famine update

[Nemt]

I summon Danask.

"What effect has the defeat of the rebels and bandits outside of the capital had on the farming and famine situation? Please advise."

[Gamemaster]

Danask says, "Security has been greatly improved, but there is still some banditry. The arrival of the ships bearing more grain has helped as well. Nonetheless, the famine continues and Winter is approaching."

[Nemt]

What can be done to increase security?

Additionally, perhaps towards the end of winter incentives could be offered to locals to move south and expand the borders of Salan Kopixer along the river to build new farming and trading establishments in time for the next growing season. We will likely have enough stored seed grain.

[Gamemaster]

Krevimuk says, "The only thing I can think of to increase security would be to send troops out into the countryside to hunt down bandits. But since the bandits are mostly ordinary farmers driven to desperation and our troops, especially the new ones, are undisciplined and are likely to menace the peasantry, I'm not sure it will really help.

Perhaps a small force under tight control could accomplish something."

[Nemt]

How about making an example out of the first few random bandits the forces capture, and seeing if that has any influence over the lot of them? I'm sure that deterrent, coupled with food supplies increasing regularly will help bring some more stability.

[Gamemaster]

Danask says, "Yes, that would be good. Speaking of additional food supplies, the famine is getting worse. I suggest we attempt to borrow money to pay for increased grain imports. Perhaps 20,000 baylo if a lender for such a sum might be found? May I have your permission to do this, Ulor?"

[Nemt]

How and why is the famine worsening?

[Gamemaster]

Danask says, "Even though it has now been over two months since we supressed the rebels and one harvest has been brought in during that time, the harvest was too small to feed everyone. This was partly due to drought and partly due to insufficient planting which in turn was due to the rebellion and the chaos. If we can make it to the next harvest, we'll be okay. Although Winter is almost upon us, it's so warm here that our farmers often get their best crops in the Winter. It all depends on the rain. We have three growing seasons in Kopixer. If we didn't have such unreliable rainfall, this place would be a farmer's paradise."

"If the farmers had seed grain and confidence that they would not be raided by bandits between planting and harvesting, perhaps enough grain would be planted. Then, if it pleases the Gods, with enough rain, the famine would be over by the time the Winter Wheat gets harvested. Three months and we could be through this if everything went right. But of course, there isn't enough time to borrow funds, buy large amounts of seed grain, ship it here and distribute it to farmers. It will probably be the next harvest before we really get out of this. And only then if the drought ends and the farmers have peace and seed grain. I suggest we borrow funds, buy the seed grain and sell it to willing farmers on credit."

[Nemt]

Very well.

[Argif]

Greetings Ulor Nemt,

I am Argif, Ulor of Salan Zamarula. As you may recall, we met some months ago when you were in the port of Osim on your way to Kopixer. You were bringing grain to relieve the famine there and it had gone bad. I donated some fresh grain to assist you in your mission.

That sort of cooperation between provinces is, in my view, essential. We have many problems that go beyond one province. The famine, for example. In addition, there are the bandits and refugees which have moved from Kopixer to Zamarula, Frangees and Tlom Yerula.

Perhaps in some parts of the Empire it makes sense to have things coordinated in Zekran, but not here. We are simply too far from the capital to wait for them to react.

We need a stronger regional government. Right now it's so weak you might not even have noticed that it exists. Other than the Army's regional administrative headquarters, there is little other than Imperial couriers and the Road Council.

There are a lot of more pressing issues than roads for the Uloro of this region to deal with and yet that is our only official forum for joint action. I think we should rename the Road Council the "Regional Council" and start working together more closely on the problems that affect the whole region.

This idea has a lot of political support. So much that we are now being called a "faction". If we are a "faction" we are a very different sort of faction. We are of course loyal to the Empire and we have no desire to debate or conspire about who should be Emperor or what the laws should say on various issues of the day.

All we are saying is that the existing regional governments should be strengthened. Will you join us and come to a meeting at the regional capital at Osim on the fourth day of the new year?

I hope to see you there.

Ulor Argif ya Salan Zamarula

[Nemt]

Ulor Argif,

I have matters of state to attend to, and will not be present at the Osim regionalist meeting. I will send Commander of the Kantoro Kopixer, Ekanor Falun Krevimuk on my behalf, he has my complete confidence.

-Ulor Nemt

[Krulmuk]

Written at Zekran Oron 15, Salgan 10, Adonsik 40 Vylor Cledman VI
(delivered 29/10/40 Cledman VI)

Ulor Nemt,

You have done well in a difficult situation in Kopixer. We now have a potentially difficult situation developing in Zekran and we need all the troops back here.

If you feel that you must remain in Kopixer to deal with the situation, then do so, but the 3rd Kantora Zekresh must return to Zekran as soon as possible. If you are able to return with them, that would be preferable. If you come with the troops, ensure that someone capable is left in charge in Kopixer.

Unfortunately, I must advise you that Naval transport will not be available for your return and in fact, I must advise you not to trust anyone in the Navy. The problem here in the capital is that the Emperor is very ill and will probably have died by the time you receive this message. The succession may be contested. Imperial Councilor Levorek is expecting to obtain from the Emperor a decree naming him as heir to the throne. If he does, there are factions likely to oppose his succession, especially those loyal to the current Imperial Crown Prince and Lord Chancellor, Rubanya Cledman.

In the event of a political crisis over the succession, it is of the utmost importance that the Imperial Army remain united. It would be best if the Army and Navy were together on this, but it is already clear that we are not.

I suggest that you commandeer civilian ships. A march across the Savannah would probably be an unnecessary ordeal and would be unlikely to get your men to Zekran in time to make any difference.

Long Live the Emperor!

Gurikan Falanorata Krulmuk
Imperial Army Commander
Imperial Councilor

[Nemt]

(OOC: two letters in reply - this is all right?)

Gurikan Falanorata Krulmuk,

The situation in the capital troubles me deeply, and I will return with the 3rd Kantora as quickly as possible, leaving the provincial garrison commander Krevimuk as acting Ulor in my absence. He has displayed nothing but loyalty to the empire in the past, and is an effective leader and soldier. I will also leave my advisor Danask in Kopixer, to assist in clerical and less significant administrative duties, though he will hold no official rank beyond that of an advisor.

I am concerned, however, as myself and the 3rd Kantora Zekresh are the only real Imperial armed presence in the southern plains, as Kopixer is nigh surrounded by provinces led by men of questionable loyalties and character, my departure could potentially deal a serious blow to Imperial mandate in the region. Nevertheless, Imperial succession is a dire concern - and my forces and I will arrive in the capital as quickly as we can. What is the current political situation in Zekran? Should the men be prepared for battle upon arrival?

Long Live the Emperor!

Ulor Nemt
Governor, Kopixer
Captain, 3rd Kantora Zekresh



Ulor Argif ya Salan Zamarula,

I'm afraid I was somewhat hasty in declaring I would not be in Osim to meet with you. I am currently planning to arrive in Osim, with the 3rd Kantora Zekresh, to acquire any sea transport available - likely civilian merchant craft. Your cooperation in this matter would be greatly appreciated, as I presume you can handle your populous effectively. Additionally, I request you consult your imperial garrison commander in the province about temporarily reassigning any men you can spare from the ranks to my command. Your assistance in this matter will not be forgotten.

Ulor Nemt
Governor, Kopixer
Captain, 3rd Kantora Zekresh

[Gamemaster]

(OOC: That's fine.)