Emissaries of the Ruby King

A week has past since the battle of Brittle plane and you are just starting to settle into your new lordly lives. As the sun rises a runner from the kings court comes to summon you to his majesties hall. An emissary has arrived from the shifting sands to the north. A Gnoll diplomat by the name of Furl of the dancing silk, a representative of the Ruby King.


"Mighty King Blackwell, the tales of your glorious victory at Brittle plane have already reached the ears of the Ruby court. His eminence, King Mankar III , widower of the setting sun, has sent me as the bearer of gifts to celebrate this momentous occasion. His eminence wishes for me to tell you that in you he sees a true equal, a noble and honorable King. He believes that a friendship between our mighty Kingdoms is foretold by the Gods and my visit is merely the first steps in a dance already set. He hopes that you enjoy the gifts he offers and awaits the day when you can finally meet and share wine in person."

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The Ruby King is a powerful merchant from the north, a friendship with his Kingdom would no doubt grant you trade access to his port city, however his reputation as a slave trader would sully your name with those who abhor such practices. The gifts granted to the King include 10 beautiful female entertainers, some rare silks, spices, wines, and a box of gemstones. A generous gift no doubt. Furl plans to remain in Blackwell castle with his entourage for a weeks time before returning north, during this time there will be plenty of opportunity for you to speak with him both publicly and privately if you wish. As the members of the Kings court, Brutus will no doubt wish to hear your opinions on the possibility of an alliance with the Ruby Kingdom and has scheduled a private meeting of his court for two days prior to the emissaries departure. He has also welcomed you to come to him earlier if you wish.

Choosing an opportune time to catch King Blackwell's ear while in court I would like to ask of him his opinions;

"A moment if I may King Blackwell but might I enquire of you as to your opinion of King Mankar III and his Ruby court?"

What position do you take in the matter of taking slaves or selling them? Does this impact your opinion of Mankar?

If such an alliance was struck what are the clear advantages that you can see benefitting your new kingdom?

How would such a union be received by the proletariat?

OOC:

Choosing an opportune time to catch Furl's ear in King Blackwell's court (or seeking an audience elsewhere) I would like to ask a few questions of him whilst being mindful of etiquette and relying on my skills as a diplomat to try not to offend him in any way;

"Emissary Furl, how was your trip to the Iron Ridge all the way from the shifting sands in the north?

"I am ashamed to admit that I am ignorant to the goings on in the north at this time and I am hoping you could alleviate my ignorance by informing me of the plight of the people and of course describing to me the illustrious Ruby court of King Mankar III?

"What is his eminence's relationship and attitude toward the retreating Dol Seroth Empire now that they've lost their hold on Faraway?

Ill seek out the other iron duke's. once I find one.
"Companion may I have a moment of your time?
I wish to speak to you the emissaries offer from the ruby king, is there somewhere we can talk for a moment?"

As Aizen heads toward the main gate into Blackwell Castle he notices Duke Arcamenel leaning against the wall next to the gatehouse in a nonchalant manner.

Quote :

Duke Arcamenel, "Companion, may I have a moment of your time? I wish to speak to you of the emissary's offer from the Ruby King. Is there somewhere we can talk for a moment?"

Aizen casts Duke Arcamenel a suspicious look but relaxes to meet Elessar's body language, his face changing to a more open expression.

Of course, Iron Duke Elessar Arcamenel, it would be a pleasure to listen to your thoughts on the matter. I know of a lovely little garden inside the castle grounds that is private and beautiful."

Aizen leads Elessar through the gatehouse and into the castle proper where, through the use of a various shortcuts provided by the serfs, they arrive in a small, quiet garden.

"Duke Arcamenel, you look as though you have a lot on your mind. What did you wish to discuss?

snip:

Elessar remains standing and regards Aizen politely.

"I was wondering how you feel about the alliance with the ruby king?
i have heard he could be a great ally to our king and allow him to gain extra power and trade opportunity.
Im not much for power or trade but it seems to be a good way to aid our king and he seems to want to know what we think about it.
i also want another chance to rip the throat out of our kings brother and with the ruby kings support we could track him down and end him once and for all." Elessar shakes his head trying to get the urge to hunt from his thoughts.

"So what do you say? I would like to offer the king a joint opinion on the matter if possible."

Physicist wrote:

Spoiler:

The King gives you a slow and measured stare, its early morning (before midday) so his hangover still sits strongly with him and his demeanor is more sullen then it would be if you found him later in the day.

"This Mankar I know only by name and reputation, he is a ruthless bastard from what they say, strong stomach for bloodshed. The slaves would be useful, there is no doubt in that, but from what Donk tells me accepting slave traders like Mankar and Furl into my court more then once can be a double edged blade. Ehh... Rivering and the Emperor will apparently take issue... *the Kings stomach lets out a long gurgle causing him to shift awkwardly in his throne*. And the Porlaties?, who gives a shit what the weird main land god whisperers think?!"

Quote :

Elessar remains standing and regards Aizen politely.

"I was wondering how you feel about the alliance with the ruby king?
i have heard he could be a great ally to our king and allow him to gain extra power and trade opportunity.
Im not much for power or trade but it seems to be a good way to aid our king and he seems to want to know what we think about it.
i also want another chance to rip the throat out of our kings brother and with the ruby kings support we could track him down and end him once and for all." Elessar shakes his head trying to get the urge to hunt from his thoughts.

"So what do you say? I would like to offer the king a joint opinion on the matter if possible."

I am unsure about the Ruby King and his emissary, Furl. Their penchant for slavery tells us something about the personality of King Mankar III. If he is fine with the trade and keeping of slaves then he is a man who likes to 'own' people. It is because of this that I feel uneasy about an alliance. If you remember the wording that the emissary used it seems the Ruby King expects King Blackwell to only see the positives, be charmed by these gifts and accept his offer without too much thought on the ramifications of such an alliance. He is trying to purchase a new slave but this time it's a King."

Once General Melchid has done the rounds with his holdings and tended to some matters in his estate he heads to the castle to meet with his grace.

"Your Majesty it is good to see you on this fine day, Baah. I trust your belly is full and your heart is fuller. I believe you wanted my council on the matter of the Ruby king and the offers brought forth by Furl his emissary. Well Major Lovely has filled me in on what he knows of these northerners and quite frankly I'm conflicted. On one hand I feel that this alliance could make it difficult to gain the trust of future envoys from other lords and proclaimed kings. On the other hand there is a heck of a lot of money to be gained. It's a conundrum, and I don't much like conundrums. Partly because conundrum sounds like a dirty word, Bah. I am not much for whispers so I feel we should convene in counsel with the other Iron Dukes and get one of those things going. What do you call them Lovely?" "A dialog lord?" "Yes a dye a log is it? I feel that would be best. What say you your grace. If indeed you would rather go to war just say the word"

After his talk with the king he seeks out the Dukes Aizen Steelbloom, Elessar Arcamenel, (who ever Deans character is) and invites them to convene with the king in council.

Hornet wrote:

Spoiler:

The King gathers you all in a smaller private meeting chamber in the upper levels of the castle, once refreshments and nibbles have been served the servants depart leaving you to begin the discussion. In attendance besides the King are the four Iron Dukes, Captain Donk and the Keeper, who has the duty of keeping record of the meeting.

"Well, lets dispense with the horse shit formalities, we all know why we're here. This Mankar wants to make nice with the Iron Ridge, set things up so we are best of friends. " The King pauses in his royal proclamation to quaff half a tankard of ale before continuing, "personally, i see it as a wonderful idea, gives access to his ports, encourages trade. And as all i hear about since i took over is labor shortages this and goods shortages that, or how our standing army is less then 50 men. To me it seems we could plug these holes with slaves faster then any other way! ...but... Donk here is of the opinion i should listen to what the rest of you have to say on the issue, get some... what was that word you used Donk?"

"Perspective, sir"

"Right, perspective on things before charging headlong in. Well, your all lords and advisers now, so advise me!"

Captain Donk clears his throat, after shifting in his chair and casting a quick glance around the room he begins, "If i may? Sires, the benefits of siding up with this Ruby King are obvious, but that was Furls job in coming out here, present all the good stuff, hide the crap under the rug till all the hand shakes are done. Mankar wants a solid line to the mines, Furl is just as likely here to size us up for a hostile take over as he is to set up a trade route. This trade war between the Ruby city and the Riverring merchants is the only thing buying us any time. Both sides are too invested in their scuffling to risk sending forces to claim the Iron region, i mean whats the point of owning the mines if you can't get the steel out of Faraway? My guess is Rivering will have an envoy out here to make us an offer in the coming weeks as well, they are most likely waiting a spell till our blood has cooled after that shit with your brother at brittle plane."

At this remark the King noticeably bristles.

"Look there is a lot more distance between here and the Ruby City then there is to Rivering. Any merchants plying the routs will be laid out on a platter for Rivering mercenaries. And when it comes to slaves, they may be cheap, but more then not ya get what you paid for. If i was a betting man i would say this trade war will be done before the year is over, merchants never seem to have the stomach for the long haul. Regardless of who we side with the Blackwell Kingdom needs to look more like a trading partner and less like an easy rollover before then. Otherwise this reign of yours won't likely hand over to your first born... with all due respect your Majesty."

Hornet wrote:

"If we stand to get a similar offer from Riverring then I say we, and by we I mean you your kinglyness, wait and weigh up the pros and cons. Pros is another dirty word. However let us not insult this king from the north, an opportunity like this could slip through the cracks if we are not careful."

"A valid option, Lord. But I'm willing to bet if we don't give Furl a definite yes to send back to his King they will take it as a no regardless of what else we tell them. Diplomacy has never been my strong point however, that was always B.... er.. that was never a soldiers duty to know."

Replies Captain Donk

Elessar looks to Aizen.
"How sure are you of the point you made earlier? If what you said is correct then i support your decision. otherwise.."

Elessar pauses for a moment considering the options. He turns to regard the king.
"If we take up the ruby kings offer how would we serve you and how would you wish us to use these new allies?"

The King butts in from behind his fortress of empty tankards.

"Well if we are going to be defending against one merchant band or the next, you lot need to get your arse's into gear. As lords of the Iron ridge you will need to provide troops for the defense of the realm at your kings beck and call! These are bloody times people! And i will be damned if the Iron ridge doesn't have a big stick to wave at those who think we will be easy picking!"

Iron Duke Aizen Steelbloom waits quietly and patiently. He gives Duke Arcamenel what could almost be called a grin before rising from his seat and standing in the centre of the chamber.

"Your eminence King Blackwell.......Iron Dukes...... Captain, if I may offer but a few words.

How we choose to view this situation will ultimately influence our opinion toward a unified outcome. With the protection of our loyal population and lands to consider it will be in our best interest, over-all, to agree to King Mankar III offer.

We have to accept this offer of friendship as the defence of our independence has left us depleted and not at full strength. This cannot be ignored.

I understand the conflicted feelings we all must share at this time but if we are to establish a firm foundation for the our kingdom we must understand the harsh reality. By forging an alliance we foster trade for much needed supplies and expedite our kingdom's recovery.

We should view this as a diplomatic offer of aid with an agreement in writing stating the extent of our terms of trade. This will soften the opinions of others by extolling our great King's honor and virtue, strength of character and validation as a rightful heir to the Iron Ridge.

I feel we should dispatch our own emissary to return with emissary Furl to the Ruby Court to deliberate with King Mankar our acceptance of his offer of friendship and discuss the terms of trade as I previously stated.

At the same time we can send diplomatic representatives forth to [insert names of villages, towns and cities in an area proportional to the distance from Rivering to Blackwell castle as it's radius] to inform them that the Iron Ridge is once again held by the ancient Blackwell line and seeks to open dialog and trade opportunities, fostering friendship and growth for both peoples.

This shows that you are a King intent on prosperity and harmony, good qualities to display following your bloody and violent ascension to the throne.
It is also the fastest way to ensure a swift recovery of our full strength and the foundation for our continued growth and development."

Aizen gracefully bows before the assembled lords in thanks for listening with the same expressionless grin,

"Your eminence.......Iron Dukes...... Captain."

The King sits slumped in his chair, mouth slightly opened with a confused look on his face. After Aizen finishes his monologue the kings face twitches once or twice uncomfortably before his gaze settles on captain Donk.

*Cough* "er.... I believe Duke Steelbloom is in favor of the alliance with Mankar, your highness." The captain responds awkwardly.

"Did you catch all that Lovely? Goog good".

Melchid let's lovely explain that in terms he understands.

"Well Aizen if you feel his grace can convince the Ruby king to accept the friendship on terms then I agree with your summary. I may have misjudged you, we do need a quill pusher and I think you have the right stuff for that. As for strengthening the ranks I believe Lovely can send word to the regiments and have some fine soldiers here willing to lay their lives on the line for a noble king such as your self.
Lovely write up a few letters and have me seal them, let's see who answers the call."

Elessar gives a sure nod to Aizen then bows to the king respectfully.

"i believe we all agree to the alliance with the ruby king. as the the two well spoken companions have said, on terms we have officially discussed and agreed app on."

Elessar bows to everyone in the room and take a second to regard Aizen a moment longer. with a little chuckle he regards the king once more.

"with your grace king i will take my leave."


Elessar bows once more awaiting a reply.