Empire 7 - The Imperial Prerogative

[TheDarkDM]

While the glorious city of Indah's Throne had suffered grievously from the rampage of the Necro Orca, no scar or blemish reached so far as the glorious palace of the Lambent Syndicate. There, broad galleries glittered in the treasures of tenfold proud and prosperous peoples, their cavernous vastness a blasphemy against any notion of thrift of equality. High salons and apartments stood ever-ready for the Mistresses of the Syndicate, an army of servants large enough to qualify as a small town in and of themselves furtively toiling beneath the notice of their mercurial overlords. On this unremarkable day, even the vaulted throne room stood empty, though every surface glowed with the carful polish of those whose lives would be forfeit if even a hint of detritus or decay were revealed. Instead, two plenipotentiary emissaries were led high into the central spire of the edifice, to a spherical room where an enormous topographical map of the known world had been carved into the lower hemisphere. Its surface brilliantly painted with luminescent pigments in the colors of the great powers of the Renaissance, it was a living record of their mastery of the planet. And none could claim such mastery as those three that now assembled. Floating above the yawning Maw that marked the center of the world, the Lambent Empress Intan turned with a welcoming smile.

[Gengy]

Stormcloud Conglomerate

To say that an invitation from the Lambent Syndicate was something of a surprise was an understatement. Alto Feytor Saroon'din, upon receiving it, was unsure what to do. With the elevation from the Union to the Conglomerate so recent, the ruler of the mostly Gotezhar and Mer kingdom in the Temperate regions was at a loss for how best to ensure that the Syndicate was answered appropriately.

Many discussions followed within the new Ezcorher Leviathan Ark. To send the Alto Feytor himself was - at the moment - impossible. Putting aside the time away from the Demesne or the guards required to help make the journey to and from, recent rumors painted the Lambent Syndicate in a bad light, calling them the Barbarous Tide. To be fair to the Syndicate, however, the Stormcloud Conglomerate has also been painted in a poor light, mostly by those whom still enjoy a friendly relationship with the Divine Nacres. It is ultimately this argument that sways those who are out right against sending anyone. Especially as the guest list appears to be... short. The Shifting Ennead is, by all accounts, the only other invited attendee.

Three nations of such size coming together is sure to be a momentous occasion, one that many will struggle to ignore even the whispers of hints of what may be discussed.

Saroon'din ultimately decides that, regardless of what the rest of the world may think, someone must go. To offend not just the Lambent Syndicate, but also the Shifting Ennead, by sending a politely worded missive instead of a true emissary would be unwise for the future of the Stormcloud Conglomerate. This leads to further discourse on who to send. Someone of no importance and no authority would be almost worse than sending no one at all. Someone with too much importance and authority might send the wrong message.

Someone with the right level of respect is found. Though she is aging and unlikely to remain in power long, Governess Rubi'din is the controlling power of the Meadows of Elyan'dan... and the Alto Feytor's great aunt. The elder Mer has survived many Reaver attacks, and cares not at all what the world might say about her visiting Senja Bersinar at this time. Even better, upon hearing the issue, she volunteers, glad to do her nation one more great service in her old age. With decades of experience in wielding power and authority, the most difficult part of visiting the Syndicate will be the journey itself. Something the Mer is able to make comfortably enough, thanks to her Gotezhar Squall escorts bending the flow of the waters around her to lessen her strain.

Upon arriving in Indah's Throne, the reception from their host is noted. Given a few hours of comfort to relax and recuperate from the journey, Rubi'din nods with nearly regal affirmation when asked if she is ready to have the Lambent Empress receive her. Leaving all but one of her escorts in her guest rooms, the Governess makes the swim to a high spire above the gaping Maw. Her escort settling behind her in a respectful parade rest, Governess Rubi'din gives a perfectly diplomatic bow for someone of her rank in front of an Empress. Not too shallow as to be disrespectful, but not too deep as to be seen as subservient; Rubi'din answers to one ruler, and her great-nephew is not here right now.

Smiling, the elder Mer - bedecked in fine Clam Vines from her home mixed with Sea Silk and bits of Rimestone - clears her throat before speaking formally, "Lambent Empress Intan, the Stormcloud Conglomerate wishes you and yours many opportunities to Accumulate and Grow. For now, we are here to Mingle. And on a more personal note..."

"I daresay this will be something to remember."

[JBarca]

When word reaches the Ennead of a meeting of the great powers of the world, the King selects one of the most important Doflein in the empire to attend in his name. Pallium Servilia Ambustus holds imperium in Sketi and, aside from her fellow Pallium and the King himself, has authority over the entire Ennead. She's a younger, distinguished Doflein with a passion for patterns - her entire body is covered in flowing fractals of glass and bioluminescence. She has two additional eyes places such that a 90 degree rotation sees her eyes remain symmetrical, and two of her tentacles end in clawed fins.

On arrival in Indah's Throne, the vast majority of the Pallium's entourage is left to their own devices. Prince Servilia moves about the city with only three of her lictors and her favorite recitation urn. The plodding beast slows the Prince's movements, but sacrifices must be made to appease the King - a full, accurate report of the city and its inhabitants is her most important goal outside of the curious negotiations promised. The Lambent Empress' servants who are certainly tailing Servilia find her a boring tourist for the most part, though she does find time to circle the Maw as closely as possible before the meeting begins.

On her way to the top of the spire, Prince Servilia adopts a wary, slightly bemused expression as she eyes the absurd wealth of the Syndicate on full display. The Ennead has nothing like this - all hard materials shaped for aesthetics and ostentation. With the lictors left beyond sight but within earshot, Servilia enters the the room with only her urn, still shaking her mantle gently at the overhwelming display of the tropical empire.

The globe, though? The map? This, she understands. After a slight nod of approval at the display, the woman turns to the Lambent Empress and nods once, in acknowledgement.

"We come as the mouthpiece of the King, Emperor Akkoroas, whose reach is uncontained. We have the pleasure of being Prince Servilia Ambustus, Pallium of the Royal Waves. It pleases us to meet you directly, Empress."

She turns and offers a similar nod to Rubi'din. "And to the Conglomerate, we extend friendly greetings as well."

After a moment, she leans toward her urn and mutters a phrase into its ear, then smiles politely. "Do we expect other attendees, or is this going to be interesting?"

[TheDarkDM]

Inclining her head to each delegation, the Lambent Empress fixed Governess and Prince alike with the uncanny black mirrors of her siren's eyes. As ever, both saw themselves reflected in idealized, seductive states, a feeling only accentuated by the thrumming surety of power radiating from Intan.

"The Lambent Syndicate welcomes you, grand emissaries of the Stormcloud Conglomerate and Shifting Ennead. We need delay no longer - this is a meeting among equals, and no other power in these seas can claim that exalted rank."

A flick of Intan's tail sent her in a lazy orbit around the embossed map below, long platinum-gilded talons reaching out to caress the glowing motes of pigment hanging soporifically over the stone.

"By strength of will and by divine right, our three powers have stretched out their hands to claim mastery over much of the world. Under our auspices, the smallfolk prosper in their meager way, and their prosperity resonates into the incalculable wealth of empires. But as we three stand poised to begin a second renaissance of stability and glory, there are many and more who would see our works brought low."

Here and there, an accusing finger cut light gouges in the pigmentary clouds.

"It is my hope that we might stand together against these lesser powers and grasping echoes of the forgotten past. Already, the Nacres have felt the sting of our displeasure, and depending on what comes of the World Garden's gathering later this year they may earn themselves further chastisement. Beyond them, I know that my Syndicate at least has attracted the envious gaze of lesser beings with which you are forced to share territorial waters; I doubt I am alone in this annoyance. With the subtle pressure of our combined might, we very well could suppress these malcontents without the need of open force."

Her circuit of the room halted abruptly, two hands reaching out towards Servilia and Rubi'din both.

"To that end, I propose an exchange of delegates extraordinary and plenipotentiary, that the courts of Syndicate, Conglomerate, and Ennead might together contemplate the exigencies of empire without the crude distractions of distance or lesser factotums. My people have taken many lessons from the Maw, and among them is the truth that the greatest Titans need not fight when they can prey on lesser beings. Let us share, if not our secret ambitions, then the desires that have led us to this exultant state. And in so doing, let us become strong - strong enough to tear down the false prophets that would humble us, to reap the dissident whispers that might hobble us, and to master for once and all this world."

[JBarca]

Servilia Ambustus finds herself captivated by the empress' eyes, nearly unable to look away as she speaks. It takes a long moment of silence before the representative of the Ennead is able to respond, though her attention remains fixated on the black orbs that promise perfection.

"You ask, Empress, what ambition has driven the Ennead to success, to power? It is simple, really. To expand. Growing - transforming, shifting - is the only virtue. Like an individual can strive toward a perfect body, an empire can be pushed toward invincibility. Neither is achievable by mortals, but the beauty is in the effort. Our drive to grow is translated to the collective and political realm, though, for one obvious reason: because we can.

"My people are, often, eccentric and impetuous in their lust for more. Those of us at the top, though, understand the practicalities of the world. The King is owed all that he can reach, and this will not change. His reach is uncurtailed and unimpeded by most. But in you and in your nephew-" Here a quick glance and respectful nod toward Governess Rubi'din "- the King as found individuals approximating peers. We would be pleased to more directly interface with the Syndicate and Conglomerate. There is little we cannot handle alone, though the bottom feeders are, at times, a less than amusing distraction. The hegemonic weight of our northern neighbors could prove a welcome addition to our repertoire of tools.

"And you, Empress? What has driven the Matrons to their ascendancy?"

[TheDarkDM]

The Lambent Empress' mouth quirked into a wider smile at the Prince's answer, a low chuckle thrumming sensually through the carefully-crafted echo chambers of the room.

"Our peoples are much the same then, Prince Servilia. For most of our history, the Syndicate has accepted the one true gospel that it is our destiny to stretch forth our will and dominate all we see. To possess all that is bright and glorious and valued in all the waters where our light touches."

Intan drifted back over the Maw at the center of the map, her long claws idly sketching the symbols of her name over Throne.

"But much as time has granted your King wisdom, so too has divine revelation tempered our appetites. Even glorious Indah, risen as a the greatest and most radiant of Titans, lacks the means to encompass the whole of creation. Her coils stretch far, farther yet than my Syndicate has reached forth its hand, but they have limits."

One glassy eye winked playfully.

"If not an end. And so we find ourselves here, that we might divide up the world into a banquet we might digest."

[JBarca]

When Indah is mentioned, the Prince glances at the Maw, before returning her focus to the enchanting gaze of the Empress.

Servilia's response is a slow, thoughtful nod followed by a quicker, more decisive one.

"Excellent. There are so few in this world who truly understand growth and possess the power actually to strive for it.

"But what, if I may be so bold, do you have in mind? Obligations? Trade, assistance, vouching? Simple geographic divisions of claimed seafloor? We can discuss much, but we do make one hard boundary: the Ennead's sovereignty will not be impugned."

[Gengy]

Governess Rubi'din remains silent, as she watches the exchange. It is obvious to both the Empress and the Prince that the Governess is observing for the moment, attempting to take their measure, and better understand what transpires here.

The Mer matron remains involved, however, pcolitely nodding at the right moments, and actively listening.

"...but we do make one hard boundary: the Ennead's sovereignty will not be impugned."

At this, Rubi'din finally speaks. "Neither will the Conglomerate accept uninvited influence into it's waters. I feel it is fairly safe to say that whatever acknowledgements we wish to establish here today must begin with that one: Our nations are equals. We may build together, but the design to be followed is decided by whosever waters we swim in at that time."

"The Gotezhar that make up a majority of the Conglomerate have suffered enough from outside influence, and abhor irritants. It is something the rest of us have adopted as a culture. For all that an individual and newborn Gotezhar is, in a word, unintelligent, the moment they are inspired it is like they have an unceasing drive to complete their goals. I imagine that the Conglomerate will function much the same: We may be new, but we have been born from struggle. We know how to manage it, and while cooler heads prevail, we will gladly reach out to others to create allies and perhaps friendships. Once we have our eyes upon a goal, the very currents themselves will shift to be behind us if that is what it takes."

Rubi'din nods in a semblance of a bow, "As I'm sure both the Syndicate and the Ennead can and do."

"To further answer the Prince's questions, though, the Conglomerate is open to the idea of Trade, and also open to the idea of exchanging diplomats; I have one such Mer here with me to leave in the Empress's tender care, should that be the desired outcome. We would also be pleased to assist with any building projects that either the Syndicate or Ennead wish to work on, though we should caution you that the moment a Gotezhar builder arrives on site is the exact moment that certain Nacre backed transportation ceases. To that end, this is what the Conglomerate is prepared to agree to:

First: The sovereignty of our nations is to be respected. There can be no further discussion without acknowledging this, and accepting that any entry into the other's waters is to be with permission." Rubi'din sighs, about to say something she seems to find annoying, "This also means you can't... and I am compelled to say this, I assure you... you can't steal clouds. How you would accomplish such a thing, I have no idea, but it upsets any Gotezhar in the same way that it would upset you were the Conglomerate to come in and take an entire subsection of your birth-capable species members. We can and do go to war over this, regardless of my own personal feelings on the matter."

Second: Projects that require skilled builders are something the Conglomerate is pleased to assist with, so long as we are properly compensated.

Third: The establishing of Cultural Exchanges will be welcomed and expected, between the three of us, as soon as it is socially viable to do so.

Fourth: Any proof of the location of the so called 'Divine' Nacres Headquarters is to be shared with the Conglomerate. We will make concessions on other matters, so long as this is agreed to.

Fifth: Any matters of discontent between the three of us must be properly discussed to maintain civility. We each individually hold far too much sway to do otherwise. Though our currents may not always travel in the same direction, we should remain dignified examples to the lesser nations; strive to be something they can aspire to.

Sixth, and finally: Matters of faith are to be treated just as respectfully as matters of diplomacy. No uninvited clergy, as - in my personal experience - they quickly devolve into diplomatic issues if left unchecked."

[TheDarkDM]

AS the Governess spoke, the Lambent Empress swayed in place, each minute flick of her tail a weight and judgement of the Gotezhar position. At last, as silence descended once more, she brought her talons together with a soft clack.

"On these positions I believe we are of one mind, Governess. The entire purpose of my invitation was to engage our three powers in just such an understanding. However, an additional caveat of my own - we must protect the secrecy of this arrangement, at least insofar as the depth of our involvement. When any one of us moves, it quails the spirits of lesser beings, but it does not inspire such fear as to unite them against us. Were the three of us to openly ally, we risk a general war against us on the part of all whose foolish pride blinds them even now to our supremacy."

[JBarca]

While the Governess speaks, the Prince listens, though her gaze remains on the mirrored depths of the Empress' eyes. Nothing said in this room could be half so captivating as Servilia's perfected self.

When the moment comes, though, it is clear that Servilia is paying enough mental attention to engage, even if she is physically distracted.

"Secrecy, information about the Nacres, promising discussion before violence, and building projects? We can see nothing untoward here. Nothing contentious or scandalous. We do wonder, though, how you see any of this playing out if our relationship will stay hidden. If Gotezhar builders begin construction in Danabae while Ezcorher comes to life with Syndicate imports and Kucen begin displaying Ennead augmentations, our involvement will only slip past those we need not concern ourselves with anyway. When public embassies are constructed or spheres of influence neatly adjoin rather than collide, we will be found out. We do not fear this, but we must ask: what, then will the practicalities entail? What is the line? Is the prime goal simply quiet noninterference, or is it cooperation? It does not seem that we can have our cake and eat it, too."