Hi SYED,
I don't think a new bank is needed to use the Silverlode wealth, but there are few who'd argue with your other suggestions, except keeping the mines secret.
The announcement of huge mineral wealth to pay for the war is important for the empire's morale, NTM probably more important for Siddarmark's besides the economic aid; while at the same time depressing the CoGA's who's wisest supporters have probably been expecting the alliance to run out of money sooner than later.
While the Go4 will argue the announcement is simply PSYOP's big lie at work etc, they will know its real with all that portends.
We might get some complaints why God hasn't given them any convenient gold mines etc, which ought to be most amusing, yet the coming CoGA economic collapse is another battlefield where celerity of decision and action will be important, especially after the IHA is dealt with, for what does Duchairn and the Go4 do then to pay for another army?
L
SYED wrote:USe the wealth of the mines as the backing of a new bank. It's purpose would be in increasting and strengthening the infrastructure, industry and public works of the empire.
I wonder if the POW would work if paid well for their service.
Use the funds to create a fully industrialised, non electric, civilisation, Develop the water ways and road systems, build up a train network. FInd location like Delthak and develop them into industrial hubs.
Imagine a banking house, supported by the wealth of those mines, and with the links to the charis merchant houses, they could potentially become a big factor in the world economy.
Merlin can use his advanced tech, to help them extract the most they can from the mines, at least in secret