To add my 2 cents on the whole Mannan thing, I don't see how it will be a big problem. We'll build some temples, give generous donations, maybe go on a pilgrimage or two and worst case scenario we have to go through a Mannan themed version of the penance Henry II did after he got St. Thomas Becket killed, and Henry survived with authority intact. We have over 15,000 prestige points, losing a few hundred isn't going to kill us.
I am getting a bit annoyed how some people flip out when the GM throws a political problem at us that we can't solve by just throwing money at it.
Exactly. I mean, after the radicals burnt our ships and we sent in the Witch Hunters, I expected for the Holders to be wiped out, sure. I did not expect the Witch Hunters to be as zealous and wipe out half the cult within Ostland but in hindsight that was stupid. Now the worshipers of Manaan distrust us and want recompense for good reason. Now we look like fools especially considering how the rest of the Empire dealt with the HotS rather well by letting the Manaanites handle it themselves.
It's simply a situation we handled poorly and now we have to pay the consequences, which i like because while Frederick will be known as one of the Greats of this era (atleast top five with Magnus), I like how he still has flaws. He over-reacts to problems, can be too stubborn for his own good, is uncouth and undiplomatic, and its a miracle his wrath hasnt gotten the better of him sooner. He made a call and now many innocent people payed the price. It makes him more human and believable as a person, rather than "Living Saint MC that excells at all they do" many quests become.
A lot of people have their opinions on Manaan, the cult, and the disaster that was the HotS, but when you get down to the brass tacks... we fucked up. Now we have to atone for what we've done if we want to at the very least save face for the legitimate grievances that we committed. Were we right to be angry, to want to make sure the guilty were punished? Yes. But events like this dont have a clear cut "Right Side = Wrong Side", only what happened. I know we can get past this, so long as we keep our heads and keep our tempers in check.
@torroar As always a wonderful update, and I eagerly look forward to the next one already! Despite the drama in this sub, know that I adore your work and many others do as well!
