Update 2: Years 1147-1154
Jonaevim Closes its Gates
In the previous years, Jonaevim had been in the midst of a vicious public debate regarding the future of the city. The Chancellor of the Royal Albor College, much beloved by the city's elite, had fallen afoul of the Pareya and the religious leader now demanded the closure of the prestigious university. This had been met with outrage from the largely secular upper class of the city, who saw the college as something of a birth-right, and the middle class who aspired to one day enrol their children there and provide them with an education unparalleled in the Empire. The lower classes, all throughout the Empire, do tend to be more devout, indeed the Astrovadean Church is often accused of brainwashing them with their free, but basic church schooling. However these people, though many, are oppressed and powerless in the Empire, and they know their place. It was clear that the future of the city would not be in their hands, but in the hands of the powerful nobility and guildsmen.
The Duke of Ardanti, sponsor of the current Governor there, had been slow to respond to the rising tensions in the city, but had now made a decision viewed by many as a weak compromise that did not truly meet anyone's needs or demands. Dr Victaer Ilerae would be put on trial, although for what crime exactly was unclear. He would be replaced by a good Astrovadean Chancellor who would lead the college down a route much more in-line with the Church's own views. The Royal Albor was built by the Trinistean Kings as a secure, and secular place of education. It's fees were astronomical, as was right for such a prestigious college, and affordable only for the rich nobility of the Empire and some wealthy merchants. These people rarely have any interest in allowing the views of their children to be dictated to them by the Church, they are the enlightened minority, a group open to new ideas and unafraid of the Church's might. Of course that is not to say there are not devout Astrovadean noblemen, but they would rather send their sons to established Astrovadean colleges then to a place with a long reputation for heresy, even if the new master there was trying to change it's ways. Furthermore, the staff of the college, influential scholars, were far from happy with the Duke's proposition. The Pareya himself had demanded the College be closed, and was sceptical that the pet project of the deviant Trinistean Kings could be rebranded by the Ardanti.
Regardless, when the good Duke dispatched a force of almost a thousand knights to the city to arrest Ilerae, they found the high city walls bristling with archers, and the fortified gates firmly locked, portcullis drawn. From the city walls, the banners of Ardanti had been cast down and replaced by those of many of the city's own Noble Houses, and even those of the Royal Albor itself. Nailed to the main gate was a written proclamation which stated the city's opposition towards theocracy, and Jonaevim's solidarity with its own ancient tradition of liberal secularism. The paper was signed by a new governor,
Lord Thormen Hastehvi. Within a few months rumour had spread throughout the Empire that Hastehvi was looking for a new sponsor for the city. The Pareya was furious with recent developments, and declared the city excommunicated from the Astrovadean Church in response. Soon riots swept the city as the lower classes, whipped into a frenzy by their priests, feared for their eternal souls outside of the church. These riots were put down firmly by a reinforced city guard loyal to the governor. It was said that Ilerae himself actually disagreed with the heavy handed way the new Governor had handled the situation, but it was Hastehvi who ruled in Jonaevim now.
- Ardanti looses control of Jonaevim, loses 15 prestige
- Jonaevim is excommunicated.
- Lord Thormen Hastehvi, the new Governor, is looking for a new sponsor for the city.
New Colleges Open Throughout Realm
The recent controversy regarding private education in the Empire had spurred the development of several new colleges throughout the realm. The Astrovadean College of Theology was opened in Cynnedor in the year 1152. This was a massive project, near emptying the Church's coffers but producing a beautiful, and truly vast building stylised with intricate gothic towers and arches. Inside, it was an intricate maze of lecture theatres, classrooms, offices and bedrooms, and grand halls ornately decorated with religious art work. The college sat just outside the city amongst an extensive campus of hidden ponds, forests, meadows, and mowed lawns. The Pareya himself was the honorary Chancellor of the establishment, but the facility was to be managed on a day to day basis by a ''Shepard'', this somewhat patronisingly-titled role was as yet unfilled and rumour had it that the Pareya was considering members of the high nobility for the job. The school had a strong appeal in the city of Cynnedor, and indeed throughout the realm. However in size and scope, it still could not compete with the Royal Albor, which was now more then one hundred years old and well-known throughout the entire continent, if not the world.
Another Astrovadean college was opened in the north of the Empire. The
Missionary College of Saint Giriş. This was primarily located in the principle city of White Iron, Aerrunstade, but had satellite campuses in both Vereigna and Leme. The organisation as a whole was far smaller then The Astrovadean College , but seemed to have a similar ideal and indeed was often seen as a northern branch of the institution. However the city branches failed to attract as many students as hoped. In Vereigna, those who could afford such privileges were usually Volastiak in nature, and in Leme the entire project was looked upon with scepticism by many and paranoia by some. This was a city for whom freedom of religion was important, and they had no intention of being missionized.
Perhaps the most interesting new establishment however was The Hastrovard University, founded in Aesodora with considerable funding from the Duke of Lantara. Its mission statement was to create, preserve, and disseminate knowledge for the honour and the glory of the Empire. Despite somewhat paradoxically naming it in honour of the dynasty which conquered large swathes of the Isandrian Empire and ultimately caused it's demise, the university was seen as Isandrophile in nature. It's focus was strongly rooted in science, and in particular the study of ancient Isanic texts. They taught the Old Isandrian language to all their students, and had strong ties with the Isandrian cities to the east, which provided many of their students. Conspicuously absent from the prospectus was any shred of theology. The college was a great success in a city with a large Isandrian heritage and population, and the attraction of a large numbers of rich young men from the Isandrian cities and elsewhere to Aesodora benefitted it's economy greatly. Aesodora had been ruled independently of the Dukes for a long time, largely because most of the main power-brokers in the city were Isanic, or at least so heavily influenced by Isandrian culture that they might as well have been. It is well-known that proximity to Isandrians causes Volastis, and in Aesodora this was particularly true. However now the city was contested between Lantara, and his rival the Duke of Ardanti who had entered the city with a largely Astrovadean agenda. Despite his renovation, expansion and construction of Astrovadean Churches in the city, which did little to impress the city's elite, the economic developments funded by the Duke were well-received. These included the laying of now famous ''Ardantic Highways'' between the city and its distant neighbour the city of Graede, and the expansion of the city's docklands. This synergised well with the increase in trade and travel between the city and the Isandrians due to the Hastrovard University. However, despite the funds poured in by both parties, it is thought that one of the most influential factors at play was Ardanti's handling of the Jonaevim crisis, which revealed them as intolerant to Isandrian values and heritage. This was perhaps the event which tipped the city in Lantara's favour, and the governor quickly negotiated an association with the Duke. However, with the Ardanti in control of a sizable, down-trodden Astrovadean segment of the population, and indeed much of the city's trade infrastructure, Lantara still had every reason to be uneasy.
- White Iron +5 piety
- Lantara +10 prestige, -10 piety, +support in Aesodora, win Aesodora
- Ardanti +5 prestige, +support is Aesodora
- Aesodora +2 value
Naavikae Settle In
In the north, the Naavikae were beginning to adjust to their new home at the periphery of the Empire. Under Imperial Law, they were given the title of ''March'', a border province of sparse population and significance, not worthy of significant political power. This suited the Naavikae just fine. Their one true aim was to find greener pastures for their animals, and a more hospitable climate for their children and in this they had succeeded. With their uniting factor now gone, the disparate tribes seemed to fracture slightly, spreading out across the land. However, their awe for Roeyen Vigstreig, love child of Thola and one of the Winter Spirits, did much to further the existence of the Confederacy. Roeyen was a revolutionary, he believed that the Naavikae could learn from the Doreans and better themselves, and indeed he had invited Dorean teachers to many of their largest settlements. Here they taught the Dorean language to the children of Naavikae, as well as mathematics, and basic science. In the Angolorn, the Naavikae had lived nomadic lives, not so they could follow the herds of wild animals, but because the unpredictable temperament of the Angolorn and its climate often necessitated migration. Their new home was far more sheltered from the bitter north-westerly winds, and they soon found that migration was no longer necessary.
Many homes were now built of stone, or solid wood in the manner of the Trinisteans, and they even began experimenting with farming, something that was simply impossible in the Angolorn. However there were some elements amongst the clans which disliked what they saw as Doreanisation, and many remained mobile simply for the sake of tradition. When the Emperor had presented the Church with their septannual tribute of 35 gold, they had asked the Pareya to send missionaries amongst the Naavikae. However his feud with Dr Victaer Ilerae had meant that all funds had been used elsewhere, and at this time, no attempts had been made to convert the pagan Naavikae to the one true faith.
- Naavikae gain a town
- Remain entirely pagan
A grand tournament was held along the River Joune by the Emperor to commemorate the defeat of the Naavikae, and in honour of the Duke Eisen of Lantara who had been general. Many of the typical games were held, including jousting, wrestling, and the javelin, a favourite amongst the Dorean nobility. In this contest, contenders must attempt to pierce targets at ever increasing distances with their javelins. In rural parts of the Empire, prisoners and traitors are commonly used as targets, but for this event sack men stuffed with straw were provided. As a special surprise, the Emperor had planned out a scavenger hunt across the River Joune baronies which were playing host. Knights were dispatched to look for the ''Holy Grail'', and clues to it's location were scattered across the area in the form of Knights which had to be defeated before they would advise the Knights on their quest. The personal guardian of the Grail was the so-called ''Black Knight'', selected among the most skilled and fearsome of all the Knights in service to the King. The Black Knight defeated many of the challengers before at last surrendering to Sir Alek Mor, a White Iron Knight of Juntic descent. Indeed White Iron had trained its men well for the occasion, and its large pool of Knights helped them to win many of the tournaments. The Duke and his wife were in attendance and were ever gracious, although some detected tension between the Duke and the Emperor, between whom relations had been frosty of late.
- +5 prestige for White Iron, Lantara, +8 for Pvatailles
Death of Duke Evrez Boryeal
Not long afterwards, Duke Evrez Boryeal was mortally wounded in what appeared to be a training accident, while training with Sir Thomar Yiderae, a young Knight in service to the Emperor, whom he had met at the tournament and invited back to Aerrunstade as his guest. The accident was attributed to a snake in the grass, causing his horse to throw. On his deathbed, he asked to enshrined in the recently completed Cathedral of Saint Giris in Vereigna. The funeral was an emotional event presided over by the Pareya himself and Onar Boryeal, a relative and Governor of Vereigna spoke at length to the crowds of a good and faithful man who would take up arms against the Devil in the afterlife.
Onar Boryeal had spent the previous years trying to increase his grip over the various social sectors of the city, using his allies amongst the more fanatical clergy to inspire hatred towards the guilds and indeed Noble Houses who advocated a secular lifestyle deviant from Astrovadean religious law. For several months, Onar's Militia and similar groups targeted them ruthlessly, and the Governor was accused by many of the elite of inspiring revolutionary thought amongst the lower classes, which could threaten the status quo entirely if it continued. Indeed many well-born men and women were dragged from their horses and trampled to death in the riots. Many houses were broken into, and looted by the militia. This quickly inspired the Noble Houses to hire small mercenary armies to defend their property and neighbourhoods, with many of the city's ''noble quarters'' shutting their gates entirely to hold off the mass of riotous common man. The secretive Moevyea, however seemed to melt away into the background, and rumour had it that most had left the city. The leader of Onar's Militia, Commandant Karl Heddron, was now a famous and much feared man. His organisation had progressed into something of a paramilitary brigade and a network of spies and informers now worked for him. Life in the city became a constant witch hunt as their men targeted anyone suspected of heresy, including numerous priests who refused to support the cause. It was not until the year 1153that some assemblence of control was wrestled back by the City Guard, after being swelled dramatically by the Emperor himself. However by this point, the city had already been crippled by the disorder. Much of the nobility had left for their rural estates, and the Junts too had left. In fact, word must have spread because immigration from Juntland was now at an all time low. Many of the Empire's most influential guilds had left Vereigna, and whole swathes of independent shops had closed or been closed down. The Moevyea, once treasured by the population as a cultural beacon for the city, had been driven away entirely. Even with order restored, the Militia was not disbanded, although it no longer publicly performed criminal acts. Its leaders had become rich men with the loot of their victims, and many had taken possession of homes formerly belonging to heretical nobility. The Vereignites are thankful to the Emperor for restoring order to the city, but they still live in fear. The past ten years or so have utterly changed the city, and few could say for the better. Meanwhile White Iron's continued association with the Militia has caused them a great deal of embarrassment in court.
- Pvatailles +5 prestige
- White Iron -10 prestige
- Vereigna -3 value, Leme +1 value from immigrants
- Vereigna gains revolutionary faction, looses Junt minorities
- Commandant Karl Heddron becomes key political figure
- Moevyea disappear
- Order restored
Engineers in Great Demand
A multitude of large-scale construction projects have placed engineers in ever greater demand. Barth is following in White Iron's footsteps with a similar, though more modest cathedral, and the harbour areas of Stengar and Tarafetera have been expanded once more by Tiros and Kantoh respectively. The Empire's trade facilities are now in excess of demand in many areas, including these cities. Further development of ports is unlikely to have any effect. Elsewhere several new castles have also been constructed, and the people of Phinte now consider their lands amongst the most well-protected in the Empire. Denath however, has a rather more grand objective then Churches and Harbours, and seems to be constructing a new city at the delta of the River Ist, built around the small town of Tresmondt. It is thought that members of the Moevyea have been instrumental in the architecture and design of the town which looks truly beautiful already. The area was fertile ground for such a project, with a large rural population looking for work and a better life in the cities, and excellent trade links too. The project also had the blessing of the King of Zolrieke, with whom Denath has rather cordial relations indeed.
- Barth +10 piety
- Stengar and Tarafetera +1 value
- Denath gains a town
- Phinte +5 prestige
Further Expansion threatens Independent Nobility
Almost all of the Empire's Dukes sought to expand their borders between the years 1147 and 1154, although some more successfully then others. White Iron again put forward an extensive campaign, but under-estimated the amount of resistance they now faced from the independent nobility and petty rulers of the land. Dinzini strengthened its grip on the Saffron islands, but Moezha's attempt to expand westwards was defeated by the mass of fearsome barbarian tribes that inhabit the area. In the east Tiros set sail to conquer the Isle of Uesterin, famous for is fine Amber, to find its towns flying the flags of Yure. The island had been considered a part of the Empire, but Yure claimed it on the basis that it had been an integral part of the Isandrian Empire, and its population was Yuric in race and language. They had set sail early in the year 1147 and reached the island shortly before the Tirosians. Their disrespect for the Empire's sovereign territory is a clear insult against the King of the Doreans.
- Isle of Uesterin seized by Yure
- Many realms expand
Embassy Opened in Haastrolua
The Dorean Empire has finally formalised relations with the Mosovid Empire, with the sending of Jonavth Raeste, nephew of Duke Yarin of Tiros to act as official Ambassador there. Indeed a fully fledged embassy has now been opened in their regional capital of Haastrolua. The Ambassador met with the Viceroy-General Marsanna Maraan, provincial ruler of Mosovid territories in the Isthmus, and presented him with gifts of fine Dorean ale and honey, and five gold plated javelins. These were well received by the General, and he has since welcomed the ambassador to life at his court. Raeste has already begun to make contacts in the city, and indeed has settled in rather well. It must be said that he has so far seen no signs of cannibalism amongst the Mosovids, although he writes describing a religious ceremony he was invited to which included the sacrifice of both prisoners and slaves to the fire god Myzzlelora in what can only be described as a large furnace. Blood sports are frequent amongst the Mosovid elite, again making use of slaves, although it should be noted that similar events are still found throughout much of Dorea. The majority of the population of Haastrolua was found to be Golgar, a race generally seen with distain by the ruling Mosovid minority. Jonavth Raeste observed that only a small garrison was present in the province, and although the Viceroy-General was not eager to discuss military matters he did indicate that the young Emperor had been away in the far east leading his men against the Kingdom of Peravistuvis, a land unknown to the Doreans. However, by the year 1151, rumour had swept the city that the Emperor had achieved great success in the east, achieving a firm and defensible border there, and was now returning west to the borderlands with much of his army. The Viceroy-General neither confirmed or denied this.
The Mosovids had been present in the region for almost thirty years now, and the reason that official diplomatic relations had taken so long to establish was largely due to the influence of the Church which had spent the past thirty years spreading fear and hatred of them. Ultimately, the Astrovadean Church and most Doreans regardless of faith, oppose human sacrifice, and in particular slavery. Historically the Doreans were enslaved by the Isandrians, and this is something that has lived on in their cultural memory. Furthermore the Mosovids had already stormed across Danavia and there was reasonable concern that they would continue their bout of conquest into the Isandrian cities, becoming a serious threat to the Empire itself. Not only this but the Mosovid God, Myzzlelora, has become associated with the demon Myronor in Astrovadean theology due similarities in their appearance, and in the way they were worshipped. The Church is appalled that open relations have been established with this race of devil-worshipping slave-drivers, and has heavily criticised Tiros, and the Emperor, who sanctioned the diplomatic mission and provided it with funding.
- +10 prestige Tiros, +5 prestige Pvatailles
- -15 piety Tiros, -8 piety Pvatailles
Uncertainty Between Estor and Druethnia
Over the past ten years or so, relations between Estor and Druethnia seemed to have been on the mend. The King of Estor had not rescinded on the traditional territorial claim over all of Druethnia, which had become something of an embarrassment, but he no longer spoke openly of war, and merchants were beginning to cross the border for the first time in a generation. In the year 1147), after a meeting between the King and the Hastrikeem of Druethnia, border controls were scaled back by a small amount and the borders themselves were demilitarised. This was seen as a great achievement for diplomacy between the two rival powers who's relations were commonly extremely tense.
However, the two were still highly suspicious of each other, and a recent event may call into question the entire healing process which seems to have been ongoing. The poet Amn Velalea was a national icon in Druethnia, who also enjoyed a small following in southern Estor. She had taken advantage of the relaxed border controls to leave her homeland Druethnia to go on tour in the north. She visited numerous noble households around southern Estor, including Caste dar Tresina, home to the Count of Urelee. Here she performed for the Count and his family, and in the local town of Droma. However, on her third day at the castle, she found herself accused of espionage. Several maps of the area were found in her belongings, and she had reportedly been seen snooping around the castle after dark. She was tried before the Count, who was outraged at the transgression of his hospitality, and she was found guilty and hung.
When news travelled back to Druethnia there was public outrage, and anti-Estic sentiment has seen a great resurgence there. Neither rulers of the two states have made anofficial response as yet yet.
- Relations between Druethnia and Estor are uncertain
Other News
- Rumours abound that spy networks are becoming more wide-spread around the Empire. It is unclear if these are domestic or foreign in nature.
- Tax cuts around the Empire have begun to pay off in the north and centre of the Empire, where the common man now has a slightly better quality of life. However it is clear that any increase in this tax rate to previous levels will now be actively resisted. +2 wealth Pvatailles, White Iron
- Fledgling Lantara Jewelery Industry a big success. +6 wealth Lantara
