Defenses

Jemian himself is placed in an awkward situation due to his elevation to Grand Marshal of Furyondy, a post he didn’t seek. He feels that he cannot increase his own forces, since this would seem to signal to the other nobles that he is Belvor’s lackey. He has voluntarily agreed to second his men to Belvor for three months a year, rather than the usual two days and two months, and hopes for a voluntary agreement from other provincial rulers to do the same. As usual, Jemian is too reasonable and rational about such matters. Jemian also wants as many of his people to be engaged in farming and revenue generation as possible, arguing that in the long run this will best develop Furyondy’s strength. This is the same argument Luther Derwent uses, but in Jemian’s case it is a less selfish view.

Jemian’s major contribution to the kingdom’s defenses has been in supplying resources and two hundred light infantry to the Highfolk, securing the Highvale and freeing more Highfolk to fight in the Vesve. Jemian also pays from his own deep pockets for information from abroad, and supports mercenary ventures and speculative forays into the Yatils or Lortmils seeking magic and booty. Such treasure as may be recovered is then given up by him to Belvor. Lastly, Jemian has increased taxes and tithes only slightly (by 10 percent) to pay extra revenues to the King. Again, he is hoping that the southern nobles will follow his example, and 10 per cent is a start.