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Post by missmilkmaid on Jan 16, 2016 5:14:49 GMT
Summer 842, (Turn 2) Shortly before the summer solstice, messages were sent out across the whole of the north, carried by swift curriers. They brought this announcement to every city and castle. "To whom it may concern, the nations of the Free City of New Byrnis, The Ikegami Clan and the Kingdom of Elon are hosting an international summit meeting for the proposal of the Northern Trade Alliance. All nations of the north, regardless of national origin, race or religion are invited to send representatives to hear this proposal. The meeting will be held in the City of Kegosu, in the palace of the Honorable Daimyo Ikegami Naozumi, two days after the summer solstice."--- |
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Post by missmilkmaid on Jan 16, 2016 5:34:41 GMT
Queen Chello arrived a week before the formal start of the meeting, working along side Naozumi and Veliu to finalize the proposed charter and prepare for the presentation to the nations. They were not certain how many representatives would arrive. Some nations had confirmed they intentions to attend, but not every nation they'd spoken with on the matter had confirmed one way or the other and there was a chance heads of states they hadn't had the chance to personally discuss the mater with would come as well.
Security had been increased and along side Noazumi's samurai guards, Chello had placed a handful of spies and undercover agents to watch for anything that might threaten the diplomats attending the summit. She expected Veliu had done likewise and of course she had we own personal guards near at hand.
Chello had to admit to herself that she was nervous. It'd been many years since she had conceived of this idea and it was exiting to see things finally coming together. She knew she had Naozumi to thank for that and, as they walked together down the halls to the meeting hall, she gave him a grateful little smile.
"It is an honor to work along side a leader such a yourself," she said, "It is not easy to be a man of honor, a great leader and a good friend all at once. I should know. I have seen my husband struggle and stumble along that path for over twenty years now."
She paused at the doors. "There as been a lot of strife, war and disillusionment over the last years. I was beginning to think survival was the best we could hope for, but you bringing this alliance back to the forefront of politics has encouraged me to keep on striving toward so much more than that. It is my prayer that this alliance will lead the world out of these terrible times and into an era of peace and prosperity."
Folding her hand before in she gave him a small bow in the manner of his own customs, before turning to open the doors to the meeting hall. Delegates from across the continent should be arriving any time now.
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Post by talis on Jan 17, 2016 3:56:14 GMT
As promised, the Firetooth had sent a delegate to the trade summit. But rather send their chief or an Elder, they had chosen to send a diplomat. The obvious snub was somewhat balanced out that the diplomat they had chosen was Gormith Warchaser, catalyst of the Wargchaser's rise to the status of Great House and the most influential diplomat in Firetooth diplomacy. Gormith had no official position, but had often advised Hortak on foreign matters. If anyone in the Clan knew the risks and rewards of this summit, it was him.
"Your highness...ses." He smiled, greeting Chello and Naozomu with a polite bow. As an experienced diplomat Gormith no doubt knew a better means of address, but he seemed intent on being relaxed about the negotiations. He had an amused grin on his face as he took his seat. "Did you know the tavern down the way doesn't even serve ale? All they have is this burning watery stuff called 'saki;' I haven't had a good drink since my cask of Clovermead broke during the trip."
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Post by ravigen on Jan 17, 2016 4:56:33 GMT
Naozumi greeted Gormith with a smile and short bow, if he took any offense at the snub or obvious jab at his people he gave no appearance of it. He was far too used to such jabs for it to affect him anymore, if Gormith was even trying to do so.
"Thank you for coming Gormith, if it comforts you I do have some Firetooth ale from before the war still sealed in a storeroom somewhere in the palace. Perhaps after the negotiations are finished I will give it to you as a gift if you wish. I fear it is far too sweet for my liking."
He took a sip of his tea and regarded the orc diplomat slowly.
"Do you know if any of the other orcish clans will be interested in this alliance? The Stonefoot or Jaggedfist perhaps, I know the Wolfwyrd have expressed some interest but I have not managed to send diplomats to the other clans." |
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Post by talis on Jan 17, 2016 22:48:41 GMT
"No no. You're supposed to say 'well Gormith, if you join our trade alliance you'll be able to find Firetooth mead all across the north!' Put some salesmanship into it." He smiled, showing off a broad, orcish grin of joviality in case their was any doubt that he was trying to be convivial. Momentarily he came back down to earth. "It is good to speak to you without a battlefield between us." Last time they had encountered each other had been at the Siege of Kegosu, when the Ikegami accepted the independence of the Firetooth from the empire. That had been a grim time, and Gormith could still see the scars of the siege when he had walked down the streets. He had joked about Kegosu's preference for their bitter rice-wine called Saki, but they could both remember all too well when the elves of the capital had eaten rats and boot leather during the siege.
"The other Clans may be interested in your alliance, I can't tell you personally. I have been traveling the east and only stopped at Thundercrown before being sent here."
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Post by aspenivan on Jan 19, 2016 21:12:57 GMT
The Free City of New Byrnis was represented at the meeting by none other than Grand Mayor Ishui Veliu herself. She wore robes of the purple of her House and City, embroidered in gold but otherwise not especially ornate. On her head rested a simple crown, a large ring of gold, over the head-dress that matched her robes. Many of the other delegates she had not seen for over a decade if she had met them at all, but her expression showed no sign of surprise. Her age had done nothing to shake her calm, confident demeanor.
"Those who are not interested now may find themselves so later in any case," she pointed out, regarding Wargchaser with a warm smile. "It is good to see, though, that the Firetooth are already. All the better a way to re-establish old bonds."
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Post by zurajai on Jan 20, 2016 17:57:46 GMT
Perhaps to the surprise of all was the arrival of a finely dressed dwarf in the garb of the Sultanate. The Beg Gurhim dwarf had arrived in Kegosu with a band of well-armed Dwarf and Almur as bodyguards, his monstrous protectors content to make camp outside the walls of the elven city while the Dwarf and his kinsmen entered the city proper. The invitation had been sent informally, carrying little to no meaning for the Gospodar's Kezur Yurok, but had raised the ire of many a dwarf noble within his court and without; it seemed that acknowledgement of Beg Gurhim's continued survival seemed slim to none. To a dwarf like Cedic Aydogan it was a slight worth passing up but to the stubborn nobility of Mog Bhelnom it was truly worth a visit simply to thumb their noses at those unfortunate enough not to have invited them. Much to Cedic's disdain they had formed a coalition and requested their suzerain to send a diplomatic venture to answer the summons in order to save face; Yurok conceded to send Cedic and now the Pasha was in the cold mountains of the Ikegami.
"Presenting Pasha Cedic Dolgu Aydogan," the dwarf mumbled to himself as his richly earthen colored clothing bounced just shy of the ground upon his entrance, "The unluckiest dwarf in all Beg Gurhim . . . "
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Post by ravigen on Jan 22, 2016 23:14:13 GMT
"Agreed, as the kingdoms of the North band together for this alliance nations who were opposed or on the fence might be more inclined to join in, the point of this alliance is to streamline the trade already ongoing to improve profits and relations between nations."
As the dwarf entered, Naozumi stood and gave the dwarf a short bow in greeting. He assumed the dwarf was a representative of the Gospodars or even the Beg Ghurim merchants, he was not sure but they were welcome regardless.
"Welcome to Kegosu, please take a seat, drinks will be provided and I am happy and thankful that you have decided to come." |
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Post by cadra on Jan 23, 2016 3:14:57 GMT
King Rassan entered quietly into the hall, his fist carrying the now crumpled invitation to the meeting. He knew that it wasn't really needed, but he hadn't much experience with formal matters before.
"Queen Chello, it is a privilege to be in your presence. Once my courier gave word of your offer, I knew I had to take this opportunity to meet you."
He looked around, fumbling for his next words for a moment. As a new king, the rules of etiquette and negotiation were still a little uncertain. King Rassan gave a bow - likely too much of one.
"The great Kingdom of Haiho looks forward to joining your trade alliance. Now, let's get to work!" he said with a smile.
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Post by paxar on Jan 23, 2016 3:19:25 GMT
Elder Zwerkir Rennigin Lightbringer entered the hall representing The Kingdom of Ontaré. He ran a quick hand through his sandy hair, surveying the room. He felt decidedly out of place among the heads of state and practiced diplomats. He had hoped his king would have decided to come himself, but he apparently had other matters to attend to.
Rennigin straightened his robes and began greeting the other delegates assembled, trying his best to remember names and faces.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Jan 23, 2016 17:17:50 GMT
(((Zur, the opening paragraph of the topic says general invitations were sent to every city and castle, so unless the "stubborn nobility of Mog Bhelnom" have neither city nor castle, they would have got the invitation. Maybe not a personal invitation, but there are a lot of nations that didn't, since sending ambassadors to every kingdom on the continent would have been extremely difficult, so it's hardly a slight.))
Chello stood close to the doors, welcoming all the diplomats as they entered. Her informants had done a pretty good job keeping track of any foreign entourages entering the city, so she'd been expecting all who entered was able to welcome them each by name, she'd even had name cards placed around the meeting table with the diplomat's name an the national interest they were representing.
When King Rassan presented himself, Chello couldn't help but smile a little at how hard he seemed to be trying. She'd been pleased to hear that a entourage from Haiho had entered the city and even more when she heard the King himself would be in attendance. Haiho was renowned for it's wealth and it would be good for the Alliance to have them on board. Not only for the wealth they might bring, but for they reputation attached.
"It is my honor and privilege to finally meet you as well, Your Majesty. And may I offer my condolences for the great loss your nation has suffered in the death of King Naheer. I hope the Northern Trade Alliance may be a part of a new and prosperous era in Haiho, as well as the rest of the north."
Once all the national representatives were in attendance, been served drinks and had found their seats at the low tables of Ikegami style, Chello went to her own place along with Naozumi and Veliu at the head table.
Before taking her seat, she addressed the meeting, opening with a prepared speech, "On behalf of Daimyo Ikegami Naozumi, Grand Mayor Ishui Veliu and myself, I welcome you all to the first summit of the Northern Trade Alliance and thank you for attending. This is a project the Daimyo and myself have been working on for many years and through the advise and council of many from both our own nations and from the Free City of New Byrnis, we are finally founding the first international trading guild of the northern continent. For too long the northern continent has trailed in the shadow of southern strength, innovation and commercial fortitude. It is time for us to step up to center stage of world development and take destiny into northern hands." Chello paused for a slight moment. It wasn't easy for nations of so many different religions, races, cultures to view one another as united allies, but they all had one thing in common. All the nations of the north had witnesses the Surveakom conquest. Weather they had been forced into being a vassal, or into a state of retreat, they knew the power the south had held as a united empire and they'd also seen in crumple. Power witnessed was power to be taken and while the south fell apart in civil war and religion squabbling, the northern nations would have the opportunity to put differences aside, unite, rise and move to the forefront of civilization. This was what Chello saw and she hoped the representatives could see things in a similar light.
"This initial meeting is to inform all who are interested of the benefits and governance of the alliance," she continued, "and to officially invite all the nations represented here to join us. Commerce is one of the most important aspects of a nation. Wars come and go, but economy is always with us and, as certainly as a lost war can bring an end to proud nation, so can a lost economy. National economy must be as well tended as our royal blood lines and as well protected as our castles or cities. Just as a military force is stronger when nations combine their efforts, so too is economic strength. Together many nations will achieve what could never be done alone. Not only that, but through combined economic development, commercial trade and communication, we will be able to circulate more resources, coordinate productivity and hopefully alleviate many of the international strife, and misunderstandings that can lead to war. Peace, prosperity and innovation are our goals and we invite all who wish to share in those goals to join forces today."
Her speech concluded, Chello folded her hands and gave a small bow, still sticking to the manners of the Ikegami, since this was their city. "In a few moments, servants will pass out a charter outlining the rules of guild governance, but first, I would like to give anyone else the opportunity to speak on the initial matters."
She sat down on the low cushions, with a surprising amount of grace for a woman of her age and frailty and folded her hands on her lap.
((Any player that wanted to have a diplomat in attendance, but didn't get a chance to post yet, can post as if their diplomat entered earlier and already has a seat. That is unless you purposely meant for your diplomat to arrive late after the meeting had started. The seating arrangement at the tables would be by rank of the diplomat. Kings/Queens and those of royal blood would be seated in the front, nobles next and diplomats without a lot of noble linage would be toward the back of the room.))
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Post by dragonlord7012 on Jan 24, 2016 1:13:09 GMT
The hall doors shuddered open, as a dwarf and a goblin walked into the exalted halls.
The dwarf looked as though the gods who made him had decided they had too much materials and simply put as much as they could on his form. Thick corded muscles waged war with fat as he moved boldly into the room, his beard long and white. Wrinkles covered his face as he gazed piercingly over smiling eyes. An iron helm sat on his his head, his clothing the garb of a wealthy merchant.
The goblin was a conflict. A goblin unlike his peers, he was tall land lanky, standing several inches taller than normal goblins. He wore an outfit that seemed to of been made for luxary with rich colors, materials, and designs, but the form was an over robe over simple long shirt and pantaloons. A gold grown with glowing gems hung on the side of his belt. The thing that drew itself was his eyes. The goblin was young, but had tired ancient eyes that lazily took in the world around him.
"Apologies for our tardiness. It's been a busy season, and we had to push to make it at all." King Grendel said simply.
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Post by longshot393 on Jan 24, 2016 1:31:37 GMT
Gregan eyes scan the room as he takes a seat next to the Grum King. "I apologize for our tardiness. I Gregan, one of the most probable merchant in my lands was sent in king Abbettine stead to see about this meeting.
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Post by longshot393 on Jan 26, 2016 6:10:37 GMT
Gregan looks around "Well any one going to say something or are we going to get down to working this trade alliance out?"
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Post by ravigen on Jan 27, 2016 20:37:16 GMT
Naozumi chuckled and waved for his aides to pass out the copies of the charter they'd made for the delegates.
"In that case, since no one seems to have any questions right now I'll go ahead and pass the charter around for your perusal."
Northern Trade Alliance (NTA)
NTA Offices
Existing PC retinues may be elected and will remain under the control of their native nation's player. There needs to be guildmaster, other offices can be added as needed now or in the future. If nominated and elected, there may be multiple officers of all offices except the Guildmaster. If any offices remain completely unfilled and the NTA has determined to activate the office, all but the Guildmaster may be filled by NPCs, which will be controlled by the same player controlling the Guildmaster. NPC officers automatically loose to nominated PC retinues in elections.
NTA Guildmaster (Any merchant, administrator or ambassador retinue from NTA nations may be nominated.)
Duty - Manage funds, procure resources necessary to maintain the arsenal and garrison (if any have been built), determine which project proposals to fulfill, represent the NTA in diplomatic ventures with other nations, direct the NTA explorer and mediate trade between NTA members when necessary.
NTA Defense General (Any general, or warrior retinue from Nta nations may be nominated.)
Duty - Lead and manage a NTA Garrison (should one ever be built) and NTA army units, working with the guildmaster to see that the resources necessary for their maintenance are available, protect land routs from thieves and military attacks and fight for the commercial interests of the NTA when necessary.
NTA Defense Admiral (Any admiral or warrior retinue from NTA nations may be nominated)
Duty - Lead and manage a NTA Arsenal (should one ever be built) and NTA ships, working with the guildmaster to see that the resources necessary for their maintenance are available, protect shipping routs from pirates and military attacks and fight for the commercial interests of the NTA when necessary.
NTA Explorer (An Explorer retinue from any NTA nation may be nominated)
Duty: Explore territories and report the discovery of resources to the giuldmaster and the NTA council meetings. May be hired by NTA members for specific explorations job.
NTA Emissary (Any Merchant, Ambassador or Spymaster from any NTA nation)
Duty: Assist in negotiations on the NTA’s behalf and reach out to non-member nations with invitations and proposals. Mediate quarrels and differences between member nations, be alert for rumors that may lead to threats to the NTA and investigate claims that may justify boycotts or ostracizing a member, collecting unbiased evedence.
NTA Membership Responsibilities and Benefits
Each member pays a seasonal fee of a 2000 jinn and must send a representative to the NTA meetings once a year. Every member may submit one project proposal, requesting funding and aid on commercial projects, or the may second a proposal made by another nation. These proposals will be reviewed by the guildmaster and then administrated through the year. Requests may include funding assistance for Trade Ports, Caravan Shops, Tariff Assessors, Custom Houses, Port and Market Core Districts, other commercially related ventures, the establishment of trading routs and the hiring of NTA explorers and negotiators for the sake of trade and the acquisition of resources.
NTA Council Meetings
Once a year (every 4 turns) a NTA summit will be called and each member may send representatives. At the meetings, nominations and elections may be held for the officer positions. New NTA members may be nominated and elected. A vote may be taken in order to ostracize existing members or enforce an international boycotts against a nation, but both ostracizing and boycott proposals must pass with a 2/3s majority to be accepted and must have justifiable cause that can be proved. Proposals such as the construction of NTA buildings, the building of or expansion of an independent defense fleet/army of the NTA, the establishment of new offices, or controlling the cost of resources may also be discussed. No nation one can control the guildmaster office for more then two years in a row. Council meetings may last for up to two seasons. Any issues left unresolved by the end of the second turn will be left at the existing status quo until the next yearly meeting. If the guildmaster position must be shifted to avoid one nation controlling it for three years in a row, it will revert to the last guildmater of a different nation that held the office.
Other Rules
Neither religion nor race may be used as a determining factor in accepting members, ostracizing members or boycotting nations, neither should race or religion be used a determining factors in officer elections or project proposals. War between nations should also not be a valid reason to boycott or ostracize nations, unless the war is significantly disrupting the trade and commerce of the North as a whole. Any gender or race may hold office. If an independent NTA military is established it cannot engage in war on behalf of individual nations, but only for the protection of the Alliance as a whole and for safe passage along the routs.
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