NationStates Jolt Archive

Osteia...

The climate and weather remain the same in most areas, there are many swamps and marshlands that are almost always foggy and dreary aside from the sunny more 'tropical' area's to the south. The nation of Osteia was in a dark time during the middle ages, without a king the lords of the lands each controlled their own territory and lived in their own large estates and castles having the people of their property pay a directly to them in goods which are traded or sold, Osteia is now ruled by a King by the name of Locke.

Life in Osteia:

The people who work their lords/ Majestys lands were given a afew acres of land to which they may build their homes and start a family having only to pay a small tax. Many large villages, towns and small settlements are scattered across the nation. Osteian's practice archery, melee combat and train in riding horses which helps in their 5 year mandatory military service for their king

Military:

In Osteia the military has always been a tradition.all Osteian units exist and serve under the king, Units include Heavy cavelry(they resemble Gothic knights, but are not of nobility), infantry equiped with templar helmets, chain mail, battle axes, spears, swords and sheilds. Cavelry are slightly more lighter than the heavy cavelry and wear the colors of Osteia, black gold and red, they wear plate and chainmail armor also equiped with templar helmets, their weapons consist of sharp lances and broadswords. Archers are lightly armored and equiped with longbows. Finally the knights wear bright colors and the finest of equipment that cannot all be specifyed due to the different weapons they use, the knights are nobles, land owners, lords who join their men on the field of battle when the time comes.

After the rebellion all the legions were disbanded and went to work for the lords but now serve under the king, very skilled veteran soldiers were left without proper employment, some had been soldiers all their lives and knew nothing else. Locke is the owner of the most heavily fortifyed fortress/castle in Osteia, 'Locke Castle'.

Osteian Navy:

1st Rate Ships Of The Line:

HMS Invincible-176 guns (Flag ship)
HMS Mars-120 guns
HMS Sirin-100 guns
HMS Endevor-100 guns
HMS Jupitar-120 guns
HMS Victory II-100 guns
HMS Apollo-100 guns
HMS Vengance-100 guns

2nd Rate Ships Of The Line:

Twenty six second rate in service

3rd Rate Ships Of The Line:

Twenty third rate in service

4th Rate Frigates:

Thirty six in service

5th Rate Frigates:

Fifteen in Service

6th Rate Frigate:

Eighteen in service

Total number of Osteian Imperial Naval vessels:

123 Ships

Number of sloops and other vessels have not been recorded......




History:

Osteia had rose to power in the ancient times. It was known for having a very organized military being well disiplined and professional while on the field of battle. After the Emperor Xavier's death, Emperor Cerious came into power, the cousin of Xavier, Cerious was not near as fair, caring and loved as his great cousin was and he knew this when people would speak of it.

After awhile Cerious snapped and declared himself a god, he disbanded the senete using afew crooked friends he had managed to make to carry out his evil biddings. Years past, Cerious had gotten greedy and ignored the rights and freedoms of his people, laws which were the foundation of an Osteian socity were constantly broken, then one day all hell broke loose. A group of nobles had gathered and planned to over throw Cerious and kill him but he could not be gotten to easy, no legions were on Osteian soil so only palace guards would be a problem to the attacking group. Each noble rounded up his fighting men and attacked Cerious's palace quietly, in the end 54 of the palaces guards were dead and 62 of the nobles men...Cerious was also killed.

One man, Byron Locke restored order to the lands and was called a saint. People moved to the land he owned where they were treated fairly, disbanded legionaires swore alligence to him massing his ranks. The Locke's held the oldest nobility in the land due to the fact the followers of Cerious were killed in his palace making them the closest thing that existed to Royalty.

Byron Locke passed away of old age but passed his estate and everything he owned to his grandson Reginald Locke, including his title and knowlage.

Language: Latin, (English is taught in schools)
Religion: Roman Catholic, Pagen

Osteian knights:

http://www.knebworthhouse.com/gallery/GalApr01jousting/pages/2_The%20Knights%20Arrive.htm

Castle Locke:

http://www.today.ucla.edu/2003/images/030225beaum2.jpg

Osteian Heavy Cavelry:

http://www.arador.com/gallery/15c-3.jpg

The king:

http://medievalreenactment.fotopic.net/p7391111.html

There will be more modifications to this thread soon...i will be posting more updates over time....

The Shores of Osteia

Ramon Diego de Farnesse, Count of Galicia, was the diplomatic envoy dispatched by the Grand Duke to the Kingdom of Osteia. He sought an audience with the man called Locke. Even dressed in his light riding clothes he looked better than any peasant they passed. The Count was escorted by six Cumans and was on his way to Castle Locke. They rode for several days before arriving at the gates of the massive fortification...

"I bet Count Charles would shit his pants if he saw these walls!" said Count Ramon to his escort jokingly. They, however, were not laughing. They had served under the Marshal and they knew that he was a tactical genius, especially with sieges. The escort notified the gate guards of the Count and his mission to the King....

The Shores of Osteia

Ramon Diego de Farnesse, Count of Galicia, was the diplomatic envoy dispatched by the Grand Duke to the Kingdom of Osteia. He sought an audience with the man called Locke. Even dressed in his light riding clothes he looked better than any peasant they passed. The Count was escorted by six Cumans and was on his way to Castle Locke. They rode for several days before arriving at the gates of the massive fortification...

"I bet Count Charles would shit his pants if he saw these walls!" said Count Ramon to his escort jokingly. They, however, were not laughing. They had served under the Marshal and they knew that he was a tactical genius, especially with sieges. The escort notified the gate guards of the Count and his mission to the King....

Riders were seen in the distance from the walls of Castle Locke, a sentry on duty called out, "Riders! approaching!", all guards on the wall turned their attention to the group.....

The guards on duty stood at attention, a member of the escort for the group notifyed them of the Counts arrival and that he wished to meet with the king at once,

One of the guards replyed to the escort,

"Welcome to Osteia and castle Locke, please proceed through the outer walls untill you reach the large fortifyed building to the rear...there you will receive further instructions"

A Sergent approached and spoke with one of the sentrys,

"Welcome to castle Locke! the king will be notifyed of your arrival...proceed!"

All three of the men came to attention to honor the Count. The castle was live with soldiers and civilians moving around carrying out their buisness, a detachment of Osteian heavy cavelry galloped through the main gates out into the countryside in two's, soldiers laughed and joked around standing in random places, civilians carryied baskets and other items chatting with one another.

Daylight was fading and the sky began to turn orange and pink, a beautiful sunset was becomming visible, candles were seen appearing in windows and torches around the entire fortress were being lit....

Castle Locke was home to the military, the members of officers and selected soldiers family's were permitted to live there only, everyone else lived in the capital of Apollo some 10Km from the castle.

King Reginald Locke stood around a large table with some knights, a map was spread across the surface,

"The world...a cruel, violent, deceiving, painful place....Humph.." He said shifting his eyes to each one of them...

He moved around the side of the table,

"I called you men here today to discuss plans, plans that will be put into action very soon..."

One of the knights spoke, he was a younger man who stood taller than the rest...

"Your majesty, may i inquire as to these plans?"

Locke grinned,

"Ahh! patients Lord Cyrus!...but at this present time i can disclose some of this information..."

The knights looked attentive,

"I want to establish relations with our neibours...near...and far...see.."

He paused briefly while walking over to a gold cup sitting on a table from which he took a sip slowly,

"Trade routes...possibly alliances...and...if the situation becomes difficult during our peaceful relations with others...WAR..."

The knights nodded but remained silent,

"I don't want war, but it is just one of those things that tends to ....happen....due to the greed of men, agree?"

The men quickly replyed,

"Your Majesty!"

Locke smiled and nodded,

"Very good, good...but...if war presents it's self..i have FULL confidence in our nations military, i believe them to be matched by no other! although my confidence may be slightly overrated..i believe my previous statement with my whole heart...our problem is not our land forces gentleman..even given the fact nations are using gunpowder for their field soldiers, as you know we use it strictly for our navy and artillary...our focus now..will be our naval forces...we NEED an alliance with a nation who can provide us reliable vessels that enable us to travel far and wide!"

A knock on the door interupted Locke, a man stepped in wearing fine clothes, after a bow he spoke while Locke stood there staring at him...

"I..im sorry..your majesty and good sirs! riders from the nation of Philanchez have arrived...a certian count by the name of Ramon Diego de Farnesse awaits an audiance with your majesty..."

Locke sighed,

"Yes, yes, of course...i will await him in the great hall shortly..dismissed"

The man bowed then left,

"It appears we have visitors, but please...think about what i have said here today...reasonable ideas will be accepted on how we can carry out these plans...dismissed.."

The knights all bowed, said nothing then left the room, King Locke looked around the room, cleared his throat and headed out the door closing it behind him headed for the great hall.

Independent merchants had traded constantly between Toopoxia and Osteia for many decades, seemingly arising no suspicions from either nation of eachothers existence except through small word of mouth amongst the Merchant class, the North had increased in Merchants over recent times due to the collapse of order in the Lexin Sea.

Such a large scale transfer of information fueled the spreading of known trading routes and fantastical lands around the coast of the Volitaia Sea, the Nobles soon learned of these lands and very shortly after the Queen was dispatching a teams of emmisaries, one party going overland and another going by a small fleet of unarmed Galleys tagging behind a Trade vessel.

Adorned with the Blue/Yellow flag of a Toopoxican diplomatic vessel it docked itself with a shipping town on the Osteian East coast, the Diplomats, escorted by a lightly armoured Security team, walked off the ship bearing goods to open a trade route with the Osteians.

Independent merchants had traded constantly between Toopoxia and Osteia for many decades, seemingly arising no suspicions from either nation of eachothers existence except through small word of mouth amongst the Merchant class, the North had increased in Merchants over recent times due to the collapse of order in the Lexin Sea.

Such a large scale transfer of information fueled the spreading of known trading routes and fantastical lands around the coast of the Volitaia Sea, the Nobles soon learned of these lands and very shortly after the Queen was dispatching a teams of emmisaries, one party going overland and another going by a small fleet of unarmed Galleys tagging behind a Trade vessel.

Adorned with the Blue/Yellow flag of a Toopoxican diplomatic vessel it docked itself with a shipping town on the Osteian East coast, the Diplomats, escorted by a lightly armoured Security team, walked off the ship bearing goods to open a trade route with the Osteians.

Port of Bellomo:

The port of Bellomo on Osteia's bright and sunny east coast was extremly busy, the water shimmered and sparkled in the sunlight, a cool breeze was present and many ships filled the harbour carrying out their buisness. From the docks a kings officer overseeing the unloading of cargo spotted a diplomatic vessel bearin the colours of Toopoxia,

"Sergent! ensure they are greeted properly...there are diplomats aboard that vessel"

"Sir!"

He took off to carry out his orders. The Diplomats were met on the dock by a group of infantrymen in two's,

"Welcome to Osteia, we spotted your vessel incomming and were ordered to greet you immeaditly, is there anything we may assist your lord with?"

-SNIP-

"Thank you." replied the lead escort, Captain Ferdinand Ramirez. The seven horsemen trotted down the streets of Castle Locke and made their way to the rear where they were supposedly to receive further instructions. Captain Ramirez trotted up to a guard and inquired as to his new direction. "Sir, I am the escort of Count Ramon Diego de Farnesse. He is on his way to meet with the King and we were told we would receive more instructions at this point."

Meanwhile, most of the men just looked around at the massive fortifications. they had noticed that almost every man there looked to be of military stock. Definently not a good place to start some drunken rukus.

A man stepped forwards from the group, he had a gaunt expression and two thin slivers of glass held to his nose by a brass pole, he was dressed in a blood red robe and carried a chest under his arms, he instantly recognised the Latin and thanked the lords that he would not require a translator, "I return your welcome, I am Lord Pompey of Lexin and I serve Queen Tatyana who wishes to open relations with our fellow Romantic brethren." He brought forwards the Oak Chest and opened it, inside was a Dagger, it was carved from Ivory and had a Golden hilt dressed in gems, "I present to your Lord this gift, it is a sacraficial blade from the ancient empire of Folitonia, I ask that I be allowed an audience with your King to present our offer."

"Thank you." replied the lead escort, Captain Ferdinand Ramirez. The seven horsemen trotted down the streets of Castle Locke and made their way to the rear where they were supposedly to receive further instructions. Captain Ramirez trotted up to a guard and inquired as to his new direction. "Sir, I am the escort of Count Ramon Diego de Farnesse. He is on his way to meet with the King and we were told we would receive more instructions at this point."

Meanwhile, most of the men just looked around at the massive fortifications. they had noticed that almost every man there looked to be of military stock. Definently not a good place to start some drunken rukus.

The guard who was approached nodded after hearing the gates instructions, the massive keep towered above them casting a shadow over the courtyard, some stairs went up the side of the building to a door where another guard with a spear stood....

"Aye, i am to send three of your men in while the rest can either remain at this point or head over to the stables where their horses will be tied up and receive water..from there your men may head to the far left to that large building there where they may have a drink"

Three knights came out of the keep and walked down the stairs, each nodding to the diplomats escort on their way by, then one stopped and spoke to the guard,

"Soldier! his majesty awaits these diplomats in the great hall, send them through..one of my men waits to show them the way"

"M'Lord!" the guard replyed quickly and the knight left...

"Please proceed up those wooden stairs there, a man inside will show you where to go from there"

A man stepped forwards from the group, he had a gaunt expression and two thin slivers of glass held to his nose by a brass pole, he was dressed in a blood red robe and carried a chest under his arms, he instantly recognised the Latin and thanked the lords that he would not require a translator, "I return your welcome, I am Lord Pompey of Lexin and I serve Queen Tatyana who wishes to open relations with our fellow Romantic brethren." He brought forwards the Oak Chest and opened it, inside was a Dagger, it was carved from Ivory and had a Golden hilt dressed in gems, "I present to your Lord this gift, it is a sacraficial blade from the ancient empire of Folitonia, I ask that I be allowed an audience with your King to present our offer."

The kings Sergent working the docks was stunned at the beauty and fine craftmenship of the dagger, at first he was speechless...then he spoke..

"Uhh..i..uhh..M'Lord! it will be arranged immeaditly!"

The Sergent bowed then turned to one of his men,

"Get Lord Baltimore at once!"

The soldier handed his spear off and ran to fetch the knight who was in charge of the port,

"M'Lord! one of my men is fetching someone who may speak to you with a free tounge and offer more assistance than my humble self.."

The man lowered his head. When ever important diplomats arrived at the port citys in Osteia soldiers were not permitted to speak with them, besides when they inquire as to their buisness, a lord must be fetched immeaditly.....

The guard who was approached nodded after hearing the gates instructions, the massive keep towered above them casting a shadow over the courtyard, some stairs went up the side of the building to a door where another guard with a spear stood....

"Aye, i am to send three of your men in while the rest can either remain at this point or head over to the stables where their horses will be tied up and receive water..from there your men may head to the far left to that large building there where they may have a drink"

Three knights came out of the keep and walked down the stairs, each nodding to the diplomats escort on their way by, then one stopped and spoke to the guard,

"Soldier! his majesty awaits these diplomats in the great hall, send them through..one of my men waits to show them the way"

"M'Lord!" the guard replyed quickly and the knight left...

"Please proceed up those wooden stairs there, a man inside will show you where to go from there"

Captain Ramirez nodded. "Your Grace, we are to proceed up the stairs. Captain Florian, take charge of the men. Get the horses stabled and don't start any trouble." Cptain Ramirez and the Count walked up the stairs and entered the Keep. Another soldier showed them the way to the Great Hall. Once there, all escort was abandoned except for a servant who announced their entrance.
"Your Majesty. I present Ramon Diego de Farnesse, COunt of Galicia and Envoy of the Hector IV, as well as Captain Ferdinand Ramirez of the Royal Guard of Philanchez." The two men strode quickly past and neared the King.
"Your Majesty, it is an honor to meet you." said Count de Farnesse. He was soon echoed by Captain Ramirez. They took a seat at the King gesture and awaited his invitation to begin.

Captain Ramirez nodded. "Your Grace, we are to proceed up the stairs. Captain Florian, take charge of the men. Get the horses stabled and don't start any trouble." Cptain Ramirez and the Count walked up the stairs and entered the Keep. Another soldier showed them the way to the Great Hall. Once there, all escort was abandoned except for a servant who announced their entrance.
"Your Majesty. I present Ramon Diego de Farnesse, COunt of Galicia and Envoy of the Hector IV, as well as Captain Ferdinand Ramirez of the Royal Guard of Philanchez." The two men strode quickly past and neared the King.
"Your Majesty, it is an honor to meet you." said Count de Farnesse. He was soon echoed by Captain Ramirez. They took a seat at the King gesture and awaited his invitation to begin.

King Reginald Locke awaited the servant to finish introducing the men who had just entered the great hall, he sat there patiently waiting for the introduction to end, after he gestured for the men to come forward they approached, once they greeted Locke they were permitted to have a seat before him,

Locke cleared his throat then spoke in a calm voice staring at the men attempting to make a judgement on their charactors.....

"Welcome to my kingdom nobles of Philanchez, you were treated with the outmost respect sence your arrival?"

The king looked attentive and intrested in their reply.....

Count de Farnesse smiled slightly. "Of course, Your Majesty. I wish some of our palace guards could be that amiable!" he joked. Composing himself in a more stately manner de Farnesse spoke again. "I have been sent here to secure good relations with such a near neighbour. Mostly trade related, however, I have been granted permission to sign treaties and alliances. I will begin with trade. We hope to secure a lower tariff for our goods in Osteia and would be glad to reciprocate the gesture." de Farnesse awaited the answer of the King.

Count de Farnesse smiled slightly. "Of course, Your Majesty. I wish some of our palace guards could be that amiable!" he joked. Composing himself in a more stately manner de Farnesse spoke again. "I have been sent here to secure good relations with such a near neighbour. Mostly trade related, however, I have been granted permission to sign treaties and alliances. I will begin with trade. We hope to secure a lower tariff for our goods in Osteia and would be glad to reciprocate the gesture." de Farnesse awaited the answer of the King.

The King leaned back in his chair with a content look on his face, his eyes shifted from the Count to the Captian while Farnesse spoke. When he was finished Locke replyed leaning fowards,

"Very good, good"

The compliments on the castle guards pleased Locke, he hesitated then continued..

"If you have been sent by your king to secure good relations with Osteia then so be it!, i find you men to be honorable, respectable and professional! it makes me think to myself...if i was to forge an alliance with a nation who is worthy of Osteia's support and friendship i would choose one such as yours...but! that is a different matter...let us continue with the trade issue"

Locke cleared his throat once again,

"Im sure we can work somthing out here reguarding trade, as you arrived i just finished up a meeting with some of my knights on this topic at hand...what type of goods do you have to offer..then i will tell you what our major exports are.."

The King leaned back in his chair with a content look on his face, his eyes shifted from the Count to the Captian while Farnesse spoke. When he was finished Locke replyed leaning fowards,

"Very good, good"

The compliments on the castle guards pleased Locke, he hesitated then continued..

"If you have been sent by your king to secure good relations with Osteia then so be it!, i find you men to be honorable, respectable and professional! it makes me think to myself...if i was to forge an alliance with a nation who is worthy of Osteia's support and friendship i would choose one such as yours...but! that is a different matter...let us continue with the trade issue"

Locke cleared his throat once again,

"Im sure we can work somthing out here reguarding trade, as you arrived i just finished up a meeting with some of my knights on this topic at hand...what type of goods do you have to offer..then i will tell you what our major exports are.."

"We have large quantities of iron ore in our northern lands as well as very good cattle and horses. Some of our fishermen are familiar with far off shores where they catch some fish that have become fairly rare in our part of the world. On top of this we have vast grain and food stores as well as some of the largest swine on the continent. All available for a more than reasonable price for friends of Philanchez." said the Count. At this point the Captain interjected. "We also have a fairly large navy which can protect our trade vessels to secure that no cargoes are lost or stolen."

Sneeep

Pompey watched as the lackeys rushed about to hail the Lord, he felt a sudden rush of patriotism as he awaited the arrival of the Osteian noble, adjusting his spectacles and robe to appear more formal and glancing over to the Spearman captain who suddenly burst into action pulling the uniforms on the Spearmen to a more smooth uniform style.

"We have large quantities of iron ore in our northern lands as well as very good cattle and horses. Some of our fishermen are familiar with far off shores where they catch some fish that have become fairly rare in our part of the world. On top of this we have vast grain and food stores as well as some of the largest swine on the continent. All available for a more than reasonable price for friends of Philanchez." said the Count. At this point the Captain interjected. "We also have a fairly large navy which can protect our trade vessels to secure that no cargoes are lost or stolen."

King Locke sat there listening to his visitor's reply deeply intrested in the conversation, when the two men finished Locke looked very pleased, and impressed,

"It sounds superb!"

He sat there pondering for a brief moment then continued,

"The goods you have listed sound to be of the highest quality! therefore i will accept your offer to arrange a direct trade route between our nations without any further adue..i am content to know your navy will be present to ensure all goods make their ports...well...aside from storms and other...mishappenings that the vessels may encounter.."

"Any questions as to the goods we would return?"

"Err..1 thing though...what type of vessel's does your nation's navy use?"

The king gestured to a servant who brought over a silver platter with three fine crafted goblets on them.....

Pompey watched as the lackeys rushed about to hail the Lord, he felt a sudden rush of patriotism as he awaited the arrival of the Osteian noble, adjusting his spectacles and robe to appear more formal and glancing over to the Spearman captain who suddenly burst into action pulling the uniforms on the Spearmen to a more smooth uniform style.

The soldier who ran to get this, Lord Baltimore, returned and fell into formation, he was sweaty and breathing heavily. The Sergent turned around to receive a nodd from him showing that the Knight was on his way to the docks immeaditly.

Through the crowded streets people parted on both sides allowing a coloum of four Osteian heavy cavelry and a single knight to use the road, it was a law in Osteia that nobles took the road and that everyone else had to let them pass. The sun bounced off the knights fine armor, he wore a long yellow and purple cheackerd cape that draped over his horses rear, his templar helm covered his face, the heavy cavelry soldiers rode close behind him then they stopped at the docks.

The Osteian soldiers who first greeted the party came to attention as Lord Baltimore dismounted, a second man dismounted beside him the black heavy cavalry armor, both men strode up to the visiting party and Lord Baltimore removed his helm passing it to the man beside him...

"Greetings, welcome to Osteia!" He said in a deep loud commanding voice lowering his head...

Pompey couldn't deny that he was impressed by the regalia of the Osteian Lord, he wished now that he could have been allowed to dress in his Military regalia rather than this shoddy formal robe, "Greetings, as I have told your underlings, I am Lord Pompey of Lexin, I am here to establish relations between Osteia and Folitonia." Pompey hated repeating himself but in the course of diplomacy such things had to be done with gritted teeth.

Pompey couldn't deny that he was impressed by the regalia of the Osteian Lord, he wished now that he could have been allowed to dress in his Military regalia rather than this shoddy formal robe, "Greetings, as I have told your underlings, I am Lord Pompey of Lexin, I am here to establish relations between Osteia and Folitonia." Pompey hated repeating himself but in the course of diplomacy such things had to be done with gritted teeth.

Lord Baltimore stood there straight listening to what the man was telling him, when the soldiers were mentioned he glanced over to ensure they looked presentable,

"And i am Lord Luther Baltimore of the north, i am currently in charge of this port by order of his majesty King Reginald Locke!"

After a breif pause he continued,

"I will have an escort take you to the castle as i cannot leave my post, but! if you wish to remain here for this night i will ride out with you in the morning...i can arrange quarters for you at a local inn or fortification...the choice is yours Lord Pompey"

Pompey surveyed the options for a short while, he made a decision quickly as not to seem indecisive, "I would rather ride out tonight, is there anywhere for us to acquire steeds?"

Pompey surveyed the options for a short while, he made a decision quickly as not to seem indecisive, "I would rather ride out tonight, is there anywhere for us to acquire steeds?"

Lord baltimore grinned,

"Ahh yes! you are swift to act on your duty to your king! i would have done the same, and yes! i can have horses brought from the fort immeaditly"

He turned to the cavalryman beside him who stood there silently holding his helm,

"Brock! send one of your men back to the fort and have them send down some horses, enough for these diplomats"

The soldier hit the lft side of his chest with his fist giving salute, the sound of metal on metal,

"M'lord!"

The second in command walked down the line and spoke with one of the men to the rear who turned his horse around and galloped back in the direction from which they came...

"Lord Pompey! one of my men has gone to fetch the steeds, he will be right back!"

The visiting lord nodded to show he understood. Shortly after the heavy cavalry man returned falling back into formation, comming behind him were a group of men unarmed, wearing regular clothes on horseback......

OOC: I don't know how many horses you needed....so i brought afew...

(OOC: Not a lot, it wouldn't be wise to drain you of anything from 10-400 Horse)

Pompey watched the horses come in, he was more used to Camels but he could ride Horses, "I thank you for your generosity." Another thing the black hearted Pompey was unused to, "I will be sure to pass on tales of your gratitude to my Queen." Pompey gave a bow and walked over to the Steeds, his wooden sandals causing a clopping sound similar to the horses.

(OOC: Not a lot, it wouldn't be wise to drain you of anything from 10-400 Horse)

Pompey watched the horses come in, he was more used to Camels but he could ride Horses, "I thank you for your generosity." Another thing the black hearted Pompey was unused to, "I will be sure to pass on tales of your gratitude to my Queen." Pompey gave a bow and walked over to the Steeds, his wooden sandals causing a clopping sound similar to the horses.

Lord Baltimore lowered his head,

"Thank you kindly, it has been a pleasure meeting you..i will have some of my own escort meet you just outside of town, they will show you the way..my aid here, will acompany you aswell...night is upon us and bandits are common on the dark countryside roads headed north"

With that said Lord Baltimore took his helm and placed it on his head, he climbed back on his horse and barked an order....

"CAVALRY MOOOVE OUT!"

All the men moved their horses off to the side to let their lord go ahead...

The heavily armored cavalry soldiers followed after their lord who rode on through the streets, Brock, Baltimore's second in command stayed behind,

"Lord Pompey, i am at your service!"

The man lowered his head, he had his visor over his face and had not removed it sence they arrived, his massive black horse stood behind him in full battle armor.....

King Locke sat there listening to his visitor's reply deeply intrested in the conversation, when the two men finished Locke looked very pleased, and impressed,

"It sounds superb!"

He sat there pondering for a brief moment then continued,

"The goods you have listed sound to be of the highest quality! therefore i will accept your offer to arrange a direct trade route between our nations without any further adue..i am content to know your navy will be present to ensure all goods make their ports...well...aside from storms and other...mishappenings that the vessels may encounter.."

"Any questions as to the goods we would return?"

"Err..1 thing though...what type of vessel's does your nation's navy use?"

The king gestured to a servant who brought over a silver platter with three fine crafted goblets on them.....

"For escorting trade vessels, nothing larger than a Frigate" said Captain Ramirez. "Also, we would like to ask what goods we would be receiving from your nation, Your Majesty." said de Farnesse.

"For escorting trade vessels, nothing larger than a Frigate" said Captain Ramirez. "Also, we would like to ask what goods we would be receiving from your nation, Your Majesty." said de Farnesse.

The king replyed,

"Of couse, i..am also intrested in purchasing some naval class vessels for my own navy which isn't completely up to date....my best vessel happens to be the HMS Invincivble...176 gun SOTL... but...that was a major project...my navy in total stands at... 123 of the finest ships...1st to 6th rate..."

The kings voice trailed off then he continued louder,

"Alright!, i went off our current topic... anyways! Osteia can offer you, fine wines, silk, high quality beef, pork, silver...our blacksmiths...are also VERY skilled...i may even dare say the best, with great confidence! when it comes to crafting fine armor! perhalps you have seen some knights about the castle? or admired the armor of my soldiers?"

Locke smiled awaiting their reply...

A trading fleet of Valgardian ships out of the distant north now had come from the west via the straits of Gibraltar. They had come seeking a new land to trade in and a possible friend to make out of the people who dwelled in the lands surrounded by the warm sea.

As they approached a port the only real warship in the group, an seventy two gun battleship, raised a neutral flag and then sent out from her a small sail ship to signal a request for them to land at the port.

Then the rest of the fleet halted as if waiting for permission to come into port as they were at least two dozen medium or large merchant ships in the fleet that desired to make a good profit from their time in the south and to acquire some new or valuable trade goods.

A trading fleet of Valgardian ships out of the distant north now had come from the west via the straits of Gibraltar. They had come seeking a new land to trade in and a possible friend to make out of the people who dwelled in the lands surrounded by the warm sea.

As they approached a port the only real warship in the group, an seventy two gun battleship, raised a neutral flag and then sent out from her a small sail ship to signal a request for them to land at the port.

Then the rest of the fleet halted as if waiting for permission to come into port as they were at least two dozen medium or large merchant ships in the fleet that desired to make a good profit from their time in the south and to acquire some new or valuable trade goods.

Port of Valmy: Osteia

The port of Valmy was one of Osteia's largets port citys and also the home of two Osteian SOTL's, HMS Invincible, 176 guns, and HMS Endevor, 100 guns, at this very moment were leaving the harbour headed for the southern island of Agatta(Malta).

The local knight and commander, Lord Cyrus was informed that a trade fleet was spotted at sea, he rushed out from his quarters within the stone fortification over looking the harbour,

"Raise the green entry flag" He ordered..

"Have my armor prepared as i am going into the city to look over their goods"

"M'lord!" the knights aid replyed....

The flag was raised over the forts signal position that was in the highest tower where Lord Cyrus spotted them....

The visiting vessels were permitted to come in, as the massive Invincible and Endevor headed out to sea they ran their guns out to salute the military ship escorting the trade vessels.......

The trade fleet entered the harbor while the Valgardian battleship anchored in the bay of the city as it itself was not permitted, by maritime tradition, to dock at an other nation’s docks unless it was directly invited by the commander/governor of the city.

The commander though did head ashore as he went with a group of his guards to keep track of the merchants and also due to a number of his officers knowing Latin and would be able to keep things calm if anything bad happened. The commander though stood out like a sore thumb due to his gleaming silver armor and his sheer height.

As for the goods the traders took out crates full of gold, under heavy guard, along with ivory, northern hawks, jewels, silver items, jewelry, mead barrels, honey, wax, amber, feathers, wool products, linen cloth, and a number of other things.

The trade fleet entered the harbor while the Valgardian battleship anchored in the bay of the city as it itself was not permitted, by maritime tradition, to dock at an other nation’s docks unless it was directly invited by the commander/governor of the city.

The commander though did head ashore as he went with a group of his guards to keep track of the merchants and also due to a number of his officers knowing Latin and would be able to keep things calm if anything bad happened. The commander though stood out like a sore thumb due to his gleaming silver armor and his sheer height.

As for the goods the traders took out crates full of gold, under heavy guard, along with ivory, northern hawks, jewels, silver items, jewelry, mead barrels, honey, wax, amber, feathers, wool products, linen cloth, and a number of other things.

The port was extremely busy this day, merchants, traders, soldiers, civilians crowded the streets moving by all the many shops, music was playing merchants showing off their goods trying to make a sale to the visitors who had just arrived at Valmy. Lord Cyrus had came down from the citidel on horseback followed by an escort, he wore his full suit of armor, a red and black cape, the colours of Osteia, draped over his horse,

"Captian! do you see our visitors yet?" he asked the soldier riding beside him..

"There M'lord!" he replyed rising up in his saddle spotting the commander as he was taller than many others..

"Very good, proceed!" Cyrus replyed...

As the group came foward people on the streets moved aside causing everyone to push up against eachother and it became quite cramped. The leading merchant in the city repersenting the Osteian Trade Ltd. came foward to the visitors,

"Ahh! welcome to Valmy!...ohh nice goods! nice goods!""

The man was fat and dressed in fine clothes, he had a large smile on his face with red cheeks looking to be in his 40's....

The military commander of the trading fleet saw the oncoming soldiers with their leader and then he headed to the front so as to meet them. With that he ordered the gold crates to be guarded with any means necessary as they would be very important.

Coming to the horsemen the commander said in a loud voice to them,” Hail friends, I am the commander of this mission and I have also come on a more diplomatic mission.”

As for the trade area a merchant dressed in the fine tunic worn by the Valgardians and trailed by a cloak of linen and embroiled with pure silver and gold. Coming to the merchant inspecting the good he instructed for a few dozen of the finest slaves to come forward and for crates of silver objects, amber jewelry, fine linen garments, rare platinum items were also brought out, and also many other things of the finest quality to be brought out.

Then the Valgardian said to the Osteia merchant,” Hail, it seems that you bear a good deal importance and are quite wealthy. So I assume that you bear a great deal of influence in trade in this city and so I am obliged to let you go through my wares and see what you want to buy. Feel free to go through these things as you desire.”

The military commander of the trading fleet saw the oncoming soldiers with their leader and then he headed to the front so as to meet them. With that he ordered the gold crates to be guarded with any means necessary as they would be very important.

Coming to the horsemen the commander said in a loud voice to them,” Hail friends, I am the commander of this mission and I have also come on a more diplomatic mission.”

As for the trade area a merchant dressed in the fine tunic worn by the Valgardians and trailed by a cloak of linen and embroiled with pure silver and gold. Coming to the merchant inspecting the good he instructed for a few dozen of the finest slaves to come forward and for crates of silver objects, amber jewelry, fine linen garments, rare platinum items were also brought out, and also many other things of the finest quality to be brought out.

Then the Valgardian said to the Osteia merchant,” Hail, it seems that you bear a good deal importance and are quite wealthy. So I assume that you bear a great deal of influence in trade in this city and so I am obliged to let you go through my wares and see what you want to buy. Feel free to go through these things as you desire.”

Lord Cyrus raised his right hand,

"Hail! Welcome to Osteia Valgardian friends!, i am Lord Cyrus commander of this port by order of his Majesty King Locke"

The Osteians watched the crates being opened and were amased at some of the goods, everything was of the highest quality from what the eye could see. The Osteian merchant simply nodded and headed over to look at the goods personally,

"Ahh! so much! so much!" He laughed wobbling over to other goods on display..

Lord Cyrus sat in silence looking at the goods from his horse,

"Captian! hold my horse..."

A heavy cavalry officer dismounted and held the knights horse after he disembarked himself...

"Fine gold...silver..and this platinum...the clothes are ...quite wonderful aswell.."

The fat merchant turned to the Valgardian merchant that had addressed him,

"What is your price for the following...."

He glanced at all the wares then spoke,

"silver things here.., amber jewelry.., these fine linen garments, what do you call this again..Platinum..i would like to purchase some of this in bulk.."

Lord Cyrus glanced to the gold,

"Anthony! inquire as to that gold aswell...his majesty needs all he can get...it's of the outmost importance.."

The merchant nodded....

Out at sea off the coast a dozen military type trasports were seen comming towards the port....

Shnip

(OOC: gonna skip right ahead to moving to the Capitol, cos otherwise it's just gonna be a load of pointless stuff...)

Lord Pompey, having changed from his robes into a more suitable Military uniform including his own Livery across his chest, the Capitol was in view as the Guardsmen picked up the pace of the steeds.

Lord Cyrus raised his right hand,

"Hail! Welcome to Osteia Valgardian friends!, i am Lord Cyrus commander of this port by order of his Majesty King Locke"

The Osteians watched the crates being opened and were amased at some of the goods, everything was of the highest quality from what the eye could see. The Osteian merchant simply nodded and headed over to look at the goods personally,

"Ahh! so much! so much!" He laughed wobbling over to other goods on display..

Lord Cyrus sat in silence looking at the goods from his horse,

"Captian! hold my horse..."

A heavy cavalry officer dismounted and held the knights horse after he disembarked himself...

"Fine gold...silver..and this platinum...the clothes are ...quite wonderful aswell.."

The fat merchant turned to the Valgardian merchant that had addressed him,

"What is your price for the following...."

He glanced at all the wares then spoke,

"silver things here.., amber jewelry.., these fine linen garments, what do you call this again..Platinum..i would like to purchase some of this in bulk.."

Lord Cyrus glanced to the gold,

"Anthony! inquire as to that gold aswell...his majesty needs all he can get...it's of the outmost importance.."

The merchant nodded....

Out at sea off the coast a dozen military type trasports were seen comming towards the port....The chief merchant of the Scandinvan fleet and said,” Well, for the gold we want silk and wine, a pound of gold for three pounds of silk and a pound of gold for two barrels of wine, for amber, we should negotiate a deal with what you propose and we would prefer gems and a number of other things, for silver, let us talk, and for linen states a price.”

The commander of the fleet then said to Lord Cyrus,” Might I ask what the transports are for as we to are currently planning a good sized expedition to the western islands beyond the great pillars of Hercules. We establish a common interest their in growing things like spices and sugar?”

(OOC: gonna skip right ahead to moving to the Capitol, cos otherwise it's just gonna be a load of pointless stuff...)

Lord Pompey, having changed from his robes into a more suitable Military uniform including his own Livery across his chest, the Capitol was in view as the Guardsmen picked up the pace of the steeds.


It was nightfall by the time the group made it to the castle. A thick fog was rolling in and a light rain was starting to fall, the massive shape of the castle was visible in the distance, candles and torches cast off light...

The knights second in command turned back to the diplomats,

"Hang back slightly while we approach the gates"

The cavalry officer rode foward and spoke to the guards at the castles gates, he then gestured for the diplomats to follow.

High above archers and guards patroled the castles walls.......

The chief merchant of the Scandinvan fleet and said,” Well, for the gold we want silk and wine, a pound of gold for three pounds of silk and a pound of gold for two barrels of wine, for amber, we should negotiate a deal with what you propose and we would prefer gems and a number of other things, for silver, let us talk, and for linen states a price.”

The commander of the fleet then said to Lord Cyrus,” Might I ask what the transports are for as we to are currently planning a good sized expedition to the western islands beyond the great pillars of Hercules. We establish a common interest their in growing things like spices and sugar?”

The merchant nodded,

"It sounds good, good"

He smiled and turned to Lord Cyrus and the visiting commander, Lord Cyrus replyed,

"2500 of his majestys troops are going to be loading in this port, some expedition....these arn't the only troops boarding either..rumor is that the numbers will reach up to 5-6 thousand strong....quite a bit for an exploration expedition don't you think?"

Lord Cyrus stared out over the water at the incomming vessels....

**bump**