Cleaning up the mess

[Malkaer Andares]

Timestamp: Mid Kalendryas, Winter of Era XIV PF
Paradigm: Shortly after the treaty/truce between Ire and the Empire/Sherian.

In due haste a combined city and provincial meeting was called by the Thane of Taralon. It seemed as though the Thane had finally overcome is apathy of the last cycle and intended to rectify this with double effort. Aediles were all but pulled out of meetings with clients in order to be there in time. The meeting was held in the Sherian Grand Council building for city affairs, rather than the old conference building. This of course because the latter had been burned down during the ratta assault on the city.

Invited were the following provincial and city officials: Governor Anvael Andares, Prefect Lord Marlyan Restrivi, Constable of the Golden Scales ‘General’ Wulan Thunderaxe, Aedile Milton Buckleberry, Assistant Aedile of Public Works Hrr’lna Wolfcastle, General political advisor Fabin Blackstream, political advisor of Taralon Julie Quartz, Financial advisor of Taralon: Reddek Ydur as well as any regimental leaders of the Sherian Serpents that were in the city. A special invite went out to Palacrisis D Jones.

Malkaer stood at the head of the table, nodding to each of the officials in turn as they showed up. Next to him was a chair for Anvael, the rest did not have an assigned seat.

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Palacrisis brushed snow from his heavy cloak and took a seat in the body of the hall, he felt no particular urge to sit amongst the assembled dignitaries although he had met and worked with many of them in the past. For the moment he was happy to be a concerned but private citizen of a province that he had investments in and property to manage.

[Eyvind Redbeard]

A message had caught Eyvind when he prepared to leave the city to inspect the state of the troops camped in the Training Fields. A meeting to decided what to do with Sheria's future, well it seemed the inspection would have to wait for a while. Patting his mighty Warsteed, Eyvind turned to the stable-boy who had been preparing the mount and patted him while walking away following the messenger.

The Sherian Grand Council Chamber, it was an imponent building and the one where the fate of millions would be decided. As he entered his eyes saw an aging man he recognized to be Palacrisis D Jones, the man who had brought news of the Arakmatan Army to him, smiling and nodding politely the Vagaran approached the older man.

"It seems we meet again Mister D Jones, this time to discuss matters of peace. As you may well know I am not the most experient man in politics, actually if I could decide for myself I would have been inspecting the troops. Let's see how this goes."

The Vagaran crossed his arms and leant against a wall.

[Malkaer Andares]

The conference hall slowly filled with officials. Even on normal occasions the mostly elderly and venerable officials were serious men, but the mood was especially somber this brightening; for good reason. Not a laugh sounded through the few whispery conversations they held with each other. When Anvael had arrived and the hall was filled with most other notable officials Malkaer decided it was time to commence the meeting. The esh’lahier cleared his throat and began speaking with his clear and strong voice.

“Welcome gentlemen to this extraordinary meeting of Sherian and Taralon. I apologize for the abruptness by which it was called, but the state of affairs in our province calls for immediate and rigorous action. In the aftermath of the war against Ire I identify two foremost problems this administration has to deal with: first of the dislocation of people and resources because of the warfare, which is causing severe economic disruption. Taralon is overcrowding with all its consequences detrimental to public health. Secondly the morale of the population is at rock bottom. If the lack of regard for public institutions intensifies Sherian may slide into anarchy.”

“For the second problem there is no swift solution. Faith is built up over eras but can be lost in an instant. That we do not have to suppress riots at this moment is a compliment to solid base of the provincial and city administration.” Malkaer nodded respectfully the many officials that were in office before his term as Thane. “I am convinced however that the first problem can be solved, or at least that we are capable of quickening the pace of construction and lessening the hardships on the Sherian people. Good governance in this regard should give the government a start in regaining the faith of the populace.” Having outlined the large picture of Sherian’s trouble, Malkaer paused for a moment before going into specific issues.

“As you know a great number of Sherianites fled their homes in the east of the province to seek refuge behind the line Draelmar Hold-Everdark Keep-Daittern. Now that peace has been concluded with the orcs a portion of them will go back to their lands in the east. Some will seek their fortune elsewhere in the Empire. I expect however that most will stay here in Taralon or at least east of the line, where they perceive to be safe from future orcish aggression. We must expect that the current shift of demographics in Sherian is permanent. Therefore it is the task of the Sherian government to provide economic opportunities in eastern Sherian for these people. The destruction of land in central Sherian will cause a food shortage in the coming season. Furthermore Taralon is flooded with refugees which clogs down the city services.”

“Let me show you what I have in mind that will try to provide a solution for these problems.” The Thane beckoned with his hand upon which a junior clerk rolled up a standard with the map of Sherian province. “What I propose is building a series of agricultural colonies in what is currently wilderness. Prime locations would be in the Phondra Woods and Optia Greenwoods on the Bay of Phondra; on the Black River near Boreas and the northern part of the Deepwood Forest and especially the Katishandra Wood near Daittern.” Malkaer pinpointed the exact locations with a pointing stick. “The old city could even be rejuvenated and function as an agricultural center of the province.”

“The manpower to tear down the forest would come from the conscripts in the Sherian Serpents, who will then be discharged from service and receive the best tracts of land. An office in Taralon will be created where refugees can sign up for one of the colonies and receive a plot of land. When the sowing season begins the province will provide for seedlings if able. The wood from the forests can be used to build homes in the colonies and better refugee shelters in Taralon.”

“With the help of Ioannes Sherian shall overcome.” Malkaer ended his speech. His was not a particularly original idea, but it was able to solve some issues. “Before I address the practical problems of implementing this plan, does anyone have any criticism on the proposal itself?” He asked the combined staffs of the provincial and city government and the various other listeners. If someone had a comment, the Thane would ask him to state his name and profession first because not everyone knew each other.

[Anvael Andares]

Anvael arrived just in time to hear Malkaer’s introduction and took the seat next to his brother. Malkaer’s message had been short, but it had sounded urgent, and thus he had tried his best to arrive in time. He’d been an idealist when everything had started, had thought he could really make a difference in Sherian, but he’d grown slightly frustrated – just like Malkaer, it seemed. If there was a way for them to leave the province with their chins up, he wanted to know about it. He didn’t want Sherian to suffer. He wanted to solve a few of its problems before he went elsewhere, that hadn’t changed.

“Gentlemen”, he nodded to those that were already present and then leaned back and listened to the Thane, not wanting to interrupt him further. Malkaer’s plan sounded good – he could have come up with it himself – but there were a few issues he had to adress. “Your Grace, do you think the offer of land will be enough to make the refugees leave? Peace with the orcs may be concluded, but what if they don’t feel safe in the former wilderness? How are we going to make them feel safe enough to leave?”

[Eyvind Redbeard]

The Thane had his view of things very well settled on his mind and the presented plan seemed the best available. Providing Sheria a possible future, a future of growth and peace. However peace had a cost, mainly in a region bathed in the blood of innocents and greenskinned beasts. What concerned to the Provincial Army was perhaps the only thing Eyvind couldn't agree with the Esh'lahier, simply discharging the massive number of Conscripts of the Serpents wouldn't be good for two main reasons and the Vagaran leant forward and spoke them.

"Gentlemen, as most of you already may know my name is Eyvind Redbeard Avornmagor Bjornsson, Acting Provost of the Manjet Legion and without anyone having been nominated to take such position, Supreme Commander of the Sherian Serpents. First of all I have to congratulate Lord Malkaer for his initiative of gathering us all here to discuss things once and for all, secondly I would like to speak my thoughts.

In what regards the Serpents, I am somewhat ceptical regarding this discharge, or at least what resembled to me as the end of the Provincial Army. The Serpents must remain, it's something necessary and of utmost importance. As you well know soon the Legions will leave the Province, leaving behind the Manjet and the Silvered Blades only. That means three Daos of strength at arms, fifteen thousand men. It isn't nearly what is needed in case the Horde decides to come down from Ire again and attack Eastern Sheria, because it is what there is left of the whole Province.

The Serpents must stay and protect Sheria. I understand that the current number of men can't be kept due to economic issues but they can't disappear either. First because there will be nothing but a few Legionnaires to protect what is left and because sending previously armed and trained men back home in such great numbers may cause the said riots the Lord Thane said we don't have.

My suggestion is to keep at least ten Regiments of the Provincial Army as they are and having the remaining ten being discharged, with the passage of time and if things get settled down more men can be discharged. Time will say.

As to provide safety for the moment I can say I will do all that there is in my hands to assure peace and safety in Eastern Sheria exists. I will move my Cohort, the Black Shields to Draelmar Hold and establish there a Mark. A shield to guard the mountain passes and the north-south road from Vers to Auster. I will then meet with the Versian Council to form a more coesive defense line. Rest assured that Sheria is in good hands now and I will do everything my humble blood allows me to keep it that way."

The Vagaran quiet and leant back again. His massive body followed by his long flaming red hair.

OOC: sorry for the short and not so good post, I am on vacations ahaha!

[Malkaer Andares]

First the Governor himself spoke up. Malkaer nodded at his younger brother, who provided a few easy questions to start off with, then turned to the hall to answer them. “Well Your Excellency, orcish influence never extended as far east as the locations where the colonies are planned. In that regard they are as safe as here in Taralon.” Perhaps even more so, the Thane grudgingly thought with the ratta attack in mind. “As for dangers from the local wilderness; I trust that the former members of the Sherian Serpents who live with the refugees will protect them. Their rudimentary training should be sufficient to fend off wild beasts and brigands.”

“We cannot force the refugees to leave…” or could he, the Thane pondered. “This is provided opportunity to those who have fled from orcish violence, but it is up to them to decide to take it up. However at some point these people must rebuild their lives again; either this way or another of their choosing. This government provides relief aid and opportunity, but will not provide for those too lazy to work.” The esh’lahier had no pity for those who did not wish to help themselves.

If Anvael considered this a sufficient reply to his concerns, Malkaer waited for another to speak up. While Eyvind stood in the back of the hall, the Vagaran was easily heard, thanks to his clear voice and the acoustics of the conference room. The esh’lahier nodded once more to receive the officer’s congratulations and carefully listened. Eyvind made several points in his speech and the Thane would try to address them all in his reply.

“And the Sherian Serpents shall remain!” The former commander spoke loudly to reinforce his words; then continued in his usual calm manner: “Thank you, Provost Avornmagor, for your thoughts. I planned to go into more detail regarding the future of the Serpents later on, but I might as well do so now.”

“While peace has now settled over this land Sherian will always have to remain vigilant. It shall have to maintain an armed force for, as the Provost says, the Legions permanently stationed in the province are too weak to keep the orcish threat at bay. Unfortunately we cannot permanently keep one hundred thousand men -who are also Sherian’s best workers- at arms, or fifty thousand or even twenty-five. Therefore we have to rely on a system of mobilization.”

“This means that the province maintains a small core army of several thousand men, which is during wartime expanded by reservists. At age of ascendancy every man eligible for military service will be assigned to a regiment to stay there for one era to practice weapons and tactics. After that era he is discharged from active service and becomes a reservist. A reservist is required to practice with his weapons for two cycles in the summer of every era and can be called up for active duty again when war is again upon Sherian.”

“This hybrid military system ensures that the province does not collapse under the burden of funding a large standing army during peacetime, but that it will have the manpower to fend off a powerful enemy.” The esh’lahier concluded, before addressing a few practical issues.

“I would like to keep the current administrative structure of twenty regiments. Through the agricultural colony plan we will gradually reduce the strength of all regiments to around a thousand men. Those thousand must be volunteers and will be the permanent core troops of every regiment. We may have to shift some soldiers around to achieve regiments of roughly the same strength. Each regiment receives a headquarters somewhere in the province where the arsenal of the regiment is kept.” The Thane turned to Eyvind now. “It is likely that Draelmar Hold will be assigned to one or more regiments as headquarters. We shall have to see whether enough space remains to garrison Imperial troops there as well.” He then continued: “During the eraly exercises and in threat of war the reservists will go to this headquarters and join their old regiment again.”

“It has to be seen whether twenty thousand men can be kept as a standard force; it may have to be reduced even further if it proves financially untenable.” Realizing that he had spoken for a lengthy duration, Malkaer paused and again made time for comments.

[Anvael Andares]

„You are right“, Anvael agreed as Malkaer said that the refugees were probably as safe as in Taralon. There’d always been a few who didn’t want to leave again, who’d be afraid of being attacked as soon as they left the city, but maybe they could make the majority leave. Maybe the Serpents would make them feel safe enough. He didn’t like the idea of providing for lazy people either. But what were they supposed to do with those who were not willing to work again, who expected the government to do everything for them? Could he just throw them out?

“The Sherian Serpents shall remain”, he agreed with Malkaer because he really didn’t like the alternative. He didn’t want to leave the province unprotected in case the orcs decided to pay them a visit again. “I like your plan, Your Grace. It will assure that we will be able to defend ourselves in times of war without spending the crowns that a standing army would require. I’d like to keep those twenty thousand men you mentioned as well, if it is at all possible.”

He fell silent again, simply listened. Even now, after the war, Anvael didn’t really feel competent to talk about military matters. He could fullfill the normal duties of a Governor well enough, but when it came to soldiers and armies and weapons he preferred to leave the field to Eyvind and Malkaer who seemed to feel right at home where those things were concerned.

[Eyvind Redbeard]

The Provost chuckled inwards. Malkaer was a smart man, a very smart man and he seemed to know how powerful he could be when the Governor was his own brother, problem was that the Thane didn't know exactly where the power of a Thane ended and the power of a Governor began, not to mention his lack of sense of where the power of an Imperial Officer could go. Still his idea of a hybrid system was most interesting and acceptable given the economic situation in the Province.

"The hybrid system seems to be a good option, Your Grace. As for Draelmar we will accept whatever Regiments are positioned there. Actually I can already tell Your Grace that at least two will be positioned there or nearby. As one of my acts as Supreme Commander of the Provincial Army I will outline the positioning of the Serpents' Regiments and have them finishing the defensive lines we started to create between Draelmar and Notus.

I will step down from the position of Supreme Commander the moment I leave the Sherian Province, which will be soon due to some personal and profissional issues. Middle of Immanis the lastest probably. The power of the Supreme Commander will be then transfered to the Governor of Sheria, or to the nominated Consul. The "Imperial" Government will decide that for us all."

Eyvind said the word "Imperial" with a special care, maybe there would be responses to it, maybe not.

[Malkaer Andares]

Malkaer made a small bow for his brother. Thane, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Provincial Aedile; their individual ranks did not really matter. Being two hands on the same belly, the Andares siblings controlled the Sherian together as they had controlled Lauryl before. Most officials in the Sherian had learned to accept this as a given fact, but some people apparently still had to get used to the idea. It came as a slight relief to the esh’lahier politician that Eyvind voluntarily laid down his position as commander. During the war some doubts had surfaced regarding the vagaran’s strategic and tactical decisions so it was politically wise to remove him from that office. Even better if that occurred without any hubbub.

There was a brief but uncomfortable silence when the Provost finished speaking. Although many people still referred to ‘Imperial’ rather than the technically more correct ‘Royal’ affairs, there could be no question that by placing an emphasis on the word the Provost intended to provoke them. Grey-blue eyes rested on the young human for a few long seconds, as if to pierce his thoughts. Not knowing Eyvind’s true motivations for his behaviour, Malkaer decided to sidestep the matter to preserve the status quo. Perhaps later there would be opportunity to raise the issue in a more private setting.

“Consuls do not control armies; except perhaps in emergencies. The Sherian Serpents is a provincial army. Now that peace has been restored in the province its commander will be appointed by the Governor of Sherian”, Malkaer said simply. Knowing that the Articles were on his side he considered the matter done and proceeded to the next issue.

“Before this discussion became sidetracked -which was most insightful and helpful;” The talented speaker added with a smile. “I mentioned practical problems of the agricultural colony plan. The foremost problem is logistical, as usual. Ensuring every regiment is in the right place with enough supplies is always a difficult task. Secondly it will be much work to make sure the colonies are not built on privately owned land. Thirdly, we need to have seedlings from Candaceburg for Spring to have something to grow on the newly created fields. It is likely that the Province will have to go into debt to buy these unless we can get aid from the… national government or third parties.” The Thane called his assistant who gave him a pile of documents. “Here I have orders for most provincial and city officials which deal with such issues. Before these are handed out I was wondering if anyone has any ideas for raising the money to purchase seedlings.” He did not expect much but might be pleasantly surprised.

[Malkaer Andares]

Secrets : Sorry for the wait. Annoying thing is I know I forgot a few things I thought up two months ago. Alas.

“Very well.” Malkaer presented the first document himself to his brother the Governor and had the rest handed out by an assistant to everyone attending the meeting.

Project Agricultural Colonies Sherian Province

Initial executive orders

Provincial Exchequer:
- Set up a program to purchase and distribute seedlings.

Provincial Aedile:
- Investigate which locations are suitable for planned agricultural colonies.

Justicar:
- Ensure that selected locations are not in possession of private individuals or organizations.

Supreme Commander Sherian Serpents:
- Investigate how many conscripts and volunteers wish to join the Serpents on a permanent basis. Intended permanent force: 20 regiments of 1000 soldiers.
- March reservists to locations for agricultural colonies.
- Commence wood clearing programs to prepare the ground for agriculture.
- March standing forces to strategic locations to set up a perimeter against orcish aggression.
- Set up regimental HQ’s in Phondra, Vers, Vorgan Mines, Draelmar Hold (3), Taralon (4), Everdark Keep (2), Auster, Notus, Daittern and in locations of large agricultural colonies.

Taralon Aedile and Assistant Aediles:
- Aid the Provincial Exchequer in setting up an office for the distribution of seedlings.
- Aid the Supreme Commander in setting up regimental HQ’s in Taralon.
- Set up an office for refugees to sign up for free land in agricultural colonies.
- Investigate an expansion of city walls to enlarge the city.
- Set up a quarantined section outside the city to house citizens of Taralon and refugees afflicted with the disease. Cooperation with Golden Scales likely required.