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Post by cerdigon on Feb 16, 2016 23:50:20 GMT
Thread is open to:
(Commonwealth, Jotun, Firetooth, Ontare, New Byrnis, Berranda, Loo-Can-Tee, KK)
Morgraig.
The ancient elven capital loomed in the distance, sprawling its massive tentacles in seemingly all directions This was the seat of the Sefti-Cerdigonian Commonwealth and its splendor matched the burgeoning growth of the empire. In the years since the creation of the Commonwealth, the city had come to represent the vast and diverse population that had been built with its shifting borders. Seftian elven nobles now rubbed shoulders with the Cerdigonian elite, while dwarves that had fled the fighting in Mog Bhenholm had set up their own community in exile within the city.
Upon the defeat of the Kingdom of Siercia, King Aeron had left his Generals in the North to retire. Now he was approaching the end game to build his powerful alliance that would at last bring the Aedak Northern Powers together for a common cause. Missives and letters had been dispatched far and wide across the North to its Aedak Lords from the Jotun reavers that roamed the seas, to the horselords of Berranda, the merchants of New Byrnis, and the Firetooth, one of the last guardians of Aedak in the West. In addition to the Free City of Karmozijin Kerk and the Goblins of the Southern Shore.
The meeting was to be held within the Royal Palace itself, with the entire Western wing of the palace had been shut down to accommodate the King's, nobles, and their retainers that were attending. The capital and the palace had an almost carnival atmosphere. King Aeron had ordered festivities to commemorate his victory over Siercia (and hopefully the foundation of his prized league), attracting hundreds musicians, knights eager to prove their skill on the lists, and entertainers for the small folk. In order to shut out the noise and get down to business, Aeron had arranged for a space to be cleared within the Great Hall, a massive table sitting in the center with Chief Priest Fahuan at the head, representing the Vaekirate.
Now all that remained was to await for the League's founding members to arrive.
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Post by talis on Feb 18, 2016 1:46:09 GMT
Elder Ragik, son of the late Elder Ukhmar, would be the Firetooth delegate to Aeron's council. His retainers would no doubt spend much of the trip attending the festivities, aside from the unlucky pair who had been chosen to always remain close at hand. Beside him as he entered was Chief Priest Dollan of the Orcs. The Firetooth were aware that they had a somewhat different bent on how to spread Aedak to the pagans, and Dollan had insisted on attending to observe for himself. Questions abounded about what King Aeron's design was for this "Holy League," and whether it would be beneficial to the Clan to join.
Ragik bowed respectfully to Aeron and then Fahuan. "Your hospitality is truly splendid, King Aeron. I can see that you have spared no expense on making us, your guests, exceptionally welcome."
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Post by Littlefield on Feb 18, 2016 2:26:47 GMT
Francisco II had only just returned from his trip to New Byrnis when he was informed that the August Duchy of Berranda had been invited to participate in what would be known as the "Holy League of Aedak." The Duke's standing within the Aedak world was beyond question, thus his invitation was not to the surprise of anyone in the Royal Court. Francisco II had, along with a sizable entourage, set out the morning after the invitation was received to do his duty for Orthodoxy.
Upon arriving in Morgraig, the Duke dismissed much his entourage, save for Elder Zwerkir Salvador and a handful of guards, to enjoy the prepared festivities. Francisco II was escorted by a duo of servants to King Aeron's Great Hall within the Royal Palace, whereupon entering the Duke acknowledged the ambassador of the Firetooth clan with a nod of his head, as he continued walking toward King Aeron.
"King Aeron, it is good to see you once more," Francisco spoke, shaking hands firmly with the King, "It is my pleasure to be representing the August Duchy of Berranda personally within the Holy League of Aedak." The Duke gestured toward his companion, the High Priest of Berranda "This is Elder Zwerkir Salvador, the High Priest of Berranda, and religious adviser to myself. I thank you for inviting us to what we hope to be a most auspicious occasion."
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Post by Vaklu on Feb 19, 2016 2:09:18 GMT
Tholarg Wolfkin Jarl of the Jotun had entered the city with an impressive entourage. His personal Huscarls and over 100 slaves from the pagan kingdoms his warriors had raided thus far. He wore a cloth of gold cloak and an enameled green breast plate. His heir had come with him to learn the finer points of rule and to familiarize himself with the lords of the north.
Only the Jarl and his son would attend the meeting proper. Tholarg's massive warhammer was covered in a silk bag and peace bonded, his son's sword was the same. He nodded to the assembled lords. "To think that we can all be gathered in a room once more and speak on civil terms."
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Post by aspenivan on Feb 24, 2016 3:25:11 GMT
Grand Mayor Ishui Veliu arrived in full royal robes of blue and purple and gold, bearing the simple gold crown of her title over her head-dress. She was accompanied by Elder Zwerkir Ilkahan Sujjid, dressed as any High Priest in white and red. Perhaps more surprisingly, her younger brother Ishui Jaou was also next to her. The man wore the full ceremonial regalia of a Surv-Akur General, but with colors modified to represent the Free City rather than the defunct Empire. In preparation for an upcoming campaign, no doubt under pressure from his sister and liege, he was plying his old trade once again.
Indeed, the campaign was at the forefront of the New Byrnian delegates' minds. The help they could secure at this council of Orthodox realms could be the difference between defeat and victory. However, the Grand Mayor was interested in the other matters of the Faith more than usual. Pagan threats and difficulty negotiating with Elon were starting to lead her to a certain conclusion: That the well-being of her family and her city might lay primarily with the growing Orthodox Bloc, and not with pagan or heretic friends.
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Post by cerdigon on Feb 24, 2016 12:30:32 GMT
King Aeron Sefti welcomed each guest with a firm handshake, with a smile and nod for some, such as the Duke of Berranda, though his eyes narrowed slightly at Ishui Jaou's garments. Clearly the Fifteen Years War and the battle the King had waged against the Imperial Army that had invaded his country had not been forgotten (though he would be doing his best shortly to bury the hatchet). The King was accompanied by his wife Queen Kalei Llewlyn - Sefti and his eldest son, Crown Prince Rhys. Royal Guardsman garbed in the purple of House Sefti watched the procession of dignitaries with keen eyes, while Chief Priest Fahuan quietly moved to greet his fellow Chief Priest Dollan. While the two never saw eye to eye (Fahuan being far more aggressive), he hoped that they both could find common cause here today.
'' My fellow King's, Northerners, and Lords, I welcome you to all to Morgraig. '' Aeron began as the parties took their seats. '' I have brought you all here together to help begin the foundation of a new order in the North once based around the protection of the Orthodox Faith and the Church. ''
'' As you know, much has changed in the last two decades. Wars have been fought, some of the people in this room I have met on the battlefield. '' The King said giving a nod to Jarl Thorlag. '' But I believe the only thing that can put a proper salve on those wounds and begin the healing that the North so desperately needs is the Faith and it is the Faith in these uncertain times that is under threat. The Free City of Karmozijin Kerk is surrounded by heritecs on one side of the Ryn and pagans on the other. In the South, we have Hessnya, which has always persecuted Aedak's Faithful and even my own former Co-King and Brother, King Pedro of Nevara has turned his back on the Church. '' The King paused, trying to gauge the room before he continued on. ''
'' I did not come here to forge a Grand Crusade to cleanse the North of pagans, what I came here today was to ensure that we as the last of the Realm's Orthodox Faithful can protect one another from these pagan threats. I am proposing a grand alliance between the Orthodox Nations here that when met with pagan aggression we will respond accordingly. Imagine, the horseman of Berranda, the pikes of New Byrnis, the guns of the Firetooth, the ships of the Jotun, and the soldiers of the Commonwealth all under one banner of Aedak if called upon. ''
'' In addition to a mutual defensive alliance against Pagan aggression, I will also call on each Lord here today to swear an oath to defend Karmozijin Kerk from the pagans and heritecs that surround her and the institution of a tithe to rebuild the Wardens of the North into a credible fighting force. To support these endeavors and to fill the coffers of the League, I am also proposing trade amongst all five of our prospective members here today. Many of us already trade with one another, but not all. This is a mistake, as members of the last and few Faithful, we must support one another through arms, the Church, and financially by opening our ports and our markets. '' Each lord was presented with a list of points that King Aeron had put forth.
'' I have heard that some of you here have attended the meeting of this Northern Trade League. Many of you know my feelings on it. I am opposed to it, I feel that doing business with pagans and allowing their blasphemous priests into our lands will only divide us. The Holy League is a viable alternative that can fill the void if you choose to withdraw from this arrangement and it will allow us to negotiate with the pagans on our terms from a position of strength.'' The King refrained from calling out names though it was clear whom in the room he was speaking to.
'' Now my lords and ladies, I open the floor to you for your responses. '' The King said, reclaiming his seat.
Holy League Founding Tenants:
-- Mutual Defense Pact against Pagan Aggression (if a member of the League is attacked, he may call upon other members for support).
-- A vow to defend Karmozijin Kerk from pagan aggression.
-- A three housand jien tithe (3 Gold) per season to support the Wardens of the North, can be paid in gold or resources until they are rebuilt. 3 Gold equal to 1 Stone or 1 Wood.
-- Trade Agreements between all five members (with exceptions made for friendly pagans whom allow the spread of the Faith via church representatives)
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Post by Vaklu on Feb 26, 2016 4:09:59 GMT
It would be Tholarg who spoke first. "I am opposed to the idea of a mandatory tithe. If the wardens need to be rebuilt the Veakir will ask for our aid. He may choose to shut them down. Other than that I have no problems with this pact."
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Post by zurajai on Feb 28, 2016 6:56:41 GMT
"Perhaps our own thoughts should be considered," spoke out an individual, seemingly just an attendant up until his abrupt interjection, "before making decisions regarding the Wardens of the North?"
Two figures, both dressed in the robes of holy men, pulled back their hoods to reveal their faces to the congregation of Northern Lords; a swarthy skinned southerner and a feymoure sylph. A solemn look marred both of their faces, though a slight grin could be seen on the face of the human albeit with all mirth drained from it.
"I am Cathasach of the Wardens," followed the Sylph, his voice the warbling, almost alien accent of the Feymoure that clearly showed him to not have been the initial speaker, "along with my brother in arms, Jaen Haerk, Castellan of the Fortress. We come to speak for the Naarzij Bij Noor aan Aed. I must ask, King of the Fae, what purpose you intend for your tithes to the Wardens."
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Post by cerdigon on Feb 29, 2016 13:51:58 GMT
'' Brother Cathasach. '' King Aeron said leaning forward, the metal of his prosthetic arm grinding as gears within it turned to keep up with the movement.
'' It has been twenty years since we stormed the walls of Mog Bhenholm together. In that time we have seen the Faith in the North fall apart. The Free City itself is surrounded between heritecs and pagans. The Wardens of the North have lost their Grandmaster, Caork Ironbelly, its forces are depleted, its forts in dire need of repair. The Wardens if they are to be a viable force in the North must be rearmed and resupplied with new men and equipment. Their original purpose was to defend the Faith in the North and investigate heresy. I do not see why that should change now. If Elon was to cross the Ryan and Vinaya to turn her guns on Kazomijin Kerk as they have in the past, I do not think, for all her might and the power of Aed that she would be able to stand a second siege. '' It was a dangerous statement but Aeron pressed on nonetheless to make his point.
'' Messara has its own problems in the South fending off its neighbors. For all intents and purposes, it is the responsible of the Northern Monarch to support the Church in its time of need, not vice versa. That is why I support a tithe King Thorlag. If it is the amount that is the problem, it can be re-negotiated. But I stress that it will be a temporary one only until the Wardens are self-sufficient once more. '' Aeron said, turning to address the King.
'' What do the Wardens say? Do they spurn my fathers help? And who will lead the Wardens now with the death of the Grandmaster? '' Crown Prince Rhys piped and drew a glare from his father, but the question remained nonetheless. If the Vaekirate intended to disband the Wardens, then this argument was a moot point.
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Post by zurajai on Mar 15, 2016 5:10:55 GMT
"Who is to say that we are not self-sufficient. and of what Monarch in the North do you speak; you perhaps?" came the voice of Jaen Haerk, standing passively, his southern heritage no doubt visible in both his mannerisms and his reply, "You make resounding statements, King Aeron, but without the Warden's concession; it is not the aid of King Aeron that we spurn, but his meddling. Carok Ironbelly, blessed martyr of Aed, made it clear how he wanted the Wardens to operate and we keep to his memory and will for the Wardens faithfully; we are not knights a top glorious destriers nor are we the bulwark that should stand between the armies of the Pagan and the Heretic who surge towards the Faithful; we are Aed's eyes and Aed's ears, his far seeing gaze and long reaching hand as Carrok had always intended. Our Grandmaster shall be decided from within our own order and we need not the Kings in the North nor all the Emperors in the South to aid us with that; if you wish to throw gold at our coffers, I see no reason as Castellan to deny you, but if you seek to direct us or make decision for us then you are sorely mistaken."
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Post by cerdigon on Mar 15, 2016 17:02:38 GMT
'' Let me be clear, you are not self sufficient. '' The King said standing, his son placing a hand on his fathers wrist. No doubt he could sense the King's well known volatile temper rising. '' Call it meddling, call it what you will, but to spurn my help out of pride would be a mistake Sir Haerk. I do not seek to give you orders nor this League. But if we do not take the needed steps to protect ourselves then we risk everything. We shall table discussions on the Wardens for now. Is there objections to the other points that I have put forward at this meeting? '' A mutual defense pact and wide ranging trade agreement could still be seen as a victory for King Aeron and his idea for a united group of Aedak nations against the pagan tide.
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Post by Littlefield on Mar 22, 2016 22:31:18 GMT
The August Duke had been sitting quietly listening to the words spoken by those around him, but the time for him to speak had come. "I am inclined to agree to what you have proposed, Your Majesty. If I may clarify for His Majesty, Sir Haerk, we seek not to control or influence the Wardens in any way. Though we would see that the Wardens return to the strength necessary to serve as the eyes and ears of Aed. Surely you can understand our reasoning for that." The Duke glanced around the table, "Is there anyone else with reservations, or proposed changes to this treaty? The time to speak up is now. If not I would move to vote on the proposed terms. Berranda is in agreement."
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Post by Vaklu on Mar 24, 2016 21:43:48 GMT
Tholarg scratched his chin thoughtfully. "I will sign this pact."
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Post by talis on Mar 25, 2016 0:14:44 GMT
"What is this clause attached to trade stipulations?" Elder Ragik asked, tapping on the offending passage. "I have no complaints about anything that brings more trade to Thundercrown, but this clause seems to imply an exception to limitations on trade. Explain."
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Post by cerdigon on Mar 25, 2016 23:24:33 GMT
'' Let me be clear. '' Aeron said, his metalic arm grinding as the King placed his hands firmly on the table. '' I do not seek to restrict your trade with pagan nations. I begrudge no man his coin. Indeed, the Firetooth have been using their trade avenues to promote the Faith, which I encourage. My issue comes when we place profit before the Will of the Vaekir. If a nation is declared an Enemy of the Faith and the leaders of those nations are excommunicated, then I expect all of us, as Faithful Aedak, to isolate that nation. Whether that is diplomatically, economically, and as a last resort militarily to stop their heresy from spreading. ''
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