A star is born - Revision history

Matt: Text replacement - "Conclave" to "Conclave"

2026-01-16T09:37:24Z

Text replacement - "Conclave" to "Conclave"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:37, 16 January 2026
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	* '''The Celestial Arch could use a declaration to ask members of the Order to open diplomatic channels with the Viyerda'''		* '''The Celestial Arch could use a declaration to ask members of the Order to open diplomatic channels with the Viyerda'''
	* '''It would take two seasons to complete, and cost 100 mana'''		* '''It would take two seasons to complete, and cost 100 mana'''
	Instead of the Imperial Senate instructing Naomi to appraise ways to open the port, the [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Celestial Arch]] could use a [[declaration]] of [[Concord]] in [[~~Conclave\|~~Conclave]] to ask the magicians of their order to make the attempt. The magicians of the Arch believe that ''"negotiation with eternals and diplomacy with foreign powers are comparable skills"'' and the Order includes many insightful and competent diplomats, mediators and negotiators in their ranks. If one of the Order's two declarations were used to [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order\|ask these magicians]] to make the attempt they would do so (assuming the Conclave concurred).		Instead of the Imperial Senate instructing Naomi to appraise ways to open the port, the [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Celestial Arch]] could use a [[declaration]] of [[Concord]] in [[Conclave]] to ask the magicians of their order to make the attempt. The magicians of the Arch believe that ''"negotiation with eternals and diplomacy with foreign powers are comparable skills"'' and the Order includes many insightful and competent diplomats, mediators and negotiators in their ranks. If one of the Order's two declarations were used to [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order\|ask these magicians]] to make the attempt they would do so (assuming the Conclave concurred).

	As with Naomi, the attempt would be expensive and time-consuming. It would only require a single declaration, but it would take six months to complete, and cost 100 mana, rather than the normal 20. The Celestial Arch could not issue new guidance to their Order until this was complete.		As with Naomi, the attempt would be expensive and time-consuming. It would only require a single declaration, but it would take six months to complete, and cost 100 mana, rather than the normal 20. The Celestial Arch could not issue new guidance to their Order until this was complete.

Matt: Text replacement - "Military Council" to "Military Council"

2026-01-16T09:33:17Z

Text replacement - "Military Council" to "Military Council"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:33, 16 January 2026
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	<div style="float:left; width: 650px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Sunrise with starry sky.jpg\|caption=The people who live on the islands once oppressed by the slave lords have some ''very'' odd beliefs about the stars.\|align=left\|width=650}}</div>{{audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrboagIGACo}}		<div style="float:left; width: 650px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Sunrise with starry sky.jpg\|caption=The people who live on the islands once oppressed by the slave lords have some ''very'' odd beliefs about the stars.\|align=left\|width=650}}</div>{{audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrboagIGACo}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	At the Winter Solstice, the [[Prosperity]] Assembly passed a judgement [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_162\|by '''Creighton Blackewater''']] calling ''"for the Empire to help the former slaves of Rachensgrab"''. This followed a judgement by '''Hembeneth i Guerra''' passed a year earlier which sought to ''"help those left behind to follow the way and rebuild their futures."'' Helping people who live thousands of miles away is no easy task, but the civil service confirmed it was possible to send ships to explore the area to see what lay out there. In theory the [[~~Military Council\|~~Military Council]] could have applied the guerdon to the vessels making the journey but absent that, it required a deep sacrifice from those who committed to reaching the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Steel\|Sea of Steel]].		At the Winter Solstice, the [[Prosperity]] Assembly passed a judgement [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_162\|by '''Creighton Blackewater''']] calling ''"for the Empire to help the former slaves of Rachensgrab"''. This followed a judgement by '''Hembeneth i Guerra''' passed a year earlier which sought to ''"help those left behind to follow the way and rebuild their futures."'' Helping people who live thousands of miles away is no easy task, but the civil service confirmed it was possible to send ships to explore the area to see what lay out there. In theory the [[Military Council]] could have applied the guerdon to the vessels making the journey but absent that, it required a deep sacrifice from those who committed to reaching the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Steel\|Sea of Steel]].

	In all, fifteen virtuous [[military unit\|military captains]] and seventy one [[fleet]] owners were prepared to sacrifice their own [[Prosperity]] to commit themselves to the [[Say_her_name#Far_From_These_Shores\|expedition]] to bring Prosperity to the region. A vast flotilla of ships far outweighing what was needed set sail for the Sea of Steel. The civil service estimated the Empire would need a force with a military strength of a thousand, in the end the expedition had ten times that strength. This additional force did not alter the outcome - but it was a huge testament to the virtue of all involved.		In all, fifteen virtuous [[military unit\|military captains]] and seventy one [[fleet]] owners were prepared to sacrifice their own [[Prosperity]] to commit themselves to the [[Say_her_name#Far_From_These_Shores\|expedition]] to bring Prosperity to the region. A vast flotilla of ships far outweighing what was needed set sail for the Sea of Steel. The civil service estimated the Empire would need a force with a military strength of a thousand, in the end the expedition had ten times that strength. This additional force did not alter the outcome - but it was a huge testament to the virtue of all involved.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Conclave" to "[[Conclave"

2026-01-15T15:48:29Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Conclave" to "[[Conclave"

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:48, 15 January 2026
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	* '''The Celestial Arch could use a declaration to ask members of the Order to open diplomatic channels with the Viyerda'''		* '''The Celestial Arch could use a declaration to ask members of the Order to open diplomatic channels with the Viyerda'''
	* '''It would take two seasons to complete, and cost 100 mana'''		* '''It would take two seasons to complete, and cost 100 mana'''
	Instead of the Imperial Senate instructing Naomi to appraise ways to open the port, the [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Celestial Arch]] could use a [[declaration]] of [[Concord]] in [[~~Imperial~~ Conclave\|Conclave]] to ask the magicians of their order to make the attempt. The magicians of the Arch believe that ''"negotiation with eternals and diplomacy with foreign powers are comparable skills"'' and the Order includes many insightful and competent diplomats, mediators and negotiators in their ranks. If one of the Order's two declarations were used to [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order\|ask these magicians]] to make the attempt they would do so (assuming the Conclave concurred).		Instead of the Imperial Senate instructing Naomi to appraise ways to open the port, the [[Grandmaster]] of the [[Celestial Arch]] could use a [[declaration]] of [[Concord]] in [[Conclave\|Conclave]] to ask the magicians of their order to make the attempt. The magicians of the Arch believe that ''"negotiation with eternals and diplomacy with foreign powers are comparable skills"'' and the Order includes many insightful and competent diplomats, mediators and negotiators in their ranks. If one of the Order's two declarations were used to [[Concord#Guiding_an_Order\|ask these magicians]] to make the attempt they would do so (assuming the Conclave concurred).

	As with Naomi, the attempt would be expensive and time-consuming. It would only require a single declaration, but it would take six months to complete, and cost 100 mana, rather than the normal 20. The Celestial Arch could not issue new guidance to their Order until this was complete.		As with Naomi, the attempt would be expensive and time-consuming. It would only require a single declaration, but it would take six months to complete, and cost 100 mana, rather than the normal 20. The Celestial Arch could not issue new guidance to their Order until this was complete.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

2026-01-15T12:23:20Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:23, 15 January 2026
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	<div style="float:left; width: 650px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Sunrise with starry sky.jpg\|caption=The people who live on the islands once oppressed by the slave lords have some ''very'' odd beliefs about the stars.\|align=left\|width=650}}</div>{{audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrboagIGACo}}		<div style="float:left; width: 650px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Sunrise with starry sky.jpg\|caption=The people who live on the islands once oppressed by the slave lords have some ''very'' odd beliefs about the stars.\|align=left\|width=650}}</div>{{audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrboagIGACo}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	At the Winter Solstice, the [[Prosperity]] Assembly passed a judgement [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_162\|by '''Creighton Blackewater''']] calling ''"for the Empire to help the former slaves of Rachensgrab"''. This followed a judgement by '''Hembeneth i Guerra''' passed a year earlier which sought to ''"help those left behind to follow the way and rebuild their futures."'' Helping people who live thousands of miles away is no easy task, but the civil service confirmed it was possible to send ships to explore the area to see what lay out there. In theory the [[~~Imperial~~ Military Council\|Military Council]] could have applied the guerdon to the vessels making the journey but absent that, it required a deep sacrifice from those who committed to reaching the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Steel\|Sea of Steel]].		At the Winter Solstice, the [[Prosperity]] Assembly passed a judgement [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_162\|by '''Creighton Blackewater''']] calling ''"for the Empire to help the former slaves of Rachensgrab"''. This followed a judgement by '''Hembeneth i Guerra''' passed a year earlier which sought to ''"help those left behind to follow the way and rebuild their futures."'' Helping people who live thousands of miles away is no easy task, but the civil service confirmed it was possible to send ships to explore the area to see what lay out there. In theory the [[Military Council\|Military Council]] could have applied the guerdon to the vessels making the journey but absent that, it required a deep sacrifice from those who committed to reaching the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Steel\|Sea of Steel]].

	In all, fifteen virtuous [[military unit\|military captains]] and seventy one [[fleet]] owners were prepared to sacrifice their own [[Prosperity]] to commit themselves to the [[Say_her_name#Far_From_These_Shores\|expedition]] to bring Prosperity to the region. A vast flotilla of ships far outweighing what was needed set sail for the Sea of Steel. The civil service estimated the Empire would need a force with a military strength of a thousand, in the end the expedition had ten times that strength. This additional force did not alter the outcome - but it was a huge testament to the virtue of all involved.		In all, fifteen virtuous [[military unit\|military captains]] and seventy one [[fleet]] owners were prepared to sacrifice their own [[Prosperity]] to commit themselves to the [[Say_her_name#Far_From_These_Shores\|expedition]] to bring Prosperity to the region. A vast flotilla of ships far outweighing what was needed set sail for the Sea of Steel. The civil service estimated the Empire would need a force with a military strength of a thousand, in the end the expedition had ten times that strength. This additional force did not alter the outcome - but it was a huge testament to the virtue of all involved.

Dre at 08:16, 14 April 2025

2025-04-14T08:16:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:16, 14 April 2025
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	Ser Kay looked at the wall and then the cliffs and then back at Iñes. "Its just a wall," he finally responded, shrugging his shoulders as if to cast off the unwelcome burden of thinking too deeply.		Ser Kay looked at the wall and then the cliffs and then back at Iñes. "Its just a wall," he finally responded, shrugging his shoulders as if to cast off the unwelcome burden of thinking too deeply.

	Iñes closed her eyes and imagined a roc, the fabled giant bird of legend, swooping out of the sky and flying off with the knight in its claws. No-one would ever need to know she thought to herself. She took a deep breath and then smiled again. Just a few minutes before they reached the shoreline. Perhaps she could find a a way to persuade their hosts to explain what in the Labyrinth had possessed them to build such a fantastically expensive sea wall. Assuming she could find a way to communicate with them at all of course...</ic>		Iñes closed her eyes and imagined a roc, the fabled giant bird of legend, swooping out of the sky and flying off with the knight in its claws. No-one would ever need to know she thought to herself. She took a deep breath and then smiled again. Just a few minutes before they reached the shoreline. Perhaps she could find a way to persuade their hosts to explain what in the Labyrinth had possessed them to build such a fantastically expensive sea wall. Assuming she could find a way to communicate with them at all of course...</ic>
	<div style="float:left; width: 650px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Sunrise with starry sky.jpg\|caption=The people who live on the islands once oppressed by the slave lords have some ''very'' odd beliefs about the stars.\|align=left\|width=650}}</div>{{audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrboagIGACo}}		<div style="float:left; width: 650px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Sunrise with starry sky.jpg\|caption=The people who live on the islands once oppressed by the slave lords have some ''very'' odd beliefs about the stars.\|align=left\|width=650}}</div>{{audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrboagIGACo}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==

Novemberalice at 12:52, 22 July 2024

2024-07-22T12:52:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:52, 22 July 2024
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	Iñes closed her eyes and imagined a roc, the fabled giant bird of legend, swooping out of the sky and flying off with the knight in its claws. No-one would ever need to know she thought to herself. She took a deep breath and then smiled again. Just a few minutes before they reached the shoreline. Perhaps she could find a a way to persuade their hosts to explain what in the Labyrinth had possessed them to build such a fantastically expensive sea wall. Assuming she could find a way to communicate with them at all of course...</ic>		Iñes closed her eyes and imagined a roc, the fabled giant bird of legend, swooping out of the sky and flying off with the knight in its claws. No-one would ever need to know she thought to herself. She took a deep breath and then smiled again. Just a few minutes before they reached the shoreline. Perhaps she could find a a way to persuade their hosts to explain what in the Labyrinth had possessed them to build such a fantastically expensive sea wall. Assuming she could find a way to communicate with them at all of course...</ic>
	<div style="float:left; width: 650px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Sunrise with starry sky.jpg\|caption=The people who live on the islands once oppressed by the slave lords have some ''very'' odd beliefs about the stars.\|align=left\|width=650}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 650px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Sunrise with starry sky.jpg\|caption=The people who live on the islands once oppressed by the slave lords have some ''very'' odd beliefs about the stars.\|align=left\|width=650}}</div>{{audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrboagIGACo}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	At the Winter Solstice, the [[Prosperity]] Assembly passed a judgement [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_162\|by '''Creighton Blackewater''']] calling ''"for the Empire to help the former slaves of Rachensgrab"''. This followed a judgement by '''Hembeneth i Guerra''' passed a year earlier which sought to ''"help those left behind to follow the way and rebuild their futures."'' Helping people who live thousands of miles away is no easy task, but the civil service confirmed it was possible to send ships to explore the area to see what lay out there. In theory the [[Imperial Military Council\|Military Council]] could have applied the guerdon to the vessels making the journey but absent that, it required a deep sacrifice from those who committed to reaching the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Steel\|Sea of Steel]].		At the Winter Solstice, the [[Prosperity]] Assembly passed a judgement [[385YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_162\|by '''Creighton Blackewater''']] calling ''"for the Empire to help the former slaves of Rachensgrab"''. This followed a judgement by '''Hembeneth i Guerra''' passed a year earlier which sought to ''"help those left behind to follow the way and rebuild their futures."'' Helping people who live thousands of miles away is no easy task, but the civil service confirmed it was possible to send ships to explore the area to see what lay out there. In theory the [[Imperial Military Council\|Military Council]] could have applied the guerdon to the vessels making the journey but absent that, it required a deep sacrifice from those who committed to reaching the [[The_seven_seas#Sea_of_Steel\|Sea of Steel]].

Novemberalice at 20:12, 20 July 2024

2024-07-20T20:12:45Z

Rafferty at 20:36, 19 July 2024

2024-07-19T20:36:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:36, 19 July 2024
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	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
	<ic>		<ic>Iñes stared at the massive stone wall that reared up out of water. "It doesn't make any sense." she said, speaking to herself mostly, as she tried to figure it out.
	Iñes stared at the massive stone wall that reared up out of water. "It doesn't make any sense." she said, speaking to herself mostly, as she tried to figure it out.

	"What's that?" asked her companion. She was not too pleased that Ser Kay had been chosen to accompany her on this trip. He wasn't the brightest spark in the fire, virtues bless him. To be fair, the man would jump in front of a dragon to save her at the first opportunity, but if wits were coins, this one would be a pauper.		"What's that?" asked her companion. She was not too pleased that Ser Kay had been chosen to accompany her on this trip. He wasn't the brightest spark in the fire, virtues bless him. To be fair, the man would jump in front of a dragon to save her at the first opportunity, but if wits were coins, this one would be a pauper.

Hailmur at 03:36, 19 July 2024

2024-07-19T03:36:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:36, 19 July 2024
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	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE ~~Spring~~]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
	<ic>		<ic>
	Iñes stared at the massive stone wall that reared up out of water. "It doesn't make any sense." she said, speaking to herself mostly, as she tried to figure it out.		Iñes stared at the massive stone wall that reared up out of water. "It doesn't make any sense." she said, speaking to herself mostly, as she tried to figure it out.

Hailmur at 03:36, 19 July 2024

2024-07-19T03:36:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:36, 19 July 2024
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	In fact, from the way they are described, there is a suggestion that the Sternefriedinger may be more than just priests or magicians. They are the ones who use their "magic" to locate the souls of those who have been reborn and help to reunite them with their loved ones. However they are also responsible for the administration of Viyerda society, tracking times and dates, including the crucial count to when the next star will fall. They collect taxes on behalf of the Winter Queen, and operate the salt houses where the Viyerda preserve fish and game.		In fact, from the way they are described, there is a suggestion that the Sternefriedinger may be more than just priests or magicians. They are the ones who use their "magic" to locate the souls of those who have been reborn and help to reunite them with their loved ones. However they are also responsible for the administration of Viyerda society, tracking times and dates, including the crucial count to when the next star will fall. They collect taxes on behalf of the Winter Queen, and operate the salt houses where the Viyerda preserve fish and game.

	The tower that houses the Sternefriedinger is four stories high. It is much smaller than the Queen's keep, but it towers over it, easily the tallest building in the port. No-one who is not Sternefriedinger, other than the king or queen, is allowed to visit the tower. Apparently their priest magicians conjure powerful magical spirits, attempting to persuade them to serve the Viyerda. It seems possible that the tower is similar to a [[fane]] of some kind, but without going inside it is impossible to be sure. Whatever the truth it is clear that none of the visitors will be allowed into the tower at this time.		The tower that houses the Sternefriedinger is four stories high. It is much smaller than the Queen's keep, but it towers over it, easily the tallest building in the port. No-one who is not Sternefriedinger, other than the king or queen, is allowed to visit the tower. Apparently their priest magicians conjure powerful magical spirits, attempting to persuade them to serve the Viyerda. It seems possible that the tower is similar to a [[fane]] of some kind, but without going inside it is impossible to be sure. Whatever the truth it is clear that none of the visitors will be allowed into the tower at this time.

	==Further Contact==		==Further Contact==
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	[[Appraisal\|Appraisals]] are traditionally conducted in Imperial territory - the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|prognosticators]] who conduct the investigations are academics not heroes. It would be far too risky to try to send them into danger, and the conditions would make working impossible. However it is sometimes possible for civil servants to conduct their work abroad - the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department of Historical Research]] recently travelled to the [[Sarcophan Delves]] to research [[Founders_of_the_Delves\|the founders of the city]], for example.		[[Appraisal\|Appraisals]] are traditionally conducted in Imperial territory - the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|prognosticators]] who conduct the investigations are academics not heroes. It would be far too risky to try to send them into danger, and the conditions would make working impossible. However it is sometimes possible for civil servants to conduct their work abroad - the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department of Historical Research]] recently travelled to the [[Sarcophan Delves]] to research [[Founders_of_the_Delves\|the founders of the city]], for example.

	After discussing the matter with [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest\|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]], Gerard La Salle confirms that she could undertake a follow-up expedition to the Sea of Steel with a view to attempting to open diplomatic relations with them. It would require the Senate to authorise the work and would use one of the available opportunities to commission an appraisal for the season. The work would be long and arduous - it would only require the one appraisal, but it would need six months to complete, cost 60 thrones from the [[Imperial treasury]], and mean Naomi could do no other work during that time. Rachensgrab is a long way away, the trip would be expensive, and the work would ~~time~~ time to complete.		After discussing the matter with [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest\|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]], Gerard La Salle confirms that she could undertake a follow-up expedition to the Sea of Steel with a view to attempting to open diplomatic relations with them. It would require the Senate to authorise the work and would use one of the available opportunities to commission an appraisal for the season. The work would be long and arduous - it would only require the one appraisal, but it would need six months to complete, cost 60 thrones from the [[Imperial treasury]], and mean Naomi could do no other work during that time. Rachensgrab is a long way away, the trip would be expensive, and the work would take time to complete.

	But Gerard is confident that at the end of that time, Naomi will identify an [[opportunity]] to convince the Viyerda to open their port to visitors from the Empire and to engage in diplomacy with them.		But Gerard is confident that at the end of that time, Naomi will identify an [[opportunity]] to convince the Viyerda to open their port to visitors from the Empire and to engage in diplomacy with them.
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	* '''Sending both an appraisal, and the Celestial Arch, will be counterproductive'''		* '''Sending both an appraisal, and the Celestial Arch, will be counterproductive'''
	It is not possible to send both Naomi and the Celestial Arch to speak with the Viyerda. They were clearly intimidated by the size of the flotilla sent to explore the area - the best possible approach is to send a small delegation. The more people are sent, the worse the chances of success. For that reason, if the Senate instructs Naomi to carry out an appraisal and Conclave asks the Celestial Arch to investigate, then neither action will take place.		It is not possible to send both Naomi and the Celestial Arch to speak with the Viyerda. They were clearly intimidated by the size of the flotilla sent to explore the area - the best possible approach is to send a small delegation. The more people are sent, the worse the chances of success. For that reason, if the Senate instructs Naomi to carry out an appraisal and Conclave asks the Celestial Arch to investigate, then neither action will take place.
	==Prosperity is Not Its ~~own~~ Reward==
			==Prosperity is Not Its Own Reward==
	* '''The judgement of rewarding could be used to provide recompense to those who took part in the expedition'''		* '''The judgement of rewarding could be used to provide recompense to those who took part in the expedition'''
	As it stands, those who took part in the expedition to the Sea of Steel, to bring prosperity to the slaves of Rachensgrab and travelled to Viyerda, have received no reward for their virtuous Prosperity - no real opportunity to trade and no [[Military unit#Imperial Guerdon\|Guerdon shares]]. Several [[statement of principle\|statements of principle]] have been passed encouraging people to participate in the expedition, beyond those specifically calling out the need to provide prosperity to the former slaves of Rachensgrab. With that in mind, and given that the civil service knows exactly who took part in the expedition, the Imperial Synod could choose to use a judgement of [[rewarding]] to provide recompense to the participants, to recognise their prosperity. Eighty-six citizens participated in the expedition. A judgement of rewarding could be placed intending to reward all those who took part, without needing to name them individually. The civil service can take care of the rest, ensuring that the moneys are distributed as evenly as possible to everyone who went to the northern Sea of Steel.		As it stands, those who took part in the expedition to the Sea of Steel, to bring prosperity to the slaves of Rachensgrab and travelled to Viyerda, have received no reward for their virtuous Prosperity - no real opportunity to trade and no [[Military unit#Imperial Guerdon\|Guerdon shares]]. Several [[statement of principle\|statements of principle]] have been passed encouraging people to participate in the expedition, beyond those specifically calling out the need to provide prosperity to the former slaves of Rachensgrab. With that in mind, and given that the civil service knows exactly who took part in the expedition, the Imperial Synod could choose to use a judgement of [[rewarding]] to provide recompense to the participants, to recognise their prosperity. Eighty-six citizens participated in the expedition. A judgement of rewarding could be placed intending to reward all those who took part, without needing to name them individually. The civil service can take care of the rest, ensuring that the moneys are distributed as evenly as possible to everyone who went to the northern Sea of Steel.
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	The Commonwealth ambassador, ''Ludkhannah Schöningen'', has [[For_the_Common_Good#The_Monroe_Doctrine\|expressed concern]] about Imperial efforts to investigate the Sea of Steel. They can see no legitimate reason for the Empire to be active in these parts - there are no slaves to free to the best of anyone's knowledge. It seems that the Commonwealth consider the Sea of Steel to be part of their domain, even though there is no sign that they control any of the islands the Imperial flotilla visited. Their view is that the Empire should respect the Commonwealth's interests and keep their ships away.		The Commonwealth ambassador, ''Ludkhannah Schöningen'', has [[For_the_Common_Good#The_Monroe_Doctrine\|expressed concern]] about Imperial efforts to investigate the Sea of Steel. They can see no legitimate reason for the Empire to be active in these parts - there are no slaves to free to the best of anyone's knowledge. It seems that the Commonwealth consider the Sea of Steel to be part of their domain, even though there is no sign that they control any of the islands the Imperial flotilla visited. Their view is that the Empire should respect the Commonwealth's interests and keep their ships away.

	The ambassador has been asking several pointed questions about the presence of the expedition - eager to know what the Empire ~~are~~ trying to achieve. Thus far, no damage has been done, but if the Empire ~~press~~ ahead with attempting to open diplomatic relations with the Viyerda then it is going to negatively impact the Empire's relationship with the Commonwealth. They clearly don't want Imperial fleets operating in that part of the Sea of Steel, if the Empire starts trying to develop an ally there without explaining to ~~the~~ the Commonwealth exactly what they are doing then relations with the Commonwealth will suffer as a result.		The ambassador has been asking several pointed questions about the presence of the expedition - eager to know what the Empire is trying to achieve. Thus far, no damage has been done, but if the Empire presses ahead with attempting to open diplomatic relations with the Viyerda then it is going to negatively impact the Empire's relationship with the Commonwealth. They clearly don't want Imperial fleets operating in that part of the Sea of Steel, if the Empire starts trying to develop an ally there without explaining to the Commonwealth exactly what they are doing then relations with the Commonwealth will suffer as a result.

	The Empire might be able to mitigate this by asking the Commonwealth for permission to attempt to open relations with the Viyerda. The [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth]] would need to write to them to make the request, so that would take time, at least a season, but if they acquiesced to the Empire's request then they couldn't then, in good conscience, be offended by it. To get the best possible chance of success, the Ambassador would need to make a persuasive argument to convince the Commonwealth that they should agree to it. At a minimum, the Empire would need to explain exactly what the Empire was hoping to get from such efforts.		The Empire might be able to mitigate this by asking the Commonwealth for permission to attempt to open relations with the Viyerda. The [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth]] would need to write to them to make the request, so that would take time, at least a season, but if they acquiesced to the Empire's request then they couldn't then, in good conscience, be offended by it. To get the best possible chance of success, the Ambassador would need to make a persuasive argument to convince the Commonwealth that they should agree to it. At a minimum, the Empire would need to explain exactly what the Empire was hoping to get from such efforts.
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	Sometimes the best fruit are left on the tree, as the Marcher proverb goes.		Sometimes the best fruit are left on the tree, as the Marcher proverb goes.

	==Participation==		==Participation==
	Anyone who took part in the expedition - who assigned their military unit or fleet - is encouraged to create stories about their voyage to the east. The Sea of Steel is much larger than most of the other maritime bodies, verging on the oceanic. It takes its name from the large number of warships that cluster along its shores and ply its waves; while the [[Commonwealth]] controls much of southern waters, the [[Principalities of Jarm]] dominate the eastern shores. It is a cold ocean, and in the north (where characters are sailing), snow and hail are a distinct possibility even during the Summer months.		Anyone who took part in the expedition - who assigned their military unit or fleet - is encouraged to create stories about their voyage to the east. The Sea of Steel is much larger than most of the other maritime bodies, verging on the oceanic. It takes its name from the large number of warships that cluster along its shores and ply its waves; while the [[Commonwealth]] controls much of southern waters, the [[Principalities of Jarm]] dominate the eastern shores. It is a cold ocean, and in the north (where characters are sailing), snow and hail are a distinct possibility even during the Summer months.

	The [[Commonwealth ports]] page contains information about Volkavaar and Kavor, which characters may have spent time in resupplying for the second leg of their journey to the northern archipelago. Encounters with former slaves are certainly possible, and you may want to take a look at the ''[[For the Common Good]]'' wind of fortune for some ideas as to the kinds of things Commonwealth citizens might talk about.		The [[Commonwealth ports]] page contains information about Volkavaar and Kavor, which characters may have spent time in resupplying for the second leg of their journey to the northern archipelago. Encounters with former slaves are certainly possible, and you may want to take a look at the ''[[For the Common Good]]'' wind of fortune for some ideas as to the kinds of things Commonwealth citizens might talk about.
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	As always, be inspired by the information here but be cautious about creating too many additional details as later developments may contradict them.		As always, be inspired by the information here but be cautious about creating too many additional details as later developments may contradict them.

	==Early Completion==		==Early Completion==
	* '''The ''Provide Prosperity to Rachensgrab'' expedition is no longer available'''		* '''The ''Provide Prosperity to Rachensgrab'' expedition is no longer available'''

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:12, 20 July 2024
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	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:386YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Foreign Nations]]
	<ic>Iñes stared at the massive stone wall that reared up out of water. "It doesn't make any sense." she said, speaking to herself mostly, as she tried to figure it out.		<ic>Iñes stared at the massive stone wall that reared up out of water. "It doesn't make any sense," she said, speaking to herself mostly, as she tried to figure it out.

	"What's that?" asked her companion. She was not too pleased that Ser Kay had been chosen to accompany her on this trip. He wasn't the brightest spark in the fire, virtues bless him. To be fair, the man would jump in front of a dragon to save her at the first opportunity, but if wits were coins, this one would be a pauper.		"What's that?" asked her companion. She was not too pleased that Ser Kay had been chosen to accompany her on this trip. He wasn't the brightest spark in the fire, virtues bless him. To be fair, the man would jump in front of a dragon to save her at the first opportunity, but if wits were coins, this one would be a pauper.

	"The wall - I'm trying to work out why they've built it so high. It doesn't make any sense." she explained patiently.		"The wall - I'm trying to work out why they've built it so high. It doesn't make any sense," she explained patiently.

	"It's a sea-wall." answered Ser Kay. "It's to protect the port against storms and the like." he said sagely nodding his head as if to agree with himself.		"It's a sea-wall," answered Ser Kay. "It's to protect the port against storms and the like," he said sagely nodding his head as if to agree with himself.

	Iñes ground her teeth together and for a moment she contemplated pushing the knight overboard. One quick shove and with all that armour on, he'd be on the bottom in a heartbeart. If she was quick, nobody would see her and she could claim he'd been carried off by a giant roc. Then she noticed he was staring at her - just smart enough to know he had annoyed her, but not remotely smart enough to know why.		Iñes ground her teeth together and for a moment she contemplated pushing the knight overboard. One quick shove and with all that armour on, he'd be on the bottom in a heartbeart. If she was quick, nobody would see her and she could claim he'd been carried off by a giant roc. Then she noticed he was staring at her - just smart enough to know he had annoyed her, but not remotely smart enough to know why.

	"Yes - it's a sea wall." she said smiling sweetly. "But look..." she pointed at the headlands that encircled the bay - the high cliffs soaring up to meet the sky. "Those are nature's sea walls - the cliffs will protect the bay, cutting out the worst of the winds and the waves. It's high tide now, you can see from the water marks on the stone that it never gets more than a hand higher than this. A well-protected bay like this doesn't need a sea-wall nearly twenty foot above the high-tide mark. So what's it for? And for that matter, why it is so thick? Something is not right."		"Yes - it's a sea wall," she said smiling sweetly. "But look..." she pointed at the headlands that encircled the bay - the high cliffs soaring up to meet the sky. "Those are nature's sea walls - the cliffs will protect the bay, cutting out the worst of the winds and the waves. It's high tide now, you can see from the water marks on the stone that it never gets more than a hand higher than this. A well-protected bay like this doesn't need a sea-wall nearly twenty foot above the high-tide mark. So what's it for? And for that matter, why it is so thick? Something is not right."

	Ser Kay looked at the wall and then the cliffs and then back at Iñes. "Its just a wall" he finally responded, shrugging his shoulders as if to cast off the unwelcome burden of thinking too deeply.		Ser Kay looked at the wall and then the cliffs and then back at Iñes. "Its just a wall," he finally responded, shrugging his shoulders as if to cast off the unwelcome burden of thinking too deeply.

	Iñes closed her eyes and imagined a roc, the fabled giant bird of legend, swooping out of the sky and flying off with the knight in its claws. No-one would ever need to know she thought to herself. She took a deep breath and then smiled again. Just a few minutes before they reached the shoreline. Perhaps she could find a a way to persuade their hosts to explain what in the Labyrinth had possessed them to build such a fantastically expensive sea wall. Assuming she could find a way to communicate with them at all of course...</ic>		Iñes closed her eyes and imagined a roc, the fabled giant bird of legend, swooping out of the sky and flying off with the knight in its claws. No-one would ever need to know she thought to herself. She took a deep breath and then smiled again. Just a few minutes before they reached the shoreline. Perhaps she could find a a way to persuade their hosts to explain what in the Labyrinth had possessed them to build such a fantastically expensive sea wall. Assuming she could find a way to communicate with them at all of course...</ic>
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	There are still weeks to go before vessels must begin the long trip back to the Empire, so the flotilla uses the time to slowly explore some of the surrounding islands. Many of them are small and uninhabitable, but after a careful and meticulous search the Empire locate the island kingdom of the Viyerda. This tiny nation, made up of roughly equal numbers of humans and [[orc\|orcs]], occupies an island half the size of the territory of [[Sarvos]]. However they lay claim to several of the surrounding isles, both large and small, and they are actively working to establish a new settlement on the largest of them, ''Alfoss''.		There are still weeks to go before vessels must begin the long trip back to the Empire, so the flotilla uses the time to slowly explore some of the surrounding islands. Many of them are small and uninhabitable, but after a careful and meticulous search the Empire locate the island kingdom of the Viyerda. This tiny nation, made up of roughly equal numbers of humans and [[orc\|orcs]], occupies an island half the size of the territory of [[Sarvos]]. However they lay claim to several of the surrounding isles, both large and small, and they are actively working to establish a new settlement on the largest of them, ''Alfoss''.
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''<big>Look and Feel</big>'''<br>When working on the Viyerda, [https://www.aceshowbiz.com/images/still/beowulf_grendel18.jpg this image] from the television show "Grendel and Beowulf" served as an inspiration for their general look and feel. Both humans and orcs favour hard-wearing fabrics, especially wool, with fur trimming.</box></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''<big>Look and Feel</big>'''<br>When working on the Viyerda, [https://www.aceshowbiz.com/images/still/beowulf_grendel18.jpg this image] from the television show "Grendel and Beowulf" served as an inspiration for their general look and feel. Both humans and orcs favour hard-wearing fabrics, especially wool, with fur trimming.</box></div>
	Contact with the Viyerda is extremely difficult because nobody on the expedition speaks their native language. Fortunately they do speak a smattering of ~~Gemeinsamespracheh~~ (the language of the Commonwealth), enough that those who speak the language well are able to converse with them in the simplest most halting terms. That is fortunate because the Viyerda are incredibly wary of the expedition - they can't stop the Empire anchoring in ''Sternafloy'', the large bay that houses their main port, but they refuse to let more than two or three Imperials come ashore at once. It is clear that they consider the expedition to be a major military force and they are distinctly alarmed by its sudden appearance. Forcing the issue is out of the question, not least because despite how well sheltered the bay is, the settlement is protected by a thick stone sea-wall that would make a direct assault difficult, in addition to keeping storms at bay.		Contact with the Viyerda is extremely difficult because nobody on the expedition speaks their native language. Fortunately they do speak a smattering of Gemeinsamesprache (the language of the Commonwealth), enough that those who speak the language well are able to converse with them in the simplest most halting terms. That is fortunate because the Viyerda are incredibly wary of the expedition - they can't stop the Empire anchoring in ''Sternafloy'', the large bay that houses their main port, but they refuse to let more than two or three Imperials come ashore at once. It is clear that they consider the expedition to be a major military force and they are distinctly alarmed by its sudden appearance. Forcing the issue is out of the question, not least because despite how well sheltered the bay is, the settlement is protected by a thick stone sea-wall that would make a direct assault difficult, in addition to keeping storms at bay.

	The Empire does their best to calm the fears of the inhabitants and eventually they are able to discover a little about them. It seems the Viyerda have lived here for years. They rule themselves, they have a monarch, a Winter Queen, who rules the land in perpetuity - or so they believe. Until recently they were forced to pay heavy tribute to Rachensgrab and their lands have flourished now that that power is no more.		The Empire does their best to calm the fears of the inhabitants and eventually they are able to discover a little about them. It seems the Viyerda have lived here for years. They rule themselves, they have a monarch, a Winter Queen, who rules the land in perpetuity - or so they believe. Until recently they were forced to pay heavy tribute to Rachensgrab and their lands have flourished now that that power is no more.