- Location
- Utrecht
Dwarf Quests are a memetic hazard
Dwarf infection has transcended the fourth wall.
The Twin Holds: A Dwarf Karak Quest. (Warhammer Fantasy)
Dwarf infection has transcended the fourth wall.
So... I was thinking about what other clans we might be able to tempt into moving in and this is the list I cam up with:
- Another bunch of iron miners for the deposit we found down in the deeps
- A weaponsmith clan to go with the armor smiths we are getting this turn, not for guns like the Powderhand, but just regular weapons like hammers, axes etc...
- Carpenters and joiners, we do have a secure supply of wood which might be tempting for such clans, if they exist (I'm not sure if the craft is prestigious enough for it)
- Shipwrights from Barak Var when we get the canal going, this one is more long term
- Potters and glazes, clay is not exactly rare as a resource, though I am nos sure if dwarfs make use of pottery or if they prefer to have all that done with metal
- Maybe some silversmiths? I mean I know we do not mine silver but there are plenty of umgi handing out coin for money-changing and I do not think all of them deal in gold. We could refine all the impurities out of that and then use it to make stuff, unless it is against guild rules or tradition
- Location
- Utrecht
Pottery would definitely be used for cooking imo.
Clay pots can be used for slow cooking because they retain heat well, and I headcanon slow cooked stews and soups are very dwarfy foods
.Not the typical food they eat day to day... but the really good food for a feast or a party.
- Location
- Netherlands
Vikki could entrust a few Rangers with detonators and copper wire.
Sink a few barrels of gunpowder into the ground. Attach the detonator. Then wait from a safe distance with hands on the plunger. Either set off the bombs beneath the enemy. Or bring down an avalanche on the.
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- Location
- Utrecht
I was doing some reading today
Article: In 1864, during the Siege of Petersburg by the Union Army of the Potomac, a mine made of 3,600 kilograms (8,000 lb) of gunpowder was set off approximately 6 metres (20 ft) under Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside's IX Corps sector. The explosion blew a gap in the Confederate defenses of Petersburg, Virginia, creating a crater 52 metres (170 ft) long, 30 to 37 metres (100 to 120 ft) wide, and at least 9 metres (30 ft) deep.
Seems like quite a dwarfy thing to do if you have a few months warning before a waagh, and you know where the enemy will be
.
- Location
- Netherlands
I recently read the Barak Varr entry of the Nautilus, and it says that many of the crews aren't slayers, but dwarfs who have done something and want to atone through doing something dangerous. A middle ground between becoming a slayer, and just stewing on the shame.
I'm thinking that you could try to promote the Ranger Guild as something like that. A way for Dawi who have done something they want to atone for, but aren't quite ready to die, to still help the Karaz Ankor. From the shadows and away from their place of shame.
I'm thinking that you could try to promote the Ranger Guild as something like that. A way for Dawi who have done something they want to atone for, but aren't quite ready to die, to still help the Karaz Ankor. From the shadows and away from their place of shame.
Hmm... that would be really good. Anything that makes a dwarf reconsider suicide by troll is to the good of the Karaz Ankor and of course it gives us more rangers to send on desperately needed missions. My only concern is that it make hurt the prestige of the Guild to have so many shamed dawi be part of it, but on the other hand we are all a bunch of sun touched Wazoks anyway and our leader if the most sun touched of them all.
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You'd need a sturdy economy, manufacturing and academic base for it. Doesn't come easy to dwarfs either, they like to think in Guilds and Clans, not Colleges
Pretty much, at the very least it'll be funny to see Wissenland getting pestered like that. That being said, nothing wrong with boosting said stable neighbor as much as possible and as a happy byproduct it helps the Sollander revanchists a bit
Not wrong at all, although you'd be surprised how many troops they might be able to gather once some time passes and their people are able to breed up a bigger population. And if we focus our sales on arms and armor as QM pointed out...Sollander State Army would then be on part with the Elite troops of other provinces, so they'd be able to hit well above their weight. Being able to conscript and arm those 'militias' into standing troops would help Solland a lot as well, at least in terms of having the average fighting force of their province easy to hand as opposed to how long and drawn out it often is for other spread out provinces.
Yeah, like veekie said, we don't need to do anything more than what we came in the region to do, and keep up trade and support with Solland as we would with any natural ally...and Solland and Averland I think for at least this generation of Elector Counts, maybe the sons (thanks to Averland's if nothing else) will be a 2 vote bloc that can bring in others to mess with Wissenland. That being said, WoG is that Wissenland did think this through and see that possibility as worth it, but either way, we can provide reasonable support and aid to Solland that will allow them to catch up in terms of economy and military to Wissenland and all things considered...Southern Solland is hardly small compared to say Hochland and the Moot, so they got room to grow.
This sounds like a do-able omake, should be able to use the characters I established in the scene with Johanna's family in Sonnefurt as well.
Yeah, which is why I'm glad we got the planning for the Canal done and paid the extra to have it finished by next turn. That way between Barak Varr paying half price and any other help they can give, that canal will be a big source of trade in the region and maybe even the basis for a larger and more stable dynasty in the Border Princes, at least around the canal itself.
Fair assessment on the most likely region we can push Wissenland back with, although I think with Averland's help we might be able to extend that to Moassach and Ellwangen, the two northern towns that Averland had control over.
From there it's mainly empty space with 'Da Great Idol' between Moassach and Geschburg, which is arguably where I think we could get the diplomatic line to push back the border too. Anything else is too close to the Wissenland efforts I can really see them giving up.
Getting the border pushed up tot he Geschburg,Moasssach, Ellwangen line would give Solland a significant amount of towns and land to rebuild.
It might be a pipe dream but if Averland is really good, they might be able to get it up to WIttenhausen, Pforzen, and Staig. Either way, there's pretty easy lines to draw the border at in terms of how much Wissenland might have to give up if Averland can make it work.
Plus, more human engineers and gun makers is hardly a bad thing, and competition is good for the soul as they say. Norn would have no issues with more customers for their gunpowder either I imagine, same for Izor and their canons.
Yeah I'm 90% its fanon because I see a lot of references to maple and none of them were Dark Elves.
Not wrong, plus even bosses and shamans can't make greenskins completely immune to shock damage and enough kabooms can cause a charge to fail or even turn into a rout.
Claymores at the very least would be useful for breaking up a concerted charge on the heels of an Ironbreaker fallback, so that would make them viable in its own right so good idea.
I was doing some reading today
Article: In 1864, during the Siege of Petersburg by the Union Army of the Potomac, a mine made of 3,600 kilograms (8,000 lb) of gunpowder was set off approximately 6 metres (20 ft) under Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside's IX Corps sector. The explosion blew a gap in the Confederate defenses of Petersburg, Virginia, creating a crater 52 metres (170 ft) long, 30 to 37 metres (100 to 120 ft) wide, and at least 9 metres (30 ft) deep.
Seems like quite a dwarfy thing to do if you have a few months warning before a waagh, and you know where the enemy will be
Kek, maybe if we're lucky we can draw mr big bozz rotfang into it
Not a bad idea, our missions are certainly risky, with certainly of danger, small chance of success.
Serving with the Rangers as a middle ground could be seen as a sacrifice, since as you said Rangers work from the shadows and often use means other dwarves consider distasteful at best or dishonorable at worst, so serving as a ranger to atone could be seen as sacrificing their ability to gain glory for their actions for example.
And it's fitting that we're getting closer to Barak Varr in that regard, both our holds and the guilds we control (i think they got the shipbuilder's guild iirc) having options that are heavily risky and a possible way to atone for shame short of Slayerdome seems fitting.
Plus we also have in common that both our holds have contact with a wide variety of sources and locations, so our ability to spread information, both in communcations, but also 'hey, this is a way to get your honor back without having to take the oath' and might boost recruitment.
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- Location
- Netherlands
For now. The miners are a good bet.
But I'm gonna give you an option relatively soon, to bring in a fully dedicated warrior Clan. They'd be expensive. Thousands of gold each turn because you need to support the fact they don't practice a profession besides war.
That makes sense, it's like hiring a mercenary army, and their needs having to be covered in their pay. Training, supplies, recruitment, even just pay. It does add up.
So like mercenaries, but culturally acceptable to use at all times and can be used underground safely, sounds great.
*pointedly ignores the sound of dawi axes being sharpened at the comparison*
Red Tape and white ore.
- Location
- Netherlands
The rest of the journey to the Everpeak takes another month of travel, during which you and your Bodyguards make their way across the Varr-Everpeak trade routes. Luckily, the Marines of Barak Varr have continued their relentless patrolling of the trade routes, and it merely a relatively casual stroll. When you enter the Everpeak, there is none of the pomp and grandeur that met you before. You are merely let into the city, and move to find Vikki near the Hall of the Royal Clan. There is a definite feeling of tension in the air throughout the Everpeak.
Across the city, you can hear Dawi talking about Alriksson's failing health. Apparently, he fell from the Throne of Power just last week and vomited blood in public. You can hear Dawi talk in public about who should succeed the High King. So far, there are two camps. The Warrior Clans largely support Arngrim for his promises of war and victory. While Thorgrim has popular support after news that Alriksson wanted Thorgrim to succeed him has spread. His talk of promoting prosperity among existing Holds and only reclaiming territory that the Dawi are sure to be able to hold has made him popular. There is a desire for vengeance among the Dawi, but mostly one of victory. Not war for the sake of war.
Vikki is waiting for you at the entrance to the Royal Clan's halls. She is dressed in the traditional robes of a Kvinn of the Everpeak. Looking very much like she doesn't particularly enjoy wearing a robe over pants."Bad news, Thane." Vikki says, moving to meet you. "Alriksson can't have any visitors at the moment, nor can he oversee the negotiations."
"That bad?"
"Only reason Arngrim hasn't marched troops to make his father abdicate after he fell from the Throne, was Alriksson's vow that he would call for a Council to decide the succession, and then told both Arngrim and Thorgrim to work together on the expedition to Karag Dum." She glances around. "Things are tense. But Arngrim has taken his followers and moved on to Karak Kadrin already in anticipation of the expedition.
"Who do you think will win the election?"
Vikki glances around to make sure nobody is listening in. "Arngrim most likely. Unless Thorgrim does something groundbreaking, and does it quickly. Arngrim's talk of bringing Kraka Drak back into the fold has made him popular among many elders. And he is the prince. That doesn't help Thorgrim's odds. Thorgrim did return with a great hoard of lost relics and artefacts recently, though. He might still win the election. Especially if he's in the spotlight after the Karag Dum expedition."
You sigh. "And the mine?"
"Alriksson had some time for me. He said he was happy we had found the Gromril, and referred us to the Miner's Guild Master. Guild Master Olli will be meeting you in his office soon. There he'll be taking you through what will be involved in organizing the mine." She grimaces. "Get ready for a lot of red tape. Olli is notorious for it."
---
Olli Stonesplitter, Guild Master of the Miner's Guild is about what you expected. An ancient pale Longbeard whose braided and ring-encased beard scrapes across the ground. His very presence makes your beard feel inadequate, and his looks make you want to recoil and hide away from the Living Ancestor.
"A new Gromril mine. Hrmmm," The Karugrombthi mumbles as he chews on the end of a Wutroth pipe that has been set with sapphires. "Been some time since we've found one of those. Most Dawi are hesitant to broadcast the presence of Gromril across the Karaz Ankor. Thaggoraki and all that." The Guild Master puts down the pipe and takes the paperwork that Vikki prepared, placing it out before him. "Respectable Gromril deposit. Less warpstone than usual. Quite good, yes. "
"They already attacked us. So it is not like we have something to hide." You shrug. The Ancestor's eyes shoot to glare at you, and you feel a sudden urge to dig a hole and bury yourself for a few decades. Instead, you grit your teeth and return the glare. Finally, after half a minute of silence, in which you feel a growing panic consuming your chest, the Guild Master nods.
"A good point, Beardling," Olli says. You let out a breath you'd forgotten you were holding. "I can see why your Hold might finally decide to reveal your deposit to the world. I will guide you through the process of making the most of the Gromril. Just keep in mind, there are many Guild Regulations we will need to go through to make sure that the mine is up to code." Olli pushes forward a copper slate on which something has been written.
You turn it around to examine just what the Longbeard has written down. The slate shows the projected income and expenses of running a Gromril processing operation. Your eyes go wide as you read the projections. "How much to process it!?" You ask incredulously as you read the cost for processing the Gromril. Half the income of the mine will go towards just the processing of the ore.
"The Warpstone will have to be filtered from the Gromril and stored for safe disposal according to Guild Regulations. This would be dangerous work with a high chance of fatalities due to warpstone inhalation if any miner's protective enchantments were to fail. That means all miners working on the Gromril get, on top of the regular guild pay for a Longbeard, a special pension fund equal to their pay and hazard pay. And as respected Longbeards and Living Ancestors, each is entitled to three hour long breaks each day, including a barrel of Everpeak Beer, worth at least a hundred Gorl's per keg."
Vikki scowls at the Guildmaster. "No Dawi has died mining Gromril in six centuries. And the last one who died was drunk! So you are obviously just trying to fleece us."
"Hush, Plaitling, I am not finished." The Guild Master says, not seeming concerned with the increasingly dangerous looks that Vikki was giving him. "Only the Miner's Guild is authorized to mine and process Gromril. And only the finest miners have the necessary qualifications to do this." The Guild Master says, adjusting his glasses as he gets up and moves towards a table in the back of his office. He picks up a massive vellum tome, and slams it down onto the table. It is nearly the size of your torso, and as thick as your biceps. You cautiously open the tome as the Guild Master continues. You can barely read the letters. "These are the regulations and requirements for operating a Gromril mine. There will be a yearly inspection to examine if these requirements are being followed." Before you can even read the first page of the tome, the Longbeard offers you a large copper slate, on which a series of calculations are written. "And here are the preliminary projections for processing the Gromril."
"The biggest cost besides separating the Warpstone from the ore is the transportation of the Gromril Ore to Zhufbar for processing," Olli says. "The Miner's Guild will provide transportation and escorts for the ore. But the amount of protection needed increases the cost of processing. As-
"Only the most qualified Longbeards can be trusted to guard the Ore." You repeat, leading to an approving nod from the Guild Master. "Why does it need to be processed in Zhufbar?" You recoil from the look of utter disappointment from the Ancestor.
"The Gromril that your Runesmith uses is processed Gromril. Clean of impurities and ready to be used." The Guild Master grumbles. "Even after the Warpstone has been removed. The Gromril ore requires extensive processing before it can be used. It costs approximately half a million Everpeak Gorl's just to build a foundry able to turn two kilograms of Gromril ore into one kilogram of usable ingots.
Vikki crosses her arms and huffs. "I wonder what the High King will think about you nickle-and-diming The Twin Holds after he asked you to help set up the mine."
"What's the High King going to do. Drool on the slates?" The Guild Master says, crossing his arms and looking at Vikki like she's a particularly rowdy and stupid child. "All these affairs are legal. The only reason he is still on the throne is that all the candidates are still gathering allies and making great displays of bravery and heroism for when he croaks." He turns back to face you, when a Shortbeard enters the room, holding a small metal plaque that he offers to Olli. Olli takes it and looks it over before giving it to you. "The latest projections for the mine. Profit on the left. Expenses on the right."
You carefully make space on the desk and read the plaque out loud. "In total. Ninety-five percent of the income of the Gromril mine will go into the upkeep and maintenance of this ventur-" You stop reading to groan. "How much will be left for Clan Rakidum!? This is utterly ridiculou-" Your eyes go wide as you count the zeroes.
"Fifty-thousand Everpeak-Minted Gold coins every fiscal year in exchange for the rights to operate your mine." The Guild Master says, leaning forward to tap the plaque with a gnarled finger. "That is if we mine in public. Wanting to keep the existence of the Gromril a secret for longer is an option. But it will take considerable deception to instead conceal these shipments as merely gold payments to Zhufbar."
Slowly nodding, you turn back to looking at all the paperwork that you will have to work with. When the door opens, and four metal suitcases are pushed in on a cart. Olli lights up at the sight. "Ahh. The appendices for the labour contracts. I was wondering when they'd finish carving those into the copper."
You groan audibly.
[] Mine the Gromril. Don't hide its presence: No more time for secrecy. Start mining the Gromril and do not stop for any reason. It is a respectable deposit and should bring wealth and respect to your Karak.
50.000 Gold per turn. Everyone will quickly know that there is Gromril to be found within your Karak.
[] Mine the Gromril. Still try to keep it secret for a while longer: The Gromril is mined in a secret sub-section of Karak Skarrenruf where dedicated miners will live and work. Their identities are hidden, and the Gromril they produce is hidden inside crates of gold which are brought to Zhufbar. This increased secrecy will be very expensive to manage. If the secrecy fails. The Miner's Guild will compensate. Somewhat.
30.000 Gold per turn. The existence of the Gromril will remain a closely guarded secret. If the secret is revealed. The income is increased to 55,000
[] Nobody fleeces a Ranger!:
Refuse to sign any contract. Just walk out of the hall. Nobody bends you over a barrel!
Negotiate another day from a better position.
Leaves an impression to other Guilds that you won't tolerate being fleeced. Will make them less likely to make the attempt.
Extensive negotiations blocked off by the low roll.
Although we can renegotiate the finer numbers. This is the only offer you will get for your Gromril mine, as we are the only one providing the mining service. Illegal Gromril Mining will result in legal and military action."
---
Examining the contracts. Rolled 93 + 20 (Vikki's Diplomacy Skill) = 113
"You should accept it, Thane." Vikki says. "We can always renegotiate when we get the chance. You are leasing out the mine after all. You can cut them off whenever you want. it is your right after all. The issue is, they are the only ones mining Gromril. So you need to accept their terms for how much they'll take, and what they'll pay you for. Perhaps when there's a new High King, they can annul the contract and give you a better one? Or we can go to the Reckoners."
"It's a lot of gold. But I'd be lying if I wasn't expecting more… respect. For the find, I mean. And I'm sure Thorgrim would be willing to do that. He always seemed a good sort."
A few Dawi glare daggers at you upon the mention of Thorgrim. The matter of the succession has to be a tense one in the Everpeak. Across the city, groups are talking about who would be better suited for becoming High King. Home and shops are writing the names of their preferred candiate above their homes, while warriors proudly put either Thorgrim or Arngrim's personal sigil on their armour.
"Oh definitely." Vikki mutters. The Miner's Guild has been 'kind' enough to provide you with five metal briefcases that contain all the copperwork, paperwork, and plaques regarding the costs, rules, and other such matters for running the mine. You need two Dawi to carry each briefcase. After half an hour making your way through the Everpeak, to the bemusement of many Dawi who laugh at the sight of a throng of Dawi carrying Miner's Guild paperwork.
"The Guild wouldn't be this money-pinching if there wasn't a lot more Gromril coming into the Karaz Ankor." Vikki mutters. "A lot of Gromril."
You pause. "Could it be whatever Barak Varr found?" You ask cautiously. Low enough that only Vikki can overhear you. "But if it is coming from there. That means the Miner's Guild knows about it. Not just some secret deal between Zhufbar and Barak Varr."
Vikki scowls. "A conspiracy most likely. The Miner's Guild, Barak Varr, whoever is managing the Gromril forges of Zhufbar. They must all be in on it. Perhaps my guild as well. I remember Guild Master Olli being downright desperate for Gromril a few years ago. He is now treating it like it were merely normal gold." She then stops. "If so many are in on whatever is happening in Araby. Why the hell are they going so far to keep it a secret? They all have the forces and wealth necessary to construct a massive fortress over the mine there. They shouldn't -need- this much secrecy." She glances at the briefcases. "Alriksson wouldn't be sending you to get fleeced either. I think he doesn't know about the Gromril."
She pauses. "Or Olli is being asked to be a pain in the ass for you. But who could be doing that?
You shrug. "Far too many. I don't know if I should be happy or angry someone else got in on the Gromril trade before I did."
Vikki just grins. "It's a secret. I bet that if it comes out, Olli is gonna be -very- happy to renegotiate with you."
Unlocks Intrigue Action: Investigate the Gromril Conspiracy.
Vikki Gains Trait: Cutting through the crap: Vikki has gained a knack in cutting through the complicated bureaucracy and secret dealings of Dawi society. (+2 Diplomacy)
Rolled 17 on the Gromril Roll + 5 from the Omake + 20 from Vikki's Diplomacy skill = 42
The Miner's Guild wraps you up in red tape and complicated litigation regarding the mining of Gromril. You will need one hell of a Reckoner to untangle the red tape and improve your deal
---
Just a one hour moratorium this time. Got another update in the pipeline.
Across the city, you can hear Dawi talking about Alriksson's failing health. Apparently, he fell from the Throne of Power just last week and vomited blood in public. You can hear Dawi talk in public about who should succeed the High King. So far, there are two camps. The Warrior Clans largely support Arngrim for his promises of war and victory. While Thorgrim has popular support after news that Alriksson wanted Thorgrim to succeed him has spread. His talk of promoting prosperity among existing Holds and only reclaiming territory that the Dawi are sure to be able to hold has made him popular. There is a desire for vengeance among the Dawi, but mostly one of victory. Not war for the sake of war.
Vikki is waiting for you at the entrance to the Royal Clan's halls. She is dressed in the traditional robes of a Kvinn of the Everpeak. Looking very much like she doesn't particularly enjoy wearing a robe over pants."Bad news, Thane." Vikki says, moving to meet you. "Alriksson can't have any visitors at the moment, nor can he oversee the negotiations."
"That bad?"
"Only reason Arngrim hasn't marched troops to make his father abdicate after he fell from the Throne, was Alriksson's vow that he would call for a Council to decide the succession, and then told both Arngrim and Thorgrim to work together on the expedition to Karag Dum." She glances around. "Things are tense. But Arngrim has taken his followers and moved on to Karak Kadrin already in anticipation of the expedition.
"Who do you think will win the election?"
Vikki glances around to make sure nobody is listening in. "Arngrim most likely. Unless Thorgrim does something groundbreaking, and does it quickly. Arngrim's talk of bringing Kraka Drak back into the fold has made him popular among many elders. And he is the prince. That doesn't help Thorgrim's odds. Thorgrim did return with a great hoard of lost relics and artefacts recently, though. He might still win the election. Especially if he's in the spotlight after the Karag Dum expedition."
You sigh. "And the mine?"
"Alriksson had some time for me. He said he was happy we had found the Gromril, and referred us to the Miner's Guild Master. Guild Master Olli will be meeting you in his office soon. There he'll be taking you through what will be involved in organizing the mine." She grimaces. "Get ready for a lot of red tape. Olli is notorious for it."
---
Olli Stonesplitter, Guild Master of the Miner's Guild is about what you expected. An ancient pale Longbeard whose braided and ring-encased beard scrapes across the ground. His very presence makes your beard feel inadequate, and his looks make you want to recoil and hide away from the Living Ancestor.
"A new Gromril mine. Hrmmm," The Karugrombthi mumbles as he chews on the end of a Wutroth pipe that has been set with sapphires. "Been some time since we've found one of those. Most Dawi are hesitant to broadcast the presence of Gromril across the Karaz Ankor. Thaggoraki and all that." The Guild Master puts down the pipe and takes the paperwork that Vikki prepared, placing it out before him. "Respectable Gromril deposit. Less warpstone than usual. Quite good, yes. "
"They already attacked us. So it is not like we have something to hide." You shrug. The Ancestor's eyes shoot to glare at you, and you feel a sudden urge to dig a hole and bury yourself for a few decades. Instead, you grit your teeth and return the glare. Finally, after half a minute of silence, in which you feel a growing panic consuming your chest, the Guild Master nods.
"A good point, Beardling," Olli says. You let out a breath you'd forgotten you were holding. "I can see why your Hold might finally decide to reveal your deposit to the world. I will guide you through the process of making the most of the Gromril. Just keep in mind, there are many Guild Regulations we will need to go through to make sure that the mine is up to code." Olli pushes forward a copper slate on which something has been written.
You turn it around to examine just what the Longbeard has written down. The slate shows the projected income and expenses of running a Gromril processing operation. Your eyes go wide as you read the projections. "How much to process it!?" You ask incredulously as you read the cost for processing the Gromril. Half the income of the mine will go towards just the processing of the ore.
"The Warpstone will have to be filtered from the Gromril and stored for safe disposal according to Guild Regulations. This would be dangerous work with a high chance of fatalities due to warpstone inhalation if any miner's protective enchantments were to fail. That means all miners working on the Gromril get, on top of the regular guild pay for a Longbeard, a special pension fund equal to their pay and hazard pay. And as respected Longbeards and Living Ancestors, each is entitled to three hour long breaks each day, including a barrel of Everpeak Beer, worth at least a hundred Gorl's per keg."
Vikki scowls at the Guildmaster. "No Dawi has died mining Gromril in six centuries. And the last one who died was drunk! So you are obviously just trying to fleece us."
"Hush, Plaitling, I am not finished." The Guild Master says, not seeming concerned with the increasingly dangerous looks that Vikki was giving him. "Only the Miner's Guild is authorized to mine and process Gromril. And only the finest miners have the necessary qualifications to do this." The Guild Master says, adjusting his glasses as he gets up and moves towards a table in the back of his office. He picks up a massive vellum tome, and slams it down onto the table. It is nearly the size of your torso, and as thick as your biceps. You cautiously open the tome as the Guild Master continues. You can barely read the letters. "These are the regulations and requirements for operating a Gromril mine. There will be a yearly inspection to examine if these requirements are being followed." Before you can even read the first page of the tome, the Longbeard offers you a large copper slate, on which a series of calculations are written. "And here are the preliminary projections for processing the Gromril."
"The biggest cost besides separating the Warpstone from the ore is the transportation of the Gromril Ore to Zhufbar for processing," Olli says. "The Miner's Guild will provide transportation and escorts for the ore. But the amount of protection needed increases the cost of processing. As-
"Only the most qualified Longbeards can be trusted to guard the Ore." You repeat, leading to an approving nod from the Guild Master. "Why does it need to be processed in Zhufbar?" You recoil from the look of utter disappointment from the Ancestor.
"The Gromril that your Runesmith uses is processed Gromril. Clean of impurities and ready to be used." The Guild Master grumbles. "Even after the Warpstone has been removed. The Gromril ore requires extensive processing before it can be used. It costs approximately half a million Everpeak Gorl's just to build a foundry able to turn two kilograms of Gromril ore into one kilogram of usable ingots.
Vikki crosses her arms and huffs. "I wonder what the High King will think about you nickle-and-diming The Twin Holds after he asked you to help set up the mine."
"What's the High King going to do. Drool on the slates?" The Guild Master says, crossing his arms and looking at Vikki like she's a particularly rowdy and stupid child. "All these affairs are legal. The only reason he is still on the throne is that all the candidates are still gathering allies and making great displays of bravery and heroism for when he croaks." He turns back to face you, when a Shortbeard enters the room, holding a small metal plaque that he offers to Olli. Olli takes it and looks it over before giving it to you. "The latest projections for the mine. Profit on the left. Expenses on the right."
You carefully make space on the desk and read the plaque out loud. "In total. Ninety-five percent of the income of the Gromril mine will go into the upkeep and maintenance of this ventur-" You stop reading to groan. "How much will be left for Clan Rakidum!? This is utterly ridiculou-" Your eyes go wide as you count the zeroes.
"Fifty-thousand Everpeak-Minted Gold coins every fiscal year in exchange for the rights to operate your mine." The Guild Master says, leaning forward to tap the plaque with a gnarled finger. "That is if we mine in public. Wanting to keep the existence of the Gromril a secret for longer is an option. But it will take considerable deception to instead conceal these shipments as merely gold payments to Zhufbar."
Slowly nodding, you turn back to looking at all the paperwork that you will have to work with. When the door opens, and four metal suitcases are pushed in on a cart. Olli lights up at the sight. "Ahh. The appendices for the labour contracts. I was wondering when they'd finish carving those into the copper."
You groan audibly.
[] Mine the Gromril. Don't hide its presence: No more time for secrecy. Start mining the Gromril and do not stop for any reason. It is a respectable deposit and should bring wealth and respect to your Karak.
50.000 Gold per turn. Everyone will quickly know that there is Gromril to be found within your Karak.
[] Mine the Gromril. Still try to keep it secret for a while longer: The Gromril is mined in a secret sub-section of Karak Skarrenruf where dedicated miners will live and work. Their identities are hidden, and the Gromril they produce is hidden inside crates of gold which are brought to Zhufbar. This increased secrecy will be very expensive to manage. If the secrecy fails. The Miner's Guild will compensate. Somewhat.
30.000 Gold per turn. The existence of the Gromril will remain a closely guarded secret. If the secret is revealed. The income is increased to 55,000
[] Nobody fleeces a Ranger!:
Refuse to sign any contract. Just walk out of the hall. Nobody bends you over a barrel!
Negotiate another day from a better position.
Leaves an impression to other Guilds that you won't tolerate being fleeced. Will make them less likely to make the attempt.
Extensive negotiations blocked off by the low roll.
Although we can renegotiate the finer numbers. This is the only offer you will get for your Gromril mine, as we are the only one providing the mining service. Illegal Gromril Mining will result in legal and military action."
---
Examining the contracts. Rolled 93 + 20 (Vikki's Diplomacy Skill) = 113
"You should accept it, Thane." Vikki says. "We can always renegotiate when we get the chance. You are leasing out the mine after all. You can cut them off whenever you want. it is your right after all. The issue is, they are the only ones mining Gromril. So you need to accept their terms for how much they'll take, and what they'll pay you for. Perhaps when there's a new High King, they can annul the contract and give you a better one? Or we can go to the Reckoners."
"It's a lot of gold. But I'd be lying if I wasn't expecting more… respect. For the find, I mean. And I'm sure Thorgrim would be willing to do that. He always seemed a good sort."
A few Dawi glare daggers at you upon the mention of Thorgrim. The matter of the succession has to be a tense one in the Everpeak. Across the city, groups are talking about who would be better suited for becoming High King. Home and shops are writing the names of their preferred candiate above their homes, while warriors proudly put either Thorgrim or Arngrim's personal sigil on their armour.
"Oh definitely." Vikki mutters. The Miner's Guild has been 'kind' enough to provide you with five metal briefcases that contain all the copperwork, paperwork, and plaques regarding the costs, rules, and other such matters for running the mine. You need two Dawi to carry each briefcase. After half an hour making your way through the Everpeak, to the bemusement of many Dawi who laugh at the sight of a throng of Dawi carrying Miner's Guild paperwork.
"The Guild wouldn't be this money-pinching if there wasn't a lot more Gromril coming into the Karaz Ankor." Vikki mutters. "A lot of Gromril."
You pause. "Could it be whatever Barak Varr found?" You ask cautiously. Low enough that only Vikki can overhear you. "But if it is coming from there. That means the Miner's Guild knows about it. Not just some secret deal between Zhufbar and Barak Varr."
Vikki scowls. "A conspiracy most likely. The Miner's Guild, Barak Varr, whoever is managing the Gromril forges of Zhufbar. They must all be in on it. Perhaps my guild as well. I remember Guild Master Olli being downright desperate for Gromril a few years ago. He is now treating it like it were merely normal gold." She then stops. "If so many are in on whatever is happening in Araby. Why the hell are they going so far to keep it a secret? They all have the forces and wealth necessary to construct a massive fortress over the mine there. They shouldn't -need- this much secrecy." She glances at the briefcases. "Alriksson wouldn't be sending you to get fleeced either. I think he doesn't know about the Gromril."
She pauses. "Or Olli is being asked to be a pain in the ass for you. But who could be doing that?
You shrug. "Far too many. I don't know if I should be happy or angry someone else got in on the Gromril trade before I did."
Vikki just grins. "It's a secret. I bet that if it comes out, Olli is gonna be -very- happy to renegotiate with you."
Unlocks Intrigue Action: Investigate the Gromril Conspiracy.
Vikki Gains Trait: Cutting through the crap: Vikki has gained a knack in cutting through the complicated bureaucracy and secret dealings of Dawi society. (+2 Diplomacy)
Rolled 17 on the Gromril Roll + 5 from the Omake + 20 from Vikki's Diplomacy skill = 42
The Miner's Guild wraps you up in red tape and complicated litigation regarding the mining of Gromril. You will need one hell of a Reckoner to untangle the red tape and improve your deal
---
Just a one hour moratorium this time. Got another update in the pipeline.
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I think we should just do it openly, we need that respect every bit as much as we need the gold, because respect is more clans thinking to join the hold.
So... Leonardo has a specially shaped glass prism which uses pure physical properties of refraction to diffuse any kind of energy flowing over the battlefield. The effect of this is to steal the winds of magic and dissipate the energy, just as if it were rays from the sun.[1b]
Would this be something we could look into figuring out how to make? It's apparently a scientific item so it should be something that dawi can do right?
Would this be something we could look into figuring out how to make? It's apparently a scientific item so it should be something that dawi can do right?
- Location
- Netherlands
+3 shame for implying Dawi should use crystals instead of proper runes when dealing with magic.
That seems entirely worthwhile if we could do it. Sadly I figure that's a fun way of saying no.
- Location
- To the left. No, not there, the other left.
While it's almost certainly fanon and part of the whole "Druchii are Evil Canadians" meme, note that not all maple are sugar maples, which are native to North America and since Warhammer seems to respect the Old World/New World divide when it comes to non-magical plant and animal species finding sugar maples in Solland is unlikely (for same reason pecans would also be an exotic plant, but Karak specialising in horticulture could reasonably have access to them).
You can tap other kinds of maple (or even different kinds of trees, I know some people make walnut and pecan syrups) but you get way less sap (quick googling shows that it's difficult to get good amount of sap our of sycamore maple, which is the most common maple in Europe, at least without use of vacuum pump, though again, I could see Horticulturalist guild of Karak Norn having those), and it usually has significantly lower sugar content (so you need to reduce it more to get syrup).
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- Location
- Netherlands
It just works with the winds that ambiently flow into and through the prism. It doesn't actually suck it in.
Just a scientific curiosity.
My immediate response to that is to question it's effects on warpstone. Because if surrounding a piece of warpstone in extremely precisely carved crystal is an effective means to over time get rid of it, which this would seem to imply since the warpstone radiates magic... That would be nice. Even if it's over the course of centuries and has little practical application in the timeline if this quest, it still seems like a useful thing.
Though I do wonder if it's effects would be helpful for recharging runes or not...
Yup, between our efforts and that of Barak Varr, the trade route is very secure and I bet that's made more than a little difference.
Yikes...yeah that would do it on causing a stir in Everpeak, even leaving aside the Chaos implications, just the falling down in public would cause troubles for a human ruler, let along a dwarvish one.
Also I like the growing focus on what each candidate for HIgh King is offering and how it shows the different priorities of the dwarves supporting each. Arngrim's supporters seem more Dawrvish revanchist than anything else while Thorgrim seems to appeal to those that want the empire to grow and if wage war, do so for more solid gains/closure in terms of settling the Book of Grudges.
Missing bit there and guess Arngrim is setting up for the expedition. Good thing we're not only going but prepped the way, it should hopefully help things from getting worse between the claimants. Alriksson has a lot riding on the expedition and I'm really glad that we did it last ranger turn, as things could be getting very ugly indeed without that to act as a focus point for both factions as well as a chance for them to bond.
Yeah, I can see Arngrim riding high on the situation with the Krakka Drak dwarves and that righ there, if I had any doubts, makes me sure I want Thorgrim to win. It's one thing to want to regain lost holds and if not take them, then reclaim the treasures in them. Fighting a war to force the Krakka Drakk dawi to bend knee...that will just do Chaos's job for it. The artifacts were basically enough combined with his promise to right old wrongs to beat Belegar in the election in canon...but Arngrim being a Prince and son does give him an advantage that nobody in canon had. So hopefully going to Karag Dum and getting among other things the Hammer of Fate and maybe even finding Grimnir's axe might tip the scales.
And hooo boy, someone notorious in the Dawi for red tape...ick.
Yup, that's going to put us on the off foot to start.
So far so good but there's something twigging here. With how prized Gromril is...he's being very...if not calm than projecting it as such.
Kek, mouthing off to a living ancestor is not for the faint of heart, but looks like Clan Mors attack gave the right kind of weight to our decision in that regard. But so begins the regulation pile drive...this aint going to be pretty
...yeah, I trust our engineer, they're clearly trying to stack the deck as much as possible and using every legal trick they have to keep the money in their coffers if this is what they're starting with. This is only going to get worse.
Friggin yikes forget throwing the book at us, they're throwing the whole gods damned library to make sure we get as little as possible. Not to mention that they're riding hard on the respect and prestige that Longbeards and living ancestors are due in Dawi society.
Yeah, Alriksson falling has removed a lot of his soft and hard power, at this point this is pure profiteering on the Miner's guild's part. Taking full advantage of the political unrest of the situation
...Okay, on the one hand 50,000 is basically doubling our profits...on the other, that's ninety-five percent of the projected profits from the mine which means they are gouging us for 950,000 gold for it...holy shit our mine is worth near a million gold coins a year. If we can get up to 50% we will have it made, hells we already have it made right now...and this is with them using all means to gouge us first
Ah frak on low roll causing this and preventing us from being able to renegotiate. Might as well come clean about it, we already were going to be open about it and the chance to get 5,000 more gold isn't worth the trouble needed to get it. Best to keep it simple
I trust our Engineer, best to just take the deal and get better renegotiations later. This is the disadvantage of the Guild monopoly system though, very hard to find alternatives if they get you over a barrel. I think either way of who wins the High Kingship, we should try to at least get along with either candidate so they will be more inclined to help us. Going to the Reckoners seems like a decent idea in the meantime at least to try to minimize the gouging or see how much is actually truly legal rather than on copper and being underhanded in spirit.
Yeeaaah, best to not jump in the middle too much while we're here.
So I was right, there's something going on that has the dwarf we just dealt with trying to not only rip us off bigtime, but try to minimize the impact of the Gromril we're getting on a political and economic level...hrmm.
And i mean...i can't blame the dwarves for laughing at the display we make with the paperwork we had foisted upon us.
Hrmm...we're getting in very well with Barak Varr on a number of things, so that might be the angle we use to get an inn on this conspiracy. And speaking of which, Vikki's got a point about what's going on with Araby being suspect as all get out...I do not trust or like what's going on...I'm legit worried that they are being bribed with Gromril somehow, might be me jumping at shadows, but with how prized Gromril is and how rare it is...to go through all this the level of secrecy...
But then again it might just be the secrecy *we'd* be using for the 30,000 gold option so best not to jump to conclusions.
As Vikki points out, it might just be the Guilds agreeing to raz on the 'new guy', Ungrim or Arngrim asking him to do that if they're still against us and our guild...
Yeah, too many candidates for the 'mess with the rangers and clan rakidum' culprit. Looks like we're going to be dividing our intrigue focus on the skaven and this. Here's hoping it can be resolved peacefully.
and hey, looks like if we bust it, we can get a much better deal, so there's direct and solid motivation for us to get to the bottom of it.
Bummer on the roll for it being so low but good thing we had that omake bonus in there, and another +5 wouldn't have done too much I think. Ty for switching it to that @ARandomTechPries