380YE Spring Equinox winds of fortune

Latest revision as of 12:06, 26 November 2019

A wet Autumn, and now a cold Winter. Spring cannot come soon enough.

Overview

Over the past three months, several events have occurred which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. You can also read about the progress of the Empire's military campaigns here.

In each case. we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations, or political bodies, to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place and very little happens in isolation.

Ian Horne has recorded a slightly tongue-in-cheek summary of the Winds of Fortune in audio form here.

Across the Seven Seas

Navarr, Varushka (but see below)

A magical enchantment has settled on ships belonging to Navarr and Varushkan captains, leading them into dangerous situations but rewarding them with marvellous booty. You can learn about these supernatural adventures here. Note: Magicians and captains of other nations may also wish to take a look at this section which details an extended opportunity related to the peculiar scrolls the heralds of the Summer realm were distributing at the Winter Solstice.

Blossoms a Rose in the Deeps of My Heart

Imperial Conclave; artists and entertainers; Night magicians; priests

The eternal Janon has opened up a regio in the woodlands of Astolat and invited Imperial citizens to visit it there. By opening the portal at the heart of a regio, rather than allowing access via the Hall of the Worlds, the eternal is making it possible for mundanes as well as magicians to meet with it. The eternal known as the Shadowed Flame is a creature of passionate intensity, and it is possible that the night may become a little wild. You can learn more about this opportunity here.

The Courageous Priest

Imperial Synod; Highguard; potentially League, Dawn, and Navarr

The preacher Golan continues to spread his teaching about the First Empress and the primary importance of the virtue of Courage across Highguard and potentially beyond. Despite the efforts of the priests Yael and Nina, the Courage of the First Empress movement continues to gather strength. You can learn all about the developments here.

Dark Skies

Imperial Conclave; Urizen; the League (Holberg), the Imperial Orcs and Wintermark (Skarsind)

Three celestial phenomena of note are described. The new star trailing behind the Wanderer; the fading of the Phoenix; and the empty skies over Holberg and Skarsind. You can learn about these phenomena and their implications here.

A Fundamental Struggle (Trade Winds)

Imperial Senate; Imperial Synod; shipowners of every nation

The Empire does not exist in isolation; it shares the world stage with five great nations of similar power, and has a handful of neighbours whose interests often impact or intertwine with its own. You can learn about the state of trade between the Empire - and a little bit about the international political situation - here.

Handful of Magic

the Brass Coast and Urizen; Varushka and the Marches; the League (Tassato); and everyone interacting with the Bay of Catazar

A roundup of magical or unusual effects across the Empire including storms and magical life-giving waters in the Brass Coast and Urizen; a rash of strange births in the Marches and Varushka; fog on the brine; warped skies; and a crumbling castle. You can learn more about these phenomena here.

Of Tribute

Imperial Conclave (among others)

Following the opportunity to offer tribute to a number of the eternals of the winter realm, heralds of the Bound King have delivered news of the boons secured by the various people invited to treat with them. You can learn about these supernatural boons here.

Reclaimers

the League

The angry trees that have been assaulting Holberg for the last year have finally settled back into immobility again. Now, the civil service has been able to assemble a number of opportunities to deal with the damage done by the long occupation and the liberation. You can learn about these opportunities here.

The Sack of Sarvos

the League; the Imperial Synod

The Grendel orcs have invaded the southernmost League city of Sarvos, and appear to be engaged in wide-spread and well-coordinated pillaging. You can learn about what the occupation means for the Empire here.

Seven Lords of Virtue

Imperial Senate; the Brass Coast, the League, Urizen

The Asavean Plenum (the government of the Asavean Archipelago]] has placed a formal petition before the Imperial Senate asking for permission to construct a temple on the Bay of Catazar. In return, they will invite the Empire to build a temple dedicated to the Seven Lords of Virtue in Nemoria. While the petition has been placed before the Senate, the Plenum appears fascinated by the implications of the civilian commissioners created during the winter Solstice ... You can learn about this opportunity here.

Snow and Rain

the League, the Brass Coast, the Marches, Imperial Orcs, Wintermark (Skarsind)

The recent winter has been especially harsh for the Empire, and now the Spring is shaping up to be just as difficult. Following the failure of the Marcher harvest last year, the heavy snow and freezing winds have made for a dreadful season especially in Skarsind where starvation has been a real possibility. Now the snow is melting ... leading to the threat of serious flooding in the southern Empire. It's not all bad - but for those citizens who live near the banks of the Vassa and the Scorrero in particular, there may be difficult (or rewarding) times ahead. You can learn all about this problem here.

Strange Fruit

Imperial Synod; the Brass Coast

The Imperial Synod has been active in Segura, dealing with the problems caused by the presence of the Hierro clan orcs. That situation appears to have changed significantly over the last season. You can learn about the developments here.

A Throne of Blood

Wintermark; Imperial Orcs

Thane Dogri Thulebane continues to occupy Crow's Ridge in Skarsind. The efforts of the Wintermark assembly to remove him have largely been unsuccessful. As the Spring Equinox draws near, he offers an invitation to treat with him to a select few. You can learn about this opportunity here.

Tree of Ice (Conjunction)

any magician

An astronomantic conjunction of the Fountain heralds a significant effect on any magician who relies on the power of their magic to heal, purify, restore, or purge the ailments of their allies. It also has profound implications for covens who favour healing rituals - or those rituals that taint and sicken. You can learn about the effects of this conjunction here

Up On Whittle Hill

The Marches

An isolated village in Freemoor reaches out to their cousins in the Marches after thirty years of separation. They have endured much, but now they seek to reconnect with the Empire. You can learn more about the village of Whittle here.

Ongoing Events and Resolutions

This is a roundup of ongoing events. Many Winds of Fortune have a "resolution" entry which indicates the outcome of the events described - especially those that offered opportunities for the Imperial Senate or imperial Synod. We generally only call out the ones that we think are especially relevant in this section.

Golden Trumpets

Imperial Conclave

The eternal Meraud's challenge to the magicians of the Empire (which you can read about here is still ongoing but is due to end after the Spring Equinox. The rare opportunity for magicians to impress the Summer Archmage and win a potent boon from him requires the performance of the most powerful arcane projection. At the moment, agents of the Golden Wizard have declared that the current front runners are ritual covens from the Urizen Auric Horizon and Echostorm spire who performed a day magic effect of the fiftieth magnitude called Peerless Tracking of the Malevolent Magery.

Delayed diplomacy

Imperial Senate, Brass Coast

Due to the severe weather in Casinea during the Winter Solstice, several diplomatic delegations (including those from the Druj, Thule, Axou, Faraden, Iron Confederacy, and even the Freeborn hakima) were unable to attend. The dreadful wind caused these delegations to break their journey and wait for another appropriate time to turn up. It is believed that these delegations will attend during the Spring Equinox. You can find some details of some of these delegations here, here, and here.

Frozen Mithril

Wintermark, Imperial Bourse

In response to an opportunity to create a new mithril mine in Sermersuaq, the Imperial Senate has ordered work to begin as soon as possible. The new Bourse resource should be completed in time for the Autumn Equinox.

A selection of public works

Imperial Synod, Imperial Military Council, the Marches, Wintermark, Imperial Orcs, Navarr

During the Winter Solstice, the Imperial Senate resolved to take advantage of a significant number of opportunities to improve specific territories. In Kallavesa for example the Senate decided to begin construction on both a major shrine dedicated to the memory of Empress Britta and a great work design to encourage pilgrims to visit the marshes where so many Wintermark heroes are laid to rest.

In Skarsind the Senate has commissioned a ministry to encourage human miners to work the rich mines of Gulhule. They have also resolved to open trading offices and trading posts in Skarsind and Hercynia to begin establishing the "crossroads of the north."

Work has also begun on a second fortification in Mournwold, taking advantage of the opportunity presented by the capture of a partially completed Jotun fortification. The project is likely to be completed shortly before the Summer Solstice - assuming the Empire retains control of the construction site.

Hearth Tithe

The Marches, Wintermark

During the Autumn Equinox 379YE, both the Wintermark and Marcher assemblies threw their support behind the reintroduction of the Hearth Tithe. The Wintermark assembly named Ealstan of Stormspire to encourage the reintroduction of the practice, while the Marcher Assembly named James Appleseeder of Upwold. As a consequence, for the next year. every farm in the Marches and Wintermark will set aside a plot of land to grow medicinal herbs to help the war against the Jotun. Every farm produces a little less money, but provides the owner with useful herbs. You can learn more about the effects of the Hearth Tithe here.

Crows and Colleges

Imperial Conclave, Imperial Military Council, Varushka

Following the peace treaty agreed with the Thule, several opportunities rose for the Imperial Senate to commission special projects in Varushka. As the Spring Equinox draws near, work is completed on the program of public works designed to rebuild the roads of Karsk. With the completion of this great work, all mines and forests in the territory of Karsk have received a boost to their productivity. Perhaps just as importantly, the Varushkan nation is now able to fully support a third Imperial army. With that in mind, the long process of mustering the new Iron Helm army has begun in Karsk and if it continues at the current rate will likely be completed in time for Winter.

Progress on the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun in Volchitrava appears to have stalled, however. While a Summer regio has been raised with the patronage of Cathan Canae, the actual construction of the college is no farther forward. Likewise, while construction has begun in Mieriada on the Hearth of the Tempest, it is not clear how much progress has been made - it is not believed to be operating as a college of spring magic at this time.

Vyig resources

the League

As mentioned here, in the confusion caused by the dreadful weather during the Anvil summit, the planned auction of vyig assets did not go ahead. It has been rescheduled for Spring 380YE.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{CaptionedImage|file=Contains_Rain.jpg||align=left|width=350|caption=A wet Autumn, and now a cold Winter. Spring cannot come soon enough.}}
 ==Overview==
+Over the past three months, several events have occurred which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. You can also read about the progress of the Empire's military campaigns [[379YE Winter Solstice winds of war|here]].
+In each case. we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations, or political bodies, to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place and very little happens in isolation.
+Ian Horne has recorded a slightly tongue-in-cheek summary of the Winds of Fortune in audio form [https://soundcloud.com/winds-of-war-fortune/winds-of-fortune-spring-380ye here].
+===Across the Seven Seas===
+* Navarr, Varushka (but see below)
+A magical [[enchantment]] has settled on [[fleet|ships]] belonging to Navarr and Varushkan captains, leading them into dangerous situations but rewarding them with marvellous booty. You can learn about these supernatural adventures [[Across the seven seas|here]].
+'''Note:''' Magicians and captains of other nations may also wish to take a look at [[Across the seven seas#Participation|this section]] which details an extended opportunity related to the peculiar scrolls the heralds of the Summer realm were distributing at the Winter Solstice.
+===''Blossoms a Rose in the Deeps of My Heart''===
+* Imperial Conclave; artists and entertainers; Night magicians; priests
+The eternal [[Janon]] has opened up a [[regio]] in the woodlands of [[Astolat]] and invited Imperial citizens to visit it there. By opening the portal at the heart of a regio, rather than allowing access via the Hall of the Worlds, the eternal is making it possible for mundanes as well as [[Magical_skills#Magician|magicians]] to meet with it. The eternal known as the ''Shadowed Flame'' is a creature of passionate intensity, and it is possible that the night may become a little wild. You can learn more about this opportunity [[Blossoms a rose in the deeps of my heart|here]].
+===The Courageous Priest===
+* Imperial Synod; Highguard; potentially League, Dawn, and Navarr
+The preacher Golan continues to spread his teaching about the [[First Empress]] and the primary importance of the virtue of [[Courage]] across [[Highguard]] and potentially beyond. Despite the efforts of the priests Yael and Nina, the ''Courage of the First Empress'' movement continues to gather strength. You can learn all about the developments [[The Courageous Priest|here]].
+===Dark Skies===
+* Imperial Conclave; Urizen; the League (Holberg), the Imperial Orcs and Wintermark (Skarsind)
+Three celestial phenomena of note are described. The new star trailing behind [[the Wanderer]]; the fading of [[the Phoenix]]; and the empty skies over [[Holberg]] and [[Skarsind]]. You can learn about these phenomena and their implications [[Dark skies|here]].
+===A Fundamental Struggle (Trade Winds)===
+* Imperial Senate; Imperial Synod; [[fleet|shipowners]] of every nation
+The Empire does not exist in isolation; it shares the world stage with five great nations of similar power, and has a handful of neighbours whose interests often impact or intertwine with its own. You can learn about the state of trade between the Empire - and a little bit about the international political situation - [[A fundamental struggle (Trade Winds)|here]].
+===Handful of Magic===
+* the Brass Coast and Urizen; Varushka and the Marches; the League (Tassato); and everyone interacting with the Bay of Catazar
+A roundup of magical or unusual effects across the Empire including storms and magical life-giving waters in [[the Brass Coast]] and [[Urizen]]; a rash of strange births in [[the Marches]] and [[Varushka]]; fog on the brine; warped skies; and a crumbling castle. You can learn more about these phenomena [[Handful of magic|here]].
+===Of Tribute===
+* Imperial Conclave (among others)
+Following the opportunity to offer [[A fine and private place|tribute]] to a number of the eternals of the winter realm, heralds of the [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Tharim|Bound King]] have delivered news of the boons secured by the various people invited to treat with them. You can learn about these supernatural boons [[Of tribute|here]].
+===Reclaimers===
+* the League
+The [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees|angry trees]] that have been assaulting [[Holberg]] for the last year have finally settled back into immobility again. Now, the civil service has been able to assemble a number of [[opportunity|opportunities]] to deal with the damage done by the long occupation and the liberation. You can learn about these opportunities [[Reclaimers|here]].
+===The Sack of Sarvos===
+* the League; the Imperial Synod
+The [[Grendel]] [[orc|orcs]] have invaded the southernmost [[the League|League]] city of [[Sarvos]], and appear to be engaged in wide-spread and well-coordinated [[Army_qualities#Foraging|pillaging]]. You can learn about what the occupation means for the Empire [[The sack of Sarvos|here]].
+===Seven Lords of Virtue===
+* Imperial Senate; the Brass Coast, the League, Urizen
+The [[Asavean Archipelago|Asavean]] Plenum (the government of the Asavean Archipelago]] has placed a formal petition before the [[Imperial Senate]] asking for permission to construct a temple on the Bay of Catazar. In return, they will invite the Empire to build a temple dedicated to the Seven Lords of Virtue in [[Asavean_Archipelago_ports#Nemoria|Nemoria]]. While the petition has been placed before the Senate, the Plenum appears fascinated by the implications of the [[Create_titles_of_Civilian_Commissioners|civilian commissioners]] created during the winter Solstice ... You can learn about this opportunity [[Seven lords of virtue|here]].
+===Snow and Rain===
+* the League, the Brass Coast, the Marches, Imperial Orcs, Wintermark (Skarsind)
+The recent winter has been especially harsh for the Empire, and now the Spring is shaping up to be just as difficult. Following the [[March on their belly|failure of the Marcher harvest]] last year, the heavy snow and freezing winds have made for a dreadful season especially in [[Skarsind]] where starvation has been a real possibility. Now the snow is melting ... leading to the threat of serious flooding in the southern Empire. It's not all bad - but for those citizens who live near the banks of the Vassa and the Scorrero in particular, there may be difficult (or rewarding) times ahead. You can learn all about this problem [[Snow and rain|here]].
+===Strange Fruit===
+* Imperial Synod; the Brass Coast
+The [[Imperial Synod]] has been active in [[Segura]], dealing with the problems caused by the presence of the Hierro clan [[orc|orcs]]. That situation appears to have changed significantly over the last season. You can learn about the developments [[Strange fruit|here]].
+===A Throne of Blood===
+* Wintermark; Imperial Orcs
+Thane Dogri Thulebane [[Falcon in winter|continues]] to occupy [[Skarsind#Crow's Ridge|Crow's Ridge]] in [[Skarsind]]. The efforts of the Wintermark assembly to remove him have largely been unsuccessful. As the Spring Equinox draws near, he offers an invitation to treat with him to a select few. You can learn about this opportunity [[A throne of blood|here]].
+===Tree of Ice (Conjunction)===
+* any magician
+An [[astronomancy|astronomantic]] conjunction of [[the Fountain]] heralds a significant effect on any magician who relies on the power of their magic to [[heal]], [[purify]], [[restore limb|restore]], or [[purge]] the ailments of their allies. It also has profound implications for [[Coven#Covens|covens]] who favour healing rituals - or those rituals that taint and sicken. You can learn about the effects of this conjunction [[Tree of ice (conjunction)|here]]
+===Up On Whittle Hill===
+* The Marches
+An isolated village in [[Mournwold#Freemoor|Freemoor]] reaches out to their cousins in [[the Marches]] after thirty years of separation. They have endured much, but now they seek to reconnect with the Empire. You can learn more about the village of Whittle [[Up on Whittle Hill|here]].
+==Ongoing Events and Resolutions==
+This is a roundup of ongoing events. Many Winds of Fortune have a "resolution" entry which indicates the outcome of the events described - especially those that offered [[opportunity|opportunities]] for the [[Imperial Senate]] or [[imperial Synod]]. We generally only call out the ones that we think are especially relevant in this section.
+===Golden Trumpets===
+* Imperial Conclave
+The eternal [[Meraud]]'s challenge to the magicians of the Empire (which you can read about [[Golden Trumpets|here]] is still ongoing but is due to end after the Spring Equinox. The rare opportunity for magicians to impress the Summer Archmage and win a potent boon from him requires the performance of the most powerful [[Spontaneous_magic#Arcane_Projection|arcane projection]]. At the moment, agents of the Golden Wizard have declared that the current front runners are ritual covens from the [[Urizen]] Auric Horizon and Echostorm spire who performed a [[day magic]] effect of the fiftieth magnitude called ''Peerless Tracking of the Malevolent Magery''.
+===Delayed diplomacy===
+* Imperial Senate, Brass Coast
+Due to the severe weather in [[Casinea]] during the Winter Solstice, several diplomatic delegations (including those from the [[Druj]], [[Thule]], [[Axos|Axou]], [[Faraden]], [[Iron Confederacy]], and even the Freeborn [[hakima]]) were unable to attend. The dreadful wind caused these delegations to break their journey and wait for another appropriate time to turn up. It is believed that these delegations will attend during the Spring Equinox. You can find some details of some of these delegations [[Long roads to ruin|here]], [[Road_to_Bramar|here]], and [[Whispering wind|here]].
+===Frozen Mithril===
+* Wintermark, Imperial Bourse
+In response to an opportunity to create a [[black and white|new mithril mine]] in Sermersuaq, the Imperial Senate has [[Construct_mithril_mine|ordered]] work to begin as soon as possible. The new Bourse resource should be completed in time for the Autumn Equinox.
+===A selection of public works===
+* Imperial Synod, Imperial Military Council, the Marches, Wintermark, Imperial Orcs, Navarr
+During the Winter Solstice, the Imperial Senate resolved to take advantage of a significant number of [[opportunity|opportunities]] to improve specific territories. In [[Kallavesa]] for example the Senate decided to begin construction on both a [[Construct_shrine_to_Britta|major shrine]] dedicated to the memory of [[Empress Britta]] and a [[great work]] design to [[Construct_Pilgrim's_Trail|encourage pilgrims]] to visit the marshes where so many Wintermark heroes are laid to rest.
+In [[Skarsind]] the Senate has commissioned a [[ministry]] to [[Construct_Mines_of_Gulhule|encourage human miners]] to work the rich mines of Gulhule. They have also resolved to open [[Construct_Glen_of_Shadows_Trading_Office|trading offices]] and [[Construct Torfast Trading Post|trading posts]] in Skarsind and [[Hercynia]] to begin establishing the "[[The_worth_of_a_life#Crossroads_of_the_North|crossroads of the north]]."
+Work has also begun on a second fortification in [[Mournwold]], taking advantage of the opportunity presented by the capture of a partially completed [[Jotun]] [[fortification]]. The [[Fortify_the_Ore_Hills|project]] is likely to be completed shortly before the Summer Solstice - assuming the Empire retains control of the construction site.
+===Hearth Tithe===
+* The Marches, Wintermark
+During the Autumn Equinox 379YE, both the [[Wintermark]] and [[The Marches|Marcher]] assemblies threw their support behind the reintroduction of the [[Hearth Tithe]]. The Wintermark assembly named Ealstan of Stormspire to encourage the reintroduction of the practice, while the Marcher Assembly named James Appleseeder of [[Upwold]]. As a consequence, for the next year. every farm in [[the Marches]] and Wintermark will set aside a plot of land to grow medicinal herbs to help the war against the [[Jotun]]. Every farm produces a little less money, but provides the owner with useful herbs. You can learn more about the effects of the Hearth Tithe [[Hearth Tithe#Significance|here]].
+===Crows and Colleges===
+* Imperial Conclave, Imperial Military Council, Varushka
+Following the [[Accept Thule peace treaty|peace treaty]] agreed with the [[Thule]], several [[Crow on the cradle|opportunities]] rose for the [[Imperial Senate]] to [[commission]] special projects in [[Varushka]]. As the Spring Equinox draws near, work is completed on the program of public works designed to [[rebuild the roads of Karsk]]. With the completion of this [[great work]], all [[mine|mines]] and [[forest|forests]] in the [[territory]] of [[Karsk]] have received a boost to their productivity. Perhaps just as importantly, the Varushkan nation is now able to fully support a third [[Imperial army]]. With that in mind, the long process of [[Raise Varushkan army|mustering]] the new Iron Helm army has begun in Karsk and if it continues at the current rate will likely be completed in time for Winter.
+Progress on the [[Construct_College_of_Summer_Magic|Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun]] in [[Miekarova#Volchitrava|Volchitrava]] appears to have stalled, however. While a Summer [[regio]] has been raised with the patronage of [[Cathan Canae]], the actual construction of the college is no farther forward. Likewise, while construction has begun in [[Miekarova#Mieriada|Mieriada]] on [[Construct_the_Hearth_of_the_Tempest|the Hearth of the Tempest]], it is not clear how much progress has been made - it is not believed to be operating as a [[College of Magic|college]] of [[spring magic]] at this time.
+===Vyig resources===
+* the League
+As mentioned [[A_long_good-bye#Resolution|here]], in the confusion caused by the dreadful weather during the Anvil summit, the planned auction of vyig assets did not go ahead. It has been rescheduled for Spring 380YE.
+<!--
+==Archive==
+'''This material is temporary and will be removed when the Spring Winds of Fortune are published.'''<br>
 The Spring Equinox winds of fortune will come out shortly before the next event. However, there are a number of significant things arising from the Winter Solstice that will affect players' Downtime actions, primarily effects on personal resources.
@@ Line 6: / Line 112: @@
 If you have any problems with your downtime you should send an e-mail to: [mailto:empire.plot@profounddecisions.co.uk empire.plot@profounddecisions.co.uk]
-Without futher ado, then.
+Without further ado, then.
 ==Military concerns==
@@ Line 19: / Line 125: @@
 ===Commonwealth tariffs===
-The [[Commonwealth]] are making a show of checking every Imperial ship for slaves. There are claims that the Empire is ''obviously'' [[Construct_College_of_the_Liberated|buying slaves]] from [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]], and the decision to[[Abrogate_Asavean_trade_ban|remove]] the [[Outlaw_Asavean_bourse_material_trade|short-lived trade embargo]] against "blood granite" has done little to dispel this perception.
+The [[Commonwealth]] are making a show of checking every Imperial ship for slaves. There are claims that the Empire is ''obviously'' [[Construct_College_of_the_Liberated|buying slaves]] from [[Principalities of Jarm|Jarm]], and the decision to [[Abrogate_Asavean_trade_ban|remove]] the [[Outlaw_Asavean_bourse_material_trade|short-lived trade embargo]] against "blood granite" has done little to dispel this perception.
-This means that the existing tariffs restricting trade in the Commonwealth have been expanded to include all goods traded through Leerdam and Volkavar.
+This means that the existing tariffs restricting trade in the Commonwealth have been expanded to include all goods traded through Leerdam and Volkavaar.
 ===Jarmish politics===
@@ Line 39: / Line 145: @@
 ==Dawnish crusade==
-Of particular interest to our [[Dawn|Dawnish]] players, the national assembly of the Synod has raised and [[Crusade#Crusade|secured a judgement] in support of the Dawnish conquest of [[the Barrens]]. As a consequence, any Dawnish military unit that gets involved in the Barrens crusade by supporting the [[The_Barrens#Towers_of_the_Dawn|Towers of the Dawn]] fortification or fighting alongside the [[Dawn_military_concerns#The_Golden_Sun|Golden Sun]] Imperial army receives the ''Glorious Crusade'' effect providing them a significant increase to their fighting strength.
+Of particular interest to our [[Dawn|Dawnish]] players, the national assembly of the Synod has raised and [[Crusade#Crusade|secured a judgement]] in support of the Dawnish conquest of [[the Barrens]]. As a consequence, any Dawnish military unit that gets involved in the Barrens crusade by supporting the [[The_Barrens#Towers_of_the_Dawn|Towers of the Dawn]] fortification or fighting alongside the [[Dawn_military_concerns#The_Golden_Sun|Golden Sun]] Imperial army receives the ''Glorious Crusade'' effect providing them a significant increase to their fighting strength.
 Conversely, any Dawnish military unit that does anything ''else'' receives the ''Scorn of the Troubadours'' effect which reduces their effective fighting strength. This applies to the calculations to determine the outcome of a military campaign; to the loot secured with paid work; and to Guerdon shares received by Dawnish military units. This penalty ''does'' apply to Dawnish military units supporting the [[Construct_Barrens_Spy_Network|Barrens spy network]] unfortunately.
@@ Line 48: / Line 154: @@
 The situation with [[Conviction|preacher Golan]] in [[Reikos]] has continued to deteriorate. Despite the [[Conviction#Resolution|efforts of the Synod]], Golan has not stopped preaching his divisive sermons about the First Empress.
-As a consequence, Golan's firey rhetoric has spread to the rest of [[Highguard]]. As a result, any [[congregation]] in Highguard belonging to a character dedicated to [[Courage]] is receiving a ''major'' boost to attendance which is reflected in a similar increase in votes in the Synod and [[liao]]. At the same time, every ''other'' Highguard congregation is seeing a decline in attendance and thus receives a ''minor'' penalty resulting in fewer votes and less liao.
+As a consequence, Golan's fiery rhetoric has spread to the rest of [[Highguard]]. As a result, any [[congregation]] in Highguard belonging to a character dedicated to [[Courage]] is receiving a ''major'' boost to attendance which is reflected in a similar increase in votes in the Synod and [[liao]]. At the same time, every ''other'' Highguard congregation is seeing a decline in attendance and thus receives a ''minor'' penalty resulting in fewer votes and less liao.
-==Howling winter in [[Skarsind]]==
+==Marcher food prices==
-The northern Empire is having a cold winter anyway ... but nowhere is it colder than Skarsind. The new homeland of the [[Imperial Orcs]] has an ''atrocious'' winter, one of the coldest and storm-wracked of recent memory. The effects hit the [[farm]] owners worst; they need to break open their stockpiles just to keep alive through the bitter, bitter winter. The mechanical effect is that the production for farms in Skarind is halved during the coming winter.
+The Marches has largely recovered from the curse that [[March on their belly|struck them in Autumn]], but the repercussions of that event are far from done. With the breadbasket of the Empire dangerously tapped, the national assembly made a judgement that Marcher farmers should tighten their belts, and sell food to the Imperial army quartermasters at a price which means they are taking a significant loss. Coupled with the bitter Winter, this means that all Marcher-owned farms including those in Mournwold will produce half as much coin in the coming season.
+This sacrifice mitigates the lingering effects of the disastrous Marcher harvest. While the costs to run the Imperial armies are still heightened, the status quo should be restored by the end of the the Spring Equinox.
+==Howling winter in Skarsind==
+The northern Empire is having a cold winter anyway ... but nowhere is it colder than [[Skarsind]]. The new homeland of the [[Imperial Orcs]] has an ''atrocious'' winter, one of the coldest and storm-wracked of recent memory. The effects hit the [[farm]] owners worst; they need to break open their stockpiles just to keep alive through the bitter, bitter winter. The mechanical effect is that the production for farms in Skarsind is halved during the coming winter.
 Roleplaying wise, the bad winter means that orcs and Winterfolk alike will struggle through the next three months, both with the weather and with the illness and general malaise that accompanies it.
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 This means that, when they engage in privateering or trade with a foreign port, the ships of these nations have ... adventures! Adventures that lead to booty! The purely mechanical effect is that these fleets gain additional random income, but the narrative effect is that all fleets from those nations who are not supporting a navy find themselves encountering strange obstacles - mist-shrouded islands not on any map inhabited by unliving courtiers; a disgruntled Night magician with a penchant for making people think they are pigs who must be wooed and shown the error of his ways; friendly dolphins who help lost sailors find fresh food and water on an island of marvellous ambergelt apple trees; angry independent pirates who must be faced down or outrun; ghost ships; leviathan whales that spew ambergris all over the deck of a ship; strange birds with gems set in their foreheads ... and so on. Within the confines of the Empire world you are free to make up your own stories.
-This effect comes from magic used at the last event. Due to the problems with the wind, we're extending the potence of the little scrolls used to create this magic. If you have one, please bring it to GOD at the next event and we will replace it with a proper one that has the right code on it and is less obviously been bodged together by a fat-fingered sleep-deprived fellow.
+This effect comes from magic used at the last event. Due to the problems with the wind, we're extending the potence of the little scrolls used to create this magic. If you have one, please bring it to GOD at the next event and we will replace it with a proper one that has the right code on it and is less obviously been bodged together by a fat-fingered sleep-deprived fellow. -->
-==Delayed diplomacy==
-One casualty of the weather were the diplomatic groups from the [[Druj]], [[Thule]], [[Axos|Axou]], [[Skoura|Skourans]], [[Faraden]], [[Iron Confederacy]], and the Freeborn [[hakima]]. We made the (hard) decision to pull them once it was clear just how bad the weather was getting and how many people were (sensibly) calling it quits. The IC explanation is that the teribble wind and rain that hit the Anvil area caused them all to break their journey and wait for another appropriate time to turn up. Obviously, this was not ideal, but an unfortunate consequence of the real-world situation.
-{{Category:380YE Spring Equinox winds of fortune}}
+[[Category:380YE Spring]] [[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]]