Rings and crowns - Revision history

Twiggy at 15:30, 11 April 2026

2026-04-11T15:30:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:30, 11 April 2026
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	After weeks of argument, the Constitutional Court has been forced to admit that it is simply ''not'' constitutional on any level. Just as the Senate cannot create a title with votes in the Imperial Synod that is appointed by any house other than the Imperial Synod, so it was wrong for them to allow the Senate to give ''any'' Imperial title the ability to simply take funds from the Virtue Fund without the approval of the Imperial Synod. Those funds are the property of the Imperial Synod, the Senate cannot access them in this way. If the Senate wishes to reward a title with funds, they must do it from the [[Imperial treasury]] via a [[New_Imperial_titles#Stipend\|stipend]], not take it from the resources of another house. The Court acknowledge their error, and apologise for not identifying this at the time and preventing it then.		After weeks of argument, the Constitutional Court has been forced to admit that it is simply ''not'' constitutional on any level. Just as the Senate cannot create a title with votes in the Imperial Synod that is appointed by any house other than the Imperial Synod, so it was wrong for them to allow the Senate to give ''any'' Imperial title the ability to simply take funds from the Virtue Fund without the approval of the Imperial Synod. Those funds are the property of the Imperial Synod, the Senate cannot access them in this way. If the Senate wishes to reward a title with funds, they must do it from the [[Imperial treasury]] via a [[New_Imperial_titles#Stipend\|stipend]], not take it from the resources of another house. The Court acknowledge their error, and apologise for not identifying this at the time and preventing it then.

	The titles affected are the [[Seer of the Gateway#Withdraw Funds\|Seer of the Gateway]] (5 Thrones), the [[~~Imperial~~ Chaplain Consular#WithdrawFunds\|Imperial Chaplain Consular]] (5 Thrones), and the [[High Exorcist#Withdraw Funds\|High Exorcist]] (7 Thrones). Regardless of the amounts involved, it is simply not legal for the Imperial Senate to give an Imperial title the ability to take someone else's property in this way without any possibility for them to gainsay the decision. This situation cannot continue, and these power to ''Withdraw Funds'' must be stripped from the titles, but they are keen that the titles involved not be "punished" for the Court's failure.		The titles affected are the [[Seer of the Gateway#Withdraw Funds\|Seer of the Gateway]] (5 Thrones), the [[Chaplain Consular#WithdrawFunds\|Imperial Chaplain Consular]] (5 Thrones), and the [[High Exorcist#Withdraw Funds\|High Exorcist]] (7 Thrones). Regardless of the amounts involved, it is simply not legal for the Imperial Senate to give an Imperial title the ability to take someone else's property in this way without any possibility for them to gainsay the decision. This situation cannot continue, and these power to ''Withdraw Funds'' must be stripped from the titles, but they are keen that the titles involved not be "punished" for the Court's failure.

	As such the civil service will be raising three [[Senate_motion#Administrative_Motions\|administrative motions]] to amend each of the titles, allowing the Senate to vote on whether to provide them with a stipend following the normal rules for providing funding. If the Senate votes against the motion, the title receives nothing. If they vote in favour, they will have the usual ability to vote on how large the stipend should be. To give the citizens involved the opportunity to speak to their Senators and rally support from their assemblies, the Constitutional Court has requested that the administrative motions take place at the start of the Saturday evening session of the Senate. The [[Speaker_for_the_Senate\|Office of the Speaker]] - the Civil Servants who support the Senate - has suggested that the three affected title holders could come to speak with them at [[Anvil#The Hub\|the Hub]] on Friday evening to sort out how best to proceed and to offer advice or guidance as needed.		As such the civil service will be raising three [[Senate_motion#Administrative_Motions\|administrative motions]] to amend each of the titles, allowing the Senate to vote on whether to provide them with a stipend following the normal rules for providing funding. If the Senate votes against the motion, the title receives nothing. If they vote in favour, they will have the usual ability to vote on how large the stipend should be. To give the citizens involved the opportunity to speak to their Senators and rally support from their assemblies, the Constitutional Court has requested that the administrative motions take place at the start of the Saturday evening session of the Senate. The [[Speaker_for_the_Senate\|Office of the Speaker]] - the Civil Servants who support the Senate - has suggested that the three affected title holders could come to speak with them at [[Anvil#The Hub\|the Hub]] on Friday evening to sort out how best to proceed and to offer advice or guidance as needed.

Twiggy at 22:42, 19 March 2026

2026-03-19T22:42:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:42, 19 March 2026
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	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:385YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:385YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
	<ic>"It all seems a little.... much... sometimes. Am I bad for saying that?"		<ic>"It all seems a little... much... sometimes. Am I bad for saying that?"

	"What does?" Aranuah slipped her bookmark between the pages of her novel. She recognised Zalmonah's tone of voice. It meant there was something on her mind and she wanted to talk about it, and there'd be no more reading until they'd thrashed the matter out.		"What does?" Aranuah slipped her bookmark between the pages of her novel. She recognised Zalmonah's tone of voice. It meant there was something on her mind and she wanted to talk about it, and there'd be no more reading until they'd thrashed the matter out.
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	As Zalmonah spoke, Aranuah passed over the plate of spiced biscuits, and ate on herself, nodding along in agreement.		As Zalmonah spoke, Aranuah passed over the plate of spiced biscuits, and ate on herself, nodding along in agreement.

	"Nobody expects us to do everything at once," she interjected when Zalmonah paused for breath. "Nobody who matters, anyway. Empress ~~Maarika~~ wrote that when you're at war with the whole world, you've got to pick your battles, remember?"		"Nobody expects us to do everything at once," she interjected when Zalmonah paused for breath. "Nobody who matters, anyway. Empress Mariika wrote that when you're at war with the whole world, you've got to pick your battles, remember?"

	Zalmonah smiled at that, genuinely, and some of the tiredness shifted from her shoulders.		Zalmonah smiled at that, genuinely, and some of the tiredness shifted from her shoulders.

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

2026-01-16T09:41:53Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial navy" to "[[navy"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:41, 16 January 2026
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	The Seventh Wave have not been in Highguard since 382YE. Since then they have fought the Grendel in [[the Brass Coast]], spent a year fighting to liberate Zenith, and took part in the [[Cost\|savage fight]] that ultimately saw [[the Barrens]] liberated from the [[Druj]]. Now they have returned, resupplying and regrouping in [[Necropolis]]. Where another army might relish a chance to be on furlough, the Seventh Wave under '''Barachel of Adina's Charge''' refuse to rest, [[Vigilance\|Vigilantly]] [[Army_qualities#Scouting\|guarding the gates]] and doing whatever they can to try and secure the Highguard coast against the orcs of the Broken Shore.		The Seventh Wave have not been in Highguard since 382YE. Since then they have fought the Grendel in [[the Brass Coast]], spent a year fighting to liberate Zenith, and took part in the [[Cost\|savage fight]] that ultimately saw [[the Barrens]] liberated from the [[Druj]]. Now they have returned, resupplying and regrouping in [[Necropolis]]. Where another army might relish a chance to be on furlough, the Seventh Wave under '''Barachel of Adina's Charge''' refuse to rest, [[Vigilance\|Vigilantly]] [[Army_qualities#Scouting\|guarding the gates]] and doing whatever they can to try and secure the Highguard coast against the orcs of the Broken Shore.

	Since the [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Grendel_Autumn_383YE\|peace treaty]] signed by the Imperial Senate two years ago, the [[Grendel]] have been sending merchants and traders to every port and town along the [[Bay of Catazar]]. Indeed, recent months have seen discussion in the Highborn Assembly about the virtue or lack thereof of [[Shallow_days#Visiting_Armadas\|trading with Grendel]] desperate to secure a last few deals before the treaty comes to an end and war inevitably resumes. Their [[~~Imperial~~ navy\|navies]] have been sighted visiting every Imperial territory still remaining along the shores of the Bay - [[Madruga]], [[Sarvos]], [[Necropolis]], and [[Redoubt]], demonstrating their dominion of the seas.		Since the [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Grendel_Autumn_383YE\|peace treaty]] signed by the Imperial Senate two years ago, the [[Grendel]] have been sending merchants and traders to every port and town along the [[Bay of Catazar]]. Indeed, recent months have seen discussion in the Highborn Assembly about the virtue or lack thereof of [[Shallow_days#Visiting_Armadas\|trading with Grendel]] desperate to secure a last few deals before the treaty comes to an end and war inevitably resumes. Their [[navy\|navies]] have been sighted visiting every Imperial territory still remaining along the shores of the Bay - [[Madruga]], [[Sarvos]], [[Necropolis]], and [[Redoubt]], demonstrating their dominion of the seas.

	It may come as no surprise then, to discover that the Highborn soldiers quickly uncover signs that the Grendel are engaging in extensive espionage in Necropolis. They have a long-established espionage ring in the territory, something akin to a [[spy network]] but much more difficult to root out. Any Grendel merchant that has visited the territory in the last two years might well have been a spy, or had a spy among their entourage. Any off-duty sailor visiting [[Necropolis#Sanctuary_Sand\|Sanctuary]] or [[Necropolis#Longbeach\|Crown's Quay]] could have been reporting back to a spy master; any Highborn citizen who spent time in casual conversation with an inquisitive mariner or merchant might have inadvertently revealed useful intelligence to a Grendel spy. Yet the Grendel do not do all their espionage work themselves; far from it. Instead, they are adept at finding citizens of the territory - human as often as not - prepared to occasionally send a little letter about what is going on in Necropolis to a friendly handler in return for money. Lots of money.		It may come as no surprise then, to discover that the Highborn soldiers quickly uncover signs that the Grendel are engaging in extensive espionage in Necropolis. They have a long-established espionage ring in the territory, something akin to a [[spy network]] but much more difficult to root out. Any Grendel merchant that has visited the territory in the last two years might well have been a spy, or had a spy among their entourage. Any off-duty sailor visiting [[Necropolis#Sanctuary_Sand\|Sanctuary]] or [[Necropolis#Longbeach\|Crown's Quay]] could have been reporting back to a spy master; any Highborn citizen who spent time in casual conversation with an inquisitive mariner or merchant might have inadvertently revealed useful intelligence to a Grendel spy. Yet the Grendel do not do all their espionage work themselves; far from it. Instead, they are adept at finding citizens of the territory - human as often as not - prepared to occasionally send a little letter about what is going on in Necropolis to a friendly handler in return for money. Lots of money.

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

2026-01-15T16:42:22Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:42, 15 January 2026
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	The plan is proposed initially on the assumption it will be given to the Speaker of the Highborn Assembly; there's little doubt that the priests of Highguard have been heavily involved in removing the miasma. Then another faction argues that it is the Highborn generals who should be recognised - their commitment to freeing the people of Zenith was made very clear on numerous occasions. A third, roughly equivalent faction instead agree with the National Assembly [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_6\|judgement]] that it was actually the Courage of the people of Urizen, and '''Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer''' especially, that ultimately allowed the Druj to be defeated; without that first victory there would have been no opportunity to remove the miasma at all. Others point to the general of the [[Citadel Guard]], or to the League generals whose timely aid bolstered the armies enough to win the war.		The plan is proposed initially on the assumption it will be given to the Speaker of the Highborn Assembly; there's little doubt that the priests of Highguard have been heavily involved in removing the miasma. Then another faction argues that it is the Highborn generals who should be recognised - their commitment to freeing the people of Zenith was made very clear on numerous occasions. A third, roughly equivalent faction instead agree with the National Assembly [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_6\|judgement]] that it was actually the Courage of the people of Urizen, and '''Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer''' especially, that ultimately allowed the Druj to be defeated; without that first victory there would have been no opportunity to remove the miasma at all. Others point to the general of the [[Citadel Guard]], or to the League generals whose timely aid bolstered the armies enough to win the war.

	In the end, [[arbiter]] ''Aphrodias of the Newborn Sun'' steps in and puts an end to the argument. It's clear that everyone is in agreement that ''someone'' should be recognised for the fact the soul- and thought-destroying miasma is gone. Rather than split the temple, they call on the [[~~Imperial~~ Conclave]] to decide exactly who gets that gift of recognition. A solution, it must be said, that makes everyone equally unhappy, and perhaps demonstrates why Aphrodias is able to keep their position as arbiter of a particularly argumentative spire.		In the end, [[arbiter]] ''Aphrodias of the Newborn Sun'' steps in and puts an end to the argument. It's clear that everyone is in agreement that ''someone'' should be recognised for the fact the soul- and thought-destroying miasma is gone. Rather than split the temple, they call on the [[Conclave]] to decide exactly who gets that gift of recognition. A solution, it must be said, that makes everyone equally unhappy, and perhaps demonstrates why Aphrodias is able to keep their position as arbiter of a particularly argumentative spire.

	The gift has been handed to the civil service, and its disposition is left to the [[declaration]] of [[Endowment]]. The Halls of the Newborn Sun ask that if at all possible the item be made ''regalia'' of an [[Imperial title]] rather than simply bestowed on an individual. They have suggested Speaker of the Highborn Assembly, or any of the Generals who fought in Zenith, but they understand the [[Net of the Heavens]] enough to know that the obvious person taking action is not always the person most instrumental in making that action take place. As such, if the gift is endowed on a citizen who does not have a title, or whose title is incidental to their role in helping remove the miasma from Zenith, then they will understand. They only ask that the declaration of Endowment make clear ''why'' their gift is being bestowed on the recipient. There is no immediate rush - the gift will remain in the hands of the civil service until it is endowed, or until the Conclave reject the gift (with a suitably worded Endowment or Concord).		The gift has been handed to the civil service, and its disposition is left to the [[declaration]] of [[Endowment]]. The Halls of the Newborn Sun ask that if at all possible the item be made ''regalia'' of an [[Imperial title]] rather than simply bestowed on an individual. They have suggested Speaker of the Highborn Assembly, or any of the Generals who fought in Zenith, but they understand the [[Net of the Heavens]] enough to know that the obvious person taking action is not always the person most instrumental in making that action take place. As such, if the gift is endowed on a citizen who does not have a title, or whose title is incidental to their role in helping remove the miasma from Zenith, then they will understand. They only ask that the declaration of Endowment make clear ''why'' their gift is being bestowed on the recipient. There is no immediate rush - the gift will remain in the hands of the civil service until it is endowed, or until the Conclave reject the gift (with a suitably worded Endowment or Concord).

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

2026-01-15T15:01:24Z

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

Twiggy at 14:17, 8 September 2025

2025-09-08T14:17:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:17, 8 September 2025
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	<ic>"It all seems a little.... much... sometimes. Am I bad for saying that?"		<ic>"It all seems a little.... much... sometimes. Am I bad for saying that?"

	"What does?" ~~Araunah~~ slipped her bookmark between the pages of her novel. She recognised Zalmonah's tone of voice. It meant there was something on her mind and she wanted to talk about it, and there'd be no more reading until they'd thrashed the matter out.		"What does?" Aranuah slipped her bookmark between the pages of her novel. She recognised Zalmonah's tone of voice. It meant there was something on her mind and she wanted to talk about it, and there'd be no more reading until they'd thrashed the matter out.

	"Helping. Being the elder sibling," Zalmonah gestured vaguely at the enormity of it all. "Being the partner of greatness, being the kinship peer, supporting everyone else. All of it."		"Helping. Being the elder sibling," Zalmonah gestured vaguely at the enormity of it all. "Being the partner of greatness, being the kinship peer, supporting everyone else. All of it."

Twiggy at 17:50, 1 August 2025

2025-08-01T17:50:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:50, 1 August 2025
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	The rewarding does, however, focus the attention of the civil service to the Virtue Fund. [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue.27s_Rest\|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]], the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|prognosticator]] who arranged the [[appraisal]] that lead to the proposal of the Sacred City has been following discussions around the scheme with particular interest. While reviewing Imperial Synod records however, she noticed something that struck her as odd, and raised it with her superiors. Specifically, the fact that the [[Imperial Senate]] has given several [[Imperial title\|Imperial titles]] the ability to automatically take money from the virtue fund through judgements of Rewarding that cannot be opposed. Is this constitutional, she innocently asks?		The rewarding does, however, focus the attention of the civil service to the Virtue Fund. [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue.27s_Rest\|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]], the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|prognosticator]] who arranged the [[appraisal]] that lead to the proposal of the Sacred City has been following discussions around the scheme with particular interest. While reviewing Imperial Synod records however, she noticed something that struck her as odd, and raised it with her superiors. Specifically, the fact that the [[Imperial Senate]] has given several [[Imperial title\|Imperial titles]] the ability to automatically take money from the virtue fund through judgements of Rewarding that cannot be opposed. Is this constitutional, she innocently asks?

	After weeks of argument, the Constitutional Court has been forced to admit that it is simply ''not'' constitutional on any level. Just as the Senate cannot create a title with votes in the Imperial Synod that is appointed by any house other than the Imperial Synod, so it was wrong for them to allow the Senate to give ''any'' Imperial title the ability to simply take funds from the Virtue Fund without the approval of the Imperial Synod. Those funds are the property of the Imperial Synod, the Senate cannot access them in this way. If the Senate wishes to reward a title with funds, they must do it from the [[Imperial treasury]] via a [[New_Imperial_titles#Stipend\|stipend]], not take it from the resources of another house. The Court acknowledge their error, and ~~apologize~~ for not identifying this at the time and preventing it then.		After weeks of argument, the Constitutional Court has been forced to admit that it is simply ''not'' constitutional on any level. Just as the Senate cannot create a title with votes in the Imperial Synod that is appointed by any house other than the Imperial Synod, so it was wrong for them to allow the Senate to give ''any'' Imperial title the ability to simply take funds from the Virtue Fund without the approval of the Imperial Synod. Those funds are the property of the Imperial Synod, the Senate cannot access them in this way. If the Senate wishes to reward a title with funds, they must do it from the [[Imperial treasury]] via a [[New_Imperial_titles#Stipend\|stipend]], not take it from the resources of another house. The Court acknowledge their error, and apologise for not identifying this at the time and preventing it then.

	The titles affected are the [[Seer of the Gateway#Withdraw Funds\|Seer of the Gateway]] (5 Thrones), the [[Imperial Chaplain Consular#WithdrawFunds\|Imperial Chaplain Consular]] (5 Thrones), and the [[High Exorcist#Withdraw Funds\|High Exorcist]] (7 Thrones). Regardless of the amounts involved, it is simply not legal for the Imperial Senate to give an Imperial title the ability to take someone else's property in this way without any possibility for them to gainsay the decision. This situation cannot continue, and these power to ''Withdraw Funds'' must be stripped from the titles, but they are keen that the titles involved not be "punished" for the Court's failure.		The titles affected are the [[Seer of the Gateway#Withdraw Funds\|Seer of the Gateway]] (5 Thrones), the [[Imperial Chaplain Consular#WithdrawFunds\|Imperial Chaplain Consular]] (5 Thrones), and the [[High Exorcist#Withdraw Funds\|High Exorcist]] (7 Thrones). Regardless of the amounts involved, it is simply not legal for the Imperial Senate to give an Imperial title the ability to take someone else's property in this way without any possibility for them to gainsay the decision. This situation cannot continue, and these power to ''Withdraw Funds'' must be stripped from the titles, but they are keen that the titles involved not be "punished" for the Court's failure.

Twiggy at 14:18, 29 July 2025

2025-07-29T14:18:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:18, 29 July 2025
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	Many Urizeni feel a sense of gratitude to the Highborn - a significant number of them are still alive because the armies of Highborn fought the advancing Druj to allow them time to flee west to Morrow. In particular, the [[questor\|questors]] and [[illuminate\|illuminates]] of the ''Hall of the Newborn Sun'' in [[Morrow]] have been tracking the destruction of the miasma pillars with interest. Now that they are gone, after almost a month of arguing, they have announced their intention to offer a gift of thanks to those who helped free the territory from the oppressive aura the pillars created. Unfortunately, they cannot reach an accord on who precisely to give it to.		Many Urizeni feel a sense of gratitude to the Highborn - a significant number of them are still alive because the armies of Highborn fought the advancing Druj to allow them time to flee west to Morrow. In particular, the [[questor\|questors]] and [[illuminate\|illuminates]] of the ''Hall of the Newborn Sun'' in [[Morrow]] have been tracking the destruction of the miasma pillars with interest. Now that they are gone, after almost a month of arguing, they have announced their intention to offer a gift of thanks to those who helped free the territory from the oppressive aura the pillars created. Unfortunately, they cannot reach an accord on who precisely to give it to.

	The plan is proposed initially on the assumption it will be given to the Speaker ~~for~~ the Highborn Assembly; there's little doubt that the priests of Highguard have been heavily involved in removing the miasma. Then another faction argues that it is the Highborn generals who should be recognised - their commitment to freeing the people of Zenith was made very clear on numerous occasions. A third, roughly equivalent faction instead agree with the National Assembly [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_6\|judgement]] that it was actually the Courage of the people of Urizen, and '''Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer''' especially, that ultimately allowed the Druj to be defeated; without that first victory there would have been no opportunity to remove the miasma at all. Others point to the general of the [[Citadel Guard]], or to the League generals whose timely aid bolstered the armies enough to win the war.		The plan is proposed initially on the assumption it will be given to the Speaker of the Highborn Assembly; there's little doubt that the priests of Highguard have been heavily involved in removing the miasma. Then another faction argues that it is the Highborn generals who should be recognised - their commitment to freeing the people of Zenith was made very clear on numerous occasions. A third, roughly equivalent faction instead agree with the National Assembly [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_6\|judgement]] that it was actually the Courage of the people of Urizen, and '''Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer''' especially, that ultimately allowed the Druj to be defeated; without that first victory there would have been no opportunity to remove the miasma at all. Others point to the general of the [[Citadel Guard]], or to the League generals whose timely aid bolstered the armies enough to win the war.

	In the end, [[arbiter]] ''Aphrodias of the Newborn Sun'' steps in and puts an end to the argument. It's clear that everyone is in agreement that ''someone'' should be recognised for the fact the soul- and thought-destroying miasma is gone. Rather than split the temple, they call on the [[Imperial Conclave]] to decide exactly who gets that gift of recognition. A solution, it must be said, that makes everyone equally unhappy, and perhaps demonstrates why Aphrodias is able to keep their position as arbiter of a particularly argumentative spire.		In the end, [[arbiter]] ''Aphrodias of the Newborn Sun'' steps in and puts an end to the argument. It's clear that everyone is in agreement that ''someone'' should be recognised for the fact the soul- and thought-destroying miasma is gone. Rather than split the temple, they call on the [[Imperial Conclave]] to decide exactly who gets that gift of recognition. A solution, it must be said, that makes everyone equally unhappy, and perhaps demonstrates why Aphrodias is able to keep their position as arbiter of a particularly argumentative spire.

	The gift has been handed to the civil service, and its disposition is left to the [[declaration]] of [[Endowment]]. The Halls of the Newborn Sun ask that if at all possible the item be made ''regalia'' of an [[Imperial title]] rather than simply bestowed on an individual. They have suggested Speaker ~~for~~ the Highborn Assembly, or any of the Generals who fought in Zenith, but they understand the [[Net of the Heavens]] enough to know that the obvious person taking action is not always the person most instrumental in making that action take place. As such, if the gift is endowed on a citizen who does not have a title, or whose title is incidental to their role in helping remove the miasma from Zenith, then they will understand. They only ask that the declaration of Endowment make clear ''why'' their gift is being bestowed on the recipient. There is no immediate rush - the gift will remain in the hands of the civil service until it is endowed, or until the Conclave reject the gift (with a suitably worded Endowment or Concord).		The gift has been handed to the civil service, and its disposition is left to the [[declaration]] of [[Endowment]]. The Halls of the Newborn Sun ask that if at all possible the item be made ''regalia'' of an [[Imperial title]] rather than simply bestowed on an individual. They have suggested Speaker of the Highborn Assembly, or any of the Generals who fought in Zenith, but they understand the [[Net of the Heavens]] enough to know that the obvious person taking action is not always the person most instrumental in making that action take place. As such, if the gift is endowed on a citizen who does not have a title, or whose title is incidental to their role in helping remove the miasma from Zenith, then they will understand. They only ask that the declaration of Endowment make clear ''why'' their gift is being bestowed on the recipient. There is no immediate rush - the gift will remain in the hands of the civil service until it is endowed, or until the Conclave reject the gift (with a suitably worded Endowment or Concord).

	It seems that the gift they are delivering is a rare piece of Urizen and Highborn history - one of the original three [[Atun's Ring\|Atun's Rings]] given by the [[magister\|magisters]] of Highguard to the [[mage\|mages]] of Urizen during the earliest years of relations between the two nations developing diplomatically.		It seems that the gift they are delivering is a rare piece of Urizen and Highborn history - one of the original three [[Atun's Ring\|Atun's Rings]] given by the [[magister\|magisters]] of Highguard to the [[mage\|mages]] of Urizen during the earliest years of relations between the two nations developing diplomatically.

Twiggy at 02:01, 18 July 2025

2025-07-18T02:01:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:01, 18 July 2025
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	"You're not babbling, Zal." Putting her book aside, Aranuah joined her on the seat by the window. "I know exactly what you mean."		"You're not babbling, Zal." Putting her book aside, Aranuah joined her on the seat by the window. "I know exactly what you mean."

	"You do?" Zalmonah ~~noticably~~ relaxed, letting go of the worry rising up inside her with a low sigh. "I was worried it was just me. It's such a... responsibility. I'm glad we're helping the Freeborn, I'm so happy we're talking with the orcs in the Barrens and in Varushka. I'm excited by the thought of helping build a beacon of the Way in Bastion. It's fascinating reading the statements of the other national Assemblies but sometimes it's a little too much."		"You do?" Zalmonah noticeably relaxed, letting go of the worry rising up inside her with a low sigh. "I was worried it was just me. It's such a... responsibility. I'm glad we're helping the Freeborn, I'm so happy we're talking with the orcs in the Barrens and in Varushka. I'm excited by the thought of helping build a beacon of the Way in Bastion. It's fascinating reading the statements of the other national Assemblies but sometimes it's a little too much."

	As Zalmonah spoke, Aranuah passed over the plate of spiced biscuits, and ate on herself, nodding along in agreement.		As Zalmonah spoke, Aranuah passed over the plate of spiced biscuits, and ate on herself, nodding along in agreement.

Thespaceinvader: /* Kinship and Greatness */

2025-05-09T16:27:48Z

Kinship and Greatness

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:27, 9 May 2025
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	''Eli'', ageing custodian of Walter's Tomb, proposed that the Empire is like a family of ten siblings, each with their own strengths. As the eldest, Highguard's primary role is to support their family, not only in war but in all things. In general, the other nations have at least tolerated the Highborn as they attempt to put this theory into practice. ''Astrea of the Crystal Skies'' in particular praised the virtue of the Highguard aspiration, and the [[Loyalty]] assembly agreed. However not all the nations agreed.		''Eli'', ageing custodian of Walter's Tomb, proposed that the Empire is like a family of ten siblings, each with their own strengths. As the eldest, Highguard's primary role is to support their family, not only in war but in all things. In general, the other nations have at least tolerated the Highborn as they attempt to put this theory into practice. ''Astrea of the Crystal Skies'' in particular praised the virtue of the Highguard aspiration, and the [[Loyalty]] assembly agreed. However not all the nations agreed.

	Three nations welcomed the Highborn interest in their [[statement of principle\|statements of principle]], and reciprocated. '''[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_104\|Ophelia Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato]]''' of the [[the League]], '''[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_147\|Anastasiya Volkov]]''' of [[Varushka]], and '''[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_76\|Tarquinius Ankarien]]''' of [[Urizen]] were each sent out to urge their peers to witness the judgements of the Highborn Assembly by their National assemblies. The priests of these three nations can now respond to a [[mandate]] offered to the Highborn Assembly. They can submit an [[Mandate#Alternative_Mandates\|alternative mandate]] before the summit begins - just like a regular alternative mandate - but this mandate will be in their own Assembly and will affect the priests of their own nation. Just as with the Highborn, they may choose to react in support of the issue or in opposition to the issue - as with any alternative mandate - but it will be their own nation that is most directly affected by the outcome - not Highguard. This ability remains available until the start of the Spring Equinox 386YE.		Three nations welcomed the Highborn interest in their [[statement of principle\|statements of principle]], and reciprocated. '''[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_104\|Ophelia Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato]]''' of the [[the League\|League]], '''[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_147\|Anastasiya Volkov]]''' of [[Varushka]], and '''[[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_76\|Tarquinius Ankarien]]''' of [[Urizen]] were each sent out to urge their peers to witness the judgements of the Highborn Assembly by their National assemblies. The priests of these three nations can now respond to a [[mandate]] offered to the Highborn Assembly. They can submit an [[Mandate#Alternative_Mandates\|alternative mandate]] before the summit begins - just like a regular alternative mandate - but this mandate will be in their own Assembly and will affect the priests of their own nation. Just as with the Highborn, they may choose to react in support of the issue or in opposition to the issue - as with any alternative mandate - but it will be their own nation that is most directly affected by the outcome - not Highguard. This ability remains available until the start of the Spring Equinox 386YE.

	However the League Assembly also chose to reject any Highborn attempts to aid or assist them. '''Sofonisba Amilcara di Sarvos''' [[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_19\|was chosen]] by the League national assembly to "''urge the people of the League to take pride in our history and refuse all aid from the Highborn''." As a consequence, Highguard cannot choose the League as the target of their [[Full_of_sacred_sound#A_Peerless_Kinship\|peerless kinship]]. This leaves five nations who ''can'' be aided - [[Dawn]], [[Imperial Orcs]], [[the Marches]], [[Wintermark]], and [[Varushka]]. [[Urizen]], [[Navarr]], and [[the Brass Coast]] have already received their aid, and [[the League]] refuse to accept it. As [[Full_of_sacred_sound#Partner_of_Greatness\|explained last season]], a statement of principle in the Highborn assembly can name a nation to offer aid to, and the priests of that nation can use statements of their own to direct that aid where they think it will be most helpful to them.		However the League Assembly also chose to reject any Highborn attempts to aid or assist them. '''Sofonisba Amilcara di Sarvos''' [[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_19\|was chosen]] by the League national assembly to "''urge the people of the League to take pride in our history and refuse all aid from the Highborn''." As a consequence, Highguard cannot choose the League as the target of their [[Full_of_sacred_sound#A_Peerless_Kinship\|peerless kinship]]. This leaves five nations who ''can'' be aided - [[Dawn]], [[Imperial Orcs]], [[the Marches]], [[Wintermark]], and [[Varushka]]. [[Urizen]], [[Navarr]], and [[the Brass Coast]] have already received their aid, and [[the League]] refuse to accept it. As [[Full_of_sacred_sound#Partner_of_Greatness\|explained last season]], a statement of principle in the Highborn assembly can name a nation to offer aid to, and the priests of that nation can use statements of their own to direct that aid where they think it will be most helpful to them.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:30, 11 April 2026
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	After weeks of argument, the Constitutional Court has been forced to admit that it is simply ''not'' constitutional on any level. Just as the Senate cannot create a title with votes in the Imperial Synod that is appointed by any house other than the Imperial Synod, so it was wrong for them to allow the Senate to give ''any'' Imperial title the ability to simply take funds from the Virtue Fund without the approval of the Imperial Synod. Those funds are the property of the Imperial Synod, the Senate cannot access them in this way. If the Senate wishes to reward a title with funds, they must do it from the [[Imperial treasury]] via a [[New_Imperial_titles#Stipend\|stipend]], not take it from the resources of another house. The Court acknowledge their error, and apologise for not identifying this at the time and preventing it then.		After weeks of argument, the Constitutional Court has been forced to admit that it is simply ''not'' constitutional on any level. Just as the Senate cannot create a title with votes in the Imperial Synod that is appointed by any house other than the Imperial Synod, so it was wrong for them to allow the Senate to give ''any'' Imperial title the ability to simply take funds from the Virtue Fund without the approval of the Imperial Synod. Those funds are the property of the Imperial Synod, the Senate cannot access them in this way. If the Senate wishes to reward a title with funds, they must do it from the [[Imperial treasury]] via a [[New_Imperial_titles#Stipend\|stipend]], not take it from the resources of another house. The Court acknowledge their error, and apologise for not identifying this at the time and preventing it then.

	The titles affected are the [[Seer of the Gateway#Withdraw Funds\|Seer of the Gateway]] (5 Thrones), the [[~~Imperial~~ Chaplain Consular#WithdrawFunds\|Imperial Chaplain Consular]] (5 Thrones), and the [[High Exorcist#Withdraw Funds\|High Exorcist]] (7 Thrones). Regardless of the amounts involved, it is simply not legal for the Imperial Senate to give an Imperial title the ability to take someone else's property in this way without any possibility for them to gainsay the decision. This situation cannot continue, and these power to ''Withdraw Funds'' must be stripped from the titles, but they are keen that the titles involved not be "punished" for the Court's failure.		The titles affected are the [[Seer of the Gateway#Withdraw Funds\|Seer of the Gateway]] (5 Thrones), the [[Chaplain Consular#WithdrawFunds\|Imperial Chaplain Consular]] (5 Thrones), and the [[High Exorcist#Withdraw Funds\|High Exorcist]] (7 Thrones). Regardless of the amounts involved, it is simply not legal for the Imperial Senate to give an Imperial title the ability to take someone else's property in this way without any possibility for them to gainsay the decision. This situation cannot continue, and these power to ''Withdraw Funds'' must be stripped from the titles, but they are keen that the titles involved not be "punished" for the Court's failure.

	As such the civil service will be raising three [[Senate_motion#Administrative_Motions\|administrative motions]] to amend each of the titles, allowing the Senate to vote on whether to provide them with a stipend following the normal rules for providing funding. If the Senate votes against the motion, the title receives nothing. If they vote in favour, they will have the usual ability to vote on how large the stipend should be. To give the citizens involved the opportunity to speak to their Senators and rally support from their assemblies, the Constitutional Court has requested that the administrative motions take place at the start of the Saturday evening session of the Senate. The [[Speaker_for_the_Senate\|Office of the Speaker]] - the Civil Servants who support the Senate - has suggested that the three affected title holders could come to speak with them at [[Anvil#The Hub\|the Hub]] on Friday evening to sort out how best to proceed and to offer advice or guidance as needed.		As such the civil service will be raising three [[Senate_motion#Administrative_Motions\|administrative motions]] to amend each of the titles, allowing the Senate to vote on whether to provide them with a stipend following the normal rules for providing funding. If the Senate votes against the motion, the title receives nothing. If they vote in favour, they will have the usual ability to vote on how large the stipend should be. To give the citizens involved the opportunity to speak to their Senators and rally support from their assemblies, the Constitutional Court has requested that the administrative motions take place at the start of the Saturday evening session of the Senate. The [[Speaker_for_the_Senate\|Office of the Speaker]] - the Civil Servants who support the Senate - has suggested that the three affected title holders could come to speak with them at [[Anvil#The Hub\|the Hub]] on Friday evening to sort out how best to proceed and to offer advice or guidance as needed.

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:41, 16 January 2026
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	The Seventh Wave have not been in Highguard since 382YE. Since then they have fought the Grendel in [[the Brass Coast]], spent a year fighting to liberate Zenith, and took part in the [[Cost\|savage fight]] that ultimately saw [[the Barrens]] liberated from the [[Druj]]. Now they have returned, resupplying and regrouping in [[Necropolis]]. Where another army might relish a chance to be on furlough, the Seventh Wave under '''Barachel of Adina's Charge''' refuse to rest, [[Vigilance\|Vigilantly]] [[Army_qualities#Scouting\|guarding the gates]] and doing whatever they can to try and secure the Highguard coast against the orcs of the Broken Shore.		The Seventh Wave have not been in Highguard since 382YE. Since then they have fought the Grendel in [[the Brass Coast]], spent a year fighting to liberate Zenith, and took part in the [[Cost\|savage fight]] that ultimately saw [[the Barrens]] liberated from the [[Druj]]. Now they have returned, resupplying and regrouping in [[Necropolis]]. Where another army might relish a chance to be on furlough, the Seventh Wave under '''Barachel of Adina's Charge''' refuse to rest, [[Vigilance\|Vigilantly]] [[Army_qualities#Scouting\|guarding the gates]] and doing whatever they can to try and secure the Highguard coast against the orcs of the Broken Shore.

	Since the [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Grendel_Autumn_383YE\|peace treaty]] signed by the Imperial Senate two years ago, the [[Grendel]] have been sending merchants and traders to every port and town along the [[Bay of Catazar]]. Indeed, recent months have seen discussion in the Highborn Assembly about the virtue or lack thereof of [[Shallow_days#Visiting_Armadas\|trading with Grendel]] desperate to secure a last few deals before the treaty comes to an end and war inevitably resumes. Their [[~~Imperial~~ navy\|navies]] have been sighted visiting every Imperial territory still remaining along the shores of the Bay - [[Madruga]], [[Sarvos]], [[Necropolis]], and [[Redoubt]], demonstrating their dominion of the seas.		Since the [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Grendel_Autumn_383YE\|peace treaty]] signed by the Imperial Senate two years ago, the [[Grendel]] have been sending merchants and traders to every port and town along the [[Bay of Catazar]]. Indeed, recent months have seen discussion in the Highborn Assembly about the virtue or lack thereof of [[Shallow_days#Visiting_Armadas\|trading with Grendel]] desperate to secure a last few deals before the treaty comes to an end and war inevitably resumes. Their [[navy\|navies]] have been sighted visiting every Imperial territory still remaining along the shores of the Bay - [[Madruga]], [[Sarvos]], [[Necropolis]], and [[Redoubt]], demonstrating their dominion of the seas.

	It may come as no surprise then, to discover that the Highborn soldiers quickly uncover signs that the Grendel are engaging in extensive espionage in Necropolis. They have a long-established espionage ring in the territory, something akin to a [[spy network]] but much more difficult to root out. Any Grendel merchant that has visited the territory in the last two years might well have been a spy, or had a spy among their entourage. Any off-duty sailor visiting [[Necropolis#Sanctuary_Sand\|Sanctuary]] or [[Necropolis#Longbeach\|Crown's Quay]] could have been reporting back to a spy master; any Highborn citizen who spent time in casual conversation with an inquisitive mariner or merchant might have inadvertently revealed useful intelligence to a Grendel spy. Yet the Grendel do not do all their espionage work themselves; far from it. Instead, they are adept at finding citizens of the territory - human as often as not - prepared to occasionally send a little letter about what is going on in Necropolis to a friendly handler in return for money. Lots of money.		It may come as no surprise then, to discover that the Highborn soldiers quickly uncover signs that the Grendel are engaging in extensive espionage in Necropolis. They have a long-established espionage ring in the territory, something akin to a [[spy network]] but much more difficult to root out. Any Grendel merchant that has visited the territory in the last two years might well have been a spy, or had a spy among their entourage. Any off-duty sailor visiting [[Necropolis#Sanctuary_Sand\|Sanctuary]] or [[Necropolis#Longbeach\|Crown's Quay]] could have been reporting back to a spy master; any Highborn citizen who spent time in casual conversation with an inquisitive mariner or merchant might have inadvertently revealed useful intelligence to a Grendel spy. Yet the Grendel do not do all their espionage work themselves; far from it. Instead, they are adept at finding citizens of the territory - human as often as not - prepared to occasionally send a little letter about what is going on in Necropolis to a friendly handler in return for money. Lots of money.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:50, 1 August 2025
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	The rewarding does, however, focus the attention of the civil service to the Virtue Fund. [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue.27s_Rest\|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]], the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|prognosticator]] who arranged the [[appraisal]] that lead to the proposal of the Sacred City has been following discussions around the scheme with particular interest. While reviewing Imperial Synod records however, she noticed something that struck her as odd, and raised it with her superiors. Specifically, the fact that the [[Imperial Senate]] has given several [[Imperial title\|Imperial titles]] the ability to automatically take money from the virtue fund through judgements of Rewarding that cannot be opposed. Is this constitutional, she innocently asks?		The rewarding does, however, focus the attention of the civil service to the Virtue Fund. [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue.27s_Rest\|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]], the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|prognosticator]] who arranged the [[appraisal]] that lead to the proposal of the Sacred City has been following discussions around the scheme with particular interest. While reviewing Imperial Synod records however, she noticed something that struck her as odd, and raised it with her superiors. Specifically, the fact that the [[Imperial Senate]] has given several [[Imperial title\|Imperial titles]] the ability to automatically take money from the virtue fund through judgements of Rewarding that cannot be opposed. Is this constitutional, she innocently asks?

	After weeks of argument, the Constitutional Court has been forced to admit that it is simply ''not'' constitutional on any level. Just as the Senate cannot create a title with votes in the Imperial Synod that is appointed by any house other than the Imperial Synod, so it was wrong for them to allow the Senate to give ''any'' Imperial title the ability to simply take funds from the Virtue Fund without the approval of the Imperial Synod. Those funds are the property of the Imperial Synod, the Senate cannot access them in this way. If the Senate wishes to reward a title with funds, they must do it from the [[Imperial treasury]] via a [[New_Imperial_titles#Stipend\|stipend]], not take it from the resources of another house. The Court acknowledge their error, and ~~apologize~~ for not identifying this at the time and preventing it then.		After weeks of argument, the Constitutional Court has been forced to admit that it is simply ''not'' constitutional on any level. Just as the Senate cannot create a title with votes in the Imperial Synod that is appointed by any house other than the Imperial Synod, so it was wrong for them to allow the Senate to give ''any'' Imperial title the ability to simply take funds from the Virtue Fund without the approval of the Imperial Synod. Those funds are the property of the Imperial Synod, the Senate cannot access them in this way. If the Senate wishes to reward a title with funds, they must do it from the [[Imperial treasury]] via a [[New_Imperial_titles#Stipend\|stipend]], not take it from the resources of another house. The Court acknowledge their error, and apologise for not identifying this at the time and preventing it then.

	The titles affected are the [[Seer of the Gateway#Withdraw Funds\|Seer of the Gateway]] (5 Thrones), the [[Imperial Chaplain Consular#WithdrawFunds\|Imperial Chaplain Consular]] (5 Thrones), and the [[High Exorcist#Withdraw Funds\|High Exorcist]] (7 Thrones). Regardless of the amounts involved, it is simply not legal for the Imperial Senate to give an Imperial title the ability to take someone else's property in this way without any possibility for them to gainsay the decision. This situation cannot continue, and these power to ''Withdraw Funds'' must be stripped from the titles, but they are keen that the titles involved not be "punished" for the Court's failure.		The titles affected are the [[Seer of the Gateway#Withdraw Funds\|Seer of the Gateway]] (5 Thrones), the [[Imperial Chaplain Consular#WithdrawFunds\|Imperial Chaplain Consular]] (5 Thrones), and the [[High Exorcist#Withdraw Funds\|High Exorcist]] (7 Thrones). Regardless of the amounts involved, it is simply not legal for the Imperial Senate to give an Imperial title the ability to take someone else's property in this way without any possibility for them to gainsay the decision. This situation cannot continue, and these power to ''Withdraw Funds'' must be stripped from the titles, but they are keen that the titles involved not be "punished" for the Court's failure.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:01, 15 January 2026
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	Any Imperial army able to take the ''Guard the Gates'' order can try and find an espionage ring, but as mentioned above it is no simple matter to actually root the Grendel out. Their spies are well embedded in the territory, and there's no guarantee that each nation's people have responded the same way to approaches from "inquisitive orc merchants." Regardless, the first stage to removing the spies is to determine if they are there, and where they are.		Any Imperial army able to take the ''Guard the Gates'' order can try and find an espionage ring, but as mentioned above it is no simple matter to actually root the Grendel out. Their spies are well embedded in the territory, and there's no guarantee that each nation's people have responded the same way to approaches from "inquisitive orc merchants." Regardless, the first stage to removing the spies is to determine if they are there, and where they are.

	While the Highborn National Assembly can use a mandate to support the Seventh Wave, that's only one possible solution to the problem. The [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine\|Assembly of the Nine]] could instruct the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)\|Silent Bell]] to look for an espionage ring in a territory, or try and dismantle one that has already been discovered. The [[Shuttered Lantern]] could also be engaged to root out or destroy an espionage ring. The [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] could instruct the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|Prognosticator's Office]] to [[appraisal\|appraise]] methods of finding and shutting the Grendel spies down. It's not possible to predict what [[opportunity]] would arise, and there are any number of other ways that an espionage ring might be found or disrupted. What is certain however is that none of these methods are likely to be cheaper or easier than that presented to the Highborn.		While the Highborn National Assembly can use a mandate to support the Seventh Wave, that's only one possible solution to the problem. The [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine\|Assembly of the Nine]] could instruct the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)\|Silent Bell]] to look for an espionage ring in a territory, or try and dismantle one that has already been discovered. The [[Shuttered Lantern]] could also be engaged to root out or destroy an espionage ring. The [[Senate]] could instruct the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|Prognosticator's Office]] to [[appraisal\|appraise]] methods of finding and shutting the Grendel spies down. It's not possible to predict what [[opportunity]] would arise, and there are any number of other ways that an espionage ring might be found or disrupted. What is certain however is that none of these methods are likely to be cheaper or easier than that presented to the Highborn.

	Of course the Empire might decide that it doesn't matter that the Grendel know what their armies are doing; or that the orcs may be engaged in a complex double-bluff hinting that there are spies where there are not to spread uncertainty, in which case they can ignore the potential spies. Either way the Empire needs to be cautious about how they proceed; simply telling everyone there are Grendel spies and traitors among them is a recipe for people taking the law into their own hands - especially in the League with the [[Don't blame me\|inspiration]] of [[Ratibor of Temeschwar\|Ratibor]] fresh in peoples' minds. Creating this kind of disruption at exactly the wrong moment is likely playing straight into the Grendel's hands.		Of course the Empire might decide that it doesn't matter that the Grendel know what their armies are doing; or that the orcs may be engaged in a complex double-bluff hinting that there are spies where there are not to spread uncertainty, in which case they can ignore the potential spies. Either way the Empire needs to be cautious about how they proceed; simply telling everyone there are Grendel spies and traitors among them is a recipe for people taking the law into their own hands - especially in the League with the [[Don't blame me\|inspiration]] of [[Ratibor of Temeschwar\|Ratibor]] fresh in peoples' minds. Creating this kind of disruption at exactly the wrong moment is likely playing straight into the Grendel's hands.
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	* '''The arbiter of the temple spire has asked the Imperial Conclave to determine who is the most suitable recipient of the gift, ideally making it part of their regalia'''		* '''The arbiter of the temple spire has asked the Imperial Conclave to determine who is the most suitable recipient of the gift, ideally making it part of their regalia'''
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''<big>Hall of the Newborn Sun</big>'''<br>The [[Some_heavenly_music#Hall_of_the_Newborn_Sun\|Hall of the Newborn Sun]] is made up of [[questor\|questors]] and [[illuminate\|illuminates]] whose [[spire#Temple\|temple]] once stood in [[Zenith#Occursion\|Occursion]]. When the [[orc\|orcs]] came some of the inhabitants were able to flee with the aid of the [[Highguard\|Highborn]] armies but many of the most devout were captured attempting to rescue the centuries of philosophical texts held in the cathedral library. They were left to labour as slaves of the Druj until finally the [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Zenith\|desperate rescue]] of 383YE brought them to safety. The reunited priests founded a new spire - the Hall of the Newborn Sun - in the mountains of south-eastern [[Morrow]], not far from [[Morrow#The_Three_Watchers\|the Three Watchers]]. Their new arbiter, ''Aphrodias of the Newborn Sun'', recently arranged for one of their grimoires, the [[Some_heavenly_music#Book_of_the_Restless_Spirit\|Book of the Restless Spirit]], be included in [[Urizen lore]], eventually securing a [[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_27\|judgement]] from the [[General Assembly]] that recognised the practice of [[Schisms_and_Heresies#The_Lucidian_Blasphemy_.2F_Auran_Idolatry\|Lucidianism]] was neither heresy nor blasphemy as long as it did not lead to preaching [[Religious_crime#Desecration\|desecration]].<br><br>After a great deal of argument, it appears that the majority of the Urizeni living at the Hall of the Newborn Sun have decided to stay in Morrow for the time being, perhaps establishing a new spire in Zenith in a generation or so once the place begins to feel a little cramped. But they still feel a connection to their former home, and keep a close eye on what is going on in the liberated land.</box></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''<big>Hall of the Newborn Sun</big>'''<br>The [[Some_heavenly_music#Hall_of_the_Newborn_Sun\|Hall of the Newborn Sun]] is made up of [[questor\|questors]] and [[illuminate\|illuminates]] whose [[spire#Temple\|temple]] once stood in [[Zenith#Occursion\|Occursion]]. When the [[orc\|orcs]] came some of the inhabitants were able to flee with the aid of the [[Highguard\|Highborn]] armies but many of the most devout were captured attempting to rescue the centuries of philosophical texts held in the cathedral library. They were left to labour as slaves of the Druj until finally the [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Zenith\|desperate rescue]] of 383YE brought them to safety. The reunited priests founded a new spire - the Hall of the Newborn Sun - in the mountains of south-eastern [[Morrow]], not far from [[Morrow#The_Three_Watchers\|the Three Watchers]]. Their new arbiter, ''Aphrodias of the Newborn Sun'', recently arranged for one of their grimoires, the [[Some_heavenly_music#Book_of_the_Restless_Spirit\|Book of the Restless Spirit]], be included in [[Urizen lore]], eventually securing a [[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_27\|judgement]] from the [[General Assembly]] that recognised the practice of [[Schisms_and_Heresies#The_Lucidian_Blasphemy_.2F_Auran_Idolatry\|Lucidianism]] was neither heresy nor blasphemy as long as it did not lead to preaching [[Religious_crime#Desecration\|desecration]].<br><br>After a great deal of argument, it appears that the majority of the Urizeni living at the Hall of the Newborn Sun have decided to stay in Morrow for the time being, perhaps establishing a new spire in Zenith in a generation or so once the place begins to feel a little cramped. But they still feel a connection to their former home, and keep a close eye on what is going on in the liberated land.</box></div>
	With the Granite Pillar needed elsewhere, it fell to '''Isaac of the Silent Tide''', [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]], to deal with the last major [[Druj_miasma#Miasma_Pillars\|Druj miasma pillars]] in [[Zenith]]. They gathered a cadre of priests, exorcists, guardians, and cataphracts, and with a sack of [[liao]] proceeded to [[Zenith#Clypion\|Clypion]] and destroyed the remaining pillars, completing the work of the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] and '''General Asenath'''. As the Summer Solstice approaches, the last of the hateful miasma that still hung in tatters across the territory fades like early morning mist beneath the noonday sun of virtue.		With the Granite Pillar needed elsewhere, it fell to '''Isaac of the Silent Tide''', [[Speaker of the Highborn Assembly]], to deal with the last major [[Druj_miasma#Miasma_Pillars\|Druj miasma pillars]] in [[Zenith]]. They gathered a cadre of priests, exorcists, guardians, and cataphracts, and with a sack of [[liao]] proceeded to [[Zenith#Clypion\|Clypion]] and destroyed the remaining pillars, completing the work of the [[Senate]] and '''General Asenath'''. As the Summer Solstice approaches, the last of the hateful miasma that still hung in tatters across the territory fades like early morning mist beneath the noonday sun of virtue.

	Many Urizeni feel a sense of gratitude to the Highborn - a significant number of them are still alive because the armies of Highborn fought the advancing Druj to allow them time to flee west to Morrow. In particular, the [[questor\|questors]] and [[illuminate\|illuminates]] of the ''Hall of the Newborn Sun'' in [[Morrow]] have been tracking the destruction of the miasma pillars with interest. Now that they are gone, after almost a month of arguing, they have announced their intention to offer a gift of thanks to those who helped free the territory from the oppressive aura the pillars created. Unfortunately, they cannot reach an accord on who precisely to give it to.		Many Urizeni feel a sense of gratitude to the Highborn - a significant number of them are still alive because the armies of Highborn fought the advancing Druj to allow them time to flee west to Morrow. In particular, the [[questor\|questors]] and [[illuminate\|illuminates]] of the ''Hall of the Newborn Sun'' in [[Morrow]] have been tracking the destruction of the miasma pillars with interest. Now that they are gone, after almost a month of arguing, they have announced their intention to offer a gift of thanks to those who helped free the territory from the oppressive aura the pillars created. Unfortunately, they cannot reach an accord on who precisely to give it to.
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	On the subject of the sacred city... during the Spring Equinox '''Pontius Figures''' of the Words, Numbers, Figures, and Knotes organisation in [[Dawn]] raised a judgement of [[rewarding]] calling for a "''sizeable resource investment''" and a "''collective effort''" to provide the [[white granite]] needed. They proposed that the ''Virtue Fund'' be used to provide some of the money needed to buy resources, even though the project has not yet been commissioned. Indeed, they finished by suggesting that "''Wisdom dictates we start preparing now''" and there are several priests who agree with them. There's still [[Blood_will_thicken#No_Price_Is_Too_High\|plenty of opportunity]] for individual National Assemblies to urge their nations to support the project if they wish, but it might not be impossible to arrange something with regard to the virtue fund that goes beyond a simple Rewarding. Before such a thing could happen, though, a well-worded statement of principle in the General Assembly that achieved a [[greater majority]] would be required.		On the subject of the sacred city... during the Spring Equinox '''Pontius Figures''' of the Words, Numbers, Figures, and Knotes organisation in [[Dawn]] raised a judgement of [[rewarding]] calling for a "''sizeable resource investment''" and a "''collective effort''" to provide the [[white granite]] needed. They proposed that the ''Virtue Fund'' be used to provide some of the money needed to buy resources, even though the project has not yet been commissioned. Indeed, they finished by suggesting that "''Wisdom dictates we start preparing now''" and there are several priests who agree with them. There's still [[Blood_will_thicken#No_Price_Is_Too_High\|plenty of opportunity]] for individual National Assemblies to urge their nations to support the project if they wish, but it might not be impossible to arrange something with regard to the virtue fund that goes beyond a simple Rewarding. Before such a thing could happen, though, a well-worded statement of principle in the General Assembly that achieved a [[greater majority]] would be required.
	<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Words in the Head.jpg\|align=left\|caption=Thoughts and feelings are never virtuous or vile. It is only the actions that you undertake that demonstrate your worth.\|width=600}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Words in the Head.jpg\|align=left\|caption=Thoughts and feelings are never virtuous or vile. It is only the actions that you undertake that demonstrate your worth.\|width=600}}</div>
	The rewarding does, however, focus the attention of the civil service to the Virtue Fund. [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue.27s_Rest\|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]], the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|prognosticator]] who arranged the [[appraisal]] that lead to the proposal of the Sacred City has been following discussions around the scheme with particular interest. While reviewing Imperial Synod records however, she noticed something that struck her as odd, and raised it with her superiors. Specifically, the fact that the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] has given several [[Imperial title\|Imperial titles]] the ability to automatically take money from the virtue fund through judgements of Rewarding that cannot be opposed. Is this constitutional, she innocently asks?		The rewarding does, however, focus the attention of the civil service to the Virtue Fund. [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue.27s_Rest\|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]], the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|prognosticator]] who arranged the [[appraisal]] that lead to the proposal of the Sacred City has been following discussions around the scheme with particular interest. While reviewing Imperial Synod records however, she noticed something that struck her as odd, and raised it with her superiors. Specifically, the fact that the [[Senate]] has given several [[Imperial title\|Imperial titles]] the ability to automatically take money from the virtue fund through judgements of Rewarding that cannot be opposed. Is this constitutional, she innocently asks?

	After weeks of argument, the Constitutional Court has been forced to admit that it is simply ''not'' constitutional on any level. Just as the Senate cannot create a title with votes in the Imperial Synod that is appointed by any house other than the Imperial Synod, so it was wrong for them to allow the Senate to give ''any'' Imperial title the ability to simply take funds from the Virtue Fund without the approval of the Imperial Synod. Those funds are the property of the Imperial Synod, the Senate cannot access them in this way. If the Senate wishes to reward a title with funds, they must do it from the [[Imperial treasury]] via a [[New_Imperial_titles#Stipend\|stipend]], not take it from the resources of another house. The Court acknowledge their error, and apologise for not identifying this at the time and preventing it then.		After weeks of argument, the Constitutional Court has been forced to admit that it is simply ''not'' constitutional on any level. Just as the Senate cannot create a title with votes in the Imperial Synod that is appointed by any house other than the Imperial Synod, so it was wrong for them to allow the Senate to give ''any'' Imperial title the ability to simply take funds from the Virtue Fund without the approval of the Imperial Synod. Those funds are the property of the Imperial Synod, the Senate cannot access them in this way. If the Senate wishes to reward a title with funds, they must do it from the [[Imperial treasury]] via a [[New_Imperial_titles#Stipend\|stipend]], not take it from the resources of another house. The Court acknowledge their error, and apologise for not identifying this at the time and preventing it then.