Events for 1443

Mir [-3]: Mir looses one of its dragons. A Dragon Rider - each dragon had two wizards specifically trained to handle it - does not return from a practice flight with the dragon.

Visions, part VII:

Winona circled around the hill far below her several times before she let her great mount land on it. This was as much for show as for identifying the best place to land; it was never a bad idea to emphasize her power and value to her "superiors" - a lesson she had learned early in life.

The dragon landed on a small field beside an ancient ruin. The ruin had long ago been an outpost - a watch-tower with a small garrison - of the Cedonian Empire. Nowadays, it served mainly occational sheep-herders and smugglers.

A tall man stepped away from the shadow of the ruin, and walked a bit closer. He had a long pole - maybe 8 feet long - in his hand, and a long cloak which covered everything except his head, which was bald and had a pair of long elvish-looking ears.

"Sourceress Winona, come here, let me see you properly!" he called.

"Prince Habar. It is Rider Winona, if it pleases You. And no, thank You, I'd rather stay up here, just in case", Winona gave the dragon a small kick, and the dragon spurted a small trickle of flame towards the man. "Purry here can be quite reckless at times. And besides, if I would step to the ground, my protection would break and my masters in Mir would find me."

"They will never find you, nor me, nor the dragon. Not through the veils that I have drawn around us. But very well, let us proceed to the next phase. We need to enter the Dreaming, and I know but one gate large enough. It is far away, in the north, in Elyria. Let us go there", and the prince raised his pole high in the air and begun an incantation.

"No, stop, Your Highness", Winona shouted. "You can't transport the dragon."

"How dare you interrupt me! Your pitiful human limitations does not concern me. I'm a Prince of the Faerie!"

"I beg Your pardon, Your Highness. But nobody can transport a dragon. It is against their Nature."

The prince was quiet for a while, then walked briskly to the dragon, and climbed to sit mounted on a second saddle behind Winona. "Very well, let us ride there, then."

Grinning, Winona drew the reins in her hands, and the dragon rose to the air.

The flight took two days, first over the northern deserts of the Qaiyore, and then over a great ocean, straight to north-east. Finally, they reached a string of islands, and at the end of the same day, a great continent. Flying high in the sky they soon reached a range of high hills a hundred miles inland, and there they landed in a remote valley. The prince led the way to a huge cliff forming one side of the valley. When they come near it, the face of the cliff suddenly opened revealing a huge cavern inside - and a huge portal shaped like a half-circle rippling in the middle of the cavern.

"There. I'm afraid the dragon has to crawl a bit, but I'm confident it will fit through it."

"Hmmm...", Winona said. The portal was biggest she had ever seen, it was large enough to allow a full-loaded wagon to drive through easily, but it still looked small for the dragon. "I suppose so, but it will take some doing."

It did. It was easy enough to get the dragon inside the cavern, but first it did not want to go even near the portal, and after that the physical maneuvering through the portal was a challange.

On the other side of the portal, the Prince's men waited. They greeted the Prince enthusiastically, and immediately began preparing another portal. This one was vast: a full circle several hundred feet across that hung in high in the air.

"Rider Winona. Through that portal we will go to another world. First you, me and the dragon, and later all of my household."

Winona had already assumed as much, looking at the piles of goods and packages laid on the ground around them.

"Your Highness plans to use my dragon as a beast of burden?"

"Yes. Come, let us go and find out what's on the other side."

Again, the prince settled behind Winona, they took to the air, made a full circle, and then flew directly through the portal.

They come through high in the air. There were green woods beneath, dotted by occational open spaces, and a serpentine river crawling through the woods towards the horizon. There was something strange about the horizon, but Winona could not put her finger on what it was exactly.

"Ah, magnificient!" exclaimed the prince.

Suddenly, the dragon started a rapid rise. Winona grabbed the reins, but they had no effect on the beast. Higher and higher they rose. The prince shouted something, but Winona could not make out the words - the wind swept them away. And then the dragon twisted, the saddles broke loose and together with the prince, Winona fell.

The ground was far away, but it was coming near fast. A strange peace of mind came over Winona, and suddenly she realised what had been wrong with horizon: it was too near. From high, the world appeared a sphere, like Celandra, but it was a much smaller sphere, and irregularly shaped. A cry broke Winona's observation, and she turned her head just in time to see the dragon release its fiery breath upon the prince. The prince had no defence against it, and was burned to cinders. The dragon dove effortlessly in the air around Winona.

"This is it", Winona thought bitterly as she waited for the same doom. "The fate of Rider, the one we always dared not talk about; that the dragons would turn against us."

Neck extended, the dragon swooped in, closer, closer, but instead of burning her away, gently took her in its claws, and when the ground came closer, gently dropped her to an open field, and landed close by.

Winona laid on the ground breathing hard, and could think of nothing.

On the other side of the portal, the prince's men waited.

Actions for Cedonia

Action submission

Action 1: New Beginnings Weight: Single

Description: With the new government of the United Provinces solidly established, the Council decides to send new ambassadors to nearby neighbors. New ambassadors are sent to Kaeir, Mir, Taltheran, Tanimbar, Vizinia, Zelkor, Burcancy, Parglug, Milakanur, and Aixelsydan, while consulates are to be established in several of the Free Cities. A special embassy, headed by a senior Priest of Lucia, is sent to contact the Eerith. Every major ambassador is accompanied by a cleric of Lucia; if asked directly, the embassies will acknowledge the Lucians' powers of truthsaying, but this information is not volunteered.

Difficulty: Normal

Factors: Player societies may react as they see fit; this action is directed more at the NP Societies out there.

Action 2: Curses! Weight: Single

Description:

"ARRGH!" Raden Ghere roared in frustration and kicked his brass wastebasket across his office. "I'm telling you, Ardin, there are days I think this project must be cursed! First, the problems with ore quality. Then the smelter collapses in an earthquake, due to shoddy materials. Then bandits strike the ore caravans. And now, the second smelter, built by a completely different contractor, collapses in a second earthquake. An earthquake, which I might add, caused no other damage! It's enough to make a grown man cry."

Ardin Vellin, Prime Minister of Cedonia, said, "Say that again, Raden."

"What, enough to make a grown man cry?"

"No, about the project being cursed. I think you may be more right than you know. Do you have the original survey report from the first expedition we sent to the mines?"

Raden nodded. "Yes, I think I do." He went over to a large scroll-rack/filing-cabinet and searched for a moment, before pulling out a thick sheaf of parchements and a large scroll of paper. "Here they are, Captain Kadren's report to the Council and Olphes' site survey." Returning to his desk, Raden handed the report to Dr. Vellin, then unrolled the map on his desk. "Do you think we missed something in the original survey?"

Ardin began to examine the report carefully. "Maybe. I seem to remember that the report said . . . here it is. 'While the mine shafts and their contents were in excellent condition and repair, aside from some water damage to stored equipment, the buildings aboveground had largely been razed by fire. Based on prevailing winds and the pattern of damage, the fires probably began in Building A-1 or A-2, then was spread by the wind to most of the other buildings, leaving only C-13, C-14, and C-16 untouched.'"

Raden turned to the map. "Well, according to the survey map key, the buildings labeled with 'C' were barracks, stores, and a mess hall. The 'B' group of buildings were ore sorting and processing. The 'D' group of buildings were the mine offices. The 'A' group . . . hmm, according to the key, the 'A' group was housing for mine clerks and management, but Building A-2 is marked 'Unknown Purpose'." He stared at the map. "You know, Building A-2 is the only one facing east, it and A-1 are set some distance apart, it was one of the largest buildings in the complex, and it's the only building with a collonade."

Ardin smiled grimly. "A temple of some sort, do you think?"

"It seems likely," replied Raden. "Wasn't there also something in the report about markings in front of the mine shafts, something scratched into the rock?"

"Yes, there was . . . odd symbols. Not identifiable, but Captain Kadren did take a rubbing, and attached it to the report." Dr. Vellin frowned. "It says here that after they found the markings, the native guides they had hired refused to enter the mine."

Raden lifted the map off his desk and rummaged under it. "I have a report here, somewhere, from the mine manager we sent last spring. He wrote recently, complained that he'd been unable to hire any local labor . . ." Raden pulled out a rather crumpled letter and glanced at it. "He writes that the Kasovians refuse to go into the mines, saying, quote, 'the darkness underground is the home of Demerhaze and her Night Children, and men disturb them at their peril,' end quote. He adds that there have been a few mysterious disappearences in the deeper shafts."

Ardin sat back. "I think that Building A-2 was a temple, set up by the original miners, and I bet that the mines were probably blessed, also. When the Shanari invaded and things fell apart, one of the Kasovian mountain tribes probably decided to loot the mine complex."

Raden nodded. "They would have destroyed the temple, and marked the mines as the dominion of their goddess. That leaves us with the problem of figuring out which god that temple was consecrated to."

"Yes . . . Torronir, perhaps?"

"No, that doesn't feel quite right somehow. Torronir is the god of craftsmen and artisans. I'd think that miners would pick a god closer to the earth."

"Good point." Raden walked over to the window of his office. "Well, you know that they say you can find just about any religion in Thalcedon, brought here from the lands we conquered in the days of the Old Empire, along with loot, slaves, and ethnic cooking."

Ardin laughed. "True enough. I have friends in the Comparative Religion Department at the University; I'm sure they can tell us to whom that temple belonged."

"As long as they can also tell us which god is cursing us," replied Raden Ghere soberly.

* * *

Having becoming suspicious of the run of bad luck plaguing the metallurgy project, Cedonia's leaders decide to investigate the possibility that somewhere along the line, they offended a deity. Step One: find out which god or gods is responsible, by consulting with the many priesthoods in the city, and with the scholars at the University.

If there is a curse on the project, next year they will try removing it.

Difficulty: Normal (0)

Factors: While Cedonia as a whole has poor religious diversity, the city of Thalcedon, as the former imperial capital, has a rather more diverse religious population. The presence of the University and its faculty and library also provide considerable help in researching the problem.

Action 3: Turn up the Pressure.

Weight: Double

Description: After the assassination of General Zenos, most of his army dispersed. However, a solid core of his forces retreated in good order to Zenos' fortress in the southwest. The forces under the Duke of Caladyn did not immediately pursue in force, as they were still reorganizing. Now, their reorganization is complete, and the Duke orders them to besiege the remnant of Zenos' army.

Difficulty: Easy

Factors: The new government is now supporting the Duke's army, while the remnant of Zenos' army is short on supplies and leadership

Fudge Points: 1

The strategic action is suspended for this turn while the possibility of a curse is investigated

Action resolution

Action 1: New Beginnings

Resolution: Diff = Normal (0) + Dice (++-0) + Extras () = +1 Success

Results: All countries acknowledge the new government in Cedonia and welcome their ambassadors. While all are polite, the relations to some countries are less than cordial - the republican ideas are not that welcome in most of them.

Interpretation:

The Republic of Kaeir is overjoyed at the Cedonian news, and immediately dispatches a new mission to Cedonia, to better establish political and commercial ties. A small group of ships leave Port Kaeir under much fanfare, the Under-Secretary of the Information Secretariat, Smaed von Keltelaath, who is Lord Karl von Kahshaar's right man in the Secretariat, representing the Senate and being the highest ranking Kaeirean delegation to date to visit Cedonia.

The mission's mandate from the Senate is to establish better relations with Cedonia, and to give assistance if needed.

Action 2: Curses!

Resolution: Diff = Normal (0) + Dice (++0-) + Extras () = +1 Success

Results: Yes. The efforts have indeed been sabotaged. The exact identity (or identities) is not reveiled (the clues seem to point to various directions), but now that the nature of the threat is clear, it is possible to deploy proper protections. The difficulity of the project drops to 'Normal' for the remainder of the project.

Interpretation:

Action 3-4: Turn up the Pressure

Resolution: Diff = Easy (+1) + Dice (000, + (1fp)) + Extras (double: +1) = +3 Great success

Results: The late General's troops are true professionals, and loyal to the General to the last, but even so they have no chance against an expertly executed siege. With no real support from the population, the fanatically loyal expire in a fierce but futile breakout attempt, and the rest surrender.

Interpretation:

Actions for Ka'Shari

Action submission

Action 1: The dragons

Weight: Single

Description: The Taletemke'Shylni down at the dragons' island know that they are the key to our establishing a permanent homeland. It appears that we really need to establish a relationship with them -- begin observing the dragons; try to establish diplomatic as well as social relations with them. Avoid being fried or eaten. Other ships will approach only to keep this one well-supplied and offer replacement crew for those who need a new place.

Difficulty: I would suppose hard. We really don't know much about them, other than the fact they've decided to tolerate our presence.

Factors: Encourage the people to send suggestions via their Taletemke'Shylni (who, I hope, would filter their numbers to a reasonable level). We were sent by the Goddesses, which may count for something. There may even be some kind of fateful reason (destiny) for our being here. The people should be eager to support it.

Ideal results: Diplomatic relations established with the dragons at Fair or better. The worst results might include one ship eaten.

Action 2-3: Magical studies, strategic action (turn 1 of many, I'm sure)

Weight: Double

Description: The long road to developing our communications technique points out the disadvantages of a widely dispersed population. Ask the Taletemke'Shylni to bend some of their efforts towards reducing those distances somewhat, but mostly towards increasing their already high level of Authority over the oceans, distance, and speed. (Increase Magical Sophistication)

Difficulty: Hard, I'm sure. We already have adequate sophistication, but there's ample room for improvement.

Factors: Prevalence is low (Essence; Fair, Authority: Mediocre), so the number of researchers is limited. But our Sophistication is already good. We also have contact with many different cultures, which should mitigate against our own low level of diversity. They have also recently begun to master a difficult and powerful new communication technique, which should help people consider many new ideas. Adric will also note that the Mirrish sorcerers have been known to use their own Authority where it might not have been welcome, and they are so wrapped up in their search for power that they can't be trusted.

Goal of the research: Increase Authority Sophistication to Great. An interim result might be a slightly increased maximum ship speed or a better method for navigating shoals.

Action 4: Expand Trade

Weight: Single

Description: The Night Light fleet has been busy building infrastructure for some years. They've been forced to work with Bra'anath and others in political situations where they have little experience, and many of them are itching to just go and do what they are best at: Trade. Numbering some 10 ships, that's just what they will do: carry grain to Mir, magical herbs to Kaeir, metals to East Torphan, spices from the Free Cities, and so on. Some support will no doubt come from the Far Horizon fleet, as they have many times as many ships and often help to show the Ka'Shari ways are valuable to outsiders.

Difficulty: Normal

Factors: Our own skill with trade (it is one of our secondary orientations, and a major source of income). We already have decent relations with most of those races, although Mir is using us as a scary example. (And note we are willing to trade with them: just not the rare items. Since they've made it clear they'll abuse us to get them (Bra'anath's perspective), we won't bring any to them). With maybe 50 trading ships all told (many of which are not primarily trading ships), we represent a sizeable market -- but not one that will make a major impact on a nation's economy except in the case of some luxuries.

Goal: Increased income via trade (we've been spending money, and the Night Light folks are our main source of income. They need to stay on top of things).

Action resolution

Action 1: The dragons / communication

Resolution: Diff = Hard (-1) + Dice (---0) + Extras () = -4 Severe failure

Results: The Sage (Taletemke'Shylni?) on board the ships desperately tries to find a way to contact the Dragons. Driven by a faint glimmer of hope from the first contact, he tries to find the answer from the communications magic. One morning, he is found from his cabin in a catatonic state. Soon after, he whithers away and dies.

It is not until two months after this when the supply ship arrives that the news gets circulated back to the rest of Ka'Shari. At least, it is a relief that the scout ship is still intact. The sage from the supply ship decides to stay on the scout ship as a replacement.

Interpretation:

Bra'anath shook his head sadly as the news from the ship resupplying the Dragon Ship reached him. "I know the Goddesses have told us to seek out the dragons to find a homeland, but how can we communicate with them?" he asks. "Unless simply knowing them and having them in our lives would be sufficient? We certainly can't afford the loss of more Sages. Please, be sure they all know what happened this time -- clearly, direct communication with them is beyond a mortal mind's ability. Unless we can come up with a means to filter that communication to a more bearable level, it's simply a very difficult way to commit suicide."

The Guide of the Ka'Shari was silent for a while afterwards. Silently, he went to the side of his ship to help with trimming the sails to rendezvous with a Mirrish ship. Only those nearest him could hear that he was murmuring something which sounded much like a prayer for inspiration to the Goddesses.

That evening, the Mirrish ambassador, titled 'White Robed Sorceress Minacantha', dined on the Ka'Shari ship. She and her party were treated with every courtesy, resplendent compared to the working clothes worn by Bra'anath and the others who seemed to be most listened to for advice. When asked why the Ka'Shari's sudden interest in dragons, Bra'anath shrugged, and said, "We seek a homeland. Our Goddesses have told us that it will be found through the great dragons -- and in no uncertain terms! So we have found /their/ homeland, but still have need of finding a way to understand them. Your book will be greatly appreciated."

Bra'anath's recorder, Adric, seemed eager to speak to the Mirrish people. The stone implanted in his forehead gleamed with a rich golden light whenever they looked at him. With their magickal sight, a constant background play of Strength, Wood, and Sea Authority flowed through it, as well as lesser energies: elemental and ancestral. "Can you tell me," he asked, somewhat diffidently, "if any of your people have heard the thoughts of the dragons? I know it can be dangerous to touch the minds of animals, but these creatures seem to be rather different from most animals." He failed to mention the fact that the dead Sage had done exactly that, at least to all appearances, but the true understanding of what that contact implied was still far beyond the grasp of himself or any of the Guide's ship's crew.

For the next several days, the Sorceress and Bra'anath spent much time together. The Guide's anger at Mir's mistreatment faded, although some heard him mention that 'Forgiveness is easy. But it will take real actions to forget.' Instead, he began making plans for a grand journey to Mir, with a cargo of rare spices and the hope to return with some of Mir's trade goods: cloth and magically hardened metals and woods. When the Mirrish delegation left, Bra'anath shook himself and asked, "So -- we were right that they let their personal politics mistreat a guest. But wrong that they didn't care. Do you think it might help with our own research? Or with trade? After all, Mir does attempt to control much of the trade which happens in the Midsea...."

Action 2-3: Magical studies

Resolution: Diff = Hard (-1) + Dice (00-+) + Extras (double: +1) = 0 Mixed

Results: (0,x,x,x,x,x,x,x,x,x)

Interpretation:

Action 4: Expand Trade

Resolution: Diff = Normal (0) + Dice (--00) + Extras () = -2 Failure

Results: Not a good year for trade, it seems. That, or the fact that shipping quantity goods (grain, ore) has very limited margins.

Interpretation:

Actions for Mir

Action submission

The Archmage was in a fowl temper. He marched through the great hall of the dragon barracks followed by his acoyltes and apprentices. The sorcerers, and the palace staff had quickly learned over the past week to stay out of his way. His normally calm fatherly expression had taken on it a scowl that hightened the scare by his right eye. Archmages who blessed Mir with growth or knowelgde or conquest were given title names and the Archmage Eubratosa had recieved the title of Father. Even now the Sorcerers and the army had discovered how true that statement was.

The granite floors of the hall echoed as the Archmages boot came in contact with the floor. The Archmages booted feet walked over the groves and holes that had been formed by centuries of dragons claws walking upon these floors.

The iron doors that opened into the Council hall swung open at the Archmages aproch. The Council Hall was a large room easly able to hold three dozen people easly. Bookcase were lined along two of the walls. These were full to overflowing with maps and journals and charts. Along the wall facing the door stood a large map of qaiyore, and all around it were other important maps.

There were four table in the room. A small one had been places in front of the large map with only a single chair behing it. There were three other tables set up with verious amounts of chairs at each table. The middle of the three already had the entire Council of Twelve setted around it. Then again every one was in there place. The summon had made clear tardiness was not to be excepted. The Archmage crossed the room to stand behing his chair. He watched as his apprentice and Acoyltes places there burden on his table and then with a bow quietly left. Shuting the door behind them.

The Archmage sat down scowling at the occupents of the room. The various members of the military that occupided two of the other three tables in the room did not dare look at Archmage, and many in the Council did not want to look either finding it more comforting to look at there notes, and other materials on the table.

The Counciler Haventh stood to bring the meeting to order, but before he could speak the Archmage spoke. "Sit down Haventh." The Archmage stood up. "We are going to skip the formalities and also the record." He said giving the scrib a glance. The scribe looked up with a suprised look. Then he nodded his head. He began to gather his ink, pens and parchment, and quietly slipped out the door.

The silence countined as the Archmage contined to look at the crowed before he spoke. "Why do we have a missing dragon?"

No one answeared.

"Well I don't like lossing things." The Archmage said. His frown still there.

Actions 1 & 2: Find the dragon or figure out what happened.

A Dragon has come up missing. The Archmage wants to find it. If they could find out what has happened to it that would be okay, but the main goal is to find the Dragon, and bring it back. The Coutrie training has been delayed this year so that they can help with the search.

The Archmage is pulling out everything he has. First he will be sending out a coutrie, and a Council member to search the route of the dragon. To see if anything happened along the route, and since these flights do not leave the isle of Celamyr that will not be hard follow. Two member will ride one of the dragons to look from the air and the others in the courtie, and the Council member will travel along the ground looking for signs. This includes looking for any magical residues of spells. That is were the Council Member comes handy. Second the is pulling out the Pedant of Truth and using it again (action 4 in 1415.) The Archmage is having Niotrosa and Warlord Ria uses the pedant of truth. They are to go using it and interviewing all of other dragon riders and also friends and relatives of the missing rider. They are going to work on rebuilding her activities for the past month before she disapered. The Archmage is going to be using the scepter of Mir to search for the dragon itself. The dragon has been called by the scepter before. There is another courtie at the

Primary Determent: Explotation Superb Secondary Determent: Magical Sophisication Legendary Defficulty: Hard -1 Weight: double (+1) Actors: The Archmage, Council, Coutries Serecy: yes Modifiers: Use all of my Fudge points on this action. (Including the points I get for this descriprion.)

Action 3: Figure out what is going on.

With the disaperance of a Dragon and the Ka'Shari sudden intrest in dragons, Mir wants to find out why. Mir send a delegation to the Ka'Shari to request answears as to why they are intrested in dragons. The Sorceress Minacantha, the head of the White Robes of the Brotherhood of Sorcery will lead the diplomatic expedition to find out information. There will be an apology, with an explanation, for the rude resecption of the Ka'Shari delgates several years back. They will also bring with them a handmade copy of the Counciler Thanta, a Council member under the Emperor Archmage Sharion II, "The Dragon, a study of these mighty beast life." She is also bringing and hand delivering a invitation to come attend the Archmage 100th birthday/ 20th year celebration of the End of the Sinari War next year. (Longer explanation at end of mail.) Also a request for information as why they were searching for information on dragons.

Primary Determent: Relations Secondary Determent:? Difficulty: Normal Weight: single Actors: The Warmages Serecy: Little Modifiers:

Action 4: Research of the Obeah or the Song. (2 of ? years.)

Grant is to countine leading the study of the Obeah. This year the Archmage has requested that they spend time studying something he has read about in Dioya's journal the ability of "Blood calling to Blood" He is hopeing that they will be able to develop this ability soon so that they could try to uses it to find the lost rider.

Primary Determent: Magic Diversity (Superb +3) Secondary Determent Magic Tolerance (Superb +3) Difficulty: Hard -1 Weight: Singal Actors: Eubratosa and the Sorcerers on the project. Serecy: Eubratosa does not keep it secret from the Brotherhood, nor the populas, but frowns on the spreading it until further knowelgde has been gained. Modifiers:

Side Note: I am not sure If this needs an action. But Mir puts on a "Public" look which is preparing for the celebration of the Archmages 100th birthday and the 20 year aniversity of the End of the Sinari War. They aren't doing anything special but just preparing the for the next year. If you want it as an action then here is the stuff. If not then don't worry about it

Action 5: Prepare for party

The general ideas for the party are prepared and the have the plans set for the party. At the end of the year an invitation to all the nations of Qaiyore will be sent inviting all of the monarchs, senators, and other head of goverments. (I will write the offical invitation, but want to get actions in know.)

Primary Determent: Wealth Great Secondary Determent: Resources Great Difficulty: Easy +1 (They are just laying the plans.) Weight: Singal Actors: One of White Robe Sorceress on the council has been put incharge. Serecy: none Modifiers:

If any question of who are being sent invitation. Aixelsydan Aryisa Bel'Adne Cedonia Celpalar East Torphan The Eerith Exquaestio Free Cities Hisaria Hria Kaeir The Ka'Shari Laria'rathi Milakanur The Morvali Parglug Razanians The Saraa Commonwealth Shanari Taltheran The Tana Tanimbar The Therani Torphan Videssia Vraa'al Zelkor

Action resolution

Action 1-2: Find the dragon

Resolution: Diff = Normal (0) + Dice (+-, fp=3: ++) + Extras (double: +1) = +3 Great success

Results: Neither Dragon nor its rider are located, but otherwise a pretty clear picture is reached; including the name and face of the employer.

Interpretation:

Winona was a top grade sourcerer - all of the riders are. She has no relatives. Plenty of collegues who liked her well enough, but no real friends. At least, no confidates. However, in a short order, the detective work uncovers what happened. Three months before the disappearance, Winona was contacted by a high-ranking Fairy called Prince Habar.

Some kind of deal was reached, and Winona started to wait for a possible window. Just one month before the disappearance Winona had acquired a large deposit of spell ingredients for blocking location and tracking magic.

Through secondary observations, the dragon's path was depicted as first leaving directly to west, and then across the Qaiyore continent directly to north-east. Apparently, this course continued, because the last reliable observation is from very far north-east where the protections were dropped. There, the dragon entered the Dreaming through a large portal.

Old lore tells of a continent called Elyria far north-east. According to new information, some fairy folk have lived there for several decades.

Action 3: Figure out what is going on

(I need Ka'Shari response on this...) Resolution: Diff = Easy (+1) + Dice (+--0) + Extras () = 0 Mixed results

Results: Apart from the kind of obvious - some kind of power struggle is going on in the Dreaming - only a few facts are obtained. The most important is that apparently dragons are the key that opens the locks to the place where everyone wants to go; or so many believe. They are needed either to enter/open it, or to find it, or possibly both.

Interpretation:

Action 4: Research of the Obeah or the Song

Resolution: Diff = Hard (-1) + Dice (---+) + Extras () = -3 Severe failure

Results: (+1,x,x,x)

Interpretation: Autumn storms in the Middle Sea prevent the group from leaving Mir by ship. Investigation of the 'Blood calling Blood' proves to be a dead end. Much time and effort is lost.

Action 5: Prepare for party

Resolution: Diff = Easy (+1) + Dice (00--) + Extras (extra: -1) = -2 Failure

Results: nothing special, just delays

Interpretation:

Actions for Kaeir

Action submission

Action: 1 Negotiations with the Taltherani Weight: Single Difficulty: Hard. Key Elements: Secretary-General of the Information Secretariat, Lord von Kahshaar. Taltherani "government"

In the wake of belligerent Taltherani hostility to the Kaeirean consolidation of the old North Tirmar province, Lord Karl von Kahshaar in his capacity as Senator and chief diplomat, takes the remarkable step of sailing to Tal City to personally negotiate the settlement of a Taltherani-Kaeirean border. Von Kahshaar insists that such a border mark the division between the Therani-speakers, who are by and large Taltherani, and the Western Midsea-speakers, who by and large in old Taltheran were Tirmari. In addition, von Kahshaar offers a complete normalisation of relations, including Taltherani merchants visiting Port Kaeir.

Action: 2 Title: Development of Panchayyah trade Weight: Single (2 of 2) Description: Building on the new found stability in Panchayyah after the Year of Victory, the colonial triumvirate initiates a program of trade development, sending trading expeditions to the many tribes and up the Rimriver in order to open up the region to trade and Kaeirean goods, and establish Rimrivertown as the main trade centre. Difficulity: normal. Key Elements: Rimrivertown colonial triumvirate Background factors: + Previous success in extending trade. + Panchayyah alliance. + Panchayyah stability. - New trade.

Action: 3 (2 of 4) Title: Rebuild Port Tirmaer Weight: Single Difficulty: normal. Key Elements: Provisional Dominion Council of Tirmaeir Provisional Pro-Consul of Tirmaeir, Lord Basiluddin. Senate. Background factors: + Fairly straight forward. - Logistical difficulties

Action: 4 (2 of 3) Title: The Consolidation of northern Tirmaer Weight: Single Difficulty: Hard Key elements: Provisional Pro-Consul of Tirmaeir, Lord Basiluddin. Provincial Dominion Council of Tirmaeir. Kaeirean Guard. Background factors: + Kaeirean victory + Stabilising influence + Popular image of the Republic + Influence of emigrant Tirmaeri Houses returning from Port Kaeir - Contrast with previous instability of Taltheran

Action: 5 (2 of 4) Title: Establishment of the University of Kaeir in the city of New Tirmaer. Weight: Single Difficulty: Normal Key Elements: Provisional Pro-Consul of Tirmaeir, Lord Basiluddin. Provincial Dominion Council of Tirmaeir. Senate. Background factors: + Action supported by moderate in Senate + Boost to city of New Tirmaer (moral and economic)

Action resolution

Action 1: Negotiations with the Taltherani

Resolution: Diff = Hard (-1) + Dice (+---) + Extras () = -3 Severe failure

Results: The combined delegates of Tal flatly refuse the terms offered by Lord von Kanshaar, and demand immediate withdrawal from the continental Taltheran, including Tirmar.

Interpretation:

And so it was, that in the late season of 1443, the forces of Tal rejected the honourable delegation of Lord Karl von Kahshaar, Secretary-General of the Information Secretariat, and rejected the honourable terms and intentions he had brought to Tal to achieve peace with.

Slight Senatorial dismay at this turn of events was overpowered by renewed determination to secure the Republic within the new scope and identity that the Consul, Lord Sanus Jafaarsan had promoted and so preparations were initiated to physically secure the Republic along its new northern mainland border. Plans were drawn up for a series of fortifications and keeps along the Taltherani-Tirmaeiri border, and a new recruitment of troops begun. This included an emigrant legion, the Legion of Talmen, whose numbers were to be drawn exclusively from the ranks of the republican Houses from the Tal valley, who by and large were militantly republican by reason of years of exile from their native estates on the Tal river. The Senate also turned to its Panchayyah ally across the Midsea to recruit a fifth division from.

Popular sentiment supported the Senate, especially Lord von Kahshaar, who was seen as heroic for his brave attempt to Tal to secure peace. The fact that the degenerate royalists in Tal rejected Kaeirean overtures only increased popular support for the government. By the account of Lord von Kahshaar, the Tal royalists failed to understand the actual strength and determination of the Kaeirean forces, and of the Republic itself.

In the Dominion of Tirmaeir, the rebuilding was of the port city of New Tirmaeir was completed, connecting the dominion with the rest of the Republic and with trade and therefore growing prosperity. The consolidation of the outer areas of the dominion was largely settled, though true stability would only come later with the expansion of the dominion government.

These were the changes of significance in the Republic that occurred after the Year of Victory, and immediately before the beginning of the Second Taltherani Front (the first Front having fallen to royalist treachery in the Year of Doom). Many a notable and commoner alike lamented the continuation of hostilities, but steeled their resolve to endure and fight on for the Green.

"The History of the Republic" (Information Secretariat of the Republic of Kaeir, Port Kaeir: 1450).

Action 2: Development of Panchayyah trade

Resolution: Diff = Very easy (+2) + Dice (---0) + Extras () = -1 Failure

Results: No further progress this year.

Interpretation: The tribes further away are less friendly.

Action 3: Rebuild Port Tirmaer

Resolution: Diff = Normal (0) + Dice (+-00) + Extras () = 0 Mixed

Results: (+2,0) -> final results = +1 Success

Interpretation: Port Tirmaer is rebuilt.

Action 4: The Consolidation of northern Tirmaer

Resolution: Diff = Normal (0) + Dice (++-0) + Extras () = +1 Success

Results: (0,+1) -> Final result = +1 Success

Interpretation: The troubles in the countryside have been largely smoothed over, although discontent still exists here and there. The line between languages is not clear, and even if it were, there are still people who favour the old Taltheran Kingdom over the Kaeir Republic.

Action 5: Establishment of the University of Kaeir in the city of New

Resolution: Diff = Normal (0) + Dice (+-00) + Extras (extra: -1) = -1 Failure

Results: No progress: (x,x,x,x)

Interpretation:

Actions for Exquaestio

Action submission

(Formatted actions at http://www.picotech.net/~jeff_wilson63/rpg/Exq_1443.html )

Action 1-2: Expansion by Conversion Weight: Double Description: Exquaestio expansion continues. Difficulty: Easy (+1) (+1 Double) Factors: Religious Sophistication vs. Religious Sophistication (+3?), Craft of Preaching vs. Religious Tolerance (-1?), Travelers and entertainers have been spreading stories of Feroze and Exquaestio (+0), No current enemies (-0), knowledge of other religions (0). Fudge-Points: 0 Results:

Action 3: Honey Project (3 of 3) Weight: Single Description: Having gotten as much information as they can (though not as much as they'd hoped) the church spreads the new techniques as far and as quickly as they can. Difficulty: Normal (0) Factors: Resources (-2), Crafts (+1), Scholastics (0), Magic (+1?), Prior Years (0) Fudge-Points: 0 Results:

Action 4: Formal Relations with Church of Mir Weight: Single Description: Exquaestio opens formal relations with the Church of Mir and investigates their religious practices. Difficulty: Routine (+2) Factors: Mir Religious Sophistication & Tolerance (-1), Exquaestio Scholastics sophistication (0), Craft of information gathering (+1), No formal relations with Mir (0), Exquaestio base external relation Great (+2). Fudge-Points: 0 Results: Half result as new relation.

Action 5: The Pantheon (1 of 6): Site Selection Weight: Extra Description: Debate continues over the best site to locate the pantheon. Difficulty: Normal (0) (-1 Extra) Factors: Resources (-2), Crafts (+1), Knowledge of other religions (+1), Scholastics (0). Fudge-Points: 0 Results:

Action resolution

Action 1-2: Expansion by Conversion

Resolution: Diff = Normal (0) + Dice (000-) + Extras (double: +1) = +0 Mixed results

Results: as per your chart (10% growth overal, but significant localized losses, also)

Interpretation:

Action 3: Honey Project

Resolution: Diff = Normal (0) + Dice (++--) + Extras () = 0

Results: (0,0,0) -> Final result = 0: mixed results

Interpretation: The honey has been both a success and a failure. While Exquaestio has managed to get the honey business up and going to support its financial situation (in a small way) they have not managed to invent something truely unique to turn the honey production into a true cash cow.

Action 4: Formal Relations with Church of Mir

Resolution: Diff = Easy (+1) + Dice (++--) + Extras () = +1 Success

Results: Relations opened at (Jason, comments?) Good.

Interpretation:

Action 5: The Pantheon (1 of 6): Site Selection

Resolution: Diff = Normal (0) + Dice (+---) + Extras (extra: -1) = -3 Severe failure

Results: (x,x,x,x,x,x)

Interpretation: Consensus about the site is not even near.

Actions for (Society)

Action submission

Action resolution

Action 1-4

Resolution: Diff = () + Dice () + Extras () =

Results:

Interpretation:

-- Juuso Vesanto - 25 Apr 2004