Events for 1451

Ban Horroth [-5]: The Ban Horroth clan wars start again. There's news that aryisan people are starting to raid their homes again from the east. From the west new humans have taken contact with Ban Horroth (Kaeir). A big faction, popular among the caste of War in particular, wants to cut out the connections and isolate Ban Horroth in their mountains.

Tora [-4]: An exploration party of Hria merchants (and part-time slavers) stumbles upon a tora village in the western jungles. The rich goods and news of the world outside prove to be an unresistable temptation, and the villagers make some trading with the merchants. The news and the goods leak to other villages, and soon the Supreme Leader orders the destruction of the village for breaching the veil of Secrecy. When the merchants come back next time, they cannot find even remains of the village they traded with. But the word is out, and even the Tora are divided. Led by Keeth'Paal, part of the Tora want to reach out to the world. Soon, the first blood is spilled on the stone of Paal's temple.

Ice demons: News from Torphan is that they have halted the progress of the Ice Demons, and are slowly pushing them back towards the Tavar Pass. Rumors tell about packs of Ice Demons slipping through or around the imperial forces.

Kaeir reaction

HUACOATL

Noble house of the second generation of the Republic. Lord Huacoatl van Jafaarsan van Kelshir, the namesake and founder of the house was a originally a bonded soldier in the Republican Guard like many of the early Guard commanders, having been taken by eastern slavers from the Kelshiri coast. He was the first commander of the Colonial Guard and first Lord-Governor of the Rimrivertown colony. It was his outstanding career in the Republican Guard, then Colonial Guard and later in the Colonial Secretariat that gave his progeny lasting status, and which, in accordance with the unusual social customs of the Kaeireans, elevated them to the upper ranks of the Kaeirean nobility rank. Today, the Huacoatl family are active in foreign and exotic trades and the Colonial Secretariat, are largely not involved in national politics, and follow the Millati religion.

"Great Families of the Early Kaeirean Republic", Society of Scholastics (New Tirmaeir, 1600).

Lord-Governor Huacoatl addressed the captains of the Governorate assembled in his council-room:

"Sirs, we have all heard the news that arrived with the caravan this morning from up the Rimriver. Civil war and attacks from the peoples of the eastern coast afflict the Ban Horroth.

Whilst the Senatorial instruction given to me is to avoid interference in local affairs, I am instructed even more so to protect the Ban Horroth trade. The fate of this entire port, the first Kaeirean overseas settlement, is at stake. War amongst the Ban Horroth has already slightly disrupted trade, and should the rebel party gain power, trade will cease entirely.

Merchant Samad Waqabsan has already told us what the state of affairs up-river were when he left the Ban Horroth capital last fortnight. The choice that befalls me as Lord-Governor is obvious, and for those who might be concerned at the Senatorial response, I remind them that the Lord-Consul himself charged me personally with the protection of Rimrivertown and the Ban Horroth. Until the Senate directs me otherwise, Rimrivertown shall assist the Ban Horroth government.

Kaeir shall offer assistance to the Ban Horroth government in the civil conflict and against the Razanian encroachments on the Ban Horroth border. In line with Senate policy, we recognise as the legitimate Ban Horroth rulers those whom Kaeir opened trade negotiations and established regular trade with. These are whom the fate of Kaeirean trade in this region lies with.

I do not send soldiers as that would only work against us, not to mention weaken Rimrivertown itself, but a dozen men only. This delegation of twelve shall provide military assistance in training, arms, strategy and fortification. We will give our trading partners the greatest gift of Kaeirean Republican Guard - our skill and knowledge in the art of war.

The delegation shall help the ruling clans of the Ban Horroth in the civil war, and even more importantly, against the Razanian encroachments on the Ban Horroth border.

This dozen will be comprised of a Information Secretariat agent, a Panchayyah noble, Commerce Secretariat officer, a Rimrivertown merchant, five Republican Guard captains, a pair of Republican Guard engineers, and Captain Murhanuddin. Disguised as merchants in a larger caravan, they bring with them a shipment of steel weaponry of Midsea design. Though the shipment is small, it is sufficient to arm a hundred Ban Horroth warriors with a sword, shield (small by human standards, but sufficient for the minute Ban Horroth), and short bow. More significantly, the delegation offers assistance to the ruling clans, in field training, military strategy and arms for the civil war, and even more importantly, against the Razanian raiders. The dozen advisors shall give sufficient help to strengthen the traders amongst the Ban Horroth, and those clans who are friendly with us.

This will achieve two things - one, the Ban Horroth trade remains open and friendly, and two, the wild tribes of the upper Rimriver shall weaken under pressure from a strong Ban Horroth, allowing our Panchayyah ally to further expand. The Rimriver region would therefore become more stable, and trade in turn shall prosper, which of course is the benefit Kaeir draws from this."

Later that morning, the Lord-Governor of Rimrivertown met privately with his Information Secretariat Captain again in the now empty council-room.

"Murhanuddin, I am sending you upriver as you are the most capable officer under my command. I know you understand how critical this is. Choose which of your officers shall direct the Information Secretariat mission here in your absence."

"Huacoatl", asked Murhanuddin in the daring manner he always used in their private discussions, "I would think it better to await for direction from the Senate before embarking on such a major action. The price you could pay if this gets out of hand would be high."

"I realise that, good Captain, but I was not appointed to this position so that I would wait for monthly correspondence from the Senate before doing anything. I have a series of directives to pursue in my capacity as Lord-Governor, and this is my interpretation of them.

The dozen will include an Information Secretariat field officer, a Commerce Secretariat officer, a Panchayyah noble, and the merchantman Waqabsan. These four and yourself will be responsible for creating a critical mass of clans in support of the Ban Horroth leadership. Monopolies and exclusive trade agreements over certain products will be our primary weapons here. The commercial sanity of enough Ban Horroth clans shall prevail I am sure, especially with the inducements we shall offer.

As merchantman Waqabsan said, the Ban Horroth are split between the rebel faction and the government, with a sizeable minority of neutral clans. Your primary goal, Captain, is tobring these neutral clans over to the government.

The other goal is military. The Senate had already privately determined to introduce Kaeirean military expertise to the Ban Horroth, with the intention of strengthening them and through this strengthening and securing the trade with them. Conflict upriver has merely forced me radically hasten the implementation of Senate plans, especially given the eastern coastlander attacks. Five Republican Guard officers will be sent to provide immediate training of a Kaeirean standard to the Ban Horroth in the fields of tactics, strategy, and arms. The last two members of your dozen are Guard engineers, who shall teach the Ban Horroth more sophisticated means of fortification to allow them to better protect their eastern borders. This is the dozen I am sending, and much shall ride on them, Murhanuddin."

Actions for Kaeir

Action submission

1. Millati evangelisation Action: 6 of 10. Weight: Single Key Elements: The Keeper, Millati supporters, Millati preachers. Description

The Millati community continues its evangelization program in Kaeir in the wake of its newly elected leader, the Keeper Arlhan von Kahshaar, and the successes amongst the Crownsbane Keep population. Now properly organised under the disciplined leadership of Keeper Arlhan, the missionaries enjoy sufficient financial and logistical support to function properly and more properly focus on their duties. The Kaeirean leadership of the Millati community is making an impact on the local population as well, the missionaries hope.

Difficulty: Normal. Background factors: + Leadership of the Keeper. + High status converts + Kaeirean leadership of Millati community (elevated status amongst Kaeireans) + Solid political and financial support from powerful Millati believers in the government, military and commerce for preachers, organised by the Keeper. + Initial success of previous year. + Accumulated experience of preaching to Kaeireans. - New, still slightly "foreign" religion

2. Securing of Rimrivertown settlement. Action: 2 of 2. Weight: Single. Key Elements: Lord-Governor Huacoatl, Colonial Guard, Kaeirean and Panchayyah merchants. Description Consolidation of the Kaeirean port of Rimrivertown is completed, establishing its position as the terminus of the Ban Horroth traderoute and the market for Kaeirean-Panchayyah trade. The building of infrastructure such as roads, docks, housing and fortifications begun last year is finished, and a good number of trading houses have established themselves in Rimrivertown.

Difficulty: Normal. Background factors: + Continued Rimrivertown growth after boom of previous year. + Continued recognized need by Kaeireans and Panchayyah to secure Rimrivertown from rivals. + Panchayyah friendship (and special emphasis by Senate on harmonious relations). + Leadership of Lord-Governor Huacoatl, and the authority and autonomy given to him. + Benefits of Ban Horroth trade to Panchayyah and Kaeireans. + Improved infrastructure and support (greater spending, commerce, traffic with Kaeir) + Accumulated success. - Uncertainty amongst merchants created by Ban Horroth crisis. - Uncertainty amongst Panchayyah created by Ban Horroth crisis. - Slight decline in trade due to Ban Horroth trade. - Possible reaction by neighbouring nations.

3. Aid to Ban Horroth Party of Trade Action: * of 5. Weight: Key Elements: Lord-Governor Huacoatl, Information Secretariat Captain Murhanuddin and his delegation of 11 advisors, Ban Horroth Party of Trade, Ban Horroth Party of Religion, Ban Horroth Party of War. Description:

Huacoatl sends his dozen advisors to the Ban Horroth Party of Trade, to assist them against the Party of War. The dozen provide military expertise, training and arms to the Party of Trade clans, to assist them in both the civil war and against Razanian threat. With a shipment of arms enough for 100 Ban Horroth warriors made, further shipments of arms are also promised. The Party of Trade are also given a series of exclusive trade agreements and monopolies on certain Kaeirean products to use to bring many of the neutral Ban Horroth clans over to their side. Lord-Governor Huacoatl's intention is to provide sufficient support to the Party of Trade that the Party of Trade wins or at emerges as the dominant faction, without any actual Kaeirean intervention, and to ensure that the Ban Horroth overall remain sufficiently strong in the future. Difficulty: Hard. Background factors: + Existing established trade with Ban Horroth. + Assistance to Party of Trade small enough not to spark negative reaction amongst Ban Horroth. + Commercial benefits to clans if trade with Rimrivertown not effected. + Offer of expertise to help against Razanian attacks. + Enhanced strength and status of Party of Trade from Kaeirean aid and weapons. - Appearance of armed foreigners from the west at a time when foreigners from the east are attacking.

Critical questions: How do the Ban Horroth react to the minimal Kaeirean intervention in the civil war? Does the Party of Trade accept the assistance? Does this assistance weaken the Party of Trade, or does it make the Party of Trade look like the stronger and more attractive faction to the neutral clans (as opposed to the Party of War who would fight all humans without any outside aid, or trade). How important is commerce to the Ban Horroth, and therefore how many Ban Horroth clans are attracted to the agreements offered by the Kaeireans? Does the promise of Kaeirean training and assistance against the ancient Ban Horroth enemies the Razanians have any impact on the neutral Party of Religion? Does the Party of Trade accept the assistance? Is this the final attempt by an out-dated Party of War that rejects the modern world, or a genuine Ban Horroth reaction against foreign influence?

Fudge-points: 2

Possible outcomes:

Terrible! News of the Kaeirean delegation circulate amongst the Ban Horroth before they can even reach the Ban Horroth capital, and are ambushed by warriors from the Party of War. Their bodies and weapons are paraded through the halls of the Citadel as "evidence" of a co-ordinated conspiracy by humans to enslave the Ban Horroth. Popular opinion turns against contact with the outsiders, the Party of Trade suffers defeat after defeat and within days all trade between Rimrivertown and the Ban Horroth ceases. Lord-Governor Huacoatl is recalled to Port Kaeir in utter disgrace, as Rimrivertown and the Panchayyah are left wondering what the future holds for them.

Mixed. The Party of Trade's fortunes are bolstered by the training and arms provided by Kaeir, and their influence extended amongst many neutral clans thanks to the Kaeirean trade "bribes". Little headway against the Party of War is made though, and the conflict enters into a stalemate for the time being. Trade with Rimrivertown continues, though merchants complain of sometimes sluggish demand amongst the Ban Horroth.

Success! The Kaeirean aid to the Party of Trade greatly boosts their fortunes, and key clans in the Party of Religion turn against the Party of War, forcing an end to the conflict. Trade continues unaffected with Rimrivertown. The Ban Horroth leadership begins planning a response to the Razanian raiders to the east, and the Kaeirean delegation remain in the Ban Horroth citadel to assist their preparations.

Action resolution

Action 1: Millati evangelisation

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

Dice:

• The Keeper: 0
• Millati supporters: 0
• Millati preachers: +1
• Luck: 0

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

Interpretation:

The Millati evangelism has now enjoyed three continuous years of success, sizeable communities of converts exist in the four major Kaeirean towns and cities: Port Kaeir, New Tirmaeir, Crownsbane and Kahshaartown. From the early community dominated by the military (approximately 4000 members), the Millati now have a simple majority of civilian devotees. This has been achieved largely by the focusing of missionary efforts on converting household, family and village heads to the Path, thereby bringing the rest of their House, family or village into the religion. This has simplified the process, and avoids unnecessary conflict with tradition, as the holders of local traditions themselves are the first converts in the conversion of a particular population.

Action 2: Securing of Rimrivertown settlement.

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

Dice:

• Lord-Governor Huacoatl: +1
• Colonial Guard: -1
• Kaeirean merchants: -1
• Panchayyah merchants: 0

Results: (Normal: +2,x)

Interpretation:

Action 3-4: Aid to Ban Horroth Party of Trade

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

Dice:

• Ban Horroth reaction: +1 (2 fp)
• Effect on the Party of Trade: -1
• Importance of commerce: 0
• Part of War common support: 0

Results: A stalemate: Party of Trade accepts the help, but this this reflects badly on their public image, depicting them as weak for accepting help from humans. On the other hand, a significant proportion of the people view the Kaeir traders with favour: they are very much unlike the razanian raiders.

Interpretation:

Lord-Governor Hoacoatl,

I present to you now my report of the Ban Horroth mission. In my opinion, the delegation to the Ban Horroth has been a success. Trade has not been destroyed, and a stalemate has been created. The emotions of those Ban Horroth that supported the War Caste shall cool in time, and the cold calculating reason of leadership shall see the affair quite differently, I am sure.

Generally, it has been a difficult year. Living amongst these reptilian humanoids has been dangerous – on more than one occasion a number of my men have almost lost their lives. We arrived in the Ban Horroth capital safely enough from the border settlement of Ghainnorbakh at the beginning of the year without their cover being broken, and were quickly ensconced within the main Trader neighborhood in the citadel-capital, Banbakh. Things began smoothly enough, as the Trader elders had readily welcomed your proposals, Lord-Governor.

I have met frequently with the Trader Caste leader, the Elder Hakhanmor* **Udmori Runnoro, coordinating Kaeirean assistance to the Trader Caste. A strange individual, it is clear from my discussions with him that the Ban Horroth are possessed of great intelligence, wisdom, cultured (in an interesting sense of the word) and cunning (at least, the listed qualities have been possessed by some of individuals I have dealt with, much like men). *

*The Traders have built up their own militia partly in thanks to our assistance, turning a ragtag volunteer militia into a far more organised and professional military force. Though I am told they are smaller in size than the organised Warrior soldiery, they possess superior tactics and training (the ancient expertise of the Warrior Caste having had little chance at application I suspect for many centuries!) and of course many are armed with Kaeirean supplied arms. So the threat of Warrior domination has been avoided, though our future relations with the Ban Horroth are not yet certain. *

*Our economic incentives have reinforced the Trader position, and allowed them to extend their influence among other clans in the Priestly Caste, even a few amongst the Warrior Caste. *

*The Ban Horroth are divided between two main factions in this conflict – the Traders and the Warriors – which corresponds to the two main cults of the Ban Horroth, the cult of Akhror the war deity, and the cult of Akhur the God of War, and the cult of Runur, the Lady of Wisdom, Fidelity and Truth. This is an eldritch Horroth feud, predating the ancient Mirrish Empire even. In simple political terms it can be translated as the Warrior Caste pursuing a militant expansionist agenda, and the Trader Caste a commercial, trade-based agenda. The Priestly Caste occupy a neutral middle-ground in this. *

*The situation is complicated by the Ban Horroth government. Presently it is a Regency, as the last king died about 6 years ago, and the Crown Prince has yet to reach maturity (though it is expected to be very soon). The Regency is governed by three Elder-Regents, who form a Regency Council akin to that in Cedonia. Each Elder represents the seniormost political leader of one of the three Castes. Though I have not met Crown Prince Runnor (a curious name my translator tells me – see the attached biography), and doubt that I will be able to anytime soon, he is supposed to favour the Elder of the Priestly Caste, the Grand Abbott, in counsel and friendship. Once Runnor reaches maturity and ascends the throne, anything could happen in terms of policy as he will possess the absolute power traditional in the Ban Horroth crown. *

*Whatever we do now must both protect our interests in the short-term, and look to the near future when the prince becomes king. So I have been working at making Kaeirean trade and friendship more palatable to the Priestly Caste – demonstrating the economic benefits of trade and resulting prosperity, minimising cultural contamination, explaining the difference between we Kaeireans and the Razanians, showing the military benefits of Kaeirean friendship and improved Ban Horroth security, and probably most importantly, the sharing of Midsea myths concerning the Ban Horroth (please note my accompanying request for books on the Draconian legends – an urgent matter). This last point seems to have struck a chord with the Priests, the Grand Abbott questioned me for almost two hours on what stories I (and Corporal Wayahsan) could recall off-hand. Apparently the Horroth legend of the Scourge is interpreted by many Priests as divine punishment for past Horroth misdeeds, which I believe is related to the legends of Draconian armies that conquered eastern Qaiyore under Mir. *

I must also make mention of my household servant, Karr Bakhi Kayri. Karr previously served in the household of Elder Hakhanmor’s, and at the request of his former employer became the household servant for the Kaeirean mission. Karr is from the fourth, unspoken Horroth caste, the “Under Caste”. This caste apparently is a kind of primitive peasentry, occupying all the menial and labour intensive physical occupations such as labouring, farming, butchery and of course, domestic service. They are the lowest class, a servitude indicated by their diminutive names (see the appendix attached to this report on Horroth naming customs).

At first I was apprehensive of Karr being a spy for our friend Elder Hakhanmor, but as I came to better understand caste obligations, I realised that the moment Karr left the service of Hakhanmor and entered mine, his loyalty and accompanying obligations changed entirely. Karr has become an integral part of the Kaeirean mission here, and under the daily tuition of merchantman Waqabsan, Karr has acquired a good understanding of Kaeirean. His translation duties have expanded so much that his cousin Ghai has joined our household to handle the domestic duties. Both are bright young lads, it is obvious that the Horroth notion that the Under-caste are dim-witted and slow is patently false. Corporal Wayahsan has included two scrolls of notes from conversations with Karr and Ghai on Ban Horroth culture in the package accompanying this report. They have been a tremendous source of intelligence, even more than our Trader friends.

Midsea steel is clearly superior to the ironwork of the ironsmiths and weaponsmiths of the Warrior Caste, something the Trader leader, Elder Hakhanmor* *Udmori Runnoro* *recognised immediately – hence my earlier requests for more arms.

Considerable propaganda from the Warrior Caste though has undermined the Traders’ position, allowing them to play on the already volatile emotions of many Ban Horroth. In less than a fortnight after our arrival, the neighborhood of the Citadel that we live in was reinforced with further guards.

I am of the position that ultimately though it will be the Priestly Caste that decide things, being both the neutral party in the ancient religious conflict between the followers of the Ban Horroth war deity, and the followers of the peace deity, and the guardian of Horroth tradition. Elder Hakhanmor was sure of this, and it was for this reason that I requested a meeting between myself and the Grand Abbot Saiylinrun Arvari Runnoro. The approximate transcript (Corporal Wayahsan and Karr transcribed the essential details of the discussion) accompanies the report.

Please note that a series of requests and secondary reports accompanies this main report. They should be read carefully to ensure that the needed supplies reaches me. I look forward to your reply Lord-Governor, and send my salutations to the Senate through you.

May the Green ever fly,

(Signed)

Wan Murhanuddin

Capital of the Information Secretiat & Mission-Chief to the Ban Horroth.

ancient Mirrish Empire even. In simple political terms it can be translated as the Warrior Caste pursuing a militant expansionist agenda, and the Trader Caste a commercial, trade-based agenda. The Priestly Caste occupy a neutral middle-ground in this. *

*The situation is complicated by the Ban Horroth government. Presently it is a Regency, as the last king died about 6 years ago, and the Crown Prince has yet to reach maturity (though it is expected to be very soon). The Regency is governed by three Elder-Regents, who form a Regency Council akin to that in Cedonia. Each Elder represents the seniormost political leader of one of the three Castes. Though I have not met Crown Prince Runnor (a curious name my translator tells me – see the attached biography), and doubt that I will be able to anytime soon, he is supposed to favour the Elder of the Priestly Caste, the Grand Abbott, in counsel and friendship. Once Runnor reaches maturity and ascends the throne, anything could happen in terms of policy as he will possess the absolute power traditional in the Ban Horroth crown. *

*Whatever we do now must both protect our interests in the short-term, and look to the near future when the prince becomes king. So I have been working at making Kaeirean trade and friendship more palatable to the Priestly Caste – demonstrating the economic benefits of trade and resulting prosperity, minimising cultural contamination, explaining the difference between we Kaeireans and the Razanians, showing the military benefits of Kaeirean friendship and improved Ban Horroth security, and probably most importantly, the sharing of Midsea myths concerning the Ban Horroth (please note my accompanying request for books on the Draconian legends – an urgent matter). This last point seems to have struck a chord with the Priests, the Grand Abbott questioned me for almost two hours on what stories I (and Corporal Wayahsan) could recall off-hand. Apparently the Horroth legend of the Scourge is interpreted by many Priests as divine punishment for past Horroth misdeeds, which I believe is related to the legends of Draconian armies that conquered eastern Qaiyore under Mir. *

I must also make mention of my household servant, Karr Bakhi Kayri. Karr previously served in the household of Elder Hakhanmor’s, and at the request of his former employer became the household servant for the Kaeirean mission. Karr is from the fourth, unspoken Horroth caste, the “Under Caste”. This caste apparently is a kind of primitive peasentry, occupying all the menial and labour intensive physical occupations such as labouring, farming, butchery and of course, domestic service. They are the lowest class, a servitude indicated by their diminutive names (see the appendix attached to this report on Horroth naming customs).

At first I was apprehensive of Karr being a spy for our friend Elder Hakhanmor, but as I came to better understand caste obligations, I realised that the moment Karr left the service of Hakhanmor and entered mine, his loyalty and accompanying obligations changed entirely. Karr has become an integral part of the Kaeirean mission here, and under the daily tuition of merchantman Waqabsan, Karr has acquired a good understanding of Kaeirean. His translation duties have expanded so much that his cousin Ghai has joined our household to handle the domestic duties. Both are bright young lads, it is obvious that the Horroth notion that the Under-caste are dim-witted and slow is patently false. Corporal Wayahsan has included two scrolls of notes from conversations with Karr and Ghai on Ban Horroth culture in the package accompanying this report. They have been a tremendous source of intelligence, even more than our Trader friends.

Midsea steel is clearly superior to the ironwork of the ironsmiths and weaponsmiths of the Warrior Caste, something the Trader leader, Elder Hakhanmor* *Udmori Runnoro* *recognised immediately – hence my earlier requests for more arms.

Considerable propaganda from the Warrior Caste though has undermined the Traders’ position, allowing them to play on the already volatile emotions of many Ban Horroth. In less than a fortnight after our arrival, the neighborhood of the Citadel that we live in was reinforced with further guards.

I am of the position that ultimately though it will be the Priestly Caste that decide things, being both the neutral party in the ancient religious conflict between the followers of the Ban Horroth war deity, and the followers of the peace deity, and the guardian of Horroth tradition. Elder Hakhanmor was sure of this, and it was for this reason that I requested a meeting between myself and the Grand Abbot Saiylinrun Arvari Runnoro. The approximate transcript (Corporal Wayahsan and Karr transcribed the essential details of the discussion) accompanies the report.

Please note that a series of requests and secondary reports accompanies this main report. They should be read carefully to ensure that the needed supplies reaches me. I look forward to your reply Lord-Governor, and send my salutations to the Senate through you.

May the Green ever fly,

(Signed)

Wan Murhanuddin

Capital of the Information Secretiat & Mission-Chief to the Ban Horroth.

Actions for Cedonia

Action submission

Events: Early in Marmsmonth, Prince Arden marries Lady Agatha of Rochlyn, daughter of the First Councilor and granddaughter of the Duke of Caladyn. The wedding is the premier social event of the season for the nobility. However, the festivities are darkened when the Duke of Caladyn suffers a mild stroke at the wedding banquet, a stroke which leaves him paralyzed on his left side.

The Duke is forced to step down as Lord President of the Regency Council, and retires to his estates at Caladyn. His son, the Count of Rochlyn, elects to remain as First Councilor, and the position of Lord President, which is largely ceremonial, passes to Prince Arden.

The Prince's determinants as a key element are:

Authority: 0 (his official position is largely ceremonial) Influence: 2 (he has much family influence and powerful charm) Consent: 0 (he is largely an unknown to the man in the street)

Action 1: Building the Spy Network Weight: Double, strategic Description: Given the disappointments of past years, Councilor Ghere hopes that the recent hiring of more qualified instructors will speed up the rebuilding process. A network of 'diplomatic cover' agents has been established in the civilized and barbarian nations, but now the focus shifts to establishing 'deep cover' illegals. The hiring of qualified analysts remains a concern, and the establishment of counter-espionage agents and wetworkers is also a concern. Fortunately, secure means of communication have been established. Difficulty: Hard Fudge Points: 3 Sub-parts: * Insert 'deep cover' agents * Hire analysts * Develop counter-espionage * "Special Projects"

Action 2: Renovation & Repair, Part 1 Weight: Single Description: In 1449, Legio IV was deployed to Vizinia in the wake of the mass assassination of the Burcancy royal family. During 1449-1450, the legion and its supporting auxilia were largely deployed in the Vizinian cities, maintaining public order during the transition period. In late 1450, the legion moved out of the cities and manned the forts along the southern border. By the end of the year, the General Staff in Thalcedon had received nearly 1,000 complaints about the condition and state of repair of the forts, the barracks, and the roads.

In response, the Interior Ministry and the War Ministry send a joint team of surveyors and assessors to evaluate the condition of the forts and military roads, determine the extent of repairs needed, and provide an estimate of the cost in time and money needed for such repairs. Difficulty: Normal (0) Resolution: Failure indicates that for whatever reason, the team fails to complete its work. A legendary success (+4) indicates that any work needed can be done in one year; anything between 0 and +3 indicates that a strategic action of some length will be needed. Sub-parts: * Travel to the Vizinian border & back * Assess the forts & military buildings * Assess the roads * Estimate costs

Action 3: Getting To Know You Weight: Single, Strategic Description: In his new role as Lord President of the Regency Council, Prince Arden comes into regular contact with the Councilors, both Noble and Common. The Prince establishes the habit of lunching with a different group of Councilors every day, and every weekend he invites a different group of Councilors and important city merchants to dinner at the townhouse in the Old City that the Duke of Caladyn gave him as a wedding present.

The purpose of these meals is for the Prince to meet the Councilors, and for them to become comfortable around him. The Prince's Vraa'alish heritage also means that he is quite adept at extracting information from other people without them realizing it. Hopefully, he will be able to gradually improve his influence & consent in the Council. Difficulty: Easy (+1). The Prince is personally charismatic, and very skilled at making friends and influencing people. Also, the intent is to go slowly and subtly. Sub-parts: * Increasing Council Influence * Increasing Council Consent * Increasing Thalcedon Influence * Increasing Thalcedon Consent

Action resolution

Action 1: Building the Spy Network

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

Dice: fp=3

• Insert 'deep cover' agents: (+)
• Hire analysts: (+)
• Develop counter-espionage: (-)
• "Special Projects": (0)

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

Interpretation:

With the help of the new advisors and an increased budget, the Ministry of Special Projects is able to infiltrate agents into the governments of Cedonia's neighbors. They are also able to hire more analysts away from the University of Thalcedon's history and political science departments.

Unfortunately, the attempt to set up a counter-espionage apparatus is hampered by the fact that none of the new recruits want to work in that department--they all want to be doing field work.

Action 2: Renovation & Repair, Part 1

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

Dice:

• Travel to the Vizinian border & back (+)
• Assess the forts & military buildings (0)
• Assess the roads (-)
• Estimate costs (0)

Results: To bring the roads into satisfactory condition, a preliminary estimate of 4 to 6 years work is needed (diff=Normal, success pool=3).

Interpretation:

The surveyors return and make their report. The condition of the forts is such that necessary repairs can largely be covered out of the commanders' budgets, but the roads require serious work. During the time of Burcancy control of Vizinia, no maintenance was done on the military roads; there are wash-outs in many places, pot-holes in others, and in some areas the peasants have pried up the paving stones to use in building walls.

The Regency Council decides to start repairing the roads next year. While the work will be designed and paid for out of the Ministry of the Interior's budget, most of the surveying and construction will be done by the Legion based in Vizinia, with local labor hired as needed.

Action 3: Getting To Know You

Resolution: Diff = Easy (+1) + Dice (++++) + Extras () = +5 Superb success

Dice:

• Increasing Council Influence (+)
• Increasing Council Consent (+)
• Increasing Thalcedon Influence (+)
• Increasing Thalcedon Consent (+)

Results:

Prince Arden's Influence & Consent are permanently increased by one to +3 and +1, respectively

Interpretation: The Prince's dinner parties rapidly become centerpieces of the Thalcedon social scene. His wife, Agatha, quickly becomes the leader of Thalcedon high society, setting trends in fashion and jewellry for the noble ladies of Cedonia.

Few guests ever realize that both Prince Arden and his wife spend far more time listening than talking at their parties . . . and fewer still guard their tongues as they perhaps should.

Actions for Mir

Action submission

The council

Actions 1: The Military

Mir and Burcancy continues to cordinate their efforts. They spend a great effort on the cordinated efforts of the Burcancy and Mirrish Navies. The Regent and the King will contiune their efforts to bring the Burcancy military up to level. The navy will have start praticing drills together to better cordinate the efforts. Their will also be a large effort at cordinating the efforts between the Burcancy Weather Mages, Mirish Mage Artillery, and also with Warmages. For the first part of the year the two groups will work together and then they will work on cordinating their efforts with first the navy and then with the military.

Difficulty: Normal Weight: Single Fudge Point: 0

Actions 2 & 3: Secret action concerning Vraa'al

Difficulty: Very Hard Weight: Double Fudge Points: 3

Action 4: The Warmages

With the large increase of warmages last year the Archmage wants to focus a lot on increasing the skills. While some effort will be paid to finding more students, but a lot of time will be spent working on skills. One the courties will be sent to work with the one in Yora'Timar while the rest will work on their skills and will also join in with the attempts to work the various other units.

Difficulty Hard weight single fudge points

Action resolution

Action 1: The Military

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

Dice:

• Navies coordination: +1
• Drilling: +1
• Mage coordination: 0
• Burcancy general reaction: 0

Results:

Interpretation:

Action 2-3: Secret action concerning Vraa'al

Resolution: Diff = Very hard (-2) + Dice (+0+-) + Extras (double: +1) = 0 Mixed results

Results:

Interpretation:

Action 4: The Warmages

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

Dice:

• Quality: +1
• Quantity: -1
• Coop with other units: -1
• Luck: 0

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

Interpretation:

Action 1: The Military

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

Dice:

• Navies coordination: +1
• Drilling: +1
• Mage coordination: 0
• Burcancy general reaction: 0

Results:

Interpretation:

Actions for Exquaestio

Action submission

Interlude

"They did what!?" Lars's bellow of shock attracted attention from all sides.

The young messenger wasn't in much better shape. "Overfall rioted, they've captured their tax farmer and captured or killed his bullyboys. They would have strung 'em up if Vicar Keff hadn't said more people should see it and suggested taking 'em to Lowfells."

Lars quickly began shouting orders. All classes were canceled. Able-bodied rohain should assemble by squads and proceed to Lowfells as quickly as possible. The disabled and trainees would man the walls of the Preceptory. He himself would take a horse and hopefully talk to the Lowfells' mayor before the rioters arrived.

He muttered curses as his horse was readied and another messenger arrived. The riot was expanding rapidly into a full scale rebellion. This was not a good time. He'd have to recall his mercenary troop and hope that the Grand Conclave would permit him to try again in a year or two. The investigation in the Burcany would have to be abandoned, though, by Feroze, he would see the rohain who had disobeyed orders tried in courts martial if they ever appeared again. The anradan would have to cut off contact for a time with the Goblin Kingdom. Lars hated to think what might happen if people heard Exquaestio was dealing with goblins in Tanimbar and rebels in Junder. Lars only hoped that someone would be able to do something to convince people that things were normal. Maybe that plan for licensing mages?

Hopefully, the Free Cities would decide that dealing with a rebellion in the far south of Junder would be too expensive and let the area go its own way. Lars knew his neighbors, though. If they let one part of Junder secede, the rest would follow sooner or later. The only real hope a rebellion had was if Cormenaera decided that secession in Junder would hurt its rival free cities more than itself. If the Free Cities decided to cooperate Junder would be covered in blood and flames for years.

As Lars spotted Lowfells' Mayor he thought, "Listen to me. I'm already thinking of this as a rebellion, not a riot. I only hope that I can make it as bloodless a rebellion as possible."

Exquaestio Actions 1451

* Exquaestio grows by 20% (60% remaining). * A hedgewizard becomes a rohain and loses his existing magical abilities.

Action 1-2: Weight: Double Description: The village of Lowfells, in cooperation with nearby villages, freeholds, and barbarians, declares itself to be an independent Free City. The areas of Junder are colonies of Free City governments based on the Isle of Orasaren. Lowfells is declaring itself to be a new and independent Free City, and claiming (essentially low value) territory previously claimed by Cormenaera, Crisaeda, Daliir, and Damaris. Difficulty: Normal (0) Factors: + Distance from other Free Cities + Local Support - Current government disapproval Fudge-Points: 0 Results: Local, Junder, Free Cities, Foreign

Action 3-4: Weight: Double Description: Exquaestio begins licensing and inspecting mages. Difficulty: Hard (-1) Factors: - new + magical ability 0 approval Fudge-Points: 0 Results: mages, congregation, bureucracy, espiri

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 1-2: Free City of Lowfells declares its independence

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

Dice:

• Local: +1
• Junder: +1
• Free Cities: 0
• Foreign: 0

Results: Nobody seems to mind, really.

Interpretation:

Action 3-4: Mage licensing

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

Dice:

• mages: +1
• congregation: 0
• bureucracy: +1
• espiri: -1

Results:

Interpretation:

The action is surprisingly successful. Mages, even those who are not questae are quite excited about the service. Questae are pleased to have reliable magical services, and the anradan are ecstatic about the licensing fees. Unfortunately, there are not enough trained espiri to provide for everyone who wants Traveling licenses (solved by increasing the fee for those licenses), and they are also somewhat annoyed that they need to licensed themselves.

Exquaestio's Mage Licenses come in three levels: Provisional, Local, and Traveling. A sheet of parchment decorated with ribbons and seals is kept by the mage and a record is kept by the appropriate administrations.

A Provisional License says: {Name} was inspected on {date} by the Exquaestio community of {area} without discovery of immoral action or intent in his{/er} performance of magic. {S/}He has agreed to limit his{/er} practice of magic to that of a moral nature as determined by Exquaestio and local law and custom and accept regular inspection by the Exquaestio community of {area}.

A Local License says: {Name} was determined on {date} to be a moral practitioner of the magical arts by the Exquaestio community of {area} according to Exquaestio and local law and custom.

A Traveling License says: {Name} is a member in good standing of the Exquaestio magical community. {S/}He has been subjected to the most thorough examination of character and ability available and determined worthy to provide magical services to all members of Exquaestio, wherever located or however situated as of {date}.

Only the Traveling License actually requires magical inspection. Provisional and Local Licenses are produced by the local anradan, with one of the witnesses being espiri whenever possible. All licenses are signed by the highest Exquaestio authority of the area (only the Primate and Senior Espiri may sign Traveling licenses) with two witnesses. How often a license needs to be renewed is determined by local custom. A list of specific magics that a community has determined a mage is good at may be attached to the license.

In return for the licensing fee and the hassles of regular inspection Exquaestio agrees to defend the mage from accusations of magical improprieties, "black magic," and the like (at least until they can determine the truth themselves). People who accept Exquaestio licenses gain trustworthy magical practitioners. Eventually, as the licenses prove themselves, even travelers who aren't questae may look for Exquaestio licenses when they need magical services. The licenses being non-political and widely distributed.

Exquaestio licenses have no governmental authority and are mandatory nowhere. Correction is limited to the removal of license (which may be done by rite) if the mage involved does not accept Exquaestio authority in a matter.

In Mir, Mirafelle inspects any Mirrish Sorcerers who wish to apply for an Exquaestio license. She will explain the areas where Exquaestio practice differs from Mirrish law and check their existing licenses and whatever history she can gather before granting a license. If a license is denied, she is under no obligation to explain why, but will usually do so. If appropriate, she will write letters of introduction which will enable a Sorcerer to easily get a provisional or local license upon arrival at their destination.

Action 5: Pantheon

Resolution: Diff = Normal (0) + Dice (0000) + Extras (extra: -1) = -1 Failure

Dice:

• Purchase: 0
• Transportation: 0
• Labor: 0
• Distance From City: 0

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

Interpretation:

Actions for (Society)

Action submission

Action resolution

Action 1:

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

Dice:

• :
• :
• :
• :

Results:

Interpretation:

-- Juuso Vesanto - 06 Feb 2005