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Midshipman Zhan?

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Midshipman Zhan?
Post by MPCatchup   » Fri Mar 13, 2015 2:55 pm

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With Charis' naval history and traditions why hasn't Prince Zhan become a Midshipman yet? Granted he is not a main character but he should be doing something to help out his brother and realm.
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Re: Midshipman Zhan?
Post by Kakai   » Fri Mar 13, 2015 3:17 pm

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Well, the way I figure this... when Cayleb (or Haarahld, for that matter) were midshipmanning around, the worst they could encounter were pirates - there are no recent wars fought by Charis mentioned, or any at all. Now, on the other hand, Zhan would be thrown into a conflict where, if captured, he'd be tortured to death. I don't think Cayleb - or anybody else, for that matter - would like to risk this.
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When in mortal danger, when beset by doubt,
Run in little circles, wave your arms and shout.
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Re: Midshipman Zhan?
Post by JeffEngel   » Fri Mar 13, 2015 3:22 pm

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Kakai wrote:Well, the way I figure this... when Cayleb (or Haarahld, for that matter) were midshipmanning around, the worst they could encounter were pirates - there are no recent wars fought by Charis mentioned, or any at all. Now, on the other hand, Zhan would be thrown into a conflict where, if captured, he'd be tortured to death. I don't think Cayleb - or anybody else, for that matter - would like to risk this.

Being ashore and visible, given his engagement to the House of Baytz, may be politically important tying Emerald to the Empire. He could do very well, and very helpfully, learning politics in Eraystor under Dowager Princess Olyvya.
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Re: Midshipman Zhan?
Post by AClone   » Fri Mar 13, 2015 5:31 pm

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It was mentioned in passing at one point that a naval academy had been founded. If Zhan is going to serve, that's where I'd guess he'd be.
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Re: Midshipman Zhan?
Post by Direwolf18   » Fri Mar 13, 2015 5:46 pm

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I always fancied Zhan running of to the army.

To you know totally annoy the crap out of Cayleb.
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Re: Midshipman Zhan?
Post by anwi   » Sat Mar 14, 2015 5:04 pm

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MPCatchup wrote:With Charis' naval history and traditions why hasn't Prince Zhan become a Midshipman yet? Granted he is not a main character but he should be doing something to help out his brother and realm.


What do we really know about Zhan? Both he and Zhanayt have been largely absent in LAMA and even in MTAT. I grant that Zhan probably should've been packed onto a ship already, but it might be that simply has been delayed a bit. Or, as mentioned above, he's destined for the army.
In any case, I would assume that he'll get a military education as commissioned officer, eventually. But of course, unless he's no longer second in line, he won't get into too risky operations as he's simply a too valuable a hostage.
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Re: Midshipman Zhan?
Post by McGuiness   » Fri Mar 20, 2015 4:37 am

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anwi wrote:
MPCatchup wrote:With Charis' naval history and traditions why hasn't Prince Zhan become a Midshipman yet? Granted he is not a main character but he should be doing something to help out his brother and realm.


What do we really know about Zhan? Both he and Zhanayt have been largely absent in LAMA and even in MTAT. I grant that Zhan probably should've been packed onto a ship already, but it might be that simply has been delayed a bit. Or, as mentioned above, he's destined for the army.
In any case, I would assume that he'll get a military education as commissioned officer, eventually. But of course, unless he's no longer second in line, he won't get into too risky operations as he's simply a too valuable a hostage.
I'm not so sure. Zhan isn't the heir anymore, and Nahrmahn was talking about sending Nahrmahn Jr. off to the navy before he was unfortunately blown up, and Nahrmahn Jr. inherited Emerald. Cayleb was in full agreement with Nahrmahn, so I don't see how Zhan gets out of military service.

Zhan would make a tremendous hostage, but Cayleb would have as well. Yes, the EoC is fighting a worldwide jihad, but putting Zhan on an armored ship like a Haarahld VII would minimize the danger he'd face. Remember, he'd only be at sea for a year or two, and the navy really has only two major battles yet to fight - the Battle of Gorath Bay, and the Battle of Temple Bay. Other than that it will spend its time sinking enemy transports and shelling shore facilities.

Serving on a steamship is likely to be much safer than sailing on a galleon or serving on a galley as well, although it still offers the opportunity for members of the Imperial family to serve as ensigns.

"Oh bother", said Pooh as he glanced through the airlock window at the helmet he'd forgotten to wear.
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