Underwater sunshine - Revision history

Twiggy at 13:37, 29 September 2025

2025-09-29T13:37:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:37, 29 September 2025
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	And then people start to disappear. As work on Kostjyas Respite comes to a conclusion, the first stories of folk vanishing on the Semmerlak begin to circulate in the ports of Korotny, Ivarsgard, and Lacre. An angler fails to return home. A sailor spots something in the water, and despite the cries of their fellows dives overboard to get it, never to be seen again. The captain of a small trader out of Holberg report how two new crew members started throwing armfuls of goods overboard shortly after their ship left port, and when challenged by their incredulous crewmates, leapt into the water and disappeared. On foggy nights, voices beautiful and horrifying call out from the mist and nobody foolish enough to seek their source returns. A lone watchman on the deck of a vessel, late for its berth at Ivarsgard, abandons their post and cannot be found anywhere on the little ship. A sailor slipping and falling overboard never resurfaces, and nobody wants to dive in to look for them. Small trade goods, especially valuable items such as ingots, measures. jewellery, and herbs, disappearing from a ship's hold with no sign of pilfering from the crew. A Sand Fisher fishing raft disappears without a trace, save for the splintered head of a fishing spear found embedded in the beach of Misericorde. A crew returning to a ship they thought moored safely at the little docks of Lacre discover the first-mate has vanished, and there are wet footprints gently drying on the deck. The rowing boat of an amateur treasure hunter from Holberg is found upside down in the reeds not far from Culwich.		And then people start to disappear. As work on Kostjyas Respite comes to a conclusion, the first stories of folk vanishing on the Semmerlak begin to circulate in the ports of Korotny, Ivarsgard, and Lacre. An angler fails to return home. A sailor spots something in the water, and despite the cries of their fellows dives overboard to get it, never to be seen again. The captain of a small trader out of Holberg report how two new crew members started throwing armfuls of goods overboard shortly after their ship left port, and when challenged by their incredulous crewmates, leapt into the water and disappeared. On foggy nights, voices beautiful and horrifying call out from the mist and nobody foolish enough to seek their source returns. A lone watchman on the deck of a vessel, late for its berth at Ivarsgard, abandons their post and cannot be found anywhere on the little ship. A sailor slipping and falling overboard never resurfaces, and nobody wants to dive in to look for them. Small trade goods, especially valuable items such as ingots, measures. jewellery, and herbs, disappearing from a ship's hold with no sign of pilfering from the crew. A Sand Fisher fishing raft disappears without a trace, save for the splintered head of a fishing spear found embedded in the beach of Misericorde. A crew returning to a ship they thought moored safely at the little docks of Lacre discover the first-mate has vanished, and there are wet footprints gently drying on the deck. The rowing boat of an amateur treasure hunter from Holberg is found upside down in the reeds not far from Culwich.

	Then, as people are making preparations to begin the long trek to Anvil, every living soul aboard the ''Lady Celementine'' disappears. The Dawnish trading vessel is found drifting in the waters near Kostjyas Respite. There is no sign of the sixteen crew and the five passengers - a small group of knights-errant heading out to [[Military_unit#Into_the_Twisted_Woods\|explore the twisted woods]] - known to be aboard. There are no signs of violence, no blood splashes, no severed limbs. Venturing below decks, however, Everything is soaking, as if the ship has been turned over in the water for a week, but with no sign of any damage to the hull (and the ship was fine when it left Lacre two days earlier). Explorers splash through ankle-deep water, to find that the hold is empty despite a ship's manifest that claims the ''Lady Celementine'' was transporting Dawnish silk, wine and bread from Astolat, and spear-tips to sell to the [[Thousands_or_more#The_Swords_of_Nearweald\|fortified barracks]] in [[Ossium#~~Nearwald~~\|~~Nearwald~~]]. The sodden log book is found in the Captain's cabin, unintelligible except for the final entry claiming that one of the crew had reported "''something glinting in the lake, like gold in sunlight, or a watching eye''"		Then, as people are making preparations to begin the long trek to Anvil, every living soul aboard the ''Lady Celementine'' disappears. The Dawnish trading vessel is found drifting in the waters near Kostjyas Respite. There is no sign of the sixteen crew and the five passengers - a small group of knights-errant heading out to [[Military_unit#Into_the_Twisted_Woods\|explore the twisted woods]] - known to be aboard. There are no signs of violence, no blood splashes, no severed limbs. Venturing below decks, however, Everything is soaking, as if the ship has been turned over in the water for a week, but with no sign of any damage to the hull (and the ship was fine when it left Lacre two days earlier). Explorers splash through ankle-deep water, to find that the hold is empty despite a ship's manifest that claims the ''Lady Celementine'' was transporting Dawnish silk, wine and bread from Astolat, and spear-tips to sell to the [[Thousands_or_more#The_Swords_of_Nearweald\|fortified barracks]] in [[Ossium#Nearweald\|Nearweald]]. The sodden log book is found in the Captain's cabin, unintelligible except for the final entry claiming that one of the crew had reported "''something glinting in the lake, like gold in sunlight, or a watching eye''"

	The militia called in to explore the scene are at a loss, but the magistrates take counsel with the [[wise One\|wise ones]] of Kostjyas Respite. "'''Dho'ulla will take her due,''" they say, shaking their heads. "''Let us hope she is satisfied now.''"		The militia called in to explore the scene are at a loss, but the magistrates take counsel with the [[wise One\|wise ones]] of Kostjyas Respite. "'''Dho'ulla will take her due,''" they say, shaking their heads. "''Let us hope she is satisfied now.''"
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	* '''A month before the Winter Solstice there is extensive flooding near Semmer's Rose in Semmerholm'''		* '''A month before the Winter Solstice there is extensive flooding near Semmer's Rose in Semmerholm'''
	* '''Beaver-like monsters attempted to dam the ''Ulvenwater'' but were dealt with my local knights from House Tamerlaine'''		* '''Beaver-like monsters attempted to dam the ''Ulvenwater'' but were dealt with my local knights from House Tamerlaine'''
	There's an odd story drifting out of Varushka that has nothing to do with the Semmerlak as such, but there's a nagging suspicion it might not be unconnected. This story claims that a band of Varushkan heroes used the [[Sentinel Gate]] during the Winter Solstice to investigate flooding in Ossium, and found creatures that might best be described as "awful dire beaver horrors" trying to dam the Lanit River near where it empties into the lake in [[Ossium#~~Nearwald~~\|~~Nearwald~~]]. They were dealt with before they could start building their dam and risk widespread damage not only in the ~~Nearwald~~ forest but potentially to the town of Lanit and the marshes of the Drownbark Forest, depending on how long they'd been allowed to continue. Sensible people either raise their eyebrows at another tale of the weird monsters of Varushka, or scoff at the notion of giant beavers being a threat of any kind.		There's an odd story drifting out of Varushka that has nothing to do with the Semmerlak as such, but there's a nagging suspicion it might not be unconnected. This story claims that a band of Varushkan heroes used the [[Sentinel Gate]] during the Winter Solstice to investigate flooding in Ossium, and found creatures that might best be described as "awful dire beaver horrors" trying to dam the Lanit River near where it empties into the lake in [[Ossium#Nearweald\|Nearweald]]. They were dealt with before they could start building their dam and risk widespread damage not only in the Nearweald forest but potentially to the town of Lanit and the marshes of the Drownbark Forest, depending on how long they'd been allowed to continue. Sensible people either raise their eyebrows at another tale of the weird monsters of Varushka, or scoff at the notion of giant beavers being a threat of any kind.

	Then, a little over a month before the Spring Equinox, a particularly high tide leads to flooding near [[Semmerholm#Semmer's Rose\|Semmer's Rose]] on the north banks of the ''Ulvenwater Estuary''. Investigation discovers that the white granite bridge that crosses the Ulvenwater south of the town has been extensively blocked by trunks and branches, and that two dozen "awful dire beaver horrors" are hard at work expanding - and protecting - the dam. A call goes out for assistance - the beavers may look slightly comical but the same toothsome jaws that can tear down a tree can rip through a lightly armoured [[yeofolk of Dawn\|yeofolk]], and with the aid of knights from [[Dawn_groups#House Tamerlaine\|House Tamerlaine]] the threat is dealt with. The dam is dismantled with minimal damage to the bridge and the waters recede - but it's clear that what happened in Ossium is not an isolated incident.		Then, a little over a month before the Spring Equinox, a particularly high tide leads to flooding near [[Semmerholm#Semmer's Rose\|Semmer's Rose]] on the north banks of the ''Ulvenwater Estuary''. Investigation discovers that the white granite bridge that crosses the Ulvenwater south of the town has been extensively blocked by trunks and branches, and that two dozen "awful dire beaver horrors" are hard at work expanding - and protecting - the dam. A call goes out for assistance - the beavers may look slightly comical but the same toothsome jaws that can tear down a tree can rip through a lightly armoured [[yeofolk of Dawn\|yeofolk]], and with the aid of knights from [[Dawn_groups#House Tamerlaine\|House Tamerlaine]] the threat is dealt with. The dam is dismantled with minimal damage to the bridge and the waters recede - but it's clear that what happened in Ossium is not an isolated incident.

Twiggy at 19:53, 9 August 2025

2025-08-09T19:53:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:53, 9 August 2025
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	===Dho'uala's Tithe - Ports===		===Dho'uala's Tithe - Ports===
	* '''The ministries of the [[Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks\|Custodian of the Docks]] at Ivarsgard, and the [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]] in Karov have been affected by this disturbance'''		* '''The ministries of the [[Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks\|Custodian of the Docks]] at Ivarsgard, and the [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]] in Karov have been affected by this disturbance'''
	The creatures of the Semmerlak - and whatever ''else'' is going on here - do not restrict their attentions to Imperial fleets. Traders from the [[Sarcophan Delves]] visiting [[Karsk#Ivarsgard\|Ivarsgard]] to trade with the [[Custodian_of_Ivarsgard_Docks\|Custodian of the Docks]] there have stories of their own, and are clearly a little spooked. "''We're used to dealing with sharks and ghosts,''" says one worried captain. "''Whatever is going on here is something else.''" The Sarcophan vessels are a little leery about making the journey, and regretfully they are going to need to increase the prices they are charging for [[Cerulean Mazzarine]] by about a fifth or else avoid the Semmerlak entirely until the situation is dealt with. This won't effect the deals with the [[Karsk#Ketsov_Mir_Mozga\|~~Ketzov~~ Mir Mozga]]; when they hear of the trouble in the Semmerlak, the newly-established Ketsov of Karsk reportedly shrug and say "''That sounds like a southerner's problem; we stay away from the lake''." It's easy to see why their neighbours do not like them.		The creatures of the Semmerlak - and whatever ''else'' is going on here - do not restrict their attentions to Imperial fleets. Traders from the [[Sarcophan Delves]] visiting [[Karsk#Ivarsgard\|Ivarsgard]] to trade with the [[Custodian_of_Ivarsgard_Docks\|Custodian of the Docks]] there have stories of their own, and are clearly a little spooked. "''We're used to dealing with sharks and ghosts,''" says one worried captain. "''Whatever is going on here is something else.''" The Sarcophan vessels are a little leery about making the journey, and regretfully they are going to need to increase the prices they are charging for [[Cerulean Mazzarine]] by about a fifth or else avoid the Semmerlak entirely until the situation is dealt with. This won't effect the deals with the [[Karsk#Ketsov_Mir_Mozga\|Ketsov Mir Mozga]]; when they hear of the trouble in the Semmerlak, the newly-established Ketsov of Karsk reportedly shrug and say "''That sounds like a southerner's problem; we stay away from the lake''." It's easy to see why their neighbours do not like them.

	The recently established [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]] is also affected. The trade in [[weirwood]] continues unabated; most of it comes from within [[Varushka]] itself, or is brought north from [[Weirwater]]. While Dawnish traders may be loathe to trust their precious cargo to ships for the time being, the road up past [[Weirwater#Sandling\|Sentinel's Folly]] is still open. Unfortunately, with unpleasant things afoot in the depths of the Semmerlak, with nets being torn, and fisherfolk worried that if they stray too far from shore they may never return, there is a lot less [[ilium]] available to buy and the price has gone up.		The recently established [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]] is also affected. The trade in [[weirwood]] continues unabated; most of it comes from within [[Varushka]] itself, or is brought north from [[Weirwater]]. While Dawnish traders may be loathe to trust their precious cargo to ships for the time being, the road up past [[Weirwater#Sandling\|Sentinel's Folly]] is still open. Unfortunately, with unpleasant things afoot in the depths of the Semmerlak, with nets being torn, and fisherfolk worried that if they stray too far from shore they may never return, there is a lot less [[ilium]] available to buy and the price has gone up.

Twiggy at 10:25, 13 July 2025

2025-07-13T10:25:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:25, 13 July 2025
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	"There it is again!" he said, wonder in his voice. "I think there's something metal down there. Mithril, maybe. Or ilium!"		"There it is again!" he said, wonder in his voice. "I think there's something metal down there. Mithril, maybe. Or ilium!"

	"In these waters? I don't think so." Alum was ~~skeptical~~, but Rickard would not be dissuaded.		"In these waters? I don't think so." Alum was sceptical, but Rickard would not be dissuaded.

	"I think it is! The dawn light is coming in at just the right angle to make it glint, or something. I'm telling you it's ilium! Imagine what the seneschal will say if we turn up with a lump of lake-silver for the banquet! She can hardly complain about bigmouthed bass when we have star metal!"		"I think it is! The dawn light is coming in at just the right angle to make it glint, or something. I'm telling you it's ilium! Imagine what the seneschal will say if we turn up with a lump of lake-silver for the banquet! She can hardly complain about bigmouthed bass when we have star metal!"

Twiggy at 20:27, 12 July 2025

2025-07-12T20:27:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:27, 12 July 2025
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	* '''Dho'uala stirs in the depths of the Semmerlak'''		* '''Dho'uala stirs in the depths of the Semmerlak'''
	* '''Ships in Dawn, Varushka, and Holberg bring strange, dark tales of activity around the lake'''		* '''Ships in Dawn, Varushka, and Holberg bring strange, dark tales of activity around the lake'''
	It doesn't ''start'' with people disappearing, but that's where it ends up, Arguably, it may have started almost a year ago when the [[Light_upon_the_water\|magical storm]] raged across the Empire and by all accounts [[Light_upon_the_water#Semmerlak_Flotsam\|churned things up]] from the bottom of the Semmerlak. '''Nikolovich Drakov''' [[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_140\|reminded Varushkans]] that the Semmerlak is not to be trusted, and that they should leave any unexpected treasures for the lake to reclaim. Dawnish beachcombers on the other hand were happy to take advantage of the unexpected bounty from the watery depths. Most of the flotsam took the form of ingots of metal, or the occasional piece of ~~jewelry~~. However there are reports of objects found on the beaches of Weirwater and Semmerholm bearing curses which caused those foolish enough to claim them to become unhealthily obsessed with the item, or seek to immerse themselves in the Semmerlak with tragic results.		It doesn't ''start'' with people disappearing, but that's where it ends up, Arguably, it may have started almost a year ago when the [[Light_upon_the_water\|magical storm]] raged across the Empire and by all accounts [[Light_upon_the_water#Semmerlak_Flotsam\|churned things up]] from the bottom of the Semmerlak. '''Nikolovich Drakov''' [[384YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_140\|reminded Varushkans]] that the Semmerlak is not to be trusted, and that they should leave any unexpected treasures for the lake to reclaim. Dawnish beachcombers on the other hand were happy to take advantage of the unexpected bounty from the watery depths. Most of the flotsam took the form of ingots of metal, or the occasional piece of jewellery. However there are reports of objects found on the beaches of Weirwater and Semmerholm bearing curses which caused those foolish enough to claim them to become unhealthily obsessed with the item, or seek to immerse themselves in the Semmerlak with tragic results.

	In the months since, there have been other odd stories filtering into the wider Empire from communities along the Semmerlak. Odd lights seen in the depths of the lake on moonless nights. Weird things dredged up in fishing nets that scream with human voices, or bear aberrant alterations that mark them as fundamentally unwholesome. Fishing nets being torn apart, their catch lost. Fishing lines catching on something strong enough to wrench a rod out of the anglers hand. Odd knocking sounds at twilight, as if something below the waterline is knocking against the hull of a vessel as it makes its way across the lake. Even in Dawn, parents begin to caution their children about swimming in the lake.		In the months since, there have been other odd stories filtering into the wider Empire from communities along the Semmerlak. Odd lights seen in the depths of the lake on moonless nights. Weird things dredged up in fishing nets that scream with human voices, or bear aberrant alterations that mark them as fundamentally unwholesome. Fishing nets being torn apart, their catch lost. Fishing lines catching on something strong enough to wrench a rod out of the anglers hand. Odd knocking sounds at twilight, as if something below the waterline is knocking against the hull of a vessel as it makes its way across the lake. Even in Dawn, parents begin to caution their children about swimming in the lake.

Dre at 23:27, 3 August 2023

2023-08-03T23:27:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:27, 3 August 2023
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	===Dho'uala's Tithe - Ports===		===Dho'uala's Tithe - Ports===
	* '''The ministries of the [[Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks\|Custodian of the Docks]] at Ivarsgard, and the [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]] in Karov have been ~~effected~~ by this disturbance'''		* '''The ministries of the [[Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks\|Custodian of the Docks]] at Ivarsgard, and the [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]] in Karov have been affected by this disturbance'''
	The creatures of the Semmerlak - and whatever ''else'' is going on here - do not restrict their attentions to Imperial fleets. Traders from the [[Sarcophan Delves]] visiting [[Karsk#Ivarsgard\|Ivarsgard]] to trade with the [[Custodian_of_Ivarsgard_Docks\|Custodian of the Docks]] there have stories of their own, and are clearly a little spooked. "''We're used to dealing with sharks and ghosts,''" says one worried captain. "''Whatever is going on here is something else.''" The Sarcophan vessels are a little leery about making the journey, and regretfully they are going to need to increase the prices they are charging for [[Cerulean Mazzarine]] by about a fifth or else avoid the Semmerlak entirely until the situation is dealt with. This won't effect the deals with the [[Karsk#Ketsov_Mir_Mozga\|Ketzov Mir Mozga]]; when they hear of the trouble in the Semmerlak, the newly-established Ketsov of Karsk reportedly shrug and say "''That sounds like a southerner's problem; we stay away from the lake''." It's easy to see why their neighbours do not like them.		The creatures of the Semmerlak - and whatever ''else'' is going on here - do not restrict their attentions to Imperial fleets. Traders from the [[Sarcophan Delves]] visiting [[Karsk#Ivarsgard\|Ivarsgard]] to trade with the [[Custodian_of_Ivarsgard_Docks\|Custodian of the Docks]] there have stories of their own, and are clearly a little spooked. "''We're used to dealing with sharks and ghosts,''" says one worried captain. "''Whatever is going on here is something else.''" The Sarcophan vessels are a little leery about making the journey, and regretfully they are going to need to increase the prices they are charging for [[Cerulean Mazzarine]] by about a fifth or else avoid the Semmerlak entirely until the situation is dealt with. This won't effect the deals with the [[Karsk#Ketsov_Mir_Mozga\|Ketzov Mir Mozga]]; when they hear of the trouble in the Semmerlak, the newly-established Ketsov of Karsk reportedly shrug and say "''That sounds like a southerner's problem; we stay away from the lake''." It's easy to see why their neighbours do not like them.

	The recently established [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]] is also affected. The trade in [[weirwood]] continues unabated; most of it comes from within [[Varushka]] itself, or is brought north from [[Weirwater]]. While Dawnish traders may be loathe to trust their precious cargo to ships for the time being, the road up past [[Weirwater#Sandling\|Sentinel's Folly]] is still open. Unfortunately, with unpleasant things afoot in the depths of the Semmerlak, with nets being torn, and fisherfolk worried that if they stray too far from shore they may never return, there is a lot less [[ilium]] available to buy and the price has gone up.		The recently established [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]] is also affected. The trade in [[weirwood]] continues unabated; most of it comes from within [[Varushka]] itself, or is brought north from [[Weirwater]]. While Dawnish traders may be loathe to trust their precious cargo to ships for the time being, the road up past [[Weirwater#Sandling\|Sentinel's Folly]] is still open. Unfortunately, with unpleasant things afoot in the depths of the Semmerlak, with nets being torn, and fisherfolk worried that if they stray too far from shore they may never return, there is a lot less [[ilium]] available to buy and the price has gone up.

	The one place that ''hasn't'' been especially impacted so far is [[Construct Kostjyas Respite\|Kostjyas Respite]] itself. So far. The first [[Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore]] is due to be appointed by Varushkan [[mine]] and [[forest]] owners at the Spring Equinox, and so far the only ship berthed at the Respite or trading in its vicinity to be ~~effected~~ by the disturbances is the ''Lady Clementine''. There's no guarantee that will continue to be the case, however.		The one place that ''hasn't'' been especially impacted so far is [[Construct Kostjyas Respite\|Kostjyas Respite]] itself. So far. The first [[Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore]] is due to be appointed by Varushkan [[mine]] and [[forest]] owners at the Spring Equinox, and so far the only ship berthed at the Respite or trading in its vicinity to be affected by the disturbances is the ''Lady Clementine''. There's no guarantee that will continue to be the case, however.

	==Beavers==		==Beavers==

Novemberalice at 22:22, 6 June 2023

2023-06-06T22:22:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:22, 6 June 2023
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	"Rickard?" said Alum again, and then shouted the name, his voice cracking with worry. But the lake drank his voice, and there was no answer.</ic>		"Rickard?" said Alum again, and then shouted the name, his voice cracking with worry. But the lake drank his voice, and there was no answer.</ic>
	<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Semmerlak.png\|title=A great freshwater lake with hidden depths\|caption=The Semmerlak and environs.\|align=left\|width=500}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Semmerlak.png\|title=A great freshwater lake with hidden depths\|caption=The Semmerlak and environs.\|align=left\|width=500}}</div>
			{{audio\|link=https://youtu.be/ozpmBj73jhM}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	This long Winter has seen not one but two grand construction projects conclude in [[Varushka]]. While the [[Lorenzo%27s_Legacy#Blood_Red_Roads\|Blood Red Roads]] are being [[Children in bloom\|slowly dismantled]] by brambles and weeds, the [[Starting_at_the_end#The_Iron_Roads_of_Varushka\|Iron Roads]] have finally been completed, linking almost every major settlement in the nation. Work has also finished on [[Construct Kostjyas Respite\|Kostjyas Respite]], the new port-town on the northern shores of [[the Semmerlak]]. Both projects promise to bring great [[Prosperity]] to the Varushkan people - and potentially their neighbours in [[Dawn]] and [[the League]] as well.		This long Winter has seen not one but two grand construction projects conclude in [[Varushka]]. While the [[Lorenzo%27s_Legacy#Blood_Red_Roads\|Blood Red Roads]] are being [[Children in bloom\|slowly dismantled]] by brambles and weeds, the [[Starting_at_the_end#The_Iron_Roads_of_Varushka\|Iron Roads]] have finally been completed, linking almost every major settlement in the nation. Work has also finished on [[Construct Kostjyas Respite\|Kostjyas Respite]], the new port-town on the northern shores of [[the Semmerlak]]. Both projects promise to bring great [[Prosperity]] to the Varushkan people - and potentially their neighbours in [[Dawn]] and [[the League]] as well.

RichardRaynor: /* Kostjyas Respite */ link

2023-06-04T19:12:07Z

Kostjyas Respite: link

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:12, 4 June 2023
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	* '''Civil Servants are collecting proposals to improve the prosperity of Karov, Weirwater, Karsk, Semmerholm, and potentially Holberg'''		* '''Civil Servants are collecting proposals to improve the prosperity of Karov, Weirwater, Karsk, Semmerholm, and potentially Holberg'''
	* '''Taxation has increased in all six territories neighbouring the Semmerlak except Holberg'''		* '''Taxation has increased in all six territories neighbouring the Semmerlak except Holberg'''
	There is a [[Thousands_or_more#A_New_Port\|new port]] on [[the Semmerlak]]. Kostjyas Respite was [[Construct Kostjyas Respite\|commissioned]] by the eponymous [[stzena]], using an [[Bearer of an Imperial Wayleave\|Imperial Wayleave]]. The first [[Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore]] is due to be appointed by Varushkan [[mine]] and [[forest]] owners during the Spring Equinox, ready to take advantage of the trade opportunities offered by the port. With the docks opened, the region of [[Bittershore]] is no longer [[Ossium#Under-developed\|under-developed]], and with new ways to import building materials effectively the ability of Ossium to build new structures is now on par with the rest of the Empire (there is no additional cost in labour to commission things in Ossium).		There is a [[Thousands_or_more#A_New_Port\|new port]] on [[the Semmerlak]]. Kostjyas Respite was [[Construct Kostjyas Respite\|commissioned]] by the eponymous [[stzena]], using an [[Bearer of an Imperial Wayleave\|Imperial Wayleave]]. The first [[Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore]] is due to be appointed by Varushkan [[mine]] and [[forest]] owners during the Spring Equinox, ready to take advantage of the trade opportunities offered by the port. With the docks opened, the region of [[Ossium#Bittershore\|Bittershore]] is no longer [[Ossium#Under-developed\|under-developed]], and with new ways to import building materials effectively the ability of Ossium to build new structures is now on par with the rest of the Empire (there is no additional cost in labour to commission things in Ossium).

	Kostjyas Respite is well on the way to being the largest port on the Semmerlak, but there's certainly possibilities for [[Dawn]] and [[the League]] to follow suit if they wish - or for the Varushkans to further increase the size of the ports at [[Karsk#Ivarsgard\|Ivarsgard]], and perhaps even [[Karov#Korotny\|Korotny]]. The civil service are already putting together proposals that might build on the success of Kostjyas Respite and benefit [[Semmerholm]], [[Weirwater]], [[Karov]], and [[Karsk]]. It might even be possible to create a similar dock in [[Holberg#Misericorde\|Misericorde]] or [[Holberg#Utterlund\|Utterlund]], allowing the wealth of [[Holberg]] to spread across the Semmerlak.		Kostjyas Respite is well on the way to being the largest port on the Semmerlak, but there's certainly possibilities for [[Dawn]] and [[the League]] to follow suit if they wish - or for the Varushkans to further increase the size of the ports at [[Karsk#Ivarsgard\|Ivarsgard]], and perhaps even [[Karov#Korotny\|Korotny]]. The civil service are already putting together proposals that might build on the success of Kostjyas Respite and benefit [[Semmerholm]], [[Weirwater]], [[Karov]], and [[Karsk]]. It might even be possible to create a similar dock in [[Holberg#Misericorde\|Misericorde]] or [[Holberg#Utterlund\|Utterlund]], allowing the wealth of [[Holberg]] to spread across the Semmerlak.

Dre at 10:32, 4 June 2023

2023-06-04T10:32:36Z

Responsible1: /* Kostjyas Respite */

2023-06-04T10:26:24Z

Kostjyas Respite

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:26, 4 June 2023
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	There is a [[Thousands_or_more#A_New_Port\|new port]] on [[the Semmerlak]]. Kostjyas Respite was [[Construct Kostjyas Respite\|commissioned]] by the eponymous [[stzena]], using an [[Bearer of an Imperial Wayleave\|Imperial Wayleave]]. The first [[Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore]] is due to be appointed by Varushkan [[mine]] and [[forest]] owners during the Spring Equinox, ready to take advantage of the trade opportunities offered by the port. With the docks opened, the region of [[Bittershore]] is no longer [[Ossium#Under-developed\|under-developed]], and with new ways to import building materials effectively the ability of Ossium to build new structures is now on par with the rest of the Empire (there is no additional cost in labour to commission things in Ossium).		There is a [[Thousands_or_more#A_New_Port\|new port]] on [[the Semmerlak]]. Kostjyas Respite was [[Construct Kostjyas Respite\|commissioned]] by the eponymous [[stzena]], using an [[Bearer of an Imperial Wayleave\|Imperial Wayleave]]. The first [[Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore]] is due to be appointed by Varushkan [[mine]] and [[forest]] owners during the Spring Equinox, ready to take advantage of the trade opportunities offered by the port. With the docks opened, the region of [[Bittershore]] is no longer [[Ossium#Under-developed\|under-developed]], and with new ways to import building materials effectively the ability of Ossium to build new structures is now on par with the rest of the Empire (there is no additional cost in labour to commission things in Ossium).

	Kostjyas Respite is well on the way to being the largest port on the Semmerlak, but there's certainly possibilities for [[Dawn]] and [[the League]] to follow suit if they wish - or for the Varushkans to further increase the size of the ports at [[Karsk#Ivarsgard\|Ivarsgard]], and perhaps even [[Karov#Korotny\|Korotny]]. The civil service are already putting together proposals that might build on the success of Kostjyas Respite and benefit [[Semmerholm]], [[Weirwater]], [[Karov]], and [[Karsk]]. It might even be possible to create a similar dock in [[Holberg#Misericorde\|~~Miericorde~~]] or [[Holberg#Utterlund\|Utterlund]], allowing the wealth of [[Holberg]] to spread across the Semmerlak.		Kostjyas Respite is well on the way to being the largest port on the Semmerlak, but there's certainly possibilities for [[Dawn]] and [[the League]] to follow suit if they wish - or for the Varushkans to further increase the size of the ports at [[Karsk#Ivarsgard\|Ivarsgard]], and perhaps even [[Karov#Korotny\|Korotny]]. The civil service are already putting together proposals that might build on the success of Kostjyas Respite and benefit [[Semmerholm]], [[Weirwater]], [[Karov]], and [[Karsk]]. It might even be possible to create a similar dock in [[Holberg#Misericorde\|Misericorde]] or [[Holberg#Utterlund\|Utterlund]], allowing the wealth of [[Holberg]] to spread across the Semmerlak.

	Even without additional building, the new port causes an economic boom along the shores of the great lake - or the freshwater sea depending how one looks at it. The taxation of every Imperial territory bordering the Semmerlak has been raised by 5 thrones a season for as long as the port remains open. Every Imperial territory except [[Holberg]], unfortunately. The Sand Fishers control Misericorde and their ability to take advantage of new trade opportunities with Varushka are quite limited.		Even without additional building, the new port causes an economic boom along the shores of the great lake - or the freshwater sea depending how one looks at it. The taxation of every Imperial territory bordering the Semmerlak has been raised by 5 thrones a season for as long as the port remains open. Every Imperial territory except [[Holberg]], unfortunately. The Sand Fishers control Misericorde and their ability to take advantage of new trade opportunities with Varushka are quite limited.

Responsible1 at 10:22, 4 June 2023

2023-06-04T10:22:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:22, 4 June 2023
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	"Rickard?" Said Young Thomas again. But there were only two of them in the boat, and no sign of their friend. The water was smooth as far as they could see, dark and clear, and empty of movement.		"Rickard?" Said Young Thomas again. But there were only two of them in the boat, and no sign of their friend. The water was smooth as far as they could see, dark and clear, and empty of movement.

	"~~Richard~~?" said Alum again, and then shouted the name, his voice cracking with worry. But the lake drank his voice, and there was no answer.</ic>		"Rickard?" said Alum again, and then shouted the name, his voice cracking with worry. But the lake drank his voice, and there was no answer.</ic>
	<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Semmerlak.png\|title=A great freshwater lake with hidden depths\|caption=The Semmerlak and environs.\|align=left\|width=500}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Semmerlak.png\|title=A great freshwater lake with hidden depths\|caption=The Semmerlak and environs.\|align=left\|width=500}}</div>
	==Overview==		==Overview==

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:32, 4 June 2023
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	Rickard didn't hand him the big net, and didn't answer. Suddenly Alum's line went slack. It hadn't snapped, there was just no tension on it. Alum stumbled back, nearly overbalanced, but Young Thomas caught him by the arm just in time and helped him get his footing as the little boat pitched and yawed dangerously.		Rickard didn't hand him the big net, and didn't answer. Suddenly Alum's line went slack. It hadn't snapped, there was just no tension on it. Alum stumbled back, nearly overbalanced, but Young Thomas caught him by the arm just in time and helped him get his footing as the little boat pitched and yawed dangerously.

	"Rickard?" Said Young Thomas again. But there were only two of them in the boat, and no sign of their friend. The water was smooth as far as they could see, dark and clear, and empty of movement.		"Rickard?" Said Young Thomas again. But there were only two of them in the boat, and no sign of their friend. The water was smooth as far as they could see, dark and clear, and empty of movement.

	"Rickard?" said Alum again, and then shouted the name, his voice cracking with worry. But the lake drank his voice, and there was no answer.</ic>		"Rickard?" said Alum again, and then shouted the name, his voice cracking with worry. But the lake drank his voice, and there was no answer.</ic>
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	===Dho'uala's Tithe - Ports===		===Dho'uala's Tithe - Ports===
	* '''The ministries of the [[Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks\|Custodian of the Docks]] at Ivarsgard, and the [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]] in Karov have been effected by this disturbance'''		* '''The ministries of the [[Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks\|Custodian of the Docks]] at Ivarsgard, and the [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]] in Karov have been effected by this disturbance'''
	The creatures of the Semmerlak - and whatever ''else'' is going on here - do not restrict their attentions to Imperial fleets. Traders from the [[Sarcophan Delves]] visiting [[Karsk#Ivarsgard\|Ivarsgard]] to trade with the [[Custodian_of_Ivarsgard_Docks\|Custodian of the Docks]] there have stories of their own, and are clearly a little spooked. "''We're used to dealing with sharks and ghosts,''" says one worried captain. "''Whatever is going on here is something else.''" The Sarcophan vessels are a little leery about making the journey, and regretfully they are going to need to increase the prices they are charging for [[Cerulean Mazzarine]] by about a fifth or else avoid the Semmerlak entirely until the situation is dealt with. This won't effect the deals with the [[Karsk#Ketsov_Mir_Mozga\|Ketzov Mir Mozga]]; when they hear of the trouble in the Semmerlak, the newly-established Ketsov of Karsk reportedly shrug and say "''That sounds like a southerner's problem; we stay away from the lake''." it's easy to see why their neighbours do not like them.		The creatures of the Semmerlak - and whatever ''else'' is going on here - do not restrict their attentions to Imperial fleets. Traders from the [[Sarcophan Delves]] visiting [[Karsk#Ivarsgard\|Ivarsgard]] to trade with the [[Custodian_of_Ivarsgard_Docks\|Custodian of the Docks]] there have stories of their own, and are clearly a little spooked. "''We're used to dealing with sharks and ghosts,''" says one worried captain. "''Whatever is going on here is something else.''" The Sarcophan vessels are a little leery about making the journey, and regretfully they are going to need to increase the prices they are charging for [[Cerulean Mazzarine]] by about a fifth or else avoid the Semmerlak entirely until the situation is dealt with. This won't effect the deals with the [[Karsk#Ketsov_Mir_Mozga\|Ketzov Mir Mozga]]; when they hear of the trouble in the Semmerlak, the newly-established Ketsov of Karsk reportedly shrug and say "''That sounds like a southerner's problem; we stay away from the lake''." It's easy to see why their neighbours do not like them.

	The recently established [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]] is also affected. The trade in [[weirwood]] continues unabated; most of it comes from within [[Varushka]] itself, or is brought north from [[Weirwater]]. While Dawnish traders may be loathe to trust their precious cargo to ships for the time being, the road up past [[Weirwater#Sandling\|Sentinel's Folly]] is still open. Unfortunately, with unpleasant things afoot in the depths of the Semmerlak, with nets being torn,and fisherfolk worried that if they stray too far from shore they may never return, there is a lot less [[ilium]] available to buy and the price has gone up.		The recently established [[Harbourmaster of the Semmerlak]] is also affected. The trade in [[weirwood]] continues unabated; most of it comes from within [[Varushka]] itself, or is brought north from [[Weirwater]]. While Dawnish traders may be loathe to trust their precious cargo to ships for the time being, the road up past [[Weirwater#Sandling\|Sentinel's Folly]] is still open. Unfortunately, with unpleasant things afoot in the depths of the Semmerlak, with nets being torn, and fisherfolk worried that if they stray too far from shore they may never return, there is a lot less [[ilium]] available to buy and the price has gone up.

	The one place that ''hasn't'' been especially impacted so far is [[Construct Kostjyas Respite\|Kostjyas Respite]] itself. So far. The first [[Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore]] is due to be appointed by Varushkan [[mine]] and [[forest]] owners at the Spring Equinox, and so far the only ship berthed at the Respite or trading in its vicinity to be effected by the disturbances is the ''Lady Clementine''. There's no guarantee that will continue to be the case, however.		The one place that ''hasn't'' been especially impacted so far is [[Construct Kostjyas Respite\|Kostjyas Respite]] itself. So far. The first [[Merchant Boyar of the Bittershore]] is due to be appointed by Varushkan [[mine]] and [[forest]] owners at the Spring Equinox, and so far the only ship berthed at the Respite or trading in its vicinity to be effected by the disturbances is the ''Lady Clementine''. There's no guarantee that will continue to be the case, however.
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	* '''A month before the Winter Solstice there is extensive flooding near Semmer's Rose in Semmerholm'''		* '''A month before the Winter Solstice there is extensive flooding near Semmer's Rose in Semmerholm'''
	* '''Beaver-like monsters attempted to dam the ''Ulvenwater'' but were dealt with my local knights from House Tamerlaine'''		* '''Beaver-like monsters attempted to dam the ''Ulvenwater'' but were dealt with my local knights from House Tamerlaine'''
	There's an odd story ~~drifing~~ out of Varushka that has nothing to do with the Semmerlak as such, but there's a nagging suspicion it might not be unconnected. This story claims that a band of Varushkan heroes used the [[Sentinel Gate]] during the Winter Solstice to investigate flooding in Ossium, and found creatures that might best be described as "awful dire beaver horrors" trying to dam the Lanit River near where it empties into the lake in [[Ossium#Nearwald\|Nearwald]]. They were dealt with before they could start building their dam and risk widespread damage not only in the Nearwald forest but potentially to the town of Lanit and the marshes of the Drownbark Forest, depending on how long they'd been allowed to continue. Sensible people either raise their eyebrows at another tale of the weird monsters of Varushka, or scoff at the notion of giant beavers being a threat of any kind.		There's an odd story drifting out of Varushka that has nothing to do with the Semmerlak as such, but there's a nagging suspicion it might not be unconnected. This story claims that a band of Varushkan heroes used the [[Sentinel Gate]] during the Winter Solstice to investigate flooding in Ossium, and found creatures that might best be described as "awful dire beaver horrors" trying to dam the Lanit River near where it empties into the lake in [[Ossium#Nearwald\|Nearwald]]. They were dealt with before they could start building their dam and risk widespread damage not only in the Nearwald forest but potentially to the town of Lanit and the marshes of the Drownbark Forest, depending on how long they'd been allowed to continue. Sensible people either raise their eyebrows at another tale of the weird monsters of Varushka, or scoff at the notion of giant beavers being a threat of any kind.

	Then, a little over a month before the Spring Equinox, a particularly high tide leads to flooding near [[Semmerholm#Semmer's Rose\|Semmer's Rose]] on the north banks of the ''Ulvenwater Estuary''. Investigation discovers that the white granite bridge that crosses the Ulvenwater south of the town has been extensively blocked by trunks and branches, and that two dozen "awful dire beaver horrors" are hard at work expanding - and protecting - the dam. A call goes out for assistance - the beavers may look slightly comical but the same toothsome jaws that can tear down a tree can rip through a lightly armoured [[yeofolk of Dawn\|yeofolk]], and with the aid of knights from [[Dawn_groups#House Tamerlaine\|House Tamerlaine]] the threat is dealt with. The dam is dismantled with minimal damage to the bridge and the waters recede - but it's clear that what happened in Ossium is not an isolated incident.		Then, a little over a month before the Spring Equinox, a particularly high tide leads to flooding near [[Semmerholm#Semmer's Rose\|Semmer's Rose]] on the north banks of the ''Ulvenwater Estuary''. Investigation discovers that the white granite bridge that crosses the Ulvenwater south of the town has been extensively blocked by trunks and branches, and that two dozen "awful dire beaver horrors" are hard at work expanding - and protecting - the dam. A call goes out for assistance - the beavers may look slightly comical but the same toothsome jaws that can tear down a tree can rip through a lightly armoured [[yeofolk of Dawn\|yeofolk]], and with the aid of knights from [[Dawn_groups#House Tamerlaine\|House Tamerlaine]] the threat is dealt with. The dam is dismantled with minimal damage to the bridge and the waters recede - but it's clear that what happened in Ossium is not an isolated incident.