You agree to the terms. Prince Sodani gives you a respectful high-five to seal the deal (in the tradition of his people), and the group departs, explaining that the princess will return with the gemstones at the start of summer- provided that the Sacred Valley has indeed been vacated.
You send a ship to the Sacred Valley to inform them of the situation, and help ferry them back to Nova Emperia.
5+1=6
The inhabitants of the settlement are surprisingly okay with the arrangement, and return to Nova Emperia without complaint. Where possible they are given empty homes, where not new homes are quickly built. The soldiers assigned to guard the settlement from native raids are especially glad to be relieved of that duty- one tells you that the eponymous stone axes of the Stone-Axe Tribe can cleave through chainmail like it were sackcloth, and their warriors wield the great double-handed weapons with supernatural speed and grace.
Late Spring, Colonial Year 10The explorers return from their expedition. They explain that they followed the river upstream, skirting the edge of Stone-Axe territory, until they reached a great lake high in the mountains. So vast was this lake that they could not see the far shore. They then travelled east, following the lake, before cutting north through the mountains until they reached the sea, then followed the shore west until they reached known territory in the brilliantly-named settlement of Shore Forest. They spent time mapping out the land as they went, and whilst it is not a comprehensive map, it does give you some idea of what lies immediately inland.
They were able to identify several sites that might be worth prospecting, as well as a few good places for a settlement- the mountains are not barren, and some of the valleys should be amenable to farming.
The expedition leader returns your 'lucky compass'. Was it remotely helpful? He does not seem convinced, but it didn't actively hinder the expedition, at least.
He also explains that they would be willing to launch more expeditions in the future, but will need to rest for some time.
Early Summer, Colonial Year 10As promised, Princess Peroc returns, with a small entourage and a number of guards, bearing a chest of precious stones. She is not enthusiastic, but doesn't seem resentful either. Well, it's a political marriage. Maybe you will grow closer over time, or maybe not. Musn't grumble. Nova Emperia's bishop conducts a traditional ceremony, imploring the gods to bless your union. There is a small feast, Peroc's entourage sing some sort of native song that is probably very meaningful, and everyone gets plastered.
The next day, most of Peroc's entourage depart, carrying two crates of iron axes, and life mostly returns to normal.
Mid Summer, Colonial Year 10You have only been here a few months, but those who have been here longer remark that the weather this year seems exceptional. Just the right amount of rain and sunshine to ensure a great harvest to come. Someone suggests holding a festival to thank Caelus (the god of wind and weather) for his benevolence.
A: partypartypartyparty.party
B: Let's not count our chickens before they hatch. The weather could yet turn.
C: No. (I can't believe I have to deal with religious nuts even here)
TURNTURNTURN
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Topic: SPAMVICEROY: Viceroy Kidraan Traic of Bena Janetta (Read 5655 times)