Heirs to the Valley

Heirs to the Valley

The King is dead! Last night the bells of Kingstown tolled as Janus I passed away in his sleep, leaving behind the small Kingdom of the Valley without a leader. The King was childless and did not wish to name a successor, so in the wake of his sudden death the people are in shock and fear. Will someone claim the throne? Who will lead the country into the future?

The Valley is well-defended against outsiders. The sturdy Fort Southwark defends the western approach through Southwark Pass, which splits the northern Arden Mountains and the southern Vestil Mountains. From these two ranges flow the mighty Arda and Vesta rivers, twin sisters which meet at Kingstown and give our valley its lush and fertile soil. They continue on into the southeast, flowing into the sea at the Port of Vestin. To the Northeast, Fort Eagle guards the plains of Aberfy, where the horses and cattle of the kingdom graze. We may be a small nation, but we are rich, with the northern mines at Tolton providing us with gems while in the south Everdale enjoys both hardwood forests and ample veins of copper and iron. Finally, the people of the northwestern Fulton are skilled river-pilots and fishers, riding their barges down the Arda.

In short, we are self-sufficient, but in desperate need for leadership. Without a guiding hand, the Valley may fall, either to outsiders or internal troubles. Nobody knows what the future holds in store...

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Spoiler
Application:

• Name: Who are you?
  
• Motivation: Why do you seek to lead the valley?
  
• Support: Who backs your claim?
  
• Location: Where do you begin?
  
• Resources: What do you personally bring to your cause?
  

Name:  Captain Gwyn Arvain
Motivation:  Gwyn desires to restore order to a kingdom quickly spiraling out of control.  While he nominally could support any strong and able candidate, privately he would not mind reclaiming his house's lost glory and perhaps even taking the crown himself should the option provide itself.
Support:  As the captain of Fort Eagle, Gwyn has the support of the garrison and surrounding townsfolk of Aberfy who rely on the fort for safety from bandits.  The local knightly order - the Knights of the Eagle - support him as well with their high quality weapons and powerful Aberfian steeds, however the ambition of the varied nobles within the order can occasionally lead to problems.
Location:  Fort Eagle
Resources:  A private estate outside of the capital, defended by a minor keep and a small personal guard that takes up most of his family's wealth to maintain.  Has several solid connections and good relationships with other guard captains throughout the kingdom and a few minor nobles.  Maintains a set of decent quality weapons and armour as well as a warhorse.  Of course, Fort Eagle itself remains under his command and boasts a formidable garrison and arsenal.

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SpoilerJust a quick question:  What is the state of magic/other races in this game?  Is anything set or is it more or less whatever we want?  Also, are the listed locations the only notable ones in the kingdom or can other ones be invented? Might change my application depending on the answers but wanted to get an app in sooner rather than later.

Answers:

The setting is fluid, I'll leave it to all of you to decide whether you'd like magic to exist. If it does, however, this will be closer to a low fantasy setting - magic is powerful, dangerous, and only available to the few.

Tech level is also not quite defined - currently imagine it to be anywhere between High Middle Ages and the 17th-18th century.

The listed locations are the major cities and features of the Valley. If you wish to add more, then please elaborate and I'll do my best to fit them in.

Name: Lestopher Rachnet
Motivation: Rachnet is one of the masters, and co-founder, of the Correct Guild of Ironworking, but of recent years has developed a dyspraxia that has lead some of his peers to suggest his early retirement. This alienation from his life's work up until now has saddened Rachnet, but with Janus' death, he sees opportunity to use his administrative skills to serve the needs of the kingdom from a position that doesn't require fine motor control. Rachnet looks at the realm pragmatically, wishing to reform its inefficiencies and build its surpluses ever higher. Setting his expectations so high is his guild's, and his own, history of a working relationship with the late Janus; some years ago they provided weaponry to the King's personal retinue long ahead of schedule, and Janus claimed the reason was Rachnet above all else.
Support: The Correct Guild of Ironworking, of course, as well as much of the middle class in Kingstown who have done business with their traders. He curries favor over some of the more veteran of the standing King's retinue as well.
Location: Kingstown
Resources: Well, iron, of course. Plenty of it. He has a number of special trade relations as well, even if some may be under the table.

Name: Poldi Grimmoth
Motivation: To industrialize and bring the valley into a new era - one of smokestacks and water wheels.
Support: Large corporations looking to expand
Location: Kingstown. The perfect location to generate the power needed.
Resources: New money and trade relations

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Spoiler

Name: Astoret Vautouir, Bandiúc of Arden
Motivation: A (somewhat distant) relative of the King, Astoret's father Parsnas was a trusted advisor of numerous Kings until his banishment. Freed after the King's death, he is still seen by some as an ideal 'caretaker' until a permanent heir is appointed. Her late mother was the youngest of several illegitimate sisters, all of which are also deceased. A lady of barely eighteen years, she has ties to Royal blood on both sides - a fact her father has widely promoted. She doesn't care about most of that and just wants to be Queen because it means she gets to wear a fancy crown and have people at her beck and call.
Support: Support is split between Parsnas' connections and accomplices, the impoverished territory of Arden-Norte (a montane fiefdom around the headwaters of the Arda River) and the feared Cult of Vines, which sees her as an Avatar of She-That-Feasts, Goddess of Death, Hunger, Beauty and Secrets. Several attempts to outlaw the Cult were made in the past, though without success.
Location: Craq Arden; a once proud castle fort that once was the seat of the Diúcs du Arden-Norte but now exists mainly as the home of the Cult of Vines.
Resources: The Cult of Vines has eyes and ears across the Kingdom and its wandering Priests are both respected and feared, but its numbers are probably overestimated. Their Magic is said to flow from She-That-Feasts, though very few are permitted to receive Her blessing and fewer still know how it is received. Parsnas has a reasonable fortune at his disposal to support his daughter, but with Arden-Norte destitute (some say that She-That-Fests cursed its soil), the funds will eventually run out.

Game will start tomorrow! Get your stuff in ASAP if you are planning on joining!

Kingstown Weekly Press

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Mourning in the Capital:

In the wake of our King’s untimely death, most businesses and shops will be closed in Kingstown. In addition, the mayor has announced that all flags will be flown at half-mast and public buildings will be draped in black for the next week. The King’s body will lie in state in the Cathedral of Light for the next two days, after which there will be a public funeral procession to the Hall of Heroes where his body will be laid to rest among his ancestors. Due to illness the High Priest will not be officiating, and instead the service will be performed by Metropolitan Elizabetta of Everdale.

 

Business Leaders Declare Emergency Meeting:

Alaina Tibalt of the Craft and Merchant Alliance has announced a meeting of the local guilds to be held in Anniversary Hall in Kingstown. In a statement this morning, she says:

“It is a terrible time to lose our beloved King. Under his policies our economy has grown tremendously, and it is vital that we leaders of business meet in order to discuss how we will move forward in these trying times”

It remains to be seen whether or not Lestopher Rachnet and Poldi Grimmoth, rival industrial magnates of the Correct Guild of Ironworking and Grimmoth Corporation will be in attendance.

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Border Forts React – Knights of Eagle Ready, Southwark Quiet:

The two commanders of our border garrisons have had dramatically different responses to the death of the King. Captain Arvain of Fort Eagle is reportedly calling his knights back from patrols to discuss the situation, while Captain Lysander remains calm and is conducting business as usual in the defense of Southwark Pass. We have reached out to both but neither has responded for our requests for comment.

Stirrings in the Arden Forest:

The nobles of the country are keeping a close eye on Craq Arden, the castle of the Vautouir family, as news of the King’s death spreads. Recent genealogical research seems to suggest that the Vautouir may be the closest-related cadet branch of the royal line, a finding that worries many. Vicomte D’Alessei, the Royal Chamberlain, seems to be in a precarious situation now that the legal status of his predecessor’s exile from court is in question. Furthermore, Diuc Parsnas is promoting his daughter Astoret as the heir to the throne based on both his family bloodline and the fact that his wife was the illegitimate daughter of Prince Augustus, the late King’s second cousin. The church has denounced such claims on the basis of Diuc Parsnas’s heretical beliefs, which led to his expulsion from the capital and flight to his family estate in the Arden foothills.
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SpoilerIf you couldn't guess by the newspaper headlines and the PMs in your inbox, the game is afoot! Some notes on how this will go:

The game is played in weekly turns. Stuff can happen on a daily level but most major actions will be resolved on the level of a week.
You are playing your character, so beware! Your resources may not do everything you'd like them to.
There are two kinds of information in this game, public and private. Public info will be posted in-thread in the form of newspaper articles, letters, and other such communications. Private info is to be kept to PMs. If there is a major in-character meeting that would be covered by the press, it will happen in the thread.
If I didn't See It, It Didn't Happen! Make sure that I am copied on all in-game PMs that you send (and make sure to hit reply all!). I can't track actions that happen outside of my view.
If you would like to come in later (people not in the game who are reading this), or to change your character, please PM me about it.

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textHer Excellency, Lady Astoret of Vautouir wishes to relay Her most sincere and humble condolences to the friends and fellow relatives of the most regrettably deceased King Janus.

While she was most unfortunately unable to attend the funeral due to the unavoidable and serious risk to her person, she wishes to ensure her deep sadness at such a loss, regardless of any alleged ill-will the King may have had against Diuc Parsnas. Any such regrettable matters; lies or not, shall be laid to rest along with his body. However, those that may henceforth remain unconscionably and irresponsibly opposed to the Divine Right of Lady Astoret shall be addressed in a manner befitting such treasonous assertions.

Lady Astoret wishes to convey her desire to meet with parties deeply invested in the continuing prosperity of the Realm, including the Eagle Knights, Correct Guild of Ironworking and Craft and Merchant Alliance. It is essential to the safety of the Kingdom that all subjects are committed to co-operation and diligence in preventing chaos and preserving harmony in the Valley. Her Ladyship commits herself to the safety and well-being of all, regardless of place of birth or status and keenly looks forward to the wisdom and guidance such parties may provide to Her rule.

Those interested in attending such a Conference at Craq Arden are encouraged (to) deliver a Declaration of Interest, alongside a Letter of Introduction at the earliest opportunity, by courier or pigeon.

Given at our Court at Craq Arden, 4 Cyntezeven (ooc: first summer month)

A Public Meeting Of Business Leaders

Anniversary Hall is an impressive building, standing in Kingstown's central square. It is a great wooden structure with huge doors, stone floors, and a massive number of tables. It was built a century ago as a banquet hall, and now it serves as a meeting-place for the city's rich and elite. Today it is draped in black, and the front of the hall has been cleared to make room for a stage and seating.

On-stage is Alaina Tibalt, very pleased with herself in thinking to call this meeting. Already in the seats are some local socialites and journalists curious about what is to happen, as well as a group of merchants aligned with the Craft and Merchant Alliance. Various small business-holders filter in, but the two she is waiting for have not yet arrived - Poldi Grimmoth and Lestopher Rachnet.

((You two may now post in the thread and discuss. If you wish to have a private discussion, please send a PM to me.))

Fashionably late, the doors open and Lestopher Rachnet enters, followed by a cabal of ten or so fellow masters of the guild, some recognizable and some relatively fresh-faced. Rachnet's hands are held together tightly in a ball just above his belt. While his peers are more than welcome to make their own action amongst the crowd, Rachnet does little to acknowledge the presence of the rest of the room that isn't named Tibalt other than an occasional simple nod of the head before he finds his seat.

A few minutes after Lestopher, Poldi Grimmoth arrives. He arrives alone and without fanfare. He stops a few times to make polite conversation before heading to his seat.

With her two fellow captains of industry in attendance, Alaina Tibalt starts the meeting.

"I'm glad to see that all of us who drive the economy and ensure the prosperity of our nation are taking the death of our dear monarch quite seriously. I fear that the instability caused by his death will wreak havoc on the country, especially if we continue to undercut each other and compete unfairly. To this end, I propose that we all work together to make sure that prices remain stable and business continues as usual in the Valley. If any of us are planning major moves, we should all inform each other in order to cooperate rather than compete."

She looks over to Grimmoth and Rachnet.

"I know we have our differences, and that our organizations clash in several industries, but it's vital to minimize conflict right now. We are business-people, after all, not savages. If we can work together now, then we will be able to bring prosperity to our country moving forward."

"I agree. If we undermine each other currently, a few will be successful but the quality of life for the people of the valley will surely be lowered. I myself have plans to import cotton and flax to incentivise the building of a water wheel, which would be greatly beneficial to both businesses and the people of the valley."

Rachnet stands up.

"You will hear no dissension from me. The Correct Guild has never considered rocking the boat in its decades of existence, and we have no plans to do so for the time being, especially in such fragile times. Many consider us a symbol of the felicitous reign of the late Janus, may God rest his soul. I would love to dissuade any thoughts that with the death of one thing is the death of the rest."

While locuting, Rachnet looks to Tibalt, and occasionally towards the hall as a whole, but never to Grimmoth in specific. It seems he's not even in his sights.

"It is agreed, then," says Alaina. "Thank you for coming. The public portion of this meeting is now concluded, though Anniversary Hall's side-rooms are rented for the rest of the day if you wish to speak privately with anyone here."

She steps off the stage and mingles with her own camp, speaking to the merchants.

((Players: If you wish to speak privately with either Alaina or each other, please PM me.))

Kingstown Weekly Press:

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A Business Agreement:

Alaina Tibalt declares a rousing success as most of the business leaders in Kingstown agree to cooperate in order to ensure the stability of the economy and the nation. In a statement to the press, she remarked “I am pleased that my fellow guild leaders and merchants could come together like this. I’m sure we can achieve great things if we keep this spirit of cooperation moving forward.”

Knights arrive in the capital:

A stir at the gates today as Captain Gwyn Arvain arrives with an escort of thirty soldiers and five Knights of the Eagle. They have taken up lodgings among the noble estates, though it is rumored that Captain Arvain himself has been invited to the palace.

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Another Claimant?:

Duke Albrecht of Everdale has done extensive genealogical research and has uncovered old documents proving that his family is descended in uninterrupted line from King Janus’s great-great-grandfather. He has declared himself the rightful heir of the throne and styles himself Prince Albrecht. He has not yet made any moves towards the capital, but says he will petition the church to be crowned shortly.
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SpoilerSince the question has come up, here is a very rough guide to the Valley's economy (and the worth of a thaler and a pfennig):

Valley economy: ~20,000 thaler a week or 1M thaler a year
Rough estimates: 60% agriculture, 25% Mining and manufacturing, 15% Finance, commerce, and misc.
Valley population: ~200k

Typical weekly expenses for a comfortable lifestyle:

Noble:
2-10 thaler

City:
1 thaler

Town:
20-50 pfennig (0.2-0.5 thaler)

Village:
1-10 pfennig (.01 - .1 thaler)

Typical weekly pay by profession:

10 thaler: Expected pay for a major noble (Duke)
5 thaler: Expected pay for a significant noble (Earl)
2 Thaler: Expected pay for a minor noble (Baron)
1 Thaler: Expected pay for a petty noble (Knight)
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1 Thaler: Hiring a burgher (merchant, spy, etc)
50 pfennig: Hiring a skilled craft worker, mercenary, or professional soldier
10 pfennig: hiring a common worker or levy soldier
5 pfennig: hiring a peasant
1 pfennig: hiring a beggar or other outcast

Typical rents on an estate:
2-20 thaler, depending on size and wealth

A Proclamation from the Court

The Royal Court in Kingstown has, with great deliberation and care, decided that our Valley shall elect a new monarch from among the noble houses of the realm. All who wish to stand as candidates must come to the capital and submit under oath before the Gods at the Cathedral of Light to obey by the decisions of this council. Our new ruler shall be elected by a majority vote of the noble houses in attendance. The Court has formed a Regency Council which will mediate all disputes and be the final arbiter of the Law in this matter.

May peace reign in the Valley.

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Foreigners plotting to destroy us??

Everyone knows that our Valley is the greatest nation in this world. Foreign nations are seeking to TAKE OUR WEALTH and DESTROY OUR COUNTRY. Thanks to our two strong forts on the border, they will not succeed. But our brave captains need your help!! KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR FOREIGN GOODS AND SYMPATHIZERS. THEY ARE TRAITORS TO OUR REALM!!!!!

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Kingstown Weekly Press

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Kingstown Nobility eager for Election

After the recent proclamation from the Court, there has been a flurry of activity in noble circles around Kingstown. Everyone is preparing for guests and commotion. Our sponsor, Lady Himena, reminds the capital that this decision is the best for the peace and stability of the realm. The Church also supports the council, a huge snub to Duke Albrecht

So far, Count Elmit of Vestin has announced his full support for the Regency Council. With his name behind it, the outlying cities might be more inclined to stay away from the divisive action of backing a claimant and instead participate in this election for the good and stability of our realm.

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Coffee craze in Vestin

The past weeks have been excellent times in Vestin, despite the tragedy of our loss. People are swarming coffeehouses as suddenly the luxury good has become much more available to the general public. Our correspondent notes that Ryan's Corner is a lovely spot for an afternoon sit-down with company, and they have a fine selection of roasts available. For those with a sweet tooth, the Seahorse on Abbot Lane has been mixing coffee with chocolate for a delectable delight.

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