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Post by Azuloth on Oct 5, 2015 17:39:42 GMT -5
Description:Currently the city of Innorsford is suffering a severe drought economically. Though some vital supplies were delivered to it in Floras, it's new benefactors, the Republic of Cruinthe, have found it necessary to expand the opportunities for the people of Innorsford. The first of which is opening a trade route between Innorsford and Kel'Alee. The republic's officials will reward those successful in the endeavor handsomely. A letter of introduction has been provided for each participant, which should be presented to Kel'Alee's guards upon arrival. Faction:- Republic of CruintheObjectives-Secure a trade agreement between Kel'Alee, and Innorsford. Losing Conditions-Failing to secure the trade agreement with Kel'Alee. -Alerting the SKC to the RoC's position. -Alerting the RJG to the RoC's position. Starting Location-Innorsford Rewards+5 Stat points +1500 Ritz. Roster: Max. 10 - Tyr- King Redgar Karligar- - - - - - - - Recommended Level: 0 - 2
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Post by Azuloth on Oct 15, 2015 15:37:02 GMT -5
(Optional Engagement)
The representative from the Republic of Cruinthe could be found standing around in the town square of Innorsford. Innorsford itself was modestly sized, however it's population was so low that every soul living in the town could have their own building and there'd still be plenty left over for more.
That was part of the problem. No one lived there because nothing grew there but short grass. Anything taller than an inch couldn't stay alive for very long if it gained sustenance from roots.
The representative's name was Mark Ashford, and he was there because he was being paid to be, and he believed in the cause. He would never claim that his motives were in that order. He was always, at least outwardly, a perfect gentleman. He wore fine clothing, and had a sword hanging from his hip, stashed neatly in its scabbard.
Mark could be seen handing out letters of introduction to the various persons that had gathered to assist the Republic of Cruinthe in acquiring the trade route they sought with Kel'Alee. It was all for the town, he would say when the question of "why" came up.
The town didn't have a lot to offer, not by way of goods that is. But there was plenty of real estate. That was a thing he figured they could bargain for. It wasn't like the mayor, or governor were doing anything with it. As far as he knew, they didn't live in Innorsford. Not like he did.
Real estate, and the spoils of the hunt were mostly what were available for trade, and that was all he could request be offered to the Kel'Aleans.
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Tyr
Human
Shaper
Being a FUR BLANKET
Posts: 513
Moral Alignment: Pure Hearted
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Post by Tyr on Oct 22, 2015 13:02:03 GMT -5
When news reached the Duke of a potential supply line to hunted goods it became immediately worth exploring. Bones and furs remained one of the few things he needed experience with before he could call himself a full-fledged shaper. Sure he used the title every now and again because of his experience with most things, and because very few people -if any- knew what the term was supposed to be for, but there was a part of him that felt guilty for it. He couldn't work jewels, his knowledge of the hydrilliums was only just starting, paper was a tricky chore, and potions were completely unknown to him. At least bonesmithing was something he could start to get a handle on.
The trips through the unclaimed duchies had been fairly uneventful, his horse dutifully bearing him to Innorsford in excellent time. He'd heard the news of the recent economic difficulties, but that still couldn't prepare him for what he found. To put it short, the city was almost barren. Almost more of a town now really, the only difference being size. After visiting the market for an infusion of wealth the Duke looked around for a way he could easily help while present. Supplies and tools might be useful but he couldn't make those magically appear. If they had the metal he could make them, but that took time and he was needed back at the Duchy.
The town square presented an opportunity. Someone from the Republic of Cruinthe was recruiting individuals to act as their agent in Kel'Alee, with the aim of procuring a steady trade route. It made sense, the neutral city was but a day's ride away. And while Tyr viewed himself as a neutral party in the current governmental conflict helping the people of his country was still a worthy endeavor.
"My good man, the province contains plenty of open land, forests, and has access to a river yes? If given the proper tools would the people be able to sustain a farm or two? Perhaps fish some and husband the trees for proper forestry?" He could make an effort to provide the tools, but if the citizens couldn't use them it was pointless. Then again whether they could build the required facilities on their own was also an unknown. Tyr had been necessary to get his people working, it might be necessary for him to return to Innorsford for the same thing.
Wooo, rank 5!
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Post by Azuloth on Oct 24, 2015 9:23:21 GMT -5
Mark Ashford received Tyr Mardok very positively. A lord having interest in the RoC? A lord interested in democracy and equal representation? It was unheard of! He was excited to talk to this man. But he had some serious questions to start with. A little history about Innorsford was in order. That would describe why the townsfolk had to live this way.
"The town itself has been in shambles, as you can see, since before the King took over the throne about two hundred years ago. Sadly, during the war before it is believed that the earth here has been salted and scorched by disdainful, Elkagr, Magics that have been more effective in keeping things from growing here than actual salt would. As far as fishing goes they don't have the manpower to set up a fishery or an actual militia to defend the roads. We're hoping to gain some manpower from Kel'Alee as part of this deal, which would enable that. There's plenty of property as you can see. Some restoration is in order in that regard."
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Tyr
Human
Shaper
Being a FUR BLANKET
Posts: 513
Moral Alignment: Pure Hearted
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Post by Tyr on Oct 25, 2015 15:10:51 GMT -5
Magical salting of the earth eh? Salt itself was easy, a little bit of rain got rid of that, but magical infertility of the land? That wasn't something you could just plow until it got better. If their land was useless they could be in for some permanent rough times without other means of getting food. Then again if their land was useless maybe someone else's could be brought in. Maybe get some fertile soil in giant boxes, keep it off the ground and water it there...Yes that could work. Would take some effort, but it might work. Not something to focus on now.
"Just to make sure I have the situation in hand then: what can trade is hunted goods, empty buildings, and an expanse of open land. What you're hoping to get is trade goods, mainly food I imagine, and manpower to allow use of the land. In return for said work some of the goods produced might be leveraged as well. Am I missing anything?" That was going to be an interesting deal to spin, especially since the Kel'Aleans seemed generally happy in their land, at least from what Tyr knew of them. It'd be a challenge to convince them that working elsewhere was to their benefit.
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Post by Azuloth on Oct 28, 2015 15:52:13 GMT -5
Ashford listened to the Duke as he spoke and relayed back to him what he had explained. It all seemed to be correct. He was impressed with the Duke's grasp of the situation. Generally it could be assumed that the deal would not be beneficial to the other side. But Ashford had an idea on how to spin that. Land was something Innorsford had plenty of, even if it was useless for agricultural purposes.
"Yes yes. The Kel'Alean's chief industry is actually art, not agriculture, and comparatively they don't have a lot of land. I believe if given the opportunity, they'd use ours for other industries or at least to spread out their population. So many people living in a small area can get problematic. What with disease and crime. If they have any that is. Which I'm sure they have some, that is. I've never seen any of that element on any of my trips there. But their art, and especially their music. Very much worth the trip."
Was he a travel agent now? He was busy reminiscing about his past trips to Kel'Alee. He'd move there if they'd let him.
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Tyr
Human
Shaper
Being a FUR BLANKET
Posts: 513
Moral Alignment: Pure Hearted
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Post by Tyr on Nov 7, 2015 2:23:42 GMT -5
"Well Mr. Ashford," the Duke had overheard the man's name earlier, "I do believe I have enough to help the people here." It was a bold claim really, anyone would be hard pressed to make a deal with such...sparse bargaining chips. At least without holding a sword to someone's throat, but friendly relations tended to eschew such tactics. The terms of whatever agreement could be reached might not be the best, but if there was an agreement at all that would be more than the town had now.
Accepting one of the letters Tyr tucked it safely away, gave the gentleman a hearty handshake, and went to prepare for the trip. A visit to the inn, some warm food, a good night's rest. In the morning it was up on his horse and off to Kel'Alee, carrying a set of nice clothes for once he arrived. Traveling in full arms and armor was fine, but trying to enter the city that way would be foolish. His steed would cover the distance in roughly half a day so extra provisions wouldn't be necessary. The ride would give him time to think though, and think he would. The Kel'Aleans seemed happy enough to remain isolated. Convincing them to leave their free city and go work somewhere else would be...challenging.
Tyr accepts a letter, preps for a night, then starts riding out towards Kel'Alee.
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Post by Azuloth on Nov 7, 2015 10:52:09 GMT -5
"Oh thank you sir! Thank you very much. Here take a letter."
And with that the man was off to buy provisions, stay a night, and journey on. The road was for the part of the journey was easy. Westward bound was sparsely trafficked. Skaraptica had taken over the roads after some dozen miles. It was a dark forest, thick with trees with very little light coming through the canopy. After a certain point, the road got almost as dark as the night. The dirt pat almost disappeared entirely between roots and rocks clamoring over it, fighting for control.
1D100 => 41
However, his horse was careful enough. He made it through the passage uninterrupted by injury to himself or his horse. The city gates were two oversized wooden doors manned by a pair of men in armor. There was no Cruinthian style portcullis at first glance, and it was just the two guards. Their armor was stylized, with heavy symbolism on the moon. Their spears were long purple shafts with a crescent shaped blade on them.
Once approached they would respond:
"Halt! State your business!"
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Tyr
Human
Shaper
Being a FUR BLANKET
Posts: 513
Moral Alignment: Pure Hearted
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Post by Tyr on Nov 19, 2015 18:33:49 GMT -5
Tyr's horse handled the ride wonderfully while the Duke took in the scenery around him. The forest was a bit different from the Mallon he'd grown up near, but nature was nature and thus beautiful all the same. Arriving in good time the Duke dismounted once in eyesight of the gate and walked until the guard addressed him.
"Greetings good guardsmen, I am the Duke Tyr Mardok. I come both to represent the people of Innorsford in seeking a trade agreement with Kel'Alee, and to visit your fine city for the first time. I have a letter of introduction on the people's behalf for the first part." Tyr reached through the neck of his mail and carefully pulled the letter out of a map pocket sewn just below the collar, offering it to the guard. "I understand you do not allow any weapons inside the city. Is there a place I might store mine for the time being?"
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Post by Azuloth on Nov 21, 2015 8:21:30 GMT -5
"Well met Duke Mardok."
The guard took the letter, glanced it over, and then passed it back to the lord on horseback. The other guard approached the Duke from the right side.
"If you'd kindly pass your weapons to me, I'll have them moved to the castle for storage. You spell your name with a 'T', 'Y', and 'R' yes?"
"Oh for the love of... just put down Duke Mardok. They'll know who it belongs to. Sorry about him. The Ziggurat is where you want to go. It's at the top of the hill back right up against the mountain. Can't miss it beyond the doors. Open the gate!"
"Pleasure to meet you sir!"
The guards would allow him to pass once he relinquished his weapons. The road beyond the doors, once they were opened was well constructed. A flat stone street that went all the way up to the top of the hill, where the Ziggurat was. The road was equipped with side walks and gutters that fed into a sewer system. Of course the main road would pass through a regular market, but there were quite a few buildings of note there, as well as taverns and inns. The Carr Lyric Opera House was halfway through the city, on the right side of the road. Elins Music Hall was a quarter of the way in, on the left. The Enouver Performance Dome and Krenim Opera House were right across the street from each other, closer to the Ziggurat.
The people were mixed and polite, if not downright welcoming and hospitable. Music literally filled the air, as people practiced their chosen instruments everywhere. The city had a harmony that was missing from most Cruinthian cities.
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Post by King Redgar Karligar on Dec 5, 2015 10:27:35 GMT -5
Some minutes after Tyr had set out on his journey to Kel'Alee Redgar arrived with the intention of assisting the RoC in securing a trade deal of some sorts with Kel'Alee. It fit his motives. If the small faction could be beholden to him, it would be easy for them to incorporate them into his fold when he began his war of expansion. They would have to support him. He would ask for them to return the favor. Being noble types, they would undoubtedly fail to see the danger of backing a man that would rather rule a field of ashes, than nothing at all.
Mina and Redgar mounted their horses after securing the letter of introduction, and took off in the direction of Kel'Alee. They stuck to the road, and they kept a hard pace. They had been informed that another individual was ahead of them, a Duke Mardok. He'd wondered if they had met before.
Probably at a party or something.
They arrived at the city while the one ahead of them was speaking with the guards. Redgar put on his best charming smile, Mina scowled. She was cold, having opted to bring little by way of cold weather wear. Not that it was cold, she was always cold.
"Helloooo! Duke Mardok, is that you? It has been months hasn't it?"
-"Grumble grumble."-
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Tyr
Human
Shaper
Being a FUR BLANKET
Posts: 513
Moral Alignment: Pure Hearted
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Post by Tyr on Dec 6, 2015 17:55:07 GMT -5
Tyr took the letter back and handed his paired weaponry to the second guard, claws and daggers both, barely having time to respond to the questions before the first guard answered for him. Tyr smiled, waited a moment, then politely inclined his head.
"Thank you for your assistance gentleman, it's been a pleasure as well." He grabbed the reins of his horse and nearly walked off through the gates before another thought struck him. One of the laws of Kel'Alee pertained specifically to the horse he was leading around. "One more question, where might I stable my hor--?" And now someone was calling his name.
Tyr turned around to see a somewhat unfamiliar pair of riders heading towards the gates. The big brown headed lad was...well there was a faint memory of having met him, but the Duke couldn't quite place the name. There was no such memory for the woman, hers was a new face. A very nice face indeed, but new. She was fairly well dressed, that helped give an impression of who the pair might be, but it was still somewhat beyond reach. The impression however could be used to his advantage.
"Indeed it is, we meet again! I don't believe I know your rather striking companion though, who might she be?" Tyr knew a lot of high up people, and within the last several months he'd been at a tournament or two, some noble gatherings, and a feast or two. Without a name an off-hand compliment served good insurance. People loved flattery after all. Plus it invited an introduction, and among nobility last names tended to always come with those. Had to differentiate those in a cadet house from those in the main line after all. Sneaky sneaky Tyr, hopefully it works out.
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Post by Azuloth on Dec 7, 2015 18:32:27 GMT -5
"Oh look, sir. New arrivals."
"I can see that. Stop being so trivial."
"Apologies sir."
"If you'll excuse me sirs, miss. I'll need to take your weapons and names so you can retrieve them later."
The guardsman stated in an even and official tone as possible, he had already gathered Tyr's equipment and placed them into a bag. A well practiced guard. . His comrade was scribbling something onto the page, and ambled up next to the lord, Tyr, to sort of make what he was writing visible. It happened to be a drawing of the woman on a fresh piece of paper. It was minimalist, just black inked lines accentuating her apparent curves and the overall sharpness of her demeanor and appearance. Sharp angles and edges.
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Post by King Redgar Karligar on Dec 9, 2015 19:07:48 GMT -5
Karliger was addressed by both a nobleman and the common rabble of Kel'Alee, who were actually guards, but rabble to him. There could only be one way that he went about returning that attention. The nobleman first, obviously he was more important, being of noble blood. The others were simply commoners doing a job. They could be almost ignored. He was here to complete a mission though, he reminded himself, and that was important. After all, the small and feeble Republic of Cruinthe could become beholden to him through this, and once they attain a greater power they could be an important ally.
"Ah, yes. I don't think you've met recently. Or it has been years. My companion is my cousin, Mina Karligr. Daughter of my late Uncle Mordrek Karligr. Mina.. this is Duk-- hold on..."
His brain just caught up with what the guard was asking of him.
"Did you seriously just ask me to give up my arms? You asked a warrior to give up his arms?"
Taking up the mantle of conversationalist was hard for Mina, especially with people she didn't know. The struggle wasn't that she was shy. It was not letting them on to her nature.
"A... pleasure. Duke Mardok." She said, inclining her head.
"You asked a warrior. A warrior. To give up his arms. A nobleman no less. My good..... man... I guess... You are a man? No? Yes? Ok. My good man, a weapon belonging to a warrior is like a child belonging to its mother. No mother gives up her child without great strain. These weapons are a part of me. I want you to understand that you have insulted me greatly by requesting this. I am a gentleman. Were I to draw my blade it would only be for the most grave of circumstances. Such as the sullying of my honor, or my companion's honor, or the honor of my kinsman here, the Duke Mardok."
O1dlFXl7
-Rolling to convince the guard to let Redgar keep his weapons. Diplomacy: +10, Difficulty: +0 Miserable failure.
"Fine! But you sully my honor sir. You spit on it. And you spit on hers and his as well, asking this of us. Your superiors will hear of this insult."
Redgar with extreme reluctance relinquished his arms to the guard. He then made a rude gesture.
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Tyr
Human
Shaper
Being a FUR BLANKET
Posts: 513
Moral Alignment: Pure Hearted
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Post by Tyr on Dec 15, 2015 16:53:16 GMT -5
The name caught him off-guard. Piecing all of his context clues together Tyr surmised the man was Duke Karligar, the same one who'd almost shut down Kable's caravan with a border tax. The same one Tyr equated to a noble brigand. This was going to be a fabulous day wasn't it? He hadn't prepared in the slightest for an abrupt meeting like this, but sometimes life wasn't willing to wait for you. Talking points later though, he'd just been introduced to someone. Well, mostly
"-Duke Tyr Mardok, wonderful to meet you Mina. My condolences for your loss." It seemed Duke Karligar was a bit of an overbearing fellow, ruffling up his feathers because someone wanted to take his weapons. How interesting that he wanted to go against the law of the land here. Maybe that could be an in-road to talking about his own laws. That was for later though, Tyr returned Mina's gesture respectfully, trying to keep from interrupting the exchange happening nearby.
The second guard came over with his drawing and Tyr gave a passing glance at it, patting the guard on his shoulder briefly before politely gesturing back to the exchange going on at the gate. It seemed like something he should be a bit more interested in, professionally speaking. Returning to his new acquaintence, Tyr drummed up some small talk while he waited for the guards to finish with Duke Karligar. Or rather, for Duke Karligar to finish with the guards.
"What brings you both to Kel'Alee? Are you fans of music and the arts?"
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