Episode 11

[Bynw]

 * Playing 'recap.txt' to #Teara-Adan with 1300ms delay
[19:22:56] <.Bynw> ****************************************
[19:22:57] <.Bynw> **
[19:22:58] <.Bynw> **   The Winds of Change - Episode 11
[19:23:00] <.Bynw> **
[19:23:01] <.Bynw> ** Beginning Adventure Recap
[19:23:02] <.Bynw> **
[19:23:04] <.Bynw> ****************************************
[19:23:05] <.Bynw> **
[19:23:06] <.Bynw> ** The formal investing of the Lords of
[19:23:07] <.Bynw> ** Warp Wood has begun. The assembled
[19:23:09] <.Bynw> ** new lords have gathered in the cooling
[19:23:10] <.Bynw> ** confines of the great hall.
[19:23:11] <.Bynw> **
[19:23:13] <.Bynw> ** Here the Lords and the people have 
[19:23:14] <.Bynw> ** gathered. The procession is led by
[19:23:15] <.Bynw> ** Warp Wood's Bishop Nidor and one of
[19:23:17] <.Bynw> ** the ranking Druid priests of the area.
[19:23:18] <.Bynw> **
[19:23:19] <.Bynw> ** The Lords are standing before the 2
[19:23:21] <.Bynw> ** priests who invest them with the symbols
[19:23:22] <.Bynw> ** of the Monarchy of Warp Wood.
[19:23:23] <.Bynw> **
[19:23:25] <.Bynw> ** Chadwick, the Druid priest, begins the
[19:23:26] <.Bynw> ** laying on of hands and presents each
[19:23:27] <.Bynw> ** lord in turn with a signant ring and 
[19:23:28] <.Bynw> ** demanding the promise to protect Warp
[19:23:30] <.Bynw> ** Wood and all of its peoples.
[19:23:31] <.Bynw> **
[19:23:32] <.Bynw> ** Bishop Nidor then places a hammered 
[19:23:34] <.Bynw> ** golden circlet on each of the lord's
[19:23:35] <.Bynw> ** heads. He to demands a promise to
[19:23:36] <.Bynw> ** protect Warp Wood and all of its peoples
[19:23:38] <.Bynw> ** from each of the Lords.
[19:23:39] <.Bynw> **
[19:23:40] <.Bynw> ** Bishop Nidor and Master Chadwick then
[19:23:42] <.Bynw> ** announce that Warp Wood has its new
[19:23:43] <.Bynw> ** kings and queen:
[19:23:44] <.Bynw> **
[19:23:46] <.Bynw> ** Their Majesties: Antillies, Coch, Jack,
[19:23:47] <.Bynw> ** Kevin, Seth and Charissa. Long may they
[19:23:48] <.Bynw> ** reign.
[19:23:49] <.Bynw> **
[19:23:51] <.Bynw> ****************************************
[19:23:52] <.Bynw> **
[19:23:53] <.Bynw> **   End of Adventure Recap
[19:23:55] <.Bynw> **
[19:23:56] <.Bynw> ****************************************
* Playback of 'recap.txt' complete
[19:27:13] <+Seth> ::Holds up his hands for the applause of his assembled people and steps forward to make his speech::
[19:27:13] <.Bynw> *The people cheer as their Lords are acknowledged before them
[19:29:11] <.Bynw> *The crowd dies down to listen as Seth speaks
[19:29:29] * +Kevin looks at Seth, waiting for a speech
[19:30:09] <+Seth> "People of Warp wood, we intend to usher in a new reign of peace and prosperity for Warp wood. We the High Lords will be choosing lords from amoung the people to help usher in this new era."
[19:31:15] <+Seth> "We declare this day to be a day of anual festivity. The founders day!"
[19:32:42] <+Seth> ::Raises his hands again to wave to the people and steps back, looking to the other lords to see if any of them have something to say::
[19:34:08] * +Kevin sits in silence
[19:34:36] <.Bynw> *the people again cheer for their new lords*
[19:34:36] * +Jack walks up to Seth.
[19:35:06] * +Jack turns and addresses the people.
[19:37:06] <+Jack> "Let me give you an exmple of how easy it is to take a step towards prosperity.  Right now, fishing is down because of the bad conditions of nets here in Warp Wood.  But . . . if we help pay for net repair, fishing catches will get bigger."
[19:37:43] <+Jack> "And this will put more money in both the government treasury AND fishermens' pockets."
[19:38:51] <+Jack> "We'll be looking for more ways like this, too.  Ways that will help both the kingdom and the individuals to have greater prosperity."
[19:40:01] <+Jack> "We can . . . and will . . . work together to bring prosperity to Warp Wood on a level that it has never seen before."
[19:40:30] * +Jack waves and turns to the others to see who wants to speak next.
[19:41:05] * +Antilles looks to see who will go next, and signals that he will go last.
[19:41:47] * +Kevin shakes his head slowly, indicating he will not go
[19:42:18] * +Antilles nods, and walks forward.
[19:43:30] <+Antilles> "Greetings, people of Warp Wood. I am Antilles. I seek the same things my fellow lords here want for you all. However, you should be aware that as we grasp for the future.. there will be others who will seek to take from our grasp the things we strive for...
[19:45:06] <+Antilles> In order to keep this land as your own, I ask that the able-bodied men among you that will choose to do so, will step forward, and seek training in order to defend your country in any time of need. I will personally oversee this training, and I will appoint officers to maintain a regular militia. Heed these words well.. Long Live Warp Wood!"
[19:45:43] * +Antilles waves to the crowd.. and resumes his former place on the stage.
[19:48:16] <.Bynw> *Bishop Nidor gives a blessing to the New Lords and all the assembled people and the Kingdom. Thus ending the official ceremony*
[19:49:28] <+Antilles> "Well said, I think.. Seth.. James."
[19:49:40] * +Antilles nods to each man in turn.
[19:49:45] <+Jack> ::under his breath:: "And may we walk in the flow of the akasa, and may it guide us and empower us as long as we rule"
[19:49:48] * +Coch leaves the stage and walks into the crowd.  He stops upon reaching an elderly gentleman and says  "Well met Miles, I'm glad you could attend the ceremony"
[19:50:59] <.Bynw> *Miles is happy to meet again with his King*
[19:51:33] * +Jack 's attention goes to Antilles. "Yeah, I think it went well."
[19:51:52] <+Kevin> "Me as well. Good speeches."
[19:53:08] <+Seth> ::Steps up beside Jack and Kevin:: "So where is the local Tavern then? I think it's time for a drink wouldn't you say?"
[19:53:10] <+Antilles> "I want to set-up a registration post immediatly at the palace.. and I want to send criers into the streets to make the people aware of it."
[19:53:46] * +Antilles looks at Seth
[19:54:04] <+Antilles> "Yes, that would be appropriate.. we need to get in with the common people here."
[19:54:24] <+Coch> "Miles when you have  the chance I would appreciate any suggestions you may have to help the kingdom grow and prosper.  There is no rush in completing this task and I thank you for your help in advance" 
[19:54:38] <+Jack> "I need to do some work then to get you funds for the army.  We need to make sure that we maintain a good cash flow as we develop it."
[19:54:54] <.Bynw> *Miles* "Yes Sire .. anything we can do for you of course"
[19:55:00] <+Jack> "But that can wait until we have a few drinks, yes."
[19:55:03] <+Antilles> "Is fishing the only resource here Jack?"
[19:55:06] <+Kevin> "I think Seth has a good idea with the drinks."
[19:55:17] <+Seth> "Ummm...yes, exactly what I was thinking Antilles, esspecially the barmaids." ::Heads off to ask where the local tavern is of one of the local folk::
[19:55:39] * +Antilles grins and moves off after Seth
[19:55:49] <+Coch> "Miles enjoy the festivities and if you need anything please feel free to call on me" 
[19:55:53] <.Bynw> *the local tavern is easy to find *
[19:55:57] <+Antilles> "Come on Jack.. we can talk at the tavern"
[19:56:11] * +Jack nods and follows Antilles.
[19:56:31] * +Kevin follows the group
[19:57:00] * +Coch bows slightly and goes to find where the other lords
[19:57:08] <+Jack> "Fishing is the big one.  The land isn't good enough to produce a big surplus of crops for export."
[19:57:31] <+Antilles> "What about metals, or gems?"
[19:58:07] * +Antilles gives a side-long look at Seth
[19:58:30] <+Antilles> "Seth.. look here ::indicating his conversation with Jack::
[19:58:51] <+Jack> "I'll have to look into mining.  Not much has been done so far, but it's a possibility.  Also pig-farming.  Pigs don't use the resources that cattle or sheep do."
[19:59:10] <+Seth> ::Looks a bit irritated at being held up from his celebration, but pays attention to Jack::
[19:59:20] <+Antilles> "Jack, Seth.. what if we were to petition the Church for funds in order to boost the economy of Warp Wood into activity?"
[19:59:46] * +Coch arrives at the tavern and joins the other lords already in conversation
[20:00:17] <+Jack> "Right now after fishing, the best income is in fruits and some kinds of lumber."
[20:00:58] <+Antilles> "Lumber.. aye, that sound very profitable. We will need mills to refine it, and at least a few ships to carry it."
[20:01:04] <+Seth> "I think I'd rather sleep with the pigs then be indebt Bishop Nidor." ::Motions the barmaid over as he takes a table at the tavern::
[20:01:29] <+Antilles> "Do any of you know how much gold is in the coffers of Warp Wood?"
[20:01:37] <.Bynw> *the tavern is giving the Lords everything they desire*
[20:01:43] <+Kevin> "Not I."
[20:02:00] <+Jack> "Depends on how fast we can make it pay, buy I'm wary of beign in debt to the Chirch, too."
[20:02:13] <+Antilles> "Aye, it was only a thought.. "
[20:02:33] <+Seth> "Not me. I thought I was in charge of the Law around here?" ::Again looks irritated::
[20:03:00] <+Jack> "It is a possibility, but only for small loans we can pay off fast.  We'll see . . . "
[20:03:08] <+Antilles> "In charge of the Law?"
[20:03:54] <+Seth> "Yes, the crime and it's prevention, incarciration of criminal and such?"
[20:04:12] <+Antilles> "Oh, I see.. you want to be Sherrif."
[20:04:48] <+Jack> "The funds are fine for now.  But if we build the Army, we'll drain them unless we ramp up the economy.  That'll be my big project for a while."
[20:04:51] <+Seth> ::Looks even more irritated, near down right sour:: "No, I want to be incharge of the sherrif."
[20:05:00] * IIsi50MHz has joined #Teara-Adan
[20:05:02] <+Antilles> "Fine by me, Seth.. my training is more about external trouble."
[20:05:56] <+Seth> "Well good, I've heard crime is a problem here in Warp Wood and I intend to keep my citizen's safe."
[20:06:39] <+Jack> "Well, consider monetary fines if your crooks can afford them.  We can use the cash."
[20:06:51] <+Antilles> "Just dont feed them to Jack's pigs, alright, Seth?"
[20:07:15] * +Antilles grins at Seth and Jack
[20:07:27] <+Seth> ::As soon as the barmaid drops off the drinks, he takes a large drink, near to draining the glass in one drink:: "Ah, that's better."
[20:08:30] <+Seth> ::he chuckles at Antilles humor::
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[20:09:39] <+Antilles> "I still feel in the dark about the lay of the land though.. are there any maps back at the palace?"
[20:10:25] <+Jack> "If not, we need on made."
[20:10:32] <.Bynw> *Charissa* "There are maps. But they arent very detailed. A lot of the land is jungle"
[20:11:13] <+Kevin> "Aye." Kevin drinks slowly, downing it slower than the rest
[20:11:17] <+Antilles> "Thank you Charissa.. we need maps that show the concentrations of the population.. and weak spots that foreigners may take advantage of."
[20:11:46] <+Jack> "And potential spots we can develop resources in."
[20:11:59] <+Antilles> "Excactly Jack"
[20:12:10] <+Coch> "I've asked a friend, a town elder, from a small village up the coast for some suggestions in helping the kingdom grow and prosper.  He may provide good ideas for us"
[20:12:33] <+Antilles> "Is that right Coch? Why did you not invite him so that we could meet him?"
[20:12:43] <+Jack> "That's a great idea, Coch."
[20:13:16] <+Seth> ::Again signals the barmaid over, once she get's to the table:: "Dear, go fetch the owner of this establishment for us please, and another wine for me while your about it."
[20:13:39] <+Antilles> "Perhaps Coch is onto something here.. perhaps we should seek out the elders of Warp Wood, and put them in positions of authority so that they may help govern and offer wisdom in this."
[20:13:51] <+Coch> "He is a humble man and you are all Lords and a little scary" ::Coch says winking::
[20:14:12] <.Bynw> *the barmaid comes back with the owner is short order ... a young man who seems very pleased that the Lord of Warp Wood are here*
[20:14:57] <+Coch> "Exactly my thinking Antilles, who better to know what needs to be done to improve the kingdom. Plus it will free us up for more important tasks"
[20:15:14] <+Antilles> "Good thinking Coch."
[20:16:10] <+Seth> ::Stands and shakes the man's hand:: "My name is Seth Veneficus. We would like to hear from the locals here on Warp Wood. I invite you to have a conversation with us."
[20:16:44] * +Kevin nods to the owner
[20:16:53] * +Antilles reaches out a hand to the tavern owner to shake
[20:17:04] <+Seth> ::Down the rest of his first wine and takes the seconed from the barmaid, winking at her as he does::
[20:17:45] <+Jack> "Name's Jack here.  Grab a seat and a drink and tell us what's on your mind."
[20:17:58] <+Antilles> "Please, sit with us, Sir ______ ...."
[20:18:42] * +Antilles looks at the man as he speaks, trying to get his name
[20:20:40] <.Bynw>  *the barkeep sits with the Lords ... and advises the his name is Steffan. Athough Warp Woods capital is a port, there isnt much traffic .. which of course would increase his livelyhood*
[20:21:25] * Lia has quit IRC (Connection reset by peer)
[20:21:29] <+Antilles> "Indeed, Steffan.. what do you think would draw more traffic here?"
[20:21:58] <+Antilles> "I can think of a few things.. :: looks at Seth :: "
[20:22:41] <+Antilles> "But, Im interested to hear what you have to say."
[20:23:57] <.Bynw> *Steffan* "Travellers from outside of Warp Wood ... or even the territories"
[20:24:49] <+Antilles> "If we were to cut a road through the jungle.. and wall it up.. we could become the main artery of supply in both directions."
[20:25:02] * +Antilles winks at Jack
[20:25:39] <+Antilles> "We could offer secure travel and transport of goods to the main territories and to any ocean routes."
[20:25:40] <+Jack> "That'll take a big investment . . . but we can cut it way back if we use convict labor."
[20:25:55] <+Seth> ::Fixes Steffan with his eyes:: "And what about smugglers?"
[20:26:19] <+Kevin> "If we can pull it off, it sounds like it would be a good idea to me."
[20:26:36] <+Antilles> "A big investment, with a large payoff when we charge for use of our road."
[20:26:50] <+Antilles> "and the ships in our port"
[20:27:21] <.Bynw> *Steffan* "As long as it brings more people to my door i'm for it"
[20:27:50] <+Jack> "Oh yeah, it'd be worth it.  But we can't spend what we don;t have.  Maybe with convict labor we can pull it off, though."
[20:27:53] <+Antilles> "I think you might need to build a bigger tavern, Steffan" :: laughs pleasantly::
[20:28:40] <+Seth> ::Takes Steffan's lack of an answer as an answer itself and turns to Jack:: "Convict labor, I like that idea Jack."
[20:28:42] <+Antilles> "I dont know what else we can do Jack.. we dont have anything else to work with that can put us onto the road to prosperity as I can see it."
[20:29:31] <+Antilles> "A walled road will be both a security and a means to control traffic."
[20:29:54] * +Antilles looks at Seth
[20:30:13] <+Antilles> "Seths marshals can patrol it.. and my army will keep it safe."
[20:31:13] <+Kevin> "How long do you think it would take to get it built?"
[20:31:29] <+Jack> "More expenses.  It'll pay for itself triple or more in a little, but we'll see lean times at the beginning."
[20:32:21] <+Antilles> "That depends on how many laborers we can get, Kevin.. we might petition the people to work for base wages until we begin to see real profit"
[20:33:25] <+Coch> "Perhaps a way to raise men for the work would be to offer a pardon to criminals that agree to work for base wages until the roads are complete and if they screw up, we use them for free as convict labor?" Coch says thinking out loud.
[20:33:43] <+Antilles> "Now, here is another idea.. ::looking at Coch::
[20:34:03] <.Bynw> *Steffan sees to other patrons of his establishment*
[20:34:17] <+Antilles> "What if we approach the merchants of the north, and let them invest in our trade route?"
[20:34:39] <+Antilles> "We could offer a reduced rate to them for a time."
[20:35:14] <+Antilles> "Then, we could hire proficient help, and have the thing done right.:
[20:37:24] <+Jack> "Maybe I need to take a trip up north and talk to the merchants, then.  Anybody know if there's a portal in the city here?  If not, we need one eventually."
[20:37:49] <+Antilles> "I think we should all go with you Jack.." :grins:
[20:38:24] <+Seth> ::Takes another long drink of his wine::
[20:38:59] <+Antilles> "What say you, Seth?"
[20:40:52] <+Kevin> "I think we need to leave a few here. We are still new Lords. We shouldn't all part this soon."
[20:41:21] <+Seth> "Hmmm, not a bad idea. I'll talk to the sheriff about the convict labor and see what can be done about rounding up some of the local criminal element."
[20:41:45] <+Antilles> "As we take down the forest.. we use the wood to construct the walls..." ::mutters and looks into the middle distance::
[20:42:58] <+Antilles> "Well, I think you should go with Jack, Seth.. You seem to have a glib way of dealing with people. These merchants may need some 'encouragement' , if you know what I mean."
[20:44:08] <+Antilles> "And you too Coch."
[20:44:39] <+Coch> "Okay"
[20:44:58] <.Bynw> *Charissa* "Well then" *she says putting down her own glass* "Lets head back to the palace and make our proper plans and arrangements for this trip"
[20:45:12] <+Antilles> "Aye, m'lady"
[20:45:13] <+Seth> ::takes another long drink::
[20:46:01] * +Antilles stands and bows to charrisa
[20:46:50] <+Seth> ::Toasts Lady Charissa and finshes the wine off::
[20:46:59] <+Antilles> "lets harry to the palace then"
[20:47:11] <+Jack> "Sounds like a plan."
[20:47:18] * +Coch stands and prepares to leave
[20:47:50] <+Antilles> "Dont forget to tip, Seth" 
[20:48:20] * +Antilles turns and walks out of the tavern, offering a wave to the patrons there, and to the owner.
[20:49:00] * +Kevin gets up, and leaves with the rest of the Lords and Lady
[20:49:21] * +Coch follows the other Lords out the door and heads towards the castle
[20:49:48] <.Bynw> ? everyone returning the castle
[20:49:59] <+Antilles> !! yes !!
[20:50:03] * +Jack leaves some money for the tip and follows the others.
[20:50:23] <+Seth> ::Gets up and takes some coin out of his pocket and walks over to whisper to Steffan and leave the coin with him before he returns to the palace::
[20:51:38] * +Antilles takes a place in the main hall once back at the palace.
[20:51:52] <.Bynw> *Father Pele is waiting for the Lords when they return to the palace. He looks very displeased* 
[20:52:10] <+Antilles> "Whats the trouble, Pele?"
[20:52:44] <.Bynw> *Fr Pele* "It seems you need instructions on how to conduct yourselves as proper Kings. They do not, drink with the commons."
[20:53:01] * +Antilles furrows hiw brow at Pele
[20:53:21] <+Antilles> "It is ours to do as we will, not yours, Padre."
[20:53:51] <+Seth> ::His movements a bit sluggish from drink as he moves to stand before the Father::
[20:54:20] <+Kevin> "We just might rule differently than most. Maybe it will be better, maybe it won't. We will have to find out."
[20:55:33] * +Antilles turns and walks farther into the hall, and takes off his cape, laying over a chair.
[20:55:53] <+Antilles> *laying it*
[20:56:15] * +Kevin walks past Pele into the building
[20:56:19] <+Seth> "Youuu feergot to show the proper rrrespects to your King...Fffather." ::he says with a slight slurr to his voice as he sticks the druidic ring near Pele's nose:: "Kiss it."
[20:56:34] <.Bynw> *Pele* "My title is 'Father' as yours is 'Your Majesty'. How you rule is your business. How you behave is everyone elses. Bad manners, in Warp Wood, the rest of the Territories and in the Empires that surround us are good way to get shot, imprisoned and mocked."
[20:56:50] <+Jack> "Pele, you look tense.  You need to learn to relax if you want to live to a ripe old age and get to reminisce at the old priests' home about the way things used to be."
[20:58:08] <.Bynw> *Father Pele gives a 'hmmmf' and leaves the chamber, closing the door behind him*
[20:58:35] <+Seth> ::Seth's laughter follows Pele as he leaves::
[20:58:55] <+Antilles> ::grimly:: "That man may mean well, but I dont like him." 
[20:59:48] <+Antilles> "But, we have better things to discuss. Charrissa, will you get that map, please?"
[21:00:22] <.Bynw> *Charissa gets out the maps and other documents concerning the financial health of the kingdom*
[21:01:22] <+Antilles> "Charissa, please, show us the points of interest to the south of here.. what places would want to bring their goods though a route that would cut down the center of Warp Wood?"
[21:02:07] <+Seth> "I thought the route would be from the harbor in the east to the lands in the west?"
[21:03:00] <+Jack> "Yeah, the harbor is the gateway to the South if we can just link it to the North."
[21:03:36] <+Antilles> "Correct Seth, but we need to know where the goods we want to move in both directions will come from, so that we can entice people on both sides of our boarders." 
[21:04:21] <.Bynw> *Charissa* "We could widen and work on the road that some of us took to get here in the first place. That's not much more than a dirt trail right now... but at least its already there."
[21:04:54] <+Antilles> "Is that the best course? Will that path be the one that will put us where we want to be?"
[21:05:14] <+Coch> "If we start from our largest ports at the beginning it will save us time and resources that we can invest on the road system"
[21:05:46] <+Antilles> "I had envisioned one main artery that would be easy to control."
[21:06:57] <+Seth> "After today I think the druids would be flexable in helping the convict laborers clear a path. Many Druids make pilgramages to the south, we could offer them free passage and perhaps a small amount of goods to be shipped tariff free annually."
[21:07:34] <+Antilles> "The Druids may need to be called upon before we start clearing out sections of the forest too Seth."
[21:08:01] <+Antilles> "They might not like the idea.. at first."
[21:09:29] <+Seth> "I can sweeten the deal with official sanction to build a chapter house here in Warp Wood. We can sell them a plot near the Bishop's, should get them fighting among themselves and looking away from our business."
[21:10:12] <+Seth> "As is I don't think they have any official grounds to congregate."
[21:10:46] <+Antilles> "Very good. Now, what Jack needs to do is learn what enticement he can give to the Merchants of the North. We are going to have to almost guarantee business for them."
[21:11:48] <+Seth> "We have nothing to offer them yet, nothing to bargain with. They will ask for our first born on any deals we make with them."
[21:12:51] <+Antilles> "What of Altair to the south?"
[21:13:44] <+Antilles> "I believe that is the largest city that we have direct access to , by water."
[21:15:09] <+Antilles> "If we could arrange a trade agreement between that city and us.. and then us with the cities of the North... that just might be the hand we need to win this."
[21:15:21] <+Jack> "Altair is the Church.  Their money spends like anyone else's, but deals with Altair are poison.  If I had to, I'd rather make deals with Mariabronn, though I don;t really trust them, either."
[21:16:02] <+Antilles> "Jack, an entire region lays beyond Altair.. it may be the very thing we need to do."
[21:17:27] <+Antilles> "Would'nt it be better to take a firm hold on things now?"
[21:17:46] <+Seth> "If we could drive the road inland far enough we might be able to attract business from the Floran and the Empire."
[21:18:35] <+Antilles> "I like that idea, Seth.. but the road has two directions.. why bring goods south if there is nowhere to go from there?"
[21:19:12] <+Seth> "But my point is that with out the road built, we have nothing but the promise of some back water kings of a minor land to offer."
[21:20:46] <+Antilles> "Are you suggesting we attempt to take over all trade in the Eastern Territories, Seth?"
[21:21:11] <+Seth> "Why stop with just the trade?"
[21:21:13] <+Antilles> "If so.. I like that plan even better."
[21:21:20] <+Coch> "If we start a trade association and offer members a discount on taxes and services inside the kingdom.  In essence have two different fees schedules, one for non-members and one for members, that should raise money when the roads and ports are finished"
[21:22:09] <+Antilles> "I had thought of this.. but the idea of what will happen is what kept me from saying it.. you know this will start a war, dont you?"
[21:22:47] <+Antilles> "Every baron and king in the West Abronns will try and take this over."
[21:23:15] <+Antilles> "We are going to need the assistance of the Empire if this is going to work."
[21:23:41] <+Seth> "Absolutly not!"
[21:23:53] <+Seth> "You'll make us into puppets!"
[21:23:59] <+Antilles> "Would you rather bend your knee to my father?"
[21:24:28] <+Seth> "You scared of your father then?"
[21:24:41] <+Antilles> "....no."
[21:25:13] <+Coch> "We should build both the ports and the road in such a way that we would be able to sabotage quickly and effectively rendering them useless to those who would war with us"
[21:25:32] <.Bynw> *Charissa* "Wouldnt that be something ... Warp Wood gets invited to join the Empire before your father's little power play does..."
[21:25:43] <+Jack> "Well, we have two choices.  Keep this place poor so no one wants it, or make something of it and be willing to defend it."
[21:26:06] <+Antilles> "We have to build them first, Coch.. and that is EXCACTLY what I was thinking, Charissa.. I would rather out-do my father now, more than anything."
[21:26:15] <+Jack> "And Charissa has a point as well."
[21:26:51] <+Antilles> "We dont need to be puppets of the Empire, we can remain soveriegn in this."
[21:27:24] <+Seth> ::Takes the time to look around the table at each lord in turn:: "Great fortunes require great risks. I had nothing until a few days ago. I am willing to risk what I have gained to bring the east under one rule, our rule. Not some distant realm. Imagine a free standing nation of West Abronn."
[21:27:43] <+Antilles> "I think the King of Adan is a just man.. we should petition him."
[21:29:46] <+Antilles> "As I am too, Seth, but we need support.. If not the Church, then we must turn to someone... The other realms here in West Abronn may be willing, if you all wish to disclude the Empire."
[21:30:35] <+Seth> "If it must be someone, then I'd cast my lot with the empire."
[21:31:25] <+Seth> "But it brings us back to the point of having the roads built and the harbor expanded to bring in trade, so we have something to bargain with."
[21:32:15] <+Seth> "Do you think we should petition the Empire for it's protection first?"
[21:32:21] <+Antilles> "My father, King Deban, has already garnered three other lords.. he has the advantage now. We must act quickly to secure whom we can."
[21:32:56] <+Jack> Aren't we a bit ahead of ourselves?  Let's work on prosperity first.  Right now, neither the Empire nor the other kingdoms here think Warp Wood is worth allying with."
[21:33:04] <+Coch> "Maybe we should look at the kingdoms that currently move trades goods in volume into West Abronn and offer them use of our road system later for financial assitance now" 
[21:33:21] <+Seth> "I think Jack is right."
[21:33:56] <+Antilles> "I think Jack is confused about what seems important, and what is really important."
[21:34:51] <+Antilles> "Forgive my saying so, Jack, but we need to move now to ensure that we will be able to do anything in the future."
[21:35:34] <+Jack> "Well, who do you have in mind, Antiles?"
[21:35:58] <+Seth> ::Looks to Antilles answer::
[21:36:00] <+Antilles> "Once we have allies, we will be in a far better position to enforce our edicts on trade."
[21:37:06] <+Antilles> "You should make your trip, Jack, but not only to the merchants of the north, but to the Lords of West Abronn that my father has not had a chance to corrupt yet."
[21:38:17] <+Antilles> "Does that make sense to you all?"
[21:38:25] <+Seth> "But what jack is saying, is who would want to ally with a marsh kingdom on the back half of a savage nation and why? We're a gigantic toliet in West Abronn."
[21:39:25] <+Seth> "We have nothing to offer but a dream of some trade road."
[21:39:25] <+Antilles> "That is why your going to go with him, Seth. You will have to convince them by any means that Warp Wood is a Neccessary ally.. one they would be fools to disregard now."
[21:39:46] <+Jack> "Well, I still think all we have to sell the Lords at this point is a pig in a poke.  AND if I tell too much of our plan, some bright Lord will decide to conquer and do it himself."
[21:40:06] <+Coch> "I have to agree with Jack and Seth on this one.  If we go around to too many other kingdoms we may come off weak and that is to invite a hostile take over"
[21:40:18] <+Antilles> "That is why you will have to be both cunning and discrete."
[21:40:29] <+Antilles> "Do you not think you can do this?
[21:42:22] <+Coch> "I think with each contact keeping this quiet will become increasing harder"
[21:42:57] <+Antilles> "And thats why I had thought to petition the Empire.. "
[21:43:20] <+Seth> ::Looks both thoughtful and a bit drunken at the same time:: "The question is what kind of deal do you think anyone will give us, if they do deal? Likly we'll end up with the scraps from their table."
[21:44:59] <+Antilles> "Then how about this.. why not play the same hand you keep dealing, Seth? You think this place is a dump, well.. let them think it is..but at the same time, intrigue them with the ideas of the wealth they could gain. That will keep them out, but allow us the resources to complete our plan."
[21:45:13] <+Coch> "Maybe we should deal with wealthy business men and traders instead of other kingdoms at least now in the beginning stages"
[21:45:32] <+Jack> "That's my feeling, too, Coch."
[21:45:55] <+Kevin> "We could build up internally for a couple months until we do have something to bargin with."
[21:46:13] <+Jack> "Traders have as much money, but generally no desire for conquest."
[21:46:22] <+Antilles> (( brb ))
[21:49:25] <+Antilles> "Ive said all I can.. its up to you all to decide now what you want to do."
[21:49:46] <+Seth> "We might be able to get trading houses to invest, Jack has a point."
[21:50:38] <+Antilles> "Very well.. so, we build up slowly, and quietly."
[21:51:02] <+Antilles> "I only hope we dont fall to a stronger hand in this."
[21:51:17] <+Jack> "You'll get your chance for fame and glory, Antilles.  We just need to take it slow."
[21:51:36] <+Seth> "I'll stand with Jack and Coch. If we get the funds from several trading houses instead of one large nation we wont have to worry so much about sharing the power and the idea will be easier to sell, esspecially to local traders."
[21:52:20] <+Antilles> "Well said."
[21:53:08] <.Bynw> (( looks like a good stopping point you can figure out the trading houses later or during the week))
[21:53:20] <+Antilles> "With that.. I will begin my project on forming a militia, while you all go about your tasks"
[21:53:26] <+Seth> "We can deal with the lesser trading houses that don't benefit from the trade route with Einar down the river, they'd jump at the chance to break that monopoly."