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Post by cerdigon on Apr 17, 2015 18:49:30 GMT
King Aeron had dispatched a message to Grandmaster Caork Ironbelly, requesting a meeting to inquire on the Orders need for iron. It was well known that the Sylph's lacked the need for it, given their genetic condition that left them with brutal lesions on the skin if they came into contact with it. Thus, the Sylph's had more than enough to meet the Order's needs if the proper investments were made and if the King fancied the deal that the Order could offer him.
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Post by talis on Apr 17, 2015 20:39:44 GMT
A steady supply of Iron was desperately needed if Carrok was going to equip enough Wardens to have any meaningful impact on the North. His bid for Iron had so far been unsuccessful, with only the Firetooth making an offer. The opportunity presented by the iron-rich Sylph was not to be underestimated.
Grandmaster Carrok himself traveled to the Commonwealth to discuss the issue. He was uniformed in a crimson cloak with a golden clasp, and a chain shirt peaked out from under a brightly dyed tunic; he had clearly taken a step up from his days as a Firetooth Warrior. His expression was also more serious and more calculating, perhaps because of the unpleasant task of considering everything that came before him. He had been no politician in his early years, and the new weight of importance had certainly hardened his expression.
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Post by cerdigon on Apr 18, 2015 13:53:10 GMT
The throne room seemed utterly deserted, except for a handful of guardsman that eyed the Grandmaster with paranoid eyes. On the throne itself, sat King Aeron Sefti. Lord Carvin, his trusted Chancellor and adviser standing at his right. '' King Aeron bids you greetings. '' Carvin intoned, taking two steps forward and bowing to their guest. '' I am pleased to welcome the Wardens to my Hall. '' The King said with a smile that seemed genuine as he took three steps down the raised dais to greet Grandmaster Carrok himself.
The King was a strange feature to behold, his half elven blood had already given him a unique look amongst the Sylph's themselves. But it was his prosthetics that were undoubtedly the most glaring. Science via a bronze arm and a glass wing had made him whole again - or at least as close to whole as he would ever be. The Sylph could once more take to the skies and the battlefield, his limbs intact.
'' I trust Master Redwater is fitting well within your ranks? The Explorer served me well for many years. ''
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Post by talis on Apr 18, 2015 22:15:36 GMT
"He has been serving Aed well." Carrok replied as he gave the king a respectful bow - such as a king was due in his own hall. "At the moment he is in Ikegami lands, spreading the word of Aed's gift of magic and urging the blessed to join the Tovenaar. Aside from my homeland, you and your people have been the most active in supporting the Wardens, and I thank you for that."
"But I didn't come all this way for pleasantries. Your message mentioned the possibility of supplying Iron to the order. We are in desperate need of a consistent supply at the moment. What proposal have you kept in mind?"
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Post by cerdigon on Apr 18, 2015 22:22:05 GMT
King Aeron snapped his finger, a servant that one had appeared to be part of the furnishings he was so still, moving with impressive speed. The King drank deeply from a goblet of wine, offering both Elf and Orc a share of it before he spoke. '' I have rich iron deposits in the North that remain untapped. I propose that the Wardens aid me with constructing a village upon it. I will provide half the construction costs. The Wardens will supply the lumber and garrison the village. '' It didn't hurt that the Ikagami were directly across the mountainous border, giving the Grandmaster yet another foot in the door of the Ikagami lands. '' In exchange, the Warden's may lease the iron from me for four thousand jiien per season. Taxation of the village would revert to the Commonwealth. I would also expect the Wardens as part of their duties in garrisoning the village to provide security for the local population and cooperate with the Commonwealth military on border security. '' The Wardens would be after all on the frontier...where danger lurked in the threat of an Ikagami invasion route.
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Post by talis on Apr 20, 2015 2:21:05 GMT
Carrok was quite aware of the border status of the area Aeron referred to, and the potential for any Commonwealth-Ikegami strife to put it directly in the middle. It was a necessary risk for the opportunity to acquire a steady supply of iron and a place where Wardens could travel within Ikegami territory. The deal offered, however, struck him as convoluted and hazy. When would his men be in charge? When would Commonwealth forces be in charge? Who would administrate the village?
"I appreciate your generous offer, which reflects well upon the faith of you and your people, your highness. However I cannot accept your current offer. If you wish to control the village itself, construct it and we will arrange a suitable payment for the regular supply of iron. But if you wish the Wardens to assist in the protection and administration of the village then grant or lease us the land and allow us to construct a settlement and hostel there."
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Post by cerdigon on Apr 21, 2015 21:39:55 GMT
Lord Carvin cleared his throat loudly. Clearly this was an option that had been discussed and one that the Chancellor did not approve of. A foreign military on the edge of the Commonwealth's borders was not something the Chancellor was keen on, no matter how benign their intentions. But King Aeron had a minor obsession with ensuring that he could annoy his neighbor, the Ikagami, to the West by every possible means he could muster. '' How much would the Wardens propose for the land to be leased to them and the iron within? The territory must be considered to belong to the Commonwealth but if the Wardens wish to administer the village and its iron mines in my name, then so be it. Five thousand jienn per season would be satisfactory.'' Of course none of this could come without price but Aeron thought it was a fair one.
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Post by talis on Apr 23, 2015 21:37:01 GMT
"The Firetooth Clan has offered to supply the Wardens with three tonnes of Iron seasonally for the price of two thousand jien and one tonne of wood." Carrok pointed out. "For the slightly greater production of iron and assistance provided, I am willing to agree to a payment of four thousand jien (4 gold) a season in exchange for an indefinite lease on the village and mine."
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Post by cerdigon on Apr 23, 2015 22:07:01 GMT
'' I find these terms acceptable. I could dispatch my engineers to ensure that the village is adequately fortified. '' The Commonwealth's border villages were known for being ugly, squat things, but notoriously defensive as many bandits had discovered. '' Would the Wardens aid in the reconstruction of the village? '' The Commonwealth was sorely lacking in wood and with war looming its coin was about to be taxed as well.
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Post by talis on Apr 24, 2015 2:50:57 GMT
"The Wardens can provide the necessary lumber for construction." Carrok replied. "The lease will of course be indefinite and not subject to termination without our consent. You do the Vaekirate a great service with your provision, and I will be sure to remember your piety."
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