NationStates Jolt Archive

(Essentially, this is a thread for actions occuring in and around the Gulf of Tobias.)

Port Haven

At the outlet of the River Dulcior into the Gulf was the Empire's southern-most city, Port Haven. Established originally as a fort to guard the mouth of River Dulcior, it eventually expanded into a sizable city as the lands surrounding became more and more safe.

Port Haven is also the home of the Empire's only blue-water shipyard. Only one shipwright was in operation at the time, putting the finishing touches on the Empire's newest ship type.

Named a galleon, this ship was experimental with a shallower hull and taller sails. Multiple cannons were on each deck and the upper decks were wider, allowing for more bunk space for crew and marines.

Thousands of townsfolk had gathered around the docks where bleachers had been set up. The Governer of the Gulf District was on-hand in a raised booth, sitting in a comfortable chair and watching as sailors dressed in the orange and green of the Gulf District's mustered soldiery walked up ramps to the galleon.

A man wearing the plumed hat of the Navy leaned in closer to the Governer, "M'lord, they are ready to launch her once you have christened her."

The Governer stood, and the crowd cheered. He turned, waving towards the people and then faced the ship. He spoke in a booming voice, "Welcome one and all to this glorious day. One that marks a new age of sailing and protection. In the name of the Emperor, I dub this ship "Victory". May her namesake carry her to greatness."

Down on the docks, the governer's wife held a large bottle of champagne which was attached to the bow of the ship by a rope. She swung it forward, and it smashed on the ship's bow. The crowd cheered, as lines were cut and the ship began to slip forward down the ramp into the bay.

Victory hit the water, sending up a wave of foamy salt water. It rocked to one side heavily, the top-heavy ship wavering, unable to return to its upright position. The cannon ports of the lower gun decks took huge gulps of water, and the ship remained leaning heavily to starboard for a moment.

The cheers of the crowd faded, watching the crew hang onto the rails to prevent slipping down the deck and into the water, as Victory began to sink. Men climbed out of cannon ports, while inside crashes could be heard as equipment and ammunition slid across the floor and slammed into the walls. The ship was lost, crew leaping into the water as Victory sank into the water. Only the masts of the ship were visable.

The crowd groaned, watching as soldiers on the docks threw lines and ladders down for those swimming below. A moment later, several drowned bodies bobbed to the surface.

The design was disaster!

Port Wulfgar

Lord Nanat Bloodbane sat calmly on his carried throne trimmed in gold and silver, his red robes shone against his sleek black scaley skin.

Today was a great day, the first day of the new moon festival a highly important religious holiday for all Silvans which marked the start of the new season and was a time where warfare was put aside in order for more peaceful events to take place.

Today the high sorcress Luciebone, The Primal Serpent, would call upon the souls lost in the Gulf of Tobais to bring forth themselves and bestoe their knowledge upon her. This was a vital part of the new moon fesitval as Silvans believed that communicating with the dead would reveal new knowledge and perhaps a way to find eternal life.

Luciebone began to chant in the native Silvan tounge as the water before her began to darken and bubble, a loud moaning sound began to ring out from the depths below again speaking in an unknown tounge.

Bloodbane looked on with great intent, leaning forward as Luciebone continued on her ritual, suddenly a blinding flash of light as Luciebone fell backwards, several guards rushed down the banks to bring the sorcress back to her feet.

Exhausted she was carried back before Bloodbane.

"Speak sorcress, what have the ancestors shown you."

Luciebone looked up, her eyes glazed and her breathing shallow, she spoke in broken sentences

"An unknown peoples.....not far.....they....unlike anything seen before..."

Bloodbane waved his hand and had the sorcress placed into one of his entourage wagons as he headed back towards the capital and his palace at Tyre, an odd feeling washed over him, he must find out more about this unknown race so close to his lands.

Citadel, Tyre, Kings' council chambers

The noise from the celebrations in the streets could be heard even atop the highlords tower where Bloodbane and his council sat discussing recent events, particularly the unknown peoples seen in Luciebone's vision.

"We must act, rally the armies!"

General Deathsmear slammed his iron clad hand on the oaken table, shaking the many goblets and trays of food which were arranged in front of each council member. His comment was echoed from around the table along with various grunts and growls of approval.

"You're brashness will be your undoing."

A soft voice, well soft for being silvan, came out from one of the corridors that led to the council chamber.

A much smaller figure entered the room, her identity hidden by a white cloak and hood only the tips of her red horns and snout were visible.

"One should not rush into confrontation my lords, it would serve us better to seek out this unknown race, and learn more about them before we decide to dest...."

The stranger was cut off as Deathsmear yelled

"Hold your tongue!

Who are you to give advice to our king or his council, you are but a woman and know nothing of the ways of politics or war, your place is at home with the children."

Several grunts and chuckles came from around the table

"It would serve you well to mind your own tongue, after all I am certain a general of Silvan's armies would know how to properly address his queen."
Lady Adorna pulled back her hood, revealing herself and causing a stir from the council members as they all quickly rose and took a knee, Deathsmear was visibly ashamed

"Forgive me my lady."
Deathsmear bowed his head low to the ground

"Arise General."

Adorna spoke softly placing her hand upon the general's shoulder as he stood along with the other council members before she began

"My lord I propose this, an expedition of sorts sent out in all directions from the capital, let them chart the lands, and learn what we can about the world outside our realm."

Bloodbane paused drinking some wine from his goblet and tapped his talons along the arm rest of his chair their metallic coverings clicked against the marble.

"We will follow my Ladies request...."

"But my lord!" Deathsmear shouted

"But nothing general, you have heard my decision, and it would be in your best interest not to interject while I am speaking again."

Bloodbane snapped,

"You will select several scouting groups to travel the land in all directions from our great capital, should they find another being I want specimens brought back"

"And I want them back alive general now be on your way I expect reports in four months time."


Deathsmear sulked,

"Yes my lord, you wish be done."

With that Deathsmear set off to rally scouts to begin this expedition and perhaps to discover this unknown race

(OOC: I think I'm in this area).

The Protector Valarian sat on the tall chair, simply but elegantly carved, which served as a less formal seat in his private meeting chambers. He was of average height and build, with greying hair but of a noble countenance, strong and fit for one of his age. Around him were aranged Governor Kantos of the Central Coast Province, General Maximus of the Army, Master Rennes the harbour master, and an agent of the Silver Blade, the Republic's intelligence network.

"So that's it. The new design failed." Maximus smiled smugly. "The Empire's ambitions will ever be their undoing."

Rennes shook his head.

"Not so fast general. This attempt failed, but the premise may still be sound. And if so..."

"Pah!" Maximus cut in. "You continue to grasp for a threat that isn't their."

The Protector held up a hand, and Rennes continued.

"As I was saying, if it does prove sound, such a large warship would be able to mount cannon that could breach the port walls and sink our fleet without slowing down." A moment later, Kantos cut in as well.

"Which in the event of hypothetical hostillities, would allow any power who possessed such ships to cut our trade lines like a blade through the jugular of the Republic."

Rennes nodded.

"Correct."

Maximus frowned.

"But why do you propose significant expenditures on a likely flawed concept that remains unproven? A mage on every ship can counter that threat easilly enough."

Rennes laughed.

"Maximus, you know as well as I that it takes a powerful mage to sink a warship, and that outfitting every ship with such mages would be a serious drain on the army's resources. Which is evidently your primary concern here."

Maximus stiffened.

"Do not presume to much, Harbour Master. What do you know of war? Little, if you think I would compromise the fleet to reserve funds soley for the Army. But to waste resources on an unproven concept..." He fell silent as a messenger entered the room, and, bowing low, adressed the Protector.

"Governor Parzo and General Atreyus request an urgent audience, Sir."

Protector Valarian nodded. Rising and walking toward the door, he half turned to adress the others.

"Please remember that you are all here on my invitation because I trust your knowledge and advise. We must discuss this matter further, but I must consult with the good governor and General Atreyus. You may accompany me if you wish, or depart until tomorrow."

(OOC: I'm a bit north from the actual gulf, but that won't stop me from sending ships, right? Anyway, IC post tomorrow. Too tired to make anything that sounds good right now. )

Yong He stood on the deck of his ship, looking out into the blue water ahead of him. It had been three weeks since he had set out of port from Xao-Cian. Three weeks. Three weeks since an Imperial Envoy visited him at home. Three weeks since he had been sent south with a flotilla of ships to explore the lands outside of the Empire. As part of the Emperor's new project of exploration of the Unknown Realms, he, and many others like him, had begun the painstaking task of mapping the world outside of the Empire. So far, progress was being made, albeit a little too slowly for his liking. He turned his head, noting the two other ships sailing behind his. Each ship was built in the trational junk style so commonly seen in Imperial ships. Each ship had a small arsenal of Dragonpowder guns on each side, plus a small contingent of Imperial Army soldiers for defense. But he would not falter from the task for which he was entrusted.

Suddenly, his train of thought was interrupted by a sailor, whose anxiety was clear.

"Ships on the horizon!"

Yong looked in the direction the sailor was pointing. It was true, and something that looked like a boat had appeared over the horizon, and was heading their way.

Getting a closer look, the ships were unlike anything Yong had seen, and could not help but be amazed. Perhaps there were more then unwashed barbarians that inhabited the area.

The waters off the coast of Tannelorn, in the bay of Tobias were almost constantly filled with scores of fishing vessels, merchantment carrying lumber, ore and other trading goods as well as a few sleek, fast war ships. As the fishermen first noticed the strange vessels plying the waterway, they made way, quickly hailing any warship they could to tell them of what they had seen. The first small frigates quickly sent messages to the main naval harbour at Reinheit. It did not take long for the mages to respond with the kings own message.

Hail the ships but be wary, do not let them approach until we are sure of their intentions.

Sea-mage Breskin Foil recieved the short sending and turned to Captain Alocim Miolanir, telling him of the kings wishes. Rarely was it that the king himself personally responded to such reports, leaving these mundane affairs to Admiral Lionel Fireheart.

The Captain shook his head, and ordered the Frigate Just Cause to intercept the newcomers. Moving with a steady Tail wind, the vessel made incredible time towards the first of these newcomers. They flashed standard naval signals, as well as raised a flag of truce at them. Still the decks were lined with Archers and spearmen, and the Ballista were ready to fire on this vessel in case of any duplicitous behaviour. They stood off at three hundred yards, waiting for a response from the vessels entering their waters.

Captain Fireheart knew that several more frigates as well as a man-o-war were en route, but would take several hours to reach this site.

(OOC: Are these my ships we're talking about?)

OOC yes, sorry Argenteria. I should have been more specific. The Silvans are coming on ship and across land, seeing as they border me I assume they would come by land to Tannelorn. However its fine to meet all sorts of ships, as Tannelornian fishermen have plied these waterways for thousands of years.

(OOC: Ok, no worries.)

IC: Yong He looked on at the unknown ship. In all, it looked quite different than their own. While just as large, the sails were of a solid white fabric, quite different from the folded sails of Imperial ships. Whatever their purpose, they seemed to have halted a short distance away.

"Full stop." Yong ordered.

"What are they doing?" An idol sailor said aloud, revealing the general thought of everyone aboard. They seemed to be raising some sort of flag, and one of their sailors seemed to be wildly waving his arms in their general direction, trying to get their attention. What really put them off, however, were the lines of warriors behind him, seemingly waiting. Were they, perhaps, pirate raiders?

Yong thought about this for a moment before dismissing it. If they were pirates, they would be fighting already.

Perhaps they were showing their allegiance? Yong pondered this for a moment, before giving his orders.

"Raise the banners high." If they were showing allegiance, they they would show theirs.

At once, the crew of his ship began scrambling to put up the Imperial Standard, depicting the characters Xao and Cian in the traditional written language of Tao-Fan in gold over a red background, over the mast, waving it in the direction of the ship. Soldiers lined up in perfect formation on the deck of the Imperial ship, weapons displayed proudly, in response to the unknown vessel.

Captain Miolanir was satisfied that the strange ship meant no harm, and decided to send out a launch, to properly meet with them. He gathered Sea-mage Foil and several crew members and rowed out to meet the Vessel. The captain was dressed in a fine robe of white silk, and loose flowing trousers reminiscent, but not quite of elven styles. Sea-Mage foil was dressed in a resplendent robe of many colours, a cloak covering his head. The crewmen were all dressed in shirts of light mail and leather trousers, traditional armour for fighting at sea, as its weight would not immediately drag a man over board under.

As Foil was a sea-mage, or rather a mage who specialised in duties one might need at sea, he had a few tongues spells available, which he promptly cast on himself and the captain. When they were within ten yards of the foreign vessel, Captain Miolanir rose from his seat and stepped to the front of the launch, he called out a greeting, and asked to be taken aboard to meet with their counterparts.

The greeting, while formal enough, was still quite surprising to Yong and company. How could such uncivilized people, with no prior contact with Xao-Cian, gain such a mastery of their language. Whatever the reason, they wanted to come aboard. Soldiers (http://mietlik.deviantart.com/art/soldier-89023197) accompanied Yong as he made his way down to greet the newcomers. Disembarking from their small boat, he bowed formally to them.

"Honored Guests, I welcome you to my ship. I am Yong He, Imperial Explorer as delegated by the Emperor Xuo."

It payed to be formal.

Captain Miolanir bowed graciously in response to Yong He "Greetings Yong he, it is not the custom of the Divine Kingdom to allow those who enter our waters to pass without a greeting of our own, and we welcome you to these lands." The Captain was relieved, a strange vessel entering their waters represented an unknown, possible trading partners or friends, or possible enemies.

With his greeting Yong He had shown the intent of the Imperial vessel as nothing more then exploration. In this case the Captain was more then willing to satisfy their curiousity. He removed his hat, uncovering The slightly pointed ears that marked him as a half elf. Sea-mage foil lowered his robes, allowing the strangers to see that he was indeed human. In the past some good natured people's had expressed unease at the sight of half elves and elves. It was best to show such a thing up front.

"If you would like, we could escort you to the port of Reinheit, where you could meet with the Grand Duke of Arendacil province, and perhaps gain an audience with High King Rendacil. You say you are explorers, as our people have been in the past. We welcome you to visit and see our lands for yourselves if that is your wish." Captain Miolanir continued to smile politely at Yong He.

Yong He and his guards were slightly taken aback by the polite mannerism of which the mysterious outlanders spoke. Since the only contact the Empire has had with the outside consists of warlike barbarian tribes directly to their west, they had developed the sweeping generalization that all outlanders were butt-scratching barbarians who had nothing that can be defined as civilization. Upon the removal of the outlander leader's hat, they were even more surprised to find that he had a strange pair of ears, ones that slightly extended from his head, and were pointed instead of round. The soldiers exchanged nervous glances at one another, but Yong appeared unperturbed. The Emperor would be most pleased at this discovery.

"That would be most acceptable. We would be honored to meet your lord."

Captain Miolanir bowed again to Yong he upon hearing his polite acceptance of their request. "Very well Explorer Yong he, we shall return to our vessel and escort you to the port of Reinheit, I am not a diplomat nor a scholar as such I will ensure that such a party is waiting for you upon your arrival." he bowed politely once more and he and his party went back to their launch, rowing towards the Just Cause as soon as they were back on board they signalled for the imperial vessel to follow them.

Shortly afterwards the graceful soaring towers of Reinheit could be seen on the horizon, its Mythal not only protecting it from armies but allowing grand feats of Architecture, impossible with the engineering the Tannelornians possessed alone. The tallest of the towers of the city rose almost a thousand feet in to the air, the palace of the Grand Duke and the location of the ruling council of Arendacil province.