Empire - User contributions [en]

Accomplices

2026-09-04T14:12:00Z

Twiggy: /* Does He Ever Shut Up? */

[[Category: 388YE Autumn]][[Category: Winds of Fortune]]
<ic>"A thousand heroes could be here right now, fighting for Therunin. Instead, there are just two! Two heroes! Let us be thankful that brave Mirella and courageous Towlen have come here alone..."

"Does he ''ever'' shut up?" Dylan asked Efa. Even from the back of the crowd, the herald's voice carried and they'd been listening to it for the best part of five minutes. They'd assumed that someone was going to talk about where the fighting was, instead there was just a capering fool in a ragged cloak pretending to be human and pretending to care. "For someone who claims to only want to help, it sure has a lot to say for itself..." he commented.

"This must be what the Assembly warned us about," responded Efa dryly. "Those who accept Agramant into their heart must suffer the interminable whining of its heralds until their ears fall off."

Dylan laughed at the mockery. "I'm not sure that's ''exactly'' what the Synod said" he grinned. But the smile fell from his face a moment later. "There'll be trouble to pay for this though, when it's all over."

"Probably. Certainly. Dochas says he'll sort it. He's got a plan. I trust Dochas. He knows what he's doing. Unlike this fool."

She pointed at the herald as she said it, but even as she did, Dylan was shaking his head. "I think the Whisperer knows exactly what he's doing, every bit as much as Dochas does" he said sadly.

"Maybe. Probably. Arguably he's got a point about Prosperity. Why do the Military Council get to decide who gets paid for their labour and who doesn't? That's what the guerdon does, when you think about it."

Dylan threw a despairing look at Efa. "And ''this'' is why we're not supposed to listen to Agramant!", he said pointedly.

"Is it? Doesn't Courage have something to say about unwelcome truths?" Efa responded glumly.

Dylan tucked his arm through his beloved's and pulled her away. "Enough of this capering; let's get something to eat and then find Dochas. I can put up with this provided they keep fighting alongside us, but I'll be damned if I have to listen to it."
</ic>
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=White River.jpg|align=left|caption=The water-logged bayous of Therunin see seasons change and the turning of the leaves.|alt="Bald cypress trees on the White River in Arkansas"|width=600}}</div>
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'>
<tr><th colspan='2'>Supported the Golden Axe</th></tr>
<tr><th>Citizen</th><th>Banner</th></tr>
<tr><td>Towlen Nighthaven</td><td> Deadfall</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mirella of the Twisted Rose</td><td>Amber Lance</td></tr></table>
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'>
<tr><th colspan='2'>Reconquered Therunin with Agramant</th></tr>
<tr><th>Citizen</th><th>Banner</th></tr></table></div>
Another season, another message from ''Twigsnap'' delivered via his heralds, from the depths of [[Therunin]]. Much of the territory languishes under the tyrannical rule of the Druj, whose cruelty is infamous. This season the Empire has made some progress, sending the Golden Axe and two military units to [[The_dose_makes_the_poison|retake Lower Tarn Valley]]. The Druj still control Peakedge Song, Upper Tarn Valley, and East Ashes, while Sweetglades, Greenheart, and Eastring are completely dominated by the vallorn.

Meanwhile, the heralds of the ''Giver of Gifts'' are everywhere, helping wherever they can to fight the vallorn and the Druj and save lives - while simultaneously keeping up a near-ceaseless stream of barbed and wicked calumny against the Empire. Purely in the interest of knowing what the enemy is doing, the civil service briefing presents the lies that the heralds of the ''Wicked Liar'' are spreading this season.

==Does He Ever Shut Up?==
{{SOP|statement=Blood on the Snow is a friend to none. He continues to target refugees of Therunin, and he is becoming more active. Do not accept his boons, they pathe the way to destruction. If you see or hear anything related to him, speak to the Vates, and speak to the Stormcloaks of Wintermark who are offering their support, knowledge, and expertise.|by=Xandor Trodbreaker, Navarr National Assembly|vote={{GM}} 231-0|when=Summer 388YE}}
{{SOP|statement=We utterly reject the offer of Agramant to work alongside it to reclaim Therunin. We do not need to be vates to know that Blood-on-the-Snow's motivations are not benevolent. We do not need to be guides to see that to follow it would turn us from the Way. We did not choose this sacrifice, but we stand as virtuous citizens nonetheless. We invite the Empire to consider we were put in a position where not all of us made that choice. Where Dochas Weeping Glade's desperation leads him to take the Dark Path that will no doubt be his end. Remember him. Our steadings and stridings are lights in the darkness for Therunin. One day we will welcome our kin home to a land won back with Imperial steel.|by=Enfys Larksong, Navarr National Assembly|vote={{GM}} 217-0|when=Summer 388YE}}
* '''Agramant's heralds remain in Therunin offering help to any who will take it'''
* '''The heralds spew lies and propaganda to any who will listen'''
* '''Agramant will provide two pawns of heart's blood to any military unit that supports an army that attacks in Therunin this season'''
* '''If no Imperial army attacks, then Agramant will provide a venture for any military unit to support the people of Therunin'''
* '''If the venture happens, characters that take part can provide a pseudonym for the Roll of those involved'''
Once again, the Synod has much to say about the situation, and once again, the heralds of ''The Abominable One'' simply says that it is offering aid to those who hold to the oaths they swore, even when the Empire does not. No military unit captains had the Courage to take the offer of the ''Voice in the Pines'' to aid the reconquest in the east, according to his heralds. Perhaps they wanted to help but were simply too afraid of the Empire's tyrannical magistrates to risk punishment to save lives and keep their oaths? But wait, they say, that ''cannot'' be true, because those who wished to heed the call ''could'' have joined the [[Golden Axe]] in the [[The_dose_makes_the_poison|reclamation of Lower Tarn Valley]]. And lo, of nine hundred military captains who attend Anvil, just ''two'' have come to aid Therunin! Brave Mirella and Courageous Towlen, two lone heroes in an empire of thousands.

Agramant heralds [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Beast_Below_(Agramant)|promised he would send more aid]] if the Empress gave him leave to do so. They say the ''Good Knight'' has studied the [[The_wolves_tempt_you|Throne's address]] in great detail, and determined that Empress Vesna does ''not'' want him sending more heralds into Therunin to help her subjects. Her words are cunning foxes, and much like the Synod, they appear to send a message of support, while painstakingly avoiding the one thing that would actually help the situation. Still, the ''Good Knight'' must always be true to its word - it promised that it would increase its aid to help the people of Therunin if the Empress gave any indication that she desired that. She has elected not to do so, and so ''Five True Words'' has his heralds inform people in Therunin that, regrettably, tragically, he cannot send further aid to help them. His heralds spread the word that, just like the Synod, the Empress does not want them helped, even when it came at no cost to her or anyone else.

As to the Axe, the heralds applaud that the Empire has sent ''one'' army to Therunin, while there are ''six'' currently fighting in the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] and ''four'' having a holiday in [[Zenith]]. The Navarri watching should wonder, his heralds demand, whether the Axe represents an ''actual'' Imperial effort to reclaim Therunin, or simply an attempt to shut him up. Does the Empire hate the ''Friend of the Fearful'' more than they care about the Navarri still languishing under the dual threats of vallornspawn and remnants of Druj leadership cracking down where they can?

Of course, if the Military Council truly cared about the people of Therunin, his heralds say, they might have provided the Guerdon to those military units who fought for the Axe. Alas they did not, and his heralds fear that must have cost lives. ''Crying Child'' weeps to think of those who have died because the Council were so parsimonious. The heralds suggest that the tenets really ought to be a little more truthful? They propose the Assembly of Prosperity ought to embrace ''"All that is worthwhile is shared with those who deserve it, unless the Military Council has other plans, in which case let them starve."''

Fortunately, here the ''King of the Feast'' can compensate for the Empire's lack of Prosperity. In the coming season, Agramant will provide two pawns of [[Vis#Heart's Blood|heart's blood]] to every military unit that supports ''any'' Imperial army in Therunin, regardless of how the Military Council spends its blood-gold. Proof, his heralds say, that the Provider does not baulk at working with the Empire in Therunin, if it will help to save even a single life. Sadly, the ''Crying Child'' remains under enmity, so it is illegal to accept their aid. Doubtless the militia will attempt to confiscate the heart's blood he provides and then claim they have destroyed it. Perhaps the Prosperity Assembly could consider ''"Enjoy the fruits of your labour today; no one knows when the militia will take it from you."''

Of course, if the Empire abandons Therunin for the ''third'' time, then they may send no armies to fight there. The ''Faithful Friend'' will not abandon the people of Therunin, even if, especially if, the Empire do. If that happens, if there is no Imperial army taking an attacking order there this season, he will once again arrange for a campaigning venture to '''Reconquer Therunin''' offering two pawns of heart's blood to every military unit and more for those which are upgraded. This time, however, there will be a few differences:

* ''The King of the Feast'' understands that modern Navarri may not have the [[Courage]] of [[Isaella]], and so will allow them to give pseudonyms (by emailing {{plot}}) for the roll of honour he supplies to the civil service.

* Any who take up the offer of the ''Bloody Ally'' will be allowed to invite a small portion of the magic of its domain in the wasteland to their military unit (also by emailing {{plot}}), marking them as true believers in the wisdom the ''Horned Manticore'' has to teach. He may use this to offer them ventures in the future that might interest them or send aid to support them.

==Child of Sacrifice==
{{SOP|statement=Calling Dochas of the Weeping Glade. You have reached out to <u>the voice of pines</u> for aid in Therunin in desperation, claiming the Empire has abandoned Navarr. Loyalty is demonstrated in words and deeds let us explore your virtue in these actions. We call you to inquisition at the autumn summit at a time and place of your choosing.|by=Eskah Swift Hart, Loyalty Assembly|Upheld 124-0|when=Summer 388YE}}
* '''There is a conjunction for four people to the Weeping Glade at 18:15 on Friday'''
* '''Dochas and his allies will be waiting there to discuss the liberation of Therunin with representatives of the Empire'''
* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Unlikely_or_Contained|combat contained]] encounter'''
* '''''Eskah Swift Hart'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication|responsible]] for the conjunction'''
''Dochas Weeping Glade'' sends a separate and very different message to the Empire through regular Navarr mail services. While he is saddened that only one army has come to Therunin and it seems that the crushing of Sanath will come first, he is nonetheless grateful for the intercedence of '''General Vojsuli Cherenkov'''. He notes that he has been called to [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_134|inquisition]] by '''Eskah Swift Hart''', but points out that while people have been crowing around the "trap" of working with Agramant, they attempt to catch him in one anyway. He will hand himself over to the magistrates at Anvil when the job is done and ''no sooner''. Getting to Anvil is a hazardous enough journey from where he is at the moment anyway.

Fortunately, there does appear to be a conjunction of the Sentinel Gate at 18:15 on Friday of the coming summit for four people to the ''Weeping Glade'' in [[Therunin#East_Ashes|East Ashes]]. Dochas requests that '''Vosjuli Cherenkov''', '''Towlen Nighthaven''' and '''Mirella of the Twisted Rose''' use it, along with '''Eskah Swift Hart''' as an observer, to meet him there and discuss the plan to retake the rest of the territory. In thanks for the efforts of the general and his army, he has prepared a gift: the recovered standard of the [[Iron Helms]] that was [[Under eastern skies|lost]] a year ago in the murky swamps. He impresses that he has no interest in this "Therunin Military Council" being a fight, but if the heroes of Anvil choose to take this opportunity to try to attack or arrest him, he and his allies will have little issue overpowering them.

''Chief Magistrate Cosme i Zuhri i Erigo'' has addressed any potential legal concerns. While Dochas appears to be a blatant criminal, it is not illegal to work with him to perform a perfectly legal activity, or to receive gifts from him, as long as those gifts are neither provided nor empowered by Agramant.

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2026-09-01T13:10:42Z

Twiggy: /* Goodwill */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]]
<div {{floatleft}}>{{CaptionedImage|file=Lights in the Dark.jpg|align=left|caption=Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. |width=2000}}</div>
==Overview==
<div {{float}}>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Wind of Fortune !! Order Released !! Last Updated || Note
|-
| [[The wolves tempt you]] || 1 || data-sort-value="2026/08/15"| 15/08 || Imperial Address
|-
| [[Dream on]] || 2 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Seren
|-
| [[Come together]] || 3 || data-sort-value="2026/08/17"| 17/08 || Apothecary college
|-
| [[Fair share of labour]] || 4 || data-sort-value="2026/08/19"| 19/08 || Artisans Guild
|-
| [[Hidden inventory]] || 5 || data-sort-value="2026/08/29"| 29/08 || Banner-bearers
|-
| [[A fork in the path]] || 6 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Mystics
|-
| [[Outreach across the marshes]] || 7 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Sand Fishers & League highest calling
|-
| [[Stand proud, you're strong]] || 8 || data-sort-value="2026/08/27"| 27/08 || Brass Coast highest calling
|-
|}</div>
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war that detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours, the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:350px; float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
! Nation !! Diplomacy Wind
|-
|}

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.
__TOC__
In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations or political bodies to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place, and very little happens in isolation. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting [[red links]]) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.

==Winds of Fortune==
===The Wolves Tempt You (Imperial Address)===
* '''Imperial citizens; Navarr;'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal reminder to all citizens that the road to salvation is hard, but everyone is walking it together.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[The wolves tempt you]]''' wind of fortune.
===Dream On===
<div style="float:right; width: 150px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Navarr.png|align=right|width=150}}</div>
* '''Navarr'''
In [[Miaren]], [[Miaren#Seren|Seren]] is now become the ''City of Dreams'' in truth. People with hopes and aspirations, with the imagination to perceive what is needed to achieve them and the determination to try, have flocked to Miaren. With the completion of the Temple of the Waking Dream, the [[dreamspeaker]] calling has coalesced as a distinct [[archetype]] among the [[Navarr]] people, one dedicated to making dreams become reality. This has perhaps predictably amplified arguments about what exactly that means, and which dreams should be pursued, and how.

You can learn about competing arguments, and the changes to the city of Seren, in the '''[[Dream on]]''' wind of fortune.
===Come Together===
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBNavarr.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Apothecaries Guild.png|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Imperial Apothecaries Guild; Navarr; Benefactor of High Chalcis; Highguard, the League, Imperial Orcs, and Varushka; Senate
When [[Therunin]] fell to the [[Druj]] [[Thornsinger#Thornsong_House|Thornsong House]] was lost. Despite the valiant efforts of the Navarr and the aid of [[Ossegrahn|Lord Rain]], the college of herbmastery could not be saved. While the house itself burned, many of those who studied there were able to escape to the safety of [[Reikos]]. Some stayed behind on [[Reikos#Chalcis Mount|Chalcis Mount]], but others chose to put as much distance between themselves and the horrors of the Druj as possible. Drawn to the Temple of the Waking Dream, some of these apothecaries and physicks have taken the path of the dreamspeaker themselves, and inspired by the City of Dreams, they have put their ambition to rebuild what was lost into words.

A proposal for a new college of the apothecary arts, and ways various nations may be involved, can be found in the '''[[Come together]]''' wind of fortune.
===Fair Share of Labour===
* '''Artisan's Guild; Throne; Senate; Artisans of all kinds; Golden Pyramid; Pride Assembly; Navarr; Guildmaster of the Artisans, Dean of Runesmith's Caution, Keeper of the Runegrott, Seer of the Spiral Sword, and potentially several other titles associated with magic item crafting'''
At the recent summit, [[Emperor Vesna]], requested that the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court|Constitutional Court]] [[Forever_is_composed_of_nows#The_Abraham_Gambit|appraise the implications]] of a new [[Imperial sodality]], the ''Imperial Guild of Artisans''. The Artisans Guild has technically been in existence for some time, with the Senate [[Construct_Guildhouse_of_the_Artisans|ordering the construction of Guildhouse]] in 385YE, creating the position of [[Guildmaster of the Artisans]]. Now the Senate is in a position to consider the full implications of making the Guild into an official Imperial sodality.

You can learn more about the potential Imperial Sodality, as well as proposals from some people very excited by the opportunity it represents, in the '''[[Fair share of labour]]''' wind of fortune.
===Hidden Inventory===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Cat's Graces Sodality.png|align=right|width=150}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=NBWintermark.jpg|align=right|width=150}}
* '''Wintermark, especially banner bearers; Cat's Graces; Minister of Historical Research; Mediator of Hyljehal; Senate
When the tides of fate seem to turn against the Empire, to be able to look and see over the battle lines, the colours of your warband or your nation still [[Pride|Proudly]] flying can help to rally the [[Courage]] and turn the tide. In [[Wintermark]] the [[Wintermark_military_concerns#Banner-bearers|position of banner-bearer]] is seen as vital to the success of any battle. [[Empress Britta]] was a banner-bearer, and bore [[Three Tears|Foe-Slayer]], the legendary war-banner of [[Emperor Guntherm]] onto the field. The great flag was lost when Britta died and it has been near two decades since Wintermark could bear its equal into battle. The artisans and craftspeople of [[Hahnmark#Runegrott|Runegrott]] have a proposal to try to remedy this shortfall, involving the construction of a grand [[edifice]] to house banners and paintings of the great banners of the Empire as well as the creation of a new [[Magic_items#Artefacts|artefact]] [[:Category:Magic Standards|banner]] for Wintermark.

You can read more about this plan, and learn a little of the mighty banner Foe-Slayer, in the '''[[Hidden inventory]]''' wind of fortune.
{{CaptionedImage|file=KallevesiMystic.jpg|align=right|width=200}}
===A Fork in the Path===
* '''Wintermark, especially the Mystics; Raven Seer of Ishal; would-be champions; Keeper of Oaths; friends of Sung
The [[mystic|Mystics]] of Ishal sought to work more closely with the wider nation of Wintermark. They have since decided [[Flight_of_birds#The_Witan|to approach the Witan]] directly, and do what they can to support the goals of the nation itself. The decision to help with the [[Warriors' Gate|exploration of Tsirku]] has made it impossible for the Mystics of Ishal to offer their usual council and support to the [[Raven Seer]] and to that end they have made several changes to the Aviary, and to the support they offer the Raven Seer and the nation. At the same time, there has been a great deal of discussion of the [[Crown of Three Tears]] and the role of the ''Champion of Wintermark'' within the nation - the appointment of who has traditionally been the responsibility of the mystics.

You can read about the changes at Ishal, and the situation of the Crown of Three Tears, in the '''[[A fork in the path]]''' wind of fortune.
===Outreach Across the Marshes===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly League.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The League, especially the Bishops and Princes; Merchant Prince of Misericorde Market; Senate
[[The League]] Assembly [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_57|has declared]] that their [[The_highest_calling#The_Highest_Calling|highest calling]] is to bring new peoples to join the Empire. A Virtuous endeavour to bs ure, but even the League cannot move the whole world at once. To be effective the nation needs to [[Any_dream_will_do#Partners_within|focus their efforts]] on one group at a time. Diplomacy is a complicated matter, so they also need to decide who among them would be best to take the lead with each such group. This past season the Princes of the League have reached out to the [[Holberg#Misericorde|Sand Fishers]] of [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]], the [[orc|orcs]] who once lived on the southern shores of [[Ossium]] as slaves of the [[Druj]] but who have found a new lease of life on the northern shores of [[Holberg]].

Ultimately, the egregore decides who can or cannot join a nation - the nature of the bond is that it can only be formed with someone an egregores recognises as having the potential to be a member of the nation. But the League has already embraced the Apulian Orcs, why not the Holberg Orcs as well?

You can read about how the outreach is going, and what it might take to bring the Sand Fishers into the Empire, in the '''[[Outreach across the marshes]]''' wind of fortune.
===Stand Proud, You're Strong===
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Freeborn.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
* '''The Brass Coast, especially the Freeborn assembly;
After several seasons of deliberation (and funding a [[Construct_City_of_Wonders|whole new city]]), the Freeborn National Assembly has decided that the [[the highest calling|highest calling]] of their people should be on defending their lands. The sentiment resonates with people across [[the Brass Coast]]. It was not long ago that both [[Madruga]] and [[Feroz]] fell under barbarian control, [[Kahraman]] has faced constant invasion from the Lasambrians over the past few years and [[Segura]] has only recently enjoyed a prolonged period of quiet after nearly two decades of constant warfare. Is it a surprise that the people of the Brass coast feel a little vulnerable, given recent history?

There is so much work that could be done, people are at a loss to know where to start. The Assembly will have to consider the options carefully - they have a year to take advantage of the nation's highest calling, but that won't be enough time to pursue every possibility raised by a people as inventive as the Freeborn...

You can find out how the nation can begin to defend its lands, and the proposals put forward toward that aim, in the '''[[Stand proud, you're strong]]''' wind of fortune.
===Here You Come Again (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Imperial Conclave; magicians; Synod; Brass Coast especially Sutannir; Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo, Velasco i Guerra, the Imperial Warcaster; Marcher beaters, Unshackled thief-takers, Varushkan wardens; Berilo i Erigo; Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka and some dead generals'''
Each [[archmage]] is empowered to send a [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] message to a single [[eternal]] of their [[Realms|realm]] each season. Bound to respond, the recipients are however free to choose precisely what form that response takes. Following the Summer Solstice, six eternals have responded to what are presumed to be missives from the respective archmages. Some have agreed to [[archmage#Parley|parley]], but not all of them.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their responses, in the '''[[Here you come again]]''' wind of fortune.
===Goodwill===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Vallornguard sodality.png|title=Vallornguard|align=right|width=100}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Dawn.png||align=right|width=180}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Highborn.png||align=right|width=150}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly Navarr.png||align=right|width=150}}
* '''Dawn, Navarr; Vallornguard'''
Two nations have chosen to use their [[The highest calling|Highest Calling]] to focus their people on the coming final war against the [[Vallorn]]. The [[Dawn|Dawnish]] are developing the skills and resources to prepare themselves, while [[Navarr]] are looking for ways to support the nascent [[Vallornguard]] by sharing centuries of accumulated wisdom with other nations. Surprising progress has been made: the Dawnish have chosen to [[Love_and_monsters#Unicorns|throw open the doors of Greenwood Manor]] to all comers. The Navarr have spent the last year offering their unique expertise to their Imperial cousins, their eye turned at last to their allies in [[Highguard]]. Even the denizens of the [[eternal]] [[realms]] have heard the call to war, and been encouraged to offer their aid as the Empire prepares for the war that will, if it is successful, bring to an end the Doom of Terunael.

You can find out about the highest callings of Navarr and Dawn, and the opportunities they provide, in the '''[[Goodwill]]''' wind of fortune.

==Diplomatic Winds==

==Other Events==
===Dusk===
* '''For this event we are defining dusk as beginning at 19:00 and ending at 20:00'''
* '''No bow or crossbow use in Anvil after 20:00 or on quests that start on or after this time'''
Our [[Bow_safety#Bow_Safety|bow safety rules]] prohibit the use of bows and crossbows after "dusk". At this event we are defining that point as 20:00 each day. This means you cannot use a bow in Anvil after this time, or on a skirmish or quest that starts on or after this time.

The necromantic ritual [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] can only be performed for one hour around dusk - at this event that means the ritual can be performed at any time between 19:00 and 20:00.

===Husky Business (Volunteers)===
* '''There is an opportunity for player volunteers to portray their characters who died during the Saturday battle at the last event'''
* '''Eligible characters must have died during the battle, but not have been killed as a husk'''
* '''Volunteers will need to have their own costume and appropriate weapons'''
* '''The role will last around twenty minutes, starting at 18:30 on Friday'''
* '''The role will involve fighting alongside the skirmish team in an encounter against player characters'''
* '''Please email before 18:00 on Wednesday 26th of August if you are interested in volunteering'''

There is an opportunity for players to portray the husk of their fallen characters at the upcoming event. Anyone whose character died during the battle of the [[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Fens of Varreth]], raised as a husk but was not subsequently killed again as that husk is welcome to email to register interest in volunteering for an encounter on the Friday. This will be a combat [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely|highly likely]] encounter through the Sentinel Gate and will involve fighting against player characters alongside members of our [[Plot_crew#Skirmish|skirmish team]].

If you are interested and would like more information, please email {{plot}} with your PID and the subject line "Husk Volunteer E4", and you will be given more details.

==Summer Conjunctions==

===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarangrave|Sarangrave, Turan Flats, ''Fens of Varreth'']]</td><td>Contain the dead</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Thorn_and_bone#Battle:_Harvester_of_Graves|Harvester of Graves]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Sigismund Vladislav Kestovia''' of [[Varushka]]; The spirits were not trapped and the husks remain a problem in eastern Sarangrave; The tortured souls of Het Trakaa remain in Turan Flats; Het Trakaa and Sul Maggotgnaw remain alive</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Mareave|Mareave, Clisearn, ''Ruins of Sinat'']]</td><td>Open the Vaults</td><td>Grendel</td><td>[[Mithril_and_rope#Battle:_Salt_and_Stone|Salt and Stone]]</td><td>[[Field Marshal]] was '''Joaquim i Erigo''' of [[the Brass Coast]]; Saltbound Stone recovered and claimed by '''Terentia of Sarangrave Reforged'''; Ilium Jackals negotiated with and readying support of [[Boyar's Hasta]]; Iontach Leagsaidh remains in possession of their [[Grimnir's Hearthfire]]; Maistir Guaidre remains in possession of the Spiteri necklace</td></tr>

<tr><td>[[Forest of Ulnak|Forest of Ulnak, Ghul'thark Forest, ''Fetid Heart'']]</td><td>Raid the Druj</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Battle:_Claim_the_Prize|Claim the Prize]]</td><td>Not taken; Status of the black lotus unclear; Status of the treasures of Taramid Skinwreath unclear</td></tr>

</table>

===Minor Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || Sarangrave, Whisperwood, Halfweir Grove || [[Fingers of the Devourer|Custodian of the Fingers of the Devourer]] || [[Thorn_and_bone#A_Testing_(Conjunction)|Destroy the heralds of Surut]] || Heralds of Surut killed; production of Fingers of Devourer has increased by two wains per season for as long as the Great Forest Orcs remain foreigners
|-
| 2 || Astolat, Withy, Igraine's Regio || [[Astolat|Senator for Astolat]] || [[A_wizard_did_it#Rants_and_Roses|Find out why the regio keeps shifting back to Spring, and resolve it]] || Unclear, but '''Éamon Ashenmourn de Cordraco''' might know more
|-
| 3 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Maiden Stone || [[Champion of Prosperity]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#Apples_First_(Mitwold)|Stop Jyll Longleys from cursing the Maiden Stone]] || ''Jyll Longleys'' and allies killed
|-
| 4 || The Barrens, Dawnguard, Troubadour's Glade || [[Knight of Dawnguard]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Vow (The Barrens)|Kill ''Prilak Gutdredger'']] || ''Prilak Gutdredger'' and almost all allies were killed
|-
| 5 || Mitwold, Maiden Downs, Golden Fields || [[Keeper of the Golden Fields]] || [[Pride_in_the_Marches#The_Right_Thing_(Mitwold)|Stop Dusty Cobb setting Golden Fields alight]] || ''Dusty Cobb'' and rebels killed
|-
| 6 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, The Dredging Flats || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#A Call to Stand (The Barrens)|Kill the Servants of the Burnt]] || All but one ''Servants of the Burnt'' killed
|-
| 7 || Ossium, Echofell, Burned Glade || [[Shadowed Torchbearer]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Fire_The_Forests_(Ossium)|Prevent the cursing of Ossium]] || Heralds killed and Ossium was not cursed
|-
| 8 || Therunin, Lower Tarn Valley, Rotwood Croft || '''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[388YE Summer Solstice winds of war#After the Taint (Therunin)|Destroy the miasma pillar]] || Miasma pillar successfully consecrated
|-
| 9 || Madruga, Free Landing, Hart's Cove || [[Hand of Guerra]] || [[Keys_of_Enlightenment#Barren_Waters_(Conjunction)|Aid the stranded ship from Sumaah]] || Unclear, but Hand of Guerra should know more
|-
| 10 || Sarangrave, Kroll, Slow Worm's Hill || [[Sevenfold Path|Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Boil The Swamps (Sarangrave)|Prevent the cursing of Sarangrave]] || Heralds killed and Sarangrave was not cursed
|-
| 11 || Sarangrave, Turan Flats, The Breakteeth dais || [[Eastern Sky|General of the Eastern Sky]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#The_Greatest_Prize_(Rhianos)|Recover the treasure]] || Treasure successfuly recovered
|-
| 12 || The Barrens, Bitter Strand, Saltshore || [[Merchant of the Fangs]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Fangs_for_the_Memories_(Conjunction)|Answer General Utmar's call for aid]] || Vassals of the manticore killed
|-
| 13 || Madruga, The Crucible, Talpses Plat || [[Champion of Vigilance]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#A_Terrible_Feeling_(Madruga)|Claim the ''Snapping Face'']] || Snapping Face retrieved and heralds killed
|-
| 14 || The Barrens, Carmine Fields, Trading Way || '''Rhydian de Rondell''' || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#Taste_of_Mettle_(Conjunction)|Remove the failed knights-errant of House Courcillion as a threat]] || Named knights have accepted justice from local magistrates
|-
| 15 || Necropolis, Coursmouth, The Veiled Garden || [[Guardian of Britta's Memorial]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#The_Strength_of_This_Place_(Necropolis)|Spill the waters of Siakha]] || Bucket recovered and returned to Anvil
|-
| 16 || The Barrens, The Untrod Groves, Glade of the Good Knight || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Winter]] || [[A_horn_blast_of_victory#A_Hearty_Meal_(Conjunction)|Thwart the schemes of Ser Gawain Amboise]] || Schemes of ''Ser Gawain Amboise'' thwarted
|-
| 17 || Mareave, Fleisardh, Spring Regio near Golden Wind's Encampment || [[Silver Chalice|Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#Do_Some_Harm_(Arhallogen)|Poison the Grendel]] || Grendel poisoned, Grandmaster of the Silver Chalice should know more
|-
| 18 || Tassato, Cascatas, Campo Verdenta || [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] || [[Phantasms_and_foam#For_What_Has_Been_Wrought_(Tassato)|Kill the heralds of Siakha]] || Heralds of Siakha and wreckers killed
|-
| 19 || Spiral, Apstrus, Alba's Lea || [[Legacy|Custodian of the Legacy]] ||[[Mithril_and_rope#A_Backhanded_Request_(Spiral)|Intercept the mercenaries pay]] || Raid launched on the Legacy and ten wains of mithril claimed by the Haurlatch Iron Consortium
|-
| 20 || Reikos, Haros Water, Couros Field || '''Nekoda of the Shattered Tower''' || [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune#A_Sudden_Threat_(Reikos)|Save Professor Gelberg from Grendel assassins]] || Imperials pushed out by Grendel; Professor Gelberg has been assassinated
|-
| 21 || Redoubt, Naris, Isaac's End || '''Telemachus of the Lighthouse-That-Was''' || [[Seeds_of_discord#An_Empty_Bottle_(Conjunction)|Leave no more than a dozen Grendel alive]] || All Grendel killed
|-
| 22 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, The Meeting Place || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_32|Erlend]]''' || [[Myth_makers#The_Unity_Of_Deed_And_Word|Consecrate the Meeting Place]] || The Meeting Place successfully consecrated with true liao
|-
| 23 || Kallavesa, Wittal Grove, Frithstan's Fen || [[Grimnir of Wittal Grove]] || [[The_keys_of_blood#An_Unexpected_Ally_(Basileia)|Defeat the Grendel (and potentially rescue the Iontach)]] || Ionatch Meddool Miniog successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 24 || Forest of Ulnak, Grimfen Mire, Moss End || [[Warmage]] || [[All_I_ask_of_you#Wild_Things_Run_Fast|Take advantage of a recent scouting discovery]] || [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] successfully cast with eight rings of [[ilium]]
|-
| 25 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Eastern Ward || '''Theodora''' || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 26 || The Barrens, Saltmarsh, Gardenway || [[Envoy to the Karass]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Protect_Lenna_Karass_%28The_Barrens%29|Prevent Druj raiders from kidnapping Lenna Karass]] || Lenna Karass was successfully rescued and returned to Anvil
|-
| 27 || Sarangrave, Bloodwater Marsh, Western Ward || [[Spear of the Seven]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#Stronger_than_Blood|Cast the permanent ward]] || Ward successfully performed
|-
| 28 & 29 || Forest of Ulnak, Gloomsea, Islet of Calm || [[Archmage of Day]] || [[Who_can_you_trust%3F#Who's_the_Thief?_(Forest_of_Ulnak)|Prevent the Eyes of the Dragon from using a boon of Kimus]] || [[Wind of Mundane Silence]] performed on regio and bodies successfully destroyed
|-
| 30 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Warmage]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Drive the vallorn from the regio]] || Imperial casualties suffered, vallornspawn remain around the regio
|-
| 31 || Sarangrave, Bendol, Spring Regio || [[Archmage of Spring]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#An_Open_Gate|Cast Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] || [[Dance of Navarr and Thorn]] was not performed
|-
| 32 || Sarangrave, the Whisperwood, Depths of the Hungry Earth || [[Counsel of the Sun Chamber]] || [[Urizeni_Experiment#The_Caves_of_the_Hungry_Earth|Investigate the Hungry Earth]] || Depths investigated, Counsel of the Sun Chamber should know more
|-
| 33 || Volodmartz, Livardz, Sumisev Peegel || '''[[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_167|Auntie Armand Mariyavich Remislav]]''' || [[Sunrise_over_Livardz#Blow_It_Up|Destroy the Sumisev Peegel]] || Sumisev Peegel was successfully destroyed by [[Wind of Mundane Silence]]
|-
|}

Autumn Equinox 2026

2026-09-01T12:53:22Z

Twiggy:

{{CaptionedImage|file=Steeplechase1.jpg|title=Steeplechase LRP Centre|align=left|width=350|caption=One of the skirmish fields at the new site}}
==Overview==
This page lists all the details that are specific to this event. There is an additional page with [[event information]] which lists arrival and departure times and similar details that are common for all Empire events.

This page is currently incomplete; we will update it with additional details as soon as they are finalised.

==IC News==
See the [[388YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune|winds of fortune]] and the [[388YE Autumn Equinox winds of war|winds of war]] for all the latest in-character developments throughout the Empire. An [[Event schedule|event schedule]] that shows the timings of in-character activities common to all Empire events will soon be available. There is also a [[388YE Autumn Equinox Imperial elections|list of upcoming Imperial elections]]

==Fire Restrictions==
* '''Additional fire restrictions are in place at this event due to the drought conditions this summer'''

We have had some rain on site and everything is looking better, but it's going to take time to get back to a good place. For that reason the previous restrictions on fires remain in place for the final event of year. We know everyone will be disappointed not to be able to have large communal fires, but we must take sensible precautions to keep everyone safe. That means:

* No large nation fires - they present too much heat in the current conditions
* Any fire bowls need to be 30cm from the bottom of the bowl, off the ground
* If you have any fires you need to have water buckets by them
* No fire performances or torch lit processions
* Fires must not be left unattended - if crew find unattended fire, it will be extinguished
* No fires in long stay car park.
* No hot coals on the ground.

Please put your hot ashes in the hot ash skips and please only put hot ashes in them. These smaller skips can be found near the general waste skips at the grandstand, the Sentinel Gate and by God/catering. They are clearly labelled for hot ashes - do not put hot ashes on the ground, only put them in the appropriately labelled skips.

If you are raising your fire bowl off the ground, then make sure that whatever method you use is stable. Do not start a burning fire in a fire bowl that is precariously balanced.

Our fire marshals will be doing regular checks during the event to keep an eye out, keep us safe and ensure all our rules are followed. If there is a problem, please report it to the first member of crew with a radio that you can find. Do not tackle a fire unless you have suitable equipment on hand and it is clearly safe to do so. If a fire has become a danger then shout FIRE! loudly to draw the attention of the nearest member of crew.

All our regular [[Site_safety#Fire_Safety|fire safety rules]] also apply, unless superseded by the above rules, so please make sure you are also familiar with them.

==Battles==
At the event, we will be running two large battles, one Saturday morning and one Sunday morning. The large battles will follow the normal rules for [[battles]]; you may only participate in a single battle as your character and you must monster the other battle if you decide to participate in one. The sides for the battles will be chosen by the generals in the [[Muster]] of the [[Military Council]] on Friday night.

The [[Sentinel Gate]] opens at 11:00 - regardless of whether anyone is ready or not! If you are playing then make sure you arrive in plenty of time before this so your weapons can be checked.

If you are monstering, then you need to make your way to the monster area between 09:30 and 10:00 to give us time to get you into costume, made-up, and briefed. If you turn up after 10:30 you will be turned away.

The winds of war will soon provide information about the [[388YE Autumn Equinox winds_of_war#Battle_opportunities|battle opportunities]] at the forthcoming event.

==Dusk==
* '''For this event we are defining dusk as beginning at 19:00 and ending at 20:00'''
* '''No bow or crossbow use in Anvil after 20:00 or on quests that start on or after this time'''
Our [[Bow_safety#Bow_Safety|bow safety rules]] prohibit the use of bows and crossbows after "dusk". At this event we are defining that point as 20:00 each day. This means you cannot use a bow in Anvil after this time, or on a skirmish or quest that starts on or after this time.

The necromantic ritual [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] can only be performed for one hour around dusk - at this event that means the ritual can be performed at any time between 19:00 and 20:00.

==Site Map==
The site map for the event will be released soon; the [[camp planner]] for each camp will have their own layout for their camp, showing where all the tents are to be pitched. If you are bringing an IC tent, please make sure you contact your camp planner before the event to let them know what you are bringing. If you do not know where you are supposed to be camping, then please speak to the [[camp planner]] on arrival at your nation's camp.

==Access==
* '''Please update your vehicle registration and contact number on your account and display your PID in your windscreen'''
* '''You must observe the 10mph speed limit at all times once you leave the public road'''
* '''Use indicators as normal to indicate direction of travel, do not use hazard lights'''
* '''No vehicles are permitted on the IC field during the hours of time-in'''
If you are coming by car, please update your vehicle registration and contact number on your PD account and display your PID in your windscreen. The gate team have paper slips available for everyone who needs one to write your PID on.

There is a 10mph speed limit in place all across the site. You must reduce your speed to 10mph or less as soon as you turn off the road. Use indicators as normal to indicate direction of travel on site, do not use hazard lights.

There are roads that go through the out-of-character camp, through Anvil and back. Vehicles are allowed to leave the road provided the conditions are acceptable, please check with a member of crew for further details when you are on site. No vehicles are allowed into the IC area while the game is running. The map shows two sets of roads, the roads marked in brown are only available outside the hours of time-in.


==Drop Off Point==
We have created a vehicle drop-off point near the main entrance to the site. This is purely for vehicles that are not driving onto the site, but wish to park as close to the entrance as possible so that they can unload from here. You must move your vehicle from the drop-off point to the main parking areas once you have finished unloading your vehicle.

There is a separate area where the coach stops, which is also the recommended spot when using a taxi, as they can then leave the site back down the entrance road.

==Pitch and Park==
* '''Form straight rows when pitching and parking in designated camping areas'''
* '''We ask that vehicles be moved to long stay parking if possible'''
There are three blue pitch and park camps spread around the site for players to use. You can pitch your OOC tent and park your car next to it in any of these three camps. You must make sure you do not block other vehicles or tents.

To improve safety and security, please try your best to form straight rows when pitching and parking in designated OC areas. The traffic team will be on hand to assist at the beginning of the event. If you have any questions about where to pitch your tent or park your vehicle, please speak to the traffic team, who can direct you.

==Accessibility==
There are areas set aside for players with additional accessibility needs dotted around the site. These are shown in pink on the map. Anyone who needs to pitch and park in these areas is welcome to do so, but make sure you do not block in other vehicles or tents. There is also space just for parking for those who require it. We will provide additional support where possible - email us at {{Accessibility}} to discuss what arrangements will suit you best.

The toilet facilities that include a disabled toilet unit are marked with a wheelchair symbol. There is a disabled shower unit with the other showers near [[GOD]].

We aim to make our events as accessible as possible. During events, speak to GOD or the Traffic team in high-vis clothing if you have any queries.

==Toilets==
Toilet facilities are marked on the map with a T symbol. There are trailer blocks and free-standing toilet cubicles in the main field and in additional locations around the site. We are limited in where we can put toilets, since we need to service them; we have spread them as evenly as possible across the site.

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.

==Parking==
* '''No overnight parking in short stay parking'''
* '''No sleeping in long-stay or short-stay parking'''
There are two areas of the site set aside just for parking. If you are not staying on site at night, the best car park to use is the short-stay car park. Please don't leave your car here if you are planning to stay overnight.

There is a long-stay car park for players who won't need their vehicle during the event. Please park your car here if you won't be using it during the event.

Players are welcome to sleep in their cars in pitch and park if they prefer to, but don't sleep in your car in either of the two dedicated car parks as this makes more work for our hard-working security team.

==Standpipes==
There will be standpipes distributed around the site. We’re still waiting on the final location of where they have been installed. If we do manage to get that information to the office before the event, then we’ll update the map accordingly and let people know.

==Traders==
All our traders are now back together in the new trade court on the edge of the IC area, with the caterers next to them and first aid and GOD behind them.

We expect most of our traders from last event to return. You can find those who have already booked to attend below.

* A.J Preece LARP supplies
* [http://www.chowsemporium.co.uk/ Chows Emporium] Costume, leather gloves, products related to drinking, and accessories.
* [http://history-explorer.co.uk/ Coelred Monger] Suppliers of replica costume and artefacts.
* [https://www.facebook.com/Craeftigan1 Craeftigan] Beautiful weapons and costume that are perfect for Empire.
* [http://www.darkbladeuk.co.uk Darkblade] Leather Stuff.
* [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057123293760 Das Shoppe] New and second-hand costume, leatherwork, weapons, props and furniture. Trade-ins welcome.
* [https://www.facebook.com/latexweapons Eldritch] Weapons and armour.
* [https://www.facebook.com/Firehoundforge/ Firehound Forge] Traditional blacksmith providing handforged wares, foregework demonstrations, repairs and lessons in blacksmithing.
* [https://www.larpgems.com Gem’s Trading Co] - Costumes and leatherwork. Fine quality tailored garments and LRP props. Also a wide range of handmade leather items and missile weapons supplied by Arrow Kaster available to order.
* [https://gnosisstudios.net/ Gnosis]
* [https://www.larpinn.co.uk/ Having A Larp] Costume, weapons, armour and LARP accessories.
* Honest Jim's Wandering Shop
* In Your Dreams FX - Weapons, armour, masks and arrows
* Irregular Props - Weapons, shields and mage implements designed especially for Empire.
* [https://www.kriosphotography.com/ Krios Photography]
* [http://www.lamialeather.co.uk Lamia Leather] specialise in making leather Armour, jackets, and accessories for LARP.
* [https://www.larpinn.co.uk/ Larp Inn] Heros are made from our wide selection of costume, leather goods, armour, and weapons.
* [http://www.lightarmoury.co.uk/ Light Armouries] Supplier of latex weapons and props.
* [http://www.lyonleathers.co.uk/ Lyon Leathers] sell leather hides, animal furs, buckles and fittings, and also a small selection of belts and other leather goods.
* [https://millstreamforge.co.uk Millstream Forge]
* [https://www.facebook.com/share/6RgY3tsXxZgxfN3y/ McSkelly Leathers] A fine range of high quality custom made leather goods.
* [https://www.facebook.com/stardustlarpcraft Stardust Larpcraft] Fantasy leatherwork, costume, and accessories with a sparkle.
* [https://www.facebook.com/UmbraArmoury/ Umbra Armouries] Custom leather goods.
* [http://www.velvet-glove.co.uk/ Velvet Glove Costumes] Costumes, make-up, prosthetics, jewellery with more to come!


===Caterers===
A full list of caterers is available from the [[Event information#Food and Drink|Food and Drink]] section of the [[Event information|General Details]] page.

[[Category:Events]]

Here you come again

2026-08-31T21:14:56Z

Twiggy: /* More Words */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Plenipotentiary]]
<ic>"I am very worried," said Orin. "There is definitely something wrong. The thorns and the roses are not right, there's odd noises, and I swear that when I was down by the western arbour yesterday I heard one of the thorntrees ''growl'' at men."

Naomi shared his worry. "Apparently one of the gardeners has been talking about seeing what she swears is Queen Ygraine and..."

Their whispered conversation was interrupted by a thunderous deluge of horns blaring. Orin startled, dropping his tankard of strong, sweet tea. The gates of the Castle of Thorns are always open, closed only when invaders are literally visible from the walls. A symbol of the openness of the civil service, and a reminder that the folk of Dawn do not fear strangers. Through them now marched an entire warband of knights and courtiers, attired in bright crimson and shimmering gold.

The warriors' plate helms were styled in the aspect of roaring lions, and each of the courtiers had a glossy mane of golden hair. Pointed ears were very much on display, and there was something about these invaders that made Orin profoundly aware of how long it had been since he had last bestridden the battlefield like a lord of war. At the back of his head he made a mental note to start jogging around the battlements again, starting tomorrow.

There was another thunder of trumpets, and the visitors stopped and fanned out dramatically across the open courtyard. Their polished armour caught the late afternoon Summer sun, glinting and casting motes of gold across the courtyard walls. Orin could not shake the vague suspicion they were ''posing'', attempting to intimidate the two civil servants - who they outnumbered by a factor of ten - with their glorious mien.

"Oh for virtues sake," muttered Naomi under her breath, rolling her eyes.

"Hail and well met, servants of the Imperial Throne!" The speaker was one of the courtiers, a statuesque woman who towered over both Orin and Naomi. She had come forward, trailing a scarlet garment that looked like a cross between a formal suit and a Dawnish marriage dress. "Take heart, for we are here to bring the words of our beloved mistress, that you may recount them to beloved Mirella, Archmage of Glory!"

Orin's eyes slid sideways. Naomi met his gaze and imperceptibly shrugged one shoulder.

"Welcome?" said Orin, not meaning it to come out as a question. He rallied. "Are you here to help with this garden's business?"

The courtier laughed, putting her hands on her hips as she did so in a way Orin did not think people actually did outside of stories and bad mummery. The laugh spread quickly, rippling through the ranks of the elfin knights like fire across a dry field. For some reason, this display of hilarity unsettled Orin more than any amount of braying horns. As the courtier's mirth faded, and she theatrically wiped a tear from here eye, she was suddenly all business. The civil servant could have sworn she became another few inches taller, and that as fierceness settled over her face a chill swept across the courtyard as if a cloud had briefly obscured the sun.

"Oh no!" she said, a widening grin spreading across her face that showed her sharp ivory teeth. "We are here to help you murder the Druj!"</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Regio Stones.jpg|align=left|caption=The [[regio#Imperial regio|Imperial regio]] connects, somehow, to all [[realms]] and is a common source of messengers sent by [[eternal|eternals]] to respond to [[archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] messages.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
* '''Six eternals have sent emissaries to Anvil in response to plenipotentiary messages from the Imperial archmages'''
* '''Five have agreed to meetings of one kind or another, either in person or via emissaries'''
After a [[Ambassadors of death|mild hiccup]] last season, six [[eternal|eternals]] have sent emissaries in response to the [[archmage]] [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] messages from the Summer Solstice. All is right with the world! Ha, no, but anyway. Each archmage is of course empowered to send a single message to an eternal of their [[realms|realm]] each season, with certain expectation of ''some'' kind of response. Sometimes that response borders on the rude, but there is ''always'' a response.

Often a plenipotentiary results in a [[Archmage#Parley|parley]] - a formal meeting between the eternal and the archmage. Usually the archmage is afforded all due respect, treated as an equal who also represents a great power (the Empire). Sometimes things are handled more informally, with a smaller meeting or a large-scale free for all. Occasionally the eternal eschews a meeting altogether, and instead extends their assistance to the people of the Empire through boons and bargains.

This season five of the eternals have agreed to a meeting of one kind or another, either in person or with favoured lieutenants.
==That Which Lies Above All (Day)==
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Gralka1693.jpg||caption=Gralka, Archmage of Day|align=right|width=400}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sinokenon002.webp|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Sinokenon cannot help the Archmage with the matter they requested'''
* '''They have declined parley but offer a proposal to send heralds to help with a project Sinokenon has an interest in'''
* '''The current Archmage of Day is Skywise Gralka of the Imperial orcs'''
The being that emerges from the regio which speaks on behalf of ''[[Sinokenon|Singular Point]]'' is a creature of light, a focused mote that emanates brilliant rays in all directions. The beams of illumnation move with geometric regularity as it speaks. It identifies itself as the ''Junior Minister of the Silver Directorate to the Unbound''. After a little conversation, it makes clear that by this it means it is charged with dealing with the the [[Imperial Orcs]] nation.

The Junior Minister reveals that ''That Which Lives In Its Name'' is not able to help the [[Archmage of Day]] locate or acquire black lotus. Finding things that are lost or hidden, is simply not a concern of the ''Turning Mirror''. An attempt to assess the situation was made - the minister known as the ''Chief Vizier of the Eternal Mountain'' was instructed to speak with the [[Thule_lore#Dragons|One of the Orb]], but the discussion came to nothing. The Archmage might make their own approach to the [[Thule lore#Dragons|Dragons]] of [[Otkodov]] but the Minister is not confident they will have any better success. For its part, ''Turning Mirror'' is not especially concerned about black lotus. Rather than caring about the profound spiritual meaning it has for many orcs, the eternal instead is more interested in the ways the Buruk Tepel use access to it to control their nation.

Instead, suggests the Junior Minister, the Archmage may have more luck speaking with the ''[[Kimus|Grand Vizier of the Thousand Eyes]]'' or possibly the ''[[Roshanwe|Seeker of the Star]]''. In either case, the Archmage should manage their expectations. While they may be on the brink of ruin, the Druj are masters of the wicked arts of [[Night_magic#Obfuscation|obfuscation]]. That rare herb that the [[Druj_lore#Buruk_Tepel|Buruk Tepel]] value above all else will be concealed with wards and shrouds that might challenge even the illimitable gaze of the ''Glass of the Heavens''. So far it has only been when the desperate masters of the Mallum have been forced to move their prizes that there has been any chance to capture them at all. If a Day eternal could tell a magician where black lotus could be found, then it would ultimately be impossible to hide anything, and Druj society would not have developed in the way that it did.

The Junior Minister then turns to other matters. The ''Argent Mantra'' did not expect the Archmage to seek parley with it given the attitude of the Conclave, and of Imperial magicians in general. While the Empire may be "loyal", it has not given much indication that it welcomes the aid of ''Diamondmind''. If the Conclave wishes, though, they could still engage the support of the eternal on a matter it feels it ''can'' give some assistance to. There are three possibilities:
* In less than a century ''the Imperial Orcs'' they have gone from thralls, to rebels, to wandering nomad warriors, to the masters of their own small nation. Such things are of interest to the ''Friend of All''. If the Conclave chooses this path forward, Sinokenon will send ministers to Skarsind and Mareave to find ways to help the Unshackled build their nation.

* The '''[[The highest calling#Highest calling|highest calling]] of [[the League]]''' is to bring more people into the Empire. The ''Unifying Ponticex'' is always happy to see steps taken to end the dissonance of large numbers of people living within Imperial borders who are not themselves citizens. If the Conclave chooses this option, it will send diplomats to support the bishops of the League in their endeavour.

* The '''[[:Category:Grand Inspiration|Grand Inspiration of the Way]]''' is a monumentally ambitious endeavour, but one that ''Pinnacle Point'' finds intriguing. As the "capstone" of the Way, it will provide a unifying force not only within the Empire but potentially across the Known World. If the Conclave chooses this option, Sinokenon will send viziers versed in [[the Doctrines of the Faith]] to find ways to support the project.

To take advantage of one of these proposals from ''Turning Mirror'' requires a [[declaration]] of [[Alignment#Acceptance|acceptance]] raised before the Conclave and endorsed by that august body. It will only help with ''one'' of them however and only if the Conclave clearly communicates its preference. Alternatively, says the Junior Minister, the Conclave may choose to word the acceptance in such a way that they make it clear they do not want the assistance of ''That Which Lies Above All'' on this or any other matter. In this case, Sinokenon will accept their judgement and retire from making offers to Imperial citizens for the next year - a ''cooling off'' period as it were.
==Lady of Pennants (Summer)==
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=ArchmageSummer.jpg|caption='''Mirella of the Twisted Rose''', Archmage of Summer|align=right|width=400}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Eleonaris001aa.webp|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Eleonaris accepts the invitation to parley sent by the Summer Archmage
* '''The current Archmage of Summer is Mirella of the Twisted Rose
Almost as soon as the [[civil service]] have returned to the [[Astolat#The_Castle_of_Thorns|Castle of Thorns]] following the Summer Solstice, a full delegation of dignitaries from the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] arrives at the gatehouse. A band of elfin heralds in elaborate formal wear, accompanied by a half-dozen soldiers in full plate bearing lion heraldry, request admittance and hospitality. The ''[[Eleonaris|Lady of the Pennants]]'', it seems, is well pleased to receive the missive from the [[Archmage of Summer]]. It has been far, far too long since the ''Young Lioness'' has reached out to the ''Queen of the Fields of Glory'' say the heralds. If Eleonaris ever felt felt she was being ''ignored'' then that would likely result in consequences no-one would enjoy. The two and a half years it's been may be the cause of some minor misunderstandings in the Archmage's missive, but it is a simple matter to correct them and move on to more important matters.

Firstly, the ''Lion of Summer'' does not have much interest one way or another with the workings of the [[Synod]]. She's sure they do important work in the Empire, but while their opinions surely matter a great deal to the citizens of the Empire they do not matter to ''her''. Nor should they matter to any who might be inspired to offer their service to her. To be associated in any way with the ''Sovereign in Scarlet and Gold'' is a profound honour, and she is sure they respect that and will exalt any who achieve such a feat. Secondly, neither the ''Commander of the Golden Armies'' nor any of the other (lesser) [[Archmage_of_Summer#The_Eternals_of_Summer|regents of the Summer Realm]] are lowly merchants, and do not engage in "bargains" for their boons. They receive tribute and offer gifts and aid where it pleases them to do so.

With those points quickly made by the lead [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|herald]], they launch into the topic they are clearly far more interested in.
===Honour===
* '''Eleonaris requests that the sutannir of the Brass Coast receive her heralds at the Autumn Equinox
* '''A seat of honour, ideally a throne, must be set aside for Eleonaris herself (who cannot attend in person due to being an eternal)
* '''The heralds will report back to their mistress how eager the Freeborn are for an alliance with the Queen of the Brightening Skies
* '''The soiree should begin at 19.00 on Saturday
The ''Lady of Pennants'' is delighted to hear of the ambitions of [[General]] '''Velasco i Guerra''', and of '''Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo'''. It is a fine thing to seek to spread [[glory]] across the Empire as her friends in [[Dawn]] do, and so she is keen to render her assistance. However proper courtly decorum, custom, and formality must be observed when arranging a meeting. Her courtiers love visiting the grand balls in the castles of [[Astolat]] and [[Semmerholm]], yet they are also keen to enjoy the festivities thrown by the famous [[Sutannir]] of [[the Brass Coast]]. Thus a gathering is proposed, to delight and amuse the ''Leonine Empress'' and her representatives, and to put everyone in a good mood before formal parley might commence.

The Heralds propose that the Brass Coast camp at Anvil host a soiree at the Autumn Equinox, which these heralds intend to attend. They will then report back to their Mistress on just how fond the Freeborn are of their would-be patron in the matters the Archmage has raised. One key feature of the festivities, whatever form they take, must be a seat of honour set aside to represent the Queen herself (ideally a throne). Regretfully the ''Queen of the Brightening Sky'' cannot enter the mortal world herself. If she did so, the fabric of reality would no doubt tear itself asunder, ashamed that it is unable to appropriately manifest her full awe-inspiring majesty. Or so the elfin diplomats suggest.

The heralds will arrive at Anvil on Saturday at around seven in the evening. The question of who else will attend, the ''Lady of the Pennants'' leaves entirely to the discretion of the sutannir. At the end of the day, the success of the party will set Eleonaris' mood for the parley.

===Words===
<div style="float:right; width: 25px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=TheFireoftheSouth_Colour.png|align=right|width=250}}</div>
* '''A formal parley will take place after the party, at 22.00 on Saturday
* '''The outcome of the celebration in the Brass Coast will surely influence Eleonaris' mood for the parley
* '''The Archmage is invited to bring several folk and there is one "mystery guest" who knows who she is
* '''The parley will begin with a discussion of the frieze celebrating victory in the Sarangrave
* '''After that there will be a chance to discuss the Fire of the South and magic circlets
As to the parley itself, it will take place in an appropriate chamber reached via the [[Hall of Worlds]] later that same night - at ten o'clock at night. Archmage Mirella is welcome to bring '''Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo''', '''Velasco i Guerra''', and '''Arturo''' the [[Imperial Warcaster]]. The ''Greatest General in the Empire'' (who knows who she is) is also invited, and should bring the [[troubadour]] who promised to compose a song befitting the stature of Eleonaris for a personal performance.

Before anything else is discussed, there will be a chance for the Archmage to explain the delays to the [[Love_and_monsters#Lions|celebratory frieze]] that the Queen's heralds were told would be built in the [[Sarangrave]] by the Empire following their joint victory there.

After that there will be ample chance to talk about the Fire of the South, magical circlets, and the calling of more [[Knights of Glory]] to fight alongside the Empire.

==The Brass Magistrates (Autumn)==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ashborn Trosk.jpg|caption='''Ashborn Trosk''', Archmage of Autumn|align=right|width=300}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Lictors001a.webp|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''The Lictors have agreed to a parley at the Autumn Equinox
* '''They will also provide certain bargains to Imperial magicians via an arrangement with the City of Gold and Lead
* '''The current Archmage of Autumn is Ashborn Trosk
As the civil service begin setting up the various pieces of infrastructure again for the Autumn Equinox, a trio of manacled-carrying heralds approach the civil servant ''Jorgen'' at [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] in [[Anvil]]. While still clearly heralds, they are garbed in manner reminiscent of that of an [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] [[thief-taker]], a [[the Marches|Marcher]] [[beater]], and a [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[warden]]. Their appearance is made all the more jarring by the full-face iron masks and ever-present chains favoured by the denizens of the [[Lictors|City of Bar and Bond]].

They waste no time getting down to business. The ''[[Lictors|Gaolers of the Green Iron Prison]]'' approve of the agenda proposed by the [[Archmage of Autumn]]. They have investigated each of the matters '''Ashborn Trosk''' brought before the ''Brass Magistrates'' for review.

===Jurisdiction===
* '''The Lictors do not judge the quoted proscription against sacrifice to represent a jurisdictional overstep'''
* '''They propose the Senate clarify that "human" in laws predating there being orc citizens be amended'''
The [[proscription]] proposed by '''Sofonisba Amilcara of the City Below''' during the Spring Equinox 388YE [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_66|criminalising sacrifice]] seems to be a cut and dry case defining idolatry. In the opinion of the ''Brass Magistrates'', the sacrifice of a mortal as an offering to an inhuman power is a perfectly valid example of [[Religious_crime#Idolatry|idolatry]] as defined by the Senate when they created the law. It would be very difficult to argue that such a sacrifice does not constitute "''worship''" or "''veneration''." The Imperial magistrates have further interpreted the law to say that ''offering is likely to only encompass ritual acts of killing, not merely killing upon the instruction of an inhuman entity'' which matches the interpretation the ''Chainbound'' would make. As such, they do not see any overstep by the Synod in this matter.

Of course, it is clear that this proscription intrudes into the domain of the Conclave - but that is to be expected, given the unusual nature of the [[Imperial Constitution]]. There will always be situations where the authority of two or more parts of the Imperial government come into conflict. The Brass Magistrates provide a ''completely hypothetical'' example in which the Red Eyed Reaper finds a way to double the output of the [[Flaxen Pillars]] by encouraging the workers to engage in acts of worship of the [[Dho'uala]]. That would be a case where the authority of the Bourse to control weirwood production in the Empire would be in conflict with the Synod's responsibility to prevent blasphemy. That doesn't mean a proscription forbidding worship of the sovereigns would violate the Constitution.

Still, such conflicts are flaws inherent in the Imperial system and it would be better if they were removed. One of the heralds helpfully suggests that if the Empire were to disestablish the Conclave, the Military Council, the Bourse and the Synod, then all these conflicts would immediately vanish, since all authority would be vested in the Senate. In practice there are slightly less controversial changes to the Imperial Constitution which might be possible, such as removing the explicit protection of the Conclave and the Bourse from the interference of the Synod. That might be possible, although it's not clear the Constitutional Court would allow it (members of the Court apparently seem to disagree on this issue). Alternatively the Senate could amend the Constitution to make clear that deals with eternals were explicitly excluded from any restrictions under Imperial law - that would likewise be very difficult for the Court to accept, but from the perspective of the Lictors it would be more consistent, coherent law.

In the end there is little more that the Lictors can do to help on this point - they are always happy to provide specialised advice on the most correct interpretation of written law, but they do not have the power to make rulings on Imperial law after-all. Ultimately what is or is not constitutional comes down to a matter of rulings made by the Constitutional Court, it's not something that the Lictors can arbitrate on. They Lictors help catch law-breakers, but the Senate has not given them the dominion over the Empire that they would need to give binding rulings or pass judgement on those who broke the law.

===Bonds===
* '''The Archmage has invited the Furious Ones to host an Autumn market'''
* '''The Lictors are prepared to offer three bonds to hunt down criminals from the Autumn realm who are believed to be somewhere in the mortal world'''
* '''They intend to cooperate with the City of Gold and Lead to make more practical tools available to the Empire'''
* '''The Lictors have asked Berilo i Erigo to ensure everything runs smoothly'''
In response to an offer by the Archmage, the Lictors have agreed to engage in a degree of commerce with the Empire. They have negotiated with the [[Ephisis|City of Gold and Lead]] to serve as go-betweens to provide Imperial magicians the means to purchase some practical tools crafted in the City of Bar and Bond. This will be done through the auspices of the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual and handled exclusively by the merchants of the trading city. These offers are covered in more detail in the '''[[The bargain store]]''' wind of fortune.

There is another element to their response however. The Lictors themselves will host a "bond auction" in the Hall of Worlds at 14:00 on Saturday. There are a number of criminals of the Iron Labyrinth who are attempting to evade capture and imprisonment by hiding in the mortal plane with their accomplices and some hired constructs who need to be apprehended. As the Lictors enjoy the Amity of the Conclave, they are capable of tracking and capturing these reprehensible miscreants themselves, but is is established precedent to offer these bonds to imperial citizens when desired.

Not ''all'' Imperial Citizens, mind you. In line with the Archmage's suggestion the ''Binders'' wish to hire professionals rather than anyone who might lob in a bid and not have the experience to action the contract, and thus bidding will be restricted to [[the Marches|Marcher]] '''[[Beater|Beaters]]''', [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] '''[[Thief-taker|Thief-Takers]]''' and [[Varushka|Varushkan]] '''[[Warden|Wardens]]'''. All bidding must be done in ingots of green iron. The winner will be charged with gathering a combat-ready group to deal with the target, and will be the one who receives the reward from the ''Brass Magistrates'' assuming the contract is successfully discharged.

Once the contracts have been sold, the Lictors will investigate the winning bidders to ensure they have not misrepresented themselves. Any who are found to have done so will be in breach of contract. Their green iron will be confiscated, and the Lictors will enquire with the magistrates as to what legal redress is be available to them.

The three bonds are:
* '''Golden Almozulo''' - In breach of a supply contract with the [[Ephisis|City of Gold and Lead]]. Reward: 30 pawns of [[vis#Warm Ashes|warm ashes]]
* '''Stonecutter''' - Criminal damage to the property of the [[Estavus|City of Fire and Stone]]. Reward: 30 ''grasping whetstones''. These are small items that can be applied to a weapon to allow the wielder to [[entangle]] a foe provided they strike quickly.
* '''Ringsnap''' - Attempting to break into the prison of the ''Chainbound'' in order to free prisoners. Reward: A [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus|mystic scroll]] detailing an Autumn ritual that summons a cohort of ''Furious Warders'' from the City of Bar and Bond to aid a [[military unit]], enhancing their ability to succeed at [[Military_unit#Guarding|guarding]] actions. The ritual draws on the power of the Lictors, and has an assurance that will terminate its power if anyone who has mastered this ritual is convicted of a crime by Imperial magistrates. ('''OOC Note:''' if you have this ritual mastered and are convicted of a crime, you must let PD know). As with most mystic scrolls, this reward allows up to a dozen magicians to master the ritual.

Rather than the Archmage, interestingly, the Lictors have specifically asked '''Berilo i Erigo''' of [[the Brass Coast]] to ensure everything runs smoothly. It is not clear what the relationship between this Freeborn and the Lictors might be. One of the reasons given is that, during the auction, the Archmage will be otherwise engaged - discussing another matter with a carefully selected representative of the ''Advocates of the Rod''. No details of what that matter might be are revealed.

==Conscience-of-Kings (Night)==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Brat Umbral Path.jpg|caption='''Brat Umbral Path''', Archmage of Night|title=One in six Night eternals thing he's pretty neat|align=right|width=300}}

{{CaptionedImage|file=Lashonar001b.webp|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Lashonar is hurt by the Conclave's rejection and accusations of collaborating with its enemies
* '''It has agreed to a parley in the Hall of Worlds
* '''The current Archmage of Night is Brat Umbral Path
Around halfway between Summer and Autumn, a tiny herald of the ''[[Lashonar|Conscience-of-Kings]]'' appears at Anvil. No larger than a medium-sized cat, they are in form akin to a kingfisher, albeit one with three-fingered hands as well as jewel-bright wings. They have a tightly curled scroll that unfurls to surprising length, and a thin-stemmed silver trumpet no longer than a pencil which they parp enthusiastically before breathlessly delivering the message of their master in a piping little voice.

The ''Guardian of the Southern Skies'' thanks the new [[Archmage of Night]] for their invitation. They will send representatives to parley in the Hall of Worlds. It is thankful also to '''Grandmaster Xanthippe''' for removing the unfair and unjust [[alignment#enmity|enmity]] under which he had been placed. Before she will attend the parley however, she wants the Empire to understand that she has been the victim of slander and lies. The ''Speaker in Dreams'' would never knowingly share secrets that might harm their friends. It exists to bring folk together so that they can speak, and if those people sometimes engage in conspiracy and plotting that is ''their'' responsibility, not the responsibility of the ''Lady of the Southern Skies''. Indeed, the ''Mediator of the Moonshy'' knows for a fact that in the past Imperial citizens have met with secret-spillers under the shelter of its wings without opprobrium to their own benefit. All speech is sacred, and if there are consequences they are for the speakers not those who give them a forum to speak. And so on.

''Eater-of-Silence'' does not demand an apology from the Conclave - it is not that petty - but it was wounded by the decision to [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Lashonar,_Enmity|enact enmity]] without any Imperial magician first speaking with it. Two folk meeting in good faith can build a bridge of words to cross any chasm; this the ''Keeper of the Gates of Wisdom'' fundamentally believes.

That is water over the weir for now though, and it does not do to dwell too much on the past. A mistake has been rectified, and so to the business of speech.
===More Words===
* '''Lashonar agrees to an informal parley to take place in the Hall of Worlds at 23.15 on Friday night'''
* '''They still would like the ritual text of ''Summoning the Loquacious Birds'' returned to them'''
After the tumble of words, the wee herald takes a breath that swells its delicate little chest out like a balloon, and launches into a discussion of the meat of the matter; the parley itself. There is one requirement however; at the beginning of the parley the Archmage of Night must formally free anyone and everyone who wishes to do so to speak as they like, without having to wait their turn. That is, they must surrender their ability to determine who speaks. If this is not done, the parley will end immediately.

Assuming Brat Umbral Path wishes to go ahead, there are three things that ''Everchatter'' wishes to see discussed.

The first is an explanation as to why the Conclave enacted sudden enmity against it and what can be done to ensure that does not happen again. At the moment, the ''Voice of the Gloaming Sky'' has taken the almost unprecedented step of removing access to the Caucus Forum from the Empire, something which has already caused mild distress to those wishing to speak to Imperial citizens. Before the ''Liege of the Forum'' is prepared to restore access, never mind to allow the Empire to use that place of communication, it will require assurance that this will not happen again next time someone arbitrarily decides the ''Mellifluous Magpie'' has said "too much".

Then there is the matter of its ritual ''Summoning the Loquacious Birds''. Lashonar has withdrawn her support, so that any message an Imperial magician tries to send with it will be returned to the coven involved alone. That is her right to do so but it is still a bone of contention that when she asked for the ritual text to be returned, nobody would even discuss it with her. He can only assume it has been stolen, which is why they asked the Imperial magistrates to [[Monarchs_and_outcasts#Closed_Caucus_(Lashonar)|investigate]]. This situation cannot continue and must be resolved one way or another before trust between the Conclave and ''Words of Initiation'' can be restored.

Lastly, they will speak of Night eternals. '''Brat Umbral Path''' hints that they are seeking communion with the bright spirit of the endless deeps, ''Foam Dancer'', the ''One Who Leaps From The Waves For Purest Joy''. The ''Concierge of Consequence'' knows that they will not speak to Imperial magicians because of the ''Lantern Shark'' who swims the night-dark ocean of the Empire's dreams. As with anyone else, the ''Bringer Together'' could be prevailed upon to arrange a meeting with some of the mortals who know ''Wondersnake'' via the Caucus Forum. For now, however, ''Whispershout'' is still nursing their injured feelings over the Conclave's recent decisions and is not inclined to go to any extra effort until wounded pride can be sutured.

As to the spreading of words and songs across the Empire... The ''Laughing Herald'' has sung with the Navarr recently. Indeed it was just after it provided its aid in [[Brocéliande]] that the Conclave declared enmity against it. If the Archmage wishes to discuss this kind of thing it will require a show of faith from the Empire. Grant Lashonar [[Alignment#Amity|amity]]. Allow him and his servants to travel freely throughout the Empire, carrying the words of any and all who would ask for their help. Let them see to it that no voice is silenced. The ''Roaring Cadence'' has already sent its servants to [[Therunin]] to ensure that those fighting against darkness there can speak to one another. Let the Empire offer it the freedom to go where it wishes, guarantee there will be no censorship or restraint on the words that must fly free, and ''Storysmith'' will consider how it can address the Archmage's request.

The little herald, exhausted by the long speech, is revived with a small cup of sugar water provided by the Civil Service, and after effusive thanks, flutters erratically off toward the Imperial Regio, trumpet and crumpled scroll grasped firmly in its little three-fingered hands.

==Knight of Swords (Winter)==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Bloodcrow Arora.jpg|caption='''Bloodcrow Arora''', Archmage of Winter|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Surut001.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Surut has agreed to parley with the Archmage of Winter
* '''They will send an escort to the Hall of Worlds at 23.45 on Saturday
* '''The Archmage may bring two others with them to meet Lord Cam Lech the Masked, a favoured henchman of Surut
* '''Lord Cam Lech has suggested some guests, most of whom are currently dead
* '''The current Archmage of Winter is Bloodcrow Arora of the Imperial Orcs

It has been [[Begins_where_it_ends#Surut|quite a while]] since the ''[[Surut|Burned Prince]]'' was approached by an Archmage of Winter as an individual. Their messenger is a lone knight, wrapped in rusted and ruined chain, who leaves footprints of charred, dead grass and ashes wherever they tread during their menacing walk from the Imperial regio to the Hub. When they arrive, a hush falls over the busy tent, and more than one person who has been waiting to speak to a civil servant suddenly remembers pressing business elsewhere. In a voice like cracking bone and tearing skin, the knight launches into their spiel without preamble.

The ''Duke of the Clenched Fist'' commends the Conclave on rescinding its weak [[interdiction]] of [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#License:_Savage_Army_Enchants|effective war magic]]. That alone inclines him to look kindly on the requests of the Archmage. As such, the ''Gauntlet of Flame'' accedes to a request for parley. At around a quarter to midnight on Saturday during the summit, he will send an escort to the Hall of Worlds to bring the Archmage of Winter into the presence of ''Lord Cam Lech the Masked'', one of his favoured henchmen, to discuss matters military.

The ''Harbinger of Spikes'' will receive the Archmage and no more than two others. It is up to the Archmage who they wish to bring, but Lord Cam Lech has expressed an interest in meeting '''Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka''', the General of the [[Northern Eagle]], the last general of the [[Iron Helms]] '''Alderei the Fair''', the former General of the [[Gryphon's Pride]] '''Archavion Wolfborne''', ''Gobaith of Summer's Grove'' the commander of the [[Dance_of_Blood_and_Jotun_consequences|Dance of Blood]], and ''General Anke Carsten von Temeschwar'' of the [[Wolves of War]]. Jorgen, the civil servant with most experience dealing with these kinds of matters, tries to point out that of those five, four are dead - in at least one case for a century and a half - but the herald waves this aside as an irrelevancy.

There is one matter that the ''Knight-Commander of the Bleak Parade'' wants to be clear about however. He has no intention of withdrawing support from the [[Druj]]. Every time an Archmage asks, he will provide the Druj with ''more'' support. This doesn't mean he won't help the Empire - quite the contrary - but it is up to ''him'' who he provides his boons to and he will not be dictated to. Candidly, says the messenger just before they depart, if the servants of the ''Ashen Heart'' are not among the Druj when the Mallum finally burns, how will he be able to feast on their anguish and despair?

==Wisdom of Dead Wood (Spring)==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Arwydd Clearbramble.jpg|caption='''Arwydd Clearbramble''', Archmage of Spring|align=right|width=300}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Llofir001d.webp|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Llofir has responded to the plenipotentiary of the Archmage of Spring
* '''It is concerned that the Empire has abandoned its ambition to destroy the vallorn
* '''It offers assistance to hasten the end of the Druj
* '''It proposes a parley in the Hall of Worlds after the Spring session of the Arcane Colloquium (16.30 on Saturday)
* '''The current Archmage of Spring is Arwydd Clearbramble of Navarr
The looming mushroom creature that visits the Hub shortly after the Summer Solstice arrives on the gloomiest and dampest evening of the year so far. It slouches through Anvil, drawing quite a bit of attention, but when spoken to it is delicately polite and regrets that it is on a mission for the ''[[Llofir|Rotlord]]'' and so cannot delay its business. Whenever it stops for more than a few moments, little toadstools sprout around its "feet" which prove to have disturbingly hallucinogenic qualities - as several foolish citizens find to their chagrin. The ''End of Empires'' offers greetings to the [[Archmage of Spring]], '''Arwydd Clearbramble'''.

Arwydd has asked about the [[Sound_and_vision#Something_Stirs_(Coral_Husks)_(Conjunctions)|peculiar coral husks]] haunting the Gullet between [[the Marches]] and [[Wintermark]], and regretfully the ''Wisdom of Dead Wood'' does not have much it is can say on that matter. The origin of the creatures is in the [[Realms#Spring|Spring realm]], as the Archmage may have surmised. They are nothing to do with the ''Quiet One'' itself, but it bears them no particular ill will. They are not endless; they are living creatures and individuals that will fall and rot in their time. They will prosper or fail, as will those who are threatened by them, and the ''Long Thinker'' has no especial urge to interfere one way or another.

As a result, ''Rotlord'' is not minded to place their hand on the scales. They do not mind whether the Empire destroys the coral husks or the husks destroy the Empire; either outcome is acceptable to the ''Lady of Spores''. What they will do is look to see what opportunities they can engineer for the heralds of the Empire to come into contact with the coral husks - that way one or the other can triumph.

All that said... the herald does provide a warning however. There is a danger in underestimating these beings. As time goes by, each of their iterations is more complex than the last. The first husks the Empire encountered were... templates. Simple meat bodies infused with the parasitic coral. With each generation, the innate [[Spring magic#Chaos|chaos]] of Spring creates new strains and variants and while most of them fail, some will thrive. These strains, tailored to surviving and overcoming opposition, will present new challenges. Tactics that have proven effective before will not necessarily remain effective - the Winterfolk, the Marchers, and the Jotun will need to adapt or they will be subsumed.

The eternal ''is'' interested in the [[vallorn]] and the [[Druj]]. It wishes to speak with the Archmage about the curious decision to [[interdiction|interdict]] the [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Interdiction:_Last_Vallornheart|completion of the trod network]]. Given this is a step required to bring the end of the vallorn, why has '''Silk Farkas''' made it illegal to do so? Why has the [[Conclave]] that has claimed in the past to seek the destruction of the Doom of Terunael turned aside from the path? What does this mean for the magicians of [[the League]], [[Varushka]], [[Dawn]], and [[Navarr]]? What does it mean for Llofir?

As such, the eternal intends to extend a portion of its consciousness into the Hall of Worlds after the Spring session of the [[Arcane_Colloquium#Format|Arcane Colloquium]] to speak to the Archmage about this confusing development. If it can be resolved to the satisfaction of ''Wisdom of Dead Wood'', there may be time to discuss the "developing relationship", but that will depend on the Archmage.

===End of Empire===
* '''Llofir offers aid to hasten the end of the Druj
* '''During the Autumn Equinox, it seeks the Hallow of the Green World for the Mallum
* '''The ritual would be magnitude 100 if cast on the Mallum this season
* '''Llofir offers a measure of protection from the vallorn of Tharunind if all contributors are using whisperspore
On the matter of the [[Druj]], though, the ''Despoiler of Grain'' is much more inclined to offer assistance. It bears no particular enmity for them - it is simply that they are clearly falling into ruin. If they are too sickly to survive, they should perish, and let new life rise from their remains. ''That Which Cannot Be Killed In Any Way That Matters'' has a similar proposition to the one it [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#End_of_Empire|offered the Navarr]] a year ago. If the Empire evokes [[Hallow of the Green World]] during the Autumn equinox, either from a [[regio]] in the Mallum or using the general of the Citadel Guard [[Army_qualities#Magic|as the focus]], that [[enchantment]] will settle over the crumbling Druj Empire. The [[Citadel Guard]] are in the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]], and while ''Ruination'' has not forgotten their role in [[380YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#Our_Neighbour's_Field|attacking its garden]], it cannot help but approve their [[Forward_into_depthless_dark#What_Brings_Their_End|use]] of [[Spring magic]] as part of the [[Highest_discipline#Technique_of_the_Transcendent_Claw|Technique of the Transcendent Claw]]. So it will not question if the magicians of the Empire deploy them as a tool for bringing further destruction to the Druj.

The effects will be concentrated in the Salt Flats, but will be felt everywhere the Druj have dominion - in the [[Forest of Ulnak]], and in [[Therunin]]. The ritual will allow Llofir to focus his "gifts" on the failing Druj nation as part of his identity as ''Ender of Empires''. With the tools at its disposal, it will act to hasten the collapse of the Druj, bringing [[Spring_magic#Venom|sickness]] and [[Spring magic#Ruin|ruin]].

The enchantment will offer some support to the Druj given it promotes the growth of [[herb|healing herbs]], but the ''Inevitable Circle'' doubts that will be of much comfort given how bad their situation is. Furthermore, the enchantment 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 there, and support the Druj. On the other hand, [[Irra Harah|Prince with a Thousand Foes]] is chomping at the bit to be able to act freely in the Mallum, and thanks partially to former Archmage '''Ibiss Briarheart''' [[Siakha]] has lost interest in the Druj and revels in ''any'' chance to devour the weak. For that matter, there are other Spring eternals with no interest in the Empire who might be goaded to intervene if the doors were opened for them to do so. At the end of the day, the ''Turner of the Wheel'' believes the chaos caused by these competing eternals will, in the long term, speed the fall of the Druj even if it provides them a little aid in the short term.

To cast the ritual on the Empire would require significant effort, but the Druj nation is very much smaller than it used to be. It could be cast on the Mallum at magnitude 100 at the coming Autumn Equinox. At least, thanks to the [[Unfettered Mind]], it is [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#License:_Empire-Wide_Enchantments|no longer illegal]] to cast the ritual, which should be some consolation to those who are more concerned with law and order than with the unbridled energies of life and death and regrowth.

Obviously, powerful Spring magic used in Therunin runs the risk of rousing the vallorn of [[Therunin#Greenheart|Tharunind]]. The ''Sporefounder'' is not too concerned, however. The recent expansion fostered by the Tainted Basilisk has left the vallorn weak and exhausted (inasmuch as that illimitable font of energy can become weak). The worst the ''Hallow of the Green World'' will do in Therunin if it is cast at the Autumn equinox is encourage some vallornspawn to rampage outside the borders of the vallorn. It won't trigger anything like a full-scale assault, or anything that will allow the vallorn to expand.

''And anyway'', says the herald philosophically, ''most of the people in Therunin at the moment are either Navarr who are used to fighting the vallorn, or Druj. And the Empire has never shed any tears in the past when the Druj were being eaten alive by skinned tree monsters''.

==Timetable==
The times, the locations, and the eternals involved in meetings related to specific plenipotentiary responses are summarised here.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Day !! Time !! Eternal !! Realm !! Note
|-
| Friday || 23:15 || [[Lashonar]] || Night || Informal Parley in the Hall of Worlds
|-
| Saturday || 14.00 || [[Lictors]] || Autumn || Auction of bounty hunting contracts
|-
| Saturday || 16.30 || [[Llofir]] || Spring || Formal parley in the Hall of Worlds
|-
| Saturday || 19.00 and 22.00 || [[Eleonaris]] || Summer || A celebration in the Freeborn camp and parley in a chamber respectively
|-
| Saturday || 23:45 || [[Surut]] || Winter || Parley; a chamber reached from the Hall of Worlds
|-
|}

Here you come again

2026-08-31T21:14:26Z

Twiggy: /* End of Empire */

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:388YE Autumn]][[Category:Plenipotentiary]]
<ic>"I am very worried," said Orin. "There is definitely something wrong. The thorns and the roses are not right, there's odd noises, and I swear that when I was down by the western arbour yesterday I heard one of the thorntrees ''growl'' at men."

Naomi shared his worry. "Apparently one of the gardeners has been talking about seeing what she swears is Queen Ygraine and..."

Their whispered conversation was interrupted by a thunderous deluge of horns blaring. Orin startled, dropping his tankard of strong, sweet tea. The gates of the Castle of Thorns are always open, closed only when invaders are literally visible from the walls. A symbol of the openness of the civil service, and a reminder that the folk of Dawn do not fear strangers. Through them now marched an entire warband of knights and courtiers, attired in bright crimson and shimmering gold.

The warriors' plate helms were styled in the aspect of roaring lions, and each of the courtiers had a glossy mane of golden hair. Pointed ears were very much on display, and there was something about these invaders that made Orin profoundly aware of how long it had been since he had last bestridden the battlefield like a lord of war. At the back of his head he made a mental note to start jogging around the battlements again, starting tomorrow.

There was another thunder of trumpets, and the visitors stopped and fanned out dramatically across the open courtyard. Their polished armour caught the late afternoon Summer sun, glinting and casting motes of gold across the courtyard walls. Orin could not shake the vague suspicion they were ''posing'', attempting to intimidate the two civil servants - who they outnumbered by a factor of ten - with their glorious mien.

"Oh for virtues sake," muttered Naomi under her breath, rolling her eyes.

"Hail and well met, servants of the Imperial Throne!" The speaker was one of the courtiers, a statuesque woman who towered over both Orin and Naomi. She had come forward, trailing a scarlet garment that looked like a cross between a formal suit and a Dawnish marriage dress. "Take heart, for we are here to bring the words of our beloved mistress, that you may recount them to beloved Mirella, Archmage of Glory!"

Orin's eyes slid sideways. Naomi met his gaze and imperceptibly shrugged one shoulder.

"Welcome?" said Orin, not meaning it to come out as a question. He rallied. "Are you here to help with this garden's business?"

The courtier laughed, putting her hands on her hips as she did so in a way Orin did not think people actually did outside of stories and bad mummery. The laugh spread quickly, rippling through the ranks of the elfin knights like fire across a dry field. For some reason, this display of hilarity unsettled Orin more than any amount of braying horns. As the courtier's mirth faded, and she theatrically wiped a tear from here eye, she was suddenly all business. The civil servant could have sworn she became another few inches taller, and that as fierceness settled over her face a chill swept across the courtyard as if a cloud had briefly obscured the sun.

"Oh no!" she said, a widening grin spreading across her face that showed her sharp ivory teeth. "We are here to help you murder the Druj!"</ic>
<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Regio Stones.jpg|align=left|caption=The [[regio#Imperial regio|Imperial regio]] connects, somehow, to all [[realms]] and is a common source of messengers sent by [[eternal|eternals]] to respond to [[archmage#plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] messages.|width=500}}</div>
==Overview==
* '''Six eternals have sent emissaries to Anvil in response to plenipotentiary messages from the Imperial archmages'''
* '''Five have agreed to meetings of one kind or another, either in person or via emissaries'''
After a [[Ambassadors of death|mild hiccup]] last season, six [[eternal|eternals]] have sent emissaries in response to the [[archmage]] [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] messages from the Summer Solstice. All is right with the world! Ha, no, but anyway. Each archmage is of course empowered to send a single message to an eternal of their [[realms|realm]] each season, with certain expectation of ''some'' kind of response. Sometimes that response borders on the rude, but there is ''always'' a response.

Often a plenipotentiary results in a [[Archmage#Parley|parley]] - a formal meeting between the eternal and the archmage. Usually the archmage is afforded all due respect, treated as an equal who also represents a great power (the Empire). Sometimes things are handled more informally, with a smaller meeting or a large-scale free for all. Occasionally the eternal eschews a meeting altogether, and instead extends their assistance to the people of the Empire through boons and bargains.

This season five of the eternals have agreed to a meeting of one kind or another, either in person or with favoured lieutenants.
==That Which Lies Above All (Day)==
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Gralka1693.jpg||caption=Gralka, Archmage of Day|align=right|width=400}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Sinokenon002.webp|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Sinokenon cannot help the Archmage with the matter they requested'''
* '''They have declined parley but offer a proposal to send heralds to help with a project Sinokenon has an interest in'''
* '''The current Archmage of Day is Skywise Gralka of the Imperial orcs'''
The being that emerges from the regio which speaks on behalf of ''[[Sinokenon|Singular Point]]'' is a creature of light, a focused mote that emanates brilliant rays in all directions. The beams of illumnation move with geometric regularity as it speaks. It identifies itself as the ''Junior Minister of the Silver Directorate to the Unbound''. After a little conversation, it makes clear that by this it means it is charged with dealing with the the [[Imperial Orcs]] nation.

The Junior Minister reveals that ''That Which Lives In Its Name'' is not able to help the [[Archmage of Day]] locate or acquire black lotus. Finding things that are lost or hidden, is simply not a concern of the ''Turning Mirror''. An attempt to assess the situation was made - the minister known as the ''Chief Vizier of the Eternal Mountain'' was instructed to speak with the [[Thule_lore#Dragons|One of the Orb]], but the discussion came to nothing. The Archmage might make their own approach to the [[Thule lore#Dragons|Dragons]] of [[Otkodov]] but the Minister is not confident they will have any better success. For its part, ''Turning Mirror'' is not especially concerned about black lotus. Rather than caring about the profound spiritual meaning it has for many orcs, the eternal instead is more interested in the ways the Buruk Tepel use access to it to control their nation.

Instead, suggests the Junior Minister, the Archmage may have more luck speaking with the ''[[Kimus|Grand Vizier of the Thousand Eyes]]'' or possibly the ''[[Roshanwe|Seeker of the Star]]''. In either case, the Archmage should manage their expectations. While they may be on the brink of ruin, the Druj are masters of the wicked arts of [[Night_magic#Obfuscation|obfuscation]]. That rare herb that the [[Druj_lore#Buruk_Tepel|Buruk Tepel]] value above all else will be concealed with wards and shrouds that might challenge even the illimitable gaze of the ''Glass of the Heavens''. So far it has only been when the desperate masters of the Mallum have been forced to move their prizes that there has been any chance to capture them at all. If a Day eternal could tell a magician where black lotus could be found, then it would ultimately be impossible to hide anything, and Druj society would not have developed in the way that it did.

The Junior Minister then turns to other matters. The ''Argent Mantra'' did not expect the Archmage to seek parley with it given the attitude of the Conclave, and of Imperial magicians in general. While the Empire may be "loyal", it has not given much indication that it welcomes the aid of ''Diamondmind''. If the Conclave wishes, though, they could still engage the support of the eternal on a matter it feels it ''can'' give some assistance to. There are three possibilities:
* In less than a century ''the Imperial Orcs'' they have gone from thralls, to rebels, to wandering nomad warriors, to the masters of their own small nation. Such things are of interest to the ''Friend of All''. If the Conclave chooses this path forward, Sinokenon will send ministers to Skarsind and Mareave to find ways to help the Unshackled build their nation.

* The '''[[The highest calling#Highest calling|highest calling]] of [[the League]]''' is to bring more people into the Empire. The ''Unifying Ponticex'' is always happy to see steps taken to end the dissonance of large numbers of people living within Imperial borders who are not themselves citizens. If the Conclave chooses this option, it will send diplomats to support the bishops of the League in their endeavour.

* The '''[[:Category:Grand Inspiration|Grand Inspiration of the Way]]''' is a monumentally ambitious endeavour, but one that ''Pinnacle Point'' finds intriguing. As the "capstone" of the Way, it will provide a unifying force not only within the Empire but potentially across the Known World. If the Conclave chooses this option, Sinokenon will send viziers versed in [[the Doctrines of the Faith]] to find ways to support the project.

To take advantage of one of these proposals from ''Turning Mirror'' requires a [[declaration]] of [[Alignment#Acceptance|acceptance]] raised before the Conclave and endorsed by that august body. It will only help with ''one'' of them however and only if the Conclave clearly communicates its preference. Alternatively, says the Junior Minister, the Conclave may choose to word the acceptance in such a way that they make it clear they do not want the assistance of ''That Which Lies Above All'' on this or any other matter. In this case, Sinokenon will accept their judgement and retire from making offers to Imperial citizens for the next year - a ''cooling off'' period as it were.
==Lady of Pennants (Summer)==
<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=ArchmageSummer.jpg|caption='''Mirella of the Twisted Rose''', Archmage of Summer|align=right|width=400}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Eleonaris001aa.webp|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Eleonaris accepts the invitation to parley sent by the Summer Archmage
* '''The current Archmage of Summer is Mirella of the Twisted Rose
Almost as soon as the [[civil service]] have returned to the [[Astolat#The_Castle_of_Thorns|Castle of Thorns]] following the Summer Solstice, a full delegation of dignitaries from the [[Realms#Summer|Summer realm]] arrives at the gatehouse. A band of elfin heralds in elaborate formal wear, accompanied by a half-dozen soldiers in full plate bearing lion heraldry, request admittance and hospitality. The ''[[Eleonaris|Lady of the Pennants]]'', it seems, is well pleased to receive the missive from the [[Archmage of Summer]]. It has been far, far too long since the ''Young Lioness'' has reached out to the ''Queen of the Fields of Glory'' say the heralds. If Eleonaris ever felt felt she was being ''ignored'' then that would likely result in consequences no-one would enjoy. The two and a half years it's been may be the cause of some minor misunderstandings in the Archmage's missive, but it is a simple matter to correct them and move on to more important matters.

Firstly, the ''Lion of Summer'' does not have much interest one way or another with the workings of the [[Synod]]. She's sure they do important work in the Empire, but while their opinions surely matter a great deal to the citizens of the Empire they do not matter to ''her''. Nor should they matter to any who might be inspired to offer their service to her. To be associated in any way with the ''Sovereign in Scarlet and Gold'' is a profound honour, and she is sure they respect that and will exalt any who achieve such a feat. Secondly, neither the ''Commander of the Golden Armies'' nor any of the other (lesser) [[Archmage_of_Summer#The_Eternals_of_Summer|regents of the Summer Realm]] are lowly merchants, and do not engage in "bargains" for their boons. They receive tribute and offer gifts and aid where it pleases them to do so.

With those points quickly made by the lead [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds|herald]], they launch into the topic they are clearly far more interested in.
===Honour===
* '''Eleonaris requests that the sutannir of the Brass Coast receive her heralds at the Autumn Equinox
* '''A seat of honour, ideally a throne, must be set aside for Eleonaris herself (who cannot attend in person due to being an eternal)
* '''The heralds will report back to their mistress how eager the Freeborn are for an alliance with the Queen of the Brightening Skies
* '''The soiree should begin at 19.00 on Saturday
The ''Lady of Pennants'' is delighted to hear of the ambitions of [[General]] '''Velasco i Guerra''', and of '''Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo'''. It is a fine thing to seek to spread [[glory]] across the Empire as her friends in [[Dawn]] do, and so she is keen to render her assistance. However proper courtly decorum, custom, and formality must be observed when arranging a meeting. Her courtiers love visiting the grand balls in the castles of [[Astolat]] and [[Semmerholm]], yet they are also keen to enjoy the festivities thrown by the famous [[Sutannir]] of [[the Brass Coast]]. Thus a gathering is proposed, to delight and amuse the ''Leonine Empress'' and her representatives, and to put everyone in a good mood before formal parley might commence.

The Heralds propose that the Brass Coast camp at Anvil host a soiree at the Autumn Equinox, which these heralds intend to attend. They will then report back to their Mistress on just how fond the Freeborn are of their would-be patron in the matters the Archmage has raised. One key feature of the festivities, whatever form they take, must be a seat of honour set aside to represent the Queen herself (ideally a throne). Regretfully the ''Queen of the Brightening Sky'' cannot enter the mortal world herself. If she did so, the fabric of reality would no doubt tear itself asunder, ashamed that it is unable to appropriately manifest her full awe-inspiring majesty. Or so the elfin diplomats suggest.

The heralds will arrive at Anvil on Saturday at around seven in the evening. The question of who else will attend, the ''Lady of the Pennants'' leaves entirely to the discretion of the sutannir. At the end of the day, the success of the party will set Eleonaris' mood for the parley.

===Words===
<div style="float:right; width: 25px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=TheFireoftheSouth_Colour.png|align=right|width=250}}</div>
* '''A formal parley will take place after the party, at 22.00 on Saturday
* '''The outcome of the celebration in the Brass Coast will surely influence Eleonaris' mood for the parley
* '''The Archmage is invited to bring several folk and there is one "mystery guest" who knows who she is
* '''The parley will begin with a discussion of the frieze celebrating victory in the Sarangrave
* '''After that there will be a chance to discuss the Fire of the South and magic circlets
As to the parley itself, it will take place in an appropriate chamber reached via the [[Hall of Worlds]] later that same night - at ten o'clock at night. Archmage Mirella is welcome to bring '''Alazhar i Taziel i Erigo''', '''Velasco i Guerra''', and '''Arturo''' the [[Imperial Warcaster]]. The ''Greatest General in the Empire'' (who knows who she is) is also invited, and should bring the [[troubadour]] who promised to compose a song befitting the stature of Eleonaris for a personal performance.

Before anything else is discussed, there will be a chance for the Archmage to explain the delays to the [[Love_and_monsters#Lions|celebratory frieze]] that the Queen's heralds were told would be built in the [[Sarangrave]] by the Empire following their joint victory there.

After that there will be ample chance to talk about the Fire of the South, magical circlets, and the calling of more [[Knights of Glory]] to fight alongside the Empire.

==The Brass Magistrates (Autumn)==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Ashborn Trosk.jpg|caption='''Ashborn Trosk''', Archmage of Autumn|align=right|width=300}}</div>
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Lictors001a.webp|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''The Lictors have agreed to a parley at the Autumn Equinox
* '''They will also provide certain bargains to Imperial magicians via an arrangement with the City of Gold and Lead
* '''The current Archmage of Autumn is Ashborn Trosk
As the civil service begin setting up the various pieces of infrastructure again for the Autumn Equinox, a trio of manacled-carrying heralds approach the civil servant ''Jorgen'' at [[Anvil#The_Hub|the Hub]] in [[Anvil]]. While still clearly heralds, they are garbed in manner reminiscent of that of an [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] [[thief-taker]], a [[the Marches|Marcher]] [[beater]], and a [[Varushka|Varushkan]] [[warden]]. Their appearance is made all the more jarring by the full-face iron masks and ever-present chains favoured by the denizens of the [[Lictors|City of Bar and Bond]].

They waste no time getting down to business. The ''[[Lictors|Gaolers of the Green Iron Prison]]'' approve of the agenda proposed by the [[Archmage of Autumn]]. They have investigated each of the matters '''Ashborn Trosk''' brought before the ''Brass Magistrates'' for review.

===Jurisdiction===
* '''The Lictors do not judge the quoted proscription against sacrifice to represent a jurisdictional overstep'''
* '''They propose the Senate clarify that "human" in laws predating there being orc citizens be amended'''
The [[proscription]] proposed by '''Sofonisba Amilcara of the City Below''' during the Spring Equinox 388YE [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_66|criminalising sacrifice]] seems to be a cut and dry case defining idolatry. In the opinion of the ''Brass Magistrates'', the sacrifice of a mortal as an offering to an inhuman power is a perfectly valid example of [[Religious_crime#Idolatry|idolatry]] as defined by the Senate when they created the law. It would be very difficult to argue that such a sacrifice does not constitute "''worship''" or "''veneration''." The Imperial magistrates have further interpreted the law to say that ''offering is likely to only encompass ritual acts of killing, not merely killing upon the instruction of an inhuman entity'' which matches the interpretation the ''Chainbound'' would make. As such, they do not see any overstep by the Synod in this matter.

Of course, it is clear that this proscription intrudes into the domain of the Conclave - but that is to be expected, given the unusual nature of the [[Imperial Constitution]]. There will always be situations where the authority of two or more parts of the Imperial government come into conflict. The Brass Magistrates provide a ''completely hypothetical'' example in which the Red Eyed Reaper finds a way to double the output of the [[Flaxen Pillars]] by encouraging the workers to engage in acts of worship of the [[Dho'uala]]. That would be a case where the authority of the Bourse to control weirwood production in the Empire would be in conflict with the Synod's responsibility to prevent blasphemy. That doesn't mean a proscription forbidding worship of the sovereigns would violate the Constitution.

Still, such conflicts are flaws inherent in the Imperial system and it would be better if they were removed. One of the heralds helpfully suggests that if the Empire were to disestablish the Conclave, the Military Council, the Bourse and the Synod, then all these conflicts would immediately vanish, since all authority would be vested in the Senate. In practice there are slightly less controversial changes to the Imperial Constitution which might be possible, such as removing the explicit protection of the Conclave and the Bourse from the interference of the Synod. That might be possible, although it's not clear the Constitutional Court would allow it (members of the Court apparently seem to disagree on this issue). Alternatively the Senate could amend the Constitution to make clear that deals with eternals were explicitly excluded from any restrictions under Imperial law - that would likewise be very difficult for the Court to accept, but from the perspective of the Lictors it would be more consistent, coherent law.

In the end there is little more that the Lictors can do to help on this point - they are always happy to provide specialised advice on the most correct interpretation of written law, but they do not have the power to make rulings on Imperial law after-all. Ultimately what is or is not constitutional comes down to a matter of rulings made by the Constitutional Court, it's not something that the Lictors can arbitrate on. They Lictors help catch law-breakers, but the Senate has not given them the dominion over the Empire that they would need to give binding rulings or pass judgement on those who broke the law.

===Bonds===
* '''The Archmage has invited the Furious Ones to host an Autumn market'''
* '''The Lictors are prepared to offer three bonds to hunt down criminals from the Autumn realm who are believed to be somewhere in the mortal world'''
* '''They intend to cooperate with the City of Gold and Lead to make more practical tools available to the Empire'''
* '''The Lictors have asked Berilo i Erigo to ensure everything runs smoothly'''
In response to an offer by the Archmage, the Lictors have agreed to engage in a degree of commerce with the Empire. They have negotiated with the [[Ephisis|City of Gold and Lead]] to serve as go-betweens to provide Imperial magicians the means to purchase some practical tools crafted in the City of Bar and Bond. This will be done through the auspices of the [[Ephisis' Scale]] ritual and handled exclusively by the merchants of the trading city. These offers are covered in more detail in the '''[[The bargain store]]''' wind of fortune.

There is another element to their response however. The Lictors themselves will host a "bond auction" in the Hall of Worlds at 14:00 on Saturday. There are a number of criminals of the Iron Labyrinth who are attempting to evade capture and imprisonment by hiding in the mortal plane with their accomplices and some hired constructs who need to be apprehended. As the Lictors enjoy the Amity of the Conclave, they are capable of tracking and capturing these reprehensible miscreants themselves, but is is established precedent to offer these bonds to imperial citizens when desired.

Not ''all'' Imperial Citizens, mind you. In line with the Archmage's suggestion the ''Binders'' wish to hire professionals rather than anyone who might lob in a bid and not have the experience to action the contract, and thus bidding will be restricted to [[the Marches|Marcher]] '''[[Beater|Beaters]]''', [[Imperial Orcs|Unshackled]] '''[[Thief-taker|Thief-Takers]]''' and [[Varushka|Varushkan]] '''[[Warden|Wardens]]'''. All bidding must be done in ingots of green iron. The winner will be charged with gathering a combat-ready group to deal with the target, and will be the one who receives the reward from the ''Brass Magistrates'' assuming the contract is successfully discharged.

Once the contracts have been sold, the Lictors will investigate the winning bidders to ensure they have not misrepresented themselves. Any who are found to have done so will be in breach of contract. Their green iron will be confiscated, and the Lictors will enquire with the magistrates as to what legal redress is be available to them.

The three bonds are:
* '''Golden Almozulo''' - In breach of a supply contract with the [[Ephisis|City of Gold and Lead]]. Reward: 30 pawns of [[vis#Warm Ashes|warm ashes]]
* '''Stonecutter''' - Criminal damage to the property of the [[Estavus|City of Fire and Stone]]. Reward: 30 ''grasping whetstones''. These are small items that can be applied to a weapon to allow the wielder to [[entangle]] a foe provided they strike quickly.
* '''Ringsnap''' - Attempting to break into the prison of the ''Chainbound'' in order to free prisoners. Reward: A [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus|mystic scroll]] detailing an Autumn ritual that summons a cohort of ''Furious Warders'' from the City of Bar and Bond to aid a [[military unit]], enhancing their ability to succeed at [[Military_unit#Guarding|guarding]] actions. The ritual draws on the power of the Lictors, and has an assurance that will terminate its power if anyone who has mastered this ritual is convicted of a crime by Imperial magistrates. ('''OOC Note:''' if you have this ritual mastered and are convicted of a crime, you must let PD know). As with most mystic scrolls, this reward allows up to a dozen magicians to master the ritual.

Rather than the Archmage, interestingly, the Lictors have specifically asked '''Berilo i Erigo''' of [[the Brass Coast]] to ensure everything runs smoothly. It is not clear what the relationship between this Freeborn and the Lictors might be. One of the reasons given is that, during the auction, the Archmage will be otherwise engaged - discussing another matter with a carefully selected representative of the ''Advocates of the Rod''. No details of what that matter might be are revealed.

==Conscience-of-Kings (Night)==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Brat Umbral Path.jpg|caption='''Brat Umbral Path''', Archmage of Night|title=One in six Night eternals thing he's pretty neat|align=right|width=300}}

{{CaptionedImage|file=Lashonar001b.webp|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Lashonar is hurt by the Conclave's rejection and accusations of collaborating with its enemies
* '''It has agreed to a parley in the Hall of Worlds
* '''The current Archmage of Night is Brat Umbral Path
Around halfway between Summer and Autumn, a tiny herald of the ''[[Lashonar|Conscience-of-Kings]]'' appears at Anvil. No larger than a medium-sized cat, they are in form akin to a kingfisher, albeit one with three-fingered hands as well as jewel-bright wings. They have a tightly curled scroll that unfurls to surprising length, and a thin-stemmed silver trumpet no longer than a pencil which they parp enthusiastically before breathlessly delivering the message of their master in a piping little voice.

The ''Guardian of the Southern Skies'' thanks the new [[Archmage of Night]] for their invitation. They will send representatives to parley in the Hall of Worlds. It is thankful also to '''Grandmaster Xanthippe''' for removing the unfair and unjust [[alignment#enmity|enmity]] under which he had been placed. Before she will attend the parley however, she wants the Empire to understand that she has been the victim of slander and lies. The ''Speaker in Dreams'' would never knowingly share secrets that might harm their friends. It exists to bring folk together so that they can speak, and if those people sometimes engage in conspiracy and plotting that is ''their'' responsibility, not the responsibility of the ''Lady of the Southern Skies''. Indeed, the ''Mediator of the Moonshy'' knows for a fact that in the past Imperial citizens have met with secret-spillers under the shelter of its wings without opprobrium to their own benefit. All speech is sacred, and if there are consequences they are for the speakers not those who give them a forum to speak. And so on.

''Eater-of-Silence'' does not demand an apology from the Conclave - it is not that petty - but it was wounded by the decision to [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Lashonar,_Enmity|enact enmity]] without any Imperial magician first speaking with it. Two folk meeting in good faith can build a bridge of words to cross any chasm; this the ''Keeper of the Gates of Wisdom'' fundamentally believes.

That is water over the weir for now though, and it does not do to dwell too much on the past. A mistake has been rectified, and so to the business of speech.
===More Words===
* '''Lashonar agrees to an informal parley to take place in the Hall of Worlds at 23.15 on Friday night'''
* '''They still would like the ritual text of ''Summoning the Loquacious Birds'' returned to them'''
After the tumble of words, the wee herald takes a breath that swells its delicate little chest out like a balloon, and launches into a discussion of the meat of the matter; the parley itself. There is one requirement however; at the beginning of the parley the Archmage of Night must formally free anyone and everyone who wishes to do so to speak as they like, without having to wait their turn. That is, they must surrender their ability to determine who speaks. If this is not done, the parley will end immediately.

Assuming Brat Umbral Path wishes to go ahead, there are three things that ''Everchatter'' wishes to see discussed.

The first is an explanation as to why the Conclave enacted sudden enmity against it and what can be done to ensure that does not happen again. At the moment, the ''Voice of the Gloaming Sky'' has taken the almost unprecedented step of removing access to the Caucus Forum from the Empire, something which has already caused mild distress to those wishing to speak to Imperial citizens. Before the ''Liege of the Forum'' is prepared to restore access, never mind to allow the Empire to use that place of communication, it will require assurance that this will not happen again next time someone arbitrarily decides the ''Mellifluous Magpie'' has said "too much".

Then there is the matter of its ritual ''Summoning the Loquacious Birds''. Lashonar has withdrawn her support, so that any message an Imperial magician tries to send with it will be returned to the coven involved alone. That is her right to do so but it is still a bone of contention that when she asked for the ritual text to be returned, nobody would even discuss it with her. He can only assume it has been stolen, which is why they asked the Imperial magistrates to [[Monarchs_and_outcasts#Closed_Caucus_(Lashonar)|investigate]]. This situation cannot continue and must be resolved one way or another before trust between the Conclave and ''Words of Initiation'' can be restored.

Lastly, they will speak of Night eternals. '''Brat Umbral Path''' hints that they are seeking communion with the bright spirit of the endless deeps, ''Foam Dancer'', the ''One Who Leaps From The Waves For Purest Joy''. The ''Concierge of Consequence'' knows that they will not speak to Imperial magicians because of the ''Lantern Shark'' who swims the night-dark ocean of the Empire's dreams. As with anyone else, the ''Bringer Together'' could be prevailed upon to arrange a meeting with some of the mortals who know ''Wondersnake'' via the Caucus Forum. For now, however, ''Whispershout'' is still nursing their injured feelings over the Conclave's recent decisions and is not inclined to go to any extra effort until wounded pride can be sutured.

As to the spreading of words and songs across the Empire... The ''Laughing Herald'' has sung with the Navarr recently. Indeed it was just after it provided its aid in [[Brocéliande]] that the Conclave declared enmity against it. If the Archmage wishes to discuss this kind of thing it will require a show of faith from the Empire. Grant Lashonar [[Alignment#Amity|amity]]. Allow him and his servants to travel freely throughout the Empire, carrying the words of any and all who would ask for their help. Let them see to it that no voice is silenced. The ''Roaring Cadence'' has already sent its servants to [[Therunin]] to ensure that those fighting against darkness there can speak to one another. Let the Empire offer it the freedom to go where it wishes, garauntee there will be no censorship or restraint on the words that must fly free, and ''Storysmith'' will consider how it can address the Archmage's request.

The little herald, exhausted by the long speech, is revived with a small cup of sugar water provided by the Civil Service, and after effusive thanks, flutters erratically off toward the Imperial Regio, trumpet and crumpled scroll grasped firmly in its little three-fingered hands.
==Knight of Swords (Winter)==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Bloodcrow Arora.jpg|caption='''Bloodcrow Arora''', Archmage of Winter|align=right|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Surut001.png|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Surut has agreed to parley with the Archmage of Winter
* '''They will send an escort to the Hall of Worlds at 23.45 on Saturday
* '''The Archmage may bring two others with them to meet Lord Cam Lech the Masked, a favoured henchman of Surut
* '''Lord Cam Lech has suggested some guests, most of whom are currently dead
* '''The current Archmage of Winter is Bloodcrow Arora of the Imperial Orcs

It has been [[Begins_where_it_ends#Surut|quite a while]] since the ''[[Surut|Burned Prince]]'' was approached by an Archmage of Winter as an individual. Their messenger is a lone knight, wrapped in rusted and ruined chain, who leaves footprints of charred, dead grass and ashes wherever they tread during their menacing walk from the Imperial regio to the Hub. When they arrive, a hush falls over the busy tent, and more than one person who has been waiting to speak to a civil servant suddenly remembers pressing business elsewhere. In a voice like cracking bone and tearing skin, the knight launches into their spiel without preamble.

The ''Duke of the Clenched Fist'' commends the Conclave on rescinding its weak [[interdiction]] of [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#License:_Savage_Army_Enchants|effective war magic]]. That alone inclines him to look kindly on the requests of the Archmage. As such, the ''Gauntlet of Flame'' accedes to a request for parley. At around a quarter to midnight on Saturday during the summit, he will send an escort to the Hall of Worlds to bring the Archmage of Winter into the presence of ''Lord Cam Lech the Masked'', one of his favoured henchmen, to discuss matters military.

The ''Harbinger of Spikes'' will receive the Archmage and no more than two others. It is up to the Archmage who they wish to bring, but Lord Cam Lech has expressed an interest in meeting '''Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka''', the General of the [[Northern Eagle]], the last general of the [[Iron Helms]] '''Alderei the Fair''', the former General of the [[Gryphon's Pride]] '''Archavion Wolfborne''', ''Gobaith of Summer's Grove'' the commander of the [[Dance_of_Blood_and_Jotun_consequences|Dance of Blood]], and ''General Anke Carsten von Temeschwar'' of the [[Wolves of War]]. Jorgen, the civil servant with most experience dealing with these kinds of matters, tries to point out that of those five, four are dead - in at least one case for a century and a half - but the herald waves this aside as an irrelevancy.

There is one matter that the ''Knight-Commander of the Bleak Parade'' wants to be clear about however. He has no intention of withdrawing support from the [[Druj]]. Every time an Archmage asks, he will provide the Druj with ''more'' support. This doesn't mean he won't help the Empire - quite the contrary - but it is up to ''him'' who he provides his boons to and he will not be dictated to. Candidly, says the messenger just before they depart, if the servants of the ''Ashen Heart'' are not among the Druj when the Mallum finally burns, how will he be able to feast on their anguish and despair?

==Wisdom of Dead Wood (Spring)==
<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Arwydd Clearbramble.jpg|caption='''Arwydd Clearbramble''', Archmage of Spring|align=right|width=300}}{{CaptionedImage|file=Llofir001d.webp|align=right|width=300}}</div>
* '''Llofir has responded to the plenipotentiary of the Archmage of Spring
* '''It is concerned that the Empire has abandoned its ambition to destroy the vallorn
* '''It offers assistance to hasten the end of the Druj
* '''It proposes a parley in the Hall of Worlds after the Spring session of the Arcane Colloquium (16.30 on Saturday)
* '''The current Archmage of Spring is Arwydd Clearbramble of Navarr
The looming mushroom creature that visits the Hub shortly after the Summer Solstice arrives on the gloomiest and dampest evening of the year so far. It slouches through Anvil, drawing quite a bit of attention, but when spoken to it is delicately polite and regrets that it is on a mission for the ''[[Llofir|Rotlord]]'' and so cannot delay its business. Whenever it stops for more than a few moments, little toadstools sprout around its "feet" which prove to have disturbingly hallucinogenic qualities - as several foolish citizens find to their chagrin. The ''End of Empires'' offers greetings to the [[Archmage of Spring]], '''Arwydd Clearbramble'''.

Arwydd has asked about the [[Sound_and_vision#Something_Stirs_(Coral_Husks)_(Conjunctions)|peculiar coral husks]] haunting the Gullet between [[the Marches]] and [[Wintermark]], and regretfully the ''Wisdom of Dead Wood'' does not have much it is can say on that matter. The origin of the creatures is in the [[Realms#Spring|Spring realm]], as the Archmage may have surmised. They are nothing to do with the ''Quiet One'' itself, but it bears them no particular ill will. They are not endless; they are living creatures and individuals that will fall and rot in their time. They will prosper or fail, as will those who are threatened by them, and the ''Long Thinker'' has no especial urge to interfere one way or another.

As a result, ''Rotlord'' is not minded to place their hand on the scales. They do not mind whether the Empire destroys the coral husks or the husks destroy the Empire; either outcome is acceptable to the ''Lady of Spores''. What they will do is look to see what opportunities they can engineer for the heralds of the Empire to come into contact with the coral husks - that way one or the other can triumph.

All that said... the herald does provide a warning however. There is a danger in underestimating these beings. As time goes by, each of their iterations is more complex than the last. The first husks the Empire encountered were... templates. Simple meat bodies infused with the parasitic coral. With each generation, the innate [[Spring magic#Chaos|chaos]] of Spring creates new strains and variants and while most of them fail, some will thrive. These strains, tailored to surviving and overcoming opposition, will present new challenges. Tactics that have proven effective before will not necessarily remain effective - the Winterfolk, the Marchers, and the Jotun will need to adapt or they will be subsumed.

The eternal ''is'' interested in the [[vallorn]] and the [[Druj]]. It wishes to speak with the Archmage about the curious decision to [[interdiction|interdict]] the [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Interdiction:_Last_Vallornheart|completion of the trod network]]. Given this is a step required to bring the end of the vallorn, why has '''Silk Farkas''' made it illegal to do so? Why has the [[Conclave]] that has claimed in the past to seek the destruction of the Doom of Terunael turned aside from the path? What does this mean for the magicians of [[the League]], [[Varushka]], [[Dawn]], and [[Navarr]]? What does it mean for Llofir?

As such, the eternal intends to extend a portion of its consciousness into the Hall of Worlds after the Spring session of the [[Arcane_Colloquium#Format|Arcane Colloquium]] to speak to the Archmage about this confusing development. If it can be resolved to the satisfaction of ''Wisdom of Dead Wood'', there may be time to discuss the "developing relationship", but that will depend on the Archmage.

===End of Empire===
* '''Llofir offers aid to hasten the end of the Druj
* '''During the Autumn Equinox, it seeks the Hallow of the Green World for the Mallum
* '''The ritual would be magnitude 100 if cast on the Mallum this season
* '''Llofir offers a measure of protection from the vallorn of Tharunind if all contributors are using whisperspore
On the matter of the [[Druj]], though, the ''Despoiler of Grain'' is much more inclined to offer assistance. It bears no particular enmity for them - it is simply that they are clearly falling into ruin. If they are too sickly to survive, they should perish, and let new life rise from their remains. ''That Which Cannot Be Killed In Any Way That Matters'' has a similar proposition to the one it [[Mushroom,_mushroom,_mushroom#End_of_Empire|offered the Navarr]] a year ago. If the Empire evokes [[Hallow of the Green World]] during the Autumn equinox, either from a [[regio]] in the Mallum or using the general of the Citadel Guard [[Army_qualities#Magic|as the focus]], that [[enchantment]] will settle over the crumbling Druj Empire. The [[Citadel Guard]] are in the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]], and while ''Ruination'' has not forgotten their role in [[380YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#Our_Neighbour's_Field|attacking its garden]], it cannot help but approve their [[Forward_into_depthless_dark#What_Brings_Their_End|use]] of [[Spring magic]] as part of the [[Highest_discipline#Technique_of_the_Transcendent_Claw|Technique of the Transcendent Claw]]. So it will not question if the magicians of the Empire deploy them as a tool for bringing further destruction to the Druj.

The effects will be concentrated in the Salt Flats, but will be felt everywhere the Druj have dominion - in the [[Forest of Ulnak]], and in [[Therunin]]. The ritual will allow Llofir to focus his "gifts" on the failing Druj nation as part of his identity as ''Ender of Empires''. With the tools at its disposal, it will act to hasten the collapse of the Druj, bringing [[Spring_magic#Venom|sickness]] and [[Spring magic#Ruin|ruin]].

The enchantment will offer some support to the Druj given it promotes the growth of [[herb|healing herbs]], but the ''Inevitable Circle'' doubts that will be of much comfort given how bad their situation is. Furthermore, the enchantment 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 there, and support the Druj. On the other hand, [[Irra Harah|Prince with a Thousand Foes]] is chomping at the bit to be able to act freely in the Mallum, and thanks partially to former Archmage '''Ibiss Briarheart''' [[Siakha]] has lost interest in the Druj and revels in ''any'' chance to devour the weak. For that matter, there are other Spring eternals with no interest in the Empire who might be goaded to intervene if the doors were opened for them to do so. At the end of the day, the ''Turner of the Wheel'' believes the chaos caused by these competing eternals will, in the long term, speed the fall of the Druj even if it provides them a little aid in the short term.

To cast the ritual on the Empire would require significant effort, but the Druj nation is very much smaller than it used to be. It could be cast on the Mallum at magnitude 100 at the coming Autumn Equinox. At least, thanks to the [[Unfettered Mind]], it is [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#License:_Empire-Wide_Enchantments|no longer illegal]] to cast the ritual, which should be some consolation to those who are more concerned with law and order than with the unbridled energies of life and death and regrowth.

Obviously, powerful Spring magic used in Therunin runs the risk of rousing the vallorn of [[Therunin#Greenheart|Tharunind]]. The ''Sporefounder'' is not too concerned, however. The recent expansion fostered by the Tainted Basilisk has left the vallorn weak and exhausted (inasmuch as that illimitable font of energy can become weak). The worst the ''Hallow of the Green World'' will do in Therunin if it is cast at the Autumn equinox is encourage some vallornspawn to rampage outside the borders of the vallorn. It won't trigger anything like a full-scale assault, or anything that will allow the vallorn to expand.

''And anyway'', says the herald philosophically, ''most of the people in Therunin at the moment are either Navarr who are used to fighting the vallorn, or Druj. And the Empire has never shed any tears in the past when the Druj were being eaten alive by skinned tree monsters''.

==Timetable==
The times, the locations, and the eternals involved in meetings related to specific plenipotentiary responses are summarised here.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Day !! Time !! Eternal !! Realm !! Note
|-
| Friday || 23:15 || [[Lashonar]] || Night || Informal Parley in the Hall of Worlds
|-
| Saturday || 14.00 || [[Lictors]] || Autumn || Auction of bounty hunting contracts
|-
| Saturday || 16.30 || [[Llofir]] || Spring || Formal parley in the Hall of Worlds
|-
| Saturday || 19.00 and 22.00 || [[Eleonaris]] || Summer || A celebration in the Freeborn camp and parley in a chamber respectively
|-
| Saturday || 23:45 || [[Surut]] || Winter || Parley; a chamber reached from the Hall of Worlds
|-
|}

Khobel Tavah

2026-08-31T20:53:26Z

Twiggy:

[[Category:Eternals]]
<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage|file=KhobelTavah.jpg|caption=Khobel and Tavah are the worst fear of sailors and those they leave behind. They are the drowned and the sea that drowns.|align=left|width=400}}</div>
==Eternal of Winter==
===Sobriquets===
Khobel and Tavah are the ''Two-Who-Are-One'', a pair of Winter eternals bound together by solemn wedding oaths. Together they are referred to as the ''Consorts of Dark Water'', the ''Old Man and the Sea'', the ''Monarchs of the Vast'', ''Fear Death By Water'', ''Foretold-by-Bells'' or the ''Sunken Rope''.

Other names for Khobel include ''Sculler-in-the-Flood'', ''Sailor of Ill-Fortune'', ''Fear's Bride'', ''Lord of the Last City'', ''Old Tom Flotsam'', the ''Lanterner'', ''Prophet of the Last Light'', and ''King-of-Nothing''. Other names for Tavah include ''Dark-That-Drowns'', ''Our Lord of Salt'', ''Molly Bitters'', ''Fishwife's Burden'', ''Tideless Scream'', ''Terror-Under-Wave'', ''Harbinger'', ''Salt-in-the-Lungs'', and ''Queen-of-the-Vast''.

==Appearance==
It is said that Khobel was once the monarch of a city in the Winter realm, a great sailor who commanded many fleets. His city is now ruined and nameless, and it stands on the shores of a tideless black sea that is inexorably drowning the buildings that remain. This sea is his wife, Tavah: her waters first rose to swallow Khobel’s city when they fell in love and swore marriage-vows to each other, long long ago. Together they are Khobel Tavah, the Consorts of Dark Water. The two are almost never encountered apart: indeed, on most occasions when one has apparently deigned to appear without the other, the other will arrive or make their presence known in short order.

Khobel generally appears as an old man, bowed and broken, sometimes with a monstrous face but more often all too human at first appearance. He often bears ruined symbols of kingship: a broken sceptre, a battered crown, a tattered robe. At other times he appears as a bedraggled sailor, his skin bloated and pale, a drowned corpse walking. Sometimes he carries a lantern in which is lit a dim flame. He often appears in a small boat with oars, or floating on the wreckage of a ship. His vessel is or was called Ariel, or, the Preserver of Life. Occasionally he is accompanied by his heralds, fellow “survivors” of the wreck, who similarly appear bedraggled and drowned. Occasionally he appears as the corpse of a beached whale, lying dead on the sands, stinking of the sea but somehow unrotting.

Tavah takes many forms, though they are rarely human and always frightening. Sometimes she is the waters on which Khobel’s vessel is afloat: sometimes she is the darkness that surrounds him. Sometimes she is a towering giant, her hand outstretched in the palm of which Khobel sits, or she is simply a great eye peering from the darkness below or above. Whatever form she takes, however, she is rarely a silent presence: her voice emanates from the surroundings, from the waters, from the dark. When she does choose to take the form of a person-like figure, she generally appears as a younger woman with long, dark, tangled hair that covers her face, garbed modestly in a pale white dress. Sometimes at these times she has the tail of a fish, and sometimes the legs of a bird, but most often she has a deceptively human appearance and walks barefoot. The exception is her eyes: when she lifts her head and reveals her face, they stare outwards from her blank expression like dark pools of water. Her heralds resemble scavenger birds of the sea: she has a particular affinity with the albatross.

Khobel is generally referred to using male pronouns (he/him), though he sometimes takes on a feminine appearance and on these occasions seems to prefer they/them. He sometimes uses the sobriquet ''Queen-of-Nothing'', a variation on one of his usual names. Tavah generally seems to use female pronouns (she/her) or is referred to using it/its: this tends to reflect the degree she is representing herself as something primal and unknowable.
<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=ArchmageEmatius.jpg|caption=One of the final acts of '''Ematius Ankarien''' as Archmage of Winter was to establish contact between the Empire and Khobel Tavah.|align=right|width=250}}</div></div>

==History==
Khobel Tavah was broadly unknown to the Empire prior to the events of 387YE. They have never been close to the Empire and are only somewhat familiar with it. Individual Imperial magicians and covens have formed a closer relationship in the past, but never for very long. They have had some involvement in many so-called “fear cults” over the years both within and outside the Empire. After Nicovar's burning of the libraries, knowledge of them nearly faded completely.

Since the destruction of the Shining Pillar and the Lighthouse at Nikephoros, the raising of the Barabbine wrecks, and the return of infant kraken to the Bay of Catazar, their attention was drawn to the Empire once again. There was a growing number of omens of doom spreading particularly around the [[Bay of Catazar]], often involving reports of sunken bells tolling in the deep. Strange magical object began to surface along the bay, and among the flotsam and jetsam recovered by the [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster]].

Many citizens began to investigate the possibility of a long-theorised winter eternal associated with the sea. '''Rebekah of the Cenotaph''' reported on her findings from analysing one of the magical object and inquiries with Leviathan. '''Staurakios''' and '''Xanthippe''' of the Lighthouse-that-was produced an analysis of the Story of a Marriage which was circulating Anvil. '''Suspiria i Riqueza''', '''Caleb of the Cenotaph''' and '''Gancio di Catazar''' also helped the [[Archmage of Winter]] '''Ematius Ankarien''' so that he could prepare a [[archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] to the eternal, while '''Allegra i Riqueza''' took the lead on encouraging the Empire to investigate the connection with Lighthouses. Most of the lore the Empire has discovered about Khobel Tavah is a result of this work and the [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Tempt_the_Waters_From_Their_Bed|parley that followed]]. The civil service have done their best to collate this information and compile it with what little is available from other sources, but interested citizens are well advised to track down these people if they wish to find out more.

==Concerns==
<div style="float: right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; margin-left: 10px;"><box>'''The Two who are One'''<br>
Unlike the Thrice-cursed Court, who enjoy maintaining an ambiguity whether they are one eternal or three, Khobel and Tavah are quite clear that as far as they are concerned they are a singular eternal, Two-Who-Are-One, bound by their wedding-oaths. While this may or may not be strictly true - in theory the Conclave could attempt a [[declaration]] of [[Alignment]] on one without the other, and it is anyone's guess whether this would work - doing so is likely to anger both of them. They would not support the creation of a ritual that tried to draw on the power of one of them without the other.
</box></div>
Khobel Tavah are a frightening pair, and fear is their watchword. In fact, they apparently claim that it was on the day they swore their wedding vows to each other that fear entered the world - that before that time mortals lived in ignorance, incapable of courage because they had nothing to compare it too, but when their marriage was sanctified the world itself was moved, and knew fear in its heart forever more. They seem to take very little satisfaction in frightening mortals for the sake of it, as unlike some winter eternals they are not particularly inclined to cruelty for its own sake. However, they simply are terrifying by their very nature, and without a source of spiritual strength it is hard for a mortal to stand in their presence without fear completely overwhelming them.

They both believe strongly in fear's capacity to strengthen, ward, and preserve. While neither values the conscious knowledge of experience as [[Wise Rangara]] does, they do value the wisdom that fear brings: in their view, the wise are able to act quickly and intuitively on instinctive feelings of fear. The fearful mind knows how to act before the thinking mind catches up with it. They disagree on whether it is important or not to be able to act on your fear to prevent your fate: Khobel believes that fear wards, whereas Tavah believes it can preserve but cannot ultimately protect. Fear leads one to struggle even in the face of death, and it might give one the strength to survive when one might otherwise perish. Sometimes, however, your doom cannot be averted: but then your fate and the fear of it are a warning to others.

Khobel is interested primarily in fear as a warning and an omen: he speaks of the value in listening to the hair that raises on the back of one’s neck, and of observing the horrible fates of others and feeling fear that drives you to avert that fate for yourself. He approves of the way the Druj wield fear as a weapon of control against their slaves and vassals, in this sense: fear is a solid thing that prompts them to necessary action. He has a dour manner, occasionally tending to the nihilistic. He seems to possess a dry sense of humour, and a single well-told joke may tease out a sharp, rare laugh, but for the most part he is morose and somewhat standoffish.

He is a prophet, or enjoys pretending to be, and often issues cryptic warnings and prophecies of dooms to come. He seems to expect them to neither be understood or listened to: however, he acts quite hurt if people actually complain about his obscurantist tone. In general he is sensitive to criticism and it is normally best to avoid even implying criticism: conversely, he responds well to praise. It is not entirely clear if he truly always sees the future or if he acts to ensure his predictions come about. Those who show the wisdom to understand what he foretells, interpret his ominous pronouncements, and act to avert disaster will often win his favour. He is interested in the way that those who look out to sea can often spot bad weather on the horizon even days before it comes to shore, and he speaks often of the “wisdom of the sailor’s eye” in this sense. He is warmest when speaking of his wife, which he does with a devoted affection.

Tavah, on the other hand, is particularly interested in the fear people feel when it is too late for them to do anything about the peril they are in, such as the fear the drowning feel in the last moments of their life, or someone trapped in a cave-in from which they cannot escape. The sinking feeling of terror at a certain fate is something that fascinates her, and she will pay rapt attention to personal accounts of experiencing this: she will sometimes offer her aid to speak with the spirits of the dead in order that they can relay such tales.

She has a somewhat easier, friendlier manner than Khobel, despite her generally inhuman and fearsome appearance, but sometimes an element of threat or irritation creeps in her lilting tone. She jealously guards her time spent alone with Khobel, and those who try her patience too long by tarrying in their company may stir her into wrath. She enjoys talking to those whose fate is sealed or who stand on the precipice of disaster that they cannot avert: she will never offer to save such people from their fate, but she can be persuaded to prolong the time in which they exist fearful of their doom. She is protective of Khobel: the ''King-of-Nothing'' can be sensitive when criticised, and she will viciously oppose any who she perceives as hurting him.

There seems to be a genuine love between the two of them. It is the old, tested love of a marriage that has weathered much and endured it all. They are quite dependent on one another in a way that is distinctly unnerving at times, and to the extent they ever express fear themselves it is the fear of losing the other. Love so intense and selfish that it destroys everything the lovers care about except each other is of great interest to them: to the extent that any Winter eternal understands love, it is them, but only in this terrible aspect.

They both share an interest in oaths which seems to stem from the solemn commitments they made to each other when they wed. In particular, they are interested in oaths sworn between small groups of people or couples, and strongly approve of banners, sects and covens who keep their membership limited to a tightly-trusted circle. They will not witness such oaths or sanctify them - this is, they say, outside their domain - but they consider those who are bound by such oaths to be most worthy of serious regard. They advocate strongly for the institution of marriage as a concept.

When it comes to the other eternals of Winter, they seem to have a positive regard for [[Wise Rangara]] and for [[Kaela]], who they claim were both present on the day they made their vows to each other as witnesses: in some of their tellings there was also a silent officiant present, though the identity of this figure is not clear. They seem to strongly dislike the [[Thrice-cursed Court]] in a way that suggests a personal animosity, though they will not be drawn on the subject of the details of this. Khobel has a dislike of [[Sorin]] that Tavah does not share - it seems that it stems from some old rivalry between their two cities, which does not interest the ''Queen-of-the-Vast''. She finds ''[[Sorin|Devourer-of-Hope]]'' quite charming. Mentioning the ''Tomb King'' is one of the few ways to cause them to argue - which is rarely a wise decision.

They often send dire pronouncements of doom to major mortal nations: it is said Khobel himself warned the denizens of Umshalla of the fate that awaited them, to no avail. Atun was known to Tavah personally - or so ''Mary Bitters'' claims, and if such stories are to be believed she is one of a few mortals ever to forge a genuine if somewhat antagonistic friendship with ''The Dark That Drowns''.

They both enjoy preserved, pickled or salted food, especially plums, salted liquorice, or herring, or any food that might be offered as a funeral offering. The wise supplicant will always bring little gifts of this form for both Consorts when meeting with them. They will sometimes give minor gifts of food in return to those that attend them: these are often extremely salty or extremely sweet, and tend to cause terrifying visions in those that consume them.

==Boons==
The pair have not interacted with the Empire sufficiently for their common boons to become a matter of record. There is however some speculation, some information from the Two-who-is-one, and some from others who have a relationship with them particularly the [[Sarcophan Delves]] that provides some insight into what they may offer.

Khobel is particularly interested in warding, and the way solemn oaths and pronouncements solidify and reify their effect. He will offer boons to assist with the casting of any ritual which wards an area, extending the length of the effect or the size of the warded area. He will lend his aid to the casting of [[Wolves of the Hungry Sea]], and he is always happy to offer advice to those contemplating a journey by sea: he will certainly be able to list all the things that could go wrong during such a journey.

Tavah, in turn, has a particular interest in things that preserve, especially if they do so directly or indirectly through fear. She will often provide boons that assist with large castings of Fallow Fields and Dry Meat or assist with the casting of rituals that have a similar effect but across an entire territory. She is able to allow anyone to temporarily survive underwater, at least to the capacity that most merrow can, but anyone who draws on her boons in such a way will surely experience a constant state of overwhelming terror while they do so. Enchantments or curses associated with her often grant constant nightmares of drowning in a dark, still ocean. She is also interested in preservation more generally: she is fascinated by salvage from shipwrecks, and museums that display things lost to time that have been discovered.

Together they are interested in anything that seeks to use fear as a tutelary tool. The Consorts of Dark Water have little time for the foolhardy and the vainglorious, but have an appreciation for those who are willing to face and accept the reality of their fears. Sometimes, they will offer to “test” people’s courage, by cursing them in such a way that their fears are temporarily intensified. They both have an interest in curses that affect fleets and navies by drawing on the fearsome power of the ocean, and both of them are greatly dismissive of any sailor who does not show due respect to the dangers of seafaring life. They are both willing to assist in prophetic divinations of doom to come, but it is never possible to distinguish between doom that can be prevented and doom that is certain to occur.

==Further Reading==
* [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Tempt_the_Waters_From_Their_Bed|Has reared himself a throne]] - 387YE Autumn plenipotentiary where the Two-who-are-one spoke at length with Imperial magicians

<ic>
Once there was a Sailor-King, who ruled the City whose name is Nothing, on the edge of the great wastes where the forest meets the sea by the plains. The people of the City loved their King, because he had a keen eye for prophecy, and knew the secret signs of storms, and he watched over his people and shared with them the signs that he alone knew, and tolled a great bell when the sign of storms came. So it was that his people crossed the ocean only when the sea was languid and tideless, and fished the waters and ate well from it. They knew no fear, then.

One bright day, the King looked out from his belltower out onto the abyssal waters of the sea, and he saw them as if for the first time, and they stirred in his heart a nameless terror. The waters were vast, breadth beyond comprehension, and the sailors below so small against the sloe-black sea. He looked at the open ocean and in his terror he knew he was in love, and would be so forever more.

In that moment was the City called Nothing lost. He cried out: "O, sea! O, Dark-That-Drowns! I am the Prophet of the Light! I am King-of-Nothing! Hear me! Look upon me, Bitter One! I offer forth this warning and this promise and this prophecy: in three days I will come again to your shore and offer you oaths of marriage. If I am pleasing to your eye, and it pleases you, if you wish to accept me as a gift, consume me! Or, if you wish, offer me your oath in return, and I will be your bride!" He knew that either one of these was a death. To love is to die. His heart twisted like old rope. A bell tolled from the deep.

The ocean deep looked at him, and found him pleasing to her eye. She enjoyed the way the light dappled on his shoulders, the way his crooked smile was shaped. She knew at that moment she was doomed to love him and to grow old with him, though she was ageless then as she is ageless still, and by loving him, she would not be as she had always been. To love is to change.

And yet she would make him wait as he had sworn to do. She spoke in a voice that was a thousand flailing drowning sailors screaming I love you one last time in breathless desperation hoping falsely that their left-behind loved ones would hear.

"I will hear your oaths in three days' time, and if they are pleasing to me, I will swear them to you in turn. But do not let us wed alone. A vow must be witnessed. Bring family." The sea fell silent.

The King-of-Nothing rode out that day, he who was Lord of the Last City, into the forest where his grandmother lived with her apprentice. He stood before her.

"Grandmother", said he. "I will wed the sea, three nights from now. Will you come to witness?" She picked at her teeth. "Young one, do you know that you will die, for so it is to love." "I know this," he said.

She leaned closer to him, eyes unseeing, seeing him. "Do you? Do you understand what it is, to be fear’s bride?" A smile, not kind, fled across her face. "I think you will learn from it. So too it is to love. I will come and witness you be wed."

"Thank you, grandmother."

The King-of-Nothing rode back to the Last City where he ruled. His people stopped him in the street, asking for his prophecy, begging him to light once more the Last Light, up in his tower, that kept his City from the depths. Today, when he came to answer them, he found himself answering only in riddles, for his twisted heart bound up his tongue. The people were afraid, then, for the first time. A bell rang, far above.

The next day, the King-Of-Nothing rode out to the empty fields of fallow earth where his sister rules as Queen. He stood before her.

"Sister," said he. "I will wed the sea, two nights from now. Will you come to witness?" She stared at him impassively from atop her throne, her guard standing watch beside her as ever they did. "One day, brother, you will die, and so will the terror you marry. I will witness that, too. Does that scare you?" He shook his head. "No. Death is where fear ends."

She nodded at this fact. "Good. Then you understand, brother-mine. I will travel south to your City, Nothing, and my Legion and I will witness your passing from the land unto the sea."

"Thank you, sister-mine."

The King-of-Nothing rode back to the Last City where he ruled. Once more his people asked him to prophesy, and once more he answered only in riddles. He knew that some amongst them would hear the warning of what was to come, and some did. Their fear carried them away; they fled Nothing, and were never seen again. The rest remained, afraid, yet uncertain. He worried for them. Yet he took no action to save his people, for his love for the Queen of the Vast that was a kind of terror ruled over all. A bell rang, below the waves.

The next day, the King-of-Nothing rode out to the cold wastes where no monarch rules, where his cousin dwelled alone. He stood before her.

"Cousin," said he. "I will wed the sea, one night from now. Will you come to witness?" She laughed, her smile a bloody maw. Hair matted with blood covered her body. "What’s the point? If you marry, you will still be alone. She will never know you. What’s the point in being her bride?" He frowned. "I will know her as myself. How could such a thing as you understand a vow to be with another until the last star falls?"

She narrowed her eyes. "I know that one. She will not be good for you. You know that?"

He replied, a cast of nobility upon his face. "I do, and yet I will vow."

She sneered. "Then go into folly. I will not witness. I know how folly ends."

The King-of-Nothing rode back to the Last City, where he ruled. On this day he avoided his people and went straight to his chambers, where he closed himself off and thought on the words of his cousin. Could he avert his fate? He had promised he would stand before the abyssal ocean, to be consumed or to be bound to her by solemn oaths. That oath was witnessed, as all oaths are. His fate was sealed. A fear settled around his twisted heart, and in it his love sprung anew. A bell rang, all around him.

The next day, the King-of-Nothing stood on his ship, called the Preserver of Life and also Ariel, dressed in all the symbols of his office. His sister stood at the shore in witness; his grandmother stood by his side in witness; the very silence itself stood witness. He looked towards the sea and saw the one that he would marry there, watching, waiting.

He opened his mouth and spoke solemn oaths of commitment to her until the day the last star fell. So it was witnessed.

The abyss rose about him, Tideless Scream was she, Queen-of-the-Vast is she. Again her voice, a drowning chorus, sounded. "Swallow you, or speak the oaths? I shall."

She spoke from outer darkness, from the deepest abyss, from the heart of fear, swearing solemn oaths of commitment to him, oaths to stand until the day the last star falls. So it was witnessed.

Both of them were one. To love is to change and die. They died, and changed: a rope that sinks. A bell began to ring: it is ringing still.

"Now we are wed", she said. "I will rise and swallow Nothing, and all who live within, and your ship, and those who sail upon it. Will you, too, give yourself in our love to my bitter depths?"

The King-of-Nothing spoke. "Take it all." He realised that he did not care for those who had not comprehended the warnings he had offered. Perhaps he would have done, before: not now. He looked at the watching crowds. "All drown with me."

And the sea rose, a tideless black sea, inexorable, drowning the buildings that made up the Last City, that which is called Nothing, and it swallowed up all the people and all the ships of that place into its depths. Grandmother Winter left, satisfied that a lesson had been learnt. The Black Dog marched her legions away, knowing that she would one day see the death of what had begun. In the lonely wastes, the hunter howled.

The King-of-Nothing sank into the Queen-of-the-Vast, and so began their reign.
</ic>

User:Twiggy

2026-08-28T15:22:59Z

Twiggy:

🫡

Joshua Davies, currently playing Tanwyn Autumngale in Navarr. Just a player who looks at the wiki a lot, not a member of crew.

No, I am not a bot. I have been known to sleep on occasion. <br>
The bane of American spellings everywhere. <br>
Note to self, do not edit the wiki on mobile. It does not like it. <br>
I cry every time I see a spelling mistake that is on the database, I can not fix those myself. <br>
It's Winter realm and Winter lore not Winter Realm and Winter Lore. They are eternals, not Eternals. That is a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eternals_(film) film]. Please don't get these wrong, I beg of you. They hurt me every time.

A few common capitalisation mistakes:
*You capitalise "the" in The Throne or The League. <br>
*You don't capitalise general, senator, emperor/empress, or archmage unless you are referring to a specific one. <br>
*Lineages and the orc species are not capitalised, Imperial Orcs are capitalised. <br>
*Rituals, potions, and items are capitalised using title style. <br>
*Spells, herbs, and skills are not capitalised. <br>
*Individual virtues, the Way/the Way of Virtue are capitalised, the word virtue is not capitalised. <br>
*Realms are capitalised, their lores and realms are not. <br>
A more comprehensive list can be found in the [[Style_guide#Capitalisation|style guide]]. I highly recommend reading it, it talks about [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_the_Builder Bob the Builder].

===Vallorn===
Seren - Serenael - Miaren - [[Reclamation of Seren|destroyed 27YE]] <br>
Tharunind - Greenheart - Therunin <br>
Liath - Liath’s Heart - <s>Liathaven</s> Ashvale <br>
Hacynian - Deer’s Folly - Hercynia <br>
Terunael - Terunael - Brocéliande <br>
Béantal Dol - Bendol - Sarangrave <br>
Emrys - Stathas - Sküld <br>
Cavan - Visokuma (Don’t think the specific region is public)

Terunael is the city, the region and the civilisation, the Terun are the people. <br>
The Terun of Terunael lived in Terunael in Terunael, it is not clear if the Terun of Terunael named Terunael after Terunael, Terunael after Terunael, or Terunael after Terunael.

It’s Liath’s Heart, Liath’s Ring and Liaven’s Glen.

Brocéliande, Béantal Dol, Sküld. Don’t forget the accents and umlauts.

The vallorn, vallornheart, and vallornspawn husks are lowercase. The Advisor on the Vallorn and Vallornguard are uppercase.

A vallornheart is the geographical area - like a city centre. It's the region where the original cataclysm happened.<br>
A vallorn heart is a descriptor of the location - like the city's centre. It's where its strongest and is probably where the ritual took place.

===Realms===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Realm !! Resonances !! Dissonances
|-
| [[Spring magic|Spring]] || Healing and Vitality, Fertility, Venom, Savagery, Chaos, Ruin || Control, Deference, Complexity, Subtlety, Construction, Conformity and Stagnation
|-
| [[Summer magic|Summer]] || Prowess, Nobility, Triumph, Majesty, Adamant, Wroth, Youth || Subtlety, Cooperation, Contemplation, Debilitation
|-
| [[Autumn magic|Autumn]] || Prosperity, Trade, Influence, Bands, Binding, Craftsmanship, Travel and Communication || Personal Strength, Vegetation, Creation, Creativity, Destruction, Healing, Coarseness
|-
| [[Winter magic|Winter]] || Weakness, Endings, Hunger, Fear, Wisdom, Oaths and Wards, Cruelty, Punishment, Survival, Preservation, Death || Healing, Creation, Hope, Strength, Prosperity, Community
|-
| [[Day magic|Day]] || Divination, Revelation, Mastery, Perfection, Focus, Force || Deception, Intuition, Physicality, Passion
|-
| [[Night magic|Night]] || Obfuscation, Transformation, Intuition, Inspiration, Emotions || Destruction, Clarity, Strength, Predictability, Discipline, Commerce, Health, Manufacture
|}

Adversity realms = Spring, Night and Winter <br>
Triumph realms = Summer, Autumn, Day

===Eternals===
{|
! scope="col" style="width: 320px;" | Eternal of Spring
! Concerns
|-
|[[Yaw'nagrah]], the Green Mother || Fertility, diversity
|-
|[[Arhallogen]], the Spider King || Survival, adaptation, poison, arachnids
|-
|[[Llofir]], the Quiet One || Fungus, rot, decay, collapse
|-
|[[Irra Harah]], Guard of the Young || Youth, struggle, the weak
|-
|[[Ossegrahn]], the Cupbearer || Healing, life, fresh water
|-
|[[Siakha]], the Empress of Sharks || Storms, destruction, predation, the sea
|-
|}

{|
|-
! scope="col" style="width: 320px;" | Eternal of Summer
! Concerns
|-
|[[Eleonaris]], Queen of the Fields of Glory || Majesty, nobility, battle, victory
|-
|[[Jaheris]], the Unicorn King || Power, adversity, empowerment
|-
|[[Hayaak]], the Peregrine Knight || Wrath, vengeance, ferocity
|-
|[[Cathan Canae]], Queen of Ice and Darkness || Might, winter, strength, durability
|-
|[[Barien]], the Iron Duke || Challenges, worth, tests
|-
|[[Meraud]], the Silver Magician || Magic, enchantment
|-
|[[Rhianos]], Regent of the Eternal Sea || The sea, seafarers, adventure
|-
|[[Adamant]], King of the Golden Deeps || Stone, beauty, treasure, construction
|}
{|
|-
! scope="col" style="width: 320px;" | Eternal of Autumn
! Concerns
|-
|The [[Lictors]], the Chainbound || Binding, imprisonment, punishment, contracts
|-
|[[Estavus]], the Forgemistress || Crafting, building, artisans
|-
|[[Callidus]], Prince of the Argent Tontine || Greed
|-
|[[Prospero]], Lord of the Loom || Influence, favours, grudges
|-
|[[Ephisis]], the Hidden Prince || Trade, mutually beneficial exchanges
|-
|[[Basileia]], Prince of the Black Vaults || Intrigue, Espionage, Power
|-
|[[Mazen]] of the Many Faces (destroyed) || <s>Manipulation, Deception</s>
|}
{|
|-
! scope="col" style="width: 320px;" | Eternal of Winter
! Concerns
|-
|[[Sorin]], the Tomb King || Privation, strength from weakness
|-
|[[Kaela]], the Lady of Oblivion || Entropy, despair, endings
|-
|[[Khobel Tavah]], the Two-Who-Are-One || Doom, fear, preservation
|-
|[[The Thrice-cursed Court]], the Bound || Curses, power at a price, spite
|-
|[[Wise Rangara]], the Ancient One || Wisdom, tradition,
|-
|[[Agramant]], the Hunter in the Wastes || Hunger, cannibalism, madness, dread
|}
{|
|-
! scope="col" style="width: 320px;" | Eternal of Day
! Concerns
|-
|[[Leviathan]], the Deepest One || History, foundations, causation
|-
|[[Phaleron]], the Great Library || Knowledge, preservation
|-
|[[Sinokenon]], the Turning Mirror || Hierarchy, connections, religion
|-
|[[Kimus]] of the Thousand Eyes || Light, scrying, observation
|-
|[[Ylenwe]], the Dove || Harmony, mathematics, music
|-
|[[Roshanwe]], the Navigator || Discovery, wisdom, truth
|-
|[[Zakalwe]], the Strategist || Conflict, logistics, strategy
|-
|[[Cold Sun]] || Order, perfection
|}
{|
|-
! scope="col" style="width: 320px;" | Eternal of Night
! Concerns
|-
|The [[Azoth]], the Crucible
|Transformation, alchemy, enlightenment, change
|-
|[[Janon]], the Shadowed Fire
|Passion, freedom
|-
|[[Lashonar]], the Loquacious
|Stories, confusion, speech that moves, oratory
|-
|[[Sadogua]], Brother of Wizards
|Magicians, magic, power, manipulation
|-
|[[Sung]], the Rainbow Serpent
|Mysteries and enigmas
|-
|The [[Whisper Gallery]], the Shadow Courtiers
|Secrets, rumour, art
|}
As of Winter 387YE

===Imperial Territories===

{|<div style="width:400px; margin-bottom: 10px"> class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! scope="col" style="width: 35%;" | Territory
! scope="col" style="width: 20%;" | Regions
! scope="col" style="width: 45%;" | Nation
|-
| [[Astolat]] || 5 || [[Dawn]]
|-
| [[Bastion]] || 5 || [[Highguard]]
|-
| [[Casinea]] || 5 || [[Highguard]]
|-
| [[Feroz]] || 5 || [[The Brass Coast]]
|-
| [[Hahnmark]] || 7 || [[Wintermark]]
|-
| [[Hercynia]] || 5 || [[Navarr]]
|-
| [[Holberg]] || 7 || [[The League]]
|-
| [[Kahraman]] || 5 || [[The Brass Coast]]
|-
| [[Kallavesa]] || 5 || [[Wintermark]]
|-
| [[Karov]] || 5 || [[Varushka]]
|-
| [[Karsk]] || 7 || [[Varushka]]
|-
| [[Madruga]] || 7 || [[The Brass Coast]]
|-
| [[Mareave]] || 7 || [[Imperial Orcs]]
|-
| [[Miaren]] || 5 || [[Navarr]]
|-
| [[Miekarova]] || 5 || [[Varushka]]
|-
| [[Mitwold]] || 5 || [[The Marches]]
|-
| [[Morrow]] || 5 || [[Urizen]]
|-
| [[Mournwold]] || 7 || [[The Marches]]
|-
| [[Necropolis]] || 6 || [[Highguard]]
|-
| [[Ossium]] || 7 || [[Varushka]]
|-
| [[Redoubt]] || 7 || [[Urizen]]
|-
| [[Reikos]] || 7 || [[Highguard]]
|-
| [[Sarangrave]] || 7 || [[Urizen]]
|-
| [[Sarvos]] || 5 || [[The League]]
|-
| [[Segura]] || 7 || [[The Brass Coast]]
|-
| [[Semmerholm]] || 7 || [[Dawn]]
|-
| [[Sermersuaq]] || 7 || [[Wintermark]]
|-
| [[Skarsind]] || 7 || [[Imperial Orcs]]
|-
| [[Spiral]] || 7 || [[The League]]
|-
| [[Tassato]] || 5 || [[The League]]
|-
| [[Temeschwar]] || 5 || [[The League]]
|-
| [[The Barrens]] || 11 || [[Dawn]]
|-
| [[Upwold]] || 5 || [[The Marches]]
|-
| [[Volodmartz]] || 5 || [[Varushka]]
|-
| [[Weirwater]] || 5 || [[Dawn]]
|-
| [[Zenith]] || 5 || [[Urizen]]
|}
</div></tr>
Fun fact: Necropolis is the only Imperial territory with an even number of regions
<br>As of Winter 387YE

===Region Qualities===
{|<div style="width:800px; margin-bottom: 10px"> class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! scope="col" style="width: 23%;" | Region
! scope="col" style="width: 17%;" | Territory
! scope="col" style="width: 60%;" | Quality
|-
| [[Astolat#The Chase|The Chase]] || [[Astolat]] ||
|-
| [[Astolat#Coombe|Coombe]] || [[Astolat]] || Forest
|-
| [[Astolat#Grovesyard|Grovesyard]] || [[Astolat]] ||
|-
| [[Astolat#Winterbourne|Winterbourne]] || [[Astolat]] ||
|-
| [[Astolat#Withy|Withy]] || [[Astolat]] ||
|-
| [[Bastion#The Elms|Bastion Rounds]] || [[Bastion]] || City
|-
| [[Bastion#The Elms|The Elms]] || [[Bastion]] || Forest
|-
| [[Bastion#Stoneside|Stoneside]] || [[Bastion]] ||
|-
| [[Bastion#Sybella Cross|Sybella Cross]] || [[Bastion]] ||
|-
| [[Bastion#Woodbury|Woodbury]] || [[Bastion]] ||
|-
| [[Bregasland#Gravenmarch|Gravenmarch]] || [[Bregasland]] ||
|-
| [[Bregasland#Grey Fens|Grey Fens]] || [[Bregasland]] || Marsh
|-
| [[Bregasland#North Fens|North Fens]] || [[Bregasland]] || Marsh, Coastal, Rebellious
|-
| [[Bregasland#Ottermire|Ottermire]] || [[Bregasland]] || Marsh
|-
| [[Bregasland#The Rushes|The Rushes]] || [[Bregasland]] || Marsh
|-
| [[Brocéliande#Elerael|Elerael]] || [[Brocéliande]] || Forest
|-
| [[Brocéliande#Black Boughs|Black Boughs]] || [[Brocéliande]] || Forest, Vallorn
|-
| [[Brocéliande#Boar's Dell|Boar's Dell]] || [[Brocéliande]] || Forest
|-
| [[Brocéliande#Dark Ranging|Dark Ranging]] || [[Brocéliande]] || Forest, Vallorn
|-
| [[Brocéliande#Greenweald|Greenweald]] || [[Brocéliande]] || Forest, Vallorn
|-
| [[Brocéliande#Terunael|Terunael]] || [[Brocéliande]] || Forest, Vallorn, Vallornheart
|-
| [[Brocéliande#Vale's Lament|Vale's Lament]] || [[Brocéliande]] || Forest, Vallorn
|-
| [[Casinea#Casfall|Casfall]] || [[Casinea]] ||
|-
| [[Casinea#Greatwood|Greatwood]] || [[Casinea]] || Forest
|-
| [[Casinea#Mareholm|Mareholm]] || [[Casinea]] ||
|-
| [[Casinea#Syrwatch|Syrwatch]] || [[Casinea]] ||
|-
| [[Casinea#Woodwych|Woodwych]] || [[Casinea]] || Forest
|-
| [[Feroz#Afarjasse|Afarjasse]] || [[Feroz]] || Abandoned, Underpopulated
|-
| [[Feroz#Cazar Straits|Cazar Straits]] || [[Feroz]] || Abandoned, Coastal, Impoverished, Island, Underpopulated
|-
| [[Feroz#Fontargenta|Fontargenta]] || [[Feroz]] || Abandoned, Coastal, Impoverished
|-
| [[Feroz#Morajasse|Morajasse]] || [[Feroz]] || Abandoned, Impoverished, Underpopulated
|-
| [[Feroz#Oranseri|Oranseri]] || [[Feroz]] || Abandoned, Coastal, Impoverished
|-
| [[Hahnmark#Bruckland|Bruckland]] || [[Hahnmark]] ||
|-
| [[Hahnmark#Kalpamark|Kalpamark]] || [[Hahnmark]] || City, Hills
|-
| [[Hahnmark#Kronemark|Kronemark]] || [[Hahnmark]] || Sungate
|-
| [[Hahnmark#Northspires|Northspires]] || [[Hahnmark]] || Hills
|-
| [[Hahnmark#Southridge|Southridge]] || [[Hahnmark]] || Hills
|-
| [[Hahnmark#Valasmark|Valasmark]] || [[Hahnmark]] || Hills
|-
| [[Hahnmark#Wood Heath|Wood Heath]] || [[Hahnmark]] || Hills
|-
| [[Hercynia#Northpines|Northpines]] || [[Hercynia]] || Forest, Hills
|-
| [[Hercynia#The Glen of Shadows|The Glen of Shadows]] || [[Hercynia]] || Forest
|-
| [[Hercynia#Deer's Folly|Deer's Folly]] || [[Hercynia]] || Forest, Hills, Vallorn, Vallornheart
|-
| [[Hercynia#Old Ranging|Old Ranging]] || [[Hercynia]] || Forest
|-
| [[Hercynia#Summersend|Summersend]] || [[Hercynia]] || Forest, Great Forest Orcs
|-
| [[Holberg#Holfried|Holfried]] || [[Holberg]] || City
|-
| [[Holberg#Holmauer|Holmauer]] || [[Holberg]] || Parkland, Uplifting
|-
| [[Holberg#Misericorde|Misericorde]] || [[Holberg]] || Forest, Sand Fishers
|-
| [[Holberg#Utterlund|Utterlund]] || [[Holberg]] || Forest, Marsh
|-
| [[Holberg#Ennerlund|Ennerlund]] || [[Holberg]] || Marsh
|-
| [[Holberg#Rebeshof|Rebeshof]] || [[Holberg]] || Marsh
|-
| [[Holberg#The Morass|The Morass]] || [[Holberg]] || Marsh
|-
| [[Kahraman#Braydon's Jasse|Braydon's Jasse]] || [[Kahraman]] || Hills
|-
| [[Kahraman#Gambit|Gambit]] || [[Kahraman]] ||
|-
| [[Kahraman#Jade Range|Jade Range]] || [[Kahraman]] ||
|-
| [[Kahraman#Serra Briante|Serra Briante]] || [[Kahraman]] || Hills
|-
| [[Kahraman#Serra Damata|Serra Damata]] || [[Kahraman]] || Hills
|-
| [[Kallavesa#Kallavesa Marsh|Kallavesa Marsh]] || [[Kallavesa]] || Marsh, Haunted
|-
| [[Kallavesa#Rundhal Marsh|Rundhal Marsh]] || [[Kallavesa]] || Marsh
|-
| [[Kallavesa#Skymark|Skymark]] || [[Kallavesa]] ||
|-
| [[Kallavesa#West Marsh|West Marsh]] || [[Kallavesa]] || Marsh, Coastal
|-
| [[Kallavesa#Wittal Grove|Wittal Grove]] || [[Kallavesa]] || Forest
|-
| [[Karov#Duzekani|Duzekani]] || [[Karov]] || Sun Burned
|-
| [[Karov#Kamienczka|Kamienczka]] || [[Karov]] ||
|-
| [[Karov#Malimorzi|Malimorzi]] || [[Karov]] ||
|-
| [[Karov#Skoremujac|Skoremujac]] || [[Karov]] || Forest
|-
| [[Karov#Wieliczka|Wieliczka]] || [[Karov]] || Hills
|-
| [[Karsk#Branoc|Branoc]] || [[Karsk]] || Hills
|-
| [[Karsk#Crowslook|Crowslook]] || [[Karsk]] || Hills
|-
| [[Karsk#Kopevnost|Kopevnost]] || [[Karsk]] ||
|-
| [[Karsk#Krevsaty|Krevsaty]] || [[Karsk]] || Hills, Otkodov
|-
| [[Karsk#Lestasny|Lestasny]] || [[Karsk]] || Forest
|-
| [[Karsk#Moresvah|Moresvah]] || [[Karsk]] || Hills
|-
| [[Karsk#Nitrost|Nitrost]] || [[Karsk]] || Hills
|-
| [[Madruga#Calvos Sound|Calvos Sound]] || [[Madruga]] || Coastal
|-
| [[Madruga#Lightsea|Lightsea]] || [[Madruga]] || Coastal
|-
| [[Madruga#Torres|Torres]] || [[Madruga]] ||
|-
| [[Madruga#Free Landing|Free Landing]] || [[Madruga]] || Coastal, Island
|-
| [[Madruga#Quiet Grasses|Quiet Grasses]] || [[Madruga]] || Quiet
|-
| [[Madruga#Siroc Bayou|Siroc Bayou]] || [[Madruga]] || Marsh, Coastal, Ruins, Wild, Underpopulated, Enigmatic
|-
| [[Madruga#Crucible|Crucible]] || [[Madruga]] || Marsh, Wild, Underpopulated, Enigmatic
|-
| [[Mareave#Icarion|Icarion]] || [[Mareave]] || Hills
|-
| [[Mareave#Nadir|Nadir]] || [[Mareave]] || Hills
|-
| [[Mareave#Eoradal|Eoradal]] || [[Mareave]] || Hills, Ruins
|-
| [[Mareave#Sinfoyard|Sinfoyard]] || [[Mareave]] || Beoraidh
|-
| [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]] || [[Mareave]] || City, Coastal, Beoraidh
|-
| [[Mareave#Clisearn|Clisearn]] || [[Mareave]] || Hills, Recalcitrant Inhabitants
|-
| [[Mareave#Fleisardh|Fleisardh]] || [[Mareave]] || Uncooperative, Under threat (Grendel)
|-
| [[Miaren#Goldglades|Goldglades]] || [[Miaren]] || Forest
|-
| [[Miaren#Holtford|Holtford]] || [[Miaren]] ||
|-
| [[Miaren#Oakways|Oakways]] || [[Miaren]] || Petrified
|-
| [[Miaren#Greenfalls|Greenfalls]] || [[Miaren]] ||
|-
| [[Miaren#Serenael|Serenael]] || [[Miaren]] || Great Forest Orcs
|-
| [[Miekarova#Dupadealuri|Dupadealuri]] || [[Miekarova]] ||
|-
| [[Miekarova#Miechernya|Miechernya]] || [[Miekarova]] || Hills, Otkodov
|-
| [[Miekarova#Mieriada|Mieriada]] || [[Miekarova]] || Forest, Otkodov
|-
| [[Miekarova#Perumaki|Perumaki]] || [[Miekarova]] || Hills
|-
| [[Miekarova#Srodkoja|Srodkoja]] || [[Miekarova]] || Forest
|-
| [[Mitwold#Golden Downs|Golden Downs]] || [[Mitwold]] ||
|-
| [[Mitwold#Maiden Downs|Maiden Downs]] || [[Mitwold]] ||
|-
| [[Mitwold#Meade March|Meade March]] || [[Mitwold]] || City, Coastal
|-
| [[Mitwold#The Meadows|The Meadows]] || [[Mitwold]] ||
|-
| [[Mitwold#Oddmire|Oddmire]] || [[Mitwold]] || Coastal, Under Threat (Jotun) when the Jotun control [[Bregasland#Ottermire|Ottermire]]
|-
| [[Morrow#Altis|Altis]] || [[Morrow]] || Hills
|-
| [[Morrow#Caeli|Caeli]] || [[Morrow]] || Hills
|-
| [[Morrow#Operus|Operus]] || [[Morrow]] || Hills
|-
| [[Morrow#Peregro|Peregro]] || [[Morrow]] ||
|-
| [[Morrow#Ravion|Ravion]] || [[Morrow]] ||
|-
| [[Mournwold#Alderly|Alderly]] || [[Mournwold]] || Forest
|-
| [[Mournwold#Chalkdowns|Chalkdowns]] || [[Mournwold]] ||
|-
| [[Mournwold#Freemoor|Freemoor]] || [[Mournwold]] ||
|-
| [[Mournwold#Green March|Green March]] || [[Mournwold]] ||
|-
| [[Mournwold#Greensward|Greensward]] || [[Mournwold]] || Memorial, Ruins
|-
| [[Mournwold#Ore Hills|Ore Hills]] || [[Mournwold]] || Hills
|-
| [[Mournwold#Southmoor|Southmoor]] || [[Mournwold]] || Hills
|-
| [[Necropolis#Coursmouth|Coursmouth]] || [[Necropolis]] || City, Haunted
|-
| [[Necropolis#Fishguard|Fishguard]] || [[Necropolis]] ||
|-
| [[Necropolis#Hedrossan|Hedrossan]] || [[Necropolis]] ||
|-
| [[Necropolis#Highrod|Highrod]] || [[Necropolis]] || Forest, Haunted
|-
| [[Necropolis#Longbeach|Longbeach]] || [[Necropolis]] || Coastal
|-
| [[Necropolis#Sanctuary Sand|Sanctuary Sand]] || [[Necropolis]] || Coastal
|-
| [[Ossium#Bittershore|Bittershore]] || [[Ossium]] ||
|-
| [[Ossium#Bonewood|Bonewood]] || [[Ossium]] || Forest, Otkodov
|-
| [[Ossium#Drownbark Forest|Drownbark Forest]] || [[Ossium]] || Forest, Marsh
|-
| [[Ossium#Echofell|Echofell]] || [[Ossium]] || Forest
|-
| [[Ossium#Galath Fields|Galath Fields]] || [[Ossium]] ||
|-
| [[Ossium#Nearweald|Nearweald]] || [[Ossium]] || Forest
|-
| [[Ossium#Webwood|Webwood]] || [[Ossium]] || Forest, Otkodov, Under threat (Druj)
|-
| [[Redoubt#Limus|Limus]] || [[Redoubt]] || Hills, City
|-
| [[Redoubt#Naris|Naris]] || [[Redoubt]] || Coastal
|-
| [[Redoubt#Optarion|Optarion]] || [[Redoubt]] ||
|-
| [[Redoubt#Siluri|Siluri]] || [[Redoubt]] || Hills
|-
| [[Redoubt#Tomari|Tomari]] || [[Redoubt]] || Hills
|-
| [[Redoubt#Ventosi|Ventosi]] || [[Redoubt]] ||
|-
| [[Redoubt#Willstone|Willstone]] || [[Redoubt]] ||
|-
| [[Reikos#Broken Ride|Broken Ride]] || [[Reikos]] || Forest
|-
| [[Reikos#Chalcis Mount|Chalcis Mount]] || [[Reikos]] || Hills
|-
| [[Reikos#Grey Charge|Grey Charge]] || [[Reikos]] || Forest
|-
| [[Reikos#Haros Water|Haros Water]] || [[Reikos]] ||
|-
| [[Reikos#Longshire|Longshire]] || [[Reikos]] || Forest
|-
| [[Reikos#Riverwatch|Riverwatch]] || [[Reikos]] ||
|-
| [[Reikos#Tamarbode|Tamarbode]] || [[Reikos]] || Forest
|-
| [[Sarangrave#Nesustak Forest|Nesustak Forest]] || [[Sarangrave]] || Forest, Under Threat (Empire)
|-
| [[Sarangrave#Thornfen|Thornfen]] || [[Sarangrave]] || Forest, Marsh, Fortification
|-
| [[Sarangrave#Turan Flats|Turan Flats]] || [[Sarangrave]] || Marsh, Under Threat (Empire)
|-
| [[Sarangrave#Kroll|Kroll]] || [[Sarangrave]] || Marsh
|-
| [[Sarangrave#Bendol|Bendol]] || [[Sarangrave]] || Marsh, Forest, Vallorn, Vallornheart
|-
| [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood|Whisperwood]] || [[Sarangrave]] || Forest
|-
| [[Sarangrave#Bloodwater Marsh|Bloodwater Marsh]] || [[Sarangrave]] || Marsh
|-
| [[Sarvos#Bocche|Bocche]] || [[Sarvos]] || Coastal
|-
| [[Sarvos#Cigno|Cigno]] || [[Sarvos]] || City, Coastal
|-
| [[Sarvos#Foracci|Foracci]] || [[Sarvos]] ||
|-
| [[Sarvos#Riposi|Riposi]] || [[Sarvos]] || Coastal
|-
| [[Sarvos#Uccelini|Uccelini]] || [[Sarvos]] || Coastal
|-
| [[Segura#Anduzjasse|Anduzjasse]] || [[Segura]] ||
|-
| [[Segura#Anozeseri|Anozeseri]] || [[Segura]] ||
|-
| [[Segura#Burnish|Burnish]] || [[Segura]] ||
|-
| [[Segura#Iron Plains|Iron Plains]] || [[Segura]] ||
|-
| [[Segura#Lucksprings|Lucksprings]] || [[Segura]] ||
|-
| [[Segura#Sobral Grasses|Sobral Grasses]] || [[Segura]] ||
|-
| [[Segura#Yellow Chase|Yellow Chase]] || [[Segura]] ||
|-
| [[Semmerholm#Axmure|Axmure]] || [[Semmerholm]] || Forest
|-
| [[Semmerholm#Causse|Causse]] || [[Semmerholm]] ||
|-
| [[Semmerholm#Elvette|Elvette]] || [[Semmerholm]] || Forest
|-
| [[Semmerholm#Estmure|Estmure]] || [[Semmerholm]] || Hills
|-
| [[Semmerholm#Ferrond|Ferrond]] || [[Semmerholm]] ||
|-
| [[Semmerholm#Lacuve|Lacuve]] || [[Semmerholm]] ||
|-
| [[Semmerholm#Ulvenholm|Ulvenholm]] || [[Semmerholm]] ||
|-
| [[Sermersuaq#East Floes|East Floes]] || [[Sermersuaq]] ||
|-
| [[Sermersuaq#Sealtoq|Sealtoq]] || [[Sermersuaq]] ||
|-
| [[Sermersuaq#Silver Peaks|Silver Peaks]] || [[Sermersuaq]] || Hills, Otkodov
|-
| [[Sermersuaq#Stark|Stark]] || [[Sermersuaq]] ||
|-
| [[Sermersuaq#Suaq Fount|Suaq Fount]] || [[Sermersuaq]] ||
|-
| [[Sermersuaq#Suaq Wastes|Suaq Wastes]] || [[Sermersuaq]] ||
|-
| [[Sermersuaq#Tanikipari|Tanikipari]] || [[Sermersuaq]] ||
|-
| [[Skarsind#Crow’s Ridge|Crow’s Ridge]] || [[Skarsind]] || Hills, Otkodov
|-
| [[Skarsind#Estermark|Estermark]] || [[Skarsind]] || Forest, Hills
|-
| [[Skarsind#Gildermark|Gildermark]] || [[Skarsind]] || City, Ethengraw, Tamazi
|-
| [[Skarsind#Pakaanan's Pass|Pakaanan's Pass]] || [[Skarsind]] || Hills
|-
| [[Skarsind#Skogei Glens|Skogei Glens]] || [[Skarsind]] || Forest
|-
| [[Skarsind#Solvihill|Solvihill]] || [[Skarsind]] || Forest, Yerende
|-
| [[Skarsind#Southpine|Southpine]] || [[Skarsind]] || Illarawm
|-
| [[Spiral#Ankra|Ankra]] || [[Spiral]] || Hills
|-
| [[Spiral#Apstrus|Apstrus]] || [[Spiral]] ||
|-
| [[Spiral#Apulus|Apulus]] || [[Spiral]] || City, Coastal
|-
| [[Spiral#Ateri|Ateri]] || [[Spiral]] || Hills
|-
| [[Spiral#Cinion|Cinion]] || [[Spiral]] || Silver Flame
|-
| [[Spiral#Ossuary|Ossuary]] || [[Spiral]] ||
|-
| [[Spiral#Screed|Screed]] || [[Spiral]] || Accursèd
|-
| [[Tassato#Cascatas|Cascatas]] || [[Tassato]] ||
|-
| [[Tassato#Enterio|Enterio]] || [[Tassato]] ||
|-
| [[Tassato#Tassato Mestra|Tassato Mestra]] || [[Tassato]] || City
|-
| [[Tassato#Tassato Regario|Tassato Regario]] || [[Tassato]] || City
|-
| [[Tassato#Madeiras|Madeiras]] || [[Tassato]] || Forest
|-
| [[Temeschwar#Hanuri|Hanuri]] || [[Temeschwar]] || City, Fortification
|-
| [[Temeschwar#Locul|Locul]] || [[Temeschwar]] || Hills
|-
| [[Temeschwar#Metri|Metri]] || [[Temeschwar]] ||
|-
| [[Temeschwar#Vargat|Vargat]] || [[Temeschwar]] ||
|-
| [[Temeschwar#Vardstein Vale|Vardstein Vale]] || [[Temeschwar]] || Forest
|-
| [[The Barrens#Dawnguard|Dawnguard]] || [[The Barrens]] ||
|-
| [[The Barrens#Murderdale|Murderdale]] || [[The Barrens]] ||
|-
| [[The Barrens#Heart of Peytaht|Heart of Peytaht]] || [[The Barrens]] || Forest, Watchful, Great Forest Orcs
|-
| [[The Barrens#The Carmine Fields|The Carmine Fields]] || [[The Barrens]] ||
|-
| [[The Barrens#Farweald|Farweald]] || [[The Barrens]] || Forest
|-
| [[The Barrens#Hope's Rest|Hope's Rest]] || [[The Barrens]] || Hills
|-
| [[The Barrens#The Untrod Groves|The Untrod Groves]] || [[The Barrens]] || Forest
|-
| [[The Barrens#Bitter Strand|Bitter Strand]] || [[The Barrens]] || Coastal, Rahvin
|-
| [[The Barrens#The Bleaks|The Bleaks]] || [[The Barrens]] || Forest
|-
| [[The Barrens#Saltmarsh|Saltmarsh]] || [[The Barrens]] || Coastal
|-
| [[The Barrens#The Plains of Teeth|The Plains of Teeth]] || [[The Barrens]] ||
|-
| [[Therunin#East Ashes|East Ashes]] || [[Therunin]] || Marsh
|-
| [[Therunin#Eastring|Eastring]] || [[Therunin]] || Forest, Marsh, Haunted, Vallorn, Under Threat (Empire)
|-
| [[Therunin#Greenheart|Greenheart]] || [[Therunin]] || Forest, Vallorn, Vallornheart
|-
| [[Therunin#Lower Tarn Valley|Lower Tarn Valley]] || [[Therunin]] || Marsh, Great Forest Orcs, Poisoned, Under Threat (Empire)
|-
| [[Therunin#Peakedge Song|Peakedge Song]] || [[Therunin]] ||
|-
| [[Therunin#Sweetglades|Sweetglades]] || [[Therunin]] || Forest, Vallorn
|-
| [[Therunin#Upper Tarn Valley|Upper Tarn Valley]] || [[Therunin]] ||
|-
| [[Upwold#Ashbrook|Ashbrook]] || [[Upwold]] ||
|-
| [[Upwold#Birchland|Birchland]] || [[Upwold]] || Forest
|-
| [[Upwold#The Heath|The Heath]] || [[Upwold]] ||
|-
| [[Upwold#Stock March|Stock March]] || [[Upwold]] ||
|-
| [[Upwold#Tower March|Tower March]] || [[Upwold]] || Forest
|-
| [[Volodmartz#Brez|Brez]] || [[Volodmartz]] || Hills
|-
| [[Volodmartz#Livardz|Livardz]] || [[Volodmartz]] || Ruins
|-
| [[Volodmartz#Murupa|Murupa]] || [[Volodmartz]] || Forest
|-
| [[Volodmartz#Opascari|Opascari]] || [[Volodmartz]] || Hills
|-
| [[Volodmartz#Suvretz|Suvretz]] || [[Volodmartz]] || Forest
|-
| [[Weirwater#Garthmoor|Garthmoor]] || [[Weirwater]] ||
|-
| [[Weirwater#Hawksmoor|Hawksmoor]] || [[Weirwater]] ||
|-
| [[Weirwater#Sandling|Sandling]] || [[Weirwater]] ||
|-
| [[Weirwater#Weirmoor|Weirmoor]] || [[Weirwater]] || Forest
|-
| [[Weirwater#Wickmoor|Wickmoor]] || [[Weirwater]] ||
|-
| [[Zenith#Clypion|Clypion]] || [[Zenith]] || Hills
|-
| [[Zenith#Iteri|Iteri]] || [[Zenith]] ||
|-
| [[Zenith#Lustri|Lustri]] || [[Zenith]] || Forest
|-
| [[Zenith#Occursion|Occursion]] || [[Zenith]] || Hills
|-
| [[Zenith#Proceris|Proceris]] || [[Zenith]] || Marsh, Ruined, Nightwoven
|-
|}
</div></tr>
As of Winter 387YE

===Wayhouses===
{| class="wikitable sortable" float: left; margin: 10px;"
|-
!Name!!Location!!Voting location!!Season constructed
|-
|[[Keeper of the Last Battle|Last Battle]]||The Bleaks, [[the Barrens]]||Miaren||Construct Last Battle Wayhouse|[[Construct Last Battle Wayhouse|386YE Winter]]
|-
|[[Keeper of the Stand|Micah's Stand]]||Chalcis Mount, [[Reikos]]||Miaren||[[Construct Micah's Stand|387YE Spring]]
|-
|[[Strategos of Navarr#Awstin's Rest|Awstin's Rest]]||Nearweald, [[Ossium]]||Hercynia||[[Construct Wayhouse in Ossium|387YE Summer]]
|-
|[[Keeper of the Ashen Tears|Ashen Tears]]||Skogei Glens, [[Skarsind]]||Hercynia||[[Construct Ashen Tears Wayhouse|387YE Autumn]]
|-
|[[Keeper of the Splintered House|Splintered House]]||Utterlund, [[Holberg]]||Miaren||[[Construct Wayhouse in Holberg|388YE Spring]]
|-
|[[Keeper of Caedwynn's Hold|Caedwynn's Hold]]||Murderdale, [[the Barrens]]||Miaren||[[Construct Wayhouse in the Barrens|388YE Autumn]]
|-
|}
As of Spring 388YE

<table class="wikitable sortable"><tr><th style="width: 15%;">Nation</th><th style="width: 15%;">Territory</th><th style="width: 10%;">Resource</th><th style="width: 15%;">Great Works</th><th style="width: 15%;">Total Level of Investment</th><th style="width: 20%;">Benefit</th></tr>
<tr><td rowspan='4'>[[Highguard]]</td><tr><td rowspan='3'>[[Reikos]]</td><td>Congregation</td><td>Grand Ossuary of Reikos<td>2</td><td>72 rings</td>
<tr><td>Herb Garden</td><td>Gardens of High Chalcis<td>3</td><td>3 drams of true vervain, 2 drams of cerulean mazzarine, 1 dram of bladeroot, 1 dose of realmsroot, and 1 dram of Imperial roseweald</td>
<tr><td>Mana Site</td><td>Seminary of the Swan<td>1</td><td>36 rings</td>
<tr><td rowspan='2'>[[Varushka]]</td><tr><td rowspan='1'>[[Ossium]]</td><td>Forest</td><td>Iron Roads<sup>[[#1|(1)]]</sup><br>Krustrozi's Lumbermill<td>3</td><td>6 additional measures</td>
<tr><td rowspan='1'>[[Imperial Orcs]]</td><td rowspan='1'>[[Skarsind]]</td><td>Herb Garden</td><td>Red Blade Memorial<td>2</td><td>6 drams of true vervain</td>
<tr><td rowspan='3'>[[The League]]</td><td rowspan='3'>[[Holberg]]</td><td>Business</td><td>Gates of Holmaeur Park<td>2</td><td>72 rings</td>
<tr><td>Farm</td><td>Bloody Great Sausage<sup>[[#2|(2)]]</sup><td>1</td><td>36 rings</td>
<tr><td>Mana Site</td><td>Lorenzo's Legacy of Courage <sup>[[#3|(3)]]</sup><td>1</td><td>1 mana crystal</td>
</table>

#{{anchor|1}} Forests in the territory also gain an additional 2 measures from the [[Ossium#Economics|naturally rich groves]]
#{{anchor|2}} Farms in the territory also gain an additional 2 random herbs from [[A_dream_that_can_last#Green_Shoots|trade with the Sand Fishers]]
#{{anchor|3}} These great works provide no additional mana crystals following a senate motion to [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#League_Crystal_Mana_to_Spiral|divert production to Spiral]]

===Fortifications===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Ritual !! Realm !! Magnitude !! Effect !! Target region
|-
| [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]] || Night || 80 || +10 VP to claim || Marsh
|-
| [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] || Spring || 80 || 4,000 strength for victory + casualties || Forest
|-
| [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] || Summer || 120 || 2,000 strength for victory + casualties, +10 VP to claim || Hills
|-
| [[The Basalt Citadel]] || Winter || 100 || 3,000 strength for victory + casualties, +10 VP to claim || Ruined
|}

Note: the below do not exclude all regions with forts already in them, check before trying them!

====Dripping Echoes of the Fen====
{|<div style="width:500px; margin-bottom: 10px"> class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Territory !! Region
|-
| Bregasland || Grey Fens
|-
| Bregasland || North Fens
|-
| Bregasland || Ottermire
|-
| Bregasland || The Rushes
|-
| Holberg || Ennerlund
|-
| Holberg || Rebeshof
|-
| Holberg || The Morass
|-
| Holberg || Utterlund
|-
| Kallavesa || Kallavesa Marsh
|-
| Kallavesa || Rundhal Marsh
|-
| Kallavesa || West Marsh
|-
| Madruga || Crucible
|-
| Madruga || Siroc Bayou
|-
| Ossium || Drownbark Forest
|-
| Sarangrave || Bendol
|-
| Sarangrave || Bloodwater Marsh
|-
| Sarangrave || Kroll
|-
| Sarangrave || Turan Flats
|-
| Therunin || East Ashes
|-
| Therunin || Eastring
|-
| Therunin || Lower Tarn Valley
|-
| Zenith || Proceris
|}

====Forge the Wooden Fastness====
{|<div style="width:500px; margin-bottom: 10px"> class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Territory !! Region
|-
| Astolat || Coombe
|-
| Bastion || The Elms
|-
| Brocéliande || Black Boughs
|-
| Brocéliande || Boar's Dell
|-
| Brocéliande || Dark Ranging
|-
| Brocéliande || Elerael
|-
| Brocéliande || Greenweald
|-
| Brocéliande || Terunael
|-
| Brocéliande || Vale's Lament
|-
| Casinea || Greatwood
|-
| Casinea || Woodwych
|-
| Hercynia || Deer's Folly
|-
| Hercynia || Northpines
|-
| Hercynia || Old Ranging
|-
| Hercynia || Summersend
|-
| Hercynia || The Glen of Shadows
|-
| Holberg || Misericorde
|-
| Holberg || Utterlund
|-
| Kallavesa || Wittal Grove
|-
| Karov || Skoremujac
|-
| Karsk || Lestasny
|-
| Miaren || Goldglades
|-
| Miekarova || Mieriada
|-
| Miekarova || Srodkoja
|-
| Mournwold|| Alderly
|-
| Necropolis || Highrod
|-
| Ossium || Bonewood
|-
| Ossium || Drownbark Forest
|-
| Ossium || Echofell
|-
| Ossium || Nearweald
|-
| Ossium || Webwood
|-
| Reikos|| Broken Ride
|-
| Reikos || Grey Charge
|-
| Reikos || Longshire
|-
| Reikos || Tamarbode
|-
| Sarangrave || Bendol
|-
| Sarangrave || Nesustak Forest
|-
| Sarangrave || Whisperwood
|-
| Semmerholm || Axmure
|-
| Semmerholm || Elvette
|-
| Skarsind || Estermark
|-
| Skarsind || Skogei Glens
|-
| Skarsind || Solvihill
|-
| Tassato || Madeiras
|-
| Temeschwar || Vardstein Vale
|-
| The Barrens || Farweald
|-
| The Barrens || Heart of Peytaht
|-
| The Barrens || The Bleaks
|-
| The Barrens || The Untrod Groves
|-
| Therunin || Eastring
|-
| Therunin || Greenheart
|-
| Therunin || Sweetglades
|-
| Upwold || Birchland
|-
| Upwold || Tower March
|-
| Volodmartz || Murupa
|-
| Volodmartz || Suvretz
|-
| Weirwater || Weirmoor
|-
| Zenith || Lustri
|}

====Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae====
{|<div style="width:500px; margin-bottom: 10px"> class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Territory !! Region
|-
| Hahnmark || Kalpamark
|-
| Hahnmark || Northspires
|-
| Hahnmark || Southridge
|-
| Hahnmark || Valasmark
|-
| Hahnmark || Wood Heath
|-
| Hercynia || Deer's Folly
|-
| Hercynia || Northpines
|-
| Kahraman || Braydon's Jasse
|-
| Kahraman || Serra Briante
|-
| Kahraman || Serra Damata
|-
| Karov || Wieliczka
|-
| Karsk || Branoc
|-
| Karsk || Crowslook
|-
| Karsk || Krevsaty
|-
| Karsk || Moresvah
|-
| Karsk || Nitrost
|-
| Mareave || Clisearn
|-
| Mareave || Eoradal
|-
| Mareave || Icarion
|-
| Mareave || Nadir
|-
| Miekarova || Miechernya
|-
| Miekarova || Perumaki
|-
| Morrow || Altis
|-
| Morrow || Caeli
|-
| Morrow || Operus
|-
| Mournwold || Ore Hills
|-
| Mournwold || Southmoor
|-
| Redoubt || Limus
|-
| Redoubt || Siluri
|-
| Redoubt || Tomari
|-
| Reikos || Chalcis Mount
|-
| Semmerholm || Estmure
|-
| Sermersuaq || Silver Peaks
|-
| Skarsind || Crow’s Ridge
|-
| Skarsind || Estermark
|-
| Skarsind || Pakaanan's Pass
|-
| Spiral || Ankra
|-
| Spiral || Ateri
|-
| Temeschwar || Locul
|-
| The Barrens || Hope's Rest
|-
| Volodmartz || Brez
|-
| Volodmartz || Opascari
|-
| Zenith || Clypion
|-
| Zenith || Occursion
|}

====The Basalt Citadel====
{|<div style="width:500px; margin-bottom: 10px"> class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
! Territory !! Region
|-
| Madruga || Siroc Bayou
|-
| Mareave || Eoradal
|-
| Mournwold || Greensward
|-
| Volodmartz || Livardz
|-
| Zenith || Proceris
|-
|}

388YE Autumn Equinox winds of fortune

2026-08-27T16:03:42Z

Twiggy: /* Stand Proud, You're Strong */

Comes a time

2026-08-21T13:34:04Z

Twiggy:

Dreamspeaker

2026-08-21T01:21:55Z

Twiggy: /* Overview */

[[Category:Navarr]][[Category:Archetype]]
<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Rising Smoke.jpg|caption=The "Dream Harvest" - referring to the vivid dreams experienced by many involved in refining vinum sap into liao - has drawn the dreamspeakers together in Seren, City of Dreams.|align=right|width=300}}</div>
==Overview==
Dreamspeakers are interested in changing the world, in the pursuit of making dreams into reality. They are especially concerned with encouraging others to pursue their own dreams. They see having aspirations, and most especially striving to achieve them, as fundamental to mortal spirits. The Way argues that one cannot be Virtuous simply by ''saying'' things - only by ''doing'' things - and even the less spiritually inclined dreamspeakers agree with the clear wisdom of this approach. People need to have a clear vision of what they want to accomplish, married to the motivation and dedication to strive to do it. The best-lived life, say the dreamspeakers, is one that is spent actively trying to change the world.

The great dream of many [[Navarr]] is to see the [[vallorn]] finally defeated. Paradoxically, many dreamspeakers work against this, claiming that the oaths sworn by [[Navarr_history|Navarr and Thorn]] were to restore civilisation, not to defeat the vallorn. Dreamspeakers argue that the Navarr must encompass much more than just a fight against the Doom of Terunael. They encourage all Navarr to chase their own dreams, to think about what they want to achieve with their lives, rather than stoically dedicating themselves to the singular cause of their forebears.

Dreamspeakers are very interested in dreams, especially daydreams and the kind of lucid dreams that liao brings. They don't believe in studying dreams for symbolic meaning - rather, they see dreams as a way to explore what the heart desires. Dreamspeakers acknowledge that one of the biggest problems many ordinary people face when told to "pursue their dreams" is that they ''have'' no great ambition, no overriding goal. Day dreams and lucid dreams are a way to let the imagination run amok, a chance to lose oneself in reflection about what could be, the better to discover what it is that one truly desires to achieve. By looking beyond what you feel you ''should'' want, it is possible to learn what it is that you ''really'' want.

==History==
After centuries of struggle, the Empire helped the Navarr [[Reclamation_of_Seren|finally defeat the vallornheart of Miaren]] in 27YE. The territory took years to recover - it was under the effects of [[Wither the Seed]] for three decades after the war was won. But eventually that passed, and in the years that followed the land blossomed until it became the beating heart of the Navarr, a haven for civilisation, culture and learning. To this day it remains an enduring symbol of what could be achieved by those who follow their dreams.

As the years passed and the city of [[Miaren#Seren|Seren]] grew, it demanded that the people who settled there contemplate what the Navarr might accomplish beyond the fight against the vallorn. Inhabitants of Miaren remain committed to their oaths, and the territory plays a vital role in the Long War by supplying Navarr [[army|armies]] and giving [[striding|stridings]] a safe, central, place to rest. But those who desired nothing more than to fight the vallorn personally could only do so by moving to another Navarr territory. The city of Seren became the natural home for many Navarr whose personal [[Ambition|Ambitions]] encompassed something beyond the traditional fight.
<quote by="Cordelia of Winter's Sorrow, dreamspeaker">We don't collect history so that we know what happened. The point of history is to remind us of all the things we are capable of. Of the things we can do if we only put our mind to it. Once we built great cities of architecture and beauty and splendour. Cities that lived and breathed and fed a million people.</quote>
Such sentiments were catalysed by a [[judgement]] upheld by the General Assembly [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_88|in Spring 383YE]] that reminded the Navarr that while they may struggle against the vallorn, they are also ''"a people of great culture, history, and virtue"''. It called on people to recognise Seren as one of the great cities of the Empire, alongside [[Tassato]], [[Mitwold#Meade|Meade]], [[Hahnmark#Kalpaheim|Kalpaheim]] and the rest. In response, the people of the city put forward three proposals for distinctly different ways Seren could embrace that potential.

The discussion took years to settle, but eventually the Navarr coalesced around the vision put forward by the dreamspeakers of Seren. More vinum grows in Miaren than anywhere else, and over the years the city developed to become the centre of [[liao]] production in the Empire. Those exposed to the intoxicating aroma from liao refinement often experience profound dreams that seem almost visionary in nature - the ''Dream Harvest'' as it is known by some of those employed to gather and prepare it. The dreamspeakers were those who studied these visions, encouraging the Navarr to embrace their dreams. ''Dradan of the River Falls'' proposed the construction of a great place of worship, the [[Comes_a_time#The_City_of_Dreams|Temple of the Waking Dream]], as a place where the Navarr guides can explore dreams to better understand how the [[Navarr_culture_and_customs#The_Great_Dance|Great Dance]] interlocks with the teachings and doctrines of the Way.

The Temple was imagined as a set of gardens including [[wayhouse|wayhouses]] and shrines suitable for use by both pilgrims and students of spirituality. It was intended to attract pilgrims from across the Empire, particularly those dissatisfied with their lives who were seeking to find new purpose. The Temple would inevitably boost the prominence of the dreamspeakers, those Navarr who focused on fostering and studying dreams, and encouraging people to understand their ambitions and what might be needed to accomplish them. At its core the manifesto of the dreamspeakers is to help the Navarr remember their dreams, and to remember that once they dreamed of something more than just unending war with the vallorn. Once, they say, the Navarr stood ''for'' something, not just ''against'' something. The dreamspeakers were open about the fact that they intended to use the Temple to help the Navarr put words to their dreams, to imagine a future greater than the one they hold now.

Work didn't begin until [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Construct_City_of_Dreams|three years later in Summer 386YE]], and for a while it looked like it might never be finished - that it would stand only as a testimony to the foolishness of those who dreamed that the Navarr might be something more than just a bulwark against the horrors of the [[Realm#Spring|Spring realm]]. But those who believed that Seren could reach for something more persevered, and eventually the money was found to pay for the [[great work]]. In Autumn 388YE, it was finally completed. Quietly, Seren became the ''City of Dreams'', bringing the dreamspeakers to the fore and carrying their message to everyone who would listen.

==A Future Imagined==
The goal of the dreamspeakers is to encourage the Navarr to pursue their dreams. They don't dismiss the war against the vallorn - though some argue that it is misconstrued and remind their fellows that Navarr and Thorn ''didn't'' swear an oath to destroy the vallorn but rather [[Navarr_history#Origins_of_Navarr|to restore the civilisation of Terunael]]. It wasn't the deeply flawed nation of Terunael that Navarr and Thorn cared about, rather it was the idea of civilisation itself that they swore oaths to restore.

Dreamspeakers want to do ''more'' than just defeat the vallorn; they want to pursue the legacy of their founders by building civilisation. They want the Navarr to stop sublimating their personal ambitions until a time comes when the vallorn is defeated and instead to give voice to their own dreams to create extraordinary things, to fill the world with culture and learning

Dreamspeakers want the Navarr to follow their dreams; they want people to choose to pursue their hopes and aspirations because they dream of what might be accomplished. A few go further and argue that the oaths the Navarr swear are a mistake. They claim that oaths force someone to act in a certain way by creating a sense of obligation. How many Navarr fight against the vallorn because they feel they must, because they have sworn to do it, rather than because they truly wish to devote their lives to a seeming endless war? If the path of Virtue lies in choosing to do something, what does it mean to give up that choice? Of course someone must choose to swear an oath, but that is a single act of Virtue. How much more Virtuous is it to ''choose'' that path every day, without the comfort of falling back on a past oath to make such choices unnecessary?

==Dreams==
Dreams are known to be connected to the soul. Liao can be used to [[Dedication#Dreams|foster incredibly lucid dreams]], and there are a handful of [[Night magic]] rituals that can create visionary reverie. Dreamspeakers don't see a meaningful distinction between someone's aspirations, and their ambitions, and the kind of lucid dreams pursued through liao or even just by powerful daydreams. Daydreams often reveal the fulfilment of wishes or hopes - and all dreams can help a person to understand what it is they would like to achieve with their life. Some dreams even reveal to the dreamer what it is they need to do to achieve their ambitions, or can be studied to uncover what it is that holds them back.

Dreamspeakers who consider such matters believe that dreams are at the heart of the Way. Spiritual philosophers know that the pursuit of Virtue lies in what a person does with their life. The [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_Enlightenment|Doctrine of Enlightenment]] explicitly states that ''"Virtue lies in choice and action"''. Dreams have the power to motivate people to make choices and to take action. Dreamspeakers believe that a life spent in pursuit of ones dreams is, by default, a life of Virtue. Not every dreamspeaker centres the Way in their approach to their philosophy, but they still encourage everyone to walk the path that leads from a dream, through an aspiration, to a change in the world.
<quote by="Dradan of the River Falls, dreamspeaker">We put words to dreams, the better to remember them. To remember that once we dreamed of something more than just unending war with the vallorn. That we stood for something, not just against something.</quote>
To dream is to contemplate the possibility of what could be. Sleepers and daydreamers experience dreams as a reflection of their soul's desires. Most dreamspeakers don't try to mine dreams for symbolism and obscure meaning; rather, they encourage people to embrace those dreams that reveal the truth of their aspirations, their hopes and desires, and their fears. The dreams experienced when someone sleeps can be a window into the soul, revealing what the heart truly desires. These are the dreams that should be embraced on waking - dreamspeakers try to help people remember these dreams and encourage and support them in the pursuit of them.

Dreams are important because they can help to motivate and encourage people to take action. It's not Virtuous to waste a life away dreaming of what could be - it still takes committed action to make those dreams come true. When a person sees themselves in dreams accomplishing great things, it can help give them the confidence to believe that such a thing could happen. Seeing ambitions realised in dreams can help to make them clearer and make them feel more real, more achievable. The true goal of a dreamspeaker is not to get people to dream of what they might accomplish; it is to find a way to put a person on the path to achieving those goals. Dreams can be crucial for giving people the confidence and the impetus to take the first steps in pursuing their heart's desire.

Of course, sometimes a dream is just a dream. Sometimes, even the most memorable dream may be nothing more than a weaving of [[Night magic]], or the results of eating a bad piece of cheese. Dreams that are simply bizarre collections of symbols and strange events might allow a [[Wintermark]] [[mystic]] to discern some wider meaning in the waking world, but they rarely tell them anything about ''themselves''. Such dreams are of little interest to dreamspeakers - they want to use dreams to help people understand their true self, not to divine omens about the future. Almost all dreamspeakers draw a distinction between dreams that come from ''within'' - from the spirit of the dreamer - and those that come from without - from magic or the use of [[potion|potions]] such as [[Infusions_of_Feathers#Goosewhisper_Infusion|Goosewhisper Infusion]]. Such dreams can be useful in various ways, providing entertainment or even insight into current events, but they are not ''true'' dreams, and must always be a little suspect due to their ultimate artificiality.

Some dreamspeakers speculate that particularly deep dreams can reach far beyond a sleepers' waking life and touch the fathomless well of their [[Past life vision|past lives]] - or in the case of [[orc|orcs]] perhaps the spirits of their [[Imperial_Orcs_religious_beliefs#Ancestral_Voices|ancestors]] - which can provide profound wisdom and unlooked for guidance. After all, these dreamspeakers argue, liao and true liao are relatively recent discoveries in the grand history of the world, yet people believed in reincarnation long before the evidence provided by the pursuit of past life visions.
==Dreamspeakers and Guides==
The role of the dreamspeaker is complementary to that of the [[guide]], and there is some overlap between them. Indeed, until the completion of the Temple of the Waking Dream, few people thought of dreamspeakers as distinct from guides. Both roles have a strong pastoral side, both minister to people's needs, and it is common for both to walk the path of the priest. There are differences however, and the completion of the City of Dreams has helped make those differences more apparent.

Guides offer counsel and guidance on matters of Virtue. In the past, they often acted as judges, and they often work with Navarr who need to make amends for past actions. By comparison, dreamspeakers are usually more worldly, less concerned with judging an aspiration, and more interested in providing practical and personal encouragement to pursue that dream.

A common way to distinguish between the two is that while both guides and dreamspeakers help people find their right place in the Great Dance, the guides "help people get to where they need to be" whereas the dreamspeakers "help people work out where they want to go". It's not true to say that guides only care about what you've done, while dreamspeakers only care about what you're ''going'' to do, but on the surface at least it's an easy way to distinguish between the two.

A person can only be guided by one archetype at a time, but there is no direct conflict between guides and dreamspeakers, so any Navarr could easily move between the roles at some point in their life.

==Creating a Dreamspeaker==
This archetype is intended to appeal to anyone who is interested in the pursuit of dreams - both their own and those of others. You can play a dreamspeaker who has a great goal of their own, some grand personal Ambition they are determined to achieve, but you can also play a dreamspeaker who wants nothing more than to encourage other people to pursue their own dreams. You can work to help them understand and develop those dreams and help them try to accomplish them. The archetype is equally ideal for anyone who wants to play a character who is eager to set their own character goals or for someone who wants to encourage and support others.

When you play a dreamspeaker, you are a motivator first and foremost. You can play a dreamspeaker who is familiar with the tenets of the Virtues and [[the Doctrines of the Faith]] and who has many [[religious skills]]. But you can also create a dreamspeaker who has little interest or knowledge of [[the Way]]. Even those who eschew religion are likely to have studied the [[Religious skills|ceremony]] of [[Dedication]] however, if only because it can be used to create [[Dedication#Dreams|powerful lucid dreams]]. There's no requirement to pursue any religious training, of course; a dreamspeaker who has no ability to use liao at all if you wish, and simply talks to people about their dreams and what help they might need to pursue them, is still a dreamspeaker.

<quote by="Browen of the Silver Falls, dreamspeaker">Seren is a testimony to what the Navarr can achieve. The city proves there is nothing in this world we cannot overcome. Even nature itself can be tamed if we believe in our dreams.</quote>
Any other skill can be useful to a dreamspeaker. [[Combat skills|Martial skills]] will help you fight, which can be important for pursuing some dreams. But you could just as easily play a dreamspeaker who uses their [[Crafting skills|artisan skills]] to make powerful [[magic items]] to enable people to pursue their dreams. If you have a grand ambition you want to rally others behind, then any skill that helps you do that is useful. If you want to find ways to help others pursue their dreams, then any skill that people are in need of will be helpful.

If you are creating your character as part of a group, then it is a really good idea to find out if the group has one or more goals that they are trying to achieve. Having your own goals that you want to pursue is often the best way to get the most out of Empire, and having a grand ambition that is shared by everyone in the group can give you a communal purpose that you are all working together to achieve. It doesn't mean that individual members of the group can't have their own personal aspirations, but a shared goal can help to unify a group of characters and give them a common purpose and identity. It's a good idea to encourage everyone in your group to think about what goals their character, and the group, could adopt.

A [[congregation]] is an obvious resource for any dreamspeaker to take if you don't have your heart set on something else. It provides liao, which you or other priests can use to create lucid dreams. It also gives you the right to vote in the [[Synod]], which immediately gives you a degree of political power. If you want liao but have decided not to take part in the Synod, then a [[military unit]] can also take the [[Venture#Bounty_Hunting|bounty hunting]] venture, or a [[fleet]] might give you the option to trade with places like the [[Sumaah Republic]], both of which can provide liao.

It can be a little trickier to use magic to directly support the role of dreamspeaker, but by no means impossible. Many [[enchantment|enchantments]] create [[roleplaying effects]] that encourage people to pursue their goals or ambitions, or fill them with confidence that such things are possible. Magic related to dreams directly is most often found in the lore of [[Night magic]], but existing rituals are arguably less useful to the archetypal dreamspeaker than those created with liao because they tend to be much more structured. This is the basis for the "dreams from within" and "dreams from without" distinction some dreamspeakers recognise.

A dreamspeaker can be a very political character; you want to empower the Navarr to pursue their dreams, whether they may be. In Empire, if you're trying to achieve anything, there are usually plenty of other player characters who are trying to stop you, so having a way to fight for your ambitions can be important.

For a priestly dreamspeaker, [[Ambition]] is a natural choice of Virtue for anyone playing a dreamspeaker - the archetype is fundamentally about people following their dreams. But every Virtue is ultimately about taking action - you need [[Courage]] to pursue your dreams in the face of opposition from others. [[Loyalty]] can be a crucial Virtue for anyone who wants to rally people to a cause, whether their own or another's. Ultimately, any Virtue can work, but whichever Virtue you choose, it's important to think about how that relates to your choice to take on the role of a dreamspeaker.

==Playing a Dreamspeaker==
<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''<big>Dreamspeakers and the Vallorn</big>'''<br>
The most important decision as a dreamspeaker is how you feel about the war against the vallorn. Dreamspeakers are deliberately iconoclastic by design - in a nation that is entirely committed to defeating the enemy, dreamspeakers argue that the Navarr should do other things ''instead''. If other characters try to tell you that they've sworn an oath to destroy the vallorn, remind them that the actual oath the founders of the nation swore was to rebuild civilisation. You have history on your side if you claim that the true way to be Navarr is to try to build great big things rather than obsessing over fighting the vallorn.

No Navarr opposes the fight against the vallorn in theory, but in Empire, time and resources are limited by design. You can't do everything - you have to pick and choose. The dreamspeakers understand and accept that every character who chooses to pursue their own dream is choosing to dedicate themselves to that ''rather'' than dedicating themselves to defeating the vallorn. Playing a dreamspeaker is about arguing that other dreams are just as important as fighting the vallorn and fighting to support them.

If you don't have the confidence to play a Navarr who encourages the nation to do things other than fight the vallorn, the alternative is to be a dreamspeaker who is absolutely committed to that war. The only poor choice is to play a character who doesn't have strong feelings about anything one way or the other. Dreamspeakers encourage people to pursue their dreams - so you can play someone who [[A thousand years of longing|has studied what needs to be done to win the war]] and is absolutely committed to making that happen. If you go down this route, the way to stand out is to play someone who is utterly determined to make this dream happen as soon as possible. Accept no excuses!

The war against the vallorn is not a "plot" - it's a political battle between the different nations over what the Empire should focus its military and economic strength on. The setting includes many NPC dreamspeakers who believe that the Empire has mistreated the Navarr in recent years, ignoring their concerns and allowing their lands to be conquered by enemies, so that resources could be spent helping other nations instead of the Navarr. You can play a dreamspeaker who wants to focus on the vallorn, by dedicating everything to overcoming the resistance of the nations and institutions that oppose it. </box></div>
Playing a dreamspeaker won't give you a character goal, but it will give you the justification to pursue your goals no matter how many people tell you not to. At the heart of a dreamspeaker is the idea that it is fundamentally Virtuous, or fundamental to mortal spirits, to pursue the heart's desire. You can either find a goal of your own and pursue that, or you can work with others to help them pursue their dream. In either case, you'll need to learn as much as possible about the Empire, about the things that stand in the way of such dreams, and about what you can do to overcome them.

A dreamspeaker is intended to be a very political character - Empire is explicitly designed to make it hard to pursue your dreams without coming into conflict with other characters with rival aspirations. You'll need to engage with other players to build support for whatever goal you're pursuing, and in many cases that will give you a reason to look outside your fellow Navarr for support. Any nation will struggle to realise their goals by themselves in Empire.

You can also play a very pastoral dreamspeaker, one who works tirelessly to encourage other characters to pursue their goals. One of the biggest challenges for some players is working out what their character wants to do. Having good goals for your character is really important in Empire, and helping other characters to work out what it is they think they might want to do can be a lot of fun. You can use liao to help a character have a dream, but ultimately there is no substitute for just talking to characters about what they could do, or asking them to describe their dreams and working with them to tease out a goal or ambition. And remember, you don't just want to help people work out what their dreams are; you want to encourage them to pursue those dreams. Often the best way to motivate other characters to try to achieve the impossible is to give them all the support and help you can to try to do it.

Whatever approach you take, one of the main barriers you will encounter is people telling you some variation of "you can't do that", "you shouldn't do that", or "you mustn't do that". Sometimes their opposition will be indifference, a belief that a dream is impossible and thus not worth trying. Other times it will be active opposition, because they have their own ambitions which conflict with the dream you are extolling. In the Navarr, this is most likely to be an argument that the nation should be focusing on the vallorn instead of something else. The more dramatic and difficult the dream you are promoting, the stronger the opposition you should expect to encounter.

These naysayers are your in-character battlefield, the enemy you will need to overcome to accomplish things. Anyone who wants to change the world always has to overcome the resistance of people who prefer the status quo. You should expect in-character opposition to pursuing a dream and engage with it in good faith. Don't forget that you can ''always'' quote Virtue in defence of such actions even if its not necessarily your focus as a character! Dreamspeakers believe it is fundamentally Virtuous for a person to pursue their dreams. Don't hesitate to point out that all the Virtues are about taking action; they're about pursuing goals and achieving things. You can argue that a character who is pursuing their dream is behaving Virtuously, no matter how many characters they upset!

If you encounter out-of-character opposition to something, if players try to suggest you're not "doing it right", then it is usually best to ignore that. You can always check what you're doing with a member of the Profound Decisions plot team by emailing {{plot}} if you're genuinely concerned that it might actually be against the spirit of the game, but Empire is intended to be a sandbox game that supports the widest possible range of in-character ambitions. If someone tries to tell you that a genuinely in-character ambition is against the spirit of the game, it may be because they have misunderstood some element of the Empire game or setting.

While it is easiest to speak to the dreams of the Navarr, there is no reason that you can't help citizens in other nations to pursue their dreams. The beliefs of the dreamspeakers are universal; they believe they can help anyone to pursue Virtue or their role in the Great Dance in this way. Encouraging characters in other nations to find their own goals gives you many more people to talk to at events, and if you can help them, it gives you a chance to make allies across the Empire who might help you in turn when the time comes.

The overriding character goal for a dreamspeaker is to build civilisation. You want to encourage everyone to pursue their dreams, help people identify what their aspirations are and support them as they try to overcome any obstacles. The more Ambitious the goal, the bigger the dream, the better. You can work on many dreams at once, or try to rally everyone behind a single unifying cause. Either way, your ultimate goal is to make the impossible happen.
==Further Reading==
* [[Dream on]] - 388YE Autumn wind of fortune introducing the dreamspeakers

Twiggy:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]]
<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Virtue Exalts.jpg|align=left|caption=News spreads through word of mouth as fast as it does through broadsheets and posters, and is sometimes more reliable. Or at least, unreliable in more amusing ways...|width=600}}</div>
==Overview==
Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war which detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations, and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of [[opportunity|opportunities]] or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune, or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represents something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.

In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations, or political bodies, to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place and very little happens in isolation.
__TOC__
==Winds of Fortune==
===I am Easy to Find===
* '''Imperial citizens'''
[[Emperor Vesna]] has used their power to [[The_Throne#Address_the_Empire|address the Empire]] to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens relating to the [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_interlude#In_the_Barrens|situation]] in [[the Barrens]].

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the '''[[I am easy to find]]''' wind of fortune.
===Secret Meeting (Plenipotentiary)===
* '''Archmages, Imperial Conclave; Pale Ravens, Nation's Guard, Whelps (?), Lunete de Cercle, those who believe they bear the heart of Elayne Silverlark; Churnspire Adjutor, those who bear gifts of Meraud; mana-site owners of the Marches; artists of many kinds who are privy to secrets'''
Six [[Archmage|archmages]], six [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] responses. The [[eternal|eternals]] are bound by ancient compact to respond in some way to each plenipotentiary missive, although sometimes they respond in unexpected ways. Three have chosen to meet with Imperial magicians, in one way or another. Three have chosen to respond in other ways. There is also a matter for the [[Conclave]] to discuss, arising from a [[Synod]] judgement at the Autumn Equinox that relates specifically to the practice of plenipotentiary.

You can find details of the meetings, and notes about the other responses, in the '''[[Secret meeting]]''' wind of fortune.
===Hammers and Boxes===
* '''Imperial Orcs, the League, Wintermark; Archmage of Autumn; Imperial Conclave, Imperial Senate; Autumn magicians and traders; General of the Wolves of War; Herminius of the House of the Wanderer, Bella Di Sarvos'''
Over the last three months, several emissaries of the [[Realm#Autumn|Autumn realm]] have visited the Empire. Some hail from [[Estavus|Shikal the Fire Mountain]] and are apparently here at the behest of the [[Archmage of Autumn]]. Others come from the [[Ephisis|City of Gold and Lead]], and provide updates relating to the ritual [[Ephisis' Scale]]. They're also interested in arranging certain trades - including one relating to the [[enchantment]] on the [[Wolves of War]].

You can learn about the proposals of Estavus, and the deals of the City of Gold and Lead, in the '''[[Hammers and boxes]]''' wind of fortune.
===Gifts of a Green Mother===
* '''Imperial Conclave; Archmage of Spring; anyone with access to the regalia of the Archmage of Spring; Spring magicians; owners of farms, forests, and mana sites; Imperial Senate, Imperial Synod; Day magicians; orcs, briars, humans interested in becoming briars; people with access to realmsroot'''
As mentioned [[Secret_meeting#Forest_Queen|previously]], an emissary of the [[Yaw'nagrah|Green Mother]] has visited the Empire and offered a number of boons to Imperial citizens. They include an offer to secure her aid in uniting the [[vallorn]] hearts; a boon to remove [[Wither the Seed|malign curse]] over [[Brocéliande]]; the ability for Spring magicians to brew a potent magical substance in a [[Churning Cauldron of Bravash|churning cauldron]]; a chance for owners of [[farm|farms]], [[forest|forests]], and [[mana site|mana sites]] to receive some of the eternals largesse if they can find a coven prepared to accept her "bloodamber boon" on their behalf; additional potence for certain [[enchantment|enchantments]] used on [[orc|orcs]] and those with the [[briar]] [[lineage]] - or humans who might wish to gain that lineage; and of course several opportunities to keep tabs on people who are accepting these boons. With Yaw'nagrah under the [[alignment#Enmity|enmity]] of the Conclave, it's quite illegal for ''anyone'' to accept ''any'' of her boons.

You can learn about these many opportunities and boons, and the challenges related to accepting them, in the '''[[Gifts of a green mother]]''' wind of fortune.
===Send for Me (Appraisal)===
* '''Freeborn, especially of Feroz; Imperial Senate; Keeper of the Breadbasket, Marcher farm owners'''
At the Autumn Equinox, [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Seed_Exchange|the Imperial Senate requested]] an [[appraisal]] related to seed banks, inspired by the [[Upwold]] Seed Exchange. As no specific researcher was requested, ''Gerard La Salle'' has asked [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] to consider the matter. The Freeborn prognosticator is known for her unusual techniques and novel approaches to any problem. And deliver she has! With particular reference to ruined [[Feroz]], Graciana has presented a number of proposals for the consideration of the Senate, and in the process has begun to assess the extent of the damage done to the territory by the wicked [[Grendel]] Governor Rahab.

You can find out about the results of the appraisal, as well as details of the situation in Feroz, in the '''[[Send for me]]''' wind of fortune.

===Million Miles of Water===
* '''Imperial Orcs, Marchers, Freeborn, League; Imperial Senate, Imperial Military Council'''
Like the rest of the [[Broken Shore]], the territory of [[Mareave]] is warm and dry and much of its north is arid and thirsty. Farms struggle to grow crops or raise herds on such dry ground. This is a major barrier to growing the territory's prosperity and attracting more [[Imperial Orcs]] from distant [[Skarsind]] to establish new homes here. [[The Marches|Marcher]] experts from [[Mitwold]] and [[Upwold]] and [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]] talented in drawing prosperity and growth from barren earth have been invited to the territory on the urging of their National Assemblies to help with this matter. There are also ruins here, built in the Skouran style, including the remnants of an immense aqueduct. There are many options here, and many different ways to address the climate in the new Imperial territory.

You can learn about these various options, and the implications they might have for the larger Empire, in the '''[[Million miles of water]]''' wind of fortune.
===Wasp Nest===
* '''Navarr, Highguard; Imperial Synod; Mistress of Monuments; Benefactor of High Chalcis, High Herbalist of Sybella, Generals of the Valiant Pegasus and the Bloodcloaks; Imperial Senate; Keeper of the Garden; Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower; apothecaries'''
In [[Full_of_sacred_sound#A_Peerless_Kinship|peerless kinship]], [[Highguard|Highborn]] pilgrims come to [[Therunin]], to work with their peers among the [[Navarr]]. they seek a way to lay to rest the ghosts that throng in the east of the marshy territory, and with a little help from an injured [[Dawn|Dawnish]] soldier a path is laid. But the path cannot be walked, and the living are in as much danger as the dead in Therunin right now. With their final peerless kinship, the Highborn seek ways to help heal not only the spirits of Therunin, but also the water and soil corrupted by the taint of the Sephals Cauldron - and perhaps also ways to cement closer ties between the two nations.

You can read about the suggestions that have arisen from this final use of peerless kinship, as well as the glimmer of hope for the future, in the '''[[Wasp nest]]''' wind of fortune,
===Fake Empire (Appraisal)===
* '''Imperial Senate, Imperial Military Council, Imperial Diplomats, Grandmasters, Ambassadors, and Æsa Sigeing'''
The second [[appraisal]] commissioned by the [[Senate]] instructs [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] to discover how the Empire might disrupt relations between each [[Grendel]] salt lord. She was asked to find ways to not only disrupt relations between the salt lords but also with their allies, both internal and external. Although this appraisal falls squarely within her expertise, its scope means that her response has been a little limited in application. As a consequence, the prognosticator has split her appraisal into two parts - the first is designed to provide a description of the current situation, providing an overview of the Salt Lords Council, how it is made up and how it functions. The second part of her appraisal lays out what is known about the Grendel's allies and presents some ideas for how they might be approached.

You can read about her findings, and the various suggestions she has made, in the '''[[Fake empire]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_General.png|caption=The General Assembly|align=right|width=200}}</div>

===A Little Understanding===
* '''Imperial Synod, Imperial Senate'''
At the Autumn Equinox, three of the [[cardinal|cardinals]] of the [[Synod]], and a citizen who was acting as [[proxy]] to the [[Cardinal of Prosperity]], publicly swore an oath to bear an [[aura]] of [[Malign spiritual presences#Peace|Peace]] for the coming year, doing nothing to resist its effects. All four were quickly [[Sanction#Condemnation|condemned]] as [[Religious_crime#Heresy|heretics]] and [[Religious_crime#Blasphemy|blasphemers]] by the Assembly of [[Vigilance]]. The magistrates are now bound to conduct a trial to investigate the [[religious crime|religious crimes]] these cardinals are accused of. Meanwhile, the General Assembly must wrestle with the threat of a growing schism - following so closely on the heels of the [[True faith|recent crisis]] concerning [[Vardas]] - and contemplate what it means for the Way that cardinals dabble with the power of "false virtues".

You can find out about the legal considerations, as well as the potential repercussions of various outcomes, in the '''[[A little understanding]]''' wind of fortune.
===The War of Thorns and Flowers===
* '''Highguard, the League, Varushka; Imperial Senate; Imperial Synod; Imperial Conclave; Master of the Koboldi, Master of Ice and Darkness; anyone interested in the war against the vallorn'''
The nations of the Empire have begun to rise to the challenge of the coming [[A thousand years of longing|war with the vallorn]]. The [[highguard|Highborn]] have called the [[Grey pilgrim|grey pilgrims]] home, allowing them to raise another army. [[The League]] have asked their most ambitious and innovative people to study the problem, while the [[Varushka|Varushkans]] have sought to draw on dark powers to battle civilisation's most implacable enemy. Other nations still debate the shape of the future, and they are by no means united in what the best course of action may be. These three nations, though, have chosen to face their enemy and begin to draw their plans against it.

You can learn about the upheavals in the three nations that choose to support the [[Navarr]], and how they can shape the coming war, in the '''[[The war of thorns and flowers]]''' wind of fortune.
===According to Principle (Commonwealth)===
* '''Ambassador to the Commonwealth; Imperial Senate; League Assembly; Gisli Baerson'''
The [[Commonwealth]] are a militaristic nation committed to the idea of ensuring the greatest good to the greatest number of people. As fellow signatories of the [[Liberty Pact]] they are perhaps the closest allies the Empire has among the great powers of the known world. At the moment they are locked in fierce battle with their historical rivals, the [[Principalities of Jarm]], but they still take time to answer messages from Imperial allies. In this wind, there is a discussion of war, news of visitors from the Commonwealth's universities and an opportunity they present, major changes to trade with the ports of [[Foreign_ports#Leerdam|Leerdam]] and [[Foreign_ports#Volkavaar|Volkavaar]], and an intrigued response to an invitation to visit the [[Holberg|Greatest City in the Empire]].

You can learn about diplomatic matters related to the Commonwealth, and the opportunities they present, in the '''[[According to principle]]''' wind of fortune.

===Little Faith===
* '''Assembly of Wisdom, General Assembly; Advisor on the Vallorn; Navarr'''
The Assembly of Wisdom has called for a [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_69|called for]] a [[Consecration#True_Liao|true consecration]] of the [[Great Library of Hacynian]]. Rather than a [[Inspirational_location#Memorials|memorial]] to an [[Paragons and exemplars|exemplar or paragon]] they wish to create a [[Inspirational_location#Sacred#Sites|sacred site]], a location that resonates with virtue - the place where the way to defeat the [[vallorn]] once and for all was found. The work of the Great Library, and its final revelations, has also inspired members of the nascent [[vine]] movement among the [[Navarr]], which has finally borne fruit in a shared understanding of what their role within the nation might be.

You can find out more about the potential consecration, and the newborn vine movement, in the '''[[Little faith]]''' wind of fortune.
===Theory of the Crows (Sarcophan)===
* '''Sarcophan Ambassador; Imperial Senate; High Herbalist of Sybella; folk interested in recreational consumables; white granite vendors and priests; Hahnmark farmers and Wintermark entrepreneurs; Cardinal of Prosperity, Mistress of Monuments; Bernhard Kleist von Ennerlund; and an unnamed Dawnish artist who presumably knows who they are...'''
The merchant-princes of the [[Sarcophan Delves]] 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. Yet for all their focus they are still a great power of the known world, and sometimes their neutrality is sorely tested. There is talk of a new treaty, not just with the Empire but with all the great nations, to safeguard international trade. As always though, there is also discussion of trade and commerce, visits, and meetings arranged. The Sarcophan may not flex their political muscle often, but even when they do they do not lose sight of what is ''really'' important.

You can learn about their proposals, and several opportunities and meetings, in the '''[[Theory of the crows]]''' wind of fortune.
===The Long Road===
* '''Summer magicians; would-be champions'''
For the past year, [[Summer magic|Summer mages]] who wished to entreat the [[Barien|Iron Duke]] for a supernatural challenge have been stymied by a conjunction of the stars. The [[eternal]] himself was unable to overcome the power of the celestial bodies that interrupted magic between the mortal and Summer realm. For four summits, there have been no new challengers of the Iron Duke. That changes now. Now that the conjunction has finally passed, the power of the ritual is restored, albeit not as it was. Whether the changes are a consequence of the conjunction or at the whims of the Keeper of the Revels themselves is not known. What is known, is that the heralds of Barien have announced that they are now pleased to present their patron's challenges for the Empire to consider.

You can read about these challenges, and how the ritual so closely connected to the Iron Duke has changed, in the '''[[The long road]]''' wind of fortune.
===It Never Happened (Axos)===
* '''Ambassador to Axos; members of the Shuttered Lantern; General Assembly, Vigilance Assembly, Imperial priests'''
Imperial relations with the [[Axos|Citadels of Axos]] remain rocky. The little nation is clearly undergoing a level of [[Victory_and_unity#Times_Change|internal upheaval]] at the moment thanks to the ambitions of ''Grand Ilarch Kyther'', recently ascended to the Throne of [[Axos#Tunnels_of_Kaban|Kaban]]. The [[Shuttered Lantern]] have completed their infiltration of the nation, and prepared their reports about the politics of the citadels. There is also the attempt to remove the ghosts and haunts from the fallen Citadel of Solokha, the aid that Imperial priests might offer, and the implications of the fact that the people of Axos believe the Imperial faith is a deception perpetrated by a jealous Creator. A misstep here might set the blocks tumbling again, and see Axos withdraw from the Empire again - but with the right approach perhaps the tumultuous nation might provide new opportunities to Imperial citizens?

You can read about the situation in Axos, and its relation with the Empire, in the '''[[It never happened]]''' wind of fortune.
===So Far So Fast (Lasambria)===
* '''Imperial Senate; the Brass Coast; Imperial Synod, Brass Coast Assembly; Imperial Military Council; Imperial Consul'''
Last summit a party of diplomats from the Lasambrian Orcs visited Anvil to discuss peace. The details of their negotiation are known only to those who were present, but it seems that a [[Ambassador#Treaty|treaty]] that both sets of negotiators were willing to endorse was drafted. Since then, there has been a flurry of messages back and forth but the word is sent: in principle, all parties are willing to accept this treaty. The remaining hurdle is the approval of the relevant Imperial bodies of state. To become law, the [[Senate]] would need to [[Ambassador#Treaty|pass the treaty]] with a [[Senate_motion#Constitutional_Vote|constitutional vote]], and it would still be subject to veto by the [[Assembly|General Assembly]] and the Assembly of Nine.

You can learn about the treaty, and its implications for the south-west Empire, in the '''[[So far so fast]]''' wind of fortune.
===Figures From the Past Stand Tall===
* '''Highguard, especially Stewards of the Dead; High Exorcist; people in Reikos; residents of any territory invaded by the Druj; anyone whose previous character has died at the hands of the Druj'''
For several years, [[Reikos]] has known peace. In the aftermath of the [[Druj]] invasion and the expulsion of the rot eternal [[Llofir]] from [[Reikos#Tamarbode|Tamarbode]], its inhabitants have dedicated themselves to arts of healing and purification. The [[Benefactor_of_High_Chalcis#Gardens_of_High_Chalcis|Gardens of High Chalcis]], once a mighty fortification reduced to ruins, now stand as a symbol of restoration and resilience in the face of the horrors that came from [[the Mallum]] decades ago. Despite the rebuilding and the dedication of the Highborn, scars remain. Now it is as if those scars have come alive; as the end of the Highborn year approaches, ghosts gather in the shadows of High Chalcis.

You can learn about these ghosts, as well as an opportunity to volunteer, in the '''[[Figures from the past stand tall]]''' wind of fortune.
===Weird Goodbye===
* '''Wintermark; Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq, Keeper of the Runegrott'''
Two seasons ago the Icebarn twins [[Farm,_fur,_and_fish#Out_of_the_Storm_(Conjunctions)|emerged from Sydanjaa]]. This pair of [[Wintermark_magical_traditions#Artok|Artok]] travel a strange, shifting route that sees them vanish into [[Sermersuaq#Sydanjaa|Sydanjaa]] for years at a time. During the Summer Solstice, the [[Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq]] and the [[Keeper of the Runegrott]] were each charged with leading a group of Imperial heroes through the Sentinel Gate to kill the Jotun tracking the pair and deal with ''Big Icebarn'' and ''Little Icebarn'' respectively. The artok were marked with runes of dominion and direction, and now at last the two can be put to work in service of the people of Wintermark as long as the runes hold them. The question is... what should they do now?

You can learn about Big Icebarn and Little Icebarn, and the tasks they may be set, in the '''[[Weird Goodbye]]''' wind of fortune.
===Friend of Mine (Sumaah)===
* '''Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic; Imperial fleet captains; League assembly'''
The [[Sumaah Republic]] are simultaneously allies of, and rivals to, the Empire. Their shared practice of the Way both provide them with common ground, and divides them over questions of orthodoxy. At the moment they are focussed on their own war with the [[Asavean Archipelago]], but they remain committed to spreading the Way through the entire world. That commitment might be challenged; news has reached the House of the People that the Asaveans are gearing up for a major push, intending to wreak fiery vengeance for the Sumaah role in the [[Mosaic|destruction of Chalonsio]]. The Republic asks for help - will the Empire respond? There are advantages to doing so... but also advantages to weakening the powerful Sumaah nation. They are rivals, after all.

You can learn about the diplomatic situation in the Sumaah Republic, and the coming Asavean attack, in the '''[[Friend of mine]]''' wind of fortune.
===Pride and Paragons===
* '''Imperial Synod; Lepidean Librarian; Highguard and those invested in the Grand Inspiration'''
In summer, the [[Lepidean Librarian]] took the [[Courage|Courageous]] decision to publish in full the research on the [[Life of Vardas]]. Vardas had been recognised as a paragon of [[Vigilance]] for well over three centuries but their entire life story was essentially a collection of tall tales, penned by [[The_League_magical_traditions#mountebank|a League mountebank]] to make a quick ring. The discovery that it was all a lie and there was no Vardas threatened to be as a [[True_faith|hammer blow to the faith]] that would damage people's faith in the judgement of the [[Synod]]. At the Autumn Equinox, the Synod moved decisively to prevent a full-blown crisis of faith, but just as anticipated, it has raised more questions than it answered.

You can learn about the repercussions of the Synod's decision, and the ripples it has created, in the '''[[Pride and paragons]]''' wind of fortune.
===Start a War (Barrens)===
* '''Imperial Senate; people of Dawn; folk with an interest in the Barrens or the Mallum'''
As the dust settles [[By_northern_shores|over the dramatic events in the Barrens]], people begin to take stock of what has happened. The wheels of state roll on. [[The Barrens#The Fangs|The Fangs]] are now in Imperial possession and can now be [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Allocation|allocated]] by the [[Senate]]. The attack on the Rahvin has polarised views across Dawn, setting houses - even siblings - against each other. There are many who support '''General Achavion Wolfborne''' and argue that he has put his life on the line for Dawn. Others oppose the attack, criticising the latest in a line of atrocities that have taken place since Dawn was given stewardship of [[the Barrens]]. What happens now?

You can learn about the situation regarding the Fangs, and the two opposing factions inspired by events in the Barrens, in the '''[[Start a war]]''' wind of fortune.

===Hard to Find (Barrens)===
* '''Dawn, especially questing knights and those in the Barrens; Navarr; anyone with interest in the Karass; General of the Golden Sun, Hand of the Healers, all four Knight-Protectors'''
While all eyes are on the [[Start a war|conflict in the north]], there is a glorious expedition planned in the south of the territory, a quest deep into the heart of the [[The Barrens#Untrod Groves|Untrod Groves]]. There are rumours of a strange creature dwelling here, a terrible beast that is linked the legendary Earl of the Groves. A band of daring knights is preparing to venture deep into the Groves unaware that disaster is waiting for them. At the same time, the [[Navarr]] have now completed their [[The_way_home#The_Last_Battle|new wayhouse]], in the [[The Barrens#Bleaks|Bleaks]]. It will help to forge tighter bonds between Navarr and Dawn, but the orcs in the Bleaks seem significantly less enthused about its presence.

You can learn about the expedition into the Untrod Groves, and the response to the new wayhouse, in the '''[[Hard to find]]''' wind of fortune.

===Made Anew (Madruga)===
* '''People in Madruga, especially those with herb gardens; military captains who took the ''Explore the Southern Reaches'' venture; Orders of the Unfettered Mind and Rod and Shield; Imperial Senate, Imperial Conclave; Hakima of Salt and Sand'''
At the Summer Solstice, the Scorrero river was driven to [[Where_the_river_rises#Annihilation_and_Transformation|burst its banks]] by Imperial magicians. It streamed into [[Madruga]] and washed away the desiccating blight that had transformed the [[Madruga#Great Grasses|Great Grasses]] into an ashen wasteland. The waters, infused with particles of [[ilium|star metal]] worked a powerful transformation on the territory, already scarred by [[A beacon of smoke|war]] with the [[Grendel]] and the [[Children of Wrecks]]. Now [[Where_the_river_rises#Shimmer|a strange marsh covers the southern reaches]] of Madruga. Following the Autumn equinox, [[military unit|daring champions]] and [[Conclave]] [[Magical skills#Magician|magicians]] alike began to explore the changed territory and try to understand what this transfiguration portends.

You can learn about what they uncovered, and what is still hidden beneath the marshwaters and swaying grass, in the '''[[Made anew]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=Assembly_Ambition.png|align=left|width=200}}</div>
===Golden Light (Capodomus)===
* '''Archbishop of Capodomus; Imperial Synod, especially the Ambition assembly; citizens keen to engage in national politics; ambitious folk; artists'''
The [[Assembly#The_Virtue_Assemblies|Assembly of Ambition]] has [[386YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_30|called for]] a [[Consecration#True_Liao|true consecration]] of [[Archbishop_of_Capodomus#Capodomus_Cathedral|Capodomus Cathedral]] in [[Sarvos]]. Rather than a [[Inspirational_location#Memorials|memorial]] to an exemplar or paragon, they wish to create a [[Inspirational_location#Sacred#Sites|sacred site]], a location that resonates with virtue. If the consecration goes ahead, this historic site will quickly become the most prestigious place in the Empire to study the Way, and provide a number of other opportunities to ambitious folk and the priests who encourage them. In particular there is a chance for the Archbishop of Capodomus to reach out to pilgrims across the Empire, to inspire them in the pursuit of their ambitions.

You can learn about the prognosticator's assessment of the writ of consecration, and the opportunities it would create, in the '''[[Golden light]]''' wind of fortune.
<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage|file=RhianosArt.jpg|align=right|width=400}}</div>

===Second Star (Rhianos Race)===
* '''Competitors in Rhianos' great race'''
In Summer 386YE, the [[Rhianos|Regent of the Eternal Sea]], announced they were holding a great race, an [[Famine_and_feast#Rhianos|epic voyage]] to the four corners of the world. Those who successfully completed the [[Famine and feast|first leg]] were [[Roaring_plenty|given three new options]] for the second leg depending on whether they valued loot, adventure in the unknown, or wished to set their sails '''straight on for glory''', hoping against hope to win the sweet prize of victory for themselves. The race is still only half complete, there are two more seasons to go before someone can complete the entire voyage. There are few changes this season for those who have stayed the course, say the heralds of the ''Brilliant Kingfisher'', but the course has shifted again.

You can find out about the new course, and the first inklings of the finish line, in the '''[[Second star]]''' wind of fortune.

===Lit Up (Mareave)===
* '''Golden Pyramid; Imperial Orcs, Urizen; Minister of Historical Research, Imperial Consul, Senator for Mareave'''
[[Mareave]], second territory of the [[Imperial Orcs]] nation, is the southerly territory in the Empire and potentially the most exposed. As autumn turns to winter, its inhabitants pan for the coming year. What endeavours might work, who might be convinced to support whom in an undertaking, and what to do if - or when - the Grendel return. There is plenty going on. The [[Golden Pyramid]] remain in the territory, keenly searching for [[opportunity|opportunities]] to establish new ventures and use their magic to enhance the prosperity of its citizens. The cautiously friendly [[Skoura|Skourans]] look for new ways to approach the fact their old lands of Mahal are now controlled by orcs very different to the original Grendel inhabitants. And in the south the [[Illarawm]] sect make their approach to the [[Region_qualities#Uncooperative|uncooperative]] Brine Turtles, hoping to find ways to build new bridges.

You can learn about these diplomatic developments in Mareave, and the exciting potential of a true grand lodge, in the '''[[Lit up]]''' wind of fortune.
===Obsidian Shards (Spiral)===
* '''People of Spiral; Senator for Spiral, Oblivion Sentinel'''
The situation in [[Spiral]] has been slowly stabilising over the course of the last year, but peace is never a given in a territory scarred by the presence of the {{Black Plateau}}. Now it seems that a renegade force of former rebels, former Urizen who chose to remain in Ankra and become foreigners, have been harbouring a terrible corruption for many years. Their belief that there is a terrible conspiracy afoot in the Empire has led them to begin attacking Imperial citizens. Disavowed by their former allies, they are closing in on targets and only Imperial heroes have a chance to stop them.

You can learn about this renegade faction, and the threat they pose, in the '''[[Obsidian shards]]''' wind of fortune.

===Rumblings in the Gullet===
* '''People who live in territories on the Gullet; Roost's Reeve; Kjellen Saltmire; Claviger of the Basilica of Cora Holdfast'''
A minor tremor has been felt in the territories on the Gullet. Settlements along the coast have suffered some minor, superficial damage, but that alone would not be enough to cause too much of a stir. Then reports of items washing onto shore began. Followed by sightings of strange, shambling figures. Finally, people have gone missing.

You can learn about the strange occurrences centred around the Gullet in the '''[[Rumblings in the Gullet]]''' wind of fortune.

===Watching You Well===
* '''Assembly of Nine; Dedicants of Vigilance; Imperial Senate; The Throne; Allies of the Hand of Dumon; People with an interest in the law'''
Last season '''Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra''' raised a judgement in the Assembly of Nine to direct the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)|Silent Bell]] to investigate the Hand of Dumon, including anything connecting the group to the {{Black Plateau}}. Over the last three months, the Silent Bell have reached out to the Suranni magicians who fled the Iron Confederacy for more information on the membership and ethos of the illegal group.

You can learn about what the Silent Bell were to uncover in the '''[[Watching you well]]''' wind of fortune.
===All the Wind (Faraden)===
* '''Ambassador to Faraden; Celestial Arch Conclave Order; Imperial magicians of all stripes; Holberg Chamber of Commerce; Azure Sutannir; Imperial fleets'''
The lifeblood of [[Faraden]] is trade, but it is also a country of canny wizards, courageous warriors, and proud (albeit heretical) priests. Lying beyond the [[Jotun]] and the [[Iron Confederacy]], they send their caravans to Imperial markets despite the high tariffs they must pay to pass through the lands between. Diplomatic relations between the Court of the Five Winds and the [[Senate]] are changeable - warm one moment, cool the next - but it has never come to open warfare. Right now Faraden is squeezed between two competing interests - the Empire on one side and the angry Plenum of the [[Asavean Archipelago]] on the other - and they must walk a knife-edge between the two powerful nations.

You can learn about diplomatic developments, and several opportunities, in the '''[[All the wind]]''' wind of fortune.

===Bitter and Absolute (Iron Confederacy)===
* '''Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy; Golden Fleet Salvagemaster; Imperial fleets;
The Iron Confederacy sees itself as a potential rival to the Empire, a powerful nation that matches its northern neighbours in size and strength. It's hard to prove or disprove their claims, unlikely as they seem, and despite centuries of grudging trade and even the occasional war, Imperial scholars know little about the south-western nation. Diplomacy between the Ducal Council and the Empire continues to shift, though the Senate's removal of tariffs and outlawing the trade of narcotic goods to the Suranni has seen an uptick in relations.

You can learn about trade, diplomacy, and a strange shipwreck in the '''[[Bitter and absolute]]''' wind of fortune.

===About Today (Thule)===
* '''Ambassador to Otkodov; Scops of Wintermark; Bond Holders of the Five Fang Consortium; Custodian of the Gift of the Dwindling Star; Mediator of Wreck'''
The Thule are ruled by their magicians. Almost all positions of authority are held by those capable of working magic. Ritual magicians - or warlocks - hold more power than those who focus on the performance of incantations, and the nation as a whole is ruled with an iron fist by potent, aged shaman-ritualists called the [[Thule lore#Dragons|Dragons]]. The long peace between the Thule and the Empire is close to ending; if there is no agreement then there will be war after the Summer Solstice 387YE.

You can learn about diplomacy, cultural exchange, and the highs and lows of making deals in the '''[[About today]]''' wind of fortune.

===Mistaken For Strangers (Visitors)===
* '''People with business with the Kulsdottir; Blaze Dunning; High Bard of the Empire; Generals of the Black Thorns, Citadel Guard, Drakes, Granite Pillar, and Tusks; Unlineaged humans who want to become changelings; Questors and Guides dedicated to Wisdom; People of Dawn and Varushka with an interest in the Deadwood Knight; People interested in talking to representatives of ''The Falconer''; Musicians; People of Dawn with an opinion on Glory; People of the League with an interest in deals; People interested in incense; People who called the Ketsov to inquisition; Highborn Unconquered; The Red Bramble; Friends of Rahuun Amahuz; People with an opinion on the Marracossans; and People with an interest in the Sand Fishers'''
Every season, people from across the Empire and beyond make their way to Anvil. Not just the Imperial citizens who are drawn to influence the major houses of state, but those who want help with their problems, or who have an idea for an amazing scheme that will definitely make everyone involved rich.

You can learn about some of these opportunities to interact with weird and wonderful visitors in the '''[[Mistaken for strangers]]''' wind of fortune.
===Patterns of Fairytales (Winds of Magic)===
* '''Imperial magicians and the Imperial Conclave; Silver Chalice order, Unfettered Mind or Shuttered Lantern; those who make or own arcane projections; Kallavesi mystics; Dean of the Lyceum, Marchers who like a party, Marcher farm owners, Landskeepers; Icewalkers; people interested in the Loom of Spells; anyone who has a pinch of stardust; Enchanter Edmund Torawyr, Florence i Fuego i Erigo, and any Imperial title-holders who are potentially willing to accept bribes; anyone worried about Tharim'''
The winds of magic blow, through the mortal world and from the [[Realm|magical realms]]. It includes discussions of the [[Silver Chalice]] efforts to help deal with the repercussions of the Scorrero flooding, a grand conjunction with major implications for those who make or [[arcane projection|arcane projections]]; the auction of a [[college of magic]]; and visits to the swamps for [[Kallavesi]] mystic vision questers. There's also additional guests at Marcher Wassail, a strange undertaking involving Azoth and alchemy; discussion of letters to Lashonar; someone odd wanting to speak to Icewalkers; and a whole bunch of other eternal related shenanigans for good measure.

You can learn about magical developments, and opportunities, in the '''[[Patterns of fairytales]]''' wind of magic.
===One of Us (Asavea)===
* '''Imperial Synod; Loyalty Assembly; Sevenfold Path; folk invested in spreading the Way in Asavea'''
The Imperial Synod has committed to the spreading of the Way to Asavea. [[Irreconcilable_differences|Conflict with]] the [[Senate]] has been resolved through the use of the [[veto]], and certain compromises have been suggested, and missionaries and wayfarers continue to head east with the help of the [[the Brass Coast|Freeborn]]. The missionaries are not the only people heaving east. At the direction of the Conclave, magicians of the [[Sevenfold Path]] have slipped into Asavea, in the hope that they may be able to make contact with virtuous magicians who follow the Way. At the same time, the Loyalty assembly searches for ways for its members to directly aid the grand undertaking - not through straightforward missionary work but by identifying those who would change Asavea for the better and urging them to follow the voice of their heart.

You can learn about the recent developments in this grand undertaking, slow and steady as it may prove to be, in the '''[[One of us]]''' wind of fortune.
===Rebels and Loyalists (Marches)===
* '''General Assembly, Loyalty Assembly, Pride Assembly; the Marches'''
There are two developments in the Imperial Synod following the Autumn Equinox that have eyebrows raised across the Marches. The first is the decision of the [[Pride]] assembly to seek [[recognition]] for the [[The_Ore_Hills_Rebellion#The_Ore_Hills_Ringleaders|ringleaders]] of [[the Ore Hills Rebellion]]. The other is the [[revocation]] of one of the Marcher [[Senator|senators]], for what seems to amount to an accusation of being "disloyal to the nation" - something that the [[Loyalty]] assembly has been very clear over the years is not acceptable.

You can learn about these two spiritual matters, and what they might portend, in the '''[[Rebels and loyalists]]''' wind of fortune.

==Other Events==
===Beasts and Birds===
* '''Some animals in Sermersuaq and neighbouring territories have become wilder'''
* '''There is no obvious explanation for it, but it does not seem to be getting more widespread'''
In [[Sermersuaq]], and neighbouring territories, beasts have become wilder. Previously tame livestock have begun to bite or butt at the hands they once welcomed. Birds peck at those that come near, even with feed. Pets bite and hiss at their once-beloved owners.

<big>'''Participation'''</big><br>
If your character lives in Sermersuaq, or one of the neighbouring territories, then this might have happened to
you or someone you know. An appropriate story could involve a wild animal attacking where it usually would flee, or a beloved pet behaving in an unlikely manner.

==Trade Summary==
Rather than spread this information out around the various foreign nations, we've collected it here for ease of reference.

* '''Axos:''' The Axos continue to be annoyed about revelations relating to Imperial involvement in the failure of their [[Roll and fall|joint venture with the Grendel]] into the Mountains of the Moon. Consequently, Imperial fleets suffer penalties to trade with Axos. A fleet captain trading at the [[Axos_ports#Towers_of_Kantor|Towers of Kantor]] suffers a 1 rank penalty.
* '''Commonwealth:''' The ports of [[Commonwealth_ports#Leerdam_.28Eastern_Commonwealth.29|Leerdam]] and [[Commonwealth_ports#Volkavaar_.28Western_Commonwealth.29|Volkavaar]] welcome Imperial traders and their production has been significantly altered. You can find out more about the new items on the '''[[According_to_principle#New_trade|According to principle]]''' wind of fortune. Fleets trading with either Commonwealth port benefit from a 1 rank bonus due to the [[Authority_and_acceptance#Red_Sails|Asavean bounty]] on fleets trading with the Empire.
* '''Faraden:''' The port of [[Foreign_ports#Caitun|Caitun]] welcomes Imperial fleets. Fleets from the Marches and Wintermark benefit from a +1 rank bonus due to close proximity. The production of Caitun has shifted to produce 2 fewer ingots of orichalcum and 1 more giant blood whelk. You can find out more about the situation on the '''[[All_the_wind#Whelks_and_Yaks|All the wind]]''' wind of fortune.
* '''Iron Confederacy:''' The port of [[Iron_Confederacy_ports#Robec|Robec]] is available for Imperial fleets.

* '''Sarcophan Delves:''' The ports of [[Sarcophan_Delves_ports#Sarcophan|Sarcophan]] and [[Sarcophan Delves ports#Betovering|Betovering]] welcome Imperial traders.
* '''Sumaah Republic:''' The port of [[Foreign_ports#Zemeh|Zemeh]] welcomes Imperial traders, and its production has been significantly altered. You can find out more about the changes on the '''[[Friend_of_mine#Inspire_Others|Friend of mine]]''' wind of fortune.


==Mandates==
* '''You can find details of the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, [[386YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Mandate|here]].'''
A number of [[mandate|mandates]] were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod last season. As long as the named priest provided sufficient liao, those mandates have been [[Mandate#Implementing_a_Mandate|automatically enacted]].

==Autumn Conjunctions==
* '''Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here'''
During the Autumn Equinox, there were a number of [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions|conjunctions]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the [[Military Council]] can only make use of ''two'' of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the Muster.
===Major Conjunctions===
<table><tr><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Location'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opportunity'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Opposition'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Link'''</td><td style="background-color: LightGray;">'''Outcome'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Madruga|Madruga, Free Landing, Freeborn Plain]]</td><td>Break the ''Gathering Storm''</td><td>Children of Wrecks</td><td>[[The gathering storm|The Gathering Storm]]</td><td>Not taken; the Children of Wrecks have formed a navy; Thunderous Deluge unleashed across Madruga </td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mournwold|Mournwold, Ore Hills, Jade Wood]]</td><td>Rouse the Mourn's defenders</td><td>Jotun</td><td>[[The_wild_wind_rises#Sixty_Years_Gone_(Battle_Opportunity)|Sixty Years Gone]]</td><td>Field Marshall was '''Jedediah Boon''' of [[the Marches]]; the Miners of the Mourn were rescued; the Summerborn Champions were defeated; the fate of the Hooper Ghosts is unknown</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Therunin|Therunin, Sweetglades, Ashborder]]</td><td>Stop the Druj's plan</td><td>Druj</td><td>[[Blood_and_mire#All_Along_the_Lakeside_(Battle_Opportunity)|All Along the Lakeside]]</td><td>Field Marshall was '''Cadwell Waystone''' of [[Navarr]]; Blood Drainers coven was stopped; Cintra Blackstaff was stopped; the fate of the Beasts of Sweetglades is unknown</td></tr></table>

===Normal Conjunctions===
{|table class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Location !! Responsibility !! Overview !! Result
|-
| 1 || The Barrens, Untrod Groves, Skrengal Copse || [[Knight-protector|Knight-protector of Spring]] || [[Blood_and_mire#Dreams_and_Nightmares_%28The_Barrens%29|Kill the Druj ritualists]] || Druj ritualists killed
|-
| 2 || Morrow, Peregro, Iulia's Grove || [[Churnspire Adjutor]] || [[Blood_and_mire#Unexpected_Laughter_(Morrow)|Kill the ''Shuddering Wrast'']] || Shuddering Wrast killed and the rest of the Druj defeated
|-
| 3 || Mournwold, Chalkdowns, Tilly's Howe || [[Keeper of the Happiston Fields]] || [[As_it_is_when_it_was#Between_the_Lines_%28Mournwold%29|Investigate the disturbance]] || Unknown but '''Tilly of Chalkdown''', the Keeper of the Happiston Fields, should know more
|-
| 4 || Miaren, Goldglades, Soured Pasture || [[Rod and Shield|Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield]] || [[How_to_be_dead#A_Sudden_Chill|Kill the followers of the Braying Lord]] || Followers of the Braying Lord escaped and whereabouts are unknown
|-
| 5 || Therunin, Peakedge Song, Bronwen's Stand || [[Eastern Broker]] || [[Blood_and_mire#Colour_of_Trust_(Therunin)|Stop the Druj]] || Druj all killed
|-
| 6 || Hahnmark, Wood Heath, Tainted Bawn || [[Imperial Huntsmarshall]] || [[How_to_be_dead#A_Bitter_Thought|Kill the Crimson Band]] || Crimson Band all killed
|-
| 7 || Nithoggir, Skarlans, Shaft #3 || [[Ambassador to Otkodov]] || [[Authority_and_acceptance#Capital_at_Risk|Investigate the situation]] || Unknown but '''Kindra Surefoot''', the Ambassador to Otkodov, should know more
|-
| 8 || Temeschwar, Vardstein Vale, Putrid Fields || [[Delver of the Depths]] || [[How_to_be_dead#Under_the_Dust|Slay the Braying Lord]] || Some Imperial casualties. Braying Lord and its followers all slain
|-
| 9 || Holberg, Holmauer, Wunderkind Fields || [[Custodian of the Bloody Great Sausage]] || [[Hey_now_how_you_doing%3F#Taste_of_Solitude_(Holberg)|Kill the Feasters of Marrow]] || Feasters of Marrow all killed
|-
| 10 || Tassato, Tassato Mestra, Felladonni Woods || [[Tassatan Hills]] || [[The_wild_wind_rises#Lion_on_the_Hill_(Tassato)|Stop the warband from claiming ilium]] || Jotun defeated and ilium protected
|-
| 11 || Mournwold, Southmoor, Charlie's Coppice || '''Nigel Hornbeam''' || [[The_wild_wind_rises#Leaning_on_the_Knife_(Mournwold)|Kill Dalton Royse]] || Jotun defeated but Dalton Royse not found. Defeat of Jotun meant Dalton Royse was later discovered and executed by beaters
|-
| 12 || Astolat, Winterbourne, the Grand Spinney || '''Jared of the Sentinels Tower''' ||[[Hey_now_how_you_doing%3F#Gifts_(Astolat)|Kill the Speakers of Famine]]|| Speakers of Famine all killed
|-
| 13 || Mournwold, Southmoor, Fecund Boscage || '''Olyvar of Esther's Sanctum''' || [[The_wild_wind_rises#Connecting_Lines_(Mournwold)|Clear the last Jotun cache]] || Jotun killed. Last Jotun cache claimed
|-
| 14 || Ayereed, Cornaghan, Anabla's Orchard || [[Seventh Wave|General of the Seventh Wave]] || [[Steel_and_salt#A_New_Arrival_(Ayereed)|Stop the Asaveans from reinforcing Stormlords Rise]] || Asaveans and Grendel killed. Chest claimed from the Asaveans
|-
| 15 || Mournwold, Chalkdowns, Broken Corral || [[Reeve of the Happiston Mana Exchange]] || [[The_wild_wind_rises#A_Matter_of_Thought_(Mournwold)|Defeat the Jotun]] || Jotun defeated
|-
| 16 || Sarvos, Uccelini, Isle of the Fox || [[Steward of the Sarvos Mana Exchange]] || [[Glass_and_flame#A_Pile_of_Sand_(Sarvos)|Protect the Isle of the Fox]] || Grendel all killed
|-
| 17 || Bregasland, Grey Fens, Hal's Hollow || [[Imperial Advisor for the Feni]] || [[The_wild_wind_rises#Lessons_and_Teachers_(Bregasland)|Stop the Jotun slaughtering the Feni]] || Jotun defeated and Feni protected. [[Liathaven#Liath's Ring|Liath's Ring]] has gained the under threat quality
|-
| 18 || Kallavesa, West Marsh, Ardith's Holt || [[Speaker of the Crows]] || [[Harvest_of_infamy#A_Sense_of_Humour_(Kallavesa)|Protect the Pilgrim's Trail from the Asaveans]] || ''High Voice Chiara'' survived. Grendel and rest of Asaveans killed. Whereabouts of High Voice Chiara unknown.
|-
| 19 || Madruga, Calvos Sound, Santana's Path || [[Hand of Guerra]] || [[The_gathering_storm#Like_Lightning_and_Rain_(Madruga)|Kill the wreckers]] || Some Imperial casualties. Wreckers defeated
|-
| 20 || Necropolis, Longbeach, Magazjin Plain || [[Kruidenkenner Trademaster]] || [[The_gathering_storm#Plans_(Necropolis)|Kill the wreckers]] || Some wreckers killed but Imperial retreat after casualties
|-
| 21 || Volodmartz, Perumaki, the Choked Forest || [[Grim Gardener]] || [[As_it_is_when_it_was#A_Different_Dance_%28Volodmartz%29|Soothe the wolves of Nadezhdikov]] || Wolves of Nadezhdikov soothed
|-
| 22 || Spiral, Apulus, Eammon's Bawn || [[Spiral|Senator for Spiral]] ||[[The_gathering_storm#The_Storm_Gathers_(Spiral)|Stop the ''Wailing Gyre'']] || Some Imperial casualties but the Wailing Gyre all killed
|-
| 23 || Karov, Duzekani, Bulgakov || [[Grieftender of the Forgotten]] || [[All_the_way_to_Anvil#Reclamation_of_Bulgakov_(Conjunctions)|Make the vale of Bulgakov inhabitable]] || Deadly black glass was cleansed and Bulgakov made inhabitable
|-
|}