Weight of the world - Revision history

Twiggy at 02:03, 22 January 2026

2026-01-22T02:03:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:03, 22 January 2026
Line 114:		Line 114:
	There are more than ten times that number of orcs involved here... and worse, the route to Skarsind is not an easy journey for the unwary. They don't have a way to get across the Semmerlak, so the only way they could reach Skarsind is going via [[Karsk]] and [[Karov]]. In the view of the Imperial civil service, if these orcs attempt to reach Skarsind via such a dangerous route, without any help, only a fraction of them will ever make it. The ones that don't get eaten by wolves or murdered by bandits will end up hopelessly lost.		There are more than ten times that number of orcs involved here... and worse, the route to Skarsind is not an easy journey for the unwary. They don't have a way to get across the Semmerlak, so the only way they could reach Skarsind is going via [[Karsk]] and [[Karov]]. In the view of the Imperial civil service, if these orcs attempt to reach Skarsind via such a dangerous route, without any help, only a fraction of them will ever make it. The ones that don't get eaten by wolves or murdered by bandits will end up hopelessly lost.

	The only practical way to move these people to Skarsind would be to escort them there and only an [[Imperial army]] would have the disciplined people required to handle the logistics of moving so many civilians. That would mean an army would have to spend a season in Ossium gathering as many orcs as were prepared to make the journey. The next season they would need to accompany them across Varushka and the Empire to Skarsind. Costs to supply the army would be doubled - to feed so many people in addition to the soldiers - and the army would be vulnerable to attack.		The only practical way to move these people to Skarsind would be to escort them there and only an [[Army\|Imperial army]] would have the disciplined people required to handle the logistics of moving so many civilians. That would mean an army would have to spend a season in Ossium gathering as many orcs as were prepared to make the journey. The next season they would need to accompany them across Varushka and the Empire to Skarsind. Costs to supply the army would be doubled - to feed so many people in addition to the soldiers - and the army would be vulnerable to attack.

	To carry out the evacuation an Imperial army would need to submit appropriately worded orders to carry out a [[Army orders#Solid Defence\|solid defence]] of Ossium while gathering the orcs together. That army - or another army if it was replaced - would then need to submit appropriately worded orders to march to Skarsind, escorting the orcs all the way. The army would be able to defend the territory if it was attacked at any point, but would be at half effective strength given that their focus was elsewhere.		To carry out the evacuation an Imperial army would need to submit appropriately worded orders to carry out a [[Army orders#Solid Defence\|solid defence]] of Ossium while gathering the orcs together. That army - or another army if it was replaced - would then need to submit appropriately worded orders to march to Skarsind, escorting the orcs all the way. The army would be able to defend the territory if it was attacked at any point, but would be at half effective strength given that their focus was elsewhere.

Matt at 23:23, 3 April 2022

2022-04-03T23:23:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:23, 3 April 2022
Line 2:		Line 2:
	<ic>The orcs eyed him suspiciously and he couldn't help but notice that they were all armed. Each of them had long heavy looking knifes wrapped in leather hung from their belts.		<ic>The orcs eyed him suspiciously and he couldn't help but notice that they were all armed. Each of them had long heavy looking knifes wrapped in leather hung from their belts.

	This has all seemed such a good idea when they'd set off. He'd pictured himself preaching to some down-trodden new Varushkans about the Virtues, teaching them about the Labyrinth and bring them to the Way. Instead here he was trying to convince a group of angry looking orcs that they needed to have Pride in their traditions. He wasn't even sure how you could tell these weren't actually Druj - frankly they looked ~~like~~ little better than bandits.		This has all seemed such a good idea when they'd set off. He'd pictured himself preaching to some down-trodden new Varushkans about the Virtues, teaching them about the Labyrinth and bring them to the Way. Instead here he was trying to convince a group of angry looking orcs that they needed to have Pride in their traditions. He wasn't even sure how you could tell these weren't actually Druj - frankly they looked little better than bandits.

	But even as those thoughts flickered through his mind he felt a surge of anger. These orcs had been subjugated by the Druj for so long, they had been left with nothing, and yet somehow they had endured and survived privation he could only dream of. If he couldn't see the value of these people when he looked at them then the problem was with him, not them.		But even as those thoughts flickered through his mind he felt a surge of anger. These orcs had been subjugated by the Druj for so long, they had been left with nothing, and yet somehow they had endured and survived privation he could only dream of. If he couldn't see the value of these people when he looked at them then the problem was with him, not them.

Hastur at 08:04, 3 May 2021

2021-05-03T08:04:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:04, 3 May 2021
Line 84:		Line 84:
	The Varushkan Assembly has made a clear statement that it welcomes the Ketsov and all those in Ossium who would call themselves Varushkan with open arms. Combined with the proselytising of the Pride Assembly, this has done much to convince the human population of Ossium to engage with the Empire, albeit tentatively. If the problems with the miasma and the fear of the Druj's return can be dealt with then the humans who live here will soon become full Varushkan.		The Varushkan Assembly has made a clear statement that it welcomes the Ketsov and all those in Ossium who would call themselves Varushkan with open arms. Combined with the proselytising of the Pride Assembly, this has done much to convince the human population of Ossium to engage with the Empire, albeit tentatively. If the problems with the miasma and the fear of the Druj's return can be dealt with then the humans who live here will soon become full Varushkan.

	That still leaves the issue of the orcs who live here. The largest ~~tribe~~ that the Empire have so far encountered, the Sand Fishers, have been evacuated from their lands to Misericorde - to make way for Varushkan settlers coming here from Miekarova, Karsk, and elsewhere. But there are numerous other ~~tribes~~ of orcs living here, albeit most of them smaller than the Sand Fishers. Without a good quality map of the territory, it's difficult to tell how many orcs are living there - but it is likely to be many thousands. All of whom are legally barbarians at the moment.		That still leaves the issue of the orcs who live here. The largest nations that the Empire have so far encountered, the Sand Fishers, have been evacuated from their lands to Misericorde - to make way for Varushkan settlers coming here from Miekarova, Karsk, and elsewhere. But there are numerous other groups of orcs living here, albeit most of them smaller than the Sand Fishers. Without a good quality map of the territory, it's difficult to tell how many orcs are living there - but it is likely to be many thousands. All of whom are legally barbarians at the moment.

	These orcs are not going to become Varushkan citizens anytime soon. When asked about the matter the Varushkan egregore just shakes her head sadly. It is not a matter of personal choice, it's not even a matter of what the orcs want. The magic of the egregore bond just seems incapable of accepting orcs as Varushkans. The Varushkan Assembly may wish to take them, but at present that is not an option.		These orcs are not going to become Varushkan citizens anytime soon. When asked about the matter the Varushkan egregore just shakes her head sadly. It is not a matter of personal choice, it's not even a matter of what the orcs want. The magic of the egregore bond just seems incapable of accepting orcs as Varushkans. The Varushkan Assembly may wish to take them, but at present that is not an option.
Line 102:		Line 102:
	There is an alternative however that is at least theoretically possible. The Sand Fishers have shown that at least some of the orcs are prepared to leave Ossium - especially if that presents an opportunity to get further away from the Druj. The Sand Fishers were prepared to move to Misericorde, where they could continue to live as they always have done, fishing the Semmerlak and searching the coastal shores and adjacent wetlands for eels, crabs, oysters and other food. However that meant [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|ceding]] a region to the Sand Fishers, a considerable sacrifice by the Empire and the inhabitants of [[Holberg]]. There is no ready available land that would be ideally suited to the remaining orcs, especially not if it had to be ceded to them.		There is an alternative however that is at least theoretically possible. The Sand Fishers have shown that at least some of the orcs are prepared to leave Ossium - especially if that presents an opportunity to get further away from the Druj. The Sand Fishers were prepared to move to Misericorde, where they could continue to live as they always have done, fishing the Semmerlak and searching the coastal shores and adjacent wetlands for eels, crabs, oysters and other food. However that meant [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|ceding]] a region to the Sand Fishers, a considerable sacrifice by the Empire and the inhabitants of [[Holberg]]. There is no ready available land that would be ideally suited to the remaining orcs, especially not if it had to be ceded to them.

	In discussion with Vasili and the preachers from the Pride Assembly who are supporting him, the suggestion is raised that these orcs might move to Skarsind and become [[Imperial Orcs]]. It is not clear that the Imperial Orcs want them - there is no clear cultural affinity with these people because they a rag-tag mix of minor ~~tribes~~ and independent groups each with their own way of life. But it is at least physically possible that some of them could become Imperial Orcs and if they moved en masse to [[Skarsind]] then likely many of them would choose that - if they were encouraged to do so by their new neighbours.		In discussion with Vasili and the preachers from the Pride Assembly who are supporting him, the suggestion is raised that these orcs might move to Skarsind and become [[Imperial Orcs]]. It is not clear that the Imperial Orcs want them - there is no clear cultural affinity with these people because they a rag-tag mix of minor nations and independent groups each with their own way of life. But it is at least physically possible that some of them could become Imperial Orcs and if they moved en masse to [[Skarsind]] then likely many of them would choose that - if they were encouraged to do so by their new neighbours.

	That would mean a significant loss for Ossium. Workers would be hard to come by in the territory, so construction costs would soar here as a result and the tax returns for the territory would improve much more slowly. Ossium would recover in time - there are more Varushkans moving here every day. But it would be many years before it recovered from the loss of so many people.		That would mean a significant loss for Ossium. Workers would be hard to come by in the territory, so construction costs would soar here as a result and the tax returns for the territory would improve much more slowly. Ossium would recover in time - there are more Varushkans moving here every day. But it would be many years before it recovered from the loss of so many people.

Rafferty at 17:31, 19 August 2019

2019-08-19T17:31:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:31, 19 August 2019
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:383YE]][[Category:Recent History]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:383YE Summer]][[Category:Recent History]]
	<ic>The orcs eyed him suspiciously and he couldn't help but notice that they were all armed. Each of them had long heavy looking knifes wrapped in leather hung from their belts.		<ic>The orcs eyed him suspiciously and he couldn't help but notice that they were all armed. Each of them had long heavy looking knifes wrapped in leather hung from their belts.

Rafferty: /* Exclusive Solutions */

2019-08-19T17:23:41Z

Exclusive Solutions

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:23, 19 August 2019
Line 122:		Line 122:

	Neither option will have ''any'' impact on the ability of the Varushkans to potentially field a fourth army.		Neither option will have ''any'' impact on the ability of the Varushkans to potentially field a fourth army.

			==Resolution==
			During the Summer Solstice 383YE, the Imperial Senate raised and passed a [[Senate motion\|motion]] to [[Declare_Ossium_orcs_as_foreigners\|declare the orcs of Ossium to be foreigners]]. The Varushkan assembly welcomed [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_98\|Imperial orc]] preachers to come to Ossium and speak about the Way.

	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==
	* The continuing adventures of the Sand Fishers can be found [[A dream that can last\|here]].		* The continuing adventures of the Sand Fishers can be found [[A dream that can last\|here]].

Rafferty: /* The Ever-Present Fear */

2019-07-22T21:03:51Z

The Ever-Present Fear

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:03, 22 July 2019
Line 69:		Line 69:
	The more pillars that are removed, the more the miasma is weakened and the more the Druj hold over their minds of these people is weakened.		The more pillars that are removed, the more the miasma is weakened and the more the Druj hold over their minds of these people is weakened.

	Details of ~~any~~ conjunctions to deal with the miasma pillars can be found [[here]].		Details of the conjunctions to deal with the miasma pillars can be found [[Living_with_war#Ossium\|here]].

	===The Ever-Present Weakness===		===The Ever-Present Weakness===

Cathtice: /* Over the Hills */

2019-07-21T16:20:21Z

Over the Hills

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:20, 21 July 2019
Line 104:		Line 104:
	In discussion with Vasili and the preachers from the Pride Assembly who are supporting him, the suggestion is raised that these orcs might move to Skarsind and become [[Imperial Orcs]]. It is not clear that the Imperial Orcs want them - there is no clear cultural affinity with these people because they a rag-tag mix of minor tribes and independent groups each with their own way of life. But it is at least physically possible that some of them could become Imperial Orcs and if they moved en masse to [[Skarsind]] then likely many of them would choose that - if they were encouraged to do so by their new neighbours.		In discussion with Vasili and the preachers from the Pride Assembly who are supporting him, the suggestion is raised that these orcs might move to Skarsind and become [[Imperial Orcs]]. It is not clear that the Imperial Orcs want them - there is no clear cultural affinity with these people because they a rag-tag mix of minor tribes and independent groups each with their own way of life. But it is at least physically possible that some of them could become Imperial Orcs and if they moved en masse to [[Skarsind]] then likely many of them would choose that - if they were encouraged to do so by their new neighbours.

	That would mean a significant loss for Ossium, Workers would be hard to come by in the territory, so construction costs would soar here as a result and the tax returns for the territory would improve much more slowly. Ossium would recover in time - there are more Varushkans moving here every day. But it would be many years before it recovered from the loss of so many people.		That would mean a significant loss for Ossium. Workers would be hard to come by in the territory, so construction costs would soar here as a result and the tax returns for the territory would improve much more slowly. Ossium would recover in time - there are more Varushkans moving here every day. But it would be many years before it recovered from the loss of so many people.

	But Ossium's loss might be Skarsind's gain. There are thousands of orcs here, many more than were freed in the recent raids on the Grendel settlements. If even half of them joined the Imperial Orcs, it would be a huge boost to the strength of the nation. And Skarsind, currently a sparsely populated territory with settlements few and far between would overflow with life. Indeed it might literally overflow - there might be so many people moving to Skarsind that it would create pressure for the Imperial Orcs to gain a new territory - as it suddenly became difficult to find land for everyone.		But Ossium's loss might be Skarsind's gain. There are thousands of orcs here, many more than were freed in the recent raids on the Grendel settlements. If even half of them joined the Imperial Orcs, it would be a huge boost to the strength of the nation. And Skarsind, currently a sparsely populated territory with settlements few and far between would overflow with life. Indeed it might literally overflow - there might be so many people moving to Skarsind that it would create pressure for the Imperial Orcs to gain a new territory - as it suddenly became difficult to find land for everyone.
Line 112:		Line 112:
	However there is a clear note of caution from the civil service. When the first slaves were rescued from the Grendel and freed on the docks of Sarvos they were told "Skarsind is that way" and left to get on with it and that did not end well. There were only a few thousand of them however, and the problem was eventually rectified.		However there is a clear note of caution from the civil service. When the first slaves were rescued from the Grendel and freed on the docks of Sarvos they were told "Skarsind is that way" and left to get on with it and that did not end well. There were only a few thousand of them however, and the problem was eventually rectified.

	There are more than ten times that number of orcs involved here... and worse the route to Skarsind is not an easy journey for the unwary. They don't have a way to get across the Semmerlak, so the only way they could reach Skarsind is going via [[Karsk]] and [[Karov]]. In the view of the Imperial civil service, if these orcs attempt to reach Skarsind via such a dangerous route, without any help, only a fraction of them will ever make it. The ones that don't get eaten by wolves or murdered by bandits will end up hopelessly lost.		There are more than ten times that number of orcs involved here... and worse, the route to Skarsind is not an easy journey for the unwary. They don't have a way to get across the Semmerlak, so the only way they could reach Skarsind is going via [[Karsk]] and [[Karov]]. In the view of the Imperial civil service, if these orcs attempt to reach Skarsind via such a dangerous route, without any help, only a fraction of them will ever make it. The ones that don't get eaten by wolves or murdered by bandits will end up hopelessly lost.

	The only practical way to move these people to Skarsind would be to escort them there and only an [[Imperial army]] would have the disciplined people required to handle the logistics of moving so many civilians. That would mean an army would have to spend a season in Ossium gathering as many orcs as were prepared to make the journey. The next season they would need to accompany them across Varushka and the Empire to Skarsind. Costs to supply the army would be doubled - to feed so many people in addition to the soldiers - and the army would be vulnerable to attack.		The only practical way to move these people to Skarsind would be to escort them there and only an [[Imperial army]] would have the disciplined people required to handle the logistics of moving so many civilians. That would mean an army would have to spend a season in Ossium gathering as many orcs as were prepared to make the journey. The next season they would need to accompany them across Varushka and the Empire to Skarsind. Costs to supply the army would be doubled - to feed so many people in addition to the soldiers - and the army would be vulnerable to attack.

GuiltyConscience: /* Over the Hills */

2019-07-21T16:17:28Z

Over the Hills

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:17, 21 July 2019
Line 108:		Line 108:
	But Ossium's loss might be Skarsind's gain. There are thousands of orcs here, many more than were freed in the recent raids on the Grendel settlements. If even half of them joined the Imperial Orcs, it would be a huge boost to the strength of the nation. And Skarsind, currently a sparsely populated territory with settlements few and far between would overflow with life. Indeed it might literally overflow - there might be so many people moving to Skarsind that it would create pressure for the Imperial Orcs to gain a new territory - as it suddenly became difficult to find land for everyone.		But Ossium's loss might be Skarsind's gain. There are thousands of orcs here, many more than were freed in the recent raids on the Grendel settlements. If even half of them joined the Imperial Orcs, it would be a huge boost to the strength of the nation. And Skarsind, currently a sparsely populated territory with settlements few and far between would overflow with life. Indeed it might literally overflow - there might be so many people moving to Skarsind that it would create pressure for the Imperial Orcs to gain a new territory - as it suddenly became difficult to find land for everyone.

	Many of the orcs themselves are surprisingly willing to attempt the journey. What seems to convince them is showing them a map of the Empire and letting them get a feel for just how far Skarsind is away from the Druj. They are not even put-off by the proximity of the Thule, or the Jotun. Those are unknown threats - threats that the orcs of Ossium cannot imagine are even mildly as terrible as the imminent return of the Druj. While most people might baulk at such a long dangerous journey into the unknown, there is a view here that the further they can get from the Druj the better.		Many of the orcs themselves are surprisingly willing to attempt the journey. What seems to convince them is showing them a map of the Empire and letting them get a feel for just how far Skarsind is away from the Druj. They are not even put-off by the proximity of the Thule, or the Jotun. Those are unknown threats - threats that the orcs of Ossium cannot imagine are note even mildly as terrible as the imminent return of the Druj. While most people might baulk at such a long dangerous journey into the unknown, there is a view here that the further they can get from the Druj the better.

	However there is a clear note of caution from the civil service. When the first slaves were rescued from the Grendel and freed on the docks of Sarvos they were told "Skarsind is that way" and left to get on with it and that did not end well. There were only a few thousand of them however, and the problem was eventually rectified.		However there is a clear note of caution from the civil service. When the first slaves were rescued from the Grendel and freed on the docks of Sarvos they were told "Skarsind is that way" and left to get on with it and that did not end well. There were only a few thousand of them however, and the problem was eventually rectified.
Line 117:		Line 117:

	To carry out the evacuation an Imperial army would need to submit appropriately worded orders to carry out a [[Army orders#Solid Defence\|solid defence]] of Ossium while gathering the orcs together. That army - or another army if it was replaced - would then need to submit appropriately worded orders to march to Skarsind, escorting the orcs all the way. The army would be able to defend the territory if it was attacked at any point, but would be at half effective strength given that their focus was elsewhere.		To carry out the evacuation an Imperial army would need to submit appropriately worded orders to carry out a [[Army orders#Solid Defence\|solid defence]] of Ossium while gathering the orcs together. That army - or another army if it was replaced - would then need to submit appropriately worded orders to march to Skarsind, escorting the orcs all the way. The army would be able to defend the territory if it was attacked at any point, but would be at half effective strength given that their focus was elsewhere.

	===Exclusive Solutions===		===Exclusive Solutions===
	Whichever option the Empire chooses, the decision is likely to be final. Once the Empire declares the orcs to be foreigners and they begin to adapt to the new way of life working for the Ketsov and the other Varushkans then they are likely to be increasingly difficult to persuade to flee these lands. Contrariwise, if the Empire signals that there is a homeland for the orcs in Skarsind as full members of the Empire, then many will fix their hopes on departing these shores and leave the memories of the Druj and their cruelty far behind them.		Whichever option the Empire chooses, the decision is likely to be final. Once the Empire declares the orcs to be foreigners and they begin to adapt to the new way of life working for the Ketsov and the other Varushkans then they are likely to be increasingly difficult to persuade to flee these lands. Contrariwise, if the Empire signals that there is a homeland for the orcs in Skarsind as full members of the Empire, then many will fix their hopes on departing these shores and leave the memories of the Druj and their cruelty far behind them.

Cathtice: /* The Ever-Present Weakness */

2019-07-21T16:03:08Z

The Ever-Present Weakness

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:03, 21 July 2019
Line 73:		Line 73:
	===The Ever-Present Weakness===		===The Ever-Present Weakness===
	* '''Any region with a miasma pillar is significantly easier for the Druj to conquer'''		* '''Any region with a miasma pillar is significantly easier for the Druj to conquer'''
	The two problems, the miasma, and the return of the Druj are separate but they are linked. The civil service have been examining the miasma and they believe it will prove a crucial weakness when the Druj return if it is still in place.		The two problems, the miasma and the return of the Druj, are separate but they are linked. The civil service have been examining the miasma and they believe it will prove a crucial weakness when the Druj return if it is still in place.

	According to their calculations every region that contains a miasma pillar will be easier for the Druj to conquer - a reflection of the broken and cowed spirits of the occupants and even the defenders as the miasma takes its toll. The miasma made it twenty percent harder for the Empire to conquer Ossium - if it is still present when the Druj attack it will work the opposite way round making it twenty percent easier for them to conquer each region that is affected by the pestilent curse.		According to their calculations every region that contains a miasma pillar will be easier for the Druj to conquer - a reflection of the broken and cowed spirits of the occupants and even the defenders as the miasma takes its toll. The miasma made it twenty percent harder for the Empire to conquer Ossium - if it is still present when the Druj attack it will work the opposite way round, making it twenty percent easier for them to conquer each region that is affected by the pestilent curse.

	<div style="float: right; width: 500px; margin-left: 10px; clear: right"><quote by="Belakov, Wolf of Karsk, Varushka Assembly, Spring Equinox 383YE, Upheld (172- 0 Greater Majority)">We the national assembly of Varushka welcome the Ketsov and all those in Ossium who would call themselves Varushkan with open arms and hospitality. We will teach them to be Varushkan, and show them the virtues of the Way.</quote></div>		<div style="float: right; width: 500px; margin-left: 10px; clear: right"><quote by="Belakov, Wolf of Karsk, Varushka Assembly, Spring Equinox 383YE, Upheld (172- 0 Greater Majority)">We the national assembly of Varushka welcome the Ketsov and all those in Ossium who would call themselves Varushkan with open arms and hospitality. We will teach them to be Varushkan, and show them the virtues of the Way.</quote></div>

Cathtice: /* Pride */

2019-07-21T15:58:13Z

Pride

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:58, 21 July 2019
Line 27:		Line 27:
	The turning point comes when people think to ask him if this also applies to the Empire itself? The question seems odd at first, but what soon becomes clear is that despite everything, the people of Ossium are finding it hard to understand the idea that they have not simply swapped one group of conquerors for another. If the Ketsov seem ambitious and happy to work with the Empire, it is not because they dream of a future that is prosperous, dignified, and free - it is because that is how they managed to survive under the Druj. The Sand Fishers are emblematic of this attitude, many of them struggle to comprehend the idea that the Empire will not begin to oppress them the way the Druj have done for centuries.		The turning point comes when people think to ask him if this also applies to the Empire itself? The question seems odd at first, but what soon becomes clear is that despite everything, the people of Ossium are finding it hard to understand the idea that they have not simply swapped one group of conquerors for another. If the Ketsov seem ambitious and happy to work with the Empire, it is not because they dream of a future that is prosperous, dignified, and free - it is because that is how they managed to survive under the Druj. The Sand Fishers are emblematic of this attitude, many of them struggle to comprehend the idea that the Empire will not begin to oppress them the way the Druj have done for centuries.

	The idea that the Empire will not demean the inhabitants of Ossium, that they will instead inspire them to greatness, is not easy for everyone to accept. Cynicism, a belief that life consists of nothing but domination of the weak by the strong, pervades their thinking. Slowly though Vasili is able to persuade those who are prepared to listen to him that the Empire's ambition is to help them achieve their ambitions. Vasili's stresses that the Empire wants these people to grow strong and powerful - for them to become great.		The idea that the Empire will not demean the inhabitants of Ossium, that they will instead inspire them to greatness, is not easy for everyone to accept. Cynicism, a belief that life consists of nothing but domination of the weak by the strong, pervades their thinking. Slowly though Vasili is able to persuade those who are prepared to listen to him that the Empire's ambition is to help them achieve their ambitions. Vasili stresses that the Empire wants these people to grow strong and powerful - for them to become great.

	It is a humbling moment for many of the priests working with Vasili. The Empire is often forced to make difficult choices and sometimes questions the morality and virtue of its actions. To see how grateful the people of Ossium are when they realise that their is a chance for a life outside the drudgery of existence as minions of the Druj reminds everyone that the Orcs of the Mallum represent an embodiment of evil that the Empire has never stooped to even in its darkest hours. Perhaps there is even something in that to inspire the Empire to greatness.		It is a humbling moment for many of the priests working with Vasili. The Empire is often forced to make difficult choices and sometimes questions the morality and virtue of its actions. To see how grateful the people of Ossium are when they realise that their is a chance for a life outside the drudgery of existence as minions of the Druj reminds everyone that the Orcs of the Mallum represent an embodiment of evil that the Empire has never stooped to even in its darkest hours. Perhaps there is even something in that to inspire the Empire to greatness.