NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: This is closed to members of the 1940's world. Sign up is in my sig.

IC:
King Silas Judah (http://wikistates.outwardhosting.com/wiki/Silas_Judah) sat upon his throne in Unification Hall (http://wikistates.outwardhosting.com/wiki/City_of_Akrid#Central_City), and was surrounded by the Ambassadors of numerous nations. Before him stood a collection of, strange men (http://eberronunlimited.wikidot.com/kalashtar). He knew no other way to describe them.

They where all dressed in impossibly white clothes. Vest, short sleeved tunic, pants, turban, shoes. There was no way that in the middle of the summer, that they should be wearing clothing so white. Especially after the trip they had taken up the Euphrates. And yet, here they where, beautiful for reasons he could not describe, and dressed in the same clothes they had departed Jahra in.

As they bowed to him, he noticed that they all wore a silver pendant with intricate, beautiful, line work upon it, as opposed to the Seven Pointed Star that was worn by followers of the Hierarchy, including the King himself.

Rumors of these people, these Kalashtar, had spread from the southern wastes for years. Men who had retained access to the magics of the past, even after the veil had closed and locked away access to the Gods of the Hierarchy.

"It is not magic that we use, my King," the leader commented with a bemused look upon his face.

King Silas withdrew in surprise, barely noticing the itch in his hypothalmus as he did so. How did these sorcerors know what he was...

"We are not Sorcerors, my King, we are Kalashtar. A melding of human...and not. Members of our people seek a new home, and they believe that Akrid is that location."

King Silas looked around at the members of his court, at the Ambassadors who stood around him. Waiting for someone, anyone, to inform him more about these Kalashtar.

Quietly cursing the heat as he wiped his forehead dry, Quinn Keehan (the Morridane ambassador) studied the Kalashtar for the moment. They seemed a strange lot, especially their manners and choice of clothing. Even though they seemed to be speaking in low tones with the Akrid King, Keehan could clearly hear what was being said almost as if the Kalashtar were addressing the whole room. "We are not Sorcerors, my King, we are Kalashtar. A melding of human...and not. Members of our people seek a new home, and they believe that Akrid is that location."

Silence fell across the room, Keehan somehow felt that it would engulf everyone and doom them to some sort of limbo if another word was not spoken. Coughing politely he spoke out to the room as a whole more than anything else. "So you Kalashtar chappies...are you saying that you are not 'Human'? If not, then what the bloody hell are you?"

OOC: It's not too hot in there, buildings are designed with central towers that keep the air relatively cool. Not as cool as Canada, but it is much worse outside. And the vest, short-sleeved tunic, trousers, sandals, and headwrappings are standard in Akrid due to the climate.

IC:
"We are a melding of Human and that which is not human, as is the Riedran Ambassador. Though we are more so then their Inspired."

The Kalashtar lead looked at the Riedran Ambassador with an intense gaze. The Riedran Ambassador looked back with thinly veiled hostility.

"Beyond that, we will not say. More than one of our people have been...attacked because of a misunderstanding. Suffice it to say that we are..."

The Kalashtar leader was cut off as the Riedran Ambassador strode forward, clad in a white kimono with beautiful black and silver and red lines embroidered upon it in beautiful designs. "Fugitives." The Riedran Ambassador finished. "You disrupt order and bring chaos where none is welcomed." She looked back at the King of Akrid, and at the Thirteen Princes who stood nearby among the various ambassadors. "They are exiles, cursed to wander forever, for their crimes of disorder and disunity. As you are well aware, a small group of them still inhabit our land, carrying out guerrilla attacks against our towns and cities."

OOC: Well I've found from experience that it depends on the person...I myself am British born and raised living in Southern England yet I find temperatures over 10 degrees C quite uncomfortable.:confused:

IC: Wondered when the Riedrans were gonna start mouthing off! Keehan thought bitterly as the female Riedran Ambassador angrily accused the Kalashtar of being little more than savages. Though he was glad that the hostility was directed at somebody else, neither the Morridanes or the Riedrans actually trusted each other and made little attempt to hide the fact.

He waited to what form the Kalashtar comeback would take...

OOC: Love the post Morrdh, really acptured the arrogance of the Inspired LEadership of Riedra.

IC:
The Kalashtar leader smiled back at the Riedran Ambassador, and smiled an Acid smile. "Well, Inoue-Sama, I didn't expect to see you here."

The comment, barbed in the insults only two psychics can fully understand, clearly reached under the skin of the Riedran Inspired, and caused her to turn on the Kalashtar in her mind, the Quori spirit housed within lashing out in anger and frustration, which the Kalashtar envoy received and deflected with little physical reaction.

King Silas was clearly not pleased with the sparring, and his brows showed it. He did not want to risk open war with the Riedra, they where too unkown, too isolationist. No one truly knew went on there, and only legends of giant metal eggs int he cores of their cities ever wove through all legends about the place.

If the Kalashtar where as the Riedra, but not, did that mean a true union of their ancestors? Or did it mean a union with something else? He had to remember to ask his Court Historian as soon as this was over with.

Expectantly, he glanced over to the Wanderjar Ambassador, waiting for his comment.

OOC: I hope you don't mind me keeping the Canine Sutfen, I don't see the problem here. But, meh, When you hear sutfen, think: http://www.elfwood.com/~aeriell3/Bring_It_On.2485981.html or http://www.elfwood.com/~kaikisuka/Wolf_in_the_Park.2888619.html (G-rated, Nude. Imagine clothes on him. I can't find any good 1940s clothed werewolves. Forgive meh!)

IC:
Although it didn't seem Sutufinai was in much of a problem or worried about being invaded for it's Ley Lines... Hell the Sutfen didn't even seem to know if they had Ley Lines or not. However, one thing was for sure, if they did have Ley Lines... It would explaintheir rather Abnormal appearance.

The Canids walked into the room, dressed in loose tan clothing. One of them was wearing an "Aussie" hat, with cut outs for the ears. The others were hatless, in fact one had even opted to go shirtless. However all of them had pants on, and leather "Stockings" on their hocks which were tied like the upper part of a boot nice and snug to protect their hocks from being hurt. Their clawed footpaws scritch-scratched across the floor as they chuckled and talked amongst themselves. While the conversation was indistinct unless someone approached them, a black kind of charcoal colored canid barked an amused laugh at a tan canid's remark.

They sniggered and talked back and fourth as the group of five canids wandered around the room, sniffing and looking around, their ears swiveling independently to catch interesting conversations. None of them were particularly armed however as per Sutfen tradition they had sharpened and cleaned their claws as well as possible. Claw and tooth were weapons to the Sutfen just as much as the blade and gun.

OOC: I am trying to use this to give all nations an introduction to others, and to get the ball rolling on alliances. I am also planning on having the Riedran Dreaming Dark pull something on the Wanderjar Delegation, in an attempt to put the blame on Akrid, to get the ball rolling on an actual war.

IC:
The Court's Herald boomed out, "May I Present the Sutufinai Delegation, my lord?"

King Silas was rather bored by the entrance of the Sutufinai. He had spent time in their homeland in the past, and was well used to their habit of going shirtless in the desert heat. "They are late, and disruptive. Ambassador, as you well know by now, the time for talk is soon, but this is a time for petitions in this court. Please, settle down."

And with that, he returned his attention to the Kalashtar delegation. "You know, I don't believe I ever learned your name, Kalashtar."

The lead Kalashtar bowed his head, "Names give power, but if you must know, it is Selim Wakai, of the clan Wakai." With a knowing gleam, he looked to the king and commented, "First Tribe of the Thirteen Tribes of the Kalashtar."

King Silas smirked, "Why am I not surprised..."

OOC: Love the post Morrdh, really acptured the arrogance of the Inspired LEadership of Riedra.

IC:
The Kalashtar leader smiled back at the Riedran Ambassador, and smiled an Acid smile. "Well, Inoue-Sama, I didn't expect to see you here."

The comment, barbed in the insults only two psychics can fully understand, clearly reached under the skin of the Riedran Inspired, and caused her to turn on the Kalashtar in her mind, the Quori spirit housed within lashing out in anger and frustration, which the Kalashtar envoy received and deflected with little physical reaction.

King Silas was clearly not pleased with the sparring, and his brows showed it. He did not want to risk open war with the Riedra, they where too unkown, too isolationist. No one truly knew went on there, and only legends of giant metal eggs int he cores of their cities ever wove through all legends about the place.

If the Kalashtar where as the Riedra, but not, did that mean a true union of their ancestors? Or did it mean a union with something else? He had to remember to ask his Court Historian as soon as this was over with.

Expectantly, he glanced over to the Wanderjar Ambassador, waiting for his comment.


The Wanderjarian delegate returned his glance, a look of contempt upon his face. These people...

"No," He reminded himself. "They are not people, merely beings. Life unworthy of life...trash of the world." The Wanderjarians had a long history of dealing with magical types within their vast realm. Seething with anger, he briefly glanced to the Kalashtar-animal. He snorted and averted his eyes. He felt his stomach lurch at the very sight of it.

"My friends, I fear I am unable to properly represent our Government's point of view on matters concerning those at this meeting. You see, it would appear that there is a certain blight sitting among us." He turned his head to look down upon the Kalashtar envoy. Then, purposefully pulling down on his form-fitting grey dress uniform, and straightening his Iron-Cross medal, he again looked about the group. "How can we accept this stain to even appear before us? In my country, this would never be allowed. Such animals would find themselves...how should I say...otherwise detained." With that, he retook his seat. Oberst von Halford, Official Emissary to Akrid, had not expected to make friends with his last remarks. He was, however, making it very evident the distaste the Wanderjarian Empire would have at consorting with such filth. No good would come of it. None whatso ever.

(OOC: Sorry it took so long to respond, I had a very busy week.)

OOC: "Such Animals"?? Purely epic.

IC:
The Sutfen delegation had finished with their uppity-ness. Two of them had taken their places at the table with their footpaws litterally up on the table as they relaxed. Another two stood over by the food. While the last one, a Grey-Black canid with a white chest and belly, was litterally curled up behind the chair of the two at the table.... sleeping soundly. His ear flicked and his tail occasionally fluttered in a dream.

The Leader of the Delegation, the Charcoal coloured Canid who looked rather Jackal-like, was looking about the other envoys. When the Wanderjar diplomat stood up and started freaking out over the Kalashtar envoy, the White and black canids in their chairs began murrmuring to one another under their breaths. However one remark promptly set the pair on edge and even drew looks from the pair at the food.

You see, the Sutfen had a rather unhappy history, faced with the near destruction the Xenophobic humans had placed upon them... Combined with the fact that quite a few nations at some time or another had decided that having canid workers that weren't technically human would be a good way to get rid of slavery without actually stopping the practice....

When that statement; 'Such animals would find themselves... How should I say... otherwise detained.' The Jackal-like canid sat up and placed his hands on the table. A soft, low, growl emitted from deep in his chest. "Excuse me, Mr.... Halford...? I would, ask that you rephrase that statement or name some obvious names. Because I've been called quite a few things in my life, and "animal" not the worse.... But the whole... Detaining part.... It didn't sit well with me." His eyebrows narrowed as his ears went back and his Hackles raised as he locked, or attempted to, eyes with the Akrid emissary.

OOC: "Such Animals"?? Purely epic.

(OOC: Thanks mate ;))

IC:


A smug smirk crossed Mr. Halford's pursed lips, yet his eyes remained in the hard, narrowed glare typical of a Wanderjarian. A moment passed as he allowed silence to take hold in the chamber, making the Canid's statement hang awkwardly in the open. Finally, seeing as he had allowed his point to cross, he non-chalantly lifted his wrist and waved it off into the air.

"I'm sorry my dear Canid," He began, his eyes closed briefly in amusement, "but I fear that it is not in the nature of my personal beliefs, nor those of my government to retract such statements. I believe that there is nothing further for us to discuss, and as such I believe that we shall take our leave now. Come now," he turned his head to the black uniformed Schutzstaffel Guards who accompanied him. "Let us return home. Oh, and my Kalashtar and Canid...friends...Feel free to drop by Wanderjar anytime. If you should, I must warn you that your accommodations may be substandard." He left the meaning hanging in the air. There was no need to explain.

The Wanderjarians had long since stopped caring about hiding their extermination of magical creatures. Immense complexes housed the "animals" as they were universally referred to. Stripped of their power, which was converted into surplus energy, they would be disposed of in numerous ways. The most common place was simply being corralled into chambers and gassed, though execution by machinegunners into mass graves, which the condemned had themselves dug, were not uncommon. Millions had perished, which was exactly what the Wanderjarian Government wanted. There was no intent to cease the killing either, simply to continue until there was noone...no-thing...left to exterminate. And exterminated they would be.


***


Several days later, within the halls of the Reichstaag, Mr. Halford stood before the Fuhrer himself. In the upper story of the immense monument to Wanderjarian power was the Fuhrer's equally ornate office. From this hallowed room, he issued the decrees which billions of men and women reverred as though they were the word of God himself. Fuhrer Baker had, afterall, saved the Wanderjarian people. He had brought them from oblivion and transformed them into a nation which all others sought to emulate. He was all powerful, with vast legions of soldiers, and uncountable air fleets. The waves too belonged to Wanderjar, with a mighty Kriegsmarine which prowled every ocean and sea.


Halford shook himself out of his nationalistic reverie. He had a job to do, the Fuhrer must have his report. His uniform was immaculate, starched stiff to perfection. Each medal had been polished as had his brass buttons, his sword refurbished, and jackboots shined. The Fuhrer too looked regal, rightly as he should.


"Mr. Halford, my dear friend," The Fuhrer said kindly, taking Halford's hand into his own. "What did you learn from the Akridis?"


"Well, my Fuhrer, there were Magic-Beasts there as well. The Akridis appeared not enthused, but were cordial. There were some men there, but they were intermixed with the animals. It was disgusting, sir, to be frank."


"That is to be expected, I fear. Not all have yet embraced the reason of truth. Some seem to somehow believe that these Beasts are our equals, not simply a taint to be eradicated, their memory swept beneath the floor mat of time," he stood up from his desk, and walked over to his office window. "See this, my friend?" Both gazed awe-struck at the majesty of Pretoria*. The sky was a hazy grey, snow flakes fell softly into the wide boulevards, transforming almost immediately into their liquid state. Lining both sides of the roads were large buildings of commercie, streaking high into the sky, towering above even the mighty Reichstaag. Smaller shops and buildings lined other, smaller streets, though both bustled with the comings and goings of Wanderjarian citizens about their daily lives.


"I built this," Fuhrer Baker whispered. "I created all of this! This, my friend, is my dream. A grand Wanderjar, a nation for all eternity, a bastion of commerce and righteousness, and freedom for Men. However, those blasted, damnable magical-types threaten to destroy it all. You of course recall how they stabbed us in the back during the last war? Never again. We shall not forget their treachery, nor shall we forgive. It is not the Wanderjarian way." Mr. Halford simply nodded, agreeing with each word.


"I suppose soon enough war shall again engulf the world," the Fuhrer said finally, after a moments silence. "It is our destiny to cleanse the earth of this foul taint. We shall lead the Earth's people in their resistance to tyranny and injustice. It is our righteous task, though I confess it shall be a lonely one."


"My Fuhrer?" Halford asked, curiously.


"We are alone, my good man!" The Fuhrer said, his eye's wide. "We Wanderjarians are many, but we are alone in this struggle. Those who would choose to appease the self-righteousness of the Animals will not simply capitulate to reason and join us!" he scoffed. "They are stubborn and irrascible. But they shall see!" he smacked his clenched fist on the red wood table. "They shall see! The time for action is coming. We just need more time. I have a plan."


The Wanderjarian banner flew proudly from atop the Reichstaag, fluttering in the breeze.**


(*: in my country, Pretoria is the capital city. For this RP, its roughly in the same area as Moscow
**: At this time, the Wanderjarian flag is similar to that of Nazi Germany's, just with a slightly different symbol. I'll show you all soon.)

"My friends, I fear I am unable to properly represent our Government's point of view on matters concerning those at this meeting. You see, it would appear that there is a certain blight sitting among us." He turned his head to look down upon the Kalashtar envoy. Then, purposefully pulling down on his form-fitting grey dress uniform, and straightening his Iron-Cross medal, he again looked about the group. "How can we accept this stain to even appear before us? In my country, this would never be allowed. Such animals would find themselves...how should I say...otherwise detained." With that, he retook his seat. Oberst von Halford, Official Emissary to Akrid, had not expected to make friends with his last remarks. He was, however, making it very evident the distaste the Wanderjarian Empire would have at consorting with such filth. No good would come of it. None whatso ever.

(OOC: Sorry it took so long to respond, I had a very busy week.)

High Priest Saul Levi sat muttering behind the king as the comments where made, casting whispering wind to alert the priests in the Grand Cathedral that there might be trouble with the Wanderjar delegates. The description of the legendary Kalashtar as "Such Animals" would be sure to annoy the whole Tribe of Levi, and they held considerable sway.

He shot a glance at Jonas Ephraim, Prime Minister and Prince Ephraim, a man who had always hated Magic, and who had admired the Wanderjar for years. Jonas was chuckling.

King Silas merely thought, this is why I need the Kalashtar in my court, so that I don't need to wait for them to comment to know when he speaks bile.

Selim smirked at the King's thoughts, and bowed his head in obedience to him.

When that statement; 'Such animals would find themselves... How should I say... otherwise detained.' The Jackal-like canid sat up and placed his hands on the table. A soft, low, growl emitted from deep in his chest. "Excuse me, Mr.... Halford...? I would, ask that you rephrase that statement or name some obvious names. Because I've been called quite a few things in my life, and "animal" not the worse.... But the whole... Detaining part.... It didn't sit well with me." His eyebrows narrowed as his ears went back and his Hackles raised as he locked, or attempted to, eyes with the Akrid emissary.

Selim sent a quite thanks to the Jackal, calling him by the name he discovered in the Jackal's mind, as he did so.

A smug smirk crossed Mr. Halford's pursed lips, yet his eyes remained in the hard, narrowed glare typical of a Wanderjarian. A moment passed as he allowed silence to take hold in the chamber, making the Canid's statement hang awkwardly in the open. Finally, seeing as he had allowed his point to cross, he non-chalantly lifted his wrist and waved it off into the air.

"I'm sorry my dear Canid," He began, his eyes closed briefly in amusement, "but I fear that it is not in the nature of my personal beliefs, nor those of my government to retract such statements. I believe that there is nothing further for us to discuss, and as such I believe that we shall take our leave now. Come now," he turned his head to the black uniformed Schutzstaffel Guards who accompanied him. "Let us return home. Oh, and my Kalashtar and Canid...friends...Feel free to drop by Wanderjar anytime. If you should, I must warn you that your accommodations may be substandard." He left the meaning hanging in the air. There was no need to explain.

The Wanderjarians had long since stopped caring about hiding their extermination of magical creatures. Immense complexes housed the "animals" as they were universally referred to. Stripped of their power, which was converted into surplus energy, they would be disposed of in numerous ways. The most common place was simply being corralled into chambers and gassed, though execution by machinegunners into mass graves, which the condemned had themselves dug, were not uncommon. Millions had perished, which was exactly what the Wanderjarian Government wanted. There was no intent to cease the killing either, simply to continue until there was noone...no-thing...left to exterminate. And exterminated they would be.

King Silas whispered in the ears of his High Priest, who subsequently bowed out of the room, and hurried off to alert the Border Guards that the Wanderjar emissary where leaving, and to keep them protected, magically, on their way home.

Turning to the Kalashtar, he smiled warmly. "We would be happy to accept you into our state. Please, have your tribes join ours and find that which most fits your own philosophies."

"So, Tribe Wakai will be accepted into that of Judah?"

King Silas smirked in response, and Selim, Smiling, bowed out of the room.

Selim sent a quite thanks to the Jackal, calling him by the name he discovered in the Jackal's mind, as he did so.

Selim, would infact, find that the Jackal's name was Tobias Zanzibar. That was, of course, his "English" name. His Sutfen name could not be pronounced by humans.

The Sutfen delegation was sufficiently harried by the Wanderjaran remarks, however they did a remarkably good job at staying calm. Other than being "magical" creatures, they couldn't wield magic... Or they didn't -think- they could.

The group of canids kept themselves in check, despite the fact the Jackal, Tobias, and his white wolf comrade stood up from the table. Of course that was to the grey and white canid's dismay as he was run over by the chairs being pushed back and quickly got up rubbing his back. He had gone shirtless and had been pinched by the chairleg. He yelped lightly as he was startled but overall was fine, if a bit surprised.

The Canid delegation didn't leave, however they stood off to one side trying to get their fury reigned in. They were atleast nice enough to move out of the way to where their growls, mumbles, murmurs, yips, and barks would not get in the way of the rest of the meeting.

---
Port Haven, Sutufinai.

The town looked like a run down fishing village almost. A small town was considered a city here. Containing a single stone and concrete pier, and three wooden ones... The town was mainly shanties and a number of log houses made form the surrounding jungle. Only four stone buildings could be seen. One was the Customs office, which was modified to carry a number of 5 inch cannon. The customs house was of course modeled after an old castle, built by one country or another during the years when slavery catered to this inhospitable region. The customs house also backed up to a large log and stone warehouse, filled now with trade goods, the bars across the windows and the stout metal doors showing it's past.

The other stone building was a manor house surrounded by a stout stone wall, the manor was now used as the Capital building. While the "Last" stone building was the Gatehouse in the manor's wall. Stout, the gatehouse had old Vickers machine guns and a single light "Anti-Tank" gun.

There was not a single motorized vehicle in sight, why? Because Sutufinai simply had not a single drop of oil. There was no electricity to be found, no natural gas, Streetlamps were nothing more than oil filled cups in the glassed in metal streetlamps themselves with wicks that were replaced every night, even -then- the streetlamps were sparse. But then, Sutfen had excellent night vision, so why would they need streetlamps?

The only prevalent "Streetlamps" were along the docks, and across the exceptionally tall and long bridge over the river Denat, which was made that way to allow smaller steamships (Think, tugs or pushboats and barges.) up and down the river.

The city looked pitch-black at night. The moon rarely, if ever, broke through the dense cloud cover above. There were few cobblestone roads; the main thoroughfair, the roads near the docks and customs house, the road leading to the Denat River bridge and over it, and the road to the Capital Manor. The rest were hardpack dirt, and even that wasn't given because of the moist rainforest like atmosphere many of the dirt roads were muck and mud... Or just grass.

Arrogant bastards! Keehan thought bitterly as the Wanderjarians made their remarks against the Sutfen delegation before swiftly departing. Though it was a reaction that Keehan had come to expect of the Wandarjarians, both they and the Morridanes had fought against each other during the Last War and had adopted a policy of ignoring each other...though both parties kept a very close eye on their shared border.

The discussions looked to be nearly finished...though it might be possible that they may be dragged on for a while longer.

King Silas dismissed the court, as the Wanderjarians had annoyed him beyond his patience.

He stopped by the Sutfen delegation and quietly apologized for the actions of the Wanderjar delegate, and promised to place a formal complaint to the Wanderjar capitol, though he claimed that it would do little good. He asked them to meet with him later, wanting to discuss trade negotiations in private.

He stopped by the Morrdh Ambassador, and called him in to a private meeting, the High Priest nodding when asked if he would be present at both meetings.

Meanwhile, across the hall, the Riedran Ambassador had a far-away glance in her eyes, though discerning that through her silver eyes was tough too discern. She was contacting a member of the Dreaming Dark, and asking him to attack the Wanderjarans, and too make sure it appeared that the Kalashtar had done it.

She received a confirmation, and shut down the link.

In Riedra, a trio of Inspired Shock Troopers and an Inspired Inquisitor set out, bound over the seas for Wanderjar.

Bump-i-fy for Wanderjar?

OOC: He left court, so now the discussions and the attacks are seperate events.

Just so Morrdh and Sutufinai are aware, the meeting will be taking place in the Hall of Kings, as it is the most private building in the city of Akrid.

OOC: Not that the Sutfen delegation would care, they could be having their minds read and wouldn't be any the wiser. lol They weren't magically inclined in the first place.

IC:
The Sutfen delegation conversed in their own language for a few more minutes,
"So, the Humans want to trade with -us- for once? Not come into our lands and plunder? Besides, we do not have any of their precious oil or gunpowder. What could they possibly want from us?", growled a tan and black sutfen of smaller size, "Or do they just want to emplace troops in our lands so they can feel like their in control of our country and so they can 'claim' it for our 'own good' afterwards?"

Tobias shook his head, "Oh be quiet and shut your muzzle before you bite your own tongue, Dellas. We may not have oil or gunpowder, or even brass, but we do have a sizeable amount of coal and iron ore. Both of which are needed to make the steel for their ships, guns, and tanks." The Black jackal shook his head, "Remember that, and remember that we've learnt a few things since we were last invaded for our own good."

The white Canid finally spoke up, "I fear, Dellas, Toby, Joshua, Nivell, that we are headed down a road that shall not be the safest. Nor shall it be the most peaceful. Something dark is coming, and we're all going to pay for it, every species on this planet." The white canid looked away from the group, across the room at all of the delegations, "And why else, would fate decide to place us all together... But for us to meet the rest players in the grand scheme?"

Tobias looked somberly towards the white canid, but was cut off from a remark by the shirtless canid who stuttered out, "W-war? Why does you think that Allen? We have already suffered the great war, everyone did not just a few years ago! How can you claim we shall fight another?" The young canid was indeed rather young and new at the world scale, like most of the Sutfen.

This time Tobias spoke, "Nivell, I do not know how or why the war is coming, but I fear it aswell. We cannot stay however and watch on the sidelines. We are being drawn in wether we like it or not. So, let us not keep the threads of fate and the seeds of time waiting. The Akrid king is waiting."

And so, the Sutfen padded across the chamber towards the Hall of Kings. Their claws scritch scratching on the floor as they walked towards the door which would lead them unerringly towards...
War.

Keehan was hoping that he would get the chance to speak with the Akrid King, there was some matters that the Morridane wanted to be dealt with.

OOC: Not that the Sutfen delegation would care, they could be having their minds read and wouldn't be any the wiser. lol They weren't magically inclined in the first place.

IC:
The Sutfen delegation conversed in their own language for a few more minutes,
"So, the Humans want to trade with -us- for once? Not come into our lands and plunder? Besides, we do not have any of their precious oil or gunpowder. What could they possibly want from us?", growled a tan and black sutfen of smaller size, "Or do they just want to emplace troops in our lands so they can feel like their in control of our country and so they can 'claim' it for our 'own good' afterwards?"

Tobias shook his head, "Oh be quiet and shut your muzzle before you bite your own tongue, Dellas. We may not have oil or gunpowder, or even brass, but we do have a sizeable amount of coal and iron ore. Both of which are needed to make the steel for their ships, guns, and tanks." The Black jackal shook his head, "Remember that, and remember that we've learnt a few things since we were last invaded for our own good."

The white Canid finally spoke up, "I fear, Dellas, Toby, Joshua, Nivell, that we are headed down a road that shall not be the safest. Nor shall it be the most peaceful. Something dark is coming, and we're all going to pay for it, every species on this planet." The white canid looked away from the group, across the room at all of the delegations, "And why else, would fate decide to place us all together... But for us to meet the rest players in the grand scheme?"

Tobias looked somberly towards the white canid, but was cut off from a remark by the shirtless canid who stuttered out, "W-war? Why does you think that Allen? We have already suffered the great war, everyone did not just a few years ago! How can you claim we shall fight another?" The young canid was indeed rather young and new at the world scale, like most of the Sutfen.

This time Tobias spoke, "Nivell, I do not know how or why the war is coming, but I fear it aswell. We cannot stay however and watch on the sidelines. We are being drawn in wether we like it or not. So, let us not keep the threads of fate and the seeds of time waiting. The Akrid king is waiting."

And so, the Sutfen padded across the chamber towards the Hall of Kings. Their claws scritch scratching on the floor as they walked towards the door which would lead them unerringly towards...
War.

As Tobias and his advisers where escorted by a Herald out of the Palace of Unification, and down the street, a lone eagle screeched over head, it's shadow falling over the assembled Canids. An omen of war to come in Akrid.

They where then escorted to the front of the Castle, still looking to have been built for war, and into the Hall of Judah, where a number of officials from within the Tribe where seated and waiting.

King Silas stood and thanked the Sutfen for coming, and asked them to sit as they waited for the Morrdh ambassador to arrive.

A servant came by as they sat, and delivered to them a small stack of papers, bound by wing clips, indicating the Mutual Trade and Defense Pact he had in mind. For the Sutufinai, it would mainly involve sending in Artificers and Druids to assist them in building up their own economies, and to train them in the magics needed to jump start their economy. For the Akridians, it would involve a small trade of raw materials (Coal, Iron, Grain, Meats, Fish) for whatever the Sutfen needed, along with a pledge to protect the other as needed. If the dreams of the the Oracle where true, war would be coming, and Akrid would need strong allies.

Keehan was hoping that he would get the chance to speak with the Akrid King, there was some matters that the Morridane wanted to be dealt with.

When Keehan entered, he was seated across from Tobias, and given a new trade proposal for their two nations.

Silas welcomed him in, and promised time to speak in private later, but stated this was for a tightening of the bonds of friendship between Akrid, Morrdh, and Sutufinai.

Once he had finished speaking, he asked the two groups to look through the documents, and too find any problems within them that might need to be fixed.

Keehan nodded a greeting to the assembled officals when he arrived in the Hall of Kings, before taking a seat and glancing through the documents. His face turned sour when he got to the Defense part of the Pact, he loathed what he had to say next. "Your Highness, I'm afraid to say that I cannot sign a Mutual Defense Pact on behalf of the Unified Commonwealth. It is clear that war is looming though, at this time, the Morridane government does not wish to get caught in any new conflict."

"We're sending an envoy to the Wanderjarians to discuss a possible Non-Aggressive Pact, though I've been given permission to discuss Trade agreements and protection of trade routes should a conflict occur."

"Understandable, Morrdh. Just know, the chances of being left alone by Wanderjar should a war break out are...slim. I was hoping that by signing this pact, you would be willing to try and prevent a war by showing a united front. But if that is impossible, then we shall withdraw that offer."

"Now, as to trade, as I have mentioned before, we need raw materials. Our population has just grown largely, as all of you recently witnessed. On top of that, they are fugitives from Riedra, as my Court Historian informs me. We can manufacture much of our needs ourselves, though if the war breaks out, as we fear it will, we will need a larger manufacturing base, which Morrdh can supply if the Non-Agression Pact does not forbid that. We will discuss this in greater detail later."

"Tobias, we believe that given the tools and training, your people can provide such a base. We know that should war break out, that Sutufinai will be attacked. Wanderjar is very much opposed to all forms of magic or "In-Humanity." Part of this pact will be to send down training instructors to help you build an army that can, at the very least, help to delay Wanderjar until our own forces can do...something."

"Part of this training, and Morrdh, we can do the same if your governmnet does not object, would be the sending of Keltoi Druids, alongside Artificers, Wizards, and Clerics to train your people how to tap the ley lines for magic, and how to attune yourself to the natural magic inside yourself. When facing a larger nation, magic is a very powerful force multiplier."

A servant came by as they sat, and delivered to them a small stack of papers, bound by wing clips, indicating the Mutual Trade and Defense Pact he had in mind. For the Sutufinai, it would mainly involve sending in Artificers and Druids to assist them in building up their own economies, and to train them in the magics needed to jump start their economy. For the Akridians, it would involve a small trade of raw materials (Coal, Iron, Grain, Meats, Fish) for whatever the Sutfen needed, along with a pledge to protect the other as needed. If the dreams of the the Oracle where true, war would be coming, and Akrid would need strong allies.

Tobias looked over the documents before turning to his comrades and showing them it. They chattered lowly in their own language, conversing.

"Coal, Iron, Grain? And Fish? That is it?" Mumbled Tobias as he inspected the papers, "What do you think Joshua?" The Jackal looked around to Joshua.

The white wolf rubbed his chin as he lightly took the papers from Tobias and looked it over. "We'd either be forced to make a gigantic land-route to run either trains or caravans to Akrid here... Or we'd be putting it all on our steam...ship...." The Canid rubbed his chin, but was getting glared at, "Alright, alright, our ships.... Not that we have many of them." He shrugged, "But that's aside the point, remember the last war? Submarines? They'd be preying on our shipping the whole way. Airplanes would be preying on our shipping and convoys. On top of that, all of these militaries we're up against are extremely powerful, they'll have gigantic navies countering our shipping."

Tobias nodded as the white wolf came to a pause, but waved him to continue, "And? I sense an 'However' coming on." His ears flicked forward as he snickered lightly.

Joshua nodded, "Indeed, there is a 'However', Look at our production. We have the whole plains lands to produce grain and food. We have the mines already working, and we can easily bolster our fishing. We could cover everything in this treaty, I would suggest we trade it for Ammunition, Rifles, Gun, and even steamships."

Tobias nodded, "Very astute Joshua, is that all?" He raised a questioning brow to the white wolf who nodded.

Turning back to the Akrid king and his retainers, Tobias cleared his throat to switch back to speak like a human. "Ahem, King Silas, while I apologise, I truthfully cannot see how much better you would fare with us defending you. However, I am sure we can assist in this trade. The problem is, we'd be giving you food, coal, and Iron.... In return for guns, ammunition, and such. I am also not sure how long we can supply you during the war until the enemy decides to destroy all our transportation capability."

Tobias leaned back in his seat, slightly uncomfortable in the shirt now. It seemed constricting. However, it could be the fact he was sitting infront of another nation's king saying that Sutufinai was pretty much defenseless. He raised a brow, waiting for King Silas' reply.

Tobias looked over the documents before turning to his comrades and showing them it. They chattered lowly in their own language, conversing.

"Coal, Iron, Grain? And Fish? That is it?" Mumbled Tobias as he inspected the papers, "What do you think Joshua?" The Jackal looked around to Joshua.

The white wolf rubbed his chin as he lightly took the papers from Tobias and looked it over. "We'd either be forced to make a gigantic land-route to run either trains or caravans to Akrid here... Or we'd be putting it all on our steam...ship...." The Canid rubbed his chin, but was getting glared at, "Alright, alright, our ships.... Not that we have many of them." He shrugged, "But that's aside the point, remember the last war? Submarines? They'd be preying on our shipping the whole way. Airplanes would be preying on our shipping and convoys. On top of that, all of these militaries we're up against are extremely powerful, they'll have gigantic navies countering our shipping."

Tobias nodded as the white wolf came to a pause, but waved him to continue, "And? I sense an 'However' coming on." His ears flicked forward as he snickered lightly.

Joshua nodded, "Indeed, there is a 'However', Look at our production. We have the whole plains lands to produce grain and food. We have the mines already working, and we can easily bolster our fishing. We could cover everything in this treaty, I would suggest we trade it for Ammunition, Rifles, Gun, and even steamships."

Tobias nodded, "Very astute Joshua, is that all?" He raised a questioning brow to the white wolf who nodded.

Turning back to the Akrid king and his retainers, Tobias cleared his throat to switch back to speak like a human. "Ahem, King Silas, while I apologise, I truthfully cannot see how much better you would fare with us defending you. However, I am sure we can assist in this trade. The problem is, we'd be giving you food, coal, and Iron.... In return for guns, ammunition, and such. I am also not sure how long we can supply you during the war until the enemy decides to destroy all our transportation capability."

Tobias leaned back in his seat, slightly uncomfortable in the shirt now. It seemed constricting. However, it could be the fact he was sitting infront of another nation's king saying that Sutufinai was pretty much defenseless. He raised a brow, waiting for King Silas' reply.

"We already have a rail line to the Nile, where we purchase large amounts of cotton to supplement our current stockpiles. We can extend this to your people on the coast, and at the same time, dispatch submarines and destroyers to escort your ships. The guns, ammunition...want some tanks too? If the people of Wanderjar invade, you will need them. And we will, of course, send the people to help train you in how to use them."

Silas looked over his notes he had at the table, "We have numerous locomotives we can sell to you for a very low price. I know you have very little oil, so we will send you coal burning ones until we can get an import agreement on oil. I will also put you in contact with some of our shipping and junk yard companies, and tell them your nation wishes to purchase steam ships."

"If you are going to be an independent state in the future, you need a stronger economy, and it is in our best interest to assist you in reaching a modern economy. So, let us know if there is anything else."

When the word "Tank" came up, every last Sutfen couldn't help up at the very least snort in laughter. Not a single on remained composed. Tobias finished laughing with a *snerk* before shaking his head. "It would seem, that I came prepared aswell." He reached into a messager-bag that Nivell had been carrying and tending too. "I requested pictures be taken of the jungle, I have them, here."

He'd set them out on the table,
(Pretend their black and white, please? ;) )

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/2988025534_7afa03e0e1.jpg
"As you see here, our jungle is nearly inpenetrable via the sky. This was one of those Blessed few days where the the cloud cover breaks and the rain stops." Tobias shook his head,

http://ianshive.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/rainforest2.jpg
He pointed to another picture, "The jungle canopy. Most trees are so huge here that you can move for miles with basic skills in balance and never loose your footing."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01243/congo_1243199c.jpg
The next picture he pointed too, "As you see in this picture, I apologise for it being fuzzy, is the fact that it torrents rain for eight out of the twenty four hours of the day... Each day. It is, as you can expect, hell on machinery and troops."

http://www.kilkennytocapetown.com/Updates/congo11apr/files/page72_4.jpg
He motioned to the next picture, "This, one of our reasonably sized 'towns'. Four to five houses next to a dirt or hopefully gravel road."

http://www.kilkennytocapetown.com/Updates/congo11apr/files/page72_3.jpg

http://www.kilkennytocapetown.com/Updates/congo11apr/files/page72_10.jpg

http://www.kilkennytocapetown.com/Updates/congo11apr/files/page72_11.jpg

These, the three last pictures, he motioned too. "These are pictures of the major, yes I said major, road between Port Haven and Hadrian." He shook his head, "I realise, that all geographic barriers can be overcome. But tanks, and other large ground vehicles would be bogged down. Trucks would sink into the mud. Yes, Railroads can be built in my country. I am honoured to accept your offer of locomotives and railway material. But it would be a lost cause to send us tanks or trucks we will not use." The Sutfen shrugged,

"However. Anti-Tank weapons, I am sure, would be extremely useful. Towed anti-tank guns or those big... what do you call them? PIAT? We could use those."

"We're well aware that war is looming your Highness, no doubt about it that the hammer will fall soon. We want to be prepared for when it does, though ideally we want to be the ones striking the blow...if you catch my drift that is." Keehan replied. "Though I believe trade to-and-from the Unified Commonwealth will not be hampered by a NAP with the Wandarjarians, we're planning on introducing a convoy system escorted by Morridane warships to ensure that supplies get through."

"There is no need for advisers your Highness, so I'll have to decline for now. Our boffins have made great progress with this 'magick', over the last couple of decades they've developed a new technology which they're calling 'Mechanika'...basically mundane machines combined with magick. I have plans with me for the Accumlator Plants we've built to help supply power to Morrdh, though the project remains very much at the prototype stage I'm afraid to say. We're also willing to send over some of our Warcasters that we've been training last few years."

Keehan looked at the photos handed out by the Sutfen. "A little bit of mud didn't stop the tanks during the Last War, they certainly did better than the old cavalry. Looking at these photos, I reckon that one of our light tanks will get through this undergrowth of yours...presuming you take up my offer of course?"

King Silas nodded. "Light tanks can get through mud like that. Not to mention that with a bundle of sticks, you can create a rough road for a shot time. The Last War was fought in just such conditions. Hell, It rained more during that war than it does in your homeland. I am well aware of the conditions in your state, but a few tanks are always useful. They use treads for a reason."

One of the men at the table looked over at Keehan rather quizically. Unlike the rather dark skins of most Akridians, and the rather pale skin of their Keltoi Mercenaries, this man was a more ruddy coloration, and was dressed in rather dark and sedate colors. "This, 'Mechanicka' of which you speak. Perhaps we could work on obtaining a prototype? And the same for the Accumlator Plants? The College of Magic would be willing to pay highly for these, and to work on assisting you in perfection of the technology."

OOC:
Sorry, anyway, I can have pictures of the light tanks in your next post? =D Or atleast the name of the design/IRL Name of the tank so I can do some research?

IC:
Tobias shrugged to Keehan, "In the Great War, they were also slow moving behemoths that usually suffocated their crew, had armor that barely stopped small arms fire, moved slower than you and I can walk, and barely ever run. And if I'm correct in my brief foray into looking into these tanks... The Mud did bog them down." He shrugged, "However, I am forced to agree with King Silas here, that a few of these armored behemoths would indeed be useful."

Tobias lightly kicked Dellas when the idea of these 'mechanicka' came up. Despite being fantastical creatures that almost could be considered 'screwed up werewolves unable to change back', the Sutfen were asofar unable to use magic. On top of this, as far as anyone knew, Sutufinai was just about as dry on ley-lines as it was on oil... That is, they didn't seem to have -any-. It was like a Cellular Dead-zone, but with magic.

However, that was no reason to laugh at the magic users at the table. No matter how much derision the Sutfen applied to those who -used- it. Maybe it was Jelousy? Or maybe they sincerely just did not like magic? Who knows, because their cavalry beasts looked like beasts of magic, and heck, the population looked like magic.

OOC: Two actually I'm thinking of. The Matilda II and the M3 Stuart Light Tanks were used by British Commonwealth troops with some success in both Burma and New Guinea.

IC: "Mechanika is really just a term to describe a range of devices that combines both technology and magick, it was something we started looking into a few years back before the Great War. Only in the last couple of decades that we've made any real progress, the Accumlator Plants being the first large scale project we've undertaken. Eight have been built, or are being built, around our capital of Morrdun to help supply it with power, but the designs still need some work."

Akrid? It's your post Akird. Bump with hope?

OOC: Sorry about that folks, Triduum took quite a lot more time this year than usual. Coupled with my Sociology paper and I haven't had much time to work.

OOC:
Sorry, anyway, I can have pictures of the light tanks in your next post? =D Or atleast the name of the design/IRL Name of the tank so I can do some research?

I would suggest the M2 Light Tank (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M2_Light_Tank) or the M3 Light Tank (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuart_tank). Other options would be the M8 Greyhound (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M8_Greyhound) or the M1 Combat Car (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1_Combat_Car). All of which my forces use.

IC:
Tobias shrugged to Keehan, "In the Great War, they were also slow moving behemoths that usually suffocated their crew, had armor that barely stopped small arms fire, moved slower than you and I can walk, and barely ever run. And if I'm correct in my brief foray into looking into these tanks... The Mud did bog them down." He shrugged, "However, I am forced to agree with King Silas here, that a few of these armored behemoths would indeed be useful."

Tobias lightly kicked Dellas when the idea of these 'mechanicka' came up. Despite being fantastical creatures that almost could be considered 'screwed up werewolves unable to change back', the Sutfen were asofar unable to use magic. On top of this, as far as anyone knew, Sutufinai was just about as dry on ley-lines as it was on oil... That is, they didn't seem to have -any-. It was like a Cellular Dead-zone, but with magic.

However, that was no reason to laugh at the magic users at the table. No matter how much derision the Sutfen applied to those who -used- it. Maybe it was Jelousy? Or maybe they sincerely just did not like magic? Who knows, because their cavalry beasts looked like beasts of magic, and heck, the population looked like magic.

"Tanks have come a long way since then, and we have made numerous advances," General Stanchion Ó Nualláin stated simply, "Which make them much better then that which where used in the Last War."

OOC: Two actually I'm thinking of. The Matilda II and the M3 Stuart Light Tanks were used by British Commonwealth troops with some success in both Burma and New Guinea.

IC: "Mechanika is really just a term to describe a range of devices that combines both technology and magick, it was something we started looking into a few years back before the Great War. Only in the last couple of decades that we've made any real progress, the Accumlator Plants being the first large scale project we've undertaken. Eight have been built, or are being built, around our capital of Morrdun to help supply it with power, but the designs still need some work."

"Perhaps we can send our Artificers to assist you, in exchange for the plans to the Accumlator Plant which they assist in the construction of. The same perhaps with these, 'Mechanika.'"

OOC:
While I'm not sure the M8 would be around yet, it -is- one of my favorite vehicles. lol However The M3 seems to be my best choice at the moment, due to the M8's off road performance in europe I am hesitant to place it in the swampy bogs of my nation. lol.

IC:

Tobias rubbed his chin as his ears flicked back as he fingered the pictures. "What would you demand in return for Fifty of these 'M3' light tanks?" He tapped a claw on the picture of the M3. He leaned forward again to look at it as his advisors mumbled behind him in Sutfen tongue.

Overall there was not much to say in regards to the Sutfen delegation.

OOC: Understandable. I am not too terribly familiar with the preformance of most of the light tanks used in WWII, focusing more on the M4 and heavier tanks.

IC:
Stanchion conferred with Silas, and finally came up with a decision. The M3 was weighed approximately 13 tons, so an exchange of ten tons Iron, four tons Coal, seven tons Fish per tank was decided upon. That would come to a total of 500 tons Iron, 200 tons Coal, and 350 tons Fish for Fifty Tanks.

They where worth more than that, but it was the fairest method they had to trade for the Sutfen. Part of the plan also would send in Artificers and Druids in to map the ley-lines and create Key-Points through sustained ritual magic which would draw the ley-lines towards their cities and provide them with the ability to provide magical assistance to agriculture, fishing, and mining. The artificers would also be tasked with training the Sutfen crews in the use and maintenance of the crews, and training an Artificer for their tank crews to provide on the spot magical maintenance. This would result in fifty Artificers and a hundred and fifty Druids.

"Perhaps we can send our Artificers to assist you, in exchange for the plans to the Accumlator Plant which they assist in the construction of. The same perhaps with these, 'Mechanika.'"

"Certainly, though I believe an liaison may be needed between your boffins and ours over this Mechanika." Keehan replied as he opened up his briefcase and handed out some documents. "These contain the blueprints and technical data for the Accumlator Plants including info on how they work, locations and certain minerals required in their construction."

"Thank you," King Silas murmured as he received the blue-prints. He wasn't well versed in magic, and the math used by the Mages (OOC: All Arcane Magic Casters are called collectively Mages) of Akrid was beyond him. The Symbolic Logic of the Accolytes (OOC: Divine Magic Casters of all types are called collectively Accolytes) was more open to him, as he had been trained in the priesthood to a small extent (OOC: He one level of Adept NPC Class).

"We will be sending as the head of our team, Professor Steinmann, Department Head for the College of Artifice and Technology at the University of Akrid. He has been following your technology advances for the past year and a half, and is very interested in what has not been published in your Arcane Journals."

"He wanted to be here today, but was sadly unable to make it, due to a pressing experiment that he had to preform today. He is trying to apply levitation to air-craft through use of propellers atop the body, and for actual flight too, not just the novelty tricks preformed at fairs and carnivals.. He has a young man by the name of Sikorsky working with whom who claims it is possible, but I have trouble believing them."

King Silas shrugged. The latest news paper story on it had told of another crash, and another mangled man sent to the University Hospital for treatment.

"He is the most advanced of our Artificers, and the best Mage to send for observation." Silas turned to the Sutfen, "Perhaps you would wish to send a delegation as well, in an attempt to harness the new Key-Point that our mages shall establish in your land?"

The Sutfen delegation stayed quiet as they listened, Tobias shrugged, "Go right ahead and send your delegation. I apologise but, we have loitered too long. We must ajourn the Sutfen delegation being here. Perhaps we can meet later?"

(We can do this over TGs, I don't want to hold up the RP. I got a lil' tired of the gabbing here and I know you two seem to be having fun. So I shall step away until I am needed once more. =) )

"Aside from some matters that I wish to discuss with His Highness, I am pretty much done myself." Keehan replied as the Sutfen delegation made ready to leave. "Though before you depart I have been asked by my government to extend an invite for you to visit the Unified Commonwealth...the details are vague I'm afraid but its to do with a demonstration of Mechanika."