Stings like the truth - Revision history

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

2026-01-16T09:33:09Z

Text replacement - "Military Council" to "Military Council"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:33, 16 January 2026
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	Casting the ritual is illegal while enmity with the Gallery holds. This is clearly not stopping mortal agents using it illicitly to contact the Whisper Gallery, trade in secrets, and allegedly receive instructions to commit heinous acts. The ritual remains part of [[Imperial lore]] and it is quite legal to master it so long as it is never cast. The Conclave has done everything it can to limit the influence of the Whisper Gallery - and if they had not there is no question that the situation would be considerably worse.		Casting the ritual is illegal while enmity with the Gallery holds. This is clearly not stopping mortal agents using it illicitly to contact the Whisper Gallery, trade in secrets, and allegedly receive instructions to commit heinous acts. The ritual remains part of [[Imperial lore]] and it is quite legal to master it so long as it is never cast. The Conclave has done everything it can to limit the influence of the Whisper Gallery - and if they had not there is no question that the situation would be considerably worse.

	Last year the Imperial Senate rejected a motion to grant the Conclave [[Amend_powers_of_Conclave\|the power to remove proscribed rituals from Imperial lore]]. It is no simple matter to remove a ritual that has been [[Imperial_lore#Declaration\|placed into lore by the Conclave]]. The magistrates provided some guidance on how it [[All_along_the_watchtower#Lore\|might be achieved ]] and the vote was close, but in the end it was rejected. Rumours abound that a [[senator]] openly stated on the Senate floor during the debate that the Conclave could not be trusted with the oversight of important magics needed by the [[~~Military Council\|~~Military Council]].		Last year the Imperial Senate rejected a motion to grant the Conclave [[Amend_powers_of_Conclave\|the power to remove proscribed rituals from Imperial lore]]. It is no simple matter to remove a ritual that has been [[Imperial_lore#Declaration\|placed into lore by the Conclave]]. The magistrates provided some guidance on how it [[All_along_the_watchtower#Lore\|might be achieved ]] and the vote was close, but in the end it was rejected. Rumours abound that a [[senator]] openly stated on the Senate floor during the debate that the Conclave could not be trusted with the oversight of important magics needed by the [[Military Council]].

	As a result of that decision, it is illegal to perform Whispering Shadow Courtiers while it is interdicted, but it is not illegal to possess a [[ritual text]] for it. Thus the illegal ritual remains available to any Imperial magician who takes an interest in it and there is little the Conclave can do about that.		As a result of that decision, it is illegal to perform Whispering Shadow Courtiers while it is interdicted, but it is not illegal to possess a [[ritual text]] for it. Thus the illegal ritual remains available to any Imperial magician who takes an interest in it and there is little the Conclave can do about that.

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

2026-01-15T21:29:01Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:29, 15 January 2026
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	It is doubtful that every mortal who owes a favour to the Whisper Gallery could be identified and prosecuted, but many would be and that would significantly hamper the eternals' efforts. That would mean that the Empire would no longer need to pay for bodyguards to protect people from their mortal agents - at least while they remained under enmity. It would also send a clear message that the treasonous behaviour of those aiding the Whisper Gallery - for whatever reason - would no longer be tolerated. There are some risks - it might drive some agents underground, for example, but as with similar moves against the agents of [[Agramant]] in the past it would eventually drive supporters of the Whisper Gallery out of civilisation into the wilderness.		It is doubtful that every mortal who owes a favour to the Whisper Gallery could be identified and prosecuted, but many would be and that would significantly hamper the eternals' efforts. That would mean that the Empire would no longer need to pay for bodyguards to protect people from their mortal agents - at least while they remained under enmity. It would also send a clear message that the treasonous behaviour of those aiding the Whisper Gallery - for whatever reason - would no longer be tolerated. There are some risks - it might drive some agents underground, for example, but as with similar moves against the agents of [[Agramant]] in the past it would eventually drive supporters of the Whisper Gallery out of civilisation into the wilderness.

	The [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]] could also take a stand against the Whisper Gallery. The [[Assembly#The Assembly of the Nine\|Assembly of the Nine]] could instruct the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)\|Silent Bell]] to root out groups who are still working with the Whisper Gallery. This sodality literally exists to root out internal threats to the Empire, in pursuit of virtuous [[Vigilance]], and while it would take many seasons to track down every group of agents or lone magician, they could certainly identify high-profile groups believed to be collaborating with the Whisper Gallery.		The [[Synod]] could also take a stand against the Whisper Gallery. The [[Assembly#The Assembly of the Nine\|Assembly of the Nine]] could instruct the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)\|Silent Bell]] to root out groups who are still working with the Whisper Gallery. This sodality literally exists to root out internal threats to the Empire, in pursuit of virtuous [[Vigilance]], and while it would take many seasons to track down every group of agents or lone magician, they could certainly identify high-profile groups believed to be collaborating with the Whisper Gallery.

	==The Problem of Livia==		==The Problem of Livia==

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

2026-01-15T16:56:20Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:56, 15 January 2026
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	==War of Whispers==		==War of Whispers==
	<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Aarne Coerling, Statement of Principle, General Assembly. Spring Equinox 382YE, Not upheld 328 - 627">The actions of Aarne Ceorling, Gatekeeper of Vigilance, in treating with The Whisper Gallery to obtain evidence to further our understanding of The Way, were motivated by Virtue. Whatever the outcome of his trial for treason, the Imperial Synod should make use of the evidence so obtained.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Aarne Coerling, Statement of Principle, General Assembly. Spring Equinox 382YE, Not upheld 328 - 627">The actions of Aarne Ceorling, Gatekeeper of Vigilance, in treating with The Whisper Gallery to obtain evidence to further our understanding of The Way, were motivated by Virtue. Whatever the outcome of his trial for treason, the Imperial Synod should make use of the evidence so obtained.</quote></div>
	The Whisper Gallery - declared [[amity and enmity#Enmity\|enemies of the Empire]] by the [[~~Imperial~~ Conclave]] nearly three years ago - continue their campaign of woe against all those who facilitate the open publication of precious secrets. The [[archmage]] of Night, '''Elyssiathain of Endsmeet''', has taken steps to try and [[Bury_the_hatchet#Whisper_Gallery\|resolve the situation]] with the [[eternal\|eternals]] themselves - one way or another. In the months leading up to the Summer Solstice, however, the Whisper Gallery continue to prosecute their "war" against the Department of Historical Research (among others).		The Whisper Gallery - declared [[amity and enmity#Enmity\|enemies of the Empire]] by the [[Conclave]] nearly three years ago - continue their campaign of woe against all those who facilitate the open publication of precious secrets. The [[archmage]] of Night, '''Elyssiathain of Endsmeet''', has taken steps to try and [[Bury_the_hatchet#Whisper_Gallery\|resolve the situation]] with the [[eternal\|eternals]] themselves - one way or another. In the months leading up to the Summer Solstice, however, the Whisper Gallery continue to prosecute their "war" against the Department of Historical Research (among others).

	Happily, the [[Senate]] digs deep in its pockets each season to [[Assign_guards_to_historical_researchers\|protect Imperial scholars]] from the predations of the Shadow Court - and it is just as well they do.		Happily, the [[Senate]] digs deep in its pockets each season to [[Assign_guards_to_historical_researchers\|protect Imperial scholars]] from the predations of the Shadow Court - and it is just as well they do.

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

2026-01-15T15:02:28Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:02, 15 January 2026
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	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Many troubles have beset the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department of Historical Research]] in recent times. However, the recent reaffirmation of the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] of the continued importance of this Imperial institution and the open publication of its findings mean that the past can once again shed light upon the present.		Many troubles have beset the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department of Historical Research]] in recent times. However, the recent reaffirmation of the [[Senate]] of the continued importance of this Imperial institution and the open publication of its findings mean that the past can once again shed light upon the present.

	It is not just the Department for Historical Research who have been engaged in this business. For some years now, '''Livia Cascade''' has been the [[Seer of the Gateway]], diligently recording the accounts of those who have experienced the gift of [[Liao#True Liao\|true liao]], who have sallied forth into the Labyrinth of Ages and - by their Virtue - been borne safely back again. These, too, are a light to be celebrated.		It is not just the Department for Historical Research who have been engaged in this business. For some years now, '''Livia Cascade''' has been the [[Seer of the Gateway]], diligently recording the accounts of those who have experienced the gift of [[Liao#True Liao\|true liao]], who have sallied forth into the Labyrinth of Ages and - by their Virtue - been borne safely back again. These, too, are a light to be celebrated.
Line 31:		Line 31:
	The Whisper Gallery - declared [[amity and enmity#Enmity\|enemies of the Empire]] by the [[Imperial Conclave]] nearly three years ago - continue their campaign of woe against all those who facilitate the open publication of precious secrets. The [[archmage]] of Night, '''Elyssiathain of Endsmeet''', has taken steps to try and [[Bury_the_hatchet#Whisper_Gallery\|resolve the situation]] with the [[eternal\|eternals]] themselves - one way or another. In the months leading up to the Summer Solstice, however, the Whisper Gallery continue to prosecute their "war" against the Department of Historical Research (among others).		The Whisper Gallery - declared [[amity and enmity#Enmity\|enemies of the Empire]] by the [[Imperial Conclave]] nearly three years ago - continue their campaign of woe against all those who facilitate the open publication of precious secrets. The [[archmage]] of Night, '''Elyssiathain of Endsmeet''', has taken steps to try and [[Bury_the_hatchet#Whisper_Gallery\|resolve the situation]] with the [[eternal\|eternals]] themselves - one way or another. In the months leading up to the Summer Solstice, however, the Whisper Gallery continue to prosecute their "war" against the Department of Historical Research (among others).

	Happily, the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] digs deep in its pockets each season to [[Assign_guards_to_historical_researchers\|protect Imperial scholars]] from the predations of the Shadow Court - and it is just as well they do.		Happily, the [[Senate]] digs deep in its pockets each season to [[Assign_guards_to_historical_researchers\|protect Imperial scholars]] from the predations of the Shadow Court - and it is just as well they do.

	This season alone, a masked individual attempted to murder ''Leontes the Scribe'' (member of the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court\|Constitutional Court]] and head of the Department of Historical Research) in his own garden. Swift intervention by the Senate-assigned bodyguard meant the assailant was forced to flee before they could complete their task, leaving the garrulous scholar still with a knife lodged in his side. "''It missed owt vital,''" he is reported to have said while being treated by a chirurgeon. "''Good thing Sellas saw t'buggers off afore they could go rootin' round inside me for summat important.''"		This season alone, a masked individual attempted to murder ''Leontes the Scribe'' (member of the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court\|Constitutional Court]] and head of the Department of Historical Research) in his own garden. Swift intervention by the Senate-assigned bodyguard meant the assailant was forced to flee before they could complete their task, leaving the garrulous scholar still with a knife lodged in his side. "''It missed owt vital,''" he is reported to have said while being treated by a chirurgeon. "''Good thing Sellas saw t'buggers off afore they could go rootin' round inside me for summat important.''"

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

2026-01-15T12:22:40Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:22, 15 January 2026
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	Casting the ritual is illegal while enmity with the Gallery holds. This is clearly not stopping mortal agents using it illicitly to contact the Whisper Gallery, trade in secrets, and allegedly receive instructions to commit heinous acts. The ritual remains part of [[Imperial lore]] and it is quite legal to master it so long as it is never cast. The Conclave has done everything it can to limit the influence of the Whisper Gallery - and if they had not there is no question that the situation would be considerably worse.		Casting the ritual is illegal while enmity with the Gallery holds. This is clearly not stopping mortal agents using it illicitly to contact the Whisper Gallery, trade in secrets, and allegedly receive instructions to commit heinous acts. The ritual remains part of [[Imperial lore]] and it is quite legal to master it so long as it is never cast. The Conclave has done everything it can to limit the influence of the Whisper Gallery - and if they had not there is no question that the situation would be considerably worse.

	Last year the Imperial Senate rejected a motion to grant the Conclave [[Amend_powers_of_Conclave\|the power to remove proscribed rituals from Imperial lore]]. It is no simple matter to remove a ritual that has been [[Imperial_lore#Declaration\|placed into lore by the Conclave]]. The magistrates provided some guidance on how it [[All_along_the_watchtower#Lore\|might be achieved ]] and the vote was close, but in the end it was rejected. Rumours abound that a [[senator]] openly stated on the Senate floor during the debate that the Conclave could not be trusted with the oversight of important magics needed by the [[~~Imperial~~ Military Council\|Military Council]].		Last year the Imperial Senate rejected a motion to grant the Conclave [[Amend_powers_of_Conclave\|the power to remove proscribed rituals from Imperial lore]]. It is no simple matter to remove a ritual that has been [[Imperial_lore#Declaration\|placed into lore by the Conclave]]. The magistrates provided some guidance on how it [[All_along_the_watchtower#Lore\|might be achieved ]] and the vote was close, but in the end it was rejected. Rumours abound that a [[senator]] openly stated on the Senate floor during the debate that the Conclave could not be trusted with the oversight of important magics needed by the [[Military Council\|Military Council]].

	As a result of that decision, it is illegal to perform Whispering Shadow Courtiers while it is interdicted, but it is not illegal to possess a [[ritual text]] for it. Thus the illegal ritual remains available to any Imperial magician who takes an interest in it and there is little the Conclave can do about that.		As a result of that decision, it is illegal to perform Whispering Shadow Courtiers while it is interdicted, but it is not illegal to possess a [[ritual text]] for it. Thus the illegal ritual remains available to any Imperial magician who takes an interest in it and there is little the Conclave can do about that.

Dre at 13:11, 5 July 2025

2025-07-05T13:11:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:11, 5 July 2025
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	Such an action would not be without costs. Just as last time, a thorough investigation of all Imperial magicians would have repercussions. The Whisper Gallery and their agents are careful to hide from prying eyes so any attempt by the militia to identify them would need to be intrusive if it was to be effective. The civil service estimate that the overall impact would be a loss of two mana crystals from every mana site in the Empire for the next two seasons, while the search was carried out.		Such an action would not be without costs. Just as last time, a thorough investigation of all Imperial magicians would have repercussions. The Whisper Gallery and their agents are careful to hide from prying eyes so any attempt by the militia to identify them would need to be intrusive if it was to be effective. The civil service estimate that the overall impact would be a loss of two mana crystals from every mana site in the Empire for the next two seasons, while the search was carried out.

	It is doubtful that every mortal who owes a favour to the Whisper Gallery could be identified and prosecuted, but many would be and that would significantly hamper the eternals' efforts. That would mean that the Empire would no longer need to pay for bodyguards to protect people from their mortal agents - at least while they remained under enmity. It would also send a clear message that the treasonous behaviour of those aiding the Whisper Gallery - for whatever reason - would no longer be tolerated. There are some risks - it might drive some agents underground, for example, but as with similar moves against the agents of [[Agramant]] in the past it would eventually drive supporters of the Whisper Gallery out of ~~civilization~~ into the wilderness.		It is doubtful that every mortal who owes a favour to the Whisper Gallery could be identified and prosecuted, but many would be and that would significantly hamper the eternals' efforts. That would mean that the Empire would no longer need to pay for bodyguards to protect people from their mortal agents - at least while they remained under enmity. It would also send a clear message that the treasonous behaviour of those aiding the Whisper Gallery - for whatever reason - would no longer be tolerated. There are some risks - it might drive some agents underground, for example, but as with similar moves against the agents of [[Agramant]] in the past it would eventually drive supporters of the Whisper Gallery out of civilisation into the wilderness.

	The [[Imperial Synod]] could also take a stand against the Whisper Gallery. The [[Assembly#The Assembly of the Nine\|Assembly of the Nine]] could instruct the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)\|Silent Bell]] to root out groups who are still working with the Whisper Gallery. This sodality literally exists to root out internal threats to the Empire, in pursuit of virtuous [[Vigilance]], and while it would take many seasons to track down every group of agents or lone magician, they could certainly identify high-profile groups believed to be collaborating with the Whisper Gallery.		The [[Imperial Synod]] could also take a stand against the Whisper Gallery. The [[Assembly#The Assembly of the Nine\|Assembly of the Nine]] could instruct the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)\|Silent Bell]] to root out groups who are still working with the Whisper Gallery. This sodality literally exists to root out internal threats to the Empire, in pursuit of virtuous [[Vigilance]], and while it would take many seasons to track down every group of agents or lone magician, they could certainly identify high-profile groups believed to be collaborating with the Whisper Gallery.

Dre at 17:53, 29 December 2023

2023-12-29T17:53:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:53, 29 December 2023
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	The militia believe the attempted assassin to be a [[the League\|League]] [[Mountebank\|mountebank]] named ''Antonia di Sarvos'', who is known for their mastery of [[Night magic]] and was identified at the gathering masquerading as a distant cousin. Militia investigation in Sarvos determines that Antonia has disappeared from their usual haunts. With a reputation for selling unwholesome secrets garnered through the [[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]] ritual, it is likely that this is the means by which they received instructions to murder Henry. They remain at large.		The militia believe the attempted assassin to be a [[the League\|League]] [[Mountebank\|mountebank]] named ''Antonia di Sarvos'', who is known for their mastery of [[Night magic]] and was identified at the gathering masquerading as a distant cousin. Militia investigation in Sarvos determines that Antonia has disappeared from their usual haunts. With a reputation for selling unwholesome secrets garnered through the [[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]] ritual, it is likely that this is the means by which they received instructions to murder Henry. They remain at large.

	By all accounts, Antonia di Sarvos is not the only person still using the proscribed ritual. The high profile case of the late '''Aarne Coerling''', former [[Gatekeeper]] of [[Vigilance]] no less, saw him tried for treason after he used information explicitly garnered through Whispering Shadow Courtiers to make outlandish claims about [[Faraden#Religion\|Faraden religion]]. If even a respected priest of the Vigilance [[assembly#The National Assemblies\|assembly]] can be ~~lead~~ astray by the lure of secrets... Here, too, it appears the malefactor escaped justice - albeit by fleeing into the Labyrinth through the use of the sinister ''[[Secrets of the Empty Heart]]'' [[enchantment]] allegedly favoured by many Whisper Gallery agents who would rather die than give up their secrets.		By all accounts, Antonia di Sarvos is not the only person still using the proscribed ritual. The high profile case of the late '''Aarne Coerling''', former [[Gatekeeper]] of [[Vigilance]] no less, saw him tried for treason after he used information explicitly garnered through Whispering Shadow Courtiers to make outlandish claims about [[Faraden#Religion\|Faraden religion]]. If even a respected priest of the Vigilance [[assembly#The National Assemblies\|assembly]] can be led astray by the lure of secrets... Here, too, it appears the malefactor escaped justice - albeit by fleeing into the Labyrinth through the use of the sinister ''[[Secrets of the Empty Heart]]'' [[enchantment]] allegedly favoured by many Whisper Gallery agents who would rather die than give up their secrets.

	This latter prominent scandal illuminates one of the problems faced by magistrates, and the bodyguards who protect the civil servants associated with the Department of Historical Research. The Whisper Gallery are continuing to wage their war against the Empire, but the [[Amity and enmity#Enmity\|enmity]] under which they labour has simply meant that the [[eternal\|eternals]] have shifted to using mortal agents instead of heralds. Agents that are much harder to identify, who could be anyone, anywhere. If even the ''Gatekeeper of Vigilance'' themselves can be subverted, how far might the rot have already spread?		This latter prominent scandal illuminates one of the problems faced by magistrates, and the bodyguards who protect the civil servants associated with the Department of Historical Research. The Whisper Gallery are continuing to wage their war against the Empire, but the [[Amity and enmity#Enmity\|enmity]] under which they labour has simply meant that the [[eternal\|eternals]] have shifted to using mortal agents instead of heralds. Agents that are much harder to identify, who could be anyone, anywhere. If even the ''Gatekeeper of Vigilance'' themselves can be subverted, how far might the rot have already spread?

RichardRaynor: /* Overview */

2022-05-31T07:18:41Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:18, 31 May 2022
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	Then there are the [[Lepidus#Heirs_of_Lepidus\|Heirs of Lepidus]], supported by the benefactors of Highguard in their quest to illuminate the lives of the exemplars and paragons, and restore those inspirations whose deeds have been lost to history to the light of day.		Then there are the [[Lepidus#Heirs_of_Lepidus\|Heirs of Lepidus]], supported by the benefactors of Highguard in their quest to illuminate the lives of the exemplars and paragons, and restore those inspirations whose deeds have been lost to history to the light of day.

	Finally, there is the [[Anvil Library]], perhaps the leading organisation in this new renaissance of truth. With their diligent archiving work, they are a first port of call for many at Anvil who want to read uncovered texts, new researches. For any new to Anvil, or those who are veterans of it, this work of this [[Imperial sodality]] represents a lantern at the heart of the Empire.		Finally, there is the [[Anvil#The_Anvil_Library\|Anvil Library]], perhaps the leading organisation in this new renaissance of truth. With their diligent archiving work, they are a first port of call for many at Anvil who want to read uncovered texts, new researches. For any new to Anvil, or those who are veterans of it, this work of this [[Imperial sodality]] represents a lantern at the heart of the Empire.

	Not everybody agrees, however.		Not everybody agrees, however.

Rafferty at 13:13, 27 May 2022

2022-05-27T13:13:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:13, 27 May 2022
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	It is doubtful that every mortal who owes a favour to the Whisper Gallery could be identified and prosecuted, but many would be and that would significantly hamper the eternals' efforts. That would mean that the Empire would no longer need to pay for bodyguards to protect people from their mortal agents - at least while they remained under enmity. It would also send a clear message that the treasonous behaviour of those aiding the Whisper Gallery - for whatever reason - would no longer be tolerated. There are some risks - it might drive some agents underground, for example, but as with similar moves against the agents of [[Agramant]] in the past it would eventually drive supporters of the Whisper Gallery out of civilization into the wilderness.		It is doubtful that every mortal who owes a favour to the Whisper Gallery could be identified and prosecuted, but many would be and that would significantly hamper the eternals' efforts. That would mean that the Empire would no longer need to pay for bodyguards to protect people from their mortal agents - at least while they remained under enmity. It would also send a clear message that the treasonous behaviour of those aiding the Whisper Gallery - for whatever reason - would no longer be tolerated. There are some risks - it might drive some agents underground, for example, but as with similar moves against the agents of [[Agramant]] in the past it would eventually drive supporters of the Whisper Gallery out of civilization into the wilderness.

	The [[Imperial Synod]] could also take a stand against the Whisper Gallery. The [[Assembly#The Assembly of the Nine\|Assembly of the Nine]] could instruct the [[~~No_evil_shall_escape_our_sight#Resolution~~\|Silent Bell]] to root out groups who are still working with the Whisper Gallery. This sodality literally exists to root out internal threats to the Empire, in pursuit of virtuous [[Vigilance]], and while it would take many seasons to track down every group of agents or lone magician, they could certainly identify high-profile groups believed to be collaborating with the Whisper Gallery.		The [[Imperial Synod]] could also take a stand against the Whisper Gallery. The [[Assembly#The Assembly of the Nine\|Assembly of the Nine]] could instruct the [[Silent Bell (Sodality)\|Silent Bell]] to root out groups who are still working with the Whisper Gallery. This sodality literally exists to root out internal threats to the Empire, in pursuit of virtuous [[Vigilance]], and while it would take many seasons to track down every group of agents or lone magician, they could certainly identify high-profile groups believed to be collaborating with the Whisper Gallery.

	==The Problem of Livia==		==The Problem of Livia==

RichardRaynor at 16:24, 22 January 2022

2022-01-22T16:24:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:24, 22 January 2022
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	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:382YE]][[Category:Recent History]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:382YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
	<ic>		<ic>
	The exarch stands in the library of the chapterhouse, lost in thought. She looks at the framed document on the wall with a pensive stare. The silence here is deafening; in this, the inner sanctum, none but her and the most trusted of the chapter ever venture. The books that line the shelves have never been read by the living; the chapter will fall before they ever will.		The exarch stands in the library of the chapterhouse, lost in thought. She looks at the framed document on the wall with a pensive stare. The silence here is deafening; in this, the inner sanctum, none but her and the most trusted of the chapter ever venture. The books that line the shelves have never been read by the living; the chapter will fall before they ever will.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:02, 15 January 2026
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	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Many troubles have beset the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department of Historical Research]] in recent times. However, the recent reaffirmation of the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] of the continued importance of this Imperial institution and the open publication of its findings mean that the past can once again shed light upon the present.		Many troubles have beset the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department of Historical Research]] in recent times. However, the recent reaffirmation of the [[Senate]] of the continued importance of this Imperial institution and the open publication of its findings mean that the past can once again shed light upon the present.

	It is not just the Department for Historical Research who have been engaged in this business. For some years now, '''Livia Cascade''' has been the [[Seer of the Gateway]], diligently recording the accounts of those who have experienced the gift of [[Liao#True Liao\|true liao]], who have sallied forth into the Labyrinth of Ages and - by their Virtue - been borne safely back again. These, too, are a light to be celebrated.		It is not just the Department for Historical Research who have been engaged in this business. For some years now, '''Livia Cascade''' has been the [[Seer of the Gateway]], diligently recording the accounts of those who have experienced the gift of [[Liao#True Liao\|true liao]], who have sallied forth into the Labyrinth of Ages and - by their Virtue - been borne safely back again. These, too, are a light to be celebrated.
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	The Whisper Gallery - declared [[amity and enmity#Enmity\|enemies of the Empire]] by the [[Imperial Conclave]] nearly three years ago - continue their campaign of woe against all those who facilitate the open publication of precious secrets. The [[archmage]] of Night, '''Elyssiathain of Endsmeet''', has taken steps to try and [[Bury_the_hatchet#Whisper_Gallery\|resolve the situation]] with the [[eternal\|eternals]] themselves - one way or another. In the months leading up to the Summer Solstice, however, the Whisper Gallery continue to prosecute their "war" against the Department of Historical Research (among others).		The Whisper Gallery - declared [[amity and enmity#Enmity\|enemies of the Empire]] by the [[Imperial Conclave]] nearly three years ago - continue their campaign of woe against all those who facilitate the open publication of precious secrets. The [[archmage]] of Night, '''Elyssiathain of Endsmeet''', has taken steps to try and [[Bury_the_hatchet#Whisper_Gallery\|resolve the situation]] with the [[eternal\|eternals]] themselves - one way or another. In the months leading up to the Summer Solstice, however, the Whisper Gallery continue to prosecute their "war" against the Department of Historical Research (among others).

	Happily, the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] digs deep in its pockets each season to [[Assign_guards_to_historical_researchers\|protect Imperial scholars]] from the predations of the Shadow Court - and it is just as well they do.		Happily, the [[Senate]] digs deep in its pockets each season to [[Assign_guards_to_historical_researchers\|protect Imperial scholars]] from the predations of the Shadow Court - and it is just as well they do.

	This season alone, a masked individual attempted to murder ''Leontes the Scribe'' (member of the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court\|Constitutional Court]] and head of the Department of Historical Research) in his own garden. Swift intervention by the Senate-assigned bodyguard meant the assailant was forced to flee before they could complete their task, leaving the garrulous scholar still with a knife lodged in his side. "''It missed owt vital,''" he is reported to have said while being treated by a chirurgeon. "''Good thing Sellas saw t'buggers off afore they could go rootin' round inside me for summat important.''"		This season alone, a masked individual attempted to murder ''Leontes the Scribe'' (member of the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court\|Constitutional Court]] and head of the Department of Historical Research) in his own garden. Swift intervention by the Senate-assigned bodyguard meant the assailant was forced to flee before they could complete their task, leaving the garrulous scholar still with a knife lodged in his side. "''It missed owt vital,''" he is reported to have said while being treated by a chirurgeon. "''Good thing Sellas saw t'buggers off afore they could go rootin' round inside me for summat important.''"

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:53, 29 December 2023
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	The militia believe the attempted assassin to be a [[the League\|League]] [[Mountebank\|mountebank]] named ''Antonia di Sarvos'', who is known for their mastery of [[Night magic]] and was identified at the gathering masquerading as a distant cousin. Militia investigation in Sarvos determines that Antonia has disappeared from their usual haunts. With a reputation for selling unwholesome secrets garnered through the [[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]] ritual, it is likely that this is the means by which they received instructions to murder Henry. They remain at large.		The militia believe the attempted assassin to be a [[the League\|League]] [[Mountebank\|mountebank]] named ''Antonia di Sarvos'', who is known for their mastery of [[Night magic]] and was identified at the gathering masquerading as a distant cousin. Militia investigation in Sarvos determines that Antonia has disappeared from their usual haunts. With a reputation for selling unwholesome secrets garnered through the [[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]] ritual, it is likely that this is the means by which they received instructions to murder Henry. They remain at large.

	By all accounts, Antonia di Sarvos is not the only person still using the proscribed ritual. The high profile case of the late '''Aarne Coerling''', former [[Gatekeeper]] of [[Vigilance]] no less, saw him tried for treason after he used information explicitly garnered through Whispering Shadow Courtiers to make outlandish claims about [[Faraden#Religion\|Faraden religion]]. If even a respected priest of the Vigilance [[assembly#The National Assemblies\|assembly]] can be ~~lead~~ astray by the lure of secrets... Here, too, it appears the malefactor escaped justice - albeit by fleeing into the Labyrinth through the use of the sinister ''[[Secrets of the Empty Heart]]'' [[enchantment]] allegedly favoured by many Whisper Gallery agents who would rather die than give up their secrets.		By all accounts, Antonia di Sarvos is not the only person still using the proscribed ritual. The high profile case of the late '''Aarne Coerling''', former [[Gatekeeper]] of [[Vigilance]] no less, saw him tried for treason after he used information explicitly garnered through Whispering Shadow Courtiers to make outlandish claims about [[Faraden#Religion\|Faraden religion]]. If even a respected priest of the Vigilance [[assembly#The National Assemblies\|assembly]] can be led astray by the lure of secrets... Here, too, it appears the malefactor escaped justice - albeit by fleeing into the Labyrinth through the use of the sinister ''[[Secrets of the Empty Heart]]'' [[enchantment]] allegedly favoured by many Whisper Gallery agents who would rather die than give up their secrets.

	This latter prominent scandal illuminates one of the problems faced by magistrates, and the bodyguards who protect the civil servants associated with the Department of Historical Research. The Whisper Gallery are continuing to wage their war against the Empire, but the [[Amity and enmity#Enmity\|enmity]] under which they labour has simply meant that the [[eternal\|eternals]] have shifted to using mortal agents instead of heralds. Agents that are much harder to identify, who could be anyone, anywhere. If even the ''Gatekeeper of Vigilance'' themselves can be subverted, how far might the rot have already spread?		This latter prominent scandal illuminates one of the problems faced by magistrates, and the bodyguards who protect the civil servants associated with the Department of Historical Research. The Whisper Gallery are continuing to wage their war against the Empire, but the [[Amity and enmity#Enmity\|enmity]] under which they labour has simply meant that the [[eternal\|eternals]] have shifted to using mortal agents instead of heralds. Agents that are much harder to identify, who could be anyone, anywhere. If even the ''Gatekeeper of Vigilance'' themselves can be subverted, how far might the rot have already spread?