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1) Oups! I meant to write the Guildmaster Siele Ghoried. 2) I believe that I can create a Guild Holding (0), to begin? 3) I could, indeed, contest his Guild holdings with my Law holdings, but then what? With Siele's help, I have in mind to quickly diminish El Hadid's holding in Ilien in order to then more easily arrest him or expulse him. 4) I would like to avoid occupying the province, which strikes me as counterproductive.
Aglondier nods, satisfied by the king's honest answer. He nods and extends his hand.
Thanks for the clarification! I'll proceed with Round 4, Domain action 3...
Niall will do some further shopping that afternoon, but that evening, he will have another private nightcap with Rogr, and braces him : "So Rogr, you have had some time to consider my offer: I will remain inside the pact of Ilien, in return for you trading control of your sources in Aerenwe: Banien’s Deep , Northvale, Westmarch and Shadowgreen for my sources in Roesone: Bellam , Edlin , Fairfield and Ghoried . What say you?" "I have thought long about it," Rogr answers, "and while I balked at first – keep in mind that these lands have long been the realm of the regent of Ilien – and believe that the arrangement is fair. And my intent is to accept. However, I am concerned by the fact that you seemed only very recently reluctant to recognize my right to bring justice to our common enemies in my lands. Furthermore, I wonder: if I were to refuse this arrangement, would you turn against Ilien? Would you attempt to claim the sources that are mine, in your lands?"
That makes a bit of a huge difference! Third action... So what domain turn are we finishing? I expect that, since the good king Nial ventured to the Tamle, I have an action to do to catch up? And then a third to finish the turn? Would that make sense?
Sorry! RL has been unforgiving and all-encompassing lately! Shall we go ahead and plan a new domain round? PS: I don't expect to be able to post more than a couple of times a week for the foreseeable future, unfortunately...
I am back! ...and you were busy, busy bees! I'll try to catch up, but I can't promise that I would miss a few details! What's the long story short?
"I will consider your offer, which is more than fair," Aglondier answers. "In the meantime, you are my guests."
"It speaks ill of you that you would accuse me thus, in my own home no less, of taking advantage of your queen who did not appear to me to be witless when I visited her in Aerenwe," Aglondier responds cooly. "And that you would renege on a pact that was so recently – and publicly – signed suggests that you have little respect for your predecessor's insight." "Now, if we are done with the unpleasantries, perhaps we can discuss these matters without resorting to insults?" He smiles, having made his point. "I understand your misgivings. Indeed, until I can unequivocally prove that he is an enemy to the crown of Ilien, El-Hadid is an important citizen of Ilien and, as such, warrants the protection of the Plumes. This is why acquiring evidence and reducing his influence in my realm is my priority at present. Now, of course, you could decide to break the Pact of Ilien, but to what end?" "Why make an enemy of a friend?" "Instead, I invite you to see in this an opportunity. I have heard that Siele Ghoried is a good woman and a strong ally of your crown. Under the circumstances, I would be willing to invite the Spider River Traders to establish a trading post in my lands. This would weaken El Hadid, strengthen the bonds between our nations, and give sense to the Pact, would it not?"
FYI: I'm travelling this week and next, so I'll find the time to post, but it may not be very often... I'll try to get to a proper response to Niall tomorrow!
A trusted servant enters discreetly and makes his way to whisper a message in the count's ear. Aglondier nods and sends the man away. "We have Clovis, the one who supposedly contracted the pirates to ambush me," Aglondier speaks plainly. "El-Hadid is probably putting a new plan into action as we speak, which begs the question: are the pirates presently our main priority? If El-Hadid secures his power in Ilien, then he will focus his attention on Diemed. And undoubtedly he has his own plans for Aerenwe. He must be stopped. I must have undeniable proof of his wrongdoings and machinations." "I believe that the interrogation of this Clovis should not be delayed."
"Dealing with the sea drake usually requires a gift of some worth, but perhaps the pirates have concluded some alliance with the creature, which may indeed make our passage more difficult," Aglondier ponders. "Perhaps we should gather more intelligence before we proceed?"
"Another option would be to attempt to force their hand. If we eliminate their allies on the mainland, they may find themselves compelled to leave Caelcorwynn..."
"If the pirates have friends and allies on Caelcorwynn, then we must assume that they are many and well-organized," Aglondier thinks aloud. "If we move on such a target, then we must be prepared to engage in battle and, afterwards, to occupy the island." "How many ships can you put to sea?" he asks both lords before him.
"No news yet about Clovis," Aglondier answers with a polite smile, "but I will certainly say if and when my constables have him in custody. In the meantime, indeed, we should discuss the issue of the remaining pirates. If they are protected by the sea-drake, they may prove near-impossible to defeat. But it seems to me unlikely that they would have forged a veritable alliance with the creature. More likely, they are paying the sea-drake's price – as could we." "Or we could wait for the pirates to strike anew," he continues. Then, he turns to Galwain, "I assume that your assistance would come at some price, as is fair? What are these plans of your own to which you allude?"
Questions: what sort of ships were captured? And any news from the magistrates?
The hails of the court are heard far and wide. Under normal circumstances, the count would have been pleased. But he knows that this whole affair is far from entirely taken care of and that the presence of both Diemed and Aerenwe will only make the politics of his fragile state more complicated still. They retire to private quarters when they can speak at ease. "I welcome you as neighbours in my home. As signatories of the Pact of Ilien, your nations have shown themselves to be the finest of friends and the best of allies. Your presence here is a blessing upon our fair nation." He bows and invites them to sit at his table, which is covered with maps, scrolls, and tomes.
With great pomp and circumstance, Count Rogr of Aglondier of Ilien appears on the deck and waves to the crowd. Wild rumours spread of his victory, of how he was ambushed and how he defeated vastly superior forces with skill and guile. The rumours are all true, as prove the pirate ships that were captured and are now docked in the harbour. Surrounded by the Plumes, Aglondier makes his way to the castle and there, without a moment to lose given his intent to sail anew at dawn, he inquires about Clovis and about the state of his affairs. Then, he meets King Niall in the great hall, ready to discuss plans and the Pact of Ilien...
As King Niall Swordwraith investigates the pirate's camp in the bay, Aglondier sails with haste to Ilien, to put his affairs in order and dock the three ships that were taken. As always, he finds his way home with unerring focus, guided by the blood of Masela. As soon as he arrives – before disembarking and announcing his defeat of the pirates – he sends a message to his constables, bidding them to promptly find and arrest the traitor Clovis at the Dancing Pony, along with any of his associates, close friends, and relatives. Parallelly, he makes sure to keep Captain Harlan safe and out of sight for fear that his enemies should recognize in the turncoat a dangerous liability. Before revealing himself, Aglondier allows the crowd to gather and to wonder, Is the count alive or dead?
Aglondier nods and returns to his ship...
"I suspect that they are on the far side of the Tamle but I am by no means certain of it," Aglondier specifies. "There is only one way to find out. However, I will need to return to Ilien before I can embark on another mission. My crew will not suffice to sail these four ships into dangerous waters."
"We have not discovered their base, but we will assuredly help you find it and free your men," the Count of Ilien offers. He exchanges a knowing look with Lady Barad who heads down into the holds of the ship. "I expect that they will have docked their ships on the far side of the Tamle – far from prying eyes. But there is nothing there, so we must ask ourselves where and how have they been supplying themselves?" "Perhaps you would care to join us and speak of peace and plans in privacy?" he proposes.
"I am Count Rogr Aglondier. This is Lady Barad of Roesone, our friend and ally," Aglondier makes formal introductions. "I am pleased to find that we have common enemies, and I see your presence here – in addition to your having signed the Pact of Ilien – as a good omen for things to come!" "But perhaps we had best continue this conversation over a game of tennis," he continues with a pleased and pleasant smile, "as the pirates are well taken care of! They had planned to ambush me in this very cove, but we were victorious against all the odds, thanks to the great bravery of the sailors of Ilien!" Aglondier answers loudly. The colours of Ilien fly above the lord's ship, as it does on three others that seem to have suffered some damage during the battle...
Aglondier is relieved – and more than a little curious – when he sees the colours of Aerenwe. Looking at his tired men, he knows that they would not have had the heart for another bloody battle with pirates. With the prisoners in the cells below, Aglondier stands on deck with Lady Barad, ready to welcome the newcomers...
I'll post soon-ish. This week has simply been madness!
See you 'round the block! My condolences, and all the best to you and your family...
Aglondier shrugs and leaves it at that. For now. "What do we do now?" he asks, curious to hear Lady Barad's wisdom. "These conspirators must be brought to justice swiftly, but we must have strong evidence. And we must know who else is involved." "Perhaps this is a conversation that should be continued in private?" he proposes, suggesting that their prisoner need not overhear their plans.
Aglondier raises an eyebrow, "Is that so?" He turns to Laday Barad expectantly...
"When you spoke to the man," Aglondier continues, "did you get a sense that he was highborn? Low born? A local or a foreigner? And was he always alone, or does he have accomplices?"
Aglondier raises an eyebrow, "Do you know why? Or have some idea? Surely, he will have shared with you some of his misgivings? I have found most men relish in speaking against those they hate..."
"I can open the door and facilitate your ascension, but you will need to play your part," Aglondier warns. "Captain Harlan, we are sailing into dangerous waters. Our course must be agreed upon and our hand must be steady on the wheel. You will need to prove your loyalty – both to me if you are to find your place in my lands, and to the Port of Call Exchange if you intend to lead the organization. It will not be easy, and the fact that you made an attempt on my life will not be soon forgotten." "But we are getting ahead of ourselves. There is much work to be done. How and when were you to report to Clovis if your trap proved successful? At the Dancing Pony as usual, or elsewhere? And what sort of man is this Clovis?"
Aglondier turns his attention to the captured captain, "That he does. He may very well be the richest man in Ilien. But all his riches will be for naught if and when he is found guilty and sentenced to spend his remaining days in the darkness of my dungeon." "With El-Hadid imprisoned, the Port of Call Exchange will require able leaders," the count continues. "Why content yourself with the petty sums that the man has agreed to pay you when you could move to control his entire fortune?" "I am a sailor. I respect men who know the dangers of life at sea – El Hadid cannot claim to be such a man. And I will need captains to command my ships both for war and profit."
"Well done," Aglondier applauds Lady Barad when they are together in the captain's chambers, sailing back to Ilien. "You have taught me a valuable lesson that I shall not soon forget: speaking to the hearts and minds of men does not require spells, but simply a quick mind and well-chosen words." "Again, I am in your debt. And so, I assure you that, when all this is resolved, I will welcome your merchant into my nation." "Now, we have the beginnings of a case against El-Hadid, but I fear that we will need to find out his allies before we can act decisively. I know that Lord Beldere has been writing to El Hadid about his weapon stockpile and that he has been critical of my government. Likely, there are others. And then, there is public opinion..." He thinks upon it before continuing, "Right now, we have a slight advantage as my enemies do not know that I am alive and that we have prisoners. I am curious to know what you would do, under the circumstances?"
I got back yesterday. Nice read, the interrogation. I'm not sure how you both want to proceed from this point...? Continue the conversation with the captain? Seg to a conversation between Barad and Aglondier? Make plans in character? Or ooc and then proceed?
Off to Greece tomorrow with the family for two weeks! I'll still be online, but likely not as often as usual... Bot if/when needed! Also: I'm really enjoying the current scene! It has served to remind me that it's fine to move things forward, but this is, after all, a roleplaying game! Slow clap.
The count shrugs, "Suit yourself." With that, he leaves the room and the prisoner in Lady Barad's able hands...
While the ships sail back to Ilien, Aglondier leads the leader among the pirates into the captain's cabin and proceeds to interrogate him. "You and your men fought bravely," he begins, "and Ilien may have need of good sailors who wish to redeem themselves and work for the crown. To be clear: I wish to be lenient in my judgement of your crimes. But you will need to prove yourself to me – to demonstrate your goodwill." He gives the prisoner a moment to consider his words. "Tell me about your dealings with Ilien..."
Yup! I am back! I haven't had time yet to level up, but we can definitely proceed...
I'm still dealing with my move and some renovations... And I have no internet yet! Long story short, I am not yet back to my regular schedule, but it shouldn't be too long...
I am in the midst of a move, so I won't be posting for a few days... I'll level up at get the ball rolling anew at the end of the week!
Aglondier raises his hand and his archers cease to fire. Carefully, he maneuvers his ship near the remaining pirate ship. he orders the pirates, commanding his men to set a plank between the two ships. As the sailors cross to the count's ship, they are checked for weapons, bound, and led to the lower decks. They will be tried in Ilien.
With the few remaining on the first ship busy fighting the fire on deck, and with the second ship's sailors all dead, Aglondier positions his vessel a safe distance from the third ship and orders his archers to fire. If they do not raise a white flag then they must all die, he decides, albeit reluctantly.
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