Family Reunion

[Anastasia]

"Indeed."

Lorathana pauses but a moment before she adds, "Your heritage is showing, ma'am."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa shrugs. "And? Nations have done things the same way over and over. Some last, the majority do not. The ones that do, from what I recall of my historical studies, are the ones that value the prosperity of the regular people, even if only as a function to further elevate the nobility. There's obviously something there, why not explore it further? Most of the people here are refugees, mainly those from regular families. They fled mages and nobles alike once because of that sort of treatment. Why would they not do so again? Unless we give them a reason not to and confidence that oaths and promises can be relied on. We're mages with access to great magic. Why not use it to do those things?"

[Anastasia]

"As you wish, ma'am," Lorathana does not argue it, instead adding, "Then what of justice and crime?"

[Iron Dragoon]

"Mmm... Guards have a reputation for being at least a bit corruptable, but we also can't just going around and placing everyone under Geas. Maybe some sort of scrying function on an icon of station or office, that can be reviewed if needed. We'll have to do research into effective structures of law and justice, but I think for the interim we can do with a panel of magistrates and guards. Typical illegal things. No murder, assault, slavery. We can expand as needed."

[Anastasia]

"Of course, but the core of the law is elaboration and written law, not assumptions, " Lorathana says, "Perhaps a priest of Tyr or Helm could be of aid, or...Jarem." Her expression doesn't change in the slightest.

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa chuckles. "I'm not sure I want to bring religion into it. Zealotry lies that way. But perhaps they can help provide a core structure... I'll talk to him about it. I'm worried about the result being too militaristic, but it's a thought."

[Anastasia]

"Mm." A noise by Lorathana before she replies, "You've already chosen the Red Knight's help. Have you seen the common soldiers, spreading word and teachings to the researches and common mages, as well as refugees?"

[Iron Dragoon]

"I have. I'm not entirely happy with it, but we've never restricted religion before. It's more about it being built into the foundation of the nation. Once it's there, it won't go away. That gives a single religion almost a stranglehold on our Justice system. I don't want that, and I don't want them isolated and internal."

[Anastasia]

"Mmm-hmm," Lorathana agrees, "There is also another problem with that - those of serious demeanor and wise judgment tend towards deities like Tyr, Helm, the Red Knight and other deities tied to the laws. I have made a study of this, many serious judges go in that direction if they are not overly benevolent or malevolent."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods. "Perhaps, then, in an advisory role? A... review panel of sorts?"

[Anastasia]

"That might work," Lorathana says, "The point I'm making is that you can't exclude them because good judges tend to be drawn in that direction anyway."

[Iron Dragoon]

"I'm not opposed to them having a religion. I'm opposed to a single religion holding power, or our laws being based on religion. We're a group mages, and some of the magic we research will naturally tend towards more... unpleasant things, to most people. Necromancy is the easiest to point to. I can't imagine a judge of Tyr not being harsher towards that."

[Anastasia]

A slight nod by your assistant, who then adds, "On another note, druids are now a priority. Ma'am, I highly suggest you personally find a capable one or a set of capable ones. That will allow the maximization of our nascent farming efforts."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods.

"I'll to put some thought into it. I have difficulty imaging we'll find one willing to work with us that's anywhere close to my power, but the more powerful we can manage, the better. I'll talk to Madala. More of her people go out and travel and adventure. One of them may already have a contact. If nothing else, I can try some divination on it. I think one powerful one to help spearhead the research will be the most immediately useful. A few less powerful ones might be enough to implement things after the research is done. They may be of use in designing an extra-dimensional greenhouse spell as well."

[Anastasia]

A nod from Lorathana, "Yes, ma'am. What of mineral production, mining, fishing, forestry and other means of resource extraction?"