- Caballeria, Torin -
"WHAT?"
The bellow resonated around the entire city, waves of sound bouncing around the cobblestones and wood. There wasn't one person in Caballeria that didn't hear the shout.
The voice belonged to one Lanius Inculta, General of Torin's well-trained army and Commandant of its formidable navy. The man was the most vicious, most mean-spirited soldier in the whole of Torin. It was almost inspiring how quick he could turn from being mildly annoyed to absolutely furious. Once, he caught a recruit out of uniform and had him scrubbing toilets for a month. He could go on the most ear blistering rants with nary a breath between words. No wonder he was the most feared man in the Gryph Empire.
But when not one, not two, but three pieces of bad news came through his door, he showed little mercy. If someone dared look at him the wrong way, with the mood he was in, they could kiss their army career goodbye. His face was bright red as he read the reports in front of him.
First of all, the Empress had left, alongside Corvus and Luna, leaving Father Bitter-root in charge of political affairs and EVERYTHING ELSE for him. It was hard enough training a bunch of sorry, half-wit maggots to become a fighting force formidable enough to guard Torin, but now he had to deal with the creepy Inquisition as well as uphold basic Law. Bitter-root was alright, and he could trust the High Inquisitor with Luna and Kali's lives, but he had way more important things to deal with.
Secondly, the Karkarth/Adjutor Insula feud. Both sides could be important political and military allies. If rumours were correct, things in the Insula were getting more heated by the moment. There was talk of conspiracy, murder and assassination. If things didn't calm down soon, the war between the two would evolve into something far worse. Either one side had to be crushed, or peace would need to made, before Torin could allow itself to breathe again. Either way, it had to be done swiftly.
Finally, Marmon. There had been more attacks, and it was becoming difficult to keep things cordial. Trade was strong, but the more raids and crimes, the tougher it was to garentee security. The local guards were worthless, and many Gryph tradesmen were fleeing, no-one staying around long enough to set up elaborate trade. Torino was making money, little by little, but less and less traders wanted to go there. It just wasn't safe.
"Why couldn't that old Bitter-Root buzzard deal with this?" Lanius grumbled, head in his hands. He had a few options, but Lanius wasn't really trained for any plan that didn't involve bashing in a few thousand skulls or sinking a few boats. Political matters were beyond him.
Think, soldier, think. What would you do if this was a war situation?
Lanius thought. He couldn't go in all bows firing, nor could he cow out. He was picking allies, securing positions, planning strategically, not tactically. He had to deal with these issues now, but in such a way that the benefits of his actions were felt far in the future.
First, Marmon. He couldn't publicly support the crime lords, but he could aid them in other ways. Set up a system that would hurt the thieves just as much as Torin if things went awry. At the same time, he had to make it look like he was supporting Marmon's natural government. If all went well, there would be way more trade between the two nations and at least Torin would benefit.
Now, The Adjutor Insula and Karkarth. Both sides seemed to be struggling, but after the recent raid on Love (Honestly, what kind of name was that? What kind of hippy lunatic named their city Love?) Lanius had to concede that Karkarth was on the offence. It would be wise to hedge one's bets with the victor, but at the same time, a public display of support for the passive Insula would make Torin look like supporters of the Underdog, and everyone loves someone who cares for the weak. Maybe there was a way to support both sides?
Politics was hard.
To the true leaders of Marmon.
I apologise for being unable to conduct a face-to-face meeting. An ambassador such as myself cannot be allowed to be seen fraternising with so-called 'outlaws'. I wish to negotiate the terms of a treaty between the traders of Torin and yourselves.
You see, we've had issues recently concerning attacks on Gryph Traders. Our men are too scared to conduct business in Marmon, and this leaves less money for us and a smaller pool of supplies to draw from for you.
So my suggestion is this. If you stop any attacks, raids or assaults on traders from Torin, every trader who is there or goes there will be instructed to send 15% of their earnings to you, as well as grant a similar discount to you and anyone under your command. You will have access to some of the finest wares from the Gryph Empire, as long as our traders are not hassled.
One more thing. I plan on sending soldiers to Jeffsoff Curlow as a sign of 'good faith'. These men can be identified by their golden face paint in the shape of an eagle. They have specific instructions not to attack you, but will have to act the part of they see you commit a crime. Please avoid attacking or confronting these troops , as their presence will allow us to conduct business more easily.
A hasty reply would be appreciated.
Lord-Regent Lanius of Torin.
Peace and health
Your Majesty, I have received disturbing reports considering the security and well-being of traders in Marmon. On multiple occasions, I have read letters speaking of violent attacks, roving warbands and a plethora of other disgusting low lifes. Needless to say, our traders fear trade in Marmon greatly.
Thus, I am proposing the following: We are willing to pay the salary and funds of one-hundred (100) warriors of the Sunskin tribe and the construction of a Torin Embassy, if you are willing to receive them, if you will permit the construction of the Embassy and do more to curb the violence that seems rampant in your streets. The soldiers will be yours to command in all but name, as the tribes have a strong cultural identity, and your participation will allow greater trade between our great nations, which will allow us both to prosper.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Lanius Inculta, Lord-Regent of Torin.
- A greater amount of Gryph and Kasai can be seen in Marmon, typically as traders.
- A noticable surge of Gryph and Kasai have arrived in the Adjutor Insula, acting as peacekeepers and promoting an end to the war. Most are armed. Discussion with both warring governments is yet to occur.