Petitions to the Emperor

"Daimyo Ikegami Naozumi," Vizier of the North Ishui Seldu greeted as he stood and stepped down from his throne.  He was dealing with a vassal monarch now, not a mere dignitary.  "It is a great honor to receive you in New Byrnis."  He bowed with appropriate moderation: neither too deep nor too short, neither too long nor too brief.  "What brings you to my Court today, my esteemed fellow servant of the Empire?"

"This is fortuitous news indeed!" the Vizier exclaimed with uncharacteristic joy.  The problems of finances and currency had been plaguing him for far too many seasons, especially after the wild spending spree Grand Admiral Reyid had made on his own authority in Juturnapolis.  And now that either a Wastelander Invasion or an expedition into the wastelands was more or less inevitable, the burdens of war were looming on the horizon.

Ishui Seldu clapped his hands together in anticipation, his gaze at the daimyo narrowing as he looked for any sign of uncertainty.  He saw none.  But just in case, he would have to verify some matters of importance.

"For such an important petition to pass to decree, we must make certain pledges to one another.  I will pledge you the special attention of the Surv-Akur: If there is any threat to the mines or the mint, you need only let the nearest high official know and the armies of the Empire will be there to support you.  Naturally, I also pledge you regularity of all due royalties, to be paid on-site as a portion of the minted coin.

"On your end, noble lord, you must pledge all possible vigilance and commitment regarding the efficient, orderly, and safe operation of the mine complexes.  The Empire can ill afford undue irregularities or interruptions, and I reserve the right to deny royalties in proportion to any such inefficiency.  More importantly, you must pledge the utmost respect by your people for the Southern Survaekom operating the mint and mail station, as well as any officials that come and go.  Until quite recently, the Ikegami Clan was a loyal but relatively isolated vassal-realm of the Empire.  Black robes and head-dresses of bureaucrats are little known to them, nor the dark eyes and skin of Byrnians and Khaitis.  Do I have your assurance that they will be well-received and well-protected?"

"Perfect," the Vizier replied with a small but satisfied smile. "I will have the documents commissioned right away. If you would not mind staying a day in the palace apartments, I can present them to you for signing this evening."

As promised, Vizier Ishui Seldu announced his decision for the tournament host before the New Year, in the last days of winter. He waited for dignitaries of every realm to arrive before declaring,

"After many months of consideration and careful review, I have decided to choose House Christallo of Elon as official host family of the Grand Tournament of the North! The event will be held in Dovwynn on the first day of Harvest, year 819 of the Prophet!"

During a lull between the events of the tournament Jarl Tholarg, his wife and Thane Gudrik paid the vizier a visit. They had come in their finest and the Jarl gave a deep bow. When he was once again upright he spoke. "My lord I know you are busy but I had hoped to discuss a small matter with you. I was hoping you would consent to the building of an imperial garrison in Volthiem. We can provide all the monetary requirements but we would only ask the empire provide the necisiary provisions for the garrison.

My brother has also spoken at exhausting length about a proposal he was hoping that might be passed on to the emperor, at your convenience of course." The Jarl stepped back and allowed his brother the floor.

"I have discussed at length the idea of training a corps of professional musketeers with general Pjjokhat. Out of which we would send the best to be trained in the empire. I think having them spend time in the empire serving under imperial generals would produce a superior fighting force, who while comprised of northerners will have strong ties to the empire.

It would only require the empire to invest a modest amount of resources. We would handle the costs for initial recruitment and training."

"While there is fortress it is on the smaller island. Away from the majority of our principal holdings. I was also lead to believe that general Pjjokhat had shown interest in taking up such a post. Though to be honest our true goal is stronger ties to the empire and we are a martial people.while a councilor or some other functionary would be welcome, I feel that a battle commander would find easier acceptance." Tholarg had eased his stance slightly, now that they were having a discussion.