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Post by zurajai on Apr 19, 2016 5:40:22 GMT
It was with the turn of the summer into autumn that the Gospodars returned to their homeland from wherever they might be, be it serving alongside the soldiery of New Byrnis or travelling to the numerous kingdoms in trade with the realm of their Horde, and made preparation for the Great Potlatch of the Kezur. It was an auspicious time for the Gospodars; much had changed in the last decade and for the first time in living memory a Great Potlatch would be held within the halls of the ruler of the Almur; perhaps not of Almur, technically, but in a home and among friends equal to any back in the Far North. With no other Almuric holds to call from and no other great Hearth-Homes to call it had proven prudent to instead summon to the halls of the Gospodars those southern nations and leaders that best represented their new homeland. To that effect, Almur messengers representing the Hearth-Home of Szaboyar-Szekeres were sent out along the many spiderweb-routes of the North to find their intended duties. Each one bore an official invitation from the Kezur, wrought from granite slabs and carved in both Almuric script and standard Survaekom and were brought before their recipients respectfully; the Kingdoms of Ontare, Elon, the Commonwealth, the clans of the Firetooth, the Jotun, and the Ikegami, and the Free City of New Byrnis. Beyond those specifically invited it was made especially clear that any and all who gained word of the proceedings were more than welcome to arrive, missed simply due to lack of interaction between the Gospodars and their people.
The Halls of the Gospodars were left open, their great doors practically locked in position, with the entirety of the structure having been finished just in time for the festivities. Along with the monarchs who had been invited, all the citizenry of the realm of the Gospodars were invited to take part in the festivities. The entire city was abuzz with commotion and alight with all numbers of fantastical Almur decorations; even the reclusive artificers had taken part, throwing up lanterns of fantastical make that glowed with an inner light like no other and flared to life when commanded by the famed Almur forge-mages. Despite the many revelers and the numerous stalls and stands offering wares and meals it was the Hall itself that set the stage for the Potlatch. All around the great hall were numbers of heralds and criers, calling out to the crowds to tell them of the many events that were to occur for the next week of celebration.
A great feast was the first to occur, with all of the food and refreshments provided by the Hearth-Home of the Kezur. It would be during this time that the Kezur presents the gifts to his guests, rumored to be great riches and perhaps even grander treasures. A number of events would come later during the week, including shows of marksmanship, mastery with the blade, musical skill, and even a show of craftsmen prowess.
The Hall itself was organized as per proper Almuric feast tradition, with two massive long-tables travelling up the chamber to the end with seats prepared for the delegates and representatives of the many groups and peoples invited. At the head of those twin tables, sitting perpendicular to them, was a second table meant to hold the Kezur and all his personal invites.
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Post by ravigen on Apr 19, 2016 16:14:54 GMT
Ikegami Naozumi arrived with his eldest daughter and heir, Sayoko, alongside his brother Masateru and a number of his chief retainers. He had been pleasantly surprised by the invitation and was more than happy to come and meet this Kezur Yurok in person. The Gospodars were a new power to the North and had composed themselves honorably and with dignity since their arrival. Naozumi honestly couldn't think of many kingdoms that did that.
So when he bowed formally in greetings to the Kezur, the respect he had for the man was sincere. His family and retainers followed suit as was custom and Naozumi finally got a good look at the ruler of the neighboring kingdom.
"Greetings Kezur Yurok Szaboyar-Szekeres, I am honored by your invitation." |
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Post by zurajai on Apr 19, 2016 16:55:28 GMT
The Kezur of the United Holds had spent much of the early part of the day awaiting the arrival of his foreign guests between welcoming the assorted heads and representatives of village councils as well as his vassal from the East reaches of the realm. The vast number of dwarves and Almur that thronged the halls, despite being his well-respected vassals and the representatives of his people, were traditionally not the target of of a Potlatch's cultural and social importance; it was the ruler's duty to serve his people generously at all times, this upcoming week was to show that generosity to others.
As Naozumi and his eldest daughter arrived Kezur Yurok stood from his throne to bow with a broad smile on his scarred visage, stepping down the steps to his throne to welcome his guest more personally.
"Ah! Honored Ikegami Naozumi, I am most humbled to have you in my halls," he said with another bow, this time directed at Sayoko, "My apologies, but I am not acquainted with your second. May this humble Kezur have your name?"
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Post by ravigen on Apr 19, 2016 17:17:12 GMT
Naozumi stepped to the side slightly as Sayoko bowed in greeting to the Kezur. Naozumi had somewhat expected such an introduction and was secretly glad for it, he was getting older and it would not be long before Sayoko would need to take on more and more responsibilities governing the clan to prepare for her eventual rule. Meeting and getting to know foreign rulers would benefit her in the coming years of her reign and Naozumi was eager to allow her the opportunity.
"I am Ikegami Sayoko, heir to the Ikegami, it is a pleasure to meet you, honored Kezur and I am grateful to be welcomed here in your hall." Sayoko offered the Kezur a friendly smile, he was a pleasant man from what she could tell and friendly enough though he towered over her as was expected of a giant.
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Post by Littlefield on Apr 19, 2016 20:12:29 GMT
King Francisco of Ontare-Berranda had sailed with both of his sons, The Crown Prince of Ontare Juan Felipe and Infante Tomas nearly a week earlier after having received Kezur Yurok's invitation to the Almur's traditional great Potlach. While the King of Ontare certainly had strong opinions on most heretics and heathens, the Kezur and the Gospodars had proven themselves to be most accepting of Aedak, even so far as to allow priests to teach Aedak beliefs within their borders.
The King of Ontare quickly entered the Kezur's hall, his family in tow. Francisco bowed before his host, showing respect and gratitude for the invitation.
"Respected Kezur Yurok, it is good to see you once more. Might I introduce my sons?" The King said, gesturing to the two young men standing beside him, "This is my eldest son, Crown Prince Juan Felipe," Francisco said, his son bowing respectfully, before taking a step back. "And this is my second son, Infante Tomas." The king spoke, as Tomas mirrored his older brother's movements. "We are honored to have been invited to such an event." Francisco finished adding a smile.
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Post by zurajai on Apr 20, 2016 1:26:18 GMT
Yurok gladly bowed to Ikegami Sayoko in kind, following up with a broad smile and some words of encouragement, "The honor is mine, having such worthy guests in my halls. Please, you both will have seats at my table; until the feast begins, I welcome you to enjoy my hall as if it was your home. Ah. If you'll excuse me, another guest of import has arrived."
With another bow Yurok turned to face the incoming band of newly titled Ontarans, heavy footfalls carrying him down the stairs to meet the party as they walk in.
"My friend!" he stated, baring his pearly teeth in a slightly animalistic smile, "It fills my heart with joy to welcome you here; and you, sons of Francisco, are welcome here as he is. It is my honor to meet you both. Please, feel free to enjoy the hospitality of my hall. The feast will begin within the hour, feel free to wander as you see fit till then. When the time comes there is a seat beside my Kin and I at my table."
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Post by cerdigon on Apr 21, 2016 14:32:59 GMT
The arrival of Crown Prince Rhys was preceded by a small army of men at arms, knights, servants, and court jesters. In addition to some of the most powerful Duke's and nobleman within the Commonwealth accompanying him. It was clear that despite its pagan leanings, the elite of the Commonwealth we're curious about their Giant neighbors. The Prince was greeted by Zwerkir Vertiox whom had been within the land of the Gospodars for nearly two years preaching the Faith. In addition to his retainers, the Prince was accompanied by his new wife, the Princess of Ontare, Sofia Rodrigo...now Sofia Rodrigo Sefti.
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Post by ravigen on Apr 22, 2016 3:36:59 GMT
Naozumi saw Rhys first, bowing to Kezur Yurok and King Francisco in turn and moving to greet the Commonwealth prince. He bowed before the sylph and his retainers.
"A pleasure to finally meet you, Prince Rhys, I trust your father Aeron is doing well?" Naozumi had thought it odd that Aeron had not come himself but he figured that Aeron had sent Rhys off to mingle with other leaders and couldn't fault the man for not showing up in that case. Still relations between the Ikegami and the Commonwealth were neutral at best and Naozumi harbored no ill will towards Aeron or his people.
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Post by talis on Apr 22, 2016 18:00:12 GMT
Elder Ragik Maidenshot had been chosen as the Firetooth delegate to the Gospodar's great Potlach. Such an event would have usually been attended by the Chief of the Clan and many warriors, for the Firetooth were fond of such grand opportunities to feast and make friends. But Chief Hortak and most of the Firetooth's warriors were away on campaign in the north, fighting a vicious war against three parties. Thus, it fell to Elder Ragik and the few guards and courtiers he could muster to attend the auspicious event.
"Thank you for inviting my Clan to such an auspicious event." He bowed to the Kezur Yurok. "My clan has heard a great deal about the Gospodars who descended from the north, but this is the first opportunity we have had to speak in person. I regret that our chief and warriors could not attend; they would have been delighted to partake in your generosity. But unfortunately the campaign in the north continues and every available warrior is needed there."
"But such generosity cannot go unanswered. I hope that you will accept this humble gift." Ragik nodded to one of his retainers, who stepped forward and presented a masterfully built gun to the Kezur. It was uniquely crafted for the Kezur himself: giant-sized, with a stock of polished hickory and and a barrel of the finest steel. The sides were gilded with silver plates, upon which were depicted images of the Gospodar migration and arrival in Beg-Gurhim, and the craft symbol of the Great House Silverhand was stamped prominently on the stock. The Gun used the new flinklock mechanism, modern, reliable, and exquisitely crafted for reliability. And of course, along with the gun itself was presented a bronze bullet-press and kit for its maintenance.
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Post by aspenivan on Apr 22, 2016 19:20:26 GMT
With the Ishui matriarch and most of her family badly-needed in the city or the field, it full upon Veliu's son and heir Haldu to attend the autumn's Great Potlach in Beg Guhrim. He wore the purple, gold-embroidered robes of his house, but not so resplendent as his liege mother's usual attire. He was accompanied by an assortment of less notable family members as well as his personal guard, four figures bearing a very long and heavy chest.
Upon seeing the Kezur, he approached and knelt - his family followed suit. "It is an honor to be in your presence, Mighty Kezur of the Gospodars." A trained ambassador with a knack for languages, Haldu had already gained a solid grasp of Almuric from his time spent with Kharok. "Please accept this gift, provided by the Grand Mayor for you. She believes you will find it quite interesting."
The guards proceeded to open the chest, a somewhat cumbersome process involving multiple locks, and lifted out what by human standards was an enormous musket. Something familiar enough to the Almur, yet it was clearly crafted in Southern style with a finely-calibrated flintlock, a row of shining bronze bands along the barrel holding it to the polished Survaekom darkwood, and even golden inscriptions of Classical Survaekom calligraphy artfully engraved on the stock. Naturally, the box also contained lead and a bullet-press, as well as a decent supply of the finest Survaekom powder. Both paper cartridges and an exquisite ivory powder horn were also included, allowing the recipient his choice of how to load the gun.
"A fine musket of the make of the Jotunom Guard," Haldu explained, offering the Kezur a slight smile. The gun was a rare find indeed, its kind made only in the Khaitis Domain and only by a select few smiths serving the one-thousand strong Jotunom. "It was crafted by one of the greatest gunsmiths in the South, himself a giant and a personal retainer of Wulfric Thunderfist, the famed Jotun warrior and Captain of the Jotunom Guard."
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Post by zurajai on Apr 22, 2016 21:10:22 GMT
The Kezur had remained standing as guests began to stream in, each one an excellent exemplar of their people and their nation. With the arrival of the representatives of the Commonwealth, most notably the Heir Apparent himself, Yurok closed the distance down the hall and left behind his throne to be watched over by his son. The Kezur bowed his head low to the Prince, his well famed father a source of much discussion among the Dwarven courtiers of Yurok's hall but not without both malign and benign intent; despite rumor of his insanity, King Aeron was known as a cunning and fearsome tactician and warrior and one who had dashed the warlord Ashies against the very wall surrounding this palace. To the Mog Bhelnom dwarves, at least, he was something of a folk-legend.
"Prince Rhys," he spoke with a smile, coming up from his bow, "I welcome you and your kin to my halls. My Seers have learned much from your priest, Vertiox, and he has carried himself with great dignity in my lands. For that alone he deserves great praise, his other qualities of note withstanding. Please, there is more than enough seats at my table for when the feast begins-"
The party entering his hall caught his eye, baring with them a great, long chest nearly as tall as the Kezur's chest. Orcs, he could tell, and no doubt members of the Firetooth clan by their look. Behind them he spotted the purple and gold of the Ishui family of New Byrnis, well known to him from his son's interactions with the Free City folk. When the second chest came behind the host of Ishuis Yurok knew he had a moment on his hands. He turned swiftly to the Crown Prince and offered another deep bow.
"The curse of a Host, Prince Rhys," he said apologetically, "I would greatly appreciate a more in depth conversation later; for now, I must welcome my newest guests. Please, enjoy my halls as if they were your own. Excuse me, dear lady."
With that he closed the distance further down the hall, his dwarf courtiers looking on in dismay as their wonderful seats close to the Kezur were losing property value by the second while the Almur in the hall continued as if nothing had changed. There was certainly some serious discussion during the planning in order to make the celebration seem both of Almuric and Gurhimic culture with much emphasis put on traditional monarchical stature put forward by the more conservative dwarf courtiers. Alas, it was not the way of the Almur to sit in thrones.
"You are most welcome, honored kin of the Firetooth, for such an auspicious occasion was a long time coming. It is my deepest regret that we have not had a chance to share in each other's company till now. As to your Chief and his warriors, I understand; it is the way of the warrior to abandon freedom for the sake of his people. We Gospodars understand this better than most."
As the gift was drawn forth and presented to him by the Firetooth retainers the dull hum of the Almur in the hall quieted and they looked to the event with keen interest. The activity of giving gifts was near sacred to their people with the Potlatch the gem in a ruler's crown when it came to such events; to receive a gift in return was considered highly unorthodox but obscenely respectful. Not to mention, it was a firearm. With his petrified arm locked in place against his stomach, Yurok reached forward with his one good arm to grasp the weapon with an equal amount of reverence and fascination. With one powerful hand he turned it around in his view, exploring every shape, shadow and finesse-filled detail on the weapon. All around him Almur ducked in to have a look at the piece, one the Yurok soon began to share with his kinsmen so that they might see the mastery of the handiwork. It was then that Master-Artificer Bertok stepped forward, receiving the weapon from Yurok's offering hand to explore it himself with terrifying levels of focus.
"This is without a doubt the finest weapon of southern make I have ever seen," Yurok spoke with a reverent tone, "Even rivaling the mythical weapons wielded by Yuron Szekeres himself."
"Indeed," chimed in Bertok, pulling himself from his fascinated stupor, "Your craftsmen should be proud; He-Who-Forged-The-World has blessed them with an eye I thought only an Artificer could possess."
It was then that Ishui Haldu stepped forward to present his own gift, the impeccably dressed Byrnom speaking in a surprisingly effective mastery of the Almur tongue, a show not without merit as it raised several inquisitive eyebrows of the court. It was at this point that Kharok had descended from the throne to join his father, equally interested as the rest of the Almur in the hall to take a look at the gifts presented to the rugged giant monarch. Kharok gave a grin and a respectful nod to Haldu, whom he had enjoyed plenty of conversations with during his time with New Byrnis before looking back to the newly offered weapon currently held by Bertok. It was then that the chest was opened and yet another masterfully crafted gift was presented. There was an audible gasp as the crowd of Almur that had gathered looked to Yurok as he grasped the weapon and held it up into the light to enjoy its majesty. A moment later and the hall was absolutely flooded with the booming laughter of the giant king, bellowing like a forge with a smile that wouldn't be out of place on some great carnivore, so wide and bright it was.
"Hah! Now is this not a marvel," he said, looking down at Ishui Haldu and then to Ragik swiftly after, "It is as if we are in Yuron's homeland, so great are the gifts presented and the friendships made. I am truly humbled by what you two have offered me here, today, and I swear on my kin that there shall never be even harsh words among our people as long as I draw breath. Never in my long years have I thought to beg for my arm to be returned until this day, when I feel the loss of my limb so sorely for I cannot bare both of these weapons at once. Truly, there has not been a Great Potlatch in centuries worthy to call itself this one's equals and it has only just begun. My Kin and I are truly blessed by He-Who-Forged-The-World to have such grand company."
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Post by cerdigon on Apr 23, 2016 23:22:48 GMT
Prince Rhys had heard of Mog Bhenholm in old stories and legends. It was the place where his father had broken the back of the Warlords and scattered them to the winds. It was also the place where some believed that the King's madness began. King Aeron was wounded gruesomely here, the loss of both wing and arm had an incredible impact on both his mind and body. The Prince could only wonder what might have been had a young King eager for land and glory had elected to stay home instead.
'' Great Kezur. '' The Prince said in greeting, bowing his head. '' I see that the guests from New Byrnis and Firetooth have bestowed you with great gifts and weapons. But I ask you.. '' His voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.. '' where would a Potlach be without good wine to drink and a mighty cup to drink it from!? I bring the finest Seftian wines from the vineyards in Morgraig and... '' Rhys said beckoning one of his servants forward who was clearly struggling under the weight. The Prince removed the cloth cover to reveal a golden jeweled goblet, studded with rubies and other precious gems. Clearly it had been fashioned not to be supped from a human or elf hand but from that of a giant.
'' My gift to you from my father. I apologize for his absence and hope that I prove to be enjoyable company in his stead. '' Rhys declared. The Kezur was ushered away by his other duties, leaving Rhys to converse with the Ikagami Daimyo. '' Yes, my Lord Naozumi. My father is the perfect picture of health. '' The Prince lied and tried to keep his tone neutral. Naozumi was an old but honorable enemy of his father.
'' It must be strange for you here my lord. Did you and my father not rage great battles over this city once? Perhaps our soldiers even fought in these very halls. '' He said pointing to the pockmarked foundations. '' I can only imagine. I was too young to participate in the war. '' Not to mention the Prince was being bundled from safe location to safe location when Naozumi and the Imperial Army had invaded the Commonwealth, forcing his father to briefly contemplate taking his army to the hills and waging a guerrilla war. Fate had other plans however. The Jotun and Ikagami armies withdrew, while the Imperials were defeated in the field.
'' Well, regardless.. '' The Prince continued. '' I'm pleased that we can share a goblet of wine as friends. Forgive me, allow me to introduce my wife, Princess Sofira Rodrigo Sefti.'' Rhys said finally, a goblet pressed into his hand by a servant.
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Post by ravigen on Apr 24, 2016 0:00:30 GMT
Naozumi gave the hall a brief glance, he had indeed stood in these halls years before, "Indeed though it was mostly the Imperial Army that took Mog Bhelnom, I fought your father in the plains outside the city."
That had been a bloody battle, if he closed his eyes he was sure he would remember specifics of the battle, cannons and muskets firing, swords clashing. Naozumi had personally clashed with Aeron briefly in that battle before circumstances had forced them to break off. He glanced at the young prince's wife and offered her a friendly smile.
"I am honored to meet you, Princess Sofira, I wish you and your husband both good health and life for many years to come." he took a sip of his wine and steadfastly resisted the brief urge to mention the latest arrival to his court. He had not had much interaction with Glendora Sefti but he would admit he had dreaded the day she arrived in Kegsou, another point of contention between Ikegami and the Commonwealth should her presence become public.
"Still, as much as we fought I harbor no ill will towards your father. I did what I believed to be my duty as did he." |
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Post by cerdigon on Apr 24, 2016 0:11:28 GMT
'' The Battle of Beg Gurheim Plains, yes. '' If his history books were anything to remember, King Aeron had left Mog Bhenholm after it had been virtually destroyed in vicious house to house fighting between the Commonwealth and Imperial Armies. Ikagami Naozumi had caught up to Aeron on his retreat and the rest as they say was history. The Commonwealth never went on the offensive for the rest of the war, determined to hold its shrinking borders as it was invaded from all sides. His father had called it trading space for time, though that strategy had cost the Commonwealth's its foothold in the Mog Bhenholm region.
'' I can only imagine what it must've been like. '' Prince Rhys had never been in a pitched battle himself. Yes, he had studied wars at the finest military academies and been tutored by respected Generals but his experience had its limits. The closest the Prince had come to combat had been on the frontier driving off Sierican raiders.
'' Still, if the brief war in Siercia has shown us anything it is that we can cooperate when our interests align. The destruction of Tanglemane's petty fiefdom I believe will bring a great deal of regional stability for our countries. ''
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Post by Vaklu on Apr 25, 2016 3:37:25 GMT
The Jarl of the Jotun and his entourage would arrive well into the festivities. Tholarg had brought his son and nephew. His Huscarls carried great casks of mead and barrels of fish to contribute to the feast. All their weapons peace bonded for the length of their visit. For the Kezur the Jarl brought two gifts. One Huscarl brought forth a great tome, a history of the Jotun that spanned from the time before Eshara until the Imperial conquest. The next carried a great iron bound shield, the great planks made of a driftwood that felt like stone at the touch.
The Jarl spoke as they were presented. "Most esteemed cousin I understand that your people seek knowledge in all it's forms so I offer you our histories so you might know my people better. Also as any friend and ally should I offer you this shield to keep you safe as a friends should. It came from the sea as did the Jotun, may it keep you well regardless of what comes."
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