Pride in the Marches - Revision history

Kirkbride: /* Mitwold Triumph */

2026-07-21T22:29:16Z

Mitwold Triumph

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:29, 21 July 2026
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	File:Drakes_Colour.png\|link=388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Drakes		File:Drakes_Colour.png\|link=388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Drakes
	File:GoldenSun_Colour.png\|link=388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Golden Sun		File:GoldenSun_Colour.png\|link=388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Golden Sun
	File:GreenShields_Colour.png\|link=~~387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders~~#Green Shields		File:GreenShields_Colour.png\|link=388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Green Shields
	File:AutumnHammers colour.png\|link=~~387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders~~#Autumn Hammers		File:AutumnHammers colour.png\|link=388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Autumn Hammers
	File:BloodCloak Colour.png\|link=~~387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders~~#Bloodcloaks		File:BloodCloak Colour.png\|link=388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Bloodcloaks
	File:ValiantPegasus_Colour.png\|link=~~387YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders~~#Valiant Pegasus		File:ValiantPegasus_Colour.png\|link=388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Valiant Pegasus
	</gallery>		</gallery>
	===Tom Drake's Pride===		===Tom Drake's Pride===
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	Which is fine as a sentiment if it were ''true''. The Marchers certainly can't replace the history and legacy of the Beater's cup, but they surely could order a new trophy. Truth be told the old one was widely regarded as somewhat cheap and tawdry in appearance. But what can be done about the enthusiasm for the foot-the-ball? Would some kind of grand league help? The League have their great game after all, but the problem with that, as one Marcher points out, is that all that messing around doing politics is neither ''great'' nor a ''game''. Maybe an appraisal is the answer.		Which is fine as a sentiment if it were ''true''. The Marchers certainly can't replace the history and legacy of the Beater's cup, but they surely could order a new trophy. Truth be told the old one was widely regarded as somewhat cheap and tawdry in appearance. But what can be done about the enthusiasm for the foot-the-ball? Would some kind of grand league help? The League have their great game after all, but the problem with that, as one Marcher points out, is that all that messing around doing politics is neither ''great'' nor a ''game''. Maybe an appraisal is the answer.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=FjorknaeSymbol.png\|align=right\|width=250}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=FjorknaeSymbol.png\|align=right\|width=250}}

	==Worrisome Gullet==		==Worrisome Gullet==
	* '''The Jotun gave the stolen loot as tribute to the Fjorknae orcs		* '''The Jotun gave the stolen loot as tribute to the Fjorknae orcs

Dre: /* Loyalty and Heresy */

2026-07-21T20:21:55Z

Loyalty and Heresy

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:21, 21 July 2026
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	==Loyalty and Heresy==		==Loyalty and Heresy==
	{{SOP\|statement=The scars of Whittle run deep. A people massacred due to zealotry. The Marchers know too well the risks of following your traditions. While the Marchers have no intent of undermining the Synod’s spiritual authority, the fact of the matter remains; A Marcher, A Marcher. Should the Synod proscribe the beliefs of the Marcher Orcs as heretical, the Marches as a whole will defend their neighbours as they would any other Marcher unduly persecuted. To echo the words of the First Empress: “You will take all of us, or none of us.” The Synod may make ~~it’s~~ choice.\|by=Statement of Principle, Brother Luke, Marcher Assembly\|vote=Greater Majority 146-50\|when=Winter Solstice 388YE\|size=small}}		{{SOP\|statement=The scars of Whittle run deep. A people massacred due to zealotry. The Marchers know too well the risks of following your traditions. While the Marchers have no intent of undermining the Synod’s spiritual authority, the fact of the matter remains; A Marcher, A Marcher. Should the Synod proscribe the beliefs of the Marcher Orcs as heretical, the Marches as a whole will defend their neighbours as they would any other Marcher unduly persecuted. To echo the words of the First Empress: “You will take all of us, or none of us.” The Synod may make its choice.\|by=Statement of Principle, Brother Luke, Marcher Assembly\|vote=Greater Majority 146-50\|when=Winter Solstice 388YE\|size=small}}
	* '''The priests of the Marches preach of Pride, inspiring both human and orc		* '''The priests of the Marches preach of Pride, inspiring both human and orc
	* '''The folk of the Marches are mostly united - the Marcher orcs are Marchers		* '''The folk of the Marches are mostly united - the Marcher orcs are Marchers

Twiggy at 19:30, 21 July 2026

2026-07-21T19:30:07Z

Noserenda: /* Loyalty and Heresy */

2026-07-21T18:49:33Z

Loyalty and Heresy

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:49, 21 July 2026
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	And talking of lit matches... At the Spring Equinox, the Marcher Assembly voted to uphold a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_13\|judgement]] raised by '''Brother Luke''' with a [[greater majority]]. It called on the Marches to defend the [[Mournwold Orcs\|Marcher orcs]] if things came to a head with the [[Synod]]. After the Summer Solstice, inspired by the statement, more than half the [[congregation\|congregations]] in the Marches preached the importance of supporting the Marcher Orcs, and that any attack on them was the same as an attack on anyone else in the nation. "''Pride in small things,''" as the saying goes. The congregations who took this action used their liao to create suitable [[aura\|auras]], but in return received gifts of recognition and support from Marcher Orcs and their allies.		And talking of lit matches... At the Spring Equinox, the Marcher Assembly voted to uphold a [[387YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_13\|judgement]] raised by '''Brother Luke''' with a [[greater majority]]. It called on the Marches to defend the [[Mournwold Orcs\|Marcher orcs]] if things came to a head with the [[Synod]]. After the Summer Solstice, inspired by the statement, more than half the [[congregation\|congregations]] in the Marches preached the importance of supporting the Marcher Orcs, and that any attack on them was the same as an attack on anyone else in the nation. "''Pride in small things,''" as the saying goes. The congregations who took this action used their liao to create suitable [[aura\|auras]], but in return received gifts of recognition and support from Marcher Orcs and their allies.

	It's been less direct than a mandate, but it's had the desired effect. If there was any doubt as to whether the Marcher Orcs are Marchers or not, it's been dispelled. If the Empire sends anyone to attack the Marcher Orcs for their beliefs, whether that be armies or magistrates, the folk of the Marches will resist. The argument that their ~~beleifs~~ mark them as heretics butters no mustard in Mournwold or elsewhere. The nation ''knew'' they believed in reincarnation when they embraced them; the [[egregore]] ''knew'' their beliefs were at odds with doctrine when they recognised them as Marchers. They are Marcher folk, and the general consensus in the Marches is that their belief in reincarnation is not a problem in a nation that firmly believes humans can be reincarnated as trees, or vermin.		It's been less direct than a mandate, but it's had the desired effect. If there was any doubt as to whether the Marcher Orcs are Marchers or not, it's been dispelled. If the Empire sends anyone to attack the Marcher Orcs for their beliefs, whether that be armies or magistrates, the folk of the Marches will resist. The argument that their beliefs mark them as heretics butters no mustard in Mournwold or elsewhere. The nation ''knew'' they believed in reincarnation when they embraced them; the [[egregore]] ''knew'' their beliefs were at odds with doctrine when they recognised them as Marchers. They are Marcher folk, and the general consensus in the Marches is that their belief in reincarnation is not a problem in a nation that firmly believes humans can be reincarnated as trees, or vermin.

	When the Generals of the Marches swore their oaths to protect their territories, there was no equivocation about whether they would protect some Marchers and not others. If the Synod moves against the Marcher Orcs, the Marches will resist. With weapons to protect those who won't take them up themselves, if need be. And they will expect the generals to honour their oaths, and if need be fight the armies of the Empire to defend an attack against their own.		When the Generals of the Marches swore their oaths to protect their territories, there was no equivocation about whether they would protect some Marchers and not others. If the Synod moves against the Marcher Orcs, the Marches will resist. With weapons to protect those who won't take them up themselves, if need be. And they will expect the generals to honour their oaths, and if need be fight the armies of the Empire to defend an attack against their own.

	Not everyone is on board, but those who are not have the good sense to keep quiet about it. When challenged to explain how the ~~beleifs~~ of the Marcher Orcs can be reconciled with doctrine, one pugnacious Abbott turns the question around, and demands to know why nobody ever asks how Doctrine can be reconciled with the beliefs of the Marcher orcs? The ''only'' thing that brands the Marcher Orcs as heretics is the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_the_Howling_Abyss\|Doctrine of the Howling Abyss]] that was created less than a decade ago based solely on the spiritual beliefs of the [[Imperial Orcs\|Unshackled]] - and a belief that is challenged by septs of orcs all over the world.		Not everyone is on board, but those who are not have the good sense to keep quiet about it. When challenged to explain how the beliefs of the Marcher Orcs can be reconciled with doctrine, one pugnacious Abbott turns the question around, and demands to know why nobody ever asks how Doctrine can be reconciled with the beliefs of the Marcher orcs? The ''only'' thing that brands the Marcher Orcs as heretics is the [[The_Doctrines_of_the_Faith#The_Doctrine_of_the_Howling_Abyss\|Doctrine of the Howling Abyss]] that was created less than a decade ago based solely on the spiritual beliefs of the [[Imperial Orcs\|Unshackled]] - and a belief that is challenged by septs of orcs all over the world.
	===The Tom Drake Revelation===		===The Tom Drake Revelation===
	<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Hazelelponi.jpg\|align=right\|caption=Hazelelponi of the [[Highguard_groups#The_Shattered_Tower\|Shattered Tower]] is the controversial [[Lepidean Librarian]] who commissioned the investigation into the life of Tom Drake.\|width=400}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Hazelelponi.jpg\|align=right\|caption=Hazelelponi of the [[Highguard_groups#The_Shattered_Tower\|Shattered Tower]] is the controversial [[Lepidean Librarian]] who commissioned the investigation into the life of Tom Drake.\|width=400}}</div>
	* '''Recent revelations regarding Tom Drake incline the folk of the Marches to view the state bodies of the Empire with ~~skepticism~~		* '''Recent revelations regarding Tom Drake incline the folk of the Marches to view the state bodies of the Empire with scepticism
	* '''Inspired by Pride and Loyalty, the human Marchers will defend the orc Marchers		* '''Inspired by Pride and Loyalty, the human Marchers will defend the orc Marchers
	The Marchers as a whole have no patience for people who give themselves airs and graces, but they take a quiet Pride in a number of folk from [[The Marches history\|history]]. Among those they are proudest of is [[Life of Tom Drake\|Tom Drake]], the original general of the Drakes who helped put the Military Council together. Recently, the [[Lepidean Librarian]] undertook an examination of [[Life of Tom Drake\|Tom's life]], and the truths contained within were [[Life_of_Tom_Drake#Unacceptable_History\|at odds]] with the popular historical version. Tom Drake fought ''against'' Brigit of Dourfell, and led the rebels. He was rightly recognised as an exemplar of [[Loyalty]], always willing to show it to those who deserved it, to the Marches, and to its people.		The Marchers as a whole have no patience for people who give themselves airs and graces, but they take a quiet Pride in a number of folk from [[The Marches history\|history]]. Among those they are proudest of is [[Life of Tom Drake\|Tom Drake]], the original general of the Drakes who helped put the Military Council together. Recently, the [[Lepidean Librarian]] undertook an examination of [[Life of Tom Drake\|Tom's life]], and the truths contained within were [[Life_of_Tom_Drake#Unacceptable_History\|at odds]] with the popular historical version. Tom Drake fought ''against'' Brigit of Dourfell, and led the rebels. He was rightly recognised as an exemplar of [[Loyalty]], always willing to show it to those who deserved it, to the Marches, and to its people.

	It's been quiet, but these historical revelations have spread quietly across the Marches and increased Marcher ~~skepticism~~ of what some see as "Imperial excesses". It's nothing like as dramatic as the problems in [[Bregasland]] in the wake of the Fishers - but there is a quiet, grass-roots belief that the Marcher dislike of people putting themselves above their peers extends to ''everyone''. Including, arguably, the Senate and the Synod. When push comes to shove, they ask themselves what Tom Drake would do, and the answer is usually some variation of "stand up and be counted", "be Proud and Loyal", and "tell the Empire to go... take itself away... if it comes to it."		It's been quiet, but these historical revelations have spread quietly across the Marches and increased Marcher scepticism of what some see as "Imperial excesses". It's nothing like as dramatic as the problems in [[Bregasland]] in the wake of the Fishers - but there is a quiet, grass-roots belief that the Marcher dislike of people putting themselves above their peers extends to ''everyone''. Including, arguably, the Senate and the Synod. When push comes to shove, they ask themselves what Tom Drake would do, and the answer is usually some variation of "stand up and be counted", "be Proud and Loyal", and "tell the Empire to go... take itself away... if it comes to it."

	===What This Means===		===What This Means===

Noserenda: /* Bregasland */

2026-07-21T18:43:28Z

Bregasland

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:43, 21 July 2026
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	* '''The Strong Reeds are lying low in the territory, building their strength for a counterattack		* '''The Strong Reeds are lying low in the territory, building their strength for a counterattack
	* '''The Grey Walkers are spreading through Grey Fens to the chagrin of the invading orcs		* '''The Grey Walkers are spreading through Grey Fens to the chagrin of the invading orcs
	Last season saw serious fighting in [[Bregasland]], with the Empire ultimately victorious and [[Bregasland#Graven_Rock\|Graven Rock]] ~~recovred~~ from the Jotun. In the wake of their victory, the Empire pulled their troops out. All save the [[Strong Reeds]], who have slipped back into the fens and the rushes, and now [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Strong_Reeds\|lie low]] waiting for another opportunity to strike. The assumption must have been that the Jotun would immediately move to recover Gravenmarch, but in the end... they don't.		Last season saw serious fighting in [[Bregasland]], with the Empire ultimately victorious and [[Bregasland#Graven_Rock\|Graven Rock]] recovered from the Jotun. In the wake of their victory, the Empire pulled their troops out. All save the [[Strong Reeds]], who have slipped back into the fens and the rushes, and now [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Strong_Reeds\|lie low]] waiting for another opportunity to strike. The assumption must have been that the Jotun would immediately move to recover Gravenmarch, but in the end... they don't.

	There are still Jotun armies here, but they are braced for further Imperial efforts to reclaim Bregasland. In the absence of such attacks, the barbarians simply continue to consolidate their hold over the marshy territory. Although in the process they encounter problems they themselves have created. At the Spring Equinox, news reached the [[Military Council]] of ''Sunne Astar'' and a [[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Battle_Opportunity:_A_Broken_Rock\|quixotic plan]] to drag one of the stones that make up the Ullsmere Rock [[The_Marches_hearth_magic#Dolmens\|dolmen]] back to Hordalant to inspire the Howling Night. The Jotun achieved their plan, and as near as the Strong Reeds can tell, the left leg of the dolmen has already left Bregasland and is presumably being installed in the ''kirkje'' of the Howling Night.		There are still Jotun armies here, but they are braced for further Imperial efforts to reclaim Bregasland. In the absence of such attacks, the barbarians simply continue to consolidate their hold over the marshy territory. Although in the process they encounter problems they themselves have created. At the Spring Equinox, news reached the [[Military Council]] of ''Sunne Astar'' and a [[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Battle_Opportunity:_A_Broken_Rock\|quixotic plan]] to drag one of the stones that make up the Ullsmere Rock [[The_Marches_hearth_magic#Dolmens\|dolmen]] back to Hordalant to inspire the Howling Night. The Jotun achieved their plan, and as near as the Strong Reeds can tell, the left leg of the dolmen has already left Bregasland and is presumably being installed in the ''kirkje'' of the Howling Night.

Beeswax: /* Tom Drake's Pride */

2026-07-21T18:07:09Z

Tom Drake's Pride

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:07, 21 July 2026
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	<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Location:''' Meade March, Mitwold</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Location:''' Meade March, Mitwold</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 25 white granite ~~mithril~~, and 75 crowns in labour</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 25 white granite, and 75 crowns in labour</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Time:''' 3 months</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Time:''' 3 months</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Effect:'''		<tr><td>'''Effect:'''

Kirkbride at 18:02, 21 July 2026

2026-07-21T18:02:09Z

Twiggy: /* Pragmatism */

2026-07-21T17:31:36Z

Pragmatism

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:31, 21 July 2026
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	===Pragmatism===		===Pragmatism===
	* '''Some Mournwold priests have proposed a "solution" to the problem		* '''Some Mournwold priests have proposed a "solution" to the problem
	So far only one positive proposal has come out, and that's from the Marcher Orc spiritual leader and a couple of his old friends among the priests of the Mournwold. He proposes that while the Synod determines what ~~isa~~ crime, it's the Senate and the magistrates who decide what the punishment is. There are basically two punishments - death and fines. "So fine us," say the Mournwold priests. "Fine the orcs for their heretical beliefs. How about 5 Thrones a season that the Marcher Orcs continue to believe in reincarnation, and then maybe we can all get back on with sorting the harvest?" Obviously this is an outrage and the magistrates will do their nut. But a Senate motion to this effect would see 5 Thrones a season into the Imperial treasury, and its likely the Marcher Orcs might go higher if they had to especially if their human neighbours pitched in.		So far only one positive proposal has come out, and that's from the Marcher Orc spiritual leader and a couple of his old friends among the priests of the Mournwold. He proposes that while the Synod determines what is a crime, it's the Senate and the magistrates who decide what the punishment is. There are basically two punishments - death and fines. "So fine us," say the Mournwold priests. "Fine the orcs for their heretical beliefs. How about 5 Thrones a season that the Marcher Orcs continue to believe in reincarnation, and then maybe we can all get back on with sorting the harvest?" Obviously this is an outrage and the magistrates will do their nut. But a Senate motion to this effect would see 5 Thrones a season into the Imperial treasury, and its likely the Marcher Orcs might go higher if they had to especially if their human neighbours pitched in.

	While this proposal seem ludicrous, it does highlight at least one potential avenue to try and deal with the problem represented by tens of thousands of Marchers that the Synod seem to deem to be heretics. Ultimately, the Synod does not operate in isolation within the Empire. Nobody is suggesting that the Senate alone can solve this problem, but at the end of the day it is the Senate that has the power to define the laws, and guide the magistrates as to the punishments that arise when those laws are broken. Perhaps some compromise can be reached?		While this proposal seem ludicrous, it does highlight at least one potential avenue to try and deal with the problem represented by tens of thousands of Marchers that the Synod seem to deem to be heretics. Ultimately, the Synod does not operate in isolation within the Empire. Nobody is suggesting that the Senate alone can solve this problem, but at the end of the day it is the Senate that has the power to define the laws, and guide the magistrates as to the punishments that arise when those laws are broken. Perhaps some compromise can be reached?

Kirkbride: /* Rebellion's Ridge */

2026-07-21T17:20:37Z

Rebellion's Ridge

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:20, 21 July 2026
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	Some nations have annals or chronicles to record their inspirations. Some assemblies have rolls or walls to mark theirs. ''Friar Alyn of Hay'' pours scorn on that idea. Marchers don't need to keep records of their folk heroes - what's the bloody point? If you have to write their name down to know who they are, then they're not much of a bloody hero are they? In the opinion of the friar, the best inspirations are fleeting. They represent the zeitgeist of the Marches at the height of summer, when the sun is high and there is time to have the proper chats without worrying about the weather.		Some nations have annals or chronicles to record their inspirations. Some assemblies have rolls or walls to mark theirs. ''Friar Alyn of Hay'' pours scorn on that idea. Marchers don't need to keep records of their folk heroes - what's the bloody point? If you have to write their name down to know who they are, then they're not much of a bloody hero are they? In the opinion of the friar, the best inspirations are fleeting. They represent the zeitgeist of the Marches at the height of summer, when the sun is high and there is time to have the proper chats without worrying about the weather.
	===Rebellion's Ridge===		===Rebellion's Ridge===
	{{SOP\|statement=Three years ago, Meri stated on my behalf that we knew the importance of all Marchers working the land, that the Nation must consider the plight simmering over Mourn hillsides. The Pride Assembly agreed. The miners of the Mourn have worked their land for us. They have battled the Jotun, fought off the Howling Bear. They raised rebellions against tyranny twice, were the last ones standing against recent invaders. They work tirelessly to supply our armies, to build our Great Works, braving the Singing Caves and tearing its bounty from enemy hands. They have stood with our Nation since Marcher boots first met Mourn soil. So we too stand with them - we will not turn our backs another year not take their Loyalty to the Marchers, the Pride in their work for granted. We recognise their right to a voice in the leadership of the Mournwold, where the ore runs deep and so many of us have fought together, shoulder to shoulder.\|by=Jedediah Boon, Marcher National Assembly\|vote={{GM}} 208-22\|when=Autumn 387YE\|size=small}}		<div {{float}}>
			{{SOP\|statement=Three years ago, Meri stated on my behalf that we knew the importance of all Marchers working the land, that the Nation must consider the plight simmering over Mourn hillsides. The Pride Assembly agreed. The miners of the Mourn have worked their land for us. They have battled the Jotun, fought off the Howling Bear. They raised rebellions against tyranny twice, were the last ones standing against recent invaders. They work tirelessly to supply our armies, to build our Great Works, braving the Singing Caves and tearing its bounty from enemy hands. They have stood with our Nation since Marcher boots first met Mourn soil. So we too stand with them - we will not turn our backs another year not take their Loyalty to the Marchers, the Pride in their work for granted. We recognise their right to a voice in the leadership of the Mournwold, where the ore runs deep and so many of us have fought together, shoulder to shoulder.\|by=Jedediah Boon, Marcher National Assembly\|vote={{GM}} 208-22\|when=Autumn 387YE\|size=small}}</div>
	* '''Rebellion's Ridge has been completed in the Mournwold'''		* '''Rebellion's Ridge has been completed in the Mournwold'''
	* '''A writ of consecration for the Leaders of the Ore Hills Rebellion on the great work would have consequences'''		* '''A writ of consecration for the Leaders of the Ore Hills Rebellion on the great work would have consequences'''
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	Now, [[Mournwold#Rebellion's_Ridge\|Rebellion's Ridge]] stands completed. The finishing touches have been made, and the [[congregation\|congregations]] of the Mourn will receive their first doses of [[liao]] at the Autumn Equinox. But what next? During the Autumn Equinox 387YE, the Marcher Assembly voted to uphold a [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_98\|judgement]] raised by '''Jedediah Boon''' which drew attention to the plight of the miners of the Mourn.		Now, [[Mournwold#Rebellion's_Ridge\|Rebellion's Ridge]] stands completed. The finishing touches have been made, and the [[congregation\|congregations]] of the Mourn will receive their first doses of [[liao]] at the Autumn Equinox. But what next? During the Autumn Equinox 387YE, the Marcher Assembly voted to uphold a [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_98\|judgement]] raised by '''Jedediah Boon''' which drew attention to the plight of the miners of the Mourn.
	<div ~~style="~~float~~:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"~~>{{CaptionedImage\|file=The Versatile Pickaxe.jpg\|align=left\|caption=Resentment between miners and farmers in Mournwold had been simmering for almost three centuries, until it finally kicked off in 326YE.\|width=500}}</div>		<div {{float}}>{{CaptionedImage\|file=The Versatile Pickaxe.jpg\|align=left\|caption=Resentment between miners and farmers in Mournwold had been simmering for almost three centuries, until it finally kicked off in 326YE.\|width=500}}</div>
	If the Assembly chooses to pass a [[writ of consecration]] for Rebellion's Ridge, then it would inevitably reopen those old wounds. Miners work every bit as hard as farmers, nobody denies that, but they have no say in who speaks for them. That's what the Orehills Rebellion was all about. Power, who has it, and who doesn't. The miners demanded that the yeofolk share their power. When the yeofolk refused to let their power be diluted and their traditions lost, it ultimately resulted in bloodshed.		If the Assembly chooses to pass a [[writ of consecration]] for Rebellion's Ridge, then it would inevitably reopen those old wounds. Miners work every bit as hard as farmers, nobody denies that, but they have no say in who speaks for them. That's what the Orehills Rebellion was all about. Power, who has it, and who doesn't. The miners demanded that the yeofolk share their power. When the yeofolk refused to let their power be diluted and their traditions lost, it ultimately resulted in bloodshed.

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	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Assembly Pride.png\|align=right\|width=200}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Assembly Pride.png\|align=right\|width=200}}
	</div>		</div>

	==Loyalty and Heresy==		==Loyalty and Heresy==
	{{SOP\|statement=The scars of Whittle run deep. A people massacred due to zealotry. The Marchers know too well the risks of following your traditions. While the Marchers have no intent of undermining the Synod’s spiritual authority, the fact of the matter remains; A Marcher, A Marcher. Should the Synod proscribe the beliefs of the Marcher Orcs as heretical, the Marches as a whole will defend their neighbours as they would any other Marcher unduly persecuted. To echo the words of the First Empress: “You will take all of us, or none of us.” The Synod may make it’s choice.\|by=Statement of Principle, Brother Luke, Marcher Assembly\|vote=Greater Majority 146-50\|when=Winter Solstice 388YE\|size=small}}		{{SOP\|statement=The scars of Whittle run deep. A people massacred due to zealotry. The Marchers know too well the risks of following your traditions. While the Marchers have no intent of undermining the Synod’s spiritual authority, the fact of the matter remains; A Marcher, A Marcher. Should the Synod proscribe the beliefs of the Marcher Orcs as heretical, the Marches as a whole will defend their neighbours as they would any other Marcher unduly persecuted. To echo the words of the First Empress: “You will take all of us, or none of us.” The Synod may make it’s choice.\|by=Statement of Principle, Brother Luke, Marcher Assembly\|vote=Greater Majority 146-50\|when=Winter Solstice 388YE\|size=small}}

Rafferty: /* Fear the Unknown */

2026-07-21T17:16:07Z

Fear the Unknown

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	The other possibility lies with [[archmage#plenipotenatiry\|plenipotentiary]] either from an [[archmage]] or given Autumn is coming up, from the [[Stone Smith]]. The challenge would be working out which [[eternal]] to ask about the orcs of Fjorknae and the ships in the Gullet. In the past, the [[Archmage of Night]] might have been able to invoke the [[Lashonar#Caucus_Forum\|Caucus Forum]] to arrange a meeting with someone from the island, but that option is [[Monarchs_and_outcasts#Closed_Caucus_(Lashonar)\|no longer available]]. Any other eternal will want something of value in exchange for their aid, assuming they have any to offer in the first place.		The other possibility lies with [[archmage#plenipotenatiry\|plenipotentiary]] either from an [[archmage]] or given Autumn is coming up, from the [[Stone Smith]]. The challenge would be working out which [[eternal]] to ask about the orcs of Fjorknae and the ships in the Gullet. In the past, the [[Archmage of Night]] might have been able to invoke the [[Lashonar#Caucus_Forum\|Caucus Forum]] to arrange a meeting with someone from the island, but that option is [[Monarchs_and_outcasts#Closed_Caucus_(Lashonar)\|no longer available]]. Any other eternal will want something of value in exchange for their aid, assuming they have any to offer in the first place.
	<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=~~Bregasland Region Map~~.png\|caption=~~Regions~~ of Bregasland.\|align=right\|width=400}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Haunted Fen.png\|caption=Some regions of Bregasland are spookier than others.\|align=right\|width=400}}</div>

	==Bregasland==		==Bregasland==
	* '''The Jotun remain in Bregasland		* '''The Jotun remain in Bregasland

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	[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]]		[[Category:388YE Summer]][[Category:Winds of Fortune]]
	<ic>"So William ~~Guidenstern~~'s a folk hero now. Like Tom Drake and Jonah Gold and what have you."		<ic>"So William Guildenstern's a folk hero now. Like Tom Drake and Jonah Gold and what have you."

	Pike stared at his rod but it obstinately refused to move. He'd readily agreed to come with Bridge for the day but he was starting to regret that decision. Bridget Fisher had three fat yellow perch in her basket while his looked like he'd spent the morning straightening daisies. It was always the same when the two went fishing, but it was still grating on him. "Says Who?" he demanded tersely.		Pike stared at his rod but it obstinately refused to move. He'd readily agreed to come with Bridge for the day but he was starting to regret that decision. Bridget Fisher had three fat yellow perch in her basket while his looked like he'd spent the morning straightening daisies. It was always the same when the two went fishing, but it was still grating on him. "Says Who?" he demanded tersely.
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	The [[Military Council]] doubled down, with the [[Drakes]] (of course) at the forefront, supported by the [[Autumn Hammers]], the [[Bloodcloaks]], the [[Green Shield]], the [[Valiant Pegasus]], and the [[Golden Sun]]. More than ten thousand force of strength joined the Drakes, who also marched with the sungold banners of the [[Knights of Glory]] at their side, as did the Green Shield. With the [[fortification#garrison\|garrison]] of [[Mitwold#Forte Fidelis\|Forte Fidelis]] and the [[beater\|beaters]] of [[the Marches]] beside them, they enacted a split strategy. While the Autumn Hammers and the Bloodcloaks took a defensive stance, the remaining four armies thrust into the heart of the Jotun held territory, seeking to force them back and reclaim the city of Meade and Odd's End.		The [[Military Council]] doubled down, with the [[Drakes]] (of course) at the forefront, supported by the [[Autumn Hammers]], the [[Bloodcloaks]], the [[Green Shield]], the [[Valiant Pegasus]], and the [[Golden Sun]]. More than ten thousand force of strength joined the Drakes, who also marched with the sungold banners of the [[Knights of Glory]] at their side, as did the Green Shield. With the [[fortification#garrison\|garrison]] of [[Mitwold#Forte Fidelis\|Forte Fidelis]] and the [[beater\|beaters]] of [[the Marches]] beside them, they enacted a split strategy. While the Autumn Hammers and the Bloodcloaks took a defensive stance, the remaining four armies thrust into the heart of the Jotun held territory, seeking to force them back and reclaim the city of Meade and Odd's End.

	They discovered the Lasambrian Jotun in full retreat. They had already abandoned their defence of Meade, and forced-marched westward back into Bregasland. From there, they swiftly withdrew south into [[Liathaven]] and there Imperial scouts lost track of them. The folk of the Marches might characterise their withdrawal as a cowardly rout, claiming they fled with their tails between their legs, but this is far from the truth. ''Abott Matilda'' of [[Old_ways#The_Ambition_of_Margaret_of_Meade\|Becktunn ~~Monastary~~]] told a different story. It was, she said, not as if the Lasambrians were running ''from'' something, but as if they were desperately running ''toward'' something. The most logical assumption is that news of the Iron Confederacy invasion of Reinos had reached them and they were returning to protect their homes.		They discovered the Lasambrian Jotun in full retreat. They had already abandoned their defence of Meade, and forced-marched westward back into Bregasland. From there, they swiftly withdrew south into [[Liathaven]] and there Imperial scouts lost track of them. The folk of the Marches might characterise their withdrawal as a cowardly rout, claiming they fled with their tails between their legs, but this is far from the truth. ''Abott Matilda'' of [[Old_ways#The_Ambition_of_Margaret_of_Meade\|Becktunn Monastery]] told a different story. It was, she said, not as if the Lasambrians were running ''from'' something, but as if they were desperately running ''toward'' something. The most logical assumption is that news of the Iron Confederacy invasion of Reinos had reached them and they were returning to protect their homes.

	Not every Jotun fled; some warbands stayed behind intentionally to seek out "a ruck" as the Marchers put it. Others were a little slow to get back across the borders with their ill-gotten loot. Yet the victory of the Empire was bought with a few skirmishes, rather than anything approaching a full-scale battle. On the one hand, few lives lost. A victory is a victory for the Marchers, land is land after-all - but some of their allies grumble that a triumph because the other side ran away is hardly heroic or glorious.		Not every Jotun fled; some warbands stayed behind intentionally to seek out "a ruck" as the Marchers put it. Others were a little slow to get back across the borders with their ill-gotten loot. Yet the victory of the Empire was bought with a few skirmishes, rather than anything approaching a full-scale battle. On the one hand, few lives lost. A victory is a victory for the Marchers, land is land after-all - but some of their allies grumble that a triumph because the other side ran away is hardly heroic or glorious.
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	What's unfortunate is that what it has left in its wake are a large number of [[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Objective:_Dismiss_the_Grey_Walkers\|Grey Walkers]]. Shadow figures, clearly Marchers, wearing garb common in the fens hundreds of year ago, are draped in the tatters of funeral bindings. They slowly and silently seek out "trespassers" and drive them away. Hitting them with weapons causes them to dissipate... but a few minutes later they simple coalesce again a short distance away. They can be [[exorcism\|exorcised]] individually, but there are a ''lot'' of them. Worse, some of them are clad for battle, deliver potent [[curse\|curses]], and are much harder to deal with than the "lesser" spirits.		What's unfortunate is that what it has left in its wake are a large number of [[Old_blue_banners_dancing#Objective:_Dismiss_the_Grey_Walkers\|Grey Walkers]]. Shadow figures, clearly Marchers, wearing garb common in the fens hundreds of year ago, are draped in the tatters of funeral bindings. They slowly and silently seek out "trespassers" and drive them away. Hitting them with weapons causes them to dissipate... but a few minutes later they simple coalesce again a short distance away. They can be [[exorcism\|exorcised]] individually, but there are a ''lot'' of them. Worse, some of them are clad for battle, deliver potent [[curse\|curses]], and are much harder to deal with than the "lesser" spirits.

	The good news is that right now, they are causing serious issues for the Jotun in [[Bregasland#Grey Fen\|Grey Fen]]. The entire region has become [[Region_qualities#Haunted\|haunted]] as the Grey Walkers have spread. The Jotun are no stranger to ghosts, but the ability of their warriors and ''~~godhi~~'' to deal with them is significantly lower than that of the Empire. The Grey Walkers are treating the orcs as intruders and trespassers, and slowly eroding the barbarian's control over the entire region. They don't seem to be extending beyond the Grey Fens themselves, at least, but that covers a very large area of marsh. There are Marcher households there, and they are likewise reporting harassment by these spectral creatures. True to form, the Jotun are actively ''protecting'' the households - just as they would any other thralls - but it's clear that they're struggling to keep a firm grasp on the Fens.		The good news is that right now, they are causing serious issues for the Jotun in [[Bregasland#Grey Fen\|Grey Fen]]. The entire region has become [[Region_qualities#Haunted\|haunted]] as the Grey Walkers have spread. The Jotun are no stranger to ghosts, but the ability of their warriors and ''ghodi'' to deal with them is significantly lower than that of the Empire. The Grey Walkers are treating the orcs as intruders and trespassers, and slowly eroding the barbarian's control over the entire region. They don't seem to be extending beyond the Grey Fens themselves, at least, but that covers a very large area of marsh. There are Marcher households there, and they are likewise reporting harassment by these spectral creatures. True to form, the Jotun are actively ''protecting'' the households - just as they would any other thralls - but it's clear that they're struggling to keep a firm grasp on the Fens.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=trilithon.png\|align=right\|width=250}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=trilithon.png\|align=right\|width=250}}
	===Get Off My Fen===		===Get Off My Fen===
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	Now, [[Mournwold#Rebellion's_Ridge\|Rebellion's Ridge]] stands completed. The finishing touches have been made, and the [[congregation\|congregations]] of the Mourn will receive their first doses of [[liao]] at the Autumn Equinox. But what next? During the Autumn Equinox 387YE, the Marcher Assembly voted to uphold a [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_98\|judgement]] raised by '''Jedediah Boon''' which drew attention to the plight of the miners of the Mourn.		Now, [[Mournwold#Rebellion's_Ridge\|Rebellion's Ridge]] stands completed. The finishing touches have been made, and the [[congregation\|congregations]] of the Mourn will receive their first doses of [[liao]] at the Autumn Equinox. But what next? During the Autumn Equinox 387YE, the Marcher Assembly voted to uphold a [[387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_98\|judgement]] raised by '''Jedediah Boon''' which drew attention to the plight of the miners of the Mourn.
	<div {{float}}>{{CaptionedImage\|file=The Versatile Pickaxe.jpg\|align=left\|caption=Resentment between miners and farmers in Mournwold had been simmering for almost three centuries, until it finally kicked off in 326YE.\|width=500}}</div>		<div {{float}}>{{CaptionedImage\|file=The Versatile Pickaxe.jpg\|align=left\|caption=Resentment between miners and farmers in Mournwold had been simmering for almost three centuries, until it finally kicked off in 326YE.\|width=500}}</div>
	If the Assembly chooses to pass a [[writ of consecration]] for Rebellion's Ridge, then it would inevitably reopen those old wounds. Miners work every bit as hard as farmers, nobody denies that, but they have no say in who speaks for them. That's what the ~~Orehills~~ Rebellion was all about. Power, who has it, and who doesn't. The miners demanded that the yeofolk share their power. When the yeofolk refused to let their power be diluted and their traditions lost, it ultimately resulted in bloodshed.		If the Assembly chooses to pass a [[writ of consecration]] for Rebellion's Ridge, then it would inevitably reopen those old wounds. Miners work every bit as hard as farmers, nobody denies that, but they have no say in who speaks for them. That's what the Ore Hills Rebellion was all about. Power, who has it, and who doesn't. The miners demanded that the yeofolk share their power. When the yeofolk refused to let their power be diluted and their traditions lost, it ultimately resulted in bloodshed.

	Folks are full of fond memories for the Rebellion now, but it was the most bitter fight imaginable at the time. Any move to consecrate Rebellion's Ridge will force the Mournwold to reckon with that struggle. You simply cannot draw inspiration from a bunch of Marchers who died fighting for something they believed in, without making everyone ask ''what were they fighting for?''. It'll fire up every single mine owner in the Mournwold with fresh demands for a change in how the the territory appoints its senator. And it won't just be the yeofolk who are worried - it'll make every Marcher who thinks traditions are important, worried about where all this is going.		Folks are full of fond memories for the Rebellion now, but it was the most bitter fight imaginable at the time. Any move to consecrate Rebellion's Ridge will force the Mournwold to reckon with that struggle. You simply cannot draw inspiration from a bunch of Marchers who died fighting for something they believed in, without making everyone ask ''what were they fighting for?''. It'll fire up every single mine owner in the Mournwold with fresh demands for a change in how the the territory appoints its senator. And it won't just be the yeofolk who are worried - it'll make every Marcher who thinks traditions are important, worried about where all this is going.
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	===Pragmatism===		===Pragmatism===
	* '''Some Mournwold priests have proposed a "solution" to the problem		* '''Some Mournwold priests have proposed a "solution" to the problem
	So far only one positive proposal has come out, and that's from the Marcher Orc spiritual leader and a couple of his old friends among the priests of the Mournwold. He proposes that while the Synod determines what is a crime, it's the Senate and the magistrates who decide what the punishment is. There are basically two punishments - death and fines. "So fine us," say the Mournwold priests. "Fine the orcs for their heretical beliefs. How about 5 ~~Thrones~~ a season that the Marcher Orcs continue to believe in reincarnation, and then maybe we can all get back on with sorting the harvest?" Obviously this is an outrage and the magistrates will do their nut. But a Senate motion to this effect would see 5 ~~Thrones~~ a season into the Imperial treasury, and its likely the Marcher Orcs might go higher if they had to especially if their human neighbours pitched in.		So far only one positive proposal has come out, and that's from the Marcher Orc spiritual leader and a couple of his old friends among the priests of the Mournwold. He proposes that while the Synod determines what is a crime, it's the Senate and the magistrates who decide what the punishment is. There are basically two punishments - death and fines. "So fine us," say the Mournwold priests. "Fine the orcs for their heretical beliefs. How about 5 thrones a season that the Marcher Orcs continue to believe in reincarnation, and then maybe we can all get back on with sorting the harvest?" Obviously this is an outrage and the magistrates will do their nut. But a Senate motion to this effect would see 5 thrones a season into the Imperial treasury, and its likely the Marcher Orcs might go higher if they had to especially if their human neighbours pitched in.

	While this proposal seem ludicrous, it does highlight at least one potential avenue to try and deal with the problem represented by tens of thousands of Marchers that the Synod seem to deem to be heretics. Ultimately, the Synod does not operate in isolation within the Empire. Nobody is suggesting that the Senate alone can solve this problem, but at the end of the day it is the Senate that has the power to define the laws, and guide the magistrates as to the punishments that arise when those laws are broken. Perhaps some compromise can be reached?		While this proposal seem ludicrous, it does highlight at least one potential avenue to try and deal with the problem represented by tens of thousands of Marchers that the Synod seem to deem to be heretics. Ultimately, the Synod does not operate in isolation within the Empire. Nobody is suggesting that the Senate alone can solve this problem, but at the end of the day it is the Senate that has the power to define the laws, and guide the magistrates as to the punishments that arise when those laws are broken. Perhaps some compromise can be reached?

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	The [[alder\|alders]] of Meade don't come out and say it, but this is a great opportunity for the general of the Drakes to make a mark in history. Assessing the damage to the walls, it will require 16 wains of white granite to repair them; yet the alders also suggest that it is about time that someone built a proper statue commemorating the Drakes in Meade, or more specifically its founder Tom Drake. Nothing too extravagant - 9 wains ought to be enough to make a nice sculpture you could take the kiddies to see. The repairs and the statue represent a single [[commission]] that costs 25 white granite, and 75 crowns in labour, and would take three months to complete.		The [[alder\|alders]] of Meade don't come out and say it, but this is a great opportunity for the general of the Drakes to make a mark in history. Assessing the damage to the walls, it will require 16 wains of white granite to repair them; yet the alders also suggest that it is about time that someone built a proper statue commemorating the Drakes in Meade, or more specifically its founder Tom Drake. Nothing too extravagant - 9 wains ought to be enough to make a nice sculpture you could take the kiddies to see. The repairs and the statue represent a single [[commission]] that costs 25 white granite, and 75 crowns in labour, and would take three months to complete.

	Despite the amount of white granite, the commission ''could'' be overseen by the [[Mistress of Monuments]], '''Ada Droon Drifting Bough'''. The actual statue of Tom Drake is the heart of the ~~commision~~, the repairs to the city are vital but easily done once the materials are on hand. If the Mistress were to commission the repairs and the statue, the grateful folk of Meade would provide all the labour needed for the entire project - removing the requirement to provide any crowns.		Despite the amount of white granite, the commission ''could'' be overseen by the [[Mistress of Monuments]], '''Ada Droon Drifting Bough'''. The actual statue of Tom Drake is the heart of the commission, the repairs to the city are vital but easily done once the materials are on hand. If the Mistress were to commission the repairs and the statue, the grateful folk of Meade would provide all the labour needed for the entire project - removing the requirement to provide any crowns.

	Once the statue and repairs were complete, it would also stand as a monument to the Pride and Loyalty the people of the Marches feel towards their armies. As long as the statue stood, and remained in Imperial hands, the ''Drum Up Support'' order available to the Drakes would be significantly enhanced, providing a total of 500 natural resupply whenever they took the order in Marcher territory.		Once the statue and repairs were complete, it would also stand as a monument to the Pride and Loyalty the people of the Marches feel towards their armies. As long as the statue stood, and remained in Imperial hands, the ''Drum Up Support'' order available to the Drakes would be significantly enhanced, providing a total of 500 natural resupply whenever they took the order in Marcher territory.
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	* '''Recent revelations regarding Tom Drake incline the folk of the Marches to view the state bodies of the Empire with skepticism		* '''Recent revelations regarding Tom Drake incline the folk of the Marches to view the state bodies of the Empire with skepticism
	* '''Inspired by Pride and Loyalty, the human Marchers will defend the orc Marchers		* '''Inspired by Pride and Loyalty, the human Marchers will defend the orc Marchers
	The Marchers as a whole have no patience for people who give themselves airs and graces, but they take a quiet Pride in a number of folk from [[The Marches history\|history]]. Among those they are proudest of is [[Life of Tom Drake\|Tom Drake]], the original general of the Drakes who helped put the Military Council together. Recently, the [[Lepidean Librarian]] undertook an examination of [[Life of Tom Drake\|Tom's life]], and the truths contained within were [[Life_of_Tom_Drake#Unacceptable_History\|at odds]] with the popular historical version. Tom Drake fought ''against'' Brigit of Dourfell, and led the rebels. He ~~may be~~ recognised as an exemplar of [[~~Pride~~]], ~~but he showed unwavering [[Loyalty]]~~ to those who deserved it, to the Marches, and to its people.		The Marchers as a whole have no patience for people who give themselves airs and graces, but they take a quiet Pride in a number of folk from [[The Marches history\|history]]. Among those they are proudest of is [[Life of Tom Drake\|Tom Drake]], the original general of the Drakes who helped put the Military Council together. Recently, the [[Lepidean Librarian]] undertook an examination of [[Life of Tom Drake\|Tom's life]], and the truths contained within were [[Life_of_Tom_Drake#Unacceptable_History\|at odds]] with the popular historical version. Tom Drake fought ''against'' Brigit of Dourfell, and led the rebels. He was rightly recognised as an exemplar of [[Loyalty]], always willing to show it to those who deserved it, to the Marches, and to its people.

	It's been quiet, but these historical revelations have spread quietly across the Marches and increased Marcher skepticism of what some see as "Imperial excesses". It's nothing like as dramatic as the problems in [[Bregasland]] in the wake of the Fishers - but there is a quiet, grass-roots belief that the Marcher dislike of people putting themselves above their peers extends to ''everyone''. Including, arguably, the Senate and the Synod. When push comes to shove, they ask themselves what Tom Drake would do, and the answer is usually some variation of "stand up and be counted", "be Proud and Loyal", and "tell the Empire to go... take itself away... if it comes to it."		It's been quiet, but these historical revelations have spread quietly across the Marches and increased Marcher skepticism of what some see as "Imperial excesses". It's nothing like as dramatic as the problems in [[Bregasland]] in the wake of the Fishers - but there is a quiet, grass-roots belief that the Marcher dislike of people putting themselves above their peers extends to ''everyone''. Including, arguably, the Senate and the Synod. When push comes to shove, they ask themselves what Tom Drake would do, and the answer is usually some variation of "stand up and be counted", "be Proud and Loyal", and "tell the Empire to go... take itself away... if it comes to it."
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	===What This Means===		===What This Means===
	* '''The Empire risks a second Cousin's War if they persecute the Marcher Orcs for their beliefs		* '''The Empire risks a second Cousin's War if they persecute the Marcher Orcs for their beliefs
	With these two key factors in mind, the only predictable outcome is that Marchers will defend their orc citizens against the Synod, the magistrates, or Imperial armies. What form this will take is not clear, it will depend on exactly what is tried. There are tens of thousands of Marcher orcs. Their willingness to pitch in, the fact they are never slow to contribute when there's a big project on, and their sheer ''enthusiasm'' for the Marches has won them a lot of friends even before the priests of the Marches spoke of the Pride of having them among their number. Then there's the lessons of Tom Drake, exemplar of ~~Pride~~, who would ''never'' stand by and let the Empire declare war on his neighbours (or at least that's the current feeling).		With these two key factors in mind, the only predictable outcome is that Marchers will defend their orc citizens against the Synod, the magistrates, or Imperial armies. What form this will take is not clear, it will depend on exactly what is tried. There are tens of thousands of Marcher orcs. Their willingness to pitch in, the fact they are never slow to contribute when there's a big project on, and their sheer ''enthusiasm'' for the Marches has won them a lot of friends even before the priests of the Marches spoke of the Pride of having them among their number. Then there's the lessons of Tom Drake, exemplar of Loyalty, who would ''never'' stand by and let the Empire declare war on his neighbours (or at least that's the current feeling).

	This is obviously a problem. For an Imperial nation to reject the rule of law in this fashion - the Synod has the power to declare something heresy, which is a crime. The magistrates are expected to deal with criminals under the law.		This is obviously a problem. For an Imperial nation to reject the rule of law in this fashion - the Synod has the power to declare something heresy, which is a crime. The magistrates are expected to deal with criminals under the law.