We as your Senate, inspired by the great and dire state of our nation declare this State of Emergency. Our enemies are at our hearths and homes, far from beyond the borders where they belong. But to you all, we your chosen leaders write this promise to you, this declaration to you all.
We are one. Five realms, one Concord.
In this, one of our darkest hours, we will stand together, we will fight together, we will win together.
- Senator of Windholme, Ivern the Inheritor.
Senator of Windholme, Ivern the Inheritor.
The words spoken in the Senate can often seem empty to the outsider, the hot gas expelled by politicians whose only purpose is to empower themselves and to cast great shadows over history. But all things matter within the chambers of Concordian councils, it matters that we breathe, it matters that we speak, it matters that we live.
In the Summit past, the Senator of Windholme declared that The Concord was in a State of Emergency, that the maladies, curses, and foes arrayed around it were far too extreme to be tackled with the tools that were available. More than the ravings of one angry Valleyfolk, Senator Ivern presented words to this effect that were added to by every assembled Senator, an agreement in chorus that The Concord was failing, that The Concord desperately needs aid from within.
To an informed observer it is not surprising that those most powerful Concordians feel that they have been defeated. Heroes at the Summit have been loudly proclaiming the doom of this collective endeavour for years, an act that has gone safely unnoticed until now.
The Concord finds itself in embroiled in five wars;
Against the Onyx Aristocracy where no side has been able to obtain advantage, but The Concord suffers plagues and curses while the undead rally at the border, turning the lands that were once Bordevar and Vassertal into charnel houses of corrupted unlife.
Against the Zekartaal where The Concord’s only victory has turned into a haunted stalemate, neither side willing to move for fear of the deathblow on their people.
Against the Trade Principality of Aprivano, where the mercenary armies of Trade Prince Majeed and his Artebazzani backers slowly turn Mukarrem into a blasted battlefield, The Concord desperately holding on to its westernmost borders.
Against the Drowned The Concord knows next to nothing. Even the lands we take back are sinking into a brackish hell that we can only watch. The longer we leave them in place, the worse our victories will be.
Against The Severed Lords the Concord has had victory and with Baelags Holdfast within our grasp, is this the changing of the tide?
The Treasury has floundered for years, being held aloft by auction income, the charity of the wealthy, and the occasional blood-money of our criminal allies. Some seasons the Treasury runs at a deficit, chewing into an ever diminishing warchest. Other times it lurches forward unpredictably. Never has the Treasury report been a confident missive to open.
Blasserstreit, once only a Greenweald concern, continues to threaten to slip its bonds and run rabid through the lands of The Concord. Already the Kingdom of Bordevar struggles with outbreaks that disrupt the nation and do not follow known infections. Lerona Mere sits upon a hair-trigger, knowing that a plague within the borders - let alone within the walls of Legend City - would be the end of them all. As the walls of Schloss Mortis rise there is hope that this danger will pass as all things must. But has The Concord acted too slowly? And how will we bring any cure to the plague-ridden swamps of Vassertal?
At the end of a noose, a blade, or a burning spell, The Concord does its best to rid the countryside and backroad hamlets of spies, criminals, and heathen cults, but a tendency to tackle these problems when they have blood on their hands, rather than when they arise, spreads weakness. Any who attend the War Chamber, speak to Senators, or follow Magistrates knows that The Concord is shot through with foreign agents and heretics. There has never been a great will to address these foes, with many realms facing embarrassment and discord for their failures to do so.
The ailments continue and run further afield than only local concerns. Thankfully these concerns have been kept from the eyes of the common people for five years, but with this calming ignorance removed they will be pushed to action. Or they will be pushed to rebellion.
It is the role of the Civil Service to find ways to enact the will of the Concordian Councils wherever possible. When Senator Ivern’s declaration was just one man’s screaming condemnation it was of little concern, but as the signatures of senator after senator joined his scroll, something had to be done. Bureaucrats, clerks, scribes, and magistrates descended into the legal library at One Concordian Plaza. Taxation loopholes were found, abused, and noted that they may need review when this was all completed. Missives flew along to the offices of the War Chamber, the Church, and even the Shardcircle looking for what options were available. And within each Realm, their own interpretation of ‘Emergency’ took root.
What has come to pass is a widespread abomination of legal fiction, economic manipulation, and questionable influence.
Taxation has increased notably across The Concord as every single bylaw and reference is called in. None are spared the tax collectors' far-reaching hands, but all must pay their due. If it was not explicitly protected from senatorial meddling, then it was pilfered.
The expectation that Generals return soldiers home when they have completed their service can be easily abused into keeping fighting troops beyond their time, if the army simply does not return home.
Money and soldiers - The Concord is nothing if not subtle. But perhaps the truth of Ivern’s words will carry the day. Each realm’s individual response to this crisis may hold salvation for all.
But while this occurs we must be wary, for our weakness is no secret, and those that wish us ill or simply wish for their own strength may circle even harsher…
Game Information
The Senate has declared a state of emergency, calling upon the people of The Concord to support each other as the crises that are arrayed against them have grown too numerous and powerful. This has had a number of effects.
Taxation income has increased notably in every region.
Every army has gained the ‘Against the Wall’ trait.
Trait
+Cas. Inf.
+Cas. Suff.
Special
Against the Wall
+15%
-15%
The army loses this trait if it campaigns in any territory that belongs to the nation that controls the army.
Every season that the army has this trait the threshold that this army will disband is raised by 250. After losing this trait the disband point of the army will reduce by 500 per season until it returns to normal.
Every army has had its upkeep reduced.
Every fleet has gained the ‘Low Tide’ trait.
Trait
+Cas. Inf.
+Cas. Suff.
Special
Low Tide
+15%
-15%
The value of this fleet’s ‘Raid’ and ‘Support’ orders are increased to 30%.
The fleet loses this trait if it takes the ‘dock’ order.
Every season that the fleet has this trait the threshold that this fleet will disband is raised by 250. After losing this trait the disband point of the fleet will reduce by 500 per season until it returns to normal.
Every Fleet has had its upkeep reduced.
Every Senator has gained an additional power depending on the region they are Senator for. To use this power they must submit their request in writing to the Symposiarch before the final Senate session. This request must be signed by the Champion of their realm.
Every investment and enterprise will find that they have produced slightly less due to the burden of taxes. This has no effect on enterprise or investment actions that do not produce income.
Every character will have a base income of 7 Keys, rather than 10 Keys due to the burden of taxation.
Taxation growth has stalled and will not improve from its current point due to stability, increased investments, or increased enterprises.
Foreign trade has been heavily decreased and will continue to decrease.
Every region has had its own response to the declaration of Emergency which will have their own disadvantages.
The State of Emergency can be ended by a Senate Motion requiring a greater majority and prompting the veto. Alternatively, a Throne may end the state of emergency without a motion, and without prompting a veto.
The Civil Service has ruled these actions constitutionally valid, although it is unclear if they will be possible again in the future.
Every plight, every issue, every problem is shared by all, if you think you struggle alone, if you think the world is against just your people, know it is not.
Our burdens come together, our problems are shared, our victories are better for all, our successors and successes make all better for all.
So it is time to stop thinking we are all alone.
It is time to stop working as five realms working together to achieve others goals. It is time to start working as five realms who are The Concord working to the goals of The Concord.
So Bordevar march for your king and keep reaching for their crown restored.
Andash dig up your history and tell us of your findings.
Greenweald learn of your monsters and curses to share with us your teachings.
Iron Valley stand high on your mountains and watch for us all.
And citizens of Lerona Mere. You are the heart of The Concord. You are the centre of everywhere. You affect every part of The Concord to great effect. So keep beating strong. Keep beating fast and keep our skills alive. For we are the middle of it all. So show how revolutionary we truly are. We are Lerona Mere, but WE are The Concord!
- Senator of Lerona Mere, Gissette Tribulette
Senator of Lerona Mere, Gissette Tribulette
Legend City is the gateway to Esterra; no port exists on the southern half of this continent that is as replete with art, wealth, and mercantile hunger. There are quieter ports, safer ports, even kinder ports, but none can command the respect and awe that Lerona Mere can.
Part of The Concord’s concern is a worryingly poor stance on the grand stage. The Concord’s only notable treaties are with corsairs and criminals. Years of entreatment with the Dendarri and Drummondites show little aside from diplomatic gaffs and embarrassment. But it is within Lerona Mere’s ability to place a gilded hand upon the scales. Through the co-opting of some of the Dockland’s beautiful chance houses, and fine inns, a kind hand may be extended to foreign nations, hoping to forward The Concord’s image.
But Lerona Mere has a reputation, one that is not unearned. Such greed and wealth has raised a population that has little issue reaching for what may not be theirs. The longer that the State of Emergency continues, the more groups within the realm may take power. Prime candidates for such an insurrection are the Lerona Mere Parliament and the Capos of Legend City. It remains to be seen which could be more dangerous.
Across Lake Isabella, Mancante Terra is blissfully bucolic and quiet, if one can ignore the looming spectre of the Sinking City. The countryside of Mancante Terra is dotted with abandoned settlements, untapped wilderness, and lost stockpiles. This land was once the playground of Artebazzani architects and petty lords - the remnants of their ambition can be found if a little bit of hard work is given. These resources would be of great use in any number of projects across The Concord, if only a decision could be reached as to where.
But Mancante Terra is still a war-torn wilderness. Only its largest settlements have seen major resettlement and attempts to lure retiring soldiers and frontiersfolk into the rural places still flounder. As The Concord contracts in the spasms of emergency, it is very likely that Mancante Terra may become forgotten. As Civil Service resources are pulled elsewhere information, may become more and more sparse. The Drowned may cross into Mancante Terra before we are even aware.
I do not demand of you.
I do not require of you.
I merely ask.
The boot of Artebazzan falls upon the neck of our friends in Andash.
Lorica rings in the streets of Nazafeza and Corvarrias.
The Prince of the Western Empire sets the dogs of war upon The Concord.
What will you do?
- Senator of Mancante Terra, Jacques Di Zisseau
Senator of Mancante Terra, Jacques Di Zisseau
Game Information
The Senator of Lerona Mere has gained the following power as long as the State of Emergency remains:
Open House - Each Summit the Senator of Lerona Mere may select one foreign nation to entertain in Legend City. The foreign nations dignitaries (if they are able and willing to attend) will be wined and dined in one of the greatest cities in the world, improving relations and providing opportunities to The Concord.
However, the longer the State of Emergency remains, subversive groups within Lerona Mere will become more and more powerful, sowing discord between The Concord and its central realm, and creating dangerous foes in the future.
The Senator of Mancante Terra has gained the following power as long as the State of Emergency remains:
Forgotten Resources - Each Summit the Senator of Mancante Terra may select one commission that has been approved by the Senate. That commission requires 10 wains less to be completed. This can only be used on commissions outside of Lerona Mere (the realm).
However, the longer the State of Emergency remains, the worse Concordian control on the frontier of Mancante Terra grows. The region will gain stacking negative traits that would advantage enemy forces in attacking the region.
Together, we are five realms, and one Concord. From the tribes to the Baronies, to the Kingdom, to the Valleys, to the Revolution.
All of this and more. O’ Crucible, bless us that in this time we will reach your infinite wisdom of growth through change. O’ realms of The Concord, lay aside your quarrels and personal interest, act with heart and culture and courage, and by the institution we formed to save each other, support the Concordian interests. In the Sphere’s light we pray.
- Senator of Mukarrem, Daud El’Priado Del’Anarch Al’Sabre
Senator of Mukarrem, Daud El’Priado Del’Anarch Al’Sabre
The Magi of The Andashi School of Gifts possess the longest arcane learning tradition within The Concord. While not ancient in the schemes of the world, the School of Gifts is well regarded for its adaptability and academic rigour. While for many, the sight of a group of Andashi mages isn’t always a moment of relief, during the crises that befall The Concord, it may be just what is called for. The School of Gifts readies itself, at its Senator’s and Headmaster’s direction, to travel out into The Concord to do what good they can.
But the School of Gifts does more than just delve into books and theory. It is a lodestone in the myriad of ancient magics that keep The Tribelands stable, that tame great sandstorms, that keep the wells flowing. With the School and The Concord pulled in many directions, this once wild place will begin to revert to its long lost past, one before Grand Andash, where beasts roamed free and the land could not be tamed.
Meanwhile, Mukarrem remains embroiled in war, a land being reverted back to a stand of wilderness through the oppressive hand of humanity, not through its absence. But the people of Mukarrem, its Nomad Clans and Tribes, do what they can to continue their culture and their survival. Industrious to a fault, the Clans call for volunteers to travel far beyond their borders and bring their skill and dedication to The Concord’s use. They do not ask for much, only that The Concord does not forget them, and their treaties.
But as the State of Emergency continues, so does disillusionment. The Trade Principality holds Nazafeza, and The Concord appears impotent to repulse them. The Concord has forgotten the Nomads once before, perhaps this will happen again. Voices within the clans will grow, angry voices, voices with foreign coin in hand and The Concord’s weakness in their hearts.
We as the Senate are calling upon you for your help, your service, and your aid. We are in a very troubling situation and have been pushed to our limit, but we do not rest, and we will not rest!
We thank you for what you have done, the Shardcircle, the Field Hospital, all our armies, but we call for more, when you think you can’t give any more, please look deep within and see what you have left, anything.
If you are a fighter, fight for The Concord, if you are a surgeon, help those injured in battle, if you are a merchant, a farmer, a mage, anything, please help. You can do more than you think!
Use your anger, fear, and disdain to fuel you to kick back the enemies and protect The Concord! Talk with your Senators, talk with your priests, find out what you can do to help.
- Senator of The Tribelands, Zora of Andash
Senator of The Tribelands, Zora of Andash
Game Information
The Senator of The Tribelands has gained the following power:
Gifted Expedition - Once per Summit the Senator of The Tribelands may select one settlement within The Concord to dispatch an expedition from the Andashi School of Gifts. The Expedition will attempt to address crises in the vicinity of the settlement, lessening their impact and improving prosperity in the territory. This may not be used to target settlements in Andash and requires a signature from the Headmaster of the Andashi School of Gifts as well as the Champion of the Tribes.
However, the longer the State of Emergency continues the more that the Tribelands will revert to a primal past, with worsening sandstorms, water insecurity, and dangerous wildlife. This will result in negative traits primarily affecting the region’s livability and prosperity.
The Senator of Mukarrem has gained the following power:
Clan Support - Once per Summit, the Senator of Mukarrem may select a commission that has been approved by the Senate and dispatch the Nomads of Mukarrem to it. This commission has its construction time reduced by one Season, to a minimum of one season. This may not be used to target a commission belonging to Andash.
However, the longer the State of Emergency continues, the greater the influence of the Trade Principality will be in Mukarrem, granting the Trade Prince improved intelligence in the region and providing him opportunities to turn the region against The Concord.
I have called Erfoderlich to my people of Resinderholz to defend the Sableheart this season.
But perhaps the concept of Erfoderlich will sit in the souls of you all.
It means to give everything to survive, and that time for my people is now.
Should this stir you to action, we accept it.
My shared heritage with the Kingdom of Bordevar from whom I have learnt of virtues and valours.
The Valleyfolk who have taught me that we stand together and kill together.
The people of Andash who have taught me welcome and tithe.
And the people of Lerona Mere who have taught me passion and finding voice.
Finally, the people of Mancante Terra who we will come to know.
Whatever Erfoderlich means to you, may the woods you walk look upon you without cruelty nor kindness.
- Baroness Wealdsage Grasshoff, Senator of Resinderholz
Baroness Wealdsage Grasshoff, Senator of Resinderholz
In the Weald, everything gained is done so at a cost. For some it is paid immediately, through the sweat on your brow or the silver in your hand. For others it is paid later, through the whispers in the night, or the slow march of decay. This has forged a powerful dedication to preparation, to knowing the worth of things, to making tough choices. Were they born in a land of plenty and peace, it is likely that the people of Resinderholz would be grand merchants and misers, although then they would not be the people of Resinderholz.
Through the inspection of clerks, scribes, and burgermeisters, audits can be performed to ensure the maximum yield of crops, trade, and resource harvest. Unshackled from the predations of the Weald, these experts can bring their expertise to the nations of The Concord, a powerful bargaining chip.
But the Havens of the Weald, those reclusive and superstitious settlements, are ever sensitive to changes in power. Rumour spreads like sickness and knowledge that The Concord is weak, that it might not be able to offer aid in difficult times, that it might not be able to hold back the dark, are very persuasive. As time goes on, these Havens will drift further and further away, until perhaps there is nothing left save for three cities in the dark.
Game Information
The Baroness of Resinderholz has gained the following power:
Harsh Finances - Once per Summit, the Baroness of Resinderholz may select two adjacent territories. Investments and enterprises within those territories will produce without any negatives caused by the state of emergency. Commissions within those territories that produce resources will produce additional resources. This may not target territories belonging to the Greenweald Baronies.
However, the longer the State of Emergency remains, the more that Havens within Resinderholz will pull back from Concordian society, preferring to rely on isolation and pacts with the things in the dark for their safety. This produces negative traits that will affect the prosperity of Resinderholz and will produce additional dangers for the people of the Barony.
The Concord is a great nation. Together we stand and achieve heights none can achieve alone. We stood against the storm of our enemies and emerged tempered steel.
We must face our foes together.
My people of Bolsterlee have been training, preparing - now is the time to rise from the training pits of our homes and venture forth to support our militaries.
Herbalists and healers, support our field hospitals.
Farms, feed our people.
We stand united for survival and for prosperity so our children may know a better world.
Our future is bright when those who work for The Concord above our own interests stand together.
To our siblings in the Greenweald, Andash, Bordevar, and Lerona Mere, we stand with you.
One ship can accomplish much, a fleet can accomplish more.
- Senator of Bolsterlee, Jarl Ranhilde of Jaalstead, The Harpoon of The Scaled.
Senator of Bolsterlee, Jarl Ranhilde of Jaalstead, The Harpoon of The Scaled.
The Iron Valley has never been a place of peace. Stone rises hard from stone, wind scours skin from bone, and survival has always demanded readiness. The people of The Valley are not warriors because they love war, they are warriors because anything less has never been enough. Shield and spear are not symbols here; they are tools, learned young and carried long.
From Windholme, this hard living has forged fighters who know how to hold. Not glorious charges or sweeping victories, but the grim, disciplined work of standing fast while the world breaks against you. Windholme soldiers are taught to endure, to lock shields, to absorb loss, and to bleed slowly while their enemy bleeds faster. In times of need, these Ironblood defenders are sent beyond the Valley, lending their resilience to Concordian forces that must weather the worst a season can bring.
From Bolsterlee, the Iron Valley’s reach extends to the water. The skiffs of Bolsterlee are light, fast, and cruelly effective, crewed by captains who know every crag, shoal, and hidden approach along the coast. These sailors do not seek dominance of the sea; they exploit it. They strike flanks, harry supply lines, and land forces where no sensible commander expects them. When The Concord requires speed, pressure, and opportunism along the shore, Bolsterlee answers.
Yet this strength carries its own danger. The Bloodglass Inheritors grow in influence, and with them grows the old hunger for battle. As the state of emergency drags on, restraint frays. Young captains chase glory. Veteran fighters mistake readiness for permission. Raids are launched without sanction, strangers are treated as foes, and old grudges find new excuses to surface. What begins as defence and preparation risks becoming provocation.
The Iron Valley has always balanced on this edge, between vigilance and violence. As long as The Concord remains strong, that balance can be held. But if doubt spreads, if authority weakens, The Iron Valley will not wait to be told who its enemies are.
Game Information
The Senator of Windholme has gained the following power:
Ironblood - Once per Summit, the Senator of Windholme may select one army or fleet. That army or fleet gains the ‘Ironblood’ trait. It may not select armies or fleets belonging to the Iron Valley.
Trait
+Cas. Inf.
+Cas. Suff.
Special
Ironblood
+10%
-20%
An Army may only benefit from this trait if it is taking a defensive order. A Fleet may only benefit from this trait if it is taking the Bloody Attack or Cautious Attack Order.
However, the growing power of the Bloodglass Inheritors creates warmongering within the Iron Valley. The longer the State of Emergency remains, the more likely that war-hungry groups within Windholme and the wider Iron Valley may take actions into their own hands, striking out at foes and strangers alike, leading to diplomatic incidents and military mispositioning which may disadvantage The Concord.
The Senator of Bolsterlee has gained the following power:
Skiffmaster - Once per summit, the Senator of Bolsterlee may select any coastal territory. If it is a hostile coastal territory it gains the following trait:
Trait
+Cas. Inf.
+Cas. Suff.
Special
Skiff Flankers
+10%
--
This trait grants an additional 500 claim strength to Concordian forces campaigning in this territory this Season.
If it is a Concordian coastal territory, the Senator may indicate any one commission that is under construction in that territory this Season. It costs 5 vaults less to construct. This may not be used to target an Iron Valley territory.
However, the history of Bolsterlee as a warground is not forgotten, nor buried deep. The longer the State of Emergency remains, the greater this influence will be felt. The region will gain negative traits that reduce its prosperity and drive its people towards violence, often without reasonable release.
Can’t Kill Hope, Can’t Grow Fear - Kingdom of Bordevar
Any can achieve ambition; that all can work for the opportunity.
We all must work, fight, and give.
Let us show the world Bordevar stands,
And stands strong.
Help The Concord, fight for The Concord.
The time is now.
Can’t kill hope, Can’t grow fear
For the Crown
By the Crown’s Order
- Senator of Weiland, Lord Arthur Shepherd, The Omen, Sentinel of the Order of The Cruel Shepherd, Justiciar of Stallia.
Senator of Weiland, Lord Arthur Shepherd, The Omen, Sentinel of the Order of The Cruel Shepherd, Justiciar of Stallia.
Bordevar, despite its isolationist history, is one of The Concord’s greatest champions. Its warriors battle foes from one side of Esterra to the other, shedding honest blood for distant causes. The stone of Lake Ladure’s quarry can be found across The Concord, the foundation and many great businesses. The legacy of the grand Heroes of The Kingless Kingdom on the field of battle are the thing of myth and song.
But the history of cunning isolationism is not lost, not entirely. For many years the people of Bordevar held their border with sword in hand, their Rangers wandered their streets, sniffing out traitors and spies with the King’s Seal in hand. While matters have softened greatly in the past decade, the King’s Rangers remain skilled spy-hunters, a skill they can offer to The Concord. A unit of Rangers, released by the Wise Council to the hands of the Senator of Weiland, stands ready to root out traitors, criminals, cultists, and spies, through whatever means are required.
This history is not buried deep. There are still Nobles and Knights who remember a time when the Weald was their enemy, when the Valleyfolk were mountainous savages, and Lerona Mere was a land of greedy merchants lacking soul or honour. As The Concord drowns in failed ambition, these memories curdle to the surface of this festering wound. Dreams of a grand army reclaiming Royal Bordevar become dreams of a free Bordevar, free of restraint by Concordian failure, free of the shackles of bureaucratic bumbling. Free at last.
Game Information
The Senator of Weiland has gained the following power:
Hunt with the King’s Seal - Once per Summit the Senator of Weiland may target two Concordian territories. King’s Rangers will depart to these two territories acting as a counter spy network for the season, seeking information and action against spies, criminals, cults, and similar groups. This action requires the approval of the Royal Ranger in addition to the Champion of the King, and cannot target territories belonging to the Kingdom of Bordevar.
However, the longer the State of Emergency continues, the greater anti-Concordian sentiment within Bordevar will grow. This will cause negative traits which endanger Concordian interests, and may spread to Bordevarian armies.
