Mistaken for strangers

Overview

Every season, people from across the Empire and beyond make their way to Anvil. Not just the Imperial citizens who are drawn to influence the major houses of state, but those who want help with their problems, or who have an idea for an amazing scheme that will definitely make everyone involved rich.

Friday

The Kulsdottir

A Wintermark trading house visit Anvil to meet people who have played games with them previously and solicit invites to future games The Kulsdottir will go first to the Brass Coast, and plan to seek refreshments at The Spilled Tea at 18:00 on Friday and hope interested parties will meet them there

The Kulsdottir are a once famous trading house from Kalpaheim who have returned to Anvil in the last few seasons. Known in the past for trading luxury goods and enjoying games of chance, it is rumoured that their recent contacts have mostly been with members of The Northern Trading Network. The Head of the House, Nils Jokela, approached the civil service, to confess that he and his partners had rather lost track of things themselves during the wonderful play of The Chocolate Game at the Autumn Equinox. The words sound apologetic, Nils tone, almost celebratory. In any case he's sending one of the Kulsdottir Trading House to Anvil to ensure they meet all their obligations. He adds that he's already written to the participants to invite them to make sure they are also fulfilling their part of the deal. The reason he's involved the civil service, is that he's keen that anyone who organises interesting and unusual games of chance at Anvil, will seek out the Kulsdottir representative and present them with invitations for a future equinox or solstice. They may not take up every opportunity, but they'd love to have the chance. They'll also be looking to hire a scrivener to attend a meeting later that evening.

Pennants Fly in the Mark

Heralds of Eleonaris will be heading for the centre of Wintermark Camp from the Hall of Worlds at 19:00 on Friday Blaze Dunning and her circle are invited to a discussion, provided they are properly bonded to functioning tokens of the Lion of Summer. Unlineaged citizens who would like to become a changeling are invited to compete for the prize of a draught from the Flagon of Crimson and Gold. They have enough doses for three Imperial citizens to drink the nectar and acquire the lineage of summer. The High Bard or their representative has been invited to judge this contest and will be rewarded for their time Any general whose army fought alongside the Knights of Glory last season is invited to bring one young or new warrior whose military unit joined them to share stories of what they learned and receive a small boon

The Commander in Crimson and Gold must be in a good spirits with the Empire. Unsolicited by plenipotentiary, she has independently decided to send a cadre of lesser nobility from her realm to Anvil in a show of great pomp. The civil service has been informed that they have three different missions.

For the first - the details will be disclosed to Blaze Dunning by letter. This is a continuation of a dialogue begun a few seasons ago. However, the resplendent Queen does ask that all Imperial citizens note that she requires her circle of champions to actually bond themselves to the gifts she has had the goodness to offer them. If they can manage that, she will have some of her most skilled explorers seek out specific opportunities for them to confront their enemies in combat, bloody and beautiful. If Blaze is absent, Soleado, the Queen's representative in this matter, is willing to speak to any bonded to the tokens. For the second - Some of the Lion's subjects have acquired flagons of Crimson and Gold - a heady liquor brewed in the realm that can grant the unlineaged the boon of becoming a changeling. Its effects are known to be permanent, so citizens should be very sure that this is what they want. The contest to earn this drink is simple. In less than a turning of the glass each contender - or a troubadour, scop or other to speak for them - must tell the epic nature of their deeds, that define why they should be of the lineage of Summer. They need not even take the full minute offered - a single verse, a perfect aphorism, a great shout - any of these could win. The heralds will time those who prefer a slightly longer form, to make sure they do not exceed the limit, and the High Bard of the Empire, Tarik, has been invited to judge. For the third - It pleases the Lady of the Pennants immediate whim to mark the fighting of no less than seven crimson and gold legions from the Fields of Glory this season. This is a ceremonial gesture, and it seems that the influence of some of the newer members of her courts might have made themselves felt as the offer is focused on new or young captains of military units who fought alongside the radiant hosts. Each general is invited to bring just one of those who supported their army to meet Rikkan, who once led a host for the Lady of Pennants, but now prefers battle in the Fields of Glory. Rikkan has been well informed by heralds who have visited Anvil before of how busy things can be on a Friday evening, because the Generals themselves do not need to attend. An adjutant will do, or even a third party bearing a letter with the general's seal or signature. What is clear is that no military captain can put themselves forward - they must be nominated. The chosen captains should be ready to talk about what they learnt from fighting alongside the wondrous hosts of glory and can expect to receive a small boon to improve their battle prowess.

Eligible armies are:

Black Thorns who fought against the Druj in Therunin Citadel Guard who fought against the Grendel and the Children of Wrecks in Redoubt Drakes, Granite Pillar, and Tusks who fought the Jotun in Mournwold

Whilst both the Bounders and the Valiant Pegasus had legions from the Fields of Glory march alongside them, neither were supported by Imperial military units so there is no one eligible to be presented.

The civil service notes that it might be advisable to greet the heralds with due pomp and respect inside the Hall of Worlds and escort them formally. They nominate Scarrow Dawnbreak on behalf of Voices of the Unbound Storm who cast many of the Knights of Glory rituals. They suggest Scarrow should also think about designating three areas in the Wintermark camp where the heralds can receive each group and hear them clearly.

OOC Note: This nomination should be treated the same way as being nominated to lead a skirmish. The named character can fulfil the role themselves or delegate it to someone else.

A Questor Returns

An Urizen questor has an opportunity for Navarr Wisdom dedicated guides and Urizen questors he has met previously and those they recommend. Gather at the Hub at 19:30 on Friday.

Varinius approaches the civil service, slim, formal, apologetic. The questor, who describes himself as from Eudokia's Spire, notes that he would not have troubled the civil service to make an announcement on his behalf if it were not for the fact that the opportunity he offers this summit is taking place relatively early on the Friday evening of the solstice. The offer is extended via Imperial citizens who he has already met, back at the Summer Solstice, and those they named to his friend last Equinox - plus, possibly one or two more if the Urizen and Navarr dedicants of Wisdom that have shared experiences with him before vouch for them. He has, he explains, enough doses for 12 to join him in dreaming. And, given he has word that the tea rooms of Urizen may not be open this solstice, he intends to make his way to the Hub, for seven thirty in the evening, to gather the group who will travel with him to his camp just outside Anvil.

Death's Reprise

The defeat of the Deadwood Knight has seen all husks released from its control A creature known as the Stzena of Tears has been seen across Dawn and Varushka leading the husks northwards The Stzena of Tears will visit Anvil at 20:00 on Friday and wishes to speak with representatives of Dawn and Varushka

The Deadwood Knight is vanquished, and control over the husks has gone with it. Many husks were raised in the chaos of the Schlacta of Rot's raids, and many still prowl the forests. There have been scattered reports of a lone figure, known as the Stzena of Tears, wandering the woods of Wickmoor and Skoremujac.

These reports have conflicting information: sometimes they are heard singing, and sometimes playing a musical instrument. Some witnesses have described them as a draughir dressed in fine Varushkan clothing, while others have sworn they saw the feathered brow of a changeling. What matches each time is that they seem able to beguile the husks that remain, leading them away north, further into Varushka. There are tales, too, of plaguewulves stalking through the dark forests and laying some claim upon lone husks.

The Stzena of Tears is visiting Anvil, on the first day of the summit, on behalf of the Howling Queen. The Stzena of Tears wishes to discuss the fall of the Deadwood Knight and the ongoing relationship between the Howling Queen and Varushka, and the greater Empire.

Falcons and Roses

Two representatives of someone called The Falconer are visiting Anvil on Friday They wish to meet with a senator in the glory square of Dawn at 20:00 They wish to meet with a senator in the fighting pit of the Imperial Orcs at 21:00

Two self-described diplomats are on their way to Anvil to discuss "matters of philosophy and alliances". Or rather, one of them will be discussing those matters as, by all accounts, one of them has had their mouth sewn shut. The duo have sent letters to those they wish to meet, but are more than willing to entertain discussion with others, especially those who might be willing to have an open mind for the words of "The Falconer".

The Crucible Seeks

A Night eternal seeks to hire instrumental musicians for Saturday morning and will meet interested parties in the hub at 21.30 on the Friday evening

It seems that the eternal referred to as The Azoth has taken a particular interest in the Empire this winter. As well as meddling with the ritual The Eight Spoked Wheel and offering an opportunity through it for citizens to visit a Night chamber that it controls, it has made it clear that it is sending a herald to Anvil for a slightly more mundane transaction. On the Friday night of the Solstice, its herald Mogri will be travelling to the Hub for around 21.30. They have crystal fire, and intend to use it to hire a soloist or duo to play in a Night chamber on Saturday morning at 10:45 for up to an hour. They are seeking instrumental music, and looking for a quality that they say Imperial citizens might describe as haunting, moving or ethereal.

This is not a formal audition - if there are multiple offers, musicians will be asked to play a few bars only, and then choose a token to represent them. The tokens will be placed in a bag and the herald will draw out the one to be chosen.

Winding Millers

Several yeofolk have abandoned their community to seek glory Their community has called out to those who attend Anvil to try talking to them The Sentinel Gate will open to their camp at 22:00 on Friday

A small community that supports Laroc has seen several of its prominent yeofolk leave. The yeofolk of varied backgrounds have decided to abandon their former lives and to instead seek glory. Helene Fletcher, one of those left behind, has asked the people who attend Anvil to try convincing them to return home, explaining that they are pillars of their local community.

Jean Cooper, another member of the community, is of the opposite opinion; these folk have clearly decided that now is the time for them to become glorious. It's the lot of all Dawnishfolk to be able to seek glory - even if that means that some people suffer for it.

Saturday

Wealth For the Taking

Dieter D'Apulian, a wealthy merchant, is visiting Anvil at the upcoming summit They will be arriving at the League camp at 16:00 on Saturday

Dieter D'Apulian is reportedly a successful and well-connected merchant on their way to Anvil to discuss something of an opportunity. Dieter has stumbled upon a chance to negotiate a potential trade mission with the North Mareave Trade Consortium. The merchant-prince is looking for investors in the League in order to make the most out of this potentially one in a lifetime opportunity.

Tamarbode Mushrooms

A priest of Prosperity is visiting Anvil in an attempt to raise money for research They will arrive at 17:00 on Saturday and will head first to the Anvil Hospital

A Highborn priest of Prosperity from Reikos is planning to visit Anvil at the upcoming summit. They have with them three doses of incense, from Isazaiya of the Walled Garden, that they are looking to sell along with a single dose of a slightly more "experimental" version.

They are looking to raise money for Isazaiya's ongoing research into the mushrooms of Tamarbode and will visit the Anvil Hospital first to see about selling their stock.

The Ketsov Cometh

Members of the Ketsov are visiting Anvil to answer inquisition They are expected to arrive at 17:30 on Saturday

Two members of the Ketsov - inhabitants of the Ossian settlement of the same name - are on their way to Anvil. They are an unusual pair: one bears scars that tell of gruesome violence against their person in the past, and the other appears to be of weak constitution. They pay for transport on ox carts, or the occasional services of apothecaries and travel slowly, seeking to never be alone or in the presence of strangers after nightfall. Those who spend some time with them learn that they are making for the capital so that, in their words, the Virtue of their kin can be "held to account" - a prospect they seem grimly determined to face. They are otherwise cagey and withdrawn, qualities that win them few friends on the road.

Word is sent ahead of them that the Ketsov have requested space in or near the Hub be made available for their inquisition and that they hope to seek advice from the Cardinal of Vigilance, Gaelen Embercast, in their cause.

The Watchers on the Walls

Some Highborn unconquered have received letters from a soldier of the Seventh Wave named Elijah They want to talk to the Unconquered of Anvil about their duty to the Empire and how best to serve it in these trying times A conjunction will open to West Millston, in Chalk Downs, Mournwold, at 19:20 on the Saturday of the summit, for 6 people This is a combat unlikely encounter

For the past three months, some of the Unconquered scouts of the Seventh Wave have been on the furthest front lines of the fight against the Jotun. Using their sharp senses, steady aim and unfailing virtue, they have been a key part in the Imperial victory in the Marches this season.

Though there is still fighting to be done in the Mournwold, a number of unconquered of the Seventh Wave have discovered a conjunction to their camp on the Saturday evening of the upcoming summit. Not one to waste an opportunity, they have sent missives to unconquered who are known to be travelling to Anvil to take the trip to meet them. They wish to hear from the Unconquered of Anvil what they think their duty is in these tense times, and how best to use their skills in the wars against the Empire's many enemies.

The High Roller

A strange creature is visiting Anvil at 21:20 on Saturday It is looking to experience the gambling dens and chance-houses of Anvil

A mysterious creature, appearing to look like a strange living doll dressed in red, will be visiting Anvil once again to explore the casinos and chance-houses of Anvil. She has visited Anvil before, and this time comes at the invitation of a Navarr vate called The Red Bramble on some form of date. It intends to try to understand the term "high roller".

Rahuun Amahuz Returns

Rahuun Amahuz of the Circle of Black Sand is intending to visit Anvil on Saturday He will visit the Hub first at 21:30 and is looking to meet with friends from last season

Last season the merchant-prince of the Circle of Black Sand, Rahuun Amahuz, visited Anvil to establish him and his coven as an up-and-coming power in Spiral. By all accounts, it went well, so Rahuun Amahuz will be returning once again to meet the new friends he made and inquire about progress made and any further interest in certain introductions.

Sunday

Marching Marracossans

Representatives of Trajadoz are visiting Anvil on Sunday They expect to arrive at 11:00 and will want to speak with the Artisan's Guild amongst others

Denizens of the ceded town of Trajadoz - exiles from the distant islands of Marracossa - are travelling to Anvil from Torres, passing through Sarvos and into the lands of the Highborn. If encountered on the journey, they are quick to mention that Marracossa is a nation under occupation, where a rebellion against Asavean hegemony was fought and lost in recent years. The travellers note with pride that they have relished the opportunity to prove their mettle in defence of their new home during the Grendel invasion.

Stories of their efforts in helping the Freeborn of Torres in the wake of supernatural floods aside, they make for Anvil on more peaceful business: to visit the Artisan's Guild and show their thanks for its support in fortifying their home.

Sandfishers

Five Assemblies of the Imperial Synod passed judgements urging the Sand Fishers to come to Anvil, three with greater majorities The Sandfishers are coming to Anvil, they hope to arrive sometime on the final day of the summit

The League Assembly passed a judgement encouraging the Sandfishers to come to Anvil which passed with a greater majority. It mentioned the Prince of the Misericorde Market, a popular and well-liked figure among the Sand Fishers and invited them to come to Anvil "to discuss any impediments to fully entwining our destinies". This was far from the only judgement on the subject, the Pride Assembly and the Loyalty Assembly also urged the Sandfishers to come to Anvil with greater majorities. There were similar judgements in the Prosperity and Ambition Assembly that passed unanimously.

The Sandfishers are somewhat bemused by this sudden barrage of invitations. Lia Adelaar wrote to the Sandfishers in Spring inviting them to attend Anvil then, but they thought they had politely declined. Now they're not quite sure what is happening. There is some trepidation on the part of members of the sept - there are clear hints of what the Empire might want from the Sandfishers and that makes some of them nervous. Currently they are living like kings in the marshes of Holberg, with more eels, frogs, and slugs than any one orc could eat. They're exceptionally pleased with their new lives and not eager to risk anything that might jeopardise that.

But all of them agree that they can't refuse a second invitation, especially not one placed in six different lobster pots. They are aware that the Empire has marched to their defence once already and while they hope that won't ever happen again, they are not such fools as to bite the hand that defends them. Ambition demands they find out what it is the Empire is suddenly so insistent to talk to them about! And besides, they trusted the League once before and that turned out pretty well they say...

A small group of Sandfishers are heading to Anvil. They are planning to try and arrive on the last day, so that they won't get in the way of anything important. They will head for the League camp as soon as they arrive.