A horn blast of victory

Cousins,

The Manticore was a sovereign - but no king, a mere monster of the twisted woods. He sought to drag Dawn from her siblings, from the warmth of the Imperial hearth.

He looked me in the eye, offered me his hand and said; “We could rule the ashes together.”

There is but one thing to say to monsters.

There is no welcome here.

On field that day shone armour and sword, rod and staff, their numbers untold. Among them we sing the songs of De Rondell, De Coeurderfer, Du Meravon, Griffinsong, De Ordraig. D’Fauntine, Cordraco, Mortere, Castellan, du Beste, the Twisted Rose, de Lagriffe, Fools, Reynauld, Brightwing, Charlatan, Lysander, Sepulchre, de Vere, Angleburr, Meliora, de Carsenere, Gildaryn, de Courtenay Wyldrose, de Licorne, de Coeurvelant, Orzel, Tallstag, du Lac, Ganderly, De Maur, du Froste, Summerstrong, de Jeunepen, and all others who stood for me on the list field. You have won your glory. And with it, mine. A horn blast of victory to shake the pillars of the earth.

To my cousins I say, these are not just my champions but yours. Champions of the Empire all. May their heraldry be raised upon the battlements of the Castle of Thorns for all to see and envy, that it may light the fire of Ambition and Courage in all who look upon it. Here are the knights who fought for Dawn’s place in the Empire, here are the knights who fought for you. And to those who cheered and yelled, to the physicks, and to those no longer with us who laid the path for us to walk, your efforts, your words, your memory will not be forgotten.

I also speak to the challengers. The black knights who sought to honour your nation’s tradition in Pride. Whatever your reasons may be, Virtuous and glorious the cause - your duty as challenger is done. You fought well and I commend you. I pledge to always meet the glorious standard you have held me to.

Dawn’s Queens hold a responsibility to their people. An oath that has echoed throughout the centuries, since before the First Empress took breath. An oath that your enemies will fall and your homes will be prosperous. Your nobles will know glory and your yeofolk will know good lives.

The Manticore promised the destruction of Dawn's foes but failed to understand what we already know. That when the Druj lie awake at night in their beds it is me whom they fear. It is our Empire.

I am your Emperor and the Queen of Dawn, and I will fulfil this oath. We will do what the pretender, that would-be-King, never could, because we stand as one Empire, with all ten nations behind us. We are strong because we are inextricable.

A newly affirmed Imperial Dawn has bent the knee. I implore you now, stand, Proud Dawnish. I call you to my side as we defeat our ancient enemy, to pen this final chapter in the story they have told since your predecessors drove the Ulvenkin from Semmerholm.

This war ends with us. The Druj empire will fall. Be my sword and shield, my banner, my gleaming lance, my magician’s art and troubadour’s horn. Shine as only the Dawnish can.

This season I would like to commend:
Arsenio Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato for his years of exceptional service to the Conclave as Grandmaster of the Golden Pyramid.
Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was for his monumental victory in Bloodwater Marsh and ongoing contribution to the Eastern Front.
Olyvar of Esther's Sanctum for his peerless contributions to the Imperial Synod and the pride of lineaged citizens.
Ingrid, Talon of the Mark, Atte Arrowtongue, Iron Osric, Avisena i Kharizmi i Guerra, Eva Siivarsdottir, Velasco i Guerra, Amberlain P Black, Orrick, Stormsteel Skorr, Redhand Frith, Florina i Sol-Devorador i Erigo and Vossk for taking the first successful steps on the path to diplomacy with the Jotun.

Inextricable. Indefatigable. Inevitable.
Emperor Vesna
Empress of the Hearth, Crowned in Thunder.
Warden Queen of Dawn

Overview

The Throne has the power to nominate a single Imperial citizen who can deliver a message to the people of the Empire at each summit. Emperor Vesna has used their power to address the Empire, sending a message to all Imperial citizens.

The civil service ensure the message is heard by citizens across the Empire and beyond. Following their glorious victory and crowning as monarch of Dawn, the people of Dawn are eager to hear the words of their new queen. Word has spread far and wide of the extraordinary events of the Spring Equinox, the defeat and downfall of the manticore of the Untrod Groves and the grand force of black knights that took the field that day to fight for Dawn's glory.

Troubadours will sing of these events for a hundred years. People are hungry to hear more, so when the words of the Empress of the Hearth are carried to the Dawnish they take the message to their heart. It helps that she speaks to the longing the Dawnish have for finally ending the threat of the Druj once and for all. The glorious victory of the nobles who fought for the Queen of Dawn has stoked the Pride of the nation; now they are ready to fight her and finally bring about the end of the Druj.

Charge!

• All Dawnish armies can take the triumphant charge order for the next year against the Druj
• No Dawnish armies can take the steady conquest order for the next year against the Druj

The call of the new monarch of Dawn is clear: the Druj must be defeated, once and for all. With Ossium, the Barrens, and now Sarangrave wrested from their control, the Mallum is smaller than it has ever been. Even now, the Thule push into the Forest of Ulnak is supported by Imperial mercenaries. All that remains is the Salt Flats of Sanath. A vast territory, where the miasma lies heavy over the land and its people. Where ancient fortifications with elite garrisons rise above the muck and filth of the territory. It is a foreboding land, twisted by centuries of Druj rule. But, as any herald of Kaela would be quick to point out, everything ends.

The Northern Eagle has spent the last three months readying the territory, working to isolate Lower Saarnath from the garrisons so that an Imperial beachhead can be claimed with little in the way of resistance. Now, with the victory of Emperor Vesna the Hearthkeeper fresh in their hearts, the soldiers of Dawn are ready to charge into the Druj.

The soldiers of the Eastern Sky, Golden Sun, Gryphon's Pride, and the Lions of Adelmar have been inspired by the glorious victory of those supporting the new Queen of Dawn. As a result of the epic triumph of Dawn's knights on the field of glory, Dawnish generals can all issue the order to make a triumphant charge in any region controlled by the Druj - all of the Salt Flats of Sanath; Deathsgate, The Bonewall, Ghul'thak Forest, Gloomsea, Grimfen Mire, and Shifting Basin in the Forest of Ulnak; and East Ashes, Lower Tarn Valley, Peakedge Song, and Upper Tarn Valley in Therunin - until the start of the Summer Solstice 389YE. This order is only available against a region held by the Druj; if a general issues an order for a triumphant charge against another enemy, it will default to a balanced attack.

Unfortunately, this inspiration to bring about the final destruction of the detestable Druj has also had an adverse consequence. Dawnish armies will be unable to take a steady conquest against a region held by the Druj for the coming year - Dawnish soldiers eager to win glory in the Emperor's name simply cannot be held back this way. Their soldiers will fight normally against other enemies, but if a Dawnish general issues an order for a steady conquest against a Druj region, it will default to an overwhelming assault.

Of course, the Dawnish Assembly have made clear that the highest calling of the nation is the fight against the vallorn. The idea of fighting two different foes at once is a challenging one, but for some, that only makes it more glorious.

The Manse

• The manse of the manticore could be given to Temperance of the Groves or any single Dawnish title
• It is available to be assigned by a simple majority vote of the Earl's Council at the coming summit

The great victory won by the nobles sworn to Empress Vesna has also seen the grand manse of the Earl of the Groves claimed by the Empire. The manor is an ancient pile, a sprawling, moss-clad construction that squats in the clearing at the centre of the woods. There are strong regio nearby, which certain eternals are rumoured to lay claims to - supposedly the same eternals who once held the Earl's favours. The work of the knights-protector saw these recovered by trials of endurance, strength, wit, and cunning. Those few yeofolk who served under the manticore have remained, tending to the manor and its extensive estate. Alyss Retainer, one of the first to pledge herself to the Earl and a loyal supporter of the vision of Dawn that he espoused, has worked hard over the last year to see that the manor was restored to some semblance of comfort.

It isn't clear, particularly, who owns this manor. There are rumours that the manticore may have named an heir as he lay dying, one Temperance of the Groves. Now styling themselves as Earl Temperance of the Groves, they may be the manticore's heir apparent, but Imperial law does not recognise the property rights of monsters. Lacking any definitive owner, the magistrates have determined that the manor is considered to be the property of Dawn. As such, it is for the Earl's Council to vote on what to do with the Manor of the Groves and the estate surrounding it.

There are countless options for the earls to choose from. The manor could be awarded to the Senator for the Barrens, granting them a prestigious estate in the centre of the territory. The manse is big enough to create luxurious apartments for the Senator and their guests, with rooms to spare for future expansion.

A knight-protector could be granted the manor to serve as a place to rest, recuperate, and ready themselves for defending the nation against the inhabitants of the realms. Or a general could make use of the estate and the accompanying buildings for the planning of grand strategy and the minutiae of warfare. In fact, any single Dawnish title could be granted the rights to dwell in the manse while they hold their position.

The alternative would be for the Earl's Council to recognise a claim by Temperance to be the new Earl of the Groves, by granting them the ownership of the manse. It would be a wealthy estate for an earl to take control of, but it may allow the Earl to form a powerful new noble house in the Barrens. It will be a valuable asset for the nation, whoever ends up with it.

Of course, the choice could be made to do nothing with it. To turn away from the tale of the manticore and allow the wilds to reclaim the manse as it did in the long years of the Earl's slumber.

Oaths

• Empress Vesna's oath of office has been inscribed on the walls of the Forge of Bonds

During the Spring Equinox, the Loyalty Assembly voted to uphold a judgement raised by Veikko Bondforger, as the Keeper of Oaths, that made note of the oath given by Empress Vesna. The oath has been engraved on the high walls of the Forge of Bonds.

I vow to stand side-by-side with my subjects and uphold what it means to be Imperial. I will recognise the virtue in struggle, service, and in hard choices made for the good of all. I will honour our oaths and treaties, act with virtue to all peoples, and extend the hand of friendship to those who would walk beside us. I will offer the hospitality of the hearth to the vulnerable, the disillusioned, and those who turn from us, and ensure that there is a place for all within the Empire. I vow to stand steadfast in the pursuit of strengthening this Empire, to place the needs of the Empire before my own, and to act with Courage, Wisdom, and Loyalty in all things so long as I am Emperor.

Oath of Office of Emperor Vesna

Oaths are a powerful magic, especially significant oaths that are sworn in front of witnesses. Misfortune and curses often follow those who break a solemn oath. Few understand this better than the Varushkans, so the Emperor will know the consequences of their action. It is a lengthy list, which is a danger in itself, but experienced magicians point out one element in particular. The oath not to break any treaties is one that could easily come back to haunt the Throne, and perhaps the whole Empire, if it were broken.

Don't cry for me

The death of the so-called "Earl" of the Groves has raised spirits across Dawn. Those who were outraged that this monster claimed to be Dawnish are delighted to see it get a fitting end, while those appalled by its monstrous nature are relieved it is dead. Even some of the manticore's followers are pleased by the glorious end to the story. Yet there is always a twist in the tail...

The manticore's sting is said to have possessed a dreadful quality - it sapped the living spirit from those affected by it, until all that was mortal in them died and their bodies became merely instruments of the manticore's will. Those poor unfortunates who fell victim in this manner were known as its vassals. Now that the manticore is dead, one might have expected these vassals to perish but it seems that some bestial instinct still animates them. A horde of them began rampaging at the heart of the Untrod Groves shortly after the Spring Equinox. They're a dangerous threat but would have remained relatively contained to the Groves, but the manticore still has a few die-hard supporters and they have found a way to corral some of the vassals.

Fangs for the Memories (Conjunction)

• Vassals of the manticore have attacked the Rahvin trade outpost and stolen the mithril
• The conjunction offers a chance to slay the beast allowing the mithril to be reclaimed
• This skirmish is a combat highly likely encounter
• The Merchant of the Fangs is responsible for recovering the mithril
• There are no innocents present on this conjunction; magistrates advise that lethal force is fully justified

Not everyone in the Gryphon's Pride has been happy with the efforts by Ser Guy, the outgoing general, to restore the reputation of the army in the wake of the attack on the Rahvin. A number of bitter deserters - some who left the army after Archaivion Wolfborne met his end, and some last season when they were asked to defend Nesustak Forest - have gathered in the Barrens. They've decided to take matters into their own hands, and have corralled some of the vassals in order to slay a group of Rahvin bringing mithril to trade with the Merchant of the Fangs.

General Utmar of the Rahvin has sent word of the threat, imploring the Empire to do something. They will reward the Merchant of the Fangs with four wains of mithril if the vassals can be dealt with. If the vassals aren't dealt with then the Rahvin will have no mithril to sell in the coming season.

Taste of Mettle (Conjunction)

• Brutal supporters of the manticore have attacked Karass settlements in the Untrod Groves
• Earl Valerie Courcillon has denounced their actions and declared that they have failed their tests
• This skirmish is a combat highly likely encounter
• Rhydian de Rondell is responsible for defeating the would-be knights
• There are no innocents present on this conjunction; magistrates advise that lethal force is fully justified

House Courcillon was foremost amongst the brutal supporters of the manticore. Earl Valerie Courcillon has made it clear that she stands proudly for a Dawn that is red in tooth and claw. Notoriously, the Earl has recently been setting her knights-errant tests of mettle designed to test their martial prowess and cunning. She charged them with using tactics of baiting and harassment to provoke the members of the Karass into attacking them. There's no sign that she's sorry about this, but it seems a group of these knights-errant, having found the line, have now stepped firmly over it. Three of them, Ser Perrivale, Ser Lissa, and Ser Richard have embraced the effects of the ritual Glory to the Sovereign and openly attacked and killed three members of the Karass.

They and their allies have driven off magistrates sent to arrest them and are threatening more attacks on the orcs of the Barrens. They, too, have managed to corral some of the vassals of the Earl to this wicked end. Earl Valerie appears to be outraged. This misses the point of her test entirely in her view; it is as much about outwitting the brutish orc as it is about seeing them attacked. She has publicly decried these errant knights and declared that they have failed her test.

There is a conjunction to Trading Way in the Carmine Fields. Earl Valerie has made a personal request that Rhydian de Rondell handle the matter. She was impressed by their steel at the Tourney for Dawn at Dusk and knows that they will share her contempt for these failed knights. Rhydian or their proxy, will need to arrange for a group of people to go through, attempt to reason with the knights and get them to lay down their arms. If they refuse to submit to Imperial justice, then lethal force is permissible to deal with the threat. Obviously the vassals need killing either way as they are a supernatural threat to all who dwell in the Barrens.

A Hearty Meal (Conjunction)

• Ser Gawain Amboise has stolen the heart of the manticore
• He intends to consume the heart on the grounds of the manse to invoke a powerful curse on the Barrens
• The curse will open the regio of the territory to heralds of Agramant
• This skirmish is a combat highly likely encounter
• The Knight-Protector of Winter is responsible for defeating the would-be knights
• There are no innocents present on this conjunction; magistrates advise that lethal force is fully justified

One of the manticore's supporters, Ser Gawain Amboise, behaved quite strangely on his death. According to the reports of witnesses, when the manticore fell, Ser Gawain lept upon the corpse and cut out its heart. It was a highly suspicious act - by all accounts, he was clearly prepared for this eventuality. Ser Gawain and his weaver cabal, the Friends of the Good Knight, have been linked in rumour before to the Horned Manticore himself, but there was little proof. The Knight-Protector of Winter had Gawain arrested at the summit, but lacked evidence that would definitively link him to the Abominable One. The law that bans the disbursement, trade, sale, and consumption of the flesh of the sapient denizens of the mortal realm does not prohibit its harvesting and regrettably, the militia were forced to let him go.

In any event, Ser Gawain and his band of rogues appear to have decided to make things simple for their adversaries. Alyss Retainer, the erstwhile servant of the Manticore, reports that Ser Gawain came to her to try to enlist her aid. He plans to lay a curse on the Barrens with the aid of the power of the Manticore's heart. While she was sympathetic to the manticore's aims, she refuses to serve the Horned Manticore, and told Ser Gawain as much.

It seems Ser Gawain is pressing ahead with his plan. He intends to use the Winter regio in the grounds of the manor of the Earl of the Groves to take vengeance for the Manticore. By consuming its heart at the regio, he will unleash a powerful curse on the Barrens that will allow Agramant heralds to enter the territory freely, thwarting the wards of the Conclave. If he is not stopped, then more trouble is sure to follow. It is the responsibility of the Knight-Protector of Winter to ensure this threat from the Whisperer is dealt with. Ser Gawain is protected by knights pledged to his weaver cabal, the Friends of the Good Knight, as well as the remainder of the Earl's errant vassals.

"It's over, then." Tristan spoke, breaking the silence of Alyss's thoughts. "What will we do now?" She turned to look at her brother, her eyes filled with sad resolve. "We bear his memory, Tristan. His memory, and that of King Penni. But... in the end, is this not what we wanted? Dawn's pride is restored to it. We face a new tomorrow with our brilliant Monarch." She smiled. "He was a monster, Tristan. A glorious monster. Yet monsters never succeed in the troubadour's tales. We have played our part, in this story that will last long after we are dead. Is that not enough? Is that not what it means to be a yeofolk bound to the Rose Throne? It is our duty to set the stage and ensure that our nobility have their entrances and their exits, their hour when it comes. We did that."

Her brother frowned. "You didn't answer my question, really. Practically speaking, what will we do now? Will you serve the Lady Temperance?" He gestured to the table of their cottage, where a piece of parchment lay. She glanced at it, then looked back to her brother, eyes wet. "Anka Karass still lives, does she not? I do not know that she can truly call herself noble while that is true... but she wishes to bear the manticore's legacy. I want to serve her..." Alyss shook her head. "It's not ours to accept her as a noble or not. That's - well. I don't know. But not for the likes of us. I'll keep the lights on at the manor, though, whatever happens. Stop those ne'er-do-wells like Ser Gawain mucking about. I'm Proud, Tristan. I won't apologise: not for any of it. Serving the manticore - that was real. It was true. It was - he was glorious. And I'll tell people that 'til I'm dead."

Previous Addresses

Emperor Vesna

• A horn blast of victory (Summer 388YE)
• Push for victory (Spring 388YE)
• We are the storm (Winter 387YE)
• Diadem on my brow (Autumn 387YE)
• That's where my heart is (Summer 387YE)
• Walk with me (Spring 387YE)
• I am easy to find (Winter 386YE)
• Signal fire (Autumn 386YE)
• Inextricable, indefatigable, and inevitable (Summer 386YE)
• Promising light, the Coronation address (Spring 386YE)

Imperatrix Lisabetta

• No time for ease (Autumn 383YE)
• Nothing great without cost (Winter 382YE)
• United in law (Spring 382YE)
• Proud to Serve (Autumn 381YE)
• In Virtue and Reason (Summer 381YE)
• Iron and wine, the Coronation address (Autumn 380YE)