Empire 6: Embers of Dawn IC

[Aedilred]

Henanda, Round 7

News and Rumours

• News of the invasion of the shadows from the west is met with horror across all tribes. Etelis calls all tribal leaders to a conference at the Standing Stone to discuss what is to be done.
• The Hapēzi claim that the trolls have brought this upon themselves by violating the ancient taboo on westward exploration and that this disaster is on their own heads. Ovozru of the Hengala argues that this small kingdom can add little and if the great armies of Lungho Sar and the Sirrvadut cannot hold the shadows at bay, the Bannanda forces cannot be expected to. Moreover, in the absence of the tribes' greatest war-leader, whatever troops can be supplied are further weakened.
• The Azipāra go further: the invasion represents an opportunity and the tribes should seize it to claim more territory while their neighbours are distracted in fighting the shadows. This viewpoint is generally unpopular, however, and is eventually withdrawn.
• The leaders of the Ashihi argue en masse against military intervention. Already rather averse to warfare, the Shadows strike them with an existential terror and they consider that the interests of the people would be best served by shoring up the kingdom's own defences rather than sending expeditions abroad. This viewpoint is generally supported by the Hūena and the king's sister, speaking for the Hilelmē.
• Only a few voices are raised in favour of sending troops, among them Andronikos, the former Sentinel hero - who accepts the Hapēzi position but nevertheless feels it incumbent upon the tribes to take the fight to the invaders.
• Eventually it is agreed that no troops will be sent (although volunteers will not be prevented from departing). The shūvāchē will be implored to assist the peoples of the west in defending themselves against these monsters, but the kingdom will concentrate on mustering its own forces in case the western regions are overrun.
• There is still no sign of Ocēmis. Fears begin to grow that he has vanished altogether.

Actions
[Military] Ocēmis, still unwilling to return home, resolves to press on westwards in the hope of yet greater discovery, even without Aruni by his side. He bids her a fond farewell as she returns home to address the issue with the shadows while he continues his journey from 240 into the unknown western lands. Success!
[Military] Recruit a unit
[Opulence] Buyout Pearls (fail)
[Opulence] Buyout Artisans (fail)
[Faith] Seek aid for the Vygra in their battle against the Shadows in region 208(14 - success!)

Non-Actions

• Accept any embassies offered
• Accept any technologies offered
• Resist all conversions
• Oppose all unauthorised buyouts
• Use one favour from the Sentinels of the Stone to increase Ocēmis's hero score to 10

Spoiler: Ruler stats

Show

Paramount Chief (King) Etelis

D 3
M 5
O 6
F 3
I 4

Next round +1 Military +1 Opulence