Toast of Awesomeness

IC: The Captain and others toasted, then sat down to enjoy their meal. Trade had now been established with four nations- Ignomia, Vardal, Zhao, and Kaenath. Badois was becoming a very popular nation.

IC: "Quite simple really," began the Captain. He went on to describe a basic trading relationship, including an open-door policy to merchants and cultural exchanges. No real commitments would be required, and it would prove mutually beneficial.

Weeeeell. Since I didn't know that and they've been going, can they be grandfathered in? I have spare EP if that'd help.

IC(Zhao): "Indeed this is a day for celebration!" exclaimed the Captain. "The King will be overjoyed," he continued as he began to eat, "That we have found friends so close to our borders." IC(Badois): When the first of the scouting reports returned, the King drew up two new projects. The first was of a military nature- with such a vast array of foreign nations, it was important that appearances were maintained. To that extent, the Impérial Alchemist, Victore Davois, was tasked with developing enchanted weapons for the Impérial Forces that would never dull, rust, or break. (10 EP devoted) Next, a project of infrastructure. To take advantage of the fertile volcanic soil as well as connect the new settlements with each other and the rest of the nation, the King ordered farms to be built in the south. (10 EP)

Humva, I should have another settlement at the mouth of the river slightly southwest of my other new settlement. The river that splits in three. And I suppose that means the area between is under my influence. Also, when do my mines finish?

IC: With a nod the Captain took a goblet, thanking his host. "Now," he began, "About the matter of trade..."

IC: The men seated themselves along one side of the table, the Captain taking the seat nearest the head but leaving the head of the table open for their host. "I imagine the scent is our meal, my friend," smiled Beladonte. "If so it smells marvelous."

IC: "Captain Francois Beladonte, at your service," replied the Captain, as they entered the building.

IC: "As you wish then, and we humbly thank you for the use of your home." As the buildings, with their distinctly alien architecture came into view, the Captain waited for the Speaker(who needs a name) to indicate which of the dwellings belonged to him.

IC: "Interesting. Are we to travel to Ironhold, or conduct our business here?"

IC: "Hmm, interesting." replied the Captain. "How is your society structured?"

IC: Examing the reptilian creature, unlike any he'd ever seen before, Captain Francois replied. "Comfortably warm, though slightly less than here. Enough wind to make the heat enjoyable. Is this a typical day for this time of year here?"

IC: The captain, Francois Beladonte, nodded to his men who began orderly following the speaker. It would be noticed that not all of the Badoise were entirely human. Two of them, in fact, had furry, double jointed, cloven hoofed legs and short horns extending from their foreheads. Interesting, at the least

OOC: Badoise, not Badoisian. IC: The leader of the group of sailors did likewise, and addressed the bower. "Greetings from the Imperial State of Badois. We thank you for the warm welcome we have received."

IC(Zhao): The Captain nodded. "Most understandable my friend. It is a wise practice indeed. We thank you for your hospitality, which I hope will be the start of mutual friendship between our peoples." The men sat to eat the strange food, which they found to be actually quite enjoyable. The Captain had previously coached his men to eat anything set before them, but the Zhao food made that an easy task. IC(Falcon Lord): After indicating their assent, the crew extended oars and began pulling the ship into the harbor. Two smaller rowboats were dispatched to shore to avoid beaching the main vessel, each of which contained three sailors.

IC: The Captain, assuming it was a local custom, and bowed his head accordingly, as did the members of his crew who accompanied him. "We thank you for your courtesy, honorable Qin Fiu. I represent the Imperial State of Badois. My name is Captain Jean Metreau, and I have been sent on behalf of Emperor Louyis XVI. The Emperor wishes to open trade between our nations, as well as diplomatic relations between his court and that of your Empress."

IC: The Captain indicated his assent, and thanked the fishermen for their time. Hmm, he thought. This may be more difficult than we hoped.

IC: As it happened, the ship's captain had studied Zhao as his foreign language at the Academie- after all, most maps indicated it was, or had been the closest nation to Badois. Seeing the fisherman, he called out in rough, dated Zhao- "A thousand blessings on you and your families, my friends. We come with offers of friendship and trade for your leaders. We would ask that you direct our path in that direction."

IC: A charter was sent out for another new settlement based on the scouts' information. Located at the mouth of a river to the southwest, in the midst of rich farmland, it would provide a suitable hub for transporting the raw minerals of the mines and therefore speed up production. It would be called Terre Noire, for the black earth the volcano gave the land.

So trade between nations grants an extra EP point?

REPORT 2 Standard Legions, 2 upkeep 1 Centaur Battalion, 1 upkeep 2 Beardog Calvary Groups, 2 upkeep 2 Griffin Squads, 2 upkeep 3 Biremes, 3 upkeep 3 Wizards(one of each type) Project to build mines 10 EP Ignomian gift 1 EP 29 EP Upkeep: 10 EP Southern Provinces Upgrade(Two of them, same date for the sake of simplicity though one would actually upgrade a bit before this): 3/26

IC: The scouts who had caught the fish began looking further into the situation- a fishing settlement could do quite well here. Those to the southwest, near the volcano, after mapping the area headed back to report the news to the king.

IC: The Badoise captain was ecstatic at the news, as the men entered the market to purchase provisions and other goods. As a sign of generosity, an amount of gold was donated to the Ignomian council's treasury. OOC: That's the equivalent of 1 IP point. There ya go.

Settlement continuing at the small peninsula to the south of my mapped territory. Exploring to the southwest and northwest, building mines in mountains to the west. Ships sent to Ignomia, some other nation, and really anyone who wants some interaction- an indeterminate number was sent. They're not military ships, just small diplomatic vessels. Lastly, land expedition to the kingdom of Zhao has set off.

IC: An expedition has been sent to reestablish relations with Zhao, at the King's request, bearing gifts of a pair of Highland beardogs, twice the size of a horse each, and a red griffin, the size of a wolf, not accounting wingspan. The intent is to establish both diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.