I guess that food would be an issue for Karrnath, or maybe farming land.
But for other nations, I really don't know that much. Maybe lumber for Aundair since they lost the Reaches, but they do have other forests on their land.
Rekko
This is a good question. I guess the answer would be different with each nation.
I guess that food would be an issue for Karrnath, or maybe farming land.
But for other nations, I really don't know that much. Maybe lumber for Aundair since they lost the Reaches, but they do have other forests on their land.
Rekko
Im intrigued as to why you think food for Karrnath ? Although Karrnath is mountainous and heavily forested there would still be plenty of food being grown there I would have thought. Have I missed something ?
So, goods are more likely to be distributed over vast distances, which means that valuable/strategic resources won't be (as much an) issue.
It is an interesting thing to think about, though.,
Food is a real concern for Karrnath.
As for Dragonshards, the south would own the market on Siberys shards with routes to Xen'drik and such.
Karnath has Arkenen Glass, so they're covered.
Off the top of my head.
Karrnath suffers harsh winters and has short growing seasons. They used to rely on the other nation states of Galifar to feed their masses, during the Last War between enemies burning their fields, drought, and crop blight the entire nation almost starved to death several times during the century long war.
Food is a real concern for Karrnath.
Thanks Nived I hadn't thought of that.
Keep in mind, though, that the transportation network of Eberron is a lot more efficient than Europe's ever was. The Lightning Rail, for example, can move goods overland at high speed, Orien trade roads connect everything (and didn't good road networks only come like in the 19th century?), and the Windwrights guild/Lyrander/the like ensure that sea travel is more economical.
All of this is true - and while it's not discussed in detail, even before the lightning rail was developed, House Orien had (and has) ways to speed its caravans when they are traveling on established trade roads (hopefully, this will be clearly addressed in 4E).
There are certainly things that the nations lack and need - Karrnath's food shortage being a clear example of this. However, for the most part, these needs can be met by trade, either based on pure economic factors or diplomatic considerations. For example, one of the reasons Karrnath has survived its famines is because of aid from Riedra, which is in turn the reason Riedra isn't generally seen as an enemy; it's helped many of the Thronehold nations recover from the devastation of war, seeking goodwill in place of profit.
With all that said, I think you'd be more likely to see "need" battles occur on the skirmish level between villages. As a nation, Breland has channels to get the supplies it needs. However, the Brelish border village of Fellmarch may have difficulty getting the supplies IT needs from the powers that be - leading them, in desperation, to turn to banditry or to strike across the line against a neighboring nation. Especially when you factor in out of work soldiers, as yet unrepaired war damage, and simmering resentment against that neighboring nation.
Take a look on the rise of economical power it gave to the US, and fear what Riedra (and the Dreaming Dark) can become with this...
And here's my try at matching the planes with the marks, some are odd I know.
The lost Mark of Death is related with the lost plane of Dal Quor. Death has always scared people, or make them curious about the experience of death. As such, many dreams and nightmares related to death, dying, defying death, or dead lost ones.
The Mark of Dectection has always been a bit mysteriously linked to the fearies and arcane might of Thelanis. The power of seing the unseen is explained as having a tiny pixie whispering in your ears what lays ahead.
The Mark of Finding which is a compass to anything you can think of is said to get its power from the Great North which lies in Risia. It is strange, in this day, that the Mark of Finding is used to locate dragonshard crystals as the plane of ice is filled with sparkling ice crystals that come in all shapes and colors.
The wild plane of Lammania has always been an easy reference for the powers of the Mark of Handling. Being around animals of all sorts and being able to tame the beast within them can't have an explanation other than that those with the Mark are touched by Lammania.
In this world, healing requires special knowledge, time and care. Recovering from some illness or have your lost arm be regrown is like bathing yourself in the hot felt light beams that comes from Irian. There's no mystery why this plane is related to the Mark of Healing.
The Mark of Passage is an agent of chaos, and thus is related to Kythri. Teleportation, speed and flight must required the bending of time and space around yourself. And every wise man will surely tell you that such things unbalance the order and equation of the world. If a butterfly flying in Sharn creates a Hurricane on Seren, what can a teleporting man can do?
The Mark of Scribing is associated with communication. But not all communication goes through a Speaking Stone. And, some are solely for entertaining, like a novel or a play. While other communication serve technical purposes and are recorded for the knowledge of others. All in all, when someone communicates, he does so with passion driving the every word they speak or write. The Mark of Scribing is tightly linked to Xoriat, and who can't tell of some artist or scientist locked up in a asylum?
Mabar is a plane constituted of pure blackness and shadowy figures. It would be nonsense not to have the Mark of Shadow related to another plane. The split in the Houses of Shadow is a tough one though. The veil hasn't yet been lifted.
Syrania is the realm of the skies, and the only mark that has reach the skies is no other than the Mark of Storm and its power to mimic to moods of the sky.
The Realm of the dead, though it could be associated with the Mark of death, is more in line with the Mark of Warding. Those who possess the Mark of Warding are said to be destined to become the Guardians of Dolurrh, ensure that the dead are restful, protect the realm from the livings and defend against intruders.
For the last three I have come up with two alternatives for each.
Hospitality with Daanvi or Fernia. Daanvi because Hospitality requires that host are all prepared and dedicated to their guests. Fernia because of the warmth of a welcoming fireplace and warm welcoming attitude of a good host, and good cooked meal served.
Making with Fernia or Shavarath. Fernia for the fire of the forge of creation. Though not all creation requires a fire, many tools of creation requires to be forged in flame. Shavarath for the three way war that could explain the three sections of House Cannith, and war has always been a motive to create more things and new things.
Sentinel with Shavarath or Daanvi. Shavarath because the Mark makes good warriors, good defenders. Daanvi because with great power comes great responsability, the Deneith could have chosen to rise an army for themselves and take control of nations, but they decided to serve the Law and Justice.
Rekko
Rekko
However, maybe with some dragon's help on their side can they achieve some victories. Maybe Dragons discovered that in order to win against Aerenal they would need the help of Khorvaire's nations and the dragonmarked.
Rekko
Personally, however, I think it's more likely that you'd see Karrnath attack Valenar or Aundair attack the Reaches than a reunited Galifar attacking another continent.
Are the Reaches under the Treaty of Thronehold? If not, I could only then imagine that case being that much more likely.
Are the Reaches under the Treaty of Thronehold? If not, I could only then imagine that case being that much more likely.
The Reaches are a Thronehold nation. The real question is who would come to their defense if Aundair decided to do something. Of course, I consider a full-scale Aundairian action to be unlikely, because frankly Aundair can't afford to draw all its forces away from the Thrane and Brelish borders; after all, the Last War could start up again any time. But you could certainly get encroachment on a smaller scale.
Meanwhile, Valenar is also a Thronehold nation, but Valenar raiders have been harassing a number of other Thronehold nations; while Vadalia claims that these raiders are not affiliated with the crown, it's possible that a Thronehold nation will get sick of this and retaliate. Which is likely exactly what Valenar wants.
Riedra provides dreamlily, if you want an opium war.
Considering a lot of other aesthetic choices with Reidra/Adar, was this intentional? :P
Considering a lot of other aesthetic choices with Reidra/Adar, was this intentional? :P
Certainly.
With all that said, I think you'd be more likely to see "need" battles occur on the skirmish level between villages. As a nation, Breland has channels to get the supplies it needs. However, the Brelish border village of Fellmarch may have difficulty getting the supplies IT needs from the powers that be - leading them, in desperation, to turn to banditry or to strike across the line against a neighboring nation. Especially when you factor in out of work soldiers, as yet unrepaired war damage, and simmering resentment against that neighboring nation.
Oh god, shades of the Hundred Years' War!
One of those soldiers wouldn't happen to be named Hawkwood, would he?
And if you're get into historical parallels, how about creating a friar of the Silver Flame who winds up practically running a city for a while?
Sorry, I'm a bit of a history geek.
Bad El Shawno, no bikkit :P
Anywho back to trade fighting. HC mentioned Valenar's continued harrasment of national borders, especially where Karrnath is concered. It wouldn't suprise me if the Warlord's got tired of the elven hit-and-run tactics and actually started marching some of their stored undead minions south to meet them head on. Of course this is the last thing Kaius the 3rd wants, but he also can't be seen to be meek/weak or his authority will fall to pieces quickly. A real nasty Morton Fork if you ask me.
Oh god, shades of the Hundred Years' War!
One of those soldiers wouldn't happen to be named Hawkwood, would he?
And if you're get into historical parallels, how about creating a friar of the Silver Flame who winds up practically running a city for a while?
Sorry, I'm a bit of a history geek.
Well with Thrane being a theocracy and all...
* facepalm *
Bad El Shawno, no bikkit :P
What'd I say?!? What'd I say?!?
As to the tread at hand, who ever heard of a country going to war over trade or resources? Oh, wait...
Also, Elves don't scare me that much. The Inspired, otoh, are about the scariest thing in the whole setting.
I wasn't criticizing or anything El Shawno. More the realisation that you were right left me to facepalm. Methinks HC is another student of history. All we need is a Torquemada and we're set...
* Goes and looks up Cardinal Krozen *
... oh bugger...
The lost Mark of Death is related with the lost plane of Dal Quor. Death has always scared people, or make them curious about the experience of death. As such, many dreams and nightmares related to death, dying, defying death, or dead lost ones.
Odd that Reidra helps Karrnath when they're very Xenophobic with other nations.
Odd that Reidra helps Karrnath when they're very Xenophobic with other nations.
When it comes to Karrnath well-being - Kaius have made shady deals in the past.
I wonder if there was any such deal with Riedra - and what was the price this time...
I have to admit out of all the nasties that exist, the Dreaming Dark/Inspired do give me the creeps the most. The idea that even your dreams (normally one of the most private parts of your life) can be influenced, twisted or invaded gives me the shivers. It's like an Orson Wells (1984) nerd-on of the worst proportions.
I wasn't criticizing or anything El Shawno. More the realisation that you were right left me to facepalm. Methinks HC is another student of history. All we need is a Torquemada and we're set...
* Goes and looks up Cardinal Krozen *
... oh bugger...
Oh, I didn't think you were being hostile. I was just trying to have fun with your comment.
And the dream twisting is bad enough. No, what makes it worse is patientce than accompanies it and the Inspired's very canny, very steady plans for world domination. I'd say they're the biggest long-term threat to Eberron. Unless their presence is a necessary part of prophecy. Gods help Eberron if they're the Mule to Dragon's Second Foundation, though.
And the Church of the Silver Flame would likely have more than a few candidates to play the role of Torquemada.
Odd that Reidra helps Karrnath when they're very Xenophobic with other nations.
Never thought of that !
That is awesome !
Maybe the real Kaius III will be mind seeded either by quori or a psionically trained Kaius I. This would solve his problem of being a vampire. Maybe Riedrans only asked to get in touch with the Deneith of Karlakton? There are some Deneith in Sharn that are mind seeded, why not in their HQ? In fact, maybe the mind seeded of Sharn come from Karlakton and they encountered Inspired because of a meeting organised by Kaius and the ambassadors of Riedra.
Rekko