Events for 1450

Exquaestio [-3]: The squad of Rohain sent to investigate the rumors of the Ice Demons disappears. Their last message indicated that they were heading towards Torphan to the source of the rumors.

Laria'rathi [-4]: Celpalar catches some Laria'rathi saboteurs in action near one of the towns on the Town of Golaren. The sentries are tripled, and many more Laria'rathi warriors are caught and killed. The long-standing plot of driving Celpalar from the island is now effectively in ruins. The Laria'rathi withdraw their outmost scouts and turn once again inside.

Actions for Cedonia

Action submission

Shortly after midnight on Year's Long Night, 1449-1450, a group of men convened in a small room on the second floor of the Grand Hall of the University of Thalcedon. All the major faction leaders of the Regency Council were present, along with several Archprelates of the Church and senior military officers. They had all slipped away from the Midwinter Ball to meet a young man. The young man was Prince Arden of Cedonia, son of Empress Yzara and the Master of the Vraa'al, heir to the Cedonian Throne . . . and not entirely human.

Much of what was discussed that fateful night would remain secret, but some things are known. After the meeting ended, around the third hour after midnight, the Archprelate of Coron returned to his temple, where he immediately took a dose of the drug which allows those with the talent to enter the Dreaming in spirit and consult with the gods. When he awoke, ten hours later, he summoned all the Archprelates to a closed-door meeting. To this day, no-one knows what was discussed.

There were other matters discussed that night, which were to have a profound effect on the future of Cedonia . . . .

* * * * *

Action 1: Election Year

Weight: Single

Description: The sudden appearance of Prince Arden and Princess Irinia at the Midwinter Ball threw a spanner in the works of Cedonian politics. In addition, the reannexation of Vizinia is also shaking things up, with around 44 new members being elected or appointed to the Regency Council. No-one knows which way the Vizinians will jump, politically speaking.

It seems likely to most informed observers that while the Urban League will maintain a plurality in the Commoners' Circle, they may lose their majority. Prince Arden's presence in Cedonia and the rumors that he will marry the Duke of Caladyn's granddaughter are very likely to give a strong boost to the Constitutional Monarchist faction.

To take advantage of this, the Constitutional Monarchist are strongly contesting this year's elections, both in Cedonia and in Vizinia. Success means that the CMs gain seats; failure means that they lose seats.

Difficulty: Easy (+1)

Factors: The Duke of Caladyn & his family are very popular in Cedonia . . . Prince Arden and Princess Irinia are young, attractive, and highly charismatic, and they are both willing to exercise their charm on behalf of the Constitutional Monarchists . . . many rural Cedonians feel more comfortable with the idea of an emperor rather than a republic.

Fudge Points: 1

Sub-parts:

• Vizinian Elections
• Cedonian/Selarian Elections
• Prince Arden's goodwill tour
• The Murphy Factor

Action 2: Rebuilding the Legions

Weight: Single, Strategic, Final Year

Description: This year marks the completion of the reorganization of the Legions. The new army will be divided, essentially, into two major field forces: an infantry-heavy force for guarding the southern border against the Ice Demons(among others), and a cavalry-heavy force for patrolling the great plains along the northern border. Reserve cadres will also be established for the rapid mobilization of the secondary forces.

Difficulty: Normal (0)

Factors: All the work that's gone before, plus the persistant rumors of the Ice Demons.

Fudge Points: 3

Sub-parts:

• Organization of Reserves
• Deployment of Field Forces
• General Recruitment
• Cavalry Recruitment

Action 3: Build Spy Network

Weight: Strategic, Single

Description: Carryover from past years; no real changes.

Difficulty: Hard

Factors: As in past years.

Fudge Points: 3

Subparts: * Insert Agents * Develop codes & ciphers * "Special Projects" * Hire Analysts

Action 4: [Top Secret]

Weight: Single, Secret

Description: [Sent separately to Juuso for resolution]

Difficulty: [Secret]

Factors: [Secret]

Action resolution

Action 1: Election

Resolution: Diff = Easy (+1) + Dice (++0+) + Extras () = +4 Great success

Dice:

• Vizinian Elections: +1 (1 fp)
• Cedonian/Selarian Elections: +1
• Prince Arden's goodwill tour: 0
• The Murphy Factor: +1

Results:

Interpretation:

In a surprise upset, the Constitutional Monarchists make great gains in the Commoners' Circle. Twenty of the twenty-three Vizinian seats go to the CMs, and they pick up all six Imperial Loyalist seats, six of twelve seats held by the War Party, 38 of 76 Grangist seats, and twenty of the Urban League's 112 seats. The other three Vizinian seats all fall into the Urban League's column.

As for the 22 new Vizinian seats in the Nobles' Circle, they are split into 11 Constitutional Monarchists, 6 Grangists, 1 Urban League, and the remainder independent.

The distribution of seats in the Commons for the next five years will be as follows:

• Urban League: 95
• The Grange: 38
• War Party: 6
• Const Monarch? : 105

As a result of the election, a major reshuffle of the Inner Council occurs. Dr. Ardin Vellin is forced to resign as First Councilor and is replaced by the Count of Rochlyn, the leader of the Constitutional Monarchists. The Count retains his position as Minister of War. Dr. Vellin takes over the position of Interior Minister from Roald Kellner, who becomes the Urban League's Chief Whip in the Commoner's Circle.

Theran Rinn, the former Foreign Minister, lost his seat in the election, and is replaced on the Inner Council by the Constitutional Monarchist Councilor Roger Finn of Zayura. Tomar Grade, the Urban League Minister of the Exchequer, is replaced by the Duke of Tirroth, a Constitutional Monarchist, who is one of the wealthiest men in Cedonia. The Grangist leader, Tomas Yorke, stays on as Minister of Agriculture, while Archprelate Thandra Ellas and Councilor Raden Ghere remain as Minister of Justice and Minister for Special Projects, respectively.

Action 2: Rebuilding the Legions

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

Dice:

• Organization of Reserves: +1 (2 fp)
• Deployment of Field Forces: 0 (1 fp)
• General Recruitment: 0
• Cavalry Recruitment: +1

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

Interpretation:

The force realignment is completed. A system of reserve cadres for faster mobilization is set up, while the regular army is reequipped. Additional cavalry auxilia are recruited and deployed to the northern border--many of these units are in essence Home Defence forces, consisting of Selarians guarding their own homes.

Action 3: Build Spy Network

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

Dice:

• Insert Agents: + (2 fp)
• Develop codes & ciphers: + (1 fp)
• "Special Projects": -1
• Hire Analysts: -1

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

Interpretation:

"It seems that for every advance we make, we take a step back."

"Yes, sir. We have agents in place, and ways to communicate that are reasonably secure . . . but finding persons skilled in the more . . . esoteric aspects of espionage is rather difficult."

"Well, perhaps the . . . new blood we're bringing in will help sort things out. We shall see."

Action 4: Secret

Resolution: Diff = Routine (+2) + Dice (+-00) + Extras () = +2 Success

Dice:

• Factor 1: +1
• Factor 2: -1
• Factor 3: 0
• Factor 4: 0

Results:

Interpretation:

From the Imperial_Gazette, Thalcedon's government-issued broadsheet:

The Imperial Postal Service is pleased to announce the introduction of a new overseas passenger and mail service. In addition to the current Kaeir and Mirabalpur services, the IPS is now offering regular service to Arelcar Island and Cormenaera. For a full schedule and a listing of rates for passengers, freight, and mail, contact the Imperial Postal Service offices on Emperor Bucerad I Avenue, Old City, Thalcedon.

Actions for Mir

Action submission

(In four more turns it will have been 50 "years" since the game started. In no time we will reach a hundred. )

Action 1 & 2: Raise the Army

Mir begins to raise its army. They want to be ready for both the Ice Deamons and the Vraa'al. The Army is being brought up to full strength. The Regents and Opozoya Villard are also working on bring the Burcancy army to full force as well. The two countries first move would be prepare their navy and then follow up by raising up the two contries armies. They are going to spend the year bring their troops up to standered, and also enchoraging young men to join the army. Mir will work on improving the training ground found in Yora'Timar so that the local units have grounds to train on. After bring the navy and military up to standerds the Mirrish and Burcancy forces are going partice working together. Except for the Yora'Timar troops which are staying in Yora'Timar. The Mage artillery is also part of the efforts, as are the Burcancy Weather Mages. The two countries generals will be working together, but the Warlord Ria is expected to take the lead as the most experience of all the generals.

Difficulty: Normal Factors: The presures from the various factions in favor of going to war with Vraa'al and being prepared. the Relations with Burcancy. Fudge Points: 2 weight: Double

Action 3 & 4: Training of the Warmages

With the assasination of Villard last year, the Ice Deamon threat, and the military prepaeration. Their is a strong push for the contiuned training of the Warmages. This years their will be a strong effort to find more sorcerers who are able to join. The already established courties also spend a large amount of time working with the navy and the army to quordinate efforts also a large amount of time will be spent with the Mage Artillery. One courtie will be sent to work with the units in Yora'Timar.

Difficulty: Hard Factors: The push to go to war against the Vraa'al. Weight: Double Fudge Points:1

Action 5: Dragons

With the resent reemergence of the Ice Deamons Mir has noticed through history that it seems to have been the Dragons that helped drive them back. The Archmage has ordered the restart of the Dragon Nursery, and the bushing for dragon breeding. The Archmage is pushing for increase in the number of dragons found in the Mirish Dragon Cavalry. Due to the fact that the it has been only 160 years since the dragons disappered the knowledge of dragons has not been lost since their are still a large number of Sorcerers who were a live at that time, and had dealings with the Dragons. The Archmage has also ordered a search for information about were their might be more dragons. It is known that the dragons who came to Talishara came from the south. Also known that dragons can be found in the dreaming, but the Archmage would perfer to find some on Celandra before an attempt to find some in the dreaming.

Difficulty: Normal Factors: Scepter of Mir can control and communicate with dragons. Also the fact that the Dragons have not been gone that long (well by mirrish standers anyway) so their is still a large amoung to information. weight: Extra -1 Fudge Points: 2 Secrecy: Very secret.

Action resolution

Action 1-2: Raise the army

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

Dice:

• Volunteers: +1 (2 fp)
• Quality: 0
• Burcancy: -1
• Cooperation: -1

Results:

Interpretation:

Action 3-4: Training of Warmages

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

Dice:

• Quantity: +1 (1 fp)
• Quality: -1
• Cooperation: +1
• Luck: +1

Results: (Hard: +2,+1,0, +2,x,x)

Interpretation:

Action 5: Dragons

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

Dice:

• Dragon breeding/nursery: +1 (2 fp)
• Find dragons: +1
• Intact memories: -1
• Luck: +1

Results:

Interpretation:

Actions for Exquaestio

Interlude

Geros entered entered the meeting room. Since the last time he'd been here a mural of Mid Sea? had been added to one wall, with Exquaestio's ecclesia clearly marked. "You wished to see me Primus?" he addressed Exquaestio's Primate, noting that Exquaestio's rohain Preceptor stood by one of the windows.

"Yes Geros. You are the senior espiri available to me, and I need an espiri's opinion on a proposal of Preceptor Lars'." Geros took a seat, and Primate Rojez continued. "The Preceptor has proposed that Exquaestio put together a mercenary force and interfere in the wars between the Free Cities. What is your opinion on the matter?"

Geros closed his eyes and thought deeply for a moment. "First, this is more a matter for Eldest Mira than myself."

"It would take too long for a message to reach her and return."

Geros opened his eyes and nodded, "Well then, military matters are the Preceptor's responsibility, and if there are valid military reasons for us to field a mercenary force then it's his decision. That decision may be overruled by the Primate for political or social reason if he feels it's necessary." He smiled, "Most espiri tend to be politically oblivious, and me more than most, so I have no idea if that decision needs to be overruled or not."

The Primate's voice was tense, "What about the morality of the matter?"

Geros was confused. "Morality Primus? I don't understand?"

"Exquaestio is supposed to help people. Don't you think doing something specifically designed to hurt people is immoral?"

"Uh . . ." Geros paused. Specific verses from The Book of Travels passed through his mind. "I don't think that comparison is, uh, appropriate. Uh, when and how we fight are more important than whether we fight, and in the end, those decisions are made by the rohain, not the espiri or anradan."

"So," Rojez nearly hissed out the word. "Very well, Preceptor, you have permission. Go ahead and field your mercenary force."

As Geros moved to get up, the Primate stopped him. "Stay Pioneer Geros. It might be useful to have your opinion in other matters that the Preceptor and I must discuss."

Events from last year were quickly dealt with, but as the discussion moved into the plans for this year Geros became aware that relations between the Preceptor and Primate were not what he'd thought. The Primate actually disliked the Preceptor. Geros's thought flew back to the Grand Conclave when he'd had an opportunity to talk to Eldest Mira in person. She'd been trying to explain how Feroze had created the three branches of clergy to check and balance each other. He hadn't understood at the time, but he thought that understanding might finally be growing.

Deciding that relations in the Burcancy were sufficiently advanced for the time being. Discussion moved on to how the the new mercenary force and investigating the squad of rohain who were overdue reporting from the Burcancy would affect Exquaestio's expansion into new areas. Then the Primate brought up the idea of sending a mission to the Ice Demons in Tanimbar. After much discussion, and taking into account the need to train new rohain, a general idea of what rohain would be sent where was agreed on.

As he left Geros couldn't help but compare Primate Rojez with Primate Hugo. Though he had liked Hugo more, he couldn't help but think that Rojez was far better at handling things in the Free Cities than Hugo would have been.

Action submission

* The squad of Rohain sent to investigate the rumors of the Ice Demons disappears. Their last message indicated that they were heading towards Torphan to the source of the rumors. * Exquaestio grows by 20% (40% remaining). * A plot of land is donated to Exquaestio on Temple Avenue in Mirabalpur on the Isle of Celamyr. * Relations continue to expand between Exquaestio and the Cult of Demerhaze, but no specific initiatives are planned for this year. * Mira Fells, eldest espiri, takes the Lex Magus Rudimentum in Mirabalpur.

Action 1: Missionary Efforts Weight: Single Description: Exquaestio begins operating in Aixelsydan, Aryisa, Mirrish Tirmar, the Razanian Kingdoms, Torphan, Vizinia, and Zelkor. Difficulty: +2 Routine Factors: none Fudge-Points: 0 Results: Administration, Manpower, Transport, Culture

Action 2: Mercenary Force Weight: Single Description: Exquaestio hires out a corse (74 men, including 5 rohain & 2 espiri) as a mercenary force. Difficulty: Unknown Factors: + Military Force + Reputations - Mercenary Work Fudge-Points: 2 Results: training, money, rohain authority, advertising

Action 3: Investigation in The Burcancy Weight: Single Description: Exquaestio investigates the disappearance of a squad of Rohain in the Burcancy. Difficulty: Unknown Factors: + Craft: Investigation + Knowledge of plans - Circumstances Fudge-Points: 0 Results: When, Where, How, Why

Action 4: Mission to Demonic Tanimbar Weight: Single Description: Exquaestio attempts to open relations with the Ice Demons of Tanimbar. Difficulty: Hard (-1) Factors: + Missionary Craft + Base Relations - Nonhuman - Invasion - War with Tanimbar Fudge-Points: 2 Results: Local Divisions, Religious Tolerance, Information, Predjudice

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, Resources

Action resolution

Action 1: Missionary Efforts

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

Dice:

• Administration: -1
• Manpower: -1
• Transport: +1
• Culture: +1

Results:

While there are difficulties finding and administering missionaries the expansion is an overall success.

Interpretation:

Action 2: Mercenary Force

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

Dice:

• training: +1 (2 fp)
• money: -1
• rohain authority: -1
• advertising: 0

Results: Exquaestio's mercenaries failed to get any contracts.

Interpretation:

Action 3: Investigation in The Burcancy

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

Dice:

• When: +1
• Where: 0
• How: +1
• Why: +1

Results:

Interpretation:

Action 4: Mission to Demonic Tanimbar

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

Dice:

• Local Divisions: +1 (2 fp)
• Religious Tolerance: +1
• Information: 0
• Predjudice: +1

Results:

Relations with the demons of Tanimbar opened with a base of Good (+1).

Interpretation:

Action 5: The Pantheon

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

Dice:

• Purchase: 0
• Transportation: 0
• Labor: +1
• Resources: -1

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

Interpretation: The survey continues with nothing standing out at present.

Actions for Kaeir

Action submission

1450 actions for Kaeir:

Action 1: Election of a Millati leader Weight: single. Type: Internal (Public). Key Elements: Millati community, wider Kaeirean community (minimal role save for their possible reaction). Description: The Millati community in Kaeir has reached the point where stronger local leadership is required to direct their affairs. Particular concern has been expressed in the haphazardous attempts at coordinating evangelisation. At the end of 1449, the elders of the Millati community gather in the Holy Tower of the South in New Tirmaeir and elect a leader.

The new leader, Arlhan von Kahshaar, a merchant originally of Kahshaartown (though not related to the Senator, Karl von Kahshaar), adopts the title of Keeper and begins to better coordinate the community's affairs and in particular properly organise the missionary efforts. As no opposition was raised from within the community to his election, his authority is well accepted and he is able to exert great influence over individual believers.

Difficulty: Mildly significant (the potential for change lies in the future not the present though). Factors: + The Millati believers are an established community, the majority of whom are native Kaeireans (the Shanari migrants being only a few dozen). + Assembly held in the impressive Holy Tower of the South + Solid political and financial support from powerful Millati believers in the government, military and commerce. + Excellent timing - the Millati community being at a critical turning point in Kaeir. + Unanimous agreement on his election. Questions: - How effectively is he able to improve missionary efforts, especially through obtaining greater support for them from other believers? - What is the relationship between him and the original Shanari preachers from the Calarnar? - Have the Millat Shanari theocracy in the Calarnar, the Shanariyya Commonwealth, responded?

Action 2: Secure and strengthen the Rimrivertown trade-port. Weight: single (1 of 2 turns). Type: Internal (Public). Key Elements: Lord-Governor Huacoatl, Colonial Guard, the Panchayyah, Commerce Secretariat, Information Secretariat. Description: Rimrivertown has experienced a boom. Kaeirean merchants have flocked to the settlement to join the Ban Horroth trade. At the same time, savvy Panchayyah merchants have quickly picked up the more sophisticated mercantile practices of the Kaeireans. The Kaeirean merchants form partnerships with their local Panchayyah counterparts (the Kaeireans lack the necessary local knowledge). Each partnership builds an office and warehouse dockside, and residences hillside. This has resulted in a mushrooming of buildings in Rimrivertown, and the civilian population and buildings have quickly outnumbered the military ones.

At the same time, the Senate expands the Rimrivertown colonial settlement into a colonial governorate, appointing Captain Huacoatl as Lord-Governor and strengthening the defences and infrastructure of this newly critical trade-port. The Colonial Guard under Huacoatl is increased to 6 brigades or 600 troops. The Information Secretariat and the Commerce Secretariat are expanded into permanent missions staffed by more than a dozen staff each. The expanded civilian population necessitates a school, hospital, market, shops and entertainment for the growing civilian population (now both Kaeirean and Panchayyah).

Lastly, ties with the allied Panchayyah are improved even further when the Grand Chief of the Panchayyah and the Lord-Governor of Rimrivertown exchange advisors. The Grand Chief allows the recruitment of 200 Panchayyah youth into the Republican Military Academy in Port Kaeir, establishing a precedent for future military exchanges. The strengthened commercial ties between Kaeirean and Panchayyah merchants further help political ties with the Panchayyah.

The wideranging reforms of the Rimrivertown settlement are intended to fully secure the new colonial governorate and the important trade route it protects. Difficulity: Normal (+0) - No major obstacles exist to this fait accompli. Factors: + Rimrivertown boom (rush by merchants due to opportunities created by Ban Horroth trade) + Growth of Rimrivertown population-wise (see first factor). + Need to properly secure Rimrivertown from potential rivals. + Special care paid by Senate not to upset Panchayyah allies. + Benefits of Ban Horroth trade and boom to Panchayyah. + Improved infrastructure and support (greater spending, commerce, traffic with Kaeir). - Physical expansion of Rimrivertown and possible Panchayyah reaction. - Increased Kaeirean population and possible Panchayyah reaction. - Possible reaction by neighbouring nations. Questions: - Do the Panchayyah react positively, as it is assumed they will? - Do any neighbouring states react to Kaeirean position on the Rimriver? - What is the impact of the consolidation of Rimrivertown on the Panchayyah? - What is the impact of the consolidation of Rimrivertown on the Ban Horroth and their trade? Fudge-points: 1

Action 3: Millat Shanari evangelisation continues. Weight: single (5 of 10). Type: Internal (Public). Key Elements: Millat Shanari devotees, Keeper of the Holy Tower of the South, wealthy Millati supporters. Description: The Millat Shanari continues their evangelical efforts into their fifth year, integrating their experiences from the previous year to adapt the Millati message to the Kaeirean population. Focus continues on the major urban centres of Port Kaeir, New Tirmaeir and Crownsbane Keep. Efforts though, may achieve success this year thanks to the new leadership. Difficulity: Difficult (past limited achievements). Factors: ++ New leadership provided by the Keeper (especially in coordinating efforts, and obtaining financial support). + High status converts (Basiluddin, Jafaarsan). + Prestige of the new Holy Tower of the South. + Accumulated experience of evangelisation. + Backing from key figures. + Existing popularity amongst the Guard. - New religion.

Fudge-points: 1

Action resolution

Action 1-2: Election of a Millati leader

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

Dice:

• Improval of missionary efforts: +1
• Relationship to original Shanari preachers: -1
• Respond of Millat Shanari theocracy in the Calarnar: +1
• Luck: 0

Results:

Interpretation:

Action 3: Secure and strengthen the Rimrivertown trade-port

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

Dice:

• Do the Panchayyah react positively: +1 (1 fp)
• Do any neighbouring states react: +1
• What is the impact of the consolidation on the Panchayyah: 0
• What is the impact n the Ban Horroth: 0

Results: (normal: +2,x)

Interpretation:

Action 4: Millat Shanari evangelisation continues

Resolution: Diff = Normal (0) + Dice (000+) + Extras () = +1 Success

Dice:

• Port Kaeir: 0
• New Tirmaeir: 0
• Crownsbane Keep: 0
• Luck: +1

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

Interpretation:

Actions for (Society)

Action submission

Action resolution

Action 1-4

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

Dice:

• :
• :
• :
• :

Results:

Interpretation:

-- Juuso Vesanto - 05 Jan 2005

-- Juuso Vesanto - 05 Jan 2005