[IC] TW:epic fantasy

[Nemesis67]

Jack Collective
Morale: 10

To the Theocracy (10)

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We would assume you're still planning on carrying through with your attack even with the allegiance of the Risen and San-Kesh? Once Nijon's bandit problem has been dealt with this season, our troops will be free to aid you if the conflict spreads to our continent. And possibly on the Protectorates, depending on what events transpire.

-Ambassador Jack

Edit:

Security Council (++++)

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OOC: Briefly forgot this organization existed...
The Collective has called this meeting together to discuss the recent alliance of the Protectorates of San-Kesh and the Risen Empire, expressly concerning the Risen's threat to violate their terms of surrender. We wanted to know what the other members of the Council thought on this matter.

[hydroplatypus]

Venetian Isles
morale: +++++

To Jack, Trade Federation

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The Venetian Isles are glad to accept your offer to join the Federation.

Might we inquire as to what the group is currently doing beyond the defensive alliance? For instance are there any economic endeavors that the trade federation is looking into/trying to accomplish?

[Nemesis67]

Jack Collective
Morale: 10

To Venetians (+++++)

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At the moment, no, not as far as we are aware. The primary function of the group (at least in our eyes) is the military alliance as well as functioning in times of crisis like the plague outbreak, but it also encourages ties in the private sector between the participant nations. If you have any plans you would like to put forward, feel free to suggest them. Though we would assume that (hopefully) some efforts are being made among the Federation to rebuild Rozaria after the loss of their emperor and recent war.

OOC: Federation messages have +++ Def Esp because of the Zexans, for future reference. And you are in the Security Council, so I would appreciate you responding to that too.

[hydroplatypus]

Venetians

To Security council

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OOC: I forgot about this too. And then when you posted I forgot I was a member. Also how long has it been IC from the time the Risen surrendered? Also who is in this?

IC: We are concerned about the Risen Empire's actions, however as we were not the ones to force this treaty on the Empire we do not see it as our responsibility. We would like to hear from those more directly involved with the treaty before making any decisions.

To Trade Federation

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Very well, we shall send some aid to Rozaria.

As to ideas, other than finishing the network I have none at the moment, but shall attempt to come up with some Economic ideas in the future.

[Nemesis67]

Jack Collective
Morale: 10

Security Council (++++)

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OOC: Members are: myself, the Theocracy, the Reforged, you, Queendom, and Rozaria. Hellraisers are a part of it to discuss prices. Peace was declared start of Turn 13, and it's now Turn 17 (nearly 18), so about a year, give or take three months.

Trade Federation (+++)

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OOC: You are not required to send aid to Rozaria, if you don't want to. I just am hoping someone is, because I haven't sent any...

[ragingrage]

The Reforged Kingdom

To the Security Council

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It was only the Reforged Kingdom, and the Queendom of Faluna who lead the war against the Risen Empire, who forced the terms of their surrender being put in place. And you would ask our opinion?
We wonder why on earth there is an invasion being planned of San-Kesh. It is that plan that has lead to this treaty between the Risen and them, and it is that plan that has lead to the Risen's promise of breaking the terms of surrender. Which we worked out.
So we would have the Nagareans call of their invasion, and then have things return to normal.

[hydroplatypus]

Venetian Isles

To Security Council

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We are also wondering why the invasion is being planned. Aside from rumors we haven't seen any evidence of anything that merits an invasion. Would the theocracy representative please clarify the reasons for your planned invasion?

Given the response of the Reforged I assume that they aren't planning on penalizing the risen for their potential violation of treaty clauses. As such we see no reason to stop them from enacting this policy. After if the ones that wrote the treaty aren't going to intervene then what right do the rest of us have?

[oblivion6]

zexan consortium to reforged kingdom

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we dont have any ourselves but we have a couple commisioned from the hellraisers.

Security Council

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]Nagarean theocracy: we have evidence that these rites are indeed taking place and that the blood of their victims is being transferred a massive pyramid like temple within the protectorate.

[presents evidence. it is clearly the result of a fairly large intelligence gathering operation.]

[oblivion6]

Beginning of turn 18

the Nijonian Civil-War: it is now confirmed that the emperors eldest son is now leading the bandit gangs that have been harassing the empire. however it is reported that a joint effort with the jacks collective has eliminated about a third of Lucans force and is even now trying to find his base of operations.

The Tunnel: the expedition of hellraisers, trolls and corrupted shocktroops has ventured into the bandit tunnel system only to find them gone. its also rumoured that the small camp outside the tunnels was destroyed.

The Crusade: the Nagarean Theocracy has begun its crusade against the cult of San-kesh. however, things dont go well at all for the hellraiser expedtion leading the way, for it begain raining fireballs and acid onto the transport vessels, forcing many to turn back. hellraiser troops from the few vessels that made it through are even now hunkered down on the beach awaiting the promised reinforcements from the theocracy, hoping they can hold.

the Royal-Heir: this news is much happier than the rest of the events that transpired this past season. apparently the young queen Lymsleia is now pregnant with the heir to the reforged kingdoms throne which is a cause for rejoice in many parts.

Palace-Gossip: Melvaunian kingdoms performing war-games. rumoured to be prepping for an invasion of the reforged kingdom!

massive rallies in jacks collective.

rumours state several venetian naval vessels have been spotted heading for ports in the reforged-kingdom.

[let me know if i missed anything you think should be public]

[Nemesis67]

Jack Collective
Morale: 17

Security Council (++++)

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If the Risen are threatening to breach the terms of their peace, they may not fight with blades. They were the source of the plague that struck the continent a year ago, and it's possible they will do something similar again.

Nijon (+++++)

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Do you have any idea where Lucan is getting support from? If we hadn't destroyed them, the Collective would suspect the Harmonium's interference again...

[hydroplatypus]

Venetian Isles

To Security council

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This is most disturbing. We shall need to take precautions in case they try that again.

Regarding the ships heading to the reforged (open message)

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We have recently seen that someone has been convincing our naval personnel to desert our navy. Although we cannot confirm this we suspect that the Reforged is behind this, given that this is where the ships ended up. We kindly ask you to stop trying to get our naval personnel to desert. It is unbecoming of a nation of your stature.

[Nemesis67]

Jack Collective
Morale: 17

To All

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The Collective would like to inform whomever pushed the Venetian sailors to commit treason that the Isles are a part of the Trade Federation, which is first and foremost a defensive military alliance. Our view is that such an action has hostile intent, and we will respond in kind if it occurs again.

OOC: Even if it is absolutely hilarious. And We is only talking about the Collective here, though the Federation will probably agree with me. Possibly. Oh, and hydro, your morale is still 5?

[ragingrage]

The Reforged Kingdom

Regarding the ships that headed to the Reforged Kingdom

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We don't at all see what justification there is for the anger at us in regards to some sailors of the Venetian Isles joining the reforged kingdom. Are people, once they begin to work for the Isles forced to remain there forever, putting thier long days into guarding the ships of a merchant who makes more in an hour than they do in a half-year? Are you saying they are not allowed to, that you will take action to prevent, them from joining a place where they will fight to protect the world from evil as opposed to line the pockets of merchants? Apparently, the free choice of honourable sailors qualifies as treason now. Huh.

To the Deep Trolls/Zexan

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How very peculiar. Would anyone happen to know where they went? Or know a way to find out?

To the Security Council

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Then we will know. But until then, WE will not be taking any hasty action. We advise you to do the same.

To the Nagarean Theocracy

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We would urge you to withdraw from the lands of San-Kesh. It is apparent that your troops will be slaughtered, and why should we encourage them to hate us?

((Ah, sorry about the delay. About stopping: why don't you try to make me? ))

[oblivion6]

needless to say, the queendom of faluna speaks up in support of the reforged kingdoms statement. they are still technically an NPC power after all.

Bandit Expedition[you know who you are]

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no idea where they went. all that we know is that they slaughtered our mercenaries and escaped. we will be trying to track them down.

Nagarean Theocracy to Reforged Empire

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OOC: sorry for always marking you as an empire. its a habit of mine...

we are not worried. we have our own mages working to counter any new spells with another large force of Hellraisers on the way to reinforce the beachhead.

[ragingrage]

The Reforged Kingdom

Bandit Expedition

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When you find them, call us. We dislike it when the prey slips out of our fingers.

To the Nagarean Theocracy

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You think you can take on, with just your own mages and mercenaries, an entire continent such a long way away? That is...ambitious. But if you think you can, then I will not stop you.

[hydroplatypus]

Venetian Isles

To All

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While we are not pleased with the actions of the reforged kingdom, we do not intend to take military action at this time. It would cause more damage then it would bring benefit, by a large margin.

[oblivion6]

Mid-Turn Update

Economic Mergings: in a move unlike any the world has seen to date thus far, the filthy rich melvaunian kingdoms of the southern portion of the continent have merged ther lands into the jacks collective, consulting them in all matters. the question on everyones mind is why...why the merge when the 2 nations have had no previous public correspondence?

Royal Venetian Banking Union: on the venetian isles, the goverment has officially appointed a group of merchants to serve as bankers and brokers for all merchants that comes through and leaves the isle. the Royal Venetian Bank is now just weeks from completion.

Peace in Nijon: as if everyone hasnt heard this before. this time however, this peace appears it might actually last with an army from the jacks collective cooperating with imperial agents in tracking down the rebel leader Lucan who is even now awaiting sentencing.

Conclave speaks out: the magus conclave has spoken out against the jacks collective after several of their archmages left to join the jacks. rumour has it that massive amounts of collective money has surfaced in the hands of those archmages, suggesting a bribe was used to secure their loyalty.

Hellraisers come ashore unopposed: on the shores of the western continent, an army of reinforcements from Nagarea and Dhevan arrive to reinforce their beachhead. it was a long trip due to the fear of more magical bombardments but their fears were for naught. rumours speak of Commander Hwalith himself being present with his personal bodyguards, armed with the fantastic warded armor of the Theocracy. plans are being laid for the inland advance.(Commander Hwalith is the head of the Hellraisers)

[ragingrage]

The Reforged Kingdom

To the Jacks

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Hmm...Even as you speak out against our "sowing dissent" you do the same to the magus conclave. How very hypocritical.

To the Melvaunian Kingdom

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We see what you have done. We assume you know what this means, though your recent actions do not speak much for your intelligence.

To the Venetian Isles

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Care to explain what this bank would do? We may be interested in depositing some wealth, if we feel it may be put to good use.

To the Magus Conclave

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You have been our friends and allies, and we would wonder if there is anything you would ask of us during this troubling time.

[hydroplatypus]

Venetian Isles

Bank Details (open message)

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Hello fellow merchants and nations of the world. We are here to tell you about the new Royal Venetian Banking Union (RVBU). The RVBU is an organization devoted to making life more convenient for the merchants of the world. Based in the Capital city of the Venetian Isles we provide several services that you may be interested in.

To those who trade around the world our first offer is just right for you. Isn't it inconvenient to carry around a dozen currencies with you on a trading expedition? Well our first service takes care of that. The bank keeps large sums of various currencies on hand and is willing to exchange one for another, at fair prices. Given that we are at the hub of the network you will be able to exchange currencies every time you make trades, saving you a great deal of trouble.

To those who already have large sums of money the bank has another offer for you. Deep underground lie the most well protected vaults in the world, with protections both mundane and magical. Look no further for a place to store your wealth, for here it will be protected from even the greatest thief. Should you wish there is even an option available where storing your money with us will net you a gain. See below for details.

The RVBU also is willing to lend money to people who are of good standing, payable with reasonable rates. See a good opportunity for trade but don't have quite enough money? Look no further than the RVBU. Additionally should someone want to make profit on the money that they have stored away we have a related option for this. It is often too tiresome and risky for people to make money by lending it to others, however the Union takes away that risk. Should someone agree we will manage lending out the money that was deposited, requiring no more effort than depositing it in the first place.

Additionally we have other vaults that can be used for short term storage of items that need to be protected. Just buy a wedding ring, and want a safe place to keep it while waiting for the wedding day? Just hop over to the RVBU in order to keep it safe.

We hope that this has been very informative about the RVBU. Remember, no matter where you are financial help is only a teleport away.

- An informational pamphlet sent to major governments as well as the merchants that make their way through the network.

OOC: This is significant primarily because it is the FIRST bank in the world, or at least the first one to function in anything even remotely close to a modern way.

A letter to governments

A constant worry of governments worldwide is a way to protect their treasuries. It becomes difficult to manage both convenience of access with security. However the RVBU can provide both for you. We are probably the most secure location in the world, and are only a teleport away, as our pamphlet says. Additionally if you take the lending option you will make money on the stuff that would normally just be sitting in a vault somewhere. Please consider investing at the RVBU.

[ragingrage]

The Reforged Kingdom

To the Venetians

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You say that the bank is the most secure location in the world. May I ask how that is true? Your navy is strong, yes, but others have a stronger one. And your morale is weak -- your populace may easily be infiltrated by foreign spies to siphon off some of the wealth of the bank. Or perhaps soldiers could be smuggled in to launch an armed raid on the vaults. We doubt that you have the forces to make the bank more secure than our own treasury, and therefore see little reason to store our wealth there. Could your persuade us otherwise?

[hydroplatypus]

Venetian Isels

To Reforged

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The most secure place comment referred to the building, not the geo-political motivations of various nations. That being said, with regard to the geo-political stuff we do have a very large navy, as well as the military alliances the trade federation provides. Additionally unlike many other nations we have no real enemies at the moment, and being an island nation we are likely to be far from the conflict zones of any wars that might spring up.

Additionally given that the bank is at the heavily guarded entrance to the teleportation network it is very hard to invade before allied soldiers could arrive, as our entire army could get there fairly quickly, while enemies coming through the network would be pushed through a bottleneck, and subject to our defenses on the network (which we will keep secret, security reasons), so we do not expect any teleporter based invasion to be successful.

Any other invasion would have to get through our navy. As to infiltrating soldiers, it seems unlikely that anyone would be capable of infiltrating enough soldiers. Simply put we can have nearly our entire army in the city very quickly due to our internal network. They would have so brief a time before being overwhelmed that they would be forced back too quickly, as the defenses of the bank can hold for a long time, even against military attack. As to a thief? Good luck stealing from vaults that are constantly guarded, and underground.

On the morale issue we plan to work on that as soon as the bank is finished. After all, with Sailors deserting it has been brought to our attention that it is necessary to worry about that.

[Nemesis67]

Jack Collective
Morale: 17

To the Deep Trolls (PM)

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OOC: Assuming you're giving me the same rates as raginrage and hydro...

Greetings Ironborn,

The Collective is interested in purchasing the following technologies from you this season:
Biology (Medicine) - 10 Eco
Batteries - 3 Eco
Electricity - 3 Eco
Mechanized Factories - 8 Eco

In addition to:
Airship grade steel, Improved Engines, and Helicopters which we could not ascertain the cost. After the costs of the above priced technologies, we have 7 Econ and 3 Tech left to pay with for these three.

We would also prefer this transaction be kept confidential.
-Captain Jack

[Grimsage Matt]

The Deep Trolls
ESP-D 20

To the Jacks[PM]

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We'll sell 'em, but as for the more agressive tech, well, we'd perfer to keep that under lock and key for now. It's not that we don't trust ya, it's just that feel a storm coming, and would rather have some edge.

[Nemesis67]

Jack Collective
Morale: 17

To the Deep Trolls (PM):

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So then how about Mechanized Factories, Medicine, Batteries, and Electricity for a total of 24 Eco? Or 21 Eco and 3 Tech if you'd prefer.

[Grimsage Matt]

To the Jacks

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You'll be gettin them.

OOC; Already put it in me EoT, and stright up Econ please

[oblivion6]

Beginning of turn 19:

Military Parades: the jacks collective has been performing military parades across the former melvaunian kingdoms, attracting hundreds of volunteer soldiers.

Royal Bank: the venetian isles has suffecfully completed the building of the royal bank. already hundreds of merchants are putting the bank to good use.

open war: hellraiser and Nagarean troops surge into San-kesh protectorates. forced to withdraw to the beach and await extraction

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Captain Drake of the hellraiser mercenary company, led his men inland alongside hundreds of other mercenary soldiers, encountering no resistance, but a couple raids by local militia bands. they advanced for days, seeing no other sign of human habitation other than the abandoned villages along the way.

then, once they were finally forming up on the plains of Gorgorath before the gates of San-kesh city, the gates swung open revealing upwards of 10,000 soldiers! assune defensive formations around the artillery pieces! captain Drake shouted to those around him as he surveyed the advancing horde. the hellraisers were well trained but they were outnumbered about 10:1 here and Drake knew their only hope was for the crack artillery teams of Nagarea to be able to properly support the front line troops and stop the horde from fully engaging the vastly outnumbered hellraisers.

the hellraisers were formed up in their typical 4-layered defensive squares, swords and pikes up front and the riflemen comprising the second two laers of the square. Captain Drake wisely had his men wait to fire until the uncounted thousands of San-kesh were but yards away. Fire! Fire at will! he shouted to his soldiers and all at once hundreds of blackpowder weapons fired at once, their deadly iron shots tearing through the enemy ranks. almost every shot hit, so close were the targets to the hellraiser formation.

the San-kesh mobs reeled backwards in response to the barrage and almost immediantly afterward, the Nagarean artillery pieces opened fire, killing hundreds of the tightly packed men. the hellraisers never stopped their barrage either and the San-kesh horde began to retreat towards the city...

Advance in Formation! Drake shouted, not wanting to let his men get seperated and fall into any traps the enemy had. but he shouldnt have wasted his time, for in the center of the city, a great blood-red pillar of light shot towards the sky. seeing this, the horde began to wheel back around to face the unsuspecting hellraisers. from his position, Drake saw his men getting slaughtered but more importantly he saw a massive horned figure materializing out of the light, terror overtook him and he ran far far away, haunted by what he had just witnessed that day...

hours later, those few men who had escaped the slaughter, sane and unharmed, hunched behind spiked pallisades awaiting the next transport fleets to arrive so they could go the hell home. of the 750 men who began the assault, only four-dozen remained...

more desertions...: even more sailors have left the venetian isles to serve the reforged kingdom.

Drakes, giants and goblins: the Risen empire has organized an expedition into the north and returned with hundreds of drakes, giants and other monsters serving the archwizards as soldiers.

[hydroplatypus]

Venetian Isles
Morale: 8

To Trolls

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Would you be interested in selling technology to us? If so what technologies do you have available, and what prices would you request?

[Grimsage Matt]

Deep Trolls
ESP-D 22

To the Venetian Isles

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We'll sell ya the Batterires, Electricy, Mecinzed Factories, Counter Espionage, Medicene and Missiles for 15 Econ a Turn for the next 3 turns. While we devloped the missiles for above water use, you might be able to adapt them into a anti-ship weapon.

[hydroplatypus]

Venetian Isles
morale: 8

To Trolls

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We are interested in your offer, but think that the price is to high. 45 is a staggering total amount. how about we take the total down to 30, with a payment of 10/turn for 3 turns. Additionally how easy will the missiles be to adapt? We are unsure of how they work, but if it is just point in general direction of the target then we will be fine. If it is more complicated we may have problems, as our research department is... Not great. This will greatly effect our willingness to pay for that tech. If it is easy to adapt we might be willing to go slightly higher.

[Grimsage Matt]

Deep Trolls
ESP-D 22

To the Venetian Isles

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We're good with that. The missiles might be a bit harder to adapt, but you should be able to take out ships a bit above the waterline with 'em.

OOC; Think Bazzoka. Or early rocket systems.