The Campaign Builder's Guild

[ic=Vrena Holysend of Geethouse Grynsulk to Connetar Eyund]Be it known that I have intercepted your message and relayed it in...more agreeable terms.  There will certainly be a lecture on the notion of "your land is your own, until it is not", though I must admit I, myself, find it rather hypocritical as we more or less abide by the same policy amongst our people.  I hope you will take this lecture in stride.

But to business.  Your honor is still in question and this will forever sour relations.  I do not ask you to prove this.  I do ask you to see how proving it in small instances will improve our people's relations.

That said, the Ryvan-Holme has already named a suitable gift from you:  Supply the knowledge of building your galleys.  This will also make yourself appear more honorable, as it will add insurance that we will be able to fight you off should you decide Andos was prospective after all.  As the Tree is not important to you, voice what you would consider an appropriate exchange to me.[/ic]

[ic=Gregor to Murrhat]
We humbly thank you for this information. Accompanying this letter is a detachment of priests and engineers. The former to erect the shrine, the latter to copy the building's design, so that we may construct a similar one in our city.
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[ic=By Order of the Dragonlord]
All temples, shrines, and other places of worship not of the Dragon Saints are to be demolished, their contents sold, and the property to revert to the hands of the Dragonlord. The profits from this will be diverted to fund the construction of a temple enclave, where foreign shrines may be erected, and worship carried out there.
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[ic=Connetar Eyund to Vrena Holysend]You display a curious misunderstanding of the meaning of a "gift."  What you propose is a mere trade, a bargain, which demonstrates nothing and means nothing.  What we offer is a exchange of gifts.  You do not make demands of your gift-giver, for then it is no longer a gift, chosen and given freely.  My offer is that our representatives meet to exchange gifts worthy of esteem; we will choose yours and you will choose ours.  It is in the freely-given and unprompted gift that one may judge a man, and his people.[/ic]

[ic=Reply to the Hayar]Do not waste my time nor my efforts with foolish trivialities, Hayar.  You and your people have already crossed too many lines in the hearts and minds of the people of Andos to test our patience.  You should have realized long ago that your people would get nothing from the people of Andos freely --you have already taken too many lives.  If you want to make a farce to your people over freely giving and recieving gifts, so be it.  I think we both have had enough opportunity to take a measure of our people when we battled, for there is no truer measure than when one is in conflict.  Deal with reality, not whatever intentions you have.  I am willing to work hard to secure peace between our two peoples and exchange gifts at great expense to myself.  What I am not willing to do is have my time wasted.  Think like a woman, not like a man; use your sense![/ic]

[ic=Chief Helmsman Yeren of Far Hayar to Vrena Holysend]The Connetar has declared that your ambassador is no longer welcome in Hayrine lands, and bids you to return with another when you wish to deal in something other than insults.

I would personally add that the manner of your message greatly incensed the Connetar, and if it is your intent to send another messenger you should reconsider your stance.  I know from experience that calling the Noble Virtue a "triviality" is not the best way to deal with the Hayrines.[/ic]

[ic=To Grand Warden Merwek of Kashtu]

Greetings, most honourable Warden!

Your delegation has arrived safely, by the grace of the Gods, and we now beseech you that we might return the gesture. A delegation of our own people is being prepared to travel to your assuredly most glorious lands, should we receive your permission.

On behalf of the Sacred Council,
Patriarch Zsarvu[/ic]

[ic= to all friendly nation that Avardera have contact with]

Greetings from Avardera

I send you this message to turn your attention to an innovation revived in Avardera, a means to enhance trade and supplement bartering through a less cumbersome means of value exchange, known as currency, or coins.
A sample of the Avarderan Currency, the silver leaf and the gold flower, and a scale for measuring thier weight and thereby thier value have been sent along with this message.
please keep these sample secured, for it is with those means that your people can ensure that no forgery are made and that only Pure Avarderan coin will be used.
the basic of the idea, is to use coins as a less cumbersome and easerly measured means of paying for goods and service which doesn't cost enough to make payment with metal bars worth it.
more carefull explained details are included on a seperate note.

May We All Prosper

King Arlun Meas VI[/ic]

[ic= to the Agah of the Auri, herald of the light]

Avardera thank you for your aid and your concern, and wishes to return the favor by inquering if the Auri wishes the aid of Avarderan architect and masonry to fortify the city of Daura and therefor more firmly secure the northen border of your lands?

May We All Prosper, and the light lead our way.

King Arlun Meas VI [/ic]

[ic=Chirubyan Heurway to Beshwur Gegur]Foolishness on my part.  Chariots are mainly known as "the war cart" in our native tongue, and I have never traveled here before myself.    What craft-workers would have the best chance of being admited into such a craft?  Carpenters, perhaps?

And then there is the matter of creatures to pull such crafts.  Are they also a symbol of the tribe's power and lineage?  I must admit that I should have questioned my fellow Chirubyan more closely about these matters, but, alas, I was more interested in formalities.

I have also been instructed to inquire about another matter.  Frankly, we Andosens like you, Sorghedai.  We've long considered you brothers in arms against the Auri and now against the Hayar-Demons.  And I, as well as most Andosens, have seen your merits as we warred together.  So, as the river's mouth is infested with scum and villians, blocking us from reaching you that way, we propose a road between the mountains to enter your lands from the north.  What we request of you is that you help maintain this road in so far as it extends into your lands.  Is this agreeable to you.  Indeed, do you object to such a construction?[/ic]
[ic=The Ryvan-Holme to King Arlun Meas VI]Be it known that the Demons who call themselves the Hayar and block the Great River with their filth shall not be abided by any Andosen.  We do not which any more enimies, but those who reside with filth are filthy.  Thus we wish to know your stance on these horrific beings and thereby ascertain your cleansiness.  We truely do hope that we find you clean, as we have acted in our ignorance as though you were, thinking, "Surely the shepherds know green and health, and will see how the Unnatural spoil such things."  We hope our belief in your wisdom is well founded, as we suspect it to be.

Also, we find your proposition of "currency" rather novel and indeed thought-provoking.

By the liver,
by the heart,
By the Ravan,
By the Serpent

By the Tree, the twenty-one Vrenas of the Ryvan-Holme[/ic]
[ic=Addressed to the Ivrusk]There is talk of another expedition to the north.  It has been brought up that building outposts where supplies may be deposited will allow a greater travel distance.  We ask if you have any objections and if not, have you any advice?[/ic]

[ic=Dragonlord Gregor II to King Arlun Meas VI]
Greetings cousin,

First, I hear that congratulations are in order for you, our adoptive cousin. King. You deserve it, and I hope that your years with us prove to be beneficial in the wisdom and experience needed to run your new Kingdom.

I see that you have taken one innovation from the ancestry of your stepfather. We are most impressed by the sampling of coins you have sent, and wish them, and you, success and prosperity.

Some of your friends among our court here in the city miss you, and long to journey to see you in your splendor. However, they are worried that they will have no place to worship. As you no doubt know, Numenas has constructed many buildings in foreign cities, to help acclimate our travelers. We propose that you allow us to build the same in your capital, a theater, temple, warehouse, and academy branch, as well as a small palace for me, and your other friends in Numenas.

Awaiting your reply,
Dragonlord Gregor II
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[ic=Zhureyan, Agah of All the Auri, to King Meas]I thank you for your offer of assistance but it is not necessary at this time.  We are capable of building our own walls as needed.[/ic]

[ic=Beshwur Gegur to Chirubyan Heurway]We are not familiar with a carpenter as separate from a chariotmaker - our lands have few trees and what wood we have is mostly used for chariotmaking and repairs.  I suppose that is a suitable profession to start with, but we typically induct children as apprentices, not grown tradesmen.  The grown man learns with his mind, but the child learns with his spirit, and the calling of a chariotmaker requires spiritual knowledge most of all.

Horses are a prized possession to us, but we often barter with them among each other and with the Chalun and Xuk.

As for your proposal, your kind words are welcome but it is not my place to accept or reject it.  We have little need of roads on the steppe, but a pass over the mountains would be welcome, as our chariots have difficulty threading those peaks.  Compared to the Black Veil these are by far the lesser mountains, and your proposal may have merit.  I will convey your proposal to the Great Circle, and when they next meet together they may see fit to discuss it.[/ic]

[ic=Ivran Kalagh to Andos]The Ivruska will not bar your way northward, and you may build what outposts are necessary so long as you observe our laws on our coasts.  You will find the way difficult, however; we fear that some evil has laid Tuarescou low, for their vessels are now seldom seen and the gray ships of the Curled Horn people ply those waters instead.  We have heard rumors for years that the Beast-men stir in the North, having traveled eastward overland from the Gates of Gold; perhaps they are responsible.  By land and by sea I suspect you will find only ruin northwards.[/ic]

[ic =The Holme of Tychav]It was a chilly early spring morning.  And in a misty valley nearly six hundred Andosens stood huddled.  On a platform set into a hillside ad placed for the acoustics, forty-three figures sat around the only source of flame in the valley.  The flame was as blue as the ice that seemed to fill the Vrenas' veins.  No one outside of the flame's heat range knew why the Holme was being held here of all places.  Yes, it was on the way to Grycham from Krynam, but why not continue on to the newly finished Third Hall?  It was less than a fortnight away and the time the Ryvan-Holme had spent waiting here for others to assemble was now nearly twice that.  There was an ominous feel to that spring's chill.

The Strava Olydya stood up to call the Holme to order.  As she sat down, she gave the floor to a Scribya who gave the message from the Ivruska verbatim.  It is said everyone's hair in the valley stood on end, and not from the cold, at the last words.

The Vrena Synasbyre took the floor.  'So the Ivrusk are correct, the Land of the Dead, the dead sepent curls around to the north, as well.  So the serpent whispers his secrets in our ears at last.  The Demons where a test to our Sacraments, a trainer of our warriors, and, above all, a flame to our forge.  For let there be no doubt that we are forged as one, now, my Blood.  Andos is ours in its entirety.  For now.  We must always be wary, for greater evil will come to us from the north.  Evil that will make the Demons and their bronze scaled hides look as soft as lambskin.'  She pauses and paces for a minute or so.

'So it has been determined that we will not be poisoned by the Demons:  we will not be baited into starting another war with them'"'  At this there was a cacophony of opposition.  She still managed to get in a ''"For it will surely weaken us!', but only the front rows could have heard her.  She glances around furiously and the other Vrenas and the Strava stand up in anger.  They glare at the assembled crowd.

The local Vrenaskya, a shriveled old crone, climbs up on stage and, in a surprisingly loud voice, bellows, 'Quiet! Quiet!  This is my land, and I won't have the honor of hosting the Ryvan-Holme tarnished by you pig-bastards!  This is my land, if you don't shut up, I'll have you removed by force!  Even if ya be my own kin!'  At this, the crowd slowly quiets down and the Ryvan-Holme is once again seated.

As the Strava begins to address the crowd, the Vrena Synasbyre points out that she has not relinquished the floor and the Strava grudgingly sits back down as the Vrena continues.

'My favorite bed-mate and children were killed by the Demons.  They are not one's I look forward to going up against again.  And I feel your sorrow all too well.  I do not feel your outrage, though, for it is not appropriate.  I am not speaking of giving them the Tree.  Only that we not waste our efforts on cleaning up that scum.  However, in order to proceed with this, it will be seemly to'¦'  She suppresses a rictus of hatred.  'As we do not wish to be goaded into war, we will comply with their tradition of exchanging gifts.  That does not mean, however, that we will trade with them. Is that not right, Sister Holysend?'

Part of the reason for holding it here was then made clear:  Here, in front of everyone, the Grychgayte member could not make the Ryvan-Holme seem weak by dissenting.  So she did not.  'Of course, Sister.'

'Then it is settled'¦without satisfaction, but with the welfare of our Blood in mind.'[/ic]
[ic=The Ryvan-Holme to Connetar Eyund]I have reconsidered your suggestion.  But before we disclose our findings, we will have you know that in our ranks, a Vrena Holysend, has acted as our messenger unlawfully.  Thus, you are to dismiss any correspondence she had with you.

We find your suggestion of a cessation of warfare desirable.  To show our earnestness, we make the first step and provide two herds of goats.  Appreciate that this is not a small amount for us, after having far two many slaughtered by your kinsmen.  We also send Chirubyan to learn of your history and seek from you any knowledge of the north.  If any harm befalls them of your hands, all agreements are off.  Likewise, you are not to raid us and none of your people are to be armed should they find themselves in our lands.  We have constructed a stone line to demonstrate where our lands end on this coast.  A wall will soon be built there and our lands end four days from it.  We will mark these with poles to clearly show our border.

We await your gift.[/ic]

[ic=Connetar Eyund to the Ryvan-Holme]Your change of heart is welcomed, unexpected though it is.

Accept, in the spirit of mighty Per-Taun, Father of the West, these bee-hives - the source of honey, the food of the gods, and the symbol of Per-Taun and our people; may it grant you health and long life, and ever-bountiful harvests.  

I agree to your terms, but it is the custom of our women to carry a knife upon their person; I do not anticipate many female travelers to your lands but wish to avoid an unfortunate incident should this occur, and I ask that you make an exception to your prohibitions for them.  We expect you to reciprocate the terms you have asked of us, as well.

Bearing this message is my Chief Helmsman, Yeren, who I have bidden to stay with you for a year.  You expressed interest in the North, and he will know more than I - it is the Hayrine tradition to have foreigners be the advisers of the Connetar, and Yeren is not Hayrine by birth, but Tuarescid.  He was raised in the far north and may be able to more ably answer your questions.[/ic]

[ic= to The Ryvan-Holme of Andos]

Greetings.

Let me inform you that Avardera have little interest in the Hayar that have settled by the great river. Avardera sees little reason to associate with them, but she also sees little reason and wisdom to put in the effort to purge them off the distant land around the river, busy as she is with dealing with the interlopes in her own lands.

May We All Prosper

King Arlun Meas VI [/ic]

[ic= to Dragonlord Gregor II of Numenas]

Greetings Dragon of the east.

Allow me to thank you for your well-wishes and for the teaching I have recived in your court.

now, as for your request, then I can inform you that Avardera have allways been open to all faiths, and The Temple of The Dragon Saint that was founded generations ago, should still be maintained by those who still follows that faith in Avardera.  also, I see little reasons as for why you should need special permission to buy a space needed for running an establishment, when others dont.....said in another word, I have no objection to it.  the same also extends to the warehouse and the palace, Numenas may have a warehouse, in the same way any other people who conduct business in Avarra have a warehouse, and you may build a palace, in the same way any other people would build a home in Avardera.

as for the Academy branch though, then I will find it more benificial if your scholars settled in a new Academy currently under construction in Avardera.

May We All Prosper

King Arlun Mea VI [/ic]


[ic= in the court room of Avarra]

A pair stood infront of King Arlun Meas VI, one had a heavy frame, his age had barely left its mark on his aura of strenght. he was dressed in fine clothing, well-kept but also clothing that shown sign of being old, something like a heirloom only worn for special occasion such as these. the other was an middle-age woman, dressed in leather and with a feather head-dress that extended all the way down along her back, like a pony-tail of feather, a shaman of the old faith.

"We are Lurn and Ara, chosen by the tribes of the great forest to speak on behalf of them in your court."

"and King Arlun Meas VI welcome you, state your business"

"I speak on behalfs of the forest spirits, countless trees have fallen to the axes of northern and southern farmer, which have settled along the Narqag river and Thier fences and villages disturps the animals wandering."

"but people needs food and space to live too"

the tribal representive took over to respond, each word weigthed carefully

"we know, which is why the tribes have come with this suggestion. allow us to claim an area within the forest as our own, in the same way the farmers have claimed lands for thier own, and we shall take care of it, in the same way the farmers take care of thier own lands. The tribes ask of no more, then having the same rights that other recieve."

King Arlun Meas VI smiled, he might just had found what he was looking for in this man.

"very well, come back and give me details of which area it is you claim and we shall work from there, also your wisdom have impressed me and I have no representive within the great forest and no nobles adminstrating the lands and so it will do me great service if you will accept the honour of being the kings voice amounth the tribes"
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[ic=To the Machta-In]
Dear Friend,

Word has it that the Hayrines are under your sovereignty.  Thus, would that not make them a part of you?  And if they were to attack us, would that not be the same as you attacking us?  We ask in the nices of ways, please tell them not to attack us, as we believe that a friend should not attack another friend.

For the balance of the four,
Alun, The Councilor of Air
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[ooc]Announcement
This is a friendly reminder that orders are due this Tuesday.  Round 'em up![/ooc]