Unfettered Mind
Motto
Explore the unknown and master it.
The Manifesto
The Order of the Unfettered Mind holds the following to be true:
- The Empire's rich understanding of magic is one of its great strengths
- As the Empire's knowledge and use of magic increases, so does its power and influence
- The Empire must stay at the apex of magical knowledge and power and not cede this ground to another force
The Order of the Unfettered Mind therefore exists to:
- Expand the body of magical lore, theory and practice throughout the Empire
- Challenge any constraints to the practice and expansion of such knowledge
- Boldly consider possibilities and opportunities that others may not consider
Symbol
The Order of the Unfettered Mind has used a range of symbols across its history, including an open and unblinking eye, and a ray of light.
Membership of the Order
Researchers, theoreticians and magicians for whom magic is both a mystery and the greatest calling flock to the Unfettered Mind. Members are often frustrated that other orders do not appreciate the joy of pure research, or the way that everyone is enriched by greater understanding of the theories of magic. Members tend to be ritual magicians rather than spellcasters, as ritual magic offers the greatest opportunity to expand the power and knowledge of Imperial magicians. They are second-only to the Celestial Arch in their interest in the eternals, and they compete regularly with the Rod and Shield for the position of Dean of the Lyceum.
It would be wrong to consider them naive or politically weak; they have a great need for crystal mana and other resources, and in the past they have been ruthless in acquiring it. Their membership includes a number of magicians interested in understanding magic specifically to gain more personal power, or more power for the Empire, and critics claim they are more interested in novel uses of magic than in wise uses of magic. Their tendency to reach for their crystal mana rather than seek more mundane solutions to vexation are well known and it is undeniable that more members of the Unfettered Mind have been declared to be sorcerers than any other order. The order was very nearly dissolved in 264 YE following the unwise application of a major curse to an entire delegation of visiting dignitaries from the Principalities of Jarm.
The magicians of this order are often at odds with both the Celestial Arch and Sevenfold Path because they oppose all efforts to censor or limit Imperial magic. As they often point out, the enemies of the Empire are under no such constraints. They sometimes find unlikely allies in the Shuttered Lantern and even the Rod and Shield in this regard.
The order generally has far more ideas of things to try and do than it knows what to do with. It carefully guards its own Conclave vault and often enjoys periods of surprising wealth - it is one of the orders most often chosen to receive bequests from retired or deceased magicians, especially ex-members of the Lyceum. Despite the suspicion with which the Order is viewed by the more politically savvy orders, it has also been regularly responsible for discoveries that have proved of great value to the Conclave and the Empire as a whole
Conclave vault
Each summit, the Conclave vault of the Unfettered Mind garners a pro rata share of the Font based on the precedence of the orders at the previous summit; a portion of ilium based on their position among the orders as determined by precedence; and additional materials due to outstanding bequests.
- Three ingots of tempest jade provided by Dawnspire in Spiral. The bequest began in 298YE, and despite the tumultuous recent history of the territory has continued without interruption since.
- Four measures of iridescent gloaming come from rival guilds in Tassato. Two come from the Sapphire Boots Carta of Regario on behalf of their founder, Eliza, who served as grandmaster for two years during the reign of Empress Giselle, and a further two measures from their bitter rivals, the Guild of Amber Masks of Mestra, whose merchant-prince Angélica unseated Eliza.
- Two ingots of weltsilver have come from a secretive cabal from Livardz since 132YE and will continue for as long as the order works to expand Imperial lore.
| Summit | Nation | Elected |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Solstice 386YE | Varushka | Zlata Ruznikova Perenel, The Weaver |
| Summer Solstice 385YE | The League | Eliza |
| Autumn Equinox 384YE | The League | Eliza |
| Summer Solstice 384YE | Navarr | Cadogan Stranger's Song |
| Summer Solstice 383YE | Urizen | Palaphon Ankarien |
| Summer Solstice 382YE | Dawn | Lord Severin De Rondell |
| Summer Solstice 381YE | Kyra of Halcyon Spire | |
| Summer Solstice 380YE | Kyra of Halcyon Spire | |
| Summer Solstice 379YE | Kyra of Halcyon Spire | |
| Summer Solstice 378YE | Urizen | Palaphon Ankarien |
| Summer Solstice 377YE | Varushka | Alexei |
| Winter Solstice 376YE | Varushka | Alexei |
Grandmaster
Each Conclave order is led by a grandmaster who is elected by their members. This title is currently held by Zlata Ruznikova Perenel, The Dread Auntie; it will be reelected at Summer Solstice 387YE. The table to the right shows the citizens who have been elected as grandmaster of the order in the years since Empress Britta died.