[ericthered]

Originally Posted by TGLS

"Perhaps Maximus wants them to have it out instead of just letting the steam build up over and over again. Is the rebellion divided between the worlds or more like division between classes? Is the unrest localized?"

There is an element of both, perhaps because the patricians (aristocracy) are more common on some worlds than others. All five worlds have seen action, but right now:

• Arthus, the old captial, is controlled by the senate
• Lithus, the world of deserts, coasts, and cities, is controlled by the rebels
• Verdaze, the world of Forests, has areas controlled by each side, and sees heavy fighting
• Aquas, the world of water, has areas controlled by both sides. The fighting is lighter and "cleaner".
• Monstri, the world of snow, beasts, and low tech inhabitants, is mostly under the control of the senate, but they fear it will join the rebellion if they draw resources from it too heavily.

Well, with what I've read and heard about Maximus, does it make sense that he'd deliberately remain dormant this long? Or do I need more information?

This is the sort of thing he normally wakes up for and sorts out. You'd have expected him to wake up at least a decade ago. At least from these books. You expect Corco's information to be fairly reliable.

So who are the most recent five governors, what's their policy on the rebellion, and who appointed them? Research roll here:

Gylin Malchus, governor of arthus, believes the rebellion must crushed militarily, and that the cause of it is letting plebeians (non-patrician citizens) acquire too much wealth. He's taken steps to reduce the wealth of influence of such individuals on Arthus, with a fair amount of success.

Gracus Curio is technically governor of Lithus. He is bitterly opposed to the rebellion, but he has very little power with his world in enemy hands. He mostly gives vigorous speeches about how the rebels are thieves, heretics, and murders.

Ceillio Gethus is governor of Verdaze. He demands obedience to Maximus (and thus maximus's hierarchy). He spends a lot of effort on promoting philosophy, particularly that of the priests. He says their is little to no room for compromise with those who disobey the emperor.

Hyratus Morco is governor of Aquas. He keeps saying to wait for the emperor to wake up. He sticks with his fellow governors though, and favors maintaining the status quo.

Moratus Ingelni is governor of Monstri. He is seeking a solution to the rebellion, trying to balance the demands of the other governors and the rebels. He's the only Governor who can said to be neutral in the war. The populace of Monstri seems to lean towards the rebellion, but Ingelni seems to be keeping them from raising arms.

Maybe he's distracted or trapped by something?

Vassarious joins Halcyone in research to try and learn more about the situation and the nature of Maximus' powers.

Maximus's powers and the mechanisms behind them are state secrets held by the preisthood. They seem tied to his temples and their architecture though. Vassarious thinks this looks like a magical effect specific to the skerry.