Minuvas

I might be in the minority but I like a large diversity of realms. Under the old system I felt forced to align under large nations with ossified player groups. Breaking into these groups is difficult without prescribing to their idea of RP. It allows for very little about to venture out on your own. Combined with activity checks, this made leaving your own realm toxic. Finally we can explore the map. 15 man player groups are fine. I don't see why ever nation or realm needs to cater to everyone. Maybe it's just a dedicated group of bros playing with each other and they want more than a 10x 10 house in Haense where they have no real agency over their RP. You played in Oren, well then you can't play in my group because you were Oren. The ability to experience multiple groups, advance in them, is a great boost for this server. People actively try to kill small group activity on this server to promote their own groups. This has finally somewhat gone away. What you call bloat I see as choice. Realms die here and evaporate and it balances alliances etc. Please keep current system.

A mage would hate that such field fortifications could be built so easily, yer their destruction by ritual magic by forces of magi he controlled required a serious bureaucratic effort. Ooc: I can't use ritual fireballs on a nations property without RO approval, but they can flagrantly build massive field defenses to alter siege battles. If nations can do this, I want the ability to use magic ritual to destroy defenses without RO approval.

The Grand Magister, Sorcerer-King of Hohkmat continues to note the complete absence of any acknowledgement of the Mages field armies and starts to wonder if this has become deliberate.

"Is this coalition trying to slight us? We raise an entire detachment of magi larger than some nations bring with their entire Armies and yet we receive not an ounce of recognition" remarks Razad. "Get me Atticus" he says to a nearby scribe. @Hom

OOC: Yeah let's work it out somewhere other than the forums.

OOC: unlimited spectators...and side duels welcome. Keep in mind large scale CRP takes a lot of time and will require emotes to kept in W if we don't want this to take 5 hours...if accepted.

Recently the midlands people seem concerned about the Sorcerous people's stance on the nature of this war. I shall clarify publicly our stance. The Orcs and the Hakad are people of the harsh desert, of the sand - where only through the struggle do the strong endure. For this reason, we share a culture that is hard for Midlanders to know - our leaders are chosen by conflict, and by power in Hohkmat , not by noble birth. The Orcs have sent many challenges to our strength, such challenges are invitations - ones we can no longer ignore. I have dispatched our diplomats to request a ritual KAGGATH with the Rex's. In their language, it is perhaps similar to a KLOMP in the desert between our forces. For on the sands all respect, all strength, all disputes are resolved through the only universal language of all peoples - conflict. Such a conflict will determine many things politically between our peoples that cannot be understood in words by those who have grown up on farms and castles. The Rex of course may decline such a fight, but I do not believe it is in the Orc’s nature to avoid a challenge - especially a worthy one. For those unaccustomed in the ways of the people of the sand, this is not a matter of peace - it is a matter of respect. The Orcs wish to see if the Sorcerers are up for a fight, and the Hakad wish to see if they are worthy to meet it. However, among the scales of justice - there is no imbalance with the Rexdom. Whenever this war concludes, however enjoyable it is for our people to pursue strength in combat, we and all nations of the coalition will make peace with the Rexdom. There are no grievances to pursue. In this sense, when we fight with Orcs - it is like sport to the mages, an opportunity to heighten the adrenaline and the senses of the magi to see if they can stand against such impressive physical strength. We are thrilled to see the blood lust of an Orc, who demands a challenge - and eager to best them. The same is not said of Veletz. The scales between us are imbalanced, and revenge must be exacted. For this reason alone, we are committed to pursue this war in perpetuity with pleasure alongside the coalition. To describe this as a ‘fragmentation’ are the words of propaganda. Wars are complex, the goals of nations even more so, yet you will continue to see our magic reign terrible fire on the keeps and holds of Veletz. I ask the Midlands people do not get shaky knees and grow concerned with all things that seem strange and unusual. We are Hohkmat, a place of wonder and oddities - the strange and the magnificent. The Second Mystery, The Eternal Pursuit: “The eternal pursuit is the mystery of power. The great must seize power, the weak must acknowledge it. Only the Sorcerous Path may liberate us from our weakness” SO BOUND GRAND-MAGISTER, Razad the 'Fatebinder', Hierophant of the Mysteries, Master of the Ziggurat of Hohkmat

"Looks like some Hooligans came in and destroyed the decoy again Grand Magister" A servant reported to him "I guess...just put it back up. Everyone said I didn't make it shiny or big enough...but I guess I was proven right. Oh, and whoever these anonymous teenagers are sneaking around at night are...build some damn traps or something, or just give them a good magical thrashing and send them on their way" He would shake his fist at the warped voidal grass at the proverbial lawn in front of Hohkmat.

A most unfortunate passing for a most curious sorcerer. Bemused Razad.

The Silver-Arcanium Agreement Article I - ESTABLISHED EMBASSY POSITIONS Article II - RESEARCH AGREEMENT Article III - TUTELAGE Article IV - SOVEREIGN JUDGMENT Article I - ESTABLISHED EMBASSY POSITIONS a. To maintain continued and excellent relations between the Sorcerers of Hohkmat and the Silver Empire of Haelun’or, an Enclave of Hohkmat will be founded in Haelun’or with permanent positions established in the Chamber of Wind to represent the shared interests of all diplomatic members. b. These positions will be held in perpetuity by the Okarir’san or their designated regent to the position, alongside an Enclave Head designated by the Vizier of Wind. In the event there is no Okarir’san or Enclave Head to represent the interests of Haelun’or and Hohkmat, the Tilruir’san and the Vizier of Wind will temporarily take hold of this position. In the event there is no Tilruir’san or Vizier of Wind, an agreed representative chosen by the Grand Magister and Sohaer will be given authority to represent both in matters of diplomacy. c. These positions will be tasked with resolving matters of dispute, sharing knowledge between the two entities, mediating tutelage, and ensuring the continued legacy of knowledge both magical and mundane. d. At any date past the signing of this document, given the agreement of both parties, this agreement may be expanded, altered, or annulled both in scope and context, word by word. Article II - RESEARCH AGREEMENT a. As studies into the arcane and unknown continues, both parties will share these findings so long as this agreement is in place. This includes, but is not limited to, Voidal Theory, History, Alchemy, Deific Concerns, Voidal Anomalies, and more. b. Matters consisting of sensitive information, such as those concerning Darkspawn, Dark Magics, or otherwise tenuous and dangerous knowledge hazards will be studied under approved members in joint operations - guided by the trusted position set out prior. c. Given the request, each party will offer copies of books in their own library when possible - fairly receiving them in a timely fashion. d. Under the condition of rare or secretive tomes wishing to be shared, a quid pro quo shall occur where both parties will offer some of their own secretive knowledge for a piece of the others in accordance with this document. e. In the event of visions, cults, or dangerous events - joint operation teams will be provided so that situations can be dealt with quickly, promptly, and safely for the good of both parties and the world at large. Article III - TUTELAGE a. To build upon the knowledge of Haelun’or, and allow the Sorcerers of Hohkmat further access to magics, alchemy, and other sources of rare knowledge, the establishment of training across borders will be enacted to better fortify the two entities in their knowledge. b. Those willing to train, teach, and share direct knowledge with each entity will be allowed diplomatic passes and free access to the opposing entity for the purpose of finding and teaching those with potential. c. Secondary referrals can be made with priority for both entities so that each may spread knowledge to those they deem fit - as is the diplomatic duty of the acting participants of this agreement. d. Singular exclusions are made against half breeds, as they are not allowed access into Haelun’or under any circumstances. In the case one has received the full endorsement of Hohkmat, amenities, defined there within this document, can be provided specifically outside of Haelun’or as to maintain purity of the Silver City. Article IV - SOVEREIGN JUDGMENT a. Individuals accused of dark magery, or who are accused of being palebeasts, who are also citizens in either nation, shall be trialed and judged by their nation of citizenship. Individuals who hold dual-citizenship, may be tried in either location. b. These individuals may still be detained for the purpose of safety, and deadly force used to defend citizens or property. c. The outcome of such judgments shall be respected by Haelun’or and Hohkmat and no party shall seek to pursue further action against said individuals related to these accusations unless new crimes are committed. d. Judgments made against citizens by foreign courts, not party to this agreement, shall have no bearing on this arrangement. DURATION This agreement comes into force immediately and its duration is enduring. It may be broken by either party with two years notice. Both parties will strive to resolve any disputes related to the cause of the breaking of the arrangement; if possible. It may be amended with mutual agreement and re-application of required signatures. As signed by, Theveus Sythaerin Sohaer of the Silver Empire of Haelun’or Carallia Maeyr’onn Tilurir’san of the Silver Empire of Haelun’or Razad the ‘Fatebinder’, Grand Magister of the City-States of Hohkmat, Hierophant of the Mysteries, Sorcerer-King, Master of the Ziggurat of Hohkmat Isabella Sanz Vizier of the Chamber of Wind of Hohkmat

The Grand-Magister of Hohkmat declares from the Ziggurat of the City-State of Hohkmat with an official dispatch to all major political entities. "The City-State of Hohkmat does AFFIRM the claim of the Commerce City-State of Kaethul, and its rightful Overlord Lady-Magister Yera Silveira as valid - and shall lend its weight in KAGGATH in defense of any challenges to this claim. Further, as a Lady-Magister of Hohkmat - the City-State of Hohkmat does AFFIRM its obligation to defend such property and its personnel at the request of the Lady-Magister. Long may Lady-Magister Silveira reign, and her demesne and power grow" AS BOUND, Razad the 'Fatebinder', Hierophant of the Mysteries, Sorcerer-King, Master of the Ziggurat of Hohkmat

THE DIKTAT OF FAHRAZAD The void is eternal. The Grand Magister is not. The nature of our mortal coil has been made more obvious to us these past decades, as our life has made almost forfeit from enemies internal and external alike - the precarious nature of the succession of state and the nature of whom shall rule must no longer be left in doubt. It is time to put to rest the machinations in which power shall be achieved for a Sorcerer to come to rule as my apprentice and eventually as King or Queen of Sorcerers. To name one Sorcerer above all, is not a chance that should be left to birth alone - such blood-pedigrees are unnatural to the state of the sorcerer, a dated practice not fit for magi. Thus, as in all things, succession of the Sorcerous state is a matter of talent, achievement, and power above their peers. I SAY TO ALL THAT KNOW THE VOID. I am Razad of the true lineage of Fahrazad, he who is the Fatebinder, who was apprentice to…. Master Isaem of the true lineage of Fahrazad, he who was the Weaver, who was apprentice to… Master Mikael of the true lineage of Fahrazad, he who was the Jubilant, who was apprentice to… Mistress Fatim of the true lineage of Fahrazad, she who was the Visceral, who was apprentice to… Master Jabar of the true lineage of Fahrazad, he who was the Magnanimous, who was apprentice to… Mistress Katarina of the true lineage of Fahrazad, she who was the Mysterious, who was apprentice to… Master Shaffar of the true lineage of Fahrazad, he who was the Serpent, who was apprentice to… Master Kabal of the true lineage of Fahrazad, he who was the Celestial, who was apprentice to… Master of Masters, Fahrazad the GREAT, first Grand Magister, HE who broke the great Yisar, HE who shattered the Mage-Warlords, HE who conquered the dunes, HE who is great in both the small and the wondrous, HE who unveiled the mysteries, founder of the great House Fahrazad… SWORN BEFORE THE VOID AND THE LINE OF FAHRAZAD I DO INVOKE THE RIGHT OF THE SUCCESSION OF THE GRAND MAGISTER Masters Debating the scholarship of the era The Circle of Mastery No longer shall the unworthy claim the title of ‘Master’ within Hohkmat, this title reserved for the highest of nobility save the Magisters themselves. Effective upon this passing, the Circle of Mastery is established and managed under the provision of the Academy of the Sorcerous Path. As such. A. The Circle of Mastery is established under the purview of the Academy of the Sorcerous Path. The Academy shall be responsible for maintaining all records and keep the rolls of all those afforded the title of Master within Hohkmat. All SAGES are immediately conferred all benefits entitled to MASTERS. B. The Vizier of the Academy of the Sorcerous Path is granted the title of MASTER, and shall serve as the interim HEAD MASTER of the Circle of Mastery until such time as a HEAD MASTER is named or at any time the seat of HEAD MASTER is left vacant. As Interim HEAD MASTER they shall be authorized to name to this council three additional MASTERS without approval from the council. Should the council ever fall below three MASTERS, the HEAD MASTER or acting HEAD MASTER may name additional MASTERS to the council without approval. C. The first order of the Circle of Masters is to ensure that one of them is elevated to HEAD MASTER, by way of simple majority, whose purpose is to organize their meetings as a first among equals. The HEAD MASTER shall preferably be filled by one of the rank of SAGE. D. The Circle of Masters shall vote by simple majority to add new MASTERS to the Council, as well as a SAGE by supermajority (3/4ths). They may revoke Mastery by supermajority, and may revoke the title of Sage by unanimous decision. E. When summoned by the Grand Magister, they shall determine by supermajority two individuals to be nominated to be presented to the Grand Magister as the Grand-Apprentice. These individuals must hold the title of Vizier, Master, or Lord/Lady-Magister to be considered for appointment. The Grand-Magister may accept both, or neither of the nominations. INITIAL CONSIDERATION FOR MASTERY: All applicants for Mastery shall append their name below and a list of qualifications for consideration directed to the Vizier of the Academy of the Sorcerous Path. You have two years to make this request, before the Council is tasked with developing its own application process (OOC: 06JAN) On Rights Afforded to Masters & Sages, Nobles of Hohkmat. Masters and Sages are the graceful nobility of the void within Hohkmat and are afforded special rights and privileges in a city. They are henceforth entitled to the following. a. Tax Free Housing within any territory of Hohkmat. b. Shall enjoy preferential treatment under the law above those of lesser magical standing. c. May form their own True-Lineage as a Noble House, taking on a family sigil and crest. d.May Compete for the seats of Lord-Magister and Grand Magister e. Afforded the right to sit on the Council of Masters On Succession Grand Magister a. Two Grand-Apprentices shall be nominated by the Council of Masters and presented to the Grand Magister. The Grand-Magister may take on both, one, or neither of these individuals as the successor to the Sorcerous State. 1. If the Grand-Magister chooses neither, the Council of Masters will nominate two more. 2. If the Grand-Magister chooses both, upon the Grand Magisters death or abdication - the two apprentices will immediately be entered into Kaggath. They may settle this Kaggath by individual combat, by concession, or by subterfuge - the strongest must rise to rule Hohkmat. The winner of this Kaggath shall be named Grand Magister, the loser (if living) shall remain of the true lineage and in the line of succession as a Grand-Apprentice to the new Grand Magister. b. Once approved, the Council of Masters may no longer strip the Grand-Apprentice of the title of Mastery. c. The Grand-Apprentice may retain all their current titles and possessions, however if they are elevated to Grand Magister than they shall abdicate any and all holdings of their previous Household - and take upon themselves as the household of Fahrazad the Great. They shall receive Fahrazad’s Bone Mask, and be given a moniker of their choosing for the remainder of their reign. Lord-Magisters a. Will name no more than three Lord-Apprentices to succeed them. b. Lord-Apprentices will be approved by simple majority of Lord-Magisters. c. Upon a Lord-Magisters death or abdication, only one apprentice may succeed their house. All apprentices are entered into Kaggath which may be settled by individual combat, concession, or subterfuge. The strongest must rise to rule Hohkmat. The winner of this Kaggath shall take ownership of all possessions of their Master. The loser(s), if living, shall remain of the true lineage of the line of the Lord-Magister as a Lord-Apprentice and remain in the line of succession. d. The Council of Masters may strip mastery from a Lord-Apprentice. The Master is the Eternal Student. SO BOUND GRAND-MAGISTER, Razad the 'Fatebinder', Hierophant of the Mysteries, Master of the Ziggurat of Hohkmat

Razad,the Grand Magister would make this report available to all Magisters, Viziers, and to the Petran River Council

Razad addresses Hohkmat from the Balcony of the Ziggurat - as omens linger over the Magical city FEAR not THE DEMON “When Fahrazad the Great challenged the warlords of the Hakad for control of the nomadic people, many warlords turned to forces dark to bolster themselves. Yet they all fell, unable to resist Fahrazads command of the void and the sorcerers under his command. Power, true power, cannot be quelled by the forces of oppression” - Campfire retelling of Fahrazad the Greats conquest of the Hakad Warlord-Magi in the time of Godfrey Fear not the demon, Sorcerer. For the void is the tomb to which the forces of the Archdemon have hid - but lo, him and his ilk cannot command it.The void is not theirs to wield or mold, it is their prison and their bane. So we shall not be cowed by omens, by blood rituals acts profane, we will bury the enemy under the might of our arcane, returning them to the prison to which is ours to will. Our walls are tall, but higher still is our power. Of war, we remain committed. Eldritch Ayche shall continue our assault against anathema, for we remain committed to see any oppressed Magi of the Veletzian people liberated from their servitude to dark powers. Our conflict now expands to a second front, to places yet unknown to us - but with certainty an attack is due, those of sight have been forewarned. A new force must be raised, properly equipped and led, to overcome such a challenge. This force shall be raised under the banner of a temporary Hohkmati task force, henceforth referred to in our native tongue as a Thaymark. All Citizens who wish to volunteer are to heed my call in the coming days, to step forth and proclaim their commitment to this cause against the demon. The Chamber of Stars shall meet within the elven week - to begin plans against what we perceive to come. Ambitious Magi are encouraged to showcase themselves and make a name if they are otherwise unknown at this gathering… Of allies, we call on them. Our diplomat shall be dispatched within the elven week to The Serene State of Lurin, to make good on your promise to rally your magi to our banner - and fight this darkspawn with us as you have agreed to do. We know we can count on our southern Magi friends in this cause. The Hakad say that ‘words are as wind that fall like sand from the mouth, but deeds are scribed as stone in the dunes’ The Second Mystery, The Eternal Pursuit: “The eternal pursuit is the mystery of power. The great must seize power, the weak must acknowledge it. Only the Sorcerous Path may liberate us from our weakness” SO BOUND GRAND-MAGISTER, Razad the 'Fatebinder', Hierophant of the Mysteries, Master of the Ziggurat of Hohkmat

The Grand Magister is accosted by the omen looming over the city. "We are beset by Enemies once more! Summon the Magisters, prepare to defend the city. We will greet this fight as we meet all challenges, with staff in hand and a well prepared spell"

Would look to Isabella Sanz @Dj_McMuffin "It would seem the Celianor Elves are emerging from their Arcane slumber. Let us welcome them once more into the arcane fold......and then, let us test their power to see if they are lacking. The arena is nearly complete"

The Grand Magister was quickly delivered a copy of the 'Firebolt' to the Ziggurat of Hohkmat. His opinions locked behind his masked facade. His attendants did note, his request for the second publication when it was completed.

"What a pity" Remarked Razad, most pious of Mages.

Would look over battle plans with other sorcerers of Hohkmat and Petran Knights "And so we shall hurl great orbs of voidal fire on this wall to enable the breach of in order to...." Foreign missives and pleas, damnations and celebrations alike to the Magical people, piled at the end of the table. The Sorcerers were at war, and mercy would have to be the realm of others.

We blew up a bridge. Razad remarks.

The Grand Magister directed Hohkmat to receive the zealous clergyman. "The Bishop is welcome. The void is not outlawed by the Church, and it is practiced in manner here that involves no worship of devils or entities the Canon Church considers heretical. He may survey the public areas of our city, and we shall provide him an escort so that no member of our City confuses him - for we have had demon and VeletIan alike disguised in clergy clothing attempting to deceive us in times past. That he has pre-judged us despite our fight against the anathema, the necromancers, and the demons: to which constant blood of the Magi is spilled to defeat- is a sign of sight that is narrow. But we shall broaden it, and allay the Clergyman's fears that we are naught but allies in the protection of the descendant soul. For his enemies consider us a threat, but we are no strangers to outside entities trying to break our city. We ask the Bishop to avoid threats of violence, as we've currently tallied the deaths of numerous voidal entities, demons, undead, anathema and even fights with Azdrazi - we've no need to see a Bishop of the Church to be escorted from our city for being able to carry himself with the strength of the Canonist flock. As we presume the Clergyman is not a glutton, I think he will find himself quickly satisfied with what he finds. We shall, for now, not pause our military contributions to the fight against the Anathema - but are happy to pause operations should the Clergyman feel his inspection to require more than a few moments of his time."

Artist rendition of the explosive firepower hurled from the Sorcerers of Hohkmat in conjunction with Trebuchets during the siege of the Ferryman keep Stand tall Magi, for our great magics did join in the cacophony of the wooden machines that hurled their rocks in molten heat upon the walls of the allies of Darkspawn. Smashing fortifications with the power of the void, did we turn stone into nothing but hot slag - battlements into cinder and ash, and allies of Veletz into sand. Scene depicts a Hohkmat Arcane Scion locked in combat with a Veletz Soldier in the streets of the siege Our Battle Magi did discharge death and mayhem of the void to that which has been called Anathema, our forces swollen larger than many nations that claim a much higher status in Aevos - it does unwell to go unrecognized. But I say to you - my sorcerers, I have seen you and our enemies did hear you and feel the anger which you did evoke upon them. I say it gladly and I say it true. Do not soak in victory, contemplate only the future - hone your spells of fire, your will of stone, the gale of the wind, the current of water and all the woven powers of the void - for our foes are relentless, and they shall keep coming. Stride with me again when the time comes, and we shall be restrained no longer - the age of the Mage is upon us! The third mystery, the ‘Sorcerous Path’: “The sorcerous path is the mystery of the future. Through magic we are empowered to rise within the eternal pursuit - from slave to king” SO BOUND GRAND-MAGISTER, Razad the 'Fatebinder', Hierophant of the Mysteries, Master of the Ziggurat of Hohkmat

Minuvas would spit his tea out, grabbing his sword and sounding am alarm among his Elven monks before eventually....realizing it was a gossip column and not a human supremacist movement.

ASCENT & PROCLAIM Vacant seats of power do not remain such for long, for the nature of the void is ever changing and ever churning. Old sands do pass beneath our feet, and as the mysteries tell us - the ascent of new powers come to take their place. Having risen in power, we can deny these master Magi their seats no longer. I acknowledge their demands for these seats worthy, and their right to rule the Magi theirs by the merits of their talents. Further we must address the nature of war, and the continuity of the sorcerous states. We affirm the ascent of the following magi Sulieronn Ashwood, SAGE of HOHKMAT and VIZIER of the ACADEMY of the SORCEROUS PATH - who shall now rule as LORD-MAGISTER of the DISTRICT of the ETERNAL STRUGGLE. They are discharged from their duties as Vizier, that they might assume their seat of power and rule as a Prince of the Magi. Laurissa, MASTER of HOHKMAT - who shall now rule as LADY-MAGISTER of the DISTRICT of SORCEROUS POWER You are now bound by my WILL, to the MYSTERIES, and to the SORCEROUS STATE We do appoint the following Magi Caliana Ashwood is henceforth appointed as VIZIER of the ACADEMY of the SORCEROUS PATH. You are now bound by my WILL, to the MYSTERIES, and to the SORCEROUS STATE We do demand the following by Diktat The Lord and Lady Magisters have one elven month to present before the Chamber of Lord-Magisters their apprentices, no more than three, of whom shall serve as their lawful legal successor to their throne. SO BOUND GRAND-MAGISTER, Razad the 'Fatebinder', Hierophant of the Mysteries, Master of the Ziggurat of Hohkmat

"The Bridge MUST GO!" Razad declares in unison with Lord-Magister Haus.