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Post by cerdigon on Jun 4, 2017 14:30:13 GMT
Voltheim. The city stretched out before him like a cancerous growth, the bustling port bringing goods and slaves from all four corners of the world to its crowded markets. For Lord Howell, His Majesties Envoy to the court of the High Jarl, it was the place he had called home for the last decade. The Jotun had a long and complicated history with Emperor Aeron, as did most of the North. The two had fought an inconclusive war during the Commonwealths rebellion from Southern Empire but independence found their interests aligning. Aeron had always walked a fine line of respecting the Jarldom's independence and supporting the Jotun colonization of the Far North. After all, more Jotun colonists meant less Jotun corsairs to plunder shipping and make trouble along the Empire's coasts.
" It is no easy thing you ask. " Howell said, turning from his perch at the window to glower at the man in the corner.
" The Emperor is aware but he trusts in your powers of persuasion. " The lilt of a Berrandan accent coloring his words. He wore the pin of a galloping horse, a member of the Imperial Courier Service. Yet another organ of the state that doubled as the Emperor's spies. Nearly two centuries of scheming had made Aeron few friends in the North but it had made him one of its most powerful monarchs.
" I shall arrange an audience with the High Jarl and present the Emperor's concerns...and requests. "
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Post by Vaklu on Jun 4, 2017 15:05:24 GMT
High Jarl Vali Wavestrider was often dressed more closely to a ship's captain than royalty. Though compared to the expectations of the rest of the north all Jotun rulers were much the same. He would meet Lord Howell in one the gardens of his palace. The lilacs gave sweet scent to the air as the High Jarl lounged on a stone bench beneath a grim statue commemorating one of his long dead Ancestors.
"What business has brought you here today Lord Howell?" Even when he spoke softly Wavestrider's voice had to qualities of someone giving orders on the deck of a ship. "It's been almost a decade since such a request, what has changed?"
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Post by cerdigon on Jun 4, 2017 15:36:27 GMT
" The North is changing, Your Majesty. " Howell said with a bow, remaining infuriatingly vague as possible. " New threats are on the horizon, the Empire had enjoyed nearly fifty years of peace but I fear that soon could be threatened. " The career diplomat paused to gauge his audience.
" Emperor Aeron wishes to renew our alliance with the Clans, as was done in your grandfathers time. He also wishes to express his concern over Union ambitions for Jotun's control of the Velnir River. The Emperor has no wish for a pagan nation that questions the legitimacy of the Holy Empire of Eshara to have unfettered access to the sea. If the Union could gain full control of the river, it opens up the possibility of them spreading their pagan poison to the East or West. As such, ensuring control by the Jotun is considered a priority. "
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Post by Vaklu on Jun 4, 2017 16:53:08 GMT
"We also consider the Union a concern, but their religion is not what gives us pause. They've been expanding rather aggressively for the last few decades. We will not allow Conna be next. Jarl Falstag already plans to fortify the region but the river is not our most pressing issue."
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Post by cerdigon on Jun 4, 2017 18:05:10 GMT
" Then what may I ask is, Your Grace? I'm not a military man but it seems to me that the River is the critical point of control in the province and would be behind any Union attack in the area. " He said keeping his voice calm and measured. " Boosting your troop presence seems the best way to deter an attack and the Emperor is prepared to help, if you require. "
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Post by Vaklu on Jun 15, 2017 10:30:41 GMT
"What form would this help take lord Howell? And what would Aeron expect in return I wonder?" The High Jarl stretched slightly. "A river fort has been proposed by a number of thanes, but is considered to costly in supplies and treasure at this time."
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Post by cerdigon on Jun 22, 2017 21:55:55 GMT
'' The Emperor is aware of the costs in material and coin. He would cover the cost of the supply himself and a portion of the funds. In exchange, we would request the right for military access throgu Jotun territory and to prevent the Union of Haiho-Ausvinthus from using the river to access the sea. As you may know, the so called Holy Union has an abject hatred for our religion and its representatives have stated time and time again a wish to see it stamped out. As both of our nations are former members of the Holy League, I trust we can agree that the protection of our Faith must be carried out to the utmost extreme? By denying the Union trade rights, we also prevent them from exporting their heretical filth to the New World. ''
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Post by Vaklu on Jul 8, 2017 14:32:04 GMT
"But the jotun will man the fort, yes? I will agree to barring Union warships passage and allowing your warships to dock and supply there, but barring trade is foolish. We will be seen as bullies and rally other more moderate states to their side not to mention other pagans." Vali ran a hand through his beard. "Besides there is juicier fruit to pluck is there not?"
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Post by cerdigon on Jul 8, 2017 14:42:32 GMT
'' Emperor Aeron cares not who mans the fort, as long as Union warships and trade are blocked if a war breaks out between the Empire and these pretenders. '' A war which was very likely. '' In exchange, in addition to helping you fund the fort, we are willing to open our own markets to the Jarldom with a trade agreement. '' Blocking Union trade during any war was a sticking point that Howell wasn't about to budge. After all, it was money that fueled wars and drying up all sources however small would be key to victory.
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Post by Vaklu on Jul 8, 2017 14:46:00 GMT
Vali continued to run his fingers through his beard thoughtfully. "Very well if war breaks out we will block trade ships, but until then they may pass. Is this acceptable?"
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Post by cerdigon on Jul 8, 2017 14:50:12 GMT
'' We do. '' Howell said reluctantly. It hadn't been a complete victory but no negotiation ever was. '' When do you plan to break ground on the construction? Financially, the Empire is committed to other projects but during the Winter season we could begin the process. And on trade? Do the barristers have permission to begin their negotiations? '' Howell always traveled with a small horde of bureaucrats, court flunkies, and lawyers for these sorts of things. Sometimes they were useful.
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Post by Vaklu on Jul 8, 2017 14:53:02 GMT
"We can begin construction next spring. As to the bean counters, let them have their fun."
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Post by cerdigon on Sept 1, 2017 0:34:38 GMT
To His Highness High Jarl Vali Wavestrider,
I was reluctant to call on your aid before in subduing this cruel rebellion. Yet the Loo Can Tee have shown their true colors and treachery with their invasion. In light of this, I would ask the Jarl to unleash his navy on the Loo-Can-Tee, to crush the goblin menace as once before in Imperial Times. As brothers in Aed and now assailed by pagans to the North and the treacherous New Byrnian plotters to the South, I need the aid of the Jotun. Once I called on your kinsmen Thorlag and Gudrik, they answered the call. I can only hope that in my hour of need you will do the same. As a reward for your efforts, in addition to the loot from Lucente, I will pay the Jotun twenty thousand jiien at the conclusion of the conflict.
Your Brother in Arms & Aed,
Emperor Aeron Sefti
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Post by cerdigon on Nov 20, 2017 23:47:12 GMT
To His Highness High Jarl Vali Wavestrider,
As your fellow brother in Aed, I extend an offer to defend the province of Torben from the depredations of the Union. I am willing to send a sizable force to defend the province and allow you to focus on defeating the enemy in Conna. While I am unable to join you at this moment in the fight, the Commonwealth stands ready to extend loans of gold, food, and supplies to the Jarldom to stem the pagan hordes.
Faithfully Yours,
Rhodri Aeron Sefti
King of the Sefti Berrandan Commonwealth
August Duke of Berranda
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Post by Vaklu on Nov 22, 2017 18:52:40 GMT
To King Rhodri Aeron Sefti
Your offer of aid is greatly appreciated and accepted with the spirit in which it is given. I thank you, our brother in faith for this gesture isn the face of pagan aggression.
In Friendship,
Vali Wavestrider
High Jarl of the Jotun
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