[b]Politics and economy of the Empire[/b]

The ships upon which the Imperial Eastern Company returned from Dwarapur would be
the first of many vessels making the long voyage between Ind and the Empire. An
expedition with a destination halfway across the world is a daunting expedition for
even the greatest of merchant houses, and surely would not have been attempted had
it not been for the success booked by lady Gertrude and the diplomats in her
employ. Because of their work, the Empire had certainty that their products would
be met with a high demand. Combined with the assurance that Ednit Vhana would
ensure easy access to the docks of Dwarapur, many enterprising merchants were
persuaded to launch their ships laden with Imperial products.

The port cities Neues Emskrank and Dietershafen of Nordland, sacked by the skaven
some ten years ago, are restored to their former glory as a result of the changing
economy. Altdorf and Marienburg, too, see an increase in profit from the new trade
routes established to far-off Dwarapur. But it is Nuln who, perhaps unsurprisingly,
benefits most from the increased trade. For perhaps the most important agreement
forged between the Empire and Dwarapur is the weapons deal allowing the Empire to
sell their blackpowder arms to the city's premier alchemist- Rachit Mohish. Soon
the city received more orders than even its impressive amount of foundries could
provide, and the demand for Master Gunners capable of educating the Sasastra was
soaring. The extra income would allow the Imperial Gunnery School to fund research
projects by the inventors of the College of Engineering. These projects perfected
old designs and allowed the engineers to explore new possibilities.

The marriage of lady Gertrude to Emperor Richter I von Holswig-Schliestein was

perhaps the most monumental result of the expedition to Dwarapur. Voices who had
once spoken out against the relations between Emperor and minor noble were now
silenced. Within a year after the Eastern Company returned to Altdorf, the wedding
took place in Altdorf's Grand Cathedral, presided over by the Grand Theogonist of
Sigmar, Rafur. The celebrations following the marriage lasted well over three
weeks, a costly affair which nonetheless improved morale across the city. Empress
Gertrude enjoyed the favor of the common people, and when her pregnancy was
confirmed her popularity grew even further.

Yet while the common people loved their Empress, there were many nobles at court
less than pleased with a woman whom's blood was not quite as noble as theirs rising
above them. Their voices were silenced, but holding one's tongue does not equal
acceptance. Dark tongues whisper that duchess Helma von Gadsenhof, elector of
Talabecland, was more than resentful at Gertrude for claiming the marriage she
herself coveted, although the duchess herself laughs away such accusations as
gossip better suited to a lower class of nobility. Nonetheless, the Emperor has
decided to install the Crossed Keys, the former mercenary company of the dwarf
Unbrok Stonebeard, as Protectors of the Imperial Household. As the dwarfs were at
Gertrude's side in Dwarapur, the Emperor feels he can trust the task of protecting
his bloodline to them. The fact that the former mercenaries have no existing ties
with other noble families in the Empire was considered a bonus.

In the long run, the expedition to Dwarapur brought a positive change to the
Empire, and would be spoken of with pride by the Empire's historians. Although the
voyage to such a distant port remained dangerous, at its destination the Empire
would find a friend waiting.