The Tyro-Antarian Empire
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"Unbowed and Unbroken"
Summer 1911The Imperial Palace of Aetoria, Tyria.
A swirl of grey smoke drifted on the still air of a small yet adorned room of rich mahogany paneled walls as rays of sunlight pierced the veil of smoke and dim electric lighting through inset paneled windows. The small group of men who found themselves within this chamber were seated at a round table adorned with scattered documents, each before them had a steaming cup of Achean tea which they nursed while the chill of a departing winter remained. Every now and then there would be a flare of red light as one inhaled from a cigar or pipe, leaving inky tendrils of smoke to drift upwards.
"These proposed tariffs are bloody preposterous. The government of Antar reject them! Over half of our logging industry is exported, our lumber goes as far as bloody Etelia. We cannot put that at risk, never mind the fact that we risk retaliatory tariffs!" A voice resonated from a heavyset man who sat at the table, donned as he was in a great coat, he appeared more akin in size to a bear than to any man. Count Wilhelm Kestler, the Prime Minister of Antar lived up to his moniker well, 'The Bear of Antar'.
"My Emperor." The Bear's principle opponent in the room began as he looked to the Emperor who was seated at the head of the round table. "Do not listen to this buffoon for the trade of logs and sticks means nothing to that which we stand to gain. The implementation of these tariffs will protect our domestic industries from foreign competition and raise revenue! It is no lie when I say that more and more nations turn to nations not even on this continent for trade, our industry must be maintained first and foremost, as such trade must be milked for all it's worth!" The much smaller man retorted, his choice of dress impeccable in a gentleman's black coat with a top hat resting on the table besides him. He was the very image of nobility as Prime Minister of Tyria, one Steffen Kohlhase.
"Enough!" The Emperor King Adalar von Wolfram's voice cut through the din, putting to an end the bluster of both men. "Enough. This is the Imperial Cabinet, not your personal arena! Look at yourselves man! Surrounded by fellow members of the aristocracy and military, and you both bluster and babble like babes! Let this talk continue another day. For now consider today's Cabinet meeting concluded." Adalar's voice settled firmly as he and all present rose from their seats.
"God save Tyria and Antar." The Emperor concluded.
Those present returned cries of "God save the Emperor!" and "God save the King!" in one great shout before clearing the room.
Only one man remained, his top hat now clasped under one arm as the other held a white paper envelope. "My Emperor, a letter from our contacts in Zellonia." The Tyrian Prime Minister announced with a clearing of his throat.
"Zellonia you say? Let me get something stronger to drink."
The Imperial Artist-in-Residences rendition of Aetoria, the capital of the empire in the late spring of 1911.Diplomatic Mission to Thecia
It was late april when an automobile made it's way along the plains and roads of Thecia. It's principle passenger the Antarian diplomat Ludomir Kula. A man of extensive intellect turned towards the ways of diplomacy and manner that it might be considered an art form. Never seen without his three piece suit nor bowler hat, the Antari walked with a cane by his side and held himself with a grace befitting an aristocrat. Loyal to the realm and crown, Ludomir now found himself once more beyond the borders of his homeland and headed for a foreign capital.
He was to establish relations with the Thecians and carry himself with a grace while doing so. He was to learn more of the nation which was so close yet seemed so distant, to learn of their nature and perhaps most importantly, uncover the nations disposition to his own.
"Let it be known that in the wake of traditional Zellonian aggression across it's frontiers, the Tyro-Antarian Empire looks to bring stability to the region by the re-implementation at once, of foreign policy."
