Post by: Haspen on August 25, 2013, 06:58:26 pm
And in dire and surprising circumstances, the five old Lords died off as well in the same year; the Lord of Qi died fighting bandits; Lord Han dissappeared on a walk during a moonless night, and his close friend, Lord Shu, was found poisoned in his bed. Feeling adventurous, Lord Wu took a small ship on a sea voyage, and never returned, while Lord Yen died after long illness.
And by the law of the Empire, their sons are now wielding their power to rule. But will they serve the son of the previous Emperor like their fathers? Or is it prelude to sudden change...?
After receiving the signed papers from the young Emperor, the young Lords arrived back at their estates in the Green season, 279 Year of Zhou Dynasty.
The advisors of each Lord presented them with the reports - first of many that were to come.
Emissary from Mountain-Dwellers of Sunset Peaks arrives at the Court of Lord Qi, seeking an audience.
Some Tiger-Men scouts and hunters have been spotted inside borders of Province Shu. The population is concerned that it might be a prelude to a raid, or worse.
Spoiler: Province Wu (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Province Shu (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Province Yen (click to show/hide)
= 2x2.6 = 5.2Spoiler: Province Qi (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Province Han (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imperial Province Zhou (click to show/hide)
Post by: Cheesecake on August 25, 2013, 07:32:40 pm
Post by: Rolepgeek on August 25, 2013, 08:36:25 pm
Begin changing Cabbage production to Millet production.
Begin training Crossbowmen.
Begin building Marketplace.
Begin building Bronzeware Crafts production.
Send emissary to Mountain Dwellers, offering to buy Carved Jade.
Send emissary to Zhou Province, offering to sell Carved Jade.
Send emissary to Qi province, offering to sell Food.
Post by: Taricus on August 25, 2013, 10:09:23 pm
Post by: mastahcheese on August 25, 2013, 10:31:29 pm
Begin building a Mint
Send emissary to Qi province, offering to sell Food.
Realize that I have less food than anyone else
Politely
Post by: scapheap on August 26, 2013, 02:54:44 am
recruit Crossbowmen
Send emissary to Shu to buy Building Materials
Post by: Haspen on August 26, 2013, 05:48:44 am
The aides bowed down and sent the architects and workers to begin building Marketplace at once.
Province Shu:
The scouts of Lord Shu dissappear in the jungles in pursuit of the tiger-men intruders. After few days, their bodies, impaled on crude javelins, where found in a glade close to the border of the province.
Province Yen:
"Oh, great Lord Yen," the minister of trade begins, "The Province of Shu doesn't border ours; if we are to trade with them, we will need to do it through Imperial Province and I'm not sure if our benevolent Emperor would be keen to dabble in trade of such... cheap materials..."
The construction of fortifications began at once, while the officers began to look for strong and able youths amongst the populace, and began to train them with crossbows.
Province Qi:
The trade ministers of Qi and Han provinces met, and agreed for the customary trade of 1 Gold for 2 Food. First caravans will be arriving in the Fire Season.
The orders to construct a Mint were given. The emissary that ventured to the Sunset Peaks returned after a week, and bowed before Lord Qi.
"My Lord Qi, I bear the words of the Mountain-Dwellers. Their leaders said, 'We will consider your offer, Tzu of Qi, and contact you in one season.'"
Province Han:
"Great, wise, Lord Han, as your trade minister, I must tell you that we will never do all this at once. It is customary to work on one project fully than at several at the same time. Otherwise, our workers will be overburdened. Please decide on only one building construction."
The farmers were told to stop growing cabbage and prepare millet fields instead.
The officers agreed with the orders and sent for bestest of men in the province, preparing to teach them how to operate crossbows.
The emissary, sent to establish a trade agreement with Mountain-Dwellers, was back after some time.
"My Lord Han - the Mountain-Dwellers said they will consider your offer."
About the same time, the emissary sent to the Emperor was back. He bowed so low that his head almost touched the floor.
"My great Lord, the Emperor politely refused your offer, saying that our province does not have a source of carved jade, nor is importing it, so there's no reason to establish the route at all."
The trade ministers of Qi and Han provinces met, and agreed for the customary trade of 1 Gold for 2 Food. First caravans will be arriving in the Fire Season.
Post by: Rolepgeek on August 26, 2013, 11:48:27 am
Begin building a marketplace.
Post by: Haspen on August 26, 2013, 11:49:40 am
The trade minister bowed low. "Of course, my liege, I will send for workers and builders immediatelly."
Post by: Rolepgeek on August 26, 2013, 11:52:28 am
Use weapons for production purposes until Crossbowman are trained.
Post by: Haspen on August 26, 2013, 11:54:44 am
"I will see to it as well, Lord Han." The minister bowed once again.
Post by: Rolepgeek on August 26, 2013, 11:57:50 am
Post by: scapheap on August 26, 2013, 12:03:50 pm
Post by: Haspen on August 26, 2013, 12:10:19 pm
The emissary to the Swampfolk returned in few weeks.
"My wise liege, the Swampfolk said they are willing to sell their spices, as long as you can provide them with something better than just coins and bars of gold."
Post by: scapheap on August 26, 2013, 12:17:50 pm
Post by: Haspen on August 26, 2013, 12:27:21 pm
"I believe they were talking about bronzeware, my liege. They have particular liking for bronze crafts."
Post by: scapheap on August 26, 2013, 12:39:24 pm
Post by: Haspen on August 26, 2013, 01:21:21 pm
The trade minister stepped forward. "Barring any sort of a disaster, it would be done in half a year, oh great Lord Yen."
Post by: scapheap on August 26, 2013, 01:25:11 pm
Post by: Haspen on August 26, 2013, 01:27:59 pm
"It will be done, my Lord."
Post by: Taricus on August 26, 2013, 01:31:33 pm
Post by: mastahcheese on August 26, 2013, 04:29:34 pm
I'm done for the season
Post by: scapheap on August 27, 2013, 02:49:34 am
Post by: Cheesecake on August 27, 2013, 03:37:46 am
Increase food production.
Begin construction of marketplace.
Begin bronzeware production.
Send emmissary to nearby provinces to warn of the Tigermen, and to request aid if possible.
Post by: Haspen on August 27, 2013, 05:31:51 am
"Great Lord Shu, we cannot overburden our workers with construction of marketplace and the whole bronzeware infrastructure and prepare new fields and granaries on top of that! Clearly you can see it is not going to work - please decide only on one construction project for now."
The emissaries were sent to Han and Zhou provinces, just as a new unit of crossbowmen started to be created from brave and strong men amongst the populace.
The reply from Zhou came after just a week. The emissary bowed before Lord Shu.
"My liege, our great Emperor Zhou Liang have promised to consider your plea for help, but didn't give me any definite answer."
Province Han:
An emissary arrived from Shu province, and bowed in front of Lord Han.
"Great Lord Han, I bring a warning and request for help from my liege, Lord Shu; Tiger-men are harassing my Lord's province, and he needs soldiers to deal with that threat."
Post by: Cheesecake on August 27, 2013, 05:38:27 am
Post by: Rolepgeek on August 27, 2013, 11:09:10 am
Post by: Haspen on August 27, 2013, 11:37:30 am
"My Lord have offered nothing in exchange for his aid, or rather, didn't mention anything to me about that, but I shall go and ask him directly."
Province Shu:
"It will be done, my Lord."
Some time after that, the emissary sent to Han returned.
"Oh Lord Shu, Lord Han asks how you would pay him for the risk of sending his soldiers here - he asks if you are willing to offer him something in exchange for his spearmen's aid."
Post by: Cheesecake on August 27, 2013, 10:00:16 pm
Post by: Haspen on August 28, 2013, 03:20:00 am
"Of course, my Lord."
"I would argue that half a unit of food and gold is barely any price, my Lord Shu," the trade minister bowed his head. "But I won't question it."
Province Han:
"I have returned, benevolent Lord Han. My Lord, the great Shu, offers you a half a unit of grain and gold for your army." The trade minister of Han, hearing this, quickly stepped up to his Lord's throne and leaned to his ear.
"My good Lord Han, this is an outrage. We gain barely anything while we risk leaving our province totally undefended. I implore you, do not agree to this mockery of trade!"
Post by: Cheesecake on August 28, 2013, 07:38:56 am
A farmer waits for his crops to grow; he does not uproot it at once."
Post by: Rolepgeek on August 28, 2013, 09:41:29 pm
Trade Contract Proposal:
Shu Province will sell any Bronzeware or Silk Cloth it produces, to Han Province first, for 4 or 5 Gold Respectively.
Shu Province will sell any Spice it purchases, to Han Province first, for 3 Gold.
Shu Province will sell the Building Materials it produces to Han Province for .5 Gold.
Shu Province will sell any Ceramics it produces to Han Province for 1.5 Gold.
Han Province will sell three units of food to Shu Province, for 2 Gold.
Han Province will agree to provide military aid to Shu Province for defensive purposes.
Shu Province will agree to provide military aid to Han Province for defensive purposes.
Shu Province will send 1 Gold to Han province immediately.
This agreement will last until both parties agree that it should end.
If one party should not follow the terms of the agreement, the dispute will be taken to the Emperor, who may judge as he sees fit, as is his right.
Post by: Haspen on August 30, 2013, 03:50:02 am
"I just received news that Lord Shu has gotten ill. So I believe we will have to postpone this talks until someone ascends to the throne of Shu. Apologies, Lord Han." With that, the emissary went away.
Post by: Rolepgeek on August 30, 2013, 06:09:59 pm
Otherwise, actions for season are done.
Post by: Haspen on August 31, 2013, 03:08:24 am
~~Zhou 279, Fire Season~~
News reach the courts of bordering provinces, that Lord Xing Li Qian of Shu have fallen ill. His chief advisor, Yang Li have taken over his seat until one of his sons will be deemed educated and strong enough to take his father's place.
Event!
Quote
Murder of the Highest Degree!
One night, one of the Royal Advisors on a trip around Qi Province is found dead in his quarters, with knife in his chest. What's worse, there was a note, which said: 'Down with the Emperor Zhou - Long live Lord Qi!' Full investigation in this matter will surely follow.
Effect: Worsens relations with the Emperor for four seasons.
Tiger-men hunters and scouts are no longer seen in Shu Province.
An emissary from Mountain-Dwellers have arrived in Han Province.
An emissary from Shu Province have arrived in Han Province, too.
An emissary from Emperor itself have arrived in Wu Province.
Despite promises from Mountain-Dwellers, no emissaries from them arrived in Qi Province.
A unit of Spearmen just crossed the border between Shu and Zhou, as Emperor agreed to lend help to Lord Shu (and his current replacement).
Spoiler: Province Wu (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Province Shu (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Province Yen (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Province Qi (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Province Han (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imperial Province Zhou (click to show/hide)
Post by: scapheap on August 31, 2013, 03:57:02 am
Post by: Rolepgeek on August 31, 2013, 10:54:40 am
Talk to both emissaries.
Post by: Haspen on August 31, 2013, 11:26:23 am
Emissary from Shu spoke first:
"Great Lord Han, my current master, Advisor Yang Li, is willing to continue the talks about mutual pact between Han and Shu, and I have his counter-proposal ready if you wish to listen."
Then, emissary from the Mountain-Dwellers spoke:
"I come from my masters of the West. They say, we're in need for the precious bronze urns and vessels and cups. Those are the only goods we are willing to buy from you. We shall pay in gold or beautiful ornaments and crafts made of jade. They say that you decide carefully, because later there will be no allowing to change payment from us."
The trade minister leaned toward Lord Han.
"My liege - if they will pay us only in jade, it's basically half the value in gold we could get."
Post by: Rolepgeek on August 31, 2013, 11:49:06 am
He spoke with his trade minister. "True. However, if we were to obtain a source of carved jade for the emperor, it would put us in his good graces, would it not? And we would make the same amount of profit." After hearing the response, he turned back to the mountain-dweller's emissary. "How long are your masters willing to wait? Were I to turn the whole province to creating bronze-ware at once, it would not be ready before the new year. If I were to secure a trade route with the province soonest to produce it, it would be a full season, and I have doubts at they would sell to me rather than a closer neighbor. In all likelihood, if I am able to secure the trade deals I expect and hope to, I believe the most likely time that we would be ready to export would be three seasons from now. If you are truly unable to wait that long, I can make it ready in but a scant six months, but it would require a large restructuring of the province, and I'm afraid I would need additional...compensation."
Post by: Haspen on August 31, 2013, 12:39:01 pm
The emissary from the west bowed curtly.
"My masters said, one year is enough of wait. I have delivered the message, so now I shall leave. Send my masters a reply before the end of the next year of your calendar." Without waiting for reply, the emissary hastily left the throne room.
Then the emissary from Shu let out a sigh.
"The counter-proposal of my master is as this:"
Han-Shu Treaty Counter-Proposal:
Shu Province will sell the Building Materials it produces to Han Province for 1 Gold.
Shu Province will sell any Ceramics it produces to Han Province in exchange for three units of Food.
Han Province will agree to provide military aid to Shu Province for defensive purposes.
Shu Province will agree to provide military aid to Han Province for defensive purposes.
This agreement will last until either of parties decide that it should end, with at least half a year notice beforehand.
"Heavenly Advisor Yang Li believes that your proposal was interesting, and only slightly preposterous, so he made changes that would make it look more like a treaty and less like exploitation."
Post by: Taricus on August 31, 2013, 01:05:08 pm
Post by: Haspen on August 31, 2013, 01:10:28 pm
The imperial emissary greeted Lord Wu with a short bow of head.
"Lord Wu, I bring a message from our benevolent Emperor. He says that Province Wu is the only supplier of silk right now, but the aristocrats of Zhou right now demand the delicate cloth to be supplied to them. Our great Emperor thusly orders you to set up the trade with Province Zhou for normal price, or you will fall into disgrace with him."
Wu's trade minister smiled politely, but said nothing.
Post by: Taricus on August 31, 2013, 01:33:14 pm
Start improving food production.
Start training a unit of crossbowmen
Post by: Haspen on August 31, 2013, 01:37:55 pm
"I will convey those words to our noble Emperor, Lord Wu." The emissary turned and left without delay.
Post by: Rolepgeek on August 31, 2013, 07:24:51 pm
After dismissing the emissary, Xu We Qiang spoke to his trade minister. "Begin construction of crafts workshops at once. I want bronzeware flowing out of this province by this time next year, at the latest."
Begin constructing Crafts Production (Bronzeware)
Send an emissary to the Emperor, inquiring about the purchase of ceramics. Also inquire about their willingness to purchase Carved Jade, should we obtain a supply within the next year...
Post by: mastahcheese on September 01, 2013, 12:39:01 am
Send emissaries to the Mountain-Dwellers
Send more emissaries to all neighboring NPC factions
Send emissary to the Emperor
Begin training of cavalry.
Someone's messing with me, and I'm not pleased.
Post by: Haspen on September 01, 2013, 03:40:36 am
"As you ordered, we shall begin creation of bronzeware shops at once." The trade minister left for a while.
The emissary to Emperor returned after some time.
"Great Lord Han, our brilliant Emperor says that he will consider buying the carved jade from you, but that's only if you manage to secure a supply of it before year 281. As for ceramics, I was directed to the Royal Commisioner of Trade, who said that he might be willing to sell you their ceramics as long as the price is right."
Province Qi:
The officers went out to start training a unit of brave cavaliers.
The three emissaries, however, approach Lord Qi. The one in the front bows slowly. "Great Lord Qi," he started, "We, of course, will travel willingly in your name, but for that, we need a clear goal, thusly please, my liege, tell us what we are to ask and accomplish abroad."
Post by: Rolepgeek on September 01, 2013, 12:41:28 pm
"We can easily obtain a supply by that time. Inform the Commisioner of trade that we would like ceramics as part of the payment for Carved Jade, which we should have to export in one year."
Done for actions this season.
Post by: Taricus on September 01, 2013, 12:51:35 pm
Done with actions for this turn.
Post by: mastahcheese on September 01, 2013, 11:46:45 pm
I need another sent to the Mountain-Dwellers to determine why they didn't show. The fact that it happened at the same time as the assassination leaves them as very questionable.
And I need men sent to the other outsiders to gain support, we need help in case that spy was from another province."
Post by: Haspen on September 02, 2013, 02:55:13 am
The emissary to the Mountain-Dwellers returned after two weeks.
"My liege, the Mountain-Dwellers said they're currently busy and their emissaries had been accosted by bandits and giants of the mountains."
Few days later, the emissary sent to Horse-Nomads, the other neighbouring kingdom, have returned.
"Great Lord Qi, the Horse-Nomads felt insulted that I ever dared to accuse them of using spies, and said that one should not look around, but at his own feet first."
The very same day, the Emissary to the Emperor returned.
"My Lord Qi, I wasn't allowed to see the Emperor, nor even enter the Imperial City. I had to return with nothing."
Post by: mastahcheese on September 02, 2013, 10:54:41 pm
Qi Province:"Hmm, seems reasonable, if we had the men to spare, I would offer to sed them over to clear out the bandits. Very well."
The emissary to the Mountain-Dwellers returned after two weeks.
"My liege, the Mountain-Dwellers said they're currently busy and their emissaries had been accosted by bandits and giants of the mountains."
Few days later, the emissary sent to Horse-Nomads, the other neighbouring kingdom, have returned.The Lord of Qi facepalms.
"Great Lord Qi, the Horse-Nomads felt insulted that I ever dared to accuse them of using spies, and said that one should not look around, but at his own feet first."
"Did you not hear me? I said we need help, and I quote myself, 'we need help in case that spy was from another province', that 'other province' being another neighboring Lord, not the Horse-Nomads! Send me a new emissary, one who will listen to me!"
The very same day, the Emissary to the Emperor returned."Very well, you are dismissed."
"My Lord Qi, I wasn't allowed to see the Emperor, nor even enter the Imperial City. I had to return with nothing."
Post by: Haspen on September 03, 2013, 03:04:41 am
"But my great Lord Qi, please listen!" The emissary that was sent to Horse-Nomads bowed his head heavily.
"It's not that I've accused them of being spies - I merely mentioned that there was an incident with a spy in our Province and I believe they've thought you're trying to accuse them."
Post by: mastahcheese on September 03, 2013, 07:07:43 pm
Done with Season.
Post by: Haspen on September 04, 2013, 04:20:51 am
~~Zhou 279, Rain Season~~
Event!
Quote
White Tiger Appears
During a full moon, one of the wives of Lord Wu sees a white tiger on top of a rock, with a dead, black bird in his jaws. The oracles are baffled and aren't sure what this omen might mean.
Effect: None...?
An emissary from Swampfolk arrives in Province Yen.
An emissary from Emperor Zhou arrives in Province Wu.
Scandal! Royal Guards of Lord Qi capture a spy in the court! After thorough investigation, he admits to be trying to find the truth behind the Royal Advisor's murder on behalf of Lord Qi, not to do any real harm, but captain of the guard is more than doubtful about the last part!
Spoiler: Province Wu (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Province Shu (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Province Yen (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Province Qi (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Province Han (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imperial Province Zhou (click to show/hide)
Post by: scapheap on September 04, 2013, 04:36:31 am
Send a emissary to Qi about the spy.
Post by: Haspen on September 04, 2013, 05:07:15 am
The emissary of the swampfolk bows deeply. "My lords ask if you have interest in buying our spices in exchange for your beautiful bronzewares. They would also pay you three units of Gold."
Province Qi:
The emissary from Lord Yen arrives, his head almost touching the floor.
"Great Lord Qi, I'm envoy from Lord Yen. He asks you that you do not do anything harsh about the spy situation, as my Lord was merely investigating the whole murder affair in fear that stability in the region might be endangered."
Post by: scapheap on September 04, 2013, 06:00:38 am
Post by: Taricus on September 04, 2013, 06:33:11 am
Post by: Haspen on September 04, 2013, 07:19:04 am
The emissary bowed and left the court happily. The trade minister furrowed his eyebrows and leaned toward his liege.
"Great Lord Yen," he began, "May I inquire what are you planning to do with the spices? We're not in real need for excessive foodstuffs. When your father was on the provincial seat, he would sell the bronzeware for 6 gold, but you agreed to sell them for 5; three units from trade alone and two from the value of the spices..."
Province Wu:
"I bring the message from the benevolent and merciful Emperor of Zhou." The emissary bowed softly.
"The Emperor asks once more that you agree to a trading contract between your province and Central Province Zhou."
Post by: scapheap on September 04, 2013, 08:35:27 am
Post by: Haspen on September 04, 2013, 09:13:54 am
The trade minister bowed his head.
"It most propably is as you said! I praise your ingenuinity, my Lord."
Post by: Taricus on September 04, 2013, 12:56:43 pm
Post by: Haspen on September 04, 2013, 01:02:24 pm
"The Emperor will be most delighted, noble Lord Wu." After those words, the emissary departed.
Post by: mastahcheese on September 04, 2013, 05:15:02 pm
"Great Lord Qi, I'm envoy from Lord Yen. He asks you that you do not do anything harsh about the spy situation, as my Lord was merely investigating the whole murder affair in fear that stability in the region might be endangered.""If he was to assist in my investigations, then he should have sent proper men with documentation, but in these harsh times, I can forgive his decision."
Release the spy back to Lord Yen.
Post by: Haspen on September 04, 2013, 05:17:57 pm
The Spy from Yen left the court alongside the emissary bowing in gratitude.
Post by: mastahcheese on September 04, 2013, 05:33:08 pm
Done with season.
Post by: scapheap on September 04, 2013, 05:53:22 pm