Cauldron Festival

[Corwin]

Nodding slowly to herself, Seira savors the cheese and has another piece.

[Anastasia]

As you do, "Even in the height of the Malmuth empire, traveling from north to south and seeing both seas was rare. Without magic, a simple disease can and often did prove fatal to travelers. Geography was and still largely is the province of the rich, powerful or magical. Geographical traditions are largely inherited from the Malmuthian Empire, which never seriously entertained the idea the two oceans were connected."

[Corwin]

"It makes sense, especially given they have different flora and fauna," Seira agrees. "Still, not only are we making travel more accessible and cheaper, but a great deal of land is slowly coming within reach."

[Anastasia]

"Frankly, it's a matter of quiet political discussion." Abagail says, "Some in the Baronies are interested in expanding - many are still old bloodlines from the old Empire, even if they rebelled." Here she pauses as Oraga grabs some of the other cheese, chewing silently. A faint smile, "I hope you enjoy it, that's my best Barony Red Rind and Barony Blue. Anyway, some people are thinking expansion, but the Fiefdoms are considered to culturally distinct and warfare there is more trouble than it's worth for an invader, though magic is changing that. To the east? Pallanth is too tightly allied. So it's either absorbing more of the old Empire and taking over where it left off or looking for colonies. The wastelands will help feed that more and more in time, but people are looking beyond that, too."

[Corwin]

"Beyond that?" Seira asks in surprise. "The Wastelands are larger than Malmuth, the Baronies and the Fiefdoms come together, and the Eastern reaches are vast as well, while their original inhabitants are too few in number to settle all of that land. What more could people want? And where would they be looking at?"

Said surprise doesn't prevent Seira from trying Barony Blue, of course.

[Anastasia]

It's an extremely strong taste, dominating your mouth.

Think blue cheese, if you've ever had it.

To this Abagail shakes her head, "The Baronies are blessed unlike any other country. When all goes well for you, do you wisely count your blessings or do you seek more? Not all of the Baronies are wise, though Commander Oberuth has generally used his influence to keep them in check. Relatedly, do you remember the annexation of Valandia?""

[Corwin]

"I aimed for it to provide the Baronies with a buffer while simultaneously warning Malmuth of what will happen if they don't change their course."

[Anastasia]

"I remember there being a lot of mixed feelings," Abagail says, "But the Empire is no more. The Baronies have no more real enemies locally. Personally, I think that's important and why the Commander is intent on the Guard staying strong."

[Corwin]

Seira can't believe anyone would assault Balmuria itself, but she does remember fears that the Baronies will continue to expand, slowly becoming the new Malmuth empire. Then, the right sort of spark would set off a fresh civil war.

"I've often wondered what would've happened had I simply seized control of the Empire," she muses out loud. "Well, no matter. You were about to tell me how much of the Wastes we've managed to restore from the damage deities fighting on Prime caused during the God-King war?"

[Anastasia]

"It depends on how you classify it," Abagail says, "If by reclaim you mean it's theoretically habitable, about 30%. By fully restored, 10%, with the other 20% in varying stages of recovery. We're focusing on steady, slow expansion since there are still monsters and difficulties to become overcome. Shocker lizards are common, be it in the wasteland or in the restored land. Dire animals seem to occur there with a far greater regularity as well as strange animal and creature births that are aberrations. Fortunately, sentient creatures seem immune to this phenomenon. It means we're taking it slow, making sure new settlements are properly protected. It's very much a frontier. Additionally, forests have to be raised and grown, which takes time, so that there's basic things like wood available without importing."

Oraga then adds, rumblingly, "But you tame the land."

"We tame the land," Abagail agrees. "The Archbaron was convinced to give tax exemptions to settlers there as they establish themselves, which helps ensure more settlers."

[Corwin]

"Do you need any help from me? At the very least, I could have Elle upgrade the global transportation network and tie up the frontier to it."

[Anastasia]

"That's a good idea. We have a regional capital developing as a city, it's name Salman." Abagail says. "A portal there would help, as well as help supplies reach the frontier."

[Corwin]

"Sure thing. Draw up a list of places that you think will benefit from a portal. I've got a great new spell that streamlines travel, too!"

The pace of reclamation is fairly slow, Seira reflects but abstains from saying. Still, if Abagail doesn't ask for more help on that front, then Seira herself will just have to be patient.

"What about the eastern reaches? I remember deferring the formal establishment of relations until they managed to recover from their Crusades, and I do receive my share of prayers from there, but it doesn't really serve to give me a proper idea about their relations with the Baronies and Pallanth."

[Anastasia]

"I visited there a few years ago," Abagail says, "They're recovering from an unthinkable cultural and social freeze. They're very much distant and only the domain of mages to explore for now. They'll be spending more time introspective yet, but the mood is hopeful. They're free, and that's the important thing. I know a few are in the Baronies and Balmuria, if you want to meet one."

[Corwin]

"I want to have a reason to visit again soon, so that's when I'll do it," Seira responds, getting another slice of Barony Red Rind. She's in the mood for a milder taste. "Should we connect them to the rest of the world? Or establish a colony over, with their permission?"