Ok, these are my actions for 1436. Nothing too exciting, yet. I am making one change in the previously posted determinants. The numbers will stay the same(I'll recap them below) but now, when there are two numbers, the first will be for actions attempting to affect the other two internal factions and their supporters; the second is for actions affecting internal faction affairs, or relations with allied or neutral groups. I hope that's clear. Duke Yarrow of Caladyn(The Rightful Emperor) I: -2/0 A: 0/+2 C: -1/+1 General Zenos(Would-be Usurper) I: +2 A: -3/+2 C: -2/+3 Dr. Aldan Vellin(Republican Idealist) I: -2/+3 A: -1/0 C: 0/+2 One final note before I get to the actual actions is the size of the military forces available to the factions. The old imperial legions, the professional core of the army split roughly 50/50 between the Duke and General Zenos. However, just before the invasion of the Sinari, the Cedonians started conscription. As a result, the Duke and the General have about 40,000-50,000 men each, or a Size of Fair(0). The effect of losses and conscription has reduced their Force to a level of Great(+2). As for the republican-leaning cities, their armed forces consist of volunteer militia, with a core of professionals, mostly legion deserters or soldiers who were discharged for medical reasons; approximately 10,000-15,000 men divided among the several cities. Their combined Size is Mediocre(-1), with a Force of Good(+1). And now, the Actions: Action 1: The Duke of Caladyn looks to Mir for backing. Tactical, External, Negotiation Primary Determinant: Relations with Mir Secondary: The Duke's influence and authority (0 & +2 in this case) Description: Duke Yarrow is an intelligent man. He knows that he and his rival General Zenos are nearly evenly matched in men and material, and that the autonomous cities are not yet willing to support him. However, during the Sinari war, the Duke worked closely with the Forces of Mir, and he respects both their skill in war and their skill in magic. The Duke makes no secret of his actions. The Duke sends emissaries to the Mir to negotiate for support in men, magecraft, and material. He wants aid from the Mirish force in Tirmar, and in return offers to begin the process of destigmatizing magic in Cedonia. Modifiers: + The Duke and the Warlord of Mir have worked together in the past. - The Cedonians have never been comfortable with Mir's high use of magic, and the Mir are aware of this. - Mir may have too much on its plate already Action 2: General Zenos Responds to the Burcancy Tactical, External, Negotiation Primary Determinant: Relations with Burcancy Secondary: Zenos' Influence (+2) Description: Zenos accepts the Burcancy's offer to open talks about matters of mutual interest, while keeping this fact hidden from the other factions in Cedonia. Zenos indicates that while he wants some support in troops, his main concern is the status of Vizinia and Zelkor. He wants an overland route to Zelkor and its port facilities. (Joel, perhaps we can work the details out off-list?) Modifiers: + Zenos respects the capabilities of Tanimbar and the Burcancy - But, some might find his demands unreasonable Action 3: Dr. Vellin Opens Relations with Kaeir Tactical, External, Opening Relations Primary Determinant: Vellin's Influence (+3) Description: The concept of the republic is relatively fragile in Qaiyore at the moment. So, too, is the situation of the cities of northeast Cedonia: Thalcedon, Inibar, Gomel, Zayura, and several other cities and towns. Dr. Vellin and the other members of the council that runs Thalcedon and influences the other cities of the informal league decide that it would make sense to establish formal relations with Kaeir, given that the Kaeireans have the only formally organized republic in Qaiyore at the moment. Modifiers: + Kaeir will gain access to Cedonian markets + Cedonia will be able to again take part in the Midsea trade. - Despite a superficial similarity, Kaeirean republicanism and Cedonian republicanism have some differences in form that may cause problems. Action 4: Innovation in Metallurgy Strategic (1st of 5), Internal, raise technological base from Metallurgic to Advanced Metallurgic. Primary: Scholastics Sophistication Secondary: Scholastics Diversity, Crafts, Vellin's Influence Description: Dr. Vellin has become convinced that in order for Cedonia to truly recover from the effects of the Sinari invasion and subsequent civil war, they must be innovative. Certain areas in particular are of grave concern. One lesson learned from the Sinari Invasion and the retreat from Tanimbar is that the traditional core of Cedonia's military, the heavy infantry of the legions, may be on the verge of obsolescence. While well-protected on the battlefield, a legionnaire is weighted down, slowed down, by the combined weight of his armor, weapons, and other gear. A legion simply moves too slowly to be truly effective against forces such as the Sinari nomads, or any force with a large cavalry component. Dr. Vellin and the Thalcedon city council therefore charge the City Arsenal with three tasks: trying to develop metal alloys for armor that can protect a soldier as well as the current model, while being lighter than current legionary armor; developing better alloys for weapons(for example, damascened steel swords or a stronger spring steel for building crossbows); and developing means of producing those alloys. They direct as much funding as possible at the project, because they know that when the Duke of Caladyn and General Zenos have settled accounts, the winner's attention will turn towards them . . . Modifiers: + for level of funding + for presence of the Imperial University(alchemists, etc.) - for difficulty Andrew Janssen __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month! http://sbc.yahoo.com ---------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send mail to celandra-off@phoenyx.net.
