13/11/2022
The Game of Shadows have started. This is Intermission between Book 1 and Book 2:
Saphyna
Korjulme
Fishermen: They continue to prepare for the long fishing season, gathering nearby help to prepare their ships and continue to gather more for the months to come. (Mobilize 1 to 2)
Frimboline Plains
Farmers: Just as the fishermen must ted to their nets, the farmers must tend to their fields. They begin the process of tending to their farms and plots of lands preparing for and continuing to ready for the harvest to come. (Mobilize 1 to 2)
Ardahals
Witch Hunters: They have heard rumors of a nearby town that may have witches and as such begin to Mobilize their forces rallying nearby villagers to their cause. (Mobilize 1 to 2)
Trinsmyra
Milacke
Fundibéra: Inconspicuous witches: (mobilize 1-2) A group of women have taken to making potions to heal the sick, helping bring new life into the world, and assisting others as they leave it. They all seem rather helpful, and have been known to recover a failing crop or two in their time. Women otherwise cast aside flock to them, hoping for a stable, safe community.
Limer Späde’s Milacki Nobles 1 - Mobilize to 2 The nobles raise their heads, at long last. Rumors begin to spread that disaster has befallen the Empire's sulphur revenues, and mercenaries begin to openly wonder if they will be paid. Fortunately, the long dispossessed nobles of Milacke have long hoarded familial wealth, which begins to trickle into the pockets of the most disaffected condottieri.
Hymbergond
Fundibéra: Priests: (mobilize1-2) These do-gooders just want to bring peace, freedom, and strength to the oppressed. Their openness and kindness draws in new members.
Limer Späde’s Fire Mountain Crones 1 - Mobilize to 2 The Crones turn their attention to the slave-fueled iron mines of Hymbergond, recognizing the hopeful music revering Inashtar present in the mining of the iron mountain. The fires of the slave camps burn a bit brighter, as the Creationist crones peer through the flames.
Kark
Fundibéra: Mummers: (mobilize 1-2) the players and artists in the troupe known as the Wild Cycle are always looking for folks to join them. Whether for a scene, a play, or for life, all are welcome in the free spirited band.
Myxa
Limer Späde’s Trinsmyran Highlanders 1 - Mobilize to 2 The Highlanders begin to gather, not in the Trinsmyran highlands, but on the more remote locale of Myxa. They do not raise banners, but instead host feasts and feats of strength honoring Inashtar. All Trinsmyrans are welcome, for who could turn away from the Goddess of War?
Palamux
Nastrôl
Folda: Scholars (Mobilize 1 -> 2)
Very sad what happened to Arhem. Terrible tragedy. Human cost, economic devastation, yes, yes - all of that. But Folda's pet scholars (lead by Magister Kalen Litus) are more interested in the incontrovertible evidence uncovered by a certain archaeological expedition as to the existence of an ancient high culture at Cruri. Had not Trakorian-sponsored scholars sought to discredit earlier investigations into the place? What other knowledge might the Empire be suppressing? Such dangerous questions are more easily explored in the technically independent region of Nastrôl, whose many monastic orders keep records stretching back eons. But first, the scholars must make connections with local experts, adding to their numbers and expertise.
Geryon: Laborers in nastrol construct bridges to better shore up much needed infrastructure . Mobilize 1 to 2
Fontra Cilor
Folda: Courtiers (Mobilize 1 -> 2)
The pretty young things with whom Princess Folda surrounds herself are all agog at the prospect of a ball to welcome the Princess home. Invitations are sent, and orders placed at houses of fashion near and far (though the only Tricilvan business to receive any is a certain wigmakers' guild). The celebration is yet distant (perfection takes time), but that is no excuse for idleness. The young nobility, led by Lady Brythanni Wallisthwaite, jostle, preen, and scheme, each aiming to shine most brightly. And, in so doing, they build contacts throughout the city.
Geryon: Mentalists use their abilities to steal secrets from people's heads. Mobilize 1 to 2
Moskoria
Folda: Merchants (Mobilize 1 -> 2)
Folda's merchant allies seek to establish trade relations with her Grace's royal cousin, Geryon Grotteschi. They bring with them a selection of products from the Princess' own estate. Or, at least, the kinds of products the Princess' estate would produce if it had not long ago fallen to ruin - but this is a temporary problem (and one it would be very rude to mention). Bodvil Skoffer, survivor of the disaster at Arhem, also brings news of the event (and the economic opportunities now to be had at the empire's expense). At least when he's not busy telling everyone that the pitiful, threadbare salt-sucking sand-counters who pass for merchants would be nothing without his able leadership. For all his Paratornan eccentricities, however, the former principal of the Shakello Merchant House clearly knows his business, and the trade mission lines the pockets of all involved.
Geryon:
Illusionists expand their academy after a generous anonymous donor. Mobilize 1 to 2
Paratorna
Ilibaurea
Gozcana da Skugre: The alchemists in Ilibaurea are trying out several new recipes and ingredients, learning...some interesting new insights about their effects on the human body (mob 2-3).
Ruhl
Gozcana da Skugre: The actors in Ruhl work hard on rehearsing new plays (mob 1-2).
Paraltro
Goba da Grummi’s soldier finds the fortifications within the city, and makes notes on who is likely to turn against the empire first, should things get uncomfortable (mobilize 1-2).
Hiltre
Spinalunga’s foresters quietly begin talking amongst themselves and their fellows beginning to organize. The duke and his kin have been finding new ways to amuse themselves and it has not been to the serfs' benefit. (Mob 1->2)
Tricilve
Rovendo Allesella’s Agents are going to observe, to quietly gather information about which merchants or socialites give any push back. They’ll be disparaged later, after cases and narratives are built, but this is a social play (Mobilize).
Goba da Grummi’s secretary begins to make note of any paperwork that crosses her desk with specific names attached (mobilize 1-2)
New Mark
Rovendo Contact’s spread gossip. The "court" of Allesella is modeled after a seemingly never-ending soiree, a chance for the politically powerful to mingle with the socially fashionable. Such things do NOT happen without ground work, however, and a party that last weeks takes much preparation. The hangers-on will be sent to mingle with the common crowd, to patronize businesses that could be convinced or pressed into publicly stating support for a commemorative parade, to be held annually, in celebration of Imperial bravery and determination. Who could reject these ideals? Who would spit in the face of the sacrifices made on their behalf? Who can commit more funds, or position themselves socially, to prove they support the Empire the most? And if a business rival can be painted as "Seditious" in the process... who could refuse? (Mobilize).
Malusa
Goba da Grummi’s The spy watches and listens to the word on the street, waiting for the tides to turn (mobilize 1-2)
Bretalva
Spinalunga’s ladies-in-waiting work to organize the festival celebrating the first algae-silk harvest of the year. With word finally traveling from Tricilve, they begin organizing the pageants that will show the workers and slaves the beautiful creations their hard work will produce. (Mob 1->2)
Karramak
Klenora da Spinalunga’s trade ship captains solicit and negotiate contracts with the kryfferweed merchants for their goods. With summer coming and rumors of a dragon taking to the sky, demand is sure to be higher soon. (Mob 1->2)
Hiltre: The foresters quietly begin talking amongst themselves and their fellows beginning to organize. The duke and his kin have been finding new ways to amuse themselves and it has not been to the serfs' benefit. (Mob 1->2)
