Mime each lonely word - Revision history

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

2026-01-15T15:06:10Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:06, 15 January 2026
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	* '''Traversing the Maze of Zoria is an intensely personal spiritual experience that can leave someone permanently changed'''		* '''Traversing the Maze of Zoria is an intensely personal spiritual experience that can leave someone permanently changed'''
	* '''For the next year there is an opportunity to visit the Maze and emerge with new goals or insights into your character'''		* '''For the next year there is an opportunity to visit the Maze and emerge with new goals or insights into your character'''
	The Maze is already a place of pilgrimage; the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] [[Construct Zoria's Maze\|expanded the small shrine]] there a year and a half ago. With the urging of the Varushkan national assembly, more pilgrims have been taking the journey to visit the Maze, and traverse its twisting paths. Travelling through the Maze of Zoria is a personal, solitary experience; while two people might enter together they are quickly separated by apparently mundane means - they look away from their partner for a moment and realise they are now alone.		The Maze is already a place of pilgrimage; the [[Senate]] [[Construct Zoria's Maze\|expanded the small shrine]] there a year and a half ago. With the urging of the Varushkan national assembly, more pilgrims have been taking the journey to visit the Maze, and traverse its twisting paths. Travelling through the Maze of Zoria is a personal, solitary experience; while two people might enter together they are quickly separated by apparently mundane means - they look away from their partner for a moment and realise they are now alone.

	Some those who venture into the Maze. Most return with a new appreciation for the myriad possibilities that swirl around them, and a profound sense that nothing is impossible if one can find the right question. A few emerge altered by the experience, with a new sense of purpose, or a new understanding of themselves. A handful emerge with their sense of who they are and what is important to them shattered: Wisdom is not always knowing the answer, it is finding the right question. Sometimes those questions are difficult to hear.		Some those who venture into the Maze. Most return with a new appreciation for the myriad possibilities that swirl around them, and a profound sense that nothing is impossible if one can find the right question. A few emerge altered by the experience, with a new sense of purpose, or a new understanding of themselves. A handful emerge with their sense of who they are and what is important to them shattered: Wisdom is not always knowing the answer, it is finding the right question. Sometimes those questions are difficult to hear.

Twiggy at 23:10, 1 August 2025

2025-08-01T23:10:20Z

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	==Laws of Dominion==		==Laws of Dominion==
	* '''The Guardian of the Maze of Zoria has gained a number of innate powers arising from their connection to the Maze'''		* '''The Guardian of the Maze of Zoria has gained a number of innate powers arising from their connection to the Maze'''
	The Maze of Zoria is something of a mystery. In the weeks after the consecration, the [[Guardian of the Maze of Zoria\|Guardian]] begins to experience a peculiar effect. They find themselves dreaming often of the Maze even when they are not present, and wherever they are they can sense roughly the direction to the physical location of the Maze. Zoria was a Sorceress - a term that had a very different meaning in pre-Imperial, pre-Conclave times. As such she no doubt understood the many [[Ritual_theory#Laws\|laws]] that underlie magic. There are many such laws, but in this case it is the [[~~Ritual_theory~~#The_Law_of_Dominion\|Law of Dominion]] that is most relevant.		The Maze of Zoria is something of a mystery. In the weeks after the consecration, the [[Guardian of the Maze of Zoria\|Guardian]] begins to experience a peculiar effect. They find themselves dreaming often of the Maze even when they are not present, and wherever they are they can sense roughly the direction to the physical location of the Maze. Zoria was a Sorceress - a term that had a very different meaning in pre-Imperial, pre-Conclave times. As such she no doubt understood the many [[Ritual_theory#Laws\|laws]] that underlie magic. There are many such laws, but in this case it is the [[Laws_of_magic#The_Law_of_Dominion\|Law of Dominion]] that is most relevant.

	The Guardian now gains a number of personal powers that defy easy explanation. As long as they are recognised as the sole custodian of the Maze, the Law of Dominion allows them to draw on these powers even when they are not physically near it. They are not the result of any legal change; the Senate has no ability to create similar effects. They arise purely from the interaction of the true consecration, the Maze of Zoria, and the Law of Dominion. These powers are explained in more detail on the [[Guardian of the Maze of Zoria]] title page but include:		The Guardian now gains a number of personal powers that defy easy explanation. As long as they are recognised as the sole custodian of the Maze, the Law of Dominion allows them to draw on these powers even when they are not physically near it. They are not the result of any legal change; the Senate has no ability to create similar effects. They arise purely from the interaction of the true consecration, the Maze of Zoria, and the Law of Dominion. These powers are explained in more detail on the [[Guardian of the Maze of Zoria]] title page but include:

Twiggy: /* Participation */

2025-07-14T07:12:12Z

Participation

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	You're free to make up your own story of your visit to the Maze but the important thing to appreciate is that the changes it prompts come from within the pilgrim themselves. There are no external forces at play here - no visions, no ghosts, no whispering voices. Rather, the Maze helps those who traverse it to commune with their own souls without the protection of self-delusion or self-deception. A character will only experience this effect ''once'' - repeated visits to the Maze will not create further numinous experiences.		You're free to make up your own story of your visit to the Maze but the important thing to appreciate is that the changes it prompts come from within the pilgrim themselves. There are no external forces at play here - no visions, no ghosts, no whispering voices. Rather, the Maze helps those who traverse it to commune with their own souls without the protection of self-delusion or self-deception. A character will only experience this effect ''once'' - repeated visits to the Maze will not create further numinous experiences.

	It is possible for your character to have gone before the Winter Solstice 384YE, provided ~~they~~ they didn't go to Brocéliande, Rachensgrab, or to map the Sea of Snow.		It is possible for your character to have gone before the Winter Solstice 384YE, provided they didn't go to Brocéliande, Rachensgrab, or to map the Sea of Snow.

	Over the next year, these powerful experiences will become fewer and farther between, and by the start of the Winter Solstice 385YE this opportunity will have faded entirely.		Over the next year, these powerful experiences will become fewer and farther between, and by the start of the Winter Solstice 385YE this opportunity will have faded entirely.

Hailmur: Text replacement - "Broceliande" to "Brocéliande"

2025-06-26T18:16:17Z

Text replacement - "Broceliande" to "Brocéliande"

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:16, 26 June 2025
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	You're free to make up your own story of your visit to the Maze but the important thing to appreciate is that the changes it prompts come from within the pilgrim themselves. There are no external forces at play here - no visions, no ghosts, no whispering voices. Rather, the Maze helps those who traverse it to commune with their own souls without the protection of self-delusion or self-deception. A character will only experience this effect ''once'' - repeated visits to the Maze will not create further numinous experiences.		You're free to make up your own story of your visit to the Maze but the important thing to appreciate is that the changes it prompts come from within the pilgrim themselves. There are no external forces at play here - no visions, no ghosts, no whispering voices. Rather, the Maze helps those who traverse it to commune with their own souls without the protection of self-delusion or self-deception. A character will only experience this effect ''once'' - repeated visits to the Maze will not create further numinous experiences.

	It is possible for your character to have gone before the Winter Solstice 384YE, provided they they didn't go to ~~Broceliande~~, Rachensgrab, or to map the Sea of Snow.		It is possible for your character to have gone before the Winter Solstice 384YE, provided they they didn't go to Brocéliande, Rachensgrab, or to map the Sea of Snow.

	Over the next year, these powerful experiences will become fewer and farther between, and by the start of the Winter Solstice 385YE this opportunity will have faded entirely.		Over the next year, these powerful experiences will become fewer and farther between, and by the start of the Winter Solstice 385YE this opportunity will have faded entirely.

Dre: /* Participation */

2023-05-18T20:37:59Z

Participation

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:37, 18 May 2023
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	It is possible for your character to have gone before the Winter Solstice 384YE, provided they they didn't go to Broceliande, Rachensgrab, or to map the Sea of Snow.		It is possible for your character to have gone before the Winter Solstice 384YE, provided they they didn't go to Broceliande, Rachensgrab, or to map the Sea of Snow.

	Over the next year, these powerful experiences will become ~~further~~ and ~~further~~ between and by the start of the Winter Solstice 385YE this opportunity will have faded entirely.		Over the next year, these powerful experiences will become fewer and farther between, and by the start of the Winter Solstice 385YE this opportunity will have faded entirely.

	==Laws of Dominion==		==Laws of Dominion==

Novemberalice at 13:38, 17 April 2023

2023-04-17T13:38:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:38, 17 April 2023
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	</ic>		</ic>
	<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Zoria.jpg\|caption=Zoria, Paragon of [[Wisdom]], sorceress of ancient days, who commanded the birds and the beasts to serve.\|align=right\|width=500}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Zoria.jpg\|caption=Zoria, Paragon of [[Wisdom]], sorceress of ancient days, who commanded the birds and the beasts to serve.\|align=right\|width=500}}</div>
			{{audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA9h17pTNws}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	The [[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria\|Maze of Zoria]] has been [[consecration\|consecrated]] with [[Liao#True Liao\|True Liao]]. The [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] national assembly [[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_56\|charged]] '''Illya Nikovitch Volkov''' the [[Guardian of the Maze of Zoria]], to perform the task. The great circle of trees, vines, and dense plants has been infused with the ''[[Auras_of_Wisdom#Dagger_of_the_Mind\|Dagger of the Mind]]'', complementing and enchanting the existing magic of the ancient maze. Did [[Zoria]] herself build it? Legends say she did, and that she laid the enchantment across it that means that the narrow, winding, branching passages must be traversed alone, and that ensures no two pilgrims take the same route to the centre. Some people assume that the quicker one completes the maze, the wiser one is, but perhaps the truly Wise are those who know the opposite to be true. They travel judiciously, taking the time to experience the maze, and arrive safely.		The [[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria\|Maze of Zoria]] has been [[consecration\|consecrated]] with [[Liao#True Liao\|True Liao]]. The [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] national assembly [[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_56\|charged]] '''Illya Nikovitch Volkov''' the [[Guardian of the Maze of Zoria]], to perform the task. The great circle of trees, vines, and dense plants has been infused with the ''[[Auras_of_Wisdom#Dagger_of_the_Mind\|Dagger of the Mind]]'', complementing and enchanting the existing magic of the ancient maze. Did [[Zoria]] herself build it? Legends say she did, and that she laid the enchantment across it that means that the narrow, winding, branching passages must be traversed alone, and that ensures no two pilgrims take the same route to the centre. Some people assume that the quicker one completes the maze, the wiser one is, but perhaps the truly Wise are those who know the opposite to be true. They travel judiciously, taking the time to experience the maze, and arrive safely.

Hailmur: /* Participation */

2023-04-14T18:48:28Z

Participation

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:48, 14 April 2023
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	You're free to make up your own story of your visit to the Maze but the important thing to appreciate is that the changes it prompts come from within the pilgrim themselves. There are no external forces at play here - no visions, no ghosts, no whispering voices. Rather, the Maze helps those who traverse it to commune with their own souls without the protection of self-delusion or self-deception. A character will only experience this effect ''once'' - repeated visits to the Maze will not create further numinous experiences.		You're free to make up your own story of your visit to the Maze but the important thing to appreciate is that the changes it prompts come from within the pilgrim themselves. There are no external forces at play here - no visions, no ghosts, no whispering voices. Rather, the Maze helps those who traverse it to commune with their own souls without the protection of self-delusion or self-deception. A character will only experience this effect ''once'' - repeated visits to the Maze will not create further numinous experiences.

			It is possible for your character to have gone before the Winter Solstice 384YE, provided they they didn't go to Broceliande, Rachensgrab, or to map the Sea of Snow.

	Over the next year, these powerful experiences will become further and further between and by the start of the Winter Solstice 385YE this opportunity will have faded entirely.		Over the next year, these powerful experiences will become further and further between and by the start of the Winter Solstice 385YE this opportunity will have faded entirely.

	==Laws of Dominion==		==Laws of Dominion==
	* '''The Guardian of the Maze of Zoria has gained a number of innate powers arising from their connection to the Maze'''		* '''The Guardian of the Maze of Zoria has gained a number of innate powers arising from their connection to the Maze'''

Novemberalice: /* Overview */

2023-04-14T14:57:57Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:57, 14 April 2023
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	<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Zoria.jpg\|caption=Zoria, Paragon of [[Wisdom]], sorceress of ancient days, who commanded the birds and the beasts to serve.\|align=right\|width=500}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Zoria.jpg\|caption=Zoria, Paragon of [[Wisdom]], sorceress of ancient days, who commanded the birds and the beasts to serve.\|align=right\|width=500}}</div>
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	The [[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria\|Maze of Zoria]] has been [[consecration\|consecrated]] with [[Liao#True Liao\|True Liao]]. The [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] national assembly [[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_56\|charged]] '''Illya Nikovitch Volkov''' the [[Guardian of the Maze of Zoria]], to perform the task. The great circle of trees, vines, and dense plants has been infused with the ''[[Auras_of_Wisdom#Dagger_of_the_Mind\|Dagger of the Mind]]'' , complementing and enchanting the existing magic of the ancient maze. Did [[Zoria]] herself build it? Legends say she did, and that she laid the enchantment across it that means that the narrow, winding, branching passages must be traversed alone, and that ensures no two pilgrims take the same route to the centre. Some people assume that the quicker one completes the maze, the wiser one is, but perhaps the truly Wise are those who know the opposite to be true. They travel judiciously, taking the time to experience the maze, and arrive safely.		The [[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria\|Maze of Zoria]] has been [[consecration\|consecrated]] with [[Liao#True Liao\|True Liao]]. The [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] national assembly [[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_56\|charged]] '''Illya Nikovitch Volkov''' the [[Guardian of the Maze of Zoria]], to perform the task. The great circle of trees, vines, and dense plants has been infused with the ''[[Auras_of_Wisdom#Dagger_of_the_Mind\|Dagger of the Mind]]'', complementing and enchanting the existing magic of the ancient maze. Did [[Zoria]] herself build it? Legends say she did, and that she laid the enchantment across it that means that the narrow, winding, branching passages must be traversed alone, and that ensures no two pilgrims take the same route to the centre. Some people assume that the quicker one completes the maze, the wiser one is, but perhaps the truly Wise are those who know the opposite to be true. They travel judiciously, taking the time to experience the maze, and arrive safely.

	The consecration has had several powerful, but subtle, effects. Some are focused on the Maze itself; some on the Guardian chosen to protect it; and some on the entire nation of Varushka.		The consecration has had several powerful, but subtle, effects. Some are focused on the Maze itself; some on the Guardian chosen to protect it; and some on the entire nation of Varushka.

	==The Twisted Paths==		==The Twisted Paths==
	* '''Traversing the Maze of Zoria is an intensely personal spiritual experience that can leave someone permanently changed'''		* '''Traversing the Maze of Zoria is an intensely personal spiritual experience that can leave someone permanently changed'''

Hastur: /* A Law of Bonds */

2023-04-14T14:50:07Z

A Law of Bonds

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:50, 14 April 2023
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	Two of the three items are believed lost; and finding them now will be a challenge by itself. Legends suggest that one of the three had fallen into the hands of the [[Thule]] [[orc\|orcs]] of [[Otkodov]] in [[Imperial_history#Pre-Imperial\|pre-Imperial times]]. To the surprise of many, after a long delay, ''Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided'' is happy to confirm that the Dragon Hinodir, of the Bright Orb, has Zoria's ''Staff of Pure Vision''. Rak shrugs off preliminary attempts to find out how Hinodir came by Zoria's staff saying that it is a tale for another time. He hints that Zoria is not unknown to the Thule, and strongly implies that Hinodir and Zoria were contemporise. He goes so far to suggest that the Dragon knew the Sorceress personally. That seems remarkably unlikely, the Dragons are old, but few Imperial historians believe they are ''that'' old.		Two of the three items are believed lost; and finding them now will be a challenge by itself. Legends suggest that one of the three had fallen into the hands of the [[Thule]] [[orc\|orcs]] of [[Otkodov]] in [[Imperial_history#Pre-Imperial\|pre-Imperial times]]. To the surprise of many, after a long delay, ''Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided'' is happy to confirm that the Dragon Hinodir, of the Bright Orb, has Zoria's ''Staff of Pure Vision''. Rak shrugs off preliminary attempts to find out how Hinodir came by Zoria's staff saying that it is a tale for another time. He hints that Zoria is not unknown to the Thule, and strongly implies that Hinodir and Zoria were contemporise. He goes so far to suggest that the Dragon knew the Sorceress personally. That seems remarkably unlikely, the Dragons are old, but few Imperial historians believe they are ''that'' old.

	What is not in doubt is that the Thule say they have Zoria's staff. Rak refuses to say what the staff does, beyond the fact that it is a magical [[Magic_items#Artefacts\|artefact]] infused with [[~~illium~~\|star metal]] that has "''minor powers that some magicians would find useful''." Attempts to push the ambassador further are rebuffed - he is ''very'' clear that if the Empire wants it back, then it is the priceless historical relic of Zoria they would be buying, not some magicians [[:Category:Foci\|focus]]. If the Empire want to buy a magical focus from the Thule, the Thule are happy to sell them one; but if they want Zoria's infamous Staff they will have to pay accordingly.		What is not in doubt is that the Thule say they have Zoria's staff. Rak refuses to say what the staff does, beyond the fact that it is a magical [[Magic_items#Artefacts\|artefact]] infused with [[Ilium\|star metal]] that has "''minor powers that some magicians would find useful''." Attempts to push the ambassador further are rebuffed - he is ''very'' clear that if the Empire wants it back, then it is the priceless historical relic of Zoria they would be buying, not some magicians [[:Category:Foci\|focus]]. If the Empire want to buy a magical focus from the Thule, the Thule are happy to sell them one; but if they want Zoria's infamous Staff they will have to pay accordingly.

	And the price is not cheap. Rak says Hinodir of the Bright Orb will accept not one ring more or less than 120 thrones, 4 crowns and 11 rings for the staff. Rak is clear that the coins will not leave the Empire, the ambassador is under instructions to dispose of any payment they receive alongside the embassies existing funds to buy food and send it north. But the amount is very important; it must be exactly 120 thrones, 4 crowns, and 11 rings. Rak can provide no information as to why such a precise total is required; Hinodir of the Bright Orb has not seen fit to confide in him and he does not question.		And the price is not cheap. Rak says Hinodir of the Bright Orb will accept not one ring more or less than 120 thrones, 4 crowns and 11 rings for the staff. Rak is clear that the coins will not leave the Empire, the ambassador is under instructions to dispose of any payment they receive alongside the embassies existing funds to buy food and send it north. But the amount is very important; it must be exactly 120 thrones, 4 crowns, and 11 rings. Rak can provide no information as to why such a precise total is required; Hinodir of the Bright Orb has not seen fit to confide in him and he does not question.

Rafferty: /* The Dream of Wisdom */

2023-04-14T13:46:33Z

The Dream of Wisdom

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	'''OOC Note:''' To use this power, the Guardian writes their question down, and takes it along with a dose of [[liao]] to GOD who will register it and pass it along to the game team. When the Guardian retires for the night they will dream about the Maze, and about the question that is perplexing them. Next morning, before going into character, they can go to GOD and pick up the details of their oracular dream vision. The dream can provide guidance about problems or situations relating to the past or present, but might also in theory provide unreliable information about the immediate future. Obviously, given the limitations of the plot team, this ability is only really useful when used to ask about ongoing plot events related to the campaign - we don't know where you left your other sock.		'''OOC Note:''' To use this power, the Guardian writes their question down, and takes it along with a dose of [[liao]] to GOD who will register it and pass it along to the game team. When the Guardian retires for the night they will dream about the Maze, and about the question that is perplexing them. Next morning, before going into character, they can go to GOD and pick up the details of their oracular dream vision. The dream can provide guidance about problems or situations relating to the past or present, but might also in theory provide unreliable information about the immediate future. Obviously, given the limitations of the plot team, this ability is only really useful when used to ask about ongoing plot events related to the campaign - we don't know where you left your other sock.
			==A Law of Bonds==
			* '''The Thule have confirmed they have one of Zoria's relics and are prepared to sell it back to the Empire'''
			Zoria was by all accounts a powerful magician, and knew many secrets. Legends say that she taught ancient humans the secret of domesticating animals, as well as the secrets of agriculture, and there are plenty of stories of how her mastery of beasts allowed her to offer aid or overcome challenges. In many of these stories, she wields various tools that she has crafted with her superior understanding. Their properties change depending on the needs of the tale but there are three constants; a staff through which she wields magical power, a star that she wears at her throat that grants her insight, and a belt of protection. The circumstantial similarity to the [[Archmage#Regalia_of_the_Archmage\|archmage regalia]] may not be coincidental.

			Two of the three items are believed lost; and finding them now will be a challenge by itself. Legends suggest that one of the three had fallen into the hands of the [[Thule]] [[orc\|orcs]] of [[Otkodov]] in [[Imperial_history#Pre-Imperial\|pre-Imperial times]]. To the surprise of many, after a long delay, ''Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided'' is happy to confirm that the Dragon Hinodir, of the Bright Orb, has Zoria's ''Staff of Pure Vision''. Rak shrugs off preliminary attempts to find out how Hinodir came by Zoria's staff saying that it is a tale for another time. He hints that Zoria is not unknown to the Thule, and strongly implies that Hinodir and Zoria were contemporise. He goes so far to suggest that the Dragon knew the Sorceress personally. That seems remarkably unlikely, the Dragons are old, but few Imperial historians believe they are ''that'' old.

			What is not in doubt is that the Thule say they have Zoria's staff. Rak refuses to say what the staff does, beyond the fact that it is a magical [[Magic_items#Artefacts\|artefact]] infused with [[illium\|star metal]] that has "''minor powers that some magicians would find useful''." Attempts to push the ambassador further are rebuffed - he is ''very'' clear that if the Empire wants it back, then it is the priceless historical relic of Zoria they would be buying, not some magicians [[:Category:Foci\|focus]]. If the Empire want to buy a magical focus from the Thule, the Thule are happy to sell them one; but if they want Zoria's infamous Staff they will have to pay accordingly.

			And the price is not cheap. Rak says Hinodir of the Bright Orb will accept not one ring more or less than 120 thrones, 4 crowns and 11 rings for the staff. Rak is clear that the coins will not leave the Empire, the ambassador is under instructions to dispose of any payment they receive alongside the embassies existing funds to buy food and send it north. But the amount is very important; it must be exactly 120 thrones, 4 crowns, and 11 rings. Rak can provide no information as to why such a precise total is required; Hinodir of the Bright Orb has not seen fit to confide in him and he does not question.

			The offer is apparently good for only a single season. The Thule's needs will change after Winter. They might be prepared to negotiate other terms once Spring comes, but the Empire should expect the price to go up under those circumstances.

	==The Naming of the Beasts==		==The Naming of the Beasts==