A wild night and a new road - Revision history

Hailmur at 11:21, 13 April 2026

2026-04-13T11:21:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:21, 13 April 2026
Line 22:		Line 22:
	"These difficulties give your people an opportunity for significant profit it seems."		"These difficulties give your people an opportunity for significant profit it seems."

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

	He seemed preoccupied. There was something else.		He seemed preoccupied. There was something else.

Dre at 11:44, 12 April 2026

2026-04-12T11:44:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:44, 12 April 2026
Line 2:		Line 2:
	<ic>Out of the corner of her eye, De Leeuw watched the Imperial merchant poring over the glass cases with the bounty of rings, necklets, and more exotic adornments that filled her shop. She hadn't seen the like before. He'd paused outside to make use of the boot scraper, and the mud had sloughed off his shoes once he saw the sable carpet. Someone who knew how to get around a marsh, mused De Leeuw. A nice change. Most of the Imperials she had dealt with were smartly dressed League merchants or brightly coloured Freeborn. Often as not they were unfamiliar with the realities of the Delves, and invariably tracked mud into her shop. Not this fellow, though.		<ic>Out of the corner of her eye, De Leeuw watched the Imperial merchant poring over the glass cases with the bounty of rings, necklets, and more exotic adornments that filled her shop. She hadn't seen the like before. He'd paused outside to make use of the boot scraper, and the mud had sloughed off his shoes once he saw the sable carpet. Someone who knew how to get around a marsh, mused De Leeuw. A nice change. Most of the Imperials she had dealt with were smartly dressed League merchants or brightly coloured Freeborn. Often as not they were unfamiliar with the realities of the Delves, and invariably tracked mud into her shop. Not this fellow, though.

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

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

Wafer-Thin-Reasoning: Adding mud to the opening story. Please check

2026-04-11T18:47:07Z

Adding mud to the opening story. Please check

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:47, 11 April 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
	<ic>Out of the corner of her eye, De Leeuw watched the Imperial merchant poring over the glass cases with the bounty of rings, necklets, and more exotic adornments that filled her shop. She hadn't seen the like before. He'd paused outside to make use of the boot scraper, and the had sloughed off his shoes once he saw the sable carpet. Someone who knew how to get around a marsh, mused De Leeuw. A nice change. Most of the Imperials she had dealt with were smartly dressed League merchants or brightly coloured Freeborn. Often as not they were unfamiliar with the realities of the Delves, and invariably tracked mud into her shop. Not this fellow, though.		<ic>Out of the corner of her eye, De Leeuw watched the Imperial merchant poring over the glass cases with the bounty of rings, necklets, and more exotic adornments that filled her shop. She hadn't seen the like before. He'd paused outside to make use of the boot scraper, and the mud had sloughed off his shoes once he saw the sable carpet. Someone who knew how to get around a marsh, mused De Leeuw. A nice change. Most of the Imperials she had dealt with were smartly dressed League merchants or brightly coloured Freeborn. Often as not they were unfamiliar with the realities of the Delves, and invariably tracked mud into her shop. Not this fellow, though.

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

Hailmur at 15:42, 11 April 2026

2026-04-11T15:42:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:42, 11 April 2026
Line 47:		Line 47:

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


	{{CaptionedImage\|file=AmbassadorSarcophanDelves.jpg\|caption='''Dino i Riqueza''', Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves\|align=left\|width=300}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=AmbassadorSarcophanDelves.jpg\|caption='''Dino i Riqueza''', Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves\|align=left\|width=300}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==

Rafferty at 15:39, 11 April 2026

2026-04-11T15:39:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:39, 11 April 2026
Line 142:		Line 142:
	{{Mandate\|mandate=The Sarcophan folk of the Alivetti estates bring prosperity to the Empire, and help smooth relations between Empire and Delves. We join them in proudly celebrating both our differences and similarities. and send (named priest) with 25 liao and 10 Thrones to both encourage the businessfolk of our nation to take up this offer, and to ensure that we are good guests and bring gifts of our own to share with our hosts.\|assembly=Highborn, Freeborn, or League National Assembly}}		{{Mandate\|mandate=The Sarcophan folk of the Alivetti estates bring prosperity to the Empire, and help smooth relations between Empire and Delves. We join them in proudly celebrating both our differences and similarities. and send (named priest) with 25 liao and 10 Thrones to both encourage the businessfolk of our nation to take up this offer, and to ensure that we are good guests and bring gifts of our own to share with our hosts.\|assembly=Highborn, Freeborn, or League National Assembly}}

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

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

Hailmur: /* Children of Wrecks */

2026-04-11T15:04:05Z

Children of Wrecks

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:04, 11 April 2026
Line 95:		Line 95:
	Along with the Ambassador, some private individuals - including apparently '''Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos''' the [[Senator]] for [[Sarvos]] - wrote to thank Sarcophan for their intervention during the [[Those_that_break_a_thing#Battle_of_Trivento\|attack on Trivento]] by the Children of Wrecks during Summer. Two dozen Sarcophan vessels supported the [[Red Wind Corsairs]], driven by a palpable disdain for pirates and cutthroats. Most of these vessels were from the Alivetti estates, but several belonged to the [[Prime_Factor_of_the_deBruin_Docks#deBruin_Docks\|deBruin]]. Annike thanks the Empire for their kind words, but plays down Sarcophan involvement as being "merely good business sense".		Along with the Ambassador, some private individuals - including apparently '''Laurencio Lemmini di Sarvos''' the [[Senator]] for [[Sarvos]] - wrote to thank Sarcophan for their intervention during the [[Those_that_break_a_thing#Battle_of_Trivento\|attack on Trivento]] by the Children of Wrecks during Summer. Two dozen Sarcophan vessels supported the [[Red Wind Corsairs]], driven by a palpable disdain for pirates and cutthroats. Most of these vessels were from the Alivetti estates, but several belonged to the [[Prime_Factor_of_the_deBruin_Docks#deBruin_Docks\|deBruin]]. Annike thanks the Empire for their kind words, but plays down Sarcophan involvement as being "merely good business sense".

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

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

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

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

	==Alivetti Estates Five Years On==		==Alivetti Estates Five Years On==

Twiggy at 14:38, 11 April 2026

2026-04-11T14:38:59Z

GuiltyConscience: /* Apothecary Guild */

2026-04-11T14:26:11Z

Apothecary Guild

Thespaceinvader: /* The Monument Trade */

2026-04-11T14:24:30Z

The Monument Trade

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:24, 11 April 2026
Line 229:		Line 229:
	The year-long agreement between Senna and the benefactors to acquire Highborn pieces has seen [[business\|businesses]] and [[mine\|mines]] prosper across the nation with each such resource receiving an extra 18 rings production per season. Support for the trade from the Highborn assembly and especially the [[Bishop of the Navigators]] has been gratefully accepted by the Collectors and has done much to increase the demand for Highborn artwork. Indeed a fashion for Highborn iconography and grave monuments has taken hold in the Delves. Anyone who is anyone wants a Highborn funerary marker for their dear departed relatives' tomb. Senna is apparently busy securing more investment for the contract, and plans to return to Anvil during the Spring equinox to discuss continuing the lucrative trade for another year.		The year-long agreement between Senna and the benefactors to acquire Highborn pieces has seen [[business\|businesses]] and [[mine\|mines]] prosper across the nation with each such resource receiving an extra 18 rings production per season. Support for the trade from the Highborn assembly and especially the [[Bishop of the Navigators]] has been gratefully accepted by the Collectors and has done much to increase the demand for Highborn artwork. Indeed a fashion for Highborn iconography and grave monuments has taken hold in the Delves. Anyone who is anyone wants a Highborn funerary marker for their dear departed relatives' tomb. Senna is apparently busy securing more investment for the contract, and plans to return to Anvil during the Spring equinox to discuss continuing the lucrative trade for another year.

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

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

GuiltyConscience: /* The Silent Manse */

2026-04-11T14:24:08Z

The Silent Manse

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:24, 11 April 2026
Line 187:		Line 187:
	===The Silent Manse===		===The Silent Manse===
	* '''The Silent Manse has been proscribed by the League assembly'''		* '''The Silent Manse has been proscribed by the League assembly'''
	After the Autumn Equinox, '''Cosimo Argyra''' [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_127\|enacted a mandate]] urging "''all Imperial citizens planning to visit the (Alivetti) estates to express only polite and civil disinterest in their unvirtuous religion''." Cautions against getting drawn into an ~~unwholesomereligion~~ have been heard and taken to heart and the teachings of the ''Community of Silence'' will remain restricted to the enclave. This hasn't particularly impacted the ''Community'' itself - their focus is on serving the needs of the Sarcophan rather than proselytising. It does mean that there will be no further opportunity to establish cordial relations between the Way and the Community of Silence, nor to learn about their beliefs, nor any sharing of their knowledge of ghosts and the like. But that may be a small price to pay to prevent a blasphemous and heretical faith seeking to expand into the Empire.		After the Autumn Equinox, '''Cosimo Argyra''' [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_127\|enacted a mandate]] urging "''all Imperial citizens planning to visit the (Alivetti) estates to express only polite and civil disinterest in their unvirtuous religion''." Cautions against getting drawn into an unwholesome religion have been heard and taken to heart and the teachings of the ''Community of Silence'' will remain restricted to the enclave. This hasn't particularly impacted the ''Community'' itself - their focus is on serving the needs of the Sarcophan rather than proselytising. It does mean that there will be no further opportunity to establish cordial relations between the Way and the Community of Silence, nor to learn about their beliefs, nor any sharing of their knowledge of ghosts and the like. But that may be a small price to pay to prevent a blasphemous and heretical faith seeking to expand into the Empire.

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

	==Apothecary Guild==		==Apothecary Guild==
	* '''The Sarcophan Kruidenkenner Guild are enthusiastic about closer ties with the Apothecaries' Guild		* '''The Sarcophan Kruidenkenner Guild are enthusiastic about closer ties with the Apothecaries' Guild

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:38, 11 April 2026
Line 10:		Line 10:
	"And this one?" He pointed to the ring, set with a single eleven black stones that looked like onyx but were not.		"And this one?" He pointed to the ring, set with a single eleven black stones that looked like onyx but were not.

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

	The mask-wearing Imperial pondered her words, and reached out to take the ring. He was polite enough not to touch it without permission; De Leeuw nodded. He handled it carefully as if afraid it might break. Up close, the Sarcophan jeweller could see the dark green scales spilling out from under his mask. A naga.		The mask-wearing Imperial pondered her words, and reached out to take the ring. He was polite enough not to touch it without permission; De Leeuw nodded. He handled it carefully as if afraid it might break. Up close, the Sarcophan jeweller could see the dark green scales spilling out from under his mask. A naga.
Line 71:		Line 71:
	On the subject of Beoraidh, the Ambassador has also raised the matter of Sarcophan involvement in the little city-state. Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has discussed the Ambassador's suggestions with the entrepreneurs involved in Mareave, and stresses that the Delves is excited by the opportunities presented by the city-state and can't wait to start developing their presence there. Yet at the same time they have no interest in antagonising their Imperial friends; the Delves has every interest in smoothing relations between the Empire and Beoraidh. Indeed, partly thanks to their influence, some representatives of Beoraidh are planning to visit Anvil during the Winter Solstice to speak with their [[Imperial Orcs\|Unshackled]] neighbours. Some of the Delves merchants dealing directly with the folk of western Mareave will be supporting them.		On the subject of Beoraidh, the Ambassador has also raised the matter of Sarcophan involvement in the little city-state. Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has discussed the Ambassador's suggestions with the entrepreneurs involved in Mareave, and stresses that the Delves is excited by the opportunities presented by the city-state and can't wait to start developing their presence there. Yet at the same time they have no interest in antagonising their Imperial friends; the Delves has every interest in smoothing relations between the Empire and Beoraidh. Indeed, partly thanks to their influence, some representatives of Beoraidh are planning to visit Anvil during the Winter Solstice to speak with their [[Imperial Orcs\|Unshackled]] neighbours. Some of the Delves merchants dealing directly with the folk of western Mareave will be supporting them.

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

Line 116:		Line 116:
	* '''Imperial citizens, especially those of Sarvos, are invited to attend and discuss business		* '''Imperial citizens, especially those of Sarvos, are invited to attend and discuss business
	* '''Immediately after the Winter solstice a new diversification option is available		* '''Immediately after the Winter solstice a new diversification option is available
	Burgemeester Vandersaar invites their neighbours not only in Sarvos but in [[Tassato]], [[Casinea]], [[Necropolis]], and [[Madruga]] to attend the upcoming party. They plan to celebrate in style, with a weeklong festival of drinking, music, recreation, theatrical performances, urban athletic events, and new business discussions. Festivities will start the week after the Winter Solstice. A traditional cleaning-out event will be held in which ~~Sacrophan~~ citizens engage in a flurry of cleaning that culminates in bonfires where rubbish - literal and metaphorical - is burnt. It will end with a traditional ''rat run'' in which business owners don rat masks and sack cloth and skulk through the streets pursued by children who can demand sweets and other treats if they catch them.		Burgemeester Vandersaar invites their neighbours not only in Sarvos but in [[Tassato]], [[Casinea]], [[Necropolis]], and [[Madruga]] to attend the upcoming party. They plan to celebrate in style, with a weeklong festival of drinking, music, recreation, theatrical performances, urban athletic events, and new business discussions. Festivities will start the week after the Winter Solstice. A traditional cleaning-out event will be held in which Sarcophan citizens engage in a flurry of cleaning that culminates in bonfires where rubbish - literal and metaphorical - is burnt. It will end with a traditional ''rat run'' in which business owners don rat masks and sack cloth and skulk through the streets pursued by children who can demand sweets and other treats if they catch them.

	There is also an old tradition that any deals struck during a festival such as this are as binding as those arranged when both participants are sober. This custom is usually observed by a resolution among participants not to make any ''important'' deals during this time and restrict themselves to minor agreements and contracts, but there are always stories of people who have bartered their ways into a fortune in an inebriated state (or lost the same, of course).		There is also an old tradition that any deals struck during a festival such as this are as binding as those arranged when both participants are sober. This custom is usually observed by a resolution among participants not to make any ''important'' deals during this time and restrict themselves to minor agreements and contracts, but there are always stories of people who have bartered their ways into a fortune in an inebriated state (or lost the same, of course).
Line 134:		Line 134:
	An assembly might discourage their people from attending by reminding their citizens of the importance of following Imperial law and the danger of celebrating with heretics and blasphemers,		An assembly might discourage their people from attending by reminding their citizens of the importance of following Imperial law and the danger of celebrating with heretics and blasphemers,

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

	If this mandate is enacted, individual player characters from the nation can roleplay that they attend, but there will be no opportunities for them to diversify their business, and no consumables will be received by businesses near the enclave. It will also send a message to the Alivetti estates that while that nation tolerates them, they do not welcome further engagement. For at least the next year there will be no more approaches from the Delves to that nation.		If this mandate is enacted, individual player characters from the nation can roleplay that they attend, but there will be no opportunities for them to diversify their business, and no consumables will be received by businesses near the enclave. It will also send a message to the Alivetti estates that while that nation tolerates them, they do not welcome further engagement. For at least the next year there will be no more approaches from the Delves to that nation.
Line 231:		Line 231:
	The arrangement also continues to draw criticism among followers of the Way in the Delves however. ''Mischa van de Libel'', a Sarcophan priest of the Way and [[dedication\|dedicant]] of [[Prosperity]], has urged her fellow ''priester'' to cut ties with the Cathedral entirely and look to their own communities in the face of this blatant commodification of their faith. They are not the only ones; the [[Sumaah Republic\|Sumaah]] ''präster'' at the rival temple of the Way in the ''Buitenlandsewijk'' continue to preach openly that the Highborn treat virtue as a commodity to be bought and sold, devaluing their shared faith. Unfair as these words may appear, there has been an undeniable loss of prestige for the Cathedral and the Bishop.		The arrangement also continues to draw criticism among followers of the Way in the Delves however. ''Mischa van de Libel'', a Sarcophan priest of the Way and [[dedication\|dedicant]] of [[Prosperity]], has urged her fellow ''priester'' to cut ties with the Cathedral entirely and look to their own communities in the face of this blatant commodification of their faith. They are not the only ones; the [[Sumaah Republic\|Sumaah]] ''präster'' at the rival temple of the Way in the ''Buitenlandsewijk'' continue to preach openly that the Highborn treat virtue as a commodity to be bought and sold, devaluing their shared faith. Unfair as these words may appear, there has been an undeniable loss of prestige for the Cathedral and the Bishop.

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:26, 11 April 2026
Line 197:		Line 197:
	The Sarcophan Delves are masters of the arts of the herbalist, [[Surgical skills#Physick\|physick]], and especially the [[Surgical skills#Apothecary\|apothecary]]. Many of their most prestigious and experienced herblorists belong to the wealthy and influential ''Kruidenkenner'' which is apparently a powerful guild that exists outside the [[Founders_of_the_Delves\|thirteen houses]] in a manner analogous to an [[Imperial sodality]]. The guild is at the forefront of the trade in herbs and medicinal products and have [[Can%27t_give_everything_away#The_Apothecaries_Guild\|enthusiastically sought out]] closer ties with their Imperial peers in the [[Apothecaries Guild]]. There has been some communication between '''Esmé i Estrico i Erigo''' - the [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Guild_Leader\|Guild Leader]] of the apothecaries - and luminaries of the Kruidenkenner regarding [[All_the_night-tide#Apothecary_Allies\|opportunities]] to work together.		The Sarcophan Delves are masters of the arts of the herbalist, [[Surgical skills#Physick\|physick]], and especially the [[Surgical skills#Apothecary\|apothecary]]. Many of their most prestigious and experienced herblorists belong to the wealthy and influential ''Kruidenkenner'' which is apparently a powerful guild that exists outside the [[Founders_of_the_Delves\|thirteen houses]] in a manner analogous to an [[Imperial sodality]]. The guild is at the forefront of the trade in herbs and medicinal products and have [[Can%27t_give_everything_away#The_Apothecaries_Guild\|enthusiastically sought out]] closer ties with their Imperial peers in the [[Apothecaries Guild]]. There has been some communication between '''Esmé i Estrico i Erigo''' - the [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Guild_Leader\|Guild Leader]] of the apothecaries - and luminaries of the Kruidenkenner regarding [[All_the_night-tide#Apothecary_Allies\|opportunities]] to work together.

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

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

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

	The Kruidenkenner have already [[All_the_night-tide#Herbal_Lore\|raised the matter of trading herbal lore]] with the Apothecaries. Unfortunately, their proposal still requires some kind of legal response. While the Guild has the acknowledged legal power to [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Imperial_Lore\|spread knowledge of potions]] across the Empire, their ability to do so beyond the Empire is in question. The Conclave has the power of [[dissemination]] to allow them to create copies of rituals in Imperial lore to share with non-Imperial citizens. Who now holds the legal power to do so?		The Kruidenkenner have already [[All_the_night-tide#Herbal_Lore\|raised the matter of trading herbal lore]] with the Apothecaries. Unfortunately, their proposal still requires some kind of legal response. While the Guild has the acknowledged legal power to [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Imperial_Lore\|spread knowledge of potions]] across the Empire, their ability to do so beyond the Empire is in question. The Conclave has the power of [[dissemination]] to allow them to create copies of rituals in Imperial lore to share with non-Imperial citizens. Who now holds the legal power to do so?
Line 211:		Line 211:
	In the past dissemination of a herbal would have required a successful Senate motion. The creation of the Apothecaries guild puts that in doubt; the Senate approved the manifesto stating the sodality exists to "Coordinate and support Imperial efforts in the research, development, '''education, and dissemination''' of ingredients, potions, and antidotes". The wording implies they should have the power to disseminate knowledge of potion recipes to other nations and groups - but thus far the Senate has not confirmed that was their intention.		In the past dissemination of a herbal would have required a successful Senate motion. The creation of the Apothecaries guild puts that in doubt; the Senate approved the manifesto stating the sodality exists to "Coordinate and support Imperial efforts in the research, development, '''education, and dissemination''' of ingredients, potions, and antidotes". The wording implies they should have the power to disseminate knowledge of potion recipes to other nations and groups - but thus far the Senate has not confirmed that was their intention.

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

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

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

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