380YE Summer Solstice winds of fortune
of Seven Mirrors, twentieth Throne of the Empire
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.
As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters 'should' know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months.
Many winds of fortune open with a short section of in-character text. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip. They're mostly just a bit of fun and they tend not to contain anything vital to the understanding of the wind of Fortune.
Without further ado then.
The Other Empress
- the League, Highguard, Imperial Senate
When the Grendel launched their cowardly sneak attack on Sarvos, they looted many priceless treasures. One of their targets was the tomb of Empress Giselle at the Alvetti estates. They robbed the tomb, but the true prize - the body and personal effects of the Empress - were saved by Imperial heroes. Now, on the eve of the coronation of the twentieth Throne, a decision needs to be made about where the sixteenth will be laid to rest. You can learn more about this situation here.
A Question of Provenance
- Imperial Synod, Highguard, Imperial Conclave
In addition to everything else going on in Reikos, decisions about how to deal with the more esoteric plants and fungi growing in the territory need to be made. The onus falls on the Imperial Synod, and you can learn more about the situation here. You can also learn about the general situation in Reikos here, and about the influence of Golan and Yael here.
Raise A Glass
- Imperial Senate, Throne
Traditionally, the coronation of an Empress is followed by Empire-wide celebrations. For many citizens, the most important part of those celebrations are the massive parties held throughout the nations - parties which need to be paid for. But for the more politically savvy, the most significant part of those celebrations is the Throne's celebratory message - the first formal address to the people of the Empire that often sets the tenor of their reign. You can learn more about these celebrations here.
Rebirth in Reikos
- Imperial Synod, Highguard
Yael and Brother Jared come to Reikos to counter the teachings of the heretic Golan, and to speak of the Land Without Tears. Their arrival coincides with what some are hailing as a miracle that potentially has profound implications for the Imperial Synod. You can learn more about this event here. You can learn more about the situation in Reikos here, and here.
A Season of Mushrooms
- Highguard
A wave of transformation is sweeping across Reikos as the eternal Llofir is unleashed. You can learn about some of the extremely peculiar goings on in Reikos this season here. You can learn more about related incidents here and here.
The Twentieth Empress
- Everyone
There is a new Throne! Empress Lisabetta Giacomi von Holberg was appointed during the Spring Equinox, and will be formally crowned during the Summer Solstice. You can learn more about her, about the Throne, and about the upcoming coronation here.
Ongoing Events and Resolutions
Golden Trumpets
- Imperial Conclave
The eternal Meraud's challenge to the magicians of the Empire (which you can read about here) has ended. The Summer Magician is expected to announce the victor, and deliver the promised boon - a powerful magical staff - during the Summer Solstice. There is also talk of an "enchantment on the Imperial regio" but the details of quite what that will entail are unclear.
The Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun
- Imperial Conclave
Work on The Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun, the Summer college built near Volchitrava in Miekarova has been completed. Infused with the power of the eternal Cathan Canae, who serves as its patron, it has already begun recruiting theorists, scholars, and students from across the Empire. The first Master of Ice and Darkness will almost certainly be selected during the coming summit - any Imperial citizen can present a Declaration of Candidacy to the Imperial Conclave in an attempt to secure the position.