Today the council room was busier than Havenport's market on the Summer solstice. The King, Admirals, generals, nobles and the leaders of the Commerce guilds poured over the new map. Royal Cartographers did their best to study it and reproduce rough sketches of it when the councillors of Aznavor finally settled down to dicuss what needed to be done. The King had already decreed that a beautifullacquered table figured with the shape of the new continent carved into it was to be made and delivered to his council chambers within a fortnight. Half a dozen scribes noted down all that was being said on the subject of the new world, accounts of this meeting would go down in history in triplicate, two copies would go to each of the port cities and the third would be stored in the Royal archives for generations to come. Aznavor was nothing if it wasn't bureaucratic and efficient. Altaiya Lord of Light,foe of darkness and Mother of the dawn demanded productivity and there was no city more capable to satisfy her demands than Oceansrock.

The council of Aznavor debated for hours about the merits of each potential area of expansion and the possible repercussions each of these may have upon Aznavor's diplomatic standing with the other nations. After a suitable landing site had been decided upon the beacons of the the great Firetower were lit. At night this tower would usually guide merchant vessls into the bosom of the capital's harbour but when it was lit during the day it meant only one thing that the fleet was summoned out of Shipskeep. A few hours later the ships bearing colonists, supplies,tools weapons and soldiers was set on it's way.

Fours swift galleys also bore message to Aznavor's neighbours offering messages of goodwill, gifts of the finest Aznavori Wine and invitations to open diplomatic relations and trade routes to the following nations:
The New Republic of Ostlandet
Azor
Numburg
The Glorious Republic of New Drakran

Icesliver
War Room , Great Palace


Joseph looks to the map, he saw Micheal move figureheads resembling Nunburg , Lydiah , Ostlandet and the United Vanjanan Empire,

" Begin trading with all four, at once ... I want 4 Caravans going to Nunburg with 50 Regulars and 50 Recruits guarding them on each side, the recruits will stop guarding them until they arrive at the city gates, and travel back down to Azor. Good training for them as well. Send one Barque in the name of trade to Lydiah as well and one in the name of Ostlandet and another in the name of the United Vanjanan Empire, "

" Sire , research has begin on Ships of the Line and more advanced weaponry " One Messenger said

" Good , good continue on the research "

" Sire, Duncan of Forstworth is asking if we should make any more ships? " Another messenger asked

" Not yet, let the money roll in first ... but make space for new ships if needed ... I'll set my mind on what kind of ships are needed for the new world "

" Sire, Boris of Hollowcastle has begun training the troops , and opening up a small recruiting off if more troops are needed " A messenger stated

" Good , very well " nodded Joseph

A Messenger came, with a bottle of wine and a scroll , he saluted Joseph

" A Galley, in the name of Aznavor , has requested we open up trade and a possible diplomatic relation " told the messenger

" Yes, very well open trade routes with them ... we are making good progress " Joseph nodded, has he examined the bottle of Wine

" Send Aznavor , the finest blend of Azor wine, to compensate for their nice gift "

" Yes sire "

Lord Finch left the confines of the Capital building for the first time in weeks to see the Fleet off. It had been remarkable the amount of Numburgians who wanted to get in on the Colonization. Private investors all over the country had thrown in their support and Thousands had signed on to go across the sea. The port fall silent, Finch took his black feathered Tricorn from atop his head as the
Numburgian National anthum began to play.

As the fleet sailed out of port Finch turned to address his waiting Administration. See to it that The Lance Empire, The Empire of Corustaria, The United Vanjanan Empire, The Kingdom of Azor, The Kingdom of Aznavor, and Lydiah all recieve Delegations regarding the formation of a Trade Partnership.
Finch then addresses Field Marshal Shultz leader of the Numburgian Armed forces. "It is time that our military rose to the power it should be, you will see to it that our forces are trained properly from this point on, and if you do not there are many other Heerführer's waiting to fill your position.'

"Sicher Herr Finch!" (Certainly Lord Finch)

Kwedolobhakalle, Tactical Room
Admiral Brita Veronika, General Charlotta Aslög, and Jade Sigfrid Halvar were all standing around the tactical table, which had a semi-transparent top with the rest of it covered in stone to hide the candles that lit the almost opaque tabletop, which allowed some of the light through. Veronika appeared to be speaking.
"- And if we did that, then the entirety of the New World would be ours!" She exclaimed, perhaps somewhat over-excitedly.
"Erm... sorry Miss Veronika, but I do not see how killing all of the natives using huge floating cannons would help us take over the New World. Is killing the natives-if there are any-not counterproductive? It would deprive us of the ability to peacefully absorb them into our empire, and that ability is something the need. I suspect that many other nations will see natives as an obstacle, but they are sorely mistaken, all we have to do is show the natives how much good we can do for them and they will join us! I mean, wouldn't you join an empire that could raise your quality of life greatly while also letting you keep your beliefs and traditions? I can answer that for you, you would. I gave the chosen governor orders to do so, it is useless to bicker over." Said Sigfrid.
"Then I have a proposal." Said Charlotta "Since other nations are trying to colonize the New World as well, the absorbed natives could either be used to show other nations that we have formed good relations with the natives, or be used as a ruse to make other nations believe that we have learned how to thrive on the New World and have spread out across the entire area. Or we could go with Admiral Veronika's crazy kill em' all idea."
"Hey, it seemed like a good idea in the plaertid!" Said Admiral Veronika in defense.
"That plaertid being here about one hour ago, I assume?" Mocked Sigfrid.

A lot has happened!

With the announcement of the New World what would have been a quiet autumn has turned into a season of change. Nation after nation has begun sending out fleets to this New World all of them trying to be the first to claim the land they want. This has led to less tension than is expected however I foresee there to be many colonial incidents when the fleets finally arrive. In other news there was uproar amongst the Cartographers Guild today as news was sent from around the continent of the dis generous rulers of Edoniras. The knowledge of the New World was worth a hundred times over the value of the most expensive nation. Yet no donations to the guild, to cartographers or offers of future deals. One nation even went so far as to threaten a cartographer with penalty of death and treat him as a political prisoner. Empowered Companies from around the continent have been offering settlements to curry favour with the offended guild. Only time will tell if this leads too any of the nations falling behind their own companies or not.

War Room
Icesliver

A messenger runs, having read the local newspaper ,

"SIRE , WE MUST *HUFFING* Donate to the Cartographers guild !"

"What guil- oh them!"

" Tell Nathan of Redwater to send a cart full of wine , and add maybe what... 5,000 gold into that mix .. I don't know"

"Oh and tell Nathan to set up a small manor for the young cartographer, he'll be apart of the court of Azor if he does decide to join "

The messenger runs off, to do his task

(Waiting for Conformation of Fleet Landing)

Lancus, Lance Empire
The palace set quite, only the crackling of the torches indicating anything was happening in the palace. The Emperor sat on his throne, awaiting several people so he could begin a meeting. He had many things he wished to speak about to those so they could get done, including a few naval reforms. He needed a better navy after all. Several people came through into the throne room, and before they could say anything, Gabriel spoke up.

"I want more recruitment campaigns to begin, and do begin redirecting recruits to training sites so they may be brought up to regular status, and see if we can't find another batch of regulars ready for veteran training. I want some more funding redirected towards ship repair, and a propaganda campaign to begin trying to see if we can't get public opinion in favor of naval affairs. Also redirect a payment of 50 million to the cartographers guild." spoke Gabriel.

"We shall begin that immediately your majesty, but the Numburgians would like a trade agreement, and the Empire of Corustari." said a random man.

"Tell both there delegations yes, it should help grow our economy after all." replied Gabriel.

The Empire of Corustaria again proposes its ignored trade agreement offers with the Vanjanan, and accept the trade agreement with Numburg, beginning trade with Numburg and the Lance Empire

A formal letter of apology is sent by the Empress to the cartographers guild, and also extends her regrets that "Some bigoted tyrant" had threatened their cartographer with such. She sends 400,000,000 and a single bottle of a 133 year old Vivian Red with a request that 100,000,000 of the money and the wine goes directly to the cartographer who had been threatened, adding that she hopes the Cartographers will receive a warmer welcome from rulers in the future.

The ships arrived in Drakran and delivered their 3.9 Billion, the excess sailors disembark and take the newly acquired 10 Galleys, sailing back up North to go the Lance city of Romus, while the rest of the fleet begins to sail to the new world

Corustaria sends a message to the lance offering a deal. They propose that the Lance take and train some Corustarian army Officers and soldiers, and in return the Corustarian Navy will train some Lance Naval officers and sailors. Those who have been trained will then be able for return home and put their knowledge to good use, training other units and thus helping to alleviate the problems with two nations have with their poor army and navy respectively

House Alexander's Mansion, Antionette
A messenger walked into the study of Joseph, and knelled in front of him. "M'lord, the head of the Cartographer guild is demanding payment for both the map, and they way we treated their member so cruelly" he then walked over to him, and handed him the note.

"Those bastards, fine we shall release him from house arrest, and send them $600,000,000 ratios in order to repay them for their kindness." He then turned around, and stared out the window looking at the clear sky.

"M'lord may I ask why are we doing this for the Cartographer guild? They hold no power within our nation, and you owe them no debts for so rudely interrupting your party," the young messenger looked at him and gave him a confused stare.

"Isn't it obvious, unless we plan on wasting our own time getting more of these blank maps, than we are stupid to try and anger them, now please hurry, and deliver the message, and tell them there ratios will arrive by the end of the season, but they must remain patient." The messenger left the room, and started to head off to the Cartographer guild.

"Also one last thing, let one of my other messengers know, to sail off to Empire of Corustaria to try and open up a trade route with them, they most likely have the best chance to capitalize on this new world, and we can't let that go unanswered." The messenger simply nodded, and continued on his way.

The Republic of New Drakran

President Kiue rose his eyebrow at the agent from the Trespassers' Society , the New Drakran branch of the Cartographers Guild (Renamed as such due to President Kiue's view point that the lands that the Cartographers 'discovered' and in theory claimed for their respective homelands tended to already have people living there, selling snakes to the new comers). "I see... while I do agree that the discovery of a new landmass deserves recognition and reward, the fact that New Drakran has no plans in the foreseeable future to take advantage of the hard work of your guilds members for ourselves..." Seemingly in thoughtful silence for a moment longer then comfortable, Kiue rose his hand to silence the Cartographer agent before he had the chance to speak. With his free hand, he reached to take hold of a piece of paper that was on top of a pile of other innocent looking paperwork on his desk.

Sliding this new piece of paper across his desk, the man would quickly see that the piece of paper was a deed to an estate and the lands that belonged to it. "Consider this New Drakran's recognition for a job well done. This estate used to belong to one of the noble families of the old regime that rebelled when New Drakran was founded. While I'm sure that it might require a bit of a clean out and some maintenance before it is suitable for the task, it should be more then a solid foundation for your organizations new Headquarters in New Drakran. I am even willing to donate one billion in order to cover any costs to bring the building up to standard, the rest being free to be used as your guild wishes. I'm even willing to grant you permission to build your own docks along the coastline so that you can safely house your own ships for future exploration trips. Standard taxation and guild laws apply of course. Since it is clear that you will be busy for the foreseeable future Stephen, do not let me detain you."

...........................................................................

The news of the naval reforms had gone public and the reaction was expected; While there was a general agreement that the navy was in a horrible state and something needed to be done before anyone was willing to risk their lives out on the open ocean, exactly what needed to be done and how far the reforms needed to go seemed to come done to personal opinion. In response to the various guild heads that wanted a say on the matter, President Kiue formed a number of committees from a wide and varied selection of people in order to discuss and work out different aspects of the reforms.

The fact that these committees were set up in such a way that none of its members were likely to agree on anything due to their own egos and desires ensured that Kiue and Draco would be free to implement the reforms in relative peace and quiet while the committees were to busy bickering with each other; The cost of the morning and afternoon snacks were a small price to pay.

............................................

The galley from Aznavor would return home with a finely crafted and decorated mahogany desk, polished and shined brightly as a gift to go alongside the acceptance of a trading agreement.

........................................................................

The Empire of Corustaria would find their galleys ready and waiting to be taken once the payment has arrived. While the ships are a somewhat outdated model and clearly in need of repair and maintenance, they should be in a good enough condition to travel along the coast back to their port safely.

............................................................................

The New Republic of Ostlandet would receive a message from New Drakran, alongside a wooden table and six wooden seats of the highest make and care as a gift to go alongside the request for a trade agreement.

.............................................................................

Research into advanced ship building has began proper, alongside the repairs of the remaining ships in the New Drakran fleet. The reforms have began!

...................................................................................

The recruits within the New Drakran armed forces would find themselves undergoing more advanced training to bring them up to par with their better trained brothers and sisters in arms.

Lord Finch of Numburg sat in his study smoking a pipe and reading the Numburg Post.

A courior arrives. "Herr Finch!"

"Speak." Finch replys not looking up

"The Cartographer guild has been sending letter of an angered nature to us and other surrounding Nations, for our supposed behaviour. They wish for some form of recompense for the map they sent us."

Finch pondered this new information for a moment. "When the map was delivered did the courier bring with him a contract of any sort?"

"No Sir!"

"Was the map taken from him by force?"

"No Sir!"

"Then it was a gift... Send a diplomate to this 'Cartographer guild' I want a contract negotiated for a more detailed map of the Continent and in return they shall recieve Numburg Funding."

"Sicher Herr Finch!" (Certainly Lord Finch) the courier responds briskly then leaves.

Kythian, Duchy of Lydiah

"Your Grace, we have received several messages from different nations concerning trade negotiations."

"Eh? What's that?" asked the Duke, glancing towards the servant who had spoken. Elvahn had been deep in conversation with the Thane of Kythian.

"Two requests for trade have arrived from Azor and Numburg." explained the man patiently.

"Oh yes, splendid!" he replied. "Send messages back, ask them to send their ambassadors for further negotiation. One of the scribes will do it for you. I would like to show the Lance ambassador who will arrive shortly what our southern partners will have to offer, even if it will take them a few days to get here. Make sure the message is polite, now! We need these deals to fuel our plans for the New World."

"Um, also, your Grace," began the messenger again. "The cartographers' guild needs some donations. Your advisors suggest we keep them on-side, their skills could be invaluable when exploring new lands."

"Oh, very well." mumbled the Duke. "We do need them. Ensure a cask of fine northern wine is sent to them, perhaps from Seven Rivers. Provide some... financial incentives in addition. This is all highly important, do not fail to deliver these messages."

"Very well, your Grace." replied the servant, and he strode quickly from the room.

---

The Lance Ambassador stepped off the horse he had road and took it to the palace's stables. He didn't wear anything fancy, only a simple shirt and pants as the trip had been a a long one. He had shorty messy black hair and green eyes. Stepping forth into the palace where he was escorted to the Duke of Lydiah, he spoke his message.

"I come here representing his majesty Emperor Gabriel the Third, who wishes to establish more formal trade deals with Lydiah. He also would like me to mention the formation of the special economic zones, where in several port cities have been made free trade areas and business is not under government control. These areas have been opened up to foreign investment."

"Excellent news." replied the Duke. "Your emperor is wise to do so. Pray, what has your country to trade? For Lydiah is engaging also in negotiations with the more southerly nations, so we should be able to sell you any goods we import from there, without the excess bother and money spent on sending yours or their ships further away. Once we have discussed this, I have another proposal for Emperor Gabriel. But first, trading."

"Of course, we produce almost all agricultural goods known to Edorinas, on account of our vast lands. We also produce massive amounts of metals, including gold and silver."

"Silver you say... hmm, there is a very high demand for silver among the citizens of Lydiah. Our trading companies could make a good deal of money from such metals. Food, well, we'd be happy to buy any crops you have - there will be a large demand in the New World. Also, as soon as I am notified of what Azor and Numburg, with whom Lydiah is currently negotiating a trade agreement, had to offer, I will be happy to pass on the information to you. Then the Empire can pick and choose which southern goods they wish to purchase." The Duke paused to examine a rather flamboyant silver broach pinning his cloak on.

"Which brings me to the proposal. It is no secret that the navy of the Lance Empire is, to be frank, terrible. It is also widely known that few of your people desire to become sailors or wish to fight on the sea. I therefore propose a deal, the terms of which I will briefly outline now."

"I suggest that our two great nations join forces to protect both nations' interests in the New World. Your mighty army will provide the land forces, and our ships will provide a naval force. Lydiah on its own is too small and sea-based to conquer huge swathes of land on a new continent, but together we can cover both ground and water. All we ask in return is the continued friendship of the Lance Empire, and two or three coastal points in whatever land you claim in order to found city-states under the Duchy of Lydiah, and land enough nearby to garrison soldiers, plant crops and rear livestock. They will act as trading outposts for the Duchy - that is, if your Emperor accepts my offer."

"I cannon't accept the offer as I do not have authority, I will have to carry it to the Emperor, but I can assure you he will accept it." the ambassador rose to leave, shaking Elvahn's hand.

The Duke bade the ambassador goodbye, assuring that an escort, along with a variety of gifts for both the man himself and the emperor, departed with him. Raising his trident in one final salute, he turned and walked back into his chambers.

(OOC: the conversation between Elvahn and the Lance ambassador is a slight adaption of the negotiations we made through PM)

A message has been sent to the lance apologising that the 10 Galleys they had hoped to send to assist in transport are in "Worse condition" than was expected, and as such the Lance will have to make do with the transport already provided, "Hopefully" it continues"Our other allies will be able to make up for the shortfall while the ships are sent to harbour for repairs"

Naval Construction begins on:
One times Ship of the line -9,600,000,000
Two times Brigs - 1,600,000,000 Each
Total cost - 12,800,000,000 Bn

For eyes of the royal court and parliament;
Treasury report
Known expenditure total: 12,800,000,000 + 3,900,000,000 + 500,000,000 = 17,200,000,000
Left over for upkeep = 47,800,000,000
5bn to be invested into governmental and independent research across the empire with the hopes that something may come up
42,800,000,000 Remaining
Colonial expedition costs: ?
Naval Upkeep: ?
Army Upkeep: ?
Infrastructure upkeep: ?
Trade profits: ?
Other inc. Repair costs for unforeseen damage:
Any left over after upkeep shall be banked and used in future endeavours
- Royal Treasury

King Philip sat at his new mahogany desk and sipped some excellent blended wine sent from Azor whilst mulling over some papers. The colonial ships had left port and were no doubt well on their way to the new world safely under escort, until news reached him of their arrival, there was nothing more he could do. The letter he had received from the Cartographers guild brought to him today intrigued him. His men had replied expressing thanks to the guild but nothing more. He did not doubt that few of the other lords of Edoniras had done more. Dipping his quill in ink he wrote back to the the Cartographers; he knew that the cartographers were an old and venerable order made up of scholars with little interest in gold or land but rather in learning. Acknowledging that to a late gift blamed on delays was an insult to the intelligence of the guild members and to simply send a reward as thanks was meaningless if the reward was not freely given but rather grudgingly surrendered after a complaint was made , king Phillip instead offerred the guild an opportunity as they had done so for him. In his letter he thanked them again for the service they had afforded Aznavor and offered them a ready built and equipped Tower within the Guild district of Oceansrock. This large stone tower would be able to accommodate close to 500 people but remain autonomous from the KIngs authority although their advice may be sought if the King wished to consult their wisdom. In addition King Phillip promised eventual office in Aznavor's new settlement in the new world so that the cartographers may be able to better explore and map the interior of the new continent. All men who would choose to undertake this voyage to the new world,out of scholarly passion , would have their journeys and food paid for at the expense of the state of course.

After pouring a small amount of hot wax into the folded letter he pressed his ring into it printing the sigil of the black tower of Aznavor deep into the wax.

He put his cup down and took the rest of the bottle down to the cellar himself. He had servants to do this but he believed that they could be set to more useful tasks and that it was a simple enough task that even a king could do for himself. The wine had been excellent and he was glad that he had sent a similarly high quality vintage. He would have to gethis sons, Dominc and Alexander, to appreciate the Azor wine for themselves.

As Phillip climbed the steps back to his office with the new mahogany desk his mind turned from lesiure to work as it was wont to do. The Galley captains who had delivered the replies to him had briefly reported on the sights and sounds of their voyages and what they had been able to glean from their brief stay at their destinations. This information was undoubtedly harmless as Philip harbored only genuine friendship towards these peoples but all information was useful no matter how trivial.

Azor was a good nation to have as a friend, it shared values of monarchy and bloodlines but also had a degree of liberty for the middle-classes to move around which prevented any instability which often led to inefficiency. Azors' wheat fields were known to stretch from horizon to horizon in summer and their harvests were known to be bountiful. It's markets were often bustling with activity although almost exclusively from internal trade as few traders seemed to some by. Aznavor would hopefully see an end to the isolation of Azor and together through trade and cooperation they would both profit. Even the names of the two kingdoms sounded similar.

Numburg was something else entirely, from all accounts they were led by a group of no nonsense businessmen who knew their way around trade. They would presumably share similar views with regard to the necessity for efficiency as Aznavor judging by the importance the Numburgians placed on business they may even share in the faith of Altiya goddess of Light and labour. They too would make fine partners and King Philip replied that that he would gladly take part in a trade federation providing that each participating nation stood equally weighted in its standing. Writing to Markus Finch he offered the creation of a Federation Office in Oceanrock where the trade partnership Finch had envisioned could assemble and meet during the winter and spring months.

With the Republic of New Drakran good relations were a necessity vast land borders meant that trade would be easy and a similar position on the continent confirmed this. It was known far and wide that New Drakans Naval forces were not up to scratch and therefore King Phillip extended the olive branch through an offer of fair exchange. Aznavor would offer to refit and oversee the repairs of some of the republic's fleet in it's secure harbour of Shipskeep and would provide new Drakan with Naval Experts and sailors to oversee and instruct their eastern neighbours in naval matters if the republic would send economic advisors and banking experts to Aznavor as well as whatever help it deemed necessary to help light the furnace of Aznavori industry as the Goddess Altaiya demanded.

To each of these Nations King Philip also offered a pact of alliance, security and mutual assistance wishing that all their borders remained free and safe fro mexternal threats so as to be able to focus on colonial expansion.

Expenditure:

Aznavor wishes to spend 1,000,000,000 on equipping its fleet with copper bottoms to allow them to be much swifter and more resistant to hostile fire. ( if this is too little expenditure I'm willing to have this take a while).

4,000,000,000 to be spent on expanding the mining network in the west and to establish new industrial centres in the northern terrirories so as to create a stronger economic base.

Lancus, Lance Empire
The Emperor stared at the proposition before him. It had arrived from Lydiah and it was a good deal in the Emperor's mind at least, although a rather small amount of the nobility disagreed on the basis that the Empire should be conquering and expanding, not forging alliances and trading. He signed it, and told a envoy to go to Lydiah saying the deal was accepted and once the Lance Empire had enough land in the New World they would be given there cities.

While not much else was happening the Emperor had also ordered the launch of the 2nd Colonial Fleet, with enough food for a year for everybody, 2000 Colonist, 1000 Regulars, and other essentials, tools, animals, and seed. With the support of both Numburgian ships and the naval forces of there other allies the trip should go without a hitch. He had also gathered the clergy, philospers, teachers, and scientists and told them to begin investigating into methods of weapon production and better weapons. The naval reforms were going smoothly, and slowly but surely the naval forces of the Lance Empire were improving.

Winter has come...

It has been a long Autumn, with the discovery of the still un-named continent nations have flung their fleets and people into action. Pushing to be the first to land and stake their claim on new lands and perhaps new materials. However most nations forgot to honour those who gave them this opportunity and the Cartographers Guild has been severly offended by this, donations may have finally come in however it may be too little too late for the powers. Only time will tell. As the winter winds come rushing into Edoniras so too do the storms, snow and cold. In efforts to be the first to land the Edonirian fleets will face many troubles in their journey and many men will be lost. Meanwhile in this new continent people of darker skin mill around carrying out their daily tasks unaware of the events that are unfolding that will change themselves and their world forever.

-Firstly in the news is the rise in the market. With the discovery of the new world private investors and citizens are investing and buying in excitement for new products ad businesses that will rise from new found wealth.
Free Market= +2,000,000,000 GDP
No market trait= +1,000,000,000 GDP
State Controlled= +500,000,000 GDP
In addition to this the Empowered Companies have bought licenses from their home nations to begin following their own interests in this new world once the first colonies have been built.
Empowered Companies= +250,000,000 GDP

-Secondly is news that only one nation currently knows of.


-And, finally, vague reports of a mysterious ship made of pure black wood and black sails being spotted off a number of coasts. This ship is fabled to be the 'Mighty Hammer'. Supposedly it scourged the seas just over 100 years ago stealing, looting and killing all it could find before seeming to disappear now.

Imperial Palace

"Its a load of short sighted, economically destitute drunkards, I say. One moment Corustaria promotes multiculturalism, the next its up in arms over a handful of international agreements. Do they not realise Corustaria is a fucking international agreement?" General Bullworth said as he pointed to the map, running his hands along it "Maybe the lazy sods should take the time to vote, it might help them." He barked, before turning to the Empress "Majesty, give me the word and the army shall hunt them all down and hang them like the traitors they are!" The Royal Spymaster intervened quickly
"No, that would Martyr them. What we need is spies in their ranks. This is a populist movement, such movements are usually held together by the Charisma of their leaders. Cut off the head, and its body shall die. And if that doesn't kill the movement? Then my spies shall take control! Can two separate minds inhabit a body? No, or they will pull in different directions until it stumbles into a ditch and breaks its neck!" The Spymaster declared "Hopefully this will be isolated, I don't see how the idea will spread across the isles so quickly it cannot be contained. Once we find the leaders, we capture them and dispose of them in silence. Haha, with some luck their moral will be crippled from the belief their leaders fled!"
The Empress nodded slowly, turning her head to the prime minister, who cleared his throat before speaking
"Your majesty, while Bullworth would certainly deal with it quickly, I would not be hasty to turn our guns on our own people. Its both horrific and a waste. Instead, let the spies infiltrate their organisations, and then have the Watch snatch away their leaders in the dead of the night. The little rebels won't know what hit them" The Prime Minister gave a grim smile as he looked to the map again
"Nonsense! They're probably just more of those idiots from Saxley, we crushed them once and we'll..." But Bullworth was cut off by the Empress
"And we'll deal with it how myself and the prime minister, General. Spymaster, set your agents to it at once, Prime Minister ensure news of this does not spread outside the afflicted parts, and certainly not out of the isles. Have the criers inform towns and villages that we are dealing with it and have the Watch on alert. You are to have their villages rebuilt and have the General station soldiers to protect them. Compensate everyone from the villages and send enough food to see them through the year." She paused "General, you'll help the Watch when the time comes, for now send more men to defend the affected areas, and guard the rebuilding villages."
And so it was, the spies were set out to infiltrate this populist movement and both determine size and location. Truth be told, they weren't entirely unprepared: Saxley had rebelled just a century ago, but since then Saxley had became much quieter. Perhaps, some thought, too quite. They had always been watchful and ready to deal with another Saxley insurrection, even after all these years. This was essentially the same thing, just a different group rebelling. Regardless, the threat wasn't considered major. Populist movements came and went in any nation, though it was rare for them to go to the extremes of burning villages. And stupid too, if truth be told. Burning villages was hardly likely to win them support; Quite the opposite. If they had ever had any hope of succeeding, it certainly wasn't through burning villages. It was pretty literally burning ones supporters. No, she had no doubt its support would fade before long. The agenda was odd though, a weak point at best and mute at worst. Corustaria only existed because of political maneuvering and countries moving closer together, so such an idea had barely been considered before in this context. This was a cultural phenomenon, one that certainly shouldn't exist, and yet here it was. Intriguing to philosophers... And insane to pretty much anyone with a even a cursory understanding of how the Empire had been formed. How this thing had gained any popular support was simply beyond her.
No matter. Once word got out about the aid to the affected villagers, and word got out about these terrorists burning homes and destroying crops, she would guess it would take a blow. And once the Spymasters agents named their leaders and the Watch took them, the movement would take another, then they would seize control of its reigns if it didn't collapse and force it to collapse. Once the support was gone, once the leadership was crushed and once the rebellion was torn apart by the spies tricks, then this would just be another footnote.

Meanwhile, the navy at home has been ordered to watch out for said fabled ship, and should it be found Admiral Thorn has decided that it will be investigated and, if hostile, sunk or captured.

Throne Room, Kwedolobhakalle
"Jade! Jade!"
The call came from Vanjana's relations minister, who was running across the floor towards the throne. He was wearing a quite common formal suit, mostly white with outlines of gold placed wherever the owner saw fit. In his case, there was a ring of gold around the collar and golden outlines on his boots. The man himself was in his 50's, with common streaks of grey hair and a well-trimmed beard on his face. He was wearing a flat square hat, white and outlined with gold-colored lace just like the rest of his suit.
"Jade, the Cartographer's Guild is demanding payment for the map, apparently, they didn't like it when you literally ripped it right out of their hands and then neglected to give them anything for the entire season." He said, the thinly veiled jab being made even less veiled by his tone of voice.
"Then we'll pay them, send the Guild one billion Frya and have one of their members installed as governor on the next colony we create. Hopefully that will pacify them. If it does not, then we shall take every chance to increase relations with them. We don't want to be mysteriously left out on any other discoveries, now do we? I will write a personal apology to the Guild as well."
"Understood, Jade! I shall deliver the order! Ah yes, there is the matter of the strange vessel off the coast... the 'Mighty Hammer'." Said the minister, with some hesitation.
"Is that not nothing more than a myth?" Replied Sigfrid "A hundred years at sea, it is simply impossible."
"Those who claim to have seen it say otherwise, perhaps an investigation would be prudent? If not to see if it is true or not, then to simply pacify those who fear the idea of the myth being true."
"Well then, we shall send a force to investigate the area of our coast it was last sighted in. No matter what, we are not going to cause an international incident by sailing warships into foreign waters. I want one Frigate, and two Barques sent to investigate."
"Yes, Jade. That is all."

Letter to the Cartographer's Guild, From Jade Sigfrid Halvar
I apologize for neglecting your great contribution to the United Vanjanan Empire. It seems that in my rush to plan for the New World, I forgot about you and the brave people who discovered the New World and generously brought us the information. As it is far later than would normally be socially acceptable, I have chosen to give you one billion Frya for your troubles, and I hereby promise to install one of your members as governor of the next colony we establish in the New World.
-Sincerest Apologies, Jade Sigfrid Halvar, United Vanjanan Empire.

Markus Finch, Lord of Numburg sat wrapped in a fur cloak and dressed in loose military fatigues. He grumbled something about the cold to no one in particular.

A member of his administration Walked into the room cautiously.

"Herr Finch, a word please."

"Yes?" Finch replied somewhat mockingly.

"A report Herr Finch, from the coast. A mysterious ship was sighted by a trade vessel. According to the sailors who files the report it was the Mighty Hammer." The Administrator said his voice hushed.

"If the ship shows aggression towards Numburg notify me." Finch said.

"Further more I have an assignment for you and the rest of the administration, I would like a second colonization fleet sent to the southern half of the new world. But this fleet I want this fleet to be much larger, private investors will be allowed to accompany the fleet in any way they deem fit. Prepare the fleet to launch by early spring. "

"I have one last thing I want done. I have a project for our engineering team. One that I'm bent on finishing. Numburg requires a new form of transportation.... One that is not constricted by Land Or sea. I dream that one day our people will not sail to new lands but instead fly there."

"One last thing, send 5000 Regulars and 10000 Colonists to our border with Azor, once we have gained permission to cross the border we can continue moving them towards our allies. "

"See to it that they are enacted immediately! " Finch told the man.

With a salute the Administrator left.

Joseph sat in his private study in the beautiful city of Antoinette. His mind clear, and his heart ready for the days to come, when a sudden knocking on the door came. "Come in, you have already disturbed the quiet I once had, might as well get some work done." A fairly scrawny boy, who looked no older than thirteen walked in carrying a small letter.

"Sir, there have been reports of a mysterious boat off the coast." The Boys still high pitched voice sent a shudder down his shoulders, as Joseph had already had his fill of nonsense for one night, but continued to look at the letter noting everything it had to say.

"This is utterly ridiculous, but whoever is behind it could be a threat." He set the note down, and quickly started writing a new one.

"Send this letter to Bastilio Vasquez, head of house Vasquez, do you know how to get to their house boy?" he whispered in a soft, but cynical tone.

"Yes sir, I shall give him this letter immediately."

"Good, then hurry on, I don't have all night to wait for you to leave." He then turned his chair to view the large window behind him as the small boy left the room.

Letter to House Vasquez

To Bastilio Vasquez, head of House Vasquez, Master of the Boat and Sea

There have been numerous sightings of what one might call a ghost ship that goes by the name of 'Mighty Hammer.' Now though the idea of it is absolutely rubbish, I do believe that someone is behind this, and I command that you start production of a new fleet of ships immediately. This of course comes with the fact that we will also need to protect more trade routes, and it will be also prepare us to defend against any future enemies. I believe that two Frigates, and four Barques will be fine for now, but come the next season when our pockets fill we shall need more.