Markarth, 4E 201
Understone Keep, once relatively quiet, was now bustling. Messengers ran back and forth left and right, farmers and villagers came in with frightening tales, patrolling guards passed through, a merchant or two sold their wares to the men of the court. Jarl Krag had been forced to expand his court. The messy-haired middle-aged Nord could not rule the Reach alone, he needed men. Smart ones, at that. With intelligence, however, came ambition. And ambition, in the wrong places, could be dangerous.
He did like the men he had chosen, although his heart thumped loudly in his chest every time the talk turned to war.
"The Forsworn are moving east, Jarl," said one Charo Yor, a Redguard of a large stature. He had taken the place of the old Thane, and was the picture perfect image of a hero. The men adored him (and the women too). "I say we strike, run through their men and women whilst they have their backs turned."
"No," grunted Karnoth, "I will not go back on my word. My only hope is that they'll dash themselves upon the Stormcloak rebels and we'll be rid of two troubles. If not, and they do emerge victorious, I will make good on my word. The Forsworn will have the right to settle... eastern... and maybe a bit of the southern Reach."
"I do not think that is wise. They scare the people-"
"They scare them because they have no choice! This new leader seems... willing. Willing to work with us. If we can join our two groups together... our... small armies will become one larger one."
"As you say, sir. In other words, we've actually trained more men than we thought we could. A total of 23 new recruits joined us this morning, all ready to go out into the field."
"To be sure, however, I'm not entirely certain that we can armor incoming men, sir," the one who spoke us was Veltus Avenicci, who had family all across Skyrim, renowned for their moneykeeping skills. With him at his side, Krag was hopefully in a good position, "I would suggest... creation of a foundry... and getting new mines?"
"New mines... how?"
"Kolskeggr is held by Forsworn, a terrible calamity... however... we could take advantage of this. The Forsworn are by all means basic in terms of creation... an... economic venture might be profitable."
"Eurgh. Stop throwing words around, Veltus. I get what you're saying. Send word to the Forsworn at once."
"And brother," said Harr, "We should send men to encampments like Karthspire, make them proper."
"Indeed. Begin housing there at once, and send some older men to the settlements. I can't have anywhere raided, and I don't trust those Forsworn... yet. What of the siege fortifications?"
"Well, for one thing I would say we are now the largest fortress in Skyrim... well... next to Whiterun and Solitude, of course. Speaking of the Empire... a new soldier requests your presence. Quite an important one, too. You are a new Jarl, I would suggest meeting him, in case his honor would be slighted. You know how these imperial types get."
"Right... I will ride with twenty men. See that the tasks are completed."
"Yes, sir!" they all call, standing as Karnoth Krag makes his way to exit the Keep. He had a restless night ahead of him, followed by a hard ride in the morning to whoever this new Imperial was.
-------------Actions-------------
23 men are recruited. They join the garrison at Markarth.
Jarl Krag, 15 soldiers, and 5 mages ride to meet Octavian. Several of the soldiers will be there to join the Imperial army, as a response to Octavian's request. They will arrive in ((1 page)).
Markarth begins construction of a foundry. It shall be ready in ((3 pages))
Markarth begins construction of a second smithy. It shall be ready in ((2 pages))
30 men head to guard Karthspire camp, 10 to Old Hroldan
A messenger is sent to the Forsworn, thanking them on their cooperation and offering an economic deal where the mined materials in Kolskeggr mine shall be processed by Markarth, for a small fee. They are asked if any assistance is needed.
20 men are sent to Whiterun to help with repairs.
Trade offers are sent to all Imperial holds, to see if any Jarls are in need of stone/metal.
Status on projects:
2 Farms: COMPLETE. Food production within the Reach is increased.
Siege fortifications: Complete. The defense of Markarth is increased.
Karthwasten walls: In progress ((1 pages))
Markarth foundry: Beginning ((3 pages))
New Markarth Smithy: Beginning ((2 pages))
Soldiers available:
Civilian militia: 101 (Markarth)
Guards: 353 (Markarth), 100 (Karthwasten), 30 (Old Hroldan), 30 (Darkspire), 15 (on the road to Octavian), 20 (en route to Whiterun)
15 Imperial Soldiers (Markarth)
Mages: 25 (Markarth), 5 (en route to Octavian)