]] - {{#lst:Archive:All_Election_Results|Grandmaster_of_the_Order_of_the_Sevenfold_Path_occupant}}
* [[Shuttered Lantern]] - {{#lst:Archive:All_Election_Results|Grandmaster_of_the_Order_of_the_Shuttered_Lantern_occupant}}
* [[Silver Chalice]] - {{#lst:Archive:All_Election_Results|Grandmaster_of_the_Order_of_the_Silver_Chalice_occupant}}
* [[Unfettered Mind]] - {{#lst:Archive:All_Election_Results|Grandmaster_of_the_Order_of_the_Unfettered_Mind_occupant}}

The circle game

2026-03-20T17:30:38Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Grandmaster Ministries */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>Graciana reached out carefully to receive the proferred book. He passed it to her slowly, handling the book as reverently as if it were a relic of the Way.

A relic of the past, I suppose, she mused to herself. "The Foundation of the Bourse" by Apomedes of Heaven's Reach. She could just make out the letters stamped into the leather bound cover, the paint that had once filled them, had long since cracked and fallen away.

"Giovanni's contribution to the Empire is often overlooked." the old man said sadly. "It's because it's so pedestrian I guess. There's no great battles. No epic wars. Apomedes claims he killed more forgers than barbarians. No moments of heroism. Well apart from Miaren I suppose and it's pretty clear that he thought that campaign was a disaster."

Graciana cupped the priceless book in both hands, unsure if it would be safe to open the cover. "I'm not sure how this will help me?" she queried.

"Apomedes first" he replied inscrutably, "then we can have a talk."
</ic>

<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Fedelmidd Sydanjaa's Heart Floer.png|caption='''Fedelmidd Sydanjaa's Heart Floer''', Senator for Sermersuaq|align=left|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
Six months ago, during the Summer Solstice, the Imperial Senate charged the Prognosticator's Office with examining "''the ministries of the Empire to identify any alternative trades their associated titles could make that would '''not''' involve us paying coin.''" On the advice of the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court|Constitutional Court]], [[Senator]] for [[Sermersuaq]] who raised the motion - '''Fedelmidd Sydanjaa's Heart Floer''' - acknowledged that the prognosticator would need additional time to complete their review - that period has now been completed.

The Senate did not select a specific appraiser to oversee the work, so the Auditor of the Imperial Treasury Gerard La Salle assigned [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] to oversee it. His first choice - the diplomatic [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi]] - had unfortunately already been assigned to oversee an [[Any_port_in_a_storm|appraisal of Utterlund docks]]. The Freeborn has some expertise in this area, having been a successful merchant herself before joining the Civil Service. As an experienced practitioner of [[Night magic]], she is known for approaching problems in ways that are novel, albeit often expensive.

Despite her talents, it is clear that Graciana has found the task extremely challenging. The truth is that there are precious few options for alternative trades for the various existing ministries that would provide alternatives to spending money. Frustrated, the prognosticator has tried to take a broader view and look at what she has ''guessed'', is the more fundamental problem - declining revenues for the Imperial treasury, using the time available to study the problem as thoroughly as possible. She has included the findings of that investigation as part of the overall appraisal.

<div style="float:right;"><quote by="William Stanley Jevons">Money's a matter of functions four,<br>
A Medium, a Measure, a Standard, a Store.</quote></div>
==The Liquidity Problem==
* '''Imperial citizens prefer to deal in money in most cases'''
* '''Most foreigners prefer either Imperial coinage, or to deal in high-value commodities such as wains and rings of ilium'''

The fundamental problem that Graciana identifies is that the majority of potential customers would vastly prefer to deal in coin than engage in barter. There are exceptions of course, the [[Quaymaster of the Hesychian Docks]] for example, is able to trade Dragonbone for white granite. But these rare cases are the exception - most citizens strongly prefer to deal in coin rather than barter.

Coin has many advantages, as a medium of exchange it ensures that a trade isn't reliant on both parties wanting what the other party is selling. As a measure of value it is quickly and easily quantified and transferred - it is much quicker to count and transfer 20 thrones than 300 ingots of weltsilver. Coins allow people to accumulate and tally obligations and debts in ways that allow for payments to be easily deferred. Imperial coins, backed as they are by the full weight of the Empire and the tireless work of the Master of the Mint to prevent forgeries, act as a peerless store of wealth. They make it simple to keep wealth safe, so that it can be employed in the future.

In simpler terms, money is just much more desirable for buying and selling than barter is. It's flexible, and at the end of the day it is much easier to give people money to buy the things they need than it is to swap the thing you have for the thing they have. It's no use having a cart-load of weltsilver to trade for dragonbone if your opposite number actually wants orichalcum. Most established, prosperous people look at "barter" - swapping things for other things - a little askance.

While there are a few possibilities, they seem to be very specific and very limited in scope. The established ways within the Empire to buy and sell resources, all rely on money, and there is no appetite to change those. There may be some limited opportunities to create new deals with foreign nations - trading liao and dragonbone to Axos for example - but they would require careful diplomatic negotiation. In all cases foreign nations usually prefer to take payment in Imperial coin when dealing with Imperial traders - none of them are likely to accept barter unless it comes with a considerable discount that favours them.

Stymied by the inability to find any systematic or extensive solution to the appraisal, Graciana has tried to look at what she ''assumes'' is the more fundamental problem - a concern about the finance available to the Imperial treasury.

==Giovanni's Legacy==
* '''The fundamental basis of the modern Imperial economy was laid down by Emperor Giovanni'''
* '''Giovanni deliberately constrained the ability of the Empire to tax or borrow to ensure the burden of government fell on the wealthiest'''
{{CaptionedImage|file=Appendix-A---Economy-Flowchart.jpg|caption=Leaflet reproduced with the kind permission of '''Laurencio di Sarvos'''.<br>Art created by '''Persephone Sage-Fletcher'''|align=right|width=350}}</div>

The fundamental basis of the modern Imperial economy was laid down in a series of reforms instituted by [[Emperor Giovanni]]. He established the modern currency based on steel coins issued by the Imperial Mint, (which he ensured was based in Tassato). Giovanni also laid the foundations of the Bourse, and worked with the Senate and Synod to codify the body of Imperial Law. Crucially it was Giovanni that ''fixed'' the taxation that Imperial citizens must pay - by reinterpreting "a measure of silver" to be a single crown. The few texts that survive that describe this period suggest that before Giovanni, the early leaders of the Empire had anticipated that they might vary how much silver citizens might be taxed. Giovanni closed the door on that possibility.

Instead he established the Imperial Bourse as the primary method by which the nascent Empire would raise funds for the Imperial treasury. He did so at the same time that he instituted a tradition of meeting once every three months at Anvil. The few accounts of Emperor Giovanni that survive paint him as a shrewd and brilliant politician, but on a personal level he was widely regarded as cynical man whose studies of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_dismal_science the dismal science] led him to expect the worst of literally everyone. According to the [[Torchbearer]], Apomedes of Heaven's Reach, Giovanni deliberately created the Bourse to ensure that the burden of paying for the decisions of the Senate would fall on those who made them and those who put them there.

Interest in Emperor Giovanni tends to wax and wane. When economic times are good, few people pay any attention to his life's work. These periods are often marked by ''years'' of steady rises in the price of wains, accompanied by a growth in expenditure authorised by the Imperial Senate. When the wheel turns, the price of wains begins to fall and the pressure on the Imperial treasury begins to rise dramatically. When that happens interest in the Imperial economy suddenly becomes more pressing.

In recent years, noted Imperial economists like the respected Wintermark scholar, and current [[Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]] '''Vauraus Korppitkotka''' of the [[Wintermark_groups#Sussivari|Sussivari]], have published insightful analysis that map out the flow of money into the Imperial treasury. Similar work by the tireless campaigner, '''Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos''' of the First Spark, have aimed to drill home just how important the impact of things like ministries are on the "Anvil economy". Graciana's research largely confirms what both these economists have long been saying - all the money spent at Anvil ultimately circulates around Anvil until it ends up returning to the Imperial treasury.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sussivari.png|align=right|width=200|caption=The Sussivari are known for a particual appreciation of matters magical.}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos.jpg|align=right|caption='''Laurencio di Sarvos''', economic analyst and hammer owner.|width=200}}</div>
The document produced by Laurencio di Sarvos, graphically illustrates how the Anvil economy works. The yellow boxes show where money enters the system - taxation by the Senate, the personal income of wealthy citizens, and so forth. The blue boxes show how this money circulates around Anvil - guerdon payments don't leave Anvil because they are paid to people who then bring the money back to Anvil to spend it. The Bourse works to draw money from everyone attending Anvil, ever directly or indirectly, which it then funnels back to the Senate. Wealth only leaves the system through the red boxes, the upkeep of armies and fortifications or the spending in ministries and similar.

When more money enters the system than leaves the system, the price of wains goes up, and the Senate grows rich. When more money leaves the system than enters it, the price of wains goes down and the Senate's budget is squeezed. Encouraging citizens to pay more at the Bourse auctions might feel virtuous, but since it doesn't change the fundamental money supply in the slightest, all it can possibly do is delay the inevitable correction. Virtuous citizens moving money from the Anvil economy to the Bourse and from there to the Senate cannot be sustained, if the money in circulation in the Anvil economy continues to decline.
<div style="float:right; clear:right;"><quote by="Emperor Giovanni">Those who call the tune must pay the piper.</quote></div>
This design perfectly reflects Giovanni's gloomy disposition. The Emperor ''expected'' his Senate to be profligate in their spending - he changed the constitution to ensure that the burden fell squarely on the heads of the citizens coming to Anvil. His belief was that they, and they alone, might have the collective political power to restrain their senators.

If alternative trades could be found, so that Imperial citizens who attend Anvil could make significant purchases using wains, resources, mana, herbs or similar, that would result in significantly less money leaving the Anvil economy - and by extension more money ultimately flowing into the Imperial treasury. However that is very difficult to do, there are few good options for doing that for the reasons described above, most people want to get paid, in coin, for their services or goods. However increasing the money flowing into the Anvil economy would have the same net effect as decreasing the money flowing out of the Anvil economy - and that might be easier to achieve.

==Cutting Corners==
* '''There are few good options for alternative trades for ministries, but the Senate could abrogate them'''
* '''There are some ministries that could provide a benefit to the Empire without requiring money to operate'''

As mentioned, there are few good options for alternative trades that don't involve coin. The handful that do exist are ad hoc limited options that affect some of the smaller ministries; Graciana is dubious that these will produce significant net benefits to the Imperial treasury.

The drastic solution would be to abrogate all ministries. The Imperial Senate could use a single Senate motion to abrogate every ministry in the Empire. That would have a huge effect, dramatically curbing the powers of some titles and disestablishing others (any title whose only power was to operate a ministry would be abrogated at the same time). Such a motion would mean any investment into the ministry in question was lost - there would be no way to recover the materials used to build the commision and no easy way to repurpose them for some other use.

A less drastic answer might be to abrogate certain specific ministries. With a more tailored approach, it is possible to address the changes as they happen, shifting commissions so that some benefits still accrue. Graciana has looked at four "groups" of ministries - the [[grandmaster|grandmasters]] of the [[Conclave]], the [[ambassador|ambassadors]], the [[Northern trade network]], and the Prosperity ministries that provide bourse resources. In the first three cases, she has identified some benefits that could be had if the Senate acted to remove their ministries. She has not been able to identify benefits that would flow from abrogating the Prosperity ministries and she advises ''against'' dis-establishing them.
<div style="float:right;"><quote by="Lebannon of Haros Water">No, Grandmaster. It is not 'yours'.

It is ours.</quote></div>
====Grandmaster Ministries====
* '''The ministries that provide Grandmasters with crystal mana could be abrogated'''
* '''Doing so would mean an additional 127 crystal mana going directly to the font'''
One group of ministries that see a large amount of money flow from Anvil into the wider Empire are the so-called "mana ministries" possessed by each [[Grandmaster]]. These ministries were greatly enhanced in 384YE when the Senate [[Honey_and_vinegar#Old_Stones|took advantage of an opportunity]] to expand the mana exchanges in [[Steward of the Tassato Mana Exchange|Tassato]], [[Magic Butcher|Temeschwar]], and [[Steward_of_the_Sarvos_Mana_Exchange|Sarvos]]. Graciana estimates that, in total, the Grandmasters have spent over a hundred thrones collectively buying over a thousand crystal mana for their orders over the last year. This is in addition to the mana that is distributed to them via [[Conclave_vault#The_Font|the font]]. It is clearly valuable to have so much additional mana available to the Empire, but the Senate might consider that the costs are not worth the benefits.

The Senate could use a single senate motion to shut these ministries down. If that happened, the civil servants responsible for securing crystal mana for the grandmasters could be redeployed, and the structures used to support them could be repurposed to support a public trade in mana crystals between citizens, with the profits from that operation being used to fund mana purchases for the font.

Graciana calculates that this would result in an additional 127 crystal mana each season being raised for the font, at no additional cost to the Empire. That would be a significant loss for the Empire - five hundred mana crystals a year is significantly less than the thousand mana crystals that the grandmasters purchased between them - but it would represent a considerable saving to the Anvil economy.

====Diplomatic Ministries====
* '''The Senate could end the practice of merchants offering favourable rates to ambassadors'''
* '''They could redefine the role of the ambassador and indicate such gifts are for the benefit of the Empire rather than the ambassador'''
* '''Doing so would remove the ministry, but would also remove the upkeep costs of the embassys the Empire has not embargoed'''

As it currently stands, the [[Imperial Consul]] and each [[ambassador]] oversees an [[embassy]]. Alongside the political powers and prestige an embassy affords an ambassador, they also support a degree of [[Ambassador#Mercantile_Support|mercantile activity]]. Merchants who engage in trade between the Empire and the nation in question, or vice versa, visit the embassy to curry favour with the ambassador. Commonly they take a portion of the items they buy and sell and make them available to the ambassador at favourable prices. This benefit is represented by a ministry that allows the ambassador to directly purchase raw materials from traders and merchants of the associated nation.

This practice obviously leads to questions about what exactly is going on. Virtuous individuals in particular sometimes look at this behaviour with raised eyebrows - these merchants are trying to curry favour with the ambassador to get special treatment. This is usually perfectly innocuous, merchants offer incentives to get their shipments cleared by the dock authorities more quickly than their rivals, or to expedite permits to sell their wares, arrange meetings with their Imperial counterparts, or the like. But in theory, if a merchant were engaged in criminal activity, the ambassador might be the first person they would seek to bribe to look the other way...

It would be relatively straightforward for the Senate to end this practice. With a suitably worded Senate motion they could make it clear that such lobbying is no longer acceptable, for all existing embassies and future embassies. The ministries would be lost. Ambassadors would still be able to engage in direct trade with foreign nations of course, but the practice of merchants bringing goods to the embassies to "trade" at a "special discount" to the Ambassadors would end. None of the diplomats from the foreign nations would bat an eyelid at this change.

That is not to say that the giving of "gifts" is the problem. In practice most of the actual work of operating an embassy is done by the civil service - they could still help foreign merchants with their trade, but any gifts would be understood to a gift to the embassy itself, and by extension the Empire. The civil service could sell these gifts, at least those that had real value, and use the proceeds to pay the costs of running the embassy. That would mean the Empire not need to pay the upkeep costs of any embassay unless they declared war with the nation in question - or embargoed their trade.

The Imperial Senate could remove the ministries from every embassy with a single motion. The impact is not small - removing the ability of the Consul and the ambassadors to purchase goods would save nearly two hundred thrones a year, but it would also cut nearly thirty five thrones a season in upkeep costs.

Of course impoverishing the diplomatic corps, who have presumably been using the profits of their embassy to fund the vital work they do, might be too high a cost for the Senate to stomach. If that was a concern, the Senate could give each title a stipend - that would be drawn directly from the Imperial treasury of course, but it would mean those funds weren't leaving the Anvil economy.

====Northern Trade Network====
* '''The Northern Trade Network was established as a set of ministries but Graciana believes that lacks ambition
* '''Investing in the Northern Trade Network would remove the small-scale individual benefits and improve the situation for the entire territory where they are built
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:500px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Ministry !! Territory
|-
| [[Bonesetter of Torfast Trading Post]] || [[Skarsind]]
|-
| [[Broker of Treji Wayhouse]] || [[Hercynia]]
|-
| [[Overseer of the Westward Road]] || [[Karov]]
|-
| [[Northbound Trademaster]] || [[Temeschwar]]
|-
| [[Kalpaheim Tradeholder]] || [[Hahnmark]]
|-
|}

A series of ministries have been established across the northern Empire that together became the [[Northern trade network]]. These ministries, anchored by the [[Bonesetter of Torfast Trading Post|Torfast Trading Post]] in [[Skarsind]] connect [[Hahnmark]], [[Hercynia]], [[Skarsind]], [[Temeschwar]], and [[Karov]]. Their establishment saw the northern territories establish closer trade ties among themselves. The Thule also participate in this trade, exchanging their own crystal mana for Imperial ingots and measures.

<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Kalapaheim Tradehall'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Hahnmark#Kalpamark|Kalpamark, Hahnmark]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 wains of [[white granite]], 90 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in businesses is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the "trade profits" and "eastern route" from the Kalpaheim Tradeholder, leaving only the Urdur trade
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Hahnmark by one, providing 36 extra rings to every business in the territory
* Allows the Kalpaheim Tradeholder to change the additional money provided by the great work to 2 extra ingots of a chosen metal by email to {{template:plot}}
</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Torfast Trading Post'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Skarsind#Southpine|Southpine, Skarsind]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 wains of [[white granite]], 90 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in businesses is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the "southern", "western" and "eastern route" from the Bonesetter of Torfast Trading Post, leaving only the northern Urdur trade route
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Skarsind by one, providing 36 extra rings to every business in the territory
* Allows the Bonesetter to change the additional money provided by the great work to 2 extra measures of a chosen forest resouce by email to {{template:plot}}
</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Treji Wayhouse'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Hercynia#The_Glen_of_Shadows|The Glen of Shadows, Hercynia]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 wains of [[white granite]], 90 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in herb gardens is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the "trade profits" and "eastern route" from the Broker of Treji Wayhouse, leaving only the Urdur trade
* Raises the level of investment in herb gardens in Hercynia by one, providing two additional bladeroot and one additional marrowort to every herb garden in the territory
* Allows the Broker to change the additional herbs provided by the great work to 3 bladeroot, or 3 marrowort or 3 true vervain or any combination thereof by email to {{template:plot}}
</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Delev Market'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Karov#Duzekani|Duzekani, Karov]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 wains of [[white granite]], 150 crowns, six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in mines or forests is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' Can only be upgraded if the Treji Warehouse, Torfast Trading Post and Kalapaheim Tradehall have all been converted into great works
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the "trade profits" from the Overseer of the Westward Road, leaving only the Urdur trade
* Raises the level of investment in mines and forests in Karov by one, providing 2 additional materials to every mine and forest in the territory
* Allows the Broker to change the additional ingots and measures provided by the great work to 36 rings instead by email to {{template:plot}}
</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Northbound Trade'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Temeschwar|Hanuri|Hanuri, Temeschwar]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 60 wains of [[white granite]], 180 crowns, six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in businesses is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' Can only be upgraded if the Treji Warehouse, Torfast Trading Post, Kalapaheim Tradehall, and Delev Market have all been converted into great works
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the "trade profits" and "eastern route" from the Northbound Trademaster, leaving only the Urdur trade
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Temeschwar by one, providing 36 additional rings to every business in the territory
* Allows the Trademaster to change the additional money provided by the great work to two measures or two ingots by email to {{template:plot}}
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

The network itself grew up fairly haphazardly, with each new member added improving the opportunities for each of the others. In each case, money is used to buy trade goods that the other nations in the network have in abundance. Graciana sees an opportunity here; rather than focusing the trade through one location, these ministries could be the basis for securing larger-scale prosperity across the territory.

In each case, the existing structure would need considerable further investment - and the costs involved are not small. Each would require a Senate motion or announcement by someone able to commission a great work - they could '''not''' be done with a single commission. In each case, the relevant title holder would see the loss of all trade privileges currently granted by the ministry, bar the oversight of trade with the Thule. Once the work to upgrade the existing commission into a great work was complete, the ministry would only be able to acquire mana crystals from the Urdur trade option in each case - all other options would be lost.

The benefits could be considerable however, providing significant boosts to income for businesses and other personal resources across the north territories of the Empire. In most cases, the work could be done independently of the other branches of the northern trade network, with the exception of the Delev Market in Karov and the trade hub in Temeschwar. The Delev Market, would only provide benefits to mines and businesses once the Treji Warehouse, Torfast Trading Post and Kalapaheim Tradehall were upgraded. The trade hub in Temeschwar would only provide benefits to businesses once the overhaul of ''all'' the other branches of the network was complete.

====Prosperity Ministries====
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:500px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Ministry !! Nation !! Resources
|-
| [[Cinderpath Custodian|Cinder Path Exchange]] || Highguard|| Mithril
|-
| [[Bargainer of the Iron Tower|Iron Tower]] || Varushka || Mithril
|-
| [[Mistress of the Dust Parador|Parador of Dust]] || Brass Coast || Mithril
|-
| [[Reeve of Boar's Market|Boar's Market]] || Dawn || Mithril, white granite, and weirwood
|-
| [[Broker of the Invisible Cord|Invisible Cord Brokerage]] || Navarr || Weirwood
|-
| [[Talon of Kaupahall|Kaupahall]] || Wintermark || White granite and ilium
|-
|}
* '''The six "Prosperity ministries" allow title holders to purchase wains and rings of ilium from Imperial citizens'''
* '''They were established following the efforts of the Prosperity Assembly to ensure virtuous citizens are paid fairly for their resources'''
* '''Large sums of money are spent acquiring bourse materials through these ministries'''
* '''Abrograting these ministres would be counter-productive, citizens would find other ways to sell wains to people coming to Anvil'''

In the last several years, a series of ministries arose as a result of the Prosperity assembly drive to disband the private and public auctions and ensure Imperial citizens with wains to sell received ''just reward for their labour''. The first was the [[Cinderpath Custodian|Cinder Path Exchange]] in [[Highguard]], but the practice quickly spread to other nations. These specialised ministries allow the purchase of [[white granite]], [[mithril]], [[weirwood]], and [[ilium]] from citizens of a nation at a "fair price", as determined by the prosperous citizens of the Empire. While the money spent on these resources continues to enrich Imperial citizens, those who receive it rarely come to Anvil so it does not appear in the Imperial treasury.

Graciana looks into the possibility of altering these ministries so that they would not rely on Imperial coinage but she stops once she identifies the fundamental problem. These ministries replaced the need for citizens to send wains to Anvil to be sold by public auction - if they were abrograted or repurposed in some way - then it is certain that citizens would find some other way to sell their excess wains to the wealthy citizens at Anvil. It might mean less money leaving the Anvil economy - but it could mean ''more'' money escaping the Imperial treasury, it is impossible to predict.

As such Graciana suggests that the Senate avoid changing any ministries that allow the title holder to purchase bourse resources from Imperial citizens, at least if they are seeking to increase the amount of funds available.

==Clipping Coins==
* '''Graciana has identified half a dozen opportunities to alter existing ministries to operate without spending coin'''

While Graciana has found few systemic ways to remove the need to spend coin when operating ministries, she has idenfied a number of individual opportunities to change specific ministries. In many cases these opportunities involve deals with foreigners. Graciana is no diplomat, but [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] is able to help with these negotiations - any of which the Empire could take up or turn down without causing undue offence.

As ever, any deal with foreigners is inherently fragile - any ministry that relies on a deal with a foreign power will cease to function if the Empire finds itself at war with that nation.

===Axos and the Bursars===
* '''The Halls of Maykop are prepared to exhange crystal mana for the materials they need to make magic items'''
* '''The Halls are interested in closer links with the Bursar of the Conclave'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Bursar of the Conclave'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>7 Dragonbone</td><td>8 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 Dragonbone, 6 Beggar's Lye</td><td>16 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 Dragonbone, 10 Beggar's Lye, 7 Ambergelt</td><td>24 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 Dragonbone, 10 Beggar's Lye, 10 Ambergelt, 10 Irridescent Gloaming</td><td>32 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>20 Dragonbone, 15 Beggar's Lye, 10 Ambergelt, 10 Irridescent Gloaming</td><td>40 mana crystals</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''House of Spirits'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>40 liao</td><td>1 ring of [[ilium]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>80 liao</td><td>2 rings of ilium</td></tr>
<tr><td>125 liao</td><td>3 rings of ilium</td></tr>
<tr><td>175 liao</td><td>4 rings of ilium</td></tr>
<tr><td>230 liao</td><td>5 rings of ilium</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

The [[Bursar of the Conclave]] has been empowered by the Imperial Senate to purchase mana for the Conclave from Imperial citizens. The Axou are usually a good source for mana and it appears they are open to getting involved with the ministry. Two things make them suitable for this, one is that the Axou from the Halls of Maykop seem keen to forge closer links with the Bursar - and the other is that this citadel would be prepared to take payment in forest materials rather than Imperial coin.

The [[Bursar of the House of Spirits]] is responsible for the House of Spirits in [[Casinea]]. This remote campus hosts students from the College of Necromantia in Maykop. Despite their willingness to help, the Axou are not prepared to accept forest materials for their precious ilium, however they would be prepared to accept large amounts of liao instead.

The Imperial Senate could use a single Senate motion to accept the two Axou offers.

===Sarcophan and the Kruidenkenner===
* '''The Sarcophan are prepared to barter metals for herbs in the two Kruidenkenner trade enclaves'''

<table style="width:400px; float: right; margin-left:10px; clear: right;" class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Trademaster Cerulean Mazzarine'''</td></td>
<tr><td>6 green iron</td><td>12 cerulean mazzarine</td></tr>
<tr><td>15 green iron</td><td>24 cerulean mazzarine</td></tr>
<tr><td>27 green iron</td><td>36 cerulean mazzarine</td></tr>
</table>

<table style="width:400px; float: right; margin-left:10px; clear: right;" class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Trademaster Herbs'''</td></td>
<tr><td>10 tempest jade</td><td>16 random herbs</td></tr>
<tr><td>22 tempest jade</td><td>32 random herbs</td></tr>
<tr><td>36 tempest jade</td><td>48 random herbs</td></tr>
</table>

<table style="width:400px; float: right; margin-left:10px; clear: right;" class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Root and Stem'''</td></td>
<tr><td>6 orichalcum</td><td>12 bladeroot</td></tr>
<tr><td>15 orichalcum</td><td>24 bladeroot</td></tr>
<tr><td>27 orichalcum</td><td>36 bladeroot</td></tr>
</table>

The Kruidenkenner, the large Sarcophan trading house that supplies herbs to the [[Kruidenkenner Trademaster]] and the [[Master of the Root and Stem]], are also prepared to indulge the Empire switch to barter at their establishments. They are quick to produce a proposed schedule of purchases and prices at each of the two establishments. There is some suggestion that the returns on these trades might not be as profitable as the current arrangements - the Kruidenkenner don't deny that accusation exactly - rather they point out that it is the Empire seeking to change the arrangements and that barter is inherently more expensive.

The Imperial Senate could use a single motion to accept all the changes proposed by the Kruidenkenner - if that happened then the ministries associated with the titles would require ingots to operate them from then on, rather than coin.

===The Ossium Trade===
* '''Merchants in Ossium would be prepared to accept ingots in place of coin for the goods available to the Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market and the Apothecary of Orieb'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Merchant Boyar Ossium herbs'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;"></td></tr>
<tr><td>8 weltsilver</td><td>6 doses of [[marrowort]], 10 random [[herb|herbs]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 weltsilver, 8 orichalcum</td><td>13 doses of [[marrowort]], 20 random herbs</td></tr>
<tr><td>16 weltsilver, 10 orichalcum, 10 green iron</td><td>20 doses of [[marrowort]], 30 random herbs</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Orieb Apothecary Herbs'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>7 tempest jade</td><td>14 random herbs, 1 dose of realmsroot</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 tempest jade, 9 weltsilver</td><td>28 random herbs, 2 doses of realmsroot</td></tr>
<tr><td>20 tempest jade, 9 weltsilver, 6 green iron</td><td>42 random herbs, 3 doses of realmsroot</td></tr>
</table>

</div>
Not all the opportunities that Graciana has identified involve trade with foreigners. Citizens in Ossium have an insatiable desire for ingots, which are used by artisans in the territory to make fine magical weapons for sale. The Ketsov are open to the idea of procuring the herbs currently purchased by the [[Apothecary of Orieb]] and the [[Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market]] in exchange for ingots.

On the face of it, this seems like a simple deal, but Graciana cautions that the Ketsov, in particular, have proven "touchy" in recent years, having had run-ins with the Synod and with some of their Varushkan peers. This proposal won't make those problems any worse, but it would make the trade through the Stinking Market and the Orieb dependent on the continued involvement of the Ketsov. If relations with them soured, the Merchant-Boyar and the Apothecary would need to deal with the fallout of that if they wanted to continue operating their ministry.

The Imperial Senate could use a single motion to accept all the changes proposed by the Ketsov - if that happened then the ministries associated with the titles would require ingots to purchase herbs them from then on, rather than coin.

==Growing the Pot==
* '''Graciana has looked for alternative ways to increase the funds flowing into the Anvil economy'''
* '''She has identified numerous outstanding opportunities for great works, all of which ultimately mean more money paid to the Senate in the bourse auction'''

Graciana has done her best to find ways to repurpose existing ministries, but it is clear that the options are limited. At the point where it is clear that there are no further opportunities to do so, she devotes the remaining time to looking for alternative solutions. As with any appraisal, the ideal is for the prognosticator's office to know what the underlying ''problem'' is that the Senate are looking to solve. Stopping ministries spending coin to buy goods is a "solution" to a problem - the outcome of which would be that less money left the Anvil economy. It seems reasonable therefore, to guess that the real problem the Senate are trying to solve is to get more money to flow into the Imperial treasury. Stopping ministries from spending coin would achieve that, but it's far from the only way.

The clear alternative to stopping money leaving the Anvil economy is to take steps to make more money flow into the Anvil economy. The obvious way to do that would be to build great works that boost the profits of farms and businesses across the Empire. It's not a cheap solution, but the benefits are clear - yeofolk and business owners with more money in their pockets to spend at anvil means more money in the Imperial treasury. It's not possible for Graciana to invest a lot of time into looking for new opportunities to raise great works, that is outside the scope of the appraisal, but she has been able to do a thorough review of outstanding opportunities to see which ones are still available.

===Inkworks at Joharra===
* '''The bustling industry of Joharra was ruined by an attack from Isidore i Boyaga'''
* '''An inkworks could be built in Oranseri to aid and assist businesses in Feroz'''
* '''The inkworks would remove the impoverished quality from the region'''
*'''It would also boost the seasonal income of scriveners by 22 rings for a year once completed'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Inkworks of Joharra'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Oranseri, Feroz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 60 white granite and 60 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increases investment in businesses is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Increases the level of investment of businesses in Feroz by one.
* Removes the impoverished quality from Oranseri.
* Increases the seasonal income of scriveners by 22 rings for a year.
* Creates the title of ''Scrivener of the Inkworks''</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Scrivener of the Inkworks'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Brass Coast National</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' [[Tally of the Votes]] or Senate</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Receives 15 measures of iridescent gloaming each season.
* Receives a Therasia's Chain each year.
* Can make an announcement in the Senate to redirect the Inkworks if there is a [[opportunity]] that explicitly allows it.</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To direct the inkworks as needed, to support the scriveners of Feroz, and to ensure contracts are being kept in the Brass Coast</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Restriction''' This title will only receive a Therasia's Chain if the holder is a scrivener</td></tr>
</table></div>
In Winter 386YE, Graciana presented a proposal for a new [[Send_for_me#Inkworks_of_Joharra|Inkworks at Joharra]] in Feroz. The facility offered a number of useful benefits, removing the impoverished quality from Oranseri and boosting income of businessholders across the territory. As it turns out, it would also boost the income of scriveners by 22 rings for one year after completion, all of which would help to sustain the Anvil economy.

The opportunity is still available, without any changes.

===Fish and Fur in Sermersuaq===
* '''A fishery built at the town of Atalaq would support farms and fisherfolk across the territory'''
* '''A grand trading post in southern Sermersuaq would provide a significant boost to businesses in the territory'''
* '''It would provide additional benefits to Wintermark ships trading with foreign ports by providing rich luxury goods to sell'''
* '''The Custodian of the Bloody Great Sausage would be in prime position to make a profit from the increased availability of fine, exotic meats'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Atalaq Fishery'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Sealtoq, Sermersuaq</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 75 weirwood, 25 mithril, 300 crowns, 6 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work that increases investment in farms is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Increases investment in farms in Sermersuaq from two to three.
* Allows farms owned by Suaq characters to diversify their farm to produce a mana crystal.</td></tr></table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Atalaq Tradehall'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Sealtoq, Sermersuaq</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 weirwood, 150 crowns, 3 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work that increases investment in businesses is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Increases investment in businesses in Sermersuaq by one.
* Increase taxation from Sermersuaq by 4 thrones.
* Increases income of the Custodian of the Bloody Great Sausage by 7 crowns
* Boosts income of Wintermark fleet owners by 36 rings for one year whenever they engage in trade with foreign nations</td></tr></table></div>
Graciana also provided a [[Farm, fur, and fish|report]] on opportunities for investment in Skarsind in Summer 386YE. The proposal for the Atalaq Fishery would have provided 36 rings to every farm in Skarsind as well as allowing them to diversify their farms to acquire mana crystals.

Perhaps of more interest to the Senate is the less ambitious project to establish the Atalaq Tradehall. That would have increased investment in businesses in Sermersuaq, but it would also benefit the treasury directly, increasing taxation from the territory by 4 thrones. The burst of luxury goods and materials the trade post provided would have also helped Wintermark traders, providing an additional 36 rings to any fleet owner in a Wintermark territory whenever they engaged in [[Fleet#Trade|trade]] with foreign nations. It would permanently boost the income of the Custodian of the Bloody Great Sausage by 7 crowns each event.

The opportunity is still available, without any changes.

===Marshways in Kallavesa===
* '''The marshways would raise the level of investment in herb gardens and businesses by one in Kallavesa'''
* '''It would cost 80 wains of weirwood, 240 crowns and take a year to complete'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Kallevesa Marshways'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Kallavesa</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 80 wains of weirwood, 240 crowns, 6 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work that increases investment in herb gardens or businesses is built in Kallavesa</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Raises the level investment in businesses in Kallavesa by one providing an additional 36 rings
* Raises the level investment in herb gardens in Kallavesa by one providing two true vervain, and one Marrowort in Spring, one Cerulean Mazzarine in Summer, one Imperial Roseweald in Autumn, and one Bladeroot in Winter
* Creates a [[Venture#Guarding_Ventures|guarding venture]] for Wintermark and Dawnish military units to protect the merchants using the marshways in exchange for herbs
</td></tr></table></div>

As part of her appraisal on [[Road_out_of_nowhere#Marshways|roads]] in Winter 385YE, Graciana suggested the Senate could establish marshways across the marshy territories of the Empire, Kallavesa, Therunin and Bregasland. All three territories have a strong tradition of boat use – not sea-going ships but various incarnations of flat-bottomed skiffs and punts that pole the shallow waters of the fens. The ideas was to establish a number of ferries, river-side wayhouses, strategically placed bridges, jetties, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portage portage rails], and boatworks that she called the ''Marshways''.

Sadly Therunin and Bregasland are currently suffering from invasion and war; no longer controlled by the Empire, the idea of building there is out of the question. However, Kallevesa is still ripe for investment - so Graciana has updated the costs for just the Wintermark territory. That would cut costs considerably - to 80 wains of weirwood and 240 crowns - but it could be done in six months. Once it was finished, it would raise the level of investment for businesses providing an additional 36 rings every season. It would also raise the level of investment for herb gardens by one, providing two true vervain, and one seasonal herb - Marrowort in Spring, Cerulean Mazzarine in Summer, Imperial Roseweald in Autumn, and Bladeroot in Winter.

In the original proposal, Graciana suggested that the Senate establish a title-holder to oversee the marshways and be responsible for their safety. The position would then be able to fund their operations by purchasing herbs from merchants using the marshways. Given the purpose of the appraisal, Graciana has updated the original plan - now the completion of the marshways would create a new guarding venture for Wintermark and Dawnish military units to protect merchants using the Marshways. The new version of the opportunity replaces the original.

===Docks in Madruga===
* '''There is a proposal to build the Municipal Docks in Calvos to spur the growth of the town in the coming years'''
* '''If built, the municipal docks would create conditions for Calvos to ultimately grow into one of great cities of the Empire'''
* '''The Docks would have an upkeep of 5 thrones a season but would increase taxation by 12 thrones a season'''
* '''Once complete the docks would provide significant benefits in Madruga, and in the Brass Coast as a whole'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Municipal Docks'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work (Shipyard)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Calvos Sound, Madruga </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 80 white granite, 40 weirwood and 45 Thrones, 12 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work that increases investment in fleets is built in Madruga</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 5 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Raises the level of investment in fleets in Madruga engaging in trading, questing or raiding
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Madruga
* Reduces the cost for Freeborn characters to upgrade fleets by one weirwood for a year after completion
* Raises income of all Freeborn characters by 7 rings for a year after completion
* Boosts taxation from the territory by 12 thrones a season
* Protects Calvos Sounds as a level one fortification
* Acts as a shipyard allowing the construction or refuge of up to two navies at a time
* Creates a new questing Voyage for Freeborn fleets, Hunt the Free Landing Kraken
* Creates the Freeborn position Quaymaster of the Municipal Docks
* Includes personal offices and accommodation for the Quaymaster and their family
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Quaymaster of the Municipal Docks'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Freeborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Can purchase goods from Commonwealth ships docking at Calvos</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Oversee the Municipal Docks</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Trade Purchases Volkavaar'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>50 rings</td><td>1 Hero Stones</td></tr>
<tr><td>120 rings</td><td>2 Hero Stones</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Trade Purchases Leerdam'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>36 rings</td><td>1 draught of Clear Headedness</td></tr>
<tr><td>80 rings</td><td>2 draughts of Clear Headedness</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
In Spring 387YE, Gisli 'the Provider' Baerson paid Professor Immnual Gelberg's team of visiting scholars to investigate the possibilities for building a new city in the former Freeborn territory of Madruga. The Commonwealth academics created a [[Germinating_a_city|plan]] to build new municipal docks in Madruga that would raise the level of investment in fleets in Madruga engaging in trading, questing or raiding and raise the level of investment in businesses in the territory. They would raise the income of all Freeborn characters by 7 rings for a year after completion and boost taxation from the territory by 12 thrones a season. All these benefits would result in more money flowing into the economy at Anvil.

Those are not the only benefits - the new docks would reduce the cost for Freeborn characters to upgrade their fleets by one weirwood for a year after completion and protect Calvos Sounds as a level one [[fortification]]. The docks would also act as a [[shipyard]], allowing the construction or refuge of up to two navies at a time and create a new questing voyage for Freeborn fleets; '''Hunt the Free Landing Kraken'''. None of these additional benefits result in more money directly in the Imperial treasury, however.

Professor Gelberg's plan also included the creation of a Freeborn position Quaymaster of the Municipal Docks which would include personal offices and accommodation for the Quaymaster and their family and give them access to a ministry that would allow them to spend a small amount of money to purchase rare items and potions. That would result in ''less'' money flowing into the Anvil economy - a clearly net negative if the Senate is seeking to get rid of ministries. However, the sums of money involved are relatively small - a tiny fraction of the benefits. Graciana is absolutely certain that the net effect would be significantly more money coming to the treasury.

The opportunity is still available, without any changes.

===Markets in Delev===
* '''Delev Market could be expanded to make the place a true centre of trade and commerce to rival Temeschwar'''
* '''Completing the expansion of the market would require 50 wains of white granite, 150 crowns, and take three months'''
* '''It would increase investment in businesses in Karov by one rank, adding 36 rings each season to their production'''
* '''As the Little Boyar's Welcome has been warded, the market will ''also'' improve taxation from the territory by 4 thrones'''
* '''This commission would replace the opportunity to upgrade the Delev Market run by the Overseer of the Westerward Road'''
* '''It could increase the money spent by several existing ministries'''

<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Great Market at Delev'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Delev, Duzekani, Karov</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 white granite, 150 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year or until another great work that increases investment in businesses is built in Karov</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Karov by one
* Allows citizens to take a business in Karov for free for one year after completion
* Adds an additional purchase rank to the [[Bargainer of the Iron Tower|Iron Tower]], [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak|Korotny Docks]] and the [[Overseer of the Westward Road|Delev Market]]
* Increases taxation of Karov by an additional 4 thrones a season if the Little Boyar's Welcome is also upgraded
* Would allow Senate to use a motion to permit the Boyar of the Iron Roads to create a sinecure instead of a ministry each season without using a Senate commission
</td></tr>
</table></div>

Rather than the fairly simple upgrade of the Delev Market that Graciana proposed to curtail the trade conducted by the Overseer of the Westward Road, the Senate could choose to engage in a major upgraded of the Market.

The proposals for this were published nearly a year ago in an appraisal by Naomi of Virtue's Rest. Her plan involved the creation of the Great Market at Delev which would raise the level of investment in businesses in Karov by one, but would also allow citizens to take a business in Karov for free for one year after completion. If her proposal for the Little Boyar's Welcome was also commissioned it would increase taxation from Karov by four thrones a season and allow the Senate to use a motion to permit the Boyar of the Iron Roads to create a sinecure instead of a ministry each season without using a Senate commission.

There are two key drawbacks to this plan - the first is that it is incompatible with the plans Graciana has drawn up to convert the existing market facilities run by the Overseer of the Westward Road. The Senate could commission the Great Market or convert the existing ministry to a great work - but not both.

The second drawback is that the work would provide additional trade opportunities for the [[Bargainer of the Iron Tower]], and the [[Overseer of the Westward Road]] to trade. It will also provide options for [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]] as prosperity spreads. The net effect would be to add an additional rank to each of the main ministries overseen by these titles.

This commission could easily result in significantly more money leaving the Anvil economy than it brought in - if the Bargainer and the Harbourmaster took full advantage of the opportunity. Of course, they would have more goods to show for that coin, but that might be slim consolation to a Senate that is focused on saving the Imperial treasury from running dry.

The opportunity is still available, without any changes.

===Friends in High Places===
* '''There is a recent proposal to build roads in Zenith which would raise the level of investment in businesses in the territory'''

Finally, Graciana notes that there is a new appraisal published by her colleague Naomi of Virtue's Rest which includes proposals to [[My_friends_are_my_estate#Northern_Way|build roads in Zenith]] which would raise the level of investment in businesses in the territory.

==Stirring the Pot==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_League.png|align=right|width=200}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Marcher.png|align=right|width=200}}
</div>
* '''One way to increase funds flowing into the Anvil economy would be if more citizens operated farms and businesses'''
* '''The League and Marcher Assembly could enact mandates to encourage their citizens to embrace tradition and support the Imperial economy'''
* '''Such mandates would make it easier for people to switch resources to take a farm or business and cheaper to upgrade a farm or business'''

Studying Laurencio di Sarvos' guide to the Anvil economy, it is clear that another way to increase the funds flowing into the Anvil economy would be to increase the amount of asset income that citizens coming to Anvil have available. Great works are one way to do that - as are casting rituals like [[Streams of Silver]], [[Rivers of Gold]], and the seasonal [[Farm#Rituals|rituals]] for farms. But one of the most effective ways to increase the money available would be if more people at Anvil had farms and businesses, and fewer people operated other resources. In the last decade, there has been a push to encourage citizens to sell their farm or business and take on the running of a [[military unit]] to support the war effort. However, Graciana claims that a better way to support the war effort might be to dispense with military units and acquire a business or a farm.

In practice, there isn't great demand for this in most places, and Graciana has little success in looking for opportunities to help encourage the practice, with two notable exceptions. Both the League and the Marches have strong cultural traditions that make ownership of businesses and farms important respectively - and what is more, owning a business in the League or a farm in the Marches comes with considerable political influence.

Of course, the Senate can't mandate that Marcher and League citizens put down their arms and take up running a farm or a business - but there is one body that could encourage it. The Synod could use a mandate to urge citizens of the Marches and the League to embrace traditional values, not just out of Pride and Ambition - but out of Loyalty to the needs of the Empire.

{{mandate|mandate=Pride in small things, loyalty to great ones. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to encourage Marcher citizens to settle the land. War is a thrice-ploughed field.|assembly=Marcher Assembly}}

{{mandate|mandate=Nothing great without cost. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to encourage League citizens to invest in a business. Coin counts, and everything costs.|assembly=League Assembly}}

If these mandates are passed in the relevant assemblies, then it will create an opportunity for one year for any character of that nation to change a military unit, fleet, herb garden, mine or forest to a farm (in the Marches) or a business (in the League) without incurring a cost. Crucially, the new resource will be the same level as any resource they give up to make the change - reflecting local support for their efforts to embrace their national traditions and support the Imperial economy.

What is more, there will a groundswell of support for League and Marchers looking to improve their resources. If the Marcher mandate is passed then any farm in the Marches can be upgraded for one wain fewer than normal (to a minimum of one) for one year. If the League mandate is passed then any business in the League can be upgraded for one wain fewer than normal (to a minimum of one) for one year.
==Further Reading==
* [[Appraisal]]
* [[Ministry]]
* [[Imperial treasury]]

The circle game

2026-03-20T17:30:17Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Grandmaster Ministries */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Appraisal]]
<ic>Graciana reached out carefully to receive the proferred book. He passed it to her slowly, handling the book as reverently as if it were a relic of the Way.

A relic of the past, I suppose, she mused to herself. "The Foundation of the Bourse" by Apomedes of Heaven's Reach. She could just make out the letters stamped into the leather bound cover, the paint that had once filled them, had long since cracked and fallen away.

"Giovanni's contribution to the Empire is often overlooked." the old man said sadly. "It's because it's so pedestrian I guess. There's no great battles. No epic wars. Apomedes claims he killed more forgers than barbarians. No moments of heroism. Well apart from Miaren I suppose and it's pretty clear that he thought that campaign was a disaster."

Graciana cupped the priceless book in both hands, unsure if it would be safe to open the cover. "I'm not sure how this will help me?" she queried.

"Apomedes first" he replied inscrutably, "then we can have a talk."
</ic>

<div style="float:left; width: 450px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Fedelmidd Sydanjaa's Heart Floer.png|caption='''Fedelmidd Sydanjaa's Heart Floer''', Senator for Sermersuaq|align=left|width=450}}</div>
==Overview==
Six months ago, during the Summer Solstice, the Imperial Senate charged the Prognosticator's Office with examining "''the ministries of the Empire to identify any alternative trades their associated titles could make that would '''not''' involve us paying coin.''" On the advice of the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court|Constitutional Court]], [[Senator]] for [[Sermersuaq]] who raised the motion - '''Fedelmidd Sydanjaa's Heart Floer''' - acknowledged that the prognosticator would need additional time to complete their review - that period has now been completed.

The Senate did not select a specific appraiser to oversee the work, so the Auditor of the Imperial Treasury Gerard La Salle assigned [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] to oversee it. His first choice - the diplomatic [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi]] - had unfortunately already been assigned to oversee an [[Any_port_in_a_storm|appraisal of Utterlund docks]]. The Freeborn has some expertise in this area, having been a successful merchant herself before joining the Civil Service. As an experienced practitioner of [[Night magic]], she is known for approaching problems in ways that are novel, albeit often expensive.

Despite her talents, it is clear that Graciana has found the task extremely challenging. The truth is that there are precious few options for alternative trades for the various existing ministries that would provide alternatives to spending money. Frustrated, the prognosticator has tried to take a broader view and look at what she has ''guessed'', is the more fundamental problem - declining revenues for the Imperial treasury, using the time available to study the problem as thoroughly as possible. She has included the findings of that investigation as part of the overall appraisal.

<div style="float:right;"><quote by="William Stanley Jevons">Money's a matter of functions four,<br>
A Medium, a Measure, a Standard, a Store.</quote></div>
==The Liquidity Problem==
* '''Imperial citizens prefer to deal in money in most cases'''
* '''Most foreigners prefer either Imperial coinage, or to deal in high-value commodities such as wains and rings of ilium'''

The fundamental problem that Graciana identifies is that the majority of potential customers would vastly prefer to deal in coin than engage in barter. There are exceptions of course, the [[Quaymaster of the Hesychian Docks]] for example, is able to trade Dragonbone for white granite. But these rare cases are the exception - most citizens strongly prefer to deal in coin rather than barter.

Coin has many advantages, as a medium of exchange it ensures that a trade isn't reliant on both parties wanting what the other party is selling. As a measure of value it is quickly and easily quantified and transferred - it is much quicker to count and transfer 20 thrones than 300 ingots of weltsilver. Coins allow people to accumulate and tally obligations and debts in ways that allow for payments to be easily deferred. Imperial coins, backed as they are by the full weight of the Empire and the tireless work of the Master of the Mint to prevent forgeries, act as a peerless store of wealth. They make it simple to keep wealth safe, so that it can be employed in the future.

In simpler terms, money is just much more desirable for buying and selling than barter is. It's flexible, and at the end of the day it is much easier to give people money to buy the things they need than it is to swap the thing you have for the thing they have. It's no use having a cart-load of weltsilver to trade for dragonbone if your opposite number actually wants orichalcum. Most established, prosperous people look at "barter" - swapping things for other things - a little askance.

While there are a few possibilities, they seem to be very specific and very limited in scope. The established ways within the Empire to buy and sell resources, all rely on money, and there is no appetite to change those. There may be some limited opportunities to create new deals with foreign nations - trading liao and dragonbone to Axos for example - but they would require careful diplomatic negotiation. In all cases foreign nations usually prefer to take payment in Imperial coin when dealing with Imperial traders - none of them are likely to accept barter unless it comes with a considerable discount that favours them.

Stymied by the inability to find any systematic or extensive solution to the appraisal, Graciana has tried to look at what she ''assumes'' is the more fundamental problem - a concern about the finance available to the Imperial treasury.

==Giovanni's Legacy==
* '''The fundamental basis of the modern Imperial economy was laid down by Emperor Giovanni'''
* '''Giovanni deliberately constrained the ability of the Empire to tax or borrow to ensure the burden of government fell on the wealthiest'''
{{CaptionedImage|file=Appendix-A---Economy-Flowchart.jpg|caption=Leaflet reproduced with the kind permission of '''Laurencio di Sarvos'''.<br>Art created by '''Persephone Sage-Fletcher'''|align=right|width=350}}</div>

The fundamental basis of the modern Imperial economy was laid down in a series of reforms instituted by [[Emperor Giovanni]]. He established the modern currency based on steel coins issued by the Imperial Mint, (which he ensured was based in Tassato). Giovanni also laid the foundations of the Bourse, and worked with the Senate and Synod to codify the body of Imperial Law. Crucially it was Giovanni that ''fixed'' the taxation that Imperial citizens must pay - by reinterpreting "a measure of silver" to be a single crown. The few texts that survive that describe this period suggest that before Giovanni, the early leaders of the Empire had anticipated that they might vary how much silver citizens might be taxed. Giovanni closed the door on that possibility.

Instead he established the Imperial Bourse as the primary method by which the nascent Empire would raise funds for the Imperial treasury. He did so at the same time that he instituted a tradition of meeting once every three months at Anvil. The few accounts of Emperor Giovanni that survive paint him as a shrewd and brilliant politician, but on a personal level he was widely regarded as cynical man whose studies of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_dismal_science the dismal science] led him to expect the worst of literally everyone. According to the [[Torchbearer]], Apomedes of Heaven's Reach, Giovanni deliberately created the Bourse to ensure that the burden of paying for the decisions of the Senate would fall on those who made them and those who put them there.

Interest in Emperor Giovanni tends to wax and wane. When economic times are good, few people pay any attention to his life's work. These periods are often marked by ''years'' of steady rises in the price of wains, accompanied by a growth in expenditure authorised by the Imperial Senate. When the wheel turns, the price of wains begins to fall and the pressure on the Imperial treasury begins to rise dramatically. When that happens interest in the Imperial economy suddenly becomes more pressing.

In recent years, noted Imperial economists like the respected Wintermark scholar, and current [[Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]] '''Vauraus Korppitkotka''' of the [[Wintermark_groups#Sussivari|Sussivari]], have published insightful analysis that map out the flow of money into the Imperial treasury. Similar work by the tireless campaigner, '''Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos''' of the First Spark, have aimed to drill home just how important the impact of things like ministries are on the "Anvil economy". Graciana's research largely confirms what both these economists have long been saying - all the money spent at Anvil ultimately circulates around Anvil until it ends up returning to the Imperial treasury.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sussivari.png|align=right|width=200|caption=The Sussivari are known for a particual appreciation of matters magical.}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos.jpg|align=right|caption='''Laurencio di Sarvos''', economic analyst and hammer owner.|width=200}}</div>
The document produced by Laurencio di Sarvos, graphically illustrates how the Anvil economy works. The yellow boxes show where money enters the system - taxation by the Senate, the personal income of wealthy citizens, and so forth. The blue boxes show how this money circulates around Anvil - guerdon payments don't leave Anvil because they are paid to people who then bring the money back to Anvil to spend it. The Bourse works to draw money from everyone attending Anvil, ever directly or indirectly, which it then funnels back to the Senate. Wealth only leaves the system through the red boxes, the upkeep of armies and fortifications or the spending in ministries and similar.

When more money enters the system than leaves the system, the price of wains goes up, and the Senate grows rich. When more money leaves the system than enters it, the price of wains goes down and the Senate's budget is squeezed. Encouraging citizens to pay more at the Bourse auctions might feel virtuous, but since it doesn't change the fundamental money supply in the slightest, all it can possibly do is delay the inevitable correction. Virtuous citizens moving money from the Anvil economy to the Bourse and from there to the Senate cannot be sustained, if the money in circulation in the Anvil economy continues to decline.
<div style="float:right; clear:right;"><quote by="Emperor Giovanni">Those who call the tune must pay the piper.</quote></div>
This design perfectly reflects Giovanni's gloomy disposition. The Emperor ''expected'' his Senate to be profligate in their spending - he changed the constitution to ensure that the burden fell squarely on the heads of the citizens coming to Anvil. His belief was that they, and they alone, might have the collective political power to restrain their senators.

If alternative trades could be found, so that Imperial citizens who attend Anvil could make significant purchases using wains, resources, mana, herbs or similar, that would result in significantly less money leaving the Anvil economy - and by extension more money ultimately flowing into the Imperial treasury. However that is very difficult to do, there are few good options for doing that for the reasons described above, most people want to get paid, in coin, for their services or goods. However increasing the money flowing into the Anvil economy would have the same net effect as decreasing the money flowing out of the Anvil economy - and that might be easier to achieve.

==Cutting Corners==
* '''There are few good options for alternative trades for ministries, but the Senate could abrogate them'''
* '''There are some ministries that could provide a benefit to the Empire without requiring money to operate'''

As mentioned, there are few good options for alternative trades that don't involve coin. The handful that do exist are ad hoc limited options that affect some of the smaller ministries; Graciana is dubious that these will produce significant net benefits to the Imperial treasury.

The drastic solution would be to abrogate all ministries. The Imperial Senate could use a single Senate motion to abrogate every ministry in the Empire. That would have a huge effect, dramatically curbing the powers of some titles and disestablishing others (any title whose only power was to operate a ministry would be abrogated at the same time). Such a motion would mean any investment into the ministry in question was lost - there would be no way to recover the materials used to build the commision and no easy way to repurpose them for some other use.

A less drastic answer might be to abrogate certain specific ministries. With a more tailored approach, it is possible to address the changes as they happen, shifting commissions so that some benefits still accrue. Graciana has looked at four "groups" of ministries - the [[grandmaster|grandmasters]] of the [[Conclave]], the [[ambassador|ambassadors]], the [[Northern trade network]], and the Prosperity ministries that provide bourse resources. In the first three cases, she has identified some benefits that could be had if the Senate acted to remove their ministries. She has not been able to identify benefits that would flow from abrogating the Prosperity ministries and she advises ''against'' dis-establishing them.
<div style="float:right;"><quote by="Lebannon of Haros Water">No, Grandmaster. It is not 'yours'.

It is ours.</quote></div>
====Grandmaster Ministries====
* '''The ministries that provide Grandmasters with crystal mana could be abrogated'''
* '''Doing so would mean an additional 127 crystal mana going directly to the font'''
One group of ministries that see a large amount of money flow from Anvil into the wider Empire are the so-called "mana ministries" possessed by each [[Grandmaster]]. These ministries were greatly enhanced in 384YE when the Senate [[Honey_and_vinegar#Old_Stones|took advantage of an opportunity]] to expand the mana exchanges in [[Steward of the Tassato Mana Exchange|Tassato]], [[Magic Butcher|Temeschwar]], and [[Steward_of_the_Sarvos_Mana_Exchange|Sarvos]]. Graciana estimates that, in total, the Grandmasters have spent over a hundred thrones collectively buying over a thousand crystal mana for their orders over the last year. This is in addition to the mana that is distributed to them via [[Conclave_vault#The_Font|the font]]. It is clearly valuable to have so much additional mana available to the Empire, but the Senate might consider that the costs are not worth the benefits.

The Senate could use a single senate motion to shut these ministries down. If that happened, the civil servants responsible for securing crystal mana for the grandmasters could be redeployed, and the structures used to support them could be repurposed to support a public trade in mana crystals between citizens, with the profits from that operation being used to fund mana purchases for the font.

Graciana calculates that this would result in an additional 127 crystal mana each season being raised for the font, at no additional cost to the Empire. That would be a significant loss for the Empire - five hundred mana crystals a year is significantly less than the thousand mana crystals that the grandmasters purchased between then - but it would represent a considerable saving to the Anvil economy.

====Diplomatic Ministries====
* '''The Senate could end the practice of merchants offering favourable rates to ambassadors'''
* '''They could redefine the role of the ambassador and indicate such gifts are for the benefit of the Empire rather than the ambassador'''
* '''Doing so would remove the ministry, but would also remove the upkeep costs of the embassys the Empire has not embargoed'''

As it currently stands, the [[Imperial Consul]] and each [[ambassador]] oversees an [[embassy]]. Alongside the political powers and prestige an embassy affords an ambassador, they also support a degree of [[Ambassador#Mercantile_Support|mercantile activity]]. Merchants who engage in trade between the Empire and the nation in question, or vice versa, visit the embassy to curry favour with the ambassador. Commonly they take a portion of the items they buy and sell and make them available to the ambassador at favourable prices. This benefit is represented by a ministry that allows the ambassador to directly purchase raw materials from traders and merchants of the associated nation.

This practice obviously leads to questions about what exactly is going on. Virtuous individuals in particular sometimes look at this behaviour with raised eyebrows - these merchants are trying to curry favour with the ambassador to get special treatment. This is usually perfectly innocuous, merchants offer incentives to get their shipments cleared by the dock authorities more quickly than their rivals, or to expedite permits to sell their wares, arrange meetings with their Imperial counterparts, or the like. But in theory, if a merchant were engaged in criminal activity, the ambassador might be the first person they would seek to bribe to look the other way...

It would be relatively straightforward for the Senate to end this practice. With a suitably worded Senate motion they could make it clear that such lobbying is no longer acceptable, for all existing embassies and future embassies. The ministries would be lost. Ambassadors would still be able to engage in direct trade with foreign nations of course, but the practice of merchants bringing goods to the embassies to "trade" at a "special discount" to the Ambassadors would end. None of the diplomats from the foreign nations would bat an eyelid at this change.

That is not to say that the giving of "gifts" is the problem. In practice most of the actual work of operating an embassy is done by the civil service - they could still help foreign merchants with their trade, but any gifts would be understood to a gift to the embassy itself, and by extension the Empire. The civil service could sell these gifts, at least those that had real value, and use the proceeds to pay the costs of running the embassy. That would mean the Empire not need to pay the upkeep costs of any embassay unless they declared war with the nation in question - or embargoed their trade.

The Imperial Senate could remove the ministries from every embassy with a single motion. The impact is not small - removing the ability of the Consul and the ambassadors to purchase goods would save nearly two hundred thrones a year, but it would also cut nearly thirty five thrones a season in upkeep costs.

Of course impoverishing the diplomatic corps, who have presumably been using the profits of their embassy to fund the vital work they do, might be too high a cost for the Senate to stomach. If that was a concern, the Senate could give each title a stipend - that would be drawn directly from the Imperial treasury of course, but it would mean those funds weren't leaving the Anvil economy.

====Northern Trade Network====
* '''The Northern Trade Network was established as a set of ministries but Graciana believes that lacks ambition
* '''Investing in the Northern Trade Network would remove the small-scale individual benefits and improve the situation for the entire territory where they are built
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:500px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Ministry !! Territory
|-
| [[Bonesetter of Torfast Trading Post]] || [[Skarsind]]
|-
| [[Broker of Treji Wayhouse]] || [[Hercynia]]
|-
| [[Overseer of the Westward Road]] || [[Karov]]
|-
| [[Northbound Trademaster]] || [[Temeschwar]]
|-
| [[Kalpaheim Tradeholder]] || [[Hahnmark]]
|-
|}

A series of ministries have been established across the northern Empire that together became the [[Northern trade network]]. These ministries, anchored by the [[Bonesetter of Torfast Trading Post|Torfast Trading Post]] in [[Skarsind]] connect [[Hahnmark]], [[Hercynia]], [[Skarsind]], [[Temeschwar]], and [[Karov]]. Their establishment saw the northern territories establish closer trade ties among themselves. The Thule also participate in this trade, exchanging their own crystal mana for Imperial ingots and measures.

<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Kalapaheim Tradehall'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Hahnmark#Kalpamark|Kalpamark, Hahnmark]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 wains of [[white granite]], 90 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in businesses is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the "trade profits" and "eastern route" from the Kalpaheim Tradeholder, leaving only the Urdur trade
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Hahnmark by one, providing 36 extra rings to every business in the territory
* Allows the Kalpaheim Tradeholder to change the additional money provided by the great work to 2 extra ingots of a chosen metal by email to {{template:plot}}
</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Torfast Trading Post'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Skarsind#Southpine|Southpine, Skarsind]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 wains of [[white granite]], 90 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in businesses is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the "southern", "western" and "eastern route" from the Bonesetter of Torfast Trading Post, leaving only the northern Urdur trade route
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Skarsind by one, providing 36 extra rings to every business in the territory
* Allows the Bonesetter to change the additional money provided by the great work to 2 extra measures of a chosen forest resouce by email to {{template:plot}}
</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Treji Wayhouse'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Hercynia#The_Glen_of_Shadows|The Glen of Shadows, Hercynia]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 30 wains of [[white granite]], 90 crowns, three months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in herb gardens is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the "trade profits" and "eastern route" from the Broker of Treji Wayhouse, leaving only the Urdur trade
* Raises the level of investment in herb gardens in Hercynia by one, providing two additional bladeroot and one additional marrowort to every herb garden in the territory
* Allows the Broker to change the additional herbs provided by the great work to 3 bladeroot, or 3 marrowort or 3 true vervain or any combination thereof by email to {{template:plot}}
</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Delev Market'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Karov#Duzekani|Duzekani, Karov]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 wains of [[white granite]], 150 crowns, six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in mines or forests is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' Can only be upgraded if the Treji Warehouse, Torfast Trading Post and Kalapaheim Tradehall have all been converted into great works
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the "trade profits" from the Overseer of the Westward Road, leaving only the Urdur trade
* Raises the level of investment in mines and forests in Karov by one, providing 2 additional materials to every mine and forest in the territory
* Allows the Broker to change the additional ingots and measures provided by the great work to 36 rings instead by email to {{template:plot}}
</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Northbound Trade'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' [[Temeschwar|Hanuri|Hanuri, Temeschwar]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 60 wains of [[white granite]], 180 crowns, six months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increasing investment in businesses is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Requirement:''' Can only be upgraded if the Treji Warehouse, Torfast Trading Post, Kalapaheim Tradehall, and Delev Market have all been converted into great works
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Removes the "trade profits" and "eastern route" from the Northbound Trademaster, leaving only the Urdur trade
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Temeschwar by one, providing 36 additional rings to every business in the territory
* Allows the Trademaster to change the additional money provided by the great work to two measures or two ingots by email to {{template:plot}}
</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

The network itself grew up fairly haphazardly, with each new member added improving the opportunities for each of the others. In each case, money is used to buy trade goods that the other nations in the network have in abundance. Graciana sees an opportunity here; rather than focusing the trade through one location, these ministries could be the basis for securing larger-scale prosperity across the territory.

In each case, the existing structure would need considerable further investment - and the costs involved are not small. Each would require a Senate motion or announcement by someone able to commission a great work - they could '''not''' be done with a single commission. In each case, the relevant title holder would see the loss of all trade privileges currently granted by the ministry, bar the oversight of trade with the Thule. Once the work to upgrade the existing commission into a great work was complete, the ministry would only be able to acquire mana crystals from the Urdur trade option in each case - all other options would be lost.

The benefits could be considerable however, providing significant boosts to income for businesses and other personal resources across the north territories of the Empire. In most cases, the work could be done independently of the other branches of the northern trade network, with the exception of the Delev Market in Karov and the trade hub in Temeschwar. The Delev Market, would only provide benefits to mines and businesses once the Treji Warehouse, Torfast Trading Post and Kalapaheim Tradehall were upgraded. The trade hub in Temeschwar would only provide benefits to businesses once the overhaul of ''all'' the other branches of the network was complete.

====Prosperity Ministries====
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:500px; float: right; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Ministry !! Nation !! Resources
|-
| [[Cinderpath Custodian|Cinder Path Exchange]] || Highguard|| Mithril
|-
| [[Bargainer of the Iron Tower|Iron Tower]] || Varushka || Mithril
|-
| [[Mistress of the Dust Parador|Parador of Dust]] || Brass Coast || Mithril
|-
| [[Reeve of Boar's Market|Boar's Market]] || Dawn || Mithril, white granite, and weirwood
|-
| [[Broker of the Invisible Cord|Invisible Cord Brokerage]] || Navarr || Weirwood
|-
| [[Talon of Kaupahall|Kaupahall]] || Wintermark || White granite and ilium
|-
|}
* '''The six "Prosperity ministries" allow title holders to purchase wains and rings of ilium from Imperial citizens'''
* '''They were established following the efforts of the Prosperity Assembly to ensure virtuous citizens are paid fairly for their resources'''
* '''Large sums of money are spent acquiring bourse materials through these ministries'''
* '''Abrograting these ministres would be counter-productive, citizens would find other ways to sell wains to people coming to Anvil'''

In the last several years, a series of ministries arose as a result of the Prosperity assembly drive to disband the private and public auctions and ensure Imperial citizens with wains to sell received ''just reward for their labour''. The first was the [[Cinderpath Custodian|Cinder Path Exchange]] in [[Highguard]], but the practice quickly spread to other nations. These specialised ministries allow the purchase of [[white granite]], [[mithril]], [[weirwood]], and [[ilium]] from citizens of a nation at a "fair price", as determined by the prosperous citizens of the Empire. While the money spent on these resources continues to enrich Imperial citizens, those who receive it rarely come to Anvil so it does not appear in the Imperial treasury.

Graciana looks into the possibility of altering these ministries so that they would not rely on Imperial coinage but she stops once she identifies the fundamental problem. These ministries replaced the need for citizens to send wains to Anvil to be sold by public auction - if they were abrograted or repurposed in some way - then it is certain that citizens would find some other way to sell their excess wains to the wealthy citizens at Anvil. It might mean less money leaving the Anvil economy - but it could mean ''more'' money escaping the Imperial treasury, it is impossible to predict.

As such Graciana suggests that the Senate avoid changing any ministries that allow the title holder to purchase bourse resources from Imperial citizens, at least if they are seeking to increase the amount of funds available.

==Clipping Coins==
* '''Graciana has identified half a dozen opportunities to alter existing ministries to operate without spending coin'''

While Graciana has found few systemic ways to remove the need to spend coin when operating ministries, she has idenfied a number of individual opportunities to change specific ministries. In many cases these opportunities involve deals with foreigners. Graciana is no diplomat, but [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] is able to help with these negotiations - any of which the Empire could take up or turn down without causing undue offence.

As ever, any deal with foreigners is inherently fragile - any ministry that relies on a deal with a foreign power will cease to function if the Empire finds itself at war with that nation.

===Axos and the Bursars===
* '''The Halls of Maykop are prepared to exhange crystal mana for the materials they need to make magic items'''
* '''The Halls are interested in closer links with the Bursar of the Conclave'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Bursar of the Conclave'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>7 Dragonbone</td><td>8 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 Dragonbone, 6 Beggar's Lye</td><td>16 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 Dragonbone, 10 Beggar's Lye, 7 Ambergelt</td><td>24 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 Dragonbone, 10 Beggar's Lye, 10 Ambergelt, 10 Irridescent Gloaming</td><td>32 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>20 Dragonbone, 15 Beggar's Lye, 10 Ambergelt, 10 Irridescent Gloaming</td><td>40 mana crystals</td></tr>
</table>

<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''House of Spirits'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>40 liao</td><td>1 ring of [[ilium]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>80 liao</td><td>2 rings of ilium</td></tr>
<tr><td>125 liao</td><td>3 rings of ilium</td></tr>
<tr><td>175 liao</td><td>4 rings of ilium</td></tr>
<tr><td>230 liao</td><td>5 rings of ilium</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

The [[Bursar of the Conclave]] has been empowered by the Imperial Senate to purchase mana for the Conclave from Imperial citizens. The Axou are usually a good source for mana and it appears they are open to getting involved with the ministry. Two things make them suitable for this, one is that the Axou from the Halls of Maykop seem keen to forge closer links with the Bursar - and the other is that this citadel would be prepared to take payment in forest materials rather than Imperial coin.

The [[Bursar of the House of Spirits]] is responsible for the House of Spirits in [[Casinea]]. This remote campus hosts students from the College of Necromantia in Maykop. Despite their willingness to help, the Axou are not prepared to accept forest materials for their precious ilium, however they would be prepared to accept large amounts of liao instead.

The Imperial Senate could use a single Senate motion to accept the two Axou offers.

===Sarcophan and the Kruidenkenner===
* '''The Sarcophan are prepared to barter metals for herbs in the two Kruidenkenner trade enclaves'''

<table style="width:400px; float: right; margin-left:10px; clear: right;" class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Trademaster Cerulean Mazzarine'''</td></td>
<tr><td>6 green iron</td><td>12 cerulean mazzarine</td></tr>
<tr><td>15 green iron</td><td>24 cerulean mazzarine</td></tr>
<tr><td>27 green iron</td><td>36 cerulean mazzarine</td></tr>
</table>

<table style="width:400px; float: right; margin-left:10px; clear: right;" class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Trademaster Herbs'''</td></td>
<tr><td>10 tempest jade</td><td>16 random herbs</td></tr>
<tr><td>22 tempest jade</td><td>32 random herbs</td></tr>
<tr><td>36 tempest jade</td><td>48 random herbs</td></tr>
</table>

<table style="width:400px; float: right; margin-left:10px; clear: right;" class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Root and Stem'''</td></td>
<tr><td>6 orichalcum</td><td>12 bladeroot</td></tr>
<tr><td>15 orichalcum</td><td>24 bladeroot</td></tr>
<tr><td>27 orichalcum</td><td>36 bladeroot</td></tr>
</table>

The Kruidenkenner, the large Sarcophan trading house that supplies herbs to the [[Kruidenkenner Trademaster]] and the [[Master of the Root and Stem]], are also prepared to indulge the Empire switch to barter at their establishments. They are quick to produce a proposed schedule of purchases and prices at each of the two establishments. There is some suggestion that the returns on these trades might not be as profitable as the current arrangements - the Kruidenkenner don't deny that accusation exactly - rather they point out that it is the Empire seeking to change the arrangements and that barter is inherently more expensive.

The Imperial Senate could use a single motion to accept all the changes proposed by the Kruidenkenner - if that happened then the ministries associated with the titles would require ingots to operate them from then on, rather than coin.

===The Ossium Trade===
* '''Merchants in Ossium would be prepared to accept ingots in place of coin for the goods available to the Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market and the Apothecary of Orieb'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Merchant Boyar Ossium herbs'''</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;"></td></tr>
<tr><td>8 weltsilver</td><td>6 doses of [[marrowort]], 10 random [[herb|herbs]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 weltsilver, 8 orichalcum</td><td>13 doses of [[marrowort]], 20 random herbs</td></tr>
<tr><td>16 weltsilver, 10 orichalcum, 10 green iron</td><td>20 doses of [[marrowort]], 30 random herbs</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Orieb Apothecary Herbs'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>7 tempest jade</td><td>14 random herbs, 1 dose of realmsroot</td></tr>
<tr><td>10 tempest jade, 9 weltsilver</td><td>28 random herbs, 2 doses of realmsroot</td></tr>
<tr><td>20 tempest jade, 9 weltsilver, 6 green iron</td><td>42 random herbs, 3 doses of realmsroot</td></tr>
</table>

</div>
Not all the opportunities that Graciana has identified involve trade with foreigners. Citizens in Ossium have an insatiable desire for ingots, which are used by artisans in the territory to make fine magical weapons for sale. The Ketsov are open to the idea of procuring the herbs currently purchased by the [[Apothecary of Orieb]] and the [[Merchant-Boyar of the Stinking Market]] in exchange for ingots.

On the face of it, this seems like a simple deal, but Graciana cautions that the Ketsov, in particular, have proven "touchy" in recent years, having had run-ins with the Synod and with some of their Varushkan peers. This proposal won't make those problems any worse, but it would make the trade through the Stinking Market and the Orieb dependent on the continued involvement of the Ketsov. If relations with them soured, the Merchant-Boyar and the Apothecary would need to deal with the fallout of that if they wanted to continue operating their ministry.

The Imperial Senate could use a single motion to accept all the changes proposed by the Ketsov - if that happened then the ministries associated with the titles would require ingots to purchase herbs them from then on, rather than coin.

==Growing the Pot==
* '''Graciana has looked for alternative ways to increase the funds flowing into the Anvil economy'''
* '''She has identified numerous outstanding opportunities for great works, all of which ultimately mean more money paid to the Senate in the bourse auction'''

Graciana has done her best to find ways to repurpose existing ministries, but it is clear that the options are limited. At the point where it is clear that there are no further opportunities to do so, she devotes the remaining time to looking for alternative solutions. As with any appraisal, the ideal is for the prognosticator's office to know what the underlying ''problem'' is that the Senate are looking to solve. Stopping ministries spending coin to buy goods is a "solution" to a problem - the outcome of which would be that less money left the Anvil economy. It seems reasonable therefore, to guess that the real problem the Senate are trying to solve is to get more money to flow into the Imperial treasury. Stopping ministries from spending coin would achieve that, but it's far from the only way.

The clear alternative to stopping money leaving the Anvil economy is to take steps to make more money flow into the Anvil economy. The obvious way to do that would be to build great works that boost the profits of farms and businesses across the Empire. It's not a cheap solution, but the benefits are clear - yeofolk and business owners with more money in their pockets to spend at anvil means more money in the Imperial treasury. It's not possible for Graciana to invest a lot of time into looking for new opportunities to raise great works, that is outside the scope of the appraisal, but she has been able to do a thorough review of outstanding opportunities to see which ones are still available.

===Inkworks at Joharra===
* '''The bustling industry of Joharra was ruined by an attack from Isidore i Boyaga'''
* '''An inkworks could be built in Oranseri to aid and assist businesses in Feroz'''
* '''The inkworks would remove the impoverished quality from the region'''
*'''It would also boost the seasonal income of scriveners by 22 rings for a year once completed'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Inkworks of Joharra'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Oranseri, Feroz</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 60 white granite and 60 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work increases investment in businesses is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Increases the level of investment of businesses in Feroz by one.
* Removes the impoverished quality from Oranseri.
* Increases the seasonal income of scriveners by 22 rings for a year.
* Creates the title of ''Scrivener of the Inkworks''</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Scrivener of the Inkworks'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Brass Coast National</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' [[Tally of the Votes]] or Senate</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
* Receives 15 measures of iridescent gloaming each season.
* Receives a Therasia's Chain each year.
* Can make an announcement in the Senate to redirect the Inkworks if there is a [[opportunity]] that explicitly allows it.</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To direct the inkworks as needed, to support the scriveners of Feroz, and to ensure contracts are being kept in the Brass Coast</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Restriction''' This title will only receive a Therasia's Chain if the holder is a scrivener</td></tr>
</table></div>
In Winter 386YE, Graciana presented a proposal for a new [[Send_for_me#Inkworks_of_Joharra|Inkworks at Joharra]] in Feroz. The facility offered a number of useful benefits, removing the impoverished quality from Oranseri and boosting income of businessholders across the territory. As it turns out, it would also boost the income of scriveners by 22 rings for one year after completion, all of which would help to sustain the Anvil economy.

The opportunity is still available, without any changes.

===Fish and Fur in Sermersuaq===
* '''A fishery built at the town of Atalaq would support farms and fisherfolk across the territory'''
* '''A grand trading post in southern Sermersuaq would provide a significant boost to businesses in the territory'''
* '''It would provide additional benefits to Wintermark ships trading with foreign ports by providing rich luxury goods to sell'''
* '''The Custodian of the Bloody Great Sausage would be in prime position to make a profit from the increased availability of fine, exotic meats'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Atalaq Fishery'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Sealtoq, Sermersuaq</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 75 weirwood, 25 mithril, 300 crowns, 6 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work that increases investment in farms is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Increases investment in farms in Sermersuaq from two to three.
* Allows farms owned by Suaq characters to diversify their farm to produce a mana crystal.</td></tr></table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Atalaq Tradehall'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Sealtoq, Sermersuaq</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 weirwood, 150 crowns, 3 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work that increases investment in businesses is built in the territory</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Increases investment in businesses in Sermersuaq by one.
* Increase taxation from Sermersuaq by 4 thrones.
* Increases income of the Custodian of the Bloody Great Sausage by 7 crowns
* Boosts income of Wintermark fleet owners by 36 rings for one year whenever they engage in trade with foreign nations</td></tr></table></div>
Graciana also provided a [[Farm, fur, and fish|report]] on opportunities for investment in Skarsind in Summer 386YE. The proposal for the Atalaq Fishery would have provided 36 rings to every farm in Skarsind as well as allowing them to diversify their farms to acquire mana crystals.

Perhaps of more interest to the Senate is the less ambitious project to establish the Atalaq Tradehall. That would have increased investment in businesses in Sermersuaq, but it would also benefit the treasury directly, increasing taxation from the territory by 4 thrones. The burst of luxury goods and materials the trade post provided would have also helped Wintermark traders, providing an additional 36 rings to any fleet owner in a Wintermark territory whenever they engaged in [[Fleet#Trade|trade]] with foreign nations. It would permanently boost the income of the Custodian of the Bloody Great Sausage by 7 crowns each event.

The opportunity is still available, without any changes.

===Marshways in Kallavesa===
* '''The marshways would raise the level of investment in herb gardens and businesses by one in Kallavesa'''
* '''It would cost 80 wains of weirwood, 240 crowns and take a year to complete'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Kallevesa Marshways'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' [[Great work]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Kallavesa</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 80 wains of weirwood, 240 crowns, 6 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work that increases investment in herb gardens or businesses is built in Kallavesa</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Raises the level investment in businesses in Kallavesa by one providing an additional 36 rings
* Raises the level investment in herb gardens in Kallavesa by one providing two true vervain, and one Marrowort in Spring, one Cerulean Mazzarine in Summer, one Imperial Roseweald in Autumn, and one Bladeroot in Winter
* Creates a [[Venture#Guarding_Ventures|guarding venture]] for Wintermark and Dawnish military units to protect the merchants using the marshways in exchange for herbs
</td></tr></table></div>

As part of her appraisal on [[Road_out_of_nowhere#Marshways|roads]] in Winter 385YE, Graciana suggested the Senate could establish marshways across the marshy territories of the Empire, Kallavesa, Therunin and Bregasland. All three territories have a strong tradition of boat use – not sea-going ships but various incarnations of flat-bottomed skiffs and punts that pole the shallow waters of the fens. The ideas was to establish a number of ferries, river-side wayhouses, strategically placed bridges, jetties, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portage portage rails], and boatworks that she called the ''Marshways''.

Sadly Therunin and Bregasland are currently suffering from invasion and war; no longer controlled by the Empire, the idea of building there is out of the question. However, Kallevesa is still ripe for investment - so Graciana has updated the costs for just the Wintermark territory. That would cut costs considerably - to 80 wains of weirwood and 240 crowns - but it could be done in six months. Once it was finished, it would raise the level of investment for businesses providing an additional 36 rings every season. It would also raise the level of investment for herb gardens by one, providing two true vervain, and one seasonal herb - Marrowort in Spring, Cerulean Mazzarine in Summer, Imperial Roseweald in Autumn, and Bladeroot in Winter.

In the original proposal, Graciana suggested that the Senate establish a title-holder to oversee the marshways and be responsible for their safety. The position would then be able to fund their operations by purchasing herbs from merchants using the marshways. Given the purpose of the appraisal, Graciana has updated the original plan - now the completion of the marshways would create a new guarding venture for Wintermark and Dawnish military units to protect merchants using the Marshways. The new version of the opportunity replaces the original.

===Docks in Madruga===
* '''There is a proposal to build the Municipal Docks in Calvos to spur the growth of the town in the coming years'''
* '''If built, the municipal docks would create conditions for Calvos to ultimately grow into one of great cities of the Empire'''
* '''The Docks would have an upkeep of 5 thrones a season but would increase taxation by 12 thrones a season'''
* '''Once complete the docks would provide significant benefits in Madruga, and in the Brass Coast as a whole'''
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Municipal Docks'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work (Shipyard)</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Calvos Sound, Madruga </td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 80 white granite, 40 weirwood and 45 Thrones, 12 months</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year - or until another great work that increases investment in fleets is built in Madruga</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Upkeep:''' 5 thrones</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Raises the level of investment in fleets in Madruga engaging in trading, questing or raiding
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Madruga
* Reduces the cost for Freeborn characters to upgrade fleets by one weirwood for a year after completion
* Raises income of all Freeborn characters by 7 rings for a year after completion
* Boosts taxation from the territory by 12 thrones a season
* Protects Calvos Sounds as a level one fortification
* Acts as a shipyard allowing the construction or refuge of up to two navies at a time
* Creates a new questing Voyage for Freeborn fleets, Hunt the Free Landing Kraken
* Creates the Freeborn position Quaymaster of the Municipal Docks
* Includes personal offices and accommodation for the Quaymaster and their family
</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Quaymaster of the Municipal Docks'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Freeborn</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Can purchase goods from Commonwealth ships docking at Calvos</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Oversee the Municipal Docks</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Trade Purchases Volkavaar'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>50 rings</td><td>1 Hero Stones</td></tr>
<tr><td>120 rings</td><td>2 Hero Stones</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color:LightYellow;">'''Trade Purchases Leerdam'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>36 rings</td><td>1 draught of Clear Headedness</td></tr>
<tr><td>80 rings</td><td>2 draughts of Clear Headedness</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
In Spring 387YE, Gisli 'the Provider' Baerson paid Professor Immnual Gelberg's team of visiting scholars to investigate the possibilities for building a new city in the former Freeborn territory of Madruga. The Commonwealth academics created a [[Germinating_a_city|plan]] to build new municipal docks in Madruga that would raise the level of investment in fleets in Madruga engaging in trading, questing or raiding and raise the level of investment in businesses in the territory. They would raise the income of all Freeborn characters by 7 rings for a year after completion and boost taxation from the territory by 12 thrones a season. All these benefits would result in more money flowing into the economy at Anvil.

Those are not the only benefits - the new docks would reduce the cost for Freeborn characters to upgrade their fleets by one weirwood for a year after completion and protect Calvos Sounds as a level one [[fortification]]. The docks would also act as a [[shipyard]], allowing the construction or refuge of up to two navies at a time and create a new questing voyage for Freeborn fleets; '''Hunt the Free Landing Kraken'''. None of these additional benefits result in more money directly in the Imperial treasury, however.

Professor Gelberg's plan also included the creation of a Freeborn position Quaymaster of the Municipal Docks which would include personal offices and accommodation for the Quaymaster and their family and give them access to a ministry that would allow them to spend a small amount of money to purchase rare items and potions. That would result in ''less'' money flowing into the Anvil economy - a clearly net negative if the Senate is seeking to get rid of ministries. However, the sums of money involved are relatively small - a tiny fraction of the benefits. Graciana is absolutely certain that the net effect would be significantly more money coming to the treasury.

The opportunity is still available, without any changes.

===Markets in Delev===
* '''Delev Market could be expanded to make the place a true centre of trade and commerce to rival Temeschwar'''
* '''Completing the expansion of the market would require 50 wains of white granite, 150 crowns, and take three months'''
* '''It would increase investment in businesses in Karov by one rank, adding 36 rings each season to their production'''
* '''As the Little Boyar's Welcome has been warded, the market will ''also'' improve taxation from the territory by 4 thrones'''
* '''This commission would replace the opportunity to upgrade the Delev Market run by the Overseer of the Westerward Road'''
* '''It could increase the money spent by several existing ministries'''

<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Great Market at Delev'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Delev, Duzekani, Karov</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 50 white granite, 150 crowns</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' One year or until another great work that increases investment in businesses is built in Karov</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
* Raises the level of investment in businesses in Karov by one
* Allows citizens to take a business in Karov for free for one year after completion
* Adds an additional purchase rank to the [[Bargainer of the Iron Tower|Iron Tower]], [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak|Korotny Docks]] and the [[Overseer of the Westward Road|Delev Market]]
* Increases taxation of Karov by an additional 4 thrones a season if the Little Boyar's Welcome is also upgraded
* Would allow Senate to use a motion to permit the Boyar of the Iron Roads to create a sinecure instead of a ministry each season without using a Senate commission
</td></tr>
</table></div>

Rather than the fairly simple upgrade of the Delev Market that Graciana proposed to curtail the trade conducted by the Overseer of the Westward Road, the Senate could choose to engage in a major upgraded of the Market.

The proposals for this were published nearly a year ago in an appraisal by Naomi of Virtue's Rest. Her plan involved the creation of the Great Market at Delev which would raise the level of investment in businesses in Karov by one, but would also allow citizens to take a business in Karov for free for one year after completion. If her proposal for the Little Boyar's Welcome was also commissioned it would increase taxation from Karov by four thrones a season and allow the Senate to use a motion to permit the Boyar of the Iron Roads to create a sinecure instead of a ministry each season without using a Senate commission.

There are two key drawbacks to this plan - the first is that it is incompatible with the plans Graciana has drawn up to convert the existing market facilities run by the Overseer of the Westward Road. The Senate could commission the Great Market or convert the existing ministry to a great work - but not both.

The second drawback is that the work would provide additional trade opportunities for the [[Bargainer of the Iron Tower]], and the [[Overseer of the Westward Road]] to trade. It will also provide options for [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]] as prosperity spreads. The net effect would be to add an additional rank to each of the main ministries overseen by these titles.

This commission could easily result in significantly more money leaving the Anvil economy than it brought in - if the Bargainer and the Harbourmaster took full advantage of the opportunity. Of course, they would have more goods to show for that coin, but that might be slim consolation to a Senate that is focused on saving the Imperial treasury from running dry.

The opportunity is still available, without any changes.

===Friends in High Places===
* '''There is a recent proposal to build roads in Zenith which would raise the level of investment in businesses in the territory'''

Finally, Graciana notes that there is a new appraisal published by her colleague Naomi of Virtue's Rest which includes proposals to [[My_friends_are_my_estate#Northern_Way|build roads in Zenith]] which would raise the level of investment in businesses in the territory.

==Stirring the Pot==
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_League.png|align=right|width=200}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Marcher.png|align=right|width=200}}
</div>
* '''One way to increase funds flowing into the Anvil economy would be if more citizens operated farms and businesses'''
* '''The League and Marcher Assembly could enact mandates to encourage their citizens to embrace tradition and support the Imperial economy'''
* '''Such mandates would make it easier for people to switch resources to take a farm or business and cheaper to upgrade a farm or business'''

Studying Laurencio di Sarvos' guide to the Anvil economy, it is clear that another way to increase the funds flowing into the Anvil economy would be to increase the amount of asset income that citizens coming to Anvil have available. Great works are one way to do that - as are casting rituals like [[Streams of Silver]], [[Rivers of Gold]], and the seasonal [[Farm#Rituals|rituals]] for farms. But one of the most effective ways to increase the money available would be if more people at Anvil had farms and businesses, and fewer people operated other resources. In the last decade, there has been a push to encourage citizens to sell their farm or business and take on the running of a [[military unit]] to support the war effort. However, Graciana claims that a better way to support the war effort might be to dispense with military units and acquire a business or a farm.

In practice, there isn't great demand for this in most places, and Graciana has little success in looking for opportunities to help encourage the practice, with two notable exceptions. Both the League and the Marches have strong cultural traditions that make ownership of businesses and farms important respectively - and what is more, owning a business in the League or a farm in the Marches comes with considerable political influence.

Of course, the Senate can't mandate that Marcher and League citizens put down their arms and take up running a farm or a business - but there is one body that could encourage it. The Synod could use a mandate to urge citizens of the Marches and the League to embrace traditional values, not just out of Pride and Ambition - but out of Loyalty to the needs of the Empire.

{{mandate|mandate=Pride in small things, loyalty to great ones. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to encourage Marcher citizens to settle the land. War is a thrice-ploughed field.|assembly=Marcher Assembly}}

{{mandate|mandate=Nothing great without cost. We send {named priest} with 50 doses of liao to encourage League citizens to invest in a business. Coin counts, and everything costs.|assembly=League Assembly}}

If these mandates are passed in the relevant assemblies, then it will create an opportunity for one year for any character of that nation to change a military unit, fleet, herb garden, mine or forest to a farm (in the Marches) or a business (in the League) without incurring a cost. Crucially, the new resource will be the same level as any resource they give up to make the change - reflecting local support for their efforts to embrace their national traditions and support the Imperial economy.

What is more, there will a groundswell of support for League and Marchers looking to improve their resources. If the Marcher mandate is passed then any farm in the Marches can be upgraded for one wain fewer than normal (to a minimum of one) for one year. If the League mandate is passed then any business in the League can be upgraded for one wain fewer than normal (to a minimum of one) for one year.
==Further Reading==
* [[Appraisal]]
* [[Ministry]]
* [[Imperial treasury]]

The tune without the words

2026-03-18T17:49:34Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Pool of Transformation */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<ic>'''Wind in Progress'''<br>This wind is a roundup of magical events and effects. Normally, this would be one of the last winds to be published because it is heavily dependant on plots that are running at the event. This can be unsatisfying, because it often results in us presenting things that don't leave players enough time to consider them before heading to the event. To try and combat this, we're planning to publish it in an "unfinished" state - and add elements to it as they are developed. Once everything is on here that needs to be on here, we'll remove this box and the tag at the top of the page and let people know that it isn't going to change again.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Anvil By Night.png|align=left|width=600|caption=The night sky is alive with music, for those who know how to listen.}}</div>
==Overview==
Magic fills the Known World. It rides the winds, it rises with the sun and the stars, it flows in great currents through the forests and the seas and the sky. It is part of the rivers and the forests, the seas and the skies. It is studied, mastered, examined, and debated. It is mysterious, enigmatic, unpredictable, and yet follows its own strange laws. All mortals practice magic, and yet they are not the only sources of magic in the world. It comes from rattling runes, from the heavens, from the wellspring of blood, from the shapes and symbols of creation, and while it can be bidden it cannot always be restrained. Wonder is all around, an endless wordless tune that winds and weaves around all things.

This wind of fortune rounds up a roundup of assorted strange events, some arising from mortal actions some with less explicable causes. There is a companion piece to this wind, '''[[The thing with feathers]]''', that deals with things relating specifically to the [[eternal|eternals]] of the [[Realms|six realms]].
==Out With Lanterns==
* '''Since the Autumn Equinox, five new rituals have become part of Urizen Lore
* '''Two of the rituals were contributed by Imperial covens who are open about their decision to do so
* '''Three others draw on the power of the destructive eternal Siakha and are illegal to perform
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
[[Urizen lore]] was created with the aid of the [[eternal]] [[Phaleron]] as a repository of magic that can only be performed by the magicians of [[Urizen]]. As part of the arrangement a ritual - [[Gift of Knowledge]] - was created by the ''Celestial Library'' to allow new rituals to become part of that body of magical lore. While no rituals were contributed to [[Urizen lore]] during the Autumn equinox, in the months since a surprising total of ''five'' new rituals have become available. Given the ''Gift of Knowledge'' can be cast by any Imperial or [[Commonwealth]] coven with even a rudimentary understanding of [[Magical_skills#Realm_Lore|Day lore]], it is perhaps surprising it doesn't happen more often. Perhaps the innate value of a ritual text, jealously guarded by those who have access to them, makes it more surprising that ''any'' rituals are presented. Either way, each of these rituals is now part of Urizen lore. They can be mastered following the usual rules, but can also be cast by Urizeni magicians who have not mastered them.

===Bells and Dragons===
* '''Two new rituals have been added to Urizen lore since the Autumn Equinox'''
* '''''Bells of Silver and Brass'' restores the strength of a depleted garrison
* '''''Might of Vstaive'' strengthens the garrison of a fortification
* '''''Golden Ramparts'' has been updated in line with the new fortification rules
A week or so before the Winter Solstice, the librarians of the [[Morrow#Grand_Library_of_Canterspire|Grand Library of Canterspire]] discreetly let it be known that two new rituals have been added to [[Urizen lore]] - ''[[Bells of Silver and Brass]]'' and ''[[Might of Vstaive]]''. It seems that these rituals were originally codified at the [[Morrow#The_Halls_of_Knowledge_(ruined)|Halls of Knowledge]], long before it was destroyed by the [[Druj]]. While the rituals came from different sources, both covens involved have indicated that they were persuaded to contribute their rituals by representatives of the ''[[Jaheris|Moonsilver King]]''. Both groups admit they received boons from the ''Unicorn Prince'' in return for their ritual texts, but neither discloses exactly what their boons were. In both cases, likewise, they claim that the heralds indicated their master, the ''Lord of the Forest of Arden'', was motivated by a simple desire to help [[Urizen]] protect itself from its many, many enemies and expected nothing in return.

The first ritual, was submitted to Canterspire Library by members of the ''Shield of Thought'' coven from [[Redoubt#Willstone|Willstone Citadel]] in [[Redoubt]]. The ''Bells of Silver and Brass'' is a work of [[Autumn magic]], codified during the reign of [[Emperor James]]. It seems that originally it was used to inspire soldiers to come to the defence of their neighbours through the use of invisible bells, but the ritual seems to have other, somewhat more practical applications. When this magnitude 60 Autumn ritual is cast on a [[fortification]] it subtly draws volunteers to take up weapons, and improves the process of turning a raw recruit into a seasoned soldier. This means that over the coming season, the garrison of the target fortification is restored, regaining 250 points of strength, in addition to any other resupply the garrison receives, even if the garrison is involved in fighting.

The other ritual is a much older, dating from the early reign of [[Empress Varkula]], and contributed by a [[Dawn|Dawnish]] coven. The ''Roses of Racqueen'' are a [[Weaver cabal]] from [[Semmerholm]] and how they came into possession of the ritual text for ''Might of Vstaive'' is not clear. The ritual itself employs [[Summer magic]] to enchant a fortification, reinforcing both the [[bastion]] and the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]]. Examination of the ritual by Urizen magicians of the [[Unfettered Mind]] and [[Rod and Shield]] indicates that it is almost identical to [[Golden Ramparts]] but with some very distinct differences. Golden Ramparts calls forth several dozen golden lions from the realm of [[Meraud]] to fight alongside the garrison, and relies on an [[Golden Ramparts#Assurance|assurance]] to give it power. Might of Vstaive however instead fills the mortal defenders of a castle with courage, preternatural [[Summer_magic#Prowess|prowess]], and a thirst for [[Summer_magic#Triumph|victory]]. Yet the outcome from a purely practical point of view is the same - save that one uses the power of a Summer eternal and the other does not.

The contribution of ''Might of Vstaive'' suggests that Jaheris' ''real'' motivation in encouraging these rituals to be given to Urizen might be to undermine Meraud. Regardless of provenance, both rituals are available to any Urizen magician who wishes to learn them by the usual means. Indeed given that neither relies on an eternal for their power, they could be used as a template for an [[arcane projection]] and even [[College_of_magic#Benefits|codified]] at a [[college of magic]] and made part of wider [[Imperial lore]], if anyone wished to do so.
<div style="float:right; width: 275px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Siakha001.webp|caption=The eternal Siakha grants boons of destruction and bloodthirsty battle.|align=right|width=275}}</div>
===Quivering and Chill===
* '''Three new rituals that draw on the power of Siakha have become part of Urizen lore
* '''These rituals are illegal to perform while the eternal remains under enmity
During some of the worst storms of the early Winter, three new works of [[Spring magic]] are added to Urizen Lore without additional fanfare. The text they are drawn from is apparently a water-damaged ship's logbook, filled with cryptic poems in praise of the unceasing sea, the power of the storm, and the admirably simple life of the shark. Interspersed between the poems are crude drawings of sea monsters, and what seem to be actual prayers in praise of the ''Mother of the Maelstrom'' asking for her to send her children to torment the unknown author's enemies, or begging her to fill them and their crew with the power of the tempest. These sections become increasingly difficult to read, and the last few pages are almost entirely obscured by old bloodpsatter. Scrawled across the cover - carved into the thick leather with a knife - was the message “at the mother’s command, a gift for Ibiss Briarheart”.

It should come as no surprise then that the three rituals contained in the book bear the unmistakable mark of the eternal [[Siakha]]. [[Rhythm of the Tempest]], [[Blood-dimmed Tide]], and [[Shark's Rampage]] each draw on potent resonances of [[Spring magic#Savagery|savagery]] and [[Spring magic#Ruin|ruin]], and are shot through with the bloodthirsty power of the ''Mother of Wrecks''.

The attendants at the Library - pale-eyed servants of [[Phaleron]] - are clearly uncomfortable with these magics, but can do nothing to prevent them becoming part of [[Urizen_magical_traditions#Urizen_Lore|Urizen lore]]. After all, despite the request of the ''Celestial Library'', [[Gift of Knowledge]] was made part of [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. As such any magician of the Empire, including those who have turned traitor in the service of the ''Mother of Wrecks'', can use it to present whatever rituals they choose. The librarians of Phaleron are not empowered to pick and choose - they must accept any ritual text that is offered. They cannot turn down the rituals of Siakha any more than they [[A_yellow_star_hung#A_Gift_of_Lore|were able]] to turn down those that draw on the power of [[Agramant]].

Of course these rituals are illegal to perform while Siakha remains under the [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] of the [[Conclave]]. There is some speculation as to what '''Ibiss Briarheart''' may have done to merit these “gifts” - and a great deal of debate about whether any true Urizen would touch these spells with the tip of a measuring rod.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Lightning Storm.jpeg|caption=The [[Thunderous Deluge]] that has struck the north-western shores of the [[Bay of Catazar]] has left more than simple destruction in its wake.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==The Clouds are Mean==
* '''Madruga, Feroz, and Sarvos have been cursed by the Children of Wrecks
* '''Torrential rains and gale winds have swept across the three territories
* '''Farms and businesses have been harmed by the Thunderous Deluge, and there have been additional effects in each territory
Shortly before the Autumn Equinox, the Children of Wrecks in [[Feroz]] and [[Madruga]] unleashed [[Thunderous Deluge|tumultuous storms]] on the territories. Then, during the summit, wreckers were able to make use of the [[Those_that_break_a_thing#Blazing_Beacon_(Sarvos)|Circle of Savagery]] in [[Sarvos]] to unleash the same curse on that territory of [[the League]].
===Madruga and Feroz===
* '''The storms that have struck Madruga and Feroz have stirred up some of the magic of Crucible
Unlike [[Foam and Spittle of the Furious Sea]], the Thunderous Deluge covers the entire territory. Rain falls in sheets as far west as [[Feroz#Morajasse|Morajasse]] and as far north as [[Madruga#Torres|Torres]]. It fills the Scorrero - a wild river at the best of time - causing it to burst its banks. This is hardly something new, but it adds to the hardship of those trying to relcaim [[Feroz#Oranseri|Oranseri]] and will likely make any attempt to bridge the river - to restore [[Where_the_river_rises#Crossing|easy movement]] between the two easternmost Freeborn territories - that much harder.

The storms are especially odd in Madruga, where the power of the storms collides with an [[Night magic]] enchantment. Storm clouds roil with colours not normally found in the sky and on one occasion there is a five minute rain of tiny red frogs over Calvos that rapidly turns into a short-lived plague as the things breed and spread. Feroz is hit much more heavily by the storms, especially given that the populace such as it is, is currently busy trying to rebuild. One thing worse than living out of makeshift shacks and old tents is trying to live out of waterlogged shacks and leaky tents.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Stormy Seas.png|caption=Magical storms break across the shores of [[Sarvos]], drowning the coast of eastern [[Sarvos#Riposi|Riposi]].|align=right|width=400}}</div>

===Sarvos===
* '''Flood defences have protected Sarvos from the thunderous deluge'''
* '''The region of Riposi has permanently gained the coastal quality'''
This is by no means the first time such powerful storms have been called up by the Children of Wrecks, but it is the first time in a very long time that Sarvos has been targetted in this way. The tempest rages for several months after the Autumn Equinox. The waters rise, and there is a great deal of worry in Sarvos that [[The_DOOM_that_came_to_Sarvos#Rising_Waters|doom]] has finally arrived to wash away the City of Masks. If only there were suitably robust flood defences... but of course there ''are'' [[Sound_the_bells#Flooding_of_Caricomare|suitably robust flood defences]]! Commissioned by [[Senator]] '''Rosalina Gulia Viola di Sarvos''' they were built with the aid of the Vandersaar family of the [[Sarcophan Delves]]. The Vandersaar were no doubt partly motivated by the desire to protect the low lying [[Sarvos#Sarcophan_Enclave|Alivetti estates enclave]], but their help has proved invaluable. The canals rise a little, as the rain and wind mercilessly shakes the towers of Sarvos, but there is no lasting damage.

The same cannot unfortunately be said for other parts of the territory. There's some flooding in [[Sarvos#Rodez|Rodez]] and [[Sarvos#Trivento|Trivento]]; estates along the broad banks of the Gancio are left sodden and waterlogged; and the only folk who seem happy with the situation are the huge, white cranes that picked their way through the reed-beds of the river. The worst damage, however, is incurred in [[Sarvos#Riposi|Riposi]]. The flat plains are known for their poor, chalky soil. The thunderous deluge pelts the farmlands here with particular virulence, but nobody is expecting it when the low cliffs that run along the southern side of the region give way and collapse into the hungry sea. Waves wash inland nearly a quarter of a mile in places, carrying away what little topsoil there is.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Horse Fountain.jpg|caption=Is it part of the magic that causes people in Sarvos, Madruga, and Feroz to dream so deeply of fountains and horses?|align=right|width=400}}</div>
When the storms abate, as the Winter solstice approaches, there can be no denying that it is now considerable easier to approach Riposi from sea (the region has permanently gained the [[Region_qualities#Coastal|coastal]] quality). There's not a lot that can be done about it, it seems - especially not by "''dirt poor Riposi farmers''".
===Odd Dreams===
* '''More odd dreams in Feroz, Madruga, and Sarvos'''
People living in or visiting Feroz, Madruga, and Sarvos find their nights filled with dreams of rushing water, rain. More peculiarly, dreams also prominently feature water features - springs, waterfalls, fountains of all kinds - and horses of all colours often racing through the sky as the rain falls. People who awaken from these dreams report feeling either tired or filled with vigour. The dreams fade as the Winter Solstice approaches, and don't seem to leave any particular lingering effects.

==The Sky Is Low==
* '''Madruga has also been wrapped in Night magic'''
* '''People in Madruga experience peculiar dreams of transformation
* '''Heralds of the Night realm are more active in Madruga
* '''Some of the effects have spilled over into Feroz
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Madruga_Made_Anew.png|align=left|caption=Night magic flows over Madruga, a territory still experiencing the aftershocks of profound transformation.|width=400}}</div>
While storms are wracking Madruga, a very [[Night magic|different kind of magic]] wells up within the territory. It rises from the marshes of the south-west primarily, and seeps quickly across the territory. It brings with it peculiar dreams - dreams that are made all the more peculiar by those accompanying the storms. Folk living in or visiting Madruga find themselves having recurring, vivid dreams of dark forests, filled with strange foliage that seems to shift in size, shape, and colour, as well as [[#Odd Dreams|those brought with the rain]]. Through the trees slither mighty serpents, with scales that ripple and change with all the colours of the rainbow and some that are impossible to describe. Those who experience these dreams speak of a profound awareness of the way things change, and the ways they themselves have changed throughout their lives.

In waking hours encounters with creatures of the [[Realms#Night|Night realm]] become more common, especially within the environs and at the borders of Crucible and Siroc Sound. Brightly dressed heralds of [[Azoth]] and [[Janon]] are encountered the most often; the former enthusiastic if hard to understand, the latter keen to celebrate or dance in the pounding rains. They actively seek out [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]], magicians and otherwise, and encourage them to either seek self-transformation or embrace their passions. While they don't offer many boons, certainly not on the large scale, it's clear that their presence helps shape the magical effects that ''do'' arise from this powerful enchantment.
===Liberty For All===
{{SOP|statement=Beware the seductions of the false virtue of Anarchy (also known as Freedom). It will shatter your Glass, tempting you towards lies and dishonesty. It will scatter your Dust, eroding bonds to family, tribe and kin. It will stutter your Flame, leaving it destructive and uncontrolled, yearning to burn everything we built. We are Flame. We are Dust. We are Glass. Reject Anarchy - lest it undermine that.|by=Azir i Shartha i Riqueza|vote=Greater Majority 134-40|when=Autumn Equinox 387YE|size = small}}
* '''The enchantment brings with it a powerful sense of rebellion and interest in liberty
As the Night magic waxes across Madruga, and as the thunderous Spring storms continue, it rouses something in the Freeborn spirit. A transformative urge that speaks to a fundamental desire for personal liberty that some claim underlies the history of the Brass Coast. Even as the dreams of forests and dragons spread, so too does a subtle urge for freedom bubble up from somewhere deep within the soul. This manifests itself in a number of ways - arguments about the philosophy of liberty; discussions about what can be learned from the [[Emperor_Ahraz#Courage_of_Ahraz|example of Ahraz]]; a general refusal by young people to tidy their rooms or listen to their elders; a marked increase in opposition to taxation and fines; angry words directed at magistrates doing their business; a flourishing in music and art that calls for people to be able to live their lives freely and as they wish. These sentiments are cheerfully encouraged by the heralds of ''Shadowed Fire'' and ''The Great Work'' abroad in Madruga.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Janon001a.png|align=right|caption=The [[Janon|Shadowed Fire]] favours strong passions, and stands out even among the ungovernable eternals of the Night realm in his desire to free mortal folk from the constraints they place upon themselves.|width=300}}</div>
One of the ways the side-effect of the enchantment manifests is in outspoken opposition to the [[statement of principle]] raised by '''Azir i Shartha i Riqueza''' [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_77|during the Autumn Equinox]] and supported by the [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] assembly. The statement called for people to "''beware the seductions of the false virtue of Anarchy''" claiming that it would ultimately damage the soul. While the statement may have had more impactful effect in [[TBC|other parts of the Brass Coast]], in Madruga under the power of Night magic, it is taken very differently. Far from taking these words to heart, people across Madruga actively resist them.

<big>'''Participation'''</big><br>
Anyone whose personal resource is in Madruga may choose to experience a roleplaying effect during the Winter Solstice: ''You feel an urge to question and disregard accepted traditions and laws in pursuit of freedom and liberty for yourself and others. Active resistance to authority feels profoundly satisfying, and any restrictions on beliefs or actions, especially by the Synod, the Senate, or the magistrates, feels like an act of violence."

If you choose to experience the roleplaying effect, then during the Winter Solstice you have a [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects|source of spiritual strength]] for purposes of overcoming ''any'' roleplaying effect. Instead of the expected outcome of the roleplaying effect you feel a potent urge to rebel, resist, and oppose the source of that roleplaying effect - physically if necessary. The effect will have faded by the end of the Winter Solstice.

Furthermore any Freeborn character whose personal resource is in Madruga may decide they have sought out dedicates of the [[malign spiritual presences|Malign spiritual presence]] known as [[Malign spiritual presences#Anarchy|anarchy]] and petitioned them for a [[hallow|hallowed]] item. The heralds of [[Janon]] in Madruga have an uncanny knack for bringing such people together with folk with the ability to create such hallows. If you want to do this, you can email {{plot}} before the 1st of April and request a hallow. We'll provide you with a ribbon in your pack. You should clarify in the email if you are more interested in ''liberating'' others, ''undermining authority'', ''inspiring rebellion'' against the status quo, or ''fighting oppression'' by whatever means are necessary. In each case, we will be giving the hallow its name, and it will take the form of an amulet or talisman. You will need to provide your own physrep.

Bear in mind that possession of hallows created by people dedicated to Anarchy (or freedom, or liberty, or whatever else it might be called) is of dubious legality and might incur serious consequences if it becomes known you have acquired one.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Crucible.png|align=right|width=200|caption=Heralds of ''[[Azoth|the Crucible]]'' love transformation, and the creation of new things out of old.}}</div>

===Pool of Transformation===
* '''Characters with naga or briar lineage can visit Madruga and strengthen their lineage trappings
In Crucible there is a fountain in the courtyard of an old parador that once stood by the road along the banks of the Scorrero that now flows with rainbow waters; drinking from them by moonlight can prompt a transformation in unlineaged humans. There is a chance that the drinker will unpredictably gain the [[naga]], [[briar]], or [[draughir]] lineage over the course of a few days. Between the Autumn and Winter solstice, these waters have flown especially fast and strong, flooding the courtyard itself with a shallow pool of shifting prismatic waters. It is soon discovered that any naga or briar who bathes in the waters while the magically conjured rain falls find that their trappings - both those physically apparent and more spiritual effects of the touch of the realms are intensified.

<big>'''Participation'''</big><br>
Any naga or briar who wishes to do so may choose to have visited the pool in downtime and bathed in it, using it as an excuse to strengthen or increase their [[Lineage#Limits_on_Lineage|lineage trappings]]. Bear in mind that once this is done it represents a permanent change to your character; it is rare for lineage trappings to become weaker over time. Naga who do so are more likely to develop [[Naga#Scaled Skin|scales]] in unexpected colours or [[Naga#Feathers|feathers]], and find their [[Naga#intuitive|intuitive]] tendencies greatly pronounced at least in the short term. Briar who do so are more likely to evidence [[Briar#Flowers|flowers]], and find their [[Briar#Mercurial|mercurial]] tendencies greatly pronounced at least in the short term. This option is only available in the lead-up to the Winter Solstice.

===Strange Flowers===
* '''There is an opportunity to harness some of the power of the magical marshes in the south
* '''This opportunity is also available to the herb gardens of Feroz
In combination with that magically conjured rain, the night magic has an unexpected effect. When the magical marshes of the south first formed, they did so due to a confusing melange of Night, Spring, and Winter magic. Now cursed storms raised by Spring magic, and Night enchantment, combine with the magic already in the water and mud to send ripples of transformation across Madruga - and into Feroz as well. It seems as if the storms have caught the chaotic magic of Night, and infused it with a little of the uncontainable nature of Spring. Wisps of the enchantment have been swept into Feroz, along with some of the transformative essence of the marshes. Magical theorists say that this is impossible; that is not how either enchantments or curses work. They're at a loss to explain what has happened here.

During the Winter Solstice, any herb garden in Madruga or Feroz can be [[herb garden#diversify|diversified]] to grow ''marsh flowers''. This requires the garden to be targeted by a performance of [[Ruthless Vigilance, Healthy Crop]], providing the vital third ingredient of Winter magic. The ritual must also include a ring of [[ilium]] for each target of the ritual, which is consumed in the casting. In addition to its normal effects, and in conjunction with the Night and Spring magics in the territory, the culled energies released will help the odd flowers take root. The target herb garden permanently loses the ability to provide 2 drams of [[Imperial Roseweald]], but will instead produce a single random ''marsh flower'' each season.

This opportunity only exists at the Winter Solstice.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Colourful flowers.jpg|caption=In the wake of the storms, the particular Night magic that inspires the growth of ''marsh flowers'' has been renewed, and spread south into Feroz.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
===Exotic Foliage===
* '''Herbalists in Madruga have noted some new marsh flowers growing in the wake of the Spring curse and Night enchantment
* '''These flowers might appear in herb gardens diversified to produce them or via titles
One last feature of the Night magic spilling over Madruga is that herbalists in the territory have begun to encounter some new ''marsh flowers''. In a way this should be unsurprising - Night magic has a fundamental [[Night magic#Resonance|resonance]] of [[Night magic#Transformation|transformation and change]] and the marshes are still relatively new. Among the peculiar wonders seen over the last few months are beautiful multicoloured flowers that take wing like butterflies when startled before settling on entirely different plants and becoming sessile again; flowers that chime like bells when the wind blows across them; a gorgeous crimson bloom that smells strongly of the [[The_Brass_Coast_culture_and_customs#Syrah|syrah]] (an impressive feat given that syrah itself comes in a myriad of different shapes and scents) and whose petals can be boiled up to make a very passable sweet, brown tincture; and immense orchids larger than a human or orc within whose blooms bitter nectar pools. Some of these new blooms have been harvested by those who have cultivated marsh flowers in their herb gardens, but what properties they may have is not clear at this time.

==Fish Dreams==
* '''Odd dreams are experienced by sensitive folk especially in Kallavesa, Bregasland, and Mitwold'''
* '''Any citizen from other territories who has touched the waters of the Gullet may also experience one of these dreams'''
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Gullet and Westmere.png|caption=The waters of the Gullet flow out of the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Snow|Sea of Snow]] and down into the Westmere.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
Imperial citizens are no strangers to peculiar dreams. Some arise spontaneously from within the spirit, others are guided by priests using liao ceremonies, but just as common are those created through the use of [[rituals|ritual magic]], especially the lore of the [[Night magic|Night realm]]. After the Autumn Equinox, a trickle of odd dreams in [[Kallavesa]], [[Bregasland]], and [[Mitwold]] soon becomes something of a flood. It becomes apparent that similar dreams are also being experienced by anyone who has touched the waters of the Gullet or the Westmere at any point in their lives.

The dreams differ in specifics, but comparing notes indicates there are several themes and images in common.

It's up to you whether your character has personally experienced these dreams or not. While they're most appropriate for characters whose personal resource is in [[Bregasland]], [[Mitwold]], or [[Kallavesa]], they're also being experienced by people across the Empire who have a connection to the Gullet or the Westmere, albeit with reduced frequency. Anyone who lives in one of the affected territories, however, is likely to have met people talking about these weird dreams even if they don't experience them themselves.

* The dreamer feels as if they are leaping from their body, flying on unseen wings beneath a night sky resplendant with stars. The sky is full of black and golden owls, wings close enough to touch. Together they soar over a great valley, spotted with stands of trees and great unfamiliar beasts. Without warning a great wave of water crashes through the valley from the north, drowning the creatures, and plunging the dreamer into freezing waters salted with the tears of the dead and the lost.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;"><box>'''The Astronomancy Connection'''<br>There are astronomantic practitioners all over the Empire, and the Marches and Wintermark are no exception. One titbit of information that suggests this is more than a simple dream is that when the dreamers are flying through the night sky, the constellations of [[the Key]] and [[the Spider]] are prominent among the stars. While not everyone recognises these shapes in the sky, they are consistently present in the dream.</box></div>
* The dreamer understands that the seas of the world are ossuaries, full of bones, places of death. They are full of wrecks and ruins and the silent sadness of the drowned. They are also places of life, as well, albeit life that often seems very strange to people who live on the land in the air. Millions of creatures with fins, and eyes, and claws, and limbs, and jaws; but also things not beasts, not plants, but living still.
* As the dream draws to an end they become aware of something new, a glimmering sense of growth and life. This thing is not native to cold waters, and prefers warmer seas. It is composed of comingled senses of wonder and terror that ultimately wants to bring everything within itself, unique but integrated. It is something alive, familiar and utterly unknown, a blossoming celebration of the life of salt water. A thing of bright colours, of the many that are part of the whole, and it is terrible.
Those who wake up speak of feeling chilled to their bones, but also of a disquieting yearning to travel to the shores of the Gullet and immerse themselves in the waters.
One odd element that leaves [[mystic]] and [[landskeeper]] alike a little confused is that there is no sign of any [[enchantment]] responsible for these dreams. Normally a skilled magician can [[Detect magic#Divination|divine]] an active enchantment, and there's no sign of it here. By the Winter Solstice the dreams have mostly fallen away, but it is possible that a ritual such as [[Eye of the High Places]] targeted at Mitwold, Bregasland, or Kallavesa may be able to catch some of the whisps of... whatever caused this.
<br><br>'''<big>Participation</big>'''<br>
<quote by="Emily Dickinson">'Hope' is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all -

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard - And sore must be the storm - That could abash the little Bird That kept so many warm -

I’ve heard it in the chillest land - And on the strangest Sea - Yet - never - in Extremity, It asked a crumb - of me.</quote>

The tune without the words

2026-03-18T17:49:22Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Pool of Transformation */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Winds of Magic]]
<ic>'''Wind in Progress'''<br>This wind is a roundup of magical events and effects. Normally, this would be one of the last winds to be published because it is heavily dependant on plots that are running at the event. This can be unsatisfying, because it often results in us presenting things that don't leave players enough time to consider them before heading to the event. To try and combat this, we're planning to publish it in an "unfinished" state - and add elements to it as they are developed. Once everything is on here that needs to be on here, we'll remove this box and the tag at the top of the page and let people know that it isn't going to change again.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Anvil By Night.png|align=left|width=600|caption=The night sky is alive with music, for those who know how to listen.}}</div>
==Overview==
Magic fills the Known World. It rides the winds, it rises with the sun and the stars, it flows in great currents through the forests and the seas and the sky. It is part of the rivers and the forests, the seas and the skies. It is studied, mastered, examined, and debated. It is mysterious, enigmatic, unpredictable, and yet follows its own strange laws. All mortals practice magic, and yet they are not the only sources of magic in the world. It comes from rattling runes, from the heavens, from the wellspring of blood, from the shapes and symbols of creation, and while it can be bidden it cannot always be restrained. Wonder is all around, an endless wordless tune that winds and weaves around all things.

This wind of fortune rounds up a roundup of assorted strange events, some arising from mortal actions some with less explicable causes. There is a companion piece to this wind, '''[[The thing with feathers]]''', that deals with things relating specifically to the [[eternal|eternals]] of the [[Realms|six realms]].
==Out With Lanterns==
* '''Since the Autumn Equinox, five new rituals have become part of Urizen Lore
* '''Two of the rituals were contributed by Imperial covens who are open about their decision to do so
* '''Three others draw on the power of the destructive eternal Siakha and are illegal to perform
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|align=right|width=300}}
[[Urizen lore]] was created with the aid of the [[eternal]] [[Phaleron]] as a repository of magic that can only be performed by the magicians of [[Urizen]]. As part of the arrangement a ritual - [[Gift of Knowledge]] - was created by the ''Celestial Library'' to allow new rituals to become part of that body of magical lore. While no rituals were contributed to [[Urizen lore]] during the Autumn equinox, in the months since a surprising total of ''five'' new rituals have become available. Given the ''Gift of Knowledge'' can be cast by any Imperial or [[Commonwealth]] coven with even a rudimentary understanding of [[Magical_skills#Realm_Lore|Day lore]], it is perhaps surprising it doesn't happen more often. Perhaps the innate value of a ritual text, jealously guarded by those who have access to them, makes it more surprising that ''any'' rituals are presented. Either way, each of these rituals is now part of Urizen lore. They can be mastered following the usual rules, but can also be cast by Urizeni magicians who have not mastered them.

===Bells and Dragons===
* '''Two new rituals have been added to Urizen lore since the Autumn Equinox'''
* '''''Bells of Silver and Brass'' restores the strength of a depleted garrison
* '''''Might of Vstaive'' strengthens the garrison of a fortification
* '''''Golden Ramparts'' has been updated in line with the new fortification rules
A week or so before the Winter Solstice, the librarians of the [[Morrow#Grand_Library_of_Canterspire|Grand Library of Canterspire]] discreetly let it be known that two new rituals have been added to [[Urizen lore]] - ''[[Bells of Silver and Brass]]'' and ''[[Might of Vstaive]]''. It seems that these rituals were originally codified at the [[Morrow#The_Halls_of_Knowledge_(ruined)|Halls of Knowledge]], long before it was destroyed by the [[Druj]]. While the rituals came from different sources, both covens involved have indicated that they were persuaded to contribute their rituals by representatives of the ''[[Jaheris|Moonsilver King]]''. Both groups admit they received boons from the ''Unicorn Prince'' in return for their ritual texts, but neither discloses exactly what their boons were. In both cases, likewise, they claim that the heralds indicated their master, the ''Lord of the Forest of Arden'', was motivated by a simple desire to help [[Urizen]] protect itself from its many, many enemies and expected nothing in return.

The first ritual, was submitted to Canterspire Library by members of the ''Shield of Thought'' coven from [[Redoubt#Willstone|Willstone Citadel]] in [[Redoubt]]. The ''Bells of Silver and Brass'' is a work of [[Autumn magic]], codified during the reign of [[Emperor James]]. It seems that originally it was used to inspire soldiers to come to the defence of their neighbours through the use of invisible bells, but the ritual seems to have other, somewhat more practical applications. When this magnitude 60 Autumn ritual is cast on a [[fortification]] it subtly draws volunteers to take up weapons, and improves the process of turning a raw recruit into a seasoned soldier. This means that over the coming season, the garrison of the target fortification is restored, regaining 250 points of strength, in addition to any other resupply the garrison receives, even if the garrison is involved in fighting.

The other ritual is a much older, dating from the early reign of [[Empress Varkula]], and contributed by a [[Dawn|Dawnish]] coven. The ''Roses of Racqueen'' are a [[Weaver cabal]] from [[Semmerholm]] and how they came into possession of the ritual text for ''Might of Vstaive'' is not clear. The ritual itself employs [[Summer magic]] to enchant a fortification, reinforcing both the [[bastion]] and the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]]. Examination of the ritual by Urizen magicians of the [[Unfettered Mind]] and [[Rod and Shield]] indicates that it is almost identical to [[Golden Ramparts]] but with some very distinct differences. Golden Ramparts calls forth several dozen golden lions from the realm of [[Meraud]] to fight alongside the garrison, and relies on an [[Golden Ramparts#Assurance|assurance]] to give it power. Might of Vstaive however instead fills the mortal defenders of a castle with courage, preternatural [[Summer_magic#Prowess|prowess]], and a thirst for [[Summer_magic#Triumph|victory]]. Yet the outcome from a purely practical point of view is the same - save that one uses the power of a Summer eternal and the other does not.

The contribution of ''Might of Vstaive'' suggests that Jaheris' ''real'' motivation in encouraging these rituals to be given to Urizen might be to undermine Meraud. Regardless of provenance, both rituals are available to any Urizen magician who wishes to learn them by the usual means. Indeed given that neither relies on an eternal for their power, they could be used as a template for an [[arcane projection]] and even [[College_of_magic#Benefits|codified]] at a [[college of magic]] and made part of wider [[Imperial lore]], if anyone wished to do so.
<div style="float:right; width: 275px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Siakha001.webp|caption=The eternal Siakha grants boons of destruction and bloodthirsty battle.|align=right|width=275}}</div>
===Quivering and Chill===
* '''Three new rituals that draw on the power of Siakha have become part of Urizen lore
* '''These rituals are illegal to perform while the eternal remains under enmity
During some of the worst storms of the early Winter, three new works of [[Spring magic]] are added to Urizen Lore without additional fanfare. The text they are drawn from is apparently a water-damaged ship's logbook, filled with cryptic poems in praise of the unceasing sea, the power of the storm, and the admirably simple life of the shark. Interspersed between the poems are crude drawings of sea monsters, and what seem to be actual prayers in praise of the ''Mother of the Maelstrom'' asking for her to send her children to torment the unknown author's enemies, or begging her to fill them and their crew with the power of the tempest. These sections become increasingly difficult to read, and the last few pages are almost entirely obscured by old bloodpsatter. Scrawled across the cover - carved into the thick leather with a knife - was the message “at the mother’s command, a gift for Ibiss Briarheart”.

It should come as no surprise then that the three rituals contained in the book bear the unmistakable mark of the eternal [[Siakha]]. [[Rhythm of the Tempest]], [[Blood-dimmed Tide]], and [[Shark's Rampage]] each draw on potent resonances of [[Spring magic#Savagery|savagery]] and [[Spring magic#Ruin|ruin]], and are shot through with the bloodthirsty power of the ''Mother of Wrecks''.

The attendants at the Library - pale-eyed servants of [[Phaleron]] - are clearly uncomfortable with these magics, but can do nothing to prevent them becoming part of [[Urizen_magical_traditions#Urizen_Lore|Urizen lore]]. After all, despite the request of the ''Celestial Library'', [[Gift of Knowledge]] was made part of [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. As such any magician of the Empire, including those who have turned traitor in the service of the ''Mother of Wrecks'', can use it to present whatever rituals they choose. The librarians of Phaleron are not empowered to pick and choose - they must accept any ritual text that is offered. They cannot turn down the rituals of Siakha any more than they [[A_yellow_star_hung#A_Gift_of_Lore|were able]] to turn down those that draw on the power of [[Agramant]].

Of course these rituals are illegal to perform while Siakha remains under the [[Alignment#Enmity|enmity]] of the [[Conclave]]. There is some speculation as to what '''Ibiss Briarheart''' may have done to merit these “gifts” - and a great deal of debate about whether any true Urizen would touch these spells with the tip of a measuring rod.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Lightning Storm.jpeg|caption=The [[Thunderous Deluge]] that has struck the north-western shores of the [[Bay of Catazar]] has left more than simple destruction in its wake.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==The Clouds are Mean==
* '''Madruga, Feroz, and Sarvos have been cursed by the Children of Wrecks
* '''Torrential rains and gale winds have swept across the three territories
* '''Farms and businesses have been harmed by the Thunderous Deluge, and there have been additional effects in each territory
Shortly before the Autumn Equinox, the Children of Wrecks in [[Feroz]] and [[Madruga]] unleashed [[Thunderous Deluge|tumultuous storms]] on the territories. Then, during the summit, wreckers were able to make use of the [[Those_that_break_a_thing#Blazing_Beacon_(Sarvos)|Circle of Savagery]] in [[Sarvos]] to unleash the same curse on that territory of [[the League]].
===Madruga and Feroz===
* '''The storms that have struck Madruga and Feroz have stirred up some of the magic of Crucible
Unlike [[Foam and Spittle of the Furious Sea]], the Thunderous Deluge covers the entire territory. Rain falls in sheets as far west as [[Feroz#Morajasse|Morajasse]] and as far north as [[Madruga#Torres|Torres]]. It fills the Scorrero - a wild river at the best of time - causing it to burst its banks. This is hardly something new, but it adds to the hardship of those trying to relcaim [[Feroz#Oranseri|Oranseri]] and will likely make any attempt to bridge the river - to restore [[Where_the_river_rises#Crossing|easy movement]] between the two easternmost Freeborn territories - that much harder.

The storms are especially odd in Madruga, where the power of the storms collides with an [[Night magic]] enchantment. Storm clouds roil with colours not normally found in the sky and on one occasion there is a five minute rain of tiny red frogs over Calvos that rapidly turns into a short-lived plague as the things breed and spread. Feroz is hit much more heavily by the storms, especially given that the populace such as it is, is currently busy trying to rebuild. One thing worse than living out of makeshift shacks and old tents is trying to live out of waterlogged shacks and leaky tents.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Stormy Seas.png|caption=Magical storms break across the shores of [[Sarvos]], drowning the coast of eastern [[Sarvos#Riposi|Riposi]].|align=right|width=400}}</div>

===Sarvos===
* '''Flood defences have protected Sarvos from the thunderous deluge'''
* '''The region of Riposi has permanently gained the coastal quality'''
This is by no means the first time such powerful storms have been called up by the Children of Wrecks, but it is the first time in a very long time that Sarvos has been targetted in this way. The tempest rages for several months after the Autumn Equinox. The waters rise, and there is a great deal of worry in Sarvos that [[The_DOOM_that_came_to_Sarvos#Rising_Waters|doom]] has finally arrived to wash away the City of Masks. If only there were suitably robust flood defences... but of course there ''are'' [[Sound_the_bells#Flooding_of_Caricomare|suitably robust flood defences]]! Commissioned by [[Senator]] '''Rosalina Gulia Viola di Sarvos''' they were built with the aid of the Vandersaar family of the [[Sarcophan Delves]]. The Vandersaar were no doubt partly motivated by the desire to protect the low lying [[Sarvos#Sarcophan_Enclave|Alivetti estates enclave]], but their help has proved invaluable. The canals rise a little, as the rain and wind mercilessly shakes the towers of Sarvos, but there is no lasting damage.

The same cannot unfortunately be said for other parts of the territory. There's some flooding in [[Sarvos#Rodez|Rodez]] and [[Sarvos#Trivento|Trivento]]; estates along the broad banks of the Gancio are left sodden and waterlogged; and the only folk who seem happy with the situation are the huge, white cranes that picked their way through the reed-beds of the river. The worst damage, however, is incurred in [[Sarvos#Riposi|Riposi]]. The flat plains are known for their poor, chalky soil. The thunderous deluge pelts the farmlands here with particular virulence, but nobody is expecting it when the low cliffs that run along the southern side of the region give way and collapse into the hungry sea. Waves wash inland nearly a quarter of a mile in places, carrying away what little topsoil there is.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Horse Fountain.jpg|caption=Is it part of the magic that causes people in Sarvos, Madruga, and Feroz to dream so deeply of fountains and horses?|align=right|width=400}}</div>
When the storms abate, as the Winter solstice approaches, there can be no denying that it is now considerable easier to approach Riposi from sea (the region has permanently gained the [[Region_qualities#Coastal|coastal]] quality). There's not a lot that can be done about it, it seems - especially not by "''dirt poor Riposi farmers''".
===Odd Dreams===
* '''More odd dreams in Feroz, Madruga, and Sarvos'''
People living in or visiting Feroz, Madruga, and Sarvos find their nights filled with dreams of rushing water, rain. More peculiarly, dreams also prominently feature water features - springs, waterfalls, fountains of all kinds - and horses of all colours often racing through the sky as the rain falls. People who awaken from these dreams report feeling either tired or filled with vigour. The dreams fade as the Winter Solstice approaches, and don't seem to leave any particular lingering effects.

==The Sky Is Low==
* '''Madruga has also been wrapped in Night magic'''
* '''People in Madruga experience peculiar dreams of transformation
* '''Heralds of the Night realm are more active in Madruga
* '''Some of the effects have spilled over into Feroz
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Madruga_Made_Anew.png|align=left|caption=Night magic flows over Madruga, a territory still experiencing the aftershocks of profound transformation.|width=400}}</div>
While storms are wracking Madruga, a very [[Night magic|different kind of magic]] wells up within the territory. It rises from the marshes of the south-west primarily, and seeps quickly across the territory. It brings with it peculiar dreams - dreams that are made all the more peculiar by those accompanying the storms. Folk living in or visiting Madruga find themselves having recurring, vivid dreams of dark forests, filled with strange foliage that seems to shift in size, shape, and colour, as well as [[#Odd Dreams|those brought with the rain]]. Through the trees slither mighty serpents, with scales that ripple and change with all the colours of the rainbow and some that are impossible to describe. Those who experience these dreams speak of a profound awareness of the way things change, and the ways they themselves have changed throughout their lives.

In waking hours encounters with creatures of the [[Realms#Night|Night realm]] become more common, especially within the environs and at the borders of Crucible and Siroc Sound. Brightly dressed heralds of [[Azoth]] and [[Janon]] are encountered the most often; the former enthusiastic if hard to understand, the latter keen to celebrate or dance in the pounding rains. They actively seek out [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]], magicians and otherwise, and encourage them to either seek self-transformation or embrace their passions. While they don't offer many boons, certainly not on the large scale, it's clear that their presence helps shape the magical effects that ''do'' arise from this powerful enchantment.
===Liberty For All===
{{SOP|statement=Beware the seductions of the false virtue of Anarchy (also known as Freedom). It will shatter your Glass, tempting you towards lies and dishonesty. It will scatter your Dust, eroding bonds to family, tribe and kin. It will stutter your Flame, leaving it destructive and uncontrolled, yearning to burn everything we built. We are Flame. We are Dust. We are Glass. Reject Anarchy - lest it undermine that.|by=Azir i Shartha i Riqueza|vote=Greater Majority 134-40|when=Autumn Equinox 387YE|size = small}}
* '''The enchantment brings with it a powerful sense of rebellion and interest in liberty
As the Night magic waxes across Madruga, and as the thunderous Spring storms continue, it rouses something in the Freeborn spirit. A transformative urge that speaks to a fundamental desire for personal liberty that some claim underlies the history of the Brass Coast. Even as the dreams of forests and dragons spread, so too does a subtle urge for freedom bubble up from somewhere deep within the soul. This manifests itself in a number of ways - arguments about the philosophy of liberty; discussions about what can be learned from the [[Emperor_Ahraz#Courage_of_Ahraz|example of Ahraz]]; a general refusal by young people to tidy their rooms or listen to their elders; a marked increase in opposition to taxation and fines; angry words directed at magistrates doing their business; a flourishing in music and art that calls for people to be able to live their lives freely and as they wish. These sentiments are cheerfully encouraged by the heralds of ''Shadowed Fire'' and ''The Great Work'' abroad in Madruga.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Janon001a.png|align=right|caption=The [[Janon|Shadowed Fire]] favours strong passions, and stands out even among the ungovernable eternals of the Night realm in his desire to free mortal folk from the constraints they place upon themselves.|width=300}}</div>
One of the ways the side-effect of the enchantment manifests is in outspoken opposition to the [[statement of principle]] raised by '''Azir i Shartha i Riqueza''' [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_77|during the Autumn Equinox]] and supported by the [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] assembly. The statement called for people to "''beware the seductions of the false virtue of Anarchy''" claiming that it would ultimately damage the soul. While the statement may have had more impactful effect in [[TBC|other parts of the Brass Coast]], in Madruga under the power of Night magic, it is taken very differently. Far from taking these words to heart, people across Madruga actively resist them.

<big>'''Participation'''</big><br>
Anyone whose personal resource is in Madruga may choose to experience a roleplaying effect during the Winter Solstice: ''You feel an urge to question and disregard accepted traditions and laws in pursuit of freedom and liberty for yourself and others. Active resistance to authority feels profoundly satisfying, and any restrictions on beliefs or actions, especially by the Synod, the Senate, or the magistrates, feels like an act of violence."

If you choose to experience the roleplaying effect, then during the Winter Solstice you have a [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects|source of spiritual strength]] for purposes of overcoming ''any'' roleplaying effect. Instead of the expected outcome of the roleplaying effect you feel a potent urge to rebel, resist, and oppose the source of that roleplaying effect - physically if necessary. The effect will have faded by the end of the Winter Solstice.

Furthermore any Freeborn character whose personal resource is in Madruga may decide they have sought out dedicates of the [[malign spiritual presences|Malign spiritual presence]] known as [[Malign spiritual presences#Anarchy|anarchy]] and petitioned them for a [[hallow|hallowed]] item. The heralds of [[Janon]] in Madruga have an uncanny knack for bringing such people together with folk with the ability to create such hallows. If you want to do this, you can email {{plot}} before the 1st of April and request a hallow. We'll provide you with a ribbon in your pack. You should clarify in the email if you are more interested in ''liberating'' others, ''undermining authority'', ''inspiring rebellion'' against the status quo, or ''fighting oppression'' by whatever means are necessary. In each case, we will be giving the hallow its name, and it will take the form of an amulet or talisman. You will need to provide your own physrep.

Bear in mind that possession of hallows created by people dedicated to Anarchy (or freedom, or liberty, or whatever else it might be called) is of dubious legality and might incur serious consequences if it becomes known you have acquired one.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Crucible.png|align=right|width=200|caption=Heralds of ''[[Azoth|the Crucible]]'' love transformation, and the creation of new things out of old.}}</div>

===Pool of Transformation===
* '''Characters with naga or briar lineage can visit Madruga and strengthen their lineage trappings
In Crucible there is a fountain in the courtyard of an old parador that once stood by the road along the banks of the Scorrero that now flows with rainbow waters; drinking from them by moonlight can prompt a transformation in unlineaged humans. There is a chance that the drinker will unpredictably gain the [[naga]], [[briar]], or [[draughir]] lineage over the course of a few days. Between the Autumn and Winter solstice, these waters have flown especially fast and strong, flooding the courtyard itself with a shallow pool of shifting prismatic waters. It is soon discovered that any naga or briar who bathes in the waters while the magically conjured rain falls find that their trappings - both those physically apparent and more spiritual effects of the touch of the realms are intensified.

<big>'''Participation'''</big><br>
Any naga or briar who wishes to do so may choose to have visited the pool in downtime and bathed in it, using it as an excuse to strengthen or increase their [[Lineage#Limits_on_Lineage|lineage trappings]]. Bear in mind that once this is done it represents a permanent change to your character; it is rare for lineage trappings to become weaker over time. Naga who do so are more likely to develop [[Naga#Scaled Skin|scales]] in unexpected colours or [[Naga#Feathers|feathers]], and find their [[Naga#intuitive|intuitive]] tendencies greatly pronounced at least in the short term. Briar who do so are more likely to evidence [[Briar#Flowers|flowers]] and find their [[Briar#Mercurial|mercurial]] tendencies greatly pronounced at least in the short term. This option is only available in the lead-up to the Winter Solstice.

===Strange Flowers===
* '''There is an opportunity to harness some of the power of the magical marshes in the south
* '''This opportunity is also available to the herb gardens of Feroz
In combination with that magically conjured rain, the night magic has an unexpected effect. When the magical marshes of the south first formed, they did so due to a confusing melange of Night, Spring, and Winter magic. Now cursed storms raised by Spring magic, and Night enchantment, combine with the magic already in the water and mud to send ripples of transformation across Madruga - and into Feroz as well. It seems as if the storms have caught the chaotic magic of Night, and infused it with a little of the uncontainable nature of Spring. Wisps of the enchantment have been swept into Feroz, along with some of the transformative essence of the marshes. Magical theorists say that this is impossible; that is not how either enchantments or curses work. They're at a loss to explain what has happened here.

During the Winter Solstice, any herb garden in Madruga or Feroz can be [[herb garden#diversify|diversified]] to grow ''marsh flowers''. This requires the garden to be targeted by a performance of [[Ruthless Vigilance, Healthy Crop]], providing the vital third ingredient of Winter magic. The ritual must also include a ring of [[ilium]] for each target of the ritual, which is consumed in the casting. In addition to its normal effects, and in conjunction with the Night and Spring magics in the territory, the culled energies released will help the odd flowers take root. The target herb garden permanently loses the ability to provide 2 drams of [[Imperial Roseweald]], but will instead produce a single random ''marsh flower'' each season.

This opportunity only exists at the Winter Solstice.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Colourful flowers.jpg|caption=In the wake of the storms, the particular Night magic that inspires the growth of ''marsh flowers'' has been renewed, and spread south into Feroz.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
===Exotic Foliage===
* '''Herbalists in Madruga have noted some new marsh flowers growing in the wake of the Spring curse and Night enchantment
* '''These flowers might appear in herb gardens diversified to produce them or via titles
One last feature of the Night magic spilling over Madruga is that herbalists in the territory have begun to encounter some new ''marsh flowers''. In a way this should be unsurprising - Night magic has a fundamental [[Night magic#Resonance|resonance]] of [[Night magic#Transformation|transformation and change]] and the marshes are still relatively new. Among the peculiar wonders seen over the last few months are beautiful multicoloured flowers that take wing like butterflies when startled before settling on entirely different plants and becoming sessile again; flowers that chime like bells when the wind blows across them; a gorgeous crimson bloom that smells strongly of the [[The_Brass_Coast_culture_and_customs#Syrah|syrah]] (an impressive feat given that syrah itself comes in a myriad of different shapes and scents) and whose petals can be boiled up to make a very passable sweet, brown tincture; and immense orchids larger than a human or orc within whose blooms bitter nectar pools. Some of these new blooms have been harvested by those who have cultivated marsh flowers in their herb gardens, but what properties they may have is not clear at this time.

==Fish Dreams==
* '''Odd dreams are experienced by sensitive folk especially in Kallavesa, Bregasland, and Mitwold'''
* '''Any citizen from other territories who has touched the waters of the Gullet may also experience one of these dreams'''
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Gullet and Westmere.png|caption=The waters of the Gullet flow out of the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Snow|Sea of Snow]] and down into the Westmere.|align=right|width=400}}</div>
Imperial citizens are no strangers to peculiar dreams. Some arise spontaneously from within the spirit, others are guided by priests using liao ceremonies, but just as common are those created through the use of [[rituals|ritual magic]], especially the lore of the [[Night magic|Night realm]]. After the Autumn Equinox, a trickle of odd dreams in [[Kallavesa]], [[Bregasland]], and [[Mitwold]] soon becomes something of a flood. It becomes apparent that similar dreams are also being experienced by anyone who has touched the waters of the Gullet or the Westmere at any point in their lives.

The dreams differ in specifics, but comparing notes indicates there are several themes and images in common.

It's up to you whether your character has personally experienced these dreams or not. While they're most appropriate for characters whose personal resource is in [[Bregasland]], [[Mitwold]], or [[Kallavesa]], they're also being experienced by people across the Empire who have a connection to the Gullet or the Westmere, albeit with reduced frequency. Anyone who lives in one of the affected territories, however, is likely to have met people talking about these weird dreams even if they don't experience them themselves.

* The dreamer feels as if they are leaping from their body, flying on unseen wings beneath a night sky resplendant with stars. The sky is full of black and golden owls, wings close enough to touch. Together they soar over a great valley, spotted with stands of trees and great unfamiliar beasts. Without warning a great wave of water crashes through the valley from the north, drowning the creatures, and plunging the dreamer into freezing waters salted with the tears of the dead and the lost.
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;"><box>'''The Astronomancy Connection'''<br>There are astronomantic practitioners all over the Empire, and the Marches and Wintermark are no exception. One titbit of information that suggests this is more than a simple dream is that when the dreamers are flying through the night sky, the constellations of [[the Key]] and [[the Spider]] are prominent among the stars. While not everyone recognises these shapes in the sky, they are consistently present in the dream.</box></div>
* The dreamer understands that the seas of the world are ossuaries, full of bones, places of death. They are full of wrecks and ruins and the silent sadness of the drowned. They are also places of life, as well, albeit life that often seems very strange to people who live on the land in the air. Millions of creatures with fins, and eyes, and claws, and limbs, and jaws; but also things not beasts, not plants, but living still.
* As the dream draws to an end they become aware of something new, a glimmering sense of growth and life. This thing is not native to cold waters, and prefers warmer seas. It is composed of comingled senses of wonder and terror that ultimately wants to bring everything within itself, unique but integrated. It is something alive, familiar and utterly unknown, a blossoming celebration of the life of salt water. A thing of bright colours, of the many that are part of the whole, and it is terrible.
Those who wake up speak of feeling chilled to their bones, but also of a disquieting yearning to travel to the shores of the Gullet and immerse themselves in the waters.
One odd element that leaves [[mystic]] and [[landskeeper]] alike a little confused is that there is no sign of any [[enchantment]] responsible for these dreams. Normally a skilled magician can [[Detect magic#Divination|divine]] an active enchantment, and there's no sign of it here. By the Winter Solstice the dreams have mostly fallen away, but it is possible that a ritual such as [[Eye of the High Places]] targeted at Mitwold, Bregasland, or Kallavesa may be able to catch some of the whisps of... whatever caused this.
<br><br>'''<big>Participation</big>'''<br>
<quote by="Emily Dickinson">'Hope' is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all -

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard - And sore must be the storm - That could abash the little Bird That kept so many warm -

I’ve heard it in the chillest land - And on the strangest Sea - Yet - never - in Extremity, It asked a crumb - of me.</quote>

Might of Vstaive

2026-03-18T16:32:04Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Description */

{{CaptionedImage|file=NBUrizen.jpg|caption=This ritual is part of [[Urizen magical traditions#Urizen Lore|Urizen lore]] rather than [[Imperial lore]].|align=right|width=200}}
==Rules==
{{Season|Summer|80}}
{{Urizen Lore}}
===Performing the Ritual===
{{Casting time|10}} {{Imperial Reduction}}

This ritual targets a [[fortification]], and must be performed in a strong Summer [[regio]] in the [[territory]] containing the fortification. If the territory is part of the Empire, then it may instead be performed from the [[Regio#The_Imperial_Regio|Imperial regio]].

{{enchantment}}

===Effects===
This ritual enchants a [[fortification]], infusing it with the [[Summer magic#Majesty|majestic]] strength of the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]]. The fortification is supported by an additional defensive force of 1,500, similar to that provided by [[military unit|military units]] taking a [[military unit#Guarding|guarding]] action to support it.

This means that if the fortification has an intact [[fortification#Garrison|garrison]], its fighting strength is increased. If there is no active garrison, the force will instead defend the walls of the [[fortification#Bastion|bastion]] associated with the fortification, providing 1,500 defensive force in that [[territory#Regions|region]], which helps defend it and will inflict casualties against a force attacking the region containing the bastion.

{{Season Duration}}
==Description==
This ritual became part of [[Urizen lore]] following the Autumn Equinox 387YE. It was submitted via the [[Gift of Knowledge]] by members of the [[Dawn|Dawnish]] ''Roses of Racqueen'', a [[Weaver cabal]] from [[Semmerholm]]. The text itself was codified at the [[Morrow#The_Halls_of_Knowledge_(ruined)|Halls of Knowledge]] by the [[stargazer]] ''Tektun'' who served as [[Provost_of_the_Halls_of_Knowledge|provost]] during the early reign of [[Empress Varkula]], but it never became a part of [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]. How it came into the possession of a Dawnish coven is not clear, and the [[weaver|weavers]] remain closed mouthed about the matter. What they have confirmed is that they were persuaded to contribute their rituals by representatives of [[Jaheris|Moonbow]], and that they received unspecified boons in return. The heralds of the ''Moonsilver King'' who dealt with them claimed their master was motivated by "a simple desire to help Urizen protect itself from its many, many enemies" and "expected nothing in return". This was good enough for the weavers, but there may have been and underlying motiviation that was a little less altruistic.

The ritual itself employs [[Summer magic]] to enchant a [[fortification]], reinforcing both the [[fortification#Bastion|bastion]] and the [[fortification#Garrison|garrison]].''Tektun'' was apparently fascinated by the many ways the [[Stargazer#Resonance_and_the_Omnihedron|resonance]] of a [[realms|realm]] could be infused into people, objects, and places, a practice he refers to as "''focusing the light of the omnihedron''". ''Might of Vstaive'' infuses the bastion of the enchanted fortification with the [[Summer_magic#Adamant|strength to endure]], and at the same time empowers the individual soldiers of the garrison with [[Summer_magic#Prowess|supernatural might]], the [[Summer_magic#Triumph|will to succeed]], and the ability to [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Poise|unleash]] an [[Summer_magic#Wroth|unquenchable fury]] against those who threaten them or their home.

The name of the ritual references the [[Legendary_beasts#Dragons,_Wyverns_and_Wyrms|Summer dragon]] ''Vstaive'', a truly legendary [[Inhabitants of the realms|inhabitant]] of the [[realms#Summer|Summer realm]] also known as the Mountain-who-Slumbers. This immense beast is said to have some connection to the realm of [[Cathan Canae]] and may in fact be a mountain range. Several times in the text there are references to other rituals with names such as ''The Slumbering Mountain Wakes'', ''Strength of the Living Mountains'', ''Wrath of Vstaive'', and ''Ice Queen's Dragon'', but it isn't clear if these are rituals Tektun had already codified, planned to codify, or would like to work on. Regardless it is clear that the Urizen stargazer felt a deep connection to the immense dragon and there are stories that towards the end of his life he [[Realm#Unreachable_By_Mortals|physically entered the Summer realm]] under the auspices of the ''Mistress of Blizzards'' so that he could finally look upon Vstaive before he died.

The ritual also references Tektun's [[Stargazer#Interests|personal theories of magic]] which seem to be an interpretation of [[dramaturgy]] using featureless metal masks intended to allow [[Dramaturgy#The_Personae|the personae]] - who he refers to as the ''Children of the Stars'' - to influence magicians in a manner similar to [[Astronomancy#Tulpas|tulpas]]. The ''Mask of Gold and Iron'' and ''the Dragon'' are referred to several times and appear to be his interpretation of [[The Captain]], which Tektun claims as a patron for the ritual. Experimentation with this concept by the [[Unfettered Mind]] has not replicated any of the "amazing results" Tektun claims to have achieved, and the consensus appears to be that the theory is a little odd but no more or less powerful than traditional dramaturgical traditions. There's also no indication of anyone being influenced by the Personae in the manner of a tulpa.

Indeed, the ritual does not actually draw directly on any supernatural power, least of all the immensity that is the ''Mountain-Who-Slumbers'' or notional ''Star Children''. It is ultimately a work of purely mortal magic, for all it may have been inspired by a great semi-mythical dragon. Interestingly however, examination of the ritual by [[Urizen]] magicians of the [[Unfettered Mind]] and [[Rod and Shield]] indicate that it is very similar in its practical effects to the ritual known as [[Golden Ramparts]] albeit with some very significant differences. ''Golden Ramparts'' calls forth [[Inhabitants_of_the_realms#Guardians|guardian]] lions from the realm of [[Meraud]] to fight alongside the garrison of a fortification, and relies on an [[Golden Ramparts#Assurance|assurance]] to give it power. ''Might of Vstaive'' however instead strengthens the baston and enchants the garrison of a castle with [[Summer_magic#Prowess|supernatural prowess]] not all that disimilar to that granted by rituals such as [[Strength of the Bull]] or [[Swan's Cruel Wing]]. Yet the outcome from a purely practical point of view is the same - save that one uses the power of a Summer eternal and the other does not. This assessment suggests that Jaheris' ''real'' motivation in encouraging this rituals to be given to Urizen might be to subtly undermine Meraud in some fashion.

==Common Elements==
This ritual targets a fortification and its garrison, imbuing both with Summer enchantments. A representation of the target fortification, and a map of the territory where it stands, both serve as suitable foci for the ritual. Folk from the territory where the castle stands, especially if they serve or have served as part of the garrison, are also strongly resonant with the ritual.

The original text calls on the strength of the dragon Vstaive to fill both the castle and its defenders, and while this is not a requirement the legendary Summer dragon has undeniable [[Aspect_magic#Goetia|goetic]] resonance for the performance of the ritual as do the names of [[Cathan Canae]] and [[Adamant]].

The [[astronomancy|astronomantic]] [[constellation|consteallations]] of [[the Stork]] and [[the Mountain]] are both referenced multiple times in the ritual text, and might be included in its performance as symbols of the importance of fighting to protect yourself and of the difficulties presented by warfare. The [[Verys|rune of Strength]] supports the ritual, but thanks to the way the ritual is put together it is the [[Tykonus|rune of Victory]] that truly resonates with the performance of ''Might of Vstaive''.

[[Category:Summer Ritual]]
[[Category:Rituals]]
[[Category:Warfare]]

The truth but tell it slant

2026-03-16T22:55:49Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Further Reading */

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appraisal

2026-03-12T11:03:22Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Previous Appraisals */

[[Category:Senate]][[Category:Appraisal]]
==Overview==
The Imperial civil service support [[the Throne]] and all arms of the Imperial government, providing detailed reports for consideration by the Empire's leaders every summit. For the most part these reports entail detailed assessments of the latest developments in the Empire, outlining what is known about the situation, what options might exist, and what the implications of those options are. The bulk of these reports are reactionary - the civil servants responding to current events as they are developed between summits.

However, during periods where civil service capacity to produce effective summaries is demonstrably greater than is needed to keep pace with current events, they place this additional capacity at the disposal of the Senate. Doing so allows the Senate to pass a motion of appraisal, instructing the civil service to investigate a specific area to see what opportunities if any exist for the Empire to take action.

During the Winter Solstice 384YE, the Imperial Senate took advantage of an [[opportunity]] offered by the [[Watches from the Wall|consecration of the walls of Holberg]] to restructure the [[Historical research#The Department of Historical Research|Department of Historical Research]], encouraging some of the civil servants there to join the Prognosticators' Office. As such, the Senate can now commission ''two'' appraisals each season.

==Commission an Appraisal==
The power to direct the civil servants lies with the Imperial Senate. At present this must be employed by use of a [[senate motion]], although in theory there is no reason that the Senate could not delegate this authority to an Imperial title - such as [[the Throne]] - or to another house entirely if they chose. Any Imperial title that was endowed with the ability to instruct the civil service would need to make an appropriate announcement in the Senate each time the power was used.

Regardless of how the power is employed, the thrust of the research should be clear. The purpose of an appraisal is to investigate a specific subject, with a view to identifying what [[opportunity|opportunities]] exist to influence the situation. It does not matter how broad the scope is, it is possible to commission broad research into a significant topic such as "fortifying the borders of the Empire" or into something very specific such as "Uses for the ruined Runeforge in Gildenheim". Provided that the wording of the motion clearly identifies a known problem or a current situation the Imperial civil service will be able to provide some insight.

An appraisal is very different to [[historical research]]. Historical research unearths information on past events, so that the leaders of the Empire can be better informed about matters of history. An appraisal must be focused on current events - the civil servants who carry out an appraisal work for the Prognosticators Office, they are mathematicians, diviners, actuaries, and logisticians, ''not'' historians. Their focus is to identify options that exist today - not lost records of the past.
{{CaptionedImage|file=ImperialOffices.jpg|align=right|width=600}}
==Capacity==
At present, the Imperial civil service have sufficient resources to support '''two appraisals''' each season. If more than two are passed by the Senate, subsequent motions will be ignored unless they include explicit instruction to abrogate all earlier motions of appraisal.

Prior to the [[Bloody_murder|murderous events of 379YE]], the civil service were unable to support any instructions to carry out an appraisal but some experienced researchers chose to leave the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|department of Historical Research]] for their own safety. Those with the inclination and ability joined the Prognosticators Office, significantly improving their capacity. This situation may change unexpectedly - many of these individuals are due to retire soon - but for now the capacity of the office has been increased, allowing it to carry out a single appraisal instructed by the Imperial Senate each season.

==Necessary Details==
There are no [[Motion_wording#Necessary_Details|necessary details]] with an appraisal; the civil service will only look at the actual wording of the motion as presented to the Senate.

The senate motion may specify which member of the civil service will lead the appraisal, but this ''must'' be explicitly included in the wording of the motion.

==The Results of the Appraisal==
The civil service will produce a detailed report outlining every opportunity that has been identified during the course of the appraisal. This will be widely published alongside the normal reports in the weeks immediately preceding the summit to allow those planning to attend the summit to consider the matter carefully. The report will be complete, which is to say that it will identify all options that exist currently; unless the report explicitly indicates otherwise it should be understood to cover every option available. There is no benefit in instructing the civil service to carry out the same appraisal unless the extenuating circumstances have substantially altered in the meantime.

The appraisal should be understood to apply ''only'' to the location and scenario laid out in the report. Unless otherwise noted, options that may exist to address the problem are not applicable elsewhere. An appraisal which identifies an opportunity to build a navy in Meade, is specific to a navy in Meade - it does not apply to Sarvos or any other location. Nor does it apply to an army or a fortification. Any options that exist to vary what can be achieved will be explicitly laid out in the report.

If the appraisal identifies any opportunities which are time-limited, that is they are only valid if carried out within a limited time-frame, then this will be made clear in the report.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Knowledgeable Citizen.jpg|align=left|width=400}}

==The Prognosticators Office==
The Prognosticators Office is ultimately overseen by the Imperial Auditor, Gerard La Salle, who is a member of the Constitutional Court. He is known to be a meticulous individual, who despises waste and inefficiency, but there is no other individual alive with a better grasp of the options available to the Empire. The day to day running of the office defaults to the most senior scholars, each of which in turn directs the remaining researchers, magicians, and bookkeepers.

As of the Winter Solstice 384YE, there are four senior researchers in the department. Each is a veteran civil servant and respected scholar with a particular emphasis. The Senate may choose which civil servant will be the lead on the appraisal by including the name of the researcher in the Senate motion (along with the name of a backup researcher if the first is already employed elsewhere, if desired). Everyone from the department will work on the appraisal, but the character of the lead civil servant appointed will help to shape the nature of the opportunities. If no individual is directed to lead the research, Gerard La Salle will select whichever researcher he considers most appropriate to do the work. In the event that two appraisals both call for the same civil servant, the first raised and passed will take priority. If the second motion does not also propose an alternative researcher, Gerard La Salle will pick.

===Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra===
Graciana is known for her unusual techniques and novel approaches to any problem. She is a skilled night mage, one of few who work in the prognosticators office, she is known to value imagination over industry in those who work for her. She came late to her calling, in her early days she was a wealthy merchant and corsair; she has travelled widely and spent years living abroad. When she finally returned home, she chose to join the civil service, determined to place the benefits of her wide-ranging experience at the disposal of those who lead the Empire.

If the Senate instructs Graciana to carry out an appraisal then the work will be focused on seeking novel or unusual solutions to the problem. But work by Graciana will usually produce ways to tackle a problem that are as innovative as they are unorthodox. Such options are ''never'' cheap, tried and tested techniques are invariably cheaper than new ideas because of the accrued expertise that supports them, but the costs will take a completely different form to the normal channels.

===Naomi of Virtue's Rest===
Naomi is the youngest of the lead scholars in the office. A diminutive woman with an endearing smile and an engaging personality, she is known for her charm; a quality she brings to her work. The eldest of five sisters, she joined the office at an early age, driven by a desire to help the Empire achieve the best possible results for its citizens. Though she is no great scholar of the Way she is a trained priest, skilled with all the religious rites that use liao.

If the Senate instructs Naomi to carry out an appraisal then the work will be focused on finding the most diplomatic possible solution. Naomi is adroit at identifying options that are best placed to satisfy the concerns of the people affected. The risk of such an approach is that it concentrates on the best possible solution to a problem rather than the cheapest or the most efficient.
===Lutomysla Niegoslava===
Lutomysla is an experienced [[cabalists|cabalist]] from [[Karov]] who sees magic as the most effective tool to address complex situations. They served for a time as [[Archmage of Night]] during the reign of [[Emperor Hugh]], and after stepping down from the title joined the Civil Service as an aide to the [[Conclave]]. Unlike their predecessor Mladen Excovitch, Lutomysla is unlikely to be concerned about efficiency or parsimony. Rather, they are interested in identifying practical magical solutions to problems.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Draughir.jpg|align=right|width=400}}
If the Senate instructs Lutomysla to carry out an appraisal then the work will focus on magical solutions. They are not interested solely with ritual magic; as a cabalist they are practiced at dealing with powers such as eternals or even sovereigns and have made an extensive study of esoteric magics such as [[hearth magic]], peculiar [[regio]], [[astronomancy|astronomantic]] [[Astronomancy#Tulpas|tulpas]] and even more obscure occult topics.
===Eilian Sweetwater===
Eilian of Storm's Run Striding joined the prognosticator's office in 384YE following the Imperial Senate decision to [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Retrain_Researchers|shift focus away]] from the [[Historical research]] toward appraisal. A former researcher with the [[Historical research#Department of Historical Research|Department of Historical Research]], he is perhaps best known for his [[Terunael in Axos|in-depth report]] on the nation of [[Axos]] and its history with the ancient Terunael people. He heads up a small cadre of other former researchers, civil servants well versed in exploring archives, collecting information, and uncovering past events. He also maintains excellent relations with the remaining researchers at the Department, and with the Imperial Archivist.

If the Senate instructs Eilian to carry out an appraisal then the work will be firmly grounded in the Empire's history. This might mean revisiting and reassessing historical proposals, building on past discoveries and theories, or finding inspiration in the stories and traditions of the ten nations. He's also a Navarr, and where history provides no guidance he will fall back on the most practical solution - although just like his colleague Graciana he recognises that "practical" sometimes means ''expensive''.

===Retired Prognosticators===
====Mladen Escovitch====
Three decades ago, Mladen was one of the most brilliant [[schlacta]] of his age, a master of the two-handed axe he was not just a capable warrior but also a brilliant strategist. His ambitions were cut tragically short by the permanent loss of all mobility in his right arm to a Druj poison. Unable to fight, he rededicated his life to the prognosticator's art, rising steadily through the ranks of the civil service. He soon developed a reputation as a notorious stickler for economy, driven to examine every possible option, to find ways to save even a single ring. He [[A place on a map|retired]] shortly before the Spring Equinox 384YE, following a final appraisal - of opportunities to fortify the nation of Urizen. Prior to that his work was focused on identifying the most efficient way to resolve a problem. The options identified by an appraisal are rarely cheap - and they will usually make use of standard practices available to the Empire, but Mladen usually tried to do so in a way that would save the Empire valuable money or resources.
<onlyinclude>
==Previous Appraisals==
<table class="wikitable">
<tr><td>'''Appraisal'''</td><td>'''Date'''</td><td>'''Senate Decision'''</td><td>'''Civil Servant'''</td><td>'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Prosperity_of_Spiral|Prosperity of Spiral]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[My friends are my estate]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Expansion_of_Printer's_Guild|Expansion of Printer's Guild]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Professor Immanuel Gelberg</td><td>[[The truth but tell it slant]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Bridges_in_Brass_Coast|Bridges in the Brass Coast]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>[[Mermaids in the basement]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Exploration_of_Tsirku|Exploration of Tsirku]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Withdrawn</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Society_of_Inspiration|Society of Inspiration]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Withdrawn</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Ministries|Ministries]]</td><td>Summer 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>Presented before the Winter Solstice 387YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Port_in_Utterlund|Port in Utterlund]]</td><td>Summer 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[Any port in a storm]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Food_and_Water_of_Holberg|Supplies of Holberg]]</td><td>Summer 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Professor Immanuel Gelberg</td><td>[[Threats that are to come]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Building Lighthouses|Building lighthouses]]</td><td>Spring 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Eilian Sweetwater</td><td>[[For those in peril on the sea]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Disruption_of_Druj_Resupply_in_Forest_of_Ulnak|Disrupting Druj resupply]]</td><td>Spring 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Nobody requested; Mladen Escovitch assigned</td><td>[[Hope and fear]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Port_in_Utterlund|Port in Utterlund]]</td><td>Spring 387YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Destroying_the_Kongegőr|Destroying the Kongegőr]]</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>[[A bridge too far]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Displaced_Varushkans|Displaced Varushkans]]</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[Outside the wall]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Powers_of_the_State|Powers of the Senate]]</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_interfering_with_Salt_Lord_relationships|Interfering with Salt Lord relationships]]</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[Fake empire]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Seed_Exchange|Seed Exchange]]</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Nobody requested; Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra assigned</td><td>[[Send for me]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_interfering_with_Mallum_supply|Interfere with Mallum supply]]</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Removing_Uncooperative_from_Mareave|Improve cooperation in Mareave]]</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Eilian Sweetwater</td><td>[[Here to stay]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Peace_with_the_Jotun|Peace with the Jotun]]</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[A stone for a stone]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Armoury_of_Hercynia|Hercynian armoury]]</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Eilian Sweetwater</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Dho'uala|Dho'uala]]</td><td>Spring 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>[[Less welcome tenants]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Wealth of Sermersuaq|Wealth of Sermersuaq]]</td><td>Spring 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>[[Farm, fur, and fish]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Dry_Patricians|Dry Patricians]]</td><td>Winter 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>[[Parched earth]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Fleets_in_the_Bay_of_Catazar|Fleets in the Bay of Catazar]]</td><td>Winter 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>[[An angry blade]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Roads|Extending road networks]]</td><td>Autumn 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>[[Road out of nowhere]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Spider.27s_Dream_Bridge|Spider's Dream Bridge]]</td><td>Autumn 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Eilian Sweetwater</td><td>[[Dreaming in strands]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Raids_Defence|Defence against raiding]]</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Nobody requested; Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra assigned</td><td>[[Restraint]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Urizen_in_Spiral|How the League can support Urizen in Spiral]]</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[A question of loyalty]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_integration_of_septs_of_the_Barrens|Integration of Barrens septs]]</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Naval Supply II|Naval Supply II]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Gardens of Pallas|Gardens of Pallas]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Default to Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>[[Restoration and renewal]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Improving Ossium|Improving Ossium]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Nobody requested; a prognosticator will need to be assigned</td><td>[[Culling the threat]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Naval Supply|Naval Supply]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Graciana i Lopez i Guerra</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Black_Canals|Black Canals]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Naomi requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Kahraman|Kahraman]]</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi requested</td><td>[[Time and time again]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Pilgrims_of_the_Way|Pilgrims of the Way]]</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi requested; Eilian Sweetwater of Storm's Run Striding was assigned</td><td>[[Blood will thicken]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_stabilising_Zenith|Restore Zenith]]</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Default to Naomi</td><td>[[Write your own ending]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_pilgrims_of_the_Way|Attract foreign pilgrims]]</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Naomi Requested</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Architectural_University_in_Temeschwar|Architectural University in Temeschwar]]</td><td>Summer 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana assigned</td><td>[[Back in the same place]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_slave_uprising_in_Sarangrave|Incite uprising in Sarangrave]]</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana assigned</td><td>[[Make it happen]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraisal_of_Grendel_prisoners|Identify people taken as slaves by the Grendel]]</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody specified</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td>
<tr><td>[[383YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise fortifications in Urizen territory|Appraise Urizen fortifications]]</td><td>Winter 383YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Defaulted to Mladen Escovitch</td><td>[[A place on a map]]</td>
<tr><td>[[Appraise_Sign_of_Tamar|Appraise Sign of Tamar]]</td><td>Autumn 383YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana assigned</td><td>[[Signs and sigils]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraise_trods|Appraise Trods]]</td><td>Summer 383YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana assigned</td><td>[[Woven as a weapon]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraise possibility of reclamation|Reclamation]]</td><td>Summer 383YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Graciana requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraisal_of_integration_of_Mournwold_Orcs|Mournwold Orc Integration]]</td><td>Spring 383YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Defaulted to Naomi</td><td>[[Heart of gold]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraisal_of_trade_sanctions|Trade Sanctions]]<td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Defaulted to Naomi</td><td>[[The price of liberty]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraisal of Feni dispersion|Disperse Feni]]</td><td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraisal_of_Bite_legalisation|Legalize Bite]]</td><td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
</table>
</onlyinclude>

<div style="max-width: 500px; width: 50%; float: right;"><box>
====Appraisal Structure====
<p>Any appraisal involves three elements - the first is the fundamental problem that the players wish to overcome or address. The second element, is the method - the way that the problem will be addressed. The final part is the outcome - the result that will occur if the methods outlined are enacted by the Empire.</p>

The crucial information needed by the plot team to write a useful appraisal response is a clear outline of the problem that the Empire wants addressed. Only if we are certain what problem the players want to deal with can we be confident that the solutions we present will address those issues. We don't want to give players possible solutions to different problems.

It is usually better to avoid outlining a method for the appraisal, as this can lead to disappointment if it isn't possible to solve the problem that way. However, it is also better to avoid defining the outcome you want - since that outcome may not be possible. A motion that clearly states what problem the Senate would like addressed is the best way to maximise your chances that the results achieve what the Empire wants.
</box></div>

==OOC Design==
An appraisal is designed to allow the Imperial Senate to direct the civil service to look for a new solution to an existing problem facing it. Inline with the broad remit of the Senate, this could be economic, magical, military or religious in nature. The normal powers of the Senate allow the institute to address a wide range of problems using well-known and clearly defined powers. For instance, fortifications can be built, armies raised, navies constructed. They can disburse the contents of the Imperial treasury, make declarations of war or peace and so on.

An appraisal is different - it directs the civil service to look into a specific situation to see if there is an [[opportunity]] to address the problem in a way that either does not use the standard powers of the Senate to commission, or does so in a way that is unorthodox or unique. It will result in a Wind of Fortune that is produced for the next event which defines what is known about the problem and identifies what opportunities if any exist to take effective action to address it.

Like any other Wind of Fortune, the options presented in the plot opportunity on the wiki only apply in the situation explicitly laid out in the update. An appraisal does not create new powers for the Senate, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it simply creates a unique, one-off opportunity to act in ways outside the normal rules. Any variations which are possible will be clearly and explicitly identified in the wind of fortune, the flexibility with an appraisal is in what you ask for, not how you employ it. As always with winds of fortune we will try to be absolutely explicit about what the costs and benefits of any actions are.

We will treat the appraisal exactly as we would any other plot that we working on for a wind of fortune. Players should anticipate that appraisals will ''often'' identify solutions that benefit one group of Imperial citizens at the expense of another. Many will be contentious or expensive or both. Appraisal is a chance to tackle a problem in a novel way, it is not a free-lunch generator.

In particular, appraisal will generate a plot opportunity focused on the problem outlined in the motion that ordered it. It does not generate a specific solution - senators should specify the problem they want examined, not the solution they want found. It is not possible to specify the nature or shape of the solution - all attempts to do so will be ignored at best. At worst they may cause the whole appraisal to fail.
{{Senate Further Reading}}

Appraisal

2026-03-12T11:03:13Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Previous Appraisals */

[[Category:Senate]][[Category:Appraisal]]
==Overview==
The Imperial civil service support [[the Throne]] and all arms of the Imperial government, providing detailed reports for consideration by the Empire's leaders every summit. For the most part these reports entail detailed assessments of the latest developments in the Empire, outlining what is known about the situation, what options might exist, and what the implications of those options are. The bulk of these reports are reactionary - the civil servants responding to current events as they are developed between summits.

However, during periods where civil service capacity to produce effective summaries is demonstrably greater than is needed to keep pace with current events, they place this additional capacity at the disposal of the Senate. Doing so allows the Senate to pass a motion of appraisal, instructing the civil service to investigate a specific area to see what opportunities if any exist for the Empire to take action.

During the Winter Solstice 384YE, the Imperial Senate took advantage of an [[opportunity]] offered by the [[Watches from the Wall|consecration of the walls of Holberg]] to restructure the [[Historical research#The Department of Historical Research|Department of Historical Research]], encouraging some of the civil servants there to join the Prognosticators' Office. As such, the Senate can now commission ''two'' appraisals each season.

==Commission an Appraisal==
The power to direct the civil servants lies with the Imperial Senate. At present this must be employed by use of a [[senate motion]], although in theory there is no reason that the Senate could not delegate this authority to an Imperial title - such as [[the Throne]] - or to another house entirely if they chose. Any Imperial title that was endowed with the ability to instruct the civil service would need to make an appropriate announcement in the Senate each time the power was used.

Regardless of how the power is employed, the thrust of the research should be clear. The purpose of an appraisal is to investigate a specific subject, with a view to identifying what [[opportunity|opportunities]] exist to influence the situation. It does not matter how broad the scope is, it is possible to commission broad research into a significant topic such as "fortifying the borders of the Empire" or into something very specific such as "Uses for the ruined Runeforge in Gildenheim". Provided that the wording of the motion clearly identifies a known problem or a current situation the Imperial civil service will be able to provide some insight.

An appraisal is very different to [[historical research]]. Historical research unearths information on past events, so that the leaders of the Empire can be better informed about matters of history. An appraisal must be focused on current events - the civil servants who carry out an appraisal work for the Prognosticators Office, they are mathematicians, diviners, actuaries, and logisticians, ''not'' historians. Their focus is to identify options that exist today - not lost records of the past.
{{CaptionedImage|file=ImperialOffices.jpg|align=right|width=600}}
==Capacity==
At present, the Imperial civil service have sufficient resources to support '''two appraisals''' each season. If more than two are passed by the Senate, subsequent motions will be ignored unless they include explicit instruction to abrogate all earlier motions of appraisal.

Prior to the [[Bloody_murder|murderous events of 379YE]], the civil service were unable to support any instructions to carry out an appraisal but some experienced researchers chose to leave the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|department of Historical Research]] for their own safety. Those with the inclination and ability joined the Prognosticators Office, significantly improving their capacity. This situation may change unexpectedly - many of these individuals are due to retire soon - but for now the capacity of the office has been increased, allowing it to carry out a single appraisal instructed by the Imperial Senate each season.

==Necessary Details==
There are no [[Motion_wording#Necessary_Details|necessary details]] with an appraisal; the civil service will only look at the actual wording of the motion as presented to the Senate.

The senate motion may specify which member of the civil service will lead the appraisal, but this ''must'' be explicitly included in the wording of the motion.

==The Results of the Appraisal==
The civil service will produce a detailed report outlining every opportunity that has been identified during the course of the appraisal. This will be widely published alongside the normal reports in the weeks immediately preceding the summit to allow those planning to attend the summit to consider the matter carefully. The report will be complete, which is to say that it will identify all options that exist currently; unless the report explicitly indicates otherwise it should be understood to cover every option available. There is no benefit in instructing the civil service to carry out the same appraisal unless the extenuating circumstances have substantially altered in the meantime.

The appraisal should be understood to apply ''only'' to the location and scenario laid out in the report. Unless otherwise noted, options that may exist to address the problem are not applicable elsewhere. An appraisal which identifies an opportunity to build a navy in Meade, is specific to a navy in Meade - it does not apply to Sarvos or any other location. Nor does it apply to an army or a fortification. Any options that exist to vary what can be achieved will be explicitly laid out in the report.

If the appraisal identifies any opportunities which are time-limited, that is they are only valid if carried out within a limited time-frame, then this will be made clear in the report.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Knowledgeable Citizen.jpg|align=left|width=400}}

==The Prognosticators Office==
The Prognosticators Office is ultimately overseen by the Imperial Auditor, Gerard La Salle, who is a member of the Constitutional Court. He is known to be a meticulous individual, who despises waste and inefficiency, but there is no other individual alive with a better grasp of the options available to the Empire. The day to day running of the office defaults to the most senior scholars, each of which in turn directs the remaining researchers, magicians, and bookkeepers.

As of the Winter Solstice 384YE, there are four senior researchers in the department. Each is a veteran civil servant and respected scholar with a particular emphasis. The Senate may choose which civil servant will be the lead on the appraisal by including the name of the researcher in the Senate motion (along with the name of a backup researcher if the first is already employed elsewhere, if desired). Everyone from the department will work on the appraisal, but the character of the lead civil servant appointed will help to shape the nature of the opportunities. If no individual is directed to lead the research, Gerard La Salle will select whichever researcher he considers most appropriate to do the work. In the event that two appraisals both call for the same civil servant, the first raised and passed will take priority. If the second motion does not also propose an alternative researcher, Gerard La Salle will pick.

===Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra===
Graciana is known for her unusual techniques and novel approaches to any problem. She is a skilled night mage, one of few who work in the prognosticators office, she is known to value imagination over industry in those who work for her. She came late to her calling, in her early days she was a wealthy merchant and corsair; she has travelled widely and spent years living abroad. When she finally returned home, she chose to join the civil service, determined to place the benefits of her wide-ranging experience at the disposal of those who lead the Empire.

If the Senate instructs Graciana to carry out an appraisal then the work will be focused on seeking novel or unusual solutions to the problem. But work by Graciana will usually produce ways to tackle a problem that are as innovative as they are unorthodox. Such options are ''never'' cheap, tried and tested techniques are invariably cheaper than new ideas because of the accrued expertise that supports them, but the costs will take a completely different form to the normal channels.

===Naomi of Virtue's Rest===
Naomi is the youngest of the lead scholars in the office. A diminutive woman with an endearing smile and an engaging personality, she is known for her charm; a quality she brings to her work. The eldest of five sisters, she joined the office at an early age, driven by a desire to help the Empire achieve the best possible results for its citizens. Though she is no great scholar of the Way she is a trained priest, skilled with all the religious rites that use liao.

If the Senate instructs Naomi to carry out an appraisal then the work will be focused on finding the most diplomatic possible solution. Naomi is adroit at identifying options that are best placed to satisfy the concerns of the people affected. The risk of such an approach is that it concentrates on the best possible solution to a problem rather than the cheapest or the most efficient.
===Lutomysla Niegoslava===
Lutomysla is an experienced [[cabalists|cabalist]] from [[Karov]] who sees magic as the most effective tool to address complex situations. They served for a time as [[Archmage of Night]] during the reign of [[Emperor Hugh]], and after stepping down from the title joined the Civil Service as an aide to the [[Conclave]]. Unlike their predecessor Mladen Excovitch, Lutomysla is unlikely to be concerned about efficiency or parsimony. Rather, they are interested in identifying practical magical solutions to problems.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Draughir.jpg|align=right|width=400}}
If the Senate instructs Lutomysla to carry out an appraisal then the work will focus on magical solutions. They are not interested solely with ritual magic; as a cabalist they are practiced at dealing with powers such as eternals or even sovereigns and have made an extensive study of esoteric magics such as [[hearth magic]], peculiar [[regio]], [[astronomancy|astronomantic]] [[Astronomancy#Tulpas|tulpas]] and even more obscure occult topics.
===Eilian Sweetwater===
Eilian of Storm's Run Striding joined the prognosticator's office in 384YE following the Imperial Senate decision to [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Retrain_Researchers|shift focus away]] from the [[Historical research]] toward appraisal. A former researcher with the [[Historical research#Department of Historical Research|Department of Historical Research]], he is perhaps best known for his [[Terunael in Axos|in-depth report]] on the nation of [[Axos]] and its history with the ancient Terunael people. He heads up a small cadre of other former researchers, civil servants well versed in exploring archives, collecting information, and uncovering past events. He also maintains excellent relations with the remaining researchers at the Department, and with the Imperial Archivist.

If the Senate instructs Eilian to carry out an appraisal then the work will be firmly grounded in the Empire's history. This might mean revisiting and reassessing historical proposals, building on past discoveries and theories, or finding inspiration in the stories and traditions of the ten nations. He's also a Navarr, and where history provides no guidance he will fall back on the most practical solution - although just like his colleague Graciana he recognises that "practical" sometimes means ''expensive''.

===Retired Prognosticators===
====Mladen Escovitch====
Three decades ago, Mladen was one of the most brilliant [[schlacta]] of his age, a master of the two-handed axe he was not just a capable warrior but also a brilliant strategist. His ambitions were cut tragically short by the permanent loss of all mobility in his right arm to a Druj poison. Unable to fight, he rededicated his life to the prognosticator's art, rising steadily through the ranks of the civil service. He soon developed a reputation as a notorious stickler for economy, driven to examine every possible option, to find ways to save even a single ring. He [[A place on a map|retired]] shortly before the Spring Equinox 384YE, following a final appraisal - of opportunities to fortify the nation of Urizen. Prior to that his work was focused on identifying the most efficient way to resolve a problem. The options identified by an appraisal are rarely cheap - and they will usually make use of standard practices available to the Empire, but Mladen usually tried to do so in a way that would save the Empire valuable money or resources.
<onlyinclude>
==Previous Appraisals==
<table class="wikitable">
<tr><td>'''Appraisal'''</td><td>'''Date'''</td><td>'''Senate Decision'''</td><td>'''Civil Servant'''</td><td>'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Prosperity_of_Spiral|Prosperity of Spiral]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[My friends are my estate]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Expansion_of_Printer's_Guild|Expansion of Printer's Guild]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Professor Immanuel Gelberg</td><td>The truth but tell it slant]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Bridges_in_Brass_Coast|Bridges in the Brass Coast]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>[[Mermaids in the basement]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Exploration_of_Tsirku|Exploration of Tsirku]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Withdrawn</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Society_of_Inspiration|Society of Inspiration]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Withdrawn</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Ministries|Ministries]]</td><td>Summer 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>Presented before the Winter Solstice 387YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Port_in_Utterlund|Port in Utterlund]]</td><td>Summer 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[Any port in a storm]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Food_and_Water_of_Holberg|Supplies of Holberg]]</td><td>Summer 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Professor Immanuel Gelberg</td><td>[[Threats that are to come]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Building Lighthouses|Building lighthouses]]</td><td>Spring 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Eilian Sweetwater</td><td>[[For those in peril on the sea]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Disruption_of_Druj_Resupply_in_Forest_of_Ulnak|Disrupting Druj resupply]]</td><td>Spring 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Nobody requested; Mladen Escovitch assigned</td><td>[[Hope and fear]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Port_in_Utterlund|Port in Utterlund]]</td><td>Spring 387YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Destroying_the_Kongegőr|Destroying the Kongegőr]]</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>[[A bridge too far]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Displaced_Varushkans|Displaced Varushkans]]</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[Outside the wall]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Powers_of_the_State|Powers of the Senate]]</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_interfering_with_Salt_Lord_relationships|Interfering with Salt Lord relationships]]</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[Fake empire]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Seed_Exchange|Seed Exchange]]</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Nobody requested; Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra assigned</td><td>[[Send for me]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_interfering_with_Mallum_supply|Interfere with Mallum supply]]</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Removing_Uncooperative_from_Mareave|Improve cooperation in Mareave]]</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Eilian Sweetwater</td><td>[[Here to stay]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Peace_with_the_Jotun|Peace with the Jotun]]</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[A stone for a stone]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Armoury_of_Hercynia|Hercynian armoury]]</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Eilian Sweetwater</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Dho'uala|Dho'uala]]</td><td>Spring 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>[[Less welcome tenants]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Wealth of Sermersuaq|Wealth of Sermersuaq]]</td><td>Spring 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>[[Farm, fur, and fish]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Dry_Patricians|Dry Patricians]]</td><td>Winter 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>[[Parched earth]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Fleets_in_the_Bay_of_Catazar|Fleets in the Bay of Catazar]]</td><td>Winter 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>[[An angry blade]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Roads|Extending road networks]]</td><td>Autumn 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>[[Road out of nowhere]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Spider.27s_Dream_Bridge|Spider's Dream Bridge]]</td><td>Autumn 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Eilian Sweetwater</td><td>[[Dreaming in strands]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Raids_Defence|Defence against raiding]]</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Nobody requested; Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra assigned</td><td>[[Restraint]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Urizen_in_Spiral|How the League can support Urizen in Spiral]]</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[A question of loyalty]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_integration_of_septs_of_the_Barrens|Integration of Barrens septs]]</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Naval Supply II|Naval Supply II]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Gardens of Pallas|Gardens of Pallas]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Default to Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>[[Restoration and renewal]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Improving Ossium|Improving Ossium]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Nobody requested; a prognosticator will need to be assigned</td><td>[[Culling the threat]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Naval Supply|Naval Supply]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Graciana i Lopez i Guerra</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Black_Canals|Black Canals]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Naomi requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Kahraman|Kahraman]]</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi requested</td><td>[[Time and time again]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Pilgrims_of_the_Way|Pilgrims of the Way]]</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi requested; Eilian Sweetwater of Storm's Run Striding was assigned</td><td>[[Blood will thicken]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_stabilising_Zenith|Restore Zenith]]</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Default to Naomi</td><td>[[Write your own ending]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_pilgrims_of_the_Way|Attract foreign pilgrims]]</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Naomi Requested</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Architectural_University_in_Temeschwar|Architectural University in Temeschwar]]</td><td>Summer 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana assigned</td><td>[[Back in the same place]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_slave_uprising_in_Sarangrave|Incite uprising in Sarangrave]]</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana assigned</td><td>[[Make it happen]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraisal_of_Grendel_prisoners|Identify people taken as slaves by the Grendel]]</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody specified</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td>
<tr><td>[[383YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise fortifications in Urizen territory|Appraise Urizen fortifications]]</td><td>Winter 383YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Defaulted to Mladen Escovitch</td><td>[[A place on a map]]</td>
<tr><td>[[Appraise_Sign_of_Tamar|Appraise Sign of Tamar]]</td><td>Autumn 383YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana assigned</td><td>[[Signs and sigils]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraise_trods|Appraise Trods]]</td><td>Summer 383YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana assigned</td><td>[[Woven as a weapon]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraise possibility of reclamation|Reclamation]]</td><td>Summer 383YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Graciana requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraisal_of_integration_of_Mournwold_Orcs|Mournwold Orc Integration]]</td><td>Spring 383YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Defaulted to Naomi</td><td>[[Heart of gold]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraisal_of_trade_sanctions|Trade Sanctions]]<td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Defaulted to Naomi</td><td>[[The price of liberty]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraisal of Feni dispersion|Disperse Feni]]</td><td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraisal_of_Bite_legalisation|Legalize Bite]]</td><td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
</table>
</onlyinclude>

<div style="max-width: 500px; width: 50%; float: right;"><box>
====Appraisal Structure====
<p>Any appraisal involves three elements - the first is the fundamental problem that the players wish to overcome or address. The second element, is the method - the way that the problem will be addressed. The final part is the outcome - the result that will occur if the methods outlined are enacted by the Empire.</p>

The crucial information needed by the plot team to write a useful appraisal response is a clear outline of the problem that the Empire wants addressed. Only if we are certain what problem the players want to deal with can we be confident that the solutions we present will address those issues. We don't want to give players possible solutions to different problems.

It is usually better to avoid outlining a method for the appraisal, as this can lead to disappointment if it isn't possible to solve the problem that way. However, it is also better to avoid defining the outcome you want - since that outcome may not be possible. A motion that clearly states what problem the Senate would like addressed is the best way to maximise your chances that the results achieve what the Empire wants.
</box></div>

==OOC Design==
An appraisal is designed to allow the Imperial Senate to direct the civil service to look for a new solution to an existing problem facing it. Inline with the broad remit of the Senate, this could be economic, magical, military or religious in nature. The normal powers of the Senate allow the institute to address a wide range of problems using well-known and clearly defined powers. For instance, fortifications can be built, armies raised, navies constructed. They can disburse the contents of the Imperial treasury, make declarations of war or peace and so on.

An appraisal is different - it directs the civil service to look into a specific situation to see if there is an [[opportunity]] to address the problem in a way that either does not use the standard powers of the Senate to commission, or does so in a way that is unorthodox or unique. It will result in a Wind of Fortune that is produced for the next event which defines what is known about the problem and identifies what opportunities if any exist to take effective action to address it.

Like any other Wind of Fortune, the options presented in the plot opportunity on the wiki only apply in the situation explicitly laid out in the update. An appraisal does not create new powers for the Senate, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it simply creates a unique, one-off opportunity to act in ways outside the normal rules. Any variations which are possible will be clearly and explicitly identified in the wind of fortune, the flexibility with an appraisal is in what you ask for, not how you employ it. As always with winds of fortune we will try to be absolutely explicit about what the costs and benefits of any actions are.

We will treat the appraisal exactly as we would any other plot that we working on for a wind of fortune. Players should anticipate that appraisals will ''often'' identify solutions that benefit one group of Imperial citizens at the expense of another. Many will be contentious or expensive or both. Appraisal is a chance to tackle a problem in a novel way, it is not a free-lunch generator.

In particular, appraisal will generate a plot opportunity focused on the problem outlined in the motion that ordered it. It does not generate a specific solution - senators should specify the problem they want examined, not the solution they want found. It is not possible to specify the nature or shape of the solution - all attempts to do so will be ignored at best. At worst they may cause the whole appraisal to fail.
{{Senate Further Reading}}

Appraisal

2026-03-12T11:03:01Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Previous Appraisals */

[[Category:Senate]][[Category:Appraisal]]
==Overview==
The Imperial civil service support [[the Throne]] and all arms of the Imperial government, providing detailed reports for consideration by the Empire's leaders every summit. For the most part these reports entail detailed assessments of the latest developments in the Empire, outlining what is known about the situation, what options might exist, and what the implications of those options are. The bulk of these reports are reactionary - the civil servants responding to current events as they are developed between summits.

However, during periods where civil service capacity to produce effective summaries is demonstrably greater than is needed to keep pace with current events, they place this additional capacity at the disposal of the Senate. Doing so allows the Senate to pass a motion of appraisal, instructing the civil service to investigate a specific area to see what opportunities if any exist for the Empire to take action.

During the Winter Solstice 384YE, the Imperial Senate took advantage of an [[opportunity]] offered by the [[Watches from the Wall|consecration of the walls of Holberg]] to restructure the [[Historical research#The Department of Historical Research|Department of Historical Research]], encouraging some of the civil servants there to join the Prognosticators' Office. As such, the Senate can now commission ''two'' appraisals each season.

==Commission an Appraisal==
The power to direct the civil servants lies with the Imperial Senate. At present this must be employed by use of a [[senate motion]], although in theory there is no reason that the Senate could not delegate this authority to an Imperial title - such as [[the Throne]] - or to another house entirely if they chose. Any Imperial title that was endowed with the ability to instruct the civil service would need to make an appropriate announcement in the Senate each time the power was used.

Regardless of how the power is employed, the thrust of the research should be clear. The purpose of an appraisal is to investigate a specific subject, with a view to identifying what [[opportunity|opportunities]] exist to influence the situation. It does not matter how broad the scope is, it is possible to commission broad research into a significant topic such as "fortifying the borders of the Empire" or into something very specific such as "Uses for the ruined Runeforge in Gildenheim". Provided that the wording of the motion clearly identifies a known problem or a current situation the Imperial civil service will be able to provide some insight.

An appraisal is very different to [[historical research]]. Historical research unearths information on past events, so that the leaders of the Empire can be better informed about matters of history. An appraisal must be focused on current events - the civil servants who carry out an appraisal work for the Prognosticators Office, they are mathematicians, diviners, actuaries, and logisticians, ''not'' historians. Their focus is to identify options that exist today - not lost records of the past.
{{CaptionedImage|file=ImperialOffices.jpg|align=right|width=600}}
==Capacity==
At present, the Imperial civil service have sufficient resources to support '''two appraisals''' each season. If more than two are passed by the Senate, subsequent motions will be ignored unless they include explicit instruction to abrogate all earlier motions of appraisal.

Prior to the [[Bloody_murder|murderous events of 379YE]], the civil service were unable to support any instructions to carry out an appraisal but some experienced researchers chose to leave the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research|department of Historical Research]] for their own safety. Those with the inclination and ability joined the Prognosticators Office, significantly improving their capacity. This situation may change unexpectedly - many of these individuals are due to retire soon - but for now the capacity of the office has been increased, allowing it to carry out a single appraisal instructed by the Imperial Senate each season.

==Necessary Details==
There are no [[Motion_wording#Necessary_Details|necessary details]] with an appraisal; the civil service will only look at the actual wording of the motion as presented to the Senate.

The senate motion may specify which member of the civil service will lead the appraisal, but this ''must'' be explicitly included in the wording of the motion.

==The Results of the Appraisal==
The civil service will produce a detailed report outlining every opportunity that has been identified during the course of the appraisal. This will be widely published alongside the normal reports in the weeks immediately preceding the summit to allow those planning to attend the summit to consider the matter carefully. The report will be complete, which is to say that it will identify all options that exist currently; unless the report explicitly indicates otherwise it should be understood to cover every option available. There is no benefit in instructing the civil service to carry out the same appraisal unless the extenuating circumstances have substantially altered in the meantime.

The appraisal should be understood to apply ''only'' to the location and scenario laid out in the report. Unless otherwise noted, options that may exist to address the problem are not applicable elsewhere. An appraisal which identifies an opportunity to build a navy in Meade, is specific to a navy in Meade - it does not apply to Sarvos or any other location. Nor does it apply to an army or a fortification. Any options that exist to vary what can be achieved will be explicitly laid out in the report.

If the appraisal identifies any opportunities which are time-limited, that is they are only valid if carried out within a limited time-frame, then this will be made clear in the report.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Knowledgeable Citizen.jpg|align=left|width=400}}

==The Prognosticators Office==
The Prognosticators Office is ultimately overseen by the Imperial Auditor, Gerard La Salle, who is a member of the Constitutional Court. He is known to be a meticulous individual, who despises waste and inefficiency, but there is no other individual alive with a better grasp of the options available to the Empire. The day to day running of the office defaults to the most senior scholars, each of which in turn directs the remaining researchers, magicians, and bookkeepers.

As of the Winter Solstice 384YE, there are four senior researchers in the department. Each is a veteran civil servant and respected scholar with a particular emphasis. The Senate may choose which civil servant will be the lead on the appraisal by including the name of the researcher in the Senate motion (along with the name of a backup researcher if the first is already employed elsewhere, if desired). Everyone from the department will work on the appraisal, but the character of the lead civil servant appointed will help to shape the nature of the opportunities. If no individual is directed to lead the research, Gerard La Salle will select whichever researcher he considers most appropriate to do the work. In the event that two appraisals both call for the same civil servant, the first raised and passed will take priority. If the second motion does not also propose an alternative researcher, Gerard La Salle will pick.

===Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra===
Graciana is known for her unusual techniques and novel approaches to any problem. She is a skilled night mage, one of few who work in the prognosticators office, she is known to value imagination over industry in those who work for her. She came late to her calling, in her early days she was a wealthy merchant and corsair; she has travelled widely and spent years living abroad. When she finally returned home, she chose to join the civil service, determined to place the benefits of her wide-ranging experience at the disposal of those who lead the Empire.

If the Senate instructs Graciana to carry out an appraisal then the work will be focused on seeking novel or unusual solutions to the problem. But work by Graciana will usually produce ways to tackle a problem that are as innovative as they are unorthodox. Such options are ''never'' cheap, tried and tested techniques are invariably cheaper than new ideas because of the accrued expertise that supports them, but the costs will take a completely different form to the normal channels.

===Naomi of Virtue's Rest===
Naomi is the youngest of the lead scholars in the office. A diminutive woman with an endearing smile and an engaging personality, she is known for her charm; a quality she brings to her work. The eldest of five sisters, she joined the office at an early age, driven by a desire to help the Empire achieve the best possible results for its citizens. Though she is no great scholar of the Way she is a trained priest, skilled with all the religious rites that use liao.

If the Senate instructs Naomi to carry out an appraisal then the work will be focused on finding the most diplomatic possible solution. Naomi is adroit at identifying options that are best placed to satisfy the concerns of the people affected. The risk of such an approach is that it concentrates on the best possible solution to a problem rather than the cheapest or the most efficient.
===Lutomysla Niegoslava===
Lutomysla is an experienced [[cabalists|cabalist]] from [[Karov]] who sees magic as the most effective tool to address complex situations. They served for a time as [[Archmage of Night]] during the reign of [[Emperor Hugh]], and after stepping down from the title joined the Civil Service as an aide to the [[Conclave]]. Unlike their predecessor Mladen Excovitch, Lutomysla is unlikely to be concerned about efficiency or parsimony. Rather, they are interested in identifying practical magical solutions to problems.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Draughir.jpg|align=right|width=400}}
If the Senate instructs Lutomysla to carry out an appraisal then the work will focus on magical solutions. They are not interested solely with ritual magic; as a cabalist they are practiced at dealing with powers such as eternals or even sovereigns and have made an extensive study of esoteric magics such as [[hearth magic]], peculiar [[regio]], [[astronomancy|astronomantic]] [[Astronomancy#Tulpas|tulpas]] and even more obscure occult topics.
===Eilian Sweetwater===
Eilian of Storm's Run Striding joined the prognosticator's office in 384YE following the Imperial Senate decision to [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Retrain_Researchers|shift focus away]] from the [[Historical research]] toward appraisal. A former researcher with the [[Historical research#Department of Historical Research|Department of Historical Research]], he is perhaps best known for his [[Terunael in Axos|in-depth report]] on the nation of [[Axos]] and its history with the ancient Terunael people. He heads up a small cadre of other former researchers, civil servants well versed in exploring archives, collecting information, and uncovering past events. He also maintains excellent relations with the remaining researchers at the Department, and with the Imperial Archivist.

If the Senate instructs Eilian to carry out an appraisal then the work will be firmly grounded in the Empire's history. This might mean revisiting and reassessing historical proposals, building on past discoveries and theories, or finding inspiration in the stories and traditions of the ten nations. He's also a Navarr, and where history provides no guidance he will fall back on the most practical solution - although just like his colleague Graciana he recognises that "practical" sometimes means ''expensive''.

===Retired Prognosticators===
====Mladen Escovitch====
Three decades ago, Mladen was one of the most brilliant [[schlacta]] of his age, a master of the two-handed axe he was not just a capable warrior but also a brilliant strategist. His ambitions were cut tragically short by the permanent loss of all mobility in his right arm to a Druj poison. Unable to fight, he rededicated his life to the prognosticator's art, rising steadily through the ranks of the civil service. He soon developed a reputation as a notorious stickler for economy, driven to examine every possible option, to find ways to save even a single ring. He [[A place on a map|retired]] shortly before the Spring Equinox 384YE, following a final appraisal - of opportunities to fortify the nation of Urizen. Prior to that his work was focused on identifying the most efficient way to resolve a problem. The options identified by an appraisal are rarely cheap - and they will usually make use of standard practices available to the Empire, but Mladen usually tried to do so in a way that would save the Empire valuable money or resources.
<onlyinclude>
==Previous Appraisals==
<table class="wikitable">
<tr><td>'''Appraisal'''</td><td>'''Date'''</td><td>'''Senate Decision'''</td><td>'''Civil Servant'''</td><td>'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Prosperity_of_Spiral|Prosperity of Spiral]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[My friends are my estate]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Expansion_of_Printer's_Guild|Expansion of Printer's Guild]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Professor Immanuel Gelberg</td><td>The truth but tell it slant</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Bridges_in_Brass_Coast|Bridges in the Brass Coast]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>[[Mermaids in the basement]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Exploration_of_Tsirku|Exploration of Tsirku]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Withdrawn</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Society_of_Inspiration|Society of Inspiration]]</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Withdrawn</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Ministries|Ministries]]</td><td>Summer 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>Presented before the Winter Solstice 387YE</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Port_in_Utterlund|Port in Utterlund]]</td><td>Summer 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[Any port in a storm]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Food_and_Water_of_Holberg|Supplies of Holberg]]</td><td>Summer 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Professor Immanuel Gelberg</td><td>[[Threats that are to come]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Building Lighthouses|Building lighthouses]]</td><td>Spring 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Eilian Sweetwater</td><td>[[For those in peril on the sea]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Disruption_of_Druj_Resupply_in_Forest_of_Ulnak|Disrupting Druj resupply]]</td><td>Spring 387YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Nobody requested; Mladen Escovitch assigned</td><td>[[Hope and fear]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Port_in_Utterlund|Port in Utterlund]]</td><td>Spring 387YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Destroying_the_Kongegőr|Destroying the Kongegőr]]</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>[[A bridge too far]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Displaced_Varushkans|Displaced Varushkans]]</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[Outside the wall]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Powers_of_the_State|Powers of the Senate]]</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_interfering_with_Salt_Lord_relationships|Interfering with Salt Lord relationships]]</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[Fake empire]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Seed_Exchange|Seed Exchange]]</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Nobody requested; Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra assigned</td><td>[[Send for me]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_interfering_with_Mallum_supply|Interfere with Mallum supply]]</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Removing_Uncooperative_from_Mareave|Improve cooperation in Mareave]]</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Eilian Sweetwater</td><td>[[Here to stay]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Peace_with_the_Jotun|Peace with the Jotun]]</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[A stone for a stone]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Armoury_of_Hercynia|Hercynian armoury]]</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Eilian Sweetwater</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Dho'uala|Dho'uala]]</td><td>Spring 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>[[Less welcome tenants]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Wealth of Sermersuaq|Wealth of Sermersuaq]]</td><td>Spring 386YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>[[Farm, fur, and fish]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Dry_Patricians|Dry Patricians]]</td><td>Winter 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>[[Parched earth]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Fleets_in_the_Bay_of_Catazar|Fleets in the Bay of Catazar]]</td><td>Winter 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>[[An angry blade]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Roads|Extending road networks]]</td><td>Autumn 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra</td><td>[[Road out of nowhere]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Spider.27s_Dream_Bridge|Spider's Dream Bridge]]</td><td>Autumn 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Eilian Sweetwater</td><td>[[Dreaming in strands]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Raids_Defence|Defence against raiding]]</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Nobody requested; Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra assigned</td><td>[[Restraint]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Urizen_in_Spiral|How the League can support Urizen in Spiral]]</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>[[A question of loyalty]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_integration_of_septs_of_the_Barrens|Integration of Barrens septs]]</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Naomi of Virtue's Rest</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Naval Supply II|Naval Supply II]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Gardens of Pallas|Gardens of Pallas]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Default to Lutomysla Niegoslava</td><td>[[Restoration and renewal]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Improving Ossium|Improving Ossium]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Nobody requested; a prognosticator will need to be assigned</td><td>[[Culling the threat]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise Naval Supply|Naval Supply]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Graciana i Lopez i Guerra</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Black_Canals|Black Canals]]</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Naomi requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Kahraman|Kahraman]]</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi requested</td><td>[[Time and time again]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Pilgrims_of_the_Way|Pilgrims of the Way]]</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Naomi requested; Eilian Sweetwater of Storm's Run Striding was assigned</td><td>[[Blood will thicken]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_stabilising_Zenith|Restore Zenith]]</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Default to Naomi</td><td>[[Write your own ending]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_pilgrims_of_the_Way|Attract foreign pilgrims]]</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Naomi Requested</td><td>No appraisal</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Architectural_University_in_Temeschwar|Architectural University in Temeschwar]]</td><td>Summer 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana assigned</td><td>[[Back in the same place]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_slave_uprising_in_Sarangrave|Incite uprising in Sarangrave]]</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana assigned</td><td>[[Make it happen]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[384YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraisal_of_Grendel_prisoners|Identify people taken as slaves by the Grendel]]</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody specified</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td>
<tr><td>[[383YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Appraise fortifications in Urizen territory|Appraise Urizen fortifications]]</td><td>Winter 383YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Defaulted to Mladen Escovitch</td><td>[[A place on a map]]</td>
<tr><td>[[Appraise_Sign_of_Tamar|Appraise Sign of Tamar]]</td><td>Autumn 383YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana assigned</td><td>[[Signs and sigils]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraise_trods|Appraise Trods]]</td><td>Summer 383YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Graciana assigned</td><td>[[Woven as a weapon]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraise possibility of reclamation|Reclamation]]</td><td>Summer 383YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Graciana requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraisal_of_integration_of_Mournwold_Orcs|Mournwold Orc Integration]]</td><td>Spring 383YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Defaulted to Naomi</td><td>[[Heart of gold]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraisal_of_trade_sanctions|Trade Sanctions]]<td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Passed</td><td>Defaulted to Naomi</td><td>[[The price of liberty]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraisal of Feni dispersion|Disperse Feni]]</td><td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Appraisal_of_Bite_legalisation|Legalize Bite]]</td><td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Failed</td><td>Nobody requested</td><td>No appraisal commissioned</td></tr>
</table>
</onlyinclude>

<div style="max-width: 500px; width: 50%; float: right;"><box>
====Appraisal Structure====
<p>Any appraisal involves three elements - the first is the fundamental problem that the players wish to overcome or address. The second element, is the method - the way that the problem will be addressed. The final part is the outcome - the result that will occur if the methods outlined are enacted by the Empire.</p>

The crucial information needed by the plot team to write a useful appraisal response is a clear outline of the problem that the Empire wants addressed. Only if we are certain what problem the players want to deal with can we be confident that the solutions we present will address those issues. We don't want to give players possible solutions to different problems.

It is usually better to avoid outlining a method for the appraisal, as this can lead to disappointment if it isn't possible to solve the problem that way. However, it is also better to avoid defining the outcome you want - since that outcome may not be possible. A motion that clearly states what problem the Senate would like addressed is the best way to maximise your chances that the results achieve what the Empire wants.
</box></div>

==OOC Design==
An appraisal is designed to allow the Imperial Senate to direct the civil service to look for a new solution to an existing problem facing it. Inline with the broad remit of the Senate, this could be economic, magical, military or religious in nature. The normal powers of the Senate allow the institute to address a wide range of problems using well-known and clearly defined powers. For instance, fortifications can be built, armies raised, navies constructed. They can disburse the contents of the Imperial treasury, make declarations of war or peace and so on.

An appraisal is different - it directs the civil service to look into a specific situation to see if there is an [[opportunity]] to address the problem in a way that either does not use the standard powers of the Senate to commission, or does so in a way that is unorthodox or unique. It will result in a Wind of Fortune that is produced for the next event which defines what is known about the problem and identifies what opportunities if any exist to take effective action to address it.

Like any other Wind of Fortune, the options presented in the plot opportunity on the wiki only apply in the situation explicitly laid out in the update. An appraisal does not create new powers for the Senate, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it simply creates a unique, one-off opportunity to act in ways outside the normal rules. Any variations which are possible will be clearly and explicitly identified in the wind of fortune, the flexibility with an appraisal is in what you ask for, not how you employ it. As always with winds of fortune we will try to be absolutely explicit about what the costs and benefits of any actions are.

We will treat the appraisal exactly as we would any other plot that we working on for a wind of fortune. Players should anticipate that appraisals will ''often'' identify solutions that benefit one group of Imperial citizens at the expense of another. Many will be contentious or expensive or both. Appraisal is a chance to tackle a problem in a novel way, it is not a free-lunch generator.

In particular, appraisal will generate a plot opportunity focused on the problem outlined in the motion that ordered it. It does not generate a specific solution - senators should specify the problem they want examined, not the solution they want found. It is not possible to specify the nature or shape of the solution - all attempts to do so will be ignored at best. At worst they may cause the whole appraisal to fail.
{{Senate Further Reading}}

387YE Winter Solstice event schedule

2026-03-11T17:25:39Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Sunday */

==New Player Schedule==
For a list of all Player Support and New Player Meetings, please see [[New player schedule|this page]].
__NOTOC__



==Timetable==
This timetable and much more information can be seen on the notices that get pinned up all around the Hub after time-in. <br />
For any queries regarding the IC timetabling at events you can talk to the civil service staff in the Hub.

=== Citizen Bookings ===
Citizens can request to book Civil Service spaces, as detailed [[Anvil#Booking_Civil_Service_Spaces|here]]. Official meetings organised by the Civil Service are listed in darker shading, whilst such citizen-organised meetings are shown in a lighter colour, as below.

<table>
<tr><td style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Official Meeting</td><td style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Official Meeting</td></tr>
<td style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Citizen-Organised Meeting</td><td style="background-color: #aaddaa; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Citizen-Organised Meeting</td>
</table>

===Friday===
<table>
<tr><th style="width: 4%;">Friday</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Senate Chamber</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Military Council Tent</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Hall of Worlds</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Sodality Chamber</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Civil Service Hub</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Academy</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Arena</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Other</th></tr>
<tr><td>6pm</td><td></td><td rowspan="3" style="background-color: #aaddaa; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Imperial Seer]] Scrying</td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="7" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Synod open for [[Judgement]]</td><td rowspan="6" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Parent's evening (including classes sign up)</td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>6.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>7pm</td><td style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Liaison Meeting</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>7.30pm</td><td style= "text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for Senate motions: 8pm</td><td></td><td style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;"> Urizen Magician's Meeting<br />Deadline for Conclave [[Declaration|Declarations]]: 8pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>8pm</td><td></td><td rowspan="4" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Muster]]</td><td style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[The_prettiest_star#Perfect_to_a_Vault_(Ephisis)|Auction]] for [[Ephisis]] Vault Access</td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Sun Chamber]] session</td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>8.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>9pm</td><td style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Ambassador]] Meeting</td><td rowspan="4" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Conclave]] session</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>9.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for voting in Synod Judgements: 10pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>10pm</td><td rowspan="3" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Senate session]]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>10.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>11pm</td><td style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Field Marshal Briefing</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>11.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>12 midnight</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>12.30am</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
</table>

===Saturday===
<table>
<tr><th style="width: 4%;">Saturday</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Senate Chamber</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Military Council Tent</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Hall of Worlds</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Sodality Chamber</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Civil Service Hub</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Academy</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Arena</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Other</th></tr>
<tr><td>10am</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="7" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Synod open for [[Judgement]]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>10.30am</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>11am</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="3" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Battles|Battle]]<br />Off Anvil</td></tr>
<tr><td>11.30am</td><td></td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Academy [[The_Academy#Academy_Cadets|Cadets]] Council</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>12 midday</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>12.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Sun Chamber]] session</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>1pm</td><td></td><td style="background-color: #aaddaa; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Discussion on peace with the [[Druj]]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>1.30pm</td><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for Senate motions: 2pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for voting in Synod Judgements: 2pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>2pm</td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Auction of the Seats|Auction of the Seats]] for Imperial [[Bourse]] positions</td><td rowspan="4" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Council session]]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="3" style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Arena reserved</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>2.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>3pm</td><td></td><td rowspan="4" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Arcane Colloquium]]</td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Sodality Chamber reserved</td><td rowspan="5" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Synod open for [[Judgement]]</td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>3.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>4pm</td><td rowspan="3" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Senate session]]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="6" style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Arena reserved</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>4.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>5pm</td><td></td><td style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Sevenfold Path]] meeting</td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Sodality Chamber reserved</td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>5.30pm</td><td></td><td></td></td><td style= "text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for Conclave [[Declaration|Declarations]]: 6pm</td><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for voting in Synod Judgements: 6pm</td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>6pm</td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Senate Chamber reserved</br>Deadline for Senate motions: 7pm</td></td><td style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Field Marshal Briefing</td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Grandmaster]] elections</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>6.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>7pm</td><td></td></td><td rowspan="6" style="background-color: #aaddaa; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Unofficial Generals' Meeting</td><td rowspan="4" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Conclave]] session</td><td></td><td rowspan="5" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Synod open for [[Judgement]]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></td></tr>
<tr><td>7.30pm</td><td></td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>8pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>8.30pm</td><td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>9pm</td><td rowspan="3" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Senate session]]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>9.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for voting in Synod Judgements: 10pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>10pm</td><td rowspan="4" style="background-color: #aaddaa; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Atun#The_New_Scions_of_Atun|New Scions of Atun]] meeting</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>10.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>11pm</td><td rowspan="3" style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Senate Motions]] dance</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>11.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>12 midnight</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>12.30am</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
</table>

===Sunday===
<table>
<tr><th style="width: 4%;">Sunday</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Senate Chamber</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Military Council Tent</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Hall of Worlds</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Sodality Chamber</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Civil Service Hub</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Academy</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Arena</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Other</th></tr>
<tr><td>10am</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="7" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Synod open for [[Judgement]]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>10.30am</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>11am</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="3" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Battles|Battle]]<br />Off Anvil</td></tr>
<tr><td>11.30am</td><td style= "text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for Senate motions: 12pm</td><td></td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Mage's Forum</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>12 midday</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Student Council</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>12.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Sun Chamber]] session</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>1pm</td><td></td><td rowspan="4" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Council session]]</td><td rowspan="4" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Balancing of [[Ephisis' Scale]]</td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Graduation</td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>1.30pm</td><td rowspan="3" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Senate session]]</td><td></td><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for voting in Synod Judgements: 2pm</td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>2pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>2.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
</table>

387YE Winter Solstice event schedule

2026-03-11T17:25:28Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Saturday */

==New Player Schedule==
For a list of all Player Support and New Player Meetings, please see [[New player schedule|this page]].
__NOTOC__



==Timetable==
This timetable and much more information can be seen on the notices that get pinned up all around the Hub after time-in. <br />
For any queries regarding the IC timetabling at events you can talk to the civil service staff in the Hub.

=== Citizen Bookings ===
Citizens can request to book Civil Service spaces, as detailed [[Anvil#Booking_Civil_Service_Spaces|here]]. Official meetings organised by the Civil Service are listed in darker shading, whilst such citizen-organised meetings are shown in a lighter colour, as below.

<table>
<tr><td style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Official Meeting</td><td style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Official Meeting</td></tr>
<td style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Citizen-Organised Meeting</td><td style="background-color: #aaddaa; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Citizen-Organised Meeting</td>
</table>

===Friday===
<table>
<tr><th style="width: 4%;">Friday</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Senate Chamber</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Military Council Tent</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Hall of Worlds</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Sodality Chamber</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Civil Service Hub</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Academy</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Arena</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Other</th></tr>
<tr><td>6pm</td><td></td><td rowspan="3" style="background-color: #aaddaa; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Imperial Seer]] Scrying</td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="7" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Synod open for [[Judgement]]</td><td rowspan="6" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Parent's evening (including classes sign up)</td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>6.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>7pm</td><td style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Liaison Meeting</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>7.30pm</td><td style= "text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for Senate motions: 8pm</td><td></td><td style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;"> Urizen Magician's Meeting<br />Deadline for Conclave [[Declaration|Declarations]]: 8pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>8pm</td><td></td><td rowspan="4" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Muster]]</td><td style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[The_prettiest_star#Perfect_to_a_Vault_(Ephisis)|Auction]] for [[Ephisis]] Vault Access</td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Sun Chamber]] session</td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>8.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>9pm</td><td style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Ambassador]] Meeting</td><td rowspan="4" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Conclave]] session</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>9.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for voting in Synod Judgements: 10pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>10pm</td><td rowspan="3" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Senate session]]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>10.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>11pm</td><td style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Field Marshal Briefing</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>11.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>12 midnight</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>12.30am</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
</table>

===Saturday===
<table>
<tr><th style="width: 4%;">Saturday</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Senate Chamber</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Military Council Tent</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Hall of Worlds</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Sodality Chamber</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Civil Service Hub</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Academy</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Arena</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Other</th></tr>
<tr><td>10am</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="7" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Synod open for [[Judgement]]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>10.30am</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>11am</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="3" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Battles|Battle]]<br />Off Anvil</td></tr>
<tr><td>11.30am</td><td></td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Academy [[The_Academy#Academy_Cadets|Cadets]] Council</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>12 midday</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>12.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Sun Chamber]] session</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>1pm</td><td></td><td style="background-color: #aaddaa; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Discussion on peace with the [[Druj]]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>1.30pm</td><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for Senate motions: 2pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for voting in Synod Judgements: 2pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>2pm</td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Auction of the Seats|Auction of the Seats]] for Imperial [[Bourse]] positions</td><td rowspan="4" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Council session]]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="3" style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Arena reserved</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>2.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>3pm</td><td></td><td rowspan="4" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Arcane Colloquium]]</td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Sodality Chamber reserved</td><td rowspan="5" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Synod open for [[Judgement]]</td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>3.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>4pm</td><td rowspan="3" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Senate session]]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="6" style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Arena reserved</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>4.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>5pm</td><td></td><td style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Sevenfold Path]] meeting</td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Sodality Chamber reserved</td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>5.30pm</td><td></td><td></td></td><td style= "text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for Conclave [[Declaration|Declarations]]: 6pm</td><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for voting in Synod Judgements: 6pm</td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>6pm</td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Senate Chamber reserved</br>Deadline for Senate motions: 7pm</td></td><td style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Field Marshal Briefing</td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Grandmaster]] elections</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>6.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>7pm</td><td></td></td><td rowspan="6" style="background-color: #aaddaa; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Unofficial Generals' Meeting</td><td rowspan="4" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Conclave]] session</td><td></td><td rowspan="5" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Synod open for [[Judgement]]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></td></tr>
<tr><td>7.30pm</td><td></td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>8pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>8.30pm</td><td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>9pm</td><td rowspan="3" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Senate session]]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>9.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for voting in Synod Judgements: 10pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>10pm</td><td rowspan="4" style="background-color: #aaddaa; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Atun#The_New_Scions_of_Atun|New Scions of Atun]] meeting</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>10.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>11pm</td><td rowspan="3" style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Senate Motions]] dance</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>11.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>12 midnight</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>12.30am</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
</table>

===Sunday===
<table>
<tr><th style="width: 4%;">Friday</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Senate Chamber</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Military Council Tent</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Hall of Worlds</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Sodality Chamber</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Civil Service Hub</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Academy</th><th style="background-color: #b48fb4; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Arena</th><th style="background-color: #85ae85; width: 12%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Other</th></tr>
<tr><td>10am</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="7" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Synod open for [[Judgement]]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>10.30am</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>11am</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="3" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Battles|Battle]]<br />Off Anvil</td></tr>
<tr><td>11.30am</td><td style= "text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for Senate motions: 12pm</td><td></td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #d4afd4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Mage's Forum</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>12 midday</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Student Council</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>12.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Sun Chamber]] session</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>1pm</td><td></td><td rowspan="4" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Council session]]</td><td rowspan="4" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Balancing of [[Ephisis' Scale]]</td><td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #85ae85; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Graduation</td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>1.30pm</td><td rowspan="3" style="background-color: #b48fb4; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">[[Senate session]]</td><td></td><td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-bottom: 6pt solid #b48fb4;">Deadline for voting in Synod Judgements: 2pm</td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>2pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>2.30pm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
</table>

Historical research

2026-03-07T17:34:07Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Other Researchers */

==Overview==
The department for historical research was established by [[Emperor James]] in an attempt to repair the damage done to Imperial scholarship by [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Fifty years passed between the devastation of the libraries and the establishment of a formal order dedicated to regaining what had been lost - five decades for the situation to deteriorate further. Staffed by dedicated civil servants, and taking direction from the Imperial Senate, the new department worked tirelessly to recover damaged documents, and reconstruct those that had been lost forever to the fires of the mad [[the Throne|Throne]].

The Empire has been in existence for nearly four hundred years, but human civilisation stretches back much further than that. The relatively recent arrival of [[Dawn]] and the [[Highguard|Highborn]] were preceded by centuries of orc barbarian chaos. And before that the Bay of Catazar area was home to the sprawling kingdoms that were the ancestors of [[Navarr]], [[Wintermark]], [[Urizen]] and [[Varushka]]. Any given scholar today knows only a part of the epic history of humankind.

The best records the Empire kept were destroyed by [[Emperor Nicovar]], and much of the early history of the Empire, and the history of the nations that preceded it, was lost. What documents and histories endure are kept in the personal histories and records of communities scattered across the Empire. The civil service works under the direction of the Senate, to recover knowledge that has been lost and to push back the boundaries of Imperial understanding of the past and the present. Finding specific information in the decentralised Imperial memory is a daunting task. Teams of people must spread out across the Empire to seek out lore buried in any of the countless personal libraries.

Following the [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Retrain_Researchers|restructuring of the Department]] after the Winter Solstice 384YE, the civil service has the resources to research one subject each season. Prior to [[Bloody murder|the murderous events of 379YE]], the civil service was able to perform more research each season; the loss of so many experienced researchers significantly curtailed their ability to perform scholastic study.

Since the death of Empress Britta, the Senate devolved much of the responsibility for guiding historical research, creating individual titles - the [[Minister of Historical Research]], the [[Dredgemaster of Feverwater]], [[Advisor on the Vallorn]], and the [[Imperial Advisor for the Feni]]. The Dredgemaster [[Amend powers of Dredgemaster of Feverwater Winter 381YE|had this power removed]] during the Winter Solstice 381YE, while the Advisors also lost this power during the changes mandated by [[A long December|restructuring]].

==Commissioning Historical Research==
The power to direct the civil servants in the department of historical research lies with the Imperial Senate. Until recently, this power was employed by use of a [[senate motion]]. In recent years, senators have created three new [[Imperial title|Imperial titles]], who may all commission a piece of historical research using a [[senate announcement]]. Both the Advisor on the Vallorn and the Imperial Advisor for the Feni lost this power during the [[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Amend_Historical_Research|Spring Equinox 385YE]]. The Minister of Historical Research may in theory make any number of announcements but since the [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Retrain_Researchers|decision to retrain]] members of the Department as [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|prognosticators]], the matter is moot. Whichever subject is announced first will be undertaken.

Regardless of how the power is employed, the thrust of the research should be clear. It is possible to commission broad research into a significant topic such as "the history of the Brass Coast" or "Exemplars of Pride", giving the civil service free rein as to how to proceed. It is more common, however, to select a tight focus such as "the life of Myfanwy" or "the Crown of Three Tears".

Each season, the researchers will provide a report summarising their findings in the previous three months. This often takes the form of a written document detailing what they have uncovered, sometimes presented by one of the civil servants responsible for collating the information. It may sometimes take the form of a discussion with an expert on the issue, or a lead that will secure specific information that requires direct action by an Imperial hero.

The report will often include suggestions for where to take the research next, if there are any avenues of research left that the researchers believe might be beneficial, explaining the problems with uncovering more information, or presenting an [[opportunity]] for some action that might help move the research forward. If the researchers do not believe that any further work on a subject will provide additional useful information then they will report that.
<div style="width:500px; float: right;"><box>'''OOC Explanation:''' The downtime after a report is received, the contents will be added to the main wiki. Depending on the nature of the report this may mean a new page detailing the results of the research, or edits to an existing page. Any scholar is free to roleplay that they have received copies of the research document.</box></div>
==For the Benefit of the Empire==
During the season following the presentation of a historical research report, the civil service will make the contents available to any scholar who asks as well as dispatching copies of the report to libraries, universities, and colleges across the Empire. This is done to help ensure that the information discovered can never be lost again, and to expand the collective knowledge of the Empire.

==Dangers of Historical Research==
Uncovering information about the past is not a safe occupation. The [[eternal|eternals]] known as the [[Whisper Gallery]] have shown that they are prepared to take extreme steps to interfere with historical research, for example, including [[Bloody murder|murdering civil servants]]. The [[Conclave]] has placed them under [[Amity and enmity#Enmity|enmity]], but this does nothing to prevent their mortal associates causing trouble for the department of historical research. The Senate treasury once paid a significant amount of money into a fund to protect civil servants associated with the department, but [[A_long_December#The_Fucking_Whisper_Gallery|Ris Steelfist]], one of the bodyguards funded by the Senate, presented a proposal that saw private citizens fund the defence of the department. Sometimes a project is too dangerous for them to explore directly. In this case, they may call on the citizen with the appropriate Imperial title to undertake dangerous actions, or request additional materials that they cannot acquire themselves.

Citizens who hold one of the titles associated with historical research should be aware that they are potential targets not only for the Whisper Gallery but for other secretive organisations that have a vested interest in preventing discovery of historical information in general, or specific to whatever is being researched.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Leontes.jpg |caption=Leontes the Scribe, [[the Marches|Marcher]] scholar and Imperial Archivist, oversees the Department of Historical Research|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==The Department of Historical Research==
The department of historical research is ultimately overseen by the Imperial Archivist, Leontes the Scribe, who is a member of the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court|Constitutional Court]]. He is said to be a notoriously curmudgeonly individual whose deep knowledge of the history of humanity has left him with a perpetually dismal view of it. The day to day running of the department defaults to the most senior scholars, each of which in turn directs the remaining handful of researchers, scribes, and investigators. As of the Autumn Equinox 381YE, there are four senior researchers in the department. Each is a veteran civil servant and respected scholar of Imperial history.
===Snowstorm Henk===
The first [[Imperial Orcs|Imperial Orc]] member of the Department, Snowstorm Henk, is a young academic who has an extensive interest in lost Imperial artifacts. He takes a "hands on" approach to research, often dragging himself and his team into dangerous situations such as when he [[Delver_of_the_Depths#Exploration_of_the_Sinkhole|undertook an expedition]] into the [[Delver_of_the_Depths#Lorenzo.27s_Deep_Pockets|Lorenzo's Deep Pockets]], or was (briefly) captured by Thule while [[Sungold Pass|exploring Sungold Pass]]. He often undertakes research where a "fresh approach" is appropriate; the Imperial Orcs are the youngest nation and Snowstorm Henk likes to think about preconceptions and "accepted wisdom" when exploring a topic.
===Octavia of Stream's Source Spire===
An [[Urizen|Urizeni]] who takes a methodical approach to any project she is involved with. She is at home in libraries, and often delves deep into the root causes of the events she is asked to research. Her reports will often quote other sources; she is in her element when a project requires examining large amounts of existing information and trying to distil it down into a usable format.
===Marko Siwarsbairn===
An adventurous [[Wintermark]] scholar, Marko enjoys field work, especially poking around old ruins and haunted libraries. They are known to take a particular joy in delving into the lives of historical figures, rather than historical events, especially if compiling such a biography will give them an excuse to visit somewhere they have never been before.
===Ser Eddard d'Argenteux===
Ser Eddard d'Argenteux recently joined the Department of Historical Research after retirement from his life as an active questing-knight at the age of 63. Having taken up the mantle of a troubadour since his retirement, his primary interests are the legends and folktales told of the glorious and the foes they face. An experienced traveller, there are few places inside the Empire he has not been, and many places he has been beyond. He specialises in rumour, myth and legend: when he conducts historical research it can be difficult to separate the tall tales from the hard facts, but rarely is it not a fantastic story.

===Other Researchers===
There are a handful of other respected scholars associated with the department of historical research. They are often assigned specific roles by one of the Imperial Archivists. There are also several retired members, or members who have moved on to other departments.
* Rosalind Friedlin von Holberg (Retired): A graduate and former professor at the University of [[Holberg]], Rosalind is also a veteran of the Druj occupation, and an expert in pre-Nicovar Imperial history. She has extensive contacts among - and some influence over - the various Imperial centres of learning. Rosalind encourages researchers to adopt a detached, academic style with their studies and prefers them to include plenty of references to existing Imperial scholarship.
* Peter of Hintown (Retired): Something of a maverick, this adventurous [[the Marches|Marcher]] scholar discovered both the [[Forge_of_sorrows|Gildenheim runeforge]] and the [[Black_and_white|mithril deposits]] that eventually led to the creation of [[Pride of Ikka's Tears]]. In contrast to Rosalind, he has an extensive network of contacts and correspondents outside of established academia, preferring to associate with independent scholars. His main area of academic interest lies with pre-Imperial artifacts, and what little is known about the history of the orc barbarians - especially the Empire's battles with them.
* Eilian Sweetwater (Promoted): A [[Navarr]], of Storm's Run Striding, Eilian was best known for his [[Terunael in Axos|extensive report]] on [[Axos]] and the history of the Terunael there, prepared for the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]]. In Winter 384YE, he was [[Appraisal#Eilian_Sweetwater|reassigned]] to the Prognosticator's Office.
<ic>
'''No Imperial Archives'''<br>While there is an Imperial Archivist, there are no Imperial Archives any more - no secret libraries maintained by the civil service. Instead, there are numerous small libraries, archives, records, and similar spread across the Empire. Navarr stridings carry books and scrolls with them in their wagons. Every Wintermark hall keeps a tally of judgement stretching back generations. Every Dawnish house keeps records of its most glorious members. Each Highborn chapter records the deeds of its worthy scions, every Urizen spire maintains libraries both arcane and more mundane in nature. The Marchers have memories written and oral that stretch back to the times before there ''were'' any Marchers, while the Varushkan Wise Ones and Cabalists maintain written records and keep the rich tradition of stories and cautionary tales alive from generation to generation. The tribes of the Brass Coast maintain family archives the first scrolls of which were carried with the exiled Founders when they left Highguard. The League cities build white granite libraries dedicated to the history of the city-folk and jealously guard the personal histories of guilds and grudges and debts owed. While the Imperial Orcs are new to the Empire, their cultural drive to education and their reverence of the written word have already begun amassing records, books and scrolls.

There are millions of documents in the Empire. Once upon a time, hundreds of years were spent copying tomes and collecting documents together... and then [[Emperor Nicovar|Nicovar the Mad]] burnt them down. Recreating these ''Imperial Archives'' would cost millions of thrones and take centuries. The closest the Empire has to an Imperial archive at the moment is the great disparate body of writing that is spread across the entire Empire.</ic>

==Recent Historical Research==
This table represents official requests to the department of historical research, whether from the Senate or from one of the titles empowered to commission research. For clarity's sake it also includes the research commissioned by the [[Lepidean Librarian]], although that title does not use researchers from the Department.
<table>
<tr><th width="40%">'''Topic'''</th><th width="10%">'''Date'''</th><th width="30%">'''Commissioned By'''</th><th width="20%">'''Notes'''</th></tr>
<tr><td>Eternals of the Sea</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Watt Lambrook, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>In Progress</td></tr>
<tr><td>Saoirse Beroaidh</td><td>Autumn 387YE</td><td>Hazelelponi, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>In Progress</td></tr>
<tr><td>Adelmar the Lion</td><td>Summer 387YE</td><td>Watt Lambrook, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>In Progress</td></tr>
<tr><td>Suranni Military History</td><td>Spring 387YE</td><td>Silk Farkas, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Soldiers of Suran|In Progress]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Origins of Exemplars</td><td>Spring 387YE</td><td>Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>In Progress</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Howling Queen</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Silk Farkas, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Tales of the Howling Queen|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Past Life of Brendan Brackensong</td><td>Winter 386YE</td><td>Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Volkhov and Bran|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Regarding Amity and Enmity</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Silk Farkas, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Regarding amity and enmity|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Courage of Ahraz</td><td>Autumn 386YE</td><td>Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[The Courage of Ahraz|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Life, history, and personal values of Tom Drake</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Life of Tom Drake|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Deadwood Knight</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Deadwood and Rot|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Vardas and Mikkal</td><td>Spring 386YE</td><td>Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Life of Vardas|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sorrowful Tunnels</td><td>Spring 386YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Snowstorm Henk and the Sorrowful Tunnels|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Ore Hills Rebellion of 326YE</td><td>Winter 385YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[The Ore Hills Rebellion|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Malachi of the Winds of Virtue</td><td>Winter 385YE</td><td> Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Malachai of the Winds of Virtue|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Founders of the Sarcophan Delves</td><td>Autumn 385YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Founders of the Delves|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Isenbrad</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Signs of Isenbrad|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Urizen in Mareave</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Mareave and Urizen|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The virtue of Jaggah</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[On Tagga|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tower of Solokha</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Fall of Solokha|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Saul of the Cora</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Saul of the Cora|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The tomb guards of Ahraz</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[The Honour Guard of Ahraz|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Findings of Magisters</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Caleb of the Cenotaph, Former Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Origins_of_the_Highborn#The_Findings_of_Magisters|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Expedition to investigate Andretti</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Andretti of Phoenix Rising|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The "Speaker for the Dead" of the Free Folk</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[On the Speaker for the Dead|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sinking of Bregasland</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Watt Lambrook, Advisor on the Feni</td><td>[[Bregasland and the smiths|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Reclamation of Seren</td><td>Summer 384YE</td><td>Nathair Autumngale, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Reclamation of Seren|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Palace at Orieb</td><td>Summer 384YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Expedition to Orieb|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>"Old Morgan" Steward of Brock's Heath</td><td>Summer 384YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Steward of Brock's Heath|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Feverwater and the dock of Terunael origin</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Nathair Autumngale, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[The Feverwater docks|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>General Cretatus, the Claw of the Dragon, and the history of the Sword Scholars</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Severin Teyhard von Holberg, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Cetratus and the sword scholars|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The life and example of Sister Ruth of the Seven Stars</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Ruth's Tomb and Virtue|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Doctrine of Human Destiny</td><td>Winter 383YE</td><td>Severin Teyhard von Holberg, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[On the Doctrine of Human Destiny|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Origins of the Feni</td><td>Winter 383YE</td><td>Watt Lambrook, Advisor on the Feni</td><td>[[Feni#Origins of the Feni|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Research black lotus</td><td>Autumn 383YE</td><td>Severin Teyhard von Holberg, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Regarding Black Lotus|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Heirs of Terunael</td><td>Autumn 383YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>Complete<sup>1</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>Expedition to Sarcophan to investigate the origins of the Highborn</td><td>Summer 383YE</td><td>Caleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Origins of the Highborn|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ghita's Veils</td><td>Spring 383YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Ghita's Veils|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Origin of Eater of Hope</td><td>Spring 383YE</td><td>Caleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Eater-of-Hope|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Life of Drustan</td><td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Drustan of the Briar|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sungold Pass</td><td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Caleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Sungold Pass|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Abraxus Stones</td><td>Autumn 382YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Abraxus_Stone#Further_Information|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Maude Daughter of Esther</td><td>Autumn 382YE</td><td>Caleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Maude, and the nature of Hatred|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The life and final fate of the noble Terunael general Bryony and her crystal crown</td><td>Summer 382YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[General Bryony and the Crystal Crown|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Anomalous conjunctions with reference to Empress Britta's death</td><td>Spring 382YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Anomalous_conjunctions|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The past life of Adelina Barossa</td><td>Spring 382YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Maude, and the nature of Hatred|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Fire from the Heavens</td><td>Winter 381YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Fire from the Heavens|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The descendants of Terunael in Axos </td><td>Winter 381YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Terunael in Axos#Part Two|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Exploration of Lorenzo's Deep Pockets ([[Workers_in_struggle#Northern_Sinkhole|opportunity]])</td><td>Winter 381YE</td><td>Tormund of Wintermark</td><td>[[Delver_of_the_Depths#Exploration_of_the_Sinkhole|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Myfanwy of Hercynia and her travels and relationships with the First Empress</td><td>Autumn 381YE</td><td>Eleri Bronwen's Rest, Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>[[Myfanwy of Hercynia|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Expedition to Terunael ruins in Axos</td><td>Autumn 381YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Terunael in Axos#Part One|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aneira Dancewalker, thought to be General of the Quiet Step during the fall of Liathaven, and her brother Eurion Dancewalker who forged Aneira's Talon</td><td>Summer 381YE</td><td>Eleri Bronwen's Rest, Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mage known as Star, compatriot to Navarr and Thorn</td><td>Summer 381YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[The magician Star|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rhonwen's Fall</td><td>Spring 381YE</td><td>Merel Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[On Rhonwen's Fall|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Apaayuqiu King, and the pre-Wintermark history in Sermersuaq area</td><td>Winter 380YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Apaay Ukiuking|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Luca Ritter von Holberg, Cardinal of Courage around 125YE</td><td>Winter 380YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>Founders of the Brass Coast</td><td>Autumn 380YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Superseded by recent discoveries about [[the Brass Coast history|history]] and the lives of [[Erigo]], [[Guerra]], and [[Riqueza]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The noble house of Mazzarin of Dawn</td><td>Summer 380YE</td><td>Brennyn of Bronwyn's Rest, Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>[[Hugh Mazarin|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Lost Art of Crafting</td><td>Summer 380YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Charter Stone of the Terunael city of Seren</td><td>Spring 380YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>No reference to "charter stones" could be found; some information about [[Blood magic#Singing Stones|singing stones]] was uncovered as part of the research.</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Heart of Peytaht, its contents and the nature of the entities within it</td><td>Winter 379YE</td><td>Corey Brackensong, Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>[[Great Forest of Peytaht#Discussion_of_the_Great_Forest_of_Peytaht|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cadaver, a sovereign, of the Dark Hearts vale in Varushka</td><td>Winter 379YE</td><td>Neb, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>Complete<sup>1</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>The Gwerin Marfae, the marshfolk around at the time of Terunael</td><td>Autumn 379YE</td><td>Corey Brackensong, Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>[[Gwerin Morfa|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Further research into the [[runeforge]] in [[Skarsind]]</td><td>Autumn 379YE</td><td>Palladius, proxy Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Gildenheim runeforge|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>More origins of the Vallorn</td><td>Summer 379YE</td><td>Neb, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Origins of the Vallorn|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Origins of the Vallorn</td><td>Spring 379YE</td><td>Neb, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Origins of the Vallorn|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The relationship between auras and the paragons/exemplars they are named for with particular reference to Isaella's Resolve</td><td>Spring 379YE</td><td>Yael of Felix's Watch</td><td>[[Isaella#Execution_and_Resolution|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The naval campaign of [[Emperor Barabbas]]</td><td>Winter 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Emperor_Barabbas#The_Invasion_of_Attar|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Claw of the Heavens spire of Urizen </td><td>Winter 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The runeforge at Gildenheim in Skarsind</td><td>Winter 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The origins of the Hallowing ceremony</td><td>Winter 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Briar]] graves and land fertility in [[the Marches]]</td><td>Autumn 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Empress Varkula|Empress Varkula's]] burial rites (and their efficacy)</td><td>Autumn 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>[[Burial rites of Empress Varkula|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Wintermark_magical_traditions#Artok|Artok]] Ice Golems</td><td>Autumn 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Incarnadine Satchel</td><td>Autumn 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>[[Vizier_of_the_Incarnadine_Satchel#The_Incarnadine_Satchel|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Mask of the Visionary</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mazen]] and the missing Golem</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The [[Crown of Three Tears]]</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Thane Aedred in Wintermark</td><td>[[Crown of Three Tears|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The [[Field_Marshal#The_Equine_Rod|Equine Rod]]</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete<sup>1</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>The [[The_Throne#Creation_of_an_Imperial_Favour|Imperial Favour]] of [[Empress Britta]]</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Imperial Favour#Empress Britta|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The life of Megan Black Blood</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Merel Pathfinder, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Megan Black Blood|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Campaigns of [[Emperor Guntherm]] against the [[Jotun]]</td><td>Spring 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Campaigns of Emperor Guntherm|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Banner of the Gryphon's Pride</td><td>Spring 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Gryphon's_Pride#History|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The origins of the [[Volodny]] Bas Celik</td><td></td><td>Simargl of the Circle of Zulgan-Tash</td><td>Complete<sup>3</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>Coven of the Burning Star</td><td></td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
</table>
<sup>1</sup>: In these cases rather than a written document a meeting with an expert was arranged. As a consequence there are no published details.<br>
<sup>2</sup>: In these cases the research was used to update existing information.<br>
<sup>3</sup>: The recipient of the document has declined to have it more widely published<br>
{{Senate Further Reading}}
* [[Minister of Historical Research]]
* [[A long December]] - 385YE Spring Wind of Fortune detailing the consequences of the Department being restructured
[[Category:Senate]][[Category:Saga]][[Category:History]]

Those that break a thing

2026-03-06T16:23:34Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Battle of Trivento */

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Red Wind Corsairs have sustained some significant damage from their defence due to the vulnerabilities of being part-way between land and sea caused by the ''[[Army_qualities#Forayer|Take to the sea]]'' order. They have however completed their transformation into an Imperial Navy, and now follow all the rules for Naval Combat until they choose to ''Take to the land'' again.

==Conjunctions==
===Blazing Beacon (Sarvos) ===
* '''A gang of wreckers are attempting to curse Sarvos'''
* '''The wreckers are accompanied by several heralds of Siakha'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Prosperity'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for stopping the wreckers'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Even as the Wreckers are repulsed by the Red Wind Corsairs and the garrisons, a few ships slip through the eastern isles of [[Sarvos#Uccelini|Uccelini]] and land near Glass Point. Reports from some of the "reputable merchants" of Glass Point are that the motley mix who ventured to trade were keeping to themselves and would have possibly managed to go undetected if a handful of them hadn't been overheard talking of the blessings of [[Suranni_pantheon#Dumon_the_Liar,_the_Wicked_One|Dumon]]. Careful questioning from one of the traders revealed the group were travelling to the Circle of Savagery, a small Spring regio resonant with [[Spring_magic#Savagery|savagery]].

The merchants have asked the [[Champion of Prosperity]], '''Tom Appleseed''', to investigate and stop the wreckers from making use of the regio. Given the history of the wreckers and the resonance of the regio, the merchant expects them to be attempting to unleash a curse on Sarvos, but they have no idea what curse that may be.

===Fan of Colours (Necropolis) ===
* '''A gang of wreckers are attempting to curse Necropolis'''
* '''The wreckers are accompanied by several heralds of Siakha'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Loyalty'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for stopping the wreckers'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
Crown's Quay sees ships from a variety of different nations; it serves merchants from as far away as the Sarcophan Delves and the Commonwealth. The ship that sails past a week before the Autumn Equinox is different to what is usually encountered. It moves at a slow, almost plodding pace, and has a defensive, boxy design not seen in large numbers since the Suranni's attempted invasion of Necropolis during the reign of [[Empress Brannan]]. Now, the ship carries a somewhat more dangerous and wild enemy – a gang of wreckers who land somewhere to the east of the Highborn port and are lost to sight.

The next report of them is when a merchant doesn't arrive in Sanctuary when expected, and the resulting patrol finds their corpse butchered. Following a trail of destruction, the patrol believes the gang of wreckers are making their way to the Stone of Suffering, a Winter regio resonant with [[Winter_magic#Punishment|punishment]]. The patrol asks the [[Champion of Loyalty]], '''Talos''', to investigate and stop the wreckers from making use of the regio. Given the nature of the regio (and the wreckers), it is likely that they are planning to use it to curse Necropolis.

===Talk of Debts (Madruga) ===
* '''A gang of wreckers are attempting to interfere with Mawrig's Point'''
* '''The wreckers are accompanied by several heralds of Siakha'''
* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
* '''The ''Champion of Vigilance'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for stopping the wreckers'''
{{AgainstBarbarians}}
The village of Meceares didn't suffer too much when the Grendel conquered the territory; their focus was on Siroc and Atalaya. There is an understandable worry, then, when sails belonging to the wreckers appear over the horizon. But this is Meceares, and they have not spent the last months idly. Bells are set to ringing, and the fleet-footed dispatched with messages of warning to other villages deeper in Calvos Sound. The ships come close, but ultimately make land out of sight of Meceares.

The alarm eventually comes from traders from Trajadoz; the wreckers have been sighted, and they are camped around Mawrig's Point. Mawrig's Point is a place of power, long rumoured to be the location of a chamber to some unknown pocket of a realm. Nobody has ever managed to find an [[Operate_portal#Traverse_Regio|opening]], but the rumours still persist. If the wreckers are searching for the chamber, or have some other plan for Mawrig's Point, then they should be stopped before they can enact it. The peoples of Meceares and Trajadoz have asked the [[Champion of Vigilance]], '''Jared''', to defeat the wreckers and prevent them from enacting their plan. Whatever that might be.

==Further Reading==
* [[Long_grass_and_stormclouds#A_Sudden_Storm|Long grass and stormclouds]] - 387YE Summer wind of war regarding the first attack on Trivento

Theory of the crows

2026-03-06T16:23:16Z

Thespaceinvader: /* House of Silence */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>Annike maintained a polite half-smile while ''la Ambasciatrice'' spoke. Inside she was seething at the woman's tone, and hid her growing impatience by sipping a little bitter dark tea from her porcelain cup. The Asavean had not touched her own beverage and Annike was idly wondering if it was some sort of power play or if she had simply forgotten it was there.

"... and that, ''mio caro corvo'', is why the Plenum respectfully declines. You must understand that anyone choosing to sell their good to the Imperial bandits, to the assassins of Catazar, must accept that they do so in the face of the wrath of the oldest and most powerful nation of the Known World."

The tanned woman on the other side of the desk had finished, an entirely unmerited glint of triumph in her eye.

"Signora Ambasciatrice," Annike said carefully. "I hear what you are saying, but I am afraid it is you who does not understand."

The Bedelaar Huisbaas put her cup down gently, her amiable mask firmly back in place. She took a little spoon of fine spice from the ramekin on the tray and stirred it into her tea, clinking rhythmically. She did not take her eyes off the Asavean diplomat.

"Whether your nation is old and powerful, and whether the Plenum is furious at the Empire, is not in question." Her voice hardened to steel, the smile slipped from her face with such speed it was easy to imagine it had never really been there at all. "What ''is'' in question is who your Plenum think they are, to try and put reins on the river of trade that flows between nations. To try and grasp with their wine-stained fingers the throat of the Bedelaar Huisbaas. The ''temerity'' of trying to tell us who we are, and are not, allowed to deal with."

La Amasciatrice's cheeks coloured, her lips pressed so tightly as to have become almost invisible. She opened her mouth to speak but Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike, secure in the heart of her power, raised a hand abruptly, allowing her no opportunity to interrupt.

"Please, signora. You have had plenty of time to have your say and now it is for me - for the Delves - to speak. The Bedelaar Huisbaas are in agreement. Your wars do not interest us, your fury does not touch us, and we will ''not'' tolerate further interference with our ships. We may be a nation of mud shovelers and coin counters -"

The Asavean ambassador winced, hearing her own private words thrown back at her.

"But we know that there is more power in coins and mud than there is in the whole of Asavea. Your nation is old, and bitter, and if I may speak frankly, your leaders are acting like angry children. I haven't asked you to meet with me because I wanted to hear more weasel words about bounties; that ship has sailed. You are here so I can formally inform the Asavean Republic of our intention to do whatever it takes to secure the sanctity of the trade routes on which all great nations rely. Whatever. It. Takes."

The woman across the table stood up suddenly.

"I will not stay here and be insulted," she said, her own voice cold enough to freeze the Umshalla river. "I will pass your words to the Plenum, and we will see what such rudeness merits!"

Annike nodded, her pleasant smile back in place, as if they were discussing a garden party or the price of oranges.

"Oh, signora Aurora, before you go?"

The ambassador paused halfway to the door, looked back, storm raging on her face.

"Next time you are speaking to your patriarch, ask him how he thinks those delicate little candied flowers he enjoys so much get into the bowl on his bedside table. And what he thinks will happen to his supply if the Plenum continue to be obstinate in this matter."

The door slammed. Annike's chilly little smile spread across her face as she leant back and sipped her tea. Her heart was pounding.

"Well then," she said out loud to the empty room. "Now all we have to do is follow through on the threats and silence help us if we can't."</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Corvus corax jouveniles.jpeg|align=left|caption=The people of the [[Sarcophan Delves|Delves]] are much more focused on their present and their future than their past.|width=500}}</div>
{{PDFLink|align=right|link=File:Theory of the crows.pdf|caption=Click for pdf version}}
==Overview==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

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

The Sarcophan ambassador to the Empire is ''Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike'', of the Tower of Crows. She reports to the beggar-landlords of Sarcophan, and is known to be a wily and subtle diplomat. No stranger to the murkier waters of espionage and intelligence-gathering, she constantly seeks opportunities to expand the influence of the Sarcophan mercantile Empire across the Known World. She has no particular loyalty to any one faction; her main concern appears to be the prosperity of the nation as a whole.

The new Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves is '''Dino i Riqueza''' of [[the Brass Coast]], a former [[Kruidenkenner Trademaster]] whose name is known to Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike. She tenders her congratulations to Ambassador Dino on their appointment.
{{Nation|nation=[[Sarcophan Delves]]|status=Foreigner|port=[[Sarcophan_Delves_ports#Sarcophan|Sarcophan]] and [[Sarcophan_Delves_ports#Betovering|Betovering]]|ambassador= Dino i Riqueza of [[the Brass Coast]]}}

==International Tensions==
* '''Fewer Sarcophan vessels are trading with Imperial ports due to the bounty placed on trade with the Empire by the Asavean plenum'''
* '''The bedelaar huisbaas are furious that their profits are being damaged by Asavean corsairs'''
* '''The Delves have a plan to address the situation'''

The Sarcophan Delves are a nation of merchants. They are keen to keep their trade routes open and prosperous. The [[Authority and acceptance#Red Sails|bounty]] placed on all ships trading with the Empire by the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] Plenum interferes with their ambition to somehow have all the money in the Known World pass through the hands of Sarcophan merchants. The Delves' ship captains can handle themselves in a fight, regularly having to deal with ambitious pirates, but the new bounty has begun to take a toll on even these enthusiastic merchants.

The ''bedelaar huisbaas'' are quietly seething about this situation. They have made their unhappiness plain to the Asavean diplomats, but their attempts to get the situation resolved have been firmly rebuffed. The Delves are playing with a weak hand; they don't have the capacity to threaten the Asavean ships, and the Asaveans know it. The Sarcophan have spent decades building a reputation for neutrality, to ensure their vessels are welcome in every port - they may protest and threaten the Asaveans but the Plenum is betting they won't actually do anything about it.

As it turns out, they would be unwise to take that bet. The Delves are not prepared to take this affront lying down, and when it becomes clear that the Asaveans can't be pressured into calling off their privateers, they refuse to simply leave the matter at that. Trade between nations is simply too precious to fall prey to the ham-fisted attempts of Asavea to control the seas. They quickly put a plan together, a proposal for a new pact.

===A New Pact===
* '''The Sarcophan want to create a new international pact to deal with piracy the way the Liberty Pact has dealt with slavery'''
* '''They propose that signatories agree not to attack or encourage attacks on ships of any nation they are not at war with'''
* '''Their goal is for everyone to become a signatory to the Pact; they are asking the Empire to sign the Pact with them first'''

The Sarcophan proposal is deceptively simple - they want to outlaw piracy on the High Seas, the same way the Liberty Pact has outlawed slavery. They argue that piracy is a scourge every bit as terrible as slavery - and they're clever enough to point the parts of the Way that agree with their argument - citing the tenets of Prosperity that urge the Virtuous to despise the thieving bandit. Their plan is for a Pact that all nations would sign that forbids piracy - they're calling it the Free Seas Pact.

To the Bedelaar Huisbaas, piracy is at least as great an ill for the world as slavery, and the Asavean bounty is ultimately threatening every sea lane. Not only does this damage the Prosperity of those involved, it slows the spread of ideas and the ability for nations to find common ground. Something must be done. Imagine if the Principalities of Jarm decided that anyone trading with the Commonwealth should have their ships sunk? Or if the Commonwealth decreed that only vessels dedicated to their philosophy of the Common Good could ply the Sea of Steel?

Unlike the Liberty Pact, they've no interest in some grand meeting of nations to argue over terms for months on end. That, they say, is not the most efficient way to sail this vessel to safe waters. Instead, they propose to agree terms with the Empire - and then the two nations can sign the treaty together. Then the pact could be taken to other nations, first the Sumaah, then the Commonwealth, then the Jarmish... and finally the Asaveans. Their claim is that as each nation signs the treaty, so the leverage on the others will increase.

They've called their treaty the Free Seas Pact and proposed the following terms for discussion.

<quote by="Proposed terms of the Free Seas Pact">The signatories of the Free Seas Pact agree to outlaw the despicable practice of piracy. We swear to allow no pirates to dock in our ports, nor permit them to operate in our waters. We will place no bounties on any vessel that flies the flag of a nation that is a signatory of the pact, unless we have issued that nation with a declaration of war.

<p>To ensure this pact is enforced, we swear to prohibit all trade with any nation that refuses to sign this pact when approached or who signs the pact and then breaks the terms. We will not permit their ships to dock in our ports, either to trade or take on supplies. Nor will we permit our own vessels to sail to their ports. We renounce those who will not renounce piracy, that together we might finally free the seas of this scourge.</p></quote>

The way this would work is simple according to Bedelaar Annike. The Asaveans and the Empire are free to attack each other's ships - because they are at war with each other. Nobody is suggesting that nations cannot be at war with each other, that would make no sense. This would not prevent nations being at war, or pursuing their own disputes. Closing their ports to enemy nations, sinking their ships if they strayed into national waters, all that would be entirely reasonable.

But, sending ships out into the waters between nations to attack neutral ships simply because they were trading with your enemy would no longer be acceptable. The terms of the pact would prohibit Asavea from attacking Sarcophan ships that were sailing to Imperial ports - and the Empire would agree not to put bounties on vessels from the Delves that were sailing for Asavean ports.

The key element of the pact is the enforcement conditions, which are imposed on any nation that refuses to sign the pact when approached. That term is essential, say the Sarcophan, to create the leverage needed to get the great powers to agree to sign. Without that term, Asavea can just ignore the Free Seas Pact and carry on with their piracy, doing everything they can to damage trade with the Empire.

The Sarcophan understand that the Empire likes to expend time documenting the small print of these pacts, and they are happy for that to happen. They're bringing this to the Empire because the Empire laid the way with the Liberty Pact. They can't make the Free Seas Pact happen without the Empire - but if they can get the Empire onboard, they think that working together, they have a chance to make this stick. So they're happy to amend this as needed, provided that the final terms remain strong enough to achieve what the Delves need.

The ultimate goal of the Delves is for all the great powers of the world to sign their Free Seas Pact. They believe the terms of the Pact are compatible with those of the Liberty Pact - they appreciate they need to make sure there is no conflict between the two treaties.

===A Free Meeting===
* '''Johann Van Basten is coming to the Hub at Anvil at 21:15 on Friday to negotiate terms with the Ambassador to the Delves and their staff'''
The Delves understand that creating this Pact and getting other nations to sign it will not be easy - they are frank that they can't do this without the Empire's help. That's why they are coming to the Empire ''first''. Eska Crowspeaker and Ianthe, of the Suns of Couros, achieved something extraordinary when they created the Liberty Pact. Their agreement laid the groundwork for shattering the slave trade. Has the Empire tired of Virtue, or will it rise to this new challenge?

Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike is sending one of her best negotiators, ''Johann Van Basten'', to Anvil to raise this matter with Dino i Riqueza. Johann Van Basten has [[The_mathematics_of_tears#The_Van_Basten_Trade|been to the Empire before]] and was present when the Liberty Pact was negotiated. He is intimately familiar with Imperial diplomacy and has been given authority by Annike to negotiate and agree on terms with her counterpart. He is hoping to arrive in Anvil shortly after nine in the evening on Friday and will head to the Hub to try to find the Imperial ambassador to the Delves or their representative.

The hope of the Delves is that the Empire will be able to quickly agree terms for this new Pact with them and then have their Senate sign the treaty. The Delves will do likewise, and then the two nations can discuss who to approach next and how to persuade them to join the new Pact.

==Hold the Line==
* '''At present the Sarcophan are protect their shipping preventing harm to Imperial trade ministries but they warn they cannot do this forever'''
* '''The temporary boost to fleets trading with the Sarcophan Delves has faded due to their defence of their ships'''
At the moment, the major routes to the empire - those maintained by the ''Kruidenkenner'' or the ''Vandersaar'' for example - are holding but only due to a concerted effort by the Sarcophan to try and protect their ships from Asavean pirates. They warn that they cannot afford these additional costs forever and would eventually be forced to scale back their operations if they're not able to find another solution.

While trade holds, the amount of [[white granite]] delivered to the [[Hyenas_and_herbs#Concordium_Stone|Concordium Docks]] remains higher. The offer of the ''Debruin'' family to [[Hyenas_and_herbs#Cargo_for_Cargo|support]] the [[Prime_Factor_of_the_Pallas_Docks#Pallas_Docks|Pallas Docks]] in [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]] is still open. The [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Hyena|House of the Hyena]] remain [[Hyenas_and_herbs#Hyenas_Under_Sail|interested in opportunities]] on [[the Brass Coast]], provided the Empire can show some progress in dealing with the [[Children of Wrecks]].

The temporary boost to Imperial ships that were [[Drumbeat_of_war#Hoist_Sails|sailing to ports in the Delves]] has faded for the time being.

===The Kruidenkenner===
* '''The Kruidenkenner have made new arrangements for a more predictable supply of herbs to the High Herbalist of Sybella
* '''The opportunity to expanding the Kruidenkenner magazijn in Meade will end after this summit'''
<table style="width:400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;" class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightYellow;">'''Kruidenkenner Purchase'''</td>
<tr><td>7 Crowns</td><td>10 imperial roseweald, 6 cerulean mazzarine</td></tr>
<tr><td>17 Crowns</td><td>22 imperial roseweald, 11 cerulean mazzarine</td></tr>
<tr><td>35 Crowns</td><td>32 imperial roseweald, 18 cerulean mazzarine</td></tr>
</table>
Following the communique from the Imperial Ambassador, the Kruidenkenner guilds have assessed their trade with Imperial herbalists and adjusted the herbs offered to the [[High Herbalist of Sybella]]. The High Herbalist, '''Asher of Cantiarch's Hold''', can now be confident of exactly what herbs will be delivered when they place orders with the Kruidenkenner.

The Kruidenkenner do express surprise that the hospitals Asher deals with prefer [[Imperial roseweald]] and [[Cerulean Mazzarine|cerulean mazzarine]] to [[true vervain]] and [[marrowort]], but they are nothing if not adaptable. At the end of the day, the customer is always right!

The opportunity to [[Hyenas_and_herbs#Mead_and_Mazzarine|expanding the Kruidenkenner magazijn]], and similar offers are still available, but not for much longer. By the start of the Spring Equinox, the opportunity to discuss the Kruidenkenner's interest in the Empire will have faded as the guilds focus their interests elsewhere.

===Alivetti Estates===
* '''The ambassador politely declines to suggest the Alivetti Estates modify their trading practices'''
By all accounts the Sarcophan freehold at what were previously [[Houses_of_Silence#The_Alivetti_Enclave|the Alivetti Estates]] continues to prosper, which has led to a number of [[Houses_of_Silence#Lawlessness|violations of Imperial law]]. Ambassador Dino i Riqueza has raised the matter of concerns about the sale of substances within the estates which are currently illegal in the Empire. Bedelaar Annike's staff pass on polite thanks for the confirmation that the Empire will continue to respect the legal independence of the enclave which they regard as subject only to Sarcophan law.

The ambassador assures the Empire that their merchants on the Estates understand that once their customers pass back onto Imperial soil, their condition is a matter for Imperial magistrates. Nobody wants their customers getting arrested, but it is their own lookout if they choose to break Imperial law. While the Sarcophan would much rather the Empire adopt a more enlightened approach to free trade, they also respect the right of the Empire to set their own laws.

If the intention was to politely suggest that the ambassador should discourage some of the rampant criminality that is happening on the estates, it would appear that the ambassador is politely declining to do so.

===Everything Must Go===
{{WingedMessenger|address=Missives pertinent to the business of the Gold Leaf Gardeners in the Empire can be sent to ''Aaven Beekhof, The Bladgoud Tuiniers Handelsschool, Sarvos'' during the Winter Solstice. After that, the address will be defunct.}}
* '''Aaven Beekhof are interested in hearing from anyone who might wish to purchase the legal drugs they sell'''
During the Autumn Equinox, the Sarvosan Chamber of Commerce discussed [[Houses_of_Silence#A_Business_Like_Any_Other|an offer]] made by the ''Bladgoud Tuiniers''. Ultimately, the Chamber chose not to take their offer, and so their ''handelsschool'' is failing to attract Imperial students. Keen to salvage something from their investment, ''Aaven Beekhof'', a major stakeholder in the Bladgoud Tuiniers, has extended their visit to Sarvos until the new year. They have let it be known that the Gold Lead Gardeners are keen to hear from anyone who might have a genuine interest in acquiring a steady supply of the [[Houses_of_Silence#Chamber_of_Commerce|drugs they have to offer]] - none of which are illegal in the Empire as Beekhof is quick to point out.

Anyone who is interested can send a [[Call Winged Messenger|Winged Messenger]] to Aaven during the Winter Solstice with any offers or proposals. After that, they will be on the move again, and the address will no longer be usable. It's likely that if no convincing offer is on the table by the start of the Spring Equinox, the Gold Leaf Gardeners will cut their losses in Sarvos.

The Bladgoud Tuiniers have invested a considerable amount in the Alivetti Estates which would cause considerable losses if they were forced to move, but there is a reasonable Sarcophan presence at [[Karsk#Ivarsgard|Ivarsgard]] in [[Karsk]], and at [[Necropolis#Crown's Quay|Crown's Quay]] in [[Necropolis]], which reduce costs to set up shop there if that served the local market better.

===House of Silence===
{{WingedMessenger|address=Missives pertinent to the building of the Silent Manse on the Alivetti Estates can be directed to ''Poortwachter Farber, The Jolly Buidelrat Inn, Sarvos''}}
* '''The House of Silence have increased their offer to buy Imperial white granite to 4 thrones 1 crown'''
* '''They intend to employ a renowned Imperial artist to decorate the structure'''
''Poortwachter Farber'' and the ''Community of Silence'' remain committed to their plan to [[Houses_of_Silence#Loud_Silence|establish a Sarcophan temple]] in the Alivetti estates, but the sect is struggling to source the [[white granite]] they need. The offer to purchase up to 40 wains to build their temple is still open for one more season, but they have increased their offer to 4 thrones and 1 crown a wain. The ''Community'' are keen to receive [[Call Winged Messenger|Winged Messengers]] from anyone prepared to make an offer to provide them some or all of the white granite they need.

If there are no such offers made during the Winter Solstice, they will have to accept that there is no appetite for supplying them and source the materials elsewhere. There's no doubt they will be successful, but this will delay the completion of their temple until shortly before the Autumn Equinox 386YE.

('''OOC Note:''' Anyone sending a Winged Messenger stating how many wains they are prepared to provide could expedite the trade by ensuring they have the white granite in their inventory and emailing [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk]).

On one matter, however, the Poortwatchter is pleased to have made progress. They have apparently been offered the services of a renowned Dawnish artist from Astolat, whose services they intend to retain until the construction is complete. By all accounts, the ''Community of Silence'' is enthusiastic about some of the samples of their work they have seen and looking forward to getting started on the decoration of the new structure once it is complete.

===Frost Flowers===
* '''The farmers of Wintermark are growing vlinderbloem for the Sarcophan in exchange for viezesmaak'''
* '''The brothers have asked the Ambassador to speak to the farmers and business people of Wintermark to find out if there is an appetite for more trade of this kind'''
* '''They invite Wintermark merchants to contact them directly via winged messenger to the office of the Sarcophan Ambassador to the Empire'''

The entrepreneurial brothers ''Florian'' and ''Gelder Kraft''- brewers of substances designed with recreation rather than practicality in mind – are pleased that the farmers of Wintermark have [[Hyenas_and_herbs#Flowers_in_Frost|accepted their proposal]] to cultivate ''vlinderbloem''. The delicate plant with its sublime dual-petaled pink flower only blooms in alpine climes, but the first crop is now ready to harvest. The first Imperially produced viezesmaak is shared with the farmers of Hahnmark, with the bulk being exported for sale in Faraden and markets further afield.

With the trade established, the brothers Kraft are keen to see if there are other investment opportunities in Wintermark. As such, Florian has asked if the Ambassador would help them out by speaking to the people of Wintermark – the farmers and business folk rather than senators and generals – to find out if there is any appetite for more such deals of this kind. The brothers claim to have contacts all over Sarcophan, so they suggest that anything is possible if the price is right. If there are Sarcophan goods Wintermark merchants are interested in buying, or unusual goods they are interested in selling, the brothers want to know. They claim they can turn their hand to anything; what they need to know is what kinds of opportunities for wealth and mutual prosperity the Mark might find appealing.

It's more than a little much to be asking Dino to devote their precious time to dealing with Wintermark merchants about this, especially as there is an unspoken expectation that the ambassador might help facilitate the trade. There is a suggestion that if the ambassador is able to help them out, there might be a little recompense for their troubles. The more help the ambassador can be, the bigger their cut. The brothers are clearly a right pair of chancers, but they have at least been as good as their word, thus far at least.

If that's too much to ask of the Ambassador, then they're happy to receive winged messages from anyone in Wintermark. However, given the brothers are usually on the move, it'll be tricky to contact them directly but anything included in the Ambassador's missive to Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike at the Tower of the Raven should get to them eventually.

The civil service is uncertain at the Kraft brothers' bold assertion that the Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike of the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Crow|Crow]] will be enthusiastic about serving as the secretary for these two rogues but admit that the internal politics of Sarcophan are opaque at best.

==Prosperity & Portraits==
* '''A beloved Sarcophan thespian has asked to meet with Darian Numbers, Cardinal of Prosperity, Dino i Riqueza, Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves and Konstantin Rabovich Bolotnikov, Mistress of Monuments'''
* '''Elian Vlas and his personal priest have requested their presence at Wise Guise in Dawn at 19:00 on the Friday evening of the Winter Solstice'''
* '''He has asked the Cardinal to find an artist to render this historic meeting and offers 16 crowns for their service'''
The Civil Service have received correspondence from the Sarcophan Delves that "national treasure" ''Elian Vlas'' is en route to the Empire and planning to attend the summit at Anvil. Elian is a much-beloved actor, critic, wit, and patron of the arts. While not one of the ''Bedelaar Huisbaas'' themselves, he is a regular guest at the Beggar's Banquet, purchasing the ''Seat of the Bloedzuiger'' when the mood takes him. He is a wealthy individual with fingers in any number of pies in the city itself.

Elian Vlas wishes to meet with the [[Cardinal of Prosperity]], the [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]] and the [[Mistress of Monuments]] - but stresses that although he wishes to discuss business, there is no reason for the meeting to be without opportunity to sample the finer pleasure the Empire has to offer. As such, he has suggested gathering at '''Wise Guise ''' in [[Dawn]] - an establishment of enough renown that he is familiar with its name, even from such great distance. He is, however, open to moving elsewhere at the other attendees' discretion. He only requests that the meeting take place in a bar, coffee house, café, or similar. He has no interest in conducting his business in dull private rooms and wishes to take advantage of Anvil's famous hospitality during his visit. He'd be especially interested to visit any theatres in the League, especially if there is the opportunity to take in a performance.

In addition, Elian Vlas has requested that the Cardinal of Prosperity select an artist to commemorate the meeting in order to document the historic moment as it unfolds, ideally in the form of a painting. He expects the Cardinal to know far more about Imperial artists than he does and offers a commission fee of 16 crowns to the selected individual for a completed work.

Despite these detailed plans, there is little information on what the wealthy Elian Vlas actually wishes to discuss, nor why his personal priest will be in attendance. He has mentioned in brief an 'exciting opportunity for those who understand the power of Prosperity, and their congregations' but no further details have yet been revealed.
<div style="float:left; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Actuallythebest001.png|align=left|width=250}}</div>

==Kleistgast==
* '''Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike declines an invitation to visit the League'''
* '''A representative of the Lijkkever families plans to attend Anvil at 21:00 Friday to speak to the Holberg Chamber of Commerce and possibly the Ambassador.'''
Both Ambassador and Bernhard Kleist von Ennerlund extended an invitation to Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike to attend a celebration at [[Anvil]] marking the 250th anniversary of the [[Holberg|Greatest City in the Empire]] joining [[the League]]. While the Sarcophan are largely disinterested in matters of history, they are not blind to the benefits of mingling with representatives of an influential chamber of commerce. Thus far, the Delves have minimal direct contact with Holberg – the city can be challenging to reach – but with the [[Druj]] in retreat and [[the Barrens]] no longer hostile territory, there is some interest in exploring potential trade partnerships.

One guest at least has expressed an interest in attending; a representative of the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Lijkkever|Lijkkever]], Schuyler Koopman, has accepted the invitation on behalf of their family and their house and plans to come to Anvil. In the absence of a specific time for the celebrations, they plan to arrive at around nine in the evening on the Friday of the Solstice. They are keen to meet citizens of the Greatest City in the Empire and to see what proposals for shared prosperity they might have. The Lijkkever are not the wealthiest house of the Delves, but they have unmeasured levels of influence over stevedores and dockworkers wherever Sarcophan ships unload.

Mx Koopman is also interested in chatting with the Ambassador, should '''Dino i Riqueza''' be available, on matters of "quayside diplomacy" that will likely prove quite tedious and technical and so perhaps would be best addressed after the meeting with the Holbergers in a more private environment.

==Regarding the Barrens==
* '''The Ambassador has reassured the Sarcophan Delves that recent events in the Barrens will not affect their nearby holdings'''
* '''Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike seems nonplussed as to why the Ambassador might think they would'''
Ambassador Dino's letter included a condemnation of the [[By northern shores|actions of General Archavion]] in [[the Barrens]] and reassurance that the Sarcophan holdings would not be affected.

The letter caused some alarm for the Sarcophan, as they had no idea what the Ambassador was talking about. They have no idea what General Archavion's orders were or why that would affect them in any way. Nobody was certain where the Barrens was, so they had to get a map of the Empire out to find it, but when they did that, they were a bit bemused to think how anything in this far flung part of the Empire could possibly affect them?

Unless there is something happening in this part of the Empire that the ambassador is unaware of, which seems a stretch, there are currently no Sarcophan interests in the Barrens. The closest hub of trade with the Empire is at [[Karsk#Ivarsgard|Ivarsgard]] – and trade with the [[Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks|Ivarsgard Docks]] does not stop at any Barrens ports because there don't appear to be any marked on the map she has? Obviously that's not to say that there couldn't ''be'' some trade with the Barrens – a port established on the Barren Sea for example would most definitely be of interest to Sarcophan if the Barrens was rich in resources... but until that happens they can't understand how this is any of their concern.

Annike thanks the Ambassador for keeping her apprised – anything that might impact trade with the Empire is of interest to the Bedelaar Huisbaas after all - but this does not appear to be any of their business.

==And Finally...==
* '''Bedalaar Huisbaas Annike has made enquiries with the Elakar'''
* '''She urges Ambassador Dino, and former Ambassador Thanmir, to be cautious'''
Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike is a little nonplussed on one other matter, that of the Elakar. Last season she [[Hyenas_and_herbs#An_Expensive_Letter|passed on an offer]] from the Jasmijn Dijkgraaf, a small family allied with the House of the Vulture offering to convey a letter of introduction to the Elakar Tetrarchs. The Ambassador declined. This is not what concerns Annike (she mentions that she felt the Jasmijn Dijkgraaf were clearly overplaying their hand). What interests her is the response to a carefully worded approach from her office to the Elakar Tetrarchs.

She enquired how they found dealing with the Empire and whether they would like to discuss potential approaches, and they denied all knowledge of the matter. Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike is at a loss on how to proceed. The Elakar are not given to deception; the Sarcophan maintain excellent relations with them. For the representative of the Tetrarchs to flat-out lie to Annike is unprecedented, and frankly, the Sarcophan diplomat just finds it unlikely they would do so. As such, she again advises caution on the matter. Either they are dealing with a faction of the Elakar that does ''not'' have the backing of the Tetrarchs, or someone is lying.

She wishes the new ambassador good fortune in getting to the bottom of this matter. She also thanks them for their disclosure, but the Sarcophan are content that there appear to be no implications for their trade monopolies with the Elakar.

{{Sarcophan Links}}

380YE Summer Solstice winds of fortune

2026-03-06T16:22:57Z

Thespaceinvader: /* The Other Empress */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:380YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
{{CaptionedImage|file=Empress Lisabetta.jpg|title=Paragons and exemplars defend her! Long may she reign!|caption=Their Imperial Majesty, Empress Lisabetta Giacomi von Holberg of the House<br/>of Seven Mirrors, twentieth Throne of the Empire |align=left|width=350}}
==Overview==
Over the past three months, several events have occurred which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. You can also read about the progress of the Empire's military campaigns [[380YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war|here]].

In each case. we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations, or political bodies, to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place and very little happens in isolation.

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters 'should' know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months.

Many winds of fortune open with a short section of in-character text. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip. They're mostly just a bit of fun and they tend not to contain anything vital to the understanding of the wind of Fortune.

Without further ado then.

===A Banner of Thorns===
* Navarr
The Black Thorns are in [[Liathaven]], fighting to reclaim the [[Navarr]] [[territory]] from the [[Jotun]]. Their presence suggests certain [[opportunity|opportunities]] for the Navarr, and perhaps for the Empire. You can learn about them [[A banner of Thorns|here]].

===Blackest Night===
* Imperial Conclave; Varushka; inhabitants of Skarsind, Holberg, Necropolis, Bregasland, and Segura
The [[red star|nameless red star]] is getting larger in a deeply worrisome fashion. [[The Phoenix]] has faded so badly it is starting to get difficult to remember quite why it was so important; and over [[Skarsind]], [[Holberg]], [[Bregasland]], [[Segura]] and [[Necropolis]] the stars are going out ... You can learn about these three peculiar celestial phenomena [[Blackest night|here]].

===''O Rose Thou Art Sick''===
* Inhabitants of Astolat, Casinea, Tassato, Redoubt
[[Curse|Curses]]. If you are an inhabitant of [[Astolat|Astolat]] (especially one with a [[military unit]]), [[Tassato]] (especially a [[magical skills#magician|magician]]), [[Casinea]] (especially a [[farm|farmer]]), or [[Redoubt]] (especially the owner of a massive [[Redoubt#The Court of the White Fountain|castle]]), you probably ought to read [[O rose thou art sick|this page]].

===The Other Empress===
* the League, Highguard, Imperial Senate
When the [[Grendel]] launched their [[The_sack_of_Sarvos|cowardly sneak attack]] on [[Sarvos]], they looted many priceless treasures. One of their targets was the tomb of [[Empress Giselle]] at the Alivetti estates. They robbed the tomb, but the true prize - the body and personal effects of the Empress - were saved by Imperial heroes. Now, on the eve of the coronation of the twentieth Throne, a decision needs to be made about where the sixteenth will be laid to rest. You can learn more about this situation [[The other empress|here]].

===The Prime Colour of the World===
* Everyone in the Empire, especially briars and people from Holberg
The [[Hallow of the Green World]] has been raised over the Empire by the Sherard Hunters of [[Wintermark]]. Its touch is felt through all ten nations, but it has had a particularly profound effect on [[Holberg]]. You can learn about it [[The prime colour of the world|here]].

===A Question of Provenance===
* Imperial Synod, Highguard, Imperial Conclave
In addition to everything else going on in [[Reikos]], decisions about how to deal with the more esoteric plants and fungi growing in the [[territory]] need to be made. The onus falls on the [[Synod]], and you can learn more about the situation [[A question of provenance|here]]. You can also learn about the general situation in Reikos [[A season of mushrooms|here]], and about the influence of Golan and Yael [[Rebirth in Reikos|here]].

===Raise A Glass===
* Imperial Senate, Throne
Traditionally, the coronation of an Empress is followed by Empire-wide celebrations. For many citizens, the most important part of those celebrations are the massive parties held throughout the nations - parties which need to be paid for. But for the more politically savvy, the most ''significant'' part of those celebrations is the Throne's celebratory message - the first formal address to the people of the Empire that often sets the tenor of their reign. You can learn more about these celebrations [[Raise a glass|here]].

===Rebirth in Reikos===
* Imperial Synod, Highguard
Yael and Brother Jared come to Reikos to counter the [[Conviction|teachings of the heretic Golan]], and to speak of the Land Without Tears. Their arrival coincides with what some are hailing as a [[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Miracles|miracle]] that potentially has profound implications for the [[Synod]]. You can learn more about this event [[Rebirth in Reikos|here]]. You can learn more about the situation in Reikos [[A season of mushrooms|here]], and [[A question of provenance|here]].

===A Season of Mushrooms===
* Highguard
A wave of transformation is sweeping across [[Reikos]] as the [[eternal]] [[Llofir]] is unleashed. You can learn about some of the extremely peculiar goings on in Reikos this season [[A season of mushrooms|here]]. You can learn more about related incidents [[Rebirth in Reikos|here]] and [[A question of provenance|here]].

===Small Things and Large===
* the Marches
After the [[March on their belly|failure of the Autumn harvest]], after the [[380YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#The_Heralds_of_Mourning|defeat in the Mournwold]] ... the Spring planting fails as well. The situation is grim in the Marches, but sometimes it is when you are tested the most that your true mettle becomes clear. You can learn about the [[curse|curses]] - and [[opportunity|opportunities]] - available to the Marches [[Small things and large|here]].

===Spreading the Word===
* Imperial Synod, Torchbearers, historians and scholars
A team of [[Urizen_leadership#Torchbearers|Torchbearers]] led by Livia Cascade, the [[Seer of the Gateway]], has spent the time since the death of the [[Empress Britta]] recording accounts of past-life visions witnessed by citizens of the Empire. Recently, these accounts have been published across the Empire for the first time by a publishing-house in [[Redoubt]] named the Spider's Vantage Spire. You can learn about these publications [[Spreading_the_word|here]].

===Sorrow and Death===
* Urizen
The [[spire|spires]] of [[Zenith]] are in significant danger from two supernatural threats. A former [[warmage]] and guest of the Spire of Twisting Shadows - Nazares by name - is binding the spirits of Winter into the corpses of the newely dead as part of a deranged "crusade" that appears to require the "recruitment" of every human on orc in the territory. at the same time, a pall of unendurable sorrow spreads slowly from the ruins of the devastated Spire ... with potentially disastrous consequences. You can learn more about the situation in Zenith [[Sorrow and death|here]].

===Symposium===
* Imperial Synod
The question of whether to hold a Symposium has been laid before the [[Synod]]. More than just a meeting, a Symposium could be an opportunity to freely and openly address questions of concern for the faithful, or a chance to reaffirm the orthodoxy of the Imperial Way; it could be a chance to learn more about heathen faiths, or a gathering of like-minded individuals wishing to forge stronger bonds in the face of heterodoxy and heresy. Assuming it takes place at all - and you can learn more about what that might mean [[Symposium|here]].

===Temple of the Bull===
* Imperial Synod, Brass Coast
The Imperial Senate has given permission for the [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] priests of Balo of the Foam and the Black Bull to build a temple in the Empire. Construction is underway, and now the Asaveans wait with interest to see if the Synod will accept their invitation to build a temple in Nemoria. You can learn about this - and about certain opportunities of dubious legality available to the Synod - [[Temple of the bull|here]].

===The Twentieth Empress===
* Everyone
There is a new [[the Throne|Throne]]! Empress Lisabetta Giacomi von Holberg was appointed during the Spring Equinox, and will be formally crowned during the Summer Solstice. You can learn more about her, about The Throne, and about the upcoming coronation [[The twentieth empress|here]].

==Ongoing Events and Resolutions==
===Golden Trumpets===
* Imperial Conclave
The eternal [[Meraud]]'s challenge to the magicians of the Empire (which you can read about [[Golden Trumpets|here]]) has ended. The Summer Magician is expected to announce the victor, and deliver the promised boon - a powerful magical staff - during the Summer Solstice. There is also talk of an "enchantment on the Imperial regio" but the details of quite what that will entail are unclear.

===The Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun===
* Imperial Conclave
Work on The Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun, the [[Summer magic|Summer]] [[College of Magic|college]] built near [[Miekarova#Srodkoja|Volchitrava]] in [[Miekarova]] has been completed. Infused with the power of the eternal [[Cathan Canae]], who serves as its patron, it has already begun recruiting theorists, scholars, and students from across the Empire. The first [[Master of Ice and Darkness]] will almost certainly be selected during the coming summit - any Imperial citizen can present a [[Declaration#Declaration of Candidacy|Declaration of Candidacy]] to the [[Conclave]] in an attempt to secure the position.

===Fog on the Brine===
* Brass Coast, Highguard, the League, Urizen, Fleet owners
The [[Handful_of_magic#Fog_on_the_Brine|eerie fog]] that clings to the waters of the northern Bay of Catazar persists - save in [[Sarvos]] where it has been seared away by potent [[Day magic]].

===Veils of Night===
* Brass Coast, Urizen, the League
The night skies above [[Madruga]], [[Zenith]], and [[Tassato]] have continued to [[Handful_of_magic#Veils_of_Night|appear strange]] for the last three months. Magicians agree that this is caused by [[Drawing the Penumbral Veil]]. Shortly before the Summer Solstice, however, the eerie effect of the shrouds over Madruga and Zenith begin to fade, with several nights of normal skies until eventually the shrouds have disappeared entirely. The shroud over Tassato persists - for the moment at least.

380YE Spring Equinox winds of war

2026-03-06T16:22:24Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Salt and Glass */

[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:380YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
<box>Ian Horne has recorded these winds of war as audio files, so you can listen to them. The playlist begins [https://soundcloud.com/winds-of-war-fortune/sets/winds-of-war-spring-380-ye here]</box>

==Fire on the Mountains==
It begins - as so much does - with storms. Vicious winter storms raised by magic that roll in off the Bay of Catazar and lash the coast of Spiral. Great waves bound the coast of [[Spiral#Apulus|Apulus]], and beat against the cliffs of [[Spiral#Ateri|Ateri]]. Thick, black clouds race across the horizon, and the frozen winds whip the hail and the sleet into stinging icy missiles. Yet for all their fury, the storms do not touch the thick preternatural fog that cloaks the bay. It undulates like a blanket as the waves rise and fall, but it does not break up. When a bolt of lightning strikes the water, the mist seems to catch fire burning with a crackling effulgence that races hither and yon before fading to nothing.

The waters of Spiral are further [[Rivers of Life|infused with life-giving essence]]. The hail, the sleet, the rain, the salt-water and the fresh; Spring healing magic flows through them all. It ripples across the icy walls of the [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae|frozen citadel]] raised in the hills of Ateri, where a garrison of one-eyed giants watches both east and west for Grendel aggression. Only the most calamitous of wounds are fatal; rarely do any of the soldiers fighting over this mountainous land die save through malice. Both human and orc benefit from the benediction of the life-giving waters.

Fighting past the adventurous Grendel forces in Redoubt, Dawnish forces come to join the campaign in Spiral. The Hounds of Glory charge north and east through [[Spiral#Cinion|Cinion]] and [[Spiral#Ankra|Ankra]] (avoiding [[Spiral#Screed|Screed]], and the [[Spiral#The_Black_Plateau|black behemoth]] that lurks at its heart). Alongside the Dawnish march a [[Knights of Glory|host of eternal soldiers]] in crimson-and-gold livery. Sharp ears, spreading antlers, flowing manes, mithril-and-gold chain, and deadly spears. The cyclopean warriors defending the icy citadel curl their lips as the elfin host passes. The knights of [[Eleonaris]] glare back at the warriors of [[Cathan Canae]], not bothering to conceal their anger. Imperial soldiers who fight alongside them can attest to their rage. The Imperial Conclave has declared their Queen to be an enemy of the Empire, after all. Bound by ancient oaths, they must fight when they are called forth. But they do not have to be happy about it. More than one of their human "comrades" is concerned about the legality of what they are doing; the knights of glory are inseparable from their mistress and the power of the ritual that calls them [[Amity and enmity#Enmity|proscribed by law]]. It is likely the magistrates will investigate the situation that has led to three thousand of Eleonaris' troops marching alongside those of Dawn.

The knights of glory have ample opportunity to express their anger; the Hounds of Glory charge triumphantly down on the Grendel whenever the opportunity presents itself. The army unleashes its collective wrath against the orcs, seeking victory whatever the cost. The Eastern Sky strives to match their glorious example, engaging in their own overwhelming assault against the defences of Spiral's occupation force.

The Citadel Guard, the sentinels and war-magicians of [[Urizen]], follow close behind. Wrapped in a [[Cyclic_magic#Technique_of_the_Bond_of_Tears|mantle of supernatural power]], they fight almost recklessly taking calculated risks to gain great rewards. They actively seek to be at the heart of the fray, and despite the danger in which they place themselves, their magic protects them. Wounds that might have been lethal even with the protection of the Spring enchantment turn out to be flesh wounds. Forces that might otherwise be overwhelmed by Grendel counter-attacks hold out until they can be relieved. The Citadel Guard fight valiantly, but inexplicably they suffer not a single fatality in three months.

The Northern Eagle, and the Green Shield can barely keep up with the other three. The Grendel have taken up defensive positions throughout the territory, readying themselves for the hammer blow of Imperial forces, but again and again they are driven back. The Empire does not have everything its own way; the Grendel forces expertly coordinate their defences with supernatural clarity. While their forces are spread out and outnumbered, the orc troops possess an almost instinctive intuition for what their fellows are doing, and their armies move with cool precision to slow the Imperial advance.

Some of the most brutal fighting of the campaign takes place in the valleys below Ossen's Spire in Ankra. At the gateway to Damakan's Forge the Grendel have prepared makeshift defences and meet the Imperial forces in a pitched battle. At the height of the fighting, with the Citadel Guard in the vanguard, something unexpected happens. Whether some long-forgotten magic is disturbed, or whether it is some trick prepared by the Grendel is unclear, but a great wildfire sweeps across the battlefield consuming orc and human and elfin knight with equal hunger. Thanks to the healing magic in the waters the casualties are somewhat reduced, but nearly a thousand humans and orcs are slain or permanently maimed in the eldritch flames. The flames burn for a day and a night, and nothing dampens them. Only when they have run out of fuel do they flicker and die. The next day, the wind is full of choking ash and burnt cinders.

The fire was hot enough to melt stone and even metal, powerful enough to buckle and warp even mithril armour and weapons. Ossen's Spire is consumed by the flames, and there is significant damage to Damakan's Forge as well. The slopes of Cinion are swept clean of trees and even the dark purple heather is reduced to blackened ruin. Paragons preserve those who were caught in the woodlands when the river of flame poured down the mountainside.

Only the Citadel Guard are untouched by the fire. It marks the end of the battle for Cinion - the Grendel forces flee east toward Ankra, and after a short respite the Imperials follow.

First Cinion falls to the Empire, then Ankra, and the Empire makes significant headway towards recapturing the mithril mines at Ossuary. There are casualties, of course, despite the power of the healing waters. Perhaps two-and-a-half thousand humans and orcs fall, all told. While their wounds too severe even for the potent healing magic to save them, not all those who fall die immediately.

Indeed, some of them do not die at all.

Stories from the battlefields and the field hospitals of Northern Spiral speak of pale figures who move among those whose injuries place them beyond help. Wrapped in black or white robes over blackened armour they speak in quiet tones to the dying. Sometimes they offer a swift and painless death. Sometimes, the fallen rise from their deathbeds and accompany the pale figures into the darkness, never to be seen again. The [[Military Council]] has given leave to the servants of ''the [[Kaela|Dark-Between-The-Stars]]'' to walk their battlefields and choose among the fallen those who might find a place in their mistresses' Grim Legion. The healing Spring enchantment means there are not many for them to choose from ... but there are enough.

Only among the Citadel Guard do these grim harbingers find no opportunity to claim the fallen for their cold-hearted queen. Where the Urizen sentinels march, the heralds turn to watch them, their faces bleak, empty, but above all patient.
===Game Information===
The Empire has captured the regions of Cinion and Ankra, and made some progress into Ossuary. The sea-storms will cease shortly before the Spring Equinox, but they will mean that any fleet based in Spiral will have suffered a small penalty to its production or fighting strength.

==Ruins of Grey Charge==
Three armies march to [[Reikos]] via the mountains of [[Redoubt]]. The Granite Pillar, the Wolves of War, and the Quiet Step. Their journey through [[Urizen]] is not uneventful. The remnants of a [[Grendel]] guerilla force in the southern hills and mountains target Imperial forces, arranging ambushes and destroying bridges and roads in an effort to restrict travel through Redoubt. Yet their impact is blunted by a [[Rivers of Life|potent spring enchantment]] laid over Redoubt, which heals all save the most lethal of injuries.

On reaching the [[Highguard|Highborn]] territory, the Empire's armies focus their attention on clearing out the barbarian [[orc|orcs]] who still inhabit the westernmost regions. There is some resistance, but it is scattered and disorganised. Without the influence of the [[Druj|Stone Toad]], the orc warriors seem incapable of proper coordination. Still, clearing them out is not a straightforward task - they have had plenty of time to prepare their defences.

The Quiet Step lead the way, launching an [[Army_orders#Overwhelming_Assault|overwhelming assault]] against the scattered orc settlements built amid the ruins of the fallen chapter houses. The Granite Pillar are [[Army_orders#Balanced_Attack|a little more cautious]] - at least compared to the [[Navarr]].

Accompanied by wagon raiders, the Wolves of War focus on [[Army_qualities#Foraging|plundering]] stolen Imperial wealth from the defeated orcs. The tactics of the League do not go unquestioned; there is little doubt that the wealth they are claiming from the scattered orc strongholds was stolen first from the people of Reikos. There are a few scattered reports of angry exchanges between champions of the Granite Pillar and the looters and wagon raiders supporting the Wolves of War.

As in Spiral, there are supernatural agents in Reikos. Wherever the Imperial armies fight they are accompanied by quiet, dour-faced agents of the [[Kaela|Queen of Silence]]. They lurk patiently around the outskirts of the battles, watching. Now and again there are reports of them approaching a fallen orc and speaking in quiet tones with them. The fallen orcs disappear shortly thereafter, taken by the emissaries of the winter realm for their own purposes.

Over the course of the campaign, the Imperial forces clear most of the orcs from [[Reikos#Grey Charge|Grey Charge]], and make significant headway in [[Reikos#Tamarbode|Tamarbode]] ... but they do not complete the liberation of Reikos. Parts of Tamarbode, especially the mysterious [[Reikos#The_Sign_of_Tamar|Sign of Tamar]], are still in barbarian hands. It will take at least another season to completely remove the lingering barbarian presence.

Partly the slow progress is a result of the ever-present [[Druj miasma|aura of fear]] the Druj have left behind them. Partly it is a result of the more cautious tactics employed by the League and Highborn armies - had they followed the Navarr lead there is no doubt that the last of the orcs would have been driven out of Reikos.

===Game Information===
Imperial forces have conquered Grey Charge and made some progress in taking Tamarbode. All three armies have suffered some casualties for passing through Redoubt, although they are reduced due to the presence of the Rivers of Life [[enchantment]] on Redoubt.

==Under a Crimson Sky==
[[Crusade]]! Say the word softly, and see the banners raised in the Dawnish mind's eye. With the Hounds of Glory and the Eastern Sky fighting in distant Urizen, and the Gryphon's Pride not yet ready to march, it falls to the Golden Sun to raise those banners over [[The Barrens#Dawnguard|Dawnguard]]. Into [[the Barrens]] they march, the first Dawnish army in the Barrens in generations.

Alongside them come the Towerjacks of [[Holberg]], and the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] Golden Axe. They strike their camp in the shadow of the [[The_Barrens#Towers_of_the_Dawn|Towers of the Dawn]] and prepare to defend the Dawnish [[territory]]. The crusade has had the desired effect, it seems. The armies are joined by some six thousand Dawnish troops led by independent captains, and one band of [[Imperial Orcs]]. The [[military unit|auxiliary forces]] are split roughly half-and-half between directly supporting the Golden Sun and garrisoning the Towers of the Dawn.

The armies are ordered to avoid engagements with the barbarian orcs as much as possible, merely attempting to slow their advance. There is some dissent from the Dawnish captains outraged by the inglorious defensive strategy, but the orders are clear. Give ground, do not engage except where necessary, let the enemy come to us.

And come they do. The armies of the indigenous orcs attack with passionate zeal, throwing themselves into an all-out assault against the Towers of the Dawn and the Imperial defenders. Even though they are significantly outnumbered, they fight desperately; one last-ditch attempt to try and claim Dawnguard. They are still doing their best to avoid unnecessary casualties; in some ways the presence of the Imperial forces makes this easier. It is much easier to tell the civilians from the warriors when they are arrayed in a crusaders panoply.

Just over a fortnight after the end of the Winter Solstice, just as the fighting is beginning to heat up, the unexpected occurs.

A [[Rivers Run Red|malign miasma]] falls over the Barrens. It comes without warning; one morning the twilight before sunrise is tinged with a deep, malevolent crimson. The rain that falls is oily, heavy, thick with the implication of sickness and dread. Corruption creeps into the water. A thin film of foulness covers everything from breakfast wine to garden ponds to fountains to the bee-painted waterskins of the Varushkans. The rivers run with death, and uncleanliness. Blood flows sluggishly; injuries do not heal. No wound is suffered save that it festers, turns black. The soldiers of Holberg mutter with grim certainty. They have had a great deal of experience with these conditions, having fought for decades under the periodic taint of this particular curse.

It strikes both sides; the knights of Dawn and the barbaric orcs feel its sting in equal measure. Yet it is the barbarians who suffer the lion's share of casualties. The Imperial tactic of withdrawing back to the defences in the face of orc aggression minimises losses, at the same time as the twisted enchantment causes the deaths of so many who might otherwise have survived.

The orcs fight on as best they can, but they make little progress against the Imperial defenders. As the year draws to a close, the noble estates of Dawnguard are littered with the corpses of dead orcs.

As the Spring Equinox comes closer, rumours of fighting in the south begin to percolate through the ranks in Dawnguard. A force of [[Navarr]] have attacked the orcish supply trains, burning several villages belonging to the Great Forest orcs, slaughtering their inhabitants, then fading back into the woods. Speculation suggests this is the work of special forces attached to the Quiet Step. Whatever else it achieves, it almost certainly puts paid to any suggestion of an alliance between the Navarr and the Barrens orcs.

The Imperial forces in Dawnguard have held off the orcish attack, but it was a close-run thing. The presence of the malign magic spread across the Barrens has resulted in significant casualties - to the orcs. The defensive orders of the Imperials mean that they have suffered perhaps a fifth as many casualties as the Barrens orcs, and a significant amount of the damage inflicted has been absorbed by the white granite and weirwood of the Towers of the Dawn - the fortification takes damage that might otherwise have killed over six hundred Imperial soldiers.
===Game Information===
Nobody has gained any ground - the Barrens orcs still have control of a portion of Dawnguard. It is possibly worth pointing out at this time that one of the things that has saved Imperial lives has been the damage to the Towers of the Dawn - damage to fortifications tends to represent broken walls rather than dead soldiers - and the apparent reticence of the orcs to murder unarmed civilians.
==This Far, No Further==
This winter in the Marches is harsh. In the wake of the disastrous harvest, spare food is in short supply. Belts are tightened. Compromises made.

Nearly forty-thousand Imperial soldiers fight in the Mournwold, supported by perhaps another five thousand troops led by independent captains. They outnumber their barbaric opponents nearly two-to-one. The Jotun have a fortification at Southmoor - but the Marchers control a fortification of their own on the Greensward, and work has already begun on a second castle in Ore Hills.

The Valiant Pegasus prepare to unleash hell against the Jotun fortification in the ruins of old Sarcombe, in Southmoor. They bring up catapults, siege towers, and ladders. The Seventh Wave is ready to support them, the Tusks and the Strong Reeds ready to exploit any weakness the engines reveal.

The Fire in the South, fleeing Liathaven, join the rampaging Summer Storm and the more cautious Winter Sun in attacking Jotun positions across the Mournwold.

At the same time their fellow Freeborn of the Red Wind Corsairs set about gathering as much wealth from the Jotun encampments as they can, being reasonably cautious not to steal too much from the human farmers and "land owners" who labour under the orc yoke ... although it is not always easy to tell who is an oppressed Imperial citizen and who is a treacherous collaborator with the barbarian forces. There are still more human warriors fighting alongside the Jotun than anyone on the Imperial side is comfortable admitting to.

The Empire's strategy is straightforward. While the Highborn and the Marchers attack the castle at Sarcombe, the rest of their forces strike at the Jotun in Freemoor and Alderley. The outcome appears predetermined.

Unfortunately, the Imperial strategy does not count on the rage of the Jotun.

Orc reinforcements have marched uncontested through the forests of Liathaven to join the Jotun armies falling back before the Imperial advance. After their stinging defeat in Ore Hills, the barbarians rally under a banner surmounted by the massive skull of an elder mandowla.

These new forces do not fall back. On the contrary, they draw a line, and then they hold it.

For three months, the Empire throws everything it has in the Mourn at the Jotun armies. For three months, they take everything the Imperials have to offer, and hand it back to them.

Led by a mountainous orc wielding a two-handed warhammer the Empire batters itself against the Jotun defences and makes absolutely no headway. The barbarians fight without quarter. This is unsurprising, perhaps, given that the Winter Sun in particular take special pleasure in murdering any Jotun that fall in their hands, and the Summer Storm slaughter any enemy - orc or human - who gets in their way. And there is more than enough blood spilled for even the thirstiest Imperial Orc.

The Jotun seem to burn with an absolute confidence that they cannot be defeated. Oh, their warriors fall in battle but those who do not fall soon return to the fray. As near as the scouts of the Seventh Wave can tell, the new Jotun forces include many thralls - human and orc alike - trained in the medicinal arts, and even some magician-healers. They do everything they can to help the Jotun hold against the Imperial advance.

The Unconquered also deliver unsettling reports that the Jotun appear to have a surprising amount of intelligence of their own, at least as regards the composition, positioning, and strength of the Imperial forces.

The Jotun armies are further supported by perhaps two thousand elite champions - warbands drawn it seems from across the western jarldoms. They take risks that even the bravest orc soldier might eschew, and time and again they seek out the heroic captains of the Empire, seemingly to test their mettle on the field of battle.

Thousands of Jotun orcs fall. On some days, the Imperials must practically wade through orc bodies and blood. The moors are stained crimson with sanguine excess. Even the clarity with which the Valiant Pegasus and the Tusks plan their strategies cannot overcome the Jotun defence - perhaps because it is so straightforward. Nothing brilliant, nothing complex, is being attempted. The Jotun have simply decided that they will not move and their glorious stand against the Imperials meets no counter.

The fields are scattered with the dead and the dying, and between them pick the chosen of the Black Dog. They are untouched by the warriors of either side, walking with the protection of the military council when they are among the Imperials, and under some protection of their own when they walk among the Jotun. Now and again they stop, and speak to one of the fallen. Sometimes, they raise up one of the dying and escort them from the battlefield. Only if someone tries to impede them in their strange duty do they fight, revealing a ruthless, supernatural skill. The Jotun make no attempt to bar their way, and after the first Imperial Orc tries to stand between one and the Jotun she has chosen, no Imperial gets in their way, either. Those who leave a battlefield with the black-clad, pale-skinned emissaries of the Queen of Silence are not seen again.

As the Spring Equinox draws closer, the leaders of the Imperial forces must face the cold fact that they have achieved nothing in this cold, bitter winter... nothing save a slaughter on an almost unprecedented scale.

Nearly three thousand Imperial troops will never fight again. Yet the Jotun defence has cost them at least twice that many of their own forces.

Was it worth it? Was it heroism, or insanity? It hardly matters.

Those who fought under the mandowla banner have paid a heavy price, but by the end of the harsh winter, the Empire has gained not one square-foot more of Mournish soil than they had when the Winter started.
===Game Information===
The glorious Jotun forces have held firm in the Mournwold. Both sides have taken significant casualties - but the Empire has not made any gains in the territory this season.

==Three Swords==
===The Western Forest===
Jotun forces secure Liathaven. They do not do so entirely without opposition. There are some reports of pitched battles in the north between orcs and what appear to be a force of pale, grim, human (?) legionaries who show no signs of Navarr allegiance. They do little to stop the orcs recovering the territory the Freeborn claimed before the Winter Solstice, and there is little reliable information about who they were or where they came from.

There is some Navarr resistance in the south, but again how much and how effective is not clear. The entire territory is in the uncontested hands of the Jotun. No more Navarr refugees come south into Kahraman. A grim silence has fallen over Liathaven.

Perhaps the Navarr and the Freeborn scouts deep in the lost forests of Liathaven know more; but if they do they are not telling. Not yet.

===The Northern Marshes===
On the shores of the Westmere stands Westerhal, home to the small fleet of Kallavesi boats that keep the coast safe from Jotun raiders. Shortly after the Winter Solstice it becomes clear that Westerhal is not entirely up to the task. What works against a few raiders is no match for a significant force of Jotun .The decades-old call of the people of Westerhal for a fortification on the shores of the Gullet seems almost prescient in the face of the orc troops marching out of the west.

They come cautiously, but implacably, spreading south and east from a beach head on the western coast. With them march several warbands of Jotun champions, proud and terrible, who seek out the bravest of the Winterfolk defenders to test their mettle. Each time they come to a hall, they offer the inhabitants the choice - to join the Jotun as warriors or to lay down their arms and become thralls. Few take their offer. Those who do not are honoured with a warrior's death, buried, and then the Jotun move on.

In three months, the Jotun have conquered perhaps half of the West Marsh and show no signs of stopping. Westerhal is their target, but after that nothing will stand between them and Rundahl should they wish to strike at the heart of the Wintermark nation.
===The Southern Hills===
A massive force of Jotun strikes into Kahraman from the forests of Liathaven. Estimates vary, but it is believed that as many as thirty thousand orcs have poured out of the forests into the Cinnabar hills. They strike with great force, targeting first Serra Damata and then Serra Briante. They do not offer the Freeborn who stand between them and their prize the Choice, but neither do they slaughter those who flee before them. Those who try and stand against them are shown no mercy. Their treatment of those who try to fight is very different to their treatment of the Navarr - they are treated with a modicum of respect and buried, at least.

In Serra Damata, the Jotun encounter the first of three fortresses. A great squat tower of smooth glacial ice and rough black iron appears amidst the hills above the Damatian Cliffs. Hulking inhuman soldiers garrison the walls, each appearing as an eight-foot-tall orc wrapped in thick fur. From head to foot they are marked with dull blue tattoos and spiral scars, and their eyes are the vibrant blue of a clear winter sky. Each is armed with a twelve-foot barbed spear of polished bone, and their voices rumble like a tide of snow in distant peaks. They are knights of Cathan Canae drawn along with the tower from her frozen realm by Imperial magic.

They give the Jotun pause - but only for a moment. Then the barbarians smash the citadel to pieces, send its defeated guardians back to the Lady of the Frost, and claim the Damatian Cliffs and the hills and orichalcum mines of Serra Damata for themselves. The Jotun are not focused entirely on their attack. Some of the orcs from the northern Jotun kingdom are more interested in plundering the Freeborn mines and the white granite quarries of Damata. Others stay behind the establish a camp within the broken walls of the town of Damata, while the rest push forward into Serra Briante, aiming straight at the Great Mine.

Here they encounter a second citadel, a monolithic fortress of ice and granite supported by troops from Fort Braydon, blocking their approach not only to the mithril mine but also to the town of Briante. The force of the mighty Jotun charge falters a little in the face of the glacial walls, and their attack eventually falls back to defensive positions above the valley. Without the two magical citadels, it is likely that both Serra Damata and Serra Briante would have fallen to the Jotun in a single stroke.

In a tragic twist of fate, several of the settlements inhabited by Navarr displaced by the original Jotun invasion lie in the part of the valley claimed by the Jotun. The orcs treat these settlements as they have the steading and stridings of Liathaven. Without mercy.

===Game Information===
The Jotun have uncontested control of Liathaven, and have made significant progress towards establishing supply lines into Kallavesa.

Their southern force has claimed Serra Damata, the town of Damata, and the Damatian Cliffs. They have also plundered an undisclosed amount of the white granite that might otherwise have gone to Jeremiah of the Cenotaph (the Highborn seat holder). They have captured the frozen citadel raised in this territory, but luckily it will have returned whence it came by the time the Spring Equinox rolls round. The Jotun have also taken perhaps a fifth of Serra Briante.

==Salt and Glass==
Shortly after the Winter Solstice work begins in [[Sarvos#Bocche|Bocche]] on the [[College of the Liberated]]. There are rumours that the decision to build the college near Trivento, rather than in Sarvos proper, is due to some desire to help "revitalise" the fading town. Others suggest more cynically that it is an attempt to prevent too many incomprehensible orc slaves arriving in Sarvos.

A little over six weeks ago, the first ships arrived on the shores of Sarvos bearing orcs.

Unfortunately, they were not the orcs everyone was expecting...

Out of the blue, the Grendel launch a naval invasion of the island of Cigno. Their ships disgorge thousands of orc troops into the streets of the city. There is almost no warning - the ships are cloaked by the sinister fog that has covered the bay of Catazar for the last six months, and they seem to have little difficulty avoiding - or sinking - any Imperial ships between them and their destination. They strike with absolute confidence, and it is clear that they seem to ''know'' that there are no significant forces in a position to prevent their conquest of the islands.

Chaos ensues. The city of Sarvos itself falls to the overwhelming force of the barbarians within a little less than a week - although scattered resistance continues. The citizens fear the worst. Some try to flee to the mainland ... and the Grendel make little effort to prevent them from doing so.

An anticipated wave of murder and destruction does not materialise. Indeed, those Grendel captains who come ashore seem almost cordial.

Not so their savage troops, especially those fighting under the banner of the snarling dog. Having secured the city, they ruthlessly set about plundering the riches of Sarvos. The libraries of Diora University are not spared, nor are the treasures of the Capodomus cathedral, nor the businesses of the rebuilt Caricomare. Galleries are raided, museums looted, banks stripped of their valuables. Special care is taken to pillage the remains of the Alivetti estates, and the tomb of [[Empress Giselle]]. Observers (which includes a few magicians) are certain that the Grendel looters are under the effect of a potent spell, most likely a day magic enchantment, that allows them to effortlessly coordinate their merciless looting. No treasure, it seems, is safe from their avaricious gaze.

Only the embassies are left alone. The [[Iron Confederacy|Suranni]] barricade their gates but the Grendel make no effort to breach them. The [[Asavean Archipelago|Asaveans]] are much more sanguine. Their ambassador meets one of the Grendel captains in the formal gardens and makes it clear that any attack against the embassy will be considered an act of war. The ambassador and the orc discuss the matter politely over iced tea while outside the walls the orc warriors help themselves to the riches of the jewelled city.

Anyone who tries to resist the Grendel is either executed and their bodies left where they fall, or clapped in irons and dragged away to languish in the hold of a slave ship. Those who do not try to get in the way of the orcs are largely left unmolested. The Grendel appear much more interested in securing as much of the wealth of Sarvos as possible, than in slaughtering its people or burning its buildings.

With their control of the island of Cigno secured, some of the Grendel forces expand their interest to the isles of Uccelini. They avoid many of the fortified estates and go straight for the docks of Glass Point. There are pitched battles in the streets, but the smugglers and captains are no match for the disciplined Grendel forces.

As the Spring Equinox draws clear, the sea-serpent banners of the Grendel snap and dance above the bejewelled spires of Sarvos.
===Game Information===
The Grendel have attacked Sarvos, conquering the island of Cigno - where the jewelled city stands - and claiming it for their own. They have also made significant headway towards conquering Uccelini, although most of their attention there has been focused on controlling Glass Point.

This unexpected attack has taken everyone by surprise; it is likely to have a profound impact not only on the League but on the entire Empire. Further information about the implications of the Grendel occupation will be revealed in Winds of Fortune.

Towers and crows

2026-03-06T16:22:08Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Storms */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
<ic>Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike lifted the steaming pot, tilting it to pour the hot black beverage into the thin porcelain cups. She slid the cup across the table towards her visitor, along with a small tray containing a bewildering array of condiments. Tiny pots of spices each with their own miniature spoon offered themselves invitingly, encouraging her guest to add fresh ground cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger or cacao to his drink.

Hendrik von Gjullit kept his eyes fixed on his host, even as he added a little cinnamon to the brew. He stirred the cup, but didn't pick it up, it. Freshly boiled, it was still too hot to drink without milk or kummel to cool it down. "I've come about the Imperial request for markets for their goods, Annike, I'm happy to say I'm in a position to make an appealing offer," he said, a thin smile drifting across his face as he spoke. Rather than interrupt her guest, the ambassador only arched one eyebrow, indicating he should continue.

"As you know, the Empire turned down our generous offer to supply them with weirwood at competitive rates. Fortunately we found another buyer, one in the Empire's own backyard as it turned out." He paused to give his host a chance to interrupt but continued on when they said nothing. "Our customer is eager for more weirwood, more than we can supply. The war leaves them hard-pressed and desperate."

"Desperate customers pay desperate prices." Annike intoned in response. "And your proposal?"

"Open negotiations with the Empire at three thrones a wain. If we can agree a reasonable price, Gjullit ships, can collect the weirwood and have it sailing across the Bay before the tide turns."

"It's risky..." the ambassador responded, her wrinkled face clearly showing her deep concern.

"Not at all, our vessels will be quite safe from pirates, that is all taken care of," Hendrik replied without a moment's hesitation.

"That's not the risk I'm concerned about..." his host cut in. She paused for a moment and then continued. "Still the risks should be mitigated if we were up front with them about the end markets..."</ic>
<div style="display:inline-block; float: left; width: 300px; margin-right: 10px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Thane Thanmir Hrafnar.jpg|caption=The Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves is Thanmir Hrafnar of Wintermark|align=left|width=300}}</div>{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNo8vevXFog}}
==Overview==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

Among the six great powers, the ''bedelaar huisbaas'' merchant-princes of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] seek to maintain a level of neutrality. They trade enthusiastically with the Empire, and welcome Imperial merchants in their turn. While they have outlawed slavery, and the trade in slaves, they refuse to pick a side between the nations that make up the [[Liberty Pact]] and the so-called Freedom Accord. More than anything else, they want to ensure that their trade vessels have free access to the wealth of the world, all the better to funnel as much of it as possible into their own pockets.

The Sarcophan ambassador to the Empire is ''Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike'', of the Tower of Crows. She reports to the beggar-landlords of Sarcophan, and is known to be a wily and subtle diplomat. No stranger to the murkier waters of espionage and intelligence-gathering, she constantly seeks opportunities to expand the influence of the Sarcophan mercantile Empire across the Known World. She has no particular loyalty to any one faction; her main concern appears to be the prosperity of the nation as a whole.
{{Nation|nation=[[Sarcophan Delves]]|status=foreigner|port=[[Sarcophan_Delves_ports#Sarcophan|Sarcophan]] and [[Sarcophan_Delves_ports#Betovering|Betovering]]|ambassador=Thanmir Hrafnar of [[Wintermark]]}}
==Free and Open Trade==
* '''Relations with the Delves are positive, tinged with disappointment by the failure of recent trade deals'''
* '''They are determined to remain neutral, wary of being dragged into the war between Asavea and the Empire (and between the Commonwealth and Jarm)'''
Representatives from the Sarcophan Delves were part of the original negotiations for the [[Liberty Pact]], but they ultimately elected not to sign it, preferring not to be bound by it's restrictions on trade. As a nation of merchants they strive to maintain profitable trading relations with every nation and their primary concern is to ensure that nothing damages their ability to buy and sell in every port in the world.

Their ambassador, ''Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike'', has been coy about the details, but it is more than likely that the Delves played a similar role in the creation of the Freedom Accord, the rival pact between the [[Principalities of Jarm]] and the [[Asavean Archipelago]]. Whatever the truth of the matter, their stated goal is to remain neutral and to pursue profits above all other concerns.

They appear determined to maintain this neutrality even as the drumbeat of war between the great powers of the world has grown steadily louder. There is a degree of fatalism about the current turmoil, with some fearful that the Delves will be forced to pick sides. They are determined to avoid that fate, arguing that this slide to war was an inevitable consequence of the creation of the Liberty Pact. In their view it is the dogmatism of the [[Commonwealth]], the [[Sumaah Republic]] and the Empire that is to blame for the current fighting.

Not all Sarcophan view these conflicts with apprehension however; while many fear the loss of markets and profits that war often brings others are more positive, speaking enthusiastically of the insatiable demand for key products. War breeds desperation they say, and desperate customers don't balk at the price...

Thus, relations with the Sarcophan remain broadly positive, despite the failure of a number of high-profile attempts to create significant trade deals in recent years. The ''Gjullit'' proposal to deliver [[weirwood]] to the abandoned [[Prime_Factor_of_the_Pallas_Docks#Pallas_Docks|Pallas Docks]] foundered after seasons of consideration. Likewise, a recent offer from wealthy [[surgical skills#Apothecary|apothecary]] guilds to pay 175 thrones for exclusive access to the knowledge of how to create the [[Unshackled Gift]] potions was regretfully declined by the Imperial ambassador.

Most recently, tentative discussions to open the Sarcophan port of ''Schedalhaven'' to Imperial shipping camp to nothing over fears of the impact of the many exotic and intoxicating narcotics that the port supplies. Despite these setbacks, the Sarcophan remain publicly friendly towards the Empire, but there are some signs that the ''bedelaar huisbaas'' are focussing their more ambitious efforts on other markets recently.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Bladeroot.jpg|align=left|width=300}}</div>

==The Volte-face Trade==
* '''The Sarcophan are open to opportunities to purchase bourse materials from the Empire, but would need information on prices and volume'''
* '''The Sarcophan are prepared to open negotiations at 2 thrones a wain for mithril, weirwood or white granite'''
* '''They would open negotiations at 3 thrones a wain for weirwood, if the Empire were happy for them to immediately sell the wood on to the Grendel'''
There is significant interest in news from the Empire that the Imperial Senate might be interested in ''selling'' wains of valuable bourse materials to the Sarcophan. Beldelar Huisbaas Annike is keen to assure the Imperial Ambassador that the Sarcophan are interested in buying. There are few things Sarcophan merchants will not deal in, but previously bourse materials have always been in high demand in the Empire and have commanded high prices as a result. Barely a year ago, for example, the Imperial ambassador was keen to explore whatever opportunities existed for the Empire to buy such strategically vital materials ''from'' the Sarcophan Delves.

Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike makes clear that they will purchase any bourse materials that the Empire wishes to sell, provided the price is right. However the Imperial Senate will need to understand that the Empire has long been considered a sellers' market with bourse materials in the Empire commanding sky high values. Nobody is going to ''buy'' [[mithril]] from the Empire at four or five Thrones a wain. There may be Sarcophan merchants prepared to spend money to ship mithril to the Empire to ''sell'' it at that price – but they wouldn't ''buy'' it at that value, especially given the current difficulties in sailing through Imperial waters.

There are significant risks involved in shipping bourse materials to foreign nations, particularly now that the Bay of Catazar has become a war zone. Any traders looking to make a deal and agree a long term price would have to take those risks into account. That is going to depress the price - realistically any Sarcophan would be looking to open negotiations at two thrones a wain for any of the three bulk bourse materials ([[mithril]], [[weirwood]], [[white granite]]).

If the Imperial Senate are serious about wanting to sell wains to raise money, then the Sarcophan are prepared to send a trade delegation to discuss proposals with the ambassador at the Autumn Equinox, but Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike does not want to waste anyone's time if there isn't a credible possibility of closing a deal.

There is one way that the Sarcophan could afford to pay more. Part of the issue of shipping bourse resources is the size and weight of them; a small merchant ship can only carry so many wains. Wains are bulky and heavy, and ships filled with mithril sit very low in the water... and thus draw pirates like flies round honey. Sailing ships laden with bourse resources through the Bay of Catazar carries a high risk - and that affects the price they will pay. While they could in theory brave the Sea of Snow, or pass through [[the Mallum]] to reach [[the Semmerlak]], these routes are not any safer than sailing the better-known routes through the Bay.

However, there is a practical way to avoid these costs and risks. Specifically, if the Empire were looking to sell ''weirwood'', then there is a "local buyer" in the Bay of Catazar that the Sarcophan could quickly sell the wains on to. If the trade were all arranged, a deal could be made with that neighbour, that would allow Sarcophan merchants to open negotiations at three thrones a wain for a bulk order of weirwood. There would be almost no risk of piracy if the Sarcophan were sailing the weirwood across the Bay of Catazar...

Obviously Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike is aware of the current conflict in the Bay, so they understand why such an offer might be completely unacceptable. After all, this other neighbour is already buying all the weirwood the Delves can supply to frantically build navies at this very moment. If the Empire increase the supply of weirwood... then that will inevitably increase the speed with which their rival can build navies. That is, sadly, the nature of commerce and war.

The choice is up to the Empire, it really depends how much they need the money... The Sarcophan are more than happy to do the deal, and they know that their potential buyer won't care where the weirwood is coming from, but they don't want to set up the trade without the Empire understanding the consequences. Lifting tariffs and taxes from Sarcophan traders operating in Imperial ports has been a big boon to the Delves, they don't want to put that at risk by there being any misunderstanding.

The civil service wearily clarify that the neighbour the Sarcophan Delves is talking about are obviously the Grendel. Trading directly with the orcs of the Broken Shore – who are barbarians – would clearly be illegal. Selling weirwood to the Sarcophan – who are not barbarians – in the knowledge they intend to sell it on to the Grendel is a much murkier legal situation.
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Mawrig.png|width=150|title=Rune: Mawrig|align=right}}</div>

==Storms==
* '''The storms of the Bay of Catazar are a major concern for the Sarcophan Delves'''
Unfortunately, any chance of increased profit has taken another hit thanks to the [[Foam and Spittle of the Furious Sea|magical storms]] that have recently pounded the [[Bay of Catazar]]. The ambassadors to the Commonwealth, the Sumaah and the Delves all took the time to write to their counterparts warning them of the dangers caused by [[Foam and Spittle of the Furious Sea]] being cast on the waters of the Bay. For the most part these warnings were well received, their merchants were advised of the risks and made decisions accordingly. It is notable that while significantly fewer Commonwealth and Sumaah vessels braved the Bay of Catazar, there has been no appreciable reduction in Sarcophan vessels. They appear to have made their own arrangements to deal with the storms – and profited significantly when those storms fail to materialize anywhere save [[Madruga]] (where the Sarcophan were not particularly trading anyway given the turmoil in [[the Brass Coast]] territory).

However, Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike is a little concerned to discover that the recent storm-raising magic was endorsed by the [[Conclave]]. The Delves take no sides in the conflict between the Empire and the [[Grendel]] but the Ambassador has concerned by anything that threatens their trade routes, especially if that threat seems likely to recur.

Perhaps more seriously, however, are the storms ''prior'' to the Spring Equinox that targeted [[Sarvos]]. The Sarcophan Delves operate an [[Sarvos#Sarcophan Enclave|enclave]] in the old Alivetti estates there, [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|ceded]] to them as part of a [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Sarcophan_Delves_Autumn_383YE|treaty agreement]] with the [[Senate]] in 383YE. In the wake of the [[Sound_the_bells#Storms_Across_the_Bay|storms that hit Sarvos]], local Sarcophan were especially salty about the failure to warn them that the Empire had decided to [[curse]] the estates belonging to the Vandersaar family, without issuing them with an equivalent warning.

A contrite apology by the Imperial Ambassador might have been enough to smooth things over, but despite the warnings issued the Vandersaar seem a little miffed that no such apology was forthcoming. They do however appreciate the candour of the Ambassador's comments around their request to be invited to present proposals to expand current trading operations, by opening up new markets in the Empire for rare narcotic herbs. Indeed, they go so far as to thank Ambassador Thanmir for his suggestion and they intend to give the matter some consideration before, most likely, following the course of action he proposed at least in the short term.

==The Dodgy Dossier==
* '''The Sarcophan are offering to pay 18 thrones for access to the Regario Dossier'''
In previous seasons, the Tower of Crows has negotiated a deal offering an exchange of intelligence between themselves and the holder of the [[Regario Dossier]]. They raised the possibility of repeating the exchange for the latest intelligence, either providing information gathered by Sarcophan agents on the great powers, or by paying a suitable price to be negotiated. The trade has proved useful to all concerned, but the ongoing wars between the Asavean Plenum, the Sumaah Republic, and the Empire, and between the Jarmish and the Commonwealth has complicated matters for the Sarcophan.

Unfortunately, Bedelar Huisbaas Annike is forced to offer an apology to her Imperial counterpart. It is one thing to share knowledge with a friend during times of peace, it is a different matter when the world is at war. Sarcophan merchants still sail to Asavean ports - what happens if the Asaveans discover that the Delves are sharing what they learn from those merchants with a nation Asavea is at war with? Of course the ambassador trusts the Empire to handle the exchange with absolute discretion, but the risks are simply too great to be borne. It would utterly compromise Sarcophan neutrality and put them in an impossible position.

Thus, regrettably, the Bedelar Huisbaas Annike discovers she is not in a position to share intelligence with the Empire after all. However, she would still like access to any information the [[Regario Dossier]] has gathered if such is available. Obviously they can't ask for something for nothing, and they can't trade intelligence for intelligence as they have done previously, so they wondered if a monetary offer might be sufficient? They would be prepared to offer the holder of the Regario Dossier 18 thrones for complete access to the Dossier.

If that offer is acceptable to the holder of the dossier, then they can instruct the civil service to provide the office of Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike with the latest copy of the dossier ('''OOC Note:''' email [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] to indicate that you have accepted this offer).

Reading between the lines, the civil service venture to suggest that this abrupt change in tack by Bedelar Huisbaas Annike is likely the result of pressure from her own people rather than any inconstancy or personal stratagem. It's possible that some of the other Bedelar Huisbaa have intervened to prevent the proposed exchange, or that something in the Sarcophan dossier has proven "spicier" than the Tower of Crows initially surmised.

The current holder of the Regario Dossier is '''Laszlo Gulyas von Temeschwar''', of the Guild of Drovers.

==The Silence of the Elakar==
* '''The Sarcophan were asked for information on the Elakar or the Book of Silence, but have been unwilling to help with either'''
The Imperial Ambassador has requested more information about the ''Elakar'', but the Sarcophan remain cagey. They claim to know them well – presumably confirming suspicions that they are a foreign nation with which the Delves trades - but do not intend to share any further information with the Empire.

Allegedly this is out of respect for the Elakar's privacy, but in less guarded moments they tend to let their real motivation slip. They appear to value the trade monopoly they enjoy with the Elakar and are not eager to jeopardise that by introducing them to a potential rival like the Empire. At this time, then, they are not willing to provide any information on the Elakar, other than to confirm that they have not been made aware of any official Elakar delegation to the Empire.

Likewise, they are unwilling to provide any access to the "Book of Silence". Many exotic tomes that find their way to the markets of the Sarcophan Delves, but there is nobody prepared to provide one matching the description provided by the ambassador. They politely ask the ambassador's office for more information on this book, in particular why the Empire believe they have it. If Bedelaar Huisbaas understood the context, such as where the rumours surrounding this book had come from, then they might be able to follow whatever lead the Empire believes exists, but without that it is impossible. Given the contents mentioned by the Imperial Ambassador, it is possible that the information they are seeking ''might'' be found in the Delves, perhaps in the possession of the custodians of the Houses of Silence.

Bedelar Huisbaas Annike does sound a note of caution, however, in the interests of managing Imperial expectations. The Delves invited the Empire to establish the [[Bishop_of_the_Navigators#Cathedral_of_the_Navigators|Cathedral of the Navigators]] in the ''Buitenlandsewijk'', and they have no interest in preventing Imperial missionaries visiting Sarcophan. But the people of the Delves have their own faith, their own religion, and their own beliefs about what happens after death. The priests of that faith have no reason to be friendly to the Empire, whose goal of converting everyone to the Way is well known. The Bedelar Huisbaas will not stop wayfarers coming to the Delves as long as they remain civil, but they likewise have no interest in putting any pressure on the custodians of the Houses of Silence on behalf of the Empire.

{{Sarcophan Links}}

All the night-tide

2026-03-06T16:21:53Z

Thespaceinvader:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As the party filed through to the great hall, Aart glanced back at the fresco. It was very pretty, and the price made it a perfect way to show his respect and affection for the terrible old man. Then the sweet smells of the feast that was to come pulled his attention back to the real reason they were all gathered here today, and he closed the door behind him.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Leonid Meteor Storm.jpg|caption=The Sarcophan Delves would rather see everyone enjoy prosperity and wealth than fighting... although there is of course profit to be made in war as well.|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az9e0daCbYU}}
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

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

The Sarcophan ambassador to the Empire is ''Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike'', of the Tower of Crows. She reports to the beggar-landlords of Sarcophan, and is known to be a wily and subtle diplomat. No stranger to the murkier waters of espionage and intelligence-gathering, she constantly seeks opportunities to expand the influence of the Sarcophan mercantile Empire across the Known World. She has no particular loyalty to any one faction; her main concern appears to be the prosperity of the nation as a whole.
{{Nation|nation=[[Sarcophan Delves]]|status=Foreigner|port=[[Sarcophan_Delves_ports#Sarcophan|Sarcophan]] and [[Sarcophan_Delves_ports#Betovering|Betovering]]|ambassador= Dino i Riqueza of [[the Brass Coast]]}}
==The Pax Sarcophan==
* '''The Pax Sarcophan appears to be holding - the Sarcophan will not tolerate attempts to blockade or attack their ships'''
* '''The Sarcophan have informed the Grendel that they require them to cease attacks on vessels trading with the Empire'''
Last season the Sarcophan Delves announced the institution of the ''Pax Sarcophan'', a commitment to keeping the sea lanes open to traders in the face of open warfare between multiple great powers. The Pax is straightforward; while nations have every right to sink each other's ships if they are at war, piracy will not be tolerated. Attempts to force uninvolved nations to stop trading with an enemy will be met with swift retribution from Sarcophan. They will cut off trade ties, encourage their allies to do the same, and send their own battle ships and privateers to harass the offending nation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Knowing that artists of such renown obviously have many calls on their time, the Poortwachter has dispatched a missive confirming the agreement.

===Blasphemy and Heresy===
{{SOP|statement=The Sarcophan are building a Cathedral in the Alivetti Estates, in Sarvos, to their foreign faith. The estates are their lands - leave them to their ways and do not enter, thereby avoiding falling under their sway when it opens. We the Bishops of the League exhort you to polite and civil disinterest!|by=Paulus Adelaar van Holberg, League Assembly|vote=Greater Majority 248-0|when=Summer Solstice 387YE|size=small}}
* '''The League Assembly can urge citizens to avoid the Silent Manse and its unwholesome teachings'''
Obviously the presence of an actual temple of a foreign religion in Sarvos has been a matter for some concern (for all that the land where it is built is equally technically part of the Sarcophan Delves). The Manse allows an unparalleled opportunity for the Poortwachter and their Community to proselytise the Sarcophan religion to those visiting the Alivetti Enclave.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All at sea

2026-03-06T16:21:18Z

Thespaceinvader:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:383YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Trade Winds]]
<ic>"My name is Creag," said the guide, his Imperial impeccable despite his strong accent. "I will be your guide to the tomb of the Empress that many know as ''the unwise''. If you'd like to follow me, I will lead you now on a wonderful night-time journey through the tragic wreckage of one woman's hubris, which ended with her mortal remains transported to the frozen north and her beloved husband nought more than a plaything for the Grendel orcs. This tomb - ruined by the orcs of the Broken Shore during their historic invasion of Sarvos - stands as mute testimony to what many Imperial historians consider the bittersweet failures of her reign."

The guide paused for a moment, making eye contact with several members of the group, raised his torch, and spun dramatically to walk through the opening to the broken tomb... before pausing at the threshold. He turned quickly back, earnestly addressing the little gathering as if as an afterthought, but clearly part of a well-rehearsed script.

"Please do not touch any of the relics you see on display here. Many of them are very fragile, recovered by daring historians from the drowned ruins of the Alivetti estate. Others were purchased at ruinous expense from the sinister orcs who stole them during their short-lived domination of the formerly Jewelled City. You might ask yourself: did the destruction of this mighty tomb foreshadow the devastating mirror-cracking curse that would fall on Sarvos a mere three years later? Probably not. But we Sarcophan know it is best not to take any chances with potentially cursed relics. And I am sure you will agree with us."

He fell silent for a few turgid moments, careful to make eye contact with each of his guests in turn. Then he turned back to the ruins, and beckoned them to follow him.

"This way, please. Be careful of the slippery floor, and be sure to wrap yourself in your cloaks. The air is very cold here, but that will just make you appreciate the complimentary traditional League spiced drinks when we reach the lodge at the end of the tour." </ic>
==Overview==
{{Audio|link=https://youtu.be/3jatpeUaEo0}}
The Empire is one of six great powers who wield influence over the known world. Two of those other nations, the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Sumaah Republic]] are allied to the Empire via the [[Ratify Liberty Pact|Liberty Pact]]. Two others - the [[Asavean Archipelago]] and the [[Principalities of Jarm]] are slaving nations, targeted with [[Tariffs#Sanctions|sanctions]] by the Pact members. The last nation, the [[Sarcophan Delves]], neither uses slaves nor upholds the Liberty Pact, cherishing the freedom to trade where it wills.

There are countless smaller nations in the Known World, but those that neighbour the Empire are of particular importance to Imperial citizens. [[Faraden]], [[Axos]], the [[Iron Confederacy]], [[Otkodov]], and the [[Bay_of_Catazar#The_Broken_Shore_and_Attar|Broken Shore]] are all home to nations whose proximity grants them an unexpected level of influence over the much larger Empire they surround.

Each nation has their own agenda, and the waters of international diplomacy can be choppy indeed.
==Asavea==
* '''The Imperial Senate has applied [[Tariffs#Sanctions|sanctions]] to Asavean traders dealing with the Empire.'''
* '''The Nemorian Plenum has responded with sanctions of its own on Imperial merchants. Further details of their impact can be found [[The_price_of_liberty#The_Asavean_Archipelago|here]]'''
* '''The [[Ambassador to Asavea]] is ''Chainbreaker Pakt'' of the [[Imperial Orcs]]'''
Relations with the Asavean Assembly remain barely cordial. Pointing to the role of Imperial citizens in [[The_divide_between#Participation:_Trading|supporting]] the anarchist satrapies during their short lived uprising, and the insulting way they treated the work of Almodin Oktístis, the anti-Imperial faction in the Plenum is now in the ascendant. Shortly before the Winter Solstice, news reaches Imperial shores that Nemoria is to host a gathering of nations not included in the [[Ratify Liberty Pact|Liberty Pact]] during the coming Solstice. Invitations have apparently been dispatched to the [[Principalities of Jarm]] and the [[Sarcophan Delves]], but rumour suggests the [[Grendel]] and possibly even the [[Iron Confederacy]] are also expecting to send a delegation. The Empire, [[Sumaah Republic]], and [[Commonwealth]] have very pointedly ''not'' been invited to this meeting.

The anti-Imperial faction in the Plenum, led by the Tarquinius, Coriolani, and Ilotari families, apparently has the backing of almost all the major temples. While the faction has been in the minority in the past few years, it is slowly gathering momentum. Representatives of the Heraclien and Ragnabe families - who support the [[Overseer_of_the_Cavabianca_Dock#Cavabianca_Dock|Cavabiance Docks]] in [[Sarvos]] - are increasingly nervous that they will be forced to cease trading with the Empire, and sell their stocks of [[white granite]] to other nations.
===The Temples===
* '''The Temple of the Seven Virtues in Nemoria remains ruined'''
* '''The Temple of Balo and the Black Bull remains in Grendel hands'''
{{SOP|statement=Given that the Temple of the Black Bull is not under our control, and our building in Asavea is in disrepair, it would be in the interests of the Empire to not renew, and to destroy (in a controlled manner) both buildings given our commitment to building stronger relations with non-slaving nations.|Assembly=Wisdom Assembly|when=Autumn 383YE|by=Leah of the Shattered Tower|vote=266-10 (Greater Majority)}}
The Temple of the Seven Virtues in Nemoria remains ruined - blackened by fire and cracked by the vandal's hammer. Most of the Imperial priests who supported the Temple have now returned to the Empire. Imperial citizens visiting on trade or missionary work speak of being harassed in the streets - and of discontented believers in the Asavean pantheon preaching in front of the Temple. The Plenum has posted guards outside the Temple for the protection of the priests and those who still wish to use the structure to worship. They have also dispatched a message to the Empire - they regret the damage caused to the Temple but there is no support for using Asavean funds to refurbish it. An offer has been made to purchase the land the Temple stands on, and the Plenum is inclined to accept it.

Elsewhere in the city, even amongst the upper echelons of the Plenum, there is open debate about the nature of the Way - and its "''dangerous, mind-corrupting''" nature. Salacious stories of wayward children of minor families repeating the 'grotesque' debasement of sacred icons that was seen in Feroz are muttered in the forae and marketplaces - further adding to the atmosphere of suspicion surrounding foreigners from the Empire. Not all voices preach distrust however: A scion of a middling Plenum family, the house of Traposdo, has stoked the fires by offering fiery rhetoric ''against'' the demonization of the Way - claiming that there is a "''nobility inherent in the Virtues''". The political machinations of Asavean society have not yet decided if this argument is scandalous, embarrassing or amusing enough for further consideration.

For their part, the Wisdom Assembly at least seems to believe that the best course of action would be destroy both the Temple in Asavea, and the Temple of the Black Bull in Feroz (currently under Grendel control). In truth, the situation is moot - the Empire is not really in a position to tear down either structure.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right; margin-left: 10px;"><box>'''Trajadoz''' (''Tra-ha-doss'')<br>Trajadoz was founded roughly three hundred years ago by the Trajaduz family of traders who were intent on fostering trade between the mines of newly conquered [[Kahraman]] and the wealth of [[Sarvos]]. The most recent influx of townsfolk was during the invasion of [[Segura]] in 363YE. Since the reclamation of Segura in 378YE it has stood empty, save for a few bandits, as the Freeborn returned to their homes.</box>
</div>
{{SOP|statement=The Nine call upon the people of the Empire to show their Prosperity by helping the Asavean refugees who have reached our shores. Open your hearts to those who have escaped from the cruelties of the Plenum, who would make them slaves and force them to bow down before false gods. Help them to learn of the Way so that they may go forward in virtue.|Assembly=Assembly of the Nine|when=Autumn 383YE|by=Onan of the Chantry|vote=8-0 (Primacy)}}
===The Trajadoz Exiles===
* '''Two factions of Asavean exiles currently reside in Trajadoz, in the Brass Coast'''
* '''The ''Marracossan'' exiles represent former nobles and their households from the defeated provinces of Marracossa'''
* '''The "Freefolk" exiles are predominantly former slaves and servants who practice a form of The Way'''
Following the ill-starred rebellion in Asavea, Imperial fleets brought a number of rebels to the Empire. Most of them have settled in the town of Trajadoz, in Madruga. They are broadly divided into two factions. The dominant faction are the "''Marracossans''" (never Nemorians, and rarely accepting Asavean). A disparate group; made up of priests and soldiers, crafters and traders, they have already [[Large_but_far_away#Evacuation|lodged a request]] with the Imperial Senate to be allowed to build a small temple to the trinity of gods they revere. One of the Marracossans in exile - the ''Legate Glaucia Herminia'' - is bringing a small delegation to Anvil to negotiate the future for their people. The Legate reportedly seeks to establish a formal relationship with the Empire and arrange for "''mutually beneficial trade''" and formal recognition of the Marracossan settlement at Trajadoz. They are anticipated to reach Anvil at some time on '''Saturday evening'''.

Imperial citizens who participated in the Asavean Uprising might remember the name. The Herminia were staunch supporters of the rebellion, and Glaucia and their household fought during several engagements involving Imperial troops. A taciturn and brooding individual, they nevertheless led their troops effectively, if a little callously.

The other faction are the "''Freefolk''" - former slaves and servants who consider themselves adherents of the Way. Following their attendance at the Autumn Equinox, these pilgrims have travelled widely through the Empire. Numbering a hundred or so they travel in small bands and ply the pilgrim paths. They proclaim their faith in the Way and have been notable visitors to several sites of spiritual importance. They even caused a mild nuisance at [[Necropolis#The Necropolis|Necropolis]], where their pilgrimage lasted several weeks and involved their near-constant presence at the Tomb of [[Empress Richilde]]. They spent what wealth they have to adorn the great tomb with paper flowers and richly coloured ribbons. Elsewhere in the nations these oddly-dressed outsiders have been found working odd-jobs and day labour for a few rings, which is invariably tithed to local priests and shrines. As the Solstice approaches, these travelling bands have begun to veer back to Anvil, joining together on the road and forming slow-moving caravans of the pious decked in improvised symbols of Pride: blank banners formed of tree limbs and rags, simple tabards emblazoned with the sun and, setting them apart from the Imperial faithful they sometimes travel alongside, extensive body paint featuring various symbols of the Virtues. Those Imperial citizens that have interacted with these travellers speak of a carnival atmosphere, despite their obvious impoverishment and their openness about hoping to 'witness the Throne' and participate with the wider Way.

Not all interactions have been smooth: the former slaves have a very different idea of what is appropriate to pilgrims and there has been some concern that their ideas may be heretical - especially their relationship to the Paragons. Lacking trained priests, it may be that their beliefs are incompatible with the orthodox Way. Given that these Freefolk have been invited to [[Anvil]] by the troubadours - to meet with the [[Lady of the Proffered Hand]] and discuss the possibility of moving to Dawn - there should be an opportunity to further delve into what exactly it is they believe. They are also expected to arrive at Anvil at some point on '''Saturday evening'''. You can learn more about this situation in '''[[Between_wind_and_water#Embrace_our_history|Between wind and water]]''' wind of fortune.

===Trade with Nemoria===
* '''Imperial fleets trading with Nemoria receive a -2 rank penalty to their production.'''
The sanctions imposed by both the Empire and the Asavean government mean that any fleet captain trading with Nemoria itself suffers a significant loss of profit. That loss could have been offset by the presence of the two temples - one in Feroz and one in Nemoria. Unfortunately the Temple in Nemoria is still heavily damaged following the attack by a mob. As such, confidence among Asavean merchants trading with the Empire has been badly shaken. If the Temple in Nemoria is repaired by the Senate then the benefits of having an obvious symbol of Asavean and Imperial cooperation would resume.

The Temple in Feroz still stands, and the Grendel continue to permit Asavean merchants to dock there, however it is made clear to the merchants that it is due to the orders of the Salt Lords that this is happening. The goodwill from the Temple previously afforded to Imperial fleet owners is now directed towards the [[Grendel]].
==Axos==
* '''The Citadels of Axos are signatories to the Liberty pact; they have placed [[Tariffs#Sanctions|sanctions]] on trade with slaving nations'''
* '''The current [[Ambassador to Axos]] is ''Tarquinius Ankarien'' of [[Urizen]]'''
Fellow signatories to the Liberty Pact, the Axou are one of the Empire's closest neighbours. Their citadels are steeped in old magic and ''necromantica'', and they are a proud and often contentious people. Their relationship with the Empire is increasingly a little fractious - they seem to want to strengthen ties but at the same time are very keen to maintain their own identity - to be seen as equals to the other Liberty Pact signatories even though they are not even slightly on the same scale as the Empire, Sumaah, or the Commonwealth.

You can read about opportunities related to the miserable situation of the free orc slaves in Axos in the '''[[Written in salt]]''' wind of fortune.
===Treaties===
* '''A treaty was ratified with Axos during the Autumn Equinox'''
During the Autumn Equinox the [[Senate]] [[Ratify treaty with the Axos Autumn 383YE|ratified]] a treaty with [[Axos]]. Part of the document dealt with shared intelligence assets - including a copy of the Empire's map of the [[Tsark|Mountains of the Moon]]. The Axou are believed to have sent a number of their scouts and ''Toxatai'' to work alongside Imperial forces in support of the [[spy network]] recently completed in [[The Mallum#Sarangrave|Sarangrave]]. As full participants, they will receive a copy of any information that has been discovered, including a usable map assuming sufficient spies were active in the marshes.

The treaty invited a number of Axou students to apply for places at the great centres of learning, as proposed [[A mountain of vipers#A_Scholarly_Overture|last season]]. ''Mistress Isephenia'' - a well respected professor in the faculty of natural philosophy at the University of Maykop - has made it clear that the group of students she represents are grateful for this invitation. However, she was a little disappointed not to see mention of the remote campus she had proposed - if the Empire wishes to take her up on the [[A_mountain_of_vipers#A_Scholarly_Overture|offer of ilium]], that will now require a separate [[commission]].

The senator of [[Redoubt]] raised a motion to construct the [[Construct Elosian Docks|Elosian docks]] but no progress has thus far been made on the project.

Finally there seems to have been an error in communication between the Axou and the Imperial civil service. The Axou offered to assist with setting up a [[Construct_Trade_Enclave_in_Axos|trade enclave]] in Kantor to allow trading with the people of Skoura. Evidently there was something missed and the civil service will be providing an administrative motion at the first senate session of the upcoming summit to clarify if the senate wishes to go ahead with the construction.
{{SOP|statement=In Wisdom the Synod judges liao trade with the Axos to be an acceptable activity that is neither virtuous nor unvirtuous. We send Sariel of the Shattered Tower with 25 liao to reassure the citizens of the Empire that selling or trading liao with the people of Axos is as virtuous and Prosperous as any other trade.|Assembly=Assembly of the Nine|when=Autumn 383YE|by=Sariel|vote=0-8 (Primacy)}}

===The Liao Trade===
* '''The Assembly of the Nine made a clear announcement that there was no bar to virtuous merchants trading liao to the Axou'''
During the Autumn Equinox, the matter of whether it was virtuous to [[A mountain of vipers#The Liao Trade|trade liao to the Axou]] was discussed. The Assembly of Nine made a [[statement of principle]] that it was neither virtuous nor unvirtuous to sell the substance to merchants from Axos - it is as prosperous an endeavour as any other form of trade. As a consequence, the sale of liao provided to [[congregation|congregations]] will now net the person doing so a full Crown for each dose, rather than the 18 rings it had provided previously. At the same time, there has been an increase in the number of ships visiting Imperial ports. The improved trade and additional tariffs see an additional 10 Thrones each season added to the Imperial Treasury.
===Matter of the Black Sails===
* '''There has been another incident at the Black Sails Quay'''
* '''Axou merchants are requesting a change to the way the Quaymaster of Black Sails Quay is appointed'''
* '''The current Quaymaster is Able the Taller'''
The increase in trade has raised a bone of contention regarding the [[Quaymaster_of_the_Black_Sails#Black_Sails_Quay|Black Sails Quay]] in [[Necropolis]] which allows Axou merchants to purchase Liao from imperial merchants. A petition by a number of Axou traders and ship captains (primarily from the Chambers of Issyk and the Halls of Maykop) has been sent to the Imperial Senate requesting that they change the method of election for the [[Quaymaster of the Black Sails]]. Rather than being appointed by the priests of the Imperial Synod - who many of these Axou merchants see as agents of the hated Creator, whether they realise it or not - they would very much prefer it be appointed by the merchants of the Empire. Could it not be appointed by the [[Auction of the Seats]] - with the added benefit this would put more money in the coffers of the Imperial Senate? The [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] has expressed the opinion that there is no reason the Senate could not change the appointment method if they wished - the ministry deals with liao as a trade good, rather than using it in pursuit of the Synod's responsibilities.

The Axou argue that while the Quaymaster oversees deals in [[liao]], it is not an especially religious position. It is much more similar, they claim, to an apothecary role than a religious one. The petition is apparently quite civil, but there is the possibility that the situation might escalate depending on how the Senate, or the Imperial Synod, respond. The [[Ambassador to Axos]] will no doubt know more.

===Trade with Axos===
* '''Imperial fleets can trade with the Towers of Kantor'''
* '''Trade with the newly-opened port at the Chambers of Issyk is still subject to a -2 rank penalty'''
Imperial [[fleet]] captains can trade freely with the Towers of Kantor. The recent disruption there in the wake of the release of orc slaves appears to have died down. It's also possible to trade with the Chambers of Issyk, but the [[A_mountain_of_vipers#Trading_with_Issyk|situation with the docks]] there remains dire, restricting opportunities for Imperial traders. As part of the treaty the Senate has given the Ambassador to Axos authority to purchase land in [[A_mountain_of_vipers#The_Quayside_of_Issyk|Issyk]] to construct a quay there for use by Imperial traders, but there does not yet seem to have been any progress with the construction by the start of the Winter Solstice.

==Commonwealth==
* '''The Commonwealth are signatories to the Liberty pact; they have placed [[Tariffs#Sanctions|sanctions]] on trade with slaving nations'''
* '''The magicians of the Commonwealth have access to [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]]'''
* '''The current [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth]] is ''Lucia Sanguineo di Tassato'' of [[The League|the League]]'''
Relations with the [[Commonwealth]] remain cordial - perhaps even friendly. As fellow signatories of the Liberty Pact, the Commonwealth has confirmed it will be sending delegates to the Empire during the Spring Equinox to attend a meeting of the Pact members. They've also informed the Empire of their intention to intervene directly in the Axos situation and [[Written_in_salt#The_Commonwealth_Complication|offer a new home to the orcs]] whether the Axou like it or not.

The situation in [[Large_but_far_away#Lantir|Lantir]] - where Commonwealth diplomats are engaged in a political struggle with Jarmish agents - apparently continues to deteriorate. While troops have not crossed the border from either of the larger nations, it is surely only a matter of time.
===Die Zauberer===
* '''Commonwealth magicians are invited to study Imperial lore'''
* '''A contingent of ''zauberer'' intends to attend the Saturday conclave as observers'''
The [[Conclave]] supported a [[Declaration]] of [[Concord]] earlier in the year, raised by ''Juha, the Cave Spider'', that [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord_.E2.80.93_Invite_mages_of_the_Commonwealth|invites]] mages from the Commonwealth to learn from [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial Lore]]. A number of wealthy ''zauberer'' - Commonwealth ritual magicians - have already taken advantage of the offer. They are mostly studying at the [[Dean_of_the_Lyceum#The_Lyceum|Lyceum]] - it is after all quite conveniently close to the [[Madruga#The_Commonwealth_Embassy|Commonwealth embassy]] in [[Madruga#Siroc|Siroc]] - but a professor and a dozen students braved the long cold trek north to the [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#The_Icy_Crag_of_the_Eternal_Sun|Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun]] in [[Miekarova]] to engage in several long nights of enthusiastic discussion of [[Summer magic|Summer lore]].

Several of the visiting zauberer have expressed an intention to attend the Imperial Conclave on the second night of the summit. They hope to speak to the [[Grandmaster|grandmasters]] of the [[Conclave order|orders]] of the [[Celestial Arch]] and the [[Rod and Shield]] before the session begins. They will be arriving in Anvil at around six and will journey to the Hall of Worlds to discuss matters concerning the [[Large_but_far_away#Commonwealth|Lyceum Schloss]] with the grandmasters and any [[Magical skills#magician|magicians]] interested in international politics.

===Trade with the Commonwealth===
* '''Imperial captains visiting [[Commonwealth_ports#Leerdam_.28Eastern_Commonwealth.29|Leerdam]] receive an additional dram of [[Bladeroot]]'''
* '''Imperial captains visiting [[Commonwealth_ports#Volkavaar_.28Western_Commonwealth.29|Volkavaar]] receive an additional vial of [[Artisan's Oil]]'''
Imperial fleet captains remain welcome in Commonwealth ports. Any Imperial fleet visiting Leerdam during the coming season will receive an additional dram of [[Bladeroot]] as a sign of this enthusiasm. Likewise, captains visiting Volkavaar will receive an additional vial of Artisan's Oil. It is not certain how long this enthusiasm will last, but it is anticipated to persist at least until the start of the Spring Equinox 384YE.

There is also talk of perhaps opening further ports to Imperial captains - not least as a way of showing their support for their fellow Liberty Pact members.

==Faraden==
* '''The Empire has instituted [[Tariffs#Sanctions|sanctions]] against the [[Faraden]]; the Faraden have not yet applied their own sanctions. Further details can be found [[The_price_of_liberty#Faraden|here]]'''
* '''The bounty placed on the lives of Livia of the Spire of Celestial Cascade, Lord Colwynn de Rondell and Astrid Fjellrevening Rezia di Tassato by Faraden families remains'''
* '''The Faraden embassy remains in the hands of the Jotun'''
* '''The current [[Ambassador to Faraden]] is ''Erasmo di Tassato'' of [[the League]]'''
Relations between the Empire and [[Faraden]] remain distant, but might improve. The [[Voice of Liberty]] has called on the signatories of the Liberty Pact to meet at Anvil at the upcoming Spring Equinox, and the Faraden have been invited to this meeting. They are arranging for a delegate to represent them.

Part of the reason relations remain chilly, however, is that there is still [[Small_but_nearby#An_Unpleasant_Altercation|a price on the heads]] of three Imperial citizens. Some support for the Empire has come from an unlikely source, with two cities in the Autumn realm offering an opportunity to try and resolve the problem. You can learn more about that in the '''[[Impossible_landscapes#Ephisis|Impossible Landscapes]]''' wind of fortune.

There are also Faraden merchants planning to visit Anvil - representatives of at least one merchant family dealing in herbal concoctions. You can learn more about this in '''[[The_hammer_and_the_anvil_song#A_Concoctions_Market|A concoctions market]]'''.
{{SOP|statement=The Brass Coast strive to be vigilant, eyes open to the best deal, the fairest wind and the low sitting hull of a ship full of cargo to raid. We call upon these virtuous Freeborn to use their vigilance to identify those who would seek to avoid paying Imperial Tariff - the price for slaving - and who would question our Pride in our ability to uphold Imperial law, by identifying and exposing dishonest smugglers for what they are. Life is short - never let it be dull. |by=Dayanara i Cabeza i Erigo , The Freeborn National|when=Autumn Equinox 383YE|vote=256-0}}
===Smugglers===
* '''Suspicion of Faraden and Imperial smuggling across the western border has been confirmed'''
* '''The Imperial Senate could use an appraisal or ask the magistrates to investigate (costing the Senate 25 Thrones)'''
* '''Either Senate option will create opportunities at the Spring Equinox'''
* '''The Freeborn Assembly could support the smugglers or support an opportunity for military units to try to stop the smugglers'''

For some time there has been suspicion that there was substance to [[Through_my_sails#Smuggling|reports]] of [[The_risk-all_point#Smuggling|smuggling]] taking place across the western borders of [[the Brass Coast]].

During the Autumn Equinox, the Freeborn Assembly upheld with a [[greater majority]] a [[statement of principle]] calling on virtuous Freeborn to identify anyone who is seeking to avoid paying Imperial tariffs on trade with the Faraden. Several individuals have since come forward with evidence of not one but several unrelated smuggling rings operating in [[Kahraman]] and [[Segura]] - the latter in spite of the war with the [[Jotun]]. Goods pass into the Lasambrain Hills territory of Reinos, west of the Brass Coast. What is perhaps a little unexpected is the enthusiasm with which the Freeborn end of the route appears to be engaging with their Faraden counterparts. Apparently there are a number of [[dhomiro]] who believe that the Senate should not be imposing tariffs on any trade at all - that it is tantamount to theft - and that it is both [[Prosperity|Prosperous]] and [[Courage|Courageous]] to circumvent those tariffs. There is also a little evidence that these Freeborn families are not alone in supporting smuggling - and that one of the smuggling routes meanders through Kahraman into [[the Marches]].

There are two obvious ways to respond to this news. Assuming the Senate does not with to remove the tariffs from the Faraden, an Imperial Senator could raise an [[appraisal]] to determine ways of securing Imperial borders against smuggling. Alternatively, an Imperial Senator could raise a senate motion asking the Magistrates to focus their efforts on shutting down smuggling across the borders of the Brass Coast. Either of these will create opportunities during the Spring Equinox to deal with the problem. The appraisal will provide more options - depending on which of the three civil servants is dispatched to investigate. Sending the magistrates in will cost the Imperial Treasury 25 Thrones and will only create opportunities that involve the magistrates and the militia.

The Imperial Synod could also get involved. Two mandates could be enacted, one opposing the smuggling rings and one offering explicit support for their anti-Senate tariff position.
{{Mandate|mandate=Whatever we think about taxation, and the virtue of tariffs, the fact remains that much of the Faraden wealth is secured through the use of slave labour. We are the Freeborn and we cannot support slavery, under any circumstances. We send {named priest} with 50 liao to urge the Vigilant, the Loyal, and the Courageous to do whatever it takes to put a stop to this unvirtuous trade.|assembly=Freeborn Assembly}}
If this mandate is upheld, for the next year it will be possible for Freeborn [[military unit|military units]] to undertake a special [[military unit#Independent Action|Independent action]] ''Break Faraden smuggling rings''. Other nations will be able to take the action, but will do so at -2 penalty to their effective rank. Instead of the usual random production, a standard military unit taking this action will receive 5 random [[Materials#Metals|ingots]] and 90 rings, with an upgraded or enchanted military unit receiving commensurately more. How successful the action is at breaking the smuggling ring will depend on how much force is applied to it over the coming year. As long as at least 1,000 effective force each season is applied, then during the Winter Solstice 384YE there will be an opportunity to permanently shut down the smuggling operation.

However, this mandate will also cause the Freeborn to question the worth of ''any'' trade with the Faraden. As a consequence the [[Overseer of the Gloaming Road]] will lose access to the highest rank of their [[ministry]] for as long as the Faraden remain subject to Imperial tariffs. In the event that the Lasambrians are driven out of Anduz, and the Faraden Embassy recovered by the Empire, the Ambassador would likewise lose access to the highest rank of their ministry.
{{Mandate|mandate=Whatever we think about slavery, it is unvirtuous and unprosperous for the Senate to apply tariffs to trade. We send {named priest} with 50 liao to urge the Prosperous and the Courageous to do what their virtue tells them to do when trading with Faraden.|assembly=Freeborn Assembly}}
If this mandate is upheld, the Freeborn assembly will explicitly declare its opposition to Imperial tariffs, even on slaving nations. More smuggling rings will spring up, and will operate with greater confidence. As a consequence, every [[business]] in Segura and Kahraman will produce an additional 2 ingots of random metals, until the start of the Winter Solstice 384YE or until tariffs on Faraden trade are removed. There will also be at least one opportunity for the Freeborn to improve relations with the Faraden by supporting illegal trade between the two nations.

These two mandates are, of course, in competition.

<div style="float:right; width: 225px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=WingedMessenger.png|caption='''Chief Vallack''' is the warchief of the Great Forest Orcs and may be contacted by [[Call Winged Messenger|Winged Messenger]] at the ''Great Forest Encampment, Lower Tarn Valley, Therunin''|align=right|width=200}}</div>

==Great Forest Orcs==
* '''The Great Forest Orcs remain allies of the Navarr'''
* '''A conjunction of the Sentinel Gate will allow a small delegation to reach the Lower Tarn Valley to meet with the leaders of the orcs'''
* '''While in theory the Imperial Consul should deal with the Great Forest Orcs, they have made it clear they do not respect that authority'''
* '''The Great Forest Orcs prefer dealing with the Navarr senators'''
The [[Great Forest Orcs]] continue to live quietly in the [[Therunin#Lower Tarn Valley|Lower Tarn Valley]] alongside their [[briar]] allies. During the [[383YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#Fire_and_Hemlock|recent conflict]] in [[Therunin]], they fought bravely to protect their settlements, and the steadings of their [[Navarr]] neighbours, from the malice of the Heirs of Terunael. Thanks to the courage of Imperial heroes, their homes survived relatively unscathed, and the construction of the [[Therunin#Holt of the Oak|Holt of the Oak]] was completed without further delays. The presence of the [[weirwood]] [[fortification]] in the Valley means that should any future attempts come to rouse the vallorn here, they will meet even stiffer resistance.
<div style="width:700px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 10px;" ><table class="wikitext">
<tr><th colspan="4" style="text-align:center">Conjunctions</th></tr>
<tr><th>Where</th><th>When</th><th>Size</th><th>Time</th></tr>
<tr><td>The Chief's Contemplation Glade, Lower Tarn Valley, Therunin</td><td>14:00 Sunday</td><td>6 people</td><td>45 minutes</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Accessibility;''' Combat unlikely or contained</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
</table></div>
===A Meeting with the Elders===
* '''A conjunction of the Sentinel Gate creates an opportunity to meet with Chief Vallack and some of the Great Forest Orcs elders'''
There is one event of note as the Winter Solstice approaches. Apparently, during the Autumn Equinox, one of the prestigious leaders of the Great Forest Orcs named ''Elder Kremer'' met with certain Imperial citizens and was convinced that there would be merit to a meeting between the leaders of the nation and the people of Dawn. Rather than come to Anvil - they apparently have no interest in leaving their homes so soon after the battle with the Heirs of Terunael - certainly not to meet with members of a nation they despise - the Great Forest Orcs have apparently chosen to trust to fate. Specifically, they have let it be known that if a meeting is ''meant'' to take place, the [[Sentinel Gate]] will surely permit it. The civil service have confirmed that there appears to be a [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunction]] of the Sentinel Gate at two-in-the-afternoon on the Sunday of the coming summit which leads to "The Chief's Contemplation Glade, Lower Tarn Valley, Therunin, Navarr". The conjunction is not especially large - no more than half a dozen people will be able to pass through it.

The expectation is that the newly elected [[Senator]] for Therunin will gather a small group containing at least some Dawnish representatives to speak with the Great Forest Orcs leaders. Those interested in the meeting - whether Dawnish or otherwise - should consider approaching them or, if they aren't available, their representative. it is vital that the contingent include at least one Navarr - and that any diplomats of Dawn understand that the Great Forest Orcs hold enduring grudges over the role their nation played in events following the [[Accept_Barrens_peace_treaty|collapse of the treaty]] with the Barrens orcs, and the [[Conflict_in_the_Barrens#The_Crusade_Begins|destruction of the Rahvin]].

==Grendel==
* '''The Grendel are now foreigners'''
The Grendel orcs of the Broken Shore have been very busy over the last few months in the wake of the peace treaty [[Ratify treaty with the Grendel Autumn 383YE|ratified by the Senate]] during the Autumn equinox. More thorough details of the situation can be found in three other winds of fortune: '''[[From the sieve of your hands]]''' (detailing the situation in [[Spiral]]; '''[[To curb those raging appetites]]''' (detailing the situation in [[Feroz]]); and '''[[Everything has a price]]''' (a more general wind of fortune dealing with several opportunities to capitalise on the peace treaty).

==Iron Confederacy==
* '''The Empire has placed [[Tariffs#Sanctions|sanctions]] on merchants from the Iron Confederacy: the Suranni have responded with an [[Tariffs#Embargo|embargo]] on Imperial goods. Further details of their impact can be found [[The_price_of_liberty#Iron_Confederacy|here]]'''
* '''A representative of the Suranni is planning to attend Anvil on Saturday'''
* '''The title of [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]] is currently vacant'''
The Iron Confederacy continue to embargo trade with the Empire. Their port remains closed, and there are very few Suranni merchants prepared to risk the wrath of the Dukes by travelling north. As per [[Small_but_nearby#Iron_Confederacy|their announcement]] during the Autumn Equinox, '''Ser Pippin Lavasse''', as envoy on behalf of Baroness Katerine Lavasse of Meore, is expected to arrive in Anvil at around half five on the second day of the summit. Ser Pippin is looking forward to meeting with the Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy, assuming they have been appointed by that time. The civil service would like to remind the Senate that the [[Imperial Consul]] has no authority to meet with Ser Pippin on behalf of the Empire and that the Senate should consider electing someone to the position before Ser Pippin Lavasse arrives in Anvil.

===Hand of Dumon===
* '''The hand of Dumon has suffered a setback'''
During the Autumn Equinox two members of the Hand of Dumon met with imperial priests of the synod in Anvil. ''Abélia Gauber''t and ''Florent Chappuis'' apparently engaged in a great deal of discussion before returning to the Confederacy. Though only two Suranni actually came to Anvil, they were accompanied by a number of others in their travels. According to reports from Segura, several of them were caught and executed by the Iron Confederacy as they crossed the southern borders from Segura to [[Bay_of_Catazar#Kalino_.28or_.E2.80.9CArbonne.E2.80.9D.29|Arbonne]].

Both Abélia and Florent made the crossing safely, and while they are interested in revisiting Anvil in the future - especially if any of the [[Magic_items#Weapons|musical instruments]] that allowed the user to wield the power of the virtues, or [[ritual text|ritual texts]] of [[curse|curses]] were available to trade - are unwilling to risk the lives of their fellow zealots, even if it would allow them to secure tools to fight on behalf of [[Suranni_pantheon#Dumon_the_Liar.2C_the_Wicked_One|Dumon]]. As a consequence the [[Double_or_nothingness#A_Pact_of_Rust_.28Reprise.29|Pact of Dust]] opportunity reprised at the Summer Solstice 383YE is no longer available.

===Trade with the Iron Confederacy===
* '''The Iron Confederacy has closed its borders to Imperial merchants and goods.'''
* '''The port of [[Iron_Confederacy_ports#Robec|Robec]] has been closed to Imperial traders'''
The port of Robec remains closed to Imperial ships, as does the land border from the southern [[the Brass Coast|Brass Coast]]. In the wake of the [[Through_my_sails#Espionage_and_Executions|executions]] earlier in the year, very few Imperial citizens are prepared to risk visiting the Confederacy. Imperial sanctions still permit Suranni merchants to come north, but the increased tariff on their goods, the fact it is currently illegal to bring Imperial produce into the Confederacy, the ongoing conflict in [[Segura]], and the ceding of [[Feroz]] to the [[Grendel]] means fewer and fewer are making the effort.

==Principalities of Jarm==
* '''The Imperial Senate has applied [[Tariffs#Sanctions|sanctions]] to trade with Jarm'''
* '''The House of Princes has placed an embargo on Imperial goods.'''
* '''The current [[Ambassador to Jarm|Ambassador to the Principalities of Jarm]] is ''Eli of the Cenotaph'' of [[Highguard]]'''
Relations with the [[Principalities of Jarm]] remain poor. Last season the representative of the House of Princes ''Magister Wendelin Kovalik'' met with '''Eli of the Cenotaph''' in the Senate building to discuss the steadily worsening relations between the Empire and Jarm. Magister Wendelin made another formal request on behalf of the House of Princes for the Imperial Conclave to allow Jarmish magicians access to Imperial lore to balance the boon given to the Commonwealth, Jarm's enemy. Ambassador Eli made clear that the Conclave had no intent to provide access to Imperial Lore to the magicians of Jarm.
===Jarmish Embargo===
* '''The House of Princes has chosen to end trade with the Empire'''
Following the meeting, the House of Princes has voted to embargo trade with the Empire. Shortly before the Winter Solstice, the ports of Vezak and Kavor are closed to imperial captains. All captains and their crew who are already in the port are informed that their business with the Principalities of Jarm is finished and that they must vacate. One merchant, '''Teodore i Greaga i Erigo''', claims that they were told to ask their magicians and their senator why the Empire had chosen to consistently interfere in the sovereignty of the House of Princes, support their enemies, and treat people who have only ever been cordial to them with such utter contempt.

Unless the Imperial Senate chooses to apply an [[Tariffs#Embargo|embargo]] of their own, this decision by the House won't by itself effect titles such as the [[Prime Factor of the Pallas Docks]]. Jarmish merchants are still free to come to the Empire and trade for Imperial goods - provided they are prepared to pay the tariffs the Empire imposes on their goods. It remains to be seen if the House of Princes will put pressure on these merchants to stop doing so - or whether they will find more lucrative markets elsewhere.

===Trade with Jarm===
* '''Imperial captains are no longer welcome in Jarmish ports'''
Imperial fleet captains can no longer trade with Vezak and Kavor, thanks to the House of Princes embargo.

==Sarcophan Delves==
* '''The Senate has ratified a major treaty with the Sarcophan Delves'''
* '''The Kruidenkenner Magazjin has been expanded'''
* '''The current [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]] is ''Thanmir Hrafnar'' of [[Wintermark]]'''
Relations between the Empire and the [[Sarcophan Delves]] remain friendly. During the Autumn Equinox, the Imperial Senate [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Sarcophan_Delves_Autumn_383YE|ratified a treaty]] that has further cemented goodwill between the two nations on either side of the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Teeth|Sea of Teeth]]. Work have been completed on the [[Expand_the_Kruidenkenner_Magazjin|expansion]] to the ''[[Kruidenkenner_Trademaster#The_Kruidenkenner_Magazijn|Kruidenkenner Magazijn]]'' at [[Necropolis#Crown's Quay|Crown's Quay]] in [[Necropolis]], further increasing imports of herbs and rare concoctions from the Delves, and providing benefits to a number of Imperial titles related to the apothecary arts.

===Enclaves===
* '''The Empire has ceded the Alivetti estates in Sarvos to the Bedelaar Huisbaas Vandersaar'''
* '''The Steel Fist now provides an additional 4 rings of Ilium each season'''
* '''Imperial business owners have an additional diversification option'''
* '''Traders visiting the Delves receive additional herbs'''
The Empire has [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|conceded]] the Alivetti estates in Sarvos to the Vandersaar, allowing them to build a substantial trading enclave on the southern coast of the Empire. The Sarcophan have already begun transforming the ruined estates into a trading post - bringing in their own engineers with experience draining marches and building on flooded ground. Work is proceeding apace, with towers in the Sarcophan style rising over the ruined buildings of the former Empress' estate. One set of ruins remains untouched however; the broken tomb of [[Empress Giselle]] is preserved as an historic landmark, which the Vandersaar have made clear can be visited at any time by Imperial citizens eager to explore their history. Indeed, a small team of historians and guides have been provided to give guided tours of the tomb and several other key locations, and a number of souvenirs have been made available at reasonable prices.

The immediate benefit is that the [[Steel Fist]] Bourse seat - controlled by the [[Imperial Orcs]] and due for election again during the Spring Equinox - will permanently receive an additional 4 rings of [[ilium]] each season. This has sparked some interest given the recent discussions around the [[Stone_and_stone#The_Gildenheim_Deepforge|Gildenheim Deepforge]].

The presence of a Sarcophan enclave of this size on the southern coast of the Empire will also offer an advantage to Imperial business owners. They will gain the ability to diversify their resource to gain an income of herbs as well as money following the normal rules (an investment of 1 Throne, which will reduce the production of the resource by 36 rings and replace the money with two herbs of the character's choice).

Finally, the enclave will significantly improve the confidence of Sarcophan merchants - both those visiting the Empire and those at home in the Delves - that Imperial citizens are people with whom they can do business. Every Imperial ship captain visiting Sarcophan will gain an additional dose of Marrowort and an additional dose of Imperial Roseweald each season.

===The Temple of the Way in Sarcophan===
* '''The Senate can commission a temple in the Sarcophan Delves'''
* '''It would cost 40 white granite, 30 mithril, 140 crowns in labour costs, and take six months to complete'''
In return for the concedence of the estates, the Vandersaar have provided the Empire with land within the Buitenlandsewijk in Sarcophan, suitable for the Empire to [[Through_my_sails#New_Opportunities|build a Temple of the Way]]. The ''Buitenlandsewijk'' is an area of the Delves where foreign investment is welcomed and encouraged. The temple requires a [[commission]] by the Senate, and counts against the limitation of how much they can build in a single season. The beledaar huisbaas are aware of the [[bearer of an Imperial Wayleave|Imperial wayleaves]] but regretfully say they will ''only'' accept a decision by the Senate; they wish to ensure that the Temple has the Empire's full legal backing.

The Temple will require 40 white granite and 30 mithril, with 140 crowns in labour costs, and will also take six months to establish. The effect would be similar to that of the [[Liaison_to_the_Temple_in_Nemoria|Temple in Nemoria]]. It would create an Imperial title - perhaps ''Prior of the Sarcophan Temple'' - who would be able to acquire Sarcophan goods in return for ensuring a regular supply of [[liao]] to the Temple. Unlike the situation in Nemoria, however, there is already a community of followers of the Way in Sarcophan who would look to the Temple for guidance and support, and would view the Prior as a point of contact to raise religious concerns. As they made clear when they first made the offer to the Empire, the bedelaar huisbaas have made the same offer to the [[Sumaah Republic]] - that they too can build a temple in the Delves - on the understanding that if the conflict between the two nations escalates to the point where it impedes trade the Sarcophan will act decisively to end that conflict.

There is of course no requirement to take immediate advantage of this building opportunity - unless something significantly changes the offer to cede land to the Empire and allow them to build a temple remains open.

===Trade with the Delves===
* '''Trade between the Empire and Sarcophan remains healthy'''
* '''Imperial fleets trading with the Delves receive additional herbs'''
Imperial captains continue to be welcomed in the Delves. The concedence of the Alivetti estates has greatly improved the confidence of Sarcophan merchants - strengthening even further the bonds of trade. As such every [[fleet]] captain that trades with the Delves receives an additional dose of [[Marrowort]] and an additional dose of [[Imperial Roseweald]] in addition to the normal production.

==Sumaah Republic==
* '''The Sumaah Republic are signatories to the Liberty pact; they have [[Tariffs#Embargo|embargoed]] trade with slaving nations.'''
* '''The Sumaah Republic still has possession of the Imperial Crown'''
* '''The current [[Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic]] is ''Accalon of Felix's Watch'' of [[Highguard]]'''
Broadly speaking, relations between the [[Sumaah Republic]] and the Empire remain polite but complicated. The Sumaah still possess the Imperial Crown, and there are still significant divisions between the two Synods. Yet there are also positive elements to their relationship as [[Three_celebrations_and_a_funeral#Blade_of_the_Isles|interest in the Seminary of Zemress]] suggests. Several representatives of the Sumaah attended Anvil during the Autumn Equinox. One guest even visited with the [[Navarr]] and investigates the spiritual nature of the [[vallorn]], while other delegates discussed the arrangements for the Symposium on the Way, the ongoing politics of the Liberty Pact.
===Meetings with the Sumaah===
* '''The Sumaah are not sending an official delegation to the Empire during the Winter Solstice'''
In the case of the latter two there is good news and bad news. The good news is that the Sumaah Republic is very much looking forward to the first formal meeting of the Liberty Pact, due to take place during the Spring Equinox. The bad news is that the Symposium, originally intended for the Winter Solstice, has again needed to be delayed.

Envoys for the Sumaah are at pains to point out how much easier it will be for them to arrange for key individuals to make the long and dangerous journey to the Empire once rather than twice. By delaying for one more season, they can combine the Symposium on the Way with the opportunity for the Liberty Pact to meet. In private the envoys discretely admit that part of the problem is that the Sumaah Assembly has been unable to reach a decision on which of their assemblies will be presented at the meeting. Apparently all the assemblies are very keen to be represented at the Symposium and are currently arguing over who will be deputized to attend. They assure the Empire that these disagreements will definitely be resolved in good time for them to attend the Spring Equinox.
====Trade with Zemeh====
* '''The port of Zemeh is open to Imperial fleet captains.'''
Imperial captains are free to trade with Zemeh. As Sumaah is a signatory to the Liberty Pact, there are no penalties for doing so. Imperial pilgrims are also invited to visit the temples and places of pilgrimage in Sumaah, especially the holy city of [[Sumaah_Republic#Timoj|Timoj]].

==Thule==
* '''A Thule delegation is planning to visit Wintermark during the Summer Solstice'''
* '''The current [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] is ''Yevgeni Katzev'''''
The Empire remains at peace with the [[Thule]]. The orcs of [[Otkodov]] have spent the last few months attending to their own affairs, it seems. There is rumour of some sort of conflict in the easternmost territory of [[Otkodov#Sk.C3.BCld|Sküld]], possibly involving the [[vallorn]] that surrounds the lost Terunael city of ''Emrys''. Thule merchants visiting [[Skarsind]] and [[Varushka]] do not go into detail, but it appears that the northern orcs have been successful at suppressing whatever trouble Yaw'nagrah or possibly even the Heirs of Terunael were attempting to cause.

Of more interest is news of a major diplomatic delegation from Otkodov planning to attend the Summit to speak to the folk of [[Wintermark]] about a possible alliance against the [[Jotun]]. More details of this delegation can be found in the '''[[An unexpected alignment]]''' wind of fortune.
===Repatriation of Imperial Slaves===
* '''The Thule have released almost all their remaining Imperial slaves'''
In the last month before the Winter Solstice, a large number of human slaves are brought over the border with [[Otkodov]] and released into Imperial hands. They are split into three sizable groups, one each delivered to [[Skarsind]], [[Miekarova]], and [[Karsk#Ivarsguard|Ivarsgard]] in [[Karsk]]. As with previous groups, they have few possessions and the [[Thule]] do not hang around once they have been delivered. ''Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided'' announces from the embassy that this represents all the remaining Imperial citizens, or close descendants of the same, who have been held by the northern orcs. They also include twenty [[Navarr]] [[Crafting skills#Artisans|artisans]] taken during the Thule conquest of [[Hercynia#Treji|Treji]] in [[Hercynia]]. The Navarr artisans speak of being held in the far north, in echoing vaults beneath an active volcano, where they were forced to work tirelessly creating [[magic items]] for use by the Thule warlocks and warriors. They were not particularly mistreated, as long as they cooperated, but they have no love for their captors. They confirm that there are perhaps a dozen artisans left in the hands of the Thule - all [[Wintermark|Winterfolk]].

All of this is apparently in accord with the [[Ratify_Sungold_Treaty|Sungold treaty]], ratified by the Imperial Senate during the Summer Solstice. There is still some minor wrangling regarding the status of [[Sungold Pass]] itself (the Thule think it is in Otkodov, the Empire thinks it is in the Empire but ceded to the Thule), but this appears to be little more than bickering at this time.

The former slaves have been welcomed back to their nations. Those who had lived their whole lives among the Thule have been given the Test of Citizenship and embraced by the egregores of the nations they feel the closest affiliation to.
==Resolution==
A number of motions and judgements were raised at the Winter Solstice relating to foreign affairs. The [[Construct College of Maykop|College of Maykp was commissioned]], as was the [[Construct_Lyceum_Schloss|Lyceum Schloss]]. Magistrates were [[383YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Request magistrates investigate smuggling|instructed to investigate smuggling]] in the Brass Coast. The Loyalty virtue assembly [[383YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_55|declined to amend the Black Quay]].

Can't give everything away

2026-03-06T16:21:00Z

Thespaceinvader:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"How dare you!" The Ambassador stood.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"We will-"

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

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

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

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

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

But the Asavean was already gone, the door closing behind her. Annike let out a deep breath she had not realised she was holding, and stared into space for a long moment before adjusting her hair, straightening her desk, and preparing for her next appointment - the Imperial secretary to Ambassador Dino would certainly be as punctual as ever.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Silhouette of a crow.JPG|caption=The Sarcophan Delves rarely resort to force, preferring to use economic pressure. But that doesn't mean they ''can't''' resort to force...|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate [[ambassador]] that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Empress Giselle

2026-03-06T16:20:29Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Early Life and Election */

===Reign: 331YE - 346YE ===

===Called: The Unwise===

====Early Life and Election====
Empress Giselle de [[Sarvos]] was a born politician; clever, manipulative and cunning. Her guild, the Alivetti carta, were long-established players in the games of the City of Masks (then known as the Jewelled City) and she enjoyed every advantage growing up. While she was not [[Lineage|lineaged]] herself, she had ties with several [[The_League_culture_and_customs#Reckoners|reckoner guilds]] both through her mother, a [[naga]], and her [[merrow]] husband Teodore von [[Tassato|Mestra]]. She never lacked for useful information about the political and financial affairs of her allies and rivals. Through a delicate web of blackmail and patronage she cultivated agents and business interests throughout the [[The League|League]], and made a special point of extending her reach to [[Madruga#Siroc|Siroc]] and [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]] as well.

She made little secret of her love for the League. Wherever she could exert influence, she encouraged the prosperity of the League as a whole. While she obviously favoured her supporters, she was not selfish with her patronage and favoured League citizens over citizens of other nations wherever possible. While her interests were primarily economic and political, she made regular charitable donations to the [[Bishop|bishops]] of [[Prosperity]] and [[Pride]], and was an active patroness of the church of the [[League religious beliefs|Little Mother]]. She encouraged politically minded League bishops to take active part in [[Synod]] politics; even before she became Empress the League [[National Assembly]] enjoyed an unparalleled influence over religious matters. She was even-handed in her largesse - despite being a child of the bay of Catazar she was as active in [[Temeschwar]] and [[Holberg]] as she was in Sarvos and [[Tassato]].

Some historians credit her with actively fanning the flames of Senatorial worry after the loss of [[Spiral]] in 331YE, encouraging the idea that the Empire would need unified leadership in the wake of that crisis. Most historians see her as being more opportunistic; recognising the chance to increase her power and the power of the [[The League|League]] she loved, she did exactly what she had done to become a merchant prince; employ blackmail, bribery and patronage to bring as many senators as possible under her influence.

====Reign====
Unfortunately the approach that had made her a successful merchant prince helped made her a dangerously ineffective Empress. Her skills were honed on the subtle battlefields of the League, and they proved to be much less effective on the larger stage of Imperial politics. She made little effort to conceal her love for her own nation, which immediately made her unpopular. While she was free with her patronage, those who refused it were often cut off completely from The Throne; in some cases she actively blocked their future careers if she considered them a threat to her allies, her nation or her own position. Her habit of playing her supporters off against one another to safeguard her own position deepened the divisions in the [[Senate]]. Her agents, alert for signs of dissension and potential blackmail material, encouraged an atmosphere of suspicion and paranoia.

Under her benign gaze an atmosphere of nepotism flourished in the Empire as never before. She was known to have influenced the election of several Senators, and for many years the [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] Senator for [[Madruga]] was in her pocket following extensive 'loans' to her political campaign. She even managed to exert some influence over the selection of senators in [[Dawn]] and the [[The Marches|Marches]] by favouring her allies with gifts of money to help them claim their Senate seats.

Her allies in the [[Conclave|conclave]] never lacked for crystallised mana, and for a brief period in 338YE five of the six archmages were magicians of the League, each owing their position to the patronage of the Empress. Efforts by the Synod to express their disapproval for her methods were repeatedly stymied either by priests who owed patronage to her or by priests who simply approved of her bold character. Few could fault her virtues - without a doubt she was proud, ambitious, prosperous and loyal. She simply directed her virtue more towards her nation that toward the Empire.

There is little doubt that she was behind the ill-fated effort to have the [[Eternal Shafts of Time]] [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Allocation|reallocated]] as an [[Bourse#Imperial_Mithril_Seats|Imperial Seat]] - a move that would almost certainly have seen it fall into the lap of the economically dominant League. While no proof was ever found that she had commissioned the (almost certainly) forged documents casting doubt on the legitimacy of the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] ownership of the mine, she openly campaigned in support of the move. The Senate was outraged - not least because it was easy to see that if this attempt was successful then it was likely to be followed by several more attacks against other National Bourse seats. The [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] stepped in to put a stop to the matter before a vote could be held, reiterating their position that the only way for a new vote of allocation to take place is if the resource is lost and then later reconquered. The damage had already been done, however; several of Giselle's most prominent supporters in both the Senate and the Bourse found themselves subject to assorted [[curse|curses]], and the Varushkan senators opposed every motion raised by a League senator for the next two years in an obvious protest.

After months of wrangling with the Synod, Giselle made an outrageous and extremely unwise claim to be a reincarnation of the Paragon [[Empress Richilde]] despite a complete lack of evidence. Encouraged to use [[Liao#True Liao|True Liao]], in 341YE she scandalised the Synod by taking her husband Teodore as her guide, whose confirmation of her past-life as Richilde was considered transparent and unconvincing in the extreme. In what many saw as an attempt to emulate [[Aldones di Sarvos]], she completely misread the mood of the Synod. Giselle merely succeeded in alienating several of her Dawnish supporters and outraging many of her supporters in the Synod. It proved to be a turning point in her reign.

Further scandal was to follow; in 342YE damaging letters between The Throne, the Senator of Madruga and the Alders of Meade came to light in which it became clear that she was trying to encourage the cities of Meade and Siroc to secede from their nations and join the League. It ended the political career of the Freeborn senator, and saw relationships between the [[The Marches|Marcher]] [[Marcher household|households]] and the [[Market Towns]] sour even further. Giselle was able to distance herself from the plan, but in the process was forced to abandon some of her supporters who bore the brunt of Freeborn and Marcher ire in the Senate.

For many these revelations were the final straw. By 344YE it became clear that not even her supporters in the [[Synod]] could quiet the growing dissatisfaction at the methods and her obvious favouritism towards the League. Before she could be publicly censured, however, the [[Druj]] barbarians and their subject nations launched a series of attacks along the eastern borders of the Empire, ranging deep into the [[The Barrens|Barrens]] and attacking the outskirts of [[Semmerholm]] and [[Weirwater]]. In the face of this aggression, and massive political pressure from the Senators of [[Dawn|Dawnish]], the Empress made a hurried reconciliation with the Synod, and turned her attention to the defence of the Empire.

====Death and Legacy====
After two years of campaigning against the [[Druj]], Empress Giselle was killed at [[Holberg]] during an ill-fated attempt to defend the territory. She repeatedly ignored the advice of her generals - that the apparent weakness in the Druj lines was clearly a trap. Her refusal to listen led to the resignation of the Marcher General Maria of [[Upwold]] and the Brass Coast General Xavier i Torelia i Riqueza, and she personally removed the Dawnish Generals Leon de Rousillon (coincidentally uncle of her successor to the Throne, [[Emperor Hugh]]) and Elaine de Ballion when they point-blank refused to send Dawnish troops to the aid of Holberg.

Exactly what happened at Holberg is not clear, but Giselle and her husband were killed as the Imperial forces were defeated - the Druj and their allies took the territory and laid siege to the city. The Empress, riddled with deadly venom, survived long enough to refuse the honour of being interred in the [[Necropolis]] and instead insisted on being entombed in her beloved [[The League|League]] alongside her husband. She was placed in a massive marble tomb in [[Sarvos#Caricomare|Caricomare]] where she rested for only two years before the Alivetti estates were devastated in the storms that sank the streets and drowned that part of the city. The final indignity came in 380YE when the Grendel, during [[the sack of Sarvos]], attempted to steal her sarcophagus. It was recovered by Imperial heroes, and eventually [[The other empress|sent north]] to [[Temeschwar]] where it was interred with great pomp in [[Guardian_of_Giselle%27s_Tomb#Virtue's_Respite|a structure]] created by the then-Senator Gant Achama.

Not that Giselle's own post-mortem indignities were entirely at an end. In 386YE, the [[Temeschwar#Rat Plague|rat plague]] that scurried through the streets of Temeschwar were noted to have a particular dislike for her tomb. Eventually, in Winter 386YE, her mortal remains were relocated for what it is hoped will be the final time, back to her beloved Sarvos. She now lies in a quiet sepulchre in the grounds of [[Archbishop_of_Capodomus#Capodomus_Cathedral|Capodomus Cathedral]]. Sadly, her [[The_other_empress#The_fate_of_Teodore_von_Mestra|consort's body]] was never recovered; the remains of Teodore von Mestra are believed to still be in the hands of the Grendel.

Following her death, the [[Synod]] wielded the power of [[revocation]] against several senators who owed their position to her patronage, much to the chagrin of those priests who still saw her as a larger-than-life character strong in the virtues of pride, prosperity and even loyalty. The resulting divisions persisted for many years.

Her own guild, and several others that had been tied to her patronage, suffered near-catastrophic reversals of fortune; the Alivetti in particular were left almost destitute (by League standards). Historians point ironically to her love of the League, and the fact that it was during her reign that the League suffered one of its greatest setbacks (the loss of Holberg).

It was decades before the reputation of the League recovered from the taint of having had such an inwardly-focused Empress, and to this day many citizens of the League consider her reign to have been a low-point, rather than a high point, in their history. There is no doubt that Giselle was a clever manipulator, but her skills did not transition well to the wider canvas of Imperial politics. She was charismatic, but personal magnetism was insufficient to win her enemies to her cause. She understood politics, but she woefully misunderstood how complex the Imperial political arenas actually were.

Her reign is used as an object lesson of the dangers of overconfidence, of under-estimating the political savvy of the other nations, of the damage that can be done by placing someone who loves their nation more than the Empire on the Imperial Throne, and of the importance of listening to one's generals.

====After Death===

<ic>"She loved unwisely, and too well."</ic>..

===Giselle in Play===
Giselle was on the Throne between 30 and 40 years before the beginning of the campaign. The Empress made little secret of her love for the League, and many of her manipulations are common knowledge. Her reign is marked with a political shift towards the League, and is a period of turmoil and political upheaval within the Empire. It is possible that a character might belong to a Marcher [[Marcher household|household]], Dawnish [[noble house]] or League [[Guild]] that was involved in Giselle's machinations. A parent or grandparent might have been one of those people who owed high political office to Giselle's patronage - or whose career was effectively ruined by a refusal to play by her rules. The generals who warned Giselle against the Druj trap in Holberg are now seen as wise tacticians, and set a fine example for characters who might want to follow in their footsteps.

Those close to the Empress mostly suffered reversals of fortune when she left the Throne, but not all of them - the Alivetti guild still exists, for example, albeit in a much reduced state. Playing members of a group ruined following their support of Giselle who are now looking to recover from past legacies, or even to re-interpret Giselle in a more positive political light, could make for a potentially fascinating story arc.

The Empress is a recent historical character, and unlike earlier emperors and empresses much of what is known is considered factual. She is very much a political character who makes mistakes due in part to her fierce love of the League, and in part to her overconfidence. She is manipulative, but she is not a super-villain. Backgrounds that reveals Empress Giselle was influenced by outside forces, to have been a figurehead for her husband, or to have arranged the Druj threat against Dawn to further her political career, for example, are unlikely to be accepted.

[[Category:History]]
[[Category:The Throne]]

Steel Fist

2026-03-06T16:20:16Z

Thespaceinvader: /* The Resource */

==Overview==
The Steel Fist is something of an anomaly in that it does not precisely exist within the Empire at all. The offices of the Steel Fist are located at [[Necropolis#Longbeach|Crown's Quay]] in [[Necropolis]], but consist of little more than a neat white-granite building with a discreet sign outside the front door. Regardless, custodianship of the Steel Fist grants an [[Imperial title]]; a seat on the [[Bourse]]; and a seasonal bounty of valuable [[ilium]] to the [[Imperial Orcs|Imperial orc]] who controls it.

==The Resource==
In recent years Imperial Orc forces have swelled the ranks of the Imperial armies, tipping the scales against the barbarian threat. [[Empress Britta]] enjoyed particularly strong support from the Orcs (both in the first months of her reign and in the military campaigns that preceded it). To recognise that support she helped create the position of the Steel Fist.

The [[opportunity]] to create the Steel Fist came in Summer 374YE when representatives of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] approached the Empire to discuss certain trading privileges at the Imperial docks. The [[Senate]] at the time was uninterested, but Empress Britta saw the potential and hosted a private negotiation with the ambassadors. The upshot was that the [[Sarcophan_Delves#Politics|Bedelaar Huisbass]] of Sarcophan would pay a regular tribute of ilium to the Empire each season, in return for exemption from several trade tariffs and some minor freedoms when operating in the Bay of Catazar. Chief among these was the ability to store small amounts of weirwood, white granite, and mithril in Imperial warehouses. In return, the Sarcophan also continued to endorse the Civil Service Bourse Certificates. Being the Empire's closest neighbours, it is convenient for Sarcophan merchants to meet some of their trading partners on Imperial soil and, as long as they scrupulously observe Imperial law, they are able to do so free from Imperial interference.

The deal concluded, Empress Britta presented it as a fait accompli to the Senate. To reward the Imperial Orcs for the work undertaken in supporting the [[Army|Imperial armies]], the ilium would be allocated to them and connected to a new seat on the [[Bourse]]. There was some grumbling about the agreement, but little open opposition due to a widespread acceptance that the orcs were unstinting in their support for the Empire. The announcement that the Seat would be national, and allocated to whichever [[Imperial_Orcs_people#Legion_Name|legion]] provided the most assistance to Imperial armies on campaign, did much to quiet dissenting voices in the face of growing aggression from the [[Jotun]], [[Druj]], and [[Thule]].

The Imperial Senate voted to concede the Alivetti estate in [[Sarvos]] to the Sarcophan Delves as part of a greater [[Ratify treaty with the Sarcophan Delves Autumn 383YE|treaty]] with the Bedelaar Huisbaas Vandersaar. Vandersaar in turn increased the amount of ilium granted to the seat by 4 additional rings per season.

The Steel Fist Accord (the ''Verdrag van de Stalen Vuist'') is due to be renewed in 399YE. Should the Empire ever [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Declaration_of_War|declare war]] on the Sarcophan, the Steel Fist is likely to be the first casualty of the ensuing conflict.
{{CaptionedImage|file=IrontideKul.png||caption=Irontide Kul was appointed to the Seat<br/> during the Spring Equinox 379YE.|align=right|width=300}}

==The Bourse Seat==
===Responsibilities===
The Seat has no particular responsibilities; they simply receive a bounty of ilium which is theirs to do with as they will. If Steel Fist were to be threatened in any way, it would be the responsibility of the Seat to deal with those threats. Likewise, if any particular [[opportunity]] were to arise related to Steel Fist, the Seat would expect to be consulted as to how that opportunity might be resolved.
===Powers===
====Seat on the Bourse====
Custodianship of Steel Fist comes with a seat on the Imperial Bourse. For the most part, this Seat comes with no additional responsibilities. It is an Imperial title that grants the right to participate on the rare occasion when the Imperial Bourse as a body is required to make a decision.
====Bounty of ilium====
The Seat has control of a source of ilium which they receive directly. They can dispense this resource as they choose. Production is normally 8 rings of ilium every season. The title holder currently receives a total of 12 rings while the [[Ratify treaty with the Sarcophan Delves Autumn 383YE|treaty with the Sarcophan Delves]] is maintained

===Appointment===
As with all ilium Bourse seats, the holder of the title is determined during the Spring Equinox. Control of the Steel Fist is assigned to whichever Imperial Orc candidate receives the most support from Imperial Orc owners of military units that have earned votes over the past year by supporting Imperial armies. Votes are recorded in private in conjunction with the civil servants who support the Bourse.

Custodianship of Steel Fist is retained for a year, or until the citizen holding the seat dies, or steps down. An Imperial Bourse seat cannot be [[revocation|revoked]] by the [[Synod]].
<box>'''Appointing the Seat'''<br>
Every time an Imperial Orc allocates a [[military unit]] to [[Military_unit#Supporting_an_Army|support]] an [[Army|Imperial army]] they receive votes. A typical military unit provides 10 votes, plus an extra 2 votes for each time it has been [[Military_unit#Upgrades|upgraded]]. Only the actual rank of the military unit counts in this calculation. [[Enchantment|Enchantments]], [[curse|curses]], penalties or bonuses for downtime effects and so on have no effect. When the seat is appointed, the number of votes they have accrued over the previous year is tallied.

Characters new to the nation who have a military unit personal resource are assumed to have spent the previous year supporting an Imperial army. Likewise, players with a military unit who have missed an event are similarly assumed to have supported an army. We've made this rule for game balance reasons - so that new characters and players unable to attend every event are not unfairly penalised. If it becomes relevant, players are encouraged to create simple explanations as to how they have supported an army without showing up in the [[Imperial Roll of Honour]] or directly affecting the downtime campaign such as training new recruits, protecting supply lines, or the like.

The rituals [[Conclave of Trees and Shadow]], [[Carve the Crystal Guardian]], and [[Lions of Phoenix Reach]] offer an opportunity for orcs who do not lead a military unit to participate in the appointment of the seat. Any season during which these rituals are in place, and the magical soldiers summoned are supporting an army, the orc who commands the [[forest]] or [[mana site]] they are drawn from will receive votes as if they owned a military unit of the same rank.</box>
{{RecentElections|Steel_Fist}}
[[Category:Imperial Orcs]][[Category:Bourse]][[Category:Title]]

Sarvos

2026-03-06T16:19:59Z

Thespaceinvader:

{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofSarvos.png|caption=A beacon of light in the water|title=Regions of Sarvos|align=left|width=600}}
==Overview==
Sarvos refers both to a territory and the city that sits at the heart of that territory. [[The_League_history#Origins_of_the_League|Founded]] long ago by [[Highguard|Highborn]] colonists, it seceded from that nation during the [[Highguard_history#The_Revelation_and_the_Civil_War|civil war]] and has remained independent ever since.

The city itself is constructed on [[#Cigno|an island]] just off the coast, like a beacon of light in the water. It sees itself as the cultural centre of the League, and arguably the whole Empire. Once, the many mirrors found upon the roofs of the city, said to "sparkle like gems" during the day, gave the city the common epithet of ''Jewelled City''. Folk legend suggested that if the mirrors were shattered the city would surely fall... and then in Summer 383YE this belief was put to rest when the [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Skathe|Hag Queen]] cursed the city. After a period of uncertainty, the people of the city have reforged their identity, drawing strength from calamity, and become the City of Masks.

Sarvos is as driven as any city in the League, but art is its true passion. They claim to have invented theatre, a ludicrous claim but believable in a city graced with so many theatre-houses. They are certainly the originators of the magician [[troupes]] that are now commonplace throughout the League and they are usually the centre of League performance magic. Not just theatre is popular however; there are rival opera houses whose bitter divisions are every bit as keen as those of the leading theatre troupes. Several wealthy merchant princes have endowed their collections of art on the city and there are public galleries where the most beautiful pictures and sculptures can be viewed in exchange for a ring or two.

The land around the Bay of Catazar is lush and fertile, with low flood-plains; olive farms and prime grazing lands fed by the waters of four rivers: the lazy Couros that flows along the border of Highguard and Urizen; the flighty Scorrero, whose capricious nature has drowned many an unwary river captain on its course through the Brass Coast; the broad-banked Gancio, solid and well-defended; and the furious Vassa that flows down through Tassato. The four rivers are central characters in the art and folklore of the city. All the classic literature and theatre includes them in one form or another, whether as central characters or “clowns” during the interludes. A popular game between playwrights and critics is to conceal the characters in some way and challenge the critic to locate them.

==Recent History==
Sarvos was the birth-place of the [[Empress Giselle]], who held the [[Throne]] between 331YE and 346YE. Sometimes called the ''Unwise'', she was a shameless League patriot who put the needs of her nation above those of the Empire. Unlike the vast majority of Emperors and Empresses, after her death she was interred in a marble tomb in the Alivetti guild estates in [[Caricomare]], where she remained until [[the sack of Sarvos]] in 380YE. After the Grendel attempted to steal her body, and destroyed her tomb, there was [[The other empress|discussion]] about where best to reinter her. In the end, the Senate decided to inter her in a new tomb in [[Temeschwar]]. She remained there until 387YE when her remains were reinterred - hopefully for the final time - in [[Archbishop of Capodomus#Capodomus Cathedral|Capodomus Cathedral]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=Emilio di Sarvos.jpg|caption=Sarvos is without a doubt the most fashionable city<br>in [[the League]].|align=right|width=250}}
Shortly before the Winter Solstice 381YE, the [[Lorenzo%27s_Legacy#Blood_Red_Roads|Blood Red Roads]] were completed, with Sarvos as a major hub. They providing merchants and traders from across the Empire with easy access to the markets of Sarvos, and vice versa. For more than half a decade the roads provided a major boon to the [[farm|farms]] and [[business|businesses]] of the territory. In the Winter of 386YE, however, the Imperial Senate determined to [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Levy_Tolls_on_Blood_Red_Roads|levy tolls]] on traffic using the road, meaning they no longer increase the income of individual citizens but provide a significant boost to the Imperial Treasury, in part to pay for the war against the [[vallorn]].

In 348YE, the city was struck by a terrible tempest that did significant damage to many coastal parts of the city and led to the flooding and eventual sinking of the southern district of Caricomare. Reclaiming the ruined quarter of the city was deemed "too expensive" by the Senate - a move that some bitter Sarvosans believed to have been intended as a punishment for the League and the city of Sarvos in particular, in the wake of the unpopular Empress's death. In 378YE, on the thirtieth anniversary of the destruction, work finally began to regenerate the ruined district thanks to generous donations and hard work by the citizens of Sarvos. Also of note is the establishment of the [[#Asavean Embassy|Asavean Embassy]] in Sarvos. Senator Mirislav (who was also responsible for the restoration of Caricomare) arranged the establishment of a formal embassy with the [[Asavean Archipelago]] in 378YE.

At the Summer Solstice 383YE, the [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Skathe|Hag Queen]] cursed Sarvos, shattering every mirror in the Jewelled City. The curse did more than just shatter the city's mirrors, it tore the soul of the city, shredding its identity. What is the City of Mirrors... without any mirrors? Some feared that the City was doomed - superstition has long held that if the mirrors were shattered then the city would surely fall.

However the greatest city in the world is not so easily destroyed, and the people of Sarvos were soon at work
[[The DOOM that came to Sarvos|developing bold ideas to renew the city's identity and purpose]]. Support [[The winds of fashion|quickly coalesced around the ideas presented by House Bourné]] for Sarvos to become the City of Masks. After a short delay, the League National Assembly endorsed [[383YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_25|the mandate urging Sarvosans to embrace their new identity]] with a greater majority.

Now Sarvos has [[Dressed_in_smoke_and_fire|become the City of Masks]]. The doom that threatened the city is gone, and the Hag Queen has lost. She destroyed the mirrors, hoping to mar the city's beauty. In its place the city is fast gaining a new reputation as a place of elegance and refinement, renowned for exquisite couture and high fashion, and famed for the grace and style of the people who live there. The city has always seen many visitors from foreign lands; only Siroc does more trade with far-flung lands. As the City of Masks, it is fast being talked about as the most elegant and sophisticated city in the known world.

== Major Features ==
=== Sarvos ===
The city of Sarvos covers the island of [[#Cigno|Cigno]] and in some places extends into the Bay on sturdy pontoons. It is widely said to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world - when the sun strikes the mirrored roofs at sunrise and sunset, the whole island glows like a star. Space is at a premium in Sarvos - cramped streets flow between soaring towers, choked with merchants, tradesmen and students. There are no "green spaces" in Sarvos - the island is simply too crowded and any parks that might once have existed have been built over in recent centuries. To combat this, the citizens often cultivate roof gardens and window-boxes, bringing beautiful and practical plants into their homes. The richest Sarvosan guilds maintain estates on the mainland, allowing them to "get away from it all" when the press of humanity becomes too much. The city is divided into several distinct districts, of which the more famous is probably the dockside ward of Caricomare.

Fire is a constant worry. While there has never been a significant blaze in Sarvos many residents have regular nightmares that a major fire could destroy the entire city before it could be dealt with (although as one Tassatan wit said, "''The whole place is so damp it would take a great deal of effort to set fire to even a small tower.''")

It is the site of '''[[#Diora University|Diora University]]''', a prominent seat of learning that specialises in researching obscure topics for money. Here can also be found '''[[#Capodomus Cathedral|Capodomus Cathedral]]''', one of the largest religious structures in the Empire, a towering monument encrusted with precious materials and objets d’art. It is most famous for its theatres, opera houses, galleries and conservatories - it is truly a city where art is held up as the highest aspiration of humanity.

Sarvos is also a byword for excellent food, and every bar, street vendor and hostelry prides itself on providing its own speciality snack: perhaps a particular way of spicing ham, or salting and smoking beef, or an excellent dipping sauce for vegetables. It is said that an epicure can dine out every night of their life in Sarvos and never eat the same meal twice - it is also home to a great many establishments that serve dishes native to distant nations, often in settings designed to cleverly evoke the sensation of actually being in one of those nations.

Sarvos is also a highly cosmopolitan city - it is common to hear a half-dozen tongues being spoken in the markets and bazaars. Captains from across the known world come to trade with the Empire here - there are docks and quays all around the circumference of the island. It is also a popular stopping-off point for ships that have travelled from the central Empire before they embark on journeys to more distant lands.

At the Winter Solstice 383YE, the Imperial Senate [[Construct_Sweetwater_Springs|authorised the construction]] of the '''Sweetwater Springs''', improving existing wells and building a series of new ones strategically across the city. This ready access to water not only secures the City of Masks against fire and arson, but also helps the herb gardens of the city optimise their irrigation, producing a bounty of herbs split between them each season.
===Diora University===
A prominent seat of learning, Diora University has long supplemented the fees paid by students by researching obscure topics for money. Following the [[The_sack_of_Sarvos|Grendel invasion]], and subsequent [[380YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#The_Defiance_of_Sarvos|liberation]], the University apparently encountered financial difficulties. These monetary concerns are now resolved thanks to generous donations from citizens of [[the League]] and [[Highguard]] during the Autumn Equinox 382YE, which has seen a degree of renovation and expansion of the university.

The old buildings have now been joined by the '''Lorenzo "La Volpe" School of Architecture''', opened by the master architect himself in a grand ceremony during which he received an honorary degree. He gave regular lectures before his death, and his support brought a great deal of attention to the new school. Significant donations also came from Highguard - Dagon of the Shattered Tower, Asael of Cantiarch's Hold, the Virtues of Autumn Coven, and Hepzibah of Reumah's Redoubt all made considerable contributions. As a consequence, the main historical library has been renamed the ''Shattered Tower Reliquary'', while major renovations to the faculty for theology and metaphysics have seen the wing that houses the main lecture halls for religious studies renamed ''Permion's Thoughts''.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Archbishop of Capodomus.jpg|caption='''Estella Lucati''', first Archbishop of the restored Capodomus Cathedral.|align=right|width=300}}</div>

===Capodomus Cathedral===
One of the largest religious structures in the entire Empire, [[Archbishop_of_Capodomus#Capodomus_Cathedral|Capodomus Cathedral]] is a towering edifice of white granite and stained glass, a monument to the seven virtues with halls are encrusted with precious materials and objets d’art. Built centuries ago, it is widely recognised as the first major site dedicated to study of the Way in any of the four cities that would later form the League. Indeed for some time it was the largest and most prestigious religious building among all the nations that would become the Empire, larger even than the [[Speaker_of_the_Highborn_Assembly#Basilica_of_Seven_Doors|Basilica of Seven Doors]] in [[Bastion#Bastion,_the_White_City|Bastion]]. Built in part in the image of the ''Basilica'' it was intended as a place for the bishops of Sarvos to meet and explore the virtues. After the formation of the League, it became a place of pilgrimage, and was widely recognised as one of the foremost places to learn about the Way in the Empire.

When the [[Grendel]] [[The sack of Sarvos|sacked Sarvos]] in early 380YE they looted many of the artworks from the Cathedral, and damaged the structure by ripping out many of the precious metals. The damage was not fully repaired until the Senate [[Repair Capodomus Cathedral|commissioned repairs]] in 386YE. Restored to its former glory. Capodomus Cathedral now serves as the seat of the [[Archbishop_of_Capodomus|Archbishop of Capodomus]].

In winter 386YE, after a brief delay brought about by the [[True faith|Vardas debacle]], the Cathedral was [[consecration|consecrated]] as an [[Inspirational location]] by Estella Lucati. The [[Golden_light#The_Atrium_of_Golden_Light|Atrium of Golden Light]] serves as the centre of the consecration, which dedicates the Cathedral to [[Ambition]] and has transformed it into a beacon of the Way that shines far beyond the borders of Sarvos. More details of the consecration can be found in the [[Golden light]] wind of fortune.

===The Colossus of Sarvos===
A wonder of the modern world the [[Lorenzo's Legacy#The Colossus of Sarvos|Colossus of Sarvos]] is the first sight of the City of Masks seen by ships approaching from the Bay of Catazar. The statue itself is some seventy-five feet of stone on a granite plinth twenty-five feet high. It is placed on a small island at the mouth of the main harbour, and maintained by a small group of dedicated stonemasons. For a brief while the statue bore the distinctive countenance of [[Empress Giselle]], but that enchantment faded after a year.

After the Spring Equinox 383YE, with the [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_56|support of the League national assembly]], '''Astrid Fjellrevening Rezia di Tassato''' [[consecration|consecrated]] the Colossus with a dose of [[Liao#True Liao|true liao]] with the [[Auras_of_Pride#Partner_of_Greatness|Partner of Greatness]]. This act greatly increased the influence of the Colossus and secured its status as a [[More_love,_less_paperwork#Bloody_Great_Statue|wonder of the known world]].

The plinth that supports the immense statue bears inscriptions commemorating the [[380YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#The_Defiance_of_Sarvos|liberation of Sarvos]] from the [[Grendel]] in Summer 380YE. Significant space has been dedicated to honouring those who fell during the fighting to defend, and later recapture, the city.

===Asavean Embassy===
Following the Spring Equinox 378YE, [[Construct Asavean Embassy|construction began]] on an official [[embassy]] to the [[Asavean Archipelago]] under the watchful eye of Miroslav, [[Senator]] for Sarvos. Shortly after the Embassy was complete, accusations of excessive piracy from [[Asavean_Archipelago_ports#Nemoria|Nemoria]] led to a minor international incident, but a [[Reparations_to_the_Asavean_Archipelago|sizeable gift]] organised by the Senator for [[Temeschwar]] helped smooth over the growing conflict between Asavea and the Empire. There is now an ambassador in residence, and an influx of Asavean traders has led to several luxurious goods from the far west becoming more freely available on the streets of Sarvos; in turn, the Empire has appointed an [[Ambassador to Asavea]] of their own.

===Suranni Embassy===
During the Spring Equinox 379YE, the Senate commissioned the [[Construct_Iron_Confederacy_embassy|construction]] of an official embassy to the [[Iron Confederacy]]; work was completed shortly before the Summer Solstice. The building is particularly severe by Sarvosan standards; a circular granite and marble keep surrounded by six stubby towers.
===Sarcophan Enclave===
In 383YE, the [[Senate]] [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|conceded]] the old Alivetti estates to the [[Sarcophan Delves]] as part of a [[The_mathematics_of_tears#The_Vandersaar_Proposal|proposal]] presented by the powerful Vandersaar family - allowing them to [[All_at_sea#Enclaves|build a substantial trading enclave]] on the southern coast of the Empire. The ruined estates - that once belonged to the [[guild]] of [[Empress Giselle]] - were transformed by Sarcophan engineers with experience draining marshes and building on flooded ground. Towers in the Sarcophan style now rise over the ruins of the former Empress' estate. One set of ruins remains untouched however; the broken tomb of Empress Giselle is preserved as a historic landmark, which the Vandersaar (the Sarcophan family who operate the enclave) have made clear can be visited at any time by Imperial citizens eager to explore their history. Indeed, a small team of historians and guides have been provided to give guided tours of the tomb and several other key locations, and a number of souvenirs have been made available at reasonable prices. The enclave provides several benefits to Imperial citizens, but one that may prove slightly contentious is that, as Sarcophan territory recognised by the Senate, it is Sarcophan law that holds sway here. The Delves have a ''remarkably'' relaxed attitude to the law compared to the Empire, and entertainments, items, and substances that might be quite illegal elsewhere are available to any Imperial citizen who wishes to visit. The enclave is rapidly gaining a reputation for license that makes visiting it especially appealing for a certain kind of citizen, and almost irresistible to the more jaded residents of Sarvos.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Caricomare.png|title=In its prime, Caricomare was one of the greatest ports in the Empire|caption=Caricomare in its prime|align=right|width=500}}

=== [[Caricomare]] ===
On the south side of [[#Cigno|Cigno]], [[Caricomare]] was for thirty years a ruined and abandoned suburb of Sarvos, destroyed by an Autumn storm during the equinox of 348YE. Today, however, the once devastated district has been restored and is once again a centre of commerce and culture.

===The Blood Red Quays Art Gallery===
This extravagant structure was commissioned by Magdelena Alanga di Sarvos, in the wake of the [[opportunity]] offered by the potent [[Night magic]] [[enchantment]] that [[In_brightest_day|blanketed the Empire]] toward the end of 380YE. Paid for by The Bloody Butchers Guild of Temeschwar, it stands on the harbour front of [[#Caricomare|Caricomare]]. The [[Lorenzo%27s_Legacy#The_Blood_Red_Quays_Art_Gallery|Blood Red Quays Art Gallery]] is one of the most prominent structures in Sarvos, providing inspiration and encouraging [[Pride]] in citizens across the territory.

===Our Lady of Pride===
This fortification stands in [[#Foracci|Foracci]]. It was [[Fortify_Foracci|commissioned]] by the [[Senate]] in Autumn 380YE. It was completed shortly before the Winter Solstice 381YE. During Autumn 382YE the [[Imperial Master of Works]] [[Improve_Our_Lady_of_Pride|commissioned]] additional work to further improve the fortification - which benefitted from [[Sing_your_name#Securing_the_borders|the efforts of vigilant citizens]] inspired by the creation of a place of pilgrimage at the [[Casinea#The_Silent_Sentinel|Silent Sentinel]] in [[Casinea]]. Work was completed following the Summer Solstice 383YE.

===The Great Chain===
This fortification was designed by Menno von Rijshof, who also planned the [[Madruga#The_Salt_Guard_(Ruined)|Salt Guard]] in [[Madruga]]. The original plans were [[The_parents_of_security#A_Chain_Against_Chains|presented]] in Autumn 381YE, but work did not begin until four years later. It consists of a series of walls, towers, and barracks, coupled with great iron chains attached to blocks of white granite that can be raised or lowered to provide a serious obstacle to naval forces attempting a shore offensive aimed at capturing [[#Cigno|Cigno]]. The work was, ironically, completed at the same time that its sibling fortification in [[Madruga#Siroc|Siroc]] was [[A beacon of smoke|being destroyed]] by the Grendel and their [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] allies. The early completion of the fortification was made possible by the use of [[Autumn magic]], and there was some fear that the [[orc|orcs]] of the Broken Shore would attack before the defences were finished. The Great Chain was further [[Improve_the_Great_Chain_of_Sarvos|reinforced]] following the Winter Solstice 386YE by the ''koboldi'' under the instruction of '''Dima Vasilyevna Novosad''', as [[Master of the Koboldi]].

===Lorenzo's Legacy of Pride===
Spread across the entire territory of Sarvos are red stone [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stele stelae] adorned with images of suns and flags, surmounted by a pair of crossed butcher's cleavers forged of pure mithril. Inscriptions around the base emphasise the virtues of [[Ambition]], [[Prosperity]], and [[Pride]]. A central, large stone stands in the City of Masks itself, in the middle of Bertram's Square - an open air market not far from the cleaver gate that marks the terminus of the [[Lorenzo's_Legacy#Blood_Red_Roads|Blood Red Roads]]. [[Construct Lorenzo's Legacy of Pride|Commissioned]] in Autumn 381YE by Silas di Sarvos, an [[Bearer_of_an_Imperial_Wayleave|Imperial Wayleave bearer]], and paid for by Lorenzo “La Volpe” Macelliao von Temeschwar, these [[Lorenzo's_Legacy#The_Legacy_of_Pride|crimson monoliths]] help to harness the flows of mana through Sarvos.

=== The Spider's Dream ===
An elegant bridge spans the river Vassa, connecting the town of [[#Bocche|Trivento]] to [[Madruga#Torres|Torres]] in the Brass Coast. It is a marvellous piece of engineering that resembles a spider's web. The [[Spider%27s_Tollkeep#The_Spider%27s_Dream|Spider's Dream]] has significant strategic importance - without it armies cannot cross the Vassa between Sarvos and Madruga without going north and passing through Tassato and the Mournwold. It is overseen by the [[Spider%27s_Tollkeep|Spider's Tollkeep]], an [[Imperial title]] uniquely appointed by both the [[senator|senators]] of the League and the Brass Coast together.

==Regions==
===Bocche===
*'''Quality: '''Coastal
This western region shows some influences of the [[The Brass Coast|Brass Coast]]. A major highway passes through Bocche to [[Madruga]], passing over the marvellous suspension bridge, the [[#Spider's Dream|Spider's Dream]]. On the eastern side of the bridge is the town of '''Trivento'''. Once Trivento had ambitions to become a city to rival Sarvos, but this was before the bridge effectively removed their control of the Vassa crossing. Centuries later there is still some bitterness; Sarvosan sophisticates love to characterise inhabitants of Trivento as "country cousins", while the broadsheets of Trivento regularly depict Sarvos proper as a hive of vice and corruption that needs to be washed away. The people of [[Tassato]] are known to gleefully poke both sides of this ancient enmity - and to be quietly pleased that there is not a second city on the Vassa. The establishment of [[College of the Liberated]] here in early 380YE went some way towards revitalising the economy of Trivento - as did [[the sack of Sarvos]].

===Cigno===
*'''Qualities: '''City, Coastal
This is where the City of Masks, [[#Sarvos|Sarvos]] proper, is found. It spreads across the entire island, and in some places extends a short distance into the bay on sturdy quays and pontoons. On the southern side of the island is the bustling mercantile district of [[#Caricomare|Caricomare]] - newly restored by the [[Senate]].

===Foracci===
The wide plains and scattered woodlands of Foracci are the site of many "country estates" owned by guilds and wealthy individuals from Sarvos. Some bring additional profit to their owners, maintaining [[farm|farms]] or [[forest|woodland preserves]]. Examples include the hamlet of Aversa, known for strong red wines and cheeses and home to the well-to-do Corvinoscuri family (and also the location of the [[Jade Custodian|Wellspring of Jade]]), or the [[Signori_d'Argento_Vine_Tender|Signori d'Argento Vineyards]] planted at the outskirts of Aversa Estate. While the region appears on the outside to be reasonably idyllic, there are enough nooks and crannies that travellers here are occasionally confronted with unscrupulous bandits, and most of the estates maintain a small cadre of guards in case these bandits become too ambitious. The wealth of Foracci is protected by [[#Our_Lady_of_Pride|Our Lady of Pride]], a fortification built in Winter 381YE.

Upriver along the Gancio is '''Rodez''', more of an extended suburb of Sarvos than a settlement in its own right. Its harbour is alive with many-oared craft of all sizes; river-boats stopping off from the north, freighters from foreign lands and pleasure-cruisers carrying the wealthy from Sarvos to their inland estates. Many overland visitors to Sarvos stop here to take a ferry to the island. On the outskirts of Rodez stands the famous Aldo di Saverio private hospital and the beautiful [[Keeper_of_Emilio's_Herbarium#Emilio.27s_Herbarium|Emilio’s Herbarium for Anvil Hospital]].

Along the [[trods|trod]] that passes Rodez towards [[Casinea]] stands the [[Armarius of the Anvil Library#The Library Scriptorium|Anvil Library Scriptorium]]. A converted [[wayhouse]], the Scriptorium has been expanded and now also serves both as a seminary to train priests with a particular emphasis on the work of [[Avigliana di Sarvos]] and as the offices of the Anvil Library Press and the associated industries (paper making, bookbinding and repair, and production of ink). The Scriptorium is quite well defended; as with anything associated with the [[Anvil#The_Anvil_Library|Anvil Library]] there is the ever-present threat of attack from agents of the [[Whisper Gallery]].

The banks of the Gancio in Foracci once served as the nesting grounds for the colonies of huge, white cranes that picked their way through the reed-beds of the river. Sometimes seen by the people of Sarvos as beautiful symbols of the city's Pride, other times as bloody nuisances, the population of Gancio cranes was nearly obliterated during the sack of Sarvos in 380YE. Grendel raiders and looters, pushing further upriver from the occupied city, ruthlessly hunted and butchered the cranes for their meat, feathers and eggs; in the aftermath, so few adult birds were left that their future was in grave doubt. However, following the use of [[dramaturgy]] and [[The League hearth magic|hearth magic]] by League performers of the Four Rivers Theatre and Single Ring Strolling Players, the colonies have survived the worst of the disaster and begun the long, slow path to recovery. It will be years, even decades, before the 'white ships of the Gancio' are restored to their former numbers, but for many inhabitants of the city these proud cranes have come to represent the resilience and determination of Sarvos in the aftermath of the sack.

===Riposi===
Riposi is a flat, open land with poor, chalky soil. The few farms here tend to own large herds of sheep and goats, and little else. Riposi was at one time known for the cleverness of its wolves and foxes, but in recent decades both species have been hunted to the point where they are rarely seen. The plains are always described as "mournful" or "gloomy" - cold winds regularly roar in off the Bay, and the influence of nearby [[Necropolis]] helps contribute to the general atmosphere of sadness and desperation. A phrase that sees vogue in Sarvos from time to time refers to someone as being "'''as poor as a Riposi dirt farmer''" - which explains why few guilds admit to having holdings here. In the days before the [[The Orc Rebellion|orc rebellion]], large numbers of slaves worked here and it was the site of a bloody confrontation between the revolting orcs and Imperial forces. The battlefield here has become a minor site of pilgrimage for some [[Imperial Orcs]].

In the far east of Riposi, where it touches the coast, is the large cave system known as '''Orphan’s Haven'''. It takes its name from a tale that two shipwrecked children found a fortune in ancient pearls here, stashed by someone long-forgotten. Upon being rescued by local fisherfolk, they used the greater part of their wealth to finance a home for orphans in Sarvos in the name of [[the Little Mother]]. The cave itself contains carvings from [[Navarr_history|lost Terunael]], and some people believe it was used in pre-Imperial times as a covered port.

===Uccelini===
*'''Quality:''' Coastal
Uccelini extends along the southern coast, and includes a number of small and medium-sized islands that cluster along the northern shores of the Bay of Catazar. Many of these islands are uninhabited, or the site of estates or [[business]] concerns that have long-since fallen into ruin. The remaining estates here tend to be quite well fortified - they need to be able to endure occasional raids by [[Grendel]] pirates that slip past the [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] [[corsair|corsairs]].

The highest point along the coastline from Calvos to Sanctuary, '''Glass Point''' has a look-out point and a beacon set on a high tower above the cliff. A small town has grown up around it that shares its name. Some sailors who spent a great deal of time away from shore have adopted the beacon of Glass Point as a tattoo. The rich mana [[sinecure]] known as [[Custodian of Glass Point Cove|Glass Point Cove]] is assumed to be somewhere in the vicinity of Glass Point - although its precise location is not public knowledge.

Some ship captains prefer to trade out of Glass Point rather than Sarvos proper, and those that do have a reputation for smuggling and dealing with barbarians and miscreants in search of a profit - they have taken [[Employ_Civil_Service_to_observe_Fleets|recent decisions in the Senate]] very poorly.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos.jpg|caption='''Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos''', Senator for Sarvos|align=left|width=300}}
{{Senate Elections|Senator_for_Sarvos|Territory=Sarvos|Season=Summer}}


==OOC Notes==
* All the regions of Sarvos are under the control of the League (and by extension, the Empire), making Sarvos a staunchly Imperial territory.
* [[#Our_Lady_of_Pride|Our Lady of Pride]] is a rank two [[fortification]].
* [[#The Great Chain|The Great Chain]] is a special rank two [[fortification]]. Its [[Fortification#Garrison|garrison]] has an effective strength of 12,000 for the purpose of determining [[War#Victory|victory]] against any shore offensive aimed at capturing Cigno.
* [[business|Businesses]] in the territory benefit from the [[College of the Liberated]], and the [[#The Colossus of Sarvos|Colossus of Sarvos]] and produce an extra 72 rings each season.
* [[Congregation|Congregations]] in the territory benefit from the [[#The Blood Red Quays Art Gallery|Blood Red Quays Art Gallery]] and produce an extra 2 doses of [[liao]] each season.
* [[Herb garden|Herb gardens]] in the territory benefit from the Sweetwater Springs and produce an extra 2 drams of [[true vervain]] and 1 dram of [[Cerulean Mazzarine|cerulean mazzarine]] each season.
* [[Mana site|Mana sites]] in the territory no longer benefit from [[#Lorenzo's Legacy of Pride|Lorenzo's Legacy of Pride]] following a senate motion to [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#League_Crystal_Mana_to_Spiral|divert production to Spiral]].
* The [[#Enclaves|Sarcophan Enclave]] at what was previously the Alivetti estates provides [[All_at_sea#Enclaves|several benefits]] to Sarvosan businesses and the Empire as a whole.
[[Category:The League]]
[[Category:Gazetteer]]
[[Category:Imperial Territory]]

Sarvos

2026-03-06T16:19:34Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Recent History */

{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofSarvos.png|caption=A beacon of light in the water|title=Regions of Sarvos|align=left|width=600}}
==Overview==
Sarvos refers both to a territory and the city that sits at the heart of that territory. [[The_League_history#Origins_of_the_League|Founded]] long ago by [[Highguard|Highborn]] colonists, it seceded from that nation during the [[Highguard_history#The_Revelation_and_the_Civil_War|civil war]] and has remained independent ever since.

The city itself is constructed on [[#Cigno|an island]] just off the coast, like a beacon of light in the water. It sees itself as the cultural centre of the League, and arguably the whole Empire. Once, the many mirrors found upon the roofs of the city, said to "sparkle like gems" during the day, gave the city the common epithet of ''Jewelled City''. Folk legend suggested that if the mirrors were shattered the city would surely fall... and then in Summer 383YE this belief was put to rest when the [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Skathe|Hag Queen]] cursed the city. After a period of uncertainty, the people of the city have reforged their identity, drawing strength from calamity, and become the City of Masks.

Sarvos is as driven as any city in the League, but art is its true passion. They claim to have invented theatre, a ludicrous claim but believable in a city graced with so many theatre-houses. They are certainly the originators of the magician [[troupes]] that are now commonplace throughout the League and they are usually the centre of League performance magic. Not just theatre is popular however; there are rival opera houses whose bitter divisions are every bit as keen as those of the leading theatre troupes. Several wealthy merchant princes have endowed their collections of art on the city and there are public galleries where the most beautiful pictures and sculptures can be viewed in exchange for a ring or two.

The land around the Bay of Catazar is lush and fertile, with low flood-plains; olive farms and prime grazing lands fed by the waters of four rivers: the lazy Couros that flows along the border of Highguard and Urizen; the flighty Scorrero, whose capricious nature has drowned many an unwary river captain on its course through the Brass Coast; the broad-banked Gancio, solid and well-defended; and the furious Vassa that flows down through Tassato. The four rivers are central characters in the art and folklore of the city. All the classic literature and theatre includes them in one form or another, whether as central characters or “clowns” during the interludes. A popular game between playwrights and critics is to conceal the characters in some way and challenge the critic to locate them.

==Recent History==
Sarvos was the birth-place of the [[Empress Giselle]], who held the [[Throne]] between 331YE and 346YE. Sometimes called the ''Unwise'', she was a shameless League patriot who put the needs of her nation above those of the Empire. Unlike the vast majority of Emperors and Empresses, after her death she was interred in a marble tomb in the Alivetti guild estates in [[Caricomare]], where she remained until [[the sack of Sarvos]] in 380YE. After the Grendel attempted to steal her body, and destroyed her tomb, there was [[The other empress|discussion]] about where best to reinter her. In the end, the Senate decided to inter her in a new tomb in [[Temeschwar]]. She remained there until 387YE when her remains were reinterred - hopefully for the final time - in [[Archbishop of Capodomus#Capodomus Cathedral|Capodomus Cathedral]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=Emilio di Sarvos.jpg|caption=Sarvos is without a doubt the most fashionable city<br>in [[the League]].|align=right|width=250}}
Shortly before the Winter Solstice 381YE, the [[Lorenzo%27s_Legacy#Blood_Red_Roads|Blood Red Roads]] were completed, with Sarvos as a major hub. They providing merchants and traders from across the Empire with easy access to the markets of Sarvos, and vice versa. For more than half a decade the roads provided a major boon to the [[farm|farms]] and [[business|businesses]] of the territory. In the Winter of 386YE, however, the Imperial Senate determined to [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Levy_Tolls_on_Blood_Red_Roads|levy tolls]] on traffic using the road, meaning they no longer increase the income of individual citizens but provide a significant boost to the Imperial Treasury, in part to pay for the war against the [[vallorn]].

In 348YE, the city was struck by a terrible tempest that did significant damage to many coastal parts of the city and led to the flooding and eventual sinking of the southern district of Caricomare. Reclaiming the ruined quarter of the city was deemed "too expensive" by the Senate - a move that some bitter Sarvosans believed to have been intended as a punishment for the League and the city of Sarvos in particular, in the wake of the unpopular Empress's death. In 378YE, on the thirtieth anniversary of the destruction, work finally began to regenerate the ruined district thanks to generous donations and hard work by the citizens of Sarvos. Also of note is the establishment of the [[#Asavean Embassy|Asavean Embassy]] in Sarvos. Senator Mirislav (who was also responsible for the restoration of Caricomare) arranged the establishment of a formal embassy with the [[Asavean Archipelago]] in 378YE.

At the Summer Solstice 383YE, the [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Skathe|Hag Queen]] cursed Sarvos, shattering every mirror in the Jewelled City. The curse did more than just shatter the city's mirrors, it tore the soul of the city, shredding its identity. What is the City of Mirrors... without any mirrors? Some feared that the City was doomed - superstition has long held that if the mirrors were shattered then the city would surely fall.

However the greatest city in the world is not so easily destroyed, and the people of Sarvos were soon at work
[[The DOOM that came to Sarvos|developing bold ideas to renew the city's identity and purpose]]. Support [[The winds of fashion|quickly coalesced around the ideas presented by House Bourné]] for Sarvos to become the City of Masks. After a short delay, the League National Assembly endorsed [[383YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_25|the mandate urging Sarvosans to embrace their new identity]] with a greater majority.

Now Sarvos has [[Dressed_in_smoke_and_fire|become the City of Masks]]. The doom that threatened the city is gone, and the Hag Queen has lost. She destroyed the mirrors, hoping to mar the city's beauty. In its place the city is fast gaining a new reputation as a place of elegance and refinement, renowned for exquisite couture and high fashion, and famed for the grace and style of the people who live there. The city has always seen many visitors from foreign lands; only Siroc does more trade with far-flung lands. As the City of Masks, it is fast being talked about as the most elegant and sophisticated city in the known world.

== Major Features ==
=== Sarvos ===
The city of Sarvos covers the island of [[#Cigno|Cigno]] and in some places extends into the Bay on sturdy pontoons. It is widely said to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world - when the sun strikes the mirrored roofs at sunrise and sunset, the whole island glows like a star. Space is at a premium in Sarvos - cramped streets flow between soaring towers, choked with merchants, tradesmen and students. There are no "green spaces" in Sarvos - the island is simply too crowded and any parks that might once have existed have been built over in recent centuries. To combat this, the citizens often cultivate roof gardens and window-boxes, bringing beautiful and practical plants into their homes. The richest Sarvosan guilds maintain estates on the mainland, allowing them to "get away from it all" when the press of humanity becomes too much. The city is divided into several distinct districts, of which the more famous is probably the dockside ward of Caricomare.

Fire is a constant worry. While there has never been a significant blaze in Sarvos many residents have regular nightmares that a major fire could destroy the entire city before it could be dealt with (although as one Tassatan wit said, "''The whole place is so damp it would take a great deal of effort to set fire to even a small tower.''")

It is the site of '''[[#Diora University|Diora University]]''', a prominent seat of learning that specialises in researching obscure topics for money. Here can also be found '''[[#Capodomus Cathedral|Capodomus Cathedral]]''', one of the largest religious structures in the Empire, a towering monument encrusted with precious materials and objets d’art. It is most famous for its theatres, opera houses, galleries and conservatories - it is truly a city where art is held up as the highest aspiration of humanity.

Sarvos is also a byword for excellent food, and every bar, street vendor and hostelry prides itself on providing its own speciality snack: perhaps a particular way of spicing ham, or salting and smoking beef, or an excellent dipping sauce for vegetables. It is said that an epicure can dine out every night of their life in Sarvos and never eat the same meal twice - it is also home to a great many establishments that serve dishes native to distant nations, often in settings designed to cleverly evoke the sensation of actually being in one of those nations.

Sarvos is also a highly cosmopolitan city - it is common to hear a half-dozen tongues being spoken in the markets and bazaars. Captains from across the known world come to trade with the Empire here - there are docks and quays all around the circumference of the island. It is also a popular stopping-off point for ships that have travelled from the central Empire before they embark on journeys to more distant lands.

At the Winter Solstice 383YE, the Imperial Senate [[Construct_Sweetwater_Springs|authorised the construction]] of the '''Sweetwater Springs''', improving existing wells and building a series of new ones strategically across the city. This ready access to water not only secures the City of Masks against fire and arson, but also helps the herb gardens of the city optimise their irrigation, producing a bounty of herbs split between them each season.
===Diora University===
A prominent seat of learning, Diora University has long supplemented the fees paid by students by researching obscure topics for money. Following the [[The_sack_of_Sarvos|Grendel invasion]], and subsequent [[380YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#The_Defiance_of_Sarvos|liberation]], the University apparently encountered financial difficulties. These monetary concerns are now resolved thanks to generous donations from citizens of [[the League]] and [[Highguard]] during the Autumn Equinox 382YE, which has seen a degree of renovation and expansion of the university.

The old buildings have now been joined by the '''Lorenzo "La Volpe" School of Architecture''', opened by the master architect himself in a grand ceremony during which he received an honorary degree. He gave regular lectures before his death, and his support brought a great deal of attention to the new school. Significant donations also came from Highguard - Dagon of the Shattered Tower, Asael of Cantiarch's Hold, the Virtues of Autumn Coven, and Hepzibah of Reumah's Redoubt all made considerable contributions. As a consequence, the main historical library has been renamed the ''Shattered Tower Reliquary'', while major renovations to the faculty for theology and metaphysics have seen the wing that houses the main lecture halls for religious studies renamed ''Permion's Thoughts''.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Archbishop of Capodomus.jpg|caption='''Estella Lucati''', first Archbishop of the restored Capodomus Cathedral.|align=right|width=300}}</div>

===Capodomus Cathedral===
One of the largest religious structures in the entire Empire, [[Archbishop_of_Capodomus#Capodomus_Cathedral|Capodomus Cathedral]] is a towering edifice of white granite and stained glass, a monument to the seven virtues with halls are encrusted with precious materials and objets d’art. Built centuries ago, it is widely recognised as the first major site dedicated to study of the Way in any of the four cities that would later form the League. Indeed for some time it was the largest and most prestigious religious building among all the nations that would become the Empire, larger even than the [[Speaker_of_the_Highborn_Assembly#Basilica_of_Seven_Doors|Basilica of Seven Doors]] in [[Bastion#Bastion,_the_White_City|Bastion]]. Built in part in the image of the ''Basilica'' it was intended as a place for the bishops of Sarvos to meet and explore the virtues. After the formation of the League, it became a place of pilgrimage, and was widely recognised as one of the foremost places to learn about the Way in the Empire.

When the [[Grendel]] [[The sack of Sarvos|sacked Sarvos]] in early 380YE they looted many of the artworks from the Cathedral, and damaged the structure by ripping out many of the precious metals. The damage was not fully repaired until the Senate [[Repair Capodomus Cathedral|commissioned repairs]] in 386YE. Restored to its former glory. Capodomus Cathedral now serves as the seat of the [[Archbishop_of_Capodomus|Archbishop of Capodomus]].

In winter 386YE, after a brief delay brought about by the [[True faith|Vardas debacle]], the Cathedral was [[consecration|consecrated]] as an [[Inspirational location]] by Estella Lucati. The [[Golden_light#The_Atrium_of_Golden_Light|Atrium of Golden Light]] serves as the centre of the consecration, which dedicates the Cathedral to [[Ambition]] and has transformed it into a beacon of the Way that shines far beyond the borders of Sarvos. More details of the consecration can be found in the [[Golden light]] wind of fortune.

===The Colossus of Sarvos===
A wonder of the modern world the [[Lorenzo's Legacy#The Colossus of Sarvos|Colossus of Sarvos]] is the first sight of the City of Masks seen by ships approaching from the Bay of Catazar. The statue itself is some seventy-five feet of stone on a granite plinth twenty-five feet high. It is placed on a small island at the mouth of the main harbour, and maintained by a small group of dedicated stonemasons. For a brief while the statue bore the distinctive countenance of [[Empress Giselle]], but that enchantment faded after a year.

After the Spring Equinox 383YE, with the [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_56|support of the League national assembly]], '''Astrid Fjellrevening Rezia di Tassato''' [[consecration|consecrated]] the Colossus with a dose of [[Liao#True Liao|true liao]] with the [[Auras_of_Pride#Partner_of_Greatness|Partner of Greatness]]. This act greatly increased the influence of the Colossus and secured its status as a [[More_love,_less_paperwork#Bloody_Great_Statue|wonder of the known world]].

The plinth that supports the immense statue bears inscriptions commemorating the [[380YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#The_Defiance_of_Sarvos|liberation of Sarvos]] from the [[Grendel]] in Summer 380YE. Significant space has been dedicated to honouring those who fell during the fighting to defend, and later recapture, the city.

===Asavean Embassy===
Following the Spring Equinox 378YE, [[Construct Asavean Embassy|construction began]] on an official [[embassy]] to the [[Asavean Archipelago]] under the watchful eye of Miroslav, [[Senator]] for Sarvos. Shortly after the Embassy was complete, accusations of excessive piracy from [[Asavean_Archipelago_ports#Nemoria|Nemoria]] led to a minor international incident, but a [[Reparations_to_the_Asavean_Archipelago|sizeable gift]] organised by the Senator for [[Temeschwar]] helped smooth over the growing conflict between Asavea and the Empire. There is now an ambassador in residence, and an influx of Asavean traders has led to several luxurious goods from the far west becoming more freely available on the streets of Sarvos; in turn, the Empire has appointed an [[Ambassador to Asavea]] of their own.

===Suranni Embassy===
During the Spring Equinox 379YE, the Senate commissioned the [[Construct_Iron_Confederacy_embassy|construction]] of an official embassy to the [[Iron Confederacy]]; work was completed shortly before the Summer Solstice. The building is particularly severe by Sarvosan standards; a circular granite and marble keep surrounded by six stubby towers.
===Sarcophan Enclave===
In 383YE, the [[Senate]] [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence|conceded]] the old Alvetti estates to the [[Sarcophan Delves]] as part of a [[The_mathematics_of_tears#The_Vandersaar_Proposal|proposal]] presented by the powerful Vandersaar family - allowing them to [[All_at_sea#Enclaves|build a substantial trading enclave]] on the southern coast of the Empire. The ruined estates - that once belonged to the [[guild]] of [[Empress Giselle]] - were transformed by Sarcophan engineers with experience draining marshes and building on flooded ground. Towers in the Sarcophan style now rise over the ruins of the former Empress' estate. One set of ruins remains untouched however; the broken tomb of Empress Giselle is preserved as a historic landmark, which the Vandersaar (the Sarcophan family who operate the enclave) have made clear can be visited at any time by Imperial citizens eager to explore their history. Indeed, a small team of historians and guides have been provided to give guided tours of the tomb and several other key locations, and a number of souvenirs have been made available at reasonable prices. The enclave provides several benefits to Imperial citizens, but one that may prove slightly contentious is that, as Sarcophan territory recognised by the Senate, it is Sarcophan law that holds sway here. The Delves have a ''remarkably'' relaxed attitude to the law compared to the Empire, and entertainments, items, and substances that might be quite illegal elsewhere are available to any Imperial citizen who wishes to visit. The enclave is rapidly gaining a reputation for license that makes visiting it especially appealing for a certain kind of citizen, and almost irresistible to the more jaded residents of Sarvos.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Caricomare.png|title=In its prime, Caricomare was one of the greatest ports in the Empire|caption=Caricomare in its prime|align=right|width=500}}

=== [[Caricomare]] ===
On the south side of [[#Cigno|Cigno]], [[Caricomare]] was for thirty years a ruined and abandoned suburb of Sarvos, destroyed by an Autumn storm during the equinox of 348YE. Today, however, the once devastated district has been restored and is once again a centre of commerce and culture.

===The Blood Red Quays Art Gallery===
This extravagant structure was commissioned by Magdelena Alanga di Sarvos, in the wake of the [[opportunity]] offered by the potent [[Night magic]] [[enchantment]] that [[In_brightest_day|blanketed the Empire]] toward the end of 380YE. Paid for by The Bloody Butchers Guild of Temeschwar, it stands on the harbour front of [[#Caricomare|Caricomare]]. The [[Lorenzo%27s_Legacy#The_Blood_Red_Quays_Art_Gallery|Blood Red Quays Art Gallery]] is one of the most prominent structures in Sarvos, providing inspiration and encouraging [[Pride]] in citizens across the territory.

===Our Lady of Pride===
This fortification stands in [[#Foracci|Foracci]]. It was [[Fortify_Foracci|commissioned]] by the [[Senate]] in Autumn 380YE. It was completed shortly before the Winter Solstice 381YE. During Autumn 382YE the [[Imperial Master of Works]] [[Improve_Our_Lady_of_Pride|commissioned]] additional work to further improve the fortification - which benefitted from [[Sing_your_name#Securing_the_borders|the efforts of vigilant citizens]] inspired by the creation of a place of pilgrimage at the [[Casinea#The_Silent_Sentinel|Silent Sentinel]] in [[Casinea]]. Work was completed following the Summer Solstice 383YE.

===The Great Chain===
This fortification was designed by Menno von Rijshof, who also planned the [[Madruga#The_Salt_Guard_(Ruined)|Salt Guard]] in [[Madruga]]. The original plans were [[The_parents_of_security#A_Chain_Against_Chains|presented]] in Autumn 381YE, but work did not begin until four years later. It consists of a series of walls, towers, and barracks, coupled with great iron chains attached to blocks of white granite that can be raised or lowered to provide a serious obstacle to naval forces attempting a shore offensive aimed at capturing [[#Cigno|Cigno]]. The work was, ironically, completed at the same time that its sibling fortification in [[Madruga#Siroc|Siroc]] was [[A beacon of smoke|being destroyed]] by the Grendel and their [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] allies. The early completion of the fortification was made possible by the use of [[Autumn magic]], and there was some fear that the [[orc|orcs]] of the Broken Shore would attack before the defences were finished. The Great Chain was further [[Improve_the_Great_Chain_of_Sarvos|reinforced]] following the Winter Solstice 386YE by the ''koboldi'' under the instruction of '''Dima Vasilyevna Novosad''', as [[Master of the Koboldi]].

===Lorenzo's Legacy of Pride===
Spread across the entire territory of Sarvos are red stone [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stele stelae] adorned with images of suns and flags, surmounted by a pair of crossed butcher's cleavers forged of pure mithril. Inscriptions around the base emphasise the virtues of [[Ambition]], [[Prosperity]], and [[Pride]]. A central, large stone stands in the City of Masks itself, in the middle of Bertram's Square - an open air market not far from the cleaver gate that marks the terminus of the [[Lorenzo's_Legacy#Blood_Red_Roads|Blood Red Roads]]. [[Construct Lorenzo's Legacy of Pride|Commissioned]] in Autumn 381YE by Silas di Sarvos, an [[Bearer_of_an_Imperial_Wayleave|Imperial Wayleave bearer]], and paid for by Lorenzo “La Volpe” Macelliao von Temeschwar, these [[Lorenzo's_Legacy#The_Legacy_of_Pride|crimson monoliths]] help to harness the flows of mana through Sarvos.

=== The Spider's Dream ===
An elegant bridge spans the river Vassa, connecting the town of [[#Bocche|Trivento]] to [[Madruga#Torres|Torres]] in the Brass Coast. It is a marvellous piece of engineering that resembles a spider's web. The [[Spider%27s_Tollkeep#The_Spider%27s_Dream|Spider's Dream]] has significant strategic importance - without it armies cannot cross the Vassa between Sarvos and Madruga without going north and passing through Tassato and the Mournwold. It is overseen by the [[Spider%27s_Tollkeep|Spider's Tollkeep]], an [[Imperial title]] uniquely appointed by both the [[senator|senators]] of the League and the Brass Coast together.

==Regions==
===Bocche===
*'''Quality: '''Coastal
This western region shows some influences of the [[The Brass Coast|Brass Coast]]. A major highway passes through Bocche to [[Madruga]], passing over the marvellous suspension bridge, the [[#Spider's Dream|Spider's Dream]]. On the eastern side of the bridge is the town of '''Trivento'''. Once Trivento had ambitions to become a city to rival Sarvos, but this was before the bridge effectively removed their control of the Vassa crossing. Centuries later there is still some bitterness; Sarvosan sophisticates love to characterise inhabitants of Trivento as "country cousins", while the broadsheets of Trivento regularly depict Sarvos proper as a hive of vice and corruption that needs to be washed away. The people of [[Tassato]] are known to gleefully poke both sides of this ancient enmity - and to be quietly pleased that there is not a second city on the Vassa. The establishment of [[College of the Liberated]] here in early 380YE went some way towards revitalising the economy of Trivento - as did [[the sack of Sarvos]].

===Cigno===
*'''Qualities: '''City, Coastal
This is where the City of Masks, [[#Sarvos|Sarvos]] proper, is found. It spreads across the entire island, and in some places extends a short distance into the bay on sturdy quays and pontoons. On the southern side of the island is the bustling mercantile district of [[#Caricomare|Caricomare]] - newly restored by the [[Senate]].

===Foracci===
The wide plains and scattered woodlands of Foracci are the site of many "country estates" owned by guilds and wealthy individuals from Sarvos. Some bring additional profit to their owners, maintaining [[farm|farms]] or [[forest|woodland preserves]]. Examples include the hamlet of Aversa, known for strong red wines and cheeses and home to the well-to-do Corvinoscuri family (and also the location of the [[Jade Custodian|Wellspring of Jade]]), or the [[Signori_d'Argento_Vine_Tender|Signori d'Argento Vineyards]] planted at the outskirts of Aversa Estate. While the region appears on the outside to be reasonably idyllic, there are enough nooks and crannies that travellers here are occasionally confronted with unscrupulous bandits, and most of the estates maintain a small cadre of guards in case these bandits become too ambitious. The wealth of Foracci is protected by [[#Our_Lady_of_Pride|Our Lady of Pride]], a fortification built in Winter 381YE.

Upriver along the Gancio is '''Rodez''', more of an extended suburb of Sarvos than a settlement in its own right. Its harbour is alive with many-oared craft of all sizes; river-boats stopping off from the north, freighters from foreign lands and pleasure-cruisers carrying the wealthy from Sarvos to their inland estates. Many overland visitors to Sarvos stop here to take a ferry to the island. On the outskirts of Rodez stands the famous Aldo di Saverio private hospital and the beautiful [[Keeper_of_Emilio's_Herbarium#Emilio.27s_Herbarium|Emilio’s Herbarium for Anvil Hospital]].

Along the [[trods|trod]] that passes Rodez towards [[Casinea]] stands the [[Armarius of the Anvil Library#The Library Scriptorium|Anvil Library Scriptorium]]. A converted [[wayhouse]], the Scriptorium has been expanded and now also serves both as a seminary to train priests with a particular emphasis on the work of [[Avigliana di Sarvos]] and as the offices of the Anvil Library Press and the associated industries (paper making, bookbinding and repair, and production of ink). The Scriptorium is quite well defended; as with anything associated with the [[Anvil#The_Anvil_Library|Anvil Library]] there is the ever-present threat of attack from agents of the [[Whisper Gallery]].

The banks of the Gancio in Foracci once served as the nesting grounds for the colonies of huge, white cranes that picked their way through the reed-beds of the river. Sometimes seen by the people of Sarvos as beautiful symbols of the city's Pride, other times as bloody nuisances, the population of Gancio cranes was nearly obliterated during the sack of Sarvos in 380YE. Grendel raiders and looters, pushing further upriver from the occupied city, ruthlessly hunted and butchered the cranes for their meat, feathers and eggs; in the aftermath, so few adult birds were left that their future was in grave doubt. However, following the use of [[dramaturgy]] and [[The League hearth magic|hearth magic]] by League performers of the Four Rivers Theatre and Single Ring Strolling Players, the colonies have survived the worst of the disaster and begun the long, slow path to recovery. It will be years, even decades, before the 'white ships of the Gancio' are restored to their former numbers, but for many inhabitants of the city these proud cranes have come to represent the resilience and determination of Sarvos in the aftermath of the sack.

===Riposi===
Riposi is a flat, open land with poor, chalky soil. The few farms here tend to own large herds of sheep and goats, and little else. Riposi was at one time known for the cleverness of its wolves and foxes, but in recent decades both species have been hunted to the point where they are rarely seen. The plains are always described as "mournful" or "gloomy" - cold winds regularly roar in off the Bay, and the influence of nearby [[Necropolis]] helps contribute to the general atmosphere of sadness and desperation. A phrase that sees vogue in Sarvos from time to time refers to someone as being "'''as poor as a Riposi dirt farmer''" - which explains why few guilds admit to having holdings here. In the days before the [[The Orc Rebellion|orc rebellion]], large numbers of slaves worked here and it was the site of a bloody confrontation between the revolting orcs and Imperial forces. The battlefield here has become a minor site of pilgrimage for some [[Imperial Orcs]].

In the far east of Riposi, where it touches the coast, is the large cave system known as '''Orphan’s Haven'''. It takes its name from a tale that two shipwrecked children found a fortune in ancient pearls here, stashed by someone long-forgotten. Upon being rescued by local fisherfolk, they used the greater part of their wealth to finance a home for orphans in Sarvos in the name of [[the Little Mother]]. The cave itself contains carvings from [[Navarr_history|lost Terunael]], and some people believe it was used in pre-Imperial times as a covered port.

===Uccelini===
*'''Quality:''' Coastal
Uccelini extends along the southern coast, and includes a number of small and medium-sized islands that cluster along the northern shores of the Bay of Catazar. Many of these islands are uninhabited, or the site of estates or [[business]] concerns that have long-since fallen into ruin. The remaining estates here tend to be quite well fortified - they need to be able to endure occasional raids by [[Grendel]] pirates that slip past the [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] [[corsair|corsairs]].

The highest point along the coastline from Calvos to Sanctuary, '''Glass Point''' has a look-out point and a beacon set on a high tower above the cliff. A small town has grown up around it that shares its name. Some sailors who spent a great deal of time away from shore have adopted the beacon of Glass Point as a tattoo. The rich mana [[sinecure]] known as [[Custodian of Glass Point Cove|Glass Point Cove]] is assumed to be somewhere in the vicinity of Glass Point - although its precise location is not public knowledge.

Some ship captains prefer to trade out of Glass Point rather than Sarvos proper, and those that do have a reputation for smuggling and dealing with barbarians and miscreants in search of a profit - they have taken [[Employ_Civil_Service_to_observe_Fleets|recent decisions in the Senate]] very poorly.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos.jpg|caption='''Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos''', Senator for Sarvos|align=left|width=300}}
{{Senate Elections|Senator_for_Sarvos|Territory=Sarvos|Season=Summer}}


==OOC Notes==
* All the regions of Sarvos are under the control of the League (and by extension, the Empire), making Sarvos a staunchly Imperial territory.
* [[#Our_Lady_of_Pride|Our Lady of Pride]] is a rank two [[fortification]].
* [[#The Great Chain|The Great Chain]] is a special rank two [[fortification]]. Its [[Fortification#Garrison|garrison]] has an effective strength of 12,000 for the purpose of determining [[War#Victory|victory]] against any shore offensive aimed at capturing Cigno.
* [[business|Businesses]] in the territory benefit from the [[College of the Liberated]], and the [[#The Colossus of Sarvos|Colossus of Sarvos]] and produce an extra 72 rings each season.
* [[Congregation|Congregations]] in the territory benefit from the [[#The Blood Red Quays Art Gallery|Blood Red Quays Art Gallery]] and produce an extra 2 doses of [[liao]] each season.
* [[Herb garden|Herb gardens]] in the territory benefit from the Sweetwater Springs and produce an extra 2 drams of [[true vervain]] and 1 dram of [[Cerulean Mazzarine|cerulean mazzarine]] each season.
* [[Mana site|Mana sites]] in the territory no longer benefit from [[#Lorenzo's Legacy of Pride|Lorenzo's Legacy of Pride]] following a senate motion to [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#League_Crystal_Mana_to_Spiral|divert production to Spiral]].
* The [[#Enclaves|Sarcophan Enclave]] at what was previously the Alvetti estates provides [[All_at_sea#Enclaves|several benefits]] to Sarvosan businesses and the Empire as a whole.
[[Category:The League]]
[[Category:Gazetteer]]
[[Category:Imperial Territory]]

Business

2026-03-06T16:19:17Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Diversification */

==Definition==
A business can represent almost any structure or property that could produce an income, such as inn, a smithy, a brothel, theatre or similar structure. It shouldn't be land or a farm - if that is what you want to take then we would recommend you choose the farm resource instead. But it can represent a trader who buys and sells goods within the Empire (if you want to represent a character who travels overseas to trade then choose a [[fleet]]).

==Production==
A business produces 9 crowns. This represents your disposable income each season; things like supporting your lifestyle, paying taxes, and the like all exist below the abstraction layer.

==Downtime Options==
There are no downtime options for a business. It produces income automatically.

==Upgrades==
A business can be upgraded using [[white granite]] obtained from the Bourse. Each time a business is upgraded, the owner receives an additional income of 36 rings from then on.

To upgrade a business requires Imperial wains of white granite equal to the level the business is being upgraded to. So the first upgrade of a starting level 1 business costs 2 Imperial wains of white granite, from 2 to 3 costs 3 Imperial wains, etc.

==Diversification==
A business can be diversified to sacrifice income for resources. To diversify a business costs one throne. Each time a business diversifies, the owner chooses one resource produced by a mine; the business produces 2 ingots of the chosen metal but produces 36 rings less income.

The [[Sarcophan Delves]] enclave in [[Sarvos]] - the ''Alivetti Estates'' - allows a business to be diversified to gain an income of [[herbs]] as well. This also costs one throne, and reduces the production of the resource by 36 rings. The business then produces two herbs of the chosen type.


==National Implications==
Senators in the League are chosen on the basis of who can command the most support of individuals with substantial investments in the city. This is represented by the business personal resource. A League character who has been operating a business personal resource in a League city receives 10 votes for that city's senatorial elections. If a business is upgraded - then the character who operates that business receives 2 additional votes for each upgrade.

==Rituals==
The table below shows a list of the rituals in Imperial lore which can affect the production of a business.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Ritual
! Effect
! Realm
! Magnitude
|-
|[[Streams of Silver]] || Produces an additional 24 rings for a season || Autumn || 2
|-
|[[Rivers of Gold]] || Produces an additional 180 rings for a season || Autumn || 12
|-
|[[Gift of the Wily Broker]] || Produces additional resources for a season || Autumn || 15
|-
|[[Vale of Shadows]] || Protects the resource from suffering the [[Resource#Conquered_Territories|conquered territory]] penalty for a year || Night || 20
|-
|[[Like Water Through Your Fingers]] || Reduces production by three quarters for a year || Autumn || 30
|-
|[[Thunderous Deluge]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> || Reduces production by 72 rings for a season || Spring || 46
|-
|[[Winter's Ghosts]]<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup> || Reduces production by 36 rings for a season || Winter|| 50
|-
|}
<small>
#{{anchor|1}} This curse affects an entire territory
</small>
[[Category:Rules]]
[[Category:Personal Resource]]

Ambassador to the Commonwealth

2026-03-05T17:49:27Z

Thespaceinvader: /* The Diplomatenschloss */

==Overview==
{{WingedMessenger|address=Militärattache Ludkhannah Schöningen, die Stahlhalle, Volkavaar, Commonwealth}}
Despite being [[Construct Commonwealth embassy|commissioned]] in Summer 379YE, the Commonwealth [[embassy]] was not completed until shortly before the Spring Equinox 380YE. This followed several months of growing tension between the powerful south-eastern nation and the Empire, including a number of tariffs imposed by the Commonwealth government on Imperial imports and exports. The Commonwealth port of Leerdam is home to a palatial estate that has been made available for the use of Imperial civil servants. The embassy stood in [[Madruga#Siroc|Siroc]], on the southern coast of [[Madruga]], before it was destroyed as part of the [[A beacon of smoke|sack of Siroc]] before the Winter Solstice 385YE.

The Ambassador to the [[Commonwealth]] is an [[Imperial title]]. It is an Imperial position appointed by the Imperial Senate.
__TOC__
==Responsibilities==
The [[ambassador]] is expected to represent the Empire in relations with the [[Commonwealth]]. They have all the responsibilities [[Ambassador#Responsibilities|common]] to an Imperial ambassador.
__NOTOC__
==Powers==
===Imperial Ambassador===
The title has all the [[Ambassador#Powers|common powers]] of an ambassador: they can receive a formal [[Ambassador#Delegation|delegation]]; are responsible for [[Ambassador#Communication|communication]]; and may present a [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaty]] with the Commonwealth.

===Commonwealth Merchants===
The [[#Diplomatenschloss|Diplomatenschloss]] in [[Necropolis#Hedrossan|Hedrossan]], [[Necropolis]] means that the ambassador enjoys the benefits of [[Ambassador#Mercantile_Support|mercantile support]] from traders keen to curry their favour. As a [[ministry]], this allows them to purchase quantities of special materials at a set price. The ambassador spends their money and makes their choices during downtime from their character page. Money is removed from, and resources are placed into, the character's inventory when the downtime is processed.


==Appointment==
The Ambassador to the Commonwealth is an Imperial position [[Appointments_by_the_Senate#Imperial_Position|appointed by the Senate]]. Any Imperial citizen can hold this title, and the ambassador serves for a year. They can be [[Revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] and by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].
{{RecentElections|Ambassador_to_the_Commonwealth}}
==The Diplomatenschloss==
Originally the Commonwealth embassy stood in [[Madruga#Siroc_(Ruined)|Siroc]] in [[Madruga]], far away on [[the Brass Coast]]. In 385YE however it was destroyed along with the city by an alliance of [[Grendel]] and [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] forces (as recounted in the ''[[A beacon of smoke]]'' wind of fortune). The garrison there, along with several of the Commonwealth diplomats, fought bravely alongside their Freeborn neighbours, and paid a harsh blood price for doing so.

Almost a year later in Summer 386YE, the Commonwealth ambassador to the Empire ''Militärattache Ludkhannah'', proposed a new embassy be built. Rather than a simple bureaucratic office, she suggested the Empire might work with the COmmonwealth to establish a ''[[For_the_Common_Good#Fighting_Talk|diplomatenschloss]]''. The Senate accepted, and work began [[Construct Diplomatenschloss|almost immediately]].

A diplomatenschloss is a specialised embassy built to also serve as a ''schloss'', a Commonwealth [[fortification]]. Similar to the [[Dean_of_the_Lyceum#The_Lyceum_Schloss|Lyceum Schloss]], but built on a much larger scale, it houses all the embassy staff but is also sufficiently fortified that it provides an effective defence to the entire territory where it is built. Indeed the Commonwealth have sent a detachment of soldiers - the ''Diplomatenschloss guard'' - to garrison it at their own expense (meaning there is not additional upkeep beyond that for a traditional embassy). The guard, resplendent in traditional uniforms, not only protect their own staff, but stand ready to help their hosts defend should Necropolis ever be endangered.

Work on the Hedrossan ''diplomatenschloss'' was overseen by''Poldi Hellebrant'', a respected Commonwealth siege engineer. She was initially pleased both with the land set aside for the construction and the modernity of the docks at Hedra compared to the more traditional facilities of [[Necropolis#Longbeach|Crown's Quay]]. Almost immediately however she [[Beneath_mithril_spires#The_New_Embassy|expressed concern]] over the proximity of the [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarmish]] embassy across the river in [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]]. The close location of the two embassies means that that Jarmish and Commonwealth vessels are both travelling along the Couros river and Poldi several times pointed out that given relationships between the two nations this might cause problems down the line.

Obviously building the ''diplomatenschloss'' meant giving control of a powerful fortification to the Commonwealth, but the benefits were judged to outweigh the potential disadvantages. Should relationships with the Commonwealth collapse, it would represent an armed force within Imperial borders that could potentially prove to be a problem.

(The ''diplomatenschloss'' is a rank one [[fortification]]. The [[Fortification#Bastion|bastion]] stands in Hedrossan, and the [[Fortification#Garrison|garrison]] is made up of Commonwealth soldiers. There is no additional upkeep to the Empire to maintain these troops.)

{{Responsibilities Expectation}}
{{Commonwealth Links}}
[[Category:Ambassador]][[Category:Title]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Senate]]

Ambassador to the Commonwealth

2026-03-05T17:49:04Z

Thespaceinvader: /* The Diplomatenschloss */

==Overview==
{{WingedMessenger|address=Militärattache Ludkhannah Schöningen, die Stahlhalle, Volkavaar, Commonwealth}}
Despite being [[Construct Commonwealth embassy|commissioned]] in Summer 379YE, the Commonwealth [[embassy]] was not completed until shortly before the Spring Equinox 380YE. This followed several months of growing tension between the powerful south-eastern nation and the Empire, including a number of tariffs imposed by the Commonwealth government on Imperial imports and exports. The Commonwealth port of Leerdam is home to a palatial estate that has been made available for the use of Imperial civil servants. The embassy stood in [[Madruga#Siroc|Siroc]], on the southern coast of [[Madruga]], before it was destroyed as part of the [[A beacon of smoke|sack of Siroc]] before the Winter Solstice 385YE.

The Ambassador to the [[Commonwealth]] is an [[Imperial title]]. It is an Imperial position appointed by the Imperial Senate.
__TOC__
==Responsibilities==
The [[ambassador]] is expected to represent the Empire in relations with the [[Commonwealth]]. They have all the responsibilities [[Ambassador#Responsibilities|common]] to an Imperial ambassador.
__NOTOC__
==Powers==
===Imperial Ambassador===
The title has all the [[Ambassador#Powers|common powers]] of an ambassador: they can receive a formal [[Ambassador#Delegation|delegation]]; are responsible for [[Ambassador#Communication|communication]]; and may present a [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaty]] with the Commonwealth.

===Commonwealth Merchants===
The [[#Diplomatenschloss|Diplomatenschloss]] in [[Necropolis#Hedrossan|Hedrossan]], [[Necropolis]] means that the ambassador enjoys the benefits of [[Ambassador#Mercantile_Support|mercantile support]] from traders keen to curry their favour. As a [[ministry]], this allows them to purchase quantities of special materials at a set price. The ambassador spends their money and makes their choices during downtime from their character page. Money is removed from, and resources are placed into, the character's inventory when the downtime is processed.


==Appointment==
The Ambassador to the Commonwealth is an Imperial position [[Appointments_by_the_Senate#Imperial_Position|appointed by the Senate]]. Any Imperial citizen can hold this title, and the ambassador serves for a year. They can be [[Revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] and by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].
{{RecentElections|Ambassador_to_the_Commonwealth}}
==The Diplomatenschloss==
Originally the Commonwealth embassy stood in [[Madruga#Siroc_(Ruined)|Siroc]] in [[Madruga]], far away on [[the Brass Coast]]. In 385YE however it was destroyed along with the city by an alliance of [[Grendel]] and [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] forces (as recounted in the ''[[A beacon of smoke]]'' wind of fortune). The garrison there, along with several of the Commonwealth diplomats, fought bravely alongside their Freeborn neighbours, and paid a harsh blood price for doing so.

ALmost a year later in Summer 386YE, the Commonwealth ambassador to the Empire ''Militärattache Ludkhannah'', proposed a new embassy be built. Rather than a simple bureaucratic office, she suggested the Empire might work with the COmmonwealth to establish a ''[[For_the_Common_Good#Fighting_Talk|diplomatenschloss]]''. The Senate accepted, and work began [[Construct Diplomatenschloss|almost immediately]].

A diplomatenschloss is a specialised embassy built to also serve as a ''schloss'', a Commonwealth [[fortification]]. Similar to the [[Dean_of_the_Lyceum#The_Lyceum_Schloss|Lyceum Schloss]], but built on a much larger scale, it houses all the embassy staff but is also sufficiently fortified that it provides an effective defence to the entire territory where it is built. Indeed the Commonwealth have sent a detachment of soldiers - the ''Diplomatenschloss guard'' - to garrison it at their own expense (meaning there is not additional upkeep beyond that for a traditional embassy). The guard, resplendent in traditional uniforms, not only protect their own staff, but stand ready to help their hosts defend should Necropolis ever be endangered.

Work on the Hedrossan ''diplomatenschloss'' was overseen by''Poldi Hellebrant'', a respected Commonwealth siege engineer. She was initially pleased both with the land set aside for the construction and the modernity of the docks at Hedra compared to the more traditional facilities of [[Necropolis#Longbeach|Crown's Quay]]. Almost immediately however she [[Beneath_mithril_spires#The_New_Embassy|expressed concern]] over the proximity of the [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarmish]] embassy across the river in [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]]. The close location of the two embassies means that that Jarmish and Commonwealth vessels are both travelling along the Couros river and Poldi several times pointed out that given relationships between the two nations this might cause problems down the line.

Obviously building the ''diplomatenschloss'' meant giving control of a powerful fortification to the Commonwealth, but the benefits were judged to outweigh the potential disadvantages. Should relationships with the Commonwealth collapse, it would represent an armed force within Imperial borders that could potentially prove to be a problem.

(The ''diplomatenschloss'' is a rank one [[fortification]]. The [[Fortification#Bastion|bastion]] stands in Hedrossan, and the [[Fortification#Garrison|garrison]] is made up of Commonwealth soldiers. There is no additional upkeep to the Empire to maintain these troops.)

{{Responsibilities Expectation}}
{{Commonwealth Links}}
[[Category:Ambassador]][[Category:Title]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Senate]]

Ambassador to the Commonwealth

2026-03-05T17:48:23Z

Thespaceinvader: /* The Diplomatenschloss */

==Overview==
{{WingedMessenger|address=Militärattache Ludkhannah Schöningen, die Stahlhalle, Volkavaar, Commonwealth}}
Despite being [[Construct Commonwealth embassy|commissioned]] in Summer 379YE, the Commonwealth [[embassy]] was not completed until shortly before the Spring Equinox 380YE. This followed several months of growing tension between the powerful south-eastern nation and the Empire, including a number of tariffs imposed by the Commonwealth government on Imperial imports and exports. The Commonwealth port of Leerdam is home to a palatial estate that has been made available for the use of Imperial civil servants. The embassy stood in [[Madruga#Siroc|Siroc]], on the southern coast of [[Madruga]], before it was destroyed as part of the [[A beacon of smoke|sack of Siroc]] before the Winter Solstice 385YE.

The Ambassador to the [[Commonwealth]] is an [[Imperial title]]. It is an Imperial position appointed by the Imperial Senate.
__TOC__
==Responsibilities==
The [[ambassador]] is expected to represent the Empire in relations with the [[Commonwealth]]. They have all the responsibilities [[Ambassador#Responsibilities|common]] to an Imperial ambassador.
__NOTOC__
==Powers==
===Imperial Ambassador===
The title has all the [[Ambassador#Powers|common powers]] of an ambassador: they can receive a formal [[Ambassador#Delegation|delegation]]; are responsible for [[Ambassador#Communication|communication]]; and may present a [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaty]] with the Commonwealth.

===Commonwealth Merchants===
The [[#Diplomatenschloss|Diplomatenschloss]] in [[Necropolis#Hedrossan|Hedrossan]], [[Necropolis]] means that the ambassador enjoys the benefits of [[Ambassador#Mercantile_Support|mercantile support]] from traders keen to curry their favour. As a [[ministry]], this allows them to purchase quantities of special materials at a set price. The ambassador spends their money and makes their choices during downtime from their character page. Money is removed from, and resources are placed into, the character's inventory when the downtime is processed.


==Appointment==
The Ambassador to the Commonwealth is an Imperial position [[Appointments_by_the_Senate#Imperial_Position|appointed by the Senate]]. Any Imperial citizen can hold this title, and the ambassador serves for a year. They can be [[Revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] and by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].
{{RecentElections|Ambassador_to_the_Commonwealth}}
==The Diplomatenschloss==
Originally the Commonwealth embassy stood in [[Madruga#Siroc_(Ruined)|Siroc]] in [[Madruga]], far away on [[the Brass Coast]]. In 385YE however it was destroyed along with the city by an alliance of [[Grendel]] and [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] forces (as recounted in the ''[[A beacon of smoke]]'' wind of fortune). The garrison there, along with several of the Commonwealth diplomats, fought bravely alongside their Freeborn neighbours, and paid a harsh blood price for doing so.

ALmost a year later in Summer 386YE, the Commonwealth ambassador to the Empire ''Militärattache Ludkhannah'', proposed a new embassy be built. Rather than a simple bureaucratic office, she suggested the Empire might work with the COmmonwealth to establish a ''[[For_the_Common_Good#Fighting_Talk|diplomatenschloss]]''. The Senate accepted, and work began [[Construct Diplomatenschloss|almost immediately]].

A diplomatenschloss is a specialised embassy built to also serve as a ''schloss'', a Commonwealth [[fortification]]. Similar to the [[Dean_of_the_Lyceum#The_Lyceum_Schloss|Lyceum Schloss]], but built on a much larger scale, it houses all the embassy staff but is also sufficiently fortified that it provides an effective defence to the entire territory where it is built. Indeed the Commonwealth have sent a detachment of soldiers - the ''Diplomatenschloss guard'' - to garrison it at their own expense (meaning there is not additional upkeep beyond that for a traditional embassy). The guard, resplendent in traditional uniforms, not only protect their own staff, but stand ready to help their hosts defend should Necropolis ever be endangered.

Work on the Hedrossan ''diplomatenschloss'' was overseen by''Poldi Hellebrant'', a respected Commonwealth siege engineer. She was initially pleased both with the land set aside for the construction and the modernity of the docks at Hedra compared to the more traditional facilities of [[Necropolis#Longbeach|Crown's Quay]]. Almost immediately however she [[Beneath_mithril_spires#The_New_Embassy|expressed concern]] over the proximity of the [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarmish]] embassy across the river in [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]]. The close location of the two embassies means that that Jarmish and Commonwealth vessels are both travelling along the Couros river and Poldi several times pointed out that given relationships between the two nations this might cause problems down the line.

Obviously building the ''diplomatenschloss'' meant giving control of a powerful fortification to the Commonwealth, but the benefits were judged to outweigh the potential disadvantages. Should relationships with the Commonwealth collapse, it would represent an armed force within Imperial borders that could potentially prove to be a problem.

(The ''diplomatenschloss'' is a rank one [[fortification]]. The [[Fortification#Bastion|bastion]] stands in Hedrossan, and the [[garrison]] is made up of Commonwealth soldiers. There is no additional upkeep to the Empire to maintain these troops.)

{{Responsibilities Expectation}}
{{Commonwealth Links}}
[[Category:Ambassador]][[Category:Title]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Senate]]

Mushroom, mushroom, mushroom

2026-03-04T16:04:28Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Waves of Ruin (Conjunction) */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<ic>"Can I help you?" Renard kept his voice neutral, hoping that diplomacy was still an option. He was intimately aware of the distance between himself and the two treewardens that had brought this potentially threatening visitor to his attention.

The entity stopped poking at the petrified tree and slowly turned around to focus its attention on the Navarr priest. It barely came up to his shoulder, but it was three times as broad as he was. It had long, spindly, sinewy arms that reached almost to the ground, and squat legs that seemed to be little more than stumps. It was clearly not anything mortal - the wide spreading red cap that seemed to be part of its head marked it out as some kind of ambulatory toadstool. Renard noted that it didn't seem to have a face as such, but directed his wary smile at where he imagined one might be.

"The question. Is. Rather." The creature spoke in stops and starts, its voice surprisingly soft and breathy for a clumpy mass of fungus with no obvious way of speaking. Or breathing. It tailed off. Renard wondered if it was broken. Then it spoke again, that same stilted pattern to its speech. "Rather. It is whether. I can help. You."

When it was obvious that there was no more coming, Renard asked what it meant. The thing gestured to the petrified tree, and the priest swallowed nervously as its sheer length, and the club-like hand at its end, became more apparent. It didn't seem to have any joints as such, and Renard was pretty confident that if the thing decided to hit him with it, then it would end badly.

"This. Is a thing. That should not. Be." It said, and Renard fancied he could hear just the tinge of anger in its voice. "It should. Not. Be like. This."

"It was the Cold Sun," Renard explained quickly. He didn't want the thing thinking ''he'' was to blame. "When the Empty Hands came they did this. There's trees like it all over Miaren. We're working on a way to deal with them but... it takes time. Sorry."

He wasn't sure why he was apologising. The mushroom being rested its misshapen hand against the calcified "bark" of the tree. It was one of those that passing artists had decorated, turning the bone-white aberration into something if not beautiful then at least symbolic of the defiance of the Navarr people.

"Trees die." Said the visitor, as if it had not really listened to what Renard had said. "They die. They rot. New trees grow. This is. An abomination. I will. Take care. Of it. For you."

Renard felt the air shift then, and took an involuntary step back. The treewardens, sensitive to his worry, readied their spears. The mushroom creature began to sing, then, softly. A wordless, shifting, throbbing song that the priest felt in his skin and bones rather than heard with his ears. Colours pulsed across the pale surface of the fungusman - soft pink, deep red, startling violet - and then with a loud ''snap'' the petrified trunk of the tree split straight up the middle. Cracks ran maze-like across the surface, and pieces began to fall away. Still the visitor sang its weird song and Renard saw pale tendrils spread from where its stumpy legs touched the ground into the ashen soil that surrounded the accursed tree. In less than a minute the destruction was complete. The corrupted tree lay in pieces, and the blasted ground around it... swelled with life. Mushrooms, toadstools, puffballs, and less identifiable things began to cover the remains, as dark green ferns uncoiled and opened their feathered leaves all around it.

The mushroom fellow observed the transformation calmly then turned its attention back to Renard who was staring speechless at the little blue and purple flowers beginning to open across several of the ferns.

"It will take. Time. For new trees. To grow." Said the visitor. "But. They will. Grow."

It shook itself - a wave going from the top of its wide cap to the ground and then back again. Renard noted that the tendrils which had emerged from its feet had broken off, and now lay drained and lifeless amid the burgeoning growth.

"I misspoke. Before. You can. Help me. Maybe." It said. "I have been sent. To speak. With your people. About gardens. And Life. Is that. Something. You can. Assist me. With?"

Renard took a breath, and ratchetted his smile up a notch, as he tried to think of a suitable response.</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 275px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Mushroom Sage.jpg|caption=The heralds of Llofir have been abroad in the Empire, especially in Navarr.|align=left|width=275}}</div>
==Overview==
In 384YE, Llofir [[Alignment|demanded amity]] in response to a request for [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]]. At that time it [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Llofir|explicitly stated that it would use that amity]] to take revenge for the [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Destroying_Angels|destruction of its garden]] at [[Reikos#Tamarbode|Tamarbode]]. The request was denied and there was little further contact, but the most recent summit saw another attempt to call the eternal for a plenipotentiary. This time Llofir responded by [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Hours_Breathing_Faint_and_Low|demanding the Empire first perform the dangerous ritual]] [[Hallow of the Green World]] as a show of trust.

Unwilling to take such a risky step, the [[Conclave]] appear to have offered a compromise - [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Llofir,_Neutrality|declaring neutrality]] with [[Llofir]]. The removal of enmity represents a more cautious approach. Llofir's heralds can now move freely about the Empire, which is a potential matter for concern, but it can't wield its power freely, as it could if it were granted amity.

To the surprise of some, it seems to be a compromise the eternal is prepared to accept - to a degree. Earlier that year heralds of Llofir had [[The_first_shot#Miaren|suggested that the eternal would be willing to aid a war against the vallorn]]. The eternal is clear that it has not yet forgiven the Empire for the destruction of the garden, but it seems it is keen to fight against an enemy so inimical to everything the ''Rotlord'' stands for.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ibiss8557.jpg||caption='''Ibiss Briarheart''', Archmage of Spring|align=right|width=250}}</div>
==Cautious Detente==
* '''The Conclave has declared neutrality with Llofir'''
* '''Llofir has accepted the compromise this decision represents but the eternal continues to nurse a grudge for Highguard, the League and Urizen'''
* '''Ibiss Briarheart is the current Archmage of Spring'''
Llofir's message is clear - it is not interested in plenipotentiary. It offered a way that the Conclave could restore trust and they chose a halfway house and that is absolutely fine. But it does not erase the crimes of the past, and if something new is going to grow out of destruction it will be on Llofir's terms.

Specifically Llofir focuses its disgruntlement on the nations it holds responsible for the destruction of its garden - [[the League]], [[Highguard]], and the people of [[Urizen]]. They'll receive no favours, no assistance, no wisdom, and Llofir makes no secret of its willingness to support anyone prepared to bring these nations to account. Perhaps, say the heralds, it is time to test them; to see if they are still healthy or if it is time for them to fade from history. It could all just be talk; the heralds of Llofir are not visiting these nations and there's no sign of immediate retribution taking place.

==Conversations With Navarr==
* '''Llofir is prepared to help the Navarr construct an army'''
* '''The Advisor on the Vallorn has been asked to gather Navarr together - and only Navarr - to speak with heralds of Llofir at TBC'''
* '''''Seren Embercast'' is the current Advisor on the Vallorn'''
<div style="float:left; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Seren Embercast.jpg|caption='''Seren Embercast''', Advisor on the Vallorn|align=right|width=250}}</div>
Following the olive branch extended by the Conclave, the ''Lady of Spores'' is prepared to aid the Navarr in their fight against the [[vallorn]]. Shortly after the Autumn Equinox, several heralds of the Spring eternal appear in [[Brocéliande]], [[Hercynia]] and [[Miaren]], keen to talk to the magicians and vates of the nation about this matter. They're adamant however that the ''Great Fungus'' is interested in aiding ''the Navarr'' and not ''the Empire'' in this matter.

The heralds are enthusiastic about the [[A thousand years of longing|grand plan]] to unite the vallorn hearts and render the entity mortal. They are aware that only two vallorn hearts remain unconnected to the great network of [[trods]] - the one in [[Sarangrave]] (a territory now claimed by the Empire) and the one in [[Axos]]. The heralds are interested to hear how the Navarr plan to complete the "mycelial network" that will begin the war with the vallorn in earnest.

As such some heralds are planning to visit Anvil to talk to the Navarr. They will visit them in their camp, and they are interested in speaking to Spring magicians (and not just the vates) of the nation. They have asked '''Seren Embercast''', the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]] to gather them together to talk about the vallorn and the progress of the great plan. They are not interested in talking to anyone other than Navarri however - and ask that the Navarr ensure that there are not members of other nations present.
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Orange_Pore_Fungus.jpg|caption=The ''Lady of Spores'' has expressed support for the war against the Vallorn.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
===A New Army===
* '''Llofir offers help to the army raised in Miaren if it is dedicated to the destruction of the vallorn'''
The ''Rotlord'' is prepared to offer its support for the new Navarr army to help it fight the vallorn, ''provided the meeting with the Navarr mages goes well''. To ensure that there is no misunderstanding, the heralds are happy to make the offer clear. If the negotiations are successful, then scores of Llofir's heralds will join the army, providing spores that spread rot and putrefaction, scouring the landscape, but leaving it ready for new life to emerge. If that happened, the army would gain the scouring quality allowing the general to issue the following orders.
====Scouring====
* '''Can use the ''Scour the Land'' order while attacking'''
* '''Can use the ''Turn the Circle'' order while defending'''

If the Navarr can convince Llofir's heralds to join the new army in Miaren it would gain the "scouring" quality granting it access to two unique orders. Scouring the land would help the army drive the vallorn back and inflict heavy casulaties on it, while Turn the Circle helps to bleed the enemy while it is attacking.

<box>'''Scour the Land'''<br>
* '''All casualties inflicted by this army on forces of the vallorn are increased by two fifths'''
* '''The ability of this army to contest territory against the vallorn is increased by three tenths'''
* '''All casualties suffered by this army are increased by a fifth'''
With the aid of Llofir's heralds, the army spreads spores unleashing a wave of rot and decay against the the forces of the vallorn. Lifeless husks, twisted ettercaps, and mutated insects alike are exposed to infection from the spores. This infection is deep enough to overcome even the supernatural vitality of the vallorn so that the slightest wounds turning deadly.</box>

<box>'''Turn the Circle'''<br>
* '''All casualties inflicted by this army on forces of the vallorn are increased by a tenth'''
* '''All casualties suffered by this army are increased by a tenth'''
* '''All ruins in the targeted regions are destroyed'''
The seeds and spores that Llofir spreads can do more than just destroy the forces of the vallorn - they can also tear down abandoned buildings allowing them to quickly consume ruins. The heralds will target any ruins in the territory, tearing them down as they scour the land clear. One or more regions in the territory will lose the ruined quality, sites of antiquity will be consumed as the slate is wiped clean. As things rot and decay, they leave the soil in the area as rich and fertile as it has ever been. Taking this order won't turn a desert into a garden, but ruins and the like will be replaced by verdant landscapes. The order is completely indiscriminate, attacking anything that is old and decaying in the territory.</box>

===A New Garden===
<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Llofir's Paludarium'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Fane</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Location:''' Greenfalls, Miaren</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 10 weirwood, 10 rings of ilium and 30 crowns in labour</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Special:''' Must be ceded to Llofir by the Senate</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
* Allows Llofir to claim the entire region of Greenfalls turning it into a vast garden.
* Allows the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild|Apothecaries Guild]] to appoint the Tender of Llofir's Garden</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends if not commissioned before the end of Autumn Equinox 388YE</td></tr>
</table>
<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Tender of Llofir's Garden'''</tr>
<tr><td>'''Type:''' Navarr</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Apothecaries Guild</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives mushrooms each season</td></tr>
<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To oversee the garden and lead the defence against any attacks on the garden</td></tr>
</table></div>
* '''There has been talk of the Navarr granting Llofir a new garden to replace the one in Tamarbode that was destroyed'''
* '''Llofir's Paludarium is a commission that requires 10 wains of weirwood, 10 rings of ilium, and 30 crowns in labour costs'''
* '''The Senate would need to cede the commission to Llofir'''
* '''The entire region where the garden is built will be claimed by Llofir over the coming year'''
There has been suggestions that the Navarr might allow Llofir to create a new garden to replace the one that was destroyed in Tamarbode. It seems that Llofir is prepared to accept an offer of a new garden in Navarr lands. It has accepted that the Tamarbode garden is gone but there is new life, provided the location is suitable. When Llofir created the first garden, it did so as part of unleashing a great wave of magic that scoured the territory of [[Reikos]]. Plants bloomed, tearing down ruined structures, devouring graves and crypts. The scars of the Druj occupation were erased, but with them went much of the Highborn history in the territory.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Panellus Stipticus.jpg|caption=The ''Quiet One'' wishes to establish a new mushroom garden in Miaren.|align=right|width=300}}
Having scoured lands claimed by the Navarr, the heralds say that the location Llofir would choose is [[Miaren#Greenfalls|Greenfalls]] in [[Miaren]]. This location is safe and secure, far from the vallorn and similar destructive threats like Highguard and Urizen. Sadly it is dangerously close to Temeschwar and Tassato, but Llofir is confident that this time, its forces would be strong enough to defeat this enemy should it be attacked again. Greenfalls contains many important Navarr ruins which would inevitably be altered as a minimum, if not destroyed by Llofir's embrace, but for the servants of the Rotlord such renewal is one of the reasons why the region interests the eternal.

If the Navarr were minded to provide Llofir's with a new garden, they would need to [[commission]] Llofir's Paludarium in Greenfalls. This structure is similar to a [[fane]], though without the [[Fane#Benefits|usual benefits]] associated, and would need to be ceded to the eternal to function. Once the structure is complete and has been ceded to the Rotlord, then it will slowly spread to consume the entire region in which it is built. The entire region of Greenfalls will be converted into a rich verdant garden by the Lady of Spores, teeming with mushrooms, fungus and molds. If that happens, then the Llofir would allow the Apothecaries Guild to appoint a Navarr citizen to tend the garden and protect its borders. In return they would be invited to gather a handful of mushrooms with magical abilities each season.

Llofir's heralds are unable to provide information on what properties these mushrooms might have, saying that it would depend how the garden is grown. However that appears to be something the Navarr could affect.

====Old Rope====
* '''Llofir seeks 1000 herbs to power the transformation of Greenfalls into a verdant garden'''
* '''In return it offers material support worth 15 wains of mithril for the new army being raised in Miaren'''
* '''The type of herb provided will affect the nature of the garden Llofir creates'''
Even with the Paludarium, the transformation of Greenfalls will require a huge undertaking of magic by Llofir. Creating a vast garden is a hugely ''expensive'' endeavour, and while the Rotlord has the power to accomplish the deed, it would apparently leave them quiescent for many moons. That is a fate it would rather avoid, so rather than drive the transformation themselves, Llofir would prefer to utilise herbs to power the change.

Huge numbers of herbs would be required to perform the magic. Llofir's heralds believe the eternal could use up to a thousand herbs to complete the transformation of the region. The ''Quiet One'' does not ask for this aid as a gift however - instead it offers a simple trade. If the Navarr and their allies were willing to provide the necessary herbs, then in return the eternal will provide the Navarr with weapons and armour fashioned from mycelium that has grown so old and hard that it is as light and strong as [[mithril]]. Based on the samples shown, the civil service calculate that this would reduce the amount of mithril required to raise the army in Miaren by 15 wains. If less herbs were provided, then the exchange could still be made, but the eternal would provide proportionally less aid to the new army.

The Rotlord is content to allow the Navarr to choose which herb might be exchanged in this way - but it would need to be all the ''same'' type of herb. Mixing different herbs would be a catastrophe as the innate properties of the herbs would clash with each other. The heralds claim that whichever herb the Navarr chose would determine the properties of the garden Llofir created, affecting the mushrooms available to the Tender of Llofir's Garden and any future benefits the garden might offer.

Llofir's heralds will discuss the offer with the Navarr when they meet at the coming summit and provide arrangements if they wish to proceed.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Amanita_muscaria.jpg|caption=Llofir is... interested... in the fall of the Druj empire.|align=right|width=300}}

==End of Empire==
* '''Llofir sees the Druj nation in decline and offers to help hasten that end'''
* '''This is risky because it might instead revitalise the Druj'''
* '''It proposes that Hallow of the Green World be performed in Therunin while it remains under Druj control'''
There's one other matter that is of interest to Llofir. That of the Druj. The eternal seems to believe that the "Empire of the Druj" is in decline, that Imperial aggression has weakened it so much that it may be on the brink of collapse. It proposes to test if this is the case.

If the Empire are prepared to evoke [[Hallow of the Green World]] in [[Therunin]], then that [[enchantment]] will settle over the Druj Empire (such as it is) rather than the Imperial Empire - due to the [[Laws_of_magic#The_Law_of_Boundaries|magical Law of Boundaries]]. The effects will be concentrated in Therunin itself, in the [[Forest of Ulnak]], and in the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]]. The ritual will provide some succour to the Druj of course - it helps to promote the growth of [[herb|healing herbs]] in [[herb garden|herb gardens]] - but that may be of little comfort to the orcs of the Mallum. It will also allow Llofir to focus his power freely on the Druj, to fulfil its identity as the "Ender of Empires." With the tools at its disposal it will act to hasten the collapse of the Druj, bringing sickness and ruin. The eternal cannot predict exactly what form this will take, but it will be impactful.

The ritual will ''also'' free the other Spring eternals to act directly in the Druj Empire. [[Yaw'nagrah]] and [[Arhallogen]] already have a fair amount of freedom to operate there, and are broadly inclined to support the Druj. On the other hand it seems the [[Irra Harah|Prince with a Thousand Foes]] is chomping at the bit to be able to act freely in the Mallum against the Druj. And while [[Siakha]] shows no favour where the Druj are concerned, she revels in ''any'' chance to destroy. For that matter, there are other Spring eternals with no interest in the Empire who might be goaded to intervene in the Druj empire if the doors were opened for them to do so.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Cassandra11972.jpg|caption='''Cassandra i Periera i Erigo''', Imperial Censor (Summer 385-Autumn 386)|align=right|width=250}}</div>
Obviously, invoking this ritual is no simple matter - but the magnitude required to affect the Druj right now is ''significantly'' lower than that required to affect the entire Empire. It could be cast at magnitude 100 at the coming Winter Solstice, if it were targeted against the Druj territories. It would still be tricky - and risky - because it would require a strong Spring regio in a Druj held territory, so it would be impossible to cast from Anvil. Anyone prepared to make the attempt would need to find an opportunity to use the [[Sentinel Gate]] to a suitable location in the Druj empire containing a Spring regio.

One fly in the ointment is that it is currently illegal to perform an empire-wide enchantment such as [[Hallow of the Green World]]. The magistrate's ruling on the [[interdiction]] that was [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Interdiction_:_Empire_Wide_Enchantments|raised two years ago]] by [[Imperial Censor]] '''Cassandra i Periera i Erigo''' was that it covers all uses of such a ritual, not just those targeting the Empire. Whilst the interdiction holds, it is illegal to perform the ritual - but the heralds of the Rotlord clearly either don't care about legality or can't conceive of why such a thing would stop people.

Llofir's heralds try to be plain that the eternal has no particular enmity against the Druj - it is simply that it believes they are on the cusp of falling into ruin. If they are too sickly to survive, Llofir would see them perish, and new life rise from their remains. "They will either fall, or rise," says one philosophical little herald. "We will either hasten their inevitable end, or they will be rejuvenated. Either outcome is acceptable."
===Waves of Ruin (Conjunction)===
* '''There is a pair of conjoined conjunctions to Eastring in Therunin at TBD'''
* '''The Druj are attempting to use Spring magic to rile up the vallorn even further'''
* '''If they can be stopped and driven off from the ritual site, then ritualists could travel to the area to perform Hallow of the Green World on the remaining Mallum territories'''
* '''This conjunction takes place within the ''vallorn miasma'''''
There is a pair of strange conjoined conjunctions to Eastring in Therunin late on Saturday at the next summit. The first is a large conjunction for 60 people, the second conjunction is to the same location but smaller, and occurs just ten minutes after the first one. Conjoined conjunctions are rare, but not completely unknown - and this one would be ideal for Llofir's plan.

Even if the Empire is not minded to take up Llofir's offer, the conjunction is still crucial. The Druj have moved a group of ''[[Druj_lore#Ghulai|ghulai]]'' to the area, looking to repeat the ritual they used a year ago to rile the vallorn. If they are not stopped, then the current risks in Therunin will grow significantly worse. The expansionist threat of the vallorn will continue, and will last for another year, potentially seeing the whole of Therunin swallowed up. The Druj are clearly desperate to do something that might draw the Empire's attention away from their homelands.

The area is, inevitably, within the [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|vallorn miasma]] which presents its own difficulties. At least the miasma does not play favourites; the Druj will be as affected by it as Imperial forces. It might be prudent, however, to make preparations for dealing with the effects even if only arranging a way to remove [[Calls#VENOM|venom]] from those who return from the conjunctions.

Stopping the ritual is a victory in itself, but if the Druj are stopped and the area is secured, then a ritual team of up to twenty-five people could use the second conjunction to join the heroes in Therunin. They could use the regio to perform Hallow the Green World - they may even be able to take advantage of any resources or items the Druj are carrying to help them perform their own magic. With their ritual team defeated, the Druj would be in no position to counter any such ritual.

If the enchantment is cast, it will wash out of Therunin and take hold across the Mallum. [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|Heralds]] of the [[Realms#Spring|Spring realm]], and the eternals themselves, will be freed to exert influence over the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] and the [[Forest of Ulnak]]. It is impossible to say what the impact that might have - beyond saying there will definitely ''be'' one.

It is easier to assess the effect on Therunin itself. Llofir's heralds will spread the power of ruin across the territory, weakening and sapping strength from the [[vallorn]]. Its ability to claim another region will be significantly reduced - falling by 5,000 from its current total. Imperial armies fighting in the territory will find it easier to hold the vallorn back during the season, but will still suffer the effects of fighting an active vallorn. Assuming the Druj ritual is stopped, by the start of the Spring Equinox, the vallorn will settle back into relative quiescence - active but not expanding. It will keep any land it has already expanded into, of course, but the threat of any further expansion will be gone for the time being.

At the same time, Llofir will "rejuvenate" the marshy territory. Given what happened in [[Reikos]] when the eternal did the same, it will mean that any ruins in the regions the Navarr once occupied will be swept away. New life will rise from the destruction with supernatural speed - seeing [[Therunin#Peakedge Song|Peakedge Song]] and [[Therunin#Upper Tarn Valley|Upper Tarn Valley]] gain the ''forested'' quality. The Lower Tarn Valley will lose the ''poisoned'' quality, but in the process gain the ''Mycelial'' quality as all kinds of fungus and mushrooms - most natural but some infused with Spring magic - sprout across it. The scars of war with the Druj will be erased, but in the process any damaged or ruined structures or settlements will be consumed by Llofir's power.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''Whisperspore'''<br>If you plan to take the boon Llofir is offering, you will need a suitable phys-rep for the resultant ''whisperspore''. A pouch containing an amount of pale powder, such as sherbet or flour, makes an adequate phys-rep for whisperspore. The whisperspore itself is provided in the form of a typical rip-on-use card. The only way to find out exactly what it does is to use it (by inhaling it).</box></div>

==Rot and the Magic==
* '''Whisperspore is still available to Imperial magicians who seek it through Madyn's Gift'''
* '''The strange material can be used to involve the eternal in the casting of certain rituals during the Winter Solstice'''
Despite, or perhaps because of, the change in status, the Rotlord has [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Trust|continued to offer Whisperspore]] to any Imperial magicians prepared to pay its price. During the Winter Solstice, any Imperial magician can perform the Spring ritual [[Madyn's Gift]] but include up to five measures of [[beggar's lye]] alongside the [[realmsroot]]. For each pair of realmsroot and beggar's lye, the casters will receive a dose of ''whisperspore''. Any leftover realmsroot or beggar's lye will be returned untouched.

This substance is valuable in its own right, but during the Solstice the substance can also be used to capture the attention of Llofir. Obviously, both the creation of whisperspore and its use to gain boons from Llofir is only legal while the eternal has neutrality; if the Conclave restores enmity than accepting any of these boons would be a crime.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=LlofirArt.jpg|caption=The ''Wisdom of Fallen Wood'' offers magical boons to some of the Empire's masters of Spring magic.|align=right|width=250}}</div>
===Skin of the Mushroom===
* '''Skin of Bark, Blood of Amber will provide additional endurance if cast with a dose of whisperspore
* '''The target becomes subject to VENOM, and their body will swiftly fall apart if they die
* '''This will prevent them from rising as a husk or vallornspawn husk
[[Skin of Bark, Blood of Amber]] is a potent enchantment of Spring magic that brings vitality. Yet Llofir and its servants often speak of the way new life rises from death. If at least one dose of whisperspore is used in the performance of the ritual during the Winter Solstice, the ritual will provide an additional rank of Endurance to the target, but they will also become subject to VENOM. If the VENOM is removed, the enchantment immediately ends. If the subject dies while the enchantment is in place, their body will swiftly break down in the same way as if someone had cast [[Turns the Circle]] on it. This means that subjects will not rise as [[vallornspawn husks]] or otherwise leave bodies to be possessed or claimed.

The ritual can be cast on multiple targets as normal, but in this case, it requires a dose of whisperspore for each target. Otherwise, everyone involved will simply gain the usual effects of ''Skin of Bark, Blood of Amber''. If the enchantment is placed on a single target, it can be made [[Ilium#Using_ilium_in_rituals|permanent with ilium]] in the usual way. If this happens, the heightened effects - for good or ill - are permanently infused into the target.
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''Magical Mushrooms'''<br>Like [[Yaw'nagrah]], Llofir's demesne in the [[Realms#Spring|Spring realm]] overflows with the magical substances known as ''donahorti''. They take the form of fungus, spores, rots and rusts of all kinds. Common effects include boons for magicians casting Spring rituals (especially those associated with the resonance of [[Spring magic#Ruin|ruin]]); endurance or healing at a price (often represented by [[Calls#VENOM|venom]] or [[Calls#WEAKNESS|weakness]]; or gifts of strange insight, exhilaration, or awareness similar to those experienced by consuming some mundane fungi (albeit much more pronounced and powerful).

Ideal phys-reps for such substances might be actual pieces of mushroom or toadstool, or small bags of powder representing spores.</box></div>

===Blessing of Old Winter===
* '''Blessing of New Spring has additional effects if cast with whisperspore
* '''A farm will provide 6 fewer crowns for one year but four doses of magical mushrooms of various kinds
* '''The effect lasts for a full year
* '''A farm enchanted with Llofir's power cannot be targeted with Strong Ox, Golden Sun or Gathering the Harvest
[[Blessing of New Spring]] is a very old ritual widely used across the Empire to enchant farms to make them fertile and productive. It is especially powerful when used in conjunction with [[Strong Ox, Golden Sun]] and [[Gathering the Harvest]], rituals that build on the effects of this magic to increase a farm's yield even further.

Llofir offers an alternative for those who are eager to embrace the gifts that the ''Great Fungus'' offers. If a dose of whisperspore is used while performing the ritual - then a new enchantment will settle over the farm - something his heralds call "The Blessing of the Rotlord." This new enchantment will last for one year, unless the ritual is replaced in that time. During that time, the farm will produce a small crop of magical mushrooms, in place of the normal crops that would grow. While that happens, the farm will produce six crowns less but gain four magical mushrooms in their place.

A ritual group could invoke the Blessing of the Rotlord on multiple farms at once, but it would require one dose of whisperspore for each farm that is targeted by the ritual, otherwise the normal Blessing of New Spring will settle over all the farms instead. A farm enchanted with ''Blessing of the Rotlord'' cannot benefit from [[Strong Ox, Golden Sun]] or [[Gathering the Harvest]].

===Regrow the Land's Heart===
* '''Regrow the Land's Heart can be infused with Llofir's power if at least one whisperspore and one vital honey are used, and no crystal mana is included
* '''The territory will experience a burst of renewal focused around transforming places of ruin and rot into fertile land
* '''Farms and herb gardens in the territory will produce less money or fewer herbs, but provide additional magical mushrooms
The ''Great Fungus'' perceives death and decay as a route to new life. Sometimes its blessings are terrible, bringing disease and infection. Sometimes, however, its blessing promotes the blooming of new life from mulch and putrefaction. The final boon it offers Imperial magicians is an offer to weave this growth into any casting of [[Regrow the Land's Heart]] that targets an Imperial territory. To claim this boon, the ritual must be cast with both ''whisperspore'' and [[Vis#Vital Honey|vital honey]], and no crystal mana must be used (although mana from other sources such as [[Balms of the Fountainhead#Suffusion of Blood|Suffusion of Blood]] is fine), and the performance must include an evocation of Llofir by at least three of its names.

If this is done Llofir will pour its own power into the enchantment. It will still have its normal effect - indeed it will be even more effective. Areas scarred by war or natural disaster, will quickly become overgrown with new plants and mushrooms. Regions with the [[Region_qualities#Ruined|ruined]] quality will not lose it, but the areas of ruin will swiftly be transformed into gardens or even woodlands. Every [[farm]] in the territory will provide 3 crowns fewer in income in the period leading up to the Spring Equinox, and every [[herb garden]] will produce six fewer true vervain. Instead, they will provide three doses of magical mushrooms from the demesne of Llofir.

The exception is a territory that is part of the League, Highguard, or Urizen. The heralds of Llofir will not prevent the boon being used to cast ''Regrow the Land's Heart'' on those nations, but they warn that doing so will invite the eternal to take a measure of vengeance against the enchanted territory. No boons will be provided; what exactly will happen is unpredictable but the [[Unfettered Mind]] and [[Celestial Arch]] theorise that the eternal's influence will cause the ritual to deploy its effects in the most unhelpful fashion. Yet there is also a possibility here to drain away some of the enmity Llofir feels towards those nations - targeting a territory from one of those nations, especially if the ritual is performed by magicians of that nation, will satisfy the eternal's anger and repair the relationship with the ''Rot Lord''.

==Further Reading==
* [[Llofir]]
* [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Hours_Breathing_Faint_and_Low|Has reared himself a throne]] - Autumn 387YE plenipotentiary wind of fortune
* [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Destroying_Angels|Destroying angels]] - Summer 383YE wind of war

Fire and the flood

2026-02-16T19:56:04Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Game Information */

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These words linger not only in the hearts of the Golden Axe themselves; a great host of Imperial captains has gathered under the banners of the Golden Axe, fighting and marching with them. A matching host has come together to fight with the Summer Storm. They too hear the stories of Ser Gaspare and the songs of Murmastis and as the Imperial advance grinds forward, soldiers of every stripe chafe at the bit, eager to engage with the orcs of Thornfen.
==Shadow of the Tower==
On the other side, the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]] of the Tower of the Skink, warriors of the Marshlizard sept, are cautious indeed. They have underestimated the Empire before, seen them sweep inexorably across Sarangrave breaking sept and shackle with equal ease. They focus their attention on Thornfen alone, leaving the rest of the Sarangrave to fend for itself. There is a kind of discipline in these defenders rarely observed among the Druj, but wedded to an almost overwhelming arrogance. Even when retreating they do nothing to hide their sneering contempt of the Varushkans and the Highborn, for the knights of Dawn, and most of all for the Imperial Orcs who they take pleasure in naming slaves of the Empire. They mock, they taunt, they needle. They attack the Pride of their foes with cutting words even as they assail their bodies with slicing steel. Like all Druj they are happiest striking quickly from surprise, inflicting as many wounds as possible, and then retreating. This has rarely been a particularly efficacious strategy under the Rivers of Life, where leaving anyone alive means they will most likely recover. But if anyone can make it work it is the orcs of the east, and the Marshlizards seem especially versed in inflicting as much pain as possible, or leaving their foes broken beyond salvation rather than simply killing them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

General Vasiliki Terricos sends her regards and anticipates the northern approach goes well. The Shield of Ipotavo has commenced its assault against the Tower of the Skink, and the General hopes to meet with the western armies soon.
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;"><quote by="Vasiliki Terricos, General of the Shield of Ipotavo">The Sorcerer-Queen Ipotavo used to say: know your heart and what commands its devotion above all else. Listen. Do you hear the whispers of the spirits? Hear their words and know your heart and keep your oaths. We march in the name of the survivors of the siege. We march in the name of faithfulness to those that helped deliver us from the scorpion. Do not listen to gossiping snakes and traitors. They have forgotten the faces of the dead. </quote></div>
==Shield of Our Ancestors==
Up the ''Path of the Eye'' they march, soldiers clad in dark greens and purples. They have siege engines, and they approach the southern gates of the Tower of the Skink with grim resolve. This is the ''Shield of Ipotavo'', the soldiers who watch the [[Axos#Gates_of_Ipotavo|Gates]] of [[Axos]]. They have been waiting for this opportunity for quite some time and plan to make the most of it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

While the territory has been granted to Urizen by the Senate, it is still an active warzone. At the moment, no Urizen citizens are setting up new spires in the lowland marshes and forests. The civil service have also struggled to do more than make a surface assessment of the territory, thanks to the ongoing fighting and the fact that there are still miasma pillars and Druj guerillas even in areas the Empire nominally controls. More information about the situation in the Sarangrave, with reference to the rebels and its role as a new Urizen territory, will be included in the winds of fortune nearer the event.
{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
===Participation: Murmastis and the Storm Song===
* '''Soldiers who fought alongside the Summer Storm may experience a magical boon
''Murmastis'' is one of the champions of [[Eleonaris]], and she and her spear-dancers have fought alongside the Summer Storm. This season the Storm has committed itself to hunting down the Druj and [[Army_qualities#Relentless|cutting them down]]. While many of the knights of Eleonaris' court are interested in glorious pageantry, Murmastis is a very old [[Inhabitants of the realms#Herald|herald]] who more exemplifies the [[Summer magic#Resonance|resonance]] of [[Summer_magic#Wroth|wroth]]. She does not encourage thoughtless bloodthirst, but rather that fierce joy that comes from triumphing over a foe by might of arms and cleverness.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fire and the flood

2026-02-16T19:53:08Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Out of the North */

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These words linger not only in the hearts of the Golden Axe themselves; a great host of Imperial captains has gathered under the banners of the Golden Axe, fighting and marching with them. A matching host has come together to fight with the Summer Storm. They too hear the stories of Ser Gaspare and the songs of Murmastis and as the Imperial advance grinds forward, soldiers of every stripe chafe at the bit, eager to engage with the orcs of Thornfen.
==Shadow of the Tower==
On the other side, the [[fortification#garrison|garrison]] of the Tower of the Skink, warriors of the Marshlizard sept, are cautious indeed. They have underestimated the Empire before, seen them sweep inexorably across Sarangrave breaking sept and shackle with equal ease. They focus their attention on Thornfen alone, leaving the rest of the Sarangrave to fend for itself. There is a kind of discipline in these defenders rarely observed among the Druj, but wedded to an almost overwhelming arrogance. Even when retreating they do nothing to hide their sneering contempt of the Varushkans and the Highborn, for the knights of Dawn, and most of all for the Imperial Orcs who they take pleasure in naming slaves of the Empire. They mock, they taunt, they needle. They attack the Pride of their foes with cutting words even as they assail their bodies with slicing steel. Like all Druj they are happiest striking quickly from surprise, inflicting as many wounds as possible, and then retreating. This has rarely been a particularly efficacious strategy under the Rivers of Life, where leaving anyone alive means they will most likely recover. But if anyone can make it work it is the orcs of the east, and the Marshlizards seem especially versed in inflicting as much pain as possible, or leaving their foes broken beyond salvation rather than simply killing them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

General Vasiliki Terricos sends her regards and anticipates the northern approach goes well. The Shield of Ipotavo has commenced its assault against the Tower of the Skink, and the General hopes to meet with the western armies soon.
<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;"><quote by="Vasiliki Terricos, General of the Shield of Ipotavo">The Sorcerer-Queen Ipotavo used to say: know your heart and what commands its devotion above all else. Listen. Do you hear the whispers of the spirits? Hear their words and know your heart and keep your oaths. We march in the name of the survivors of the siege. We march in the name of faithfulness to those that helped deliver us from the scorpion. Do not listen to gossiping snakes and traitors. They have forgotten the faces of the dead. </quote></div>
==Shield of Our Ancestors==
Up the ''Path of the Eye'' they march, soldiers clad in dark greens and purples. They have siege engines, and they approach the southern gates of the Tower of the Skink with grim resolve. This is the ''Shield of Ipotavo'', the soldiers who watch the [[Axos#Gates_of_Ipotavo|Gates]] of [[Axos]]. They have been waiting for this opportunity for quite some time and plan to make the most of it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

While the territory has been granted to Urizen by the Senate, it is still an active warzone. At the moment, no Urizen citizens are setting up new spires in the lowland marshes and forests. The civil service have also struggled to do more than make a surface assessment of the territory, thanks to the ongoing fighting and the fact that there are still miasma pillars and Druj guerillas even in areas the Empire nominally controls. More information about the situation in the Sarangrave, with reference to the rebels and its role as a new Urizen territory, will be included in the winds of fortune nearer the event.
{{CaptionedImage|file=EleonarisArt.jpg|align=right|width=250}}
===Participation: Murmastis and the Storm Song===
* '''Soldiers who fought alongside the Summer Storm may experience a magical boon
''Murmastis'' is one of the champions of [[Eleonaris]], and she and her spear-dancers have fought alongside the Summer Storm. This season the Storm has committed itself to hunting down the Druj and [[Army_qualities#Relentless|cutting them down]]. While many of the knights of Eleonaris' court are interested in glorious pageantry, Murmastis is a very old [[Inhabitants of the realms#Herald|herald]] who more exemplifies the [[Summer magic#Resonance|resonance]] of [[Summer_magic#Wroth|wroth]]. She does not encourage thoughtless bloodthirst, but rather that fierce joy that comes from triumphing over a foe by might of arms and cleverness.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic

2026-01-12T16:56:17Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Imperial Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic */

==Overview==
The Ambassador to the [[Sumaah Republic]] is an [[Imperial title]]. It is an Imperial position appointed by the Imperial Senate.

After a [[Construct Sumaah embassy|false start]] in Winter 378YE, the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]] eventually [[commission|commissioned]] an [[embassy]] for the Sumaah Republic in [[Construct Sumaah embassy II|Spring 379YE]]. The project was been dogged by problems, and not completed until shortly before the Spring equinox 380YE. This delay exacerbated [[Trade_winds#The_Sumaah_Republic|the growing fury of the Sumaah Republic]] towards the Empire, which culminated in a [[Price_of_prosperity#War_with_Sumaah|declaration of war]] by the Republic in late 379YE.

That declaration was rescinded during the Summer Solstice 382YE, but at the same time the Sumaah declared themselves the custodians of the Way and denounced Imperial claims to authority over the religion.
__NOTOC__
==Responsibilities==
The [[ambassador]] is expected to represent the Empire in relations with the [[Sumaah Republic]]. They have all the responsibilities [[Ambassador#Responsibilities|common]] to an Imperial ambassador.
{{WingedMessenger|address=Oxtitocszin, Censor of wood, metal and stone, of the High House of Pride, Sumaah Republic}}
==Powers==
===Imperial Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic===
The title has all the [[Ambassador#Powers|common powers]] of an ambassador: they can receive a formal [[Ambassador#Delegation|delegation]], and may prepare a [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaty]].

===Sumaah Merchants===
<div style="display:inline-block; float: right; width: 600px; margin-left: 10px;">
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">Total Money Spent</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>8 Crowns</td><td>6 Liao, 5 Orichalcum, 5 Dragonbone, 3 Imperial Roseweald</td></tr>
<tr><td>30 Crowns</td><td>18 Liao, 15 Orichalcum, 15 Dragonbone, 9 Imperial Roseweald</td></tr>
<tr><td>60 Crowns</td><td>30 Liao, 25 Orichalcum, 25 Dragonbone, 15 Imperial Roseweald</td></tr>

</table></div>

The [[embassy]] in [[Necropolis]] means that the ambassador enjoys the benefits of [[Ambassador#Mercantile_Support|mercantile support]] from traders prepared to deal with the Imperial citizens. As a [[ministry]], this allows them to purchase quantities of special materials at a set price. The ambassador spends their money and makes their choices during downtime from their character page. Money is removed from, and resources are placed into, the character's inventory when the downtime is processed.
==Appointment==
The Ambassador to Sumaah is an Imperial position [[Appointments_by_the_Senate#Imperial_Position|appointed by the Senate]]. Any Imperial citizen can hold this title, and the ambassador serves for a year. They can be [[Revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] and by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=Accalon5901.jpg||caption=Accalon of Felix's Watch, Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic|align=left|width=350}}
{{RecentElections|Ambassador_to_the_Sumaah_Republic}}
{{Responsibilities Expectation}}
[[Category:Title]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Senate]][[Category:Ambassador]]
{{Sumaah Links}}

Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves

2026-01-12T16:56:06Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Imperial Ambassador to the Sarcophan */

<div style="display:inline-block; float: left; width: 300px; margin-right: 10px;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Thane Thanmir Hrafnar.jpg|caption=The first ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves was appointed in Autumn 380YE|title=Thanmir Hrafnar|align=left|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
The [[embassy]] to the merchants of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] was [[commission|commissioned]] by the [[Imperial Senate]] during the [[Construct_Sarcophan Delves_Embassy|Summer Solstice 380YE]], and work began almost immediately in [[Urizen]]. Built in the port-town of [[Redoubt#Cargo|Cargo]], in [[Redoubt]], construction was completed in a timely fashion and a small group of ambassadors took residence shortly before the Autumn Equinox. Unlike other nations, there does not appear to be a single ambassador - instead representatives of five of the ''bedelaar husibas'' seem to share the residence and the responsibilities of diplomacy with the Empire. Each of these ambassadors has brought their own staff, meaning the embassy is almost certainly quite crowded - which has led to the embassy spilling over into, and dominating, the nearby neighbourhood.

The Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves is an [[Imperial title]]. It is an Imperial position appointed by the Imperial Senate.
{{WingedMessenger|address=Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike, The Tower of Crows, Sarcophan, Sarcophan Delves}}
==Responsibilities==
The [[ambassador]] is expected to represent the Empire in relations with the [[Sarcophan Delves]]. They have all the responsibilities [[Ambassador#Responsibilities|common]] to an Imperial ambassador.
==Powers==
===Imperial Ambassador to the Sarcophan===
The title has all the [[Ambassador#Powers|common powers]] of an ambassador: they can receive a formal [[Ambassador#Delegation|delegation]], and may prepare a [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaty]].

===Sarcophan Merchants===
<div style="display:inline-block; float:right; width: 500px; margin-left: 10px;">
<table><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Sarcophan Merchants'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>8 Crowns</td><td>5 beggar's lye, 5 weltsilver, 5 marrowort, 4 Imperial roseweald</td></tr>
<tr><td>30 Crowns</td><td>15 beggar's lye, 15 weltsilver, 15 marrowort, 12 Imperial roseweald</td></tr>
<tr><td>60 Crowns</td><td>25 beggar's lye, 25 weltsilver, 25 marrowort, 20 Imperial roseweald</td></tr>
</table></div>
The [[embassy]] in Cargo means that the ambassador enjoys the benefits of [[Ambassador#Mercantile_Support|mercantile support]] from traders keen to curry their favour. As a [[ministry]], this allows them to purchase quantities of special materials at a set price. The ambassador spends their money and makes their choices during downtime from their character page. Money is removed from, and resources are placed into, the character's inventory when the downtime is processed.

==Appointment==
The Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves is an Imperial position [[Appointments_by_the_Senate#Imperial_Position|appointed by the Senate]]. Any Imperial citizen can hold this title, and the ambassador serves for a year as standard. They can be [[Revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] and by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=AmbassadorSarcophanDelves.jpg|caption='''Dino i Riqueza''', Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves|align=left|width=300}}
{{RecentElections|Ambassador_to_the_Sarcophan_Delves}}
{{Responsibilities Expectation}}
{{Sarcophan Links}}
[[Category:Title]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Senate]][[Category:Ambassador]]

Ambassador to Jarm

2026-01-12T16:55:51Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Imperial Ambassador to the Principalities of Jarm */

{{CaptionedImage|file=Oswi.jpg|caption=The first ambassador to Jarm was appointed in Autumn 378YE|title=Oswi Twice-Burned of the Saker|align=left|width=400}}
__NOTOC__
==Overview==
The Ambassador to Jarm is an [[Imperial title]]. It is an Imperial position appointed by the [[Imperial Senate]]. The title was created as a consequence of the [[embassy]] [[commission|commissioned]] by the [[Imperial Senate]] in [[Construct_Jarmish_Embassy|Winter 377YE]]. While work was completed after the Summer Solstice 378YE, wrangling continued for several months. The Jarmish House of Princes demanded that the Empire select one of the three primary ports - northern [[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Kavor_.28Northern_Principalities_of_Jarm.29|Kavor]], southern [[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Vezak_.28Southern_Principalities_of_Jarm.29|Vezak]], or upstart eastern [[Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Rigia_.28Eastern_Principalities_of_Jarm.29|Rigia]] as the location for an Imperial embassy - an obvious move to entangle the Empire in the internecine internal wranglings of the Jarmish government. The [[Define_Jarmish_embassy|decision]] was made to choose Rigia, and formal relations between the two world powers opened shortly afterwards.

==Responsibilities==
The [[ambassador]] is expected to represent the Empire in relations with the [[Principalities of Jarm]]. They have all the responsibilities [[Ambassador#Responsibilities|common]] to an Imperial ambassador.

==Powers==
{{WingedMessenger|address=Lord-Magister Anton Trescher of the Hidden Hook, Who attends at the House of Princes, In the City of Jarm, Principalities of Jarm}}
===Imperial Ambassador to the Principalities of Jarm===
The title has all the [[Ambassador#Powers|common powers]] of an ambassador: they can receive a formal [[Ambassador#Delegation|delegation]], and may prepare a [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaty]].

===Jarmish Merchants===
Following the [[384YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Amend_Liberty_Pact|amendment]] to the Liberty Pact and the [[Tariffs#Embargo|embargo]] placed on the Principalities of Jarm during the Summer Solstice 384YE it is no longer possible to for the Ambassador to trade with Jarmish merchants.



==Appointment==
The Ambassador to Jarm is an Imperial position [[Appointments_by_the_Senate#Imperial_Position|appointed by the Senate]]. Any Imperial citizen can hold this title, and the ambassador serves for a year. They can be [[Revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] and by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].


{{RecentElections|Ambassador_to_Jarm}}
{{Responsibilities Expectation}}
[[Category:Title]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Senate]][[Category:Ambassador]]
{{Jarm Links}}

Ambassador to Otkodov

2026-01-12T16:55:39Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Imperial Ambassador to Otkodov */

{{CaptionedImage|file=Juha the Cave Spider.jpg|width=400|align=left|caption=The first Ambassador to Otkodov was appointed by the Imperial Senate in Spring 381YE.|title=Juha the Cave Spider}}
==Overview==
The Ambassador to the Thule orcs of [[Otkodov]] is an [[Imperial title]] It is an Imperial position appointed by the [[Imperial Senate|Senate]].

Work on an embassy for the [[Thule]] [[orc|orcs]] was [[commission|commissioned]] in Summer 381YE by [[Construct_Embassy_to_the_Thule|order]] of the [[Imperial Senate]], and completed just before the Autumn Equinox that year. This followed on from some disagreements with the northern orcs about [[Spear_of_the_stars#Ambassador_to_the_Thule|how an ambassador might be appointed]] - they made clear that a uniquely [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[ambassador]] would be particularly appealing to them, to the point where a physical embassy would be unnecessary. The Imperial Senate declined their offer.

The embassy itself stands in [[Miekarova]], just across the lake from Wendell's Hope in [[Miekarova#Mieriada|Mieriada]]. Isolated, snowed under for nearly half the year, the embassy is already seen as a poor posting for civil servants. By the time the embassy was completed the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] '''Juha the Cave Spider''' of the Circle of Zulgan Tash was [[Appoint_Thule_Ambassador|already serving]] as ambassador for several seasons.
{{WingedMessenger|address=Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided, Embassy to Otkodov, Mieriada, Miekarova}}
==Responsibilities==
The [[ambassador]] is expected to represent the Empire in relations with the [[Thule]] of [[Otkodov]]. They have all the responsibilities [[Ambassador#Responsibilities|common]] to an Imperial ambassador.
==Powers==
===Imperial Ambassador to Otkodov===
The title has all the [[Ambassador#Powers|common powers]] of an ambassador: they can receive a formal [[Ambassador#Delegation|delegation]], and may prepare a [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaty]].
<div style="display:inline-block; float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">Total Money Spent</td><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">Production</td></tr>
<tr><td>12 Crowns</td><td>10 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>36 Crowns</td><td>24 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>80 Crowns</td><td>40 mana crystals</td></tr>
<tr><td>144 Crowns</td><td>54 mana crystals</td></tr>
</table></div>

===Thule Merchants===
The [[embassy]] in Miekarova means that the ambassador enjoys the benefits of [[Ambassador#Mercantile_Support|mercantile support]] from traders keen to curry their favour. As a [[ministry]], this allows them to purchase quantities of special materials at a set price. The ambassador spends their money and makes their choices during downtime from their character page. Money is removed from, and resources are placed into, the character's inventory when the downtime is processed.

Following the [[Ratify Liberty Pact|imposition]] of [[Tariffs#Sanctions|sanctions]] on trade with [[Otkodov]] in Winter 382YE the cost to benefit from the [[ministry]] was increased by roughly a fifth.
===Heating Provision===
During Spring 383YE, the ambassador of the time, '''Yevgeni Katzev''', liaised with the civil service to arrange additional supplies for the embassy. This allows the ambassador to spend 1 crown to provide firewood to the Thule who live there. Apart from possibly improving the mood of Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided in the colder months (which for Wendell's Hope is essentially every month except the very height of Summer), there is no tangible benefit for doing this.

==Appointment==
The Ambassador to Otkodov is an Imperial position [[Appointments_by_the_Senate#Imperial_Position|appointed by the Senate]]. Any Imperial citizen can hold this title, and the ambassador serves for a year. They can be [[Revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] and by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=Kindra Surefoot.jpg|caption='''Kindra Surefoot''', Ambassador to Otkodov|align=left|width=300}}
{{RecentElections|Ambassador_to_Otkodov}}
{{Responsibilities Expectation}}
[[Category:Title]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Senate]][[Category:Ambassador]]

Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy

2026-01-12T16:55:25Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Imperial Ambassador */

{{CaptionedImage|file=LukashBiessekvonTemeschwar.jpg|caption=The first ambassador to the Suranni was appointed in Summer 379YE|title=Lukash Biessek von Temeschwar.|align=left|width=300}}
==Overview==
The Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy is an [[Imperial title]] It is an Imperial position appointed by the [[Imperial Senate]]. The Senate commissioned the [[Construct_Iron_Confederacy_embassy|construction]] in [[Sarvos]] of an embassy with the Iron Confederacy during the Spring Equinox 379YE. The embassy was completed shortly before the Summer Solstice 379YE, and Lukash Biessek von Temeschwar was appointed as the first ambassador. Rumour suggests that the Iron Confederacy expressed a preference for Lukash specifically.
{{WingedMessenger|address=Baroness Katerine Lavasse of Meore, Tour Lavasse, Chaubrette, Iron Confederacy}}
==Responsibilities==
The [[ambassador]] is expected to represent the Empire in relations with the [[Iron Confederacy]]. They have all the responsibilities [[Ambassador#Responsibilities|common]] to an Imperial ambassador.
==Powers==
===Imperial Ambassador===
The title has all the [[Ambassador#Powers|common powers]] of an ambassador: they can receive a formal [[Ambassador#Delegation|delegation]], and may prepare a [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaty]].

===Suranni Merchants===
The [[embassy]] in Sarvos means that the ambassador enjoys the benefits of [[Ambassador#Mercantile_Support|mercantile support]] from traders keen to curry their favour. As a [[ministry]], this allows them to purchase quantities of special materials at a set price. The ambassador spends their money and makes their choices during downtime from their character page. Money is removed from, and resources are placed into, the character's inventory when the downtime is processed.
<div style="display:inline-block; float:right; width: 500px; margin-left: 10px;">
<table><tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Suranni Merchants'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>160 Rings</td><td>6 marrowort, 6 green iron, 4 ambergelt, 2 orichalcum</td></tr>
<tr><td>600 Rings</td><td>12 marrowort, 20 green iron, 14 ambergelt, 6 orichalcum</td></tr>

</table></div>



==Appointment==
The Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy is an Imperial position [[Appointments_by_the_Senate#Imperial_Position|appointed by the Senate]]. Any Imperial citizen can hold this title, and the ambassador serves for a year. They can be [[Revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] and by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].
{{CaptionedImage|file=AmbassadorIronConfederacy.png|caption='''Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo''', Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy|align=left|width=300}}
{{RecentElections|Ambassador_to_the_Iron_Confederacy}}
{{Responsibilities Expectation}}
[[Category:Title]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Senate]][[Category:Ambassador]]
{{Suranni Links}}

Ambassador to Faraden

2026-01-12T16:55:13Z

Thespaceinvader: /* Imperial Ambassador to Faraden */

<div style="display:inline-block; float: left; width: 400px">{{CaptionedImage|file=RicardoDiTasetto.jpg|title=The Ambassador to Faraden represents the Empire in dealings with the Faraden. Quick wits and a sincere manner prove valuable qualities when dealing with ambassadors from that notoriously touchy western nation.|caption=Ricardo Almieda Desmondo di Tasetto (R) was appointed the first Ambassador to Faraden in Autumn 379YE.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Overview==
The Ambassador to Faraden is an [[Imperial title]]. It is an Imperial position appointed by the [[Imperial Senate]]. The agreement to construct an official [[embassy]] was contingent on the liberation of [[Segura]], and the repair of the [[Segura#The Towers of Anduz|Towers of Anduz]]. Without these two achievements, the Empire had no ability to protect trade routes (and avenues for diplomatic envoys) through the northern Lasambrian Hills. Construction of a Faraden embassy in [[Segura#Anduz|Anduz]] was [[Construct_Faraden_embassy|commissioned]] by the Senate in Winter 378YE and completed shortly after the Summer Solstice 379YE.

Shortly before the Winter Solstice 382YE, Anduz was conquered by the Lasambrian Jotun, and the embassy was in their hands until Anduz was retaken shortly before Spring Equinox 384YE. During that time, the ambassador was unable to enjoy their [[Ambassador_to_Faraden#Faraden_Merchants|access to Faraden merchants]]. With all of Segura under Imperial control, things have returned to normal.
==Responsibilities==
The [[ambassador]] is expected to represent the Empire in relations with the people of [[Faraden]]. They have all the responsibilities [[Ambassador#Responsibilities|common]] to an Imperial ambassador.
==Powers==
{{WingedMessenger|address=Mistress Singua Karadragha, Advisor on Imperial Trade to the Liege of the Five Winds, The Court of the Five Winds, Faraden}}
===Imperial Ambassador to Faraden===
The title has all the [[Ambassador#Powers|common powers]] of an ambassador: they can receive a formal [[Ambassador#Delegation|delegation]], and may prepare a [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaty]].

===Faraden Merchants===
<table style="width: 500px; float: right; clear: right; margin: 10px;"><tr><th style="background-color: LightBlue;">Total Money Spent</th><th style="background-color: LightBlue;">Production</th></tr>
<tr><td>8 Crowns</td><td>4 True Vervain, 2 Imperial Roseweald, 5 Weltsilver, 3 Orichalcum, 2 Tempest Jade, 2 Green Iron</td></tr>
<tr><td>30 Crowns</td><td>12 True Vervain, 6 Imperial Roseweald, 15 Weltsilver, 9 Orichalcum, 6 Tempest Jade, 6 Green Iron</td></tr>
<tr><td>60 Crowns</td><td>20 True Vervain, 10 Imperial Roseweald, 25 Weltsilver, 15 Orichalcum, 10 Tempest Jade, 10 Green Iron</td></tr>
</table>
The [[embassy]] in Segura means that the ambassador enjoys the benefits of [[Ambassador#Mercantile_Support|mercantile support]] from traders keen to curry their favour. As a [[ministry]], this allows them to purchase quantities of special materials at a set price. The ambassador spends their money and makes their choices during downtime from their character page. Money is removed from, and resources are placed into, the character's inventory when the downtime is processed.

The production of the ministry is related to the operation of the [[Segura#The Towers of Anduz|Towers of Anduz]] in [[Segura]].

Following the [[Ratify Liberty Pact|imposition]] of [[Tariffs#Sanctions|sanctions]] on trade with [[Faraden]] in Winter 382YE the cost to benefit from the [[ministry]] increased by roughly a fifth. During the Autumn Equinox 384YE the Imperial Senate [[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Ratify_Faraden_Treaty|ratified a treaty]] with the Faraden that saw the Faraden returned to a [[Tariffs#Mercantilist|mercantilist]] trading standards.

==Appointment==
The Ambassador to Faraden is an Imperial position [[Appointments_by_the_Senate#Imperial_Position|appointed by the Senate]]. Any Imperial citizen can hold this title, and the ambassador serves for a year. They can be [[Revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]] and by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]].
{{RecentElections|Ambassador_to_Faraden}}
{{Responsibilities Expectation}}
{{Faraden Links}}
[[Category:Title]][[Category:Foreign Nations]][[Category:Senate]][[Category:Ambassador]]