I wish you would

Overview

There are six great powers in the known world, but also innumerable lesser powers. They do not have the power or influence to shake the world with a Pax Sarcophan, nor threaten international shipping with bounties and privateers. Yet they are no less important to those with whom they share a border, and for some at least, their ambitions are no less relevant to the Empire. Sometimes diplomatic relations require in-depth analysis; sometimes there is an opportunity to catch one's breath and let the drama move slowly towards the next crisis point.

Here we learn about relations with five foreign nations: Otkodov, the Iron Confederacy, the Grendel, the city state of Beoraidh, and Skoura.

Otkodov

Shadow of War

The treaty with the Thule has been passed by the Imperial Senate but faces a challenge of veto from the General Assembly The General Assembly can veto the treaty with a greater majority The judgement of veto will run until Saturday evening

As far as the Thule are concerned, the treaty is set. It seems the Imperial Senate agrees - and the two Senators who voted against it are not a surprise. A call for the General Assembly to veto the treaty is somewhat unexpected, especially given the priests of the Empire apparently were prepared to commit to not spreading the Way to the people of Otkodov. However, Rak accepts the reassurances of Ambassador Kindra Surefoot. He mildly points out that this is just the kind of thing he keeps talking about - the chaotic disorder of the Empire contrasts very heavily with the sure and stable order of Otkodov. This is not intended as a criticism - it seems - more a respectful aside between ambassadors.

If the treaty is upheld, the Dragons will dispatch diplomats to Anvil to formally sign at the Autumn Equinox. This will mostly be "political theatre" - the treaty will come into effect as soon as the Senate's word is enacted. If there are any further details to beat out, that can be done at the equinox.

In the event the treaty is not agreed, then with a heavy heart Rak-Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided reminds the Ambassador that the existing peace treaty ends after the Summer Solstice and the Thule will act accordingly. By which he means that it will once again be war between the two nations; there will no doubt be an opportunity to negotiate peace later, once the war has run its course, but the demands of the Dragons will be significantly more onerous for the Empire.

Rak does not mention the matter himself, of course, but shortly before the Summer Solstice, news comes of activity all across the border with Otkodov. There are five fortifications owned by the Thule within the Empire proper. It seems the orcs of Otkodov have timed work expanding and improving some of those fortifications to be completed shortly before the Summer Solstice. They have also placed powerful enchantments on all of the fortifications within the Empire - a clear show of force.

The Citadel of Bone and Silver in the Silver Peaks was originally conjured from the Summer realm and with the apparent approval of the Queen of Ice and Darkness anchored by ilium to become a permanent presence in the mountains. The Thule have just completed work improving the citadel, work which included significantly improving the defences of the Stonefield Ice Caves. Next door in Skarsind, Crow's Keep has likewise been expanded, making it a rank two fortification that is now a brooding presence visible across Crow's Ridge and from parts of the Skoei Glens. According to the Suaq and the Unshackled, both fortifications have also been enchanted. The walls are marked with runes of Battle and Triumph that glow as bright as the moon at night. It also seems that both castles are protected by large stone-scaled drake-like beasts around the size of a barn. It is guessed that they have been enchanted with Summer magic, perhaps something drawing on the power of King-under-the-Mountain or at least a ritual created with his aid.

Across the border in Miechernya stands Eldfell, a fortification which secures the eastern end of Ustyma's Gate the pass that Winterfolk call Wulfric's Fall. As Summer lengthens, ice spreads across the walls here, and unseasonable snow falls on the nearby hills. The orcs there are joined by white bear-like figures with great polearms - servants of Cathan Canae most likely.

Further west in Karsk, amid the hills of Krevsaty stands Krevsatyzmei, a small fortification that watches over the rebuilt town of Oloy. It too has been enchanted - there is talk of massive pale wolves larger than an ox stalking the wooded hillside and watching the border to the south with cold golden eyes. In the Bonewood Fljajokep has been seriously reinforced, and additional defences added to the Silent Pines - the weirwood grove the Thule control as part of their payment for aiding in the conquest of Ossium.

Improving its defences with mundane means is not the extent of their preparations, however. The newly strengthened walls of the fortification are bound with brass sigils - not runes but strange curling shapes that nonetheless communicate to those who see them that they are marks of power. They glow with the heat of the forge. There are sightings of tall bronze creatures - twice the height of a human or orc - many with two pairs of arms, supplementing the orc garrison. The Webwood does not contain a fortification - the forest is still largely untouched as it was under the reign of the Druj. But there are reports of magic seething in its depths, of the darkness beneath the trees coming alive and spawning featureless shapes - some like orcs, others like massive spiders or scorpions or bears, still others entirely unidentifiable. Another Thule enchantment, likely a ward of night magic.

There are ways to find out more about these defences, of course. the Eyes of the Sun and Moon or the Eye of the High Places. But it is worth noting that when it comes to Otkodov, the Empire only has maps of Verthandi; the other three territories are vaguely known, but there are no details. Not that the map of Verthandi is up to date - it has been almost six years since the Empire learned anything tangible about that territory.

Cows

A Thule consortium has taken delivery of a large number of cows They have managed to get the cows to Crow's Ridge but would be vulnerable to an attack by Imperial armies should war erupt

Shortly after the Equinox, a sizable force of Thule orcs come down through Sermersuaq heading for the Marches. The force is composed as perhaps as many as sixty warriors and hunters, and a dozen warlocks. There is some consternation, but it becomes apparent this is simply a group of "cattle wranglers" here to collect their cows from the markets of Upwold for transport north. The economic consortium - the Company of the Icebound Wind - have apparently acquired a number of "cattle bonds" during the Spring Equinox with the intent of starting a herd of their own in Yura. Exact numbers are hard to estimate, but it appears that they have acquired over twenty "cow wains" giving them a small herd to take north. It's only a fraction of that which is going east to Mareave, but the merchant-warlocks seem happy enough; whether it will be enough to meet their ambitions of a sizable herd in the cold north remains to be seen.

Unfortunately, it appears that the Thule have heavily underestimated the difficulties inherent in transporting so many cattle through the Empire, even without the current strangeness washing over the northwest territories. While it is nowhere near as long as the trek to Mareave, a lot of the journey is through the hilly terrain of Hahnmark and Skarsind. As such, by the time the Summer Solstice rolls around, the Company of the Icebound Wind has only just managed to get their cattle to Skarsind and is apparently camped out at Crow's Ridge. In the event that war were to erupt, it would theoretically be possible for any general launching an attack on that region to seize the cows back from the Thule should they achieve victory and mention an intent to do so in their orders.

Personal Matters

There are a number of other, less important, matters some of which arise thanks to missives sent by other citizens of the Empire

On to relatively minor matters; the Ambassador's kind words directed to Rak are appreciated. While the orc diplomat still intends to retire if the treaty is successful, he does not plan to simply drop a new ambassador into post without a smooth transition of authority and responsibility. Also, the chance of an embassy further south in more welcoming climes appeals. In the event the treaty does not pass by the end of the Summer Solstice, of course, that decision will be taken out of his hands.

On the Ambassador's query... he has carefully raised details with the Dragons. They decline to speak on the matter beyond confirming that there is such an eternal as the Ambassador seems to be describing, but even Orobus the Chained does not have many dealings with them. The only advice Rak is able to pass along is to "proceed carefully".

Rak commends Isolde Tempest Shield who contacted him concerning problems in the north-west. He has been permitted to provide some insight by the Dragons. Whether the Frost-that-Scalds is involved or not, it seems this madness that is striking beasts and those prone to violence is a consequence of activities by Imperial citizens that seek to harness celestial powers. The Dragons are taking their own precautions, but Rak seems confident that the followers of this "Falconer" will receive a cold welcome in Otkodov, a land that does not appreciate the kind of chaos they seem to be spreading. He advises that the Empire may wish to resolve whatever is causing this sooner rather than later; at the moment, the Dragons are more preoccupied with the treaty but if this force continues to bedevil folk in Silver Peaks, Crow's Ridge, and Miechernya they may decide to seek a swift resolution themselves.

Finally, Sławomir Rabovich Bolotstrazh has expressed concerns about a situation in Ossium. Assuming peace is secured, and there is indeed a threat of something malign in the Webwood, then there may indeed be an opportunity for Thule and Varushkan to pool their knowledge on this matter. Rak proposes that the Senator should write again, including as many details as possible; Rak will pass that missive to the warlocks of Bonewood and Webwood for assessment (and to the Dragons themselves, of course).

Iron Confederacy

The Iron Confederacy remains at peace with the Empire

The Suranni lie to the south of the Empire. They are a secretive nation, bound up in tradition and suspicion. While they are currently at peace with the Empire, even accepting merchants and traders into their lands, they are certainly not friends. Recent events have seen them, like the Faraden, caught between the Liberty Pact and the pro-slavery Freedom Accord. Yet where Faraden feels it must play a delicate balancing act, the Suranni Dukes are more confident in their power and prepared to play Imperial and Asavean interests off against each other.

The Suranni ambassador to the Empire is Baroness Katerine Lavasse of Meore, who operates from the Tour Lavasse in Chaubrette, a territory unknown to Imperial citizens that apparently lies to the west of Veroigne. A noble naga, she replaced the significantly more dogmatic Jeanne de Hibernat, a High Priestess of the Suranni god Evra the Smith, Maiden of the Forge. She has already indicated that she is very much more pragmatic than her predecessor and more interested in compromise. She still reports to the Dukes of the Iron Confederacy, however, and so her apparent goodwill toward the Empire cannot be relied upon.

Wicked Curses

A curse has been laid over the Suranni territory of Arbonne

Before getting to other matters, Baroness Katerine requests information from her Imperial peer. A few weeks after the Spring Equinox, a terrible curse began to overwhelm the Duchy of Arbonne (the area of the Lasambrian hills the Empire calls Kalino). It seems that in every farm, crops became infected with overgrown weeds as a hitherto-unseen blight spread across the trees in the orchards. Vermin spread in unprecedented numbers through the territory, devouring and befouling stores and pantries. Many of the citizens have become unwell, feverish and with itching patches of skin that, if scratched too much, scab over with odd patches of bark similar to those manifested by the briar lineage. If it had been the blight alone, there may have been speculation this was simply a development of some recent problems in the territory, but combined with the unnatural and sorcerous growth of unwholesome plants, it is clear this is something more.

Rumours have begun circulating that this is a sign that the Duke of Arbonne has incurred the wrath of the Gods. Before this lie could propagate, the priests of Kavol identified that this was in fact a monstrous curse from Dumon the Liar, an attack on the people of Arbonne by the Hand of that hated false-god. It's rare for the Hand to attempt such things; rarer still for them to have the resources to make such an awful event happen. Visions granted to the priests by the Veiled King speak of a field of golden grain at twilight, the sun fixed on the horizon, that is overwhelmed by wicked trees bursting from the soil, transforming the fertile farm into a twisted forest, while a yellow-eyed demon wearing a mash of wood and ivy capers and laughs. There have been questions raised as to where the Hand of Dumon acquired the resources to perform this malicious malediction.

Baroness Katerine is obviously not accusing the Empire of anything; rather she wishes the Ambassador to be aware that the Hand of Dumon have clearly come into possession of significant support from fellow blasphemers. What has happened in Arbonne could easily happen in the Empire given their own stated opposition to the cult. They should be cautious, and perhaps perform their own investigation to ensure the same does not happen in Segura or Feroz. Rest assured, however, that with the aid of Kavol, the perpetrators will be identified and executed in the traditional way - torn apart with chains.

Cow Wains

Baron de Hauteville's ambitions have been stymied by the high price of cattle

This business of the curse means that, in a way, the failure of Baron de Hauteville's ambition with regard to Imperial cattle has not been as punishing as it might have been. To purchase so many head of cattle and then have them succumb to sickness on returning to Arbonne would have added salt to the wounds inflicted by the followers of Dumon. As it is, the Baron will need to content themselves with trade across the border.

Trade and Bells

The Suranni are enjoying the amount of Imperial trade passing through their port of Robec The Iron Confederacy is not concerned about dark magic in the Bay of Catazar

The influx of Imperial traders into Robec remains welcome, and while the Asaveans are certainly doing their part it remains clear who is the more reliable trading partner for the Suranni. If things continue as they are, then that will surely be enough to convince all but the more dogmatic Dukes that closer trade with the Empire is a good idea - although of course they will not turn away Asavean merchants who wish to take the long and dangerous journey from the far west. Provided they, too, are prepared to accept the restrictions placed on those who follow malign spirits and practice foul blasphemy.

The warning Ambassador Tethros delivered regarding peculiar bells is well received, but obviously Suranni sailors had already been reporting a similar phenomenon. It seems to extend across much of the Bay of Catazar. If it is the harbinger of some spawn of Dumon roused by the Children of Wrecks then the Suranni stand ready to repel it from their shores. Is the Empire confident it can do the same or would they wish to request the aid of the Iron Confederacy in securing their coastline?

For her own part, the Baroness issues a warning of her own relating to the Bay and dark magic. There have been incidents recently in which peculiar black pearls being pulled up in the nets of fisherfolk, or found in the gullets of fish, or pulled from the waters of the Bay by divers. After examining some of the pearls, the priests have marked them as blasphemous tools of the Liar, Dumon, and demand that anyone who finds one should turn it over for destruction. Assuming this is not just a ploy aimed at the faithful Suranni alone, Baroness Katerina urges the Ambassador to encourage their Senate to issue a similar judgement, lest whatever evil the pearls hold within gets loose and ravages the Empire.

The Historians

Marko Siwarsbairn is visiting the Iron Confederacy to complete a report on Suranni military victories They are a guest of Baroness Katerine herself The work is expected to take at least six months, available at the Autumn Equinox

It is obviously a little grudging, but Baroness Katerine thanks the ambassador and their advisors for exposing the rot within the team of historians that visited Anvil during the Spring Equinox. Vorron of the Veiled Shrine is in the custody of those who serve the Maiden of Silence, who will attempt to discover how they fell from a true understanding of the gods and who led them into falsehood. The tone of the missive from the Suranni Ambassador is a little sad, but while the thanks may be grudging, they appear genuine.

In terms of the actual visit itself, the Baroness clearly feels it was a mixed bag. Of particular note, however, is that the folk of the Marches made a lasting impression on some of the group. Their down-to-earth nature and appreciation of steel over the tainted gifts of Dumon meant that some of the contingent felt that it would certainly be worth exploring diplomatic relations with them. Obviously, it is not for priests and historians to set foreign policy, but Baroness Katerine has taken their words under advisement. Perhaps an opportunity for one or two Suranni to visit the Marches in Autumn to observe their harvest festival would be appropriate? Does the Ambassador believe such a thing could be arranged? Perhaps as guests of the Garamond household?

On the other hand, as expected, the group were constantly exposed to the malignancy and corruption of the Empire. Cursed coffee houses full of the whispers of Dumon, attempts to wield Dumon's twisted gifts at every stage of the journey, arguments about the nature of the gods... all of this and more was to be expected, but it highlights again the gulf of difference between the Suranni and the Empire to the north.

The "return visit" by which members of the Imperial Department of Historical Research have visited the Iron Confederacy to discuss matters of military history will hopefully end well. Marko Siwarsbairn of Wintermark has been received at the Lavasse estates, and is working closely with Josse Argent. However, it appears that the research is going to take longer than anticipated - the trip to Chaubrette is not a short one from Robec, and there were, of course serious matters of spying and espionage to discuss before Siwarsbairn could begin their work. As such, the Baroness imagines that the earliest Marko will be returning to the Empire will be the Autumn Equinox, but should there be any complications, it might take as long as the Winter Solstice before they are able to deliver their report to their Imperial peers. She apologises for this, but reassures the Ambassador that she will ensure good care is taken of the visiting academic.

This means that Marko Siwarsbairn will not be available to the Minister of Historical Research until they return from the Iron Confederacy. It is believed that Marko has dispatched a letter confirming this and recounting their initial experiences among the Suranni to minister Silk Farkas. The Imperial Civil Service notes that should Farkas not be the Minister for Historical research following the Winter Solstice, they would still receive copies of anything that Marko sent alongside whoever or whatever has replaced them as Minister.

Finally, Baroness Katerine reinforces that the trip should be considered a success. The Empire helped expose a misguided traitor, and both nations hopefully learned a little about each other's martial traditions, which may prove useful in the years to come.

Spying Visions

The Ambassador raised a matter involving a past life vision Baroness Katerine advises keeping the matter quiet rather than risking accusations of spying on the Iron Confederacy with the aid of Dumon If the citizen who had the vision wishes to send a description to the Baroness, she will pass it to the appropriate authorities for investigation

One final matter is raised, one of significant delicacy. The Imperial Ambassador mentioned in their missive an unnamed citizen who claimed to have had a past life vision of being a noble Suranni - a cousin to the Duke of Shavronne. Baroness Katerine understands more about the Empire than many of her peers, and recognises why the Ambassador might be excited about this matter. However, her advice is to never mention it to any Suranni, certainly not anyone from the family of the Duke of Shavronne. The Suranni generally believe that the drug-induced visions the Empire enjoys are nothing more than tricks of Dumon the Liar. True visions are granted only to those faithful to the Queen of Heaven and the Veiled King, and only they have the expertise needed to untangle the deceptions of the False One. Worse, some traditional Suranni - which includes several Dukes - might believe that a "vision of the past" constitutes a form of spying, and overreact appropriately.

For her part, however, the Baroness is interested in receiving a description of the vision from the citizen who experienced it. Should they be available, and send such a description to her, it may prove of interest to the priests of Suran and Kavol - she has been given license to request such a description on their behalf - an unorthodox situation but one that may be useful in providing insight into the wiles of the Liar.

Grendel

The Grendel as a whole remain at war with the Empire. Since they were rebuffed from Redoubt however, their navies and armies have been notably quiet. They are presumed to be busy with other matters on the Broken Shore, perhaps recovering from the defeat inflicted on them during the Battle of Elos. The one obvious exception to the Grendel low profile is the presence of Commander Gallum Liersach at Mora's Rock.

Responsibility for negotiating with the Grendel falls to Ambassador Finna of Dawn.

At Mora's Rock

The Grendel of Mora's Rock are a large contingent of veteran Grendel soldiers, highly disciplined and under the command of master-strategist Commander Gallum Fiersach. He is ably supported by his partner, Wind Lord Saoirse, who is known to be a master of the lore of Sand. They have been in control of Morajasse since the rest of the Grendel were driven out of Feroz. By all accounts, they have significant stocks of supplies, and while they are not raiding the Brass Coast, they are carefully protecting the borders of Morajasse.

To complicate matters, before the Spring Equinox, Gallum and Saoirse led most of their troops into Oranseri to fight the Children of Wrecks. After the fight, the Wind Lord delivered a message restating how the orcs of Mora's Rock despise the wreckers, and urging the Freeborn to make preparations for further attacks.

Over the last few months it appears that a lot of people have been in contact with Mora's Rock, seeking to open diplomatic channels with the Grendel there. Responsibility for dealing with Gallum obviously falls to the Ambassador to the Grendel, but it appears the sheer weight of correspondence has encouraged Wind Lord Saoirse to send a Winged Messenger of her own. The message is short and to the point: if the Empire is serious about negotiation with the Commander and the soldiers at Morajasse there are two steps they must take.

First, the Imperial Senate must recognise the region of Morajasse as a protectorate under the command of Gallum Fiersach and his soldiers, declaring them to be foreigners under Imperial lore. Legally, this is not a case of the Senate being forced to concede that region as it is already in the hands of the Grendel. Rather, it is a diplomatic decision, simply recognising that the force that currently controls the region continues to do so. Second, neither Mora's Rock nor Morajasse shall be the target of further curses from Bakar of the Brass Coast or the Seaglass Beacon. While the problems inflicted by Bakar's curse are not trivial, Wind Lord Saoirse wants to remind Bakar that her coven also have the ability to perform rituals in Feroz.

If these steps are taken then Commander Gallum commits to protect the coast of Feroz against the Children of Wrecks to the best of his ability in the coming season, and that further negotiations will then be opened with the Empire. A number of possibilities have been put forward by assorted correspondents and will form a basis for beginning such discussions.

If these concessions are not forthcoming, they will simply continue to defend the lands his soldiers already control, maintaining Mora's Rock as best they can until the Grendel return.

Children of Wrecks

Grendel have taken over the Tempest Jade Temple off stage

Speaker Morna thanks the Ambassador for their concerns with regard to bells and lighthouses and offers reassurance that the Grendel have the matter well in hand. In their own waters, of course. The Empire will have to make its own arrangements. The same goes for the Children of Wrecks - the audacious navies of the Grendel have dealt with the traitors at the Temple of Tempest Jade. While the foolish pirates may still seek to test the strength of the Salt Lords, they will find that they sail into a storm their mistress cannot protect them from, even were she so inclined. At this time, any intelligence about eternals, inhabitants of the bay, strange bells, or lighthouses would be considered militarily sensitive - too sensitive to sell even - so the Ambassador will surely understand if Morna says nothing more on the matter.

Lord Morath (Conjunction)

There is an opportunity to meet with Lord Morath, a Grendel magician visiting Beoraidh The Sentinel Gate will allow the Black Sand Tower to be reached at midnight Saturday night This is a combat unlikely or contained encounter that will take place in an encounter tent The Ambassador to the Grendel is responsible for taking advantage of this opportunity The magician has heard rumours of black pearls being discovered in Imperial waters and is eager to acquire a dozen

As Ambassador Finna is eager for some kind of diplomatic meeting, Morna also informs his opposite number of an opportunity to meet with the influential Wind Lord Morath, whose apprentice Hamish visited Anvil last season. The Wind Lord is visiting Beoraidh during the Summer Solstice to meet with the Black Sand Circle, to whom he was some kind of patron while their allegiance was still to the Grendel. The Wind Lord believes there may be a conjunction of the Sentinel Gate that will allow a small number of Imperial citizens to reach Black Sand Tower, albeit at a somewhat unfavourable hour - such is fate. If they are prepared to take advantage of this opportunity, Lord Morath would welcome a visit from Vossk of Zenith Ascendent, with whom he shares mutual friends, and of course the Ambassador to the Grendel, Finna, and any guests they wish to bring to ensure things are kept above board. Lord Morath particularly wishes to discuss his dear colleague Wind Lord Saoirse, and the threats to free-thinking magicians from the Children of Wrecks, the Suranni, and other fools.

If any Imperial citizens do plan to attend, then Lord Morath has let it be known that he is eager to acquire some of the black pearls that have recently been found in Imperial waters. Ideally he would like to buy a dozen of the pearls and is prepared to pay up to twice their number in mana crystals.

As the Ambassador is travelling on official business, the magistrates will assume good faith in these negotiations but offer a gentle reminder that Lord Morath is still an enemy of the Empire.

Beoraidh

Beoraidh is an independent "city state" on the western coast of Mareave. It exists in a precarious, narrow political area between the Grendel and the Empire. The former Salt Lord, Lord Eshan, still rules the city but his position is as precarious as that of Beoraidh. The orcs and humans who live there are currently engaged in attempting to secure the city as "neutral ground" between the various factions of the Bay of Catazar - and perhaps even those further afield.

News from the city is that Eshan has been using the lion's share of his remaining mithril supplies to further reinforce the walls and harbour of the city, arming veteran soldiers, and otherwise preparing the city to resist attack. The effect has been to convert the fortification of Beoraidh into a citadel - strengthening its defences but focusing its influence specifically on the region of Beoraidh itself. The citizens of Beoraidh are very worried about an attack from the Children of Wrecks, apparently.

There's also been some talk of attempts to establish farms in Sinfoyard but they are apparently not going well given how barren the region is. The salt mines are still operating but the cost of keeping them going now that they are not dug by slaves is rumoured to be slowly beggaring the Lord of the city.

The official representative of the Empire to Beoraidh is the Imperial Consul Jarrigk Silktongue.

Shrine of the Virtues

Revised plans have been presented for a temple and a basilica in Beoraidh

Jarrigk Silktongue, the Imperial Consul, has presented an offer to Lord Eshan. As discussed last year, before the Empire can establish an impressive structure in the city of Beoraidh. Rather than some land in the worst part of the city, Eshan is prepared to provide a location near the quayside. It would be far enough inland that it should be safe from flooding in the event of all save the worst natural storms, while providing ready access to sailors and merchants visiting the city, and the folk of Beoraidh specifically. If the Senate chooses to commission the structure, the cost to build it will include the 20 Thrones offered by the Imperial Consul to secure the land.

Rather than a shrine, it will be possible to build a significant temple on the quayside. This would require 25 wains of white granite, 90 crowns of labour (modified by the Under-developed quality as normal due to the difficulty of getting materials into the city), and take three months. It would create the title of Sevenfold Questioner who would be responsible for maintaining a small group of priests to preach the Way in the city. In return, they would receive a seasonal income of 16 crowns, representing bribes, payments for spiritual advice, donations, and the acquisition of luxury goods from Beoraidh.

Alternatively, if the Senate wishes to commission something truly impressive, it could commission a basilica on the same land. This would be a building with significant grandeur. Requiring 40 white granite, 20 mithril, and 216 crowns (before modifications) it would take six months to complete. The structure would incorporate beautiful mithril gilding as well as reinforcement of the doors and windows that would help it weather damage or attack. It would be the largest religious building in the city, and indeed one of the largest structures. The Preacher of Beoraidh would receive an impressive 23 crowns each season from the sinecure, which would be home to a small staff of priests.

For a year after it was completed, the basilica would also unlock the opportunity for any Imperial congregation to take the special preaching action Preach the Way in Beoraidh. This action would involve supporting the Basilica, as well as sponsoring missionaries, wayfarers, or virtuous members of the congregation to visit the city and speak to the people there. The congregation would provide no liao - it would be assumed to be sent to Beoriadh either with priests or as donations - but the priest leading the congregation would instead receive 15 rings for each dose of liao they would have received, representing luxuries, bribes, and donations. If at least 20 congregations take this opportunity each season for a full year it will anchor a notable community of orcs in the city who look to the virtues for spiritual inspiration. This will not necessarily mean they embrace the Way, or that they abandon their odd Grendel take on the virtues, but they will be more receptive to followers of the Way.

In either case, no actual work on the structure could take place before the Empire had paid the 20 Thrones agreed to purchase the land in the city. Once at least 20 Thrones have been provided, work would continue as normal.

That's Entertainment

The orcs of the independent nation of Beoraidh continue to try to foster friendly relations with the Empire The Diamant Drakes entertainment consortium is beginning to rebuild the colosseum that was destroyed in an Imperial raid several years ago They invite Imperial citizens to help raise additional funds in exchange for a modest return, on the proviso that Imperial military units help fight in the inaugural games Any returns and continued relations with Beoraidh would be contingent on the Empire defending Mareave from Grendel attack The Beoraidh delegation will be at the Hub between 11:30 and 13:30 on the Sunday of the summit

The grand port city of Beoraidh is abuzz with more activity than usual. In early 383YE, the then-Grendel city was subject to a devastating raid by the heroes of the Empire. Much of the city was razed, and while most of the damage was repaired over the past few years, the grand coliseum that stood in the heart of the town still lay in ruins. Given that the primary purpose of the raid was to liberate the thousands of enslaved orcs forced to fight in gladiatoral battles for the Grendel's amusement, replacing such a grand edifice was not high on the priority list.

Much has changed in Beoraidh over the years, however. The conquest of the countryside surrounding the city forced them to declare independence away from the Grendel, and the city's ruler was forced to give up the mine that provided his prestige and wealth. Since then the town has been looking for a new niche to carve out for itself, and one set of enterprising citizens have a plan. With the city now a neutral player in the power politics of the Bay of Catazar, the opportunity is ripe to rebuild the arena and invite fighters and spectators from all over the world, to watch bloodthirsty entertainment that would be impossible to see at home. Led by an entertainment consortium called the Diamant Drakes, work is underway to have some sort of stadium ready in the next several months.

It takes money to make money though. While a decent amount of trade comes through the port, enough to finish the construction, the citizens of Beoraidh feel like it could always be bigger. Maella of the Diamant Drakes has already made a trip to Anvil, and seeks to head north again to see if the Empire is willing to chip in for an even grander construction. Business being business, this would not be a gift, but a short-term bond to be repaid in Winter, at a rate of one crown per throne invested over six months. Repayment would only happen, however, under two conditions:

Beoraidh will need to be protected from Grendel invasion; if the city gets sacked or even worse, conquered, no one involved is getting their money back. After the Autumn Equinox, sufficient Imperial military captains will need to participate in the grand opening games in order to draw a big enough crowd to make the whole venture profitable.

The Diamant Drakes mention to interested parties that ideally, a military unit from each nation would be ideal in order to set the right "ambience" for the opening games. Participating captains would, of course, be paid, and would get an unmatched opportunity to battle any number of odd enemies in front of a baying crowd.

Some members of the Diamant Drakes will visit Anvil and come to the Hub between 11:30 and 13:30 on Sunday to discuss and collect bond money. They are keen to point out that capital is at risk here; there is a very real possibility that investors will not get their money back.

Inauspicious Omens

Lord Eshan is worried about peculiar omens

There is one other matter Lord Eshan wants to enquire about. There have been a number of unsettling omens over the last six months or so - strange bells heard in the depths of the Bay. Sailors waking screaming from terrible dreams. Odd blind white fish being pulled up in nets. Is the Empire aware of anything of this nature?

Skoura

The mountainous nation of Skoura lies east of Mareave. Not much is known about Skoura; they are master artisans, they keep to themselves, they are rich in metals and stone and poor in the valuable materials cultivated in forests. They are a contained, disciplined people with an emphasis on reducing risk and ensuring the safety of their people. Right now most of their interest in the Empire seems to be focused on Mareave, which was once their land of Mahal before the Grendel drove them out. For now they seem to have abandoned all claim on the territory - perhaps because they worry that they they could no more defeat the Grendel today than their ancestors did when they were forced to flee into the eastern peaks.

The Imperial Consul Jarrigk Silktongue is responsible for negotiating with the Skouran people.

Regarding Tsark

Jarrigk Silktongue has been in contact with Skoura asking for guidance. Apparently, there is an interest among some Imperial citizens in trading weirwood to the people of Tsark. Ambassador Silktongue wants to ensure that such trade will not cause any diplomatic issues for Skoura, who are known to have some dealings with the secretive folk of the Mountains of the Moon. Talker Garra, Delvemistress of Skoura reassures the ambassador that Skoura has no interest in controlling access to Tsark, or telling them who they may or may not do business with. Obviously if the Empire tries to take advantage of their friends, or swindle them, the Skouran people will be very unhappy about it. They caution the ambassador though that they should not take it for granted that the Mountaints of the Moon will want to trade weirwood with the Empire. Their primarily motivations are not economic in nature but philosophical.

On the matter of trading weirwood with the Empire themselves, there is some cautious interest in doing so. It may be something that the delegation visiting the Unshackled could discuss during the Summer Solstice.

They also pass on a message from one of the Sages of Tsark who had intended to visit Anvil this season. The sage has unfortunately run afoul of the Druj in Zenith. They are safe, but have been forced to retreat rather than face violent murder. They hope to be able to attend the Autumn Equinox summit provided the Druj threat is not imminent.

To Mahal from the Mines

Skouran merchants from the Geltcourse Trade Security Council are coming to the Imperial Orc camp at 13:00 Saturday They want to buy measures and discuss long-term trade They want to speak to the Senator for Maraeve They also have a message for Jarrigk Silktongue

A delegation of people from Skoura has come down from the mountains through the territory of Mareave and begun making their way to Anvil. Their apparent leader, Ashtan who trades shrewdly, tells anyone who asks that they have been sent by the Geltcourse Trade Security Council and are coming to meet with the Imperial Orcs to discuss matters of trade, but other than that they mostly avoid conversation with Imperial citizens on their journey.

They will visit the Imperial Orc camp at 13:00 on Saturday, and wish to buy forest resources for the making of magic items. They also want to discuss options for long-term trade deals with the Senator for Mareave (Although Ashtan who trades shrewdly occasionally slips up and refers to the Senator for Mahal, before apologising profusely for the error). If their hosts are able to provide them with somewhere to sit and some good, clean water to drink, they will be most appreciative.

Further Reading

Thule Otkodov Iron Confederacy Grendel Beoraidh Skoura