Actions 1 + 2: What's over the horizon?

Weight: 2

Description: The two kings have met and decided that it would be of significant value for the nation of Celpalar to find out what is on the islands to both the south and east of their central island. They will be sending two fleets, one to the islands to the east, and another to the islands to the south. Their purpose will be to make more exact maps of the islands, including harbors and potential places for settlements.

Difficulty: Easy

Objectives: Exploration fleet one sails to eastern islands Exploration fleet one maps islands Exploration fleet one explores potential colony sites Exploration fleet two sails to eastern islands Exploration fleet two maps islands Exploration fleet two explores potential colony sites

Results: (I changed the islands explored from eastern and eastern to western and southern--there are no major islands east of Celpalar) Diff(+) + Weight(+) + Dice(--+0) = +1 Success The first fleet meets with great success, finding many potential colony sites and mapping the western islands. On some isles, the ruins of ancient cities, dating back to the time of the Avaerans are found, but they were largely looted long ago. The second fleet, however, has less success. While some possible colony sites were found, several ships and crews were lost, and the exploration one island in particular so terrorized the crews that they will not willingly speak of it. [It's been previously established, Kevin, that one of those large islands south of Celpalar is the tomb of Maracor, the Celandran god of the undead. Not a place you want to colonize.]

Action 3: Let's see if this will keep them out

Weight: 1

Description: After the embarrassing destruction of their magical barrier by the wizards of Mir, the kings decided that it would be wise to create some new home defenses. They met with their councils and decided that because magic alone had not worked in the past, they would now try a combination of mechanics and magic to keep invaders away from the mainland. They requested that local smiths and magicians work together to build a chain. The smiths will forge the chain while the magicians infuse it with magical energy to increase its strength. The chain is to be used as a defensive structure in to seal off the harbors of the main cities of Maelmor and Areneth.

Difficulty: Normal

Objectives: Forge the chain Infuse the chain with magical power Build winch towers at the mouths of the harbors Set the chains in the mouths of the harbor

Results: Diff(0) + Dice(+0++) = +3 Superior Success The harbor chains are forged, enchanted and installed. An unexpected bonus is that the enchantments are activateable: at a command word, the chains can become totally rigid and inflexible--nothing short of more powerful magic can cut them in that state. The magic also leaks into the water, creating a field that will paralyze anyone trying to climb over or swim under the chains.

Action 4: Time to help some old friends

Weight: 1

Description: By word of mouth from their merchants, the people of Celpalar have found that the nation of Aryisa has been attacking some of its neighbors. The kings have decided that this would be a perfect opportunity to reestablish/increase their presence in the kingdoms of midsea. They will send a flotilla of ships to the Razanian kingdoms along with a diplomat. The diplomat will say something to the effect of, "We are here to once again honor our old alliance. The kingdom of Celpalar has sent these troops in order to aid in the defense of your lands against the reckless neighbors to the south."

Difficulty: Normal

Objectives: Send 3/4ths of Celpalar's standing army by boat to Razanian kingdoms Rely on old relations to convince Razanian kingdoms to allow the troops to land peacefully Establish a defensive base on the southern end of Razanian kingdom

Results: Diff(0) + Dice(+-+0) = +1 Success The Razanians, for the most part, are grateful for any help they can get against Aryisa. The army ends up establishing its base in the Kingdom of Taranta, which is currently the hardest-pressed by Aryisa, rather than in one of the southern kingdoms. Celpalar's agents report that the Kingdom of Sout is in negotiations with the Sedonians of establishing a Sedonian naval base in that country. The Arysian reaction to Celpalar's move is to demand the withdrawal of Celpali troops from Taranta or face a declaration of war.

Action 5: Is anybody still there?

Weight: 1

Description: Even though Celpalar is completely self-sufficient, its leaders understand the prudence of having good relations with other nations. For this reason they have decided to reestablish trade with some of the neighbors to the west. The Council has decided that they will begin by approaching Rhudyn and Aiexlsydon because they are the only ones on teh east coast of midsea. This makes them the easist to contact. Each country will receive a ship of pharmaceutical agents created from supplies in the forests of Golaren, along with a few arms and armor crafted by the master smiths of Celpalar. A diplomat will also be sent with each ship to help initiate trade relations.

Difficulty: Easy

Objectives: Establish trade with Aiexlsydon Establish trade with Rhudyn

Results: Diff(+) + Extra(-) + Dice(--+0) = -1 Failure Both Aixelsydan and Rhudyn are in the process of recovering from a bloody war with the invading Ice Demons. While the pharmaceuticals are welcome, given the numbers of wounded soldiers, neither country has much to offer in return.

-- Kevin Bourne - 17 Aug 2006