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388YE Autumn Grendel ambassador briefing

(Created page with "Category:Grendel briefingCategory:Foreign Nation ==Overview== This briefing was prepared for '''Starlight Starchaser''' of Urizen, Ambassador to the Grendel, and presented at the Autumn Equinox 388YE. It will be made available to any citizen who requests it following the summit. It is intended to be read in conjunction with the '''So little I wanted, so little I got''' wind of fortune. As an ambassadorial br...")
 
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For once it seems Speaker Morna is a little lost for words when the Ambassador talks of the [[consecration]] of [[Redoubt#Elos|Elos]]. He is aware of the significance of a [[liao#True Liao|true liao]] consecration, and is not blind to the peculiar honour being done to the Grendel in the way that consecration is being performed. Speaker Morna is not himself especially religious, but confirms that there are some among the people of the Broken Shore who would be interested in visiting a place that celebrates the [[Grendel_religion#Audacity|Audacity]] and Courage of their people. Likewise, there are questioners who view [[Emperor Barabbas|Barabbas]] as an inspiration figure - an enemy of the Grendel but nonetheless a figure whose [[Grendel_religion#Ambition|Ambition]] and Audacity are apparent to all who know of him. The Empire is already aware that there are those on the Broken Shore who respect as inspirational the [[Grendel_religion#Cunning|Cunning]] and [[Grendel_religion#Retribution|Retribution]] displayed by [[Zemress|Zemress of the Isles]].
For once it seems Speaker Morna is a little lost for words when the Ambassador talks of the [[consecration]] of [[Redoubt#Elos|Elos]]. He is aware of the significance of a [[liao#True Liao|true liao]] consecration, and is not blind to the peculiar honour being done to the Grendel in the way that consecration is being performed. Speaker Morna is not himself especially religious, but confirms that there are some among the people of the Broken Shore who would be interested in visiting a place that celebrates the [[Grendel_religion#Audacity|Audacity]] and Courage of their people. Likewise, there are questioners who view [[Emperor Barabbas|Barabbas]] as an inspiration figure - an enemy of the Grendel but nonetheless a figure whose [[Grendel_religion#Ambition|Ambition]] and Audacity are apparent to all who know of him. The Empire is already aware that there are those on the Broken Shore who respect as inspirational the [[Grendel_religion#Cunning|Cunning]] and [[Grendel_religion#Retribution|Retribution]] displayed by [[Zemress|Zemress of the Isles]].


If the [[Senate]] passes a [[motion]] allowing Grendel pilgrims to visit the tomb of Barabbas, the consecrated prow of the Kraken's Bane in [[Madruga#Calvos|Calvos]], and the newly consecrated port of Elos, then pilgrims would come. Would it dramatically change the relationship between the Empire and the Salt Lords? Probably not, says Speaker Morna cynically. The Salt Lords do not, on the whole, make pilgrimages. But it would incline some of those who take the virtues more seriously to treat the Empire with more respect. It is also not impossible that some of the questioners would look to arrange something reciprocal - there are Imperial citizens who honour the [[Grendel_religion#Ancestors|inspirations]] of [[Grendel_religion#Dubhtraig_-_The_Salt_Lord|Dubhtraig]], [[Grendel_religion#Rucraic_-_The_Storm_Lord|Rucraic]], and [[Grendel_religion#Sheanduir_-_The_Wind_Lord|Sheanduir]] for example, even if they have not been recognised as [[Paragons and exemplars|exemplars]]. It is not impossible that if the Senate makes the first move, those questioners might prevail on the Salt Lords to invite Imperial pilgrims to visit sites of spiritual significance to the three founders of the Grendel.
If the [[Senate]] passes a [[Senate motion|motion]] allowing Grendel pilgrims to visit the tomb of Barabbas, the consecrated prow of the Kraken's Bane in [[Madruga#Calvos|Calvos]], and the newly consecrated port of Elos, then pilgrims would come. Would it dramatically change the relationship between the Empire and the Salt Lords? Probably not, says Speaker Morna cynically. The Salt Lords do not, on the whole, make pilgrimages. But it would incline some of those who take the virtues more seriously to treat the Empire with more respect. It is also not impossible that some of the questioners would look to arrange something reciprocal - there are Imperial citizens who honour the [[Grendel_religion#Ancestors|inspirations]] of [[Grendel_religion#Dubhtraig_-_The_Salt_Lord|Dubhtraig]], [[Grendel_religion#Rucraic_-_The_Storm_Lord|Rucraic]], and [[Grendel_religion#Sheanduir_-_The_Wind_Lord|Sheanduir]] for example, even if they have not been recognised as [[Paragons and exemplars|exemplars]]. It is not impossible that if the Senate makes the first move, those questioners might prevail on the Salt Lords to invite Imperial pilgrims to visit sites of spiritual significance to the three founders of the Grendel.


All of this is speculation of course - Speaker Morna promises nothing.
All of this is speculation of course - Speaker Morna promises nothing.
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===Embassies===
===Embassies===
* '''Speaker Morna proposes both the Grendel and the Empire build an embassy in Beoraidh'''
* '''Speaker Morna proposes both the Grendel and the Empire build an embassy in Beoraidh'''
On the matter of [[embassy|embassies]], Speaker Morna does not question the political wisdom of closing the Embassy, and acknowledges that the Grendel should also have an Imperial embassy. He proposes a compromise however. [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]], in Mareave, is neutral territory. The Salt Lords know that the Empire have been dealing with fallen Ehsan, and must know the Grendel have been doing the same. Quite apart from respecting the Audacity of the Beoradhi, the Salt Lords see value in neutral territory over which a power like the [[Sarcophan Delves]] stand as garrantor.
On the matter of [[embassy|embassies]], Speaker Morna does not question the political wisdom of closing the Embassy, and acknowledges that the Grendel should also have an Imperial embassy. He proposes a compromise however. [[Mareave#Beoraidh|Beoraidh]], in Mareave, is neutral territory. The Salt Lords know that the Empire have been dealing with fallen Ehsan, and must know the Grendel have been doing the same. Quite apart from respecting the Audacity of the Beoradhi, the Salt Lords see value in neutral territory over which a power like the [[Sarcophan Delves]] stand as guarantor.


As such, why don't the Empire and the Grendel ''both'' build their respective embassies in Beoraidh? Speaker Morna has already floated the idea past Ehsan, who reportedly leapt at the chance to further cement both the fragile status of the city-state, and increase its prestige. If the Empire agrees, the Salt Lords will pay for the construction of an Imperial Embassy to the Grendel, also in Beoraidh, of matching grandeur. There advantages are obvious, says Speaker Morna. While such an arrangement would remove the opportunity for the Grendel to spy on Imperial territory, it would also ensure the way is not smoothed for the Empire to do the same in the Broken Shore. Further, no matter how the war for control of the Bay goes, as long as Beoraidh remains neutral ground there'll be no danger of one embassy or the other suddenly finding itself on the wrong side of the battle lines.
As such, why don't the Empire and the Grendel ''both'' build their respective embassies in Beoraidh? Speaker Morna has already floated the idea past Ehsan, who reportedly leapt at the chance to further cement both the fragile status of the city-state, and increase its prestige. If the Empire agrees, the Salt Lords will pay for the construction of an Imperial Embassy to the Grendel, also in Beoraidh, of matching grandeur. There advantages are obvious, says Speaker Morna. While such an arrangement would remove the opportunity for the Grendel to spy on Imperial territory, it would also ensure the way is not smoothed for the Empire to do the same in the Broken Shore. Further, no matter how the war for control of the Bay goes, as long as Beoraidh remains neutral ground there'll be no danger of one embassy or the other suddenly finding itself on the wrong side of the battle lines.
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==Leagsaidh Saim-garoth==
==Leagsaidh Saim-garoth==
* '''Speaker Morna enquires as to the wherabouts of an allegedly missing iontach'''
* '''Speaker Morna enquires as to the whereabouts of an allegedly missing iontach'''
Speaker Morna raises the matter of the [[Mithril_and_rope#Opportunity:_Send_Regards_to_Iontach_Leagsaidh|iontach Leagsaidh Saim-garoth]] who apparently disappeared following fighting in Mareave during the Summer Solstice. Imperial "heroes" attacked Grendel archaeologists in the territory using their [[Sentinel Gate]]. A respected magician-healer, it is believed that Leagsaidh Saim-garoth was kidnapped by Imperial forces. Normally, Speaker Morna would not consider such things to be of a high priority, but Leagsaidh Saim-garoth is popular with the [[Elite_Grendel_troops#The_Moridun|moridun]], not least because she has saved many of their lives on multiple occasions. Is the Empire intending to demand a ransom? If so, it might be an idea to ''tell'' the Grendel that a ransom is desired rather than simply hope they will guess. Or, as Speaker Morna thinks more likely, if she has been murdered then the least the Ambassador can do is let that be known so that the Grendel can mourn.
Speaker Morna raises the matter of the [[Mithril_and_rope#Opportunity:_Send_Regards_to_Iontach_Leagsaidh|iontach Leagsaidh Saim-garoth]] who apparently disappeared following fighting in Mareave during the Summer Solstice. Imperial "heroes" attacked Grendel archaeologists in the territory using their [[Sentinel Gate]]. A respected magician-healer, it is believed that Leagsaidh Saim-garoth was kidnapped by Imperial forces. Normally, Speaker Morna would not consider such things to be of a high priority, but Leagsaidh Saim-garoth is popular with the [[Elite_Grendel_troops#The_Moridun|moridun]], not least because she has saved many of their lives on multiple occasions. Is the Empire intending to demand a ransom? If so, it might be an idea to ''tell'' the Grendel that a ransom is desired rather than simply hope they will guess. Or, as Speaker Morna thinks more likely, if she has been murdered then the least the Ambassador can do is let that be known so that the Grendel can mourn.


The civil service believe this was related to a battlefield objective, relating to an ''Uthni'' contract in which Leagsaidh Saim-garoth was to be humiliated. Presumably the field marshall for that battle would know more. The Uthni are one of the orcish extended families of Mareave, so it is not impossible that the Advisor on Orc Affairs or the Senator for Mareave might have some insight into what is going on here.
The civil service believe this was related to a battlefield objective, relating to an ''Uthni'' contract in which Leagsaidh Saim-garoth was to be humiliated. Presumably the field marshal for that battle would know more. The Uthni are one of the orcish extended families of Mareave, so it is not impossible that the Advisor on Orc Affairs or the Senator for Mareave might have some insight into what is going on here.
{{Grendel Links}}
{{Grendel Links}}

Latest revision as of 13:04, 9 October 2026

Overview

This briefing was prepared for Starlight Starchaser of Urizen, Ambassador to the Grendel, and presented at the Autumn Equinox 388YE. It will be made available to any citizen who requests it following the summit. It is intended to be read in conjunction with the So little I wanted, so little I got wind of fortune. As an ambassadorial briefing, it takes for granted a degree of understanding of political matters that might prove opaque to casual readers.

During the Autumn Equinox. Starlight Starchaser was succeeded in the post of Ambassador by Damian den Mhuir di Tassato-Mestra of the League.

In the absence of a Grendel embassy, the civil service did its best to provide a briefing for the Autumn Equinox, but going forward they will be unable to continue doing so - not unless the Senate is prepared to make some additional funds available to find premises and supplies for a skeleton staff to support the Ambassador's office.

Concedence and Peace

  • The Salt Lords reject a call to cede Mareave and Ayereed to the Empire

Speaker Morna has placed Ambassador Starchaser's initial proposals before the Salt Lords. They have discussed them extensively but find themselves unable to accept any. There is little chance that the Grendel will cede Mareave to the Empire, but there is absolutely no chance they will allow Imperial forces to occupy Ayereed. That request is, frankly, ludicrous.

The civil service note the different ways Morna speaks about Mareave and Ayereed. While he is unambiguous about Ayereed, he leaves the matter of Mareave less definitive. This implies strongly that the Salt Lords could be open to negotiation with regards to that territory - the major bone of contention for the Grendel is likely to be the Fundindelve, given the status and prestige that attends anyone who controls a mithril mine. Exactly what would bring the Grendel to the negotiating table is not clear, but it is also likely that the future of the Brine Turtles would need to be resolved as well - the Grendel are unlikely to be keen to lose control of the army supported by the Fleisardh sept.

Inspiration and Consecration

  • Speaker Morna is surprisingly positive about news of a true consecration recognising Grendel virtue
  • He suggests a Senate law allowing Grendel pilgrims to visit the Empire might prompt a reciprocal gesture from the Salt Lords

For once it seems Speaker Morna is a little lost for words when the Ambassador talks of the consecration of Elos. He is aware of the significance of a true liao consecration, and is not blind to the peculiar honour being done to the Grendel in the way that consecration is being performed. Speaker Morna is not himself especially religious, but confirms that there are some among the people of the Broken Shore who would be interested in visiting a place that celebrates the Audacity and Courage of their people. Likewise, there are questioners who view Barabbas as an inspiration figure - an enemy of the Grendel but nonetheless a figure whose Ambition and Audacity are apparent to all who know of him. The Empire is already aware that there are those on the Broken Shore who respect as inspirational the Cunning and Retribution displayed by Zemress of the Isles.

If the Senate passes a motion allowing Grendel pilgrims to visit the tomb of Barabbas, the consecrated prow of the Kraken's Bane in Calvos, and the newly consecrated port of Elos, then pilgrims would come. Would it dramatically change the relationship between the Empire and the Salt Lords? Probably not, says Speaker Morna cynically. The Salt Lords do not, on the whole, make pilgrimages. But it would incline some of those who take the virtues more seriously to treat the Empire with more respect. It is also not impossible that some of the questioners would look to arrange something reciprocal - there are Imperial citizens who honour the inspirations of Dubhtraig, Rucraic, and Sheanduir for example, even if they have not been recognised as exemplars. It is not impossible that if the Senate makes the first move, those questioners might prevail on the Salt Lords to invite Imperial pilgrims to visit sites of spiritual significance to the three founders of the Grendel.

All of this is speculation of course - Speaker Morna promises nothing.

The civil service sound a note of caution. Allowing Grendel to visit Redoubt, Madruga, and Necropolis freely, albeit within the context of a spiritual pilgrimage, will certainly attract those who honour the spiritual inspiration of the three human figures. But it will also provide cover for Grendel with a more sinister agenda - it will be a lot easier for the Salt Lords to undertake espionage in those territories if they were minded to do so. On the other hand, the same is true of an arrangement where Imperial citizens are allowed to visit Grendel sacred sites; the Imperial Spymaster could not help but to be in a much better position to establish spy networks and undertake espionage on behalf of the Empire.

Embassies

  • Speaker Morna proposes both the Grendel and the Empire build an embassy in Beoraidh

On the matter of embassies, Speaker Morna does not question the political wisdom of closing the Embassy, and acknowledges that the Grendel should also have an Imperial embassy. He proposes a compromise however. Beoraidh, in Mareave, is neutral territory. The Salt Lords know that the Empire have been dealing with fallen Ehsan, and must know the Grendel have been doing the same. Quite apart from respecting the Audacity of the Beoradhi, the Salt Lords see value in neutral territory over which a power like the Sarcophan Delves stand as guarantor.

As such, why don't the Empire and the Grendel both build their respective embassies in Beoraidh? Speaker Morna has already floated the idea past Ehsan, who reportedly leapt at the chance to further cement both the fragile status of the city-state, and increase its prestige. If the Empire agrees, the Salt Lords will pay for the construction of an Imperial Embassy to the Grendel, also in Beoraidh, of matching grandeur. There advantages are obvious, says Speaker Morna. While such an arrangement would remove the opportunity for the Grendel to spy on Imperial territory, it would also ensure the way is not smoothed for the Empire to do the same in the Broken Shore. Further, no matter how the war for control of the Bay goes, as long as Beoraidh remains neutral ground there'll be no danger of one embassy or the other suddenly finding itself on the wrong side of the battle lines.

The Civil Service note that it is a little surprising Speaker Morna was not more enthused about the offer to build an embassy in Sarvos - a city the Grendel clearly have an interest in. The offer to build in Beoraidh appears on the surface to be straightforward, but it may be that the Salt Lords think that, as a former member of their council, Ehsan will favour them more than the Empire in the event of any conflict. Their own assessment suggests that this may well not be the case - given that Ehsan is clearly smarting about the way he and his city were abandoned during the Imperial invasion of Mareave. Regardless, what stands out is that the Grendel are clearly more worried about the Empire using their embassy to spy on them than they are eager to gain a foothold in Sarvos. The likely explanation is that Imperial successes in the arena of espionage have caused the Salt Lords to reassess Imperial expertise in such things - and that they are taking them much more seriously than they have previously.

Leagsaidh Saim-garoth

  • Speaker Morna enquires as to the whereabouts of an allegedly missing iontach

Speaker Morna raises the matter of the iontach Leagsaidh Saim-garoth who apparently disappeared following fighting in Mareave during the Summer Solstice. Imperial "heroes" attacked Grendel archaeologists in the territory using their Sentinel Gate. A respected magician-healer, it is believed that Leagsaidh Saim-garoth was kidnapped by Imperial forces. Normally, Speaker Morna would not consider such things to be of a high priority, but Leagsaidh Saim-garoth is popular with the moridun, not least because she has saved many of their lives on multiple occasions. Is the Empire intending to demand a ransom? If so, it might be an idea to tell the Grendel that a ransom is desired rather than simply hope they will guess. Or, as Speaker Morna thinks more likely, if she has been murdered then the least the Ambassador can do is let that be known so that the Grendel can mourn.

The civil service believe this was related to a battlefield objective, relating to an Uthni contract in which Leagsaidh Saim-garoth was to be humiliated. Presumably the field marshal for that battle would know more. The Uthni are one of the orcish extended families of Mareave, so it is not impossible that the Advisor on Orc Affairs or the Senator for Mareave might have some insight into what is going on here.

Further Reading

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