All the wind

Overview

Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate ambassador that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.

The lifeblood of Faraden is trade, but it is also a country of canny wizards, couragous warriors, and proud (albeit heretical) priests. They currently do not share a border with the Empire, lying beyond the Jotun and the Iron Confederacy, but that does not stop them sending their caravans to Imperial markets despite the high tariffs they must pay to pass through the lands between. Diplomatic relations between the Court of the Five Winds and the Imperial Senate are changeable - warm one moment cool the next - but it has never come to open warfare. Right now Faraden is squeezed between two competing interests - the Empire on one side and the angry Plenum of the Asavean Archipelago on the other - and they must walk a knife-edge between the two powerful nations.

The Faraden ambassador to the Empire is Mistress Singua Karadragha, a relatively recent appointment who replaced the former incumbent Lady Saretta of the Red Moon at the insistence of the Liege of the Five Winds, following their assumption of the position in a (relatively) bloodless coup. Mistress Singua advises the Court of the Five Winds on all diplomatic matters, and speaks on their behalf to foreign ambassadors. Her attitude to the Empire appears to be cool but professional, and heavily informed by the wishes of the Liege and their court, who seek more opportunities to trade with the Empire.

West and East

Faraden is caught between the Empire and the Asavean Archipelago

Asavean warships launched a surprise attack against the city of Meade in the Marches shortly after the Summer Solstice. Fortunately the Empire was forewarned and the attackers were routed. Unfortunately, it is very clear that their attack was launched from a port in Faraden. The Ambassador is left in a tricky position - demanding reparations or simply ignoring the matter are courses that both come with potential pitfalls.

Mistress Karadragha has received the Ambassador's words on the matter with equanimity. She sends her deepest sympathies for the attack, and for any damage the Asaveans may have caused to Meade. She sends a formal expression of condolence for any Imperial citizens who were harmed during the assault. That there was no significant loss of life is a blessing, and a credit to the defenders of the Marches. But that is all - no offer of reparations, and no acceptance of any responsibility for the fact the Asavean warships launched their attacks from berths in Faraden ports. Given the Ambassador Ebenezer does not seem minded to pursue retribution for the attack, it's clear the Court of Five Winds is hoping the Empire will consider the matter closed.

Any suggestion that Faraden might take action against or resist the Asaveans, either alone, or with Imperial help, is diplomatically rebuffed. No Faraden have been harmed by the Asaveans, indeed, the diplomats and traders of the Asavean Archipelago have been nothing but friendly and polite. Mistres Karadragha is far too professional to allow her personal feelings to show through, but she reassures Ambassador Ebenezer that there are no possible grounds for a joint "resistance" to Asavea, passive or otherwise. The Court of Five Winds is trying to keep Asavea a little at arms' length because it has no interest in being subsumed by any larger power, and knows the risk of accepting too much Asavean patronage. It has no interest in becoming a satrapy - especially not one far from Asavea and on the borders of the Empire.

She also politely declines the offer to allow Imperial soldiers to assist in "quelling internal dissident factions." She has no idea how such things might be done in the Empire, but the Court of Five Winds does not deal with political disagreement by suppressing or imprisoning those in opposition. Such a thing would be an unthinkable outrage against the faith of the Faraden, the Courage and Pride of the families. It would inspire a thirst for Justice that would take generations to quench.

She is however interested in talk of "treachery wrought amongst the Faraden." If the Ambassador has any proof of such treachery, the Liege of Five Winds would be very interested to see it.

Our Neighbours the Tchemetzi

The Celestial Arch have dispatched emissaries to Faraden Visiting the Tchemetzi family, they have been invited to travel as guests to the courts of other Farden wizard families

With the support of the Imperial Conclave, Grandmaster Xanthippe of the Lighthouse at Nikephoros urged members of their order, the Celestial Arch to investigate the Asavean threat in Faraden.

In Summer 385YE, the Celestial Arch established excellent ties with the Tchemetzi family of Pelabuhan whose High Lord commands the port of Caitun and is seemingly well disposed towards the Empire. A delegation of order members travel to Faraden, to explore the situation there, with a focus on determining the attitudes of the Faraden families to the Asaveans.

The timing is propitious - it is something of a tradition for those Tchemetzi wizards who are not directly involved in preparing the farms of Pelabuhan for the long winter and promise of spring to visit members of other wizardly houses. There they exchange gossip, show off, find spouses, and engage in a certain degree of intrigue. Some of the Celestial Arch are invited to accompany the Tchemetzi on these courtly visits - provided they promise to be on their best behaviour.

Visiting the Muhnkhabat

The Muhnkhabat are warrior-wizards and practitioners of Summer and Day magic They are concerned about military matters, and the potential for war with the Jotun They have a grudging respect for the Asaveans

The Munkhabat family are practitioners of the Arising Flame tradition - an affectation the Tchemetzi privately roll their eyes at. They are specialists in empowerment and the Wind, who have excellent relations with several of the warrior families. Their philosophy is actually not that dissimilar to that of the Rod and Shield - that the magic of Faraden wizards should be empoyed to empower soldiers and armies in the pursuit of honour. They are strong adherents of the teachings of the Flame of Pride, critical of the Liege of Five winds, and perhaps surprisingly given all that, quite open to speaking with Imperial magicians.

Many of the festivities here involve contests of magical skill - the Muhnkhabat maintain a cadre of war wizards who are happy to test their battlefield invocations against their Imperial guests. They also enjoy more cerebral pursuits, especially games of strategy and tactics.

They don't make any secret of the fact that they have been given gifts by Asavean emissaries - High Lord Ganzorig Muhnkhabat shows off a beautifully crafted and enchanted spear given as a personal gift from the Plenum. They are quite aware that these are bribes, and remain cynically amused that the Asaveans think their Loyalty might be for sale. They are first-and-foremost loyal to the nation of Faraden and to their allies among the other families, Proud of their long history of fighting alongside the warrior families and helping their people preserve their borders. They have a particular dislike for Jotun, and most especially the Lasambrian Jotun. Imperial Orcs and League orcs are treated with polite disdain until they are able to convince their hosts that they are nothing like the Jotun.

The main concern of the Munkhabat is that the Jotun turn their full attention on Faraden. During the last peace treaty between Jotun and the Empire, they were sorely pushed to protect their borders and there was significant loss of life. They're realistic that if the Empire had not offered their help, things might have gone very differently. Yet they also chafe at the fact the Empire has turned down every suggestion that Faraden and the Empire cooperate to seize the Lasambrian Hills and establish a friendly border.

The Asaveans have said some very interesting things, about offering military and economic support to the Faraden should they wish to reclaim Menendram and Talemas from their Jotun conquerors. Can the Celestial Arch promise practical aid of their own? Reading between the lines, it seems that one of the things that have left the Muhnkhabat dissatisfied with the Liege of the Five Winds is that they will not commit to the reconquest of the lost territories, and refuse to accept Asavean offers of aid to do so.

In the end, the Muhnkhabat have a kind of grudging respect for Asavea. They don't have any problem with the faith of Five Flames - they're quick to point out similarities between the Flames and many of their own gods. The Asaveans seem genuinely impressed with the magical prowess of the Muhnkhabat, comparing them favourable to their own magician families. And, whateer else one thinks of them, their actions on the Brass Coast and the burning of Siroc suggests to the wizards of the Arising Flame that Asavea has a much better understanding of Justice - and perhaps Pride - than the Empire does.

This last issue does threaten to provoke contention. The view of the Muhnkhabat is clearly based on what the Asaveans have told them, namely that the Empire attacked Asavea, an ally and trading partner to that point, without warning, which the Muhnkhabat see as a lack of Loyalty and Pride. Then they razed the city of Chalonsio - a terrible crime by any reasonable standard. In return the Asaveans have acted to punish the Empire, an eye for an eye, a city for a city. That seems right and just to the Muhnkhabat.

It is a good job that some members of the Celestial Arch are consumate diplomats, able to smooth things over, otherwise the views of the Muhnkhabat might well have provoked a disastrous confrontation.

Guests of the Jokhi

The Jokhi family are myserious adepts of Winter and Night magic They are interested in studying the Celestial Arch, and their interactions with the Asaveans They warn that the Asaveans are arming some extremist groups of Faraden who might cause trouble for the Empire

The Tchemetzi warn those Celestial Arch members who accompany them to the house of the Jokhi that they are known to be cunning, subtle wizards who master the arts of curse and the Flame. They are outwardly allies of the Ganbatar, but their first Loyalty is always to their own family. Their court is quiet - almost unnaturally so - and while they are as hospitable as any other wizards the 'Arch members cannot shake the suspicion they are constantly being observed. The house favour cowls, veils, and flowing robes of multicoloured silk and the High Liege of the Jokhi, Enkhtuya Jokhi, has apparently not been seen unveiled by anyone other than their lovers in the forty years since they became head of the family.

To the surprise and distress of the Tchemetzi guides, the Jokhi have invited several Asavean emissaries to visit them over Winter. They clearly fabricate several situations where their Imperial and Asavean guests are forced into close proximity, but bound by laws of hospitality to be coldly polite to one another. It's obvious the Jokhi are observing their reactions and weighing them up. The festivities involve a lot of art and the appreciation therof - usually under the open skies of Faraden - and complicated games reliant on social maneuvering and emotional insight.

There is also ample opportunity to spend time with the Jokhi. They are remarkably candid in some areas, and entirely closed off in others. They are particularly keen to talk politics. They don't try to hide the fact that some of the Asaveans offer tantalising glimpses of the "mysteries" of their "Nameless God of Magic" to the Jokhi, and there is talk of ritual texts and gifts of vis clearly intended to turn their heads. They are certainly not the only family the Asaveans are trying to convince to support their cause in Faraden.

According to the Jokhi, most of the families appear to be neutral on the matter of the Empire, and predisposed to at least see if the High Liege of the Five Winds can deliver on their promises. It's their opinion however that many of the families are slowly turning in an anti-Imperial, or at least Empire-neutral, direction due to the involvement of the Asaveans. High Lady Togene Altsanig - whose family claim the entirety of Tujahan - is simply a figurehead or stalking horse for a much larger anti-Imperial faction. The motivations of many of these families is simple Pride - the Asaveans have been adept at flattering the families that they take them seriously, share their exasperation with the Empire, and respect their religion. They are quick to offer gifts and empty compliments where the Empire makes demands. One of the Jokhi quotes an old poet: "Both familiarity and proximity breed contempt, and lead to spilt wine." The Faraden have significantly less experience arguing and fighting with the Empire than they do with Asavea...

They also deliver a warning - off the record of course. Some of the Asavean efforts are directed towards identifying what might best be described as "zealous" or "extremist" groups in Faraden. Those whose Courage and Pride can easily be stoked with talk of Justice to encourage them to do foolish and self-defeating things. They offer for free a note that some of those groups - who are very much on the outs with polite Faraden society - appear to being actively armed by their Asavean flatterers. The Empire might want to keep a careful eye to the west just to be on the safe side.

In the Court of the Golden Flower

The Altantsetseg are adept weavers of Autumn and Day magic They are concerned the Empire does not appreciate the difficult position of Faraden

One of the most prestigious wizardly families in Faraden, the Altantsetseg are adepts of the magics of fortune and the Wind, with a great deal of interest in politics, and those Celestial Arch members who visit their court find a great deal in common with them. The High Lady Enkhtuya spends most of her time at the Court of Five Winds and guidance of the family falls to her three husbands who engage in a friendly rivalry to outdo each other in the splendor of the amusements offered to visitors to their home. While the Altantsetseg currently support the Liege of the Five Winds and their relatively pro-Imperial stance, they are first and foremost realists. The Tchemetzi warn their Imperial friends that this house is known for its ruthlessness, and it's almost supernatural ability to ensure it is on the winning side of any major political events - such as the recent coup by Tchinua Ganbatar. They will be friendly and sincere, but should the political winds change they will certainly change with them.

Their festivities involve many opportunities to experience luxury, with the finest food and drink, and to appreciate the beauty of their estates and gardens. There are many dances and poetry recitals, and games of chance that involve significant wagering. The main concern of the Altantsetseg, once one gets past their smiling and welcoming exterior, is that Faraden is caught between two rocks and risks being crushed by either or both of them. They are pragmatic about Faraden's place in the world - that it is a rich nation but it is not a titan like Asavea or the Empire. They are concerned that, from communications with Imperial citizens and with the Ambassador, the Empire does not really understand the situation in Faraden. At any point, the Asavean Plenum could decide that the Faraden are allies of the Empire, cut their losses, and level their coast.

The Asaveans probably could not force Faraden to become a satrapy, but with the support of their mercenaries those who wish the violent overthrow of the Liege of the Five Winds could stage a significantly more bloody coup than the one that brought the Ganbatar to power. The Empire, of course, might provide it's own troops to aid the pro-Imperial factions... but then Faraden would become a warzone, a prize for the two empires to fight over. Whatever was left at the end it would not be Faraden - and given the presence of the force that Imperial citizens sometimes call the "Fifth Flame" - as if it were separate to the other four! - the wounds in the nation between the rival forces might never be healed. Civil war is the worst war, say the Altantsetseg.

Also, the Celestial Arch must not make the mistake of believing that simply because the selfish acquisition of power is not one of the Five Flames that means there is no desire for it in Faraden. They may call on the flame of Loyalty, or Pride, or Courage but there are factions in Faraden who would let their nation burn if it meant they could be on the top of the heap of ashes that was left at the end - just like there are in the Empire. Tchinua Ganbatar - and Faraden as a whole - walks along a cliff-edge. Show favour to one side or the other, too much favour, and the balancing act might end in a plunge to the rocks below.

At the moment Asavea is content to bribe families to buy its goods, to welcome its emissaries, to hear what they have to say. What they mostly say is that the Empire will never respect Faraden like the Asaveans will - something that all too many people are prepared to listen to. It's not so much that they want Faraden to side with them - although that would be ideal - as that they want them to turn away from their Imperial neighbours and serve as a safe nation from which the Plenum can direct its spite against the Empire.

The Altantsetseg have accepted gifts from the Asaveans - crystal mana, gifts of fine clothing and magical items, and even a ritual text presented to High Lady Enkhtuya in front of the entire Court of the Five Winds. All they want in return is their support or, if it comes to it, their lack of opposition to their agenda. The Altantsetseg wonder what kinds of gifts the Celestial Arch might give them to balance things out?

Thanks from Tchemetzi

The Tchemetzi remain friendly to the Imperial Conclave and the Celestial Arch in particular They indicate they no longer require Imperial weirwood - perhaps next year

As the Winter Solstice draws closer, and the Imperial magicians ready to return home, the Tchemetzi hold a great feast in their holdings. Many of the local people are invited - and it becomes clear that a lot of the farmers are actually cousins of the Tchemetzi. A great deal of food and drink is consumed, and the Tchemetzi reaffirm their friendship with the Celestial Arch.

There is also some talk of recent events and the High Lord makes a point of thanking the Empire for the weirwood they contributed towards improving the farms of his domain. For now, though, the farms of Menendram are gearing up for the coming Spring and consequently the ideal time to begin improving their farms has passed, and so has the offer to provide texts for wains. Regretfully, High Lord Mukhali will need to set aside the full extent of their ambition to significantly improve all the farms of Pehebuhan. It is not a complete loss however; a trader from the Asavean Archipelago was able to provide some of the required weirwood in return for a copy of one of the Ossegrahni rituals.

Participation

Any member of the Celestial Arch is welcome to create stories about their visit to Faraden, using the above and the notes in the two minutes wind of fortune as a guideline. Any given member of the order will only have been able to visit one of the three wizard families mentioned, however. Anyone who stayed with the Tzchimetsi will have had a perfectly pleasant time discussing Spring magic, agriculture, and the responsibilities of leaders to those they lead.

Whelks and Yaks

The Ambassador has expressed interest in both giant blood whelks and yaks Imperial fleets visiting Caitun will receive 2 fewer ingots of orchalcum and 1 more giant blood whelk following the Winter Solstice If the Ambassador is interested, Caitun will stop providing weltsilver but instead begin providing luxury goods worth 54 rings to a standard fleet The ambassador can invite some western Faraden to come to the Marches and look at the possibility of establishing a yak ranch

The Imperial Ambassador raises the possibility of improving the trade in giant blood whelks, and the possibility of "a trade deal to buy them in greater quantity." These are thumb-sized sea-snails, much larger than the common blood whelk used to make brilliant purple-red cloth, and possess valuable medicinal properties when added to soup or broth. The creatures themselves are native to the Sea of Snow, gathered in pots along the coast of Pelabuhan. They are imported to the Empire by traders visiting the port of Caitun.

Sadly the Faraden are not in a position to be able to make a regular trade in the whelks, but they assure the ambassador that they will let them know if that situation changes. She proposes that if the Empire wishes to acquire more of the delicious sea snails, they consider sending more trading vessels to Caitun. To encourage that, Mistress Karadragha has let it be known to the pot-tenders, fisherfolk, and traders of Pelabuhan that the Empire is eager to acquire more giant blood whelks. As a consequence, following the Winter Solstice trading vessels visiting Caitun will find the amount of orichalcum provided by doing so reduced, and a slightly higher supply of giant blood whelks.

Mistress Karadragha is pleased to hear of the Ambassador's also interest in acquiring cattle from Faraden, especially the animals colloquially known as yaks - a bovine creature known for its thick hair that prospers in some of the higher western regions of the country. Mistress Karadragha sounds a note of caution, especially at the idea of introducing them to Upwold. The beasts are adapted to live at higher altitudes than she believes are found in the Marches, and deal very poorly with both lowlands and warm climates. Consultation with the civil service confirm that every attempt to introduce these creatures into the Imperial landscape in the past has proved an expensive and dismal failure.

She is, however, more than happy to discuss encouraging trade in the products of yak husbandry - milk (and the alcohol fermented from milk), lean meat, and thick wool. If the Ambassador asks, Mistress Karadragha will encourage the traders if Caitun to invest in selling yak-related products to visiting Imperial merchants. This will remove the weltsilver provided by trade with Caitun but, along with other luxury goods, provide 54 rings to a standard fleet.

Greatest Market in the Empire

The Faraden are interested in the creation of a large trade enclave in Holberg They have asked the Chamber of Commerce to guide them as to which goods are more appealing to the Holbergers A discussion and vote of Holberg's chamber of commerce is due to take place at 17.30 on Saturday The egregores will oversee the election and pass on the result

Recent Discussions around a Faraden trading enclave in the greatest city in the Empire have borne fruit. Ambassador Ebenezer has assured Mistress Karadragha that there is interest in Holberg, and the National Assembly of the League upheld a statement of principle raised by Kaspar Yakovitch von Holberg presenting the approval of the bishops for such an establishment. With the grand highways of the Blood Red Roads at their disposal, a Faraden caravan entering the Empire in the west and travelling all the way to the eastern borders and back would certainly provide ample opportunities for trade with the League, and with the Marches, Wintermark, and Highguard along the way. Pro-Imperial trading families are by all accounts quite excited about this possibility.

The proposal of the Court of the Five Winds is to establish a Firewind Market in the upper city where Faraden merchants would deal with their peers in the League. They would also purchase some land in the lower city to establish an enclave for Faraden caravans to relax, regroup, and prepare for their return journey. The uplifiting parkland of Holmauer is very appealing to the Faraden, many of whom are not entirely comfortable in massive cities.

There is one potential sticking point, which is that the Holmauer enclave would have to include a Hall of Five Flames - a shrine where devout Faraden travellers could meditate on the "five flames" - Courage, Pride, Loyalty, Prosperity, and controversially Justice. There's no suggestion that this is intended to be a place for preaching, but there would certainly be a few Faraden priests in resident - representatives of some of the priest families who would offer spiritual support to their far-from-home countryfolk. Mistress Karadragha is hopeful there would be no repeat of the Moonwater Hall incident - but only so long as Imperial citizens respect the privacy of the Faraden and don't actively seek them out. It's not in the nature of Faraden priests to turn away those who want to learn about their faith, any more than it is for Imperial priests.

If the people of Holberg are prepared to accept the reality of a small temple dedicated to the Faraden flames in Holmauer, Mistress Karadragha is keen to proceed with evaluating the best way to set up a prosperous trading enclave in the eastern Empire. The last step before a proper proposal can be nailed down is to determine which goods are most likely to sell well in the greatest city in the Empire. Any Faraden enclave will bring a boon of prosperity to the city, and potentailly the wider Empire, but the finest goods will be reserved for the markets of Holberg. As such, Mistres Karadragha has requested that the Holberg Chamber of Commerce convene and discuss the proposals.

The civil service have asked the League egregores to convene the Chamber of Commerce (made up of everyone in Holberg who owns a business) to discuss and vote on this matter. In turn the egregores have inquired as to whether Bernhard Kleist von Ennerlund of Kleist's Emporium (responsible for inviting the Faraden to attend the celebrations of Holbergs 250 year anniversary) or Otmar van Holberg of the Adelaarsbank (who they know has an interest in trade with Faraden) could host the meeting. They propose to hold the discussion and vote at 17.30 on Saturday during the Summit.

There are four potential outcomes, based on what Mistress Karadragha has proposed.

Cloth: As demonstrated by recent discussions with the Blue Silk Scarves, and Faraden interest in iridescent gloaming, the nation loves to make beautiful and brightly dyed clothing. While the mundane fabrics and outfits they sell are rich and would be in demand for Imperial citizens, they also have a clear talent for producing magical garb - clothing suitable for wizards but also apparently coats and sashes that function as light armour. If the Chamber selects cloth, then the market will focus on providing magical clothing. Spice: As evidenced by the bisques and stews created with Giant Blood Whelk, the Faraden have a great appreciation for luxurious food and drink - and not only from their own country. As traders, they also have access to gourmet goods from other nations including the Iron Confederacy and other lands the Faraden deal with. A focus on spice would not only mean provender and liquor, but also see them bring potions and consumable goods of different kinds to the Holberg market - some of which would likely have unique properties. Iron: The hills and western mountains of Faraden are rich in metals, especially orichalcum and weltsilver, but also mithril and ilium. They also have plenty of tempest jade, green iron, and even white granite. A market focused around metal, ore, and stone would be unlikely to bring any unique items into the Empire, but perhaps the certainty of the familiar is more appealing to the buisinessfolk of Holberg? None of the Above: Of course the Chamber of Commerce might decide that they'd rather not have a "Faraden quarter" in Holberg. History has demonstrated that trouble seems inevitable when the Faraden try to live too closely with Imperial citizens. The requirement for a "Hall of Five Flames" in particular may give the chamber of commerce pause. This choice will close down pursuit of an enclave in Holberg; it will leave the Court of Five winds disappointed but they understand how volatile matters can be - and how much of an ask a temple to a rival faith might prove.

As with other Chamber of Commerce decisions, anyone who owns a business in Holberg is free to attend and make their opinion known, and to participate in the vote to decide which choice will be presented to the Faraden. Each member receives one vote, regardless of the size of their business.

Blue Silk Scarves

The Blue Silk Scarf guild is still eager to secure iridescent gloaming They have made arrangements with the City of Gold and Lead to try and secure Imperial gloaming during the coming summit

The Blue Silken Scarf is a guild of Faraden artisans and wizards who specialise in the creation of find quality garb. Thanks to a combination of a shipment from the Ambassador, and trade via Ephisis' Scale, they have managed to gather the Iridescent Gloaming they required. This success has indicated that they can likely do business with the Empire which, after all, is known to be a font of the gloaming so valuable for making both vibrantly dyed mundane cloth and enchanted clothing.

Following their successes using the City of Gold and Lead, they offer another trade deal to Imperial magicians. During the Winter Solstice, they are accepting orders for some of the magical clothing they specialise in. They are as much interested in testing out the Imperial market to see what kind of demand there might be for their wares. If the Ephisis' Scale ritual is performed during the summit and the box contains only iridescent gloaming and a single piece of paper with a butterfly or moth drawn on it, they have instructed the brokers to secure the gloaming on their behalf. In addition to the butterfly or moth, the paper should also include no more than three of the runes familiar to Imperial magicians indicating which items of magical clothing the magician wishes to purpose. The clothes will be delivered to the trader in time for the Spring Equinox. They are currently offering the following items, each of which is an enchanted mage robe.

Wyr and 20 Iridescent Gloaming secures a Moonmoth Coat, a deep blue jacket with moonsilver emboridery. It can be invoked once each day by a magician to allow them to increase their ranks of Night lore by one (subject to the usual limits) for the performance of one ritual. Ophis and 20 Iridescent Gloaming commissions a Windwing Cowl, a bright yellow hood with sungold emboridery. It can be invoked once each day by a magician to allow them to increase their ranks of Day lore by one (subject to the usual limits) for the performance of one ritual. Hirmok and 30 iridescent gloaming orders a Nightfire Sash, a multicoloured silken sash that absorbs and stores magical energies. It functions much like an Ashen Mantle, but the enchantment also imbues the wearer with a particular appreciation for music, fire, and dancing. Cavul and 45 Iridescent gloaming commissions a Wildwind Coat, a potent padded coat decorated with fragments of tempest jade and weltsilver thread that allows a wearer versed in its use to swift cast the purify spell at the cost of only a single mana rather than two. It also provides a source of spiritual strength for overcoming any roleplaying effect that relies on fear and despair.

The Blue Silk Scarf guild are confident they will be able to fill any orders sent by Imperial magicians with the aid of their contacts in the Silent Market. The Autumn herald will still need to confirm the order with the box-holder, and confirm any details as to where the garb should be delivered.

Ambassador Ebeneezer also confirmed with the Blue Silk Scarf that there was interest in meeting with the Mirrored Maschieri and also artisans from Varushka. There is certainly interest among some members of the guild in visiting the Empire to discuss fabrics, fashion, and closer trade links.

Blue Flame Sutannir

Erdene Baraguin has provided a proposal for the Parador of Wind and Flame at the Azure Chorus It offers several benefits to the Azure Sutannir It costs 10 white granite to complete

When the Azure Sutannir Mina i Yashum i Riqueza stepped up to help secure the release of a respected member of the Bataguin family kidnapped by Lasambrian Jotun, it brought Faraden musicians and performers to the Azure Chorus. These visitors bring prosperity to the Chorus, but Erdene Bataguin had a larger proposal to capitalise on this peaceful contact. They asked the Freeborn National Assembly consider raising a statement of principle welcoming Faraden visitors to the Azure Chorus, encouraging pilgrims from both nations to come together in an appreciation of what connects them rather than what separates them, and asking the Azure Sutannir to include the protection of travellers from the west as part of their responsibilities. Such a statement was raised by Val and upheld with a greater majority.

Pleased with the response, Erdene has worked with the architects who designed the temple to design a beautiful parador to stand alongside it, complementing it and combining elements of Faraden and Freeborn design into a harmonious whole. The Bataguin stand ready to oversee and support the construction of the Parador of Wind and Flame; all they require is 10 wains of white granite and the word of the Azure Sutannir. All other costs will be covered by the grateful Faraden family.

The resulting influx of visitors will see the Azure Sutannir receive 6 ingots of random metal each season, as well as healing herbs; three each of True Vervain, Cerulean Mazzarine, and Imperial Roseweald each season.

Perhaps more importantly, the parador will also cement in the minds of the Faraden and to a degree the Freeborn that the Azure Sutannir represents the spirit of cooperation between the two nations. In future conflict between the priests of the Five Flames and the Way, the Azure Sutannir's voice will be given additional weight by the Faraden, particularly if they are taking a position of ensuring good faith, recognising the differences and similarities between the two cultures, and resisting calls to precipitous action.

(OOC Note: To take advantage of this opportunity, the Azure Sutannir need merely make sure all 10 wains of white granite are in their inventory at the end of an event and email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk before the end of downtime. The opportunity to build the Parador of Wind and Flame alongside the Azure Chorus remains until the situation changes significantly.)

Gloaming Road

The Gloaming Road has been abrogated by the Imperial Senate Mistress Karadragha is encouraging Faraden traders to consider bringing their mithril to coastal markets but with limited effect

The Gloaming Road - a trade route between Faraden and the Brass Coast that traded Imperial Iridescent gloaming for Faraden mithril - has a short but complicated history. It was originally founded as a consequence of a terrible blight that struck gloaming production in the western nation. Ultimately, with the aid of the Celestial Arch Conclave order, the blight was ended, and arguably the decline of the Gloaming Road began as Faraden need for gloaming declined. Coupled with the heavy toll extracted by the Lasambrian Jotun on Faraden caravans bringing mithril into the Empire, Ambassador Ebenezer regretfully informed the Mistress Karadragha that the Empire considered the mithril to come at too high a price.

During the Autumn Equinox the Senate decided to abrogate the Gloaming Road, ending the trade. There has been significant disappointment from the merchant families involved in the trade, but Mistress Karadragha remains sanguine. They were warned, after all, that the route was becoming less and less appealing to the traders of the Empire. Some of those families who were trading mithril for iridescent gloaming have responded by bringing their mithril to the newly flourishing coastal markets, or seeking other sources of the gloaming they treasure.

This hasn't been any increase in the amount of mithril available to the Alder of Meade at the moment, but that might change. There were only half-a-dozen or so wains available via the Gloaming Road each season, after all, and there are plenty of buyers interested in acquiring Faraden mithril at competitive prices.

And Finally...

The Court of Five Winds regretfully declines the offer made by Gisli Baerson

There is one other matter, which is somewhat enigmatic. Without providing any context, Mistress Karadragha asks their opposite number to deliver their thanks to Gisli Baerson for their generous offer but, after discussing the matter with the Liege of Five Winds, the Court must regretfully decline. Wealthy as they are certain Gisli is, the Faraden do not believe Gisli is capable of delivering what they offered as negotiations between nations are rarely a matter merely of gifts or money.

Further Reading

Faraden On Faraden faith Ambassador to Faraden Faraden ports

Where five winds meet - 386YE Autumn Wind of Fortune regarding Faraden diplomacy Winds and flames - 386YE Summer Wind of Fortune regarding Faraden diplomacy

Faraden Related Titles

Alder of Meade Mediator of Fisk