Action: A Charter; a Country; a King

[Count Darvaleth]

Year: 1 (in-game, actual year disputed)

Month: January

Starting Map (white areas are not necessarily devoid of life, or even of other civilisations. You will have to find them for yourself: remember, none of you have any particular knowledge of the region as it stands today, only of old Roman maps etc.)

A New Dawn

All over the known world, a fresh breeze stirs the air. As the men and women of Europe wake up, they can feel something is different. Changed. What will the new dawn bring, they wonder? What could possibly happen in this brave new beginning?

This is a global update. In future, if the first update on the list is not tailored to any specific nation(s), assume it applies to everybody.

No matter what nation you hail from, today has some kind of special significance. Maybe it's your leader's birthday, maybe the anniversary of a great military victory, or of the passing of one of the nation's founders. In any case, your Personal section should include some kind of celebration or special occasion. Be creative as you like!

Kingdom of Abellinus

On this historic day, a particularly irksome band of nobles, the Patrician Club as they call themselves, have lodged a series of official complaints, all centred around the legitimacy of Cesare Falco. His peasant origins have always rankled with the nobles, but now it seems the problems have reached a peak. Worse still, seven of the Patrician Club sit on the Advisory Council, and their words have found traction with Adriano Rubinius...

State of the Gothic Order

Whilst the economy and infrastructure have undergone significant improvement, there is still much to be done, especially with the Divine Blades and Followers of the Faith steadfastly barring any long-term projects as much as possible. Whilst the special occasion does much to alleviate the tension between impoverished peasant and the fairly wealthy Order, today this tension has taken a new dynamic. Many of the farms in Region Two have been found razed, and the land salted. The only clues left behind were wrought-iron crosses, which were left in such a way that it seems they were intended to be found. The Land-Master of Region Two has publicly condemned his counterpart in Region Three, claiming to have evidence that they were behind the raids but without citing sources.

Aquilias

Fevered rumour has spread like wildfire through your realm. A mysterious warrior, from a foreign land, has come to challenge the Emperor for the throne of Aquilias. The warrior's location, identity, even gender is completely unknown. The only other part of this rumour is that the warrior is extremely skilled, and possesses a terrible power.

Zweiland

Today is a happy day, and more profit than ever flows through the coffers of Zweiland. In a moment of bravado, Josef Kohl decided to launch a splendid fair in the Tunnelmattrehornen. Not wanting to miss the occasion, his heirs Kurt and Frederick came also. After a terrible accident involving experimental, foreign fireworks, the tunnel collapsed, trapping the leadership and future prospects of House Kohl beneath the rock. There is still a chance that at least one of them may yet live and save House Kohl from this disaster, but under the circumstances Winkelreid could stand to gain considerably...

Empire of the Sea Dragon

Today is a proud day for the Empire. As celebrations in Neptune's Anvil carry on into the night, word is brought to Idris Marinus-Serpens that a huge creature of the ocean has been spotted not far off the land. It appears to be some kind of monstrous shark, easily the size of a blue whale, and more vicious than a great white. Slaying the beast would surely top off such a momentous day, would it not?

The Hellenic Kingdom of Anagennisis

The Council of the Sun is crying out for something extra special to mark this day. Perhaps the building of some huge monument, a day of plenty for the people, a declaration of war: who knows. However, Agathonas Leonidas Andronikos suspects there is something else at work behind their pleas. It is not often that the Council is so agitated, especially given they could very well have a monument built without the Basileus' intervention. Perhaps this could be investigated?

The Horde

Today would be a special day for the people. If the people had calendars. The Pryza will take many women today, and none more than Mihaeru Kalea, even if to keep up appearances and maintain his position of power. As some are rounded up, however, one of the scum looks up, stands, and, before the Dovna can stop him, spits right into your face. An example must be made, but how best to do it?

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As I said in the OOC thread, updates will take place roughly every week and a half. Please read the details on posting structure/format at the start of the OOC thread, and remember that these updates are just special events: you must get on with ruling your nations as you see fit in the mean time!

 

[Count Vashra]

Government

Emperor Augustus Romulus walked into the Senate House, accompanied by the captain of his bodyguard, and strode towards his throne.

The Senators stopped their bickering, and stood up, facing Augustus. They saluted, "Hail Caesar!"

"Thank you," answered Augustus. "You may be seated." the advisors sat down.

"Senecas Junius, how is our economy faring?" Augustus asked.

Senecas Junius, Master of Imperial Finance, stood. "Hail Caesar. Imperator, our economy is working very well. I have found that our factories are vastly more efficient, and the citizens' average wage has increased by a 6th."

There was clapping from the other advisors, and the Emperor.

"Very good, Junius," he said. "Do you have any projects planned?"

"I do, Caesar. In response to the increased wages of the citizens, I believe that now, with more income coming in from tax, we now have more funds to start improving our welfare system."

Julius Decius, Master of Imperial Wellbeing, stood up. Junius sat down. "Imperator," said Decius. "With more funds towards our health and welfare, I'm sure we would increase the happiness of our citizens, and get them through our hospitals quicker. It would also mean we could have more resources to hunt down fake doctors." He sat down.

Manius Tertius, Master of Imperial Lawkeeping, got up next. "Imperator, these increased funds will go a long way to aiding our law enforcement officers, keeping our streets clean and crime free." Tertius sat down.

One of the regular advisors got up and voiced his opinion. "Imperator, do you think we should raise taxes to capitalise on this?" He sat.

Junius stood up again. "Imperator, we should not raise our taxes. The very fact that they are a quarter of a person's wage means that they will naturally take more from a person, so there is now need. Also, it may increase unrest, putting pressure on Senator Tertius' officers."

Tertius jumped up. "My officers would be quite capable of handling increased crime rates, thank you very much." He then returned to his seat.

Gnaeus Suetonius, Master of Imperial Relations, got to his feet. "Imperator, it is in my opinion that we should use any additional funds to support more expeditions looking for new lands. It would great profit our empire."

Quintus Julianus, Master of the Imperial Legions, stood. "Imperator, we should increase our funding to the legions. We don't know who or what we'll find when our envoys return."

When Julianus was seated, Augustus spoke. "I have listened to all your thoughts. Junius, how much extra are we earning?"

"Imperator, we have an extra 700 sesterces at our disposal annually," supplied the Master of Imperial Finance, before sitting down again.

"Thank you, Junius. I shall split the funds. 200 sesterces will go to law enforcement. We don't really have any problems there. 200 will go to exploring the lands around us, 100 will go to the legions, and the rest will go to healthcare and the welfare system.
Tertius, do you have anything to report?"

"Imperator, everything is running fine," replied Tertius.

"Good. And how is our welfare system and wellbeing?"

"Imperator, we have caught an increasing number of fake doctors, but our hospitals are running smoothly. I have decided to build a new library, dedicated to Greek and Roman knowledge. All existing Greek and Roman literature has been transferred there, and any new material should go there also," reported Decius.

"Excellent," said Augustus. "I will visit it."

"I am honoured, imperator."

"Good. And what about the populace. How are they faring?"

"They are doing well," answered Decius. "Imperator, Our universities are producing many fine citizens, and our schools are well educating our children. Also, our welfare system is helping many poor citizens, and our entertainment buildings are packed every day."

"That's what I like to hear. What about our exploration?"

"We are exploring new lands and finding places to place settlements on."

"Good. Send some craftsmen to build some settlements, and take a legion with you. I don't know what's out there, but I'm not taking any chances."

"Imperator," said a Senator. "There are reports of a mighty warrior who has come to challenge you."

"Who is this?" demanded Augustus.

"We don't know," said the advisor. "All we know is that he is extremely skilled and from a distant land."

"Mysterious warrior? I'll kill him if he challenges me. He's no threat.
Master of Imperial Relations, send three diplomats, one to the very south of Hispania, one to the very south of Italia and one east until a realm is found. I want to know what's out there. They must report back in three months."
"Yes, Imperator."
"Also, Master of Imperial Subterfuge."
"Caesar?" asked Publius Antonius, Master of Imperial Subterfuge.
"Send some spies to look for this warrior. If they find him, they must report back when they have learnt all they can. f not, they must report back after three months.," ordered Augustus.
"Yes, Imperator."
This session is over." The Senators. left the Senate House.

Personal

Augustus got off his throne and left the building. He went to the new library, accompanied by his guards as usual. He was interested to see what it contained. Leaving all but the captain of the guard outside, he walked in. Looking through the assembled texts, he was very impressed. The Master of Imperial Wellbeing had certainly found a great number of texts. He read through some of the books on Caesar and the Emperors, and thought that a lot of effort had been put into this.

Finishing his browsing, Augustus left the library and went to the parade ground to watch his legion drill. When he arrived, the 1st Legion was going through several military manoeuvres, practising for wars that Augustus suspected would happen soon. He was impressed by the skill that he was seeing. When the drill finished, he told them to remain in the grounds.

Augustus inspected the soldiers, checking that they were in pristine condition, handing out punishments for the few unfortunates who were not perfect. He then went through the drill again, and reinforced the value of discipline and independent thought in battle. When he finished, he was impressed enough that after dismissing the ranks he hosted the senior officers to lunch.

For the rest of the day, Augustus simply walked around the city, inspecting everything and making appearances at public buildings. At the end of the day he sparred with his guards and then retired to his bed.

Military

After leaving the Senate House the Masters of Imperial Relations and the Imperial Legions did as they had instructed building a new settlement, garrisoning it, and then advertising it to the citizens of Aquilias. With luck, a new region would be made, with more taxes and expanding the empire's boundaries. The Master of the Imperial Legions also constructed several forts around the area to keep watch on it.

Finance

The Master of Imperial Finance immediately set about distributing the new funding around the empire. While it would not arrive until the taxes were collected at the end of the year, it would be a good idea to get the paperwork in place. He also started to organise the finances for the new settlement.

Lawkeeping

The day after the first Senate meeting of the year, Manius Tertius went into is courthouse to get his assistants busy sorting through the days legal files. There was a knock at the door. "Come in," he said.
A man was dragging a bedraggled and wretched-looking woman in, ignoring her screams.

"What are you doing with a woman in this manner in my courthouse?" Tertius demanded.

"I'm reporting a witch, Senator!" declared the man.

"A witch? What do you mean?" asked Tertius.

"She is a woman of great power, Senator-" he was cut off when the woman screamed.
"This is a mistake!"
"Silence!" shouted the man, looking angry. "I heard her muttering, and, next thing I know, two cart drivers have an accident. She made that happen, I swear, Senator!"
"Oh do be reasonable. We all know magic doesn't exist," scolded Tertius.
"But it does!" insisted the man. "I saw it with my own eyes!"
"Okay, simple. I'll ask her to make herself some money. If it doesn't work, get out of here, and don't come back with nonsense. If it does work, I'll pay for her execution. Fair?"
"But, what if she refuses?"
"That's just a risk we'll have to take, isn't it?" replied Tertius.
Of course, the money never materialised, so the man was dismissed.
"Thank you, Senator, thank you!" exclaimed the woman.
"That was nothing. Just common sense. Who was he?"
"Someone who hated me. He couldn't pay his debts."
"Ah. That would explain it. You're safe now. Go." The gratified and relieved woman left the building.
"Now, I need to stop more cases of this nonsense from happening. I'll pass a law that will forbid charges of witchcraft, on pain of..what should the punishment be? ah. Burning at the stake."
At the next Senate meting, the law was passed without fuss, as none of the others really cared for it.

Summary:
Incomes have increased and the money has been split around the main functions of the empire

A new library to catalogue Greek and Roman texts has been built

Diplomats have been sent to look for other realms and lands

Augustus is not concerned about the mysterious warrior, but would like to negotiate if possible, if only to get information

Augustus has inspected his legion. It is up to standard

Witchcraf has been deemed ridiculous and charges of it will result in the accuser being burnt at the stake

Secret Action taken

 

[The Archivist]

Government: Council of Six


The council assembled in the place of governance, a few heirs here and there standing behind their respective Head of House. William Winkelreid, still sweating from his morning sparring session, looked around at the others before returning his gaze to Huldrych Recigstag.

“So you say that the increased amount of tax money entering our coffers should be reinvested solely in generating more income.”

“It seems only reasonable…”

“Which, I might note, is primarily Recigstag business.”

“Well, we are the one’s generating it…”

Urs Retic snorted from where he sat. “Are you serious? Not all gold is made in the counting house. We’re going to need more goods to sell to keep this up, which means more land to farm.”

“I think the means of transportation of said goods might be important too,” Josef Kohl said with an eyebrow raised.

Erin Tell coughed politely, and five sets of heads swivelled to face her.

“I think we all know each other’s opinions on this. If we use this capital to encourage more people to work hard at their respective trades, we’ll all benefit. Kohl, while I know you don’t approve, even your own people need to learn skills relevant to their trades.”

“And the position of House Kohl has always been that the knowledge is passed on anyway so long as there are jobs to fill in the trade. Our upcoming fair should show that.”

“At least try it and see.”

William taps the table.

“Are the rest of us in favour of improving the quality of our trades?”

A chorus of mumbled agreements leads the Council to agree.

“Then it is decided.”


Government: Dealings


“Erin.”

“Yes, William?”

“Let’s cut to the chase. You weren’t expecting me to support you in there.”

“No, I wasn’t. I was expecting the usual ‘support the militia’ routine.”

“Yes. You also weren’t expecting Kohl to let you go with only a grumble either. We’ve helped you out here.”

“There’s something you want House Tell to help you with. Given that you have three of seven votes between you, I suspect it’s something unpopular with the other houses.”

“We know you aren’t interested in expansion, but we’d like you to support the push into the mountains when it’s brought up. Kohl will breech it, but we need Tell to support it before Winkelreid can weigh in.”

“You could have asked before today.”

“And miss the look on your face? Never. There’s also the little matter that your second heir isn’t here today, expecting you to fail with today’s matter, and I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him.”

“What, John?”

“Remember that failed assassination attempt on Esmerelda at her wedding?”

“No, he wouldn’t…”

“Just a warning.”

“…you’ll get our support.”

“Thank you, Erin.”


Economy: Projects and Plans


“Hey! Franz! What’s the news from upriver?”

“The council are funding the universities and apprenticeships. It’s a big deal from what I hear.”

“Might take on an apprentice myself if that’s the case. Could do with another hand in my workshop. What other news you bring with you?”

“Pretig’s got a whole swathe of musicians called up to Zunzsingen canton, heard they’ve found a new composer. Couple of Winkelreid cantons in the far north have been making a whole tonne of brass sculpture’s and instruments, but the price for copper went up again so they’ve been looking to export as much steel as possible to bide them over. The banks are scrambling over themselves to set themselves up abroad, too: I’ve just finished shipping a whole load of builders from Merchen down here to Eichen to discuss making vaults abroad.”

“What about Retic? I haven’t had any news from my old man, he lives out east.”

“They’re talking about building themselves a whole bunch of better trading ships to sell, from what I heard. It’s all rather quiet, but they’re hoping to support Recigstag in their push to trade. Wood’s scarce along the coast, or so I hear, so they’d make a tidy profit if they did.”


Military: Mercenaries


The tavern erupted into cheers as the well-dressed mercenary leader entered with a huge sack of coins. Most of it went into the pay-masters chest, but a good amount of it went into the pockets of the fifty or so men who were sitting around the tables. A couple of the heavier men called out to their leader.

“Hey! Mira! Where are we headed next? More bandit country?”

She smiled and shook her head.

“We’ve got business to attend to abroad. I hear rumours of a bunch of baron’s duking it out in the west, and with all the other mercenary groups looking for work around here I say we should head off.”

The paymaster, the thin bespectacled man with the only crossbow in the room on his back, looked at her with lidded eyes.

“You mean like all the other mercenary groups headed abroad?”

“Nah, most of them are either headed south to see if the papacy needs swords, east to see if there are any wars worth fighting in or north to seek out some really religious, militaristic people they’ve heard about.”

“Sounds good enough for me. Just keep an ear to the ground, I reckon Winkelreid’s looking for troops to expand Zweiland.”

“And when he does, we’ll turn up at his doorstep with a bunch of experienced Swisshandlers, a nice long list of military powers in the west and a bill he’ll just barely force himself to pay.”


Military: Geitingen Barracks


Orders for the 2nd, 5th, 6th and 9th Observational Squads


I, William Pretig, Head of House Pretig, order you to map out the areas around us with speed and precision. Given the month, and the snow on the ground, you have been provided with numerous quantities of coinage and supplies to last you for a month, as well as mounts for those squads headed to low-lying areas.

Gather as much detail as you can, especially about the quality of life and the prominent religions. I want maps of the whole area in by the beginning of the summer campaign season. Do not let the other Houses know of your task, for I intend to sell the information to their generals.

The 2nd is to head down to the papacy and beyond. Make sure to mark all the rivers and kingdoms down as you do so and pay especial attention to the papacies security. God’s church should be as secure as possible.

The 5th is to head west. Winkelreid and Kohl both covet the mountainous terrain, but pay special attention to what’s between the mountains: if we can proffer them incentive for Retic, they’ll be most happy to pay more.

The 6th is to head north. I’ve heard a lot about a great Christian nation, and the chance to ply our trades would be wonderful. Do not be antagonistic, for I hear they are very militaristic.

The 9th is to head east. With Retic longing longingly at the forest that seems to stretch on forever, I’d rather like to know how far it does stretch. I’m also fairly pleased to note that Rome is to our west, so Christianity may be less prominent here: imagine the glory that God would give us if we were to convert heathens to worship the one true God.

Godspeed.


Personal: The Annual Winkelreid Swisshandler Tournament


William swung his Swisshandler down and lopped the training dummy in half. After the council session and the subsequent announcement in the General Assembly, he had returned to Bergau in time to ready himself for the tournament. He was unable to attend Kohl’s fair, but they had agreed for their houses to meet in the spring for a less public banquet.

He heaved the sword out of the dummy and examined its edge critically. It could do with sharpening at a forge, his whetstone wasn’t doing the job. He shrugged and fastened the protective guard over the blade’s edge, ready for the morning to begin.

He strode out onto the grounds in time to meet the other competitors in the tournament. It was just past dawn, and since only the most dedicated of tournament-goers were here this early there was little chaos at his appearance.

The early rounds were the toughest, in his opinion. Gauging your opponent’s true skill and using only enough effort to bring them down without exhausting your stamina was difficult: the later in the tournament, the more likely your opponent was to be skilled.

By the time the list had been whittled down to sixteen, the wooden stands were packed to the brim and the sun was nearing noon. The early tournament had had a few injuries, but nothing serious.

William grinned quietly as he heard the trumpets for the next round. He strode out onto the grounds to find himself face to face with a helmeted competitor.

This was nothing unusual, but in searching for signs of the opponent’s identity he noticed something odd about the Swisshandler his opponent wielded. He stalled slightly by gesturing to an assistant to fetch his own helmet, trying to work out what was wrong.

He spotted the issue very shortly. The strap on the protective guard was frayed deliberately, with a knife blade: one good swing and the guard would fly off. A terrible accident, to be sure, but not something someone could rig, surely?

He shifted his stance slightly. As his helmet arrived, he fastened it on with care before drawing up in a classic pose. His opponent mirrored him, a sign of skill and professionalism.

William ducked the swing that came at the beginning of the round. While most duellers would parry the sword, an unguarded edge could easily catch his sword wrongly and catch him unawares. As expected, the guard came flying off, but with its intended target lost the blade continued wide, leaving the opponent open to a boot to the back. Not standard tactics, but given what had occurred…


William won the tournament, but the rest of his day was spent muttering foul expletives and contacting his own spies.


The incident at the Tunnelmattrehornen


“What in the name of God is going on?”

Screams and shouts echoed round the fort at the eastern end of the Tunnelmattrehornen, stirring the occupants into action.

“I’m supposed to be overseeing the night shift in three hours…” the woman grumbled. She threw open her door and strode out, pulling her work clothes on.

“Captain! What in heaven’s name is going on?”

The man turned and looked at her in relief.

“Foreman! There’s been a disaster in the tunnel, an explosion caused a collapse on the fair.”

The woman growled in frustration.

“I told uncle that holding the fair there was asking for trouble. Where is he?”

“We don’t know.”

“First heir?”

“Same.”

“And I guess from the state of panic the second heir was with them as well. The words ‘eggs’ and ‘basket’ spring to mind. Get me the local Winkelreid representative, tell him to get his forge ready, and get someone to find Jeremiah, the old sod needs to find the diagrams. I’ll meet them both at the tunnel entrance in fifteen minutes.”

“Yes ma’am.”


Fifteen minutes later, the woman was directing the relief effort. Miners, some still tired from working the latest shift, others groggy from being woken from their sleep, headed into the tunnel to shore up the rest of it. The local military garrison, all twelve of them, guided the victims to the makeshift hospital, where the visiting Tell medical student examined them with her instruments.

“Foreman! I have the schematics!”

“Stop standing on ceremony and show them to me Jeremiah. Gustav, Mariah, you’ve been to the beginning of the collapse, pinpoint the location for me.”

“Here, in the flint. Only place the explosion could have done any damage to the tunnel. Fifty feet either way and you get back to solid granite.”

“Right, one of you find me Steven, I need him to contact his friends and find out who leaked these plans. There’s no way this is an accident. Has a runner departed for Lieschwill yet?”

A nod and she returned to the plans.

“If he’s alive, Uncle Josef will have gathered the survivors in this location here: he knows his strata, even when he’s grown too large to fit down a shaft. Now everything’s going well here, I’m going to need to descend through the fourth mirror shaft to reach them, so I want Mariah to fetch all the rope she can find. If those Retic merchants try to get you to pay, tell them to shove it. Steven, I’ll need my pickaxe from my room, my hammer and chisel too.”

“I’m here! Sorry I’m late…”

“Finally! I need you and any other smiths who escaped from the fair unscathed to start making some of that steel you’re famous for, get rods as long as you can make them to use.”

“But my forge-“

“I don’t care, we need those rods or the death toll will rise. Right, Jeremiah, you stay here and keep an eye on things, I’m off up the mountain.”


Another hour later and the woman was eating an apple as the rope was tied together.

“I’m still hungry…” she grumbled, before signalling for the rope to be lowered. She gripped onto it tightly as they lowered her into the dusty, smoky shaft.

She reached the first mirror and gave a tug to indicate they should stop. The sunlight was fading, and she took the opportunity to light a torch and stick it in a bracket on the wall. The rope was fed through two rings embedded in the shaft walls, to allow for the bend, then she headed down to the next bend. There were two in total, and as she neared the bottom of the shaft she could hear the low murmur of people in the darkness below. As she was lowered into the main tunnel, torch in hand, a cheer went up from the assembled people.

“Emma!” came a cry from a dust covered man, large gut heaving. He laughed heartily. “My favourite niece! I knew you’d come through.”

Emma smiled as she touched down and gave the three tugs that indicated she was down safely. “I knew you were too large to get crushed by boulders, uncle. What’s the situation?”

“Well the fireworks went off while Kurt was looking at them, so he’s dead, as is the stall owner. Another thirty people were caught in the first fall, most of them civilians. Frederick broke his arm shielding people from the fall as we retreated, and there are a large number of wounded. The shocks triggered an avalanche at the western end, so we couldn’t escape that way.”

“Well we can supply you with food and water long enough for the collapse to be cleared, and those who can still climb can climb the shaft to get out of here. Do you need firewood to circulate the air?”

“It would probably be a good idea. Retic’s going to try and pull a fast one if we don’t fix this quickly.”

“Thank God that Winkelreid aren’t interested in gaining these cantons, we could have easily lost them otherwise. That would have been a major shift in power.”

“You do realise you don’t have an excuse not to become second heir now?”

“Uncle!”


Summary

The Council of Six has announced that a good portion of the new income will be invested into those teaching trades or other pursuits, with the remainder held in the vaults at Albreva.

The economy grows and fluctuates, with little reform or tax change. Much of Zweiland is looking to expand their trade’s influence outside of Zweilandic territory.

The military is fairly quiet, with mercenaries seeking work elsewhere. Unknown military scouts have been seen in kingdoms all around central Europe.

The incident at the Tunnelmattrehornen has resulted in disrupted travel through the south-western most cantons. Kohl’s first heir has been killed, the second heir wounded. The new second heir is Emma Kohl. Kohl’s influence has reduced slightly in the area, but the local cantons still support them thanks to the relatively successful response.

 

[Mello]

Government

Mihaeru Lounged on his throne boredly. He knew these meetings were necessary, heck, he organised them himself, it just seemed that everyone around him was incapable of solving what are such trivial problems.

His younger sister, on his left, leant forwards as she listened to the representative speak. Her brow was furrowed in thought as she tried to figure out a solution to the latest problem.

Grinning to himself Mihaeru glanced up to the ceiling. She wanted to replace him so badly, it was obvious, problem was she simply wasn't cut out for the job, let alone intelligent enough. Looking back down, he focussed some of his mental energy on the problem at hand.

"Mentha (Mihaeru's honorary title), the vast majority of our nation are still behind you and our cause, but there is a rising opinion that the Dovna are simply your lap dogs and that you... you have your own interests at heart and not the nations."

Mihaeru pursed his lips, how blindly accurate of them, they were so close to the truth they probably didn't realise it. He closed his eyes for two seconds, before opening them slowly. Plan made.

"Ok, take me to them after this meeting. I want to see them"

Smiling enigmatically, he ignored his sister's confused stares. She probably thought he would just stir up the hornets' nest, but he knew better.

Economy

Mihaeru's economy was simple. The regular scum can trade within themselves, that didn't matter to him, as long as no one got too rich, he made that much clear by killing anyone who openly showed off their possessions. Half of the workforce worked to provide the other half with food, water, clothes and other essentials, the better quality products they made, the better quality they got for themselves. The rule was you ate/wore the worst thing you made each week.

Unsurprisingly quality was on its steady continuous rise, as always.

Military

"The Dovna are slowly increasing in numbers, but we're concerned about loyalty, Methna"

Mihaeru waved his hand casually. "Increase incentives then. Sister, how about you choose how?" he chuckled.

She blanched... "uhhh... how about they get a free... wife?"

Mihaeru thought.... then smiled. Yes this would work well for him.

----------

He didn't like dressing fancily, so he dressed in simple iron cast armour, highlighting his slim frame. Not as vain as his father, he simply walked with a couple of his most loyal Dovna some feet behind him.

It was interesting watching the scum, they glanced at him, then their eyes widened and they looked resolutely at the ground, or maybe fearfully at his guards behind him.

He arrived at the house where he had been told, by an informant, his detractors were hiding. Opening the door softly, he walked inside, pulling his hood down out of courtesy.

"Hello."

The room paused. Blinked. He was here??

Some stupid, stupid man, stood up, pulled his glove off, and spat on Miharu's face.

Mihaeru guessed this would happen and held up his gloved hand, catching the spittle and throwing it at the wall casually.

"So. Tell me why you hate me."

The man blinked in a mixture of confusion and blind rage.

"You... spoil your lap dogs, the dovna... they get our wives as whores, their scraps are our banquets. Why should they get more than us?"

Mihaeru barked a laugh.

"Well, they fight to protect my life, and I fight to protect all our lives. If I didn't do that you'd be dead, they'd die, and I'd die." Looking across the filthy man, he sighed.

"Dovna, get his name, I'll make sure his wife is one of my women, I'll look after her well and she'll be returned in good condition. If you have a quarrel with the dovna, then join their ranks and duel the offending member to the death. You know the system."

Mihaeru drew his hood up and strode out of the squalid hut, closing the door softly and drawing his cape around him with a sweep.

"Imbeciles...."

 

[The Dread King]

Government
Idris Marinus-Serpens looked at the members of the Empire Assembly gathered around him in the palace, come for their regular meeting. Today was no ordinary day, however. It was the 1000th anniversary of the Empire of the Sea Dragon's revolt against Rome. Masses upon masses of people were celebrating in the streets of the villages, towns and cities of the country, and the air was rife with thehumming energies of festivity. This atmosphere caused static impulses of inspiration to jolt into the nobles currently in government, and all present were eager to make a bold governmental move; a motion that would define this anniversary as more than a simple commemoration of a revolution.

The emperor stated loudly, "Good nobles, please cease your conversations." The buzzing in the air quickly died down. "We will now convene and decide on our policies for this meeting." The emperor hesitated for a split-second, as if doubting the reaction his next statement would cause: "I would like to note that as it is the 1000th anniversary of the day this nation claimed its freedom, now would be a convenient time to suggest any dynamic motions you might wish to make. The goodwill of the people will be at one of its highest peaks behind any policy we make today."

"My liege," said the Minister for External Wellbeing, Adrian Ahlberg, standing up, "It would be wise this day to launch a great expansion of our empire. This is the anniversary of the day we took our first land, is it not? It would be fitting to continue the practice with an advance into unknown territories. Furthermore, it would also probably be extremely profitable, with richer farmlands and more resource sites available for us to utilise. Our economy is booming; by increasing the land mass we control, we can allow it to exert itself over a greater area and then use the resources it gains from this to grow even more, and at a faster rate, too."

The Minister for Internal Wellbeing - Cecily Marinus-serpens, Idris' sister - rose from her chair and responded, "I would remind you, good sir, that expansion has dangers of its own. We are likely to meet dangers whilst doing this, and another war could simply turn the mood of the people sour. This would not be a good time to rouse the ire of the people, considering we should be trying to make them remember how great our nation is on this day."

The lady general and chief admiral joined the conversation, supporting the Minister for External Wellbeing, though in a weak way. It was obvious from their lengthy, ambiguous explanations that not only did they think the nation more than capable of conquest at this time, they were raring for war. The lady general, Anja Abramsson, concluded, "In summary, we not only support the Minister for External Wellbeing's motion, we would welcome a chance strike at enemy nations; truly, any nation with a strong army is wealthy and powerful enough to be worthconquering."

"The rewards we could reap from such a country would be great," the Chief Admiral, Borghild Gunnarsson, added.

"And some more - ah - funding and supplies would be welcome," the lady general chipped in.

"Don't forget we need more troop recruitment stations," Gunnarsson replied.

"And more - " Anja continued, before being cut off by the Emperor, who was smiling innately. "That'll be enough, thank you, ministers," he remarked, raising a hand gently. "What do you have to say on this matter, chief treasurer?"

Ebbe Kron, the chief treasurer, responded, "I think that expansion will have great benefits for this nation's economy. To make sure its rapid growth does not have momentum, a motion to occupy the workforce such as a war or the construction of buildings on new, undiscovered lands would help our finances a lot. However, we must proceed with caution - " a murmur arose from the assembled ministers - "for a war with an unknown foreign power could be so large that it would cripple our economy."

"Moreover, I believe a tenth of the funding we have received for this meeting from taxes and the other money-making policies of the government should be designated to building new farms. After all, infrastructure is an important thing to improve whilst the economy of this nation is growing and if we are to expand, it is not necessarily into a territory filled with ready-made farms. We may have new subjects to feed, and increased demands for food and the other products acquired from farms. Therefore, building new farms now would be wise."

"And you, my grand vizier. What is your opinion about this?" enquired the emperor of his grand vizier.

Filipp Oliversson, the vizier, stated simply, "This nation has remained stable and static for several decades. It is time to move forward."

The Emperor then decided that a vote was not necessary. It was clear that the vast majority wanted an expansion of one form or another, though there was some notable resistance to the movements they pushed. "It is resolved, then," he concluded. "Expansion is evidently an important aim for this empire. I have decided that we will be moving troops - in which direction is not decided. There is much to speculate upon The aim of expansion will be peaceful at first, though if we meet military resistance we will crush it. The expansion will be launched soon, but I must plan the specifics with my lady general and my chief admiral. Until the next meeting, we will make no military moves, but in the next meeting, it will still be 1000 years from when we freed ourselves from Roman bondage. Then we will launch our expansion. Council members, remain with me. This meeting is adjourned."

A great cheer went up from the crowd of ministers who bowed to the emperor and the plans that most of them supported fervently. Soon, they had filed out of the meeting room, leaving only the emperor and his council.

Economy

The Emperor remarked, "I will be devoting a tenth of the funding we have received to infrastructure until the next meeting - could you arrange the details of that for me, Chief Treasurer?"

"Yes, my lord," the man said, pleased that his suggestion had been accepted.

A polite wave of the hand from the Emperor, and the ministers for Internal and External Wellbeing left the room.

The chief treasurer later finalised his policy before sending underlings out with the details of it to his regional and sectoral staff who refined it for their own regions and sectors. Then, they implemented this policy, building farms and preparing farmland in every sector of the Empire of the Sea Dragon.

Military

The emperor turned to his general and his chief admiral. "You must mobilise 15 of your battalions and 15 of your fleets. Prepare to move out as soon as you are commanded to. And yes, you will have extra funding for this push," he said in reponse to the Borghild Gunnarsson's pleading gaze. The emperor turned to his Chief Treasurer and said, "Devote 20 percent of this meeting's funding to the military - 10 percent to the navy and 10 percent to the army."

The Emperor turned to the general and admiral, saying, "I trust you will spend the money I am giving you sensibly. I need to fund this nation as well as your forces, so you might not always get so much funding as you are getting now. Farewell, ministers," Idris Marinus-serpens said. The ministers were dismissed, and all of them left but the Grand Vizier himself.

The lady general and chief admiral then arranged their finances with their treasurers.

More Greek fire was produced than usual by the scientists of the government for the army and the navy. More medical supplies and food rations were purchased, in preparation for long journeys and drawn-out battles.

Armour, weapons and uniform were produced and many spare sets were made so that when new troops joined the army, they would already be well provisioned for. Training grounds and recruitment offices were maintained and new ones were built. Advertising to join the army and navy increased and thus the sizes of these forces increased significantly.

The money was also devoted to other, more minor and subtle purposes.

Personal

The grand vizier Oliversson knew his emperor well, having served Marinus-serpens for several years and his parents before him. He was a wise old man, and thus had an important message for Idris. "What is it?" the Emperor asked in polite, but concerned, tones.

"My lord," said the vizier, bowing, "there have been frequent sightings of a monstrous shark near the coast recently. Our sources suggest that this is no myth; a being that really does exist, those specifics can and do vary from one account of it to the next. It has been causing some trouble for the merchants, and stays in an area roughly 10 miles south of Neptune's Anvil, preying on those who dare to go in the waters near it. Such a beast cannot go unchallenged, and with it being the 400th anniversary - "

The Emperor interrupted, "You believe the beast should be slain."

The vizier bowed his head in acknowledgement of his possesion of that belief, "It would definitely give our people a message, your majesty, and bring you great glory, especially as it is one millenium since our nation earned its freedom from Rome."

"Yes, it would" the Emperor pondered, stroking his chin for a few seconds before commanding, "Please relay the following orders to the Chief Admiral. He is to sent the 1st division of the 16th fleet to the area where the monster was last sighted, with rations for three months. All the ships are to be equipped with harpoon throwers; not just the larger ones. If, within three months, the shark is sighted by more than 10 people in a different location, then the division must go to the place where it was sighted. If it is not sighted at all in those three months, then the division must return to Neptune's Anvil, on the assumption that the beast does not exist. If the beast is sighted, the task force must destroy it. That is the objective of this mission."

The grand vizier nodded before leaving and relaying these orders to the Chief Admiral, who told them to his underlings. They were then carried out. The 1st division of the 16th fleet went to the location where the shark was last seen by more than 10 people; roughly 10 miles South of Neptune's Anvil. What they would find there was yet to be discovered.

 

[Get of W'soran]

Government

The High Council Chambers were silent as the council members watched their Grand Master with a mixture of anticipation and no little fear as Sigmund threw the doors open and strode into the chamber. The tall knight glared at his fellow knights with utter fury but remained silent until two of the chamber guards shut the gate.

"So..." he snarled at the men "No one thought to inform me of the travesty that has taken place in Region 2? I had to hear it from a Sergeant!"

The knights looked at each other uneasily, they were well used to their Grand Masters quick fury and most didn't want to be at the centre of it.

Only one was brave enough to meet his Commander's gaze.

"We didn't wish to distract you Grandmaster." Sir Alerius, Deputy Commander, explained calmly "Public moral is obviously important with this most recent...event and as such we wanted to make sure the people could see their Leader in all his Knightly glory."

Sigmund grimaced, he hated talk of 'Knightly Glory' but the point made some sense. The Nation was currently celebrating the anniversary of it's founding. As such tournaments were being held all around the three Regions but the grandest was of course at the capital.
Sigmund had come first in the sword melee but had dropped out of the joust once hearing the news.

It also helped that the news came from his truest friend but his fury was no yet spent.

Instead the Grandmaster took his seat at the table and looked at the others.
"Fine." he growled "So...advice on how to deal with this?"

"The economy needs worked on and th-" the Elderly Sir Lorenzo, Treasurer of the Nation and Order, began but was cut off by Sigmund.

"Not now!" he snapped before drawing a deep breath "That had also been my intent but any advances to our economy will have to wait until we deal with this internal issue."

Lorenzo bowed his head slightly "The Order's wealth is great, it is no immediate concern."

"But our Military is!" High Marshal Sir Heinrich roared as he slammed his fist onto the table "We should increase recruitment of the Regiments and hurry the training of our initiates."

"We will not! The initiates will join only when they are ready." Sigmund commanded "However...yes tell Commander Damek he may recruit more men, work it out with Lorenzo how many we can afford."

Heinrich grinned and nodded, he began to speak but the Trapier interrupted.

"And how are we to outfit these men sir?" Sir Edward sneered.

Sigmund glared coldly at the man, he didn't quite hate Edward, after all he was a fellow brother of the Order but he certainly didn't like him. He was an utter extremist of the Divine Blades but sadly the Grandmaster had to give him a position. Luckily the Trapier was hardly an influential placement. He was also a young fool being only twenty-eight, the rest being over forty.

"You will find a way Sir Edward." Sigmund said softly giving a smile that he knew would annoy the other man.

"Just what I expect from a soft-hearted fool like yourself!" he spat "We should be focusing on God's work, not the lives of a bunch of damnable peasants! Sometimes I wonder how you ever got..."

"Silence!" Heinrich snarled.

Edward turned to the High Marshal with a snarl before freezing as he saw the other Knights, aside from Sigmund, had their Hand's on their blades. Heinrich had even half-rose from his chair.

Sigmund silently watched with satisfaction as Edward sunk back into his chair, composing himself although looking much paler than moments before. The man barked loudest but he was always easily put back into his place.

"I...I am sorry Grandmaster...the recent news has us all on edge."

Sigmund was surprised as he saw the truth in Edward's words, the other council men would never have reacted with such anger usually, indeed the reason Sigmund had done nothing was that Edward's insults were hardly uncommon during these meetings.

"It's alright friend, you will see to the outfitting?" Sigmund asked.

Edward nodded giving a relieved smile.

Sigmund turned his attention to the final Council Member, the High Hospitaller.

A quiet knight Sigmund appreciated his advice, when it could be pulled from him.

"And what say you Sir Alfred?"

The handsome knight bowed his head respectfully.

"I request only that we send some of our priests and battle medics to Region 2 to help with the injured and to bury the dead."

Sigmund smiled slightly, Alfred's advice was always to help others.

"Of course, please see to it."

Sigmund stood and waved down the others as they began to stand, instead he walked slowly around the circular table.

"We must find were this threat came from. We shall command the High Questioner to send his men to Region 2, they will investigate the matter for us." he told the others, it was an obvious move as that was their duty. "Also send a small group of purifiers with them. Give them as much of the Regimental Infantry as the Commander feels is necessary."

The others murmured in agreement, purifiers and show of military strength would show the officials of Region 2 how serious they were.

Sigmund stopped when he was back at his chair and placed his hands on it's headrest.

"Send Preceptor Fredrick and his banner, he is a subtle man."

"And we'll send a small group of Questioners with a dozen knights to Region 3 to investigate Landmaster Maric's (Landmaster of Region 2)accusations. Put Sir Louis in charge, that man is a skilled diplomat, make sure he ensures Landmaster Peter that it's essential due to the public charges made against him. I will also be writing to Maric to reprimand him over not making those charges through the right channels as he should well know."

"That will be all today brothers. May the Lord grand us a swift solution to the horror that has befallen his most devoted realm." Sigmund said with a bowed head.

"Amen." the others intoned.

--------------------------------------


Military - The Order

Heinrich looked at the two men before him.

"Sir Fredrick, you will take your banner and accompany a group of questioners to Region 2. Report straight to the Landmaster and assist with investigations and if need be security for the province, however the Senior Questioner will be in charge of the actual investigation."

Fredrick bowed "As you say Marhsal."

Turning to the other Heinrich nodded at the other man.

"You Sir Louis will be given a dozen knights and a few questioners to investigate those foolish accusations against our brothers in Region 3. First report to the Landmaster and be respectful, let him know we only do this as a matter of public showing although the investigation will be real enough. He will understand, Sir Peter has always been a reasonable man."

Louis bowed.
"Yes sir."

Heinrich nodded.

"Then go prepare and may God be with you."

------------------------------------

Military

Heinrich and Damek sat in the chamber that had become the Military Command Centre within the Castle.

"The Grandmaster has finally granted us permission to expand the infantry." Heinrich said with a grin.

Damek responded with a smile of his own. Where Heinrich was a great black bearded giant of a man the peasant was almost as tall but far leaner and clean-shaven. He was also a native of the regions.
The two were of an age although only Damek's closely cropped dark hair was showing grey.

"That is good news although it isn't like the infantry is exactly under-manned." he joked with good nature.

Heinrich sighed and shook head.
"What the Council tends to forget is we are ruling what was once three countries, we must have a military to Match. I don't care how superior our knights are to the rest of Europa, we need numbers. And I'll be damned if our common soldiers are any less respected than our knights."

Damek bowed his head slightly.
"Worry not High Marshal, the Regiments will not fail to reach your expectations."

Heinrich clasped the smaller man's shoulder.
"They never have, they are men of great skill and faith. They do the order proud."

Damek bowed his head again feeling extremely pleased with the compliment.

"We have a massive reserve of men in the Capital at the moment sir, I shall sent four hundred men with those going to Region 2 and fifty with those for region 2."

Heinrich gave his approval, that would do.

----------------------------------

Economy

Treasurer Lorenzo stood with his assistants, mostly priests but also a few knights one of whom would replace him some day.

The grey haired, skinny and elderly Lorenzo only rarely wore his armour these days and instead a simple black monks robe with the Order's emblem on the chest, he looked more the Scholar he was than the Knight he was suppose to be.

He checked the Order's income, all of it looked fine. Checking the Nation's economy was another matter, it was currently sustainable but with the recent loss of Region two's farmland things would take a turn for the worst, luckily there was a reserve of food in the stores but not enough for trade.

With a sigh Lorenzo filled in some forms authorising money from the Order to pay for some requests from the Trapier and Infantry Commander for the upcoming regimental recruitment drive, training and outfitting.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Personal

Sigmund smiled as he watched the finals of the joust and clapped with the others as one of the knights scored a clean hit.

Both Knights were well known throughout the Order and were well loved by the Nation as a whole.

One was of tall and powerfully built man called Sir Rufus, he was one of the greatest knights of the Order, famous for slaying the Bandit Lord Markus who had terrorised the common folk of all three Regions for two years before being brought to battle, it had been twenty-two knights against over one hundred and fifty bandits. Markus had been a giant of a man, and as stories go a former prince of some kingdom. At the height of the battle Rufus had duel Markus sword to axe and slew the outlaw.
The second man was called Armand was of average height and build but a Master Swordsman who had slew four assassins meant for Sigmund whilst the Grandmaster lay bleeding when only a teenage Sergeant.
Both acts had won them the love of the people and also earned them a place on Sigmund's personal guard.

The score was currently two hits to one with three being required to win, Rufus was currently winning.

As the fourth round began Sigmund watched in silence as the knights charged at each other once more and grinned at the shocked gasp as Rufus had been knocked from his horse by the smaller man.

A group of Sergeants ran out onto the field to see to the fallen knight before one returned to the announcer.

"Sir Rufus is unable to continue!" he shouted "Armand wins!"

The crowd clapped and roared their approval but Sigmund was more pleased to watch Armand run over to his injured brother and help him to his feet, Rufus had obviously damaged his arm as it hung limply but he was still laughing and grinning at the victor.

Sigmund stood, it was time for the award ceremony, he would host it himself. He would also surrender the melee victory and award the knight who had came second the prize as he felt it would be unfair to keep it for himself.

The ceremony went with great Success, the crowds cheering at the sight of their Leader and then at the winners.

After was the feast and for a short while even Sigmund allowed himself to loose himself in the pleasure of the event.

--------------------------------------

Summary

High Council- The Council has decided to send the Questioners, priests who focus in all forms of investigation, with purifiers and a large group of knights and soldiers to Region 2 to discover what caused the unfortunate vents there. A smaller group was sent to Region 3 to show that the accusations are being looked into.
A formal reprimand was sent to Region 2's Landmaster over making those accusations far too publically.

Military- Recruitment of the Regimental Infantry will be stepped up. Soldiers sent to both Region 2 and 3 due to recent events to accompany Questioners.

Economy- No change except that the costs for the new recruitment will be paid for by the Order.

Region 2- Due to loss of farms the exporting of food has been ceased and stockpiling is continuing just encase it is necessary due to shortages.

 

[The Sanguine Prince]

Government
The Council of the Sun was in uproar. By all rights, the celebration of the founding of the kingdom should have been a time of merriment and wine. How unusual, thought Basileus Agathonas. He raised his hand, signalling that he wished to speak.

"Tell me now, what is it that so vexes all of you at the moment?"

Swiftly, one of the councillors stepped forward, a man Agathonas recognised as Patamenius.

"If I may lord, the council wishes to announce a day of plenty and order the creation of a monument to honour our kingdom's foundation."

The Basileus stroked his beard whilst raising an eyebrow.

"The Council does not my consent of partaking of such unless I gave orders to gain my blessing. Why do you come to me?"

Patamenius continued to speak.

"With respect sire, we felt it prudent to...involve you. It was, after all, your forebears who established our great kingdom."

Rising from his seat, Agathonas looked around and examined the council.

"All who agree with the Councillor's statement raise your hands

Many did, many suspicions were aroused in the Basileus. What are they planning he thought. If they were unsatisfied with his reign, they could have requested his abdication.

"So be it, let the streets flow with honey, wine and milk. Let a monument to the greatest heroes of Anagennisis be carved of stone, ivory, gold and whatever precious stone the artisans can ley hands on. Council adjourned."

As they all departed the Chamber of Meeting, Agathonas turned to Kyreios-Strategos Phaedros. The two have been close friends since childhood.

How does this sound to you old friend?"

Fishy Agathonas, the Council should know of their own powers. I will get my best Hipaspist agents to investigate them.

"Please do so Phaedros, I do not like where this could go. Also, ready the army for expansion, it is abut time I made good on my promise to Menachem's people"

Economy
To Menachem Ben-Elizar, all was quiet on the economic front. The harvest from the Nile is abundant. The stores swelled with much food and private trade was just fine. No need for his intervention...for now anyway.

Military

Phaedros looked at the map before him. After acting towards the Basileus' wishes, the Kyreios-Strategos began working towards expanding the kingdom. After hearing reports of unrest within eastern independent factions, he decided to take advantage of the situation.

"Send word to the Companions, Pezhetaroi and archers to head into region 34, our Basileus intends to make good on his promise to Romaniotes (Greek Jews). Send an ambassador as well, to see if this can be solved without blood. The fertile lands of Palestine will be good for agriculture when we things are settled

The scribe nodded, Phaedros then issued another order.

"I also order the training of Horse Archers, the Council has declared an interest invading the rest of North Africa. It would allow us further control the Mediterranean and trade routes. The Hypaspitai will be ready to join them."

Personal

Agathonas stared into the fire of his personal chambers, the possible intrigue instigated by the council vexed him still. The Basileus reached forward for a goblet of wine, he relished the sweet taste. His wife and child were asleep and he was left alone with his thoughts. Sorely hoping Phaedros would succeed in his endeavour, Agathonas took another draught from the wine. If all went to plan, he would have more support from the Jews, and Palestine's verdant fields will yield more fruits. Realising it wouldn't do well for him to drink himself unconscious, the Basileus climbed into the gold-woven bed and laid next to his wife. Oh how he enjoyed her warm, olive skin.

Summary

Government: Agathonas agrees to go along with the Council's request and has given orders for a day of plenty and to commission a monument to the kingdom's heroes. Suspicious, Kyreios-Strategos Phaedros has ordered an investigation from the Hypaspitai, and Agathonas requested that he'd ready a force for region 34.

Economic: All normal, save for the flow of resources into the expeditionary force and the training of new troops.

Military: Phaedros orders three regiments to invade region 34, assuming the ambassador does not succeed in negotiations. Using his initiative, the Kyreios-Strategos orders the training of Horse archers, ready for expansion into Region 8.