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Post by talis on Nov 16, 2014 18:12:19 GMT
Meeting with another elf was not what Mangir had been expecting. He had heard that King Aeron was reforming the old Sylph ways, but he had imagined it would get as far as the king's own ministers. If he had stayed he might have even gained his freedom under the new king - but he certainly wouldn't be the great merchant that he was now. For that he had needed the experience of traveling the north, experiencing other cultures and lands.
He sat down in the seat courteously, ignoring the guards with mock indifference. His own Firetooth guards were more than intimidating enough to glare back. "Thank you minister. As you've no doubt heard, I have been delegated by Chief Garlog and the Elder Council to negotiate further trade, now that our routes are established and in use. The Firetooth, pious Aedekom that they are, intend to build a Great Cathedral to the glory of Aed. I have been sent to negotiate the purchase of sufficient stone for construction. I am willing to offer five thousand jien in gold (5g) for the necessary (3 stone) amount."
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Post by cerdigon on Nov 17, 2014 13:36:50 GMT
'' I think you mean at least eight thousand jien (8g). '' The Minister said flatly, a smirk appearing at the corners of his lips at the game was about to be played. '' Such an offer is far too low for current market prices. '' If this merchant was as great as he claimed to be, then no doubt the haggling that was about to start would be fierce. The Minister drank deeply from his goblet of wine and waited for the merchants counteroffer.
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Post by talis on Nov 17, 2014 23:40:49 GMT
Havelorn stood up and reeled as if from shock and outrage. "eight thousand! I..." He choked back the words, hands gripping the top of the chair. "I come here with the generous offer of five thousand jien in a market aglut with stone and you demand eight thousand! A fair market offer would be closer to three thousand! Any decent merchant would be demanding funds from you for the opportunity to assist in constructing the first Great Cathedral in the north with your stone! Any number of other lands would leap at the opportunity! The High Priest Staas of the Crimson Tome will be there personally to consecrate the structure!
"Perhaps I have lulled you into a false sense of security with my generosity. Very well, I will allow you to make me an offer for the privilege. What is it worth to you?"
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Post by cerdigon on Nov 19, 2014 18:47:04 GMT
'' A market aglut with stone hm? '' The Minister said with a raised eyebrow. '' Are you referring to the Ikagami? I hear their stone is such inferior quality that they are giving it away for free. If you want stone cut by some Dwarven serf in a quarry pit, then be my guest. '' Carvin leaned back in his chair, allowing the merchant time to recover from his fit. '' As the stone is being used for such a Holy purpose, then six thousand seems appropriate. That is my final offer. '' The King had his own domestic building projects after all and stone would be required.
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Post by talis on Nov 20, 2014 2:27:27 GMT
"If that is your final offer than I am afraid we are at an impasse. It was a pleasure." He offered his hand to the other elf. "Give King Aeron my greetings. I will likely be in the city for a couple more days if all goes well. I have... personal business to attend to."
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Post by cerdigon on Dec 19, 2014 19:24:42 GMT
It was a turn of events when Lord Carvin found himself sitting in Thundercrown, awaiting upon an audience with the Elders. It was an interesting turn of events to say the least, but with unification looming between the Commonwealth and Navaren it was in King Aeron's view that the Firetooth represented the closest thing that it would receive in terms of allies. With the threat of the Ikagami, Jotun, and uncivilized tribes out in the Wastes looming it was hoped that these relationships would indeed bear fruit. Especially since Lord Carvin came to offer hefty contracts in exchange for Orc expertise in crafting the last round of fortifications for the Commonwealth's cities.
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Post by talis on Dec 20, 2014 0:42:34 GMT
Eventually Carvin was called forth as the Elder's gave council in the great hall. Many Firetooth were there, either warriors who lived in the hall or petitioners here to speak with the Elders. Chief Garlog was not present, having other business to attend to, but Elder Ukhmar and the others were there to hear Carvin instead.
"Lord Carvin of the Commonwealth." Elder Ukhmar said, "Welcome to our hall. What brings you before the Elder Council?"
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Post by cerdigon on Dec 20, 2014 1:09:12 GMT
'' Eldar Ukhmar. '' The Elven lord and administraitor said giving a bow, carefully eyeing those that were present. '' I bring the greetings of my joint sovereigns King Aeron and King Pedro. I am pleased to see the Firetooth are propsering and the Orcs dare not cross with the presence of such brave Imperial troops nearby. '' If one gleaned to look closer at the man's word, there was an undertone of sarcasm. It was well known that relations between the Vizier and Aeron were at an all time low. The Vizier hadn't received an emissary from the Commonwealth in years. '' But i come today on a matter of importance. King Aeron has ordered the construction of a district within Thesus. The Jotheim District, named after our blessed sovereign's grandfather. More importantly however King Aeron wants proper fortifications in the city. Word has reached us of the skill of the Firetooth artisans in aiding in the construction of the Imperial Fort. The King would ask for those same artisans to travel to the Commonwealth to oversee the construction of its walls. In exchange, the King would be willing to pay four thousand jinn for the labor and two tonnes of stone for future Firetooth projects. ''
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Post by talis on Dec 20, 2014 4:04:14 GMT
"Most of our artisans are hard at work constructing the new Cathedral." Elder Ukhmar pointed out. "I dislike the idea of removing them from such a holy task - many of them would agree with me, I think. Still, we are in dire need of stone for its construction. Jien do not interest us as construction materials - change your offer to five tonnes of stone and we may have an agreement."
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Post by cerdigon on Dec 20, 2014 5:14:00 GMT
'' That's more than three seasons of stone production. '' Carvin replied. '' If the Firetooth are willing to wait on delivery, then something could be arranged. But I cannot give what we do not have. '' The administraitor said, grinding his teeth as the Orc's gouged him. '' I could deliver two tonnes the following season but the King did have ambitions to help the Vaekirate establish its fortress. ''
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Post by talis on Dec 21, 2014 6:11:19 GMT
"I'm sure the Commonwealth can spare some of its great wealth to serve Aed and the Vaekirate." Elder Ukhmar replied coyly. After all, king Aeron's kingdom had far more wealth than the Firetooth. What would it say about them if the (relatively) poor orcs managed to out contribute them? No, Ukhmar was certain that however much the envoy protested, the commonwealth could spare the stone. "Your proposal is accepted. Two stone this season and two this summer, in exchange for Firetooth artisans to assist in the construction of your walls."
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Post by cerdigon on Jan 28, 2015 20:32:24 GMT
With war looming, it was Lord Carvin whom found himself in the capital of the Firetooth again. It seemed bizarre, festivites were still clearly in the air as the Firetooth wrapped up their Winter Solstice but it was a city that was clearly preparing for a siege. Everyday it seemed more and more orcs armed with muskets were streaming into the capital to defend it. Meanwhile, walls (the stone provided by the Commonwealth) had sprouted to defend the outer districts. The plan to fortify the Commonwealth's cities it seemed for the moment had been put on hold. Carvin was here for a far more pressing matter that could be mutually beneficial to both parties. With a Commonwealth army in the field, marching to relieve the Firetooth capital, he hoped it would pave the way for progress in negotiations.
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Post by cerdigon on Mar 13, 2015 19:37:38 GMT
Lord Carvin had become trapped within the city as the Wastelander army tightened its grip outside its walls. Unlike the vast majority of the inhabitants of Thundercrown however the Minister had spent the majority the siege getting drunk within his room and sharpening his blade for the inevitable doom. Yet the city still stood. But the stench of the battle, even these weeks after remained. Thousands of rotting corpses still needed to be disposed of. The Commonwealth had been griveously wounded in the cities defense. Lord Carvin could have left with the main army but had elected to stay behind. Another message was sent to the Council of Elders requesting a meeting. Dead flesh wasn't the only stench that was in the air but also burnt wood...where there was destruction the old crow knew that their was opportunity to make a deal.
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Post by talis on Mar 14, 2015 2:37:55 GMT
The Elders were scattered in the aftermath of the battle - most had been leading militia in combat against the wastelanders. The Firetooth hunger for glory was great, and you didn't get ahead in Clan politics by sitting back and letting others do the fighting. In the immediate aftermath of the battle most were too preoccupied with cleanup to bother heeding any messengers.
But life went on, the armies marched away, and the business of administering the great clan again became pressing. Lord Carvin's message was noted, and he was invited to the Great Hall to speak and eat with Garlog and the Elders.
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Post by cerdigon on Mar 14, 2015 15:44:37 GMT
'' A toast to our victory! '' Lord Carvin said, raising his goblet of wine to Chief Garlog and the Elders that had gathered. The normal pleasantries had been exchanged and at last the emissary had the audience that he had been seeking for more than a year. '' Though, I am saddened by the great loss of life that we have all shared in repelling the Orc monsters from the Wastes. I am more distressed at the state of Thundercrown's trade ports, to be savaged and burned so badly... A shame. However, King Aeron has instructed me to extend the Commonwealth's aid for the rebuilding of Thundercrown. The King is willing to pay for the reconstruction of the Firetooth trade ports. '' Of course there was always a catch. Carvin waited for his offer to sink in for a moment, taking another swig from his goblet to fill the silence. '' In exchange, he would request Firetooth artisans. The Commonwealth has a great many infrastructure projects and unfortunately lacks the skilled workers to complete them. '' Specifically, King Aeron wanted his black powder mills built to supply his burgeoning navy with the weapons it needed to fend off threats from the high seas.
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