Hello everyone, here I am again with the latest updates from Profound Decisions’ Larp, Empire. These are typically split into Winds of War (about war) and the Winds of Fortune (about everything else). We have also been getting ones with more detail on the diplomatic side this event, since they have started to publish the dispatches that before just went to the players of Ambassadors.
Drumbeat of War
The Asaveans declared war on the Empire after the attack on Chalonsio, the Empire the declared war on Asavea in Spring 385YE, meaning that they are now classed as Barbarians and it is legal to attack them and illegal to trade with them. The Asaveans are supporting the Grendel with mercenaries and ships. The arrival of missionaries of the Way has further enraged the Asaveans.
Naval Stuff
Since declaring war on the Empire, the Asavean Plenum has sent three great warships to the Bay of Catazar: Balo’s Grace, Leaping Bull, and Wind Tamer. Each of these massive ships, and the smaller vessels that support it, is a significant threat (OOC Note: Equivalent to 1000 strength when supporting a navy). They have been identified supporting the Grendel navies in Madruga, but they are also capable of independent action. For example, they were also responsible for destroying the Isle of Osseini, and the corsair town of Shantarim; if rumour is to be believed they did so at the behest of Governor Rahab of Feroz. There are also Asavean troops fighting alonside the Grendel – both mercenary companies with the Bone Nautilius and smaller warbands supporting other armies.
News has recently reached the civil service that two more Asavean warships – Breath of Crimson and Foamdancer – have been spotted docked at Dubhtraig, resupplying after their long journey east from the Archipelago. It appears the Plenum are taking their commitment to help the Broken Shore orcs in their war against the Empire very seriously.
This is in tandem with the fact that the Archipelago has also threatened any and all ships which visit Imperial Ports. Their stated goal is to “to capture the ship, steal their cargo, and enslave their crews” which could drag other nations into this war, such as the Commonwealth.
Taxes will be reduced by 62 Thrones, but those Imperial fleets that do make it to the ports of the Sumaah, the Commonwealth, or Sarcophan Delves, will gain the equivalent to one rank to their production because of the lack of competition. The Asavaeans will lose at least 100 Thrones in paying for bounties and such on Imperial fleets and will likely lose face diplomatically with other nations too.
Religious Stuff
Asavaea is one of the places where Imperial Missionaries go, however, it is incredibly dangerous as the priest-class of Asavaea are powerful and actively hunt down any followers of the Way they can find. The religion of Asavaea is so intricately linked to the politics of the nation that the Civil Service has now determined that if there is a major movement to following the Way it will ultimately result in an uprising against the Plenum. This would take 10 years and would require the Empire to react decisively to any opportunities that would come up along the way. The Empire will be needed to supply the rebels if they are to have any sort of chance, mostly with mithril and weirwood to arm them.
The Asavaean Ambassador has made it clear that the attempts to convert the people of Asavaea is considered a direct attack on their power, and their return attacks will only increase with the seriousness of the threat.
There are options for the Assemblies to issue mandates which would encourage people to send money and white granite in order to aid the Asavaean Sects who follow the Way. This would create a special commission option, it would take at least two years, and would require 750 wains of white granite and 280 thrones. It would not guarantee that the Rebels would win, but it would create a strong foundation and allow further opportunities to happen in the future.
The Highguard National Assembly could also stop their seasonal donations to the Great Inspiration Commission (aka Super Bastion), and instead, they would start sending the supplies to this commission. It would require passing a mandate through their national assembly and would obviously act as a delay on the Great Inspiration.
The Loyalty Assembly could also pass a mandate, to encourage Imperial citizens to find new ways to support the people of Asavaea who follow the Way.
The Freeborn Assembly can pass a mandate to encourage Fleet Captains to help those travelling to and supporting the Virtuous Rebels in Asavaea. This would reduce the number of missionary deaths as people would be assured of landing safely and reaching the less accessible islands. Freeborn Fleet Captains would also gain a new adventure in downtime, Smuggle the Way to Asavaea, which would likely create more opportunities in the future.
The Senate could make it illegal to preach the Way in Asavaea if they feel that the threat to the Empire is too high.
The Ambition Assembly has a mandate that they could pass, it will encourage priests of the Way to find other sects in other nations that they could support to spread the Way. It will make sure that all the other nations of the world know that the Empire is planning to do this and may cause diplomatic issues with those who disagree. It will create more opportunities for missionary work in other nations.
Conjunction
Other Weapons
A company of Grendel are moving to raze the Academy of Arms, this skirmish is a combat highly likely encounter. The Prelate of Adelmar’s Shrine is responsible for defeating the Grendel.
Peaks and Planes
This Wind of Fortune is about the ongoing issues between the Marchers and the Urizeni. Both sides have attempted to cool the hot heads in their nations, but new problems keep springing up.
The Urizen Assembly can use a mandate to urge their citizens to go to the Marches and help bring in the harvest. Every Marcher farm will see an increase of 12 rings for this season. It will, however, have the negative effect of halving the amount of research that can be done as part of the Doyen of Spires, College of Magic.
The Marcher Assembly could also use a mandate to urge their friars and monks to go and talk with the people of Urizen. Every Urizeni congregation will gain 1 dose of liao and 2 votes in the coming season while every Marcher congregation will lose 2 doses of liao and 4 votes after the Summer Solstice. The discussions this will lead to will likely be rather spicy given some of the more interesting Marcher beliefs, but it will no doubt be very interesting.
Things in the Marches are heating up; apparently, the average off-screen Marcher is starting to have very different beliefs from those of the National Assembly. Various Assemblies and the Throne Address have added to the confusion.
Two groups will be visiting Anvil to talk about it all. Jack Tiller and Frankie Moulder are visiting Anvil hoping to speak to the National Assembly about the growing tensions between them and their people. Meanwhile, Old Tam Witch-hazel wants to have a chat with the landskeepers especially those currently shunned by the Marchers at Anvil. Both “delegations” are expected to arrive around 17:00 on Saturday evening at the Marcher camp.
Famine and Feast
The Plenipotentiary Wind has arrived! These are the answers from the Eternals to the messages sent by the Archmages at the end of the last summit.
Autumn – The Lictors – Very Formal Parley at 14:00 on Saturday
The parley will take place in the Hall of Worlds, and will of course be formal in nature. The archmage, as the representative of the Empire, will determine who among their fellow citizens can speak. If there are more than two incidents of individuals talking out of turn, the representatives of the Lictors will be forced to depart. They also request that representatives of Anvil’s magistrates be present, ready to arrest and prosecute any citizen who violates the rules of parley (since it is a case of subverting the agencies of the state under Imperial law).
Topics to be discussed will include the situation in the City of Locks as well as some more general digressions into the politics of the Autumn Realm’s cities; how the Empire can resume friendly relations with the City of Bond and Bar; and the enforcement of oaths and contracts between eternals of the Iron Labyrinth and the Empire (among others).
On that latter note, the Lictors extend a boon to Imperial magicians – and they are extending similar boons to magicians in other nations. It is a boon they have offered in the past, to individuals and via enchanted seals, but they choose to recognise the Empire’s commitment to ensuring its citizens follow their own clear laws by extending it unilaterally to any Imperial master of Autumn lore. There will be a new option for those casting Scrivener’s Bloodmark. If the Lictors are invoked on the casting and a ring of Illium is used for each signatory then the Lictors will make the contract last until it is completed or one party calls on the associated curse. And, if the curse is cast then the Lictors may get involved to make sure that the correct person is being cursed. And they may bring punishment if it is being used incorrectly.
Spring – Ossegrahn – 20:00 the Hall of Worlds Friday, or after Conclave whichever comes first
He has requested the presence of several others; the Knight-protector of Spring, the Keeper of the Golden Fields, Sir Elienne of Dawn. He also wants to talk with the Hand of the Healers and the Granger of the Golden Orchard about the relationship between the Navarr and Arhallogen.
He is also interested in discussing mending the lands harmed by the Cold Sun and the Dry Patricians, but cannot help to fix the curses on Urizen’s mana sites. He will also not raise forests where they are not currently sited so that the Empire can use the areas for magical fortifications.
Finally, Ossegrahn wants the Archmage to remember who they are dealing with. He does not stand for the bloody or chaotic parts of Spring and if that is what the Empire wants they can look to another eternal to get it.
Summer – Rhianos – Rhianos declines a Parley
Rhianos is a sworn enemy of Siakha and has “sung to the dolphins” to arrange several conjunctions for the Empire tofight Siakha’s cultists and heralds.
During the Summer Solstice, Rhianos offers his boon to any coven that performs the ritual Golden Voyage. The magic was partly inspired by the Cry of Adventure and he has a soft-spot for it. During the performance of the ritual, any magician with at least one rank of Summer lore may consume a dose of Tonic of Sunlit Glass as part of the casting. Instead of the normal effect, the roleplaying effect – “you feel a sudden burst of optimism and a rush of positive emotions; you are reminded of past triumphs, hopes and dreams – will be greatly intensified and the potion will grant the magician two additional ranks of Summer Lore for purposes of casting the ritual (subject to the normal rules for effective skill, and counting as a tonic that lasts for the duration of the casting meaning it cannot be combined with other tonics that boost ritual magic). Furthermore, any magician who has mastered the ritual is able to substitute ingots of weltsilver or orichalcum for crystal mana. Every three ingots spent will count as two crystal mana towards the performance, provided the magicians include an invocation of Rhianos in the casting and make it clear that the ingots are an offering to the eternal in return for their aid.
Those who do will find one additional benefit – an opportunity to take part in a daring race! The race will take place over the next four seasons in downtime, the winner will be whoever gets the best time over the four legs.
Day – Kimus – Kimus declines a Parley
In the first matter from the Archmage, Kimus recommends other paths to find things out. The other matter the Archmage raised was the disposition of three specific objects or locations: the grave of Gilda Ashwine, the spear of Isaella, and the Pauper’s Key of Emperor Frederick.
Gilda Ashwine was first buried in Dawn, then disinterred and taken to Bastion, and then when she was no longer considered an exemplar she was taken back to Dawn. Kimus could find out where, but has the Archmage considered what might happen after a burial is disturbed so many times? The Pauper’s Key of Emperor Frederick was stolen soon after his death, and has been lost but Kimus could find it. And the spear of Isaella appears to have either been destroyed or to have passed outside the realms that Kimus can see.
Kimus again asks if the Archmage is certain they want to find these objects, but if they do, then they must bring a Declaration of Concord to the Conclave and state, “We ask the Thousand Eyes of the Sun and Moon to find the mortal remains of the human known as Gilda Ashwine” or “We ask the Thousand Eyes of the Sun and Moon to find the Pauper’s Key of Emperor Frederick.” Kimus will locate the item or place named, provided it exists, and share their findings with the Conclave at the Autumn Equinox.
Night – Sung – Sung declines a formal parley but is still willing to send some heralds tothe Hall of Worlds at 17:00 on Saturday
Sung’s heralds will arrive through the portal in the Hall of Worlds at 5pm on Saturday, and from there move out to the space next to the Imperial Regio. They will spend some time studying the visions that manifest for this Summer Solstice. They will come with a number of boons to offer in exchange for interpretations of these visions: What events could they be related to? What conclusions can be drawn from them? She is quick to emphasise that the accuracy of these interpretations is not her sole concern. It is just as significant if something feels right. However these visions must be “fresh”, which is to say experienced within the last 24 hours.
In addition, she has sent a herald to dance through what she describes as “the great pool of visions”, to weave an additional mystery for anyone who wishes to seek it. Those who are able to identify this herald, and give its name to one of her folk during their time at Anvil, will receive an additional reward.
She offers a boon to the Empire’s seekers of mystery; during the Summer Solstice, any magician who drinks Goosewhisper Infusion as part of the performance will find the ritual easier to perform. Rather than receiving a vision, they will gain an additional rank of Night lore for purposes of performing Clear Counsel of the Everflowing River, and may use up to three personal mana as if it were crystal mana towards the performance of that ritual (as if they had drunk Philosopher’s Stone. These benefits would count as a tonic and not be cumulative with other tonics.
Winter – Blood-On-The-Snow (and many, many other names) – Blood-On-The-Snow has agreed to a Parley in the Hall of Worlds at 22:00 on Saturday
The Parley must be open to all who can make it to the Hall of Worlds. And in addition to the usual rules of Parley, they require an oath from the Archmage at the beginning of the parley. A formal oath delivered in front of Imperial magicians, asserting that none who accompany the Howler in the Wastes, and none who speak to him or his servants in the Hall of Worlds, will be harmed as a consequence.
The Voice of the Pines is more than happy to hear the Archmage’s plans to start a war with the Iron Confederacy if that’s what Ematius wants. The Suranni have their own tedious wards but they’re no less riddled with secret cults dedicated to the Wicked Liar than the Empire is.
He plans to offer boons to Imperial magicians as a sign of good faith. He is aware that one of his rituals – Crimson Letters – has been made part of Urizen lore. During the Summer Solstice, any magician capable of using that ritual is encouraged to use it to request a boon of the Horned Manticore on their own behalf or on behalf of others, and the eternal will consider each one carefully and likely respond. There’s no point using this boon to ask for something stupid; no wishing for the Druj to all die in a fire or the like. But something straightforward, and the Giver of Gifts will see what they can do about fulfilling that request with one of his trinkets. For example, he will be prepared to swap seven crystal mana apiece for arcane projections of Crimson Letters, Unleash the Beasts Within, The Crimson Feast, Thirst of the Devourer, or Loosen the Shackles. He’s prepared to negotiate providing ritual texts of the same to covens prepared to pay his price. He’s also prepared to provide magicians who ask for it with trinkets that empower their ability to perform curses, or rituals of Winter magic that grant strength of body or will. Finally he’s more than happy to provide those who ask with magical weapons or talismans that will help them butcher their foes, feast on their blood, endure their blows, or tear their stupid rules and constraints to pieces.
A Star is Born
This Wind of Fortune is about what fleet and military captains found when they journeyed to Rachensgrab to see what had happened since the mission to smash the slave markets there.
The slaves who were freed have mostly settled in the Commonwealth, and are doing very well there. They welcomed the Imperials but those who wished to leave have already done so and everyone is quite happy where they are.
Moving on to the remains of Rachensgrab is another story, however. When the fleets attacked they took everything of value away with them, along with all the enslaved people they could. Those left behind were the common people employed by the slavers and they have been left in poverty. There is some discussion about what to do with these obviously struggling people, but nothing is decided. The Commonwealth send a ship by every so often to make sure that they aren’t returning to their old ways, but they don’t get much more contact with the outside world than that.
The flotilla moved on to investigate the rest of the archipelago. Most of the islands are too small for a community to live on, but they manage to find some that are inhabited. The people are called the Viyerda and most of their food and resources was taken by Rachensgrab before the attack, so they are doing pretty well. They have some interesting religious beliefs, they believe that their souls are from the stars and return there when they die only to be brought back to earth by shooting stars. They also believe that they have been ruled by continuous reincarnations of two monarchs, the Summer King and the Winter Queen, who they are able to find on the island after their previous incarnation’s death.
They also state that an illium shooting star falls in their bay every nine years, though the size differs and they have not had a large one in some time. They do not want to talk about trade with the Empire, however, and in fact seem very tense and concerned about the massive flottilla of boats that has just turned up in their harbour. I wonder why that would be?
If the Empire wishes to open diplomatic channels then they will have to get creative.
The Imperial Senate could use an appraisal to send Naomi of Virtue’s Rest to open diplomatic channels with the Viyerda. It would take two seasons to complete, and cost 60 thrones. Alternatively (and it cannot be both) the Celestial Arch could use a declaration to ask members of the Order to open diplomatic channels with the Viyerda. It would take two seasons to complete, and cost 100 mana.
The people who went on this mission did not receive any reward for doing so, but since the Civil Service has the names of those who went along a judgement of rewarding could be issued to reward them.
The Commonwealth are getting a bit worried about the Empire nosing about in their backyard, if the Empire attempts to open up diplomatic channels with the Viyerda that may cause problems. The Empire could ask for permission, but if they are told no and then do it anyway the Commonwealth might be even more upset.
This opportunity was supposed to be for two seasons, however so many people went on it that it has been fully completed and will no longer be open to players to choose for their downtime options. If any of my readers sent their resources on this trip then they should read the Wind so that they can properly flesh out the stories of their adventures. For example there are some rare creatures in this region, like gryphons and syolvur, which are a combination of wolves and dolphins, apparently.
Rock and a Hard Place
This is a very exciting Wind of Fortune, as it relates to some ongoing and very complicated plot that people might have entirely missed if they weren’t in the Marches!
Some centuries ago, long before the beginning of the Empire, a deal came to be made with Estavus that sent many talented magicians known as Brightsmiths to the Autumn Realm to work for the Eternal. The deal to bring them back could not be completed, however, and so the people have been stuck there working for Estavus for centuries. Recently a cursed anvil was dredged out of the sea near Meade and it was decided to give it to Estavus in the belief that this would end the contract and release the Brightsmiths. At the time, most people believed that when they returned, they would soon disintegrate, and it would be more a case of returning their souls to the Labyrinth than the people to the world. However, it turns out that all these people have come back from the Autumn Realm no older than when they left!
They are confused, with few memories of the time before the Autumn Realm. They need help to find themselves once more, but with them they carry the only memories of the lost art of the Marches!
There is a Marcher assembly mandate that, if passed, will ask the people of the Marches to go to Oakwood Monastery to speak to them. However, the Wind also points out that there is evidence that the Whisper Gallery have been meddling and if the secrets are not revealed soon there may not be a second chance.
Kith and Kin
This Wind of Fortune is about the relationship between Highguard and the Marches, especially after Highguard used their Peerless Kinship power to support the Marches.
There are two mandates for the National Assemblies of the Marches and Highguard. The Marches have the opportunity to send a priest to hunt down a traitor somewhere in the Jotun occupied areas of Mournwold, while the Highborn National Assembly can send people to destroy the secret caches of food and supplies that the Jotun have left in the Mourn.
If Bounders Hall is retaken, it will create a new military action for Marcher beaters to patrol the borders of Mournwold, at the moment they do not receive any reward for it so this would be a help to both the defence and the economy of the area. The Empire could build Bounders Halls in other Marcher territories to extend the protection provided by the beaters to the other Marcher regions. These building projects would be counted as sinecures and would require 12 white granite, 36 crowns in labour.
The Empire could also build fortifications in the Mourn or Bregasland. The Third Pie (as it is known) in the Mourn would cost 30 weirwood, 50 white granite, and 30 thrones to build. Alternatively, or additionally, a fortification could be built on Fisher’s Rock to defend Bregas. It would require 100 white granite, and 300 crowns to build but due to some interesting local effects it would be unbreakable and could never go beneath 1000 military strength. This would also rouse the local ghosts and lead to a new title being made, Friar of the Dead Marshes, whose responsibility would be to put these ghost to rest. The Friar would receive 5 doses of Liao a season, plus the occasional old relic pulled out of the marshes.
The Highborn have received two more seasons of their Peerless Kinship power to help one of their fellow nations. This time they will be able to choose their purpose by talking to the people of the nation they want to help and then including the information in the Statement about the Peerless Kinship.
Conjunction
A band of Jotun ghosts have appeared at Halebale Farm in Oddmire. This skirmish is a combat highly likely encounter. The Champion of Prosperity is responsible for ensuring the ghosts are exorcised.
The Way Home
This Wind is about the Navaar and specifically their tradition of travelling the trods and visiting wayhouses. There is an opportunity to build many more of them in the non-Navaar regions of the Empire. Navaar characters would henceforth be able to have a personal resource in any region with such a Wayhouse without the usual penalties. In the season when a Wayhouse is completed Navaar would be able to move their without incurring the usual 2 crown cost for moving resource. The Navaar would not be able to vote for a senator in their new region, but they would gain the benefits of any great works in the territory. Each wayhouse would cost, a minimum of 16 wains of the type appropriate for the sinecure and 48 crowns.
There are three named building opportunities that would also create titles.
Myfanwy’s Rest – Keeper of Myfanwy’s Rest
Where – Necropolis
Cost – 16 wains of white granite and 48 crowns
Income – 10 doses of liao and 7 crowns
Responsibilities – To protect the wayhouse and promote the legacy of the legendary Navarr figures from Imperial history
The Last Battle – Keeper of the Last Battle
Where – Any region adjacent to an enemy territory that contains a vallorn heart
Cost – 18 wains of weirwood and 54 crowns
Income – 24 random herbs
Responsibilities – To protect the wayhouse and encourage the expansion of the Empire’s borders to trigger the Last Battle against the vallorn
Special – Puts the adjacent regions in the neighbouring territory under threat.
The Primal Forest – Keeper of the Primal Forest
Where – Anywhere
Cost – 20 wains of weirwood and 60 crowns
Income – 5 doses of Vernal Balm
Responsibilities – To protect the wayhouse and encourage the study of novel approaches to Spring magic
Less Welcome Tenants
This Wind of Fortune is about the Sovereign in the Semmerlak, Dho’uala. The civil service has been tasked with finding a way to stop her being such a big problem and to do so Virtuously. These options can all be taken either individually or en masse.
The first option is to follow in the footsteps of the Sandfishers and give tribute to Dho’uala to stop her from attacking travellers. The Empire could build a sinecure, perhaps called the Semmerlak Tollbooth. It could be placed in any region of Ossium, Karov, Karsk, Weirwater, Semmerholm, or Holberg bordering the Semmerlak. It would require 12 weirwood, 36 Crowns, and take 3 months to build. The ongoing cost would be 30 Thrones a season.
The Silent Bell have received word from a group of merchants who frequently travel across the Semmerlak. They are unsure if paying Dho’uala would count as idolatry and would appreciate a National Assembly mandate to make it clear. If this is passed then the merchants will pay 10 Thrones to the 30 Throne a season ongoing cost. If this is passed but the Tollbooth option is not taken then the merchants of Holberg will work with the Sandfishers and will no longer have a penalty when they travel by ship.
The Senate could also establish a sodality known as the Blades of the Semmerlak to protect the people living around the Semmerlak and travelling upon it. This would require commissioning two buildings (on one commission, though), one in Dawn and one in Varushka. It would require 24 weirwood, 72 Crowns, 3 months to build. This would make things safe around the Semmerlak and create a downtime adventure for military units. A title would also be created, Knight-Warden of the Semmerlak, who would get 10 crowns a season to help fight back against Dho’uala.
There is a herald of Eleonaris known as the Lady of the Semmerlak, she has been known to gift boons to those who fight against Dho’uala, the Archmage of Summer could ask Eleonaris for an appointment with her. That would have to be the sum of the plenipotentiary, however, Eleonaris wouldn’t like it otherwise, apparently.
The Silent Bell has also provided a mandate that the Pride Assembly could pass that pushes even more strongly against the idea of giving criminals to the Semmerlak. If this mandate is passed it will have two effects. If the Senate builds the Blades of the Semmerlak, virtuous folk from around the Semmerlak and beyond will contribute. Dawnish and League citizens will contribute 5 wains of weirwood and 15 crowns to the construction of the wardenhouse and knightly estates, and will add additional production to the adventure. If the mandate secures a greater majority, meaning it will affect Varushka – the wealthy nation will contribute a further 4 wains and 12 crowns to the construction.
There is also the option of speaking to those who use magic. The Senate could commission a gathering place for the magicians busy protecting the Semmerlak. Or three as the case may be, in Lacre in Semmerholm, Malimorzi in Karov and Bittershore in Ossium. The title would be, Watcher of the Semmerlak. As well as protecting the people on and around the Semmerlak, the title created by this comission would receive 7 crystal mana from donations made to the Wavewatchers. They’d also receive three specific bequests – a Ring of Warding (a magical focus that significantly increases the power of a ritualist to perform warding magic) provided by the volhov of Varushka; an Opaline Coat from the guisers of Dawn to help the magician perform personal magic in pursuit of their coals; and a grab-bag of potions useful to magicians collected and delivered by the mountebanks of Holberg (three potions each season, a Mageblood, a Barren Watchtower and a Decoction of the Hungry Moon or their equivalent for another realm (the title holder could email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk to change the realm). The Vigilance Assembly would appoint this title.
The Wisdom Assembly also get an option, they are offered a mandate that would ask the Varushkan Wise Ones to help the Mountebanks and Guisers to protect the people. If the Senate builds the Journeymage Towers, virtuous folk from around the Semmerlak and beyond will contribute. Dawnish and League citizens will contribute 5 wains and 15 crowns to the construction of the towers, and an additional 2 mana crystals each season to the Watcher. If the mandate secures a greater majority, meaning it will have full effect in Varushka as well, the wealthy nation will contribute a further 4 wains and 12 crowns to the construction and another 2 mana crystals each season. It will also encourage long-term communication between the different traditions.
There is also an opportunity to send a message to one of several eternals and ask for them to set up a chance to talk things over with Dho’uala. Lashonar of the Night realm is always eager to arrange situations where creatures speak to one another; Prospero of the Autumn realm loves situations where beings attempt to influence one another; Ephisis, also of the Autumn realm, is obsessed with trade in all it’s forms and Jaheris, for all his dark reputation, has a vested interest in the idea of parleys, formal diplomacy between courts, and dark magic. If this is sent through a plenipotentiary then no other business will be able to be done in that plenipotentiary.
There is also the option to drain the lake and destroy Dho’uala, but that would be hideously expensive and very difficult. Also she could return if the lake ever returned.
The Silent Bell are arguing amidst themselves over whether or not to share the information they find, the Assembly of Nine could weigh in if they feel strongly enough about it. Though it might make them feel even more argumentative.
The Final Countdown
This is all about the Navaar and the Highborn fight against the Vallorn.
The time has come to make the decisions about what people are going to do to finish the Vallorn.
The Navaar could use a mandate to devote the entire nation to building their resources for the final fight against the Vallorn. This mandate is available at both the coming Summer event and the Autumn event.
If this mandate is enacted, then most of the stridings will stop walking the trods and return home in preparation for the final battle to begin. There will be a huge swell of enthusiasm as people from across the nation embrace the coming fight. As a result, the number of armies that the Navarr can maintain will increase from three to six.
Almost every Navarr will commit themselves fully to the coming war. The Navarr have always had a somewhat singular focus; this mandate will strengthen that resolve. In the seasons that follow, there will be far fewer opportunities like the recent proposal to build new wayhouses; instead every effort will be made to find new opportunities to gain the upper hand in the struggle against the vallorn.
At the first stage, the Navarr scouts will seek to identify opportunities to place the trods in Béantal Dol in Sarangrave, and in Kabanja and Visokuma in Axos. Once The Dance of Navarr and Thorn is cast in these three territories, then the final war against the vallorn will begin. When that happens, there will be no going back. The castings will need to be timed right – to ensure the Druj and Axou can’t simply take them down before the network of trods is complete.
Alternatively, the Navarr Assembly could use a mandate to tell the nation to stay their hand. This mandate could be enacted at the Summer Solstice or the Autumn Equinox. In the seasons that follow, there will be far more opportunities like the recent proposal to build new wayhouses but at the cost of new opportunities to deal with the vallorn. The Navaar will concentrate on getting stronger to one day attack the vallorn, rather than marshalling their forces to do it immediately.
If neither mandate is passed by the end of the Autumn Summit then there will be a massive loss of respect for the Navaar leadership and every personal resource would have a two rank penalty to their production.
The Highborn Assembly could use a mandate to commit those dedicated to destroying the vallorn to the fight, the Grey Pilgrims would return from walking the trods and Highguard will be able to maintain 4 armies instead of 3. In the seasons that follow, there will be fewer opportunities like the recent proposal to convert the Asaveans; instead every effort will be made to find new opportunities to gain the upper hand in the struggle against the vallorn.
The other National Assemblies could also issue a statement of principle giving their opinions and saying whether or not they will help in the fight against the vallorn. This will then lead to mandates that will shape the choices offered to the nation in the future.
Farm, Fur and Fish
This Wind of Fortune is about an appraisal asking the civil service for ways to improve the prosperity of the territory of Semersuaq.
Trade
The collapsed Pakanaan’s Pass could be reopened, allowing trade between Semersuaq and Skarsind. An appraisal specifically asking for this would have to be passed through the Senate to figure out how, though. And the writers of the appraisal would have to be careful to remember to include that it should be open for both military and merchant travellers.
The Thule are asking for hunting rights in East Floes. They were willing to trade ilium for the right before, but the urgency has decreased, so they will likely not pay quite as much. But they still have a lot to trade so it might be worth it. They were also willing to give 10 mana crystals a season to a conclave order for as long as they had the rights. They have also asked to have the embassy moved to Wintermark, it would require 10 white granite, 10 weirwood, 150 crowns, 6 months. This could also be designed with an intention to be used as a trade hub, though, of course, it would depend on the diplomatic situation at the time.
Hot Water
There are hot springs at Tanikipari, these could be turned into the medieval version of a tourist resort or spa. Hot Springs Hall would cost 20 white granite, 60 crowns, 3 months, to build and would increase the tax of Semersuaq by 2 Thrones. The title created by this commission would be a Wintermark position that would give the holder Receives 2 Thrones income and two phials of lake water each season. The specially preserved lake water can be used to help those doing divination magic.
The hot water could also be redirected to help grow Cerulean Mazzarine. A commission could be built, costing 20 weirwood, 60 crowns, 3 months, that would produce 27 drams of Cerulean Mazzarine a season, and create the title of Gardener of Bravash.
Fish
A fishery built at the town of Atalaq would support farms and fisherfolk across the territory. It would also further cement relations with the hylje of the lakes. It would cost 75 weirwood, 25 mithril, 300 crowns, 6 months to build. And it would increase investment in farms in Sermersuaq to three. Allows farms owned by Suaq characters to diversify their farm to produce a mana crystal.
Fur and Ivory
A grand trading post in southern Sermersuaq would provide a significant boost to businesses in the territory. It would provide additional benefits to Wintemark ships trading with foreign ports by providing rich luxury goods to sell. The Custodian of the Bloody Great Sausage would be in prime position to make a profit from the increased availability of fine, exotic meats. It would need 50 weirwood, 150 crowns, 3 months to build and it would increase investment in businesses in Sermersuaq by one. Increase taxation from Sermersuaq by 4 thrones.
If the Senate commissions either the Fisheries of Atalaq or the Atalaq Tradehall they can also establish a mediator of Atalaq, who would be empowered to adjust the powers of the Great Works.
By persuading hunters to focus on culling the mammoth herds, they would change the benefit of the great work from additional rinks to provide each farm in the territory with 72 fewer rings but in their place they would receive a mammothblood salve each season. This red salve made from mammoth blood and fat grants health and strength to warriors allowing them to survive savage blows in combat.
If the fisheries mentioned above were built, it would also be the responsibility of the mediator to protect and maintain them. They would gain the benefit to focus the efforts on the fisherfolk, rather than the hunters. If they did this the great work would provide 72 fewer rings but each farm in the territory would instead produce a flask of moonfish oil each season. This powerful aromatic oil greatly replenishes the magical reserves of magicians and is invaluable to battle-mages and war-healers alike.
Extraneous Castles
There are two Jotun built castles in the territory, they could get rid of them to spare some money. Instead they could build some beacons to alert people to when the area is being invaded, it would cost 25 white granite, 25 weirwood, 150 crowns, 6 months, but unlike the castles it would not require upkeep.
Pride and Tears
The mithril mine, Pride of Ikka’s Tears, imposes costs on the Imperial treasury but provides no income. It could be relinquished and made an Imperial bourse seat so the annual bourse auction would bring in money for the Empire.
Conjunctions
Out of the Storm – Semersuaq – A pair of Artok will emerge from Sydanjaa in the Suaq Wastes during the Summer Solstice. Two warbands of Jotun are tracking them and will intercept them if not stopped. These skirmishes are combat highly likely encounters. The Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq is responsible for killing the Jotun and dealing with Big Icebarn and The Keeper of the Runegrott is responsible for killing the Jotun and dealing with Little Icebarn.
Children of Wrecks
A loose coalition of Siakha worshippers has formed in the Bay of Catazar under the leadership of High Priestess Shivaarn. The Children of Wrecks have claimed Free Landing and have decisively split from the Grendel who have now denounced them and their Priestess. They have also taken an area of Feroz, currently there are no Imperials there, but it is possible that more information could be uncovered if the Empire were to construct either a spy network or a smugglers cove in the territory.
The Children of Wrecks have attacked Axiom Prison in the Iron Confederacy and freed hundreds of rogue magicians, including the leaders of the cult, the Hand of Dumon.
As the current situation stands, the Children of Wrecks present a potential threat to all nations on the Bay of Catazar. They have already struck at the Suranni, the Empire, and the Grendel and their ships stalk the bay for any worthy prey. Even those nations such as the Asaveans and the Sarcophan Delves who had treaties with the Grendel are no longer safe from attacks by pirates.
But the Children of Wrecks are not just Grendel anymore. It seems that the Mother of Wrecks has found followers even in the Empire. Some have remained on Imperial soil to help the wreckers in their raids, though these have all lost their connection to their egregore and are no longer Imperial citizens.
So Many Conjunctions
All of these conjunctions are Combat Highly Likely, except Unchartered Waters which is Combat Possible.
Some of the conjunctions benefit from a boon from the Eternal Rhianos. The boon has one of three effects – it either grants a rank of endurance, grants an additional hero point (if they have the hero skill), or grants two additional personal mana (if they have the Magician skill. In each case this increases their current and maximum, just as if they were benefitting from an enchantment or tonic. The effect ends when they return through the Sentinel Gate to Anvil, or the end of the skirmish whichever comes first. These conjunctions are, Glowing embers, After the storm, and Uncharted waters, and to the Ripped away conjunction already described in the Guide the spirit wind of fortune.
Glowing Embers (Madruga)
A mob of wreckers are threatening an isolated family of corsairs. The Strategos of the Brass Coast is responsible for finding out what is going on
After the Storm (Sarvos)
A mob of wreckers are attempting to curse Sarvos with terrible storms. The Jade Custodian is responsible for stopping the wreckers.
Uncharted Waters (Madruga)
A small conjunction to Free Landing has been identified on the Friday of the upcoming summit. The prognosticators warn they are able to determine very little about this conjunction and urge caution. The Champion of Vigilance is responsible for being alert to potential dangers present in Baleen Cove.
Extra Conjunctions
The following conjunctions were brought about because enough Imperial Citizens cast rituals calling on boons from Siakha. The people who have been given the responsibility of running the conjunctions are not the people who necessarily did that last summit but are the people the Civil Service thinks will be the best to be in charge.
Heading West (Skallahn)
The outpost of Augaard’s Bluff in Iron Stand is relatively undefended. The Champion of Ambition is responsible for killing the Jotun
To Teach and Learn (Ayereed)
The isle of Dunreagh in Gainmeachdubh is relatively undefended. The General of the Red Wind Corsairs is responsible for killing the Grendel.
The Thread Burns (Forest of Ulnak)
A group of Druj are travelling through Grimfen Mire with a stockpile of goods. The Champion of Prosperity is responsible for claiming the stockpile of goods.
Metal and Stone
This wind of fortune follows after the Eternal Estavus offered to send heralds to look at some of the sinecures in the Empire and figure out ways to make them more Prosperous. The Autumn Archmage paid for three of the sinecures to be looked over and they are, the Brilliant Star in Redoubt, the Vigilant Swan in Reikos, and the Pride of Ikka’s Tears in Sermersuaq.
Izenbra of the Architects of Iron and Stone has two proposals for the Brilliant Star. Bespoke ushabti could be used to increase the mithril production of the mine by 3 wains each season. This would reduce the danger to living workers, but it would mean that the Architect of the Crucible would have to use their seasonal power to create these ushabti rather than giving it to an individual. The Architect should email the plot team that they wish to start doing this. There is also the option to build a folly which would protect the mine. The Tower of Shield and Spear would cost 20 white granite, 10 mithril, 90 crowns, three months. This would stop the mithril from being stolen up to the point of the whole region being taken over by an enemy force.
Assessor Hedymar has offered an idea to build swan themed automaton guardians of the Vigilant Swan Quarry. There would be seven, one for each Imperial Virtue, They would defend only the quarry and if the region fell to enemies then the ownership would thus be transferred, which would also transfer the loyalty of the guardians. These swans would cost 20 mithril, 20 ilium, 120 crowns, and take six months to build. They would not require any upkeep, but if they were damaged they would need some mithril to mend. They could also expand the quarry (costing 70 Thrones) but that would destroy the nearby Seminary of the Swan. It would increase the output by 4 wains a season and allow for more workers to be brought in to further increase the output. After the end of the Spring Equinox 387YE if work has not begun the opportunity is lost (although the Archmage of Autumn may be able to use their power of Plenipotentiary to ask for it to be renegotiated).
Architect Noether visited the Pride of Ikka’s Tears and makes two proposals to improve the mithril mine, the first is to build a level 2 fortification to guard it. The fortification would be massive, it would take 180 white granite, and 67 thrones 4 crowns, two years. It would mean that there would be no way for enemies of the Empire to take the mine without there at least being a conjunction to try and save it. It would also allow for additional workers to be brought in to work the mines and increase production. There is also the option to ask for help from the Autumn Realm to build it faster and cheaper. This will halve the labour cost and halve the time it takes to construct the castle so that it will be finished in four seasons rather than eight. They will not do this for free however; they want 450 ingots in any combination of weltsilver, orichalcum, and green iron in return. To do this the bourse seat holder should put the resources in their inventory and email the plot team. The offer will remain open until the end of the Spring Equinox 387YE – after that if the Empire wants to take advantage of it they will need to negotiate with Estavus. If this opportunity were taken advantage of, however, it would not be possible to further speed up the construction by any means – it would be being built as fast as was physically possible. And there is one last restriction; the Congerry of Asphalt and Gneiss will not work with the heralds of Adamant. If the Master of the Koboldi is commissioned to oversee the fortification, this opportunity cannot be taken. A deeper mineshaft could also be built using Autumn Realm magics, it would increase the output by 5 wains a season. However, it would increase the upkeep by 2 Thrones a season and it would cost 250 Thrones to build.
Poetry and Prose
This Wind of Fortune is about the ongoing issues in the Barrens and how the Dawnish are doing in their recent take over.
The Towers of Dawn
There are several ideas for rebuilding the Towers of Dawn.
Proposal 1 is to create the Tombs of Glory, requiring 9 wains of white granite and 27 crowns. Once complete the Dawnish Assembly could use a judgement to order the construction of a new tomb for just 3 wains of white granite and 9 crowns. The Tombs of Glory would be have their own wiki page outlining the deeds of those who had passed, like the Wintermark Chronicle of Heroes.
Proposal 2 is to create the Gates of Adventure, requiring 25 white granite, 25 mithril, and 150 crowns. The Gates would be a great work, raising the level of investment of every military unit by one for the purpose of undertaking an adventure. The Senate motion could create the position of Knight of the Gate, who could control which adventures benefit from the Gate.
Proposal 3 is to create the Towers of Enchantment, a magical college with each of the four towers dedicated to a different Realm and under the patronage of a different Eternal. The current proposal expects the following Eternals to be asked, Lofir, Meraud, Prospero and Skathe, however Lofir and Skathe are under enmity. The Enchanters of Dawn could try to negotiate with different Eternals but that would probably be tricky. It would cost 60 white granite, 60 mithril, 60 weirwood and 540 crowns in labour. In addition, the towers could be used to house the various Knight Protectors, and the Dawnish Weavers would donate each a triumphant blade every year.
The Spires of Dusk
The Spires of Dusk were the fortifications of the Druj; last year, they were ordered to be remodelled to commemorate the Hounds of Glory, the army that fell conquering them. Now, there is an opportunity for the site to be consecrated to Ambition. This will inspire the people of Dawn, allowing them to increase the number of armies they hold by one. Any army raised there would also have a special ability that would support the conquest of the Mallum.
Shrine of Hope
A year ago, the Dawnish travelled to the Barrens to consecrate the Shrine of Hope to Ambition, however few people seem to know about it or visit it. That may be because of the ongoing conflicts in the area, or because of its unassuming presence. The Empire could commission a large structure to enhance the impact of the true aura present. This would take 12 white granite, 36 crowns in labour. If the Chapel of Hope was built, then it would extend the influence of the true aura to Dawnish citizens across the territory. Visitors, guided by the ghost of Ser Guineve, would be encouraged to expand out across the Barrens, looking to settle those lands that are unclaimed; Hopes Rest, the Carmine Fields, and Murderdale, as well as those parts of the Bleaks not claimed by the Karass. New Dawnish settlements would be established enriching the territory and the Imperial coffers in the process.
The Orc Septs
The Rahvin have had their numbers increased by some of the Black Wind who chose to stay with them rather than travel further into Druj land to escape the reach of the Empire. They were disappointed, but not particularly surprised, to hear that their treaty failed. They are using the mithril from their mine to arm themselves, certain that either the Empire or the Druj will come looking to kill them soon.
The Great Forest Orcs and the Navaar have become even closer as the Navarr have unequivocably sworn their support for the Great Forest Orcs, supported by the Loyalty assembly. They have sent word that Chief Vallack and his companions intend to visit the Navarr camp around eight o’clock on Friday evening. Still they have much to discuss with their oathbound allies following the invasion of Therunin and events within the Barrens. They have made it extremely clear that they only wish to talk to the Navarr, with two exceptions. Kennett the Mummer and Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower.
Any Navarr character is free to roleplay that they have personally sworn the oath to treat the Great Forest Orcs as if they were family. Marking the oath with a new tattoo or brand would be an excellent way to bring this decision into play. Alternatively, you may plan to make the oath during the Summer Solstice, perhaps in the presence of Chief Vallack and his companions. The wording of the oath is up to the individual, as always, but there are suggestions here as to what it might include. It’d also be an excellent time to seek out a dedication, anointing, or hallow of Loyalty – or to ask the guidance of a guide as to whether you should swear the oath or not. Dedication dreams might be an excellent way to explore this in character.
Bear in mind, though, that if you swear this oath in character and later break it, you would expect it to have a profound effect on your character. Oaths of such power are not to be entered into lightly. The hearth magic of tattoos has some notes on what might happen if you become foresworn.
Imperial Legal Advice
The official legal advice is that the Empire did not break the treaty with the Great Forest Orcs when the Montanians were killed as they were no longer living with the Great Forest Orcs and thus were no longer protected under the treaty. The Great Forest Orcs will probably not take this positively.
Set My Lands In Order
This Wind of Fortune is about the newest territory of the Imperial Orcs, Mareave. If any appraisals are raised to look into Mareave they need to be very specific.
Imperial Orc citizens can now move to the territory and can start playing already living there.
There is an election for the new senator, though the term is only going to be for 3 seasons instead of 4, and because of the rules on voting there is only one player character who can vote. So congrats, Kroak, on your vote monopoly. The ex-Grendel will attempt to bribe the new Senator, so every season, they will receive an extra 10 crowns in their player pack to do with as they wish.
Under Developed
The region, Icarion, has the under developed quality, as long as any regions in the territory are classed as such the labour costs of building opportunities are increased by a fifth. The League, and especially the people of Apulian, have experience of working with the Grendel.
Arid
Icarion, Nadir, and Eoradal have the arid quality, this means that all farms in the territory suffer a 1 rank penalty while any region is arid. Additionally, the curses Rivers Run Red and Rivers of Life are ineffective while any region is arid. The Brass Coast have experience of living in dry conditions, while the Marchers are the best farmers in the Empire, so both their expertise would be welcome. Their National Assemblies could be asked to put forth statements of principle about helping, or an appraisal could be asked for. There are the remnants of an ancient aqueduct near the Skouran mountains; to rebuild it would require an appraisal on how to create a Wonder or require asking the Skourans for their help. Since the water would come from their mountains, it might be a good idea to ask anyway.
Uncooperative
Clisearn, Eoradal, and Fleisardh have the uncooperative quality. Any Imperial army stationed here has its upkeep increased by a tenth for every region that has the quality, and as long as any region has that quality the territory cannot support an Imperial army.
Under Threat
The region of Fleisardh has the under-threat quality, reflecting the fundamental disloyalty of the inhabitants here.
Far Away
The only land route to Mareave is through the Apulian Way to Spiral, which passes close to the Black Plateau. The only real port in the territory is in Beoraidh, from which Lord Ehsan collects tariffs.
Looming Threats
The threat of the Grendel returning is high, the treaty with Beoraidh means that the coast at least is safe, but that still leaves Clisearn and Fleisardh open to assault from the south and southwest. Fortifications could be built in any of the regions that the Imperial Orcs own, but there is prime ground for calling on Cathan Canae’s citadels.
Six Septs
For the next year, the Imperial Orcs Assembly can pass a mandate once each summit starting at the Summer Solstice, but they must name a different Sept each time. The Sept will then use their special expertise to evaluate the territory and come up with ways to benefit the Empire.
Trade Goods
Any Imperial Orc or member of the Golden Pyramid can send a winged messenger to Lord Ehsan to trade dragonbone for cerulean mazzarine, at a rate of three drams for every two measures. You must have this many measures in your inventory at the start of downtime.
Shrine of the Way
Salt Lord Ehsan has offered enough land to build a modest shrine, as was part of the treaty. If the Empire wants more land for a bigger church they will need to ask for it. However much land the Empire agrees on, they will then have to negotiate to agree a price for it. The building work will cost 6 white granite, and 18 crowns (modified by underdeveloped quality).
Fundindelve
The mithril mine is available to allocate by the Imperial Senate, if it is allocated this season then it will be appointed at the Autumn Equinox 386YE. It produces produces 22 wains of mithril each season.
Regrow The Land’s Heart
The ritual was cast onMareave last season but it has had only a little effect on the territory. Not because the territory is THAT dry, but because the wounds on the people of Mareave are not the kind that this type of ritual can mend.
Digging For Fire
Last season the Conclave passed a declaration asking the Order of the Golden Pyramid to explore Mareave – to investigate this new land to see what riches it might hold.
The Bronze Bowls of the Three Seasons
The Golden Pyramid have identified an esoteric site that could be made into a sinecure. The Senate would need a motion to establish it, but it could be an Imperial or national position with or without tenure. It will produce prismatic ink, vital honey, or Heart’s Blood, depending on the season.
Precious Mines
Any Imperial Orcs who operate a mine in the territory will find that they receive an additional thirty rings each season, representing money earned by selling any precious metals recovered. They’re free to roleplay that they have established a mine of their own; that they pay the local orcs to work it for them; or that the money they receive is gained by offering protection to the people who do the actual mining.
Mountains of Opportunities
The magicians of the Golden Pyramid are eager to continue working in Mareave. The Grandmaster could use a Declaration of Concord to guide the order to remain here for a year hopefully finding new opportunities. Regardless of whether any more opportunities are found, the order will gain 10 random ingots, 7 crystal mana, and 7 doses of cerulean mazzarine each season for the duration.
A Place to Lodge
The Golden Pyramid could establish a Grand Lodge in the new territory, the Grand Lodge of the Golden Pyramid. Prognostications show that once the lodge was complete, it would provide a steady income of 15 mana into the font each season. Additionally, it allows the Golden Pyramid to be guided without the need for an opportunity. It would cost 20 white granite, 20 mithril, and 15 thrones to build.
How the Sausage is Made
This Wind of Fortune focuses on Holberg, especially news about food. And things that shouldn’t be food. If you have a few minutes free, I would really recommend reading this Wind, it is so good.
Gastronomancy
An enchantment has been laid over Holberg that encourages people to find and eat the rarest and most delicious of foods.
Any character whose personal resource is in Holberg is welcome to roleplay that they are still experiencing the lingering effects of the enchantment that settled over their city. They experience a roleplaying effect: “You feel an urge to indulge in food and drink you have never tasted before. Anvil is full of places where you might find unique opportunities to try something new and you feel an urge to explore, to secure these things by whatever means you consider appropriate. Other concerns feel less pressing, and you find it hard to focus on anything other than enjoying good food with good company. Doing so is profoundly satisfying.”
As long as you continue to experience this roleplaying effect, then once during the Summer Solstice event you can restore all lost body hits, all spent personal mana, and all hero points by spending at least fifteen minutes roleplaying as part of a pleasant and indulgent meal with at least two other people. This ability cannot be used in a stressful situation such as a battle, skirmish, or encounter off Anvil. If you use a source of spiritual strength to avoid the roleplaying effect, you lose the ability to access this power.
The enchantment lasts until time-out on Saturday evening at the absolute latest. If you have not used the ability by then, it is lost.
The Custodian of the Bloody Great Sausage receives a great deal of additional attention. As long as they remain free of scandal, and the League Assembly doesn’t denounce them, they Custodian of the Bloody Great Sausage receives an income of 5 crowns each season going forward.
More Serious Business
Several individuals and groups inspired by the eternal Agramant are active in Holberg. While some have been dealt with, it seems there may be a deeper conspiracy at work here as the Malefactor or ringleader has not yet been found. And it is not clear how the “clients” found out about the various places to acquire their exotic meats.
Spies and Pies
The League National Assembly can use a mandate to urge citizens to seek out the centre of the conspiracy If this mandate is enacted, it will create an opportunity following the Summer Solstice for League characters with military units to undertake the Hunt the Cannibal Butchers of Holberg adventure. This will be found under the spy network dropdown, and empowered by enchantments that make it easier to support a spy network. In place of their normal production, a standard military unit that undertakes this adventure receives 120 rings and 1 mana crystal to use in their investigations, with an enchanted or upgraded military unit receiving commensurately more. If at least 1000 effective strength is assigned to the adventure, it will create an opportunity to try and bring down the Agramant Cannibal Conspiracy in Holberg at the Autumn Equinox. Otherwise, the ringleaders will realise they are being hunted and will be able to escape.
The Vigilance Assembly can encourage citizens worldwide to seek out signs of cannibalism.
If this mandate is enacted, rather than focusing on Holberg the Vigilant will seek signs of Agramant’s cannibal cults across the Empire. It will create a separate adventure – Root out the Feasters that will be available to any military unit in the Empire. Like the earlier mandate it will be found in the spy network dropdown, and will provide 90 rings and a pawn of heart’s blood to a standard military unit that undertakes it. This will be significantly more disruptive however; every business and farm in the Empire will produce 18 fewer rings in the coming season as people search for the cannibal cultists. At the Autumn Equinox, if at least 3000 strength has been assigned, it will provide an opportunity to deal with Agramant cults or cannibals before they can cause further trouble.
In either case, if the assembly chooses to name the Custodian of the Bloody Great Sausage or the Champion of Vigilance to enact their mandate, the liao required is reduced by 25.
Tread of Dust and Darkness
The latest update on the Dry Patricians and the Blightheart.
Thanks to the work of Imperial heroes last season the Blightheart was prevented from spreading any further.
There is an arcane projection which could be cast at this event, it would make the Scorrero flood the Blightheart. Ossegrahn has offered his aid to cast it, and it would probably wash away the blight. Unfortunately, there are real concerns that unless the magic at the heart of the blight is ended first, this could well simply change the problem rather than bringing it to an end.
Ashes and Dust
Azoth is exploring the possibility of a destructive alchemical preparation made from the dust and ashes of a Dry Patrician. Once the Blight is resolved, it will share the result of its explorations with Bakar i Riqueza.
Conjunctions
The Unaccounted For
The remains of one of the di Tutamen family are still unaccounted for, it may be that the curse of the Blight is now focused on that individual.
A conjunction of the Sentinel Gate has been identified leading to the heart of the Blight at 23.30 on Friday night. Aligning the regio there with Spring would allow Ossegrahn to claim it and at least temporarily cut off power to the Blight. The civil service have determined that the Hakima of Salt and Sand should take responsibility for the conjunction. This is a combat possible encounter.
Dry Falcons, Dry Drakes
Two groups of Parched have been corraled by soldiers of the Drakes and the Burning Falcon. The generals of those armies are responsible for defeating the Dry Patricians. These skirmishes are are combat highly likely encounters. It will be required to cast Words of Ending at magnitude 14 on the Dry Patricians. Neither of these skirmishes are taking place under the effect of the blight.
The City Below
This Wind is about Spiral and the city of Apulian.
Apulian is growing rapidly, the next few years will be crucial in determining the character of the newest city of the League. Urizen has extended the hand of friendship, offering to help shape the future of the city, the League National Assembly could issue a mandate to welcome this and people would look to their neighbours to incorporate elements of Urizeni culture into the growing city.
The Chamber of Euphony
There is an opportunity to build a special auditorium, it would require 10 wains of mithril, 10 rings of ilium and 30 crowns in labour and take a season to complete. The city could then cede the Chamber to the Eternal Sung, creating a fane. It would create the title the Map to the City Below, a position which would be able to talk to Sung and trade with the Night Realm for crystal fire. This would also encourage other Night Eternals to come pay attention to the city.
The Black Plateau
There are rumours that the Grendel are going to try and do something to the Black Plateau to cause trouble.
The Empire could decide that they want that certainty of evidence and opt to investigate. There are a number of options that could be chosen. The Grandmaster of the Shuttered Lantern could use a Declaration of Concord to provide guidance to their order and ask them to investigate what magic, if any, is being worked in the vicinity of the Black Plateau. The Imperial Spymaster could spend five thrones to pay for scouts and spies to investigate what any Grendel still in the area are up to, if anything.
The Synod have two options, they could ask the Silent Bell to assess what risks the Plateau presents, or the Assembly of Vigilance could use a mandate to urge citizens to look for signs of danger.
The safest solution might be for the Imperial Senate to increase the funds available for the Oblivion Sentinel. If they gave the Sentinel a stipend of 5 thrones a season, that would help them pay for people to deal with any problems that do arise with the Black Plateau.
Do not do more than one of these because people attack each other while under the influence of the Black Plateau and the last thing we need is multiple parties of imperials going up there and attacking each other.
The Block
All this talk of the Black Plateau has reminded people of the importance of the Block. The League are currently unable to create new buildings that are protected from the Black Plateau without great expense. As a result, any commission requires 25% more in labour costs and must include additional mithril equal to one-fifth of the total cost in wains. Previously the Urizen Assembly agreed unanimously to provide to the League the same deal as they had the Grendel. To make this clear, they could issue a mandate in the national assembly. If the named priest is Tarquinius Ankarien, the liao requirement is 25 rather than 50. If this mandate is enacted by Urizen with a greater majority then it will remove the current penalties affecting economic development in Spiral caused by the Black Plateau. If it isn’t enacted, or doesn’t receive a greater majority it will have no effect.
Blue Blossoms
Lots of blue flowers have popped up in Spiral. For many people, the flowers are renewing, refreshing, reminding people of their youth and the finest years of their lives. Others have a more extreme reaction – almost an allergy – becoming vicious, even violent.
Conjunctions
A Marvellous View
A party of adventurers (cough tourists) from Apulian has run into difficulties in the woods of Screed. These two skirmishes are both combat possible encounters. Estella Lucati and the Mistress of Medicine, Donato Zanella di Riposi di Sarvos, are responsible for rescuing the citizens from whatever trouble they’ve gotten themselves into.
Pitter Patter
For the last six months, Temeschwar has been beset by rats. That’s what this Wind is about, so if you’re squeamish skip this one.
The Conclave asked the Unfettered Mind to look into matters in Temeschwar. The first thing the magicians are able to confirm is that this is not the result of a curse – dispelling fears that this was some machination of the Hag Queen. Not all the rats are ensorcelled – rough estimates suggest that about one in twelve has an aura similar to an enchantment but of undetectable provenance.
As well as the packs and swarms of rats, two other creatures have been reported by the Unfettered Mind: wolf-sized rats and possibly rats wearing the skin of a human like a suit.
None of the Imperial warding rituals work against the rats. There is some further experimentation with Winter magic wards, lead by a coven of cabalists from Varushka, and they managed to confirm that it is possible to build a ward against the rat swarms. The problem is that it’s almost entirely impractical – seven crystal mana to ward a room against rats for a day is incredibly uneconomical. Even if the ritual were scaled up to last for an entire month, it would still be around magnitude twenty-three putting it outside the reach of all save the richest, and in no way a long-term solution to the problem. Parts of the undercity are without doubt the domain of a powerful, malign force. They can’t be absolutely certain what that force is – but they narrow it down to either a very potent herald of a hostile eternal, or most likely a previously unknown sovereign. Castings of Shadowed Glass of Sung and Clear Lens of the Eternal River add further credence to this theory. In certain places, especially the oldest sewer tunnels and the small number of winding stone passages that seem to predate them, the Night ritual identifies that they are “Part of the domain of the King of Rats”.
The Unfettered Mind are also able to confirm that all the signs indicate the volodny known as Shadowsmith is indeed no more. Exploring some of the old tunnels, they come across what appears to be a richly appointed apartment deep beneath the city. The Clear Lens of the Eternal River is employed and to the shock of the League magicians who perform it, it indicates that his place is “Where the volodny Shadowsmith was devoured by the King of Rats.”
The offers are still available for the Temeschwari Chamber of Commerce to pick from, check out the “They Bit the Cats” Wind from last summit to see what is available to fight these rats.
Conjunctions
The Oldest Guild – The guild of rat catchers wants to speak to some representatives of the Temeschwari Chamber of Commerce. They are being very suspicious. A conjunction of the Sentinel Gate opens to the alley behind their favourite tavern in Temeschwar at 19.00 on Friday evening.The Senator of Temeschwar – Giuseppe Sanguineo von Temeschwar – has been asked to put together a small delegation.
An Eagle in Song
Ozren de Orzel is an exemplar of Pride
Lady Kaywenn de Orzel requested a writ of consecration be provided to create an inspirational location in his memory, and the Assembly of Pride concurred.
Now it is time to build his memorial, but the idea has grown to building an academy. A suitable structure would require 30 wains of white granite and 90 crowns in labour. It would take three months to complete, after which time it would be suitable for consecration with true liao.
Once the academy was consecrated, it would provide a level of investment in congregations in the territory where it was built. Every congregation would benefit from the increase in visitors. If the academy is built in Weirwater then each congregation in the territory would gain a Philtre of Strength every season. If it is built in Miekarova then every congregation in that territory would receive an additional two doses of liao each season. Finally, if it is built in Holberg then every congregation in the territory would receive an additional income of 36 rings each season.
Regardless of where it is built the academy will also include luxurious apartments for the use of the High Bard of the Empire as well as provide them with a seasonal income of two thrones each season – in addition to the stipend granted by the Imperial Senate.
The High Bard has been asked to collect the names of prominent musicians at Anvil. The High Bard or their proxy can email a list of character names (or player names) to plot@profounddecisions.co.uk after the event.
Right, I’m cutting myself off there. This summary post is already nearly 13000 words and I’m worried if I let it get much longer it’ll crash!
This is all the more story and lore heavy Winds, I’ll get to the ones that are more scheduling based tomorrow.
If you found this helpful, please buy my novel (links can be found on the Bookshelf page, tab at the top of the menu bar). I won’t be making it to Empire this event but have fun without me and cause lots of trouble!
Stay safe!
K
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