Easy come, worth less - Revision history

Twiggy at 00:57, 19 March 2026

2026-03-19T00:57:39Z

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial army" to "[[Army"

2026-01-16T09:44:46Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial army" to "[[Army"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:44, 16 January 2026
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	The Highborn people are intensely Proud of their traditions, they are [[Loyalty\|Loyal]] to their history and to each other. But it could be done - a fraction of the nation, perhaps as much as a fifth could be persuaded to abandon their lives in Highguard and set out to walk the trods.		The Highborn people are intensely Proud of their traditions, they are [[Loyalty\|Loyal]] to their history and to each other. But it could be done - a fraction of the nation, perhaps as much as a fifth could be persuaded to abandon their lives in Highguard and set out to walk the trods.

	The impacts would be ruinous, both economically and militarily - with such a dramatic loss of people, taxation in Highborn territories would slump by a third while every [[business]] and [[farm]] would suffer a permanent loss of 72 rings from their income. Every [[military unit]] would suffer a permanent loss equivalent to two ranks due to the loss of fighting strength. And the Highborn nation's ability to support [[~~Imperial army~~\|Imperial armies]] would be immediately reduced by one, meaning they could support no more armies than the three they have at the moment.		The impacts would be ruinous, both economically and militarily - with such a dramatic loss of people, taxation in Highborn territories would slump by a third while every [[business]] and [[farm]] would suffer a permanent loss of 72 rings from their income. Every [[military unit]] would suffer a permanent loss equivalent to two ranks due to the loss of fighting strength. And the Highborn nation's ability to support [[Army\|Imperial armies]] would be immediately reduced by one, meaning they could support no more armies than the three they have at the moment.

	But it would mean many tens of thousands more pilgrims walking the trods. The boost would be so significant, it would more than equal the now dwindling opportunity to take ground from the vallorn in [[Liathaven]]. Navarr [[Navarr_magical_traditions#Vates\|vates]] estimate it would be equivalent to adding two, maybe three, entire territories to the trod network. Instead of waiting a decade or more for another opportunity to attack the vallorn, they would have good reason to hope that another one would arise within a year or two at most.		But it would mean many tens of thousands more pilgrims walking the trods. The boost would be so significant, it would more than equal the now dwindling opportunity to take ground from the vallorn in [[Liathaven]]. Navarr [[Navarr_magical_traditions#Vates\|vates]] estimate it would be equivalent to adding two, maybe three, entire territories to the trod network. Instead of waiting a decade or more for another opportunity to attack the vallorn, they would have good reason to hope that another one would arise within a year or two at most.
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	<quote by="General Assembly Mandate">The monstrous infestation that is the Vallorn is a danger beyond any other that now faces us. There is no sacrifice too great that we cannot meet it to defeat this terror, but we should never expect citizens to shoulder our spiritual burdens. Let us be joined together by common destiny and send (''named priest'') with 1000 liao to urge citizens of all Nations to consider if their destiny compels them to make the ultimate sacrifice and join their Navarr cousins in travelling the trods.</quote>		<quote by="General Assembly Mandate">The monstrous infestation that is the Vallorn is a danger beyond any other that now faces us. There is no sacrifice too great that we cannot meet it to defeat this terror, but we should never expect citizens to shoulder our spiritual burdens. Let us be joined together by common destiny and send (''named priest'') with 1000 liao to urge citizens of all Nations to consider if their destiny compels them to make the ultimate sacrifice and join their Navarr cousins in travelling the trods.</quote>

	The impacts of this mandate would be absolutely ruinous. With such a dramatic change to the priorities of so many people, taxation in all Imperial territories would slump by a quarter. Furthermore the ability of every nation to support [[~~Imperial army~~\|Imperial armies]] would be immediately reduced by one. The exception would be the [[Navarr]] - their people already do everything they can to walk the trods and fight the vallorn.		The impacts of this mandate would be absolutely ruinous. With such a dramatic change to the priorities of so many people, taxation in all Imperial territories would slump by a quarter. Furthermore the ability of every nation to support [[Army\|Imperial armies]] would be immediately reduced by one. The exception would be the [[Navarr]] - their people already do everything they can to walk the trods and fight the vallorn.

	But it would mean many tens of thousands more pilgrims walking the trods. These pilgrims would be drawn from every nation; fewer people from each nation would respond to the mandate but overall the effectiveness would be even more profound than if a fifth of Highguard all left their lives behind to join the Navarr. The boost would be so significant, it would more than equal the now dwindling opportunity to take ground from the vallorn in [[Liathaven]]. Navarr [[Navarr_magical_traditions#Vates\|vates]] estimate it would be equivalent to adding three, maybe four, entire territories to the trod network. Instead of waiting a decade or more for another chance to confront the vallorn, the next opportunity to try and recover land from the vallorn would certainly arise within a year.		But it would mean many tens of thousands more pilgrims walking the trods. These pilgrims would be drawn from every nation; fewer people from each nation would respond to the mandate but overall the effectiveness would be even more profound than if a fifth of Highguard all left their lives behind to join the Navarr. The boost would be so significant, it would more than equal the now dwindling opportunity to take ground from the vallorn in [[Liathaven]]. Navarr [[Navarr_magical_traditions#Vates\|vates]] estimate it would be equivalent to adding three, maybe four, entire territories to the trod network. Instead of waiting a decade or more for another chance to confront the vallorn, the next opportunity to try and recover land from the vallorn would certainly arise within a year.

Twiggy at 21:06, 12 July 2025

2025-07-12T21:06:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:06, 12 July 2025
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	However the Highborn Assembly also upheld another statement of principle with a greater majority, one whose goals conflict strongly with those expressed by Absalom. The people of the Empire have been traveling along the [[trods]] since before the Empire was founded. In those dark days it was incredibly difficult for the Navarr to maintain the trod network, but they did what they could to ensure that a patchwork web of trods surrounded each [[vallorn]]. The genius of the trods is that they sap the hideous vitality of the vallorn and pass that strength to those who are walking the Spring-imbued pathways. As a result the fastest way to reach almost any point in the Empire is via the trods - provided you can find your way and there is a trod that leads to your destination.		However the Highborn Assembly also upheld another statement of principle with a greater majority, one whose goals conflict strongly with those expressed by Absalom. The people of the Empire have been traveling along the [[trods]] since before the Empire was founded. In those dark days it was incredibly difficult for the Navarr to maintain the trod network, but they did what they could to ensure that a patchwork web of trods surrounded each [[vallorn]]. The genius of the trods is that they sap the hideous vitality of the vallorn and pass that strength to those who are walking the Spring-imbued pathways. As a result the fastest way to reach almost any point in the Empire is via the trods - provided you can find your way and there is a trod that leads to your destination.

	In the centuries since then, the citizens of the Empire have come to take the magic of the trods completely for granted - but only in so far as anyone who is traveling anywhere in the Empire makes sure to travel by trod whenever remotely possible. The [[Lorenzo's_Legacy#Blood_Red_Roads\|road networks]] created by '''La Volpe''' have had a small effect, drawing some merchants and other ~~travelers~~ away to the roads - but only for short journeys where the roads goes in exactly the direction they need. Otherwise it is still quicker to use the trods. In theory the [[Assembly#The General Assembly\|General Assembly]] could pass a mandate encouraging the Empire to give up the benefits of the new roads in favour of using the trods, and that might provide a small benefit. But apart from them there is nobody who might be persuaded to use the trods who is not already doing so. They would have to be convinced to make a journey simply for the sake of it...		In the centuries since then, the citizens of the Empire have come to take the magic of the trods completely for granted - but only in so far as anyone who is traveling anywhere in the Empire makes sure to travel by trod whenever remotely possible. The [[Lorenzo's_Legacy#Blood_Red_Roads\|road networks]] created by '''La Volpe''' have had a small effect, drawing some merchants and other travellers away to the roads - but only for short journeys where the roads goes in exactly the direction they need. Otherwise it is still quicker to use the trods. In theory the [[Assembly#The General Assembly\|General Assembly]] could pass a mandate encouraging the Empire to give up the benefits of the new roads in favour of using the trods, and that might provide a small benefit. But apart from them there is nobody who might be persuaded to use the trods who is not already doing so. They would have to be convinced to make a journey simply for the sake of it...

	... and therein lies ''the one possibility that could work''. People would have to be convinced to take a journey for no purpose at all... other than the sake of walking the trods. Of course there is a group of people who already do that; who are sworn to do it in fact. They call themselves the [[Navarr]]. To persuade people to take journeys around the Empire for the sake of it, to convince them to abandon their lives in the homelands and take up a life of traveling - would literally mean persuading them to leave their people and become Navarr.		... and therein lies ''the one possibility that could work''. People would have to be convinced to take a journey for no purpose at all... other than the sake of walking the trods. Of course there is a group of people who already do that; who are sworn to do it in fact. They call themselves the [[Navarr]]. To persuade people to take journeys around the Empire for the sake of it, to convince them to abandon their lives in the homelands and take up a life of traveling - would literally mean persuading them to leave their people and become Navarr.

Twiggy at 16:53, 12 July 2025

2025-07-12T16:53:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:53, 12 July 2025
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	This would have the same mechanical effects (on the Highborn and the Navarr alike). It would also create a new archetype for the Highborn representing these oathsworn Highborn pilgrims, committed both to the downfall of the vallorn and to actively proselytising the Way and the Virtues throughout the Empire.		This would have the same mechanical effects (on the Highborn and the Navarr alike). It would also create a new archetype for the Highborn representing these oathsworn Highborn pilgrims, committed both to the downfall of the vallorn and to actively proselytising the Way and the Virtues throughout the Empire.
	===The Greatest Cost===		===The Greatest Cost===
	The civil service also ~~recieved~~ requests for additional mandates related to this opportunity from both '''Able of the Shattered Tower''' and '''Zastyt, the Feeder'''. The requests were similar in content, and the civil service has attempted to create a mandate that captures the spirit of these two priests' requests.		The civil service also received requests for additional mandates related to this opportunity from both '''Able of the Shattered Tower''' and '''Zastyt, the Feeder'''. The requests were similar in content, and the civil service has attempted to create a mandate that captures the spirit of these two priests' requests.

	<quote by="General Assembly Mandate">The monstrous infestation that is the Vallorn is a danger beyond any other that now faces us. There is no sacrifice too great that we cannot meet it to defeat this terror, but we should never expect citizens to shoulder our spiritual burdens. Let us be joined together by common destiny and send (''named priest'') with 1000 liao to urge citizens of all Nations to consider if their destiny compels them to make the ultimate sacrifice and join their Navarr cousins in travelling the trods.</quote>		<quote by="General Assembly Mandate">The monstrous infestation that is the Vallorn is a danger beyond any other that now faces us. There is no sacrifice too great that we cannot meet it to defeat this terror, but we should never expect citizens to shoulder our spiritual burdens. Let us be joined together by common destiny and send (''named priest'') with 1000 liao to urge citizens of all Nations to consider if their destiny compels them to make the ultimate sacrifice and join their Navarr cousins in travelling the trods.</quote>

Twiggy at 21:39, 10 July 2025

2025-07-10T21:39:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:39, 10 July 2025
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	==Overview==		==Overview==
	During the ~~SpringEquinox~~ 382YE, the Highborn Assembly passed four [[Statement of Principle\|statements of principle]] which were upheld with a [[judgement#majority\|greater majority]]. They dealt with a number of diverse topics, intended to offer guidance to the Highborn people. They included a statement stressing the need to support the Highborn armies in the liberation of [[Zenith]]; the need to oppose the [[vallorn]] as a great threat to the Empire; an urging to welcome Urizen refugees displaced by the [[Druj]]; and guidance for dealing with the sinister spider jars.		During the Spring Equinox 382YE, the Highborn Assembly passed four [[Statement of Principle\|statements of principle]] which were upheld with a [[judgement#majority\|greater majority]]. They dealt with a number of diverse topics, intended to offer guidance to the Highborn people. They included a statement stressing the need to support the Highborn armies in the liberation of [[Zenith]]; the need to oppose the [[vallorn]] as a great threat to the Empire; an urging to welcome Urizen refugees displaced by the [[Druj]]; and guidance for dealing with the sinister spider jars.

	Each statement was circulated to the [[congregation\|congregations]] of Highguard, with varying results.		Each statement was circulated to the [[congregation\|congregations]] of Highguard, with varying results.

Twiggy at 21:37, 10 July 2025

2025-07-10T21:37:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:37, 10 July 2025
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	<quote by="Highborn National Assembly">The monstrous infestation that is the Vallorn is a danger beyond any other that now faces us. There is no sacrifice too great that we cannot meet it to defeat this terror. We send named priest with 500 liao to urge every Highborn citizen to consider if they could assist in defeating this threat by undertaking an extended pilgrimage to walk the trods.</quote>		<quote by="Highborn National Assembly">The monstrous infestation that is the Vallorn is a danger beyond any other that now faces us. There is no sacrifice too great that we cannot meet it to defeat this terror. We send named priest with 500 liao to urge every Highborn citizen to consider if they could assist in defeating this threat by undertaking an extended pilgrimage to walk the trods.</quote>

	If this mandate were upheld, rather than joining the ~~Navar~~ a significant number of Highborn citizens would leave their lives behind and become committed pilgrims. They would travel the trods, and help weaken the vallorn, but in the pursuit of virtue and visiting the many places of pilgrimage around the Empire. They would continue to be Highborn, in word and deed, but would devote the remainder of their lives to an eternal pilgrimage - or at least until the vallorn was defeated.		If this mandate were upheld, rather than joining the Navarr a significant number of Highborn citizens would leave their lives behind and become committed pilgrims. They would travel the trods, and help weaken the vallorn, but in the pursuit of virtue and visiting the many places of pilgrimage around the Empire. They would continue to be Highborn, in word and deed, but would devote the remainder of their lives to an eternal pilgrimage - or at least until the vallorn was defeated.

	This would have the same mechanical effects (on the Highborn and the Navarr alike). It would also create a new archetype for the Highborn representing these oathsworn Highborn pilgrims, committed both to the downfall of the vallorn and to actively proselytising the Way and the Virtues throughout the Empire.		This would have the same mechanical effects (on the Highborn and the Navarr alike). It would also create a new archetype for the Highborn representing these oathsworn Highborn pilgrims, committed both to the downfall of the vallorn and to actively proselytising the Way and the Virtues throughout the Empire.

Emmanovi: /* The Wages of Vigilance */sp

2022-10-01T22:07:25Z

The Wages of Vigilance: sp

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:07, 1 October 2022
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	This third statement of principle by '''Sela of the Suns of Couros''' causes some understandable consternation in [[Reikos]] when it is distributed to the people of Highguard. Many people were previously unaware of the threat of "spider jars" and are concerned that this represents some sort of left-behind tool of the Druj. Bands of vigilant scouts go out to comb the areas around the newly built chapters for any sign of such threats.		This third statement of principle by '''Sela of the Suns of Couros''' causes some understandable consternation in [[Reikos]] when it is distributed to the people of Highguard. Many people were previously unaware of the threat of "spider jars" and are concerned that this represents some sort of left-behind tool of the Druj. Bands of vigilant scouts go out to comb the areas around the newly built chapters for any sign of such threats.

	For about a month and a half after the Spring Equinox, [[High_Herbalist_of_Sybella#Sybella_Cross_Physician.27s_Hall\|Sybella Cross Physician's Hall]] receives shipments of jars about once a week sent by worried Highborn in Reikos (and a handful from [[Casinea]] and [[Bastion]] as well for some reason). Most are simply old jars, empty or containing rotten perishables. One or two contain a large dead (~~prefectly~~ natural) spider or two. None appear to be cursed, or dangerous in any way.		For about a month and a half after the Spring Equinox, [[High_Herbalist_of_Sybella#Sybella_Cross_Physician.27s_Hall\|Sybella Cross Physician's Hall]] receives shipments of jars about once a week sent by worried Highborn in Reikos (and a handful from [[Casinea]] and [[Bastion]] as well for some reason). Most are simply old jars, empty or containing rotten perishables. One or two contain a large dead (perfectly natural) spider or two. None appear to be cursed, or dangerous in any way.

	After the initial influx, no more jars are received. It appears that whatever the spider jars are, there are none near any settlements in Reikos.		After the initial influx, no more jars are received. It appears that whatever the spider jars are, there are none near any settlements in Reikos.

RichardRaynor at 16:25, 22 January 2022

2022-01-22T16:25:38Z

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	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:382YE]][[Category:Recent History]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:382YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
	<ic>Barnabas crept forward slowly, carefully placing one foot in front of the other, making as little noise as possible. Gingerly, he reached out with his stick, and tapped the pot on the lid. Then he jumped back, and scuttled across the loamy floor, and joined Hesther behind the bole of the oak.		<ic>Barnabas crept forward slowly, carefully placing one foot in front of the other, making as little noise as possible. Gingerly, he reached out with his stick, and tapped the pot on the lid. Then he jumped back, and scuttled across the loamy floor, and joined Hesther behind the bole of the oak.

GuiltyConscience at 15:43, 26 June 2019

2019-06-26T15:43:02Z

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	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:382YE]][[Category:Recent History~~]][[Category: Summer Solstice 382YE~~]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:382YE]][[Category:Recent History]]
	<ic>Barnabas crept forward slowly, carefully placing one foot in front of the other, making as little noise as possible. Gingerly, he reached out with his stick, and tapped the pot on the lid. Then he jumped back, and scuttled across the loamy floor, and joined Hesther behind the bole of the oak.		<ic>Barnabas crept forward slowly, carefully placing one foot in front of the other, making as little noise as possible. Gingerly, he reached out with his stick, and tapped the pot on the lid. Then he jumped back, and scuttled across the loamy floor, and joined Hesther behind the bole of the oak.

Matt: /* The Offer of Sanctuary */

2018-09-07T22:36:56Z

The Offer of Sanctuary

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:36, 7 September 2018
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	==The Offer of Sanctuary==		==The Offer of Sanctuary==
	<quote by="~~Highguard~~, Spring Equinox 382YE, Able of the Shattered Tower, Upheld 550 - 0">We remember well the suffering inflicted by the Druj. The Highborn Assembly calls upon all citizens of Highguard to remember the Virtues of Prosperity, Loyalty and Pride. To throw open the doors of their homes to our cousins from Urizen and offer them safety and succour for as long as their homes lie in the hands of the Barbarian.</quote>		<quote by="Highborn Assembly, Spring Equinox 382YE, Able of the Shattered Tower, Upheld 550 - 0">We remember well the suffering inflicted by the Druj. The Highborn Assembly calls upon all citizens of Highguard to remember the Virtues of Prosperity, Loyalty and Pride. To throw open the doors of their homes to our cousins from Urizen and offer them safety and succour for as long as their homes lie in the hands of the Barbarian.</quote>
	Finally, this statement of principle by '''Able of the Shattered Tower''' encourages the people of Highguard to offer sanctuary to the [[Urizen]] fleeing the [[Druj]] in [[Zenith]]. The people of Highguard are used to dealing with refugees fleeing the depredations of the Druj, they know all too well what it is to lose everything to the spiteful monsters of the east.		Finally, this statement of principle by '''Able of the Shattered Tower''' encourages the people of Highguard to offer sanctuary to the [[Urizen]] fleeing the [[Druj]] in [[Zenith]]. The people of Highguard are used to dealing with refugees fleeing the depredations of the Druj, they know all too well what it is to lose everything to the spiteful monsters of the east.

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:44, 16 January 2026
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	The Highborn people are intensely Proud of their traditions, they are [[Loyalty\|Loyal]] to their history and to each other. But it could be done - a fraction of the nation, perhaps as much as a fifth could be persuaded to abandon their lives in Highguard and set out to walk the trods.		The Highborn people are intensely Proud of their traditions, they are [[Loyalty\|Loyal]] to their history and to each other. But it could be done - a fraction of the nation, perhaps as much as a fifth could be persuaded to abandon their lives in Highguard and set out to walk the trods.

	The impacts would be ruinous, both economically and militarily - with such a dramatic loss of people, taxation in Highborn territories would slump by a third while every [[business]] and [[farm]] would suffer a permanent loss of 72 rings from their income. Every [[military unit]] would suffer a permanent loss equivalent to two ranks due to the loss of fighting strength. And the Highborn nation's ability to support [[~~Imperial army~~\|Imperial armies]] would be immediately reduced by one, meaning they could support no more armies than the three they have at the moment.		The impacts would be ruinous, both economically and militarily - with such a dramatic loss of people, taxation in Highborn territories would slump by a third while every [[business]] and [[farm]] would suffer a permanent loss of 72 rings from their income. Every [[military unit]] would suffer a permanent loss equivalent to two ranks due to the loss of fighting strength. And the Highborn nation's ability to support [[Army\|Imperial armies]] would be immediately reduced by one, meaning they could support no more armies than the three they have at the moment.

	But it would mean many tens of thousands more pilgrims walking the trods. The boost would be so significant, it would more than equal the now dwindling opportunity to take ground from the vallorn in [[Liathaven]]. Navarr [[Navarr_magical_traditions#Vates\|vates]] estimate it would be equivalent to adding two, maybe three, entire territories to the trod network. Instead of waiting a decade or more for another opportunity to attack the vallorn, they would have good reason to hope that another one would arise within a year or two at most.		But it would mean many tens of thousands more pilgrims walking the trods. The boost would be so significant, it would more than equal the now dwindling opportunity to take ground from the vallorn in [[Liathaven]]. Navarr [[Navarr_magical_traditions#Vates\|vates]] estimate it would be equivalent to adding two, maybe three, entire territories to the trod network. Instead of waiting a decade or more for another opportunity to attack the vallorn, they would have good reason to hope that another one would arise within a year or two at most.
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	<quote by="General Assembly Mandate">The monstrous infestation that is the Vallorn is a danger beyond any other that now faces us. There is no sacrifice too great that we cannot meet it to defeat this terror, but we should never expect citizens to shoulder our spiritual burdens. Let us be joined together by common destiny and send (''named priest'') with 1000 liao to urge citizens of all Nations to consider if their destiny compels them to make the ultimate sacrifice and join their Navarr cousins in travelling the trods.</quote>		<quote by="General Assembly Mandate">The monstrous infestation that is the Vallorn is a danger beyond any other that now faces us. There is no sacrifice too great that we cannot meet it to defeat this terror, but we should never expect citizens to shoulder our spiritual burdens. Let us be joined together by common destiny and send (''named priest'') with 1000 liao to urge citizens of all Nations to consider if their destiny compels them to make the ultimate sacrifice and join their Navarr cousins in travelling the trods.</quote>

	The impacts of this mandate would be absolutely ruinous. With such a dramatic change to the priorities of so many people, taxation in all Imperial territories would slump by a quarter. Furthermore the ability of every nation to support [[~~Imperial army~~\|Imperial armies]] would be immediately reduced by one. The exception would be the [[Navarr]] - their people already do everything they can to walk the trods and fight the vallorn.		The impacts of this mandate would be absolutely ruinous. With such a dramatic change to the priorities of so many people, taxation in all Imperial territories would slump by a quarter. Furthermore the ability of every nation to support [[Army\|Imperial armies]] would be immediately reduced by one. The exception would be the [[Navarr]] - their people already do everything they can to walk the trods and fight the vallorn.

	But it would mean many tens of thousands more pilgrims walking the trods. These pilgrims would be drawn from every nation; fewer people from each nation would respond to the mandate but overall the effectiveness would be even more profound than if a fifth of Highguard all left their lives behind to join the Navarr. The boost would be so significant, it would more than equal the now dwindling opportunity to take ground from the vallorn in [[Liathaven]]. Navarr [[Navarr_magical_traditions#Vates\|vates]] estimate it would be equivalent to adding three, maybe four, entire territories to the trod network. Instead of waiting a decade or more for another chance to confront the vallorn, the next opportunity to try and recover land from the vallorn would certainly arise within a year.		But it would mean many tens of thousands more pilgrims walking the trods. These pilgrims would be drawn from every nation; fewer people from each nation would respond to the mandate but overall the effectiveness would be even more profound than if a fifth of Highguard all left their lives behind to join the Navarr. The boost would be so significant, it would more than equal the now dwindling opportunity to take ground from the vallorn in [[Liathaven]]. Navarr [[Navarr_magical_traditions#Vates\|vates]] estimate it would be equivalent to adding three, maybe four, entire territories to the trod network. Instead of waiting a decade or more for another chance to confront the vallorn, the next opportunity to try and recover land from the vallorn would certainly arise within a year.

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:57, 19 March 2026
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	==The Cost of Victory==		==The Cost of Victory==
	<quote by="Highborn Assembly, Spring Equinox 382YE, Malachi of the Shattered Tower, Upheld 538 - 0">The National Assembly believes that walking the trods to weaken the ~~Vallorn~~ now also has a religious calling, and that walking the trods should be encouraged for all nations to save as many souls as we can.</quote>		<quote by="Highborn Assembly, Spring Equinox 382YE, Malachi of the Shattered Tower, Upheld 538 - 0">The National Assembly believes that walking the trods to weaken the vallorn now also has a religious calling, and that walking the trods should be encouraged for all nations to save as many souls as we can.</quote>

	However the Highborn Assembly also upheld another statement of principle with a greater majority, one whose goals conflict strongly with those expressed by Absalom. The people of the Empire have been traveling along the [[trods]] since before the Empire was founded. In those dark days it was incredibly difficult for the Navarr to maintain the trod network, but they did what they could to ensure that a patchwork web of trods surrounded each [[vallorn]]. The genius of the trods is that they sap the hideous vitality of the vallorn and pass that strength to those who are walking the Spring-imbued pathways. As a result the fastest way to reach almost any point in the Empire is via the trods - provided you can find your way and there is a trod that leads to your destination.		However the Highborn Assembly also upheld another statement of principle with a greater majority, one whose goals conflict strongly with those expressed by Absalom. The people of the Empire have been traveling along the [[trods]] since before the Empire was founded. In those dark days it was incredibly difficult for the Navarr to maintain the trod network, but they did what they could to ensure that a patchwork web of trods surrounded each [[vallorn]]. The genius of the trods is that they sap the hideous vitality of the vallorn and pass that strength to those who are walking the Spring-imbued pathways. As a result the fastest way to reach almost any point in the Empire is via the trods - provided you can find your way and there is a trod that leads to your destination.
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	Incredibly - it could be done. Not entirely of course, no nation is about to disappear completely. But the news that those who fall in the [[Vallorn#Vallorn Miasma\|vallorn miasma]] do not die but have their souls trapped instead does stir anger among the Highborn. Such a travesty of the natural order demands a response - something should be done. And no nation feels a sense of destiny more profoundly than the Highborn. If it could be done anywhere - it could be done here.		Incredibly - it could be done. Not entirely of course, no nation is about to disappear completely. But the news that those who fall in the [[Vallorn#Vallorn Miasma\|vallorn miasma]] do not die but have their souls trapped instead does stir anger among the Highborn. Such a travesty of the natural order demands a response - something should be done. And no nation feels a sense of destiny more profoundly than the Highborn. If it could be done anywhere - it could be done here.

	<quote by="Highborn National Assembly">The monstrous infestation that is the ~~Vallorn~~ is a danger beyond any other that now faces us. There is no sacrifice too great that we cannot meet it to defeat this terror. We send ''named priest'' with 500 liao to urge every Highborn citizen to consider if their destiny compels them to make the ultimate sacrifice and join our Navarr cousins in travelling the trods.</quote>		<quote by="Highborn National Assembly">The monstrous infestation that is the vallorn is a danger beyond any other that now faces us. There is no sacrifice too great that we cannot meet it to defeat this terror. We send ''named priest'' with 500 liao to urge every Highborn citizen to consider if their destiny compels them to make the ultimate sacrifice and join our Navarr cousins in travelling the trods.</quote>

	The Highborn people are intensely Proud of their traditions, they are [[Loyalty\|Loyal]] to their history and to each other. But it could be done - a fraction of the nation, perhaps as much as a fifth could be persuaded to abandon their lives in Highguard and set out to walk the trods.		The Highborn people are intensely Proud of their traditions, they are [[Loyalty\|Loyal]] to their history and to each other. But it could be done - a fraction of the nation, perhaps as much as a fifth could be persuaded to abandon their lives in Highguard and set out to walk the trods.
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	But it would mean many tens of thousands more pilgrims walking the trods. The boost would be so significant, it would more than equal the now dwindling opportunity to take ground from the vallorn in [[Liathaven]]. Navarr [[Navarr_magical_traditions#Vates\|vates]] estimate it would be equivalent to adding two, maybe three, entire territories to the trod network. Instead of waiting a decade or more for another opportunity to attack the vallorn, they would have good reason to hope that another one would arise within a year or two at most.		But it would mean many tens of thousands more pilgrims walking the trods. The boost would be so significant, it would more than equal the now dwindling opportunity to take ground from the vallorn in [[Liathaven]]. Navarr [[Navarr_magical_traditions#Vates\|vates]] estimate it would be equivalent to adding two, maybe three, entire territories to the trod network. Instead of waiting a decade or more for another opportunity to attack the vallorn, they would have good reason to hope that another one would arise within a year or two at most.

	And all it would require is the most extraordinary sacrifice imaginable from the people of Highguard. The [[pride\|Proud]] Highborn boast is that "We made the Empire". '''Malachi of the Shattered Tower''' has laid down a challenge to every chapter - do we have the Courage, the Ambition to go further - to do what is needed to oppose a singular evil like the ~~Vallorn~~?		And all it would require is the most extraordinary sacrifice imaginable from the people of Highguard. The [[pride\|Proud]] Highborn boast is that "We made the Empire". '''Malachi of the Shattered Tower''' has laid down a challenge to every chapter - do we have the Courage, the Ambition to go further - to do what is needed to oppose a singular evil like the vallorn?
	===The Pilgrim's Path===		===The Pilgrim's Path===
	'''Kerem, Daughter of the Chantry''' has suggested an alternative, one that confronts the thorny issue of Proud highborn leaving their nation to become Navarr.		'''Kerem, Daughter of the Chantry''' has suggested an alternative, one that confronts the thorny issue of Proud highborn leaving their nation to become Navarr.

	<quote by="Highborn National Assembly">The monstrous infestation that is the ~~Vallorn~~ is a danger beyond any other that now faces us. There is no sacrifice too great that we cannot meet it to defeat this terror. We send named priest with 500 liao to urge every Highborn citizen to consider if they could assist in defeating this threat by undertaking an extended pilgrimage to walk the trods.</quote>		<quote by="Highborn National Assembly">The monstrous infestation that is the vallorn is a danger beyond any other that now faces us. There is no sacrifice too great that we cannot meet it to defeat this terror. We send named priest with 500 liao to urge every Highborn citizen to consider if they could assist in defeating this threat by undertaking an extended pilgrimage to walk the trods.</quote>

	If this mandate were upheld, rather than joining the Navarr a significant number of Highborn citizens would leave their lives behind and become committed pilgrims. They would travel the trods, and help weaken the vallorn, but in the pursuit of virtue and visiting the many places of pilgrimage around the Empire. They would continue to be Highborn, in word and deed, but would devote the remainder of their lives to an eternal pilgrimage - or at least until the vallorn was defeated.		If this mandate were upheld, rather than joining the Navarr a significant number of Highborn citizens would leave their lives behind and become committed pilgrims. They would travel the trods, and help weaken the vallorn, but in the pursuit of virtue and visiting the many places of pilgrimage around the Empire. They would continue to be Highborn, in word and deed, but would devote the remainder of their lives to an eternal pilgrimage - or at least until the vallorn was defeated.
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	The civil service also received requests for additional mandates related to this opportunity from both '''Able of the Shattered Tower''' and '''Zastyt, the Feeder'''. The requests were similar in content, and the civil service has attempted to create a mandate that captures the spirit of these two priests' requests.		The civil service also received requests for additional mandates related to this opportunity from both '''Able of the Shattered Tower''' and '''Zastyt, the Feeder'''. The requests were similar in content, and the civil service has attempted to create a mandate that captures the spirit of these two priests' requests.

	<quote by="General Assembly Mandate">The monstrous infestation that is the ~~Vallorn~~ is a danger beyond any other that now faces us. There is no sacrifice too great that we cannot meet it to defeat this terror, but we should never expect citizens to shoulder our spiritual burdens. Let us be joined together by common destiny and send (''named priest'') with 1000 liao to urge citizens of all Nations to consider if their destiny compels them to make the ultimate sacrifice and join their Navarr cousins in travelling the trods.</quote>		<quote by="General Assembly Mandate">The monstrous infestation that is the vallorn is a danger beyond any other that now faces us. There is no sacrifice too great that we cannot meet it to defeat this terror, but we should never expect citizens to shoulder our spiritual burdens. Let us be joined together by common destiny and send (''named priest'') with 1000 liao to urge citizens of all Nations to consider if their destiny compels them to make the ultimate sacrifice and join their Navarr cousins in travelling the trods.</quote>

	The impacts of this mandate would be absolutely ruinous. With such a dramatic change to the priorities of so many people, taxation in all Imperial territories would slump by a quarter. Furthermore the ability of every nation to support [[Army\|Imperial armies]] would be immediately reduced by one. The exception would be the [[Navarr]] - their people already do everything they can to walk the trods and fight the vallorn.		The impacts of this mandate would be absolutely ruinous. With such a dramatic change to the priorities of so many people, taxation in all Imperial territories would slump by a quarter. Furthermore the ability of every nation to support [[Army\|Imperial armies]] would be immediately reduced by one. The exception would be the [[Navarr]] - their people already do everything they can to walk the trods and fight the vallorn.