Across the Abyss - Revision history

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

2026-01-15T15:54:10Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:54, 15 January 2026
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	Extending Imperial education to the Sand Fishers would help many more of them study the rudiments of basic magic, allowing them to learn to detect magic, create bonds and even cast a few more simple spells. It would not however, enable them to perform powerful magic - for that they would need access to Imperial lore.		Extending Imperial education to the Sand Fishers would help many more of them study the rudiments of basic magic, allowing them to learn to detect magic, create bonds and even cast a few more simple spells. It would not however, enable them to perform powerful magic - for that they would need access to Imperial lore.

	To grant them that, would need a successful [[Declaration]] of [[Concord]] by the [[~~Imperial~~ Conclave]]. In the past the Conclave has extended some benefits of Imperial lore to the Great Forest Orcs, but they gave them access only to a handful of key rituals. The civil service advise that such a solution would not be effective here. The only way the Sand Fishers will be able to develop their own magical traditions is if they are given the free access to Imperial lore in the same way the Conclave recently voted to extend access to the Commonwealth.		To grant them that, would need a successful [[Declaration]] of [[Concord]] by the [[Conclave]]. In the past the Conclave has extended some benefits of Imperial lore to the Great Forest Orcs, but they gave them access only to a handful of key rituals. The civil service advise that such a solution would not be effective here. The only way the Sand Fishers will be able to develop their own magical traditions is if they are given the free access to Imperial lore in the same way the Conclave recently voted to extend access to the Commonwealth.

	Doing so would not cost the Empire any money - but it is not without certain risks. Once ritual lore is shared, there is no way to control how the Sand Fishers might ''use'' it - as a [[Before_the_sunrise#The_Waters_of_Therunin\|recent misunderstanding]] in [[Therunin]] perhaps demonstrates. With access to a [[regio]] and enough crystal mana, it's not impossible that the people of Holberg might find their territory subject to an enchantment they did not anticipate for example. It's unlikely with just two magicians, but the risk of an incident grows over time.		Doing so would not cost the Empire any money - but it is not without certain risks. Once ritual lore is shared, there is no way to control how the Sand Fishers might ''use'' it - as a [[Before_the_sunrise#The_Waters_of_Therunin\|recent misunderstanding]] in [[Therunin]] perhaps demonstrates. With access to a [[regio]] and enough crystal mana, it's not impossible that the people of Holberg might find their territory subject to an enchantment they did not anticipate for example. It's unlikely with just two magicians, but the risk of an incident grows over time.

Twiggy: /* Overview */

2025-07-12T23:48:42Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:48, 12 July 2025
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	The burgeoning confidence of the Sand Fishers was shattered by the arrival of the Druj in Holberg. Disregarding the heavy losses in Ossium, it gradually became clear that the Druj had risked everything to attack the forests of Holberg, in a desperate attempt to wipe out the Sand Fishers as punishment for their "rebellion". Despite Imperial assurances that they would be protected, the orcs found it almost impossible to comprehend that the Empire might find a way to stop the Druj from attacking them struggling to conceive of anyone fighting the Druj, let alone doing to so to protect them.		The burgeoning confidence of the Sand Fishers was shattered by the arrival of the Druj in Holberg. Disregarding the heavy losses in Ossium, it gradually became clear that the Druj had risked everything to attack the forests of Holberg, in a desperate attempt to wipe out the Sand Fishers as punishment for their "rebellion". Despite Imperial assurances that they would be protected, the orcs found it almost impossible to comprehend that the Empire might find a way to stop the Druj from attacking them struggling to conceive of anyone fighting the Druj, let alone doing to so to protect them.

	To their evident surprise of the Sand Fishers, the Imperial heroes intercepted ~~the~~ the Druj forces before they could reach them. Merely making an attempt to fight for them would have been enough to bolster the Sand Fisher's crumbling morale. The resounding victory sent a clear message to everyone - the Empire would defend Holberg and everyone in the territory against the Druj. Having failed in their attempt to destroy the Sand Fishers and faced with the impossible task of assaulting the high walls of Holberg, the Druj armies turned tail and fled, retreating back into the Barrens.		To their evident surprise of the Sand Fishers, the Imperial heroes intercepted the Druj forces before they could reach them. Merely making an attempt to fight for them would have been enough to bolster the Sand Fisher's crumbling morale. The resounding victory sent a clear message to everyone - the Empire would defend Holberg and everyone in the territory against the Druj. Having failed in their attempt to destroy the Sand Fishers and faced with the impossible task of assaulting the high walls of Holberg, the Druj armies turned tail and fled, retreating back into the Barrens.

	==Ambition==		==Ambition==
	The Imperial victory over the Druj has had a profound impact on the Sand Fishers. It seems that many of them still regarded life in Misericorde with a degree of fatalism, unable to accept that this was not simply a sojourn before they were returned to a miserable existence as Druj slaves. But seeing the Druj armies flee before the Empire while inspired by the powerful auras created by Bartimaeus and the priests accompanying Skywise Rykana has transformed them. Everyone who is working to teach them the Virtues cannot help but remark on the change... the Sand Fishers are rapidly gaining the fervour of the converted.		The Imperial victory over the Druj has had a profound impact on the Sand Fishers. It seems that many of them still regarded life in Misericorde with a degree of fatalism, unable to accept that this was not simply a sojourn before they were returned to a miserable existence as Druj slaves. But seeing the Druj armies flee before the Empire while inspired by the powerful auras created by Bartimaeus and the priests accompanying Skywise Rykana has transformed them. Everyone who is working to teach them the Virtues cannot help but remark on the change... the Sand Fishers are rapidly gaining the fervour of the converted.

Hailmur at 14:22, 8 December 2023

2023-12-08T14:22:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:22, 8 December 2023
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	And so they ask... what could the Sand Fishers do for the Empire?		And so they ask... what could the Sand Fishers do for the Empire?
	==Resolution==		==Resolution==
	A number of [[statement of principle\|statements of principle]] were raised during the Winter Solstice in the Imperial Synod offering advice to the sand fishers as to how to proceed. The Imperial Senate chose to encourage the orcs to attend Holberg university, [[Increase upkeep of Holberg\|increasing the funds allocated to the territory]] to support their motion.		A number of [[statement of principle\|statements of principle]] were raised during the Winter Solstice in the Imperial Synod offering advice to the sand fishers as to how to proceed. The Imperial Senate chose to encourage the orcs to attend Holberg university, [[383YE_Winter_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Increase upkeep of Holberg\|increasing the funds allocated to the territory]] to support their motion.

Rafferty: /* Those Who Take */

2022-05-17T09:57:38Z

Those Who Take

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:57, 17 May 2022
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	And so they ask... what could the Sand Fishers do for the Empire?		And so they ask... what could the Sand Fishers do for the Empire?
			==Resolution==
			A number of [[statement of principle\|statements of principle]] were raised during the Winter Solstice in the Imperial Synod offering advice to the sand fishers as to how to proceed. The Imperial Senate chose to encourage the orcs to attend Holberg university, [[Increase upkeep of Holberg\|increasing the funds allocated to the territory]] to support their motion.

Responsible1: /* Prosperity */

2022-04-18T19:18:32Z

Prosperity

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:18, 18 April 2022
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	The last of the tenets are of particular fascination to the Sand Fishers. The idea that the Prosperous share what they have with those who deserve it intrigues them. The orcs are acutely aware of the generosity of the Empire in giving them a safe heaven from the Druj, they find the beneficence of the people of Holberg who have given them the richest part of the territory as their own almost incomprehensible. Even when some priests are honest enough to admit that many League citizens don't really see much value in the forests of Misericorde, it doesn't shift the Sand Fishers' conviction that the Empire have given them something of inestimable value. Was this great gift simply because the Empire shares what it has with those who deserve it? If so, what exactly did the Sand Fishers do to deserve this act of generosity?		The last of the tenets are of particular fascination to the Sand Fishers. The idea that the Prosperous share what they have with those who deserve it intrigues them. The orcs are acutely aware of the generosity of the Empire in giving them a safe heaven from the Druj, they find the beneficence of the people of Holberg who have given them the richest part of the territory as their own almost incomprehensible. Even when some priests are honest enough to admit that many League citizens don't really see much value in the forests of Misericorde, it doesn't shift the Sand Fishers' conviction that the Empire have given them something of inestimable value. Was this great gift simply because the Empire shares what it has with those who deserve it? If so, what exactly did the Sand Fishers do to deserve this act of generosity?

	But it is the final words of the final tenet that arose the most interest. Despise those who take without giving. The Sand Fishers are very interested in this teaching - they soon ~~have~~ have questions for what it means and especially for what it means for them.		But it is the final words of the final tenet that arose the most interest. Despise those who take without giving. The Sand Fishers are very interested in this teaching - they soon have questions for what it means and especially for what it means for them.

	Overall, the mandate appears to have been accomplished everything that might have been hoped for. The Sand Fishers have taken eagerly to the virtue of [[Prosperity]], they are incredibly hard working and the belief that they have a virtuous right to own the fruits of their labour is clearly uplifting to them. The constant reminding to the people of Holberg to trade fairly with the Sand Fishers means that people are dealing with them honestly and resisting the urge to take advantage of their naivete. The Sand Fishers may never be truly comfortable in the city itself, but they clearly feel welcome to come and go if they need to.		Overall, the mandate appears to have been accomplished everything that might have been hoped for. The Sand Fishers have taken eagerly to the virtue of [[Prosperity]], they are incredibly hard working and the belief that they have a virtuous right to own the fruits of their labour is clearly uplifting to them. The constant reminding to the people of Holberg to trade fairly with the Sand Fishers means that people are dealing with them honestly and resisting the urge to take advantage of their naivete. The Sand Fishers may never be truly comfortable in the city itself, but they clearly feel welcome to come and go if they need to.

Novemberalice at 20:37, 13 April 2022

2022-04-13T20:37:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:37, 13 April 2022
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	</ic>		</ic>
	==Overview==		==Overview==
			{{Audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IevoQnVY0no}}
	The Sand Fishers were one of the first groups of orcs that the Imperial armies encountered when they invaded Ossium. At first the Sand Fishers seemed a peaceful people, possessing few weapons, only the odd bow and long knives that they use for hunting, fishing, and defence. Later it became clear that they had been enslaved by the Druj and brutalized for decades. Forced to gather food for the Druj they laboured under soul-crushing horror of the Druj miasma. When the Empire gave them an opportunity to claim the dank forests of [[Holberg#Misericorde\|Misericorde]] in Holberg, they jumped at the opportunity to put the Semmerlak between them and the Druj.		The Sand Fishers were one of the first groups of orcs that the Imperial armies encountered when they invaded Ossium. At first the Sand Fishers seemed a peaceful people, possessing few weapons, only the odd bow and long knives that they use for hunting, fishing, and defence. Later it became clear that they had been enslaved by the Druj and brutalized for decades. Forced to gather food for the Druj they laboured under soul-crushing horror of the Druj miasma. When the Empire gave them an opportunity to claim the dank forests of [[Holberg#Misericorde\|Misericorde]] in Holberg, they jumped at the opportunity to put the Semmerlak between them and the Druj.
	<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><box>'''Who is this for?'''<br>This wind of fortune is long, and includes a lot of narrative and world building. It is definitely not for everyone. It's intended for those players who are specifically interested in the Sand Fisher situation, and in philosophical questions about Prosperity. There are levers here, in the first section entitled Ambition, but even they are more about the narrative impact of bringing former slaves of the Druj under the League's wing than they are about building commissions.</box></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><box>'''Who is this for?'''<br>This wind of fortune is long, and includes a lot of narrative and world building. It is definitely not for everyone. It's intended for those players who are specifically interested in the Sand Fisher situation, and in philosophical questions about Prosperity. There are levers here, in the first section entitled Ambition, but even they are more about the narrative impact of bringing former slaves of the Druj under the League's wing than they are about building commissions.</box></div>
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	To their evident surprise of the Sand Fishers, the Imperial heroes intercepted the the Druj forces before they could reach them. Merely making an attempt to fight for them would have been enough to bolster the Sand Fisher's crumbling morale. The resounding victory sent a clear message to everyone - the Empire would defend Holberg and everyone in the territory against the Druj. Having failed in their attempt to destroy the Sand Fishers and faced with the impossible task of assaulting the high walls of Holberg, the Druj armies turned tail and fled, retreating back into the Barrens.		To their evident surprise of the Sand Fishers, the Imperial heroes intercepted the the Druj forces before they could reach them. Merely making an attempt to fight for them would have been enough to bolster the Sand Fisher's crumbling morale. The resounding victory sent a clear message to everyone - the Empire would defend Holberg and everyone in the territory against the Druj. Having failed in their attempt to destroy the Sand Fishers and faced with the impossible task of assaulting the high walls of Holberg, the Druj armies turned tail and fled, retreating back into the Barrens.
	~~{{Audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IevoQnVY0no}}~~
	==Ambition==		==Ambition==
	The Imperial victory over the Druj has had a profound impact on the Sand Fishers. It seems that many of them still regarded life in Misericorde with a degree of fatalism, unable to accept that this was not simply a sojourn before they were returned to a miserable existence as Druj slaves. But seeing the Druj armies flee before the Empire while inspired by the powerful auras created by Bartimaeus and the priests accompanying Skywise Rykana has transformed them. Everyone who is working to teach them the Virtues cannot help but remark on the change... the Sand Fishers are rapidly gaining the fervour of the converted.		The Imperial victory over the Druj has had a profound impact on the Sand Fishers. It seems that many of them still regarded life in Misericorde with a degree of fatalism, unable to accept that this was not simply a sojourn before they were returned to a miserable existence as Druj slaves. But seeing the Druj armies flee before the Empire while inspired by the powerful auras created by Bartimaeus and the priests accompanying Skywise Rykana has transformed them. Everyone who is working to teach them the Virtues cannot help but remark on the change... the Sand Fishers are rapidly gaining the fervour of the converted.

Matt at 11:38, 9 April 2022

2022-04-09T11:38:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:38, 9 April 2022
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	The burgeoning confidence of the Sand Fishers was shattered by the arrival of the Druj in Holberg. Disregarding the heavy losses in Ossium, it gradually became clear that the Druj had risked everything to attack the forests of Holberg, in a desperate attempt to wipe out the Sand Fishers as punishment for their "rebellion". Despite Imperial assurances that they would be protected, the orcs found it almost impossible to comprehend that the Empire might find a way to stop the Druj from attacking them struggling to conceive of anyone fighting the Druj, let alone doing to so to protect them.		The burgeoning confidence of the Sand Fishers was shattered by the arrival of the Druj in Holberg. Disregarding the heavy losses in Ossium, it gradually became clear that the Druj had risked everything to attack the forests of Holberg, in a desperate attempt to wipe out the Sand Fishers as punishment for their "rebellion". Despite Imperial assurances that they would be protected, the orcs found it almost impossible to comprehend that the Empire might find a way to stop the Druj from attacking them struggling to conceive of anyone fighting the Druj, let alone doing to so to protect them.

			To their evident surprise of the Sand Fishers, the Imperial heroes intercepted the the Druj forces before they could reach them. Merely making an attempt to fight for them would have been enough to bolster the Sand Fisher's crumbling morale. The resounding victory sent a clear message to everyone - the Empire would defend Holberg and everyone in the territory against the Druj. Having failed in their attempt to destroy the Sand Fishers and faced with the impossible task of assaulting the high walls of Holberg, the Druj armies turned tail and fled, retreating back into the Barrens.
	{{Audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IevoQnVY0no}}		{{Audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IevoQnVY0no}}
	To their evident surprise of the Sand Fishers, the Imperial heroes intercepted the the Druj forces before they could reach them. Merely making an attempt to fight for them would have been enough to bolster the Sand Fisher's crumbling morale. The resounding victory sent a clear message to everyone - the Empire would defend Holberg and everyone in the territory against the Druj. Having failed in their attempt to destroy the Sand Fishers and faced with the impossible task of assaulting the high walls of Holberg, the Druj armies turned tail and fled, retreating back into the Barrens.

	==Ambition==		==Ambition==
	The Imperial victory over the Druj has had a profound impact on the Sand Fishers. It seems that many of them still regarded life in Misericorde with a degree of fatalism, unable to accept that this was not simply a sojourn before they were returned to a miserable existence as Druj slaves. But seeing the Druj armies flee before the Empire while inspired by the powerful auras created by Bartimaeus and the priests accompanying Skywise Rykana has transformed them. Everyone who is working to teach them the Virtues cannot help but remark on the change... the Sand Fishers are rapidly gaining the fervour of the converted.		The Imperial victory over the Druj has had a profound impact on the Sand Fishers. It seems that many of them still regarded life in Misericorde with a degree of fatalism, unable to accept that this was not simply a sojourn before they were returned to a miserable existence as Druj slaves. But seeing the Druj armies flee before the Empire while inspired by the powerful auras created by Bartimaeus and the priests accompanying Skywise Rykana has transformed them. Everyone who is working to teach them the Virtues cannot help but remark on the change... the Sand Fishers are rapidly gaining the fervour of the converted.

Matt: /* Overview */

2022-04-09T11:38:24Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:38, 9 April 2022
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	The burgeoning confidence of the Sand Fishers was shattered by the arrival of the Druj in Holberg. Disregarding the heavy losses in Ossium, it gradually became clear that the Druj had risked everything to attack the forests of Holberg, in a desperate attempt to wipe out the Sand Fishers as punishment for their "rebellion". Despite Imperial assurances that they would be protected, the orcs found it almost impossible to comprehend that the Empire might find a way to stop the Druj from attacking them struggling to conceive of anyone fighting the Druj, let alone doing to so to protect them.		The burgeoning confidence of the Sand Fishers was shattered by the arrival of the Druj in Holberg. Disregarding the heavy losses in Ossium, it gradually became clear that the Druj had risked everything to attack the forests of Holberg, in a desperate attempt to wipe out the Sand Fishers as punishment for their "rebellion". Despite Imperial assurances that they would be protected, the orcs found it almost impossible to comprehend that the Empire might find a way to stop the Druj from attacking them struggling to conceive of anyone fighting the Druj, let alone doing to so to protect them.
			{{Audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IevoQnVY0no}}
	To their evident surprise of the Sand Fishers, the Imperial heroes intercepted the the Druj forces before they could reach them. Merely making an attempt to fight for them would have been enough to bolster the Sand Fisher's crumbling morale. The resounding victory sent a clear message to everyone - the Empire would defend Holberg and everyone in the territory against the Druj. Having failed in their attempt to destroy the Sand Fishers and faced with the impossible task of assaulting the high walls of Holberg, the Druj armies turned tail and fled, retreating back into the Barrens.		To their evident surprise of the Sand Fishers, the Imperial heroes intercepted the the Druj forces before they could reach them. Merely making an attempt to fight for them would have been enough to bolster the Sand Fisher's crumbling morale. The resounding victory sent a clear message to everyone - the Empire would defend Holberg and everyone in the territory against the Druj. Having failed in their attempt to destroy the Sand Fishers and faced with the impossible task of assaulting the high walls of Holberg, the Druj armies turned tail and fled, retreating back into the Barrens.

Hailmur at 21:25, 5 April 2022

2022-04-05T21:25:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:25, 5 April 2022
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	The silence grew taut but before she could say anything the orc broke into a big grin "Our ancestors are idiots. They've been dead for a thousand years. They left us to the snakes and the scorpions. The first thing we teach our children is not to listen to a single word the ancestors say."		The silence grew taut but before she could say anything the orc broke into a big grin "Our ancestors are idiots. They've been dead for a thousand years. They left us to the snakes and the scorpions. The first thing we teach our children is not to listen to a single word the ancestors say."

	Eliza blinked in astonishment. That was not at all what she'd expected to hear. She'd read somewhere that the Imperial Orcs often heard conflicting things from their ancestors, but the book had claimed that all orcs revere their ancestors anyway. Her host was clearly trying to make her feel more comfortable, to take away the sting of his words, but it seemed unlikely he was making that ~~list~~ bit up. If he'd meant to lie to her, it would make more sense to lie about the things his ancestors said than to denigrate them surely? Clearly her book was not written with the Sand Fishers in mind.		Eliza blinked in astonishment. That was not at all what she'd expected to hear. She'd read somewhere that the Imperial Orcs often heard conflicting things from their ancestors, but the book had claimed that all orcs revere their ancestors anyway. Her host was clearly trying to make her feel more comfortable, to take away the sting of his words, but it seemed unlikely he was making that last bit up. If he'd meant to lie to her, it would make more sense to lie about the things his ancestors said than to denigrate them surely? Clearly her book was not written with the Sand Fishers in mind.

	As she pondered what he'd said, another question came to mind and she blurted it out before she had time to think. "What do your ancestors say when you look at the Druj?". Dammit Eliza, she thought, you've stood in a hundred consecrated buildings before, why was she letting this one get to her?		As she pondered what he'd said, another question came to mind and she blurted it out before she had time to think. "What do your ancestors say when you look at the Druj?". Dammit Eliza, she thought, you've stood in a hundred consecrated buildings before, why was she letting this one get to her?

Cathtice: /* Prosperity */

2022-04-05T15:59:36Z

Prosperity

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:59, 5 April 2022
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	==Prosperity==		==Prosperity==
	At the recent summit, Bartimaeus of the Shattered Tower was granted the authority to spread the mandate of the Assembly of Prosperity to the people of Holberg, both the Sand Fishers and the city folk. He urged all to set prosperous prices and trade fairly, so that all ~~my calim~~ the just rewards of their ~~labouts~~. His words ~~fine~~ a warm reception among the orcs, who have taught about the importance of the Seven Virtues by Kaspar Yakovich von Holberg and encouraged to believe in a more hopeful future by Skywise Gralka. Crucially he arrives at a time when the Imperial heroes have just defeated an invading Druj army many times their size, causing the soldiers of the scorpion banners to flee. This awesome victory has helped to complete a transformation of the Sand Fishers outlook, and Bartimaeus and the priests who support him find the orcs eager to learn more.		At the recent summit, Bartimaeus of the Shattered Tower was granted the authority to spread the mandate of the Assembly of Prosperity to the people of Holberg, both the Sand Fishers and the city folk. He urged all to set prosperous prices and trade fairly, so that all may claim the just rewards of their labours. His words find a warm reception among the orcs, who have taught about the importance of the Seven Virtues by Kaspar Yakovich von Holberg and encouraged to believe in a more hopeful future by Skywise Gralka. Crucially he arrives at a time when the Imperial heroes have just defeated an invading Druj army many times their size, causing the soldiers of the scorpion banners to flee. This awesome victory has helped to complete a transformation of the Sand Fishers' outlook, and Bartimaeus and the priests who support him find the orcs eager to learn more.

	There is little difficulty convincing the people of the importance of working hard - Sand Fishers tend to rise at dawn or just before and work til well after sun down. But the idea that they should claim the just rewards of their toil strikes a deep chord with them. For generations the Druj have taken everything they produced and left them with barely enough to eat. Now they have lands of their own and for the first time everything they gather, everything they grow, everything they hunt belongs to them.		There is little difficulty convincing the people of the importance of working hard - Sand Fishers tend to rise at dawn or just before and work til well after sun down. But the idea that they should claim the just rewards of their toil strikes a deep chord with them. For generations the Druj have taken everything they produced and left them with barely enough to eat. Now they have lands of their own and for the first time everything they gather, everything they grow, everything they hunt belongs to them.

	They find the notion of enjoying the fruits of your labour today without worry for tomorrow much harder to grasp especially when coupled with the idea that anything that is unused is wasted. The Sand Fishers have never had a surplus of anything - the prospect of having enough food put by that they need not worry whether they can eat if they have a ~~ban~~ day hunting appeals strongly to them. Any suggestion that such bounty should be quickly consumed does not appeal to them. But Bartimaeus and his fellow priests are able to demonstrate the importance of the tenet by comparing it with the behaviour of the Druj, who hoarded their wealth and resources and shared them with no-one, not even their own. The Empire defeated the Druj in Ossium, all their hoarding did was to ensure their own defeat.		They find the notion of enjoying the fruits of your labour today without worry for tomorrow much harder to grasp, especially when coupled with the idea that anything that is unused is wasted. The Sand Fishers have never had a surplus of anything - the prospect of having enough food put by that they need not worry whether they can eat if they have a bad day hunting appeals strongly to them. Any suggestion that such bounty should be quickly consumed does not appeal to them. But Bartimaeus and his fellow priests are able to demonstrate the importance of the tenet by comparing it with the behaviour of the Druj, who hoarded their wealth and resources and shared them with no-one, not even their own. The Empire defeated the Druj in Ossium; all their hoarding did was to ensure their own defeat.

	The last of the tenets are of particular fascination to the Sand Fishers. The idea that the Prosperous share what they have with those who deserve it intrigues them. The orcs are acutely aware of the generosity of the Empire in giving them a safe heaven from the Druj, they find the ~~beneficience~~ of the people of Holberg who have given them the richest part of the territory as their own almost incomprehensible. Even when some priests are honest enough to admit that many League citizens don't really see much value in the forests of Misericorde, it doesn't shift the Sand Fishers' conviction that the Empire have given them something of inestimable value. Was this great gift simply because the Empire shares what it has with those who deserve it? If so, what exactly did the Sand Fishers do to deserve this act of generosity?		The last of the tenets are of particular fascination to the Sand Fishers. The idea that the Prosperous share what they have with those who deserve it intrigues them. The orcs are acutely aware of the generosity of the Empire in giving them a safe heaven from the Druj, they find the beneficence of the people of Holberg who have given them the richest part of the territory as their own almost incomprehensible. Even when some priests are honest enough to admit that many League citizens don't really see much value in the forests of Misericorde, it doesn't shift the Sand Fishers' conviction that the Empire have given them something of inestimable value. Was this great gift simply because the Empire shares what it has with those who deserve it? If so, what exactly did the Sand Fishers do to deserve this act of generosity?

	But it is the final words of the final tenet that arose the most interest. Despise those who take without giving. The Sand Fishers are very interested in this teaching - they soon have have questions for what it means and especially for what it means for them.		But it is the final words of the final tenet that arose the most interest. Despise those who take without giving. The Sand Fishers are very interested in this teaching - they soon have have questions for what it means and especially for what it means for them.
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	Overall, the mandate appears to have been accomplished everything that might have been hoped for. The Sand Fishers have taken eagerly to the virtue of [[Prosperity]], they are incredibly hard working and the belief that they have a virtuous right to own the fruits of their labour is clearly uplifting to them. The constant reminding to the people of Holberg to trade fairly with the Sand Fishers means that people are dealing with them honestly and resisting the urge to take advantage of their naivete. The Sand Fishers may never be truly comfortable in the city itself, but they clearly feel welcome to come and go if they need to.		Overall, the mandate appears to have been accomplished everything that might have been hoped for. The Sand Fishers have taken eagerly to the virtue of [[Prosperity]], they are incredibly hard working and the belief that they have a virtuous right to own the fruits of their labour is clearly uplifting to them. The constant reminding to the people of Holberg to trade fairly with the Sand Fishers means that people are dealing with them honestly and resisting the urge to take advantage of their naivete. The Sand Fishers may never be truly comfortable in the city itself, but they clearly feel welcome to come and go if they need to.

	One thing a few priests note is that their work is made easier by the fact that many Sand Fishers seem to regard the Way itself with a profound reverence. Admittedly this respect is less for the deep spiritual importance of the Way as a philosophy of life and an approach to Virtue~~. Rather~~ it is a degree of awe for the raw power of the auras created by the priests, which the Orcs regard as a potent magic far superior to spells or rituals. When asked about this, they are frank that the Druj fill their lands with Miasma to break the will of those who would resist them. This is how they maintain their empire and their hold over the territories like Ossium. The Empire are the only people the Sand Fishers have met who have a power greater than that of the Druj.		One thing a few priests note is that their work is made easier by the fact that many Sand Fishers seem to regard the Way itself with a profound reverence. Admittedly this respect is less for the deep spiritual importance of the Way as a philosophy of life and an approach to Virtue - rather it is a degree of awe for the raw power of the auras created by the priests, which the Orcs regard as a potent magic far superior to spells or rituals. When asked about this, they are frank that the Druj fill their lands with Miasma to break the will of those who would resist them. This is how they maintain their empire and their hold over the territories like Ossium. The Empire are the only people the Sand Fishers have met who have a power greater than that of the Druj.

	The Sand Fishers simply don't accept that the Empire beat the Druj because they have bigger armies, better generals or more rituals. They absolutely believe that the Empire beat the Druj because they have the Way and because the Way is stronger than the Miasma.		The Sand Fishers simply don't accept that the Empire beat the Druj because they have bigger armies, better generals or more rituals. They absolutely believe that the Empire beat the Druj because they have the Way and because the Way is stronger than the Miasma.
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	</table>		</table>
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	Although work on the market has not yet begun, the Sand Fishers are already asking for more. They have food that is going uneaten they say with a wry smile, yet the people of Holberg cannot even hunt their own food! They have herbs that are going unused, while the Empire's heroes are fighting the Druj in battle. They want to trade the things they have... and now they are ~~eying~~ the things they need more than anything		Although work on the market has not yet begun, the Sand Fishers are already asking for more. They have food that is going uneaten, they say with a wry smile, yet the people of Holberg cannot even hunt their own food! They have herbs that are going unused, while the Empire's heroes are fighting the Druj in battle. They want to trade the things they have... and now they are eyeing the things they need more than anything

	Thus they have asked if the Empire and the merchants of Holberg would be prepared to countenance the sale of mithril or weirwood at the market once it is complete? The Sand Fishers understand how valuable these materials are. The mithril from the ~~crawling depths~~ was taken by the Druj to build their armies, for years the Sand Fishers have been forced to make do with bone, flint and other poor quality substitutes for their arrows and their spears. Such things are perfectly practical, if a little slow, for hunting. But soldiers protected with good quality armour have little to fear from skirmishers armed with hunting bows and bone tipped arrows.		Thus they have asked if the Empire and the merchants of Holberg would be prepared to countenance the sale of mithril or weirwood at the market once it is complete? The Sand Fishers understand how valuable these materials are. The mithril from the Crawling Depths was taken by the Druj to build their armies, and for years the Sand Fishers have been forced to make do with bone, flint and other poor quality substitutes for their arrows and their spears. Such things are perfectly practical, if a little slow, for hunting. But soldiers protected with good quality armour have little to fear from skirmishers armed with hunting bows and bone tipped arrows.

	The Sand Fishers are ''eager'' to point out that they will pay for these materials - though the only wealth they have spare that the Empire really values is herbs. After some discussion with the civil service about how this might best be accomplished, they make an agreement to make herbs available to the new Merchant Prince as soon as they are appointed.		The Sand Fishers are ''eager'' to point out that they will pay for these materials - though the only wealth they have spare that the Empire really values is herbs. After some discussion with the civil service about how this might best be accomplished, they make an agreement to make herbs available to the new Merchant Prince as soon as they are appointed.
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	The priests who are spreading the virtue of Prosperity to the Sand Fishers soon report that one question above all others is vexing them. The final tenet that urges the virtuous to despise those ''who take without giving''. The Sand Fishers are not blind to the generosity of the Empire, it has freed them from the Druj, given them lands to live in, defended them when the enemy came to punish them for fleeing. And now this latest act of generosity, they have been simply given the benefits of these auras of extraordinary power that the Empire's priests create, all to help them throw off the last lingering influence of the effects of the Miasma.		The priests who are spreading the virtue of Prosperity to the Sand Fishers soon report that one question above all others is vexing them. The final tenet that urges the virtuous to despise those ''who take without giving''. The Sand Fishers are not blind to the generosity of the Empire, it has freed them from the Druj, given them lands to live in, defended them when the enemy came to punish them for fleeing. And now this latest act of generosity, they have been simply given the benefits of these auras of extraordinary power that the Empire's priests create, all to help them throw off the last lingering influence of the effects of the Miasma.

	All of this has been simply ''given'' to the Sand Fishers... at no point has anyone asked the Sand Fishers for anything in return. How then are the Sand Fishers not "those who take without giving?" The Sand Fishers will quietly admit that their ancestors often warn them against trusting the Empire, telling them that they will be cheated and robbed and driven from their lands. None of that makes any sense of course, and they are ignoring those words for now, but more than a few are pointing out that if the Empire and Holberg really believe what they say about despising those who take without giving... then they should ~~depise~~ the Sand Fishers...		All of this has been simply ''given'' to the Sand Fishers... at no point has anyone asked the Sand Fishers for anything in return. How then are the Sand Fishers not "those who take without giving?" The Sand Fishers will quietly admit that their ancestors often warn them against trusting the Empire, telling them that they will be cheated and robbed and driven from their lands. None of that makes any sense of course, and they are ignoring those words for now, but more than a few are pointing out that if the Empire and Holberg really believe what they say about despising those who take without giving... then they should despise the Sand Fishers...

	Those enacting the mandate are at pains to stress that nobody is seeking to trick the Sand Fishers, there is no trap that anyone is aware of. But they soon ~~realize~~ that the Sand Fishers are not worried about being tricked or trapped. They were slaves of the Druj who had nothing, now they have their freedom, they have as much food as they can eat, they have lands of their own and wealth to spare.		Those enacting the mandate are at pains to stress that nobody is seeking to trick the Sand Fishers, there is no trap that anyone is aware of. But they soon realise that the Sand Fishers are not worried about being tricked or trapped. They were slaves of the Druj who had nothing, now they have their freedom, they have as much food as they can eat, they have lands of their own and wealth to spare.

	But now they also have Prosperity. And Prosperity says to despise those who take without giving... The Sand Fishers are quite adamant, that if they are to follow the path of ~~virtue~~ then that means they ''must not take without giving''. They have taken everything the Empire has offered them... so what can they give in return?		But now they also have Prosperity. And Prosperity says to despise those who take without giving... The Sand Fishers are quite adamant, that if they are to follow the path of Virtue then that means they ''must not take without giving''. They have taken everything the Empire has offered them... so what can they give in return?

	The Sand Fishers are no fools, they don't always see the world as the Empire does, but they know the meagre wealth they have scraped together is a pittance compared to the riches of Holberg, let alone the Empire. They know they are in no position of any kind to do anything to repay the Empire for its kindness towards them... Not today...		The Sand Fishers are no fools, they don't always see the world as the Empire does, but they know the meagre wealth they have scraped together is a pittance compared to the riches of Holberg, let alone the Empire. They know they are in no position of any kind to do anything to repay the Empire for its kindness towards them... Not today...