Eternal - Revision history

Twiggy at 18:41, 18 February 2026

2026-02-18T18:41:55Z

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	While agents of eternals who are friends of the Imperial Conclave, or who are considered [[alignment#neutrality\|neutral]], may operate publicly this is not the case for those who are [[alignment#enmity\|enemies]] of the Empire. [[Agramant]], [[Yaw'nagrah]], and the [[Whisper Gallery]] are known to make extensive use of mortal agents because the ability of their supernatural servants to operate in the Empire is curtailed by enmity. Such individuals face censure as [[sorcery\|sorcerers]], or the attentions of the magistrates, and may face very serious consequences for their allegiance. While they may pursue their goals covertly, they are at constant risk of exposure. Boons provided by their patron might reveal their provenance to divination magic, while there are unconfirmed reports of some agents bearing noticeable marks of their allegiance on their aura that can be discerned with the [[insight]] ceremony. The life of an agent of an illicit eternal is fraught with risk and anxiety and rarely ends well.		While agents of eternals who are friends of the Imperial Conclave, or who are considered [[alignment#neutrality\|neutral]], may operate publicly this is not the case for those who are [[alignment#enmity\|enemies]] of the Empire. [[Agramant]], [[Yaw'nagrah]], and the [[Whisper Gallery]] are known to make extensive use of mortal agents because the ability of their supernatural servants to operate in the Empire is curtailed by enmity. Such individuals face censure as [[sorcery\|sorcerers]], or the attentions of the magistrates, and may face very serious consequences for their allegiance. While they may pursue their goals covertly, they are at constant risk of exposure. Boons provided by their patron might reveal their provenance to divination magic, while there are unconfirmed reports of some agents bearing noticeable marks of their allegiance on their aura that can be discerned with the [[insight]] ceremony. The life of an agent of an illicit eternal is fraught with risk and anxiety and rarely ends well.

	While most mortal magicians seek to deal with eternals through bargains and agreements, there are some who embrace their patron in especially unwholesome way. These groups may venerate or even worship the eternal, engaging in the religious crime of [[Religious_crime#Idolatry\|idolatry]]. This may even be true of otherwise allied or neutral eternals. A family that has a long history of dealing with [[Eleonaris]] for example may centre more and more of their traditions and customs around respect for that relationship, ultimately subsuming their destiny to the will of the eternal and becoming a "cult". The Conclave and the magistrates remain [[vigilance\|vigilant]] for signs of such behaviour, and seek to intervene before it reaches the point where the group takes some sort of unforgivable action on behalf of their patron.		While most mortal magicians seek to deal with eternals through bargains and agreements, there are some who embrace their patron in especially unwholesome way. These groups may venerate or even worship the eternal, engaging in the religious crime of [[Religious_crime#Idolatry\|idolatry]]. This may even be true of otherwise allied or neutral eternals. A family that has a long history of dealing with [[Eleonaris]] for example may centre more and more of their traditions and customs around respect for that relationship, ultimately subsuming their destiny to the will of the eternal and becoming a "cult." The Conclave and the magistrates remain [[vigilance\|vigilant]] for signs of such behaviour, and seek to intervene before it reaches the point where the group takes some sort of unforgivable action on behalf of their patron.

	One element that seems universal however is that while eternals are often interested in mortal agents or servants, none of them are interested in mortal ''souls''. Most eternals speak candidly about not having any real idea what a soul is. Even if one were interested there is apparently no mechanism to "trade" that soul to an eternal and doing so would seem to have no interest to eternals of any realm. Those of the Day and Night realm in particular might enjoy discussing philosophies of souls, morality, virtue, and spirit but they don't seek to gain ownership of these ephemeral things nor profess any deep understanding of what they are or how they work, or even if they truly exist.		One element that seems universal however is that while eternals are often interested in mortal agents or servants, none of them are interested in mortal ''souls''. Most eternals speak candidly about not having any real idea what a soul is. Even if one were interested there is apparently no mechanism to "trade" that soul to an eternal and doing so would seem to have no interest to eternals of any realm. Those of the Day and Night realm in particular might enjoy discussing philosophies of souls, morality, virtue, and spirit but they don't seek to gain ownership of these ephemeral things nor profess any deep understanding of what they are or how they work, or even if they truly exist.

Twiggy at 01:32, 3 February 2026

2026-02-03T01:32:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:32, 3 February 2026
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	What is clear is that eternals do not age, or change in a gradual way in the manner of mortal beings. When they change, the changes are fundamental and swift. An eternal that has presented the same face to the Empire for decades or centuries might suddenly change that face, but its new expression is tied inextricably to the underlying principles that form the core of its identity.		What is clear is that eternals do not age, or change in a gradual way in the manner of mortal beings. When they change, the changes are fundamental and swift. An eternal that has presented the same face to the Empire for decades or centuries might suddenly change that face, but its new expression is tied inextricably to the underlying principles that form the core of its identity.

	Not every eternal has the same level of interest in the Empire, but the [[Conclave]] has the power to define the status of those that do via a [[Declaration]] of [[Alignment]]. Doing so has a powerful but poorly understood [[hearth magic]] effect that can make it more or less difficult for the eternal to use their powers to affect the Empire. A list of the current status of all ~~Eternals~~ can be found [[Alignment#Status_of_Eternals\|on that page]].		Not every eternal has the same level of interest in the Empire, but the [[Conclave]] has the power to define the status of those that do via a [[Declaration]] of [[Alignment]]. Doing so has a powerful but poorly understood [[hearth magic]] effect that can make it more or less difficult for the eternal to use their powers to affect the Empire. A list of the current status of all eternals can be found [[Alignment#Status_of_Eternals\|on that page]].

	A list of eternals and their concerns can be found [[:Category:Eternals#Eternals_Interested_in_the_Empire\|here]]. This list is not exhaustive. Rather it consists of those beings familiar to the Empire, usually because they have shown an interest in it at some point since its formation.</onlyinclude>		A list of eternals and their concerns can be found [[:Category:Eternals#Eternals_Interested_in_the_Empire\|here]]. This list is not exhaustive. Rather it consists of those beings familiar to the Empire, usually because they have shown an interest in it at some point since its formation.</onlyinclude>

Twiggy at 18:58, 15 January 2026

2026-01-15T18:58:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:58, 15 January 2026
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	The most important Chamber in the Empire is [[Anvil#The_Hall_of_Worlds\|the Hall of Worlds]]. This powerful chamber appears to connect to all six of the realms but is under the dominion of the Empire, allowing the Conclave to dictate who from the realms can enter the Hall, using declarations of [[Alignment\|Amity or Enmity]]. Some eternals will chose to come to the Hall of Worlds to converse with Imperial magicians, others prefer to create small chambers of their own that can be reached from the Hall.		The most important Chamber in the Empire is [[Anvil#The_Hall_of_Worlds\|the Hall of Worlds]]. This powerful chamber appears to connect to all six of the realms but is under the dominion of the Empire, allowing the Conclave to dictate who from the realms can enter the Hall, using declarations of [[Alignment\|Amity or Enmity]]. Some eternals will chose to come to the Hall of Worlds to converse with Imperial magicians, others prefer to create small chambers of their own that can be reached from the Hall.

	It is not only the mortal realm that is barred to the eternals; they cannot enter or even perceive the other magical realms. Their heralds, and the other [[inhabitants of the realms]] are likewise restricted. Indeed, many eternals are only peripherally aware of the other realms and the other eternals. How much they know about realms other than their own varies from eternal to eternal, with those of the Day realm and Autumn ~~Realm~~ generally knowing the most and those of the Spring Realm knowing the least. This is one reason that eternals from one realm rarely interact with those of another.		It is not only the mortal realm that is barred to the eternals; they cannot enter or even perceive the other magical realms. Their heralds, and the other [[inhabitants of the realms]] are likewise restricted. Indeed, many eternals are only peripherally aware of the other realms and the other eternals. How much they know about realms other than their own varies from eternal to eternal, with those of the Day realm and Autumn realm generally knowing the most and those of the Spring Realm knowing the least. This is one reason that eternals from one realm rarely interact with those of another.

	While their knowledge of the other realms is limited, their ability to actually influence a realm other than their own is effectively non-existent which is another reason they rarely waste their time worrying about the inhabitants of other realms. [[Kimus]], for example, can see anything that happens in the Day realm or the mortal realm to which she turns her attention but cannot look into the Spring realm. The armies of Summer do not assail the cities of Autumn, and the monsters of Winter do not spend their time considering how to corrupt those of the Night realm.		While their knowledge of the other realms is limited, their ability to actually influence a realm other than their own is effectively non-existent which is another reason they rarely waste their time worrying about the inhabitants of other realms. [[Kimus]], for example, can see anything that happens in the Day realm or the mortal realm to which she turns her attention but cannot look into the Spring realm. The armies of Summer do not assail the cities of Autumn, and the monsters of Winter do not spend their time considering how to corrupt those of the Night realm.

Twiggy at 18:26, 15 January 2026

2026-01-15T18:26:41Z

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

2026-01-15T16:02:52Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Conclave" to "[[Conclave"

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:02, 15 January 2026
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	What is clear is that eternals do not age, or change in a gradual way in the manner of mortal beings. When they change, the changes are fundamental and swift. An eternal that has presented the same face to the Empire for decades or centuries might suddenly change that face, but its new expression is tied inextricably to the underlying principles that form the core of its identity.		What is clear is that eternals do not age, or change in a gradual way in the manner of mortal beings. When they change, the changes are fundamental and swift. An eternal that has presented the same face to the Empire for decades or centuries might suddenly change that face, but its new expression is tied inextricably to the underlying principles that form the core of its identity.

	Not every eternal has the same level of interest in the Empire, but the [[~~Imperial~~ Conclave]] has the power to define the status of those that do via a [[Declaration]] of [[Alignment]]. Doing so has a powerful but poorly understood [[hearth magic]] effect that can make it more or less difficult for the eternal to use their powers to affect the Empire. A list of the current status of all Eternals can be found [[Alignment#Status_of_Eternals\|on that page]].		Not every eternal has the same level of interest in the Empire, but the [[Conclave]] has the power to define the status of those that do via a [[Declaration]] of [[Alignment]]. Doing so has a powerful but poorly understood [[hearth magic]] effect that can make it more or less difficult for the eternal to use their powers to affect the Empire. A list of the current status of all Eternals can be found [[Alignment#Status_of_Eternals\|on that page]].

	A list of eternals and their concerns can be found [[:Category:Eternals#Eternals_Interested_in_the_Empire\|here]]. This list is not exhaustive. Rather it consists of those beings familiar to the Empire, usually because they have shown an interest in it at some point since its formation.</onlyinclude>		A list of eternals and their concerns can be found [[:Category:Eternals#Eternals_Interested_in_the_Empire\|here]]. This list is not exhaustive. Rather it consists of those beings familiar to the Empire, usually because they have shown an interest in it at some point since its formation.</onlyinclude>

Twiggy at 23:17, 1 August 2025

2025-08-01T23:17:59Z

Twiggy at 17:20, 18 July 2025

2025-07-18T17:20:56Z

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	It is possible for an eternal to [[Ritual_theory#The_Law_of_Dominion\|exercise dominion]] over an area of land in the mortal world, reflecting their control of that location. An area of dominion could be as small as a single [[commission]] or a feature like an orchard, a cave, or a well. It could be a mountain, a valley, or an entire town. It could even be a [[Territory#Regions\|region]] or even an entire [[territory]], in theory. There is no known limit on the size, but the limits will usually be determined by the [[Ritual_theory#The_Law_of_Boundaries\|boundaries]] of the area in some way.		It is possible for an eternal to [[Ritual_theory#The_Law_of_Dominion\|exercise dominion]] over an area of land in the mortal world, reflecting their control of that location. An area of dominion could be as small as a single [[commission]] or a feature like an orchard, a cave, or a well. It could be a mountain, a valley, or an entire town. It could even be a [[Territory#Regions\|region]] or even an entire [[territory]], in theory. There is no known limit on the size, but the limits will usually be determined by the [[Ritual_theory#The_Law_of_Boundaries\|boundaries]] of the area in some way.

	If an eternal gains dominion over an area of land, then they are able to wield their powers in that location without restriction, even if they are under the [[alignment#~~emnity~~\|~~emnity~~]] of the Conclave. They cannot enter the area - eternals [[#Anchored_in_the_Realms\|cannot enter the mortal world]] - but all the heralds and other creatures that serve that eternal can come and go freely from any [[regio]] in the area. Most areas of dominion include at least one active regio of the appropriate realm, but it is not clear if this is because eternals don't bother to claim dominion over an area that doesn't have a regio, or because they can only claim dominion where a regio exists. Some magicians have theorised that an eternal might be able to use their power to ''create'' a regio in an area of dominion. As evidence for this theory they point to examples where regio have grown more powerful after dominion over them is claimed, or else have become more visibly overgrown in ways that reflect the nature of the eternal who claims them.		If an eternal gains dominion over an area of land, then they are able to wield their powers in that location without restriction, even if they are under the [[alignment#enmity\|enmity]] of the Conclave. They cannot enter the area - eternals [[#Anchored_in_the_Realms\|cannot enter the mortal world]] - but all the heralds and other creatures that serve that eternal can come and go freely from any [[regio]] in the area. Most areas of dominion include at least one active regio of the appropriate realm, but it is not clear if this is because eternals don't bother to claim dominion over an area that doesn't have a regio, or because they can only claim dominion where a regio exists. Some magicians have theorised that an eternal might be able to use their power to ''create'' a regio in an area of dominion. As evidence for this theory they point to examples where regio have grown more powerful after dominion over them is claimed, or else have become more visibly overgrown in ways that reflect the nature of the eternal who claims them.

	Gaining dominion is not trivial - it requires some kind of manifest action that reflects the reality of the eternal's control of an area. When [[Cold Sun]] sent armies to [[Things that burn\|attack the Empire]], those troops conquered regions of land around various powerful day regio. That military conquest would have been enough to allow the eternal to claim dominion over those lands had they been left uncontested for long. When the Conclave invited Llofir to purge [[Reikos]] of the taint of the [[Druj]], the eternal used the power over the land they had been given to claim dominion over a region. Cultists in service to an eternal like Agramant or [[Yaw'nagrah]] might work pernicious magic to grant their sovereign dominion over a smaller area like a commission or local feature.		Gaining dominion is not trivial - it requires some kind of manifest action that reflects the reality of the eternal's control of an area. When [[Cold Sun]] sent armies to [[Things that burn\|attack the Empire]], those troops conquered regions of land around various powerful day regio. That military conquest would have been enough to allow the eternal to claim dominion over those lands had they been left uncontested for long. When the Conclave invited Llofir to purge [[Reikos]] of the taint of the [[Druj]], the eternal used the power over the land they had been given to claim dominion over a region. Cultists in service to an eternal like Agramant or [[Yaw'nagrah]] might work pernicious magic to grant their sovereign dominion over a smaller area like a commission or local feature.

Castaras: /* Overview */

2025-07-17T11:05:14Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:05, 17 July 2025
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	Not every eternal has the same level of interest in the Empire, but the [[Imperial Conclave]] has the power to define the status of those that do via a [[Declaration]] of [[Alignment]]. Doing so has a powerful but poorly understood [[hearth magic]] effect that can make it more or less difficult for the eternal to use their powers to affect the Empire. A list of the current status of all Eternals can be found [[Alignment#Status_of_Eternals\|on that page]].		Not every eternal has the same level of interest in the Empire, but the [[Imperial Conclave]] has the power to define the status of those that do via a [[Declaration]] of [[Alignment]]. Doing so has a powerful but poorly understood [[hearth magic]] effect that can make it more or less difficult for the eternal to use their powers to affect the Empire. A list of the current status of all Eternals can be found [[Alignment#Status_of_Eternals\|on that page]].

	A list of eternals and their concerns can be found [[:Category:Eternals#Eternals_Interested_in_the_Empire\|here]]. This list ~~of eternals~~ is not exhaustive. Rather it consists of those beings familiar to the Empire, usually because they have shown an interest in it at some point since its formation.</onlyinclude>		A list of eternals and their concerns can be found [[:Category:Eternals#Eternals_Interested_in_the_Empire\|here]]. This list is not exhaustive. Rather it consists of those beings familiar to the Empire, usually because they have shown an interest in it at some point since its formation.</onlyinclude>

	==Eternal Nature==		==Eternal Nature==

Castaras: /* Overview */

2025-07-17T11:04:57Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:04, 17 July 2025
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	Not every eternal has the same level of interest in the Empire, but the [[Imperial Conclave]] has the power to define the status of those that do via a [[Declaration]] of [[Alignment]]. Doing so has a powerful but poorly understood [[hearth magic]] effect that can make it more or less difficult for the eternal to use their powers to affect the Empire. A list of the current status of all Eternals can be found [[Alignment#Status_of_Eternals\|on that page]].		Not every eternal has the same level of interest in the Empire, but the [[Imperial Conclave]] has the power to define the status of those that do via a [[Declaration]] of [[Alignment]]. Doing so has a powerful but poorly understood [[hearth magic]] effect that can make it more or less difficult for the eternal to use their powers to affect the Empire. A list of the current status of all Eternals can be found [[Alignment#Status_of_Eternals\|on that page]].

	A list of eternals can be found [[:Category:Eternals#Eternals_Interested_in_the_Empire\|here]]. This list of eternals is not exhaustive. Rather it consists of those beings familiar to the Empire, usually because they have shown an interest in it at some point since its formation.</onlyinclude>		A list of eternals and their concerns can be found [[:Category:Eternals#Eternals_Interested_in_the_Empire\|here]]. This list of eternals is not exhaustive. Rather it consists of those beings familiar to the Empire, usually because they have shown an interest in it at some point since its formation.</onlyinclude>

	==Eternal Nature==		==Eternal Nature==

Castaras: /* Overview */

2025-07-17T11:03:24Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:03, 17 July 2025
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	Not every eternal has the same level of interest in the Empire, but the [[Imperial Conclave]] has the power to define the status of those that do via a [[Declaration]] of [[Alignment]]. Doing so has a powerful but poorly understood [[hearth magic]] effect that can make it more or less difficult for the eternal to use their powers to affect the Empire. A list of the current status of all Eternals can be found [[Alignment#Status_of_Eternals\|on that page]].		Not every eternal has the same level of interest in the Empire, but the [[Imperial Conclave]] has the power to define the status of those that do via a [[Declaration]] of [[Alignment]]. Doing so has a powerful but poorly understood [[hearth magic]] effect that can make it more or less difficult for the eternal to use their powers to affect the Empire. A list of the current status of all Eternals can be found [[Alignment#Status_of_Eternals\|on that page]].

	~~The~~ list of eternals ~~below~~ is not exhaustive. Rather it consists of those beings familiar to the Empire, usually because they have shown an interest in it at some point since its formation.</onlyinclude>		A list of eternals can be found [[:Category:Eternals#Eternals_Interested_in_the_Empire\|here]]. This list of eternals is not exhaustive. Rather it consists of those beings familiar to the Empire, usually because they have shown an interest in it at some point since its formation.</onlyinclude>

	==Eternal Nature==		==Eternal Nature==

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	It is possible for an eternal to [[Ritual_theory#The_Law_of_Dominion\|exercise dominion]] over an area of land in the mortal world, reflecting their control of that location. An area of dominion could be as small as a single [[commission]] or a feature like an orchard, a cave, or a well. It could be a mountain, a valley, or an entire town. It could even be a [[Territory#Regions\|region]] or even an entire [[territory]], in theory. There is no known limit on the size, but the limits will usually be determined by the [[Ritual_theory#The_Law_of_Boundaries\|boundaries]] of the area in some way.		It is possible for an eternal to [[Ritual_theory#The_Law_of_Dominion\|exercise dominion]] over an area of land in the mortal world, reflecting their control of that location. An area of dominion could be as small as a single [[commission]] or a feature like an orchard, a cave, or a well. It could be a mountain, a valley, or an entire town. It could even be a [[Territory#Regions\|region]] or even an entire [[territory]], in theory. There is no known limit on the size, but the limits will usually be determined by the [[Ritual_theory#The_Law_of_Boundaries\|boundaries]] of the area in some way.

	If an eternal gains dominion over an area of land, then they are able to wield their powers in that location without restriction, even if they are under the [[alignment#~~emnity~~\|~~emnity~~]] of the Conclave. They cannot enter the area - eternals [[#Anchored_in_the_Realms\|cannot enter the mortal world]] - but all the heralds and other creatures that serve that eternal can come and go freely from any [[regio]] in the area. Most areas of dominion include at least one active regio of the appropriate realm, but it is not clear if this is because eternals don't bother to claim dominion over an area that doesn't have a regio, or because they can only claim dominion where a regio exists. Some magicians have theorised that an eternal might be able to use their power to ''create'' a regio in an area of dominion. As evidence for this theory they point to examples where regio have grown more powerful after dominion over them is claimed, or else have become more visibly overgrown in ways that reflect the nature of the eternal who claims them.		If an eternal gains dominion over an area of land, then they are able to wield their powers in that location without restriction, even if they are under the [[alignment#enmity\|enmity]] of the Conclave. They cannot enter the area - eternals [[#Anchored_in_the_Realms\|cannot enter the mortal world]] - but all the heralds and other creatures that serve that eternal can come and go freely from any [[regio]] in the area. Most areas of dominion include at least one active regio of the appropriate realm, but it is not clear if this is because eternals don't bother to claim dominion over an area that doesn't have a regio, or because they can only claim dominion where a regio exists. Some magicians have theorised that an eternal might be able to use their power to ''create'' a regio in an area of dominion. As evidence for this theory they point to examples where regio have grown more powerful after dominion over them is claimed, or else have become more visibly overgrown in ways that reflect the nature of the eternal who claims them.

	Gaining dominion is not trivial - it requires some kind of manifest action that reflects the reality of the eternal's control of an area. When [[Cold Sun]] sent armies to [[Things that burn\|attack the Empire]], those troops conquered regions of land around various powerful day regio. That military conquest would have been enough to allow the eternal to claim dominion over those lands had they been left uncontested for long. When the Conclave invited Llofir to purge [[Reikos]] of the taint of the [[Druj]], the eternal used the power over the land they had been given to claim dominion over a region. Cultists in service to an eternal like Agramant or [[Yaw'nagrah]] might work pernicious magic to grant their sovereign dominion over a smaller area like a commission or local feature.		Gaining dominion is not trivial - it requires some kind of manifest action that reflects the reality of the eternal's control of an area. When [[Cold Sun]] sent armies to [[Things that burn\|attack the Empire]], those troops conquered regions of land around various powerful day regio. That military conquest would have been enough to allow the eternal to claim dominion over those lands had they been left uncontested for long. When the Conclave invited Llofir to purge [[Reikos]] of the taint of the [[Druj]], the eternal used the power over the land they had been given to claim dominion over a region. Cultists in service to an eternal like Agramant or [[Yaw'nagrah]] might work pernicious magic to grant their sovereign dominion over a smaller area like a commission or local feature.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:26, 15 January 2026
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	* '''No eternal can consciously contradict their essential nature'''		* '''No eternal can consciously contradict their essential nature'''
	* '''Few eternals appear to ever lie or dissemble about what they want'''		* '''Few eternals appear to ever lie or dissemble about what they want'''
	Each eternal has a distinct personality that constrains how they think and how they act and that is linked to their fundamental nature. Llofir is not simply the eternal lord of fungus who draws their power from the principles of decay and rot in a way that presumably reflects some of the [[Spring_magic#Resonance\|resonance of the Spring ~~Realm~~]]. The ideas of collapse and ruin, and to some degree renewal, completely dominate Llofir's thinking to the exclusion of most other concerns. It is possible to engage Llofir in discussion of other topics, but the conversation will invariably circle back to rot, ruin, decline, and decay because those are the subjects the eternal is interested in.		Each eternal has a distinct personality that constrains how they think and how they act and that is linked to their fundamental nature. Llofir is not simply the eternal lord of fungus who draws their power from the principles of decay and rot in a way that presumably reflects some of the [[Spring_magic#Resonance\|resonance of the Spring realm]]. The ideas of collapse and ruin, and to some degree renewal, completely dominate Llofir's thinking to the exclusion of most other concerns. It is possible to engage Llofir in discussion of other topics, but the conversation will invariably circle back to rot, ruin, decline, and decay because those are the subjects the eternal is interested in.
	<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 400px;"><quote by="Callus Strategos">It is foolish to compare an eternal to a child. Even the youngest child has free will.</quote></div>		<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 400px;"><quote by="Callus Strategos">It is foolish to compare an eternal to a child. Even the youngest child has free will.</quote></div>
	Eternals appear unable or unwilling to deliberately contradict their essential nature. Everything Llofir does is ultimately intended to cause something to decay or to end a period of stagnation - they won't consciously act to preserve something, or prevent it falling apart. Of course it is possible that causing the decay of something may help something else to grow stronger and healthier - the eternals have exactly the same limitations on predicting the outcome of their actions that mortals have - but Llofir won't deliberately set out to preserve the status quo, prevent decline and decomposition, or stop the inevitable cycle of decay that clears the way for new life. It seems unlikely that the eternal would want to, but they couldn't do it even if they did. The conscious acts of eternals are irrevocably bound by their essential nature, and they can ''only'' act according to that nature.		Eternals appear unable or unwilling to deliberately contradict their essential nature. Everything Llofir does is ultimately intended to cause something to decay or to end a period of stagnation - they won't consciously act to preserve something, or prevent it falling apart. Of course it is possible that causing the decay of something may help something else to grow stronger and healthier - the eternals have exactly the same limitations on predicting the outcome of their actions that mortals have - but Llofir won't deliberately set out to preserve the status quo, prevent decline and decomposition, or stop the inevitable cycle of decay that clears the way for new life. It seems unlikely that the eternal would want to, but they couldn't do it even if they did. The conscious acts of eternals are irrevocably bound by their essential nature, and they can ''only'' act according to that nature.
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	All eternals are known by many different names, even within the same nation. [[Wise Rangara]] is also commonly known as ''The Ancient One'', ''Eldest'' or ''Grandmother Winter'' and ''Kind Rangara'' in different parts of the Empire. The Varushkans use the old Ushkan name ''Clever Spider'' to refer to the wise eternal. It is widely believed that these names were given to the eternals by mortals dealing with them. While heralds will ''sometimes'' use these names to refer to their liege, an eternal very rarely does so. In some fables, the hero discovers the true name of an eternal and uses it to gain power over them, but serious magicians know these are just children's stories. [[Roshanwe]] claims they require multiple different names, because no one single word can encompass their essential nature.		All eternals are known by many different names, even within the same nation. [[Wise Rangara]] is also commonly known as ''The Ancient One'', ''Eldest'' or ''Grandmother Winter'' and ''Kind Rangara'' in different parts of the Empire. The Varushkans use the old Ushkan name ''Clever Spider'' to refer to the wise eternal. It is widely believed that these names were given to the eternals by mortals dealing with them. While heralds will ''sometimes'' use these names to refer to their liege, an eternal very rarely does so. In some fables, the hero discovers the true name of an eternal and uses it to gain power over them, but serious magicians know these are just children's stories. [[Roshanwe]] claims they require multiple different names, because no one single word can encompass their essential nature.

	Some eternals seem to enjoy the implicit flattery expressed by their epithets. The eternals of the Summer ~~Realm~~ are proud and vain creatures and using their "personal" name in their presence risks insulting them, whereas calling [[Adamant]] the ''King Under the Mountain'' is more likely to please and flatter him. The eternals of other realms are less haughty but even they seem to prefer those who seek their aid to use one or more of their formal titles rather than their moniker. Wise Rangara claims that doing so shows wisdom and demonstrates awareness, suggesting that using the name implies a magician understands something about the being they are talking to.		Some eternals seem to enjoy the implicit flattery expressed by their epithets. The eternals of the Summer realm are proud and vain creatures and using their "personal" name in their presence risks insulting them, whereas calling [[Adamant]] the ''King Under the Mountain'' is more likely to please and flatter him. The eternals of other realms are less haughty but even they seem to prefer those who seek their aid to use one or more of their formal titles rather than their moniker. Wise Rangara claims that doing so shows wisdom and demonstrates awareness, suggesting that using the name implies a magician understands something about the being they are talking to.

	In addition to their many names, all eternals are able to change their personal appearance, adopting a different height, weight, sex, and features. Even when an eternal appears in their "normal" appearance, they can still look to mortal eyes like a completely different person. Usually an eternal will use the same "face" for a period of time, generally only adopting a new one if they have not been in communication with the Empire for a while. Some magicians believe eternals change their face when they grow bored of the old one, the way a mortal might buy a new set of clothes. Others claim the change is not deliberate, rather an eternal simply "forgets" what they used to look like in the Empire if they haven't talked to an Imperial magician for some time.		In addition to their many names, all eternals are able to change their personal appearance, adopting a different height, weight, sex, and features. Even when an eternal appears in their "normal" appearance, they can still look to mortal eyes like a completely different person. Usually an eternal will use the same "face" for a period of time, generally only adopting a new one if they have not been in communication with the Empire for a while. Some magicians believe eternals change their face when they grow bored of the old one, the way a mortal might buy a new set of clothes. Others claim the change is not deliberate, rather an eternal simply "forgets" what they used to look like in the Empire if they haven't talked to an Imperial magician for some time.
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	Despite their potency, eternals very rarely offer their aid freely. In most situations, they want to be recompensed for any gesture of support. In the Autumn realm that payment might be in the form of metals, mana, or other valuable resources. Eternals of other realms are more likely to demand services or that a supplicant take action that advances their goals. In those rare cases where an eternal will grant their aid without explicitly asking for anything in return, it is only because the eternal is confident that doing so serves their own agenda.		Despite their potency, eternals very rarely offer their aid freely. In most situations, they want to be recompensed for any gesture of support. In the Autumn realm that payment might be in the form of metals, mana, or other valuable resources. Eternals of other realms are more likely to demand services or that a supplicant take action that advances their goals. In those rare cases where an eternal will grant their aid without explicitly asking for anything in return, it is only because the eternal is confident that doing so serves their own agenda.

	It is possible to codify magical rituals that [[Eternals and rituals\|call on the aid of eternals]], binding an eternal in a promise to provide aid each time the ritual is cast. In many cases, obtaining the aid of an eternal may be the only way to achieve the effect. It is not possible to discover information "by asking the Day ~~Realm~~" a question - but there are a range of rituals like [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]] that allow a magician to converse with an eternal to discover what they know about a subject.		It is possible to codify magical rituals that [[Eternals and rituals\|call on the aid of eternals]], binding an eternal in a promise to provide aid each time the ritual is cast. In many cases, obtaining the aid of an eternal may be the only way to achieve the effect. It is not possible to discover information "by asking the Day realm" a question - but there are a range of rituals like [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]] that allow a magician to converse with an eternal to discover what they know about a subject.

	Outside of their domain, an eternal's powers are extremely limited or non-existent. More than just a reflection of the resonances and dissonances of their magical realm, each eternal's powers appear to be almost confined to the narrow range of interests with which they are associated. [[Sadogua]] has significant magical powers, but they have no soldiers who can fight in their service. Attempting to secure the assistance of the Brother of Wizards for a ritual to summon solders from the realm to fight for the Empire will always fail.		Outside of their domain, an eternal's powers are extremely limited or non-existent. More than just a reflection of the resonances and dissonances of their magical realm, each eternal's powers appear to be almost confined to the narrow range of interests with which they are associated. [[Sadogua]] has significant magical powers, but they have no soldiers who can fight in their service. Attempting to secure the assistance of the Brother of Wizards for a ritual to summon solders from the realm to fight for the Empire will always fail.
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	The most important Chamber in the Empire is [[Anvil#The_Hall_of_Worlds\|the Hall of Worlds]]. This powerful chamber appears to connect to all six of the realms but is under the dominion of the Empire, allowing the Conclave to dictate who from the realms can enter the Hall, using declarations of [[Alignment\|Amity or Enmity]]. Some eternals will chose to come to the Hall of Worlds to converse with Imperial magicians, others prefer to create small chambers of their own that can be reached from the Hall.		The most important Chamber in the Empire is [[Anvil#The_Hall_of_Worlds\|the Hall of Worlds]]. This powerful chamber appears to connect to all six of the realms but is under the dominion of the Empire, allowing the Conclave to dictate who from the realms can enter the Hall, using declarations of [[Alignment\|Amity or Enmity]]. Some eternals will chose to come to the Hall of Worlds to converse with Imperial magicians, others prefer to create small chambers of their own that can be reached from the Hall.

	It is not only the mortal realm that is barred to the eternals; they cannot enter or even perceive the other magical realms. Their heralds, and the other [[inhabitants of the realms]] are likewise restricted. Indeed, many eternals are only peripherally aware of the other realms and the other eternals. How much they know about realms other than their own varies from eternal to eternal, with those of the Day ~~Realm~~ and Autumn Realm generally knowing the most and those of the Spring Realm knowing the least. This is one reason that eternals from one realm rarely interact with those of another.		It is not only the mortal realm that is barred to the eternals; they cannot enter or even perceive the other magical realms. Their heralds, and the other [[inhabitants of the realms]] are likewise restricted. Indeed, many eternals are only peripherally aware of the other realms and the other eternals. How much they know about realms other than their own varies from eternal to eternal, with those of the Day realm and Autumn Realm generally knowing the most and those of the Spring Realm knowing the least. This is one reason that eternals from one realm rarely interact with those of another.

	While their knowledge of the other realms is limited, their ability to actually influence a realm other than their own is effectively non-existent which is another reason they rarely waste their time worrying about the inhabitants of other realms. [[Kimus]], for example, can see anything that happens in the Day ~~Realm~~ or the mortal realm to which she turns her attention but cannot look into the Spring ~~Realm~~. The armies of Summer do not assail the cities of Autumn, and the monsters of Winter do not spend their time considering how to corrupt those of the Night realm.		While their knowledge of the other realms is limited, their ability to actually influence a realm other than their own is effectively non-existent which is another reason they rarely waste their time worrying about the inhabitants of other realms. [[Kimus]], for example, can see anything that happens in the Day realm or the mortal realm to which she turns her attention but cannot look into the Spring realm. The armies of Summer do not assail the cities of Autumn, and the monsters of Winter do not spend their time considering how to corrupt those of the Night realm.
	<br><br><big>'''What it means'''</big><br>		<br><br><big>'''What it means'''</big><br>
	Eternals can't enter the mortal realm. They exist in encounter tents, or in the Hall of Worlds. This is partly to preserve their mystique, partly to ensure that encounters with them can be managed effectively. It also ensures that they need agents to get things done in Anvil - either NPC heralds and servants or PC agents voluntarily advancing their agendas.		Eternals can't enter the mortal realm. They exist in encounter tents, or in the Hall of Worlds. This is partly to preserve their mystique, partly to ensure that encounters with them can be managed effectively. It also ensures that they need agents to get things done in Anvil - either NPC heralds and servants or PC agents voluntarily advancing their agendas.
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	* '''Rituals that summon beings from a realm to fight for the Empire must employ the aid of an eternal'''		* '''Rituals that summon beings from a realm to fight for the Empire must employ the aid of an eternal'''

	The eternals are the most powerful beings in the realms, and some present themselves as rulers or sovereigns in their own right. Such temporal power as they wield tends to reflect their nature and their realm. The Summer ~~Realm~~ has kings and queens who rule over the Summer lands and hence [[Cathan Canae]], a Summer eternal, is often referred to as the Queen of Ice and Darkness. In the Autumn realm, there are princes who rule over the great cities of the realm and hence [[Callidus]] is the Prince of the Argent Tontine.		The eternals are the most powerful beings in the realms, and some present themselves as rulers or sovereigns in their own right. Such temporal power as they wield tends to reflect their nature and their realm. The Summer realm has kings and queens who rule over the Summer lands and hence [[Cathan Canae]], a Summer eternal, is often referred to as the Queen of Ice and Darkness. In the Autumn realm, there are princes who rule over the great cities of the realm and hence [[Callidus]] is the Prince of the Argent Tontine.

	Whatever their titles, most eternals can call upon vassals from their realm when needed. Their most intelligent servants are referred to as heralds - they serve the eternals usually loyally though some have desires of their own. In addition, an eternal ''might'' have soldiers who will fight for them or drudges to work in their employ. Each eternal is different, but all of them can call on lesser beings for assistance when they need it.		Whatever their titles, most eternals can call upon vassals from their realm when needed. Their most intelligent servants are referred to as heralds - they serve the eternals usually loyally though some have desires of their own. In addition, an eternal ''might'' have soldiers who will fight for them or drudges to work in their employ. Each eternal is different, but all of them can call on lesser beings for assistance when they need it.

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:17, 1 August 2025
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	Eternals are fundamentally anchored to their realm and are unable to leave it. They ''can'' enter a [[Regio#Portals_and_Chambers\|chamber]], a place that exists part way between the mundane world and the realm, but they ''cannot'' enter the mortal world. Less powerful occupants of the realms, like heralds, can enter the mortal world under the right circumstances, but eternals cannot. In many ways this is the fundamental distinction between a herald and an eternal - the point at which an inhabitant of the realm becomes powerful enough to be called an eternal is the point at which they are so strongly anchored in their realm that they can never leave it.		Eternals are fundamentally anchored to their realm and are unable to leave it. They ''can'' enter a [[Regio#Portals_and_Chambers\|chamber]], a place that exists part way between the mundane world and the realm, but they ''cannot'' enter the mortal world. Less powerful occupants of the realms, like heralds, can enter the mortal world under the right circumstances, but eternals cannot. In many ways this is the fundamental distinction between a herald and an eternal - the point at which an inhabitant of the realm becomes powerful enough to be called an eternal is the point at which they are so strongly anchored in their realm that they can never leave it.

	Because of this restriction, many eternals are interested in chambers and keen to [[~~Ritual_theory~~#The_Law_of_Dominion\|exercise dominion over them]]. Gaining dominion over a chamber allows the eternal to determine who can enter it from the realm, which can be valuable. Having access to a chamber gives an eternal a way to meet with mortals and a chance to advance their agenda.		Because of this restriction, many eternals are interested in chambers and keen to [[Laws_of_magic#The_Law_of_Dominion\|exercise dominion over them]]. Gaining dominion over a chamber allows the eternal to determine who can enter it from the realm, which can be valuable. Having access to a chamber gives an eternal a way to meet with mortals and a chance to advance their agenda.

	The most important Chamber in the Empire is [[Anvil#The_Hall_of_Worlds\|the Hall of Worlds]]. This powerful chamber appears to connect to all six of the realms but is under the dominion of the Empire, allowing the Conclave to dictate who from the realms can enter the Hall, using declarations of [[Alignment\|Amity or Enmity]]. Some eternals will chose to come to the Hall of Worlds to converse with Imperial magicians, others prefer to create small chambers of their own that can be reached from the Hall.		The most important Chamber in the Empire is [[Anvil#The_Hall_of_Worlds\|the Hall of Worlds]]. This powerful chamber appears to connect to all six of the realms but is under the dominion of the Empire, allowing the Conclave to dictate who from the realms can enter the Hall, using declarations of [[Alignment\|Amity or Enmity]]. Some eternals will chose to come to the Hall of Worlds to converse with Imperial magicians, others prefer to create small chambers of their own that can be reached from the Hall.
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	* '''The eternal can use the full remit of their powers in such an area'''		* '''The eternal can use the full remit of their powers in such an area'''
	* '''Vassals of the eternal can enter and leave freely from regio in such an area'''		* '''Vassals of the eternal can enter and leave freely from regio in such an area'''
	It is possible for an eternal to [[~~Ritual_theory~~#The_Law_of_Dominion\|exercise dominion]] over an area of land in the mortal world, reflecting their control of that location. An area of dominion could be as small as a single [[commission]] or a feature like an orchard, a cave, or a well. It could be a mountain, a valley, or an entire town. It could even be a [[Territory#Regions\|region]] or even an entire [[territory]], in theory. There is no known limit on the size, but the limits will usually be determined by the [[~~Ritual_theory~~#The_Law_of_Boundaries\|boundaries]] of the area in some way.		It is possible for an eternal to [[Laws_of_magic#The_Law_of_Dominion\|exercise dominion]] over an area of land in the mortal world, reflecting their control of that location. An area of dominion could be as small as a single [[commission]] or a feature like an orchard, a cave, or a well. It could be a mountain, a valley, or an entire town. It could even be a [[Territory#Regions\|region]] or even an entire [[territory]], in theory. There is no known limit on the size, but the limits will usually be determined by the [[Laws_of_magic#The_Law_of_Boundaries\|boundaries]] of the area in some way.

	If an eternal gains dominion over an area of land, then they are able to wield their powers in that location without restriction, even if they are under the [[alignment#enmity\|enmity]] of the Conclave. They cannot enter the area - eternals [[#Anchored_in_the_Realms\|cannot enter the mortal world]] - but all the heralds and other creatures that serve that eternal can come and go freely from any [[regio]] in the area. Most areas of dominion include at least one active regio of the appropriate realm, but it is not clear if this is because eternals don't bother to claim dominion over an area that doesn't have a regio, or because they can only claim dominion where a regio exists. Some magicians have theorised that an eternal might be able to use their power to ''create'' a regio in an area of dominion. As evidence for this theory they point to examples where regio have grown more powerful after dominion over them is claimed, or else have become more visibly overgrown in ways that reflect the nature of the eternal who claims them.		If an eternal gains dominion over an area of land, then they are able to wield their powers in that location without restriction, even if they are under the [[alignment#enmity\|enmity]] of the Conclave. They cannot enter the area - eternals [[#Anchored_in_the_Realms\|cannot enter the mortal world]] - but all the heralds and other creatures that serve that eternal can come and go freely from any [[regio]] in the area. Most areas of dominion include at least one active regio of the appropriate realm, but it is not clear if this is because eternals don't bother to claim dominion over an area that doesn't have a regio, or because they can only claim dominion where a regio exists. Some magicians have theorised that an eternal might be able to use their power to ''create'' a regio in an area of dominion. As evidence for this theory they point to examples where regio have grown more powerful after dominion over them is claimed, or else have become more visibly overgrown in ways that reflect the nature of the eternal who claims them.
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	There are many rituals in Imperial lore that call aid from a realm that don't appear to be connected with an eternal such as [[Conclave of Trees and Shadow]] or [[Carve the Crystal Guardian]]. According to Sadogua and his peers, these rituals must have an eternal patron, it is simply that the Empire doesn't know who that is. In some cases these details may have been lost over time, but in other instances it is clear that the ritual was developed without the casters ever knowing which patron was answering their call. Such are the risks involved in trying to call forth aid from a ritual without a prior agreement with an appropriate eternal in place		There are many rituals in Imperial lore that call aid from a realm that don't appear to be connected with an eternal such as [[Conclave of Trees and Shadow]] or [[Carve the Crystal Guardian]]. According to Sadogua and his peers, these rituals must have an eternal patron, it is simply that the Empire doesn't know who that is. In some cases these details may have been lost over time, but in other instances it is clear that the ritual was developed without the casters ever knowing which patron was answering their call. Such are the risks involved in trying to call forth aid from a ritual without a prior agreement with an appropriate eternal in place
	<br><br><big>'''What it means'''</big><br>		<br><br><big>'''What it means'''</big><br>
	The creatures of the realms are ultimately under the dominion of the eternals, and interacting with them through ritual magic requires negotiation. We do this in part to make sure that anything that conjures power from the realm - something that almost always has [[~~Ritual_theory~~#Supernatural_Effects\|over high-magic implications]] - does not dominate the game. It also serves to drive conflict and create interesting scenarios - when the price of angering Eleonaris is that Knights of Glory becomes less effective or incur additional costs, this adds an additional level of importance and risk to interactions with that eternal.		The creatures of the realms are ultimately under the dominion of the eternals, and interacting with them through ritual magic requires negotiation. We do this in part to make sure that anything that conjures power from the realm - something that almost always has [[Laws_of_magic#Supernatural_Effects\|over high-magic implications]] - does not dominate the game. It also serves to drive conflict and create interesting scenarios - when the price of angering Eleonaris is that Knights of Glory becomes less effective or incur additional costs, this adds an additional level of importance and risk to interactions with that eternal.

	==Agents, Cults, and Idolators==		==Agents, Cults, and Idolators==