(I'm sending this to both the list and Jason, just to be on the safe side.)
Action 1: On to War
With reports of Shanari outriders being sighted near the Taltherani border, the
Cedonian High Command decides to act. The legions remaining on the northern
border of Cedonia are ordered to dig in, in case the ravening horde of the
Shanari turns south. The combined Mirish-Cedonian Army is strongly advised to
reinforce the Taltherani defensive positions along the Tal River near the
Taltherani border with the Morvali tribelands. Privately, the Duke of Caladyn
is ordered to support the Taltherani, with or without the Mirish forces. The
Cedonians are obligated to defend Taltheran by the terms of the treaty which
partitioned Tirmar between the Empire and the Kingdom.
The High Command also passes along operational recommendations to the combined
army. They advise fighting from a strong defensive position, using the Cedonian
cavalry to secure the flanks and supply lines, with the Mir providing magical
support: "Ideally, battle should be joined in a place where the Shanari can
attack only from one direction, and allows for the enfilading of their
force"(CHC Operational Directive 1418.5).
Primary Determinant: Military Size & Force
Mods:
+ Cedonians are damned good at war.
+- The Mirish may not provide full support
+ The battle will most likely occur on ground chosen by the Cedonia-Mir Army,
maximizing their advantages.
Action 2: Put on Hold
Empress Yzara is extremely disappointed by the performance of the army tasked
with invading Tanimbar. Major reinforcement is not possible at the moment,
however, due to the Shanari, the western frontier, and the Empire's internal
security needs. Yzara therefore orders the southern legions to dig in and hold
against all attacks, maintaining the current status quo. Meanwhile, the High
Command is ordered to give the legions involved in Tanimbar the highest
priority for weapons, supplies, and replacements, while conducting a study as
to which legions may be safely released from present duties to reinforce the
invasion.
Primary Determinant: Military Force, Size
+ Cedonians are back on home ground.
+ They can take advantage of pre-existing defensive positions
- The legions were badly bloodied last year, some morale trouble.
Action 3: Secure Zelkor.
News of a burgeoning resistance movement in Zelkor soon reaches the ears of the
Empress. In response, she replaces the military government of the city with a
civilian (albeit Cedonian) one. She restores to Zelkor its old status as an
"Imperial City" which gives the citizens some hefty tax breaks and full status
as Cedonian citizens. Finally, over the objections of her advisors, she makes a
personal visit to the city, counting on her youth, beauty, and charisma to win
over the populace.
Primary Determinant: Yzara's Consent and Influence
Mods:
+ Yzara is an extremely charismatic young woman
+ The Cedonians have done great things for the Zelkori economy since they took
over.
Suggestions for resolution:
++ The Zelkori fall beneath Yzara's feet. She is deluged with marriage
proposals
+ The rebels become marginalized and ignored in Zelkor.
0 Things stay the same
- The rebels gain power in Zelkor
-- The rebels attempt to assassinate Yzara.
Action IV: R & D (strategic)
The Cedonian army and navy have used essentially the same technolgies and
tactics since Bucerad threw off the Mirish yoke and founded the Empire.
Swords, shields, spears, and bows have served the army well over the centuries,
as have the many siege engines in the arsenal, but C edonian military planners
have determined that if they are to restore the empire, some radically new
advance in weaponry is needed. The Cedonians, being poor in magic, concentrate
their efforts to develop new weapons in the field of what they call 'natural
science.' To this end, a research center is established in northern Vizinia.
One group is to examine the possibility of recreating an ancient weapon, known
in historical chronicles as "Avaeran Fire", while a second group is to examine
the military applications of fireworks, devices whose use in the past had been
limited to certain religious ceremonies.
Primary Determinant: Scholastics
Mods:
+ The Cedonians are throwing money at this project.
+ The researchers have at least three years before they are expected to produce
results.
- The substances being investigated have a high potential for catastrophic
accidents, which may make it difficult to find workers.
=====
"Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration, don't fail me now!"
--Elwood Blues
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