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Dusty Prides and Bastard Sons - III -
Expansion post
The six stallions pranced over dark rocks and painted signs. A gloomy stone spire rose above the roofs.
This lost corner of the Statthaltum that had once been a city ending in “grod” - or another ghastly expression used by the previous inhabitants - had been naturally repopulating following the inclusion of Novy Szwonia into the Reich. However, whilst the coast received gold and a purpose, “Kvasy” nurtured off the hedonistic decadence of viftaelian elites.
Sellswords, bounty hunters, slavers, the worst of imperial szwonia’s degenerates went to Kvasy to make a quick buck. The most profitable job was, by far, the trading of human beings. Its prime location on the fringes of civilization and relative safety against tribal incursions made it the perfect landing pad for slavers to bring in hordes of sakeli natives.
Its filthy streets and bustling pleasure houses embodied the unsophisticated earthly pleasure the rich tried their best to ignore, but eventually caved in, for they were so few, and their toys so many.
"Please! I have a wife!" “My child!” the desperate screams of incredulous men and women were muffled by laughter and vocal descriptions of the people in “stock”. Most of the city was built outwards from an old imperial fortress, which was now the settlement’s high district. Normally, a Geist would reside here but Kvasy was one of the odd places during the conquest.
The tale tells of a sakeli tribal family, one that wasn’t as short-sighted as their contemporaries, and saw the viftaelian scourge looming over the horizon.
Instead of cowering behind the comfort of blissful ignorance, they took up arms and slaughtered the garrisons stationed on the nearby fortress, made it their home, and took up szwonian names.
When the armies came, they bent their knees and were promptly forgotten by Imperial Command, much more interested in overseeing the construction of the regional capital.
The family, for their efforts, became the city’s autocrats, eventually extending this honor to others. And thus, the Wieczorek, the Reich’s finest slavers were born.
Others might sell men for manual labor and women for sexual purposes, the Wieczorek do no such thing. The fortress’s old courtyard was refitted into an academy for the training of high maintenance serfs.
Education for teachers and estate managers, physical training for acrobats and dancers, even an elite body of personal guards for high profile buyers, the Wieczorek were the only clan in Kvasy that produced the three main types of specialised serfs, bringing in massive amounts of wealth by selling them to the conquerors and conquered that could afford it.
The party of one wasn’t another deep-pocketed aristocrat in need of company. He was there to add the Wieczorek into the Alvërion fold, and convince their matriarch, Olga Wieczorek, nicknamed “The Sakeli Scorpion”, to bow before a new master.
The carriage pulled up near a lavish archway. The envoy had barely any time to step out from the vehicle when two armored knights blocked his path with their lances.
“Halt! You aren’t allowed inside!” one of them thundered.
“I wish to speak with your master. I demand you let me pass immediately!”
“Her clarity does not wish to speak with you! Turn around at once!”
The emissary threw a look at the menacing figures. They were 2 of those bodyguards he’d been hearing so much about in Rarshäswa. Deadly beasts, could kill within the blink of an eye.
Fearing for his safety, the man turned back and ordered a “tactical” retreat out of the city.
The scorpion might have dismissed him, but she wouldn’t be on the winning side for long...
Dusty Prides and Bastard Sons - IV -
Expansion post
It was quite strange to stand beneath it. What had been a sunbathed alley was now obscured by the shadow of that large stone rectangle, hidden beneath cloths and wooden scaffolding.
The norm for building in the capital's inner districts was always horizontally, see for example the seat of viftaelian central authority, sitting proudly on several street blocs, equiparable to the gigantic headquarters of the Banco del Mer in rough area, a stunning work of architecture that puzzled most who crossed it. But whilst the structure housing multiple imperial councils had its own towers and other decorative elements sprinkled in, its strength was clearly in length and width, not height.
The shade didn't bother the common folk below, in fact, it was a much-deserved shield against heavy rain, the furious stormy wind and the deadly sunlight of Summer. However, it did raise some suspicion from the passers-by.
Firstly, man is innately programmed to fear something or someone bigger than himself. Tales of giants and other mythical beasts and structures of unfathomable proportions are common amongst some cultural diasporas, but they are just that, the stuff of legends, and if they were to exist then it would be outside human reach. But structures, not so much.
An individual can see the sky above the four or five-storeyed apartment blocs common throughout the residential districts with ease, the slim and tall spires of Öberers and basilicas vary in width and length, but they would cast cylindrical shadows, and in turn, only be a nuisance or advantage at specific times of the day.
But that tower was neither slim nor tall, it was humongous. A man had to turn his head completely up to make out the unfinished top, grasping at the clouds and heavens. The masons had already finished working on the base of the structure, and it's entrance wasn't much more welcoming. A pair of sitting bronze lions, regal feline of the Reich, flanked the stone steps. Prickly vines and twisted visages crawled up pillars and walls, a visual menagerie of demonic symbolism that appealed to the twisted desires of people with more money than righteousness in their hearts.
Secondly, the tower's height dwarfed the great bell towers of Kathölie, symbol of Drakenkirche's religious authority over the masses. Once the tallest structure in Gemsamegh, the basilica was the centre of Kuśtoszi's worship after the great churches of Swiegród were lost during the collapse of the Holy Empire.
The foreign policy of aggressive expansion and discriminatory persecution carried out by szwonian imperial authorities, both nationally and abroad, left many worshipers at the hands of discrimination by other powers, an issue resolved by the undoubtedly greater viftaelian diplomatic skills, along with others under the table deals. Truth be told, the Hierophacy had little to no power due to the collapse of central spiritual authority and illegitimacy- after all, the current hierophant had given himself the title and without consulting imperial szwonian commands -.
Whatever the main political reasons may be for the Hierophacy's irrelevance, the people had had their religious needs met throughout the Reich's existence. Tolerance from the Voltan, tolerance from the League - even the vehemently anti-revelationist state of Wensburgh - and basilicas galore around Gemsamegh, these were religious privileges enjoyed by few in the world.
So what could the problem be? Well, a building had never risen above the bell towers of Kathölie, and for a secular institution to get closer to the heavens than Kuśtoszi’s representatives on Earth was quite disrespectful. Preachers had gone around condemning the tower’s occupants and engineers, denouncing their pride and cursing its walls, calling upon the great winds to tear the ghastly monstrosity down in divine retribution, for Kuśtoszi may care little about humanity, but nature abides by its wishes and carries out its sentences.
Thirdly, it had just replaced something that was helping the local community. The previous blocs had been mostly abandoned and decaying for years, another one of the Herzogi of Alvërion’s overlooked properties. Due to its exemption from normal structural regulations and laws, the Herzogi could’ve kept the buildings in a state of disrepair if they so desired.
A handful of priests set up shop there right after the coronation of Kaiser Drüneht Madrunnehti, providing shelter and meals for the beggar population and even doing odd jobs around the neighborhood.
A few moons previously, the priests had all been taken by the city’s guard and the buildings they resided in brought down to build… a bank. The more affluent community members were quite puzzled as to why the Herzogi finally decided to use the space. They were even more confused when they knew to whom the fields now belonged to. The Verlasses, a fairly sized gierig family of suspected urbinian origins.
They were wealthy, sure, but not nearly enough to achieve the megalomaniac project without selling all their members into slavery. An odd act, at an odd place, by odd people at an odd time, some food for thought, but not much else since no one could stop the hammers and chisels now.
Dusty Prides and Bastard Sons - V -
Expansion post
A face peeked from around the corner.
“Got any time to spare?” Cecilia gently asked.
Maximillian motioned for her to come in without lifting his eyes from the paper and silver quill
“My dearest cousin, this office reeks! How can you stay here day and night?” she indignantly inquired.
“Through my duty and self-discipline, courtesy of our dear late grandfather. Tell me, do you know anything about the derelict wing of the estate?” he coldly responded.
“What? Dusty old halls and infantile fairytales, that’s all I know about the subject!” she threw back.
“No matter, I didn’t expect you to either…”
An awkward moment of silence ensued, where Cecilia’s furious gaze stuck to a completely unbothered and distracted Maximilian.
“Well… aren’t you going to ask why I entered this hellish room or would you like me to leave?”
“Oh yes, please do tell me what is it you’d like to tell me.”
“I’m not sure if you noticed, but the political and economic balance has been quite off lately…”
“In what way?”
“In what way?! A flurry of brand new portuary towns have sprung up around the capital, the borders of the szwonian Statthaltum have been altered to encompass even more land for plantations and a giant stone obelisk has just sprung up in the middle of the city! Have you been getting my letters cousin?!”
Maximilian brought the quill to his chin. “Your letters...your letters… are those the ones sealed with crimson wax have the imperial coat of arms imprinted on them?”
Cecilia collapsed onto a nearby chair. “You’ve been ignoring them haven’t you.” she snarled.
“Mayhaps. You’re well aware of how busy I’ve been lately.”
“Look, cousin, let us put the bad blood behind us. Please don’t fault me for my father’s mistakes and listen to me, this is of utmost importance.”
Maximilian’s eyes left the parchment and met hers.
“You know very well the reason for my hostility, but I will be granting you my time this once. If it’s worth it, this courtesy may repeat itself.”
She sighed. “Thank you. As you may or may not have noticed, something extremely strange is happening over by the coast and beyond the strait. At first, the Meitarys, some bastard offshoot of the Alvërion that achieved wealth and success, developed a large plot of coastline close to the metropolis, but that was a fair amount of moons ago.” she took out a leather notebook from a linen sack and placed it in front of Max.
“Understandable. I personally know Helwyg Meitarys and we’ve conducted business often. It isn’t too far-fetched to assume they got an imperial permit to set a stronghold near where taxation is malleable.”
“Yes I thought that too, however, then another one appeared, and another one, all of them tied in some way to the Alvërion, be it for heraldry or recent marriage. Then came the pressure on the Statthalter to move beyond Swiegród and closer to the League’s territories.” Cecilia put a stack of papers tied with string on top of the notebook.
“A way of designing a more cohesive szwonian state perhaps? It has been submitted quite a few times to the Assembly but has never been unanimously accepted.”
Cecilia nodded. “Guess who spearheaded it? The Daubegs and Kruszewski, both of them heralds of Alvërion fields in Bälvania and Wroszia, and, might I add, strong advocates for the normalization of serfdom of sakeli and other enslaved people on Gemsamegh rather than only Wschodzwar.
And to top it all off, a large derelict residential bloc near the Vierecken square has been brought down and the foundations have been placed for the construction of a massive tower. One of Von Ülthrict’s projects, extremely well thought out and lavishly designed. The hand behind it? The Von Verlass, some irrelevant giergs from Aadenval, with nowhere near the power or wealth to finish such a project! Or so it seems…” another three leather books joined the pile.
“Or so it seems?”
“Yes. You see, Gierig Von Verlass did divorce his wife for Clementina of Alvërion, daughter of the late Herzogi and the regent’s niece. And Helwyg Meitarys did accept a secret marital union with Alexandrine of Alvërion, daughter of the late Herzogi and another one of the regent’s niece. März Daubeg has always served the Alvërion loyally, and his eldest son was awarded Renata of Alvërion. Don’t you see the links? The Alvërion are linking heralds and blood relatives together through marriages and concessions!!! The Verlass didn’t command enough capital to build their tower until they rose as Gierigs of one of the Herzogi’s personal banking institutions and were awarded the land for it! The Meitarys weren’t interested in settling a town for themselves, until the fields were given to them by the Alvërion.
The list continues. I’ve been garnering intel for many moons now, even managed to get something out of the very secretive marriage arrangement. I don’t know exactly what they are doing, this is completely unprecedented, but I do believe we can repay them in kindness. Here’s how…”
Bathed by the Shimmering
Expansion post
Four moons prior, the island’s inhabitants had first witnessed the sigil of the lion-flanked castle approaching their shores. They were well accustomed to seeing sails on the horizon, having belonged to the great Polarii in the times of old and standing in on one of the most central spots of the Shimmering, graced by the city of Pons Aelli to the north and Exanorum to the south.
Following the polarean collapse and subsequent division of the Shimmering’s archipelagos between the League and the Voltan, which viftaelian decision makers called “the vultures’ banquet”, the most valuable lands were gobbled up by both empires and the rest left to their own devices.
Some were reintegrated into the Shimmering’s commercial machine, giving rise to new states from the ashes of Polarii, but others wouldn’t be as lucky. Drained of all purpose and status and with no higher power to serve, they began to be slowly deserted, with the ones receiving a minimal amount of ships losing most of their population and some being outright abandoned.
By the time the Kaiser’s men had arrived, the island was in a decrepit state, its settlements mostly abandoned and the population reduced to a few dozens. The exquisite century-old marble buildings that once housed polarean officers and bureaucrats were now glorified ruins, moss consuming their walls while time and the elements eroded the roofs.
The viftaelian wasted no time in remaking the land to their own image. The great buildings were raised once again, the ancient polarean architecture replicated to the minute detail and their interiors equipped with brocades and gold leaf. The shanty piers of rotten wood with a couple of dead masts jutting from the beaches’ sands were disposed of, thick stone walls and tall cranes rose in their place, the appropriate amenities to accommodate the tea routes crossing the entire Shimmering.
The island’s polarean inhabitants received their conquerors with open arms. A feast was thrown, just in time for the viftaelian fall festivities, where every person on the island left that week richer with silver and with a belly full of wine and roasted meat.
Suzo had grown up a decade after the twilight days of Polarii, the time when it’s power thinned with each passing year, furthered by the pressure of the League and the Empires to the east and south. The luxury of the former realm was only a distant mirage to most, a tale told by the old and demented, of the gold and products throughout the galleries of Exanorum, the Senate and Kaichō, it all seemed so foreign, as if years prior, that tiny piece of land hadn’t been at the epicenter of the civilized world.
Empires, much like people, come and go, and Suzo moved to Exanorum, under foreign influence, to study the ways of political debate and pursue a law degree. After becoming saturated with urban life, he would return to his little corner of the world, where he would write correspondence to his voltanese contacts and some poetry, although he never got the hang of it.
As a subject of the Kaiser, he was given a new purpose. Being one of the wealthiest islanders and proficient in the matters of state, along with a charismatic personality that would forge a friendship with a viftaelian admiral, he was appointed Geist of the island. No longer were the dreams of gold and silver such a distant memory, granted, he had witnessed that and more abroad, but never in his homeland.
The excuse was the Reich needed a new outpost on the central shimmering, to guarantee safe and efficient passage between the imperial metropolis and the land of the Republika, along with the rogue people of Taegong, but no matter the purpose of his service, he was happy to oblige.
Expansion Post:Rising Stars
Stars
As Nortclaw Could tell,they were numberless,the tribes had agreed to build the city here because of the stars,and even though they could not see them well in the city because of torchelight
Nortclaw,groaning inwardly,stepped out of the city hall,he walked,just down the main street.and turned down the street.he lightly touched his head against the wall,a small trickle of blood came down his forehead.Why did he sign up for this.?He was growing..no he did not want to think of it...but he was growing...elderly..?no,he was only 40,but he was getting to that age,he had to consider,that it was time to retire.but people would do that when they were 50 or something if they lived to that age.
He had to get to the exploration group,so he walked back onto main street.The street was crowded since all clouds had cleared away,and he had decided it was always best to walk down the less crowded areas,although they were not as based in direction as the main street,they had less people,and were,thus actually slightly quicker.
He took the small back street,not far from his house,and it was working,not many people were on the route at all.
Then,he noticed there was a group of people behind him,about 3 people ,pretty far behind him.oh well he first thought they are probably just people with sense But they were walking faster,and he had a feeling,something would happen,not good,either.He was very concerned,and he did not even know why.They drew closer,and closer,and soon,they were so close,he could see they were in dark robes,with faces younger than him.They were only a few feet behind him,when,he was able to hear them."Get him"He heard one mutter.He turned,and saw one of them flying at him,he quickly ducked,and gave the one a good smack.he went flying over him,and crashed into a wall.one,the leader,he presumed,told one to 'Send him to the gods'.he came at him,with a small knife,but he deflected his hand before it hit him,and twisted his arm,and he led out a high-pitched yell.he was able to swing him into the wall.the leader came at him,and attempted to kick him.He was able to block the kick,and grabbed the leg,and swung him.he noticed something,they had no cards,so they were lawbreakers.he noted this,and he would tell the others this when he got there.
he walked more,and noticed nothing of those people who attacked him.he walked,and encountered the expedition group at last.He noticed his rival,cancea and then,cancea said "well,how unfortunate you are late,tell me,why were you late,i will note it"cancea was always looking for a chance to get him kicked from the army,so he could lead and receive all the fame and glory.he told him."Well,if you must know,i had a detour"."and what may that be?"Cancea chuckled,"Some people without cards,in robes,attacked me."He said. "Oh"cancea said,very disappointing to him."There were 3,and they were not skilled ,or at least,i could beat them,but not everyone can,and perhaps they could hurt someone."He said.
And,yet again,he thought of this,he did never get the final word,not even in his own destiny,did he?
Expansion Post
Nortclaw was upset.
at his age it was hard to imagine going on a "Expedition"
He had to rest,but he could not,The moon was high in the sky,but it was a crescent ,and did not cast much light down upon them.He slept for a while after that.
When he got up,the sun had risen,casting its rays above the city.The Sky was blue,with some red on the horizon.he felt very awake ,and he was ready to start the expedition.
He woke up,his son was nowhere to be seen,and nortclaw was sure he was at the library,and he was sure that he better get going,so he packed his supplies,and wrote upon the table in small letters that he was leaving,and that he would be on a expedition.He decided he would be going now,and walked out of the house.The streets were not packed,probably because of the clouds that stretched across the sky.
The Walk was long,and he was getting tired,and by the time he reached the city hall,he was tired ,and when the guards cleared him.he sat down to rest.He was noticing the sky clearing up,and the reason why he was not so sweaty was because of the cool breezes,now those were starting to go away.He decided to just start this now,and he walked through the door after opening it.He was used to this situation,so he was not surprised.But it still felt surreal.
He walked across the city hall ,and was noticing quite a few people in the hall,perhaps in order to discuss matters,but he did not know which. The room of which the meeting and discussion place was through the door,which loomed in the distance.
The crowded hall was difficult to navigate, as there was also a brief meeting with a local tribe in recently acquired territory,and he had to maneuver around them,and he was a only halve-way there.
The room was completed with some high windows,so he could see the clouds had mostly cleared up.And he could notice the sun. The light provided made him seem happier,although he did not know why.He walked down the room,and he reached the door,he knocked,and someone asked them his name,which he told them.the door opened and he walked inside,there were people inside,which he knew,not the king,of course,but other important figures.He was told to sit in a chair,to which he did,and the one person,expander- Firenaws ,began to speak.
"People,we have been given orders from the king himself!"he said "We are to expand the country,by the end of the next few years,and we are to be people to do it,nortclaw,as you have dealt with such walks before, you shall lead the next expedition,and the nation will grow,and our power,along with it!"He finished,some cheering went up across the room,and he had a feeling,that was which would happen soon,would be big.
Third times the charme I
She didn’t want to do it, but she has to do it. She needs a war to distract the Tur-Order and their warriors for now. Their desire for war can be annoying. Luckily for her the rest of Venusia seems to stabilize itself now and the reforms implemented years ago seem to become fruitful finally. And for the military she has the commanders and Zelig supporting her. She needs only to send a declaration of war now, hope that the commanders do not screw up and then most of her work is done. Maybe she can relax in a thermal bath for once. Maybe she can spend more time with her children and maybe she could visit her daughter Leyna in Rekfels. But first she must send the diplomats to announce that once again for the third time war is happening between Venusia and the remains of Publectia.
~~
Hartmut, thinking to himself: “Unexpected, but not unwanted. This war could bring me the glory I deserve but couldn’t grasp because of this annoying peace. Soon everyone will sing songs of praise about me and even my descendants will admire the work of their ancestor. But my reputation isn’t as great as the other commanders, so I need to be careful.”
Luitpold, thinking to himself: “Another war? Interesting. I honestly wouldn’t had expected she to attack. I already got the glory I searched for in the last battle I fought against the Publectians. But who says, I couldn’t increase the glory? For Tur and Venusia I will follow my queen Adelina into battle. Especially since she still has something of Alaric in her, as it seems.”
Odovacar, thinking to himself: “I didn’t believe that I would see in my lifetime another war, especially under Adelina’s rule and yet it happened. Why? Didn’t Adelina wanted to be peaceful? Or is she playing a longer game here? Maybe the Tur-Order somehow convinced her to declare war or her husband Zelig. Whatever the reason may be, may this war be a successful one. Maybe things will come together in the end.
~~
And so a third war between the Publectians and the Venusians begin. Another chance for the Publectians to strike back or the end of the restoration of old Publectia will be decided with this war. But the Publectians are still divided, while the Venusians have a great unity among each other. The venusian men march forward along the southern river, ready to conquer more for their queen. With access of the lake and both shores of the river, the Venusians are confident that they will also win this war. The venusian army, more disciplined than ever since the reforms of Zelig almost annihilates the publectian army, giving them no other opportunity than being put to flight and surrender when they could. And once again venusian banners are flying over enemy territory symbolizing the defeat of the enemy and the victory of the Venusians. And once again another province was taken by Venusia.
Once again tas fereynte Koningreych av Venusia[1] grows.
[1]: The united kingdom of Venusia
Gentle Guidance
Founding Post
“How long was it since this bastard Ricardo betrayed the kingdom? One decade since he took over the south with the help of the Biscayyans. If just my father didn’t attacked the Biscayyans 15 years ago, we wouldn’t be in this situation.”
Estevan Audres Santi de kardiagis was sitting on his balcony giving view to both the city of Nea Luoldas, how the people live and go on with their daily life working, creating and trading with each other, and to the small river on which the city was build. Looking at Nea Luoldus no one could deny that this city was in good shape and relatively prosperous compared to capitals of other kingdoms of similar size. But that could not be said about the rest of the kingdom. One piece after another of Estevan’s kingdom broke free and declared independence until only a small portion of land in the north remains including his capital on the river. He needs… yes, he needs guidance. But from whom? And how does he secure that they don’t make him a puppet? Or perhaps it would be worth it? Perhaps…
And then suddenly a maid came in.
Maid: “Sir Estevean, the nobleman Alberto Amor Cosmos de aisyle wants to speak with you.”
Estevan does not know what he should think of Alberto. On the one side he was always on the most loyal servants of his kingdom. When he had the chance to defect, he chose to not do. But on the other hand, there were rumors that he planned something. Something to overthrow him and take control over the kingdom itself. There are even rumors that he is part of… no, this are just rumors, right? After all, he easily could have broken free and conquered the small remains of the kingdom.
Estevan: “Let him enter maid!”
Alberto enters the room where Estevan was standing.
Estevan: “Buenos días Albert. What is the reason that you are going to meet me?”
Alberto: “Buenos días my king, as a loyal subject of yours I didn’t failed to see the situation your kingdom isn’t the best one.”
Estevan: “Do you want to tell me also something I do not know?”
Alberto: “I have made contacts into the breakaway kingdoms and even further out. I may use this contacts to help you and your kingdom.”
Estevan, thinking about what he just said about these ‘contacts’: “Ok, interesting. Please continue!”
Alberto: “But to fully utilize them to the fullest and most effective extend I need a bit more control.”
Estevan: “Why do you need this power?”
Alberto: “Believe me when I say that it help this kingdom immensely, when you, ehm, just give up a bit of the control you currently have.
Estevan: “And what if I reject?”
Alberto: “Than I could just get my army , take over the capital, depose you and then finally save the kingdom.”
Estevan: “Isn’t that treason? Couldn’t I just imprison you now for this?”
Alberto begins to laugh and begins to look very confident, as if he was much more powerful than the king themselves.
Alberto: “Take a small look outside!”
Estevan goes to his balcony and sees that many of Alberto’s troops have occupied the city, now patrolling through the city.”
Estevan: “But how?”
Alberto: “King Estevan, I could attack you now, I could depose you now! But you are good human with good ambitions, and I don’t want to spill blood if unnecessary. Just accept my gentle guidance, just give me control of the kingdom and Luoldesi will prosper, while you will live to see it.”
Estevan has no other choice now.
“I'll accept your ‘gentle’ guidance.”
Expansion Post: Tournament
Life in the Kingdom of Hakad was tedious, the peasants had to spend all year gathering supplies to make it through the winter safely with their families, however there were a few occasions when life got lively and one of those was the Winter Festivals, the locals used their surplus of food and other rarer produce to celebrate the coming of winter as they had to take advantage of what they had achieved before the hard times came.
Normally a tournament would be held in Heglax and the King would attend but as in recent years the Hakadian state had come into conflict with the Mountain Order it was announced to the public that King Karl would not attend the tournament and would stay in his castle, Hisari emissaries would meet with his nephew to negotiate treaties however and because of this security was tightened.
The Horkheimer Family was extensive and there were some members to negotiate with should Karl not show up, however it was always best to be safe.
Unknown to his advisors and Orkaz the King had his own plans to accomplish in the tournament, first he had to arrange a disguise so as not to attract suspicion, Karl disguised himself as a knight of secret identity, his shield contained a coat of arms with a wolf painted in blue, a squire of the royal guard accompanied him to avoid problems... so also the participants could think he was some knight of the royal guard in disguise.
Karl participated in the jousts and there he found out if his knights gave him preferential treatment because he was king, the beginning was good and he defeated several knights, earning rewards and even defeated a member of the Royal Guard in the jousts but ended up getting a beating from the Commander of the Royal Guard. He realized that his knights were taking it easy on him, but fortunately he was not injured during the joust.
General Reingmar registered as a knight and won the tournament, although he was getting old he had gained a lot of experience in battle, too bad he and Wolfgang
could not get rid of the pirates in the Sea of Shadows.
When the festivities were going on Karl charged his squire to give his equipment to the commander and put on thick clothes to blend in better with the crowd, in the middle of this a man came up to him and the two of them went to one of the taverns in town to talk.
The man was a Hisari hired by Karl whose mission was to do espionage in the lands of Kanas and Odensia, the man had learned the languages of these lands and served as a mercenary leader in both for five years returning to Heglax during this Winter Festival to deliver his report.
Karl was able to glean some essential information from the man's report, apparently in Kanas a powerful leader was emerging who might be able to unify those lands in the near future, while in Odensia the son of the legendary Pirate King called Yellowbeard was gradually and slowly strengthening his power.
More than a prince, more than a king I
Expansion Post
Now that Luoldesi is in Alberto’s control, he can finally begin to transform this kingdom after his own wishes. Luoldesi will be a prosperous country, a free and meritocratic one, ruled only by people who are guided by reason and humaneness. But before he can beginn with the transformation, he must first bring back some of the now independent parts of the kingdom. Those petty little kings and princes ruling over the country must either submit to Alberto’s enlightened rule or be mercilessly perished and stomped into the ground.
Alberto is looking at a map of the kingdom and the different provinces. The capital is too close to uncontrolled territory from which bandits or petty chiefdoms coming from the steppes could easily cross the border and, like the barbarians they are, raid and plunder across the countryside. Conquering these areas would be more than favorable, the inhabitants there would once again receive civilization and would on top of that be ruled by a noble government. And the kingdom receives new land, which would be very suitable for herding animals like pigs or sheep or to raise horses which could be used in a cavalry ready to use if the other break away states should later one refuse to join voluntarily. When control over these provinces it will definitely be tried to regain the other states peacefully, but now it’s too early to think about that. But there is one problem though. Who should govern these lands here? He can’t just give the ownership to anyone; it must be a person as enlightened as he is. But that’s something for later too. First this area must actually be conquered.
A person enters the room, Julian Cortez Vallez de zadura, commander of the royal army of Luoldesi.
Alberto: “Welcome Julian, I forgot to thank you for allowing my troops to enter the city.”
Julian: “I’m just glad I could help the cause.”
Alberto: “I could use your help soon again. You know that Nea Luoldas is very close to uncontrolled territory.”
Julian: “Yes, I do know.”
Alberto: “Should we attack the west? Or perhaps march into the north?
Julian: “We have a river protecting us from the north, the same can’t be said about the west.”
Alberto: “Good, to the west the army goes.”
Julian: “Wasn’t one of our values to prevent unnecessary bloodshed?”
Alberto: “Says the army commander? Shows only that in the end you are still loyal to our cause. There are no local rulers we can contact or persuade to our cause, there is no central authority of which we can take control. This land is controlled by barbarians unable to be enlightened. These are areas we must bring to our control by force. About the more civilized areas we will definitely use more civilized manners in regaining them.”
Julian: ”What are we going to do with the conquered territories?”
Alberto: “We will occupy them until someone suitable is found to be given control of these areas. Under our guidance of course.”
Julian: “Do you have already an idea which nobleman could take control?”
Alberto: "No, not yet. I can only say, that...
...the one taking control is more than a nobleman, he is a human!”
More than a prince, more than a king II
The West is easily conquered, and the North shall soon fall too. The army of Luoldesi is ready to defeat its last opponent in this small campaign before returning home. The wide steppes don’t give many opportunities to hide in a forest or find good strategic points among mountains or hills. The army was unsure when this campaign started, but as Julian gives flammable speeches about how the troops are fighting for the future of Luoldesi, the unification of the land and a “higher cause” and as the West was conquered rather swiftly the morale is kept at a high level. The inhabitants had not much time yet to develop advanced horde-tactics but the fight with them still gave the luoldesian army necessary experience for future campaigns, if necessary. Pacifying the area was difficult at first but after subjugating the local chiefs even that wasn’t a problem. It did not take long, until also the North was conquered by the army of Luoldesi.
A great first victory. A parade was held and the soldiers coming home were celebrated among the populace with roses and screams of praise filling the street as the proud soldiers marched through the city. The first step towards reunification was finished. At the end of days Julian Cortez Vallez de zadura came to the palace of Nea Luoldas and was already awaited by Alberto Amor Cosmos de aisyle.
Alberto: “Congratulation my friend, it went faster than I expected.”
Julian: “Do you already have your candidates for the governorship of the conquered areas?”
Alberto: “While you were away, I got to talk to two brothers, bright men.”
Julian: “Interesting, tell me more!”
Alberto: “They had a sharp mind and were able solved riddles, which would take minutes and sometimes hours to solve in mere seconds. They too had a vision of the world how it should be, similar to us. They too dreamed of a free and equal world. And when I talked about our vision, I could saw in their eyes that they were attracted to them.”
Julian: “Sounds nice, who are those noblemen?”
Alberto: “They aren’t nobles.”
Julian: “Merchants?”
Alberto: “Neither are they merchants, they were two simple peasants.”
Julian: “Peasants? How did you even talked to them?”
Alberto: “Hidden identity. And before you ask, I already examined them to see if they are worthy to rule or even fit to rule and they passed.”
Julian: “I- I can’t… what? I can’t believe what I’m hearing!”
Alberto: “And yet you do hear it just now. I am already preparing them to rule as enlighten beings over the areas you just conquered. It will of course take it’s time.”
Julian: “We can’t let the peasants rule! The people would never accept it, the army would never accept it, the nobles would never accept it!”
Alberto: “And that’s why we will not let two peasants rule, but instead the two noblemen Antonio Dali Diego de sazela and Konstantin Dali Diego de sazela.”
Julian: “Wait didn’t you said that…”
Alberto: “Psst, I never said anything.”
Julian: “I understand… but are you really sure about it? Are you really sure it’s good idea to let them rule?”
“Under our guidance of course!”
Third times the charm II
Adrius Aurelius was foolish to hope the Venusians stay peaceful for very long. Once again their armies are crossing the border to conquer them. And soon they might arrive at his place too. At his own small state in the north. How long might it take for the Venusians to reach his city? 1 day? 1 week? Adrius Aurelius looks during the night into the sky with the crescent being high up in the air. Can any god protect the Publectians now, if they should exist? The Tyrant-God he worshipped never cared about anything. He didn’t care if bad or good happened, he didn’t care when morality is corrupted, he didn’t care when the once great publectian Empire crumbled, so why would he now care about his little city invaded by barbarians, if this Tyrant-God should exists? Why is he even thinking about it? If gods existed out there, they either didn’t care or gave their blessings to the Venusians for what reason ever. There were still old senators rambling about how once the Publectians get their act together and unite for a common cause, maybe against a common enemy, that the old publectian Empire would be restored.
But they did unite! And not only did they failed, but cities around the Flumna-lake and on the shores of the Flumna-river are now gone! The publectian culture there slowly but surely replaced by the Venusian’s primitive culture. It seems as if everything is lost. And soon they will arrive here to conquer. There are however rumors, rumors that the fate of a publectian settlement is not necessarily decided, when the Venusians conquer the city. Some venusian commanders; they burn the settlement down and take the inhabitants as slaves, but some avoid unnecessary bloodshed with the settlement merely taken control of and the inhabitants still living in peace. Maybe…
Shouldn’t he just give up? Perhaps if he surrenders now, there might be a chance that the city is saved, merely by the fact it did not took as much time and effort as if they were to conquer the city, maybe the Publectians in his little state could live in peace? Maybe their ruler can be convinced to let the Publectians live in peace if they would just join the kingdom voluntarily. It may be a risky move and it will take away his role as consul of the settlement and ruler of this state. Unsure about his future Adrius writes a letter, offering his realm to be vassalized in return for protection. The letter is only in publectian and not the strange venusian one, but perhaps some of them can understand. He gives this letter to a messenger who was then sent into venusian territory hoping he would come through to Alaricstedt and if everything works, his people may be safe for the moment.
~~
Adelina was surprised, she already knows that the Publectians were severely weakened, but to such an extent that they give their power up voluntarily? Nonetheless, this are positive views for her as it not only mean that she has one less foe to fight, but also how strong her people were now and what possibilities they may have in the future to gain land. She begins to write:
“Adrius Aurelius, I will gladly accept your offer to let your state become my vassal… signed Adelina av Venusia”
Post self-deleted by Prismea.
Post self-deleted by Prismea.
The Great Game - XII
New People, New Ambitions
Much had changed over the years where the Empire had opted to remain... a quiet spectator to the affairs of others. Instead of causing more unrest by needless expansions, it decided it was best to rearrange its coffers, wait for a newer generation to take the reigns of leadership.
Rigelis had experienced the beginning of a cultural revolution, now in full swing, during that period. Where the ambition of subjugating all Rigelian cultures was replaced with a more open Pan-Rigelian attitude and where the Empire had truly allowed its people breathing space, creating a separate class from farmers and peasants, those who had begun to climb their way up the ladder. By no means were these 'Mishchany[1]' comparable to nobility or clergy, but they were certainly better of than the peasants and farmers that littered the countryside.
This created a stronger internal economy, a stronger base to take action from in the future. And that future was now. With the passing of Emperor Borys, a young Alexei took the throne. Though Borys was 67, Alexei was only 24, being the late Emperor's fourth child, the only male in the main line, thus the natural heir to the throne. A law implemented only recently by the late Emperor.
Alexei's worldview was different than that of his father's. His state would have no place for an oppressed peasantry, at least not to the extend of his father's. Slavery and serfdom of all kinds would be abolished, he promised. The young Emperor garnered major support from the peasantry and the Mishchany, though seemingly had odds with the clergy and nobility.
He had refused a baptising by the Archbishop, sending shockwaves through the capital, for it was the Emperor's duty to uphold the name of Rhine, in the eyes of the clergy. The Rigelian populace itself was not as concerned with religion, all were welcome in establishing a better state.
"What concerns me is the future of our Empire. The people, be it peasant or noble, are looking towards this coronation either with hope or worry. I wish to do away with your fears. I, Alexei Arlowskaya, vow to completely devote my life and my every hour to this Empire and her people."
The political landscape outside of the throne had also shifted quite drastically. Where some nobles seemed to be within the final stretches of their lifetime, others had already been reunited with Rhine. Such as those of House Gregoronov and Tartal, succeeded by their heirs Vasyl Gregoronov and Kliment Tartal. Most of them in their mid-to-late twenties, a result of widespread war and disease affecting the ages of those who succeeded royal houses. With Rigelia at peace, however, that pattern might restore itself to normal once more.
Though Alexei's war cabinet had different ideas of what the young Emperor should strive towards. With a resurgence in Pan-Rigelism, the people were not entirely against war, seeking to reunite the lands that they claimed as theirs by birthright. It gnawed at the young Emperor, for he sought to solve these issues diplomatically in favor of through martial might.
The Great Game - XIII
The Great Lakes Banks
For many years, the topic of full Ozeromaye control over the Lake Rigel area had been a much-heated discussion. Many would feel that such undertakings would disturb the balance of power within Rigelis. While others argued that such balance need not be held in a realm was to be united anyway and that Ozeromaye was the most logical province to expand into the lake area. Then there were many arguments about how to exactly incorporate these areas. Many among the military were, unsurprisingly, in favor of warfare as a means to take control of the area. While the advisors and the Emperor himself favored a more diplomatic solution. Though the Emperor had the final say, he found that it was well worth deliberating between both options, for upsetting the military staff wasn't something he was that much in favor of.
Thus he found himself in a precarious position, to say the least. However, a decision had to be made, rather sooner than later. Thus Alexei summoned his council for the first time in his tenure as Emperor. A month after the invite had been sent out, the council met within the confines of the Grand Palace in Novyy Dmytrovosk. Many of those attending Alexei had not met personally, thus it was hard for him to judge their character and what they were going to bring to the table. He had the highest hopes for Vasyl, who had appeared to be very much the shrewd leader that he was made up to be. Composed, sharp, and well under pressure. House Tartal had refused the offer to meet, for they had no interest in how affairs so far from them were to be handled. Though Alexei wanted to protest, stressing the importance of unity of the Crownlands, he understood the desire of the Tartals to focus their efforts elsewhere, namely the sea and the many islands within its sphere.
That left young Alexei with the representatives of the four other houses: Kuval, Zhinchenko, Gregoronov, and Chorvodyy as well as the Archbishop, who had always held a position within the council, like her predecessors before her.
"I thank you all for coming on such short notice, such dedication is noted and very well received," Alexei began after everyone had taken their seat and the room had quieted down. "It does me well to see that the realm my father constructed has held water throughout all these years, including those of his unfortunate illness and demise."
"But onto business, why you all gathered here. It is clear that the Empire must expand now, for the fruits of our brief period of peace are running out. We seem to be slowly grinding to a halt, which can only be attributed to a growing lack of resources and labor pool to accommodate our growing needs in fields such as the navy as well as within our rural economies. The Mishchany is expanding, so is our urban output, though that means our rural population has decreased. Though not too significantly, some spots need to be filled up within our base economy to help maintain this growth within our internal economy."
"Which means the Crown seeks to claim the regions surrounding Lake Rigel, I presume," Vasyl remarked. "A rather obvious choice, for the resources surrounding and within the lake itself are quite valuable. That is not to mention the massive population centers it hosts as well as its strategic position geologically, forming a ring right around our beloved capital."
A short silence befell the room, as Vasyl spoke of what they had all already foreseen. Alexei himself was taken a little off guard but would catch his form immediately.
"Yes, that is correct, lord Gregoronov," Alexei nodded towards his fellow councilmember. "Our proposal is that Ozeromaye expands into the said region and integrates it fully. This meeting is to ensure, first and foremost, that no objections are held to this proposal. Though there are other topics yet to be discussed, this one is primary."
"House Kuval holds no objection," Kyrylo Kuval responded.
"Neither does House Gregoronov," Vasyl responded in kind. From Lord Zhinchenko, Alexei merely received a nod of approval, the elderly man wishing to spare his words for later on. House Chorvodyy's vote held little sway now, as a majority had already been reached, not that they held any objections themselves either.
When the Silent Man Croaks
Expansion post 1
Oh dear. It wasn't meant to be like this, not one bit at all.
All Cosca could do was stare into the casket. She had come all the way to Wence Sovenburgh, the most important city in the Wence lowlands, to watch Occo put to rest in his homeland. So many others had been there — all of them were family, either being siblings or nephews and nieces of his or being his own children. But even despite caring somewhat for Occo, Cosca could feel only awkwardness as she looked around.
All those around her looked to be poor and in shock that the funerary arrangements — evidently bankrolled by her — were so lavish. The highest amongst them in terms of achievement and wealth, Sibrand Redertsna, who was a nephew-in-law, was but a Uinnlantish der, and not even an esteemed one at that. Truly, Cosca was the odd one out. It didn't help that she couldn't speak a lick of Sovenburghese and was relegated to using a handsomely-paid interpreter.
“May Tígdon treat you well on your way to Halorastedt,” said a man when he had come to the casket — according to the interpreter, anyway. He told Cosca that that man was none other than Sibrand Redertsna, or the second-most Uinnlantishized relative of Occo’s. Cosca could only nod to it.
She took a few careful steps towards him. “Der Sibrand?” she asked in Uinnlantish.
Sibrand turned to face her. It took a moment for him to find what to say in her language. “Your Majesty, I did not expect you to come here…” He looked out towards the other attendees. “Did you pay for all of this? That is the only idea which makes sense.”
“Well—” She paused. “Yeah. I did.”
“Thank you. From the bottom of our hearts, it is a shame that Ocko had to pass. But it is a blessing that you saw it in yourself to pay for the arrangements.” Sibrand turned his head to Ocko and sighed. “That will he wrote proves that he lost his faith in Æurdratta. He refused any crematory funeral. The will’s executor told us all that Ocko had written something along the lines of, ‘If the Æurdrattan church, in its holiness, declares that I may not be buried within Wence borders without being victim to cremation, I request that my body be buried in Uinncair or Ónnismarg where I have resided for most of my life now.’”
“O-oh. That’s…”
“Yes. However, he knew that most of his relatives would regard it well. I cannot blame him for his shift of faith; Uinncair has religious tentacles which have began to invade my own mind. I cannot simply say I cannot see how his mindset developed.”
“You don’t have to convert.”
Sibrand chuckled and shook his head. His momentary smile fell. “I know. But Halora and Vorstedden feel… wrong. But that is not important now; pardon my tangent.”
“No, no, it’s okay.”
Sibrand nodded. “I…” he paused to take a deep breath. “I wish to resign from my posting as der on account of familial matters. I likely will not ever return to the posting.”
Cosca blinked and pursed her lips. She glanced around the room before saying back, “I accept your resignation. Sibrand, I hope, from the bottom of my heart, that you find peace after his death.”
“I will.”
Biscayye and Hakad
Sellouts
Expansion post 2
Brezi o-Aknerat had to focus on consolidating Agnæratha. That was his goal since he took power when Morzride Maelgun died. And, thus far, Agnæratha was coming under good Aknerati control. All that remained were pockets in southern and south-east Agnæratha. Brezi thought it unusual that his Tydmoric rivals fell so easily, but also knew that he was not to look a gift horse in the mouth. So, he took the news to his chest.
However, several ships in southern Aknerati-controlled Agnæratha were currently bustling amongst themselves in a port which they had filled.
“Tankrik! Raise the mast!”
“Orzrik! Keep watch on the bow!”
More commands like that filled the air just as the smell of salt and brine filled each sailor’s nostrils.
This was a janky operation. As the Tydmor had been pirates dwelling upon the northern Reach mainland for so long before their eventual migration to Agnæratha, there was a sizable population that they left. Most Tydmor had learnt that ‘Greater Odensia’ — whatever that was besides a crock of nothing — had taken the Tydmoric mainland into its own borders. So, the goal of today was to return to the mainland and bring it back to the Tydmor fully.
The journey there wasn’t the hard part. The hard part was what they saw there.
Orzmār, one of the sailors amongst his fellow Tydmor on the ships — known to most as a ‘plague of Tydmor’ — could only stare towards the mainland Tydmor as he stood on the dock.
“What… what is that… that language?” he murmured. There were words he could recognize — nāg ‘boat’ being one of them — but the structure and rest of the language was off. Off by a lot.
A few men walked down the pier closest to Orzmār’s ship. “Oy!” one of them yelled. “What in Dujre’s seas are you bastards doing back here?!”
“Whadda you mean!” yelled Tenār, another sailor who stood near Orzmār. “We’re just makin’ a home call!”
“Bah, a home call!” yelled one of the other men.
The trio came to the end of the pier. The evident head of them yelled, “We don’t take your kind here anymore! You sea Tydmor f*ckers rape and pillage anything! The Odensians haven’t!”
Odensians.
Odensia.
Tenār took a shaky breath alongside Orzmār. They knew what they had to do. They brought with them the rest of the sailors on that ship and descended into the ship’s storage. They came back armed with weapons and one large, ornate carnyx. Orzmār was the only one who knew how to use it and it was important for one simple reason.
Several seconds after he blew upon it, arrows flew from several other Tydmoric ships. The now-armed sailors on Orzmār’s ship jumped over the bow and began their work of ‘rape and pillage anything’. If only that trio knew that respect to one’s Tydmorant and their fellow Tydmoren was worth its weight in gold and ale both, then they would have stopped to think before speaking — and would have had a village still.
Woe betide sellouts.
Biscayye and Vyzantion
Stockholm Syndrome — Minus the Stock!
Expansion post 3
A feast was underway in Brezi’s hold. Tankard and flaggard clinked against one another in toasts; men were arguing and talking joyfully; the harp players were harping their harps like that day was the last day they could; and Brezi sat at the helm of the table, a drinking horn in his hand. Today was a damned good day!
Agnæratha had finally come under full Aknerati control and Brezi was most thankful. He had already dumped an entire deer carcass into the sea as both a toast and a thanks to Dujre. But, furthermore, he had poured a heavy tankard of ale into the sea as if to tell Dujre that he saw her as a good companion. He wasn’t wrong.
However, something nagged at him. It felt like he hadn’t taken control of all of Agnæratha even though he had. It felt like… like he was unfinished with his business. There was yet one thing he had to take over before he could call it a finished operation. He just kept blanking on what it could have been—
Holm.
It was Holm.
What was Holm? It was an island just west of Benthekaerdujre, the Tydmor o-Aknerati capital.
What did Holm achieve? It was an important port and a most strategically-viable area for the Bjørnsburgian Empire in relation to Agnæratha. When Bjørnsburg fell, Holm was left as its own for some unknown reason. It was prime real estate, for one, but it also still maintained several ports and dockyards which would prove vital to a seafaring nation.
That was what the Tydmor were about. That was what they needed.
Brezi stood up. “Men!” he yelled. Heads and eyes turned towards him. “There is one last island we ought to take!”
“Really now?” asked a man to his right. “Which is?”
“Holm.”
Heads turned to one another before someone yelled, “Why didn’t I think of that!”
Brezi smiled and sat back down. “We depart at dawn, men. We will do our ancestors justice and we shall show the pale demons of Ovanheiman what happens when their nanny-state is gone — kaput, as I’d like to say.”
“I’d love to see ‘em try and dunk us under the ice!” yelled a man at the table.
“Aye!” yelled another.
***
Mauseth stared out into the empty sea. His day thus far had been boring, with only a meal to have raised his stimulation level to something interesting. Why? There were maggots in the food. And mold. All across it. So, he had no meal. At least there was enough drinking water there for him to fill himself up on that and try to forget that he hadn’t had a meal yet.
“Hey, Mauseth,” said the pierman next to him — Simen. He tapped Mauseth’s shoulder. “Look over there,” he said as he pointed. “I see somethin’. Whaddya think it is?”
Mauseth turned his head and—
Oh.
Oh God please no.
It was the Tydmor.
“Grimacin’?” asked Simen. “It must be somethin’ bad then. Tydmor?”
“Yeah.”
“We’ll live.”
“You don’t understand. They’re gonna slaughter you.”
“Well, let’s let ‘em try.”
…
Holm became Tydmoric land soon afterward. The Bjornsburgians weren’t killed off, mind, but they were still under a foreign yoke.
OOC:
129-130CE Update Complete.
Expansion Post:None shall take my water
The Expedition was quite large, as it had 150 people. Nortclaw did not agree with the amount,but The Tribesmen said he HAD to have this many people.The whole military council had voted it in a landslide 12-0.He did not even try to speak up.So this resulted in a large amount of explorers on this expedition.The amount of people was like a busy day in a old street in Brunsbor.
The day wore out as they crossed the border,the few clouds turned red in the light of the setting sun.The Expedition went through the night,The torchlight was dim,so they felt lucky it was a full moon.the moonlight reflected on the sea,which was just on the horizon.The light came back after a long time.they had set up a watch while he group slept.The light of dawn cast light over the landscape.
The expedition continued. The group at one point,found a pound,in which one person just saw,and jumped in.After that,they remained wary of any surprise ponds,and telling people to not jump in.The next day,they came upon a sight.A river,which stretched from the sea to who knew where.They took while to figure out how to get by,but they realized the water was quite shallow ,and could cross it.After that encounter,they decided it would be best to go around rivers when they lost a carriage when it flooded and sank into a ditch in the mud.The afternoon of that day,the cartographer realized something.
"nortclaw,may we have a moment"The cartographer said."Sure"nortclaw said."sir,the Coastline appears to draw back"He pointed to the map,where,as Nortclaw studied it,the Coast was indeed curving back."What does this mean"He asked."It means either we are in a bay,or we are next to a very large inland lake."the cartographer said.he nodded.
The days started to draw cold as summer turned to fall.The days began to shorten to.The sundials reported it .Nortclaw began to wonder how much longer this would last.He then realized he was the judge of that.He then,that day,said the order to turn back.With the relief,the expedition turned back.
This did not mean the expedition was at end , however.Because now they had to face the same perils back,and the temperatures was still dropping.The journey was quite harsh,and the same pond the man jumped into,a chariot of weapons fell into,it landed with a smash,it quickly took on water,and the weight of the weapons dragged it quickly,it did not submerge due to the shallowness of the pond however.The group had no time to pick up the weapons,only the survivors.So,with the bulk of their weapons gone,they continued on their return with winter fast approaching.Then the day came when they recognized the land.They were at the borders of the nation
He trudged back into city of brunsbor,with his first expedition done.the cartographers would have the meeting to express the map and accomplishment.while he got the sleep and rest he deserved
Aureya alata aryenchi (Gold alongside silver) (w/
Voltan)
Anthönius sat in his chambers, to his left stood a tiny jar of ink and in his right hand a quill; he'd been busy lately - more than usual. He'd recently ordered their trade vessels to be turned back when they reached the bay.
Truthfully the Biscayyans had begun to feel the lack of profit coming in, the Biscayyans had been their biggest trade partners for years; but Anthönius and his realm weren't alone in this, he knew the Banco's were gripping at hairs right now - the Biscayyans brought in heavy profit.
Clearly both sides wished not to war over this minor disagreement. Both sides starting to suffer from this made some feet move; Anthönius had sent multiple letters and received just as much back - finally a diplomat was being sent. Things like this should be handled in talks and not writing.
The Voltanese diplomat would reach the capital any day now, hopefully these talks would be fruitful or both sides would have wasted their time. War was the last thing Anthönius wanted but sometimes hands are forced; he wouldn't back down easily, these waters were owned by the Biscayyans and no one else.
Anthönius had sent multiple men to the docks ro be ready to meet the diplomat and bring him to the palace. Chelius of Lapata was sent as the one to bring the diplomat here, he was half Voltanese and spoke the language beautifully. While Anthönius spoke it just as fluently as Biscayyan he wouldn't be using it for this meeting.
Gualtieri Zani stepped off his personal Banco vessel onto the docks at Galiulas. He took a quick glance to survey the city, his gaze slowly wending its way down to the docks before him, and the figures that stood opposite him.
Chelius nodded his head as he saw Gualtieri - walking up he stuck his hand out, "Gualtieri, welcome to Galiulas. We've been expecting you; a carriage is here to take us to the palace - you'll be meeting with Emperor Anthönius."
Gesturing for the man to follow Chelius led him to a large carriage being carried by four horses. He opened the door for Gualtieri and let him enter first; he followed behind the guest and his men behind him.
Cutting the silence with a clap he folded his arms onto his lap and made eye contact with the diplomat, "I hope the journey was pleasant!”
“A pleasant journey? Upon a ship?” Gualtieri shook his head in dismay, “You are either a sailor, a profession synonymous with that of a lunatic, or you have never travelled far. Though…” he chuckled, “I hear worse regarding long travel by land.”
He played with one of his rings for a moment, before smirking again, “Though it did permit me to acquaint myself rather fully with the subpar wines that constitute a naval officer's stores. As limited in scope and depth as they may have been.”
"I find the sea to be rather calming i must say - the vast nothings brings a certain understanding; on the sea you see how truly insignificant you are compared to the greater world," with a chuckle he scratched his chin, "Well, I do sound like lunatic I suppose!"
Silence again fell and Chelius let it remain so - they'd reach the palace soon and what would follow is nothing but talking. A few more minutes of silence and the group had reached the palace.
Standing up first he walked to the carriage door and opened it while gesturing for everyone to exit. The palace was a short walk from the gates and the group reached it within only a couple of minutes; as they reached the entrance the door was already being opened for them.
"We'll just go straight down this hall and reach the throne room - any questions before we enter?"
Gualtieri shook his head and pressed on into the throne room. He listened politely as the Emperor was introduced, bowed when it seemed appropriate, and awaited his turn to speak.
“It is an honor, Your Grace,” he said as it finally came, “I am Director Gualtieri Zani of the Banco del Mar, seeing to all operations from Nogliano and south, and appointed on this occasion by the Imperial Council to serve as its representative before you today. Of course, we have met, Your Grace. We both came of age in Vallasa, a few years apart.”
"Gualtieri Zani… son of Pierozzo am I correct?"
Anthönius gestured to the long table that sat to the left of the room, "have a seat," Anthönius said as he stood up and walked behind him.
"Well, while pleasantries are nice let us drop them - we should get to the point; I'll let you announce the Voltanese terms then I'll proceed with mine."
Pierozzo was indeed Gualtieri’s father, but the man was long dead, and Gualtieri had been shipped off to Vallasa before he had grown to know him. An odd thing to know, however...but he supposed Emperors liked to do their research at the very least.
“Our proposals - there are two unique settlements which would be most appropriate to the Voltanese. Each distinct in their own ways. The simplest is that we guarantee no further expansion into the Iatinan city states, and you declare the renewal of Volto-Biscayyan friendship. We implicitly acknowledge that our actions in the south as of late could, hypothetically, be viewed as aggressive, and you implicitly acknowledge that your actions in response - be they religious or trade related - were likewise aggressive, and both parties move on.”
“But of course, you don’t want us in Iatina at all - a fair point - and us coming into Iatina was a second-rate option to begin with, so why don’t we have a little more ambition and examine the route to a better, more robust conclusion? We Voltanese have designs on the island you term Naissus - we prefer islands protected by the Admiralty to cities on the continent, as I’m sure you can imagine - and were you to place this on the table, we would be willing to place an indefinite moratorium on our territorial expansions into Okimos, another on our expansions south of Naissus, at least this side of the Great Sea, and extricate ourselves entirely from Iatina. Now of course, we are not looking to lose face with respect to the latter, so a situation will have to be engineered that makes this feasible - those above me suggested a revolt of Orthodox Rhineish zealots - but it is something we are willing to put on the table under the conditions that Naissus is as well. Then, of course, declare our friendship renewed and continue to face the world as amiable neighbors, rather than chaffing against one another at every turn. There are, I’m sure we can agree, much better foes against which to chaff.”
Anthönius chuckled and folded his hands, "let us take a few steps back… Voltanese aggression is not a 'hypothetical' thing - the crown pushed into my waters and believed they could do so unchecked; let me remind you that I said little to nothing when you pushed into the Okimos… a state that was sworn to me. I let it go because the locals continued to war and it had proven itself to be more expensive then I'd have liked it to be."
Anthönius took a sip of wine before placing the goblet down, "now, Naissus is something you've all wanted for a long time… it's a trade I'm not willing to make. The indefinite moratorium on expansions into my sphere is something that definitely is alluring; however hypothetically of course. Iatina and Okimos would fall quickly to my superior army if aggressions were to continue - Naissus is a strong hold and I would be able to make you spend an uncomfortable amount of resources trying to claim it."
"Iatina being burnt would leave me with nothing but a town of cinders - the city is already a backwater… Gualtieri Zani son of Pierozzo, is that really all you have to offer!?"
Gualtieri smirked and chuckled quietly to himself, “Your armies could, indeed, easily push through our holdings on that peninsula. A point hardly worth wasting breath upon. Of course, the Voltanese navy is without equal in this world - I’m sure it could endeavor to impose a cost that would make even you pale, should the Banco del Mar request that of it in response. As for Okimos - well, it treaded on Nogliano as your subject, and you may make note that we likewise stayed silent at the time. That it collapsed and was rendered no aid is, in our eyes, absolving oneself of commitments to it. You may recall that we Voltanese have long rendered aid to falling friends - Iatina is no different. And on that point, we obviously cannot simply pack up and leave from Iatina. That would reflect poorly.” He said with a broad smile. “So if we are to leave Iatina, we will either engineer its partial burning, or you will have to burn it in the process of taking it from us. There is no third option, but the former certainly offers the chance that nothing of real value will be consumed in the conflagration.”
He paused for a moment.
“Now, Your Grace, you are a sovereign in your own right. Never have I, nor the Empire, challenged this. But forget not who your first friends were; the family of your youth, in many respects. We Voltanese were responsive to your every need for two decades, and gave promise of tens-of-thousands of able-bodied troops, and a fleet, to make good on your claim to this throne should it come to that. One episode in many in which my peoples have lent yours our aid. But since sitting on this throne you have offered nothing but barbs directed at the Faith, and now the Banco. So, you don’t want to relinquish Naissus? Fine. You want us gone from Iatina? Fine. But you must accept that the Banco does not deal in one-way relationships. You must offer me something, and the further it deviates from assisting us in protecting our southern trade - vital trade, in our eyes, and trade that must be protected by our own ships - the more it will cost. And it must be something other, than threats, might I add so obviously.”
Anthönius took a breath and returned the smile, this Gualtieri Zani was quite funny, "threats? Since this has started I've only been a man of action; I said trade would stop and so it did, I said Voltanese ships would be turned back and so it did, above all else I called for talks and so it happened."
Anthönius folded his hands together and looked at the man, "and for the Banco's, there are those whose primary ability is to spin wheels of manipulation. It is their second skin and without these spinning wheels, they simply do not know how to function. They are like a cart on wheels of manipulation and control. If you remove one of the wheels, they'll never be able to feel secure, be whole. I say all of this to say; you say the banco does not deal in one-way relationships yet you spin my past and expect the dog to cage itself."
"I offer one thing and one thing only; aureya alata aryenchi, both as equals - side by side. So we no longer have to play this game. While I know the Voltanese view silver as an inferior metal - we do not."
“I’m afraid you’ll need to elaborate further, Your Grace, on your meaning of...Biscayyan, equality, I suppose. For as it stands here, our original offer - since thrown to the wind - was already, in many respects, unbalanced against us, at least in our own balancing of benefits and concessions.”
"An alliance, free trade once again, and of course lands that the banco has wanted for years… while I stay quiet I am not blind - I see what happens in Nogliano; before I speak anymore remove Naissus from your mind, it will stay as my holding. Next, the promise of a full cessation of southern expansion will stay on the table - the Voltanese will also leave Iatina how we'd 'planned' originally. I feel those three things are simple trade for what I offer."
“Allow me to address your points individually:” Gualtieri took a deep breath, counting them off on his fingers as he went “An alliance is of little value to us while you are allied with our most significant rival; free trade is only now unsustained on account of your own actions; lands we desire encompass...what, precisely, in your mind?; south will need to be defined, and so I say it is defined as a line extending directly from Nogliano city proper to Okimos city proper, and deviating no more than an insignificant distance from the southern banks of the Okimos river, and of course being unobliged on the other side of the Great Sea; and naturally I am to assume you realize I cannot budge on how we depart Iatina if we do indeed depart, and so will take the burn-and-turn option as the one originally planned.”
Anthönius chuckled as he reached into his robe holding up a scroll, "funnily enough the alliance was voided this morning."
“Hah,” Gualtieri caught himself from smiling, but the slight laugh he could not subdue, “How very prescient of you.”
Placing the scroll down to his right Anthonius reached for another, gently unrolling a map of the Okimosi peninsula, while dipping a quill into the inkwell Anthönius drew the line, "this is what you offer yes? I'm fine with that… but why do we not let nature itself define our agreement," Anthönius dipped the quill back into the ink and began to draw a new border along the coastline, "the more inland you go the more jungled and treacherous it becomes; it's quite a hassle trying to build infrastructure in a climate like this and would be a mess to subsume for the Voltanese."
“Hm,” Gualtieri looked at the map for a moment before nodding - it would save considerable negotiation about how far down the river their agreement would extend anyways. And it would solve any future issues along the more northern coasts as well. “The jungles, I believe, can remain safely beyond the touch of the Voltanese. If of course the Biscayyans respond in kind to the more...hospitable lands you outline for us here.”
"It would definitely save us arguments down the line, rivers change and divert flow… you have my word."
“That they do.” Gualtieri gave a nod, “That they do. Very well. Now, there is one final matter that lays at the conjunction of this agreement on the peninsula, and on that of our alliance. I presume the latter will be defensive in nature; however I do believe - in the interest of strengthening this new bond we are forging - we make exception in the case of some foreign power impinging upon the sanctity of the territorial agreements we have made.”
"Now, the other power you speak of - you only need to pick the path and I will walk it with you. That however waits until this is agreed upon and then we can speak of this hypothetical third-party."
“A matter beyond my purview, to be certain.” Gualtieri added, “So,” he stepped back from the map, “The Voltanese Empire will depart Iatina as we see fit, it will not press for Naissus, we will both will agree upon expansions as detailed by nature, free and open trade shall begin immediately between our realms, and a mostly defensive alliance will come into being. Hell, the Banco will even throw in a premium case of Voltanese wine; one must have something appropriate to toast with, if you find this agreeable, of course.”
They waited a moment as a scribe wrote out the terms more properly.
(I) - Biscayye will not interfere with Voltanese expansion into Okimosian lands, while the Voltan will not expand into those lands which are jungled in mainland Okimos.
(II) - A primarily defensive military alliance will be agreed upon by both signatories, excepting the case where a distant power impinges upon the territorial sanctity of the lands identified in this treaty.
(III) - Freedom of trade in goods will be restored between both signatories, and guaranteed henceforth by this treaty.
(IV) - Both signatories will issue proclamations of friendship with the opposite.
(V) - Voltanese Banco’s will be permitted to operate in Biscayye proper.
(VI) - Biscayyan Trade Guilds will be permitted to operate in Voltanese Okimos and Nogliano.
(VII) - A case of premium Voltanese wine will be delivered to the Alliaume Dynasty in perpetuity.
(VIII) - A champion polo pony will be delivered to the ‘Los Dorados’ polo team on a quinquennial basis, in perpetuity.
(IX) - [SECRET] The Voltan will depart Iatina, taking any necessary steps to avoid losing face.
Anthönius looked over the scroll and hid a smile, "you know Gualtieri, if you ever fail at being a diplomat the career of a jester would be the right move," Anthönius said as he shot the man a smirk, "these terms are agreeable, I Emperor Anthönius Alliaume accept these terms."
Sitting back in his chair he looked at the man, "much work needs to be done to repair Biscayyan and Voltanese relations - let this treaty and wine start it."
Gualtieri swallowed his pride - to call any Voltanese man but a Montefuegan fit to be a jester was a grievous insult - and gave a bow to Anthonius, “I shall bring this treaty back to Vallasa with all haste. If it pleases in mending relations in the meantime, however, I have brought along a most beguiling Wence Preistess. I could have her sent up to the palace for the evening if it pleases...plenty of restocking to do in the meantime, before the long journey home.”
"Well… if you insist… send her up for - diplomatic talks of course, yes."
“I’ll be sure the wine precedes her by an hour or so.” Gualtieri said, never deviating from his stoic expression, though sincerely hoping she came back in one piece - he had a mighty large deposit placed on her well being. “Your Grace.” he finally acknowledged with a bow.
Vyzantion and The venusians
Expansion Post
Sunrise sets
Nortclaw was unprepared,despite It being his job to be prepared,and prepare others,this was only his second real expedition as The captain,although it was his job to do so,his most experience was going on a ride to the beach when he was still a explorer,Many would tell them of his Adventures,and how they had seen the seas on one of his earliest,and the rides across the land,from the beautiful rivers,to the warm sea,to the cold coast in the north.But this would be is second.
His sword was not the Polished old one.That was a family item,but rather,a small sword,Made of sculpted stone,it was small so it would be not too heavy in a fight,The steel and cast iron swords were awarded to those of honor and experience,such as himself However,He now lived in A Village near the Sea on the opposite side From Brunsbor,and he was in no mood to go there and back just to retrieve a simple sword.
He Rode the horse,who vecin gave to him,the horse was the child of the horse vecin Rode,So He was in good hands,or as he should say "Hooves" , he snickered.The ride Was short,because due to the expanding City,And the Small Plain near his house was there.
"Hello,captain"One of The cartographers Said."Good day"Nortclaw said.he was still not used To being captain of a explorers unit,quite the honor,and responsibility,so He had to act well.
He rode his horse up to front,where chief cartographer master Daduyan waited."Good day"He said as i rode up to his Chariot,which was long,and had cloth,like many Cartographers chariots.They were also long for supplies,and maps,which were of course,to chart areas for the nation to expand to.As he began to study potential routes,he took notice that he had more to go more to the south,and explore near the coast,what should be a easy,or not,you should never underestimate anything.His father taught him that,on his last expedition,he though the same,When he went up north,and they ended up being blasted by cold.However,the expansion was good,even if cold,the bay could end up being great for A port or 2,and that was just the north. assuming they were in a bay,they could be in a giant inland sea for all they knew.They would have to explore all of it to be sure
The same could go for the sea on the opposite side of the Country,as some call it,although it was still a Tribe,some scholars criticized it of being Something else or a empire,even though this was untrue,the "Tribe" was certainty expanding,having tripled in size of the last years. But the point was,they did not know Much about the world,but that was a duty they had,to explore and seek out new civilizations,to boldly go where few Skyclanian had gone before.
He looked upon the map of Vulcan,It showed The seas,and the Capital.It showed natural landmarks,and even The small towns and villages.Then, he remembered something.He took a small paper out of his saddle-pouch.He unfolded it, revealing itself,and the written content and drawings inside and on it.
It was a map Of The country,and known world before the expansion started,the same map that his father rode with on his first few expeditions,it was outdated,even with same area already explored in its era,a few new towns and villages had sprung up,and now the whole thing was outdated,Except for one part.
The south, Which was almost not explored at all,was there destination, and target,He looked upon the plains and forest ahead,the trails leading to their destination
Post by Ha1lownest suppressed by Biscayye.
In wilds beyond they speak your name with reverence and regret
for none could tame our savage souls yet you the challenge met
under palest watch, you taught, we changed, base instincts were redeemed
a world you gave to bug and beast as they had never dreamed
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