When Spring comes - Revision history

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

2026-01-15T15:23:40Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:23, 15 January 2026
Line 124:		Line 124:
	The [[Silent Bell (Sodality)\|Silent Bell]] can't help - there is nothing they can discover that isn't widely known already. Their speciality is in finding threats to the Empire, with the Jotun gone and Bushel Sykes dead, there are no immediate threats. There's no suggestion that anyone is making any attempt to work with the Jotun or the Fishers now that they're gone. Likewise the Imperial Synod cannot calm this situation with statements or mandates, attitudes have hardened too much for people to be talked round now. A statement to get people fired up would be put a spark to the fire, but no-one is any mood to listen to an attempt to reduce the tensions at the moment.		The [[Silent Bell (Sodality)\|Silent Bell]] can't help - there is nothing they can discover that isn't widely known already. Their speciality is in finding threats to the Empire, with the Jotun gone and Bushel Sykes dead, there are no immediate threats. There's no suggestion that anyone is making any attempt to work with the Jotun or the Fishers now that they're gone. Likewise the Imperial Synod cannot calm this situation with statements or mandates, attitudes have hardened too much for people to be talked round now. A statement to get people fired up would be put a spark to the fire, but no-one is any mood to listen to an attempt to reduce the tensions at the moment.

	The situation is becoming intolerable and the magistrates have asked the Imperial Senate to provide a statement, it won't carry legal standing, but it will led people know where they stand. That won't solve the bickering, but if the Senate act, it will be enough to stop a descent into violence - at least for now. As a result, the Civil Service have only been able to identify three possible courses of action that the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] could take, each of which comes with very significant drawbacks.		The situation is becoming intolerable and the magistrates have asked the Imperial Senate to provide a statement, it won't carry legal standing, but it will led people know where they stand. That won't solve the bickering, but if the Senate act, it will be enough to stop a descent into violence - at least for now. As a result, the Civil Service have only been able to identify three possible courses of action that the [[Senate]] could take, each of which comes with very significant drawbacks.

	<div style="float: right; max-width:400px; margin-left:10px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">Nothing dries faster than a tear.</quote></div>		<div style="float: right; max-width:400px; margin-left:10px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">Nothing dries faster than a tear.</quote></div>

Twiggy: /* The Aftermath */

2025-07-12T18:13:54Z

The Aftermath

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:13, 12 July 2025
Line 55:		Line 55:
	* '''In recognition of their strength, the Maelstrom offers a boon to the Drakes'''		* '''In recognition of their strength, the Maelstrom offers a boon to the Drakes'''
	* '''Accepting the Maelstrom's offer is almost certainly illegal while Siakha is under enmity'''		* '''Accepting the Maelstrom's offer is almost certainly illegal while Siakha is under enmity'''
	If there was ever any real doubt who is behind the attack on Mitwold, then it is largely dispelled by the arrival of a messenger as the season draws to a close. A ragged orc arrives onboard a merchant ship in [[Mitwold#Meade\|Meade]]. They are dressed in the colours of the [[Grendel]] but claim to serve the [[Siakha\|Maelstrom]] rather than the Salt Lords' Council. They ask to ~~parlay~~ with a representative of the land's defenders. There is some reluctance to accept the ~~parlay~~, but technically the Empire are still at peace with the Grendel and so eventually they are shown into the presence of a representative of the Drakes.		If there was ever any real doubt who is behind the attack on Mitwold, then it is largely dispelled by the arrival of a messenger as the season draws to a close. A ragged orc arrives onboard a merchant ship in [[Mitwold#Meade\|Meade]]. They are dressed in the colours of the [[Grendel]] but claim to serve the [[Siakha\|Maelstrom]] rather than the Salt Lords' Council. They ask to parley with a representative of the land's defenders. There is some reluctance to accept the parley, but technically the Empire are still at peace with the Grendel and so eventually they are shown into the presence of a representative of the Drakes.

	Once there the orc confirms that the attacks on Mitwold represent the will of the Maelstrom. He claims that the Maelstrom has taken what was offered - no more and no less. But the Marchers have proved they are a match for the ''Mother-of-Wrecks'' and thus she has decided to grant them the boon the Empire requested.		Once there the orc confirms that the attacks on Mitwold represent the will of the Maelstrom. He claims that the Maelstrom has taken what was offered - no more and no less. But the Marchers have proved they are a match for the ''Mother-of-Wrecks'' and thus she has decided to grant them the boon the Empire requested.

GuiltyConscience: /* Hap, Graime, and Knott (Conjunction) */

2025-06-27T20:39:12Z

Hap, Graime, and Knott (Conjunction)

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:39, 27 June 2025
Line 200:		Line 200:
	* '''An invitation has been sent out for Imperial Orc preachers to visit the orc spiritual leader'''		* '''An invitation has been sent out for Imperial Orc preachers to visit the orc spiritual leader'''
	* '''A conjunction of the Sentinel Gate has been identified to allow seven people to visit ''Golden Hoof Farm, Green March, Mournwold'' at 16:30 on the Saturday during the coming summit'''		* '''A conjunction of the Sentinel Gate has been identified to allow seven people to visit ''Golden Hoof Farm, Green March, Mournwold'' at 16:30 on the Saturday during the coming summit'''
	{{SOP\|statement=The souls of the Mourn orcs are in danger. While the Marchers' efforts to accept the Mourn orcs as their own are praiseworthy, more has to be done. The Mourn orcs are still suffering under the lies of the Jotun, deceived into throwing their souls into the Abyss. The Mourn orcs do not need to lay down the plough to pick up a sword if this is not in their nature - a Legend soaked in rhubarb is as much a Legend as one soaked in blood. However, a Legend not sought is a Legend not to be. To cross the Abyss we get no second chances. We encourage the Marches to throw away the lies of the Jotun instead of the souls of their orc siblings. We encourage the Mourn orcs to listen to their ancestors for guidance and seize their Legend for themselves in this, their - one life.\|by=Bloodcrow ~~Knottt~~\|vote=Greater Majority 78-0\|when=Summer Solstice 385YE}}		{{SOP\|statement=The souls of the Mourn orcs are in danger. While the Marchers' efforts to accept the Mourn orcs as their own are praiseworthy, more has to be done. The Mourn orcs are still suffering under the lies of the Jotun, deceived into throwing their souls into the Abyss. The Mourn orcs do not need to lay down the plough to pick up a sword if this is not in their nature - a Legend soaked in rhubarb is as much a Legend as one soaked in blood. However, a Legend not sought is a Legend not to be. To cross the Abyss we get no second chances. We encourage the Marches to throw away the lies of the Jotun instead of the souls of their orc siblings. We encourage the Mourn orcs to listen to their ancestors for guidance and seize their Legend for themselves in this, their - one life.\|by=Bloodcrow Knott\|vote=Greater Majority 78-0\|when=Summer Solstice 385YE}}
	At the same time all this is going on, an Apulian Orc questioner by the name of '''Graime''' turns up at [[Mournwold_spoils_of_war#The_Golden_Hoof\|Golden Hoof Farm]] to talk to ''Hap the Soft''. He's apparently there to offer advice to the Mournwold Orcs about how best to navigate the treacherous waters of joining an Imperial nation, and the importance of compromise when it comes to matters of belief. Apparently, the League orc is there at the behest of his peers in the Synod. He is welcomed, a little warily. He spends a little less than an hour talking to Hap, and is then invited to leave. More than that, he is actively [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#Shunning\|shunned]] by Hap and the folk who live and work on his farm. After Graime has left, Hap makes it clear that folk like that are ''not'' welcome on his farm. "Anyone who'll throw their beliefs into the fire when the weather changes brings shame on themselves, and anyone who listens to them," he says.		At the same time all this is going on, an Apulian Orc questioner by the name of '''Graime''' turns up at [[Mournwold_spoils_of_war#The_Golden_Hoof\|Golden Hoof Farm]] to talk to ''Hap the Soft''. He's apparently there to offer advice to the Mournwold Orcs about how best to navigate the treacherous waters of joining an Imperial nation, and the importance of compromise when it comes to matters of belief. Apparently, the League orc is there at the behest of his peers in the Synod. He is welcomed, a little warily. He spends a little less than an hour talking to Hap, and is then invited to leave. More than that, he is actively [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#Shunning\|shunned]] by Hap and the folk who live and work on his farm. After Graime has left, Hap makes it clear that folk like that are ''not'' welcome on his farm. "Anyone who'll throw their beliefs into the fire when the weather changes brings shame on themselves, and anyone who listens to them," he says.

Novemberalice at 17:20, 5 September 2023

2023-09-05T17:20:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:20, 5 September 2023
Line 25:		Line 25:
	For a brief second he contemplated running. But there was no way he was getting away, so he started marching straight towards the nearest one. If he was going down, then so be it. These bog-eared bastards wouldn't take him without a fight...</ic>		For a brief second he contemplated running. But there was no way he was getting away, so he started marching straight towards the nearest one. If he was going down, then so be it. These bog-eared bastards wouldn't take him without a fight...</ic>
	<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=When Saturday Comes.jpg\|align=left\|caption=Pride in small things, Loyalty to great ones.\|width=600}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=When Saturday Comes.jpg\|align=left\|caption=Pride in small things, Loyalty to great ones.\|width=600}}</div>
			{{audio\|link=https://youtu.be/f5dAhe8wBec?si=ML3xWPcqX1-UB9Oi}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Thanks to the [[To the last syllable\|soldiers of Cold Sun]], the entire Empire has been in a state of turmoil. Yet some nations have more than their fair share of disruption and chaos. The Marches is one such nation. While [[fortification\|fortifications]] and armies [[Army_orders#Billet\|billeted]] in [[Upwold]] and [[Mitwold]] have helped deal with the invading heralds of the Day realm, it sometimes seems as if the people of the Marches are their own worst enemies. In Mitwold, the attack from the Day realm is complicated by savage heralds of [[Siakha\|the Maelstrom]], although the outcome of these attacks is entirely unexpected. In [[Bregasland]], the lingering impact of Mathilda Fisher's attempt to establish an independent nation between [[Jotun]] and Empire are still being felt. In the [[Mournwold\|Mourn]] the matter of the [[Mournwold Orcs]] comes to a head - less violent and disruptive than anarchic entities and simmering grudges but with much further reaching implications, perhaps. At least Upwold is quiet; [[the Brass Coast\|Freeborn]] and [[Navarr]] soldiers rubbing shoulders with human Marchers and Mournwold orcs and the occasional Free Folk straggler, all working together to tend the harvest under the Summer Sun. In between fighting off the emissaries of Cold Sun, of course.		Thanks to the [[To the last syllable\|soldiers of Cold Sun]], the entire Empire has been in a state of turmoil. Yet some nations have more than their fair share of disruption and chaos. The Marches is one such nation. While [[fortification\|fortifications]] and armies [[Army_orders#Billet\|billeted]] in [[Upwold]] and [[Mitwold]] have helped deal with the invading heralds of the Day realm, it sometimes seems as if the people of the Marches are their own worst enemies. In Mitwold, the attack from the Day realm is complicated by savage heralds of [[Siakha\|the Maelstrom]], although the outcome of these attacks is entirely unexpected. In [[Bregasland]], the lingering impact of Mathilda Fisher's attempt to establish an independent nation between [[Jotun]] and Empire are still being felt. In the [[Mournwold\|Mourn]] the matter of the [[Mournwold Orcs]] comes to a head - less violent and disruptive than anarchic entities and simmering grudges but with much further reaching implications, perhaps. At least Upwold is quiet; [[the Brass Coast\|Freeborn]] and [[Navarr]] soldiers rubbing shoulders with human Marchers and Mournwold orcs and the occasional Free Folk straggler, all working together to tend the harvest under the Summer Sun. In between fighting off the emissaries of Cold Sun, of course.

Hailmur at 18:59, 3 September 2023

2023-09-03T18:59:03Z

Vsabo: /* Hap, Graime, and Knott (Conjunction) */

2023-09-03T15:02:20Z

Hap, Graime, and Knott (Conjunction)

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:02, 3 September 2023
Line 197:		Line 197:
	===Hap, Graime, and Knott (Conjunction)===		===Hap, Graime, and Knott (Conjunction)===
	* '''Questioner Graime has been turned away from Golden Hoof Farm and ''shunned'' by the folk there'''		* '''Questioner Graime has been turned away from Golden Hoof Farm and ''shunned'' by the folk there'''
	* '''An invitation has been sent out to for Imperial ~~Orcs~~ preachers to visit the orc spiritual leader'''		* '''An invitation has been sent out for Imperial Orc preachers to visit the orc spiritual leader'''
	* '''A conjunction of the Sentinel Gate has been identified to allow seven people to visit ''Golden Hoof Farm, Green March, Mournwold'' at 16:30 on the Saturday during the coming summit'''		* '''A conjunction of the Sentinel Gate has been identified to allow seven people to visit ''Golden Hoof Farm, Green March, Mournwold'' at 16:30 on the Saturday during the coming summit'''
	{{SOP\|statement=The souls of the Mourn orcs are in danger. While the Marchers' efforts to accept the Mourn orcs as their own are praiseworthy, more has to be done. The Mourn orcs are still suffering under the lies of the Jotun, deceived into throwing their souls into the Abyss. The Mourn orcs do not need to lay down the plough to pick up a sword if this is not in their nature - a Legend soaked in rhubarb is as much a Legend as one soaked in blood. However, a Legend not sought is a Legend not to be. To cross the Abyss we get no second chances. We encourage the Marches to throw away the lies of the Jotun instead of the souls of their orc siblings. We encourage the Mourn orcs to listen to their ancestors for guidance and seize their Legend for themselves in this, their - one life.\|by=Bloodcrow Knottt\|vote=Greater Majority 78-0\|when=Summer Solstice 385YE}}		{{SOP\|statement=The souls of the Mourn orcs are in danger. While the Marchers' efforts to accept the Mourn orcs as their own are praiseworthy, more has to be done. The Mourn orcs are still suffering under the lies of the Jotun, deceived into throwing their souls into the Abyss. The Mourn orcs do not need to lay down the plough to pick up a sword if this is not in their nature - a Legend soaked in rhubarb is as much a Legend as one soaked in blood. However, a Legend not sought is a Legend not to be. To cross the Abyss we get no second chances. We encourage the Marches to throw away the lies of the Jotun instead of the souls of their orc siblings. We encourage the Mourn orcs to listen to their ancestors for guidance and seize their Legend for themselves in this, their - one life.\|by=Bloodcrow Knottt\|vote=Greater Majority 78-0\|when=Summer Solstice 385YE}}

Vsabo: /* The Death of Bushel Sykes */

2023-09-03T14:55:09Z

The Death of Bushel Sykes

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:55, 3 September 2023
Line 171:		Line 171:
	No discussion of collaboration in Bregasland would be complete without a mention of ''Bushel Sykes''. An unrepentant poacher, the man openly threw his lot in with Mathilda Fisher and her household. He helped the Jotun widen Odd's Way, and used stolen [[liao]] to create [[aura\|auras]] of [[Loyalty]] supporting the Fishers. There were concerns that he could [[Chasing_you_home#Objective:_Deal_with_Bushel_Sykes\|continue to spread rebellion]] even after the Fishers themselves were driven out. He claimed to be motivated more by a dislike of the Empire than any affection for the self-styled Steward and her family. In the end though he turned up in Ottery, [[Welly_boots#Pride_In_Small_Things_.28Conjunction.29\|making no attempt to hide]]. And then he turned up dead.		No discussion of collaboration in Bregasland would be complete without a mention of ''Bushel Sykes''. An unrepentant poacher, the man openly threw his lot in with Mathilda Fisher and her household. He helped the Jotun widen Odd's Way, and used stolen [[liao]] to create [[aura\|auras]] of [[Loyalty]] supporting the Fishers. There were concerns that he could [[Chasing_you_home#Objective:_Deal_with_Bushel_Sykes\|continue to spread rebellion]] even after the Fishers themselves were driven out. He claimed to be motivated more by a dislike of the Empire than any affection for the self-styled Steward and her family. In the end though he turned up in Ottery, [[Welly_boots#Pride_In_Small_Things_.28Conjunction.29\|making no attempt to hide]]. And then he turned up dead.

	Most people would be unsurprised that a man as cantankerous as 'Shel Sykes met a bad end, but there is a significant problem. According to a witness, ''Harry Brewer'', the landlord of the ''Wet Dog'' tavern, Sykes was murdered by "folk from [[Anvil]]". Harry raised a [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#Hue_and_cry\|hue and cry]], but Sykes' killers evaded justice; it's believed they were visiting Ottery through the [[Sentinel Gate]] and fled to [[Anvil]] after the deed was done. Harry identified two of the killers - none other than '''Amberlain P. Black''' herself, the [[general]] of the Strong Reeds, and her fellow general [[Highguard\|Highborn]] '''General Asenath''' of the [[Granite Pillar]]. They were accompanied by three others including a Freeborn, a Marcher priest, and another Marcher. Harry Brewer has provided sworn testimony that they killed Sykes in cold blood. The landlord was not privy to the entire conversation, but says that Sykes was killed to prevent him telling folk in Bregasland to cleave to their Loyalty to Bregasland rather than the Empire.		Most people would be unsurprised that a man as cantankerous as 'Shel Sykes met a bad end, but there is a significant problem. According to a witness, ''Harry Brewer'', the landlord of the ''Wet Dog'' tavern, Sykes was murdered by "folk from [[Anvil]]." Harry raised a [[The_Marches_culture_and_customs#Hue_and_cry\|hue and cry]], but Sykes' killers evaded justice; it's believed they were visiting Ottery through the [[Sentinel Gate]] and fled to [[Anvil]] after the deed was done. Harry identified two of the killers - none other than '''Amberlain P. Black''' herself, the [[general]] of the Strong Reeds, and her fellow general [[Highguard\|Highborn]] '''General Asenath''' of the [[Granite Pillar]]. They were accompanied by three others including a Freeborn, a Marcher priest, and another Marcher. Harry Brewer has provided sworn testimony that they killed Sykes in cold blood. The landlord was not privy to the entire conversation, but says that Sykes was killed to prevent him telling folk in Bregasland to cleave to their Loyalty to Bregasland rather than the Empire.

	Bushel Sykes was a notorious poacher, and few people actually mourn his passing. He was a collaborator - he supported the Jotun and the Fishers. He was a seditionist - he openly spoke about Bregasland being better off without the Empire. At the same time, he was a Marcher citizen, and there's no indication he was given anything approaching a trial. On returning to Anvil, the citizens involved plead guilty and were tried by the magistrates; details of the outcome are given in the court reports.		Bushel Sykes was a notorious poacher, and few people actually mourn his passing. He was a collaborator - he supported the Jotun and the Fishers. He was a seditionist - he openly spoke about Bregasland being better off without the Empire. At the same time, he was a Marcher citizen, and there's no indication he was given anything approaching a trial. On returning to Anvil, the citizens involved plead guilty and were tried by the magistrates; details of the outcome are given in the court reports.

Vsabo: /* Send In the Magistrates */

2023-09-03T14:46:51Z

Send In the Magistrates

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:46, 3 September 2023
Line 149:		Line 149:
	Legally, Karkovitch has the power to proceed, but rather than doing so, he is asking for the Senate to approve this course of action, because the costs are not inconsequential. Such approval will mean that more of the resulting anger is directed at the Senate and less at Karkovitch's people. And there will be significant anger - top-to-bottom searches of every household property, every farmstead, every barn, will cause widespread disruption in the lives of ordinary Bregas. The prognosticators calculate that such disruption would cost 25 thrones in the coming season, paying for losses and damages. More significantly, the upheaval would mean every [[Resource#Personal Resource\|personal resource]] in the territory take a -1 penalty to production following the event where the motion was passed (including fleets and military units).		Legally, Karkovitch has the power to proceed, but rather than doing so, he is asking for the Senate to approve this course of action, because the costs are not inconsequential. Such approval will mean that more of the resulting anger is directed at the Senate and less at Karkovitch's people. And there will be significant anger - top-to-bottom searches of every household property, every farmstead, every barn, will cause widespread disruption in the lives of ordinary Bregas. The prognosticators calculate that such disruption would cost 25 thrones in the coming season, paying for losses and damages. More significantly, the upheaval would mean every [[Resource#Personal Resource\|personal resource]] in the territory take a -1 penalty to production following the event where the motion was passed (including fleets and military units).

	As long as the motion backing the raids are raised by the Senator for Bregasland most of the Bregas would cooperate (although they would grumble about it). If a different Marcher senator raises the motion the grumbling would be louder; if a non-Marcher senator raised it then there might be open resistance to and opposition to the work of the Magistrates. Regardless of who does the dirty work, the nature of any investigation like this is that it will reap a harvest of bad feeling among everyone who counts one of the traitors as a friend. The punishment of the magistrates will fall squarely on the shoulders of the guilty, no-one who is innocent will be harmed. But there is a wide river between "guilty of treason" and "sympathetic to the Empire". Everyone whose sympathies lie with any of those who end up being executed will inevitably feel their friends were hard done by. They won't be in any position to do anything about it right now - because everyone who might have openly opposed Imperial rule in Bregasland will be dead - but ''it will store up trouble for years to come''.		As long as the motion backing the raids are raised by the Senator for Bregasland most of the Bregas would cooperate (although they would grumble about it). If a different Marcher senator raises the motion the grumbling would be louder; if a non-Marcher senator raised it then there might be open resistance to and opposition to the work of the Magistrates. Regardless of who does the dirty work, the nature of any investigation like this is that it will reap a harvest of bad feeling among everyone who counts one of the traitors as a friend. The punishment of the magistrates will fall squarely on the shoulders of the guilty, no-one who is innocent will be harmed. But there is a wide river between "guilty of treason" and "sympathetic to the Empire." Everyone whose sympathies lie with any of those who end up being executed will inevitably feel their friends were hard done by. They won't be in any position to do anything about it right now - because everyone who might have openly opposed Imperial rule in Bregasland will be dead - but ''it will store up trouble for years to come''.

	<div style="float: right; max-width:400px; margin-left:10px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb"> There's two ways to bury a hatchet.</quote></div>		<div style="float: right; max-width:400px; margin-left:10px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb"> There's two ways to bury a hatchet.</quote></div>

Vsabo: /* Send In the Magistrates */

2023-09-03T14:45:21Z

Send In the Magistrates

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:45, 3 September 2023
Line 147:		Line 147:
	In the past, when faced with the most dangerous recidivist elements, the Imperial Senate has given the magistrates the approval to use an overwhelming show of force to get results. Karkovitch has confirmed that that would be possible here, he is prepared to send hundreds of militia into Bregasland and turn over every household looking for evidence. Such an approach would be invasive, and divisive, it would create a great deal of hostility, albeit more from those who had something to hide. However, based on past experiences, Karkovitch believes it would work, it would give the magistrates the opportunity to find the evidence they need to prosecute those genuinely guilty of treason.		In the past, when faced with the most dangerous recidivist elements, the Imperial Senate has given the magistrates the approval to use an overwhelming show of force to get results. Karkovitch has confirmed that that would be possible here, he is prepared to send hundreds of militia into Bregasland and turn over every household looking for evidence. Such an approach would be invasive, and divisive, it would create a great deal of hostility, albeit more from those who had something to hide. However, based on past experiences, Karkovitch believes it would work, it would give the magistrates the opportunity to find the evidence they need to prosecute those genuinely guilty of treason.

	Legally, Karkovitch has the power to proceed, but rather than doing so, he is asking for the Senate to approve this course of action, because the costs are not inconsequential. Such approval will mean that more of the resulting anger is directed at the Senate and less at Karkovitch's people. And there will be significant anger - top-to-bottom searches of every household property, every farmstead, every barn, will cause widespread disruption in the lives of ordinary Bregas. The prognosticators calculate that such disruption would cost 25 ~~Thrones~~ in the coming season, paying for losses and damages. More significantly, the upheaval would mean every [[Resource#Personal Resource\|personal resource]] in the territory take a -1 penalty to production following the event where the motion was passed (including fleets and military units).		Legally, Karkovitch has the power to proceed, but rather than doing so, he is asking for the Senate to approve this course of action, because the costs are not inconsequential. Such approval will mean that more of the resulting anger is directed at the Senate and less at Karkovitch's people. And there will be significant anger - top-to-bottom searches of every household property, every farmstead, every barn, will cause widespread disruption in the lives of ordinary Bregas. The prognosticators calculate that such disruption would cost 25 thrones in the coming season, paying for losses and damages. More significantly, the upheaval would mean every [[Resource#Personal Resource\|personal resource]] in the territory take a -1 penalty to production following the event where the motion was passed (including fleets and military units).

	As long as the motion backing the raids are raised by the Senator for Bregasland most of the Bregas would cooperate (although they would grumble about it). If a different Marcher senator raises the motion the grumbling would be louder; if a non-Marcher senator raised it then there might be open resistance to and opposition to the work of the Magistrates. Regardless of who does the dirty work, the nature of any investigation like this is that it will reap a harvest of bad feeling among everyone who counts one of the traitors as a friend. The punishment of the magistrates will fall squarely on the shoulders of the guilty, no-one who is innocent will be harmed. But there is a wide river between "guilty of treason" and "sympathetic to the Empire". Everyone whose sympathies lie with any of those who end up being executed will inevitably feel their friends were hard done by. They won't be in any position to do anything about it right now - because everyone who might have openly opposed Imperial rule in Bregasland will be dead - but ''it will store up trouble for years to come''.		As long as the motion backing the raids are raised by the Senator for Bregasland most of the Bregas would cooperate (although they would grumble about it). If a different Marcher senator raises the motion the grumbling would be louder; if a non-Marcher senator raised it then there might be open resistance to and opposition to the work of the Magistrates. Regardless of who does the dirty work, the nature of any investigation like this is that it will reap a harvest of bad feeling among everyone who counts one of the traitors as a friend. The punishment of the magistrates will fall squarely on the shoulders of the guilty, no-one who is innocent will be harmed. But there is a wide river between "guilty of treason" and "sympathetic to the Empire". Everyone whose sympathies lie with any of those who end up being executed will inevitably feel their friends were hard done by. They won't be in any position to do anything about it right now - because everyone who might have openly opposed Imperial rule in Bregasland will be dead - but ''it will store up trouble for years to come''.

Vsabo: /* Send In the Magistrates */

2023-09-03T14:44:51Z

Send In the Magistrates

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:44, 3 September 2023
Line 147:		Line 147:
	In the past, when faced with the most dangerous recidivist elements, the Imperial Senate has given the magistrates the approval to use an overwhelming show of force to get results. Karkovitch has confirmed that that would be possible here, he is prepared to send hundreds of militia into Bregasland and turn over every household looking for evidence. Such an approach would be invasive, and divisive, it would create a great deal of hostility, albeit more from those who had something to hide. However, based on past experiences, Karkovitch believes it would work, it would give the magistrates the opportunity to find the evidence they need to prosecute those genuinely guilty of treason.		In the past, when faced with the most dangerous recidivist elements, the Imperial Senate has given the magistrates the approval to use an overwhelming show of force to get results. Karkovitch has confirmed that that would be possible here, he is prepared to send hundreds of militia into Bregasland and turn over every household looking for evidence. Such an approach would be invasive, and divisive, it would create a great deal of hostility, albeit more from those who had something to hide. However, based on past experiences, Karkovitch believes it would work, it would give the magistrates the opportunity to find the evidence they need to prosecute those genuinely guilty of treason.

	Legally, Karkovitch has the power to proceed, but rather than doing so, he is asking for the Senate to approve this course of action, because the costs are not inconsequential. Such approval will ~~means~~ that more of the resulting anger is directed at the Senate and less at Karkovitch's people. And there will be significant anger - top-to-bottom searches of every household property, every farmstead, every barn, will cause widespread disruption in the lives of ordinary Bregas. The prognosticators calculate that such disruption would cost 25 Thrones in the coming season, paying for losses and damages. More significantly, the upheaval would mean every [[Resource#Personal Resource\|personal resource]] in the territory take a -1 penalty to production following the event where the motion was passed (including fleets and military units).		Legally, Karkovitch has the power to proceed, but rather than doing so, he is asking for the Senate to approve this course of action, because the costs are not inconsequential. Such approval will mean that more of the resulting anger is directed at the Senate and less at Karkovitch's people. And there will be significant anger - top-to-bottom searches of every household property, every farmstead, every barn, will cause widespread disruption in the lives of ordinary Bregas. The prognosticators calculate that such disruption would cost 25 Thrones in the coming season, paying for losses and damages. More significantly, the upheaval would mean every [[Resource#Personal Resource\|personal resource]] in the territory take a -1 penalty to production following the event where the motion was passed (including fleets and military units).

	As long as the motion backing the raids are raised by the Senator for Bregasland most of the Bregas would cooperate (although they would grumble about it). If a different Marcher senator raises the motion the grumbling would be louder; if a non-Marcher senator raised it then there might be open resistance to and opposition to the work of the Magistrates. Regardless of who does the dirty work, the nature of any investigation like this is that it will reap a harvest of bad feeling among everyone who counts one of the traitors as a friend. The punishment of the magistrates will fall squarely on the shoulders of the guilty, no-one who is innocent will be harmed. But there is a wide river between "guilty of treason" and "sympathetic to the Empire". Everyone whose sympathies lie with any of those who end up being executed will inevitably feel their friends were hard done by. They won't be in any position to do anything about it right now - because everyone who might have openly opposed Imperial rule in Bregasland will be dead - but ''it will store up trouble for years to come''.		As long as the motion backing the raids are raised by the Senator for Bregasland most of the Bregas would cooperate (although they would grumble about it). If a different Marcher senator raises the motion the grumbling would be louder; if a non-Marcher senator raised it then there might be open resistance to and opposition to the work of the Magistrates. Regardless of who does the dirty work, the nature of any investigation like this is that it will reap a harvest of bad feeling among everyone who counts one of the traitors as a friend. The punishment of the magistrates will fall squarely on the shoulders of the guilty, no-one who is innocent will be harmed. But there is a wide river between "guilty of treason" and "sympathetic to the Empire". Everyone whose sympathies lie with any of those who end up being executed will inevitably feel their friends were hard done by. They won't be in any position to do anything about it right now - because everyone who might have openly opposed Imperial rule in Bregasland will be dead - but ''it will store up trouble for years to come''.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:59, 3 September 2023
Line 3:		Line 3:
	The heavy ball arced across the field, water flying from the leather as it spun. The day had started dry, perfect weather for foot-the-ball, but an hour before kick-off rain clouds, thick as clotted cream had turned up. By the time the two teams were ready, it was raining cats and dogs. As the match wore on the field was churned to ankle deep mud. Now with twenty minutes left to play the game had descended into a contest of endurance more than skill.		The heavy ball arced across the field, water flying from the leather as it spun. The day had started dry, perfect weather for foot-the-ball, but an hour before kick-off rain clouds, thick as clotted cream had turned up. By the time the two teams were ready, it was raining cats and dogs. As the match wore on the field was churned to ankle deep mud. Now with twenty minutes left to play the game had descended into a contest of endurance more than skill.

	That suited Wayford Wanderer's star player just fine. He was a beater by profession, well used to walking the hills in any weather. A little bit o' rain and mud was not going to put Jim Moor off his stride. There had been heavy betting on ~~Oddmure~~ before the match and their rivals had tak'n an early lead. Two goals behind after fifteen minutes shoulda been the end of it. But the muddier it got the harder ~~Oddmure~~ were finding it to tackle Jim. He'd pulled one goal back already - one more and they'd be level.		That suited Wayford Wanderer's star player just fine. He was a beater by profession, well used to walking the hills in any weather. A little bit o' rain and mud was not going to put Jim Moor off his stride. There had been heavy betting on Oddmire before the match and their rivals had tak'n an early lead. Two goals behind after fifteen minutes shoulda been the end of it. But the muddier it got the harder Oddmire were finding it to tackle Jim. He'd pulled one goal back already - one more and they'd be level.

	What was left of the crowd were screaming. Only the most loyal ones were still watching - but to be fair the rain was so thick now, it was getting hard for anyone to see what was going on. Most of them were ~~Oddmure~~ supporters, but there was one shouting Jim's name.		What was left of the crowd were screaming. Only the most loyal ones were still watching - but to be fair the rain was so thick now, it was getting hard for anyone to see what was going on. Most of them were Oddmire supporters, but there was one shouting Jim's name.

	A great hulking shape loomed out of the dismal rain. Drew Irons, the ~~Oddmure's~~ fullback was a giant of a man, slower than pig slurry, but six-six and fists like anvils. Jim tucked his head down and looked to swerve the fellow. If one of Drew's fists connected, you were not getting back up in a hurry.		A great hulking shape loomed out of the dismal rain. Drew Irons, the Oddmire fullback was a giant of a man, slower than pig slurry, but six-six and fists like anvils. Jim tucked his head down and looked to swerve the fellow. If one of Drew's fists connected, you were not getting back up in a hurry.

	It was only at the last minute that he realised that the man in his way stunk like a week-long fishmarket on a hot day. That should have been the clue that it was not who he thought it was... but no-one like Drew Irons much and good cider takes good apples.		It was only at the last minute that he realised that the man in his way stunk like a week-long fishmarket on a hot day. That should have been the clue that it was not who he thought it was... but no-one like Drew Irons much and good cider takes good apples.
Line 13:		Line 13:
	Quick as eel the fellow pounced on him, bearing him down into the mud. The ball came free, but instead of letting him go, his opponent reared back and then lunged forwards to bite a chunk out of his shoulder.		Quick as eel the fellow pounced on him, bearing him down into the mud. The ball came free, but instead of letting him go, his opponent reared back and then lunged forwards to bite a chunk out of his shoulder.

	"Aggh!" he screamed in pain, feeling a dozen razor sharp fangs sinking into the flesh through the thick leather of his jerkin. Finally, much too late, he realised this was not Drew Irons, nor any of the ~~Oddmure~~ regulars. At first he thought the little bastards were fielding a bloody ringer, but the murderous look in the creature's eyes quickly cured him of that notion. The thing's face was a mass of murky grey scales, with two great big black eyes bulging out of his skull and a mouth full of pike's teeth. Quite a few of the ~~Oddmure~~ lot were fendwellers, but this one didn't look like any bogfisher Jim had ever seen.		"Aggh!" he screamed in pain, feeling a dozen razor sharp fangs sinking into the flesh through the thick leather of his jerkin. Finally, much too late, he realised this was not Drew Irons, nor any of the Oddmire regulars. At first he thought the little bastards were fielding a bloody ringer, but the murderous look in the creature's eyes quickly cured him of that notion. The thing's face was a mass of murky grey scales, with two great big black eyes bulging out of his skull and a mouth full of pike's teeth. Quite a few of the Oddmire lot were fendwellers, but this one didn't look like any bogfisher Jim had ever seen.

	They wrestled in the mud rolling over and over, but the thing was as strong as an ox, and within seconds Jim could feel a pair of cold clammy hands wrap themselves round his neck and begin to choke the life out of him. He struggled desperately, but the monster was just too strong. He flailed around wildly, as he clawed for his last breath. Somewhere he could hear the crowd screaming, but it was all going dark.		They wrestled in the mud rolling over and over, but the thing was as strong as an ox, and within seconds Jim could feel a pair of cold clammy hands wrap themselves round his neck and begin to choke the life out of him. He struggled desperately, but the monster was just too strong. He flailed around wildly, as he clawed for his last breath. Somewhere he could hear the crowd screaming, but it was all going dark.
Line 41:		Line 41:
	* '''The Drakes have taken 30 casualties and cannot resupply'''		* '''The Drakes have taken 30 casualties and cannot resupply'''
	* '''The army has managed to protect almost everyone, but the Wayford Wanderers are no more'''		* '''The army has managed to protect almost everyone, but the Wayford Wanderers are no more'''
	The first sign of '''real''' trouble is when the foot-the-ball match between the Wayford Wanderers and the ~~Oddmure~~ Allfriars is attacked by a pack of hungry sharks. Not sharks precisely, these monsters have a human-ish body topped with a fish-like head with a mouth full of razor sharp fangs. They come out of the Eastmere, during a heavy storm, and attack everyone at the match, apparently intent on consuming everyone present. A bloody battle ensues - most of the sharks are dead or fled by the time the fighting is done, but there are only a handful of survivors from those participating and watching the match. The Allfriars managed to flee the worst of it, but Jim Moor, the Wanderers' captain, and his team mates go into the good earth. By the time it's all done, the Wayford Wanderers have played their last match and are no more.		The first sign of '''real''' trouble is when the foot-the-ball match between the Wayford Wanderers and the Oddmire Allfriars is attacked by a pack of hungry sharks. Not sharks precisely, these monsters have a human-ish body topped with a fish-like head with a mouth full of razor sharp fangs. They come out of the Eastmere, during a heavy storm, and attack everyone at the match, apparently intent on consuming everyone present. A bloody battle ensues - most of the sharks are dead or fled by the time the fighting is done, but there are only a handful of survivors from those participating and watching the match. The Allfriars managed to flee the worst of it, but Jim Moor, the Wanderers' captain, and his team mates go into the good earth. By the time it's all done, the Wayford Wanderers have played their last match and are no more.

	There are more attacks in the weeks that follow, scores of them the length and breadth of Mitwold. They are usually presaged by heavy storms that seem to blow up out of nowhere. There is no rhyme or rhythm to the attacks. No strategy that anyone can perceive. Just wild abandon, murderous rage and an apparently insatiable desire to consume every living thing in Mitwold. Not just lives are threatened: the creatures take delight in firing farmsteads and salting the earth in fields, farms and gardens.		There are more attacks in the weeks that follow, scores of them the length and breadth of Mitwold. They are usually presaged by heavy storms that seem to blow up out of nowhere. There is no rhyme or rhythm to the attacks. No strategy that anyone can perceive. Just wild abandon, murderous rage and an apparently insatiable desire to consume every living thing in Mitwold. Not just lives are threatened: the creatures take delight in firing farmsteads and salting the earth in fields, farms and gardens.
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Shark mouths.jpg\|align=right\|caption=Siakha's heralds are invariably savage killers.\|width=500}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Shark mouths.jpg\|align=right\|caption=Siakha's heralds are invariably savage killers.\|width=500}}</div>
	It is hard to conceive how badly Mitwold might have suffered... were it not for the presence of the Drakes. Everywhere the sharks show up, Tancred's soldiers are ready for them. Wild savagery may be terrifying for a helpless friar or a defenceless landskeeper, but it's no match at all for a line of bills and stout brigs. Scores of the shark monsters are literally gutted like fish, in skirmishes running the length and breadth of Mitwold. From the Meadows to ~~Oddmure~~ to the Golden Downs, wherever the monsters attack.... Tancred's forces are ready and waiting for them.		It is hard to conceive how badly Mitwold might have suffered... were it not for the presence of the Drakes. Everywhere the sharks show up, Tancred's soldiers are ready for them. Wild savagery may be terrifying for a helpless friar or a defenceless landskeeper, but it's no match at all for a line of bills and stout brigs. Scores of the shark monsters are literally gutted like fish, in skirmishes running the length and breadth of Mitwold. From the Meadows to Oddmire to the Golden Downs, wherever the monsters attack.... Tancred's forces are ready and waiting for them.

	They don't get off scot free of course. The best part of thirty lives are lost to the attack and any hope of a quiet season of resupplying in Mitwold are lost. But a hundred lives are saved for every one that is lost. Tancred's prudent foresight and planning has saved Mitwold from an unimaginable fate. By the end of the season, the Drakes are struggling to keep order in the ranks, because every time one of them goes to a tavern or an inn, there are a dozen people trying to buy them a drink.		They don't get off scot free of course. The best part of thirty lives are lost to the attack and any hope of a quiet season of resupplying in Mitwold are lost. But a hundred lives are saved for every one that is lost. Tancred's prudent foresight and planning has saved Mitwold from an unimaginable fate. By the end of the season, the Drakes are struggling to keep order in the ranks, because every time one of them goes to a tavern or an inn, there are a dozen people trying to buy them a drink.