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Post by saoshyant on Oct 20, 2014 21:51:12 GMT
"Well I would be delighted to dine with you Vizier, plus I better meet this architect before she starts tearing down centuries old Hessnyan buildings and putting up something that actually keeps the rain out" Casomir chuckled before rising from his seat, somewhat impressed by her previous position as secretary of Architecture, whom he didn't know even existed.
He looked over his retinue and realised that he hadn't brought a scribe with him into the palace proper, so in improvisation tried to remember which ones of his bodyguards could read and write.
"Sir Joltsikk, give your gauntlets to Lambaird and go write up the treaties of partnership with the scribes here" Casomir turned to one of the Teeth who immediately removed the plate gauntlets and went to fetch a quill and ink.
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Kingdom of Hessnya accepts the terms of the offers from the Grand Survaek Empire.
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Post by aspenivan on Nov 21, 2014 0:22:30 GMT
It was a clear summer day when the General assigned to the Wyvern's Landing garrison finally arrived with his caravan of troops and supplies. The procession was visible and audible from over a mile away: Pikes, musket-barrels, cuirasses, and helmets with mail headdresses in long orderly columns, glittering in the mid-summer sun. Flag after flag of maroon and gold fluttered in the air. At the forefront trotted the general and his one-hundred knight-retainers, all covered in fine ceremonial scale armor lined with gold. The general himself was distinguished by a golden face mask, as opposed to the knights' steel ones, with an aventail made of scales.  The arrival had been announced prior, of course, via herald. So upon entering the city, the grand column was prepared for crowds and fanfare. Hundreds of the soldiers were carrying musical instruments, while the rest prepared proud lyrics ready to break loose from their lips. A lone cry lifted up from the mass of Surv-Akur troops: " One! Two! Three!" So the new Wyvern's Landing Garrison, two-thousand strong, sang and played in unison as they marched through the streets of the city on their way to the Imperial District of Beachquarter. Those carrying flags and standards wove them with renewed vigor, while keeping in beat with the march. Meanwhile, the general and his guards kept their eyes open for King Casomir II's banner: Once they spotted it, they would break from the main group for an arranged meeting, letting lower officers take care of managing the ceremony. |
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Post by saoshyant on Nov 23, 2014 23:41:20 GMT
As Casomir stood, he could feel the precisely coordinated march of the new garrison through the cobblestone and up his legs, his heart beat along with the drums privately beneath his linen shirt and steel breastplate. The crown of his nation sat on his head heavily, his hair protecting his skin and skull like straw on the floor of a peasant's hovel. The salt of the sea lingered in the air despite their distance from Vek harbor, perhaps the imperials had brought the smell with them? Casomir didn't spend enough time in Wyvern's Landing to make an accurate judgment.
The King of the Hessnyans stood with the highest of his people, divided away from the commoners by the local Hessnyan garrison. Of those closest included the Lord Premier, Volkyn Strekiir, in a brigandine coloured in light blue of his mother's family. Between the King and the Lord Premier stood Alsys Strekiir, who wore an orange tight waisted gown with white and gold lace along the edges to match the white narrow cloth she had wrapped around her eyes and tied at the back of her head but hidden under her dark hair.
"The general is coming towards us now with his knights, all of them have a face mask over their actual faces. More for show rather than protect their faces, along with all their armour which is lots of little circles of steel..." Casomir explained to the blind lady who stood beside him, who turned her head towards him a little. "I'm blind your majesty, not stupid" Alsys said with a sharp yet soft tone that struck the king's mind rather than his pride.
"... Sorry" Casomir tried to whisper with the tremendous thuds and clacks of horseshoes on stone echoing between the buildings. A quick grin however flicked across Alsys' face before the general of the Imperial garrison finished following the path cut through the crowd towards the king and his noble representatives of the city.
The royal banner of a blue, crowned hawk surrounded by sharp canine teeth pointing outwards on a background of orange, flickered now and then in a gust of sea wind as the general and his retinue dismounted from their horses and let their troops continue on to Beachquarter without their commander.
"Welcome gentlemen to Hessnya, I hope the ocean was kind to you as you crossed?" Casomir the second shouted to the general and his knight's prepared to repeat himself what with the noise of the marching band and the crowds.
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Post by aspenivan on Nov 24, 2014 22:18:32 GMT
The Surv-Akur General, upon reaching the end of his guided path, promptly dismounted and lifted his visor-mask. His face, now revealed, was round but hard, young but weathered. He had the very dark skin and eyes of his father, the Vizier of the North.
"General Ishui Jaou, at the service of your royal Highness," he greeted, bending down on one knee and bowing as deeply as his armor would allow. "It is a great honor to finally meet you, Casomir the Second, King of the Hessnyans and Lord of Kier's Climb. And an honor to encounter your Excellency as well, Volkyn Strekiir, Lord Premier of Wyvern's Landing. And might I have the distinct blessing of knowing your name and rank, milady?"
The commander looked up to offer a smile to the older woman, but remained kneeling and bowing all the while.
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Post by saoshyant on Nov 29, 2014 10:43:47 GMT
"I am Lady Alsys Strekiir of Wyvern's Landing, I am his excellency's sister" Alsys said to the Surv-Akur General, oblivious to his smile. Casomir was inclined to like the general, he seemed humbled for the son of the Vizier of the North. The King wondered how many of the Vizier's family were members of the Grand Imperial bureaucracy and Surv-Akur.
"I hope you find the garrison to your liking General, I planned out most of the designs myself, I'm particularly proud of the gatehouse" King Casomir informed the General as the man stopped bowing.
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Post by aspenivan on Dec 14, 2014 21:33:31 GMT
"It is a fine piece of work indeed," affirmed Jaou as he stood back up. "A grand but sturdy gatehouse, for a grand but sturdy barracks. Befitting to your honorable reputation, your noble highness." It was not mere pleasantry; the general knew a proper garrison-building when he saw one, and this was just such a specimen. His soldiers would fit right in, as long as the population was happy to receive them. Hopefully the music and fanfare would help on that front.
"Good and noble King, I have not come before you for introductions alone. I also bring word from my father the Vizier, as well as from the his Majesty the Emperor himself. The Sword of Aed has commanded me to bear the following decree: that in light of the growing threat posed by the Wasteland Orcs and the proven honor of his Majesty's vassal King Casomir the Second, that the Imperial District of Wyvern's Landing be expanded for an Imperial Castle, bolstered with troops from the South as a base of operations for future campaigns. According to the pact you came to with his Excellency the Vizier, if you are to approve, the Empire would provide half the cost in gold.
"As for the Vizier's proposal, he has described it as an historic opportunity. After eagerly studying the history of Hessnya and becoming familiar with many local military orders tragically lost over the course of the Conquest, he proposes to renew the greatest of these, the Winged Hussars, under Imperial patronage. They would be known hereafter as them Imperial Northern Husaria: An all-northerner force of elite cavalry trained and armed in New Byrnis, responding to their lieges in times of external peace but to the Empire in times of war. Such a force, of course, would need a Grand Marshal, and the Vizier has nominated you for the position. If you would refuse the honor, he insists that since we would draw from Hessnyan traditions, you select a fellow Hessnyan of proper martial virtue and honor in your stead."
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Post by saoshyant on Dec 17, 2014 23:00:44 GMT
Casomir listened intently to the son of the Vizier, he heard the general compliment him on his work and talk about expansion to the Imperial district. The King of the Hessnyans glanced towards the Lord Premier who's eyes darted to his for a second.
"Well, the people of Wyvern's Landing will need time to... acclimatise to the presence of an Imperial garrison, let alone a castle" Volkyn addressed the General with an open hand gently waved for gentle emphasis of his point.
"Wyvern's Landing is also quite far from the Orc Wastelands, maybe from a tactical standpoint a fort closer to there might better suit further development" Casomir took over from the Lord Premier's point he was making about the relayed decree from the Vizier.
"I am however deeply honored by the Vizier's nomination to the position of Grand Marshal to the newest incarnate of the Winged Hussars" Casomir informed the southerner. It was understandable, especially after the Vaekirate announced the creation of their own holy order, much to the disdain of Hessnyans regardless of their social position.
"I do however, make a poor horseman... Have you however heard of my cousins exploits at the tourney we've had recently here in the North?" Casomir asked the General with a flick of a smile.
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Post by aspenivan on Dec 18, 2014 4:51:49 GMT
Not exactly the ideal responses Jaou had expected, but certainly ones he could work with.
"In the matter of the Imperial Castle, the strategic logic behind the expansion would be improve the logistical situation in the vicinity of New Byrnis. The Council of Viziers in the Imperial Court has deemed it a liability that our supply and reinforcement networks rely so heavily on the Northern Capital alone. Being able to rely on the city of a loyal vassal in the same region would add a second heart to our system of forts and garrisons, and thereby more lifeblood to our solemn duty as servants of the Sword. It is in regards to this long-term concern, and not to the immediate threat of the wastelanders, that the Emperor has issued his decree.
"As for your cousin...I believe I heard of his victory in the jousting event at the Grand Tournament of the North. He has garnered a reputation as a master knight. His name is...Alphared Velhosh, no? He would be more than welcome in the Imperial Northern Husaria. However, if I am not mistaken, there is no record to suggest that he has special merit as a commander. Whereas your skill as a general is well-known and attested to. While martial prowess is always appreciated, the position of Grand Marshal calls for mastery in the arts of strategy and tactics.
"If you are concerned that your duties as Grand Marshal would keep you from attending to your duties as King, I must reassure you that the position does not demand your absence from Kier's Climb except in times of external war. Save that the Vizier would that you spend a season in New Byrnis in order to receive training and additional equipment for yourself and your honor guard. The Husaria will be working with a new model of lance and with pistols as well, with black powder provided at no cost, of course. In fact, were you to accept the position of Grand Marshal, I am sure the Vizier could see to the provision of powder for more than the hussars. Enough for ten regiments of your own soldiers, with no ties of their own to the Husaria necessary."
Were he a typical Survaekom politician, the general might have offered a wry smile. Instead, he spoke each word deliberately and earnestly, visage unflinchingly attentive and serious.
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Post by saoshyant on Dec 29, 2014 16:18:41 GMT
"Well then, perhaps we come to a deal then, General" Casomir saw an opportunity present itself in his mind.
"I will gladly be the Husaria's Grand Master and would be happy to convince Alphred to join in as well. Though in exchange I would ask that you not build a castle here in Wyvern's Landing" The King of the Hessnyans told the Imperial general, quick glances from the Lord Premier between the King and the General hinted at a slight spike in tension perhaps.
"I have been more than reasonable with the Vizier in our past meetings, he knows my commitment and loyalty to the emperor and his wishes. plus I hear that the Vaekirate has started their own order and the emperor is keen to get a leg up on them" Casomir told the son of the Vizier.
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Post by aspenivan on Dec 30, 2014 23:41:14 GMT
General Ishui Jaou was at an impasse in his own mind. In retrospect, he thought, his father really ought to have sent a trained diplomat for this mission. Jaou didn't know what to make of Casomir using the Marshalship offer as leverage against the castle construction. On the one hand, he knew both the Vizier and the Emperor had high hopes for the Imperial Northern Husaria, and the question of whether the King of Hessnya (as well as the famed Sir Velhosh) would join could make or break their project. On the other hand, the request for constructing a castle had come directly from the Emperor and might be the difference between victory and defeat if New Byrnis ever came under enemy military pressure. But then again, he had every reason to trust King Casomir II's understanding of his own people, and the General certainly didn't want to provoke the very people he was assigned to defend.
"I am inclined to accept this arrangement," he explained to the King, "and I would were I my father. But I am here before you as a servant with a mission. So I must at least make my best effort to convince you." He smiled knowingly at the Hessnyans, hoping they would understand his own good intentions. "I can see the danger of increasing the scale and grandeur of Southern Survaekom presence in your city so soon after the first garrison has arrived. But there is perhaps a way to alleviate it: What if your own House's grandeur were to increase in the same proportion? I am sure his Excellency the Vizier would be happy to fund some projects in Wyvern's Landing and Kier's Climb for the good of Hessnyan pride. Perhaps a monument to your dynasty in the capital, and improvements to the walls and palace of your manor.
"Furthermore, I could arrange for the garrison not increase, apart from the increased logistical activity, until six months (2 Turns) after the castle is finished. And if you provide the stone, I could even ensure that the full cost in gold of the new construction is borne by the Empire. Would this be sufficient to convince you to accept both a position as Marshal of the Imperial Northern Husaria and the expansion of the imperial district?"
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Post by saoshyant on Jan 8, 2015 2:23:57 GMT
After listening to the general, Casomir looked away for a few moments, a blank stare into the crowds that scrambled in the streets to match a sight to the sounds of the instruments they heard. Then with a quick relocation of eye contact with the General and an even quicker smile, Casomir responded to the general.
"Okay then, you have your Marshal of your order and you will have your castle..." The King of the Hessnyans moved a little closer to the General, a movement that would of been intimidating if not for the smile whipped across his face.
"Though if you're going to build a castle in my city, with my stone, then I would very much like to design it myself and have if paid for fully by the Imperial treasury. additionally, I'd rather not have the monument, I will write a letter to your father of what Hessnya requires in return, along with a commendation on your behaviour and humility" the King smile glided into a grin as he put his hand out for the armoured southerner to shake.
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Post by aspenivan on Jan 8, 2015 4:35:22 GMT
The Surv-Akur General allowed a smile of relief to stretch across his face with a soft exhale.
"Of course, your design with full Imperial funding," he agreed to King Casomir's first request. With the recent increase in tax revenues, his father would surely have enough funds available.
As the King finished, Ishui Jaou beamed. "I am honored, your Highness," he replied confidently with a short bow of his head. "I am certain that the Vizier of the North will heed your requests, wise servant of the Sword that he is. Now, I best rejoin my ranks for the moment, but I hope to see you at the inaugural feast tonight at the garrison. My deepest thanks for your audience, your Highness King Casomir the Second."
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Post by saoshyant on Jan 12, 2015 20:05:12 GMT
To the Grand Vizier, Ishui Seldu
When this letter reaches you your excellency, I hope you are in good spirits and good health. You have probably already been informed that your son and I have discussed our arrangement and you probably have been informed of our conclusion.
In exchange for my new service as Grandmaster of the Imperial Northern Husaria and for providing both permission and the stone for the construction of an imperial castle in Wyvern's Landing, I have a few requests.
The first being that I require the services of an Explorer and a team of surveyors for a year, preferably a northern who can stand the cold. The second being that Hessnya is in need for an expansion of it's military capability in an ever militarised and unstable North. I therefore requisite access to the saltpeter mine to the close north of my country's border along with half of the production it produces.
Lastly I request that after I have completed my courses and inauguration as Grandmaster, that I would like imperial funding towards a suitable location and construction of a headquarters and base of operations for the order outside of New Byrnis along with details on my powers and permissions I have as part of my position.
Sincerely
Casomir the Second,
King of the Hessnyans, Lord of Kier's Climb and the Hessnyan Hills.
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Post by aspenivan on Jan 13, 2015 1:38:04 GMT
To Casomir the Second, King of the Hessnyans, Lord of Kier's Climb and the Hessnyan Hills.
Your virtues and nobles acts are recounted across the North, from the Eastern Islands to the Western Shores. Thanks be to Aed, my health and spirits survive another year. I pray the same is true for your Highness.
Your first and second requests are granted, provided that you bolster the defense of the saltpeter mine with an outpost of your own, as a sign of mutual interest and cooperation. Your third request is granted under certain conditions. The headquarters in question must be an Imperial Crown holding, as the Northern Husaria is a branch of the Imperial Army. Given Hessnya's central location among the Northern kingdoms, I propose the Imperial Castle, once completed, serve this purpose. I have been told that you will oversee the design and construction of the building, which is ever-more appropriate for the proposed function.
Blessings and good tidings in the name of Aed,
Ishui Seldu, Vizier of the North for his Majesty Vokoryn II Khaitis: Sword of Aed, Grand Survaek Emperor, King of the Khaitis and the Raethonites, Supreme Lord of Byrnis and Kafu, Arch-Chief of the Southern Tribes, and Master of the North.
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Post by saoshyant on Apr 25, 2015 10:23:35 GMT
King Casomir rode to the edge of the great Grey river, that divided New Brynis from Hessnya. He'd dared not leave the kingdom, for Casomir's army was waiting and New Brynis was full of spies and knives in it's darkness. Casomir rode in with the cavalry of the Northern Husaria, who were waiting with their grandmaster to see the resolution of the talks between the new vizier and their commander.
A messenger had been sent to the New Brynis to tell the Vizier that Casomir was waiting for her.
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