Each age a lens

Frith, Advisor on Orc Affairs

Overview

• Five orc nations have engaged in diplomacy of one kind or another with the Empire

Many of the nations that border the Empire are orc nations. Not all are barbarians; the Empire has a long-standing peace treaty with the Thule for example (see the Invited with asperity wind of fortune for more details on Thule diplomacy this season). There are also communities of orcs within the Empire's borders. Some are part of Imperial nations - the Unshackled, the former Grendel of the League, the free Jotun thralls of the Marches. Others maintain a degree of independance while still being at least ambivalent to the Empire - the orcs of Beoraidh and the protectorate of Morasjasse - while still others keep to themselves and have an uncertain relationship with their Imperial neighbours - the Rahvin in the Barrens for example, the septs of Mareave, or the remaining orc septs in Ossium who declined to move to Skarsind when the offer was made.

In most cases, diplomacy with most of these disparate orc groups is technically the responsibility of the Imperial Consul, currently Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason of Wintermark, perhaps advised by the Advisor on Orc Affairs, Frith of the Unshackled. In practice, many of these orc groups prefer to deal with members of certain nations with whom they have ties - the Jotun prefer to talk to the folk of Wintermark for example, while the Great Forest Orcs consider the Navarr to be their close allies.

Jotun

• The Jotun remain at war with the Empire
• Responsibility and authority for diplomacy with the Jotun falls to the Imperial Consul

The Jotun are a powerful, martial nation lead by the Jarl of Jarls - Queen Yrsa Jansdóttir of Kallsea and King Gudmundr Arason of Narkyst. The Empire has been at war with them for most of its existence, although there have been numerous short periods of peace during that time. They encroach into Imperial lands - having conquered Bregasland and Liathaven (which they name Ashvale). The Empire responds with an attack on Skallahn that threatens to take control of the Kongegőr, the bridge that connects the northern and southern territories of the sprawling barbarian nation.

There is no ambassador to the Jotun. They seem never to have been especially interested in such a formalised relationship with the Empire. That is not to say that they are incapable of engaging in diplomacy or negotiation, merely that they tend to prefer to deal with individual nations rather than the Empire as a whole. Over the centuries they have had a "close" relationship with the folk of Wintermark, for example, for all that the two nations clash constantly along their borders. In recent times, they have also shown a similar degree of respect for the Freeborn. When the Empire as a whole must deal with the orcs of Kallsea and Narkyst, however, the responsibility falls to the Imperial Consul.

A New Meeting Place

• A new Meeting Place has been constructed on Gull Isle, a tidal island in the Gullet.
• The Wintermark National Assembly have encouraged their people to use this opportunity to build bridges with the Jotun.

While they are unreceptive to the more formal structures of an embassy, there is nonetheless a long tradition of peaceful meeting on neutral ground between the Jotun and Wintermark. Once there was a Meeting Place just outside the borders of Sermersuaq where such meetings too place. Sadly in 382YE it was destroyed and defiled by a renegade Varushkan, infuriating the Jotun.

In recent years careful negotiations have been taking place regarding the creation of a new meeting place. The old stone is gone, but something new has been raised, with assistance from the Wintermark mystics and their "opposite numbers" among the Jotun, the ghodi. A little common ground has been found, and there the Empire has helped build a great meeting hall where, it is hoped, Jotun and Imperial might be able to speak without the shadow of violence falling across them. This initiative had extensive support from the Wintermark National Assembly as seen in the statement raised by Hayrin at the Summer Solstice, and supported by the Wintermark Assembly.

Construction has taken nearly a year, but it is finally complete. A meeting hall now stands on a wave-swept island in the waters to the west of Kallavesa where barbarian and human can meet one another to talk. There are still some decisions to be made about the place, however.

Where march the war-bound, the bold-hearted brethren?
Where flew the banners, the fire-bright spears?
Far from the fray, he stood steadfast in duty,
Bound to the crown, while his kin bled and fell.
Steel-fast in service, he stayed through the seasons,
Honour his harness, though hunger for war
Burned in his breast like buried bright ember -
To rise, to reckon, to rest in the red.
But fate is a falcon, fierce in its turning,
It flew to his field in the fullness of time.
Sword-slung and shouting, he'll stride into battle,

And die with the day, as doers of old.

For Ustigar Jarl of Keirheim, by Iron Osric, Hammer of the West

Rules of War

• Iron Osric has spoken to Igya Olgafsdottir about a meeting to better define terms of war with the Jotun
• The message has been well received and a meeting proposed for the Spring Equinox honouring Tromsan traditions
• Negotiations will occur at the new meeting place, Osric, the Golden Jarl and the Imperial Consul are invited
• The thane and the jarl are both invited to bring a small entourage; the meeting will take the form of a feast where anger is put aside

Shortly before the Winter Solstice, a messenger leaves the Jotun territory of Ashvale (which the Empire calls Liathaven) and makes camp at the base of the burial mound that was once Fort Braydon. She sits under a flag of truce and waits. The Freeborn who speak to her learn that she is bringing a message from Igya Olgafsdottir, hero-engineer and warleader of the Jotun. The message is quickly communicated to Tassato and to the office of the Imperial Consul.

Apparently general Iron Osric of the Green Shield has requested a parley to discuss the terms of the on-going war. In particular, "to try and agree what magic we will not employ, the banning of poisons or other foul things, the protection of innocents, where our armies will clash, the number of forces and how long the conflict will endure before the feasting time." There seems to be some uncertainty as to whether Osric is speaking only on behalf of Wintermark, or for the Empire as a whole.

Iron Osric, General of the Green Shield

Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason of the Sussivari Oathsworn Fyrd; elder statesman and Imperial Consul.

Avisena i Ezmara i Guerra, the Golden Jarl

What's clear from the reply is that the Jotun continue to view Iron Osric and a figure they refer to as "the Golden Jarl" in particular as exemplars of what it means to be an honourable warrior. As such they are minded to take his request very seriously. Igya proposes that it is long past time for such a meeting, and that she is eager to attend one as a representative of her Queen. A second representative will come to speak with the voice of the King, and each will bring a small honour guard of champions and godhi to speak for the warbands and champions of the west.

Olgafsdottir has called the meeting under the laws of hospitality of her home. In Tromsdalen when feuding warbands can stand one another no more and only blood will settle their anger, they engage in the hetjuveisla - the feast of heroes. Both sides bring food and drink, and bards to play music and tell tales. For a time the price of blood is set aside, so that a negotiation may be held in good faith to determine precisely how the battle-to-come will go. When the feast is over, the sun must rise and set again before violence resumes allowing both sides to safely return to their homes.

As long as Iron Osric agrees, she proposes that at the Spring Equinox - at the start of the year - Iron Osric, the Golden Jarl, and the Imperial Consul come to the new Meeting Place. Igya proposes that Osric and the Jarl each bring a small honour guard and the Consul an assistant. Both sides should bring food, drink, and bards. A negotiation will take place there that will bind both sides in agreement, and they will part peacefully.

News of this meeting is not met with universal approval. Both the Imperial Consul and Iron Osric are Winterfolk. The Jotun refuse to name the Golden Jarl, but it is definitely a reference to one of the Freeborn. Of the Marches in particular there is no mention - where the Jotun still dominate Bregasland - there are rumbles of discontent that Winterfolk and Freeborn will negotiate how war will take place between the Empire and the western barbarians. They're not alone - in Navarr there are a few undercurrents of unhappiness about this. While it is easy to see the sense of a general representing the Military Council and the Consul representing the Senate, no-one is sure if this "Golden Jarl" even speaks for the Brass Coast. And who will speak for the other nations that must fight the Jotun?

Virtuous Possibilities

• The Jotun have constructed an ancestral shrine as part of the Meeting Place, and assume that the Empire will dedicate a space to the Way
• The Synod could pass a writ of consecration to create a true aura at the Meeting Place
• The effect would be dependant on the aura chosen, and whether it was a sacred site or a memorial
• The Jotun have requested that the Wintermark National Assembly endorse any such Consecration to soothe the worries of the Ghodi
• A true consecration will not lead any Jotun to convert to the Way of Virtue

With the new Meeting Place constructed, the Jotun have wasted no time in making themselves at home. Along with the wall-hangings, feasting tables, treasured ancestral weapons and other creature comforts they have brought with them, they have swiftly established dedicated spaces for their religious practice. One room of the Meeting Place has been established as a shrine to the ancestors, and is already being filled with small idols, painted images and relics of the honoured dead. As well as this, an outdoor space has been marked out as suitable for ritual combat. While raising a hand in anger against a guest or a host would be a terrible breach of hospitality, two or more warriors choosing to test their strength against one another in honour of their ancestors is not only accepted but encouraged as a demonstration of strength and piety.

Soon, word reaches the Meeting Place of a letter sent by Thane Erlend Gunnulfson, who identifies himself as the person responsible for gathering the Empire's contribution of white granite towards this project. The letter bears a suggestion that the Empire might consecrate part of the site. While most Jotun are broadly disinterested in the Way of Virtue (despite the best efforts of the Lasambrian orcs), the suggestion seems reasonable. If the Jotun can honour their ancestors, why not allow the Empire to honour their Virtues? There is agreement with the offer, at least in principle.

In practice, there are several ways that this could be done. The simplest would be to claim a specific space in the Meeting Place as a space for religious observance, and to consecrate it normally with a little liao, renewing it season by season. This is how consecrated areas are maintained across the Empire, after all. This would incur no costs, lead to no downsides, and would allow the aura to be changed from season to season.

Of course there is a more costly, and more impactful, alternative. True liao could be used to create a true consecration within the new Meeting Place. One of the Virtue Assemblies would need to uphold a writ of consecration as normal, and that judgement would need to be upheld by a greater majority of the relevant assembly. While multiple assemblies could attempt to pass a writ to consecrate the Meeting Place, such judgements would be considered to be competing with one another; only the greater majority judgement with the highest margin of success would be upheld.

There are limits to the effect of such a consecration. Jotun living in, or visiting, the Meeting Place might visit the Imperial shrine out of curiosity or a desire to learn, but such things would have no wider effect on the Jotun as a nation - this would not convert the Jotun to the Way. However, a true consecration would reinforce how the Empire view their relationship with the Jotun. An aura of Loyalty for example, would remind everyone of the importance of service to others, and perhaps communicate that the Empire will always stand by their friends and allies. An aura of Pride would encourage rock-hard self esteem, and remind Imperial visitors that they are the foundation on which future relations with the Jotun will be build, perhaps resonating with Jotun ideas of honour and integrity. There would be a degree of interpretation involved on both sides, especially since the Jotun would react to the actual aura rather than the symbolism of the virtue. But such a potent site would be seen by the Jotun as demonstrating the kind of future that the Empire desires with them.

Normally a writ of consecration would be passed with the intention of creating an Inspirational location dedicated to a paragon or exemplar. With the Meeting Place, the writ could identify the Meeting Place as a sacred site - significant but not associated with any particular individual, or as a memorial dedicated to a renowned inspirational figure.

Consecrating the Meeting Place as a memorial could not help but send a much more specific message to the Jotun. The barbarians would interpret a shrine commemorating a specific figure from the Empire's past through the lens of their own faith, and likely see the inspirational figure chosen in such a way as an "honoured ancestor" of the Empire. This possibility was apparently met with a great deal of interest by the godhi visiting the construction of the Meeting Place. Some, more open-minded ghodi, would be very curious about what figures the Empire looks to for guidance, and while some elements will doubtless be lost in translation, the Jotun will look to any memorial as a statement about who the people of the Empire desire to be. Any greater effect would be highly dependent on the figure chosen, but it will doubtless be deeply meaningful.

There is a note alongside this talk of open-mindedness, however. The ghodi are as divided and cantankerous as any group of Synod priests, and while they often show unity in the face of outsiders their internal debates are just as heated. More conservative voices are already raising criticisms of allowing the Empire such leeway in the practice of their faith. The missionary zeal of the Empire is well known, and some fear that this may be the thin end of the wedge. Indeed, there are undoubtedly Imperial citizens who would love nothing more than to spread the Way among the peoples of the Jotun, whether the Jotun wanted them to or not. In order to shut this debate down before it starts causing problems, the Jotun have suggested that their neighbours in Wintermark act as guarantors of the Empire's honour. The Wintermark National Assembly could pass a suitably-worded statement of principle endorsing a writ of consecration regarding the Meeting Place. Such a statement would need to be raised before the consecration was carried out, but if passed with a greater majority it would address the fears of the more suspicious Jotun.

Grendel

• The Grendel remain at war with the Empire
• The Ambassador to the Grendel is Starlight Starchaser of Urizen

The Grendel are the dominant power on Attar and the Broken Shore, and they remain at war with the Empire. They have conquered parts of Redoubt, and continue to fight Imperial forces defending Mareave. The Asavean plenum offers significant support to the Grendel in the form of warships and resources, using them as proxies for their own war with the Empire.

Speaker Morna is the primary diplomat who deals with the Empire, and reports to the Salt-Lords Council directly. They are known to be cynical, arrogant, and self-indulgent, and while they obviously participate in the ongoing-knife fight that is Grendel politics, they were chosen for their fidelity as much as their diplomatic acumen.

Misapprehensions

• They request that further correspondence about diplomatic matters come from the Ambassador to the Grendel

A single magical missive arrived at the offices of the Ambassador to the Grendel, Starlight Starchaser of Urizen. The letter begins by welcoming the new ambassador, but then immediately goes on to correct a misapprehension. Last season, Morna simply pointed out that any discussion of peace between Grendel and Empire must take place between themselves and the Ambassador to the Grendel. This has apparently been misinterpreted as a sign that the Grendel desire an end to the conflict with the Empire. That is not the case - Speaker Morna was simply reminding Abel the Rounder of how diplomatic relations between nations must take place.

If the Empire wishes to put forward their own plan for peace, they are welcome to do so. As long as the Empire's opening offer is serious, Morna will present it to the Salt Lords for consideration. At the absolute minimum it will need to include the complete withdrawal of Imperial forces from Mareave and Redoubt. The Grendel Ambassador will not waste the Salt Lords' time with anything less.

It seems that many of Gallum's troops are Stone Born, the most heavily armoured and arguably the most disciplined of the Grendel Moridun.

The Protectorate of Morajasse

• The Grendel controlling Morajasse have been recognised as foreigners by the Senate
• They have asked that the Imperial Consul handles communications with them rather than the Ambassador to the Grendel

While Feroz has mosly been liberated from the Grendel occupation, Morajasse remains in the hands of the master-strategist Commander Gallum Fiersach. Ably supported by Wind Lord Saoirse - his partner and a master of the lore of Sand - along with a significant number of veteran Grendel soldiers, they control the fortress of Mora's Rock. They carefully protect the borders of Morajasse, and apparently have sufficient supplies to endure a drawn-out siege if needed.

They are not just protecting their own borders. They have shown themselves more than willing to fight the Children of Wrecks. After the battle at Oran, the Senate chose to recognise Morajasse as a protectorate under the command of Gallum Fiersach, who will be deemed a foreigner as long as they remain independent from the Grendel. So far, they seem to continue to be independent of the Grendel. Indeed, the protectorate has requested that all negotiations be handled by the Imperial Consul rather than the Ambassador to the Grendel. The civil service speculate that this request reflects a clear division between the protectorate and the Salt Lords' council... yet there are certainly other possibilities some of them quite intriguing. Given Wind Lord Saoirse has clearly mastered the art of commanding magical couriers its hard to believe they have not at least been in contact with the Salt Lords, but for now they appear to be operating in line with their agreement with the Senate.

Not long before the Winter Solstice, such a magical courier arrives at the Consulate in Tassato, again sent by Wind Lord Saoirse. The message is short and sweet. Commander Gallum is considering the invitation of Atte Arrowtongue to Anvil but at this time thinks he and his supporters should be focused on Feroz. Spring might be a better time to send emissaries. This would also present an opportunity for his partner to send one of her covenmates to speak with Khalil i Carno i Guerra and the Artisan's Guild.

More importantly, he wants to be clear to the Consul that while he and his soldiers only agreed to protect Feroz from the Children of Wrecks, they are also prepared to fight against the invading Iron Confederacy forces that currently occupy the islands of the Cazar Straits, provided they are well paid. While there may be something of a détente between the Salt Lords and the Suranni Dukes, Commander Gallum Fiersach apparently sees no "legal" impediment to fighting as mercenaries against all comers.

Ramparts of Sand

• Wind Lord Saoirse is prepared to again enchant Mora's Rock if the Empire fears an attack from the Children of Wrecks or Iron Confederacy

Last season, Wind Lord Saoirse offered to support Feroz by drawing allied forces from the Mercurial Archipelago. Indications are that she is referring to the enchantment the Empire knows as Ramparts of Ashlar. The Imperial Conclave declined to endow her with the mana she requested, but she wishes them to know that the offer is still open. If the Empire is at all concerned about the intentions of the Suranni, or the risk of the Children of Wrecks retaliating, she will enchant the fortification to enhance its garrison as it protects the territory.

The Grendel on Mora's Rock have stolen the wealth of the Brass Coast. As thieves, they are to be despised. To trade with them harms the Prosperity of the Empire. It should not happen. Let them wallow in their ill-gotten gains, shunned by the Empire. Trade instead with the Freeborn. Help the honest to earn an honest living, and build the Prosperity of the Coast.

Dragonet de Gauvin, Prosperity Assembly, Autumn Equninox 387YE, Vote: 137-38

Supplies

• The orc quartermasters at Mora's Rock have been attempting to buy provisions and supplies from the Freeborn of Feroz and Segura
• The entrepreneurial Freeborn remain suspicious and uncooperative

For several months now, the orcs at Mora's Rock have been making attempts to trade with their Freeborn neighbours in Segura and Feroz. To date, however, they have had limited success. It is hard for the people of the Brass Coast not to see the "protectorate" and remember the cruel tyranny of former Governor Rahab. They were, after all, still part of the apparatus that enforced the authority of the despised ruler of the territory. While the garrison merchants have crowns to spend, their wealth was mostly taken from the people of Feroz one way or another.

At the Autumn Equinox, Dragonet de Gauvin proposed a statement of principle condemning the orcs of Morajasse as thieves. The Prosperity assembly upheld the judgement, but not with a greater majority, so its impact has been negligible. However, given that the majority of the Freeborn seem broadly disinclined to trade with the Grendel, the status quo sees Commander Gallum's forces continue to find it next to impossible to engage in peaceful relations with their neighbours. The Freeborn of Feroz may, perhaps grudgingly, accept their protection but they do not accept their coin.

Spies

Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo, Imperial Spymaster

Tyburn Weaver (changeling), Grandmaster of the Shuttered Lantern

• There is concern that the Protectorate of Morajasse is being used as a base for Grendel spies
• A spy network could be used to gather information about both the Protectorate and the Iron Confederacy in the Cazar Straits
• If the Conclave sends mana to Morajasse, then the Shuttered Lantern could be employed to inveigle their way into the Protectorate
• A scouting army could investigate rumours of espionage rings and assess the military disposition of Gallum's forces
• The Silent Bell could be used to root out any collaborators in the area

Suspicion of the Protectorate of Morajasse is not restricted to matters of trade however. The Grendel are known to employ espionage rings throughout the Bay of Catazar. They spy on Imperial territories but they are also capable of taking direct action - a Grendel espionage ring aided the attack on Siroc for example. Not much is actually known about the so-called Protectorate, and it is entirely possible that Commander Gallum is protecting Feroz simply to let a Grendel espionage ring dig themselves into the territory in advance of the orcs of the Broken Shore launching another attack.

There are any number of other conspiracy theories - some are looking at the request to be treated as a separate entity to the Grendel as a sign that perhaps Gallum and his forces are fractured from the Salt Lords for example. This is most likely wishful thinking but perhaps its noteworthy that they have not tried to seize ships and return to Attar.

Regardless of what one believes, there are rumblings in Feroz that what is needed is a better understanding of this Protectorate. So far, they have been reticent to travel to Anvil, and their borders are largely closed. Only the very small number of Freeborn prepared to deal with them are allowed entry and then only to a trading camp just over the border. Further information might help the Brass Coast, and the Empire, get a better idea of how to approach the Protectorate.

The Imperial Spymaster Rahmah i Darwisj i Erigo (or the Senate) could of course create a spy network in Feroz. There are, after all, two non-Imperial regions in the territory now. If at least 1,000 strength were committed to the spy network it would be enough to get a general feel for not only the Protectorate, but also the Suranni presence in the Cazar Straits. If at least 5,000 strength were committed, it would be sufficient to get detailed information about what is going on in these regions and an insight into the politics of the two foreign groups. The drawback is that this is a slow process - building a spy network takes time as does using it to uncover information. If the Spymaster began immediately, there'd be no report before the Summer Solstice at the absolute earliest.

If the Empire wants information more quickly, then there are three potential opportunities any one of which would give some insight into the Protectorate, and each of which could provide additional information.

The Military Council could direct an army to the territory to take the Guard the Gates order. As long as the general indicated in their orders that the army was particularly interested in the Protectorate, they could take advantage of opportunities to speak to the garrison of Mora's Rock as they patrol outside Morajasse. This would give insight into the Grendel, their attitude to Feroz, and the broader plans of the Commander. If that army were also enchanted with Bound by Common Cause, they could also work with the people of Feroz to get a better sense of their attitudes, or become aware of any underhand activity sponsored by Gallum and his supporters.

Another possibility would be to look to the wizards of the Conclave. The Shuttered Lantern are adept at negotiation and infiltration where wizards are involved, but the Grendel are too canny to just welcome them into their homes. However if the Conclave passed a declaration to send mana to the Wind Lord, then members of the Shuttered Lantern would have the perfect cover they need to inveigle their way into the Rock. In that case, the Grandmaster could guide their order, urging Freeborn and other members to visit Morajasse and try to get a feel for what is going on. This would require 20 mana from the font as usual, and would provide insight into feelings in the Protectorate and may reveal something of their plans. Salt-Lord Saoirse is a powerful magician, supported by a coven of adepts, so they are sure to have things to talk about.

Finally, the Synod could engage the Silent Bell to root out any collaborators in the area. If there is an espionage ring here, it would at least confirm that, and may even provide some leads to help shut it down. If there are merchants profiteering from trade with Morajasse, it would enable the Synod to put a stop to that, if they so chose. If the Empire plans to isolate the former Grendel, then the Silent Bell might be the most effective tool in the long run.

Normally these opportunities might be exclusive, too many spies in one area would simply reveal the Empire's interest. As it happens, though, the three possibilities are each focused on different priorities. Each additional opportunity taken would provide less information overall, but would focus on different parts of the Protectorate and so still have some potential value.

Beoraidh is a tiny "nation" with great big ambitions.

Beoraidh

• Beoraidh is a city state on the coast of Mareave that allegedly aims to remain neutral in the conflict between the Empire and the Grendel
• The Senate has recognised the orcs of Beoraidh as foreigners

The city state of Beoraidh in Mareave is apparently committed to neutrality between the Empire and the Grendel. The former-Salt Lord Eshan rules from the city there, and sees the place as a "free port" where traders from everywhere are welcome - provided they bring money or goods to trade. Recently, as discussed in the A wild night and a new road wind of fortune, Beoraidh has come under the protection of the Sarcophan Delves - something that has not sat entirely easily with their Imperial neighbours. Exactly what this protection means - and how much influence the Sarcophan actually have - is not entirely clear. At the last it implies that anyone attacking Beoraidh - Imperial or otherwise - will incur the wrath of the Delves and their warships.

Prosperity

• Beoraidh has aligned itself with the Sarcophan Delves, accepting the protection of the powerful mercantile nation

As an independent nation, recognised by the Senate, the city-state of Beoraidh falls into the purview of the Imperial Consul. A messenger arrives at the Consulate in Tassato bearing greetings from former-Salt Lord Eshan. The first thing the missive announces is that the ruler of Beoraidh has taken the title "Eshan, Lord of Sand". This is likely an attempt to mollify the Salt Lords of the Grendel, among whose number he is no longer counted.

The meat of the letter addresses the alliance with the Sarcophan Delves. Eshan presents the decision to accept the protection of the Delves as a perfectly reasonable one prompted by reality. The Empire's Senate can be quite volatile, as can the Salt Lords. To accept the protection of one side or the other would be to risk being seen as aligned with them - something detrimental to the desire of Beoraidh to remain neutral. The Sarcophan Delves however are renowned for their refusal to pick sides, and the orcs of Beoraidh find that they have more in common with them than the Unshackled. Perhaps if the Empire had been more enthusiastic about the invitation to establish the shrine of the virtues, or had been more welcoming to the gladiators seeking Imperial investment, or had more decisively dealt with the armies invading Mareave, Eshan might have waited a little longer. Whatever his reason, it is clear he feels the Sarcophan are simply offering his city the best deal going.

As such, Eshan, Lord of Sand, wishes to formally inform the Imperial Consul that they have agreed a treaty with the Delves. An attack against their city, or the plains of Sinfoyard, will be treated as an attack on the Delves. However, the treaty is very clear that this agreement is not be an "exclusive" partnership. Both Beoraidh and the Delves are free to continue to pursue their own ambitions in the Bay of Catazar, with the Empire and the Grendel at the bare minimum. The tribute sent to the Empire, and the Grendel, will continue until such time as it can be renegotiated - as an assurance of Beoraidh's good faith as much as anything else. Yet the Lord of Sand is not shy about suggesting that Beoraidh will, eventually, want to discuss that tribute.

If the Consul is still interested in investing in Beoraidh, Eshan lays out three possiblities.

Investment of Salt

• The opportunity to build a temple or basilica in Beoraidh is still available
• A previous Imperial Consul agreed to purchase land for the shrine of virtue
• Even if commissioned, work cannot begin until the money for the land is paid

The previous Consul proposed an agreement with Lord Ehsan to build a Temple of the Way in the city-state. If the new Consul is still interested in that, opportunities to do so remain available. Eshan and his council have no interest in turning money and prosperity away, wherever it comes from. The invitation to build the shrine of the virtues remains. Either a temple or a grand basilica, depending on the level of investment the Empire wishes, can still be built. Provided the agreed on 20 Thrones for the purchase of land is delivered, of course.

Investment of Sea

Investment in Beoraidh

Commission Type: Edifice

Location: Beoraidh, Mareave

Cost: 30 weirwood, and 108 crowns (modified by under-developed)

Effects: Opens the port of Beoraidh to Imperial fleet captains

Special: Raises taxation in Mareave by 3 thrones and taxes from tariffs by 7 thrones

Availability: Until the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE

• The Empire is welcome to invest in the docks of Beoraidh

The Sarcophan are interested in investing in Beoraidh's docks, and Eshan feels it would be remiss not to offer a similar opportunity to the Empire. He has, indeed, already offered this opportunity to the Grendel and his former colleagues in the council of Salt Lords seem cautiously interested. If the Imperial Consul is interested, then Eshan proposes that the Empire participate in the expansion of Beoraidh's docks with an eye towards creating docks specifically for Imperial vessels to dock, and for their merchants to do business in the marketplaces of the city. Beoraidh still produces goods of its own, but the real draw perhaps will be the opportunity to gain access to goods imported from the Broken Shore.

A standard fleet visiting Beoraidh will be able to secure assorted valuable goods worth 72 rings, as well as two doses of consumable available to the orcs of Beoraidh, the Delves, or the Grendel trading there. An enchanted or upgraded fleet would receive proportionally more.

Eshan intends to apply what he calls "reasonable tariffs" and anticipates the Empire will apply the same tariffs to any Beoraidh ships visiting Imperial ports. Once the docks are completed there will certainly be Beoradhi merchants eager to do so. The civil service estimates that investment in the docks would also raise the taxable income of Mareave by 3 Thrones each season - increased prosperity for Beoraidh will slowly trickle across to the businesses of the territory as a whole - and bring in an additional 7 Thrones per season to the Senate treasury in the form of tariffs.

Investment of Stone

Imperial Consulate in Beoraidh

Commission Type: Embassy

Location: Beoraidh, Sinfoyard, Mareave

Cost: 25 white granite, and 90 crowns (modified by under-developed)

Upkeep: 5 Thrones

Effects: Provides the Empire with some information on the factions in Beoraidh, local politics and recent developments Allows the Consul to purchase goods from Beoraidh

• Eshan proposes an Imperial consulate be built in Beoraidh
• This would not involve the appointment of a new ambassador
• The consulate would provide some limited information on the factions in the city and their machinations

Eshan is not naive when it comes to diplomacy; he has decades of experience as a salt lord after all. After some discussion with his advisors, and with the Sarcophan representatives, he offers the Empire the ability to establish a consulate in Beoraidh if they wish to do so. This will give them a presence in the city, and cement diplomatic relations between the city-state and the great power. They don't want embassy - they'd rather continue to deal with the Consul. But a small cadre of civil servants in Beoraidh would be able to ease representation to Beoraidh.

The Grendel have already been approached, and now Eshan makes the same offer to the Empire. A structure in the Imperial style, built near the Palace of Chains, with lodging for a dozen civil servants and visiting diplomats. The proposal is much more compact than a traditional Imperial embassy - only 25 white granite - but the labour costs are a little higher due to the limitations of Beoraidh.

If the new consulate were completed, it would not require the appointment of an ambassador to deal directly with Lord Ehsan. Instead the civil servants there would report to the Imperial Consul and could be instructed to acquire local goods for a small fee (assuming such things are still acceptable). Perhaps more importantly, the Empire would have civil servants on the ground in Beoraidh who could assess what was happening in the city. It would provide some idea of factions within the city, what they want and any options that might exist to influence or antagonise them. It might also help the Empire to be more aware of what the Grendel and the Sarcophan were up to in the city...

Retribution

• A group of Beoraidh orc gladiators claim they were assaulted while visiting Anvil
• They are coming to Anvil to confront those they say attacked them

During the Summer Solstice, representatives of the Diamant Drakes visited Anvil, to discuss opportunities for Imperial citizens to invest in the gladiatorial arena at Beoraidh. According to these orcs, while they were in Anvil they were assaulted by members of the Sannite sept of the Unshackled, accused of engaging in slavery. When the forces of law and order intervened, members of the militia flat lied about what had happened.

This obvious corruption of the Anvil militia doesn't particularly bother them - this group seem to have a very low opinion of those who enforce the laws and this has only enforced that. What the Diamant Drakes are angry about, is the beat down they claim they received at the hands of the Sannites. As news of it has spread through Beoraidh interest in visiting the Empire has declined significantly. The fact their attackers were Imperial Orcs has also soured some who were intent on seeking closer relations with their neighbours in Mareave.

After stewing on the matter for a few months, the Diamant Drakes have announced their intention to seek retribution at the Winter Solstice. They haven't addressed exactly what this means but they're expected to reach Anvil around three in the afternoon on the Saturday of the summit, and head to the Unshackled camp to confront the Sand Vipers they are apparently holding responsible for the assault.

Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard.

Dino i Riqueza, Ambassador to the Delves.

Pathfinder Gaddak, Senator for Mareave.

Diplomatic Delegation

• A delegation from Beoraidh led by Emissary Harailt intends to visit the Imperial Orcs at 11.00am on Saturday
• They are keen to speak to Pathfinder Gaddak, Senator for Mareave
• Eshan has asked the Imperial Consul and/or Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard to ensure no unfortunate incidents happen
• Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has also asked the Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves to help ensure the meeting goes smoothly

During the Winter Solstice, a delegation from Beoraidh plans to visit Anvil. Their main intent is to speak to the Imperial Orcs within whose territory they live, and are especially keen to meet Pathfinder Gaddak. Gaddak is Senator for Mareave but was one of those involved in ensuring an endangered Beoraidh vessel safely returned to port. Their invitation to the folk of Beoraidh to visit Anvil was reasonable, and encouraged Eshan that the experiences of the Diamant Drakes need not be representative.

Obviously the story of the Diamant Drakes makes them a little concerned about the kind of reception they will receive. In part this has inspired their decision to ask representatives of the Sarcophan Delves to accompany them given that nations interest in smoothing relations between the city state and the Empire. To be on the safe side, Eshan asks that the Imperial Consul meet the delegation either in person or via a trusted lieutenant to further ensure that there is no repeat of the recent assault. Alternatively or additionally, Melkior of Balthazar's Vineyard could serve a similar purpose - their sensible missive contributed to the decision to undertake this delegation after all. On behalf of the Delves, Bedellar Huisbaas Annike has asked the Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves to use their influence to ensure things progress smoothly.

The delegation has been entrusted to the leadership of Emissary Harailt, an experienced negotiator and merchant and one of Eshan's distant cousins. They anticipate reaching Anvil around eleven in the morning on Saturday of the coming summit, but a lot depends on their confidence with regard to their potential reception.

The Mallum

• The Druj demand that the Empire withdraw all troops from Sarangrave or they will unleash the vallorn of Béantal Dol

Unexpectedly, a message has also been received at the Consulate that appears to be from the Druj. If it is taken at face value, it is a message from a buruk tepel named Inkagoch who resides in the city of Leen in the Salt Flats of Sanath. It is fairly terse and wastes no time with clever language. According to this missive, the rulers of the Mallum demand that the Empire withdraw all of its forces from the Sarangrave. If they do not, then the Ghulai of the Tainted Basilisk will destroy the warding stones of Béantal Dol and unleash the vallorn to claim the marshes. If the Druj cannot have the Sarangrave, nobody can...

The civil service advising the Consulate have no idea if the Druj are capable of making good on this threat but... the Tainted Basilisk are adept at Night magic so the fact the territory is largely under Imperial control may not present an obstacle to their ghulai reaching the stones. Everything the Empire knows about the warding stones that contain the vallorn suggests that if too many are destroyed the boundary will fail and the vallorn will explode out across the marshes like an unwinding spring. The Druj have clearly advanced their understanding of the vallorn in the last few years, as evidenced by their work in Therunin.

If they are not bluffing, the Tower of the Skink is likely to be able to hold off the vallorn at least for a while but... the loss of life would potentially be apocalyptic. The vallorn would not spare anyone - rebel orc, Druj, or Imperial. This would be an absolute disaster for everyone in the Sarangrave and would mean the Druj could never recover the territory themselves. Are they really that desperate? Surely not even the Druj would be prepared to unleash such a catastrophe?

Surely?

Further Reading

• Advisor on Orc Affairs
• Ambassador to the Grendel
• Imperial Consul

• Invited with asperity 387YE Winter wind of fortune specifically dealing with the Thule