The Oran operation - Revision history

Hailmur: /* Fair Prices */

2026-07-07T17:51:21Z

Fair Prices

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:51, 7 July 2026
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	* '''The labour costs for the bridge are very low thanks to the impoverished quality of Feroz		* '''The labour costs for the bridge are very low thanks to the impoverished quality of Feroz
	* '''The commission may instruct the civil service to pay higher wages to the labourers recruited		* '''The commission may instruct the civil service to pay higher wages to the labourers recruited
	At the moment, the impoverished nature of Feroz means that any commission built in, or partly in, the territory benefits from significantly reduced labour costs. People in Feroz are poor and desperate enough to work for a fraction of what citizens elsewhere might demand for their labour. ~~There~~ are some who question the [[Prosperity]] of the situation ~~however~~. Constructing caissons is dangerous, back-breaking work, after all. Is it right for the wealthy citizens of Anvil to take advantage of the people of Feroz by paying less than the work is normally worth?		At the moment, the impoverished nature of Feroz means that any commission built in, or partly in, the territory benefits from significantly reduced labour costs. People in Feroz are poor and desperate enough to work for a fraction of what citizens elsewhere might demand for their labour. Perhaps inspired by the [[386YE_Winter_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_80\|judgement]] from '''Vivane Knotes''' during the Winter Solstice 386YE, there are some who question the [[Prosperity]] of the situation. Constructing caissons is dangerous, back-breaking work, after all. Is it right for the wealthy citizens of Anvil to take advantage of the people of Feroz by paying less than the work is normally worth?

	There is nothing to stop whoever commissions the bridge from stipulating that everyone employed receive the standard payment for working on the bridge. If this were done, the labour costs for the bridge would be increased from 96 crowns to 288 crowns. This increase would not have any game effect, but it would at least send a clear message to the Freeborn, and to [[Prosperity\|prosperous]] folk across the Empire, that the construction was not taking advantage of the reduced circumstances of those living in Feroz.		There is nothing to stop whoever commissions the bridge from stipulating that everyone employed receive the standard payment for working on the bridge. If this were done, the labour costs for the bridge would be increased from 96 crowns to 288 crowns. This increase would not have any game effect, but it would at least send a clear message to the Freeborn, and to [[Prosperity\|prosperous]] folk across the Empire, that the construction was not taking advantage of the reduced circumstances of those living in Feroz.

Hailmur: /* Mother of Invention */

2026-07-07T17:42:07Z

Mother of Invention

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:42, 7 July 2026
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	* '''With Senate permission they can salvage the Salt Guard or the Temple of Balo and the Black Bull to reduce the costs of the bridge project		* '''With Senate permission they can salvage the Salt Guard or the Temple of Balo and the Black Bull to reduce the costs of the bridge project
	<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Crab-traced-2.png\|align=right\|caption=The disciplined "former" Grendel engineers are adept at scavenging and salvaging the materials they need to support their work.\|width=350}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Crab-traced-2.png\|align=right\|caption=The disciplined "former" Grendel engineers are adept at scavenging and salvaging the materials they need to support their work.\|width=350}}</div>
	The project will require 50 wains of white granite, 15 wains of mithril, and 15 wains of weirwood. Normally the labour costs would be significant - especially given one end of the bridge [[Commission#Marshes\|terminates in a marsh]], but there is no shortage of cheap labour in [[Region_qualities#Impoverished\|impoverished]] Feroz. As such, the final cost of the project would be a mere 96 crowns even taking into account the difficulties of working with marshland. Work would take six months to complete.		The project will require 50 wains of white granite, 15 wains of mithril, and 15 wains of weirwood. Normally, the labour costs would be significant - especially given one end of the bridge [[Commission#Marshes\|terminates in a marsh]], but there is no shortage of cheap labour in [[Region_qualities#Impoverished\|impoverished]] Feroz. As such, the final cost of the project would be a mere 96 crowns, even taking into account the difficulties of working with marshland. Work would take six months to complete.

	Once the bridge was completed, it would once again be possible to move armies directly from [[Madruga#Siroc Bayou\|Siroc Bayou]] to [[Feroz#Oranseri\|Oranseri]]. The position the Protectorate engineers have assessed incorporates the remnants of the white granite road that once ran along the northern banks of the Scorrero into Segura. This means the bridge also restores connections vital to overland trade between Feroz and Madruga and by extension between the Iron Confederacy and the Empire. This would be a major boon to the paradors and other businesses in the town of Oran, allowing them to reclaim at least a fragment of their former glory, removing the [[Region_qualities#Impoverished\|impoverished]] quality from Oranseri.		Once the bridge was completed, it would once again be possible to move armies directly from [[Madruga#Siroc Bayou\|Siroc Bayou]] to [[Feroz#Oranseri\|Oranseri]]. The position the Protectorate engineers have assessed incorporates the remnants of the white granite road that once ran along the northern banks of the Scorrero into Segura. This means the bridge also restores connections vital to overland trade between Feroz and Madruga and by extension between the Iron Confederacy and the Empire. This would be a major boon to the paradors and other businesses in the town of Oran, allowing them to reclaim at least a fragment of their former glory, removing the [[Region_qualities#Impoverished\|impoverished]] quality from Oranseri.

	Another positive is that the roads of Feroz are still relatively intact. Even Rahab wasn't stupid and greedy enough to destroy the arteries that allowed his soldiers - and the wealth of the Brass Coast - to flow across the territory. Thanks to the road running between Oran and [[Segura#Cerevado\|Cerevado]], once Imperial merchants were able to cross from Madruga to Feroz freely it would reconnect the [[Segura#Sunset_Roads\|Sunset Roads]], restoring to Segura the prosperity that was lost when the Scorrero broke its banks. Unfortunately they won't help Feroz - at least not at the moment - given the impoverished and [[Region_qualities#Abandoned\|abandoned]] state of the territory.		Another positive is that the roads of Feroz are still relatively intact. Even Rahab wasn't stupid and greedy enough to destroy the arteries that allowed his soldiers - and the wealth of the Brass Coast - to flow across the territory. Thanks to the road running between Oran and [[Segura#Cerevado\|Cerevado]], once Imperial merchants were able to cross from Madruga to Feroz freely it would reconnect the [[Segura#Sunset_Roads\|Sunset Roads]], restoring to Segura the prosperity that was lost when the Scorrero broke its banks. Unfortunately, they won't help Feroz - at least not at the moment - given the impoverished and [[Region_qualities#Abandoned\|abandoned]] state of the territory.

	Lutomysla also believes it could be a potent symbol of Feroz's reconnection to the wider Empire, literally and metaphorically building bridges between the south-western Empire and the heartlands. There is still some way to go before Feroz recovers anything like its former prosperity, but along with the recently completed [[Send_for_me#Wharfage_of_Oran\|Wharfage of Oran]], it represents progress toward recovering from the ruin left by Governor Rahab.		Lutomysla also believes it could be a potent symbol of Feroz's reconnection to the wider Empire, literally and metaphorically building bridges between the south-western Empire and the heartlands. There is still some way to go before Feroz recovers anything like its former prosperity, but along with the recently completed [[Send_for_me#Wharfage_of_Oran\|Wharfage of Oran]], it represents progress toward recovering from the ruin left by Governor Rahab.

	The sheer cost of the project appears daunting but the Protectorate engineers have a pragmatic proposal. As former Grendel soldiers, they are adept at scavenging and repurposing materials to meet their strategic goals. Lutomysla reports that there is a degree of bitterness from the orcs - although they try to hide it - when they speak of this need for salvage. Reading between the lines, and asking some carefully probing questions, it appears that units such as Commander Gallum's are constantly underfunded and undersupplied by the Salt Lords. Most of the [[army\|armies]] of the Broken Shore are supported by their septs; those that are not have to skimp and save. It seems that there is significant rivalry between "professional" soldiers such as Gallum, and the naval officers who receive the lion's share of the support from the Salt Lords. Necessity being the mother of invention, it has given the engineers of the Protectorate a keen eye for opportunities to repurpose existing materials.		The sheer cost of the project appears daunting, but the Protectorate engineers have a pragmatic proposal. As former Grendel soldiers, they are adept at scavenging and repurposing materials to meet their strategic goals. Lutomysla reports that there is a degree of bitterness from the orcs - although they try to hide it - when they speak of this need for salvage. Reading between the lines and asking some carefully probing questions, it appears that units such as Commander Gallum's are constantly underfunded and undersupplied by the Salt Lords. Most of the [[army\|armies]] of the Broken Shore are supported by their septs; those that are not have to skimp and save. It seems that there is significant rivalry between "professional" soldiers such as Gallum and the naval officers who receive the lion's share of the support from the Salt Lords. Necessity being the mother of invention, it has given the engineers of the Protectorate a keen eye for opportunities to repurpose existing materials.
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''<big>Salvage</big>'''		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box>'''<big>Salvage</big>'''
	<p>Under normal circumstances it is not possible to recover the materials used in a commission. Only an [[opportunity]] can allow such a thing. In this case, as part of the [[appraisal]] the expertise of the Protectorate engineers has identified just such an opportunity. If the Empire no longer has diplomatic ties with the Protectorate, the salvage opportunity is not available.</p>		<p>Under normal circumstances, it is not possible to recover the materials used in a commission. Only an [[opportunity]] can allow such a thing. In this case, as part of the [[appraisal]], the expertise of the Protectorate engineers has identified just such an opportunity. If the Empire no longer has diplomatic ties with the Protectorate, the salvage opportunity is not available.</p>

	Any opportunity is unique and cannot be easily altered. This opportunity only applies to the construction of the bridge across the Bay of Oran - the wains represent materials scavenged specifically for that project. The Senate could ''not'' simply instruct that these buildings be salvaged to recover some of the wains spent to build them. This opportunity does not provide a way for the Empire to reclaim materials used on any other commission for any other reason outside of a plot opportunity that specifically offers that potential.</box></div>		Any opportunity is unique and cannot be easily altered. This opportunity only applies to the construction of the bridge across the Bay of Oran - the wains represent materials scavenged specifically for that project. The Senate could ''not'' simply instruct that these buildings be salvaged to recover some of the wains spent to build them. This opportunity does not provide a way for the Empire to reclaim materials used on any other commission for any other reason outside of a plot opportunity that specifically offers that potential.</box></div>

Hailmur: /* Mother of Invention */

2026-07-07T15:53:29Z

Mother of Invention

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:53, 7 July 2026
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	<tr><td>'''Special:'''		<tr><td>'''Special:'''
	* Senate can permit Protectorate engineers to salvage the Salt Guard increasing labour costs by 80 crowns but reducing white granite required by 15		* Senate can permit Protectorate engineers to salvage the Salt Guard increasing labour costs by 80 crowns but reducing white granite required by 15
	* Senate can permit Protectorate engineers to salvage the Asavean Temple in Oran increasing labour costs by 40 crowns but reducing mithril and weirwood required by 5 each		* Senate can permit Protectorate engineers to salvage the Asavean Temple in Oran increasing labour costs by 45 crowns but reducing mithril and weirwood required by 5 each
	* The labour costs may be voluntarily increased from 96 crowns to 288 crowns, ensuring everyone working on the project receives the standard wage for doing so		* The labour costs may be voluntarily increased from 96 crowns to 288 crowns, ensuring everyone working on the project receives the standard wage for doing so
	</td></tr>		</td></tr>

Thespaceinvader: /* Taking a Toll */

2026-07-05T22:31:50Z

Taking a Toll

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:31, 5 July 2026
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	<tr><td>'''Type:''' Freeborn</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Type:''' Freeborn</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Tally of the Votes</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 10 ~~crown~~ each season </td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 10 crowns each season </td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Maintain and defend the Oran Bridge</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Maintain and defend the Oran Bridge</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Special:'''		<tr><td>'''Special:'''
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	The final element the Protectorate includes in its proposal is included as a matter of course - provision for the tollkeepers to live near and control access to the bridge. The engineers are actually surprised when Lutomysla points out that this is not standard practice for Imperial commissions; apparently almost nothing big gets built on the Broken Shore unless someone, somewhere sees an opportunity to increase their wealth, prestige, or influence. The engineers just assumed the Empire would appoint someone to maintain the bridge - and gouge a healthy income from those who need to pay to use it. After all, anyone who doesn't want to pay to use the only bridge connecting Feroz and Madruga could still take the long-way-round to Segura or hire a boat to ferry them across.		The final element the Protectorate includes in its proposal is included as a matter of course - provision for the tollkeepers to live near and control access to the bridge. The engineers are actually surprised when Lutomysla points out that this is not standard practice for Imperial commissions; apparently almost nothing big gets built on the Broken Shore unless someone, somewhere sees an opportunity to increase their wealth, prestige, or influence. The engineers just assumed the Empire would appoint someone to maintain the bridge - and gouge a healthy income from those who need to pay to use it. After all, anyone who doesn't want to pay to use the only bridge connecting Feroz and Madruga could still take the long-way-round to Segura or hire a boat to ferry them across.

	This in itself, however, presents a reason ''not'' to incorporate the toll gates. The bridge has a greater symbolic meaning, building it would restore the direct connection between Feroz and the rest of the Brass Coast - it would make the nation whole again. Local merchants and travellers won't balk at paying to use the bridge, more than any other nation, the Freeborn are [[The_Brass_Coast_culture_and_customs#Hospitality\|accustomed to paying for things]]. However, a toll will inevitably mean less traffic on the bridge. Charging Freeborn citizens to move from Feroz to Madruga means that the two territories will remain ~~seperated~~ by the river and the tolls that are needed to pay to cross it. It won't have a measurable effect; but it will mean that the gap between Feroz and Madruga becomes a permanent divide.		This in itself, however, presents a reason ''not'' to incorporate the toll gates. The bridge has a greater symbolic meaning, building it would restore the direct connection between Feroz and the rest of the Brass Coast - it would make the nation whole again. Local merchants and travellers won't balk at paying to use the bridge, more than any other nation, the Freeborn are [[The_Brass_Coast_culture_and_customs#Hospitality\|accustomed to paying for things]]. However, a toll will inevitably mean less traffic on the bridge. Charging Freeborn citizens to move from Feroz to Madruga means that the two territories will remain separated by the river and the tolls that are needed to pay to cross it. It won't have a measurable effect; but it will mean that the gap between Feroz and Madruga becomes a permanent divide.

	After careful consideration Lutomysla leaves it in place. She points to the inspiration of the [[Spider's Tollkeep]] as one way an expensive bridge might be made a more appealing prospect. Whoever commissions the bridge may choose to stipulate that it will be a toll bridge, and create the title of ''Oran Tollkeep''. This would be a [[sinecure]] that receives a portion of the tolls collected from merchants passing over the bridge, and in return would be responsible for ensuring the bridge is maintained and protected when necessary. Lutomysla calculates that it would provide an initial income of 10 crowns each season, but if the ''impoverished'' qualities were removed from Morajasse, then it would increase the income by another 6 crowns a season.		After careful consideration Lutomysla leaves it in place. She points to the inspiration of the [[Spider's Tollkeep]] as one way an expensive bridge might be made a more appealing prospect. Whoever commissions the bridge may choose to stipulate that it will be a toll bridge, and create the title of ''Oran Tollkeep''. This would be a [[sinecure]] that receives a portion of the tolls collected from merchants passing over the bridge, and in return would be responsible for ensuring the bridge is maintained and protected when necessary. Lutomysla calculates that it would provide an initial income of 10 crowns each season, but if the ''impoverished'' qualities were removed from Morajasse, then it would increase the income by another 6 crowns a season.

Beeswax: /* Ruins and Salt */

2026-07-05T22:07:09Z

Ruins and Salt

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:07, 5 July 2026
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	{{Mandate\|mandate=Those who fell in the battle of Siroc rest still beneath the waters of the Bay of Oran. There is a chance for the ruined fortress to once more protect the Freeborn people, but we must ensure no disrespect is offered to the dead. We send (named priest) with 75 doses of liao to ensure that the salvage of the Salt Guard does not dishonour those who sacrificed everything to defend the Brass Coast.\|assembly=Freeborn National Assembly or Assembly of the Way}}		{{Mandate\|mandate=Those who fell in the battle of Siroc rest still beneath the waters of the Bay of Oran. There is a chance for the ruined fortress to once more protect the Freeborn people, but we must ensure no disrespect is offered to the dead. We send (named priest) with 75 doses of liao to ensure that the salvage of the Salt Guard does not dishonour those who sacrificed everything to defend the Brass Coast.\|assembly=Freeborn National Assembly or Assembly of the Way}}

	If this mandate is passed, then the salvage of the Salt Guard will proceed without incident. It must be passed and enacted at the Summer Solstice, as with any mandate, but even if the commission of the Oran Bridge is delayed it will still have full effect. If the named priest is the [[High Exorcist]]; the [[Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial]]; the [[Master of the School of Exorcism]]; '''Iñez i Azul-Mar i Erigo''', who was the only one to support the garrison when it ~~felt~~; or the former ''Justicar of Osseini'', '''Maria i Espiri i Guerra''', then the liao required for the mandate is reduced to 50. It is not common for a mandate to name someone who is not part of the assembly, but in each case, the title in question is empowered to deal with restless spirits and able to bring additional resources to bear on this problem. If the mandate is not enacted, then salvaging the Salt Guard will result in some ghostly troubles in the Bay of Oran.		If this mandate is passed, then the salvage of the Salt Guard will proceed without incident. It must be passed and enacted at the Summer Solstice, as with any mandate, but even if the commission of the Oran Bridge is delayed it will still have full effect. If the named priest is the [[High Exorcist]]; the [[Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial]]; the [[Master of the School of Exorcism]]; '''Iñez i Azul-Mar i Erigo''', who was the only one to support the garrison when it fell; or the former ''Justicar of Osseini'', '''Maria i Espiri i Guerra''', then the liao required for the mandate is reduced to 50. It is not common for a mandate to name someone who is not part of the assembly, but in each case, the title in question is empowered to deal with restless spirits and able to bring additional resources to bear on this problem. If the mandate is not enacted, then salvaging the Salt Guard will result in some ghostly troubles in the Bay of Oran.

	The mandate can be raised in either the Freeborn National Assembly or the Assembly of the Way, and both could be upheld and enacted. In this case, it will mean a very large number of exorcists, ghost-whisperers, and occultists will descend on the Bay of Oran.		The mandate can be raised in either the Freeborn National Assembly or the Assembly of the Way, and both could be upheld and enacted. In this case, it will mean a very large number of exorcists, ghost-whisperers, and occultists will descend on the Bay of Oran.

Hailmur at 21:58, 5 July 2026

2026-07-05T21:58:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:58, 5 July 2026
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	{{Mandate\|mandate=Those who fell in the battle of Siroc rest still beneath the waters of the Bay of Oran. There is a chance for the ruined fortress to once more protect the Freeborn people, but we must ensure no disrespect is offered to the dead. We send (named priest) with 75 doses of liao to ensure that the salvage of the Salt Guard does not dishonour those who sacrificed everything to defend the Brass Coast.\|assembly=Freeborn National Assembly or Assembly of the Way}}		{{Mandate\|mandate=Those who fell in the battle of Siroc rest still beneath the waters of the Bay of Oran. There is a chance for the ruined fortress to once more protect the Freeborn people, but we must ensure no disrespect is offered to the dead. We send (named priest) with 75 doses of liao to ensure that the salvage of the Salt Guard does not dishonour those who sacrificed everything to defend the Brass Coast.\|assembly=Freeborn National Assembly or Assembly of the Way}}

	If this mandate is passed, then the salvage of the Salt Guard will proceed without incident. It must be passed and enacted at the Summer Solstice, as with any mandate, but even if the commission of the Oran Bridge is delayed it will still have full effect. If the named priest is the [[High Exorcist]], the [[Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial]], the [[Master of the School of Exorcism]], or the former ''Justicar of Osseini'' '''Maria i Espiri i Guerra''', the liao required for the mandate is reduced to 50. It is not common for a mandate to name someone who is not part of the assembly, but in each case the title in question is empowered to deal with restless spirits and able to bring additional resources to bear on this problem. If the mandate is not enacted, then salvaging the Salt Guard will result in some ghostly troubles in the Bay of Oran.		If this mandate is passed, then the salvage of the Salt Guard will proceed without incident. It must be passed and enacted at the Summer Solstice, as with any mandate, but even if the commission of the Oran Bridge is delayed it will still have full effect. If the named priest is the [[High Exorcist]]; the [[Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial]]; the [[Master of the School of Exorcism]]; '''Iñez i Azul-Mar i Erigo''', who was the only one to support the garrison when it felt; or the former ''Justicar of Osseini'', '''Maria i Espiri i Guerra''', then the liao required for the mandate is reduced to 50. It is not common for a mandate to name someone who is not part of the assembly, but in each case, the title in question is empowered to deal with restless spirits and able to bring additional resources to bear on this problem. If the mandate is not enacted, then salvaging the Salt Guard will result in some ghostly troubles in the Bay of Oran.

	The mandate can be raised in either the Freeborn National Assembly or the Assembly of the Way, and both could be upheld and enacted. In this case, it will mean a very large number of exorcists, ghost-whisperers, and occultists will descend on the Bay of Oran.		The mandate can be raised in either the Freeborn National Assembly or the Assembly of the Way, and both could be upheld and enacted. In this case, it will mean a very large number of exorcists, ghost-whisperers, and occultists will descend on the Bay of Oran.
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	The design of the bridge is sturdy enough to weather storms or endure all but the most concerted attempt to damage it from hostile forces. With the aid of the eternal [[Adamant\|King Under the Mountain]] however, it would be possible to ensure the bridge stands despite anything wreckers might throw at it. The ''koboldi'' of the ''Stone Dragon'' could add their own expertise, and infuse portions of the structure with adamant. The eternal would need to be petitioned for their help ''before'' construction began, and doing so would fall to the [[Archmage of Summer]], but Lutomysla has no doubt that ''Shiraz on the Granite Throne'' would be amenable to assisting if requested as part of a formal [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary\|plenipotentiary]].		The design of the bridge is sturdy enough to weather storms or endure all but the most concerted attempt to damage it from hostile forces. With the aid of the eternal [[Adamant\|King Under the Mountain]] however, it would be possible to ensure the bridge stands despite anything wreckers might throw at it. The ''koboldi'' of the ''Stone Dragon'' could add their own expertise, and infuse portions of the structure with adamant. The eternal would need to be petitioned for their help ''before'' construction began, and doing so would fall to the [[Archmage of Summer]], but Lutomysla has no doubt that ''Shiraz on the Granite Throne'' would be amenable to assisting if requested as part of a formal [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary\|plenipotentiary]].

	~~<!--~~==Inkworks ~~and Fields~~==		==Inkworks==
	* '''The Inkworks of Joharra opportunity is available until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE		* '''The Inkworks of Joharra opportunity is available until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE
	* '''The opportunity to expand the fields of Bramar has been refreshed and is now available until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE'''		<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">
	Lutomysla's colleage, [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra\|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] has already reviewed the proposed [[The_circle_game#Inkworks_at_Joharra\|Inkworks at Joharra]] in her [[The circle game\|recent assessment]] of Imperial ministries. Lutomysla notes that if the Oran Bridge were built, and removed the impoverished quality from Oranseri, then there would still be value in building the Inkworks - instead of removing impoverished in conjunction with the bridge it would remove the ''abandoned'' quality from the region, bringing in a new wave of settlers. The same would be true if the commissions were completed in the other order - between them they would remove both qualities.		<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''Inkworks of Joharra'''</tr>
			<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Great Work</td></tr>
	<div ~~{{Float}}~~>		<tr><td>'''Location:''' Oranseri, Feroz</td></tr>
	<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''~~Golden Fields~~ of ~~Bramar~~'''</tr>		<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 60 white granite and 60 crowns</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' ~~None~~</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Location:''' ~~Fontargenta~~, Feroz</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Cost:''' ~~Requires the aid of the Breadbasket for two seasons~~</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Time:''' Six months</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''~~Effect~~:''' Removes the impoverished quality from ~~Fontargenta~~</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Start of Winter Solstice 388YE - or until another great work increases investment in businesses is commissioned in the territory</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''~~Availability~~:''' ~~One~~ year ~~- until~~ the ~~end~~ of the ~~Spring Equinox 389YE~~</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Effects:'''
			* Increases the level of investment of businesses in Feroz by one
			* Removes the impoverished quality from Oranseri
			* Increases the seasonal income of scriveners by 22 rings for a year
			* Creates the title of ''Scrivener of the Inkworks''</td></tr>
			<tr><td>'''Special:''' Removes the abandoned quality from Oranseri if the Oran Bridge is built</td></tr>
			</table>
			<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Scrivener of the Inkworks'''</tr>
			<tr><td>'''Type:''' Brass Coast National</td></tr>
			<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' [[Tally of the Votes]] or Senate</td></tr>
			<tr><td>'''Powers:'''
			* Receives 15 measures of iridescent gloaming each season.
			* Receives a Therasia's Chain each year.
			* Can make an announcement in the Senate to redirect the Inkworks if there is a [[opportunity]] that explicitly allows it.</td></tr>
			<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' To direct the inkworks as needed, to support the scriveners of Feroz, and to ensure contracts are being kept in the Brass Coast</td></tr>
			<tr><td>'''Restriction''' This title will only receive a Therasia's Chain if the holder is a scrivener</td></tr>
	</table></div>		</table></div>
	~~The parallel opportunity presented a few years ago to~~ [[~~Send_for_me~~#~~Fields_of_Bramar~~\|~~expand the fields~~]] ~~around~~ [[~~Feroz~~#~~Fortargenta~~\|~~Bramar~~]] ~~has since lapsed. After speaking to some of the folk of Feroz however, Lutomysla indicates there is still enthusiasm for the project. Partly, this keen has been inspired by the restoration of the~~ [[~~Feroz#The_Spice_Gardens_of_Feroz~~\|~~Spice Gardens of Feroz~~]]~~, which has become a symbol~~ of ~~hope for many of the landsfolk of the impoverished territory~~. ~~The project still relies on the support of the [[Keeper_of_the_Breadbasket#Distribution_of_Imperial_Bounty\|Imperial Breadbasket]], however, and~~ Lutomysla notes that ~~interest will wane naturally over time.~~		Lutomysla's colleague, [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra\|Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra]] has already reviewed the proposed [[The_circle_game#Inkworks_at_Joharra\|Inkworks at Joharra]] in her [[The circle game\|recent assessment]] of Imperial ministries. Lutomysla notes that if the Oran Bridge were built, and removed the impoverished quality from Oranseri, then there would still be value in building the Inkworks - instead of removing impoverished in conjunction with the bridge it would remove the ''abandoned'' quality from the region, bringing in a new wave of settlers. The same would be true if the commissions were completed in the other order - between them they would remove both qualities.

	~~The land around~~ the ~~port of Bramar was once renowned for its fertile farms; its bountiful cornfields competed with Marcher grain across the southern Empire~~, and the ~~vineyards were justly famous as one of the cornerstones of the Imperial wine trade. These lands were abandoned when people fled the territory to escape~~ from ~~Rahab and~~ the ~~rule~~ of the ~~Grendel. What crops that were left were torn up under~~ the ~~destructive direction of~~ ''~~Quartermaster Maeve~~''~~; a wealthy Grendel who purchased~~ the ~~land from Rahab for a song. Rather than try to plant~~ a new ~~harvest, Maeve took whatever she could harvest and left the rest to rot. Vines were ripped out by the roots, fields were left untilled and have grown thick with weeds~~. The golden fields of Bramar have been ruined. In the years since the liberation there have been efforts to replenish the once-bountiful farming here, but it has suffered from the various challenges of rebuilding Feroz.

	A drive to reinvigorate Fontargenta could still be centred on the fields around Bramar using the Imperial Breadbasket. All it would require is a suitable announcement by the Keeper. Shipments of seeds and grains would be needed to replant fields and vineyards while food supplies would be essential to feed farm workers until new crops could be established. It wouldn't cost anything, not directly anyway, but it would need the ~~Breadbasket to support the region for two seasons. Once that was done,~~ the ~~fields would be re~~-~~established and Fontargenta~~ would ~~cease to be abandoned and impoverished.~~

	~~This opportunity is now available again until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE~~.
	~~-->~~

	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==

Hailmur: /* Taking a Toll */

2026-07-05T21:40:24Z

Taking a Toll

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:40, 5 July 2026
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	<tr><td>'''Type:''' Freeborn</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Type:''' Freeborn</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Tally of the Votes</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives ~~1 Throne~~ each season </td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 10 crown each season </td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Maintain and defend the Oran Bridge</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Maintain and defend the Oran Bridge</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Special:'''		<tr><td>'''Special:'''
	* If the impoverished quality is removed from Morajasse ~~and Fontargenta~~ income increases by 4 crowns ~~each~~		* If the impoverished quality is removed from Morajasse, income increases by 6 crowns
	* Removes the symbolic benefits of the bridge as a reconnection of Feroz and Madruga		* Removes the symbolic benefits of the bridge as a reconnection of Feroz and Madruga
	</td></tr>		</td></tr>
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	This in itself, however, presents a reason ''not'' to incorporate the toll gates. The bridge has a greater symbolic meaning, building it would restore the direct connection between Feroz and the rest of the Brass Coast - it would make the nation whole again. Local merchants and travellers won't balk at paying to use the bridge, more than any other nation, the Freeborn are [[The_Brass_Coast_culture_and_customs#Hospitality\|accustomed to paying for things]]. However, a toll will inevitably mean less traffic on the bridge. Charging Freeborn citizens to move from Feroz to Madruga means that the two territories will remain seperated by the river and the tolls that are needed to pay to cross it. It won't have a measurable effect; but it will mean that the gap between Feroz and Madruga becomes a permanent divide.		This in itself, however, presents a reason ''not'' to incorporate the toll gates. The bridge has a greater symbolic meaning, building it would restore the direct connection between Feroz and the rest of the Brass Coast - it would make the nation whole again. Local merchants and travellers won't balk at paying to use the bridge, more than any other nation, the Freeborn are [[The_Brass_Coast_culture_and_customs#Hospitality\|accustomed to paying for things]]. However, a toll will inevitably mean less traffic on the bridge. Charging Freeborn citizens to move from Feroz to Madruga means that the two territories will remain seperated by the river and the tolls that are needed to pay to cross it. It won't have a measurable effect; but it will mean that the gap between Feroz and Madruga becomes a permanent divide.

	After careful consideration Lutomysla leaves it in place. She points to the inspiration of the [[Spider's Tollkeep]] as one way an expensive bridge might be made a more appealing prospect. Whoever commissions the bridge may choose to stipulate that it will be a toll bridge, and create the title of ''Oran Tollkeep''. This would be a [[sinecure]] that receives a portion of the tolls collected from merchants passing over the bridge, and in return would be responsible for ensuring the bridge is maintained and protected when necessary. Lutomysla calculates that it would provide an initial income of ~~1 throne~~ each season, but if the ''impoverished'' qualities were removed from Morajasse ~~and Fontargenta~~, then ~~each region~~ would increase the income by another 4 crowns a season.		After careful consideration Lutomysla leaves it in place. She points to the inspiration of the [[Spider's Tollkeep]] as one way an expensive bridge might be made a more appealing prospect. Whoever commissions the bridge may choose to stipulate that it will be a toll bridge, and create the title of ''Oran Tollkeep''. This would be a [[sinecure]] that receives a portion of the tolls collected from merchants passing over the bridge, and in return would be responsible for ensuring the bridge is maintained and protected when necessary. Lutomysla calculates that it would provide an initial income of 10 crowns each season, but if the ''impoverished'' qualities were removed from Morajasse, then it would increase the income by another 6 crowns a season.

	The commission could ~~chose~~ to have the title appointed by the Brass Coast senators, with or without tenure. Alternatively the commission could specify that the position be appointed by [[Tally of the Votes]]. In either case, it would need to be a Freeborn national position.		The commission could choose to have the title appointed by the Brass Coast senators, with or without tenure. Alternatively, the commission could specify that the position be appointed by [[Tally of the Votes]]. In either case, it would need to be a Freeborn national position.

	==The Adamant Connection==		==The Adamant Connection==

Matt: /* Taking a Toll */

2026-07-05T21:35:10Z

Taking a Toll

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:35, 5 July 2026
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	The final element the Protectorate includes in its proposal is included as a matter of course - provision for the tollkeepers to live near and control access to the bridge. The engineers are actually surprised when Lutomysla points out that this is not standard practice for Imperial commissions; apparently almost nothing big gets built on the Broken Shore unless someone, somewhere sees an opportunity to increase their wealth, prestige, or influence. The engineers just assumed the Empire would appoint someone to maintain the bridge - and gouge a healthy income from those who need to pay to use it. After all, anyone who doesn't want to pay to use the only bridge connecting Feroz and Madruga could still take the long-way-round to Segura or hire a boat to ferry them across.		The final element the Protectorate includes in its proposal is included as a matter of course - provision for the tollkeepers to live near and control access to the bridge. The engineers are actually surprised when Lutomysla points out that this is not standard practice for Imperial commissions; apparently almost nothing big gets built on the Broken Shore unless someone, somewhere sees an opportunity to increase their wealth, prestige, or influence. The engineers just assumed the Empire would appoint someone to maintain the bridge - and gouge a healthy income from those who need to pay to use it. After all, anyone who doesn't want to pay to use the only bridge connecting Feroz and Madruga could still take the long-way-round to Segura or hire a boat to ferry them across.

	This in itself, however, presents a reason ''not'' to incorporate the toll gates. ~~Lutomysla has identified that the~~ bridge has a greater symbolic meaning, ~~restoring~~ the direct connection between Feroz and the rest of the ~~Empire~~. If merchants and travellers ~~have to pay~~ to use ~~that~~ bridge, ~~it dilutes this symbolism and instead sends~~ a ~~message~~ that ~~enriching individuals is more important than supporting~~ the ~~people of~~ the ~~beleaguered southern territory~~. It won't have ~~any kind of~~ measurable effect; but it will ~~send a message~~ that ~~might be at odds with~~ the ~~intention of the Freeborn or the Empire~~.		This in itself, however, presents a reason ''not'' to incorporate the toll gates. The bridge has a greater symbolic meaning, building it would restore the direct connection between Feroz and the rest of the Brass Coast - it would make the nation whole again. Local merchants and travellers won't balk at paying to use the bridge, more than any other nation, the Freeborn are [[The_Brass_Coast_culture_and_customs#Hospitality\|accustomed to paying for things]]. However, a toll will inevitably mean less traffic on the bridge. Charging Freeborn citizens to move from Feroz to Madruga means that the two territories will remain seperated by the river and the tolls that are needed to pay to cross it. It won't have a measurable effect; but it will mean that the gap between Feroz and Madruga becomes a permanent divide.

	After careful consideration Lutomysla leaves it in place. She points to the inspiration of the [[Spider's Tollkeep]] as one way an expensive bridge might be made a more appealing prospect. Whoever commissions the bridge may choose to stipulate that it will be a toll bridge, and create the title of ''Oran Tollkeep''. This would be a [[sinecure]] that receives a portion of the tolls collected from merchants passing over the bridge, and in return would be responsible for ensuring the bridge is maintained and protected when necessary. Lutomysla calculates that it would provide an initial income of 1 throne each season, but if the ''impoverished'' qualities were removed from Morajasse and Fontargenta, then each region would increase the income by another 4 crowns a season.		After careful consideration Lutomysla leaves it in place. She points to the inspiration of the [[Spider's Tollkeep]] as one way an expensive bridge might be made a more appealing prospect. Whoever commissions the bridge may choose to stipulate that it will be a toll bridge, and create the title of ''Oran Tollkeep''. This would be a [[sinecure]] that receives a portion of the tolls collected from merchants passing over the bridge, and in return would be responsible for ensuring the bridge is maintained and protected when necessary. Lutomysla calculates that it would provide an initial income of 1 throne each season, but if the ''impoverished'' qualities were removed from Morajasse and Fontargenta, then each region would increase the income by another 4 crowns a season.

Hailmur: /* Inkworks and Fields */

2026-07-05T21:28:16Z

Inkworks and Fields

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:28, 5 July 2026
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	The design of the bridge is sturdy enough to weather storms or endure all but the most concerted attempt to damage it from hostile forces. With the aid of the eternal [[Adamant\|King Under the Mountain]] however, it would be possible to ensure the bridge stands despite anything wreckers might throw at it. The ''koboldi'' of the ''Stone Dragon'' could add their own expertise, and infuse portions of the structure with adamant. The eternal would need to be petitioned for their help ''before'' construction began, and doing so would fall to the [[Archmage of Summer]], but Lutomysla has no doubt that ''Shiraz on the Granite Throne'' would be amenable to assisting if requested as part of a formal [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary\|plenipotentiary]].		The design of the bridge is sturdy enough to weather storms or endure all but the most concerted attempt to damage it from hostile forces. With the aid of the eternal [[Adamant\|King Under the Mountain]] however, it would be possible to ensure the bridge stands despite anything wreckers might throw at it. The ''koboldi'' of the ''Stone Dragon'' could add their own expertise, and infuse portions of the structure with adamant. The eternal would need to be petitioned for their help ''before'' construction began, and doing so would fall to the [[Archmage of Summer]], but Lutomysla has no doubt that ''Shiraz on the Granite Throne'' would be amenable to assisting if requested as part of a formal [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary\|plenipotentiary]].

	==Inkworks and Fields==		<!--==Inkworks and Fields==
	* '''The Inkworks of Joharra opportunity is available until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE		* '''The Inkworks of Joharra opportunity is available until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE
	* '''The opportunity to expand the fields of Bramar has been refreshed and is now available until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE'''		* '''The opportunity to expand the fields of Bramar has been refreshed and is now available until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE'''
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	This opportunity is now available again until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE.		This opportunity is now available again until the end of the Spring Equinox 389YE.
			-->

	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==

Hailmur: /* Taking a Toll */

2026-07-05T21:26:30Z

Taking a Toll

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:26, 5 July 2026
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	<div {{Float}}>		<div {{Float}}>
	<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Oran Tollkeeper'''</tr>		<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"><tr><td style="background-color: LightGreen;">'''Oran Tollkeeper'''</tr>
	<tr><td>'''Type:''' ~~National or Imperial~~</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Type:''' Freeborn</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Tally of the Votes</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Senate or Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 1 Throne each season </td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Receives 1 Throne each season </td></tr>