NationStates Jolt Archive

This thread is set in the world located Here: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=513299

Angermanland, consisting of the islands of Aotearoa, is ruled by right of descent.

Formal full name: the principality of Angermanland
Location: RL New Zealand
Language: Angerman
Population: approximately 6 million at last census.
Ruler: Prince Chargone uph Kant
Government type: constitutional monarchy. . . sort of.
Religion: mostly animistic.

The entire system is run on a combination of feudalism and representative democracy, at every layer balanced and counter balanced by a myriad of guilds, unions, schools, churches, temples, counties, and other such organisations.

The only thing that can really be nailed down about who does what and when, at the end of the day, is that the Prince's word is law. Which isn't to say there isn't a system in place to balance even that, there is even legal allowance for removing a Prince who has lost sight of the Way.

The Way, such an all-encompassing concept is difficult to explain to those who do not live with it, and even those who do. For a prince, it means doing what is best for the nation and the people as a whole. Not just short term, and not by one's ideology, but for the long run, and by what Is.

For a warrior, it is to follow orders on the battlefield, and to fight and win and live, and if living is not possible, die well. For a warrior to flee without the order to retreat is to go against the Way. The Way is somewhat all pervasive.

Heraldry plays a large part in Angermanland. From the time they can walk, a child will bear their family's symbol, graduating from various schools earns them more, as does joining guilds, gaining rank, earning favour, mastering arts and disciplines, joining temples, swearing oaths, and winning battles. One bears the marks of who one is on one's sleave (and the rest of one's clothing) quite literally.
Anyone who officially grants you the right to wear a symbol can also strip you of that right.

Lacking ready deposits of softer metals suitable for tool and weapon making, metal working, and thus the use of iron, came late to Angermanland. Regardless, once they were introduced to the art of metalworking, they took to it with a will, and now make some of the better quality steal in the world. Gold, iron, coal and sulphur are all mined and various building stones are quarried. Fine timber is readily available, and wool is produced in large quantities. Glass is also common, and used in many places.

Any guild, union, land owner etc who represents 0.5 percent of the population, with no more than half those it represents being represented by the same other representative, gets a seat on the national council. The prince can over rule the council on any issue except a vote of no confidence in him, which results in a public election [each citizen votes individually] for a new ruler. This cannot take place until at least three years after succession.

In the event of war, armies are built from the top down. The prince appoints a commander, and maybe a few of the top-level officers, who then appoint their underlings, and so on, until you have an army. Anyone who can afford to raise and run their own can field units as well, with the only restriction being that they are under the command of the princes appointed commander.
Warriors are payed mostly in food, shelter, honor, etc, and officers aren’t much better off, though any loot gathered up is shipped home and divided amongst the men based on rank and contribution upon their return.

List of guilds, unions, and other entities:

Engineer’s Union: the laborers and specialists involved in construction, excepting those in related crafts with their own guilds.

Trade Guild: runs various markets and merchant harbors as well as most caravans. Most merchants you meet will belong to this guild, as well as many craftsmen not otherwise affiliated.

Sea Captains Guild: exists mostly to balance the influence of the trade guild in harbors, but the more wealthy merchant captains often belong to this guild as well. Also runs/regulates the ocean fishing industry and includes captains in the navy. Strong ties with the Guild of Shipwrights and Carpenters

Guild of Shipwrights and Carpenters: ... shipwrights... and carpenters... yeah, fairly self-explanatory. Moderately influential.

Banking Clans: a lose conglomeration of wealthy families who engage in the business of banking and investment. Only the oldest and most stable organizations and the Prince himself (for governmental purposes) are ever granted loans, as it is viewed as an irresponsible use of their clients’ money, and thus goes against their way. Any clan member convicted of fraud or embezzlement or anything else of the like is doubly punished. Not only is their position in the clan lost, and thus their income, so is their right to bear the clan symbol in their heraldry. The reason this is a double punishment, is that the clan symbols are also their family symbols, usually the last and hardest thing to get revoked, and the core symbol that even the lowliest peasant or criminal-slave wears.

Kant (sometimes miss spelled as Cant): province in the east of the South Island, "bread basket" of Angermanland. Contains one of the nations two major ports. The province stretches from the Sutland border in the south, to the spinal mountain range in the west, and to the sea in the east and north. Main products: barley and sheep related items. Main administrative center: Shepford

Shepford: main administrative center of Kant, it is built on either side of the waimakariri gorge, with several bridges spanning the gap. Mostly of stone construction, often built into the landscape. The ford for which it is named still exists, as do the paths down to it on each side, but is basically disused. The bridges were built so strongly that "cross bridges" were also added, and all so wide that there have been government buildings [among other things] built ON them.

Deepharour: main port in Kant built in the peninsular crater it is well protected, but there's hardly enough flat ground to build anything on, as such most buildings either have raised foundations or are cut into the hillsides. Stone is a common building material. The harbour is deep enough for a Master to dock.

Angerwraith: capital city of Angermanland. Situated near the base of the northern peninsular of the North Island, just north of its narrowest point. Includes the nations second major port.

Kainor: a small town in the far north of the North Island. It grew up around a watchtower, and the fact that no one really used to pay a lot of attention to such a relatively worthless area. Used until recently mostly as a dumping ground for those for whom no better position was open. Well-known for its [illegal] brothels and low quality bars, the only reason it hasn't been cleaned up yet is because successive princes have had bigger worries.

Southsea: a city in the far south of the south island, it serves as a point of departure to the southern most island of Angermanland, as well as The town for scholars. Also much involved in fishing, a little bit in logging, and some small amount of gold mining.

Alpini: mid sized town in the Central Pass, on the road between Kant and Timbwary. Exists mostly as a resting-place for travellers and quite out of the way place for a break from the world in general. Alpini is famous for it’s pair of monasteries, although they are not dedicated to any one particular god or goddess so much as a way of life. The monasteries are named "phall meddemonixz water" and "plase medtrankwility"

Timbwary: the region to the west of the spinal range of the south island, from Sutlond in the south, to the northern coast. most of Angermanland's coal mines are located here, as well as most of the timber plantations.

Sutland: the lower quarter of the south island, give or take. Centered around the universities and fisheries, with a little sheep farming as well.

List of ship types:

Master: a long, narrow ship with a single, very tall mast balanced by a large, partially retractable, centerboard with a specially shaped stone weight replacing it's tip. Two large sails are rigged along the ship's length, with a spinnaker being rigged forward of these for added speed downwind.

Waka: a large, flat-bottomed, ocean going canoe. War waka will seat 50 men, 48 of them paddling, 1 steering, and one keeping rhythm. Its bow is reinforced for ramming. Other variants include the high-sided merchant waka, which has had thirty of the paddler's places removed in favor of cargo space, and has no rhythm keeper and two steersmen. Its bow is not reinforced.

T'l-kargo: precursor to the Master (and to a lesser extent, Behemoth) class, it has two 'centerboards’, though neither is as large as those on a master, and they cannot be raised, and 2 masts, one on each side of the ship. Each mast is rigged the same as a master, however the spinnaker is replaced with a mostly square 'pull sail', the base of which is held in front of the ship by a pair of spinnaker poles, and the top is attached by long sheets (navel rope) to the mast heads. It is only run up when there is a strong enough wind to hold it off the forward sails. This design stems from the need for a large cargo hold, which all but eliminated the possibility of placing masts along the center of the ship. A t'l-Kargo is steered with a large rudder, operated by a correspondingly large tiller, though later hulls use a wheel instead, like the masters. At the stern is a raised deck, from which the steersman (sometimes called the helmsman, and properly called such on a ship with a wheel rather than a tiller) can see what is going on and call orders to the 5 men (up to 15 in truly bad weather) manning the tiller it's self. Bellow the tiller deck are generally a few cabins (including the captain’s) and a galley, and in the bow, below the slightly raised forward deck, are crew quarters, 4 'cabin's full of hammocks and foot lockers.

Vengeance: with two gun decks, three schooner rigged masts, and 40 cannon arranged in broad sides, this is the most "conventional" ship class in the Angerman navy. however, it is not exactly 'normal'. for a start, it lacks a bowsprit. even the most forward positioned mast's natural position was to have the boom and sail aft of it. also, the bow is "capped" in much the same style as a battering ram, and for much the same purpose. the hull was similar to a frigate's, but with obvious Angerman streamlining.
the end result is fast, maneuverable, and can deliver quite a punch.

Behemoth: at least one and a half times the length of a 74 gun SotL, these gigantic trimarans mount 8 masts (one forward, one aft, and six paired in between). Their armament consists of 60 cannon on two decks (15 port-forward, port-aft, starboard-forward, and Starboard-aft.), 20 rocket mounts on the uppermost deck (10 forward, 10 aft), and 48 ‘boom-tube’ launchers (these are placed in the outer hulls, 3 decks on each side, each with 2 facing forward, 4 facing out to the side, and 2 facing aft.)

Table of Military ranks:

Jeneral-komander: highest rank, always appointed by the ruler to command an army.

Stratkom: chief strategist and logistics expert. Also second in command. It is the Stratkom's job to keep track of all the details involved in keeping an army running, as well as to form battle plans and routs of march, and strategies in general. However, all such plans must be signed off by the Jeneral-komander, and he may change or discard them as he wishes.

Kommander of the Army's Phirst Kompany: reports directly to the Jeneral-commander and commands the Phirst Kompany. This company is usually mixed and under strength, though elite. It provides a bodyguard to the Jeneral-Komander and the Stratkom, provides garrisons for base camps, and is the first called on for odd missions that don't fit into anyone else's specialties. On the parade ground, he reports to the stratkom along with the other first level Kommanders

Kommander of the Army's Skouts: reports directly to the stratkom and leads the Skout company. Under-strength, mounted, and trained in scouting, info gathering, and spying, these men and women are also the army's messengers. If required to fight, the men will use whatever style and weapons they are trained in.

Kommander of the Army's Enjiners: reports to both Stratkom and Jeneral-komander, depending on which has ordered the current task carried out. Jeneral-komander's orders taking precedence. While larger than the phirst and skout companies, the army enjiners unit is still bellow regular company strength. Their specialties are siege craft and the building of bridges and base-camps, but as they are drawn from the engineer’s union they can be turned to almost any task one would expect such people to be capable of. Capable of combat, but not specialising in it, making use of mixed weapons and styles.

Kommander of the [numbered] Battle Group: this rank only exists when the army comprises of multiple thousands of men, and contains it's own phirst kompany, Enjiners, and Skouts. It does not include a stratkom. Battle Group Kommanders report directly to the Jeneral-Komander, or can be put under the stratkom's control for specific tasks.

All ranks bellow this point are either part of battle groups, or (if the army is smaller than 2000 men) directly under the Jeneral-Komander. If not part of a battle group, the phirst kompany, skouts and enjiners are not present, as they are replaced by the army equivalents.

Group Phirst Kompany: equivalent to the army first company, only at battle group level.

Group Skout Company: equivalent to the army first company, only at battle group level. Reports to the Komander of the (numbered) Battle Group. If required to fight the men will fight with whatever weapons and styles they are trained in.

Group Enjiner company: equivalent to the army enjiners. Reports to the Komander of the (numbered) battle group. Capable of combat, but not specialising in it. Mixed weapons and styles.

Kompany Komander, leads one of the Kompanys in each battle group, or in army is of less than 2000 men, one of the kompanys of the army. Reports to either the battle group Kommander, or the Jeneral-Kommander

Serjet: leads one of 5 Sub-Kompanys in each Kompany

Skwadead: leader of a 10-man squad, regardless of that squad's place in the military hierarchy. Reports to the ranking officer of the unit from which the men are drawn, be that a Serjet [usual] or a Jeneral-Komander [rare as toast.]

Warrior: random average soldier who is not part of an Enjiner unit.

Military tech:

Idean/Renji Rifle:
33 inch barrel, of which the first 25 inches are rifled to make one complete turn in 300 inches. Standard robust flintlock firing mechanism. 15-inch butt, shaped to allow a man to sight down the barrel comfortably, also contains a compartment for storing cleaning rags, caps, and other loading/cleaning gear. Folding backsight. Total length 48 inches. Effective military range of 150-200 yards. Accurate up to 300 when used by experienced/skilled men specifically trained for it. The very best of the best of sharp shooters can manage shots accurate enough to hit a man at 300 yards, given time to aim properly and advantageous positioning [though this is not necessarily enough to guarantee hitting a specific part of the aforementioned man.].

Designed to be fitted with a sword bayonet. Designed to accommodate 'tap loading' for more rapid fire in close situations. Takes the same .625 calibre ammunition as the Reji carbine.

Reji Carbine: designed for cavalry use. 20 inch barrel, 12 inch stock, cleaning gear and so on stored in a separate pouch rather than in the butt. Uses standard .625 calibre ammunition. Standard firing mechanism. Hinged 'safety' cover to prevent the hammer coming down when loaded while riding [allowing the troops to load in advance] (cock gun, fold down cover, lower hammer. cock again, fold up cover, fire). 5 inch "barrel plug" to prevent bullets and powder from rolling out when the gun is pre-loaded.

Sword Bayonet: 18 inches of cold, sharp steel. Double edged. Can be used as a short sword when not fixed to rifle or musket. When fitted to the rifle, the weapon can be used as a glaive [as opposed to the ‘spear’ that results from the fitting of the more typical spike bayonet]

Cavalry Sabre: 3-foot slightly curved double-edged blade with basket hilt.

Cavalry lance: 9-foot shaft, flaring slightly at the hilt to guard the hand.

Light Cuirass: light weight cavalry armour, designed to deflect bullets, arrows, and stabbing weapons. Not really thick enough to stop a direct blow, and no real defence against edge/crush weapons.

12 pdr field gun: the largest cannon still capable of rating as a field gun rather than a siege weapon, the 12pdrs main recommendation is that it can fire canister from out of musket range, and shot from almost 500 yards. The down side is that these are very slow to limber and unlimber, not to mention move. Never the less, large batteries in the right place can devastate whole armies.

Hawk/boom tube launchers: modified ballista, used to launch hawk gliders. Not exactly highly mobile when deployed. Aren’t so much limbered and unlimbered as totally disassembled and reassembled in the normal course of events.

Trebuchet: quite possibly the longest range weapon in the world at this point in time, the trebuchet is designed specifically for breaking castles, and is capable of launching just about anything that can be loaded into it.

Hawk glider: hang-glider built of silk and wood, with lightweight steal joints and catches. Primarily functions as a dive-bomber. Developed over the last 3 years and not yet battle tested. Fitted with a ‘howler’ that can be covered for silent flight, or uncovered to emit an unearthly scream as the glider dives.

Boom tube: a hollow tube full of shrapnel and incendiaries, it is designed primarily for naval use. One end of the tube is covered by a grappling hook with a large spearhead emerging from its centre; the other is shaped for launching from the ballista. Designed to be fired in a steep arc, then catch in rigging before detonating, the boom tube can also explode prior to impact, launching the grapple head into it’s target with great force, or stick into wooden walls, decks, floors and hulls before exploding.

Eel blade: a one handed melee weapon, usually used in pairs. On one side of the handgrip they are simply a 9-inch ram spike, designed to puncture armour and flesh. On the other side, a foot long curved blade, with a single continuous edge, sort of like a paddle.

Grenades: either made of glass and filled with acid, designed to shatter on impact, or made of iron and filled with gunpowder, to explode. Mostly used by eel troops.

Bombs: come in fire, acid, or explosive models, carried by hawk gliders.

Rock shield: big enough to protect the bearer’s entire body when rested on the ground, right up to his eyes. Slightly curved rectangles designed to be locked together. Made of steal.

Infantry halberd: carried by rock troops. The butt is spiked to allow it to be driven into the ground, while the head has a pike hook, axe blade, and spearhead. Shaft length of 6 feet.

Taiahu: a wooden spear used more like a staff, carried by officers heading into battle.

Rock armour: infantry full plate, though it uses leather rather than chain mail beneath it.

Eel/rifleman’s armour: boiled leather, with a steal breast/back plate, greaves, and bracers.

Unit types:

Rock: heavy infantry, with large, roman-esque shields, short swords, and halberds.
Eel: light infantry with eel blades and grenades. Trained for agility, they focus on putting a blade where your armour isn’t.
Rifleman: lightly armoured, armed with rifle and sword bayonet. Slow to load and fire, but very accurate and only outranged by longbow men.
Lancers: equipped with lance, carbine, sabre and cuirass, these cavalry excel at breaking up infantry formations… and aren’t too shabby against lighter and medium weight cavalry, either.
Dragoons: equipped with carbine and sabre, dragoons can fight on foot as easily as on horseback, though they will tend to avoid entering melee on foot. A speciality of theirs is to use lightning fast strikes and withdrawals, flying fusillades, and mounted volleys to dismantle heavier foes.
Siege units: trebuchets, boomtube launchers not mounted on ships, etc.
Hawk Troops: the ground crew and pilots of the hawk glider/launcher combination. These troops carry only a short sword and wear the lightest of armour. This is usually a non-issue, as they don’t tend to land and fight. When used for infiltration missions, heavier armour is sometimes used, as well as various other weapons.

military strength:

navy:

10 behemoths
30 Vengance
10 masters.

army:
38 battle groups, assorted. (1000 men in each)
when not at war, battle groups are rotated by quarters, excepting the prince's guard, which consists of 2 battle groups and is always active.

Currency:
Gold Cross: quite literally a crucifix made of 7 carrot gold, without adornments of any sort except for a 6 point star stamped in the end of each arm on both sides, with the date stamped on the long arm on one side, and the initials of the current king on the other. Measuring 5X3X1/4 inches

Prince's Writ: a wooden rectangle, about 6X4X1/8 inches, with a portrait of the prince and a small six point star on one side, and the date of production, the official seal of the prince and a small six point star on the reverse. It takes 10 of these to equal the value of one Gold Cross.

Pau: Paua shells. Size and quality vary, as does their value, but as a rule it will take 10 of reasonable size and quality to attain the value of a Writ.

Forgery of currency is punishable by death. Generally a painful death. As paua shells are produced naturally however, there is a slowly increasing supply, and they are impossible to forge. This does not, however, devalue them (at least at any speed), as they are useful for many things.

Royal Palace, Angerwraith, Angermanland.

on the palace's sixth level, just below the roof, were the royal quarters, and around this level ran a roofed balcony. in the setting sun, a figure could be seen framed between the ornate pillars that separated floor from ceiling.

"my Lord, the people grow restless. when i go into the city, it is painfully obvious. apparently things are as bad throughout the land. disease, starvation not just in years of drought, but in years when the crop has not been exceptional... i spoke with Lady Pi, she tells me these are the symptoms of too many people living in too little space." the figure turned, revealing that it was a woman who spoke there. "surely you see this?"

a lamp was lit on the other side of the room, revealing a tall man in his mid twenties, long, dark hair tied back and wearing informal clothing.

"i am aware of this Soma, i too have spoke with Lady Pi, and others as well. i too hear reports and see the signs." he walked over to the woman, and put his arms around her "there is much argument and debate amongst my councilors and the people as to what is to be done, but the way is clear to me. we must expand, crossing the seas."

Soma turned her head to look up at him, alowing the light to fall upon her face. she was considered by all who had ever seen her to be the most beutiful woman in the land, if not the world. (though, of course, no man would admit this infront of his own wife if he wanted to sleep in his own bed that night). she was Prince Chargone's wife and like her husband, had long, dark hair.

the two's eyes met, the Prince's gray-green and his wife's gray-brown. "the people will not like having to leave their homes."

"they will like starvation and disease less." Chargone paused and brushed a stray strand of hair from his wife's face, and his serious expression softened "do not worry so much, Soma, i shall do the best that can be done for our people, as i always have, as is the Way of the prince. everything will turn out just fine."

Soma smiled slightly, and they watched the sun set together, but she was still troubled in her thoughts, 'i hope it shall be as you say, beloved, but i do not quite share your faith in the world'.

eastern docks, Angerwraith, Angermanland

Admiral Aphallee, Sea Jeneral-komander of the Red Fleet, stood on the flat roof of the admiralty headquarters and looked out across the harbor. gathered bellow was a small flotilla of ships, being readied for one of the most important task in the history of the principality.

the Master's may have been the fastest ships in the fleet, but they couldn't sustain large expeditionary forces for long periods of time. the Behemoths were large enough, but far too slow to achieve what needed doing as quickly as it must be done. T'l-kargo were merchant ships, lightly armed at best, and thus to vulnerable. Waka? anyone who suggested rowing around the world was either a fool or one of those driven to set records. regardless, it would not do.

thus, it was Vengeance class ships that would be sent out in search of new lands.

there were to be five expeditions, each of six ships. their task was to search for inhabitable lands that were either unoccupied or could be easily taken, map the routs there and back, as well as any dangers or features of interest, and report back.

if they came across friendly powers, they were to enlist all the aid and gather all the information possible. if they came across hostile powers, they were to gather all the information possible and hide the nature of the principality's current plight as well as possible.

regardless, they were to report back within four months.

he himself would lead one of the groups, and hand picked men the others. they could not afford this to go wrong.

"this shall work. it Must work."

"what must work, bro?"

Aphalle turned around suddenly at the unexpected speech. behind him stood a young woman, a little on the tall side but still shorter than himself, with light brown hair, blue-grey eyes and an impish grin.

"Pi, what are you doing up here? no one's allowed past the ground floor without authorization, and so far as i know, you still don't have it."

"well, seeing how easy it is to climb up the side of this place, if you know what you're doing...." she noticed his expression and her grin widened "might want to fix that."

finally, he gave up and smiled "so, apart from ruining my carrier, what brings you hear, squirt?"

"thought I'd come see you before you left, mostly. I'm just hanging around at a lose end at the moment, honestly. between the hawks and being involved in the planning of these expeditions, Master Deehow says he has nothing left to teach me. I've finished my apprenticeship, in other words."

"heh. only took you two years longer than anyone else we knew."

"only because we didn't know anyone else who apprenticed under the greatest military strategist since Jen Lij wrote the first War Manual. nor anyone else apprenticed to one of the Prince's chief advisers. there's a lot to learn." her eyes lit up "actually, i apparently learned it all faster than anyone expected, and Master Deehow said my abilities exceed his in some areas!"

"wow."

"wow is right. but so long as Master Deehow is still alive and well, and trust me, i have no plans of assansinating him, and as long as we're at peace... there isn't really any formal post for me to take up. Master Ejin Kyo also tells me i have learned everything of the Graceful Art that he has to teach, so i can't even spend the time on that."

"various officials consult you on assorted matters, do they not?"

"yeah, informally. when they can't speak to master Deehow. doesn't exactly pay for food and cloths very well, you know." Pi stretched out on her back in the sun. "i don't know what I'm going to do."

her brother lent back against the wall that ran around the roof edge. "well, i don't know about the next four months or so, but after that, things should get interesting enough for an opportunity to present it's self."

"yeah. hopefully. just got to fill the time until then, i guess."

"i was going to have you come with me on the trip, if you wanted, but the Prince specifically forbade it. apparently he doesn't want to risk losing you if it all goes wrong."

"well, That's nice to know."

Aphalle couldn't tell if she was being sarcastic or not.

Pi let out a sigh and sat up. "ahh well. maybe I'll go hang out at the universities in Sutland for a while. surely Someone must be looking into Something interesting."

"sounds like a plan. we set sail the day after tomorrow. will you still be here?"

"sure. not like i need to be anywhere else. and now, i should probably get going, and you should get back to work, brother."

with that, she stood in a graceful motion, gave him a mock salute, and cartwheeled off the side of the building.

Aphalle didn't even blink. this was normal behavior for her. she'd have done something acrobatic and landed on the ground running, and be long gone by the time he moved enough to see.

"Giving my sister something to do. add that to the list of reasons why this must work. last thing one needs is her being bored."

eastern harbor mouth, Angerwraith, Angermanland


the flotilla was sailing.

colorful sails billowed in the wind, and signals flashed from one ship to another as they made their way out of the harbor.

Aphalle, standing in the bow of the lead ship, looked back at this impressive sight.

one to the north and west, which he himself was commanding, where there was roumour of another civilization to match that of Angermanland it's self.

a second to the north and east, which would be commanded by Sea-Kommander Tazkook. there was rumored to be a vast land there. perhaps it would be suitable.

a third would loop around and head west, and north far enough to avoid the sea of winds. the island chains in that direction were small, but close and defiantly there. Sea-Kommander Devinon lead this one.

the fourth would look to the east, in the south, where another great continent was rumoured. it would be lead by Sea-Kommander Jellphiko

the fifth would strike westward as well, accompanying Devinon's group as far as it went, then continuing on to see what lay beyond. Sea-Kommander Brinden commanded it.

Aphalle remembered the crowds who stood on the dock and cheered as the flotilla departed. he couldn't see them now, really. too much stuff in the way. even if they failed, these ships gave the people something they desperately needed. Hope.

he raised his hand, in which he held a signal batten, equipped with the daylight flag. "it will work" he snapped the flag down, and as the message was passed from one ship to another, full sails unfurled. "it MUST work."

he turned, cape swirling behind him, and strode back down the deck.

off the north east coast of Angermanland

"Land sighted!" the Victorade's lookout called.

"ahh, and what land might that be?" Tazkook was lounging in a deck chair, reading. it was a popular pastime amongst the navy's officer corps, and not entirely uncommon amongst the crews, either.

"unless we're very much off course compared to where the records show we should be, Angermanland, sir" Jakkex responded, deadpan

"what, already?"

"yes, sir."

"well," Tazkook sprang to his feet, dumping the book into the chair as he did so "best we tell our friends of that and begin adjusting course for the harbour, no?"

"yes, sir. right away, sir." Jakkex began calling orders, and flags were run up, initiating adjustments to sails and rudders across the flotilla.

"unless i miss my guess" Tazkook said, pacing forward as his chair and book were put away by a cabin boy, " we should see the harbor within the day."

ooc: post something here if you want, Terror, or not as the case may be, and I'll make the next post with them actually arriving. it'll be interesting to see your guys reaction to the behemoths :D

"Land sighted!"
"Angerman signal; we're approaching their home port!"
"Very good."
Elara turned back to her own ship. She was well pleased; her men had got them this far with no dramas; they had easily kept up with the Angerman ships, as well as the Consiliar vessels.
Ship-shape and Nescia fashion, as the phrase went.

So, they were nearly there. The time of destiny approached, for here would be made decisions that would affect both their countries for years to come. And make the McGrath family a tidy profit, of course.
The idea she had set herself on pushing? A joint colonisation venture in the semi-legendary lands of Chin, to the far west of Incognitia, and the north-west of here. Captain Reynolds, and Mr. Byrne, could say and do what they pleased - Elara would decide, she just knew it.

the great eastern port of Angerwraith. large, bustling, deep, with stone quays and large forts at strategic positions. it was also currently guarded by three of the largest ships in the 'known' world; the Behemoths.

These immense trimarans boasted an impressive 8 masts, mounted 60 cannon, 20 rockets, and 48 of the eccentric Angerman weapon known as a 'boom-tube launcher', essentially a modified ballista with unusual ammunition, and carried crew of over one and a half thousand.

Each.

signals whipped back and forth between the flotilla, the Behemoths' commander, and the harbor master, and as the flotilla sailed into the port, waka came to greet them. each of these large boats contained some 30 paddlers, as well as a steersman and coxswain. they would take the larger vessels under tow and guide them into port.

above the city, many banners fluttered. all had meaning, ranging from the taniwha shaped wind-vain/wind-sock flying above the sea Capitan's guild to the elaborate symbology of the noble families, to the simple taiaha, rifle and fern leaf banner of the prince himself flying from the palace.

as soon as the ships had identified themselves, runners had been sent up to the palace to inform the prince of their arrival.

Chargone had been holding formal court, adjudicating on the few issues of law that made their way up the system, settling high level disputes, and hearing petitions and suggestions for this and that. new roads here, a change to the quotas for this or that. it was necessary, he knew, but it bored him. so it was that when the messenger arrived, he was glad of the interruption.

"good. return to your master and let him know that i shall be making an appearance at the docks soon, and that the crews are to remain on their ships until i arrive." the man nodded and left.

"i am sorry, but i must draw this session to a close. matters of great importance have come about. have the secretary outside make note of your presence, and i shall get to you as soon as possible."

as guards ushered the various audience seekers from the room, Chargone sent his own messengers "have Lady Pi, Lord Deehow, and Lady Soma meet me at the docks."

as this man also left, Chargone stood, and left the room. already in full formal dress, he gathered up a suitable guard escort along the way, ten each of the three infantry classes of the palace soldiery, in full ceremonial uniform.

ideally, those he had called upon would meet him before he reached the dock, but if not, it did not matter so much.

ooc: all righty. I'm going to assume there's going to be some suitable reaction, that the messengers return in time to keep your guys on ship, and your leadership at least in the general area, etc etc. so, post away :D

"Holy shit what is THAT!"
"Calm down man. It's a big ship, to be sure, but imagine what she'd be like in the line of battle."
"Fearsome, sir."
"Ok, now imagine three third rates cutting around her, each giving her a full broadside, sailing away, turning back and giving her another."
"She'd be torn to shreds, given time."
"Precisely. And she's probably got about thrice the crew, at least thrice the cost, and less than thrice the armament."
"Still a monster sir."
"Oh yes, and a tough one, but vulnerable in her own way."
###
The indignity of being towed in, by canoes. It was unbelievable, and so inefficient for a large port. But...they were here to deal, not irritate their hosts. So Elara calmed herself. She was still a little unbalanced from those...things...0th rates, she was privately calling them. She had seen a lot of commotion on Captain Reynolds' deck, when his men spotted them, but the Captain seemed to have sorted that issue.

As they came into dock, a messenger came tearing up at a run, telling them to stay put, and that someone important, probably the Prince himself, was coming their way. At which Elara immediately left her ship, to get to Reynolds and Byrne. They would be livid if she were spoken to first, and she couldn't afford to miss out. Oblivious of any protest the messenger may have made, she didn't take long, in her 'obscene' breeches, to reach the two men.
"So gentlemen, it appears we have reached right to the top, right from the start."
"Aye, it does that, Miss McGrath." Byrne replied. "Just make sure you stay out of the way while the important business is conducted, right?"
"Business, is what I am HERE for, Mr. Byrne. National interest is your bag, all you need is to vouch that MY deal isn't bad for Incognitia."
No response. He would never admit it, but Byrne's orders had been just that; oh, and to salvage things if the McGraths spectacularly cocked it up. His every instinct screamed to dismiss this slip of a girl in front of him, but his strongest instinct of all, obedience to his superiors, and his duty, restrained him.
They waited, in a somewhat uncomfortable silence.

Chargone and his entourage approached the docks of the eastern harbor. Deehow had met them at the palace gate, but Ladies Soma and Pi were nowhere to be seen. in Soma's case, it was likely because she was repairing so as to have the greatest effect possible when she did arrive. as for Pi... best not to think.

ahead of the two men walked ten rock troops, five abreast, clearing the road as efficiently as possible with a minimum of effort. their mere presence and the heraldry plainly visible on their shields was, as usual, enough. to each side walked five eel troops, making sure nothing untoward happened, unlikely as that was, and behind them were two ranks of five riflemen. decorative, as much as anything, but useful, should something go wrong.

of course, the last time anything had gone wrong in a city was almost a century ago. the last time anything had gone wrong in that particular way at All was before Chargone had come to power.

upon arriving at the docks proper, they were met by Tazkook and the harbor master, and the escort gained another rank of soldiery. marines, armed with rifle and blade. the arrangement of the uniforms made a fine display.

"your Highness, I return with... interesting, and hopefully good, news" Tazkook reported " with me i have representatives of the nation of Terra Incognitia, and one of their preeminent merchant families. i have charts to show you where they come from at your convenience. their language is similar to ours, but different. I'm not sure how much effort they put into learning our speech, but i can translate, mostly."

"you have done well, Tazkook, and will be appropriately rewarded when the opportunity presents it's self."

"thank you, your highness. if you would come this way?" Tazkook made a slight gesture towards the harbor master, who took the lead

it took hardly any time at all to reach the Incognitians, and at a subtle gesture from the Prince, Tazkook also stepped forward. "His Highness, Chargone, Prince of Angermanland, would speak with the leaders of the Incognitian expedition. step forth and be recognized!" the tone was that of ritual ceremony.

Elara was a little quicker on the uptake, and stepped forwards a tad before Reynolds and Byrne. She could see Byrne twitch as he realised, and grinned broadly. Needling that man was...sooo...fun.
She responded at once.
"Prince Chargone, I am Elara McGrath, speaking for the McGrath family. These are Captain Reynolds, of the Incognitian Navy, and Mr. Bruce Byrne of the Foreign Service."
She paused momentarily.
"I have instructions, and powers, to deal on trade and potential joint projects for the McGrath family. The aim is that our deal will form a part of the deal Mr. Byrne agrees for Incognitia."

in a carefully coordinated movement, the soldiers in front of Chargone moved out and forward, reveling the prince himself, as well as Deehow.

Pi had judged her moment well, for as they did this, she jumped from atop one of the nearby buildings. the rock trooper she would otherwise have landed on saw her coming, and immediately raised his shield. Pi corrected and bounced off that, rather than his and his neighbor's shoulders, landing next to Chargone on the other side from Deehow.

"... Pi," Chargone spoke quietly, with a slight menancing undertone.
"yessir?" the young woman replied, brightly.
"much as i appreciate that you like making an entrance, now was Not the time for it."
"never know until someone reacts, your highness"
"feh." Chargone turned back to the Incognitians.

"Greetings. i would present two of my chief advisers, Lord Deehow, and Lady Pi. my wife should be joining us shortly. now, before anything else, what do your ships and crews need? once that is arranged, we shall retire to the palace, i think. it is much more suitable for such discussion."

"Our ships, sir, need only supplies, and our crews only shore leave. If they are at liberty to do so we need nothing else, and can come to the palace at once."
While Elara was speaking, realising that this occasion was a little more official than he had expected, Osbourne signalled to his Lieutenant of Marines, who promptly gathered a dozen of his men and marched them down to act as an escort. It would take a fool to mistake them for a threat with their weapons still slung.
"And though I may be very much mistaken, your advisor Lady Pi seems to have a second calling as a tumbler."
Whoops...Elara honestly prayed that wasn't taken the wrong way, as soon as it left her mouth. None of it showed in her face though - a McGrath was born to negotiate.

"now there is a thought" Pi received a rather pointed look as this was said
"I'll be good" was the meek response
the Prince continued " as for shore leave, I'm loath to refuse it to sailors, but there are various issues at hand so" he paused for a moment, as Deehow said something quietly. Chargone nodded and continued " i would think it would be best if your stayed aboard until tomorrow. this will require some organization.

the harbor master will see to your supply issues." here the prince crooked an eyebrow at the man in question, who nodded "so i think that's everything we need to do here. if you would follow us to the palace?" Chargone turned to leave, and his men preformed a rather complex maneuver that put them all in their proper places again.

there rout took them mostly along the main streets, but it wasn't exactly hard to see down the side roads. even here it was easy to tell there were problems. the buildings were well maintained, to be sure, but evidence of over crowding was everywhere.

Pi dropped back a bit to the Incognitian party, and spoke to Elara "how well do you understand me?" she asked, speaking unmodified Angerman "i would speak with you if i can"

While the Prince spoke about delaying unleashing the Incognitian sailors on the town, they nodded acceptingly. The men had been fine this long; and it would allow time for vicious 'briefing' by the PO's, to make sure they would not go wild when they were allowed ashore.

Elara nodded to herself. From Nescia and other Incognitian cities, she knew the signs of various forms of...problem. Grinding poverty? Disease? General deprivation?
This was different, however. It looked as though the city was mainly well-repaired, by people with a bit of money, and there wasn't any appearance of epidemic, so...what could it be?

At that point Pi interrupted her train of thought.
"What? Oh, sorry. I understand you quite well. What is it you wish to talk to me about?"

Pi was quiet for a moment as she gathered her thoughts, then spoke seriously

"even one so recently come as you can see many of the signs here, can't you? too many people, not enough space... a single year of good crops barely lasts us through a single year of merely average, let alone poor. progress is being made, things are changing... but it is too little, too slowly, too late. this is why we seek to expand. not because of greed or blood lust, but simply to give our people hope of a future that does not involve disease and starvation.

i would suggest you keep that in mind when it comes to any negotiations. but do not take that to mean we will willingly accept bad deals. building a raft is very different from clutching at straws. this also, you should keep in mind."


as they spoke, their party met another coming the other way. Princess Soma and her escort had arrived, and joined the group. Chargone halted them long enough for introductions.

ooc: i believe i described Soma, at least to some extent, earlier.

"I would assume then, that a great popular enthusiasm could be achieved for a real solution to the problem...
But it also means you have population to burn if war is seen as necessary, looking cynically.
Now, our expansion is more because we have reached the limit of the easy growth; there may be fertile lands beyond the mountains, but we have not yet ventured so far."

After greeting Princess Soma with the approriate courtesies, Elara returned to her theme.
"Thus my idea of a joint colonisation. Turning both our energies outwards rather than competing with one another, seems highly advantageous to me."

Does your country contain angry men?

ooc: *stabs Strator in the face with a pointy stick* it does now.

IC:

"All valid points." Pi smiled "but enough of this. today all that will happen is that quarters will be arranged, the Prince will hear the general gyst of why you are here, and your men's shore leave will be organized. and of course, the Prince is busy a lot of the time, as is the Way of the prince.. always something coming up and demanding his attention. probably nothing of any great significance will happen until tomorrow afternoon.

like as not it'll be my job to keep you occupied and entertained in between times. such are the perils of not really having a formal position in the system." the girl spoke laughingly. then a thought crossed her mind "will there be anything in particular your little group will need or need to avoid? foods, drinks, religious factors, things of that nature? "

ooc: after a response to that, I'm thinking Pi's going to show off a little more and disappear off ahead to organize things. hehe. ninja Pi.

"We understand fully how governments tend to work; fortunately both the head of our family and the Consilar-General took a personal interest in this situation and were able to deal with this swiftly, otherwise we would be somewhere in the midst of the ocean now."

"In any case, we have no requirements beyond good food, and ideally some good alcohol to go with it, and clean beds."

"heh. good fortune all around, it seems. at any rate, all of these i can promise you, save the alcohol. that... varies. and now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go on ahead and make the relevant preparations. see you soon" Pi grinned, sped up just enough, and jumped. a few motions later, and she was gone, hopping over rooftops and the like.

"ahh. Pi has somewhere to be, it seems." Soma smiled. "tell me something of your home, if you would? we have a while to walk yet, and conversation will help pass the time."

****

at the palace, all was a-bustle. orders had been given before Soma left for all kinds of preparations to be made in the anticipation of distinguished guests. Pi's arrival and instructions did little to the over all situation, beyond a few details here and there. still, she had made good time and arrived well ahead of the main party, who were slowed by the nature of the streets, the people in them, and their own numbers.

all would be well and truly in readiness by the time the royal party arrived.

"Well, our country occupies the coastline of the landmass on which it lies. It spreads some way inland also, but is primarily focussed on the coast. Due to it's sheer length, much the easiest way to travel long distances is to reach the coast, sail along it, and travel inland from where you land.
Most of our activity, besides obviously farming, is focussed on trade. We are not a martial people, and those with influence in our society are the merchants, all the way from itinerant traders and small-time artisans, who elect their mayors and Consilars to the Consilium; all the way to the great trading magnates."
Here she paused momentarily to think.
"We now face somewhat of a problem. Our people have been comfortable and unthreatened for some time. In every generation there are those who crave adventure, or a greater purpose, and with no outlet their numbers have been growing. It is the belief of our family, and of many in the Consilium, that some great outward-looking project is required, before we face severe social unrest."
Now she lowered her voice a little, as though this were...sensitive.
"Many have been pushing for expansion over the mountains to the east. They are thought to be passable, but not safely or in great numbers; thousands would be lost driving roads over the passes, at great expense, and the few who have been there and returned say the land is nigh on worthless, and no-one to trade with.
The alternative is to go west, over the ocean. That is what we want. The decision is where to go, and how many we send."

"perhaps we can help with your road building issues, depending on why so many would be lost. the scholars need practical problems to attend to, 'else they start focusing on politics and society excessively and tend towards causing problems and uprisings. not always intentionally, you understand, but it happens. "

Soma smiled, though the expresion was not entirely happy.

"save that i do not recognize some of the names for things you use, elements of your society sound similar to that of our own. others are... distinctly not. our last internal war was within the lifetime of the youngest adults you see around this city, for example. we too have our adventurers, but it is in the nature of our people to bond to the land... few go adventuring and fail to return home, unless they die along the way. this is why i am unsure...." the princes caught herself, almost jumping as she realized what she was saying

"i am sorry, it is not my place to speak of such things. come, it is not far now."

indeed, they were almost half way up the hill upon which the palace stood, though it was not at the very top. in fact, if one cared to look around, the top of every hill the eye could see was bare of man made features. watch towers were built in rings just below their tops, houses built up against the sides, but even here in the middle of this large city, the tops were bare.

"So many lives would be lost because these are high passes, and hard rock; to complete the project within any form of budget would require blasting through the worst patches with gunpowder, which carries significant hazards; and even those areas which would not require such blasting would risk endless rock-falls, and workforces of thousands at high altitudes.
To complete it in a reasonable timescale would require working through the winter, and most of the passes go above the snowline; frostbite and hypothermia are real worries. And after all that we doubt that the lands beyond are worth the effort."

The road-building project had long been impractical in the eyes of the McGrath family, and there were those who disagreed. Obviously the Princess would not hear that from Elara; she was honest however, in that there were severe technical difficulties, a large financial outlay, and a very uncertain return. With that said, she followed Soma on the way to the palace.

the palace it's self was constructed in typical Angerman style. well built, pleasant, but not over done. various banners hung around the place, and some of the walls had been painted with very nice landscapes, but there weren't a lot of ornaments, or other unnecessary clutter.

Pi met them as they entered the gate "all is ready, your highness." she informed the prince. "the guest chambers are prepared, and the food will be ready on time. the scribes await you in the audience chamber."

"ahh. i was wondering why you'd gone dashing off ahead. very good." Chargone smiled. then spoke loudly enough for all to hear "very well. you may all return to your normal duties." indicating his guests, as well as Pi and Deehow, he continued in more conversational tones "and if you would be so kind as to accompany me to the audience chamber? we have things to discuss."

the audience chamber was relatively spacious, and built in the same style as the rest of the palace. lots of wood panels, wooden floors, and not a lot of decoration.

the prince took his place upon his raised throne, and made a slight gesture. servants brought in chairs for his guests, as well as his advisers, who took their place a step below the throne it's self.

"so," the prince began. "tell me. what is it you seek? what do you offer? the scribes shall record it, and then we shall get to the various details of your men's shore-leave. the next grand council is but a couple of days away, at which point i shall have the various parties informed of these things, and gather their input. after that, negotiations and the like can begin in earnest."

"What do we seek? Friends. Trading partners, perhaps more in knowledge than anything else, as we have most physical goods that we need. And collaborators in our great project, of turning our nation's horizons outwards.
At the moment we as a country are focussed in on ourselves, and tension and dissatisfaction is ever rising. What is more the population is rising, and while the situation is far from desperate, if it continues we will inevitably need more lands.
This is where your people come in. I understand from Tazkook that you need to expand; it might be advantageous if we co-operated in colonising beyond both our shores, rather than competing."

"humm... a plan with potential. what sort of assistance do you seek? beyond the obvious one of not fighting over the various colonies, of course. better, what aid do you offer? if my council are to advise me, and i am to keep the people happy, it would be good to be fully informed.

as for trade, well, i shall raise the issue. it is unlikely to be a problem, but you can guarantee someone will object to Something. it is the way of such bodies, alas."

"What do we seek? Trade concessions with the colonies. What do we offer? All manner of supplies that will be required, along with transportation for those wishing to emigrate from our nation.

And, while they will not like it, the navy will be certain to protect any substantial Incognitian colony from external threats."

"good, good. well, I'll have some scribes take down the details tomorrow morning.

for now, you are my guests. you will be provided with a guide or three for the duration of your stay. i do this based on the assumption that you don't want to have to go over several centuries of books on law, customs, and politics.

i believe Lady Pi has seen to the organization of your rooms. "

with that, the Prince dismissed them, citing other concerns of the realm.

Elara, Byrne and Reynolds followed Pi. Elara could accept that there was other important business for a man such as the Prince, and it was certain he would want time to consider the proposal, or idea of a proposal, she had put to him. He would not want to respond firmly to something that had come quite so out of the blue.

Angerwraith, one month later

a month had passed. Elara and her party had been shown about the city and surrounding area. the council had debated and bickered, deals had been done, agreements made, and now, finally, a treaty signed.

soon the Incognitians would be on their way.

ooc: awkward lack of plotness ftl... on the other hand, postage!

Amidst all this Elara had come to care steadily less for the outcome - that had been expected since at least halfway through the whole drawn-out process. She had come to like Pi a good deal, recognising a kindred spirit, and hoped they would be able to meet again.
As her ships were readied, the men gathered together and such, they set their faces once again towards Incognitia.
And so, at last, they headed home. When they reached Nescia, things would get interesting.