The Campaign Builder's Guild

[spoiler=Military Units]
CHALCOLITHIC

Spearmen (Spr): Spearmen wield a short spear, and are usually equipped with a copper helmet, light armor (e.g. linen, hide, or leather), and a large hide or wooden shield. They are decent all-around troops that can handle most opponents adequately, but they don't excel at anything.

Bladesmen (Bld): These are usually younger and more agile warriors that serve as light infantry, fighting with some manner of bronze blade '" usually an axe, knife, or short sword '" and a hide or wicker shield. They wear little or no armor to preserve their mobility. Bladesmen are fast and flexible light troops who can ably accomplish tactical maneuvers and ambushes.

Archers (Arc): Archers carry a short bow, several sheaves of arrows, and little else. Their arrows are deadly, but inaccurate at long ranges, and can be blocked easily by shields and even light armor. They are often used to break up enemy formations and to assault or defend walled cities.

Slingers (Sli): Slingers fire deadly lead bullets that significantly outrange bows, and can break bones even through shields and armor. These bullets are heavy, however, which limits the number that can be carried into battle. They make good battlefield skirmishers.

Boats (Boa): These represent canoes, barges, and small boats primarily designed for rivers and day voyages over calm seas. These small vessels are quite handy, but very vulnerable to storms and ill-suited for warfare at sea.

Outrigger Canoes (OCa): Large canoes can be rendered more seaworthy by the addition of an outrigger, which stabilizes the hull.  Outrigger canoes are advanced craft driven by sail and oar that are noticeably more seaworthy than galleys, but their smaller crews and lower structures make them not much better than regular boats at naval warfare.

BRONZE AGE

Early Bronze Age

Galleys (Gal): The galley is a round-bottomed ship with 20-40 oars and a single square-rigged mast.  They are faster and more seaworthy than boats, but are unsuitable for open waters beyond sight of the coast.  They have no weapons, combat being conducted by boarding an enemy ship.

Swordsmen (Swd): The first truly heavy infantry, swordsmen wield bronze 'sickle-swords' to hew through enemy footmen.  Equipped with shields, bronze helmets, and cloaks reinforced with bronze scales, swordsmen are excellent assault troops.  What they lack in mobility they make up for in durability.

Composite Archers (CAr): The composite bow is a vast improvement over the old 'self bow.'  Its composition of wood, horn, and sinew gives it nearly twice the range of a traditional bow with the same bow length, not to mention increased power to penetrate armor (though shields remain an effective defense).  The animal glue involved, however, means that it can fall apart in humid or wet conditions.

Camelry (Cam): Camels are odd-looking animals perfectly suited for desert combat.  These warriors ride camels into battle, and carry a spear and small shield.  They are perfect for raids in the wide, trackless deserts and steppes, but are ill-suited for warfare in temperate regions.  The smell of camels is very disturbing to horses, and as a result these troops are put to good effect against chariots and cavalry.

Andosen Spearmen (ASp): Unlike the spearmen of other lands, these warriors fight as loose warbands rather than dense formations. They carry a selection of weapons, preferring the chor, a six foot bronze stabbing spear, and a versatile short bow. Equipped with a bronze cap, a hide shield, and a square bronze 'pectoral' as armor, they are swift and hardy raiders suited for ambushes and rough terrain, though they lack the cohesion and discipline of some troops.

Middle Bronze Age

Chariots (Cha): The chariot is a fearsome new weapon of war that brings mobility to the battlefield.  Each chariot carries a two-man crew, armored with bronze scale and equipped with a bow and a lance.  From their mobile platform, the crew can rain down arrows on infantry formations or trample them if they break formation.  For all their advantages, however, chariots are inoperable in rough terrain.
[/spoiler]

[ic=The Royal Palace at Inveran]
Dragonlord Gregor. That's what they decided to call him. Fair enough, he had taken many titles before, this would be one to add to his collection.

The Merchant Lords had erred, of this he was certain. Never before had they elected one as powerful as he was. Of course, they didn't know this, as he had many representative under different names, but it was the same family, the same company. They had elected the majority, and now it was time to return to the age of glory. The age or Dragons. Gregor could trace his lineage back to Aristo the First, the Great. He had it right. Expand and conquer. No more wars for Inveran, not yet. He would outmaneuver his opponents, not outarm them.

"Polinus!" Gregor shouted for his assistant, chief advisor, and messenger for his pet merchant fleets.

"Yes, Dragonlord?"

"I have orders that I wish you to attend. Take notes. First, we shall expand to the east, colonize the islands Lindus laid out for us." Polinus nodded at this; it was long desired that this land be taken and used. "furthermore, we shall expand our trading empire. I want envoys to Baktash and Hayar, I want to be the first to connect that trade route to the Inner Sea, Dol, see if we can make favorable arrangements with the newest player in this Grimnock match. One to the Auri..."

"My Lord..." Polinus was right to be stunned; the Auri were longstanding enemies of Inveran. What Polinus failed to grasp was that they were here to stay until they collapsed upon themselves.

"to the Auri..." Gregor repeated, "Tell them I will cut them in a percentage if they allow free Inveran trade along their southern river, and prohibit anyone else. I want to trade with Balan, Atamn, and the Triple Alliance, and by the Saints I will be the ONLY one to do so. Send messengers to the east, to Etrophahan and Cyrenahan. undercut the League, at a loss if you have to."

"Yes Dragonlord. I will see to it..."

"Once I am finished." Gregor stayed his servant with a hand. "It has been too long since Inveran has expanded, truly expanded. We will establish colonies between Celend and Jemna, the penninsula we discovered West of Andos, between Dol and Yaffa, and on the coast between Hayar and Otahvy."

"but the cost of this will be tremendous, my lord."

"I know. We're paying for it with those new trade routes we open."

"And what of the other Lords?"

"They will do nothing; they can do nothing. They elected me for life, and until I die I will be their Dragonlord. I intend to retake some of the power that has slipped to the lower echelons, and they are powerless to stop me. The golden rule; he who has the Gold makes the rules, and right now that person is me."
[/ic]

 [ooc]Letters to the above mentioned nations to come.[/ooc]

[ic=At the Captain's Meet]
"Heady days, eh, brethren?" Erik Okarson asked the assorted Captains.

None bothered to respond. Erik was known as a very intelligent, capable captain, who also happened to suffer from a touch of madness. His plans and stratagems were as unusual as they were effective.

"If we are to believe the rumors, there are men who see the future, apes that think, and the most powerful drug imagined to the North. If we believe what we have seen, there are turtles who pretend to be islands, and nations unseen or heard from to the south. And what sits in the center, you ask? Politics. The strangest beast of all."

"Get to the point, Captain." Lathan, worn and aged since the Council years before, was now more granite statue than bear.

"My Point? Who needs a point? We are the Free Captains. We call ourselves the most seaworthy men, and this is the time to prove it. Let us go to lands unknown to current kings, and bring back wonders beyond imagination. Let us see what can be made of these island turtles. Hunting them seems unwise at present, so let us find a new path. Let us del with the peoples of the North, South, West, and East, and be at once the unity of Sea and Earth, knowing all."

"And how do you propose we fund all this? How, when every direction we look, others seek to match us, or compete with us, or refuse us entry?"

"Brother, brother, brother, This is a time to prove how strong we are. We are the Free Captains. We sail the Known seas, we can afford a little competition. But Listen, I have some plans..."
[/ic]

 [ic=Letter To The Depotissa]
Congratulations on surviving to the age of rulership, your Highness. These are mere tokens to your self, as a gift from the Free Captains.[/ic]
 [ic]The letter is accompanied by ambergris, exotic jewelry from the foreign ports of the League's reach, and a similarly impressive weapon.[/ic]  

 [ic= Announcements by the Free Captains, posted in ports, and declared on ships]
League Business- Any man who can demonstrate to the free captains his control or defeat of a Zaratan is to be given the rank Free Captain, a ship, and crew for his contribution to the League.

Also, the Free Captains call for young, unwed men willing to serve under berths in exotic ports, for foreign captains, as formal League Explorers, with commensurate pay and rank increases.[/ic]
 
 [ic= To the Leaders of the Etropahan People] We, the Free Captains, seek amends for our ancestor's aggression against your ancestors. As an apology, we would like to connect your people with the advances in agriculture, shipbuilding, and defense available to our peoples.[/ic]

 [ic=TO the Leaders of The Baktash and Hayar people]
Greetings, we are the Free Captains. We are traders and purveyors of a great many goods throughout the seas, as we know them. We would like to extend to your peoples the offer of trading agreements, selling your goods broad in foreign markets, and foreign goods in yours. Should you reject this offer, we would still like to meet your peoples, and learn of your culture, and the world as you know it.[/ic]

 [ic= To the Leaders of the Cyrenahan]
As fellow traders of the exotic and connected to a great many peoples, we which to establish an outpost near or on your lands, to allow our ships  place to land, and bring additional trade to your people. If refused, we wish to use your ports for similar purpose. Our cartographers would like to meet yours, and compare our understandings of the world.[/ic]

 [ic=To King Meas IV, The Grand Hierarch of Kashtu, The Twin Kings of Otavhy, and The Leader of The Vandire]
Our people have ever benefited from the presence of the other, and we view you as brothers. Therefore, we offer you rates as we would give to our own families. Should you find any other foreign dealer selling a good at  lower price than a League merchant, show the merchant, and we shall offer a lower price.[/ic]
 
[ooc]Realized most of my orders required interaction, rewrote as letters.[/ooc]

[ic=Letters to Baktash and Hayar]
Esteemed Lords,

I am Dragonlord Gregor of the Inveran. We wish to discuss agreements of trade with your nations regarding the aquisition of Gems, Honey, Gold, Marble, and all the produce of your lands, in return for the bounty of the Eastern nations. We shall both profit from this exchange, and shall lead to increased strength for both of our nations.

Your Servant,
Dragonlord Gregor
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to the Auriban]
Fearless Agah,

We, the people of the Inveran, and your people have often been at odds. In an attempt to remedy this and foster trade and understanding between our peoples, we offer you a pact. Inveran will recognize the Auri as a nation, a leader amongst the nations of the Middle Sea. In return, we request complete, unhindered, and exclusive access to the Southern River which runs through your land. If it please your excellency, we are prepared to offer a twentieth of all the profits we make from the journeys upon your waters.

Your Humble Servant,
Dragonlord Gregor
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Dol]
Esteemed Lord,

Allow us to be the first to welcome you to the playing field that is Middle Seas trade. In that vein, we would like to propose a deal of decreased trading rates between our two peoples. As strong allies in the trading sphere, we both stand to benefit.

Sincerely,
Gregor[/ic]

[ic=Letters to Etrophahan and Cyrenahan]
Lords,

Inveran has looked eastward, and seen the abuses wrought upon your people by unfair trading percentages. We see it as our duty to help right injustice wherever we see it, and to that end, we are prepared to offer you these lowered rates, significantly lower than that of the Freemen. In return, all that we ask is safe and expedient conduct through your waters, and the ability to trade freely.

Dragonlord Gregor
[/ic]  

[ic=The Dragonlord's Palace]
"There." Gregor said, sealing the documents with his seal. "That aught to do it for now. See that these are dispatched on our ships as quickly as possible."

"Also, let me see the builders and the craftsmen, the priests and the clergy. It's been too long since the Saints have had their temple repaired. I believe the time has come to do so, provided that the clergy back my reign..." [/ic]

[ic=Farshad Jalul, Far Seer of the People of Baktash, to Dragonlord Gregor]The people of Inveran are known to our Seers; the venerable Peshwar Haq, the predecessor of my predecessor, spoke of many crossed spears on the sea - arrayed against each other, but only precariously, as to threaten all others if one should topple.

Mindful of these visions, we are willing to exchange gifts with your people, but "agreements of trade" are foreign to us - the Council gives gifts to and receives gifts from those who are worthy.  We do not dishonor ourselves with mere exchange as the Hayrines do.[/ic]

[ic=King Perey of Hayar to Dragonlord Gregor]We are only interested in trade agreements insofar as they gain us something valued by us or the Societies.  So far you easterners have had little enough to show us - or do you have something else to offer?[/ic]

[ic=Azothol, Legate of the Agah, to Dragonlord Gregor]As if the Agah needed your "recognition."  You might as well give permission for the sun to shine!  The sublime Agah rejects your haughty and unworthy requests and bids you return when you have learned proper humility.[/ic]

[ic=Conservator Adolo of Dol to Dragonlord Gregor]The Conservator deals not with trade, only balance and righteousness.  Your people are welcome to trade with the orchard-keepers for their fruit and barter with them as you - and they - wish.  Do no harm and balance will be maintained.[/ic]

[ic=Sarar Udai, Royal Governor of Roshhan, to Dragonlord Gregor]An intriguing offer, which I hasten to accept.  Your ships are always willing in Roshhan so long as they make no trouble for us.[/ic]

[ic=Despotissa Koura of Kuregn to the Free Captains]
I thank you for your noble gifts.  My mind would be at ease if only they came from a people not beholden to Celend - they are unworthy taskmasters of your great people.  Consorting with such grasping weaklings is unbecoming; better by far to ally with nobler and stronger friends.

Our kingdom too has wealth to offer.  It has been the policy of the Despotate to keep all resources within our borders and keep ourselves free from foreign intervention.  I, however, may be persuaded to take a more "enlightened" approach with those free from Celend's influences.[/ic]

[ic=King Saril of Etropahan to the Free Captains]
Show us the workings of your ships, that we may defend ourselves in the future from such attacks, and I will forgive your past transgressions.[/ic]

[ic=King Perey of Hayar to the Free Captains]
We are only interested in trade agreements insofar as they gain us something valued by us or the Societies. So far you easterners have had little enough to show us - or do you have something else to offer?[/ic]

[ic=Farshad Jalul, Far Seer of the People of Baktash, to the Free Captains]
The people of Inveran are known to our Seers; the venerable Peshwar Haq, the predecessor of my predecessor, spoke of many crossed spears on the sea - arrayed against each other, but only precariously, as to threaten all others if one should topple.

Mindful of these visions, we are willing to exchange gifts with your people, but "trading agreements" are foreign to us - the Council gives gifts to and receives gifts from those who are worthy. We do not dishonor ourselves with mere exchange as the Hayrines do.

As for learning, your people are welcome in our lands, though all must be accompanied by our soldiers, as our lands can be dangerous to foreigners, and even we cannot foresee all eventualities.  Let your people come and exchange gifts with us, and stay as they like.[/ic]

[ic=Sarar Udai, Royal Governor of Roshhan, to the Free Captains]
I am afraid a sovereign outpost in our lands is far out of the question.  I am, however, willing to grant you land in our merchants' quarter if the proper petitions reach me.

Strangely enough, petitions seem to move faster when they are accompanied by appreciative gifts.  Such is the way of our land.[/ic]

[ic=To The Depotissa Koura]
Consort is the wrong word, milady. We do not consort with the Celenites, we listen to them when we must, and ignore them when we can. We pledged our loyalty generations ago, but must keep our oaths. Men are bound by what they say, whether they think so or not.
The clearest way to understand is to imagine us a sword. Years ago, a powerful man picked up the sword, and brought it to glory. Now his son, who is not the man his father was, wields it. We can no more throw off the Celenites than a sword can escape it's wielder. But, like the sword, we care little what falls of the hand that holds us. We shall do as we are wielded to, no more, no less, and when the hand finally drops us in exhaustion, our new form will be quite the separate matter.
[/ic]

 [ic=To King Saril]
Very well, we shall share the secret of our ships. We ask only that you refrain from war or piracy on those we count as friend.[/ic]

 [ic=To King Perey] We mean no offense, great king, but that is a very hard question to answer, knowing so little of your people. Are there any commodities you find rare in your lands? Timber, papyrus, glass, copper, we have a great many things, but we do not know what you have, other than your rareties. Tell us your needs, and we shall try and match them.[/ic]

 [ic=To the Far Seer]
The wisdom of your Seers is unmatched, but we are not men of Inveran. We have had many dealings with them, and are much like brothers, but their ways are not always ours. This notion of gift-giving is well-liked by the Captains. We shall seek a gift befitting of your people.
The protection for our learners is welcomed, and as soon as possible, we shall send a few of our elders to learn of your people's ways.[/ic]

 [ic=To The Royal Governer]
It is strange, the same thing is common here. Perhaps it is a divine matter. In any case, we shall seek these forms, nd appropriate gifts to grant the forms godspeed.[/ic]

[ic=To Farshad Jalul]
Of course. The people of Inveran thank you for deeming us worthy.

As a gift, a token of our continuing friendship, we offer to construct a temple in your city t the Dragon Saints, and invite you to do likewise. For what better gift is there than that of culture and understanding?[/ic]

[ic=To King Perey]
Of course, you are wise to discern first what we may offer you. Accompanying this letter are just some of the wares we have to offer; Glass from the far easter nations of the Whale Sea, Turquoise from Celend, Almods from the land of Dol, and many more besides.[/ic]

[ic=To the Agah]
You misinterpret my meaning, sublime Agah, for such may happen with this crude medium of words. By recognition I meant recognition of supremacy. Inveran will lend its navy to your glorious reign, whenever it is needed, and pay a tribute of a tenth of everything we make in your lands. Surely the exclusive use of one river is only just?[/ic]
 
[ic=To Adolo]
The Conservator is most wise! We welcome to opportunity to trade further with you. As an act of religious reformation, we have endeavored to maintain our people's connection with the Saints on long journeys. To that end, may I humbly request your permission to build a temple in Hau-Dol, so that our sailors may worship their faith while gone from Inveran?[/ic]  

[ic=Sarar Udai]
Inveran rejoices at your decision, Governor. As a token of our gratitude, please accept these gifts of the far West of Pottery, almonds, salt fish, papyrus, and this most princely gift; six horses, three male and female each, from the lands of Ruthern.

As an act of religious reformation, we have endeavored to maintain our people's connection with the Saints on long journeys. To that end, may I humbly request your permission to build a temple in your trading city, so that our sailors may worship their faith while gone from Inveran?

In that similar vein, our sailors have always had an antagonistic relationship with those of the Free Captains; may we request what is known in the west as an embassy, a plot of safe ground, to facilitate communication between us and to give the sailors of Inveran a sense of security?
[/ic]  

[ic] King Meas IV Took in a deep breath and sighed, the salty wind of the ocea was strongest from this side of the palace.
Being the Regent of Avadera had its own exitement and priviledge...sure...but sometime he missed the more simple life aboard The Freemens ships....well...relatively simple compared to taking care of Avadera and her people.

For one thing he didn't had to deal with nobles who barely knew what was happening under thier own nose, much less beyond the border of Avardera. his thought was interrupted when his scribe entered the room.

"you asked for me, sire?"

"yes, I need your pen, some parpyrus and ink"

The Scribe looked wide eyed at his king, reluctantly handling over his tools of trade

"do you not trust.." "I trust you aplenty, but this letter is sorta...personal, it would not feel right to have somebody else write it"

The Scribe sighed and nodded, and stood idle, waiting for King Meas to finish, wondering within himself if his predessor had as much trouble with King Meas IV's father.

"there, this should do it, I want this letter sent to Lathan of the Freemen League"

"anything else, sire?"

"nothing that wasn't brought up at that....meeting earlier today"

"if I may sire, then your plans are very....bold, surely you understand why the nobles would be concerned, giving what they know"

King Meas shrugged. the kings 2.nd consious is what his father had called the scribes role.

"Allright, allright, it doesn't change the plan though, I'll prove them wrong with the results!"  [/ic]


 [ic=To Captain Lathan of Freemen, My Mentor]
How have Father Sea been treating you?  I hope well.
For my part, then life have been busy, though I miss waking up to the gentle rocking of a ship....or to the fury of the storm as things may be.
Anyway, I write to you, not only to exchange pleasantries, but also to come with a suggestion.
The Freemen have helped me and Avardera alot, and I feel that now, it is time for her to repay the favor. I have seen the unfair taxes that the Yaffa places upon your men when they passes through the straith and reasoning will not work on them.
Therefor, I'll offer the Aid of Avarderas fleet and warrior, if the Freemen wishes to remove the rulers of Yaffa and place better ones in thier stead. To Keep Celend away from us, then we will send a letter explaining that the tithed that they'll recieve will not be lessened by Yaffa no longer being around, and that infact, they will benifit more from a few stronger friends, then many smaller ones.
If this intrigues the Freemen, then I will send another mail with more detailed plans.
May the wind allways be in your Favor.
Your Friend. Meas.[/ic]



[ic=to The Machta-In] Avardera sends her greetings and well wishes.
I come to you, Migthy Machta-In, because the inventiveness of your people have reached my ear, saying you have found ways to improve your peoples harvest and Avardera wishes to learn your ways. In return, we will teach you another technique that recently have been spread in Avardera which have helped her people farming the lands.
I believe such an exchage would benifit us both greatly and awaits your response with great expectations.

May We All Prosper.

King Meas IV[/ic]

[ic=To The Motherhouse of Grycham]
Avadera greets you, migthy warrior of Andos and rightfull ruler of Andos land.
My concern was great, when Avardera felt the earth roar, like a great tidal wave, in your land, and my concern is even greater, now that my tradesmen informs me that banditry flurish in your land, because people, whose place should be to find a suitable leader, which they in thier credit have done well, have over stepped thier border and seek to rule when they were not meant to do it.
Avardera therefor feel that she should act upon these concern and offer our help to your people. My Father was named, perhaps detoregating, "Shepherd-chief" by the Ryvalnya representive during the council that marked the peace of Inveran. That is a title I will wear with pride amounth the Andos how ever. The wise warrior knows, that it is from the farmers bread and the shepheards meat that she can draw her strenght, and so Avardera wishes to offer her aid in the same way.
I ask only that the Motherhouse will help in kind, should Avardera have need of warriors in the time to come, and that trade will be encouraged between your people and Avarderas people, so that we may all benifit.

May We All Prosper

Shepherd-Chief Meas IV[/ic]


[ic=out in the fields of Farmer Earon]
"So appearently, if we spread burnt wood on the ground, then that means our crops will grow better?"
The old man shoke his head at his son complains "The Meas carry the spirit of Avardera in thier blood, and they say her spirit not only is strong in the current Meas, but that it's tempered by Father Sea"
"Still doesn't make any sense to me"
"it is like the old saying >>you don't know if you'll catch a fish, before you throw out the net<<"[/ic]  


 [ic=aboard an Avardera tradeship]
"So in Andos we adress the women like men, in Baktash we don't trade, we "exchange gifts, amounth the Auri any of us who don't follow the light have to hide it"
"correct, that's all you need to remember for this run, we're going in port in Auri to resupply, head to Andos and trade wool for thier craftwork....you know how people love "exotic" bauble and trinkets from far away countries, and then we'll go to Baktash and strike it rich"
The Seagulls Captain grinned wide and confident, he had been abit sceptical at first, when King Meas IV had ordered all captains to attend a meeting with the scholars of Avardera, his ways had worked, like his father before him and he had seen no reason to change this, untill the day he got a one-twenth cut of the price in Otahvy, simple because the tradesman was glad over finally meeting someone who understood him.....oh yes, he was going to strike it rich from his gift exchange with the Baktash[/ic]


[ooc]Orders for now:

Institualising the use of pot ash in Avardera.

Basic culture and ethic amounth the different nations will be taught to anybody dealing with foreign people. anybody returning from travels in foreign countries will also be asked to meet with the scholars of Avardera and share thier experience.[/ooc]

[ic=Machta Shan'Du'E, Addressing His People]"Hail to you all, People of the Machta! For many years, we have fought and died for our lands. Now, we hold the lands of the Conquest! We have the backing of Kuregn, once our enemy, now our dearest hearth-friend! Inveran sleeps beside our islands, our friends - for now. But do not forget, children of the Gods, that our Great Exodus many thousands of years ago was not for nought! My Honoured Uncle was assassinated, and although Inveran show no enmity, we must not trust them. Remember this, Inver'Ni! Remember this!"[/ic]

[ic=To Avardera]Greetings, Kingly One. We of the Machta will consider this. But we are a people of the sea, and our mentors would find it difficult so far away from their true home. We believe you possess an island, off the coast of your nation. Perhaps that island could become part of the Machta-In, in exchange for the secrets of our agriculture and our farming ways? We would be willing to make other concessions, as well, including tutors of our language and culture and the making of our ships.[/ic]

[ic=The Machta's Plan]The Machta pointed at the islands surrounding Otahvy. "These people are our allies and we defended them once against their doom. The People must be spread, as was known in the Old Times. With that, would come trade."[/ic]

[spoiler=What the hell is the Machta referring to?]The legends of the Machta-In and surrounding southern Invernessi (or Shasi-Ra) tell of the great migration of the People (i.e. their race) northward and into the sea, their 'true home'. Some scholars (and the Machta himself) believe that this great migration should be continued. It is this that drove the old Machta, perhaps unconsciously, to seek more land around the Inverness.[/spoiler]

[ic=Orders]The Machta sends a small fleet of settlers up towards the unoccupied island off the coast of Otahvy, along with a diplomat for use if need be. The ships are not military, mostly, however - they are more common ships, trading cogs and large fishing boats, used by the majority of Sea-People in the Machta-In's lands.

He gathers most of his forces in the Inverness itself, apparently paranoid of Celend.

He continues further orders, including continuing the construction of the vast fortress that is his capital.

He also prepares fleets and armies to send against Inveran's ports and cities.[/ic]

[ic=To Andos]We feared for your lives when we heard such a cataclysmic noise coming from the North, and it seems you have suffered. We hope you can trade with us in this time, and that nature will not stop your axe arms![/ic]

[ic=To Hau-Dol]Ye'Ti,
I hope we can establish trade lanes between my nation and yours. In today's world, we must look to working with one another to survive. The crack in the north is just one example! I have many things I can trade, I hope you will return the courtesy.
Honours,
Machta Shan'Du'E.[/ic]

[ic=To Ar-Auriban]Ye'Ti, Mighty Auri,
Your power in numbers is great, and we seek to trade with those from far-off lands. I hope we can make business, and learn much from each other.[/ic]

[ic=Dragonlord's Palace]
Gregor had gathered the high priests and the Incarnate, one rumored to be the bodily form of a Dragon saint himself. They were no doubt curious as to what brought them here, so he spoke almost at once,

"I called you here to do what a merchant does best; make deals. My position as Dragonlord, as you know, is tenuous despite my economic fortune. What I ask from you is a blessing from the Dragon Saints on my rule, and your backing in domestic affairs.

I have already entered into negotiations to spread the Saints far to the West and the East, and to our soon-to-be colonies. These I will do no matter your decision. What I will do once you back me, however, is completely renovate Aristo's temple, build it of exotic stones and metals, greater than any other Inveran building. What say you?"

The Priests let out a sigh of relief. This was nothing what they were expecting. "Of course, Dragonlord," the Incarnate said, "we must pray, make sacrifices, consult the Dragon Saints in this matter. But I am certain that their mind is of like to mine in that they will no doubt give their full support. You will have our official answer in two days."
[/ic]

[ic=The Temple]Whether through coercion, or bribery, or influence, or sheer charisma, the Temple declares the tales of Rel-Zes-Do'Rak-Tish (the Old Way Carved) official doctrine. This essentially is a compilation of multiple old legends, about the Exodus from the south, the defeat of various different foes (including sea beasts and foul reptilian creatures) and the Prophecies, which declared the need of the people to find many homelands and multiply. These are tales that most natives will have grown up with, and at least partially believe - often tales with meaning with a small portion of real history thrown in.[/ic]

[ic=Despotissa Koura to the Free Captains]As you wish - but when the time comes to choose one side or another, I hope you will think favorably of us.  There will be many rewards for those who do.[/ic]
[ic=Despotissa Koura to the Grand Warden of Kashtu]The mighty Despotate brings you greetings and the hope of friendship between our peoples.  Too long have you suffered under the Celenite yoke.  I offer my services - whether it is weapons you need, or training for your men, I wish to see your state strong and independent rather than a lackey of the Archons.[/ic]
[ic=Despotissa Koura to the Machta]I quite enjoyed my visit to your isles.  Every ally of the most righteous Despotate is to be cherished.  I invite you at your pleasure to visit our land, that we might be more closely resolved to mutual respect and assistance.[/ic]
[ic=King Saril to the Free Captains]We accept.  Your people may travel as each ship is cleared by the port governor.[/ic]
[ic=King Perey to Inveran and the Free Captains]The Westerners require only gold and give us whatever we wish in return.  They require no other things.  We, however, might have a use for some of these things you name '" bring them and we shall find out.  I cannot speak alone for the wishes or desires of all my people.[/ic]
[ic=Farshad Jalul, Far Seer of the People of Baktash, to Inveran]Regrettably we cannot allow this, though your priests are welcome the same as your other citizens, so long as they remain under our chaperones during their stay.

Bring your ships to our land, however, and I shall present you with a peerless marble altar, my gift to your priests as an apology for my inability to grant your request.[/ic]
[ic=Zegar, Agah of All the Auri, to Inveran]It is said that Darkness often conspires to conceal the truth of thoughts and words, but never deeds.  I have thus decided that your deeds should speak for you '" long ago you spurned my ancestors and imprisoned our just representatives, and now you offer friendship.

If your words are backed by deeds, you will make amends for the past, and send us the vessel of tribute that your ancestors would not.  Only then will I consider your request to return to the good graces of the Light.[/ic]
[ic=Conservator Adolo to Inveran]The Conservator denies your outrageous request; the purity of the land of balance will not be corrupted by the gods of foreign lands.  Come and do your business as you see fit but dare not to corrupt our people.[/ic]
[ic=Sarar Udai, Royal Governor of Roshhan, to Inveran]Surely you jest!  You offer me half a dozen horses, as if you lived in some land where they hardly exist!  My stables keep two hundred of the best horses of the steppe, proud stallions and mares, and my servants keep my twenty silvered chariots ready to ride.  I mean no insult, but what manner of place do you live where so few horses are a princely gift?

That aside, I thank you for your other gifts.  More such gifts are often helpful to speed the process of granting a land concession as you have requested.  Of course, once this petition has been granted, you are welcome to build a modest temple as you wish.  I must emphasize, however, that I am not in the practice of granting sovereign enclaves '" you may build there, but Roshhan is mine by the Prince's decree.[/ic]
[ic=Conservator Adolo of Dol to the Machta]Your traders have permission to trade with the grove-keepers as they see fit.[/ic]
[ic=Azothol, Legate of the Agah, to the Machta]The mighty and peerless Agah sees to reason to admit the presence of those who do not follow the Light within his lands.  Pay proper tribute and supplication to his resplendent greatness and your presence will be suffered.[/ic]

[ic=To Hayar]
Gregor dispatches a full half of his personal merchant fleet to Hayar, loaded to the brim with all manner of goods. Among them are scholars and priests, charged with making a report of the land to the Dragonlord.[/ic]

[ic=To Farshad Jalul]
Inveran gives you much thanks for the gift, as we have only now begun the renovation fo our Temple in Inveran. In return, please accept this dragon statue of bronze which accompanied this letter as a sign of our gratitude.
[/ic]  

[ic=To Zegar]
You misunderstand the past, esteemed Agah. It was the rebel faction of Isedun, Invernessi in name only, which did this to your people.

Regrettably, our relationship has suffered from their poor name choice ever since. In an attempt to remedy this, please accept the accompanying boat of goods, as a promissory payment of what is to come.

Accompanying this letter is a single ship, loaded with Gold, Gems, and as much Red Lotus as Gregor's Fleet can get their hands on.[/ic]

[ic=To Conservator Adolo]
We meant no disrespect, and we apologize.[/ic]  

[ic=Sarar Udai]
We apologize for the misunderstanding, Governor; In our land, you are not far from the truth. horses are a new commodity brought by the Auri and we, as a seafaring people, have yet to make use of them. If you may teach us the secrets of this wondrous beast, we would be forever grateful, at risk of sounding somewhat like backwater simpletons to your far superior skills in this area. We know that these horses may be used for riding and pulling chariots; we have seen their use in this regard. However, can they be applied to a more domestic usage?
 
We are glad that you liked our other gifts, Governor, but was one boatload not enough? As much as some of our more prosperous merchants would like you to think, we are not made of these goods, and what we have already given you is worth a considerable sum.
[/ic]

Quote from: Sarar Udai, Royal Governor of Roshhan, to InveranA land without horses, how quaint!  The tradesmen of Murrhat come to my city often and bring their flocks with them.  I prefer a sleek Xuk horse or a highland Bauram, but Murrhati horses are certainly strong.  We use the finer breeds for chariot-pulling, for war or races, and the heavier breeds for pulling large carts.  I hear the Dekkahi also eat them, though I think it a waste of a good animal.  If you are simply pulling plows, an ox is a far better animal.  Horses are the animals of princes and governors, not of commoners.

As for gifts, I apologize, but such is the way of things - you have no idea the costs I must pay to administer this city.  Even the Prince takes his cut, and he is only six years of age!  Regretfully it is simply how Rosshan works.  In your land, the sails are moved by wind; in ours, all things are moved by spice and silver.[/ic]