End of Empires - N3S III

Ayasi Fifth-Frei once again extends his offer of mediation in the war between Farubaida o Caroha and the Kothari Exatai. The Farubaida is a protectorate of the Holy Moti Empire since its liberation from the Satar, and if its rulers call upon the armed aid of the Moti, the Ayasi will consider himself honour-bound to provide it. However, he does not crave war with his fellow travelers on the path of Iralliam; moreover, he believes that this war has gone on for long enough, having brought great misery and little glory to both sides.

Having been told that there are many both among the Kothari and in the Farubaida that are willing to talk peace, the Ayasi suggests that both sides should consider a compromise.

That Subal and its environs should be restored to the Farubaida, being an Aitahist, Faronun city that has already lived under the Farubaida's rule for quite some time, and also to put the Farubaida's justified anxiety about its southern borders at rest.

That Palmyra should be restored to independence, free both from the Farubaida and the Kothari, and barred from taking part in conflicts between them. The resistance of its people to the Kothari has proven persistent, and it would dishonour both the Farubaida and the Ayasi to abandon the Palmyrians, many of whom are pious Iralliamites, at this point. Further, if placed out of the hands of either power, Palmyra would naturally serve to reduce hostility and encourage commerce between them, benefiting both in due time.

That the Redeemer of the Kothari should show mercy and grant amnesty and freedom to those who have rebelled against him, allowing the former slaves and others to leave to Palmyra or the Farubaida. A slave that has defended his freedom in combat for years is no longer a slave and could not well be returned to the fold. All the same, those rebels who persist in their rebellion and refuse to leave the lands of the Exatai in six months after the treaty shall be denied all further assistance by the Farubaida, and Hu'ut as well as other territories not mentioned shall be restored to the Kothari. Those lands are an integral part of the Exatai, and it is unreasonable to expect the Kothari to concede them before they are completely defeated, especially after they had largely restored order there.

That the Farubaida should compensate the Kothari for the loss of Palmyra and Subal and for inciting rebellions against them with a one-time payment of [10,000].

To: Holy Moti Empire
From: Jipha

The people of Palmyra is not the only people under the control of Kothari. They were just the only ones brave enough to rebel. Jipha is in favor of the liberation of the peoples south of Kotthorn. They are our distant relatives, and share with us their religion. These nations deserve their independence back. This would help dissolve the monopoly of maritime trade in the region, benefiting everyone.

OOC: You read my diplo message on the previous page?

The Sarafaio o Farubaida would be willing to accept this compromise proposed by Ayasi Fifth-Frei.

What now shall be the response of the Kothari Exatai?

The opinion of the Redeemer is that the loss of Palmyra is a very difficult burden to bear. And an undue one, we think, for the Prince of the Star.

We would propose that the Star Prince offer the Palmyrans the rights to live under their own laws within his dominion. This will be kind, as surely Palmyra will be ravaged in the next war that will be certain to one day come, since it would be a weak country surrounded by its erstwhile foes and masters. Perhaps they could be offered a Princedom of their own, or if not, some other form of autonomy.

We would further concur that the Farubaida may have the right to keep their gains which they have won by merit of their exatas. But perhaps they should not be so quick to strike the chains off other peoples, lest they, in doing so, cause greater suffering that they did not intend.

For the Palmyrans have not merited such gains, as their rebellion has only come by the distraction of the Star Prince. Their exatas has not been made manifest. As such the matter of the Palmyrians seems more fit to be negotiated between Prince Kartis and the Palmyrans. To give them an independence they could not defend would be akin to a death sentence.

Furthermore, apostate though our southern tribesmen be, we are not prepared to see them enfeebled so without rightful cause.

Aitahist opinion is broadly supportive of the peace terms.

Golden1Knight said:

The people of Palmyra is not the only people under the control of Kothari. They were just the only ones brave enough to rebel. Jipha is in favor of the liberation of the peoples south of Kotthorn. They are our distant relatives, and share with us their religion. These nations deserve their independence back. This would help dissolve the monopoly of maritime trade in the region, benefiting everyone.

Click to expand...

Subtext: We have offered nothing and can offer nothing to the war against the Kothari but think a war - which all the major powers agree should end - ought to continue for our open-ended benefit. There's also something else about 'mutual benefit' to attempt to sweeten a deal that we really have no reason to be involved in.

:3

We do acknowledge, chiefly and firstly, the fairness of the words of the Moti Emperor, regarding Subal, and the good sense of the proposed arrangement of the slaves. However, it does appear to us that such an arrangement regarding Palmyra is neither desirable nor like to sustain itself in generations to come.

It does appear to us that the Prince Karal's suggestion is most sensible, but indeed I am prepared to be more merciful still: we request that the terms might be amended,

- that Palmyra be considered part of the territory of the Exatai;
- that the men thereof should live under their own laws;
- that the whole area should be completely free of all Kothari troops, except when specifically requested by the lawful government thereof, but that it shall be granted full protection by us, having nevertheless no standing army of its own;
- that Palmyra shall not more than a quarter of the tribute that was heretofore exacted therefrom, or the upkeep of whatever troops it requests be stationed on its territory, whichever be greater.

It can be seen that, by means of these terms, Palmyra will be entirely free and unmolested and practically independent, and, moreover, will be freed both from the potentiality and the necessity of upkeeping troops, that it may have neither the opportunity nor the necessity of defending or attacking, but that it shall be ever more prosperous - since some large amount of prosperity lies in peace - and will be many times indeed more prosperous than it has hitherto been under Kothari rule, and many times more prosperous than it would be if it needed to defend itself or felt that it were in its interests to break its obligations set forth in this proposed document.

Therefore let it be that the good sense of this compromise be received righteously in the sight of the Holy Moti Emperor, and we do earnestly request and entreat that he see and accept this arrangement which we propose.

Finally, it is clear that it is under the protectorate of the Holy Moti Emperor that prosperity and peace do lie. We do request of his abundance grace and favour that, following the conclusion of the arrangement hereabove proposed, he might bestow also upon us this state, that we may lie equal in his sight and jurisdiction henceforth unto the Farubaida, and that we may abundantly serve him in all meet regards.

We therefore wish and entreat the parties involved in this dire conflict to accept our appropriate and suitable arrangement, and that we may henceforth live among each other in the firmest and most lasting peace.

Hi everybody.

Hereby proposing that language dynamics in the Kothari has changed the nomer "Hu'ut" to "Huth" or "Hiut".

Pronounced, the U is akin to that in "blue".

Hiut even has precedent. (The capital being Hiuttu)

Anyone think this is a good idea?

Masada said:

Aitahist opinion is broadly supportive of the peace terms.



Subtext: We have offered nothing and can offer nothing to the war against the Kothari but think a war - which all the major powers agree should end - ought to continue for our open-ended benefit. There's also something else about 'mutual benefit' to attempt to sweeten a deal that we really have no reason to be involved in.

:3

Click to expand...

Jipha just wanted to make clear its position. We know that the world is not perfect. The strong, unfortunately, always conquer the weak. On mutual benefit, we think they would enjoy the freedom, the great powers would enjoy the end of this war and we would appreciate the dissolution of the domain Kothari over the coast.

Children aren't usually allowed to speak in the presence of their elders. Just sayin'.

Masada said:

Children aren't usually allowed to speak in the presence of their elders. Just sayin'.

Click to expand...

We appreciate the concern, and understand your point of view. But if we do not speak up for them, who will speak? Anyway, we'll let those involved to resolve their own problems.

From Nóaúnnáhá
To Trahana and Naran

The King of Nóaúnnáhá, vessel of the Fire-Lion and beholder of the Great Sky Serpent informs our two trading neighbors that he intends to settle this island.



This will be a peaceful trading post, to allow his ships a place of stopover for their voyages. He has no interest in the mainland.

He would also like to use the opportunity to extend formal trade agreements. His ships already ply their trade far and wide, but a merchant post in Unnaha, Lasimin and Bashimin would seem appropriate. He would also like to establish embassies in your capitals.

May peace vanquish all, for peace breeds commerce.

To: Nóaúnnáhá
From: His Great Majesty, Emperor Alamman of Trahana

With the blessings of the Machai, we welcome your people to our halls and our lands as merchants and heralds of peace. We are glad to open our ports to trade with your nation, and with the lands beyond, for the enrichment of all, and see no objection to a trading post at the farthest fringes of our territory. We hope that peace shall return to the Northlands and that all will see the Great Empire as a fast friend and partner in our journey through the wheel of souls.


OOC (Out of Context): Naran and Nóaúnnáhá have considerable bad blood, Naran having conquered the old Unnaha and driven out those who became Nóaúnnáhá. While of course tuxedohamm has final say on his interaction with you, it's probably unrealistic to be friends.

"Tell us about the Al'at! Tell us!"

Thurgo chuckled. Despite his election as chief representative of Thurgo[1], his fondness for story-telling never diminished. Amongst those petitioning for another story were his own grandchildren, making the proposition all the more irresistible.

"Are you sure you wish to hear of...." he paused for dramatic effect, widening his eyes and finally bringing his arms up as high as he could (despite the limits of old age). "The great Al'at?!"

The throng of children mostly cheered, although a few scampered off screaming. Thurgo's bones cracked and popped as he rested near the fireplace. His gaze turned briefly towards the flame, capturing the burning essence within his eyes. Armed with renewed energy and focus, the elder statesman began the tale.

"When Hal'kton made our world, and man, and the beasts, the wilds, and all that lie within, he bound it all with his Word. Hal'kton's Word binds us all, giving us purpose and boundaries, which allow us to grow and become as wise as.... well, me!"

A fellow representative gave a guffaw, briefly causing a clamor amongst the children once more. Amidst the laughter, Thurgo continued the tale, half-knowing his retelling of creation had fallen on deaf ears at least a dozen times this month alone. But Thurgo knew Hal'kton appreciated the gesture.

"Now, as I was saying: Hal'kton put boundaries on all things, even us! To stop us from going where we simply should not, Hal'kton spoke to Yoh, Ler, and Lor [2]. Yoh was told to never rest, to howl when we reach high peaks, and to blow us off course when we venture towards danger. Ler was told to not support us, but to instead give way when we try to stand on him, to hide the great treasures of the world, and to freeze us, lest we awaken unknown evils. Lor was told to make great walls with which to bind us to our homes, so we may never venture away from safety. However, Lor alone erred, growing tired with his immense task."

"Do you ever get tired?" a voice cried out amongst the children. "Kaalas says he sees you nodding off during meetings. Says you need to spend less time telling stories and more time slee-"

"Of course, Lor had to obey Hal'kton, as all must. Yet Hal'kton saw Lor's difficulties and frustration with disapproval.

'Why must you tire and shirk your labors, when I give power over all the earth to you, Lor?' '

'Lord Hal'kton, not in all of creation has such a task been commanded. Yoh and Ler are of lighter stuff than both me or that which you place under my command. Their labors prove easy, given their nature. I cannot continue.'

'Very well, I will complete the task myself, yet in the end you will wish a thousand years had been spent completing your task. Now you will suffer but a moment of punishment.'

At that moment Lor quaked and shook, and his limbs felt heavy. From Lor's stony limbs great beings fell, the Al'at. Stone giants filled with all the discontent and pain felt by Lor at that very moment. Hal'kton ordered the Al'at to guard the far regions of the world ruthlessly, only adding to Lor's sorrow. Ashamed that his sloth would claim the lives of many a traveler, Lor fell silent and mourned for the horror born of negligence."

Thurgo paused. This was the moment.

And just like that it happened.

The children began spewing questions about the long awaited Al'at. After sitting through Thurgo's introduction, the children were eager to get to the heart of the subject. Did the Al'at eat people? Did they just smash them? How many had Thurgo defeated in battle? Was Thurgo an Al'at in his younger days? Thurgo chuckled at each inquiry, yet something had caught his attention amongst the clamor. Av'ek and Ordlo [3] had appeared behind him, looking grim.

"Thurgo, we call you to counsel," the portly Av'ek said sternly. "Your tale of boundaries comes at a most fitting time."

The children groaned. Thurgo sighed.

[1] When the tribes in Chapru elect a representative to the council in Tantchi, that individual is ceremonially given the name of their tribe. Therefore, Thurgo represents Thurgo, a tribe that has resided in and around Tantchi for many generations. They are well known for their story telling, record keeping, and writing, skills indispensable in Chapru but oftentimes undervalued.

[2] Yoh, Ler, and Lor are the Wind, Seas/Waters, and Earth respectively. Chaprun myth holds that there are many hidden evils and forbidden treasures in the world, and that Hal'kton ordered the trio make it impossible for man to go where they should not.

[3] Other representatives, whose names once again come from the tribes they represent. Wit bad news foreshadowing my orders to come. Oh my

The Ayasi Fifth-Frei acknowledges the good sense of the Redeemer of the Kothari Exatai. Would the Farubaida find such terms acceptable? The honour of both sides should be satisfied by this, for none could say that the Farubaida had betrayed its allies or that the Kothari have abandoned their loyal subjects; and the protection and mediation of the Ayasi - extended to the Kothari Exatai as well - should, he hopes, serve to prevent any future bloodshed.

Of course, the monetary compensation in this case should be reduced to [5,000], to compensate for the loss of Subal and the reduction of Palmyra's tribute.

On a different note, the dismemberment of the Kothari Exatai has never been in the Ayasi's desires; much less in areas that have not shown the slightest sign of opposing the rule of the Redeemer. If the rulers of Jipha have grievances with the Kothari trade policies, they are advised to take up this matter with the Redeemer himself. The Ayasi does not recall inviting anyone other than the envoys of the Farubaida and the Kothari to the negotiation except as observers.

That being said, the Ayasi is willing to extend the protection of his Holy Moti Empire to Kilar and Jipha as well if they are so anxious for their rights and protection. He is also willing to accept their trading covenant, as it should benefit his citizens in the long run without unduly inconveniencing them in the present - he is willing to extend it to Kilar as well.

OOC: I keep thinking of this when the Kothari (or Satar in general, I guess) ruler comes up.

Díarmad u Dael
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Díarmad u Dael had spent many years on the sea. The time had been hard, particularly when he learned of his mother’s death and was unable to return to claim what was his. However, he became used to the life. His skin burnt from sun and salt and the wear of many years shown on his face. He captained the ship he was sailing on. The ship captain he originally joined was U Húnnáhá. The man had been a friend of the trader that had sold tóasu to Díarmad’s family in Dael. However, after a decade of service, Díarmad had managed to work his way up to the captain’s assistant. It had proven beneficial to Díarmad in the long run, as when the captain finally took a turn for the worse in his health, before the entire crew, he gave the ship to Díarmad. Some of the crew were new enough to just accept it, but some of the older crew scoffed at the idea of one who was not U Húnnáhá and deserted. Díarmad quickly left them in the jungles near Sechm and continued on without looking back.

Even in control of the ship, Díarmad never made sail for home. The profits between Naran and the new colonies developing on the western peninsula were too great to bother with the closer margins coming out of Dael. Díarmad managed a nice wage for his crew. Once hostilities broke out against Dulama, the profits soared. Even with a Dulama naval threat in the western sea being limited at best, Díarmad was able to join the other ships in raising the rates of shipping due to “risk” and the guarantee that goods would be delivered.

However, his last visit in Naran things seemed grim. Trade had become focused on the war against Dulama, and the western peninsula became an afterthought. The Ónnaran had miscalculated the border security and lost a lot of land. Dael was under siege and Limach seemed threatened. No one wanted to discuss simple trade. Díarmad spent countless days stuck in port seeking a load. He nearly gave up and sailed to Unnaha or Nóacúnnáhá. Soon, however, through a series of strange events, Díarmad found himself in a private audience with the Ónnaran and a couple advisers. They provided him a few details and sent him sailing. A small load of tóasu was provided as cover should Díarmad’s ship get searched in port by anyone. Díarmad was not too worried, but took it as a precaution.

Díarmad u Dael was heading home.

OOC:

@Symphorien
I'll respond in a little bit. We aren't buddies, but we have had some cordial interaction since your people moved. My primary sea-based traders come from Unnaha where most of the people are those that didn't leave when Naran invaded Unnaha. I imagine there are both traders that hate each other and old friends who could care less about the politics involved. That said, Nóacúnnáhá appears some 70 to 80 years ago so the war is slowly moving into the past.

The proposal put forth by the Ayasi is acceptable to the Farubaida o Caroha. We suspect that it is similarly acceptable to our Palmyran comrades, and will shortly produce a map outlining what we understand to constitute the land of Palmyra.

The Port


King Hari of Noaunnaha, vessel of the Fire-Lion and beholder of the Great Sky Serpent, sat on his silver throne looking down on the gathered dignitaries. A young man, barely thirty, he had recently finished the sacred Flight Voyage, before being crowned. Now he must meet the assembly of the ship-mothers and some of the more influential ship-fathers: the Port. He had something on his mind, so he stood to speak.

« Noble Port, may your great-beasts guide you.» Protocol demanded such flowery greetings, and he had to admit, he quite liked it. However he had barely started before a point of contention was brought to the fore of everyone's minds.

From the back of the hall a small group of voices called. «And may we the great beasts be guided by you.»

Ah, yes the Akkunians, a new synergistic cult growing in the cities. Teaching that it was the collectivity that determined the actions of the great-beasts, and not the other way around. An interesting idea, but a radical one. A smattering of grumblings ran through the hall before dying down again.

“I have gathered you here today as ceremony demands after my coronation. You will have issues to raise with me, but I have several to raise with you. First of all, the growing influence of the ghost-families troubles me. They are mostly harmless, hardworking and useful even, but some amass too much power, and they are, for the least, subversive.”

A Blue Fish ship-mother stood, Uira. She was a respected, forceful woman, who had cleverly placed her husband at the head of the armies. When she spoke, others listened. “The problem your majesty is Naran. The Jackals, the most powerful of the ghost-families, have almost a monopoly on this prosperous trade, especially the salt. But taboo forbids normal ship-families to trade with our ancient enemies. As such I propose an interdict on all trade with Naran.”

A number of feet stamped on the floor showing their support, others let their disagreement be known by hissing. The young king sighed.

“The Port knows we cannot end trade with Naran, we need it. Our merchants know, and I have recently been there myself for my Flight Voyage. The Naranue are no demons, I did not see even one with horns!” A small amount of laughter. “No the thing to do is to remove the taboo.”

More hissing and foot stomping. The room was clearly divided. And then someone else stood to speak, someone no-one expected. Makala of the Night Birds, new leader of the most mysterious and scheming of the ghost-families. Hari had to wonder what motivated him to come to an assembly in which he was clearly unwelcome. Still, no-one could stop him, and the king was interested.

“Time is cyclical. What comes, goes, and then returns again. I remember the stories grandfather used to tell of the Flight. His stories of the Naranue with their horns and goats legs. But before the fall of Unnaha, we were friends with Naran. Maybe that time has come around again.”

There was a great deal of hissing at this, but Makala had captured some of the crowd.

“What's more, I can tell you right now who the real demons are, and the Naranue are fighting them as we speak.”

The Dulama empire. Merchants had come back from Ther with horror stories of human sacrifice and blood rituals. Nobody could disagree with the fact that the Dulama were clearly the greater evil at present.

“I know we cannot change the minds of a whole people overnight, especially when the ship-mothers tell children they will be carried off by the Naranue if they don't behave. But we can be pragmatists. The merchants are they one who will have business with Naran, and they are already avid for the goods the Naranue provide. I know more than a few who would gladly trade even with the Great Devouring Flame if it would bring a profit. You don't have to remove a taboo, you merely have to ignore it.”

There were a few unconvinced grumblings, but the king was impressed. Makala seemed to have brought the Port around to his thinking. He could definitely see a few excited discussions among the younger captains.

The only thing that worried him, was why Makala supported such a move.



OOC: I realise hat there is quite a bit of bad blood between the Naran and the Noaunnaha, but I think that a trading people who are dependent on imports would be above all pragmatists.

We thank the Emperor for his just and reasonable mediation.

We would like to note that it is necessary that neither Palmyran territory nor the territory of Subal should impinge in any way on the land that must honestly and righteously be considered part of, or directly adjacent to, the Huit Delta. We do not doubt that the drawing of the map will rightly and honestly reflect this. In addition, the territory of Palmyra is certainly not to be considered to be greater than the territory currently under Palmyran control, since, under the circumstances, it is only the land that has rebelled and is under Farubaidan control that can be considered to be under Farubaidan protection in any sense.

We happily accept the protection offered by the mighty Moti Holy Empire, and we think that our relatives from the north has the same opinion. We also recognize that the peace agreement concerns only those involved and the Empire. And with regard to the pact, we appreciate your wise decision.

From: Íagar Ón Nuín, Ónnaran
To: Nóaúnnáhá

As I have larger concerns for the time being, I will not oppose your settlement of the island. Once current problems are dealt with, we can discuss the area more indepth.