Coalition of the Azure Hunt
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(Semi-living post/jumping off point)
By spring of the year 56 SC, diplomats have been spread across a good portion of the known world. They all arrive bringing great gifts, composed of fine wines and quality quilts. Gifts brought to help pave the way for future diplomatic negotiations, as some set sail quicker than others, to arrive at roughly the same time the world around.Some ships more beleaguered than others, arrive in the realms of Domoutso, Kisaevin, Martoise, Teltebhann, Anaetyr, Bryborough, Inoa Ranas, and Coghan. Some of these realms, such as Bryborough and Coghan had been heard of, but diplomats and merchants had likely never encountered them, but they came prepared, with multiple methods of communication, as well as any interpreters that could be found along the way.
All come bearing a treaty, one to clear out the Black Fog pirate scourge the world around. Many realms, such as Helios in the west, were generally thought to be too far to bring any naval forces to bear, and other realms such as Ornthas were seen as falling to infighting in recent years, and were thought unready to step onto the world stage to help with problems at large.
The treaty is outlined thusly:
Greetings, Rulers of your respective realms, I, Bryson Hawkson, Ruler of Obrexia, have seen in the world at large a threat to us all. I would request your aid in securing our waters, for the purposes of trade, as well as to eradicate this threat once and for all. I have been in office a long time, and I think I have many years left in me, but most of the navy have not faced these before, as many of those veterans have retired since the first arrival of the this scourge.
I would seek your cooperation, as well as safe harbours to buy supplies as well as receive repairs, and would offer the same in turn. I am willing to put forth considerable portions of my own naval forces, a good half of what is available to help fight, and I am more than understanding if you are not able to do so. If you are lacking in naval assets, all I ask is for our ships to be able to dock within your harbours.
Furthermore, I would hope to open lines of protected trade, between our realms of Obrexia, Domoutso, Kisaevin, Martoise, Teltebhann, Anaetyr, Bryborough, Inoa Ranas, and Coghan. If this is not possible at the current point in time, I would understand, but I think it would be beneficial to us all to promote trade between our great realms, so that we may prosper together.
I think it fair to extend the offer to all realms with ports upon our fair seas, and should others that you know wish to join, I think it fair to send a ship to all of our realms, outlining that they will follow this treaty, before receiving the benefits therein.
I would coin the name the Coalition of the Azure Hunt, as we attempt to hunt these dastardly pirates into extinction. I hope that you join me in this endeavor, as well as enjoy the gifts that I have ordered be sent, along with the messengers and diplomats.
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Ruler Hawkchild,
The High Council of Domoutso has received your message. The threat of pirates has been distant to the ports of our fair island. However, many fishing boats have disappeared in the last few months. If we are to believe what you say about these pirates, then the Pirates of Black Fog must surely be the cause.
We have no warships to confront the Pirates of Black Fog directly. What we can offer is this: Obrexian vessels that find their way to the harbors of Domoutso will be offered safety from these pirates. They will find good hospitality and calm waters so that they will be strong against the attacks of pirates.
What we ask in return is that Obrexian vessels protect our fishers from harm. You will find that all you give will be given back tenfold.
We hope that this is an acceptable exchange in line with the terms of your treaty. Domoutso pledges itself to the Coalition of the Azure Hunt and to the end of the Pirates of Black Fog.
Respectfully,
The High Council of Domoutso -
Humble regards to Bryson, Son of Hawk, Esteemed Ruler of Obrexia,
It seems a sense of good judgement is shared between our two nations, for indeed, the Cladaige see the coming onslaught as an utmost threat to the peace and prosperity of this land and others.
An unfortunate truth it is, that it is a taboo among our people to wander out upon the sea. For this reason, very few if any of our soldiers may be provided in actively seeking out and eliminating the horrid pirates. However, we are prepared to help in any other possible way. In exchange for defense against any attacks, our few port towns shall be at your full disposal. Supplies, as many as can be provided, will also be yours for the taking. Our towns will be open for your trade, our healers available for your use, and our craftsmen trained to perform repairs on your ships and weaponry.
If this is not enough, at your discretion, we are prepared to order the construction of new, fortified ports along the coasts of this kingdom, which will ultimately answer to the Sword of the King but will otherwise be almost completely at your disposal.
We know the dangers of the sea. It is, historically, our greatest trouble as a people. Therefore, we are prepared to provide whatever we can in order to put the threat to rest.
The details of this agreement should be discussed further. I hope it is not too much trouble to ask that you--or a diplomat representing you; as leader of my own kingdom, I understand there is little time for vacations in this occupation--return once again to engage in further discussion regarding the terms of this treaty. Rest assured, your people will be welcomed as esteemed guests in our land, and will be treated with our highest respects and luxuries.
We look forward to further correspondence.
Shaelan Duneghan, Queen of the River-lands and its People
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Greetings, generous son of Bry and Bird! Unfortunately, only rejection met your messenger to Aurathais after they received your gift. However, in what I'll describe as a nautical misunderstanding, your ambassador and crew are now aboard my ships. Now that we've been acquainted, your ambassador has been able to explain your proposition to me after some difficulty in translation.
It is my understanding that you are assembling an international force to combat the mist pirates. My people believe this is the perfect opportunity for us to broaden our horizons into the world once more. We ourselves have felt the force of their attacks, and many clans have independently declared wars of necessity on this scourge. As such, I shall join you in your blue hunt, bird. I shall send this message ahead of my ships, delivering compensation in pearls, jewelry, ivory, and of course your ship and its crew.
As queen of the islands of Oku-Eha, the nearby Ranas of Onepat, Inmaroma, Matugo, Pear Tahat, Fekili, Murwaka, and Mura will heed your call alongside me. Curranas as well is likely to support your endeavors. However, I would request that you provide a similar gift to the clan heads as an incentive. Finally, I would like to ask that Oculite vessels and their allies be counted as pirates. If we agree, you shall find safe harbor in the Inoa Ranas, and any of our people with half a spear and a ship will be killing pirates.
We look forward to ongoing cooperation between our peoples.
Anameme, Queen of the Oku-Eha Ranas.
All hail to the Queen!
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To the Monsieur le Fils d’Oiseau, Sovereign of the Northern Coasts and Valued Ally:
It is my great honor to address you upon this parchment. Many decades have passed since we in Martoise have engaged in diplomacy with a nation from the North, but nonetheless I vividly recall my father’s respect for your people and your leadership. I am grateful, too, for your hospitality to the Dántaine traders and families who have settled upon your shores. You kindness does not go unnoticed, nor shall it be unrewarded.
Grave are your concerns, and so too is the threat of which you speak. By our records, Martoise has lost nearly fifteen vessels in the last month to the corsairs, with a dozen more currently unaccounted for. I gladly accept your offer of cooperation, and pledge to dedicate my own navy as well to the cause.
The harbor of Lamielle shall be free to Obrexian trade and warships, our drydocks manned and stocked for your use. Our homes and churches shall be open to your people; your men fed and clothed between journeys across the Sea of Tempests. Our ships and yours shall travel together through the Shallow Pass and round the Elven Realm, couched and protected by the mutual bonds of friendship. This I decree, with the hope that my citizens find the same gestures of brotherhood in the streets and ports of Obrexia.
Of course, such a perilous campaign must be protected. Thus, I decree as well that each Obrexian ship and crew that enters or leaves Lamielle shall be Blessed by the Holy Clergy, that the Lord Ántou may watch over them and protect them in the struggle against our mutual foe. You will find the divine Blessing to be a powerful ward against misfortune on the high sea, the domain of chaos and danger. And perhaps your men, too, will find solace in His presence within their hearts.
May this letter find you in good health and glad spirits. I look forward to the prospering bond between our nations. May the light of Ántou shine eternally on the lands of the Obrex.
Jean-Pierre Challant, le Comte du Martoise
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Vaesilokh Hawkson,
Your vessels, and any other of your coalition may consider Aeredos a safe harbour for any vessels in need of repair or sanctuary.
We have only a few vessels avaliable to fight, but I can offer warriors and Ivæhn to travel aboard other coalition vessels hunting these pirates.
Also, given the proximity of Hawk's Landing to Aeredos, I would propose that between your navy and our mages, along with other coalition forces, we set up a blockade between our ports to check vessels traveling through for signs of piracy
Anaelokh Ilhara Aevirath,
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Anaelokh Ilhara Aevirath,
The idea is certainly with great merit, though it would likely ruffle some feathers. These worries can be put aside in this search, for our goal is of greater concern than that of traders. The seas may be particularly active at certain times, but they can be calmed to conduct these searches. If the blockade is successful, they would have to go round the western horn of the Sybjyr. Obrexian ships would be more than willing to host your warriors and Ivæhn, I am sure that whatever other vessels join us would be willing as well. I think the closest midpoint is an uninhabited island lying somewhere in between our great realms, perhaps it would be best to guard with the line in between. I hope this message finds you in good health, as well as a bottle of our finest Darley Wine.
Best regards,
Ruler Bryson Hawkson, Vaesilokh Hawkson -
Our best regards to Shaelan Duneghan, Queen of the River-lands and its People
I would like to think that the judgement we share is sound, and the pirate scourge is a menace to all. It is unfortunate that Sea is taboo among your people, I have found that standing at the helm of a ship as you ride upon the waves to be a great feeling. We are more than happy to count you among members of the coalition regardless of the fact that you cannot provide men or ships, the safe harbour you offer is more than great enough.
Neither I nor my admirals can think of any suitable sea garrisons at the current point, but should it be needed it will be kept in mind, and we shall be more than willing to help compensate at least some of the manpower required. Should you have any materials you wish to export for trade or coin, our merchants would be more than willing to cut you a good deal.
I think it might be time that I did step foot beyond my borders again, if it would not be too much of a burden, I shall set out what will likely be a couple months after the arrival of this message. I hope this message and a nice bottle of our finest Druidic Berry Wine find you in good health, and I cannot wait to see the beauty of Teltebhann with my own eyes.
Bryson, Son of the Hawk, Ruler of Obrexia
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Greetings to the Queen of the Oku-Eha Ranas, Anameme
It is unfortunate that our gift was delivered unto the wrong hands, and the gifts that come with this letter shall hopefully be enough to compensate. Your understanding is correct, and a few realms stand with us in this endeavor already. I would hope that you would be kind enough to distribute some gifts among the other Ranas leaders, as I know not how it would be best to do so. I would hope that a dozen bottles of our finest wines, as well as some crafted jewelry and other such goods, is enough for them all.
As to the designation of additional forces as pirates, I would hope that I speak for the rest of those that have joined in this coalition that those that attack our combined forces shall meet our combined wrath, so long as we are not instigating these fights, but rather acting in defense of home and territory. Should the Oculite vessels contest us, I think they shall be in for a large surprise. Should your vessels make their way north, they are likely to find safe harbour in other ports of the coalition, as well as within those of Obrexia itself.
Best regards,
Ruler Bryson Hawkson, Son of Bry and Bird -
High Councilors,
We are more than willing to defend your fishermen, should your ports be open to us. If you have any goods that you are willing to part with, our merchants will give a good price for them. Should you require anything else, our full force is but a letter away.
Respectfully,
Ruler Bryson Hawkchild -
To Jean-Pierre Challant, le Comte du Martoise
It is with great regard that I can address you in turn. Your father was as levelheaded and agreeable as yourself, insofar as this matter of diplomacy. I hope that we can have long and prosperous relations, so long as we are the respective leaders of our nations.
Your people's presence in my lands only serves to strengthen us both, I would seek nothing less than a full cooperation and integration with them. I am pleased to hear that you would pledge your navy to this cause, and we are greatful for it. We thank you for opening your homes and your hearts to us, and you would seen a reciprocation in kind should your vessels venture this far north. We offer the same to you in regards to safe harbour, as we do all members of the coalition.
We are forever willing to bask in the light of your gods, so long as you will recieve the same, our druids and priests are integral in a safe crossing of the seas, and maybe doubling down on this faith will allow us a greater protection.
I hope this reply, as well as a bottle of our finest Darley Wine find you hale and in good health, and I hope that we can rely upon you should anything else arise.
Best regards,
Ruler Bryson Hawkson, or as you so kindly put it, Monsieur le Fils d’Oiseau -
Blessings upon the Sovereign who rules amongst the sea-people Above the Winds,
It is with great worry that I dictate this letter to you concerning a certain blockade that has greatly diminished trade within my port. The merchants of Firozkoh moan of these troubles, and of the delayed shipments of goods and provisions increasingly arriving late in their port of Bar Narsa. I too share this great burden with Firozkoh, as I find less and less of their merchants willing to take on goods from my lands onto their ships. I understand this blockade is not an act of aggression on your part, Sovereign, for their merchants have been cursing pirates, not you, for this great trouble.
I would like to see this issue resolved, Sovereign, and so I offer you my port for your vessels to take shelter and repair in, and for the warriors of your coalition to be fed, clothed, and armed in. Know that this is an unprecedented gesture, for we have taken no sea-people upon my port who are not the Firozkohi or those from the distant lands of dawn. I ask only that you send to me your merchants, and gifts of your own choosing to compensate for this great trouble I have been inflicted. In return, you will receive the wonders of my lands, and of the Four Winds and beyond - some of which I have sent to Sovereign with this letter.
I trust that my scribe has dictated this letter accurately and that my own gifts arrive in good condition. I wish for good health and mind upon the Sovereign and pray that Arda grants your coalition blessings from behind His sun. May His light burn the Daevahs of Druyg who have caused this great suffering upon our seas and may we return with joy and ease to trade and visit in prosperity.
Gyan-Bavtisht Sennacherival, Tyrant of Ruhum.
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Blessings be with you as well, Gyan-Bavtisht Sennacherival, Tyrant of Ruhum
I hold a great deal of regret over the loss of trade that you have come to see with the blockade. It is unfortunately a necessity, and we have caught many pirates with it already, not that they seem to be diminishing in any meaningful way. Know that it won't continue forever, there will be a day soon where they will once again fade away into memory, hopefully from the fact that we have wiped them from the world.
Your gifts have been wonderful, the wine delicious and the rug luxurious, and I hope that my own gifts can compare. I think you will find that some of our own Druidic Berry Wine has a kick, though a pleasant one. We are glad to make contact with those in the closed ports of Sogadar, and we are overjoyed that Ruhum would open their docks to us. The Kohese have had rather strict access for many of the years that I have held my throne, I can only hope that this opening up will last.
The merchants of Obrexia know that you are now a friendly port, and perhaps as soon as you see this letter will you be able to sample the goods that they bring, as many follow the rotation of ships as they sail to relieve those that guard the Isaran Canal, as is stipulated by our involvement in the Diamond Pact. I am sure that you will see a sizable increase in the number of merchants every quarter as they go about their duties. We will see that the free port of Ruhum is added to the list of the signatories of the Azure Hunt, to reside with Anaetyr, Teltebhann, Martoise, Domoutso, Inoa Ranas, and of course, Obrexia.
May the gods shine upon us all, Arda and Solaris both, as well as the gods of whomever else is willing, be they of the Dawnlands or the Firozkohi.
Best regards,
Ruler Bryson Hawkson, Sovereign Above the Winds -
Great regards Bryson Hawkson, the indomitable crown of Obrexia,
We Ypourgoí of the Confederacy of Aiolia have heard of your noble endeavor to scourge these foul fiends from the sea and wish to aid in your hunt. The Cudan fleets are strong, the Salinian mages providing golems of impressive strength to strain upon the oars. Though we no longer have the wolfships of the Basiluzzites to add to our navy, our ballistae are still cocked and our men fierce of heart. Anemos, our ally, was blasted to smoldering ruin by these pirates in their last attack on our holdings. She will aid us now with men and ships, as our defenses gifted to their city have defended them as yet.
However, our supply lines are reduced by this plague. Foodstuffs are no longer arriving in our ports, the citizenry is beginning to starve. The journey to Sucia is no short travel, our naval ships have not the storage and what transport vessels we send are captured, We request any ships and food Obrexia can spare in this dark hour.
May your golden blades drip crimson with the dying sun of your enemies.
||!¡𝙹⚍∷⊣𝙹╎ ᓭℸ ̣ ᒷ!¡⍑ᒷリ𝙹ᓭ
Ypourgoí Stephenos of Salina||!¡𝙹⚍∷⊣𝙹╎ ᔑ↸∷╎ᔑリ
Ypourgoí Adrian of Alicudi||!¡𝙹⚍∷⊣𝙹╎ ⎓ᔑᓭℸ ̣ ╎↸╎⚍ᓭ
Ypourgoí Fastidius of Filicudi -
Great regards to the Ypourgoí of the Confederacy of Aiolia,
I am sure that we can be of great assistance to each other. Obrexia has more than enough food to send some your way, and I am sure that the rest of our fine Coalition can contribute at least a bit as well. Should we have your arms, my merchants are more than willing to make the journey down, passing Teltebhann and Inoa Ranas among others on the way. We will be bypassing the route of Anemos, as there isn't much out east that can be aquired at the current point in time. It seems the lack of trade has hit Sucia quite hard, and anything from out that way tells dire tales.
We would welcome you into the Coalition, and I am sure that the others will be pleased by the addition of more ships in hunting this scourge. Along with the foodstuffs I have sent, will be a gift for you three Ypourgoí, who have made the decision to join us, the finest Druidic Berry Wine will be sent for each of you, as well as a few other baubles that may be of some interest. I hope that this venture is prosperous enough to not see your realm starve, and we will do our best to prevent it from happening.
May the gods of the world smile upon us
Bryson Hawkson, Indomitable Crown of Obrexia
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To the Monsieur le Fils d’Oiseau, Sovereign of the Northern Coast and Valued Ally:
I am glad to hear this news, and allow me to express my gratitude for your generous gift. I shall take this opportunity as well to reaffirm your desires for our relations; it is my hope to be as agreeable to you and your people as, it seems, my father was. If you ever find yourself passing through Martoise, I hope you will visit my estate, that we may meet in person and not merely through the exchange of words on a page.
As you seem to be assembling quite a coalition of nations for our common task, I believe it would be prudent to hold a diplomatic summit, by means of which we all may speak in person and discuss our tactical and diplomatic strategy. If you think this would be wise, I urge you to invite all participants to a suitable meeting ground of your choice.
May this letter find you in good health and glad spirits. May the light of Ántou shine eternally on the lands of the Obrex.
Jean-Pierre Challant, le Comte du Martoise
Postscript: As for your clergy, they are welcome in our lands, but I must advise them to refrain from public displays of worship -- lest they seek to be hung as heretics by an incensed mob.
