Invited with asperity - Revision history

Vsabo: /* Icy Crags and Distant Peaks */

2026-04-18T16:28:45Z

Icy Crags and Distant Peaks

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:28, 18 April 2026
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	A couple have attempted to introduce the Imperial students and professors to a ball-game from Otkodov that uses staves and [[Spellcasting#Offensive_Spells\|offensive magic]] to keep control of a [[tempest jade]] sphere. The "excitement" of the contest comes from the fact the "ball" is enchanted to explode violently if it is struck too many times over a short period. It is very much an acquired taste but those who have participated say it is great for "getting the blood pumping" if nothing else.		A couple have attempted to introduce the Imperial students and professors to a ball-game from Otkodov that uses staves and [[Spellcasting#Offensive_Spells\|offensive magic]] to keep control of a [[tempest jade]] sphere. The "excitement" of the contest comes from the fact the "ball" is enchanted to explode violently if it is struck too many times over a short period. It is very much an acquired taste but those who have participated say it is great for "getting the blood pumping" if nothing else.

	The presence of the Thule reduces the costs to upkeep the Icy Crag by five ~~Thrones~~ each season, but they receive a copy of any [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts\|ritual text]] codified there. They've also apparently had a thorough read through the stacks, looking with interest for details of magic previously worked on here. Having learned of the existence of [[Aid Once More]], [[Bitter Mantle of the Leaden Crown]], ''Heaven's Spear Sunders the Mountain'', ''The Never-ending Lullaby'', and ''Sermersuaq Fools the Orca with a Rasp of Her Knuckles'', they are interested to find out more if the opportunity presents itself and eager to acquire ritual texts if the Empire will allow it.		The presence of the Thule reduces the costs to upkeep the Icy Crag by five thrones each season, but they receive a copy of any [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts\|ritual text]] codified there. They've also apparently had a thorough read through the stacks, looking with interest for details of magic previously worked on here. Having learned of the existence of [[Aid Once More]], [[Bitter Mantle of the Leaden Crown]], ''Heaven's Spear Sunders the Mountain'', ''The Never-ending Lullaby'', and ''Sermersuaq Fools the Orca with a Rasp of Her Knuckles'', they are interested to find out more if the opportunity presents itself and eager to acquire ritual texts if the Empire will allow it.

	For each of these rituals the Conclave is prepared to [[dissemination\|disseminate]] to Thania of the Blackstaff, she will provide 6 wains of mithril to the individual who raises the [[declaration]] after it passes, or should they specify in their declaration, to the Conclave (to later be distributed with a declaration of [[endowment]]). Alternatively she can provide 35 [[vis#golden apple\|golden apples]] (again, to the person who raised the declaration or the Conclave for endowment). As long as the desired payment is clear, Thania isn't concerned what form is requested as she apparently has been assigned significant resources by the Dragons.		For each of these rituals the Conclave is prepared to [[dissemination\|disseminate]] to Thania of the Blackstaff, she will provide 6 wains of mithril to the individual who raises the [[declaration]] after it passes, or should they specify in their declaration, to the Conclave (to later be distributed with a declaration of [[endowment]]). Alternatively she can provide 35 [[vis#golden apple\|golden apples]] (again, to the person who raised the declaration or the Conclave for endowment). As long as the desired payment is clear, Thania isn't concerned what form is requested as she apparently has been assigned significant resources by the Dragons.

	One problem the civil service point out is that three of the rituals - ''Heaven's Spear Sunders the Mountain'', ''The Never-ending Lullaby'', and ''Sermersuaq Fools the Orca with a Rasp of Her Knuckles'' - are not actually part of [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial lore]] and thus ''can't'' be disseminated by the Conclave. There's nothing to stop whoever has those ritual texts entering into negotiations with Thania directly for purchase of the ritual texts but it is not a simple matter to create a new copy of a text.		One problem the civil service point out is that three of the rituals - ''Heaven's Spear Sunders the Mountain'', ''The Never-ending Lullaby'', and ''Sermersuaq Fools the Orca with a Rasp of Her Knuckles'' - are not actually part of [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial lore]] and thus ''can't'' be disseminated by the Conclave. There's nothing to stop whoever has those ritual texts entering into negotiations with Thania directly for purchase of the ritual texts but it is not a simple matter to create a new copy of a text.

	==Fraynir and the Black Waste==		==Fraynir and the Black Waste==
	* '''The Thule have made preparations to defend Sküld from an active vallorn		* '''The Thule have made preparations to defend Sküld from an active vallorn

Vsabo at 16:11, 18 April 2026

2026-04-18T16:11:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:11, 18 April 2026
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	''Shit, how does she know our names?'' thought Pallad, trying not to let her fear show.		''Shit, how does she know our names?'' thought Pallad, trying not to let her fear show.

	"Of course, ahem, honoured guest. May I offer you a pour of wine from my own flask, and perhaps some of this Holtfordian fruit?" The guard noted that while most of this small delegation were human, inasmuch as she could make out any details beneath their cowls and fur-lined cloak, one of them at least was a fellow orc. But not a Child of the Dragons, she ~~through~~.		"Of course, ahem, honoured guest. May I offer you a pour of wine from my own flask, and perhaps some of this Holtfordian fruit?" The guard noted that while most of this small delegation were human, inasmuch as she could make out any details beneath their cowls and fur-lined cloak, one of them at least was a fellow orc. But not a Child of the Dragons, she thought.

	"That will do nicely," Tasya let a smile escape her thick hood as she slowly and clearly partook of the wine and dates, unbothered both to stand before a fully garrisoned outpost of the Thule and by the biting cold the guards were so heavily wrapped up against.		"That will do nicely," Tasya let a smile escape her thick hood as she slowly and clearly partook of the wine and dates, unbothered both to stand before a fully garrisoned outpost of the Thule and by the biting cold the guards were so heavily wrapped up against.

Rafferty: /* Caridis, Sławomir, and the Face-peelers */

2026-04-18T15:30:44Z

Caridis, Sławomir, and the Face-peelers

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:30, 18 April 2026
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	Everything seems quite straightforward, at least in theory, but Rak is clear that if any problems do develop, it will fall to Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh, with the guidance of the Ambassador to Otkodov, to negotiate with the Claws of the Dragon on behalf of Caridis the Binder.		Everything seems quite straightforward, at least in theory, but Rak is clear that if any problems do develop, it will fall to Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh, with the guidance of the Ambassador to Otkodov, to negotiate with the Claws of the Dragon on behalf of Caridis the Binder.
	<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=BoyarsHasta Colour.webp\|align=right\|width=300}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=BoyarsHasta Colour.webp\|align=right\|width=300}}</div>
	Or rather, not ''entirely'' straightforward. While cooperation is being mooted, [[boyar]] '''Skandavitz Iskander Kastrioti''' points out that the [[Boyar's Hasta]] - an army that makes a point of working with sell swords and wagonraiders - might be an ideal force to help support the raid on the trudnik. The Thule have no particular objection - warriors are warriors as far as they are concerned. A brief discussion with the [[Civil Service\|civil service]] lays out the logistics of how this might be done. The Boyar's Hasta would need to be in [[Ossium]], where the trudnik are apparently most populous. It would need to use its [[Army_qualities#Sell_Sword\|Sell Sword quality]] to take the [[Army_qualities#Scouting\|guard the gates]] order, and the general would need to specify in their [[army orders\|orders]] that they wished to support the raid on the face-peelers. Finally, the army would need to be [[enchantment\|enchanted]] with the [[Autumn magic\|Autumn]] ritual [[Bound by Common Cause]] simply because that enchantment helps create bonds between the soldiers and the people of the territory. The civil service also caution that the Boyar's Hasta would not benefit from [[Casualties#Natural_Resupply\|natural resupply]] while doing this - the trudnik will certainly fight back after all and the soldiers will be dispersed across Karsk as well as Ossium. But it would provide its strength to supporting the ''raid the face-peelers'' action, making it much more likely the raids would be a thorough success (that is, it would add its strength ''before'' orders or the presence of military units taking a [[military unit#campaigning\|campaigning]] action to support the army are taken into account - military units supporting the Boyar's Hasta would ''not'' count toward the strength requirement of the action, only those specifically taking the raiding action would count).		Or rather, not ''entirely'' straightforward. While cooperation is being mooted, [[boyar]] '''Skandavitz Iskander Kastrioti''' points out that the [[Boyar's Hasta]] - an army that makes a point of working with sell swords and wagonraiders - might be an ideal force to help support the raid on the trudnik. The Thule have no particular objection - warriors are warriors as far as they are concerned. A brief discussion with the [[Civil Service\|civil service]] lays out the logistics of how this might be done. The Boyar's Hasta would need to be in [[Ossium]], where the trudnik are apparently most populous. It would need to use its [[Army_qualities#Sell_Sword\|Sell Sword quality]] to take the [[Army_qualities#Scouting\|guard the gates]] order, and the general would need to specify in their [[army orders\|orders]] that they wished to support the raid on the face-peelers. Finally, the army would need to be [[enchantment\|enchanted]] with the [[Autumn magic\|Autumn]] ritual [[Bound by Common Cause]] simply because that enchantment helps create bonds between the soldiers and the people of the territory. The civil service also caution that the Boyar's Hasta would not benefit from [[Casualties#Natural_Resupply\|natural resupply]] while doing this - the trudnik will certainly fight back after all and the soldiers will be dispersed across Karsk as well as Ossium. But it would provide its strength to supporting the ''raid the face-peelers'' action, making it much more likely the raids would be a thorough success (that is, it would add its strength ''before'' orders or the presence of military units taking a [[military unit#campaigning\|campaigning]] action to support the army are taken into account - military units supporting the Boyar's Hasta would ''not'' count toward the strength requirement of the action, only those specifically taking the raiding action would count).

			Obviously it is up to '''Serafina Semenov''', the general of the Boyar's Hasta, whether the army chooses to take advantage of this opportunity or not.

	==Icy Crags and Distant Peaks==		==Icy Crags and Distant Peaks==

Rafferty at 15:28, 18 April 2026

2026-04-18T15:28:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:28, 18 April 2026
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	* '''The Thule are prepared to have the Claws of the Dragon work with Varushkan warriors to root out the face-peelers		* '''The Thule are prepared to have the Claws of the Dragon work with Varushkan warriors to root out the face-peelers
	* '''This creates a raiding venture for Varushkan military units		* '''This creates a raiding venture for Varushkan military units
			* '''The Boyar's Hasta can take support the raid if it takes certain specific actions
	* '''The consequence is disruption to draughir citizens of Karsk and Ossium		* '''The consequence is disruption to draughir citizens of Karsk and Ossium
	Another matter of a military flavour concerns the "face-peeling shapeshifters" known to exist in and around the Webwood, among other locales. Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided stresses again that the Thule do not consider them to be a particular concern but they are also not by any stretch allies of Otkodov. Cleaning out a den of rabid wolves is usually a good idea; while they may favour attacking humans they might easily shift their depredations to orcs. With that in mind, Rak conveys an invitation from the Dragon known as ''Caridis the Binder of Runes and Oaths'' inviting '''Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh''' to gather some bands of Varushkan warriors, [[Varushka_military_concerns#Wagon_Raiders_and_Sell_Swords\|sell swords]], [[warden\|wardens]] and the like to work with the ''Claws of the Dragon'' to exterminate the "trudnik" in Ossium and [[Karsk]]. The Claws of the Dragon are a small fellowship of warlocks that serve the Dragons by rooting out magical threats to Otkodov - they have recently been involved with the folk of Wintermark in dealing with both cults of [[Agramant\|Blood-on-the-Snow]] and the monoliths of the Falconer. Caridis the Binder has instructed them to work with Sławomir to deal with the "face stealers" and so they have focused their efforts into eastern Varushka even as the armies of Otkodov begin to move.		Another matter of a military flavour concerns the "face-peeling shapeshifters" known to exist in and around the Webwood, among other locales. Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided stresses again that the Thule do not consider them to be a particular concern but they are also not by any stretch allies of Otkodov. Cleaning out a den of rabid wolves is usually a good idea; while they may favour attacking humans they might easily shift their depredations to orcs. With that in mind, Rak conveys an invitation from the Dragon known as ''Caridis the Binder of Runes and Oaths'' inviting '''Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh''' to gather some bands of Varushkan warriors, [[Varushka_military_concerns#Wagon_Raiders_and_Sell_Swords\|sell swords]], [[warden\|wardens]] and the like to work with the ''Claws of the Dragon'' to exterminate the "trudnik" in Ossium and [[Karsk]]. The Claws of the Dragon are a small fellowship of warlocks that serve the Dragons by rooting out magical threats to Otkodov - they have recently been involved with the folk of Wintermark in dealing with both cults of [[Agramant\|Blood-on-the-Snow]] and the monoliths of the Falconer. Caridis the Binder has instructed them to work with Sławomir to deal with the "face stealers" and so they have focused their efforts into eastern Varushka even as the armies of Otkodov begin to move.
Line 98:		Line 99:

	Everything seems quite straightforward, at least in theory, but Rak is clear that if any problems do develop, it will fall to Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh, with the guidance of the Ambassador to Otkodov, to negotiate with the Claws of the Dragon on behalf of Caridis the Binder.		Everything seems quite straightforward, at least in theory, but Rak is clear that if any problems do develop, it will fall to Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh, with the guidance of the Ambassador to Otkodov, to negotiate with the Claws of the Dragon on behalf of Caridis the Binder.
			<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=BoyarsHasta Colour.webp\|align=right\|width=300}}</div>
	Or rather, not ''entirely'' straightforward. While cooperation is being mooted, [[boyar]] '''Skandavitz Iskander Kastrioti''' points out that the [[Boyar's Hasta]] - an army that makes a point of working with sell swords and wagonraiders - might be an ideal force to help support the raid on the trudnik. The Thule have no particular objection - warriors are warriors as far as they are concerned. A brief discussion with the [[Civil Service\|civil service]] lays out the logistics of how this might be done. The Boyar's Hasta would need to be in [[Ossium]], where the trudnik are apparently most populous. It would need to use its [[Army_qualities#Sell_Sword\|Sell Sword quality]] to take the [[Army_qualities#Scouting\|guard the gates]] order, and the general would need to specify in their [[army orders\|orders]] that they wished to support the raid on the face-peelers. Finally, the army would need to be [[enchantment\|enchanted]] with the [[Autumn magic\|Autumn]] ritual [[Bound by Common Cause]] simply because that enchantment helps create bonds between the soldiers and the people of the territory. The civil service also caution that the Boyar's Hasta would not benefit from [[Casualties#Natural_Resupply\|natural resupply]] while doing this - the trudnik will certainly fight back after all and the soldiers will be dispersed across Karsk as well as Ossium. But it would provide its ~~full~~ strength to supporting the ''raid the face-peelers'' action, making it much more likely the raids would be a thorough success.		Or rather, not ''entirely'' straightforward. While cooperation is being mooted, [[boyar]] '''Skandavitz Iskander Kastrioti''' points out that the [[Boyar's Hasta]] - an army that makes a point of working with sell swords and wagonraiders - might be an ideal force to help support the raid on the trudnik. The Thule have no particular objection - warriors are warriors as far as they are concerned. A brief discussion with the [[Civil Service\|civil service]] lays out the logistics of how this might be done. The Boyar's Hasta would need to be in [[Ossium]], where the trudnik are apparently most populous. It would need to use its [[Army_qualities#Sell_Sword\|Sell Sword quality]] to take the [[Army_qualities#Scouting\|guard the gates]] order, and the general would need to specify in their [[army orders\|orders]] that they wished to support the raid on the face-peelers. Finally, the army would need to be [[enchantment\|enchanted]] with the [[Autumn magic\|Autumn]] ritual [[Bound by Common Cause]] simply because that enchantment helps create bonds between the soldiers and the people of the territory. The civil service also caution that the Boyar's Hasta would not benefit from [[Casualties#Natural_Resupply\|natural resupply]] while doing this - the trudnik will certainly fight back after all and the soldiers will be dispersed across Karsk as well as Ossium. But it would provide its strength to supporting the ''raid the face-peelers'' action, making it much more likely the raids would be a thorough success (that is, it would add its strength ''before'' orders or the presence of military units taking a [[military unit#campaigning\|campaigning]] action to support the army are taken into account - military units supporting the Boyar's Hasta would ''not'' count toward the strength requirement of the action, only those specifically taking the raiding action would count).

	==Icy Crags and Distant Peaks==		==Icy Crags and Distant Peaks==

Rafferty: /* Caridis, Sławomir, and the Face-peelers */

2026-04-18T15:24:07Z

Caridis, Sławomir, and the Face-peelers

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:24, 18 April 2026
Line 98:		Line 98:

	Everything seems quite straightforward, at least in theory, but Rak is clear that if any problems do develop, it will fall to Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh, with the guidance of the Ambassador to Otkodov, to negotiate with the Claws of the Dragon on behalf of Caridis the Binder.		Everything seems quite straightforward, at least in theory, but Rak is clear that if any problems do develop, it will fall to Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh, with the guidance of the Ambassador to Otkodov, to negotiate with the Claws of the Dragon on behalf of Caridis the Binder.

			Or rather, not ''entirely'' straightforward. While cooperation is being mooted, [[boyar]] '''Skandavitz Iskander Kastrioti''' points out that the [[Boyar's Hasta]] - an army that makes a point of working with sell swords and wagonraiders - might be an ideal force to help support the raid on the trudnik. The Thule have no particular objection - warriors are warriors as far as they are concerned. A brief discussion with the [[Civil Service\|civil service]] lays out the logistics of how this might be done. The Boyar's Hasta would need to be in [[Ossium]], where the trudnik are apparently most populous. It would need to use its [[Army_qualities#Sell_Sword\|Sell Sword quality]] to take the [[Army_qualities#Scouting\|guard the gates]] order, and the general would need to specify in their [[army orders\|orders]] that they wished to support the raid on the face-peelers. Finally, the army would need to be [[enchantment\|enchanted]] with the [[Autumn magic\|Autumn]] ritual [[Bound by Common Cause]] simply because that enchantment helps create bonds between the soldiers and the people of the territory. The civil service also caution that the Boyar's Hasta would not benefit from [[Casualties#Natural_Resupply\|natural resupply]] while doing this - the trudnik will certainly fight back after all and the soldiers will be dispersed across Karsk as well as Ossium. But it would provide its full strength to supporting the ''raid the face-peelers'' action, making it much more likely the raids would be a thorough success.

	==Icy Crags and Distant Peaks==		==Icy Crags and Distant Peaks==

Twiggy: /* Fraynir and the Black Waste */

2026-04-17T23:10:32Z

Fraynir and the Black Waste

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:10, 18 April 2026
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	The reason Rak has raised this point, it quickly turns out, is that Fraynir has instructed him to offer a text containing the ritual - ''Walls of Starless Night'' - in return for a copy of a specific ritual created at the Icy Crags. Fraynir wished the Imperial Conclave to [[Dissemination\|disseminate]] the ritual [[Dreadful Ending]]. This ritual destroys [[Druj_miasma#Miasma_Pillars\|miasma pillars]] - nothing to do with the vallorn.		The reason Rak has raised this point, it quickly turns out, is that Fraynir has instructed him to offer a text containing the ritual - ''Walls of Starless Night'' - in return for a copy of a specific ritual created at the Icy Crags. Fraynir wished the Imperial Conclave to [[Dissemination\|disseminate]] the ritual [[Dreadful Ending]]. This ritual destroys [[Druj_miasma#Miasma_Pillars\|miasma pillars]] - nothing to do with the vallorn.

	Fraynir is apparently unaware that ''Wardens of the Black Waste'' is a part of Imperial lore. This is understandable given the ritual was codified at the [[Dean_of_the_Lyceum#The_Lyceum\|Lyceum]] by then-[[Dean of the Lyceum\|Dean]] '''Simargl the Empty One'''. It's possible that the Conclave may wish to go ahead with the trade. If they do, whoever raises the Dissemination will need to pay the traditional ten ~~Thrones~~, and will receive in return the ritual text of ''Walls of Starless Night''. It's very unlikely that Walls of Starless Night will be an improvement over ''Wardens of the Black Waste'', however. With that in mind, the Ambassador could facilitate negotiation on behalf of the Conclave, and perhaps the [[Vallornguard]], given it is clear that Fraynir is keen to get their hands on this very niche ritual.		Fraynir is apparently unaware that ''Wardens of the Black Waste'' is a part of Imperial lore. This is understandable given the ritual was codified at the [[Dean_of_the_Lyceum#The_Lyceum\|Lyceum]] by then-[[Dean of the Lyceum\|Dean]] '''Simargl the Empty One'''. It's possible that the Conclave may wish to go ahead with the trade. If they do, whoever raises the Dissemination will need to pay the traditional ten thrones, and will receive in return the ritual text of ''Walls of Starless Night''. It's very unlikely that Walls of Starless Night will be an improvement over ''Wardens of the Black Waste'', however. With that in mind, the Ambassador could facilitate negotiation on behalf of the Conclave, and perhaps the [[Vallornguard]], given it is clear that Fraynir is keen to get their hands on this very niche ritual.

	==Orobus and the Bonewood==		==Orobus and the Bonewood==

Twiggy: /* Fraynir and the Black Waste */

2026-04-17T23:08:30Z

Fraynir and the Black Waste

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:08, 18 April 2026
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	There is some concrete news on the matter of the vallorn, however, that may be of interest to the Empire. Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided mentions that a project is underway to prepare for the vallorn's rise - it is just common sense. Rather than rely on a grand [[fortification\|citadel]], The-One-Who-Waits (likely the Dragon ''Fraynir'', an acknowledged master of [[curse\|curses]] and shrouding magic) has decreed the creation of several rings of [[white granite]] stones around the outskirts of the vallorn of Emrys. When they are completed, they will be warded with [[Winter magic]] and [[ilium\|star metal]] to create fortified camps that will catastrophically weaken any vallornspawn that ventures within. Given the nature of all such wards, the stones themselves will be unassailable by the creatures of the vallorn and as such offer a reliable defence against the vallorn's expansion. To magicians versed in such things it seems to be a version of [[Wardens of the Black Waste]].		There is some concrete news on the matter of the vallorn, however, that may be of interest to the Empire. Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided mentions that a project is underway to prepare for the vallorn's rise - it is just common sense. Rather than rely on a grand [[fortification\|citadel]], The-One-Who-Waits (likely the Dragon ''Fraynir'', an acknowledged master of [[curse\|curses]] and shrouding magic) has decreed the creation of several rings of [[white granite]] stones around the outskirts of the vallorn of Emrys. When they are completed, they will be warded with [[Winter magic]] and [[ilium\|star metal]] to create fortified camps that will catastrophically weaken any vallornspawn that ventures within. Given the nature of all such wards, the stones themselves will be unassailable by the creatures of the vallorn and as such offer a reliable defence against the vallorn's expansion. To magicians versed in such things it seems to be a version of [[Wardens of the Black Waste]].

	The reason Rak has raised this point, it quickly turns out, is that Fraynir has instructed him to offer a text containing the ritual - ''Walls of Starless Night'' - in return for a copy of a specific ritual created at the Icy Crags. Fraynir wished the Imperial Conclave to [[Dissemination\|disseminate]] the ritual [[Dreadful Ending]]. This ritual destroys [[miasma pillars]] - nothing to do with the vallorn.		The reason Rak has raised this point, it quickly turns out, is that Fraynir has instructed him to offer a text containing the ritual - ''Walls of Starless Night'' - in return for a copy of a specific ritual created at the Icy Crags. Fraynir wished the Imperial Conclave to [[Dissemination\|disseminate]] the ritual [[Dreadful Ending]]. This ritual destroys [[Druj_miasma#Miasma_Pillars\|miasma pillars]] - nothing to do with the vallorn.

	Fraynir is apparently unaware that ''Wardens of the Black Waste'' is a part of Imperial lore. This is understandable given the ritual was codified at the [[Dean_of_the_Lyceum#The_Lyceum\|Lyceum]] by then-[[Dean of the Lyceum\|Dean]] '''Simargl the Empty One'''. It's possible that the Conclave may wish to go ahead with the trade. If they do, whoever raises the Dissemination will need to pay the traditional ten Thrones, and will receive in return the ritual text of ''Walls of Starless Night''. It's very unlikely that Walls of Starless Night will be an improvement over ''Wardens of the Black Waste'', however. With that in mind, the Ambassador could facilitate negotiation on behalf of the Conclave, and perhaps the [[Vallornguard]], given it is clear that Fraynir is keen to get their hands on this very niche ritual.		Fraynir is apparently unaware that ''Wardens of the Black Waste'' is a part of Imperial lore. This is understandable given the ritual was codified at the [[Dean_of_the_Lyceum#The_Lyceum\|Lyceum]] by then-[[Dean of the Lyceum\|Dean]] '''Simargl the Empty One'''. It's possible that the Conclave may wish to go ahead with the trade. If they do, whoever raises the Dissemination will need to pay the traditional ten Thrones, and will receive in return the ritual text of ''Walls of Starless Night''. It's very unlikely that Walls of Starless Night will be an improvement over ''Wardens of the Black Waste'', however. With that in mind, the Ambassador could facilitate negotiation on behalf of the Conclave, and perhaps the [[Vallornguard]], given it is clear that Fraynir is keen to get their hands on this very niche ritual.

Noserenda at 23:42, 16 April 2026

2026-04-16T23:42:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:42, 17 April 2026
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	The presence of the Thule reduces the costs to upkeep the Icy Crag by five Thrones each season, but they receive a copy of any [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts\|ritual text]] codified there. They've also apparently had a thorough read through the stacks, looking with interest for details of magic previously worked on here. Having learned of the existence of [[Aid Once More]], [[Bitter Mantle of the Leaden Crown]], ''Heaven's Spear Sunders the Mountain'', ''The Never-ending Lullaby'', and ''Sermersuaq Fools the Orca with a Rasp of Her Knuckles'', they are interested to find out more if the opportunity presents itself and eager to acquire ritual texts if the Empire will allow it.		The presence of the Thule reduces the costs to upkeep the Icy Crag by five Thrones each season, but they receive a copy of any [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts\|ritual text]] codified there. They've also apparently had a thorough read through the stacks, looking with interest for details of magic previously worked on here. Having learned of the existence of [[Aid Once More]], [[Bitter Mantle of the Leaden Crown]], ''Heaven's Spear Sunders the Mountain'', ''The Never-ending Lullaby'', and ''Sermersuaq Fools the Orca with a Rasp of Her Knuckles'', they are interested to find out more if the opportunity presents itself and eager to acquire ritual texts if the Empire will allow it.

	For each of these rituals the Conclave is prepared to [[dissemination\|disseminate]] to Thania of the Blackstaff, she will provide 6 wains of mithril to the individual who raises the [[declaration]] after it passes, or should they specify in their declaration, to the ~~Concalve~~ (to later be distributed with a declaration of [[endowment]]). Alternatively she can provide 35 [[vis#golden apple\|golden apples]] (again, to the person who raised the declaration or the Conclave for endowment). As long as the desired payment is clear, Thania isn't concerned what form is requested as she apparently has been assigned significant resources by the Dragons.		For each of these rituals the Conclave is prepared to [[dissemination\|disseminate]] to Thania of the Blackstaff, she will provide 6 wains of mithril to the individual who raises the [[declaration]] after it passes, or should they specify in their declaration, to the Conclave (to later be distributed with a declaration of [[endowment]]). Alternatively she can provide 35 [[vis#golden apple\|golden apples]] (again, to the person who raised the declaration or the Conclave for endowment). As long as the desired payment is clear, Thania isn't concerned what form is requested as she apparently has been assigned significant resources by the Dragons.

	One problem the civil service point out is that three of the rituals - ''Heaven's Spear Sunders the Mountain'', ''The Never-ending Lullaby'', and ''Sermersuaq Fools the Orca with a Rasp of Her Knuckles'' - are not actually part of [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial lore]] and thus ''can't'' be disseminated by the Conclave. There's nothing to stop whoever has those ritual texts entering into negotiations with Thania directly for purchase of the ritual texts but it is not a simple matter to create a new copy of a text.		One problem the civil service point out is that three of the rituals - ''Heaven's Spear Sunders the Mountain'', ''The Never-ending Lullaby'', and ''Sermersuaq Fools the Orca with a Rasp of Her Knuckles'' - are not actually part of [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial lore]] and thus ''can't'' be disseminated by the Conclave. There's nothing to stop whoever has those ritual texts entering into negotiations with Thania directly for purchase of the ritual texts but it is not a simple matter to create a new copy of a text.
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	* '''They are offering a ritual that already seems to exist in Imperial lore under a different name'''		* '''They are offering a ritual that already seems to exist in Imperial lore under a different name'''

	Ambassador Kindra has provided some ~~guidane~~ regarding the concerns of '''Dylan Thornweaver''' and the [[vallorn]]. It is now common knowledge that there is a vallorn in [[Otkodov#Sküld\|Sküld]] - occupying the ruins of the ancient city of Emrys. Ambassador Rak offers reassurance that the Dragons' opinion on the matter has not shifted from [[A_thousand_years_of_longing#Our_Friends_in_the_North\|where it was]] when the [[Great Library of Hacynian]] completed their research. Research he is keen to remind the Empire that the [[A_thousand_years_of_longing#Our_Friends_in_the_North\|Thule supported]]. Otkodov remains enthusiastic about the reunification - the "ascension" - of the vallorn. They remain ready to deal with the vallorn of Sküld - but would appreciate a season of advance warning before the Empire completes the [[trods]] network and begins the transformation. They remain confident that their armies and their magic will be more than a match for it given its size and sluggishness. They've sacrificed a thousand years of prosperity in Sküld to keep it weak, after all. With the vallorn gone they would no longer need to keep Sküld under a [[Wither the Seed\|shroud of Winter magic]] and could restore it to full fertility. There is also speculation that the Thule are eager to finally get at the treasures of Emrys which legends suggest was perhaps the most magically advanced city of the Terunael Empire; the warlocks refuse to be drawn.		Ambassador Kindra has provided some guidance regarding the concerns of '''Dylan Thornweaver''' and the [[vallorn]]. It is now common knowledge that there is a vallorn in [[Otkodov#Sküld\|Sküld]] - occupying the ruins of the ancient city of Emrys. Ambassador Rak offers reassurance that the Dragons' opinion on the matter has not shifted from [[A_thousand_years_of_longing#Our_Friends_in_the_North\|where it was]] when the [[Great Library of Hacynian]] completed their research. Research he is keen to remind the Empire that the [[A_thousand_years_of_longing#Our_Friends_in_the_North\|Thule supported]]. Otkodov remains enthusiastic about the reunification - the "ascension" - of the vallorn. They remain ready to deal with the vallorn of Sküld - but would appreciate a season of advance warning before the Empire completes the [[trods]] network and begins the transformation. They remain confident that their armies and their magic will be more than a match for it given its size and sluggishness. They've sacrificed a thousand years of prosperity in Sküld to keep it weak, after all. With the vallorn gone they would no longer need to keep Sküld under a [[Wither the Seed\|shroud of Winter magic]] and could restore it to full fertility. There is also speculation that the Thule are eager to finally get at the treasures of Emrys which legends suggest was perhaps the most magically advanced city of the Terunael Empire; the warlocks refuse to be drawn.

	There is some concrete news on the matter of the vallorn, however, that may be of interest to the Empire. Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided mentions that a project is underway to prepare for the vallorn's rise - it is just common sense. Rather than rely on a grand [[fortification\|citadel]], The-One-Who-Waits (likely the Dragon ''Fraynir'', an acknowledged master of [[curse\|curses]] and shrouding magic) has decreed the creation of several rings of [[white granite]] stones around the outskirts of the vallorn of Emrys. When they are completed, they will be warded with [[Winter magic]] and [[ilium\|star metal]] to create fortified camps that will catastrophically weaken any vallornspawn that ventures within. Given the nature of all such wards, the stones themselves will be unassailable by the creatures of the vallorn and as such offer a reliable defence against the vallorn's expansion. To magicians versed in such things it seems to be a version of [[Wardens of the Black Waste]].		There is some concrete news on the matter of the vallorn, however, that may be of interest to the Empire. Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided mentions that a project is underway to prepare for the vallorn's rise - it is just common sense. Rather than rely on a grand [[fortification\|citadel]], The-One-Who-Waits (likely the Dragon ''Fraynir'', an acknowledged master of [[curse\|curses]] and shrouding magic) has decreed the creation of several rings of [[white granite]] stones around the outskirts of the vallorn of Emrys. When they are completed, they will be warded with [[Winter magic]] and [[ilium\|star metal]] to create fortified camps that will catastrophically weaken any vallornspawn that ventures within. Given the nature of all such wards, the stones themselves will be unassailable by the creatures of the vallorn and as such offer a reliable defence against the vallorn's expansion. To magicians versed in such things it seems to be a version of [[Wardens of the Black Waste]].

Twiggy at 15:48, 16 April 2026

2026-04-16T15:48:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:48, 16 April 2026
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	Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided explains that the Dragons recently permitted an attempt to find a trade route between western Otkodov and Wintermark, overland through the wastes of Tsirku, and it was an unmitigated disaster that cost many lives. They do not see that any attempt to open a sea route would be any more successful - there are beasts in the ice-strewn waters off the coast of Otkodov that are truly terrible even for the Sea of Snow. Weighing the risk and the reward, they see little advantage to allowing the Empire to create - and ultimately control - a maritime route to their shores. They would rather leave that door unopened at least for the time being. Rak goes further - not only will the Dragons not authorise cooperation in this endeavour they will not permit a trading post on their coast. Trade with Otkodov will continue overland, as it has done for the last decade or so.		Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided explains that the Dragons recently permitted an attempt to find a trade route between western Otkodov and Wintermark, overland through the wastes of Tsirku, and it was an unmitigated disaster that cost many lives. They do not see that any attempt to open a sea route would be any more successful - there are beasts in the ice-strewn waters off the coast of Otkodov that are truly terrible even for the Sea of Snow. Weighing the risk and the reward, they see little advantage to allowing the Empire to create - and ultimately control - a maritime route to their shores. They would rather leave that door unopened at least for the time being. Rak goes further - not only will the Dragons not authorise cooperation in this endeavour they will not permit a trading post on their coast. Trade with Otkodov will continue overland, as it has done for the last decade or so.

	Reading between the lines, it is very clear that no matter what ~~Rhak~~ says, fundamentally the Dragons do not want the Empire to have a way to bring fleets to their coast. Relations may have thawed in the last decade, but not so much that the Dragons will tolerate Imperial ships sailing through open waters to the lands of the Thule.		Reading between the lines, it is very clear that no matter what Rak says, fundamentally the Dragons do not want the Empire to have a way to bring fleets to their coast. Relations may have thawed in the last decade, but not so much that the Dragons will tolerate Imperial ships sailing through open waters to the lands of the Thule.
	<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Forest of Ulnak regions.png\|caption=The Forest of Ulnak is mapped, but large parts of the territory remain a mystery.\|align=right\|width=400}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Forest of Ulnak regions.png\|caption=The Forest of Ulnak is mapped, but large parts of the territory remain a mystery.\|align=right\|width=400}}</div>
	==Hinodir, Tathenon, and the Eastern Woods==		==Hinodir, Tathenon, and the Eastern Woods==
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	* '''The Thule are preparing an invasion of the Forest of Ulnak and invite Imperial warbands to accompany them'''		* '''The Thule are preparing an invasion of the Forest of Ulnak and invite Imperial warbands to accompany them'''
	* '''They also welcome Imperial armies provided the generals are prepared to follow the lead of Tathenon the Gyre'''		* '''They also welcome Imperial armies provided the generals are prepared to follow the lead of Tathenon the Gyre'''
	Following the Autumn Equinox, Thule hunters swept into the [[Forest of Ulnak]], using the [[spy network]] there at the invitation of the [[Imperial Spymaster]]. One of the Dragons, ''Hinodir of the Bright Orb'', [[Bedight_in_veils#Forest_of_Ulnak\|negotiated access]] allowing the orcs of Otkodov to take advantage of existing framework laid down by the Empire. There are Imperial scouts using the spy network as well, but the Thule make no effort to cooperate with them. These hunters are fairly different to the warriors more often encountered by the Empire - bow and spear warriors with thick hide armour and dark blue hoods, accompanied by battle warlocks and ~~pratitioners~~ of [[Night magic]]. The warbands are all shrouded by an [[enchantment]] that makes them hard to spot against natural landscapes and guides them through the wild woods of the territory. Their work completed, they return to Otkodov shortly before the Winter Solstice.		Following the Autumn Equinox, Thule hunters swept into the [[Forest of Ulnak]], using the [[spy network]] there at the invitation of the [[Imperial Spymaster]]. One of the Dragons, ''Hinodir of the Bright Orb'', [[Bedight_in_veils#Forest_of_Ulnak\|negotiated access]] allowing the orcs of Otkodov to take advantage of existing framework laid down by the Empire. There are Imperial scouts using the spy network as well, but the Thule make no effort to cooperate with them. These hunters are fairly different to the warriors more often encountered by the Empire - bow and spear warriors with thick hide armour and dark blue hoods, accompanied by battle warlocks and practitioners of [[Night magic]]. The warbands are all shrouded by an [[enchantment]] that makes them hard to spot against natural landscapes and guides them through the wild woods of the territory. Their work completed, they return to Otkodov shortly before the Winter Solstice.

	Even as the hunters ~~alre~~ sent out, the Thule are on the move. Eyewitnesses observe significant Thule military forces entering [[Ossium]] - moving into the [[Ossium#Bonewood\|Bonewood]] and [[Ossium#Webwood\|Webwood]]. Both woodlands have apparently been woven with Spring magic; at first there is a concern this is an attempt to unleash the [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]]. Rather than becoming mobile however it seems the forest is possessed of a magical awareness that causes the trees to attack intruders and trespassers in a manner more similar to [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]]. There's talk of other movements as well - ''Tasya of the Black Feathers'', the mouth-piece of the [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns\|sovereign]] known as the [[Charnel Lord]] - has been spotted visiting ''Krevsatyzmei'', the Thule fortification in Karsk. At various points in the past the Charnel Lord has allied with the Thule, betraying them with equal ease when the tides of battle shifted. It seems another cycle of diplomacy may be beginning.		Even as the hunters already sent out, the Thule are on the move. Eyewitnesses observe significant Thule military forces entering [[Ossium]] - moving into the [[Ossium#Bonewood\|Bonewood]] and [[Ossium#Webwood\|Webwood]]. Both woodlands have apparently been woven with Spring magic; at first there is a concern this is an attempt to unleash the [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]]. Rather than becoming mobile however it seems the forest is possessed of a magical awareness that causes the trees to attack intruders and trespassers in a manner more similar to [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]]. There's talk of other movements as well - ''Tasya of the Black Feathers'', the mouth-piece of the [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns\|sovereign]] known as the [[Charnel Lord]] - has been spotted visiting ''Krevsatyzmei'', the Thule fortification in Karsk. At various points in the past the Charnel Lord has allied with the Thule, betraying them with equal ease when the tides of battle shifted. It seems another cycle of diplomacy may be beginning.

	Ambassador Kindra has raised the possibility of a joint effort to attack the Forest of Ulnak, but Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided politely requests that the ambassador keep the military strategists at arms length during the coming delegation. At the same time however, he issues an invitation from ''Tathenon the Gyre, Who Wields the Might of the Sky''. Any Imperial [[military unit\|warband]] that wishes is welcome to join the Thule in their assault against the Druj of Ulnak. Those who wish to do so may fight alongside the ''Earthquake Drummers'', who lead the assault against the vermin of [[the Mallum]]. Any captain who brings their warband will be granted a gift of crystal mana. A standard military unit will be rewarded with 7 crystal mana, with an [[Military unit#Upgrades\|upgraded]] or [[enchantment\|enchanted]] military unit receiving proportionally more.		Ambassador Kindra has raised the possibility of a joint effort to attack the Forest of Ulnak, but Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided politely requests that the ambassador keep the military strategists at arms length during the coming delegation. At the same time however, he issues an invitation from ''Tathenon the Gyre, Who Wields the Might of the Sky''. Any Imperial [[military unit\|warband]] that wishes is welcome to join the Thule in their assault against the Druj of Ulnak. Those who wish to do so may fight alongside the ''Earthquake Drummers'', who lead the assault against the vermin of [[the Mallum]]. Any captain who brings their warband will be granted a gift of crystal mana. A standard military unit will be rewarded with 7 crystal mana, with an [[Military unit#Upgrades\|upgraded]] or [[enchantment\|enchanted]] military unit receiving proportionally more.

GuiltyConscience: /* Caridis, Sławomir, and the Face-peelers */

2026-04-16T15:45:24Z

Caridis, Sławomir, and the Face-peelers

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:45, 16 April 2026
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	* '''This creates a raiding venture for Varushkan military units		* '''This creates a raiding venture for Varushkan military units
	* '''The consequence is disruption to draughir citizens of Karsk and Ossium		* '''The consequence is disruption to draughir citizens of Karsk and Ossium
	Another matter of a military flavour concerns the "face-peeling shapeshifters" known to exist in and around the Webwood, among other locales. Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided stresses again that the Thule do not consider them to be a particular concern but they are also not by any stretch allies of Otkodov. Cleaning out a den of rabid wolves is usually a good idea; while they may favour attacking humans they might easily shift their depredations to orcs. With that in mind, Rak conveys an invitation from the Dragon known as ''Caridis the Binder of Runes and Oaths'' inviting '''Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh''' to gather some bands of Varushkan warriors, [[sell swords]], [[warden\|wardens]] and the like to work with the ''Claws of the Dragon'' to exterminate the "trudnik" in Ossium and [[Karsk]]. The Claws of the Dragon are a small fellowship of warlocks that serve the Dragons by rooting out magical threats to Otkodov - they have recently been involved with the folk of Wintermark in dealing with both cults of [[Agramant\|Blood-on-the-Snow]] and the monoliths of the Falconer. Caridis the Binder has instructed them to work with Sławomir to deal with the "face stealers" and so they have focused their efforts into eastern Varushka even as the armies of Otkodov begin to move.		Another matter of a military flavour concerns the "face-peeling shapeshifters" known to exist in and around the Webwood, among other locales. Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided stresses again that the Thule do not consider them to be a particular concern but they are also not by any stretch allies of Otkodov. Cleaning out a den of rabid wolves is usually a good idea; while they may favour attacking humans they might easily shift their depredations to orcs. With that in mind, Rak conveys an invitation from the Dragon known as ''Caridis the Binder of Runes and Oaths'' inviting '''Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh''' to gather some bands of Varushkan warriors, [[Varushka_military_concerns#Wagon_Raiders_and_Sell_Swords\|sell swords]], [[warden\|wardens]] and the like to work with the ''Claws of the Dragon'' to exterminate the "trudnik" in Ossium and [[Karsk]]. The Claws of the Dragon are a small fellowship of warlocks that serve the Dragons by rooting out magical threats to Otkodov - they have recently been involved with the folk of Wintermark in dealing with both cults of [[Agramant\|Blood-on-the-Snow]] and the monoliths of the Falconer. Caridis the Binder has instructed them to work with Sławomir to deal with the "face stealers" and so they have focused their efforts into eastern Varushka even as the armies of Otkodov begin to move.

	Following the Winter Solstice, [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] [[military unit\|military units]] will have the opportunity to undertake a [[military unit#Raiding\|raiding]] [[venture]] called ''Root out the Face-peelers''. This will involve working with the Thule in Karsk and Ossium to track down nests of "trudnik" and, where they are found, employ axe and flame to destroy them. The Claws of the Dragon are a fairly small organisation, but they are supported here by a cadre of warriors and hunters. Regardless, the full success of this venture will depend on Varushkan involvement.		Following the Winter Solstice, [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] [[military unit\|military units]] will have the opportunity to undertake a [[military unit#Raiding\|raiding]] [[venture]] called ''Root out the Face-peelers''. This will involve working with the Thule in Karsk and Ossium to track down nests of "trudnik" and, where they are found, employ axe and flame to destroy them. The Claws of the Dragon are a fairly small organisation, but they are supported here by a cadre of warriors and hunters. Regardless, the full success of this venture will depend on Varushkan involvement.

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:08, 18 April 2026
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	There is some concrete news on the matter of the vallorn, however, that may be of interest to the Empire. Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided mentions that a project is underway to prepare for the vallorn's rise - it is just common sense. Rather than rely on a grand [[fortification\|citadel]], The-One-Who-Waits (likely the Dragon ''Fraynir'', an acknowledged master of [[curse\|curses]] and shrouding magic) has decreed the creation of several rings of [[white granite]] stones around the outskirts of the vallorn of Emrys. When they are completed, they will be warded with [[Winter magic]] and [[ilium\|star metal]] to create fortified camps that will catastrophically weaken any vallornspawn that ventures within. Given the nature of all such wards, the stones themselves will be unassailable by the creatures of the vallorn and as such offer a reliable defence against the vallorn's expansion. To magicians versed in such things it seems to be a version of [[Wardens of the Black Waste]].		There is some concrete news on the matter of the vallorn, however, that may be of interest to the Empire. Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided mentions that a project is underway to prepare for the vallorn's rise - it is just common sense. Rather than rely on a grand [[fortification\|citadel]], The-One-Who-Waits (likely the Dragon ''Fraynir'', an acknowledged master of [[curse\|curses]] and shrouding magic) has decreed the creation of several rings of [[white granite]] stones around the outskirts of the vallorn of Emrys. When they are completed, they will be warded with [[Winter magic]] and [[ilium\|star metal]] to create fortified camps that will catastrophically weaken any vallornspawn that ventures within. Given the nature of all such wards, the stones themselves will be unassailable by the creatures of the vallorn and as such offer a reliable defence against the vallorn's expansion. To magicians versed in such things it seems to be a version of [[Wardens of the Black Waste]].

	The reason Rak has raised this point, it quickly turns out, is that Fraynir has instructed him to offer a text containing the ritual - ''Walls of Starless Night'' - in return for a copy of a specific ritual created at the Icy Crags. Fraynir wished the Imperial Conclave to [[Dissemination\|disseminate]] the ritual [[Dreadful Ending]]. This ritual destroys [[miasma pillars]] - nothing to do with the vallorn.		The reason Rak has raised this point, it quickly turns out, is that Fraynir has instructed him to offer a text containing the ritual - ''Walls of Starless Night'' - in return for a copy of a specific ritual created at the Icy Crags. Fraynir wished the Imperial Conclave to [[Dissemination\|disseminate]] the ritual [[Dreadful Ending]]. This ritual destroys [[Druj_miasma#Miasma_Pillars\|miasma pillars]] - nothing to do with the vallorn.

	Fraynir is apparently unaware that ''Wardens of the Black Waste'' is a part of Imperial lore. This is understandable given the ritual was codified at the [[Dean_of_the_Lyceum#The_Lyceum\|Lyceum]] by then-[[Dean of the Lyceum\|Dean]] '''Simargl the Empty One'''. It's possible that the Conclave may wish to go ahead with the trade. If they do, whoever raises the Dissemination will need to pay the traditional ten Thrones, and will receive in return the ritual text of ''Walls of Starless Night''. It's very unlikely that Walls of Starless Night will be an improvement over ''Wardens of the Black Waste'', however. With that in mind, the Ambassador could facilitate negotiation on behalf of the Conclave, and perhaps the [[Vallornguard]], given it is clear that Fraynir is keen to get their hands on this very niche ritual.		Fraynir is apparently unaware that ''Wardens of the Black Waste'' is a part of Imperial lore. This is understandable given the ritual was codified at the [[Dean_of_the_Lyceum#The_Lyceum\|Lyceum]] by then-[[Dean of the Lyceum\|Dean]] '''Simargl the Empty One'''. It's possible that the Conclave may wish to go ahead with the trade. If they do, whoever raises the Dissemination will need to pay the traditional ten Thrones, and will receive in return the ritual text of ''Walls of Starless Night''. It's very unlikely that Walls of Starless Night will be an improvement over ''Wardens of the Black Waste'', however. With that in mind, the Ambassador could facilitate negotiation on behalf of the Conclave, and perhaps the [[Vallornguard]], given it is clear that Fraynir is keen to get their hands on this very niche ritual.

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:42, 17 April 2026
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	The presence of the Thule reduces the costs to upkeep the Icy Crag by five Thrones each season, but they receive a copy of any [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts\|ritual text]] codified there. They've also apparently had a thorough read through the stacks, looking with interest for details of magic previously worked on here. Having learned of the existence of [[Aid Once More]], [[Bitter Mantle of the Leaden Crown]], ''Heaven's Spear Sunders the Mountain'', ''The Never-ending Lullaby'', and ''Sermersuaq Fools the Orca with a Rasp of Her Knuckles'', they are interested to find out more if the opportunity presents itself and eager to acquire ritual texts if the Empire will allow it.		The presence of the Thule reduces the costs to upkeep the Icy Crag by five Thrones each season, but they receive a copy of any [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts\|ritual text]] codified there. They've also apparently had a thorough read through the stacks, looking with interest for details of magic previously worked on here. Having learned of the existence of [[Aid Once More]], [[Bitter Mantle of the Leaden Crown]], ''Heaven's Spear Sunders the Mountain'', ''The Never-ending Lullaby'', and ''Sermersuaq Fools the Orca with a Rasp of Her Knuckles'', they are interested to find out more if the opportunity presents itself and eager to acquire ritual texts if the Empire will allow it.

	For each of these rituals the Conclave is prepared to [[dissemination\|disseminate]] to Thania of the Blackstaff, she will provide 6 wains of mithril to the individual who raises the [[declaration]] after it passes, or should they specify in their declaration, to the ~~Concalve~~ (to later be distributed with a declaration of [[endowment]]). Alternatively she can provide 35 [[vis#golden apple\|golden apples]] (again, to the person who raised the declaration or the Conclave for endowment). As long as the desired payment is clear, Thania isn't concerned what form is requested as she apparently has been assigned significant resources by the Dragons.		For each of these rituals the Conclave is prepared to [[dissemination\|disseminate]] to Thania of the Blackstaff, she will provide 6 wains of mithril to the individual who raises the [[declaration]] after it passes, or should they specify in their declaration, to the Conclave (to later be distributed with a declaration of [[endowment]]). Alternatively she can provide 35 [[vis#golden apple\|golden apples]] (again, to the person who raised the declaration or the Conclave for endowment). As long as the desired payment is clear, Thania isn't concerned what form is requested as she apparently has been assigned significant resources by the Dragons.

	One problem the civil service point out is that three of the rituals - ''Heaven's Spear Sunders the Mountain'', ''The Never-ending Lullaby'', and ''Sermersuaq Fools the Orca with a Rasp of Her Knuckles'' - are not actually part of [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial lore]] and thus ''can't'' be disseminated by the Conclave. There's nothing to stop whoever has those ritual texts entering into negotiations with Thania directly for purchase of the ritual texts but it is not a simple matter to create a new copy of a text.		One problem the civil service point out is that three of the rituals - ''Heaven's Spear Sunders the Mountain'', ''The Never-ending Lullaby'', and ''Sermersuaq Fools the Orca with a Rasp of Her Knuckles'' - are not actually part of [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial lore]] and thus ''can't'' be disseminated by the Conclave. There's nothing to stop whoever has those ritual texts entering into negotiations with Thania directly for purchase of the ritual texts but it is not a simple matter to create a new copy of a text.
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	* '''They are offering a ritual that already seems to exist in Imperial lore under a different name'''		* '''They are offering a ritual that already seems to exist in Imperial lore under a different name'''

	Ambassador Kindra has provided some ~~guidane~~ regarding the concerns of '''Dylan Thornweaver''' and the [[vallorn]]. It is now common knowledge that there is a vallorn in [[Otkodov#Sküld\|Sküld]] - occupying the ruins of the ancient city of Emrys. Ambassador Rak offers reassurance that the Dragons' opinion on the matter has not shifted from [[A_thousand_years_of_longing#Our_Friends_in_the_North\|where it was]] when the [[Great Library of Hacynian]] completed their research. Research he is keen to remind the Empire that the [[A_thousand_years_of_longing#Our_Friends_in_the_North\|Thule supported]]. Otkodov remains enthusiastic about the reunification - the "ascension" - of the vallorn. They remain ready to deal with the vallorn of Sküld - but would appreciate a season of advance warning before the Empire completes the [[trods]] network and begins the transformation. They remain confident that their armies and their magic will be more than a match for it given its size and sluggishness. They've sacrificed a thousand years of prosperity in Sküld to keep it weak, after all. With the vallorn gone they would no longer need to keep Sküld under a [[Wither the Seed\|shroud of Winter magic]] and could restore it to full fertility. There is also speculation that the Thule are eager to finally get at the treasures of Emrys which legends suggest was perhaps the most magically advanced city of the Terunael Empire; the warlocks refuse to be drawn.		Ambassador Kindra has provided some guidance regarding the concerns of '''Dylan Thornweaver''' and the [[vallorn]]. It is now common knowledge that there is a vallorn in [[Otkodov#Sküld\|Sküld]] - occupying the ruins of the ancient city of Emrys. Ambassador Rak offers reassurance that the Dragons' opinion on the matter has not shifted from [[A_thousand_years_of_longing#Our_Friends_in_the_North\|where it was]] when the [[Great Library of Hacynian]] completed their research. Research he is keen to remind the Empire that the [[A_thousand_years_of_longing#Our_Friends_in_the_North\|Thule supported]]. Otkodov remains enthusiastic about the reunification - the "ascension" - of the vallorn. They remain ready to deal with the vallorn of Sküld - but would appreciate a season of advance warning before the Empire completes the [[trods]] network and begins the transformation. They remain confident that their armies and their magic will be more than a match for it given its size and sluggishness. They've sacrificed a thousand years of prosperity in Sküld to keep it weak, after all. With the vallorn gone they would no longer need to keep Sküld under a [[Wither the Seed\|shroud of Winter magic]] and could restore it to full fertility. There is also speculation that the Thule are eager to finally get at the treasures of Emrys which legends suggest was perhaps the most magically advanced city of the Terunael Empire; the warlocks refuse to be drawn.

	There is some concrete news on the matter of the vallorn, however, that may be of interest to the Empire. Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided mentions that a project is underway to prepare for the vallorn's rise - it is just common sense. Rather than rely on a grand [[fortification\|citadel]], The-One-Who-Waits (likely the Dragon ''Fraynir'', an acknowledged master of [[curse\|curses]] and shrouding magic) has decreed the creation of several rings of [[white granite]] stones around the outskirts of the vallorn of Emrys. When they are completed, they will be warded with [[Winter magic]] and [[ilium\|star metal]] to create fortified camps that will catastrophically weaken any vallornspawn that ventures within. Given the nature of all such wards, the stones themselves will be unassailable by the creatures of the vallorn and as such offer a reliable defence against the vallorn's expansion. To magicians versed in such things it seems to be a version of [[Wardens of the Black Waste]].		There is some concrete news on the matter of the vallorn, however, that may be of interest to the Empire. Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided mentions that a project is underway to prepare for the vallorn's rise - it is just common sense. Rather than rely on a grand [[fortification\|citadel]], The-One-Who-Waits (likely the Dragon ''Fraynir'', an acknowledged master of [[curse\|curses]] and shrouding magic) has decreed the creation of several rings of [[white granite]] stones around the outskirts of the vallorn of Emrys. When they are completed, they will be warded with [[Winter magic]] and [[ilium\|star metal]] to create fortified camps that will catastrophically weaken any vallornspawn that ventures within. Given the nature of all such wards, the stones themselves will be unassailable by the creatures of the vallorn and as such offer a reliable defence against the vallorn's expansion. To magicians versed in such things it seems to be a version of [[Wardens of the Black Waste]].