A business like any other - Revision history

Twiggy at 23:36, 7 April 2026

2026-04-07T23:36:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:36, 7 April 2026
Line 65:		Line 65:

	===The Pleasure of Princes===		===The Pleasure of Princes===
	<div style="float:right;"><quote by"Senator Henry Ward of Upwold">The Empire recognises the importance of extant<br>and future trade in strategic materials with our allies<br> in Jarm and welcomes any overtures to strengthen<br> existing agreements or form new ones.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right;"><quote by="Senator Henry Ward of Upwold">The Empire recognises the importance of extant<br>and future trade in strategic materials with our allies<br> in Jarm and welcomes any overtures to strengthen<br> existing agreements or form new ones.</quote></div>
	During the Autumn Equinox 380YE, the [[Senate]] [[Statement_of_Intent_regarding_trade_with_the_Principalities_of_Jarm\|formally recognised]] the importance of trade with the [[Principalities of Jarm]], and expressed interest in strengthening trade between the two nations. Word has come that the House of Princes has finally gotten around to removing the last of the trade sanctions against the Empire, and has issued a statement of their own that echoes that of the Senate encouraging closer ties with the Empire.		During the Autumn Equinox 380YE, the [[Senate]] [[Statement_of_Intent_regarding_trade_with_the_Principalities_of_Jarm\|formally recognised]] the importance of trade with the [[Principalities of Jarm]], and expressed interest in strengthening trade between the two nations. Word has come that the House of Princes has finally gotten around to removing the last of the trade sanctions against the Empire, and has issued a statement of their own that echoes that of the Senate encouraging closer ties with the Empire.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

2026-01-15T12:28:41Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:28, 15 January 2026
Line 60:		Line 60:
	One trade good the Axou seem very keen to acquire is liao. They are evasive when asked why they want it, but they cannot conceal the fact that there is a market for the substance in the citadels of Axos. As a consequence, demand for liao has spiked - at least temporarily. Any character with a [[congregation]] who chooses to [[Congregation#Downtime_Options\|sell]] their liao in the coming season will receive 20 rings (1 crown) rather than the usual 12 rings. It is very likely that this price increase will be temporary - as it currently stands the price is likely to drop back to normal levels by Spring if nothing else changes.		One trade good the Axou seem very keen to acquire is liao. They are evasive when asked why they want it, but they cannot conceal the fact that there is a market for the substance in the citadels of Axos. As a consequence, demand for liao has spiked - at least temporarily. Any character with a [[congregation]] who chooses to [[Congregation#Downtime_Options\|sell]] their liao in the coming season will receive 20 rings (1 crown) rather than the usual 12 rings. It is very likely that this price increase will be temporary - as it currently stands the price is likely to drop back to normal levels by Spring if nothing else changes.

	The Imperial Synod may choose to use a [[statement of principle]] to encourage, or discourage, this trade. If the statement [[Statement_of_principle#Outcome\|passes with a greater majority]], it might influence the outcome of this opportunity. Similarly, the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] may pass a [[Senate motion]] to amend the law regarding the trade of liao to the Axou - in this case the price will remain at the current level.		The Imperial Synod may choose to use a [[statement of principle]] to encourage, or discourage, this trade. If the statement [[Statement_of_principle#Outcome\|passes with a greater majority]], it might influence the outcome of this opportunity. Similarly, the [[Senate]] may pass a [[Senate motion]] to amend the law regarding the trade of liao to the Axou - in this case the price will remain at the current level.

	If the Senate or the Synod does intervene, the price of liao will be made clear at the start of downtime.		If the Senate or the Synod does intervene, the price of liao will be made clear at the start of downtime.
Line 66:		Line 66:
	===The Pleasure of Princes===		===The Pleasure of Princes===
	<div style="float:right;"><quote by"Senator Henry Ward of Upwold">The Empire recognises the importance of extant<br>and future trade in strategic materials with our allies<br> in Jarm and welcomes any overtures to strengthen<br> existing agreements or form new ones.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right;"><quote by"Senator Henry Ward of Upwold">The Empire recognises the importance of extant<br>and future trade in strategic materials with our allies<br> in Jarm and welcomes any overtures to strengthen<br> existing agreements or form new ones.</quote></div>
	During the Autumn Equinox 380YE, the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] [[Statement_of_Intent_regarding_trade_with_the_Principalities_of_Jarm\|formally recognised]] the importance of trade with the [[Principalities of Jarm]], and expressed interest in strengthening trade between the two nations. Word has come that the House of Princes has finally gotten around to removing the last of the trade sanctions against the Empire, and has issued a statement of their own that echoes that of the Senate encouraging closer ties with the Empire.		During the Autumn Equinox 380YE, the [[Senate]] [[Statement_of_Intent_regarding_trade_with_the_Principalities_of_Jarm\|formally recognised]] the importance of trade with the [[Principalities of Jarm]], and expressed interest in strengthening trade between the two nations. Word has come that the House of Princes has finally gotten around to removing the last of the trade sanctions against the Empire, and has issued a statement of their own that echoes that of the Senate encouraging closer ties with the Empire.

	While governments make such statements all the time, this has had a positive effect on trade with the Jarmish ports. Jarmish traders are enthusiastically looking for opportunities to secure more Imperial custom, and each of the three Jarmish ports is providing a little extra wealth to Imperial [[fleet\|traders]] who visit in the coming months.		While governments make such statements all the time, this has had a positive effect on trade with the Jarmish ports. Jarmish traders are enthusiastically looking for opportunities to secure more Imperial custom, and each of the three Jarmish ports is providing a little extra wealth to Imperial [[fleet\|traders]] who visit in the coming months.

Hailmur at 21:00, 2 April 2025

2025-04-02T21:00:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:00, 2 April 2025
Line 86:		Line 86:
	Whatever else they are, the Sarcophan people are pragmatic merchants and are known to value their neutrality. A recent [[Accept_Sarcophan_Delves_treaty\|treaty]] between the Senate and one of the Bedelaar-Huisbaas has seen work on a loading dock begin in the busy international trade port of [[Redoubt#Cargo\|Cargo]] in [[Urizen]] that, when completed, will allow the purchase of white granite by a chosen [[ministry\|minister]]. It is likely that now there is a formal [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]], Thanmir Hrafnar, they will look to secure further trade opportunities with the Empire.		Whatever else they are, the Sarcophan people are pragmatic merchants and are known to value their neutrality. A recent [[Accept_Sarcophan_Delves_treaty\|treaty]] between the Senate and one of the Bedelaar-Huisbaas has seen work on a loading dock begin in the busy international trade port of [[Redoubt#Cargo\|Cargo]] in [[Urizen]] that, when completed, will allow the purchase of white granite by a chosen [[ministry\|minister]]. It is likely that now there is a formal [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]], Thanmir Hrafnar, they will look to secure further trade opportunities with the Empire.
	===Sumaah and the Imperial Crown===		===Sumaah and the Imperial Crown===
	The Präster of the [[Sumaah Republic]] are still believed to be in possession of the Imperial Crown - the symbol of Imperial authority since the time of the [[First Empress]]. They also remain at war with the Empire - and the port of [[Sumaah_Republic_ports#Trade_with_Zemeh\|Zemeh]] remains closed to Imperial visitors. The skeletal staff at the [[Necropolis#The_Sumaah_Embassy\|~~Suumah~~ embassy]] in [[Necropolis]] conduct what little business they have with a minimum of fuss. They have issued no further statement since Autumn. Reports from foreign traders suggest that their priests are active in Sarcophan, Jarm, and the Commonwealth quietly undermining Imperial efforts in these nations, especially any efforts by the Imperial Synod to spread "their version" of the Way.		The Präster of the [[Sumaah Republic]] are still believed to be in possession of the Imperial Crown - the symbol of Imperial authority since the time of the [[First Empress]]. They also remain at war with the Empire - and the port of [[Sumaah_Republic_ports#Trade_with_Zemeh\|Zemeh]] remains closed to Imperial visitors. The skeletal staff at the [[Necropolis#The_Sumaah_Embassy\|Sumaah embassy]] in [[Necropolis]] conduct what little business they have with a minimum of fuss. They have issued no further statement since Autumn. Reports from foreign traders suggest that their priests are active in Sarcophan, Jarm, and the Commonwealth quietly undermining Imperial efforts in these nations, especially any efforts by the Imperial Synod to spread "their version" of the Way.

	While invited to the [[Symposium of Revelation]] by the [[Imperial Orcs\|Imperial Orc]] [[Cardinal]] of the Way, they have issued no formal response since their [[Thoughts_are_free_(Trade_Winds)#Developments_in_Sumaah\|Autumn statement]] that there would be no possibility of any of their priests attending while it is a hotbed of heterodoxy, heresy, blasphemy, and idolatry.		While invited to the [[Symposium of Revelation]] by the [[Imperial Orcs\|Imperial Orc]] [[Cardinal]] of the Way, they have issued no formal response since their [[Thoughts_are_free_(Trade_Winds)#Developments_in_Sumaah\|Autumn statement]] that there would be no possibility of any of their priests attending while it is a hotbed of heterodoxy, heresy, blasphemy, and idolatry.

Rafferty at 09:16, 10 May 2022

2022-05-10T09:16:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:16, 10 May 2022
Line 77:		Line 77:
	The Suranni port of Robec has long been closed to merchant vessels from the Empire, with some limited trade between the two powers confined to the less profitable overland routes. While the frosty relations with the Iron Confederacy thawed a little following their annexation of Kalino, many of the powerful Ducal Houses remain highly suspicious of the Empire and unconvinced of its good intentions. Indeed, there are reports from southern [[Feroz]] that the Suranni have begun work on a significant [[fortification]] in Kalino, overlooking one of the main routes through the southern Lasambrian Hills to the heartland of the Iron Confederacy.		The Suranni port of Robec has long been closed to merchant vessels from the Empire, with some limited trade between the two powers confined to the less profitable overland routes. While the frosty relations with the Iron Confederacy thawed a little following their annexation of Kalino, many of the powerful Ducal Houses remain highly suspicious of the Empire and unconvinced of its good intentions. Indeed, there are reports from southern [[Feroz]] that the Suranni have begun work on a significant [[fortification]] in Kalino, overlooking one of the main routes through the southern Lasambrian Hills to the heartland of the Iron Confederacy.

	Yet for all its veneer of unity, it is composed of several Ducal Houses who regularly vie for supremacy. There are reports that one or more of the Dukes of the eastern confederacy is interested in potentially extending a guarded hand of friendship to Imperial traders. The Marquis Flavien du Libellue, a seasoned diplomat and traveller by Iron Confederacy standards, has been appointed by this faction to handle negotiations with the Empire. The 'Dragonfly Marquis' has spent the past season navigating the interests of the feuding Houses and the stern priesthood of Surann to build a deal that he can now offer to the Empire. There are few publicly known details, but indications are that the port of [[Foreign_ports#Closed_Ports\|Robec]] may be opened to Imperial [[fleet\|traders]] in return for a significant bribe of some sort. It is likely that the Imperial [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]], Starac Sijed Orzel of [[~~Prominent_noble_houses~~#House_Orzel\|House Orzel]] in [[Dawn]], will be the first to learn the details of the proposal.		Yet for all its veneer of unity, it is composed of several Ducal Houses who regularly vie for supremacy. There are reports that one or more of the Dukes of the eastern confederacy is interested in potentially extending a guarded hand of friendship to Imperial traders. The Marquis Flavien du Libellue, a seasoned diplomat and traveller by Iron Confederacy standards, has been appointed by this faction to handle negotiations with the Empire. The 'Dragonfly Marquis' has spent the past season navigating the interests of the feuding Houses and the stern priesthood of Surann to build a deal that he can now offer to the Empire. There are few publicly known details, but indications are that the port of [[Foreign_ports#Closed_Ports\|Robec]] may be opened to Imperial [[fleet\|traders]] in return for a significant bribe of some sort. It is likely that the Imperial [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]], Starac Sijed Orzel of [[Drawn groups#House_Orzel\|House Orzel]] in [[Dawn]], will be the first to learn the details of the proposal.
	<div style="float:right;"><quote by="Roper">Provide your customers with products they need and charge<br>a little bit to stimulate your market and before you know it<br>customers come to depend on you, I mean really need you.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right;"><quote by="Roper">Provide your customers with products they need and charge<br>a little bit to stimulate your market and before you know it<br>customers come to depend on you, I mean really need you.</quote></div>
	===Faraden caravans===		===Faraden caravans===

RichardRaynor at 21:17, 1 February 2022

2022-02-01T21:17:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:17, 1 February 2022
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:380YE]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Trade Winds]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:380YE Winter]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Trade Winds]]
	<ic>The little bell above the door tinkled merrily, and Estefan Giacamo von Sarvos slipped his book onto the shelf below the desk with one hand, smoothed his doublet with the other, and stood up straight with an expression of earnest enthusiasm on his face. His composure took a slight knock when he saw who had come in, but he did not let it show.		<ic>The little bell above the door tinkled merrily, and Estefan Giacamo von Sarvos slipped his book onto the shelf below the desk with one hand, smoothed his doublet with the other, and stood up straight with an expression of earnest enthusiasm on his face. His composure took a slight knock when he saw who had come in, but he did not let it show.

Rafferty at 15:23, 1 November 2018

2018-11-01T15:23:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:23, 1 November 2018
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:380YE]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category: ~~Winter Solstice 380YE~~]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:380YE]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Trade Winds]]
	<ic>The little bell above the door tinkled merrily, and Estefan Giacamo von Sarvos slipped his book onto the shelf below the desk with one hand, smoothed his doublet with the other, and stood up straight with an expression of earnest enthusiasm on his face. His composure took a slight knock when he saw who had come in, but he did not let it show.		<ic>The little bell above the door tinkled merrily, and Estefan Giacamo von Sarvos slipped his book onto the shelf below the desk with one hand, smoothed his doublet with the other, and stood up straight with an expression of earnest enthusiasm on his face. His composure took a slight knock when he saw who had come in, but he did not let it show.

Rafferty: Rafferty moved page A business like any other (Trade Winds) to A business like any other without leaving a redirect

2018-11-01T15:23:37Z

Rafferty moved page A business like any other (Trade Winds) to A business like any other without leaving a redirect

← Older revision	Revision as of 15:23, 1 November 2018
(No difference)

Rafferty at 11:56, 12 February 2018

2018-02-12T11:56:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:56, 12 February 2018
Line 52:		Line 52:
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	===The Black-sailed Vessels of Axos===		===The Black-sailed Vessels of Axos===
	The Axos port of the Towers of Kantor is now open to Imperial fleets, and the Axou have completed work on an extensive embassy there now staffed by Imperial civil servants. You can learn more about the port [[Axos ports\|here]].		The Axos port of the Towers of Kantor is now open to Imperial fleets, and the Axou have completed work on an extensive [[embassy]] there now staffed by Imperial civil servants. You can learn more about the port [[Axos ports\|here]].

	At the same time, black-sailed merchants from Axos are visiting ports in the Empire in significant numbers for the first time in decades. On the Bay of Catazar they favour the ports of [[the Brass Coast]], [[the League]], and [[Urizen]] over those of [[Highguard]] - but there are also reports of adventurous Axou captains braving [[the Semmerlak]] and visiting [[Varushka]] and [[Dawn]]. They bring with them shipments of [[Materials#Beggar's Lye\|beggar's lye]], [[Materials#Orichalcum\|orichalcum]], peculiar spices, fine dark cloth, rich wines, unfamiliar delicacies, seductive narcotics, and oddly beautiful art objects carved from ivory and bone. In return they seem particularly interested in purchasing fine metalwork, luxurious Imperial food and drink, measures of [[Materials#Dragonbone\|dragonbone]] and ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron\|green iron]]. Oh, and [[liao]]. But more of that later.		At the same time, black-sailed merchants from Axos are visiting ports in the Empire in significant numbers for the first time in decades. On the Bay of Catazar they favour the ports of [[the Brass Coast]], [[the League]], and [[Urizen]] over those of [[Highguard]] - but there are also reports of adventurous Axou captains braving [[the Semmerlak]] and visiting [[Varushka]] and [[Dawn]]. They bring with them shipments of [[Materials#Beggar's Lye\|beggar's lye]], [[Materials#Orichalcum\|orichalcum]], peculiar spices, fine dark cloth, rich wines, unfamiliar delicacies, seductive narcotics, and oddly beautiful art objects carved from ivory and bone. In return they seem particularly interested in purchasing fine metalwork, luxurious Imperial food and drink, measures of [[Materials#Dragonbone\|dragonbone]] and ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron\|green iron]]. Oh, and [[liao]]. But more of that later.

Hailmur at 22:06, 8 May 2017

2017-05-08T22:06:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:06, 8 May 2017
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:380YE]][[Category:Recent History]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:380YE]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category: Winter Solstice 380YE]]
	<ic>The little bell above the door tinkled merrily, and Estefan Giacamo von Sarvos slipped his book onto the shelf below the desk with one hand, smoothed his doublet with the other, and stood up straight with an expression of earnest enthusiasm on his face. His composure took a slight knock when he saw who had come in, but he did not let it show.		<ic>The little bell above the door tinkled merrily, and Estefan Giacamo von Sarvos slipped his book onto the shelf below the desk with one hand, smoothed his doublet with the other, and stood up straight with an expression of earnest enthusiasm on his face. His composure took a slight knock when he saw who had come in, but he did not let it show.

Dre at 15:27, 15 April 2017

2017-04-15T15:27:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:27, 15 April 2017
Line 10:		Line 10:
	The door closed behind them. Estefan swallowed. The room seemed darker, almost - all that heavy black velvet.		The door closed behind them. Estefan swallowed. The room seemed darker, almost - all that heavy black velvet.

	"Good evening," said the woman, her voice muffled by her mask. Her companion ignored ~~Etefan~~, and floated over to examine the pots of herbs laid out on one of the tables, lifting the lids and sniffing the contents with black-gloved fingers.		"Good evening," said the woman, her voice muffled by her mask. Her companion ignored Estefan, and floated over to examine the pots of herbs laid out on one of the tables, lifting the lids and sniffing the contents with black-gloved fingers.

	"Good evening ma'am, how can we help you today?"		"Good evening ma'am, how can we help you today?"
Line 54:		Line 54:
	The Axos port of the Towers of Kantor is now open to Imperial fleets, and the Axou have completed work on an extensive embassy there now staffed by Imperial civil servants. You can learn more about the port [[Axos ports\|here]].		The Axos port of the Towers of Kantor is now open to Imperial fleets, and the Axou have completed work on an extensive embassy there now staffed by Imperial civil servants. You can learn more about the port [[Axos ports\|here]].

	At the same time, black-sailed merchants from Axos are visiting ports in the Empire in significant numbers for the first time in decades. On the Bay of ~~Catazaar~~ they favour the ports of [[the Brass Coast]], [[the League]], and [[Urizen]] over those of [[Highguard]] - but there are also reports of adventurous Axou captains braving [[the Semmerlak]] and visiting [[Varushka]] and [[Dawn]]. They bring with them shipments of [[Materials#Beggar's Lye\|beggar's lye]], [[Materials#Orichalcum\|orichalcum]], peculiar spices, fine dark cloth, rich wines, unfamiliar delicacies, seductive narcotics, and oddly beautiful art objects carved from ivory and bone. In return they seem particularly interested in purchasing fine metalwork, luxurious Imperial food and drink, measures of [[Materials#Dragonbone\|dragonbone]] and ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron\|green iron]]. Oh, and [[liao]]. But more of that later.		At the same time, black-sailed merchants from Axos are visiting ports in the Empire in significant numbers for the first time in decades. On the Bay of Catazar they favour the ports of [[the Brass Coast]], [[the League]], and [[Urizen]] over those of [[Highguard]] - but there are also reports of adventurous Axou captains braving [[the Semmerlak]] and visiting [[Varushka]] and [[Dawn]]. They bring with them shipments of [[Materials#Beggar's Lye\|beggar's lye]], [[Materials#Orichalcum\|orichalcum]], peculiar spices, fine dark cloth, rich wines, unfamiliar delicacies, seductive narcotics, and oddly beautiful art objects carved from ivory and bone. In return they seem particularly interested in purchasing fine metalwork, luxurious Imperial food and drink, measures of [[Materials#Dragonbone\|dragonbone]] and ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron\|green iron]]. Oh, and [[liao]]. But more of that later.

	Several of their ships also bear dour and gloomy [[Skoura\|Skouran]] passengers, in groups of two or three. They sell beautifully cut gemstones; high-grade gold, silver, and iron; breathtaking jewellery; and fine [[Materials#Tempest Jade\|tempest jade]]. In return show a great deal of interest in the fruits of the [[forest\|forests]] of the Empire, as well as large amounts of preserved foodstuffs - especially citrus fruit for some reason which appears to be a mild delicacy among them. Only a few have travelled with the Axou so far, and they are extremely closed-mouthed about their business.		Several of their ships also bear dour and gloomy [[Skoura\|Skouran]] passengers, in groups of two or three. They sell beautifully cut gemstones; high-grade gold, silver, and iron; breathtaking jewellery; and fine [[Materials#Tempest Jade\|tempest jade]]. In return show a great deal of interest in the fruits of the [[forest\|forests]] of the Empire, as well as large amounts of preserved foodstuffs - especially citrus fruit for some reason which appears to be a mild delicacy among them. Only a few have travelled with the Axou so far, and they are extremely closed-mouthed about their business.
Line 75:		Line 75:

	===Stone Hearts of the Suranni===		===Stone Hearts of the Suranni===
	The Suranni port of Robec has long been closed to merchant vessels from the Empire, with some limited trade between the two powers confined to the less profitable overland routes. While the frosty relations with the Iron Confederacy thawed a little following their annexation of Kalino, many of the powerful Ducal Houses remain highly suspicious of the Empire and unconvinced of its good intentions. Indeed, there are reports from southern [[Feroz]] that the Suranni have begun work on a significant [[~~fortifcation~~]] in Kalino, overlooking one of the main routes through the southern Lasambrian Hills to the heartland of the Iron Confederacy.		The Suranni port of Robec has long been closed to merchant vessels from the Empire, with some limited trade between the two powers confined to the less profitable overland routes. While the frosty relations with the Iron Confederacy thawed a little following their annexation of Kalino, many of the powerful Ducal Houses remain highly suspicious of the Empire and unconvinced of its good intentions. Indeed, there are reports from southern [[Feroz]] that the Suranni have begun work on a significant [[fortification]] in Kalino, overlooking one of the main routes through the southern Lasambrian Hills to the heartland of the Iron Confederacy.

	Yet for all its veneer of unity, it is composed of several Ducal Houses who regularly vie for supremacy. There are reports that one or more of the Dukes of the eastern confederacy is interested in potentially extending a guarded hand of friendship to Imperial traders. The Marquis Flavien du Libellue, a seasoned diplomat and traveller by Iron Confederacy standards, has been appointed by this faction to handle negotiations with the Empire. The 'Dragonfly Marquis' has spent the past season navigating the interests of the feuding Houses and the stern priesthood of Surann to build a deal that he can now offer to the Empire. There are few publicly known details, but indications are that the port of [[Foreign_ports#Closed_Ports\|Robec]] may be opened to Imperial [[fleet\|traders]] in return for a significant bribe of some sort. It is likely that the Imperial [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]], Starac Sijed Orzel of [[Prominent_noble_houses#House_Orzel\|House Orzel]] in [[Dawn]], will be the first to learn the details of the proposal.		Yet for all its veneer of unity, it is composed of several Ducal Houses who regularly vie for supremacy. There are reports that one or more of the Dukes of the eastern confederacy is interested in potentially extending a guarded hand of friendship to Imperial traders. The Marquis Flavien du Libellue, a seasoned diplomat and traveller by Iron Confederacy standards, has been appointed by this faction to handle negotiations with the Empire. The 'Dragonfly Marquis' has spent the past season navigating the interests of the feuding Houses and the stern priesthood of Surann to build a deal that he can now offer to the Empire. There are few publicly known details, but indications are that the port of [[Foreign_ports#Closed_Ports\|Robec]] may be opened to Imperial [[fleet\|traders]] in return for a significant bribe of some sort. It is likely that the Imperial [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]], Starac Sijed Orzel of [[Prominent_noble_houses#House_Orzel\|House Orzel]] in [[Dawn]], will be the first to learn the details of the proposal.
Line 97:		Line 97:
	===Dragons and gold===		===Dragons and gold===
	The [[Thule]] [[orc\|orcs]] have expressed some cautious interest in establishing an [[embassy]] and opening trade routes with the northern Empire. More details can be found [[Lantern's light\|here]].		The [[Thule]] [[orc\|orcs]] have expressed some cautious interest in establishing an [[embassy]] and opening trade routes with the northern Empire. More details can be found [[Lantern's light\|here]].
	<quote by="Thomas Paine">If a merchant in England sends an article of English manufacture abroad which costs him a shilling at home, and imports something which sells for two, he makes a balance of one shilling in his ~~favor~~; but this is not gained out of the foreign nation or the foreign merchant, for he also does the same by the articles he receives, and neither has the advantage upon the other.</quote>		<quote by="Thomas Paine">If a merchant in England sends an article of English manufacture abroad which costs him a shilling at home, and imports something which sells for two, he makes a balance of one shilling in his favour; but this is not gained out of the foreign nation or the foreign merchant, for he also does the same by the articles he receives, and neither has the advantage upon the other.</quote>