As the Heroes of The Concord pack away their ambitions of the Winter Summit, they find themselves followed from Passage by a trail of green. Hard-packed dirt hiding luscious grass, begging to be broken free by long-awaited rain, begins to reveal its treasure before the first pair of boots even walks away from the capital of The Concord. Within mere hours, the fields surrounding Passage find themselves verdant and green, the sun shining golden upon them as the Wondrous Forests of the Night begins to take hold.
Passage would become the start of a glorious spiral of growth, the result of Divine power brought forth by the tremendous efforts of Heroes. There would yet still be far more to see as one casts their eye upon each of the regions of the young nation, a golden light passing through each and leaving behind a place blessed by Panoply for but a short time.
“Beneath the eaves of the golden, the herbs that grew from cobblestones fill my lung with sweetness in the embrace of the loved. To grow within the breadbasket, plant your hope with good seeds carried far in gentle hands, and in celebration we find some peace.”
The Herbs That Grew From Cobblestones
The Lerona Mere Heroes of The Concord bring home with them the glorious blessings of Panoply, as an artist brings home paint on their fingers - a subconscious bearing, but a beautiful one nonetheless. From each step that they take, each compression of grass or shifting of gravel under foot, small wildflowers spring forth, cushioning their walk home. Even the Hunters Wood in its perpetual dusk seems to flower, growing more vivid, if not wilder.
Those who make their way towards the trading streets of Mivara find that their journey is more often than not shaded, either by the swelling Weald to their north, gently swaying in the warm winter breeze, or by the heights of La Lungo Elsa. This shade provides ample opportunity to pause, and to collect the fruits, grains, and herbs that seem to have spread out and over the Madre Campo, forming fields of plenty as far as the eye can see. When they arrive home, prepared for brawls in the street, they instead find that many have taken leave of their aggression, for the moment - when there is food enough for everyone, and a clement evening to be had, it seems a shame to waste it on half-formed grudges.
During the days that follow, the Fiorenza River and the predictably picturesque Lake Isabella that it feeds into grow even more beautiful, a possibility that many Lerona Mere did not believe could occur. The calm water becomes a mirror for vibrant hyacinths and tulips, the reflection of the crystal clear skies above wavering only in the frolicking of children on the shores, creating ripples of water that echo like their youthful laughter. The whole scene calls out to Liberartistes and Priests of the Needle to limn this moment of ephemeral enchantment.
Through the cobblestones of Lerona Mere this verdence continues, Green Sunleaf and Thrones Boon emerging from gaps between the cobblestones like freed Lerona Mere emerging from the Revolution - steadfast and strong. Within the city’s walls, all of those who would normally need to barter for food and a warm bed find that they no longer need to; there is such a great abundance of produce and pleasant weather that spending a night staring up at the stars, stomach full, is not such a bad option.
Indeed, these moments of quiet plenty are felt too in Gafroza. Though usually forced into a slow hibernation by the frigid winds of the Western Steinvaults, the people here instead are offered afternoon dozes in the comfort of the setting sun, melting the chill from their bones. In the evening, they come together to sit outside the fine Lerona Mere taverns to drink chilled wine in the warm air, watching wildflowers and barley bloom even in the wide expanse of the Est Speranza.
Game Information
Lerona Mere grows strong and bright through the eminence of the Wondrous Forests of the Night - the ordinarily pastoral landscapes become even moreso, suffused with the light of the evening sun, and the flourishing of vineyards, grain, and flowers alike. In the cities and townships of Lerona Mere, many find themselves going to sleep with full stomachs and fuller hearts at the prospect of better things to come.
All Wilderness and Herb Garden Investments in Lerona Mere produce two extra measures of their most commonly produced materials. This effect ends at the start of the next event.
Fill My Lungs With Sweetness
The blessings of Panoply continue to wind their way through The Concord, floating idly towards Bolsterlee along the Legionnaires Road not unlike pollen on the breeze. The woody smell of heather, hardy and evergreen, lines the road as fur would line a cloak, blanketing the typically grey-shaded landscape in hues of mauve and amethyst.
Bayward, these heathers join with trailing shrubs of cranberries, the fruits’ sweet, tart scent mingling with the salted air drifting inland from The Bay of Promised Gold. In these hardy grasslands, the foliage grows softer, kinder, almost as if inviting the people of Bolsterlee to sit for a moment, while the sun’s gentle light promises to keep them warm. More than a few families take the offered opportunity, setting picnics of savoury and sweet pies upon emerald grasses or golden shores, watching the light breeze create tapestries out of the scant clouds above.
In Strivington, the warmth of the sun in winter is felt with every cold flagon of ale passed over the bar of The Striving, many patrons of the tavern choosing to sit and drink in the streets, together, while watching the children of the town form elaborate games over the full span of the bridge. When called to eat, nearly all of these children engage in ever-so clandestine trades of freshly-plucked strawberries and blueberries under long wooden tables, claiming to be far too full to finish their supper, red and purple stains upon their grinning cheeks.
Following the flowing waters, both the highward and bayward shores sprout shrubs of rosemary and thyme that form fragrant foliage for deer to graze upon, naught but the burbling sound of the River to disturb them. This peace continues out into the ocean, with what seems like all of Jaalstead taking a deep breath before casting their fishing line out into The Bay of Promised Gold. Even after what should, at this time of year, have passed into the chill of a winter evening, still the fishermen sit, enjoying the last few bites of their dinner and the sun’s rays on their skin. Despite the salted ocean, the opportunity present in the air has never smelt sweeter.
Game Information
The typically hardened grasslands and dwindling productions of Bolsterlee in winter are invigorated by the Wondrous Forests of the Night, while the cold bite of winter’s wind is kept at bay. Bolsterlee is spared the worst of the seasonal storms that blow up from the south. Jettys and dry docks that would normally be wracked by gale winds and lightning are lightly drenched but otherwise unscathed. The people of Bolsterlee find themselves celebrating the circumstances both together and apart, either in warm community or peaceful solitude. No one wishes to squander the opportunity to relish in phenomenal food and wonderful weather, and so they don’t.
All Wilderness and Herb Garden Investments in Bolsterlee produce two extra measures of their most commonly produced materials. This effect ends at the start of the next event.
In the Embrace of the Loved
The Winter Season in Windholme is normally one of cold rains, overflowing and icy rivers, snow and harsh winds. A common experience in the life of the High Valley, one that generations have built traditions around despite the difficulty it can bring. Yet through the powers of Panoply and the efforts of The Concord, this Season is one that would be recorded by Sagites for what it would mean to the people of Windholme. Warmth washes over the High Valley this winter.
As the weeks turn to months, the snow drifts and cold downpours never appear, instead replaced by light rains and temperate winds. Where normally the hills beneath the mountains would be covered in a blanket of stark white, they instead wave a verdant green all across the valley. The streets are clear of ice turned to mud, and doors are unblocked by the usual snowy culprits, allowing children to play as they wish rather than sulk inside. Families gather in comfort by choice, sharing in each other’s lives rather than being forced to huddle for warmth.
Stews and soups are shared across Boroughs, rather than kept to individual homes. Bowls and cups are handed out as food becomes more accessible in the Valley winter than it has ever been before. Travel between towns is in no way cut off or impossible, rather it feels perhaps easier than even in many Summer Seasons, encouraging visits by family members who expected to be separated for many months. The people of Windholme find themselves sharing in the warmth of community and each other, blessed and provided for by each other in ways that none could have expected.
The Vale of Stags, normally quiet and cold in the harsh Winter weather, remains lush and comforting to those that seek the peace beneath its boughs. The deer within its borders calmly graze, under no threat of the hunt while the Valley continue to share so openly with one another. The people of Heinsgraf and Brakkenloh find the time to relax with one another, sharing tales of peaceful sleep and calming dreams where normally they would simply hope to share a warm fire.
Those that find themselves at Deorlings Citadel are treated to great feasts within its ancient halls, warmed by great fires and the comfort of companions. The usual coldness that plagues its stones easily forgotten amidst the golden rays of sun that shine through clouds carrying little water. Those that stand atop its great walls and look across The High Valley see a beautiful sight that any ancestor would be jealous to have missed, and a great many artists draw, write and compose pieces that would one day become history.
Even in the eves of The Steinvault Mountains, a raiding enemy stops to pick bountiful herbs and berries before returning back to their hidden homes.
Game Information
The Wondrous Forests of the Night pass through the mountains of Windholme, taking with them any winter chill that threatens its people. Comfortable and temperate weather replaces a harsh and cold expectation, allowing the people of The High Valley to gather and share in what would usually be a time of solitude. No town is inaccessible, no place too hard to get to, no family member trapped and alone during the Winter Season. The people of Windholme gather in their Boroughs and communities, and together they experience a truly pleasant winter that not a single soul has seen before this moment.
All Wilderness and Herb Garden Investments in Windholme produce two extra measures of their most commonly produced materials. This effect ends at the start of the next event.
To Grow Within the Breadbasket
Each of Weiland’s Duchies would usually contend with the Winter Season in their own unique way, salvaging what can be saved and preparing for the bountiful Summer Season to come. It can at times be difficult for a people that rely so heavily upon the grain they grow. But as the days cool and the people prepare for winter, the expected chill never comes. Shorter days see beautiful golden skies with the rising and setting sun, occasionally blocked by light clouds but rarely hidden.
The usual frost of winter does not overcome the fields of Heartsgrave beneath this warm sun. In the fields, farmers continue to till, plant, and harvest where normally they would be forced to watch their stores. This abundance of crop is unheard of, even in the kindest of winters, and there is little the people of Heartsgrave can do but take full advantage of the opportunity. Weiland Township finds itself full of markets and stalls as the people of Bordevar trade openly beneath the kindly sun, the smell of baked goods filling its streets well into the winter.
In Everguarde, the land finds itself an opportunity to slowly heal from its grievous wound. The Crystal Maw does not knit itself together, its stone flesh still torn apart, but instead finds its surrounds blanketed in acres of bright violets. These purple flowers quickly become worn by the people of Carningsfield, a meaningful attempt to take back from the great Maw that wreaked havoc throughout the Duchy. These violets fill much of Everguarde, including the waters of Lake Ladure, normally frozen over but instead reflecting the light of the sun across its cool waters.
Even in Starscar, the Duchy of Ash, life pushes its way through the lands of charcoal. Shrubs once again appear in the Lenscaster Hills, growing where once light greenery hid, but now ashy and grey. Even the occasional tree grows, nowhere near replacing those that preceded it, forming with leaves of grey and as if barked in charcoal. These strange growths of nature, a product of the flames that burnt through the land, come to be known by the ever-articulate people of Arbington as Burnt Barks, and may one day grow to be a part of the very culture of Starscar.
Perhaps stranger still is how the Wolfden Woods, decreed to be logged in full by Duke Aylan Portless, provides for Bordevar more than any could have guessed. With each swing of the woodsman's axe, another needs to quickly take its place before the wood can seek to grow and heal itself. Even after months of hard work and many hands, the Wolfden finds itself seeming barely touched despite the tonnes of wood gathered from it. These logs and raw woodland material find their way all across Weiland, from the pyres of Starscar to the dam of Everguarde, wherever they are needed or wanted while still maintaining the origin in full.
In these difficult times, the people of Bordevar gather together to appreciate that which the light of gold has granted them in this warm Winter Season, and the future looks that little bit less bleak.
Game Information
The Duchies of Weiland thrive under the golden growth of the Wondrous Forests of the Night. Fields of wheat and grain grow despite the Winter Season in Heartsgrave, Lake Ladure remains unfrozen, Everguarde fills with violets, and even Starscar sees nature return after so much time. The Wolfden Woods continue to grow and grow despite the intent to entirely log it, but this strangely provides the region with all the wood it could possibly wish for, in dire need in some places. Despite its recent maladies, there are scarce few within The Kingdom of Bordevar that do not feel cheer and warmth throughout Weiland this winter.
All Wilderness and Herb Garden Investments in Weiland produce two extra measures of its most commonly produced materials. This effect ends at the start of the next event.
Plant Your Hope With Good Seeds
The Greenweald seeming to grow during the Winter Season is not a new phenomena; as the air grows colder and damper, and the skies stay darker for longer, many woodcutters find the call of their warm homes much more alluring than the grim treeline beyond. To contend with the foliage that forms their protector and their prison is a Greenwealder’s lot in life, but that lot is much more difficult to stomach when one is soaked to the bone, and yearning to lay down in front of a blazing fire.
So when there is news from others in The Concord that their plants are growing at an exponential rate, unstopped by the chopping of axes or the foraging of hands, it feels as though every Greenwealder begins to hold their breath, waiting for the inevitable. Perhaps to feed what can often be The Greenweald Baronies’ most ardent adversary, the Weald itself, was a fool's errand.
And so, it is to many folks a great surprise when what is typically a malevolent, writhing mass of dark, thorned branches is comparatively quiet - rather than scream, the winds echo haunting lullabies through the rustling leaves, and the branches begin to grow buds of cloying bouquets.
Almost overnight, the borders of Wolstad are pressed ever closer, not by the biting of beasts or the gouging of great trees, but by masses of small vines and flowers, flowing over the earth and eroding the cobblestones like water through flooded plains. These vines wrap themselves around most of the structures in the city, covering the Weltschmerz Abbey with white and yellow lillies, their bright blooms carrying their perfume upon the warm breeze. The Gravetree, a lone figure bathed in sun, grows its first buds in centuries, blue petals falling from its branches almost immediately, as if the tree itself is crying for its lost comrades.
A similar sentiment is felt in the township of Eisen itself, with the banks of the Eisen River flourishing with growths of white roses that, oddly, seem to hold no thorns upon their stems, along with strangely-soft holly leaves bearing bright red berries. Despite their parents’ warnings, many a children in Eisen succumb to the temptation of their ripe scarlet fruit, and when they complain of an exhaustion with the sun still present in the sky, their stomachs full to burst, all fear the worst. But The Coinmaster would not be so cruel in their gifts, and even the hostile heart of The Weald cannot bear so much bad fruit - rather than falling into an unending sleep, as many feared, the children simply sleep through the night and awake the next morning with dreams of unending fields of golden flowers.
And in Krezenberg, the shadows of the Weald grow in number, but not in malevolence; although the trees stand tall and towering even more so than before, it is not cold to stand in their shade. Even when the roots of these great forms begin to burrow their way beneath the Baronial Quarters and the Old Krezenberg Monastery, the cracks that form are so quickly filled with hardened branches knotted into the stone work that it looks as though they had been there since the Weald first grew.
In any other realm, these growths would be a sign of prosperity - a clear indication that the golden light of Panoply was shining upon them. But in the strangely warm air of the Weald, many cannot help but see omens of the fall of civilization in miniature.
It is a boon, then, that the flourishing of so much flora allows for many in the towns of Resinderholz to remain at home - those who typically must fight their way through the Weald for days at a time to gather herbs or minerals find that, on most days, only an hour or so of searching is needed. Upon returning from their foraging, many enter their homes with stray leaves woven into their hair, or flowers tucked behind their ears. Or, in the case of some Wealdsages, their armour overflowing with nature’s bounties.
As families from Eisen to Wolstad sit together, bathed in the golden light of their fires, they sit peacefully, if not carefully. The Weald is still a force to be reckoned with - that much is never in question - but perhaps the reckoning can wait until tomorrow.
Game Information
The mass that is The Greenweald grows even stronger than it does in typical Winter Seasons, bolstered by the Wondrous Forests of the Night, flourishing with flora unknown to the Weald up until now. The people of Resinderholz find themselves caught - to ignore such a Spheric gift seems unwise, but so too does turning a blind eye to the Weald itself. And so, they enjoy what they can of this wondrous forest, trying to weigh up the ever-growing vines and flowers against the ease at which they can gather their goods and return home.
All Wilderness and Herb Garden Investments in Resinderholz produce two extra measures of their most commonly produced materials. This effect ends at the start of the next event.
Carried Far in Gentle Hands
For many people, the Andashi School of Gifts is the greatest centre of learning in The Concord. Some might argue that the De Re School of Embers competes, given its newer campus and out-of-the-box thinking. Those uninformed might argue The Shardcircle in Passage, whilst even fewer would argue The Heartsgrave Battle Academy or The Eisen College of War. But those who are truly in the know realise that Civisello and The School of Agriculture therein is on the cutting edge of cutting wheat.
As the enchantment flows through The Concord, that divine spiral of growth and wealth settles on Civisello moreso than anywhere else in The Tribelands. Every experiment across the many carefully measured plots flourishes, overflowing its bounds and sending the School into a panic. At first there is anger and befuddlement - how will the school’s administration judge these experiments? Don’t these foolish Priests realise that they have set back dozens of projects; important research that will assist many Andashi with growing crops to feed not only their families, but the whole Concord.
While these administrators panic, the workers rejoice - overflowing plots meant overflowing coin purses, with plenty of excess for a fine feast in the temperate winter breeze. Tables are dragged clear from storehouses and classrooms, festooned with produce that is roasted, fried, pressed and more. The spare coin buys wine, salt and meats from Mukarrem. People fleeing Obregon in search of water and relief find Civisello blessed by weekly feasts where all are welcome. It speaks to a fantasy world where there is no struggle to pull life from this uncaring sand. A world where every child is fed and every home enjoys the bounty of a land that loves them and cares for them as doting parents. What a wonderful fantasy.
Across the arc of The True Wilds and the Tanebar Sea the Nomadic Clans find themselves in significant bounty. The great herds graze easily and the next generations of cattle, goats and sheep enter this world with little danger or risk. Abqala, so recently healed by the hand of the late senator, Talitha El’Andash, is overflowing with life and people. The waters run clear and the honeysuckle blooms out of season. Children run barefoot among the stones and pools while adults take this time to rest.
In the wilds of The Tribelands the light of Panoply brings a warm sense of ease coupled with a drive to turn this ease into future greatness.
Game Information
The grace of the Wonderous Forests of the Night falls unevenly across The Tribelands, but is felt comfortingly. Even in Obregon, wracked by the crisis it currently feels, the grace of easily found food and pleasant weather is a boon.
All Wilderness and Herb Garden Investments in The Tribelands produce two extra measures of their most commonly produced materials. This effect ends at the start of the next event.
And In Celebration We Find Some Peace
As if to be at the tail end of a spiral, it is in Mukarrem that the blessed powers of Panoply come to a rest at last. Those travelling along The Salt Road from The Tribelands in the early evenings are greeted with a spectacle of golden light, the great grass plains of the Priado Expanse flowing in the temperate winds and awash with the warmth of the evening sun. Hardy wildflowers sprout along the soon-to-be well-travelled road, showing colours of yellows, violets and blues to those that stop to admire them.
With the sheer number of travellers heading towards Nazafeza and its new port, it is impossible not to find at least someone to share space with. An air of excitement and joy flows as easily as conversation between friends and strangers alike, campfires dotting the landscape when night falls. Even those who come ill-prepared find plenty who are willing to share the abundance of food they carried for the people of Nazafeza, creating short-lived and long-lasting friendships in equal measure.
Those that take the time to simply look over the calm plains see various herds of wild goats and cattle grazing on plentiful berry shrubs. Regardless of where one looks, nothing can be seen but the natural beauty of a land normally so tough and uncaring. Perhaps through the great powers of Panoply and the caring actions of the Heroes of The Concord can a golden light finally be shed on the beauty of a land so often forgotten and uncared for, save its mysteries.
Even in the Mitricasa Rise, for those who find reason to travel through and beyond it, can the powers of the great Ceremony be found. Saplings see years upon years of growth in just a few short days, truly expanding their size and the shades they grant upon the lands of Mukarrem. Even the numerous beasts that call these loose woods home find themselves sated and less aggressive over sources of food, maintaining their territories with strength granted only by full bellies.
For a short while, those who find themselves halfway to Nazafeza can see the far forms of a Bordevarian army, making camp a short distance from what must be the site of The Idrian Cabal. While none dare to approach, the far site appears as a cursed mark in an otherwise beautiful visage, instilling a deep feeling of anxiety and discomfort. But whatever lies within its borders is not for simple travellers to contend with, and so moving on is a simple yet relieving choice.
As the days continue and The Salt Road eventually turns from hard-packed dirt to its white painted and crumbled stones, the Southern Great Trade Sea fills the horizon. The deep blue of the ocean seems to blend seamlessly with the white-gold beaches that grasp the coastline, broken only by the recovering yet distant town of Nazafeza. Here are the final notes of the glorious Divine song, and the source of the great celebrations to come. Nazafeza will see the support of an enormous number of Concordians in the few months since the last Summit, finally receiving the dear support from the Spheres and their Heroes they so desperately begged for.
The most memorable of such unifying moments comes in the unveiling of the new port. The great wooden and cloth arch is revealed to the massive cheers of thousands as Big Bev’s Bay is finally completed and its piers opened to the world. The evening of its naming is to become a tradition of the people of Nazafeza, filled with raucous celebration and a festival of food. The Night Festival, a grand display of food and drink, gives opportunity for all of The Concord to share their unique cultures and traditions with each other through a method not often so publicly displayed. It was in this chance to share that The Night Festival finds itself a staple of Nazafeza, Big Bev’s Bay and the people who call both home.
Truly, the people of Mukarrem are finally given a chance to share in the glory of unity.
Game Information
The great powers of the Wondrous Forests of the Night find themselves at a beautiful end in the land of Mukarrem, a greatly needed relief for all that call it home. At the same time, a huge number of Concordian heroes bring supplies to Nazafeza, followed by a mass of people who wished to follow the lead of those that they respect and look up to. Over the course of the Winter Season, thousands of people travel along The Salt Road and visit Nazafeza and the new Big Bev’s Bay, lending whatever aid they possibly can at the time.
The Night Festival, a new tradition unique to Nazafeza and its people, is created in honour of the new port and efforts of The Concord. A massive festival of food, drink and celebration, the people of Nazafeza would hold The Night Festival once a week, setting up markets and stalls along whatever street can hold them. The people of Nazafeza finally, after so many years of strife and difficulty, feel a breath of relief.
All Wilderness and Herb Garden Investments in Mukarrem produce two extra measures of their most commonly produced materials. This effect ends at the start of the next event.