wkernochan
Lieutenant (Junior Grade)
Posts: 44
Joined: Mon May 18, 2015 1:47 pm
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Just as a naïve exercise, I thought I'd guess at what happens in North Harchong between war's end and snippet 2 that resulted in this kind of overthrow. It goes like this:
Phase 1, fall 898-spring 899: The shortages, inflation, and indebtedness resulting from the war rebound on all COGA economies, including the Harchongese. Starvation for many serfs is the result, with attendant uprisings, but these lack force due to the absence of the serfs in the army. Meanwhile, the start of Duchairn's reforms falls with especial force on the Harchongese clergy, since these were especially favored (in particular Chihirites and Schuelerites) under Clyntahn. This, in turn, weakens both their political power in the COGA and their ability to convert that to economic control of their Harchongese estates. Thus, some of the funding for suppression of serf rebellions is reduced.
Phase 2, spring 899-start of 900. Economic activity in North Harchong begins to improve, but at a very slow pace given North Harchong's lack of infrastructure and emphasis on land as a criterion of political power. By contrast, South Harchong is able to bounce back much better, since inland-canal infrastructure is still intact and it is better equipped to begin rebuilding a merchant fleet. There are increasing murmurs of unrest in North Harchong's clergy about Duchairn's initial attempts to revise doctrine in order to reach a modus vivendi with Charis and Siddermark.
In summer, Emperor Waisu decides to issue a formal ban on the return of the Mighty Host. Continuing low-level serf unrest plus strong opposition by the nobility (and clergy) leads to this move. The Mighty Host, meanwhile, has wintered in the Temple Lands, where it is a welcome counterweight to the disruptive presence of Siddermarkian refugees, and sharing supplies with the locals has won them some significant approbation, especially when readjustment of borders occurred. Thus, its ongoing presence in the Temple Lands is leading many of its members to consider settling there permanently -- similar climate, little or no serfdom, and some extra land available due to the ravages of the recent invasion. Rainbow Waters works effectively with duChairn to keep matters under control once the (anticipated) ban arrives.
Phase 3, 901: The ban, as noted does not require universal oaths, and some of the serfs of the Mighty Host return clandestinely to North Harchong, quietly abetted by their superiors. The same is not true of Harchong enforcement, that is, of the Emperor's Spears seconded to the Mighty Host. It is in the countryside, therefore, that the initial effects of the influx of trained serfs begins to be felt. They introduce the idea of coordination and guerilla tactics, establishing a North Harchong network of "cells". Initially, the Harchongese military does not detect the change in tactics, only perceiving a slight increase in the ongoing "brush fire" of flareups, apparently due to the continuing economic hardships.
The clergy of North Harchong is now quite concerned with duChairn's reforms. However, the clergy of South Harchong are much more mixed in their reactions. The resulting infighting prevents a coherent move to break off from the COGA and establish a "purified" church. The Mighty Host begins informally to settle in the Temple Lands permanently.
Phase 4, 902: The serf "rebellion network" is now fully functional, has established initial branches in the cities, and is now following a long-term strategy. This manifests itself during the year as extreme danger should enforcement travel in the countryside away from the roads or in small groups. Thus, enforcement travels in large groups, effectively leaving significant parts of the countryside controlled by the rebels. In reaction, the court considers removing the ban for former Emperor's Spears, but decides it is too risky, as these may have been "infected" and might therefore choose to aid the rebels instead. Rainbow Waters is blamed for the unrest, as there is some sense that the very example of the Mighty Host is corroding serf obedience.
The incipient North Harchongese church rupture is halted as clergy grow increasingly uneasy about their properties. These feel the need for religious backing for bringing the power of the COGA to bear on serf religious belief -- establishing a separate church would mean that serfs would be more skeptical of anathemas on revolt pronounced by a less than fully accepted brand of COGA. However, the continuing tensions on all sides prevent the COGA from intervening in the conflict at all.
At the end of the year, the North Harchongese court bureaucracy concludes that the only way to reverse the successes of the rebellion is to expedite delivery of newer, more powerful weapons that allow smaller groups to be more successful against rebel slings and guerilla tactics. Due to North Harchongese deficiencies in production, these will not be available until … Snippet 2.
Comments? Condescension? Barely suppressed laughter?
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