NationStates Jolt Archive

The Holy Empire of Antanjyl
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/Kutulmak/mountains.jpg"We will meet again, once the final enemy has fallen."
Antanjylian Saying



Index:
History
Government
Society
Geography
Major Cities
Trade
Technology
Religion
Population
Military


~History~

The long history of Antanjyl is one where myth and legend combine, forming a story rich with murder, genocide, intrigue, and numerous revolts. To write it all down would be tedious, and as such I will quickly put as much of it down as Chronologically and complete as possible. To allow full understanding, it will be done using the Romanized Calender.



1200-1050 BC: Antanjyl is first settled by marauders and bandits.


860-570 BC: Antanjyl sends a large fleet of ships to invade Yurka, which was at the time an island. They are eventually pushed back after centuries of conflict and prominence. Very few survivors returned.


400 BC: Civil war erupts as numerous Marauder leaders attempt to seize control of the country.


10 BC: Official Religion of Antanjyl is established as a single Marauder takes control of the country.


270 AD: Antanjyl comes into contact with early Christians. Bloody conflict insues.


300 AD: Antanjyl's slave trade reaches a high point. For every citizen there are an estimated 30 slaves. They begin selling their soldier battalions out as mercenaries. Due to fears of an uprising numerous slaves are eventually given citizenship.


570 AD: The first Galf surfaces and moves the capital across the ocean to the mountainous region which is now present-day Antalia.


790-798 AD: War with the Baromia Empire. Ends with the Baromian Genocide.


800-850 AD: Prophert Rashidi is born and his writings are added to the Holy Book of Antanjyl. He is killed in a coup attempted by a group of religious heretics.


940-1130 AD: Christians in Antanjyl attempt to overthrow the government. What follows is a long and bloody conflict as other Christian nations attempt to help the rebels. It all ends when Galf, outnumbered 3 to 1, lures the Christian army into an ambush in what is now the Pogrom Mountains. Once they are through the narrow forested path, Galf blocks them in with an avalanche and sets the entire forest ablaze. The few survivors who made it out of the inferno were promptly put to death by impalement, with the exception of a single soldier, who was for some reason released. For the time being Christianity is stamped out.


1148-1257 AD: War of the Red Sea. A naval war takes place between Antanjyl when the Brunhild Sword, an Antanjylese relic, is stolen by spies from the far-off islands of heathens. Due to distances involved the war is relatively calm untill 1250 AD when Galf leads his forces in a massive naval assault against the islanders. Slaughtering over half of the population, and enslaving roughly one fourth of the remaining populace, Galf retrieves the Sword and sails back to Antanjyl. Due to a storm however, a moderate portion of his own fleet is lost.


1300-Present: The Antanjylians have once again regained their former strength and glory. Galf continues to lead his people behind his throes of children and servants, deep within the frozen wastes. As he does so, the slave ships continue their neverending trade, along with the everexpanding territories of the Empire.


~Government~
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/Kutulmak/galf.gifEmperor Galf
Antanjyl's government is controlled and run by Galf himself, who maintains a small group of twelve advisors. Along with these are his numerous lords who maintain smaller portions of his territory, and their own servants. The system is controlled by merchants and slavers, who are actually government controlled, bringing with them not only merchandise, but new laws and leaders. Together they also maintain a firm grip on the slave market in the nation, which supplies Antanjyl and her allies with ever-precious slaves.


~Society~
Antanjyl's society revolves around two things: Religion and Slavery. It is very strict, and almost all foreigners in Antanjyl are there as slaves, unless they prove themselves worthy via some metaphysical means. This is done almost never, and even if it is done they would be asked to do it in front of an religious official.

Strict by most national standards, almost all of the people in this wasteland subside on fishing, along with eating the occasional slave if bad times should hit. Most things are dealt with by following what is ordered of within a the Holy Books of Rashidi. The law and religion go hand in hand, and thanks to the fact that the population is more or less condensed due to the climate, there are few untouched by the religion. Other religions and ideals are usually met with outright murder or persecution.

Slavery is the other main component of their society. Nearly 35% or everyone living in Antanjyl are under one of the many degrees of slavery. There are three degrees: The first being for those who cannot pay taxes and are forced to work it off as government owned slaves. The second are those who have broken a law which requires a lifetime spent in servitude. The third are the largest section, and are foreign slaves bought or captured from distant lands. Strictly controlled and brainwashed, it is hard to think that a revolt is even feasible at this time in Antanjyl's history.


~Geography~
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/Kutulmak/NewestAntanjyl.png

By and large, Antanjyl's geography is identical to her real world counterparts, with frozen wastes abound, though there are small farming communities on the South Western Portions of the Empire, along with dense forests. Despite this abominable enviornment, Antanjyl still manages her naval voyages, and Antanjyl's sailors are some of the best on earth when it comes to navigating through the ever prevalent ice floes.


~Major Cities~

There are currently three major cities of note in the Empire of Antanjyl; Antalia, Mosperiburg, and Kinshash. They are all built in typical Antanjylian city-style, fortress like and heavily walled, almost mazelike. This is to help defend them, but from the large towers which are apparent in these constructs, they form religious symbolic patterns. Likewise, all cities in Antanjyl, and most towns, have at least one huge tower which houses the local lord.

Antalia: Built in North Eastern fringes of Antanjyl, the capital of Antalia is a bleak masterpiece. Carved on a plateau overlooking a geothermal hotspot, there are actually a small amount of foiliage in the black city. Surrounded on all sides by massive, as of yet incomplete walls, the most striking landmark is the large black palace, which bathes a dark glow on the large population living here. There are 400,000 citizens in Antanjyl, not counting the large slave population.

Mosperiburg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/Kutulmak/saga_place08.jpg): The religious seat of the Empire, Mosperiburg is built in the center of the Empire, and houses mostly monks and nuns of the religion, and their progeny. The most notable feature here is the large step-like religious complex, which sits just outside of Mosperiburg itself. The slaves here are some of the most devout, and most would die for the gods which they believe watch over them always. The city houses 230,000 citizens, along with a good portion of slaves.

Kinshash: The major port of Antanjyl, Kinshash is located to the South, and is exceptionally close to the Empire's foremost trade partner, The Scandinvans. This is the largest city in the Empire, and stretches along most of a penninsula. All trade with outsiders must first pass through here, and it doubles as the militaries prized port city as well. Kinshash houses 560,000 citizens, and an enormous amount of slaves ready for sale.


~Trade~

Antanjyl is currently trading the Scandinvans slaves and iron in exchange for ships and guns, along with trace amounts of silver.


~Technology~

Under the watchful eye of Galf, technology has slowly begun to increase in this once barbaric nation. Guns and intercontinental ships are becoming more commonly seen, and a miniscule rise in cleanliness has lead to a slightly higher lifespan than most would suspect.


~Religion~

Antanjyl is a theocracy, and due to this almost every single citizen worships the Antanjylian Pantheon, and are staunchly followers of Rashidi. Christianity and other religions associated with it are strictly forbidden, and practicing or spreading them are grounds for public execution. Other religions are tolerated only in the slave population.

More on a modern form of Rashidi can be found ~here~ (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=465218)


~Population~

Free: 13,600,000
Slaves: 18,400,000


~Military~

Antanjyl's military is exceptionally large, most of it used to keep any unlikely slave revolts from ever happening. They are a bit primitive in some respects, but with the coming of guns from The Scandinvans, flint lock rifles have become the choice armament for troops, albeit much more expensive than the more common long bows.

13,000 Musketmen (Musket; Chain Mail; Leather Armor; Longsword; Battle Axe or Spear)
28,000 Holy Knights (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/Kutulmak/silent-hill.jpg) (Varies: Warhorse(armored); Lance; 6 Foot sword; 4 1/2 Foot Sword; Battle Axe; Long Knife; Long Spear; Full Plate Armor; Chain Mail; Padded mail; Full Helm with Rectangular eyeslits)
260,000 Dark Knights (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/Kutulmak/12319.jpg) (Long Sword; Battle Axe or Long spear; Plate mail; Chain Mail; Padded Mail; Antanjylian Helmet(as shown), Rectangle Shield)
165,000 Longbowmen (Steel Long bow; Long Sword; Spear; Leather Armor; Padded Armor; Buckler)
45,000 Expert Crossbowmen (Steel Crossbow; Long Sword; Spear; Leather Armor; Padded Armor; Buckler)
146,000 Pirates/Slavers (Armaments Vary; Naval Ships coming soon)

((Essentially this will also be my temproary Diplomatic thread. So if you would like to feasibly make contact with Antanjyl you can. Otherwise you'll more or less wind up making contact with my slave ships))

OOC: Tag. Doubt we will be seeing each other anytime soon, but I will keep an eye out.

OOC: My old little friend has gone back while I have gone forwards!

((Yep. Isn't it great?))

OOC: Well done. From what I can see there are little to no flows in it.

OOC: Thanks. I'm a bit of a neat freak when I make stuff like that though I guess. At least sometimes. So since our nations are so close perhaps we can do something as allies? Perhaps a land grab or some type of Northern Alliance Summit?

OOC: Sure an alliance would be quite beneficial to me. As well I have some interesting plans for an alliance between us.

OOC: Excellent, seeing as you're currently my only actual neighbor I'll just act as if we already have semi-diplomatic relations, though for something solid you should send forth a diplomat.

OOC: OOC: Do you mind if I send a diplomat in this thread or do you want a different one for that? Or you can send one to me instead? As well I have need of some of your troops.

OOC: This thread is alright. I've sent one to your thread though just now. I have more than enough troops to spare currently, since in a way your nation is basically a large massive shield. ^_~

OOC: Alright, I will start on the response on both this thread and my own. Also do you mind if we count each other's people as kinsmen?

OOC: I have no problem with that. I doubt we'd have many Valgardians living in Antanjyl though. You're our sole ally, so of course counting eachother as somewhat of kinsmen would probably make that work better. After all, we are rather violent when it comes to outsiders and the like. *points to his expansion thread*

OOC: Well Valgardians have committed acts of genocide in which they have killed people who had opposed them and as well have exterminated non-Norse peoples in the American colonies. Also the Valgardians have established many colonies across the artic bringing with many thousands of slaves and freemen from Scandinavia followed them as well.

OOC: Well then I suppose our two cultures are more alike than I thought. Our people are more or less the same in ethnic origins, so there is some common blood between the human populations in the North. Though the Emperor still looks as inhuman as ever.

With the recent alliance made with Antalia the emperor had ordered that a diplomatic mission lead by a member of the House of Emperors that had sent sail four days after the last letter had been received by the emperor from Galf. The emperor had chosen one of his best diplomats, who also happened to me his first cousin, to lead the diplomatic mission.

As a Valgardian battleship was being prepared in the icy waters of the port of Valdra the diplomatic mission had already boarded the ship and the last of the cargo had been prepared, but a precious and rare gift of a 180 karat sky blue diamond had been brought aboard in a large iron chest. This type of diamond was considered sacred because it was considered to be a drop of the blood of the god of the sea.

When all the treasure was loaded there were 2 tons of gold, 3 tons of silver, quarter of a ton of platinum, 400 pounds of emeralds, 250 pounds of sapphires, and the large diamond. To guard this treasure a further dozen Valgardian battleships were to escort the ship to Kinshash.

After the last of the cargo had been checked in the fleet left the port of Valgard and after twelve days of sailing they reached Kinshash. They slowly entered the harbor and landed at an open dock that could accommodate the diplomatic mission’s ship. The rest of the fleet laid anchor about half a mile from shore. As the ship docked the diplomat and eight Valgaridn imperial guards walked down the gang plank onto the docks where they awaited a response from the local authorities to escort them.

OOC: How inhuman does your emperor actually look? As well about the ethnic background I do agree to that so there we have the blood relation so we have no need to have any war over different backgrounds.

The port of Kinshash was packed with citizens and soldiers, moving about and boarding fishing vessels which were going off to supply the fish mongers. Along with these were at least a slave for every single person, over five hundred thousand in all, though most were working in the mines at this time or day, or doing menial chores behind the scenes. All wore the copper colored collars of the slave class, and most of the citizens seemed to regard them as nothing, tending to ignore the men, women, and children going about the Empire's business.

Almost immediately, a contingent of six Black Armored Holy Knights appeared, and questioned them, to make sure of their origins before breaking into full kneels. Kneeling and bowing were the primary form of respect for those of higher rank, as physically touching such a person could leave someone missing a hand if such a feeling were unreciprocated. After that was done, they led the group to the most prominent building in Kinshash, an enormous tower situated in the epicenter of the enormous port.

The Valgardian did not get very many stares from the civilians, as every now and then a Valgardian did show up in the city for trade purposes. However, a few children did stare for awhile before they reached the massive gates. Once within distance of it, the crowds were thankfully lighter, and once inside most of those already waiting to have a meeting with the Lord of Kinshash were escorted outside.

The Lord of Kinshash was a tall man, over six feet tall, which is far above average for this period, and with long white, almost silver hair flowing down his back. Upon entering, he too lightly bowed at the delegation before questioning exactly why they were there. After these formalities, he eventually talked to a slave and had a ship readied to guide them to the closest port to Antalia.

"May your voyage be a safe one, oh messenger of the magnificent Valgardians." The Lord of Kinshash said with a bow as they were escorted out, "I shall have one of our messenger birds sent immediately to inform them of your arrival. The gods watch over you."

OOC: Hes about seven feet tall, gray hard skin, and the little picture under "Geography" represents him. Needless to say he doesn't consult with foreigners, and if he were born anywhere else he would have been killed immediately, or if he were to be born lately. His origins are a mystery, but his outlandishness and longer lifespan helped him take over. Even with the alliance, you might not be able to physically view his divinity.

As the Valgardian diplomat left the room he put a bottle of fine wine on a desk near the door leading into the office. As they were escorted out of the tower he had a runner dispatched to order the slaves to bring the treasure to the boat that would be transporting them deeper into Antalia as well eight more guards were assigned to guard the treasure so to prevent both any noisy person from going near or any thief getting their hands on it.

The main diplomat took notice of the stares he received from a number of people, but he stayed silent knowing that this was an foreign land and that he was here directly by the orders of the emperor. Yet he still took quite satisfaction in knowing that he would outlive any of the common people of this land. Also he ordered his guard to prevent any of the commoner from getting to close to him.

As the diplomat boarded the Antalian ship he took a seat in a private room aboard the ship alone and posted two of his guards at the door in order to have some security and were under the orders to allow people in who had his consent to enter his private area of the ship. As for the rest of the guards they either guarded the treasure or just sat on deck talking amongst themselves and the ship’s crew.

The ship was a large, rather elegant merchant ship which the Empire used to deliver messages. The fact that the large ship had not sunk yet in the conditions of the Antanjylian seas was a testament to the skill of the sailors and captain of this mighty vessel. The meals consisted of only the finest in elegance, with Venisen, roast dolphin, and strange exotic dishes from the slaves aboard served interchangeably with the Imperial stock of wine, which was at least twelve years old.

The captain was a young, dark haired man, with his hair tied back in a noble's ponytail. The rest of him was dressed in the official black and gold fabrics of royalty, since no mere common captain could be held responsible of carrying such an important man to the island where Antalia was located.

After almost two days of slow, methodical sailing, a low, almost musical horn was blown as the black and gold ship eventually came upon a small military fortress built onto the coastline, as the front was literally pulled upward as the massive ship eventually squeezed through, nearly slamming into it at one point. There were more ports on the island, but this was the only one with access to the noble carriages.

The diplomat was quite happy with how good the voyage had been, despite the adverse conditions that they had to sail through. When they within sight of shore one of the Valgardian guards informed his lord that they were very close to Antalia and hearing this diplomat went on deck.

As they docked the other guards were sent below deck in order for them to bring up the heavy chests which held the treasures. The diplomat went to the captain of the ship to ask to borrow some strong slaves that could help to carry the treasure chests. Yet the guards were able to carry only half of the treasure though.

The captain was quick to agree with the foreign noblemen, as he could simply have the slaves replaced with new ones if they didn't return on time. So a large group of twelve of the strongest rowers were brought up and charged to carry the treasures to a small waiting caravan outside. The message bird had arrived to inform them of the cargo, so the horses and a small contingent of guards were already waiting outside to help move everything. There was also a single large carriage, embroiled in black with red vein-like outcroppings.

From there it was only another day's journey along the main road towards Antalia, at least by horse. The capital city of Antalia was positioned in one of the few intact forests in the frozen Empire, and the stark Antanjylian pines, only found on that single island, reached high upward as the carriages carried the precious cargo onward.

By nightfall they would reach the city, a massive, black and sprawling expanse of large housing complexes and military outcroppings, all seperated by what appeared to be a maze of walls, temples, and noble schools. Those living here knew better than to look at the Valgardian, and continued with their duties. Even the slaves seemed different, all wearing black shirt and pants, some of them even had colored footwear!

The Valgardian diplomat entered the carriage quietly without even so much as a gesture of thanks save that he had left a large bag of gold for the captain of the ship in his cabin. Before entering the carriage he instructed his soldiers to mount on horseback and to follow him to the city of Antalia. Yet he did order one of his guard to enter the carriage with him.

As the caravan began it’s look journey the diplomat wrote down the more interesting things he saw on his way inside of a journal that he would give to the emperor upon his return to Valgard. Also hr took notice of how different the nature of Antalia was from the other parts of their empire he had already been to.

The design and the way buildings had been laid out got the most attention of the diplomat as they were different then anything that he had seen before. As well the way the slaves were dressed got enough attention of the diplomat the he wrote it down in his journal as well. Yet still he had not been able to observe some of the true nature of Antalia.

OOC: Out of curiosity why do none of the common people look at the diplomat just because he is a Valgardian?

OOC: If they offend someone important they would be thrown into slavery, downgraded to a worse form of slavery, or executed/ritually sacrificed depending on how bad it is. More or less they're also much more professional, as this is the seat of a massive Theocracy, any leniency in the rest of the nation is not tolerated here, especially against Valgardians, whom are usually important people if they come to Antalia.

As the carriage moved through the city, the scent of cooking meat could be sensed in the air as the citizens began to retire home to eat, the only ones still present outside were eventually the armored soldiers and slaves, along with the sparse robed monk. All of the structures were an identical black, and as the carriage moved through the streets, turning down the mazelike expanse, the palace soon came into view, a massive black structure jutting upwards from the center, with numerous large towers situated around it. Along with these, demonic winged creatures began making appearances in large bronze, silver, and gold monuments. Eventually, after coming through the centermost portions of the city, they came across a large bridge over a ravine, with guards stationed at either side. Across from it sat the outter walls of the Capital City.

"We've arrived!" One of the guides from the front called out from his horse as they began to cross the bridge, small arrow slits clearly seen from above as they crossed the emotionless dark armored knights.

And with that, the Valgardian envoy came across the Holy Empire's Palace, a massive structure which had cost the Empire the lives of hundreds of slaves to build, not to mention the ravine surrounding it, at the bottom of which large steel spikes were fastened in place. The true purpose of Antalia was to prevent invasions and attacks from ever breaching her. The Palace itself stood in homage to this, and as the Valgardian looked up at it, one of the large winged statues seemed to vanish from one of the balconies, eerily.

OOC: Okay, I get it every law of your nation is strictly enforced here and visiting Valgardians are VIPs.

IC: The Valgardian was quite impressed with the engineering of the city and how great the statues and buildings represented the might and wealth Antalia and the empire it represented. As they continued through the city he grew ever more impressed by that it could be even compared to the wealth and grandeur of the city Valgard. Yet not even Valgard had not been built in such a way that is would be unconquerable by the greatest of armies.

As the Valgardian diplomat exited the carriage he thought that he must have been confused because he believed that statues could not ever move of their own free so he concluded he must have been seeing things. After he had turned his attention away from the area that the statue had formally sat he just continued on his way towards main palace complex of the city which caused even him to feel slightly dazed by it’s sheer size. Behind his soldiers and a number of slaves were carrying the treasure chests towards the palace where they would be given to emperor Galf as a present from the Valgardian Empeor.

After entering the outter walls, the Valgardian was brought forward, receiving numerous deep bows from the slaves as a group of them swarmed around the caravan to bring the treasures into the palace for the guards. From here everything was pulled into a side entrance by small wheeled carts and placed at the side of the room before their guest and his entourage was let in personally.

The interior of the palace(or at least the side entrance) was lush with red carpets and potted flowers on black furniture, which was previously scrubbed to a blackened shine in preparation of the Valgardian arrival. This section of the palace was the guest entrance, and as such was much more extravagant, and included numerous paintings of anything from roses and demons to a hanged man in a posisition of prayer. At the side of the room, black vested, not armored, guards stood completely still at the side of a large spiraling red staircase which stretched to the third floor. They were all well kept, and had long hair, tied behind their backs.

As the doors shut behind the Valgardian and the slaves left, the noise of working and soldiers outside was completely muted. It was then that a soft echo made its way downward as a robed young man in an advisor's robe began to descend the staircase. His hair was a short blone, and his eyes were a stark blue, a servant chosen more for his aethetic appearance than anything else. Unknown to the Valgardians, the young man was a slave, but caught the attention of one of the Palace workers when he was still a child.

"Greetings oh noble guests of the Valgardian Empire." The boy said softly as he reached the bottom of the staircase and fell to his knees in a sort of divine homage to them. As he eventually rose his head upward, a smile appeared on his face, "The Emperor has witnessed your arrival, and is humbled by the extent of your cousin's generousity... Please, follow me good sirs. His divinity is waiting for you in a room above."

OOC: Most of the Palace is not like the Guest's quarters. Though the Emperor would more or less like to keep adding onto the interior. Its impregnable by foot, but its not too hard to think up a strategy. IE: Starving the capital would be a bit easy, though should that happen slaves are expendable as a makeshift foodstuff.

Its also not only Valgardians, but anyone who might be noble or of exceptional importance.

The Valgardian guards allowed the slaves to take all the treasure chests, save the one holding the diamond because they believed slaves were not worthy of caring such a sacred and precious treasure. So now two guards were still carrying the chest containing the diamond and the rest had formed up behind the diplomat with their arms folded behind their back. After they guards had gotten into formation they preceded up the steeps following their lord. Yet despite this they took notice of how well decorated the interior was.

As they progressed up the stair the diplomat asked to the slave that had greeted him,” Do you know when this palace was started because it appears that there has undergone a series of construction over a very long period of time?’

"No, I'm sorry. I suppose Emperor Galf would know." The slave said as he kept his eyes concentrating in front of him as they approached the third floor, then went up another flight to the sixth, "Though I suppose the current Palace was created for Galf himself. Perhaps over five centuries ago, or with the founding of Antalia?"

The young man slowly froze when he came to the massive black and gold doors, shaking his head a bit before moving forward and opening the massive things, which were inlaid with numerous demonic visages, rubies placed in the eyes. As the door opened, it exposed a dimly lit, long room leading to the center of the palace. At the end was an extragent couch facing, facing a large red sheet, with a tall shadow sitting on a throne behind it. All along the room portraits of a demon, along with the palace itself were spaced between further statues of sword wielding, bat winged demons, torches placed behind them.

At the end of the room were two large extragent red couches, along with a good number of chairs to seat everyone, and a table with food and bottles of wine on it. The slave then walked off as the tall, presumably robed silhouette greeting them, standing upwards at over seven feet tall.

"Please be seated. I am currently feeling ill, so please be seated." The dark voice beckoned, pointing at the group of seats before once again sitting down, as a smaller looking figure's shadow stood at his side, "This may strike you as rude, but it is only for your health that I do this. Now let us get started."

The diplomat took at a seat that was relatively close to the figure, but still faraway enough to prevent any illness he carried from being transferred to him. After he was seated two of his guards brought the chest containing the sky blue diamond forward. One of the guards went to sit down, while the other took out a key and unlocked the lock to the treasure chest that quickly popped open upon being unlocked. After he had unlocked the chest the other guard went to sit down with the other guards.

When all the guards had sat down the diplomat bowed before the figure and said,” Thank you for having us so kindly and providing us with transportation to this city. We have all been very please with everything that had been provided for us. Yet we are saddened by your illness and we hope that you soon will recover from whatever ills you.

On a different note I have been requested by my emperor you to provide with this diamond that is inside of the chest my guards have opened. As well my emperor wishes to open negotiations with you over a matter of great importance to him.”

Galf clapped his hands, "Bring me the diamond, Alik." His voice was quiet as the man walked around the curtains and brought the large crystal to the robed figure behind the curtain, "Ah... Splendid. Truly a natural marvel. You've given me many gifts, have you not? Please, speak of this matter."

The diplomat replied,” Indeed we have brought you many gifts. Yet I must tell that there is another purpose behind these gifts. The purpose of these gifts was to gain your friendship and as well hope to gain your permission to gather mercenaries or soldiers from your lands so that we might use them in an upcoming invasion of Prussia, northern Germany, and the Low Counties. If you allow us to gather these forces from your lands you also will be entitled to a quarters of all the spoils of the war and a fourth of all the people that are enslaved."

"Hmm..." The voice murmured as it handed the diamond over and came forward with thoughtful sigh, which was strangely unnerving, "Agreed. I shall lend you a quarter of the troops you will be using in this invasion. Perhaps more, if we can garner a small colony to the North of there to assist in the supplying of our soldiers in the region, should you ever need them again. Would this be agreeable?"

The diplomat thought for a second and then responded,” We have gathered sixty thousand of our soldiers for the invasion of costal areas along the North and Baltic seas. Also we have already gained complete naval dominance over the areas that we are going to invade.

As for your offer we will accept it and we are willing to give you some of the costal lands of Lithuania as a colony for you.”

"Excellent. Consider a force of... Lets make it twenty thousand soldiers... There for your assistance in taking these barbarians." Galf said with a dark tone to his voice as he slowly placed the large diamond on his lap, "If that is all, you may leave or rest here, in my palace for a spell. I shall have the orders sent immediately, and I will send the men through your largest port for orders on where you most need them."

The diplomat bowed in thanks and then said,” I am sorry I cannot stay longer in this, but I must depart to manage my legion that is currently in the lands south to us preparing for an assault upon a rebel slave stronghold. I thank you for all you have provided us and I shall make sure my emperor learns of this and prepares Valdra in Norway to accommodate your forces that will be sent in the assault. I thank you again and now I shall take my leave.”

Finishing saying this he bowed one last time and left the chambers.

The large Emperor then stood up, handing over the large diamond to the man at his side as his clawed hands ripped away at the concealing robe. At least his guise had managed to keep away their gaze, and the fact that they were leaving made him feel much more secure with the truth behind him. With these gifts he would be more than ready to take these lands for his newly officialised ally.

"Place that diamond and the rest of my treasures into the Imperial Vault. I shall take a closer look at them later tonight." The voice rung out coldly as he moved over to a window and drew back the curtains, looking out at the black, starfilled sky outside, "These Valgardians... Lets not let them down."

OOC: So should I respond in your thread or should we make a new one for the invasion?

OOC: I am currently doing a little research on the area and such. As well I am typing it up right now. I should be done in about a half of hour.

OOC: Alright cool.

OOC:Antanjyl could you please send a diplomat to Ostia, on the holy Empire of Ostia thread?....there is some issues that have arose..

OOC: More or less we usually have diplomats visit us. I have sent some exploratory fleets though. As long as you're not Christian or Jewish our Theocracy would listen. I'll have some explorers and a diplomat come ashore though.

Antanjyl flourished as more slaves were brought in from the barbaric lands, taken into the cities and humbled into submission, as some of the higher slaves were likewise freed and eventually bred into the population, as the years slowly went on, ever slowly. Whatever would befall the Emperor, no man could safetly, but in the West the Conquest was going smoothly, and Antanjyl's most prized resource was flooding in like never before...