Myth makers
Overview
- Five orc nations have engaged in diplomacy of one kind or another with the Empire
Many of the nations that border the Empire are orc nations. Not all are barbarians; the Empire has a long-standing peace treaty with the Thule for example. There are also communities of orcs within the Empire's borders. Some are part of Imperial nations - the Unshackled, the former Grendel of the League, the free Jotun thralls of the Marches. Others maintain a degree of independence while still being at least ambivalent to the Empire - the orcs of Beoraidh and the Protectorate of Morajasse.
While some of these orc nations have ambassadors appointed to speak with them on behalf of the Empire. in many cases diplomacy is handled by the Imperial Consul, Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason of Wintermark. The Advisor on Orc Affairs, Frith of the Unshackled, is in an ideal position to provide advice when needed. In practice, many of these orc groups prefer to deal with members of certain nations with whom they have ties - the Jotun prefer to talk to the folk of Wintermark for example, while the Great Forest Orcs consider the Navarr to be their close allies (in which regard, one might take a look at the All I ask of you wind of fortune which relates to that sept this season).
Protectorate of Morajasse
- The Grendel controlling Morajasse have been recognised as foreigners by the Senate
- They have asked that the Imperial Consul handles communications with them rather than the Ambassador to the Grendel
While Feroz has mostly been liberated from the Grendel occupation, Morajasse remains in the hands of the master-strategist Commander Gallum Fiersach. Ably supported by Wind Lord Saoirse - his partner and a master of the lore of Sand - along with a significant number of veteran Grendel soldiers, they control the fortress of Mora's Rock. The Senate has recognised the orcs of the Protectorate of Morajasse as foreigners, distinct from the Grendel. From there they protect not only the borders of Morajasse, but also the borders of Feroz. They have shown themselves more than willing to fight both the Children of Wrecks and the Iron Confederacy if it comes to it.
The Senate recognises Morajasse as a protectorate under the command of Gallum Fiersach, who will be deemed a foreigner as long as they remain independent from the Grendel. So far, they seem to continue to be independent of the Grendel. Indeed, the protectorate has requested that all negotiations be handled by the Imperial Consul rather than the Ambassador to the Grendel.
They clearly have hidden depths. They recently cooperated with the Prognosticator's Office in an appraisal regarding bridges across the Scorrero, in which they particular expertise as scroungers and salvagers could play a key part. They've also made an arrangement with the people of the Brass Coast to concede a treasure of the Freeborn, in return for supplies to support their forces. For the moment, the atmosphere is one of cautious cooperation.
Soldiers at Anvil
- A delegation from the Protectorate of Morajasse is visiting Anvil during the Summer Solstice
- Commander Gallum has asked the Imperial Consul to arrange a meeting and listed several folk he is keen to see there
Following the successes of the last couple of seasons, Commander Gallum has sent a short message to the Imperial Consul indicating that some officers are coming to Anvil for the Summer Solstice. They're empowered to speak on his behalf, and on behalf of the Protectorate. This will present an opportunity to prepare a treaty to define the relationship between the Protectorate and the Empire going forward, securing the freedoms of the orcs and addressing any lingering concerns of the Freeborn of Feroz.
The emissaries are expected to arrive at Anvil at eight in the evening on Saturday. They will make their way to the Forge, which Gallum understands is the primary drinking hole and centre of social life at Anvil. There they would like to meet with the Imperial Consul (or an agent), Garviel i Adrina i Erigo the Senator of Feroz, Khalil i Carno i Guerra the holder of the Broken Shore Bounty, and if possible a representative of both the Military Council and the Conclave. The latter has been requested by Wind Lord Saoirse, as she has briefed one of the visitors in line with her interests and concerns.
To promote the prosperity of Feroz, we encourage the Freeborn to trade with their neighbours in the Protectorate of Morajasse.
Malaki, Freeborn Assembly, Summer Solstice 388YE, Vote: Upheld (102-10)Spice Gardens
- The Spice Gardens of Feroz are in business once again
- Sadiq i Isa i Erigo has resumed their position as Keeper of the Spice Gardens
Following the proposal of the Protectorate last season, the Spice Gardens of Feroz are now once again part of the Brass Coast. Sadiq i Isa i Erigo has resumed their position as Keeper of the Spice Gardens. Negotiations between Freeborn of Feroz and the quartermasters of the Protectorate have seen several farms reopened in Morajasse, with strict quotas of food to be delivered to the orcs and the surplus being free for the farmers to dispose of as they wish. Effectively, a significant parcel of land around the Spice Gardens is now an Imperial enclave in Morajasse.
As part of the shift from lying fallow to being in operation again, some of the farmers report unexpected assistance from disciplined orc soldiers who dig out irrigation ditches and clear land. They aren't exactly friendly, but they've clearly been ordered to do so by someone who wants to make sure the farms are up and running (and producing food) as quickly as possible. As a consequence, Morajasse has lost the impoverished quality - which is admittedly mostly of benefit to the orcs living there but at least represents a further move forward toward restoring Feroz to its former glories.
There is a minor fly in the ointment - during the Summer Solstice the Freeborn Malakai raised a statement of principle calling on the Freeborn to trade with their neighbours in the Protectorate. While the intent of the statement appears clear, it just failed to achieve a greater majority. As such, while some more politically engaged priests of Segura and Feriz are aware of it, it has not had a significant impact on relations between the Freeborn and the Protectorate. There is some trade, but many of the folk of Feroz in particular continue to hold the orcs of Morajasse at arms' length even after the agreement regarding the Spice Gardens. Obviously there is nothing to stop the Assembly trying again to address the situation in Feroz; the important thing from the point of view of the current situation is that they did not uphold a statement of principle with a greater majority urging their people not do deal with the Protectorate.
Otkodov
- Status: Foreigner
- Ports: None
- Ambassador: Kindra Surefoot of Wintermark
- The orcs of Otkodov remain at peace with the Empire
- The Thule are expanding their domain into the Forest of Ulnak, and are at war with the Druj
- Kindra Surefoot of Wintermark is the Ambassador to Otkodov
The Thule of Otkodov live in cold lands to the north of the Empire. They share a long mountainous border with Wintermark, the Unshackled, and Varushka. Their magocratic nation is ruled by the five Dragons; five allegedly immortal orc sorcerers. For much of Imperial history, they were at war with the Empire. In recent years, a series of treaties have secured peace - mostly by ceding parts of the northern Imperial nations. It is not a universally popular peace.
For now, though, peace endures. Dawn and Navarr send shipments of food north to help feed the people of Otkodov and support their armies. It is illegal to preach the Way of Virtue in Otkodov to their citizens. For their part the Thule agree to share the white granite of the Night Quarry; pay for the food delivered to them; and ensure Imperial access to the Maze of Zoria (while sending their own warlocks to study at the Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun). And, of course, to maintain their current policies for the reasonable treatment of Imperial citizens choosing to remain and live in ceded lands.
The official ambassador to the Empire is Runa Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided. He is still somewhat new to his post, and something of an unknown quantity, but he speaks with confidence as the voice of the rulers of Otkodov.
The War in the Trees
- The Thule continue to seek aid for their war against the Druj in the Forest of Ulnak
The orcs of Otkodov continue their invasion of the Forest of Ulnak. Precisely how their war against the northern Mallum is proceeding is not common knowledge, although stories from those who supported the Earthquake Drummers prior to the Spring Equinox have finally spread far and wide. After the Spring Equinox, Imperial warbands continued to fight with the Thule, and it is likely ther tales will likewise filter through to Imperial citizens with an interest in the coming months.
Tathenon the Gyre, the most warlike of the Dragons who rule Otkovdov, continued to direct the invasion. He apparently sees no reason to end a good relationship; his invitation to the Empire still stands. Individual warbands are welcome to support the army of the Earthquake Drummers if they wish, and will receive a bounty of crystal mana as recognition of their efforts. Likewise any Imperial army is welcome to join the war against the Druj in the north, provided they acknowledge the strategy of Tathenon, Whose Fury is the Storm of Creation.
As before, the civil service caution that sending armies into the Forest of Ulnak this season without agreeing to accept the strategy of Tathenon the Gyre will mean that the Empire's troops will act as a separate force. Should the two forces assail the same region there is an unfortunate possibility of "friendly fire" incidents.
The offer to fight alongside the armies of Otkodov may be of particular interest to the Winter Sun, given the plight of the Great Forest Orcs.
Participation: Ulnak
- Characters whose military units were operating in the Forest of Ulnak this season will receive additional information
Individual captains who accompanied the Earthquake Drummers, and anyone supporting the spy network in the Forest, will have more information about the situation there. This will take the form of a short out-of-character briefing in their packs, the information from which they can share or keep private as they see fit.
An Imperfect Forum
- The Ambassador to Otkodov is invited to attend a meeting at 22:15 on Friday
- The meeting will take place in a Prospero chamber accessed from the Hall of Worlds
- Members of the Circle of Zulgan Tash are invited as well
Runa Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided has invited the Ambassador to Otkodov to attend a meeting at the Summer Solstice. Runa has expressed that such a meeting would be best held in a Caucus Forum, obviously, but that sadly Lashonar is currently unwilling to allow Imperial citizens into such chambers. As a result, the Thule have been forced to pay Prospero for use of one of his meeting rooms. Farrimond, a Herald of Prospero will collect the delegation from The Hall of Worlds at Quarter Past Ten on Friday evening and escort them to the Aureate Jetty where the delegation from Otkodov will be waiting.
Runa has offered his thanks to the Ambassador for supplying a list of agenda items. The Thule have added their own topics to the list, and the agenda will be as follows:
- The Vallorn, and how to proceed in eradicating it
- Breaches of law and treaty, and how best to deal with them if they occur
- Enchantments in shared territories
- Otkodov's policy as regards the septs of the Mallum
- The orcs of Peytaht
- "Defectors"
- The Imperial approach to war in The Mallum, with regard to Ulnak especially
- Division of conquered regions in The Mallum
- Opportunities for economic collaboration in The Mallum
- The Circle of Zulgan Tash and the Painted Caves
Runa asks that the Ambassador bring with her Aleksandr of the Circle of Zulgan Tash and Zastyt the Feeder. Runa will be accompanied by Galk, of the Sunken Orb of the Brilliant Sapphire, a warlock in service to Hinodir, Who Burns Away The Shrouds of Midnight, that the two ambassadors might act as mediators in the matter of the Painted Caves. If the ambassador wishes, then that topic can be dealt with first and their guests permitted to leave the Jetty rather than be forced to sit through the other negotiations.
Pilgrims on the Road
The Guardian of the Maze of Zoria calls for the aid of the wise ones of the Empire. The Maze of Zoria has proven in the past to be a conduit of knowledge regarding magical beings such as the sovereigns of Varushka. Come to the Maze of Zoria, together we shall discern the nature of the creature behind the face-peelers. This creature is known as "The Stranger", "The First One", or less commonly "The Smiling One". Let us learn of this threat to our Empire together.
Illya Nikovitch Volkov, Wisdom Assembly, 388YE Spring Equinox, Vote: Upheld with a Greater Majority 328-0- Thule warlocks are observing visitors to the Maze of Zoria
Several Varushkan wise ones (as well as other followers of Wisdom) have set out to visit the Maze of Zoria, responding to a call from Illya Nikovitch Volkov in the Wisdom assembly. They must travel through Thule land to reach the Maze, which pilgrims are permitted to visit under the terms of the treaty. Fortunately, most of the travellers are familiar with the importance of keeping to the road (though in this case it is the laws of Otkodov not the threat of terrible creatures awaiting them if they stray).
It seems that the Thule are forewarned of the influx of pilgrims and a few Thule merchants make efforts to sell food, water and other essentials for Imperial coin. They do a moderate trade, but most of the travellers have come fully prepared and do not need their services. They are not the only Thule interested in the Imperial pilgrims however. Every now and then, in areas where the merchants are not present, travellers encounter a lone Thule warlock standing on a nearby hill or beneath the boughs of a tree. These warlocks make no attempt to stop anyone using the road, for now at least, they only observing who is passing.
Beoraidh
- The people of Beoraidh are recognised as foreigners by the Senate
- They continue to seek trade and diplomatic ties with both the Empire and the Grendel
- They have accepted the patronage of the Sarcophan Delves
- The ambassador to Beoraidh is the Highborn Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard
Before Mareave was conquered by the Empire, Beoraidh was the stronghold of the Grendel Salt-Lord Ehsan and his supporters. In a surprise move, Ehsan declared independence from the Grendel and sued for peace with the Empire. He laid out a plan for his people that involved declaring the city, and the neighbouring region of Sinfoyard, as a neutral state. Now a free port where both Imperial and Grendel merchants would be welcome, without favouring either, and the canny diplomat has also secured the protection of the bedelaar huisbaas of the Sarcophan Delves.
The newly styled Ehsan, Lord of Sand rules from the city. They work to mould the place into a "free port" where traders from everywhere are welcome - provided they bring money or goods to trade. As discussed in the A wild night and a new road wind of fortune, Beoraidh has come under the protection of the Sarcophan Delves - something that has not sat entirely easily with their Imperial neighbours. How much influence the Sarcophan have is unclear but it implies that anyone attacking Beoraidh - Grendel, Imperial, or otherwise - will incur the wrath of the Delves, their warships, and their economic sanctions.
Trade Winds
- A meeting between representatives of Beoraidh and Skoura took place with the aid of the Imperial civil service
- The meeting went reasonably well
- As per his promise, Ehsan has arranged a meeting with a representative of the Brine Turtles for the Summer Solstice
The big news from Beoraidh is probably that the Senate agreed to instruct the civil service to coordinate a meeting between the city and the nation of Skoura. As a descendant of the people who originally drove the Skouran ancestors into the mountains in the first place, and conquered their lowland holdings, Ehsan was perhaps rightly concerned that he and his people would receive short shrift from the people of the highlands.
According to the civil service, the initial meetings - which took place on neutral ground in Eoradal were guarded but cautiously optimistic. Neither side has committed to anything despite the enthusiastic sales pitch of the Beoraidh contingent, but agreements to engage in further discussion have been made. The civil service do caution that there was an "advisor" from Sarcophan with the city state delegation and while they didn't do much talking they certainly had the opportunity to introduce themselves to the Skouran representatives.
As per his promise, Salt Lord Ehsan has used his own influence to arrange a meeting with representatives of the Brine Turtles sept of Fleisardh. The delegation will include one of the elders of the sept, a high ranking warleader from the army, and a Grendel advisor. Ehsan suggests that any Imperial delegation be kept to three likewise; he suggests the Senator for Mareave would probably be a good choice, as might the Ambassador to the Grendel. The meeting is due to take place at TBC in TBC.
Investment
- A new trading post exchanging Beoraidh salt for Unshackled beef has been established in Mareave
- Ehsan is very pleased to hear that there is further interest in investment opportunities in the city state
The Senator for Mareave also commissioned a trading post that would allow Beoraidh to trade salt for Unshackled beef - a potentially quite lucrative trade that has brought prosperity to both the Shepherd of the Southern Herd and the Shepherd of the Great Herd in Skarsind. A healthy exchange of goods is now taking place across the borders of barren Sinfoyard.
It appears that the Ambassador also did a good job of warning the citizens of Beoraidh that the Rivers of Life were due to be raised over Mareave after the Spring Equinox. Ehsan has been voluble in his approval of the move, indicating that it seems to have led to a significant burst of growth in the normally quite hardscrabble farms of Sinfoyard. He is aware the effect is short-lived, and unpredictable. In an unguarded moment, he also mentions "strange crops" growing in the arid grasslands north of Beoraidh, although he does not give any details.
With Ambassador Melkior assuring Ehsan that funding for the trade docks has been secured, and that there is significant interest in the colosseum, it seems that relations between the tiny city state and the Empire are going from strength the strength.
Sarcophan Concerns
- Ehsan, Lord of Sand thanks the Ambassador for their words regarding the Sarcophan Delves
- Beoraidh welcomes the protection of the Delves because without it they do not believe their city state can endure
One thing Ehsan is not entirely prepared to hear from the Ambassador however are any words of caution about the Sarcophan Delves. The self-styled Lord of Sand politely thanks Ambassador Melkior for their well meaning sentiments, but makes it clear that as a former Salt-Lord he is no naif new to the realities of politics and trade. Yes, Sarcophan will take some of the city, but in return they will deliver the kind of prosperity he and his people need to survive. When the Sarcophan approached them, he and his advisors are under no illusions about the precariousness of their situation. Both the Empire and the Grendel have good reason to want to control Beoraidh, given it represents the only anchorage where trading vessels can dock. Once one side or the other secured their control of Mareave, it would surely be only a matter of time before they began to place increasing demands on Beoraidh.
As it is, the protection of Sarcophan means that both of their neighbours will need to think very carefully about whether they want to risk the anger of the great power. The price is well worth the protection, but the Lord of Sand does thank the Ambassador for telling him that foolish lips are dubbing the City-State a "protectorate" of Sarcophan. Just because it is basically true is no reason to say it out loud, after all.
Jotun
- The Jotun remain at war with the Empire
- Responsibility and authority for diplomacy with the Jotun falls to the Imperial Consul
The Jotun are a powerful, martial nation led by the Jarl of Jarls - Queen Yrsa Jansdóttir of Kalsea and King Gudmundr Arason of Narkyst. The Empire has been at war with them for most of its existence, although there have been numerous short periods of peace during that time. They encroach into Imperial lands - Bregasland and Liathaven (which they name Ashvale) are under Jotun control, and their recent invasion of Mitwold has only just ended.
There is no ambassador to the Jotun. They seem never to have been especially interested in such a formalised relationship with the Empire. That is not to say that they are incapable of engaging in diplomacy or negotiation, merely that they tend to prefer to deal with individual nations rather than the Empire as a whole. Over the centuries they have had a "close" relationship with the folk of Wintermark, for example, for all that the two nations clash constantly along their borders. In recent times, they have also shown a similar degree of respect for the Freeborn. When the Empire as a whole must deal with the orcs of Kalsea and Narkyst, however, the responsibility falls to the Imperial Consul.
The Unity Of Deed And Word
- The shrine to the Way on Gull Isle has been completed
- A conjunction of the Sentinel Gate provides the opportunity to enact the consecration of the shrine
- This is a combat unlikely encounter
- Erlend is responsible for assembling a party to carry out the ceremony
The Virtuous build up their fellows, they do not tear them down. We send Erlend with a dose of true liao to consecrate the Virtuous shrine at the Meeting Place. Let us display our Loyalty through the unity of words and deeds.
Mandate, Skáldsgrým Dunhearth, General Assembly, Spring Solstice 388YE, Vote: Upheld (1490-60)Slowly but surely, the wheels of Synod process turn. Last season the mandate of Skáldsgrým Dunhearth was passed by the General Assembly, following through on the opportunity to consecrate a shrine at the Meeting Place. The civil service confirms that the conjunction to the Meeting Place that was identified last season has held strong, and that the Sentinel Gate will open at 18:15 on Saturday of the forthcoming summit. Erlend, the citizen charged with fulfilling the mandate of consecration, will be in charge of assembling a group to witness the ceremony. The shrine is completed, and anchoring the consecration should be no more difficult than somewhere in Anvil.
Gull Isle is known to be an ancient place of cooperation and cultural exchange between the ancestors of the Jotun and the Kallavesi. To honour this legacy, three ghodi have travelled to the great feasting hall to witness the ceremony. Gunnr the Watchful is announced as a respected elder, Magni Red Kite as a keen supporter of the new Meeting Place, and Eirik the Golden as a well-known yegarra who has had contact with Imperial priests before. All three hope to discuss the meaning of the aura and what it represents to the Empire.
The Jotun understand that the Imperials will direct the ceremony as befits their faith, with whatever poems, songs and stories feel most appropriate to them. That there will be such expressions of Imperial culture seems to be taken for granted. They also make it clear that this should not be considered closed to just the Winterfolk. The Empire has many nations, after all, and they would be pleased to meet with a broad array of representatives. Any with questions to ask and stories to tell are welcome at the Meeting Place!
Grendel
- Speaker Morna has been sarcastic at the Ambassador to the Grendel
- They have apparently sent a private response to Starlight Starchaser
- The Ambassador to the Grendel is Starlight Starchaser of Urizen
And finally... By all accounts Speaker Morna is a little surprised to hear from Starlight Starchaser, the offical Ambassador to the Grendel. With the abrogation of the embassy in Cargo, he had assumed the ambassador had lost their position as well. Surely the Ambassador cannot expect the Grendel to take an Imperial diplomat without a palace seriously? Beyond suing for peace, what is the value of a pauper ambassador?
All that said, however, Speaker Morna notes that Starlight Starchaser has sent an interesting missive and plans to reply to them directly rather than via their presumably non-existent staff.