[ooc]Please read these instructions before posting![/ooc]
[spoiler=Instructions]This is a temporary thread for the Council of Inveran event in The World at Dawn (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?36474). Please only post here if you are a player attending the council - you know who you are! When I say "temporary," I mean I will ask this thread to be closed at the end of the turn.
This thread is in character only. Any ooc should be posted in the discussion thread or PMed to me.
Actions and descriptions should be unblocked, like the text below. Dialog should be put in an IC block. Don't give us any information we wouldn't know IC - don't tell us the character's thoughts, for instance, or tell us about conversations that we don't hear (my short intro after this is the only exception :) ). Actions that affect other players should be cleared with me by PM (for instance, assassinating somebody).
Your first post should be the arrival of your representatives; your characters are not assumed to be present at the council until you announce them here. The Most High Councilor Mavda has announced that no more than five individuals per delegation may be admitted to the Council chamber itself, and none may be armed.[/spoiler]
A lazy breeze floated over the walls of Inveran, rustling the pennants of the Dragonlord that hung from the squat mud-brick parapets. Mavda stood atop the Western Gate, watching the white and colored sails drift into port. After watching them silently for several minutes, he turned to the man next to him, a Mandrian guard in a dark brown tunic.
[ic=Mavda]That will be them. Prepare the council chambers; I will be there momentarily. Inform the heralds they are to wait at the door to the council sanctum and inform me of the arrival of each delegation. I and my councilors will be awaiting the arrival of the delegations in the chambers.[/ic]
The guard bowed and left to go about his duties. Mavda tarried and watched as the delegations and their guards disembarked. It was going to be a long day.
Lindus looked out over the railing of the galley sailing into Inveran Harbor. It had been almost two decades since he had been back, and he was returning as it should be, the Dragonlord over Inveran.
The fact that the galleys were hastily converted fishing boats made no difference.
He, at the head of his company of spearmen, marched to the palace. Telling them to wait outside the palace, Lindus disarms and enters the council chambers;
[ic=Lindu]I and my men have arrived to take control of our city, Mavda. You men can swear loyalty to me, or disarm and disperse.[/ic]
[ic=The Fleet of the Machta]A vast fleet of galleys, upon which spearpoints glitter in the sun, sweeps its way into the harbour of Inveran shortly behind that of Lindus.[/ic]
[ic=The Machta]Machta Sha'naa, now an old man who leans on a stick when not walking, is accompanied by the trained men of his bodyguard in a grand procession up to the palace. He follows Lindus in, ignoring the spearmen, and nods to Mavda.
"I see everything is ready, now. You may pass custody of the island over to me, great one."[/ic]
Lindus looked at the Machta in a mixture of shock and confusion.
[ic=Lindus]Begging your pardon, my lord, but seeing as the land's true and proper ruler is already standing before you, your custodianship of the land is no longer needed. [/ic]
King Rodonso left his brother, King Puul waiting with their fleet anchored a ways out of the town. King Puul awaits the time when he is to make port and begin the rigors of transporting the Mandrian Inveran to Otahvy.
King Rodonso leaves his single ship at the dock and moves in the general direction of the any other important-looking figures he finds. He doesn't head there immediately; rather, he spends quite a bit of time doting around, examining the land and its people. King Rodonso stands out well, dressed in full Otahvian garb: skin covered in wild colored paints, feathers protruding wildly from his mostly blue robes, and animal bones sewn decoratively into the cloth. His long, gray hair is held in a simple ponytail, and his beard his well brushed and bound at four intervels by blue ribbons.
He eventually stumbles into the herald and asks to be announced as the Blue King, Rodonso, of Mandrian Otahvy. "But do it softly, as I don't mean to interrupt."
Mavda frowned and looked between the two delegations.
[ic=Mavda]
I welcome you here, my lords. I would willingly give over my sovereignty, but if there is disagreement then I will defer from that until it is decided by the council. I, too, was under the impression that the Machta only intended to hold this city until Inveran's reclamation; honorable Machta, are you asking me to cede this city to you?[/ic]
A beige-cloaked guard quietly enters the room and whispers something in Mavda's ear.
[ic=Mavda]My heralds inform me that the King of Otahvy has arrived, and will join us shortly.
Likewise, I am informed that the fleet of Celend has arrived; the Grand Archon is presently at the docks and will join us soon.[/ic]
Lindus looks at the Herald, then commands
[ic=Lindus]Please tell Celend and Otahvy to kindly wait outside until this is over. Thank you.[/ic]
Turning back to Mavda and the Machta, he continues.
[ic=Lindus]Machta, you have given us your word that you would see me on the throne at Inveran. Kindly allow that to occur.
Mavda, your understanding was correct, and I believe that the Machta did mistake me for someone else. Kindly give me the sovereignty, as you see other guests have already arrived.[/ic]
[ic=The Machta]He inclines his head towards Lindus.
"No, Lord Mavda. His replies to my letters were most insolent, and unless this is to become a bloodbath, I would say it is wise for MY forces to patrol the island until we have come to some agreement with Celend, yes?" He does not smile.
"Of course, these lands will be returned to Inveran. But the Machta-In requires recompense for the insult that it suffered at Inveran's hands."[/ic]
Lindus looks in utter surprise at the Machta, then laughs in his face.
[ic=Lindus]Oh yes, forgive me, your highness. I send you a letter of rebuke, showing you exactly what it was you had done, and you get offended! Oh saints, forbid that the Machta should be offended!
Look here Sha'naa; of the three of us who went to Otahvy, two came back, stained with the blood of the third. You betrayed your allies and your kinsmen, you betrayed my father, and you are the one who killed him. Your refusal to comply with your own promise merely proves the point! I have not committed acts of betrayal for no reason, I have bound my word on this council's security, and it is my word that remains unsullied, so it is my guard that we will be trusting.
Grow a skin, old man, and learn when rebuke is deserved.[/ic]
[ic=Mavda]Lords, my own men are capable of patrolling the city for the time being. We need not turn over sovereignty to any one save he who is to keep it permanently.
Lord Lindus, perhaps it would be best to allow at least the Archons in - I am here only to transfer my authority and see to the safety of my people, and another power might better arbitrate between the two of you. I do not understand the situation myself; to what insult, Lord Sha'naa, are you referring?[/ic]
[ic=Lindus]
Agreed, let Celend deal with the Machta's foolishness.
Mavda, may I speak to you for a moment?[/ic]
Lindus, if Mavda is willing, pulls him from the Machta's hearing, so the two of them can converse alone
[spoiler=YOUR ON YOUR HONOR, MITHY ONLY!]
[ic]Mavda, I don't pretend to know what angered your followers so much about my father; I haven't been to this city in over a decade. I apologize, for whatever good that may do.
I want you to know that I am not my father. I have planned radical changes for Inveran, changes that would give people, all people, more voice than ever before. Can I convince you and perhaps some of your rebels to stay? Know that the Mandarins in Otahvy are not like us; they hate anything that is different, and do not keep their word.
I see how you have managed this city; well and fairly. I can offer you a position of a Drakka, for the lands around Inveran. Higher than that of an aristocrat, you would be responsible for all the land I give you, answerable only to me and to the law.
Allow me to attempt to repair this ill-feeling that has been allowed to divide the Mandarins and Invernessi.
[/ic][/spoiler]
A large canoe enters the docks. An abnormally dressed man with several guards walks down and onto the port, proceeding to find someone to give him instructions to the council chambers.
The man sends a messenger to find Lindus and Mavda to tell them that the ambassador of NArgaq has arrived.
Only two Andosen ships arrive in the harbor, one bearing the standards of Stravam and another bearing a strangely patched-together standard consisting of six different Clan standards. They arrive separately and keep their distance from one another. The non-Ryvalnya Andosens arrive first but are stalled when the guards will not admit all of them. A furious discussion ensues in their own language with much gesturing and some shouting. When the Ryvalnya finally catch up with them, it had finally died down to nodding and stubborn glares. Only the Chronicler, a female warrior named Hychordo, and a male warrior named Machavain are to observe the Council. There is some arguing with the guards from the Spear-Mistress over the issue of disarming, but she finally defiantly hands over her spear to one of her subordinates and strides over to the other Andosens awaiting entry to the council. After some introspection she strides up to the chronicler and pulls him aside. She hisses something into his ear and after a stubborn silence, he gives a nod. She now stands with him and the three warriors.
The Free Captain's ships, having been in Inveran when the council was called, took an oddly long time in arriving to the Council. But arrive they did, and the two Captains walked up to the Guards. The delegates from the Free Captains were as strange as their people. One looked like dried meat, being both lean and tanned by the Southern sun, and moved as a man who compensated for his ground's sway without thought. The other was a lumbering bear of a man, of Mandrian descent. They walk up to the guard.
[ic=The smaller]
I be Okar, Free Captain of the League. This is Lathan. Where's the party?[/ic]
[ic=The Machta]The old man hisses. "Not so old yet, youngling. Why, I may have been killing Kuregnites when you were not even a look in your mother's eye, but I still have men aplenty.
Still. I am willing to submit to Mavda's authority. For now."[/ic]
A Mandrian guard enters the council chambers again.
[ic=The Guard]
My Lords, the Lords of the League of Freemen and of Celend have arrived, as well as representatives from Nargaq and Andos.[/ic]
Mavda nodded and turned to the lords of the Invernessi at the table with him.
[ic=Mavda]Shall I let them enter, or do you wish to discuss this further between yourselves? Who has control over this city is not my decision to make, but I will not do it without the approval of this council, to keep blood from being spilled.[/ic]
Mavda looked expectantly - and perhaps a bit wearily - between the two of them.
[ic=Lindus]Let them in, so we can get this moronic issue done with. And Mavda, please consider my words.[/ic]
[ic=Mavda]Very well.[/ic]
The delegates enter, each announced in turn, to take their place at the table. The last to enter are five gray-cloaked men in black, cube-shaped felt hats - Archons of Celend. Dressed simply, the only mark of finery among them is a silver amulet worn by the Grand Archon, who smiles thinly and speaks to the council in a soft voice.
[ic=Orman]We are most pleased to meet you, honored dignitaries, in person. Let us see swiftly to the matters of hand.[/ic]
Spear-Mistress Torchavyn seats herself at Chronicler Atrusthva's left and Hychordo at his right, followed by Machavain. Torchavyn and Atrusthva seem to have called a temporary truce and are even exchanging whispered observations with one another, strangely enough. The Andosens attempt to keep a respectable and unobtrusive air about them, Atrusthva's attempts far surpassing those of the three warriors. Still, it is obvious that the seating is not to their likings or specifications.
[ic=Lindus]Grand Archon, there is a matter of some issue before we begin the actual agreements. The Machta claims soverignty in this land, despite my presence. Mavda, in a wish not to offend, has deferred until you arrived. Tell him, please, to call down his troops so that mine might assume command of the proceedings.[/ic]
[ic=Orman]Our purpose here is peace - and peace, as you all should know, will not be achieved if we exile the Dragonlord from his father's capital. There will never be a lasting accord if this happens. It is the unwavering stance of the Archons that Inveran must go to the Lord of Inveran, Lindus.
We would not object to some other territorial concession to the Machta-In, perhaps one of the yet uninhabited islands of the Inverness, or some portion thereof. We must insist, however, that the integrity of Inveran under its proper rulers be maintained.[/ic]
One of the Archons whispered something in Orman's ear, and he nodded.
[ic=Orman]My colleague reminds me that it may be useful, especially to we of the south, if all are provided with proper names of the isles of the Inverness so we know what we are discussing. No good can come from uncertainty.[/ic]
Lindus motions a man over, obviously a soldier, and says to him,
[ic]Go at once and relieve the Mavda's men a the palace and in the city. You know the rules. Also...[/ic]Lindus whispers something further before dismissing him.
Turning to Orman, Lindus says
[ic]The Proper name of Inveran's Isles is Inveran, naturally. If you wish to know the specific name of an isle, ask me about it, as there are far to many to simply list.
As for ceding land to the Machta, that is out of the question. All of our isles have villages upon them, and we currently need all the land that we can get. Am I to be making concessions to the one who betrayed my father?[/ic]
[ic=The Machta]The old man snorts. "If we so wished, Lindus the 'wise', we could seize them in a moment. It is only due to the Great One's request that we have come to discuss this peacefully. We would settle for another island - I have no particular desire to rule over all of Inveran, but our purpose in fighting Inveran was to clip its overspread wings, and allowing them to go on as if nothing has happened with no concessions whatsoever to the victors seems... unlikely."
He rubs his beardless chin momentarily.[/ic]
Arriving inconspicuously along with the fleet of Celend is a modest Celenite trader carrying a trade delegation from Kashtu. Upon making land, the delegates disembark with obvious relief.
There are four of them, dressed in simple, heavy desert robes that look ludicrously out of place. One, bearing a religious emblem around his neck, seems to be the spokesman; the other three (two men and a woman) each bear a bundle of selected trade goods. They do not seek entrance to the council, but rather spend their time meeting with merchants and lower-level functionaries as possible.
In their bundles, the merchants have brought an eclectic sample of all the wares Kashtu has to offer - hides and leather, dyes and pigments, distilled and fermented spirits, oils and incense. Having little experience of the folk of these lands, they have simply chosen to bring samples of everything they might conceivably trade.
Outside the council:
The seven Ryvalnya remain aloof and retain their guard outside the council. The other six Andosens not in the council have taken to wandering around the city in two groups of three.
Within the council:
Chronicler Atrusthva whispers something into Spear-Mistress Torchavyn's ear, producing a chuckle from her. The mirth never reaches her eyes, however, and she continues to regard the room with hard, glaring eyes. Atrusthva, on the other hand, has almost found a confortable sitting position for himself, or is at least pretending so, and has put on a relaxed posture and facial expression. Anyone who pays any attention to him may note that he is weighing and calculating each word out of everyone's mouth, however.
[ic=Lindus]And if you were victors, then you have a rightful claim. However, Inveran refuses to count your cowardly backstabbing as a victory, and I tell you again that Inveran land is not on the bargaining table.
'Clip our wings' indeed. Does it mean nothing to you that you destroyed our entire military, half of our men of childrearing age? If anything, it is Otahvy and the Machta that should be making reparations to us for the utter havok caused by their attack.[/ic]
King Rodonso enters and takes his seat. He looks at everyone for a brief amount of time -- just long enough for them to realize he's looking at them -- and then plays with his beard for a moment. Finally, he interjects.
[ic=King Rodonso of Otahvy]Excuse me, but my brother and our fleet are waiting outside of port, and I was wondering what are to be done with the Mandrian Inverans now, or has something changed. Mavda?[/ic]
[ic=The Machta]The man snorts. "If you were stupid enough to let this happen to you, it is your own fault, childling. Kuregn's Despot has sent me a private letter telling me of his support for my claim to the Inverness. It is a pity he has not appeared here today, hmm?"
He hrms for a moment. "We will accept two islands, not including this one, as reparations for our losses in the battle. If Inveran's land is not on the table, then perhaps you are a ruler who does not listen to his people. I doubt your smallfolk think so well of your leaders' recent rulership. Perhaps they would prefer the hand of a Southman, with true blood in his veins, yes?"[/ic]
Lindus looks to Rodonso, visibly glad for the distraction, however short.
[ic=Lindus]Mavda, and his followers, are free to go. We hold none of them as prisoners, though we do hope to convince some to remain. They, as far as I know, will leave with you at the conclusion of the council and festivities.[/ic] Lindus looks to Mavda momentarily for confirmation, then adresses the Machta.
[ic=Lindus]Explain to me, Aged One, how a governor of an Inveran colony is in any way responsible for the actions of the reigning Dragonlord, please. You murdered the man responsible for any ill we may have done you, but I still fail to see how marrying into your royal line can be seen as anything but an ill-advised watering of the Dragonlord's line with cowardly and imbecilic blood.
Secondly, Kuregn's Despot, or more properly Despotessa, cannot even walk, let alone write. Get your story straight before fabricating tales.
And if we are to give you two islands, they will be the two smallest, our people shall be allowed to relocate, and you will construct and support fleet equal to the one we lost, reparations for the destruction of ours.[/ic]
[ic=King Rodonso of Otahvy]Despotessa?[/ic]He looks around, a little surprised by Lindus's comments.[ic=King Rodonso of Otahvy]They are ruled by a female? How funny.[/ic]
[ic=The Machta]He cackles, his musty laughter reaching the ceiling, and he fingers the scar on his cheek. "And you think the Despotissa does not have her mentors to guide her?"
He wipes a tear from his eye and abruptly stops laughing. "As for the matter of the Dragonlord, one's actions continue to another's shoulders. If it were not so, we would not be having this conversation, no? It is how the smallfolk see it."
He motions to a guard. "Raz-Sha-Tak, Maz-Du-Si Shan-Ha! Ras-Inver'Ni, Shak Ta'Si Rash Taram-Vu Na, Rol?" The man, and several other speakers of the Southron tongue, burst into laughter. [/ic]
[spoiler=Translation. YOU ARE ON YOUR HONOUR, if you have a translator of the Old Language, which is unlikely for those not of Inveran, maybe, or perhaps Celend.]"These fools, they walk the path of knives! Invernessi of the North, they do not have the Truebloods amongst them!" The Path of Knives is an obscure reference to the Southman legend of the 'King of Assassins', a popular tale for young warriors, who went into battle (supposedly) shouting 'They walk the Path of Knives!' Such tales are considered somewhere in the area of fairy-tales, and such a reference is of great mockery to the recipient.[/spoiler]
The low rumble of a cleared throat draws attention to the larger of the Free Captain's delegation, the smaller leaning insolently in his chair.
[ic=Lathan]
That reminds me, Dragonlord. The Captains have asked of the possibility of a league outpost on an Inveran island, to strengthen communications and relations between our peoples, to avoid things such as what befell your father from happening again. The island would remain Inveran's, we would merely have a closer post with which to communicate.[/ic]
[spoiler=nitpick]Wensley, why does his spoken sentence end as a question, and the translation an exclamation?[/spoiler]
[ooc]Because in the old languages of the Southmen, statements are generally followed by a question 'confirmer' - 'He is a fool, yes?' 'He doesn't like wine, no?' Whereas in english, it is not necessary. :P[/ooc]
Lindus glares at the Machta, but says nothing. Turning to Lathan, he says,
[ic=Lindus]An excellent proposition, but again, we are reluctant to give away entire islands. However, in discussions with another nation earlier, we have come to an interesting arrangement that may prove successful here.
We will grant you a plot of land, enough for a large estate, in the capital here. This land will be your sovereign ground, and you may do with it what you will. In exchange, we ask for the same concession in your capital. These places will act as a safe haven for diplomats and emissaries, violation of them is the same as invasion of the owning nation. This will aid in both communication and relations, as there will now be clear cases of legal jurisdiction in matters such as the Invernessi slaughter. I am certain, given your nation's habits, that this location can be placed with direct access to a dock. What say you? [/ic]
[ooc]I'll get a list of nouns and names for Inveran, as it's beginning to confuse even me.[/ooc]
[ic=The Machta]The Machta turns back to the proceedings. "Hrm. This is a good plan, yes? I will extend the same offer to the Captains for my own nation. It seems the Youngling's ideas are not as foolish as we thought, no?" He rubs the scar once more. "But, enough of these arguments for a moment. Before we begin, I wish to present you all with gifts, yes?"
He waves a hand to the guard. "Sanzi-Yan-Tak! Kan-Daz'Si-Un Raz-Tak Zhan-Taram. Za Ta'Si Daaz Ran-Taz, Inver'ni-In, Man'Si Zakt." He then pauses, and grins momentarily. "Bajj, Ras-Inver'ni-Tak, Shak'Nu Zakt Taram-Vu Na Inver'ni, Yaz?"
The Guard he motions to nods, and leaves the room. Commands shouted in the old tongue of the Southmen, the language formerly spoken, resound outside. It seems that the Machta has specifically chosen out men who are of certain Machta-In birth, and speak the tongue of the Southmen, not merely one of the mutually-understandable dialects of the Inverness itself. Perhaps this means something.[/ic]
[spoiler=Translation]"Guard-Warrior! Fetch the water gifts for these men. I would not see the Inverness disgraced." He then pauses, and his next line is "But these northmen have disgraced our blood well already, yes?"[/spoiler]
[ic=Lindus]"Like I've said, I am not my father." he says dryly. "As for the plan, I extend the invitation to Nargaq, Otahvy, and Andos."
His pass-over of Celend may be a simple oversight, or have specific meaning. In either case, Lindus makes no notice of the oversight.[/ic]
[ic=The Machta Sha'naa]The Machta grins. "You know, youngling, I begin to like you. But nevertheless."[/ic]
[ooc]This meeting is full of hidden meanings... :P[/ooc]
[ooc]What ever are you talking about?[/ooc]
Mavda turns to King Rodonso and speaks quietly.
[ic=Mavda]Lindus is correct, my Lord. At the end of this event, those Mandrians who wish to go on your ships may do so.[/ic]
Orman turns to the Machta, his eyes narrowed and his hands on his chin.
[ic=Orman]We are not prepared to accept the cession of any territory occupied by Inveran, currently or in the past. You made your naked aggression well known to us already in your attempt to take Inveran by force; we will not allow you to achieve that through this council. If you are not reasonable, you will accomplish nothing here.
As for Kuregn... they have no power here. Let the "Despotissa" come if she has such power to wield in the Middle Sea.[/ic]
If Orman felt at all snubbed by Lindus' omission, he showed no sign.
[ooc]No OOC in this thread! :censored: [/ooc]
[ic=Lindus]"Now that that is taken care of," Lindus glares at the Machta before continuing, "What say we begin at the beginning? A peace treaty between the nations here? I believe that our time would be better served making our negotiations into several documents, for ease of reference and to more easily extend their expiration date, should we wish it. " [/ic]
[ic=King Rodonso of Otahvy]Documents? Are our words not enough? Must you have scribes record our words? Otahvy is known for its word, as we have never betrayed an ally or broken our promises. Documents are senseless.
Peace, my Faps, is not a hard thing to grasp. You send no fleet against us and we shall not retaliate with our own. Keep your galleys in your own port, and blood will not have to be spilt.[/ic]He nods.[ic=King Rodonso of Otahvy]If anybody else has anything to add, feel free. Otherwise, I do believe I have exhausted the topic.[/ic]He sits back in his chair, looking quite satisfied.
The Grand Archon frowns momentarily, and then addresses the King of Otahvy.
[ic=Orman]Your word is well and good, and carries weight here. However, the Archons feel it would be best if the isles of the Middle Sea are formally apportioned here, including the uninhabited ones, in order to prevent future disputes. Peace is... insufficient, so long as there are ambiguities left to fight over.[/ic]
[ic=Lindus]"In regards to your query, Rodonso, we write down treaties as a safeguard. When our children's children need to refer to this, would you prefer the thrice hearsay of fallible men, or written record, whose words to not change?"
"Turning to the matter at hand Lords, I suggest that we simply draw a line through the Islands like this... giving the North to Inveran and the South to the Machta. They will loose their island off of Ruthern, but that is the only clear line that I can see forming."[/ic]
One of the Archons, standing behind Orman, graciously unrolls a papyrus map of the area commonly known as the Middle Sea.
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee254/MithridatesNES/middlesea.jpg)
[ic=Lindus]"Ah yes, thank you. Let no one say Celend doens't come prepared...[/ic]
Lindus proceeds to draw his finger along the line he proposed.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v220/stargate525/PBP/untitled-1.png)
[ic=The Machta]The old man snorts. "I think not. If I cannot gain land I will not give it up. Perhaps this is more suitable..."[/ic]
(//../../e107_files/public/1195027151_112_FT40536_innersea_.jpg) (//../../e107_files/public/1195027151_112_FT40536_innersea.jpg)
[ic]"As you can see, Neither I nor you lose anything by this, you gain an island, and I gain a stake in your colony, a neutral place where we can meet, yes?"
He then turns to Rodonso.
"Aya, Friend. I would not trust the writing nor words of a man who tried to utterly obliterate your nation just a few years ago, in your position."[/ic]
[ic Karnoth]Please, we must move on to more urgent matters here. Most of you are island nations or completely safe from the Auri. We are not. We are at constant war with them and if we do not succeed in defeating them, they will take even more land and soon will be a threat to you. We need more troops to defend ourselves and eventually defeat them once and for all.[/ic]
[ic]"Patience, My Lord, patience. We shall get to discussion of such matters when the time comes. I daresay an extra few hours will make no difference."
"Machta, I would appreciate you to remember that the 'man who tried to utterly obliterate his nation' is dead. Also, I refuse to split islands. In splitting islands we gain acces to untold issue of land dispute. Secondly, your line is curved, and will be difficult to place. I suggest this...[/ic]
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v220/stargate525/PBP/untitled1.png)
[ic]A straight line From the capital of Yaffa to that of Ruthern. All to the east is ours, to the west is yours. What say you to that? [/ic]
[ic=The Machta]Sha'naa rubs his chin. "This idea is not unwise. Although, I would have that tiny island of yours, to make up for your vast land gains, yes?"[/ic]
[ic]"No." Lindus says, "That breaks the solid, easy-to-establish line. Furthermore, I'll take the land concession as fair and just recompense for the murder of my father and the destruction of his fleet. Fellows, is this not fair?"[/ic]
King Meas III entered the chamber, having just recently arrivd, on his left flank, his scribe a slim man who had just passed his prime and clearly having trouble holding back his stares, drinking in the sights with his eyes, on his right flank, the Kings Shield, A bear of a man, staring with equal intensity, searching for any threath that could threathen his Lord. King Meas himself descreetly took seat and followed the discussion with much interest, trying not to draw attention to himself
[ic=The Machta]The Machta shakes his head. "An equally straight line would give me that island, youngling. And you speak of fairness. You forget the rules of war, and act as if this is some petty farm dispute."[/ic]
[ic=King Rodonso of Otahvy]It would appear to me that Lindus the Wise thinks a line that is not completely straight would be too hard to grasp. Lindus the Wise, or Lindus the Simple?[/ic]Rodonso shakes his head, looks down at the table before him. He is alone and brought nothing with him, unlike pretty much every other "delegation" here.[ic=King Rodonso of Otahvy]That said, I do believe a straight line from the capital of Yaffa to the capital of Ruthern would actually cut through Machta-in land and give part of an island to Inveran, or am I not seeing this right? In old age my eyes go soft. As I see it, I say we give Inveran the big island in the middle...[/ic]He draws a circle around the Inveran capital island,[ic]...and give the rest to Machta-in. And an island to me.[/ic]
[ic] oh enough! [/ic]
King Meas raises from his chair and strides toward the map, leaning very unfittingly over the table as he started to point out the areas he talked about
[ic]Look, it's very simple. there's 12 isle in the inner sea. Machta-In have settled 5 of them, Inverness have controll over 5 of them. this one will go back into the Inverness hand, Machta takes the larger unsettled isle and each of you have an isle each. correct? [/ic]
He paused for a moment, giving the rest of the chamber just enough time to have what he had said sink slightly, then continued.
[ic]look, Inverness just want this Isle back, correct? not like you have the resources to properly settle a completly new isle. This isle and your other lands are allready rich. And Machta, an isle allready settled by Inverness people might be more trouble, then settling a ripe isle and closer to the heart of Yhe Lost Lands too, for you to spread your beliefs into the continent[/ic]
He momentarely turned his attention to King Rodonso
[ic] If I may, noble King, then I would suggest that you lay claim on the unsettled isle outside your nations coast, let your people settle on lands close to thier beloved regent, instead of letting the sea devide your great nation [/ic]
King Meas III looked around in the meeting chamber, avaiting thier response. The same did his bodyguard. clearly not comfortable with his lords sudden outburst.
Okar begins a slow, steady clap in the silent room, a smile showing white teeth in a tanned face.
[ic=Okar]
Better a late ship than a lost one, eh, Meas? If our people aren't already friends, I'll be sure to tell the other Captains we've made an error.[/ic]
He looks around the table
[ic]Bold, a touch crass, totally undiplomatic, and with the most logical argument that's hit my ears all morning. For a little while, I was afraid I had chosen wrong, and should be with the merchants, sampling goods and haggling like fishwives. I had all the fuss without the reward here.[/ic]
[ic=The Machta]"I agree with the Otahvians, yes? And as for you... delegate of whatever nation it is from which you come, I disagree. We would not need to settle islands that are already settled, no, merely take control of them. And 'Inveran' and the 'Inverness' are two totally different things, yes? You should remember that."[/ic]
[ooc]Sorry for the ooc, Mithy, but I'm curious as to the exact seating arrangements. How many seats there are, who is next to whom, which seats are empty, etc. The Andosens merely plopped down together, without any regard to those already seated.[/ooc]
There has been an ongoing murmured conversation amongst the Andosens in their mother-tongue. Finally, to Atrusthva's visible exasperation, Hychordo rises from her position at Atrusthva's right and Machavain moves over to take her place. Hychordo walks over to Karnoth, squats down and leans into his ear. She says in a low voice,
[ic=Hychordo for Karnoth's ears]You have the ways of one who has truly seen war about you. As one warrior to another, I am most curious about your fears for your people. We have but heard rumors of fightings in your lands, indeed but rumors of your lands and your people. Atrusthva speculates that they are the same people or are at least connected to those who have made raiding directly to the south of us more difficult. I am most curious about what you know of such matters, and address you as a fellow warrior[/ic]
[ic=Lindus]"I am saying, Rodonso, that a straight line is easier to stretch over hundreds of miles and dozens of years than a twised, connived one. I look to the future; you look barely beyond your nose and your crippled sense of humor."
"Your input is appreciated, King Meas, but you count wrong, as if all the islands were the same size. The way I see it, there are eight large islands and four smaller ones. Now by my guess, two of the smaller ones are equivalent in landmass to one of the larger. Leaving, in essence, ten large islands to divide. Going equally, that is five and five. The Machta has his five already, leaving the rest to go to Inveran. If you look sir, the landmass is the same, Inveran ends up spread over the waves a bit more is all." [/ic]
King Meas turns to adress Hychodo first, bowing his head slightly before speaking
[ic] Warrior of Andosen, I understand that you wish to learn more of your neighbours, but allow us to finish one topic first, in the meanwhile, my scripe will be at your service to answer any questions you may have [/ic]
The Scribe almust choked hearing that, then remembered where he was and composed himself and walked up next to Meas bowing deeply.
[ic] And Dragon Lord Lindus, if I may, then I wish to discuss with you briefly, your reasoning have much merits and so I have another suggestion. and with the understanding of the assembled people here, then I wish to do so descreetly[/ic]
[ic=Lindus]"Alright. Gentlemen, if would excuse me for a moment, my advisor will take my place for the moment. Grandus!"[/ic]
An older man, dressed in a simple robe, comes forward, bows to the general assembly, and takes' Lindus' place. Lindus moves to Meas and pulls him away from the table.
[ic=Lathan]*grumbling* Secrets make for poor friends.[/ic]
[ic=Okar]Aye, but a great afternoon![/ic]
[ic=Lindus]"Agreed," Lindus chuckles, sitting back down, "Now, Machta, do you agree with my assessment? or do you wish to continue to haggle the point?"[/ic]
[ic=Hychordo for Karnoth's ears]I have no interest in this dispute and I do not listen to shepherds. Please tell me of Nargaq and her trials.[/ic]
[ic=The Machta]"Yes. Let Otahvy have some land of yours, hmm? It deserves some little reward for your disgustingly cowardly summoning of the fleets to crush its homeland." He smirks slightly.[/ic]
[ic=Lindus]"To make no mention of disgusting cowardly backstabbing of kinsmen, for which some seem to think deserves reward. I shall make a final offer. You take the southeasternmost of the small islands, and leave me the rest. Will that bone get the begging mongrel to shut its snout?" [/ic]
King Meas III returns to the chamber, his expression a carefully crafted mask of relief and gladdened surprise as he proclaims
[ic] Avardera are touched by the Dragon Lord Lindus great sacrifice and in return for the Lord of Inverness generous off to let the Machta-In have the nearest isle as they desire so that a new golden age of peace can fall upon The Inner Sea, the Avardera will provide it's aid to the people of Inverness to compensate it's sacrifice. [/ic]
He then turns to the rest of the assembled people
[ic] I urges you, noble lords, that you recognise this agreement and all of us will be known for the glory and prosperity that much surely will fall upon our lands in the wake of peace between the great nations of The Inner Sea![/ic]
King Meas stopped, his words eding as suddenly as they had started, observing the people for thier reaction. His bodyguard seemingly considering a different carrer choice.
[ic=The Machta]"It is done, beneath the Gods!" He grins widely. "Your spirit is good, youngling. Triunes bless you, and..." he hesitates for a moment, and then utters the unfamiliar words; "And dragon-saints guide your way."
The Machta bows. "And now to other matters."[/ic]
Orman smiles gamely, but taps his fingers on the map before him.
[ic=Orman]Perhaps we could see more specifically, on papyrus, where the "line" now lies?
So long as Lindus and the League agree, the Archons will support the decision.[/ic]
[ic=Lindus]The line, gentlemen, lies as such...[/ic]
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v220/stargate525/PBP/ya.png)
[ic=Lindus]And if that is agreeable to everyone, may I suggest we move onto terms of peace?[/ic]
while waiting for the Invernese to clear out the details, King Meas turns his attention to the delegations that have caught his eyes the must. The Warriors of the Andosen Isle, and The Freemen captains, judging quikly who seems less occopied, and adresses the Captains descreetly, taking care not to disturp the Machta-In and the Inverness
[ic] Captains of the Freemen? [/ic]
he paused, making sure he had all thier attentions before he continued
[ic] The tales of your peoples skills on the wave have reached my eyes, and it's said you even catches great sea beast the sice of warships[/ic] he paused and smiled to them, like somebody who realised that the way he had been talking was silly
[ic]look, I have a very simple deal for the freemens. If your ships will patrol Avarderas coast, then the freemens trade ships can enter Avarderas water with laxed taxes...shall we say one-tenth? and her ports willl offcourse be open, when the freemens ships needs to be supplied or repaired. [/ic]
he waited, reading thier expression, beore he finished
[ic] and as a sign of trust, then I'll like one of my sons to sail with one of your must able captains for a year and learn your ways
interested?[/ic]
Lathan, who sat closer to the King, looked at Okar, who looked back with one eyebrow raised.
[ic=Lathan]
Milord, your offer is more than fair. My brother and I have every faith our people can agree to this arrangement, however, as you may not have heard, the League is governed by all Captains. We must have a majority. My brother and I represent just under half of the Captains, so we should be able to relay the League's decision within a moon of the council's end, as either all the other captains must oppose us, or just one side with us.[/ic]
[ic=Okar] If you wish it, I can give the boy a berth, but I must warn you, we are not a "gentle" people. He will work if on a ship, and there is the chance it sinks. Unless you wish the ship he rides to stay to the safer paths? It would most likely be my ship that patroled the waters.[/ic]
Looking up, Okar turns back to the king
[ic]If your highness will excuse me?[/ic]
He then raises his voice to be heard.
[ic]The League will support this plan of the wise Dragonlordling.[/ic]
The King smiled satisfied and gladdened when hearing the Leagues support of the proposed compromise beforehe replied. [ic] Offcourse, offcourse. Avardera respects the Freemens traditions and ways, and shall wait eagerly on your response. [/ic]
then took a deep breath, as if considering his next words carefully [ic] I wish not for my sons life on the sea to be a fool hardy one, nor a pampered one. perhaps merely the same life as either of you two, who seems to be more then able captains.[/ic]
The Spear-Mistress rises lazily in the way only an athlete can and wanders over to King Meas III. She regards him with her stony gray eyes. She briefly eyes his champion from head to toe before turning away, though she flashes an odd smile at the sight of him. She inclines her head awkwardly as she saw him do and intones,
[ic=Spear-Mistress Torchavyn]How go your fields, Shepherd-Chief? The ears of Stravam have heard rumors that they are owned by another. That you listen to the Laws of another Land. Our wayfarers have noticed you no longer sport ships to defend yourself, yet you are closer to the drums of war then we. Do our ears deceive us?[/ic]This last question comes out rather gruff.
As Atrusthva eavesdrops on her discourse, he rises his hand to his face and shakes his head. He then shrugs and willfully turns his attention elsewhere.
The first reaction from King Meas III when he noticed the warrior approach him was nothing, inaction. He was used to grumpy zealots, proud kings, spoiled princesses and arrogant warchiefs. This....the Spear-mistress infront of him, detached from her follow, was different, like the fairy tales he was told as a child made flesh, then she spoke with the kind of words he could relate to and it seemed to snap him right back to the present.
[ic]Your ears are keen Warrior of Andos, as I have come to expect of your kin, but I fear the words the speaks in your ears are from people with eyes that are not equally keen. They have overlooked Avarderas prosperity, her people have been spared from war, her children go to bed with a full stomach. True the drums can be heard, but they are but noises, which will not sway the royal line of Avardera away from doing what have been entrusted upon us, in the same way that I expect a war cry would not make a warrior of Andos falter, and that is to do what we can for her people.[/ic]
He observed her carefully as he spoke, assesing her, as if trying to grasp what kind of being stood infront of him.
She raises an eyebrow and her lips briefly twitch to show her teeth. It is not clear if this was a smile or a show of threat. She purses her lips and regards the king right back at him. She then nods to herself.
[ic=Spear-Mistress Torchavyn]Stravam has much experience hunting pirates and patrolling our own coast. While you are not Andosen, and thus are not included in certian provisions under the Conduct of Rylodyn, the kind arms of the Ryvalnya nevertheless welcome you as creatures of Law under our protection, should you wish it.[/ic]
Suddenly catching a word or two of their discussion, Atrusthva leaps to his feet and hurries over.
Torchavyn notices him but soon dismisses him and continues,
[ic=Spear-Mistress Torchavyn]As our goatherds protect their flocks, so would the Ryvalnya protect yor nation as our flock. Of course, protecting yourself over land will be your concern, but the sea is our ally and will beyours if you ally with us.[/ic]
[to be continued!]
[ic]An alliance?[/ic]
His face was exprensionless for a short moment and looked away from Torchavyn to the man who had suddenly jumped out, though spending longer time then what an acute person would consider normal, and his eyes, to the observant, appearently wandering his mind.
Then he turned back to look at the woman infront of him and gave her a warm smile.
[ic]One can never have too many friends, warrior of Andos! I expect the great Freemens to agree to what I have discussed with them, and I can see much gain from such great sea-fares working together, so that the merchant ships of Avardera, Andos and Freemen can travel safely in The Andos Sea.
and even if they should not, then I have faith in the Andosen ability to keep both Avardera and yours ship safe.[/ic]
slowly though, his smile shifted to a slightly concerned, guilty expression as he continued
[ic]but, friendship should not only be recived, but also giving.
Avardera would not feel right to recieve the protection of such great warriors and not pay in kind. and so she offer to teach your people how to construct great merchant ships, so that Andos also can benifit from a safer sea[/ic]
meanwhile, the Kings Scribe exchanged glances with Atrusthva and shrugged, the kind of sighing glance and gesture, that could be read as "I know how you feel old chap"
[ic=The Machta]"I would trade with all you people, yes? My ships are as great as those of the Freemen, and the Macht'Ni would have ports across the oceans. With trade comes peace, and I desire nothing more. For now." He looks around. "Where is the warrior with the gifts, eh? He must have encountered some trouble."[/ic]
[ic=Lindus]Lindus coughs, before observing, "I see we're deciding trade matters... Well enough. I propose a free trade agreement. Everyone who signs on gains access to the ports of all other signers, and they cannot be embargoed. Taxes and fees will be negotiated separately.
Agreed?[/ic]
[ooc]Summoning the power of Monty Python will not save you, Wensleydale![/ooc]
Atrusthva stares daggers at Torchavyn. She stares levelly at him a moment, but then glances away and holds the King's eye.
[ic=Spear-Mistress Torchavyn]The Strava and her Ryvalnya will be glad to hear it. I must decline the offer of construction instructions, however, Shepherd-Chief. Hmm, I find it laughable that you feel your ships grant you safety from the sea. Even our most skilled sailors know that the day will come when the sea will strip them of their illusions of safety and mastery. Herrrm. Haha, Shepherds on ships. I wasn't born in those days, but I've listened to the lore of the southlands and this was so, yes Atrusthva?[/ic]
His arms crossed, biting his lip, he raises his chin from his chest, lets out a breath and in an icy voice, replies,
[ic=Chronicler Atrusthva]Yes, Ryvalnya, they once had fighting ships to defend their harbors with, but they disappeared one day, some time ago. I, however, would be most interested to learn of Avardera's ship building techniques, as would many of the Grychgayte.[/ic]
Torchavyn snorts and continues,
[ic=Spear-Mistress Torchavyn]And what of this talk of Free-captains in our sea? They have never opposed the sovereignty of Stravam, so of course they may fare where they may, and that Stravam be. As for you. But I suspect it will be our ships in your waters rather then yours in Stravam. As far as remunerating us, that will not be necessary. However, as it is the custom of these southerners to give land as friendship, we will accept the southern peninsula. We will be better able to patrol your waters if we have holdings there and would, in time, compensate us for Andosen blood lost in your protection.[/ic]
Atrusthva's face turns red but he is distracted by the other leaders. He hisses something in Andosen that is met by a glare from the Spear-Mistress. He turns his attention to the other leaders. Upon the idea of "free-trade".
[ic=Atrusthva]That, at least, you can preside over validly, Ryvalnya[/ic]
King Meas III shoke his head, then replied.
[ic]You say "accept" as if I have allready offered lands. Avardera would not like the idea of her people displaced. especially not when she have excellent harbour, that would be open for Andos to use. making a Andos holding redundant. [/ic]
His eyes wandered from Atrusthva, then back to Torchavyn.
[ic]What the Inverness trade in is thier own. Avardera trade in goods and knowlegde. not in her lands, in much the same way I believe that Andos would not.[/ic]
he moved closer to them, speaking descreetly
[ic] speaking as a trade friend, then I will suggest that Andos accepts my gift. Our ships might not be safer then yours. but they are larger and faster. A benifit that many others would guard fiercely and you may not find such an offer again in your life time, and I will only live so long......but then again you might, but will you risk losing the gain your people can get from my offer? [/ic]
He turned his head to the table, listening to the talks of trade, getting a rough grasp of it, giving his agreement with a short comfirmation, then smiled to both Torchavyn and Atrusthva [ic]like with the freemen, then I'll understand this is a big decision, not easerly made so far from ones land. I will await your answer, after you have consulted with your kin, with much interest and hope.[/ic]
[ic=Mavda]Now that we have come to a territorial agreement - and peace reigns among us - is there any further issue, or is our business done?[/ic]
[ic=The Machta]"I have no further issues with this island, no? No more matters to be settled."[/ic]
[ic]Nothing that would requere the attention of the whole council. Sire Mavda[/ic]
Spear-Mistress Torchavyn purses her lips and then shrugs after the king's words to her.
[ic=Spear-Mistress Torchavyn]I was not planning to displace those who already reside in you land. So long as they accept the words of Rylodyn, they would be welcome. Indeed, we would require their aid in the labor it takes to construct suitable defences. But it is perfectly acceptable to grant Stravam smaller plots of land in your coastal towns. We will defend you on our honor, you must understand, but we will require stone and labor at least in part from your blood. This is acceptable, Shepherd-Chief, no?[/ic]
Atrusthva adds, with his head held high, in a stern voice,
[ic=Atrusthva]And I assure you that I have been granted the authority to accept your ship-building techniques. And i do, as a symbol of our new friendship[/ic]
This last is said with a head bow and cessation of the stern mannerisms.
The Spear-Mistress snorts derisively but holds her tongue.
[ic Nargaq Ambassador]WEMUST STOP DAWDALING AND SPEAK OF THE URGENT MATTER OF THE AURI!!!![/ic]
[ic=Lindus]Of course, of course. Gentlemen, nobles, we have one more thing to discuss, and that is of the Auri threat.
Might I suggest a simple alliance between the nations, combining forces under one tactician? I believe this would serve better than each one leading our own separate ways. [/ic]
[ic Nargaq Ambassador]Yes, that is a good idea, but even more impotantly, we must decide when to strike, and where.[/ic]
[ic=Lindus]Come now, I know that I am no commander here. Nor, do I think, are any of you, with the possible exception of the Captains.
I say we determine the most capable general amongst our combined armies, allow him to choose his advisory staff, and let the generals do what they do best.[/ic]
[ic=Orman]Yes, these "Auri" I have heard about. The Archons do not believe them to be a serious threat at present, but have discussed inviting a delegation of theirs to Celend. As we know little of them, for good or ill, I must refuse to involve our delegation in any talk of war against them. The Archons are willing to exert diplomatic leverage, but will not provoke war with eastern nomads over an uncertain threat.
Should they threaten our vassals, of course, we will be compelled to act - but until this time, we must recuse ourselves from the discussion, lest we later be accused of participating in a council of war against the Auri.[/ic]
[ic=Lindus]Might I ask Celend to peruse the historical archives of the Palace here? The Auri have tried to attack Inveran once already. I see no reason why they would not try again. They not only threaten us, but everyone in the Middle Sea. To encourage them is to be enslaved, and to resist alone is suicide.
Surely you have heard the stories?[/ic]
[ic=Orman]Our historical records are accurate; our information is better than you seem to think. Inveran's colonies were on the mainland and were all either undefended or traitorous. Meanwhile, the Auri lack a fleet - of any kind - and have spend the past half century futilely knocking at the walls of Nargaq while scrambling to quash rebellions among the Serpent Kingdoms. All this, in the estimation of the Archons, does not add up to a threat worthy of a military response.[/ic]
[ic=The Machta]The old man rubs his chin thoughtfully. "I have led men into battle before, when Sedoon-Ha was the ruler, and in this case, I agree with the Celendi. Nargaq has beaten off the Auri once, I am sure they can do it again, yes? Eventually the tribes will settle down and colonise their land, or else Auriban will collapse under its own fire-dog-borne weight. Only if some great ruler comes to power and builds ships, then can we worry. But I do not fear the Auri - it will take them hundreds of years to develop the sailing skills of those here, and our navies would crush any pitiful attempt they made."[/ic]
[ic=Lindus]I see how it is. They come for Inveran's colonies, and you do nothing. They come for the Serpent kingdoms, and you do nothing. They come for Nargaq and Ruthern, and you do nothing. What will happen once they come for you? You seem to forget that among the nations of the mainland are sailors, and it does not take much to enact an invasion with something of that size.
Nargaq, we of the Inveran shall support you, even if no one else shall.[/ic]
[ic=Spear-Mistress Torchavyn]And as far as this one commander goes, Stravam marches only for the Blood, not for Southerners. [/ic]
[ic=The Machta]He laughs. "The northerners refuse to march for we of the South, and the Celendi are the only ones who can defeat the Auri. If they will go to war, you will win, possibly. If they do not, Nargaq will be destroyed utterly, and Inveran's army will cease to exist."
He produces a plum from somewhere about his person and begins eating it.
"And anyhow... how were you planning to get there? Celend's ships refuse, my ships are needed here and the Northerners will march only if their 'Blood' will do so, yes?"[/ic]
[ic=Lindus]"Just becuase we have no navy does not mean we do not have boats.
"I am appalled by what I see here. Someone comes to us seeking aid against one who clearly has no good intentions on the remainder of you, and you simply ignore it? No doubt that when those of us with the manliness," he glances briefly at the Celend Archon before continuing, "inevitably defeat the Auri, you will come in, say 'we supported you from the beginning,' and attempt to take a 'rightful share' of the spoils?"[/ic]
[ic=Hychordo]The warrior Hychordo stands up and declares, "Bah! Enough of this farce, Atrusthva. My Vrena has granted me the right to speak for Greathouse Ovaytyes, ad so I shall. I and my warriors, and how many others I can recruit, will march with Nargaq against the Auri, will rage war with those who know war. If we be alone in this, so be it, but for the honor of Ovaytyes, I pledge this." She nods at the Nargaq delegates in presence.[/ic]
[ic=Spear-Mistress Torchavyn]Spear-Mistress Torchavyn replies coolly, "I think you overstep your station and underestimate the pain that Stravam can inflict to those who disrespect her."[/ic]
[ic=Hychordo]"And what station have you? Where is your honor, Motherless? Stravam-"[/ic]
[ic=Atrusthva]Atrusthva holds his hand up to them and interupts, "Warriors! Cease this! Spear-Mistress, would you interfere with the honor of Andos, of the Blood, by keeping those who have pledged it from going to war? Over some perceived slight? Think of honor!"[/ic]
[ic=Spear-Mistress Torchavyn]She glares frostely at Atrusthva and Hychordo but then nods her head in accession. "Very well, for the honor of the Blood. Should your Vrena concur with your decision, it will be within your Motherhouse's right. But you may take no warriors that are not of your Motherhouse as their Vrenas will surely oppose this, being wiser than yours. You shall take the passage through Stravam to the Sheeplands and Southlands, as well, so that we may board your ships and make sure you are complying with our will."[/ic]
[ic=Hychordo]Atrusthva whispers something in her ear and then she gives a lazy shrug. "So be it," she says with a barely suppressed grin.[/ic]
before the whole commotion with the talk of figthing the Auri appeared, King Meas seemed to smile when he saw the disagreement amounth the andos and replied.
[ic]Warrior of Andos, The Northen port city of Avardera is allready fortified and the city have fitting accomidation for your sailors and warriors. so shall we say that your ships will have free acces to the harbour? oh, and offcourse I'll still teach your people ship building techniques[/ic]
He waited patiently untill he heard the Nargaq delegation roar up and turned his attention toward it, biding his time as he listened to the sudden change of topic and shook his head, mumbling low for himself
[ic]too early.....ah well[/ic]
Then he raised his voice.
[ic]the Dragon Lord speak of a combined army under one leadership, but let us not forget that we were at the brink of another war amounth ourself. I have no doubt that the people gathered here can be agreeable...but the people might not be as forgiving.[/ic]
He quikly raised his hands, gesturing for attention, before his comment could raise any protest, then continued
[ic]how ever, we do not need a combined army under one leadership. Our nations surrounds the lands that the Auri have taken and they will be forced to strech themself thin, if they faces all off us across thier intere border[/ic]
Confident that he had peoples attention, he then drawed it toward the map. placed a finger first at the capital of Nargaq, then moved it toward the besieged city of Pinur
[ic]The Auri have allready been defeated, figthing Nargaq and are now bleeding thier army on the walls of The Serpent Kingdoms. Avarderas tradesmen are making a good profit supplying Pinur, how ever, if the Inverness people send supplies too and man power up along the serpent, then I have no doubt that the rest of the serpent kingdoms will join us in the fight[/ic]
He moved his fingers up along the serpent river, then turned around and placed it on the western side of the river floating from The Inner Sea to Nargaq
[ic]meanwhile, Ruthen can march against the Auri and secure this river, defending any crossings. the Auri beast pulled awrmachines needs open plains to work, from what I understand. they will think twice about marching against Ruthen. especially..[/ic]
he then moved his fingers along the southern coast of the Auri lands
[ic] if a waterborn army waits outside thier southern coast, threatning to strike thier flank[/ic]
his fingers then moved north, along the northen border of Auriban
[ic] Avardera can send her army marching east toward Isedun, while the Andos make landfall on the northen coast of Dauraban. perhaps even rallying the tribes people of Durum and the Nargaq can gain some time to recover, even as you harass the Auri army if they marches toward Ruthen or Avardera[/ic]
King Meas looked up, adressing the room in a loud clear voice, and for just a moment, he no longer seemed like the aging man that hs is.
[ic] If we do it like this, then there will be no need for wasting time arguing for whose general should lead who, nor will we put everything on one boat. The Auri is a warrior people, thier strenght in thier leaders ability to uniting them under the belief of being untouchable under his leadership. threathen them from all sides, and the leader of Auriban will lose his armys support, shattering Auribans cohesion and ability to attack any of us as one. Rally your armies, and today shall not only be known as the day where peace waas forged and a new age of prosperity came to be, but the day where the first hope against the Auri people was born![/ic]
[ic=Atrusthva]"But what if not everyone holds out on their end of the bargain and the Auri can focus on those who are holding their end? Indeed, the more slippery minded of the Southerners may feel that allowing the Auri victories in the North will present soft spots in the south that they can exploit and claim victory as their own. No, I do not like this, especially so soon after the betrayal of the Dragon and with so many whose honor I have no experience with, such as these serpent-people you speak of."[/ic]
[ic=The Machta]The old man laughs again. "Oh, I have no problems against going to fight the Auri, no? But I will not open myself to my own trap, yes? I will not let my own wings be 'clipped'." He then pauses to consider. "If the Kuregnites will do so, we of the Machta-In will follow them, perhaps." He then turns to the other man.
"An impressive speech, kingling. But naive. You think that hope and peace and the strength of our souls will let the Seaborn crush the Auri? If so, you are wrong. Courage and strength the Auri have in vast amounts, and they outnumber us twelve to one or better. The best we could hope for is throwing the Auri back from the coastline for a few years, yes?"[/ic]
[ic=Lindus]Lindus laughs softly at the Machta's comment, "Just because you have no honor does not mean that everyone is as willing to betray innocent allies as you are. Conscience rearing its head, old man?"
Turning to the others, he continues, "I agree with the King's assessment. Divide and conquer would be an excellent way to go about taking down the Auri. I suggest we focus our pushes on the forests, hills, and rough terrain they control, to minimize the impact of their chariots."[/ic]
After a long bout of silence, watching the sides argue back and forth their many views and opinions, Okar raises his voice.
[ic=Okar]
Obliteration.
That is what you tempt, young Inveran, by charging the desert kingdoms of the Auri.
But, knowing the Auri, we face assimilation otherwise. They pose no threat to us now, archon, but they have, and will, mark my words. The captains have dealt with them, do deal with them, and until told otherwise, shall deal with them. We were there when they asked us to turn on our allies the Inveran, and were ready to do what needed to be done. You say you shall not act until they threaten your vassal? They have done so, and lack only the means to do so now.
Great Machta, you laugh and say we shall be facing a dozen to one, sailors on land, and you are right. Shall we wait until Narqaq falls, and Ruthern, and we face 20 to one on our seas? You say you shall wait till a swaddling clothed girl decides to send her toy soldier worshipers to fight? Are all your battle plans made by children?
The captains call them ally, but have yet to see any reason why they do not call us "slave". We are Free Men, and yet they dictate to us the terms of our tribute, pulling the greatest of our whale amber to their princelings, while we lose ships to perfume their courts. We deal with them because it is better to ride the wave than fight it, but at times a man must set his oars out, and fight the current.
As I said, we will trade with them, until they are dead or rule us, for from what we have heard, their strength has turned their heads, and the only thing more dangerous than a fool is a fool with followers. And that is what they are. A mad fool who thinks himself the sun, and shall not rest until it his kingdom spans sunrise to sunset. If it takes him a hundred years to break Narqaq, he shall spend a hundred. if it takes him ten thousand men to take the seas, he shall throw them. Until the seas be red as Auri sands, he shall not stop.
This is not to say I have nothing of true import to add. Auriban has misstepped. It has told us, that "do with Inveran as you will", thinkign the fallen nation too weak to be a rival to their might. And they have given us horses. As seamen, we have no use for them. But as men seeking an advantage in a land war...[/ic]
[ic=The Machta]He looks surprised. "You have the fire-dogs? Why did you not say? With fire-dogs and enough men able to ride them, we could put ourselves on an equal footing with the Auri, yes?" He then pauses.
"Fire-dogs can be ridden, yes? These are not just the tales I have heard from the east, no?"[/ic]
[ic NARGAQ ANBASSODOR]Nargaq is truly thankful for those who have pledged to help us. With the rebellions the auri have had, they have weakened. Many of their men are also demoralized. This is the time to strike. We express great gratitude, and i know i am speaking for all of Nargaq when I say that.[/ic]
[ooc]This thread will close at the end of Tuesday. Tuesday is also the last day for orders.
This thread is not an orders thread. I will not review this thread for the update. If you want to carry out anything discussed in this thread (except the border change between Inveran and the Machta-In), it needs to be posted with your orders in the main thread. If it's not in the main thread it won't be updated![/ooc]
[ic=Hychordo] "It does seems to me, however, that you cannot spare very many warriors right now, Dragon. If you want to risk it though, you are in a good position to help how I plan to attack, though. And this be none of the concern for Stravam!" She aims a glare at the Spear-Mistress. "Help us establish a foothold at the foot of the river near you in Auri lands and perhaps we can gain contrl of the crossings."[/ic]