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The best records the Empire kept were destroyed by [[Emperor Nicovar]], and much of the early history of the Empire, and the history of the nations that preceded it, was lost. What documents and histories endure are kept in the personal histories and records of communities scattered across the Empire. The civil service works under the direction of the Senate, to recover knowledge that has been lost and to push back the boundaries of Imperial understanding of the past and the present. Finding specific information in the decentralised Imperial memory is a daunting task. Teams of people must spread out across the Empire to seek out lore buried in any of the countless personal libraries.
The best records the Empire kept were destroyed by [[Emperor Nicovar]], and much of the early history of the Empire, and the history of the nations that preceded it, was lost. What documents and histories endure are kept in the personal histories and records of communities scattered across the Empire. The civil service works under the direction of the Senate, to recover knowledge that has been lost and to push back the boundaries of Imperial understanding of the past and the present. Finding specific information in the decentralised Imperial memory is a daunting task. Teams of people must spread out across the Empire to seek out lore buried in any of the countless personal libraries.


The civil service has the resources to research up to two subjects each season. Prior to [[Bloody murder|the murderous events of 379YE]], the civil service was able to perform more research each season; the loss of so many experienced researchers significantly curtailed their ability to perform scholastic study.
Following the [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Retrain_Researchers|restructuring of the Department]] after the Winter Solstice 384YE, the civil service has the resources to research one subject each season. Prior to [[Bloody murder|the murderous events of 379YE]], the civil service was able to perform more research each season; the loss of so many experienced researchers significantly curtailed their ability to perform scholastic study.


Since the death of Empress Britta, the Senate devolved much of the responsibility for guiding historical research, creating individual titles - the [[Minister of Historical Research]]. the [[Dredgemaster of Feverwater]], and the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]]. The Dredgemaster [[Amend powers of Dredgemaster of Feverwater Winter 381YE|had this power removed]] during the Winter Solstice 381YE.
Since the death of Empress Britta, the Senate devolved much of the responsibility for guiding historical research, creating individual titles - the [[Minister of Historical Research]], the [[Dredgemaster of Feverwater]], [[Advisor on the Vallorn]], and the [[Imperial Advisor for the Feni]]. The Dredgemaster [[Amend powers of Dredgemaster of Feverwater Winter 381YE|had this power removed]] during the Winter Solstice 381YE, while the Advisors also lost this power during the changes mandated by [[A long December|restructuring]].


==Commissioning Historical Research==
==Commissioning Historical Research==
The power to direct the civil servants in the department of historical research lies with the Imperial Senate. Until recently, this power was employed by use of a [[senate motion]]. In recent years, senators have created three new [[Imperial title|Imperial titles]], who may all commission a piece of historical research using a [[senate announcement]]. The Advisor on the Vallorn may only announce one historical research, but the Minister may in theory make any number of announcements. In practice, since only two pieces of historical research can be conducted each season, whichever two subjects are announced first will be undertaken.
The power to direct the civil servants in the department of historical research lies with the Imperial Senate. Until recently, this power was employed by use of a [[senate motion]]. In recent years, senators have created three new [[Imperial title|Imperial titles]], who may all commission a piece of historical research using a [[senate announcement]]. Both the Advisor on the Vallorn and the Imperial Advisor for the Feni lost this power of during the [[385YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Amend_Historical_Research|Spring Equinox 385YE]]. The Minister of Historical Research may in theory make any number of announcements but since the [[384YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Retrain_Researchers|decision to retrain]] members of the Department as [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office|prognosticators]], the matter is moot. Whichever subject is announced first will be undertaken.


Regardless of how the power is employed, the thrust of the research should be clear. It is possible to commission broad research into a significant topic such as "the history of the Brass Coast" or "Exemplars of Pride", giving the civil service a free reign as to how to proceed. It is more common, however, to select a tight focus such as "the life of Myfanwy" or "the Crown of Three Tears".
Regardless of how the power is employed, the thrust of the research should be clear. It is possible to commission broad research into a significant topic such as "the history of the Brass Coast" or "Exemplars of Pride", giving the civil service a free reign as to how to proceed. It is more common, however, to select a tight focus such as "the life of Myfanwy" or "the Crown of Three Tears".
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The report will often include suggestions for where to take the research next, if there are any avenues of research left that the researchers believe might be beneficial, explaining the problems with uncovering more information, or presenting an [[opportunity]] for some action that might help move the research forward. If the researchers do not believe that any further work on a subject will provide additional useful information then they will report that.
The report will often include suggestions for where to take the research next, if there are any avenues of research left that the researchers believe might be beneficial, explaining the problems with uncovering more information, or presenting an [[opportunity]] for some action that might help move the research forward. If the researchers do not believe that any further work on a subject will provide additional useful information then they will report that.
 
<div style="width:500px; float: right;"><box>'''OOC Explanation:''' The downtime after a report is received, the contents will be added to the main wiki. Depending on the nature of the report this may mean a new page detailing the results of the research, or edits to an existing page. Any scholar is free to roleplay that they have received copies of the research document.</box></div>
==For the Benefit of the Empire==
==For the Benefit of the Empire==
During the season following the presentation of a historical research report, the civil service will make the contents available to any scholar who asks as well as dispatching copies of the report to libraries, universities, and colleges across the Empire. This is done to help ensure that the information discovered can never be lost again, and to expand the collective knowledge of the Empire.
During the season following the presentation of a historical research report, the civil service will make the contents available to any scholar who asks as well as dispatching copies of the report to libraries, universities, and colleges across the Empire. This is done to help ensure that the information discovered can never be lost again, and to expand the collective knowledge of the Empire.
<div style="width:500px; float: right;"><box>'''OOC Explanation:''' The downtime after a report is received, the contents will be added to the main wiki. Depending on the nature of the report this may mean a new page detailing the results of the research, or edits to an existing page. Any scholar is free to roleplay that they have received copies of the research document.</box></div>


==Dangers of Historical Research==
==Dangers of Historical Research==
Uncovering information about the past is not a safe occupation. The [[eternal|eternals]] known as the [[Whisper Gallery]] have shown that they are prepared to take extreme steps to interfere with historical research, for example, including [[Bloody murder|murdering civil servants]]. The [[Imperial Conclave]] has placed them under [[Amity and enmity#Enmity|enmity]], but this does nothing to prevent their mortal associates causing trouble for the department of historical research. The Senate treasury pays a significant amount of money into a fund to protect civil servants associated with the department, but sometimes a project is too dangerous for them to explore directly. In this case, they may call on the citizen with the appropriate Imperial title to undertake dangerous actions, or request additional materials that they cannot acquire themselves.
Uncovering information about the past is not a safe occupation. The [[eternal|eternals]] known as the [[Whisper Gallery]] have shown that they are prepared to take extreme steps to interfere with historical research, for example, including [[Bloody murder|murdering civil servants]]. The [[Imperial Conclave]] has placed them under [[Amity and enmity#Enmity|enmity]], but this does nothing to prevent their mortal associates causing trouble for the department of historical research. The Senate treasury once paid a significant amount of money into a fund to protect civil servants associated with the department, but [[A_long_December#The_Fucking_Whisper_Gallery|Ris Steelfist]], one of the bodyguards funded by the Senate, presented a proposal that saw private citizens fund the defence of the department. Sometimes a project is too dangerous for them to explore directly. In this case, they may call on the citizen with the appropriate Imperial title to undertake dangerous actions, or request additional materials that they cannot acquire themselves.


Citizens who hold one of the titles associated with historical research should be aware that they are potential targets not only for the Whisper Gallery but for other secretive organisations that have a vested interest in preventing discovery of historical information in general, or specific to whatever is being researched.
Citizens who hold one of the titles associated with historical research should be aware that they are potential targets not only for the Whisper Gallery but for other secretive organisations that have a vested interest in preventing discovery of historical information in general, or specific to whatever is being researched.
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==The Department of Historical Research==
==The Department of Historical Research==
The department of historical research is ultimately overseen by the Imperial Archivist, Leontes the Scribe, who is a member of the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court|Constitutional Court]].  He is said to be a notoriously curmudgeonly individual whose deep knowledge of the history of humanity has left him with a perpetually dismal view of it. The day to day running of the department defaults to the most senior scholars, each of which in turn directs the remaining handful of researchers, scribes, and investigators. As of the Autumn Equinox 381YE, there are two senior researchers in the department. Each is a veteran civil servant and respected scholar of Imperial history.
The department of historical research is ultimately overseen by the Imperial Archivist, Leontes the Scribe, who is a member of the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional Court|Constitutional Court]].  He is said to be a notoriously curmudgeonly individual whose deep knowledge of the history of humanity has left him with a perpetually dismal view of it. The day to day running of the department defaults to the most senior scholars, each of which in turn directs the remaining handful of researchers, scribes, and investigators. As of the Autumn Equinox 381YE, there are two senior researchers in the department. Each is a veteran civil servant and respected scholar of Imperial history.
===Rosalind Friedlin von Holberg===
===Snowstorm Henk===
A graduate and former professor at the University of Holberg, Rosalind is also a veteran of the Druj occupation, and an expert in pre-Nicovar Imperial history. She has extensive contacts among - and some influence over - the various Imperial centres of learning. Rosalind encourages researchers to adopt a detached, academic style with their studies and prefers them to include plenty of references to existing Imperial scholarship.
The first [[Imperial Orcs|Imperial Orc]] member of the Department, Snowstorm Henk, is a young academic who has an extensive interest in lost Imperial artifacts. He takes a "hands on" approach to research, often dragging himself and his team into dangerous situations such as when he [[Delver_of_the_Depths#Exploration_of_the_Sinkhole|undertook an expedition]] into the [[Delver_of_the_Depths#Lorenzo.27s_Deep_Pockets|Lorenzo's Deep Pockets]], or was (briefly) captured by Thule while [[Sungold Pass|exploring Sungold Pass]]. He often undertakes research where a "fresh approach" is appropriate; the Imperial Orcs are the youngest nation and Snowstorm Henk likes to think about preconceptions and "accepted wisdom" when exploring a topic.
===Peter of Hintown===
===Octavia of Stream's Source Spire===
Something of a maverick, this adventurous [[the Marches|Marcher]] scholar discovered both the [[Forge_of_sorrows|Gildenheim runeforge]] and the [[Black_and_white|mithril deposits]] that eventually lead to the creation of [[Pride of Ikka's Tears]]. In contrast to Rosalind, he has an extensive network of contacts and correspondents outside of established academia, preferring to associate with independent scholars. His main area of academic interest lies with pre-Imperial artifacts, and what little is known about the history of the orc barbarians - especially the Empire's battles with them.
An [[Urizen|Urizeni]] who takes a methodical approach to any project she is involved with. She is at home in libraries, and often delves deep into the root causes of the events she is asked to research. Her reports will often quote other sources; she is in her element when a project requires examining large amounts of existing information and trying to distill it down into a usable format.
 
===Marko Siwarsbairn===
An adventurous [[Wintermark]] scholar, Marko enjoys field work, especially poking around old ruins and haunted libraries. They are known to take a particular joy in delving into the lives of historical figures, rather than historical events, especially if compiling such a biography will give them an excuse to visit somewhere they have never been before.
===Other Researchers===
===Other Researchers===
There are a handful of other respected scholars associated with the department of historical research. They are often assigned specific roles by one of the two senior researchers. Current members of the faculty include:
There are a handful of other respected scholars associated with the department of historical research. They are often assigned specific roles by one of the Imperial Archivist. There are also several retired members, or members who have moved on to other departments.
* Octavia of Stream's Source spire, an [[Urizen]] who has written several well-researched treatises on the causes of significant events in Imperial history.
* Rosalind Friedlin von Holberg (Retired): A graduate and former professor at the University of [[Holberg]], Rosalind is also a veteran of the Druj occupation, and an expert in pre-Nicovar Imperial history. She has extensive contacts among - and some influence over - the various Imperial centres of learning. Rosalind encourages researchers to adopt a detached, academic style with their studies and prefers them to include plenty of references to existing Imperial scholarship.  
* Eilian Sweetwater, a respected [[Navarr]] expert on the Vallorn and the [[Imperial_history#Chaos|Chaos]] period Bay of Catazar, and a student of the renowned Cordelia of Winters Sorrow.
* Peter of Hintown (Retired): Something of a maverick, this adventurous [[the Marches|Marcher]] scholar discovered both the [[Forge_of_sorrows|Gildenheim runeforge]] and the [[Black_and_white|mithril deposits]] that eventually lead to the creation of [[Pride of Ikka's Tears]]. In contrast to Rosalind, he has an extensive network of contacts and correspondents outside of established academia, preferring to associate with independent scholars. His main area of academic interest lies with pre-Imperial artifacts, and what little is known about the history of the orc barbarians - especially the Empire's battles with them.
* Snowstorm Henk, a young [[Imperial Orcs|Imperial Orc]] academic who has an extensive interest in lost Imperial artifacts, and recently [[Delver_of_the_Depths#Exploration_of_the_Sinkhole|undertook an exploration]] of the [[Delver_of_the_Depths#Lorenzo.27s_Deep_Pockets|sinkhole]] dubbed "Lorenzo's Deep Pockets".
* Elian Sweetwater (Promoted): A [[Navarr]], of Storm's Run Striding, Elian was best known for his [[Terunael in Axos|extensive report]] on [[Axos]] and the history of the Terunael there, prepared for the [[Advisor on the Vallorn]]. In Winter 384YE, he was [[Appraisal#Eilian_Sweetwater_of_Storm.27s_Run_Striding|reassigned]] to the Prognosticator's Office.
<ic>
<ic>
'''No Imperial Archives'''<br>While there is an Imperial Archivist, there are no Imperial Archives any more - no secret libraries maintained by the civil service. Instead, there are numerous small libraries, archives, records, and similar spread across the Empire. Navarr Stridings carry books and scrolls with them in their wagons. Every Wintermark hall keeps a tally of judgement stretching back generations. Every Dawnish house keeps records of its most glorious members. Each Highborn chapter records the deeds of its worthy scions, every Urizen spire maintains libraries both arcane and more mundane in nature. The Marchers have memories written and oral that stretch back to the times before there ''were'' any Marchers, while the Varushkan Wise Ones and Cabalists maintain written records and keep the rich tradition of stories and cautionary tales alive from generation to generation. The tribes of the Brass Coast maintain family archives the first scrolls of which were carried with the exiled Founders when they left Highguard. The League cities build white granite libraries dedicated to the history of the city-folk and jealously guard the personal histories of guilds and grudges and debts owed. While the Imperial Orcs are new to the Empire, their cultural drive to education and their reverence of the written word have already begun amassing records, books and scrolls.
'''No Imperial Archives'''<br>While there is an Imperial Archivist, there are no Imperial Archives any more - no secret libraries maintained by the civil service. Instead, there are numerous small libraries, archives, records, and similar spread across the Empire. Navarr stridings carry books and scrolls with them in their wagons. Every Wintermark hall keeps a tally of judgement stretching back generations. Every Dawnish house keeps records of its most glorious members. Each Highborn chapter records the deeds of its worthy scions, every Urizen spire maintains libraries both arcane and more mundane in nature. The Marchers have memories written and oral that stretch back to the times before there ''were'' any Marchers, while the Varushkan Wise Ones and Cabalists maintain written records and keep the rich tradition of stories and cautionary tales alive from generation to generation. The tribes of the Brass Coast maintain family archives the first scrolls of which were carried with the exiled Founders when they left Highguard. The League cities build white granite libraries dedicated to the history of the city-folk and jealously guard the personal histories of guilds and grudges and debts owed. While the Imperial Orcs are new to the Empire, their cultural drive to education and their reverence of the written word have already begun amassing records, books and scrolls.


There are millions of documents in the Empire. Once upon a time, hundreds of years were spent copying tomes and collecting documents together... and then [[Emperor Nicovar|Nicovar the Mad]] burnt them down. Recreating these ''Imperial Archives'' would cost millions of thrones and take centuries. The closest the Empire has to an Imperial archive at the moment is the great disparate body of writing that is spread across the entire Empire.</ic>
There are millions of documents in the Empire. Once upon a time, hundreds of years were spent copying tomes and collecting documents together... and then [[Emperor Nicovar|Nicovar the Mad]] burnt them down. Recreating these ''Imperial Archives'' would cost millions of thrones and take centuries. The closest the Empire has to an Imperial archive at the moment is the great disparate body of writing that is spread across the entire Empire.</ic>


==Recent Historical Research==
==Recent Historical Research==
This table represents official requests to the department of historical research, whether from the Senate or from one of the titles empowered to commission research.
This table represents official requests to the department of historical research, whether from the Senate or from one of the titles empowered to commission research. For clarity's sake it also includes the research commissioned by the [[Lepidean Librarian]], although that title does not use researchers from the Department.
 
<table>
<table>
<tr><th width="40%">'''Topic'''</th><th width="10%">'''Date'''</th><th width="30%">'''Commissioned By'''</th><th width="20%">'''Notes'''</th></tr>
<tr><th width="40%">'''Topic'''</th><th width="10%">'''Date'''</th><th width="30%">'''Commissioned By'''</th><th width="20%">'''Notes'''</th></tr>
<tr><td>Research black lotus</td><td>Autumn 383YE</td><td>Minister of Historical Research Severin Teyhard von Holberg</td><td>Pending</td></tr>
<tr><td>Deadwood Knight</td><td>Summer 386YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>In progress</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Heirs of Terunael</td><td>Autumn 383YE</td><td>Advisor on the Vallorn Siân Eternal</td><td>Pending</td></tr>
<tr><td>Vardas and Mikkal</td><td>Spring 386YE</td><td>Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Life of Vardas|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Expedition to Sacrophan to investigate the origins of the Highborn</td><td>Summer 383YE</td><td>Minister of Historical Research Caleb of the Cenotaph</td><td>[[Origins of the Highborn|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sorrowful Tunnels</td><td>Spring 386YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Ongoing</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ghita's Veils</td><td>Spring 383YE</td><td>Advison on the Vallorn Siân Eternal</td><td>[[Ghita's Veils|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Ore Hills Rebellion of 326YE</td><td>Winter 385YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[The Ore Hills Rebellion|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Origin of Eater of Hope</td><td>Spring 383YE</td><td>Minister of Historical Research Caleb of the Cenotaph</td><td>[[Eater-of-Hope|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Malachi of the Winds of Virtue</td><td>Winter 385YE</td><td> Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Malachai of the Winds of Virtue|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Life of Drustan</td><td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Advisor on the Vallorn Siân Eternal</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>Founders of the Sarcophan Delves</td><td>Autumn 385YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Founders of the Delves|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sungold Pass</td><td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Minister of Historical Research Caleb of the Cenotaph</td><td>[[Sungold Pass|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Isenbrad</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>In Progress</td></tr>
<tr><td>Abraxus Stones</td><td>Autumn 382YE</td><td>Advisor on the Vallorn Siân Eternal</td><td>[[Abraxus_Stone#Further_Information|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Urizen in Mareave</td><td>Summer 385YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Mareave and Urizen|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Maud Daughter of Esther</td><td>Autumn 382YE</td><td>Minister of Historical Research Caleb of the Cenotaph</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The virtue of Jaggah</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[On Tagga|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The life and final fate of the noble Terunael general Bryony and her crystal crown</td><td>Summer 382YE</td><td>Advisor on the Vallorn Siân Eternal</td><td>[[General Bryony and the Crystal Crown|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tower of Solokha</td><td>Spring 385YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Fall of Solokha|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Anomalous conjunctions with reference to Empress Britta's death</td><td>Spring 382YE</td><td>Minister of Historical Research Ioseph of Phoenix Reach</td><td>[[Anomalous_conjunctions|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Saul of the Cora</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Saul of the Cora|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The past life of Adelina Barossa</td><td>Spring 382YE</td><td>Minister of Historical Research Ioseph of Phoenix Reach</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The tomb guards of Ahraz</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[The Honour Guard of Ahraz|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Fire from the Heavens</td><td>Winter 381YE</td><td>Minister of Historical Research Ioseph of Phoenix Reach</td><td>[[Fire from the Heavens|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Findings of Magisters</td><td>Winter 384YE</td><td>Caleb of the Cenotaph, Former Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Origins_of_the_Highborn#The_Findings_of_Magisters|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The descendants of Terunael in Axos </td><td>Winter 381YE</td><td>Advisor on the Vallorn Siân Eternal</td><td>[[Terunael in Axos#Part Two|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Expedition to investigate Andretti</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Andretti of Phoenix Rising|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The "Speaker for the Dead" of the Free Folk</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[On the Speaker for the Dead|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sinking of Bregasland</td><td>Autumn 384YE</td><td>Watt Lambrook, Advisor on the Feni</td><td>[[Bregasland and the smiths|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Reclamation of Seren</td><td>Summer 384YE</td><td>Nathair Autumngale, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Reclamation of Seren|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Palace at Orieb</td><td>Summer 384YE</td><td>Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical Research</td><td>[[Expedition to Orieb|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>"Old Morgan" Steward of Brock's Heath</td><td>Summer 384YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Steward of Brock's Heath|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Feverwater and the dock of Terunael origin</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Nathair Autumngale, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[The Feverwater docks|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>General Cretatus, the Claw of the Dragon, and the history of the Sword Scholars</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Severin Teyhard von Holberg, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Cetratus and the sword scholars|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The life and example of Sister Ruth of the Seven Stars</td><td>Spring 384YE</td><td>Jared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean Librarian</td><td>[[Ruth's Tomb and Virtue|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Doctrine of Human Destiny</td><td>Winter 383YE</td><td>Severin Teyhard von Holberg, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[On the Doctrine of Human Destiny|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Origins of the Feni</td><td>Winter 383YE</td><td>Watt Lambrook, Advisor on the Feni</td><td>[[Feni#Origins of the Feni|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Research black lotus</td><td>Autumn 383YE</td><td>Severin Teyhard von Holberg, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Regarding Black Lotus|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Heirs of Terunael</td><td>Autumn 383YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>Complete<sup>1</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>Expedition to Sacrophan to investigate the origins of the Highborn</td><td>Summer 383YE</td><td>Caleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Origins of the Highborn|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Ghita's Veils</td><td>Spring 383YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Ghita's Veils|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Origin of Eater of Hope</td><td>Spring 383YE</td><td>Caleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Eater-of-Hope|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Life of Drustan</td><td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Drustan of the Briar|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sungold Pass</td><td>Winter 382YE</td><td>Caleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Sungold Pass|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Abraxus Stones</td><td>Autumn 382YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Abraxus_Stone#Further_Information|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Maude Daughter of Esther</td><td>Autumn 382YE</td><td>Caleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Maude, and the nature of Hatred|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The life and final fate of the noble Terunael general Bryony and her crystal crown</td><td>Summer 382YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[General Bryony and the Crystal Crown|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Anomalous conjunctions with reference to Empress Britta's death</td><td>Spring 382YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Anomalous_conjunctions|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The past life of Adelina Barossa</td><td>Spring 382YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Maude, and the nature of Hatred|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Fire from the Heavens</td><td>Winter 381YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Fire from the Heavens|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The descendants of Terunael in Axos </td><td>Winter 381YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Terunael in Axos#Part Two|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Exploration of Lorenzo's Deep Pockets ([[Workers_in_struggle#Northern_Sinkhole|opportunity]])</td><td>Winter 381YE</td><td>Tormund of Wintermark</td><td>[[Delver_of_the_Depths#Exploration_of_the_Sinkhole|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Exploration of Lorenzo's Deep Pockets ([[Workers_in_struggle#Northern_Sinkhole|opportunity]])</td><td>Winter 381YE</td><td>Tormund of Wintermark</td><td>[[Delver_of_the_Depths#Exploration_of_the_Sinkhole|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Myfanwy of Hercynia and her travels and relationships with the First Empress</td><td>Autumn 381YE</td><td>Dredgemaster of Feverwater Eleri Bronwen's Rest</td><td>[[Myfanwy of Hercynia|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Myfanwy of Hercynia and her travels and relationships with the First Empress</td><td>Autumn 381YE</td><td>Eleri Bronwen's Rest, Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>[[Myfanwy of Hercynia|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Expedition to Terunael ruins in Axos</td><td>Autumn 381YE</td><td>Advisor on the Vallorn Siân Eternal</td><td>[[Terunael in Axos#Part One|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Expedition to Terunael ruins in Axos</td><td>Autumn 381YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Terunael in Axos#Part One|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td> Aneira Dancewalker, thought to be General of the Quiet Step during the fall of Liathaven, and her brother Eurion Dancewalker who forged Aneira's Talon</td><td>Summer 381YE</td><td>Dredgemaster of Feverwater Eleri Bronwen's Rest</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aneira Dancewalker, thought to be General of the Quiet Step during the fall of Liathaven, and her brother Eurion Dancewalker who forged Aneira's Talon</td><td>Summer 381YE</td><td>Eleri Bronwen's Rest, Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mage known as Star, compatriot to Navarr and Thorn</td><td>Summer 381YE</td><td>Advisor on the Vallorn Siân Eternal</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mage known as Star, compatriot to Navarr and Thorn</td><td>Summer 381YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[The magician Star|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rhonwen's Fall</td><td>Spring 381YE</td><td>Advisor on the Vallorn Merel Eternal</td><td>[[On Rhonwen's Fall|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rhonwen's Fall</td><td>Spring 381YE</td><td>Merel Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[On Rhonwen's Fall|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Apaayuqiu King, and the pre-Wintermark history in Sermersuaq area</td><td>Winter 380YE</td><td>Minister of Historical Research Ioseph of Phoenix Reach</td><td>[[Apaay Ukiuking|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Apaayuqiu King, and the pre-Wintermark history in Sermersuaq area</td><td>Winter 380YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Apaay Ukiuking|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Luca Ritter von Holberg, Cardinal of Courage around 125YE</td><td>Winter 380YE</td><td>Minister of Historical Research Ioseph of Phoenix Reach</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>Luca Ritter von Holberg, Cardinal of Courage around 125YE</td><td>Winter 380YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>Founders of the Brass Coast</td><td>Autumn 380YE</td><td>Minister of Historical Research Ioseph of Pheonix Reach</td><td>Superseded by recent discoveries about [[the Brass Coast history|history]] and the lives of [[Erigo]], [[Guerra]], and [[Riqueza]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Founders of the Brass Coast</td><td>Autumn 380YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Superseded by recent discoveries about [[the Brass Coast history|history]] and the lives of [[Erigo]], [[Guerra]], and [[Riqueza]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The noble house of Mazzarin of Dawn</td><td>Summer 380YE</td><td>Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The noble house of Mazzarin of Dawn</td><td>Summer 380YE</td><td>Brennyn of Bronwyn's Rest, Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Charter Stone of the Terunael city of Seren</td><td>Spring 380YE</td><td>Advisor on the Vallorn Siân Eternal</td><td>No reference to "charter stones" could be found; some information about [[Blood magic#Singing Stones|singing stones]] was uncovered as part of the research.</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Lost Art of Crafting</td><td>Summer 380YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Heart of Peytaht, its contents and the nature of the entities within it</td><td>Winter 379YE</td><td>Dredgemaster of Feverwater?</td><td>[[Great Forest of Peytaht#Discussion_of_the_Great_Forest_of_Peytaht|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Charter Stone of the Terunael city of Seren</td><td>Spring 380YE</td><td>Siân Eternal, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>No reference to "charter stones" could be found; some information about [[Blood magic#Singing Stones|singing stones]] was uncovered as part of the research.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cadaver, a sovereign, of the Dark Hearts vale in Varushka</td><td>Winter 379YE</td><td>Advisor on the Vallorn Neb</td><td>Complete<sup>1</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>The Heart of Peytaht, its contents and the nature of the entities within it</td><td>Winter 379YE</td><td>Corey Brackensong, Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>[[Great Forest of Peytaht#Discussion_of_the_Great_Forest_of_Peytaht|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Gwerin Marfae, the marshfolk around at the time of Terunael</td><td>Autumn 379YE</td><td>Dredgemaster of Feverwater Corey Brackensong</td><td>[[Gwerin Morfa|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cadaver, a sovereign, of the Dark Hearts vale in Varushka</td><td>Winter 379YE</td><td>Neb, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>Complete<sup>1</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>Further research into the [[runeforge]] in [[Skarsind]]</td><td>Autumn 379YE</td><td>Palladius of Urizen</td><td>[[Gildenheim runeforge|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Gwerin Marfae, the marshfolk around at the time of Terunael</td><td>Autumn 379YE</td><td>Corey Brackensong, Dredgemaster of Feverwater</td><td>[[Gwerin Morfa|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>More origins of the Vallorn</td><td>Summer 379YE</td><td>Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Origins of the Vallorn|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Further research into the [[runeforge]] in [[Skarsind]]</td><td>Autumn 379YE</td><td>Palladius, proxy Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Gildenheim runeforge|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Origins of the Vallorn</td><td>Spring 379YE</td><td>Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Origins of the Vallorn|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>More origins of the Vallorn</td><td>Summer 379YE</td><td>Neb, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Origins of the Vallorn|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>Origins of the Vallorn</td><td>Spring 379YE</td><td>Neb, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Origins of the Vallorn|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The relationship between auras and the paragons/exemplars they are named for with particular reference to Isaella's Resolve</td><td>Spring 379YE</td><td>Yael of Felix's Watch</td><td>[[Isaella#Execution_and_Resolution|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The relationship between auras and the paragons/exemplars they are named for with particular reference to Isaella's Resolve</td><td>Spring 379YE</td><td>Yael of Felix's Watch</td><td>[[Isaella#Execution_and_Resolution|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The naval campaign of [[Emperor Barabbas]]</td><td>Winter 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>[[Emperor_Barabbas#The_Invasion_of_Attar|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The naval campaign of [[Emperor Barabbas]]</td><td>Winter 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Emperor_Barabbas#The_Invasion_of_Attar|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Briar]] graves and land fertility in [[the Marches]]</td><td>Autumn 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>[[The_Marches_lineage_and_species_attitudes#Briars|Complete]]<sup>2</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>The Claw of the Heavens spire of Urizen </td><td>Winter 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The runeforge at Gildenheim in Skarsind</td><td>Winter 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The origins of the Hallowing ceremony</td><td>Winter 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Briar]] graves and land fertility in [[the Marches]]</td><td>Autumn 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Empress Varkula|Empress Varkula's]] burial rites (and their efficacy)</td><td>Autumn 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>[[Burial rites of Empress Varkula|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Empress Varkula|Empress Varkula's]] burial rites (and their efficacy)</td><td>Autumn 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>[[Burial rites of Empress Varkula|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Wintermark_magical_traditions#Artok|Artok]] Ice Golems</td><td>Autumn 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Wintermark_magical_traditions#Artok|Artok]] Ice Golems</td><td>Autumn 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Incarnadine Satchel</td><td>Autumn 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>[[Vizier_of_the_Incarnadine_Satchel#The_Incarnadine_Satchel|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Incarnadine Satchel</td><td>Autumn 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>[[Vizier_of_the_Incarnadine_Satchel#The_Incarnadine_Satchel|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Mask of the Visionary</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Mask of the Visionary</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mazen]] and the missing Golem</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Mazen]] and the missing Golem</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The [[Crown of Three Tears]]</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Thane Aedred in Wintermark</td><td>[[Crown of Three Tears|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The [[Crown of Three Tears]]</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Thane Aedred in Wintermark</td><td>[[Crown of Three Tears|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The [[Field_Marshal#The_Equine_Rod|Equine Rod]]</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>Complete<sup>1</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>The [[Field_Marshal#The_Equine_Rod|Equine Rod]]</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>Complete<sup>1</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>The [[The_Throne#Creation_of_an_Imperial_Favour|Imperial Favour]] of [[Empress Britta]]</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach</td><td>[[Imperial Favour#Empress Britta|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The [[The_Throne#Creation_of_an_Imperial_Favour|Imperial Favour]] of [[Empress Britta]]</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Imperial Favour#Empress Britta|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The life of Megan Black Blood</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Megan Black Blood|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The life of Megan Black Blood</td><td>Summer 378YE</td><td>Merel Pathfinder, Advisor on the Vallorn</td><td>[[Megan Black Blood|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Campaigns of [[Emperor Guntherm]] against the [[Jotun]]</td><td>Spring 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>[[Campaigns of Emperor Guntherm|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Campaigns of [[Emperor Guntherm]] against the [[Jotun]]</td><td>Spring 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Campaigns of Emperor Guntherm|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Banner of the Gryphon's Pride</td><td>Spring 378YE</td><td>unknown</td><td>[[Gryphon's_Pride#History|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Banner of the Gryphon's Pride</td><td>Spring 378YE</td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical Research</td><td>[[Gryphon's_Pride#History|Published]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>The origins of the [[Volodny]] Bas Celik</td><td></td><td>Simargl of the Circle of Zulgan-Tash</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>The origins of the [[Volodny]] Bas Celik</td><td></td><td>Simargl of the Circle of Zulgan-Tash</td><td>Complete<sup>3</sup></td></tr>
<tr><td>Coven of the Burning Star</td><td></td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
<tr><td>Coven of the Burning Star</td><td></td><td>Ioseph of Phoenix Reach</td><td>Complete</td></tr>
</table>
</table>
<sup>1</sup>: In these cases rather than a written document a meeting with an expert was arranged. As a consequence there are no published details.
<sup>1</sup>: In these cases rather than a written document a meeting with an expert was arranged. As a consequence there are no published details.<br>
<sup>2</sup>: In these cases the research was used to update existing information.
<sup>2</sup>: In these cases the research was used to update existing information.<br>
<sup>3</sup>: The recipient of the document has declined to have it more widely published<br>
{{Senate Further Reading}}
{{Senate Further Reading}}
 
* [[Minister of Historical Research]]
[[Category:Senate]]
* [[A long December]] - 385YE Spring Wind of Fortune detailing the consequences of the Department being restructured
[[Category:Senate]][[Category:Saga]][[Category:History]]

Latest revision as of 10:43, 2 August 2024

Overview

The department for historical research was established by Emperor James in an attempt to repair the damage done to Imperial scholarship by Emperor Nicovar. Fifty years passed between the devastation of the libraries and the establishment of a formal order dedicated to regaining what had been lost - five decades for the situation to deteriorate further. Staffed by dedicated civil servants, and taking direction from the Imperial Senate, the new department worked tirelessly to recover damaged documents, and reconstruct those that had been lost forever to the fires of the mad Throne.

The Empire has been in existence for nearly four hundred years, but human civilization stretches back much further than that. The relatively recent arrival of Dawn and the Highborn were proceeded by centuries of orc barbarian chaos. And before that the Bay of Catazar area was home to the sprawling kingdoms that were the ancestors of Navarr, Wintermark, Urizen and Varushka. Any given scholar today knows only a part of the epic history of humankind.

The best records the Empire kept were destroyed by Emperor Nicovar, and much of the early history of the Empire, and the history of the nations that preceded it, was lost. What documents and histories endure are kept in the personal histories and records of communities scattered across the Empire. The civil service works under the direction of the Senate, to recover knowledge that has been lost and to push back the boundaries of Imperial understanding of the past and the present. Finding specific information in the decentralised Imperial memory is a daunting task. Teams of people must spread out across the Empire to seek out lore buried in any of the countless personal libraries.

Following the restructuring of the Department after the Winter Solstice 384YE, the civil service has the resources to research one subject each season. Prior to the murderous events of 379YE, the civil service was able to perform more research each season; the loss of so many experienced researchers significantly curtailed their ability to perform scholastic study.

Since the death of Empress Britta, the Senate devolved much of the responsibility for guiding historical research, creating individual titles - the Minister of Historical Research, the Dredgemaster of Feverwater, Advisor on the Vallorn, and the Imperial Advisor for the Feni. The Dredgemaster had this power removed during the Winter Solstice 381YE, while the Advisors also lost this power during the changes mandated by restructuring.

Commissioning Historical Research

The power to direct the civil servants in the department of historical research lies with the Imperial Senate. Until recently, this power was employed by use of a senate motion. In recent years, senators have created three new Imperial titles, who may all commission a piece of historical research using a senate announcement. Both the Advisor on the Vallorn and the Imperial Advisor for the Feni lost this power of during the Spring Equinox 385YE. The Minister of Historical Research may in theory make any number of announcements but since the decision to retrain members of the Department as prognosticators, the matter is moot. Whichever subject is announced first will be undertaken.

Regardless of how the power is employed, the thrust of the research should be clear. It is possible to commission broad research into a significant topic such as "the history of the Brass Coast" or "Exemplars of Pride", giving the civil service a free reign as to how to proceed. It is more common, however, to select a tight focus such as "the life of Myfanwy" or "the Crown of Three Tears".

Each season, the researchers will provide a report summarising their findings in the previous three months. This often takes the form of a written document detailing what they have uncovered, sometimes presented by one of the civil servants responsible for collating the information. It may sometimes take the form of a discussion with an expert on the issue, or a lead that will secure specific information that requires direct action by an Imperial hero.

The report will often include suggestions for where to take the research next, if there are any avenues of research left that the researchers believe might be beneficial, explaining the problems with uncovering more information, or presenting an opportunity for some action that might help move the research forward. If the researchers do not believe that any further work on a subject will provide additional useful information then they will report that.

OOC Explanation: The downtime after a report is received, the contents will be added to the main wiki. Depending on the nature of the report this may mean a new page detailing the results of the research, or edits to an existing page. Any scholar is free to roleplay that they have received copies of the research document.

For the Benefit of the Empire

During the season following the presentation of a historical research report, the civil service will make the contents available to any scholar who asks as well as dispatching copies of the report to libraries, universities, and colleges across the Empire. This is done to help ensure that the information discovered can never be lost again, and to expand the collective knowledge of the Empire.

Dangers of Historical Research

Uncovering information about the past is not a safe occupation. The eternals known as the Whisper Gallery have shown that they are prepared to take extreme steps to interfere with historical research, for example, including murdering civil servants. The Imperial Conclave has placed them under enmity, but this does nothing to prevent their mortal associates causing trouble for the department of historical research. The Senate treasury once paid a significant amount of money into a fund to protect civil servants associated with the department, but Ris Steelfist, one of the bodyguards funded by the Senate, presented a proposal that saw private citizens fund the defence of the department. Sometimes a project is too dangerous for them to explore directly. In this case, they may call on the citizen with the appropriate Imperial title to undertake dangerous actions, or request additional materials that they cannot acquire themselves.

Citizens who hold one of the titles associated with historical research should be aware that they are potential targets not only for the Whisper Gallery but for other secretive organisations that have a vested interest in preventing discovery of historical information in general, or specific to whatever is being researched.

Leontes.jpg
Leontes the Scribe, Marcher scholar and Imperial Archivist, oversees the Department of Historical Research

The Department of Historical Research

The department of historical research is ultimately overseen by the Imperial Archivist, Leontes the Scribe, who is a member of the Constitutional Court. He is said to be a notoriously curmudgeonly individual whose deep knowledge of the history of humanity has left him with a perpetually dismal view of it. The day to day running of the department defaults to the most senior scholars, each of which in turn directs the remaining handful of researchers, scribes, and investigators. As of the Autumn Equinox 381YE, there are two senior researchers in the department. Each is a veteran civil servant and respected scholar of Imperial history.

Snowstorm Henk

The first Imperial Orc member of the Department, Snowstorm Henk, is a young academic who has an extensive interest in lost Imperial artifacts. He takes a "hands on" approach to research, often dragging himself and his team into dangerous situations such as when he undertook an expedition into the Lorenzo's Deep Pockets, or was (briefly) captured by Thule while exploring Sungold Pass. He often undertakes research where a "fresh approach" is appropriate; the Imperial Orcs are the youngest nation and Snowstorm Henk likes to think about preconceptions and "accepted wisdom" when exploring a topic.

Octavia of Stream's Source Spire

An Urizeni who takes a methodical approach to any project she is involved with. She is at home in libraries, and often delves deep into the root causes of the events she is asked to research. Her reports will often quote other sources; she is in her element when a project requires examining large amounts of existing information and trying to distill it down into a usable format.

Marko Siwarsbairn

An adventurous Wintermark scholar, Marko enjoys field work, especially poking around old ruins and haunted libraries. They are known to take a particular joy in delving into the lives of historical figures, rather than historical events, especially if compiling such a biography will give them an excuse to visit somewhere they have never been before.

Other Researchers

There are a handful of other respected scholars associated with the department of historical research. They are often assigned specific roles by one of the Imperial Archivist. There are also several retired members, or members who have moved on to other departments.

  • Rosalind Friedlin von Holberg (Retired): A graduate and former professor at the University of Holberg, Rosalind is also a veteran of the Druj occupation, and an expert in pre-Nicovar Imperial history. She has extensive contacts among - and some influence over - the various Imperial centres of learning. Rosalind encourages researchers to adopt a detached, academic style with their studies and prefers them to include plenty of references to existing Imperial scholarship.
  • Peter of Hintown (Retired): Something of a maverick, this adventurous Marcher scholar discovered both the Gildenheim runeforge and the mithril deposits that eventually lead to the creation of Pride of Ikka's Tears. In contrast to Rosalind, he has an extensive network of contacts and correspondents outside of established academia, preferring to associate with independent scholars. His main area of academic interest lies with pre-Imperial artifacts, and what little is known about the history of the orc barbarians - especially the Empire's battles with them.
  • Elian Sweetwater (Promoted): A Navarr, of Storm's Run Striding, Elian was best known for his extensive report on Axos and the history of the Terunael there, prepared for the Advisor on the Vallorn. In Winter 384YE, he was reassigned to the Prognosticator's Office.

No Imperial Archives
While there is an Imperial Archivist, there are no Imperial Archives any more - no secret libraries maintained by the civil service. Instead, there are numerous small libraries, archives, records, and similar spread across the Empire. Navarr stridings carry books and scrolls with them in their wagons. Every Wintermark hall keeps a tally of judgement stretching back generations. Every Dawnish house keeps records of its most glorious members. Each Highborn chapter records the deeds of its worthy scions, every Urizen spire maintains libraries both arcane and more mundane in nature. The Marchers have memories written and oral that stretch back to the times before there were any Marchers, while the Varushkan Wise Ones and Cabalists maintain written records and keep the rich tradition of stories and cautionary tales alive from generation to generation. The tribes of the Brass Coast maintain family archives the first scrolls of which were carried with the exiled Founders when they left Highguard. The League cities build white granite libraries dedicated to the history of the city-folk and jealously guard the personal histories of guilds and grudges and debts owed. While the Imperial Orcs are new to the Empire, their cultural drive to education and their reverence of the written word have already begun amassing records, books and scrolls.

There are millions of documents in the Empire. Once upon a time, hundreds of years were spent copying tomes and collecting documents together... and then Nicovar the Mad burnt them down. Recreating these Imperial Archives would cost millions of thrones and take centuries. The closest the Empire has to an Imperial archive at the moment is the great disparate body of writing that is spread across the entire Empire.

Recent Historical Research

This table represents official requests to the department of historical research, whether from the Senate or from one of the titles empowered to commission research. For clarity's sake it also includes the research commissioned by the Lepidean Librarian, although that title does not use researchers from the Department.

TopicDateCommissioned ByNotes
Deadwood KnightSummer 386YEVaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister of Historical ResearchIn progress
Vardas and MikkalSpring 386YEHazelelponi of the Shattered Tower, Lepidean LibrarianPublished
Sorrowful TunnelsSpring 386YEVaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister of Historical ResearchOngoing
The Ore Hills Rebellion of 326YEWinter 385YEVaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical ResearchPublished
Malachi of the Winds of VirtueWinter 385YE Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower, Lepidean LibrarianPublished
Founders of the Sarcophan DelvesAutumn 385YEVaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical ResearchPublished
IsenbradSummer 385YEJared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean LibrarianIn Progress
Urizen in MareaveSummer 385YEVaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical ResearchPublished
The virtue of JaggahSpring 385YEJared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean LibrarianPublished
Tower of SolokhaSpring 385YEVaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical ResearchPublished
Saul of the CoraWinter 384YEJared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean LibrarianPublished
The tomb guards of AhrazWinter 384YEVaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical ResearchPublished
Findings of MagistersWinter 384YECaleb of the Cenotaph, Former Minister for Historical ResearchPublished
Expedition to investigate AndrettiAutumn 384YEVaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical ResearchPublished
The "Speaker for the Dead" of the Free FolkAutumn 384YEJared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean LibrarianPublished
Sinking of BregaslandAutumn 384YEWatt Lambrook, Advisor on the FeniPublished
Reclamation of SerenSummer 384YENathair Autumngale, Advisor on the VallornPublished
Palace at OriebSummer 384YEVaclav Mladenovich Kosti, Minister for Historical ResearchPublished
"Old Morgan" Steward of Brock's HeathSummer 384YEJared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean LibrarianPublished
The Feverwater and the dock of Terunael originSpring 384YENathair Autumngale, Advisor on the VallornPublished
General Cretatus, the Claw of the Dragon, and the history of the Sword ScholarsSpring 384YESeverin Teyhard von Holberg, Minister of Historical ResearchPublished
The life and example of Sister Ruth of the Seven StarsSpring 384YEJared of the Suns of Couros, Lepidean LibrarianPublished
The Doctrine of Human DestinyWinter 383YESeverin Teyhard von Holberg, Minister of Historical ResearchPublished
Origins of the FeniWinter 383YEWatt Lambrook, Advisor on the FeniPublished
Research black lotusAutumn 383YESeverin Teyhard von Holberg, Minister of Historical ResearchPublished
The Heirs of TerunaelAutumn 383YESiân Eternal, Advisor on the VallornComplete1
Expedition to Sacrophan to investigate the origins of the HighbornSummer 383YECaleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical ResearchPublished
Ghita's VeilsSpring 383YESiân Eternal, Advisor on the VallornPublished
The Origin of Eater of HopeSpring 383YECaleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical ResearchPublished
The Life of DrustanWinter 382YESiân Eternal, Advisor on the VallornPublished
Sungold PassWinter 382YECaleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical ResearchPublished
Abraxus StonesAutumn 382YESiân Eternal, Advisor on the VallornPublished
Maude Daughter of EstherAutumn 382YECaleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical ResearchPublished
The life and final fate of the noble Terunael general Bryony and her crystal crownSummer 382YESiân Eternal, Advisor on the VallornPublished
Anomalous conjunctions with reference to Empress Britta's deathSpring 382YEIoseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical ResearchPublished
The past life of Adelina BarossaSpring 382YEIoseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical ResearchPublished
Fire from the HeavensWinter 381YEIoseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical ResearchPublished
The descendants of Terunael in Axos Winter 381YESiân Eternal, Advisor on the VallornPublished
Exploration of Lorenzo's Deep Pockets (opportunity)Winter 381YETormund of WintermarkPublished
Myfanwy of Hercynia and her travels and relationships with the First EmpressAutumn 381YEEleri Bronwen's Rest, Dredgemaster of FeverwaterPublished
Expedition to Terunael ruins in AxosAutumn 381YESiân Eternal, Advisor on the VallornPublished
Aneira Dancewalker, thought to be General of the Quiet Step during the fall of Liathaven, and her brother Eurion Dancewalker who forged Aneira's TalonSummer 381YEEleri Bronwen's Rest, Dredgemaster of FeverwaterComplete
Mage known as Star, compatriot to Navarr and ThornSummer 381YESiân Eternal, Advisor on the VallornPublished
Rhonwen's FallSpring 381YEMerel Eternal, Advisor on the VallornPublished
Apaayuqiu King, and the pre-Wintermark history in Sermersuaq areaWinter 380YEIoseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical ResearchPublished
Luca Ritter von Holberg, Cardinal of Courage around 125YEWinter 380YEIoseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical ResearchComplete
Founders of the Brass CoastAutumn 380YEIoseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical ResearchSuperseded by recent discoveries about history and the lives of Erigo, Guerra, and Riqueza
The noble house of Mazzarin of DawnSummer 380YEBrennyn of Bronwyn's Rest, Dredgemaster of FeverwaterComplete
The Lost Art of CraftingSummer 380YEIoseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical ResearchComplete
The Charter Stone of the Terunael city of SerenSpring 380YESiân Eternal, Advisor on the VallornNo reference to "charter stones" could be found; some information about singing stones was uncovered as part of the research.
The Heart of Peytaht, its contents and the nature of the entities within itWinter 379YECorey Brackensong, Dredgemaster of FeverwaterPublished
Cadaver, a sovereign, of the Dark Hearts vale in VarushkaWinter 379YENeb, Advisor on the VallornComplete1
The Gwerin Marfae, the marshfolk around at the time of TerunaelAutumn 379YECorey Brackensong, Dredgemaster of FeverwaterPublished
Further research into the runeforge in SkarsindAutumn 379YEPalladius, proxy Minister of Historical ResearchPublished
More origins of the VallornSummer 379YENeb, Advisor on the VallornPublished
Origins of the VallornSpring 379YENeb, Advisor on the VallornPublished
The relationship between auras and the paragons/exemplars they are named for with particular reference to Isaella's ResolveSpring 379YEYael of Felix's WatchPublished
The naval campaign of Emperor BarabbasWinter 378YEIoseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical ResearchPublished
The Claw of the Heavens spire of Urizen Winter 378YEIoseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical ResearchComplete
The runeforge at Gildenheim in SkarsindWinter 378YEIoseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical ResearchComplete
The origins of the Hallowing ceremonyWinter 378YEIoseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical ResearchComplete
Briar graves and land fertility in the MarchesAutumn 378YEunknownComplete
Empress Varkula's burial rites (and their efficacy)Autumn 378YEunknownPublished
Artok Ice GolemsAutumn 378YEunknownComplete
The Incarnadine SatchelAutumn 378YEunknownPublished
The Mask of the VisionarySummer 378YEIoseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical ResearchComplete
Mazen and the missing GolemSummer 378YEIoseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical ResearchComplete
The Crown of Three TearsSummer 378YEThane Aedred in WintermarkPublished
The Equine RodSummer 378YEIoseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical ResearchComplete1
The Imperial Favour of Empress BrittaSummer 378YEIoseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical ResearchPublished
The life of Megan Black BloodSummer 378YEMerel Pathfinder, Advisor on the VallornPublished
The Campaigns of Emperor Guntherm against the JotunSpring 378YEIoseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical ResearchPublished
The Banner of the Gryphon's PrideSpring 378YEIoseph of Phoenix Reach, Minister of Historical ResearchPublished
The origins of the Volodny Bas CelikSimargl of the Circle of Zulgan-TashComplete3
Coven of the Burning StarIoseph of Phoenix ReachComplete

1: In these cases rather than a written document a meeting with an expert was arranged. As a consequence there are no published details.
2: In these cases the research was used to update existing information.
3: The recipient of the document has declined to have it more widely published

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