Minuvas

The Grand Magister looked through a very old archive of letters "What is our nations stance on the Barony? Oh we recognize it and the Baron? Ah well, yes, I remember now...I like a good autocrat. If this becomes a problem for the Baron, someone let me know...we can help him restore discipline" He would remark privately to an aspirant.

"Ah, selectively choosing what to believe in the Canonist faith is all the rage now a days it seems." Remarks the voidal Mage, Razad. "Have these people even talked to a mage?" He scoffs

"Posturing...jockeying for public opinion....distortions of truth...truly. Some might even say she is gifted..." "This Kaggath shall prove to be one of the better ones. Also, now my private letters remarking on my own ugliness are made public. Truly, an embarrassment. Why cannot I just be an old aggravated mage who worries about the pools of my oasis as I debate voidal theory - I imagine Fahrazad must have had it easier" 3,000 Minas is a large sum, though. I only wonder who will take it.

The Grand Magister would file Haus note, awaiting to see what response might await.

Two Elven Magisters locked in Kaggath, as they slay eachothers retinue before focusing on eachother Ancient Kaggath Magister House Paradox * Magister House Silveira THE DECREE IS MADE Having come to a state of beyond discourse, I discharge my duties as Grand Magister in authorizing KAGGATH, a sanctioned war between two Magister Houses. As these two houses have risen to a state of dispute between each other that is endangering the balance and stability of the state, only power may restore order and prevent decades of violence. Ancient Kaggath has served as the tool by which the Hakad have used to resolve the ungovernable nature of the most powerful of magi since we have thrown away the shackles of servitude from the warlords who enslaved us, condensing these disputes in time. This ancient code is perhaps one of the only strictly adhered to tenants of Hohkmat, given the unruly nature of Mages. Reserved only for the highest echelons of power. It is the ‘great challenge’. The struggle of powers. All who take up our mantle and claim one of our thrones as the most powerful Magi in Aevos are bound by it. Victory, liberation. Defeat, ruination. THE RULES ARE CAST Each Magister may call on the entirety of their power base and employ all tools at their disposal to seal victory in this conflict to assert their will with the following exceptions. All Members of the Chamber of Earth and the Chamber of Fire are off limits for recruitment. All destruction, vandalism, and violence is restricted only to the holdings of the Magisters in question (District of Paradox, District of Greed, City-State of Kaethul and any undeclared or unknown private properties). Once allegiances are declared, no outside interference may be offered by any non participating party upon commencement of the Kaggath. All parties are absolved of punishment for acts taken as a part of Kaggath within all involved territories of Hohkmat (Paradox,Greed, Kaethul) and who are also participants in the conflict; but are subject to the laws and norms of acts conducted in foreign territories. The Houses are responsible for their power bases actions in these instances. Mages may choose to remain unaffiliated and uninvolved. Any violations of the rules are to be appealed directly to the Grand Magister. The Chamber of Fire shall be prepared to punish violators. The Kaggath ends upon forfeit or by declaration of the Grand Magister. The apprentice of the House shall continue the Kaggath if the Master is slain. The Houses may negotiate a cessation between them at any time. THE OUTCOMES; MADE CLEAR The winning Magister may seize the life of the losing Magister; at the discretion of the Grand Magister, properties may be transferred from the defeated to the victor. This feud shall then be declared over. In the event there are no heirs of a house remaining at the conclusion of the Kaggath, a masterless house's holdings shall return to the Grand Magister for distribution to another Magister. Otherwise, magical true lineage shall apply. MY Authority of these Magisters is Supreme. Judgment reserved to Kaggath alone. Their Fates are now Bound. ALLEGIANCES TO A MAGISTER HOUSE MAY BE DECLARED FORMALLY, SENDING YOUR DECLARATION TO THE SACRED ZIGGURAT OF HOHKMAT AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION DECLARE TO THE ZIGGURAT (OOC: Signups begin today, and end next Sunday. Events will begin that week)

Razad would remark to a small council of mages "Curious....our treaty bound friends trying to disparage us in the dark, while they themselves are hosting agents of the enemy, while I wait endlessly for those forces they promised to help us fight the demon and the necromancer..." With a flick of a wrist a quill and parchment hover into his hands "I should write Valindra about this, a devoted Canonist Mage." @Morigung-oog "Dearest friend, It would seem the Lurinites can't seem to help but crossbow themselves in the foot. I'd not see our own people do the same, and I'm interested in establishing more permanent and formal relations with the Church...let us meet. -The Binder of Fates"

"Whatever business the Church and Lurin have, has nothing to do with Hohkmat....keep us out of your written writing."

The Grand Magister cradles his fingers within his ominous ziggurat, he stares among the Magister thrones within , particularly at the throne of Haus "Paradox has been busy as of late. Fetch my apprentices...." he says to one of the aspirants at his side.

The Magerex of Hohkmat shall endeavor to be there (although I personally will be at work OOCly)

The Grand Magister of Hohkmat would note that it seemed followers of the Canonist flock seemed to only adhere to the decisions of their Pontiff, whence it suited their political interests or limited world view. "How...narrow of them" he would remark to some Magi around a table, taking a puff from a hookah pipe passed to him. He would eventually pen a note to the monk, if only briefly. "You say you visit the town of sorcerers frequently. I hope you might stop by my office during your next visit, so that you might converse one scholar to another. I trust if I ask you questions, you won't perceive that as a slight - but rather intellectual curiosity. " Hastily signed. Razad the Fatebinder

"And in the words of their own pontiff now. Finally, we may practice our arts in peace without the interference of zealots and their own misguided self interpretations of texts they don't even understand. Let us bring the void to their flock, and teach them to use it with responsibility" Remarks Razad to a chamber of magi

"Do not fear the demon, the apostate, the unsanctioned, or the dark - for you are Hakad and Sorcerery is yours to command." - Grand Magister Razad 'The Fatebinder', a rallying cry to Magi before a clash against the forces of the Arch Lich Gashadokuro Posted on many national bulletin boards Do not cower before the Darkness! Betrayal, rebellion, war and darkness scours the realms of men. None can claim with certainty any longer what darkness has corrupted the soul of once righteous men. In this moment of confusion, we are grounded in our own strengths , in our own ability or lack thereof to fight. Now is the time to forego the plow, and to arm oneself - in this era of magic and Sorcerery, cede no ground to the Apostate who calls to the darkness. Their struggle is eternal, and none among us can afford retreat. ‘All who wish to learn, shall be taught’ Become Hakad, strengthen yourself against the coming darkness that has affected the heart of Humanity. Such is the promise of the Magi. Cast aside aspersions of doubt in your heart, countless have expected our collapse or hoped for our corruption - only to find themselves astonished at our resolve and the strength of our cause. Liberate oneself from the yolk of ignorance and gain powers few can master. ‘The Master is an eternal student’ Our research challenges the limits of known scholarly knowledge - advancements in the arcane, artificery, and enchanting bounds from our walls. Young aspirants join the retinues of our Magi, as student and teacher are united - the sorcerous path is spread, arming us against unforeseen enemies that hide in the shadows. The work of our hands has wrought across all of Aevos Our arcane thundered with great effect upon the bastions of Veletz, tornadoes of fire that made rubble and ash; our boulders pulverized the bone of the creeping undead trespassed in the heartlands against the growing power of the Lich; Our power litters the Midland realm in our fight against the plagued and the demons from Hallowclife and beyond. Look to the skies, read the shift in the stars. Our war against our enemies is waged on multiple fronts, for every great victory - we have also shared the bitter lessons of defeat. The need is now to turn from unsanctioned practices, and to bring forth aspirants from all corners of the globe. ‘The meek shall give way to the strong’ How will you protect your hearth and home? Will you rely on others, who might have dark masters, to answer the call to protect you and your people? Or shall you shape destiny in your own hands and strike - relying no longer on the goodwill and promises of others. The promise of the Hakad is the promise of liberation and the self. Cower no longer. Fear no longer. Discard these weaknesses and do not ask for the intervention of powers, do not bargain that which you cannot return. Take charge of your destiny and become an aspirant in the path. Seek out the Academy of the Sorcerous Path in Hohkmat - become Hakad. All who are willing may be taught, though not all are worthy of instruction.

The Grand Magister had come to respect the tenacity and the strength of the Oyashiman and their Samurai. He pondered this deeply, before penning a note.

A bouquet of yellow roses, and a beautiful portrait of an outdoor garden painted by an unknown artist of the late 8th Imperial era was sent to House Vuiller, it was signed in an eloquent script. @Harald -Melphestaus

THE GREAT NOBLE HOUSES OF THE MAGEOCRACY Archived within the Chamber of Earth are the great noble houses of the mageocracy. The nature of the void, and the struggle between magi, is continuous. Houses rise, and fall - these archives serve as the best known record of the status of Magi houses. No two houses are alike, however to be entered into these annuls means that such a house adheres to the following prescribed guidelines of Hakad culture. These noble houses stand above the common people, afforded special priveleges under the law in accordance with their status. REQUIREMENTS OF THE HOUSES THE RULING HOUSE OF HOHKMAT HOUSE FAHRAZAD Name: The Ruling House of Fahrazad the Great Current Master of the House: Razad the Fatebinder Cultural/Racial Predominance: Farfolk (Nomadic) Brief Synopsis: The House of Fahrazad dates to the time of the Mage-Warlords of Hohkmat, who lived as desert nomads in the time of the human known as Godfrey. Fahrazad was the first Grand Magister of Hohkmat, subduing many great magi beneath him. The House has not always ruled Hohkmat, but has produced the largest number of Grand Magisters. The House takes pride in its mysterious ‘Way of the Shifting Sands’, a magical technique in which they employ a vast amount of subterfuge, mystique, deception, and strategy to manipulate and coerce enemies, and win the favor of allies. THE MAGISTER HOUSES OF HOHKMAT “ The Void Provides” Name: The Exalted of Orodruin - House Orodruin Current Master of the House: Kalgrimmor - Hand of Creation Cultural/Racial Predominance: Voidal Artificery Brief Synopsis: Forged in the dust from humble beginnings, the Eldritch House of Orodruin (O-rod-rin) stands as proof that all may prosper in time with faith in their will and temper. Standing steadfast against the annals of time, creation is unmarred in the face of adversity, overcoming insurmountable odds to enrich the lives of those around them. Woe be the visionless, for our gaze stretches millenia, ever vigilant to aid the Descendants against the coming darkness. House Orodruin is overseen and mentored by its Guardian Kalgrimmor, who stokes the flame of the worthy regardless of their blood or birthright, weaving reality to protect and serve. Name: House Ashwood Current Master of the House: Sulieronn Ashwood Cultural/Racial Predominance: Elves Brief Synopsis: Founded by one of the First Veil Watchers, the House Ashwood is one based in magical supremacy. Mages of the Ashwood House are generally of great strength and are held to high standards. They hold some of the founders of Hohkmat. Name: House Paradox Current Master of the House: Haus, of Paradox. Cultural/Racial Predominance: Human, Highland/Mali’Aheral Brief Synopsis: Founded in tandem by the First Watcher Valindra and her Apprentice Haus, who equally lacked a surname of value, the House was formed with the creation of the City-State of Hohkmat within the Second Age. Those of Paradox are often beholden to sleight of hand and tricks, a folk as mysterious and whimsical as the district they oversee. Common against those of the House, however, is a duty to the Veil - those of the House can be found where its safeguarding takes them, and often bearing the eyes of the Watchers. Name: House Thriceblood Current Master of the House: Laurissa the Thriceblood Cultural/Racial Predominance: Hybrids Brief Synopsis: Founded by the thrice-blooded bastard mage Laurissa in the mid-second century of the second age, House Thriceblood dutifully serves Hohkmat as a diverse and strong-willed noble house. The House rose to prominence when its founder filled the vacant seat of Lord-Magister Kalgrimmor after he retired without an apprentice. Uniquely gifted in a rare form of Voidal Magic, Laurissa the Thriceblood continues to serve the House she founded as its Master and as Lady-Magister of the District of the Sorcerous Path. It is often said among members that the core values of the House are Passion and Compassion, though this compassion is almost always lost forever after an act of betrayal. Name: House Silveira Current Master of the House: Yera Silveira Cultural/Racial Predominance: Mali’Thill Brief Synopsis: Founded by the Silveira Clan’s prodigy, a woman known for her keen memory and perception, who in only a few decades had amassed more wealth and power independently than some kingdoms, and later went on to create her own - House Silveira is one of ambition, power and integrity. THE GREAT HOUSES OF HOHKMAT Name: House Artenin Current Master of the House: Sarah Arentin Cultural/Racial Predominance: Elf Name: House Tempest Current Master of the House: Ayche Cultural/Racial Predominance: Mali’ker Brief Synopsis: A new house with ancient blood. The founder and current Master of the House has outlived nine apocalypses, witnessed the rise and the fall of a dozen nations, and won and lost fortunes that would fund kingdoms. He is the last mage alive to wield any form of voidal lightning. The way of the Tempest is simple: Be fast. Be effective. Be thankful for the present, and do not cling to that which is lost. In the dark annals of history, even empires disappear like lightning strikes in a storm. And when, one day, your time has come - be sure you go out with a bang. Name: House Sanz (In Abeyance) Current Master of the House: None - Last Holder, Isabella Sanz. THE LESSER HOUSES OF HOHKMAT Name: House Reinhold Current Master of the House: Atticus Reinhold Cultural/Racial Predominance: Human Name: House Miminendilpigglegeggle Current Master of the House: Merfinzannib Moddleseddle Miminendilpigglegeggle Cultural/Racial Predominance: Gnomes

Razad would pen a small note to Lanre, given the twos relationship it was left short and to the point. Any who knew Razad that he rarely praised anyone, let alone someone as Lanre. "Commendable." - R

An excellent piece of literature Remarked Razad.

I have no problem with aurum testing. I get to be a city leader tho where I have decided that mass testing is a ridiculous expense of time, resources, and privacy - and that individual testing is used in discreet instances where there is evidence. This is a good balance I think: If you're openly being investigated and are giving people reason to suspect you, getting caught is part of the risk. On the flip side, I've allowed you to live (in our city) by not allowing mass testing and you can keep your deeds quiet. I take on the opinion that I'm not going to allow what appears to be mass blood ritual in my city to see if a gold dagger hurts someone.

Issued during the season of Turbulent Winds of Magic SUMMONS OF THE MASTER HOUSES AS GRAND MAGISTER it is my SUPREME DUTY to ensure the protection of Sorcerery, and to steward the safekeeping of the void and its users. For this reason, do the charges of magical APOSTASY merit serious investigation when proof is elevated beyond the level of hearsay - especially when within our own walls. I summon the Paladin, ELENA OF JOMA to stand before the COUNCIL OF MASTERS, within an elven week, to present these allegations with claims of the use of dark magic within our walls. The truth of this matter shall be determined by the Council and the Viziers, Masters, and Sages who sit upon it. The HEAD-MISTRESS FAERYEL is so empowered to compel any Magi of Hohkmat, save the Magisters, to stand as witness or provide testimonial before this council. SO BOUND GRAND-MAGISTER, Sorcerer-King, Hierophant of the Mysteries, Master of the Ziggurat of Hohkmat

Issued during the season of Turbulent Winds of Magic HOUSE ASHWOOD So issued, this instrument of authority as acknowledgement of CALIANA of HOUSE ASHWOOD elevated above your peers to that of MASTER SORCERER. Forever shall the annals of magic and all those touched by the void know of your indomitable skill, and rise to a great house of the mageocracy. Already an accomplished Magister House, Mistress Caliana joins her husband in elevated status over the Magi of Hohkmat. No longer equal to those around you, let your merits place you above common judgment and the common law of lesser magi and the voidless commoner. SO BOUND GRAND-MAGISTER, Sorcerer-King, Hierophant of the Mysteries, Master of the Ziggurat of Hohkmat

Issued during the season of Turbulent Winds of Magic HOUSE ARTENIN So issued, this instrument of authority as acknowledgement of FAERYEL and SARAH of HOUSE ARTENIN elevated above your peers to that of MASTER SORCERERS. Forever shall the annals of magic and all those touched by the void know of your indomitable skill, and rise to a great house of the mageocracy. No longer equal to those around you, let your merits place you above common judgment and the common law of lesser magi and the voidless commoner. SO BOUND GRAND-MAGISTER, Sorcerer-King, Hierophant of the Mysteries, Master of the Ziggurat of Hohkmat

The Grand Magister did conjure a looking glass from a voidal pocket, surveying from his throne room the bedlam and mayhem below as flames streaked from the lower walls of Hohkmat towards the distant fortifications across the river. A runner would carry orders to him shortly after, marked with the symbol of fire "RITUAL - COMMENCED". Although at this point - couriers were less frequent than voidal flames cracking across the sky. His own ziggurat was so close to the front that the dust shook in from the walls due to explosions of returning fire from the enemies encampment. It was an exciting time to be a Mage.

My friend, my counter would be that the energy to overcome a currently established niche is monumental. So the free market of ideas doesn't allow the "best" of a niche to establish, but instead awards stagnant entity to maintain a paradigm of how a niche operates through mostly intertia. And how broad are the niches that we will allow staff to deny? Is A monarchy the same as a republic, can there only be X human settlements? This absolutely results in a more stable map, but not one I would consider very fun. Ultimately the same 30 people cycle through leadership, and few players are allowed to strike a new settlement to challenge the current paradigm. They can only attempt to take over the current nation and change it from within - a much harder thing for a maverick to do.

"God Save the Emperor!" Remarked Nikolas Melphestaus, his father having told him many imperial glories.