Troop of echoes

The young man wakes between one breath and the next, and sits up. He yawns, stretches, sips from a glass of water on the bedside table. Gets up, draws the curtains. It is still dark outside but the first light of dawn is beginning to spill across the sea far below his window.He barely remembers his dream; something about a party at the palace and applause. He washes the dream away as he performs his morning ablutions - even at this early hour his servant has ensured the water is warmed and there is a fresh towel waiting for him. He pauses for a moment looking at himself in the gold-inlaid mirror. He practices his expressions for a few minutes: appearing somber, appearing amused, appearing angry. Then he dresses, beginning with the simple dragonbone mask that covers the upper part of his face, then a freshly laundered silk under-robe of glorious apricot. He fingers the material, luxuriating in both its texture and its colour. He pulls on a somber black lambswool outer-robe, but belts it only loosely. It gives him a sense of satisfaction that everyone will see how he rejects the funereal garb of the traditionalists, ready to embrace the joy of a nation reborn.In the foyer of his apartments he pauses to pour fresh water and oil into the little basin at the shrine, and scatter black rose petals. Solokah, hands folded before her, wearing the Mask of Peace. The other sorcerer-kings stand behind her, united and solemn. If he feels any particular connection to his alleged ancestor he does not display it in his perfunctory obeisance.The office is quiet. He is the first one there. He relaxes into his chair. The new leather creaks as he tries to settle himself. He is unaccustomed to it, but knows that in time it will come to fit his body like a glove - and if it does not he will simply replace it. He takes a moment to ensure everything is arranged on his desk, positioned just so to convey busy professionalism and subtle power. His eyes stray again to the portraits of the Grand Ilarchs on the wall opposite the desk. Anyone who meets with him will do so under the watching gaze of Kyther. And the others, of course.The only document on his desk is a sealed letter; his secretaries have been chosen for their competence at dealing with the day-to-day demands of his office so this is something that requires his personal attention. He turns it over in his hand, selects the jade-handled golden letter opener. It is from his opposite number in the Empire. It must have arrived during the night. He reads it carefully, writing a few lines on the vellum he keeps for his most important business with a pristine swan's feather quill.While he writes, a servant enters, soft woolen slippers making no noise on the dark carpet. They open the shutters on the window, which faces towards the dawn, to where the sun is rising. The servant refills his water glass from the pitcher, bows, and quietly retreats. The meeting with Grand Ilarch Kyther of Kaban - with the Grand Council rather - has already been arranged and he must be ready to present his summary of the missive. Must be ready to receive his instructions.He pauses for just a moment, though, gazing out at the glorious crimson, topaz, golden light spilling out across the horizon. It sparks a fierce joy in him, reminding him that he at last has everything he ever wanted, that at last he is part of something good and powerful and destined.It's going to be a wonderful day.

Overview

Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with 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.

Imperial relations with the Citadels of Axos are significantly improved over where they were a year ago, in part due to the involvement of Imperial priests in the reclamation of the ruins of Solokha. The Axou remain proud and touchy about their sovereignty and position in the world, however, creating challenges for the Imperial ambassador. They are members of the Liberty Pact, but they know they are only there thanks to the Empire, on the sufferance of the Commonwealth and the Sumaah. In recent months, the small nation to the south of the Mallum is clearly undergoing a level of internal upheaval thanks to the ambitions of Grand Ilarch Kyther. More recently they were rocked by scandal leading to the retirement of the former Ambassador Ilarch Maxatious, the formation of a new Grand Council to guide the nation, and the establishment of a Unified Convocation that seeks to do the same for Axos' disparate religious sects.

At the same time there were upheavals closer to home as long-serving Ambassador Fintan Nighthaven was revoked from his position and condemned by the Imperial Synod. He is succeeded in the position by The Flame of Riqueza of the Brass Coast. In Axos, Maxatious has been replaced by Ilarch Kario Skopos, a scion of the Skopos family of the Chambers of Issyk. At the instruction of the Grand Ilarchs, however, he has renounced his ties to the citadel of his birth for as long as he holds the post. Instead, he is known as Ilarch Skopos of Solokha, signifying his neutrality when it comes to the politics of the citadels. The new ambassador reports directly to the Grand Council and represents their will, and through them the will of their people.

But To Sing

One of the first matters Ilarch Skopos has arranged is the dispatch of a diplomacy envoy to Anvil, to arrive during the Autumn Equinox and renew relations between the Empire and the Citadels of Axos. The delegation expects to be formally received by the new Ambassador in the Imperial Senate; the meeting is scheduled for late morning on Saturday. Kario admits that mostly the delegation is intended to be a little pageantry to mollify some of those looking for an excuse for the Citadels to be annoyed with the Empire; a chance for diplomats from both nations to make some speeches and little else.

Once it's concluded however, it is hoped that there will be chance to discuss a couple of more serious issues specifically relating to the war in the Sarangrave, and to the Liberty Pact. On the matter of the war with the Druj it seems that the Summer visit of Grand Ilarch Dancia Terricos of Ipotavo went well. They spoke with Gabriel Barossa among others, and remain committed to taking action against the Tower of the Skink. it is hoped that there will be someone at the Senate who will be able to speak on behalf of the Imperial Military Council on this joint strategy and any political elements that may need smoothing out.

Liberty

In their missive the Imperial Ambassador mentioned that the Empire was considering calling a meeting of the Liberty Pact either in the coming Winter or in Spring next year. This news delights Ilarch Skopos, because it shows that the ambassadors of the two nations are thinking along similar lines. As it happens, Axos is calling a meeting of the Liberty Pact at the Winter Solstice that they will host (as is their right). They are aware that the seas are dangerous, and so have secured the boon of the Caucus Forum from the Midnight Owl. The eternal has assured Ilarch Skopos' office that there will be no problem bringing together representatives from all four nations that are signatory to the Pact in the secure chamber of Night.

The goal of the Axos delegate is to repeal the 384YE amendment that demands all signatories apply a trade embargo to the Principalities of Jarm. They argue that the Second Principle - that signatory nations will place economic or trade sanctions of their own choosing on nations defined as slaving nations - is more than sufficient. The Pact, says Ilarch Skopos, is about ending slavery not about allowing the signatory nations to force their own politics on the other members. The Commonwealth has overstepped and attempted to turn the Pact into a political weapon that distorts its original purpose.

Ilarch Skopos anticipates that the Empire will let his office know if there are any motions the Imperial delegate wishes to place before the Pact for discussion at this meeting, and that the Sumaah Republic and Commonwealth will do the same. One of Skopos' experts on the Liberty Pact will be travelling to Anvil along with the formal delegation and hopes there will be a chance to speak to the Voice of Liberty Jarrigk Silktongue on the upcoming meeting. They apologise for pre-empting the Empire's meeting, but if there is business that is not resolved during the Winter Solstice there will be ample opportunity for the Imperial delegate to call a further meeting. Ilarsh Skopos advises making use of the Caucus Forum, or a similar eternal boon, simply because it makes it much harder for members of other nations to find reasons they cannot attend.

Priests of the Empire you are needed in Solokha once more! The Unified Convocation of Axos inspired by our own Synod, attempts to formalise Axou spiritual beliefs. As preachers of Ambition, spreading virtue across the known world, we need to act immediately to guide the lost sheep of Axou to a Virtuous path. Reaching out in support, sparking the embers which to blow into the inferno of true virtue.Tongs, Ambition Assembly, Summer Solstice 387YE, Vote: Upheld (338-38)Priests of the Empire you are needed in Solokha once more! The Unified Convocation of Axos, inspired by our own Synod, attempts to formalise Axou spiritual beliefs. Support the Convocation such that we may use its infancy to advance Imperial interests in Axos. Let us be the light of truth to plan seeds of Virtue and Enlightenment now which will bear fruit for generations to come. Only then can we address their folly of the Creator. Heed the call of Ambitions Master and Masquerade, of Pride’s Conqueror, of Vigilance’s Sentinel, and Wisdom’s Avigliana.Fintan Nighthaven, Vigilance Assembly, Summer Solstice 387YE, Vote: Upheld (338-38)Fintan Nighthaven. You are not above reproach and certainly not above consequence. You have proven a force of corruption in your dealings with Peace - the extent of your influence must be scrutinised. Time 6pm Sat, place Nighthaven Camp. Let us see if you are malicious.Inquisition, Inquisitor Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost, Wisdom Assembly, Summer Solstice 387YE, Vote: Upheld (184-20)For irregularities in their dealings with Axou, and following accusations of assisting the spreading of false virtue, we revoke Fintan Nighthaven from the position of Ambassador to Axou. This action has been requested by the Consul of the Senate.Revocation, Cardinal Lenarius Ankarien, Ambition Assembly, Summer Solstice 387YE, Vote: Greater Majority (5-0)On behalf of the Imperial Inquisitor: (Judgement 148 after inquisition) Fintan Nighthaven has been found guilty of incontestable acts of blasphemy and abuse of priestly powers. His work as an agent of Peace has harmed both the Empire and the Citadels of Axos. He lied to the Vigilance Assembly and the Greater Synod to gain true liao that he used to create an artifact shield of Peace. He brought false hallows under false pretences to the Assembly of Nine. His provision of significant liao facilitated a mandate of unity in Axos. This cannot stand.Condemntaion, Cardinal Silas of the Cenotaph, Assembly of Nine, Summer Solstice 387YE, Vote: Greater Majority (8-0)Chaplain Consular, Lepedina. It is your responsibility to tend to the souls of the Ambassadorial Court. Fintan Nighthaven has been allowed to operate undeterred to devastating consequence. We will discuss what work you have done at the next summit.Inquisition, Inquisitor Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost, General Assembly, Summer Solstice 387YE, Vote: Automaticall upheld

A Unified Convocation

As mentioned last season, in the wake of the recent cleansing of Solokha, Theodosia of Ipotavo has established a permanent presence in the ruins of the citadel. At this small temple, several of the Axou sects who helped reclaim the haunted ruins have established a "Unified Convocation" - the Enias Sinklisis in the old language of the Nikitis Axou. it is modelled somewhat on the General Assembly of the Imperial Synod, but so far only a small number of Axou sects expressed any interest in becoming part of it. How much influence the Convocation will be able to wield is not clear; the Axou share a single religion but few priests possess any actual political power.

It seems that over recent months the Convocation has focused on spreading a message of unity, and of the importance of the Axou faith as a way for citizens of the Citadels to understand their place in the world. Fundamentally conservative, it has so far proved acceptable to those who wield real power - the Grand Illarchs. Indeed Grand Ilarch Kyther of Kaban has spoken openly in support of the Convocation, and of the importance of cleaving to the values that built the Citadels.

Anyone who has made any study of Axou religion knows that fundamentally it stands in opposition to the Way. Indeed Axou religious scholars have gone so far as to repudiate the Doctrines of the Faith in detail in their writings. Not only does the religion preach the importance of resisting the Creator, the curse of death, and the torments of the Labyrinth, it preaches that any spiritual force may prove to be a useful weapon in that battle. Axou sects combine the true virtues freely with much more malign spirits in their pursuit of that war. Unifying the disparate sects will be an uphill struggle, but if it succeeds it is unlikely to be good for anyone with ambitions to spread the Way into Axos.

During the Summer Solstice, two statements were upheld in the Ambition and Vigilance assemblies calling for Imperial priests to travel to "guide the lost sheep of Axou to a Virtuous path" and to "Support the Convocation such that we may use its infancy to advance Imperial interests in Axos." Neither statement achieved a Greater majority however. That may be for the best - the Axou are notoriously prickly about condescension and painting their priests as "lost sheep" or "infants" is almost guaranteed to annoy them a great deal. The Grand Convocation has not asked for any assistance, and if it were to be offered it would need to be done carefully or risk upsetting a situation that is, at least for the moment, relatively stable. Should any Virtue Assembly wish to offer aid however, the first step would be to achieve a greater majority.

The Civil Service caution that sending Imperial priests to Axos on this matter will be challenging. Recent trips to Solokah showed that the Axou are no less committed to their beliefs than the Empire is. It is unlikely that any group of Imperial priests, are going to undermine Axou certainty that the Creator is the enemy and that the Labyrinth is a trap. In turn there is little risk of the Axou convincing devout priests of the Way that their beliefs are false and they should decry the Creator. What is likely to happen however is that the Axou sects will continue to share their understanding of the so-called "false virtues" with anyone who comes to Axos, and there is a real danger of those tempted to explore these malign spiritual presences would take this opportunity to visit the eastern nation and embrace those dangerous spirits.

Robes of Sorrow

One of the statements urging Imperial priests to visit Axos and help mold the United Convocation came from the former Ambassador Fintan Nighthaven. During the Summer Solstice, Fintan was variously inquisited by the Inquisitor of Wisdom Kalina Jadwigowna Piosnkowa Prochnost, and then both revoked and condemned by the Assembly of Nine. This has caused a great deal of discussion among priests in various parts of the Empire; some have even pointed out that it is "interesting" that the condemnation was raised by the Cardinal of Wisdom, Silas of the Cenotaph, who is himself quite a controversial figure.

Oblivious to all this, and apparently unaware that it might have ramifications, the initial response to hearing that Fintan was no longer Ambassador to Axos was one of surprise and sadness. Fintan, wrote Ilarch Skopos, was an experienced diplomat who he personally had hoped to correspond with. Dealing with someone of Fintan's pedigree would have surely served as a steadying guide to his first faltering steps along the road of diplomacy. While Ilarch Skopos welcomes the new ambassador it is with a little sorrow that he never had a chance to match wits with the famous Fintan Nighthaven. And so on.

It is followed a few days later by a formal recognition from the United Convocation that Fintan Nighthaven is an "Enemy of the Creator". This is apparently meant as an honourific, and within traditional Axou sects it is not disimillar to being recognised as an exemplar or perhaps more likely the newly created status of exalted. Someone who through spiritual or philosophical means has opposed the Creator's wicked plans and encouraged other mortals to resist the curse of death and the torments of the Labyrinth. It is clearly meant to be a good thing, but unfortunately may end up being another nail in the coffin of the former Ambassador.

The crimes Fintan stands condemned for - abuse of powers and blasphemy - are very serious indeed. The magistrates will try Fintan for these crimes at the Autumn Equinox, under the new guidance as to how to proceed - and it is not clear if the Ambassador will be able to refute them. From a legal point of view, there are various possible pathways forward. It is vanishingly unlikely that the magistrates will not find that the actions Fintan is accused of are broadly compatible with the definitions of the religious crimes of which he has been accused --- it is certainly not overwhelmingly clear that the actions in question are not within the right scope. It may of course be the case that the accusations are simply false: if this is the case, and the magistrates judge this to be so at trial, then Fintan would have a clear defense in law... which would imply that almost every member of the Assembly of Nine has committed an act of perjury. If convicted, the right of clemency is open to him, if a member of the Synod wishes to offer it: if this plea fails, it seems likely given the scale and severity of the accusation that his execution will surely follow.

However, another path exists. Per the recent guidance, there is but one body within the Synod that can countermand another assembly when it deigns to condemn - but it may so countermand even the Assembly of Nine. This is, of course, the General Assembly. A Statement of Vindication, stating clearly that the General Assembly considers Fintan's actions to have constituted neither abuse of powers nor blasphemy, would essentially terminate the current legal proceedings. Such a statement would not even require a Greater Majority to pass... unless the Emperor intervened in their role as Custodian of Virtue. Even then a Greater Majority would save Fintan. It would also set the General Assembly directly at odds not only with the Assembly of Nine but also their recent strong stance against meddling with false virtues... but the Synod has changed its mind before.

Pearl and Ruby Glowing

Trade with Axos appears to remain strong. With the end of the Asavean bounty on ships trading with Imperial ports, there are more black-sailed ships arriving at Crown's Quay in Necropolis. Thanks to Imperial ships still committed to escorting ships to and from Imperial ports, trade is beginning to return to normal levels. Healthy trade is the lifeblood of nations, as the Sarcophan say, and the "Pax Sarcophan" appears to be paying off already.

Kantor is no longer providing crystal mana - instead it will provide a visiting captain with two doses of something the Axou call Tomb Dust - a consumable that allows the user to expend their personal reserves of strength to power their magic. There are several varieties of tomb dust depending where it is gathered, but they all apparently bear a touch of necromantia about them.

The merchants of the city have also been given leave by the Grand Council to make some of their rarer goods available to visiting Imperial captains; a fleet that has been upgraded or enchanted may be able to acquire one of the Masks of the Citadel - magical foci that empower certain ritual magics favoured by the descendants of the sorcerer-kings.

Through the Pale Door

In response to a peace-making gesture from the Halls of Maykop, the Imperial Conclave agreed to send a delegation of the Shuttered Lantern to Axos to work with magicians there on a codification. They chose a ritual named Oath of the Bleak Garden, an enchantment that adds weight to spoken oaths and geasa. The formulation of the ritual, believed to have been based on work performed by the Urizen Spyridonakes of the Lighthouse-That-Was, was completed swiftly and efficiently and a copy of the ritual text should now be in possession of Grandmaster Tyburn Weaver who raised the declaration. Shortly after the work was completed, not long before the Autumn Equinox, a concerned message reached the office of the Imperial Ambassador from Ilarch Skopos.

Grand Ilarch Keloparia of Maykop is a little concerned to have received a warning from a reputable source that Imperial citizens, members of the delegation from the Shuttered Lantern, may have planned to engage in espionage and theft while visiting Maykop as guests of the faculty there. Grand Ilarch Keloparia of Maykop is particularly distressed by this, and as such the Axou Ambassador requests reassurances from the Ambassador, and ideally the Imperial Senate or the Imperial Conclave, that no such act has taken place and that no similar act will be considered in the future. It may simply be that the source of the warning was engaged in malicious mischief, or seeking to sabotage relations with the Grand Council, but there is enough concern that Ilarch Skopos feels driven to request such reassurances.

Regardless it does not appear that the Grand Ilarch of Maykop is keen for further delegations from the Empire. While individual students may attend it is unlikely a similar opportunity for a Conclave order to work on the codification of a ritual will be forthcoming any time soon. Participation : Shuttered Lantern Any player whose character is part of the Shuttered Lantern order may have accompanied the delegation heading to Maykop last season, to attend the University there and help codify the Winter ritual. They will have found the city a little standoffish, especially members of the Grand Ilarch's immediate circle and the higher ranking members of the University faculty, but been welcomed with a degree of enthusiasm by the students in particular. In addition to the work of codification, alongside Axou experts in Winter magic, there were opportunities for several feasts, a chance to see the sights of the cloistered citadel, and to audit a few classes on any number of subjects both mundane and more exotic (especially those relating to funerary practices which are treated as both a science, an art, and a magical discipline by the Axou).

There may have been opportunities for minor espionage but nothing with game implications. If there was a theft of ritual knowledge, only Grandmaster Tyburn will know the details and who took part in the operation (that is, the Grandmaster is free to invite other players to have been part of such a scheme but it's not appropriate for a player to decide they were involved).

Along the Ramparts

Ambassador Kezandro put forward a proposition that Axos might be interested in purchasing a right to study at the Zemress Naval Academy in Calvos. After extensive discussion, Ilarch Skopos regretfully declines the offer on behalf of the Grand Council. It seems that the Axou do not see the value in naval forces - their expertise lies very much in the realm of fortification and in those places where they might consider expansion a navy will be of little use.

On the other hand there is some interest in the Five Cities Military Academy and the Barossa School of Imperial Strategy in Tassato. According to Ilarch Skopos there are a number of mid-rank officers in the military forces of the northern citadels - Ipotavo, Kaban, and Issyk - who have expressed a desire to spend time studying alongside the Empire's elite captains. There are places to study the science and art of war in Axos, of course, especially in Ipotavo, but Skopos does not shy away from praising the Empire's foremost military academy. Axos has enjoyed a long period of relative peace, after all. It's strong traditions of defensive warfare mean that experience of aggressive campaigns is limited to the gaming tables and discussions with dead generals whose knowledge of the modern world and developments in military strategy is in many places woefully inadequate. If Axos is truly to take its place in the world as a true power, it will need to modernise and expand its martial forces and the Grand Council cautiously approve of the idea of sending some of their warriors to study at the Barossa School.

Obviously this is a very different proposition to the current situation - where the Bursar of the House of Spirits oversees a low-key exchange program mostly focused on providing opportunities to study the arts and humanities. It would place Axos citizens in a position to study Imperial military history and practices like never before - and there is some significant potential for espionage if the Axou were so inclined. Fortunately the Empire has no history of direct military conflict with Axos since their ill-starred invasion in the reign of Emperor Nicovar. On the other hand there is little doubt among the Civil Service that the Axou would benefit more from studying the Imperial war machine - and the workings of the Imperial Military Council in particular - than the Empire might gain from the arrangement. At the very least they would end up almost as well-informed about the Empire's victories, losses, and current strategies as any other dedicated captain attending the Academy (that is, they would gain at least as much information as someone reading a summary of the winds of war each season). That alone could prove problematic, in theory, depending what the Empire is doing at the time.

Ilarch Skopos proposes that the students wishing to attend the Academy simply pay for the privilege. He estimates that there is sufficient interest in the opportunity to provide 5 Thrones each season to the Academy. Such funds would end up in the Imperial treasury unless the Imperial Senate made other arrangements. Either way the arrangements would need a Senate motion to confirm arrangements should they wish to accept the request. A Proposal from Apulian Batheka de Tassato Regario, an Apulian orc veteran and experienced Grendel commander before joining the League points out that if the Empire is prepared to take the risk there may be an opportunity for additional profit in it. The Axou may not be able to match the Empire in grand strategy but they are not without their areas of expertise. Their grand citadels - city-sized fortifications - are proof that the people of Axos are skilled engineers, almost as good as those from Holberg, and that they have a lot of experience with defensive building. Anyone who has visited the Walls of Cargo knows they have some techniques that are not common in the Empire, and their cities have properties very reminiscent of the new citadel innovation.

They're also known to be reasonably effective at deploying battle-mages their Texatai light skirmishers are apparently well-practiced at small unit tactics employing both sword and rod. While their fighting style is similar to that of the Urizen Sentinel there are enough differences to mean they might have some actual insight into such strategies.

If the Senate does go ahead with allowing Axou soldiers to study at the Five Cities Military Academy, Batheka proposes that the Ambassador (or the senate motion used to issue the invitation) casually invite some siege commanders, or if they prefer some toxatai captains, to come along. Done casually it will not alert the Axou to the idea they might have something useful to offer; one reason Batheka suggests only asking for one or the other. Asking both will make it a little too obvious what the Empire seeks to gain from the arrangement.

Wit and Wisdom

Last season Mistress Isephenia of Maykop - a well respected professor in the faculty of natural philosophy who has been living in the Empire for nearly four years now - expressed interest in the Great Library of Hacynin. Mistress Isephenia oversees a small group of students from Axos studying in the Empire, and assists Imperial youths who might wish to study in Maykop. She also helps operate the House of Spirits in Casinea alongside Bursar Rinnah of the Shattered Tower. Several students would like the opportunity to study at the Great Library but would need permission to do so.

The Axos professor mentions that no permission has so-far been forthcoming. She's aware that there has been some uncertainty as to who might be responsible for the Great Library but again wonders if either the Bursar or the Singer of the Silence - Sián Eternal - would be interested? If so they can send a winged messenger to Ilarch Skopos and confirm the invitation. In many ways Mistress Isephenia would rather they politely decline that simply remain silent, but she understands that there are many drains of the time of a busy academic.

Obviously the civil service have advised a degree of caution following the request, given that it appears to offer no particular benefit to the Empire beyond perhaps some diplomatic favour from Maykop, and risks the Axou finding out more about the vallorn than is good for them.

Further Reading

Click Expand to see a summary of various pages related to Axos.

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