387YE Summer Solstice winds of fortune

387YE Summer Solstice winds of fortune
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Overview
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Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war, which detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations, and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of opportunities or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune, or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. 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 if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represent something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not an opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.

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 could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.

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. We are also adding the dates that they were last updated (other than typos and correcting red links) in an attempt to make it easier to keep track of the newest releases.

Winds of Fortune
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### That's Where My Heart Is (Imperial Address)

Imperial citizens Last updated 28/06/2025

Emperor Vesna has used their power to address the Empire to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens relating to the assault into Sarangrave, the decision of the General Assembly on False Virtues, and to uplift several Imperial citizens.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the That's where my heart is wind of fortune.

### The Last Leg (Rhianos Race)

Imperial Fleet captains; Archmage of Summer; musicians and entertainers

When the Regent of the Eternal Sea was asked to sponsor a race around the Bay of Catazar, Sail Runner announced their Great Race - an impossible contest to travel to the four corners of the known world. The contest has taken ships all over the known world and beyond. Some turned aside from the race in pursuit of riches, some set sail in search of discovery and excitement, but some remained straight on for glory, intent on little more than the joy of the adventure. They now claim their winner's laurels. This season, however, not only participants in the race have felt a touch of the splendor of the Summer realm - although that touch has taken an unexpectedly chill form...

You can read about the prizes won by those who competed in every leg of the great race, as well as discover what odd curio has fallen into the possession of other Imperial captains, in the The last leg wind of fortune.

### Hope and Fear (Appraisal)

Imperial Military Council; Imperial Senate

The Imperial Senate instructed the Prognosticators Office to prepare an appraisal of the Forest of Ulnak with a view to finding ways to disrupt Druj operations and supply. A complex commission, with significant strategic implications; as the senators opted not to assign a specific prognosticator to the task, Gerard La Salle decided to prevail on old Mladen Escovitch - schlacta, strategist, and former general - to come out of retirement for one last job. The appraisal has been delivered, and Mladen has made it clear that this is definitely, definitely, definitely the last time.

You can learn about what Mladen has uncovered, and what his proposals are for his last ever appraisal, in the Hope and fear wind of fortune.

### Two for Joy (Magpies)

Magpies sodality; Imperial Senate; Minister of Historical Research, Golden Fleet Salvagemaster

Following the successful creation of the Apothecaries Guild at the Winter Solstice, the Senate passed administrative Senate motions approving the establishment of two additional Imperial sodalities, the Magpies and the Vallornguard. The Magpies are a sodality dedicated to the acquisition of historical artifacts, and to supporting historians and artefact hunters. Following the procedures developed for the Apothecaries Guild, the civil service have done what they can to make people across the Empire aware of the manifesto of the Magpies, so that citizens can consider if they wish to join. As is often the case, this has provoked interest from various corners. Intrigued by the new possibilities, disparate groups have come forward with agendas of their own.

You can learn more about the magpies, and what their manifesto means for the Empire, in the Two for joy wind of fortune.

### Eight for a Wish (Vallornguard)

Vallornguard sodality; Imperial Senate; Advisor on the Vallorn; Highguard, The League, Navarr, Varushka Last updated 18/07/2025

The second new Imperial Sodality established at the Spring Equinox is the Vallornguard, charged with uniting the nations to fight the Doom of Terunael. The Imperial Civil Service have done what they can to make people across the Empire aware of their manifesto of the Vallornguard. The first task is for all the new members to be inducted; the next task is significantly more difficult in that it is "destroy the vallorn". There is also the thorny problem of the Advisor on the Vallorn to consider, several powers the Senate might devolve to the sodality, and opportunities for Highguard, the League, Navarr, and Varushka - the nations that have shown the will to fight the greatest spiritual threat to the Empire - to offer their own assistance.

You can learn about the new sodality, and opportunities to support it, in the Eight for a wish wind of fortune.

### An Old Sodality (Sun Chamber)

Cadets and post-Academy young roleplayers; alumni of the Academy; scholars of all stripes

The Sun Chamber is a very old sodality that was set up during the time of Empress Richilde with the active support of the Throne. Working with a number of aspiring heroes to create the Sun Chamber, she bequeathed it a clear goal to empower its members, to help them gain high office, and to wield power within the Empire. For many years, the sodality worked to empower those who are most often overlooked due to the lack of years and to advance its own interests and power. Its influence has waxed and waned over the years, but it suffered a dramatic loss of fortunes during the reign of Britta when almost all the members attending Anvil were killed fighting alongside the young Empress. Following the recent work to restore the power and status of Imperial sodalities, however, Luca and Zoria of the Zulgan Tash pushed the civil service to look into the status of the Sun Chamber. Having identified that the sodality's powers were never abrogated, the Constitutional Court have confirmed that the Chamber is still a viable legal body with a number of important powers that it can now utilise.

You can learn about the Sun Chamber as an Imperial Sodality, and find some words discussing its purpose, on the An old sodality wind of fortune.

### Banners and Bells (Highguard and the Synod)

Highguard; the Imperial Synod

The return of the grey pilgrims from their years-long march around the Empire has restored Highguard's ability to raise a fourth army. To aid the formation of the new force, a proposal was put forward to create powerful regalia, a banner for each of the Highborn generals, hallowed with true liao. The banners are now ready and the army is being raised. Soon it will be time for it to march to war, but not before the senator who raised it has determined what special quality the army should possess. Many priests in Highguard also turn their focus to the campaigns of the Highborn armies to see what opportunities there might be to bolster their efforts, even without the crusading storm. Finally the judgements of the Spring Equinox bring good tidings for a change - a celebration of the faith as the Synod works to create seven powerful hallowed bells to be borne by Virtuous citizens as they make a pilgrimage ground the Empire.

You can learn about these Highborn matters, and business of more interest to the virtuous as a whole, in the Banners and bells wind of fortune.

### Bits and Bobs

Imperial Senate; Master of the Mint; Imperial Bourse; folk with an interest in economic matters; everyone with a ministry, sinecure, or National bourse seat

The price of bourse seats appears to be dropping. During the Winter Solstice, the Senate voted to decrease the guerdon. Rumour suggests the price of mithril, weirwood and white granite is dropping. Two seasons ago, large numbers of wains were sold to the Autumn realm, now they're not buying either. Meanwhile the profiteers from Sarcophan are "offering" to underpin the price at the unappealing rate of two thrones a wain. Fortunately, any suggestion that the Empire might be experiencing economic headwinds haven't dissuaded the Imperial Senate from commissioning five new armies in the last two seasons. to raise funds. A number of concerned League citizens, have written to the Constitutional Court to enquire about possible legal actions that could be taken to address what they see as the problem. And the Court has responded.

You can learn about some opportunities to increase information on economic matters, as well as some rather radical proposals for shoring up the Imperial treasury, in the Bits and bobs wind of fortune.

### When I Met You (Visitors)

All sorts of people specifically including: folk who feel the calling to be merrow; Artisan's Guild; Marcher Mummers and possible Highborn Farmers; Vallorguard; Wintermark, Avisena i Kharizmi i Guerra, Iron Osric, Bill Hooke; Pride Assembly, Dawn, Mistress of the Proferred Hand; storytellers from Urizen, Dawn, Varushka and Navarr; would-be champions Last updated 23/07/2025

Four times a year the movers and shakers of the Empire come to Anvil to attend the summits. A tent-city springs up around the Imperial Senate and the Forge, attracting visitors from all over the known world, and occasionally beyond. Some are drawn by the promise of profit, some need help them resolve their dilemmas, some seek to influence those who wield true power in the Empire, while others come to simply join the celebrations. As with each solstice and equinox, this season sees a diverse roster of folk announcing their intentions to visit Anvil, but it is good to remember that not everyone visiting Anvil has made their movements apparent and while not all of them have sinister intent... some do.

You can learn about visitors to Anvil, and perhaps some details of opportunities to leave Anvil, in the When I met you wind of fortune.

### Strangers When We Meet (Jarm)

Ambassador to Jarm; Imperial Conclave; Imperial traders; Imperial Senate; Synod; people interested in Jarm

Of the six great powers, the Principalities of Jarm have an especially tumultuous relationship with the Empire. The magocracy is ruled by the House of Princes, and thanks to the Liberty Pact and the Commonwealth in particular, trade with the nation is embargoed. The Jarmish ambassador to the Empire is Lord-Magister Anton Trescher of the Hidden Hook, a canny and influential politician, a potent master of Autumn magic, and a man known for sarcasm, dry wit, and his commitment to the sovereignty of the Principalities. The correspondence coming from the office of the Lord-Magister this season has been... remarkably candid.

You can learn about diplomacy with the Principalities of Jarm, and some suggestions for improving relations, in the Strangers when we meet wind of fortune.

### Beat of Your Drum (Commonwealth)

Ambassador to the Commonwealth; Imperial Senate; Voice of Liberty; citizens keen to acquire an appraisal; Advisor on the Vallorn

The Commonwealth are a militaristic nation committed to the idea of ensuring the greatest good to the greatest number of people, and also perhaps the closest allies the Empire has among the great powers of the known world not least thanks to their membership of the Liberty Pact. Both nations are dedicated to extending their influence over the whole world, and know that only one of them can fulfil their grand ambition, but for now their rivalry remains amicable. The Commonwealth ambassador to the Empire is Militärattache Ludkhannah Schöningen, of die Stahlhalle in the port-city of Volkavaar, an old campaigner who generally speaks plainly and as honestly as any politician can. The correspondence coming from die Stahlhalle has a slight edge to it at the moment as the war with the Principalities of Jarm drags on.

You can learn about diplomacy with the Commonwealth, and some opportunities, in the Beat of your drum wind of fortune.

### For Those In Peril On the Sea (Appraisal)

Imperial Senate; Celesti Lighthouse Keeper; People who like lighthouses

The Imperial Senate have asked Eilian Sweetwater of the Prognosticators Office to appraise the restoration or recreation of the great lighthouses of the Bay of Catazar. Eilian, a former historian, has been very enthusiastic about the appraisal and quickly convened a symposium at Sarvos to discuss the matter with experts in the field and a surprise expert from outside the field as it were. The principles of lighthouses have been considered at length, and a proposal to refurbish the Celesti Lighthouse delivered, along with a request to go and look at a half dozen other lighthouses for the perusal of the Senate.

You can learn about the findings of Eilian's symposium, and what a lighthouse means, in the For those in peril on the sea wind of fortune.

### A Better Future (Axos)

Ambassador to Axos; fleet captains and traders; Imperial Conclave; General Barossa of the Towerjacks; Advisor on the Vallorn and Bursar of the House of the Spirits; Anvil Hospital and those with an interest in memory loss; friends of Evander Slak

The tiny nation of Axos, just to the east of the Empire and south of the Sarangrave, seems to be in a state of upheaval at the moment. Now, rocked by a scandal that could see it ejected from the Liberty Pact, it seems that upheaval has extended to a degree of reorganisation and the departure of a previously well-connected civil servant. With things still volatile, however, it seems as if there might be a number of opportunities for Imperial citizens to take advantage of the disturbances.

You can learn about the changing situation with Axos, and several opportunities for profit, in the A better future wind of fortune.

### Know Your Enemy (Synod)

Imperial Synod, devotees of malign spiritual presences; Wintermark

The Imperial Synod have been placed in an unenviable position. Forced to choose between two outcomes that were, for many, equally undesirable they chose to close the door on the malign spiritual presences, sending former cardinal Viviane Barossa to spread a mandate across the Empire reminding people of the dangers of the wicked spiritual forces and encouraging them to remain vigilant. Yet the Synod also desires a way to find out more about these "false virtues", so they can arm themselves against their enemies. At the same time, the influence of the Imperial Synod continues to gently erode, as Wintermark joins Varushka and Urizen as nations that no longer accept merely the word of the General Assembly but will tolerate only mandates that achieve a greater majority. The crisis may be in abeyance, but is it truly over?

You can learn about the debate around malign spiritual forces, and developments in Wintermark, in the Know your enemy wind of fortune.

### Here Comes the Night

Varushka, especially Aleksandr Zoravich Novosad

The tale of how Aleksandr Zoravich Novosad and Myshki Marishka Letuchaya boldly persuaded the Imperial Senate to muster a third army for Varushka is probably apocryphal, but nonetheless six months later that army is ready to march. Thanks to the Hammers of Fury and Cabal Lyktan. Yet the essential quality of the army remains an open question. There's also the matter of a name, because names are important. Either way, several proposals have been made as to the character of this new army - and a number of them have not come from human beings.

You can learn a little more about the new army, and the potential qualities it might have, in the Here comes the night wind of fortune.

### A Thousand Steps

Navarr; the Marches, Dawn, Varushka, WIntermark, Imperial Orcs; magicians able to cast Ephisis' Scale; Eternal Flame of Miaren

The Navarr have committed everything to fighting the vallorn, calling the stridings home and readying the nation for war. While some argued the time was not yet right, the decision has now been made. All that remains now is for the nation to find a way to make this work. Which, as it turns out, might be harder than it might have appeared. The single biggest problem remains the need to convince the rest of the Empire that this is the time to fight. The immediate battle the nation need to win, right now, is to find a way to fund their new army. It's time to pick up the pace, as they used to say on the stridings...

You can read some musings about long term strategy, and some possibilities for gaining aid in current projects, in the A thousand steps wind of fortune.

### Sing a Song

Singer of the Silence; Wisdom Assembly; Imperial Conclave

In 386YE the Assembly of Wisdom called for a true consecration of the Great Library of Hacynian, seeking to create a sacred site that would resonate with the Virtue of Wisdom. The site in Hercynia has a deep history stretching back centuries. Built in a peculiar regio that once cycled between Day and Night realms, the library was dedicated to gathering knowledge about the vallorn in one place. In a philosophical sense the Great Library was already dedicated to Wisdom - now that it has been consecrated with true liao, there is a powerful aura here that inspires all who visit. It also provides the Singer of the Silence with some unique abilities.

You can learn a little about the abilities and how they might be improved, as well as the potential for pilgrimage to the site, in the Sing a song wind of fortune.

### Can't Give Everything Away (Sarcophan)

Ambassador to Asavea; Imperial Senate; Fleet captains; Hahnmark farmers; Highguard, especially Benefactors and Assembly; Bishop of the Navigators; people with black pearls; Holberg; Brass Coast; people interested in sea-themed eternals

The merchant-princes of the Sarcophan Delves - the bedelaar huisbaas - strive for neutrality. While they gave up the practice of slavery without regret, they refused to pick a side between the Liberty Pact and the Freedom Accord. Their primary focus in the greater political sphere has been to ensure the ports of the world remain open to their ships, and to a lesser degree that they also remain open to everyone else. To the surprise of almost everyone, the cheerful merchants of the Delves have just issued an ultimatum to the rest of the known world, and established the Pax Sarcophan over the seven seas. And a whole lot more besides.

You can learn about the Pax Sarcophan, and a whole bunch of other deals and situations, in the Can't give everything away wind of fortune.

### Can You Hear Me? (Plenipotentiary)

Archmages; Imperial Conclave; Generals; Shadowed Torchbearer, Rafael Barossa d'Apulian, Stonesworn Crix; Claudia Varkulova Remislav, the Marches; Astral Arcanist; General of the Gryphon's Pride, people who know who they are

There are six archmages and each season they are empowered to send a single plenipotentiary message to an eternal of their realm. The eternals are bound to respond, although it is their decision exactly how they respond. As the Spring Equinox approaches, six eternals have responded to what can only be presumed to be missives from the archmages. Four have agreed to some kind of meeting; two have chosen other ways to honour the missive they have received.

You can find out about the eternals, and the nature of their response, in the Can you hear me? wind of fortune.

### The Greatest Plurality

Imperial Synod, especially the General Assembly

The inspiring sermon delivered by the Archibishop of the Capodomus Cathedral presented the General Assembly of the Imperial Synod with a unique opportunity to identify the greatest threat facing the Empire, the highest Ambition to which the Virtuous should ascribe. The only way the Synod could unite the Empire behind a single great Ambition is to persuade people to give up on their other plans. They could do that - people would unite behind the Synod if it spoke with a single voice. All it would take would be for the priests of the Synod to persuade each other to give up on their other plans. But perhaps there is another way?

You can learn about some developments with the Imperial Synod, including the judgement of rewarding, in the The greatest plurality wind of fortune.

### Daybreak in Spiral

Imperial Senate; military unit commanders; Imperial Conclave; Spiral and the League

As part of the ongoing efforts to relieve the aridity of the region of Icarion in Mareave, there are serious plans to dam the River Doubt in Apstrus. At the Spring Equinox, real progress was made towards addressing issues that had been raised with the proposal, and Amity was granted to the Eternal Ylenwe to allow zir to profide zir own particular brand of aid. There are, however, a few things left to address before the dam can proceed.

You can find details about the progress of the dam, and a potentially thorny political point, in the Daybreak in Spiral wind of fortune.

### Nightfall in Apulian

Citizens of Spiral; Imperial Senate and Military Council; dramaturges; spies; Genoveva Barossa d'Apulian, Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato, Rafael Barossa d'Apulian

Events in the mountains are not the only things of interest taking place in Spiral. Something is afoot in the city of Apulian. As the city goes dark, it comes alive with intrigue and mystery. The strange dramaturgic confluence continues to manifest itself, while the Night realm seeps up from the dusty streets to cosset the unwary with peculiar happenstance. Some blame Sung for this strange development. Others suggest that perhaps the architects of that plan might have sinister designs for the city that they have not yet revealed. All the while the Grendel continue to play their games. But with the successful infiltration of the Grendel espionage ring, there is a chance to play the players at their own game. The dealer is ready to draw cards, but should the Empire take their winnings or double-down?

You can learn about peculiar magical happenings in Apulian, and about the jewels of the Salt Lords, in the Nightfall in Apulian wind of fortune.

### Wild is the Wind (Faraden)

Ambassador to Faraden; Fleet captains; Imperial Conclave, Rod and Shield, Celestial Arch; the Marches, Varushka, Dawn; Ambassadors to Axos, Skoura, Otkodov; Price, Prosperity, Courage, and Loyalty assembly; Freeborn assembly

The lifeblood of Faraden is trade, and they take it very seriously indeed. At the moment the western country is caught between the Asaveans and the Empire, and while they might favour their Imperial neighbours they cannot afford to incur the ire of the Plenum - not yet anyway. Mistress Singua Karadragha, Faraden Ambassador, speaks on behalf of the Court of the Five Winds to foreign diplomats. Right now she is primarily interested in discussing trade, especially with regard to establishing a Faraden Quarter in Holberg, the Greatest City in the Empire.

You can learn about assorted trade and diplomatic matters, as well as the outcome of recent religious outreach, in the Wild is the wind wind of fortune.

### Talking to Friends (Asavea and Sumaah)

Ambassador to Asavea and Sumaah; Imperial Senate; Imperial Synod

The Sea of Salt lies far to the west. It is a sea of conflict; the Asavean Archipelago and Sumaah Republic are fundamentally divided by history and faith. The Empire has very different relationships with those two nations; it is at war with Asavea and bound up in the Liberty Pact with Sumaah. Yet even with enemies there is the chance for diplomacy; even with allies there is the chance of misunderstanding and harsh words.

You can learn about Imperial relations with Asavea and Sumaah, both good and bad, in the Talking to friends wind of fortune.

### Build It Up (Challenge the Iron Duke)

Challengers of the Iron Duke

The Lord of the Crossroads, the Reeve of Summer, presents two opportunities for those prepared to Challenge the Iron Duke. For the Summer Solstice he has chosen to eschew combat challenges, preferring to test the mental acuity and stealthy prowess of the denizens of the Empire. As before, the rules of the ritual apply. Each person who receives the ritual will be guaranteed entry to a challenge. Depending on the challenge, they may be able to bring a certain number of attendants with them to assist. The exact number will depend on the nature of the challenge and the number of challengers. The Civil Service will publish exact numbers in the Hub on Saturday morning for all to see.

You can learn about the two challenges, and what winning will entail, in the Build it up wind of fortune.

### Ice on the Snow

Icy Crag Tourney Challengers

Three years ago, the battle mages of the Empire came together to choose which eternal would be invited to be the patron of the Empire's premiere college of Summer magic. The combatants fighting on behalf of Jaheris came out victorious. Now, the eternals of Summer have come together, and the time has come to find out if the Unicorn Prince will be invited to remain patron, or the Empire will choose another route. At the climax of the tourney, the winners will declare which eternal is invited to be patron of the college, although none may say who they are fighting for until the final dramatic moment.

You can learn about the details of the tourney, as well as some still remaining opportunities to take part, in the Ice on the snow wind of fortune.

### Smile Like You Mean It

Imperial Synod, especially the Pride and Dawn assemblies; Lady of the Proffered Hand; General of the Lions of Adelmar

The Free Folk, former slaves from the Asavean Archipelago, have been living quiet lives in Dawn since being accepted into the nation. Currently they are yeofolk, but a number are treading the path of the knight-errant as they work to prove their glory. On hearing of the death, and recognition, of Lady Eleanor Novarion whose tireless work as Lady of the Proffered Hand they count as being a major factor in their current settled lives, a number of the Free Folk set off for Anvil hopefully to ensure that the new exemplar receives all the recognition they believe she is due.

You can learn a little about what the Free Folk have been up to in Dawn, along with their plans, in the Smile like you mean it wind of fortune

### I Wish You Would (Diplomacy)

Ambassadors to Otkodov, Iron Confederacy, Grendel; Imperial Consul; Imperial Senate, General Assembly; Minister for Historical Research;

There are six great powers in the known world, but also innumerable lesser powers. They do not have the power or influence to shake the world with a Pax Sarcophan, nor threaten international shipping with bounties and privateers. Yet they are no less important to those with whom they share a border, and for some at least, their ambitions are no less relevant to the Empire. Sometimes diplomatic relations require in-depth analysis; sometimes there is an opportunity to catch one's breath and let the drama move slowly towards the next crisis point. Here we learn of peace treaties with the Thule, trade with the Iron Confederacy, negotiations with the Grendel (well, at least part of them), investment in a precarious city state, and visitors from Skoura.

You can find out about relations with the Empire's near neighbours, good and bad, in the I wish you would wind of fortune.

### The Prettiest Star (Winds of Magic)

Imperial magicians; Urizen battlemages and enchanters; Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq; Artisans guild and entrepreneurs; vault-divers; knight-protector of Spring; correspondents with Skathe; practitioners of Tribute to the Thrice-cursed Court; Eerikki Korpi; Imperial Academy; Varushka; Imperial Orcs forest owners

Some magic comes from outside the Empire, from the creatures of the realms, the eternals and their heralds. Sometimes they have boons to offer, sometimes they have demands to make. Here we learn of the doings of the realms, with something that could be relevant to any number of folk including some meetings, some conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate, some odd opportunities and eerie happenings.

You can learn about the doings of various eternals, and the repercussions of their former doings, in the The prettiest star wind of fortune.

### Sound and Vision (Winds of Magic)

Imperial magicians; citizens of all stripes; Wintermark mystics, Custodian of the Pride of Ikka's Tears; Urizen especially citizens of Zenith; Dreamers; petitioners at the Loom of Spells; those concerned about the Falconer, including the Assembly of Nine; Senator for Miekarova, Shepherd of the Great Herd, Senator for Hahnmark; Crow Keeper of the Rest; Cadet Commander; citizens of Feroz; Troubadours, performers, and Barossas; folk in the Barrens; sleepers in Skarsind, Necropolis, Tassato, and Mournwold; Dean of the Lyceum and Arcane Architect

There is magic across the Empire. In the weavings of the cabalists. In the lore of the weavers. In the craft of the witches, and the arts of artisans. There is also magic in the world itself, serendipity and spirits, constellations and confluences, in the sky and in the salt. Some magic ripples out from the workings of orcs and humans, some rains from the heavens, some rises from the earth and stone.

You can find out about strange magic of mortal origin, or whose provenance is mysterious in some way, in the Sound and vision wind of fortune.

Other Events
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### Dusk

For this event we are defining dusk as beginning at 20:30 and ending at 21:30 No bow or crossbow use in Anvil after 21:25 or on quests that start after this time

Our bow safety rules prohibit the use of bows and crossbows after "dusk". At this event we are defining that point as 21:25 each day. This means you cannot use a bow in Anvil after this time, or on a skirmish or quest that starts after this time.

The necromantic ritual Whispers through the Black Gate can only be performed for one hour around dusk - at this event that means the ritual can be performed at any time between 20:30 and 21:30.

### Once More With Icebarn (Sermersuaq)

Big Icebarn has been hunting the monsters of Agramant in the Suaq Wastes If Big Icebarn hadn't received enough support, it would have retreated back to Sydanjaa The Artok was supported by more than twelve thousand strength from the military units of Wintermark Big Icebarn will remain another season if supported by at least six thousand strength from military units of Wintermark

Two seasons ago, the Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq, Liv Tidgaring, sent Big Icebarn into the Suaq Wastes to hunt the monsters of Blood-on-the-Snow. Those Winterfolk who were hunting the monsters benefited from the Artok; the monstrous creatures couldn't help but be drawn to Big Icebarn.

There was some worry that the Artok would be forced north, back into Sydanjaa, if insufficient Winterfolk joined them in the hunt. It was estimated that around a thousand heroes would need to take part in the hunt in order to prevent Big Icebarn from being too battered by the monsters of the northern wastes. Fully four times that number took to the Suaq Wastes, hunting the beasts of He-who-Whispers-to-the-Lost whilst, admittedly, staying clear enough away from Artok as to not get in its way.

Big Icebarn will continue on its way, carving a path through the foul creatures of the Wasteland, and if at least six thousand strength in the military units of Wintermark support it, it may remain another season.

### Sorrowful Tunnels (Skarsind)

The research on the Sorrowful Tunnels has been completed and was delivered to Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti and Silk Farkas Construction of the mithril mine can now begin Excavating the upper tunnels would cost 20 wains of weirwood and 60 crowns, and produce 18 wains of mithril each season Excavating the lower tunnels would cost an additional 20 wains of weirwood and 60 crowns, and increase production by 9 wains of mithril each season

Last year, during the Spring Equinox 386YE, Vaclav Mladenovich Kosti, as the Minister of Historical Research, made an announcement to research the Sorrowful Tunnels. The research was completed and delivered to the Vaclav, now Senator for Miekarova, and Silk Farkas, the incumbent Minister. The research has yet to be made public by the civil service - late delivery at the Spring Equinox means that it will be available after the Summer Solstice - but the existence of lower tunnels has been confirmed by the other researchers who initially accompanied Snowstorm Henk. Henk himself is still not entirely recovered from his extended exploration of the deeper parts of the delve.

The tunnels possess an aura that causes those exposed to it for extensive periods to become morose, overwhelmed with sorrow and sadness. Extracting mithril from the Sorrowful Tunnels requires carefully arranged shift-work, and reasonable investment in liao to create suitable anointing. This expense is handily absorbed by the standard upkeep of a Bourse seat, but requires a "skeleton crew" to be operated restricting the amount of mithril that can be mined each season.

The upper tunnels of the Sorrowful Tunnels allow access to a reasonable amount of mithril, but the Senate could choose to commission a more ambitious excavation allowing the harder-to-reach but still bountiful veins of ore in the lower tunnels to be accessed by Imperial miners. The basic excavation requires 20 wains of weirwood and 60 crowns, and provide 18 wains of mithril each season. If the senate chooses to commission the more comprehensive works, it would cost a total of 40 wains of weirwood and 120 crowns, and provide 27 wains of mithril each season. In either case, the seat holder would be able to invest in the purchase of liao to provide anointing to additional miners allowing additional mithril to be extracted.

Once complete, the resulting Bourse Seat would be available for allocation by the Senate, and would be appointed (by Auction of the Seats if it were Imperial, or by military unit commanders who had supported Imperial armies through Tally of the Votes, depending on whether it was an Imperial or National position. If the seat were made a national position, then the bounty of the Legion's Rookery could contribute towards the liao necessary for purchasing additional wains. A Senate motion would be necessary, and it would permanently change the great work into an edifice, but it would halve the cost of purchasing additional mithril.

### Southern Herd Drive (Cattle Bonds)

A total of two hundred and seventy-two cows were provided for the Southern Herd The southern herd safely has arrived in Mareholm, Casinea It requires fifteen hundred strength assigned to Escort the Drovers, a guarding action, to get through Spiral and on to Mareave

Last season, five Imperial Orcs provided cattle bonds towards the formation of the Southern Herd. Bloodcrow Pip and Gralka each provided two cattle bonds; Ashborn Trosk provided twenty-eight cattle bonds; and Sandviper IDRA and Bloodcrow Rasp each provided a staggering one hundred and twenty cattle bonds. Now, supported by nine warbands from the Imperial Orcs and a lone Marcher force, the migrating herd has arrived in Mareholm just a few days' walk from Anvil.

Greenblood Natak, a Yerende merchant, has called on the Synod to recognise the sterling work done by the ten captains who sent their military units to escort the droves and use the power of Rewarding to support the ten heroes who walked halfway across the Empire. Any judgement of rewarding that provides funds or wains to one of the ten who escorted the drovers will see the reward matched, to a maximum of ten thrones or two wains for each judgement. Greenblood Natak and the rest of their coterie are clear that if someone does an obvious fraud - donating five thrones to the virtue fund so that they get rewarded with five thrones - then the Great Garden always need its weeds removed. Natak wants to make clear that if more than one person is named as the beneficiary of a judgement then their coterie will not provide any additional reward, but that they would be more than happy to support ten judgements of rewarding.

Participation: If you took part in Escort the Drovers, then appropriate stories would involve any number of tropes associated with droving. Any character who attends Anvil is welcome to roleplay that they have seen the great herd on their journey.

### Complete Fabrication (Varushka)

The Great Hall of Fabric Arts in Delev has been completed The weavers of Delev have called for a competition at the Autumn Equinox 387YE

The Great Hall of Fabric Arts is now complete. The focus of the Pride of Varushka stands as a testament to what can be achieved when the people of a nation heed the call of their assembly. The weavers of Delev, led by Miryem Vitkova Vorotav, have called on the Varushkan nation to take part in a competition during the Winter Market at the Autumn Equinox 387YE.

Miryem Vitkova Vorotav suggests four categories for this competition of fabric art: Garment, Varushkan History, Virtue Animal, and Open (or wildcard, as Miryem's daughter suggested). The weaver will send a prize to the egregores in time for the Autumn Equinox, and she hopes that other, prosperous citizens will also support such an endeavour.

OOC Note: We will update the Varushka culture and customs before the Autumn Equinox 387YE with an entry on embroidery and weaving.

### Words of Worth (Imperial Orcs)

The Library of Worth in Skarsind is now complete The Weigher of Worth can submit a symbol and corresponding word each summit If the Weigher of Worth is amended to remove tenure, it will receive a ten crowns a season income from visitors

The Library of Worth is now complete. The focus of the Pride of the Imperial Orcs stands as a testament to what can be achieved when the people of a nation heed the call of their assembly. Now the time has come to begin to fill it with the words and symbols important to the nation. It is the opinion of the civil service that the choice of the Weigher of Worth is the most suitable method of selecting a symbol and word for the library each season.

The expectation is that the Weigher of Worth will welcome submissions from across the nation and choose the symbol and word most important to the nation in that summit. Visitors to the Library will be more willing to provide donations if the title is amended to remove tenure, and people will also come from other Imperial nations. Amending the title to remove tenure would see the Weigher of Worth receive a seasonal income of ten crowns a season.

OOC Note: The Weigher of Worth can email [email protected] after each event, before downtime closes, with their choice of symbol and corresponding word, which will be added to the Weigher of Worth page.

### Regarding the Ketsov

The Ketsov family have withdrawn their support from the Burgher of Ketsov

As discussed in more detail in the Eight for a wish wind of fortune, the Ketsov family of Ossium have withdrawn their support for the Burgher of Ketsov title. The title is still available to be appointed, but it has no powers, only responsibilities. The family has proposed supporting the newly-established Vallornguard sodality, instead of being appointed by the Tally of the Votes. The first order of business for whoever gains this title, whether it is appointed by Varushka or the Vallornguard, will likely be to speak to the Ketsov either to find a way to resolve their unhappiness, or to discuss which items would be most useful to the sodality depending on where the dice land.

### Marcher Orcs Volunteering

It is no longer possible to volunteer for this opportunity There is an opportunity for a small number of player volunteers to help portray Marcher Orcs being rescued Volunteers will need to have their own costume that can pass as the Marches, but we can provide an orc mask for the encounter The role would last between one and two hours from the very start of the event If you are interested, please email [email protected] with your PID and the subject line "Marcher Orc Volunteer E3" where you will be given further information Please email in by 18:00 on Saturday 19th July if you are interested in volunteering for this

We have two skirmishes at the start of the event that would benefit from player volunteers portraying Marcher Orcs. As these skirmishes will happen close to time-in it will not be possible to play your character before this. Anyone wanting to volunteer for these encounters will also need to bring their own costume suitable for the Marches. We will provide orc masks if you do not have your own.

Volunteers will have the option of portraying a combatant orc or a pacifist orc, but in both cases, will still be involved in a skirmish, so this volunteering opportunity is sadly not suitable for someone who would need to use the non contact gesture.

The skirmishes will involve portraying Imperial citizens, and so there is a chance that you will return through the Sentinel Gate and spend an hour or so in Anvil - if rescued by the player characters, that is! This is entirely optional, and it is possible to not go back through the Sentinel Gate if preferred. If you are interested and would like more information, please email [email protected] with your PID and you will be given more details.

### Blades in the Mark (Hahnmark)

Dark deeds have been occurring in the village of Dunfrith This conjunction is a combat unlikely or contained encounter The Guardian of Dunfrith is responsible for investigating the source of the trouble. There may be innocent people present on this conjunction; magistrates advise caution must be taken to avoid innocent casualties

A small village has grown up around the glades of Dunfrith over the years. The residents tend the herbs growing there, work in the local logging camps or trade with nearby New Dunhall. Of late, strange and troublesome rumours have emerged from Dunfrith. Livestock has been going missing, property has been damaged and the residents have begun to fear for their safety. Then, just a few days before the solstice, people have started dying. Three have been killed so far, and the villagers fear that without aid they may soon all perish.

It is the responsibility of the Guardian of Dunfrith, Kai Dunning of Dunhearth Hall, to investigate the cause of this danger and, if possible, put an end to it. Several of the villagers will meet with the investigators at 18:35 on Friday so they may be interviewed about what has been going on. The civil service has identified a conjunction at that time for up to 6 people. Prognosticators do not believe there is any chance of violence from the locals.

Trade Summary
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Imperial fleets can trade with ports in Axos, the Commonwealth, Faraden, the Iron Confederacy, the Sarcophan Delves, and the Sumaah Republic Production depends on the port chosen, and can be increased by upgrades and enchantments

Imperial fleets can trade with a number of foreign nations who have chosen to open some of their ports to visitors from the Empire. The assumption is that a ship trading with a foreign nation makes enough from selling their cargo to cover their running costs, crew salaries and the like, but that there is enough profit to provide the character who owns the fleet with valuable goods of interest to the folk who attend Anvil. What goods are received for visiting a port is changeable, and heavily influenced by Imperial diplomacy.

Axos: The ports of the Towers of Kantor and Chambers of Issyk welcome Imperial fleets, and their production has been altered. You can find out more about the changes made in the A better future wind of fortune Commonwealth: The ports of Leerdam and Volkavaar welcome Imperial traders and their production has been significantly altered. You can find out more about the new items on the According to principle wind of fortune. Faraden: The port of Caitun welcomes Imperial fleets. Fleets from the Marches and Wintermark benefit from a 1 rank bonus due to close proximity. The production of Caitun has shifted to no longer produce ingots of orichalcum. Instead, a starting fleet will produce a cube of mooncheese. You can find out more about the situation on the Wild is the wind wind of fortune. Iron Confederacy: The port of Robec is available for Imperial fleets. Sarcophan Delves: The ports of Sarcophan and Betovering welcome Imperial traders. Sumaah Republic: The port of Zemeh welcomes Imperial traders, and its production has been significantly altered. You can find out more about the changes on the Friend of mine wind of fortune.

Mandates
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You can find details of the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, here.

A number of mandates were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod last season. As long as the named priest provided sufficient liao, those mandates have been automatically enacted.

Spring Conjunctions
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Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here

During the Spring Equinox , there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the Military Council can only make use of two of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the Muster.

### Major Conjunctions

### Minor Conjunctions