Rhaenyth - The Grand City (Fictional PT/IC)

[Arvanon and Vortes]

Rhaenyth
The Grand City

OOC

The year is 989AF. It has been nearly a thousand years since the fall of the Onacer Empire. The Bay of Farragona lies at peace, as it has for around 200 years. This time has allowed the flourishing of art, music, culture and, perhaps most importantly, trade. At the centre of Farragonic Trade lies the Republic of Rhaenyth, a republic, to contrast with all of the monarchies which exist along the bay. Within the walls of the centuries-old yet recently-modernised city lies intrigue, conflict and rivalry between the Patrician Houses as they squabble amongst themselves over who can garner the most favour with Farragonic Lords and make the most money from the cities, towns and villages that stretch across the region. Enter, a new generation of traders, diplomats, politicians, militants, guards and even servants, ready to make their mark on a world that could at any moment plunge into chaos. You are the citizens of Rhaenyth, and your people await you.

[The Protacan-Anzotac Peoples]

Capital Palace, Court Room

Lord Richard typically spends his day in court managing problems from loss of money to death warrants. But today was a whole new problem, a well-planned robbery occured at the storage warehouse were 2/5th of the region's treasures were stored. Richard sent a dispatch of 400 soldiers to search the area and soon the robbers were found and killed in close combat. Another problem had been civil unrest, civilians were outraged due to the fact that their petitions, demands, and request were being ignored. Richard established "The Council of Patrician Citizens (TCPC)" it was given a 20% share hold of power over Collecusos and would hear and decide on its peoples request and demands.

After that, it was his garrison, people have been claiming that they are corrupt and have been accepting bribes and selling off standard issue weapons to secret groups. Richard simply increased the wages of his garrison's salary and and allowed the selling of certain military items. Lastly there was food, even though Collecusos is the richest house doesn't mean all of it goes to food, not even some of it. The lowest of amount that Collecusos spends is on food which is about a estimated 9%-10% but Richard has finally decided to change that to 30% and he dropped taxes on food for the whole week. Richard stood and everyone bowed, he dismissed them all and went outside to the fresh smelling air. He took a walk up the district and came upon a bundle of meat shops, he walked quickly as the smell was clenching down to his stomach.

He arrived upon the church which was a 25% sharehold of power owner. He went inside and prayed along his priest and ministers for three hours and then travelled to the War Council chambers, they were fiercely concerned with the outside nations threatening Rhaenyth.
They talked and debated on a draft, then considered a conscription, after that they thought on a formed alliance with Rhaenyth to defeat the opposers, everything would be funded by Collecusos, and so they decided that a conscription and alliance was to be put in place, those from 15-40 years of age were to join the military for certain amount of time depending on age and those who wouldn't will be forced to pay and outrageous penalty and give up 1/3 of their land to the Civil Council.

The Rhaenyth Alliance

---

From, Lord Richard Collecusos
To whom it may ever concern,

Hello whoever is reading this, after debating with my council we would like to propose a alliance with the rest of Rhaenyth. As you know, the opposers outside of us are eager for land and war, and while we are not banded together it makes us more unorganized and vunerable. I ask to create a pact to defend against those ravagers and keep the peace within Rhaenyth once again. It will be well funded by Collecusos and we will contribute most of our resources. We hope in making one big army with several divisions, regiments, etc under a experienced, appointed leader that we all can agree on.

Signed,
His Most Serene Grace, Lord Richard Collecusos
Chief Councilman George Willis

[Imperial Esplanade]

Estate de Aguerion
Council Chamber

---

"My Lord?" Inquired the bewildered councilman, a man of equal physical stature who had been appointed to serve as one of his personal advisors following their tenure together in the Rhaenythian army. Brannyn sighed, his eyes looking down at the parchment letter sent from Lord Richard of House Collecusos, only to glance back up to each of the individuals present. "Why, do you all think, House Collecusos wants us to be a part of this?" Brannyn asked aloud, half-hypothetically but also wonderingly over whether any of his advisors had any sort of insight on the matter. After some time of silence, as the question posed by Brannyn was met with obvious collective uncertainty, Brannyn continued on. "A standing army that is primarily funded by House Collecusos is practically one that owes its' existence to it; and one that is, effectively, owned by House Collecusos." Brannyn rolled the scroll back, sliding it across the table, and shook his head. House Collecusos was certainly the most affluent, and flashy, of them all, but Brannyn was taught from an early age that the prosperity of Rhaenyth mostly relied on the contributions of House Aguerion. If it weren't for his House, Rhaenyth would be without much of its' finest stonework, or its' best ships to conduct trade. Brannyn was taught that House Aguerion was practically the backbone of the Republic of Rhaenyth, and one who owes its' survival and prosperity by not getting tangled in with, as he thought, were similar possible plots and acts of deception such as this. After a few minutes of Brannyn's fingers tapping on the table, and his eyes fixating on the scroll, his eyes scanned the faces of those in his council chamber. "This is what we will say..."

Lord Richard Collecusos,

You have the assurance of House Aguerion that any such acts of hostility by our enemies will be met with those of vengeance by the Republic of Rhaenyth.

If such a circumstance were ever to arise, of course we will fulfill our pledge of support to the Republic. We will defend it, no matter the cost.

-Brannyn Aguerion IX

[The Protacan-Anzotac Peoples]

Capital Palace, Jesek Province

After reading the response, Richard decided there would be no need for any allies, he told his servants to pack his items, he was going to his private estate to think, he was going to also bring his pregnant wife, 800 guardsmen, 25 servants, and 4 mistresses. His wife would also bring along her maidens and ladies in waiting. Field-Commander Arnold Wilson will head the guardsmen at his estate. Richard did not give an exact date of when he'll return but leaves his Chief Councilor as Lord Regent of Collecusos.

Commander Arnold Wilson and his officers overlooking the marching guardsmen

[Arvanon and Vortes]

Estate of House Viados
Office of the Patrician

Sioch Viados knocked on the door to the Patrician's office. The frail "Enter," signalled to him that he was expected. Sioch opened the wooden door to be met by his father, the ageing Doge of the city, Teldan Viados, known as 'the Old' by many in the city, gazing over letters and parchments, quill in hand and inkpot on the table. The Doge looked up, and back around to Sioch.

"Ah... I wondered when you would be coming," Teldan said, before coughing loudly. He stood slowly, pushing his chair to better face the second chair at his desk. Before he could fully do so, Sioch assisted him, knowing that his frail condition might make such a movement difficult. The Doge waved his hand in dismissal, and Sioch obeyed, sitting in the chair now opposite his father. The old Doge smiled. "You would enjoy this job, Sioch. Parchments, reading, writing, communicating... I could imagine it would be a worthwhile experience for you!" The Doge began to laugh between raspy breaths, "You may well enjoy it better than I have. Now, son. What news do you bring me?"

Sioch held out the parchment, the yellow seal of House Collecusos broken on the front, "This came from Richard Collecusos. He appears to be on the warpath, for some ungodly reason."

"Ah, the hot-headed House Collecusos," Teldan replied, his voice with both good humour and concern within it, "He is young and hot-headed. Just like his father, before he became old and hot-headed. Now the father is dead, with a hot-headed legacy," the Doge again laughed, "If Collecusos is not the death of Rhaenyth, she will last until the end of days. Best not concern yourself with their affairs. With all good fortune, Richard Collecusos will get himself killed before he can cause any lasting damage."

Sioch nodded, taking back the parchment. As he rose to leave, Teldan grabbed Sioch's wrist. Sioch paused for a moment, before sitting down.

"Son... I know the gods have plans for you. It appears they will soon be out of plans for me. I am dying, son."

Sioch's usually stoic look was shaken. He and all members of the council knew that the Doge was to be dead soon. The only question was this - were they ready to live without him? Sioch smiled warmly, "Best not to think of that. You have much to do even now."

Teldan nodded, "But even so, I feel weary. I cannot ensure that you will succeed me as Doge, but I can ensure that you have the best chance once I am gone," Teldan coughed once more, "When they meet to choose the next Doge, your good debating skills will be useful, but you need to have a position of power also. Therefore, I am expanding your position. You will now be in charge of all of our family's assets abroad."

Sioch was taken aback, "Father, I..."

Teldan waved his hand, "I know you are ready, but in this manner, you may require practice. Organise a trade agreement, or engage in an isolated deal with other nations. I don't mind what you do. Just do what you think is right."

Sioch nodded. He was being given a lot of responsibility, but he felt he was ready. As his father waved him out of the room, his mind was abuzz with possibilities and thoughts on what he could do with the family's trade endeavours. He would make his father proud.

[House of Judah]

City of Rhaenyth
Military District

William was well aware of the necessity of spectacle. People talked about spectacles. The daring heist that had stolen so much had set tongues wagging to the humiliation of the Collecusos. A bolder display was necessary to reverse it, and this was certainly a bold one. His armor, as well as that of his honor guard, glittered in the sunlight. Behind them was were dragged the remnants of the robbers and their families, and behind them followed the rest of the soldiers who had joined William to hunt them down. An example to all who would undermine his house the lengths and punishments that would be inflicted in turn.

Marching them through the military district ensured the soldiers of every house witnessed the display, and therefore it would be known by every great family and in every tavern and whore house in the city. Before the day was out it would be on the tongue of every denizen of Rhaenyth. Another feather in his brother’s cap to remove the black mark of allowing the theft in the first place.

The parade continued out of the Military District, across the river into the Market District where they passed slave stalls, a reminder to his prisoners of just one of the many fates that may await them. Finally they arrived in the district run by the Collecusos. The prisoners and the majority of the men retired to a barracks while William and the rest of the honor guard proceeded to the Collecusos palazzo. He dismounted at the stable and greeted the hand by name.

“Is Lord Richard in?” he questioned.

“I’m afraid not, sir,” the hand replied. “He has gone to the country estate.” William paused a moment on hearing his half brother had gone into the country.

“Did he take a guard with him?”

“Aye. Eight-hundred and fifty men.” William barely kept himself from flinching.

“Well, I imagine he has left Master Willis to lead in his stead. I will go speak to him about the accomplishments of my expedition.” William smiled to the man then left the stable and proceeded into the house. He made his way to George Willis’s office and ensured the door was firmly shut, thus muting any sounds from the room.

“Has he lost his ever-bleeding mind?!” William shouted at the hapless councillor. “An eight-hundred and fifty man bodyguard on an impromptu trip into the country? While another four hundred outside the city and nowhere near by to provide assistance? Tell me, George, tell me. Does he have any idea how close we could have been to ruin today? For half the day our enemies within this city outnumbered the guard we have present by more than two to one. If the Doge, who hates, us by the way, was able to throw the city guard at us as well his own household guard, it would have been near eleven to one. The streets could have run red with Collecusos blood and there would have been not a thing either of us could have done about it. And just what in the hell is he doing out in the country anyways? He can’t influence this city from the countryside, he needs to be here. Here where he can sit in council. Here where he can manage the trade empire. Here where the household guard can protect our family.” William turned away and walked to a table. He rested his hands against it and leaned over, breathing deeply for a few beats. “I am his sword and his shield, the tip of his spear, and he has left me behind. He is unguarded in a world that hates us.”

“I would not say he is unguarded,” George responded carefully. “I don’t know why he has gone to the countryside. Nor when he will return. But I tell you what I do know. You love your brother. And your family. And you are here now. You will defend the family until Lord Richard returns. And when he does, you will defend him too.” William nodded.

“Very well. But I will send messenger requesting an explanation for his actions. Hopefully he will respond, or better yet, return.”

---

City of Rhaenyth
Palazzo de Piassos

“And what can you offer my grandson as a dowry for his marriage to your daughter?” Lorenzo Piassos II asked the man before him.

“A dairy estate in the south. Produces cheeses sold throughout Farragona Bay.”

“And in exchange your mills will supply all the wheat to the Piassos kitchens at the agreed price.” Lorenzo nodded. “I believe we have a deal. I’ll inform the Temple of the coming wedding.”

“You are, as always, a gentleman,” the other patrician replied before rising to be escorted from the house.

“Is there any further business?” Lorenzo asked of his secretary.

“Yes, Master. A letter from Richard Collecusos,” he informed his employer.

“Collecusos,” Lorenzo repeated as his face contorted. “What do those degenerates want now?” He grabbed the letter and read through, then scoffed and threw it into the fireplace. “I’m sure my lack of formal response will be response enough for that little fool.”

“Of course, Master.” With business finished, Lorenzo went to his private sanctuary for afternoon prayers.

[Balerion the Dread]

The Harbour

Salt.
That's all she had smelt for weeks. Salted food, salted water, Salted air, salted men. Salt was said to be a luxury, fit for a Queen. And yet...

By the end of this voyage I would hope to never taste it again.

Wind whipping through her raven hair, Queen Theodora let out a small sigh. They had set sail months ago, bound for Rhaenyth, the Great City her father had sung such sweet tales about. The land of gold, and crafts and merchants and power. The voyage had not been unpleasant entirely. Her Flagship, a magnificent carrack named Helion's Pride, was luxurious enough, with great chambers and heavy oaken carvings. It's exterior was wrought with golden paint and it's hull adorned with endless carvings of her Kingdom. While ponderous, the vessel had been a pinprick of civilization in the vast, and treacherous sea.

Today was the second day they had seen Land, having crossed into the great mouth of the Rhaenyth Bay, yet only today, in the small hours of the morning, had they been able to make out the hazy lights that denoted their destination far on the horizon. Now, nearly noon, Helion's Pride was gliding into the Port City like a leviathan. It dwarfed almost every other shp on the harbour, and its beauty caused great see among the plebeian classes of the dockyard. Great cheers lifted from their lips as they saw the Queen, elegantly perched as she was on the prowl of the vessel. The ship was designed to make a spectacle, to showcase the power of her Kingdom, and she was the crowning achievement.

Glinting in the sunlight like a human jewel, the Queen wore a pure white dress, made of soft samite, and threaded with cloth-of-silver thread. Her sleeves and collar were rimmed with thin, white ermine, dotted with flecks of black, and a heavy cloth of silver train fell behind her. Stop her head, sat a delicate silver tiara, set with a thousand glittering diamonds. A true Queen.

A City of the common man, Theodora thought with a smirk As if the Common man knows what he wants. There is more to life than trade, or money.

Her father had once told her that Solacars had the power to enslave the entire Bay, should the King choose to. Her ancestors had stayed their hand, bought with the bounty of peaceful trade. The wealth that flowed uninterrupted aorund the region was a boon for all this involved, I closing Solacars, and Theodora hoped to keep it that way.

I have not only now brought peace to my own lands to see them slide back into War.

The cheers grew louder as Helion's Pride slowly pulled into its slotted spot at the harbour. As if the entire city had turned out to see her, the dockyard was crowded with people, from beggars, to sailors, to merchant.

"Your Majesty," a voice called from across the deck. "We await you below, to disembark."

The Queen turned elegantly away from the rail, and smiled. Zoe, her handmaiden, stood at the top of the stairs that lead to the forecastle. She had never left the capital before this trip.

"Look at them all Zoe," Theodora said, raising a hand to save at the clamouring throngs below. "All here, for us."

"For you, your Majesty, it is not everyday that they get to see a Queen."

Theodora scoffed.
"They come and cheer and wave and welcome royalty with open arms, yet deny themselves the divine rule that comes with the institution of Monarchy."

"Such is the fallacy of Republics, your Majesty."

Theodora smirked, and began down the stairs, to the heavy oaken gangway that connected the hulking ship to the dock.

"Come along Zoe, Nikephorus will want us all ready to get off right on schedule. Just be prepared for whatever boorish bureaucrat this City sends to greet us."