Seer - Revision history

Emmanovi: sp

2026-01-23T16:27:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:27, 23 January 2026
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	Seers often pay for good information, and some become information brokers - selling the knowledge they've uncovered to the highest bidder. Most only do this with information they have no use for - it's rare for a seer to demand payment from a general in return for information vital to a campaign. That said, there are certainly seers in the [[Golden Pyramid]] [[Conclave order]] who take a much more liberal interpretation of what counts as "vital". By contrast some seers associated with the [[Celestial Arch]] argue that it's more important to be the power behind the throne, using the things you find out to pull strings and influence others. There are many different approaches to being a seer; what's important is that you accrue information and use it in pursuit of your goals.		Seers often pay for good information, and some become information brokers - selling the knowledge they've uncovered to the highest bidder. Most only do this with information they have no use for - it's rare for a seer to demand payment from a general in return for information vital to a campaign. That said, there are certainly seers in the [[Golden Pyramid]] [[Conclave order]] who take a much more liberal interpretation of what counts as "vital". By contrast some seers associated with the [[Celestial Arch]] argue that it's more important to be the power behind the throne, using the things you find out to pull strings and influence others. There are many different approaches to being a seer; what's important is that you accrue information and use it in pursuit of your goals.

	Most seers are ritual [[magical skills#magician\|magicians]] with at least some knowledge of the [[Magical_skills#Realm_Lore\|Day realm]]. There are a number of useful divination rituals in [[Day magic]], which will reveal valuable information if you can perform them. [[Night magic]] can also be very useful, although it tends to provide more qualitative results that require more interpretation, descriptions of feelings rather than the dry facts and figures preferred by the Day realm. There are divination rituals in other realms as well, and it's worth looking at those if you have specific areas that you think will be interesting, especially [[Winter magic]] and [[Autumn magic]]. The [[~~Crystaline_Focus_of_Aesh~~#Divination_Rituals\|divination rituals]] listed in the description of the [[~~Crystaline~~ Focus of Aesh]] might be a useful (but by no means exhaustive) starting point.		Most seers are ritual [[magical skills#magician\|magicians]] with at least some knowledge of the [[Magical_skills#Realm_Lore\|Day realm]]. There are a number of useful divination rituals in [[Day magic]], which will reveal valuable information if you can perform them. [[Night magic]] can also be very useful, although it tends to provide more qualitative results that require more interpretation, descriptions of feelings rather than the dry facts and figures preferred by the Day realm. There are divination rituals in other realms as well, and it's worth looking at those if you have specific areas that you think will be interesting, especially [[Winter magic]] and [[Autumn magic]]. The [[Crystalline_Focus_of_Aesh#Divination_Rituals\|divination rituals]] listed in the description of the [[Crystalline Focus of Aesh]] might be a useful (but by no means exhaustive) starting point.

	As a magician, the most useful [[Resource#Personal_Resource\|personal resource]] is usually a [[mana site]]. This will provide you with a handful of mana crystals at every event, which is enough to perform a couple of minor divination rituals. Almost any ritual magician will always want more mana than that if they can get it, so you can pick a different resource if you think you'll have fun trading what it gives you to get access to more mana.		As a magician, the most useful [[Resource#Personal_Resource\|personal resource]] is usually a [[mana site]]. This will provide you with a handful of mana crystals at every event, which is enough to perform a couple of minor divination rituals. Almost any ritual magician will always want more mana than that if they can get it, so you can pick a different resource if you think you'll have fun trading what it gives you to get access to more mana.

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

2026-01-15T21:31:19Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:31, 15 January 2026
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	Seers have always been an integral part of Urizen, gathering and recording information from the very first days when the Urizen took up residence in their mountain homes. However their early history is often unremarked, while they curated important libraries going back many decades, few seers felt the need to immortalize their own role. Everyone remembers the [[sentinel]] who led their forces to victory; few remember the seer who provided the vital information about enemy dispositions that made the victory possible.		Seers have always been an integral part of Urizen, gathering and recording information from the very first days when the Urizen took up residence in their mountain homes. However their early history is often unremarked, while they curated important libraries going back many decades, few seers felt the need to immortalize their own role. Everyone remembers the [[sentinel]] who led their forces to victory; few remember the seer who provided the vital information about enemy dispositions that made the victory possible.

	One of the best known historical seers is [[Kala]] of Windward Spire who lived and died two centuries before the formation of the Empire. A voracious natural philosopher, she is sometimes credited with inventing the spyglass, and designed a number of tools to help scholars study the world around them. She is perhaps best known for her treatise ''Weighing the World'' in which she laid out a system of recording measurements that is still in use today throughout the known world. Recognised as an [[Paragons_and_exemplars\|exemplar]] of [[Wisdom]] by the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]], her studies are often credited for laying the foundations of the Imperial system of education.		One of the best known historical seers is [[Kala]] of Windward Spire who lived and died two centuries before the formation of the Empire. A voracious natural philosopher, she is sometimes credited with inventing the spyglass, and designed a number of tools to help scholars study the world around them. She is perhaps best known for her treatise ''Weighing the World'' in which she laid out a system of recording measurements that is still in use today throughout the known world. Recognised as an [[Paragons_and_exemplars\|exemplar]] of [[Wisdom]] by the [[Synod]], her studies are often credited for laying the foundations of the Imperial system of education.

	Indeed, it is sometimes claimed that [[Emperor Giovanni]] sought out Urizen because he wanted to gain access to the learning and lore of the seers of Urizen. In truth, Urizen brought many benefits to the Empire, but the seers had a profound impact that endures to this day. The entire art of prognostication, using a combination of divinatory magic and careful record keeping to provide infallible briefings to the [[Senate]] and the [[Military Council]] is the most profound expression of the seer's tradition. In modern times the civil service is careful to ensure they include members of every nation, but the first Imperial prognosticators were all Urizen seers.		Indeed, it is sometimes claimed that [[Emperor Giovanni]] sought out Urizen because he wanted to gain access to the learning and lore of the seers of Urizen. In truth, Urizen brought many benefits to the Empire, but the seers had a profound impact that endures to this day. The entire art of prognostication, using a combination of divinatory magic and careful record keeping to provide infallible briefings to the [[Senate]] and the [[Military Council]] is the most profound expression of the seer's tradition. In modern times the civil service is careful to ensure they include members of every nation, but the first Imperial prognosticators were all Urizen seers.

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

2026-01-15T14:48:53Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:48, 15 January 2026
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	One of the best known historical seers is [[Kala]] of Windward Spire who lived and died two centuries before the formation of the Empire. A voracious natural philosopher, she is sometimes credited with inventing the spyglass, and designed a number of tools to help scholars study the world around them. She is perhaps best known for her treatise ''Weighing the World'' in which she laid out a system of recording measurements that is still in use today throughout the known world. Recognised as an [[Paragons_and_exemplars\|exemplar]] of [[Wisdom]] by the [[Imperial Synod]], her studies are often credited for laying the foundations of the Imperial system of education.		One of the best known historical seers is [[Kala]] of Windward Spire who lived and died two centuries before the formation of the Empire. A voracious natural philosopher, she is sometimes credited with inventing the spyglass, and designed a number of tools to help scholars study the world around them. She is perhaps best known for her treatise ''Weighing the World'' in which she laid out a system of recording measurements that is still in use today throughout the known world. Recognised as an [[Paragons_and_exemplars\|exemplar]] of [[Wisdom]] by the [[Imperial Synod]], her studies are often credited for laying the foundations of the Imperial system of education.

	Indeed, it is sometimes claimed that [[Emperor Giovanni]] sought out Urizen because he wanted to gain access to the learning and lore of the seers of Urizen. In truth, Urizen brought many benefits to the Empire, but the seers had a profound impact that endures to this day. The entire art of prognostication, using a combination of divinatory magic and careful record keeping to provide infallible briefings to the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] and the [[Military Council]] is the most profound expression of the seer's tradition. In modern times the civil service is careful to ensure they include members of every nation, but the first Imperial prognosticators were all Urizen seers.		Indeed, it is sometimes claimed that [[Emperor Giovanni]] sought out Urizen because he wanted to gain access to the learning and lore of the seers of Urizen. In truth, Urizen brought many benefits to the Empire, but the seers had a profound impact that endures to this day. The entire art of prognostication, using a combination of divinatory magic and careful record keeping to provide infallible briefings to the [[Senate]] and the [[Military Council]] is the most profound expression of the seer's tradition. In modern times the civil service is careful to ensure they include members of every nation, but the first Imperial prognosticators were all Urizen seers.

	As a group the seers largely supported the Empire. Its resources allowed much greater opportunity to study the world, and provided new ways that their divinations could be put to good use. Wherever possible, they have commandeered the resources of the Empire, using them to hone the arts of prognostication and divination and creating a number of important rituals, most notably [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]]. The ritual was codified in the [[Morrow#The_Halls_of_Knowledge_.28ruined.29\|Halls of Knowledge]] in 134YE, but it was formulated by a trio of seers dwelling at [[Morrow#Operus\|the Weave in Operus in Morrow]]. According to rumours these three struck a deal with Leviathan, the details of which have always been shrouded in mystery. Some claim that the three promised the eternal access to every record ever written in Urizen, some say it was every book ever written in the Empire. A written copy of the deal between the Dweller in the Depths and the Three is believed to be somewhere in the Spire of the Weaver but has never been found.		As a group the seers largely supported the Empire. Its resources allowed much greater opportunity to study the world, and provided new ways that their divinations could be put to good use. Wherever possible, they have commandeered the resources of the Empire, using them to hone the arts of prognostication and divination and creating a number of important rituals, most notably [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]]. The ritual was codified in the [[Morrow#The_Halls_of_Knowledge_.28ruined.29\|Halls of Knowledge]] in 134YE, but it was formulated by a trio of seers dwelling at [[Morrow#Operus\|the Weave in Operus in Morrow]]. According to rumours these three struck a deal with Leviathan, the details of which have always been shrouded in mystery. Some claim that the three promised the eternal access to every record ever written in Urizen, some say it was every book ever written in the Empire. A written copy of the deal between the Dweller in the Depths and the Three is believed to be somewhere in the Spire of the Weaver but has never been found.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

2026-01-15T12:24:20Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:24, 15 January 2026
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	One of the best known historical seers is [[Kala]] of Windward Spire who lived and died two centuries before the formation of the Empire. A voracious natural philosopher, she is sometimes credited with inventing the spyglass, and designed a number of tools to help scholars study the world around them. She is perhaps best known for her treatise ''Weighing the World'' in which she laid out a system of recording measurements that is still in use today throughout the known world. Recognised as an [[Paragons_and_exemplars\|exemplar]] of [[Wisdom]] by the [[Imperial Synod]], her studies are often credited for laying the foundations of the Imperial system of education.		One of the best known historical seers is [[Kala]] of Windward Spire who lived and died two centuries before the formation of the Empire. A voracious natural philosopher, she is sometimes credited with inventing the spyglass, and designed a number of tools to help scholars study the world around them. She is perhaps best known for her treatise ''Weighing the World'' in which she laid out a system of recording measurements that is still in use today throughout the known world. Recognised as an [[Paragons_and_exemplars\|exemplar]] of [[Wisdom]] by the [[Imperial Synod]], her studies are often credited for laying the foundations of the Imperial system of education.

	Indeed, it is sometimes claimed that [[Emperor Giovanni]] sought out Urizen because he wanted to gain access to the learning and lore of the seers of Urizen. In truth, Urizen brought many benefits to the Empire, but the seers had a profound impact that endures to this day. The entire art of prognostication, using a combination of divinatory magic and careful record keeping to provide infallible briefings to the [[Imperial Senate]] and the [[~~Imperial~~ Military Council]] is the most profound expression of the seer's tradition. In modern times the civil service is careful to ensure they include members of every nation, but the first Imperial prognosticators were all Urizen seers.		Indeed, it is sometimes claimed that [[Emperor Giovanni]] sought out Urizen because he wanted to gain access to the learning and lore of the seers of Urizen. In truth, Urizen brought many benefits to the Empire, but the seers had a profound impact that endures to this day. The entire art of prognostication, using a combination of divinatory magic and careful record keeping to provide infallible briefings to the [[Imperial Senate]] and the [[Military Council]] is the most profound expression of the seer's tradition. In modern times the civil service is careful to ensure they include members of every nation, but the first Imperial prognosticators were all Urizen seers.

	As a group the seers largely supported the Empire. Its resources allowed much greater opportunity to study the world, and provided new ways that their divinations could be put to good use. Wherever possible, they have commandeered the resources of the Empire, using them to hone the arts of prognostication and divination and creating a number of important rituals, most notably [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]]. The ritual was codified in the [[Morrow#The_Halls_of_Knowledge_.28ruined.29\|Halls of Knowledge]] in 134YE, but it was formulated by a trio of seers dwelling at [[Morrow#Operus\|the Weave in Operus in Morrow]]. According to rumours these three struck a deal with Leviathan, the details of which have always been shrouded in mystery. Some claim that the three promised the eternal access to every record ever written in Urizen, some say it was every book ever written in the Empire. A written copy of the deal between the Dweller in the Depths and the Three is believed to be somewhere in the Spire of the Weaver but has never been found.		As a group the seers largely supported the Empire. Its resources allowed much greater opportunity to study the world, and provided new ways that their divinations could be put to good use. Wherever possible, they have commandeered the resources of the Empire, using them to hone the arts of prognostication and divination and creating a number of important rituals, most notably [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]]. The ritual was codified in the [[Morrow#The_Halls_of_Knowledge_.28ruined.29\|Halls of Knowledge]] in 134YE, but it was formulated by a trio of seers dwelling at [[Morrow#Operus\|the Weave in Operus in Morrow]]. According to rumours these three struck a deal with Leviathan, the details of which have always been shrouded in mystery. Some claim that the three promised the eternal access to every record ever written in Urizen, some say it was every book ever written in the Empire. A written copy of the deal between the Dweller in the Depths and the Three is believed to be somewhere in the Spire of the Weaver but has never been found.

Thespaceinvader: /* History */

2025-04-16T16:37:52Z

History

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:37, 16 April 2025
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	Indeed, it is sometimes claimed that [[Emperor Giovanni]] sought out Urizen because he wanted to gain access to the learning and lore of the seers of Urizen. In truth, Urizen brought many benefits to the Empire, but the seers had a profound impact that endures to this day. The entire art of prognostication, using a combination of divinatory magic and careful record keeping to provide infallible briefings to the [[Imperial Senate]] and the [[Imperial Military Council]] is the most profound expression of the seer's tradition. In modern times the civil service is careful to ensure they include members of every nation, but the first Imperial prognosticators were all Urizen seers.		Indeed, it is sometimes claimed that [[Emperor Giovanni]] sought out Urizen because he wanted to gain access to the learning and lore of the seers of Urizen. In truth, Urizen brought many benefits to the Empire, but the seers had a profound impact that endures to this day. The entire art of prognostication, using a combination of divinatory magic and careful record keeping to provide infallible briefings to the [[Imperial Senate]] and the [[Imperial Military Council]] is the most profound expression of the seer's tradition. In modern times the civil service is careful to ensure they include members of every nation, but the first Imperial prognosticators were all Urizen seers.

	As a group the seers largely supported the Empire. Its resources allowed much greater opportunity to study the world, and provided new ways that their divinations could be put to good use. Wherever possible, they have commandeered the resources of the Empire, using them to hone the arts of prognostication and divination and creating a number of important rituals, most notably [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]]. The ritual was codified in the [[Morrow#The_Halls_of_Knowledge_.28ruined.29\|Halls of Knowledge]] in 134YE, but it was formulated by a trio of seers dwelling at [[Morrow#Operus\|the Weave in Operus in Morrow]]. According to rumours these three struck a deal with Leviathan, the details of which have always been shrouded in mystery. Some claim that the three promised the eternal access to every record ever written in Urizen, some say it was every book ever written in the Empire. A written copy of the deal between the Dweller in the Depths and the Three is believed to be somewhere in ~~the~~ the Spire of the Weaver but has never been found.		As a group the seers largely supported the Empire. Its resources allowed much greater opportunity to study the world, and provided new ways that their divinations could be put to good use. Wherever possible, they have commandeered the resources of the Empire, using them to hone the arts of prognostication and divination and creating a number of important rituals, most notably [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]]. The ritual was codified in the [[Morrow#The_Halls_of_Knowledge_.28ruined.29\|Halls of Knowledge]] in 134YE, but it was formulated by a trio of seers dwelling at [[Morrow#Operus\|the Weave in Operus in Morrow]]. According to rumours these three struck a deal with Leviathan, the details of which have always been shrouded in mystery. Some claim that the three promised the eternal access to every record ever written in Urizen, some say it was every book ever written in the Empire. A written copy of the deal between the Dweller in the Depths and the Three is believed to be somewhere in the Spire of the Weaver but has never been found.

	Seers who become too closely entangled in Imperial politics risk criticism for exerting "undue influence". The infamous example is the [[merrow]] Marius of the White Eye, a trusted confidant of [[Empress Varkula]]. Wildly unpopular, even in his own nation, he was commonly assumed to be the source of much of the information the Empress used to bribe or extort uncooperative [[senator\|senators]]. He never made any secret of his use of both magic and paid informants to ferret out the weaknesses of those who opposed the Throne's plans, and allegedly bore valuable boons from both the [[Whisper Gallery\|Court of Scandal]] and the [[Kimus\|Unblinking Eye]]. These connections were ultimately unable to protect him from the repercussions of his actions. Two days after Varkula denounced the senator for [[Temeschwar]] Ellia as a pawn of the [[Vyig]], allegedly on the basis of evidence provided by Marius, the seer publicly [[The Assassin's Gate#The Crimson Gate\|drowned on his own blood]]. Despite her obvious motives, and the efforts of Marius' few friends, the magistrates were ultimately unable to secure a conviction.		Seers who become too closely entangled in Imperial politics risk criticism for exerting "undue influence". The infamous example is the [[merrow]] Marius of the White Eye, a trusted confidant of [[Empress Varkula]]. Wildly unpopular, even in his own nation, he was commonly assumed to be the source of much of the information the Empress used to bribe or extort uncooperative [[senator\|senators]]. He never made any secret of his use of both magic and paid informants to ferret out the weaknesses of those who opposed the Throne's plans, and allegedly bore valuable boons from both the [[Whisper Gallery\|Court of Scandal]] and the [[Kimus\|Unblinking Eye]]. These connections were ultimately unable to protect him from the repercussions of his actions. Two days after Varkula denounced the senator for [[Temeschwar]] Ellia as a pawn of the [[Vyig]], allegedly on the basis of evidence provided by Marius, the seer publicly [[The Assassin's Gate#The Crimson Gate\|drowned on his own blood]]. Despite her obvious motives, and the efforts of Marius' few friends, the magistrates were ultimately unable to secure a conviction.

Dre at 21:52, 11 June 2024

2024-06-11T21:52:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:52, 11 June 2024
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	==History==		==History==
	Seers have always been an integral part of Urizen, gathering and recording information from the very first days when the Urizen took up residence in their mountain homes. However their early history is often unremarked, while they curated important libraries going back many decades, few seers felt the need to immortalize their own role. Everyone remembers the [[sentinel]] who ~~lead~~ their forces to victory; few remember the seer who provided the vital information about enemy dispositions that made the victory possible.		Seers have always been an integral part of Urizen, gathering and recording information from the very first days when the Urizen took up residence in their mountain homes. However their early history is often unremarked, while they curated important libraries going back many decades, few seers felt the need to immortalize their own role. Everyone remembers the [[sentinel]] who led their forces to victory; few remember the seer who provided the vital information about enemy dispositions that made the victory possible.

	One of the best known historical seers is [[Kala]] of Windward Spire who lived and died two centuries before the formation of the Empire. A voracious natural philosopher, she is sometimes credited with inventing the spyglass, and designed a number of tools to help scholars study the world around them. She is perhaps best known for her treatise ''Weighing the World'' in which she laid out a system of recording measurements that is still in use today throughout the known world. Recognised as an [[Paragons_and_exemplars\|exemplar]] of [[Wisdom]] by the [[Imperial Synod]], her studies are often credited for laying the foundations of the Imperial system of education.		One of the best known historical seers is [[Kala]] of Windward Spire who lived and died two centuries before the formation of the Empire. A voracious natural philosopher, she is sometimes credited with inventing the spyglass, and designed a number of tools to help scholars study the world around them. She is perhaps best known for her treatise ''Weighing the World'' in which she laid out a system of recording measurements that is still in use today throughout the known world. Recognised as an [[Paragons_and_exemplars\|exemplar]] of [[Wisdom]] by the [[Imperial Synod]], her studies are often credited for laying the foundations of the Imperial system of education.

Dre at 17:06, 7 June 2022

2022-06-07T17:06:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:06, 7 June 2022
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	Indeed, it is sometimes claimed that [[Emperor Giovanni]] sought out Urizen because he wanted to gain access to the learning and lore of the seers of Urizen. In truth, Urizen brought many benefits to the Empire, but the seers had a profound impact that endures to this day. The entire art of prognostication, using a combination of divinatory magic and careful record keeping to provide infallible briefings to the [[Imperial Senate]] and the [[Imperial Military Council]] is the most profound expression of the seer's tradition. In modern times the civil service is careful to ensure they include members of every nation, but the first Imperial prognosticators were all Urizen seers.		Indeed, it is sometimes claimed that [[Emperor Giovanni]] sought out Urizen because he wanted to gain access to the learning and lore of the seers of Urizen. In truth, Urizen brought many benefits to the Empire, but the seers had a profound impact that endures to this day. The entire art of prognostication, using a combination of divinatory magic and careful record keeping to provide infallible briefings to the [[Imperial Senate]] and the [[Imperial Military Council]] is the most profound expression of the seer's tradition. In modern times the civil service is careful to ensure they include members of every nation, but the first Imperial prognosticators were all Urizen seers.

	As a group the seers largely supported the Empire. ~~It's~~ resources allowed much greater opportunity to study the world, and provided new ways that their divinations could be put to good use. Wherever possible, they have commandeered the resources of the Empire, using them to hone the arts of prognostication and divination and creating a number of important rituals, most notably [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]]. The ritual was codified in the [[Morrow#The_Halls_of_Knowledge_.28ruined.29\|Halls of Knowledge]] in 134YE, but it was formulated by a trio of seers dwelling at [[Morrow#Operus\|the Weave in Operus in Morrow]]. According to rumours these three struck a deal with Leviathan, the details of which have always been shrouded in mystery. Some claim that the three promised the eternal access to every record ever written in Urizen, some say it was every book ever written in the Empire. A written copy of the deal between the Dweller in the Depths and the Three is believed to be somewhere in the the Spire of the Weaver but has never been found.		As a group the seers largely supported the Empire. Its resources allowed much greater opportunity to study the world, and provided new ways that their divinations could be put to good use. Wherever possible, they have commandeered the resources of the Empire, using them to hone the arts of prognostication and divination and creating a number of important rituals, most notably [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]]. The ritual was codified in the [[Morrow#The_Halls_of_Knowledge_.28ruined.29\|Halls of Knowledge]] in 134YE, but it was formulated by a trio of seers dwelling at [[Morrow#Operus\|the Weave in Operus in Morrow]]. According to rumours these three struck a deal with Leviathan, the details of which have always been shrouded in mystery. Some claim that the three promised the eternal access to every record ever written in Urizen, some say it was every book ever written in the Empire. A written copy of the deal between the Dweller in the Depths and the Three is believed to be somewhere in the the Spire of the Weaver but has never been found.

	Seers who become too closely entangled in Imperial politics risk criticism for exerting "undue influence". The infamous example is the [[merrow]] Marius of the White Eye, a trusted confidant of [[Empress Varkula]]. Wildly unpopular, even in his own nation, he was commonly assumed to be the source of much of the information the Empress used to bribe or extort uncooperative [[senator\|senators]]. He never made any secret of his use of both magic and paid informants to ferret out the weaknesses of those who opposed the Throne's plans, and allegedly bore valuable boons from both the [[Whisper Gallery\|Court of Scandal]] and the [[Kimus\|Unblinking Eye]]. These connections were ultimately unable to protect him from the repercussions of his actions. Two days after Varkula denounced the senator for [[Temeschwar]] Ellia as a pawn of the [[Vyig]], allegedly on the basis of evidence provided by Marius, the seer publicly [[The Assassin's Gate#The Crimson Gate\|drowned on his own blood]]. Despite her obvious motives, and the efforts of Marius' few friends, the magistrates were ultimately unable to secure a conviction.		Seers who become too closely entangled in Imperial politics risk criticism for exerting "undue influence". The infamous example is the [[merrow]] Marius of the White Eye, a trusted confidant of [[Empress Varkula]]. Wildly unpopular, even in his own nation, he was commonly assumed to be the source of much of the information the Empress used to bribe or extort uncooperative [[senator\|senators]]. He never made any secret of his use of both magic and paid informants to ferret out the weaknesses of those who opposed the Throne's plans, and allegedly bore valuable boons from both the [[Whisper Gallery\|Court of Scandal]] and the [[Kimus\|Unblinking Eye]]. These connections were ultimately unable to protect him from the repercussions of his actions. Two days after Varkula denounced the senator for [[Temeschwar]] Ellia as a pawn of the [[Vyig]], allegedly on the basis of evidence provided by Marius, the seer publicly [[The Assassin's Gate#The Crimson Gate\|drowned on his own blood]]. Despite her obvious motives, and the efforts of Marius' few friends, the magistrates were ultimately unable to secure a conviction.

	The lesson learned from Marius of the White Eye served the seers well during the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Many of them enjoyed the patronage of [[the Throne]], but even as they ~~benefitted~~ from access to Imperial resources they found it difficult to keep up with his voracious hunger for more information and many cautioned that the Emperor should be kept arms length. When Nicovar began to destroy the libraries, they distanced themselves from his actions and publicly refused to provide him with any more prognosticative support. Unlike the [[Torchbearer\|torchbearers]], the seers were mostly left unscathed by the Urizen emperor's fall from grace. These two examples are often used to underline the importance of being seen as neutral in political matters, even if that neutrality is a matter of perception rather than fact.		The lesson learned from Marius of the White Eye served the seers well during the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Many of them enjoyed the patronage of [[the Throne]], but even as they benefited from access to Imperial resources they found it difficult to keep up with his voracious hunger for more information and many cautioned that the Emperor should be kept arms length. When Nicovar began to destroy the libraries, they distanced themselves from his actions and publicly refused to provide him with any more prognosticative support. Unlike the [[Torchbearer\|torchbearers]], the seers were mostly left unscathed by the Urizen emperor's fall from grace. These two examples are often used to underline the importance of being seen as neutral in political matters, even if that neutrality is a matter of perception rather than fact.
	<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="The ~~Reverand~~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.">We must move past indecision to action.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.">We must move past indecision to action.</quote></div>

	==The Fierce Urgency of Now==		==The Fierce Urgency of Now==

Hastur: /* Creating a Seer */

2021-09-28T15:36:09Z

Creating a Seer

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	Most seers are ritual [[magical skills#magician\|magicians]] with at least some knowledge of the [[Magical_skills#Realm_Lore\|Day realm]]. There are a number of useful divination rituals in [[Day magic]], which will reveal valuable information if you can perform them. [[Night magic]] can also be very useful, although it tends to provide more qualitative results that require more interpretation, descriptions of feelings rather than the dry facts and figures preferred by the Day realm. There are divination rituals in other realms as well, and it's worth looking at those if you have specific areas that you think will be interesting, especially [[Winter magic]] and [[Autumn magic]]. The [[Crystaline_Focus_of_Aesh#Divination_Rituals\|divination rituals]] listed in the description of the [[Crystaline Focus of Aesh]] might be a useful (but by no means exhaustive) starting point.		Most seers are ritual [[magical skills#magician\|magicians]] with at least some knowledge of the [[Magical_skills#Realm_Lore\|Day realm]]. There are a number of useful divination rituals in [[Day magic]], which will reveal valuable information if you can perform them. [[Night magic]] can also be very useful, although it tends to provide more qualitative results that require more interpretation, descriptions of feelings rather than the dry facts and figures preferred by the Day realm. There are divination rituals in other realms as well, and it's worth looking at those if you have specific areas that you think will be interesting, especially [[Winter magic]] and [[Autumn magic]]. The [[Crystaline_Focus_of_Aesh#Divination_Rituals\|divination rituals]] listed in the description of the [[Crystaline Focus of Aesh]] might be a useful (but by no means exhaustive) starting point.

	As a magician, the most useful [[personal resource]] is usually a [[mana site]]. This will provide you with a handful of mana crystals at every event, which is enough to perform a couple of minor divination rituals. Almost any ritual magician will always want more mana than that if they can get it, so you can pick a different resource if you think you'll have fun trading what it gives you to get access to more mana.		As a magician, the most useful [[Resource#Personal_Resource\|personal resource]] is usually a [[mana site]]. This will provide you with a handful of mana crystals at every event, which is enough to perform a couple of minor divination rituals. Almost any ritual magician will always want more mana than that if they can get it, so you can pick a different resource if you think you'll have fun trading what it gives you to get access to more mana.

	If you're creating a character as part of a group, then it's a good idea to discuss what you're doing with your friends. A group of seers will have loads of opportunities to work together to perform more powerful rituals, but you'll also have people with whom you can share information and discuss who to pass that information to. But don't worry if you're the only seer in your group - if you can find out what they want to do at Anvil then you can make it your business to get them the information they need to succeed. If you're coming to the event by yourself, then it's a good idea to pick rituals that you can cast by yourself, at least until you've had a chance to meet some allies you can work with.		If you're creating a character as part of a group, then it's a good idea to discuss what you're doing with your friends. A group of seers will have loads of opportunities to work together to perform more powerful rituals, but you'll also have people with whom you can share information and discuss who to pass that information to. But don't worry if you're the only seer in your group - if you can find out what they want to do at Anvil then you can make it your business to get them the information they need to succeed. If you're coming to the event by yourself, then it's a good idea to pick rituals that you can cast by yourself, at least until you've had a chance to meet some allies you can work with.

Hastur: /* History */

2021-09-28T15:35:42Z

History

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	Seers who become too closely entangled in Imperial politics risk criticism for exerting "undue influence". The infamous example is the [[merrow]] Marius of the White Eye, a trusted confidant of [[Empress Varkula]]. Wildly unpopular, even in his own nation, he was commonly assumed to be the source of much of the information the Empress used to bribe or extort uncooperative [[senator\|senators]]. He never made any secret of his use of both magic and paid informants to ferret out the weaknesses of those who opposed the Throne's plans, and allegedly bore valuable boons from both the [[Whisper Gallery\|Court of Scandal]] and the [[Kimus\|Unblinking Eye]]. These connections were ultimately unable to protect him from the repercussions of his actions. Two days after Varkula denounced the senator for [[Temeschwar]] Ellia as a pawn of the [[Vyig]], allegedly on the basis of evidence provided by Marius, the seer publicly [[The Assassin's Gate#The Crimson Gate\|drowned on his own blood]]. Despite her obvious motives, and the efforts of Marius' few friends, the magistrates were ultimately unable to secure a conviction.		Seers who become too closely entangled in Imperial politics risk criticism for exerting "undue influence". The infamous example is the [[merrow]] Marius of the White Eye, a trusted confidant of [[Empress Varkula]]. Wildly unpopular, even in his own nation, he was commonly assumed to be the source of much of the information the Empress used to bribe or extort uncooperative [[senator\|senators]]. He never made any secret of his use of both magic and paid informants to ferret out the weaknesses of those who opposed the Throne's plans, and allegedly bore valuable boons from both the [[Whisper Gallery\|Court of Scandal]] and the [[Kimus\|Unblinking Eye]]. These connections were ultimately unable to protect him from the repercussions of his actions. Two days after Varkula denounced the senator for [[Temeschwar]] Ellia as a pawn of the [[Vyig]], allegedly on the basis of evidence provided by Marius, the seer publicly [[The Assassin's Gate#The Crimson Gate\|drowned on his own blood]]. Despite her obvious motives, and the efforts of Marius' few friends, the magistrates were ultimately unable to secure a conviction.

	The lesson learned from Marius of the White Eye served the seers well during the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Many of them enjoyed the patronage of [[the Throne]], but even as they benefitted from access to Imperial resources they found it difficult to keep up with his voracious hunger for more information and many cautioned that the Emperor should be kept arms length. When Nicovar began to destroy the libraries, they distanced themselves from his actions and publicly refused to provide him with any more prognosticative support. Unlike the [[torchbearers]], the seers were mostly left unscathed by the Urizen emperor's fall from grace. These two examples are often used to underline the importance of being seen as neutral in political matters, even if that neutrality is a matter of perception rather than fact.		The lesson learned from Marius of the White Eye served the seers well during the reign of [[Emperor Nicovar]]. Many of them enjoyed the patronage of [[the Throne]], but even as they benefitted from access to Imperial resources they found it difficult to keep up with his voracious hunger for more information and many cautioned that the Emperor should be kept arms length. When Nicovar began to destroy the libraries, they distanced themselves from his actions and publicly refused to provide him with any more prognosticative support. Unlike the [[Torchbearer\|torchbearers]], the seers were mostly left unscathed by the Urizen emperor's fall from grace. These two examples are often used to underline the importance of being seen as neutral in political matters, even if that neutrality is a matter of perception rather than fact.
	<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="The Reverand Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.">We must move past indecision to action.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="The Reverand Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.">We must move past indecision to action.</quote></div>

Hastur: /* History */

2021-09-28T15:35:24Z

History

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	Seers have always been an integral part of Urizen, gathering and recording information from the very first days when the Urizen took up residence in their mountain homes. However their early history is often unremarked, while they curated important libraries going back many decades, few seers felt the need to immortalize their own role. Everyone remembers the [[sentinel]] who lead their forces to victory; few remember the seer who provided the vital information about enemy dispositions that made the victory possible.		Seers have always been an integral part of Urizen, gathering and recording information from the very first days when the Urizen took up residence in their mountain homes. However their early history is often unremarked, while they curated important libraries going back many decades, few seers felt the need to immortalize their own role. Everyone remembers the [[sentinel]] who lead their forces to victory; few remember the seer who provided the vital information about enemy dispositions that made the victory possible.

	One of the best known historical seers is [[Kala]] of Windward Spire who lived and died two centuries before the formation of the Empire. A voracious natural philosopher, she is sometimes credited with inventing the spyglass, and designed a number of tools to help scholars study the world around them. She is perhaps best known for her treatise ''Weighing the World'' in which she laid out a system of recording measurements that is still in use today throughout the known world. Recognised as an [[exemplar]] of [[Wisdom]] by the [[Imperial Synod]], her studies are often credited for laying the foundations of the Imperial system of education.		One of the best known historical seers is [[Kala]] of Windward Spire who lived and died two centuries before the formation of the Empire. A voracious natural philosopher, she is sometimes credited with inventing the spyglass, and designed a number of tools to help scholars study the world around them. She is perhaps best known for her treatise ''Weighing the World'' in which she laid out a system of recording measurements that is still in use today throughout the known world. Recognised as an [[Paragons_and_exemplars\|exemplar]] of [[Wisdom]] by the [[Imperial Synod]], her studies are often credited for laying the foundations of the Imperial system of education.

	Indeed, it is sometimes claimed that [[Emperor Giovanni]] sought out Urizen because he wanted to gain access to the learning and lore of the seers of Urizen. In truth, Urizen brought many benefits to the Empire, but the seers had a profound impact that endures to this day. The entire art of prognostication, using a combination of divinatory magic and careful record keeping to provide infallible briefings to the [[Imperial Senate]] and the [[Imperial Military Council]] is the most profound expression of the seer's tradition. In modern times the civil service is careful to ensure they include members of every nation, but the first Imperial prognosticators were all Urizen seers.		Indeed, it is sometimes claimed that [[Emperor Giovanni]] sought out Urizen because he wanted to gain access to the learning and lore of the seers of Urizen. In truth, Urizen brought many benefits to the Empire, but the seers had a profound impact that endures to this day. The entire art of prognostication, using a combination of divinatory magic and careful record keeping to provide infallible briefings to the [[Imperial Senate]] and the [[Imperial Military Council]] is the most profound expression of the seer's tradition. In modern times the civil service is careful to ensure they include members of every nation, but the first Imperial prognosticators were all Urizen seers.

	As a group the seers largely supported the Empire. It's resources allowed much greater opportunity to study the world, and provided new ways that their divinations could be put to good use. Wherever possible, they have commandeered the resources of the Empire, using them to hone the arts of prognostication and divination and creating a number of important rituals, most notably [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]]. The ritual was codified in the [[Halls of Knowledge]] in 134YE, but it was formulated by a trio of seers dwelling at [[Morrow#Operus\|the Weave in Operus in Morrow]]. According to rumours these three struck a deal with Leviathan, the details of which have always been shrouded in mystery. Some claim that the three promised the eternal access to every record ever written in Urizen, some say it was every book ever written in the Empire. A written copy of the deal between the Dweller in the Depths and the Three is believed to be somewhere in the the Spire of the Weaver but has never been found.		As a group the seers largely supported the Empire. It's resources allowed much greater opportunity to study the world, and provided new ways that their divinations could be put to good use. Wherever possible, they have commandeered the resources of the Empire, using them to hone the arts of prognostication and divination and creating a number of important rituals, most notably [[Swim Leviathan's Depth]]. The ritual was codified in the [[Morrow#The_Halls_of_Knowledge_.28ruined.29\|Halls of Knowledge]] in 134YE, but it was formulated by a trio of seers dwelling at [[Morrow#Operus\|the Weave in Operus in Morrow]]. According to rumours these three struck a deal with Leviathan, the details of which have always been shrouded in mystery. Some claim that the three promised the eternal access to every record ever written in Urizen, some say it was every book ever written in the Empire. A written copy of the deal between the Dweller in the Depths and the Three is believed to be somewhere in the the Spire of the Weaver but has never been found.

	Seers who become too closely entangled in Imperial politics risk criticism for exerting "undue influence". The infamous example is the [[merrow]] Marius of the White Eye, a trusted confidant of [[Empress Varkula]]. Wildly unpopular, even in his own nation, he was commonly assumed to be the source of much of the information the Empress used to bribe or extort uncooperative [[senator\|senators]]. He never made any secret of his use of both magic and paid informants to ferret out the weaknesses of those who opposed the Throne's plans, and allegedly bore valuable boons from both the [[Whisper Gallery\|Court of Scandal]] and the [[Kimus\|Unblinking Eye]]. These connections were ultimately unable to protect him from the repercussions of his actions. Two days after Varkula denounced the senator for [[Temeschwar]] Ellia as a pawn of the [[Vyig]], allegedly on the basis of evidence provided by Marius, the seer publicly [[The Assassin's Gate#The Crimson Gate\|drowned on his own blood]]. Despite her obvious motives, and the efforts of Marius' few friends, the magistrates were ultimately unable to secure a conviction.		Seers who become too closely entangled in Imperial politics risk criticism for exerting "undue influence". The infamous example is the [[merrow]] Marius of the White Eye, a trusted confidant of [[Empress Varkula]]. Wildly unpopular, even in his own nation, he was commonly assumed to be the source of much of the information the Empress used to bribe or extort uncooperative [[senator\|senators]]. He never made any secret of his use of both magic and paid informants to ferret out the weaknesses of those who opposed the Throne's plans, and allegedly bore valuable boons from both the [[Whisper Gallery\|Court of Scandal]] and the [[Kimus\|Unblinking Eye]]. These connections were ultimately unable to protect him from the repercussions of his actions. Two days after Varkula denounced the senator for [[Temeschwar]] Ellia as a pawn of the [[Vyig]], allegedly on the basis of evidence provided by Marius, the seer publicly [[The Assassin's Gate#The Crimson Gate\|drowned on his own blood]]. Despite her obvious motives, and the efforts of Marius' few friends, the magistrates were ultimately unable to secure a conviction.