Crow on the cradle

Overview

Since the Thule invasion of Karsk in 368YE, an independent military force has operated out of the Broken Hill, in Branoc. Composed primarily of Varushkan warriors apparently supported by a powerful sovereign known as the Charnel Lord, the force was supplemented by some Wolves, and even a number of orc bandits. The army changed sides at least once during the war on the command of it's aberrant overlord, but despite this treachery eventually came to fully support the Varushkan defenders.

Now, it appears that there is peace with the Thule - at least in the short term. The barbarian orcs have withdrawn from Branoc, and from Crowslook, to cold Krevasty. The Charnel Lord obviously considers the invasion over ... and has instructed his agents to approach the Varushkan people with an offer.

The Charnel Lord knows that it is time to sleep once again - to fall into the restless slumber in which he sleeps away the years between wars in Karsk. While still a presence within the Broken Hill, he will not be in a position to completely protect his chosen people ... and he wishes the Varushkans to take over this role. "His" people are still Varushkan - albeit estranged cousins to the rest of the population of Karsk. He has also sent his messengers to the Malinov, the Sloev and the Pravin of Moresvah and called in certain old favours, to gain the assistance of the notoriously insular old families in protecting the soil of Varushka.

One thing he has reminded them of is that, until the reign of Empress Mariika, the scions of these families lead the army of the Iron Helm into battle, serving as general as often as not. When the cunning Empress disbanded their army, they swore a mighty oath that one day they would see the black banner of the cruel army raised again. Perhaps the time has come to make good on that oath ... working with the surviving followers of the Charnel Lord they could certainly realise that dream ... provided the rest of Varushka were prepared to help them.

Significance

The Varushkan followers of the Charnel Lord represent several vales in Branoc, Crowslook and eastern Nitrost. These could either form the core of a new Varushkan army or they could be used to expand an existing Varushkan army to make it large.

This opportunity to incorporate the warriors of the Charnel Lord into an Imperial army will be available until Summer Solstice 380YE, otherwise the warriors are likely to disperse back to their homes. This opportunity might well be removed if open war with the Thule erupts again before a decision is made.

Armies

Enlarging an existing Varushkan army with the assistance of the two insular natives of Karsk would require a motion of the Imperial Senate, and would cost 125 wains of mithril. It would take six months, during which time the target army would still be able to move and submit orders normally. At the end of that time, the army would become a large army with all the standard benefits, and with the increased upkeep.

Alternatively, by working the the miners of Moresvah, the Varushkans could use this core of vicious killers to reinstate the Iron Helm army. The legacy of this cruel army is particularly strong in Karsk . It would require 200 wains of mithril and take a year, but at the end of that time the cruel banner of the Iron Helms would be raised again in Karsk. However at present, the Varushkans cannot support an additional army.

Supply

Sadly, the long years of war have wrought untold damage to the infrastructure of Karsk. Near constant casting of Rivers of Life means that the road network that connects the vales of Karsk is ruined. As a result of the devastation, the Varushkans are not currently able to support a third army. After two years, the industrious Varushkans will likely repair enough of the roads to be able to support a third army if nothing else changes, but there is an opportunity to improve the situation immediately.

A Senate motion to rebuild all the damaged roads would be a great work that requires 80 wains of White Granite and 20 Thrones, but would be complete within two seasons. Once complete it would allow the Varushkans to support a third army, but it would also provide a valuable additional benefit. The improved travel would cause a permanent increase in the productivity of mines and forests. In total they would produce 100 additional ingots each season spread through the mine and forest resources of the territory.

Construction of the great work. and raising a new army, can happen at the same time - but work raising the new army cannot begin until the construction of the great work begins. If anything goes wrong with the road network, then the new army would not be supported and could not be completed.