PureNES: Epoch of Glory
- Thread starter Thlayli
- Start date
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
On the contrary, you have the whole of Friday to post orders. But yes, I'm working on Teleria's template as we speak.
~Darkening~
Weep, Mother.
The whole week of friday?
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
The whole day of Friday, and into the AM of Saturday if you feel really lucky. 
The New Telerian Empire
Ruler/Player: Cuivienen
Government: Forty years ago, as Arios prepared for war, the long troubled times of Teleria came to an end. A victorious dynasty (I'll leave the name up to Cuiv) gained the support of many noble houses, and occupied the rest of Telerius by force. Though they claim descendancy from the ancient Sea-Emperors, they have chosen not to rule by absolute force. A small conclave of noble houses and powerful naval officers (the Captains’ Council) advises the Emperor, and influential or poor citizens alike are often granted Imperial audience, a somewhat biased form of direct pseudo-democracy. Still, the people seem content, being unexposed to more liberal forms of government. The Empire has yet to establish a form of government for its far-flung colonies, so most are ruled by de facto naval control.
Technology: As the central point in the long seaborne trade route between East Karai and Arios, Telerius has picked up an eclectic mix of technologies. At one point during its civil wars, companies of musketmen clashed with phalanx formations. The island of Telerius itself retains a stately, Classical Age architecture, and everything in the dress and behavior of the people would convince a foreigner that he had stepped back in time. But the sunny, columned courtyards have advanced central drainage systems, and coal furnaces power every house. A long history of alliance and trade with Guild Elstadt has brought the Telerians to a technology level only a generation below that of Arios...even though their appearance disguises it.
Culture: In general, the people of Telerius represent a vanished civilization that just refused to vanish. Though they have modernized, they retain many of their age-old traits, such as wearing toga-style dress accompanied by long flowing cloaks, and walled family compounds complete with columns, fountains and occasionally orchards. Though the worship of the goddess Celia has waned in many regions of the Celian Ocean, the old religion remains strong in the Empire, to the point of “strongly discouraging” Seraphism. Nationalism and xenophobic tendencies are on the rise, and the Confederate Consulate of Celia recently relocated to Liassa, due to several violent demonstrations. Despite this, daily life in Telerius continues at a slow pace, even if industrialization goes on in the background.
Economy: Telerius has been blessed (or cursed, some say) with a central trade route position, and abundant natural resources. This makes it more powerful, but more volatile and a tempting target for enemies. The metalworkers of Telerius are known for their skill, crafting pieces of silver and gold jewelry, ornamental objects, and even intricate clockwork machines, ranging from clocks to animals, often decorated with precious stones. Likewise, their heavy industry has recently become more powerful, due to the growing demand for ironclads and other steel goods. The luxury goods and raw materials of the island make it appealing to Guilds Elstadt and Dreningen, respectively, who have given the Empire some of its finest technology. The only weakness of the Telerian economy is its poor currency, for which no central standard exists. Typically, families pay for goods in non-standardized, homemade gold coins, and this has a tremendous effect on inflation.
Military: Thirty years of reintegration have finally paid off for the Telerian military, which now stands as an effective fighting machine. Getting the army to drop their ceremonial golden plumed helmets was a serious blow to morale, but getting rid of the fully armored, classical-era dress code of the military was an important step towards modernization. Still, Telerius only fields 75,000 soldiers in peacetime, and half are posted to far-flung colonial garrisons. The navy, once feared from Qiankun to Arios, has been restored to the most powerful force in Celia, and perhaps Karai. Over 500 ships comprise the Imperial Navy, and almost 100 of them are ironclads. Though they haven’t yet reached the Princepii standard, and are far from equaling Mettlingen or Jathalland, they are the best that the region has to offer...if you don't count Liassa, that is.
Infrastructure: Hundreds of years of civil war degraded the once well-ordered system of imperial roads, but under the new dynasty they have been partially repaired. The interior regions remain somewhat isolated, as do the colonies in Beidan and the Mournful Coasts. The Telerians have not yet seen the need for railroads, but they soon will. Despite these challenges, there is a well-organized system of transport ships run by private captains.
History:
The New Telerian Empire
Ruler/Player: Cuivienen
Government: Forty years ago, as Arios prepared for war, the long troubled times of Teleria came to an end. A victorious dynasty (I'll leave the name up to Cuiv) gained the support of many noble houses, and occupied the rest of Telerius by force. Though they claim descendancy from the ancient Sea-Emperors, they have chosen not to rule by absolute force. A small conclave of noble houses and powerful naval officers (the Captains’ Council) advises the Emperor, and influential or poor citizens alike are often granted Imperial audience, a somewhat biased form of direct pseudo-democracy. Still, the people seem content, being unexposed to more liberal forms of government. The Empire has yet to establish a form of government for its far-flung colonies, so most are ruled by de facto naval control.
Technology: As the central point in the long seaborne trade route between East Karai and Arios, Telerius has picked up an eclectic mix of technologies. At one point during its civil wars, companies of musketmen clashed with phalanx formations. The island of Telerius itself retains a stately, Classical Age architecture, and everything in the dress and behavior of the people would convince a foreigner that he had stepped back in time. But the sunny, columned courtyards have advanced central drainage systems, and coal furnaces power every house. A long history of alliance and trade with Guild Elstadt has brought the Telerians to a technology level only a generation below that of Arios...even though their appearance disguises it.
Culture: In general, the people of Telerius represent a vanished civilization that just refused to vanish. Though they have modernized, they retain many of their age-old traits, such as wearing toga-style dress accompanied by long flowing cloaks, and walled family compounds complete with columns, fountains and occasionally orchards. Though the worship of the goddess Celia has waned in many regions of the Celian Ocean, the old religion remains strong in the Empire, to the point of “strongly discouraging” Seraphism. Nationalism and xenophobic tendencies are on the rise, and the Confederate Consulate of Celia recently relocated to Liassa, due to several violent demonstrations. Despite this, daily life in Telerius continues at a slow pace, even if industrialization goes on in the background.
Economy: Telerius has been blessed (or cursed, some say) with a central trade route position, and abundant natural resources. This makes it more powerful, but more volatile and a tempting target for enemies. The metalworkers of Telerius are known for their skill, crafting pieces of silver and gold jewelry, ornamental objects, and even intricate clockwork machines, ranging from clocks to animals, often decorated with precious stones. Likewise, their heavy industry has recently become more powerful, due to the growing demand for ironclads and other steel goods. The luxury goods and raw materials of the island make it appealing to Guilds Elstadt and Dreningen, respectively, who have given the Empire some of its finest technology. The only weakness of the Telerian economy is its poor currency, for which no central standard exists. Typically, families pay for goods in non-standardized, homemade gold coins, and this has a tremendous effect on inflation.
Military: Thirty years of reintegration have finally paid off for the Telerian military, which now stands as an effective fighting machine. Getting the army to drop their ceremonial golden plumed helmets was a serious blow to morale, but getting rid of the fully armored, classical-era dress code of the military was an important step towards modernization. Still, Telerius only fields 75,000 soldiers in peacetime, and half are posted to far-flung colonial garrisons. The navy, once feared from Qiankun to Arios, has been restored to the most powerful force in Celia, and perhaps Karai. Over 500 ships comprise the Imperial Navy, and almost 100 of them are ironclads. Though they haven’t yet reached the Princepii standard, and are far from equaling Mettlingen or Jathalland, they are the best that the region has to offer...if you don't count Liassa, that is.
Infrastructure: Hundreds of years of civil war degraded the once well-ordered system of imperial roads, but under the new dynasty they have been partially repaired. The interior regions remain somewhat isolated, as do the colonies in Beidan and the Mournful Coasts. The Telerians have not yet seen the need for railroads, but they soon will. Despite these challenges, there is a well-organized system of transport ships run by private captains.
History:
Spoiler :
jeps
Arcadefire
I have a story that is written, I just want to sleep over and edit it when I am awake. However, that means (next computer access) pretty close to midnight tomorrow night, possibly early AM. It shall deal with the Pirate issue that Cuiv brought up.
jalapeno_dude
AKA Panda Judo Eel
Seeds
Throwing the letter to the ground, Jacob cursed. Of all the stupid things his brother had done, alienating Albrecht Thyssen and then fleeing the country was surely the most damaging deed possible to the Doria family. In a stroke, the chain of acquaintances and associations in Alhaven Jacob had worked so hard to build had been leveled.
Jacob alloted himself one minute, measured precisely by the mechanical clock he had recently installed in what he now thought of as his office, to rage. Then he returned to his work.
Jacob had not set himself a small goal. Rescuing the business from bankruptcy had been easy: he had simply announced that only those captains who earned above-median profit would be retained. Then he had replaced the old, washed-up captains whose company his father had loved to keep with a new breed of men from his own generation--ambitious younger sons, mostly, personally grateful to Jacob for the chance to escape the stratified society of Torenze. In three months, the debts his father owed at his death were paid off, and in five months, Jacob had enough of a profit to double the size of the merchant fleet.
With this minor problem taken care of, Jacob moved on to the next stage of his plan. Another benefit of hiring younger sons was their burning resentment of the fathers who had abandoned them--and of their fathers' companies. With the knowledge that the Petruso family had risked its fortune on the upcoming cotton harvest, it was easy to quietly buy up all of the cotton in advance and drive them into bankruptcy--then purchase all of their assets at a discount[1]. Through a series of such schemes, the Doria organization quickly became the largest in all Torenze, holding a virtual monopoly on the export of fabric to Alhaven.
But that step, too, was relatively minor compared to Jacob's ambition. A position of power in Torenze meant nothing in the wider world, when the trading families had long ago been supplanted by the powerful Metti guilds. Trade with Alhaven, and indeed any trade through the Gates of Air, was insignificant compared to the vast fortune to be found beyond the Gates of Fire, controlled entirely by the Guilds. Wherever goods were traded, the Guilds were already there, able to turn prosperous ports into ghost towns at a whim. And all who attempted to work behind the back of the Guilds were quickly crushed, as they found that no reputable organization would conduct business with them.
Or such, at least, was the theory. But there was more than one guild, and Jacob knew well that any semblance of patriotic unity could not hold up should a guild be faced with the chance to gain an advantage.
Elstadt, Kuurel, Dreningen[2]. The great trinity of Mettlingen, those who had raised themselves above the level of the minor guilds to power only dreamed of by most. But Elstadt, sagging under its own massive weight, awaited in vane leadership and purpose, while Dreningen was embroiled in the suppression of a massive rebellion in Alhaven. Both had weaknesses that could be exploited. And both had failed to note the seemingly insignificant connections in their vast webs that could, if broken, send the entire enterprise tumbling to the ground.
Mr. Thyssen:
I hope this letter finds you, and your business, in good shape. In my survey of various businesses in the Alhaven Republic, I found yours unique in its innovative forging process and the commendable production capacity of its workers. [3]
I wish at this time to convey my apologies for the death of your sister and her children in a Dreningen raid on their village in the area that Mettlingen still vainly attempts to control. It is inexcusable that such an organization should meddle in politics, and it outrages me that many of your countrymen continue to do business with such a deeply immoral Guild.
There was the bait, and Thyssen would rise to it, Jacob was sure--after he cleared up a small misunderstanding.
[...]Please accept my deepest apologies for the inexcusable behavior of my agent, Esau Doria, in his recent meeting with you at your headquarters in Verres. In addition to your report of his behavior, several additional incidents have led to my firm belief that he is under the pay of a rival organization, quite possibly Guild Dreningen, that aims to sabotage my business. I have sent the agent in question out of the country, and will soon replace him with another agent who I hope you will find more agreeable.
The agent in question was Giovanni Petruso, the younger scion of the Petruso line who had revealed to Jacob the information he needed to bring the family down. He was totally devoted to Jacob, and had no qualms whatsoever about lying. He would be perfect for the complex game Jacob had just initiated, a game that would span many years, but a game whose end he clearly forsaw:
Jacob Doria, Merchant King of the World.
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
[1]A horribly cliched tactic, I know, but Jacob isn't supposed to be original.
[2]Info comes from this post.
[3]That is, Thyssen is unique in his ruthless manipulation of his workers.
OOC: Nothing like a dose of pure, unadulterated ego to set the tone for this NES.
Tres drole.A New Course
"Torenze eh? Nice place, they'll pay great amounts for my wares there. I don't suppose you've ever drank Alhaven's Ales? I'm sure I'm responsible for at least half of your imports."
"Er yes." responded the man uncomfortably, "You must be... quite the businessman. I imagine you'd get along well with my brother."
"Hmm?"
"Oh, nothing. I truly appreciate the ride-"
"Bah, think nothing of it. You've already paid."
The man nodded and disembarked from the ship, followed by a few dock workers unloading a few crates. Captain Van der Zruyk chewed on his pipe for a moment.
"Piet?"
"Yes?" asked the thin, greying-haired man.
"How are our stocks?"
"Everything from Arios unloaded-"
"Everything?"
"No sir I assure you that the ales are still here."
"Excellent."
"So, where are we headed now?"
"Well, we've filled up on local goods... plenty of supplies and more for sale back home.""
"Yes... but I think we'll make a little stop first."
"A stop?"
"Yes Piet, I think it's time to visit an old friend."
"That old friend?"
"Yes." grinned the stubbled Metti Captain, "That one."
"Torenze eh? Nice place, they'll pay great amounts for my wares there. I don't suppose you've ever drank Alhaven's Ales? I'm sure I'm responsible for at least half of your imports."
"Er yes." responded the man uncomfortably, "You must be... quite the businessman. I imagine you'd get along well with my brother."
"Hmm?"
"Oh, nothing. I truly appreciate the ride-"
"Bah, think nothing of it. You've already paid."
The man nodded and disembarked from the ship, followed by a few dock workers unloading a few crates. Captain Van der Zruyk chewed on his pipe for a moment.
"Piet?"
"Yes?" asked the thin, greying-haired man.
"How are our stocks?"
"Everything from Arios unloaded-"
"Everything?"
"No sir I assure you that the ales are still here."
"Excellent."
"So, where are we headed now?"
"Well, we've filled up on local goods... plenty of supplies and more for sale back home.""
"Yes... but I think we'll make a little stop first."
"A stop?"
"Yes Piet, I think it's time to visit an old friend."
"That old friend?"
"Yes." grinned the stubbled Metti Captain, "That one."
jalapeno_dude
AKA Panda Judo Eel
@Iggy: Ooh, a tie-in! I assume that was the trip from Verres to Howick? Oh, and what guild is Captain Van der Zruyk part of?
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
Most guild merchants travel in convoys, since they're prime pirate targets, so he's probably unaffiliated.
LittleBoots
The Bloody Banner
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2006
- Messages
- 1,979
Thlayli, you did see my post, yeah? I shall pester you to no end because its become my favourite hobby.
Cuivienen
Deity
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2003
- Messages
- 8,011
The Festival of Salt
The temples on the Holy Way stood empty for most of year. Dust gathered on their marble steps, and friezes of blue and green had begun to chip away, exposing brown stone beneath. Able to hold twenty men walking abreast, the Holy Way was one of the broadest avenues in all of Teler. (OOC: The capital; I’m guessing at the name) Nonetheless, its splendor, more than anywhere else in the Empire, had fled centuries previous. Outsiders visiting Teler often remarked on the city’s antiquarian charm, but the Holy Way felt more like an archaeological dig than part of one the world’s greatest cities.
It came alive once a year. The priesthood of Celia was not entirely dead though few still resided in the grand priestly palaces at the ends of the Holy Way constructed in years long past. Since the ascension of the Iolarii to the Imperial throne, the Festival of Salt had become more of a civic holiday than a religious one, but the priests also held their own rituals, and a dwindling number of locals attended each year. This year, on the day of the Festival of Salt, Leion Aldarius found himself striding down the Holy Way amidst pillars of salt, clouds of incense, and the incessant droning emanating from within the temples.
Leion Aldarius was of the Aldarii, one of the closest allies of the ruling Iolarii during the latter’s rise to power, and, though he himself did not remember the triumph, he was very aware of the massive shift in his family’s fortunes over the past century. It was well-known that the Aldarii had been mere merchants just eleven generations ago. Worse still, they had been merchant-women who married priests! Such a short time as nine generations had not been sufficient to cleanse the family of its sordid past, but the prosperity of the past two had done much to alleviate it. Wealth brought power, and power brought legitimacy. Leion Aldarius’s grandfather had never come within ten blocks of the Holy Way to avoid the sneers of other families who had often accused the Aldarii of colluding with their “priestly relatives”, but Leion could do so with impunity.
Today, Leion passed down the Holy Way solely for convenience. It was the easiest passage from the Aldarii estate outside of the city to Leion’s private manse by the harbor, and the one least crowded by the parades celebrating the wealth and might of the empire. Here, such frivolous nonsense, as the priests would call it, was not tolerated. Leion shared none of the priests’ beliefs in this regard; now was the best time to be Telerian in centuries, and he was about to prove it.
Leion would not usually have returned to his manse at all during the summer. It was generally unpleasant in Teler in the summer heat, even with the benefit of cool breezes off the harbor. However, he had important business to attend to, business regarding extremely profitable Aldarii mining operations. A few representatives with unpronounceable names from Guild Elstadt would be attending a quiet celebration of the Festival of Salt in his manse, and he had a business proposal for them that might catapult the Aldarii, Leion himself, and possibly the entire Empire, to the peak of modern technology.
The dinner went better than Leion could have hoped for. The Elstadter merchants had been most pleased familiar delicacies he’d had cooked up for them by a Metti chef hired from the Foreign District, and marveled equally at the fare from Qiankun and the abundance of spices. Talked turned slowly to Aldarii mining operations, and Leion spoke of rising profits and increased steel production, mentioned briefly Dreningen’s vocal interest in his iron mines to alarm them, and then laid forth his proposal.
“You see, my friends, I have heard much of these ‘steam roads’ coming into use in Mettlingen. We have none of these here in Telerius, as you surely have noticed, yet I have often wondered how they might be put to sue even here. We here have a far superior road network—not offense meant, of course, but the truth is always important—and so the Emperor has never considered rail development anything more than a foreign curiosity. Certainly the Captains’ Council’s opposition to most non-naval spending has done little to advance interest in the use of steam on land, though our steamships have begun to rival those of Liassa.
“I, however, have found a use for steamroads that I daresay has not yet even been explored in Mettlingen itself. Our mining operations dig far underground to extract resources: iron, tin, copper, gold, silver, alum, all of which have proven essential to production both in Telerius and Arios. Of late, the primary factor inhibiting our ability to astronomically improve mining output has not been a lack of resources or workers, but the difficulty of transferring both valuable minerals and excess rock to the surface. This is where my interest in steamroads lies.
“I am certain that you now see my proposal. Guild Elstadt would provide Metti steamroad technology, and the Aldarii would fund most of the development. Steamroads in mines would allow our economic alliance to control the majority of mineral output, not only in Telerius, but in all of out region of the world. Surely Guild Elstadt can drink to that!”
The representatives of Guild Elstadt took large swigs of Torenzi dinnerwine by way of response.
(OOC: For names, I'm going for Romance-style first names with Latinate surnames to reflect an evolving language combined with highly classical culture. The Latinate family names are pretty much exclusive to the nobility, however.)
The temples on the Holy Way stood empty for most of year. Dust gathered on their marble steps, and friezes of blue and green had begun to chip away, exposing brown stone beneath. Able to hold twenty men walking abreast, the Holy Way was one of the broadest avenues in all of Teler. (OOC: The capital; I’m guessing at the name) Nonetheless, its splendor, more than anywhere else in the Empire, had fled centuries previous. Outsiders visiting Teler often remarked on the city’s antiquarian charm, but the Holy Way felt more like an archaeological dig than part of one the world’s greatest cities.
It came alive once a year. The priesthood of Celia was not entirely dead though few still resided in the grand priestly palaces at the ends of the Holy Way constructed in years long past. Since the ascension of the Iolarii to the Imperial throne, the Festival of Salt had become more of a civic holiday than a religious one, but the priests also held their own rituals, and a dwindling number of locals attended each year. This year, on the day of the Festival of Salt, Leion Aldarius found himself striding down the Holy Way amidst pillars of salt, clouds of incense, and the incessant droning emanating from within the temples.
Leion Aldarius was of the Aldarii, one of the closest allies of the ruling Iolarii during the latter’s rise to power, and, though he himself did not remember the triumph, he was very aware of the massive shift in his family’s fortunes over the past century. It was well-known that the Aldarii had been mere merchants just eleven generations ago. Worse still, they had been merchant-women who married priests! Such a short time as nine generations had not been sufficient to cleanse the family of its sordid past, but the prosperity of the past two had done much to alleviate it. Wealth brought power, and power brought legitimacy. Leion Aldarius’s grandfather had never come within ten blocks of the Holy Way to avoid the sneers of other families who had often accused the Aldarii of colluding with their “priestly relatives”, but Leion could do so with impunity.
Today, Leion passed down the Holy Way solely for convenience. It was the easiest passage from the Aldarii estate outside of the city to Leion’s private manse by the harbor, and the one least crowded by the parades celebrating the wealth and might of the empire. Here, such frivolous nonsense, as the priests would call it, was not tolerated. Leion shared none of the priests’ beliefs in this regard; now was the best time to be Telerian in centuries, and he was about to prove it.
Leion would not usually have returned to his manse at all during the summer. It was generally unpleasant in Teler in the summer heat, even with the benefit of cool breezes off the harbor. However, he had important business to attend to, business regarding extremely profitable Aldarii mining operations. A few representatives with unpronounceable names from Guild Elstadt would be attending a quiet celebration of the Festival of Salt in his manse, and he had a business proposal for them that might catapult the Aldarii, Leion himself, and possibly the entire Empire, to the peak of modern technology.
The dinner went better than Leion could have hoped for. The Elstadter merchants had been most pleased familiar delicacies he’d had cooked up for them by a Metti chef hired from the Foreign District, and marveled equally at the fare from Qiankun and the abundance of spices. Talked turned slowly to Aldarii mining operations, and Leion spoke of rising profits and increased steel production, mentioned briefly Dreningen’s vocal interest in his iron mines to alarm them, and then laid forth his proposal.
“You see, my friends, I have heard much of these ‘steam roads’ coming into use in Mettlingen. We have none of these here in Telerius, as you surely have noticed, yet I have often wondered how they might be put to sue even here. We here have a far superior road network—not offense meant, of course, but the truth is always important—and so the Emperor has never considered rail development anything more than a foreign curiosity. Certainly the Captains’ Council’s opposition to most non-naval spending has done little to advance interest in the use of steam on land, though our steamships have begun to rival those of Liassa.
“I, however, have found a use for steamroads that I daresay has not yet even been explored in Mettlingen itself. Our mining operations dig far underground to extract resources: iron, tin, copper, gold, silver, alum, all of which have proven essential to production both in Telerius and Arios. Of late, the primary factor inhibiting our ability to astronomically improve mining output has not been a lack of resources or workers, but the difficulty of transferring both valuable minerals and excess rock to the surface. This is where my interest in steamroads lies.
“I am certain that you now see my proposal. Guild Elstadt would provide Metti steamroad technology, and the Aldarii would fund most of the development. Steamroads in mines would allow our economic alliance to control the majority of mineral output, not only in Telerius, but in all of out region of the world. Surely Guild Elstadt can drink to that!”
The representatives of Guild Elstadt took large swigs of Torenzi dinnerwine by way of response.
(OOC: For names, I'm going for Romance-style first names with Latinate surnames to reflect an evolving language combined with highly classical culture. The Latinate family names are pretty much exclusive to the nobility, however.)
~Darkening~
Weep, Mother.
Lalalalala...Fridays almost up and I still don't have stats!
Nylan
Characters Welcome
Lord Nolan was impressed.
The newest line of warships to come out of the Guipikan ports at Daserri were impressive, to say the least. Their implementation of such advanced concepts as revolving turrets and breech loading guns was outstanding, and they were working on a new reciprocating engine as well. The old adage was definitely true: If it aint Guipikan, it aint seaworthy. These men were experts. It was a pity that it had taken Gosica so long to realize the full potential of the Guipikan shipbuilders. It was only now, under the new, Guipikan king that they had been given the finances they needed to excel.
The new king had a bold agenda, and whatever it was, it was working. Business was booming in the ports. He was also supposedly sending gifts to the rulers of Jathalland and Princeps, in order to foster better relations, and he was encouraging more and more private enterprises in their trading efforts. Gosica had indeed found a place in the sun, and it took to it well.
In fact, that was exactly why Lord Nolan was here. All these factors were necessary for what he had in mind. He turned to take one last look at the RGS Imperators silhouette against the setting sun and then left the dock. He headed across the street and into an office building. Someone was waiting inside to take his coat, after which he proceeded into the office of a certain Mr. Ulrich. The man sitting across from him was sitting in a high backed chair, and his desk was cluttered with various documents, countless maps, and an assortment of trinkets Nolan did not recognize. Behind him on the wall was a painting of a schooner falling off the edge of the earth. Next to it was a map of the known world, but it showed a continent west of Alhaven, and there were drawings of treasure on it. This seemed curious, but it was not as curious as the man himself.
Mr. Ulrich was a very strange man. He had thinning, grey hair, a moustache, and a large spectacle, which was odd because Mr. Ulrich had perfect sight. He also wore a uniform of military design, but rather than the traditional white, it was striped red and gold. He was lean, and his left hand twitched incessantly. Lord Nolan tried very hard to ignore this as he sat down.
Well, I think you know why Im here, Mr. Ulrich. You want to know whats way out west. So do we. We are willing to fund your journey, and you will have company. His Majesty and the High Council have agreed to assign you six ships, two of which will be a military escort. You are to travel as far west as you can, chart it, claim it if the situation allows, and report back to us. You may take any riches you find, but you may NOT harm the natives. His Majesty is taking a great risk in funding this expedition, as we have no hard evidence that there is anything but more ocean past Alhavens shores. Do not spoil success in finding land with compromising our position there.
All this time, Ulrich was nodding. Nodding, and shuffling through his maps as he muttered under his breath. He took out an instrument Lord Nolan did not recognize, and started measuring the map, possibly charting a course from Daserri to Alhaven. Lord Nolan ignored this, and continued.
Also remember, that you not only represent Gosica, but you represent me as well. I am your agent on the High Council, and if you compromise my honor or portray me the fool, I will personally ensure that you never trade in Gosica again, nor sail her waters.
As a final order of business, you will of course sail from here to our colonies in the west, stopping as necessary. However, keep contact with the Metti to a minimum, and only stop if you find it absolutely necessary. There are rumors that they are hiring privateers, and ships are being burned in ports. Be wary. They will be expecting you in Balve, where you will resupply before your journey. If possible, try to supply as far west in Alhaven as possible, to ensure maximum distance. Elesius, perhaps? In any case, godspeed and good luck. Do you have any questions?
Ulrich just shook his head. He was an oddly quiet man, and Lord Nolan was a little unsettled in knowing that his reputation rested on this mans shoulders. He reminded himself that Ulrich was the best of the best, and that he came highly recommended. He may have been eccentric, but he certainly knew his craft.
The Lord recovered his coat, and returned to his carriage, which took him to a hotel on the north end of the city. He would stop for the night before traveling to the northeast to check on the progress of the fortifications being built along the Callixti border. Some called him a fool, but the king was convinced that it would not be long before those unhinged republicans tried something. The king was convinced of a lot of things, and was causing a lot of changes in Gosica. No matter, his predecessor had been no different, if progressing in a different direction, and things had definitely been going well since King Rothard II took the throne. Yes indeed very well.
OOC: I'll be editing "Peas" to keep it in line with the stats. Are you going to want simple orders as well Thlay, or has this been made clear enough?
The newest line of warships to come out of the Guipikan ports at Daserri were impressive, to say the least. Their implementation of such advanced concepts as revolving turrets and breech loading guns was outstanding, and they were working on a new reciprocating engine as well. The old adage was definitely true: If it aint Guipikan, it aint seaworthy. These men were experts. It was a pity that it had taken Gosica so long to realize the full potential of the Guipikan shipbuilders. It was only now, under the new, Guipikan king that they had been given the finances they needed to excel.
The new king had a bold agenda, and whatever it was, it was working. Business was booming in the ports. He was also supposedly sending gifts to the rulers of Jathalland and Princeps, in order to foster better relations, and he was encouraging more and more private enterprises in their trading efforts. Gosica had indeed found a place in the sun, and it took to it well.
In fact, that was exactly why Lord Nolan was here. All these factors were necessary for what he had in mind. He turned to take one last look at the RGS Imperators silhouette against the setting sun and then left the dock. He headed across the street and into an office building. Someone was waiting inside to take his coat, after which he proceeded into the office of a certain Mr. Ulrich. The man sitting across from him was sitting in a high backed chair, and his desk was cluttered with various documents, countless maps, and an assortment of trinkets Nolan did not recognize. Behind him on the wall was a painting of a schooner falling off the edge of the earth. Next to it was a map of the known world, but it showed a continent west of Alhaven, and there were drawings of treasure on it. This seemed curious, but it was not as curious as the man himself.
Mr. Ulrich was a very strange man. He had thinning, grey hair, a moustache, and a large spectacle, which was odd because Mr. Ulrich had perfect sight. He also wore a uniform of military design, but rather than the traditional white, it was striped red and gold. He was lean, and his left hand twitched incessantly. Lord Nolan tried very hard to ignore this as he sat down.
Well, I think you know why Im here, Mr. Ulrich. You want to know whats way out west. So do we. We are willing to fund your journey, and you will have company. His Majesty and the High Council have agreed to assign you six ships, two of which will be a military escort. You are to travel as far west as you can, chart it, claim it if the situation allows, and report back to us. You may take any riches you find, but you may NOT harm the natives. His Majesty is taking a great risk in funding this expedition, as we have no hard evidence that there is anything but more ocean past Alhavens shores. Do not spoil success in finding land with compromising our position there.
All this time, Ulrich was nodding. Nodding, and shuffling through his maps as he muttered under his breath. He took out an instrument Lord Nolan did not recognize, and started measuring the map, possibly charting a course from Daserri to Alhaven. Lord Nolan ignored this, and continued.
Also remember, that you not only represent Gosica, but you represent me as well. I am your agent on the High Council, and if you compromise my honor or portray me the fool, I will personally ensure that you never trade in Gosica again, nor sail her waters.
As a final order of business, you will of course sail from here to our colonies in the west, stopping as necessary. However, keep contact with the Metti to a minimum, and only stop if you find it absolutely necessary. There are rumors that they are hiring privateers, and ships are being burned in ports. Be wary. They will be expecting you in Balve, where you will resupply before your journey. If possible, try to supply as far west in Alhaven as possible, to ensure maximum distance. Elesius, perhaps? In any case, godspeed and good luck. Do you have any questions?
Ulrich just shook his head. He was an oddly quiet man, and Lord Nolan was a little unsettled in knowing that his reputation rested on this mans shoulders. He reminded himself that Ulrich was the best of the best, and that he came highly recommended. He may have been eccentric, but he certainly knew his craft.
The Lord recovered his coat, and returned to his carriage, which took him to a hotel on the north end of the city. He would stop for the night before traveling to the northeast to check on the progress of the fortifications being built along the Callixti border. Some called him a fool, but the king was convinced that it would not be long before those unhinged republicans tried something. The king was convinced of a lot of things, and was causing a lot of changes in Gosica. No matter, his predecessor had been no different, if progressing in a different direction, and things had definitely been going well since King Rothard II took the throne. Yes indeed very well.
OOC: I'll be editing "Peas" to keep it in line with the stats. Are you going to want simple orders as well Thlay, or has this been made clear enough?
Cuivienen
Deity
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2003
- Messages
- 8,011
OOC: After some thought, I’ve decided that the Aldarii will be my flagship noble family, and most of my stories will revolve around them. They’re a powerful family, one of the wealthiest in Telerius, but they’re also very young by noble standards (eleven generations since the grant of nobility, or about 250 years). Their name is created, not inherited, reflecting their status as part of the “new nobility” in Telerius. As stated in The Festival of Salt, they are close allies of the Iolarii, the ruling family, and much of their good fortune stems from this connection. Their wealth comes mostly from internal mining operations, which they dominate, though they control some speculative outposts on the Mournful Coasts as well.
Bullet Holes and Burn Marks
Iathuria lay in ruins. The city, long ago heralded as one of the proudest cultural achievements of the Telerian Empire, had succumbed, not to natural cataclysms, but to the ravages of war. Old damage and new both highlighted the plight of the City of the Eight Graces of which the ancient poet Eradius had sung praise. Bullet holes marred the intricately carved marble bust of Celia atop the harbor gates, and ancient burn marks marred the sides, where the gates had once met the limestone walls. The walls themselves were pitted from years of rainfall. In ancient days, new limestone blocks would have been hauled from mines in the hinterlands to reface the gleaming city each generation, but Iathuria had stood abandoned for generations beyond count.
The ravaging armies of Daraj had sacked Iathuria centuries ago. The city survived at first under the Daraji, but not for long. Proud in their own culture, the lords of the Balipana had sought to erase all traces of Telerian culture from their newly minted empire. Iathuria had been one of their first victims. Save for the bust of Celia above the gate, little in the way of classical Telerian art had survived in the city. Buildings in ancient Telerian style had not been torn down, but few had been settled from the very beginning. Most ethnic Telerians had fled across the straits shortly before the Daraji arrived, and the Daraji were unaccustomed to airy halls ringed with columns rather than walls. Its cultural significance eliminated, and trans-strait tensions preventing trade at a height, Iathuria dwindled, and, when the Iolarii finally reunited Teleria and led their war to reconquer the coasts just thrity-seven years past, Iathuria was nearly empty of people. Today, more Telerians stood within its walls than had since the Daraji conquest.
Bonassio Aldarius, leader of the group of prospectors, was the black sheep of his family. The Aldarii had long focused primarily on mining operations and on the expansion of their own wealth. To enter into public service, even the service of an Emperor from the allied Iolarii, was unheard of. Bonassio himself sometimes ahd doubts about his own motivations; reestablishing Telerian settlements on the mainland had indeed proven to be quite profitable, so much so that he could hardly be considered philanthropic. Still, it felt good to him, doing service for the Empire rather than the family. It was a lesson his brother Leion perhaps should learn better before getting himself mixed up in Guild politics.
Today, Bonassio began his greatest project yet. Iathuria was of immense nationalist importance to Telerius, given its mention in nearly every ancient work celebrating the empire’s might. Though the city had been badly damaged by war and neglect, Bonassio saw already why the city he was now beginning to repopulate was numbered among the Five Jewels of Telerius. The precisely laid gardens, the still-standing arches, the towering halls supported by masses of columns, all spoke of great wealth and cultural prestige almost lost in time. Certainly he could not bring the theatre and the poets and the artists back to Iathuria in one night; his party consisted mostly of poor urban peasants from Teler and other Telerian cities. Yet even the smallest revival of the city might help to heal the wounds of the past.
OOC: Iathuria is the northernmost ruined city controlled by Telerius on the mainland.
Bullet Holes and Burn Marks
Iathuria lay in ruins. The city, long ago heralded as one of the proudest cultural achievements of the Telerian Empire, had succumbed, not to natural cataclysms, but to the ravages of war. Old damage and new both highlighted the plight of the City of the Eight Graces of which the ancient poet Eradius had sung praise. Bullet holes marred the intricately carved marble bust of Celia atop the harbor gates, and ancient burn marks marred the sides, where the gates had once met the limestone walls. The walls themselves were pitted from years of rainfall. In ancient days, new limestone blocks would have been hauled from mines in the hinterlands to reface the gleaming city each generation, but Iathuria had stood abandoned for generations beyond count.
The ravaging armies of Daraj had sacked Iathuria centuries ago. The city survived at first under the Daraji, but not for long. Proud in their own culture, the lords of the Balipana had sought to erase all traces of Telerian culture from their newly minted empire. Iathuria had been one of their first victims. Save for the bust of Celia above the gate, little in the way of classical Telerian art had survived in the city. Buildings in ancient Telerian style had not been torn down, but few had been settled from the very beginning. Most ethnic Telerians had fled across the straits shortly before the Daraji arrived, and the Daraji were unaccustomed to airy halls ringed with columns rather than walls. Its cultural significance eliminated, and trans-strait tensions preventing trade at a height, Iathuria dwindled, and, when the Iolarii finally reunited Teleria and led their war to reconquer the coasts just thrity-seven years past, Iathuria was nearly empty of people. Today, more Telerians stood within its walls than had since the Daraji conquest.
Bonassio Aldarius, leader of the group of prospectors, was the black sheep of his family. The Aldarii had long focused primarily on mining operations and on the expansion of their own wealth. To enter into public service, even the service of an Emperor from the allied Iolarii, was unheard of. Bonassio himself sometimes ahd doubts about his own motivations; reestablishing Telerian settlements on the mainland had indeed proven to be quite profitable, so much so that he could hardly be considered philanthropic. Still, it felt good to him, doing service for the Empire rather than the family. It was a lesson his brother Leion perhaps should learn better before getting himself mixed up in Guild politics.
Today, Bonassio began his greatest project yet. Iathuria was of immense nationalist importance to Telerius, given its mention in nearly every ancient work celebrating the empire’s might. Though the city had been badly damaged by war and neglect, Bonassio saw already why the city he was now beginning to repopulate was numbered among the Five Jewels of Telerius. The precisely laid gardens, the still-standing arches, the towering halls supported by masses of columns, all spoke of great wealth and cultural prestige almost lost in time. Certainly he could not bring the theatre and the poets and the artists back to Iathuria in one night; his party consisted mostly of poor urban peasants from Teler and other Telerian cities. Yet even the smallest revival of the city might help to heal the wounds of the past.
OOC: Iathuria is the northernmost ruined city controlled by Telerius on the mainland.
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
Darkening, here's how I see it. You're a mostly peaceful tribe of Polynesian-style islanders. You don't really have much infrastructure to speak of, your technology is roughly Medieval, and your economy is primarily based in agriculture and fishing. I would assume that your military is limited to a thousand warriors or so, and maybe several thousand in wartime.
Since you're pretty much a self-created nation, feel free to make your own template. I just feel like it isn't necessary at this stage, since you've already got a cultural and historical description.
Technically no one needs a template to send orders, or even to send orders at all. It just helps.
---
The updates will take different forms. Occasionally it might be a series of newspaper articles, and in other cases, it will be completely first-hand accounts. We'll see what happens.
Story bonuses will be given out this turn for the following:
-Most Detailed Story
-Best Character
-Most Enjoyable Read
The bonuses will be specific to the writer's nation or group.
Since you're pretty much a self-created nation, feel free to make your own template. I just feel like it isn't necessary at this stage, since you've already got a cultural and historical description.
Technically no one needs a template to send orders, or even to send orders at all. It just helps.
---
The updates will take different forms. Occasionally it might be a series of newspaper articles, and in other cases, it will be completely first-hand accounts. We'll see what happens.
Story bonuses will be given out this turn for the following:
-Most Detailed Story
-Best Character
-Most Enjoyable Read
The bonuses will be specific to the writer's nation or group.
jeps
Arcadefire
The Crown Prince of Liassa, Rilen, was on his Ironclad, the Licyt about two hours away from Enosia [1].
“Navigator, I want you to set a course straight for…”
He never did finish that sentence, as he looked ahead and saw a pirate fleet to the starboard of the ironclad.
“All men to their battlestations! We are about to be attacked by privateers!”
There were 5 large pirate vessels, none steamboats, but all advanced for pirates. The ships all had names clearly printed on their hulls. The biggest was the Scourge of Enomrad, and the rest were the Elmawend Fire, the Booty Full, the The Scourge of Tortuga, and the Royal Executioner. Just from the names Rilen guessed that the Royal Executioner was the most dangerous and focused on destroying it first.
“All cannons fire on Royal Executioner! Fire simultaneously! On my order! 1…2…3… FIRE!”
The cannons fired and easily ripped through the hull of the Royal Executioner.
“Turn the ship so we are facing them! We have a good number of cannons in the front and are less exposed. Cannons fire at will! Target the closest pirate vessel!”
The Licyt shook as a cannonball hit the iron plate, making a small hole.
“I want that hole patched immediately! Fire at the Elmawend Fire! Don’t let them get away with it!”
A cannonball splashed into the water where the ship had been mere seconds before. A merchant ship stumbled upon the battle and joined the fight against the pirates.
“Cannons do not target the Enosian Breeze! They are friendly. Our bow is taking too much damage! Turn so our port side is facing the pirates!”
There was a loud explosion as the Elmawend Fire’s ammo exploded, followed by a loud crash when the Booty Full got hit by the shrapnel, lost steering, and crashed into the wreckage. A shot from the Tortuga took out the Enosian Breeze, leaving only the three ships to fight.
“Cannons kill them quickly so we can rescue the stranded merchants! Fire at The Scourge of Tortuga!”
After a short while and much damage to all of the boats, The Scourge of Tortuga sank.
“Pirates of The Lion of the Sea , you are defeated! Your ship is in pieces, and your allies are all dead! We are an ironclad, you cannot hope to defeat us in your wooden piece of junk! Surrender now and live to see tomorrow!”
They got a quick response from The Lion of the Sea. ‘We surrender! We see no more point in fighting! We ask for permission to get our wounded allies.’
Rilen was too caught up in the victory to notice the answer was very unusual coming from a bloodthirsty pirate. “Prepare for boarding! Afterwards you may get all the wounded you can hold!”
As the Licyt moved in to board The Lion of the Sea , a lone cannonball was fired at them. It was too high to damage the boat, but struck Prince Rilen on the side of the head, instantly killing him. The crew of the Licyt was too shocked to respond, and The Lion of the Sea sailed away as quickly as possible. The Licyt returned to Enosia, where they told of the events that took place, and sent Rilen’s body back to Hohass [2].
---
Prince Lexido walked into King Gantor’s chamber. Seeing the somber expression on his face he grew worried.
“What is it you wanted to see more for father?”
“Rilen is dead. He was killed after a battle at sea. They fought five pirate ships, killed four and damaged one. The fifth surrendered, but when his ship came to board, they fired one shot that hit him in the head. That is what I got out of the crew.”
“R-R-Rilen is DEAD? This can’t be true! There’s no way this happened.”
“Denying it won’t help. We must live up to the truth. He is dead. The funeral is tomorrow. I have business to attend to, I shall speak to you later, Crown Prince Lexido.”
Lexido stood there for a moment, then turned and left, all the blood gone from his face. He rushed to his bedroom and lay down. ‘I know what I must do. I must find out who did it, and get my revenge!’
---
Five months later, the King received yet another piece of shocking news – Crown Prince Lexido had disappeared. He had no more sons, and decided to devote all his energy to finding him.
---
Lexido walked into the bar on Risat [3], and sat down on a stool.
“Achyer with mewyc,[4] no ice”
The bartender turned to him and whispered, “so, you know the code. Go to the next room over, and up the staircase.”
Lexido got up and followed the bartender’s directions. He wound up in a second bar, filled with pirates. He sat down at a table with three other people, and thought carefully about what ‘Umash’ would do.
“The names Umash. I used to be an advisor to the king. He caught me stealing from him and tried to execute me. I escaped and want nothing more than revenge on him. Where should I go to join a crew so I can do that?”
“Well, you can start with us, on The Destroyer of Delagenth. Eventually you’ll be wanting to get on The Lion of the Sea. That’s the ship that killed the prince. The name’s Captain Noyen.”
‘Perfect,’ Lexido thought to himself. ‘I’ve been here a few minutes, and already they tell me what boat killed Rilen.’
“Anything to get my revenge. I’ll join your crew. When do we leave?”
---
Back in Hohass, King Gantor mounted a great search for Lexido, with no results. He gave up, and instead devoted his time to destroying all the pirates in Liassan waters.
---
[4] an achyer with mewyc is an obscure alcoholic beverage, not often consumed by normal people, but instead mostly by pirates, like rum was on Earth.
OOC: Sorry for poor quality, I am trying to get all the viewpoints and necessary information across so the next story will be set up.
“Navigator, I want you to set a course straight for…”
He never did finish that sentence, as he looked ahead and saw a pirate fleet to the starboard of the ironclad.
“All men to their battlestations! We are about to be attacked by privateers!”
There were 5 large pirate vessels, none steamboats, but all advanced for pirates. The ships all had names clearly printed on their hulls. The biggest was the Scourge of Enomrad, and the rest were the Elmawend Fire, the Booty Full, the The Scourge of Tortuga, and the Royal Executioner. Just from the names Rilen guessed that the Royal Executioner was the most dangerous and focused on destroying it first.
“All cannons fire on Royal Executioner! Fire simultaneously! On my order! 1…2…3… FIRE!”
The cannons fired and easily ripped through the hull of the Royal Executioner.
“Turn the ship so we are facing them! We have a good number of cannons in the front and are less exposed. Cannons fire at will! Target the closest pirate vessel!”
The Licyt shook as a cannonball hit the iron plate, making a small hole.
“I want that hole patched immediately! Fire at the Elmawend Fire! Don’t let them get away with it!”
A cannonball splashed into the water where the ship had been mere seconds before. A merchant ship stumbled upon the battle and joined the fight against the pirates.
“Cannons do not target the Enosian Breeze! They are friendly. Our bow is taking too much damage! Turn so our port side is facing the pirates!”
There was a loud explosion as the Elmawend Fire’s ammo exploded, followed by a loud crash when the Booty Full got hit by the shrapnel, lost steering, and crashed into the wreckage. A shot from the Tortuga took out the Enosian Breeze, leaving only the three ships to fight.
“Cannons kill them quickly so we can rescue the stranded merchants! Fire at The Scourge of Tortuga!”
After a short while and much damage to all of the boats, The Scourge of Tortuga sank.
“Pirates of The Lion of the Sea , you are defeated! Your ship is in pieces, and your allies are all dead! We are an ironclad, you cannot hope to defeat us in your wooden piece of junk! Surrender now and live to see tomorrow!”
They got a quick response from The Lion of the Sea. ‘We surrender! We see no more point in fighting! We ask for permission to get our wounded allies.’
Rilen was too caught up in the victory to notice the answer was very unusual coming from a bloodthirsty pirate. “Prepare for boarding! Afterwards you may get all the wounded you can hold!”
As the Licyt moved in to board The Lion of the Sea , a lone cannonball was fired at them. It was too high to damage the boat, but struck Prince Rilen on the side of the head, instantly killing him. The crew of the Licyt was too shocked to respond, and The Lion of the Sea sailed away as quickly as possible. The Licyt returned to Enosia, where they told of the events that took place, and sent Rilen’s body back to Hohass [2].
---
Prince Lexido walked into King Gantor’s chamber. Seeing the somber expression on his face he grew worried.
“What is it you wanted to see more for father?”
“Rilen is dead. He was killed after a battle at sea. They fought five pirate ships, killed four and damaged one. The fifth surrendered, but when his ship came to board, they fired one shot that hit him in the head. That is what I got out of the crew.”
“R-R-Rilen is DEAD? This can’t be true! There’s no way this happened.”
“Denying it won’t help. We must live up to the truth. He is dead. The funeral is tomorrow. I have business to attend to, I shall speak to you later, Crown Prince Lexido.”
Lexido stood there for a moment, then turned and left, all the blood gone from his face. He rushed to his bedroom and lay down. ‘I know what I must do. I must find out who did it, and get my revenge!’
---
Five months later, the King received yet another piece of shocking news – Crown Prince Lexido had disappeared. He had no more sons, and decided to devote all his energy to finding him.
---
Lexido walked into the bar on Risat [3], and sat down on a stool.
“Achyer with mewyc,[4] no ice”
The bartender turned to him and whispered, “so, you know the code. Go to the next room over, and up the staircase.”
Lexido got up and followed the bartender’s directions. He wound up in a second bar, filled with pirates. He sat down at a table with three other people, and thought carefully about what ‘Umash’ would do.
“The names Umash. I used to be an advisor to the king. He caught me stealing from him and tried to execute me. I escaped and want nothing more than revenge on him. Where should I go to join a crew so I can do that?”
“Well, you can start with us, on The Destroyer of Delagenth. Eventually you’ll be wanting to get on The Lion of the Sea. That’s the ship that killed the prince. The name’s Captain Noyen.”
‘Perfect,’ Lexido thought to himself. ‘I’ve been here a few minutes, and already they tell me what boat killed Rilen.’
“Anything to get my revenge. I’ll join your crew. When do we leave?”
---
Back in Hohass, King Gantor mounted a great search for Lexido, with no results. He gave up, and instead devoted his time to destroying all the pirates in Liassan waters.
---
[4] an achyer with mewyc is an obscure alcoholic beverage, not often consumed by normal people, but instead mostly by pirates, like rum was on Earth.
OOC: Sorry for poor quality, I am trying to get all the viewpoints and necessary information across so the next story will be set up.
alex994
Hail Divine Emperor!
OOC: *sigh* MTW 2 is a curse in disguise 
I swear I'll get back to writing more stories after the update! I SWEAR UPON ALL THAT IS CHINESE!!!
I swear I'll get back to writing more stories after the update! I SWEAR UPON ALL THAT IS CHINESE!!!
Nylan
Characters Welcome
Not Qiankun?
alex994
Hail Divine Emperor!
OOC: That would hardly be OOC then eh? Not to mention there are some aspects of Qiankun I rather dislike, such as the blob to our south 
Not to mention there are some aspects of Qiankun I rather dislike, such as the blob to our south 
