NationStates Jolt Archive

Your Holiness Cenobiarch Lothar XVIII,
Greetings,
It has recently come to our attention that you are engaged in certain activities which we, as a matter of course, strongly approve of. Any foe of the cursed Dunmer slaver-raiders is a friend of ours. Therefore, we have a proposal for your consideration.
While our nations have their differences, you must surely agree that there are some matters that no two truely civilized persons can disagree on. First and foremost, the disgusting religious practices of those people (and we, of course, use this term in the loosest fashion possible). While we find your own religion strange, and you no doubt consider ours heretical, perhaps Om and Akatosh can agree to come to terms in this matter.
Veruna is presently stretched thin, however. Our war with the Tsaecsi and the denizens of Damarask is taxing our resources and, until the situation changes, we will not be able to commit troops. However, we are aware of your own issues with metalworking and supply. We could if you wish, supply you with high quality weapons, swords, halberds, pikes, and crossbows. Of course you do not approve of gunpowder devices, but if you wish we will supply those as well.
We may also direct the Klatchian Fleet and Green Sea Fleet to assist you in logistical matters, which will greatly aid your war effort.
While there are few Omnians in our military, we would be pleased to deploy officers from the Omnian Turma to assist in training, as you would no dout dissapprove of non-Omnian heretics training your men.
Should you wish to discuss these terms, we would be most pleased to host an Omnian dignitary at Pelagus. Presently Emperor Cephorus is commanding an expedition in New Veruna, however, Protoproedros Alexius is in Pelagus and ready to receive such dignitaries as you should choose to send.
Magister Thadius, Ministry of Diplomacy
(Imperial Seal)

Clicking heels, embroidered hems and the faint hint of lavender water announced the entrance of the Cenobiarch of Omnia and her Empires, it was perhaps a strange thing that His Imminence should come down here, but some of the Qusitions more inquisitive leaders had set up separate offices here just to watch.

Lothar did not bother with holding the hem of his robe as his feet were stepping on a consecutive trail of personal angles, which formed a never-ending bridge for the Cenobiarch. For the prisoners it seemed as though their head of state was walking serenely nearly a foot of the ground. This of course did not turn many heads, as all heads still capable of turning in the pits, had learned a certain level of obedience, or were just absorbed in their work.

“Exquisitor,” Lothar reached a pale man perched on a stool even thinner then he was. With a look of near maternal pride he surveyed his underworld domain, it was for the most part his own creation. Until very recently the Inquisition had been in possession of a sense of humor, knives that said, “Sharpen me” and pokers that would scream “Careful I’m hot.” In reality that fractured sense of humor had been worse then the actual torture, but only to the Inquisitors. Luckily High Inquisitor Fequl had no sense of humor, in a very positive way all together he had no personality.

“High Inquisitor, a pleasure.” Lothar gave an ingratiating bow, which severely crippled a downtrodden angel. “I must beg an audience, on a matter of state importance.”

“Your Imminence,” The inquisitors voice was the monotone only reached by decades of practice, his eyes the dull color of stone on a cloudy day, his face that of rigid muscle control. “I am never chained to my desk in the presence of the Cenobiarch.”

Lothar cracked a smile before realizing who he was dealing with, “Quite good to here that. I shall not waste your valuable time as I can see you are very busy. “ The Cenobiarch gestured vaguely at the surrounding pits,” We shall need some additional space here in a few months, we have some visitors from the north.”

“I’m sure we shall get along like a house on fire.”

Lothar prepared for this one only gave the High Inquisitor a lopsided looked and a faint smile, “but for the moment we need your abilities, if you would step along with your incense, I’m afraid ours is rather depleted after the Divine Legion marched away with it,” again the Cenobiarch scowled, “along with quite a large portion of the payroll. It seems we shall be living on blood money for some time.” Without another word the Cenobiarch turned his robes wiping away several sheets of paper on the Inquisitor’s rickety desk. As his Imminence strolled over his angels he too began to whistle, everything was coming together, machinations only a week old were forming. This was the Divine Work of Om, of that the Cenobiarch was unmistaken.


Hail Magister Thadius, Ministry of Diplomacy, we have received your message, and although confused by its contents we are responsive. Omnia cannot for the Horns of Om* explain why a rather incoherent message babbling about slavers, officer exchanges and weaponry, was sent to our fair nation for no apparent reason. However we do not wish to sound rude, but merely to express our bafflement at this series of events. Your offers are kind of course but abominable in nature; we shall never deal with barbarians. So as respectfully as they may be expressed, we wish for the Archangels to take you in your sleep you Godless heathen and that your seed may be wiped from the earth, by the avenging hand of Om. May eternity be extended so that you and your children may suffer the fires of hell for a more suiting period.

Signed:
His Imminence Lothar XVIII Cenobiarch of the Holy Omnian Church

As was the custom of Entities without orders the Seraphim stood carefully absorbing all the wonders of Pelagus, it was his duty to Om, learn from the enemy, absorb his thought, absorb his culture absorb the flight of their birds, the angles would not forget. When the foreigner, the angel was unsure as to whom he was, finished, looking rather shocked, his glowing hands raised a copper disk from the literal infinite depths of it’s ethereal robe. From the disk, a slight voice could be heard as if far off, as indeed it was.

“I do apologize about the letter but communication by Entities is becoming more and more dangerous. Omnia certainly is intrigued by your offer, and agree that civilization though differing in specific can not tolerate the abominations of the south. I also apologize for the lack of a human presence by time is pressing in this matter.” The voice dropped this as if hinting that he had much more pressing matters then intercontinental communication between heads of state. “What exactly did Veruna have in mind”

* Referencing the Golden Horns of Om atop the Citadel

I do apologize about the haste of this post.

((Perfectly alright))

Alexius tapped a finger on the low table, of the sort currently in fashion with the upper crust of Verunan society. Summoned creatures irritated him, the magical seepage which even the best summon excreted created a faint buzz in his head that was the curse and blessing of the Jatha's. It had saved a number of his ancestors from nasty deaths involving magical traps, but when your life wasnt in danger it was merely annoying.
The room the pair occupied was somewhat bare, a circle of cushions and low chair surrounded the table, which looked like bare wood. The stone that made up the domed roof of the chamber was inscribed with various runes and arcane symbols, most of which were dedicated to burning the ears off of eavsdroppers. Off on the edge of the room a clockwork man, most likely of Yotian manufacture, whirred away, taking down the conversation as it took place.
In a state of semi-sprawl, Alexius was giving a fine impression of bored royalty, the floor cushion didnt allow for him to recline, but he was doing his best. Two glasses of wine had been set out, just in case the angel happened to get thirsty. Alexius drained his before starting. While he spoke it slowly refilled itself.
"It isnt a problem. We have dispatched a suitably irritated reply for the benifit of anybody who happens to be reading our sealed correspondence. Something about Sheogorath amusing himself with your clergy and so forth." The Verunan prince rubbed his temples, trying to clear his head, "I believe my father is greatly interested in occupying the Dunmer...or Drow. Whatever you call them. Their pirate raids are extremly annoying and are occupying troops which would be better used in killing off those damned snake people in New Veruna."
Alexius tapped the table, causing the surface to shimmer briefly before transforming into a map of the Verunan World, showing the various colonies around the Central Sea, as well as the Klatchian coast. The detail was increadible, the water seeming to move, barely-visible convoys of ships trailing across the world.
"The Verunan Empire will ship you arms and supplies from our bases in Palus Insula, those islands north of Ritona there. We can provide weapons, armor, maybe a few horses if you like, as well as food. The trainers from the Omnian Turma as well, of course, if you will have them. This route..."
The prince traced a finger south of Morrowind, "Is well traveled and protected. We have numerous ships that travel that way already, and the Dark Elves shouldnt notice if we sneak a few cargo ships in heading for Omnia."
He sighed, "Do you mind taking a few steps back? Your...creature is giving me a headache."

With a grace that could not be summoned by a human the angel glided backwards, magical interference made the faint picture on the copper disk waver slightly, there were disadvantages with summoning such a powerful Entity it’s power dwarfed that of the imps encased in the disc. It was however unwise to send a mere Throne, of Power across hundreds of miles of ocean, and hostile territory, it also did not manage the same effect as a two meter high shimmering heir of heaven.

“I do apologize again, time is pressing, and our armies advance daily though I have had not had a report fro some time.” The Cenobiarch paused clearly his throat, which amplified through magic sounded like the crack of some impending doom. “Omnia traditionally does not look kindly on charity, especially, if I may use the phrase, from Godless Barbarians. Weapons however would be a great relief; ours are indeed rather aging and dulled through decades of bloodshed. However I must inquire as to why your navies have not simply sent these pirates to the bottom of the sea, even with a war on Omnia was under the impression that Veruna could manage these Dark Elves.” Lothar attempted to arch an eyebrow but crackling magic made the gesture useless, his voice began to waver slightly.

“However again the table favor us, this ‘war’,” the inverted commas fell into place even over a thousand miles, “began by our influence over the Corsair King of Morrowind, his fleets will not be in the mood for breaking the backs of Omnians or Veruna when closer enemies present themselves. One coordinated strike from our joint navies, however little left we have to offer, could potentially destroy thirty percent of their slaving capabilities, and if my research theologians are correct in their sums, eventually lead to the fall of Morrowind. I digress however, we accept you offer of weapons, although food and horses will not be needed.” Food of course was in great need and it pained the Cenobiarch to say otherwise, but pride took it’s place over humility, Om would have it no other way, not for his people.

“As for military trainers we hardly have the use, the only wars we lose are lost to cowardice and godless contraptions, as of the Ephbeans, their cannon, and musket, their damn infernal mirror. Though perhaps it would be the ideal time for Omnians to pay pilgrimage to their holy sights, and I am sure that someone outside of Omnian may need to see to the correct use of these goods. We are in your debt, and as such we must inquire if there are pockets in need of lining?”

Alexius nodded slightly, the slight subsidence in the buzzing was a great relief, "Communications is another issue we could assist you with, our fleets in the area have some quite fast ships." The prince took another drag on his wine glass, "If you do not approve of chairty, we could charge you. I believe the expenses for the weapons come to approximatly 250,000 septims, ship deployments would be 450,000 septims, and the officers pay and shipping expenses to about 120,000 septims and 500 septims per month of service. So....820,000 septims per shipment of weapons, five hundred per month for the officers and, lets say, 200,000 septims per month for services rendered by the Klatchian and Green Sea fleets. I am not familiar with the current exchange rate on Omnian currency, but I'm given to understand that only the Dwarven nations have a positive exchange rate with the Cyrodillic Septim." The prince paused, speaking slowly and carefully, as if the subject was somewhat sensitive to him, "If only it were so simple as sailing in and blowing the Dunmer fleets up. Our problem is, of course, that their fleets are hard to find. We have many ships, but the Elven Sea is a big place, even if we were to simply defend our own islands, trade would suffer and pirates from Tiopa AND the Dunmer would run rampant. The running of an empire is a careful balancing act. If the Omnians tie up the attention of at least one of the Dunmer houses, then the balance may shift slightly. Fewer raiders mean that we may make some progress in our own...plans for the area. And, of course, good relations with Omnia are important to us. Trade with your people could be quite profitable, if, of course, we could avoid any future issues with vanishing merchants."
"But, as it is, we may begin shipping in a few weeks. It may be a month before the first shipment arrives, but after that you should get fairly consistent shipments."
"We will have to see about the joint naval attack. The Megas Doux is currently insisting that Tarosian raiders plan to attack the northern coastline. I may be able to persuade him to dispatch a portion of the Home Fleet to assist you, however."

((If I missed anything or parts of this post appear to be mispelled, non-sensical or contradictory, its 'cause Im really, really, tired >_>))

The voice of Om’s own Hierophant went silent for a moment, charity was one thing but highway robbery was quite another. He had personally never heard of the Septim, but it had a ring to it, unfortunately it was a ring of gold, possibly with some very attractive fretwork.

“As Omnia does not actively trade with the wide world we are unsure as to how the currencies would be exchanged, the Obal is however quite high. Though the Church does not employ the most illustrious economists, it does have quite a few prudent thinkers, and our currency is backed up by heaven itself. Each note marks a small chance at beatification, atoning for small sins and such, when given to the Church it assists our worldly cause which strengthens the donators chance of heaven. The Obal is valued quite highly in Omnia, and because of rarity I imagine it is quite valuable. At any rate Omnia is a humble country donating it’s cash to the works of Om we have no such amounts to spend on great war machines, we shall have to abide by the tried and tested methods of desert warfare.” It seemed now that a disturbance was being created at the other end of the coppery disk the Cenobiarch’s head, which had shifted momentarily, faced back and angled down a bit.

“I have just received a thesis, a hypothesis more like from the Divine Legion tacticians. If you will allow me a moment to fumble my why through ballistic punctuation,” the Cenobiarch as if hinting at something. Apparently no one understood a decent pun anymore. A few moments passed as the Cenobiarch’s face creased further and further. Eventually he looked up still slightly perplexed, “Apparently we shall act as allies for one move. It is the view of my tacticians that the fleets of Morrowind will attack Omnia, once our treachery is uncovered; their fleets will attack, brining their armies by sea to the gates of Kom. This is a rather obvious course of action as if they did not land by sea their armies would have to cross the High Desert and trot through hordes of demons.

As Omnia has no navy the Elven houses will expect a route, I believe that you are capable of seeing what we suggest, as our armies are away, and our navy floats in the harbors of Ephebe perhaps we can both score a victory. As for the rest of your assistance, we could hardly afford it, unless of course you would accept the payment of plunder, given set areas of Morrowind that our armies shall loot for the Veruna Empire, it is common here in Omnia for generals to accept this as payment, but how does the north feel on such barbaric, albeit sensible policies?” With a faint smile, “If you would prefer the angel may leave the room, I’m afraid he would begin browbeating your staff on their godlessness but it would perhaps make negotiations easier?”

"Its quite alright. We had no payment in mind, but since you bring it up, a few coastal cities would be quite useful. As it is, we have nowhere to stop in our voyages to the Green Sea and Yokuda when passing Klatch south of the Terra Solitudo." Alexius pointed to the colony on the map.
"Allies 'for one move'? You will forgive me for being suspicious, but such a phrase is somewhat...ominous, to my mind. While it may sound equally ominous to you, perhaps something more...lasting is in order. No doubt Omnian politics prevent you from discussing a full alliance, but the term 'mutual defence treaty' has a nice ring to it, doesnt it? Of course Omnia requires no assistance, but perhaps the humble Emperor of Veruna could beg for the protection of Om in this matter," The prince kept his face absolutly immobile, "We could, perhaps, be persueded to remove the Cult of Abasherafghanskrall the Thirty Headed Snake God from the former Temple of Om in Pelagus. I'm afraid they've started eating people again and its upsetting some important individuals. Especially me."
"But in any case, I will speak to the Megas Doux on the matter. If he agrees, you may expect the ships to arrive with the first shipment of arms."

“We could perhaps convince Omnia to be persuaded by such an argument, although I must confess a certain imbalance in this statement, I do not know weather to be insulted or honored. Need I remind you that to ‘fun’ with The Great God incurs a wrath that could best be described as without humor. Perhaps it is the magic, I cannot be sure, but I must remind you sir that though I may speak with foreigners I will not befriend them. However your offer is tempting, the word of Om would be well spoken in your cities.” Lothar paused momentarily and reaching an implied arm out of the disk and snatched up an inordinately white, and bright staff, balancing it gently against a shoulder.

“On behalf of Omnia and her Empires I accept you proposal, should victory be achieved, you shall have no less then three but no more then seven port cities in what was formally Morrowind, no restrictions of definitions apply, as chosen by His Majesty the reigning and rightfully ordained head of state of Veruna and her empires. We pray for a fleet but will accept weapons and supplies, supplies to beat back the slaver, the infidel of civilization. If there is nothing more I feel I should not trouble your head any longer. The port of Kom is now open to all shipping issuing from Veruna, our navy,” He chucked in a kind manner, “shall escort all civilian ships as best as possible through the area. May this mark the friendship between the Cenobiarch and the Ordained Emperor of Veruna, Om bless us. I assume you have someone writing that down as well? If there is any input or clauses that your Highness wishes to add then by all means let us hear them.

"I wouldnt dream of mocking your religious beliefs, your holiness. The Verunan Empire prides itself on its tolerance of all religions, whether or not they tolerate each other. We shall have a talk with the current occupants of your temple." The prince nodded at the mechanical man who scribbled something on a bit of paper and dropped it into a tube.
"A treaty will be delivered to Kom shortly, my father is schedualed to return in a week, so, allowing for travel, he should be able to sign the treaty in four or five weeks. I have the authority to send you the supplies, however. In any case, I have nothing further to add, I am sure your holiness is a busy man, but perhaps you will be slightly less stressed now, hm?"
"I would offer the blessing of Akatosh, but I know you wouldnt accept it. So may good fortune follow you and the seas be kind to your ships."

"Indeed so most people do not find our religion full of humor, and those that do are, without a boast, most regretful. As it seems our business in concluded indeed I shall call back my angel, and look forward to your treaty, and indeed the supplies. Though I hope our relations in future shall exceed the constricts of warfare, and lead, of course, to our mutual benefit. You are quite right, there are matters of war to attend to; we have recently received briefs from our generals in the field reporting Omnian slaves being liberated along the frontier; they were to say the least, not welcoming to our questions or at that coherent thought. It seems we fight the Devil in sentient trappings. I offer Om's blessing upon you and your house." With a crack and a fizz not usually matched with copper the disk went blank, the Cenobiarch's cool face vanishing even further.

OOC You shall have a Tg shortly, I do apologize for, again haste and a wide range of other writing vices.

((I dont mind. We've all got that damn 'reality' to deal with, after all :P ))

The prince nodded to the vanishing Omnian and sat back to ponder. Theoretically he COULD simply order the Doux to dispatch the entire fleet and crush the Dark Elves for the Omnians...but then they would have to deal with the Omnians who had a historical habit of extending the Eternal Rest of Om to anybody who wasnt Omnian, or was in the vicinity of somebody who wasnt Omnian.
His father probably wouldnt be happy about this. Of course, his father would've wanted to head over and smash the Dunmer personally. Smashing things by proxy was even more expensive than smashing things in person, and a lot less fun.
Still...
The prince shrugged, and, once the angel had vanished, threw a pen at the mechanical man, who straightened up and looked at him with, despite its features being totaly immobile, a slightly hurt expression.
"Take this down and deliver it to the Doux. Dispatch a few gun boats and maybe a third-rate battleship to Omnia with the first shipment of arms. The God Botherers want a bit of naval assistance. Just dont send anything you dont mind winding up in the hands of the Dunmer in case the little bull humpers screw it up. And make it sound nice and diplomatic. I know that you included that comment about Baron Yggdn's daughter last time and I'm STILL working to get on his good side!"