Besides, why do Ranald's followers pick on us? I don't think we've done anything to draw their attention to us; they should target the other nations of the empire, because it seems to me that the various leaders are much more oppressive than us.
While there are thieves, gamblers and revolutionaries everywhere, they tend to be most densely populated in big cities and especially a big industrial city like Nuln. The Cult of Ranald does exist out in the Provinces but you may note cells outside of Nuln never come to your attention.
Other provinces, especially those with big cities like Altdorf or Marienburg, will also have problems with local Cults of Ranald.
It's fine to be cheeky, but it's like winning easily, that someone who hasn't done anything will break his balls. While there are others who deserve to be a pain in the ass in a frightening way and it doesn't do anything to them.
While there are thieves, gamblers and revolutionaries everywhere, they tend to be most densely populated in big cities and especially a big industrial city like Nuln. The Cult of Ranald does exist out in the Provinces but you may note cells outside of Nuln never come to your attention.
Other provinces, especially those with big cities like Altdorf or Marienburg, will also have problems with local Cults of Ranald.
Besides, why do Ranald's followers pick on us? I don't think we've done anything to draw their attention to us; they should target the other nations of the empire, because it seems to me that the various leaders are much more oppressive than us.
Workers die weekly in Richthofen Foundry and we made the Richthofen family responsible for management of Nuln. This just talking about the deaths. Do you realize what kind of unsafe and hazardous conditions people work under that that would just result in injuries and disabilities? Wissenland hardly has labor laws much less anything preventing child labor.
Richthofen Foundry
The Richthofen family own a vast estate in the city which glows day and night with forges and furnaces and foundries never ceasing. Workers are known to die at least once a week in the harsh conditions of the Foundry, but the waiting list of new recruits is just as incessant. The Foundry provides almost all the metalwork that the rest of Nuln uses for their works.
Relationship: +54
The Richthofens are happy to have been recognised as the Stewards of the City and may even be willing to take slightly lower profits in exchange for the good of the Wissenland.
We do Negotiate with Ranaldians
The Cult of Ranald wants a few things generally speaking. Recognition as a legitimate Cult and political entity, a democratically elected Mayor of Nuln and better labour rights for the industrial workers who make up a significant part of Nuln's lower class. Arrange a meeting with representatives of the Cult to hammer out what you're willing to agree to.
Cost 200 Marks per Die
Must Beat: 150
Workers die weekly in Richthofen Foundry and we made the Richthofen family responsible for management of Nuln. This just talking about the deaths. Do you realize what kind of unsafe and hazardous conditions people work under that that would just result in injuries and disabilities? Wissenland hardly has labor laws much less anything preventing child labor.
It's not exactly surprising that the people dying and suffering under the Richthofen family want the city not to be run by the family murdering them.
fair observation, but then why didn't they target Patriarch Richthofen, given that he is the main reason why there are deaths? perhaps we should invent shorter work shifts (so as to increase the number of jobs) and a safety regulation with work equipment (so as to reduce workplace accidents and deaths). for child labor I would say to set a minimum age for being hired, with severe penalties for those who hire a child worker, and with the help of the priests of Myrmidia and Verena create schools where children (both male and female), who by of the law on child labor they will not work, they will learn letters, numbers, civic sense and will have the basis for a better future (and we would have a greater base of educated people for our activities).
perhaps we should invent shorter work shifts (so as to increase the number of jobs) and a safety regulation with work equipment (so as to reduce workplace accidents and deaths). for child labor I would say to set a minimum age for being hired, with severe penalties for those who hire a child worker, and with the help of the priests of Myrmidia and Verena create schools where children (both male and female), who by of the law on child labor they will not work, they will learn letters, numbers, civic sense and will have the basis for a better future (and we would have a greater base of educated people for our activities).
Now that we have time from the joint Ultimatum, we should focus on negotiating with Ralndians and building up our military-industrial complex for the coming conflicts ahead.
Hrm would the dwarfs be willing to give us some tips on workplace safety for the Foundry either that or we could engage with one of centers of learning on how to make it safer
Hrm would the dwarfs be willing to give us some tips on workplace safety for the Foundry either that or we could engage with one of centers of learning on how to make it safer
You could bring in Dwarfs to improve workplace safety, some elements of it might be guild or clan secrets especially if it comes to particulars of tool or machine design and some of it wouldn't actually apply to the mass industry of Nuln when compared to a lot of the artisan work of the Dwarfs. There's a good chance many Dwarf craftsmen would consider Nuln's workplace safety issues to be something of a skill issue.
Target: 50
Skill: +16 Diplomacy, +10 Fiorella
Council Effect: -5 Empty Seat
Other Modifiers: -5 Death in Office
Roll Result: 37+16 = 53 Success
The hunt for a new Ambassador-At-Large continues into the new year. You've chosen not to promote from within, minor ambassadors from across the Old World no doubt complaining about a lack of mobility within the the Ambassadorial Wing without the proper political connections to secure the most powerful seat in the Wing. Those who do have the necessary political connections have finally begun to turn up and a few dossiers hit your desk suggesting options for filling the open position.
The Mistress of the Imperial Gunnery School came up through the ranks of the cannon wings, an engineer who worked on the Nuln Great Cannons for most of her life so far variably in the School itself or even out on the field. The Mistress is a veteran of your Father's campaign during the Wizard's War. Which might explain some her distaste for Auld Sollanders and the Cult of Soll. Some part of Wissenland's diplomacy is rooted in the superiority of the Imperial Gunnery School compared to similar institutions in the Old World few as they are and it would appear the Mistress of the School is interested in a diplomatic doctrine based on the sale of Nulner weaponry. You might suspect however that the School will always be her first loyalty.
The Board of the Bank of Nuln is the body that does much of the running of the Bank, from brokering various arrangements between the institutions of Nuln to handling matters of investment, minting or storing of valuables. The current Master of the Bank is a figurehead who ostensibly found his place as Master through nepotism, though behind the scenes the powerful bankers of the Board seem very pleased by the incompetent and politically isolated Master. One Board member has put their hat into the ring, all accounts describe Mariele Althaus as a risk-taker. The Bank does have contacts abroad you know.
The Seneschal of the Great Guilds this year is the the Guildmaster of the Educator's Guild. It isn't necessarily required for all educators in the various institutions of the City of Academies to be a member of the Guild, but outside of the Universitat or maybe the Officer Academy it is very difficult to gain a position in a classroom without proof of membership. The Guild is responsible for ensuring best practices are spread to its members and that its members' welfare is ensured. You're somewhat surprised that the Seneschal has offered their name, most tales describe them as rather shy. Perhaps the position of Seneschal is so disliked by the guildmasters that they're looking for any excuse to forfeit it.
The Baron of Wusterburg is currently serving as Grand Marshal of the Iron Companies. His estates are large, wealthy and vital to the Province and the value of his command over the Iron Companies has been proven a number of times in campaign and in the aftermath. His niece, Liesel von Eigenhof, has arrived in Nuln recently and the Grand Marshal has petitioned for her to be given the open position. Much like her uncle she is something of an optimist and believes in the inherent superiority of Wissenlanders, indeed rumours suggest she joined the Seccessionists very shortly after arriving in the City.
The Baron Preiss of Scharmbeck has written to Nuln. It seems he intends to bridge the divide between Scharmbeck and Nuln by seeking a seat on your council. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer; is a saying that someone mentions in passing. While your quarrels with Scharmbeck are many and well known, so too are the Baron's connections abroad. Tierhugel has been the single largest coal mine in the Empire for about a thousand years and the Barony also brings up quite a lot of iron; buyers for Tierhugel produce stretch throughout the Reik Basin and beyond. For all that the Great King of Karak Izor is firm about assuring the rights of Tierhugel, however, the same consideration is not found in return. Baron Preiss quite dislikes Dwarfs.
The Baron of Steingart has also suggested that he would like to see the position of Ambassador-At-Large handed to a deserving Auld Sollander, which you take to mean himself. Must of those who know the Baron describe his as stubborn, foolhardy and unwilling to accept the best of ideas unless it was his first. Baron Toppenheimer actually stops by your study to ask you to disregard the letter outright. But Steingart is the Barony with the closest relationship with Averland.
Mette Lietz is the High Priestess of Soll and an influential figure in the Sudenland. Few Auld Sollanders will not bend to her wisdom should it be given though the High Priestess is not exactly generous with her advice. High Priestess Lietz's name crops up in a few old military journals from your Father's day. It appears that she was one a small number of senior figures in the Cult to survive the round of executions following the Wizard's War.
The Cult of Myrmidia is a fledgling organisation within Wissenland. The new High Temple in Nuln to the Mother of Invention was completed only a few years ago but you understand that the Cult has already been an important partner with several of the academic institutions of the City on small projects. Out in the rest of the Empire the Cult of Myrmidia suffers from a disjointed legal status, it is outright banned in some provinces such as Middenland but is legally recognised in Talabecland. One aim of High Priestess Raimonda may be to unify the Imperial Cult of Myrmidia, or she might focus on ties to the other two High Temples in Miragliano and Magritta. Still, you know that High Priestess Raimonda is quite abrasive.
The Arch-Lector of Nuln would like to be considered for the position of Ambassador-At-Large, the value of such a prominent Sigmarite for diplomacy within the Empire is self-evident but can be less helpful abroad. The Arch-Lector does make a point of reminding you about the historic bond between the Cult of Sigmar and the High Kingdom of the Dwarfs however. The Arch-Lector himself is an anxious man, he struggles to commit too deeply to a particular task; certainly had it been the Arch-Lector and not Baron von Kalb in Ostland then those Great Cannons might never have made it to the frontline in time to fire a shot in battle. Or worse, the frontline may well have come to them.
[ ] Appoint an Ambassador-At-Large
A candidate for the seat has caught your eye. (Write-In who)
[ ] Promote from Within
There are no real candidates amongst these, but perhaps a veteran diplomat from the Ambassadorial Wing should be raised up from the ranks.
[ ] Continue the Search
None of these, none of those, and certainly no lower members of diplomatic staff.
-100 Marks
Achim Leitdorf, Elector of Averland
Target: 150
Skill: +16 Diplomacy, +10 Fiorella
Council Effect: -5 Empty Seat
Other Modifiers: 0
Roll Result: (72+71)+21 = 164 Success
Elector Achim Leitdorf rules the Grand Duchy of Averland, by most accounts the Grand Duke is a fair governor and a better than average military commander. One needs only look to his most recent campaign, the defence of Black Fire Pass, and his long history of military investment to see that Achim is interested mainly in the affairs of war.
Which makes the current state of the Empire, and the Averland's quiet in this period, a matter of particular interest for those paying attention. Now, the battle at Grenzstadt was only a year or two ago and you know how long it can take to fully restore the State Troop following a battle especially one so brutal as Grenzstadt. And most of Averland's standing forces are southerly facing.
Certainly Elector Leitdorf hasn't involved himself in the internal politics of the Empire before. He was at the Last Election, and voted for Marienburg, but hasn't actually done anything on that front since.
And now you've decided to change that. From Nuln to Averheim have gone riders with messages on a regular basis, and Grand Duke Achim has responded to them all. You begin with a few smaller matters; the current state of the border after a few small breaches in each direction by rustlers and thieves and of course a commendation for his efforts at Grenzstadt.
And then you move to two main questions. His position on the Sylvania-Stirland Ultimatum. Which you're only somewhat surprised to find is, that he doesn't really have an opinion on the matter so long as the fighting doesn't spill across the river. And his position on the Nuln-Wurtbad Ultimatum. Which is that he really doesn't care who deals with Stirland's problems, the Aver river crossings are too well secured for the Leitdorf's to be especially concerned about Slaaneshi propagation into the Averland.
It would be trivial to get the Elector to agree not to interfere, he is openly uninterested in interfering. Persuading him to interfere is the trickier part. You've a handful of ideas for what to ask for that you think the Grand Duke is willing to give.
[ ] The Anti-Sylvanian Pact
The Grand Duke agrees that peace on the northern border is probably for the best. If Sylvania invades Stirland, the Averlander State Troop will cross the Aver and move to intercept the advance. Such that the von Carstein cannot seize the Stirland by force.
[ ] The Tri-fold Partition
If Stirland should fail the Nuln-Wurtbad Ultimatum and the Haupt-Anderssens require replacing then the Averlanders will agree to cross the Aver and seize one third of the Province to be folded into the Averland. You will take the western third, and the Sylvanians the eastern third. Such that no Province will actually take Stirland in full and overly disturb the balance.
[ ] Averland Looks North
If Stirland should fail the Nuln-Wurtbad Ultimatum and the Haupt-Anderssens require replacing then the Averlanders will agree to cross the Aver and seize the Stirland. Such that you won't suffer the accusation of expansionism and the Sylvanians won't get Stirland.
[ ] Peace in the South
Allow the Averlanders to keep to their quiet provincial ways. They won't interfere in anything north of the Aver.
-2,000 Marks
+7 Relationship with Averland
Warin Haupt-Anderssen, Elector of Stirland
Target: 150
Skill: +16 Diplomacy, +10 Fiorella
Council Effect: -5 Empty Seat
Other Modifiers: +6 Local Support, +50 Moment of Crisis, -25 Ultimatum, -20 Cult of Wurtbad
Roll Result: (100+8)+32 = 140 Failure + 1 Crit Success
Following the Trials of Wurtbad you've elected to join your voice to that of Sylvania. The Elector of Stirland must go, the heir to the Province must present themselves for trial and should they pass their own trials they shall become the new Elector. The initial declaration makes its way throughout the Empire in letters, hitting the desks of the various Electors in the early months of the year.
The Sylvanians receive a copy, at least on the front lines, in Pflugzeit just as the spring ploughing season begins. You can tell because the the Sylvanian State Troop had begun to march west into Stirland but have stopped just within sight of the border town of Raab. The Stirlanders have come up from the Stir to intercept them but no fighting has actually occurred.
There's no great outpouring of concern from the other Provinces. Reikland makes its usual defamatory accusations and a threat to close the Reik to Wissenlander travellers, but the rest of the Empire seems to have no real love for Stirland. Unfortunately your Ultimatum seems to have failed to reach peaceful conclusion.
Your letter arrives at Wurtbad, some minor diplomat from the Wing writes back to confirm that the letter reached Eagle Castle, and then silence. Haupt-Anderssen does not move, not to abdicate but also not to defend the western front. The Stirlander State Troop by most reckonings couldn't handle a war on both sides to begin with, but it seems to have been split into two groups.
The loyalists have reached Raab to defend the eastern border, and a smaller group of regiments are at Vigaun, just across the Aver from Averheim. It is a small town, not especially remarkable except for the fact a nobleman has chosen to host the heir to the Province there alongside some State Troop who appear to have deserted in favour of supporting the heir.
Shortly after you ultimatum goes unanswered a letter arrives from Vigaun. And then another from Castle Drakenhof. Grand Count Vlad von Carstein writes confirming that the heir to Stirland has passed a series of test carried out by Sylvanian agents and proven that he and his companions are in fact fighting against the chaotic corruption of the capital. It doesn't hurt, you imagine, that the heir's own heir has been betrothed to a Sylvanian girl. You're very much unfamiliar with the geneologies of the Sylvanians, Mariana Goldis you are told comes from somewhere in the north east of the Province nearer to Karak Kadrin.
The heir's own letter invites you to support his claim, to overthrow his fallen father and in exchange to lay claim to all land west of the River Mettig. The County of Flensburg is ruled by Countess Harden, it is poor with most of its economy being subsistence farming in hardy ground or wool sold to Nuln. You do note however that a relatively large temple of Shallya can be found in the County. The Heir makes it clear that he is willing to be subjected to trials by Wissenland as well, his absence from Wurtbad was caused by flight from the Slaaneshi and not flight on their behalf he claims.
And the Seccessionist faction has been steadily recruiting in throughout Wissenland as the news of Chaotic corruption in Stirland continues to shake faith in the idea of a unified empie. The Seccessionist are divided between two options; washing your hands of Stirland and letting von Carstein have his way with the wayward Province, or totally subsuming the Province on the way towards a radical Seccessionist position: Imperial Candidate.
[ ] For Flensburg
Agree to invade Stirland from the west in exchange for the loyalty of the County of Flensburg and raise the Heir to the position of Elector.
[ ] Our Own Trials
Invite the Heir to Nuln to be tested. It will delay the replacement, and if Von Carstein jumps the gun you might not have the chance to earn Flensburg.
[ ] In Good Hands
The Grand Count of Sylvania is already in position to leap to battle. You're not entirely sure how much he's getting out of this affair, besides the Sylvanian betrothal, but you're sure he and the Heir will handle matters.
[ ] In Our Hands
March the Iron Companies down the Nuln Road into the Stirland and seize as much of the Province as you can. Stirland is clearly a failed Province and should be incorporated into Wissenland in a simialr fashion to the Sudenland.
-2,000 Marks
Ottilia the Third, Empress of Talabecland
Target: 150
Skill: +16 Diplomacy, +10 Fiorella
Council Effect: -5 Empty Seat
Other Modifiers: -10 Unsupported Imperial Candidate
Roll Result: (33+82+13)+11 = 139 Failure
The largest imperial faction is the Ottilian faction. Talabecland is the leading province, being the home of the Ottilian Empress herself, then Hochland and Ostermark are loyal to the Ottilian Empress through various relationships and alliances, and Ostland is a part of the faction through marriage with Hochland. This faction controls the north eastern third of the Empire, a handful of ports and a fairly substantial economy based largely on the lumber industy and cattle ranching.
On the wider stage of imperial politics the rumour is that the Ottilians intend to push for a new election, in theory they have the shared largest number of votes so it makes some sense. There are fifteen Electors currently, the Wolf Emperor might be able to claim four votes if Sylvania supports them in more than just war. Marienburg has few ties within the Empire, which means at the moment they have only their own one vote, and Reikland has itself, Stirland and the Grand Theogonist. Which leaves Mootland, Averland and yourself. With such a tight vote you'd think the Ottillian Empress interested in trying to buy more.
But your own attempt to reach out to Talabheim flounders. You'd hoped to persuade the Empress to support whatever plan you ended up devising for the problem of Stirland. After all, there's no love lost between Talabecland and Sylvania following their Mordheim crisis and you'd appreciate any weight on your side of the scales of the situation.
Apparently the Ottilian Empress is simply too busy, a series of closed door meetings of the Ottilian faction, for when you send out the minor diplomats of the Wing to Talabheim they are stoppered at every corner. The Cult of Taal and Rhya are busy, the Empress is busy, the diplomatic office of Talabecland is bogged down with some major project.
And that major project actually arrives in Nuln before any response about Stirland does. The Ar-Ulric has a vote in the Election, the Grand Theogonist has a vote in the Election, and the Ottilian Empress has made her move to gain one more vote. The Hierarchs of Taal and Rhya are the combined heads of the Cult of Taal and Rhya and the Ottilian Empress is looking to give a vote to the Cult.
There are a number of versions of the Cult, from the independent Cult of Taal and Cult of Rhya, to the Cult of Taal, to the current version which is the Cult of Taal and Rhya. The Ottillians have interfered in the Cult a number of times to keep in on the track of the Cult of Taal and Rhya, the unified Cult being more in favour of Empresses than the other two versions which often were totally dominated by the Hierarchs of Taal and male preisthoods.
The Ottilian Empress has written to the Electors to request a vote, not an election but a vote to authorise the Cult of Taal and Rhya to become a new Elector.
[ ] The Combined Hierarchs
Vote to allow the combined Cult of Taal and Rhya to have a single vote shared between the Hierarchs of Taal and Rhya
[ ] The Cult Divided
Vote to allow the Cult of Taal to have a single vote given to the Hierarch of Taal
[ ] A Vote Denied
Vote to deny the Cult of Taal and Rhya a vote as an Elector
-3,000 Marks
Ranulf, The Arch-Lector of Nuln
Target: 50
Skill: +16 Diplomacy, +10 Fiorella
Council Effect: +17 Pontiff of the Wissenland
Other Modifiers: +15 Local Support, +10 Mission Against Chaos
Roll Result: 26+68 = 94 Success
The Cult of Sigmar is led by the Grand Theogonist from Altdorf, it is one of the most powerful institutions in the Empire and the faithful dominate about half of all provinces. The Cult of Sigmar is so large that there are High Temples in every Province, even those where the Ulricans are dominant, with each High Temple led by an Arch-Lector. There are two other Arch-Lectors who oversee a geographical congregation, the Arch-Lector of the Karaz Ankor who oversees all shrines and temples to Sigmar in the Dwarfen Kingdoms, and the Arch-Lector of all Imperials abroad who oversees the faithful beyond the Reik Basin. In theory the Grand Theogonist can appoint more Arch-Lectors, though that hasn't really been done since the Age of Three Emperors began.
The relationship between the provincial Arch-Lectors and the Grand Theogonist is highly variable. The Arch-Lectors of Stirland, Averland, Westerland and Ostland are all very close with Altdorf, meanwhile the Arch-Lectors of Middenland and Talabecland are on the outs with the Grand Theogonist. Hochland, Ostermark and your own Wissenland are caught between Imperial geopolitics and their own loyalty to the Cult to varying extents. In truth you're not sure what's going on with the Mootland or Sylvania's congregations and you're not interested in asking the Grand Theogonist about his wider Cult at the moment.
You are however interested in speaking to the Arch-Lector in Nuln on a topic not entirely distinct. Stirland is one of the most firmly Sigmarite provinces. The Old Faith is all but gone, the Cult of Taal and Rhya may as well be proscribed for all the tension between Talabecland and Stirland, and the Cult of Ulric has never had a foothold. Which means that the Cult of Sigmar has a vested interest in the Stirland and in who rules it.
You've asked Arch-Lector Ranulf, the Arch-Lector of the Cathedral of Nuln responsible for the congregation of the Wissenland, for two things. His opinion on your Ultimatum, and what he thinks the wider Cult's view is.
He came with you to Wurtbad during the trials, overseeing several of the highest level trails himself including Haupt-Anderssen, and he was the one who distributed copies of the final report to the rest of the upper echelons of the Cult of Sigmar. In his opinion the Ultimatum is the right measure to take, the Slaaneshi Cult in Wurtbad needs to be destroyed but the congregation in the Stirland can't be simply folded into the congregation in the Wissenland. Two hundred years ago the fall of Solland saw the congregation in the Sudenland folded into the congregation of the Wissenland and the archives of the Cult indicate that this was a terrible crisis.
Indeed a significant part of the Arch-Lector's time is taken up by the continued struggle to proselytise in the Sudenland and a fight to fund the temples of the Sudenland. The size of the congregation in the Sudenland dwindled rapidly in the aftermath of the fall of Solland and the rise in the Cult of Soll has made it near impossible for the congregation to recover.
The wider Cult shares the opinion that the congregation shouldn't be folded into any other, he says. Certainly he has no serious relationship with the Grand Theogonist or the other Arch-Lectors that would allow him to influence Cult politics and secure the new congregation on an official basis. And the Grand Theogonist dislikes Wissenland on principle, and his feelings about you impact upon his opinon on the Arch-Lector. Expanding the congregation of the Wissenland is something that the Grand Theogonist is directly against. In fact, if Wissenland should seize any part of Stirland it is his intention to ensure that the congregation of the Stirland remains outside of your control.
[ ] Push the Arch-Lector into Cult Politics
Persuade Arch-Lector Ranulf to reach out to the other Arch-Lectors and become an active figure in Cult Politics within the Cult of Sigmar.
[ ] The Congregation of the Stirland
Encourage the Arch-Lector in Nuln to reach out to the Arch-Lector of Stirland and begin a joint program of anti-chaos trials in the Stirland.
[ ] Refrain from Overexpansion
Leave the Congregation of the Stirland alone. Whoever the Grand Theogonist intends to have as Arch-Lector of the congregation will have to suffice.
-200 Marks
Eldred, The Heir Apparent
Target: 50
Skill: +16 Diplomacy, +10 Fiorella
Council Effect: -5 Empty Seat
Other Modifiers: +34 The Grand County of Wissenland
Roll Result: 29+60 = 89 Success
The Imperial Palace hs been busy making ready for Eldred's ceremony becoming Heir Apparent. Fiorella has handled most of the arrangements, designing the layout for the feast and for the actual ceremony and setting out the accomodations. Some nobles cannot be housed in close quarters to others, there are heirarchies associated with where someone sits, a whole host of small issues that the Princess must smooth over lest disaster ruin Eldred's first public outing.
The ceremony begins with Eldred's presenting. The chief matron of Shallya who attended to his birth in Castle Liebwitz is called forward to declare that Eldred is in good health, in body, mind and spirit and to attest to the veracity of his lineage. In this regard a Verenan clerk then reads out the lists of lineage for both the line of fathers, through the Libewitzes for a thousand years, and the line of mothers which bounces around Tilea and Bretonnia and only actually goes back a few hundred years on the records available.
Naturally the clerk doesn't read the whole way back through the records, he reads out the past three generations, notable names and then leaves a copy of the records out for perusal. Then, in a long established order, the various worthies of Wissenland are introduced to Eldred with two notable exceptions. Each of these worthies swears to uphold Eldred's inheritance and the integrity of the Province in his name until such a time as he can do so himself. Eldred responds each time with the proper phrase, Fiorella has given him small slices of carrot after each one and the boy seems content enough to continue.
And then three people are called upon to serve as the ceremonial regents. A historic jewel is brought up from the vaults of the Imperial Palace and Eldred presents it to his mother. Princess Fiorella swears to ensure the wellbeing of the person of Heir to the Wissenland, to ensure the wellbeing of the inheritance of the Heir to the Wissenland and to ensure the coherent governance of the Wissenland in the Heir's name during his minority should he become Grand Count in that time. You help Eldred through his own line, it being a little more complex than those he has used so far.
And then the Arch-Lector of Nuln is called forth and presented a second jewel. He gives the same oaths as Fiorella upon receipt of his jewel, you recall that the same jewel was actually given to the Grand Theogonist almost forty years ago, and Eldred responds again. The final ceremonial regent, Master Bugman is then presented the final jewel. His oaths are given in Khazalid, the High Master of the Schools worked to devise the proper translation to ensure the meaning was retained since you understand that the Dwarfs take oaths very seriously and you wanted no reason for Master Bugman to find these oaths to be in question. Eldred responds in Reikspiel, he does know a few words in Tilean with Madre being the most prominent but no Khazalid.
Then, with the ceremony done, everyone moves to the feast that Fiorella has designed and you take the opportunity to speak with Eldred's three ceremonial regents. Starting with Fiorella, sat the other side of the guest of honour himself, you lean across and compliment her on a job well done. The whole day has gone off without a hitch and there's been no indication that tonight will be anything less than stellar. Indeed your own thoughts flit to the matron of Shallya further down the table, her orders are that you and Fiorella should show restraint for another year yet. But a year's abstinence already has the two of you struggling to keep wandering hands to yourselves.
The conversation drifts from topic to topic, as it is wont to do amongst two people who have lived together for half a decade. You comment on some of the guests, Fiorella comments on a handful of the others. And then Fiorella moves the conversation onto the dramatic change in strategy this year. Most years the Imperial Palace is throwing money out into the Province hand over fist, indeed much of your effort throughout the your reign so far has been dedicated to investment in infrastructure. Your Father's reign was largely invested in the Great Company of Iron which was massively expanded during his time.
But Fiorella is a devout Verenan, and her time in the City of Academies has seen her visit several of the academic institutions and you know that at least some part of her personal stipend is spent on patronage. She would like it if patronage in the City of Academies was perhaps a little more widespread, especially where the purse of the Palace was concerned. You're an adherent of Verena and yet your investment in academia is somewhat limited. What developments do you really have to your name? The Dry Compass? She wants you to allot a budget for the High Master of the Schools.
[ ] Pledge to Invest
Promise to spend an Action Die each turn in the remit of the High Master of the Schools.
[ ] Increase the Stipend
Double the Princessly Stipend made available to Fiorella, if she wants to patronise the City of Academies then she may.
[ ] As Things Are
You'll invest in the Schools, when you feel it appropriate.
The three of you set off on the rounds of the high table. The Pontiff seems unconcerned about being passed over for ceremonial regent, she is deep in conversation with the Arch-Lector when you arrive and it seems to be amiable enough. Perhaps she believed that as a councillor it would be inappropriate. She sees you approaching over the Arch-Lector's shoulder and dismisses herself to speak to the High Priestess of Morr in a corner.
Two visits from the Grand Count in as many months isn't unusual for an Arch-Lector in most provinces. But you suppose an Arch-Lector of Nuln only a hundred years ago would have been a shoo-in for Pontiff and most Electors are not Verenans. You'll be at the Cathedral in Nuln on Sigmartag in another month so really this is a hot year for the Cult of Sigmar.
The Arch-Lector has sworn today to ensure the spiritual wellbeing of Eldred. That means keeping him free from Chaos corruption, ostensibly something the Arch-Lector of the congregation of the Stirland should be doing for the little grandson of the Elector of Stirland. And keeping him from the worship of any proscribed gods.
That shouldn't be an issue, you'd think, with both of his parents being Verenans. But the Arch-Lector is taking his oaths very seriously and has requested for Eldred to be appointed a priest, in light of his counterpart's failings in Stirland, to oversee all teaching materials that Eldred will one day study from.
[ ] The Auditor
A Cult of Sigmar appointed priest will oversee Eldred's future schooling to ensure that whatever tutors are brought in for him will not be bringing corruption with them.
[ ] The Verenans
There's really no reason to go so far, you're hoping actually that Eldred will follow in your Verenan footsteps and too much Sigmarite influence might be undue.
And then the family stops at a gathering of Dwarfs. Master Bugman is ostensibly a direct vassal of the Grand County, despite being entirely surrounded by the Wusterburg Flat and controlling no more than a handful of square miles. There is a Dwarf quarter in Nuln, right next to the Militarstutz, and a Dwarftown at Grissenwald. But Bugman's Brewery, which has become as much a name for the town as for the brewery itself, is the largest Dwarftown in the Wissenland now. In truth its the largest concentration of Dwarfs in the Empire.
Centred around the Brewery itself, a large fortified structure that is as much Bugman's workcentre as it is the keep of the town and home of the clan, is the town. It has matured somewhat, a residential district around the Brewery has attracted kin-clans of Master Bugman from the nearby Dwarf Kingdoms and even an unrelated Clan has come all the way from Barak Varr and settled between the Brewery and the Soll.
The part of the Wusterburg Flat that falls within the domain of the Brewery is reaped for barley, and provides a significant bounty. The majority of this is given over to the breweries of the Brewery and out to the dockside goes four varieties of Bugman's Beer. Bugman's X is brewed for less than a month, Bugman's XXXX for three years and the other varieties brewed for some period in between. Every inn in the Province has a supply of at the very least Bugman's XX, those which claim a higher standard of product will stretch for XXX and very rarely XXXX. Indeed, the Imperial Palace stocks nothing less than Bugman's XXXX.
But stored in the most secure vaults of the Bugmans, much more secure than any of the vaults holding gold or the rest of the wealth of Master Bugman, is the final iteration of the craft. Master Bugman's own contribution to the legacy of his clan and the brew that saw him named one of the greatest brewmasters in the Karaz Ankor. Bugman's XXXXX is so highly regarded and so famours that most call it Bugman's Brew, completely disregarding the far more common lesser iterations.
Master Bugman releases very few kegs of Bugman's Brew out into the wider world. They appear at moments of great import, figures in legends almost. And when you invited Master Bugman to be a ceremonial regent to Eldred, he supplied a keg of the Brew to the feast. Naturally, he's the figurehead of the Dwarfen faction in Wissenlander politics however little that faction actually impacts politics.
But in this moment, the Dwarfen faction has stepped out into politics. You suppose this moment does make sense. Master Bugman and his compatriots want two things. An exemption on all taxes and tariffs on any Dwarfen barge carrying any Bugman's XXXXX. And a vast review of the codex of laws of the Wissenland to replace all instances of man, woman or human to new language which would afford Dwarfs total equal rights and privileges within the Province.
[ ] Agree to Both
Master Bugman's requests are reasonable, there's no reason why they cannot both be accepted.
[ ] Agree to the Brew Bargain
Bugman's Brew is shipped only very rarely, surely it wouldn't be any great loss to allow such barges free passage.
[ ] Agree to the Dwarf Amendment
Dwarfs are honourable folk, righteous in their bearing and wise in their teachings. There is no reason whatsoever that Dwarfs should be any lesser in the law than Men.
[ ] Refuse Master Bugman
There's no need to encourage yet another faction to form within wider politics. Aren't the Dwarfs already satisfied, haven't the men of the Wissenland bled and died in their name?
-300 Marks, -500 Food
+2 Relationship with all worthies
+6 Relationship with Cult of Sigmar
The Geschburg Quays
Target: 117/150
Skill: +11 Stewardship, +15 Fiorella
Council Effect: +27 Chamberlain of the Province
Other Modifiers: +32 Local Support, +25 Jengen Quarry, -10 Delayed Action
Roll Result: 74+100 = 174 Complete
It has been almost a year since workcrews from Nuln were last in Geschburg. The dockside is a mess, there's a handful of squatters in the half built warehouses and some of the work has even been washed away by meltwater flooding. The Baroness has been quietly pushing for the work to be continued in the background.
Many of the workcrews were diverted to the Little-Town Dock last year and the Geschburg Quays left to founder. And you didn't actually have any plans to return the workcrews to Geschburg yet. Certainly the Little-Town Docks are more important. But it seems that some paperwork was lost early in the year, a festival in the Little-Town has blocked off part of the waterfront and the Quinsberry Lodge tried to move back into Little-Town before the new Lodge was actually built. You understand a letter of protest is on Magnus Rochthofen's desk in the Palace.
With all the chaos in Little-Town, no work can actually be done. The Chamberlain of the Province has therefore been tasked with finishing the work begun at Geschburg. She begins by clearing out the waterfront, most of the squatters are sent to Nuln where the slums swallow them up and the waiting list for a place in the Industrielplatz gives them a hope of gainful employment.
From there the crews shore up the bank, repair the damaged jetties and expand the barge dock at the Geschburg Quays. By the approach of summer, the project is finished and Baroness Toppenheimer is pleased to see her town properly connected to the transport network of the Province.
There is very little news from across the Old World at the moment. Sylvanian State Troop are within spitting distance of Stirlander State Troop, the heir to Stirland is ready to join von Carstein in a violent overthrow of his father and the Prince of Tordorno has died. Apparently some of the Dogs-Of-War who fled from the last battle of Waagh! Zurgad took umbrage with the fact that the Prince chose not to pay them their contracted wages.
The King of Karak Izor's final act before ascending again into the Vaults was to execute the Dogs-Of-War involved. But stabilising the Principality was not especially on his mind. Chaos has consumed Tordorno with no clear line of succession. The writing may be on the wall for the Miraglian colony.
In truth it feels somewhat like the world is waiting on you.
Meanwhile the Wissenland Gazette has news concerning the wider Empire.
The Empress of Marienburg's illness has continued and worsened. The details of her condition are few and far between but the Gazette's on-site reporter has patched together several rumours that vary from the Empress is on her deathbed to the Empress is very close to her deathbed.
The Emperor of Sigmar's Holy Empire has scaled back his recruitment program. The Reikland appears to have made the decision to abandon Stirland.
The Ottilian Empress has called for a vote on granting the Cult of Taal and Rhya an electoral status. The Gazette seems to be in favour, it claims that the Taalites are the largest Imperial Cult without a vote and that the drop in numbers after the Taalites compared to before makes it clear where the dividing line should be between Elector and not.
The Wolf Emperor has retreated to Middenheim and put out the call for marriage. He's a year younger than you and is hosting a grand event in the City.
Intelligence Report:
The Confidante of the Seat has been overseeing efforts to watch over the underworld of Wissenland.
- There has been a surge in numbers in two large, and ostensibly legal, political factions. The Secessionists and the Sollander Independence Movement have actually been working together and even Nulners are joining the SIM on at least a surface level. You understand the High Priestess of Soll is of the opinion, at least recently, that the Sudenland might see greater self-representation if Wissenland wasn't concerned about Imperial Candidates and wider Imperial politics.
You have 11 Action Dice. You must apply at least one Action Die to the Province.
Develop Diplomacy
You're not terrible at diplomacy but you're also not a particular expert. Take some lessons to advance your Diplomacy skill.
Cost: 200 Marks per Die
Must Beat: 160
Engage with a Noble, Notable or Cult (Write-In which Person of Power)
The Wissenland is made of varied Estates, Cults and the City, improving the relationship between yourself and one of your People of Power can improve their investment in the Province. This may also be an opportunity to have more complex discussions about their wants and needs or to make a proposition. (May write-in a suggestion for the discussion you want with the person)
Cost: 200 Marks per Die
Must Beat: 50
Engage with an Elector (Write-In which Elector)
The Empire is made up of several provinces and improving the relationship between yourself and their Elector can create inter-province agreements and support. This may also be an opportunity to have more complex discussions about their wants and needs or to make a proposition. (May write-in a suggestion for the discussion you want with the Elector)
Cost: 1,000 Marks per Die
Must Beat: 150
Engage with a Neighbour (Write-In which Neighbour)
The Old World is made up of several nations and improving the relationship between the Wissenland and one of her neighbours can create international agreements and support. This may also be an opportunity to have more complex discussions about their wants and needs or to make a proposition. (May write-in a suggestion for the discussion you want with the Neighbour)
Cost: 1,000 Marks per Die
Must Beat: 100
Family Matters
You've a family now, and certain dynastic obligations. Engage with the entirety of your family, likely at the retreat of Castle Liebwitz, make light, make fun and enjoy yourselves. Electors have a need to relax, as does your family.
Cost: 200 Marks per Die
Must Beat: 25
We do Negotiate with Ranaldians
The Cult of Ranald wants a few things generally speaking. Recognition as a legitimate Cult and political entity, a democratically elected Mayor of Nuln and better labour rights for the industrial workers who make up a significant part of Nuln's lower class. Arrange a meeting with representatives of the Cult to hammer out what you're willing to agree to.
Cost 200 Marks per Die
Must Beat: 150
Ambassador-At-Large
Currently the seat of the Ambassador-At-Large is empty and the Ambassadorial Wing of the Imperial Palace is running on inertia. Appoint a new Ambassador-At-Large, or put out feelers to attempt to identify the best candidates. (Write-In an appointee, otherwise you'll be given options.)
Cost: 100 Marks per Die
Must Beat: 50
Develop Martial
You're noteworthy for being a skilled leader of men and for your military mind. But there's always more progress that could be made.
Cost: 200 Marks per Die
Must Beat: 300
Expand an Iron Company (Select an Iron Company)
Recruit, train and equip men to expand one of the Iron Companies. +10% Company size.
Cost: 2,000 Marks, 500 Food, 400 Materials per Die
Required Effort: 0/300
Fortify the Border (Select a Settlement)
Invest effort in the improvement of the fortifications around a border settlement of the Wissenland.
Cost: 2,000 Marks and 400 Materials per Die
Required Effort: See List of Options
The City of Nuln - 0/2,500
Grissenwald Town - 46/1000
Kreutzhofen Town - 0/1000
Nehren Town - 0/1000
Sonnefurt Fort - 0/1000
Kroppenleben Village - 0/1000
Heisenburg Village - 284/500
Jengen Village - 0/500
Call up Free Company (Select a Free Company)
Send out the word that you're commanding a Free Company to come into order and assemble.
Cost: 200 Marks per Die
Must Beat: 50
Improve Free Company (Select a Free Company)
Issue equipment to volunteers, send out sergeants and spread the word that all men should join their Reserve.
Cost: 1,000 Marks and 100 Materials per Die.
Required Effort: 0/200
Restore the Ranks (Select an Iron Company)
Restore an Iron Company to its full size.
Cost: See List of Options
Required Effort: See List of Options
The Elector's Own Lances
Cost: 65 Marks, 65 Materials, 650 Food
Required Effort: 0/65
Roadwarden South
In the days of the Empire the Grand Marshalcy of the Road and RIver Wardens operated a vast number of sites all across the Empire to ensure the safety of the roads and rivers. Outside of the walls of Nuln are three such structures. Roadwarden South was an old training camp for the Grand Marshalcy. Restore the training camp and send sergeants from the Militarstutz to teach lower class children how to stand in ranks and fight in formation and a handful of survival skills. Hopefully this will keep them off the streets and in the Iron Companies' recruitment pathway.
Cost: 600 Marks, 200 Materials, 500 Food per Die
Required Effort: 0/150
Launch an Expedition
Take decisive action and lead the Army of the Wissenland into battle. (Select an intended target)
Cost: 16,900 Marks, 15,000 Food and 8,400 Materials - One Time Cost to start your campaign.
Required Effort: 0/50
Ironside Scholarship Program
Despite their small size, the Nuln Ironsides are the Company that takes the longest to recover from any losses. This is partly due to the fact that the Ironsides are held to such a high standard. The Company recruits only from the Imperial Gunnery School Engineers and Guards requiring proof of a high standard of skill in the field of firearms before taking on recruits. You could attempt to alleviate this bottleneck by instituting a new scholarship program for children from outside the usual recruiting grounds of the School on the requirement that they apply to join the Ironsides following graduation.
Cost: 1,000 Marks and 200 Food per Die
Must Beat: 100
Develop Stewardship
You're below average at this whole Stewardship thing, perhaps numbers aren't quite your field. Perhaps you need to work on your skill.
Cost: 200 Marks per Die
Must Beat: 110
Prospect the Mountains (Select a Settlement)
Send out Prospectors into the Province around one of the Mountain-side settlements.
Cost: 400 Marks per Die
Must Beat See List of Options
Expand Mines (Select a Settlement)
Invest in the existing mines to dig deeper and more greedily around already known veins.
Cost: 1,000 Marks and 200 Materials per Die
Effort Required: See List of Options
Expand Farms (Select a Settlement)
Invest in the fertile land of the Rivers of the Wissenland to expand the farms of the estates.
Cost: 1,000 Marks and 200 Materials per Die.
Effort Required: See List of Options
Riverine Docks (Select a Settlement)
Invest in the dockyards of a river-side settlement to improve trade through it.
Cost: 1,000 Marks and 200 Materials per Die.
Effort Required: See List of Options
Invest in City Institutions (Select an Institution)
Dedicate your efforts to expanding and improving the facilities of a City Institution.
Cost: 1,600 Marks and 300 Materials per Die
Effort Required: See List of Options
The Industrielplatz - 0/600
Imperial Gunnery School - 0/400
The Bank of Nuln - 0/250
College of Engineering - 0/250
Develop Intrigue
You're alright at Intrigue, plots come together, and intelligence efforts are effective enough. But you could certainly improve.
Cost: 200 Marks per Die
Must Beat: 140
Investigate Threat (Select a Threat)
Your expanding network of informants and counter-agents means nowhere in Wissenland is a safe space for hostile forces.
Cost: 100 Marks per Die
Must Beat: See List of Options
Ranaldian Insurrectionists - 250
Secessionists - 100
Sollander Independence Movement - 50
Unknown Serial Killer - 150
Assault Threat (Select a Threat and Aim)
Your counter-agents are capable of seizing or killing hostile targets throughout Wissenland, though sometimes the Black Guard must ride down the enemy.
Cost: 400 Marks and 40 Materials per Die
Must Beat: See List of Options
Establish Agents (Select any faction you can perform diplomacy with)
Train and deploy intelligence staff capable of spying, stealing, kidnapping and killing on your orders with discretion and subtlety.
Cost: 1,000 Marks and 200 Food per Die
Must Beat: 100
Establish Counteragents (Select a Region)
Train and deploy intelligence staff capable of detecting, arresting or killing agents within the Regions of the Wissenland. (Nuln, Wissenland, Sudenland)
Cost: 1,000 Marks and 200 Food per Die
Must Beat: 100
Develop Learning
You're known to be a learned man, a natural consequence of your Cult and the city of your birth. But a learned man knows firstmost, there is always more to learn.
Cost: 200 Marks per Die
Must Beat: 200
Develop the Flintlock
The Imperial Gunnery School believes that the rifles produced in Nuln could be made more resistant to wet environments and faster firing by adjusting the mechanism that lights the blackpowder.
Cost: 1,400 Marks and 100 Materials per Die
Must Beat: 200
Develop the Shot Package
The Imperial Gunnery School believes that while the Great Cannon fires huge cannon balls quite well there's an argument to be made, they could fire more than one at once if only they could work out how to pack it.
Cost: 2,000 Marks and 200 Materials per Die
Must Beat: 300
Develop the Gimbal Compass
The Dry Compass has been a great hit and proved that a magnetic compass is worth making and selling. But there's one major market where navigation is invaluable and where the Dry Compass doesn't work; sailors at sea. The College of Engineering believes it can develop a mechanism to allow the Dry Compass to still operate in environments with heavy pitching.
Cost: 800 Marks and 50 Materials per Die
Must Beat: 100
Develop Gypsum Fertiliser
The new fertiliser laboratories should be invested in to ensure their research can be used for the good of the Province. Some of the College's engineers believe that gypsum can be refined into a fertiliser for the fields.
Cost: 1,000 Marks, 200 Food and 20 Materials per Die
Must Beat: 150
Invest in the Schools
Expand and improve the facilities of the institutions of learning that Nuln boasts.
Cost: 1,600 Marks and 300 Materials per Die
Effort Required: See List of Options
The Grand University - 0/300
The Imperial Gunnery School - 0/300
The Universität - 0/100
The College of Engineering - 0/150
Develop Prowess
For all the effort you've put in, you're not perhaps as dangerous as you'd like to be.
Cost: 200 Marks per Die
Must Beat: 160
Diplo Contacts
Turn 2- Baroness von Heisenberg of Sonnefurt, positive (we funded the improved fortification efforts here which recently finished)
Turn 2b- Imperial Gunnery School (crit failure- caused the stolen cannons by Sylvanians, in the end we did get the smuggling ring and spy ring)
Turn 3b- Iron Tower of Witchhunters, positive (gave us the option to let them hunt again which we did)
Turn 6- Baron Vincentus Preiss of Scharmbeck, negative (wanted autonomy and we said no, sits at -95)
Turn 8- Baron Toppenheimer of Pfeildorf, positive (we got along with him and learned some things, family seems to like us)
Turn 11- Elector of Ostermark (Warning them of Sylvanian cannons)
Turn 13- Princess Fiorella (Engagement to her)
Turn 14- Countess Pfeifraucher of Kreutzhofen (talked at wedding, opened up Monditor campaign)
Turn 15- Elector of Ostland (talked at his daughters wedding, sold cannons at a discounted price)
Turn 18- Baroness Molly Toppenheimer of Geschburg (Mitterancht question)
Turn 20- Karak Izor (Mining rights, Critical Failure resulted in Orc fight and loss of Baron Johann von Kalb of Kroppenleben our Ambassador at Large- his son took over as Baron at reduced if positive relations)
Turn 21- Count Pfeifraucher of Grissenwald (Funding the Grissenwald fortification)
Turn 22- Stirland Chaos Investigation (TBD)
Turn 23- Averland, Stirland (Failed with a crit success), Talabecland (Failed but the Empress reached out to us), Arch Lector of Nuln, Wife, Arch-Lector, Bugman
So, any barge could carry a little jug of alcohol and not pay any tarrif whatsoever on all the products it carry? Sound like an easy exploitable loophole.
[ ] Our Own Trials
Invite the Heir to Nuln to be tested. It will delay the replacement, and if Von Carstein jumps the gun you might not have the chance to earn Flensburg.
Quite frankly, we didn't get into this mess to expand, also i feel this will get us the best PR.
[ ] A Vote Denied
Vote to deny the Cult of Taal and Rhya a vote as an Elector
If the Empire was unified and stable an argument could be made here but this is just a blatant powergrab.
[ ] The Congregation of the Stirland
Encourage the Arch-Lector in Nuln to reach out to the Arch-Lector of Stirland and begin a joint program of anti-chaos trials in the Stirland.
In for a penny in for a pound, also having the support of the local clergy will make any action in Stirland a lot smoother.
[ ] Agree to the Dwarf Amendment
Dwarfs are honourable folk, righteous in their bearing and wise in their teachings. There is no reason whatsoever that Dwarfs should be any lesser in the law than Men.
This is reasonable, im against the exemption because Bugmans XXXXX is ultimately a luxury good, nevermind the fact that anyone able to get their hands on a dwarfen barrel will try to use this to avoid taxes.
[] Our Own Trials
Invite the Heir to Nuln to be tested. It will delay the replacement, and if Von Carstein jumps the gun you might not have the chance to earn Flensburg.
[] Vote to deny the Cult of Taal and Rhya a vote as an Elector
[] The Congregation of the Stirland
Encourage the Arch-Lector in Nuln to reach out to the Arch-Lector of Stirland and begin a joint program of anti-chaos trials in the Stirland.
[] Agree to the Dwarf Amendment
Dwarfs are honourable folk, righteous in their bearing and wise in their teachings. There is no reason whatsoever that Dwarfs should be any lesser in the law than Men.
Ahem.... VLADDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hats off @Warkeymon your really making Vald a scarily competent player of the game.
I'm conflicted about the heir situation. If he is a thrall, Vlad is likely to act hastily. However, I believe there's a good chance neither he nor his wife are thralls, in which case Vlad might exercise patience. He's been cautious about revealing his undead nature, so we should be prepared to concede if he did manage to avoid tipping his hand in that regard.
Regarding the Bugman votes, equal rights, easy enough. I do favor denying the tax exemption thoug. That's simply a matter of being appropriately defensive about tax income sources, and the dwarfs understand that. After all, we're not taxing them because they're dwarfs; we're taxing them because we're rulers and they're merchants. They might legit grumble more if we didn't try and keep milking them in a totally reasonable way.
But in this moment, the Dwarfen faction has stepped out into politics. You suppose this moment does make sense. Master Bugman and his compatriots want two things. An exemption on all taxes and tariffs on any Dwarfen barge carrying any Bugman's XXXXX. And a vast review of the codex of laws of the Wissenland to replace all instances of man, woman or human to new language which would afford Dwarfs total equal rights and privileges within the Province.
In the spirit it seems to be given, exempting Bugman's Brew barges from tarifs is a minor thing.
But if some merchants gets greedy and always carries a flagon of the stuff with him on every trip, then that could really mess up our economy.
Can we specify that the exemption only is for Bugman actually transporting at least a barrel of the stuff and then selling it, instead of people taking it with them as a tax-free card, back and forth?
The Seneschal, Liesel von Eigenhof, Mariele Althaus and Mette Lietz are best options for Ambassador imo. Seneschal is not as damaging as others, Liesel seems likely to have the same useful traits as her uncle, Mariele has useful contacts and Mette appeases the Cult of Soll.
But, the Seneschal is being shy. Liesel is part of the Sessionists. Mariele is a member of the Board and the Ranaldians have actively been targetting them, and i don't think her appointment will be productive to any diplomacy with them. Mette doesn't seem too talkative and the Cult of Soll is problematic on its own, like not getting along with the other Cults and harbors Witches.
You're somewhat surprised that the Seneschal has offered their name, most tales describe them as rather shy. Perhaps the position of Seneschal is so disliked by the guildmasters that they're looking for any excuse to forfeit it.
Liesel von Eigenhof.. rumours suggest she joined the Seccessionists very shortly after arriving in the City.
Mariele Althaus as a risk-taker. The Bank does have contacts abroad you know.
Mette Lietz .. is not exactly generous with her advice.
Cult of Soll
The Cult clashes frequently with other Cults ... there are frequent accusations that Priests of Soll actively hide sorcerers from the Witchhunters.
High Priestess Themis toured the Sudenland recently and charged witchhunters with arresting a Priest of Soll in Mendelhof. Supposedly they were actually a sorceror
...
Indeed Themis managed to produce enough evidence that even the Cult of Soll couldn't deny that they had mistakenly placed their trust in a man who consorted with the darkness of magic.
I'm conflicted about the heir situation. If he is a thrall, Vlad is likely to act hastily. However, I believe there's a good chance neither he nor his wife are thralls, in which case Vlad might exercise patience.
[ ] A Vote Denied
Vote to deny the Cult of Taal and Rhya a vote as an Elector
If the Empire was unified and stable an argument could be made here but this is just a blatant powergrab.
I'm personally not seeing why not let them have the vote. They're apparently the 3rd Great Cult of the Empire. Likely would net us some favors from the Ottilians for voting in favor even if the proposition fails.
The Ottilian Empress has called for a vote on granting the Cult of Taal and Rhya an electoral status. The Gazette seems to be in favour, it claims that the Taalites are the largest Imperial Cult without a vote and that the drop in numbers after the Taalites compared to before makes it clear where the dividing line should be between Elector and not.
This is reasonable, im against the exemption because Bugmans XXXXX is ultimately a luxury good, nevermind the fact that anyone able to get their hands on a dwarfen barrel will try to use this to avoid taxes.
But if some merchants gets greedy and always carries a flagon of the stuff with him on every trip, then that could really mess up our economy.
Can we specify that the exemption only is for Bugman actually transporting at least a barrel of the stuff and then selling it, instead of people taking it with them as a tax-free card, back and forth?
We are planning for the long run here, since unilaterally changing agreements with Dwarves is a bad idea.
Even if Bugman only gives out a few barrels over the next few hundred years, just one person re-selling it in a small flagons to be used as a tax-free-pass would screw our successor, or their successor, or whoever will eventually have to stick to the deal.
Even if Bugman only gives out a few barrels over the next few hundred years, just one person re-selling it in a small flagons to be used as a tax-free-pass would screw our successor, or their successor, or whoever will eventually have to stick to the deal.
What? The Dwarfs are going to start watering down Bugman's XXXXX, the super rare brew, just to avoid paying tax? This tax exemption is specifically only for Dwarfen barges.
"An exemption on all taxes and tariffs on any Dwarfen barge carrying any Bugman's XXXXX."
What? The Dwarfs are going to start watering down Bugman's XXXXX, the super rare brew, just to avoid paying tax? This tax exemption is specifically only for Dwarfen barges.
"An exemption on all taxes and tariffs on any Dwarfen barge carrying any Bugman's XXXXX."
Pour it into smaller vessels and then just carry it with them, rather than sell it.
Say some canny dwarven merchant gets a barrel of Bugman's XXXXX in a few decades.
He divides it into a dozen flagons.
He sells those, or keeps them on his own ships, if he has multiple ones, not further selling but just keeping one in the ship's cabin.
And now you have a dozen dwarves merchant-barges who can trade freely without tariffs in Wissenland.
