Surface- Arathia Basin Region
Empire of Night- Middlebrough
Market Area
"Thank you all for coming today. I appreciate you all taking giving me some of your time, I know some of you showed up today and are very tired. As most of you know, if not all, Middlebrough is now part of the Empire of Night. The Empires laws and regulations oversee all events such as this one. If you choose to take part in the Greater Harvest Market, you are agreeing to follow those laws and regulations." Jacob stated as he looked at the hundred different merchants and representatives from all over.
Several people were yawning or outright ignoring Jacob, he was sure that he was going to get their attention now though. "To take part in the Greater Harvest Market you will have to read and sign that you agree to follow our rules and laws for the duration of your stay. Any commerce transactions will fall under, so for example, Slavery is illegal in the Empire of Night. Now the Slavers Union is not outlawed, but every transaction will cost them 5,000 Gold for individual purchases from farmers. 500,000 Gold for bulk purchases from farming communities or villages."
"YOU CAN"T DO THAT!! IT WILL COMPLETELY BANKRUPT US." The Slaver Union representative screamed out.
Jacob smile was completely feral and without humor, "This is the Empire, not the Free Cities, not the Eastern Kingdoms, the Empire. If you do not like it, feel free to purchase your food supplies elsewhere. In addition, anyone selling to the Slavers Union will face a fine of 1,000,000 Gold and will be banned from future transactions at the Greater Harvest Market. This applies to after you leave as well. We will be watching, so don't think you can go home and make a deal with the Slaver Union once you leave."
Most of the faces that were looking were angry, but a few were considering and thoughtful. Jacob knew some of those would already be trying to figure out a way around the embargo, but as soon as they did Jacob would close the loop. "If you wish to continue to make purchases here, feel free to stand up and walk up here to sign and get a copy of all the Laws and Regulations. Those who do not sign will be evicted tomorrow morning."
"Please, can't we come to some arrangement?" The Slaver Union rep beseeched Jacob.
Jacobs smile turned predatory, "Its sad when something is taken from you isn't it. Something you take for granted and forced upon you. You have no choice in the matter though, do you?" More than one representative made the connection to what Jacob was saying with the Slaver Union saying the fees were not fair. They traded with life, they had no moral ground to stand on as far as Jacob was concerned.
"Marchants, Immortals and Locals, fines will be applied to you as well for trading with the Slavers Union if you purchase food Units here and resale to the Slavers Union. 1 Gold per unit of food, with a minimum of 5,000 Gold. Immortals, you will be Black Listed by the Empire with KoS orders handed out. If you are part of a Guild, your Guild will be banned from trading within the borders of the Empire." Jacob stated bringing even more angry mutterings but, the Merchants had even less choice.
Jacob hopped down from the stand and gestured toward the table, "Please feel free to sign and trade." Jacob called out, his smile very Cheshire like. An older man who had been full of humor as soon as Jacob started tearing into the Union stood and walked up, "Lord Grimgar of Athesas. You must forgive the Union representative, it has been a very bad couple weeks for their guild. Several cities, including my home, have closed their guild houses and banned them. Apparently, Lord Devinshire of Athesas was inspired and decided to make a stand against them." The old man stated as he signed and received a copy of the regulations and laws.
Jacob returned the old mans smile as he saw a line forming. The Union representative was fuming as he headed toward the line. Jacob just continued to smile at the man. It would be a long week for the Slavers Union rep, but Jacob would make sure they paid a high price for every food unit they purchased.
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"You know you might have just started a war and created a whole bunch of enemies as well," Darren stated.
Jacob smiled, "I know but it was the only way I could fight them without kicking them out of the Market. I did not have grounds to do that, so I made those laws and regulations. Now if they do anything, I have legal grounds to respond. Now, I know he is going to do something, I want him watched 24/7, and when he makes a move we will be there. Make sure two Legionnaires are with him at all times as well." Jacob told Darren and Ezekial who was also nearby.
"Now, what did John say about his little scouting mission?" Jacob asked Ezekial.
"From his assessment, the plan and raid can be easily be carried out. They guard within, not without and it will cripple their economy and weaken them for an invasion." Ezekial reported.
Jacob grunted, "They are all back now, none of them tried to run?" Jacob asked as he watched all the merchants and Free City representatives leave.
"No, I am sure they discussed it my King, but they all reported back. They are now assigned to the work crews at the docks so we can easily pull them for another mission if necessary." Ezekial stated.
Darren was studying them, "What are you planning?"
Jacob smiled at the Rogue, "I am planning for what I think will happen. I am planning for the worst to happen, and I am hoping for the best. Either way, more war is coming and I am sure today's events will spur some of them on."
"What's the worst and best that can happen?" Darren asked as he let his eyes go back to the Slavers Union Representative.
Jacob smiled, "Now that my friend would be spoiling the surprise. Politics and War are a card game while playing roulette, and chess at the same time. It is huge pain in the ass and you got to plan for both failure and success while spinning plans to try and ensure your success." Jacob told him.
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
Ezekial smiled and nodded, "You begin to learn my king. Just do not let arrogance destroy you."
"Never going to happen, I know I am not the smartest person at this game and I am sure I don't even know all the players yet," Jacob replied as he turned walked away.
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Regir Seg was furious, in the last century since the Union had started coming to this backwater to buy food, they had never had a problem. Now this Empire moves in and changes everything. Between the loss of 4 guild houses and the banning of doing any business in the heart of the Free City Alliance, having their food supply cut off might cripple the Slavers Union short term. Plans had already been put in motion to deal with Lord Devinshire and with his fall, the other cities would reverse their polocies.
"Report?" the communication stone chirped.
"We have a problem, as you know the Empire of the Night has been expanding here in the south. They took Anchorhead and the Arathia Basin. Well, they are crippiling our ability to purchase food from the farmers. They are requiring us to pay fines for every purchase and the fines must be paid upfront. We cannot buy food from the Free Cities or Merchants either. This King has passed laws and regualtions to insure that almost every avenue is closed too us." Regir Seg stated.
Silence was the Council responce, "Do we have anyone we can bribe or kill?" One member finally asked.
Regir Seg shook his head, "No and even the Immortals are weary of crossing this new Empire. They see to much potential of growth, and they are right. However, for the our guild, we have no potential business unless the King dies and whoever sits on the Throne next doesn't care."
"We will make contingency plans, be our eyes and ears there. Try to make a deal with one of the Free Cities if you can, but if you cannot...We will deal with it then." With that the communications stone went dark.
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Underdark- Black Basalt Region
Empire of Night- City of Gahlin
Central Keep
Ranyln Do'und looked at the strategic map of the Region, of the fortresses, only three fell under the Empires control. The other two were under the control of Clan Darguun. Close allies, but being in the Underdark meant that today's allies could be tomorrow's enemies. Patrols constantly watched the approaches of the western tunnels to ensure that Clan Darguun did not sneak across the border and invade.
The Fourth Legion was stretched thin between the three forts, patrolling Gahlin, and its approaches though. However the Dead Legion bolstered their defenses and the new Mechanized Golems increased their chances if the Sisters managed to push through the Fortress of the Fallen, that they would pay a high price taking the city.
On a positive note, the population of the city had grown by nearly a thousand in the last couple of weeks. A safe haven that did not judge race in the Underdark was rare. The Empire valued your worth based on loyalty and your willingness to work hard. Suddenly the door opened and Drake entered handing him a letter, "A message from the King." Ranyln frowned as he opened it.
Spoiler: Spoiler
Ranyln Do'und
Head of House Do'und
Regent of Black Basalt
Steward of the City of Gahlin
You are cordially invited (Mandatory for me, so I am sharing the pain with you) to the Founders Day Celebration in two weeks time. (Founders Day Celebration is the day the City of Eternal Night was founded) You may bring one guest and four Guards, the whole city will be celebrating this day so the festivities will not be limited to the Palace of Night. All Governors will be invited to this celebration, so please come and have a good time.
V/R
Jacob Longstrider
Head of House Lightsbane
King of the Empire of Night
Ranyln chuckled as he read the letter before handing it to Drake, "Apparently we have a celebration we have to attend cousin. We also just found out our king does not like parties."
"So we aren't inviting him to the Celebration of Spiders next month?" Drake asked with a smirk.
"Of course we are cousin, I just don't think he will come. However, I have been surprised before. Clear your calendar for that day, we have a party to attend." Ranyln quipped back.