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{{audio|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIK5UhF1Zv8}}
==Overview==
==Overview==
One of the uses for the precious material known as [[Liao#True liao|true liao]] is to create powerful [[consecration#True Liao|true consecrations]]. These inspirational locations are dedicated to one of the [[The_Way|seven virtues]] that fill everyone who visits them with a profound spiritual awareness. The spiritual power of the place, coupled with the stream of pilgrims who come to visit and be inspired by it means that these locations can have far-reaching effects - provided the place has a significant connection to the Way and the aura has been mandated by the Imperial Synod.
One of the uses of [[Liao#True liao|true liao]] is to create powerful [[consecration#True Liao|true consecrations]]. These inspirational locations, dedicated to one of the [[The_Way|seven virtues]], fill everyone who visits them with a profound spiritual awareness. The spiritual power of the place, coupled with the stream of pilgrims who come to visit and be inspired by it means that these locations can have far-reaching effects - provided the place has a significant connection to the Way and the aura has been approved by the Imperial Synod.


In most cases, the location will be an memorial dedicated to the legacy left by an exemplar or paragon recognised by the Imperial Synod. In this case, the site must have a significant connection to the exemplar or paragon in question. Usually this will be an actual tomb, but other sites may have a stronger connection to the figure. If the connection to the inspirational figure is strong enough then the life they led, the teachings they left behind, and the lessons they imparted will influence those who visit the location and create effects that resound through the area and beyond.
In most cases, the location will be a memorial dedicated to the legacy left by an exemplar or paragon recognised by the Imperial Synod. In this case, the site must have a significant historical connection to the exemplar or paragon in question. Usually, this will be an actual tomb, but other sites may have a stronger connection to the figure. If the connection to the inspirational figure is strong enough then the life they led, the teachings they left behind, and the lessons they imparted will influence those who visit the location and create effects that resound through the area and beyond.


Some locations can be consecrated as sacred sites without connecting it to an examplar or paragon, provided the place has profound spiritual importance in some other way. It was possible to consecrate the Marshes of Kallevesa, because they are the ancient resting place of centuries of Wintermark's greatest heroes. In this case, the virtue chosen is usually crucial.
It is essential to have an explicit mandate approved by the [[Imperial Synod]]. During the [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Create_Writ_of_Consecration|Autumn Equinox 385YE]], the Imperial Senate created a legal requirement for the Synod to issue a [[Writ of Consecration]] before any priest can legally create a true aura dedicated to a paragon, exemplar or other inspirational figure.


In all cases, it is essential to have an explicit mandate approved by the [[Imperial Synod]]. While it is a simple matter for anyone conversant with the [[Religious skills|ceremony]] of [[consecration]] to use a dose of true liao to create a [[Consecration#True_Liao|true aura]] in a chosen spot, there is no stream of visitors to the area without Synod endorsement, so the impact is completely muted. A true liao consecration cannot create a significant game effect that produces an inspirational location without the express approval of the Synod.
Some locations can be consecrated as sacred sites without connecting it to an exemplar or paragon, provided the place has profound spiritual importance in some other way. It was possible to consecrate the [[Kallavesa#Kallavesa_Marsh|Marshes]] of Kallevesa because they are the ancient resting place of centuries of Wintermark's greatest heroes. In this case, the virtue chosen is usually crucial.


==Statement of Principle==
==Writ of Consecration==
* '''Creating an effective inspirational location requires a suitably worded statement of principle in the appropriate Virtue assembly'''
* '''Creating an effective inspirational location requires a writ of consecration upheld with a greater majority in the appropriate Virtue Assembly'''
* '''For a memorial for a specific figure, this must be the virtue they are an examplar or paragon of'''
* '''This must be the virtue that it is to be used for the true consecration'''
* '''In any case, this must be the virtue that it is to be used for the true consecration'''
* '''For a memorial for a specific figure, this must be the virtue they are an exemplar or paragon of'''
The first step to creating an effective inspirational location is a [[writ of consecration]] upheld by a greater majority of the relevant virtue assembly. It is not possible to raise a writ of consecration in a virtue assembly proposing that an area be consecrated to a different virtue, or in the name of an inspirational figure associated with a different virtue.


The first step to creating an effective inspirational location is a [[statement of principle]] in the appropriate virtue assembly. The judgement must be approved either by the General Assembly or more usually by the virtue assembly of the virtue that will be used for the consecration (this means that such a statement cannot be raised in the Assembly of the Way) . It is not possible to raise a statement of principle in a virtue assembly proposing that an area be consecrated to a different virtue, or in the name of an inspirational figure associated with a different virtue. 
It is not possible to create a tomb or memorial for someone who is known, or widely believed, to still be alive.
 
While a statement of principle calling for a place to be consecrated with true liao might be raised in a national assembly, the Assembly of the Way, or in the Assembly of Nine, it will not lead to an opportunity. While many inspirational figures are associated with certain nations, exemplars and paragons are seen as being important to every Imperial citizen. Furthermore, the assumption is that on matters related to the teachings and inspirations of a virtue, it is the virtue assembly whose decision matters most.
 
It is possible to pass a statement through the General Assembly provided that the appropriate virtue is named in the judgement, but it is much more challenging to get a greater majority than with a judgement raised in a virtue assembly.
 
It is not possible to create a memorial for someone who is known, or widely believed, to still be alive.


==Inspirational Opportunity==
==Inspirational Opportunity==
* '''If the statement of principle passes with a greater majority in the correct assembly then it may lead to an opportunity'''
* '''If a writ of consecration passes with a greater majority in a virtue assembly then it will create an opportunity for one or more mandates'''
* '''A judgement for a memorial is highly likely to create an opportunity'''
* '''Only a single writ of consecration from each virtue assembly will create an opportunity'''
* '''A judgement for a sacred site will only create an opportunity if the location is especially important'''
* '''Creating an inspirational location requires a suitable mandate and a single dose of true liao'''
* '''Creating an inspirational location always requires a mandate and a single dose of true liao'''
If a writ of consecration that passes with a greater majority in a virtue assembly calls for the creation of a memorial (an inspirational location linked to an exemplar or paragon), then it will lead to an [[opportunity]] before the next event with details of any effects of the consecration and potential alternatives. To be valid, the chosen figure must be a [[Paragons_and_exemplars|a paragon or exemplar]] or figure of similar renown, who has been recognised by the Imperial Synod, and they must not have an existing memorial already - otherwise the judgement will fail to create a response.
 
If a valid statement of principle calls for the creation of a memorial, an inspirational location linked to an examplar or paragon, then it is most likely to create an [[opportunity]]. This is an exception to the normal rule that statements in the virtue assemblies are unlikely to create opportunities - there will almost always be some kind of response. To be valid, the chosen figure must [[Paragons_and_exemplars|a paragon or examplar]] who has been recognised by the Imperial Synod, and they must not have an existing memorial already - otherwise the statement will fail.


If a valid statement calls for the creation of a sacred site, a specific location that is not connected to a paragon or exemplar, then it will only produce an opportunity if the site is already profoundly significant in some way. A small sinecure is not significant enough to be a valid target - the location needs to be a grandiose commission, such as the Walls of Holberg, or a site that has great historical importance, such as the Kallevesa Marshes. Without the additional weight created by the stories of a paragon or exemplar, a site is unlikely to have a notable effect in most cases. The statement has the same chance to lead to an [[opportunity]] as any other statement of principle.  
The opportunity will take the form of one or more possible mandates that can then be raised in the General Assembly. More than one mandate option will usually result where other viable sites for the inspirational location are identified by the civil service. If one of the mandates is enacted, then the named priest will need to provide a dose of true liao. Any mandate that consecrates a location in either [[Urizen]] or [[Varushka]] requires a greater majority in order to have an effect as per the '''[[Hard and suspecting]]''' wind of fortune. Unlike with other opportunities, it is not possible for members of the Synod to submit an alternative mandate.  


The opportunity will take the form of a mandate that could be endorsed by the Imperial Synod. Unlike most mandates, this opportunity will remain available until enacted or until the situation changes significantly. If the mandate is enacted, the named priest will need to provide a dose of true liao. Like any similar opportunity, it is possible for priests of the appropriate virtue assembly to submit an alternative mandate with different wording, but only if they do so in the same season that the opportunity is presented. It is not possible to submit an alternative mandate in subsequent seasons.
Each season only one writ of consecration upheld with a greater majority from each virtue assembly will lead to an opportunity. If there is more than one competing judgement, only the judgement with the highest margin will lead to an opportunity.


These opportunities may arise as the result of plot being run by Profound Decisions. In this case, the statement of principle is not necessary, but there will be no game effects unless a mandate defined in the opportunity is passed. While it is technically possible to consecrate an area with true liao without an opportunity or the appropriate mandate - doing so will not have any game effect.
A single dose of true liao is always required and is always sufficient. It is not possible to create an inspirational location without using a dose of true liao. Using more than one dose will not have any additional effect.
 
A single dose of true liao is always required and is always sufficient. It is not possible to create an inspirational location without using a dose of true liao. Using more than one dose will not have any additional effect.


==Consecration Effects==
==Consecration Effects==
* '''An opportunitiey to create a memorial will include the known locations linked to the inspirational figure that could be chosen'''
* '''An opportunity to create a memorial will include the known locations linked to the inspirational figure that could be chosen'''
* '''We will not normally list the explicit effects of a memorial in advance but the location and any other choices in the opportunity will be crucial'''
* '''We will not normally list the explicit effects of a memorial in advance but the location and any other choices in the opportunity will be crucial'''
* '''If we provide an opportunity to create a sacred site we will include the precise effects of the consecration'''
* '''If we provide an opportunity to create a sacred site we will include the precise effects of the consecration'''
If the writ of consecration calls for a memorial for an exemplar or paragon, then the opportunity will list any known locations that could be used to create a viable memorial for them. For example, the recent consecration of an inspirational tomb for [[Adelmar the Lion]] identified [[Three_celebrations_and_a_funeral#Lion_of_Arnet|three different locales]] that would serve as a memorial to the [[Ambition|ambitious]] exemplar, each offering a different form of inspiration to the faithful.


If the original statement of principle calls for a memorial for an examplar or paragon, then the opportunity will list any known locations that could be used to create a viable memorial for them. For example, the recent consecration of an inspirational tomb for [[Adelmar the Lion]] idenified [[Three_celebrations_and_a_funeral#Lion_of_Arnet|three different locales]] that would serve as a memorial to the [[Ambition|ambitious]] exemplar, each offering a different form of inspiration to the faithful. Members of the virtue assembly could submit an alternative mandate for a different location, but this will only have be accepted if the chosen site has a strong connection to the historical figure.
The opportunity may include hints and suggestions but it will rarely provide explicit details of what the exact outcome will be. The consequences will only come to light if the consecration goes ahead. For example, when the inspirational tomb for [[Ratibor of Temeschwar|Ratibor]] was consecrated in Temeschwar, it led to [[Don't blame me|a set of options]] the Empire could take up. The outcome may also be more introspective in nature - the [[Guardian of the Maze of Zoria|consecration of the Maze of Zoria]] helped transform the place into a quiet sanctuary for pilgrims of [[Wisdom]] whose effects were mostly felt by the [[Guardian of the Maze of Zoria|Guardian]].
 
The opportunity may include hints and suggestions but it will rarely provide explicit details of what the exact outcome will be. The consequences will only come to light if the consecration goes ahead. For example when the inspirational tomb for [[Ratibor of Temeschwar|Ratibor]] was consecrated in Temeschwar, it led to [[Don't blame me|a set of options]] the Empire could take up. The outcome may also be more introspective in nature - the [[Guardian of the Maze of Zoria|consecration of the Maze of Zoria]] helped transform the place into a quiet sanctuary for pilgrims of [[Wisdom]] whose effects were mostly felt by the [[Guardian of the Maze of Zoria|Guardian]].


A memorial will always attract pilgrims from across the Empire, and sometimes beyond, who want to learn more. It can also encourage people who already possess little-known or significant information about the individual to come forward. In the past, the construction of a memorial has lead to an interest in relics of a new exemplar's life, to examination of and emulation of their heroic deeds, and to the formation of [[Imperial_sodality|sodalities]] dedicated to pursuing their legacy.
A memorial will always attract pilgrims from across the Empire, and sometimes beyond, who want to learn more. It can also encourage people who already possess little-known or significant information about the individual to come forward. In the past, the construction of a memorial has led to an interest in relics of a new exemplar's life, to the examination of and emulation of their heroic deeds, and to the formation of [[Imperial_sodality|sodalities]] dedicated to pursuing their legacy.


In some cases the opportunity might include other costs, or require a [[commission]] be completed first. A grand structure built of [[white granite]] and [[weirwood]] that would contain the tomb and serve as a place of worship for the faith is common but not always required. For example, the opportunity to [[Sing_your_name#The_Silent_Sentinel|consecrate the Silent Sentinel]] as a memorial to the [[The Sentinel|paragon of Vigilance]] of the same name included an additional opportunity to construct an inspirational shrine to further enhance the effect of the true aura.
In some cases, the opportunity might include other costs, or require a [[commission]] be completed first. A grand structure built of [[white granite]] and [[weirwood]] that would contain the tomb and serve as a place of worship for the faith is common but not always required. For example, the opportunity to [[Sing_your_name#The_Silent_Sentinel|consecrate the Silent Sentinel]] as a memorial to the [[The Sentinel|paragon of Vigilance]] of the same name included an additional opportunity to construct an inspirational shrine to further enhance the effect of the true aura.


If the original statement calls for a sacred site to be consecrated, then it will not normally create an opportunity unless the chosen site is particularly significant. If that happens, the opportunity will be different - the civil service prognosticators will be able to provide much more explicit guidance, providing detailed information on the exact effects the consecration will have.  
If the writ calls for a sacred site to be consecrated, then it will not normally create an opportunity unless the chosen site is particularly significant. If that happens, the opportunity will be different - the civil service prognosticators will be able to provide much more explicit guidance, providing detailed information on the exact effects the consecration will have.


==Known Locations==
==Known Locations==
Many records were lost when [[Emperor Nicovar]] destroyed the great libraries of the Empire. This coupled with the problem that the Empire is a vast land that includes large areas of dangerous wilderness between civilized settlements means that it is certain that the location of some inspirational tombs has been lost over the centuries. Without suitable protection these places may have been destroyed - but in theory some may yet endure. No inspirational location has been known to fail through age, since the power of true liao withstands the ravages of time, so it is possible that one day some or all of these lost tombs might be found and reclaimed.
Many records were lost when [[Emperor Nicovar]] destroyed the great libraries of the Empire. This coupled with the problem that the Empire is a vast land that includes large areas of dangerous wilderness between civilized settlements means that it is certain that the location of some inspirational tombs has been lost over the centuries. Without suitable protection these places may have been destroyed - but in theory, some may yet endure. No inspirational location has been known to fail through age since the power of true liao withstands the ravages of time, so it is possible that one day some or all of these lost tombs might be found and reclaimed.


===Memorials===
===Memorials===
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<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Inspiration</th><th>Virtue</th><th>Location</th><th>Notes</th></tr>
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Inspiration</th><th>Virtue</th><th>Location</th><th>Notes</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Aldones di Sarvos]]</td><td>[[Ambition]]</td><td>[[Sarvos]]</td><td>The [[Aldones_di_Sarvos#Inspirational_Memorial|memorial]] is at the top of a tall tower on the northern side of the city, and has no Imperial title associated with it..</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Adelmar the Lion]]</td><td>[[Ambition]]</td><td>[[Redoubt]]</td><td>The [[Adelmar_the_Lion#The_Shrine_of_the_Armsmaster|shrine]] is reached by a treacherous and winding mountain path and is overseen by the [[Prelate of Adelmar's Shrine]].</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Atuman]]</td><td>[[Ambition]]</td><td>[[Necropolis]]</td><td>The [[Atuman#Inspirational_Tomb|tomb]] stands on the cliffs, and is rarely visited by any save [[Highguard|Highborn]] pilgrims.</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Aldones di Sarvos]]</td><td>[[Ambition]]</td><td>[[Sarvos]]</td><td>The [[Aldones_di_Sarvos#Inspirational_Memorial|memorial]] is at the top of a tall tower on the northern side of the city and has no Imperial title associated with it.</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Atuman]]</td><td>[[Ambition]]</td><td>[[Necropolis]]</td><td>The [[Atuman#Inspirational_Tomb|tomb]] stands on the cliffs and is rarely visited by any save [[Highguard|Highborn]] pilgrims.</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Cora Holdfast]]</td><td>[[Loyalty]]</td><td>[[Reikos]]</td><td>A [[Cora_Holdfast#Inspirational_Tomb|tomb]] in [[Reikos#High Chalcis|High Chalcis]] overseen by a [[Claviger_of_the_Basilica_of_Cora_Holdfast|Claviger]] appointed by the [[Loyalty]] assembly.</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Cora Holdfast]]</td><td>[[Loyalty]]</td><td>[[Reikos]]</td><td>A [[Cora_Holdfast#Inspirational_Tomb|tomb]] in [[Reikos#High Chalcis|High Chalcis]] overseen by a [[Claviger_of_the_Basilica_of_Cora_Holdfast|Claviger]] appointed by the [[Loyalty]] assembly.</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Isenbrad]]</td><td>[[Wisdom]]</td><td>[[Hahnmark]]</td><td>An inspiration tomb was created in the [[Isenbrad#Runegrott_and_Runesmith.27s_Law|Runegrott]] in [[Hahnmark]] and serves as the focal point for [[Wintermark|Wintermark's]] [[Wintermark_economic_interests#Runesmith.27s_Law|Runesmith's Law]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Isenbrad]]</td><td>[[Wisdom]]</td><td>[[Hahnmark]]</td><td>An inspirational tomb was created in the [[Isenbrad#Runegrott_and_Runesmith.27s_Law|Runegrott]] in [[Hahnmark]] and serves as the focal point for [[Wintermark|Wintermark's]] [[Wintermark_economic_interests#Runesmith.27s_Law|Runesmith's Law]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Known_exemplars#Joshua_Benson|Joshua Benson]]</td><td>[[Vigilance]]</td><td>[[Upwold]]</td><td>Benson's Orchard, near Pickham Monastery, was consecrated during the Summer Solstice 385YE and serves as a place of pilgrimage for dedicants of Vigilance</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Lepidus]]</td><td>[[Pride]]</td><td>[[Bastion]]</td><td>The [[Lepidus#The_Inspirational_Tomb_and_Basilica_of_Lepidus|tomb]] stands near the [[Speaker_of_the_Highborn_Assembly#Basilica_of_Seven_Doors|Basilica of Seven Doors]] and is a site of pilgrimage for dedicates of [[Pride]].</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Lepidus]]</td><td>[[Pride]]</td><td>[[Bastion]]</td><td>The [[Lepidus#The_Inspirational_Tomb_and_Basilica_of_Lepidus|tomb]] stands near the [[Speaker_of_the_Highborn_Assembly#Basilica_of_Seven_Doors|Basilica of Seven Doors]] and is a site of pilgrimage for dedicates of [[Pride]].</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The Little Mother]]</td><td>[[Prosperity]]</td><td>[[Bastion]]</td><td>The [[The_Little_Mother#Inspirational_Tomb_of_the_Little_Mother|first chapel]] of the Little Mother in [[Sarvos]] is an inspirational tomb and site of pilgrimage.</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The Little Mother]]</td><td>[[Prosperity]]</td><td>[[Bastion]]</td><td>The [[The_Little_Mother#Inspirational_Tomb_of_the_Little_Mother|first chapel]] of the Little Mother in [[Sarvos]] is an inspirational tomb and site of pilgrimage.</td></tr>
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===Sacred Sites===
===Sacred Sites===
A sacred site is a location that was already significant in some way that has been consecrated with true liao without dedicating it to an exemplar or paragon.
A sacred site is a location that was already significant in some way that has been consecrated with true liao without dedicating it to an exemplar or paragon.
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Location</th><th>Virtue</th><th>Details</th><th>Notes</th></tr>
<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Location</th><th>Virtue</th><th>Territory</th><th>Details</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Kallavesa#Kallavesa_Marsh|Kallavesa Marsh]]</td><td>[[Pride]]</td><td>[[Kallavesa]]</td><td>Following [[Coming_home#Inspiration|a unique opportunity]] a grove at the heart of the Kallavesa Marshes was consecrated in the name of the heroes who sleep beneath them.</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Kallavesa#Kallavesa_Marsh|Kallavesa Marsh]]</td><td>[[Pride]]</td><td>[[Kallavesa]]</td><td>Following [[Coming_home#Inspiration|a unique opportunity]] a grove at the heart of the Kallavesa Marshes was consecrated in the name of the heroes who sleep beneath them.</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Holberg#The_City_of_Holberg|Walls of Holberg]]</td><td>[[Wisdom]]</td><td>[[Holberg]]</td><td>An opportunity arose to [[Watches_from_the_Wall|consecrate a gallery]] atop the Walls of Holberg that apparently lead to several miraculous events there.</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Holberg#The_City_of_Holberg|Walls of Holberg]]</td><td>[[Wisdom]]</td><td>[[Holberg]]</td><td>An opportunity arose to [[Watches_from_the_Wall|consecrate a gallery]] atop the Walls of Holberg that apparently led to several miraculous events there.</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Morrow#The_Three_Watchers|Three Watchers]]</td><td>[[Loyalty]]</td><td>[[Morrow]]</td><td>When the three great statues commemorating the Highborn defence of Urizen against the Druj were created, the accompanying opportunity allowed a powerful consecration to [[Three_soldiers|be created]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Morrow#The_Three_Watchers|Three Watchers]]</td><td>[[Loyalty]]</td><td>[[Morrow]]</td><td>When the three great statues commemorating the Highborn defence of Urizen against the Druj were created, the accompanying opportunity allowed a powerful consecration to [[Three_soldiers|be created]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Sarvos#The_Colossus_of_Sarvos|Colossus of Sarvos]]</td><td>[[Pride]]</td><td>[[Sarvos]]</td><td>An opportunity to [[More_love,_less_paperwork#Bloody_Great_Statue|consecrate the statue]] arose when it was damaged before the [[Right_now#Ramming_the_Colossus|Winter Solstice 381YE]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[The_Barrens#Hope's_Rest|Shrine of Hope]]</td><td>[[Ambition]]</td><td>[[The Barrens]]</td><td>An opportunity to [[A_glorious_victory#Here_We_Stand_.28Conjunction.29|consecrate the shrine]] arose when the Barrens was finally claimed by Dawn</td></tr>
</table>
</table>
{{Synod Further Reading}}
{{Synod Further Reading}}

Latest revision as of 13:08, 22 July 2024

UrizenMagician.jpg
Click for audio version

Overview

One of the uses of true liao is to create powerful true consecrations. These inspirational locations, dedicated to one of the seven virtues, fill everyone who visits them with a profound spiritual awareness. The spiritual power of the place, coupled with the stream of pilgrims who come to visit and be inspired by it means that these locations can have far-reaching effects - provided the place has a significant connection to the Way and the aura has been approved by the Imperial Synod.

In most cases, the location will be a memorial dedicated to the legacy left by an exemplar or paragon recognised by the Imperial Synod. In this case, the site must have a significant historical connection to the exemplar or paragon in question. Usually, this will be an actual tomb, but other sites may have a stronger connection to the figure. If the connection to the inspirational figure is strong enough then the life they led, the teachings they left behind, and the lessons they imparted will influence those who visit the location and create effects that resound through the area and beyond.

It is essential to have an explicit mandate approved by the Imperial Synod. During the Autumn Equinox 385YE, the Imperial Senate created a legal requirement for the Synod to issue a Writ of Consecration before any priest can legally create a true aura dedicated to a paragon, exemplar or other inspirational figure.

Some locations can be consecrated as sacred sites without connecting it to an exemplar or paragon, provided the place has profound spiritual importance in some other way. It was possible to consecrate the Marshes of Kallevesa because they are the ancient resting place of centuries of Wintermark's greatest heroes. In this case, the virtue chosen is usually crucial.

Writ of Consecration

  • Creating an effective inspirational location requires a writ of consecration upheld with a greater majority in the appropriate Virtue Assembly
  • This must be the virtue that it is to be used for the true consecration
  • For a memorial for a specific figure, this must be the virtue they are an exemplar or paragon of

The first step to creating an effective inspirational location is a writ of consecration upheld by a greater majority of the relevant virtue assembly. It is not possible to raise a writ of consecration in a virtue assembly proposing that an area be consecrated to a different virtue, or in the name of an inspirational figure associated with a different virtue.

It is not possible to create a tomb or memorial for someone who is known, or widely believed, to still be alive.

Inspirational Opportunity

  • If a writ of consecration passes with a greater majority in a virtue assembly then it will create an opportunity for one or more mandates
  • Only a single writ of consecration from each virtue assembly will create an opportunity
  • Creating an inspirational location requires a suitable mandate and a single dose of true liao

If a writ of consecration that passes with a greater majority in a virtue assembly calls for the creation of a memorial (an inspirational location linked to an exemplar or paragon), then it will lead to an opportunity before the next event with details of any effects of the consecration and potential alternatives. To be valid, the chosen figure must be a a paragon or exemplar or figure of similar renown, who has been recognised by the Imperial Synod, and they must not have an existing memorial already - otherwise the judgement will fail to create a response.

The opportunity will take the form of one or more possible mandates that can then be raised in the General Assembly. More than one mandate option will usually result where other viable sites for the inspirational location are identified by the civil service. If one of the mandates is enacted, then the named priest will need to provide a dose of true liao. Any mandate that consecrates a location in either Urizen or Varushka requires a greater majority in order to have an effect as per the Hard and suspecting wind of fortune. Unlike with other opportunities, it is not possible for members of the Synod to submit an alternative mandate.

Each season only one writ of consecration upheld with a greater majority from each virtue assembly will lead to an opportunity. If there is more than one competing judgement, only the judgement with the highest margin will lead to an opportunity.

A single dose of true liao is always required and is always sufficient. It is not possible to create an inspirational location without using a dose of true liao. Using more than one dose will not have any additional effect.

Consecration Effects

  • An opportunity to create a memorial will include the known locations linked to the inspirational figure that could be chosen
  • We will not normally list the explicit effects of a memorial in advance but the location and any other choices in the opportunity will be crucial
  • If we provide an opportunity to create a sacred site we will include the precise effects of the consecration

If the writ of consecration calls for a memorial for an exemplar or paragon, then the opportunity will list any known locations that could be used to create a viable memorial for them. For example, the recent consecration of an inspirational tomb for Adelmar the Lion identified three different locales that would serve as a memorial to the ambitious exemplar, each offering a different form of inspiration to the faithful.

The opportunity may include hints and suggestions but it will rarely provide explicit details of what the exact outcome will be. The consequences will only come to light if the consecration goes ahead. For example, when the inspirational tomb for Ratibor was consecrated in Temeschwar, it led to a set of options the Empire could take up. The outcome may also be more introspective in nature - the consecration of the Maze of Zoria helped transform the place into a quiet sanctuary for pilgrims of Wisdom whose effects were mostly felt by the Guardian.

A memorial will always attract pilgrims from across the Empire, and sometimes beyond, who want to learn more. It can also encourage people who already possess little-known or significant information about the individual to come forward. In the past, the construction of a memorial has led to an interest in relics of a new exemplar's life, to the examination of and emulation of their heroic deeds, and to the formation of sodalities dedicated to pursuing their legacy.

In some cases, the opportunity might include other costs, or require a commission be completed first. A grand structure built of white granite and weirwood that would contain the tomb and serve as a place of worship for the faith is common but not always required. For example, the opportunity to consecrate the Silent Sentinel as a memorial to the paragon of Vigilance of the same name included an additional opportunity to construct an inspirational shrine to further enhance the effect of the true aura.

If the writ calls for a sacred site to be consecrated, then it will not normally create an opportunity unless the chosen site is particularly significant. If that happens, the opportunity will be different - the civil service prognosticators will be able to provide much more explicit guidance, providing detailed information on the exact effects the consecration will have.

Known Locations

Many records were lost when Emperor Nicovar destroyed the great libraries of the Empire. This coupled with the problem that the Empire is a vast land that includes large areas of dangerous wilderness between civilized settlements means that it is certain that the location of some inspirational tombs has been lost over the centuries. Without suitable protection these places may have been destroyed - but in theory, some may yet endure. No inspirational location has been known to fail through age since the power of true liao withstands the ravages of time, so it is possible that one day some or all of these lost tombs might be found and reclaimed.

Memorials

A memorial is an inspirational location dedicated to a renowned exemplar or paragon.

InspirationVirtueLocationNotes
Adelmar the LionAmbitionRedoubtThe shrine is reached by a treacherous and winding mountain path and is overseen by the Prelate of Adelmar's Shrine.
Aldones di SarvosAmbitionSarvosThe memorial is at the top of a tall tower on the northern side of the city and has no Imperial title associated with it.
AtumanAmbitionNecropolisThe tomb stands on the cliffs and is rarely visited by any save Highborn pilgrims.
Cora HoldfastLoyaltyReikosA tomb in High Chalcis overseen by a Claviger appointed by the Loyalty assembly.
IsenbradWisdomHahnmarkAn inspirational tomb was created in the Runegrott in Hahnmark and serves as the focal point for Wintermark's Runesmith's Law
Joshua BensonVigilanceUpwoldBenson's Orchard, near Pickham Monastery, was consecrated during the Summer Solstice 385YE and serves as a place of pilgrimage for dedicants of Vigilance
LepidusPrideBastionThe tomb stands near the Basilica of Seven Doors and is a site of pilgrimage for dedicates of Pride.
The Little MotherProsperityBastionThe first chapel of the Little Mother in Sarvos is an inspirational tomb and site of pilgrimage.
RatiborAmbitionTemeschwarRatibor's Gate, the old prison, serves as a place of pilgrimage and is overseen by a Watcher
The SentinelVigilanceCasineaBuilt in the foundations beneath the Highborn Silent Sentinel and overseen by a Castellan
ZemressProsperityMadrugaThe remains of The Kraken's Bane, Zemress' ship, in Calvos serve as a place of pilgrimage for dedicates of Prosperity from all over the Known World.
ZoriaWisdomMiekarovaAn ancient maze in Mieriada, said to have been once the home of the ancient sorceress, is overseen by a Varushkan Guardian

Sacred Sites

A sacred site is a location that was already significant in some way that has been consecrated with true liao without dedicating it to an exemplar or paragon.

LocationVirtueTerritoryDetails
Kallavesa MarshPrideKallavesaFollowing a unique opportunity a grove at the heart of the Kallavesa Marshes was consecrated in the name of the heroes who sleep beneath them.
Walls of HolbergWisdomHolbergAn opportunity arose to consecrate a gallery atop the Walls of Holberg that apparently led to several miraculous events there.
Three WatchersLoyaltyMorrowWhen the three great statues commemorating the Highborn defence of Urizen against the Druj were created, the accompanying opportunity allowed a powerful consecration to be created
Colossus of SarvosPrideSarvosAn opportunity to consecrate the statue arose when it was damaged before the Winter Solstice 381YE
Shrine of HopeAmbitionThe BarrensAn opportunity to consecrate the shrine arose when the Barrens was finally claimed by Dawn

Further Reading

Core Brief

Additional Information