A Game of Crowns [IC|Closed]

by **The Knights of Azorea** » Fri Jun 17, 2016 8:36 am

The Order of the Lions Rampant, The borderlands between the Immaculate Lea and Pridlan

Seventh Year of the Age of the Comet

The Grandmaster stood in his tent, bedecked all in great flowing crimson cloth, a great cloak worn over his shoulders for warmth in the mountainous Pridlan. Before him were two documents, the first being the declaration by the King of the Order's claim to the Immaculate Lea, and the second being a map of the borderlands. He knew of the devotion and piety of the Susej, or he had thought he did, and he knew of the generosity by which they had given his men food enough for a campaign season, but the treason of secession could not be allowed to stand. The old Nun, no matter how holy she may have been, was a woman tainted by power, surely no true woman of the cloth could claim such dominion. He was eager for a battle, most of the time, but this battle would be against pious, civilized people.

He made the vow to himself that only those that took up arms would die, and that no man or woman of the cloth would be mistreated. The oath was repeated by the men he had lead at the Pridhallan, and he had written copies of the thing sent out into the Immaculate Lea, vowing to the populace that they would be unharmed unless they took up arms to defend the traitorous Angelica. The Grandmaster ensured his seal was found in every village, and with such grim business dealt with, sent out orders in his camp. The militia had returned from battle eager to fight once again, and they were sent out to their homes for a short respite over the winter. For every man that had gone, a new man returned with him.

The foundries of Pridlan began their work once more, and by the springtime, armour was ready. Now, it was a simple task to train these men, and to execute the orders of the King.

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Fri Jun 17, 2016 2:52 pm

Upper Keep, Stalvard
Stalheim, The Kingdom of Norden

2nd of Greenleaf, Seventh Year of the Comet

From atop the heights of the bastion the King looked down on the sprawling metropolis that Stalvard had become; in many way it was now a true city, larger even than Dor that was its parent. Heavy stone buildings littered his field of view, civic institutions, prominent goldsmiths, chimneys reaching up in to the sky to draw away smoke from kilns and forges. The hubbub of the marketplace was nearly deafening, but it was a price one paid when thousands of folk made this wedge of land between the mountains and the river their home.

It was well enough. With the matter of the Lea's treachery largely resolved, and the Heartguard expanding apace with proper equipment and standardized training, the King was confident that Norden was as prepared to handle any storms as it could be.

To the Sri Arjuna Mausum,

Your daughter certainly has our permission for such an endeavor; such craft is much beloved of Volund, and bodes well for our struggle to assert civilization over barbarism. As for your desire to erect proper wharves and such in Kotte, look for the coming of wains from Evarnesse bearing wood with the close of autumn. Unfortunately we have only a hundred tals to send at present, but the good men of House Au'Loren too possess vast stocks of the good.

Jarnassus Dorbeorn, King of Norden

by **Albertae** » Fri Jun 17, 2016 3:20 pm

Seventh Year of the Age of the Comet

On the seventh year, Decre was renovated and now a magnificent Craftsmen's Town stood where the measly pioneer village stood. Dorneget had the one hundred tals of wood sold and he made two thousand gold from it. After receiving the profit, he sent half the money he made from the wood as promised to Lord Simon. He also received two thousand in taxes, tariffs and donations from the townsfolk. The two thousand he made from that he proceeds to send to King Jarn as well as two batches of food for the loan King Jarn gave him.

He wrote two letters to accompany these envoys of coin and food.

From Lord Dorneget of House Cantabry,
To Lord Simon of House Au'Loran

I send you this message to accompany the profits that are so rightfully yours my friend. As you may know, I had much success this year with the renovations of Decre and the selling of the one hundred tals of wood you sent me. I thank you very much and hope that you can continue you send one batch of wood every year henceforth, so that we may continue to make profits.

Due to the success of this year I wanted to propose that we become trade partners, because of our continuing success working together. In the future, I hope to renovate Decre once again, into a magnificent city and build a manufacture in it. If this can be made possible in the future, we can both make loads of gold enough to ensure our safeties as you have most likely heard of the unrest to the east. I hope you will think on my proposal well, so that we may in the future become successful trade partners.

Best Regards, Lord Dorneget of House Cantabry

From Lord Dorneget of House Cantabry,
To His Majesty, King Jarn of the Kingdom of Norden

I write you this letter to thank you and accompany the dues that belong to you for your loan to me. With this message travels two thousand gold coins and two batches of food. I hope this will be satisfactory and you can hopefully in the future, be able to call on me for financial donation to expeditions and the mapping of the unknown easterlies.

With my best regards, Lord Dorneget of House Cantabry and Lord of the Growing City, Decre

by **ApplePieistan** » Fri Jun 17, 2016 5:03 pm

*deleted*

by **The Knights of Azorea** » Fri Jun 17, 2016 5:51 pm

The Order of the Lions Rampant, The borderlands between the Immaculate Lea and Pridlan

Seventh Year of the Age of the Comet

Lann took the choice. It was insubordination, but by the time the Grandmaster heard of it any misdeed was washed away. The young knight, beloved of the troops, took command of the militia for a simple patrol action. In the stirring of Autumn, the men were rallied up together with the righteous lust for glory that had driven them at the Pridhallan and without a moment to spare, the young Knight lead them into the undefended Lea, rushing to the central peasant town, leaving not a single corpse in their wake, simply asserting the right of the Brothers to the land, by royal decree, and handing out gifts to village elders as they passed.

As the force reached the central settlement of the Immaculate Lea, they settled in, slotting the Grandmaster into Angelica's place without changing much about the local power structure. Every church had the lion installed as an Icon, and that was all. The tax would still be delivered to the central monastery, but now it would be then sent off to Pridlan shortly afterwards. The newly named Lean Chapter of the Order would be headed by a newly instated master, Lann the Pridhallan, a man of nobility and a man close to the Grandmaster in Pridlan.

by **Indo-pasif archipelago** » Fri Jun 17, 2016 9:53 pm

Marshalstead, Crimsonmoors
Seventh of Hopemoon, Year Seven of The Age of The Comet
Faulkner visited his sons in his newly acquired land. When he chose Petre to lead in Crimsonmoors, Clement was jealous at first, but the two quickly found themselves in their own places there. While Peter would concern the everyday matter and security of the province, Clement would spent his day between the hills of Crimsonmoors, writing down any philosophical idea he had and preached his faith to the rogues and bandits.

It was recently when Faulkner commanded the building of another town. With the help of some native and the militias he used to claim the place, the Marshalstead was finished in just five moons after House Susej's visit to Ironmoors. Faulkner was here to discuss with his son about the recent events in the realm, and to collect the golds. Their new queen had asked for one thousand gold coins to be sent to her property.

(To be expanded)

Year six: send 1 gold to queen and spent 2 gold for militia,
Year seven: militia sent to tamarys.

by **The Grim Reaper** » Fri Jun 17, 2016 11:44 pm

The Peasant Village of Kotte
The Sri Arjuna Mausum, of House Mausum

The Seaborn were not a particularly pragmatic peoples, nor particularly materialistic. They could see the use of money, as a token of trust and faith, and as the driver of society. But, they were not particularly good at counting it.

Much to their surprise, a passing merchant had indicated, with no lack of humour, that House Mausum had been preparing to quite significantly overpay their taxes for the year. For that matter, they had been stockpiling taxes for the Crown far in excess of what the Crown expected. There was, however, no face lost, as a kindly court official had taken the step of quietly turning back the unexpected payments in transit, just outside Kotte.

It had been a welcome boon, as had the hundred tals of lumber dispatched to them from the Crown. It was not enough to begin building up a Kotte that dominated the seas, but it was a start.

To House Au'Loren,
from The Sri Arjuna Mausum of Kotte, Born of the Sea,

The people of Kotte have begun on a project of redevelopment, attempting to create a settlement that can become a maritime trade hub, and the gate from Norden into the rest of the world. To this end, we have begun planning for a shipyard, able to court civilian and military contracts for the construction of vessels of trade, combat, and for fishing.

To build a fishing village, our stewards estimate that we will require 2 hundred tals of lumber. We have 1 of this count, by the good grace of our King, Jarnassus. We would like to pursue the matter of an exchange with your House, in order to secure an additional 1 hundred tals of lumber.

We remain,
The Sri Arjuna Mausum

To the Grandmaster of the Order of the Lions Rampant,
from The Sri Arjuna Mausum of Kotte, Born of the Sea,

It is with humility that the Seaborn House Mausum congratulates your demesne on repelling the Skraeling threat with the Victory at Pridhallan.

It is tradition for House Mausum that, to celebrate the coming of age of our issue, that they exercise their artistic and cultural talents elsewhere in the Kingdom. It is through this tradition that we cast our unique cultural wealth to the good of the Kingdom, and introduce the talents of our Seabirth to the Inlanders who form the native population of Norden. My daughter, Dinah the Fortunate of Kotte, will soon be coming of marriageable age. Whilst, in most circumstances, she would be expected to conduct her tour when she is of capacity to negotiate her engagement, the Victory at Pridhallan is one that she believes would be an unparalleled subject for her tour.

On her behalf, I would like to ask that the Grandmaster consent to host Dinah of Kotte, that she may paint a portrait of the Grandmaster against a representation of the Victory at Pridhallan that shall be given to the Order, and additionally, to make a copy of the portrait to be displayed at Kotte, and another to be presented to the Crown.

We remain,
The Sri Arjuna Mausum

by **Yuzhou** » Sat Jun 18, 2016 1:19 pm

House Pillway

Bright by Moonlight

Lord Bantor Pillway
Ram's Rest
Twenty-Second of Lastseed, Seventh Year in the Age of the Comet

Commerce had never been a primary skill to the Pillmen. When you lived on isolated homesteads, material wealth was measured in objects rather than gold. The only trading was done between families, and was almost always a barter. The unified market of Ram's Rest was one of the many changes brought by Lord Bantor himself, and it was needed. The Pill had never been so productive. What was a rugged region of shepherds and ranchers became a place of production. Specifically, the production of iron.

That was why most foreign merchants traveled here. Metal was in abundance and at cheap prices as a result. In addition, the Pillmen were no nonsense traders, and so transactions were quick and simple. That was more than could be said for many markets around the globe.

It was no surprise that eventually royal merchants from the west arrived looking for Pill iron. The king of Norden himself needed the stuff, and Lord Bantor was willing to trade it for the right price.

But there was more on the mind of the Pill Lord than just profit. If merchants from as far away as Norden were looking for materials, then it meant they were using them in larger projects. Meanwhile, in Vaelgra things sat at a standstill. Queen Angelica had not reconquered the throne and the realm continued to swirl in chaos. Not even news from the south had come through after the eastern horde attacked. If Vaelgra was going to rebuilt, it would have to do it quickly and with strength. Pillway was of the opinion that such could only be accomplished with strict cooperation between those loyal to the new queen.

As much as the two were night and day in terms of religion, Pillway and Crimsonhold were closer to each other than they were the other houses. They both expressed interest in crowning Angelica as queen, and so by all means should be seen as allies. Bantor held a certain distaste for reaching out, but it was necessary if their kingdom and lands wanted any chance of defending itself against another foe, from the east or the west.

by **Albertae** » Sat Jun 18, 2016 1:40 pm

Yuzhou wrote:
House Pillway

(Image)

Bright by Moonlight

Lord Bantor Pillway
Ram's Rest
Twenty-Second of Lastseed, Seventh Year in the Age of the Comet

Commerce had never been a primary skill to the Pillmen. When you lived on isolated homesteads, material wealth was measured in objects rather than gold. The only trading was done between families, and was almost always a barter. The unified market of Ram's Rest was one of the many changes brought by Lord Bantor himself, and it was needed. The Pill had never been so productive. What was a rugged region of shepherds and ranchers became a place of production. Specifically, the production of iron.

That was why most foreign merchants traveled here. Metal was in abundance and at cheap prices as a result. In addition, the Pillmen were no nonsense traders, and so transactions were quick and simple. That was more than could be said for many markets around the globe.

It was no surprise that eventually royal merchants from the west arrived looking for Pill iron. The king of Norden himself needed the stuff, and Lord Bantor was willing to trade it for the right price.

But there was more on the mind of the Pill Lord than just profit. If merchants from as far away as Norden were looking for materials, then it meant they were using them in larger projects. Meanwhile, in Vaelgra things sat at a standstill. Queen Angelica had not reconquered the throne and the realm continued to swirl in chaos. Not even news from the south had come through after the eastern horde attacked. If Vaelgra was going to rebuilt, it would have to do it quickly and with strength. Pillway was of the opinion that such could only be accomplished with strict cooperation between those loyal to the new queen.

As much as the two were night and day in terms of religion, Pillway and Crimsonhold were closer to each other than they were the other houses. They both expressed interest in crowning Angelica as queen, and so by all means should be seen as allies. Bantor held a certain distaste for reaching out, but it was necessary if their kingdom and lands wanted any chance of defending itself against another foe, from the east or the west.

To your esteemed highness,

In the light of recent events, it has come to our attention that what little remains of our torn kingdom is in serious threat. Both the Pill and Crimsonmoors are in danger of being conquered by foreign armies more and more with each passing year. It is well known that house Pillway has declared fealty to Queen Angelica, and we hope you are an ally in that regard.
Because it is vital that we rebuild Vaelgra as quickly and efficiently as possible, I suggest our two houses work together to prop Angelica onto her throne and to quickly crush any remaining forces of the eastern horde, even if that means supplying our queen with all the riches of our lands until the job is done. If anything, consider this an alliance to restore stability to the realm. Our differences aside.

-Lord Bantor Pillway

Income: 1 iron, 1 gold
-1 Iron sold to Norden for 2 gold-
Remaining Resources: 2 iron, 4 gold

Eigth Year of the Age of the Comet

The year had just started anew and things were booming, so taxes came in early. There wasn't to be news of wood from the Au'Loran's until the ninth year of this age, however so things would be dull until then. Derrick decided to remedy that by trading with an old house over in Vaelgra for iron. He wrote them the letter...

From Lord Dorneget of House Cantabry, Lord of Decre,
To Lord of House Pillway

I know that tension is rather high between our two nations, but that has never stopped the influx of trade. I write you concerning the need of iron. I wish to purchase two hundred tals of iron and I will pay you two thousand gold for your two hundred tals of iron and one thousand gold for your troubles of transporting it here, because I know it is a long and far distance. I hope you receive this message in good health and proceed with my proposal.

Best Regards, Lord Dormeget of House Cantabry

He sent the message off and then sighed saying,"Why must my money come and go so freely?" He then gasped and said,"Why must my youth go away so fast?" He immediately wrote a letter to all in the realm of the Kingdom of Norden.

From Lord Dorneget of House Canatabry,
To all of the Lords of the Kingdom of Norden,

I write this concerning the fact I am not married yet. I am looking for a spouse among one of you my fellow lords. As you may know, I am a humble man and am running into a lot of wealth. I hope that someone will be kind enough to write me back saying they have a sister or daughter or niece that I may marry. An alliance with House Cantabry is a powerful one keep that in mind as well. If one of you does send a spouse for me I shall provide a dowry of one thousand gold coins. Thank you for reading this message and I hope you all have a plentiful year.

Best Regards, Lord Dorneget of House Cantabry

He then sent off the letter and walked out of his manor to smell the fresh air. His manor was only a few hundred yards from the town and he could just look at the bustling growth of it. He was proud, but humble. He was happy, overjoyed that his town had come so far and thrilled there was much more to do. He had only enough years left to raise an heir, but he needed a spouse desperately. Who will answer his call?

by **Ironsbad** » Sat Jun 18, 2016 3:02 pm

Dalsen's Stead,
Year Seven

The militia finally came from Ignston and settled down to form a pioneer camp so that it can be marked for the sight of the new lumber mill. Doesa sent word to Simon about the situation and he in return sent the four gold since his investment from Lord Dorngent has started to bare fruit and he was ahead of schedule. The House was going to ask for a loan from the Crown but investments are coming in and he sent in the lumber as the Lord requested.

The gold also came with a trade deal from the ambitious Lord. Simon believed that the Lord was looking to rival the Crown with the massive constructions that will go down in the Kingdom's history and he believed that the ambitiousness of the Lord sometimes can get ahead of him, nevertheless, a trade partner was something that the House needed and can help make the family grow even more.

To: Lord Dorngent

I send this message with the lumber as an agreement for your proposal. I believe that it would be beneficial for the both of us and for the building of the Kingdom's cities. It would be an honor to help Decree in my own way and help the both of us prosper.

Longhouse Strait, Ignston,
Year 8

With the expansion of the second lumber mill, the House would be expecting twice as much lumber as he previously had years ago. He expected to send another 1 wood to the Lord Dorngent but a letter came from House Mausum. They were living in the coastal province of Kotte and they sought out the House for wood. Simon sent a letter to them and sent the shipment of wood to Dorgent as the trade route permits.

To: Lord Dorgent

Hello my friend, peace be among you and your house. As of right now, are trade route was every 1 shipment of lumber for every 2 gold, but I come to inform that we have been able to expand our lumber production to produce two hundred tals of lumber per year. If you wish to establish a new deal that would take advantage of this, then please tell me. I will be happy to hear it.

To: House Mausum

I have gotten the message and will be happy to inform you that one hundred tals worth of lumber does cost exactly one thousand gilder. The thing is that we have a large quantity of wood and it is a raw resource and can be produce very cheaply so I make it cost equally so.

Another letter was sent to Lord Sulter pertaining to his daughter. When Chumnik did hear about this, he was understandably quite angry. Simon had to sit down and tell him," she's not like us and we can't force her to work like us. She will be taught as a governess of the family's estate and can oversee the lumber production of Ignston and she will be worth it. Besides, she will also have Doesa and you to teach how to be like a true Au'Loran." Chunmik looked at him angry but understand that he is not a commoner anymore and is expected more, Simon had to also learn how to be a noble in his own way but he was still to be expected to do more and this was it.

" Alright Pa, I'll try to do this. Don't know if I'll like it but its the best for the family. I know that she won't love me and I'll feel the same but maybe time will change that." After words, Simon wrote the letter again.

To: Lord Sulter

I know it has taken me sometime to respond to the letter because of business but I do promise to give her the proper living space and customs associated with what a proper noble should be in our House. Understand that we live in humble estate but we have all that one of noble birth needs to grow.

by **Albertae** » Sat Jun 18, 2016 3:19 pm

Ironsbad wrote:Dalsen's Stead,
Year Seven

The militia finally came from Ignston and settled down to form a pioneer camp so that it can be marked for the sight of the new lumber mill. Doesa sent word to Simon about the situation and he in return sent the four gold since his investment from Lord Dorngent has started to bare fruit and he was ahead of schedule. The House was going to ask for a loan from the Crown but investments are coming in and he sent in the lumber as the Lord requested.

The gold also came with a trade deal from the ambitious Lord. Simon believed that the Lord was looking to rival the Crown with the massive constructions that will go down in the Kingdom's history and he believed that the ambitiousness of the Lord sometimes can get ahead of him, nevertheless, a trade partner was something that the House needed and can help make the family grow even more.

To: Lord Dorngent

I send this message with the lumber as an agreement for your proposal. I believe that it would be beneficial for the both of us and for the building of the Kingdom's cities. It would be an honor to help Decree in my own way and help the both of us prosper.

Longhouse Strait, Ignston,
Year 8

With the expansion of the second lumber mill, the House would be expecting twice as much lumber as he previously had years ago. He expected to send another 1 wood to the Lord Dorngent but a letter came from House Mausum. They were living in the coastal province of Kotte and they sought out the House for wood. Simon sent a letter to them and sent the shipment of wood to Dorgent as the trade route permits.

To: Lord Dorgent

Hello my friend, peace be among you and your house. As of right now, are trade route was every 1 shipment of lumber for every 2 gold, but I come to inform that we have been able to expand our lumber production to produce two hundred tals of lumber per year. If you wish to establish a new deal that would take advantage of this, then please tell me. I will be happy to hear it.

To: House Mausum

I have gotten the message and will be happy to inform you that one hundred tals worth of lumber does cost exactly one thousand gilder. The thing is that we have a large quantity of wood and it is a raw resource and can be produce very cheaply so I make it cost equally so.

Another letter was sent to Lord Sulter pertaining to his daughter. When Chumnik did hear about this, he was understandably quite angry. Simon had to sit down and tell him," she's not like us and we can't force her to work like us. She will be taught as a governess of the family's estate and can oversee the lumber production of Ignston and she will be worth it. Besides, she will also have Doesa and you to teach how to be like a true Au'Loran." Chunmik looked at him angry but understand that he is not a commoner anymore and is expected more, Simon had to also learn how to be a noble in his own way but he was still to be expected to do more and this was it.

" Alright Pa, I'll try to do this. Don't know if I'll like it but its the best for the family. I know that she won't love me and I'll feel the same but maybe time will change that." After words, Simon wrote the letter again.

To: Lord Sulter

I know it has taken me sometime to respond to the letter because of business but I do promise to give her the proper living space and customs associated with what a proper noble should be in our House. Understand that we live in humble estate but we have all that one of noble birth needs to grow.

Current Gold: 1
1 gold and lumber from Ignston
1 Militia settles down to build Pioneer Village in Dalsen's Stead
1 lumber sent to Decree
2 gold sent from Decree
Current gold: 4( Year Seven)

Current gold: 4
2 gold and 1 lumber from Ignston and Dalsen's Stead
4 gold used to build lumber mill in Dalsen's Stead
1 lumber sent to Decree
Current gold: 2( Year Eight)

2nd Day of Summershines, Eight Year of the Age of the Comet

Dorneget received the letter from Lord Simon and wrote back,"Thank you, but I am not able to sell more than the one hundred tals of wood right now, however I will need it later for the renovation of Decre into a big city. I will sell the wood and send you your earnings later this year during wintershroud. Hopefully in the future I may have a big city where I can make much profit as well as you, so that we may rival the king in this trade of wood."

13th day of Wintershroud

Dorneget sent the one thousand gold that was Simon's for having produced the wood.

by **Indo-pasif archipelago** » Sat Jun 18, 2016 4:52 pm

Crimsonhearth, Ironmoors
Lastnight of the Redmoon, Year Seven of the Age of The Comet
House of Crimsonhold had sworn fealty to the new Queen of Vaelgra, Mother Angelica. Along with his official letter of loyalty, he sent a chest of one thousand gold coins, to show his true loyalty to the new Queen. Now they only need to attack the barbarian infested Bronze Throne. The Moors shall no longer be ruled by uncivilized khans of the north.

A letter from the Pillman had arrived today to Faulkner's attention. They had also declared their loyalty, and thus an ally for the Crimsonhold. Their request was an affirmations of joining the alliance, and Lord Bantor had asked him to give their riches for the Queen. Faulkner put on a faint smile. He didn't have anything yet, for he still needed two tals of lumbers to construct a functional mine, and his own son had pointed out about his father unwillingness to use the woods from Ironmoors' many grooves. His son didn't understand, that the grooves were hallowed and only to be used at small amount, not as much as a mine would need. Faulkner would probably asked the wood from a certain lord of Norden, and begin his own iron mine. Crimsonmoors were rich of iron ores, and if he can by some wood in exchange for irons it will be great.

On another news, his militia had reached the border of Tamarys. The priests had shown him a vision from the Sacred Fire that the Lady had asked for a purge against any lord that wasn't willing to join in the Holy Coalition to proclaim Mother Angelica as the new Queen. House Rhys would be the first to feel the true power that Our Lady had given to her keepers. He might change the name of Tamarys, Masonmoors sounds good, but he must first conquer the Rhys, and with Petre as their leader, Faulkner was sure that he can win against them.

To Lord Bantor of the Pillmen

Your willingness to ally yourself with us is highly regarded, and we are willing to help you in anything if Our Lady had given to us the ability to help, for every aids are a extension of Her Grace, and may Vaelgra be forever under Her Light.

We have prepared by ourselves a way to help our Queen, since we have found ourselves lacking suitable resources. Our army should be enough of help, but we will need more than a simple axe thrower. Your army will be highly appreciated shall you send them to help us reclaim the Bronze Throne from the dirty hands of the barbarians. We also in need of lumbers, and if you can provide us with one or a contact of other lord who might have such in their stockpile so we can buy the lumbers by ourselves.

We wished for your land to be blessed by the Light of Our Lady Forevermore, and may long and prosperous life be forever with the Pillmen.

Yours Faithful,
Lord Faulkner of Crimsonhold

by **The Knights of Azorea** » Sun Jun 19, 2016 3:47 am

The Grim Reaper wrote:The Peasant Village of Kotte
The Sri Arjuna Mausum, of House Mausum

To the Grandmaster of the Order of the Lions Rampant,
from The Sri Arjuna Mausum of Kotte, Born of the Sea,

It is with humility that the Seaborn House Mausum congratulates your demesne on repelling the Skraeling threat with the Victory at Pridhallan.

It is tradition for House Mausum that, to celebrate the coming of age of our issue, that they exercise their artistic and cultural talents elsewhere in the Kingdom. It is through this tradition that we cast our unique cultural wealth to the good of the Kingdom, and introduce the talents of our Seabirth to the Inlanders who form the native population of Norden. My daughter, Dinah the Fortunate of Kotte, will soon be coming of marriageable age. Whilst, in most circumstances, she would be expected to conduct her tour when she is of capacity to negotiate her engagement, the Victory at Pridhallan is one that she believes would be an unparalleled subject for her tour.

On her behalf, I would like to ask that the Grandmaster consent to host Dinah of Kotte, that she may paint a portrait of the Grandmaster against a representation of the Victory at Pridhallan that shall be given to the Order, and additionally, to make a copy of the portrait to be displayed at Kotte, and another to be presented to the Crown.

We remain,
The Sri Arjuna Mausum

The Order of the Lions Rampant, The Immaculate Lea

Year 8 of the Age of the Comet

After Lann's storming of Lea, the Grandmaster found it as his duty to be the voice of reason, and so lead his new militia to Lea to meet his squire and to administer the integration of the province. An audit was quickly taken, recording the possessions of all in the land, and soon the tax collectors went out to establish dominance in this fertile new land. It was soon found that the land would be able to more than provide for Pridlan's lack of fertility, with some investment in production, and with some Lumber. The Grandmaster had heard tell of the lumber produced by his neighbours in Ignston, and thanks to his recent acquisition he was in a position to afford it.

Lann, knight and chapter master as now he was, still acted as his master's scribe. He began to pen a letter to this ''Lumber Lord''.

To the Industrious Lord Simon Au'Loren,

I greet you warmly, and with a trade to propose, in the knowledge that you are a prolific trader of lumber. I wish to purchase 200 tals of Lumber, and I am in exchange willing to pay either two thousand gilders or one thousand gilders and one hundred tals of Iron.

Ever your humble servant,
Grandmaster Wulfharra of the Lions Rampant, Scourge of the North, Victor of the Pridhallan and taker of Lea.

The letter was sent, along with the stated payments (With a caravan returning the possible excess), and the Grandmaster hoped to soon receive his lumber, for without it his men would soon have to be disbanded or starve.

The letter from Kotte came as a surprise to the rough northern knight, and he took a moment to marvel at such a man as himself receiving a letter from so distant a land as Kotte, before calling up Lann to compose a letter.

To the Elegant and Artistic Sri Arjuna Mausam

I have received your letter as a humbled man, and take it as quite some honour that so distant a lord as you may have heard of my victory over the Skraelings. It would be my honour to request the presence of your daughter, and I would take it as a great gift to have the battle at Pridhallan immortalized in paint. Please accept a small token of my appreciation, an iron blade crafted from Pridlan Iron and wood from the Skraeling's banner, No match for the artistic products of Kotte, but perhaps the best we in the north may provide. Your daughter may return to Pridlan with the caravan that delivers this letter, and she is welcome to paint as much as she chooses.

Yours, Grandmaster Wulfharra of the Lions Rampant, Victor of the Pridhallan, Scourge of the North and Taker of Lea.

The blade was of masterful artistry, and the Grandmaster was glad to provide some recompense for the artistry he would soon receive from far off Kotte. A room was made ready in Pridlan, and another in Lea, the two rooms in either monastery with the best views, bedecked in whatever comforts and finery could be gathered by the order of monk-knights.

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Sun Jun 19, 2016 6:01 pm

Upper Keep, Stalvard
Stalheim, The Kingdom of Norden

13th of Frosteve, Eighth Year of the Comet

With the final proclamation of Stalheim's ascent to the status of city, analogous to the teeming environs of Dor, a new lease of merchantile and artisianal life came to the city. From the high tower where the longhouse had once stood the King listened to the hubbub of the metropolis below and smiled. The vast industries and craft guilds that had slowly developed along the trade routes of Dor were ravenous for raw materials, and the finished products they put out- lathes, woven tapestries, ploughs, all manner of good- were much sought after across the realm. It was a good problem to have, that of the house of the Dorbeorn, to try to find a use for all the gold that was now to begin flowing in to the royal coffers.

To Lord Dorneget of House Cantabry,
Your growing wealth and prompt repayment of the Crown's loan gladdens both our spirits and our cheer in these cloudy times of raveners and varlet-traitors. Our expedition has recently uncovered several lands that may indeed prove of worth to the House of Cantabry. As such, we would encourage your house to develop the lands that have been categorized, and we look to soon upon our assessors' full visitation appoint likely lieges to administrate these new holdings of the Kingdom.
Jarnassus Dorberon, King of Norden

by **Albertae** » Sun Jun 19, 2016 6:25 pm

G-Tech Corporation wrote:
Upper Keep, Stalvard
Stalheim, The Kingdom of Norden

13th of Frosteve, Eighth Year of the Comet

With the final proclamation of Stalheim's ascent to the status of city, analogous to the teeming environs of Dor, a new lease of merchantile and artisianal life came to the city. From the high tower where the longhouse had once stood the King listened to the hubbub of the metropolis below and smiled. The vast industries and craft guilds that had slowly developed along the trade routes of Dor were ravenous for raw materials, and the finished products they put out- lathes, woven tapestries, ploughs, all manner of good- were much sought after across the realm. It was a good problem to have, that of the house of the Dorbeorn, to try to find a use for all the gold that was now to begin flowing in to the royal coffers.

To Lord Dorneget of House Cantabry,
Your growing wealth and prompt repayment of the Crown's loan gladdens both our spirits and our cheer in these cloudy times of raveners and varlet-traitors. Our expedition has recently uncovered several lands that may indeed prove of worth to the House of Cantabry. As such, we would encourage your house to develop the lands that have been categorized, and we look to soon upon our assessors' full visitation appoint likely lieges to administrate these new holdings of the Kingdom.
Jarnassus Dorberon, King of Norden

Start: 9 Gold, 6 Food, 1 Stone
+6 Gold from Holdings, +2 Gold from Cantabry, +1 Gold from Falkvord, -2 Gold Maintenance, -4 Gold (Arch) for City, -2 Gold for Armored Swords, -1 Gold for Explorers [3/5], -4 Gold for Expedition [3/3]: -4
+Stone, +Lumber, +Iron | -2 Stone, Lumber, Iron for City
-1 Food for Maintenance, +2 Food from Cantabry: 5 Food
End: 5 Gold, 5 Food

Ninth Year of the Age of the Comet

Dorneget received the letter from the king on the next year in the first month. Dorneget was overjoyed by the news and sent back a message saying:

It brings me great honor and joy for you to give me these lands, so that I may grow them for the prosperity of the kingdom. As you may know I have been planning the construction of Decre and I expect to renovate Decre into a bustling city with its own manufactory and university. I will need 2 thousand tals of stone(2 Stone) to build this city. I ask you to please provide me this and with this. In return I will send you two gold ever year for two years. This will however not be the end of my contributions. With the money I make from this city I hope to fund most of Order of the Lion's Rampant campaigns in the name of your kingdom. This will take one of many loads that you carry on your shoulders off. I also send with this letter a thousand gold for the taxes that I owed you last year.

With my sincerest thanks, Lord Dorneget of House Cantabry

He sent the letter off with an envoy that had the money and then went to look at his years income. He hadn't received any wood yet so it saddened it. Later that year the lumber was sent and once again on thousand gold was sent to Lord Simon of this troubles.

by **Indo-pasif archipelago** » Sun Jun 19, 2016 7:28 pm

Faulkner signed the last letter with his family sigil. A red falcon in mid-flight, a symbol of honour and fervour that ran through the blood of all Crimsonhold. Faulkner had requested woods from a Norden Lord, the House of Au'loran. Their forests were used to power the entire Norden, and still they had more to be sold. The messenger falcon was released from its cage, and the letter was attached to its feet. This is quicker than man on horse, and Faulkner wasn't in good term with time

To Lord Simon of Au'loran

It has became known in the whole realm the quality of your woods, and many lord had requested the woods from you in exchange of golds. Unfortunately, we are in short amount of resources by ourselves, and we can only promise you one think. The lumber we asked from you is to be used to build an iron mine, and we can assure you that we will pay in return with our first batches of finest ingots. By the Light of Our Lady we will pay you fairly, or the Crimsonhold will fall forever.

From a prospective buyer,
Lord Faulkner of Crimsonhold

by **Olthenia** » Mon Jun 20, 2016 3:18 am

Volfurrow-on-Falkvord
Falkvord, Kingdom of Norden

Sixth of Mid Year, Eight Year of the Comet’s Age

Wymund Sulter straightened from his seat and gave a long, rasping sigh. The evening was late, and the air in the Lakelord’s solar was thick with the smokey scent of toasted ambergris. His healers, a trio of which shadowed his every step, had assured him that the fumes would have a most pleasing effect on his health; certainly on his sores and aches as evening fell and the day grew cooler. With Katarin’s blessing, Wymund thought, they would be half right.

To Lord Simon of House Au’Lorean

The solemnity of your promise has satisfied my concerns. Your son, Chumnik, and our niece, Lady Edyth, shall be married before the eyes of the Three. Firm shall the friendship be between our two houses; loyal brothers before the Dorbeorn king. If your son and yourself would conscent to travel to Lady Edyth’s home in Falkvord, your son shall have the unparalleled joy of leaving his lands as a boy and returning a man; wife in hand.

Signed and sealed at Oarheim,
Lord Wymund Sulter, first of his name.

Not even a sea of burnt ambergris could have done much to assuage his coffers, however. House Sulter may well have been custodians of some of the most fecund farmland in all of Norden; yet that small fact on its own did not translate into wealth. Now, as evening stole the sun’s last rays from the horizon, the Lord of Falkvord had been doing his ledgers. Road taxes. Fish takes. Grain tribute. Fines and levies. It all added up, and yet by the year’s end it all went out.

King Jarnassus of House Dorbeorn

We write to you on a matter of some urgency. For several turns of the moon, Lord Wymund has entertained the notion of marriage between a lady of Lord Wymund’s court, his niece the Lady Edyth, and Chumnik Au’Lorean, the adopted son of your vassal Simon of Ignston. While in favor of this marital union, my lord Wymund is curious regarding young Chumnik’s disposition and character. What manner of man is he? What humors and tempers dominate his person? Has he ever been involved in scandal or a legal fracas?

Make what inquiries you may, and pray respond with all due haste,

Signed and sealed at Oarheim, Falkvord
Hob Audly, Head Steward.

Yet such was the cost of exploration. The Royal Guild of Cartographers, whose services were on loan from distant Dorestead, did not come cheap. The king’s men must have their due.

But so be it.

Lord Dorneget,

We are hardly acquainted, you and I, yet I write now to ask a favor. The commons know well the amicable relations which exist between yourself and our peer of the realm in distant Ignston, Simon Au’Lorean. I am curious regarding the conduct and character of his adopted son; Chumnik. Lord Simon proposes to marry his protegé to the issue of our departed brother; the Lady Edyth – and you, closer to Lord Simon than I am – are likely better suited to lend ear to rumors and stories regarding young Chumnik than we in Falkvord.

Who is this youth, Chumnik? What manner of man is he? Help us answer this question to our satisfaction, and House Sulter shall remember who its friends are.

Signed and sealed at Oarheim, Falkvord
Lord Wymund Sulter, First of His Name.

by **ApplePieistan** » Mon Jun 20, 2016 9:01 am

Year 7, Mother Angelica

House Susej had just run out of food this year, feeding their hungry swordsmen. Now they had nothing, no food, no land, and still far from Vaelgra. She had a bit of gold from the Pillway's and Crimsonmoors, but they couldn't eat gold. All there was out her is forests and marshes and the occasional merchant going by. Mother Angelica felt teased by them as they offered to trade food for money. The platoon of swordsmen felt insulted and refused to accept how they had stuff and they didn't. Feeling they had no other option, the swordsmen took up their arms and begun searching for some of those mocking merchants, hoping to rob them of whatever food they could purchase and whatever materials and gold they had left.

ACTION: Hunt for merchants

by **Albertae** » Mon Jun 20, 2016 9:09 am

Olthenia wrote:
Volfurrow
Falkvord, Kingdom of Norden

Sixth of Mid Year, Eight Year of the Comet’s Age

Wymund Sulter straightened from his seat and gave a long, rasping sigh. The evening was late, and the air in the Lakelord’s solar was thick with the smokey scent of toasted ambergris. His healers, a trio of which shadowed his every step, had assured him that the fumes would have a most pleasing effect on his health; certainly on his sores and aches as evening fell and the day grew cooler. With Katarin’s blessing, Wymund thought, they would be half right.

To Lord Simon of House Au’Lorean

The solemnity of your promise has satisfied my concerns. Your son, Chumnik, and our niece, Lady Edyth, shall be married before the eyes of the Three. Firm shall the friendship be between our two houses; loyal brothers before the Dorbeorn king. If your son and yourself would conscent to travel to Lady Edyth’s home in Falkvord, your son shall have the unparalleled joy of leaving his lands as a boy and returning a man; wife in hand.

Signed and sealed at Oarheim,
Lord Wymund Sulter, first of his name.

Not even a sea of burnt ambergris could have done much to assuage his coffers, however. House Sulter may well have been custodians of some of the most fecund farmland in all of Norden; yet that small fact on its own did not translate into wealth. Now, as evening stole the sun’s last rays from the horizon, the Lord of Falkvord had been doing his ledgers. Road taxes. Fish takes. Grain tribute. Fines and levies. It all added up, and yet by the year’s end it all went out.

King Jarnassus of House Dorbeorn

We write to you on a matter of some urgency. For several turns of the moon, Lord Wymund has entertained the notion of marriage between a lady of Lord Wymund’s court, his niece the Lady Edyth, and Chumnik Au’Lorean, the adopted son of your vassal Simon of Ignston. While in favor of this marital union, my lord Wymund is curious regarding young Chumnik’s disposition and character. What manner of man is he? What humors and tempers dominate his person? Has he ever been involved in scandal or a legal fracas?

Make what inquiries you may, and pray respond with all due haste,

Signed and sealed at Oarheim, Falkvord
Hob Audly, Head Steward.

Yet such was the cost of exploration. The Royal Guild of Cartographers, whose services were on loan from distant Dorestead, did not come cheap. The king’s men must have their due.

But so be it.

Lord Dorneget,

We are hardly acquainted, you and I, yet I write now to ask a favor. The commons know well the amicable relations which exist between yourself and our peer of the realm in distant Ignston, Simon Au’Lorean. I am curious regarding the conduct and character of his adopted son; Chumnik. Lord Simon proposes to marry his protegé to the issue of our departed brother; the Lady Edyth – and you, closer to Lord Simon than I am – are likely better suited to lend ear to rumors and stories regarding young Chumnik than we in Falkvord.

Who is this youth, Chumnik? What manner of man is he? Help us answer this question to our satisfaction, and House Sulter shall remember who its friends are.

Signed and sealed at Oarheim, Falkvord
Lord Wymund Sulter, First of His Name.

Start: 0 Gold, Food 3
1 Gold received from Peasant Village [1 Gold]
3 Food from Farm Town [6 Food]
1 Food lost to waste [5 Food]
1 Gold spent to pad the coffers of the Royal Cartographers. [0 Gold] [3/5]
Falkvord’s investigation continues afoot [3/3]
End: 0 Gold, 5 Food.

Dorneget received the letter on the ninth year from Lord Wymund and it asked of Chumnik. Dorneget wrote back:

I myself have never met Chumnik, but I do know of the young man. I hear he is a loyal and humble young man adopted by my close friend, Lord Simon. Yes, I would vouch for Chumnik to marry your niece. While we are on the topic. I sent out letters a year or so ago and never have seen replies. I wish to be married, but I have no idea who will offer me a bride. If you offer me a bride I'd be more than willing to come to your lands and spend the year, so that you may get to know me. I too came from humble beginnings like Lord Simon and I've known him a very long time. He is what put my ambitious dreams into action. Soon I will be building a magnificent city where my future bride will live with me in harmony, however time will tell if I am ever to be married. Do you have a daughter or niece that may want to marry me? Perhaps a sister? That is all I know about Chumnik though and that's the greatest part about him. I'm sure he'll be a great husband.

Sincerely, Lord Dorneget of House Cantabry

He sent the letter off to answer the question Lord Wymund had asked and even asked a favor of the man.

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Mon Jun 20, 2016 1:11 pm

Market Square, Inner Keep
Dor, The Kingdom of Norden

The mad lord they called him. It was whispered in the byways and taverns, the tales of the lord of Torgerith. Dishonored and driven crazy by the red fury of the wilds upon the night of his daughter's marriage to the Prince Petyor upon the Iron Tooth, his lands were now ruled by a regal steward assigned to safeguard the land while the finalities of the family were sorted out. It was a strange world, with a black moon in the sky at dawn for a week and a mighty noble of Norden taken by the savage god of the forests, but the Kingdom endured. Dor and Stalvard were bastions in the endless trackless reaches of the west, teeming with men and guarded by gleaming lines of steel against any fell foes. It was well enough, for a time, and with the industries of Stalvard fully in production the water wheels of the Nibbelenflood drove day and night.

To Lord Cantabry of Decre and the Golden Acres,
Your request for wrought stone is noted by our Steward; at this time our masons have need of the resources, to erect a great Bureaucratic complex in the hold of Stalheim, but we anticipate that within the coming years our need shall be lessened. Upon those days you may look to see wains bearing stone for the raising of Decre to the status of city fully, within the next three years.
Jarnassus Dorbeorn, King of Norden

To Lord Wymund Sulter, Lord of Falkvord and Torgerith,
We write to your hand on matters three; first, it is our will that the noble House of Sulter, which hath proven herself shrewd in the dealings of men and favored by the Three, should take up the overlordship of the estate of Torgerith, so recently deprived of her liege-lord by the red madness. The heiress of House Itzcoatl, Lady Saphira, is now in the keeping of our son Petyor, and has expressed no desire to return to the lands of her forefathers by dint of marital bliss and being bonded to our House. Even so, we would not leave the folk of that land bereft of leadership and protection befitting subjects of our realm- thus we charge your house with those duties accorded a liege, to defend and nurture the folk and land of Torgerith as if it were your own, a charge we see most apt given the proximity of the lands of Torgerith to your own estates.

The second matter we pose is the matter of coin; these past two years have seen the creation of vast industries in the western vales of the Nightwall, particularly about the city named Stalvard which sits beneath our banner. Our assessors, perceiving the coffers of House Sulter as rich in foodstuffs but poor in gold, have recommended to our Castellan of Stalvard that he seek commerce with your nation, his city being most properly served by large quantities of food, and your estates of Volfurrow-on-Falkvord being veritable breadbaskets of the Kingdom. Nonwithstanding your tithes to the Crown this year, he is fully prepared to pay you one chest of gold for every hundred tals of wheat or other victuals you may be able to provide every year in gladness.

Finally, we leave the most unfortunate matter for the last. As for your inquiry about the man Chumnik, our records say ought both good and ill, in that they say nothing. It is known he is not of noble blood, nor of the blood of his father, being an adopted son, but beyond that no scribe of the Kingdom has ever recorded a matter fell nor righteous to his account. Thus we fear the matter must be left to your own discretion; the man has neither had call to come west, nor performed a deed noteworthy in the annals of the assessors nor historians.
Jarnassus Dorbeorn, King of Norden

by **Harkback Union** » Mon Jun 20, 2016 2:28 pm

ApplePieistan wrote:Year 7, Mother Angelica

House Susej had just run out of food this year, feeding their hungry swordsmen. Now they had nothing, no food, no land, and still far from Vaelgra. She had a bit of gold from the Pillway's and Crimsonmoors, but they couldn't eat gold. All there was out her is forests and marshes and the occasional merchant going by. Mother Angelica felt teased by them as they offered to trade food for money. The platoon of swordsmen felt insulted and refused to accept how they had stuff and they didn't. Feeling they had no other option, the swordsmen took up their arms and begun searching for some of those mocking merchants, hoping to rob them of whatever food they could purchase and whatever materials and gold they had left.

ACTION: Hunt for merchants

After spending days roaming the fields in search of traders, Mother Angelica's scouts have successfully located a caravan heading south east towards a mountain pass. The travelling merchants have hired some militia as escort, but they shouldn't pose a big threat to the well-armed swordsman. Their carts are stacked with food which they bought from norden's peasants in exchange for wooden and iron tools and items.

by **The Knights of Azorea** » Mon Jun 20, 2016 3:00 pm

The Order of the Lions Rampant, Lean Chapter

Ninth Year of the Age of the Comet

Lann sat in his own study now, his own squire stood before him and he sat looking out over the fertile land of Lea as his master had looked out over the infertile lands of Pridlan years before. The old Grandmaster was not yet that, Old, but he would soon cease to be fit for active military service as his years advanced, and soon his place would be taken. All knew that Lann would fill the void, the most skilled warrior of the order by far, and certainly the most eager combatant they could muster. He was a great victor, a prosperous man, and a young one. Yet, he still felt as if more were needed, as if to cement his inheritance he would need to do something truly great to help the order. Build something glorious, make his chapter richer or more glorious than the chapter in Pridlan. He aimed to do this by expanding farming operations in Lea, thereby acting as a provider for the lands of Pridlan. All would support him when his food was carted into the mountains to feed them.

First, the emergency militia was disbanded back to their fields, the lands of Lea now safe, then, Lann went to work writing letters, in the name of the Grandmaster. The older warrior would scarcely mind.

To his Majesty Jarnassus Dorbeorn, Wise, Noble and Heroic as acclaimed by all,

The traitor, Angelica Susej, has been expelled from Lea, and I have ensured the loyalty of it's peasantry. The province is back to it's status of being a taxpaying, safe and loyal fiefdom, subject to the crown. I am capable of the defense of this land with my forces with little to no expense, but I will only be able to defend this land. If the Lean army should return I may be able to vanquish them, but doing so will bankrupt me and starve my militia. I do not ask you to defeat my foes for me, I simply ask your majesty to assist my men in the patrol of the borderlands for a short time, until more solid farming practices may be established in Lea, at which time I will be able to feed enough men to fight off the Leans should they return. I also wish to make a further request of his majesty, if it is not too audacious for me to ask. I wish to invite a member of the royal family, should they be willing, to serve as a brother of the order, and to win himself glory in that pursuit. Of course, his majesty's family is already more glorious than all but the Lion above, but perhaps an individual within your royalty should like to accompany us in our assorted skirmishes with the barbarians.

Your ever-faithful sword and shield,

Grandmaster Wulfharra of the Order of the Lions Rampant, Scourge of the North, Taker of Lea and Victor of the Pridhallan.

To his lordship Wymund Sulter, Lord of Falkvord, Known to all as prosperous,

It is my deepest honour that this letter be permitted into your sanctum, so blighted as you may be, and I wish that your lordship finds himself glory in what time he has in the world, either through the fighting of the illness, or through reflection upon the greatest deeds of his life. In the meantime, I wish to ask a trade deal of you. I wish to offer you one hundred tals of iron and one thousand gilders of gold for two thousand bushels of wheat or other foodstuffs of equal value.

May the Lion grant you peace and absolution in your trials,

Grandmaster Wulfharra of the Lions Rampant, Scourge of the North and Taker of Lea.

Resources: 6 Gold, 1 Food, 1 Iron, 1 Unit of Armoured Militia in Pridlan, lead by the Grandmaster.

by **ApplePieistan** » Mon Jun 20, 2016 7:33 pm

Harkback Union wrote:
ApplePieistan wrote:Year 7, Mother Angelica

House Susej had just run out of food this year, feeding their hungry swordsmen. Now they had nothing, no food, no land, and still far from Vaelgra. She had a bit of gold from the Pillway's and Crimsonmoors, but they couldn't eat gold. All there was out her is forests and marshes and the occasional merchant going by. Mother Angelica felt teased by them as they offered to trade food for money. The platoon of swordsmen felt insulted and refused to accept how they had stuff and they didn't. Feeling they had no other option, the swordsmen took up their arms and begun searching for some of those mocking merchants, hoping to rob them of whatever food they could purchase and whatever materials and gold they had left.

ACTION: Hunt for merchants

After spending days roaming the fields in search of traders, Mother Angelica's scouts have successfully located a caravan heading south east towards a mountain pass. The travelling merchants have hired some militia as escort, but they shouldn't pose a big threat to the well-armed swordsman. Their carts are stacked with food which they bought from norden's peasants in exchange for wooden and iron tools and items.

It felt wrong, but at this time, robbing them was the only conceivable option. The the people were hungry and starving to death was not an option. Ruthlessly, House Susej's swordsmen charged at the merchants, hoping to grab as much food and supplies off their bodies as possible. Mother Angelica distanced herself from the battle, not being able to stand seeing such bloodshed. It would have made her queasy. Instead, she simply began drafting a letter, hoping it would help her clear her mind.

Dear King Jarn of Norden,

As you have heard, House Susej led by me, Mother Angelica, has migrated out of Norden in hopes of achieving great things and finding a better life for our people, notably by making myself the Queen of Vaelgra. We also understand that you have seized our estate, the Immaculate Lea, which we believe is a reasonable and understandable course of action. We're sorry to have migrated away and breaking our deal, but we ask you to not hold a grudge so that our kingdoms can achieve future peace and cooperation, and can bond together against all who seek to destroy us.

From,
Mother Angelica of House Susej

by **Ironsbad** » Mon Jun 20, 2016 9:54 pm

Year Nine

The lumber was ready and the path to Slanshire was found. This made the House look elsewhere and Chumnik was sent to Lord Sulter to make sure that he would be a good fit for his daughter. Two messages were sent ahead of the shipments and his son to the Lord and the Grandmaster.

To: Grandmaster of the Lion Order

The two hundred tals of lumber are being sent to you and in exchange, the House would like 1 gold and 1 iron if you can spare it.

To: Lord Sulter

Peace be upon you and your family. I know you have been asking around about my adopted son Chumnik, so I will be sending him to you for you to judge his worth and ask him questions pertaining to his character. I know this will be able to help you understand what the culture of the House is and make you have a sound mind if you wish to have this union between us.

by **The Grim Reaper** » Tue Jun 21, 2016 6:28 am

The Peasant Village of Kotte
The Sri Arjuna Mausum, of House Mausum

Welcoming the caravan of the Grandmaster of the Order of the Lions Rampant, and dispatching Dinah the Fortunate to Pridlan

A small caravan, flying the banner of the Order, approached Kotte, slowing down as it struck the sandy grounds heading into the village. Here, the road gave way to intricate designs, where grass had been covered over with sand over the months, and left to die. The soil had been exposed to the air again, and filled in with flowers, letting them take root around the approach to Kotte. A man bedecked in a brightly coloured cloak, from head to feet, halted the caravan as it rounded the last, rocky outcrop before Kotte. "Hail, and well-met. The caravan must stop here; the winds are picking up, and the caravan is liable to be tipped, without support. A squad is coming to help act as ballast. I am the Captain of the Guard, Sanath the Bold. I've been instructed to accompany you to the village hall."

The walk was short, the squad bringing with them spare sets of the thin clothes that helped protect the body from windchill and the spitting seas. Unlike those used by the guards, the spare sets were minimally coloured, having to their name only clearly secular markings of the Kotte coat-of-arms, and the Kingdom of Norden, in a vivid black.

Sri Arjuna Mausum met the caravan as they entered town. There was no great fanfare, beyond the typically lively atmosphere of the village. The major industries of Kotte were its primitive dyeworks, fuelling a reasonable income of gold, and its fishermen. Between them, the men and women of Kotte both endeavoured to gainly employment, trading arts and fish for the staple carbohydrates that formed the mainstay of the Nordenic diet. As they made their way through town, they came to stop at the cookhouses, which supported the communal nature of trade in Kotte. Both the arts and the practice of fishing necessitated a modicum of collectivism, with fishing boats crewed by disparate craftsmen and labourers, and the arts being shifted from painters to sculptors to bakers, and everyone in between. In addition, the cookhouses made the scant lifestyles of Kotte somewhat more sustainable.

On the menu was a gainly fish stew, lively in appearance as in smell and taste. It was not spiced, per say - the use of spices was far too expensive for Kotte - but it made heavy use of the subtleties of fermentation. Concealing a very rich garum sauce with both fresh and dried fish, it was not unpalatable for Sri Arjuna's guests, but certainly a culinary eccentricity. It was, to an extent, an acquired taste, although garum was well-known to the wealthiest of Norden as something that could be reliably imported from the coast without spoilage. Its pungent smell and taste made it perfect to impress guests, in minute portions before the healthy application of the better half of the local grainhouse to wash away any memory of the sauce. But to Kotte, it was a staple with which they could exercise an artist's touch over the most delicate processes of biology, and they'd learned to use it reasonably effectively.

Reasonably.

The Skraeling Bannerblade was graciously accepted, Sri Arjuna gushing effusively over the object. He had it quickly removed to his hall - when she arrived, Dinah clutched a charcoal sketch of the bannerblade, which she intended to commit to the painting of the Victory.

Dinah was, almost literally, the very picture of exoticism. It was typical for House Mausum to tour the Kingdom, and for many commoners, Dinah's ancestors were the closest they would come to seeing a family with roots from over the seas - even further than Vaelgra. She had bronzed skin, and the toned muscles that only hard labour could give. Like all women in Kotte, she had to pull her own weight, to maintain the costly industries of dyes and arts that fuelled Kotte's influence as the faraway land inside the lands of Norden. She'd helped to build cookhouses, haul fish, and sculpt from rock, and it showed in arms that coiled like snakes.

Whilst short, she had the typical Mausum presence - trained through a keen eye for balance and colour, and a poise that came with being perpetually aware of one's surroundings. It was not one developed through the games of social bargaining, as with the nobles of Norden, but through the very real need to espouse a spirit of exoticism and unique cultural value that was simultaneously of noble largesse and of common, physical luxurey. It had an impeccable military feel to it, but without the same reactive nature. Her eyes did not follow movement, they created it. They moved deliberately, but without intention. They were not dead, but mirrored, looking as much at her conversational partner's soul as at their physicality, shifting moment to moment as she visualized what was in front of her.

Her whole head moved from sound to sound - the world was as music to her, and she danced with it. It was here that she, like her father, most differentiated herself from her Nordenic counterparts. She had feet that could negotiate seamlessly from the deck of a fishing boat in a storm to wet sand, all the while encompassing the mystique of a Mausum noble.

Dinah the Fortunate allowed the Order's pages to assist her into their caravan, falling (with some difficulty) into the role of the passive, Nordenic noblewoman. She offered a gentle smile, and few words but for gratitude and platitude.

Trading 1 hundred tals of lumber for 1 thousand gilder of Gold with House Au'Loren

To House Au'Loren,
from The Sri Arjuna Mausum of Kotte, Born of the Sea,

Your offer of one hundred tals of lumber, in exchange for one thousand gilder, is most reasonable. By the grace of the King, Jarnassus, I humbly request that you deliver to us one hundred tals of lumber, for which we shall owe one thousand gilder to be paid on reception of the lumber.

We remain,
The Sri Arjuna Mausum

A Game of Crowns [IC|Closed]

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