Action 1: The dragons Weight: Single Description: The Taletemke'Shylni down at the dragons' island know that they are the key to our establishing a permanent homeland. It appears that we really need to establish a relationship with them -- begin observing the dragons; try to establish diplomatic as well as social relations with them. Avoid being fried or eaten. Other ships will approach only to keep this one well-supplied and offer replacement crew for those who need a new place. Difficulty: I would suppose hard. We really don't know much about them, other than the fact they've decided to tolerate our presence. Factors: Encourage the people to send suggestions via their Taletemke'Shylni (who, I hope, would filter their numbers to a reasonable level). We *were* sent by the Goddesses, which may count for something. There may even be some kind of fateful reason (destiny) for our being here. The people should be eager to support it. Ideal results: Diplomatic relations established with the dragons at Fair or better. The worst results might include one ship eaten. Action 2-3: Magical studies, strategic action (turn 1 of many, I'm sure) Weight: Double Description: The long road to developing our communications technique points out the disadvantages of a widely dispersed population. Ask the Taletemke'Shylni to bend some of their efforts towards reducing those distances somewhat, but mostly towards increasing their already high level of Authority over the oceans, distance, and speed. (Increase Magical Sophistication) Difficulty: Hard, I'm sure. We already have adequate sophistication, but there's ample room for improvement. Factors: Prevalence is low (Essence; Fair, Authority: Mediocre), so the number of researchers is limited. But our Sophistication is already good. We also have contact with many different cultures, which should mitigate against our own low level of diversity. They have also recently begun to master a difficult and powerful new communication technique, which should help people consider many new ideas. Adric will also note that the Mirrish sorcerers have been known to use their own Authority where it might not have been welcome, and they are so wrapped up in their search for power that they can't be trusted. Goal of the research: Increase Authority Sophistication to Great. An interim result might be a slightly increased maximum ship speed or a better method for navigating shoals. Action 4: Expand Trade Weight: Single Description: The Night Light fleet has been busy building infrastructure for some years. They've been forced to work with Bra'anath and others in political situations where they have little experience, and many of them are itching to just go and do what they are best at: Trade. Numbering some 10 ships, that's just what they will do: carry grain to Mir, magical herbs to Kaeir, metals to East Torphan, spices from the Free Cities, and so on. Some support will no doubt come from the Far Horizon fleet, as they have many times as many ships and often help to show the Ka'Shari ways are valuable to outsiders. Difficulty: Normal Factors: Our own skill with trade (it is one of our secondary orientations, and a major source of income). We already have decent relations with most of those races, although Mir is using us as a scary example. (And note we are willing to trade with them: just not the rare items. Since they've made it clear they'll abuse us to get them (Bra'anath's perspective), we won't bring any to them). With maybe 50 trading ships all told (many of which are not primarily trading ships), we represent a sizeable market -- but not one that will make a major impact on a nation's economy except in the case of some luxuries. Goal: Increased income via trade (we've been spending money, and the Night Light folks are our main source of income. They need to stay on top of things). ---------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send mail to celandra-off@phoenyx.net.
