Our eyes in Spiral - Revision history

Matt at 14:13, 27 January 2026

2026-01-27T14:13:03Z

Hailmur: /* The Ears in Redoubt */

2025-10-22T17:45:37Z

The Ears in Redoubt

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:45, 22 October 2025
Line 180:		Line 180:
	* '''Naming a specific threat to search for would ensure that it was not missed, if it was present'''		* '''Naming a specific threat to search for would ensure that it was not missed, if it was present'''
	{{SOP\|statement=We prepare for malice, but must always thwart malice but it strikes against you. We send Bryce the Hare with 25 liao to <s>Temeschwar</s> <s>Spiral</s> Redoubt to urge all vigilant citizens to seek out threats and drag them into the light.\|by=Bryce the Hare, Vigilance Assembly\|vote=246-0\|when=Summer 386YE}}		{{SOP\|statement=We prepare for malice, but must always thwart malice but it strikes against you. We send Bryce the Hare with 25 liao to <s>Temeschwar</s> <s>Spiral</s> Redoubt to urge all vigilant citizens to seek out threats and drag them into the light.\|by=Bryce the Hare, Vigilance Assembly\|vote=246-0\|when=Summer 386YE}}

	The Vigilant have reported back from both Astolat and Spiral this season. The [[Golden_magicians_fayre#Berechiah_and_a_Note_of_Caution\|search for cultists of Agramant]] in Astolat has failed to unearth any - while it would be easy to be disappointed by that result, it should be seen as a success. It means there aren't any cultists of Agramant in Astolat - at least not who are currently active and causing a threat. A new threat might emerge in the future, but for now that territory can be crossed off the list.		The Vigilant have reported back from both Astolat and Spiral this season. The [[Golden_magicians_fayre#Berechiah_and_a_Note_of_Caution\|search for cultists of Agramant]] in Astolat has failed to unearth any - while it would be easy to be disappointed by that result, it should be seen as a success. It means there aren't any cultists of Agramant in Astolat - at least not who are currently active and causing a threat. A new threat might emerge in the future, but for now that territory can be crossed off the list.

Twiggy at 21:22, 12 August 2025

2025-08-12T21:22:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:22, 12 August 2025
Line 156:		Line 156:

	Once Victo has their mind again, they will presumably be exhausted, unable to give much useful information there and then: but in time the Vigilant will debrief them and learn what they can, and make the Empire aware what the next steps must be for dealing with the threat of espionage in Spiral. This could give the Empire a vital lead that allows them to shut down the Grendel espionage ring, or even try to turn it to work for them, creating double agents within it. Without the information Victo has given up themselves to win, however, this will be impossible.		Once Victo has their mind again, they will presumably be exhausted, unable to give much useful information there and then: but in time the Vigilant will debrief them and learn what they can, and make the Empire aware what the next steps must be for dealing with the threat of espionage in Spiral. This could give the Empire a vital lead that allows them to shut down the Grendel espionage ring, or even try to turn it to work for them, creating double agents within it. Without the information Victo has given up themselves to win, however, this will be impossible.
	<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Urizen Costume 42.jpg\|align=left\|caption=An ~~accomodation~~ has been made with the Urizen rebels, but the price of peace is constant vigilance.\|width=300}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Urizen Costume 42.jpg\|align=left\|caption=An accommodation has been made with the Urizen rebels, but the price of peace is constant vigilance.\|width=300}}</div>
	==The Rebels==		==The Rebels==
	* '''The vigilant are confident that the situation is now stable and there are no active threats currently'''		* '''The vigilant are confident that the situation is now stable and there are no active threats currently'''

Twiggy: /* The Ears in Redoubt */

2025-08-06T02:59:49Z

The Ears in Redoubt

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:59, 6 August 2025
Line 187:		Line 187:
	Thus far the Vigilant have not reported back from Redoubt. They are on the ground, investigating the territory, looking for what threats they can uncover, but clearly they are not yet ready to report back on what they have found. The Synod should expect to hear from them soon however, either next Summer if their work is complete, or by Autumn at the very latest.		Thus far the Vigilant have not reported back from Redoubt. They are on the ground, investigating the territory, looking for what threats they can uncover, but clearly they are not yet ready to report back on what they have found. The Synod should expect to hear from them soon however, either next Summer if their work is complete, or by Autumn at the very latest.

	There is a final opportunity to ask the Vigilant followers of Berechiah to seek out any threats in one more territory, before their energies are exhausted. The Assembly could send them back to Spiral, if they name a specific threat. Otherwise they would do better to pick a different territory and name the threat they are concerned about, if there is one, or or leave it to the followers of Berechiah to look for the most obvious dangers as they have done here.		There is a final opportunity to ask the Vigilant followers of Berechiah to seek out any threats in one more territory, before their energies are exhausted. The Assembly could send them back to Spiral, if they name a specific threat. Otherwise they would do better to pick a different territory and name the threat they are concerned about, if there is one, or leave it to the followers of Berechiah to look for the most obvious dangers as they have done here.

	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==
	* [[Berechiah]]		* [[Berechiah]]

Rafferty at 13:04, 20 July 2025

2025-07-20T13:04:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:04, 20 July 2025
Line 21:		Line 21:
	In Spring 386YE, the [[Vigilance]] Assembly encouraged the faithful to travel to [[Spiral]] to look for threats to the Empire's rule. The mandate took advantage of the [[Knocking_on_every_door#Shine_a_Light\|impact of the true liao consecration]] of the damaged basilica in [[Bastion]] in the name of the [[Paragons and exemplars\|exemplar]] of [[Vigilance]], [[Berechiah]]. There was no suggestion of what these threats might be, so rather than search for anything specific, the Vigilant were forced to split up and spread out across the territory. This was dangerous, splitting up always increases the risks, but it is all the more so in Spiral, where the malignant influence of the {{Black Plateau}} is never far away.		In Spring 386YE, the [[Vigilance]] Assembly encouraged the faithful to travel to [[Spiral]] to look for threats to the Empire's rule. The mandate took advantage of the [[Knocking_on_every_door#Shine_a_Light\|impact of the true liao consecration]] of the damaged basilica in [[Bastion]] in the name of the [[Paragons and exemplars\|exemplar]] of [[Vigilance]], [[Berechiah]]. There was no suggestion of what these threats might be, so rather than search for anything specific, the Vigilant were forced to split up and spread out across the territory. This was dangerous, splitting up always increases the risks, but it is all the more so in Spiral, where the malignant influence of the {{Black Plateau}} is never far away.

	Splitting up was judged to be essential, not least because the malign presence at the heart of [[Spiral#Screed\|Screed]] itself clearly represents a major threat - it would have been entirely remiss of the Vigilant to ignore it. But they could not afford to focus on the {{Black Plateau}} alone. [[Spiral#Apulian\|Apulian]] is a major city now; any urban centre is invariably a hotbed of intrigue, but Apulian used to be a [[Grendel]] city and there are hundreds of former Grendel still living there. Finally there was the presence of the [[Urizen\|Urizeni]] rebels in [[Spiral#Cinion\|Cinion]] and [[Spiral#Ankra\|~~Ankara~~]]. The Empire had just [[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Ratify_Treaty_with_Urizen_of_the_Silver_Flame\|ratified a treaty]] with the [[A_question_of_loyalty#Serve_Your_Cause\|rebels]], but that didn't mean they were not a threat. Fortunately the Imperial Conclave had elected to send members of the [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Shuttered_Lantern_to_Spiral\|Shuttered Lantern]] to Spiral, so any threat there should already have been identified. Still... you can never be too careful.		Splitting up was judged to be essential, not least because the malign presence at the heart of [[Spiral#Screed\|Screed]] itself clearly represents a major threat - it would have been entirely remiss of the Vigilant to ignore it. But they could not afford to focus on the {{Black Plateau}} alone. [[Spiral#Apulian\|Apulian]] is a major city now; any urban centre is invariably a hotbed of intrigue, but Apulian used to be a [[Grendel]] city and there are hundreds of former Grendel still living there. Finally there was the presence of the [[Urizen\|Urizeni]] rebels in [[Spiral#Cinion\|Cinion]] and [[Spiral#Ankra\|Ankra]]. The Empire had just [[386YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Ratify_Treaty_with_Urizen_of_the_Silver_Flame\|ratified a treaty]] with the [[A_question_of_loyalty#Serve_Your_Cause\|rebels]], but that didn't mean they were not a threat. Fortunately the Imperial Conclave had elected to send members of the [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Concord:_Shuttered_Lantern_to_Spiral\|Shuttered Lantern]] to Spiral, so any threat there should already have been identified. Still... you can never be too careful.

	The initial expectation was these investigations would be rushed affairs that caused immense disruption, but it hasn't turned out that way. It seems that the Vigilant have taken a more ''thorough'' approach, one that has yielded results where there were results to be had, but has taken time to come to fruition. The advantages of this approach are clear - the Assembly can be confident that while nobody could find every threat, they have done the best that could be achieved without a clear target being named. And crucially because of the slower, more subtle pace adopted by the followers of [[Berechiah]], there has been little or no disruption to local lives that was originally expected.		The initial expectation was these investigations would be rushed affairs that caused immense disruption, but it hasn't turned out that way. It seems that the Vigilant have taken a more ''thorough'' approach, one that has yielded results where there were results to be had, but has taken time to come to fruition. The advantages of this approach are clear - the Assembly can be confident that while nobody could find every threat, they have done the best that could be achieved without a clear target being named. And crucially because of the slower, more subtle pace adopted by the followers of [[Berechiah]], there has been little or no disruption to local lives that was originally expected.

Twiggy at 13:10, 16 July 2025

2025-07-16T13:10:29Z

Noserenda: /* The Enemy */

2025-06-08T19:26:34Z

The Enemy

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:26, 8 June 2025
Line 74:		Line 74:
	The Vigilant recommend immediate [[Alignment#enmity\|enmity]] for all four eternals - out of an abundance of caution for what might happen in Spiral if any of these beings got a toehold there. Of course the Whisper Gallery is already under enmity, that needs to be maintained whatever happens. Azoth is probably the least dangerous of the four - there is only a 50/50 chance of total disaster if they gain influence in Spiral. With the other two it is guaranteed to be a problem - immediate enmity would ensure that danger was eliminated. If the {{Black Plateau}} settles down in a few decades time, then it would be safe for the Conclave to reconsider the matter.		The Vigilant recommend immediate [[Alignment#enmity\|enmity]] for all four eternals - out of an abundance of caution for what might happen in Spiral if any of these beings got a toehold there. Of course the Whisper Gallery is already under enmity, that needs to be maintained whatever happens. Azoth is probably the least dangerous of the four - there is only a 50/50 chance of total disaster if they gain influence in Spiral. With the other two it is guaranteed to be a problem - immediate enmity would ensure that danger was eliminated. If the {{Black Plateau}} settles down in a few decades time, then it would be safe for the Conclave to reconsider the matter.
	====The Enemy====		====The Enemy====
	The {{Black Plateau}} exploded into full life at the [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_.28Spiral.29\|denouement of a long military campaign]] against the [[Grendel]]. Thousands died that day, overwhelmed by the madness washing over the territory. The violence and suffering that is an inescapable part of war seems to rouse the {{Black Plateau}} to an ever increasing fever pitch. Some magicians theorise that the Urizeni dedication to [[poise]] may help to counter these effects, the way they control their emotions, even while fighting may make it harder for the Plateau to feed on their emotions. Could the Sentinel Guard have fight that battle without undue risk to the Plateau?		The {{Black Plateau}} exploded into full life at the [[382YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Leviathan_Wakes_.28Spiral.29\|denouement of a long military campaign]] against the [[Grendel]]. Thousands died that day, overwhelmed by the madness washing over the territory. The violence and suffering that is an inescapable part of war seems to rouse the {{Black Plateau}} to an ever increasing fever pitch. Some magicians theorise that the Urizeni dedication to [[Urizen culture and customs#Poise\|poise]] may help to counter these effects, the way they control their emotions, even while fighting may make it harder for the Plateau to feed on their emotions. Could the Sentinel Guard have fight that battle without undue risk to the Plateau?
	<div style="float: right; max-width: 50%; margin-left: 10px">		<div style="float: right; max-width: 50%; margin-left: 10px">
	<ic>'''Enemies'''<br>		<ic>'''Enemies'''<br>
Line 94:		Line 94:

	The Vigilant accept that the risks in both cases might currently considered to be low - Zenith is back in the hands of the Urizen. Grendel armies would have to come through [[Imperial Orcs]] controlled [[Mareave]] to contest Spiral. However the potential disaster if either of these risks happened is enormous - thousands died last time. It doesn't bear thinking about that that could happen again. The best way to contain this risk would be to be fortify the area - that would be expensive, but Screed lends itself to the construction of a citadel and such a building could be help with all the threats.		The Vigilant accept that the risks in both cases might currently considered to be low - Zenith is back in the hands of the Urizen. Grendel armies would have to come through [[Imperial Orcs]] controlled [[Mareave]] to contest Spiral. However the potential disaster if either of these risks happened is enormous - thousands died last time. It doesn't bear thinking about that that could happen again. The best way to contain this risk would be to be fortify the area - that would be expensive, but Screed lends itself to the construction of a citadel and such a building could be help with all the threats.

	====Oblivion's Edge====		====Oblivion's Edge====
	* '''The Vigilant propose building a huge citadel in Screed to contain the entire Black Plateau'''		* '''The Vigilant propose building a huge citadel in Screed to contain the entire Black Plateau'''

Dre at 18:30, 8 June 2025

2025-06-08T18:30:15Z

Show changes

Rafferty at 17:36, 8 June 2025

2025-06-08T17:36:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:36, 8 June 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
			[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:387YE Spring]][[Category:Recent History]]
	<ic>Mairi du Sesna staggered through the vaulted archway next to the docks, stumbling drunkwise, mind elsewhere, and when she walked straight into the two hooded figures by the bridge it seemed to take all of them by surprise. "Sorry!" The orc cheerfully waved her wine bottle as she went on to continue her revels elsewhere - she'd heard a particular interesting play was on this season...		<ic>Mairi du Sesna staggered through the vaulted archway next to the docks, stumbling drunkwise, mind elsewhere, and when she walked straight into the two hooded figures by the bridge it seemed to take all of them by surprise. "Sorry!" The orc cheerfully waved her wine bottle as she went on to continue her revels elsewhere - she'd heard a particular interesting play was on this season...

Line 189:		Line 190:
	* [[Berechiah]]		* [[Berechiah]]
	* [[Spiral]]		* [[Spiral]]

			* [[The play that came to Apulian]] - Companion wind of fortune relating to magical happenings in the city of Apulian
			* [[Damming the Doubt]] - Companion wind of fortune relating to the plan to dam the River Doubt in Apstrus

Rafferty: Created page with "Mairi du Sesna staggered through the vaulted archway next to the docks, stumbling drunkwise, mind elsewhere, and when she walked straight into the two hooded figures by the bridge it seemed to take all of them by surprise. "Sorry!" The orc cheerfully waved her wine bottle as she went on to continue her revels elsewhere - she'd heard a particular interesting play was on this season... The two hooded figures looked at each other as they picked themselves up and she pa..."

2025-06-08T17:35:25Z

Created page with "<ic>Mairi du Sesna staggered through the vaulted archway next to the docks, stumbling drunkwise, mind elsewhere, and when she walked straight into the two hooded figures by the bridge it seemed to take all of them by surprise. "Sorry!" The orc cheerfully waved her wine bottle as she went on to continue her revels elsewhere - she'd heard a particular interesting play was on this season... The two hooded figures looked at each other as they picked themselves up and she pa..."

Show changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:13, 27 January 2026
Line 93:		Line 93:
	Sadly they are not the only threat. The Empire are now fully in control of [[Zenith]], but if the southern part of the territory ever fell into [[Druj]] hands, there is a clear risk that they might attempt to cross into Spiral. There's little chance they could hold the territory, but they wouldn't need to. The Druj, being the Druj, they might well try and target the {{Black Plateau}}, just as the Iron Helms once did. That would be ''disastrous'' - it might well test the theory that the current state of the {{Black Plateau}} is as bad as it can get.		Sadly they are not the only threat. The Empire are now fully in control of [[Zenith]], but if the southern part of the territory ever fell into [[Druj]] hands, there is a clear risk that they might attempt to cross into Spiral. There's little chance they could hold the territory, but they wouldn't need to. The Druj, being the Druj, they might well try and target the {{Black Plateau}}, just as the Iron Helms once did. That would be ''disastrous'' - it might well test the theory that the current state of the {{Black Plateau}} is as bad as it can get.

	The Vigilant accept that the risks in both cases might currently considered to be low - Zenith is back in the hands of the Urizen. Grendel armies would have to come through [[Imperial Orcs]] controlled [[Mareave]] to contest Spiral. However the potential disaster if either of these risks happened is enormous - thousands died last time. It doesn't bear thinking about that that could happen again. The best way to contain this risk would be to be fortify the area - that would be expensive, but Screed lends itself to the construction of a ~~citadel~~ and such a building could be help with all the threats.		The Vigilant accept that the risks in both cases might currently considered to be low - Zenith is back in the hands of the Urizen. Grendel armies would have to come through [[Imperial Orcs]] controlled [[Mareave]] to contest Spiral. However the potential disaster if either of these risks happened is enormous - thousands died last time. It doesn't bear thinking about that that could happen again. The best way to contain this risk would be to be fortify the area - that would be expensive, but Screed lends itself to the construction of a fortification and such a building could help with all the threats.

	====Oblivion's Edge====		====Oblivion's Edge====
	* '''The Vigilant propose building a huge ~~citadel~~ in Screed to contain the entire {{Black Plateau}}'''		* '''The Vigilant propose building a huge fortification in Screed to contain the entire {{Black Plateau}}'''
	<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">		<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
	<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Oblivion's Edge'''</tr>		<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Oblivion's Edge'''</tr>
	<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' ~~Citadel~~</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Fortification</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Location:''' The {{Black Plateau}}, Screed, Spiral</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Location:''' The {{Black Plateau}}, Screed, Spiral</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 80 white granite, 20 mithril and 80 thrones in labour</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 80 white granite, 20 mithril and 80 thrones in labour</td></tr>
Line 106:		Line 106:
	<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends if not commissioned before the end of Spring Equinox 388YE</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Opportunity ends if not commissioned before the end of Spring Equinox 388YE</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Effect:'''		<tr><td>'''Effect:'''
	* Creates a level one ~~citadel with a strength~~ of ~~9000 in~~ the region		* Creates a level one fortification that would increase the number of VPs needed to take the region by fifteen
	* Removes the threat from naifs in the territory		* Removes the threat from naifs in the territory
	* Would defend against a direct attack on the {{Black Plateau}}		* Would defend against any direct attack on the {{Black Plateau}}
	* Provides spartan accommodation for the Oblivion Sentinel		* Provides spartan accommodation for the Oblivion Sentinel
	* Would reduce the impact on the {{Black Plateau}} of fighting in the territory		* Would reduce the impact on the {{Black Plateau}} of fighting in the territory
Line 118:		Line 118:
	The old spire of Oblivion's Edge is gone, or at least hidden from plain sight. Some magicians believe it still exists, but Sung has moved it into a Night [[regio]] somewhere on the edge of the {{Black Plateau}}. Other Urizeni argue that the spire is gone - but the copy of it that existed in the overlapping Night regio is still there. A few claim that Sung created a copy of the old tower based on the original - but destroying the original in the process. Nobody knows how many Urizeni mages can dance on the head of a pin.		The old spire of Oblivion's Edge is gone, or at least hidden from plain sight. Some magicians believe it still exists, but Sung has moved it into a Night [[regio]] somewhere on the edge of the {{Black Plateau}}. Other Urizeni argue that the spire is gone - but the copy of it that existed in the overlapping Night regio is still there. A few claim that Sung created a copy of the old tower based on the original - but destroying the original in the process. Nobody knows how many Urizeni mages can dance on the head of a pin.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=OblivionSentinel.png\|caption=Floria Sunshaper, Oblivion Sentinel\|align=right\|width=250}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=OblivionSentinel.png\|caption=Floria Sunshaper, Oblivion Sentinel\|align=right\|width=250}}
	Rather than try and replace it directly, the proposal is to build a grand new ~~citadel~~, something that ~~would~~ secure every pass that leads up to the {{Black Plateau}}. That would have a number of useful benefits. Firstly it would act as a [[~~citadel~~]] securing the region. ~~Happily this citadel~~ would be half again as effective as a regular ~~citadel~~, simply because of how incredibly defensible this location is. That would make trying to capture Screed very hard indeed, which should be enough to prevent a lighting raid from any Druj force trying to target the {{Black Plateau}} directly.		Rather than try and replace it directly, the proposal is to build a grand new fortification, something that could secure every pass that leads up to the {{Black Plateau}}. That would have a number of useful benefits. Firstly it would act as a [[fortification]] securing the region. The bastion would be half again as effective as a regular fortification, simply because of how incredibly defensible this location is (the region would require 25VPs to capture rather than 20 for a normal level fortification). That would make trying to capture Screed very hard indeed, which should be enough to prevent a lighting raid from any Druj force trying to target the {{Black Plateau}} directly.

	That would slash the risk of one of the biggest threats, but the walls would also help keep [[#Naifs\|naifs]] out of the area. Of course it won't help if someone at [[Anvil]] decides to do something foolish with the {{Black Plateau}}, but there would no more trouble with local naifs like the fools from the Company of the Venturesome Harrier. That risk would be eliminated, the garrison would have no problem stopping them getting in.		That would slash the risk of one of the biggest threats, but the walls would also help keep [[#Naifs\|naifs]] out of the area. Of course it won't help if someone at [[Anvil]] decides to do something foolish with the {{Black Plateau}}, but there would no more trouble with local naifs like the fools from the Company of the Venturesome Harrier. That risk would be eliminated, the garrison would have no problem stopping them getting in.
Line 124:		Line 124:
	The proposed design incorporates a set of mithril spines - these wouldn't do anything to prevent the waves of maleficence that roll off the Plateau, but it would stop some of the energy created by violence and war in the Spiral feeding back into the Plateau. That wouldn't completely eliminate the risks involved in fighting in the territory, it wouldn't even reduce the losses inflicted on armies, but it would mean that the Empire could stand a single season of campaigning in the territory without the {{Black Plateau}} being roused back to where it was five years ago. That's not great... but it's arguably better than nothing.		The proposed design incorporates a set of mithril spines - these wouldn't do anything to prevent the waves of maleficence that roll off the Plateau, but it would stop some of the energy created by violence and war in the Spiral feeding back into the Plateau. That wouldn't completely eliminate the risks involved in fighting in the territory, it wouldn't even reduce the losses inflicted on armies, but it would mean that the Empire could stand a single season of campaigning in the territory without the {{Black Plateau}} being roused back to where it was five years ago. That's not great... but it's arguably better than nothing.

	Sadly the costs of building the thing are monstrous. Absolutely ''nobody'' wants to work that closely to the {{Black Plateau}}. However, [[Damming_the_Doubt#The_Aid_of_the_Dove\|a recent offer]] by ''[[Ylenwe\|Zie of the Perfect Morning]]'' might offer a way to defray the extra costs. The protection that the Dove is proposing could potentially be used to protect the workers working on Oblivion's Edge instead of the soldiers trying to dam the Doubt. If that happened, the labour costs would be reduced to a "mere" three hundred crowns. It seems unlikely that zie can aid both projects at once, but it seems possible that zie might well wish to aid first one, then the other. Presumably zie would require amity - or an Imperial ritual of Day to be in effect - in order to give this aid. Zie has also mentioned possible proposals for longer-term options to augment and extend the Block in some way - that would require a fane, but it might be that if the Conclave and Senate were resolved to commit themselves to such a course, the new ~~citadel~~ could prove a good place to build such a construction, well-defended as it would be.		Sadly the costs of building the thing are monstrous. Absolutely ''nobody'' wants to work that closely to the {{Black Plateau}}. However, [[Damming_the_Doubt#The_Aid_of_the_Dove\|a recent offer]] by ''[[Ylenwe\|Zie of the Perfect Morning]]'' might offer a way to defray the extra costs. The protection that the Dove is proposing could potentially be used to protect the workers working on Oblivion's Edge instead of the soldiers trying to dam the Doubt. If that happened, the labour costs would be reduced to a "mere" three hundred crowns. It seems unlikely that zie can aid both projects at once, but it seems possible that zie might well wish to aid first one, then the other. Presumably zie would require amity - or an Imperial ritual of Day to be in effect - in order to give this aid. Zie has also mentioned possible proposals for longer-term options to augment and extend the Block in some way - that would require a fane, but it might be that if the Conclave and Senate were resolved to commit themselves to such a course, the new fortification could prove a good place to build such a construction, well-defended as it would be.

	One final boon - constructing Oblivion's Edge would reassure both League and Urizeni citizens in the Empire that the threat from the {{Black Plateau}} was being taken seriously. If the ~~citadel~~ is built, various spires, citadels, and guilds have agreed to contribute resources to the office of the Oblivion Sentinel each season, helping them to discharge their responsibilities. The guilds would contribute 10 crowns per season, and the ''Deathless Caves'' would donate 5 crystal fire each year starting in the season the ~~citadel~~ was completed.		One final boon - constructing Oblivion's Edge would reassure both League and Urizeni citizens in the Empire that the threat from the {{Black Plateau}} was being taken seriously. If the fortification is built, various spires, citadels, and guilds have agreed to contribute resources to the office of the Oblivion Sentinel each season, helping them to discharge their responsibilities. The guilds would contribute 10 crowns per season, and the ''Deathless Caves'' would donate 5 crystal fire each year starting in the season the work was completed.
	<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=ApulianOrc.jpg\|align=left\|caption=The Apulian orcs share the Grendel fondness for espionage, but understand that it is a dangerous game with real consequences. Unfortunately there are always folk who are less... discerning... in the schemes they are embroiled in.\|width=300}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=ApulianOrc.jpg\|align=left\|caption=The Apulian orcs share the Grendel fondness for espionage, but understand that it is a dangerous game with real consequences. Unfortunately there are always folk who are less... discerning... in the schemes they are embroiled in.\|width=300}}</div>
	==Apulian==		==Apulian==

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:10, 16 July 2025
Line 40:		Line 40:
	* '''Recommendation:''' Careful watch of any new appointee to ensure they are scrupulous in their duties		* '''Recommendation:''' Careful watch of any new appointee to ensure they are scrupulous in their duties

	* '''Potential Risk:''' Well meaning effort to fix the Black Plateau or draw on its power in some way		* '''Potential Risk:''' Well meaning effort to fix the {{Black Plateau}} or draw on its power in some way
	* '''Recommendation:''' Immediate elimination of anyone who suggests any interaction with the Black Plateau		* '''Recommendation:''' Immediate elimination of anyone who suggests any interaction with the {{Black Plateau}}
	</ic>		</ic>
	</div>		</div>
	The [[The_city_below#A_Marvellous_View_(Conjunctions)\|Company of the Venturesome Harrier]] are a ''perfect'' example of this kind danger. These asinine buffoons decided to organise guided tours of the Black Plateau, the clear danger it posed didn't put them or their naïve customers off - the danger was the point. It didn't help in the slightest for the League Assembly to urge people to avoid the Black Plateau because only sensible people listen to their Assembly. Most people are sensible - most people listen to their assembly when it warns them not to do something that will get them killed - but not your average naif. For the Venturesome Harrier, the warning was just free advertising. It helped to keep sensible people away, but even the powerful Synod can't change human nature - someone, somewhere will always put their hand in the fire just to see what happens.		The [[The_city_below#A_Marvellous_View_(Conjunctions)\|Company of the Venturesome Harrier]] are a ''perfect'' example of this kind danger. These asinine buffoons decided to organise guided tours of the {{Black Plateau}}, the clear danger it posed didn't put them or their naïve customers off - the danger was the point. It didn't help in the slightest for the League Assembly to urge people to avoid the {{Black Plateau}} because only sensible people listen to their Assembly. Most people are sensible - most people listen to their assembly when it warns them not to do something that will get them killed - but not your average naif. For the Venturesome Harrier, the warning was just free advertising. It helped to keep sensible people away, but even the powerful Synod can't change human nature - someone, somewhere will always put their hand in the fire just to see what happens.

	The risk posed by naifs is not that great. For the most part they don't have some grand plan, and they are too small in number to risk further rousing the {{Black Plateau}}. Rescuing them or cleaning up the mess they make will remain a sporadic problem for the Oblivion Sentinel to have to deal with, but arguably that is what the title exists to do. It's impossible to tell when this problem will recur, the Empire might go years without it being an issue, or it could happen next season. All you can be sure of is that it will happen again, at some point.		The risk posed by naifs is not that great. For the most part they don't have some grand plan, and they are too small in number to risk further rousing the {{Black Plateau}}. Rescuing them or cleaning up the mess they make will remain a sporadic problem for the Oblivion Sentinel to have to deal with, but arguably that is what the title exists to do. It's impossible to tell when this problem will recur, the Empire might go years without it being an issue, or it could happen next season. All you can be sure of is that it will happen again, at some point.
Line 60:		Line 60:
	</ic>		</ic>
	</div>		</div>
	The [[Obsidian_shards#Blood_And_Black_Glass\|Spire of the Black Plateau]] were the perfect example of this. This isolated spire was set up by several dozen disgruntled sentinels who left the Citadel Guard to take over an abandoned spire on the border between Ankra, Cinion, Ossuary, and Screed. Somewhat ironically they created their spire as naifs, believing that they were the only ones who could save the world from the corruption of the {{Black Plateau}}. Instead the cursed emanations of the {{Black Plateau}} robbed them of their senses and their humanity and they became Lost. Once that happened they attacked the Empire and there was no other way to deal with them than to send them to the Labyrinth and hope that they fare better in their next life.		The [[Obsidian_shards#Blood_And_Black_Glass\|Spire of the {{Black Plateau}}]] were the perfect example of this. This isolated spire was set up by several dozen disgruntled sentinels who left the Citadel Guard to take over an abandoned spire on the border between Ankra, Cinion, Ossuary, and Screed. Somewhat ironically they created their spire as naifs, believing that they were the only ones who could save the world from the corruption of the {{Black Plateau}}. Instead the cursed emanations of the {{Black Plateau}} robbed them of their senses and their humanity and they became Lost. Once that happened they attacked the Empire and there was no other way to deal with them than to send them to the Labyrinth and hope that they fare better in their next life.

	The number of Lost have diminished in recent years due to the creation of [[Spiral#The_Block\|the Block]], a great mithril structure housed within a circle of blasted and burnt trees that is a powerful locus of [[Winter magic]]. The Block can't overcome the power of the {{Black Plateau}} directly, its power is only a fraction of that, but any spire built in the territory with the correct web of mithril nodes is able to draw on the energy emanating from it protect the inhabitants of the spire from the worst of the Plateau's influence. This protection makes it possible for people to live normal lives in Spiral despite the curse of the {{Black Plateau}} - without that the only Vigilant choice would be to flee the area and abandon the territory completely.		The number of Lost have diminished in recent years due to the creation of [[Spiral#The_Block\|the Block]], a great mithril structure housed within a circle of blasted and burnt trees that is a powerful locus of [[Winter magic]]. The Block can't overcome the power of the {{Black Plateau}} directly, its power is only a fraction of that, but any spire built in the territory with the correct web of mithril nodes is able to draw on the energy emanating from it protect the inhabitants of the spire from the worst of the Plateau's influence. This protection makes it possible for people to live normal lives in Spiral despite the curse of the {{Black Plateau}} - without that the only Vigilant choice would be to flee the area and abandon the territory completely.
Line 77:		Line 77:
	<div style="float: right; max-width: 50%; margin-left: 10px">		<div style="float: right; max-width: 50%; margin-left: 10px">
	<ic>'''Enemies'''<br>		<ic>'''Enemies'''<br>
	* '''Potential Risk:''' War with the Grendel or a direct attack from the Druj further triggers the Black Plateau		* '''Potential Risk:''' War with the Grendel or a direct attack from the Druj further triggers the {{Black Plateau}}
	* '''Recommendation:''' Immediate construction of new defences to encircle the Plateau		* '''Recommendation:''' Immediate construction of new defences to encircle the Plateau
	</ic>		</ic>
Line 96:		Line 96:

	====Oblivion's Edge====		====Oblivion's Edge====
	* '''The Vigilant propose building a huge citadel in Screed to contain the entire Black Plateau'''		* '''The Vigilant propose building a huge citadel in Screed to contain the entire {{Black Plateau}}'''
	<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">		<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
	<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Oblivion's Edge'''</tr>		<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Oblivion's Edge'''</tr>
	<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Citadel</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Citadel</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Location:''' The Black Plateau, Screed, Spiral</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Location:''' The {{Black Plateau}}, Screed, Spiral</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 80 white granite, 20 mithril and 80 thrones in labour</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 80 white granite, 20 mithril and 80 thrones in labour</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Time:''' 4 seasons</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Time:''' 4 seasons</td></tr>
Line 108:		Line 108:
	* Creates a level one citadel with a strength of 9000 in the region		* Creates a level one citadel with a strength of 9000 in the region
	* Removes the threat from naifs in the territory		* Removes the threat from naifs in the territory
	* Would defend against a direct attack on the Black Plateau		* Would defend against a direct attack on the {{Black Plateau}}
	* Provides spartan accommodation for the Oblivion Sentinel		* Provides spartan accommodation for the Oblivion Sentinel
	* Would reduce the impact on the Black Plateau of fighting in the territory		* Would reduce the impact on the {{Black Plateau}} of fighting in the territory
	* Provides the Oblivion Sentinel with 5 crystal fire each year and 10 crowns per season		* Provides the Oblivion Sentinel with 5 crystal fire each year and 10 crowns per season
	<tr><td>'''Special:''' If Ylenwe could be persuaded to support the efforts, the eternal might be able to protect the workers needed to build the fortification, reducing the labour costs to 300 crowns		<tr><td>'''Special:''' If Ylenwe could be persuaded to support the efforts, the eternal might be able to protect the workers needed to build the fortification, reducing the labour costs to 300 crowns
Line 166:		Line 166:
	That leaves the region in the control of an outside force, a potential threat and one that is clearly hostile to League control of the territory. Thus it was crucial to do everything possible to investigate this threat.		That leaves the region in the control of an outside force, a potential threat and one that is clearly hostile to League control of the territory. Thus it was crucial to do everything possible to investigate this threat.

	Some of those investigations were cut short by the [[Obsidian_shards#Blood_And_Black_Glass\|influence of the Black Plateau]]. One of the rebel groups, the Spire of Black Glass, launched an all out attack on the Empire, apparently triggered by Plateau madness. It didn't amount to much, and Imperial heroes moved quickly to forestall the attack and defeat the Spire, but it was sufficient to cause the leader of the rebels to utterly disavow the group.		Some of those investigations were cut short by the [[Obsidian_shards#Blood_And_Black_Glass\|influence of the {{Black Plateau}}]]. One of the rebel groups, the Spire of Black Glass, launched an all out attack on the Empire, apparently triggered by Plateau madness. It didn't amount to much, and Imperial heroes moved quickly to forestall the attack and defeat the Spire, but it was sufficient to cause the leader of the rebels to utterly disavow the group.

	That disavowal appears to have entirely genuine. The activities of the Spire of Black Glass had been an ongoing concern to the other rebels who had only accepted them out of necessity. There was no attempt to help them with their attack, to the contrary the other rebels very publicly shunned them. That's not been the only incident, it looks like the leader of one of the other rebel groups met with an unfortunate accident - presumably a grim consequence of internal splits among the rebels.		That disavowal appears to have entirely genuine. The activities of the Spire of Black Glass had been an ongoing concern to the other rebels who had only accepted them out of necessity. There was no attempt to help them with their attack, to the contrary the other rebels very publicly shunned them. That's not been the only incident, it looks like the leader of one of the other rebel groups met with an unfortunate accident - presumably a grim consequence of internal splits among the rebels.