Tarbu Confederacy / Sycorath Dynasty

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The swish of the waves, the smell of the briny foam of the sea - it all was so very pleasant. It transported Guntic back to a better time, when disaster had not struck his people. As one of the lucky (few) that were plucked by Arthulin into a new world, he was also one of the lucky ones to spearhead the Tarbu's legendary exploration efforts. His would be a name remembered foremost in this new epoch of Tarbu history.

But Arthulin knows if there even is anyone else to trade with in this new world. Surely, soon, he might just find someone. Or so he hoped. Piloting a galley along the coast was the worst part about exploration - all the work, none of the fun.

They soon approached the mouth of a strong river heading inland. Although a Tarbu galley had a low draft, one of the issues that come up when exploring a new realm is that Guntic had no idea of the depth of the river. He did not want to risk traversing it.
But a river indicated two possibilities. The banks of one was a great place to build a settlement and, if no one else was around, he might do just that. However, if there were others around, they were likely just downstream.
"Drop anchor," He muttered to his first mate. "We'll head inland, along the river."
"Yes cap'n!"
The heavy stone anchor was dropped, and the rowers stayed behind to keep everything running smoothly. Guntic went ashore in half a dozen rowboats, with his aides and dignitaries as well as armed escorts.
"Alright men. Let's survey the immediate area and see who or what we find."

[Blarflesnarflo]

Onaris Dominet smiled at the news. "Good, I was worried Cemeret would have all the fun."

Onaris gathered his personal Rathi High Guard as he made his way towards the river, waiting for his guests. There had been reports of humans to the north known as the Tarbu Confederacy, and he could only assume that these were its emissaries. They had much to discuss...

Onaris waited until the little rowboats made their way to the muddy shores of the city, before proclaiming, "Welcome, travelers, to the Black Diamond of the Lavoris! I am called Onaris Dominet, high ranking advisor to our Sycorath. Tell me, who leads this adventuring party, and from where do you come? I would love to share the wonders of my city with you."

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"I lead this party," Guntic stepped forward, nudging a soldier aside. "We come from the Tarbu Confederacy, northwest of here." He proclaimed. "I am Guntic Kuriysa, Grand Captain. It's a pleasure."
Guntic looked upon the elves. He was never so fond of them, really, but they made decent trading partners. If these ones were just as insufferable as the rest, they damned well better have something worth buying.
"It would please us to pay a visit to this city, and to seek an audience with your leadership regarding a trade arrangement between us. Lead the way."

[Blarflesnarflo]

"Our leader is called Sycorath, and I'm afraid he is in very important business at the moment," Onaris answered, "but I speak for him in all matters. I look forward to discussing many things with you, but allow me to show you my city."

He led them through Qualessetia, speaking of the black marble that gave it its name, the history of the families living there, and various cultural practices. At last they arrived at a large building.

"This is my humble abode," finished Onaris. "If you will indulge me, please enter. I will feed your men and we can talk in private, Grand Captain."

[Pixel]

Qualessetia was certainly a grand place, and Guntic's expression betrayed only the slightest interest. He took in the sights for a moment before turning back to Onaris. "Ah yes, I believe we can oblige you there, Elf. Take us through, I am eager to discuss this affair."

[Blarflesnarflo]

Onaris' expression turned darker.

"My apologies for not informing you sooner, Captain, but calling a Syc an elf is the worst of insults. We bear no love towards our former kin. But again, it is my fault and we will not discuss that further."

He led Guntic into his personal office, gave him a seat and sat down himself.

"Now, I believe you mentioned trade, yes? This would be a favorable arrangement for us as well. And on that subject, have you come into contact with merfolk known as Ku'Wahi Kahu? I believe a trade partnership between our three great nations would mean great wealth for all of us."

[Pixel]

Guntic frowned. "My apologies." He wondered just what happened to divide these 'Syc' and elves. Though, their dislike of the mainstream elves was certainly a plus in Guntic's mind.

Guntic sat down in the advisor's office as the rest of the expedition was treated to a meal.
"The Ku'Wahi-Kahu... that name doesn't ring a bell. We had some speculative scout reports of a kingdom of merfolk some ways across the sea, and my master decided to investigate these reports further with an expedition like this one. As my confederacy seeks trade with everyone and anyone at all, I'm certain that such a partnership would be agreeable to us."
"Which reminds me," Guntic went on, "Normally I'd have my men undergo a ritual of displaying the goods we Tarbu have to offer, but under the circumstances, I suppose it would be more convenient to just tell you. We've access to gold wares, as well as coral. We have the ships, and as such can provide much of the transport. We're also looking to purchase iron, for it seems our immediate area is bereft of it. Might you have some to spare?"

[Blarflesnarflo]

"Unfortunately these swamplands have not been adequate sources of iron," Onaris responded. "What we have to offer is a variety of vibrant dyes, strong leather, and stone of a high quality for building. I hope these are amenable to you in terms of trade, as we would love to have your wares in our markets.

"If I could ask you one other thing," Onaris continued, "Are there any other nations in this region with which to do business? I had heard reports of some activity to the north, independent of the merfolk we just discussed, and was wondering if you had encountered these people. Would they make good trading partners? Allies, perhaps? My apologies, what were they called... Azator, was it? I'm afraid my memory escapes me."

[Pixel]

It wasn't the stores of iron that Guntic had been sent to procure, but stone and leather more than compensated, and dyes... well, dyes were always well-prized for the Tarbu as a way of flaunting their wealth. "Sure, we can work with that."
Onaris went on, mentioning Azator.
"Azator is a long time enemy of our people. He had tormented us for longer than I've lived, and each and every one of our many wars to try and stop him have been... inconclusive. I don't know how he got here, but I'm afraid they have nothing to offer anyone but strife."

[Blarflesnarflo]

"This is concerning," Onaris worried. "Does this mean our trade ships would be under threat of Azator's raiding? Would this agreement be seen as an alliance, and would we be under threat as much as you? It seems this Azator must then be removed or his power weakened so as not to be a threat to us.

We have good relations with the Ku'Wahi Kahu, and it sounds like your people are meeting with them shortly as well. Would it not be prudent, perhaps, to join forces as a preemptive measure against Azator? I say this only because the Sycorath Dynasty highly values both its trade and its trade partners, and we would like to show solidarity with our new friends from the Tarbu Confederacy."

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Guntic considered. "We are totally unaware of Azator's capabilities as far as raiding goes, but it is a favorite tactic of his. Such a military alliance would be favorable in order to protect trade routes, which likewise is a high priority for the Tarbu people."
"I think you would be under threat too, for he seeks to weaken our Confederacy, and destroying or weakening our foreign relationships would definitely contribute to that."

[Blarflesnarflo]

Onaris smiled. "Excellent. I believe we are in agreement on our trade, although we will need to expand our trade ports to accommodate such increased traffic. As to the Azator problem, perhaps you would be so kind as to host us as well as the merfolk to discuss more... specific measures. I look forward to seeing your no doubt beautiful lands."

[Pixel]

"I am sure our people would be most honored to host such a council."

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