NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: to join please post in the OOC and recruitment thread found here http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=565961&page=5. Also, I hope you don't mind about the creation of this thread The World Soviet Party.

IC:
A message on an arrow lodged in the main gate of every nation
The Realm Of Celtica's King, Leon Osprey has decided that due to Celtica's increasing size and population it is impossible for Celtica to remain hidden from the Greek world any longer. In order to facilitate Diplomacy between all nations we have set up a forum in central Greece where all may come to discuss these issues.

Leon Osprey,
King of Celtica

The Theocracy of Ahura Mazdan would like to extend an offer of diplomatic exchange to any and all intrested cities, and further would like to request trade rights with all cities, regardless of the existence of official diplomatic contact between us at this date.

Further more we would like to propose the creation of an Agean Sea Trading Alliance (ASTA), with all intrested partys contributing to the drafting of the alliance charter. We bellieve that a non-militray alliacne would be in the regions best interests, and could be used to exert economic influence on non members for the alliances group benefit.

OOC: It's fine by me.

IC:

The Anathonian Res Publica cannot, at this time, accept the offer from the government of Ahura Mazdan in good faith. As it stands today, we know little about you, your culture and customs, and therefore it would be unwise to engage in these diplomatic dealings, it would not be fair for our people.

As we are just beginning to enter into the international stage the Realm of Celtica is weary of getting involved in such a treaty at this time. That being said we would be interested in trading. What do you have?

Ahura Mazdan is the regions foremost producer of wine, ships and silver jewlery and sculptures. What does Celtica have to offer in return?

OOC- plus your not on the Agean cost so technicly would be excluded anyway, so it's a moot point.

OOC: woops my bad
IC: We mine gold silver bronz and Iron in large quantities as well as selling foodstuffs, furs and lumber.

Ahura Mazdan would be intrested in organizing the trade of wine and silver craftwork for Iron and Furs. Would that be acceptable to you?

OOC- I'm working on the basis here of establishing the trade links, not the actual trade. It's easier as I doubt we have values of the goods, our currencys in respect to each othe and the amounts we have available. I figure we should just negotiate the items being traded, and assume that merchants will deal with the actual trade once the link has been established. That OK with you?

The Kingdom of Hellen is interested in joining the Agean Sea Trading Alliance (ASTA) and also wishes to establish trade agreements with Celtica and Ahura Mazdan. Our main trade goods are Weaponry, salt, copper, iron, books, and silver.

The sudden appearance of this "celtic" folk greatly interested the City Council of Anathonia, after all, they had been able to get past the guards while carrying bows and arrows, and then lodged a message at the city gates, without alerting anyone. Finally, they had managed to extract themselves.

Surely, such an impressive people would be good allies against the Stoklomolvium Empire.

Therefore, the City Council voted to send a delegate to the conference, which was to take place in Central Greece.

The Kingdom of Hellen is interested in joining the Agean Sea Trading Alliance (ASTA) and also wishes to establish trade agreements with Celtica and Ahura Mazdan. Our main trade goods are Weaponry, salt, copper, iron, books, and silver.

Ahura Mazdan would be delighted if Hellen would aid us in forming ASTA. Our intention is to organize universal free trade agrements between the members, and allow unhidered passage through meber cities and teritorys for the citizens of members. If you are still intrested then perhaps you would like to help us draft a charter. We are allready working on one ourselvese but would be delighted to receive your input and advice.

The sudden appearance of this "celtic" folk greatly interested the City Council of Anathonia, after all, they had been able to get past the guards while carrying bows and arrows, and then lodged a message at the city gates, without alerting anyone. Finally, they had managed to extract themselves.

Surely, such an impressive people would be good allies against the Stoklomolvium Empire.

Therefore, the City Council voted to send a delegate to the conference, which was to take place in Central Greece.

OOC: sorry bout that but I thought it would be a cool way to summon people.

IC:
Central Greece
As the Celts did not want to reveal their location to the world just quite yet they had set up a stone building in central Greec. It was Guarded by a (ten foot) Stone wall that surrounded the rather ornate building. Rooms were provided for every possible guest and their escorts and on the main floor was a common Eating area and grand hall where trades and treaties would be made. There was also a bath house within the walls and a barracks that housed 500 elite Hoplites of the Celtican army and the 50 rangers who had "delivered" the invitations and were now working on finding food (both meat and herbs) and preparing it for later consumption. Wine was also being provided out of the limited store that Celtica had so far received from the Mazdanians.

Ahura Mazdan would be intrested in organizing the trade of wine and silver craftwork for Iron and Furs. Would that be acceptable to you?

OOC- I'm working on the basis here of establishing the trade links, not the actual trade. It's easier as I doubt we have values of the goods, our currencys in respect to each othe and the amounts we have available. I figure we should just negotiate the items being traded, and assume that merchants will deal with the actual trade once the link has been established. That OK with you?
OOC: works for me
IC: we only have a limited amount of iron but that sounds good to us.

OOC: works for me
IC: we only have a limited amount of iron but that sounds good to us.

Then we are agreed. Our mercheants will begin sailing to and from Celtica, and yours will be allowed access to the city and it's lower quarters, though obviously not the Citadel except in exceptional circumstances.

Then we are agreed. Our mercheants will begin sailing to and from Celtica, and yours will be allowed access to the city and it's lower quarters, though obviously not the Citadel except in exceptional circumstances.

Agreed though your merchants will be meeting ours In a specially prepared place near our city. As of yet we do not wish to give away the location and defenses of our city. We have had . . .poor experiences with foreign nations in the one and only time we had encountered them before now.

Ahura Mazdan would be delighted if Hellen would aid us in forming ASTA. Our intention is to organize universal free trade agrements between the members, and allow unhidered passage through meber cities and teritorys for the citizens of members. If you are still intrested then perhaps you would like to help us draft a charter. We are allready working on one ourselvese but would be delighted to receive your input and advice.

First, we wish to establish trade links and allow your merchants into our city.

First, we wish to establish trade links and allow your merchants into our city.

Naturally. We will similarly allow your mercheants acces to our city, and due to the possability of an alliance between us we will take the unusual step of allowing them access to the Citadel. This is our relegious and goverment district, and we must ask that all vistiors conduct themselves with the proper attuitude when inside the Citadel.

A message on an arrow lodged in the main gate of every nation
The Realm Of Celtica's King, Leon Osprey has decided that due to Celtica's increasing size and population it is impossible for Celtica to remain hidden from the Greek world any longer. In order to facilitate Diplomacy between all nations we have set up a forum in central Greece where all may come to discuss these issues.

Leon Osprey,
King of Celtica

Central Greece
As the Celts did not want to reveal their location to the world just quite yet they had set up a stone building in central Greec. It was Guarded by a (ten foot) Stone wall that surrounded the rather ornate building. Rooms were provided for every possible guest and their escorts and on the main floor was a common Eating area and grand hall where trades and treaties would be made. There was also a bath house within the walls and a barracks that housed 500 elite Hoplites of the Celtican army and the 50 rangers who had "delivered" the invitations and were now working on finding food (both meat and herbs) and preparing it for later consumption. Wine was also being provided out of the limited store that Celtica had so far received from the Mazdanians.


OOC: just to make sure everyone sees these

OOC: sorry bout that but I thought it would be a cool way to summon people.

IC:
Central Greece
As the Celts did not want to reveal their location to the world just quite yet they had set up a stone building in central Greec. It was Guarded by a (ten foot) Stone wall that surrounded the rather ornate building. Rooms were provided for every possible guest and their escorts and on the main floor was a common Eating area and grand hall where trades and treaties would be made. There was also a bath house within the walls and a barracks that housed 500 elite Hoplites of the Celtican army and the 50 rangers who had "delivered" the invitations and were now working on finding food (both meat and herbs) and preparing it for later consumption. Wine was also being provided out of the limited store that Celtica had so far received from the Mazdanians.

OOC:

How did you manage to build all this in secret?

Naturally. We will similarly allow your mercheants acces to our city, and due to the possability of an alliance between us we will take the unusual step of allowing them access to the Citadel. This is our relegious and goverment district, and we must ask that all vistiors conduct themselves with the proper attuitude when inside the Citadel.

We will make sure all our merchants will treat the Citadel with proper attitude. We also wish to ask the same of your merchants when they are in the religious district.

Despite a frantic naval chase after the vessel carrying the Celtic archer-diplomats, the Koroti would be sending a diplomat to represent their city at the gathering in Greece.

OOC:

How did you manage to build all this in secret?

OOC:
in secret? hell no. its there for all too see. Its only my city thats even slightly secret.

IC:
The only reason that the construction of this tower in central Greece was at all a surprise to anyone was that it was outside of the sphere of influence of any other major greek nation. Though, admittedly, the 500 Hopelites of the garison who had been directing people away from the site as it was being built had helped too. Even so any interested country could have found out all there was to know without any trouble whatsoever as the Hopelites had been instructed to inform anyone who asked of the reason for the construction of the building.

The Anathonian delegate was followed by a small bodyguard, composed of light cavalrymen and a few archers, they approached the tower's gate at a slow pace, admiring the sight but not being awed by it, they had seen far more impressive buildings and fortifications back at home.

If anything, the Anathonians were skeptic as to what could come out of this meeting, but trying never hurt anyone, did it?

The Cadmeians would gladly open trade relations with her neighbors. As a famed producer of ships, we have many to export, along with pottery, metalwork, and the most fantastic purple dyes you will find anywhere in the Aegean.

It is said our ships rival those of the Mazdanians.

The Anathonian delegate was followed by a small bodyguard, composed of light cavalrymen and a few archers, they approached the tower's gate at a slow pace, admiring the sight but not being awed by it, they had seen far more impressive buildings and fortifications back at home.

If anything, the Anathonians were skeptic as to what could come out of this meeting, but trying never hurt anyone, did it?
an honor guard of 25 Celtican Hopelites Walked out of the towers main entrance with a single ranger leading. "hello and welcome to our humble abode" Said the Ranger in greek.

The Cadmeians would gladly open trade relations with her neighbors. As a famed producer of ships, we have many to export, along with pottery, metalwork, and the most fantastic purple dyes you will find anywhere in the Aegean.

It is said our ships rival those of the Mazdanians.
OOC: wanna have your guys come to the trade summit then go over that?

The Cadmeians would gladly open trade relations with her neighbors. As a famed producer of ships, we have many to export, along with pottery, metalwork, and the most fantastic purple dyes you will find anywhere in the Aegean.

It is said our ships rival those of the Mazdanians.

Ahura Mazdan is intrested in trading Silver for purple dye. WOuld this agreement be acceptable to you?

IMPERIVM STOCLOMOLVIVM

The message on the arrow was carried into the city, and was examined by the king and the Senators. Eventually, the message was discarded, and events continued as normal. The Imperivm would have no need for blood-sucking foreigners. Rather, it would stamp them out and enslave them, but at the moment they did not feel like doing so. So, nothing would happen between the Imperivm and these filthy, stinking savages.

Ahura Mazdan is intrested in trading Silver for purple dye. WOuld this agreement be acceptable to you?

This would be acceptable for the time being. Though, we may wish to add wine to our list of imports in the future, or indeed replace silver with it, for your future reference.

an honor guard of 25 Celtican Hoplites Walked out of the towers main entrance with a single ranger leading. "hello and welcome to our humble abode" Said the Ranger in Greek.

The delegate looked down at the ranger, realizing that they were not savages, as had been described, but merely Greeks, like himself, even though poorer.

He got off the horse, and offered his hand to the ranger.

"Greetings, I'm Anaximandes, I represent the city council of the glorious Anathonian Res Publica."

The delegate looked down at the ranger, realizing that they were not savages, as had been described, but merely Greeks, like himself, even though poorer.

He got off the horse, and offered his hand to the ranger.

"Greetings, I'm Anaximandes, I represent the city council of the glorious Anathonian Res Publica."
"And greetings to you, sir" Replied the Ranger. "My name is Alcaeus Hawk and I represent the elected king of the realm of Celtica. None of the other delegates invited have yet arrived but I would be honored to show you around the building and have my men here Show you bodyguard to their quarters."

Despite a frantic naval chase after the vessel carrying the Celtic archer-diplomats, the Koroti would be sending a diplomat to represent their city at the gathering in Greece.

OOC:just RP them arriving whenever

"And greetings to you, sir" Replied the Ranger. "My name is Alcaeus Hawk and I represent the elected king of the realm of Celtica. None of the other delegates invited have yet arrived but I would be honored to show you around the building and have my men here Show you bodyguard to their quarters."

"Of course, of course. Let us go"

He motioned his bodyguards to follow him, being professionals, they did not need to be told twice and moved at once, behind the Alcaeus and Anaximandes, not letting their guard down.

20 Cavalry escorting another horseman arrived at the towers. They could see hoplites outside the tower.

A merchant's ship sailed across the Aegan Sea to Ahura Mazdan to deliver the following message:

We, the five Petrarchs of Mithinmapoleis, are glad that you have recieved this message, sent by us via merchant ship. I do believe that you will find samplings of all Mithinmapolitan products. There are many foodstuffs, along with pine and oak timber samples and even a few sheets of our paper woven from oak pulp. Mithinmapoleis also wishes to take part in your Aegan Sea Trading Alliance.


----------

The response to the letter from the Celticans was most interesting. They put a diplomat on a merchant ship and they set sail. He was instructed, once landing outside the influence of any other state, to proceed over land to the location of the meeting. Tired, exhausted and thirsty he arrived at the place of meeting. He was surprised to find Hoplites and Rangers guarding the area. "Barbarians" he muttered to himself.

"Of course, of course. Let us go"

He motioned his bodyguards to follow him, being professionals, they did not need to be told twice and moved at once, behind the Alcaeus and Anaximandes, not letting their guard down.

Hawk Showed him to his room on the third floor. It had a wooden bed with fur sheets and feather mattress and pillows. there was a fireplace and materials for burning and in the back of the room a staircase circle downwards to a bathhouse for just the delegates in the back part of the tower. Hawk Showed him all of this then said "there is a barracks for you body guard inside the courtyard. you can, if you wish have some guarding your door but we will handle security if you would prefer that.

20 Cavalry escorting another horseman arrived at the towers. They could see hoplites outside the tower.

A second ranger exited with a second honor guard and went out to greet the delegate from Hellen. She, for this ranger was a women, said in latin "Welcome. My name is Aristomach. I will be your guide for the moment and will help you with any concerns that you might have. Please let me show you too your quarters and esscort you Guards to the barracks."

The response to the letter from the Celticans was most interesting. They put a diplomat on a merchant ship and they set sail. He was instructed, once landing outside the influence of any other state, to proceed over land to the location of the meeting. Tired, exhausted and thirsty he arrived at the place of meeting. He was surprised to find Hoplites and Rangers guarding the area. "Barbarians" he muttered to himself.

One of the rangers on patrol recognized the colors of the diplomat as Mithinmapolitan. That ranger had been assigned too the Mithinmapolitan delegation and approached him quickly. "greetings," She said, "My names is Artemis Eirene. I was assigned to show you to your quarters and to provide you with any assistance you require." She pulled a water skin out from her Animal hide belt and handed him a water skin. "you looked parched. would you like a drink now? I can offer you better once we arrive but water is all I have on me."

"Yes, thank you. I arrived all the way here from an uninhabited beach in Thessaly. It was the only way I could land without being caught in other country's territory," he took a long sip from the skin, "I think I'm feeling a little bit better, thank you. In case it is not obvious by the fact that I am here, the Petrarchs have agreed. I am their delegate." He took out a peice of cloth and unfolded it to reveal it was a Mithinmapolitan flag,"This is a gift to Celtica."

"Yes, thank you. I arrived all the way here from an uninhabited beach in Thessaly. It was the only way I could land without being caught in other country's territory," he took a long sip from the skin, "I think I'm feeling a little bit better, thank you. In case it is not obvious by the fact that I am here, the Petrarchs have agreed. I am their delegate." He took out a peice of cloth and unfolded it to reveal it was a Mithinmapolitan flag,"This is a gift to Celtica."

"Our thanks to you sir. The meeting site is just this way and I will show you to your dwellings and provide you with food and something a little more flavorful to drink." She said, and led him into the compound surrounding the tower. A squad of 50 hoplites turned out for the delegate and Saluted him as he went by.

A gruff captain and a small entourage of sailors bearing axes and wooden shields are the next to arrive, carrying a small banner of Korotos. He addresses the nearest man who looks like he has any idea like he knows what he is doing.

"I'm missing the best winds because the King thought it was a good idea to respond to your little arrow stunt. Let's be quick with it."

A gruff captain and a small entourage of sailors bearing axes and wooden shields are the next to arrive, carrying a small banner of Korotos. He addresses the nearest man who looks like he has any idea like he knows what he is doing.

"I'm missing the best winds because the King thought it was a good idea to respond to your little arrow stunt. Let's be quick with it."

"Aye sir," Replied the 6 foot tall, 180 pound of muscle, male ranger who was actually slightly awed by the man carrying the battle axe. You accommodations are this way and there's a barracks for you soldiers if you'd care to follow me?"

"Right. Let me know when we actually start."

With a huff, the Koroti captain stumped off toward the accomodation.

OOC- Ok, before I get the ASTA charter writen up and posted I'd like to know who would be intresated in joing, and what they would like to see as part of it.

"Our thanks to you sir. The meeting site is just this way and I will show you to your dwellings and provide you with food and something a little more flavorful to drink." She said, and led him into the compound surrounding the tower. A squad of 50 hoplites turned out for the delegate and Saluted him as he went by.

"Oh, where are my manners, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Belen Donus Jokias. Please, address me as Belen," Belen was led into the compound and, not being a military man, did not salute them back, instead nodding. Eventually he asked, "Who shall be providing for my security? Bodyguards were not required, I hope."

OOC- Ok, before I get the ASTA charter writen up and posted I'd like to know who would be intresated in joing, and what they would like to see as part of it.

I would like to be a part of it. I would basically think, free trade, special docks for ASTA ships, and tariffs on non-ASTA members. Also, allowing for free trade to proceed even during times of war unless the whole alliance is involved and the alliance is split into atleast two sides unless it is all vs. one.

I would like to be a part of it. I would basically think, free trade, special docks for ASTA ships, and tariffs on non-ASTA members. Also, allowing for free trade to proceed even during times of war unless the whole alliance is involved and the alliance is split into atleast two sides unless it is all vs. one.

OOC- That was more or less what I was thinking of, with th addition of using our group economic power to extend our influence etc. If no one objects to that I'll start writing it up and have it up my this time tomorow latest (I got school work to stay on top of otherwise I'd do it now)

Hawk Showed him to his room on the third floor. It had a wooden bed with fur sheets and feather mattress and pillows. there was a fireplace and materials for burning and in the back of the room a staircase circle downwards to a bathhouse for just the delegates in the back part of the tower. Hawk Showed him all of this then said "there is a barracks for you body guard inside the courtyard. you can, if you wish have some guarding your door but we will handle security if you would prefer that.

"I certainly don't have a problem with it, though I believe the captain of my guard would probably have a stroke if I agreed to it. So yes, I will have one or two of my bodyguards on my room and at my door, if possible."

OOC: I suggest making a separate thread for this ATSA thingy.

OOC: I suggest making a separate thread for this ATSA thingy.

I will for the charter etc. I was just seeing how much intrest there is.

A second ranger exited with a second honor guard and went out to greet the delegate from Hellen. She, for this ranger was a women, said in latin "Welcome. My name is Aristomach. I will be your guide for the moment and will help you with any concerns that you might have. Please let me show you too your quarters and esscort you Guards to the barracks."

"Alright." said one of the delegates. The twenty horseman nodded and waited to be escorted to the barracks.

One of Emperor Leonidis' advisors came into his room and told him of the trade alliance starting with some of the nations in the vicinity of Tyrissa. Emperor Leonidis immediatley sent for his scribe. His scribe arrived just minutes later. "This poor small scribe is what I wish you to write." The scribe picked up his tablet and chizzle and began to write. "If possible I, Emperor Leonidis of Tyrissa wish to join your trade alliance. I would be very pleased if you would accept. May God be with you.

Sincerely,

Emperor Leonidis VI"

"Oh, where are my manners, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Belen Donus Jokias. Please, address me as Belen," Belen was led into the compound and, not being a military man, did not salute them back, instead nodding. Eventually he asked, "Who shall be providing for my security? Bodyguards were not required, I hope."



I would like to be a part of it. I would basically think, free trade, special docks for ASTA ships, and tariffs on non-ASTA members. Also, allowing for free trade to proceed even during times of war unless the whole alliance is involved and the alliance is split into atleast two sides unless it is all vs. one.
"No not at all," she replied. "I personally and these troops here will guard your room. As to the compound itself we have troops guarding it."

"Sounds pleasant. Do you know when the conference itself shall start?" Belen asked as they approached the compound.

Two hours after Dawn, the main room
the delegates had been gathered around the table and were now being served food and drink. Water and Cold fruit juices from both the Celtican forest and from trade were available. As for food, Partridge and other bird eggs were available as well as meats, grains, an oatmeal which had been made with fresh fruits and essentially anything the delegates cared to ask for. Alcaeus Hawk, sat at a chair around the circular table. He stood and said In Greek then Latin, "Welcome to our conference, We are here to discuss two things, Trade primarily and the possibilities of an alliance between various nations here. First and foremost I will introduce myself. My name is Hawk and I represent Celtica. A city which is just making itself known to the world now. We would be interested in trade and also in establishing diplomatic relations with the peoples assembled here. Our nation has food, gold,silver and bronze as well as animal hides of all kinds to offer. If the other delegates here could introduce themselves as well as what they have to trade that would be helpful after which I would suggest we discuss possible trade agreements and/or other diplomatic measures"

Belen was silent. Mithinmapoleis, while hoping to maintain good relations and trade with every civilised nation, knew that some would have to be cut. Particularly those not on the Aegean Sea or in Asia Minor. Like Celtica. At last he stood up and spoke in Aeolic Greek, "I was not sent for trade purposes. The merchant fleet will trade with those deemed fit. What I was sent for was to establish fair diplomatic ties. To be sure that those who Mithinmapoleis aren't trading with know that Mithinmapoleis is maintaining a strict policy of neutrality with states who have not seen a Mithinmapolitan ship. I was sent here to find out which states were willing to exchange diplomatic missions."

"Understood," Said hawk. "that being kept in mind would your people care to establish diplomatic relations with mine?"

"Probably. You would be sending a diplomatic mission to our country as well, I understand."

"defiantly and we would be willing to provide a place to live for your diplomat or just land."

Belen wrote something on a piece of papyrus, "Anyone else up for exchanging diplomatic missions? Best to keep in touch for it is more often than not more profitable to do so than not to do so."

"The city of Anathonia would be more than please to host diplomatic missions from your cities, the city council has personally allowed me to make the necessary arrangements for their accommodation should this offer be accepted."

"I am more interested in trade relations than diplomacy," spoke the gruff captain who seemed to repel his neighbours at the table with his sheer lack of manners.

"Who here is NOT happy for Koroti merchants to bring profit to their ports?"

After a heated discussion in whispers with his first mate, the man spoke up again.

"And I am Temlos of Korotos. The king bade me to extend his friendship to the lot of you."

OOC: start another thread for consulates?
IC: "what, exactly do you have to trade?" asked hawk

"You would be interested in the gold we mine and the marble we quarry, I am sure."

Temlos sneers slightly.

"Beyond that, our trade fleets across the southern Aegean bring most everything from Asia Minor even down to Egypt, occasionally."

"The city of Anathonia would be more than please to host diplomatic missions from your cities, the city council has personally allowed me to make the necessary arrangements for their accommodation should this offer be accepted."

"Sounds good. As for your offerings, Temlos. I hope that you do not go too close to us. We are going to be expanding into Asia Minor eventually and we will not accept competition from your country. Merchants will do what they want however. Don't blame the Petrarchs if our people do not buy what you are selling."

"The city of Anathonia would be more than please to host diplomatic missions from your cities, the city council has personally allowed me to make the necessary arrangements for their accommodation should this offer be accepted."

We accept that offer if you are willing to make it reciprocal

Josh had been sent to this "diplomatic talks," by his grandfather and the King, Dire. Josh had been petulant and had to be ordered to actually go and so he had to arrive by boat, which would have been fine with him, except that he would then have to ride their by horse and the Ralakonians were not the greatest horse riders by far.

Josh had finally arrived and sighted area he was supposed to make his way too.

Josh had been sent to this "diplomatic talks," by his grandfather and the King, Dire. Josh had been petulant and had to be ordered to actually go and so he had to arrive by boat, which would have been fine with him, except that he would then have to ride their by horse and the Ralakonians were not the greatest horse riders by far.

Josh had finally arrived and sighted area he was supposed to make his way too.
"A figure steped out from behind a tree near Josh. "hello" She said, "My name is Sophia and I am the Ranger assigned to show the delegate from Ralakon around would that be you?"

"I am Prince Josh," he said contemptously. He looked as if he was about to fall off his horse as well. He was a war elephant commander and definitely not used to a horse.

"I am Prince Josh," he said contemptously. He looked as if he was about to fall off his horse as well. He was a war elephant commander and definitely not used to a horse.

"good to know. . . you are Ralakonian then." their legendary upper class' scorn for outsiders was well known. "if you would care to follow me. I can take care of your horse for you once I have shown you to your quarters and introduced you to those who are currently at the talks."

"Thank you," he said sarcastically.

"Thank you," he said sarcastically.

"not a problem" she said calmly. Then led him up to his quarters.

Josh got off his horse and stretched,"AHH, That feels so much better," he said to nobody in particular. His body flexed as he did this.

admittedly Sophia was kind of impressed but she managed to conceal that fact. "I'm glad she said wryly as she motioned two elite Hoplites over to take care of the horse. then she motioned him inside "please, this way".

"Thank you," he said sincerely. His legs were hurting badly he wobbled a bit and fell over. He couldn't help but laugh at that.

she helped him up and laughed as well. "I'm not the greatest of horsemen either. I kinda prefer to have my feet on solid ground." she led him to his room. "Here's your room," she said "the delegates are downstairs but there is a change of clothes in the chest and a delegates only bathhouse down the stairs at the back of your room. I will wait here then escort you down when you are ready."

"Sounds good. As for your offerings, Temlos. I hope that you do not go too close to us. We are going to be expanding into Asia Minor eventually and we will not accept competition from your country. Merchants will do what they want however. Don't blame the Petrarchs if our people do not buy what you are selling."

The captain laughs heartily.

"Competition is not something you accept, my friend!"

"Koroti sailors and merchants have been sailing these seas for more than a hundred years and we've the best prices for what we sell, I am sure. If you order your merchants not to buy from us, you'll cut their profits and strangle your own taxes."

Temlos continues to laugh, slapping his thighs at the fine joke.

Josh began to open up, ralakonians liked humor it kept them all sane."So you are Sophia of what?" he said hoping to get some more information."

"My name is Sophia Osprey. Daughter of leon osprey. King of Celtica . . .or temporary king anyway. Its not as fixed a term as some of you seem to see your kings or emporers."

Josh almost spat out his water,"You don't have hereditary monarchy?!?!"

"not . . .exactly. One of the monarchs did some rather unpleasant things. Since then we have had a ruler but only for ten years at a time." She replied

"Unpleasant...you should have seen King Massac, Massacre of the Aredians, 20,000 men, women, and children were killed."

The captain laughs heartily.

"Competition is not something you accept, my friend!"

"Koroti sailors and merchants have been sailing these seas for more than a hundred years and we've the best prices for what we sell, I am sure. If you order your merchants not to buy from us, you'll cut their profits and strangle your own taxes."

Temlos continues to laugh, slapping his thighs at the fine joke.

"Mithinmapolitan merchants have been sailing for over 200 years. Do not think that we are just opening up to the world. Taxes? Taxes are only levied when they are required - like during a time of war. Any Hellen knows that. The merchants have free reign on what they buy and sell. We do not 'order' our merchants to do anything and even if we did we could not enforce such a thing. Please start living in the 94th Olympiad."

"Who the hell props up your little government then? Who pays the bards who sing at your court and who pays the soldiers and mercenaries who guard your borders?"

"Ah, you do not understand how we work. Our society is divided into 5 gens. The Gen raises money and if someone falls on hard the Gens props him or her up. Soldiers are a volunteer force and the Gens pays for their equipment. Politicians recieve a pension from the Gens for representing their interests. Farmers sell their produce to merchants who retail it at market. People give some of their money to the Gens Treasury and keep the rest for themselves. Giving money to the treasury is not mandatory but if one has given nothing they can't expect something in return. The government does not tax unless we go to war when they need to provide food and such to our Hoplites and Peltasts. You seem to have a society very different from our own classical greek one."

"You have a society based on charity? That WORKS?"

Temlos scoffs.

"Good for you then. Who are you again?"

The white stone walls of Tarnopolis glistened in the afternoon sun.

King Zypha walks calmy along the courtyard of his palace grounds, his entourage of eight bodyguards only a few steps behind him. A counsul dressed in elegant white and black trimmed robes at his side.

"My lord, I know it may not be my place to speek but we must begin to seek out other peoples. Daily rumors of an empire in the east that stretches farther than a bird can fly and of peoples in the south fill our marketplaces."

Zypha stopped turning slowly, the consul braced himself as the king had the reputation of beating those who offended him, or worse sentencing them to death.

"My dear Marcus, I do believe that is the most intellectual thing I have ever heard come out of that rambling mouth of yours. Go now and see General Archodille, and have him dispatch riders in every direction from the city. Have them invite any peoples they come across to seek audience in our council halls."

With that the Kingdom of Tharo opened to the unknown world.

OOC: Gat - You sending anything to Lesbos?
IC:

"Do not scoff. It is not charity. It is like insurance. Pay little by little and if you get ruined you are helped. Not to mention that there is competition between the five Gens for population for if one Gens gets big enough they could become the sole rulers of the city and so the Gens wants to stick together."

ooc: Yes basically by riders I'm sending teams of scouts to go all across the known world.. when they reach water they'll pay for a ship from someone else and sail that way to island peoples. That or return to charter an Tharian ship to sail for them. I just didnt get that detailed in my post.

OOC: OK.

IC:

The foreign ship was allowed to dock - for free because it was the first and Mithinmapolis wanted to seem friendly to first time visitors. The next ship with such a flag would be charged a small fee depending on the size of cargo and proof of citizenship and freedom would be required by all potential metics; unless Mithinmapolis negotiated a deal with these new comers.

A group of young men, ten in all six of which were clad in bronze armor bearing the city symbol of Tharo on their red and white shields, black plumes adorning the tops of their bronze helmets. Their well polished spears and armor glistened in the sunlight, a site to behold indeed.

The remainder wore black robes etched in red or white depending upon their rank or position. Each carrying scrolls signed by the King himself.

"Greetings to you on behalf of King Zypha, Lord and ruler of the Kingdom of Tharo. By order of the King Zypha we seek to meet with your officials to discuss interactions between our two peoples. What say you.?"

Hoplites who were going to welcome the foreigners broke into a mad dash for the Petrarch's executive chambers. The Petrarchs were there, playing a card game. It was a slow day for them as no citizen had brought forth anything which may become a law to debate. The Petrarchs were shocked to see three hoplites burst through their doors.

"What is it?" asked one.

"Foreigners. Seek. Meet. With. You. Discuss. Interactions. Between. Peoples."

"Well then send them up!" exclaimed another of the Petrarchs.

"Very well," the Hoplites ran down back to the docks. This was the most exercise they had done in atleast a couple days, "We. Are. Here. To. Escort. You."

The group of men followed the group of this unknown people cautiously observing for any signs of hostility, the men maintained a defensive posture, but a friendly and open attitude.

The men wearing robes began to scribe down a discription of the land and any interesting aspects of culture that they witnessed in these unknown lands. As they continued on to their unknown destination.

ooc: Are all nations diplomacy going to occur here..that may end up confusing...I can make my own diplomacy thread and link it here if need be...

OOC: Nah, just do what you do in a war thread when there are multiple fronts.
IC:

The hoplites led the group of men from the port into the actual city which was protected by very high stone walls. At one of the 'corners' of the wall was, instead, the Citadel or Acropolis. It was on the highest ground and the port was to its north and the rest of the city to the other side. The men were taken inside the citadel where more Hoplites joined the group for this was a very sensitive area, and to the third floor of the Citadel. Down a hallway and through a pair of double doors to the right.

"You must be the visitors. Please, sit down," said one of the Petrarchs. They were seated behind a semi-circular table, all five of them. Seven chairs were laid out on the outer side.

The group of Envoys took their seats, their hoplite bodyguards chose instead to stand observing the room cautiously.

The head envoy began to speak, his voice calm and deep toned, his eyes scanning the room particularly the facial expressions of the petriarchs.

"Greetings to you on behalf of King Zypha, Lord and ruler of the Kingdom of Tharo, I am Agathon Carpus, High Envoy at the service of Lord Gennadius Zypha.

My Lord has dispatched me to establish relations, and learn as much as possible of the other peoples that share this world.

I am to return as soon as possible so I shall spare the formalities and get straight to the more important subjects of this meaning.

I speak with certainty when I say that the kingdom of Tharo has much to offer you, and I am equally certain that you have much to offer us therefore I suggest we start with the subject of trade."

The Petrarchs listened intently to what the man had to say and they had expected the foreign hoplites to stand. Phoibos, Alexandros, Zephyr, Nikolaos and Jason didn't seem concerned about trade although Phoibos never missed an oppurtunity to brag about his Gens' wine and the entire polis' olive oil.


"Trade is good. Our merchants traverse the Aegean Sea, you are on it? Then learn to love us for our olive oil, our wine and our other food stuffs. The best in the north Aegean Islands," said Phoibos Gezas Vitoris, "What have you to offer?"

The others were silent. Most weren't concerned as these particular gentlemen would at most tell them where their polis was and set ground work for the exchange of diplomatic missions. If the polis wasn't on the Aegean, an exchange of diplomatic missions was about as far as diplomatic relations with this polis were going to go.

OOC: Just a note: your leaders should be called Pentarchs, if you want it to mean "five leader"; petrarch means "rock leader," and I don't think that's what you mean. ;)

"Our lands are rich with forests, precious metals including bronze, and wool to make fine clothing. Our great city is seated upon the northern Aegean not far from the coast. Our great Lord Zypha would surely be interested in making further arrangements with your people."

Carpus pulled documents from a small satchel which he kept beneath his robes, handing several scrolls to the centeral pentarch containing maps, and brief writings on Tharian culture.

OOC: Ah yes. I must of gotten it mixed up with my Gens Petras.
IC:

Nikolaos looked over the scrolls and then handed them to his right to Alexandros who handed them to his right to Phoibos. Phoibos got up and handed them to Zephyr, who, after looking them over, handed them to his right to Jason who eventually gave them to his right backt to Nikolaos.

"There location is not far, yet it is on the western mainland," said Jason.

"They have bronze which means we could purchase Chalko's of copper from them," said Zephyr.

"How are we to get the copper from the merchants? We can't give authority to them to smelt the coins themselves," questioned Alexandros.

"We could mandate that all foreign coinage brought by a Mithinmapolitan citizen back to the Polis must be handed over to the government where it will be weighted and Mithinmapolitan coin equal to its value will be given to the merchant who brought it," Nikolaos suggested.

"So it is settled?" Zephyr attempted to finalize.

"Yes," said Jason, Nikolaos and Alexandros.

"We have come to an agreement," said Phoibos to the Tharians (demonym?), "You can expect Mithinmapolitan olive oil and food stuffs, along with some of our fine wine in your port. All we need is for you to allow merchant ships to follow your ship home and for an exchange rate to be established. You don't happen to have some of your native coinage with you?

Carpus reached to his side lifting a small pouch and poured its contents out onto the table before him, the small roundlets shone in the light, some of copper some of silver and a few scattered coins of gold sprawled out along the table as well as small packets of salt.

"Your ships are more than welcome to follow us back to our native lands, I am sure our people will benefit greatly from tade with you as will your people benefit from tade with ours.

But I step ahead of myself, are there any other matters with which you seek discussion?"

Phoibos went to work, taking out Chalkoi and Drakma, weighing them against the foreign coins and then figured out exchange rates from there.

Jason answered the question, "Only exchanging of diplomatic missions. That is about all we shall be doing as we do not see war in the future. Would you be willing to perform such an exchange?"

Phoibos finished weighing the coins, "Could you tell me the names of these coins?"

((OOC: And their weight in grams))

"Of course we accept this exchange, we would be foolish to have sailed so long and refuse, and I may oblige you with the names of our coinage."

Copper Piece-Mina-1.05g
Silver Piece-Sheckle-6.3g-6 Mina
Gold Piece-Obolus-630g-100 Sheckles

ooc: I know very little of ancient currency and got these figures from a few mins of websurfing, if an easier method can be found or used ill take a look at it.

OOC: The Obolous is over a US pound in weight. And my people value copper to be worth 1/10 the same weight in silver.
IC:

"It appears that your Sheckle coins are worth more than our Drakma by atleast an obol. 10 Sheckles is worth 12 Drakma, 3 Obols. That seems like a good way to post the exchange rate. Oh, and for your information, it is 5 Obols to the Drakma."

ooc: Well it is 100 sheckles, I'll add another coin to be in between the two and probably adjust the weights, like i said i got those off a chart after maybe 20 mins of browsing

OOC: k, for the purposes of this ASTA is using a standard of 1 g of gold = 10 g of silver = 100 g of copper. You don't have to follow that. Phoibos has basically said the exchange rate. My currency works like:

Chalko - 1g copper = 1/50 Drakma or 1/10 Obol
Obol - 1g silver = 10 Chalko or 1/5 Drakma
Drakma - 5g silver = 50 Chalko or 5 Obol

And I have other terms for larger sums but those are the only coins I mint.

ooc: I could probably make a lower valued gold piece as well, seeing as I mine gold already and such it would make things a tad bit easier.

OOC: Any further IC?

ooc:We could proceed with you sending a group to my city-state to form more concrete agreements if you like..