Crowned in rose and heather - Revision history

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

2026-01-15T12:40:28Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:40, 15 January 2026
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	The Imperatrix's reign was punctuated by many important achievements. She was a noted constitutional scholar whose studies of Imperial governance led her to create the Imperial Offices and appoint chamberlains to help improve the administration of the Empire. She was clearly driven by strong humanitarian impulses; she used her ascension address to instruct citizens to seek out ways to reduce the blood price of the Empire's wars, resulting in the development of new strategies of war intended to minimise the loss of life. Although the negotiations were carried out by Ianthe Ravenswatch and Eska Crowspeaker, it is impossible to imagine that the Liberty Pact could ever have been signed without the active support of the Throne.		The Imperatrix's reign was punctuated by many important achievements. She was a noted constitutional scholar whose studies of Imperial governance led her to create the Imperial Offices and appoint chamberlains to help improve the administration of the Empire. She was clearly driven by strong humanitarian impulses; she used her ascension address to instruct citizens to seek out ways to reduce the blood price of the Empire's wars, resulting in the development of new strategies of war intended to minimise the loss of life. Although the negotiations were carried out by Ianthe Ravenswatch and Eska Crowspeaker, it is impossible to imagine that the Liberty Pact could ever have been signed without the active support of the Throne.

	It is impossible to list every significant development of her reign, but just as her ascension to the Throne brought an opportunity to focus minds and encourage civic duty, so the end of her reign presents a similar chance. If the General Assembly of the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]] can agree a statement of principle that clearly identifies what Empress Lisabetta's greatest accomplishment was and why with a greater majority then that message will be communicated to every congregation in the Empire. Citizens will take that message on board and seek to emulate the example set by the Imperatrix. It is impossible what the outcome will be - that will depend utterly on whatever achievement the Synod choose to single out and why - but it will create an [[opportunity]] to capitalise on her deeds, provided the statement is clear and well focused. For the sake of clarity, any such statement of principle should begin with some version of "''The greatest achievement of Imperatrix Lisabetta was...''"		It is impossible to list every significant development of her reign, but just as her ascension to the Throne brought an opportunity to focus minds and encourage civic duty, so the end of her reign presents a similar chance. If the General Assembly of the [[Synod]] can agree a statement of principle that clearly identifies what Empress Lisabetta's greatest accomplishment was and why with a greater majority then that message will be communicated to every congregation in the Empire. Citizens will take that message on board and seek to emulate the example set by the Imperatrix. It is impossible what the outcome will be - that will depend utterly on whatever achievement the Synod choose to single out and why - but it will create an [[opportunity]] to capitalise on her deeds, provided the statement is clear and well focused. For the sake of clarity, any such statement of principle should begin with some version of "''The greatest achievement of Imperatrix Lisabetta was...''"

	If the General Assembly cannot agree what her single greatest accomplishment was before the end of the next summit - or if they pass a statement that lists multiple different accomplishments - then this opportunity will be lost.		If the General Assembly cannot agree what her single greatest accomplishment was before the end of the next summit - or if they pass a statement that lists multiple different accomplishments - then this opportunity will be lost.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

2026-01-15T12:40:09Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:40, 15 January 2026
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	By tradition, the bodies of those who have occupied the Throne are interred in tombs constructed in [[Necropolis#The_Necropolis\|the Necropolis]], the legendary resting place of the greatest heroes of the Empire. In this case, a tomb may not be entirely appropriate, there is no body and indeed it remains a distinct possibility that the Imperatrix and her consort still live. This is not the first time a Throne has disappeared without trace however, [[Empress Mariika]] walked into [[Sermersuaq#Sydanjaa\|Sydanjaa]] in 234YE. Her reign is memorialised by a trio of white granite pillars in the ancient Highborn city of the dead.		By tradition, the bodies of those who have occupied the Throne are interred in tombs constructed in [[Necropolis#The_Necropolis\|the Necropolis]], the legendary resting place of the greatest heroes of the Empire. In this case, a tomb may not be entirely appropriate, there is no body and indeed it remains a distinct possibility that the Imperatrix and her consort still live. This is not the first time a Throne has disappeared without trace however, [[Empress Mariika]] walked into [[Sermersuaq#Sydanjaa\|Sydanjaa]] in 234YE. Her reign is memorialised by a trio of white granite pillars in the ancient Highborn city of the dead.

	It is customary when a Throne dies to argue about how and where they should be memorialised. Although the overwhelming majority of Thrones have a tomb or memorial to commemorate their life in the Necropolis, this is a tradition, not a legal requirement. The legal path is for the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] to commission a [[folly]] whose size and grandeur befits the great achievements of the Throne. The amount of white granite planned as well as the location would normally be stated in the senate motion, although it is not strictly legally necessary to do so, and in recent times the Senate is often indifferent to such matters. Whichever senator raises the motion will get to determine the design of the tomb or memorial along with [[Commission#Necessary_Details\|any other necessary details]] which have been omitted.		It is customary when a Throne dies to argue about how and where they should be memorialised. Although the overwhelming majority of Thrones have a tomb or memorial to commemorate their life in the Necropolis, this is a tradition, not a legal requirement. The legal path is for the [[Senate]] to commission a [[folly]] whose size and grandeur befits the great achievements of the Throne. The amount of white granite planned as well as the location would normally be stated in the senate motion, although it is not strictly legally necessary to do so, and in recent times the Senate is often indifferent to such matters. Whichever senator raises the motion will get to determine the design of the tomb or memorial along with [[Commission#Necessary_Details\|any other necessary details]] which have been omitted.

	Perhaps more crucial than the size, which often comes down to a question of cost and who will foot the bill, is the location. The first instinct of many citizens is to demand that the Throne be buried in their home nation. In this case many League citizens see the Imperatrix as one of their own and take the view that now is the time for them to come home. It is undeniable that the Empress enjoyed a close relationship with her home city of Holberg and some inhabitants of the city are keen to see her remembered there. Katarzyna Von Carstein, the famous architect who [[Reclaimers#The_Park\|designed the Holberg Park]] has offered to design a great park built around a beautiful white stone pavilion befitting a Throne that was crowned the Empress of Flowers. The plan is ambitious however, requiring 50 wains of weirwood and 25 wains of white granite. It would need a Senate commission, but the labour costs would be provided by patriotic volunteers from Holberg and Dawn.		Perhaps more crucial than the size, which often comes down to a question of cost and who will foot the bill, is the location. The first instinct of many citizens is to demand that the Throne be buried in their home nation. In this case many League citizens see the Imperatrix as one of their own and take the view that now is the time for them to come home. It is undeniable that the Empress enjoyed a close relationship with her home city of Holberg and some inhabitants of the city are keen to see her remembered there. Katarzyna Von Carstein, the famous architect who [[Reclaimers#The_Park\|designed the Holberg Park]] has offered to design a great park built around a beautiful white stone pavilion befitting a Throne that was crowned the Empress of Flowers. The plan is ambitious however, requiring 50 wains of weirwood and 25 wains of white granite. It would need a Senate commission, but the labour costs would be provided by patriotic volunteers from Holberg and Dawn.

Twiggy at 22:26, 1 October 2025

2025-10-01T22:26:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:26, 1 October 2025
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	On consideration however, many people come to the conclusion that the Necropolis is the right place for the memorial. It is not simply a matter of tradition, though that is important. Not just Emperors and Empresses are interred here - the city is the resting place of many of the Empire's greatest heroes. Those who take pilgrimage to Bastion usually try to visit the Necropolis so that they gaze upon the final resting place of the most inspiring figures in Imperial legend and history. It is an extraordinary honour for any citizen of the Empire to end their days here - it demonstrates unequivocally that your deeds have marked you as one of the greatest, most virtuous, human beings who ever lived. Of course it is understandable that the people of Holberg would want the Imperatrix's tomb to be in the city - but do they really want to deny one of the greatest human beings who ever lived the honour of being memorialised alongside their peers?		On consideration however, many people come to the conclusion that the Necropolis is the right place for the memorial. It is not simply a matter of tradition, though that is important. Not just Emperors and Empresses are interred here - the city is the resting place of many of the Empire's greatest heroes. Those who take pilgrimage to Bastion usually try to visit the Necropolis so that they gaze upon the final resting place of the most inspiring figures in Imperial legend and history. It is an extraordinary honour for any citizen of the Empire to end their days here - it demonstrates unequivocally that your deeds have marked you as one of the greatest, most virtuous, human beings who ever lived. Of course it is understandable that the people of Holberg would want the Imperatrix's tomb to be in the city - but do they really want to deny one of the greatest human beings who ever lived the honour of being memorialised alongside their peers?

	The [[Recognition\|Custodes Clavium]] have offered to design an impressive tower fashioned entirely from 50 wains of white granite. The tower's appearance would be elegant but defensible, a nod to the great achievement of the Empress in fortifying the southern territories of the Empire. It would rise up to tower over the city, allowing those who climbed the 189 steps to share some portion of her great vision. It would need a Senate motion, 50 wains of white granite and 100 crowns to construct, but the efforts of the Custodes mean ~~that~~ that this work would not count as one of the twelve commissions that the civil service can support each summit.		The [[Recognition\|Custodes Clavium]] have offered to design an impressive tower fashioned entirely from 50 wains of white granite. The tower's appearance would be elegant but defensible, a nod to the great achievement of the Empress in fortifying the southern territories of the Empire. It would rise up to tower over the city, allowing those who climbed the 189 steps to share some portion of her great vision. It would need a Senate motion, 50 wains of white granite and 100 crowns to construct, but the efforts of the Custodes mean that this work would not count as one of the twelve commissions that the civil service can support each summit.

	Of course there is no limit to how many memorials might be constructed in her memory, but tradition dictates that the Imperial Senate be responsible for choosing a single location for the official memorial. As recent events with [[Empress Britta]] showed, attempts to split the honour between multiple locations produce only confusion and disappointment for all parties.		Of course there is no limit to how many memorials might be constructed in her memory, but tradition dictates that the Imperial Senate be responsible for choosing a single location for the official memorial. As recent events with [[Empress Britta]] showed, attempts to split the honour between multiple locations produce only confusion and disappointment for all parties.

Dre at 17:09, 7 June 2022

2022-06-07T17:09:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:09, 7 June 2022
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	"Much more than just a mask friends, this priceless doll was touched by the Imperatrix' own hand and received her blessing. See how she smiles down on you all, her beloved citizens gathered before her. Now watch her expression carefully..."		"Much more than just a mask friends, this priceless doll was touched by the Imperatrix' own hand and received her blessing. See how she smiles down on you all, her beloved citizens gathered before her. Now watch her expression carefully..."

	Berend slid his hand in front of the small manikin he was holding up, concealing it from view for the briefest of moments - just long enough to swap it with ~~it's~~ near identical twin. The crowd gasped as the new manikin came into view, utterly unaware of the montebanc's art.		Berend slid his hand in front of the small manikin he was holding up, concealing it from view for the briefest of moments - just long enough to swap it with its near identical twin. The crowd gasped as the new manikin came into view, utterly unaware of the montebanc's art.

	"See! Now she looks down with stern disapproval... what can have changed her demeanour? There must be one among you with unvirtuous thoughts... Someone has displeased the Empress!" Heads in the crowd swivelled left and right, seeking to find the miscreant who have offended the tiny Imperatrix but not revealed themselves.		"See! Now she looks down with stern disapproval... what can have changed her demeanour? There must be one among you with unvirtuous thoughts... Someone has displeased the Empress!" Heads in the crowd swivelled left and right, seeking to find the miscreant who have offended the tiny Imperatrix but not revealed themselves.
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	===Competing Mandates===		===Competing Mandates===
	The Imperial Synod can pass one mandate for each of the three possible journeys - ~~inline~~ with the ideals of the Imperatrix's final address - i.e. one physical pilgrimage, one mental pilgrimage, and one spiritual pilgrimage. Thus these mandates do not compete with each other - it is possible to pass and benefit from all of them.		The Imperial Synod can pass one mandate for each of the three possible journeys - in line with the ideals of the Imperatrix's final address - i.e. one physical pilgrimage, one mental pilgrimage, and one spiritual pilgrimage. Thus these mandates do not compete with each other - it is possible to pass and benefit from all of them.

	The possibilities outlined above represent the most useful options that the Tribune's office has been able to identify, but others doubtless exist. Any new mandate would automatically compete with the equivalent mandate listed above - i.e. a mandate giving focus to a physical pilgrimage would compete with the one listed for the journey of the body, a mandate giving focus to a spiritual pilgrimage would compete with the one listed for the journey of the soul.		The possibilities outlined above represent the most useful options that the Tribune's office has been able to identify, but others doubtless exist. Any new mandate would automatically compete with the equivalent mandate listed above - i.e. a mandate giving focus to a physical pilgrimage would compete with the one listed for the journey of the body, a mandate giving focus to a spiritual pilgrimage would compete with the one listed for the journey of the soul.

Rafferty at 12:31, 6 April 2022

2022-04-06T12:31:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:31, 6 April 2022
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	If the General Assembly cannot agree what her single greatest accomplishment was before the end of the next summit - or if they pass a statement that lists multiple different accomplishments - then this opportunity will be lost.		If the General Assembly cannot agree what her single greatest accomplishment was before the end of the next summit - or if they pass a statement that lists multiple different accomplishments - then this opportunity will be lost.
	{{SOP\|statement=Pilgrimage takes us on a journey to the heart of our Imperial faith. I ask citizens of the Empire to consider whether they should undertake pilgrimage - in the understanding that this may take many forms whether of the body, mind, or spirit, unique to each person's path of virtue. I ask this, that we may, as an Enlightened Empire, find new insights to help us overcome our many challenges. As the Throne, I commit myself to undertake a pilgrimage of Wisdom.\|by=Empress Lisabetta von Holberg, Assembly of Nine\|when=Summer Solstice 383YE\|vote=6-0}}		{{SOP\|statement=Pilgrimage takes us on a journey to the heart of our Imperial faith. I ask citizens of the Empire to consider whether they should undertake pilgrimage - in the understanding that this may take many forms whether of the body, mind, or spirit, unique to each person's path of virtue. I ask this, that we may, as an Enlightened Empire, find new insights to help us overcome our many challenges. As the Throne, I commit myself to undertake a pilgrimage of Wisdom.\|by=Empress Lisabetta von Holberg, Assembly of Nine\|when=Summer Solstice 383YE\|vote=6-0}}

	==Her Final Address==		==Her Final Address==
	As one of her last acts, the Empress granted the right to address the Empire to Gabriel Barossa, General of the Wolves of War. However shortly before she disappeared, she submitted a judgement to the Assembly of Nine which passed with a greater majority. In the judgement, the Empress asked citizens to consider undertaking a pilgrimage - either physical, mental, or spiritual. As with any statement of principle that passes the Assembly of Nine with a greater majority, the wording was communicated to every congregation in the Empire. As a result many people are already referring to the judgement as her final address.		As one of her last acts, the Empress granted the right to address the Empire to Gabriel Barossa, General of the Wolves of War. However shortly before she disappeared, she submitted a judgement to the Assembly of Nine which passed with a greater majority. In the judgement, the Empress asked citizens to consider undertaking a pilgrimage - either physical, mental, or spiritual. As with any statement of principle that passes the Assembly of Nine with a greater majority, the wording was communicated to every congregation in the Empire. As a result many people are already referring to the judgement as her final address.

Matt: /* The Journey of the Mind */

2022-03-29T14:32:13Z

The Journey of the Mind

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:32, 29 March 2022
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	{{mandate\|assembly=Assembly of Nine or General Assembly\|mandate=The Imperatrix called on all her subjects to consider undertaking a pilgrimage - either physical, mental, or spiritual. We send {named priest} with 50 liao to urge every citizen who is able to commit themselves to a pilgrimage of dreaming, to reveal the truths found in their own soul and beyond.}}		{{mandate\|assembly=Assembly of Nine or General Assembly\|mandate=The Imperatrix called on all her subjects to consider undertaking a pilgrimage - either physical, mental, or spiritual. We send {named priest} with 50 liao to urge every citizen who is able to commit themselves to a pilgrimage of dreaming, to reveal the truths found in their own soul and beyond.}}

	This mandate will encourage citizens to seek out methods that will allow them to experience visionary dreams, whether that be rituals such as [[Dreams in the Witch House]] or [[Signs and Portents]], or potions such as [[Infusions_of_Feathers#Goosewhisper_Infusion\|Goosewhisper Infusion]]. While they do so, it will be harder for the Imperial Synod to influence people with statements of principle as citizens would be seeking their own revelations rather than listening to the Synod as much. The revelations these citizens are exposed to would urge some of them to take action however - creating a number of opportunities and proposals at the ~~WInter~~ solstice based on their visionary experiences.		This mandate will encourage citizens to seek out methods that will allow them to experience visionary dreams, whether that be rituals such as [[Dreams in the Witch House]] or [[Signs and Portents]], or potions such as [[Infusions_of_Feathers#Goosewhisper_Infusion\|Goosewhisper Infusion]]. While they do so, it will be harder for the Imperial Synod to influence people with statements of principle as citizens would be seeking their own revelations rather than listening to the Synod as much. The revelations these citizens are exposed to would urge some of them to take action however - creating a number of opportunities and proposals at the Winter solstice based on their visionary experiences.

	Finally, '''Benedict Pacelli Von Holberg''' suggested a different alternative.		Finally, '''Benedict Pacelli Von Holberg''' suggested a different alternative.

Matt: /* Resting Place */

2022-03-29T14:12:50Z

Resting Place

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:12, 29 March 2022
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	===Resting Place===		===Resting Place===
	By tradition, the bodies of those who have occupied the Throne are interred in tombs constructed in [[Necropolis#The_Necropolis\|the Necropolis]], the legendary resting place of the greatest heroes of the Empire. In this case, a tomb may not be entirely appropriate, there is no body and indeed it remains a distinct possibility that the Imperatrix and her consort still live. This is not the first time a Throne has disappeared without trace however, [[Empress Mariika]] walked into [[Sermersuaq#Sydanjaa\|Sydanjaa]] in 234YE. Her reign is memorialised by a trio of white granite pillars in ancient Highborn city of the dead.		By tradition, the bodies of those who have occupied the Throne are interred in tombs constructed in [[Necropolis#The_Necropolis\|the Necropolis]], the legendary resting place of the greatest heroes of the Empire. In this case, a tomb may not be entirely appropriate, there is no body and indeed it remains a distinct possibility that the Imperatrix and her consort still live. This is not the first time a Throne has disappeared without trace however, [[Empress Mariika]] walked into [[Sermersuaq#Sydanjaa\|Sydanjaa]] in 234YE. Her reign is memorialised by a trio of white granite pillars in the ancient Highborn city of the dead.

	It is customary when a Throne dies to argue about how and where they should be memorialised. Although the overwhelming majority of Thrones have a tomb or memorial to commemorate their life in the Necropolis, this is a tradition, not a legal requirement. The legal path is for the [[Imperial Senate]] to commission a [[folly]] whose size and grandeur befits the great achievements of the Throne. The amount of white granite planned as well as the location would normally be stated in the senate motion, although it is not strictly legally necessary to do so, and in recent times the Senate is often indifferent to such matters. Whichever senator raises the motion will get to determine the design of the tomb or memorial along with [[Commission#Necessary_Details\|any other necessary details]] which have been omitted.		It is customary when a Throne dies to argue about how and where they should be memorialised. Although the overwhelming majority of Thrones have a tomb or memorial to commemorate their life in the Necropolis, this is a tradition, not a legal requirement. The legal path is for the [[Imperial Senate]] to commission a [[folly]] whose size and grandeur befits the great achievements of the Throne. The amount of white granite planned as well as the location would normally be stated in the senate motion, although it is not strictly legally necessary to do so, and in recent times the Senate is often indifferent to such matters. Whichever senator raises the motion will get to determine the design of the tomb or memorial along with [[Commission#Necessary_Details\|any other necessary details]] which have been omitted.

Rafferty: /* The Journey of the Mind */

2019-09-11T10:39:36Z

The Journey of the Mind

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:39, 11 September 2019
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	'''Ortenzia di Sarvos''' has suggested an alternative mandate.		'''Ortenzia di Sarvos''' has suggested an alternative mandate.

	{{mandate\|assembly=Assembly of Nine or General Assembly\|mandate=The Imperatrix called on all her subjects to consider undertaking a ~~pilgramage~~ - either physical, mental, or spiritual. We send {named priest} with 50 liao to urge every citizen who is able to commit themselves to a pilgrimage of dreaming, to reveal the truths found in their own soul and beyond.}}		{{mandate\|assembly=Assembly of Nine or General Assembly\|mandate=The Imperatrix called on all her subjects to consider undertaking a pilgrimage - either physical, mental, or spiritual. We send {named priest} with 50 liao to urge every citizen who is able to commit themselves to a pilgrimage of dreaming, to reveal the truths found in their own soul and beyond.}}

	This mandate will encourage citizens to seek out methods that will allow them to experience visionary dreams, whether that be rituals such as [[Dreams in the Witch House]] or [[Signs and Portents]], or potions such as [[Infusions_of_Feathers#Goosewhisper_Infusion\|Goosewhisper Infusion]]. While they do so, it will be harder for the Imperial Synod to influence people with statements of principle as citizens would be seeking their own revelations rather than listening to the Synod as much.		This mandate will encourage citizens to seek out methods that will allow them to experience visionary dreams, whether that be rituals such as [[Dreams in the Witch House]] or [[Signs and Portents]], or potions such as [[Infusions_of_Feathers#Goosewhisper_Infusion\|Goosewhisper Infusion]]. While they do so, it will be harder for the Imperial Synod to influence people with statements of principle as citizens would be seeking their own revelations rather than listening to the Synod as much. The revelations these citizens are exposed to would urge some of them to take action however - creating a number of opportunities and proposals at the WInter solstice based on their visionary experiences.

			Finally, '''Benedict Pacelli Von Holberg''' suggested a different alternative.

			{{mandate\|assembly=Assembly of Nine or General Assembly\|mandate=The Imperatrix called on all citizens to consider undertaking a pilgrimage - either physical, mental, or spiritual. We send {named priest} with 50 liao to urge every citizen, who is able, to commit themselves to a pilgrimage of spiritual discovery through the dreams and visions granted by liao. Citizens should be exhorted to help source, cultivate and distribute liao for this purpose.}}

			If this mandate were enacted, it would encourage Imperial citizens to gather liao, seek out priests, and experience [[Dedication#Dreams\|liao dreams]] in pursuit of their own revelation. Guided by their priests, many of them would gain insight into their path in life, and make significant decisions about how to proceed with their lives. Others would be inspired with proposals that represented their new insight into the virtues and their role within the faith. This would create a number of opportunities and proposals based on their liao visions at the Winter Solstice.

	===The Journey of the Body===		===The Journey of the Body===

Rafferty: /* The Journey of the Mind */

2019-09-11T10:26:18Z

The Journey of the Mind

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:26, 11 September 2019
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	This mandate shown opposite would encourage all citizens to consider the idea of a mental pilgrimage, by devoting themselves to do everything they can to look into the named subject. Pilgrims would seek out aged texts and study historical records looking for new insight and knowledge. The cumulative impact of this effort would be equivalent to a single piece of [[historical research]]. The results would be compiled and presented to the named priest who spread the mandate before being widely published.		This mandate shown opposite would encourage all citizens to consider the idea of a mental pilgrimage, by devoting themselves to do everything they can to look into the named subject. Pilgrims would seek out aged texts and study historical records looking for new insight and knowledge. The cumulative impact of this effort would be equivalent to a single piece of [[historical research]]. The results would be compiled and presented to the named priest who spread the mandate before being widely published.

			'''Ortenzia di Sarvos''' has suggested an alternative mandate.

			{{mandate\|assembly=Assembly of Nine or General Assembly\|mandate=The Imperatrix called on all her subjects to consider undertaking a pilgramage - either physical, mental, or spiritual. We send {named priest} with 50 liao to urge every citizen who is able to commit themselves to a pilgrimage of dreaming, to reveal the truths found in their own soul and beyond.}}

			This mandate will encourage citizens to seek out methods that will allow them to experience visionary dreams, whether that be rituals such as [[Dreams in the Witch House]] or [[Signs and Portents]], or potions such as [[Infusions_of_Feathers#Goosewhisper_Infusion\|Goosewhisper Infusion]]. While they do so, it will be harder for the Imperial Synod to influence people with statements of principle as citizens would be seeking their own revelations rather than listening to the Synod as much.

	===The Journey of the Body===		===The Journey of the Body===

Cathtice: /* The Frieze of Flowers */

2019-09-09T14:27:33Z

The Frieze of Flowers

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:27, 9 September 2019
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	Something strange has happened to the Frieze. The Empress is still depicted at the centre in all her glory, but now it is rare to find two people who agree on her countenance. Some claim to see the Imperatrix smiling down at them benignly, raising their spirits and encouraging them to virtue. But others are adamant that the Frieze now depicts the Empress frowning or dismayed, as if troubled by something, causing them to doubt themselves. A few people even say that the Empress's expression seems to change depending on what they are thinking at the time. At first people are excited to imagine that the Frieze somehow reflects the Empress's state of mind, but it seems the truth is more complicated than that somehow. It is now common for two different people who view the frieze to see a different expression portrayed there, even when both are looking at the image '''at the same time'''.		Something strange has happened to the Frieze. The Empress is still depicted at the centre in all her glory, but now it is rare to find two people who agree on her countenance. Some claim to see the Imperatrix smiling down at them benignly, raising their spirits and encouraging them to virtue. But others are adamant that the Frieze now depicts the Empress frowning or dismayed, as if troubled by something, causing them to doubt themselves. A few people even say that the Empress's expression seems to change depending on what they are thinking at the time. At first people are excited to imagine that the Frieze somehow reflects the Empress's state of mind, but it seems the truth is more complicated than that somehow. It is now common for two different people who view the frieze to see a different expression portrayed there, even when both are looking at the image '''at the same time'''.

	Unscrupulous ~~montebancs~~ are already suggesting that the Empress's expression is an indication whether a person who views it is fated for weal or woe. For a pair of rings they are inviting visitors to tell them their troubles, so that they can advise them on how to best interpret the Empress's expression. While nobody approves of such charlatanry, the Frieze is still drawing crowds of eager visitors, keen to witness this new miracle and ponder what it might portend.		Unscrupulous mountebanks are already suggesting that the Empress's expression is an indication whether a person who views it is fated for weal or woe. For a pair of rings they are inviting visitors to tell them their troubles, so that they can advise them on how to best interpret the Empress's expression. While nobody approves of such charlatanry, the Frieze is still drawing crowds of eager visitors, keen to witness this new miracle and ponder what it might portend.

	Nor is the Empress alone. According to some who have viewed the frieze there is further evidence of some miraculous provenance at work. They claim that there is a new figure visible on the battlements of Holberg - a horned man in a familiar heavy robe leaning on a staff. Some who have studied the frieze believe this figure to be none other than Juha the Cave Spider, Imperial Magus and husband of the Imperatrix. It is difficult to make the figure out - and even more difficult to prove that they were not always part of the frieze - but the belief that this is somehow representative of Juha watching over and supporting his beloved wife is gaining traction.		Nor is the Empress alone. According to some who have viewed the frieze there is further evidence of some miraculous provenance at work. They claim that there is a new figure visible on the battlements of Holberg - a horned man in a familiar heavy robe leaning on a staff. Some who have studied the frieze believe this figure to be none other than Juha the Cave Spider, Imperial Magus and husband of the Imperatrix. It is difficult to make the figure out - and even more difficult to prove that they were not always part of the frieze - but the belief that this is somehow representative of Juha watching over and supporting his beloved wife is gaining traction.

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:40, 15 January 2026
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	By tradition, the bodies of those who have occupied the Throne are interred in tombs constructed in [[Necropolis#The_Necropolis\|the Necropolis]], the legendary resting place of the greatest heroes of the Empire. In this case, a tomb may not be entirely appropriate, there is no body and indeed it remains a distinct possibility that the Imperatrix and her consort still live. This is not the first time a Throne has disappeared without trace however, [[Empress Mariika]] walked into [[Sermersuaq#Sydanjaa\|Sydanjaa]] in 234YE. Her reign is memorialised by a trio of white granite pillars in the ancient Highborn city of the dead.		By tradition, the bodies of those who have occupied the Throne are interred in tombs constructed in [[Necropolis#The_Necropolis\|the Necropolis]], the legendary resting place of the greatest heroes of the Empire. In this case, a tomb may not be entirely appropriate, there is no body and indeed it remains a distinct possibility that the Imperatrix and her consort still live. This is not the first time a Throne has disappeared without trace however, [[Empress Mariika]] walked into [[Sermersuaq#Sydanjaa\|Sydanjaa]] in 234YE. Her reign is memorialised by a trio of white granite pillars in the ancient Highborn city of the dead.

	It is customary when a Throne dies to argue about how and where they should be memorialised. Although the overwhelming majority of Thrones have a tomb or memorial to commemorate their life in the Necropolis, this is a tradition, not a legal requirement. The legal path is for the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] to commission a [[folly]] whose size and grandeur befits the great achievements of the Throne. The amount of white granite planned as well as the location would normally be stated in the senate motion, although it is not strictly legally necessary to do so, and in recent times the Senate is often indifferent to such matters. Whichever senator raises the motion will get to determine the design of the tomb or memorial along with [[Commission#Necessary_Details\|any other necessary details]] which have been omitted.		It is customary when a Throne dies to argue about how and where they should be memorialised. Although the overwhelming majority of Thrones have a tomb or memorial to commemorate their life in the Necropolis, this is a tradition, not a legal requirement. The legal path is for the [[Senate]] to commission a [[folly]] whose size and grandeur befits the great achievements of the Throne. The amount of white granite planned as well as the location would normally be stated in the senate motion, although it is not strictly legally necessary to do so, and in recent times the Senate is often indifferent to such matters. Whichever senator raises the motion will get to determine the design of the tomb or memorial along with [[Commission#Necessary_Details\|any other necessary details]] which have been omitted.

	Perhaps more crucial than the size, which often comes down to a question of cost and who will foot the bill, is the location. The first instinct of many citizens is to demand that the Throne be buried in their home nation. In this case many League citizens see the Imperatrix as one of their own and take the view that now is the time for them to come home. It is undeniable that the Empress enjoyed a close relationship with her home city of Holberg and some inhabitants of the city are keen to see her remembered there. Katarzyna Von Carstein, the famous architect who [[Reclaimers#The_Park\|designed the Holberg Park]] has offered to design a great park built around a beautiful white stone pavilion befitting a Throne that was crowned the Empress of Flowers. The plan is ambitious however, requiring 50 wains of weirwood and 25 wains of white granite. It would need a Senate commission, but the labour costs would be provided by patriotic volunteers from Holberg and Dawn.		Perhaps more crucial than the size, which often comes down to a question of cost and who will foot the bill, is the location. The first instinct of many citizens is to demand that the Throne be buried in their home nation. In this case many League citizens see the Imperatrix as one of their own and take the view that now is the time for them to come home. It is undeniable that the Empress enjoyed a close relationship with her home city of Holberg and some inhabitants of the city are keen to see her remembered there. Katarzyna Von Carstein, the famous architect who [[Reclaimers#The_Park\|designed the Holberg Park]] has offered to design a great park built around a beautiful white stone pavilion befitting a Throne that was crowned the Empress of Flowers. The plan is ambitious however, requiring 50 wains of weirwood and 25 wains of white granite. It would need a Senate commission, but the labour costs would be provided by patriotic volunteers from Holberg and Dawn.