Bedight in veils

Overview

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 send shockwaves through the world when they go to war. 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.

There are ambassadors to some of these nations - the Suranni, the Thule, and the Grendel in particular. Other nations are dealt with by the Imperial Consul. They handle diplomatic relations with any foreign and barbarian power with which the Senate has not created a separate ambassador. As well as those who have responded this season, this includes people as diverse as the Skourans, the Great Forest Orcs, the Druj and the independent septs of the Mallum, technically the Sand Fishers, the exiles of Trajadoz, and indeed any other distinct group of people that might make contact with the Empire, or be contracted by them. It can be...challenging... at the best of times.

Here we learn about relations with five foreign nations and two groups of orcs: the Iron Confederacy, Otkodov, the Jotun, the Grendel, the people of Tsark, the Karass of the Barrens, and the new Protectorate of Morajasse.

Otkodov

Shadow of Peace

The treaty with Otkodov that was presented and upheld by the Senate during the Spring Equinox has not been vetoed and has become law.

While the plan was originally for Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided and a number of other Thule dignitaries to visit Anvil during the Autumn Equinox to formally sign the treaty, their visit has been delayed until Winter. Rak is unwilling to give full details but is very clear that it is nothing the Empire has done or is doing - it is an internal matter. The treaty is legally in effect regardless; the formal signing is as he said previously mostly just "political theatre".

There are five Thule fortifications that defend their land in territories controlled by the Empire. Last season, work was completed to expand and improve several of those fortifications and powerful enchantments were played on all of them. This season, only the Bonewood castle of Fljajokep bears any noticeable enchantment - again bound with brass sigils that communicate to those who see them that they are marks of power, glowing with the heat of the forge. Likewise, magic seethes in the depths of the Webwood. Another Thule enchantment - a ward of Night magic. Do the Thule know something the Empire does not, or are they simply taking precautions against potential attacks from the Mallum?

If the Thule are slow to sign the treaty, they are not slow to take advantage of it. Thule merchants soon appear in markets in the Marches and Navarr to buy large amounts of food and supplies, which are slowly shipped north. Herds of cattle, pigs and sheep are escorted towards the border with Otkodov, along with ox-pulled wagons containing grain, dried and cured meat, salted fish, wheels of cheese and barrels of pickles. As a result of the huge purchases, the ability of the Marches and the Navarr to support armies has both decreased; presumably, the ability of the Thule to support additional armies has increased proportionally.

A few people shake their heads and wonder if the Empire isn't storing up trouble for the future, but in the meantime the benefits are being felt immediately. There is money to be made in Mitwold and Upwold and in Hercynia and Miaren as a result of the treaty, and the boom is helping to raise taxation from territories across the two nations. In addition, there is there a bounty of twenty mana being provided to the font each season, along with ten mana for the Broker of Treji Wayhouse and the Reeve of the Happiston Mana Exchange.

Laws and Levies

The Thule have been officially informed of Conclave's decision to interdict the creation of hollows. For the most part they seem to be amused; the creation of hollows is a closely guarded secret, known only to the Dragons, just one of the unique magics they alone possess. The ability reflects their great age and supreme mastery of the arcane arts and they're very confident that nobody in the Empire has the slightest idea how to do it, given how many times the Volodny tried to acquire the arts from them. Every approach has always been rebuffed - dragons are adamant that they are never going to share the secret with the Empire - ever.

They are only mostly amused however, as there is a suspicion that this could lead to some kind of prohibition on hollows entering the Empire. The Dragons are very clear on this point, the body of a hollow is the property of the Dragon that created it. Hollows are a vital embodiment and reflection of a Dragon's power. They will not find any attempt to limit where their hollows may travel funny at all - rather it will be seen as a personal insult and one intended to try and curtail the powers of the Dragons. Rak compares it to an attempt by the Dragons to limit where the Empress might travel or who they might speak with.

Attempts to raise the issue of tariffs and levies with the Thule have not yet produced an official response. Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided demurs when asked about the matter, but when pushed suggests that such discussions would be complex and time-consuming and might need to wait until his replacement has been agreed and put in position by the Dragons.

The civil service suspect that the Thule are deliberately playing for time on this issue. They seem to be quite content with the current arrangements and happier not to discuss them. They suggest that the Empire might need to find a way to apply some leverage to this issue if they wish the Thule to prioritise it.

Mieriada

While magic is protecting Ossium, the orcs of Otkodov take ownership of Mieriada in Miekarova. An army comes down from the frozen heights above Wendell's Hope, and secures the borders of the formerly Varushkan region. This includes taking custody of the Night Quarry, the old Heart of the Tempest, the Maze of Zoria, several of the more extensive of the Painted Caves, and the Tolvoli Slaughterhouse. Much more than simply land has been lost here. It is not so straightforward as simply losing these things, however.

First of all the Thule have agreed to allow half of the seasonal production of the Night Quarry to continue to be claimed by the Imperial Bourse. The seat will continue to be auctioned - its production simply drops from 28 wains each season to 14 wains for the foreseeable future. Operational details are still being finalised but it appears the Imperial treasury will be required to pay half the upkeep of the Quarry for this.

Secondly they have agreed to preserve Imperial access to the Maze of Zoria - for as long as Thule warlocks are welcome at an Imperial college of magic. A number of warlocks have taken up residence at the Icy crag of the Eternal Sun, reducing the upkeep of the college by 5 thrones each season but allowing the Thule copies of any ritual text created at the college from the Summer Solstice onward. These first warlocks seem a little disappointed to discover Hayaak has become patron of the college, but so far there have been no unpleasant interests. One of the warlocks lets slip that they had hoped to have a chance to speak with some of the servants of Jaheris that used to operate out of the college about a curse called Terror of the Night Hags which has recently come into the possession of the Dragons - and whether the Empire has any experience of its effects. Shortly after this unfortunate breach of protocol, the warlock in question was suddenly recalled to Otkodov presumably to face a dressing down.

Tolvoli Slaughterhouse was not covered by the treaty, but Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided indicates that the warlocks dealing with the Heart of the Tempest are prepared to keep purchasing animals from their Varushkan neighbours in return for a portion of the magical substances harvested from the dhubik there. Practically this means that the Tolvoli Slaughterhuse continues to operate, and the Tolvoli Butcher remains able to acquire the red harvest by providing the Thule with beasts. However, the amount available is reduced due to the warlocks claiming their own share of the preparations. This means that the Tolvoli Butcher loses the top rank from each of their ministries. It's possible that the Varushkans are not interested in continuing to trade with the Thule in this way. The Tolvoli Butcher is due to be appointed this season - if no Varushkan takes the position the Dragons will take that as an indication they do not wish to participate in this arrangement and will take different steps to ensure the dhubik do not become a threat.

Forest of Ulnak

Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided mentions that they received an interesting letter from Eli of the Cenotaph and Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka concerning the Forest of Ulnak and especially what lies to the north through the mountains - what the Empire called "the Vore". After taking counsel from the Dragons, Rak regretfully says that at this time he cannot share anything about this matter with Imperial citizens, not even to confirm whether the Mines of Areshan are in the Vore or not. Otkodov does not have a navigable border with the Vore and is happy for it to remain so at this time. As such, Rak concurs that the Thule would rather not see the folk of the Vore - whoever they are - gain control of Ulnak should the Druj collapse.

However... Hinodir of the Bright Orb has indicated that there may be a path toward the Thule sharing a little of their own understanding of the situation in the north-east. The Dragon knows that the Imperial Spymaster Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo operates a spy network in the Forest of Ulnak. The Thule would like to make use of that spy network to explore the territory in detail. As foreigners, all that is required for them to make use of the network is permission from someone empowered to do so. If that permission is forthcoming, the Thule would make use of the network following the Autumn Equinox to create a map of their own and investigate magical locations in the woodlands. There would be no requirement for other concessions - the Webwood borders Ulnak and as such their scouts can easily gain access to the Forest.

Should the Empire decide otherwise, the Thule will conduct an independent action in the Forest of Ulnak. It would be a costly affair, but the orcs of Otkodov are as capable of spying on their neighbours as the Empire is - although the Civil Service note that in the absence of the Civil Service, it is likely that a spy network costs the Thule significantly more to establish than it costs the Empire.

This concession would obviously represent a first step toward any alliance between Thule and Empire to invade the Forest of Ulnak. Rak is quick to point out that this does not mean the Dragons will definitely commit to such a course, only that if the Empire doesn't trust them to use the spy network it will make it less likely. Once the Dragons have a better understanding of exactly what is in Ulnak, they will determine if the risk of involvement there is worth the reward to Otkodov.

Rak was recently requested by one correspondent to put a price on such aid - there was an opening offer of 50 rings of ilium for four armies for a year. In response he points out that four armies would cost the Empire two hundred thrones a season - eight hundred thrones for a year - just for the running costs. The Dragons will not even contemplate helping the Empire fight the Druj unless the rewards for the Thule are considerably better than that. Ilium is very valuable, but star metal falls from the sky... land does not.

One thing they are not asking for at this time is for the Empire to share their own maps or findings. They are welcome to do so if they want, but the Thule still want access to the spy network. The orcs of Otkodov are interested in different things to the Empire, for a start, and need to make their own observations rather than rely on potentially out of date reports from Imperial scouts.

The request is unusual to say the least and because of its unprecedented nature, there is no long-standing constitutional basis for how the decision might be taken. There are good arguments that could be made that control and use of such structures falls under either the remit of the Imperial Military Council or the Imperial Senate, both of which have heavy demands on their time. The Imperial Spymaster has responsibility for coordinating the use of Imperial spy networks and smugglers coves - but they don't currently have the legal power to decide a response to this request.

To resolve the problem, the Civil Service will introduce two administrative motions on Friday night of the Senate. The first would give the Imperial Spymaster the legal power to grant access to Imperial spy networks and smugglers coves to foreign powers by announcement in the Military Council. The second would give the Imperial Spymaster the legal power to control all access to Imperial spy networks and smugglers coves by anyone. This power would be employed by announcement in the Military Council. If either motion is passed, the Spymaster will be able to deal with the issue, if neither motion is passed or they are vetoed, then the matter will need to be resolved by Senate motion.

Legacies

Rak asks Kindra to offer their opinion on the "Legacy Accords" presented to him by a Navarr named Dylan Thornweaver. They appear to be the basis for a treaty to determine how any future war between the Empire and Otkodov would be undertaken with several limitations and restrictions of who can be killed and what can be destroyed. The Ambassador keeps their cards close to their chest as to their own opinion, yet its clear they are interested enough to ask their opposite number to look into the matter.

The Thule Ambassador thanks Ragnhild Honeytongue Thrice-Passed Skaersdottir for the poem they have created, and assures them that the skuld Eiríkur is indeed aware of it. He expresses his gratitude and appreciation, and wishes to inform Ragnhild that he indeed intends to return to Anvil at some point (if he is given leave to do so) having greatly appreciated the warm welcome the skuldyr received.

Then there is the matter of Asch Fortae Shalder, called the Wise Reviver. The Suaq Winterfolk expressed concerns that the orcs of Otkodov are still suffering starvation, and Rak wishes to reassure them that the situation is well under control. Along with the meat and other produce purchased from Sermersuaq, and the herds of cows recently bought in the Marches, the tribute of food paid by the Marches and Navarr more than addresses any shortfall the northern nation might be experiencing. It is, however, satisfying to be reminded that while there are Imperial citizens who resent the Thule, there are also those who appreciate the aid they offered in recovering Sermersuaq from the Jotun. The sentiments Asch has expressed are welcome, but they would be much more likely to secure the interest of the Dragons if they had something concrete to propose. Perhaps in a future missive, or with the help of Ambassador Kindra? Or perhaps something from the Imperial Conclave?

Finally, as requested Slawomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh has sent a missive to the Thule Embassy providing more details about face-stealing creatures or folk that apparently operate in the woodlands of Ossium. Rak thanks the wise one for their work, and after consultation with some of the warlocks more familiar with the region than he is, confirms that they are known to the Thule. They were called face peelers by some of the human labourers who worked the forests of Sküld, and were also known to the slaves the Druj kept in Ossium. They prey only on humans - they will fight and kill orcs but are not drawn to them the way they are human folk. The Thule destroyed them wherever they encounter them for obvious reasons, but since they released all their slaves they have not troubled Otkodov at all. According to the folk tales the Thule learned from the humans they once kept, these creatures have a glamour that allows them to deceive others into treating their unnatural appearance as perfectly normal, and are able to breach protections and wards when the humans around them transgress even in jest in certain ways. The details are not entirely clear - with the best will in the world the Thule did not pay that much attention to their slaves. Perhaps there are still some in Ossium or Karsk who could answer questions on this matter?

Iron Confederacy

The Suranni lie to the south of the Empire. They are a secretive nation, bound up in tradition and suspicion. While they are currently at peace with the Empire, even accepting merchants and traders into their lands, they are certainly not friends. Recent events have seen them, like the Faraden, caught between the Liberty Pact and the pro-slavery Freedom Accord. Yet where Faraden feels it must play a delicate balancing act, the Suranni Dukes are more confident in their power and prepared to play Imperial and Asavean interests off against each other.

The Suranni ambassador to the Empire is Baroness Katerine Lavasse of Meore, who operates from the Tour Lavasse in Chaubrette, a territory unknown to Imperial citizens that apparently lies to the west of Veroigne. A noble naga, she replaced the significantly more dogmatic Jeanne de Hibernat, a High Priestess of the Suranni god Evra the Smith, Maiden of the Forge. She has already indicated that she is very much more pragmatic than her predecessor and more interested in compromise. She still reports to the Dukes of the Iron Confederacy, however, and so her apparent goodwill toward the Empire cannot be relied upon.

Regarding Serfs

Ambassador Tethros also asked for some clarification on the status of serfs in the Suranni homelands. Baroness Katerine is clearly a little frustrated by the question, considering it to be returning to a matter that was already settled more than a year ago. As was explained at the time, the former slaves of the Iron Confederacy became serfs, and the Imperial Senate consequently removed the unjust trade sanctions they had imposed.

In answer to the Ambassadors questions, the Baroness reiterated what she said previously. Unlike slaves, serfs enjoy some protections under the law. They cannot be subjected to direct violence, and cannot be bought and sold as chattel. They work the land they belong to, and whatever they produce belongs to the noble who owns that land. They cannot leave the land they are bound to, but the landowner does have some responsibility to ensure that they are not unnecessarily abused. It is possible for a serf or the child of serfs to improve their lot through selection for priesthood or exceptional military service.

Hopefully this will put the matter to rest once and for all. The Iron Confederacy has conceded to the Empire on the matter of slavery because it suited them to do so, but the Dukes see little profit in continuing to belabour the point.

Grim Magics

Last season the Suranni province of Arbonne, which the Empire knows as Kalino, was struck by a terrible curse that blighted the fields at the height of harvest-time. Queries were directed to the Empire as to what, if anything, they might know about the situation. Ambassador Tethros i Zuhri i Erigo has apparently reiterated that although the effects of the curse were somewhat familiar - similar to Anathemic Call of Bug and Briar - there is no chance that Imperial magicians would have been involved in this calamitous magic. Rather, the Ambassador suggests that the Children of Wrecks - whose mistress is a powerful practitioner of Spring magic, and who are known to include a number of former Hand of Dumon wizards among their number - may have had a hand in it.

Baroness Katerine accepts the Ambassador's reassurance, while remaining sceptical that the Children of Wrecks may have been involved. So far, their malign magic has broadly focused around the conjuration of violent storms and unseasonable deluges. Yet the involvement of the Hand of Dumon appears to be a given. Fortunately the priests of Farod the Maiden, whose gentle hands bring Spring rains and still storms, have prevailed upon the goddess to intervene and it seems the power of Dumon has been broken.

Civil Servants suggest that this is likely an exaggeration - it's more likely that the curse has simply run its course than that the prayers of priests have brought the magic to a premature end.

Days of Wine and Roses

The Iron Confederacy are quite well-disposed to the Empire at the moment. The Hand of Dumon is illegal, the sale of narcotics to the Iron Confederacy is illegal, the Empire remains at war with the Grendel and the Jotun, and Imperial trade flocks to Robec like starlings to scattered seeds. The Dukes find their borders secure and their coin purses full, and this inclines them to a positive mood. As such, they have given permission for a small group of nobles to accept the Ambassador's kind invitation to attend the Marcher camp for Wassail. They intend to arrive at 14:30 on Saturday and see what merriment is afoot after their formal reception. Baroness Katerine Lavasse is sure that they will have a good time, and is also sure that the Empire, as good hosts, will ensure that the costs of any refreshments the party may require are covered. The Empire is so very proud of their prosperity, after all - the Suranni are happy to provide them with an opportunity to demonstrate it.

The delegation will be led by the Baronet Ser Marquette Lavasse, Baroness Katerine's cousin, who attended the coronation of Emperor Vesna. He will be accompanied by his bodyguard Seigneur Ser Guillaume; his cousin, the Baronet Ser Vauquelin Lavasse who acts as the Suranni Ambassador to Faraden; and doubtless a few other minor functionaries who can introduce themselves if they wish. Baroness Katerine indicates that the party would be pleased to be received in the Senate by Ambassador Tethros, as well as either the Emperor herself or a member of their household. There is no need for a grand ceremony, simply a mutual acknowledgement of two great nations with equally great destinies in this world, after which the party can be escorted to see whatever quaint pastimes the yeofolk of the Marchers have laid on.

Of course, no business would be discussed on such a social occasion. None at all. But if there should happen to be citizens around who were interested in making polite conversation on the subject of international trade, well, Ser Marquette is known to have an interest in such matters. The Children of Wrecks, naturally a matter of great concern to any civilised society, are also of great concern to Ser Guillaume, who has been staying abreast of the possibility for action against these marauders. And surely the Ambassador to Faraden will find much in common with Ser Vauquelin. Nobody will be talking business, of course. Simply sharing a little gossip about matters of mutual interest.

There is one more matter - a request, in fact. Baroness Katerine desires that one Ghisli 'the Provider' Baerson, a wealthy citizen whose audacity would make a Grendel blush, attend upon the delegation so that a face may be put to the name that everybody has heard so much about. Surely there will be some fascinating discussions to be had.

Letters to Robec

The steady stream of Imperial traders into the port of Robec continues, and the Suranni continue to take every advantage. The Winterfolk benefactor Ghisli and their collaborators are to be commended for their hard work. Regardless of how things end up with the Asaveans and their Freedom Accord, the Baroness is confident that the Dukes will approve plans underway to make more unique and valuable Suranni produce available to Imperial traders visiting the port.

An Imperial Historian in the Baronial Court

It is possible that one reason the Ambassador might be expressing concern about the precise status of serfs is the publication by the Department of Historical Research of the first part of Marko Siwarsbairn's research into Suranni military history. The historian is a guest of Baroness Lavalle, staying at her estates in Chaubrette, working closely with Josse Argent and several other scholar-priests. According to the Baroness, the work is going well, but as she mentioned last season it looks as if Marko will be unable to return to the Empire before the Winter Solstice. She reassures the Ambassador that she is more than happy to continue hosting the Wintermark scholar who she describes as "delightfully droll."

There is however one matter that needs to be resolved; as the Ambassador is aware there were concerns when Siwarsbairn first came to the Iron Confederacy that their intention might be to engage in espionage. There is obviously no sign of that - Marko has been the soul of discretion and civility - but they are refusing to allow the Baroness or Josse Argent to read their report before it is delivered to the Empire. Katerine is concerned that the reason for this must be that it contains sensitive information. Marko claims it is because legally the report belongs to the Minister of Historical Research. As such, they are at an impasse. Can Ambassador Tethros intercede with the Imperial Minister to reassure Marko that it is acceptable to share their final report with their host. The scholar has already indicated they will trust the word of the Ambassador, should they pass along the Minister's instructions.

The Baroness is at pains to dispel any potential misunderstanding; if Marko continues to refuse to share their findings they won't be prevented from leaving or anything extreme like that. But they might find the willingness of Josse and the other scholars to cooperate suffers as a consequence.

Jotun Diplomacy

The Imperial Consul is responsible for diplomacy with the Jotun, although they seem to prefer dealing with the folk of Wintermark and occasionally the Brass Coast than any Senate-appointed diplomat.

The Jarl's Death

During the Summer Solstice, Jarl Ustigar of Keirheim died in a duel of champions facing General Iron Osric. His body was carried from Anvil with all due respect, and transported back to his beloved Skallahn for the hero's burial he has earned over the decades of loyal support for the Jotun. It is not clear who his successor as Jarl of Kierheim will be, but there is rumour that both the King of the South and the Queen of the North have made pilgrimage to Kierheim to attend his funeral and to speak with those who might claim his mantle. It is likely this event that has drawn the two of them away from battle in the Marches this season, and it appears that a number of champions and heroes have likewise attended the burial. Igya Olgafsdottir, Jarl of Tromsa, has been acclaimed as the representative from the Jotun to the Empire.

A meeting place is being built and with it new opportunities with the Jotun. In honour of the legends, we invite the Ghodi to break bread with their counterparts in the mystics. Let them share ideas and find ways to bridge the gaps between our nations.Hayrin, Wintermark Assembly, Summer Solstice 387YE, Vote: Greater Majority 284 against 0

Meeting Hall

The Meeting Place was for centuries a place just beyond the borders of Sermersuaq where the Jotun and the folk of Wintermark could meet in peace. It was primarily used for diplomatic purposes, allowing the two nations to discuss treaties and ceasefires, exchange prisoners, and the like. It also served this purpose when Wintermark joined the Empire - until it was apparently shattered by a Varushkan calling themselves Alderei the Fair (not the recent general of the Iron Helms - a different Varushkan using the same name). Its destruction at the time was taken as more evidence of how dishonourable the Empire had become. Empire.

Over the last year or so work has been afoot to try and create a new locale that can serve the same purpose. At the Spring Equinox earlier in the year, the Imperial Senate commissioned the construction of a meeting hall on Gull Island, in the sea off Kallavesa. The site was apparently chosen with the aid of the mystics and has certain resonances that make it an ideal place for peaceful meetings between the Empire and the orcs of Narkyst and Kallsea. Work is proceeding apace; the white granite has been delivered and all that remains is to actually build the place.

The Jotun have a notorious fear of water and avoid sailing wherever possible. Some say they fear drowning more than anything - the one sure way to guarantee that your soul is lost to the Howling Abyss. Some Jotun even talk of the sea as the Howling Abyss. Others say it is the presence of the terrible monsters in the Sea of Snow that makes sea travel so difficult. Fortunately the island is tidal, so it is possible to walk across to it at low tides. For some reason, the Jotun seem to appreciate this - the thought of being trapped on the isle and unable to leave until the tide goes down doesn't seem to bother them, if anything quite the contrary.

There have still been challenges to overcome of course - the peculiar coral husks that have been bedevilling the coast of the Marches and Wintermark have several times tried to attack the island. Fortunately the same Wintermark fleets that guard the fishing fleet of Westerhal have been on hand to ensure the builders are not troubled. Work is expected to be completed in time for the Winter Solstice - unless something disastrous goes wrong of course.

In anticipation of this the Wintermark Assembly supported a statement of principle raised by Hayrin, inviting the Ghodi to break bread with their counterparts in Wintermark and find a way to "bridge the gaps" between the two nations. One problem, of course, is that the Ghodi have no idea what the Imperial Synod is discussing; the other is that not all Winterfolk welcome the Jotun to their lands. The orcs conquered Sermersuaq and were only recently driven out. They have made several attempts to conquer Kallavesa. Some worry that they may try to use this new Meeting Place as springboard to renew their attacks. There are also serious questions about whether the mystics are the best people to meet with the Ghodi for the first, auspicious meeting in the first place. A formal gathering at the new meeting place cannot help but set the tenor for future meetings on the site. Should there not be scops involved to tell the tales of Wintermark heroes? Are there enough mystics of Suaq and Steinr traditions to ensure that the meeting is with all the peoples of Wintermark?

The meeting hall at Gull Island will be completed for the Winter Solstice. Yet until a meeting has taken place there it is just a hall. We send (named individual) with 25 doses of liao to spread word of the Hall both in Wintermark, and in the lands of the Jotun. Let the Ghodi bring their people to join with the folk of Wintermark to see what bridge may be built.Synod Mandate, Wintermark National Assembly

If this mandate is enacted, the named individual will be responsible for encouraging messengers to travel into Jotun lands - a potentially risky move given the state of ongoing war - and priests to deploy suitable auras to support those messengers and reassure the folk of Kallavesa. It will not be enough to send them into Skallahn and Tromsa - they will need to travel in the south as well where the Jotun are involved in an ongoing battle with the Marchers. Assuming the Ghodi respond positively to the invitation - and it is likely they will given events to date - the named individual will be responsible for gathering a suitable contingent of folk to meet with the Jotun during the Winter Solstice. Such a momentous meeting is bound to attract the attention of the Sentinel Gate, after all.

Smidr Clad In Scarlet

The Jotun are skilled artisans - some claim that they taught Isenbrad the runes (though many Steinr claim the opposite). Their artisans are known as smidr or simply smiths: they are known to be highly respected and are thought to occupy a somewhat independent position in Jotun society, standing somewhat outside the hierarchy of clans and jarls. The smidr have their own ways: they have thralls sworn to them (who in practice will do most of the more mundane crafting, though a Jotun warrior will always describe their weapon as crafted by the smidr themselves and not by their thralls, who are considered simply an extension of the smidr's mastery.

In some stories, the smidr are described as belonging to fraternal organisations known as skrohn: a single skroh might contains a handful of actual smidr, many warriors who work under them and act to protect the smidr in return for being furnished with the finest weapons and armour, and many more thralls who work under the tutelage of the smidr and who, if they show skill and promise, may be invited to pick up a weapon and the smithing-hammer and begin the long journey to becoming a smidr themselves.

The smidr are also believed to have some role in the complex diplomacy the Jotun undertake with the Eternals of the Realms. While they certainly do take the battlefield, they are considered deserving of close protection by some of the most elite Jotun warriors: it has been some generations since the Empire has confirmed a smidr killed in battle (though presumably it does happen).

All of this would be a mere curiosity, just another part of Jotun culture that the Empire was not fully aware of, were it not for a letter to the office of the Consul some weeks before the Autumn Equinox. The letter is addressed from Harald Fourforge of the Skroh of the Locked Door of Skallahn: clearly a smidr. He explains that he is not writing on behalf of the Jarl of Jarls (to whom he scrupulously avoids assigning a gender as there are of course two claimants to that position). Rather, he is writing about a matter that he hopes will not rise to the level of official diplomatic incident. It seems that two thralls, Vigdis and Toki, were murdered in Fareskov last season: their Jarl, Jarl Alvilda Ottesen, has asked him to investigate, as it appears to be linked to some kind of eternal interest in the dark forest there.

As it is, Harald and his colleagues of the Locked Door, had their own interest in the events that transpired: he suspects that the murders that took place may well have been ordered by the Hungry Beast, as part of a plan to slip the fetters the smidr have placed on him in Skallahn. However, he wants to try to establish all the facts before he relays any information or conclusions to Jarl Ottesen. If she then believes that this was an Imperial attack on her thralls, she will doubtless take her complaints upwards, and out of the smidr's hands. If Harald is convinced that this was the act of malefactors working against both Jotun and Imperial interests (as allegedly happened with the meeting stone), and they can be brought to justice, then he will be only too happy to tell Jarl Ottesen this and then she is unlikely to consider the matter further.

As such, he is travelling to Anvil under a flag of peace (presumably he will not be travelling alone, but he does not confirm this). He expects to arrive at 18:30 on Friday, nice and early before too much Imperial business gets underway, and he hopes to be met by the Imperial Consul. He would also like to speak to Vossk of Zenith Ascendant, Eerikki Korpi, and Aulus Warcaster, as he believes they may have some light to shed on the matter. He is sure the Consul will be able to arrange such meetings. If he cannot satisfy things to his satisfaction, with the Consul's permission he will probably return again at some point during the summit.

He ends his letter by stressing once again that he is not speaking on behalf of any official diplomatic channels, the business of the Meeting-Place and anything that might transpire there is very much not the business of a smidr. As such he trusts that the Imperials will do the honourable thing and not try to discuss such matters with him.

Grendel

The orcs of the Broken Shore, the dominant power on Attar along the southern shores of the Bay of Catazar, remain at war with the Empire. After several months of comparative silence, the Grendel navies and armies are on the move. They have launched a land offensive against Mareave, where they have "liberated" the Brine Turtles and threatened the mithril mine. They have also initiated a naval attack against Redoubt, which has seen them seize the port of Elos and only the sacrifice of the Fist of the Mountains prevented them from destroying it and potentially reshaping that entire area of coast.

Speaker Morna is the primary diplomat who deals with the Empire, and reports to the Salt-Lords Council directly. They are known to be cynical, arrogant, and self-indulgent, and while they obviously participate in the ongoing-knife fight that is Grendel politics, they were chosen for their fidelity as much as their diplomatic acumen.

Peace and Storms

Following the Summer solstice there has been a single missive from Speaker Morna. It is delivered among fluttering unseen wings to the office of the Ambassador to the Grendel, Finna of Dawn.

They begin by addressing Abel the Rounder, who raised the matter of the Children of Wrecks. Last season Speaker Morna touched on the fact the Salt Lords had sent their soldiers to deal with the Temple of Tempest Jade, the unholy fane dedicated to the Maelstrom on the shores of Raineach. The Empire needn't worry about that enclave of the Children any more, although Morna mentions that it seems a significant portion of the fanatics who once worshipped there had already shifted their attention to the more amenable islands off the Brass Coast. At this time the Salt Lords are not concerned about the Children who seem hell-bent on looting Sarvos rather than risking their ramshackle "navy" against the might of the orcs of Attar. Likewise, they are broadly unconcerned about the Pax Sarcophan - for while it may impede any nation from assaulting merchant vessels of uninvolved nations it entirely recognises the right to attack the ships of anyone one is at war with. So while the ships of the Commonwealth, Sumaah, and even Axos might be protected from any piracy sponsored by the Salt Lords, the Empire's ships very much are not.

As to the matter of peace, Speaker Morna explains that any such discussion must take place between themselves and the Ambassador to the Grendel.

Bells and Pearls

The speaker offers commiserations to Thane Umarth Winter's Flame Klannsk, general of the Fist of the Mountains. They commend the Fidelity, Audacity, and Vigilance of the warriors of Wintermark, and acknowledge that in the matter of the destruction of Elos, their actions seem to have carried the day in the Empire's favour. It is difficult to do otherwise when the price paid for victory proved to be so high.

On the matter of a "Drowned Emperor" or "Queen of the Abyss", the Council of Salt Lords has taken counsel with Saltbinder Grekodh, a magician with intimate knowledge of the arts of Salt. On the strength of that counsel, the Salt Lords have made their own preparations to deal with any threat from the depths of the Bay, but are unconcerned at this time with "imminent doom".

The Saltbinder has, however, expressed an interest in certain "black pearls" that have appeared in the waters of the bay. Saltbinder Grekodh and their coven are prepared to offer a reward of one pawn of Hearts Blood for each pair of pearls delivered via the commerce with the City of Gold and Lead during the Autumn Equinox. Any magician interested in making such a trade should ensure there are no more than a dozen pearls in the box, and include a piece of parchment with the rune Lann drawn on it. Obviously such a trade would be illegal in the Empire, but neither Speaker Morna nor Saltbinder Grekodh seem in any way concerned about this.

The Barrens

The Imperial Consul deals with diplomacy with the Barrens septs, at least in theory. In practice the Rahvin are more likely to respond to approaches from the Unshackled, while the Great Forest Orcs have made it clear that their alliance with the Navarr takes precedence over any Imperial political concerns. The Rahvin are also considering what response, if any, they will have to the Senate's acknowledgement of the Empire's responsibility of what happened in the Barrens.

The Karass are more complicated - the Karass requested the Empire build a trading post and that whoever run it have the responsibility to handle arrangements with the Karass. This new Envoy to the Karass is due to be appointed, but the position isn't legally recognised as an ambassador which means the title holder can't raise a treaty in the Senate. Presumably, they would have to defer to the Imperial Consul for any official diplomatic business.

The Karass

The Karass are now the most numerous of the surviving septs of the Barrens, along with the Great Forest Orcs and what is left of the Rahvin. They have a presence in the Untrod Groves and the Bleaks - having largely abandoned the villages that used to dot the Plain of Teeth. They have a poor reputation with the other septs, perhaps tied to their role in the early days of Imperial domination in the destruction of the Vendaari.

In recent months there has been alarm among the Karass about the presence of the Last Battle Wayhouse in the Untrod Groves. One of the first of the new great wayhouses built, it serves as a focus for the Last Battle striding of the Navarr, whose scouts are engaged in exploring the Nesustak Forest across the border in Sarangrave. Unfortunately, the Karass are deeply concerned about Navarr "trespassers" in "their" woods. An emissary dispatched from the Untrod Groves makes their way to Dawnguard to deliver a missive intended for the Imperial Consul, from the leader of the sept Anka Karass.

The Karass do not contest that the Barrens is Dawnish now - it has been conquered and that is just the way things are. The Empire has replaced the Druj and the Karass accept that. They are content to live in the Untrod Groves and the Bleaks as foreigners; to trade with Dawnish settlers if they wish to deal with them. Perhaps in time civility will blossom into friendship and alliance. But the Druj would never have built such a threatening commission in Karass lands, unless the sept had offended them in some way.

The Karass claim to be alarmed that the wayhouse was built without any warning. The first they knew of it was that there were Navarr all over the place poking their noses into Karass business. They thought they were free to live their lives in peace and be left alone, just as they did with the Druj, and then this happens. They say they want to see the woods of the central Barrens remain wild and just dangerous enough to allow Dawnish knights to quest in them - and Karass hunters to stalk the game they favour.

However what Anka Karass really wants, more than anything else, is for the wayhouse to be removed - or at least moved to the Plains of Teeth or Saltmarsh or... well anywhere other than the Bleaks or the Untrod Groves. They claim this is due to concern among the Karass that the presence of the wayhouse has helped to wake the Manticore Earl from its quiescence. The last time it was roused, some decades ago, Anka Karass herself personally led the attack to fend off its incursion, on the orders of the Druj. She was the only survivor of that incident and she is very wary that the Earl seeks revenge. And it is not just the Earl of the Groves: who knows what else the Navarri presence might awaken in the deep woods of the Barrens? What if they start take an interest in Peytaht? It does not bear thinking about.

The Civil Service point out that obviously it is not possible to just "move" a wayhouse. In the event the Imperial Senate is prepared to honour the Karass request, they would need to abrogate the Last Stand Wayhouse, and commission a new wayhouse elsewhere in the Barrens. Such a wayhouse would be built using the standard rules, and provide the standard benefits. What it would not do is provide any of the special benefits currently provided by the Last Stand striding.

They also point out that at the moment the Karass are not actually offering anything to the Empire. They are requesting changes, some of them potentially expensive, and providing nothing in return. They are however, very clearly desperate, about this issue. The presence of the Last Battle Wayhouse appears to alarm them even more than the prospect of the Druj returning.

Finally the Karass have received a letter from a Dawnish noble demanding poetry - about love. The Karass do not know what to do with this. Demands from their rulers for things are perfectly understandable, but the Druj never required them to provide poetry. They swear they don't have any poems and they don't know how to make them. They have provided the noble with three doses of true vervain, in the hope that this tribute will suffice in place?

The People of the Moon

A month before the Autumn Equinox, a visitor appears in Zenith. An elderly orc in long flowing robes, Sage Apollion has visited the Empire before. Last time he came to discuss the construction of a new fortification in Zenith, this time he has bigger concerns and has come with an important announcement.

On behalf of the People of the Moon, the Council of Sages have elected to reconsider their previous policy of complete isolation from the People of the Horse. Safe Apollion claims the Council are pleased that the People of the Spires have respected their wishes and built their fortification far from the Mountains of the Moon so as not to pose a threat. As the People of the Horse have also respected the Council's requirements for privacy and solitude, the Council would like to test a period of restrained diplomacy to see if the two parties might thereby benefit.

The Sage is keen to emphasize that this new channel of communication should be moderate and sombre. They do not wish to have an embassy, which might easily be taken as a sign that this new approach was intended to be permanent. It is hardly appropriate anyway, since such arrangements are usually reciprocal, and there is no chance of any Imperial citizen being allowed to enter the Mountains of the Moon. Instead they would like permission for two sages and their staff to take up residence at the Spire of the Night Sun, a relatively small Urizen spire near the border of Occursion that was abandoned during the last Druj invasion and has never been reclaimed.

From here they will be able to handle any official correspondence, presumably from the Imperial Consul, that the People of the Horse have for them. They stress that this is very much a trial period - many members of the Council remain deeply concerned about the prospect of violence spreading from the People of the Horse into the Mountains like a plague. Virtue is contagious after all - but so is vice. If that happens, then they will have to sever all links for their own safety.

One of their number, Sage Kristoph, is planning to come to Anvil. Zenith Ascendant have agreed to host him in their tent, and he would be happy to discuss details of the Council's change of heart, which he has long argued for. In particular he would like to meet with:

Sage Kristoph is exected to arrive around quarter-past eight in the evening on Friday during the summit.

The Protectorate of Morajasse

While the majority of Feroz has been liberated, Morajasse remains in the hands of the master-strategist Commander Gallum Fiersach. Ably supported by his partner, Wind Lord Saoirse - a master of the lore of Sand - they are based at the fortress of Mora's Rock along with a significant number of veteran Grendel soldiers. They have significant stocks of supplies, and they are carefully protecting the borders of Morajasse. And not just their own borders - before the Spring Equinox, Gallum and Saoirse led their troops into Oranseri to fight the Children of Wrecks. After the fight, the Wind Lord delivered a message restating how the orcs of Mora's Rock despise the wreckers, and urging the Freeborn to make preparations for further attacks.

Bulwark Against the Storms

At the Summer Solstice, the Imperial Senate chose to recognise Morajasse as a protectorate under the command of Gallum Fiersach, who will be deemed a foreigner as long as they remain independent from the Grendel. They have not conceded the region - because it was not theirs to concede already being in the hands of Commander Gallum. The Senate has simply recognised its borders, and by extension dubbed the commander and his followers to be foreigners. Reassurances have also been delivered that the wily Freeborn magician Bakar i Riqueza will no longer be cursing the fortification or impeding the garrison there.

With these steps taken, as promised last season, Commander Gallum commits to protect the coast of Feroz against the Children of Wrecks to the best of his ability - at least for the time being. A magical missive has been delivered to the Imperial Consulate in Tassato, sent by Wind Lord Saoirse, indicating that the protectorate and its commander are open to further negotiations. Gallum has requested that such negotiations be handled by the Imperial Consul rather than the Ambassador to the Grendel. Although no particular reason is given, the civil service speculate that it is to ensure a clear division between the protectorate and the Salt Lords' council.

Supplies

Mora's Rock has supplies laid in, thanks to the foresight of Commander Gallum and his quartermasters. There is sufficient preserved food and fresh water to last out a significant siege. However, Wind Lord Saorise mentions that it would be significantly better if the soldiers there were able to trade with their Freeborn neighbours.

Unfortunately, for the last several years the Grendel at Mora's Rock have been synonymous with the cruel tyranny of former Governor Rahab. They may have acted professionally and with discipline, but they were still part of the apparatus that enforced the authority of the despised ruler of the territory. The garrison is wealthy - but that wealth was mostly taken from the people of Feroz. Some was taken directly by conquest, the rest "earned" through payments made by former Governor Rahab. As such, unsurprisingly, the people of Feroz are not wild about trading their limited supplies - and neither for that matter are the folk of adjoining Lucksprings or Anozeseri.

At the very least it would likely be possible for the Freeborn Assembly, or the Assembly of Prosperity, or even the Vigilance assembly perhaps, to get involved here. They might use a statement of principle to offer encouragement to the people of Feroz and/or Segura, urging them to deal with the orcs. They might alternatively discourage them from doing so, and ensure the local Freeborn keep the Protectorate of Morajasse at arms length. Any influence the assemblies might wield here would be reliant on the wording of their statement of principle and of course the achievement of a greater majority.

Glowing Ramparts

Wind Lord Saorise includes a note of potential interest to the Imperial Conclave. She and her coven are capable of performing an enchantment using the Lore of Sand that will draw allied forces from the Mercurial Archipelago. She has demonstrated this ability in the past - leading advisors to the Consul to conclude she is referring to the enchantment the Empire knows as Ramparts of Ashlar. If the Imperial Conclave is prepared to endow her with 75 crystals of mana she will ensure that enchantment is raised over Mora's Rock to significantly increase the ability of the garrison to resist the Children of Wrecks. Obviously the enchantment only lasts for a season, but Saorise says that the Protectorate will undertake the enchantment whenever the Conclave provides the mana.

Obviously, while she has proposed the Conclave deliver the mana, it is unlikely she will turn down a donation of mana from private citizens should they be able to use a ritual such as Ethereal Courier to deliver them. Unfortunately, that ritual is a little unreliable as to how soon it reaches the recipient. As such, using Ethereal Courier will result in an enchantment in the following season, whereas the endowment of the Conclave would elicit an enchantment following the summit where it is provided.

Further Reading

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