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Post by talis on Oct 13, 2014 16:27:19 GMT
Elder Ukhmar rode towards the lines of Cerdigon with some trepidation. His guard waved a white flag over their heads signalling their desire to parley, but one could never be entirely safe approaching an army at war.
Still, it was necessary. The Cerdigonians had captured many guns and Firetooth in the last engagement, and it would not sit well politically to let them languish in foreign prisons, volunteers or not. Some agreement had to be made. Besides, with Sefti in dire straits he suspected that his men would not be in service much longer. Chances are the volunteers would soon be heading home, unless the other Elders decided to join the war directly.
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Post by cerdigon on Oct 13, 2014 16:43:20 GMT
'' Blindfold him. '' The sentry muttered as the soldiers placed a black hood over the orc's face and lead him deeper into the Cerdigonian lines. When the hood was removed, the Elder would find himself before Prince Aeron sitting comfortably on a makeshift throne that was little more than a stool. He was surrounded by dozens of officers and courtiers, each pinning the Orc with deadly stares. Fingers rested on the hilts of blades as the Prince clapped his hands together like a little boy whom had discovered a new and interesting toy.
'' A Firetooth Orc. '' Aeron murmured.
'' Has the False Queen run out of proper Elve's to send against her son? '' Duke Agricola said with a cackle. The jest brought the customary titer of laughter but there was no mirth in the Prince's eyes. As the courtiers became silent with a raised hand from Aeron, the young Prince spoke once more.
'' Why are you here Elder? Your people have caused a great deal of bloodshed. Have you come to surrender and finally end this carnage? ''
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Post by talis on Oct 14, 2014 21:19:02 GMT
"Your men are quite suspicious, to treat honorable opponents as spies." Ukhmar grumbled. "Still, I congratulate you on your victory. You were good and honorable opponents and much glory was earned on both sides. I come on my own behalf to request the release of the Firetooth prisoners you currently hold. The war is over and our employment with the Sefti Queen has ended, and so holding them prisoner is no longer necessary."
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Post by cerdigon on Oct 14, 2014 21:33:55 GMT
'' Your kin are captured plunder, to the victor goes the spoils? Am I incorrect in this saying? Your men took up arms against me, the legitimate King of Sefti. I am owed a debt Elder Ukhmar, and I will have recompense for the losses I have sustained and for the war that you were only too happy to help drag out. '' Aeron replied, locking eyes with the Orc. '' But I am not unreasonable. While I could easily give them over to the likes of the Jotun for quite a sum, I will release them into your custody for two thousand jien (2 Gold). ''
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Post by talis on Oct 14, 2014 22:11:01 GMT
"We fought as mercenaries in a conflict at arms." Ukhmar countered. "There was honor gained and we do not begrudge you your victory, not do we hold our dead against you." Not entirely true, but close enough. The Firetooth were no strangers to biter feuds, but in this instance they had all been volunteers. There was little malice to be had against strangers. "Your demand for ransom is legal, but I wonder that a king should make it. Your new kingdom is exhausted by war and bitterness stains both sides. Now is the time for magnanimity, not short-sightedness. Demanding ransom from these orc's Houses will only serve to make their families angry and sour further relations between our peoples. In your next war you might end up fighting more than just volunteers.
But were you to release my people and return their property it would be a gesture of friendship and trust. It could avert emnity in the future, and perhaps be the first step to normalizing trade between our realms - something your economy desperately needs, if I'm not mistaken."
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Post by cerdigon on Oct 14, 2014 23:01:29 GMT
The King found himself in a quandry. If he gave the Orc's the King's Justice then it would no doubt mean a new war with the Firetooth Clan. A war that he was ill equipped to command under the present circumstances in which he found himself. Selling them to the Jotun was a distasteful act and one of which the King would not approve. Not only would it raise the Firetooth Clan's ire but only net him a few thousand in coin, nothing to rebuild a shattered landscape. '' I hear that you are allies with Juturna. I will release the Orc's into her custody so that she may ensure their safe passage back to your homeland. Is this agreeable? '' The Queen had forced a massive army down Aeron's throat and it seemed the best way to appease the wicked woman. Nor did the King want hundreds of Orc's roaming his countryside in their march back home where they could be killed or compelled to loot.
-- Cerdigon offers to release the Firetooth Orc's but into the Queen of Juturna's custody.
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Post by talis on Oct 15, 2014 6:07:47 GMT
"You show wisdom, young king." Ukhmar smiled. Even though he was an Orc and probably younger than the boy he felt confident in his title. One had only to look at his white hair, wrinkled face, and many scars to tell that the Elder had been through much. "With time you may surpass even the achievements of your grandsires, and songs will be sung about your achievements."
"I agree to your terms. Perhaps this will be the beginning of better things. If your caravans ever need travel west, I will do my best to make sure Thundercrown is open to them." This was not just reciprocity. Trade was lifeblood to the Firetooth, and if he returned having secured a trade deal from the Commonwealth Ukhmar would be a very popular Elder.
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Post by cerdigon on Oct 15, 2014 16:59:59 GMT
'' I trust you will relay my good treatment for your kinsmen....and help your Eldars understand that allying with my enemies in the future will be very foolish. I might not treat your men so kindly if I find them for a second time opposing me. Caravans will be inbound to Thundercrown soon enough. '' With that the King stood, signaling that the audience was indeed at an end. The Orc's meanwhile we're being rounded up under the watchful eyes of Sylph guardsman where they begin the trek towards Juturna's camp.
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Post by cerdigon on Oct 25, 2014 12:52:28 GMT
The Commonwealth caravan had traveled many miles, enduring hardship on the road in the form of bandit attacks, roaming Orc wastelanders, and cursed insects! Yet at last it seemed that the diplomat had reached his destination, the scouts up ahead had reported a settlement of some sort, and there seemed to be quite a lot of bloody orc's sporting muskets. When at last the caravan was challenged by a patrol, it was Lord Bowen whom eased himself from the wagon and held up a hand as the orc's investigated. It was a mixed caravan, containing Elf's, Sylph's, and even a few Dwarven mule drivers. Lord Bowen himself was an Elf and walked with a noticeable limp after finding himself on the wrong side of an Orc musket at the Battle of the Two Generals. He leaned heavily on a gnarled cane, wetting his lips nervously before he spoke.
'' I come representing His Highness, King Aeron Sefti of the Commonwealth. I wish an audience with Eldar Ukhmar to negotiate terms of trade and .... friendship.. '' Yes, Orc friendship! Hah! Tell that to his bloody leg! Yet it was what the King wanted, reliable future trading partners to the West. He thought it best to negotiate with the Commonwealth's main point of contact up to that point. There was no use dealing with some young upstart with an axe to grind as a result of their past hostilities just a few seasons ago.
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Post by talis on Oct 26, 2014 0:16:41 GMT
"Elder Ukhmar is assisting in the construction of the Imperial Fort nearby." The patrol told him, "We will escort you there."
The new fortress was coming along swiftly. With four thousand orcs and generous donations of stone and other supplies from vassal kingdoms it would be finished far faster than usual. Already a great, earthen hill had been built for the fort to rest upon, and the hexagon walls were steadily rising above the open plains. The new fort was many miles away from the nearest high ground which had so recently been a point of contention. Now it stood at the headwaters of the northern river, guarding its vital supply and ensuring that anyone passing from the west would have to storm the fort, or take a long detour without water or supplies. It was a less fortified position than the first option, but arguably more strategic.
Firetooth guards and patrols defended the fort while their compatriots and Survaekom laborers worked. They had set up a large tent-camp outside the fort, and in the center of it was Elder Ukhmar's tent. The patrols lead Lord Bowen there and stopped outside the canvas walls. One went inside and returned shortly. "Elder Ukhmar will see you." He said.
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Post by cerdigon on Oct 27, 2014 12:45:38 GMT
Lord Bowen watched the construction with a keen eye, it was a monumental effort that was ongoing. It was a reminder that the presence of the Wasteland Orc's were very real and while the political intrigues of the North dragged on, the Firetooth were the shield against the tide of corruption that spilled out of the Wastes. The Elf ducked into the Orc's tent.
'' Eldar Ukhmar, the King sends his greetings. '' After the pleasentries were exchanged, he eased himself down into a nearby chair that the Eldar offered. It seemed like all people of the Commonwealth, Bowen got down to brass tacks immediately. '' King Aeron is concerned by the rumblings out of the Wasteland, the presence of the Horde is a threat to the entire realm. Despite the presence of the fortress, he believes that more needs to be done. His Grace has taken a keen interest in Firetooth soldiery. Specifically, your muskeeteers. He wonders what you could do if you had better weapons....such as cannons. '' There was a long pause as the diplomat eyed the Eldar for his reaction. '' In return for his gracious act of friendship, the King would require agreements with the Firetooth as a result of our previous hostilities. '' Naturally, the King didn't want cannons he had financed to be turned around and used on him in a few seasons if the Orc's served as mercenaries in the North once more. '' The King would like an open ended contract for Firetooth services during times of warfare. Secondly, a trade agreement in place by the new year...and finally, the King would like to send Commonwealth soldiers and officers to train and observe Firetooth practices. ''
-- King Aeron offers to build the Firetooth a Foundry in exchange for:
-- Trade Agreement
-- Open ended mercenary contract
-- Military observers to train in Firetooth tactcs and train on Firetooth cannons.
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Post by talis on Oct 29, 2014 0:58:26 GMT
Ukhmar listened quietly, mead in one hand and chin in the other, as Lord Bowen made his proposal. He waited and listened. And when Bowen was done he put the glass down and sighed.
" Your trade is always welcome, but the rest of your proposal is unacceptable. Our military tactics and weapons are not something we can sign away for a favor. We have guarded the secrets of gunpowder for centuries, and it's not easily given away, even in these times.
"Still, we would be willing to provide some benefit in exchange for your assistance. Your offer is most generous and should be repaid in kind. Fund the construction of our Foundry and I will see to equipping and training a few of your Regiments with cannon. As part of this agreement I would request that you swear not to reveal the secrets of their construction and to a nonaggression agreement between us. There must be no quarrel between Orcs and Sylph, unless one of us should violate the other's honor or be excommunicated, of course."
In exchange for a Foundry the Firetooth are willing to agree to the following:
- The Sefti-Cerdigon Confederacy will be able to use the Firetooth Foundry to recruit its own cannons, built and trained by Firetooth but manned by the kingdom's own troops. Recruitment will be limited to a maximum of 5 cannon regiments.
- Both factions will agree to a nonaggression treaty. Neither faction will declare war or bear arms against the other unless honor is infringed or at the Vaekir's command.
- Sefti-Cerdigon agrees not to share these cannons with any other factions.
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Post by cerdigon on Oct 30, 2014 11:50:34 GMT
'' We have an agreement. '' The last that Aeron wanted was further wars between the Firetooth and the Commonwealth as he expanded further West. He would have his hands full with the collapsed Sultanate, the Ikagami Horde, and the Vizier seeking to curtail the Commonwealth's rise. ''' King Aeron has a firm eye for Firetooth craftmanship. If we this joint venture of ours proves to be fruitful, then King Aeron will seek to cooperate in other matters. Specifically, in matters of defense. The King has a keen appreciation for Firetooth craftmanship. '' To be exact, King Aeron wanted heavy stone walls for his city. The problem? The Sylph's weren't exactly master stone masons. This was something to be discussed for another time however. Already soldiers were unloading the first shipment of gold that the King had sent provided the Firetooth agreed. Cannons would go a long way in stopping the Horde.
'' Now, may I get a tour of this fort your building? '' Bowen asked with an arched eyebrow.
SUMMARY:
-- Commonwealth gives the Firetooth 10 Gold to build a Foundry
-- Both the Commonwealth and Firetooth sign a Non Aggression Pact with one another.
-- The Commonwealth receives 2 Gunpowder slots from the Firetooth as well as the use of their Foundry.
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Post by talis on Nov 16, 2014 3:26:04 GMT
Mangir Haverlorn rode into Morgraig on a grey and white wolf, an entire caravan of trade goods and supplies following behind him guarded by sharp-eyed orcs. It was exactly how he had imagined returning home for years - except for the warg. No, he had usually envisioned himself on a white horse with gold trappings. Details! Details! Here he was, a former escaped slave, returning to the home of his oppressors as a merchant of great renown, and a delegate of the Chieftain to boot! Perhaps he would visit his old master's villa later and impose on his hospitality. No doubt the old cur would give him backtalk, and that was all the excuse Mangir would need to have his bodyguards give the old sylph a thrashing.
That was the useful thing about orcs. Behind all of their rules and superstition and bargaining they were, essentially, violent thugs.
"You there!" He almost gleefully snapped at the Sylph guard, a figure he would have been terrified of two decades ago. "I have been delegated by the Chieftain of the Firetooth to conduct a trade deal with your king. Here is his seal. Take me to the palace immediately."
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Post by cerdigon on Nov 16, 2014 4:16:26 GMT
The triumphant slaves return was dashed quite a bit when he was received not by the King, but by Lord Carvin. He was one of the rare class of wingless elves that had managed to see himself elevated during Cadoc's reign. Carvin was despised by both his elven kinfolk for his betrayal of his people and for the Sylph's whom refused to forgive him for not having the audacity to not lick their bootheels. Carvin and much of the bureacraucy was dependant on the King for their political survival, which made the old elf one of the few servants that the King trusted.
In the decades of his service to the King, Carvin had risen high. The former overseer of a salt mine now was the Minister of Treasury. The merchant was brought before him by several burly Sylph bodyguards whom pinned the elf in his place with hostile stares. Carvin arched an eyebrow at the Firetooth's choice of emissary but pushed it aside... In this new and enlightened realm that King Aeron was building, all it seemed, even the low, were welcome.
'' In the name of King Aeron Sefti, I bid you welcome to the Halls of the Commonwealth. I regret to inform you that the King has retired for the evening to rest. '' It had become well known during the Crusade that the King had been griveously wounded, Aeron lacked the near manic energy that had been the hallmark of the earlier years of his reign. '' He has entrusted me to speak on his behalf. Please...sit. '' He said giving a nod to the chair opposite him. The Minister's office was a spartan place. A portrait of King Cadoc and Aeron dominated one side of the wall, a large collection of scrolls and inkpots littered his desk along with an abacaus.
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