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Post by aspenivan on Dec 14, 2014 21:35:34 GMT
"Importing iron from the South would be an unnecessary strain," the Vizier replied matter-of-factly. "Instead, I will fund the construct of a proper ironworks in your capital, so as to make better use of your existing mines. Would this be acceptable?"
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Post by Vaklu on Dec 14, 2014 21:41:17 GMT
"Of course, it is more than acceptable." Tholarg had expected the empire to use the iron shipments as a control. Now they would be able to supply their forces even better than before.
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Post by aspenivan on Dec 14, 2014 21:44:32 GMT
"So it is agreed."
__________
-- Grand Survaek Empire will fund construction of Ironworks on the condition that the Jotun Clans send 2 units of Shieldwall Infantry to New Byrnis to become elite troops of the Vizier
-- Request for supplies and training for musketeer corps sent to the Emperor (reply will arrive in 2 turns).
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Post by ravigen on Dec 20, 2014 5:52:49 GMT
Ikegami Naozumi had once again made the trip to New Byrnis late in the fall before the turn to winter. He left his entourage at the gate of the city as he went onwards to see the Vizier, awaiting in the antechamber for the Vizier to see him.
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Post by aspenivan on Dec 24, 2014 22:00:14 GMT
The Daimyo of the Ikegami Clan was received in the Palace with all due courtesy and honors. His wait in the antechamber was short, and he was met with a warm smile from the Vizier of the North.
"Noble and honorable Lord Ikegami Naozumi," he greeted, using titles and adjectives to convey special respect to the elven vassal-liege. "It is always a pleasure to receive you in my halls. Please enlighten me as to what business has allowed this happy meeting."
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Post by ravigen on Dec 24, 2014 22:04:21 GMT
Naozumi offered a smile in return and bowed his head in formal greeting to the Vizier.
"Your Excellency, my people have been working hard for the prosperity of the Ikegami and Empire alike, in that regard I would be happy to inform you of two more mines to be constructed shortly, but the reason for my visit is that despite the great mine we have now, our stone production will be lacking for future projects. In that regard I would like to negotiate the possibility of buying stone directly from the Empire to supplement our reserves." |
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Post by aspenivan on Dec 24, 2014 22:15:35 GMT
"An acceptable proposition," the Vizier noted. "I can direct some of the Surv-Akur's reserve supplies to aid your clan in its endeavors. Two-thousand jiien per ton of stone, with up to five tons available. But this would be a one-time purchase; if you are interested in a more long-term relationship of exchange, I suggest you speak to Master Adjuran Sujjid of the New Byrnis Merchants' Guild."
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Post by ravigen on Dec 24, 2014 22:30:50 GMT
Naozumi nodded, it was a fair trade.
"That will be acceptable Your Excellency, I will arrange payment shortly." |
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Post by aspenivan on Dec 24, 2014 22:58:10 GMT
"Excellent. It is a joy to conduct business so smoothly and efficiently, noble Daimyo. It is a virtue few lords possess. Feel free to stay the night in the palace apartments, but if you must leave then farewell. I look forward to our next meeting, whenever it may be."
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Post by talis on Jan 13, 2015 2:01:12 GMT
Elder Ugmar arrived to petition the Vizier in elder's robes, but wore chainmail under his tunic and was guarded by two well-armored retainers. The river rode was not safe any more, so precautions were necessary. This was however urgent business.
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Post by aspenivan on Jan 13, 2015 7:41:47 GMT
Under the present circumstances, Vizier Ishui Seldu was not as insistent as usual on the typical formalities of the petition process. He let the Firetooth party into the main chamber without delay, and offered them a nod as they entered his line of sight.
"Greetings, noble Firetooth friends. What business must we attend to today?"
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Post by talis on Jan 13, 2015 16:37:03 GMT
"Greetings from the north, sire." Ugmar bowed to the Vizier, observing all the prerequisite politeness. It may or may not have been strictly necessary, but the Firetooth were careful to observe the formalities so that they could avoid any unpleasant misunderstandings.
"I have come to request an exemption from the increased taxation levels on behalf of the Firetooth Clan. As you stated in your decree, the taxation increase is to fund the defense of the north against the wasteland hordes. As protectors of the west, the Firetooth are already on the front lines and investing more than capital in this fight. Our honor and our very existence hinges on defeating the wastelander threat. Whatever your decision we will do our duty and march to face the wastelanders wherever they come, but the increased cost of tribute will only drain the funds we would use to fight them. The burden of taxation falls heavier upon us than upon your eastern vassals, who have the luxury of relying on our forces and yours for protection."
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Post by aspenivan on Jan 13, 2015 17:04:32 GMT
Exemption from tribute? The other vassals would not be pleased, no matter how logical the Elder's reasoning. Nor would his comrades in the Imperial Bureaucracy, always struggling to balance the Northern budget.
"It is not the western vassals or the eastern vassals who are at war. It is the Empire. The Sword of Aed expects his people to fight as One, and by all accounts this is what scouts are reporting. The Ikegami have already marched West, a large Commonwealth army is on its way, and even the Jotun are sailing towards the frontier. As for your own Clan, and please enlighten me if I am mistaken, the wastelanders have managed not a single successful raid or attack, leaving even your countryside unmarred for the moment.
"But if you are concerned for the defense of your homeland," the Vizier added, leaning in slightly towards the orc, "I would be happy to order the deployment of Surv-Akur divisions to bolster it. Perhaps the Imperial Sapper Corps would prove useful?" The offer was genuine, but not without a hint of suspicion. Ishui Seldu had always known the Firetooth to be proud beyond measure and loathe to present their army as insufficient to the task of defending their own frontier. The Vizier suspected there was something else to the orc's request, some ulterior motive, and he wanted to get at it before promising the Elder anything.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Mar 20, 2015 20:28:30 GMT
Queen Chello of Elon along with a retainer of Elonese lawyers and advisors arrived at the Vizier's Palace and sent word ahead that they wished to see the Vizier at his connivance to discuss a number of matters, including growing concerns over rivalry on the Ryn River and the state of commerce on the Elonese/Jurturnan boarder.
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Post by ravigen on Apr 26, 2015 4:23:28 GMT
Ikegami Naozumi made the journey to New Byrnis at the cusp of Autumn to petition the Vizier in an attempt to settle the Jotun-Commonwealth war peacefully rather than through violent means. Negotiations had so far indicated both sides might be amenable to a ceasefire to discuss with the Vizier and Naozumi hoped the Vizier would take the matter under her judgment.
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