Events for 1449

Anaduan [+3]: The trade that formerly was going through Cormenaera, is now turning to Anaduan in search of good harbor.

East Torphan [-4]: The former King Villard is assasinated, along with most of the royal family, including the current King and his family, and his twin brother. Next in line for the throne of Burcancy is the oldest son of Villard's daughter Glarwain, who is currently in training for Sorcerer on Mir.

Torphan Empire [-4]: The Ice Demons are on the run again. The Empire is viciously attacked, but the Demons are stopped, for the moment. A flow of refugees starts to trickle down to East Torphan, and from there to Midsea.

Ka'Shari [+4]: Rahi agrees to help the Ka'Shari, and promises to guide them to the gate. She even considers leaving Celandra behind, and joining the Ka'Shari on their Exodus.

Conversation at dinner

by Andrew Janssen

"I sometimes wonder, Raden, if we were too quick to associate ourselves with Kaeir," said Dr. Vellin as he cut a slice of the poached sea bass on the plate in front of him.

Raden Ghere, Councillor for Special Projects, glanced at his boss. They were enjoying a quiet meal in the main dining room of Regency Hall, formerly a wing of the Imperial Palace, and now the seat of the Regency Council. "Why do you say that, sir?" he asked.

The First Councillor jabbed his fork into the fish and took a bite, before replying, "Well, it's not the actions of the whole Kaeiran Republic that are bothering me, it's Lord Basilludin. The man is like a bull on the loose. He defied his own government by intervening in Saltrim, and now I have heard that he's gone out and pacified the countryside to the south of Saltrim, over the Conclave's vocal objections."

Raden raised an eyebrow. "But Basilludin's no longer a Senator. How much influence can he really have?"

Dr. Vellin laughed humorlessly. "Lord Basilludin has control over most of Kaeir's army, he's far enough away that he can ignore the Senate's orders, until and unless they're willing to send troops to enforce those orders--and even then, he's so popular with their army, the Senate would have a hard time finding anyone to rein him in."

"I see, sir," said Raden, "I hadn't given it that much thought. My attention has been with the Service of late. But, now that I come to think of it, Basilludin's religion poses a bigger problem."

"That Millat Shanari nonsense? You're quite right. Those desert religions have always been and will always be bad news. Still, the majority of the Kaeir aren't accepting it, but Basilludin's army is Millat, heart and soul. If he were to contemplate a coup . . ."

At that moment, a waiter came up to the table where Dr. Vellin and Councillor Ghere were sitting. He bore a silver tray on which rested a sealed envelope. "I am sorry to interrupt, sirs, but this message has just arrived for you, First Councillor. It appears to be urgent." The waiter handed the envelope to Dr. Vellin, bowed, and hurried off.

"What is it?" asked Raden with curiosity.

"It's from our ambassador in Burcancy. Odd, his regular report isn't due for another two weeks, and he normally sends it to Theran Rinn," said Dr. Vellin. "It must be important."

Dr. Vellin broke the seal on the envelope, and unfolded the parchment. As he read it, his complexion paled. "What's the matter?" asked Raden, alarmed by the First Councillor's reaction.

"Villard of Burcancy, and all his family who were in the Palace are dead. Almost certainly Vraa'al assassins. Empress Yzara's son, who Villard's spies kidnapped from Arelcar, has disappeared, probably taken back to his family. The only members of Villard's family who are still alive are his daughter and grandchildren in Mir," Dr. Vellin replied. "And that's not the worst news, Raden, oh no."

"What could possibly be worse?!"

"Two weeks ago, refugees from Torphan started coming across the Wall. It took awhile to find a translator who speaks Torphani, but they finally managed it," said Dr. Vellin. He laid down the letter, and reached for his glass of water. He took a long gulp, and put the glass down with a slightly shaky hand.

"According to the refugees, the Ice Demons broke through the Torphani defenses at the Pass of Tavar. The Torphani pushed the Demons back, but they may not be able to hold them. The refugees figured they'd have a better chance on this side of the Wall of Torphan."

"Damn," said Raden Ghere.

"Indeed," said Dr. Vellin.

Exquaestio Interlude 1448-1449

by Jefferson

As Rojez Lafwe, Primate of Exquaestio, sat and waited for his advisory council to arrive, he considered the room he was in. Though Exquaestio had managed to purchase a relatively large area around the sacred ground created in 1447, priority had gone to constructing shelter to serve the needs of the homeless, not to furnishings. Still, though the room was bare, the document boxes could be used as chairs, tables or other furnishings at need.

Rising as the three members of the advisory council entered the room together he returned their bows. He noticed that the espiri councilor was looking somewhat green. She must have had a bad bout of morning sickness that morning. As he had many times before, Rojez studied her carefully. When he had suggested that the council be formed of younger, more flexible members he hadn't imagined that someone might put forward a 14 year old newlywed. He wondered again if the elder espiri was trying to tell him something. If she was, it escaped him.

After the necessary preliminaries he turned to the rohain representative. "What's the situation here in Cormenaera?"

"With the early harvests coming in it looks like we have the problem of disease under control. There have been no deaths in the past week. The summer trade is starting, and with that and the early harvest people should be able to start earning again. People haven't starting leaving the shelters we set up, but people are talking about it. With any luck we can start turning the shelters into proper church buildings around mid summer."

Rojez nodded, "Keep in mind that people are still going to need help putting up buildings. Don't monopolize all our construction people."

The squire nodded and continued, "Opinion of Exquaestio is very good in the city, and even in some of nearby farms. Confidence in the Church of the Sea is down."

The espiri member interrupted. "That doesn't make sense. The Church has put far more into Cormenaera than we have."

"But it's spread much more thinly. People can also see how we've tightened our belts, and if there's a priest of sea who lost a pound this winter I haven't seen him." He thought for a moment. "Let's see . . . People are impressed with our magic. Maybe not so much the magic itself, as how we use it. I guess that's all"

"Do we need to put any more effort into Cormenaera's recovery?" Rojez asked.

"Frankly Primus I don't see how we can. Last year every bit of help was useful. This year the city is going to need things we just can't supply."

Rojez frowned, "What about the Pantheon?"

The squire shrugged, "All the factions may have agreed to build near Cormenaera, but we still need to pick out a specific site. It will be a while before we can actually start spending significant amounts of money."

Rojez nodded and turned to the anradan representative, "What about our political relations?"

The anradan scowled. "Parglug appreciates our knowledge of magic, but they don't see any reason to change the things that they think have worked for years."

The squire shook his head. "They're training their peasantry in weapons while not making common cause with the Laresian Church. Can't they see they'll be facing civil war soon if they don't change the situation?"

"Apparantly not, and the situation in Junder is only slightly better. The divisions between the various factions continue to be too deep for our people to do anything about. In a way the fire here in Cormenaera was a blessing, the Free Cities are too busy sniffing around here to make Junder into a battleground."

The espiri councilor made a disgusted sound, "Tell that to the people killed in 'bandit raids.'"

"If Junder goes up in flames the heart will go out of Exquaestio!"

"Enough!" Rojez commanded. "You two have argued this enough, we don't need to hear it again." "What about the rumors about the Ice Demons?"

"They're not rumors any more."

"What!"

"We have definite word from some members in The Burcany. The Ice Demons are definitely moving, and there are refugees crossing into The Burcany from Torphan."

"Do we know any more than that?" Rojez asked.

"No."

"What about the Ice Demons in Tanimbar?"

The anradan councilor blinked in surprize. "I haven't heard anything. I'll send a message to Tanimbar's overpriest today with the question."

Rojez raised a hand for silence and thought for a moment. "We need three missions. One to the government in The Burcany, one to the church, and one to gather information about the Ice Demons themselves."

After some discussion it was decided that two missions would have to do. The rohain would deal with Burcany's government and try to gather information about the Ice Demons. They would try to find an espiri to go with them but keep in the background. The anradan would send representatives to the Church.

Rojez finally turned to the espiri councilor. "What's the the situation with the Cult of Demerhaze?"

The councilor smiled, "We got lucky. Even though we were unable to keep our negotiations secret, the response has been mainly positive. The appeal of vengeance seems quite popular with our members. We'll keep trying to expand relations, but progress will probably be slow."

"Have our ambassadors . . ."

"Oh yes, there have been dreams on both sides to make it clear that Demerhaze and Feroze both want this. But we can only move forward so fast if we want this alliance to last."

Rojez leaned back on his box. "Thank you all . . ."

The anradan councillor interrupted, "I'm sorry Primus, but there's another matter."

"Yes?"

"The Conclave is discussing reorganizing the anradan. Apparantly there are difficulties getting people who can do everything we need done."

"What do they intend?"

"They haven't decided yet. I'll let you know when I learn more."

Jefferson (Exquaestio) http://www.picotech.net/~jeff_wilson63/rpg/Exq_Main.html

Actions for Cedonia

Action submission

"ORDER! ORDER! By all the gods, this Council will come to order, or I will have the Sergeant-at-Arms clear the chamber!" Dr. Vellin smashed his gavel on the sounding block repeatedly until the assembled Regency Council grudgingly settled down.

The First Councillor surveyed the crowded Council Chamber with something close to dismay. The Regency Council met in a building that was once part of the Imperial Palace complex, but the building hadn't really been designed for the purpose. There was an old indoor theater that had been taken over as a meeting hall, but it could only seat either the Commoners' or the Nobles' Circle, but not both. When the full Council needed to meet, all 441 of them, they had to do so in the old Imperial Ballroom, which wasn't really a proper meeting space at all.

Worse, the Duke of Caladyn, as Lord President of the Council, should have been chairing the joint session, but the Duke was suffering from an attack of gout, and was unable to leave his townhouse. That left Dr. Vellin stuck with the task of chairing the meeting.

What had triggered the uproar among the Councillors was the double blow of Foreign Councillor Theran Rinn's announcement of the Royal Family of Burcancy's deaths at the hands of the Vraa'al, followed by the report from Councillor for Special Projects Raden Ghere that Torphani refugees were crossing the Wall after being displaced by Ice Demons.

The Ice Demons were the Cedonians' bogeyman--all the men in the chamber had grown up with their mothers or nurses telling them, "Be good, or the Ice Demons will come and take you away!"--and the stories from the last invasion were even more frightening than the nursery tales. In just about any nation along the southern Mid Sea? coast, grown men could become panicked by the merest rumor of the Ice Demons' return.

Finally the chamber grew quiet, and Dr. Vellin spoke: "That's more like it, my Lords and Councillors! We are grown men here, not small children clinging to our mother's skirts! Just because the Ice Demons may be returning, we should not lose our wits."

"Furthermore, I want to reiterate what Councillor Ghere was trying to say when you all started acting like headless chickens: There are no Ice Demons on this side of the Torphani Wall. All the refugees who have fled in Burcancy report that the Torphani Empire has managed to hold the Demons to within 200 miles of Tavar Pass. That's over 2,000 miles from here, well on the other side of the Wall. Unlike the last invasion, we have plenty of time to prepare."

"And, on the subject of preparation," Dr. Vellin continued, "The recent tragedy that befell the King of Burcancy may in so respects be to our advantage. If you would all please open the packets the Council Secretary is handing out, and turn to Council Bill 1449-001, we can begin . . ."

Action 1: Emergency Redeployment

Weight: Single Description: With the assassinations of Villard of Burcancy and his family, the situation in Vizinia takes on a new urgency. Villard's only surviving family are all on Celamyr; the son that Villard had picked to succeed him as Prince of Vizinia is among the dead. To maintain Vizinia's stability, it is necessary to ensure a functioning government. Another cause for concern is that Vizinia is the most likely axis of attack for the Ice Demons if the Torphani fail to hold.

Therefore, the Regency Council votes unanimously to accelerate the take-over of Vizinia. Cedonian administrators are sent to take over local government affairs from the Burcancy administrators. Underlings and middle-management will be left in place, only the top levels of the bureaucracy will be replaced. The major goal of the Cedonian administrators is to prepare the Vizinians to elect their Commoners' Circle representatives next year.

On the military side, Legio IV Vizinia is ordered to move east from its current deployment in South-West Cedonia and reoccupy the border fortifications in Vizinia. Legio I Cedonia is ordered to leave its forts around Thalcedon and occupy IV Vizinia's former position in the south-west. Difficulty: Normal (0) Factors: The redeployment of forces should be easily done, but taking over the civil administration in Vizinia might be harder. Still, the Vraa'al very effective created a power vacuum in the region, and Nature abhors a vacuum. Also, the possible threat of the Ice Demons may cause the Vizinians to welcome Cedonian troops. Fudge points: 2 Subparts:

• Installation of Cedonian administrators
• Preparation for next year's elections
• Movement of Legio IV
• Movement of Legio I

Action 2-3: Rebuild the Legions

Weight: Strategic, double Description: This year, things begin to take shape. The Cedonian High Command begins forming the cadres around which reserve and conscript units can be formed when needed. There have never been enough positions for officers in the Legions, and the formation of the cadres results in promotions all around. The decision is also made to replace the javelin with the half-pike in half the centuries in the cohorts. An effort is also made this year to start recruiting more Selarian cavalry. Difficulty: Normal (0) Factors: As in the past, with the added factor this year of the reports of the Ice Demons. Fudge Points: 4 Subparts:

• Recruitment, generally
• Replacement of javelins with half-pikes
• Recruitment, Selarian cavalry
• Organization of reserve cadres

Action 4: Build Spy Network

Weight: Strategic, Single Description: Carryover from past years; no real changes. Difficulty: Hard Factors: As in past years. Fudge Points: 2 Subparts:

• • Insert Agents
  • Develop codes & ciphers
  • "Special Projects"
  • Hire Analysts

Action resolution

Action 1: Emergency Redeployment

Resolution: Diff = Hard (-1) + Dice (+++0) + Extras () = +2 Success

Dice (fp=2):

• Installation of Cedonian administrators: +
• Preparation for next year's elections: +
• Movement of Legio IV: +
• Movement of Legio I: 0

Results: Despite misgivings among many Vizinian parties, the Cedonian troops (and administration) is gratefully accepted in most of Vizinia. Parties allied with Burcancy are disturbed both by the sudden assasination (and subsequent chaotic situation in Burcancy), and by the rumors of the Ice Demons.

Interpretation:

Action 2-3: Rebuild the Legions

Resolution: Diff = Normal (0) + Dice (++00) + Extras (double: +1) = +3 Great success

Dice (fp=4):

• Recruitment, generally: +
• Replacement of javelins with half-pikes: +
• Recruitment, Selarian cavalry: 0
• Organization of reserve cadres: 0

Results: (+2,+2,0,+3) = +2 Success

Interpretation: Action finishes succesfully.

Action 4: Build Spy Network

Resolution: Diff = Hard (-1) + Dice (+-00) + Extras () = -1 Failure

Dice (fp=2):

• Insert Agents: +
• Develop codes & ciphers: -
• "Special Projects": 0
• Hire Analysts: 0

Results: (Hard: +2,+1,x,x,x,x)

Interpretation: No real progress this year.

Actions for Exquaestio

Action submission

A formatted version of these actions can be found at http://www.picotech.net/~jeff_wilson63/rpg/Exq_1449.html

Events: Exquaestio grows by 20% (60% remaining).

Action 1: Mission to the Burcany Weight: Single Description: In the wake of events in The Burcany Exquaestio sends a mission. A squad of Rohain (2 squires, 1 knight, and 1 paladin) is sent to speak directly with the government. Another squad (2 squires and 2 knights) is sent to get as much information as possible about the Ice Demon invasion. Difficulty: +2 Routine Factors: + Open Mission + General Relations + Rohain Magic - Confusion in Burcany's government - Strangers Fudge-Points: 0 Results: Ice Demon Info., Government, Magic, Military

Action 2: Anradan Reorganization Weight: Single Description: The Conclave Council decides to divide the anradan ministry into three sections. Though council seats will continue to be assigned geographically, each branch will have a seat on the Primate's advisory council. The three divisions are: the Vicarage (local priests), the Schola (teaching priests), and the Travelers (traveling priests). Difficulty: +2 Routine Factors: + Basically Administrative + Superior Division of Labor Fudge-Points: 0 Results: Vicars, Scholars, Travelers, General Members

Action 3: Relation with Church in The Burcany Weight: Single Description: Anradan in The Burcany open relations with the local church. Difficulty: +2 Routine Factors: + Base external relations - The Burcany Religious Sophistication & Tolerance + Craft of Diplomacy o Exquaestio presence in The Burcancy Fudge-Points: 0 Results: Church Divisions, Church Tolerance, Aid Needed, Luck

Action 4: Increase Relations with Cult of Demerhaze Weight: Single Description: Exquaestio and the Cult of Demerhaze continue to explore mutual relations. Difficulty: +2 Routine Factors: o Base Relations + Divine Favor + Complementary Beliefs - General Opinion of Demerhaze + Craft (Diplomacy) Fudge-Points: 0 Results: Information, Organization, Divine Support, Mutual Assistance

Action 5: The Pantheon (2 of 6) Weight: Extra Description: (Creating the pantheon breaks down into six elements: Site Selection, Site Survey, Obtaining Funds, Planning Construction, Gathering and Purchasing Materials, and the Construction itself.) Difficulty: Normal (0) (-1 Extra) Factors: - Resources + Crafts o Tolerance in Cormenaera o Relations in Cormenaera o Scholastics. Fudge-Points: 0 Results: Purchase, Transportation, Labor, Distance From City

Action resolution

Action 1: Mission to the Burcany

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

Dice:

• Ice Demon Info : -
• Government: 0
• Magic: +
• Military: -

Results: The Burcany government is in chaos, and the most information of the Ice Demons are wild rumors and bed-time stories.

Interpretation:

Action 2: Anradan Reorganization

Resolution: Diff = Easy (+1) + Dice (-0+-) + Extras () = 0 Mixed results

Dice:

• Vicars: -
• Scholars: 0
• Travelers: +
• General Members: -

Results: The organization is partially succesfull. In principle, a new organization is established, but the end result is a compromise: not really satisfying to anyone (except the Travelers).

Interpretation:

Action 3: Relation with Church in The Burcany

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

Dice:

• Church Divisions: -
• Church Tolerance: +
• Aid Needed: +
• Luck: -

Results: Relations opened with base Good (+1).

Interpretation:

Action 4: Increase Relations with Cult of Demerhaze

Resolution: Diff = Normal (0) + Dice (0++0) + Extras () = +2 Success

Dice:

• Information: 0
• Organization: +
• Divine Support: +
• Mutual Assistance: 0

Results:

Interpretation:

Action 5: The Pantheon (2 of 6)

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

Dice:

• Purchase: -
• Transportation: +
• Labor: +
• Distance From City: -

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

Interpretation: Selecting, and obtaining a good place proves more difficult than expected.

Actions for Mir

Action submission

The Council chamber for the Council of twelve had been built at the hight of Imperial Mirrish power. It was built to hold seat a thousand people comfortable. Today as for many long years the Council chamber was no wear near its max copasity. today it held many more people then it usally did. Today not only did the the Council of Twelve gather but they had gathered with the various parts of Yora'Timar goverment and Mirish goverment.

Also in attendance was the Royal Family and serval Torphanise merchants and their families. The vast chamber was filled with many half circle tables. Their was a pathway that ran the length of the room. The half cirlce tables were set on either side of the pathway the larger tables placed around the smaller tables. In the center of the room surrond by the Council of Twelves two half tables as a was map of Qaiyor inlaid into the floor. One of the Torphan merchants stood at this moment on the mosaic looking at the various goverment agience officaials.

"Feeling that it was safer on the legendary island of Mir I have lead my family and travel with others of my brothern to seek shelter and safty from the Ice Deamons." He said with a bow in several direction. The Councilor Nomaviza stood up and spoke.

"Thank you merchant Megr'sana." Megr'sana bowed again and took his seat in one of the farther tables in the room. Nomavisa moved to the center of the room.

Nomavisa stood in the center of the room his red robes reflecting the light filtering in through the stainglass dome high above the floor. "Councilers, Lords, and Officers we have heard of the return of the Ice Deamons."

"Nomavisa their is still much to be done." The Warlord Ria said from her seat in the center of one of the half cirlce tables. "We don't have time for formalities that really have not been observed since the Empire."

Nomavisa shot the Warlord and irritating glance. "Yes." He walked over to the end of tables and grabed a stick siting on the table and walked back into the center. With it he pointed to the Tavar Pass. "We all know the importance of the Tavar Pass. To keep the goblins at bay one must hold the Tavar Pass."

"Nomavisa we know about the Ice Deamons." commented Heg'agashan, a black robe. "I still remember the last time they past the Tavar Mountians."

"I know that the continent will not respond well to this. They still remember the last invasion. Penitrating all the way to the modern taltheran border before they lost their desire for conquest." Niotrosa said from his seat opposite the warlord.

"Yes it was at that time that we sent the dragons. Which halted the Ice Deamons push north." Nomavisa said.

"Do we send the dragons again?" Minacantha asked.

"That is a good question" Eubratosa said. "I have recieved word from our Ambassador in Torphan that they have halted the Ice Deamons. So depending on how they hold will defenlty affect our actions."

"Father," Niotrosa said from his seat. "We must do something. Our people in Yora'Timar are scared, they still remember the Ice Deamons and their scares can still be seen in our land."

"I know we will prepare prepare the army in Yora'Bala they are as you said our people and we will not forget about them."

Niotrosa nodded his head at his fathers words.

"Also the issue of Burcancy needs to be addressed by this council." Nomavisa said from his position in the middle of the room.

"The Prince and his parents will travel to Burcacny in the company of the Archmage with half of the Royal Guard, they will also have my personal courtie, the one that fought with me in the Sinari War." The Warlord Ria said.

"I have sent a request that Burcacny also provided a guard when we arrive." The Archmage commented. He looked over at the Glarwain and Nepoya. Glarwain sat stiffly her eyes red from crying. Opozoya Villard sat stiffly to Eubratosa right trying to look like a prince.

"The Royal Family will leave tomorrow on the morning tide." Ria said.

"Well lets get cracking on the remaining details so

they can finish preparing." Heg'agashan commented.

Actions 1,2,3: Opozoya Villard and the crown of Burcancy.

With the death of Villard and his sons and their families dead. Glarwain and Opozoya Villard are traveling to Fauve Monde capital of Burcancy within days after the report of the death of Villard. They are traveling there for the crowning of either Princess Glarwain or Prince Opozoya Villard.

Traveling with Opozoya Villard and Glarwain will be Nepoya, Opozoya's father and Glarwain husband. The Archmage, two University Teachers, a Courtie of warmages, a group of Royal Body guards.

Their might be some questions about succesion but their are several issue that would support the crowning of Opozoya Villard. He is a male blood desendent of King Villard. Also Nepoya and Glarwain were married at a very young age, and as part of the deal Nepoya and Glarwain spent half of the year in Burcancy and the half in Mir. This tradition contiuned with their children. So Opozoya Villard has spent a lot time in Burcancy and understands the culture and the people.

Mir and Burcacny have had a close friendship for a long time now. So some might view a rejecting of Opozoya as a slap in the Mirs face. Burcacny would want to have Mirs help against the Vraa'al. Their is also the fact that Mir has helped to keep Torphan out of Burcancy

Primary Determinant: Burcacnies Relations Good +1 Difficulty: Normal weight: Triple +2 Fudge Points use 2

Action 4: Slowly prepare Yora'Timar

With the fall of the Tavar fortress, again, Mir begins to stock food in Yora'Bala, and begins to bring in more more troops and also begins to increase the training levels and size of the local units that had been established. They are showing the locals that Mir takes their safty seriously but they are trying not to do it to such a scale to worry their neighbors.

Primary Determinate: wealth Great weight: single difficulty: normal

Action resolution

Action 1-4: Opozoya Villard and the crown of Burcancy

Resolution: Diff = Normal (0) + Dice (+0++) + Extras (quadrable: +2) = +5 Superb success

Dice (2 fp):

• Order of Succession (disputes thereof): +
• Burcancy internal factions: 0
• Foreign factions: +
• Personal issues: +

Results: Relations with Burcany increase to Superb (for 3 years), and will drop from there to a permanent level of Great after that. Opozoya is crowned as king, with Glarwain & Nepoya acting as regents until Opozoya matures (at the age of 15).

Interpretation: Opozoya Villard's claim to the throne is accepted without questions. This is grately aided by the (magical) strength of the Mirrish entourage. The sudden threat of the Ice Demons is a great enhancer, too: people suddenly see Mir as the ultimate protector against all foreign threats (Vraa'al or demons). Foreign countries are also relieved: they expect Mir to block any threat from the Ice Demons. Several Burcancy parties voice loud opinions that Mir and Burcancy should join forces, declare war and obtilerate the Vraa'al from the face of the Celandra (and then go do the same for Ice Demons). Another, more moderate idea, is to unite, or at least increase the cooperation between Mirrish and Burcancy's magical academia.

Action 5: Slowly prepare Yora'Timar

Resolution: Diff = Easy (+1) + Dice (-+-+) + Extras (extra: -1) = 0 Mixed results

Dice:

• Transfer of troops: -
• Stocking the fortress: +
• Training: -
• Reaction of local people: +

Results: Transfer of troops does not go as smoothly as expected. The commanders recruit from surrounding areas instead. They get a lot of recruits, but have no training facilities.

Interpretation:

Actions for Kaeir

Action submission

Action 1: Basiluddin's promoting republicanism.

Basiluddin begins preaching republicanism in Saltrim, attempting to inspire a clearly republican movement in the Saltrim Conclave, and to attract support for the Conclave from other parts of Taltheran. In this Basiluddin is highly experienced, reliving his earliest role as leader of the original republican revolution in Kaeir, where his speeches and propaganda won many hearts and minds. His chief innovations however in his propaganda, lie in his swearing an oath of loyalty to the Saltrim Conclave as the legitimate Taltherani government, and his inclusion of the Wizard's Guild in the groups and factions that should naturally oppose royalism, and therefore should be supporting the Saltrim Conclave.

Weight: Double (1 of 3). Key Elements: Lord Basiluddin, Information Secretariat, Saltrim Conclave. Difficulty: Normal Factors: + Basiluddin's charisma + Basiluddin's strong experience and ability in propaganda + Organisational support from Information Secretariat field officers in Taltheran + Republican feelings of many Taltherani Houses + Swearing oath of loyalty to Saltrim Conclave - Saltrim Conclave irritation

Fudgepoints: 1.

Critical questions: - Does Basiluddin's effort to develop Taltherani stir anything amongst the Taltherani themselves? Is Taltheran fertile or ripe for republicanism? - Will Basiluddin himself be truly able to serve the Saltrim Conclave? - How does the Wizard's Guild react? - Has Basiluddin come to the productive end of his career, or does he really know what he is doing?

Action 2: Millat Shanari

The Millat Shanari continues their evangelical efforts, integrating their experiences from the previous year to adapt the Millat message to the Kaeirean population. Focus continues on the major urban centres of Port Kaeir, New Tirmaeir and Crownsbane Keep.

Weight: Single (4 of 10). Key Elements: Millat Shanari devotees, Great Tower of New Tirmaeir. Difficulty: Normal Factors: + High status converts (Basiluddin, Jafaarsan). + Prestige of the new Great Tower of the South. + Accumulated experience of evangelisation. + Backing from key figures. + Existing popularity amongst the Guard. - New religion.

Fudge point: 2

Action 3: Strengthening of Ban Horroth trade ties.

Following the successful establishment of trade with the Ban Horroth, the Rimrivertown Colonial Triumvirate seeks to develop the trade between the Ban Horroth and Kaeirean merchants into a profitable, year-round commercial activity by further enhancing mercantile interest in the goods provided by both sides.

Weight: Single (1 of 2).

Key elements: Commerce Secretariat, Rimrivertown Colonial Triumvirate. Difficulty: Normal Factors: + Kaeirean diplomacy + Trade route + Previous Kaeirean success + Newly established trade route

Fudge-points: 1

Action 4: Torphani Refugees

The Senate, acting through the Commerce Secretariat agents in the southern Midsea ports, offers to accept any Torphani refugees willing to travel to Kaeir, promising employment, land and a future.

Whilst the invitation is open to all, as is the paid passage to Port Kaeir, preference is given by Commerce Secretariat agents to educated Torphani refugees.

The inherent goal being to recruit as many intellectual or mercantile Torphani as possible.

Weight: Single (1 of 3)

Key elements: Commerce Secretariat, Kaeirean merchants, Torphani refugees.

Fudge points: 2

Action resolution

Action 1-2: Basiluddin's promoting republicanism

Resolution: Diff = Normal (0) + Dice (00-+) + Extras (double: +1) = +1 Success

Dice (fp=1):

• Effect on Taltherani: 0
• Basiluddin's service to Saltrim Conclave: 0
• Wizard Guild: -
• Local effect in Saltrim: +

Results: (+1,x,x)

Interpretation:

Basiluddin is successful in his attempts to influence the politics of Taltheran, to a degree. The politics of Saltrim decisively towards republicanism. The majority of houses in Taltheran hold to their neutrality, choosing neither the royalism of Tal City nor the republicanism of Saltrim.

Basiluddin though is almost at the limit of his influence in Taltheran, a fact that both he and the Saltrim Conclave are aware of. As such, it is effectively impossible for him to do much now aside from advise the Conclave.

The future of informal Kaeirean involvement in Taltherna, of the Saltrim Conclave, and of Taltheran itself, is all very much up in the air. What future holds is unknown.

Action 3: Millat Shanari

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

Dice (fp=2):

• Effect of high-profile supporters: +1
• Port Kaeir: 0
• New Tirmaeir: +1
• Crownsbane Keep: -1

Results: (0,0,0,+1,x,x,x,x,x,x,x)

Interpretation:

The majority of the Houses in New Tirmaeir are now Millati, though the masses themselves are less affected. The Mayor of New Tirmaeir and the Consul of the Dominion of Tirmaeir are now both Millati. The continual effort at conversion though leads to a new development – the election of a head of the local Millati community.

Story:

In the early hours of the morning, as the night gave way to the first grey of the new day, the assembly hall of the Great Tower of the South begin to fill. From across Kaeir, though largely from the three cities of Port Kaeir, New Tirmaeir and Crownsbane Keep, delegations of the most eminent and respected members of the Millat Shanari community had arrived.

The Mayor of the city of New Tirmaeir looked around the hall from his cushion in the corner, slightly amazed at the spectrum of faces that were present. Having only converted in the new year, Sir Malmiq Wansaan did not expect to play any significant role in the assembly to be held today, but was merely satisfied to be present at what he realised would be an important occasion, and the status his nominal participation would give him politically as well.

To his left sat a delegation from Port Kaeir, dressed in the military kilt of the Kaeirean Guard, and beyond them sat similarly dressed Guard delegations from the other towns and cities. Beyond them again sat the aloof Fleet delegation, preferring their own company to their comrades in the Guard even. To Wansaan’s right sat Millati nobles and merchants from across the Republic, a highly heteregenous collection. Whilst most were Celtelathi, Celtehari or Tirmaeiri, a scattering of other more unusual faces could be seen, including a few from the Ka’Shari and Mirrish Creoles – unusual specimens at the best of times. Most of the Houses that had converted had sent a representative each he knew, and the sheer number of House delegations here suggested a lot about the political influence of the Path.

Across the hall from him sat the old Shanari preachers who had made the long journey from the Calarnar to Kaeir to help spread the Path. Whilst they would play little role in the assembly today he knew, it was largely due to their original efforts that so many in the room now were here in the first place.

Soon, the hall quietened down as one of the more eminent believers from Port Kaeir – a Commerce Secretariat officer Wansaan believed – stood up and called the assembly to order. He had been the one who had called the assembly in the first place, but as he began talking it was clear that the Commerce Secretariat officer had not done so for his own benefit. The officer, whose name Wansaan still could not recall, was outlining the brief history of the Path in Kaeir, from the original invitation by Lord Jafaarsan to the construction of the Great Tower of the South, to the recent though limited conversions.

Though all knew the history, having lived it themselves, the speaker was reminding them for dramatic effect. He spoke of how the Millati community here had now reached a new stage in their development and growth, nodding his head at this point to the old Shanari preachers next to him, and that it was now time to choose from amongst themselves a leader to govern the community’s affairs and properly organise the missionary efforts.

Wansaan had known of this already, knowing that as with all such things, the outcome had already been decided between the most politically important Millati believers in Kaeir. Though the Lord-Consul was not present, Wansaan did not doubt that Jafaarsan had been one of the parties in the decision.

What followed was the expect public discussion of the matter, and many names were bandied around as candidates in the following hours, as delegate after delegate stood to speak. Finally, with the support of the key delegates, a merchant from Kahshaartown is proposed, and is quickly supported by the majority.

Wansaan realises he knows the merchant, Arlhan von Kahshaar, having dealt with him in both Port Kaeir and New Tirmaeir. A young merchant who became successful through his trade in the western and southern Midsea, he is well liked and respected by many in political and mercantile circles. Though distantly related to the Senator Karl von Kahshaar, being both of the Ka’Shari Creole, there is little connection between the two. Wansaan thought it ironic that a relative of the only major Senator who was not Millati had now been elected to lead the Millati community here.

Arlhan finally stands, and in the hour that followed, spoke to the assembly of the need for the community to establish a more formal structure, especially in missionary matters. All Millati, he declares, should if they are able to, give a small tithe to the Great Tower of the South to support the missionaries. Furthermore, Alhan announced he would adopt the title of Keeper, in accordance with the practices of the Millati in the Calarnar, and would send a delegation to the Holy Tower of Akbari in the Calarnar to keep the head of the Millati faith informed of the efforts being made in Kaeir.

Action 4: Strengthening of Ban Horroth trade ties (was: Panayach trade)

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

Dice (fp=1):

• Ban Horroth reaction: +1
• Trade acceptance: +1
• Kaeir products: -1
• Luck: 0

Results: (+1,+3,+3,+1) = +2 Success. Action finishes: a more-or-less permanent trade rout with Ban Horroth has been established. The Panayach trade port is a growing local nexus.

Interpretation:

The success of the trade route with the Ban Horroth sees the skyrocketing of the political and commercial importance of the Rimrivertown colony. The colony is expanded into governorate, with a larger troop deployment and permanent trade and intelligence missions.

Story:

A month after the departure for Port Kaeir of the triumphant trade-mission to the Ban Horroth, new orders had come from the Senate. Huacoatl was promoted to the position of Lord-Governor of the new Governorate of Rimrivertown, and now commanded five divisions of Colonial Guard, and would also have an Information Secretariat mission and a Commerce Secretariat mission nominally under his authority as well. His brief was simple: to protect the trade-port of Rimrivertown, to maintain and develop good ties with their Panchayyah ally whose territory surrounded Kaeir’s Rimrivertown, and to protect and develop the Ban Horroth trade.

Still getting used to his new title, Lord-Governor Huacoatl van Jafaarsan van Kelshir reflected on his own career, the product of the cosmopolitan recruitment in the Guard, where Kaeireans, Taltherani, Milakanuri, Aixelsydanese (notably Lord Basiluddin) and even distant Kelshiri could be found. Here he was, at what was in some ways the edge of civilisation, the commander of the newest military force in the Republic, and the closest he had been in many years to the land of his birth on the Kelshiri plains at the other end of the Rim Mountains. Taken away from Kelshir as a child by slave-merchants from the east, he had ended up in a consignment to the Guard in the days of the Principality of Kaeir, like many other Guardsmen.

Having worked his way up through the ranks of the Guard, he had obtained his technical freedom with the advent of the Revolution, though by then so much of his life was part of the Guard and the Republic it produced shortly after that the thought of leaving Kaeir was beyond contemplation. His home was now Kaeir, and his loyalty shared between the Republic and the Guard, though his foremost loyalty of course was to He Who Is One. That in itself might be the only reason he could think of for returning to his long-lost clan, if he could find them, to share the message of the Path with them. However likely that was. Whilst the Kelshiri plains were geographically closer than Kaeir, in reality Port Kaeir was only ever two weeks away ship, and the Kelshiri plains many years away even at the fastest pace.

The thought of religion though made Huacoatl frown. Despite his success in establishing the alliance with the Panchayyah and in founding Rimrivertown, and the related success with the Ban Horroth, the Lord-Consul had written to him directly, ordering that no preaching of the Millati faith was permitted to either the Panchayyah or the Ban Horroth by the Kaeirean forces in Rimrivertown. Such was the doom of authority he sighed, the greater the responsibility and power the lesser the freedom and choice. He understood Jafaarsan’s reasoning, as the continued success of Rimrivertown was important for Kaeirean commerce, and the growth of the Millati in the Republic had been causing concern amongst certain political circles. As a Millati, Huacoatl would have to set an impeccable example so as to undermine any potential criticism of the followers of the Path. Though of course, if the Grand Panchayyah should ask him a philosophical question at their next banquet, Huacoatl could only answer him truthfully, laughing to himself. Jafaarsan probably intended for him to do just that, judging from the legalistic wording of the Lord-Consul’s letter.

And now that he thought about it, Huacoatl was no longer part of the Kaeirean Guard – a condition of his appointment. His home for most of his childhood, and the home that saw him grow from a lad into a man and a leader of men, and from a slave to a freeman. A momentary sadness was soon washed away by the fact that his service in the Kaeirean Guard was only part of his higher service to the Republic. And as a Millati preacher in the barracks in Port Kaeir had told his original brigade, his loyalty to the Republic was merely an expression of his loyalty to the truth of He Who Is One. That itself was a belief little understood by many outside the Guard – that the popularity of the Millati religion amongst the Kaeirean Guard was because it gave a religious framework to the political values and philosophy of Kaeirean republicanism. Little wonder then that the Path was least popular amongst those Kaeireans in whom republicanism ran weakest.

Apparently he would be more dedicated to his appointment, and politically neutral, if he resigned from the Kaeirean Guard. That must have been the reasoning back in Port Kaeir, or at least part of the political deal that saw his appointment. Now he his loyalties would be to the Republic and his faith, and because of his new responsibilities, to the Rimrivertown Governorate and the Colonial Guard that he commanded. In this sense, the politickers of Port Kaeir were right, as his interest in the factional politics of the Republic were marginalised by the depth and width of his new-found responsibilities.

Locations

The Rimrivertown Governorate is located at the mouth of the river (dubbed the Rimriver by the Kaeirean traders) between Milakanur and Aixelsydan. This region is populated by wild woodland tribes related to the Aixelsydanese linguistically, as they speak dialects of Alorathaean, the same language sub-group the Aixelsydanese belong to.

The Panchayyah are a tribal nation those rose to regional pre-eminence thanks to Kaeirean arms and assistance, and their alliance with the Kaeirean settlement at the mouth of the Rimriver.

The civilian population of Rimrivertown is growing close to outnumbering the military population, due to growing numbers of merchants, small numbers of Panchayyah settling in the town, and the establishment of intelligence and commerce missions in Rimrivertown.

Action 5: Torphani Refugees

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

Dice (fp=2):

• Message delivery: +1
• Quantity of refugees: -1
• Quality of refugees: -1
• Luck: +1

Results: (x,x,x)

Interpretation:

Actions for (Society)

Action submission

Action resolution

Action 1-4

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

Dice:

• :
• :
• :
• :

Results:

Interpretation:

-- Juuso Vesanto - 19 Nov 2004

-- Juuso Vesanto - 22 Nov 2004