Thoughts are free (Trade Winds) - Revision history

RichardRaynor at 12:08, 2 February 2022

2022-02-02T12:08:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:08, 2 February 2022
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	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:380YE]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Trade Winds]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:380YE Autumn]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Trade Winds]]
	<ic>"The enslavement of sapient beings is contrary to the defining principles of the Empire, our Constitution and the Way of Virtue. Proposed by Sermersuaq, seconded by Weirwater. You see the problem ..."		<ic>"The enslavement of sapient beings is contrary to the defining principles of the Empire, our Constitution and the Way of Virtue. Proposed by Sermersuaq, seconded by Weirwater. You see the problem ..."

GuiltyConscience at 15:24, 26 June 2019

2019-06-26T15:24:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:24, 26 June 2019
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	[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:380YE]][[Category:Recent History]]		[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:380YE]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category:Trade Winds]]
	<ic>"The enslavement of sapient beings is contrary to the defining principles of the Empire, our Constitution and the Way of Virtue. Proposed by Sermersuaq, seconded by Weirwater. You see the problem ..."		<ic>"The enslavement of sapient beings is contrary to the defining principles of the Empire, our Constitution and the Way of Virtue. Proposed by Sermersuaq, seconded by Weirwater. You see the problem ..."

Dre at 12:36, 11 September 2017

2017-09-11T12:36:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:36, 11 September 2017
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	By contrast, the Senate's statement regarding slavery has directly contributed to a thawing of the attitude of the [[Commonwealth]] to Imperial ships. The staff of civil servants who tend to the Imperial embassy in the port of [[Commonwealth_ports#Leerdam_.28Eastern_Commonwealth.29\|Leerdam]] have reported a surge of interest in trade opportunities and cultural exchange with the Empire.		By contrast, the Senate's statement regarding slavery has directly contributed to a thawing of the attitude of the [[Commonwealth]] to Imperial ships. The staff of civil servants who tend to the Imperial embassy in the port of [[Commonwealth_ports#Leerdam_.28Eastern_Commonwealth.29\|Leerdam]] have reported a surge of interest in trade opportunities and cultural exchange with the Empire.

	The stratocratic government of the Commonwealth, however, remains cautious. The additional tariffs and trade restrictions on visiting [[fleet\|ships]] have been rescinded, restoring the status quo - but that is all. The diplomatic ~~backchannel~~ suggests that the Commonwealth is now waiting for some concrete sign of the Empire's commitment. After all, [[Outlaw_Asavean_bourse_material_trade\|idealistic]] but [[Abrogate_Asavean_trade_ban\|ultimately short lived]] efforts to restrict trade in some goods imported from some slaving nations aside, the Empire seems loathe to actually oppose the vile practice in any meaningful way.		The stratocratic government of the Commonwealth, however, remains cautious. The additional tariffs and trade restrictions on visiting [[fleet\|ships]] have been rescinded, restoring the status quo - but that is all. The diplomatic back channel suggests that the Commonwealth is now waiting for some concrete sign of the Empire's commitment. After all, [[Outlaw_Asavean_bourse_material_trade\|idealistic]] but [[Abrogate_Asavean_trade_ban\|ultimately short lived]] efforts to restrict trade in some goods imported from some slaving nations aside, the Empire seems loathe to actually oppose the vile practice in any meaningful way.

	==The Amusement of Princes==		==The Amusement of Princes==
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	Following a visit to the Empire by a group of diplomats representing the remaining [[Axos\|Axou]] citadels, the Imperial Senate has commissioned the construction of an embassy in [[Redoubt#Cargo\|Cargo]], not far from the Jarmish embassy. The Axos have reciprocated, inviting the Senate to send civil servants to take residence in the Towers of Kantor - a bustling and vibrant citadel on the eastern coast of Axos. They have sent a formal invitation to [[fleet\|captains]] of the Empire to bring their vessels to Axos to trade. Axos is believed to be rich in [[Materials#Beggar's Lye\|beggar's lye]], and perhaps most seductively [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals\|crystal mana]].		Following a visit to the Empire by a group of diplomats representing the remaining [[Axos\|Axou]] citadels, the Imperial Senate has commissioned the construction of an embassy in [[Redoubt#Cargo\|Cargo]], not far from the Jarmish embassy. The Axos have reciprocated, inviting the Senate to send civil servants to take residence in the Towers of Kantor - a bustling and vibrant citadel on the eastern coast of Axos. They have sent a formal invitation to [[fleet\|captains]] of the Empire to bring their vessels to Axos to trade. Axos is believed to be rich in [[Materials#Beggar's Lye\|beggar's lye]], and perhaps most seductively [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals\|crystal mana]].

	The merchants of Kantor are looking forward to sending their own black-sailed ships to Imperial ports in hitherto unseen numbers which can surely only prove of benefit to the Empire. It remains to be seen whether they will endure the constant threat of Grendel pirates in the Bay of ~~Catazaar~~, or find alternate routes - this could be quite a boon to the ports on the shores of [[the Semmerlak]] should they choose to risk the Barren Sea approach.		The merchants of Kantor are looking forward to sending their own black-sailed ships to Imperial ports in hitherto unseen numbers which can surely only prove of benefit to the Empire. It remains to be seen whether they will endure the constant threat of Grendel pirates in the Bay of Catazar, or find alternate routes - this could be quite a boon to the ports on the shores of [[the Semmerlak]] should they choose to risk the Barren Sea approach.

	<quote by="Noel DeJesus">Thoughts are free, talk is cheap, and actions are expensive. What's your worth?</quote>		<quote by="Noel DeJesus">Thoughts are free, talk is cheap, and actions are expensive. What's your worth?</quote>

Beeswax at 00:07, 15 April 2017

2017-04-15T00:07:54Z

Rafferty: /* A Welcome in Axos */

2017-04-14T21:24:03Z

A Welcome in Axos

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:24, 14 April 2017
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	==A Welcome in Axos==		==A Welcome in Axos==
	Following a visit to the Empire by a group of diplomats representing the remaining [[Axos\|Axou]] citadels, the Imperial Senate has commissioned the construction of an embassy in [[Redoubt#Cargo\|Cargo]], not far from the Jarmish embassy. The Axos have reciprocated, inviting the Senate to send civil servants to take residence in the Towers of Kantor - a bustling and vibrant citadel on the eastern coast of Axos. They have sent formal invitation to [[fleet\|captains]] of the Empire to bring their vessels to Axos to trade. Axos is believed to be rich in ~~[[Materials#Dragonbone\|dragonbone]],~~ [[Materials#Beggar's Lye\|beggar's lye]], and perhaps most seductively [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals\|crystal mana]].		Following a visit to the Empire by a group of diplomats representing the remaining [[Axos\|Axou]] citadels, the Imperial Senate has commissioned the construction of an embassy in [[Redoubt#Cargo\|Cargo]], not far from the Jarmish embassy. The Axos have reciprocated, inviting the Senate to send civil servants to take residence in the Towers of Kantor - a bustling and vibrant citadel on the eastern coast of Axos. They have sent formal invitation to [[fleet\|captains]] of the Empire to bring their vessels to Axos to trade. Axos is believed to be rich in [[Materials#Beggar's Lye\|beggar's lye]], and perhaps most seductively [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals\|crystal mana]].

	The merchants of Kantor are looking forward to sending their own black-sailed ships to Imperial ports in hitherto unseen numbers which can surely only prove of benefit to the Empire. It remains to be seen whether they will endure the constant threat of Grendel pirates in the Bay of Catazaar, or find alternate routes - this could be quite a boon to the ports on the shores of [[the Semmerlak]] should they choose to risk the Barren Sea approach.		The merchants of Kantor are looking forward to sending their own black-sailed ships to Imperial ports in hitherto unseen numbers which can surely only prove of benefit to the Empire. It remains to be seen whether they will endure the constant threat of Grendel pirates in the Bay of Catazaar, or find alternate routes - this could be quite a boon to the ports on the shores of [[the Semmerlak]] should they choose to risk the Barren Sea approach.

	<quote by="Noel DeJesus">Thoughts are free, talk is cheap, and actions are expensive. What's your worth?</quote>		<quote by="Noel DeJesus">Thoughts are free, talk is cheap, and actions are expensive. What's your worth?</quote>

Rafferty: /* Concord with the Commonwealth */

2017-04-14T21:08:23Z

Concord with the Commonwealth

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:08, 14 April 2017
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	By contrast, the Senate's statement regarding slavery has directly contributed to a thawing of the attitude of the [[Commonwealth]] to Imperial ships. The staff of civil servants who tend to the Imperial embassy in the port of [[Commonwealth_ports#Leerdam_.28Eastern_Commonwealth.29\|Leerdam]] have reported a surge of interest in trade opportunities and cultural exchange with the Empire.		By contrast, the Senate's statement regarding slavery has directly contributed to a thawing of the attitude of the [[Commonwealth]] to Imperial ships. The staff of civil servants who tend to the Imperial embassy in the port of [[Commonwealth_ports#Leerdam_.28Eastern_Commonwealth.29\|Leerdam]] have reported a surge of interest in trade opportunities and cultural exchange with the Empire.

	The stratocratic government of the Commonwealth, however, remains cautious. The additional tariffs and trade restrictions on visiting [[fleet\|ships]] have been rescinded, restoring the status quo - but that is all. The diplomatic backchannel suggests that the Commonwealth is now waiting for some concrete sign of the Empire's commitment. After all, [[[[Outlaw_Asavean_bourse_material_trade\|idealistic]] but [[Abrogate_Asavean_trade_ban\|ultimately short lived]] efforts to restrict trade in some goods imported from some slaving nations aside, the Empire seems loathe to actually oppose the vile practice in any meaningful way.		The stratocratic government of the Commonwealth, however, remains cautious. The additional tariffs and trade restrictions on visiting [[fleet\|ships]] have been rescinded, restoring the status quo - but that is all. The diplomatic backchannel suggests that the Commonwealth is now waiting for some concrete sign of the Empire's commitment. After all, [[Outlaw_Asavean_bourse_material_trade\|idealistic]] but [[Abrogate_Asavean_trade_ban\|ultimately short lived]] efforts to restrict trade in some goods imported from some slaving nations aside, the Empire seems loathe to actually oppose the vile practice in any meaningful way.

	==The Amusement of Princes==		==The Amusement of Princes==

Rafferty at 13:35, 4 October 2016

2016-10-04T13:35:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:35, 4 October 2016
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			[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:380YE]][[Category:Recent History]]
	<ic>"The enslavement of sapient beings is contrary to the defining principles of the Empire, our Constitution and the Way of Virtue. Proposed by Sermersuaq, seconded by Weirwater. You see the problem ..."		<ic>"The enslavement of sapient beings is contrary to the defining principles of the Empire, our Constitution and the Way of Virtue. Proposed by Sermersuaq, seconded by Weirwater. You see the problem ..."

Rafferty: /* Concord with the Commonwealth */

2016-10-04T13:27:24Z

Concord with the Commonwealth

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:27, 4 October 2016
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	By contrast, the Senate's statement regarding slavery has directly contributed to a thawing of the attitude of the [[Commonwealth]] to Imperial ships. The staff of civil servants who tend to the Imperial embassy in the port of [[Commonwealth_ports#Leerdam_.28Eastern_Commonwealth.29\|Leerdam]] have reported a surge of interest in trade opportunities and cultural exchange with the Empire.		By contrast, the Senate's statement regarding slavery has directly contributed to a thawing of the attitude of the [[Commonwealth]] to Imperial ships. The staff of civil servants who tend to the Imperial embassy in the port of [[Commonwealth_ports#Leerdam_.28Eastern_Commonwealth.29\|Leerdam]] have reported a surge of interest in trade opportunities and cultural exchange with the Empire.

	The stratocratic government of the Commonwealth, however, remains cautious. The additional tariffs and trade restrictions on visiting [[fleet\|ships]] have been rescinded, restoring the status quo - but that is all. The diplomatic backchannel suggests that the Commonwealth is now waiting for some concrete sign of the Empire's commitment. After all, [[[[Outlaw_Asavean_bourse_material_trade\|\|idealistic]] but [[Abrogate_Asavean_trade_ban\|ultimately short lived]] efforts to restrict trade in some goods imported from some slaving nations aside, the Empire seems loathe to actually oppose the vile practice in any meaningful way.		The stratocratic government of the Commonwealth, however, remains cautious. The additional tariffs and trade restrictions on visiting [[fleet\|ships]] have been rescinded, restoring the status quo - but that is all. The diplomatic backchannel suggests that the Commonwealth is now waiting for some concrete sign of the Empire's commitment. After all, [[[[Outlaw_Asavean_bourse_material_trade\|idealistic]] but [[Abrogate_Asavean_trade_ban\|ultimately short lived]] efforts to restrict trade in some goods imported from some slaving nations aside, the Empire seems loathe to actually oppose the vile practice in any meaningful way.

	==The Amusement of Princes==		==The Amusement of Princes==

Rafferty: /* Concord with the Commonwealth */

2016-09-07T11:47:54Z

Concord with the Commonwealth

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:47, 7 September 2016
Line 43:		Line 43:
	By contrast, the Senate's statement regarding slavery has directly contributed to a thawing of the attitude of the [[Commonwealth]] to Imperial ships. The staff of civil servants who tend to the Imperial embassy in the port of [[Commonwealth_ports#Leerdam_.28Eastern_Commonwealth.29\|Leerdam]] have reported a surge of interest in trade opportunities and cultural exchange with the Empire.		By contrast, the Senate's statement regarding slavery has directly contributed to a thawing of the attitude of the [[Commonwealth]] to Imperial ships. The staff of civil servants who tend to the Imperial embassy in the port of [[Commonwealth_ports#Leerdam_.28Eastern_Commonwealth.29\|Leerdam]] have reported a surge of interest in trade opportunities and cultural exchange with the Empire.

	The stratocratic government of the Commonwealth, however, remains cautious. The additional tariffs and trade restrictions on visiting [[fleet\|ships]] have been rescinded, restoring the status quo - but that is all. The diplomatic backchannel suggests that the Commonwealth is now waiting for some concrete sign of the Empire's commitment. After all, idealistic but ultimately short lived efforts to ~~[[Outlaw_Asavean_bourse_material_trade\|~~restrict trade]] in some goods imported from some slaving nations aside, the Empire seems loathe to actually oppose the vile practice in any meaningful way.		The stratocratic government of the Commonwealth, however, remains cautious. The additional tariffs and trade restrictions on visiting [[fleet\|ships]] have been rescinded, restoring the status quo - but that is all. The diplomatic backchannel suggests that the Commonwealth is now waiting for some concrete sign of the Empire's commitment. After all, [[[[Outlaw_Asavean_bourse_material_trade\|\|idealistic]] but [[Abrogate_Asavean_trade_ban\|ultimately short lived]] efforts to restrict trade in some goods imported from some slaving nations aside, the Empire seems loathe to actually oppose the vile practice in any meaningful way.

	==The Amusement of Princes==		==The Amusement of Princes==

Rafferty: /* Concord with the Commonwealth */

2016-09-07T11:42:56Z

Concord with the Commonwealth

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:42, 7 September 2016
Line 43:		Line 43:
	By contrast, the Senate's statement regarding slavery has directly contributed to a thawing of the attitude of the [[Commonwealth]] to Imperial ships. The staff of civil servants who tend to the Imperial embassy in the port of [[Commonwealth_ports#Leerdam_.28Eastern_Commonwealth.29\|Leerdam]] have reported a surge of interest in trade opportunities and cultural exchange with the Empire.		By contrast, the Senate's statement regarding slavery has directly contributed to a thawing of the attitude of the [[Commonwealth]] to Imperial ships. The staff of civil servants who tend to the Imperial embassy in the port of [[Commonwealth_ports#Leerdam_.28Eastern_Commonwealth.29\|Leerdam]] have reported a surge of interest in trade opportunities and cultural exchange with the Empire.

	The stratocratic government of the Commonwealth, however, remains cautious. The additional tariffs and trade restrictions on visiting [[fleet\|ships]] have been rescinded, restoring the status quo - but that is all. The diplomatic backchannel suggests that the Commonwealth is now waiting for some concrete sign of the Empire's commitment ~~- after~~ all, ~~they have made no effort~~ to restrict trade in goods imported from ~~notorious~~ slaving nations ~~such as Asavea or~~ the ~~Jarmish Principalities~~.		The stratocratic government of the Commonwealth, however, remains cautious. The additional tariffs and trade restrictions on visiting [[fleet\|ships]] have been rescinded, restoring the status quo - but that is all. The diplomatic backchannel suggests that the Commonwealth is now waiting for some concrete sign of the Empire's commitment. After all, idealistic but ultimately short lived efforts to [[Outlaw_Asavean_bourse_material_trade\|restrict trade]] in some goods imported from some slaving nations aside, the Empire seems loathe to actually oppose the vile practice in any meaningful way.

	==The Amusement of Princes==		==The Amusement of Princes==

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:07, 15 April 2017
Line 34:		Line 34:
	Sumaah diplomats continue their criticism of the Empire, however, denouncing the Imperial Synod as schismatic [[Religious_Crimes#Heresy\|heretics]] and [[Religious_Crimes#Blasphemy\|blasphemers]]. Their words carry weight with many foreign nations. To add further substance to their accusations, they are claiming to be in possession of the Imperial Crown - and that the fact the Empire has lost it is proof that it no longer understands either [[Pride]] and [[Vigilance]]. The House of the People (the Sumaah equivalent of the Imperial Senate) is apparently locked in debate about what to do about the crown. There have been no formal offers to return it and it is unlikely any will be forthcoming while the state of war persists.		Sumaah diplomats continue their criticism of the Empire, however, denouncing the Imperial Synod as schismatic [[Religious_Crimes#Heresy\|heretics]] and [[Religious_Crimes#Blasphemy\|blasphemers]]. Their words carry weight with many foreign nations. To add further substance to their accusations, they are claiming to be in possession of the Imperial Crown - and that the fact the Empire has lost it is proof that it no longer understands either [[Pride]] and [[Vigilance]]. The House of the People (the Sumaah equivalent of the Imperial Senate) is apparently locked in debate about what to do about the crown. There have been no formal offers to return it and it is unlikely any will be forthcoming while the state of war persists.

	The Sumaah ''have'' responded to an invitation to attend the forthcoming [[symposium]] - scheduled for the ~~WInter~~ Solstice 380YE - by indicating in no uncertain terms that there is no possibility of any of their priests attending while it is a hotbed of heterodoxy, heresy, blasphemy, and idolatry. They would like to attend - but will only do so if they have assurances that the ''entire'' symposium is orthodox and heretical and blasphemous speech will not be permitted.		The Sumaah ''have'' responded to an invitation to attend the forthcoming [[symposium]] - scheduled for the Winter Solstice 380YE - by indicating in no uncertain terms that there is no possibility of any of their priests attending while it is a hotbed of heterodoxy, heresy, blasphemy, and idolatry. They would like to attend - but will only do so if they have assurances that the ''entire'' symposium is orthodox and heretical and blasphemous speech will not be permitted.

	==Trade with Asavea==		==Trade with Asavea==
	The [[Temple_of_the_bull#Resolution\|delay]] in completing the [[Temple of the bull]] in [[Feroz]], coupled with the [[Statement_of_Intent_regarding_slavery\|formal statement]] of the Imperial Senate denouncing the practice of slavery have not gone down well with the people of the [[Asavean Archipelago]]. Of the two issues, it seems that the Asaveans are more concerned about the Imperial Synod's continued opposition to their [[Feroz#The_Temple_of_Balo_and_the_Black_Bull\|construction]] on [[the Brass Coast]] than they are to the Senate statement of principle. Still, they have not yet withdrawn the invitation to the Empire to build a [[Seven_lords_of_virtue#Temple_of_the_Seven_Virtues\|temple of the Virtues]] in [[Asavean_Archipelago_ports#Nemoria\|Nemoria]].		The [[Temple_of_the_bull#Resolution\|delay]] in completing the [[Temple of the bull]] in [[Feroz]], coupled with the [[Statement_of_Intent_regarding_slavery\|formal statement]] of the Imperial Senate denouncing the practice of slavery have not gone down well with the people of the [[Asavean Archipelago]]. Of the two issues, it seems that the Asaveans are more concerned about the Imperial Synod's continued opposition to their [[Feroz#The_Temple_of_Balo_and_the_Black_Bull\|construction]] on [[the Brass Coast]] than they are to the Senate statement of principle. Still, they have not yet withdrawn the invitation to the Empire to build a [[Seven_lords_of_virtue#Temple_of_the_Seven_Virtues\|temple of the Virtues]] in [[Asavean_Archipelago_ports#Nemoria\|Nemoria]].

	Unfortunately, delays to the completion of the Temple of Balo and the Black Bull mean that work will not be able to begin on the Temple of the Virtues until after the Spring Equinox 381YE at the very earliest. Likewise, any benefits to trade between the Empire and Asavea are unlikely to be felt until that time - and potentially not at all if the Synod continues its open opposition to the priests of the western archipelago.		Unfortunately, delays in the completion of the Temple of Balo and the Black Bull mean that work will not be able to begin on the Temple of the Virtues until after the Spring Equinox 381YE at the very earliest. Likewise, any benefits to trade between the Empire and Asavea are unlikely to be felt until that time - and potentially not at all if the Synod continues its open opposition to the priests of the western archipelago.

	==Concord with the Commonwealth==		==Concord with the Commonwealth==
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	==The Amusement of Princes==		==The Amusement of Princes==
	The various trade restrictions the Jarmish princes in the North and South had placed on the Empire have now been relaxed to the point where nobody is bothering to enforce them ~~any more~~. The House of Princes will likely rescind them entirely in the next few months, but politics often moves quite slowly in Jarm. Apparently the statement of the Senate about slavery has been largely dismissed by the Jarmish - treated as a political ~~maneuver~~ rather than a declaration with any real passion behind it.		The various trade restrictions the Jarmish princes in the North and South had placed on the Empire have now been relaxed to the point where nobody is bothering to enforce them anymore. The House of Princes will likely rescind them entirely in the next few months, but politics often moves quite slowly in Jarm. Apparently, the statement of the Senate about slavery has been largely dismissed by the Jarmish - treated as a political manoeuvre rather than a declaration with any real passion behind it.

	Rumour suggests that the primary advisor to the House of Princes regarding international trade - Lord Magister Anton Trescher of the Hidden Hook - has dispatched a representative to the Empire to engage in formal negotiations with Imperial contacts. It is likely such a diplomat would expect to speak to representatives of the Imperial Conclave, at the very least.		Rumour suggests that the primary advisor to the House of Princes regarding international trade - Lord Magister Anton Trescher of the Hidden Hook - has dispatched a representative to the Empire to engage in formal negotiations with Imperial contacts. It is likely such a diplomat would expect to speak to representatives of the Imperial Conclave, at the very least.
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	The [[Sarcophan Delves]] continue to present a neutral face toward the Empire, remaining open and welcoming to Imperial trade. Unfortunately, they make no secret of the fact that they are also open to [[Grendel]] shipping. Indeed, reports are reaching the Empire that the Bedelaar Huisbaas have received a formal embassy from the Grendel Salt Lords, and reciprocated by sending diplomats of their own to open an embassy somewhere on the Broken Shore. They continue to make no demands of the Empire - neither reasonable or unreasonable - but several Sarcophan traders have expressed cautious approval for the Empire's statement against slavery.		The [[Sarcophan Delves]] continue to present a neutral face toward the Empire, remaining open and welcoming to Imperial trade. Unfortunately, they make no secret of the fact that they are also open to [[Grendel]] shipping. Indeed, reports are reaching the Empire that the Bedelaar Huisbaas have received a formal embassy from the Grendel Salt Lords, and reciprocated by sending diplomats of their own to open an embassy somewhere on the Broken Shore. They continue to make no demands of the Empire - neither reasonable or unreasonable - but several Sarcophan traders have expressed cautious approval for the Empire's statement against slavery.

	One note of interest - there have been several inquiries made by Sarcophan merchants as to the nature and identity of the ''Krakenfire Armada'', believed to be a [[the Brass Coast\|Freeborn]] family of corsairs. Their interest in the Freeborn is unclear, but does not appear threatening.		One note of interest - there have been several inquiries made by Sarcophan merchants as to the nature and identity of the ''Krakenfire Armada'', believed to be a [[the Brass Coast\|Freeborn]] family of corsairs. Their interest in the Freeborn is unclear but does not appear threatening.

	==A Welcome in Axos==		==A Welcome in Axos==
	Following a visit to the Empire by a group of diplomats representing the remaining [[Axos\|Axou]] citadels, the Imperial Senate has commissioned the construction of an embassy in [[Redoubt#Cargo\|Cargo]], not far from the Jarmish embassy. The Axos have reciprocated, inviting the Senate to send civil servants to take residence in the Towers of Kantor - a bustling and vibrant citadel on the eastern coast of Axos. They have sent formal invitation to [[fleet\|captains]] of the Empire to bring their vessels to Axos to trade. Axos is believed to be rich in [[Materials#Beggar's Lye\|beggar's lye]], and perhaps most seductively [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals\|crystal mana]].		Following a visit to the Empire by a group of diplomats representing the remaining [[Axos\|Axou]] citadels, the Imperial Senate has commissioned the construction of an embassy in [[Redoubt#Cargo\|Cargo]], not far from the Jarmish embassy. The Axos have reciprocated, inviting the Senate to send civil servants to take residence in the Towers of Kantor - a bustling and vibrant citadel on the eastern coast of Axos. They have sent a formal invitation to [[fleet\|captains]] of the Empire to bring their vessels to Axos to trade. Axos is believed to be rich in [[Materials#Beggar's Lye\|beggar's lye]], and perhaps most seductively [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals\|crystal mana]].

	The merchants of Kantor are looking forward to sending their own black-sailed ships to Imperial ports in hitherto unseen numbers which can surely only prove of benefit to the Empire. It remains to be seen whether they will endure the constant threat of Grendel pirates in the Bay of Catazaar, or find alternate routes - this could be quite a boon to the ports on the shores of [[the Semmerlak]] should they choose to risk the Barren Sea approach.		The merchants of Kantor are looking forward to sending their own black-sailed ships to Imperial ports in hitherto unseen numbers which can surely only prove of benefit to the Empire. It remains to be seen whether they will endure the constant threat of Grendel pirates in the Bay of Catazaar, or find alternate routes - this could be quite a boon to the ports on the shores of [[the Semmerlak]] should they choose to risk the Barren Sea approach.

	<quote by="Noel DeJesus">Thoughts are free, talk is cheap, and actions are expensive. What's your worth?</quote>		<quote by="Noel DeJesus">Thoughts are free, talk is cheap, and actions are expensive. What's your worth?</quote>