The Federation of Attolia Lothar sat in his office situated in the city hall/manor of Attolia. Unlike the rooms of many leaders, there wasn't much furnishings. Rather, everything was clean, organized, and served a practical purpose. There was no royal portrait, or anything extravagant. In fact, it looked more like the office of a fairly well off merchant with its leather bound chairs, and oak desk rather than the room of a nation's leader. Still, this was the way that Lothar liked it. It was a simple, cozy room that had a great view of the city and the harbor. In fact, whenever he took breaks, Lothar would simply just look outside and watch his people live their lives. It was tangible evidence that his work was actually getting something done. Usually at this time, Lothar would be enjoying his morning tea as he looked outside through the windows. However, today was not a normal day. Before Lothar, sat Mr. Peterson, the owner of a respectable Attolian shipping company. Mr. Peterson said "Mayor, something must be done! 5 of my ships have been attacked by privateers from Cesia in the last 2 weeks. If I suffer from another tragedy, then my company will be in dire straits. In fact, I'll be lucky to recuperate from these losses in 3 years!" Lothar nodded and said "Mr. Peterson, I am aware of what has happened, and I assure you that justice will see the light of day. Now, if you will excuse you, I will meet with the Council to see how we will make sure that the situation is dealt with." Mr. Peterson slightly frowned as he looked unsatisfied with the situation, but he nodded and respectfully let the office. Lothar sighed. The tides of war seemed to be slowly approaching. It was ultimately Lothar's duty to see that his people are not swept up by the waves, but that would be difficult. A malaise was permeating through the air, and infecting everyone throughout the world. This malaise effects those that it has infected by making its victim thirst. Not for water, but for blood. And like all illnesses, there is no way to cure it, and the only thing that one could do is wait it out. That was what Lothar wanted to do: to wait out the current conflicts spreading, and simply remain isolated from the war that appeared to be brewing. However, the world had a cruel tendency to foil even the perfect plans. Thus, he had to address this issue with the Cesians. --- The meeting with the council was heated. Some argued that we should ignore the piracy and not drag the nation into conflict while others argued that piracy should never be tolerated because it threatens the lives of every citizen in the federation. At a certain point, Lothar simply stood up from his chair that stood at the head of the long, rectangular meeting table. When that happened, a silence fell upon the Council. Lothar took this opportunity to speak what he believed what the right choice. "Council members, it has long been an Attolian tradition to live peacefully among our beaches and plains. This tradition is what has led to our prosperity ever since our fathers arrived on this island. However, I also believe that we cannot move an inch from our firm resolution to fight piracy for the ocean is too precious for us to lose. You all know the numbers. Without the sea and the food that we obtain from its bounty, the population of the Federation will shrink a quarter within a year due to starvation. Even with a quarter of the population gone, food will be stretched thin as strict rationing will have to occur. How can anyone call such an existence, life? Therefore, I believe that we must at the very least speak with the Cesians. Although I personally find their...discrimination to be distasteful, the dwarves of Cesia are rational. Hence, I request that Council Member Bolin set out to Cesia with a small envoy." Council Member Bolin was an interesting figure in the council. He was one of the more purebred dwarves in the Council, and thus retained the physique of a dwarf. However, his small quantity of elf blood made him quite a charismatic figure and his human blood apparently granted him a natural knack in talking. It was obvious that he would serve as the best diplomat to meet the Cesians due to his physical appearance and natural ability. Lothar continued to speak "There are a few requests that we will make of the Cesians. One is to punish the Captains who have taken part in the banditry. Two is to pay reparations to the owner of the ships and the family of the men who were killed in the raids. If those two requests are met, then all will be forgiven. However, in the event that the requests are met. Then we must take more drastic measures." The Council was obviously disturbed by Lothar's last sentence as some members moved uncomfortably in their chairs. Lothar then said "In the mean time, we can not ignore the events that are happening around the world. In preparation, I will issue an executive order. The first part of the order is to cut iron exports by a half. Iron is only a minor export for us, so our economy won't be hit too badly. But in the event of a future war, we must have the resources to arm ourselves. In addition, we will expand our import of wood. I want trade envoys to be sent to the nations of Jonhfeir and Ailbanor. Their jungles are bountiful and thus their timber exports are plentiful. Our navy can be maintained and expanded if needed if we have the timber available. In addition, I desire to have a diplomatic envoy sent to Maj'Dwaremburg in order to create an agreement. I want to create a unified effort against pirates. In effect, this agreement is meant to have both nations patrol and protect each other ships from pirates. Thus, if an Attolian trading ship is being attacked by pirates and the Mardithian Navy, then they are obliged to aid the trading ship, and the opposite will of course be promised as well in this agreement. If a Mardithian ship is being attacked by pirates, then the Attolian Navy will come to its aid if it is able." The Council then burst into whispers as the Council expressed its hopes and doubts about forging such relationships rather than remaining completely isolated and detached from the world. Lothar said "That is all. This Council is now adjourned." and then promptly took his leave from the Council room.