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Post by aspenivan on Sept 24, 2014 22:10:38 GMT
A single rider, flying the flag of the Grand Survaek Empire upon a skyward-pointing lance, arrived before the primitive earthworks of Kier's Climb. She and her war-bull were sheathed in the characteristic plated mail of a Khaitis Knight, rows of steel rectangles woven into her robe of heavy metal ringlets. Her face was hidden by a traditional Khaitis facemask of gold, gleaming softly under the grey sky's muffled sunlight.
But almost as quickly as the impressive figure arrived, she left. She stayed only to hand a small scroll, bearing the royal seal of the Vizier of the North, to the nearest guard. Her only words were to bring the document to King Casomir the Second. It read,
To his Highness, the noble King Casomir the Second,
Greetings and blessings in the name of Aed. Tales of your good deeds in rulership are told far and wide. You are hereby invited to the Court of New Byrnis for a private audience on the morn of the last day of this Harvest season, that we may discuss opportunities to the wealth and glory of your House. His Majesty Emperor Vokoryn II, Aed bless his name, has taken an interest in the future of your fiefdom, and it is my honor to represent him.
Peace and prosperity to you and your people,
Signed: Vizier of the North Ishui Seldu
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Post by saoshyant on Sept 25, 2014 10:25:33 GMT
Lambadric had never seen a Khaitis knight before, he'd heard of the descriptions of their plate before, but the rumors and half hearted explanations from scornful veterans did not do the rider justice as he saw the banner and felt the shake of the ground beneath the war-bull's hooves. Lambadric had been somewhat fortunate to be stationed on the trail towards Keir's Climb when he rider came, he'd remember the blank face of gold bore into his very soul for all of his years when the rider's war beast did something akin to a trot but more conducted by an oxen of whatever breed it was.
For a royal guardsman, Lambadric felt more like common levy as he compared his own scale armour and helmet that he bore under his arm in a poor light after getting closer to the man or woman, Lambadric couldn't really distinguish any features from under the plate.
Lambadric listened as the words seemed to echo from within the plate mask and a message wrapped in the metal of the rider's gauntlet was passed down to him. Somewhat weary of the War-bull lashing out at him for getting to close, Lambadric noted the seal on the parchment as that of the Vizier of the North and before he offered to escort the rider into the manor's courtyard did he feel the bulls hooves pound the ground and the rider go back down the trail from which they had just come from.
The guardsman stood dumbfounded for a moment, before giving a brisk jog up the slope a few yards before going into Keir's climb proper.
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The King of Hessnya read the message from the Vizier of the North as he stood in front of his throne. Casomir beamed with pride and smiled at the guardsman who's looked as though his armour was giving him cause to sweat already. The mention of the Emperor, perhaps himself or maybe his personal secretary, having 'taken an interest' made him seem somewhat humbled and yet also proud. Hessnya was not known for it's splendor or it's worldly possessions, so why the High Emperor took an interest in him and his country seemed both uplifting and also daunting.
"Lambadric, take a few other guardsmen with you down to Prystrol and fetch horses and stock and supplies for the journey, I am to meet with the Vizier of the North in New Brynis on..." Casomir paused to read the details of the message again, his mind caught up about the part of the message about the emperor taking an interest.
"The last morn of this Harvest season, can you do that?" King Casomir finally finished and the guardsman obliged his liege and left the longhall in not so much a haste as he had when he came in.
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It has been four days since the royal caravan of his highness King Casomir the second left Razor point and crossed the mouth of the Grey river into what had been the empire of Eshara and was now within yards of the proud and strong walls of New Byrnis. Casomir felt it best on this day of the trip to wear the helmet of Hessnyan kings, which had a golden pattern of the crown he had left back at Keir's Climb along its upper half. Casomir wore the same surcoat of orange as did the rest of the guardsmen who rode with him, some had more armour on than others, though Casomir felt it best that he just have his helmet and padding underneath the orange of his country.
The last time Casomir had rode over the drawbridge and under the thick stone gatehouse of New Byrnis, he must of been four years old. His mother informed him when he was older that the emperor had been present for a while, not long after the conquest had mostly been completed and apparently his father was one of a numerous number of kings and rulers to bend the knee there.
Casomir couldn't remember it though, nor did he feel any familiarity to the streets and buildings he rode past as the king and his men progressed towards the court of the Vizier. The King had his men wait a few days in Razor point, to not risk being too early to arrive at the court and become more a hindrance than a guest. Especially as how the inner excitement of being summoned by the emperor's representative himself died down and apprehension clung to his mind with more nails everyday they drew closer.
It wasn't long before they had rode through two districts of New Byrnis before reaching the immense court of the Vizier, partly due to local town watch helped clear curious crowds from blocking their way. After their horses had been taken into the great stables of the vizier that brought the embarrassment of Keir's Climb's lack of one to him finally, King Casomir and a half dozen of his guardsmen entered though the doors of the palace and onto fine carpets, between walls filled with colour and paintings in various styles, some of which Casomir couldn't recognise. Servants that had shown them in also led them through the array of corridors and rooms towards the main hall, where Casomir presumed the Vizier would be.
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Post by aspenivan on Oct 1, 2014 20:19:50 GMT
Compared to the hallways leading up to it, filled with tapestries and ornaments, the Great Hall (which also served as Throne Room) was large but quite plain. Though poured in majestically from openings in the dome high above, the room itself was nothing but red marble and a few perfunctory decorations: The Vizier's "throne," Imperial Survaekom banners draped above, and a single huge silver chandelier - currently unlit. For the current occasion, a table and two chairs had been placed in the spacious court's center. The Hessnyans' host and two steel-encased guards stood by one end.
"Aedadil, noble friends," he began warmly with the traditional Survaekom greeting, wishing peace and blessings in the name of Aed. He bowed. "I am Vizier of the North Ishui Seldu, servant and messenger of his Majesty Emperor Vokoryn II, Aed bless his name. Though I know your names already, I would be distinctly pleased and honored to receive your greetings and introductions."
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Post by saoshyant on Oct 1, 2014 22:18:32 GMT
Casomir had removed his helmet and held the ancestral helmet under his arm as he walked the halls and entered the Great hall come Throne room. Thus the king could look up and around and enjoy the majestic sight of the banners and somewhat sparse display of decoration, to see the detailed architectural design of the dome, something the king, a student himself of architecture, could not help but marvel at. Casomir listened patiently to the Vizier as he greeted the Hessnyans to his hall.
"Greetings Vizier of the North" Casomir bowed after the Vizier had finished and made the request to the Hessnyans.
"I am King Casomir the Second of the Holsh, Lord of Keir's Climb and the Hessnyan Hills. The man that accompany here today are the 'King's Teeth' my personal guard" Casomir informed the emperor's supreme representative in the North.
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Post by aspenivan on Oct 3, 2014 14:31:17 GMT
"It is a pleasure to meet you," Seldu replied with a second, shorter bow. "Please sit, esteemed guest." Only once King Casomir was seated would the Vizier do so as well, as was proper custom among Byrnians.
"You are no doubt wondering about the letter sent to summon you here, citing the interest of his Majesty in the matters of your realm." As he spoke, a servant in white robes arrived, serving tea and fresh oranges to the Vizier and the King. Ishui Seldu took a sip from his cup as a sign of trust, but then left the hot tea to cool. It would take a few minutes for it to reach the perfect temperature. "To begin, his Majesty has taken note that your people are not much different than our own. Your dynasty was not founded upon myths of caste, but rather strength through unity. This was the principle of our own Empire, when the Prophet-Emperor declared the Survaek, 'the union of peoples.' Or 'of nations,' depending on the translation you prefer. His title at the time was not 'Emperor' but Survaekom, 'embodiment of the union of peoples.' Only long after his death would we use the term to describe all of us subjects of the Empire, and call our Emperor by his present title.
"But that is not the only reason his Majesty has turned his welcome gaze to the proud kingdom of Hessnya. The union of peoples has grown more varied than ever, and it does not take a pessimist to question whether each vassal-king is as loyal or benevolent as the next. Not to mention that no matter the Magnificence and Prosperity Survaek brings, nor the Wisdom and Truth of Aedak, we both understand the harsh reality that we humans will never quite be trusted by the other races. Or at least not in the near future, anyhow." Of course, the Vizier of the North was no enemy to elves or sylphs or orcs, or even giants. He could speak and read in many of their languages, and he admired many of his nonhuman subjects. He just knew that if things got heated, their resentment of humans might trump any friendships he had.
"The Grand Survaek Emperor needs vassals he can trust and depend on in the North, and he has good reason to think you, King Casomir II, are a prime candidate. Would you not agree?" Ishui Seldu smiled warmly, finally taking a proper drink from his teacup.
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Post by saoshyant on Oct 3, 2014 18:23:13 GMT
Casomir took the seat offered to him by the highest imperial authority in the North, he couldn't feel the pillow's comfort on his arse with the padding and chainmail he wore but he still managed to find comfort in the seat as he listened to the Vizier. The king removed his riding gloves, placing the leather duo on his knee before taking the cup and gently blowing on the mixture before taking a sip, just like his grandmother had taught him. It was a beverage that had yet to grace Hessnya beyond Wyvern's Landing before the conquests, yet was eagerly taken up by the nobility under the occupation and later vassalage. His grandmother throughly enjoyed the stuff and often said it was the best thing to come out of the invasion.
King Casomir listened patiently to the Vizier, he wasn't sure if Keir the uniter was on the same level as the Prophet-Emperor Rhaegar, yet he was humbled by the comparison of his ancestor to that of the Emperor's. The point Seldu made on non humans though was something Casomir could agree on. The Holsh were victims of aggression from elves before Keir united the Hessnyans and many kings of Hessnya had titles that reflected age old conflicts and hatreds.
As the Vizier asked his opinion on the what the Emperor required from him as a vassal of the north, Casomir felt that he should be honest with the man.
"With all due respect, I am not the only fellow human vassal in the North, there is Juturna or yourself here in New Byrnis, why would the Emperor choose me and my people?" Casomir asked, before quickly trying to not seem ungrateful or offend the Vizier or their mutual superior.
"Don't judge me wrongly Vizier, I would gladly support the Emperor and take up arms in his name..." Casomir could hear his father rolling in his grave as he said that.
"...I'm just a little confused as to why the Emperor would ask this of me when he could already expect this of me?" Casomir finished before he enjoyed more of the tea.
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Post by aspenivan on Oct 3, 2014 18:57:43 GMT
Ishui Seldu was a little surprised by the King's line of questioning, but he appreciated the man's honesty. The Vizier decided to reciprocate.
"Allow me to be frank, honorable King. It is no secret that not every vassal is as loyal as they claim. Many, if not most, pay tribute and pledge fealty for practicality or out of fear, with no thought of duty or honor. The Juturnans are humans indeed, and you should know that the Emperor has also extended his special attention to them via an arrangement for new fortifications and docks in the area. But the Crowned Republic is heir to a much larger legacy, a veritable Merchant Empire that Emperor Yvor in his wisdom could not allow to stand as it was. Though the current Queen seems loyal and dutiful enough, there is no reason to believe her heirs will not have ambitions as great as their ancestors'.
"But Hessnya is a different case. Though its old borders were drawn back for administrative purposes, his late Majesty the Reformer ensured that it remained essentially the same realm in geography, name, and extent as before." Of course, the war had taken its toll nonetheless, and the current kingdom certainly commanded fewer large towns and castles than before because of the destruction. But that was not the Vizier's point. "You, noble King, may have dreams for greatness, but you have no reason to let them interfere with your sense of honor and chivalry as a vassal. No revanchist claims to old glory, no ancestral titles or fiefs you do not already have, and -as we have mentioned- no resentment of human leadership.
"To put it briefly and bluntly, in my capacity as Vizier of the North, I see you, King Casomir the Second, as the only monarch in this land I can entirely trust not to show up unannounced one day at the gates of New Byrnis with an army at his back. And the Emperor, in his wisdom and foresight, agrees. So do not take this as a mere reaffirmation of vows you already keep. His Majesty Vokoryn II has so much more in mind for our mutual prosperity. His first instruction to me, in fact, was to ask you how the his Majesty could be of better assistance to you and your people."
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Post by saoshyant on Oct 4, 2014 22:39:30 GMT
Casomir was grateful for the Vizier's honesty, he wasn't sure however if this honesty had an ulterior motive. This feeling had only exacerbated as the Vizier finished and explained what the Emperor had instructed him to offer.
For a few seconds, he pondered the offer and the reasoning behind it, concealing such thoughts with an additional sip of tea. The Emperor had given the Vizier more than one instruction? Which was something of a concern for Casomir as to what exactly are the additional instructions. Right now though, what with an opportunity the emperor was giving him via Vizier, the King of Hessnya was quickly thinking of a means to improve Hessnya at the expense of it's Emperor.
"Well, if Hessnya is to be such an important vassal for the Survaekom in the North, perhaps the emperor could give permission to build a mail station in... uh the Beachquarter in Wyvern's Landing. It would be useful to know the goings on and news from our southern counterparts" Casomir started with the pair of requests that he was making of the imperial authority now that the Vizier was asking. "Perhaps the Emperor could also assist in helping build up Keir's Climb, which has fallen upon hard times after the Crimson order slighted it's fortifications and destroyed most of its buildings" Casomir finished, somewhat inspired by the architecture of New Byrnis to exercise his architectural muscles beyond palisades and bunkhouses.
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Post by aspenivan on Oct 10, 2014 4:51:44 GMT
"Of course," the Vizier concurred. "These requests are well within our means. We will send you a Secretary and proper staff as soon as the mail station is complete. As for aid in restoring the glory of Keir's Climb, I happen to know of a certain renowned New Byrnis architect who would be delighted to partner with you. Survaek would pay fees for her and her team up to a lease of one year, after which you would have to negotiate a price for her to stay. I could also arrange for a temporary exemption from tribute for your Crown, citing Hessnya's particular hardships in recovering from the long aftershocks of the Conquest.
"Would this be acceptable to you, noble King?" Ishui Seldu asked amicably. He had been hoping his tone and honesty would reassure Casomir II, but the Hessnyan king seemed to be getting only more uncomfortable. Hopefully, the terms of the offer would put him at ease. After all, this was supposed to be a friendly meeting.
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Post by saoshyant on Oct 10, 2014 23:03:46 GMT
Casomir felt himself relax more in his seat as his requests went down with much ease with the Vizier. Seldu's offers of the services of a New Byrnis architect and a temporary exemption from the crown's tribute was spoiling the him he thought as he smiled.
"I would be delighted to bring someone back to Kier's Climb who doesn't think wattle and daub is the perfect building material" the King of the Hessnyans chuckled before taking more of a sip from his tea.
"Although I would rather pay my tribute, it's not the first keep in Hessnya to be toppled and rebuilt again. Plus I wouldn't like being exempt from the same taxation that my fellow vassals are paying. As far as I'm aware the elves and the slyphs are still paying and their kicking the shit out of each other right now." Casomir was rather frank with the Vizier and somewhat regretted cursing in front of him. He felt it best to reposition the conversation back on the proper course.
"I do hope that this architect is from the same school of thought as I am, as much as I love Khaitis architecture, Hessnyan weather rather doesn't agree with camping" Casomir cracked another joke, perhaps repairing his earlier slip of a curse word in from of his Emperor's representative in the North.
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Post by aspenivan on Oct 12, 2014 19:58:35 GMT
If the Vizier of the North was off-put by the Hessnyan king's casual cursing, he did not show it. After all, as the eyes and ears (and mouth) of the Emperor in the North, Ishui Seldu would need a good working relationship with Casomir II. The man was lord of the lands facing the increasingly powerful Western Vassals, a buffer the Grand Empire could not afford to lose over a simple faux pas.
"I am sure you will find this architect suited to your preferences," Seldu affirmed with a knowing smile. "She is known for her adaptation of Khaitis and Byrnian designs to the Northern climate. And as for the tribute situation, you demonstrate great honor by insisting on paying full tax. I dare not begrudge you this sign of vassal loyalty."
Vizier Ishui cleared his throat. "Now, onto his Majesty's second instruction. I am sure you are aware that these are violent and uncertain times, with some kingdoms crumbling and others raising great armies raised in East and West. For the time being, the situation proceeds more or less within the framework of Imperial law. But there is no telling when bolder and more ambitious projects may throw the North into turmoil. His Majesty believes you, King Casomir II, and the Hessnyan people are the natural bastion of Order in such times. Not only because of your central location, but because of your proud history as defenders of honor and humanity.
"Just as we shall aid you in your projects to strengthen Keir's Climb, the Emperor would that you aid us in bolstering Wyvern's Landing. Specifically, his Majesty would like to explore the possibility of designating an Imperial Military District within the city, preferably Beachquarter. For all projects in this district -carried out at your convenience, of course-, we would require local stone from your quarries but would pay half of the gold cost. Naturally, this arrangement would not include the Imperial Mail Station, which we assume is to be built in the Wyverncliff district with your own funds. Your thoughts?"
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Post by saoshyant on Oct 13, 2014 20:41:46 GMT
Casomir listened closely as Ishui Seldu explained the emperor's reasoning for what he was asking of the king but also of Wyvern's Landing. It was a reassurance in a geopolitical sense for the King when the Vizier used words like honey and appealed to his ideals and patriotism, It was clear that a post-invasion North under the Emperor and Aed was no longer the golden age promised to defectors or converts in the early years of the conquest. Casomir was aware of the rapidly deteriorated situation in the East, however he was ignorant to the lands west of the Great Marsh. Had the Orcs bashed their heads together enough to come up with some sort of plot, or was the Queen of Juturna starting to become a bittersweet taste to the Empire?
"Well,Vizier, despite my own plans for Beachquarter, I would be more than ready to allow the Emperor's troops to be stationed there. The stone of my quarries can be yours, though I would like to know if by military district you mean a supply dump and armory or a garrison and keep?" Casomir asked the Vizier as he finished the last of his tea and smiled to Seldu in patience.
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Post by aspenivan on Oct 15, 2014 5:32:18 GMT
"The particular projects for the district would be the prerogative of his Majesty the Sword of Aed, or whichever Surv-Akur commander he assigns to the district," the Vizier clarified in the tone of an understanding mentor. "The only specifics I am aware of is that his Majesty would that we construct the infrastructure for a basic garrison there, with each of us providing half of the necessary coin as arranged. I suspect that the blessed Emperor has greater plans, likely including a naval base, shore battery, and keep."
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Post by saoshyant on Oct 16, 2014 9:32:53 GMT
"Right..." Casomir started, noting how the smuggler population of Wyvern's Landing would take a rather significant and historic drop with the construction of an imperial garrison and port. "Well then, I will provide my part of the bargain if the Emperor will provide his" Casomir accepted the offer relayed and explained by the Vizier, especially as it killed two birds with one stone for Hessnya.
The king of the Hessnyans wondered what the Vizier would want to relay of the Emperor's offers next, perhaps he had none left to give, or perhaps the Emperor had more in store for Hessnya.
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Post by aspenivan on Oct 18, 2014 6:03:22 GMT
"Excellent!" chimed the Byrnian with a nod. "It is a great pleasure to negotiate with so reasoned a sovereign as you, noble King Casomir II." Unlike most vassals Ishui Seldu had granted personal audience, this one seemed earnest and thoughtful. Not the type, like too many kings and queens, to try and squeeze the Vizier for undue favors or wear him down with petty complaints. "In fact, if you so wish, I would be delighted to host you for a noontime supper among the resident high officials of New Byrnis. It is not an excessively formal occasion, and thus the perfect setting for rational minds to discuss at leisure philosophy, theology, and the political-economic goings-on of the North. It would also allow you to meet the architect whose services I will be leasing on your behalf, who was once my Secretary of Architecture. "In any case, in the meantime, let us have our scribes attend to the treaties of partnership we have discussed." _____ Grand Survaek Empire offers to Kingdom of Hessnya: -- Allow activation of Imperial Mail Station in Wyvern's Landing (Wyverncliff district preferred) -- Lease Architect Retinue to Hessnya for one year (4 Turns) -- Hessnya will designate Beachquarter district as Imperial Military District, with the following conditions - Only Imperial buildings may be built here, and all buildings will be activated upon construction
- For all buildings in district, Empire and Hessnya will each pay 1/2 the gold cost, and Hessnya will pay the stone cost (Survaek will provide food slots, if necessary)
- All building projects in district must be negotiated between Empire and Hessnya, with the first being a Surv-Akur Garrison built within the next 2 turns
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