A friend like you

Overview

Six realms of magic align with the mortal world, whose inhabitants are fundamentally different to the people of the mortal world and yet, to a degree, share some of their concerns. They are both complex and simple at the same time, seeking to change the world to match their perception of how it should work. They bargain and negotiate, threaten and cajole, and while it can be difficult to predict exactly where their gifts or curses might lead, still they have much to offer.

The Empire can reach out to the eternals through the powers of the Archmages and the Conclave, but the creatures of the realms may sometimes take the initiative themselves. The power of alignment allows the Conclave to make it easier or harder for them to touch the world, relationships shaped by the tension between true friends and dire enemies. Some desire that state of amity, some revel in the enmity they have earned, but none can deny the power of the Conclave to guard the borders of the Empire.

It is a rare season that passes without an eternal, or a handful, seeking to influence the Empire. There are other winds of fortune that speak of different situations. The responses to the plenipotentiary missives of the Archmages from this season is covered in the Here you come again wind of fortune, while A habit I can't break deals with magic of a mortal or mysterious provenance, and There is hope deals with astronomantic shiftings.

Summer

An Immovable Challenge (Cathan Canae)

• The Immovable Warhost of Cathan Canae heralds are travelling to the Arena at 20:40 on Friday evening
• The Thane of the Enduring Bastion has laid down a challenge to four title holders to withstand the Immovable Warhost
• Four titles have been called on to recruit warbands of 20 people to compete against the heralds
• This is a combat highly likely encounter

The Thane of the Enduring Bastion has called on each of Lord Roland de Lagriffe, the Knight-protector of Summer; Florian von Temeschwar, the Captain of the Throne Guard; Quint, the Dauntless Warrior, and William Guildenstern to gather warbands of allies to attempt to withstand the Immovable Warhost.

Each warband must number no more than twenty people, though only ten will be able to fight at any one time. The contest will comprise four bouts, each lasting up to five minutes, with a five-minute break before the next is scheduled to take place. The active warband will be able to field up to ten of its members to start against fifteen heralds of the warhost, with the rest held in reserve. Any herald which is defeated - that is, unable to fight - will score that warband one point, and be replaced by another herald so that there are always fifteen heralds to fight. Any member of a warband who is defeated - again, unable to fight or who yields - will be allowed to be escorted from the arena, but may not return or be replaced by a reserve. At any point during the bout, a member of the warband may step outside the arena to be replaced by one of their reserves, up to a total of ten times. Within the arena, only those who are part of a warband may heal or repair their allies, whilst outside the arena there are no restrictions on receiving aid and support.

If multiple warbands are able to last the full five minutes, then it will instead be decided by the number of heralds each warband was able to defeat. Each member of the winning warband will receive a boon, similar to that offered to Unshackled in Mareave, whilst the leader of the winning warband will receive a suitable reward in time for the Winter Solstice 388YE.

Highgrove Trail (Meraud)

Highgrove Trail

Commission Type: Great work

Location: Axmure, Semmerholm

Cost: minimum 20 white granite, 15 ilium and 60 crowns in labour

Time: Three months

Special: The commission must include statues of at least 5 beasts but could include up to 13; one for each of the heraldic beasts It costs 4 white granite, 3 ilium and 12 crowns for each statue

Effect: Increases investment of mana sites in Semmerholm by one Each Dawnish mana site in Semmerholm will produce an additional mana crystal each season Establishes a lodge for the Knight-protector of Summer The beasts will animate and defend Axmure if it is attacked; each beast would have an effective strength of 300.

Availability: Until investment of mana sites in Semmerholm increases or the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE

• Artreus D'Fauntine, former Knight-protector of Summer, requested aid from Meraud in a great work for the mana sites of Semmerholm
• The Silver Magician will provide all the aid they can and will ask their mortal friends to help as well
• The Highgrove Trail could be built to increase investment in mana sites and establish a lodge for the Knight-protector of Summer

During the Winter Solstice 387YE, the team captained by Enchanter Vesper Lucentia of Dawn won the Drottningbjotha at the invitation of Barien . The next season, four of the Monarchs of Summer laid down their rewards for the nation: a favour to each of the Knights-protector that allowed them to call on their patron for a boon. Artreus D'Fauntine, former Knight-protector of Summer, asked that Meraud help with a great work for the mana sites of Semmerholm. Such an act is beyond the means of an eternal - even the Prince of the High Tower has his limits - but he is determined to do what he can to help.

The King of the Twilight Sun has sent Assoni the Bellower to Axmure, walking the trails and poking at various trees. They concur with Artreus that a set of statues of heraldic beasts could be built in the forests of the region, leading up to Highgrove. Of course, which beasts are built will be crucial - the trail must have at least five beasts to be effective. It could have more, of course, up to thirteen (one of each of the heraldic beasts), but the extra beasts won't help - well, they won't help it produce mana crystals. Assoni recommends that the questing knight pick the Unicorn, the Hydra, the Mandowla, the Dragon, the Wyvern and the Wyrm, but they will have to study the beasts and pick the most appropriate ones. Assoni has chosen ones with great strength and ferocity (apart from the Gryphon - which Meraud would take as an enormous insult if Artreus chose). The designs incorporate a simple hunting lodge for the Knight-protector of Summer, a place for them to rest and relax and enjoy the hunt when not hard at work.

Once the beasts are carved and put in place, then Meraud will weave the magic of the mountains and bind it to the statues with the power of star metal. A powerful enchantment will settle over the statues, allowing them to enhance the flows of magic through the territory - effectively raising the level of investment in mana sites in the territory by one. The questing knight will need to get the permission of the Senate to commission the great work, but once that is complete, all that would be needed is to provide the white granite and ilium and money for the masons, and then Meraud will do the rest.

Of course, that is still a lot of white granite and ilium to secure - but Meraud has the most wonderful friends among the mortals of the Empire, and he implores them to do whatever they can to help him reward the questing knight. The Prince of the High Tower considers himself a friend or patron of Catrina Words The Unbelievably Magical, Leo the Rainbow Sage, the Tender of the Phoenix Flame, the Churnspire Adjutor and the League guild, the Order of the Golden Chalice. The Chatelaine of Sunrise and Sunset hopes that his mortal friends will help him make good on his promise - and will look with favour on those who work to make this wonderful magic possible.

Once the statues are complete, Meraud will work the promised enchantment over the statues. In addition, he will grant House D'Fauntine the power to command the statues. Should Axmure ever be threatened, the heraldic beasts would come alive at the house's command and move to attack the invaders. The beasts can't easily leave Axmure, but a giant beast fashioned from white granite is incredibly difficult to overcome. Each beast would have an effective military strength of 300 in battle. Of course, any that were destroyed would be gone for good, but that would surely be a small price to pay for House D'Faunine to protect their lands.

Sovereigns on the Sunrise (Jaheris)

• Those who met with the Argent Preceptor are invited to discuss their ambitions and progress
• The herald will meet with them outside the Hall of Worlds at 13:30 on Saturday

Last season, Jaheris invited one citizen from each nation to meet with the Argent Preceptor to support their ambitions at Anvil. He is keen to hear of their progress and will once again offer to receive them in one of his chambers to learn how they have gotten on, and to offer aid in their political goals. There was no representative from the League, so if any manage to acquire the badge from one of the League egregores, they will be welcomed along with the rest. The Argent Preceptor will once again collect them from outside the Hall of Worlds at 13:30 on Saturday.

Autumn

Arch of the Sky (Estavus)

Binding Oak Spire

Commission Type: Edifice

Location: Proceris, Zenith

Cost: 70 thrones in labour costs

Time: Three months

Effect: Increases white granite production of Arch of the Sky by two wains a season Allows purchase of additional white granite

Availability: Until the start of the Autumn Equinox 389YE

Special: Can permanently remove investment for businesses in Zenith from the Bridge of the Air to halve the cost of purchasing additional wains

Restriction: If removing the investment for businesses, it must be raised by a Senate motion This motion would be subject to the veto of the Urizen Assembly

Additional Production
9 thrones	3 wains of white granite
21 thrones	6 wains of white granite
36 thrones	9 wains of white granite

• The Architect of Hammers has used their power to assess the Arch of the Sky
• The Architects of Iron and Stone have investigated and drawn up plans to rebuild Binding Oak Spire to host additional workers
• If raised as a motion, it could include removing the investment for businesses in Zenith from the Bridge of the Air to halve the cost of purchasing wains

The Architects of Iron and Stone were excited to receive their next assignment from the Architect of Hammers. Following an investigation into the Arratan Gamble, Edmundo of Damakan's forge set them the task of assessing the Arch of the Sky in Proceris, Zenith. The Arch of the Sky is relatively new, having only been allocated by the Senate a year ago. However, there is always room for improvement! Architect Noether has spent much of the last season on the fabled Bridge of the Air speaking with the residents and merchants of the territory who make use of the mithril cables. The skyways have clearly created much good for the citizens of Zenith, and further afield, but Noether has a plan that uses one of the stopping points and potentially makes better use of the Bridge.

The Binding Oak Spire was once home to a vibrant and bustling community of artisans, Summer magicians, and sentinels. When the Golden Cascade was destroyed, and the floodwaters unleashed, the spire fell and has remained a ruin ever since. Architect Noether has drawn up plans to rebuild Binding Oak Spire to host additional workers for the quarry, which would allow the custodian to set out a call during the season for skilled workers to travel to the region and extract even more white granite. Rebuilding the spire for workers of the Arch of the Sky would also increase its production to twenty wains a season.

The true potential in the plan comes from an unlikely source. Crown, a herald of Ephisis who has spent some time in Zenith this season, suggests making better use of the Bridge of the Air. Apparently he got the idea from talking with members of Sarangrave Rising. If the motion to construct the Binding Oak Spire included that profits for businesses in Zenith from the skyways were instead to be directed towards supplies for the workers of the Arch of the Sky - including those at Binding Oak Spire - then it would halve the cost of purchasing additional wains of white granite. It would mean permanently reducing investment in businesses in the territory by one, but the excitable herald points seems confident the nation will welcome the proposal.

College of Enchanters (Prospero)

Tower of the Loom

Commission Type: College of magic

Location: Silver Lake, Weaving, Astolat

Cost: 60 white granite, 60 weirwood, 60 mithril, and 540 crowns in labour

Time: Twelve months

Effect: Creates the title of Golden Enchanter to direct codification of the college Benefits from the patronage of Prospero, allowing codification at increased rates for ingots of green iron If any ritual texts codified using the aid of Prospero are added to Imperial lore or Urizen lore then there will be consequences

Availability: Until the end of the Summer Solstice 389YE

Special: Prospero must be granted at least a season of amity whilst the construction is underway Prospero has asked to be granted dominion over the Tower's reflection in the waters of the lake A suite of rooms could be granted to the Knight-protector of Autumn

Golden Enchanter

Type: Dawnish

Appointment: Tally of the Votes

Powers: Can codify arcane projections Gains exclusive access to a suite of rooms

Responsibilities: To expand Dawn's repository of ritual texts and ensure that magic is used for the betterment of Dawn

• Prospero has agreed to serve as patron of a Dawnish college of magic
• The Golden Spider requires that the Dawnish title be elected by Tally of the Votes
• The Subtle Tailor asks Dawn's magicians to consider granting him an additional boon

Last season, Prospero met with several influential magicians of Dawn at the request of former Archmage of Autumn, Vossk of Sarangrave Reforged. One of the many things discussed was the potential patronage of the Sovereign Lord of the City of Bridges for a college of magic in Dawn. Some of the requests were unfortunately impossible for even the Lord of the Loom, but eventually an agreement was reached that the Weaver would be willing to serve as patron of a college in Dawn, provided that it was made a national position.

Patronage would allow whoever was appointed to oversee codification at the college, the Golden Enchanter, to call on the aid of the eternal's golden spiders - each around the size of a small sheep - in much the same way as the Doyen of the Spires. Rather than orichalcum, the Golden Enchanter would need to provide green iron in exchange for the expertise and suggestions of the heralds. Of course, there would be an expectation that any rituals codified with the assistance of the golden spiders would serve to further Dawn's interests. Of course, it could be shared to allow individuals of other nations to master the ritual, but there would be an expectation that the ritual text would be used for Dawn first and foremost. If any ritual that was codified at the Tower of the Loom with the aid of Prospero's heralds was entered into Imperial lore or Urizen lore, there would be serious consequences

Whilst there was some discussion about the title being elected by war-witches, weavers, and enchanters, the eternal has made clear that his appreciation for the practice of Tally of the Votes - of individuals having to encourage, cajole, and owe favours to those with votes is something that he is in favour of.

Of course, what would a Tower be without its protector? The motion, or announcement, to construct the Tower of the Loom could state that a set of luxurious rooms be set aside for the Knight-protector of Autumn.

After looking into the matter of where the Tower of the Loom might be built, the Subtle Tailor has one additional request for his friends in Dawn to consider. The obvious place for the Tower is Weaving in Astolat. This busy town is already one of the foremost centres of learning for ritual magic in Dawn. However, Prospero would like the Tower to be built just outside Weaving, next to Silver Lake. This large, shallow lake near the River of Sighs is renowned for its beautiful waters that are so perfectly still that they resemble a mirror. With the Tower built on the banks of the lake, its image will be perfectly reflected in the still waters.

And that is what Prospero would like. The Golden Prince cordially invites the magicians of Dawn to grant him dominion over the reflection of the Tower of the Loom. He assures them that this will have no impact on the Tower itself - Prospero's power will only ever be over the other Tower - the one in the pool. Prospero is at pains to stress that this part of the arrangements is simply a request - the magicians of Dawn are free to decline to extend this favour if they choose.

One Hand Washes the Other (Ephisis)

• The City of Gold and Lead has updated its guidance for merchants to reduce the price if offers for herbs and liao
• Crown warns merchants that the City will be increasingly focused on using contracts for large volumes of goods going forwards
• Merchants are welcome to come and go during the Balancing of the Scales

The City of Gold and Lead has updated the guidance they provide to Imperial merchants. The aim of the guidance is to help Imperial traders understand what the City might pay for their goods. To that end, Crown has let citizens know that the City will only offer "low" prices for herbs and liao going forwards. While these things are useful in the City, and will be bought if offered, it is now painfully clear to the High Merchant, that they are not as valuable as Imperial herbalists were hoping. As such, they have lowered the guidance to make that clear.

After the success with the contracts in the previous season, the City intends to redouble its focus on this new approach. They are more keen than ever to discourage large volumes of goods being sent to them on spec - they will still make an offer, but citizens who send dozens of wains, or scores of herbs will find that the prices drop to reflect the lower demand. Individuals trading small volumes of goods shouldn't be affected, but merchants looking to move on large volumes should look for the opportunities presented by the contracts.

And finally, Crown wishes to remind all merchants that the Balancing of the Scales is long and takes time. Merchants are welcome to come and go throughout the meeting - if a box is called while a merchant is away, it will be put on the shelves behind the counters. If you return and spot your box on the shelf, then you point it out to a herald, and they will call it in for balancing at the next available opportunity.

Day

Advantages to a Bond (Zakalwe)

The General of Day wishes to witness tactics win out against strength. The fens are awash with those who think it is their destiny to find glory and victory. Four miles from Ottery is Bella’s Bluff, where the yegarra and soldiers of the golden armies march. Defeat them, and I shall remain here providing three measures of prismatic ink a season while the Master Strategist maintains the friendship of the Conclave. Fail, and my support will go to the yegarra.

Telephysius, the Polemarch of Tactics

• A herald of Zakalwe has challenged the Quartermaster of the Hanuri Garrison to prove their strategy
• This skirmish is a combat highly likely encounter
• The Quartermaster of the Hanuri Garrison is responsible for defeating the yegarra
• This conjunction is against barbarians; magistrates advise that lethal force is fully justified

Telephysius the Polemarch of Tactics, herald of Zakalwe, has spent most of the last season in Temeschwar. The strange herald has become a common sight in the old city, and she has spent most of her time talking to both the Hanuri garrison and the Hanuri Garrison. After some time, the Polemarch of Tactics reveals that she has a task, somewhat linked to the guiding hand given to the Imperial Seer to slay Jarl Ebbe of Overgaard. She has grown fond of a yegarra in Bregasland, but wishes to see them tested. As such, she asks the Quartermaster of the Hanuri Garrison to defeat the yegarra's warband and the heralds of Eleonaris that accompany them.

The Quartermaster of the Hanuri Garrison, Erikas Van Temeshwar, is responsible for besting the yegarra warband moving across Bella’s Bluff. If the warband and its herald allies are defeated, Telephysius will remain in Temeschwar and provide three pawns of prismatic ink to the Quartermaster each season whilst the Hunter of Tides maintains the amity of the Conclave. If the Empire does not succeed, then Abby the Feller, the leader of the yegarra, will instead gain the favour of the Polemarch of Tactics.

To Find (Roshanwe)

Swear to stand against the Cold Sun

Declaration Type: Acceptance

Necessary Details: The wording must be as follows: "The Oblivion Flame is the antithesis of discovery, the end of wisdom and the death of knowledge. It must be driven out of the mortal world. To this the Empire oaths and joins the stand against Cold Sun until it is entirely banished from the world of mortals."

Effect: Roshanwe will come to the Hall of Worlds the following season to make the same oath for herself, and dedicate the whole of her being to protecting mortals from the Cold Sun

Special: Regardless of who raises the declaration, the oath must be sworn by the Throne on behalf of the Empire

Last season, an unnamed herald of Roshanwe met with the Archmage of Day and some of her colleagues for an informal discussion following the Archmage's plenipotentiary. One of the matters that came up was the desire for the alliance between the Empire and Elder Pharos to stand against the threat that the Cold Sun poses to all mortal kind to be seal with an oath. The oath presented by the Archmage was as follows:

Oaths are a powerful hearth magic and can hold dramatic consequences for mortals who make and break them too easily. As creatures made of magic themselves, oaths bind Eternals even more powerfully and it is believed that once sworn, eternals cannot willingly break them as the oath becomes part of their nature. Should she swear this oath, she will devote herself entirely to the matter of protecting mortals against the Cold Sun at all costs.

The Oblivion Flame is the antithesis of discovery, the end of wisdom and the death of knowledge. It must be driven out of the mortal world. To this I oath and join the stand against Cold Sun until it is entirely banished from the world of mortals.

Despite the enormous gravity of it, the Pearlescent Advisor is willing to make this pledge, if the Empire is willing to swear the same oath. It may not have quite as profound an effect on the Empire as it does on Elder Pharos, but both would suffer grievously if they willingly broke the oath. She-Who-Walks-Beside will be oath-bound to do whatever it takes to drive Cold Sun out of the mortal world, the Empire will need to do the same to keep their geas.

The only person who has Dominion to swear this oath on behalf of the whole of the Empire is Emperor Vesna, who will need to swear the oath as the Throne of the Casinean Empire, as part of a Declaration of Acceptance raised by one of the Grandmasters, the Archmage of Day or the Arbiter of the Rogue Declaration.

To Search

Frozen Beacon

Commission Type: Sinecure

Location: Suaq Fount, Sermersuaq

Cost: 12 white granite, 4 of mithril, and 48 crowns in labour

Time: Three months

Effect: Creates the title Keeper of the Northern Light Establishes a lighthouse on the northern border of Sermersuaq Provides an income of prismatic ink

Availability: Until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE

Keeper of the Northern Light

Type: Imperial

Appointment: Declaration of Candidacy

Powers: Receives five prismatic ink each season

Responsibilities: To aid those who seek to learn more of Tsirku To Seek, To Find, To Discover To oppose the Cold Sun and drive it from the mortal world

As part of the response to the plenipotentiary, Roshanwe made an offer to support the construction of a site in Operus, Redoubt to supply the Empire with more valuable prismatic ink. The Archmage pointed out that Urizen already have a number of such commissions, and that it might be good for something to be built elsewhere. When pressed, the Archmage suggested Wintermark, and so She-Who-Walks-Beside has spent the season reviewing the vast tracks of Kallavesa, Hahnmark and Sermersuaq for an appropriate regio.

Fortuitously, the Winterfolk are currently partaking in a grand quest to scout Tsirku, and so Beacon is keen to make an offer that will also support that wise and prudent endeavour. Beachcomber proposes the construction of a great beacon in Suaq Fount that will peer into the storm of Sydanjaa, both to render some small aid in revealing its secrets and to act as a lighthouse to help those returning home from their journey to find their way. This will create an Imperial title elected by the Conclave called the Keeper of the Northern Light who will receive five vials of prismatic ink each season, which Roshanwe hopes can initially be used on rituals supporting that endeavour.

A Symposium of Thought (Zakalwe)

• Polemarchs of Zakalwe will host a meeting with interested Imperials in the Hall of Worlds
• They plan to arrive at the Hall of Worlds at 15:15 on Saturday
• The Archmage of Day, Warcaster, Warmage, and the Polemarch of Highwatch are specifically invited
• Anyone with an interest in strategy is welcome

The General of Day has announced their intention to host a symposium to discuss the Empire's conflicts, both ongoing and future, and to discuss how Imperial citizens wish the Empire to conduct itself in its wars. Several Polemarchs will be in attendance to discuss a range of topics with the citizens who attend.

• The Polemarch of Sagacity is keen to discuss the ongoing war with the Druj, especially about what analysis the Empire made about the various conflicts that occurred since the fall of Empress Britta, the historical importance that this war will have, and how people might discuss it in the future.

• The Polemarch of Wisdom is eager to discuss the Empire's future conflicts and conquests. With the Druj defeat imminent, where does the Empire go next, and what changes will be necessary in order to overcome these threats?

• The Polemarch of the Revelation wishes to discuss a worrying trend in the Imperial armies and the Empire's magicians in both the "overuse" of Summer magic and the decision to turn back to the use of savage rituals.

• The Polemarch of the Pinnacle would like to speak with those who have an interest in naval warfare and potential assistance that the Hunter of Tides could provide once the Empire built a navy.

As well as discussion on the above topics, the Polemarchs will also bring gifts from Zakalwe, honouring the Pact of Amity between the Master Strategist and the Empire. However, Zakalwe notes that he is concerned about what recent decisions mean for how the Empire will fight its wars and openly suggests that perhaps the time has come to discuss the future of the pact.

Night

Two and Then Three (Janon)

• Janon remains under enmity
• More armed bands of heralds have entered the Empire and are threatening more curses

Last season two bands of the Night Sword's heralds entered the Empire and called out specific enemies - the Shadowed Torchbearer and the Grandmaster of the Sevenfold Path. At the time, it seemed that the Raging Inferno considered this to be nothing more than another chapter in its love-hate relationship with the Empire. Yet as more heralds come over the Empire's borders, it seems that Tinder-of-Anarchy is in an increasingly bad mood. While the first attackers were almost light-hearted in their tone, the latest ones are a lot angrier. What has happened to cause this change is, as yet, unknown.

Much as last time, the heralds are reported to be lightly armoured but possessed of great reserves of heroic spirit, and that some among their number are capable of delivering the curse of Unfettered Anarchy as comfortably as any battle mage casting a spell of their own.

Red Burn The Rushes-O (Bregasland)

Aracelis i Erigo, General of the Burning Falcon

• A group of Janon heralds are threatening to curse Bregasland
• This skirmish is a combat highly likely encounter
• The General of the Burning Falcon is responsible for preventing the curse
• There are no innocents present on this conjunction; magistrates advise that lethal force is fully justified

As the war in Bregasland pushes westward, those behind the lines find less relief than they might have hoped. A force of heralds of the Shadowed Fire have taken up residence in Gravenmarch, and have proceeded to call out the General of the Burning Falcon to come and face them. The Burning Falcon are known to have the favour of Whirling Chaos, and it seems that these heralds wish to test the mettle of the ones who they called (but surely do not still call) friends.

Vigilant Beaters have sent information that the heralds have taken up residence on the Graven Commons in Gravenmarch. It is the responsibility of Aracelis I Erigo, General of the Burning Falcon, to prove that Imperial passion can match that of the realms. If the heralds cannot be stopped, they will curse Bregasland with one of Janon's "blessings" that promotes violent emotions run amok.

Dance Into The Fire (The Barrens)

Lady Ralphine Sepulchre, Maestro of the Cat's Graves

• A group of Janon heralds are threatening to curse the Barrens
• This skirmish is a combat highly likely encounter
• The Maestro of the Cat's Graces is responsible for preventing the curse
• There are no innocents present on this conjunction; magistrates advise that lethal force is fully justified

There is never a dull moment in the Barrens, it seems. As the territory's inhabitants warily keep their eyes to the east in case the Druj should attempt an unexpected advance, they are instead confronted by denizens of the Night Realm heading over the border. When a Courageous Troubadour goes to enquire why they have come, the heralds call back that they have come to test the mettle of the artists of the Empire. Apparently the Maestro of the Cats Graces is Dawnish, so they hear, and this is the easiest Dawnish territory to get into. The Troubadour quickly flees to bring this news back, unharmed but with a nasty dose of Unfettered Anarchy for their troubles.

The heralds have, according to reports, planted their flag at the Glade of the Rising Sun in Saltmarsh. It is the responsibility of Lady Ralphine Sepulchre, the Maestro of the Cat's Graces, to show the true colours of the Empire's artists. If the heralds cannot be stopped, they will curse the Barrens with one of Janon's "blessings" that promotes violent emotions run amok.

Fire On The Mountain (Kahraman)

• A group of Janon heralds are threatening to curse Kahraman
• This skirmish is a combat highly likely encounter
• The Azure Sutannir is responsible for preventing the curse
• There are no innocents present on this conjunction; magistrates advise that lethal force is fully justified

As the Freeborn turn their eyes to the defence of their homes and families, their first test comes quickly. Sweeping over the border into Braydon's Jasse come a small band of heralds of The Wind of Passion, brazenly declaring their presence. Janon has heard that the Freeborn seek to protect their people from danger, and what use is protection if there is nothing to defend yourselves against? The Muse of Fire would happily provide assistance to any who ask, but for now it is a time of war, so war will come.

In the mean time, the heralds wish to see the passion of the Freeborn! They have set themselves in Uthman's Field in Braydon's Jasse, less than a day's travel from the Azure Chorus. It is the responsibility of João i Cabral i Riqueza, the Azure Sutannir, to strike the first blow in defence of Freeborn land. If the heralds cannot be stopped, they will curse Kahraman with one of Janon's "blessings" that promotes violent emotions run amok.

Curtain Call (Whisper Gallery)

• The Whisper Gallery have made an offer to Night ritualists who might want to acquire ritual texts the Druj were working on
• Dealing with the Whisper Gallery is still illegal for as long as they suffer the enmity of the Conclave

Following the horrifying and terrible murder of the secret of the orphanage, the Whisper Gallery proclaims that it is proof of the danger of what happens when things come to light that should not have. Had nobody stuck their unwelcome noses in, no-one would have had to be executed, the Conclave wouldn't have missed an opportunity to send a plenipotentiary to the Eternals of the only useful realm, and countless other unpleasant consequences could have been avoided.

In any case, the Court of the Shadowed Oracle has a new offer for Anvil attendees, it is willing to put the rumours to rest as to what happened to the Palace of the Sleepers: the Druj gave it to them to avoid the Empire getting their hands on it during the invasion of Sarangrave. The Concilium of the Perjured Throne happily accepted the gift of a college of magic, and would be more than happy to receive any the Empire wants to rid itself of in the future should the situation arise. Still, the Shadow Courtiers find themselves in need of new friends at Anvil and are willing to share some of the ritual texts from the Palace of the Sleepers with those who appreciate the theatrical and the baroque.

Should anyone be at all interested, there is an easy way for practitioners of Night magic and their covens to let the Deans of the Subconscious Repository know what they might be able to offer to do for the Gallery in exchange for a ritual text. Magistrates are quick to point out that this is very, very illegal and any found out to be engaging with the Whisper Gallery on this will almost certainly be executed.

Sweet Memories (Apeiron)

The Conclave's decision to declare enmity against Apeiron has raised a few eyebrows among those who know something of the denizens of the Night realm. The Porcelain Spider is not an eternal known to have been recently active within the Empire, and the declaration was made before anyone involved in the decision had spoken to it or learned what it might want. Quite what the enmity is intended to achieve, or what Apeiron might make of it, remains to be seen.

Lashonar is one of those denizens of the Night realm who has taken an interest. The Eater-of-Silence has a tenuous connection to this mysterious eternal, but its curiosity is less about the Lady of Quiet Succour itself and more about the Empire's apparent willingness to make an enemy of the entity without first attempting a conversation. Lashonar is, after all, a great believer in the power of communication. It may take the opportunity to discuss some of the eternals who are not currently active in the Empire, and the difficulty of knowing what such beings are up to when nobody is speaking to them. The Archmage of Night might be encouraged to send a plenipotentiary to Apeiron, if only to find out what it has to say - for better or worse.

Sadogua has rather more personal reasons to be interested. The Toad King has recently been visited by entities supposedly associated with Apeiron, and the experience has not been entirely to his benefit. Rather understandably, Globbersnotch is being a little guarded about exactly who and what they are, what they want, and whether this eternal has anything to do with their meddlesome activities. A plenipotentiary might provide some answers, although whether Apeiron would be inclined to give them is another matter.

For the moment, neither Lashonar nor Sadogua can offer much certainty about Apeiron's intentions. The declaration has, however, brought attention to an eternal about whom the Empire knows relatively little, and there may be some value in finding out more before deciding what to do next.

Winter

A Queen's Rose (Skathe)

• Skathe has offered a bounty for anyone able to curse the Knight-protector of Winter
• The Baroness of all Pains seeks implements bonded to those who have cursed Lady Aletheia of the Twisted Rose

Last season, Skathe made a demand request of the Knight-protector of Winter to kill the Servants of the Burnt. The effort was unsuccessful, and all but one of the heralds of Surut survived to escape the Barrens. The Sublime Enchantrix, the herald of the Giver of Gifts who issued the demand petition, visits the Castle of Thorns to make a request of magicians with an appreciation for how a suitable curse can change the world.

During the Autumn Equinox, any performance of Tribute to the Thrice Cursed Court that targets an implement which is bonded to someone who has contributed to a ritual to place a curse on Lady Aletheia of the Twisted Rose will receive additional attention from the Maiden of Broken Mirrors. They will still receive the heart's blood that is promised, but they will also receive a small token before the Winter Solstice, a focus that helps them cast powerful curses, in gratitude for their efforts to see that a lesson is learnt

Strangely, Catena of Urizen is specifically called out. If Catena sends an implement she is bonded to, after she contributed to a ritual to curse the Knight-protector of Winter, then her time in the Bleak Oubliette will be one season shorter.

Call to Arms (Tharim)

• Tharim's legion of Ashen Knights remains camped outside of Vorota
• The legion has begun to fortify their encampment
• The Bound King offers to provide a similar ritual that could replace the broken Clarion Call of Ivory and Dust
• Conclave would need a suitable Declaration of Concord recognising that Claudia Varkulova Remislav deserves to be the Chosen of Tharim
• Eevi of the Gadrai would need to provide the Imperial Necromancer with an acceptable apology

The roiling tempest of Tharim has calmed somewhat over the past season. He is still furious that both Surut and Skathe continue to be welcomed by the Conclave, but at least it is no longer a crime for a mortal to be chosen by the Bound King. His legion of Ashen Knights remains camped outside of Vorota, indeed, they have begun to fortify their camp with palisades and black-iron chains. The Ashen Knights still refuse to answer why they are here, of all places, maintaining their stoic, monosyllabic, utterly unhelpful answers.

Chainwright, one of the King-in-Chains heralds, presents an offer from Tharim on the loss of Clarion Call of Ivory and Dust. He would be more than happy to aid his friends in the Empire and can provide an arcane projection to Claudia Varkulova Remislav if the cost is acceptable to the Conclave and the Synod. First, the Conclave would need to pass a Declaration of Concord recognising Claudia Varkulova Remislav as the Hand of the Bound King, the Keeper of Tharim's Throne, and the Chosen of Stoneheart. It is by no means an Imperial title; Claudia Varkulova Remislav can continue to serve as the Imperial Necromancer for as long as she chooses. Tharim's only wish is that the Conclave publicly acknowledge that Claudia deserves to sit at the right hand of the King-in-Chains. There must be no more sordid accusations by pen-pushers and those who might grow envious of Claudia's status.

Second, the priest who raised the original proscription that saw the status of chosen come under scrutiny, Eevi of the Gadrai, would need to issue some kind of apology that was acceptable to Claudia. The Bound King leaves it to Claudia to decide what form the apology must take, but he will not provide the projection until Claudia assures him that she has granted the priest forgiveness for the foolishness.

Finally, the assurance on the ritual would be broken if the Empire ever moved to make it illegal to be the Chosen of Tharim (or indeed any other regent of the realms for that matter). A King must have courtiers; it is beyond acceptable that any mortal might think to limit who might serve the Bound King. Provided none of the political bodies of the Empire tried to make it illegal to be chosen by an eternal, then the ritual would continue to function. The resulting ritual would work in a similar way to Clarion Call of Ivory and Dust: a magnitude 20 Winter ritual that would call Tharim's Ashen Knights to support the military unit whilst on campaign.

Buried Alive (Mitwold)

Accessibility and Content Warning This encounter will involve claustrophobia and, due to its nature, is unsuitable for participants who would struggle with navigating narrow spaces and potentially crawling over or under things.

• This is a combat unlikely encounter
• William Guildenstern is responsible for recovering the artefact

Imperial prognosticators spent a few weeks confused as to why there might be a four-person conjunction to a cave in Oddmire, Mitwold. Clarity is achieved when Figaro, herald of Tharim, travelled to Anvil to inform them that the bearer of the last of the items unearthed by a conjunction of the Key from the Pale Chain met their untimely demise by getting trapped there while taking shelter from inclement weather and loyal beaters. Apparently, the King-in-Chains has been collecting these items and is keen to acquire the last of them. Stoneheart has suggested that William Guildenstern will understand the nature of them and how to make sure they reach him.