FSTGOD3 Preliminary Diplomacy Thread

[The Silence and I]

Mauloullrye, Chief of the Eastern Tribe, was in a foul mood. He had promised to establish more permanent trade with landwalker nations but neither Relief nor Boulder Stand Settlement were easy to reach. Most times this was good--the few mountain passes into the Tribe Lands could be easily watched and would be very hard to reach even outside their borders thanks to unforgiving mountains, and there were precious few places a ship could safely approach--but this and the remote location all meant very little traffic up here in the cold. Now he had to send scouts and find out who was nearby and how to best make contact. Trouble was, his scouts had been gone twice as long as they should have and now all he had to show was his promise.

"Uidid, some words please, I have questions to ask."

The young advisor walked out from behind an ornately carved stalagmite where he had been waiting for Mauloullrye to finish his brooding.

"Yes, my Chief? I answer."

"You know the moods and thoughts of both the tribes Uidid, tell me, do our people grow impatient waiting for news of neighbors which never arrives?"

Uidid thought for a moment before answering.
"My Chief, the people of your tribe begin to wonder where our scouts are, but they do not grow impatient yet. They are happy with your renovations, both to the caves and the settlement, and will wait longer yet."

"You comfort me, Uidid. I promised more than I am delivering, it troubles me. I will give until tonight, if no scouts return then I shall send more, accompanied with a full escort. I will make contact!"

--------------------------

WarMaker Seerah had just sent away a messenger and now got down to the task at hand. Who would go with the new scouts? He munched on some tasty plant... thing... What ever is this called? Then he got to work. Four scouts, he'd assign four Heavy Battlers to each, that should be enough to deal with unfriendly creatures, and increase the odds someone would return to report if something bad happens.

--------------------------

Later that night four small groups of Skarklagger left for distant lands. Two went West, the other two East. The Westward groups were to stop at Relief Settlement and check with Chief Bollindereum before continuing toward the distant neighbors on the coast, where one group would stay and the other would continue past and into the great unknown areas of the world. The Eastward groups would pass the nation in the North and continue Southward, looking for unknown neighbors, splitting up as they found them. On their return the Morkan would be observed and contacted. In all cases contact was to be made, and upon learning how these other nations do things Ambassadors would be sent in envoys.

Mauloullrye watched them leave from a high rock on the coast below Boulder Stand Settlement, eyes used to deep water hunting adjusting to the dark easily. Dark sight or no the small figures were hard to see and he soon lost sight of his new scouts. Anxious, he wondered what had happened to the two other scouts he had sent two months ago.

[Lia]

Ships as elegant and light as swallows set forth from the land of Ehk'reh'tehk, each with wing-like sails blazoned with the form of a wave against a solar disk. From the masts flew banners of whitest cloth, unsullied by marking or sigil. The T'eseh, after all, had reccomended that this was as it was done among Men, to show no ill-will.

The fishermen and sea-weed harvesters were discomforted by being so far from the Sarghass' realm, but they did this for their land, for the people, for the promise of richer soils for their young. So these turned two of their ships away from common pursuits to transport the Voices and Speakers of the land to the bordering nations.

These sailed to the lands of the Eire-Pict confederation. These bore precious cargo: spices, perfumes, and the emmisary of Meren. They traveled without weapons, without defense beyond the wizard who traveled upon one of the ships, blending in with the crew, and a handful of T'eseh thorns. It was not their way, to fight upon the waves.

Fortune allowed one to reach the shores, and greater fortune the one who carried the message. The crew, a mingling of Gar and elves, set about securing the ship, seeking word of the leader of this land. Only two disembarked: A tall, cloaked figure, approaching seven feet in heigth, and a delicate elven woman in blue and silver robes, a green tome held like a badge of honor. Transport, in the form of carts, was obtained; guards bargained for with spices.

The travel to the court of King Artair was far from pleasant for the emmisary, but the T'eseh had assured them that this was to be expected as well. Lack of sun, the cooler clime, were displeasing, to say the least, but this was all part of the game.

The cloaked figure disembarked with no little gratitude to be freed of the swaying, horse-drawn contraption, far too confining for its' tastes. The elf seemed no less relieved to be freed of the carriage, letting her dignity slip a little as she streached. To a guard, whichever seemed to appear to the woman more likely to have any authority at all, she approached and bowed elegantly.

"The Sun sustain you, Eren. I, T'eseh Irenja, Voice of En'Kishi S'ekya Meren, bear this message for your liege lord." Offered forth was an envelope on smooth paper, sealed with scarlet wax, stamped with the delicate form of a wave. "We seek audience, that matters of trade be discussed."

The robed figure nodded once, either in approval or agreement. The softest sound, like the trill of a bird, followed the woman's words.

[Lia]

A party of seven Sh'khen flew across the expanses between the furthest hold on the marshes and the land of the Tauren. Like oversized butterflies of rich green, whorls of paler greens, delicate yellows, hints of scarlet, the beasts trailed banners of purest white.

It was the way of men, the T'eseh assured Nehar. White for peace.

The T'eseh were hardly as sure as the Seedless who steered the great beasts, but the 'honor guard' of six had refused to be parted from N'dhka in this mission. The seventh great plant-beast was directed by a heavily robed figure, the elf kept surported before it perhaps the least sure of all. A tome was strapped across her back, richest green, and she wore robes of brown and gold, matched to the one who steered.

(I'm not going too far...*laugh* I could see shooting this down, so i'm keeping it open to that.)

[Lia]

The Ek'taln loped across the ground, an easy, smooth pace. Each bore two riders... a slightly precariously perched elf, looking uncomfortable without bow in hand, and a lightly armored, bark-skinned Seedless, leaflets folded against their tall, lithe bodies. All but the seventh, the hindmost, where a cloaked figure supported an even more awkward elven woman with a green book strapped to her back. Both wore robes of violet edged in green.

Amid the tangle of leaves, vines, small florets that made up the bodies of the ek'taln mounts, were thrust poles. The spaces made it painless for the beasts, as awkward as the mounting of the banners of purest white were.

A single ekke'taln, the smaller cousins of these great plant-beasts, doglike and wild, trailed after the last.

[Comrade Tortoise]

In the Baily of Castle Kroakan, protecting the road to the coast:

"Archers ready!"

The archers got into a firing stance

"Knock your bows!"

The archers knocked arrows in unison.

"Draw"

The archers drew back their composite longbows, made from yew wood, horn and sinew to a point between their lips and their tympanum and held position

"Loose!

In unison the archers let loose arrows at targets accross the baily, hitting their targets more or less precisely. Had it been a unit of soldiers they were firing at rather than haybails, they, or their shields would have been rendured pincushions.

"Good job men!" the archmagus Arlenian called in a triumphant trill.

"But how well will you do under fire?" She looked wickedly at the unit of archers and the infantry which were assembling in the courtyard.

"To the parade ground you maggots!" said the unit officers in unison and marched their soldiers through the heavily fortified gatehouse and into the no-mans land separating the castle from the forest beyond. Maintained so that siege equipment had to be brought within bowshot of the castle walls to get a line of fire, or even set up.

They arranged themselves in battle formation. Archers and Mages in the back, macemen in the front with pikemen on the flanks ready to guard from cavalry attacks on the sides of the army or plan hammer to the macemen's anvil. There were five thousand highly trained footmen in all. There was no place to raise or use cavalry in Hylidaeus, the terrain was ill suited for it, and the grains required to raise them were not eaten by the people and thus not produced in significant quantities. and so at this juncture, none were used.

Before the army stood only one person. The archmagus. She sat down, and went into a trance. Her spell wpuld be difficult to craft on the scale required. She started to float into the air as her shrill voice filled the air with a chorus of calls, clicks, chuckles, trills and warbles, the verbal components of her spells. Her hands were in a modified lotus position each finger moving independantly crafting the magic as an artisan crafts a basket, painting, or sculpture. The first effect she wove shielded her from attacks both magical and physical in the form of a bubble of pure force around her. The second was her grand effect. Used only for training purposes, it was useless on a real battlefield as it did not work on hostile troops.

Slowly, an illusory army began to materialized. Every bit as real as their living counterparts, save that they couldnt kill. A blow they dealt which would cause death caused a deep sleep instead, from which their victims would awaken unharmed when the archmage ends the spell. Each wound would make the recipient more and more sleepy until they fell asleep from their accumulated "wounds". spells by he illusory mages would follow the same rules.

And the "Live FIre Excercise" commenced.

The enemy crossbowmen started with loaded bows, and while the mages were busy chanting their spells of defense, the Hylidaeian infantry was forced to raise their shields in defense as goose-feathered shafts peppered their ranks. Several dozen men found the protection of their shields wanting and fell asleep on the spot, only to wake when the battle ends.

The longbowmen by this time had knocked arrows and let loose a barrage of one thousand shafts straight into the ranks of enemy infantry, who were in turn forced to raise their shields or risk destruction.

Several such volleys were fired before the crossbows reloaded and Hylidaean mages wove their spells of defense. The bolts descended, only to be driven aside by a wall of wind whihd defended the infantry, so long as they stayed in place.

The crossbowmen reloaded, and the infantry began to advance. Enemy mages began chanting spells in some unknown language.

Hylidaeian mages had spells of their own, but could not get them off before the Macemen were forced to break ranks to didge a fireball that flew into their lines and exploded hurling some thirty men into slumber.

...

[Rogue 9]

Ships as elegant and light as swallows set forth from the land of Ehk'reh'tehk, each with wing-like sails blazoned with the form of a wave against a solar disk. From the masts flew banners of whitest cloth, unsullied by marking or sigil. The T'eseh, after all, had reccomended that this was as it was done among Men, to show no ill-will.

The fishermen and sea-weed harvesters were discomforted by being so far from the Sarghass' realm, but they did this for their land, for the people, for the promise of richer soils for their young. So these turned two of their ships away from common pursuits to transport the Voices and Speakers of the land to the bordering nations.

These sailed to the lands of the Eire-Pict confederation. These bore precious cargo: spices, perfumes, and the emmisary of Meren. They traveled without weapons, without defense beyond the wizard who traveled upon one of the ships, blending in with the crew, and a handful of T'eseh thorns. It was not their way, to fight upon the waves.

Fortune allowed one to reach the shores, and greater fortune the one who carried the message. The crew, a mingling of Gar and elves, set about securing the ship, seeking word of the leader of this land. Only two disembarked: A tall, cloaked figure, approaching seven feet in heigth, and a delicate elven woman in blue and silver robes, a green tome held like a badge of honor. Transport, in the form of carts, was obtained; guards bargained for with spices.

The travel to the court of King Artair was far from pleasant for the emmisary, but the T'eseh had assured them that this was to be expected as well. Lack of sun, the cooler clime, were displeasing, to say the least, but this was all part of the game.

The cloaked figure disembarked with no little gratitude to be freed of the swaying, horse-drawn contraption, far too confining for its' tastes. The elf seemed no less relieved to be freed of the carriage, letting her dignity slip a little as she streached. To a guard, whichever seemed to appear to the woman more likely to have any authority at all, she approached and bowed elegantly.

"The Sun sustain you, Eren. I, T'eseh Irenja, Voice of En'Kishi S'ekya Meren, bear this message for your liege lord." Offered forth was an envelope on smooth paper, sealed with scarlet wax, stamped with the delicate form of a wave. "We seek audience, that matters of trade be discussed."

The robed figure nodded once, either in approval or agreement. The softest sound, like the trill of a bird, followed the woman's words.

"Hail and well met, Speaker," responded the watch captain, wisely choosing not to attempt to replicate the title.

[Repeat scene above of being escorted through the castle.]

[Lia]

The tall figure made sounds like birds, like crickets, again. The elven woman spoke, a mere step behind the sounds.

"En'Kishi, S'ekya to Meren . Ambassador, I believe your word would be, of the Gar'lar'andh of Ehk'reh'tehk. I am but eren's humble translator, T'eseh Irenja. The S'ekya speaks that your people seem quite strong, and the sun must have shone brightly on their seeding." The woman smiled lightly, light catching in her silvery hair, her hazel eyes not quite looking into those of the man who asked for titles.

The robed figure bowed its head once, as Irenja finished speaking.

[Masterharper]

One of the female Leroani spit on the ground at the announcement. "About time."

The apparent leader of the mages glanced back at the dark skinned woman and narrowed his eyes. "Keep your tongue in check Marie. Even we wouldn't stand a chance against those bears."

"Easy for you to say Tobias. You don't have breasts to freeze."

Tobias shook his head as the ship made it's way towards the shore. Once close the ship turned and dropped anchor again, letting off small boats stocked with emissaries and a few sailors. When they reached the shore the Leroani jumped out into the ankle deep water, not seeming to even notice the freezing cold touching their bare feet for a few brief seconds. Tobias took the lead, with 5 other Leroani behind him.

"It is usually custom to at least give emissaries a place to stay while they wait."

Helalsius paused as the woman spat upon the ground, considering the action, and blinking in silence. She seemed to watch the woman while both spoke, and she herself answered them in turn, head held down to peer at them, repectfully making eye contact as she spoke.

First the great bear gestured to the Morkan homes--homes made not of wood and stone, but of ice. None had the signs of chimneys, in fact, the only smoke came from a few business-looking buildings. "We build only of necessity, Men of the South, and I fear you would not find our dwelling accomodating in the least. Please, though, walk with me." She begins to take slow deliberate steps, snow and ice crunching under foot as the massive body moved, . The other Morkans hurridly went about making themselves look busy as the dire bear turned her gaze over them. Pausing and motioning to the humans, she spake once more, "If your purpose here keeps you long, you are welcome--either in Aquila Arcus, or Gilidae." A futher pause, " I am known as Helalsius, outlanders, perhaps you could explain who you are and your intentions in detail, now..." The bear began walking again.

Later that night four small groups of Skarklagger left for distant lands. Two went West, the other two East. The Westward groups were to stop at Relief Settlement and check with Chief Bollindereum before continuing toward the distant neighbors on the coast, where one group would stay and the other would continue past and into the great unknown areas of the world. The Eastward groups would pass the nation in the North and continue Southward, looking for unknown neighbors, splitting up as they found them. On their return the Morkan would be observed and contacted. In all cases contact was to be made, and upon learning how these other nations do things Ambassadors would be sent in envoys.

Mauloullrye watched them leave from a high rock on the coast below Boulder Stand Settlement, eyes used to deep water hunting adjusting to the dark easily. Dark sight or no the small figures were hard to see and he soon lost sight of his new scouts. Anxious, he wondered what had happened to the two other scouts he had sent two months ago.

The scouts of the Allied Water Walkers would find that the small border of the Morsum was bustling with activity. A great deal of Morkan--as well as some trolls, and the occasional giant. Even a few dire polar bears were being marshalled about the snowy fields--all in the southeastern border fortress across the mountains. On the neighboring side there was very little activity, just the watchful and seemingly uncaring eye of the Morkan who were sitting in their large cave-fort, surrounded by pallisades and ice-trenches. Until they were directly approached, the great bears didn't really seem to mind the Water Walkers passing near or even through their land, any more than they would heed an elk, or owl. In the evening, however, the lights of the Borealis (Helyanwey) shimmered and glowed, spreading a prismatic moonlight quality over the Morkan lands. Eerily inviting--and considerably more activity from the Children of Ursa.

[Charon]

Helalsius paused as the woman spat upon the ground, considering the action, and blinking in silence. She seemed to watch the woman while both spoke, and she herself answered them in turn, head held down to peer at them, repectfully making eye contact as she spoke.

First the great bear gestured to the Morkan homes--homes made not of wood and stone, but of ice. None had the signs of chimneys, in fact, the only smoke came from a few business-looking buildings. "We build only of necessity, Men of the South, and I fear you would not find our dwelling accomodating in the least. Please, though, walk with me." She begins to take slow deliberate steps, snow and ice crunching under foot as the massive body moved, . The other Morkans hurridly went about making themselves look busy as the dire bear turned her gaze over them. Pausing and motioning to the humans, she spake once more, "If your purpose here keeps you long, you are welcome--either in Aquila Arcus, or Gilidae." A futher pause, " I am known as Helalsius, outlanders, perhaps you could explain who you are and your intentions in detail, now..." The bear began walking again.

Tobias and the other Leroani followed the great bear as she walked. "Your homes of ice would still be considered heavenly after 13 days on a ship for those of us without our sea legs. They look even nicer now after 15 days."

The tall male in the front of the group was the first to talk to the great bear. "I am Tobias and I hail from the Koronan Empire far to the South. Our intention is a simple one, as you have no doubt heard of us, we have heard of your greatness. We wish to establish a trade route between our nations."

[Stofsk]

King Steven marshalled his thoughts. His realm was not as mighty as some on the continent, but it was potent. Entreaties had to be made to neighbours in order to keep abreast of the political climate. To that end he summoned his advisors to his chambers, and in its conclusion had given tasks to those who would act as ambassadors to the Holy Kingdom.

To the north-east, Duke Prospero's daughter, the Lady Miranda, would be sent to open a dialogue with the Hylidaeus.

To the west, a hussar general by the name of Dobó would be sent to offer the Taurian their greetings.

To the south, sister Katalin of the Holy Paladins would be sent with a party of escorts to gather information on the High Korlec. As well as to entertain the possibilities of diplomatic relations.

[Thirdfain]

Slowly, the ship began to descend, the ladder folded down, and a messenger sent to a guardpost, "The Lord Grass'thek the Sunderer arrives, he brings with him the finest vessal in the Ilithian air-fleet. We seek passage to your capitol

The Lord Embalmed Istvan Gar Hadzrejic, Hercega of Pesht-on-Danub, reviewed the dispatch the auxiliary had brought in from the border-post.

The mighty Ilithian Empire, dispatching diplomats to the isolated polity of High Korlech?

Such an event required immediate action.

"Assemble my hadsreg. We will march his Lordship to High Korlech as guests, to stand before the Sublime State and make his diplomacy known."

A hundred mounted Immortals rode in due course down the hercegal highway to the border. At their head was the Hercega, a thin figure. Heavily kohl'd eyes made of carved ivory inlaid with polished flint gazed from a pale, powered face. A short crest of hair, laquered and styled, graced the count's head. His armour, and that of his body-guard, was of the banded Korlechi style, painted with pale sigils over matte grey.

Standard-bearers carried high the banner of Korlech, with the flag of Pesht-on-Danub flying lower. Fifty low-castes marched behind in shuffling step, Animated bearers draped in Hercegan livery, their faint stench covered by plumes of honeyed smoke pouring from censors full of sandalwood. They carried chests of fine silks, incense, and jeweled weapons.

"Fairly met, Grass'thek Sunderer, Lord in the court of Demise. On behalf of the Sublime State, I welcome you to Korlech and my demesne. I will escort you and your men to the capital, if you would come."

[The Silence and I]

The scouts of the Allied Water Walkers would find that the small border of the Morsum was bustling with activity. A great deal of Morkan--as well as some trolls, and the occasional giant. Even a few dire polar bears were being marshalled about the snowy fields--all in the southeastern border fortress across the mountains. On the neighboring side there was very little activity, just the watchful and seemingly uncaring eye of the Morkan who were sitting in their large cave-fort, surrounded by pallisades and ice-trenches. Until they were directly approached, the great bears didn't really seem to mind the Water Walkers passing near or even through their land, any more than they would heed an elk, or owl. In the evening, however, the lights of the Borealis (Helyanwey) shimmered and glowed, spreading a prismatic moonlight quality over the Morkan lands. Eerily inviting--and considerably more activity from the Children of Ursa.

The scouts made note of the activity before pushing on South. The gathering Morkan would interest Chief Mauloullrye, but for now they had their sights set on reaching warmer lands down the coast.

------------------------

Eventually the South bound scouts sighted a city by the coast, (the city directly North of The Farnian Republic) and decided it would be wise to send one party as planned, while the other waited. Hopefully a map of this region could be found or traded for, which would be shared with the second group waiting in the sea before they continued their trek South.

Soon after, five tall and colorful figures were seen approaching the city lands. All wore rough seaweed garments well decorated with colorful shells, dyed seaweed strands and patterns of woven fish bone. The guard carried only their spears and small pouches filled with the various items brought for trade. The leader, trained in the languages of landwalkers, carried little. Their immediate goal is a marketplace, if the landwalkers are receptive enough they intend to visit the leadership of this city, and they are all cautious.

-------------------------

To the West two groups of Skarklagger arrive at Relief Settlement. Chief Dollindereum welcomes the members of the Eastern Tribe and tells them they are more than a day behind Ambassador Shemnolld and Elemental Master Shante, and he sends one of his Elemental Lords with them to speed their journey so they arrive at Vicona and The Confederacy of Dusk when his own envoy does and so allow both tribes representation. They thank the Chief and accept his offer before continuing, their passage sped by the power of the Water Lord.

-------------------------

"There is a people to the north we have only had brief contact with. They are non humans, aquatic, and have only a small presence on the shore. I wish to send them an envoy to show our benign intentions and to learn about them."

"What if they are allied with the Viconians? They are both water peoples."

"I doubt it, but if such is the case I must know. In any case, I need you to meet with these Skarklagger and deal with the leaders of the Allied Water Walker Tribes."

"It will be done."

Neither Relief nor Boulder Stand Settlement is easily visible from shore, but any approaching ships are quickly spotted by the populace who spend much of their time in deep water and are soon directed to Relief Settlement where Jestin's envoy will find safe anchor in a sheltered bay. Access to the settlement itself is easy, Jestin will find herself amid a flurry of activity as merchants set up and curious citizens seem to come out of nowhere to watch the landwalkers and their curious sail ship(s).

[Dark Silver]

Grass'thek was a member of the Trac'ret-Mol, the upper class breeds of the Ilithian Empire, and his frame showed it. From the elaborate diplomate robes which drapped over his corpulate frame, to the hood which sprouted from his head and neck to fan out behind him, to the way the words slithered from his lips and forked tongue.

He bowed his head slightly to the escort, and addressed them, "On behalf of the Lord of Demisssssse, Rasss'tah the Beloved of Chemossssshhhh, we accept your offer of essssssscort."

Two hundred and fifty of Grass'thek's escort descended from the airship, falling into place behind the snake-man diplomat. A small force of fifty, plus the ships standard crew, remained behind, to oversee it's safety.

[Cynical Cat]

Auraine looked over the side of the ship. "I don't see it," she said. The longboat was sea worthy, but small. She was swift and sturdy and could be beached anywhere and that was what mattered.

"There," said Segred. The sailor's arm was lined with scars. "It'll be easier to see when we get closer." They were still some distance from Relief settlement and only sharp eyes could see it.

"Alright." The noble woman looked around.

"Trust me my lady, if there were Viconians around my boys would already be yelling for Thefir. I doubt they saw us slip out of harbor and if they had decided to track us they would have been eating starfall by now. There isn't a ship built that can stand the wrath of the Night Dragon."

"Were you there?"

"At the Burning? Yeah, I was. A terrible thing to see. Terrible and glorious. Not a fate I would wish on another sailor."

"The order remembers it a little differently," said Thefir. The slight young man wore a heavy fur over his robes.

Segred shrugged. "You're lubbers. And your grandmaster made her bones there. The Dragonhead is a thing to see, I grant you that, but seeing burning men diving for the water and knowing that there dead man, that is another."

There was silence for a moment. "Bahh," said Segred. "Enough of this. These fish men are not unknown to us sailors. We see them rarely, but they are counted good luck. Let us hope that holds."

---------------------------------------------------------------

A wall of dirt with projecting spikes stood behind a ditch at the top of the hill. Six fetishes were placed around the perimeter. Lumen crystals blazed, illuminating the top of the hill and driving away the darkness all the way to the woods.

"Nothing yet," said Thorkel. "Two nights and nothing."

"We have lights and wards," said Jennas. The ranger kept his bow in hand. "And we are many." A great horned owl, some ranger's familiar, hooted from a tree branch. The magic tended to settle in some animals more than others. Some of those animals could be bonded, which was why witches often had owls, ravens, and cats. And why morden panthers existed.

"The strong ones, the ones that they all fear, will gather a warband. We are here. We are obvious. We are staying. We challenge their might. They will come. One night. Soon."

[Masterharper]

Tobias and the other Leroani followed the great bear as she walked. "Your homes of ice would still be considered heavenly after 13 days on a ship for those of us without our sea legs. They look even nicer now after 15 days."

The tall male in the front of the group was the first to talk to the great bear. "I am Tobias and I hail from the Koronan Empire far to the South. Our intention is a simple one, as you have no doubt heard of us, we have heard of your greatness. We wish to establish a trade route between our nations."

"My apologies to you, Men of the South." Helalsius's tone was genuine, but she cared little to dwell on the subject. "Your intentions are astounding to me, Tobias." The bear gazed out over the ocean as they trod along. "Trade is mutually beneficial, but the voyage is dangerous, indeed. Rounding the Northern Ocean is a trek in of itself, for I am aware of how isolated our lands are...it is not customary to allow humans to wander about...but perhaps time has come for change."

Helalsius stops, standing and pointing with her great arm to the south, sweeping eastward. "For a great time has the comforting womb of the Morsum nurtured my people, but the land can support only so much, so many. Soon, we shall expand our borders to the Great Mountain, and perhaps settle the land from there to the ocean on the east." Certainly the eastern shore of the continent would be closer, and viably safer. "There are great tides pulling at the world, Outlander. I have had...dreams. And we must change with the tide, or surely we shall ebb to nothingness." She pauses, turning back to face the envoy. "You make your offer at a fortuitous time....what trade...what goods come of your lands, and what do -you- desire?"

[Agent Fisher]

*snipped*

[Lia]

(edit out, jumped the gun a little)

[Charon]

"My apologies to you, Men of the South." Helalsius's tone was genuine, but she cared little to dwell on the subject. "Your intentions are astounding to me, Tobias." The bear gazed out over the ocean as they trod along. "Trade is mutually beneficial, but the voyage is dangerous, indeed. Rounding the Northern Ocean is a trek in of itself, for I am aware of how isolated our lands are...it is not customary to allow humans to wander about...but perhaps time has come for change."

Tobias bowed some. "All things change as Dahhok wills it. Or perhaps as your gods do."

Helalsius stops, standing and pointing with her great arm to the south, sweeping eastward. "For a great time has the comforting womb of the Morsum nurtured my people, but the land can support only so much, so many. Soon, we shall expand our borders to the Great Mountain, and perhaps settle the land from there to the ocean on the east." Certainly the eastern shore of the continent would be closer, and viably safer. "There are great tides pulling at the world, Outlander. I have had...dreams. And we must change with the tide, or surely we shall ebb to nothingness." She pauses, turning back to face the envoy. "You make your offer at a fortuitous time....what trade...what goods come of your lands, and what do -you- desire?"

"If your people were to expand to the East, that would indeed assist greatly in forming a trade route. Our empire would, ourselves set up a port in the Northern portion of the continent as well to ease trade routes between our nations as well." Tobias did not discuss anything but business however, and left the bear's dreams to her own. The Northern country was of no concern to the Koronan Empire, save what they could gain in trade, the same as no doubt the Morkan would feel towards the Kainan.

"As for what comes from our lands. We chiefly export cotton and fine cloth, though spices, wine, and fish also feature among our usual exports as well. Kainan knowledge comes at a steeper price. What of your nation? What does it have to offer?"

[SirNitram]

The surge of diplomats to the Republic was unexpected, but not particularly unwelcome. The Praetor and his vague commentary proposing that the Parliment and his Council begin work on defensive pacts and trade was granted diplomatic quarters, and Malkamar took the time to change into more official garb.

The riders who had arrived at the North were escorted along a well-made road to a small building that had, nonetheless, sprouted a small little group of facilities around it. The small building admitted each man one at a time, and, after a brief feeling of acceleration, they were in Paltar, the Capital.

The ships arriving at the port were given a similar security check before the Koronans were allowed ashore and guided to a similar building, transporting them to the capital. The capital would have probably seemed a horror to the religious Koronans; not a single religious building was within it.

[Charon]

The diplomats seemed completely non-pluss about the lack of religious buildings, their thoughts on such matters being completely hidden as a proper diplomat should. They did show a proper reverence towards the city itself and it's magnificence. Once all the diplomats and proper tribute was collected the diplomats, dressed in regal red robes, moved towards the building that it had been indicated that they're duty in the Netherese Republic could be finished.

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The group of fifteen ships sailed around the Southernmost peninsula of the continent one last time. By their maps reckoning, they were below the Agon Holds by a few hundred miles, and the land looked as though it was indeed a prime location for the Empire's purposes. There were a few cities on the peninsula, with populations ranging between Orcs and Humans, though one particularly powerful city was peopled by Orcs and seemed to have a formidible navy. The two fleets had traded a few shots, but nothing entirely conclusive. Their work done, the fleet turned around and headed back for their home port.

[The Silence and I]

Auraine looked over the side of the ship. "I don't see it," she said. The longboat was sea worthy, but small. She was swift and sturdy and could be beached anywhere and that was what mattered.

"There," said Segred. The sailor's arm was lined with scars. "It'll be easier to see when we get closer." They were still some distance from Relief settlement and only sharp eyes could see it.

<snip>

There was silence for a moment. "Bahh," said Segred. "Enough of this. These fish men are not unknown to us sailors. We see them rarely, but they are counted good luck. Let us hope that holds."

Soon after this several "fish men" bob up to the surface and make chattering, grunting sounds before swimming very visibly in front of the longboat and swimming ahead of it a ways. Stopping, they turn around and make similar eager sounds before swimming ahead some more, angling toward shore. One of them becons with an arm just to make sure they were understood.

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In Relief Settlement there were many Skarklagger gathering as word of the approaching ship traveled fast. Chief Dollindereum made his way to the landside version of his headquarters, followed by Advisor Lymnno'kitcha and the rest of his small staff and guard. Merchants were setting up in the marketplace and various accomodations were being cleaned and readied for use. The military was using their power to help transport dried food from underwater cave stores to shore unwetted and to patrol the walls and gates. What was yesterday nearly a ghost town was bustling with life and activity.

From the harbor there was a wide winding path cut into the rock leading nearly 100 feet upward to the settlement gates. The walls were not very high and made of rock and dirt thrown together in a stable fashion with pointed sticks pointing up and out at the top. Banners displaying the Skarklagger symbol of the unified tribes flew in the stiff ocean breeze on either side of the gateway. The wooden doors were open and guards stood outside. The marketplace was immediately inside the gate, in what might be called the courtyard. Further in wooden walls separated the settlement into the places for accomodation and leadership. The air was cool and the breeze biting, but otherwise it was a fine day.

[Rogue 9]

The mage rose on to his feet, and the illusory guard did the same.

"Well, you did summon me sire. I suspect you sent requests for envoys to several nations, I am just the first to show up. Or the only. However I am not without a specific agenda. I would like to discuss the possibility of opening up a trade route between our nations." He pulled a map out of his robes

"The roads are... patchy at best, but there are many nations and city states along a potential trade route here" he pointed to a potential path* which use existing road systems, and a path or two which those would logically take

"Both our nations would benefit from the increased trade, and if we can get our neighbors involved, it would cut the initial investment. Everyone wins. We both get access to unused markets. "

**Path to be determined by exent of existing road networks

The king frowned, brow furrowed in thought.

The robed man on the dais cut in. "Such a project would be a colossal undertaking, fraught with bandits, barbarians, and all kinds of wild beats, to say nothing of the necromancers of Nod'h. The distances are colossal; it could take years to see the benefits."

[The Silence and I]

After some... effort the five Skarklagger aquired a map in this Elven city called Idu'nno. Not especially well practiced at haggling with outsiders they were still quite sure the map was not really worth as much as they got it for, and the demanding, simple and very downlooking speach and mannerisms were only funny for a few minutes. Still, they now could properly explore the region and the two groups spent some time memorizing the map. They discovered Idu'nno was directly North of The Farnian Republic, and accross the strait from that was the large nation Æthelmearc some of the older stories told of. Those were to be their next attempts.

-----------------------

Later the next day the first group arrived at the shores of The Farnian Republic. Their two peoples had some contact in the past but the five Skarklagger were unsure anyone they met here would know of their lands. They skirted the shore until reaching the largest sea port on this side of the Republic's land where they landed and made their way to the nearest guard/official in sight, having dried their garments in the sun prior and walking fully upright (all seven feet) to better mimic the appearance of the landwalkers here. The four guards stayed their weapons and all tried to look important.

-----------------------

Early the next morning the other group of Skarklagger reached Heronter of Æthelmearc and did much the same as the others. Walking upright with stayed weapons and dried garments they headed for the first official looking place they saw, wondering at the appearance of these graceful landwalkers called Elves (this group did not land at Idu'nno) in particular marvelling at their bright colorful headhair.

[LadyTevar]

In Æthelmearc, the arrival of the humans from the Koronian Empire caused only a mild stir. A small fast scout ship had been the first to spy the vessel traveling north up the Western Gulf (as the Nithgaard called it). First contact was made by a single warship, fast and manuverable, armed with ballista. Yet the captain was cordially polite as he asked their business in the Nithgaard's waters, and upon finding the ship one of envoy, escorted it to port at the city of Abhainglas.

The city seemed to be one imposing castle on top of the sea cliffs with a large harbour at the base, until the envoys got closer. Slowly, like the fine details of a grand painting revealing themselves, Abhainglas emerged. The city was the sea cliffs, built into them with a cunning eye so that no building seemed more than a butte or rockface upon the cliff until one was close enough to see the windows in the 'rock' open to the setting sun.

The Envoy's ship was bought into the harbour and moored away from the busy fishing fleet, with the warship docking close by. An escort was provided for envoy and the ship's crew, each man given a room and food befitting their rank at an inn halfway up the large cliff. Part of the building was natural rock, the rooms comfortable and well-lit despite being carved into the stone itself. The main entrance and dining area was airier, a clear sign of its artificiality, yet merely tracing the rock could not reveal where one ended and the other began.

The envoys were wined and dined as Duke McErne was notified in the castle on top of the cliffs. He himself went to notify Queen Gliadrachan of their arrival.

[Cynical Cat]

"The seem friendly enough," Auraine said as they guided the boat to shore.

"Aye," said Segred. "While my part in this is mostly done. Now comes yours."

"Just make peace with an alien people. No pressure," said Auraine. Segred laughed. Men at the oars drove the longship onto the beach. A tough sailor helped ambassador to the shore.

"Thefir, stay. If things go bad, send a message."

The initiate bowed. "Your will."

The blonde noblewoman straightened her heavy cloak and walked towards the Skarklagger. "I am Lady Auraine Dilgarsdotter and I am here at the command of Malevan, Witch King of the Confederacy of Dusk. I come in peace and bring gifts and goodwill."