When peace was far away
Zemelslo is not a wealthy nation; it primarily exports salt fish, salt lamb and mutton, and a strong sour beverage called Bidderskit that is at best an acquired taste. The largest structure is the Concilium Hall, but the second largest is the palace of the Jarmish Consul which stands on one of the hills overlooking Radosmo. It is very beautiful, and the first thing a sailor sees on their approach to the port. The people of Zemelslo are cousins to the folk of the Principalities, in much the same way the people of Sarvos or the Brass Coast are cousins to the Highborn. Their people diverged long ago, but are close enough that cordial relations and strong bonds of wealth and politics unite them.
There are no slaves in Zemelslo. Instead, there is a caste of folk whose name translates roughly as "ungrateful" in the particular dialect of the Zemelslona. People who have committed crimes against their fellows, or against the state. They are kept in the most squalid possible conditions, forced to toil at the most back-breaking, filthy jobs until their sentence is completed. One might imagine that in a state as law-abiding and civil as Zemelslo there would not be many ungrateful; yet there always seem to be more than enough to ensure the fields are tilled, the bays are dredged, and the streets are cleaned.
There are no temples or shrines here; the Concilium of Zemelslo does not proscribe religion so much as discount it. Faith, teach the leaders of this tiny island nation, is a distraction. A warm blanket fit only for children. Nothing exists beyond the world, and the six realms of magic. Miracles and the so-called ceremonies of priests are nothing more than magic, practiced by amateurs who do not truly understand what they are doing. The people of Zemelslo patronise evangelists and missionaries, listening with every sign of amused tolerance, even applauding skilled oratory or rhetoric, and then... they just move on.
(Yet be careful; these people pride themselves on their liberty to a degree that an outsider might misjudge as a kind of faith. Their civility is as much as learned response to living in a society where anarchy bubbles beneath the surface as it is their vaunted rationality. The ungrateful toil, openly degraded, as much as a reminder to the common folk about what will happen if they forget their social contract with the Concilium and try to overthrow them. Reading between the lines of the history books, this has happened at least twice and each time there is a period of chaos and a new Concilium rises to replace the old.)
Most of the visitors to the docks of Radosmo are foreigners; traders from the western Principalities exchange crystal mana for victuals; for metals cut from the hearts of the hills; and for softer treasures harvested from the inland trees. They are equally happy to trade with other visitors, these visiting merchants; and for those who do not wish to dirty themselves dealing with the emissaries of Jarm there is ample opportunity to purchase their fine goods from the markets of Radosmo, engaging in trade at one remove.
That, perhaps, is the zeitgeist of Radosmo, of Zemelslo. They exist at one remove. Comfortable with the protection of their "cousins" to the east, comfortable to live quiet lives, comfortable to be insulated from the chaos of the world. Happy that war and hard choices both are far away.
Overview
- The Empire remains at peace with the Principalities of Jarm, but trade with that nation is embargoed
- The Senate has approved trade with the tiny independent nation of Zemelslo that lies within the Jarmish sphere of influence
- Jarm is at war with Imperial allies in the Commonwealth
- Jarm has recently encountered the threat of Cold Sun
- The Imperial ambassador to the Principalities is Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo of the Brass Coast
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate ambassador that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.
One of the six great powers, the Principalities of Jarm are not exactly friendly to the Empire. The magocracy, ruled by the House of Princes resents what it claims are repeated attempts by Imperial citizens to interfere with its interests. Via the Liberty Pact, the Empire is allied with Jarm's enemies, the Commonwealth, and open war now rages between the two great nations. They may not be at war with the Empire, but they know that Imperial citizens and the Imperial Conclave in particular have provided significant assistance to their rivals. Communications tend to be brusque, bordering on the curt.
The Jarmish ambassador to the Empire is Lord-Magister Anton Trescher of the Hidden Hook, who attends at the House of Princes. A canny and influential politician who has served the House of Princes for over forty years, he represents the Jarmish to the Empire and vice-versa. A potent master of Autumn magic, he is known for his sarcasm and dry wit, and for his commitment to the sovereignty of the Principalities he serves.
War in the East
- The war between the Commonwealth and the Principalities of Jarm continues
- Cold Sun has erupted into the borderlands between the two nations
The Lantir War continues despite the eruption of Cold Sun. Diplomats from both sides have made attempts to arrange a summit to discuss the matter, but so far without success. There is nothing approaching a coordinated response between the two rivals to the scions pouring into Lantir. Indeed, as discussed in the Cold war wind of fortune, both sides suspect the other of having been responsible, and believe that the heralds are targeting their forces particularly.
The conflict between the Principalities and the Commonwealth is at its root a clash of ideology. Jarm fights for the right to self-determination, while the Commonwealth strives to spread its idea of the Common Good to all. Jarm remains unable to match the Commonwealth on sheer logistical and military might; the Commonwealth cannot equal the magical prowess of the Principalities. Neither side will submit to the other and so the war continues. The addition of this third force means it is impossible to tell who is "winning".
Jarm
- Status: Foreigner
- Ports: Kavor, Vezak, and Rigia (all closed)
- Ambassador: Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo of the Brass Coast
The Third Letter
- Lord-Magister Anton has responded candidly to the Ambassador's communications
- He believes that if things continue on their current course it could lead to a thawing in Imperial-Jarm relations
Normally, the language of diplomacy is full of caveats and circumlocution, comments Lord-Magister Anton. The Imperial Ambassador's interestingly candid approach, however, is in all honesty quite refreshing. It is a relief sometimes, he writes, to be able to speak directly. As such, he acknowledges that the Ambassador may be feeling a little rebuffed. Yet he feels that he was very clear about why the Magician-Princes were not particularly impressed by the return of the Vezakri spice grinder. When one is honestly sending something without expectation of reward, one cannot really complain if they don't then get a reward.
More constructively, the matter of the spice grinder is ultimately unimportant by itself but it is not without symbolic weight. Coupled with the efforts of other Imperial citizens, there is more of a taste in the House of Princes for dealing with the Empire. Embargo costs both countries, and is good for neither. Right now the House of Princes is busy with other matters - war with the Commonwealth and the destruction of Lantir being foremost in their minds. While it might not seem like it, the situation is improving. And in Anton's opinion part of that is down to Damiàn i Martàn i Erigo and their immediate predecessor Nikita Teanga Volkov. There have obviously been several fine ambassadors from the Empire, but they are often judged against the example of the former ambassador Oswi Twice-Burned - someone who understood the realities of doing business on the international stage and put pragmatism ahead of ideology.
As long as the Empire respects Jarm's independence as a sovereign nation; as long as they stay out of the war with the Commonwealth; and especially if they are able to offer practical support against these damned scions pouring out of Lantir, relations between the Principalities and Imperial citizens can only improve. Indeed, the assurances Ambassador Damiàn has issued regarding their intention to provide aid to the Jarmish in containing the forces of Oblivion has caused several otherwise disinterested princes to sit up and take notice, especially those potentially threatened by the scions. If they are able to deliver on those promises - if the Conclave offers real, measurable support to Jarm - then it will not only prove the Ambassador's calibre but see more Magician-Princes prepared to soften their attitudes to the Empire. If they fail of course... well that will just reaffirm the perception of recent Imperial ambassadors being little more than chair-warmers.
The civil service are a little taken aback by the tone of Lord Anton's correspondence, but cautiously suggest that by speaking candidly in response to the Ambassador, Trescher is in his own way showing his respect. Maybe?
Free Port
Goat milk is a common staple of the Zemelslo diet. One of their main exports is Bidderskit, an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting goat milk and adding certain local ingredients. There are a range of strong flavours, but it is something of an acquired taste. Any Imperial fleet captain who has visited the nation is free to phys-rep Bidderskit with almost any kind of milk or milk-like liquid, especially flavoured milkshake.
- The Senate approved access to a port in the independent nation of Zemelslo
- Imperial captains now trade at Radosmo, primarily with Jarmish merchants
- Lord-Magister Anton has praised the Imperial Ambassador for their work in negotiating trade with Zemelslo
- Communication with Zemelslo technically lies under the remit of the Imperial Consul, Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason
During the Autumn Equinox, the tiny nation of Zemelslo opened their port at Radosmo to Imperial traders at the urging of Prince Mila of the Violetinu Mishkas. Zemelslo lies in the Sea of Steel and is firmly within the Jarmish sphere of influence. Technically self-governed by a Concilium of magicians, in practice it is a protectorate of Jarm and looks to the House of Princes in all things. The Jarmish Consul officially is an ambassador from the great nation to the east; in practice it operates a lot more like a governor albeit one that mostly observes and offers polite advice.
Its primary exports are salted fish and a beverage called Bidderskit (a strong sour alcoholic drink made from fermented goats milk). There is not much demand for Bidderskit and salted fish in the Empire, but Jarmish merchants visit Radosmo all the time. Imperial merchants are welcome to trade with other visitors... which means access to the same kinds of products that were available from Jarmish ports. This is a polite fiction that allows Jarm and the Empire to trade without either side having to open their ports to the other. Obviously the argument is that trade with Zemelslo, a sovereign nation, is not prohibited by the terms of the Liberty Pact. While the Commonwealth might take a different view, the Senate have been clear that they do not see any legal obstacle to Imperial traders dealing with Zemelslo and confirmed that it is not part of Jarm.
It is too early to make sweeping generalisations - whatever Anton's esteemed colleague the Magician-Prince of the Violetinu Mishkas might believe - but the preliminary successes seen in Radosmo are encouraging. Perhaps it is possible for the Empire to visit an island without burning everything to the ground in the name of religion? While Zemelslo isn’t Kavor or Zemech, it is a good start. Lord-Magister Trescher is not alone if that he would be perfectly happy to see relations between the nations thaw out enough to allow trade to prosper again. The Empire is after all an excellent market; and everyone would be happier if they did not have to listen to the Golden Peacock faction banging on about the "Casinean Hegemon Threat" every five minutes.
Weirwood for Free People
- Zemelslo has requested an opportunity to purchase a large amount of weirwood from the Empire
- The Senate has clarified that the Concilium is a sovereign nation distinct from Jarm
- They thus fall under the remit of the Imperial Consul
- The current Imperial Consul is Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason
The inference taken from the Senate's decision is that it is the Imperial Consul, Atte Arrow-Tongue Metsastajason, who is responsible for any further dealing with Zemelslo, rather than the Ambassador to Jarm. The Concilium of Zemelslo have not invited any kind of diplomatic contact; any formal Imperial correspondence should go via their close ally, the Magician-Prince of the Violetinu Mishkas. It is not that they are incapable of making their own decisions, simply that Prince Mila has more experience dealing with Imperial citizens and is unlikely to accidentally offend against their sensibilities or religion. Mila has graciously agreed to serve as a go-between.
With his assistance the Concilium of Zemelslo have made an overture to the Imperial Consul offices indicating that they are in the market to purchase a large amount of weirwood. They are looking to secure 200 wains toward the construction of a navy to help protect their island against Commonwealth aggression. They are able to offer 20 crowns a wain for any amount that the Imperial Consul can arrange. If the Consul wishes to take advantage of this offer, the Civil service can help facilitate it. (OOC Note: The Consul should ensure the weirwood is in their inventory at the end of the event and e-mail plot@profounddecisions.co.uk to let us know how much they are providing to Zemelslo. We'll then remove the wains and replace them with the money at the agreed price.)
Regardless of what the Imperial Consul may choose, any private citizen could take advantage of this trade. The Urizeni ritual Ethereal Courier could certainly be used to send weirwood Bourse notes to Magician-Prince Mila. This would require a little more effort to claim, but there is no legal impediment to ships from Zemelslo collecting wains from Imperial warehouses. The citizen trading in this way would either receive the payment mentioned, or have their Bourse notes returned if the Consul has already provided all the weirwood required.
The civil service assessment is that on the surface it seems to be a legitimate attempt by the Concilium of Zemelslo to establish their own navy. However as a nation in the pocket of Jarm, helping Zemelslo arm itself effectively provides Jarm with access to another navy. It is very likely that Magician Prince Mila is behind this trade offer, and the likely source of much of the money to pay for it.
Equal Weight
| Fortified Embassy |
| Commission Type: Fortification Upgrade |
| Location: Limus, Redoubt |
| Cost: 30 mithril, 90 crowns in labour |
Effect:
|
| Upkeep: None |
| Special: Requires concedence of the embassy |
- Jarm proposes the Empire cede the Jarmish embassy in Cargo to them
- In return they would station of garrison of warwizards in Cargo to help defend the territory if it was attacked
Lord-Magister Anton has received correspondence from the staff at the Jarmish embassy in Cargo regarding the building of a Commonwealth castle across the river Couros in Necropolis. Concerns have been expressed in the House of Princes about notoriously warlike Commonwealth soldiers travelling the same river as peaceful Jarmish emissaries - especially given the Empire's obvious favouring of the rival nation. As such he proposes that the Senate expand and also concede the Jarmish embassy in Cargo. Jarm would cover some of the costs, and would establish a cadre of elite Jarmish battle-magicians at the embassy to protect the interests of their citizens both in the embassy and travelling along the river. They would also be in a position to help garrison the Walls of Cargo - which Lord-Magister Anton points out they also helped create. In the event that the Commonwealth chose to commit piracy against Jarmish ships in Imperial waters, they would be in position to defend their diplomats and take appropriate retribution against any attack.
The civil service have assessed the proposal - they estimate that in the event the walls of Cargo would gain the Jarmish warwizards quality. If enemy forces threatened the region of Limus, the Jarmish war-magicians would add an extra 1,000 strength to the garrison for purposes of defending the territory and inflicting casualties on the attackers in same way as if they were a number of military units taking a guard action. The required concedence would give the Jarmish free reign to operate within their own embassy without any hint of Imperial oversight - and if relations between Jarm and the Empire collapsed entirely, a band of Jarmish war-wizards in Urizen could arguably do some significant damage before they were stopped. They also speculate that this is a naked political ploy - to "balance" the fact that the Commonwealth has stationed troops on Imperial soil and has direct control of their own diplomatenschloss.
Herbs for the White Palm
- The House of the White Palm in Jarm seeks aid in dealing with the cursed injuries caused by the scions of Cold Sun
- They would like the Imperial Apothecaries Guild to send them a package of marrowort and bladeroot using ethereal courier
- In return they offer a herbal for a healing salve
- The Guild Leader of the Apothecaries Guild is Esmé i Estrico i Erigo
While magic is excellent for dealing with serious injuries in the short term - rituals such as Kaljulaid's Resolution can help warriors endure these kinds of injury - they are ineffective at actually treating the injuries. The Principalities have fewer battle-trained physicks than the Empire. While the profession of physick is respected, those who master the arts of the body are more inclined to operate in cities tending to wealthy clients than risk their lives fighting.
The House of the White Palm is an old establishment that trains battlefield physicks to support Jarmish armies. The incursion of Cold Sun has left them overwhelmed - and both mundane soldiers and battlefield wizards are paying the price. The White Palm lekár - the battlefield medics facing the destruction of Cold Sun - are in desperate need of marrowort and bladeroot. Large amounts, very quickly.
As such they have decided to go outside the traditional diplomatic channels and make a direct appeal to a body they apparently consider to be their peers - the Imperial Apothecaries Guild. They need 200 drams of both marrowort and bladeroot, and they cannot wait for the slow transport of goods by sea. As such they request that the Guild collect 200 drams of each herb and deliver them via Ethereal Courier during the Winter Solstice. In return, the White Palm will share with the Guild a herbal detailing the recipe for Palma Balzam - a preparation that translates roughly as "Palmtree Balm".
This potion is part of the Master Medicinal body of lore and creates a salve that can be applied to an injured warrior to simultaneously restore a damaged limb and heal the wounds that caused it. From the description, it appears to harness the power of Cerulean Mazzarine and True Vervain in the same way that Maledict's Medicament captures the healing properties of Bladeroot and Imperial Roseweald. What the Guild does with the herbal is up to them - keep it for their own use or share it with the rest of the Empire the House of the White Palm cares not.
The civil service advise that this appeal has apparently caused outrage in the House of Princes; the idea that a mundane college has show Jarmish weakness in this way in untenable. On the other hand nobody is prepared to censure the White Palm given their vital role in battle (and the numerous wealthy doctors trained there who serve Magician-Prince households). While trade from Jarm is embargoed that prevents Jarmish vessels bringing trade goods to Imperial ports. Further, the Apothecaries' Guild is responsible for the "Coordination and support Imperial efforts in the research, development, education, and dissemination of ingredients, potions, and antidotes" and to "Represent and support the economic, political, and magical interests of apothecaries and herbalists within the Empire." If they choose to take advantage of this offer - or anyone chooses to fulfil the order on their behalf - there is no immediate legal restriction. But there might be ethical and moral considerations that the Synod in particular might wish to offer guidance with.
Matters of Measure
- The Principalities are not interested in further discussion of the shield Measure
Lord Anton finally requests that the Ambassador should let Ser Rhydian de Rondell know that he is disinclined to engage in further discussion of the shield Measure. They offered to trade with the Empire and were rejected and that is just how diplomacy works, but they have no interest in putting Imperial citizens in touch with the current owner. There's also no interest in a challenge of eight champions - that may be how things are done in the Empire or the Commonwealth but Lord-Magister Anton doesn't feel Jarm has anything it wants to prove here. So in short, the answer is "no."
He does however wish to correct a misapprehension. The Principalities do not need details of the "underpinning" of Brotherhood of Tian. Those principles are known just as much in Jarm as they are in the Empire. A completed ritual text is very valuable, especially one that represents a year and a half at least of work during which the college of magic preparing the text can do nothing else. And, in the words of the Lord-Magister, a triumph of political will to encourage an entire college to focus on codifying a useful, practical ritual instead of some charismatic wizards' pet project involving the moon. It seems that Trescher is very bitter about something.
Jarm Further Reading
Winds of Fortune
- When peace was far away - 387YE Winter wind of fortune about diplomacy with Jarm
- Cold war - 387YE Winter wind of fortune about the incursion of Cold Sun into Jarm
- My passions from a common spring - 387YE Autumn wind of fortune about the Lantir war
- Strangers when we meet - 387YE Summer Wind of Fortune in which Lord-Magister Anton speaks candidly
- Authority and acceptance - 386YE Autumn Wind of Fortune relating some Jarm diplomatic matters
- Thrones and principalities - 386YE Summer Wind of Fortune discussing Jarmish diplomatic matters
Jarm Associated Titles
- There are currently no Jarm associated titles
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