Issues at stake for the Royal Council of April 4

Here is the draft tactical map for the council of April 4th. The outcome of this council will determine the flavor of the campaign. The issues are tricky, this post aims to explain its implications.

States

Founders

King Thorin III Stonehelm is to mobilize nearly all of its reserve armed forces, nearly 5000 dwarves, and leave for Khazad-dum. Additionally, King Thorin III will bring along the dwarves family and a contigent of civilian craftsmen (and family).

Advantages :

• Rapid economical development.
• Most prestigious option for Thorin III Stonehelm. The King wants this.

Liabilities:

• Very large logistical requirements.
• Vulnerability, low speed of travel.
• Paralysis of Erebor's economy.

Maximum Effort

King Thorin III Stonehelm is to mobilize nearly all of its reserve armed forces, nearly 5000 dwarves, and leave for Khazad-dum.

Advantage :

• Rapid economical development.

Liabilities:

• Large logistical requirements.
• Low speed of travel.
• Paralysis of Erebor's economy.

Expeditionary Force

King Thorin III Stonehelm is to mobilize up to one Unit armed forces and leave for Khazad-dum. The contingent would be about 2000 dwarves strong.

Advantage :

• Difficult, but manageable logistical requirements.

Liabilities:

• Limited military objectives (at least initially).
• Halving of Erebor's economic output.
• Low speed of travel.

Scouting Force

King Thorin III Stonehelm is to mobilize up to one Attack-sized armed forces and leave for Khazad-dum. The contingent would be about 350 dwarves strong.

Advantage :

• Realistic Logistics.

Liability:

• Very limited scope of operations. Will have to resort to caving-ins to create a perimeter.

No expedition

King Thorin III Stonehelm will let a small number of heroes to probe Khazad-dum. An expedition would follow if appropriate.

Advantage :

• Nimble and stealthy.

Liability:

• Vastly outnumbered.
• Not a military operation at all.

No King Option

There is a fair chance that this expedition will not end well. Convincing the King that he should not lead himself would be a very tough sell. Trying to pry the King out of this venture may be a hazardous thing to try politically. Figuring out who would lead would become a serious point of contention. It would be easier to convince him if the expedition is smaller. 

Drolf's private Attack force

Drolf has bankrolled a full size Attack-sized unit (343 dwarves) from the Iron Hills and has offered his service to the King. Drolf as a war hero is more than welcome, but the presence of a sizeable military unit that is loyal to someone else than the King is a point of contention in Royal Circles. The smaller the expedition, the easier it is to argue that this Attack should not be sent. On the other hand, sending these dwarves has no impact on Erebor's economy as they are not reservists.

How will this proceed

First, the King will make a statement (one combat move). Each PCs and NPCs will be allowed to declare, by turn order, where they stand and attempt a move. Not all players have to participate, especially for those with low influence as it may end-up costing them more in lost composure.

Can I do anything before the council begins?

Yes, certainly. Send me a list of queries or things that you'd like to do BEFORE the date of the council. You can do this privately +Christian Blouin .