Subject: [My version...]
Author:
Posted on: 2015-02-08 08:33:00 UTC
[... looks like this:]
This
[Obviously the difference is for space reasons; the general 'circular towers/stone construction' theme is still there]
hS
Subject: [My version...]
Author:
Posted on: 2015-02-08 08:33:00 UTC
[... looks like this:]
This
[Obviously the difference is for space reasons; the general 'circular towers/stone construction' theme is still there]
hS
Kind friends and companions, come join me in rhyme
Come lift up your voices in chorus with mine
Come lift up your voices, all grief to refrain
For we may or might never all meet here again
Here's a health to the company and one to my lass
Let us drink and be merry all out of one glass
Let us drink and be merry, all grief to refrain
For we may or might never all meet here again
It's been a tense Permission Giver election. A total of 38 PPCers cast their votes; to put that in context, only 65 people posted to the Board last month total, and a fair few of those only made one or two posts.
And the voting was tight, all the way through. There was always the chance that one of our three candidates could pull out a lead - at various times, each of them was ahead - or fall behind. So how did they do?
Our ship lies at harbour, she's ready to dock
I hope she's safe landed without any shock
If ever we should meet again by land or by sea
I will always remember your kindness to me
The lines are closed, the votes have been counted and verified, and I can now reveal that this Big Brother parody has gone too far already the results. In alphabetical order:
Desdendelle: 29
Iximaz: 29
PoorCynic: 30
Yes, despite my transparent attempts to build tension, the votes stayed close all the way through. And that means it is with great pleasure I can hand out Permission Giver Hats to Desdendelle, Iximax, and PoorCynic. Congratulations, guys - and remember, though the work may be hard, if you stick with it, one day you too may... uh... end up with a bunch of new PPCers thinking you're the most ancient thing since sliced bread. Motivation! ^_^
My footsteps may falter, my wit might fail
My course may be challenged by the worst of the gale
Ere fortune shall prove to be friend or be foe
You will always be with me wherever I go
And of course there was a fourth candidate: Kaitlyn, the Oldest Boarder. This was the genuinely tense part of the election for me: she swung back and forward between 'yes' and 'no' the whole way. And the final results?
Yes: 15 (at least)
No: 12 (at most)
So with the greatest pleasure, I hand out a fourth PG hat, with accompanying congratulations, to Kaitlyn. In accordance with the discussion, she's probably going straight to 'Permission Giver Emeritus' status - so you may not see her handing out Permission any time soon, depending on how the discussion goes.
So there we are. Four new Permission Givers, ladies, gentlemen and starfish. Can we get three cheers?
Here's a health to the company and one to my lass
Let us drink and be merry all out of one glass
Let us drink and be merry, all grief to refrain
For we may or might never all meet here again
[To keep the main thread for what it should be - congratulations to our new PGs - I'll be creating sub-threads for the discussion of what PG Emeritus status should consist of, and for all the Protectorate of Plort/Barons stuff. Try to keep those confined where they belong, please]
[If you like Celtic folk-songs of the kind used to provide the soundtrack to this post, I highly recommend Heather Dale's recent album 'My Celtic Heart', which is where I learnt this one. Her store has samples for all her songs, and you should also be able to find her free album 'Perpetual Gift', if you want to get a proper feel for her style]
hS
Have a large bag of NM&Ms, guys!
Congratulations to Iximaz, Desdendelle and PoorCynic.
And congratulations to Kaitlyn, too. Being the first voter, I wondered whether you would appreciate to be made a PG with one sure "Yes" and nobody bothering to object, so I tried to move the bar a bit up. I'm still not sure how this emeritus thing will work in practice, but I'm glad that I've been outvoted.
HG
I saw the call for election, but did not vote since I haven't been a regular poster for years and I am against blind voting. :) I am sure all the newly elected permission givers will do a great job. :)
And welcome to Duty. Use the Hat and its formidable powers For Great Justice!
All your board are belong to us. You are on the way to permission.
Hahahaha...
And now because I am beyond all hope, the pony version.
I intend to release it a free-to-use, but I wonder if the rules remain the same.
I don't know how my mini-Boarder got the Hat instead of me, but if that is your decision, I shall stand by it and pffffft >D
Sorry, couldn't keep a straight face. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go faint.
Also, is this the part where the new PGs give speeches? *clears throat* Friends, Boarders, fellow Protectors, lend me your sporks-
Oh, it's not? Never mind then.
*hands out plates of SPaGhetti to Desdendelle and PoorCynic* And congratulations to both of you! :D
If it helps, the first time I typed it, I tabulated the votes for another mini, iximaz, as well. So at least you got one mention!
{... I don't think that helps, actually}
No, you're probably right.
hS
It's been suggested several times during the PG election that we ought to have some kind of 'PG Emeritus' status - something that says someone is still a Permission Giver, but isn't currently entitled to give Permission. This is the sub-thread to discuss exactly how that should work. I'm hoping for a consensus, not a vote, so let's aim for that.
The questions, as I see them, are basically two: how does PG Emeritus status get activated, and how does it get removed?
Options I can think of for flipping to Emeritus:
-Don't post or visit the IRC at all for a given period of time.
-Don't meet a minimum level of activity for a given period.
-Be inactive, and have been made a PG a certain amount of time ago.
-Be inactive, and have been made a PG before a certain date.
My thought is that we should probably be looking at 'zero activity' as the benchmark; Techno-Dann, VixenMage and Araeph would all probably fail to meet any kind of 'minimum activity' line, but I can't imagine anyone wants to deactivate them. So how long do you have to be 'gone' for? Personally I'd suggest a year, solely because it's a nice round number.
The other option is to make it so that 'old PGs' are deactivated, even if they pop in occasionally. In that case, I'd probably set the benchmark at the introduction of Permission 3.0 - the 'writing samples from the table' model. If you haven't been active since then, you probably won't know how to do it, and you giving Permission will just confuse things.
(Either way, note that Kaitlyn will drop straight to Emeritus status; she's fine with that, and at least two of her 'no' votes have said they'd accept that option)
(Other note: I think it would be extraordinarily rude to 'deactivate' any of the first five PGs: Jay, Acacia, Miss Cam, GreyLadyBast, or Thalia Weaver. I don't think there's going to be any argument for the Originals, but feel free to debate the other three if you want)
Options I can think of for returning to Active:
-Post at all.
-Make a certain number of posts.
-Be active (either posting at all, or at a certain activity level) for a given period.
-Specifically request activation.
My preference would probably be 'active for a given period'. I'd define active as something like 5-10 posts a month - which, according to my records, is what PoorCynic is averaging, and we just voted him in - and say you have to meet it for three months. That's midway between the line for requesting Permission, and the arbitrary benchmark I imposed this time for becoming a Permission Giver.
So: discussion open. I don't think this needs to be a PGs-only decision, though I would like all our active PGs to chime in if they're interested.
hS
... I'm inclined to go with a less formal way of handling this. I'll work up an 'FAQ for Returnbies', which will include something like this:
Q. Can I give out [[Permission]]?
A. Were you ever a Permission Giver? If not, we're afraid not! If you were, it'd be a good idea to familiarise yourself with the current system - it might have changed quite a bit since you were last here. It's also recommended that you take an active role in the community for a while before you start granting Permission - that way you know who everyone is, and everyone knows you.
That gets the gist of 'Emeritus' across, without formalising it into a title (and leading to Hieronymus' dilemma of who updated the Wiki). Thoughts?
hS
Looking on the Wiki’s list of Permission Givers, the First Five (Jay and Acacia, and GreyLadyBast, Miss Cam and Thalia Weaver) cannot be affected by community decisions. Should they have “permanent” appended to their names?
Everybody else who is not also currently a voting member of Plort’s Baronical Council (BeautyID, Bjam, Doc Filth, DML, JulyFlame, Kaitlyn, Laburnum, Leto Haven, NenyaQuende, Rohirric Monkey, Sedri, Tough Cookie, Trojie and TZA), is by default considered to have been seen only very occasionally at best for a long time, and will get “inactive” appended to their names. Any objections? July?
Supposing that “zero activity” for at least one year will be the consensus, at any time (or only at a specific occasion, like the annual Baronial Council?), somebody suspecting that a PG may have left without notice may ask whether PG Insert-Name-Here has been seen posting on the Board, chatting in the IRC or editing the Wiki during the last year. If nobody speaks up within a reasonable span of time, somebody may then edit the Wiki to append “inactive” to PG Insert-Name-Here. (This will probably be Makari’s fate in the near future, leaving us with ten active Permission Givers.)
But I don’t see how automatic reactivation after three months of sufficient activity should work. The Wiki doesn’t edit itself.
HG
I'd like to think that our senior PGs are sharp enough people to not need rules to tell them to not give permission if they've been out of the loop for a while, though.
*shrugs at*
I could see some sort of minimum-activity standard. I have, obviously, really not been active on-Board, although I'm in the IRC most nights.
1/ At least one wasn't. ^^ Several years back, TZA wandered back in and started handing out Permission.
2/ BeautyID specifically suggested that her PG powers should be revoked, and threatened to wreck the entire Permission system discussed why.
And yeah - I did forget about the IRC when talking about activity. In my head, I know you're always on there - it just didn't reach my fingers. Sorry! ^^
hS
I think the 'zero activity for a year' benchmark is a sound one. If a PG Emeritus returns and wants to have said status removed, they should demonstrate a reasonable level of activity on the board for at least a month. PGs are a major part of the community, and and such need to be involved with it.
Also, I average 5-10 posts a month? Sheesh, I'm slipping. I need to step up my posting game. *glares at the beast known as Real Life, which is currently hiding in the corner of his room*
Dann is around the IRC pretty frequently, so he wouldn't fall away under "inactive", and I'm pretty sure I've seen VM there several times over the past ... while.
I like the ideas you set forth (inactive for at least a year is probably a good length of time) and if the PG has been inactive since before the new system was implemented, then it's probably safe to move them to Emeritus as well.
I was under the impression that VixenMage, Techno-Dann, and Araeph were chronic lurkers, so they'd be up to speed with the new system... Was I wrong on that? I have seen them pop in occasionally, and not just for the recent vote.
I also agree on the 'active for a given period' thing. Not really much else to say on that.
But, erm, since when has the wait for Permission been six months? At least, that's the impression I got from say you have to meet it for three months. That's midway between the line for requesting Permission. Did I miss that discussion?
The wait for Permission is 'around about a month'. Being a PG was 'been around for six months' this time, and at least one other time. 3 months sits in between them.
hS
Well, by those rules I'd go straight to Emeritus... I know I post very rarely any more, though I lurk a lot. And I'm fine with that on a personal level.
But on a broader view, it seems to me what you're suggesting is basically "if you're not these particular people, you have to meet a certain (arbitrary?) standard or lose certain abilities until you specifically ask for them back". And that feels a litle bit like, perhaps, favouritism?
As in, I listed various options to be considered, with the intent of a decision between them. So 'we could go with this... or this... or this'.
My preference is either the 'zero activity for x amount of time' - which none of our 'chronic lurker PGs' meet - or 'zero activity since the Permission system was last changed' - which again, none of you meet. My preference for reactivation is 'automatic when you've been active for 3 months'. I think the idea of specifically requesting reactivation is a terrible one, personally, but I was trying to outline all the options.
I should've made all that clearer, so I apologise for that.
hS
Seems workable to me - I think we are of one mind re: the reactivation request.
Barons, Knights, and Civilians of the Union of Plort, I beg your indulgence for a few small matters of consequence before we commence our celebration of the founding of Castle Harpwire.
First, due to her continued absence from these shores, the barony of Makari is being deactivated, and divided between Barony Dann and Barony VixenMage. As ever, should Baron Makari return, she will be entitled to reclaim her barony from those who now watch over it. [Because I don't want to straight-up erase her, but equally, my maps will get messy if I just keep inactive PGs on there indefinitely.]
Secondly, the Refuge of Ozerbord would like to confirm the wording of our constitution: that the office of Protector in Ozerbord rests on the person of Baron Huinesoron, not on his position as the sole baron in Ozerbord. While military administration is divided along baronial lines, the civilian government of Ozerbord is solely the province of Baron Huinesoron. [Basically because I'm the only person with admin powers over the Other Board, which in accordance with the 'reflection of reality' nature of Plort, means I must be the head of government. ^^]
Thirdly, Baron Huinesoron has paid out of his own pocket to fund the construction of roads between every current baronial seat and its nearest population centre; by this measure it is hoped that the travel of our barons to the Baronial Council this summer will be significantly eased. Regretfully, however, the isolated and forested position of Tegnoh has meant that it is unable to be connected. [That's Baronies Araeph, Huinesoron, and Cassie, plus any rural castles that crop up in the next post; basically this is to make my maps make more sense.]
Fourthly, it gives me great pleasure to announce the creation of four new baronies. The Baronial Council has discussed the candidates extensively, and surveyed the feelings of the populace, and we are pleased to confer the rights, privileges, and duties of a Baron of Plort upon:
Lady Iximaz, the Far-Travelled
Lady Kaitlyn, the Knight Who Goes ^^
Sir PC, the Poor Cynick
Thanasius Ampelius, the Warrior Monk
In accordance with the Edict of Bast, the domains of these barons will be decided based on their lands of residence. I therefore call upon them to declare before this company which of the nations of Konti-Nyuum they will take under their protection, that their borders may be set and confirmed.
[Okay, basically, please name one or more of the four nations, based on your interests in the PPC. If you spend a lot of time in the chat, that's Iric; if you're on the Wiki a lot, that's Wechi; if you get into a lot of RPs, that's Ozerbord, and if you're on the Board, that's, uh, Borrd. You can choose multiple, up to three - but you can't hold land in both Iric and Ozerbord, since they don't border each other. One or two countries is best. Any special requests, such as coast towns, cities, or even specific areas of land, will be considered; basically I aim to leave everyone their castle, and keep borders to geographical features; beyond that, I'm willing to shift everything around]
[The map of Konti-Nyuum can be found here, if you need it.]
~~~~~~~~~
"I got you something."
Kaitlyn (Lady of Ozerbord, Knight Who Goes ^_^, secret Duchess-in-Exile of El-Jheycom) looked up from her desk to see her husband holding a sheet of paper. "From the capital?" she asked. "New reports from the Marizu League?"
"Not exactly." Baron Huinesoron put on his best 'serious' face. "'Lady Kaitlyn-'"
"Don't I merit a 'sir'?" Kaitlyn asked. "I thought after all these years... never mind. So is this about the hospital?"
"Shh." Baron Huinesoron cleared his throat. "'Lady Kaitlyn: in recognition of your long service in the lands of Konti-Nyuum, and your honourable aquittal of the duties which you have assumed-'"
"Sweet Kanun, tell me they're not throwing a ball in my honour," Kaitlyn groaned. "Can you imagine how-?"
"'We, the Baronial Council of the Union of Plort,'" Huinesoron continued over her protests, "'do hereby confer upon you the rights, privileges, and duties of a Baron of Plort-'"
"What?!" Kaitlyn leapt to her feet. "Is this a joke? Because I'm telling you, it's not funny-"
"No joke," Huinesoron assured her. "I've got a map of your new domain, too. It runs from, let me see... from the banks of the Karaktar to the Larninkurv Mountains, and along the curve of the Lhawgin Heights."
Kaitlyn's eyes widened. "El-Jheycom," she breathed. "Huinesoron, how--?"
"The Edict of Bast lays a heavy emphasis on historical association," Huinesoron said. "The fact that you're currently living in another baron's castle means your present residence can't be considered, so..."
Kaitlyn let out a sound that could best be described as a 'squee', and threw herself into her husband's arms. "I don't know how you managed this," she said, "but thank you, thank you, thank you."
"It's not all good news," Huinesoron told her, holding her close. "The Baronial Council was split on the issue of your appointment, so we had to make a few... compromises. Specifically, since you're not actually living in your-- in Barony Kaitlyn, you've been created a 'non-administrative baron'."
Kaitlyn leant back and quirked an eyebrow at him. "Which means?"
"You don't have a vote in the Baronial Council, or the Council of Borrd," Huinesoron said. "You have full baronial powers, but nothing above that."
"... which means we won't be declaring independence any time soon," Kaitlyn concluded. "A clever move. But just give us time. El-Jheycom's sun will rise again."
"I'm sure it will," Huinesoron said. "And you, Baron Kaitlyn, will be there to see it."
Here's a health to the dear lass that I love so well
Her style and her beauty, sure none can excel
There's a smile upon her countenance as she sits upon my knee
There is no-one in this wide world as happy as me
Here's a health to the company and one to my lass
Let us drink and be merry all out of one glass
Let us drink and be merry, all grief to refrain
For we may or might never all meet here again
hS
Keep De'endee's construction was nearly complete, thanks to the extensive use of magic. Lady Iximaz smiled to herself as she looked around the recently-built great hall, though the smile quickly disappeared when she remembered the veritable mountain of paperwork awaiting her.
The newly-appointed Baroness rubbed her temples, grudgingly deciding it would be best to not delay in answering the other Barons' missives. Newness to the position aside, she was also the youngest Baron now serving on the Council, and she couldn't give anyone a reason to doubt her ability.
She made her way back to her chambers, her boots falling heavily on the flagstones. Inside, her desk was nearly hidden beneath all the scrolls; it looked like several more letters had been delivered during the day. She groaned and reached for the scroll bearing the mark of Baron Huinesoron.
After reading through it, Iximaz groaned again and let her head fall on the desk, accidentally crushing several scrolls.
"Well, this is just perfect," she muttered, balling up the letter and throwing it over her shoulder. "Of all the bad timing— ugh!" She reache into her desk and pulled out a fresh piece of parchment, failing to notice that it was stuck to the letter from Knight Jumper. Iximaz penned a brief letter to Baron Huinesoron expressing her regrets, but she had already announced her intentions to throw a banquet of her own in honor of he knights who were moving to her barony.
"And what a foolish decision that was," she said aloud, scratching her signature at the bottom of the letter and blowing on the ink. She seemed to be talking to herself a lot as of late.
It was true, though. She was already in far over her head than she'd anticipated, learning the niceties of running a barony such as setting and collecting taxes, settling trade agreements, forming tentative relationships with the other barons— and then she'd gone and decided to throw a banquet, of all things!
Jaikaiar willing, things would soon settle down and she would be able to resume her fight against the Marizu. But until then, she would have to wait.
Construction of the Arpying Road was still ongoing as Baron Huinesoron rode along it. Fortunately, the clifftops of Barony Iximaz were grassy and level, so even the stretch between the road reaching out from Critta-Kalthin and the one rising to meet it from De'endee was an easy journey. As Keep De'endee came into sight, the baron turned to his companion.
"Impressive," he said, gesturing at the castle. "I wouldn't have thought she could raise a castle so quickly."
"The Lady Iximaz has had a lot of help," Freckles pointed out. "Sandra tells me the Knight Ion has joined her barony - at this rate, Critta-Kalthin will be larger than Ozerbord before the year is out."
"Not that that's saying much," Baron Huinesoron chuckled. "Our little capital isn't terribly impressive, is it?"
"Ah - no, my lord," Freckles agreed. "But still..."
"But still." Huinesoron looked at Keep De'endee again. "Well. With all these new vassals and allys, she should be eager to accept my proposal."
The two rode along in silence for a few minutes. Then Freckles tilted her head. "Uh, my lord..."
"You know that's not how I meant it," Huinesoron said. "Stop smirking."
"Yes, my lord."
"And don't you dare tell my wife."
~
The pounding on the door of De'endee would have been loud enough to wake the dead, except that Lady Iximaz would already have had them up and about helping to set up her barony. When the door was opened, it revealed Baron Huinesoron, decked out in rough travelling clothes.
The baron stepped into De'endee and looked around thoughtfully. "Impressive acoustics," he remarked, his voice echoing back from the far side of the Great Hall. "But I am not here to comment on the architecture. Please conduct me to Lady Iximaz."
Baron Huinesoron's proposal, once he laid it out for the resident baron, was simple. Ozerbord had need of sand, he explained - the fine sand that was found on the beaches around Critta-Kalthin. They would be willing to pay well for it - in currency, in food, in trade agreements, or in the still-secret end product of Barony Huinesoron's planned new industry. But, given the currently free-falling state of Barony Huinesoron's economy, he would need it soon. As in, 'how soon can you start digging?'.
hS
[Trade agreements! ... stars, have I just turned Plort into The Phantom Menace? 'Wars? Pfeh. Magic? Blah. What this setting really needs is POLITICS AND NEGOTIATIONS.']
[Nah, don't worry. Things will get exciting again once I have my trade routes in place.]
What on Earth could he want sand for? Did he intend to produce glass? Use it in construction?
"Well, my lo- er, Baron," she said, mentally chastising herself for the slip, "if it is sand you wish to trade for, I see no objections."
She requested that, in exchange for her barony's sand, the trade restrictions currently in place would be lessened. After all, she reasoned, once Huinesoron's final product was revealed, it would likely be possible for her own craftsmen to replicate it; Baron Huinesoron had said nothing about the final product being under his sole control.
[Yeesh, I'm not good at this politicking schtick. A thousand curses on my inexperience!]
Dark Civilian Aakmal has just arrived at the outskirts of Keep De'endee with his retinue, caravans, supplies including living livestock, and gold, meaning to supply for a feast and finally paying taxes to one liege. Having two Barons squabbling over his town's loyalty is a landmine; one misstep and Critta' will burn to ash. And not paying any taxes to both lieges causes some disastrous losses, as his traders' boats has been confiscated by one liege or another.
But now that the people of Kalthin has joined his town, and recent news that Lady Iximaz is offered Baronship and has taken Critta'-Kalthin as one of his vassal, is something to be celebrated. His entourage closes in to the keep, but stops at arrow's shot. An orc swings the banner left and right to catch attention.
"Datu, there isn't a sound. Looks like the keep's empty." The orc says to Aakmal.
"Impossible, even during noon there should be some scouts..."
From the east, suddenly a group of riders gallops their horses to Aakmal's entourage. A short, stout man leads the riders, and his horse trops forward a few steps after the other riders has stopped a few feet back.
"Greetings, who is Dark Civilian Aakmal? I am the herald of Lady Iximaz, and I shall escort him to the gates."
"I am Dark Civilian Aakmal, but I do not know Her Ladyship is expecting me."
"She hasn't yet, but I will send one man to notify her." He signals one rider, and he nods. Soon the horse is already galloping, carrying its rider to De'endee.
After half an hour, Dark Civilian Aakmal is brought through the front gates. The castle is busy with workers working their materials and magicians forming spells unto the structures. His entourage unloads the baggage into middle of the ward. A few men sets up tents to shield the supplies and the retinue and their leader from the sun. Now Aakmal sits crosslegged on the ground, waiting for the invitation to enter the hall.
At long last, a harried figure exited the keep and hurried to greet the Dark Civilian.
Lady Iximaz was far from looking the part of a Baron, with rumpled clothes and shadows under her eyes, and she spoke with the voice of one still getting used ti their newfound authority.
"Greetings, Aakmal," she said. "Thank you for coming on such short notice; I hope your journey was easy." She brushed a strand of hair from her eyes. "The kitchens were completed just yesterday, and their facilities will be made fully available to you. Darkotas is in charge of overseeing the banquet preparations in my stead. Come, I will introduce you to him."
Darkotas stood in the courtyard, planning out meticulous details of seating and decoration. The young man motioned to a group of men, watching as they lifted an enormous table to carry it to a predetermined area. With a nod, he dismissed the workers and made a note on the placement. Hearing his name called out, he turned to see Lady Iximaz and a stranger approaching. He cleared his throat and stepped forward to address the pair.
"Hello, my Lady! Are the guests arriving so soon? We are still preparing, but I suppose I could find a place to entertain them in the meantime..."
He turned to face the stranger. "Greetings, sir. I am Darkotas, Assistant to the Baroness and prospective Knight-in-training. Is there anything you require?"
((I'm still very new to this, so feel free to take this wherever you'd like, Iximaz. You know me well enough to properly characterize Darkotas if needed as well - I'll be here in the thread, but feel free to use him if you need to.))
"Greetings, Darkatos. I am Dark Civilian Aakmal, just call ke Aakmal. First off, may we be pointed to the storeroom for foodstuffs and the pens for livestock? I have brought more supplies for the feast. Secondly, I'd like to offer my workers to help you prepare for the feast. Thirdly, perhaps some biscuits and tea for us after loading the supplies into the storage?"
"Welcome, Aakmal. The storeroom is just down the hallway on your left; it should be the third door on the right. The pens are not yet complete, but we have a temporary enclosure on the west side. I appreciate the aid as well; at the moment, my men are constructing the barracks and could use a few more hands. Alternatively, our chefs could use assistance if your men are so inclined. If you take a seat, I will prepare your refreshments momentarily."
Aakmal points his thumb to a tall, dark man. "Saiful, get back to our supplies and your company guard the gold. I intend to offer it formally to Lady Iximaz in a ceremony. Await my further orders." Saiful immediately jogs away.
Then he points to a shorter man wearing Norse clothing. "David, you are in charge of supplies, bring them to the storeroom. Dasgiz's company are to help you." David nods and leaves.
Now Aakmal orders the orc wearing a broad-brimmed hat. "Tulgash, you are in charge of livestock, bring them to the enclosure. Ensure the animals are well-fed and watered." Tulgash tips his hat, and walks swiftly away.
"Now, Darkotas, Lady Iximaz. According to the customs of the land where I came from, when a lord throws a feast, everyone including the workers and slaves are automatically invited. Of course the nobles and guests of honour are seated further away from the rabbles. Thus I have brought 400 chickens, 50 cows, 200 goats, 400 quails, half a ton of spices, half a ton of onions, shallots, ginger, and garlic, half a ton of sugar, a quarter ton of salt, five tons of rice, five tons of wheat flour, three tons of firewood, a few tons of carrots, cabbages, brinjals, turnips, and long cabbages.
"Darkotas, according to the customs too, I am supposed to provide some meals to my labourers. So if you would kindly extend the tea and biscuits to my workers, with permission from Lady Iximaz," Aakmal pauses as he nods to her, "I would be most glad. However, if you can't, I understand."
"I will arrange for volunteers for your chefs and construction workers. They will begin work tomorrow, as we are still weary from the journey. Thus I also ask for permission to set up more tents."
"Lady Iximaz," now Dark Civilian Aakmal bows, "I would like to give you some of the gold I have brought as payment for the delayed tax that I could not pay, as Baron Huinesoron and Baron Neshomeh had quarreled over the jurisdiction of my town. I couldn't pay a Baron over the other, in fear of escalating the tension. But I would also like a ceremony to officiate our relationship, me as vassal and you as liege. So that no one may contest the overlordship of my town, if you would be so kind."
In the deep shadows and warm places of the new barony, the Scapegrace watched and wondered. There was work here, work for her people - the people of the road, the nameless and the nothing-bearers, the Lurking-Kind. She saw, and it was good.
The baronial castle of Lady Iximaz was shaping up to be a fine thing indeed, crouched atop a hillock like a fat toad waiting for the flies. And flies would come, and filth, and gold; a town would spring up around the castle to trade along the river, and the people would need things, and the nothing-bearers would be moved on, again. Unless, unless...
"Lady Iximaz. A good title, and earned." Scapegrace grinned, showing teeth that ought not to be shown in public where children might see. "I too will pay my taxes. Here." She fished in a pocket and produced a few coppers, flipping them into a chest. "My service is yours. The ones who wait and see are yours as well. I would curtsy, but my bones are aching of a winter's travel. Beggars an' health are swiftly parted."
She withdrew something else from her tattered parody of finery - a thin, steel thing, pitted with rust but still dangerous-looking, a burnt-orange line in the air, it seemed. "I've no blade to offer save this. No knight am I. No fine sword an' horse an' servants to make obsequies at me all day. Some fights, though, a good and noble knight," she almost spat the words, thought that might have been a rattling cough talking, "cannot fight, nor can gentle folk carry every day. 'Tis enough, though, oh yes... 'tis enough, in the proper place. For is that not the business of a fine and noble lady?"
There was a blur. A turnip was skewered, ripped from its sealed crate by the bony hag, who secreted it about her person along with the metal and a few of the more valuable looking splinters. "The knowin' of proper places."
This is what I imagine Lady Iximaz's castle to look like at the moment. Only with less plants growing out of the walls. And probably more rain. =]
[... looks like this:]
This
[Obviously the difference is for space reasons; the general 'circular towers/stone construction' theme is still there]
hS
Now I'm going to waste the rest of today building my version in Minecraft. Thanks. :P
[Aakmal's response was posted while I was typing - I should have addressed the group of strangers, not the singular. My mistake.]
[So, I have a few assumptions. First, the stoves are for firewood.]
[Second, Aakmal don't have any idea that Baron Huinesoron's there. Maybe you'll show me to him, and discuus frther about the sand business.]
[Third, while Aakmal has sent a letter confirming his loyalty to Lady Iximaz, there may need to be a ceremony to officalise it. We may discuss it while looking at the kitchen.]
"Very well, my lady." Aakmal turns to his followers, "Saiful, David, Tulgash! Come with me! Dasgiz, make sure evryone else behaves."
Aakmal and his three officers follows Lady Iximaz.
The transformation had been a rapid one. In a few days, what had been a relatively open stretch of low, rolling hills near the Iron Highway had turned into a teeming sea of tents and carts. The entire area was alive with activity: soldiers training, children at play, merchants hawking their wares, cutpurses plying their trade, and grey-haired scholars giving lectures to whomever would listen. Had the buildings not been made of canvas, it might have passed for almost any other town in the protectorate.
Baron PC, the Poor Cynick, arched one eyebrow as he looked over the makeshift community from a nearby hill. It was both astonishing and gratifying, how the people had flocked out to the site where -- Mike and Joel willing -- the fortress of Worhkshap would soon arise. The first time he had emerged from his own tent and seen the others rising nearby was when the truth of his appointment became anchored in his mind. A missive was one thing, but this? Hundreds of people sheltered under his banner? That was more than any gesture from the Baronial Council.
He let his eyes trail back down to the various documents on the table in front of him. There were engineering analyses about the stability of the land, architectural plans for Worhkshap itself, guard reports on incidents in the tent city, and a dozen other things that needed his attention. But what he was most interested in now was a map.
"You are certain this is the most recent map?" he asked a nearby page. "I recall there being some confusion before about where the borders of Barony Thanasius Ampelius fell."
"Yes, my lord," the page replied. "A messenger brought it directly from Borrd itself."
PC traced one finger along the newly delineated lines. "It seems I came out of this quite well. The other new barons have rather less expansive domains."
"Perhaps it was a reward for your service, my lord," the page replied.
PC was silent for a moment. "That may be," he finally said, the doubt heavy in his voice. "Or perhaps there is something else at play, especially considering that the major mines fall under my dominion." The baron leaned back in his chair and tapped his fingers together. "The Council is ever so fond of their games of intrigue. I cannot help but feel that I am either being tested or being used."
He looked up at the page and allowed a faint smile to come to his face. "In any event," he continued, "it should prove to be interesting. Perhaps it would behoove me to test the waters, so to speak."
The page straightened up as PC rose to his feet. "What would you have me do, my lord?" she asked.
"I want messages sent to the other barons thanking them for their support. Have gifts sent to those whose lands are now under my dominion. Nothing outlandish, but enough to demonstrate my gratitude for their reasonableness."
"Anything else?"
PC paused again. He glanced down at the map. "Organize a scouting team. I want to see if there's a pass through the Mountains of Reverence that might support a road. Having an easier way north would be of great benefit."
The page nodded. "Understood, my lord."
"Excellent." He picked up a missive from the reeve of Risersh. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have new duties with which to acquaint myself."
[Thought I'd get a little bit more into the role-playing aspect.]
The last standing tower of the ruined castle More Owls rose high above the treetops of the Umor Woods. Perched on the very top of its wall, Baron Huinesoron looked at his companion with a disgruntled expression. "I'm supposed to be on my way to Weab," he said, "and you're supposed to be letting my wife know. Would you care to explain why you've dragged me all the way out here?"
Freckles the messenger handed her lord a spyglass and pointed at the distant Mountains of Reverence. "Just below Kenzlaya peak," she said quietly.
Huinesoron squinted through the glass. "I see people," he said. "About five of them. Some sort of scouting party?"
"From Baron PC," Freckles confirmed. "They're searching for a pass through the mountains - a new trade route to the north."
Huinesoron frowned, and shifted the glass downwards. The line of the Lhawjeck river was just visible as a gap in the expanse of trees. "Is the Barnacle Way still navigable?"
"Mostly," Freckles confirmed. "It'll take him a while to clear out the undergrowth, but if he can find the pass and the road, it would be worth the investment."
"We should have brought down the pass as soon as we took it over," Huinesoron grumbled. "This was inevitable as soon as we lost control of the mines."
Freckles looked sideways at her lord. "We still could," she pointed out. "They haven't found it yet. Sandra and I could get in there and bring half the mountain down if we need to."
Huinesoron turned to look at his messenger-stroke-spy-stroke-saboteur. "That," he said, "would be an act of war."
"Only if Baron PC found out," Freckles replied. "He would never have to know - and we'd keep the Copperway trade. You could say that trying to cut us off is economic warfare, anyway."
"You're right," Baron Huinesoron agreed softly, "I could." He raised the glass again, studying the distant scouting party. "And with our port and shipwrights both taken from us, Barony Huinesoron is going to be very low on funds in the near future. But still... war..."
He tracked his view sideways, to the pass that Baron BeautyID had cleared years before to provide access to Baron Bjam's holdings - the pass that he had meticulously disguised and erased when he took control of the region. It wouldn't take long for Baron PC's scouts to find it, and with all the equipment and manpower now available to him, clearing the road would be simple.
"All right," the baron said at last, "I have a plan. Let's get down to ground level again. Then... we need to find out just how navigable the Barnacle Way is."
~
To say that Baron PC's scouts were surprised to find the Lord Protector of Ozerbord hailing them from the slopes below would be an understatement. After a brief debate over whether this technically qualified as a military incursion, and whether it was appropriate to tie the baron up as a prisoner, they yielded to his request and led him down the south face of Mount Kenzlaya, and all the way to the construction site that was Worhkshap.
Huinesoron thus became the first baron to pay an official visit to Baron PC. When the requisite pleasantries had been exchanged, he got straight down to business.
"There is a pass through the Reverences," Huinesoron said, "and a road on the far side, following the line of the Lhawjeck. My messenger here will lead your scouts to it, if you wish.
"And once you have a route to the Umor Woods open, I wish to make a trade agreement with you. I have... a plan, to sustain the economy of Ozerbord; but in order to carry it out, I will have need of a great deal of lumber. You already have the infrastructure in place from the mines; cutting wood is, I assume, a plan that has already crossed your mind. I would like to purchase it.
"What do you say?"
hS
[What, you didn't really think I was going to declare war, did you? ;)]
"The scouts have returned, my lord,"
"That was much faster than I expected," PC said as he looked up from a proposed design for what would become Worhkshap's library. His eyes narrowed slightly at the uncomfortable expression on the page's face. "I take it there has been some unforeseen complication."
The page withered slightly under the baron's inquisitive stare. "They, ah... Baron Huinesoron is with them, my lord. He wishes to speak with you."
PC sat in silence for a moment. "That," he eventually said. "is quite the complication. Are the scouts all right?"
"Yes, sir."
"Very well." He rolled up some of the more sensitive plans and tucked them away inside a nearby chest. "Thank the baron for gracing me with his presence and inform him that I shall meet with him shortly. Then inform the knights and my seneschal of this development. Quietly, if you please."
~
"What do you say?"
PC stroked his beard as he leaned back slightly in his chair. As soon as he had seen the proclamation from the Council outlining his domain, he knew that the other barons would eventually approach him for trading rights. He just didn't expect the "eventually" to be quite so soon.
"An interesting proposal," he said. "Certainly one I would not be opposed to, provided I knew a bit more about this plan you have for Ozerboard's economy. I have no objections if you wish to keep the details to yourself, of course, but more specific information may help... smooth out negotiations, as it were."
[... I can confirm that all the mountain ranges of Konti-Nyuum are theoretically crossable. The exception is the Wattufs, which have only one navigable pass - the Pass of the Five. The crossing of the Copperway into Ozerbord is by way of a tunnel built by Baron BeautyID to provide trade (the Iron Highway was at that point still a smuggling route - actually, we only legalised it last year!) and access to Baron Bjam's holdings - by way, in fact, of the pass your scouts are looking for. That was before the Umor Woods got out of control.]
[Of course, 'theoretically' doesn't mean 'easily'; the pass can be as simple or as arduous as you like. Or it may be unfindable - thus far, there's no known route over the central Larninkurvs, though Sir Ekyl of Godreve is hunting for one.]
[Also: Baron Huinesoron will have an RP response to what he views as an act of economic warfare - though it'll have to wait for tomorrow for me to write it.]
hS
Baron Huinesoron stepped out into the central court of castle Kwenaya and smiled as the wintry air washed over him. Across the level ground, beneath the branches of the great tree that rose from Kwenaya's heart, two of the castle staff were deep in conversation. As the baron approached, he hailed them: "Rosalind! Terri! A fine morning, is it not?"
The two women made their greetings - Rosalind with an awkward curtsey, Terri with a small bow. "The weather is very nice," Rosalind said, "though it's also nice that it's warmed a little - otherwise the Font of Bulapka would still be frozen, and that wouldn't be nice."
Baron Huinesoron noted the harpoon she was holding, and nodded in satisfaction. "Your catch will be the centrepiece of our banquet," he told the castle's fisher. "I trust everything is nearly prepared?"
"Ah," Rosalind said, and glanced at Terri. "Well. That is to say."
Huinesoron raised an eyebrow. "I'm waiting."
"... I have fish to catch?" Rosalind offered. She gave another curtsey - still clumsy, but holding a spear as long as yourself will do that - and fled. The Baron watched her go, then turned to Terri.
"Is she having difficulty catching enough fish?" he asked. "I know winter is hardly the time for it, especially in the Font."
Terri looked faintly uncomfortable. "It isn't that, milord," she said. "It's... we've had some replies from your... guests."
"Ah!" Huinesoron beamed. "The new barons! Which of them have sent word?"
"... all of them," Terri said. "But the word is... perhaps not what you would wish."
Huinesoron frowned. "It will be rather difficult to change the date at this juncture," he said. "Perhaps if we simply extended the festivities to cover a second day... I can help Rosalind out with the provisions myself."
"Uh." Terri's discomfort was clearly growing. She pulled out a letter and held it up. "Baron PC sends his apologies," she said. "His new barony will require some time to set to rights, so he will not be able to attend."
Huinesoron chuckled. "A pity," he said, "but fair enough. Baron Phobos spent little time in the south - I can only imagine how disorganised the mines are. But what of Ba- I mean, Lady Iximaz? Critta-Kalthin, at least, can need little restructuring, after all the work we've put into it."
"Yes, milord," Terri said, switching to a second sheet. "But she has announced her own feast, to celebrate the arrival of Sir Storme of Hauk and the Knight Jumper in her barony. Ah, Dark Civilian Aakmal will be providing the food."
"That seems... fair," Baron Huinesoron said. "Could we send a message to her, offering to combine the two feasts? We could hold a festival in Ozerbord, in celebration of the new barons."
"Um." Terri turned the sheet of paper over. "She... appears to have reused a page from the Knight Jumper's letter to her. He is... somewhat uncomplementary about yourself and your lady wife. I... rather doubt he would attend."
"I see." Huinesoron pinched the bridge of his nose. "Then it will be Thanasius Ampelius alone. Very well: let the invitation be extended to all who dwell in the Monastery of Spectacle, in celebration of my former knight's elevation. It shall be a banquet to-- you're giving me that look again. What did he say?"
Terri opened the final sheet of paper. "Machinations, conspiracy, schemes... basically, it seems he's accusing you of promoting his cause before the Council for the sole purpose of ensuring Lady Kaitlyn's appointment."
"Hmm." Baron Huinesoron looked up at the great tree, to the pale blue sky above. "Well, then, you may as well tell Rosalind she can relax; we won't be needing that fish after all. And... are our messengers in residence?"
"I believe so, milord," Terri said. "Do you wish them sent out?"
"Yes. Please send Sandra to Ofum to inform Captain mal Orn that I will be requiring the use of Aberration. And send Freckles to El-J-- to Barony Kaitlyn. My wife is surveying the site for her hospital; let her know that I am heading to the Marizu League, and that her companionship in arms would be greatly appreciated."
"I... yes, milord." Terri hesitated a moment, then asked, "Milord... what will you do?"
"What I am best at," Baron Huinesoron said, turning on his heel. "Kill the Marizu." And he stalked off towards the armoury.
hS
[He would even be kind and courteous... until the drink started flowing, that is. He still remembers who it was that knighted him in the first place, and he will never be able to repay that debt. He sees Hunesoron the man as a fierce warrior, a noble man, and worthy of respect. He even respects Kaitlin, if only for her strength as a warrior and status in Plort. He just does not like politics much, and assumes the worst of those in power. Especially when drunk.]
[Hey, when two people have impugned his motives, and a third has previously stated her intention to take his lands by force if necessary, how could I miss the opportunity to give him a royal baronial strop?]
[I'm just glad it's him people are mistrusting, rather than me]
hS
[And it's not the Lady Iximaz's fault the Baron Huinesoron's messenger was a day too slow! :P]
“Now this is ridiculous,” Thanasius Ampelius said, looking at his two compatriots (plus Kagemusha) and slapping the scroll on the table so it unrolled. “Barons, Knight, and civilians of Plort, yada yada, old people no longer being here, boring council stuff… ah, here it is. Fourthly, it gives me great pleasure to announce the creation of four new baronies. The Baronial Council has discussed the candidates extensively, and surveyed the feelings of the populace, and we are pleased to confer the rights, privileges, and duties of a Baron of Plort upon,” he paused and took a breath. Death Dendle chuckled under his breath. “Lady Iximaz — have we heard of her? Lady Kaitlyn — more of Eagleshadow’s politicking… Sir PC — makes sense, he’s one of the greatest men of our age… and one Thanasius Ampelius, the Warrior Monk.”
Thanasius got up, shot the scroll a disbelieving look, and started to pace around.
“Don’t tell me ambition did not stir in you when you heard that,” the body double offered from his dark corner. “I know for a fact you were busy acquiring new weapons recently.”
“Well yes!” Thanasius stopped in one place for a moment. “That crossbow needed repairing! Even though we found it in that despicable Marizu’s camp, it could still be used for good! And did you actually expect me to turn down a gift from Agog? That’s my home, you know!”
“Besides, if owning weapons correlated to political ambitions, I’d probably be spending more time in the cities,” noted Karrin the Blue, tapping her fingers against her swords.
“In your case, I’d check whether there’s a magpie in your family tree,” Death Dendle retorted. “You gather swords the same way Thanasius here gathers books or a magpie gathers shiny baubles.”
“Well, perhaps I’ll change my crest’s hummingbird to one, then,” Karrin replied drily. “In any case, we’ve gotten somewhat off topic.”
“True,” agreed Thanasius, who continued his pacing. “Now I’m supposed to claim a piece of land, no? And assume responsibilities… and sit in the thrice-accursed council! Look at that letter! Even July of Castle Flayme approves! I thought she didn’t think of me very highly after that argument!”
“Perhaps this is her revenge, then?” suggested Karrin.
“She didn't strike me as the underhanded type,” Death Dendle said. “In fact, quite the opposite: she’s blunt. I mean, she set sail to lands unknown some time after he left for Ydyff.” He nodded toward his master.
Karrin blinked. “I was joking. Did — did I not make that clear?”
“Apparently not,” Thanasius gave his body double a withering look. “Anyway… no, this is probably Baron Huinesoron’s doing. It’s not written in that” — he pointed at the scroll, which rolled up again — “but the rest of the missive said that his wife doesn’t actually have any voting power… just, y’know, territory. And guess where? El-Jheycom.”
Karrin raised an eyebrow. “Than, you do remember that I have as little knowledge of the politics of this land as a desert rabbit does of sailing, don’t you?”
“It’s simple, really. That was her old land… they declared independence, if I remember what I read correctly, but were absorbed back into Borrd after a while,” Thanasius said. “Anyway, my point is this: he probably wanted to throw suspicion off that move. What’s bothering me, though, is that so many people agreed… there were signatures in that other scroll — knights, citizens, the like; Skaer'morys the Silver, Knight Jumper, Lady Iximaz...” he sighed and massaged his brows. “Nevermind that; it’s just my inner conspiracy theorist. Let’s see what we can do about this.”
Karrin peered at the missive and walked over to one of the shelves, pulling out a map and setting it on top of the table. “Hmm... The law only requires that you have lands and a castle, correct?”
“And council participation, but yes, that’s about it.” The monk peered at the map. “Honestly, there’s no place I’d like more than this one.” He looked up, toward the high ceiling of the central hall of Castle Spectacle. “This place has been a home to me for a long time. The valley, while small, is fertile. There are deer in the woods; there’s that little stream...”
“Well, it’s certainly a better idea than leaving. We’ve just gotten the libraries in order, too,” noted Karrin with a smile.
Death Dendle left his corner to take a look at the map. “Look at this town,” he said, pointing to a town, situated on the coast, so small that the map didn’t even have its name. “It’s pretty close, and you need a port. It could use some hustle and bustle and maybe some help. As things are, they are vulnerable to being raided by the Marizu, and the closest place they could get help from is Risersh, which is quite a distance away.”
Karrin the Blue examined the map. “Skypcht? It’s rather small, so you wouldn’t have to worry about too much bureaucracy. The shipping industry there’s not large, but it’s fairly resilient... I’m still surprised at how quickly they rebuilt after those storms two autumns ago.”
“They are good people,” the Fast Seneschal, silent until now, said. “I remember setting a forge up there after the storms hit. They are a diligent people; they started rebuilding right away.”
“My sort of people, then,” Thanasius decided. “I shall send the Council a reply.”
He picked a quill and a (mostly) empty scroll out of the general mess that covered the table. He started writing on it, muttering under his breath. “To the Council, yada yada, honorifics, blah blah, the Baron Thanasius requests the lands at the southernmost tip of Ozerbord, those surrounding the vale of the Monastery of Spectacle, and the nearby town of Skypcht, as territory. Yada yada, officialiasms, signed, Thanasius Ampelius, Baron.” The monk paused and showed the scroll to the others. “What do you think?”
Karrin nodded. “It certainly looks official.” She smiled slightly. “Hm... As the Seneschal and myself live here, should we swear allegiance or somesuch?”
“That would probably help later down the road,” Thanasius said. “Plus, I’d need someone to tell me when I’m doing stupid things, no? You two helped me a lot, and I’d hate to be forced to evict you because of some stupid bureaucratic rule.”
“Well, I’d hate to be evicted, so that works.” Karrin picked out another scroll and began to write. “Hm-de-hm, officially swear fealty and allegiance to the Baron Thanasius, blah-blah will pay taxes and reside in territories, signed Karrin the Blue, Mage.” She blew on the ink carefully.
The Seneschal took the scroll Death Dendle was trying to hit his head with and quickly scribbled something on it, spreading sand on it to dry the ink. Thanasius took a look above his shoulder and hmmed.
“That’ll do. I hope the vultures at the Council won’t eat us alive for the slightly informal phrasing.” The monk rolled the scrolls up and looked at his Kagemusha. “You’ll be the messenger.”
“I hear and obey.”
“It has come to my attention that King Edward the Swift peacefully vacated his throne. In his rule's stead a duumvirate was established; Tivit's new rulers are Lords Drew and Itcader. They have established an alliance with the Democracy of Kikaster and set upon tending to Tivit's much-neglected infrastructure. My sources tell me that while there was some unrest, the land is quiet now and life goes on as usual.”
-signed, Thanasius Ampelius of Spectacle Monastery
[... that they've somehow gotten a shipping industry in place despite a massive cliff and deadly reef. Hmm... I'm thinking floating shipyards beyond the reef, myself.]
The Edict of Bast has been applied, and in accordance with its results, we are instructed to offer you any lands up to the territory outlined on the map:
[Seriously, how much do you want? The whole of southern Ozerbord is only ten miles north-south - which makes me think my scale might be a little short, really, but that's for another day. Of course, that would give you control of the capital, which might be too much bureaucracy... which is a word I hate trying to spell]
hS
[I get the distinct impression Baron hS ought to pay more attention to his people. There he was building up Critta-Kalthin as a harbour, when all the while there was a ludicrously-overengineered setup within the borders of Ozerbord. Silly Eagleshadow. ^_^]
hS
[I do wonder what Baron Huinesoron's reaction would be to that. Also, Skypcht is very, very small. Pretty easy for it to slip under the radar.]
[For the glossary, you understand.]
[And... it occurs to me that I'm thinking about this the wrong way. You never actually said they were surface ships... and the word 'sky' is right there in the name...]
hS
"Spectacle" is because the three of us have eyeglasses.
Me likey! Do they look like this?
Though I'd imagine them to look more like ships and less like giant balloons.
This: http://www.deviantart.com/art/Skyship-17870175 perhaps?
... they always end up looking something like this:
hS
I was thinking about something like this.
That said, now that Thanasius Ampelius is a Baron, he gets extra points in his device, no? Here's a new description:
"Ner silver, rena blue; canta nastar alta tera, raven feather with blue highlights; canta nastar nica, a stylised flail; indil woven with stems of feathers, circular red braid."
Also, for whatever reason Thanasius Ampelius and Death Dendle's Elven devices are abnormally large. I guess they should be shrunk down to the standard size...?
I tried having the ball of the flail alongside or at the end of the handle, and it just didn't look right, so I've gone with this version. I'm... not sure how 'stylised' it is, honestly, but it's the best I could come up with.
hS
The larger varieties look more like this:
(Note: it's tethered, hence the column-and-ladder array going on there)
But it's your barony, and it makes sense that the Monastery would be more interested in magic ships than lighter-than-air. Hmm... actually, that gives me an idea...
hS
Really curious.
[If you're confused over the timeline - Baron Me was originally heading to Ofum. Then Freckles caught him and diverted him to Barony PC. Then he returned home by way of Barony Iximaz. And now he's riding south to Barony Thanasius Ampelius.]
The Copperway was quiet as Baron Huinesoron and his secretary rode south. "This is a taste of things to come," Huinesoron mused.
"I'm sure it's not that bad, milord," Terri said. "Baron PC will get the trade network started up again in no time, and the Copperway is still the best route to the western baronies."
"But not to Borrd," Huinesoron said. "We've been suffering since the opening of the Iron Highway to legitimate travel; now we'll lose even more traffic to the Barnacle Way. And the people of Ozerbord will suffer, mark my word - unless we can pull this off."
"Yes..." Terri looked across at the baron. "Milord... I would feel much more comfortable if you'd brought Freckles with you. Baron Thanasius Ampelius may not be... feeling kindly disposed towards you, and I am no warrior."
"I needed Freckles to bring Sandra and Kaitlyn home," Huinesoron explained. "Besides, despite his elevation, Baron Ampelius is still a citizen of Ozerbord; he will not lightly attack the Lord Protector."
"No, it's not like that would grant him de facto independence or anything," Terri muttered, but she knew better than to pursue the argument. Once the baron's mind was set, it was set.
~
When Thanasius Ampelius found him, Baron Huinesoron was standing on the outskirts of Skypcht, looking up at the newest sky-ship the town had completed. "They are truly remarkable," Huinesoron said, not looking round. "The magics which keep them aloft are beyond my understanding, but I can tell that you've already seen their potential far more clearly than I ever did."
The baron shook himself and gestured to his secretary, then looked at Thanasius. "But if I have been lacking in vision," he said, "at least my hindsight is excellent. As is my economics advice - I know, for instance, that these ships are highly expensive to construct and run. The magics involved, the relatively large size needed to get everything to work - or fit, for that matter! - the requirement for a mage to be on every crew... please don't think I'm slighting them, they are truly magnificent, but they are hardly suited for short-range, high-frequency transport.
"And so, for the good of Ozerbord and both our baronies, I propose an... alliance, I suppose, or agreement." Huinesoron gestured north, towards the distant Batveg Mountains. "In the north, on the Spalchik Lowlands, I am expanding the town of Emaille. There, I intend to construct my own flying ships - not the magic-powered variety you are working on, but lighter-than-air ships. They are slower, and more prone to being thrown off-course by the wind - but they are also far cheaper, and far quicker to construct.
"You could, of course, try to compete with me. You might even manage to claim the entire trade - the Skypcht industry is established, while Emaille's is new. But all that will achieve is to reduce the income Ozerbord can receive. If, instead, we work together, letting our two styles of sky-ship complement, not confront, each other... everyone will end up richer, and the rest of Konti-Nyuum will receive a better service.
"So, Baron Thanasius Ampelius - what do you say?"
hS
[Of course, it's a bit silly that Skype is sending messages long before Email - but we can allow a bit of timeline trickery in the service of plot, or of Plort. ;)]
The new baron's cowled head moved hither and thither as he observed the town. A commoner, bearing the stylised skyship symbol of Skypcht on a small armband, arrived and brought him a scroll, then retreated to allow the barons to converse privately.
Thanasius opened the scroll, read it, and wordlessly presented it to Huinesoron. It was an offer of alliance, signed by the King of Ydyff.
“Rumours travel fast, it would seem.” Slowly, the monk removed his cowl, revealing a bald head whose features slightly resembled those of a raven – there was something in the shining eyes, long nose and curious expression. His hands, too, somewhat resembled a raven's claws. He turned and glared at Huinesoron. “I will be frank.” A small pause. “I dislike your politicking. I dislike your methods. What's more, I dislike uninvited visitors – one could say that this is an act of spying, and Protector you may be, but this is not a matter of... national security, shall we say?”
Thanasius looked back toward the town. “However, I have a responsibility to those people. Would cut-throat competition help them? Maybe. Maybe not. Would cooperation – a cartel, in essence – help them? In the short run, certainly. In the long run, I am not so sure.”
The monk put his cowl back up. “This is not something I can answer right away. Despite your... lack of manners, showing up like that, I will not spit on my people's sacred traditions. Come with me to Spectacle, so we may dine in peace. I will talk with my friends, consult the relevant tomes, and you may take a break from your journeying.”
Inwardly, the monk smiled bitterly. How would the Baron answer that – would he, figuratively speaking, enter the lion's den, or would he risk offending Thanasius, who no doubt had a force of magi nearby, and was rumoured to be quite the warrior himself?
[And the politicking thickens!]
"Hm." Baron Huinesoron looked over his shoulder. "Terri? The Constitution, if you please."
Wordlessly, the secretary pulled a scroll out of its case and handed it to the baron. Unfurling it, Baron Huinesoron held it up for Thanasius to see.
"You appear to be under certain misapprehensions as to the nature of your position," Huinesoron said, his voice level and clear. "You are a Baron of the Union of Plort - a military leader. You have the authority to lead the people of your barony in the war against the Marizu however you see fit, and the responsibility to defend them from attack by our enemies in Weab. You have the right and duty to collect taxes and tribute in the name of the Baronial Council, and of your own barony, and to dispose of them as you see fit. All these things, Baron Thanasius Ampelius, you appear to be doing admirably, and I commend you.
"What you are not is a ruler, or governor, or any manner of civilian administrator. You have no right to conclude alliances. You have no authority over the people of Ozerbord except in terms of the war. And you do not," he finished, fixing the monk with a glare, "have the authority to declare the Lord Protector of Ozerbord a spy, nor to say what is or is not his concern. For the protection of Ozerbord against famine, against sickness, and against all internal threats, I rule this land.
"The Refuge of Ozerbord is of far greater import than your pride - it is the bastion of Plort, our last stronghold in the event of a Marizu invasion. The Marizu will assault us again; you may count on that. And when they do, the Wattufs will once again stand as a wall between the people of Konti-Nyuum and the urple hordes."
Baron Huinesoron looked up at the ships overhead, swinging through their graceful orbits over Skypcht. "You may build your ships," he said, "and dispose of them as you see fit; despite your dislike of my policies, the Refuge has never restricted free trade or the movement of goods. But if your actions bring harm to the people of Ozerbord, know this, Baron: I take my title very seriously. I will protect them - you have my word."
With that, the Lord Protector turned on his heel and, with Terri hurrying to keep up, strode off towards his grazing horse.
~~~~~
[Baron Huinesoron has never been very comfortable with politicking. ^_^ And Lord Protector Huinesoron doesn't take kindly to people usurping his authority.]
hS
Karrin the Blue was having a somewhat trying day. First she'd been drawn into a dispute between two shipbuilders over who had the rights to use a certain area of the woods for timber, then she'd had to reassure no less than five people that no, the tax codes weren't changing and Thanasius had no interest in 'meddling where it's not needed,' and now that she'd finally gotten some work done on the ship-shelters, she needed to find Than, who of course was nowhere to be found.
The mage reached into her bag, tugging out a brightly-polished spyglass. She set Anne to her eye, frowning as the glass flickered through pictures of the town. Not there, not there... Aha!
Karrin replaced her spyglass and trekked up the hill where Than was standing. "Than! Hey, there you a-" she slowed as she saw what appeared to be the Baron Huinesoron storming off. "Oh dear Pterry, what is going on now?"
“Baron Huinesoron, apparently,” noted the cowled monk, “cannot read. Excuse me – I need to catch up with him before he does something rash.”
Thanasius Ampelius took a running start and leapt, covering the ground between him and the departing Baron in a single bound. Oddly enough, for a moment – when he was at the apex of his leap – he seemed to briefly become like a giant raven; that might just have been his cloak, though.
“Baron.” The black-clad monk barred Huinesoron's way. “You insult me and King Gantz of Ydyff with your hasty action. Read the scroll again.” He shoved it into his hands. “I did not send that scroll. It bears the Royal Seal of Ydyff, not the Raven Volant. Furthermore” – his eyes narrowed – “you insult me by rejecting my hospitality and by implying that I would let the people here come to harm. Being the Lord Protector does not grant you the right to treat the Knights of the land as though they are common serfs.”
"But I will not." Huinesoron shook his head. "If we are to speak of insults - you insult my intelligence by attempting to... imply that you were not suggesting you were considering such an alliance. As for the rest - an attempt to set yourself above the authority of the duly appointed governor of the realm, as you have done by asserting that I was spying, will most definitely harm the people of your barony - and all of Plort."
Baron Huinesoron swept out his arm, taking in the heights of the Wattufs that towered over them, and all the lands beyond. "Ours is a land under threat. The Marizu plot endlessly to bring us to ruin. We cannot afford the kind of internal discord you seem intent on provoking - the Union is not strong enough to withstand it.
"You are a Baron of Plort, over a realm you have yourself selected." Huinesoron drew a deep breath, and fought down the urge to continue with 'For Kanun's sake, act like one'. Fanning the flames was not the way to go. "You are... correct that you deserve the respect due your office. Therefore, out of... respect for the pressures that must be on you as you work to establish your barony, I will remove the person of the Lord Protector from your domains." He flashed the briefest possible smile. "No-one wants the management breathing down their necks, I am sure. And if, when your rightful authority," he placed the slightest stress on the word, "has been fully recognised among the people of your charge, you wish to extend your hospitality to the Lord Protector or to Baron Huinesoron, I - wearing whichever hat is appropriate - will be happy to accept."
hS
Thanasius grabbed his forehead. “I hate politics,” he mumbled to himself, then straightened. “Och, time to cut the knot.” He smiled – a crooked affair that didn't quite reach his eyes. “I know the Marizu are out there.”
The monk lifted his hand, letting the heavy sleeve of his robes fall down and reveal a bony arm. Roughly halfway between the elbow and the hand the pale flesh was covered in scar tissue. “This would remind me, if I would forget. My friends' pain would. The broken shards of my axe would.”
He looked back toward Skypcht. “Those people would; they have suffered many a raid.” He sighed like an old man many years his senior would. “I would never dream about doing anything that would strengthen the Marizu. Have I considered that alliance? Yes, I'd be a liar if I'd have said otherwise. Would have I acted on my own? Yechnagoth, no. I might dislike visitors” – a brief glare – “but despite what you might think, I'm not dense. I know the rules as well as the next man. Though, frankly, there is much to gain from that alliance and little to lose. Have you ever seen a Ydyffan warrior-poet in battle? I have, and they are magnificent.”
A wistful look crossed Thanasius' face. “I remember the King's standard flying proud over the advance of the Ciforrae, signifying that none may stand in their way and live to tell the tale.”
One hand on his horse's bridle, Baron Huinesoron half-turned. He held Thanasius' gaze for a long time, his eyes betraying nothing. Then, at last, he nodded slightly.
"I believe you," he said quietly. "You will serve Konti-Nyuum well." And with no more farewell than that, he swung himself up onto his horse and rode off towards the north.
~
Ye merciful gods above, I hate the feudal system.
Politics in Plort is a complicated subject. In Borrd, the barons are the government, by way of the Baronial Council. In Wechi, she's completely separate, though an influential voice. In Iric, it's a similar situation, though at least one baron is also a member of the government.
In Ozerbord, though? Up until this week, the only baron was also the head of government; all civilian and military power was in one set of hands. That means Ozerbord never really bothered to notice the difference between the Baron and the Protector; in fact, that's the reason for the former tax havens, where Borrd law and Ozerbord clashed.
Now, at least, the havens are mostly gone. But there are now two barons in Ozerbord - a place where the people are used to thinking of the baron as the government.
So it's a feudal system of sorts: a setup where the baron (that's Thanasius) tries to claim as much authority as he can get away with, while the Protector (Huinesoron) tries to keep hold of it. Which way the balance will swing on any given day depends on the people of Barony Thanasius Ampelius, for the most part.
And one weapon in that political war is stating your case over-strongly. I have no clear idea where the line between baron and Protector lies in the structure of Ozerbord - and I suspect Baron Me doesn't, either. He's making claims, and if he can get them to stick, they'll become the foundation of Ozerbord's future political system.
Yeah. I hate the feudal system. And politics. Especially politics.
hS
I've been forced become somewhat adept in that sort of trickery, however. Place I serve in is worse than a university in that regard.
I've had lots of fun with this RP, though. Even though I might have overdone the raven part.
I didn't pay much attention to the Baronial Council part last time and it's biting me in the hiney. ^^;
Also, I think I've learned more about medieval politics in the past week than I ever thought I would. I've been looking stuff up left and right to make sure I don't make another gaffe... >_> Still, there's some fascinating stuff I've learned, mostly about witch hunts. What? I got sidetracked. Apparently some people think that the ringleaders of the girls who started the Salem witch hunts had eaten this mold (known to produce LSD) that grows on rye bread, which was pretty much the only bread they made in Salem. Cool stuff, no?
Dangit, got sidetracked again.
(By the way, hS, what do you want sand for, anyway? Or is that a secret IRL, too?)
I was just waiting until I had a picture. ^_^
This is a Gossamer-class scout airship. Their hardened glass construction, paired with the transparent gas-filled envelope, renders them completely invisible at any decent altitude. They're perfect for forward scouting of Marizu positions or for keeping an eye on those untrustworthy types in Iric.
hS
I knew you wanted it for glass! *happy dance*
I assume they'd be magically reinforced so they don't get completely ruined in the first hailstorm.
We have one clear enemy and they are usually outside of Plort, there hasn't any recent civil wars, and Plort can stably have new Barons without revolts over weak and outrageous claims. That ought to be celebrated.
Speaking about celebrating, would you like a cup of virtual Turkish coffee?
While it is true that the Poor Cynick has wandered the lands of all of all four nations in the past, he feels most strongly connected to Borrd. He therefore requests a domain somewhere in that region. However, being as he is a scholar before a warrior and has thus spent much time perusing the many libraries of Wechi, he would ideally like his territory to border that nation.
They encompass the land between the Wattuf, Reverence, and Obref mountains, wherein are found the great mines of Plort; this sector of Baron PC's holdings includes the juncture of the Copperway and the Iron Highway, the town of Risersh, where trade between Ozerbord and Wechi is conducted.
To the north, Baron PC holds all lands east of the Wattufs, south of the Purmeshun Range and the River Ponchuashun, and west of the Temple of Kanun (which falls in his domains); the eastern border of his barony is defined as the eastern edge of the great Umor Forest, while to the south, his border with Wechi follows the River Lhawjeck.
[Which means Baron PC has somehow managed to obtain title to most of Borrd's natural resources. I'm sure this won't backfire in the least!]
[It also means that I can't offer any future baronies holdings in Borrd, Wechi, and Ozerbord; there's no space left. Which is fine, because three nations is too much anyway. ;)]
Let Baron PC name now his castle, and set the location and style of it down, that all of Plort may read and know the character of this baron.
~Baron Huinesoron
Baron PC humbly accepts stewardship of these lands. He promises to oversee them with fairness and justice.
He intends to begin construction of the fortress of Worhkshap as soon as possible. It will stand by the road halfway between the mines of Wurtplai and Trevaya, who resources shall no doubt aid in its construction. Its doors will stand open to any commoner, knight, or baron who wishes to improve their skills both on the battlefield and in the halls of power.
...that, though she may now be a Baroness, she is a knight first and foremost and will continue to be referred to as such, rather than as Baroness.
She also requests a small portion of land along the coast of either Borrd or Ozerborrd where she might build her keep. Nothing expansive, as larger baronies are harder to manage and she wishes to focus on her campaign against the Marizu.
[By the way, the last two stanzas made me d'awww.]
... has presented the Lady Iximaz with a choice.
Due to her request for coastal access, the lands between the Gu-Gel and Friwep rivers are placed under her authority. Here may be found the harbour of Critta-Kalthin, whence our ships join the northern Hyparlink trade route to Tivit; the lands surrounding it are given over to farming. It provides easy access to the ancient city of Odolotos, and includes the castle of the Red Wall, former baronial seat of Laburnum [not marked, but placed just across the Gu-Gel from Odolotos].
The plateau between the Hustit and Wattuf mountains (labelled '2') is presented for her consideration. This land is undeveloped, and inaccessible from the Borrd side, but it is available if she wishes it.
Equally, the land between the Friwep and Wep rivers, and the Wattuf range, is offered to her. This land is fertile and filled with farms, but has of late been stricken by earthquakes. Aid from Baronies Neshomeh and Huinesoron has helped with the worst of the destruction, but there is still much suffering in the area.
Whatsoever the Lady Iximaz chooses, it would be wise for her to also select the name, location, and description of her castle; Barony Huinesoron, as previously stated, will construct a roadway to reach it forthwith.
hS
Lady Iximaz will gladly take the section of land containing Critta-Kalthin. She will build Keep De'endee at the edge of land closest to the Critta' Gap, where she might overlook the sea. Though small as keeps go, it is a safe haven for all who seek refuge, and has an entire library devoted to Arpee.
To the Baroness Iximaz,
Great congratulations on your appointment as Baron. While I was in training at the time of my initial support for your selection, I have come now to pledge my fealty and tax to you, as well as, of course, my assistance in any raids you would wish to carry out against the Marizu. As this finds you, I am probably already en route to the newly established Keep De'endee, so a letter back would likely not find me, but I will of course leave again if you want me to do so.
I hope this finds you well,
Knight Ion
[Agents can be items other than weapons, right? Because I'm getting the feeling Ginger would be a horse.]
was gently rolled up and placed on the table. Lady Iximaz smiled to herself. She had overseen part of the new knight's training herself, and the girl showed promise.
Of course, that meant yet another person she would have to add to the list of banquet guests, which was growing at an alarming rate. Overseeing the preparations was much more stressful than she'd anticipated.
"And I suppose this is easy, compared to all the other duties I will have to learn," she muttered to herself. She put her head in her hands. If only Baron Huinesoron's invitation came a day earlier, she thought. Then all I would have to worry about would be traveling to his castle... She sighed and headed down to the kitchens to inform the cooks to plan for another guest.
His lord was sitting at the tavern's table, grumbling over his ale. While this was a rather common occurrence, the fact it was several hours before noon was unusual. "Ser?" he asked, cautiously stepping towards the knight. "Are you well?"
"Blargh." The knight sloshed his drink in the general direction of the boy. "Weeks. Weeks spent in this Six-forsaken city, waiting for some word from those barons!" He grumbled, as he took another swig of ale. "Here I am, giving words, supporting Iximaz and the Cynic, and waiting for something, and they just leave me here. I have work to do! I have...have swords to sharpen, shields to hammer, ships to carve...mead to drink."
Tristram sighed. "I thought you liked Plort?"
"I do!" Jumper grumbled. "I just like the open fields more. All of these... Bricks. It's unnatural."
Tristram was about to object, when a messenger came in to the tavern. "Is the knight Jumper here?"
Jumper did not look at the new person, but pointed his mug toward the voice. "'ere. What do you want?"
The messenger slipped a piece of parchment in front of the knight. "From the Barons." Without another word, the messenger turned to leave.
Jumper stared at the parchment. "About time," he mumbled, as he read the message. "Barons, keeps...Blah, where's the news...Ah! Here! 'Fourthly, it gives me great pleasure to announce the creation of four new baronies.'" Jumper sat up, pouring all of his attention to the announcement. "All four? Truly?"
Tristram edged over, reading over it himself. "Seems so. Din't you speak 'gainst Kaitlyn?"
"That I did. And yet, she has her barony anyways." He growled. "Lockes herself in Huinesoron's castle these last few years, doing nothing for the people, and now she has her own vote in the council." He snarled. "I have no doubt Huinesoron managed it. He has the other barons under his thumb. With her in there, now, his power is even greater. Hmph."
Tristram read closer. "Look 'ere!" he cried, pointing at a later passage. "Sais 'ere she can't vote. She ain't a proper baron."
"Hmmm... So it is. Perhaps there is some sense in the barons after all." Jumper stood, tossing some bits out of his purse towards the barman. "Well, boy, it seems we have some work to do."
Tristram scrambled to attention, ready for his lord's new orders. "What do we need to do, ser?"
"First, I must write to the lady Iximaz. She has her lands now, and I swore to assist in settling them. I need to see where my new castle will be anyway." He turned to the boy. "You, gather the horses promised to the Cynic, and deliver them for me. Stay with him until I send word to you. Can you manage that?"
Tristram nodded vigorously. "Yes ser! I'll be right onnit, ser!"
"Good! Now, off with you!" As the boy scampered off, Jumper glanced out the windows towards the sea. He could imagine the herds of horses running in the fields far, far from the tavern, with Bronne riders alongside, singing the Hymns of the Six. No longer would those feilds be his life. He would have to be serious about his duties as a knight, as a citizen of Plort. "A keep," he muttered, thinking to himself. "I shall need a keep. And stables." He slunk back down on his stool, tossing more bits on the counter. "I need a cider first."
[Basically, Jumper's moving to Iximaz's lands as well. She should be expecting him. He brings everything he had overseas with him, save the horses he promised to PC. I will deside on the keep's name later.]
Come, gentle friends, let us take up arms! When we stand together, the Marizu will be able to do naught but tremble in fear!
[Also, yikes. My barony hasn't been properly established and people are already moving in!]
[I needed to move in to Plort anyway. Remember, Jumper lived overseas, coming around to visit before. Now, I have a place in Plort to operate.]
[Besides, if it gets to hard, being a leader, Jumper would be more then happy to help... What? No, this is not a bid for power at all. Why do you ask? <>>]
I, Storme of Hauk do formally request to move into your fair Barony Lady Iximaz. As an old citizen of the Are-pea Alliance, I feel I may do more good in your lands and may indeed be able to share some of the skills I have gained in the art of Arpee over the years I spent in the Alliance. I would be most glad to sail against the Marizu under your banner, should you be willing to allow me to become part of your new Barony.
Yours
Storme of Hauk
It would be my honor and pleasure to see you take up residence in my barony. Your bow is strong and your heart is true. To have a knight so skilled as yourself join me in my quest is certain to strike fear in the hearts of the dreadful Marizu.
When you arrive, see me in my keep; I have a full library devoted to the ancient art of Arpying. Perhaps you might find something among the many tomes that will expand your already-vast knowledge of the art.
Yours,
Lady Iximaz
Keep De'endee
Shall I pledge allegiance and tax to you then, my Baron?
[So, in Plort, does this mean I am under your jurisdiction?]
[I mean—]
If you wish to reside in my barony when the boundaries are finalized, I do not have any objections. But please, good citizen Aakmal, call me Lady Iximaz. Baroness I may be, but I am still a knight of Plort and my first concern has always been the Marizu.
[For clarity: the little outcropping near the Gap is basically the Critta-Kalthin hinterlands, and is at sea-level. You can place De'endee there, or you can put it further up the coast, where it starts to climb towards the cliffs. Up to you.]
[Also, is Arpee the martial art commonly known as Arpying, as practiced across the Are-Pea alliance? Apparently its practitioners 'assume the visage of others'.]
hS
[Oh, in that case, up on the cliff would be preferred.]
[Yeah, my bad. Doesn't mean there can't be a library devoted to its history and techniques, right?]
[And your neighbour Ozerbord is an associate member of the Are-Pea alliance, so it even works thematically.]
[You are now officially on the map. Though the map in question hasn't yet been uploaded. But you're on it!]
hS
I have a bit of an expansion/minor retcon for Lady Iximaz's blurb thinger. Should I wait until June to post that?
I've 'updated' them all to mention the baronies, so you might as well have it fully up-to-date.
hS
Hear now, the tale of Lady Iximaz, wanderer of Weab, protector of Plort, and champion of Jaikaiar.
For many years, Iximaz was but a simple citizen of Fanvik-Neht, unconcerned with the rumors of the growing threat of the Marizu. She was content to pass her days listening to tales of exotic lands, and though she often wondered what it would be like to travel, she had no need to leave.
One day, however, it came to pass that a stranger to whom she had given refuge revealed herself to be a Marizu when she destroyed Iximaz's hometown. Iximaz fled Fanvik-Neht in shame, leaving behind her home and causing her to question all she thought she knew.
Forced into the wild and unforgiving lands of Weab, Iximaz learned to fight for her survival. She traveled the continent, occasionally finding refuge among the people of Bronee or the Potters' Moore.
After many months, Iximaz found herself in the land of Tivit. Here, she first heard the tales of the land of Plort and the brave knights who fought the Marizu. Inspired by these stories, she traveled to the island, where she was welcomed like a long-lost friend. She made a new home in the shining city of Borrd and made an effort to learn their laws and customs.
As she became familiar with the city, she found herself going to the knights and asking to hear more tales of their triumphs, and her desire to join their ranks grew ever stronger. At last, she steeled her courage and went to the Barons of Plort and asked to train as another warrior.
Baron Huinesoron pondered her request. "Though it is still too early to be certain," he said, "from what I can tell, you show promise. I shall grant you permission to train as a knight." And thus, he bestowed upon her the title of Lady.
Her weapons in her early years as a knight were simple, a sword named Randa and a bow named Rina. Why she chose these names is unknown; rumors abound as to their origins. Some say Rina is Lady Iximaz's true name; others say that Randa was named after a very dear friend. Regardless of how the weapons were named, the sword Randa was unfortunately lost in battle, and for a brief time, Lady Iximaz halted her crusades against the Marizu while she searched for a suitable replacement. At long last, she found one: Zeb, a sword forged in the distant land of Pokhemmon, imbued with magic so that it crackled with lightning. Satisfied with her new blade, she resumed her fight once more.
It was near this time that she was appointed Baroness, and she built her castle De'endee on the northern coast of Borrd, high on a cliff overlooking the sea. It was small, as castles go, really more of a keep, but it served as a safe haven for all who requested asylum, and it contained a vast library devoted entirely to the ancient art of Arpying. While not away fighting Marizu, there she resided, managing her barony to the best of her ability.
For years to come, Lady Iximaz rode forth, her banner held high, spreading the teachings of Jaikaiar and driving away the menaces of the Marizu.