It is now summer. Peasants everywhere are thrilled to work in fields with growing crops.
John Locke talks about people's liberties and parliamentary MPs.
{2} - John gives a series of very dry lectures about how important it is that rulers recognize the innate rights of their subjects, and how they deserve self-governance.
The king grows worried at the thought of peasants trying to usurp his kingdom. He declares that he needs a loyal branch of the military to police against such nonsense.
Sage Holtze increases painfruit imports and provides support for farmers.
{3} - The good Szechenian sage spends a good deal of time trying to find the treasury. The only maid eventually points out that it's currently being used to store empty barrels. Further conversations reveal that a team of wizards, which the kingdom lacks access to, could probably improve crop yields.
Asha Imeremifava makes a religious report.
{5} - The vast majority of the kingdom's populace worship gods in the Pantheon of Good. Conveniently, the religion is very supportive of monarchies. There is a good chance that these gods exist, but they usually take a very subtle approach, to avoid an all-out war with other gods.
The Cult of Shadows is practically unheard of in these lands.
Sir Biscuits 'motivates' peasantry and makes a report on military threats.
{2} - The ambitious knight is quite caught up in traveling around and motivating peasants. He makes little progress on analyzing military threats. He does get in some sword practice, against the odd group of rebellious serfs that dislike investments into their futures.
Sir Mangrove makes a report on local artifacts.
{5} - While helping the maid move some heavy furniture around, Sir Mangrove makes a lucky find: A tome detailing powerful enchanted items throughout the kingdom. He notes the easiest and most likely three:
A never-rusting sword, said to grant untold skill with the blade. It was buried alongside its former master.
A chalice of eternal youth, said to be cursed. It was last seen in a town in the south, now reduced to ruins after failing to repel a dragontaur 'raid.'
A crystal vial. It somehow creates wealth. It was last in the possession of a mad druid hermit in The Fearless Forest.
Zech makes a report on local magical problems.
{4} - Zech uses a few divination spells, and travels around. He finds no immediate magical problems. He also finds no organized wizards. There are a few scattered hedge wizards, and the cities likely have a small-time alchemist or two, but nothing beyond that.
Darius Welthon talks to the king about raising taxes instead of planting an orchard.
{3} - The king really wants his orchard, but agrees to delay building one. He does agree to increase the taxes slightly.
Taxes increased.
The kingdom economy improves.
The military is stable.
{?} Nobody hears anything about threats to the king.
The local economy is struggling.
The kingdom economy is struggling.
The local levies are few and have much to fear from a stray dog.
The kingdom levies are limited and of poor quality.
The king wants the army to be strong enough to subdue a dragon.
John Locke (nosaneinme), the palace fool, is currently demoralized.
Sir "Biscuits" McGee (NJW2000), knight of the crown and head of military finance, is currently accosting peasants.
Sir Mangrove (Harry Baldman), the Secretary of Love, Worldliness and Quests, is currently reading a book.
Sage Holtze Pzchun (Nunzillor), Import/Export Economic Adviser, is currently trying to sell a moldy painfruit.
Asha Imeremifava (penguinofhonor), Priestess and Religious Adviser, is currently reading up on the gods of light.
Darius Welthon (Coolrune206), Economic Adviser, is solidifying his stance on basic economic theory.
Classified (ATHATH), assassin, is currently <redacted>
Zechtenmarkus (crazyabe), Royal Mage and Adviser of magical Affairs, is saving people from a charlatan 'alchemist.'