Mermaids in the basement - Revision history

Hailmur: /* Defending the Islands */

2026-04-13T12:06:39Z

Defending the Islands

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:06, 13 April 2026
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	More importantly, calling the corsairs to fight to defend the islands, even for a single season, would mean a loss of trade. Taxes in both Madruga and Feroz would fall - reducing the money flowing to the Imperial treasury by six thrones in the season immediately following the call.		More importantly, calling the corsairs to fight to defend the islands, even for a single season, would mean a loss of trade. Taxes in both Madruga and Feroz would fall - reducing the money flowing to the Imperial treasury by six thrones in the season immediately following the call.

	Crucially, the corsairs themselves would lose all their income for the season, unless the guerdon were made available to them in exchange for their efforts. Corsairs who regularly attend Anvil would find themselves with nothing but their personal income the following season - all the corsairs in the Brass Coast would lose out in the same way. They would cheerfully shoulder that burden to protect their homes for a season or two, but if they were being called to defend the islands every season and there was no enemy in sight, they would soon lose patience to match their lost profits.		Crucially, the corsairs themselves would lose all their income for the season, unless the guerdon were made available to them in exchange for their efforts. Corsairs who regularly attend Anvil and sailed to the defence of the islands would find themselves with nothing but their personal income the following season - all the corsairs in the Brass Coast would lose out in the same way. They would cheerfully shoulder that burden to protect their homes for a season or two, but if they were being called to defend the islands every season and there was no enemy in sight, they would soon lose patience to match their lost profits.

	==Counting the Coins==		==Counting the Coins==

Hailmur: /* Old Rope */

2026-03-16T16:16:37Z

Old Rope

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:16, 16 March 2026
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	There is a set of outstanding opportunities to build new shipyards, which could cut costs and, in some cases, save precious time. It would require 10 wains of white granite, 10 wains of weirwood and 20 crowns to [[Elosian_Architect#Further_Opportunities\|expand the existing facilities at Elos into a new shipyard]], and the Empire could commission a navy as soon as the work began, potentially allowing them to launch a new navy a season earlier.		There is a set of outstanding opportunities to build new shipyards, which could cut costs and, in some cases, save precious time. It would require 10 wains of white granite, 10 wains of weirwood and 20 crowns to [[Elosian_Architect#Further_Opportunities\|expand the existing facilities at Elos into a new shipyard]], and the Empire could commission a navy as soon as the work began, potentially allowing them to launch a new navy a season earlier.

	~~The same~~ opportunity exists to [[~~The_power_behind_our_moves~~#~~Atalaya~~\|~~expand the docks at~~ Atalya]]. It would ~~again~~ cost 10 wains of white granite, 10 wains of weirwood and 20 crowns to create a shipyard here, and work could start on a new navy in the same season the shipyard was being built. Any facility here would be exposed to attack from the Grendel, but it would be a bold restatement of the Freeborn commitment to control their own destiny and their own waters. Given the destruction of the Shining Pillar at the hands of the Children of Wrecks, it would help to raise sentiment across the Coast.		A similar opportunity exists to expand the docks at [[Madruga#The_Atalaya_Shipyards_(Ruined)\|Atalya]], given that Miroslav's seawall still exists. This would cost 10 wains of white granite, 10 wains of weirwood, and 20 crowns to create a shipyard here, and work could start on a new navy in the same season the shipyard was being built. Any facility here would be exposed to attack from the Grendel, but it would be a bold restatement of the Freeborn commitment to control their own destiny and their own waters. Given the destruction of the Shining Pillar at the hands of the Children of Wrecks, it would help to raise sentiment across the Coast.

	Unfortunately, the Elos docks are currently in the control of the Grendel, and Atalya Harbour was seized by the Wreckers. The Children of Wrecks navy might be gone, but the pirates still control Free Landing, at least for now. Nothing could be done with either of them until they are back in Imperial control, and Lutomysla warns that it's impossible to know what state the docks will be in by the time the Empire does reclaim them.		Unfortunately, the Elos docks are currently in the control of the Grendel, and Atalya Harbour was seized by the Wreckers. The Children of Wrecks navy might be gone, but the pirates still control Free Landing, at least for now. Nothing could be done with either of them until they are back in Imperial control, and Lutomysla warns that it's impossible to know what state the docks will be in by the time the Empire does reclaim them.

Matt at 10:53, 12 March 2026

2026-03-12T10:53:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:53, 12 March 2026
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	It is usually better to avoid outlining a method for the appraisal, as this can lead to disappointment if it isn't possible to solve the problem that way. However, it is also better to avoid defining the outcome you want - since that outcome may not be possible. A motion that clearly states what problem the Senate would like addressed is the best way to maximise your chances that the results achieve what the Empire wants.		It is usually better to avoid outlining a method for the appraisal, as this can lead to disappointment if it isn't possible to solve the problem that way. However, it is also better to avoid defining the outcome you want - since that outcome may not be possible. A motion that clearly states what problem the Senate would like addressed is the best way to maximise your chances that the results achieve what the Empire wants.

	In this example, the Senate motion stated that the method should be to employ bridges. We've ultimately ignored that element, as per the published guidance, because we considered it wouldn't be possible to construct a vast network of sea bridges in the time of the Empire. The Senate motion also stated that the outcome would be the removal of the island quality. That isn't possible at this time, so we've had to guess at what the problem is that the appraisal was intended to address. We have ''inferred'' that the problem is most likely to be a way to allow the Empire to extend its military control to the island chains, so we've offered ways to address that.</box></div>		In this example, the Senate motion stated that the method should be to employ bridges. We've ultimately ignored that element, as per the published guidance, because we considered it wouldn't be possible to construct a vast network of sea bridges in the time of the Empire. The Senate motion also stated that the outcome would be the removal of the island quality. That isn't possible at this time, so we've had to guess at what the problem is that the appraisal was intended to address. We have ''inferred'' that the problem is most likely to be a way to allow the Empire to extend its military control to the island chains, so we've offered ways to address that.</box></div>
	==Adapt and Prosper==		==Adapt and Prosper==
	* '''Given the challenges of meeting the terms of the assessment, Lutomysla has looked at alternatives'''		* '''Given the challenges of meeting the terms of the assessment, Lutomysla has looked at alternatives'''

Hailmur: /* Defending the Islands */

2026-02-26T16:55:10Z

Defending the Islands

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:55, 26 February 2026
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	After some searching, Lutomysla discovers a possible solution in the ''Burning Feathers'', a [[The_Brass_Coast_economic_interests#Paradors\|parador]] in Calvos. The establishment is run by a retired corsair who goes by the name of ''Sabella i Tourez i Erigo'' and her husband, a hakima called ''Ramiro i Erigo''. The Tourez family have a small choir of beautiful songbirds with brilliant red and gold feathers - all of which exhibit a most peculiar talent. The birds know more than a dozen different tunes which they will sing on command, but they always sing the same song, ''no matter how far apart they are''.		After some searching, Lutomysla discovers a possible solution in the ''Burning Feathers'', a [[The_Brass_Coast_economic_interests#Paradors\|parador]] in Calvos. The establishment is run by a retired corsair who goes by the name of ''Sabella i Tourez i Erigo'' and her husband, a hakima called ''Ramiro i Erigo''. The Tourez family have a small choir of beautiful songbirds with brilliant red and gold feathers - all of which exhibit a most peculiar talent. The birds know more than a dozen different tunes which they will sing on command, but they always sing the same song, ''no matter how far apart they are''.
	<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=LashonarArt.jpg\|caption=Lashonar is currently under the [[Alignment#Enmity\|enmity]] of the [[Conclave]].\|align=right\|width=200}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=LashonarArt.jpg\|caption=Lashonar is currently under the [[Alignment#Enmity\|enmity]] of the [[Conclave]].\|align=right\|width=200}}</div>
	When pushed, Ramiro admits that the birds were a gift from the ''[[Lashonar\|Guardian of the Southern Skies]]'', though he is coy about what moved the ''Eater-of-Silence'' to make the endowment. What he will say is that they were gifted to the pair many years ago so that they could remain in touch - so he could know that his wife was safe, even while she was far away at sea. Now they are retired, the birds are little but a curio, an amusing entertainment for the guests staying at the Feathers.		When pushed, Ramiro admits that the birds were a gift from the ''[[Lashonar\|Guardian of the Southern Skies]]'', though he is coy about what moved the ''Eater-of-Silence'' to make the endowment. What he will say is that they were gifted to the pair many years ago so that they could remain in touch - so he could know that his wife was safe, even while she was far away at sea. Now they are retired, the birds are little but a curio; an amusing entertainment for the guests staying at the Feathers.

	Lutomysla is confident that if ''Lashonar the Loquacious'' were approached in the right way, the eternal would be more than happy to provide more songbirds for the people of the Brass Coast. Those corsairs who wanted to help with the defence of the islands could keep one on their boat - while the [[Hakima of Salt and Sand]] could maintain a small breeding flock in a volery. If the need presented itself, the Hakima could call the birds to sing an agreed warning song, which would be immediately mimicked by the birds on the ships. It's no [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Heliopticon\|heliopticon]], but the prognosticator is confident it would work.		Lutomysla is confident that if ''Lashonar the Loquacious'' were approached in the right way, the eternal would be more than happy to provide more songbirds for the people of the Brass Coast. Those corsairs who wanted to help with the defence of the islands could keep one on their boat - while the [[Hakima of Salt and Sand]] could maintain a small breeding flock in a volery. If the need presented itself, the Hakima could call the birds to sing an agreed warning song, which would be immediately mimicked by the birds on the ships. It's no [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Heliopticon\|heliopticon]], but the prognosticator is confident it would work.

Dre: /* The Alcazar of Flame */

2026-02-24T23:47:24Z

The Alcazar of Flame

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:47, 25 February 2026
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	If that happened, then the Alcazar of Flame would allow the Burning Falcon to move normally from Free Landing to the Cazar Straits and from the islands to the mainland. Qraqeb will not be drawn on what magic Shadowed Fire would employ to achieve this, but it assures the prognosticator that the soldiers - nor any local civilians - will not be harmed - all the general need do is issue the relevant orders and Qraqeb and its fellow musicians and performers will handle the rest.		If that happened, then the Alcazar of Flame would allow the Burning Falcon to move normally from Free Landing to the Cazar Straits and from the islands to the mainland. Qraqeb will not be drawn on what magic Shadowed Fire would employ to achieve this, but it assures the prognosticator that the soldiers - nor any local civilians - will not be harmed - all the general need do is issue the relevant orders and Qraqeb and its fellow musicians and performers will handle the rest.

	In addition, the Alcazar of Flame would allow heralds of the Night eternal to travel abroad, allowing them to join with the Burning Falcon wherever they were. Their presence would enable the general to submit the '''fervent celebration''' defensive order, causing the army to engage in wild festivities and Night-fuelled revelry. Soldiers and anyone living nearby would be drawn into these uninhibited celebrations, raising the blood of all those who took part. The army would regain an ''additional'' 250 force provided they were eligible for [[Casualties#Natural_Resupply\|natural resupply]], as they spread Janon's message of embracing your emotions. The order would default to [[Army_qualities#Fast\|desperate reinforcement]] if the army were attacked (in terms of how it ~~effected~~ the ~~armies~~ ability to defend territory rather than movement).		In addition, the Alcazar of Flame would allow heralds of the Night eternal to travel abroad, allowing them to join with the Burning Falcon wherever they were. Their presence would enable the general to submit the '''fervent celebration''' defensive order, causing the army to engage in wild festivities and Night-fuelled revelry. Soldiers and anyone living nearby would be drawn into these uninhibited celebrations, raising the blood of all those who took part. The army would regain an ''additional'' 250 force provided they were eligible for [[Casualties#Natural_Resupply\|natural resupply]], as they spread Janon's message of embracing your emotions. The order would default to [[Army_qualities#Fast\|desperate reinforcement]] if the army were attacked (in terms of how it affected the army's ability to defend territory rather than movement).

	Janon would require the Freeborn National Assembly to appoint a suitable [[sutannir]] to oversee the celebrations and festivities on the island. This ''Keeper of the Flame'' would be charged by Janon to work to inflame the passions of the Freeborn people, encouraging them to throw caution to the wind and commit themselves utterly to their destiny.		Janon would require the Freeborn National Assembly to appoint a suitable [[sutannir]] to oversee the celebrations and festivities on the island. This ''Keeper of the Flame'' would be charged by Janon to work to inflame the passions of the Freeborn people, encouraging them to throw caution to the wind and commit themselves utterly to their destiny.

Hailmur: /* Further Reading */

2026-02-24T19:01:22Z

Hailmur: /* Commissioning a Navy */

2026-02-24T18:59:27Z

Commissioning a Navy

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:59, 24 February 2026
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	Commissioning a navy would require the Empire to maintain a suitable [[shipyard]], which has proved to be a stumbling block. Lutomysla notes that the Grendel took pains to destroy the shipyards at Atalaya, and [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Grendel_Autumn_383YE\|the short-lived peace treaty]] forbade the Empire from building any more. It is clear that the Grendel fear this outcome more than any other.		Commissioning a navy would require the Empire to maintain a suitable [[shipyard]], which has proved to be a stumbling block. Lutomysla notes that the Grendel took pains to destroy the shipyards at Atalaya, and [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Grendel_Autumn_383YE\|the short-lived peace treaty]] forbade the Empire from building any more. It is clear that the Grendel fear this outcome more than any other.

	Commissioning a new shipyard is expensive, but there are some outstanding opportunities that the Empire could take advantage of. Simply building a shipyard might not be enough however, the Empire would need to find a way to stop the Grendel targeting them. Lutomysla can imagine various possibilities, perhaps defending the shipyard with a massive fortification, or using powerful magic to hide its existence behind impenetrable mists. The prognosticator hasn't had time to look into this matter in depth, but she would be happy to do so if the Senate used a subsequent appraisal to request it.		Commissioning a new shipyard is expensive, but there are some outstanding opportunities that the Empire could take advantage of, such as the [[Germinating_a_city#A_Spiritual_Successor\|Municipal Docks]] proposed by ''Professor Gelberg''. Simply building a shipyard might not be enough however, the Empire would need to find a way to stop the Grendel targeting them. Lutomysla can imagine various possibilities, perhaps defending the shipyard with a massive fortification, or using powerful magic to hide its existence behind impenetrable mists. The prognosticator hasn't had time to look into this matter in depth, but she would be happy to do so if the Senate used a subsequent appraisal to request it.

	===Old Rope===		===Old Rope===

Hailmur at 15:45, 24 February 2026

2026-02-24T15:45:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:45, 24 February 2026
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	* '''Building bridges to join the islands of the Brass Coast to the mainland would be difficult and prohibitively expensive'''		* '''Building bridges to join the islands of the Brass Coast to the mainland would be difficult and prohibitively expensive'''
	The Empire has significant experience creating bridges - the city of [[Sarvos]] has many beautiful constructions that join the mainland to the nearby islands, albeit over shallow waters. The [[Spider's Tollkeep]] is a unique suspension bridge linking [[Madruga]] and Sarvos, designed by the talented engineer ''Carmen i Dehasa i Erigo'' to bridge a very specific river. These examples are deceptive; however, they all feature relatively small bridges, or at least small in comparison to the distances that would be needed to span the waters of the [[Feroz#Cazar_Straits\|Cazaar Straits]] and [[Madruga#Free_Landing\|Free Landing]].		The Empire has significant experience creating bridges - the city of [[Sarvos]] has many beautiful constructions that join the mainland to the nearby islands, albeit over shallow waters. The [[Spider's Tollkeep]] is a unique suspension bridge linking [[Madruga]] and Sarvos, designed by the talented engineer ''Carmen i Dehasa i Erigo'' to bridge a very specific river. These examples are deceptive; however, they all feature relatively small bridges, or at least small in comparison to the distances that would be needed to span the waters of the [[Feroz#Cazar_Straits\|Cazaar Straits]] and [[Madruga#Free_Landing\|Free Landing]].

			The actual bridges themselves would represent a massive investment of time, resources, and labour. Even without the threat of monsters, pirates, and [[Grendel]], these bridges would be built over very deep water indeed. Connecting the six major islands of the [[Feroz#Cazar Straits\|Cazar Straits]] - a [[territory#Regions\|region]] that runs the length of the [[Feroz]] coastline - would require more than half a dozen miles-long bridges. [[Madruga#Free Landing\|Free Landing]] is a little more feasible - by which Lutomysla means it would require "''only''" half a dozen bridges. Total costs for the project would end up in excess of three thousand wains of white granite.
	<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=RegionsofFeroz.png\|align=right\|width=300}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=RegionsofFeroz.png\|align=right\|width=300}}</div>
	The actual bridges themselves would represent a massive investment of time, resources, and labour. Even without the threat of monsters, pirates, and [[Grendel]], these bridges would be built over very deep water indeed. Connecting the six major islands of the [[Feroz#Cazar Straits\|Cazar Straits]] - a [[territory#Regions\|region]] that runs the length of the [[Feroz]] coastline - would require more than half a dozen miles-long bridges. [[Madruga#Free Landing\|Free Landing]] is a little more feasible - by which Lutomysla means it would require "''only''" half a dozen bridges. Total costs for the project would end up in excess of three thousand wains of white granite.

	That is only the start of the problem - any concrete plan would require both Free Landing and Cazar Straits to be in Imperial hands. Despite [[Red_skies#Chase_them_where_they_run\|recent victories]], Free Landing remains under the control of the Children of Wrecks. In the south, the [[Iron Confederacy]] has [[Red_skies#Swords_of_the_South\|taken control]] of the Cazar Straits. The threat posed by the creatures of [[Siakha]] still remains - building anything while literal sea monsters are attacking the builders would be impossible without the use of slaves. Nobody would take that job out of choice, not for all the crowns in [[Emperor Giovanni\|Giovanni's]] purse.		That is only the start of the problem - any concrete plan would require both Free Landing and Cazar Straits to be in Imperial hands. Despite [[Red_skies#Chase_them_where_they_run\|recent victories]], Free Landing remains under the control of the Children of Wrecks. In the south, the [[Iron Confederacy]] has [[Red_skies#Swords_of_the_South\|taken control]] of the Cazar Straits. The threat posed by the creatures of [[Siakha]] still remains - building anything while literal sea monsters are attacking the builders would be impossible without the use of slaves. Nobody would take that job out of choice, not for all the crowns in [[Emperor Giovanni\|Giovanni's]] purse.

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	</table></div>		</table></div>
	[[The Brass Coast]] already has an [[army]] that can reach Free Landing and Cazar Straits. The [[Army_qualities#Forayer\|unique ability]] of the [[Red Wind Corsairs]] to put to sea means that they could do so relatively easily. For that matter, they could even transport an army with them if needed.		[[The Brass Coast]] already has an [[army]] that can reach Free Landing and Cazar Straits. The [[Army_qualities#Forayer\|unique ability]] of the [[Red Wind Corsairs]] to put to sea means that they could do so relatively easily. For that matter, they could even transport an army with them if needed.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=RedWindCorsairs_Colour.png\|align=~~right~~\|width=200}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=RedWindCorsairs_Colour.png\|align=left\|width=200}}
	The problem with putting to sea - and back again - is the time and risks involved. It takes a season for the army to put to sea, and they are exposed throughout. Delays are expensive, and no general wants their army vulnerable. But the recently completed [[Send_for_me#Wharfage_of_Oran\|wharfs at Oran]] offer one way around that problem. If new berths were constructed and set aside for the sole use of the Imperial military, then it would allow the Red Wind Corsairs to move normally between the [[Feroz#Cazar_Straits\|Cazar Straits]] and the mainland ignoring the island quality.		The problem with putting to sea - and back again - is the time and risks involved. It takes a season for the army to put to sea, and they are exposed throughout. Delays are expensive, and no general wants their army vulnerable. But the recently completed [[Send_for_me#Wharfage_of_Oran\|wharfs at Oran]] offer one way around that problem. If new berths were constructed and set aside for the sole use of the Imperial military, then it would allow the Red Wind Corsairs to move normally between the [[Feroz#Cazar_Straits\|Cazar Straits]] and the mainland ignoring the island quality.

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	</div>		</div>
	There is another Freeborn army that might be able to reach the islands... if they had the right help. There are far fewer experienced sailors in the [[Burning Falcon]], and they lack the access to the ships and support that the Red Wind Corsairs enjoy. But they do benefit from the friendship and approval of the [[Janon\|Shadowed Fire]], the strange eternal of [[Realms#Night\|Night]] whose remit is passion and conviction. Aided by the ''Muse of Fire'', the army already burns with [[Army_qualities#True_Conviction\|true conviction]], a fervour that drives them to treat every battle like it is their last.		There is another Freeborn army that might be able to reach the islands... if they had the right help. There are far fewer experienced sailors in the [[Burning Falcon]], and they lack the access to the ships and support that the Red Wind Corsairs enjoy. But they do benefit from the friendship and approval of the [[Janon\|Shadowed Fire]], the strange eternal of [[Realms#Night\|Night]] whose remit is passion and conviction. Aided by the ''Muse of Fire'', the army already burns with [[Army_qualities#True_Conviction\|true conviction]], a fervour that drives them to treat every battle like it is their last.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=BurningFalcon_Colour.png\|align=~~right~~\|width=200}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=BurningFalcon_Colour.png\|align=left\|width=200}}
	Given their recent history, Lutomysla is able to track down a herald of ''Firebrand'', a performing musician which calls itself Qraqeb. With some care, she outlines the problem to it... ''"The soldiers of the 'Falcon burn with desire to retake their homeland from their enemies, but their ardour is stymied by the treacherous waters. The straits are holding their passions in check... will Shadowed Fire help them unleash their fury on their enemies?"''...		Given their recent history, Lutomysla is able to track down a herald of ''Firebrand'', a performing musician which calls itself Qraqeb. With some care, she outlines the problem to it... ''"The soldiers of the 'Falcon burn with desire to retake their homeland from their enemies, but their ardour is stymied by the treacherous waters. The straits are holding their passions in check... will Shadowed Fire help them unleash their fury on their enemies?"''...

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	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==
	* [[Appraisal]]		* [[Appraisal]]

	* [[The Brass Coast]]		* [[The Brass Coast]]
	* [[Madruga]]		* [[Madruga]]
	* [[Feroz]]		* [[Feroz]]

Hailmur: /* New Sails */

2026-02-24T11:10:58Z

New Sails

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:10, 24 February 2026
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	However, there are other limitations as well. Several Imperial nations are already supporting as many forces as they can, including every nation that adjoins the Bay of Catazar. [[Urizen]], [[The Brass Coast]] and [[Highguard]] are all supporting as many forces as their nation can supply and [[the League]] will be in a similar situation as soon as their [[Raise_Third_League_Army\|new army is completed]]. There seems to be little point in building a shipyard if the Empire cannot supply a navy.		However, there are other limitations as well. Several Imperial nations are already supporting as many forces as they can, including every nation that adjoins the Bay of Catazar. [[Urizen]], [[The Brass Coast]] and [[Highguard]] are all supporting as many forces as their nation can supply and [[the League]] will be in a similar situation as soon as their [[Raise_Third_League_Army\|new army is completed]]. There seems to be little point in building a shipyard if the Empire cannot supply a navy.

	Where there is a will, there is a way, however. The people of Urizen have an existing [[opportunity]] that would allow them to raise a navy if they were able to [[An_angry_blade#Dear_Perfection\|build all the maritime infrastructure required]]. The Elos Docks are now complete, though of course ~~they~~ would need to be in Imperial hands to serve in that capacity. But if the Empire reclaims Elos without major damage, constructs the Cargo Cranes~~, and builds the Nostos Docks~~, then they could support a navy in addition to the [[Citadel Guard]] and the [[Argent Sword]].		Where there is a will, there is a way, however. The people of Urizen have an existing [[opportunity]] that would allow them to raise a navy if they were able to [[An_angry_blade#Dear_Perfection\|build all the maritime infrastructure required]]. The Nostos and Elos Docks are now complete, though of course the latter would need to be in Imperial hands to serve in that capacity. But if the Empire reclaims Elos without major damage, and constructs the Cargo Cranes, then they could support a navy in addition to the [[Citadel Guard]] and the [[Argent Sword]].

	In the meantime, another opportunity has presented itself that might be useful. The Empire could employ the mystique surrounding [[Red_skies#Game_Information\|the prow of the Storm's Child]] - the flagship of the Gathered Storm, which bears the stolen figurehead which once sailed at the front of the Freeborn Storm.		In the meantime, another opportunity has presented itself that might be useful. The Empire could employ the mystique surrounding [[Red_skies#Game_Information\|the prow of the Storm's Child]] - the flagship of the Gathered Storm, which bears the stolen figurehead which once sailed at the front of the Freeborn Storm.

	If the prow were given to the Freeborn egregores, they could use it to rally the families to support the creation of a new navy. It would need to have a new name, it is decades before anyone will be ready for the Freeborn Storm to ride the waves again. But the prow would be a symbol of the Freeborn victory over their enemies and an important link to the past. It would inspire corsairs and others to join the new flotilla and seize the opportunity to take the battle for control of the waves to the Grendel. The Empire would still need a shipyard - there's no easy way to get around that problem - but with the additional support that the prow would produce, the Brass Coast could afford to supply an additional force, provided it were a navy.		If the prow were given to the Freeborn egregores, they could use it to rally the families to support the creation of a new navy. It would need to have a new name, it is decades before anyone will be ready for the Freeborn Storm to ride the waves again. But the prow would be a symbol of the Freeborn victory over their enemies and an important link to the past. It would inspire corsairs and others to join the new flotilla and seize the opportunity to take the battle for control of the waves to the Grendel. The Empire would still need a shipyard - there's no easy way to get around that problem - but with the additional support that the prow would produce, the Brass Coast could afford to supply an additional force, provided it were a navy.

	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==
	* [[Appraisal]]		* [[Appraisal]]

Noserenda at 10:51, 24 February 2026

2026-02-24T10:51:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:55, 26 February 2026
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	After some searching, Lutomysla discovers a possible solution in the ''Burning Feathers'', a [[The_Brass_Coast_economic_interests#Paradors\|parador]] in Calvos. The establishment is run by a retired corsair who goes by the name of ''Sabella i Tourez i Erigo'' and her husband, a hakima called ''Ramiro i Erigo''. The Tourez family have a small choir of beautiful songbirds with brilliant red and gold feathers - all of which exhibit a most peculiar talent. The birds know more than a dozen different tunes which they will sing on command, but they always sing the same song, ''no matter how far apart they are''.		After some searching, Lutomysla discovers a possible solution in the ''Burning Feathers'', a [[The_Brass_Coast_economic_interests#Paradors\|parador]] in Calvos. The establishment is run by a retired corsair who goes by the name of ''Sabella i Tourez i Erigo'' and her husband, a hakima called ''Ramiro i Erigo''. The Tourez family have a small choir of beautiful songbirds with brilliant red and gold feathers - all of which exhibit a most peculiar talent. The birds know more than a dozen different tunes which they will sing on command, but they always sing the same song, ''no matter how far apart they are''.
	<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=LashonarArt.jpg\|caption=Lashonar is currently under the [[Alignment#Enmity\|enmity]] of the [[Conclave]].\|align=right\|width=200}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=LashonarArt.jpg\|caption=Lashonar is currently under the [[Alignment#Enmity\|enmity]] of the [[Conclave]].\|align=right\|width=200}}</div>
	When pushed, Ramiro admits that the birds were a gift from the ''[[Lashonar\|Guardian of the Southern Skies]]'', though he is coy about what moved the ''Eater-of-Silence'' to make the endowment. What he will say is that they were gifted to the pair many years ago so that they could remain in touch - so he could know that his wife was safe, even while she was far away at sea. Now they are retired, the birds are little but a curio, an amusing entertainment for the guests staying at the Feathers.		When pushed, Ramiro admits that the birds were a gift from the ''[[Lashonar\|Guardian of the Southern Skies]]'', though he is coy about what moved the ''Eater-of-Silence'' to make the endowment. What he will say is that they were gifted to the pair many years ago so that they could remain in touch - so he could know that his wife was safe, even while she was far away at sea. Now they are retired, the birds are little but a curio; an amusing entertainment for the guests staying at the Feathers.

	Lutomysla is confident that if ''Lashonar the Loquacious'' were approached in the right way, the eternal would be more than happy to provide more songbirds for the people of the Brass Coast. Those corsairs who wanted to help with the defence of the islands could keep one on their boat - while the [[Hakima of Salt and Sand]] could maintain a small breeding flock in a volery. If the need presented itself, the Hakima could call the birds to sing an agreed warning song, which would be immediately mimicked by the birds on the ships. It's no [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Heliopticon\|heliopticon]], but the prognosticator is confident it would work.		Lutomysla is confident that if ''Lashonar the Loquacious'' were approached in the right way, the eternal would be more than happy to provide more songbirds for the people of the Brass Coast. Those corsairs who wanted to help with the defence of the islands could keep one on their boat - while the [[Hakima of Salt and Sand]] could maintain a small breeding flock in a volery. If the need presented itself, the Hakima could call the birds to sing an agreed warning song, which would be immediately mimicked by the birds on the ships. It's no [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Heliopticon\|heliopticon]], but the prognosticator is confident it would work.

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:01, 24 February 2026
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	* [[Madruga]]		* [[Madruga]]
	* [[Feroz]]		* [[Feroz]]
			* [[Germinating_a_city#A_Spiritual_Successor\|Germinating a city]] - 387YE Spring wind of fortune with an opportunity to build a shipyard that can raise and/or harbour two navies at once

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:51, 24 February 2026
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	The actual bridges themselves would represent a massive investment of time, resources, and labour. Even without the threat of monsters, pirates, and [[Grendel]], these bridges would be built over very deep water indeed. Connecting the six major islands of the [[Feroz#Cazar Straits\|Cazar Straits]] - a [[territory#Regions\|region]] that runs the length of the [[Feroz]] coastline - would require more than half a dozen miles-long bridges. [[Madruga#Free Landing\|Free Landing]] is a little more feasible - by which Lutomysla means it would require "''only''" half a dozen bridges. Total costs for the project would end up in excess of three thousand wains of white granite.		The actual bridges themselves would represent a massive investment of time, resources, and labour. Even without the threat of monsters, pirates, and [[Grendel]], these bridges would be built over very deep water indeed. Connecting the six major islands of the [[Feroz#Cazar Straits\|Cazar Straits]] - a [[territory#Regions\|region]] that runs the length of the [[Feroz]] coastline - would require more than half a dozen miles-long bridges. [[Madruga#Free Landing\|Free Landing]] is a little more feasible - by which Lutomysla means it would require "''only''" half a dozen bridges. Total costs for the project would end up in excess of three thousand wains of white granite.

	That is only the start of the problem - any concrete plan would require both Free Landing and Cazar Straits to be in Imperial hands. Despite [[Red_skies#Chase_them_where_they_run\|recent victories]], Free Landing remains under the control of the Children of Wrecks. In the south, the [[Iron Confederacy]] has [[Red_skies#Swords_of_the_South\|taken control]] of the Cazar Straits. The threat posed by the creatures of [[Siakha]] still remains - building anything while literal ~~seamonsters~~ are attacking the builders would be impossible without the use of slaves. Nobody would take that job out of choice, not for all the crowns in [[Emperor Giovanni\|Giovanni's]] purse.		That is only the start of the problem - any concrete plan would require both Free Landing and Cazar Straits to be in Imperial hands. Despite [[Red_skies#Chase_them_where_they_run\|recent victories]], Free Landing remains under the control of the Children of Wrecks. In the south, the [[Iron Confederacy]] has [[Red_skies#Swords_of_the_South\|taken control]] of the Cazar Straits. The threat posed by the creatures of [[Siakha]] still remains - building anything while literal sea monsters are attacking the builders would be impossible without the use of slaves. Nobody would take that job out of choice, not for all the crowns in [[Emperor Giovanni\|Giovanni's]] purse.

	Creating a bridge capable of withstanding the kind of sea storms that occasionally batter the Brass Coast would require a reinforced bridge deck and need supports that reached all the way down to the seabed. The Empire lacks the engineering know-how for such a feat, but it is ''rumoured'' that the [[Commonwealth]] might know a way it could be done. Given the good relations that exist, it is likely that the Empire could find a way to acquire such knowledge if it were genuinely determined to proceed. The [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth]] might make such an enquiry, or a [[Call Winged Messenger\|Winged Messenger]] dispatched to [[Patron_of_the_Beurteilung\|Professor Gelberg]] might also determine if this is the case.		Creating a bridge capable of withstanding the kind of sea storms that occasionally batter the Brass Coast would require a reinforced bridge deck and need supports that reached all the way down to the seabed. The Empire lacks the engineering know-how for such a feat, but it is ''rumoured'' that the [[Commonwealth]] might know a way it could be done. Given the good relations that exist, it is likely that the Empire could find a way to acquire such knowledge if it were genuinely determined to proceed. The [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth]] might make such an enquiry, or a [[Call Winged Messenger\|Winged Messenger]] dispatched to [[Patron_of_the_Beurteilung\|Professor Gelberg]] might also determine if this is the case.
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	Given their recent history, Lutomysla is able to track down a herald of ''Firebrand'', a performing musician which calls itself Qraqeb. With some care, she outlines the problem to it... ''"The soldiers of the 'Falcon burn with desire to retake their homeland from their enemies, but their ardour is stymied by the treacherous waters. The straits are holding their passions in check... will Shadowed Fire help them unleash their fury on their enemies?"''...		Given their recent history, Lutomysla is able to track down a herald of ''Firebrand'', a performing musician which calls itself Qraqeb. With some care, she outlines the problem to it... ''"The soldiers of the 'Falcon burn with desire to retake their homeland from their enemies, but their ardour is stymied by the treacherous waters. The straits are holding their passions in check... will Shadowed Fire help them unleash their fury on their enemies?"''...

	Qraqeb soon returns with the answer that Shadowed Fire is eager to support the passionate soldiers of the Burning Falcon, but he cannot do so without a little help from the Empire. If the Coast wishes the Night eternal to aid them, they must build a temple to their passions on the islands. Qraqeb describes the ideal for this temple, a simple palace of white stone that will resound with music and become a crucible for passion. If the Empire grants Shadowed Fire [[Eternal#Dominion_in_the_Empire\|dominion over the temple]], then his followers will abide there, joining the soldiers of the Burning Falcon in revelry, dancing and passion whenever they visit the isles. The ~~alcazar~~ will become a sanctuary for the army, reviving their spirits whenever they might flag. Crucially, once Torchbearer is able to extend their power throughout the region they will ensure that nothing prevents the Falcon from moving swiftly to or from the islands.		Qraqeb soon returns with the answer that Shadowed Fire is eager to support the passionate soldiers of the Burning Falcon, but he cannot do so without a little help from the Empire. If the Coast wishes the Night eternal to aid them, they must build a temple to their passions on the islands. Qraqeb describes the ideal for this temple, a simple palace of white stone that will resound with music and become a crucible for passion. If the Empire grants Shadowed Fire [[Eternal#Dominion_in_the_Empire\|dominion over the temple]], then his followers will abide there, joining the soldiers of the Burning Falcon in revelry, dancing and passion whenever they visit the isles. The Alcazar will become a sanctuary for the army, reviving their spirits whenever they might flag. Crucially, once Torchbearer is able to extend their power throughout the region they will ensure that nothing prevents the Falcon from moving swiftly to or from the islands.

	After some discussion, it is clear to Lutomysla and her team that Qraqeb is proposing a [[fane]], albeit one that is particularly large and grandiose. That means it would ''have'' to be [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|ceded]] to the eternal to function - a solution the Senate has only rarely permitted in recent times. Janon isn't asking the Empire to cede the entire region, just the palace itself, but it is clear from the discussions that such a move would permit the eternal to use their power unhindered throughout Free Landing ''and'' the Cazar Straits.		After some discussion, it is clear to Lutomysla and her team that Qraqeb is proposing a [[fane]], albeit one that is particularly large and grandiose. That means it would ''have'' to be [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|ceded]] to the eternal to function - a solution the Senate has only rarely permitted in recent times. Janon isn't asking the Empire to cede the entire region, just the palace itself, but it is clear from the discussions that such a move would permit the eternal to use their power unhindered throughout Free Landing ''and'' the Cazar Straits.
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	If that happened, then the Alcazar of Flame would allow the Burning Falcon to move normally from Free Landing to the Cazar Straits and from the islands to the mainland. Qraqeb will not be drawn on what magic Shadowed Fire would employ to achieve this, but it assures the prognosticator that the soldiers - nor any local civilians - will not be harmed - all the general need do is issue the relevant orders and Qraqeb and its fellow musicians and performers will handle the rest.		If that happened, then the Alcazar of Flame would allow the Burning Falcon to move normally from Free Landing to the Cazar Straits and from the islands to the mainland. Qraqeb will not be drawn on what magic Shadowed Fire would employ to achieve this, but it assures the prognosticator that the soldiers - nor any local civilians - will not be harmed - all the general need do is issue the relevant orders and Qraqeb and its fellow musicians and performers will handle the rest.

	In addition, the Alcazar of Flame would allow heralds of the Night eternal to travel abroad, allowing them to join with the Burning Falcon wherever they were. Their presence would enable the general to submit the '''fervent celebration''' defensive order, causing the army to engage in wild festivities and Night-~~fueled~~ revelry. Soldiers and anyone living nearby would be drawn into these uninhibited celebrations, raising the blood of all those who took part. The army would regain an ''additional'' 250 force provided they were eligible for [[Casualties#Natural_Resupply\|natural resupply]], as they spread Janon's message of embracing your emotions. The order would default to [[Army_qualities#Fast\|desperate reinforcement]] if the army were attacked (in terms of how it effected the armies ability to defend territory rather than movement).		In addition, the Alcazar of Flame would allow heralds of the Night eternal to travel abroad, allowing them to join with the Burning Falcon wherever they were. Their presence would enable the general to submit the '''fervent celebration''' defensive order, causing the army to engage in wild festivities and Night-fuelled revelry. Soldiers and anyone living nearby would be drawn into these uninhibited celebrations, raising the blood of all those who took part. The army would regain an ''additional'' 250 force provided they were eligible for [[Casualties#Natural_Resupply\|natural resupply]], as they spread Janon's message of embracing your emotions. The order would default to [[Army_qualities#Fast\|desperate reinforcement]] if the army were attacked (in terms of how it effected the armies ability to defend territory rather than movement).

	Janon would require the Freeborn National Assembly to appoint a suitable [[sutannir]] to oversee the celebrations and festivities on the island. This ''Keeper of the Flame'' would be charged by Janon to work to inflame the passions of the Freeborn people, encouraging them to throw caution to the wind and commit themselves utterly to their destiny.		Janon would require the Freeborn National Assembly to appoint a suitable [[sutannir]] to oversee the celebrations and festivities on the island. This ''Keeper of the Flame'' would be charged by Janon to work to inflame the passions of the Freeborn people, encouraging them to throw caution to the wind and commit themselves utterly to their destiny.
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	<tr><td>'''Type:''' Freeborn</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Type:''' Freeborn</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Powers:''' The ~~Proprieter~~ receives twenty random materials each season</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Powers:''' The Proprietor receives twenty random materials each season</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To protect the Parador and encourage the Freeborn to embrace change</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To protect the Parador and encourage the Freeborn to embrace change</td></tr>
	</table>		</table>
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	For the most part, Lutomysla concentrates on the military problems posed by the island, but the canny Varushkan does not rule out the possibility that the Senate was concerned about any impact the isolation of the islands might have on the [[Prosperity]] of Madruga and Feroz. While bridges might conceivably have provided some economic benefits, she calculates they would not be significant, if only because sailing to the islands would be likely to remain appealing compared with a slow, dangerous journey along a vast windswept bridge. There may be monsters hunting the waters, but the Freeborn are born to the sea, so there are still plenty of smaller vessels prepared to risk sailing out to the islands to allow trade to occur. These ships aren't large enough to convey an army across the waters, but they are more than enough to allow the people who live there to get by.		For the most part, Lutomysla concentrates on the military problems posed by the island, but the canny Varushkan does not rule out the possibility that the Senate was concerned about any impact the isolation of the islands might have on the [[Prosperity]] of Madruga and Feroz. While bridges might conceivably have provided some economic benefits, she calculates they would not be significant, if only because sailing to the islands would be likely to remain appealing compared with a slow, dangerous journey along a vast windswept bridge. There may be monsters hunting the waters, but the Freeborn are born to the sea, so there are still plenty of smaller vessels prepared to risk sailing out to the islands to allow trade to occur. These ships aren't large enough to convey an army across the waters, but they are more than enough to allow the people who live there to get by.

	At least that is true in Free Landing. The situation in the Cazar Straits is a little more complicated. The entire territory suffered under the brutal rule of the Grendel ~~governer~~ Rahab. Constantly provoked by Freeborn partisans, the tyrant squeezed his holdings harder and harder with each new assault, desperate to try to replenish his dwindling coffers. He is gone now, but much of the territory, including the Straits, has been left [[Region_qualities#Impoverished\|impoverished]] as a result. [[Region_qualities#Abandoned\|Abandoned]] and [[Region_qualities#Underpopulated\|underpopulated]], there seems to be little hope for the region to recover.		At least that is true in Free Landing. The situation in the Cazar Straits is a little more complicated. The entire territory suffered under the brutal rule of the Grendel governor Rahab. Constantly provoked by Freeborn partisans, the tyrant squeezed his holdings harder and harder with each new assault, desperate to try to replenish his dwindling coffers. He is gone now, but much of the territory, including the Straits, has been left [[Region_qualities#Impoverished\|impoverished]] as a result. [[Region_qualities#Abandoned\|Abandoned]] and [[Region_qualities#Underpopulated\|underpopulated]], there seems to be little hope for the region to recover.
	<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|caption=The Rebis is fascinated by transformation, and already has an interest in the Brass Coast thanks to the [[Madruga#Crucible\|Crucible]] in Madruga]].\|file=Crucible.png\|align=right\|width=200}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|caption=The Rebis is fascinated by transformation, and already has an interest in the Brass Coast thanks to the [[Madruga#Crucible\|Crucible]] in Madruga]].\|file=Crucible.png\|align=right\|width=200}}</div>
	Lutomysla has spent some time in discussions with the servants of [[Azoth\|the Rebis]]. This esoteric serpent is fascinated by change and transformation. Rather than offering to help remove their insular quality, ''Crucible'' has instead suggested that it would aid the Freeborn to recover their wealth if they ''embrace'' the changes they have experienced, and look for the new opportunities that the islands might present. The ''Great Work'' claims that the islands are one expression of the true nature of the Freeborn. ''"What are islands, but great ships of stone? Homes afloat upon the sea, encircled by the waters that bear them up to the sky. To live on an island is to dwell upon the sea. What could be more Freeborn than that?"''		Lutomysla has spent some time in discussions with the servants of [[Azoth\|the Rebis]]. This esoteric serpent is fascinated by change and transformation. Rather than offering to help remove their insular quality, ''Crucible'' has instead suggested that it would aid the Freeborn to recover their wealth if they ''embrace'' the changes they have experienced, and look for the new opportunities that the islands might present. The ''Great Work'' claims that the islands are one expression of the true nature of the Freeborn. ''"What are islands, but great ships of stone? Homes afloat upon the sea, encircled by the waters that bear them up to the sky. To live on an island is to dwell upon the sea. What could be more Freeborn than that?"''
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	* '''The cheapest option would be to expand the facilities at Elos and Atalya into a shipyard'''		* '''The cheapest option would be to expand the facilities at Elos and Atalya into a shipyard'''
	* '''Either facility would allow the Empire to commission a navy while the shipyards were being built'''		* '''Either facility would allow the Empire to commission a navy while the shipyards were being built'''
	* '''The wharfs at Oran are less expansive but could still be expanded to build a ~~shipard~~'''		* '''The wharfs at Oran are less expansive but could still be expanded to build a shipyard'''
	* '''Only Oran is under Imperial control at this time'''		* '''Only Oran is under Imperial control at this time'''