Urizen economic interests - Revision history

Hailmur: /* Imperial Bourse */

2026-01-28T16:08:15Z

Imperial Bourse

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:08, 28 January 2026
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	==Imperial Bourse==		==Imperial Bourse==
	Historically, Urizen controlled a single national seat on the [[Bourse]] — the [[Legacy]]. This valuable [[mithril]] mine was ~~first lost to~~ the [[Grendel]] ~~when they conquered the territory~~ of [[Spiral]] in 331YE. While it was ultimately recovered, ownership has changed hands several times since then. As of Winter 387YE, it is a national position of [[the League]], appointed by open auction.		Historically, Urizen controlled a single national seat on the [[Bourse]] — the [[Legacy]]. This valuable [[mithril]] mine was one of the only areas remaining in Imperial control following the [[Grendel]] conquest of [[Spiral]] in 331YE, until it was lost in 379YE. While it was ultimately recovered, ownership has changed hands several times since then. As of Winter 387YE, it is a national position of [[the League]], appointed by open auction.

	Now, Urizen has two national seats: the [[Brilliant Star]], which produces mithril, in Redoubt; and the [[Arch of the Sky]], which produces white granite, in Zenith.		Now, Urizen has two national seats: the [[Brilliant Star]], which produces mithril, in Redoubt; and the [[Arch of the Sky]], which produces white granite, in Zenith.

Hailmur: /* Imperial Bourse */

2026-01-28T16:06:33Z

Imperial Bourse

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:06, 28 January 2026
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	==Imperial Bourse==		==Imperial Bourse==
	Historically Urizen ~~has~~ controlled a single national seat on the [[Bourse]] — the [[Legacy]]. ~~Unfortunately, this~~ valuable [[mithril]] mine was lost to the [[Grendel]] when they conquered the territory of [[Spiral]] in 331YE. While it was ultimately recovered, ownership has changed hands several times since then. As of ~~Spring 383YE~~, it is ~~controlled by the~~ [[~~Druj~~]] [[~~orc\|orcs~~]] ~~who captured it from~~ the ~~Urizen during their~~ [[~~383YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Available_Light\|unexpected invasion~~]].		Historically, Urizen controlled a single national seat on the [[Bourse]] — the [[Legacy]]. This valuable [[mithril]] mine was first lost to the [[Grendel]] when they conquered the territory of [[Spiral]] in 331YE. While it was ultimately recovered, ownership has changed hands several times since then. As of Winter 387YE, it is a national position of [[the League]], appointed by open auction.

			Now, Urizen has two national seats: the [[Brilliant Star]], which produces mithril, in Redoubt; and the [[Arch of the Sky]], which produces white granite, in Zenith.

	===Tally of the Votes===		===Tally of the Votes===
	As with most other nations, national Bourse [[Imperial title\|titles]] in Urizen are appointed through the [[Tally of the Votes]]. Every citizen of Urizen who owns a [[mana site]] in one of the Urizeni [[territory\|territories]] can participate in the vote. The more [[Mana_site#Upgrades\|productive]] the mana site is, the more votes it provides.		As with most other nations, national Bourse [[Imperial title\|titles]] in Urizen are appointed through the [[Tally of the Votes]]. Every citizen of Urizen who owns a [[mana site]] in one of the Urizeni [[territory\|territories]] can participate in the vote. The more [[Mana_site#Upgrades\|productive]] the mana site is, the more votes it provides.

	{{Urizen Links}}		{{Urizen Links}}

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

2026-01-15T22:23:51Z

Text replacement - "Senate" to "Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:23, 15 January 2026
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	As a nation where magic is considered the highest art, it should come as no surprise that the Urizen have a bottomless thirst for [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals\|crystal mana]]. There are many places in Urizen that possess strong magical auras, and the Urizeni have become adept at focussing and directing the flows of mana to produce large amounts of the invaluable magical material. There is never enough though, and even today there are groups of explorers who scour the more out-of-the-way locations looking for new places to establish a [[mana site]].		As a nation where magic is considered the highest art, it should come as no surprise that the Urizen have a bottomless thirst for [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals\|crystal mana]]. There are many places in Urizen that possess strong magical auras, and the Urizeni have become adept at focussing and directing the flows of mana to produce large amounts of the invaluable magical material. There is never enough though, and even today there are groups of explorers who scour the more out-of-the-way locations looking for new places to establish a [[mana site]].

	This demand for mana crystals contributed in part to the [[Create_title_of_Crystal_Architect_of_the_Spires\|establishment]] of the [[Crystal Architect of the Spires]] [[Imperial title]] by the [[~~Senate\|~~Senate]] in 379YE. The Crystal Architect is empowered to [[commission]] the creation of [[sinecure\|sinecures]] in Urizen that provide a bounty of crystal mana. Such sinecures require an investment of [[mithril]] that can make their construction expensive, especially in light of the fact that Urizen control of the [[Legacy]] — the rich mithril mine in northern [[Spiral]] that has been hotly contested by the barbarian [[orc\|orcs]] in recent years.		This demand for mana crystals contributed in part to the [[Create_title_of_Crystal_Architect_of_the_Spires\|establishment]] of the [[Crystal Architect of the Spires]] [[Imperial title]] by the [[Senate]] in 379YE. The Crystal Architect is empowered to [[commission]] the creation of [[sinecure\|sinecures]] in Urizen that provide a bounty of crystal mana. Such sinecures require an investment of [[mithril]] that can make their construction expensive, especially in light of the fact that Urizen control of the [[Legacy]] — the rich mithril mine in northern [[Spiral]] that has been hotly contested by the barbarian [[orc\|orcs]] in recent years.

	Such investments are studied by the [[architect\|architects]] of Urizen, who view money as a useful and versatile tool for achieving their goals. Fascinated by the ability of money to influence the world, they view it as a practical application of the [[Net of the Heavens]]. They are among the few Urizen who make an effort to understand how trade and investment affect the world around them. Much of the Urizen economy is shaped by the architects, who are always looking both for opportunities to capitalise on new developments and to invest their wealth in new endeavours.		Such investments are studied by the [[architect\|architects]] of Urizen, who view money as a useful and versatile tool for achieving their goals. Fascinated by the ability of money to influence the world, they view it as a practical application of the [[Net of the Heavens]]. They are among the few Urizen who make an effort to understand how trade and investment affect the world around them. Much of the Urizen economy is shaped by the architects, who are always looking both for opportunities to capitalise on new developments and to invest their wealth in new endeavours.

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

2026-01-15T15:28:58Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:28, 15 January 2026
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	As a nation where magic is considered the highest art, it should come as no surprise that the Urizen have a bottomless thirst for [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals\|crystal mana]]. There are many places in Urizen that possess strong magical auras, and the Urizeni have become adept at focussing and directing the flows of mana to produce large amounts of the invaluable magical material. There is never enough though, and even today there are groups of explorers who scour the more out-of-the-way locations looking for new places to establish a [[mana site]].		As a nation where magic is considered the highest art, it should come as no surprise that the Urizen have a bottomless thirst for [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals\|crystal mana]]. There are many places in Urizen that possess strong magical auras, and the Urizeni have become adept at focussing and directing the flows of mana to produce large amounts of the invaluable magical material. There is never enough though, and even today there are groups of explorers who scour the more out-of-the-way locations looking for new places to establish a [[mana site]].

	This demand for mana crystals contributed in part to the [[Create_title_of_Crystal_Architect_of_the_Spires\|establishment]] of the [[Crystal Architect of the Spires]] [[Imperial title]] by the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate\|Senate]] in 379YE. The Crystal Architect is empowered to [[commission]] the creation of [[sinecure\|sinecures]] in Urizen that provide a bounty of crystal mana. Such sinecures require an investment of [[mithril]] that can make their construction expensive, especially in light of the fact that Urizen control of the [[Legacy]] — the rich mithril mine in northern [[Spiral]] that has been hotly contested by the barbarian [[orc\|orcs]] in recent years.		This demand for mana crystals contributed in part to the [[Create_title_of_Crystal_Architect_of_the_Spires\|establishment]] of the [[Crystal Architect of the Spires]] [[Imperial title]] by the [[Senate\|Senate]] in 379YE. The Crystal Architect is empowered to [[commission]] the creation of [[sinecure\|sinecures]] in Urizen that provide a bounty of crystal mana. Such sinecures require an investment of [[mithril]] that can make their construction expensive, especially in light of the fact that Urizen control of the [[Legacy]] — the rich mithril mine in northern [[Spiral]] that has been hotly contested by the barbarian [[orc\|orcs]] in recent years.

	Such investments are studied by the [[architect\|architects]] of Urizen, who view money as a useful and versatile tool for achieving their goals. Fascinated by the ability of money to influence the world, they view it as a practical application of the [[Net of the Heavens]]. They are among the few Urizen who make an effort to understand how trade and investment affect the world around them. Much of the Urizen economy is shaped by the architects, who are always looking both for opportunities to capitalise on new developments and to invest their wealth in new endeavours.		Such investments are studied by the [[architect\|architects]] of Urizen, who view money as a useful and versatile tool for achieving their goals. Fascinated by the ability of money to influence the world, they view it as a practical application of the [[Net of the Heavens]]. They are among the few Urizen who make an effort to understand how trade and investment affect the world around them. Much of the Urizen economy is shaped by the architects, who are always looking both for opportunities to capitalise on new developments and to invest their wealth in new endeavours.

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

2026-01-15T13:50:29Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Bourse" to "[[Bourse"

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:50, 15 January 2026
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	==Imperial Bourse==		==Imperial Bourse==
	Historically Urizen has controlled a single national seat on the [[~~Imperial~~ Bourse]] — the [[Legacy]]. Unfortunately, this valuable [[mithril]] mine was lost to the [[Grendel]] when they conquered the territory of [[Spiral]] in 331YE. While it was ultimately recovered, ownership has changed hands several times since then. As of Spring 383YE, it is controlled by the [[Druj]] [[orc\|orcs]] who captured it from the Urizen during their [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Available_Light\|unexpected invasion]].		Historically Urizen has controlled a single national seat on the [[Bourse]] — the [[Legacy]]. Unfortunately, this valuable [[mithril]] mine was lost to the [[Grendel]] when they conquered the territory of [[Spiral]] in 331YE. While it was ultimately recovered, ownership has changed hands several times since then. As of Spring 383YE, it is controlled by the [[Druj]] [[orc\|orcs]] who captured it from the Urizen during their [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Available_Light\|unexpected invasion]].
	===Tally of the Votes===		===Tally of the Votes===
	As with most other nations, national Bourse [[Imperial title\|titles]] in Urizen are appointed through the [[Tally of the Votes]]. Every citizen of Urizen who owns a [[mana site]] in one of the Urizeni [[territory\|territories]] can participate in the vote. The more [[Mana_site#Upgrades\|productive]] the mana site is, the more votes it provides.		As with most other nations, national Bourse [[Imperial title\|titles]] in Urizen are appointed through the [[Tally of the Votes]]. Every citizen of Urizen who owns a [[mana site]] in one of the Urizeni [[territory\|territories]] can participate in the vote. The more [[Mana_site#Upgrades\|productive]] the mana site is, the more votes it provides.

	{{Urizen Links}}		{{Urizen Links}}

Thespaceinvader at 20:56, 10 April 2025

2025-04-10T20:56:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:56, 10 April 2025
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	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Ever since Urizen joined the Empire, the nation has benefitted from ~~the~~ the import of food from [[the Marches]] and other necessities and luxuries that the Urizen no longer produce themselves. The mineral and magical wealth of the mountains allows the people of the [[spire\|spires]] to maintain a comfortable quality of life while losing as little precious study time to the tedious labour of farming or mining. In the lowlands, trade caravans of oxen and wagons are familiar lines seen across the Empire, but the rugged and difficult terrain of Urizen means that some of the more isolated spires rely on domestic llamas for transportation of trade goods to and from the more accessible trade centres.		Ever since Urizen joined the Empire, the nation has benefitted from the import of food from [[the Marches]] and other necessities and luxuries that the Urizen no longer produce themselves. The mineral and magical wealth of the mountains allows the people of the [[spire\|spires]] to maintain a comfortable quality of life while losing as little precious study time to the tedious labour of farming or mining. In the lowlands, trade caravans of oxen and wagons are familiar lines seen across the Empire, but the rugged and difficult terrain of Urizen means that some of the more isolated spires rely on domestic llamas for transportation of trade goods to and from the more accessible trade centres.

	Many Urizen take it for granted that their essential needs will be taken care of by their Spire and as a consequence it is common for them to take a somewhat disdainful approach to personal wealth. Money is useful, but nowhere near as valuable as crystal mana. Where the people of Urizen excel is in the creation of magical implements. The masters of these professions are figures of influence and prestige in Urizen. While they rarely master the [[Realms\|realm lores]], the prevalence of magicians in Urizen means there is a constant demand for wands, staves, rods and ritual accoutrements of all sorts. Further, trinkets, amulets and talismans are popular with all levels of society — they represent tangible pieces of magical power that can mark status and wealth more effectively than any number of jewelled rings or necklaces.		Many Urizen take it for granted that their essential needs will be taken care of by their Spire and as a consequence it is common for them to take a somewhat disdainful approach to personal wealth. Money is useful, but nowhere near as valuable as crystal mana. Where the people of Urizen excel is in the creation of magical implements. The masters of these professions are figures of influence and prestige in Urizen. While they rarely master the [[Realms\|realm lores]], the prevalence of magicians in Urizen means there is a constant demand for wands, staves, rods and ritual accoutrements of all sorts. Further, trinkets, amulets and talismans are popular with all levels of society — they represent tangible pieces of magical power that can mark status and wealth more effectively than any number of jewelled rings or necklaces.

Rafferty at 13:33, 28 September 2021

2021-09-28T13:33:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:33, 28 September 2021
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	~~{{stub}}~~
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Ever since Urizen joined the Empire, the nation has benefitted from the the import of food from [[the Marches]] and other necessities and luxuries that the Urizen no longer produce themselves. The mineral and magical wealth of the mountains allows the people of the [[spire\|spires]] to maintain a comfortable quality of life while losing as little precious study time to the tedious labour of farming or mining. In the lowlands, trade caravans of oxen and wagons are familiar lines seen across the Empire, but the rugged and difficult terrain of Urizen means that some of the more isolated spires rely on domestic llamas for transportation of trade goods to and from the more accessible trade centres.		Ever since Urizen joined the Empire, the nation has benefitted from the the import of food from [[the Marches]] and other necessities and luxuries that the Urizen no longer produce themselves. The mineral and magical wealth of the mountains allows the people of the [[spire\|spires]] to maintain a comfortable quality of life while losing as little precious study time to the tedious labour of farming or mining. In the lowlands, trade caravans of oxen and wagons are familiar lines seen across the Empire, but the rugged and difficult terrain of Urizen means that some of the more isolated spires rely on domestic llamas for transportation of trade goods to and from the more accessible trade centres.

Novemberalice at 18:52, 7 September 2021

2021-09-07T18:52:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:52, 7 September 2021
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	{{stub}}		{{stub}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Ever since Urizen joined the Empire the nation has benefitted from the the import of food from [[the Marches]] and other necessities and luxuries that the Urizen no longer produce themselves. The mineral and magical wealth of the mountains allows the people of the [[spire\|spires]] to maintain a comfortable quality of life while losing as little precious study time to the tedious labour of farming or mining. In the lowlands trade caravans ~~are familiar lines~~ of oxen and wagons seen across the Empire, but the rugged and difficult terrain of Urizen means that some of the more isolated spires rely on domestic ~~llama~~ for transportation of trade goods to-and-from the more accessible trade ~~centers~~.		Ever since Urizen joined the Empire, the nation has benefitted from the the import of food from [[the Marches]] and other necessities and luxuries that the Urizen no longer produce themselves. The mineral and magical wealth of the mountains allows the people of the [[spire\|spires]] to maintain a comfortable quality of life while losing as little precious study time to the tedious labour of farming or mining. In the lowlands, trade caravans of oxen and wagons are familiar lines seen across the Empire, but the rugged and difficult terrain of Urizen means that some of the more isolated spires rely on domestic llamas for transportation of trade goods to and from the more accessible trade centres.

	Many Urizen take it for granted that their essential needs will be taken care of by their Spire and as a consequence it is common for them to take a somewhat disdainful approach to personal wealth. Money is useful, but nowhere near as valuable as crystal mana. Where the people of Urizen excel is in the creation of magical implements. The masters of these professions are figures of influence and prestige in Urizen. While they rarely master the [[Realms\|~~Realm Lores~~]], the prevalence of magicians in Urizen means there is a constant demand for wands, staves, rods and ritual accoutrements of all sorts. Further, trinkets, amulets and talismans are popular with all levels of society – they represent tangible pieces of magical power that can mark status and wealth more effectively than any number of jewelled rings or necklaces.		Many Urizen take it for granted that their essential needs will be taken care of by their Spire and as a consequence it is common for them to take a somewhat disdainful approach to personal wealth. Money is useful, but nowhere near as valuable as crystal mana. Where the people of Urizen excel is in the creation of magical implements. The masters of these professions are figures of influence and prestige in Urizen. While they rarely master the [[Realms\|realm lores]], the prevalence of magicians in Urizen means there is a constant demand for wands, staves, rods and ritual accoutrements of all sorts. Further, trinkets, amulets and talismans are popular with all levels of society — they represent tangible pieces of magical power that can mark status and wealth more effectively than any number of jewelled rings or necklaces.

	During the reign of [[Empress Lisabetta]], there was a marked increase in the amount of international trade passing through Urizen especially through the trade-port of [[Cargo]] in [[Redoubt]]. There have been efforts to improve links with the [[Principalities of Jarm]], the [[Sarcophan Delves]], and [[Axos]] in particular. The successful use of economic pressure to convince the Axou to abandon their nation's reliance on slavery has been hailed by many Urizen as validation of the ~~architect~~'s economic philosophies.		During the reign of [[Empress Lisabetta]], there was a marked increase in the amount of international trade passing through Urizen, especially through the trade-port of [[Redoubt#Cargo\|Cargo]] in [[Redoubt]]. There have been efforts to improve links with the [[Principalities of Jarm]], the [[Sarcophan Delves]], and [[Axos]] in particular. The successful use of economic pressure to convince the Axou to abandon their nation's reliance on slavery has been hailed by many Urizen as validation of the architects' economic philosophies.

	==The Mana Trade==		==The Mana Trade==
	As a nation where magic is considered the highest art, it should come as no surprise that the Urizen have a bottomless thirst for [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals\|crystal mana]]. There are many ~~placed~~ in Urizen that possess strong magical auras, and the Urizeni have become adept at focussing and directing the flows of mana to produce large amounts of the invaluable magical material. There is never enough though, and even today there are groups of explorers who scour the more out-of-the-way locations looking for new places to establish a [[mana site]].		As a nation where magic is considered the highest art, it should come as no surprise that the Urizen have a bottomless thirst for [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals\|crystal mana]]. There are many places in Urizen that possess strong magical auras, and the Urizeni have become adept at focussing and directing the flows of mana to produce large amounts of the invaluable magical material. There is never enough though, and even today there are groups of explorers who scour the more out-of-the-way locations looking for new places to establish a [[mana site]].

	This demand for mana crystals contributed in part to the [[Create_title_of_Crystal_Architect_of_the_Spires\|establishment]] of the [[Crystal Architect of the Spires]] [[Imperial title]] by the [[Imperial Senate\|Senate]] in 379YE. The Crystal Architect is empowered to [[commission]] the creation of [[sinecures]] in Urizen that provide a bounty of crystal mana. Such sinecures require an investment of [[mithril]] that can make their construction expensive, especially in light of the fact that Urizen control of the [[Legacy]] - the rich mithril mine in northern [[Spiral]] - has been hotly contested by the barbarian [[orc\|orcs]] in recent years.		This demand for mana crystals contributed in part to the [[Create_title_of_Crystal_Architect_of_the_Spires\|establishment]] of the [[Crystal Architect of the Spires]] [[Imperial title]] by the [[Imperial Senate\|Senate]] in 379YE. The Crystal Architect is empowered to [[commission]] the creation of [[sinecure\|sinecures]] in Urizen that provide a bounty of crystal mana. Such sinecures require an investment of [[mithril]] that can make their construction expensive, especially in light of the fact that Urizen control of the [[Legacy]] — the rich mithril mine in northern [[Spiral]] that has been hotly contested by the barbarian [[orc\|orcs]] in recent years.

	Such investments are studied by the [[architect\|architects]] of Urizen, who view money as a useful and versatile tool for achieving their goals. Fascinated by the ability of money to influence the world, they view it as a practical application of the [[Net of the Heavens]]. They are among the few Urizen who make an effort to understand how trade and investment affect the world around them. Much of the Urizen economy is shaped by the architects, who are always looking both for opportunities to ~~capitalize~~ on new developments and to invest their wealth in new endeavours.		Such investments are studied by the [[architect\|architects]] of Urizen, who view money as a useful and versatile tool for achieving their goals. Fascinated by the ability of money to influence the world, they view it as a practical application of the [[Net of the Heavens]]. They are among the few Urizen who make an effort to understand how trade and investment affect the world around them. Much of the Urizen economy is shaped by the architects, who are always looking both for opportunities to capitalise on new developments and to invest their wealth in new endeavours.

	==Ushabti==		==Ushabti==
	Menial labour in Urizen is mostly performed by arcane constructs called ''ushabti''. These humanoid figures are crafted by artisans from wood and clay, and animated by magical energies. They are unintelligent, unaware, and have no personalities, constructed to perform a handful of simple tasks repetitively. Field ushabti work the small farms, mine ushabti dig and extract ore, and builder ushabti perform construction work and general labour. A group of ushabti is usually overseen by a single person, who gives them their instructions and the small amount of mana they need to function. Ushabti left unsupervised have a tendency to get into trouble due to their virtual inability to react to unexpected situations. Their main value lies in allowing their supervisor to get a lot of menial work done with minimal effort, generally leaving the person free to read, study or practice while keeping one eye on the ushabti.		Menial labour in Urizen is mostly performed by arcane constructs called ''ushabti''. These humanoid figures are crafted by artisans from wood and clay and animated by magical energies. They are unintelligent, unaware, and have no personalities, constructed to perform a handful of simple tasks repetitively. Field ushabti work the small farms, mine ushabti dig and extract ore, and builder ushabti perform construction work and general labour. A group of ushabti is usually overseen by a single person, who gives them their instructions and the small amount of mana they need to function. Ushabti left unsupervised have a tendency to get into trouble due to their virtual inability to react to unexpected situations. Their main value lies in allowing their supervisor to get a lot of menial work done with minimal effort, generally leaving the person free to read, study or practice while keeping one eye on the ushabti.

	Ushabti are constructed without facial features. A few Urizen use servant ushabti, distinguished from the labouring ushabti by more delicate construction and usually "~~humanized~~" by giving them a clay or porcelain mask to wear. These servants are useful for simple tasks, but getting them to do anything more complex than serving wine or washing dishes tends to require so much supervision that it is rarely practical.		Ushabti are constructed without facial features. A few Urizen use servant ushabti, distinguished from the labouring ushabti by more delicate construction and usually "humanised" by giving them a clay or porcelain mask to wear. These servants are useful for simple tasks, but getting them to do anything more complex than serving wine or washing dishes tends to require so much supervision that it is rarely practical.

	While Ushabti are about as strong as a fit human they are fragile - a single solid blow is usually enough to disrupt the magic that animates them, regardless of attempts to armour their form. They are almost useless on a battlefield; although they are occasionally used to supplement defensive emplacements, they are rarely very effective except in large numbers. They function best in the mountains of Urizen, and are more effective the higher up the mountains they are. Outside the nation, Ushabti break down quickly, are even more unresponsive, and are considered fascinating curios rather than a potential replacement for human industry.		While Ushabti are about as strong as a fit human they are fragile — a single solid blow is usually enough to disrupt the magic that animates them, regardless of attempts to armour their form. They are almost useless on a battlefield; although they are occasionally used to supplement defensive emplacements, they are rarely very effective except in large numbers. They function best in the mountains of Urizen, and are more effective the higher up the mountains they are. Outside the nation, Ushabti break down quickly, are even more unresponsive, and are considered fascinating curios rather than a potential replacement for human industry.

	<quote by="Confucius (attributed)">In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.</quote>		<quote by="Confucius (attributed)">In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.</quote>
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	==Imperial Bourse==		==Imperial Bourse==
	Historically Urizen has controlled a single national seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]] - the [[Legacy]]. Unfortunately this valuable [[mithril]] mine was lost to the [[Grendel]] when they conquered the territory of [[Spiral]] in 331YE. While it was ultimately recovered, ownership has changed hands several times since then. As of Spring 383YE it is controlled by the [[Druj]] [[orc\|orcs]] who captured it from the Urizen during their [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Available_Light\|unexpected invasion]].		Historically Urizen has controlled a single national seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]] — the [[Legacy]]. Unfortunately, this valuable [[mithril]] mine was lost to the [[Grendel]] when they conquered the territory of [[Spiral]] in 331YE. While it was ultimately recovered, ownership has changed hands several times since then. As of Spring 383YE, it is controlled by the [[Druj]] [[orc\|orcs]] who captured it from the Urizen during their [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Available_Light\|unexpected invasion]].
	===Tally of the Votes===		===Tally of the Votes===
	As with most other nations, national Bourse [[Imperial title\|titles]] in Urizen are appointed through the [[Tally of the Votes]]. Every citizen of Urizen who owns a [[mana site]] in one of the Urizeni [[territory\|territories]] can participate in the vote. The more [[Mana_site#Upgrades\|productive]] the mana site is, the more votes it provides.		As with most other nations, national Bourse [[Imperial title\|titles]] in Urizen are appointed through the [[Tally of the Votes]]. Every citizen of Urizen who owns a [[mana site]] in one of the Urizeni [[territory\|territories]] can participate in the vote. The more [[Mana_site#Upgrades\|productive]] the mana site is, the more votes it provides.

	{{Urizen Links}}		{{Urizen Links}}

Novemberalice at 15:02, 7 September 2021

2021-09-07T15:02:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:02, 7 September 2021
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	{[stub}}		{{stub}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Ever since Urizen joined the Empire the nation has benefitted from the the import of food from [[the Marches]] and other necessities and luxuries that the Urizen no longer produce themselves. The mineral and magical wealth of the mountains allows the people of the [[spire\|spires]] to maintain a comfortable quality of life while losing as little precious study time to the tedious labour of farming or mining. In the lowlands trade caravans are familiar lines of oxen and wagons seen across the Empire, but the rugged and difficult terrain of Urizen means that some of the more isolated spires rely on domestic llama for transportation of trade goods to-and-from the more accessible trade centers.		Ever since Urizen joined the Empire the nation has benefitted from the the import of food from [[the Marches]] and other necessities and luxuries that the Urizen no longer produce themselves. The mineral and magical wealth of the mountains allows the people of the [[spire\|spires]] to maintain a comfortable quality of life while losing as little precious study time to the tedious labour of farming or mining. In the lowlands trade caravans are familiar lines of oxen and wagons seen across the Empire, but the rugged and difficult terrain of Urizen means that some of the more isolated spires rely on domestic llama for transportation of trade goods to-and-from the more accessible trade centers.

Rafferty: Urizen Update 2021

2021-09-07T12:42:14Z

Urizen Update 2021

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:42, 7 September 2021
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			{[stub}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Urizen ~~is not an economic powerhouse. There are a number~~ of ~~mines~~ that produce magical ~~materials, but there is rarely~~ a ~~surplus~~ of ~~anything else~~ and the ~~mountainous~~ terrain ~~makes~~ the ~~transport~~ of ~~bulk~~ goods ~~very difficult~~. Where ~~they do~~ excel is in the creation of magical implements. The masters of these professions are figures of influence and prestige in Urizen. While they rarely master the [[Realms\|Realm Lores]], the prevalence of magicians in Urizen means there is a constant demand for wands, staves, rods and ritual accoutrements of all sorts. Further, trinkets, amulets and talismans are popular with all levels of society – they represent tangible pieces of magical power that can mark status and wealth more effectively than any number of jewelled rings or necklaces.		Ever since Urizen joined the Empire the nation has benefitted from the the import of food from [[the Marches]] and other necessities and luxuries that the Urizen no longer produce themselves. The mineral and magical wealth of the mountains allows the people of the [[spire\|spires]] to maintain a comfortable quality of life while losing as little precious study time to the tedious labour of farming or mining. In the lowlands trade caravans are familiar lines of oxen and wagons seen across the Empire, but the rugged and difficult terrain of Urizen means that some of the more isolated spires rely on domestic llama for transportation of trade goods to-and-from the more accessible trade centers.

			Many Urizen take it for granted that their essential needs will be taken care of by their Spire and as a consequence it is common for them to take a somewhat disdainful approach to personal wealth. Money is useful, but nowhere near as valuable as crystal mana. Where the people of Urizen excel is in the creation of magical implements. The masters of these professions are figures of influence and prestige in Urizen. While they rarely master the [[Realms\|Realm Lores]], the prevalence of magicians in Urizen means there is a constant demand for wands, staves, rods and ritual accoutrements of all sorts. Further, trinkets, amulets and talismans are popular with all levels of society – they represent tangible pieces of magical power that can mark status and wealth more effectively than any number of jewelled rings or necklaces.

			During the reign of [[Empress Lisabetta]], there was a marked increase in the amount of international trade passing through Urizen especially through the trade-port of [[Cargo]] in [[Redoubt]]. There have been efforts to improve links with the [[Principalities of Jarm]], the [[Sarcophan Delves]], and [[Axos]] in particular. The successful use of economic pressure to convince the Axou to abandon their nation's reliance on slavery has been hailed by many Urizen as validation of the architect's economic philosophies.

			==The Mana Trade==
			As a nation where magic is considered the highest art, it should come as no surprise that the Urizen have a bottomless thirst for [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals\|crystal mana]]. There are many placed in Urizen that possess strong magical auras, and the Urizeni have become adept at focussing and directing the flows of mana to produce large amounts of the invaluable magical material. There is never enough though, and even today there are groups of explorers who scour the more out-of-the-way locations looking for new places to establish a [[mana site]].

			This demand for mana crystals contributed in part to the [[Create_title_of_Crystal_Architect_of_the_Spires\|establishment]] of the [[Crystal Architect of the Spires]] [[Imperial title]] by the [[Imperial Senate\|Senate]] in 379YE. The Crystal Architect is empowered to [[commission]] the creation of [[sinecures]] in Urizen that provide a bounty of crystal mana. Such sinecures require an investment of [[mithril]] that can make their construction expensive, especially in light of the fact that Urizen control of the [[Legacy]] - the rich mithril mine in northern [[Spiral]] - has been hotly contested by the barbarian [[orc\|orcs]] in recent years.

			Such investments are studied by the [[architect\|architects]] of Urizen, who view money as a useful and versatile tool for achieving their goals. Fascinated by the ability of money to influence the world, they view it as a practical application of the [[Net of the Heavens]]. They are among the few Urizen who make an effort to understand how trade and investment affect the world around them. Much of the Urizen economy is shaped by the architects, who are always looking both for opportunities to capitalize on new developments and to invest their wealth in new endeavours.

	==Ushabti==		==Ushabti==
	Menial labour in Urizen is mostly performed by arcane constructs called ''ushabti''. These humanoid figures are crafted by artisans from wood and clay, and animated by magical energies. They are unintelligent, unaware, and have no personalities, constructed to perform a handful of simple tasks repetitively. Field ushabti work the small farms, mine ushabti dig and extract ore, and builder ushabti perform construction work and general labour. A group of ushabti is usually overseen by a single person, who gives them their instructions and the small amount of mana they need to function. Ushabti left unsupervised have a tendency to get into trouble due to their virtual inability to react to unexpected situations. Their main value lies in allowing their supervisor to get a lot of menial work done with minimal effort, generally leaving the person free to read, study or practice while keeping one eye on the ushabti.		Menial labour in Urizen is mostly performed by arcane constructs called ''ushabti''. These humanoid figures are crafted by artisans from wood and clay, and animated by magical energies. They are unintelligent, unaware, and have no personalities, constructed to perform a handful of simple tasks repetitively. Field ushabti work the small farms, mine ushabti dig and extract ore, and builder ushabti perform construction work and general labour. A group of ushabti is usually overseen by a single person, who gives them their instructions and the small amount of mana they need to function. Ushabti left unsupervised have a tendency to get into trouble due to their virtual inability to react to unexpected situations. Their main value lies in allowing their supervisor to get a lot of menial work done with minimal effort, generally leaving the person free to read, study or practice while keeping one eye on the ushabti.
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	Ushabti are constructed without facial features. A few Urizen use servant ushabti, distinguished from the labouring ushabti by more delicate construction and usually "humanized" by giving them a clay or porcelain mask to wear. These servants are useful for simple tasks, but getting them to do anything more complex than serving wine or washing dishes tends to require so much supervision that it is rarely practical.		Ushabti are constructed without facial features. A few Urizen use servant ushabti, distinguished from the labouring ushabti by more delicate construction and usually "humanized" by giving them a clay or porcelain mask to wear. These servants are useful for simple tasks, but getting them to do anything more complex than serving wine or washing dishes tends to require so much supervision that it is rarely practical.

	While Ushabti are about as strong as a fit human they are fragile - a single solid blow is usually enough to disrupt the magic that animates them, regardless of attempts to armour their form. They are almost useless on a battlefield; although they are occasionally used to supplement defensive emplacements, they are rarely very effective except in large numbers. They function best in the mountains of Urizen, and are more effective the higher up the mountains they are. Outside the nation, Ushabti break down quickly, are even more unresponsive, and are ~~generally~~ considered fascinating curios rather than a potential replacement for human industry.		While Ushabti are about as strong as a fit human they are fragile - a single solid blow is usually enough to disrupt the magic that animates them, regardless of attempts to armour their form. They are almost useless on a battlefield; although they are occasionally used to supplement defensive emplacements, they are rarely very effective except in large numbers. They function best in the mountains of Urizen, and are more effective the higher up the mountains they are. Outside the nation, Ushabti break down quickly, are even more unresponsive, and are considered fascinating curios rather than a potential replacement for human industry.

	<quote>In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.</quote>		<quote by="Confucius (attributed)">In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.</quote>
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Urizen.jpg\|align=right\|width=350}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Urizen.jpg\|align=right\|width=350}}

	==~~Architects~~==		==Imperial Bourse==
	~~Some~~ Urizen ~~make~~ a ~~study of economics,~~ the ~~way that money moves around and influences~~ the ~~world~~. ~~These scholars, called architects, see money as a powerful tool for influencing people and changing society for~~ the ~~better~~. ~~Originally the architects were skilled masons~~, ~~designing and constructing dwellings for the Urizen people. However the term~~ has ~~come to describe any individual who uses a meticulous approach to look for ways that investment and improvement can make the Empire more successful and effective~~.		Historically Urizen has controlled a single national seat on the [[Imperial Bourse]] - the [[Legacy]]. Unfortunately this valuable [[mithril]] mine was lost to the [[Grendel]] when they conquered the territory of [[Spiral]] in 331YE. While it was ultimately recovered, ownership has changed hands several times since then. As of Spring 383YE it is controlled by the [[Druj]] [[orc\|orcs]] who captured it from the Urizen during their [[383YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Available_Light\|unexpected invasion]].
			===Tally of the Votes===
	~~Individual spires sometimes raise funds by performing rituals for payment, for other spires or representatives from other nations. For some spires this~~ is ~~little more than a way to raise funds to pay for mana and materials for their own work. But spires where most of the mages are architects or spires dominated~~ by ~~architects proactively seek to sell their skills in this way. Magic is~~ the ~~most powerful tool for influencing the Net of the Heavens and mages~~ who ~~are architects strive to develop and perform rituals that can enhance~~ the ~~effectiveness of every part of the Empire. Such spires can grow wealthy indeed, if they are skilled at utilising~~ their ~~magical~~ [[~~Arete~~]] ~~to transform and improve the Empire~~.		As with most other nations, national Bourse [[Imperial title\|titles]] in Urizen are appointed through the [[Tally of the Votes]]. Every citizen of Urizen who owns a [[mana site]] in one of the Urizeni [[territory\|territories]] can participate in the vote. The more [[Mana_site#Upgrades\|productive]] the mana site is, the more votes it provides.

	~~Architects disdain “shopkeepers”~~, people who buy things and simply wait for customers to purchase from them. Architects seek out individuals who can benefit from the skills or commodities they are selling and convince them to invest their money in ~~whatever service the architect can provide. They make an effort to study the world around them to try to understand what improvements and investments~~ are ~~needed and who is best placed to carry that out. Through investment and mercantile activity they seek to change the world around them.~~

	~~For many architects, this is nothing more than another expression of~~ the [[~~Net~~ of the ~~Heavens~~]]~~, the idea that wealth is simply~~ a ~~tool and that they are seeking out the nodes, the people and moments~~ in the ~~net where wealth~~ can ~~be best employed to produce the most dramatic changes. Of course such opportunities might well yield some of the best profits, but riches are not~~ the ~~primary concern for most architects~~. The ~~majority are driven by a desire to change the Empire, to strengthen and enrich it, so that it grows ever~~ more ~~perfect. A Merchant Prince of~~ [[~~The League~~]] ~~might bemoan~~ the ~~actions of a dozen imitators who copied their original idea – whereas a true Urizen architect would be delighted to achieve so much with so little personal effort.~~

	~~<quote>If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of a decade~~, ~~plant trees; if in terms of a century, teach~~ the ~~people~~.~~</quote>~~

	{{Urizen Links}}		{{Urizen Links}}

	~~[[Category:Urizen]]~~
	~~[[Category:Archetype]]~~

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:23, 15 January 2026
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	As a nation where magic is considered the highest art, it should come as no surprise that the Urizen have a bottomless thirst for [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals\|crystal mana]]. There are many places in Urizen that possess strong magical auras, and the Urizeni have become adept at focussing and directing the flows of mana to produce large amounts of the invaluable magical material. There is never enough though, and even today there are groups of explorers who scour the more out-of-the-way locations looking for new places to establish a [[mana site]].		As a nation where magic is considered the highest art, it should come as no surprise that the Urizen have a bottomless thirst for [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals\|crystal mana]]. There are many places in Urizen that possess strong magical auras, and the Urizeni have become adept at focussing and directing the flows of mana to produce large amounts of the invaluable magical material. There is never enough though, and even today there are groups of explorers who scour the more out-of-the-way locations looking for new places to establish a [[mana site]].

	This demand for mana crystals contributed in part to the [[Create_title_of_Crystal_Architect_of_the_Spires\|establishment]] of the [[Crystal Architect of the Spires]] [[Imperial title]] by the [[~~Senate\|~~Senate]] in 379YE. The Crystal Architect is empowered to [[commission]] the creation of [[sinecure\|sinecures]] in Urizen that provide a bounty of crystal mana. Such sinecures require an investment of [[mithril]] that can make their construction expensive, especially in light of the fact that Urizen control of the [[Legacy]] — the rich mithril mine in northern [[Spiral]] that has been hotly contested by the barbarian [[orc\|orcs]] in recent years.		This demand for mana crystals contributed in part to the [[Create_title_of_Crystal_Architect_of_the_Spires\|establishment]] of the [[Crystal Architect of the Spires]] [[Imperial title]] by the [[Senate]] in 379YE. The Crystal Architect is empowered to [[commission]] the creation of [[sinecure\|sinecures]] in Urizen that provide a bounty of crystal mana. Such sinecures require an investment of [[mithril]] that can make their construction expensive, especially in light of the fact that Urizen control of the [[Legacy]] — the rich mithril mine in northern [[Spiral]] that has been hotly contested by the barbarian [[orc\|orcs]] in recent years.

	Such investments are studied by the [[architect\|architects]] of Urizen, who view money as a useful and versatile tool for achieving their goals. Fascinated by the ability of money to influence the world, they view it as a practical application of the [[Net of the Heavens]]. They are among the few Urizen who make an effort to understand how trade and investment affect the world around them. Much of the Urizen economy is shaped by the architects, who are always looking both for opportunities to capitalise on new developments and to invest their wealth in new endeavours.		Such investments are studied by the [[architect\|architects]] of Urizen, who view money as a useful and versatile tool for achieving their goals. Fascinated by the ability of money to influence the world, they view it as a practical application of the [[Net of the Heavens]]. They are among the few Urizen who make an effort to understand how trade and investment affect the world around them. Much of the Urizen economy is shaped by the architects, who are always looking both for opportunities to capitalise on new developments and to invest their wealth in new endeavours.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:28, 15 January 2026
Line 9:		Line 9:
	As a nation where magic is considered the highest art, it should come as no surprise that the Urizen have a bottomless thirst for [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals\|crystal mana]]. There are many places in Urizen that possess strong magical auras, and the Urizeni have become adept at focussing and directing the flows of mana to produce large amounts of the invaluable magical material. There is never enough though, and even today there are groups of explorers who scour the more out-of-the-way locations looking for new places to establish a [[mana site]].		As a nation where magic is considered the highest art, it should come as no surprise that the Urizen have a bottomless thirst for [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals\|crystal mana]]. There are many places in Urizen that possess strong magical auras, and the Urizeni have become adept at focussing and directing the flows of mana to produce large amounts of the invaluable magical material. There is never enough though, and even today there are groups of explorers who scour the more out-of-the-way locations looking for new places to establish a [[mana site]].

	This demand for mana crystals contributed in part to the [[Create_title_of_Crystal_Architect_of_the_Spires\|establishment]] of the [[Crystal Architect of the Spires]] [[Imperial title]] by the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate\|Senate]] in 379YE. The Crystal Architect is empowered to [[commission]] the creation of [[sinecure\|sinecures]] in Urizen that provide a bounty of crystal mana. Such sinecures require an investment of [[mithril]] that can make their construction expensive, especially in light of the fact that Urizen control of the [[Legacy]] — the rich mithril mine in northern [[Spiral]] that has been hotly contested by the barbarian [[orc\|orcs]] in recent years.		This demand for mana crystals contributed in part to the [[Create_title_of_Crystal_Architect_of_the_Spires\|establishment]] of the [[Crystal Architect of the Spires]] [[Imperial title]] by the [[Senate\|Senate]] in 379YE. The Crystal Architect is empowered to [[commission]] the creation of [[sinecure\|sinecures]] in Urizen that provide a bounty of crystal mana. Such sinecures require an investment of [[mithril]] that can make their construction expensive, especially in light of the fact that Urizen control of the [[Legacy]] — the rich mithril mine in northern [[Spiral]] that has been hotly contested by the barbarian [[orc\|orcs]] in recent years.

	Such investments are studied by the [[architect\|architects]] of Urizen, who view money as a useful and versatile tool for achieving their goals. Fascinated by the ability of money to influence the world, they view it as a practical application of the [[Net of the Heavens]]. They are among the few Urizen who make an effort to understand how trade and investment affect the world around them. Much of the Urizen economy is shaped by the architects, who are always looking both for opportunities to capitalise on new developments and to invest their wealth in new endeavours.		Such investments are studied by the [[architect\|architects]] of Urizen, who view money as a useful and versatile tool for achieving their goals. Fascinated by the ability of money to influence the world, they view it as a practical application of the [[Net of the Heavens]]. They are among the few Urizen who make an effort to understand how trade and investment affect the world around them. Much of the Urizen economy is shaped by the architects, who are always looking both for opportunities to capitalise on new developments and to invest their wealth in new endeavours.