FSTGOD Main Story Thread

[Straha]

Cyprus

The ship slowly rowed into its berth, as it came to a stop sailors went about their taks docking the ship, while four men and a contingent of bodyguards began picking up baskets and rugs. When the gang-plank was lowered these were the men first off the ship. To the curious looks of citizens of the town these men made a bee-line right for the palace, only stopping to adjust the things they carried so as to be less awkward.

When they arrived at its steps they stopped outside, and the four men who huddled together and hissed amongst themselves quietly. Finally the tallest of them walked towards a nearby guard.

"Excuse me, we would please like an audience with your leader please. We talk things over, and we bring gifts."

[Alyrium Denryle]

Alystairan Nailo and Alaric Aiden sat next to each other at the table.

Alystarian s silvers scales somewhat reflected the sunlight, ans shimmeeed as he moved. A living jewel. He sat quietly

Alaric on the other hand, lept right into the proceedings

"A defensive war will only help us so long. Those nations threatened by the Jihad are outnumbered to the point that any attempt to fight them in the field without adequate support from other nations would be suicide. And frankly, if you have a fortress that can last for 6 years under seige... they will take it in the 7th. No my friends. We must strike them on their own soil and cripple their ability to support their army."

[Pablo Sanchez]

Diema cleared his throat and broke in at this point, his interlocutor extending understanding to the disparate peoples, "Considering the logistical and terrain characteristics of North Africa, especially Tripolitania, I would tend to believe that it would be the best theater in which to engage the jihaddi enemy. Constrained against the coast by the Sahara desert's intrusion onto the Libyan plain, and with forage limited to support only a score or so of regiments, circumstances would most certainly favor a small professional army with naval support. Naval raids to outflank their fixed defenses could force them to further divide their armies."

[Alyrium Denryle]

Cyprus

The ship slowly rowed into its berth, as it came to a stop sailors went about their taks docking the ship, while four men and a contingent of bodyguards began picking up baskets and rugs. When the gang-plank was lowered these were the men first off the ship. To the curious looks of citizens of the town these men made a bee-line right for the palace, only stopping to adjust the things they carried so as to be less awkward.

When they arrived at its steps they stopped outside, and the four men who huddled together and hissed amongst themselves quietly. Finally the tallest of them walked towards a nearby guard.

"Excuse me, we would please like an audience with your leader please. We talk things over, and we bring gifts."

Siting outside talking in depe rumbling voices with each other, sat two dracons, one silver, one bronze. Sitting on their haunches, their wings folded against their sides. Their metallic scales shimmering on the warm sunlight.

They looked at the newcomers

"There is an old parable, started thousands of years ago when the city of Troy was conquered by the Aegeans. It goes, "Beware Greeks barring gifts"" The Silver said, his voice booming and seeming to come from multiple directions. His name was Karithrax and he was Alystarians mount and half brother.

The Bronze dragon, who was Alaric's heart brother, and called Tsunami, then spoke.

"Perhaps your gifts should be inspected before you are allowed to carry covered bundles so close to one of such power." his voice was softer, but yet, inspired the same sort of fear.

[Marcao]

Cyprus
Rive, The Citadel
The Great Hall

The Alidrial representative had arrived to Cyprus the day before, the vessel which carried him to Cyprus being a single Wave Breaker. The Alidrial ship was capable and well designed, flowing with the wind and making good time. The Alidrial were well aware of their position in the scheme of things, and had elected to arrive modestly. The bulk of the Alidrial fleet including the Sylph Queen was now positioned around their Island home. Even if a grand entrance had been desired, the Pillars would not have allowed it. The hospitality of Cyprus had proven to be more than adequate and the Alidrial delegate had been treated well as he settled for the night to wait for the meeting that would play an important role in his nation’s future.

The day arrived like any other, the Alidrial representative preparing for the negotiations that would surely dominate the day. As he was escorted along with his bodyguard to the Great Hall, the elf took the time to notice the architectural differences which the buildings of Cyprus offered to his attentive eyes. Once upon the actual meeting, the elf listened closely to that which was offered as possibilities against the Jihaddi threat. The truth was of course, that a defensive pact could only be maintained so long. The Confederation of Andalus wanted an actual war, and with good reason. The Alidrial representative was well aware that while the Confederation lacked a Navy of any real measure, its armies were potent and capable. Furthermore, the Confederation shared a border with the Jihaddi. Of all the nations involved in negotiations, it was the Andalus that had the most to gain from a direct assault upon Jihaddi soil. There was little doubt that the Confederation would be the bigger winners in that circumstance.

The Alidrial representative waited patiently for his turn to speak. When the representative of the Confederation made his point, the elf glanced to his right and left and when it seemed that silence would reign he made a gesture that he wished to speak. When it was acknowledged and accepted, the elf’s lips parted and words tumbled forth.

“I agree with the representatives that believe that a defensive pact will prove inadequate for our needs. It is the opinion of the Alidrial, that the Jihaddi navy must be dealt with and eliminated as a threat. Without a navy, the Jihaddi nations will be incapable of threatening several nations including my own. Without a navy, there are only two paths left open to the Jihad, one of which is a long march through the unsettled lands to the east, or an attack against the Confederation of Andalus to the west. Ultimately, removing their navy from the field would only be a short term solution. If we cannot negotiate with the Jihad, and frankly I do not believe that we can, the assertions of the Principality, the Confederation and others becomes our only option for long term peace and stability to the region.”

The biggest concern for the Alidrial was the Jihaddi navy, without it the Jihad could not threaten their island nation. Nonetheless, the Alidrial had already made a mistake in choosing to overlook the Jihad for over a decade. If a coalition was formed to strike them down in their own homeland, the possibility was high that the Alidrial would participate, as long as all participants stood to gain and not only the mightiest of them. It would be foolish to expect, that the Alidrial or Cyprus would gain as much as the Confederation, the Confederation would likely spearhead the operation. Nonetheless, they would not be used for Confederation gain alone…

[Agent Fisher]

"Yes, the only real way to survive is to wipe out the Jihad. But my nation has problems with those north of us. And not just Tear, there are other things to the north in the wilderness. And if we joined this Pact, we would have to commit troops, leaving us understrenghted. And to us this Jihad does not pose such a threat to us. And if all these nations here are going to fight, well then why we would be needed to help? If you strike at their navy and defeat it, then it would take them months if not years for them to reach us by land. And they would have to fight through all of you. So I ask you, what does Gondor stand to gain from this?" Said Haldir.

[Dahak]

Ashok Training Facility

Warmaster Tashan looked over the sea of heads before him. The 2nd light infantry regiment they were. After the recent clash with an orcish settlements on the western border, they were trained and eager for more.
And more they would get.
"Soldiers," his voice boomed, "you are about to be honoured. You will become the core of a new force. A force that will be feared. If you think Orcs and wildlife is dangerous, we will open your eyes. You will eat mud, bathed in your own sweat, and walk through hell. But you will become great! Long Live the Empire!" And two thousand voices cried out as one.

Stepping down from his pedestal, Tashan whispered to his second-in-command, "I think we lucked out. I would not wish to switch with Veloran for all the gold in the Pillar of Heaven..."

***

Not far away, Warmaster Veloran cursed. It was not his first time today, and won't be his last.
"He cheated," he hissed. "I can't prove it, but by the Maker, Tashan cheated."
"Sir," Cural, his chief-of-staff answered, "it would have been good for us if you had cheated. This is a nightmare..."
"I hear you..." He sighed. "But we have to get through it.We have to make soldiers out of that...horde there. And failure is not an option. I certainly don't want to tell the Dark Prince about it..."
Cural shuddered besides him. "That would be unwise. So, shall we go to work?"
Walking towards the pedestal, he shook his head slightly. Four thousand untrained, wild, and proud barbarians. And he was to create regiments out of chaos... What a nightmare...

Taladanai, Potala Palace

"How dare you decide that over my head!" Emperor Godric's normally diminuitive voice thundered through his office.
His son seemed unfazed and just looked smugly superior, like he always did. "I thought we had talked about it last time we met?"
"I did not authorize you to put up two new regiments. Substandard, to boot!"
"You were thinking like I did that we must do something in the light of the political situation. I thought I had your permission. I just did it."
His forehead grew some more wrinkles as the Emperor was thinking. "I remember that chat. But I didn't mean-"
"Well, I may have...misinterpreted you. But the decision has already been made father. The training has begun."
The Emperor sighed. "It seems I must go along with it. Undoing it would only make the Emperor look weak. But next time think twice before you...misinterpret me."
"Of course, father. Of course."

***

"Well done, my dear," Empress Carina smiled. Sauntering on a red velvet divan.
"One day father finds out. And he will have your head for it, mother..." Calinar looked irritated.
"Not yours, too?" she arched an eyebrow.
"No, mother. You're expendable. And he knows that it would be a massacre if they went after me. They fear me," he grinning very slyly.
The Empress chuckled. "Well, I see my education did bear fruit. I couldn't stand it if you were like your brother... Such a useless do-gooder..."
"He likes his ships. So he's away were he can't do any harm."
"Now we only have to get the dear Emperor to decide the way we want."
"It won't be too hard. He lost quite some of his sixth sense when it comes down to such intricate affairs..."

[Straha]

Cyprus

The ship slowly rowed into its berth, as it came to a stop sailors went about their taks docking the ship, while four men and a contingent of bodyguards began picking up baskets and rugs. When the gang-plank was lowered these were the men first off the ship. To the curious looks of citizens of the town these men made a bee-line right for the palace, only stopping to adjust the things they carried so as to be less awkward.

When they arrived at its steps they stopped outside, and the four men who huddled together and hissed amongst themselves quietly. Finally the tallest of them walked towards a nearby guard.

"Excuse me, we would please like an audience with your leader please. We talk things over, and we bring gifts."

Siting outside talking in depe rumbling voices with each other, sat two dracons, one silver, one bronze. Sitting on their haunches, their wings folded against their sides. Their metallic scales shimmering on the warm sunlight.

They looked at the newcomers

And then their look was barred as bodyguards stood in their way. They spoke in their own language, but the meaning was clear, especially with their hands resting on their scimitars.

[The Cleric]

The delegation

Dalleth IX strode into the chamber, and took his throne, looking quite irritated.

"I'm not going to force decorum here. You're all here on my island because of one thing: the jihad. We have no time for polite verbal fencing. I am your host, and will extend every hospilality, but I am also well aware of my nation in the grand scheme of the universe. Many of you control armies greater than mine, some many times greater [With a nod to Diema], but each of us is an important part of the war machine.
Grave decisons must be made, and there is little time to make them. Each delegate will be offered time to speak their mind, then serious discussion regarding the next course of action will be taken. I yield the floor to our honored guests from Illian, so they may disclose their thoughts to us all."
----------
The docks

A mounted partol group rode up and between the dragons and the men of the jihad. After aquick conference with the door guards, the corporal approached the men and began to speak.

"Your apperance is most unexpected, but not entirely unwelcome. Security precautions being what they are, you and your gifts must be inspected before you can make any apperance. After such inspection, a meeting can be arranged for later this day with His Imperial Majesty, if you so desire. Please, follow me."

The guard turned and began to walk around to the side of the palace, towards a side entrance.

[admiral_danielsben]

Major port city of the WolGars:

It is dawn, the workers in the port village are just starting their day at their trades. The sun has only barely risen, the Eastern sky is still pierced with pink and yellow light.

Out of this three small ships, with small sails catching small winds amidst the Friendly Sea that they have come across. Their prows shine with metal, bronze and steel glistening amidst the morning light. They come to the port after several day's sailing, not a total suprise, but a shock nonetheless to the barely wakened port-workers. From the middle ship, the first to get off were two guards, wearing great mail shirts, silver-green in the morning light. Their swords were most impressive, handles of bronze, with blades shimmering, dazzling the eyes of all who looked upon them.

One of the Guards announced: "People of WolGar, representatives of Empress Rebecca III, the most noble and fair ruler of the Khazar Imperium, have arrived to meet with representatives of your Counsil to discuss trade. Now introducing Ambassabors Anna Netanyahu and Joseph Ben Yakar!"

A man and a woman stepped down the plank onto the dock. The man was perhaps twenty-five, dark-haired, with dark brown eyes and a thin, ragged beard on his thick, burly frame. The woman was perhaps five years older, not that it marred her beauty much. She was tall, hair a pale flame of faint orange, with grey eyes that pierced through things, not needing any magic to see the intentions of men. She said to the first representative to arrive,

"We come from the Khazar Imperium in the name of peaceful trade. We have come with samples of our many metals, ores and products alike, to show you what we can offer in trade."

That was the cue for a group of sailors to carry off several boxes off the middle ship. These were samples to peruse. If the Khazars agreed to trade, the other two ships carried more metals, to sell to them. If this mission failed, they would continue on to other ports. Rumors of a distant land where olive oil was plentiful did abound... but the WolGars were closer. While rather barbaric, they had never been at war with the Khazars, and apparently they lacked in metal goods, which the Khazars had in plenty.

The woman, Ambassador Netanyahu, appeared rather tired. After the initial greetings of courtesy, she merely asked, "May we retire for the day, to begin negotiations this evening?".

EDIT/OOC: Small spelling and word changes to increase accuracy. Will you reply now, frigid?

[Straha]

The Swordbearer looked at the map, it was bothering him slightly again.

"You are sure everything goes as planed?"

"Yes, holiness, we should be ready by next season."

"Good, and the envoys, Harun, they have all left?"

"Yes holiness, they are en route or arriving as we speak."

"Good, that is good news indeed. Oh, one last thing, did any of you have indigestion last night?"

Lower-General Faid Al-Zibare spoke for the first time that the Swordbearer had ever heard him speak without prompting. "Actually, holiness, yes I did, had some weird dreams too. I think it was just that lamb though."

"Yeah, there was something baaaaaaaaaad about that lamb wasn't there, wasn't cooked well enough I think."

The people who had worked with the Swordbearer of the Prophet chuckled softly, those who hadn't didn't know what to do. One of the better things about the Three Gods was that they had brought equality, along with unity, peace, treasure, and the holy Jihad, to their land, and people enjoyed it. The only people who enjoyed more privilage were the priests, and even they usually only got the extra privilages through respect and thanks for what they had brought.

"Well folks, that's all for now. I have to go give canticle, I'll see you all later. Enjoy yourselves."

And with that the Swordbearer walked out of the tent, and into the city around him, he had to perform his duty, and it was something that he really enjoyed.

[Alyrium Denryle]

Cyprus

The ship slowly rowed into its berth, as it came to a stop sailors went about their taks docking the ship, while four men and a contingent of bodyguards began picking up baskets and rugs. When the gang-plank was lowered these were the men first off the ship. To the curious looks of citizens of the town these men made a bee-line right for the palace, only stopping to adjust the things they carried so as to be less awkward.

When they arrived at its steps they stopped outside, and the four men who huddled together and hissed amongst themselves quietly. Finally the tallest of them walked towards a nearby guard.

"Excuse me, we would please like an audience with your leader please. We talk things over, and we bring gifts."

Siting outside talking in depe rumbling voices with each other, sat two dracons, one silver, one bronze. Sitting on their haunches, their wings folded against their sides. Their metallic scales shimmering on the warm sunlight.

They looked at the newcomers

And then their look was barred as bodyguards stood in their way. They spoke in their own language, but the meaning was clear, especially with their hands resting on their scimitars.

The dragons looked at each other, conversing in their own language. One of a combination of flowing eloquent language, intersperced with gutteral growls and ither flavoring participles

The bronze looked at the body guards, and simply smiled and then spoke in the guards native language

"Know this human, we respect you for your courage, there is no need for such hostilities, however we have a vested interest in protecting the occupants in this palace, and frankly, you dont scare us"

The silver turned to the palace guard

"You are within your rights to search their belongings. However we will defer to you and enforce your decision if necessary'

[Dahak]

Taladanai, Potala Palace

Calinar was in his living room, hovering a good 10 inches above the floor and thinking.
How to get father to do what I want...?
Suddenly, a tought surfaced, a intriguing plan. He thought some more about it until he was sure of it.
He concentrated and his mind stretched. Beyond the Palace walls, the city, stretching further and further, until he found his target.
He knew that one of the Obsidian Order was in the vicinity, and they always have been a power of their own. They were also following his orders, secretly, and not that of his fathers. Being outwardly only a somewhat honorary member, he had attained their leadership, again secretly. Not even his mother knew everything about it.
~Piral,~ he sent telepathically. ~I have work for you.~ He could sense the young man's surprise.
~My Prince, what can I do for you?~
~I need you to do something for me. It must be kept absolutely secret and may not leave the Order under any circumstances, understood?~
~Certainly, my Prince. Now what do you want me to do?~
~You will have to...~ And he told him his plan. Soon it would bear fruit.

***

His father was looking at the remains of the man in disgust. Before him on a table lay a bloodied pulp. His head scalped, the upper body skinned, legs broken. If he hadn't worn the last remains of a Taladani uniform, no one could have said who he had been.
What really seemed to get his father was the axe that still was firmly emplaced in the man's face.
He couldn't have done it better... I must congratulate Piral on the excellent work...
"We are certain. After sensing the remaining aura, it certainly is-was a soldier of ours. A member of the southern border guard it seems."
"Do you know who did this?" His father was almost calm.
"We have some possibilities. The carvings on the axe are very special..."
"Make sure you'll find the one's responsible. The EMpire cannot have...this." He thought for a moment, looked at the various mages, aides and then his son. Some idea seemed to form in the head of his father.
"Carinal, my son, I would like you to investigate this. You're skilled and powerful. I want answers. Quick."
He had to hide a slight shock. He hadn't counted on this. He had been prepared to sway his father's mind, nudge him to let him...do it. But this was better than he expected. "Surely, father. I will investigate in excruciating detail and bring justice."
"Good, good," he sighed and fell back into his chair. "Now leave me alone. And give this man a proper burial..."

[Stormbringer]

The Court of the EvenStar

The King looked over the reports from the councilors and from his legates. The news was not particularly encouraging; there were few bright spots. The blighted savages of the Jihad had choked off trade from the eastern end of the Great Sea. The result of this was anger in the merchant houses and the Council.

The biggest area of concern was in the slashing of military funds. Traditionally a pair of legions were recruited in the spring and yet this year only one. Not yet a calamity, but troubling none the less, especially with the Sea Wolves away.

"Send for Prince Maedhros."

[Bugsby]

I yield the floor to our honored guests from Illian, so they may disclose their thoughts to us all."

"You honor us, my lord," said the Illianer ambassador, rising smoothly from his seat. "We come here today in support of war against the Jihad. A month or two past, this would have been the farthest thing from our minds, but circumstances have changed. With the forces of the Jihad coming closer every day, we sent envoys requesting peace between our nations. We were told in no uncertain terms that the only way there would be peace is if we destroyed ourselves and were remade in their image, worshiping their gods, and, obviously, under their priests. In essence, we were told that there would be no peace until they had conquered us to a man." He paused for a second to let his words sink in.

"We of Illian do not love war. Yes it seems that war is coming in the form of this rabid Jihad, regardless of whether we love it or not. Therefore, it is with a heavy heart yet full resolve that I ask this council to do what is necessary and break the forces of the Jihad.

"Many, thanks, your majesty, for allowing the delegate from such a humble nation to speak first. Illian surrenders the floor to you."

[Beowulf]

Raven's Mill

*whump*

"What was that?" asked Frankowski.

"Oh, you must be new here. It was probably an alchemist blowing himself up. Nothing to worry about," answered a passerby.

"Does this happen often?"

"Every so often. Can't imagine what they're making that would make them willing to blow themselves up so often."

Outskirts of Raven's Mill

WARSOWICZ NEDDARD?

"That's me."

NO. THAT'S YOU. AND THAT, AND THAT, AND THAT.

"I guess that means I'm dead then."

YES.

[Agent Fisher]

Haldir stood.

"We of Gondor, recognize the threat of the Jihad. We know it must be stopped. And we know that many here are willing to do just that. But with so many becoming involved with this, why should we send our sons to die in some god forsaken land for what? For a small peice of land in some shithole? After hearing the plans for the war, if you do manage to destroy their fleet, then what does Gondor have to worry about? It would take them months and months to go by land, and then they have to fight through all of you to get to us! So I ask you, what does Gondor stand to gain from commiting forces to this war?" Said Haldir looking at the delegates.

[Alyrium Denryle]

Haldir stood.

"We of Gondor, recognize the threat of the Jihad. We know it must be stopped. And we know that many here are willing to do just that. But with so many becoming involved with this, why should we send our sons to die in some god forsaken land for what? For a small peice of land in some shithole? After hearing the plans for the war, if you do manage to destroy their fleet, then what does Gondor have to worry about? It would take them months and months to go by land, and then they have to fight through all of you to get to us! So I ask you, what does Gondor stand to gain from commiting forces to this war?" Said Haldir looking at the delegates.

"By increasing the number of men arrayed against them, you increase the odds of success, and lessen the impact on everyones troops." Alaric replied

Alystarian also joined in

"And that "land in some shithole" is valuable. It has people, and resources. All of which will increase your own ability to wage war."

[Agent Fisher]

Haldir stood.

"We of Gondor, recognize the threat of the Jihad. We know it must be stopped. And we know that many here are willing to do just that. But with so many becoming involved with this, why should we send our sons to die in some god forsaken land for what? For a small peice of land in some shithole? After hearing the plans for the war, if you do manage to destroy their fleet, then what does Gondor have to worry about? It would take them months and months to go by land, and then they have to fight through all of you to get to us! So I ask you, what does Gondor stand to gain from commiting forces to this war?" Said Haldir looking at the delegates.

"By increasing the number of men arrayed against them, you increase the odds of success, and lessen the impact on everyones troops." Alaric replied

Alystarian also joined in

"And that "land in some shithole" is valuable. It has people, and resources. All of which will increase your own ability to wage war."

"Resources that my nation cannot find in a more easily reached location? To wage war...So are you saying that there will be war right after this one? My people do not need land across the sea, which will be difficult to govern because of the distances, that does not readily provide resources that cannot be attained by sources closer to home."

[Bugsby]

"Resources that my nation cannot find in a more easily reached location? To wage war...So are you saying that there will be war right after this one? My people do not need land across the sea, which will be difficult to govern because of the distances, that does not readily provide resources that cannot be attained by sources closer to home."

"This talk of resources and government is foolish. The problem with the Jihad is not how you are to manage their territories, it is what they will do to you if you ignore them. No land is safe, especially not Gondor. If the Jihad forces were to overwhelm your navy and land troops, I would wager the Tairen dogs would not allow a single man through their territory to come to your aid. The Jihad threatens the world. It is incumbent upon all of us to stem their growth, here and now. And if ending them is the only way this can be accomplished, then so be it."

[Rogue 9]

Sir Gilchrist had been watching and evaluating every delegate in the chamber as the speaking was going on. He was impressed with some, but others...

He shook it off. This was not a field of battle or his own court, and although he wanted to focus his concentration and inspect the hearts of these men, to see if they were for good or evil, such intrusion would be considered the height of affront in this venue. He spoke.

"As much as Eire would like to do more to oppose the Jihad, we are too far away to move troops to the front effectively. What I have with me is all that can be brought, but I feel that for the limited number of berths on the ship, we chose well. On the Slayer and Dauntless are two hundred rangers from the Morwood. They are our best wilderness scouts, and can serve to keep others apprised of Jihadist troop movements. Also, we can commit fifty gryphon riders. Sad to say that our main formations of infantry and cavalry cannot traverse the distance. Now, I have authority from King Artair to commit these troops to scouting duty should sufficient reason to do so be presented. With the Illian's statements, I am nearly convinced of the need for this war, but first I must be assured that they will actually move beyond their borders."

[Bugsby]

With the Illian's statements, I am nearly convinced of the need for this war, but first I must be assured that they will actually move beyond their borders."

"Illian will go to war, though our power be small. Who is with us?"

[Pablo Sanchez]

"Illian will go to war, though our power be small. Who is with us?"

"The Confederation of Andalus has no choice but to go to war."

[frigidmagi]

"The Sons of Gar will fight."

[Raxmei]

The dwarven king met with his advisors that day, as was his routine. Edwaerd the preist told him of strange visions he had seen that portended strange and unknowable horrors to come ahead, of the peculiar weather the capital had experienced (though the king himself noted nothing unseasonable), and of the poor quality of his morning meal, declaring that the castle cooks were obviously in league with the strange and unknowable horrors to come, conspiring to destroy those who could see the truth, and this and many other things he told the king.
The other advisors told him more useful things. The one who supervised the army reported that he had received the king's request commissioning a new warship and four companies of marines and their ships, for the king foresaw a use for naval adventuring in the future.
Another, who handled matters of diplomacy, reported that the ambassador to Caliphon had agreed to reduce tariffs. At this the king grumbled, for it meant he would have to increase taxes elsewhere to make good the difference, and the lords in turn would grumble at their raised burden. Another voice spoke up, suggesting a clever plan involving the uninhabitable mountains that constituted much of the realm, and also the wealthy merchants who stood to gain from recent developments, and certain exploitable aspects of the tax code.
Another bit of news, considered of much lesser importance, was of a people called the Jihad, who were far in the south. Beyond them being named the Jihad and inhabiting regions far in the south, none amongst those gathered knew. Indeed, it would have gone completely without notice if not for rumor King Artair had sent men to the region. Even with this rumor, the dwarf king would have done nothing, for the place was months away by unknown routes, and some party or another would like as not destroy any envoy. Realising the place was months away and anyone he sent would likely never be heard from again, he chose to send a nephew, one who called himself Axebeard, and a small escort to the region. And so a longship whose captain he was not fond of was loaded with provisions for a long journey and was sent off with Axebeard for parts unknown.