Current Leader/Government: Sarantsa Uiun Pepelu, DynastySettlements Owned: 3
Provinces Owned: 1
Population: 33,000
Standing Army: - Kingfisher (Speardiver division) / 380 / Spread at key borders and within the capital / Morale 75%
- Hummingbird (Bow division) / 660 /Spread at key borders and within the capital / Morale 80%
- Envoy Guards / 20 + 40 / Aboard Envoy Fleet / Morale 100%
Standing Navy:- Fleet of Fog / 9 light vessels / 2 medium vessels / 0 heavy vessels / Anchored in On'on / 100%
- On'on Coastal Guard / 4 light vessels / 0 medium vessels / 0 heavy vessels / Patrolling On'on southern sea borders / 100%
- Envoy Fleet / 2 light vessels / 0 medium vessels / 0 heavy vessels / Achnon Republic / 100%
Population Happiness: 80%
Imports: Ships, Salt (Bahapore)
Exports: Fish, Pearls
Wealth: Average
Trade Pacts: Bahapore
Cease Fires:
Towering MessageThe appearance of two sea vessels with unfamiliar flags flying over the masts brought a level of panic amongst the usually merry band of border guards. These foreign ships were eventually hailed to a stop by Uaruneria's patrol vessel. However, the border guards were quickly shaken upon discovering orcs on both vessels. A signal for attack was about to be sounded until Chagha'an, a level-headed nekhiig seemingly slapped the wits back upon the panicky uaru. Chagha'an was an arban; a military rank for those who had authority over ten others, and rightfully so - for an individual of such rank requires quick wits and immovable psyche.
Chagha'an then flew over onto the orcish vessel, accompanied by his men. He stood proudly with his spear and shield held close and formally greeted the orcs in the common tongue, for he know not the orcish language. "Greetings, these are waters claimed by Uaruneria..." Chagha'an paused as he took a gander around him, noticing the immense stature differences both races held. However there was something odd about these orcs; they were well dressed and proper, unlike the orcs he knew of. Regardless, a slight hint of fear could still be seen in his eyes. He shook it off and continued to carry an authoritative air as if to intimidate the trespassers. "State your business." His platoon whom had descended onto the orcish vessel along stood with discipline in a proper line behind him, while showing signs of caution in preparation for anything that may happen.
After moments of chatter by the orcs among themselves, one particular orc stood forward seemingly to be one to have authority over the other orcs. The orc then replied with such composure and grace of tongue that it took Chagha'an by surprise, "Well met little one. We are high orcs, representatives of the Kingdom of Torfas. I bring an auspicious message of peace and prosperity to your ruler."
"Y-yes..." Chagha'an simply stood there for a moment, dumbfounded by the behavior these orcs were displaying before he snapped back to his consciousness. "High orcs from the Kingdom of Torfas you say?"
---"As I have explained Matriarch - high orcs." The arban furiously tried to explain himself to the matriarch within the meeting hall with the orcish messengers idling in tow. Apparently, the thought of orcs capable of such fine demeanor is almost unheard of, which lead to a few hushed discussions between the arban and the matriarch.
"If I may..." the high orc messenger interrupted, perhaps his patience grew thin as the host, which he assumed was the queen, was seen furiously engaging a thorough debate with the arban.
"Our King wishes to extend his generosity and engage the great nation of Uaruneria a trade pact." The high orc messenger paused, and gestured towards his followers before continuing, "We have with us a sample of the finest Torfas iron and bronze, which we hope to trade for Uaruneria's sea produce."
A small chest with iron and bronze ingots were presented to the matriarch. "As you can see, these ingots glitter with quality we high orcs of Torfas pride ourselves for!"
Odval examined said ingots and began to ponder a little - seemingly calculating the profits and stockpiles in her mind. She then smiled as she reached a pleasurable conclusion in her mind and replied, "Very well, we will accept the trade pact. Uarunerian merchant vessels will see themselves at your port with the best Uaruneria has to offer in exchange."
"Excellent! Our King will be overjoyed with your decision. Our nations will benefit greatly from this." The high orc messenger smiled widely, exposing his clean ivory tusks.
"Feel free to stay in Uaruneria, Chagha'an will escort you to proper accommodations if you so wish to stay, friend." The matriarch spoke up before the messenger could take his leave, offering the messengers warm beds if needed.
Obsidian Waves Part 2With the return of the Fleet of Fog, the Sealord raced to the meeting hall - which she presumed the matriarch would be anxiously waiting for news. "How goes the parlay, Chuulan." the matriarch queried before the Sealord could begin to speak. The sealord was correct in her guesses regarding how anxious the matriarch were - however, she wasn't in anyway happy with that, for she worried that the matriarch may be too predictable at times.
"We are unsure of what to make of it." Hurriedly, Chuulan offered the scroll to the matriarch. Odval unrolled the scroll and carefully read the rather cryptic words. Fear seemed to drape over the matriarch's face when she then began to read it again, affirming her eyes.
"...No one is to know of this, nor are they to talk about this matter." Odval sighed as she worries for the future Uaruneria holds, especially of her daughter - the queen. She is aware that the coming decisions that has to be made will make or break the nation she so tediously protected from all manners of assail. What with the 'grand view' as mentioned in the scroll being a hot topic among the worrying Uarunerian population.
"Yes, matriarch. I will issue a silencing order to those who were a part of the campaign." Chuulan gestured before she left the room to tend to her own business.
Hails from the South Part 2Odval paced her eyes left to right as she read the message from the Queen of Freywyn. She is overjoyed by the prospects of trade, which will lead Uaruneria to higher levels of prosperity, what with the nation already enjoying the benefits of trade from a few other nations. She reached for a parchment and picked up her quill as she began to write a response.
Queen Myra Falkenbrough the Godborn, wielder of the Oathbreaker.
The prosperous nation of Uaruneria will graciously accept the trade pact. Uaruneria will offer sea produce and pearls of the best quality in exchange for gold and stone.
I will enlist an envoy to learn of your great nation, and propose that you do the same. We will provide accommodation and protection in their duration of stay in Uaruneria.
Along with the envoy, are some of the finest cartographers of Uaruneria. They are to be allowed to chart the terrain of your great nation in return for a detailed map of our lands.
We hope you will treat them in kind, as we would to your chosen kinsmen who will be staying with us.
In regards to the black ships, we sadly know as much as you do about them. However, their presence has not bothered any of our lands nor our people as far as we are concerned.
Sarant Uiun Odval, Matriarch of the Phoenix.
As she gracefully signed her name, ending her letter - a mark of the Matriarch was pressed upon the parchment, indenting the scroll partially. She summoned her aide and requested that it is to be safely delivered to the intended recipient. Next, she had to begin enlistment of a select few to learn about their mysterious neighbors from the south. Surely the Uarunerian authorities have heard of the nation of Freywyn, but that was merely hearsay from passing merchants who were lucky enough to be welcomed into their reclusive ports. In other words, she knows as much about the southerners as the average Uarunerian.
"One more thing, Enebish..." Odval spoke up just in time before her aide could walk out the door. "Enlist a few from the cartographer's guild who would be interested in charting the maps of our southern neighbors. Also, please ask for your sister. I wish to talk to her regarding Freywyn." She then gestured with a few flicks of her hand to shoo Enebish away to her tasks.
"Very well, matriarch." Enebish gave a courtly bow before walking away from the matriarch's study for good. Odval then reached for the cup of warm salted milk tea which she had left to cool and took a slow sip - savoring it's creaminess. It wasn't too long that Terbish, sister of Enebish then greeted Odval at her study's door.
"You asked for me, Odv - uhh - matriarch?" Terbish spoke up as if she need not be cautious with her mannerisms in front of the matriarch, seemingly catching Odval off from her brief relaxation.
"Yes. I assume that you are aware of the Freywyns?" Odval queried, establishing the topic of discussion with her other aide.
"The southerners, are they not? Word was that they are quite the reclusive bunch!" Terbish merrily replied. It was always odd to see how Terbish had the merrier personality in comparison with her rather aloof twin sister. It was almost as if both of them weren't related with such polar differences, apart from their facial similarities.
Odval nodded her head, affirming Terbish of her remarks. "Moments ago, I have received a message from their queen. They had offered a trade pact and learning of our ways. Of course, I would like to learn about their mysterious nation as well." A small pause was then followed up by sipping, as Odval truly enjoyed her warm beverage. "That said, I'd like you to lead an envoy to Freywyn and learn as much as you can about their people, their rulers and their lands. Feel free to handpick a few to accompany you in the journey. Enebish will be enlisting a few cartographers from the guild, you will be overseeing their progress as well."
"What about Ene? I'm pretty sure she'd want to come along with me!" Terbish queried cheerily.
"As I have said, feel free to handpick a few." Odval hinted an answer to Terbish.
"Will do, Odv - uhh right...matriarch!" Before Odval could say anything more, Terbish had already dashed away from the study and after her sister. Odval personally did not mind Terbish acting carelessly in front of her, as formalities somehow feels tedious one way or another. After all, Odval was not of royal birth in the first place. Mundane mannerisms suited her more than the rigid ways of royalty.
Embraced by GnomesThe sight of clear blue skies and calm waves accompanied the two Uarunerian vessels for the entire journey. With such gleeful weather, the exhilarating thought of battling storm-ridden seas were very well a pipe dream for the adventurous queen. As such, her prior excitement filled thoughts turned to fits of boredom inspired tantrums. Eventually, a cry of land from the ship's salty crewmen perked the spiraling mood of the queen. In the distant, buildings dotted the horizon while a spectacular backdrop of scenic mountains filled the gaps. The magnificient sight was undoubtedly the gnomish capital of the Achnon Republic, Adredar.
The Uarunerian delegates were received warmly by the people of Achnon, with barely a fuss being too noteworthy. The queen was eventually received and escorted into the meeting hall, a cozy little room which was surprisingly small even for avian standards. A small figure then spoke out aloud; "Welcome, welcome. Welcome to my humble kingdom - Queen of Uaruneria." Judging from the crown atop his head, it was undoubtedly the sovereign of the gnomes.
"I am King Nomes, ruler of gnome-folk and the Achnon Republic." His smile beamed warmly as he introduced himself. The gnome king then gestured towards Pepelu, as if signaling her turn for her introduction.
"Well met, King Nomes. I am Sarantsa Uiun Pepelu, Avatar of the Phoenix, and as you have known, the queen of Uaruneria. I have travelled across the sea with good intentions, and offer a trade pact between our nations. We offer fish and pearls for Achnon's prized fur and cattle." Pepelu, being on her first diplomatic journey had kept up expectations from her aides, as they nodded in approval with her mannerisms and way of speech.
"That is most delightful news!" King Nomes merrily clapped his hands twice, as if a gesture of celebration. "I have heard of prized catches that is found only in Uarunerian waters - a very sought after delight for my people, and especially so for me!" The king began to praise, however - it was short-lived as he continued with a slightly devious provocation. "However, you must have heard of our prized cattle, famed over Orysson for their tender and juicy flesh with the right amount of delightful fattiness. They are fed and taken care of by the best breeders! If I may be so bold to add, their fur are known to be even softer than Elven-made silk!" King Nomes then began to stroke his chin before he continued, "As such, I am afraid that I must decline."
Worried by the sudden change of interest, Pepelu who was an amateur in the art of merchant dealings - fell for the obvious trap. Knowing that she cannot return home if she were to fail at such a 'simple' diplomatic task, Pepelu persisted. "I-if that is the case, I will offer fish and pearls for Achnon's prized fur!" She figured that her nation was well-fed with a surplus of fish from the massive network of fishing vessels, that more sources of food wasn't necessary. Fur however, could be useful as winter draws near.
"Ah, you drive a hard bargain - oh beautiful queen. For your tenacity, I will agree with the trade pact as you have offered," He began stroking his chin again, overjoyed by how easily the young queen was being manipulated before continuing, "But - with an additional request. You see, we are but a weak nation as we gnome-folk has always been ones who pursues the finer things in life - rather than dwell in blood thirsty wars. Should you pledge to offer us protection if we are to be assaulted, I will gladly allow our prized cattle to be traded as well."
Feeling prideful for her own nation's warriors, Pepelu agreed without hesitation. The benefits of such finely bred cattle would surely bring happiness to her people. "I will accept the terms. If you so need our protection, we will gladly provide. Thank you, King Nomes for your generosity." A courteous bow was followed. She beamed joyfully as she could not control her smile. She was proud of herself, as she felt that her first diplomatic mission was quite a success.
"This is definitely great news. Feel free to stay in the capital, o' queen of Uaruneria. As you are our most welcomed guest, we will accommodate you to the best of our abilities!" As King Nomes ended his sentence, he quickly gestured towards one of his aides and seemingly whispered into his aide's ear before speaking out towards the queen. "This is Mormon, he will guide you to your quarters within the royal palace. I surely hope you will enjoy your stay here."