Board Thread:Roleplaying/@comment-17114085-20160531165159/@comment-24696651-20160619210630

(A horse is going to move more than solid ground, regardless of how well anchored to the horse the archer. But that's not the point - the point is, regardless of how crack your Dragoons are, they're not going to relaibly shoot through the arrow slit.)

1st of Last Seed

After Ivarstead was in a decent state, Riften's armies had left. They had just returned to Riften, where several matters were up for discussion in the Council.

"Now we control the Rift, we can train more specialized forces for our military," Skuldar announced. "We don't have the new barracks, but we should be able to train 200 or so men with our existing barracks."

"What are you proposing?" Cynric asked, leaning back in his chair.

"A combined arms infantry unit," Skuldar explained. "It would consist of men armed with seven foot halberds and large, half-handed circle shields made from wood covered with a thin sheet of steel. They would also carry a curved longsword for close quarter combat. These pikemen would be supported by well drilled crossbowmen. They would fight in blocks fifty to two hundred men in size, and would fight five to ten men deep. I reckon we could train two hundred."

After a little discussion, the Council agreed to create Skuldar's infantry. Cynric then made his proposal.

"I am aware that the political realities of Riften mean that we will inevitably enter a war with one of our neighbours," Cynric began. "Rather than face our enemies head on, I think we should attack our enemy when he finds himself distracted. To that end, I propose we convince Falkreath to attack Riverwood. This will enable us to take Helgen and Neugrad when Jarl Robert is distracted, and in all probability gain an ally in Whiterun."

"Why don't we just attack Windhelm?" Skuldar asked. "Their army is busy in a campaign against Winterhold."

"They're army is as strong, if not stronger, than ours, and they are allied with Dawnstar. If we attack, they will respond with crushing force, but their Jarl currently must intergrate the conquered land. As a result, Korst will wait until campaign season next year before attacking.

"I will open communications with Jarl Robert, and send spies to create an oppurtunity for him."

The Council voted three to two in favour of the issue - Salma and Skuldar predictably supported Cynric's warmongering proposal, and Astata and Asjath voted against him.

Cynric was back in the Ragged Flaggon. His continuous absence was attracting attention, but the recent smuggling operation had been a resounding success despite the siege of Ivarstead. He was speaking to Gabriella Morgiah, a Dunmer Black Hood and gifted thief in her own right, but one possessed of a silver tongue and beautiful appearance which allowed her to charm herself out of any tricky situation with the guards.

"Gabriella, I have a job I'd like you to do," Cynric said. "But I need you to keep it secret from anyone else in the Guild. You game?"

"Sure," Gabriella smiled. "What do you need me to do?"

"First of all, I need to explain my constant absence," Cynric explained. "Have you ever noticed how the guards are always in the right place for you to slip by, no matter what job you're on?"

"Yeah," Gabriella frowned. "I figured it was just my own luck, but others have been saying the same thing."

"Well, in truth, I have infiltrated the Council of Riften. I can direct the guards to the right place for you, and I have access to their archives and storage rooms."

Gabriella raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.

"As part of the ruse, I help Riften in war, and as such, I need someone to incite a rebellion in the village of Rorikstead. Can you do that? You'll be paid well, of course."

"I follow the money," Gabriella laughed. "I'll set out tomorrow."

"Thanks, Gabriella."

Treasury Report, Midyear and Hearthfire of 5E 146

Since it seems I am the only person here with an inkling of fiscal responsibility, I have decided to work to enhance the income from the City of Riften, in order to fund your ridiculous military spending.

Revenue

City of Riften, Taxation and Tariffs: 90,000 gold

Town of Ivarstead, Taxation and Tariffs: 40,000 gold

Village of Heartwood, Taxation and Tariffs: 20,000 gold

Village of Shor's Stone, Taxation and Tariffs: 20,000 gold

Expenditure

Fort Treva, Maintenance and Soldiery: 20,000 gold

Fort Greenwall, Maintenance and Soldiery: 20,000 gold

Net Income: 130,000 gold

Treasury Balance: 220,000 gold

Signed, Astata Vilica