The Association

Dalvin Montrose sat in his rather small, tastefully done, if not ornate office. No great palace belonged to the Counsellor General. No legions of servants, no countless number of slaves to answer his every whim. Instead, he had a small building, a number of staffers, and a good portion of the World's wealth at his command. He called the trade good.

"Sir?"

One of those Staffers was outside his door now. Valik, his Executive Assistant.

"Yes?"

Valik entered, pulling forth a stack of documents.

"Here are the reports you asked for. Also, a letter has come from the Solar Protectorate."

Dalvin nodded, motioning the man away, and began to examine the documents. He smiled as he read them, beginning to see possibilities. Even in his so called problems, he saw oppurtunities. That was what made the Association what it was. He pulled forth a number of pieces of Paper, penning Letters to a number of parties.

"So much can be changed by a few words."

To the Duchy of Florence
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Sir, the Association has determined that yours is the rightful claim to the County of Urbia. Our Clerks say they can prove it, if given the time. We only ask that you wait before pressing your claim, in the interest of seeing the dispute amicably resolved. We need time to prepare the documents to be presented. You will have what is yours.

-Dalvin Montrose, Counsellor General


To the Primate of Michaven
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Honorable Primate, we have heard of the machinations of that scoundrel, the Duke of Florence. We will back your claims, if you wish it. Unfortunately, the increased burden from administering that territory would mean that we would be unable to grant you several possessions that have come within our grasp. They would greatly enhance your standing and power, far more then the County of Urbia, things which could only benefit the Association. We were relying on you to develop them. However, if you press your claim to them, we will have to find someone else to administer the great wealth. We await your response.

-Dalvin Montrose, Counsellor General


Solar Protectorate
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We were most suprised, and pleased to hear of the opening of trade between our two great lands. The Association accepts, and hopes that the rest of the World will join you in recognizing that all the Association is Peace and mutually beneficial Trade.

-Dalvin Montrose, Counsellor General


To the Various Independent Islands of the Medditerranean, excluding the Guild and the Mageocracy
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Honorable Ruler, the Association has come before you to offer our services. It has come to our attention that there are several unscrupoulous lords who are seeking to increase their own wealth and power at the expense of yours. The Association will not stand for such.

As such, we have come before you with two offers. There will be no consequences for refusing them, but you must understand our power is limited. Those who accept will recieve the priority when it comes to protecting our Sovereignty.

The first is simple. You may join our happy Union, becoming a member of the Association with all the rights accorded as such. Your Sovereignty will be regarded with the utmost care.

We understand if several of you are wary about such an offer. Much to our sadness, envious people have spread lies and rumors impugning our trustworthiness. We understand that relations must be built one block at a time.

So our second offer is that you will simply allow us priority when it comes to docking at your ports, our merchants exemption from several of your taxes, and priority when it comes to purchasing some goods. In exchange, we shall make sure that no foreign soldier sets foot on your independent Island without your invitation.

We await your response.

-Dalvin Montrose, Counsellor General


Dalvin leaned back in his chair, motioning Valik to take the letters, smiling at the ceiling.

"Let us see what comes of this."