Foreign powers - Revision history

ChessyPig: /* Local Foreigners */

2015-05-10T11:52:49Z

Local Foreigners

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:52, 10 May 2015
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	Local foreigners speak the same native tongue as the Empire. This means that local foreigners may engage in diplomacy either by sending letters or by sending dignitaries to visit Anvil at events.		Local foreigners speak the same native tongue as the Empire. This means that local foreigners may engage in diplomacy either by sending letters or by sending dignitaries to visit Anvil at events.

	It is possible that the Empire may declare war on a local foreign nation. The costs involved in producing significant numbers of NPCs for a battle with a foreign nation are significant (more than ten thousand pounds), so any plot that it is likely to provoke this should have a long time-scale and be clearly discussed with ~~Kol Ford and~~ Matt Pennington.		It is possible that the Empire may declare war on a local foreign nation. The costs involved in producing significant numbers of NPCs for a battle with a foreign nation are significant (more than ten thousand pounds), so any plot that it is likely to provoke this should have a long time-scale and be clearly discussed with Matt Pennington.
	===Axos===		===Axos===
	The nation of Axos is a dark mirror of Urizen, ruled by powerful magicians. The Axou often appear sinister - their politics are brutal and their religion (such as it is) is obsessed with death. The Axou are the most obviously exotic of the nearby foreign powers, but they share some concerns in common with their Imperial neighbours. At the very least, they are threatened by the same barbarian forces that threaten the Empire - the Druj tribe and the tribes of the Broken Shore make raids into Axos.		The nation of Axos is a dark mirror of Urizen, ruled by powerful magicians. The Axou often appear sinister - their politics are brutal and their religion (such as it is) is obsessed with death. The Axou are the most obviously exotic of the nearby foreign powers, but they share some concerns in common with their Imperial neighbours. At the very least, they are threatened by the same barbarian forces that threaten the Empire - the Druj tribe and the tribes of the Broken Shore make raids into Axos.

Matt at 08:00, 14 November 2014

2014-11-14T08:00:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:00, 14 November 2014
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	A new port is a significant addition to the game, but is certainly possible. For example, an ongoing campaign plot involves a group of Jarmish NPCs from Eastern Jarm seeking to establish their own trading connection with the Empire, and the efforts of the North and South Jarmite power blocs to prevent them doing so. A plot involving a flotilla of mercantile merrow could end up adding a new port to those available to the Empire. In the same way, a plot that resulted in the death or humiliation of an important official might temporarily or permanently close a foreign port to Imperial ships.		A new port is a significant addition to the game, but is certainly possible. For example, an ongoing campaign plot involves a group of Jarmish NPCs from Eastern Jarm seeking to establish their own trading connection with the Empire, and the efforts of the North and South Jarmite power blocs to prevent them doing so. A plot involving a flotilla of mercantile merrow could end up adding a new port to those available to the Empire. In the same way, a plot that resulted in the death or humiliation of an important official might temporarily or permanently close a foreign port to Imperial ships.

	~~[[Category:~~Plot]]		{{Plot Further Reading}}
	[[Category:Campaign Elements]]		[[Category:Campaign Elements]]

Andy Raff: wrong links

2014-02-20T12:16:48Z

wrong links

Andy Raff: /* The Sarcophan Delves */

2014-02-20T11:58:32Z

The Sarcophan Delves

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:58, 20 February 2014
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	===The Sarcophan Delves===		===The Sarcophan Delves===
			The Delves are rich, ruthless and effective merchants. They have access to all sorts of raw materials, and their sophisticated understanding of economics and trade rivals that of the League and the Brass Coast. They excel in the practice of medicine and [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Surgical_skills#apothecary apothecary]. They are at least as powerful as the Empire in terms of their mastery of magic, but their military is largely mercenary in nature and they are practically agnostics compared to the other nations.

			More than any other nation, the Sarcophan Delves lend themselves to plots involving wealth, economics - and criminality. The Sarcophan are generally free of concerns of morality or ethics when it comes to amassing wealth, and they are quite happy to flaunt laws that restrict trade if they think they can get away with it. A Sarcophan merchant would happily sell a [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Scorpion%27s_Sting Scorpion's Sting] dagger to an Imperial in the tavern - provided they were confident they would not face repercussions, and provided the customer was prepared to pay a significant mark-up.

			Sarcophan is a good place from which to introduce exotic consumables - narcotics and potions especially.

			The Delves are also quite magical - the [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Sarcophan_Delves#Magic ''zielweven''] possess specialised procedures unknown to the Empire; while the ''ongelukkig'' corpse-constructs are not likely to be interesting enough to play for an extended period, their presence in a Sarcophan group can add an exotic element to an encounter. The ''Bloedzuiger'' priests are also a source of mystery and secrets - their true nature is not expanded on in the public wiki and revelations about them might make for an interesting plot.

			Sarcophan itself is a mysterious place - the current inhabitants did not build it. Historical artefacts and the plots that surround the will be of great interest to some players, as will objects of mysterious provenance from the less civillised tribes "upriver" from Sarcophan. Again, the truth of who built Sarcophan and what happened to them is not on the public wiki, but there is ample opportunity to explore some of the mysteries without having the PCs visit the city themselves.

	==Ports and Trade==		==Ports and Trade==

Andy Raff: /* The Principalities of Jarm */

2014-02-20T11:45:14Z

The Principalities of Jarm

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	===The Commonwealth===		===The Commonwealth===
	===The Principalities of Jarm===		===The Principalities of Jarm===
			This nation is magically more powerful than the Empire, and it's equal in trade, but lacks a strong unifying philosophy. It's military is more involved in protecting it's own borders, and in internal disputes, and it lacks a strong industrial base. It is a nation of magician-princes and exotic beasts; fine silks and rich spices and intrigue.

			Plots involving Jarm should be highly political in nature - each Magician-prince is looking to gain more power than his or her rivals, and many see the Empire is just another piece in their complex game of internal status. That's not to say that they consider the Empire weak - far from it. The support of the Empire can help a Jarmish faction rise to prominence, while it's emnity could damage the standing of a powerful faction.

			The most obvious conflict in Jarm is between the power blocs of the North (centred around [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Kavor_.28Northern_Principalities_of_Jarm.29 Kavor]), South (centred around [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Vezak_.28Southern_Principalities_of_Jarm.29 Vezak]) and East (centred around XXXX, and currently with no access to Imperial fleets). Within those power blocs, individual Magician-princes will have their own agendas that might lead them to send emissaries to Anvil.

			A visit from an actual Magician-prince is likely to be a major event - one that we would want to kit out appropriately and is likely to require extensive resources. Any plot likely to end up in a diplomatic envoy from Jarm will need to be discussed with Kol Ford, Andy Rafferty and Matt Pennington well in advance.

	===The Sarcophan Delves===		===The Sarcophan Delves===

Andy Raff: /* The Asavaen Archipelago */

2014-02-20T11:36:15Z

The Asavaen Archipelago

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 ===The Asavaen Archipelago===
 ===The Commonwealth===
 ===The Principalities of Jarm===

Andy Raff: /* The Sumaah Republic */

2014-02-20T11:26:54Z

The Sumaah Republic

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:26, 20 February 2014
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	It is possible that the Empire may declare war on a distant foreign nation (and vice versa), but the distances involved mean that neither side can currently prosecute such a war using armies. Because of this, it is perfectly possible to run plot that brings distant foreign nations into a state of open conflict with the Empire. This has a small effect on the trade derived by players from that foreign nation - but may allow for interesting plot developments in terms of the foreign nation providing support or assistance to other barbarian forces the Empire is at war with. Any way between the Empire and distant foreigners must -in effect - be fought through proxies.		It is possible that the Empire may declare war on a distant foreign nation (and vice versa), but the distances involved mean that neither side can currently prosecute such a war using armies. Because of this, it is perfectly possible to run plot that brings distant foreign nations into a state of open conflict with the Empire. This has a small effect on the trade derived by players from that foreign nation - but may allow for interesting plot developments in terms of the foreign nation providing support or assistance to other barbarian forces the Empire is at war with. Any way between the Empire and distant foreigners must -in effect - be fought through proxies.

	===The Sumaah Republic===		===The Sumaah Republic===
			The key fact of the Sumaah Republic is that they have the same religion as the Empire. The difference is that the priests are in charge - they are extremely orthodox in their beliefs and tend to view Imperials as backsliders who lack the moral fibre to embrace their faith completely. It's important not to go with the easy stereotype with Sumaah - they are believers first and foremost, not the victims of fascist bully-boys in cassocks.

			Any plot involving the Sumaah should have faith and virtue at it's core, but they are also a very political nation. They practice a form of representative democracy supported and guided by a committed priest caste, and are likely to view the various odd political mechanisms of the Empire with raised eyebrows.

			Unlike other foreign nations, the Sumaah have access to both liao and true liao. A Sumaah with a past-life vision might have a particular reason for visiting the Empire, or contacting someone there. Likewise, the Sumaah share some [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Paragons_and_Exemplars paragons and exemplars] with the Empire and a plot revolving around one of these might be interesting. For example, a player plot to have an exemplar declared a paragon might be complicated by a Sumaah who claims to have had a vision of that exemplar (meaning that according to the [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Signs_of_the_Paragon_and_Exemplar rules] that person cannot have been a paragon - or having evidence of a vital miracle that might prove an exemplar to be a paragon.

			There is a great deal of political rivalry between the Sumaah Republic and the Asavean Archipelago. Either nation might engage in espionage against the other against a backdrop of the Empire. The Sumaah, for example, would love to see the Empire sever political ties with the Asaveans. Encounters between Sumaah and Asavea in Anvil could form the foundation for longer-reaching political plot.

	===The Asavaen Archipelago===		===The Asavaen Archipelago===
	===The Commonwealth===		===The Commonwealth===

Andy Raff: /* Xira */

2014-02-20T11:17:50Z

Xira

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:17, 20 February 2014
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	===Xira===		===Xira===
			Xira is a trackless desert inhabited by nomadic travellers that lies to the south of Axos. In the centre of Xira an endless sandstorm rages, and the entire area is impassable. The desert itself is hot, but studded with oases and rocky outcroppings where the Xira maintain temporary settlements.

			The people of Xira are philosophers. They are not numerous, and lack military might, but they are fascinated by matters of spirituality and faith.

	==Distant Foreigners==		==Distant Foreigners==

Andy Raff: /* The Iron Confederacy */

2014-02-20T11:16:07Z

The Iron Confederacy

@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 ===Skoura===
 ===The Iron Confederacy===
 ===Xira===

Andy Raff: /* Faraden */

2014-02-20T11:02:24Z

Faraden

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:02, 20 February 2014
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	===Faraden===		===Faraden===
			The Faraden have a lot in common with the nations of the western Empire. They are mercantile like the [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/The_Brass_Coast Freeborn], politically savvy like the [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/The_League League] and stubborn traditionalists like the [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/The_Marches Marchers]. They share several enemies in common with the Empire - the Jotun barbarians threaten them from the north, the orcs of the Lasambrian hills from the west, and their border with the Iron Confederacy sees regular skirmishes.

			While there is a notional ruler of the Faraden - the Lord or Lady of the Five Winds - the real power in this nation lies with the family patriarchs and matriarchs. A plot is most likely to originate at this level, and involve the trade or political aspirations of a family rather than the nation as a whole. The Faraden are also an interesting route to bring a new product or a rare item to the Empire, one that is available in limited amounts, and originates in the lands to the south-west of the Bay of Catazar.

			One important element to keep in mind when planning Faraden plots and encounters is the importance they place on honour and the concept of [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Malign_spiritual_presences justice]. Their spirituality is not that of Maelstrom's Huntress, nor of modern jurisprudence. They genuinely believe in vendettas, and in punishing anyone who transgresses their personal code or harms them or their family. One way to sum this up is "two eyes for an eye" or the classic speech fromhttp://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Untouchables [The Untouchables] "''He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue!''" The spiritual force of vengeance that infuses their culture means that they are internally very law-abiding and careful when dealing with each other, but a common trope should be the conflict that results when a society with a strong sense of personal honour encounters one that lacks that sense.

			Plots involving the Faraden are likely to focus on their mercantile and diplomatic interests, but they also have reasonable military force - a Faraden mercenary band (a [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Military_unit military unit]) looking for employment in the Empire might make an interesting starting point for a plot. The Faraden also share four of their five spiritual virtues with the Empire - they agree with the Imperial Synod on the importance of these virtues - and this could also form the basis for conflict or contact between the nations. The Faraden have little access to [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Liao liao] which they need for their religious ceremonies - as a consequence they place much more value on the effects of [http://empire.crew.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Religious_skills ceremonies] such as anointing or dedication. A Faraden who has come to the Empire to seek a True Liao vision might make an interesting encounter, as might one seeking a fresh insight into a situation associated with one of the virtues.

	===Skoura===		===Skoura===
	===The Iron Confederacy===		===The Iron Confederacy===

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:16, 20 February 2014
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	===Faraden===		===Faraden===
	The Faraden have a lot in common with the nations of the western Empire. They are mercantile like the [http://~~empire.crew~~.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/The_Brass_Coast Freeborn], politically savvy like the [http://~~empire.crew~~.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/The_League League] and stubborn traditionalists like the [http://~~empire.crew~~.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/The_Marches Marchers]. They share several enemies in common with the Empire - the Jotun barbarians threaten them from the north, the orcs of the Lasambrian hills from the west, and their border with the Iron Confederacy sees regular skirmishes.		The Faraden have a lot in common with the nations of the western Empire. They are mercantile like the [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/The_Brass_Coast Freeborn], politically savvy like the [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/The_League League] and stubborn traditionalists like the [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/The_Marches Marchers]. They share several enemies in common with the Empire - the Jotun barbarians threaten them from the north, the orcs of the Lasambrian hills from the west, and their border with the Iron Confederacy sees regular skirmishes.

	While there is a notional ruler of the Faraden - the Lord or Lady of the Five Winds - the real power in this nation lies with the family patriarchs and matriarchs. A plot is most likely to originate at this level, and involve the trade or political aspirations of a family rather than the nation as a whole. The Faraden are also an interesting route to bring a new product or a rare item to the Empire, one that is available in limited amounts, and originates in the lands to the south-west of the Bay of Catazar.		While there is a notional ruler of the Faraden - the Lord or Lady of the Five Winds - the real power in this nation lies with the family patriarchs and matriarchs. A plot is most likely to originate at this level, and involve the trade or political aspirations of a family rather than the nation as a whole. The Faraden are also an interesting route to bring a new product or a rare item to the Empire, one that is available in limited amounts, and originates in the lands to the south-west of the Bay of Catazar.

	One important element to keep in mind when planning Faraden plots and encounters is the importance they place on honour and the concept of [http://~~empire.crew~~.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Malign_spiritual_presences justice]. Their spirituality is not that of Maelstrom's Huntress, nor of modern jurisprudence. They genuinely believe in vendettas, and in punishing anyone who transgresses their personal code or harms them or their family. One way to sum this up is "two eyes for an eye" or the classic speech fromhttp://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Untouchables [The Untouchables] "''He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue!''" The spiritual force of vengeance that infuses their culture means that they are internally very law-abiding and careful when dealing with each other, but a common trope should be the conflict that results when a society with a strong sense of personal honour encounters one that lacks that sense.		One important element to keep in mind when planning Faraden plots and encounters is the importance they place on honour and the concept of [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Malign_spiritual_presences justice]. Their spirituality is not that of Maelstrom's Huntress, nor of modern jurisprudence. They genuinely believe in vendettas, and in punishing anyone who transgresses their personal code or harms them or their family. One way to sum this up is "two eyes for an eye" or the classic speech fromhttp://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Untouchables [The Untouchables] "''He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue!''" The spiritual force of vengeance that infuses their culture means that they are internally very law-abiding and careful when dealing with each other, but a common trope should be the conflict that results when a society with a strong sense of personal honour encounters one that lacks that sense.

	Plots involving the Faraden are likely to focus on their mercantile and diplomatic interests, but they also have reasonable military force - a Faraden mercenary band (a [http://~~empire.crew~~.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Military_unit military unit]) looking for employment in the Empire might make an interesting starting point for a plot. The Faraden also share four of their five spiritual virtues with the Empire - they agree with the Imperial Synod on the importance of these virtues - and this could also form the basis for conflict or contact between the nations. The Faraden have little access to [http://~~empire.crew~~.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Liao liao] which they need for their religious ceremonies - as a consequence they place much more value on the effects of [http://~~empire.crew~~.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Religious_skills ceremonies] such as anointing or dedication. A Faraden who has come to the Empire to seek a True Liao vision might make an interesting encounter, as might one seeking a fresh insight into a situation associated with one of the virtues.		Plots involving the Faraden are likely to focus on their mercantile and diplomatic interests, but they also have reasonable military force - a Faraden mercenary band (a [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Military_unit military unit]) looking for employment in the Empire might make an interesting starting point for a plot. The Faraden also share four of their five spiritual virtues with the Empire - they agree with the Imperial Synod on the importance of these virtues - and this could also form the basis for conflict or contact between the nations. The Faraden have little access to [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Liao liao] which they need for their religious ceremonies - as a consequence they place much more value on the effects of [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Religious_skills ceremonies] such as anointing or dedication. A Faraden who has come to the Empire to seek a True Liao vision might make an interesting encounter, as might one seeking a fresh insight into a situation associated with one of the virtues.

	===Skoura===		===Skoura===
	===The Iron Confederacy===		===The Iron Confederacy===
	The Iron Confederacy is what [http://~~empire.crew~~.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Dawn Dawn] could have become if it had gone a different way; dominated by it's warriors, highly militarized, and dominated by a creed that glorifies victory and martial prowess. The make little secret of the fact that they are jealous of the Empire, and desperately want to conquer it. They aren't open enemies of the Imperial people, but it would take only a few diplomatic incidents to push them over the edge. Like the Faraden, most Iron Confederacy plot that comes to the Empire is likely to represent the interests of one of the duchies rather than the nation as a whole. Only an outside threat (such as the Empire) is likely to force the duchies to stop their internecine struggles and focus all their efforts on the external force.		The Iron Confederacy is what [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Dawn Dawn] could have become if it had gone a different way; dominated by it's warriors, highly militarized, and dominated by a creed that glorifies victory and martial prowess. The make little secret of the fact that they are jealous of the Empire, and desperately want to conquer it. They aren't open enemies of the Imperial people, but it would take only a few diplomatic incidents to push them over the edge. Like the Faraden, most Iron Confederacy plot that comes to the Empire is likely to represent the interests of one of the duchies rather than the nation as a whole. Only an outside threat (such as the Empire) is likely to force the duchies to stop their internecine struggles and focus all their efforts on the external force.

	There is no central power in the Iron Confederacy, but the duchies are bound together by the efforts of the priesthood. Any Iron Confederacy NPCs who visit the Empire are certain to be accompanied by at least one "advisor" from the priesthood who looks after the "spiritual wellbeing" of the group; protecting them from the malign magic of the Imperials, and keeping them focused on their mission. A priest is likely to be accompanied by some acolytes to help deliver the blessings of the [http://~~empire.crew~~.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Suranni_pantheon Suranni pantheon].		There is no central power in the Iron Confederacy, but the duchies are bound together by the efforts of the priesthood. Any Iron Confederacy NPCs who visit the Empire are certain to be accompanied by at least one "advisor" from the priesthood who looks after the "spiritual wellbeing" of the group; protecting them from the malign magic of the Imperials, and keeping them focused on their mission. A priest is likely to be accompanied by some acolytes to help deliver the blessings of the [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Suranni_pantheon Suranni pantheon].

	Imperial players are likely to be very interested in the Suranni religion, and their attitudes to magic, but the Confederate priests have no interest in sharing their mystical secrets with their northern rivals. Disrespect to their faith is likely to cause an incident, and the plot writer should be prepared for NPCs to withdraw rather than face abuse from Imperials trying to pry into their secrets.		Imperial players are likely to be very interested in the Suranni religion, and their attitudes to magic, but the Confederate priests have no interest in sharing their mystical secrets with their northern rivals. Disrespect to their faith is likely to cause an incident, and the plot writer should be prepared for NPCs to withdraw rather than face abuse from Imperials trying to pry into their secrets.
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	Any plot involving the Sumaah should have faith and virtue at it's core, but they are also a very political nation. They practice a form of representative democracy supported and guided by a committed priest caste, and are likely to view the various odd political mechanisms of the Empire with raised eyebrows.		Any plot involving the Sumaah should have faith and virtue at it's core, but they are also a very political nation. They practice a form of representative democracy supported and guided by a committed priest caste, and are likely to view the various odd political mechanisms of the Empire with raised eyebrows.

	Unlike other foreign nations, the Sumaah have access to both liao and true liao. A Sumaah with a past-life vision might have a particular reason for visiting the Empire, or contacting someone there. Likewise, the Sumaah share some [http://~~empire.crew~~.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Paragons_and_Exemplars paragons and exemplars] with the Empire and a plot revolving around one of these might be interesting. For example, a player plot to have an exemplar declared a paragon might be complicated by a Sumaah who claims to have had a vision of that exemplar (meaning that according to the [http://~~empire.crew~~.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Signs_of_the_Paragon_and_Exemplar rules] that person cannot have been a paragon - or having evidence of a vital miracle that might prove an exemplar to be a paragon.		Unlike other foreign nations, the Sumaah have access to both liao and true liao. A Sumaah with a past-life vision might have a particular reason for visiting the Empire, or contacting someone there. Likewise, the Sumaah share some [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Paragons_and_Exemplars paragons and exemplars] with the Empire and a plot revolving around one of these might be interesting. For example, a player plot to have an exemplar declared a paragon might be complicated by a Sumaah who claims to have had a vision of that exemplar (meaning that according to the [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Signs_of_the_Paragon_and_Exemplar rules] that person cannot have been a paragon - or having evidence of a vital miracle that might prove an exemplar to be a paragon.

	There is a great deal of political rivalry between the Sumaah Republic and the Asavean Archipelago. Either nation might engage in espionage against the other against a backdrop of the Empire. The Sumaah, for example, would love to see the Empire sever political ties with the Asaveans. Encounters between Sumaah and Asavea in Anvil could form the foundation for longer-reaching political plot.		There is a great deal of political rivalry between the Sumaah Republic and the Asavean Archipelago. Either nation might engage in espionage against the other against a backdrop of the Empire. The Sumaah, for example, would love to see the Empire sever political ties with the Asaveans. Encounters between Sumaah and Asavea in Anvil could form the foundation for longer-reaching political plot.
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	Plots involving Jarm should be highly political in nature - each Magician-prince is looking to gain more power than his or her rivals, and many see the Empire is just another piece in their complex game of internal status. That's not to say that they consider the Empire weak - far from it. The support of the Empire can help a Jarmish faction rise to prominence, while it's emnity could damage the standing of a powerful faction.		Plots involving Jarm should be highly political in nature - each Magician-prince is looking to gain more power than his or her rivals, and many see the Empire is just another piece in their complex game of internal status. That's not to say that they consider the Empire weak - far from it. The support of the Empire can help a Jarmish faction rise to prominence, while it's emnity could damage the standing of a powerful faction.

	The most obvious conflict in Jarm is between the power blocs of the North (centred around [http://~~empire.crew~~.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Kavor_.28Northern_Principalities_of_Jarm.29 Kavor]), South (centred around [http://~~empire.crew~~.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Vezak_.28Southern_Principalities_of_Jarm.29 Vezak]) and East (centred around XXXX, and currently with no access to Imperial fleets). Within those power blocs, individual Magician-princes will have their own agendas that might lead them to send emissaries to Anvil.		The most obvious conflict in Jarm is between the power blocs of the North (centred around [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Kavor_.28Northern_Principalities_of_Jarm.29 Kavor]), South (centred around [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Principalities_of_Jarm_ports#Vezak_.28Southern_Principalities_of_Jarm.29 Vezak]) and East (centred around XXXX, and currently with no access to Imperial fleets). Within those power blocs, individual Magician-princes will have their own agendas that might lead them to send emissaries to Anvil.

	A visit from an actual Magician-prince is likely to be a major event - one that we would want to kit out appropriately and is likely to require extensive resources. Any plot likely to end up in a diplomatic envoy from Jarm will need to be discussed with Kol Ford, Andy Rafferty and Matt Pennington well in advance.		A visit from an actual Magician-prince is likely to be a major event - one that we would want to kit out appropriately and is likely to require extensive resources. Any plot likely to end up in a diplomatic envoy from Jarm will need to be discussed with Kol Ford, Andy Rafferty and Matt Pennington well in advance.

	===The Sarcophan Delves===		===The Sarcophan Delves===
	The Delves are rich, ruthless and effective merchants. They have access to all sorts of raw materials, and their sophisticated understanding of economics and trade rivals that of the League and the Brass Coast. They excel in the practice of medicine and [http://~~empire.crew~~.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Surgical_skills#apothecary apothecary]. They are at least as powerful as the Empire in terms of their mastery of magic, but their military is largely mercenary in nature and they are practically agnostics compared to the other nations.		The Delves are rich, ruthless and effective merchants. They have access to all sorts of raw materials, and their sophisticated understanding of economics and trade rivals that of the League and the Brass Coast. They excel in the practice of medicine and [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Surgical_skills#apothecary apothecary]. They are at least as powerful as the Empire in terms of their mastery of magic, but their military is largely mercenary in nature and they are practically agnostics compared to the other nations.

	More than any other nation, the Sarcophan Delves lend themselves to plots involving wealth, economics - and criminality. The Sarcophan are generally free of concerns of morality or ethics when it comes to amassing wealth, and they are quite happy to flaunt laws that restrict trade if they think they can get away with it. A Sarcophan merchant would happily sell a [http://~~empire.crew~~.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Scorpion%27s_Sting Scorpion's Sting] dagger to an Imperial in the tavern - provided they were confident they would not face repercussions, and provided the customer was prepared to pay a significant mark-up.		More than any other nation, the Sarcophan Delves lend themselves to plots involving wealth, economics - and criminality. The Sarcophan are generally free of concerns of morality or ethics when it comes to amassing wealth, and they are quite happy to flaunt laws that restrict trade if they think they can get away with it. A Sarcophan merchant would happily sell a [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Scorpion%27s_Sting Scorpion's Sting] dagger to an Imperial in the tavern - provided they were confident they would not face repercussions, and provided the customer was prepared to pay a significant mark-up.

	Sarcophan is a good place from which to introduce exotic consumables - narcotics and potions especially.		Sarcophan is a good place from which to introduce exotic consumables - narcotics and potions especially.