Upon a midnight dreary

"I'm Crown of the Waning Circle - I've got a letter for Bella di Sarvos!" The herald beamed down at the two people manning the desk.Jack stared back at the excitable-looking herald, arm outstretched holding a handful of papers. It had been a long night of celebration with his fiance and while the Dawnish wine wasn't a match for a good beer, it had still left him badly in need of a hair of the dog this morning. He stared at the herald, desperately trying to work out how to get it to calm down, or at least quiet down. "Right." he said at last. "What do you want me to do with that?"The herald's face fell, his mouth agape. Jack desperately tried not to laugh, but it reminded him too much of when his sister caught their five-year-old with his hand in the biscuit jar. He clutched his head at the pain."This is the desk where you take messages for the archmages?" asked the herald quizically, as if they didn't quite understand the question."Right..." said Jack. "And is Bella di Sarvos an archmage?" he said, sounding each word slowly, like he was talking to his sister's offspring."She could be!" responded Crown, eagerly, apparently oblivious to the sarcasm in the rhetorical question. "She's very smart!" he assured the Marcher.Jack bit back a sarcastic retort, just in time to avoid getting one of Sibby's infamously sharp elbows to the ribs. She was a typical bloody Dawnish yeofolk, she made it very plain on multiple occasions that she took her job very seriously, and she most definitely did not approve of any disrespect for your betters."Look, just give it here," he said, snatching the letter, "I'll make sure she gets it."

Overview

Six realms of magic align with the mortal world whose inhabitants are fundamentally different to the people of the mortal world and yet to a degree share some of their concerns. They are both complex and simple at the same time, seeking to change the world to match their perception of how it should work. They bargain and negotiate, threaten and cajole, and while it can be difficult to predict exactly where their gifts or curses might lead, still they have much to offer.

The Empire can reach out to the eternals through the powers of the Archmages and the Imperial Conclave, but the creatures of the realms may sometimes take the initiative themselves. The power of alignment allows the Conclave to make it easier or harder for them to touch the world, relationships shaped by the tension between true friends and dire enemies. Some desire that state of amity, some revel in the enmity they have earned, but none can deny the power of the Conclave to guard the borders of the Empire.

It is a rare season that passes without an eternal, or a handful, seeking to influence the Empire. There are other winds of fortune that speak of different situations. The responses to the plenipotentiary missives of the Archmages from this season is covered in the Has reared himself a throne wind of fortune.

Magical events originating closer to home are detailed in the companion wind of fortune, Volumes of forgotten lore. There is also The moth for the star wind of fortune specifically related to matters of stars, astronomancy, and arcane projections, and details of this seasons Challenge the Iron Duke options is included in the An iron feast wind of fortune. This wind also includes some discussion of things happening in Therunin and Sarangrave which were first mentioned in the Songs like trees and Even darkness must pass winds of war.

Autumn

Relics of the Past (Callidus)

High noon on a day when the clouds are dark and the rain pours, a gold-faced herald appears out of the regio, clad in robes made from immortalised letters written on cloth. The rain falls and weather seems to worsen in the short distance from regio to hub, but the herald seems unbothered. They arrive at the entrance to the hub, rainwater dripping off their horns, and approach a desk to deliver a message. Before leaving, they make sure to mention how personally disappointed they are to be back to neutrality when their master is being rather indulgent of the empire of late.

Last summit, the Keeper of the Gilded Chains sent two heralds to the artisans' guild to ask about things the empire wanted. Apparently, Callidus found the list humerous; there was definitely some eye-opening items on the list. It has certainly piqued the interest of the City of chains, for the moment at least.

This summit, Multitudo, a herald of the Golden Bargainer, comes to offer the Brass Coast, the Magpies and anyone interested in the founders of the Brass Coast, an opportunity. The City of Chains is prepared to track down Erigo's gold-and-ruby chain circlet and Guerra's crimson sash. There is a letter for Xanthius which contains details of the City's offer, interested parties should discuss the matter with him.

The Sovereign-Lord of the City of Chains has connections all over the world and the Autumn realm. He is always interested in helping people acquire items they thirst for, provided they are willing to meet the price. Relics are some of the most expensive items that could be found, but Callidus could help the Empire locate similar items or schema to make them if they wished. Of course obtaining such an item would always be more than it costs to make, since people won't part with precious items for a pittance, but such is the price of desire. The Golden Bargainer has not interested in items that don't command a high price.

Multitudo will arrive at the Hall of Worlds at 7pm on Friday, to negotiate a price and inform citizens on how to forward the funds. If anyone is keen to do business, Multitudo is more than happy to relocate to a better location once he has met with those present.

Knife Creeps Closer (Basileia)

Earlier this year the Guild of Accountants of the City of Locks were contracted to seek out opportunities for the Empire to assassinate Salt Lord Seonag, the chair of the Council of Salt Lords. An upfront payment was delivered, but it was made clear that successful fulfilment of the contract would require supplementary actions to be taken. This season, it seems, the first of those actions has come due.

...Or at least it would, if anyone would explain what was actually needed. The Five Pillars have already established a pattern of working via a small group of untitled Imperial citizens - 'people who know what they did', as one wag in the civil service has taken to calling them - and this season is no exception. Mistress Alabaster of the Guild of Accountants has indicated that the details of what is required and why have been sent to one Irontide Rus of the Unshackled. When pressed for more details the messenger, a cold-eyed Herald called Mister Latch, grudgingly admits that this task will require no bloodshed - only a minor risk to the Empire's relationship with the Sarcophan Delves if people do not keep their mouths shut. He refuses to answer any of the blizzard of questions that follow, and leaves as quickly as he arrived. It is likely that the Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves, who is due to be elected at the first Senate session of this season, will want to follow up on this matter.

One more message arrives before the summit begins. A mild-mannered Herald carrying a theodolite briefly blends in with a maintenance crew checking over Anvil's drainage ditches before discreetly passing a note to the civil service. The message from Overseer Hook offers a gift of information about Salt Lord Seonag. The destruction of Rachensgrab sent a seismic shift through the international slave trade, and has emboldened those who speak out against the practice for whatever reason. Hook's note states that a number of orcs of the Broken Shore have begun claiming that slavery is a relic of a barbaric past, more suited to shark-worshipping pirates than civilised Grendel, and that abolition is the only way to advance their Ambitions on the global stage. Salt Lord Seonag has apparently entertained representatives of these groups at one of her fortified mansions, although what was discussed remains a secret. Whatever her own views, just being in the same room as these people is a significant gesture for one so powerful. The note offers no further information, nor any notion as to why it was sent. It is for the Empire to do with this information as they please.

Unlocked Gems (Ephisis)

Once again, flyers and posters being appearing on any surface close to an Autumn Regio in the days leading up to the Autumn Equinox. Another defaulted payment means another room in the vault to be opened up to the Empire's bidders, and another bounty of mana for the heralds of Ephisis who seem to be have a lucrative project on their hands. The posters are more cagey this time, and give little indication of who might have owned this particular vault, or what might be inside.

As before, they will leave posters in the Hall of Worlds and the Hub announcing the name of the owner of the vault. At 20:00 on the Friday of the Summer Solstice, they will then hold an auction of crystal mana for two-minute-long slots within the vault. The auction will take place within the Hall of Worlds.

Each slot allows four people entry into the vault. Whilst in the vault, visitors may conduct business as they wish, and will be provided with a receptacle which may be filled with items found within that the visitors wish to take home with them. Any objects which do not fit in the receptacle must be returned to the vault.

The adverts warn that those purchasing a later slot in the vault should be aware of the risk that there is nothing of value left within for them to take. However such visitors should still enjoy witnessing a unique spot within the City of Gold and Lead. Bidders should also be aware that access to the vault requires access to the Hall of Worlds, and any appropriate arrangements to reach the space are the responsibility of the ticket-holder, and not the Lady of the Counting House or any of her intermediaries.

Bidders are reminded that the only accepted currency for the auction will be crystal mana. Keel also advises those interested in coming along that slots to visit the vault will only be available between 14:20 and 15:00 on the Saturday of the Summer Solstice - so bidders should be sure of their availability before committing.

Day

Seeking Here and There (Kimus)

The Seer Clad in Gold offered a boon to the Empire last season, one that could be claimed by the Magpies. The sodality opted to seek out the ship named The Wraith King and so the heralds of the Prismatic Sphere will support the members of the sodality in seeking out any trace of knowledge on the lost ship.

Any information that is uncovered will be collated and presented before the Winter Solstice 387YE.

The eternal's heralds also make it clear that their mistress would welcome any plenipotentiary aimed specifically at finding ways she can offer aid to the Magpies going forward.

Let Every Word (Roshanwe)

The Walker on the Littoral has an excellent knowledge of the religion she professes, the Way of Virtue, but rarely has opportunity to see it practiced by humans. She is no stranger to the power of rites and liturgies to incite and inspire, so is asking priests and adherants to perform their most dramatic or moving ceremonies for her edification.

So reports the long-suffering civil servant Jorgen, who claims he found the message on an arrow fired into the frame of his front door. It did begin with an apology: apparently the messenger herald was very busy on some adventure into the unknown, and this method saved time.

Heralds of the Finder of the Path intend to come to Anvil library, with the citizens' permission, at 22:00 on Friday. They would like to speak to interested members of the Assembly of the Way and the order of the Sevenfold Path to explain the proposition and choose some organisers. The Archmage of Day, or someone sent by her, would also be particularly welcome.

Night

Affection and Animosity (Janon)

The Night Sword is a creature of rising and falling passions, always invested in something, but not always something that the citizens of the Empire know or care about. This season, it has made an approach to the Empire. Currently the interest of the Blazing Blade is focused on the thin line that separates love and hate, and the ways that these passions can become blurred. The Muse Of Fire intends to send a small group of her heralds to Anvil to speak with those who have personal experience of this.

Specifically, they would like to speak with beloved rivals. Beloved rivals, of course, are people who find themselves set in implacable opposition to one another, but who recognise that through their fighting and feuding they have become closer than mere enemies. Beloved rivals raise one another up through their conflict. Beloved rivals know and care more about one another than their dearest friends. Beloved rivals may even fall in love with one another in more conventional ways - provided, of course, that they never forget the strife that must always be there between them.

The Tempestuous Heart would be obliged if the Shadowed Torchbearer or a representative thereof would meet the Heralds at 11:15 and escort them to a place where said Rivals could be gathered to tell their tales - in fact, perhaps the Torchbearer (or their representative) could help to organise who shows up and speaks? Then they can collect their reward. Last season the Song Of Joy And Rage requested the gathering of awful black pearls so that they might be destroyed. That was done, and so a reward is due. It will put the gift in the hands of the heralds, and see it handed out as is appropriate.

A Peculiar Opportunity (Lashonar)

Some weeks before the Autumn equinox, the prognosticator's department identify a conjunction of the Sentinel Gate to Brocéliande. Specifically, the gate will open to The Singing Circle in Vale's Lament, a strong Night regio, at 22:00 on Friday. The patterns of the Sentinel Gate are hard to discern, but this conjunction is especially puzzling. There seems to be little significant about this regio.

Or at least it would if not for the Lashonar heralds. Chatty squawking bird creatures have been making occasional appearances around Anvil for much of the season since the response to the Archmage's plenipotentiary was delivered. They mostly do nothing but echo bits of other people's conversations and blurt out random scraps of poetry or fragments of songs. This season they appear fascinated by the Gate's schedule and after a certain amount of excited babbling, they are convinced to slow down long enough to explain themselves. This conjunction, they inform the baffled civil servant, is an amazing, wonderful, brilliant, magnificent opportunity! The Singing Circle is a place of great interest to Lashonar for reasons that are not important right now, and Lashonar would be happy to see it put to use for the casting of a most splendid ritual, An Ode To Blood And Sacrifice!

This causes some confusion. There is not, as far as the civil service know, any such ritual in Imperial lore, nor can they find any reference to it in the civil service archives. After some hurried consultation the heralds clarify that it is not a ritual as such. Instead it is an incredible arcane projection, which they believe to have been developed by Nathair Autumngale. It was not a gift from Lashonar either, but a product of human ingenuity and the desire to see a performance communicated to as many people as possible! The Caller Of The Chorus would be overjoyed to see this most potent work of magic cast.

If such an arcane projection were to exist, then it could indeed be cast via this regio. There would be some minimal level of risk due to the presence of vallorn miasma, which would need to be treated upon the ritualists' return to Anvil, but there do not seem to be any husks or other vallornspawn in the area. So long as the ritualists and whatever entourage they bring with them don't suddenly assault one another, all should be well.

Spring

A Swift Farewell (Ossegrahn)

As detailed in the Songs like trees wind of war, the eternal Ossegrahn has turned away from the Empire. Their protection of Peakedge Stead failed, and the ancient hospital has been destroyed by the Druj. Those who had taken sanctuary there have either taken the Gift of Kaela and died painlessly, or taken the boon of Ossegrahn and departed the mortal world for the Primal Forest. They will not return.

The Houses of Healing have been destroyed along with Peakedge Stead, and the Hand of the Healers has lost the ability to receive gifts from Lord Rain. Likewise, there will be no replacement for the gift of the Rainfather.

Ossegrahn has withdrawn his support from Greenwatch, meaning that the Greenwatcher has likewise lost access to the Implements of Willowbraid and the Gift of Father Tarn will not be replaced.

The eternal has said that he will continue to provide power to any ritual or arcane projection that bears his assurance, but no further boons will be forthcoming. He will not attend any parley with the Empire for the foreseeable future.

Where Peakedge Stead once stood, however, a magical ring of trees and enchanted glade now stands. This appears to be a final boon from Lord Rain. His herald claimed that it will remain untouched by the vallorn, and preliminary investigation shows that it bears an effect similar to (but distinct from) the Ward of the Black Waste woven in some fashion with Spring magic rather than Winter magic. A thorough investigation of this site would require an appraisal and likely need to wait until the chaos in Therunin comes to an end.

A Thousand Foes (Irra Harah)

Imperial forces continue to battle the Druj in Sarangrave, but there has been an unlooked-for development in the Nesustak Forest. A recent enchantment cast by Imperial magicians has empowered Irra Harah to throw his entire weight behind rebellious slaves who have claimed the region for themselves. With the Druj armies cut off from the region by the Imperial invasion, the Bloodwater Spears, the Water Walkers, and an unknown sept have taken the opportunity to overthrow the Druj, butchering the handful of remaining tepel and their guards, to seize control. They also made an effort to claim Whisperwood, but the Druj were able to prevent them doing so. If the Druj abandon the territory completely, or are forced out of Thornfen, then it's possible the rebels could claim more of the territory.

It is impossible to take any more of the Nesustak Forest without fighting and killing the rebel orcs. This would be illegal currently, since the Senate recently recognised one of the rebel septs, the Water Walkers, as foreigners. The Whisperwood is a simpler prospect - the Empire could seize control of it by driving the Druj out, if they continue as they are.

The rebels show no signs of trusting or liking the Empire. The night before the Equinox, a lone herald approaches the hub with a message from Papa Otec. As they hopefully communicated during the Summer parley, the Prince With a Thousand Foes would see the Mallum liberated from the Druj and the folk who have laboured under their tyranny freed to pursue their own destiny. Right now that means that if the Empire chooses to kill the rebel septs, or try to drive them out of the Nesustak Forest, then it will confirm all Shackle Breaker's suspicions and he will turn on the Empire.

The herald is keen to make the civil servants understand that unlike the weak Lord Rain, hamstrung by alien philosophies of altruism and cooperation, Irra Harah will simply declare war on the Empire and do everything within his power to destroy it. The herald suggests that the Imperial Conclave could save a lot of time by making their opinion of the Sarangrave rebels clear - perhaps a Declaration of Concord urging Imperial magicians to work with the slaves of the Mallum to free themselves. Or a Declaration of Enmity to make it obvious where they stand on the matter.

Spider in the Wood (Arhallogen)

It is interesting to note that Irra Harah's messenger arrives at the Hub the day after a significantly more unsettling herald arrives bearing word from the Centipede General. It's an open secret that Arhallogen supports the Druj - but it also supports the Navarr. Neustak Forest lies on the borders of Therunin as well as the Barrens, and it seems the Scorpion Queen has its own interest in events unfolding there. The offer of Arhallogen is straightforward. It can remove, or at least greatly weaken, the septs in the Neustak Forest, if the Conclave wishes.

Specifically, if the Conclave uses a Declaration of Acceptance to call on the Shadow-Hunter for aid in Sarangrave, it will mobilise those loyal to it to assault the Neustak Forest and slaughter the rebels. While it's unlikely they will be wiped out - they have experience fighting the Druj after all - but they hold on the region will be weakened. The main impediments to wiping them all out are the support of Little Prey, and the fact that the Imperial Senate has declared one of the septs there to have Imperial protection. If the Conclave can convince the Senate to remove that protection, and the rebel septs receive no further aid from the rival eternal, the followers of Web of Blades should be able to murder their leadership and scatter their forces leaving the Empire free to seize the region at their convenience.

Obviously, accepting Arhallogen's offer will anger Ira Harrah, but the advantage is that the herald stresses that no Imperial citizens will be involved. The orcs of the Mallum will have no reason to link this assault to the Empire or the Conclave. The hatred the King of Spiders bears for the Wet Crunch is well known even among the subjects of the Druj. The herald refuses to be drawn on exactly how the murders will take place, apart from to reassure the civil service that no Imperial citizens will be in danger as long as they are sensible. As a parting note, the herald mentions that taking this step would significantly improve their master's opinion of the Conclave, and increase the likelihood it would be interested in dealing with them rather than just its allies among the Navarr next time a Plenipotentiary missive comes its way.

Summer

Don't Sit Down (Cathan Canae)

Volstann, Eater of Boars, favoured lieutenant of the Lady of the Frost, met with several Imperial dignitaries during the Spring Equinox. Foremost among the matters discussed during the meeting was the Empire's ongoing access to the Mistress of Blizzard's frozen citadels. An agreement was reached with Volstann on the necessity of ceding land to focus on conquest elsewhere: the Crown of Black Ice will not limit the Empire's access to her citadels if it cedes a region, provided that the Empire proceeds to use the time gained to conquer a new territory before a year has passed. Bregasland, Liathaven, Therunin, and the recently recovered Madruga do not count as new territories. Each of those four was once claimed by the Empire, and the Immovable One wishes to see the Empire expand.

Following the Summer Solstice, Volstann has reached out to the Summer Archmage with a reminder. The cession of Mieriada to the Thule is a clear example of the kind of thing his mistress has been angered by in the past. If the Empire does not conquer a new territory by the end of the Summer Solstice 388YE, then the Queen of Ice and Darkness will make her displeasure known. On the plus side, says Volstan, the Empire is very close to claiming Sarangrave from the hated Druj so that should be alright?

He's also able to clarify that there is no problem with recognising that others keep the land they already hold - while the Immovable One has no particular affection for Commander Gallum or the Grendel in general, recognising the Protectorate of Mareave - or indeed the city state of Beoraidh - is not a problem. Not least because the Empire can always conquer the in the future.

Splendor and Pennants (Eleonaris)

In the reign of Empress Brannan there was a growing problem that armies were becoming reliant on Knights of Glory, but more importantly that exposure to the glorious knights of the Summer Realm was having an unlooked for effect on Imperial soldiers. Over the last year or more the Empire has increasingly relied on Knights of Glory to empower its armies especially (but not exclusively) in their fight against the Druj.

It's been noted that the enchantment is starting to have a lasting effect on armies enchanted with it, most notably in Sarangrave. This may be because of the oppressive aura of fear coupled with the feeling of confidence and personal power sponsored by exposure to the heralds of the Fields of Glory.

As noted in the Even darkness must pass wind of war, any Imperial army in Sarangrave that was supported by Knights of Glory this season (Eastern Sky, Gryphon's Pride, Lions of Adelmar, Granite Pillar, Fire of the South, Citadel Guard, Golden Axe, and Northern Eagle) cannot take the Cautious Advance or Give Ground orders. If the general issues such an order it will default to Balanced Attack or Solid Defence instead. This effect persists until the army in question has spent an entire year without experiencing the Knights of Glory enchantment. It's come to light that the Burning Falcon over in the western theatre is also experiencing this effect but it is significantly less notable since that army cannot undertake those orders anyway thanks to the enduring passion of the soldiers and kohan who comprise the Freeborn army.

Magicians working with the armies point out that this is not something the heralds, or their eternal mistress, are actively doing. It is rather a side effect of extended exposure to the enchantment, and to the magical warriors it summons, possibly compounded by the terrible aura of fear that hangs over the Mallum. Eleonaris is not able to "stop doing this" because she and her soldiers are not actually doing anything to make this happen.

However it also appears that Eleonaris herself is well pleased with the Empire's progress in the Sarangrave. Like the majority of the Summer eternals she despises the Druj, and has let it be known that she looks favourably on those armies that bring her knights to fight alongside them against the forces of the Mallum. She is particularly impressed with the Voices of the Unbound Storm of Wintermark who performed the lion's share of the enchantments at the Summer Solstice. As such she has offered a boon to Imperial magicians who want to draw on her warriors.

During the Autumn Equinox, and Imperial coven performing Knights of Glory gains an additional benefit from the use of golden apples. In addition to their normal effect - providing three crystal mana when performing a Summer ritual - the apple also provides one member of the coven with a bonus rank of Summer lore, subject to the normal rules for effective skill. A given magician can gain this benefit only once each time they cast a ritual, no matter how many apples are used. Even if the mana is split between multiple contributors only one of them benefits from this additional rank.

The Unfettered Mind and the Rod and Shield express a little caution here. The impact Knights of Glory had in the time of Empress Brannan swiftly spread through the entire Military Council. It is quite possible that indiscriminate use of the ritual might see the entire Empire losing the ability to take specifically cautious orders as their soldiers increasingly fall under the influence of the Summer realm.

It may be possible to ameliorate this effect, but it is not clear quite how this might be done. The national or virtue assemblies of the Imperial Synod may be able to assist in this matter, perhaps with a suitably worded statement of principle.

College of Magic (Hayaak)

Last season battle mages clashed to determine who would be the patron of the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun. Jaheris was displaced by Hayaak, and the heralds of the former have quit the college of magic while a single ally of the latter has appeared in the woods at the bottom of the crag. The herald of the Hawk Lord goes by the name of Ernreik and has the features of a toned athlete, brow surmounted by backswept antlers, and tiger-like brindling across their skin. They have made it clear that they are happy to talk with scholars, students, professors, and visiting magicians but they will not be coming up to the college proper. Anyone wanting their assistance or advice will need to come down to their camp in the woods and speak to them there.

It soon becomes apparent that despite being something of a hermit, Ernreik has keen insight into magical matters related to strengthening and empowering individuals. As such, their presence and the influence of the Peregrine Knight himself, allow the Master of Ice and Darkness to more swiftly research any enchantment that targets a character (rather than a territory, an army, or the like). As well as securing books, additional materials, and equipment the Master can use some of the money required to speed the research to provide Ernreik with good food, sturdy boots and garb, finely made arrows, and Varushkan mead which the herald seems to have a particular fondness for.

Jaheris may have withdrawn from the college, but his departing heralds are keen to reassure the Master of Ice and Darkness that there is no ill feeling. None of the Lords and Ladies of Summer believe that they deserve uncontested patronage here and the Moonsilver King is confident that next time the patronage is contested his champions will surely be victorious.

A Challenging Finale (Barien)

One year ago, the Iron Duke brought those from the nations of Dawn and Wintermark who had won their challenges before him. A challenge was issued; spend a year committing deeds to prove the primacy of heroism or glory. Now is the time to present those deeds to Barien and his heralds.

At 4:15pm on the Saturday of the summit, up to 50 people may pass through the sentinel gate to a chamber in the Grove of the Thousand in Axmure, Semmerholm, where so many challenge celebrations have happened before. Those victors who wish to come and state the case for glory or heroism will need to bring with them a skop or troubadour, who will have a minute to present their tale to the Lord of the Crossroads. Once all those who desire to have spoken, Barien and his heralds will deliberate, and rule in favour for once and for all in favour of one side or another. Barien has not revealed the prize yet, but has been working on something from the Dragonforge to deliver to whichever nation he considers worthy at the end of it.

Shafting Dho'uala (Jaheris)

Vales across Varushka have been host to Storytellers weaving tales of dark powers under the earth this season. But as summer gives way to autumn, it gradually becomes clear that there is more to these stories than was immediately apparent. Miners across Varushka, and even in areas of Dawn and the League, have developed superstitions around sleeping - the exact details vary by location - but they all seem to stem from strange dreams experienced by anyone who spends too much time underground.

These rumours have attracted the attention of not just storytellers, but also academics and magicians investigating their meaning. Among them, Klarent, Clad in Blades and Carnwennan, Wearing Whispers, two heralds of Jaheris who most recently have been known for their appreciation of hospitality at the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun (some would quietly describe it more specifically as over-appreciation). They have journeyed from Miekarova across Varushka, and claim to have identified not just the source of these subterranean night terrors, but also a scheme which could be of great financial benefit to sleepless mine owners.

Klarent and Carnwennan invite all mine owners in Semmerholm, Weirwater, Karsk, Ossium, The Barrens, Karov, Volodmartz and Holberg - as well as Mirella of the Twisted Rose, Archmage of Summer, and Romand Reinetova Remislav, Watcher of the Lake - to meet them at the Plot and Plunder bar in the League camp at 15:45 on the Saturday of the Autumn Equinox. If someone has the generosity to buy them a drink, they will gladly share the details of their conspiracy.

Winter

Smile (Skathe)

Any Vigilant citizen can tell you that the Druj cannot be permitted to exist. The horror they inflict upon their subjects and any with the misfortune to be their neighbours has no place in the utopia we build. We will not permit it. We will take their lands, we will break their armies, we will cut their poison from the world. No more tortured souls denied the Labyrinth. No more lands and lives destroyed purely for malice. One day, no more people will wake screaming, sobbing, trapped in what they saw and heard and felt at their hands. And we will stand on the eastern coast of the Empire, and watch the sun rise on a world without even a memory of the Druj.Catena, Urizeni Assembly, Summer Solstice 378YE, Vote: Upheld with a Greater Majority 196 against 0

At the Summer Solstice, a herald of the High Enchantress of Grievances claimed that the Lady of Laments would be paying close attention that season to the businesses of the Imperial state, and watching for those she has named. If they acted publicly in ways that committed them to the destruction of their enemies than Queen of Hags said she would offer aid.

Catena did not disappoint the Mistress of Misery, gathering the greater majority of the Urizeni Assembly behind her vehement words pledging to not just defeat the Druj but to eradicate them from existence. To take their lands and break their armies. The obvious despite in her statement is enough to make the Painted Mirror smile. Such bitter acrimony warms the cold heart of the Giver of Gifts, and true to her name the eternal has a gift for Catena: an offer of aid.

If the magician wishes to create a novel and unique curse, then the Friend to Foes will help her to codify it. The curse can be anything - the Looking Glass expects her to create some horrible, bitter ritual that will inflict pain and misery on her enemies, but if the Lady's apprentice wishes to thwart the Hexenkönigin' expectations... well that will surely work out just fine. It doesn't matter what realm: obviously, Winter magic is the best for curses, but the High Enchantress of Grievances is a High Enchantress for a reason - she can work with any realm when the aim is to bring misery and suffering. It doesn't matter the magnitude: it could be something bringing disease, and famine to the whole land or something with a more personal touch.

Once Catena has created or chosen the arcane projection she has chosen and is ready to accept the patronage of the High Enchantress, then the Winter Archmage will need to use their plenipotentiary to request that Skathe provide the reward she has promised. If that happens, then the Mistress of Misery will allow Catena access to the Bleak Oubliette, a Winter chamber where the two might work together to codify the curse, so that that the pain and suffering it brings can grow like flowers across the lands of the Druj. It will take time, of course. Even with the help of the High Enchantress's heralds and with the Queen of Hags personally supervising, Catena will need to spend many months at the work: especially if it is a powerful curse.

Access to the Bleak Oubliette will enable Catena to codify the curse at the rate of 25 levels of magnitude each season. The codification will fail if the Conclave places Skathe under enmity while the work is underway. A conjunction is preventing personal arcane projections that create personal curses at the moment, but the eternal is confident that will end soon.

Smoulder (Surut)

Shortly after the Summer Solstice, a cohort of ghastly knights appears in the Highborn territory of Necropolis. At first there is real concern that someone has unleashed Quickening Cold Meat against the territory, or otherwise caused the dead champions of the Empire to rise from their tombs. One particularly panicky young guard runs through the streets claiming that Empress Varkula has returned. Yet calmer hearts quickly get to the bottom of the situation. These are not the dead of the Empire, but "living" heralds and soldiers of the Wasteland. Specifically, they are the knights and warriors of the Burned Prince.

These entities are all clad in heavy armour, plate and chain alike scorched and warped as if by a terrible heat. Where their skin is visible, it is horribly burned. For some the burns look old, crisscrossing their flesh with keloid scars. For others, the wounds look fresh - burnt and crisped meat dripping and in some cases clearly infected. Unlike the knights of Tharim who commonly adopt a sardonic, sarcastic mien, these soldiers are truly grim and vicious. They do not harm Imperial citizens, but they are not interested in conversation or indeed having anything to do with the Highborn. Any who try to push the issue are curtly dismissed, and some who make a particular study of them fear that at any moment they might explode into destructive violence. No such violence manifests however; they take up positions in Sanctuary Sand and Coursmouth, watching the coast.

The only one of their number who shows any interest in the mortals around them is their commander, Mistress-General Kanesta. No less burned than the soldiers at her command, she explains that they are Surut's Brand and they have been sent to protect Necropolis from any attack from the sea. She curls her lip disdainfully as she speaks, and it is easy to hear the bubbling contempt beneath her words barely kept in check. Apparently, the matter was arranged by the Archmage of Winter and the Senator, brokered via the Bound One.

Of course, no attack takes place during the months following the Summer Solstice. The soldier-knights remain, however, along the shores of Necropolis. At the assessment of those who observe them, it is estimated that they represent a military strength of around 1,000, sufficient to at least slow any shore offensive. Their contribution in the case of an attack would be comparatively minor in comparison to Reumah's Redoubt, but not worthless. There is some speculation that if the knights were unleashed in battle they might cause significant additional casualties among their enemy, regardless of their comparatively small size.

As the Autumn Equinox approaches, Mistress-General Kanesta seeks out a small group of magisters who have been observing them. She bears a message from her master, the Prince in Waiting. They have protected Necropolis this past season as a favour to the Bound King which has now been repaid. However, the Knight of Ashes is prepared to continue defending Necropolis for the rest of the year if the Imperial Conclave are prepared to grant him amity. It is a simple transaction - in return for amity, Surut's Brand will remain in Necropolis until the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE. If not they will depart back to the realm of their master.

In the event the Archmage of Winter or the people of Necropolis wish to secure their aid for a longer period... well that is what plenipotentiary is for.

Scour (Tharim)

Following the formal parley during Summer, the Archmage of Winter Ematius of the Great Library of Ankarien proposed a declaration of acceptance that provided permission to the Knights of the Bound King to scour Upwold. The Imperial Conclave agreed, and after the Autumn Equinox, the Knights began their search for the malefactors who had attacked the Copse of the Bone Birch. In addition to vengeance for Obligatus, the herald who died, they also sought those instrumental in the deaths of Marcher champions who fell defending the location.

At first the Marcher magicians, supported by the Bounders, cooperate with the knights, albeit a little grudgingly in some cases. Then it becomes clear just what it means for servants of the Bound King to be "let off the leash" in an Imperial territory. The Knights are absolutely implacable, merciless, unconcerned about matters of law, tradition, or propriety, and eager to shed blood. They quickly resort to intimidation and torture to get what they want and while they don't quite cross the line into indiscriminately killing Imperial citizens, they are not above torching barns. slaughtering animals, or smashing in doors. Attempts to reign them in, to resist these excesses, are only momentarily effective. As soon as a Marcher magician turns their back the Knights immediately revert to their cruel tactics. It quickly becomes the case that most Marcher magicians and magistrates are busier trying to prevent the Knights running rough-shod over the law than they are in actually aiding them on their quest.

Perhaps, unfortunately from a certain point of view, these tactics bear bitter fruit. Over the course of the season two covens clearly working with Agramant are exposed in Upwold. Along with the remnants of the Circle of Stone, they are immediately crushed by the Knights of Tharim, who seem to have no concern about attacking allies of the Wastewalker. The fighting is bloody but pretty one-sided - the followers of Agramant are no match for the heavily armoured, deadly knights of the Thrice-cursed Court.

By the time the Autumn Equinox comes around, it seems that Agramant's presence in Upwold at least has been entirely eradicated. In some cases the cultists throw themselves on the mercy of the Magistrates to avoid summary execution at the blades of the Knights of Tharim - which they insist on doing despite several warnings from the forces of law and order. Lord-Captain Catenatus arrogantly points out when challenged that the Imperial Conclave has mandated and by extension endorsed this attack, and that the followers of Feaster-of-Sorrows are criminals in the eyes of the law anyway, so what does it matter? The magistrates are run ragged trying to maintain Imperial law outnumbered as they are by the knights.

During the raids, a number of magic items and ritual texts were uncovered. The Knights of Tharim had no interest in these items, leaving them behind. The magistrates have confiscated all these items, examined them, discovered that they are all connected to Agramant or created by the eternal or his servants, and destroyed them. There is, unfortunately, a chance that the ladle that was part of an ongoing search by Vigilant devotees might have been among these items. The law is clear however - while Agramant is under enmity, these things must be destroyed.

The remaining presence of Agramant has been rooted out, it is true, but despite all the sound and fury there is no sign of Alf Alwen or Jim Bribben. It is possible, however, that the servants of Tharim have simply cornered these villains and dragged them through the nearest Winter regio - something they have done several times with the ringleaders of the Agramant covens - to be delivered in person to the Bound King so that he may make clear his displeasure at their involvement in the murder of his servant.

As the dust settles, there is widespread damage to the farms and businesses of Upwold - so much so that part of this Winter is going to be spent repairing, rebuilding, and restocking. Every farm and business in the territory will produce 36 fewer rings at the Winter Solstice, the money being instead spent on undoing the damage the knights have done. Offhandedly, Lord-Captain Catenatus deals with furious complaints from the Marchers by indicating that the Bound King has empowered them to offer compensation for any damage done - if the Imperial Conclave thinks it is merited. Should the Conclave pass another declaration of Acceptance, the owners of those farms and businesses that have been damaged will be able to claim a single dose of Heart's blood from the Knights in a move the lieutenant presumes will quiet any complaints. Should the Conclave not wish to do so, however, Catenatus will instead deliver 25 pawns of Heart's Blood to the Imperial Conclave to endow as they see fit at the Winter Solstice in thanks for the bold stand they have taken against the folk who dared to harm an agent of the Thrice-cursed Court.

If Agramant has an opinion on all this, he has not made it apparent.

Further Reading

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