Million miles of water - Revision history

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

2026-01-15T15:03:36Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

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	The Skourans claim their supplies of water are limited and they value them highly. They are not prepared to provide the water for free, but they would be willing to sign a contract with the Empire to sell the Imperial Orcs the water they need. After some negotiation, the Skourans settle on a price of 12 thrones a season for their water. If that happens, then Jadefall Water-guardian's Cooperative, guarantee no interruption of service longer than a few weeks except in the event of war or 'the Hand of the Creator'.		The Skourans claim their supplies of water are limited and they value them highly. They are not prepared to provide the water for free, but they would be willing to sign a contract with the Empire to sell the Imperial Orcs the water they need. After some negotiation, the Skourans settle on a price of 12 thrones a season for their water. If that happens, then Jadefall Water-guardian's Cooperative, guarantee no interruption of service longer than a few weeks except in the event of war or 'the Hand of the Creator'.

	If this cost proves too much of an ongoing financial commitment for the Senate to bear, then the Skourans would be prepared to take payment in a different form. ''Instead'' of paying the Skourans for their water, the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] could grant them the ''exclusive'' right to mine the eastern hills of Mareave, in Eoradal, [[Mareave#Clisearn\|Clisearn]], and Nadir. It would mean giving up the benefits the [[Golden Pyramid]] have [[Digging_for_fire#Precious_Mines\|recently uncovered]] for the [[mine\|miners]] of Mareave, but it might be an easier ask, a more straightforward trade of resource for resource.		If this cost proves too much of an ongoing financial commitment for the Senate to bear, then the Skourans would be prepared to take payment in a different form. ''Instead'' of paying the Skourans for their water, the [[Senate]] could grant them the ''exclusive'' right to mine the eastern hills of Mareave, in Eoradal, [[Mareave#Clisearn\|Clisearn]], and Nadir. It would mean giving up the benefits the [[Golden Pyramid]] have [[Digging_for_fire#Precious_Mines\|recently uncovered]] for the [[mine\|miners]] of Mareave, but it might be an easier ask, a more straightforward trade of resource for resource.

	This would add another factor to Mareave's already-complicated political situation. Once the Skourans have built mineworkings in the hills, it could prove challenging to remove them should relations sour. One somewhat cynical [[Sannite]] participating in the discussions points out that, from a purely military point of view, allowing the Skourans to work the eastern hills would mean that an invading army acting with Skouran aid would not need a beachhead to begin its conquest. There is no indication that they might, but these regions used to be part of Skoura - are they really so sanguine about giving up any claim to them as they appear? Still, this only represents a cost if there is any risk of such a thing, and every indication is that the Skourans are eager for a positive diplomatic relationship with the Empire for the moment.		This would add another factor to Mareave's already-complicated political situation. Once the Skourans have built mineworkings in the hills, it could prove challenging to remove them should relations sour. One somewhat cynical [[Sannite]] participating in the discussions points out that, from a purely military point of view, allowing the Skourans to work the eastern hills would mean that an invading army acting with Skouran aid would not need a beachhead to begin its conquest. There is no indication that they might, but these regions used to be part of Skoura - are they really so sanguine about giving up any claim to them as they appear? Still, this only represents a cost if there is any risk of such a thing, and every indication is that the Skourans are eager for a positive diplomatic relationship with the Empire for the moment.

Wrenna at 09:57, 12 August 2025

2025-08-12T09:57:30Z

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	From here, Jord could see the lights of their fires, fading now as the night grew long, and not for the first time he found himself intrigued by the visitors, the first foreigners he'd ever met. He'd liked them. They'd treated him and the other Imperial Orcs like - like this was their home, not just the Empire's land but theirs, which it was, of course, but they'd shown that they knew it. Polite guests - just as Tom and the other Marchers, and the Freeborn and the rest were polite guests, of course. The funny thing about the Skourans, though, is that the voices in his head didn't quite know what to do with them. There was no history there, no ancient warnings and ancestral urgings to heed or ignore.		From here, Jord could see the lights of their fires, fading now as the night grew long, and not for the first time he found himself intrigued by the visitors, the first foreigners he'd ever met. He'd liked them. They'd treated him and the other Imperial Orcs like - like this was their home, not just the Empire's land but theirs, which it was, of course, but they'd shown that they knew it. Polite guests - just as Tom and the other Marchers, and the Freeborn and the rest were polite guests, of course. The funny thing about the Skourans, though, is that the voices in his head didn't quite know what to do with them. There was no history there, no ancient warnings and ancestral urgings to heed or ignore.

	Tom spoke again. "The Skourans know their stuff. I'm not disputing that. It sounds like they can bring the water down from the deep hills. The question is, young one, what'll you do with it when it comes? I'm sure the Freeborn'll do you right and give the soil the drink it needs, and I can tell you, the land's got potential, there's no doubt about that. If this place got as much rain in a year as my house does in springtime you'd have no issue. Mineral-rich, the soil is. Won't grow as good as Marcher land, though, as we've been ~~manging~~ it a long long time, so's to be expected. You'll be doing all that work, spending all that coin, just to get a fairly decent crop. Farming isn't about what you plant, young one, it's about what it cost you to sow and what you'll sell it for."		Tom spoke again. "The Skourans know their stuff. I'm not disputing that. It sounds like they can bring the water down from the deep hills. The question is, young one, what'll you do with it when it comes? I'm sure the Freeborn'll do you right and give the soil the drink it needs, and I can tell you, the land's got potential, there's no doubt about that. If this place got as much rain in a year as my house does in springtime you'd have no issue. Mineral-rich, the soil is. Won't grow as good as Marcher land, though, as we've been managing it a long long time, so's to be expected. You'll be doing all that work, spending all that coin, just to get a fairly decent crop. Farming isn't about what you plant, young one, it's about what it cost you to sow and what you'll sell it for."

	Jord fell silent, thoughtful. He looked across the plains and hills of Mareave. It was a clear night, and from here you could even see the twinkling lights of Beoraidh in the far distance. He thought about all that he'd done - all that everyone had done - to get here, to make this place theirs. He thought of gardens. After a little while spending time with his friend in the silence, he spoke.		Jord fell silent, thoughtful. He looked across the plains and hills of Mareave. It was a clear night, and from here you could even see the twinkling lights of Beoraidh in the far distance. He thought about all that he'd done - all that everyone had done - to get here, to make this place theirs. He thought of gardens. After a little while spending time with his friend in the silence, he spoke.

Twiggy at 13:19, 16 July 2025

2025-07-16T13:19:46Z

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	* '''The project would require less bourse materials but would need the support of an Imperial army'''		* '''The project would require less bourse materials but would need the support of an Imperial army'''
	* '''If the Empire dam the Doubt, it will remove the arid quality'''		* '''If the Empire dam the Doubt, it will remove the arid quality'''
	* '''The archmage could use plenipotentiary to ask Ylenwe to help protect the army from the effects of the Black Plateau		* '''The archmage could use plenipotentiary to ask Ylenwe to help protect the army from the effects of the {{Black Plateau}}

	A visiting Urizeni, Severina, has an alternative suggestion to building a new qanat network in Icarion. There is water on the other side of the border - there are rivers that run from the mountains of Apstrus, down to Apulus and then to the sea. Apulus is too low to bring water from there to Icarion economically, but [[Spiral#Apstrus\|Apstrus]] is not. The largest river in the area, the River Doubt, used to be home to a large spire. Potentially, a dam could be constructed on the Doubt, flooding the area to create a reservoir and, with care, diverting some of the waters of Apstrus through the narrow mountain passes and into Icarion.		A visiting Urizeni, Severina, has an alternative suggestion to building a new qanat network in Icarion. There is water on the other side of the border - there are rivers that run from the mountains of Apstrus, down to Apulus and then to the sea. Apulus is too low to bring water from there to Icarion economically, but [[Spiral#Apstrus\|Apstrus]] is not. The largest river in the area, the River Doubt, used to be home to a large spire. Potentially, a dam could be constructed on the Doubt, flooding the area to create a reservoir and, with care, diverting some of the waters of Apstrus through the narrow mountain passes and into Icarion.

	That now abandoned spire is called Solen's Doubt. The name has a foreboding pedigree. It was at Solen's Doubt, five years ago, that the madness that had been building in Spiral came to a crescendo from which it has not quieted since. It was here that the dark forces of the Black Plateau awoke in full, unleashed by the depredations of the Iron Helms and the frenzied killing of blood-strained battles. In an instant, three Grendel armies were broken. Only the bravest travellers make the trip up to that haunted place. Ghosts of the battle still linger there.		That now abandoned spire is called Solen's Doubt. The name has a foreboding pedigree. It was at Solen's Doubt, five years ago, that the madness that had been building in Spiral came to a crescendo from which it has not quieted since. It was here that the dark forces of the {{Black Plateau}} awoke in full, unleashed by the depredations of the Iron Helms and the frenzied killing of blood-strained battles. In an instant, three Grendel armies were broken. Only the bravest travellers make the trip up to that haunted place. Ghosts of the battle still linger there.

	The civil service confirm it would be possible to build the dam, but there are problems. The Empire could commission the dam as an edifice requiring 30 wains of white granite. Since the bulk of the work would be in Spiral, it wouldn't suffer any economic penalties due to Icarion being under-developed. Unfortunately the work would need to be done out in the open, in one of the most troubled sites in Spiral, outside Screed itself. Given the bloody reputation of the area, the hauntings and the pernicious influence of the Black Plateau, it would be impossible to hire any normal labourers to carry out the work.		The civil service confirm it would be possible to build the dam, but there are problems. The Empire could commission the dam as an edifice requiring 30 wains of white granite. Since the bulk of the work would be in Spiral, it wouldn't suffer any economic penalties due to Icarion being under-developed. Unfortunately the work would need to be done out in the open, in one of the most troubled sites in Spiral, outside Screed itself. Given the bloody reputation of the area, the hauntings and the pernicious influence of the {{Black Plateau}}, it would be impossible to hire any normal labourers to carry out the work.

	The only practical way the dam could be constructed is if the Towerjacks or an Imperial army under the [[Bound by Common Cause]] enchantment carried out the work. The Towerjacks include some of the Empire's most experienced engineers which makes them the natural choice, but any Imperial army that was Bound by Common Cause could work closely with the various groups involved. The army would need to be given appropriate defensive orders that explicitly said to construct a dam and turn the area in Apustrus into a reservoir, then the work could be accomplished.		The only practical way the dam could be constructed is if the Towerjacks or an Imperial army under the [[Bound by Common Cause]] enchantment carried out the work. The Towerjacks include some of the Empire's most experienced engineers which makes them the natural choice, but any Imperial army that was Bound by Common Cause could work closely with the various groups involved. The army would need to be given appropriate defensive orders that explicitly said to construct a dam and turn the area in Apustrus into a reservoir, then the work could be accomplished.
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	That would mean the army spending time in Spiral, which would exert a heavy toll on the forces. It is impossible for armies to resupply in Spiral and any army that sends a season there loses 5% of its maximum fighting strength each season, even if it is not engaged, due to the baleful influence of the Plateau. Hundreds of Imperial lives would be lost constructing this dam. There might be a solution to this problem however - Severina mentions that she has taken to travelling Spiral with water supplied to her by a herald of [[Ylenwe\|the Swan]]. She claims the water provides respite from the Plateau, allowing her trouble-free dreams when she drinks it. Could the Archmage of Day implore Zie of the Perfect Morning to provide such protection to an entire Imperial army? And if they did, what might that strange eternal demand for such a boon?		That would mean the army spending time in Spiral, which would exert a heavy toll on the forces. It is impossible for armies to resupply in Spiral and any army that sends a season there loses 5% of its maximum fighting strength each season, even if it is not engaged, due to the baleful influence of the Plateau. Hundreds of Imperial lives would be lost constructing this dam. There might be a solution to this problem however - Severina mentions that she has taken to travelling Spiral with water supplied to her by a herald of [[Ylenwe\|the Swan]]. She claims the water provides respite from the Plateau, allowing her trouble-free dreams when she drinks it. Could the Archmage of Day implore Zie of the Perfect Morning to provide such protection to an entire Imperial army? And if they did, what might that strange eternal demand for such a boon?

	Whether or not that could be solved, there is one problem that no eternal can resolve. The ideal spot to dam the Doubt and create a reservoir is the Fallen Valley. However, this is where the majority of those who fell the day the Black Plateau awoke are buried. Thousands died that day - countless soldiers from eight Imperial armies lost their lives. The [[Red Wind Corsairs]], the [[Towerjacks]], the [[Summer Storm]], the [[Wolves of War]], the [[Winter Sun]], the [[Citadel Guard]], the [[Northern Eagle]] and of course the [[Iron Helms]] themselves. The national Assemblies of Urizen, the Imperial Orcs, the League, the Brass Coast and Varushka might all have something to say about a plan that involves flooding the last resting place of so many of their heroes who gave their lives trying to free Spiral from the Grendel.		Whether or not that could be solved, there is one problem that no eternal can resolve. The ideal spot to dam the Doubt and create a reservoir is the Fallen Valley. However, this is where the majority of those who fell the day the {{Black Plateau}} awoke are buried. Thousands died that day - countless soldiers from eight Imperial armies lost their lives. The [[Red Wind Corsairs]], the [[Towerjacks]], the [[Summer Storm]], the [[Wolves of War]], the [[Winter Sun]], the [[Citadel Guard]], the [[Northern Eagle]] and of course the [[Iron Helms]] themselves. The national Assemblies of Urizen, the Imperial Orcs, the League, the Brass Coast and Varushka might all have something to say about a plan that involves flooding the last resting place of so many of their heroes who gave their lives trying to free Spiral from the Grendel.

	===Back and Forth===		===Back and Forth===

Rafferty: /* Further Reading */

2025-04-22T14:45:13Z

Rafferty: /* Overview */

2025-04-22T14:44:52Z

Overview

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	[[The Marches\|Marcher]] experts from [[Mitwold]] and [[Upwold]], and [[the Brass Coast\|Freeborn]] talented in drawing prosperity and growth from barren earth have been invited to the territory on the urging of their National Assemblies: after all, the Freeborn have some familiarity with living in arid lands, and the green hands of the Marchers are legendary. Neither can work miracles, however. They cannot strike water from the stone where there is none.		[[The Marches\|Marcher]] experts from [[Mitwold]] and [[Upwold]], and [[the Brass Coast\|Freeborn]] talented in drawing prosperity and growth from barren earth have been invited to the territory on the urging of their National Assemblies: after all, the Freeborn have some familiarity with living in arid lands, and the green hands of the Marchers are legendary. Neither can work miracles, however. They cannot strike water from the stone where there is none.

	The experts from the Brass Coast and the Marches gather together and set themselves to studying the problem immediately. The Brass Coast delegation includes some of those who designed the [[Segura#Iron_Qanat\|Iron Qanat]] over in [[Segura]]. They have similar visions for underground channels here in Mareave, but there is no good source of water in Eoradal or Icarion. The Marchers are even less optimistic - ''"Good cider takes good apples"'' one says - inferring that the land here is poor and unlikely to ever become fertile - at least not without great effort.		The experts from the Brass Coast and the Marches gather together and set themselves to studying the problem immediately. The Brass Coast delegation includes some of those who designed the [[Segura#Iron_Qanat\|Iron Qanat]] over in [[Segura]]. They have similar visions for underground channels here in Mareave, but there is no good source of water in Eoradal or Icarion. The Marchers are even less optimistic - ''"Good cider takes good apples"'' one says - inferring that the land here is poor and unlikely to ever become fertile - at least not without great effort.

			There is a companion wind of fortune relating to Mareave - '''[[Lit up]]''' - which deals with more diplomatic opportunities in the territory.

	==The Eoradal Tunnels==		==The Eoradal Tunnels==
	* '''The Great Aqueduct of Eoradal could be repaired and used to bring water to the region from the border with Skoura'''		* '''The Great Aqueduct of Eoradal could be repaired and used to bring water to the region from the border with Skoura'''

Vsabo: /* The Nadir Hills */

2025-04-12T17:20:04Z

The Nadir Hills

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	While the aqueduct could provide enough water to irrigate Eoradal, the Skourans are clear that it couldn't provide enough water to cover either of the neighbouring regions. Even if there were enough water, [[Mareave#Icarion\|Icarion]] is simply too far away and [[Mareave#Nadir\|Nadir]] is too high. No aqueduct can carry water uphill without expensive engineering and a source of power to lift the water. A different solution will be needed elsewhere in the territory.		While the aqueduct could provide enough water to irrigate Eoradal, the Skourans are clear that it couldn't provide enough water to cover either of the neighbouring regions. Even if there were enough water, [[Mareave#Icarion\|Icarion]] is simply too far away and [[Mareave#Nadir\|Nadir]] is too high. No aqueduct can carry water uphill without expensive engineering and a source of power to lift the water. A different solution will be needed elsewhere in the territory.

	Fortunately, the Marchers may have a solution. Nadir experiences more rainfall than other parts of Mareave, but the high hills ~~traps~~ the water in tarns, leaving the lowlands parched and arid. As a result, there isn't enough water to grow crops here, but it is possible to stock the hills with sheep and cattle. What if the Imperial Orcs worked with what they had and farmed cattle? The Imperial Orc nation already has experience in this area - they pioneered new techniques in Skarsind when they [[Shepherd_of_the_Great_Herd\|raised the Great Herd]]. Why not build on that advantage and raise new herds here in Nadir?		Fortunately, the Marchers may have a solution. Nadir experiences more rainfall than other parts of Mareave, but the high hills trap the water in tarns, leaving the lowlands parched and arid. As a result, there isn't enough water to grow crops here, but it is possible to stock the hills with sheep and cattle. What if the Imperial Orcs worked with what they had and farmed cattle? The Imperial Orc nation already has experience in this area - they pioneered new techniques in Skarsind when they [[Shepherd_of_the_Great_Herd\|raised the Great Herd]]. Why not build on that advantage and raise new herds here in Nadir?

	===The Cattle Markets===		===The Cattle Markets===

Hailmur at 00:12, 11 April 2025

2025-04-11T00:12:34Z

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	The question is, which eternal? After consultation with various mages, a consensus is formed. There are two obvious potential choices - [[Kimus]] or [[Ossegrahn]]. Both are eternals the Empire has dealt with before and whose concerns are known to them, so while the details of any negotiation would presumably be for the relevant archmage to conduct, it is possible to estimate what their likely responses will be.		The question is, which eternal? After consultation with various mages, a consensus is formed. There are two obvious potential choices - [[Kimus]] or [[Ossegrahn]]. Both are eternals the Empire has dealt with before and whose concerns are known to them, so while the details of any negotiation would presumably be for the relevant archmage to conduct, it is possible to estimate what their likely responses will be.

	Kimus will certainly be able to pinpoint the location of the deep water sources in the territory, allowing the Empire to dig boreholes to get at the water. Ossegrahn might be able to provide a magical means to bring water to the surface Nadir, the eternal could presumably cause water sources to bubble and rise from the deep earth to the living soils above if they wanted. Whichever eternal the Empire asks, they are likely to want something significant in return for their aid. It is difficult to know what Kimus might ask for, but Cupbearer's pacifist nature is at odds with many actions the Empire would wish to take so any negotiations would have to be handled carefully.		Kimus will certainly be able to pinpoint the location of the deep water sources in the territory, allowing the Empire to dig boreholes to get at the water. Ossegrahn might be able to provide a magical means to bring water to the surface of Nadir, the eternal could presumably cause water sources to bubble and rise from the deep earth to the living soils above if they wanted. Whichever eternal the Empire asks, they are likely to want something significant in return for their aid. It is difficult to know what Kimus might ask for, but Cupbearer's pacifist nature is at odds with many actions the Empire would wish to take so any negotiations would have to be handled carefully.

	To pursue either option would require the Archmage of the relevant realm to use a plenipotentiary to ask the eternal for their aid.		To pursue either option would require the Archmage of the relevant realm to use a plenipotentiary to ask the eternal for their aid.

Hailmur at 19:23, 10 April 2025

2025-04-10T19:23:56Z

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	</ic>		</ic>
	<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Cattle Selwyn Road Boulia Shire Central Western Queensland (modded).jpg\|align=left\|caption=There are more solutions to arid land than just adding water.\|width=500}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Cattle Selwyn Road Boulia Shire Central Western Queensland (modded).jpg\|align=left\|caption=There are more solutions to arid land than just adding water.\|width=500}}</div>
	{{PDFLink\|align=right\|link=Million miles of water.pdf\|caption=Click for pdf version}}		{{PDFLink\|align=right\|link=file:Million miles of water.pdf\|caption=Click for pdf version}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	The [[Imperial Orcs]] were recently assigned the territory of [[Mareave]], and have given every indication that they intend to make it a permanent home, just as they have done with [[Skarsind]]. On top of the political and logistical problems facing Mareave - some of which the Empire has taken steps to address - there are the challenges posed by its geography. Like the rest of the [[Bay_of_Catazar#The_Broken_Shore_and_Attar\|Broken Shore]], Mareave is warm and dry with little in the way of large-scale vegetation. Three of its regions - [[Mareave#Icarion\|Icarion]], [[Mareave#Nadir\|Nadir]], and [[Mareave#Eordal\|Eoradal]] - are [[Region_qualities#Arid\|arid]], with little access to fresh water and consequently food. This is a major barrier to growing the territory's prosperity and attracting more Imperial Orcs from distant Skarsind to venture here. [[Farm\|Farms]] struggle to grow crops or raise herds on such dry ground.		The [[Imperial Orcs]] were recently assigned the territory of [[Mareave]], and have given every indication that they intend to make it a permanent home, just as they have done with [[Skarsind]]. On top of the political and logistical problems facing Mareave - some of which the Empire has taken steps to address - there are the challenges posed by its geography. Like the rest of the [[Bay_of_Catazar#The_Broken_Shore_and_Attar\|Broken Shore]], Mareave is warm and dry with little in the way of large-scale vegetation. Three of its regions - [[Mareave#Icarion\|Icarion]], [[Mareave#Nadir\|Nadir]], and [[Mareave#Eordal\|Eoradal]] - are [[Region_qualities#Arid\|arid]], with little access to fresh water and consequently food. This is a major barrier to growing the territory's prosperity and attracting more Imperial Orcs from distant Skarsind to venture here. [[Farm\|Farms]] struggle to grow crops or raise herds on such dry ground.

Hailmur at 19:46, 9 April 2025

2025-04-09T19:46:22Z

Wrenna at 15:28, 9 April 2025

2025-04-09T15:28:23Z

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	===Back and Forth===		===Back and Forth===
	* '''The Empire could build the qanat network ''and'' ~~damn~~ the Doubt'''		* '''The Empire could build the qanat network ''and'' dam the Doubt'''
	* '''Doing so would provide a massive boost to irrigation in the region'''		* '''Doing so would provide a massive boost to irrigation in the region'''
	* '''Icarion would cease to be arid and instead become ''an oasis'''''		* '''Icarion would cease to be arid and instead become ''an oasis'''''
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	* '''It would remove the uncooperative quality from Eoradal'''		* '''It would remove the uncooperative quality from Eoradal'''

	The two proposals for Icarion are not mutually exclusive. It would be expensive, but the Empire could decide to ~~damn~~ the Doubt ''and'' build the Icarion Qanat. They would need a separate Senate motion for each project - and the costs would be high, but the outcome would be truly impressive. The region would cease to be arid, but with so much water to spare, it would quickly become a green and verdant ''oasis'' in this dry land.		The two proposals for Icarion are not mutually exclusive. It would be expensive, but the Empire could decide to dam the Doubt ''and'' build the Icarion Qanat. They would need a separate Senate motion for each project - and the costs would be high, but the outcome would be truly impressive. The region would cease to be arid, but with so much water to spare, it would quickly become a green and verdant ''oasis'' in this dry land.

	If that happened, then the resulting boost to agriculture and water supply would help all settlements throughout the region grow. That would immediately improve Imperial taxation for the territory, providing an additional 6 thrones per season to the Imperial treasury, for as long as the area remained an oasis.		If that happened, then the resulting boost to agriculture and water supply would help all settlements throughout the region grow. That would immediately improve Imperial taxation for the territory, providing an additional 6 thrones per season to the Imperial treasury, for as long as the area remained an oasis.
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	Some of these opportunities will not be available forever. The enthusiasm of the Skourans, the Marchers and the Freeborn will inevitably diminish and they will lose interest in the project if nothing happens. This means the Icarion Qanat, the Great Southern Herd, the Healing Pools and repairing the aqueduct are only available until the end of the Summer Solstice 387YE. If they have not been commissioned by the end of the Summer Solstice, the opportunity will be lost.		Some of these opportunities will not be available forever. The enthusiasm of the Skourans, the Marchers and the Freeborn will inevitably diminish and they will lose interest in the project if nothing happens. This means the Icarion Qanat, the Great Southern Herd, the Healing Pools and repairing the aqueduct are only available until the end of the Summer Solstice 387YE. If they have not been commissioned by the end of the Summer Solstice, the opportunity will be lost.

	The Doubt could be ~~damned~~ at any time. Likewise there is no time limit on extending the Yellow Fish Adit or asking any of the named eternals for aid.		The Doubt could be dammed at any time. Likewise there is no time limit on extending the Yellow Fish Adit or asking any of the named eternals for aid.

	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==

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	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==
	* [[Mareave]]		* [[Mareave]]
			* [[Lit up]] - 386YE Winter wind of fortune addressing more diplomatic opportunities
	* [[Here to stay]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune detailing the [[appraisal]] of Mareave		* [[Here to stay]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune detailing the [[appraisal]] of Mareave
	* [[We all stand]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune detailing opportunities presented by the Golden Pyramid and Tamazi sept in Mareave		* [[We all stand]] - 386YE Autumn wind of fortune detailing opportunities presented by the Golden Pyramid and Tamazi sept in Mareave

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	<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 5 thrones</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 5 thrones</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Special:'''		<tr><td>'''Special:'''
	* Creates a new venture - ''drive cattle to market'' available to Marcher farmers ~~in Mitwold and Upwold~~ for the downtime after the Winter Solstice.		* Creates a new venture - ''drive cattle to market'' available to Marcher farmers for the downtime after the Winter Solstice.
	* Creates a new venture - ''escort the drovers'' available to Marcher and Imperial Orc military units for two seasons after the Spring Equinox. The venture would require ~~1000~~ strength of military units each season to make effective progress and take two seasons to complete.		* Creates a new venture - ''escort the drovers'' available to Marcher and Imperial Orc military units for two seasons after the Spring Equinox. The venture would require 1,000 strength from military units each season to make effective progress and take two seasons to complete.
	* Removes the arid quality from Nadir once the drovers have been escorted.		* Removes the arid quality from Nadir once the drovers have been escorted.
	* If enough cattle were acquired it would create a new sinecure - the greater the herd, the more income the sinecure will generate.		* If enough cattle were acquired it would create a new sinecure - the greater the herd, the more income the sinecure will generate.
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	</table>		</table>
	</table>		</table>
	<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''~~Shephard~~ of the Southern Herd'''</tr>		<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Shepherd of the Southern Herd'''</tr>
	<tr><td>'''Type:''' Imperial Orc</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Type:''' Imperial Orc</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
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	It's not possible to use local cattle to establish a new great herd in Eoradal, there simply aren't anywhere near enough of them. To establish a new herd, the Imperial Orcs would need to buy a huge number of cattle from elsewhere in the Empire and then drive them all the way to Mareave. There are only two places in the Empire where they could possibly acquire the number of animals they need - the busy cattle markets of [[Upwold#Stockland\|Stockland]] in Upwold and [[Mitwold#Wayford\|Wayford]] in Mitwold.		It's not possible to use local cattle to establish a new great herd in Eoradal, there simply aren't anywhere near enough of them. To establish a new herd, the Imperial Orcs would need to buy a huge number of cattle from elsewhere in the Empire and then drive them all the way to Mareave. There are only two places in the Empire where they could possibly acquire the number of animals they need - the busy cattle markets of [[Upwold#Stockland\|Stockland]] in Upwold and [[Mitwold#Wayford\|Wayford]] in Mitwold.

	To enable the Imperial Orcs to purchase as many cattle as possible, the civil service ~~propose~~ to create some large temporary holding pens at the two markets. Marcher farmers from Mitwold and Upwold could drive ~~cattle~~ to ~~the market as usual~~, but rather than selling them immediately, they could register them with the civil service. The farmer would be issued with a bond for their cattle, which they could then take to Anvil to facilitate the disposal of their herd. The Imperial Orcs could negotiate to purchase the cattle directly from the Marcher farmers at the Spring Equinox, with the cattle-bonds guaranteeing the sale. In effect, they would employ the same approach used for bourse notes.		To enable the Imperial Orcs to purchase as many cattle as possible, the civil service proposes to create some large temporary holding pens at the two markets. Marcher farmers from Bregasland and Mitwold could drive cattle to Wayford, and those from Mournwold and Upwold could drive them to Stockland, but rather than selling them immediately, they could register them with the civil service. The farmer would be issued with a bond for their cattle, which they could then take to Anvil to facilitate the disposal of their herd. The Imperial Orcs could negotiate to purchase the cattle directly from the Marcher farmers at the Spring Equinox, with the cattle-bonds guaranteeing the sale. In effect, they would employ the same approach used for bourse notes.

	<div style="float: right; width: 450px; max-width: 40%; margin-left: 10px; clear: right;">		<div style="float: right; width: 450px; max-width: 40%; margin-left: 10px; clear: right;">
	<box><big>'''Resolution'''</big><p>If the Imperial Senate pass the motion to create this sinecure at this event, then Marcher farm owners ~~in Mitwold and Upwold~~ will have a new downtime option "Drive cattle to market" for the next event only. If they choose this option then at the Spring event, they will receive cattle-bonds for their cattle ''in place of the regular production of their farm''.</p>		<box><big>'''Resolution'''</big><p>If the Imperial Senate pass the motion to create this sinecure at this event, then Marcher farm owners will have a new downtime option "Drive cattle to market" for the next event only. If they choose this option then at the Spring event, they will receive cattle-bonds for their cattle ''in place of the regular production of their farm''.</p>

	<p>Those character who opt in won't receive the normal income from their farm - instead they will get bonds they can sell to other characters at the event. The higher rank the farm, the more cattle-bonds they will receive. Imperial Orc players will be able to purchase the bonds and then pass them to the civil service to have the cattle added to the great herd.</p>		<p>Those character who opt in won't receive the normal income from their farm - instead they will get bonds they can sell to other characters at the event. The higher rank the farm, the more cattle-bonds they will receive. Imperial Orc players will be able to purchase the bonds and then pass them to the civil service to have the cattle added to the great herd.</p>

	If a Marcher farmer chooses not to sell their cattle-bonds to the Imperial Orcs, they can hand them back to the civil service to sell the cattle in the local market. Each cattle-bond will be worth at least 18 rings, but buying up the cattle will create a temporary shortage, so the value of cattle-bonds in the local market may be higher in the single season immediately following the Spring Equinox. The fewer bonds are disposed of in the local Marcher markets, the more each bond will be worth.</box></div>		If a Marcher farmer chooses not to sell their cattle-bonds to the Imperial Orcs, or the Freeborn, they can hand them back to the civil service to sell the cattle in the local market. Each cattle-bond will be worth at least 18 rings, but buying up the cattle will create a temporary shortage, so the value of cattle-bonds in the local market may be higher in the single season immediately following the Spring Equinox. The fewer bonds are disposed of in the local Marcher markets, the more each bond will be worth.</box></div>

	If the Imperial Senate use a motion to create the title of ~~Shephard~~ of the Southern Herd, then in the following downtime, any Marcher farm holder that wants to take part could use the coming season to invest in cattle to take the market. Of course many Marcher farms are arable, but those farmers could buy cattle from their neighbours. They can then drive the cattle to their market and exchange them for cattle-bonds with the civil service. The larger the farm, the more cattle-bonds they will receive.		If the Imperial Senate use a motion to create the title of Shepherd of the Southern Herd, then in the following downtime, any Marcher farm holder that wants to take part could use the coming season to invest in cattle to take the market. Of course many Marcher farms are arable, but those farmers could buy cattle from their neighbours. They can then drive the cattle to their market and exchange them for cattle-bonds with the civil service. The larger the farm, the more cattle-bonds they will receive.

	At the Spring Equinox, Marcher farmers will be able to use their bonds to sell their cattle to the Imperial Orcs. It will be up to each individual Marcher what price they want to set for their bonds, but the more cattle the Imperial Orcs are able to acquire, the bigger the new herd will be. If the herd is substantial then it will be large enough to fund a new sinecure, the larger the herd the greater the income the sinecure will receive. The civil service will issue additional guidance next season, once they know how many Marcher farmers have taken the cattle-bonds.		At the Spring Equinox, Marcher farmers will be able to use their bonds to sell their cattle to the Imperial Orcs. It will be up to each individual Marcher what price they want to set for their bonds, but the more cattle the Imperial Orcs are able to acquire, the bigger the new herd will be. If the herd is substantial then it will be large enough to fund a new sinecure, the larger the herd the greater the income the sinecure will receive. The civil service will issue additional guidance next season, once they know how many Marcher farmers have taken the cattle-bonds.
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	Either way, the Imperial Orcs would need to ensure that the venture had an effective military strength of at least a thousand for the two seasons required to drive the herd to Mareave. If there was a shortfall of guards, then the cattle drive would make no progress that season.		Either way, the Imperial Orcs would need to ensure that the venture had an effective military strength of at least a thousand for the two seasons required to drive the herd to Mareave. If there was a shortfall of guards, then the cattle drive would make no progress that season.

	Once the cows have arrived, Nadir will lose the arid quality, reflecting the sustainable and prosperous ecosystem created in the area. If enough cattle have been procured from the Marcher markets, then the new sinecure will be created. There will be an ongoing problem with the wild drakes that threaten the area. They will inevitably be drawn to the cattle, as easy prey, so the new ~~Shephard~~ of the Southern Herd will have their work cut out for them.		Once the cows have arrived, Nadir will lose the arid quality, reflecting the sustainable and prosperous ecosystem created in the area. If enough cattle have been procured from the Marcher markets, then the new sinecure will be created. There will be an ongoing problem with the wild drakes that threaten the area. They will inevitably be drawn to the cattle, as easy prey, so the new Shepherd of the Southern Herd will have their work cut out for them.

	===A Short Cut===		===A Short Cut===