Revolution of Callisto

The Books for Revolution of Callisto

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 11:00:00 -0800

Revolution of Callisto

After a far-too-long delay, I've finally finished editing and formatting the book of letters for Revolution of Callisto. It includes all of the character sheets, the rules, and other assorted details.

News: Princesses and Co-operatives

Thu, 27 Jul 2017 07:30:00 -0700

The Village Tree

Sent each week to all of the villages of Callisto, providing news of events, instruction in laws, and discoveries relevant to every citizen. Available by subscription to farmers, pastoralists, landowners, rural inhabitants and friends.

Princess Marguerite Arrives in the Capital

The Princess Marguerite has arrived in the capital. Aside from modeling for new artworks, she has been inquiring about the treatment the of the common people. A tour of the provinces is reportedly being planned with the assistance of the Inspector General to observe their fair treatment for herself.

Former Noble Estates Registered as Co-Operatives

Many of the estates which formerly belonged to the nobility, who have now emigrated, have been turned over to the local farmers. Under supervision by local Grange or appointed managers, they are being run as co-operatives. A few nobles who have returned have applied to become managers, under the ruling by the National Assembly to transfer aristocratic rights to functional positions if the applicants are willing to apply in person.

State of the Revolutionary Republic

Tue, 25 Jul 2017 17:00:00 -0700

The current state of the Republic of Equality.

It is currently Brumaire - the month of mist

Army

The National Army:
...is on the frontier with the Holy Rumi Empire
...is weakly loyal to the Republic
...has high morale
...is well-supplied with on material
...has adequate soldiers, disorganized

The National Navy:
...is small
...is low on material
...has high morale

Places

The Province of Toussaint is calm, with moderate food prices, disrupted commerce, and an excellent harvest. However, the food distribution has kept the population fed. Toussaint is weakly loyal to the Princess Marguerite and the crown.

The province of Amalric is calm with moderate food prices, stable commerce, an excellent harvest, and good fishing. The food distribution has kept the population fed. Amalric is weakly loyal to the Republic.

The province of Adelais is calm, with moderate food prices, stable commerce, and good fishing. However, the food distribution has kept the population fed. Adelais is weakly loyal to the Princess Marguerite and the King.

Merovia, the Capital City is beset with violent royalist outbursts, with moderate food prices and disrupted commerce. The food distribution has kept the population fed. The Revolutionist and the Monarchists argue loudly in the streets.
The city guard is strongly loyal to the National Assembly.

Politics

The National Assembly is:
...the Moderate Society of Revolution is ascendant.
Major political clubs: Friends of the Constitution, Highlanders, Moderate Society of Revolution, Populist Children of Equality
The National Finances are rich.

Currently Debating:
Nothing

Previously Debating:

Establishing a national food distribution infrastructure (passed)
Increased Military Allotment: ✔ ✔ ✔ (passed)
The Trial of King Martel XVII: forced abdictation and exile: (passed) ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Offices:

Treasurer
General of the Armies
Department of Science
Deputy to the Minister of Citizens

Projects

Food preservation: ☑ ☑ ☐
Fishing Fleet: ☑ ☑ ☑ ☐
Painting of Amalric Harbor: ☑ ☑ (completed)
Mining in the Southwest: ☑ ☑ ☑ (completed)
Food shipments to the capital: ☑ ☑ (completed)
Amalric Harbor: ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ (completed)
Southwestern Scientific Expedition: ☑ ☑ ☑ (completed)

News: Violence and Bureaucracy

Tue, 25 Jul 2017 13:00:00 -0700

The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

National Food Distribution Continues with Less Fanfare

While the food distribution is less necessary now that the bountiful harvest is in, the deliveries have continued to areas still in need. The National Assembly has directed the Census Department to stamp the sign of the Republic on them to mark which deliveries came from the official distribution.

Mob Violence in the Capital

In the aftermath of the mayor's assassination, violent gangs preaching loyalty to the monarchy have killed a dozen of the city guard. Other citizens were also caught up in the violence, and there was some loss of life.

News: Spheres and Services

Thu, 20 Jul 2017 10:50:00 -0700

The Village Tree

Local Parishes Share in Rationing and Bounty

It's not only the villagers and farmers who have looked forward to the bounty of the fall harvest: the priests and monks in the provinces have been glad of the relief as well. Throughout the lean times, the local parishes have been sharing what little they had with the populace. With the now ample food supply, the bread distribution at the local parishes has ceased, but the services are still well attended.

Sphere Missing

The Treasury Department is making inquiries as to the whereabouts of one of the metallic spheres, which has apparently gone missing. Not only is there no sign of it, the wagons and crew transporting it seem to have vanished as well.

Local Beliefs About the Spheres

While our scientists may be baffled by the discovery of the large metallic spheres, the provincial villages have been spreading a traditional legend and applying it to them. Apparently, the symbology of the great sphere and its location hearken back to an archaic pantheon of varying chaotic or indifferent gods. These "Great Old Ones" were large non-humanoids from different realms and viewed humanity as playthings. The myth portends that such large symbols where used to mark the dominion of certain Old God and warn others to stay away. The provincial priests have been at pains to dismiss these stories as obvious falsehoods.

News: Mayor Assassinated

Wed, 19 Jul 2017 07:00:00 -0700

The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

Mayor Daunou Found Dead In City Council Chamber

At the beginning of yesterday's weekly council meeting, Council members arrived to find an unlabeled parcel awaiting their arrival. Inside this parcel was a pair of severed hands, still bloody and bearing a signet ring. Mayor Daunou’s signet ring. Beneath the hands, was a note, written in crimson ink. 'Such is the punishment for a thief', it read. The City Guard was called for at once and immediately set out to find the missing, and presumably handless, Mayor.

They found him in less than an hour. He was on the balcony, overlooking the whole of the city. His hands were missing, of course. His body was strapped to a wooden post, set upright amidst a pile of burning logs. He was clad in naught but flesh and a fresh brand upon his chest.

The words "We Will Rise Again" were writ upon him in crimson, still hot from the iron. It was clear from his slackened jaw and eyeless face that he was already dead. City officials believe this to be the work of those loyal to the former King. No word has been given on any impending investigations.

We at the Merovian Review would like to say farewell to Mayor Aymeric Daunou, and wish his Daughter and Son the very best in this trying time. Any citizens who wish to attend the Mayor's funeral or aid his Son and unwed Daughter, please consult His Excellency, Bishop Remy of Merovia.

Sphere Being Examined at the Palace

One of the spheres that have been so frequently mentioned in the news has arrived at the palace, where it has been undergoing examination. Though many citizens have expressed interest in seeing it in person, so far it has not been on public display.

State of the Revolutionary Republic

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 11:30:00 -0700

The current state of the Republic of Equality.

It is currently Vendémiaire - The month of grape harvesting

Army

The National Navy:
...is small
...is low on material
...has high morale

Places

The Province of Toussaint is calm, with high food prices, disrupted commerce, and an excellent harvest. However, the food distribution has kept the population fed. Toussaint is weakly loyal to the Princess Marguerite and the crown.

The province of Amalric is calm, with high food prices, stable commerce, an excellent harvest, and good fishing. The food distribution has kept the population fed. Amalric is weakly loyal to the Republic.

The province of Adelais is calm, with moderate food prices, stable commerce, and good fishing. However, the food distribution has kept the population fed. Adelais is weakly loyal to the Princess Marguerite and the King.

Merovia, the Capital City is agitated, with moderate food prices and disrupted commerce. The food distribution has kept the population fed. The city is weakly loyal to the Revolution.
The city guard is strongly loyal to the National Assembly.

Politics

Currently Debating:
Nothing

Previously Debating:

Establishing a national food distribution infrastructure (passed)
Increased Military Allotment: ✔ ✔ ✔ (passed)
The Trial of King Martel XVII: forced abdictation and exile: (passed) ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Offices:

Treasurer
General of the Armies
Department of Science
Deputy to the Minister of Citizens

Projects

Food preservation: ☑ ☑ ☐
Fishing Fleet: ☑ ☑ ☑ ☐
Painting of Amalric Harbor: ☑ ☑ (completed)
Mining in the Southwest: ☑ ☑ ☑ (completed)
Food shipments to the capital: ☑ ☑ (completed)
Amalric Harbor: ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ (completed)
Southwestern Scientific Expedition: ☑ ☑ ☑ (completed)

News: Death and Paint

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 11:00:00 -0700

The Village Tree

Death and Disease in the Colony of the Touched

The colony on the Isle of Yeu, where those who suffer from the dreadful Touch of Evil, has been inflicted with further troubles, as more common diseases spread through the population. The shortages of the recent past left them vulnerable. While relief ships have alleviated the colony's immediate needs, for many they came too late.

The Touch is a particularly feared disease, a leprous numbness that has no cure. Those afflicted are exiled to the religious colony on the Isle of Yeu. There they are tended for however long their lives last. The local parishes send periodic supplies and relief, though there is only so much that they can do to relieve the suffering.

Painting of Amalric Harbor nears Completion

The painter commissioned to commemorate the opening of the new harbor is reportedly nearly finished. While few citizens have been allowed to see the work in progress, the artist is a frequent guest at local festivities.

The Provincial Voice

Wed, 12 Jul 2017 11:50:00 -0700

The Provincial Voice

Local News You Can Use

Local Artwork On Display In Capital

Some of the artwork on load from our parish in Amalric is on display in the National Museum. We applaud this display of our province's cultural achievements.

Funding For Military

The National Treasury has arranged for the increased funding for the army to be issued in assignats backed by the profitable mines in the southwest. Therefore, despite the increased conscription and our armies being better supplied, the treasury is as solvent as it ever was.

Early Frost In the North

An early frost has affected the harvests in the northern parts of the country, damaging the vineyards.

Citizens Celebrate The Release of the King

Reports from our friends in the capital tell us that after the verdict of the king's trial was announced, the streets were filled with throngs of citizens singing the Adelaisaise and waving the colors. We here in the country hare happy to hear that the king's head is safe, but we're equally concerned with the basic, kitchen-table concerns.

The food distribution, the road building, the defense against bandits: these are our practical concerns. What good is it for the Republic to scare off our noble landlords if they're just going to turn around and sell the land to the New Men? At least we have the Grange to look after our own.

Experiments in Food Preservation

The University is conducting experiments in improved food preservation. They hope to use a previously worthless metal as part of the containers, and are working out the best methods of keeping food edible for longer periods.

Treasury Puzzled by Large Spherical Delivery

Our friends working as porters at the Treasury Department report that they are baffled by the arrival of a large metallic sphere, and aren't sure what to do with the thing.

Raid in Rumi?

There are reports from the border that a Rumi magazine has been seized, and its arms and artillery taken. Accounts vary as to whether this was caused by an unauthorized expedition of our soldiers, overexcited and inebriated from the harvest festival, or by Rumi revolutionaries within the town itself.

City Guard Searching For Counterrevolutionary Ringleaders

The city guard continues its search for the ringleaders of the radical counterrevolutionary movement. Why, last month even our own Frederick Chouhomme got caught up in the sweep. They let him go soon enough, since he was only in the capital to support our king in his hour of need, but his mother did have such a fright!

If anyone has information about any they may be hiding somewhere in the city, or they might have fled to the country disguised as laborers.

State of the Revolutionary Republic

Tue, 11 Jul 2017 07:00:00 -0700

The current state of the Republic of Equality.

It is currently Fructidor - The month of fruit

Army

The National Navy:
...is small
...is low on material
...has high morale

Places

The Province of Toussaint is celebrating, with high food prices, disrupted commerce, and an excellent harvest. However, the food distribution has kept the population fed. Toussaint is weakly loyal to the Princess Marguerite and the crown.

The province of Amalric is celebrating, with high food prices, stable commerce, an excellent harvest, and good fishing. The food distribution has kept the population fed. Amalric is weakly loyal to the Republic.

The province of Adelais is celebrating, with moderate food prices, stable commerce, and good fishing. However, the food distribution has kept the population fed. Adelais is weakly loyal to the Princess Marguerite and the King.

Merovia, the Capital City is celebrating, with moderate food prices and disrupted commerce. The food distribution has kept the population fed. The city is weakly loyal to the Revolution.
The city guard is strongly loyal to the National Assembly.

Politics

The National Assembly is:
...the Moderate Society of Revolution is dueling with the Friends of the Constitution.
Major political clubs: Friends of the Constitution, Highlanders, Moderate Society of Revolution, Populist Children of Equality
The National Finances are rich.

Currently Debating:
Nothing

Previously Debating:

Establishing a national food distribution infrastructure (passed)
Increased Military Allotment: ✔ ✔ ✔ (passed)
The Trial of King Martel XVII: forced abdictation and exile: (passed) ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Offices:

Treasurer
General of the Armies
Department of Science
Deputy to the Minister of Citizens

Projects

Food preservation: ☑ ☐ ☐
Fishing Fleet: ☑ ☑ ☑ ☐
Painting of Amalric Harbor: ☑ ☐
Mining in the Southwest: ☑ ☑ ☑ (completed)
Food shipments to the capital: ☑ ☑ (completed)
Amalric Harbor: ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ (completed)
Southwestern Scientific Expedition: ☑ ☑ ☑ (completed)

News: Special Provincial Edition

Sun, 09 Jul 2017 11:00:00 -0700

The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion Special Provincial Edition

Religious Observance

With the trials of the spring and summer behind them, the parishes are still recording the faithful participation of the peasants. The observation of the Doctrine Universal, as it is practiced by the common-folk, is as strong as it ever was–perhaps even stronger. The virtue of the Righteous Acts is extolled.

Provincial Volunteers

Many local militias, trained by Albert Franshis and inspired by the local monks, have been seeking to volunteer for service in the National Army.

Celebrations in the Provinces

Across the land, celebrations were held to commemorate that the king's escape from the executioner. Many of the rural folk pinned colored ribbons to their gateposts. Processions were organized, with towns coming together and holding feasts on the estates of the emigrated nobles. The Princess Marguerite has become popularly associated with the people's love toward the monarchy, and it is her colors that are most in evidence.

The Verdict

Fri, 07 Jul 2017 15:50:00 -0700

The Trial of A Monarch

Here in the city of Merovia, something unprecedented has been happening: the person of the law, in the shape of Martel XVII of Callisto, has been accused by the legislators of the law, in the shape of the relatively recently constituted National Assembly. Despite the king's proclamation that he is the law, there are still bars on his prison windows. He has been confined to the Fortress of the Templars ever since his attempt to flee to the border went disastrously wrong.

The trial has preoccupied much of the National Assembly's attention in these past few months. While public opinion was initially extremely prejudiced against the former monarch, the Moderate Society of Revolution has been advocating on the king's behalf. And in this, they have broad popular support. While the king is still quite unpopular within the city, the rest of the country regards him in a better light. Princess Margarete's relief efforts have helped keep the regard for the royal family high, and even in the city she is quite popular. It has also not escaped the notice of the public that there has been a constant vigil outside the king's prison; the popular label for these individuals is "The Witnesses in White", owing, no doubt, to the garments they wear. They have received material and moral support from much of the countryside, even from regions that have been throughly educated with the ideals of the Republic. That many already regarded the king as a martyr of sorts for his country was evident. An actual execution threatened to set off half the country.

The news that the National Assembly had nearly reached a verdict brought the arguments in the cafés to a fever pitch. The National Assembly had been deadlocked, with execution looking likely. The arrival of the Archbishop, dispatched to personally review the results of the trial served to heighten the drama.

Once the final votes were tallied, the outcome was clear: abdication but not execution. The verdict is that the former monarch be dethroned and removed from the Republic, but that his life shall be spared.

News: Life Under the Republic

Thu, 06 Jul 2017 16:00:00 -0700

The Village Tree

Country Life Under the Republic

Life in the countryside is adapting to the new conditions. As a practical matter–and our rural citizens are often very practical–food preservation remains a major concern, but life goes on under the Republic, with a few adjustments. All pitch in. With the nobility absent, the duty of officiating at the seasonal feasts has devolved on the Grange and the local priests. Even the guards from the capital have been recruited to pick the ripe fruits on occasion.

The monarchy still has supporters in the provinces, and the king is praised for standing up against the worst of the lords of the land. News from the king's trial is greeted eagerly. Many in the provinces speak of a bloody retribution if the king is executed, but so far that is just talk. More practical assistance is provided by those monarchist supporters who have traveled to the capital to provide food and support to the citizens who have been standing vigil outside the king's prison, dressed in white.

Verdict in King's Trial Unexpectedly Delayed

Due to the extremely narrow margins in the debate, the expected verdict for the king's trial (and possible execution) has not yet been voted on. While the results are expected before this month is over, the National Assembly is conducting a careful review of the evidence in the case.

Many groups are using the delay to push their rhetoric about the trial and it's potential outcomes. The representatives of the Holy Seat insist that for the trial to have the blessing of the Doctrine Universal, there must at the very least be an Executor in attendance. Other demonstrate in the streets, waving ribbons with the colors of Princess Marguerite.

Summer Harvests Are Excellent

The summer harvests have exceeded even the optimistic expectations! Now the problem of preserving enough of it to benefit is no longer a mere academic question but one of immediate practicality. There is a shortage of hands to do all that needs doing, and the traditional methods of storing the fruit harvest are inadequate in the face of this bounty. If some way of addressing this problem is found, the Republic's food supply will be in a very good position. But we fear the result if this bounty is lost and a future famine strikes.

News: Mysteries and the Military

Wed, 05 Jul 2017 14:00:00 -0700

The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

Military Allotment Approved

The National Assembly approved the increased allotment of funding for the national military, including the conscription of additional soldiers from the citizenry. Our armies are now at least adequately supplied for the defense of our Republic.

Bandits in the countryside can now be firmly considered a thing of the past. Not only are the military patrols effective deterrents, but the recruitment has opened a better avenue for the members of the citizenry who are desperate or violently-inclined.

Science at a loss?

The large metal spheres so recently discovered in the southwest are baffling our best scientists. The University is refusing to make an official statement, but members of the academy who were willing to speak anonymously repeated stories of strange occurrences, a missing colleague, and otherworldly danger.

Persons of Interest Wanted for Questioning

The city guard has announced that it is seeking information about the whereabouts of persons of interest in connection with the recent unrest in the city. Anyone with information about these individuals should report it to the city guard at once.

State of the Revolutionary Republic

Tue, 04 Jul 2017 07:00:00 -0700

The current state of the Republic of Equality.

It is currently Thermidor - the month of summer heat

Army

The National Army:
...is on the frontier with the Holy Rumi Empire
...is weakly loyal to the Republic
...has high morale
...is low on material
...has few soldiers, disorganized

The National Navy:
...is small
...is low on material
...has high morale

Places

The Province of Toussaint is calm, with high food prices, disrupted commerce, and a good planting. However, the food distribution has kept the population fed. Toussaint is weakly loyal to the Princess Marguerite and the crown.

The province of Amalric is calm, with high food prices, stable commerce, a good planting, and good fishing. The food distribution has kept the population fed. Amalric is weakly loyal to the Republic.

Politics

Currently Debating:

The Trial of King Martel XVII, likely to end in Royal Execution and the Permanent Abolition of the Monarchy (about to deliver a verdict): ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔
Increased Military Allotment: ✔ ✔ ✔ (passed)

Previously Debating:

Establishing a national food distribution infrastructure (Passed)

Offices:

Treasurer
General of the Armies
Department of Science
Deputy to the Minister of Citizens
Representatives on Mission: 1

Projects

Fishing Fleet: ☑ ☑ ☑ ☐
Painting of Amalric Harbor: ☑ ☐
Mining in the Southwest: ☑ ☑ ☑ (completed)
Food shipments to the capital: ☑ ☑ (completed)
Amalric Harbor: ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ (completed)
Southwestern Scientific Expedition: ☑ ☑ ☑ (completed)

News: Unrest and Profit

Mon, 03 Jul 2017 09:00:00 -0700

The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

Unrest in the Capital

The newly-trained city guard has continued the militia's arrests of seditionists and citizens who participate in unruly gatherings. The mood in the capital is agitated, though representatives from the Courts assure us that the ringleaders of the insurrections have been safely locked up.

Workers Profit From Mines

The mining operation in the southwest is bolstering both the Treasury and the worker's pockets. While the bulk of the output is being used to back the Treasury's new issue of currency, the workers are receiving direct share of the substantial profits as part of the compensation for their labor.

News: Princesses and Martyrs

Sat, 01 Jul 2017 14:00:00 -0700

The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

Fewer Bandits in the Country

Between the training of the village militia by Albert Franshis from the National Military Academy and the reassignment of soldiers who were formerly keeping the peace in the capital city, fewer problems with bandits have been reported of late. With more work in the fields and docks and fewer deserters from the army, the life of a bivouacking brigadier is looking less attractive. Soon we'll be able to venture back out into the country again without constantly fearing for purse and person.

Full Field Forecasts Fuel Famine Fears

While the harvest forecasts are bright and sunny, there is a cloud on the horizon: preserving it long enough to eat. Food preservation has always been a constant concern of the country-folk, but with food-stocks that are already precarious the problem is how to preserve the surplus in enough quantity to weather the next famine.

Moderate Society of Revolution Pushes Clemency

The Moderate Society of Revolution has been winning friends in the National Assembly with their new plans to avoid turning the former king into a Royalist martyr. They fear that an execution would lead to a swell of support for the counter-revolutionaries and royalists. For the moment, the Moderate Society of Revolution has the support of both the moderates and the royalist-sympathizers in the capital, putting their political power on a firm foundation.

Princess Marguerite Gains Support

The Princess Marguerite has become a very popular figure in the countryside, due to her efforts to provide food during the worst of the famine. Her household stamp was on many a delivery of much-needed food, and many of the peasants have taken to wearing the ribbons of her colors. Her actions mean that the royal family has remained popular despite the trial.

The actions of the speculators and entrepreneurs who bought of the estates of the former nobility–those the country folk have taken to calling the New Men–have proved unpopular, and many in the countryside blame the revolutionaries for the problems they have endured.

Diplomats Arrive From Cassano

The diplomats from Cassano have taken up residence in the upper floors of City Hall. They will be meeting with representatives from the city and the National Assembly in a secure location.

Society Column

By The Original Cranckenthorpe

Mme Préjean, formerly of the capital and of late of Amalric Province, and Minet, educated at the National University, celebrated their wedding this week. Their entertainments are expected to be delightful, and word has it that they have laid in an extensive supply of the best coffee.

News: The Grange and the Execution

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 07:20:00 -0700

The Village Tree

The Grange

Our local community-organized farming collectives go by different names in different places, but one of the most common names is the Grange. Unlike urban guilds – the masons, the laceworkers, the jewelers, the tinsmiths, the bookbinders – the Grange has been described as more like an extended family. By rule, every Grange includes both men and women.

Some Granges have a hall, particularly in Adelais and Toussanint, while an Amalaric Grange hall is more likely to be a borrowed barn. Some of the richer areas have elaborate ceremonies, and a few have a hall erected by a member of the local nobility with extensive agricultural landholdings.

The green-hatted Grange representatives organize dances, store food, and make preparations against the chance of famine. They also act as an informal network of agricultural knowledge and aid in the establishments of new farms and families.

Execution of the Monarch

The trial of the Monarch has come to a close: barring any last-minute surprises, the vote to execute the king and permanently abolish the monarchy will pass. The former king has refieved little to no support in defending him against the accusations.

A Homily: The Sixth Precept of the Doctrine Universal

Sixth Precept: Statements in peace are more lasting than those in anger.

A prize for invention?

There are rumors of a proposed prize for inventors. The prize is currently held up by discussions of funding, but we're sure that if it is implemented we will see a great many clever new innovations.

Mining in the Southwest

Despite the recent storms the plans to begin mining precious metals in the southwestern peninsula is progressing. The undertaking is backed by the Treasury Department, which has given notice that will be issuing notes backed by the mined gold and silver.

News: Storms and Education

Thu, 29 Jun 2017 10:00:00 -0700

The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

Storms in Adelais

The southlands have been wracked by fierce storms, causing much trouble in that region. The Adelais coast was particularly affected. There's some concern that this may have affected the mining operations when are beginning at the deposits discovered in the southwest.

Education for the Masses in Amalaric

The establishment of a university in Amalric has been well-received by the citizens there, as have the schools in the surrounding countryside. The practical instructions on agriculture and commercial mathematics have been well-attended, as our citizen farmers avail themselves of the opportunity for education. The political instruction has been effective as well: the instructions on political science have awakened a consciousness of citizenship in the great project of the Republic. Citizen Aurelie, headmistress of the new university, is to be commended.

An Ancient Account of the Spheres

An acolyte from the National Cathedral has noticed that the spheres so recently discovered in our country sound very similar to something described in the Wise Writings of Retaro, one of the oldest and almost apocryphal parts of the Doctrine Universal. There they are called, freely translated, the "rotund engines of the vivid adversary".

Diplomats from Cassano

At the start of Messidor, a delegation of diplomats from Cassano arrived in the capital. They are here to discuss the the foreign policy of the Republic.

The Doctrine Universal in the Republic

The remaining bishops in our Republic–those who have not emigrated or been removed because of corruption– have been embracing the active culture of discussion encouraged by the nature of our Republic. The philosophy and organizational structure of the Doctrine Universal seems amenable to this development, embracing the new participatory transparency, at least within our borders.

Speaking of corruption and transparency, the Holy Seat has sent the Archbishop Marcellus, formerly of the now disbanded Examination Order of the All-Seeing Eye. No doubt the Archbishop will embody the Third Precept of the Doctrine Universal: "Punish evil with righteousness and good with good."

State of the Game #2

Wed, 28 Jun 2017 17:00:00 -0700

As we move into Messidor, the game continues to be active, with a total of 111 letters sent. There are currently ten players, with nine of them having sent at least one letter this past week.

Most players got exactly two letters over the past week, with a few getting more or less. Hopefully that isn't too overwhelming. On the other hand, if you'd like to get more mail, just drop me a note and I'll inform your contacts.

You've collectively managed to get quite a lot done, as we enter the mid-game. I've seen some particularly clever uses of narrative authorities. Not to mention a number of creative stories that have surprised me.

As the National Assembly draws near to a vote on some important issues, remember that any character can warn of the effects of those votes if they pass, even if your character isn't on the National Assembly themselves.

Also, if you want to invoke your narrative authority, it's much easier for both of us if you describe what happened in the past tense. You have complete authority over this stuff, you can just describe what happened and what the consequences are! No need to wait for approval from someone else.

Items from the National Archives

Wed, 28 Jun 2017 13:50:00 -0700

From the Catalog of the National Archives

Painting: "Battle of Montequeue",

Shows General Nompress invading the Adeline Pass, amidst outnumbered odds against the invading forces of Cassano. A battle that came to be renown for the bottleneck tactic which won him the war.

Painting: "The Conqueror" by Maester Hobbs

A painting of King Bartholemeou standing on the corpse tribesmen from the east. A most impressive painting.

Document: "What's So Special About the Ordinary?"

a pamphlet on the liturgy of the Doctrine Universal
"The Ordinary typically spans the time between from Vivficia in Floréal to Praevisa in Brumaire. In Vivificia we celebrate His Conquering of Death and in Praevisa we celebrate His Birth and the fulfillment of the Prophecy of His Coming. In between those festivals however, the Ordinary is a time for the Church to focus on service to their constituents."

State of the Revolutionary Republic

Tue, 27 Jun 2017 13:00:00 -0700

The current state of the Republic of Equality.

It is currently Messidor - the month of harvest

Army

The National Army:
...is on the frontier with the Holy Rumi Empire
...is weakly loyal to the Republic
...has high morale
...is low on material
...has few soldiers, disorganized

The National Navy:
...is small
...is low on material
...has high morale

Places

The province of Amalric is calm, with high food prices, stable commerce, a good planting, and good fishing. The food distribution has kept the population fed. Amalric is weakly loyal to the monarchy.

The province of Adelais is calm, with moderate food prices, stable commerce, and good fishing. However, the food distribution has kept the population fed. Adelais is weakly loyal to the Revolution.

Merovia, the Capital City is calm, with moderate food prices and disrupted commerce. The food distribution has kept the population fed. The city is strongly loyal to the Revolution.
The city guard is strongly loyal to the National Assembly.

Politics

The National Assembly is:
...the Friends of the Constitution are in ascendance.
Major political clubs: Friends of the Constitution, Highlanders, Moderate Society of Revolution, Populist Children of Equality
The National Finances are rich.

Currently Debating:

The Trial of King Martel XVII, likely to end in Royal Execution and the Permanent Abolition of the Monarchy: ✘ ✔ ✔
Increased Military Allotment: ✔ ✔

Previously Debating:

Establishing a national food distribution infrastructure (Passed)

Offices:

Treasurer
General of the Armies
Department of Science
Deputy to the Minister of Citizens
Representatives on Mission: 1

Projects

Fishing Fleet: ☑ ☑ ☑ ☐
Painting of Amalric Harbor: ☑ ☐
Food shipments to the capital: ☑ ☑ (completed)
Amalric Harbor: ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ (completed)
Southwestern Scientific Expedition: ☑ ☑ ☑ (completed)

News: Census Counts and Community Cleaning

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 07:20:00 -0700

The Village Tree

Archbishop to Examine Royal Evidence

The Archbishop being sent by the Supreme Pontiff to our famed capital to weed out corruption has another mandate as well: to review the evidence presented at the Royal trial, which is proceeding even as we go to press.

Local Community Helps Out

At the behest of the resident housekeeper, the local Grange have been helping tidy up the estates that used to belong to Citizen Alexandre, making sure that everything is in good working order from top to bottom. Although the former owner is not in residence, it goes to show that our citizens can still come together.

Harvest Looks Promising

If the spring produce is any indication, the crops are doing well. Berries and carrots are much preferred to acorn mush!

Census Reveals Villages More Populous Than Previously Believed

As the tallies from the provinces come in, it is apparent just how superior the Scientific Methods of the Republic are: the estimates that the royal court had of the sizes of the villages are wide of the mark, with many villages having more mouths to feed than previously expected. No wonder the countryside was starving!

Column: The Tatler

By Cranckenthorpe (the real one)

Mme Préjean of Amalric Province has been seen with a beau these past few weeks. Is the widow contemplating a new alliance?

Our own Frederick Chouhomme was sighted in the capital of Dál Riata. What's a good country boy like him doing over there?

The country monk Alec of Orvault has been seen in Merovia. Who sent him all the way there?

Citizen Aurelie, who opened that new College of Amalric, is reportedly hard to get hold of. You shouldn't work so hard all the time, my dear.

Mama Duchense Tells It Like It Is

Sun, 25 Jun 2017 06:30:00 -0700

Mama Duchesne: Friend of the People

Duchesne, the voice of the people, telling the stories no one else will!

Sensational Story: The Doctor Who Wouldn't Die!

A missing professor gone mad! Doctor Baethke was on the Scientific Expedition to the Southwest, and tried to open one of the mysterous metal spheres! Completely reliable witnesses swear that something glowing emerged from the sphere, enveloped him, and drove him into a murderous rampage, capable of ripping a man's arm off. The workers subdued the thing that the doctor had become with acid, but it still lived. They threw him down into the pit and buried him alive. The expedition swore all who witnessed it to secrecy.

Royal Food Relief!

What's this? Some of the food delivered to the city from provinces is marked with the seal of Princess Marguerite! Is she behind the extra shipments that have been turning up in the poorest of our villages? Are the New Men and the National Assembly just copying her plans? No wonder there's still those who are loyal to the monarchy.

News: Amalric Harbor Opens

Sat, 24 Jun 2017 10:30:00 -0700

The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

Amalric Harbor Construction Complete

The work on the newly-improved harbor in Amalric has been completed. The efforts of white-shirted laborers from the capital, brown-headed monks from the parishes, and green-hatted farmhands from the fields came together in a marvelous display of our National Spirit. A painting has been commissioned to commemorate the scene.

Now that the harbor is complete, the fishing fleet of Amalric can take full advantage of the bounties of the seas. The workforce has profited as well, both from the construction and from the new need for laborers at the docks to unload the cargoes of the many ships from across the seas. Some of those ships have brought in food shipments from as far away as the United Confederacy of Vespucia, that land across the sea.

Large Deposits of Precious Metals Found

The new science of ground sonics has revealed the location of large underground deposits of gold and silver in the mountains of the southwestern peninsula. While local flooding has been a problem, there are already plans in place to begin mining, and workers are being recruited even now.

Strange Lights Seen In Southwestern Archaeological Site At Night

No explanation has been given for the phenomenon of the strange lights reportedly seen at night at the site of the excavation of the three spheres in the south-west.

Flooding in the Southwest

The southwestern corner of the country has seen extensive local flooding from the spring runoffs from the mountains. Summer may bring relief, but the extent of the damage has yet to be surveyed.

Southwestern Expedition Uncovers Fourth Sphere

The Scientific Expedition to the Southwest has announced the discovery of a fourth sphere. No doubt this one will also be a rich source of archaeological information.

Professor Adjunct Missing

Doctor Baethke, a Professor Adjunct at the National University has been reported missing. His landlady reports that he has not returned recently, and inquiries at the University reveal that he was last seen departing on the scientific expedition to the southwest.

Food Shipment To The Capital

A group of provincial farmers have organized a food shipment to the Capital, bringing all kinds of produce that was previously in short supply. The farmers went home well paid. Between the national distribution and this new supply, the city's food shortage has been alleviated.

Ecclesiastical Reform

The Holy Seat of the Supreme Pontiff has announced that corruption in the ecclesiastical hierarchy will be weeded out and burned, branch and root. Gold shall never be held more important than the well-being of the people. Especially condemned are those bishops who are so venial that they do not deign to reside at their bishopric seat.

News: Trade and Archeology

Fri, 23 Jun 2017 08:30:00 -0700

The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

Commodity Trading Reports

Gold and silver have dropped to new lows today, while lumber and stone are doing quite well in the markets. Foreign trade prospects uncertain, but expecting changes soon. Food prices remain high, particularly in the capital, though the nationalized distribution has staved off immediate starvation.

Missing Artwork

There are reports that the authorities have leads on the whereabouts of some of the artwork that went missing from the National Museum (formerly the Royal Gallery) during the immediate aftermath of the Revolution. Any citizen with further information is urged to contact the National Museum.

A Report on the Spheres

Working in pairs, laborers have removed the last extraneous stone from the large spheres discovered in the southwest. The spheres are each situated in a kind of bowl or depression, perfectly fitted, and rotate easily with the lightest touch. They make the air near them quite unusually cold. Scholars estimate, based on the markings near the bottom, that they may be Taboral artifacts, which would place their age at 5,000 years or more. The Taboral tribe, ostracized by the Manorians, came east to what is now our country, or so scholars tell us the story goes. The three known spheres are arranged in an isosceles triangle, and efforts are underway to discover if this pattern is repeated.

Underwater Vehicles

A prototype underwater vessel has reportedly been constructed, capable of traveling beneath the ocean waves.

News: Paintings and Progress

Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:30:00 -0700

The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

Scientific Wonders

Many inventions can be found in the capital these days, though some are less finished than others: a rope that doesn't retain water, plans for ships that sail underwater, muskets that do not need to be packed with powder before shooting. There are even some crackpots who think that humans may achieve flight!

A Painting of the Revolutionary Heroes

A new painting was unveiled to the public today. It has the the benefactors of the revolution holding open the palace doors to the public so that they can govern the people in peace, not in tyranny. In the foreground, General Dominique Cervoni is accepting a white flag as truce, offered by the head of the public commission, prior to entering the Palace.

Military Training For City Guard

The Merovia city guard is being put on a new professional standing via the training they are receiving through the National Military Academy.

Crown Loyalists Threaten Prisons

The guard forces at the prisons have been doubled, in fear of the threat posed by potential loyalists to the monarchy.

News: Scientific Discoveries and Industrious Workers

Wed, 21 Jun 2017 11:20:00 -0700

The Village Tree

A Homily

"The Doctrine Universal cares most for the well-being of the people. What's good for them is good for itself, as it's incorporated in the Wise Writings of Retaro. So if we care for others we help ourselves."

Harvest Projected to be Good

The good weather in the spring planting is projected to continue. Hopefully this will lead to a good harvest!

Laborers From Capital Sent to Assist In Amalric

Laborers from Merovia, together with funds from the city, have been sent to assist in the project to improve Amalric's harbor, which is now nearing completion.

Navy Ships Added To Fishing Fleet

Some of the older ships in the navy have been added to the fishing fleet being assembled in Adelais.

Scientific Expedition to the Southwest has concluded

The well-funded scientific expedition to the south-western peninsula has concluded, and the members are expected to announce their results soon. No doubt it will be very enlightening!

State of the Revolutionary Republic

Tue, 20 Jun 2017 07:00:00 -0700

The current state of the Republic of Equality.

It is currently Prairial - the month of meadows

Army

The National Army:
...is on the frontier with the Holy Rumi Empire
...is weakly loyal to the Republic
...has high morale
...is low on material
...has few soldiers, disorganized

The National Navy:
...is small
...is low on material
...has high morale

Places

The Province of Toussaint is calm, with high food prices, disrupted commerce, and a bad harvest. However, the food distribution has kept the population fed. Toussaint is weakly loyal to the Republic.

The province of Amalric is agitated, with exorbitant food prices, disrupted commerce, and a bad harvest. However, the food distribution has kept the population fed. Amalric has unclear loyalty.

The province of Adelais is calm, with high food prices, stable commerce, and good fishing. However, the food distribution has kept the population fed. Adelais is weakly loyal to the Revolution.

Merovia, the Capital City is calm, with high food prices and disrupted commerce. However, the food distribution has kept the population fed. The city is strongly loyal to the Revolution.
The city guard is strongly loyal to the National Assembly.

Politics

Currently Debating:

The Trial of King Martel XVII, likely to end in Royal Execution and the Permanent Abolition of the Monarchy
Increased Military Allotment

Previously Debating:

Establishing a national food distribution infrastructure (Passed)

Offices:

Treasurer
General of the Armies
Department of Science
Deputy to the Minister of Citizens
Representatives on Mission: 1

Projects

Fishing Fleet: ☑ ☑ ☑ ☐
Amalric Harbor: ☑ ☑ ☑ ☐
Southwestern Scientific Expedition: ☑ ☑ ☑ (completed)

News: Science and Stability

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 09:30:00 -0700

The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

National Assembly Debates Increased Military Allotment

Based on the positive reports from the Treasury Department, the proposed legislation to increase the military allotment is being debated in the National Assembly. Not only would this help secure our borders, but the decrease in deserters and the increase in patrols would likely help address the bandit problem.

Land Sales Fund Food Distribution

The National Assembly has approved the sale of nationalized lands to fund the ongoing national food distribution.

The Fourth Precept

The Fourth Precept of the Doctrine Universal: Everyone gets what they are entitled to.

Execution of the Monarch?

Debates the National Assembly as the trial of the monarch stretches on have suggested that the execution of the former monarch may be necessary. The way things are moving, it could happen as soon as next month.

Replacing Military Guards in the City?

In order to deal with the unrest in the city, several military units have been stationed in the capital. If the city guard is instead supplied with new recruits, these units would be freed to deal with the banditry in the countryside.

Peace Treaty with Anhalt

The Ambassador of Anhalt, Ferenc Nagy, was in the capital city this week to conclude the peace treaty with that country.

Dál Riata Supports Emigrant Return

While they assure the emigrants that no harm will come to them in that country, Dál Riata is offering every citizen of Merovia free passage back home up until the end of Prairial. No word on how the return of the emigrants will be received here.

Amalric Opens School

Citizen Aurelie, Master of Reformed Education, has opened his College of Amalric in that city. The education will surely benefit the local population.

Scientific Enquiries Into Spheres Found in the South-West

The inquiries into the nature of the spheres are listened to with interest in the fashionable cafés of the capital. There are more questions than answers at present, but high hopes that we shall soon know more.

News: Census, Food Distribution, and a New Harbor

Sun, 18 Jun 2017 07:50:00 -0700

The Village Tree

Harbor Improvements Progressing

Many of those who are out of work in Amalric province are now employed in the project to improve Amalric's harbor, which is making significant progress. Many of them are the nephews and cousins of the humble peasant farmers, those who would otherwise be out of work. It is hoped that the newly improved harbor will be instrumental in both fishing and in importing new sources of food.

First National Census Begins

A scientific census of the entire population as begun, with each province and district compiling a list of their inhabitants. The immediate purpose of the census is to facilitate fair and equitable distribution of food to the population. A Census Department has been established (under the aegis of the Treasury Department) and the new Minister of Citizens has already appointed several Deputies.

Local Communities Organize Local Food Distribution

Even before the census-takers descended on the provinces, the local Grange have been organizing the communities and facilitating the distribution of aid. In many communities, the census itself is being run by the Grange, which will no doubt greatly speed its implementation.

Army Morale Heightened by Food Distribution

Our troops greeted the news of the national food distribution with excitement. No doubt they will fight all the harder since they know that the families they left behind won't starve in their absence.

News: Science and Stability

Sat, 17 Jun 2017 06:50:00 -0700

The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

Scientific Expedition to Southwestern Peninsula In Planning Stages

A scientific expedition to the southwestern peninsula to test "sound seeing" devices is currently in the planning stages. They expect to discover many mines of precious metals, as the national land survey indicated the strong possibility of major mineral deposits there.

Treasury Department Assures Stability

The Treasury Department has issued a statement that the country's finances are not currently falling apart.

Discontent Caused by Food Shortages and Bread Prices

The high prices and shortage of food in the capital is causing some distress and much discontent, particularly among the many laborers and humble artisans who make up so much of the population.

Archbishop to be Appointed to Address National Assembly

The Supreme Pontiff is reportedly going to send an Archbishop to address the National Assembly and review the corruption in the ecclesiastical hierarchy of the Doctrine Universal. The traditional Decade's Gift that is usually sent to the monarchy will likely be given to the nation instead, though details are as yet unclear.

Military Artwork on Display at the National Museum

On loan from the National Military Academy, these paintings are full of martial spirit.

News: Spring Festivals

Fri, 16 Jun 2017 07:50:00 -0700

The Village Tree

Army Recognizes the Old Ways

The morale of our soldiers on the boarder has been bolstered by the arrival of priests from the country parishes. Our unrevolutionary enemies

Plans to Clear the Amalric Harbor

Plans are in motion to restore and expand the harbor in Amalric. No doubt this will ease the food crisis if it is completed. And with so much of the rural workforce unemployed and turning to banditry, perhaps this project will have many benefits.

Parishes Feed the Countryside

With the Vivificia Festival and the funds of the parish, the inhabitants of the province of Amalric have, at least temporarily, been fed.

Traditional Communities Bolstered by Spring Planting

The spring plantings have been accompanied by a renewed interest in the bonds of community and the traditional religious practices. Green hats, traditional associated with the Grange, were much in evidence.

Military Adviser Sent to Defend Villages Against Bandits

An adviser from the national military academy has been sent out into the countryside to deal with the bandit problem by instructing the local villages on how best to defend themselves. Albert Franshis is an experienced instructor and intends to teach the country-folk tactics and the proper handling of weapons, including farm implements.

Items from the National Archives

Thu, 15 Jun 2017 06:50:00 -0700

From the Catalog of the National Archives

On the Polishing of the Spheres

An account (or a proposal) for handling the large stone spheres "so frequently remarked on of late". It seems to involve pairs of workers polishing the objects, searching for cracks.

On the Economix of an Unified Callistan Weights and Measures, Fortunes Found Rather Than Lost and the Advantages of Simplicity in Trade and Commercial Enterprize

Some historians regard this scholarly paper as the origin of the plan for the first national census.

News: A Proposed Census

Wed, 14 Jun 2017 06:50:00 -0700

The Village Tree

A National Census Is Proposed

The National Assembly has been debating a proposal to conduct a National Census, to set up the new Republic on a throughly scientific basis.

Villages Organize with Traditional Associations

In these times of crisis, many villages have been paying renewed attention to the old tradition of the Grange, the community-led organizations. In many villages the local Grange has begun to put together lists of local citizens.

Bandits Continue to Plague Countryside

We hear reports of continued banditry, as companies of ill-intent roam the countryside, terrorizing villages.

State of the Game

Tue, 13 Jun 2017 14:00:00 -0700

After one week (and one in-game month) the game has had 47 messages sent, and everyone has gotten at least three messages. Plus, a couple more players have joined the game. You may see some letters from them soon.

As always, the game only works because of the players, and you are all marvelously inventive. Everything you've seen in the news posts has come from you: I haven't made up any of it, beyond some slight editorializing.

If you're not a player, but would like to be (or someone you know would like to join the game) just send an email to towerofcallisto@gmail.com. There's always room for more players; the game is designed to be flexible. If you've signed up but haven't heard from me, just send an email to that same address–there was an issue earlier with some of the emails entered into the form being incorrect, so it's safer just to email the actual address.

State of the Revolutionary Republic

Tue, 13 Jun 2017 07:00:00 -0700

The current state of the Republic of Equality.

It is currently Floréal - the month of flowers

Army

The National Army is:
...on the frontier with the Holy Rumi Empire
...weakly loyal to the Republic
...with moderate morale
...low on material
...few soldiers, disorganized

Places

The Province of Toussaint is calm, with high food prices, disrupted commerce, and a bad harvest. Toussaint is weakly loyal to the Republic.

The province of Amalric is agitated, with exorbitant food prices, disrupted commerce, and a bad harvest. Amalric has unclear loyalty.

The province of Adelais is calm, with high food prices, stable commerce, and good fishing. Adelais is weakly loyal to the Revolution.

Merovia, the Capital City is calm, with high food prices and disrupted commerce. The city is strongly loyal to the Revolution.
The city guard is strongly loyal to the National Assembly.

Politics

Currently Debating:

The Trial of King Martel XVII
The Permanent Abolition of the Monarchy
Establishing a national food distribution infrastructure
Conducting a national census

Offices:

Treasurer
General of the Armies
Department of Science
Representatives on Mission: 1

Projects

Fishing Fleet: ☑ ☑ ☐ ☐

News: Society and Scandal

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 06:50:00 -0700

The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

International News: Cassano Denies Involvement with Princess

In an official statement, Assanbrugh, the Ambassador of Cassano, has said that the flight of Princess Marguerite was solely a personal matter effected by an individual of some social standing. The flight was not acknowledged or aided by the government. Cassano's unofficial position of support for the Republic of Equality remains intact.

Schools Reopen

Not even a revolution can stop the education of our population. The schools are reopening, full of students who are ready to learn.

Revolutionaries Call for an End to the Regime

The Moderate Society of Revolution has publicly begun to agree that the time of the monarchy is over. We shall see where this debate leads.

Food Distribution Scheme Proposed

In the National Assembly, a proposal has been put forward to distribute food into all corners of the country, regardless of people's political allegiances. It will take considerable organization to pull off. A new, modernized infrastructure for a new modern Republic.

A Homily

"The Doctrine Universal explicitly supports the idea of getting involved into society; everyone should be able to act according to his Façon in order to advance this society. One can master working at a field, which others write masterfully and the third manage masterfully."

An Art Exhibit

The painting "The Martyrdom of the Saint" by Poussin is on display at the National Museum this week for the first time. It is on loan from a small parish in rural Amalric. Only a special dispensation of the Supreme Pontiff allowed it to be put on display for us in the Capital.

Items from the National Archives

Sat, 10 Jun 2017 06:50:00 -0700

From the Catalog of the National Archives

On the Use of Springs

A monograph, dated to the first year of the Revolution, on the use of energy stored in springs.

A report of an experimental "reaper" cannon

A report of a field test of a rust-proof, water-proof cannon. Test results indicate a high degree of effectiveness against stone fortifications. Includes diagrams of the machinery.

Painting: "The Return" by Anhault of Anhalt

Said to have inspired the later actions of the Friends of the Constitution.

Painting: "Calm Waters" by Anhault of Anhalt

This painting's message of unification calmed the situation in the Capital, at least for a time.

Painting: "The Martyrdom of the Saint" by Poussin

Notes mark it as being on loan from a parish in rural Amalric

Sculpture: "Eyes to the Storm" by Bartolomi Repucci

It measures 20 feet in height, and an 11 foot diameter. It has three men standing over a table and one looking away in hope but worried, the other two shaking hands in agreement over the map on the table. Commemorates a peace treaty between Merovia and Gaston.

News: Bandits and Religion

Fri, 09 Jun 2017 06:50:00 -0700

The Village Tree

A discovery in the southwestern peninsula

The heavy granite deposits in the southwestern peninsula have been measured as part of the National Survey. Large granite-encased spheres were recently uncovered there, of unknown origin. It has been reported that Professor Aswale of the University has started to investigate.

Shelter for travelers

In answer to the predations of bandits, the provincial religious rectories in Amalric have opened their doors to travelers. Any who wish to stay in the secure, if humble, parish hall may remain after the close of the evening Lucerna Mass.

An amusing disease

An odd disease has been reported in the south-west: it seems that it causes hair-loss.

Growth in religious faithfulness?

Religious attendance seems to be on the rise in the provinces, with every Mass packed full. But some say it is only because of the food and watered wine the priests distribute at the end of every morning Ortus mass.

Many of the peasants are flocking to the new Cult of Reason, but openly say it is because they have soup.

Drought forecast to continue

The current academic projections show that the spring rains are late to arrive, and are unlikely to give any relief to the drought in the near future.

News: Society and Scandal

Thu, 08 Jun 2017 06:50:00 -0700

The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

Society Sightings

Contrary to their behavior previously, Professor Antonine of the University and Citizen Rupert of the Museum seem to be on the outs this week. Citizen Rupert's behavior at the docks seems to be at the root of it.

A popular club?

The city's laborers have organized a political club of their own. They call it the Populist Children of Equality. In between the drinking, they have loud speeches about the need for the Assembly to work toward greater equality.

Fashion News

This smart season is topsy-turvy, with so many of the nobility fled to other countries. Of course, for some individuals, that means they've decided that it's their chance to shine. And the emigrants won't be having a very grand display abroad–they've left most of their servants behind!

A Sale of Nationalized Lands

The Treasury department has drawn up plans for disposing of the lands that formerly belonged to the Pontifical churches of the Doctrine Universal, arguing that they would be put to better use by the citizens of the Republic who work them.

News, Printed in the Capital

Wed, 07 Jun 2017 10:50:00 -0700

The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

Mechanical Marvels

New toy automated carriages were on display in the Palace of Equality today. Clever mechanical marvels are yet another of the many delightful sights in the city!

The Debates in the National Assembly

The members of the Moderate Society of Revolution have spoken at length on the need to hold a fair trial for the King. They urge the Assembly to call for his abdication and exile.

International Dispatch

The courts of Dál Riata are abuzz with rumors that the downfall of their ancient rivals in the Merovian dynasty is the perfect time to take advantage of the situation.

Princess Marguerite

The king's niece, Princess Marguerite, was not in the capital with the other royals when the king was arrested. There have been many conflicting reports as to her whereabouts, but we can now state confidently that she was at the Summer Palace near Adelais. She was last seen departing from there with a wealthy royalist from Cassano, escaping from the Revolutionaries.

News, Read Aloud in the Villages

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 10:50:00 -0700

The Village Tree

A dispatch from Amalric

We hear that the peasants in the province of Amalric are starving, reduced to eating nothing but acorns and turnips. Complaints about rents and taxes are heard frequently. The hard clay soil of Amalric is difficult to work, and the recent crop failures have caused much suffering.

Educational Corner: Aeronautics

Professor Jean-Pierre of the University in Merovia has shared with us a plan for enabling human flight. We shall believe it when we see it, professor!

Seasonal Celebrations

The rural villages are preparing for the upcoming Vivificia Festival, a time of rebirth. It is sure to lift the hearts of those who are suffering!

Educational Corner: The Touch of Evil

A terrible leprous disease: those who suffer from it are sent to the Colony of the Touched on the Island of Yeu, where a religious colony tends to them.

Fish!

The docks of Adelais are busy these days, as the fishing boats bring in their catches from the well-stocked fishing shoals.

A Lesson in Economics

By our consulting financial genius

When food is scarce but coins are plentiful, we can say that the coins have been devalued, and more coins buy less food. In other cities, with more food but fewer coins, the same coins might buy more food.

Seeing with sound?

Experiments at the University have demonstrated that it may be possible to use sound to see what is in the very ground beneath our feet. Truly, we live in an age of unparalleled wonders!

Stock Report

By our consulting financial genius

Lumber mills and stone quarries are projected to increase in value.

Answers and Clarifications

Mon, 05 Jun 2017 16:40:00 -0700

Some answers to common questions and clarifications of some details:

Don't forget to CC the ref when you send your letters!
You've been given a large number of contacts. While you don't need to write everyone every week, most people like getting letters. I've found that the game runs pretty well if everyone aims to average three letters a week. Though you can often get more done if you talk to more people...
For this scenario, your first contact also have you as a contact. But you are allowed to exchange contact information with other characters. Or ask characters to tell others things. And you may get an introductory letter out of the blue...
Assume a technology level roughly equivalent to 18th century early-industrial Europe. Though someone might tell you about the exceptions...
Your character sheet should have everything you need to start inventing your character. Feel free to ask if something isn't clear or if you're not sure if something is allowed. (The answer is almost always that it is allowed.)
Narrative authorities can be taken literally. And metaphorically. As long as it's clear to the ref what you intended to invoke, it's within your authority to describe it.

If there's anything that isn't clear or that you don't understand, please ask. I'm trying to develop this scenario so that other people can use it to run Callisto, and every clarification I can make now will help many people down the road.

State of the Revolutionary Republic

Mon, 05 Jun 2017 14:00:00 -0700

The current state of the Republic of Equality.

It is currently Germinal - the month of germination

Army

The National Army is:
...on the frontier with the Holy Rumi Empire
...weakly loyal to the Republic
...with moderate morale
...low on material
...few soldiers, disorganized

Places

The Province of Toussaint is calm, with high food prices, disrupted commerce, and a bad harvest. Toussaint is weakly loyal to the Republic.

The province of Amalric is agitated, with exorbant food prices, disrupted commerce, and a bad harvest. Amalric has unclear loyalty.

The province of Adelais is calm, with high food prices, stable commerce, and good fishing. Adelais is weakly loyal to the Revolution.

Merovia, the Capital City is dissatisfied, with high food prices and disrupted commerce. The city is strongly loyal to the Revolution. The city guard is strongly loyal to the National Assembly.

Politics

The National Assembly is:
...politically balanced between factions
Major political clubs: Friends of the Constitution, Highlanders, Moderate Society of Revolution
The National Finances are rich.

Currently Debating:

The Trial of King Martel XVII

Offices:

Treasurer
General of the Armies (unassigned)
Department of Science
Representatives on Mission: 1

The Revolutionary Calendar

Mon, 05 Jun 2017 06:00:00 -0700

A Revolution needs a revolutionary new calendar.

Autumn:

Vendémiaire - The month of grape harvesting
Brumaire - the month of mist
Frimaire - the month of frost

Winter:

Nivôse - the month of snow
Pluviôse - the month of rain
Ventôse - the month of wind

Spring:

Germinal - the month of germination
Floréal - the month of flowers
Prairial - the month of meadows

Summer:

Messidor - the month of harvest
Thermidor - the month of summer heat
Fructidor - The month of fruit

Each game cycle will be an in-game month.

Overview of the stats in the game

Sun, 04 Jun 2017 06:00:00 -0700

I'm in the process of putting the finishing touches on the character sheets, so expect to see them soon. While I'm working on that, though, I thought it would be a good idea to let you see some of the stats and variables that you'll be seeing in the game. For example, every character has a financial state and a reputation, and their scales work like this:

Finances: (bankrupt!, deep in debt, begging, poor, getting by, secure, rich, wealthy, legendary!)
Reputation: (despised!, reviled, dishonored, indifferent, respected, honored, revered!)

Your character's access to money and resources may, of course, change over the course of the game. And their popularity will almost certainly wax and wane.

The nation as a whole has some stats as well:

The National Army…

Loyalty to: the Revolution (strong, wavering, none)
Morale: (Spirited, Steadfast, Moderate, Shaken, Broken)
Material: (Well-supplied, Adequate, Low, Poor, Desperate)
Attributes: (list of additional adjectives describing it)

National treasury: (bankrupt!, deep in debt, begging, poor, getting by, secure, rich, wealthy, legendary!)

The National Assembly…

Political Balance: Balanced (0) or X faction is in power
Currently debating: …
Major political factions: …

These will change too, and there will be an announcement once per cycle updating you on where the nation is as a whole.

Reading Lists and Influences

Fri, 02 Jun 2017 06:00:00 -0700

Previous Callisto games that I've run have included a reading list or some influences that I drew from when I was putting the game together. They should be taken as inspiration, not as absolute guides: I deliberately don't do painfully detailed historical research because the game isn't about recreating history. So I've deliberately included some anachronistic sources here.

For this game, the reading list has consisted of, in rough order of influence:

The Revolutions podcast (for the history which I put in a blender and turned up to 'pulverize')
Les Miserables (wrong French uprising, but the sprawling cast of interconnected characters is totally right)
The Three Musketeers (even more wrong time period, but also has convoluted action plots. And swashbuckling!)
First Draft of the Revolution by Emily Short and Liza Daly
A Tale of Two Cities (Which takes a British perspective, of course)
The Scarlet Pimpernel (Which also takes a British perspective, and a particularly aristocratic one at that)
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (which is even more wrong, time-wise, but you get some great descriptions)
Steven Brust's The Phoenix Guards
China Miéville's Iron Council, which is the last novel I read and happens to include sufficient revolutions to be relevant.

Of course, none of these are at all required reading. And if you think of another novel or film that seems relevant, please do mention it.

I've also been doing a bunch of research into games that operate in a somewhat similar space, particularly The Quiet Year and the megagame Watch the Skies.

The Books from Previous Callisto Games

Thu, 01 Jun 2017 06:00:00 -0700

While we're waiting for this game to start, perhaps you'd like to take a look at what some previous games of Callisto were like?

Colony of Callisto

This document is the record of one of those games, set in a newly-settled iron-age Mediterranean colony. You can read along and watch how the innocuous details spread across the entire colony, how a misunderstanding about a draft lead to a shortage of beer, where giant carnivorous birds come from, and what happens when your philosopher uses the wrong stimulants.

Tower of Callisto

Set on the Silk Road in a time of change, the players navigated the dangers of the desert, lost love, stolen knives, and the mysterious tower. Set on an epic map, with cycles that lasted for a season and some of the experimental rules that have been greatly refined for Revolution, Tower of Callisto is a sprawling tale. (A bit too sprawling: that's one reason why I reined in the design for Revolution.)

Welcome

Tue, 30 May 2017 06:00:00 -0700

Welcome to Revolution of Callisto

The king is imprisoned! The Republic has been proclaimed! All are equal: no longer are there nobles or peasants. Now we are all citizens.

Everyone is participating. The palaces have been nationalized and opened to the public. The cafés are abuzz with revolutionary ideas and stories of new scientific discoveries.

But not everyone is happy: the Republic is surrounded by monarchies, threatened by these new ideas. The former nobility scheme to reclaim their titles. There are even those who secretly desire a return to the Old Ways.

The Republic is a grand experiment. For the first time, our destiny is in our own hands, to shape as we will. What will we build on this foundation?

Want to join the game?

Just send an email to towerofcallisto@gmail.com or sign up on the form here.

About Callisto

Callisto is a play-by-email epistolary storytelling game that draws on both the oldest and newest forms of roleplaying. Every player gets to play a vital part in what happens.

You can read more about Calliso here.

Also available: a map of the capital city and a map of the nation.