Life of Tom Drake - Revision history

GuiltyConscience: /* Unacceptable History */

2026-04-19T12:46:04Z

Unacceptable History

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:46, 19 April 2026
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	When the Cousin's War erupted, Tom was prevailed upon by family and friends to help organise the “defence” of the Marches against those who would "sell Marcher destiny to the Dawnish alliance” that they claimed sought to conquer them. When one looks back over the scattered reports there are hints here and there that the successes the anti-Imperial faction achieve in the war are often down to clever strategy – including several tactics that Tom would go on to employ against the Jotun orcs and Alderei the Fair in his final campaign.		When the Cousin's War erupted, Tom was prevailed upon by family and friends to help organise the “defence” of the Marches against those who would "sell Marcher destiny to the Dawnish alliance” that they claimed sought to conquer them. When one looks back over the scattered reports there are hints here and there that the successes the anti-Imperial faction achieve in the war are often down to clever strategy – including several tactics that Tom would go on to employ against the Jotun orcs and Alderei the Fair in his final campaign.

	At Hepton Bridge, Tom led the pro-independence side. Although outnumbered, his superior tactics very nearly saw the outcome of the battle go very differently to what we know happened. In the end it was not tactics, but a combination of superior numbers and the battlefield magic employed by the Imperial side, under the auspices of Brigit of ~~Dourfell~~, that won the day for the Empire.		At Hepton Bridge, Tom led the pro-independence side. Although outnumbered, his superior tactics very nearly saw the outcome of the battle go very differently to what we know happened. In the end it was not tactics, but a combination of superior numbers and the battlefield magic employed by the Imperial side, under the auspices of Brigit of Dourfen, that won the day for the Empire.

	While the rebels obviously had magical support of their own, Brigit made extensive use of powerful rituals such as [[Thundering Roar of the Lion-bound Horn]] and [[thresher\|thresher-magicians]] enchanted with [[Devastating Scythe of Anguish and Loss]] to disrupt the enemy forces. She spent mana like water – although where she came by the amount of crystal mana that must have been involved is not clear. While Tom Drake was a recognised genius when it came to fighting and winning battles, Brigit knew more about the tactical use of battlefield magic and in the end it was likely that – coupled with the superior numbers that are often played down by recent historians – that won the day.		While the rebels obviously had magical support of their own, Brigit made extensive use of powerful rituals such as [[Thundering Roar of the Lion-bound Horn]] and [[thresher\|thresher-magicians]] enchanted with [[Devastating Scythe of Anguish and Loss]] to disrupt the enemy forces. She spent mana like water – although where she came by the amount of crystal mana that must have been involved is not clear. While Tom Drake was a recognised genius when it came to fighting and winning battles, Brigit knew more about the tactical use of battlefield magic and in the end it was likely that – coupled with the superior numbers that are often played down by recent historians – that won the day.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial army" to "[[Army"

2026-01-16T09:44:26Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial army" to "[[Army"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:44, 16 January 2026
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	Whichever side of the Cousin's War he was on, we know for certain that Drake was instrumental in the formation of the Imperial Military Council. There are multiple different sources that agree on this. It was the insistence of Tom Drake and the other Marchers that each nation control their own armies and appoint their own generals. He played the crucial role in shaping military law, laying down the doctrine by which the Empire has fought ever since.		Whichever side of the Cousin's War he was on, we know for certain that Drake was instrumental in the formation of the Imperial Military Council. There are multiple different sources that agree on this. It was the insistence of Tom Drake and the other Marchers that each nation control their own armies and appoint their own generals. He played the crucial role in shaping military law, laying down the doctrine by which the Empire has fought ever since.

	It was Drake that insisted that only [[~~Imperial army~~\|armies]] raised from and by the people of the Empire's nations could be relied upon to protect those nations. In the light of this research it is clear Drake meant to protect not only from outsiders, but form any threat from within. Drake was determined to ensure that a nation's army would always be in a position to fight in the defence of their folk and their land from any comers.		It was Drake that insisted that only [[Army\|armies]] raised from and by the people of the Empire's nations could be relied upon to protect those nations. In the light of this research it is clear Drake meant to protect not only from outsiders, but form any threat from within. Drake was determined to ensure that a nation's army would always be in a position to fight in the defence of their folk and their land from any comers.

	It was Drake that ensured that the Military Council [[muster]], and similar meetings, would be free of [[senator\|Senatorial oversight]]. He fought bitterly to reject the [[Member_of_the_Synod#Witness\|Right of Witness]], arguing that there was no space for “priests to peer at soldiers” but in the end he lost that argument to the early [[Synod]] (and to the Senators who saw their priests as proxy observers for the Senate). There are some records that suggest the surrender on the matter of Witness was made in part to ensure Synod support for his argument that each general ''must'' be the final arbiter of what the army they were appointed to lead should do – that ''nobody'' would have the right or opportunity to scrutinize, reject, or amend those orders.		It was Drake that ensured that the Military Council [[muster]], and similar meetings, would be free of [[senator\|Senatorial oversight]]. He fought bitterly to reject the [[Member_of_the_Synod#Witness\|Right of Witness]], arguing that there was no space for “priests to peer at soldiers” but in the end he lost that argument to the early [[Synod]] (and to the Senators who saw their priests as proxy observers for the Senate). There are some records that suggest the surrender on the matter of Witness was made in part to ensure Synod support for his argument that each general ''must'' be the final arbiter of what the army they were appointed to lead should do – that ''nobody'' would have the right or opportunity to scrutinize, reject, or amend those orders.

Matt: Text replacement - "Synod" to "Synod"

2026-01-16T09:38:53Z

Text replacement - "Synod" to "Synod"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:38, 16 January 2026
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	It was Drake that insisted that only [[Imperial army\|armies]] raised from and by the people of the Empire's nations could be relied upon to protect those nations. In the light of this research it is clear Drake meant to protect not only from outsiders, but form any threat from within. Drake was determined to ensure that a nation's army would always be in a position to fight in the defence of their folk and their land from any comers.		It was Drake that insisted that only [[Imperial army\|armies]] raised from and by the people of the Empire's nations could be relied upon to protect those nations. In the light of this research it is clear Drake meant to protect not only from outsiders, but form any threat from within. Drake was determined to ensure that a nation's army would always be in a position to fight in the defence of their folk and their land from any comers.

	It was Drake that ensured that the Military Council [[muster]], and similar meetings, would be free of [[senator\|Senatorial oversight]]. He fought bitterly to reject the [[Member_of_the_Synod#Witness\|Right of Witness]], arguing that there was no space for “priests to peer at soldiers” but in the end he lost that argument to the early [[~~Synod\|~~Synod]] (and to the Senators who saw their priests as proxy observers for the Senate). There are some records that suggest the surrender on the matter of Witness was made in part to ensure Synod support for his argument that each general ''must'' be the final arbiter of what the army they were appointed to lead should do – that ''nobody'' would have the right or opportunity to scrutinize, reject, or amend those orders.		It was Drake that ensured that the Military Council [[muster]], and similar meetings, would be free of [[senator\|Senatorial oversight]]. He fought bitterly to reject the [[Member_of_the_Synod#Witness\|Right of Witness]], arguing that there was no space for “priests to peer at soldiers” but in the end he lost that argument to the early [[Synod]] (and to the Senators who saw their priests as proxy observers for the Senate). There are some records that suggest the surrender on the matter of Witness was made in part to ensure Synod support for his argument that each general ''must'' be the final arbiter of what the army they were appointed to lead should do – that ''nobody'' would have the right or opportunity to scrutinize, reject, or amend those orders.

	Interestingly, it is during this time that his dislike of the Dawnish apparently begins to mellow. In part this likely happened due to experiences fighting alongside Dawnish knights on the battlefield, but also because the Dawnish commanders were no more interested in bowing their heads to the Empire or the Senate than the Marchers He also received vocal support from the leaders of [[the Brass Coast]] – whose fight to preserve the culture of individual nations is [[The_Brass_Coast_history#The_Empire\|well documented]].		Interestingly, it is during this time that his dislike of the Dawnish apparently begins to mellow. In part this likely happened due to experiences fighting alongside Dawnish knights on the battlefield, but also because the Dawnish commanders were no more interested in bowing their heads to the Empire or the Senate than the Marchers He also received vocal support from the leaders of [[the Brass Coast]] – whose fight to preserve the culture of individual nations is [[The_Brass_Coast_history#The_Empire\|well documented]].

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

2026-01-15T21:28:48Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:28, 15 January 2026
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	It was Drake that insisted that only [[Imperial army\|armies]] raised from and by the people of the Empire's nations could be relied upon to protect those nations. In the light of this research it is clear Drake meant to protect not only from outsiders, but form any threat from within. Drake was determined to ensure that a nation's army would always be in a position to fight in the defence of their folk and their land from any comers.		It was Drake that insisted that only [[Imperial army\|armies]] raised from and by the people of the Empire's nations could be relied upon to protect those nations. In the light of this research it is clear Drake meant to protect not only from outsiders, but form any threat from within. Drake was determined to ensure that a nation's army would always be in a position to fight in the defence of their folk and their land from any comers.

	It was Drake that ensured that the Military Council [[muster]], and similar meetings, would be free of [[senator\|Senatorial oversight]]. He fought bitterly to reject the [[Member_of_the_Synod#Witness\|Right of Witness]], arguing that there was no space for “priests to peer at soldiers” but in the end he lost that argument to the early [[~~Imperial~~ Synod\|Synod]] (and to the Senators who saw their priests as proxy observers for the Senate). There are some records that suggest the surrender on the matter of Witness was made in part to ensure Synod support for his argument that each general ''must'' be the final arbiter of what the army they were appointed to lead should do – that ''nobody'' would have the right or opportunity to scrutinize, reject, or amend those orders.		It was Drake that ensured that the Military Council [[muster]], and similar meetings, would be free of [[senator\|Senatorial oversight]]. He fought bitterly to reject the [[Member_of_the_Synod#Witness\|Right of Witness]], arguing that there was no space for “priests to peer at soldiers” but in the end he lost that argument to the early [[Synod\|Synod]] (and to the Senators who saw their priests as proxy observers for the Senate). There are some records that suggest the surrender on the matter of Witness was made in part to ensure Synod support for his argument that each general ''must'' be the final arbiter of what the army they were appointed to lead should do – that ''nobody'' would have the right or opportunity to scrutinize, reject, or amend those orders.

	Interestingly, it is during this time that his dislike of the Dawnish apparently begins to mellow. In part this likely happened due to experiences fighting alongside Dawnish knights on the battlefield, but also because the Dawnish commanders were no more interested in bowing their heads to the Empire or the Senate than the Marchers He also received vocal support from the leaders of [[the Brass Coast]] – whose fight to preserve the culture of individual nations is [[The_Brass_Coast_history#The_Empire\|well documented]].		Interestingly, it is during this time that his dislike of the Dawnish apparently begins to mellow. In part this likely happened due to experiences fighting alongside Dawnish knights on the battlefield, but also because the Dawnish commanders were no more interested in bowing their heads to the Empire or the Senate than the Marchers He also received vocal support from the leaders of [[the Brass Coast]] – whose fight to preserve the culture of individual nations is [[The_Brass_Coast_history#The_Empire\|well documented]].

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

2026-01-15T12:22:09Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:22, 15 January 2026
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	''Viola''"		''Viola''"

	Could this "Thomas" be Tom Drake? It may appear to be a long shot, but it would make sense if Tom Drake was fighting on the other side of the Cousin's War. Viola talks of terms - and we know that Tom Drake was absolutely instrumental in securing a Marcher vision of the [[~~Imperial~~ Military Council]]. That has never been in doubt, but it's often been assumed that giving Tom Drake the authority to set the terms of the Council was his reward for winning the battle of Hepton Bridge. But if this "Thomas" that Viola is talking about is Tom Drake, then it's possible that this was part of the terms he and the other rebels negotiated in return for their surrender.		Could this "Thomas" be Tom Drake? It may appear to be a long shot, but it would make sense if Tom Drake was fighting on the other side of the Cousin's War. Viola talks of terms - and we know that Tom Drake was absolutely instrumental in securing a Marcher vision of the [[Military Council]]. That has never been in doubt, but it's often been assumed that giving Tom Drake the authority to set the terms of the Council was his reward for winning the battle of Hepton Bridge. But if this "Thomas" that Viola is talking about is Tom Drake, then it's possible that this was part of the terms he and the other rebels negotiated in return for their surrender.

	We'll most likely never know for sure, outside perhaps of another past life vision. There's no doubt though that after the defeat at Hepton Bridge, Tom eventually came to see the Empire as the lesser of two evils. And, characteristically, once he had made that decision he threw himself into making the best of that bad situation.		We'll most likely never know for sure, outside perhaps of another past life vision. There's no doubt though that after the defeat at Hepton Bridge, Tom eventually came to see the Empire as the lesser of two evils. And, characteristically, once he had made that decision he threw himself into making the best of that bad situation.
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	* [[Tom A'Bedlam's song]]		* [[Tom A'Bedlam's song]]
	* [[Alderei the Fair]]		* [[Alderei the Fair]]
	* [[~~Imperial~~ Military Council]]		* [[Military Council]]
	* [[Master_Medicinal#Tranquil_Nostrum\|Tranquil Nostrum]] - also known as ''Bitteroot Tea''		* [[Master_Medicinal#Tranquil_Nostrum\|Tranquil Nostrum]] - also known as ''Bitteroot Tea''

	* [[Pride of the Marches]] - 385YE Winter wind of fortune relating to the descendants of Tom Drake and his sword		* [[Pride of the Marches]] - 385YE Winter wind of fortune relating to the descendants of Tom Drake and his sword

Hailmur: /* Early Life */

2025-10-06T15:42:19Z

Early Life

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:42, 6 October 2025
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	==Early Life==		==Early Life==
	Tom Drake was born in [[Upwold]], in the village of [[Upwold#The_Heath\|Redston]] (or ''Redstone''), into a [[yeoman of the Marches\|yeoman]] family. Very little is known about him, but according to oral history handed down through the Drake family, he was an unruly child who would spend more time lollygagging and getting into scrapes with his peers than working on the farm. These “scrapes” became more serious as he grew older, and he was several times disciplined for fighting with older ~~boys~~, sometimes seriously.		Tom Drake was born in [[Upwold]], in the village of [[Upwold#The_Heath\|Redston]] (or ''Redstone''), into a [[yeoman of the Marches\|yeoman]] family. Very little is known about him, but according to oral history handed down through the Drake family, he was an unruly child who would spend more time lollygagging and getting into scrapes with his peers than working on the farm. These “scrapes” became more serious as he grew older, and he was several times disciplined for fighting with older kids, sometimes seriously.

	It's known that Tom struggled with depression for his entire life. The [[Master_Medicinal#Tranquil_Nostrum\|Tranquil Nostrum]] helped him manage his periods of doubt and despair, as did a handful of close relationships. There is some evidence that the Marcher song “[[Tom_A%27Bedlam%27s_song\|Tom A Bedlam]]” was written about the famous [[general]], who would often descend into deep doldrums after a successful military campaign or engagement sometimes for days or weeks at a time. It's not clear whether it was written when he was alive, but a number of Marcher musicians believe the popular version of the song is a reworking of an even older ballad.		It's known that Tom struggled with depression for his entire life. The [[Master_Medicinal#Tranquil_Nostrum\|Tranquil Nostrum]] helped him manage his periods of doubt and despair, as did a handful of close relationships. There is some evidence that the Marcher song “[[Tom_A%27Bedlam%27s_song\|Tom A Bedlam]]” was written about the famous [[general]], who would often descend into deep doldrums after a successful military campaign or engagement sometimes for days or weeks at a time. It's not clear whether it was written when he was alive, but a number of Marcher musicians believe the popular version of the song is a reworking of an even older ballad.

Dre at 13:43, 20 August 2025

2025-08-20T13:43:31Z

Twiggy at 23:32, 12 July 2025

2025-07-12T23:32:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:32, 12 July 2025
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	Every historian knows that these inconsistencies exist – it's not even entirely established ''when'' exactly Alderei began his anti-Empire campaign. Some records say it was before the First Empress' meeting at Anvil, others say it was shortly afterwards, but the stories around how [[Varushka]] became part of the union suggest it may actually have begun shortly ''after'' the northern nation agreed to become part of the grand experiment. A discussion of these events is beyond the scope of our current assignment, thank goodness, and at any rate much more likely to fall under the purview of the [[Historical research#Department of Historical Research\|Department of Historical Research]].		Every historian knows that these inconsistencies exist – it's not even entirely established ''when'' exactly Alderei began his anti-Empire campaign. Some records say it was before the First Empress' meeting at Anvil, others say it was shortly afterwards, but the stories around how [[Varushka]] became part of the union suggest it may actually have begun shortly ''after'' the northern nation agreed to become part of the grand experiment. A discussion of these events is beyond the scope of our current assignment, thank goodness, and at any rate much more likely to fall under the purview of the [[Historical research#Department of Historical Research\|Department of Historical Research]].

	There's no question that Tom Drake was an important voice in ~~the~~ the war against Alderei and his supporters. Although he apparently disliked the Varushkan commander intensely, he still argued that Alderei was a problem for the Varushkans to sort themselves. It was not a popular stance, but he apparently questioned whether the Empire had any right to involve itself in this disagreement between Varushkans. After all, the Cousins' War could only be settled by Marchers fighting Marchers. Might not the same be true of Varushka? Let them sort it out themselves, he said.		There's no question that Tom Drake was an important voice in the war against Alderei and his supporters. Although he apparently disliked the Varushkan commander intensely, he still argued that Alderei was a problem for the Varushkans to sort themselves. It was not a popular stance, but he apparently questioned whether the Empire had any right to involve itself in this disagreement between Varushkans. After all, the Cousins' War could only be settled by Marchers fighting Marchers. Might not the same be true of Varushka? Let them sort it out themselves, he said.

	He appears to have changed his stance when news began to spread that Alderei's banner was supported by the [[volodny]]. Tom was clear that the magic of the volodny meant they were sorcerers (in the Marcher definition) and that meant the Empire had to "show them the stick". It's impossible to unravel how much of this was motivated by his personal dislike of the tyrant-boyar, but once the decision was made to march, he volunteered to be at the front of the column.		He appears to have changed his stance when news began to spread that Alderei's banner was supported by the [[volodny]]. Tom was clear that the magic of the volodny meant they were sorcerers (in the Marcher definition) and that meant the Empire had to "show them the stick". It's impossible to unravel how much of this was motivated by his personal dislike of the tyrant-boyar, but once the decision was made to march, he volunteered to be at the front of the column.
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	One of the concerns of the [[Lepidus#Heirs_of_Lepidus\|Heirs of Lepidus]] is that this man is inspirational not only to those who celebrate the virtues he demonstrated – and indeed an argument could be made for ''any'' of the true virtues save perhaps ''only'' Pride. At the pivotal moment in his life he swallowed his Pride to save the Marchers who had fought and lost by his side. It is this [[Loyalty]], that many people believe made Drake the greatest general of his age. He was a [[Wisdom\|Wise]], [[Ambition\|Ambitious]], [[Courage\|Courageous]], [[Prosperity\|Prosperous]] general - renowned for his daring, brilliance and fearlessness and noted for never shirking from the job no matter how much work was needed.		One of the concerns of the [[Lepidus#Heirs_of_Lepidus\|Heirs of Lepidus]] is that this man is inspirational not only to those who celebrate the virtues he demonstrated – and indeed an argument could be made for ''any'' of the true virtues save perhaps ''only'' Pride. At the pivotal moment in his life he swallowed his Pride to save the Marchers who had fought and lost by his side. It is this [[Loyalty]], that many people believe made Drake the greatest general of his age. He was a [[Wisdom\|Wise]], [[Ambition\|Ambitious]], [[Courage\|Courageous]], [[Prosperity\|Prosperous]] general - renowned for his daring, brilliance and fearlessness and noted for never shirking from the job no matter how much work was needed.

	But it was the Loyalty he showed towards ~~the~~ the people he led that made him such a crucial figure. Tom Drake never wavered in his Loyalty to the Marches, and much of his life was given to ensuring that the Empire could never exerts too much control over the lives of the people and the lands he loved.		But it was the Loyalty he showed towards the people he led that made him such a crucial figure. Tom Drake never wavered in his Loyalty to the Marches, and much of his life was given to ensuring that the Empire could never exerts too much control over the lives of the people and the lands he loved.
	==Addendum==		==Addendum==
	This research has been published in accordance with the general guidelines relating to this kind of document, and is available across the Empire. The Department of Historical Research has confirmed that they will be incorporating its findings into their own work, and will be adjusting the general understanding of Tom Drake and especially his role in the Cousins' War in the coming months.		This research has been published in accordance with the general guidelines relating to this kind of document, and is available across the Empire. The Department of Historical Research has confirmed that they will be incorporating its findings into their own work, and will be adjusting the general understanding of Tom Drake and especially his role in the Cousins' War in the coming months.

Teal: /* Alderei the Fair */ fixed link

2025-06-23T13:27:02Z

Alderei the Fair: fixed link

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:27, 23 June 2025
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	He appears to have changed his stance when news began to spread that Alderei's banner was supported by the [[volodny]]. Tom was clear that the magic of the volodny meant they were sorcerers (in the Marcher definition) and that meant the Empire had to "show them the stick". It's impossible to unravel how much of this was motivated by his personal dislike of the tyrant-boyar, but once the decision was made to march, he volunteered to be at the front of the column.		He appears to have changed his stance when news began to spread that Alderei's banner was supported by the [[volodny]]. Tom was clear that the magic of the volodny meant they were sorcerers (in the Marcher definition) and that meant the Empire had to "show them the stick". It's impossible to unravel how much of this was motivated by his personal dislike of the tyrant-boyar, but once the decision was made to march, he volunteered to be at the front of the column.

	The Marcher armies, with the [[Drakes]] at their head, went north without delay to try and deal with the tyrant boyar and his allies. They fought in several engagements, but again it was dark sorcery that proved a major challenge for Drake's strategies. The pall of dread the volodny wove over the armies of Alderei was like nothing the Marchers had encountered before, although some Dawnish and [[Highguard\|Highborn]] generals described it as having some similarities with the [[Druj miasma\|miasma] the [[Druj\|orcs of the Mallum]] draped across their conquered territories.		The Marcher armies, with the [[Drakes]] at their head, went north without delay to try and deal with the tyrant boyar and his allies. They fought in several engagements, but again it was dark sorcery that proved a major challenge for Drake's strategies. The pall of dread the volodny wove over the armies of Alderei was like nothing the Marchers had encountered before, although some Dawnish and [[Highguard\|Highborn]] generals described it as having some similarities with the [[Druj miasma\|miasma]] the [[Druj\|orcs of the Mallum]] draped across their conquered territories.

	It's also clear that none of the Imperial armies were prepared for the reality of a campaign in Varushka. The freezing winter they had prepared for, but the [[Varushkan Monster\|awful creatures]] that lurked in the darkness took many by surprise. In addition to fighting a well-equipped force lead by a canny general, with the support of a cadre of consummate magicians, the Imperial armies had to content with the [[Varushkan Monster#Wolves\|Wolves]] and in some cases [[Varushkan Monster#Sovereigns\|Sovereigns]] of Varushka.		It's also clear that none of the Imperial armies were prepared for the reality of a campaign in Varushka. The freezing winter they had prepared for, but the [[Varushkan Monster\|awful creatures]] that lurked in the darkness took many by surprise. In addition to fighting a well-equipped force lead by a canny general, with the support of a cadre of consummate magicians, the Imperial armies had to content with the [[Varushkan Monster#Wolves\|Wolves]] and in some cases [[Varushkan Monster#Sovereigns\|Sovereigns]] of Varushka.

Responsible1: /* Conversion */

2025-06-21T20:38:57Z

Conversion

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:38, 21 June 2025
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	It is not clear how the Empire persuaded the beaten Drake to accept defeat, but one document, a letter by Viola of [[Tassato]], may shed some light once one better understands Tom's position. Viola was a wealthy merchant-prince with vast estates in Tassato who would later go on to be appointed the first [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] by her son, [[Emperor Giovanni]]. There is a copy of a letter from Viola in the Mint's records which seems to refer to Tom Drake.		It is not clear how the Empire persuaded the beaten Drake to accept defeat, but one document, a letter by Viola of [[Tassato]], may shed some light once one better understands Tom's position. Viola was a wealthy merchant-prince with vast estates in Tassato who would later go on to be appointed the first [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] by her son, [[Emperor Giovanni]]. There is a copy of a letter from Viola in the Mint's records which seems to refer to Tom Drake.

	"''Naomi - I've met with Thomas. He is every-bit as stiff-necked and stubborn as he ever was. A lesser man would have taken ~~Bridget~~'s beating at Hepton Bridge to heart - but not this one. Her plan has clearly failed.		"''Naomi - I've met with Thomas. He is every-bit as stiff-necked and stubborn as he ever was. A lesser man would have taken Brigit's beating at Hepton Bridge to heart - but not this one. Her plan has clearly failed.

	''So I've paid the piper myself.		''So I've paid the piper myself.

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:38, 16 January 2026
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	It was Drake that insisted that only [[Imperial army\|armies]] raised from and by the people of the Empire's nations could be relied upon to protect those nations. In the light of this research it is clear Drake meant to protect not only from outsiders, but form any threat from within. Drake was determined to ensure that a nation's army would always be in a position to fight in the defence of their folk and their land from any comers.		It was Drake that insisted that only [[Imperial army\|armies]] raised from and by the people of the Empire's nations could be relied upon to protect those nations. In the light of this research it is clear Drake meant to protect not only from outsiders, but form any threat from within. Drake was determined to ensure that a nation's army would always be in a position to fight in the defence of their folk and their land from any comers.

	It was Drake that ensured that the Military Council [[muster]], and similar meetings, would be free of [[senator\|Senatorial oversight]]. He fought bitterly to reject the [[Member_of_the_Synod#Witness\|Right of Witness]], arguing that there was no space for “priests to peer at soldiers” but in the end he lost that argument to the early [[~~Synod\|~~Synod]] (and to the Senators who saw their priests as proxy observers for the Senate). There are some records that suggest the surrender on the matter of Witness was made in part to ensure Synod support for his argument that each general ''must'' be the final arbiter of what the army they were appointed to lead should do – that ''nobody'' would have the right or opportunity to scrutinize, reject, or amend those orders.		It was Drake that ensured that the Military Council [[muster]], and similar meetings, would be free of [[senator\|Senatorial oversight]]. He fought bitterly to reject the [[Member_of_the_Synod#Witness\|Right of Witness]], arguing that there was no space for “priests to peer at soldiers” but in the end he lost that argument to the early [[Synod]] (and to the Senators who saw their priests as proxy observers for the Senate). There are some records that suggest the surrender on the matter of Witness was made in part to ensure Synod support for his argument that each general ''must'' be the final arbiter of what the army they were appointed to lead should do – that ''nobody'' would have the right or opportunity to scrutinize, reject, or amend those orders.

	Interestingly, it is during this time that his dislike of the Dawnish apparently begins to mellow. In part this likely happened due to experiences fighting alongside Dawnish knights on the battlefield, but also because the Dawnish commanders were no more interested in bowing their heads to the Empire or the Senate than the Marchers He also received vocal support from the leaders of [[the Brass Coast]] – whose fight to preserve the culture of individual nations is [[The_Brass_Coast_history#The_Empire\|well documented]].		Interestingly, it is during this time that his dislike of the Dawnish apparently begins to mellow. In part this likely happened due to experiences fighting alongside Dawnish knights on the battlefield, but also because the Dawnish commanders were no more interested in bowing their heads to the Empire or the Senate than the Marchers He also received vocal support from the leaders of [[the Brass Coast]] – whose fight to preserve the culture of individual nations is [[The_Brass_Coast_history#The_Empire\|well documented]].

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:28, 15 January 2026
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	It was Drake that insisted that only [[Imperial army\|armies]] raised from and by the people of the Empire's nations could be relied upon to protect those nations. In the light of this research it is clear Drake meant to protect not only from outsiders, but form any threat from within. Drake was determined to ensure that a nation's army would always be in a position to fight in the defence of their folk and their land from any comers.		It was Drake that insisted that only [[Imperial army\|armies]] raised from and by the people of the Empire's nations could be relied upon to protect those nations. In the light of this research it is clear Drake meant to protect not only from outsiders, but form any threat from within. Drake was determined to ensure that a nation's army would always be in a position to fight in the defence of their folk and their land from any comers.

	It was Drake that ensured that the Military Council [[muster]], and similar meetings, would be free of [[senator\|Senatorial oversight]]. He fought bitterly to reject the [[Member_of_the_Synod#Witness\|Right of Witness]], arguing that there was no space for “priests to peer at soldiers” but in the end he lost that argument to the early [[~~Imperial~~ Synod\|Synod]] (and to the Senators who saw their priests as proxy observers for the Senate). There are some records that suggest the surrender on the matter of Witness was made in part to ensure Synod support for his argument that each general ''must'' be the final arbiter of what the army they were appointed to lead should do – that ''nobody'' would have the right or opportunity to scrutinize, reject, or amend those orders.		It was Drake that ensured that the Military Council [[muster]], and similar meetings, would be free of [[senator\|Senatorial oversight]]. He fought bitterly to reject the [[Member_of_the_Synod#Witness\|Right of Witness]], arguing that there was no space for “priests to peer at soldiers” but in the end he lost that argument to the early [[Synod\|Synod]] (and to the Senators who saw their priests as proxy observers for the Senate). There are some records that suggest the surrender on the matter of Witness was made in part to ensure Synod support for his argument that each general ''must'' be the final arbiter of what the army they were appointed to lead should do – that ''nobody'' would have the right or opportunity to scrutinize, reject, or amend those orders.

	Interestingly, it is during this time that his dislike of the Dawnish apparently begins to mellow. In part this likely happened due to experiences fighting alongside Dawnish knights on the battlefield, but also because the Dawnish commanders were no more interested in bowing their heads to the Empire or the Senate than the Marchers He also received vocal support from the leaders of [[the Brass Coast]] – whose fight to preserve the culture of individual nations is [[The_Brass_Coast_history#The_Empire\|well documented]].		Interestingly, it is during this time that his dislike of the Dawnish apparently begins to mellow. In part this likely happened due to experiences fighting alongside Dawnish knights on the battlefield, but also because the Dawnish commanders were no more interested in bowing their heads to the Empire or the Senate than the Marchers He also received vocal support from the leaders of [[the Brass Coast]] – whose fight to preserve the culture of individual nations is [[The_Brass_Coast_history#The_Empire\|well documented]].

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:43, 20 August 2025
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	==The Cousins' War==		==The Cousins' War==
	The accepted history of the [[The_Marches_history#The_Cousin's_War\|Cousins War]] says that at the ''Battle of Hepton Bridge'' Tom Drake headed the pro-Imperial forces alongside Brigit of Dourfen and Henry of Meade. They were opposed by forces ~~lead~~ by Gregory of Ashill and Mary Hay. The fighting was bloody, and continued through most of the day. Although they marginally outnumbered their rivals, Tom Drake's strategy was widely credited with carrying the day.		The accepted history of the [[The_Marches_history#The_Cousin's_War\|Cousins War]] says that at the ''Battle of Hepton Bridge'' Tom Drake headed the pro-Imperial forces alongside Brigit of Dourfen and Henry of Meade. They were opposed by forces led by Gregory of Ashill and Mary Hay. The fighting was bloody, and continued through most of the day. Although they marginally outnumbered their rivals, Tom Drake's strategy was widely credited with carrying the day.

	The defeated stewards were forced to accept the outcome to keep their lands, those who refused either fled the Marches or were executed. Some of the defeated households bowed their heads to inevitability, while others refused to capitulate and lost their lands. A few, led by Agnes Tiller's surviving daughter Hazel, quit the Marches with their soldiers and fled north. We now know that another sizable contingent of Marches – the Fishers of [[Bregasland]] – fled west into what is now [[Hordalant]], and would eventually return to cause much suffering and discontent in the Dour Fens.		The defeated stewards were forced to accept the outcome to keep their lands, those who refused either fled the Marches or were executed. Some of the defeated households bowed their heads to inevitability, while others refused to capitulate and lost their lands. A few, led by Agnes Tiller's surviving daughter Hazel, quit the Marches with their soldiers and fled north. We now know that another sizable contingent of Marches – the Fishers of [[Bregasland]] – fled west into what is now [[Hordalant]], and would eventually return to cause much suffering and discontent in the Dour Fens.
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	When the Cousin's War erupted, Tom was prevailed upon by family and friends to help organise the “defence” of the Marches against those who would "sell Marcher destiny to the Dawnish alliance” that they claimed sought to conquer them. When one looks back over the scattered reports there are hints here and there that the successes the anti-Imperial faction achieve in the war are often down to clever strategy – including several tactics that Tom would go on to employ against the Jotun orcs and Alderei the Fair in his final campaign.		When the Cousin's War erupted, Tom was prevailed upon by family and friends to help organise the “defence” of the Marches against those who would "sell Marcher destiny to the Dawnish alliance” that they claimed sought to conquer them. When one looks back over the scattered reports there are hints here and there that the successes the anti-Imperial faction achieve in the war are often down to clever strategy – including several tactics that Tom would go on to employ against the Jotun orcs and Alderei the Fair in his final campaign.

	At Hepton Bridge, Tom ~~lead~~ the pro-independence side. Although outnumbered, his superior tactics very nearly saw the outcome of the battle go very differently to what we know happened. In the end it was not tactics, but a combination of superior numbers and the battlefield magic employed by the Imperial side, under the auspices of Brigit of Dourfell, that won the day for the Empire.		At Hepton Bridge, Tom led the pro-independence side. Although outnumbered, his superior tactics very nearly saw the outcome of the battle go very differently to what we know happened. In the end it was not tactics, but a combination of superior numbers and the battlefield magic employed by the Imperial side, under the auspices of Brigit of Dourfell, that won the day for the Empire.

	While the rebels obviously had magical support of their own, Brigit made extensive use of powerful rituals such as [[Thundering Roar of the Lion-bound Horn]] and [[thresher\|thresher-magicians]] enchanted with [[Devastating Scythe of Anguish and Loss]] to disrupt the enemy forces. She spent mana like water – although where she came by the amount of crystal mana that must have been involved is not clear. While Tom Drake was a recognised genius when it came to fighting and winning battles, Brigit knew more about the tactical use of battlefield magic and in the end it was likely that – coupled with the superior numbers that are often played down by recent historians – that won the day.		While the rebels obviously had magical support of their own, Brigit made extensive use of powerful rituals such as [[Thundering Roar of the Lion-bound Horn]] and [[thresher\|thresher-magicians]] enchanted with [[Devastating Scythe of Anguish and Loss]] to disrupt the enemy forces. She spent mana like water – although where she came by the amount of crystal mana that must have been involved is not clear. While Tom Drake was a recognised genius when it came to fighting and winning battles, Brigit knew more about the tactical use of battlefield magic and in the end it was likely that – coupled with the superior numbers that are often played down by recent historians – that won the day.
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	The Marcher armies, with the [[Drakes]] at their head, went north without delay to try and deal with the tyrant boyar and his allies. They fought in several engagements, but again it was dark sorcery that proved a major challenge for Drake's strategies. The pall of dread the volodny wove over the armies of Alderei was like nothing the Marchers had encountered before, although some Dawnish and [[Highguard\|Highborn]] generals described it as having some similarities with the [[Druj miasma\|miasma]] the [[Druj\|orcs of the Mallum]] draped across their conquered territories.		The Marcher armies, with the [[Drakes]] at their head, went north without delay to try and deal with the tyrant boyar and his allies. They fought in several engagements, but again it was dark sorcery that proved a major challenge for Drake's strategies. The pall of dread the volodny wove over the armies of Alderei was like nothing the Marchers had encountered before, although some Dawnish and [[Highguard\|Highborn]] generals described it as having some similarities with the [[Druj miasma\|miasma]] the [[Druj\|orcs of the Mallum]] draped across their conquered territories.

	It's also clear that none of the Imperial armies were prepared for the reality of a campaign in Varushka. The freezing winter they had prepared for, but the [[Varushkan Monster\|awful creatures]] that lurked in the darkness took many by surprise. In addition to fighting a well-equipped force ~~lead~~ by a canny general, with the support of a cadre of consummate magicians, the Imperial armies had to content with the [[Varushkan Monster#Wolves\|Wolves]] and in some cases [[Varushkan Monster#Sovereigns\|Sovereigns]] of Varushka.		It's also clear that none of the Imperial armies were prepared for the reality of a campaign in Varushka. The freezing winter they had prepared for, but the [[Varushkan Monster\|awful creatures]] that lurked in the darkness took many by surprise. In addition to fighting a well-equipped force led by a canny general, with the support of a cadre of consummate magicians, the Imperial armies had to content with the [[Varushkan Monster#Wolves\|Wolves]] and in some cases [[Varushkan Monster#Sovereigns\|Sovereigns]] of Varushka.

	It is not much discussed, but at the same time the Empire's attention was focused on Alderei the [[Druj]] and the Jotun both were still pressing the Empire's borders. The [[Thule]] at this time are, apparently, relatively quiet – it's not clear why – and the [[Grendel]] (inasmuch as they existed) had their own concerns. But there was a real chance that, with Imperial forces split in a three-way campaign against Alderei, the orcs of [[the Mallum]], and the western barbarians, the Empire was beginning to teeter. Ironically, the very foundation of the Empire might in theory have ~~lead~~ to the disastrous collapse it had been created specifically to avoid.		It is not much discussed, but at the same time the Empire's attention was focused on Alderei the [[Druj]] and the Jotun both were still pressing the Empire's borders. The [[Thule]] at this time are, apparently, relatively quiet – it's not clear why – and the [[Grendel]] (inasmuch as they existed) had their own concerns. But there was a real chance that, with Imperial forces split in a three-way campaign against Alderei, the orcs of [[the Mallum]], and the western barbarians, the Empire was beginning to teeter. Ironically, the very foundation of the Empire might in theory have led to the disastrous collapse it had been created specifically to avoid.

	Tom Drake must have been aware that the survival of the Empire might depend on the fight against Alderei being brought to an end as quickly as possible. The Empire needed to establish a peace treaty, so that the armies forced to fight in Varushka could turn their attention to the barbarians.		Tom Drake must have been aware that the survival of the Empire might depend on the fight against Alderei being brought to an end as quickly as possible. The Empire needed to establish a peace treaty, so that the armies forced to fight in Varushka could turn their attention to the barbarians.
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	==Personal Beliefs==		==Personal Beliefs==
	It is hard to speak with confidence about the personal beliefs of a man nearly four hundred years dead. We have a figure of a man prepared to compromise his own [[Pride]] to get the job done. A man with a fierce love for the Marches, and especially for its soldiers. A man who swallowed his dislike of the Dawnish, and later the Urizen, to create the most effective battle plans he could in service of a greater clause. A man who never stopped working to ensure the sovereignty of the Marches – not only to protect it from the Jotun but to make sure it was not subsumed by the Empire. It is almost a second thought that this stubbornness ~~lead~~ to the other nations of the Empire enjoying that same sovereignty.		It is hard to speak with confidence about the personal beliefs of a man nearly four hundred years dead. We have a figure of a man prepared to compromise his own [[Pride]] to get the job done. A man with a fierce love for the Marches, and especially for its soldiers. A man who swallowed his dislike of the Dawnish, and later the Urizen, to create the most effective battle plans he could in service of a greater clause. A man who never stopped working to ensure the sovereignty of the Marches – not only to protect it from the Jotun but to make sure it was not subsumed by the Empire. It is almost a second thought that this stubbornness led to the other nations of the Empire enjoying that same sovereignty.

	One of the concerns of the [[Lepidus#Heirs_of_Lepidus\|Heirs of Lepidus]] is that this man is inspirational not only to those who celebrate the virtues he demonstrated – and indeed an argument could be made for ''any'' of the true virtues save perhaps ''only'' Pride. At the pivotal moment in his life he swallowed his Pride to save the Marchers who had fought and lost by his side. It is this [[Loyalty]], that many people believe made Drake the greatest general of his age. He was a [[Wisdom\|Wise]], [[Ambition\|Ambitious]], [[Courage\|Courageous]], [[Prosperity\|Prosperous]] general - renowned for his daring, brilliance and fearlessness and noted for never shirking from the job no matter how much work was needed.		One of the concerns of the [[Lepidus#Heirs_of_Lepidus\|Heirs of Lepidus]] is that this man is inspirational not only to those who celebrate the virtues he demonstrated – and indeed an argument could be made for ''any'' of the true virtues save perhaps ''only'' Pride. At the pivotal moment in his life he swallowed his Pride to save the Marchers who had fought and lost by his side. It is this [[Loyalty]], that many people believe made Drake the greatest general of his age. He was a [[Wisdom\|Wise]], [[Ambition\|Ambitious]], [[Courage\|Courageous]], [[Prosperity\|Prosperous]] general - renowned for his daring, brilliance and fearlessness and noted for never shirking from the job no matter how much work was needed.