A pleasing and deceptive face - Revision history

Twiggy at 14:35, 19 March 2026

2026-03-19T14:35:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:35, 19 March 2026
Line 86:		Line 86:
	* '''Estavus will send emissaries to the Hall of Worlds at three o'clock on Saturday afternoon.'''		* '''Estavus will send emissaries to the Hall of Worlds at three o'clock on Saturday afternoon.'''
	* '''The Autumn archmage is currently Edmundo of Damakan's Forge of Urizen'''		* '''The Autumn archmage is currently Edmundo of Damakan's Forge of Urizen'''
	On the first day of Autumn, at roughly the midpoint between the Solstice and the Equinox, a squat construct of brass and porcelain in the shape of an oversized child visits Anvil via the Imperial regio. It delivers a message from the ''Prince of Shikal'', speaking in a disturbing off-kilter voice full of clicks and ticks. The ''Forgemistress'' accepts the invitation of the Archmage of Autumn, but rather than request a formal parley she proposes a ''veilingmarkt'' to be overseen by ''Supervisor Coal'', one of her trusted representatives..		On the first day of Autumn, at roughly the midpoint between the Solstice and the Equinox, a squat construct of brass and porcelain in the shape of an oversized child visits Anvil via the Imperial regio. It delivers a message from the ''Prince of Shikal'', speaking in a disturbing off-kilter voice full of clicks and ticks. The ''Forgemistress'' accepts the invitation of the Archmage of Autumn, but rather than request a formal parley she proposes a ''veilingmarkt'' to be overseen by ''Supervisor Coal'', one of her trusted representatives.

	A ''veilingmarkt'' is a Sarcophan term that translates roughly as an "auction market" - a practice whereby some Sarcophan captains auction their goods on the docks at the [[Sarcophan_Delves_ports\|Delves]] direct from the holds of their ships rather than paying to maintain warehouse space. The veilingmarkt would begin at three in the afternoon on Saturday in the Hall of Worlds. While it would not be a formal parley, the ''World Forge'' will ensure that the market is secured.		A ''veilingmarkt'' is a Sarcophan term that translates roughly as an "auction market" - a practice whereby some Sarcophan captains auction their goods on the docks at the [[Sarcophan_Delves_ports\|Delves]] direct from the holds of their ships rather than paying to maintain warehouse space. The veilingmarkt would begin at three in the afternoon on Saturday in the Hall of Worlds. While it would not be a formal parley, the ''World Forge'' will ensure that the market is secured.

Twiggy at 18:42, 15 January 2026

2026-01-15T18:42:52Z

Beeswax at 11:35, 18 March 2022

2022-03-18T11:35:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:35, 18 March 2022
Line 53:		Line 53:
	It finished with an invitation to the Archmage and four other Imperial citizens, their names beautifully inlaid in gold leaf, each of whom was permitted to bring another guest with them.		It finished with an invitation to the Archmage and four other Imperial citizens, their names beautifully inlaid in gold leaf, each of whom was permitted to bring another guest with them.

	"''In addition to yourself - or your emissary - invitations are offered to Sagua i Ezmara ~~i Erigo~~; Ceinwen Eternal, Mistress of Ice and Darkess; Urien Novarion of Dawn; and Lady Izett, Knight Protector of Summer. Each guest may bring one other with them - as fellow guest or bodyguard. The meeting shall not be considered a formal parley, but it is expected that the guests will honour the rules of civil discourse and respect the bonds of hospitality.''"		"''In addition to yourself - or your emissary - invitations are offered to Sagua i Ezmara; Ceinwen Eternal, Mistress of Ice and Darkess; Urien Novarion of Dawn; and Lady Izett, Knight Protector of Summer. Each guest may bring one other with them - as fellow guest or bodyguard. The meeting shall not be considered a formal parley, but it is expected that the guests will honour the rules of civil discourse and respect the bonds of hospitality.''"

	Finally, at the bottom, was the deep crimson seal of Eleonaris - a roaring lion beneath a crown.		Finally, at the bottom, was the deep crimson seal of Eleonaris - a roaring lion beneath a crown.

GuiltyConscience: /* Kimus */

2019-09-02T21:07:24Z

Kimus

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:07, 2 September 2019
Line 114:		Line 114:
	At sunset a fortnight after the Summer Solstice, a gently chiming ball of silver and gold light appears in the air at the Anvil regio. It makes its way directly to the hub, where it hovers politely for several minutes until one of the civil servants plucks up the courage to speak to it. In a gentle, musical voice it announces that it is a messenger from ''the Glass of the Heavens'' and has been sent with a message for the Archmage of Day and the magicians of the Imperial Conclave.		At sunset a fortnight after the Summer Solstice, a gently chiming ball of silver and gold light appears in the air at the Anvil regio. It makes its way directly to the hub, where it hovers politely for several minutes until one of the civil servants plucks up the courage to speak to it. In a gentle, musical voice it announces that it is a messenger from ''the Glass of the Heavens'' and has been sent with a message for the Archmage of Day and the magicians of the Imperial Conclave.

	''She-who-watches'' invites the Archmage of Day to bring three Imperial citizens - those holding the titles of [[Imperial Seer]], [[Imperial ~~Spy Master~~]], and [[Penumbral Watcher]] - to speak with '''Goyleer''' and ''Seelath'', two of Kimus' senior heralds, at a place called the ''Interstitial Confluence''. A guide will be sent to the Hall of Worlds at half past ten on Saturday night to that will lead them to the Interstitial Confluence, and return them safely once the meeting is complete. There will be some opportunity to talk about Kimus' relationship with the Empire and - given the composition of the delegation - presumably to discuss how the ''Seer Clad in Veils of Light'' can help the Empire to observe its enemies and keep watch over its own people.		''She-who-watches'' invites the Archmage of Day to bring three Imperial citizens - those holding the titles of [[Imperial Seer]], [[Imperial Spymaster]], and [[Penumbral Watcher]] - to speak with '''Goyleer''' and '''Seelath''', two of Kimus' senior heralds, at a place called the ''Interstitial Confluence''. A guide will be sent to the Hall of Worlds at half past ten on Saturday night to that will lead them to the Interstitial Confluence, and return them safely once the meeting is complete. There will be some opportunity to talk about Kimus' relationship with the Empire and - given the composition of the delegation - presumably to discuss how the ''Seer Clad in Veils of Light'' can help the Empire to observe its enemies and keep watch over its own people.

	The herald pauses for a few moments, ringing gently, and then with every indication it is picking its words carefully, continues to speak.		The herald pauses for a few moments, ringing gently, and then with every indication it is picking its words carefully, continues to speak.
Line 120:		Line 120:
	In her plenipotentiary message, Skywise Gralka suggested that there were a number of Imperial citizens who wished to speak with the ''Satrap of Dawn'' on "''matters of magic''". Regretfully, ''Unblinking Eye'' has no interest in such a meeting. If there are specific magicians of the Empire who wish to discuss specific magical matters relevant to the interests of the ''Unsleeping'' then that would be a different matter - but there will be no general meeting with people asking unanticipated questions as there is little benefit in such an arrangement for the ''Endless Watcher''. Perhaps the Archmage may wish to propose a future parley once the precise nature of the queries the magicians of the Empire may have has been determined. Few eternals - and certainly none from the Realm of Light and Water - will be likely to respond positively to such a general invitation.		In her plenipotentiary message, Skywise Gralka suggested that there were a number of Imperial citizens who wished to speak with the ''Satrap of Dawn'' on "''matters of magic''". Regretfully, ''Unblinking Eye'' has no interest in such a meeting. If there are specific magicians of the Empire who wish to discuss specific magical matters relevant to the interests of the ''Unsleeping'' then that would be a different matter - but there will be no general meeting with people asking unanticipated questions as there is little benefit in such an arrangement for the ''Endless Watcher''. Perhaps the Archmage may wish to propose a future parley once the precise nature of the queries the magicians of the Empire may have has been determined. Few eternals - and certainly none from the Realm of Light and Water - will be likely to respond positively to such a general invitation.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Bravash.png\|width=100\|align=right}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Bravash.png\|width=100\|align=right}}

	==An Unexpected Request==		==An Unexpected Request==
	* '''A formal request for parley has been received from a hitherto unfamiliar eternal of the Spring Realm.'''		* '''A formal request for parley has been received from a hitherto unfamiliar eternal of the Spring Realm.'''

GuiltyConscience: /* Timetable */

2019-09-02T21:05:19Z

Timetable

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:05, 2 September 2019
Line 140:		Line 140:
	\| Friday \|\| 7:15pm \|\| Eleonaris \|\| Summer \|\| Parley		\| Friday \|\| 7:15pm \|\| Eleonaris \|\| Summer \|\| Parley
	\|-		\|-
	\| Friday \|\| 12:~~00pm~~\|\| Surut \|\| Winter \|\| Parley and discussion		\| Friday \|\| 12:00am\|\| Surut \|\| Winter \|\| Parley and discussion
	\|-		\|-
	\| Saturday \|\| 3:00pm \|\| Estavus \|\| Autumn \|\| Market		\| Saturday \|\| 3:00pm \|\| Estavus \|\| Autumn \|\| Market

GuiltyConscience at 20:59, 2 September 2019

2019-09-02T20:59:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:59, 2 September 2019
Line 18:		Line 18:
	She paused as if waiting for Latheria to speak, the vate simply stared impassively at the young briar woman. The silence stretched out. Tita could not shake the suspicion this encounter was not going the way the briar expected. Taking her eyes off the hulking spawn of the Green Mother, she snuck a sideways glance at Aubie. He made a quick silent-speak hand gesture that comprehensively communicated his own unease, but kept his attention focused on the deadly creatures flanking the speaker.		She paused as if waiting for Latheria to speak, the vate simply stared impassively at the young briar woman. The silence stretched out. Tita could not shake the suspicion this encounter was not going the way the briar expected. Taking her eyes off the hulking spawn of the Green Mother, she snuck a sideways glance at Aubie. He made a quick silent-speak hand gesture that comprehensively communicated his own unease, but kept his attention focused on the deadly creatures flanking the speaker.

	"The message is for the Fabienne, the Archmage of Spring." said the briar at last, her voice thick with barely-contained frustration. "Tell him that the Voice of the Oak made an offer at the beginning of Summer, to end hostilities, but the Empire chose to ignore it. The Imperial Conclave still considers itself an enemy of the Endless Forest. The Navarr would rather embrace the Druj ~~that~~ accept the gifts of the Green Mother. So be it. The Empire will reap the consequences of its decisions."		"The message is for the Fabienne, the Archmage of Spring." said the briar at last, her voice thick with barely-contained frustration. "Tell him that the Voice of the Oak made an offer at the beginning of Summer, to end hostilities, but the Empire chose to ignore it. The Imperial Conclave still considers itself an enemy of the Endless Forest. The Navarr would rather embrace the Druj than accept the gifts of the Green Mother. So be it. The Empire will reap the consequences of its decisions."

	She paused for breath, casting an imperious gaze across the vates who continued to remain calm and silent. The briar woman bit her lip, a flare of uncertainty on her bark-twisted features. Tita was surprised at how very young she looked in that moment.		She paused for breath, casting an imperious gaze across the vates who continued to remain calm and silent. The briar woman bit her lip, a flare of uncertainty on her bark-twisted features. Tita was surprised at how very young she looked in that moment.

GuiltyConscience at 20:58, 2 September 2019

2019-09-02T20:58:48Z

Rafferty: /* Timetable */

2019-09-02T20:50:50Z

Timetable

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:50, 2 September 2019
Line 152:		Line 152:
	\|}		\|}

	<quote by="On the six realms, Saul of Cantiarch's Hold, Magister of Highguard, 27YE">At least the eternals of Winter are open and honest about their evil nature. The eternals of the other realms are equally dangerous, but present a pleasing and deceptive face, which is accepted without scrutiny.</quote>		<quote by="On the six realms, Saul of Cantiarch's Hold, Magister of Highguard, 27YE">At least the eternals of Winter are open and honest about their evil nature. The eternals of the other realms are equally dangerous, but present a pleasing and deceptive face, which is all too readily accepted without scrutiny.</quote>

Rafferty: /* Timetable */

2019-09-02T20:50:33Z

Timetable

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:50, 2 September 2019
Line 152:		Line 152:
	\|}		\|}

	<quote by=""On the six realms", Saul of Cantiarch's Hold, Magister of Highguard, 27YE">At least the eternals of Winter are open and honest about their evil nature. The eternals of the other realms are equally dangerous, but present a pleasing and deceptive face, which is accepted without scrutiny.</quote>		<quote by="On the six realms, Saul of Cantiarch's Hold, Magister of Highguard, 27YE">At least the eternals of Winter are open and honest about their evil nature. The eternals of the other realms are equally dangerous, but present a pleasing and deceptive face, which is accepted without scrutiny.</quote>

Rafferty: /* Timetable */

2019-09-02T20:50:18Z

Timetable

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:50, 2 September 2019
Line 152:		Line 152:
	\|}		\|}

	<quote by="~~'''~~On the six realms~~'''~~, Saul of Cantiarch's Hold, Magister of Highguard, 27YE">At least the eternals of Winter are open and honest about their evil nature. The eternals of the other realms are equally dangerous, but present a pleasing and deceptive face, which is accepted without scrutiny.</quote>		<quote by=""On the six realms", Saul of Cantiarch's Hold, Magister of Highguard, 27YE">At least the eternals of Winter are open and honest about their evil nature. The eternals of the other realms are equally dangerous, but present a pleasing and deceptive face, which is accepted without scrutiny.</quote>

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:42, 15 January 2026
Line 47:		Line 47:
	* '''The Lady of Pennants has suggested that certain Imperial courtiers should meet with her favoured diplomatic entourage in the Hall of Fellowship at quarter-past seven on Friday night.'''		* '''The Lady of Pennants has suggested that certain Imperial courtiers should meet with her favoured diplomatic entourage in the Hall of Fellowship at quarter-past seven on Friday night.'''
	* '''The current archmage of Summer is Brother Luke of The Shattered Tower'''		* '''The current archmage of Summer is Brother Luke of The Shattered Tower'''
	A month after the Summer Solstice, a willowy elfin creature arrived at the Castle of Thorns bearing a message from the Summer ~~Realm~~. She did not speak to any of the civil servants associated with the Conclave, merely handed over a scroll of iridescent red and burnished gold, and departed. When unfurled, the scroll proved to be a message from the Lady of Pennants, the Queen of the Fields of Glory, Eleonaris.		A month after the Summer Solstice, a willowy elfin creature arrived at the Castle of Thorns bearing a message from the Summer realm. She did not speak to any of the civil servants associated with the Conclave, merely handed over a scroll of iridescent red and burnished gold, and departed. When unfurled, the scroll proved to be a message from the Lady of Pennants, the Queen of the Fields of Glory, Eleonaris.

	"''Archmage!''" it read. "''In an Empire where words speak of our friendship but deeds show poor regard, I cannot agree to your request. But allow me to be civil. I enclose a list of Imperial courtiers who would be welcome to greet my diplomats in the Hall of Fellowship, a convivial chamber of Summer. Each should bring a guest of their choosing. You may wish to join them also, though since I will not be in attendance, no slight will be assumed if you prefer to send a member of your entourage or household instead. The Chamber will open at quarter past seven, on the Friday evening of the Equinox. A guide will be sent to the Hall of Worlds to provide safe passage.''"		"''Archmage!''" it read. "''In an Empire where words speak of our friendship but deeds show poor regard, I cannot agree to your request. But allow me to be civil. I enclose a list of Imperial courtiers who would be welcome to greet my diplomats in the Hall of Fellowship, a convivial chamber of Summer. Each should bring a guest of their choosing. You may wish to join them also, though since I will not be in attendance, no slight will be assumed if you prefer to send a member of your entourage or household instead. The Chamber will open at quarter past seven, on the Friday evening of the Equinox. A guide will be sent to the Hall of Worlds to provide safe passage.''"
Line 118:		Line 118:
	The herald pauses for a few moments, ringing gently, and then with every indication it is picking its words carefully, continues to speak.		The herald pauses for a few moments, ringing gently, and then with every indication it is picking its words carefully, continues to speak.

	In her plenipotentiary message, Skywise Gralka suggested that there were a number of Imperial citizens who wished to speak with the ''Satrap of Dawn'' on "''matters of magic''". Regretfully, ''Unblinking Eye'' has no interest in such a meeting. If there are specific magicians of the Empire who wish to discuss specific magical matters relevant to the interests of the ''Unsleeping'' then that would be a different matter - but there will be no general meeting with people asking unanticipated questions as there is little benefit in such an arrangement for the ''Endless Watcher''. Perhaps the Archmage may wish to propose a future parley once the precise nature of the queries the magicians of the Empire may have has been determined. Few eternals - and certainly none from the ~~Realm~~ of Light and Water - will be likely to respond positively to such a general invitation.		In her plenipotentiary message, Skywise Gralka suggested that there were a number of Imperial citizens who wished to speak with the ''Satrap of Dawn'' on "''matters of magic''". Regretfully, ''Unblinking Eye'' has no interest in such a meeting. If there are specific magicians of the Empire who wish to discuss specific magical matters relevant to the interests of the ''Unsleeping'' then that would be a different matter - but there will be no general meeting with people asking unanticipated questions as there is little benefit in such an arrangement for the ''Endless Watcher''. Perhaps the Archmage may wish to propose a future parley once the precise nature of the queries the magicians of the Empire may have has been determined. Few eternals - and certainly none from the realm of Light and Water - will be likely to respond positively to such a general invitation.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Bravash.png\|width=100\|align=right}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Bravash.png\|width=100\|align=right}}

	==An Unexpected Request==		==An Unexpected Request==
	* '''A formal request for parley has been received from a hitherto unfamiliar eternal of the Spring ~~Realm~~.'''		* '''A formal request for parley has been received from a hitherto unfamiliar eternal of the Spring realm.'''
	* '''They are requesting a meeting with the Archmage of Spring in the Hall of Worlds at five o'clock on Saturday evening.'''		* '''They are requesting a meeting with the Archmage of Spring in the Hall of Worlds at five o'clock on Saturday evening.'''
	With six eternals having communicated messages either directly to the civil service or via the Navarr, it is assumed that the responses to the plenipotentiary messages of the Summer Solstice are complete. It comes as something of a surprise however when a ''seventh'' messenger arrives at Anvil three weeks before the Autumn Equinox. She is clearly not an Imperial citizen, but neither does she appear to be a creature of the realms. Wrapped in gorgeous green and blue silks, she has all the hallmarks of being a moderately important magician of [[Principalities of Jarm\|Jarm]]. Calling herself ''Zuzana Zarmandu'', and possessed of obvious [[briar]] [[lineage]], she has travelled a great distance to deliver a message on behalf of an entity she calls ''Ter Andzrev''. This "Lord Rain" is apparently an eternal of the Spring realm who requests a formal parley with the Archmage of Spring.		With six eternals having communicated messages either directly to the civil service or via the Navarr, it is assumed that the responses to the plenipotentiary messages of the Summer Solstice are complete. It comes as something of a surprise however when a ''seventh'' messenger arrives at Anvil three weeks before the Autumn Equinox. She is clearly not an Imperial citizen, but neither does she appear to be a creature of the realms. Wrapped in gorgeous green and blue silks, she has all the hallmarks of being a moderately important magician of [[Principalities of Jarm\|Jarm]]. Calling herself ''Zuzana Zarmandu'', and possessed of obvious [[briar]] [[lineage]], she has travelled a great distance to deliver a message on behalf of an entity she calls ''Ter Andzrev''. This "Lord Rain" is apparently an eternal of the Spring realm who requests a formal parley with the Archmage of Spring.
Line 128:		Line 128:
	According to Zuzana, Ter Andzrev has not had any engagement with the Empire in three-and-a-half centuries but in response to "certain acts" that the eternal finds promising, it wishes an opportunity to speak with Imperial citizens. It is familiar with the concept of the parley, and wishes to engage in it. If the archmage is willing, they should come to the Hall of Worlds at five o'clock on Saturday afternoon and formally call for Ter Andzrev to send an emissary to the Hall of Worlds. "Lord Rain" also requests that the Archmage bring with them at the very least a designated representative of the [[Silver Chalice]] [[Conclave order]].		According to Zuzana, Ter Andzrev has not had any engagement with the Empire in three-and-a-half centuries but in response to "certain acts" that the eternal finds promising, it wishes an opportunity to speak with Imperial citizens. It is familiar with the concept of the parley, and wishes to engage in it. If the archmage is willing, they should come to the Hall of Worlds at five o'clock on Saturday afternoon and formally call for Ter Andzrev to send an emissary to the Hall of Worlds. "Lord Rain" also requests that the Archmage bring with them at the very least a designated representative of the [[Silver Chalice]] [[Conclave order]].

	Questioning the Jarmish magician about Ter Anfzrev determines only that "Lord Rain" is an eternal of the Spring ~~Realm~~ who is (in the words of Zuzuana) "''gentle, like rain; a life-giver and life-preserver; a quickener of crops in the fields; one who brings all the blessings of fresh water to those who understand the vital power of life''." She makes no secret of the fact that she anticipates receiving a boon from this eternal for delivering their message, one that will allow her "''hands to flow with water''", and has no interest in lingering in the Empire now that the message is delivered.		Questioning the Jarmish magician about Ter Anfzrev determines only that "Lord Rain" is an eternal of the Spring realm who is (in the words of Zuzuana) "''gentle, like rain; a life-giver and life-preserver; a quickener of crops in the fields; one who brings all the blessings of fresh water to those who understand the vital power of life''." She makes no secret of the fact that she anticipates receiving a boon from this eternal for delivering their message, one that will allow her "''hands to flow with water''", and has no interest in lingering in the Empire now that the message is delivered.

	The Civil Service are at a loss what to make of this. Following inquiries, Leontes the Scribe (the Imperial Archivist) is grudgingly able to confirm that there does appear to be an entity that matches the rough description Zuzana is prepared to provide but it has not been active anywhere in the Empire (as far as anyone knowns) since the late reign of [[Emperor Giovanni]]. With a significant part of the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department of Historical Research]] currently in [[Sarcophan Delves\|Sarcophan]], it is a monumental task to find much more than a few names and one very significant fact. There is an eternal mentioned in one obscure text called "Ossegrahn", whose epithets include "Lord Rain" alongside several others - ''Coomarta of the Rains'', ''Cupbearer'', ''Brother Harvest'', ''Bogfearthan'', ''Father Tarn'', ''Llomon'', ''Elder Fossegrim'', ''Willowbraid'', ''Beckburn'', and ''Greenfount''. Unfortunately, the text that mentions him is a partial record of early [[declaration\|declarations]] of the Imperial Conclave and the declaration in question is one of [[Amity and enmity#Enmity\|enmity]]...		The Civil Service are at a loss what to make of this. Following inquiries, Leontes the Scribe (the Imperial Archivist) is grudgingly able to confirm that there does appear to be an entity that matches the rough description Zuzana is prepared to provide but it has not been active anywhere in the Empire (as far as anyone knowns) since the late reign of [[Emperor Giovanni]]. With a significant part of the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department of Historical Research]] currently in [[Sarcophan Delves\|Sarcophan]], it is a monumental task to find much more than a few names and one very significant fact. There is an eternal mentioned in one obscure text called "Ossegrahn", whose epithets include "Lord Rain" alongside several others - ''Coomarta of the Rains'', ''Cupbearer'', ''Brother Harvest'', ''Bogfearthan'', ''Father Tarn'', ''Llomon'', ''Elder Fossegrim'', ''Willowbraid'', ''Beckburn'', and ''Greenfount''. Unfortunately, the text that mentions him is a partial record of early [[declaration\|declarations]] of the Imperial Conclave and the declaration in question is one of [[Amity and enmity#Enmity\|enmity]]...

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:58, 2 September 2019
Line 47:		Line 47:
	* '''The Lady of Pennants has suggested that certain Imperial courtiers should meet with her favoured diplomatic entourage in the Hall of Fellowship at quarter-past seven on Friday night.'''		* '''The Lady of Pennants has suggested that certain Imperial courtiers should meet with her favoured diplomatic entourage in the Hall of Fellowship at quarter-past seven on Friday night.'''
	* '''The current archmage of Summer is Brother Luke of The Shattered Tower'''		* '''The current archmage of Summer is Brother Luke of The Shattered Tower'''
	A month after the Summer Solstice, a willowy elfin creature arrived at the Castle of Thorns bearing a message from the Summer Realm. She did not speak to any of the civil servants associated with the Conclave, merely handed over a scroll of ~~iridiscent~~ red and burnished gold, and departed. When unfurled, the scroll proved to be a message from the Lady of ~~Penants~~, the Queen of the Fields of Glory, Eleonaris.		A month after the Summer Solstice, a willowy elfin creature arrived at the Castle of Thorns bearing a message from the Summer Realm. She did not speak to any of the civil servants associated with the Conclave, merely handed over a scroll of iridescent red and burnished gold, and departed. When unfurled, the scroll proved to be a message from the Lady of Pennants, the Queen of the Fields of Glory, Eleonaris.

	"''Archmage!''" it read. "''In an Empire where words speak of our friendship but deeds show poor regard, I cannot agree to your request. But allow me to be civil. I enclose a list of Imperial courtiers who would be welcome to greet my diplomats in the Hall of Fellowship, a convivial chamber of Summer. Each should bring a guest of their choosing. You may wish to join them also, though since I will not be in attendance, no slight will be assumed if you prefer to send a member of your entourage or household instead. The Chamber will open at quarter past seven, on the Friday evening of the Equinox. A guide will be sent to the Hall of Worlds to provide safe passage.''"		"''Archmage!''" it read. "''In an Empire where words speak of our friendship but deeds show poor regard, I cannot agree to your request. But allow me to be civil. I enclose a list of Imperial courtiers who would be welcome to greet my diplomats in the Hall of Fellowship, a convivial chamber of Summer. Each should bring a guest of their choosing. You may wish to join them also, though since I will not be in attendance, no slight will be assumed if you prefer to send a member of your entourage or household instead. The Chamber will open at quarter past seven, on the Friday evening of the Equinox. A guide will be sent to the Hall of Worlds to provide safe passage.''"
Line 55:		Line 55:
	"''In addition to yourself - or your emissary - invitations are offered to Sagua i Ezmara i Erigo; Ceinwen Eternal, Mistress of Ice and Darkess; Urien Novarion of Dawn; and Lady Izett, Knight Protector of Summer. Each guest may bring one other with them - as fellow guest or bodyguard. The meeting shall not be considered a formal parley, but it is expected that the guests will honour the rules of civil discourse and respect the bonds of hospitality.''"		"''In addition to yourself - or your emissary - invitations are offered to Sagua i Ezmara i Erigo; Ceinwen Eternal, Mistress of Ice and Darkess; Urien Novarion of Dawn; and Lady Izett, Knight Protector of Summer. Each guest may bring one other with them - as fellow guest or bodyguard. The meeting shall not be considered a formal parley, but it is expected that the guests will honour the rules of civil discourse and respect the bonds of hospitality.''"

	~~Fimally~~, at the bottom, was the deep crimson seal of Eleonaris - a roaring lion beneath a crown.		Finally, at the bottom, was the deep crimson seal of Eleonaris - a roaring lion beneath a crown.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=WinterRune.jpg\|align=right\|width=100}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=WinterRune.jpg\|align=right\|width=100}}

Line 125:		Line 125:
	With six eternals having communicated messages either directly to the civil service or via the Navarr, it is assumed that the responses to the plenipotentiary messages of the Summer Solstice are complete. It comes as something of a surprise however when a ''seventh'' messenger arrives at Anvil three weeks before the Autumn Equinox. She is clearly not an Imperial citizen, but neither does she appear to be a creature of the realms. Wrapped in gorgeous green and blue silks, she has all the hallmarks of being a moderately important magician of [[Principalities of Jarm\|Jarm]]. Calling herself ''Zuzana Zarmandu'', and possessed of obvious [[briar]] [[lineage]], she has travelled a great distance to deliver a message on behalf of an entity she calls ''Ter Andzrev''. This "Lord Rain" is apparently an eternal of the Spring realm who requests a formal parley with the Archmage of Spring.		With six eternals having communicated messages either directly to the civil service or via the Navarr, it is assumed that the responses to the plenipotentiary messages of the Summer Solstice are complete. It comes as something of a surprise however when a ''seventh'' messenger arrives at Anvil three weeks before the Autumn Equinox. She is clearly not an Imperial citizen, but neither does she appear to be a creature of the realms. Wrapped in gorgeous green and blue silks, she has all the hallmarks of being a moderately important magician of [[Principalities of Jarm\|Jarm]]. Calling herself ''Zuzana Zarmandu'', and possessed of obvious [[briar]] [[lineage]], she has travelled a great distance to deliver a message on behalf of an entity she calls ''Ter Andzrev''. This "Lord Rain" is apparently an eternal of the Spring realm who requests a formal parley with the Archmage of Spring.

	According to Zuzana, Ter Andzrev has not had any engagement with the Empire in three-and-a-half centuries but in response to "certain acts" that the eternal finds promising, it wishes an opportunity to speak with Imperial citizens. It is familiar with the concept of the parley, and wishes to engage in it. If the archmage is willing, they should come to the Hall of Worlds at five o'clock on Saturday afternoon and formally call for Ter Andzrev to send an emissary to the Hall of Worlds. "Lord Rain" also requests that the Archmage bring with them at the very least a designated ~~represenatative~~ of the [[Silver Chalice]] [[Conclave order]].		According to Zuzana, Ter Andzrev has not had any engagement with the Empire in three-and-a-half centuries but in response to "certain acts" that the eternal finds promising, it wishes an opportunity to speak with Imperial citizens. It is familiar with the concept of the parley, and wishes to engage in it. If the archmage is willing, they should come to the Hall of Worlds at five o'clock on Saturday afternoon and formally call for Ter Andzrev to send an emissary to the Hall of Worlds. "Lord Rain" also requests that the Archmage bring with them at the very least a designated representative of the [[Silver Chalice]] [[Conclave order]].

	Questioning the Jarmish magician about Ter Anfzrev determines only that "Lord Rain" is an eternal of the Spring Realm who is (in the words of Zuzuana) "''gentle, like rain; a life-giver and life-preserver; a quickener of crops in the fields; one who brings all the blessings of fresh water to those who understand the vital power of life''." She makes no secret of the fact that she anticipates receiving a boon from this eternal for delivering their message, one that will allow her "''hands to flow with water''", and has no interest in lingering in the Empire now that the message is delivered.		Questioning the Jarmish magician about Ter Anfzrev determines only that "Lord Rain" is an eternal of the Spring Realm who is (in the words of Zuzuana) "''gentle, like rain; a life-giver and life-preserver; a quickener of crops in the fields; one who brings all the blessings of fresh water to those who understand the vital power of life''." She makes no secret of the fact that she anticipates receiving a boon from this eternal for delivering their message, one that will allow her "''hands to flow with water''", and has no interest in lingering in the Empire now that the message is delivered.

	The Civil Service are at a loss what to make of this. Following ~~enquiries~~, Leontes the Scribe (the Imperial Archivist) is grudgingly able to confirm that there does appear to be an entity that matches the rough description Zuzana is prepared to provide but it has not been active anywhere in the Empire (as far as anyone knowns) since the late reign of [[Emperor Giovanni]]. With a significant part of the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department of Historical Research]] currently in [[Sarcophan Delves\|Sarcophan]], it is a monumental task to find much more than a few names and one very significant fact. There is an eternal mentioned in one obscure text called "Ossegrahn", whose epithets include "Lord Rain" alongside several others - ''Coomarta of the Rains'', ''Cupbearer'', ''Brother Harvest'', ''Bogfearthan'', ''Father Tarn'', ''Llomon'', ''Elder Fossegrim'', ''Willowbraid'', ''Beckburn'', and ''Greenfount''. Unfortunately, the text that mentions him is a partial record of early [[declaration\|declarations]] of the Imperial Conclave and the declaration in question is one of [[Amity and enmity#Enmity\|enmity]]...		The Civil Service are at a loss what to make of this. Following inquiries, Leontes the Scribe (the Imperial Archivist) is grudgingly able to confirm that there does appear to be an entity that matches the rough description Zuzana is prepared to provide but it has not been active anywhere in the Empire (as far as anyone knowns) since the late reign of [[Emperor Giovanni]]. With a significant part of the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department of Historical Research]] currently in [[Sarcophan Delves\|Sarcophan]], it is a monumental task to find much more than a few names and one very significant fact. There is an eternal mentioned in one obscure text called "Ossegrahn", whose epithets include "Lord Rain" alongside several others - ''Coomarta of the Rains'', ''Cupbearer'', ''Brother Harvest'', ''Bogfearthan'', ''Father Tarn'', ''Llomon'', ''Elder Fossegrim'', ''Willowbraid'', ''Beckburn'', and ''Greenfount''. Unfortunately, the text that mentions him is a partial record of early [[declaration\|declarations]] of the Imperial Conclave and the declaration in question is one of [[Amity and enmity#Enmity\|enmity]]...

	There's no detail about ''why'' "Ossegrahn" was subjected to enmity, nor any indication in the records that the enmity was ever overturned, nor any easily accessible information about who or what Ossegrahn represented. Just a reference to "the eternal Ossegrahn", a list of various additional names, and the fact the Conclave was declaring them an enemy of the Empire. Given time and [[Historical_research#Commissioning_Historical_Research\|appropriate direction]], Leontes is confident they will be able to find more - as he says "''eternals have big feet, and leave bloody great bootprints everywhere they go."		There's no detail about ''why'' "Ossegrahn" was subjected to enmity, nor any indication in the records that the enmity was ever overturned, nor any easily accessible information about who or what Ossegrahn represented. Just a reference to "the eternal Ossegrahn", a list of various additional names, and the fact the Conclave was declaring them an enemy of the Empire. Given time and [[Historical_research#Commissioning_Historical_Research\|appropriate direction]], Leontes is confident they will be able to find more - as he says "''eternals have big feet, and leave bloody great bootprints everywhere they go."
Line 138:		Line 138:
	! Day !! Time !! Eternal !! Realm !! Note		! Day !! Time !! Eternal !! Realm !! Note
	\|-		\|-
	\| Friday \|\| 07:15pm \|\| Eleonaris \|\| Summer \|\| Parley		\| Friday \|\| 7:15pm \|\| Eleonaris \|\| Summer \|\| Parley
	\|-		\|-
	\| Friday \|\| 12:00pm\|\| Surut \|\| Winter \|\| Parley and discussion		\| Friday \|\| 12:00pm\|\| Surut \|\| Winter \|\| Parley and discussion