Colonization convention (Empire 3)

[Lleban]

Gao, Spring 1048

Unlike the cities of Gehenna and Zhentanna, Gao is situated on a small island off the coast of Baalbek. What was once a small circular planned city was now an urban sprawl housing a population of almost 200,000. Those arriving will find the port overcrowded with Baalbeki junks carrying goods from all corners of Celessa and beyond, and proceed to journey down the Imperial Way. The Imperial Way is a large wide road that penetrates the heart of the bustling city from the port to the harvest pyramid looming imposingly over the city center. Lined with multistory sandstone buildings that gradually increase in size toward the city center, an area so dense it seems as if the buildings themselves have begun to infringe on the pyramid like moss on a tree bark. The capital building lies at the end if the Imperial Way hugging the great harvest pyramid. Such sprawl necessitates traversing the Imperial Way with escorts of 10 infantry men each.

King Hannibal II oversaw the final preparation of the conference hall of Gao's capitol building greeting all who entered. "Welcome to Gao, feast your eyes on marvels from beyond Celessa." The conference hall is a large sand stone open air room, flanked by dyed pastel pillars on both sides. Those entering the hall will immediately notice several Orosereans feeding a dwarf elephant while several of the Entir from Abrimi's voyage are playing cards and consulting with merchants. At the end of the room lay a large table and at its end lay a map. Unlike any prior published Map this,framed in selucine, was a truly global map including Celessa, Alade, Ahomas, Newmouth, Oroseros, Zaldia, Allanars colony, and even the land abandoned by Apians. Abrimi starred ceaselessly at the map realizing how much was left to explore and how much remained unfilled.

[lt_murgen]

Gustavo Heliodoro Montia Aldina, Fundo Rei of the Mercantil Principe du Islas Entendres, found Gao familiar. Gao was an overcrowded, bustling mass contained on a small spit of land. Favela em Torno, his own capital, was similar. But Gao didn’t suffer, or perhaps was blessed, by the plagues of his grandfather’s generation. It was overcrowded in ways the Favela only remembered. He endured the military escort as a diplomatic necessity. Port cities may seem a chaotic mass to the forest-kings and farmer-lords of other lands. But he found the escort too pushy and demanding of the crowds.

Gustavo returned the greeting. “Thank you, King Hannibal. This event is most welcome. I hope it is well attended by those seeking peace, trade, and exploration.” Gustavo crossed his arms, touching fingers to opposite shoulders. He closed his eyes and raised his chin, giving the King the honorable formal gesture of the Islands.

After a moment, he continued. “The agreement signed with Apianopolis has granted the Islas access to the land they discovered. They allowed it to languish for a decade as they were consumed by their heresies. Our intention is to change that.”

[Tentreto]

Hilua Regef gazed out across Gao from the modified Baalbeki Junk that housed her, her items, her Lamassu, and her men. Gao was by far the most sprawling city she had ever seen, with its many buildings seemingly pushing further and further out. It was a far cry from Newmouth, where she had spent her last two years in relative peace and quiet. Beside her, Plumus, the hulking Lamassu, pawed nervously, his harness jangeling slightly. He was a beast with brown, rust coloured wings, and fur of light grey and a lion like tail of a slightly lighter tint. On his face was a mask, depicting a slightly beaked figure, inlayed with silver and some iron and leather to hold it together.He towered over Hilua at a height of just under six feet, yet revered her almost as a God. He mewled, if a creature large enough to look over almost any human could mewl.
"Oh quiet you big brute," Hilua said somewhat sardonically. "You'll be the talk of the world by tonight, and then you'll be so smug you'll be insufferable." As her men began to gather together the delegation, Hiula herself mounted up, getting onto the back. "Let's get this going, " Hilua shouted out. At this, twenty-five men got off the ship, and began making their way down the Imperial way. Some carried boxes and chests, others carried armor, swords and nets, and two rode Lamassu, which had been draped in dark fabric to obscure their form, though the rattling of chains and the wings were unmissable.

After a while, probably due to the crowds, the delegation arrived at the conference hall. Very quickly, the Captain of the men asked an attendant to point out the 'reserved area' for the Lamassu, and the beasts were led in there.
At this, and around an hour after they had let the ship, another member of the delegation pulled out a strip of fabric, colored a dark green, and waved it in the air.

Some may have seen some strange creature in the air, with four legs and gigantic wings. A few on high buildings may have also seen the rider, a woman. None saw the massive grin on her face. Either way, Plumus, the Lammasu, having circled the capital building a few times, locked onto the piece of cloth, and dived. At this, the hapless holder of the cloth threw it into the pen reserved for the other Lamassu (who notably still had their masks, with shrouds over their heads on) and dived out of the way, as Plumus dove into the pen, onto the piece of fabric, grasping it in his paws. Hilua jumped off quickly, and with help from a few others, chained him up quickly to restrain him while he was toying with it. Having done this, Hilua turned to those who were doubtlessly watching her. She was wearing a strange harness, that still atatched her to Plumus, but under that, were very fine robes of yellow.
"Greetings from Caligonia, I am Hliua Regef, and these are our Lamassu."
At this she gave an almost theatrical bow.
She quickly turned to King Hannibal.
"And to you your Majesty, as a gift, I bring you both soil and a sketch from Newmouth, as well as our own maps," She glanced over at the large map in the background," although you certainly have done much yourself."

[Mary_Sue]

Allanar

Queen Lachiel arrived upon the shores of Gao on her crimson-sailed junk of Baalbeki design. She held curious company as she strode through the throngs to the capitol building, her serene facade maintained despite the bustle of the pressing crowds. The first of her escorts was her infamous father, Ulyerion Lightstalker, Bane of Shadows. He paid no mind to the exotic locale, his attention fully occupied by the task of guarding his daughter and her companions.

The two young women who accompanied Lachiel were seemingly human, of sleight and slim stature, made to look especially short next to the Elves uncommon height. They both had long brown hair, which was very straight and sleek. Their large eyes, round and dark, peered about curiously and occasionally one would lean over to whisper something in a harsh, barking sounding language. They might have been mistaken for twins, so similar was their appearance, but one of them bore a faint spray of freckles across her small nose. They were both dressed in the height of Elven fashion, with long flowing skirts and a matching cropped blouse. The freckled one, who the Elves had taken to calling Nimeil, wore deep blue with silver embroidery. The other one, called Amalue, wore a garish bright pink which seemed to please her to no end. The Queen herself wore a dark emerald green that made her flame-red hair seem to blaze upon her head in a riot of color.

"Allanar thanks you for your welcome, King Hannibal. We have brought the fruits from our colony on Aerandir, as well as those skilled in their preparation." She paused and turned to her companions,

"I have also brought two native representatives from the isle. Nimeil and Amalue." The pair gazed at the foreign king with their bright eyes before they looked at each other and then curtsied in unison. The motion was graceful, though it was clear that this was an unusual action for them.

[Lleban]

To the Grasping Isles
Hannibal reciprocated the gesture as best he could and guide Gustavo closer to the conference table walking past the dwarf elephant and Lamassu area."Most intriguing Gustavo, you know when first sending out Junk's across the seas I assumed Apianopolis would be would attempt to snuff our enterprise out in its crib. Thankfully it seems the Exalted had other plans, though rumor has it that the natives are abnormally hostile. Can the Grasping isle suppress what doomed the Apian colonists?"

To Caligonia
The theatrical nature of Hilua's introduction made the older Hannibal smile. He walked with the esteemed Caligonia to Abrimi Harvarda's perch. "Welcome to Gao madam, it's an honor to have you here. The map, impressive though it may be has its inaccuracies, so your maps are a treasure. One particular object of dispute is whether or not Newmouth is part of an eastern or southern continent unexplored as of now?"

To Allanar
Hannibal bowed to the Queen "It is an honor, how has the journey treated you? And what is this, he stared deeply at the green fruit?" Hannibal paused and guided her to the Orosereans tending to the horse sized elephant before stating "I have much to thank you and Ulyerion for, it is an honor to receive you both."

[lt_murgen]

To the Grasping Isles
Hannibal reciprocated the gesture as best he could and guide Gustavo closer to the conference table walking past the dwarf elephant and Lamassu area."Most intriguing Gustavo, you know when first sending out Junk's across the seas I assumed Apianopolis would be would attempt to snuff our enterprise out in its crib. Thankfully it seems the Exalted had other plans, though rumor has it that the natives are abnormally hostile. Can the Grasping isle suppress what doomed the Apian colonists?"

Gustavo shrugged. "The reports coming back so far are not good. The area has no name, yet. Explorers call it Lama Tortura, the muddy hellhole. It is a vast jungle swamp filled with biting insects, flesh-eating waters, and shrieking nocturnal predators. The people there seem just as belligerent. They don't seem to care much for outsiders."

[OOC to LLEban: do you want to trade Apianopolitan caravels for Balbeeki junks, just to cover all bases?]

[Mary_Sue]

To Allanar
Hannibal bowed to the Queen "It is an honor, how has the journey treated you? And what is this, he stared deeply at the green fruit?" Hannibal paused and guided her to the Orosereans tending to the horse sized elephant before stating "I have much to thank you and Ulyerion for, it is an honor to receive you both."

"Your ship design has served us well, thanks. Our journey was uneventful. Though my companions swan most of the way." She gestured to the dark haired pair with a somewhat enigmatic smile.

"The fruits are called avocados. They're quite unusual, they aren't sweet at all but savory and creamy. I shall make sure your staff is well versed in their preparation before we leave. They have become a particular favorite of ours. And the natives simply can't get enough of them." She looked curiously at King Hannibal as he stated his gratitude to Lachiel and her father.

"I am afraid that I am unaware of any service we have provided you that require your thanks?" It was more of a question than a statement as she regarded the elder King.

[Tentreto]

[
To Caligonia[/B]
The theatrical nature of Hilua's introduction made the older Hannibal smile. He walked with the esteemed Caligonia to Abrimi Harvarda's perch. "Welcome to Gao madam, it's an honor to have you here. The map, impressive though it may be has its inaccuracies, so your maps are a treasure. One particular object of dispute is whether or not Newmouth is part of an eastern or southern continent unexplored as of now?"



Hilua paused for a second. "To reach Newmouth, we took a more southern bearing than the ones the Apians did, so we may be the most southern colony so far. I'm afraid without further mapping, it is hard to say. I will say though that there is another expedition heading off north of Newmouth to see what can be seen, so after they return, we might get better information"

"Judging by what we have found, certainly a fairly developed group lived there, before something, possibly involving the Lamassu happened. I would imagine that as the Lamassu are not that widespread, there must at least be a degree of isolation."

[Lleban]

Gustavo shrugged. "The reports coming back so far are not good. The area has no name, yet. Explorers call it Lama Tortura, the muddy hellhole. It is a vast jungle swamp filled with biting insects, flesh-eating waters, and shrieking nocturnal predators. The people there seem just as belligerent. They don't seem to care much for outsiders."

[OOC to LLEban: do you want to trade Apianopolitan caravels for Balbeeki junks, just to cover all bases?]

"Lama Tortura, while I don't know the niceties of your language but that sounds quite ominous. Finding land suitable for crops, especially the crops common to Celessa must be a difficult task. Reports from Oroseros suggest that the Baali settlers resorted to growing rice instead of more traditional crops." At the table Hannibal summoned an Oroserean woman, obscured by a series of pink and green veils, holding to cups of tea smelling strongly of nutmeg. While drinking the tea Hannibal posed a question " Perhaps I could give you some Baalbeki junks, their carrying capacity is much greater than a caravel, their record of success is unmatched."



"Your ship design has served us well, thanks. Our journey was uneventful. Though my companions swan most of the way." She gestured to the dark haired pair with a somewhat enigmatic smile.

"The fruits are called avocados. They're quite unusual, they aren't sweet at all but savory and creamy. I shall make sure your staff is well versed in their preparation before we leave. They have become a particular favorite of ours. And the natives simply can't get enough of them." She looked curiously at King Hannibal as he stated his gratitude to Lachiel and her father.

"I am afraid that I am unaware of any service we have provided you that require your thanks?" It was more of a question than a statement as she regarded the elder King.

"I am simply grateful for the military advisers you’ve sent, who brought knowledge of mithril armor and assisted in modernizing the army. You and your father have graciously received our emissaries throughout the years so as thanks I’d like you to take this.” Hannibal gestured to the horse sized elephant, “The Orosereans consider this a creature of royalty; though they are quite rare the creature can be fed like an oxen or goat.”….Remembering Queen Lachiels companions Hannibal was astonished and sheepishly laid out a hand in greeting Nimeil and Amalue “What are your companions and how did they swim over a thousand miles? Are all the natives of Aerandir capable of such feats?”



Hilua paused for a second. "To reach Newmouth, we took a more southern bearing than the ones the Apians did, so we may be the most southern colony so far. I'm afraid without further mapping, it is hard to say. I will say though that there is another expedition heading off north of Newmouth to see what can be seen, so after they return, we might get better information"

"Judging by what we have found, certainly a fairly developed group lived there, before something, possibly involving the Lamassu happened. I would imagine that as the Lamassu are not that widespread, there must at least be a degree of isolation."

A tall man with a burly red bearded man wearing a long strand of raven black hair tied around his wrist interjected "Ha I insisted it be placed further south, but no "my liieeggee" your judgment is best."Hannibal about to chide the captain, decided instead to exit the conversation before making a threat he couldn't take back. Abrimi continued "The lamassu is certainly a unique beast, even in the land of the Entir, I've never seen such a creature, what do they eat? And....What application can they have in the civilized world?

[Tentreto]

A tall man with a burly red bearded man wearing a long strand of raven black hair tied around his wrist interjected "Ha I insisted it be placed further south, but no "my liieeggee" your judgment is best."Hannibal about to chide the captain, decided instead to exit the conversation before making a threat he couldn't take back. Abrimi continued "The lamassu is certainly a unique beast, even in the land of the Entir, I've never seen such a creature, what do they eat? And....What application can they have in the civilized world?


Hilua hid a smile at the slightly brazen captain's interruption. There was always one.

"The Lamassu are strange certainly. We think they are omnivorous hunters, to an extent. They need some meat, certainly, but we managed to get them eating fish and grain mashed together which helped a lot. Some roots would probably help too. They can probably survive a day or so without eating and keep working if not pushed hard. I think the fact that we approached them as horses helped, as we did manage to tame them somewhat easily.
As for their uses,well aside from certain military applications which we all can doubtlessly imagine, a flying courier would be a godsend in mountainous terrain, or in getting information to ships at sea. They would also be decent pack beasts, and far more intimidating than a horse, though I wouldn't attempt to fly a wagon with them just yet."

Do you want charging pikes for next round?

[Mary_Sue]

"I am simply grateful for the military advisers you’ve sent, who brought knowledge of mithril armor and assisted in modernizing the army. You and your father have graciously received our emissaries throughout the years so as thanks I’d like you to take this.” Hannibal gestured to the horse sized elephant, “The Orosereans consider this a creature of royalty; though they are quite rare the creature can be fed like an oxen or goat.”….Remembering Queen Lachiels companions Hannibal was astonished and sheepishly laid out a hand in greeting Nimeil and Amalue “What are your companions and how did they swim over a thousand miles? Are all the natives of Aerandir capable of such feats?”


"We require no thanks, for attending to our relationship has been no burden. Indeed, it has been a relief to find such a reasonable people." Amongst the humans, was not said though may be implied with those familiar with the mind of the Elves. Queen Lachiel looked up at the wonderfully pint sized elephant.

"I admit to being quite pleased by your gift however, and shall accept it gladly. How do these beasts fare in battle?" She had an amused look upon her fair face as she contemplated riding the elephant into battle. As the King moved the conversation to her companions, and with astonishment, she could not keep a small smirk from her lips. Nimeil and Amalue looked at Hannibal's hand for a moment, unsure of what to do with it, and so they each touched their own hands gently to it and looked pleased with themselves.

"I would gladly divulge their secrets to you, good king. Though we would need a shore away from prying eyes. As their suzerain, it is my job to protect them and I do not wish their true nature to be common knowledge just yet." Though the rumors had already begun to spread, the Queen knew.

[Lleban]

Hilua hid a smile at the slightly brazen captain's interruption. There was always one.

"The Lamassu are strange certainly. We think they are omnivorous hunters, to an extent. They need some meat, certainly, but we managed to get them eating fish and grain mashed together which helped a lot. Some roots would probably help too. They can probably survive a day or so without eating and keep working if not pushed hard. I think the fact that we approached them as horses helped, as we did manage to tame them somewhat easily.
As for their uses,well aside from certain military applications which we all can doubtlessly imagine, a flying courier would be a godsend in mountainous terrain, or in getting information to ships at sea. They would also be decent pack beasts, and far more intimidating than a horse, though I wouldn't attempt to fly a wagon with them just yet."

Do you want charging pikes for next round?

"Such a wonderful beast, if it could be trained like a falcon or pigeon." Abrimi pauses and attempts to pet the creature before quickly withdrawing his hand "Perhaps that beast to understanding the interior of Alade. While to coast has some petty kingdom many of the ports had either triangular insignia or abandoned cyclopean architecture. I'm not a particularly pious m,an but do you believe this could be connected to the attacks of our neighbors. " The captain shivered briefly before continuing "If i had to guess two of the most damned places in this world it be a tie between southern Alade and Ahmoas north of the Wei empire."The mere though of the Wei empire made him shake with anger more than the beast could ever evoke fear.

ooc: I'm ok with that




"We require no thanks, for attending to our relationship has been no burden. Indeed, it has been a relief to find such a reasonable people." Amongst the humans, was not said though may be implied with those familiar with the mind of the Elves. Queen Lachiel looked up at the wonderfully pint sized elephant.

"I admit to being quite pleased by your gift however, and shall accept it gladly. How do these beasts fare in battle?" She had an amused look upon her fair face as she contemplated riding the elephant into battle. As the King moved the conversation to her companions, and with astonishment, she could not keep a small smirk from her lips. Nimeil and Amalue looked at Hannibal's hand for a moment, unsure of what to do with it, and so they each touched their own hands gently to it and looked pleased with themselves.

"I would gladly divulge their secrets to you, good king. Though we would need a shore away from prying eyes. As their suzerain, it is my job to protect them and I do not wish their true nature to be common knowledge just yet." Though the rumors had already begun to spread, the Queen knew.

Hannibal smiled at the duo not quite understanding what to expect from such beings. "I'm afraid their use in combat is largely impractical. Though they can run faster than any horse maneuverability is a much bigger issue. As the Orosereans have found the hard way beasts not familiar with gun powder are more liability in battle than anything else." Still curious about the Queen's companions Hannibal considered prodding her further, though it was tempered by hunger of all things. As Hannibal's attendants have ushered the guest to the conference table a the cooks were mid way in cooking feast. Realizing the feast would soon be done he summoned a messenger boy "Queen Lachiel this child is a messenger for the cooks, i would be wonderful for your men to show them how avocados are cooked."

[Mary_Sue]

Hannibal smiled at the duo not quite understanding what to expect from such beings. "I'm afraid their use in combat is largely impractical. Though they can run faster than any horse maneuverability is a much bigger issue. As the Orosereans have found the hard way beasts not familiar with gun powder are more liability in battle than anything else." Still curious about the Queen's companions Hannibal considered prodding her further, though it was tempered by hunger of all things. As Hannibal's attendants have ushered the guest to the conference table a the cooks were mid way in cooking feast. Realizing the feast would soon be done he summoned a messenger boy "Queen Lachiel this child is a messenger for the cooks, i would be wonderful for your men to show them how avocados are cooked."

Lachiel's smile was regretful as she patted the mini-elephant's neck.

"No matter, we shall see that he is well cared for and I will personally attend to him regularly. Has the beast a name?" As the talk turned once again to the avocados, Lachiel motioned to her father, who in turn signaled a small cadre of elves some of which carried big baskets of the dark leathery fruit between them.

"These are the ones skilled in the avocado's preparation." She turned a stern eye to the group.

"Go with this child and be certain you prepare the best guacamole you are capable of." She waved her hand dismissively and the group followed the boy to the kitchens.

"Perhaps we can arrange a private meeting by the shore later if you wish?" The Queen asked as Nimeil and Amalue were currently staring hungrily after the disappearing avocados.

[Tentreto]

"Such a wonderful beast, if it could be trained like a falcon or pigeon." Abrimi pauses and attempts to pet the creature before quickly withdrawing his hand "Perhaps that beast to understanding the interior of Alade. While to coast has some petty kingdom many of the ports had either triangular insignia or abandoned cyclopean architecture. I'm not a particularly pious m,an but do you believe this could be connected to the attacks of our neighbors. " The captain shivered briefly before continuing "If i had to guess two of the most damned places in this world it be a tie between southern Alade and Ahmoas north of the Wei empire."The mere though of the Wei empire made him shake with anger more than the beast could ever evoke fear.

ooc: I'm ok with that



To Hilua, the man seemed quite shaken. "Maybe, although such a venture would certainly be dangerous, and take time. If these places are indeed being attacked in turn, the forces against us must certainly be formidable. Let us outlast the first wave and then see what awaits us. The Chosen does walk in this world after all, and she did spend a few years in the South with us, so she certainly will be able to see how severe the situation is."

done, as Mechalich seems unable to disperse tech, would you mind me receiving one of yours?