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A change of seasons
Admiral teach sullenly sat in his chair. The people were tense and worried. Out on the mooring of his flagship, concerned citizens had been gathering day and night. He understood their worries. The very idea of friends and family starving becuse of some corrupt snake's underhanded dealings was apalling. The council was coming together in emergency meeting today. Garcia had managed to rally the people to his cause, whether they realized what it involved or not. Teach only hoped the council would be willing to take the unpopular but necesarry decision in these trying times.
As before, the meeting was opened, but the captains did not greet each other like the friends they used to be. They were agitated and stressed. It was no secret today's meeting would be a very bipartizan discourse between teach and garcia, and of course their respective supporters. “Well people, I think it's a pretty clear case we have here tody. It is as I have told you all for years. Garcia's scheming is poisoning our nation from within, and this past week. That corruption finally went from a sleeping problem to an actual crisis!”.
Garcia's supporters derided this narrative with booing and obscene gestures the moment teach had finished his sentence. Garcia himself was quick to speak in coutnerargument. “Why yes, perhaps it would be for the best of the nation if I was removed from power... after all sir edward, you have no personal interest in seeing me fall... We all know you have no possible ulterior motives in doing this.”
Garcia's tone made his intent quite clear. The man was good at undermining his opponent's character if nothing else. “Yes, it's not a secret I have a great amount of disdain for you and your methods garcia. But should my personal opinion be the deciding factor in this argument? I have had quite enough of your dealing with our ideological enemies. I offer a simple choice, relinquish your seat on the council, or I will run you through like I shoudl have years ago.”
Teach realized what he had said only when it was already too late. Garcia had made him say exactly what he wanted him to say. “Ah, you show your true colors then... The colors of a tyrant that fooled everyone into thinking him a benevolent dictator. And a lapdog of the steppe brutes besides.”
Teach struggled to get a response in, but he knew it was already too late, Garcia now had the confidence to cut him off before he could even get a word in. “Now, let us turn things around captain teach. I hereby offer you a choice. Step down from the council, and allow those truly deserving to rule this nation. Or we wil run you through like the tyrant YOU are.” Garcia's rigtheous-sounding verbal beating was backed up by near everyone in the council. Garcia's supporters. Previously neutral members... even one or two of teach' supporters had changed sides.
Edward felt a sinking feeling in his gut... The eslean had won the day. If he were to save any face at all he had no choice but to stand down as the council now demanded. There was no way he coul salvage enough support right now to overturn such a decision.
And like that, the great reformer was lifted from power. Ousted by the government he himself had helped create. That same night, the captain boarded his flagship and sailed to seas unknown. Perhaps one day he would return. When the people would see the folly of who they now allowed in power.
Aid from an unexpected angle
garcia was now in power yes. But that didn't stop the fact the ogres embargo still stood... It would only be a matter of time until even worse sanctions came to pass. Garcia had foreseen this however. His plan had been ad-hoc from the start. But the situation he managed to engineer was quite a beneficial one. It was funny really. He was quite sure the ogres wouldn't inerfere before now. But they did, and it was their attempt at controlling the situation that gave him the leverage needed to take over. He didn't need to do things covertly anymore. After all, there was no doubt in anyone's heart that this new revolutionary could do no wrong. He had exposed the aquilaan tyrant, and now he would carry them all to greatness.
Two envoys moved out, one headed for the khanate, and one to the dwarven nation of oógurtz. To the ogres, Garcia's message was part insult and part chastising. If they really thought they could dictate law in the sovereign nations of pirates, they were sorely mistaken. Effective immediately, the pirates declared a counter-embargo. One much clearer in intent. The sea would no longer be a safe haven to ogres, nor those foolish enough to try and trade with them. It was their own fault. After all, what would one expect when they bit the hand that feeded them. The envoy came back with a small fleet in tow. Garcia had ordered the evacuation of the concessions in ogre lands. Many were left behind. For a clear distinction had been made to determine who was 'important enough' to save. The boats would not come back. And those left behind would have to fend for themselves.
This would have been an extroadinarily idiotic move if not for the second envoy. The message he carried was not an offer.It was a confirmation to go through with a plan decided upon long ago. The envoy came back, ship loaded with supplies. Food from the dwarven subteranean farmlands. It was not hard for the dwarves to provide for their new allies. Their population density was much higher. And they had decades of experience feeding such numbers. The food given was bland and tough, but filling.
And so, the political situation made an about-face. The question to ask now was... how would the ogres react to this?
Admiral teach sullenly sat in his chair. The people were tense and worried. Out on the mooring of his flagship, concerned citizens had been gathering day and night. He understood their worries. The very idea of friends and family starving becuse of some corrupt snake's underhanded dealings was apalling. The council was coming together in emergency meeting today. Garcia had managed to rally the people to his cause, whether they realized what it involved or not. Teach only hoped the council would be willing to take the unpopular but necesarry decision in these trying times.
As before, the meeting was opened, but the captains did not greet each other like the friends they used to be. They were agitated and stressed. It was no secret today's meeting would be a very bipartizan discourse between teach and garcia, and of course their respective supporters. “Well people, I think it's a pretty clear case we have here tody. It is as I have told you all for years. Garcia's scheming is poisoning our nation from within, and this past week. That corruption finally went from a sleeping problem to an actual crisis!”.
Garcia's supporters derided this narrative with booing and obscene gestures the moment teach had finished his sentence. Garcia himself was quick to speak in coutnerargument. “Why yes, perhaps it would be for the best of the nation if I was removed from power... after all sir edward, you have no personal interest in seeing me fall... We all know you have no possible ulterior motives in doing this.”
Garcia's tone made his intent quite clear. The man was good at undermining his opponent's character if nothing else. “Yes, it's not a secret I have a great amount of disdain for you and your methods garcia. But should my personal opinion be the deciding factor in this argument? I have had quite enough of your dealing with our ideological enemies. I offer a simple choice, relinquish your seat on the council, or I will run you through like I shoudl have years ago.”
Teach realized what he had said only when it was already too late. Garcia had made him say exactly what he wanted him to say. “Ah, you show your true colors then... The colors of a tyrant that fooled everyone into thinking him a benevolent dictator. And a lapdog of the steppe brutes besides.”
Teach struggled to get a response in, but he knew it was already too late, Garcia now had the confidence to cut him off before he could even get a word in. “Now, let us turn things around captain teach. I hereby offer you a choice. Step down from the council, and allow those truly deserving to rule this nation. Or we wil run you through like the tyrant YOU are.” Garcia's rigtheous-sounding verbal beating was backed up by near everyone in the council. Garcia's supporters. Previously neutral members... even one or two of teach' supporters had changed sides.
Edward felt a sinking feeling in his gut... The eslean had won the day. If he were to save any face at all he had no choice but to stand down as the council now demanded. There was no way he coul salvage enough support right now to overturn such a decision.
And like that, the great reformer was lifted from power. Ousted by the government he himself had helped create. That same night, the captain boarded his flagship and sailed to seas unknown. Perhaps one day he would return. When the people would see the folly of who they now allowed in power.
Aid from an unexpected angle
garcia was now in power yes. But that didn't stop the fact the ogres embargo still stood... It would only be a matter of time until even worse sanctions came to pass. Garcia had foreseen this however. His plan had been ad-hoc from the start. But the situation he managed to engineer was quite a beneficial one. It was funny really. He was quite sure the ogres wouldn't inerfere before now. But they did, and it was their attempt at controlling the situation that gave him the leverage needed to take over. He didn't need to do things covertly anymore. After all, there was no doubt in anyone's heart that this new revolutionary could do no wrong. He had exposed the aquilaan tyrant, and now he would carry them all to greatness.
Two envoys moved out, one headed for the khanate, and one to the dwarven nation of oógurtz. To the ogres, Garcia's message was part insult and part chastising. If they really thought they could dictate law in the sovereign nations of pirates, they were sorely mistaken. Effective immediately, the pirates declared a counter-embargo. One much clearer in intent. The sea would no longer be a safe haven to ogres, nor those foolish enough to try and trade with them. It was their own fault. After all, what would one expect when they bit the hand that feeded them. The envoy came back with a small fleet in tow. Garcia had ordered the evacuation of the concessions in ogre lands. Many were left behind. For a clear distinction had been made to determine who was 'important enough' to save. The boats would not come back. And those left behind would have to fend for themselves.
This would have been an extroadinarily idiotic move if not for the second envoy. The message he carried was not an offer.It was a confirmation to go through with a plan decided upon long ago. The envoy came back, ship loaded with supplies. Food from the dwarven subteranean farmlands. It was not hard for the dwarves to provide for their new allies. Their population density was much higher. And they had decades of experience feeding such numbers. The food given was bland and tough, but filling.
And so, the political situation made an about-face. The question to ask now was... how would the ogres react to this?
The madness begins
In gotham's central park, a tent city stood. It was a popular spot for the homeless to congregate. The GCPD nominally did not approve of its existence, but always had to divert resources to more pressing matters to really do anything about it. Tonight, quite a few of the destitute, listless men and women had gathered together. A few of them had heard a speech from the underground figure that had inspired the city's beggars and homeless recently, and they were eager to spread his message. One of them had brought a battery-powered Radio, to play a taped transcript of the speech. With a sputter, the outdated device sprang to life, and the voice of anarky could be heard by everyone.
People of Gotham, We all know this city is sick and corrupted inside. Too long have we allowed the elite to brainwash us into complacent acceptance of the injustice we see every day.
Negotiations
You might think I am just another person expressing outrage at the madmen and robbers that roam the streets of this city, but I will say already that those people are not the cause of what I am rallying against. They are but a symptom of the indifferent government that allows such degenerates to roam the streets. Therefore, do not write them off as a lost cause. Instead, see them as possible allies of circumstance .Tools of the revolution!Their reasons may not be as pure as ours, but their methods may very well coincide with our own.
Recruitment
Anarky's words awakened something in the people listening to it. Event through the worn speakers of an outdated radio, the spirited charisma behind his words could be clearly heard. Those that had brought the radio in the first place already stood ready to see if anyone else felt compelled to take action. A can of white spray-paint in hand to mark anyone who so desired as an active supporter. For now, it were only four or five people. But that was to be expected. Tonight was only the first night of the revolution, and it would be absurd to expect everyone to hear its call.
Criminal Activity
Of course, the people spreading the word in the park were not the only ones that pledged themselves in alignment with Anarky's message. His speech had also included a call to more substantial action.
Now, to show the puppeteers that squeeze us out every day that we have had enough, arm yourself and take what should be rightfully of the people. Banks, supermarkets and other such tentacles of the corporate monsters. Break them open and do some wealth redistribution.
As said, as done. It would have seemed like little more than a spree of ill-organized robberies in the early night at first. Were it not for the fact the robbers left the same mark everywhere. A white Circle A. Often sprayed on some large commercial billboard or such.
And let us also show the elite of this city that we will not be fooled at their attempts at posing as just and moral people. We all know the charity ball is just an excuse for the fat and wealthy to party together more than anything. So let us crash the party!
Outside of Wayne tower, people had started congregating. Their individual reasons for being there were many. Some had beef with an attending gothamite. Others had a problem with Wayne Enterprises. There were probably also some kids that were there mostly because it seemed exciting to go and crash a large public event. Tensions were high, and the security was nervous. The entire crowd was a riot waiting to happen.
In gotham's central park, a tent city stood. It was a popular spot for the homeless to congregate. The GCPD nominally did not approve of its existence, but always had to divert resources to more pressing matters to really do anything about it. Tonight, quite a few of the destitute, listless men and women had gathered together. A few of them had heard a speech from the underground figure that had inspired the city's beggars and homeless recently, and they were eager to spread his message. One of them had brought a battery-powered Radio, to play a taped transcript of the speech. With a sputter, the outdated device sprang to life, and the voice of anarky could be heard by everyone.
People of Gotham, We all know this city is sick and corrupted inside. Too long have we allowed the elite to brainwash us into complacent acceptance of the injustice we see every day.
Negotiations
You might think I am just another person expressing outrage at the madmen and robbers that roam the streets of this city, but I will say already that those people are not the cause of what I am rallying against. They are but a symptom of the indifferent government that allows such degenerates to roam the streets. Therefore, do not write them off as a lost cause. Instead, see them as possible allies of circumstance .Tools of the revolution!Their reasons may not be as pure as ours, but their methods may very well coincide with our own.
Recruitment
Anarky's words awakened something in the people listening to it. Event through the worn speakers of an outdated radio, the spirited charisma behind his words could be clearly heard. Those that had brought the radio in the first place already stood ready to see if anyone else felt compelled to take action. A can of white spray-paint in hand to mark anyone who so desired as an active supporter. For now, it were only four or five people. But that was to be expected. Tonight was only the first night of the revolution, and it would be absurd to expect everyone to hear its call.
Criminal Activity
Of course, the people spreading the word in the park were not the only ones that pledged themselves in alignment with Anarky's message. His speech had also included a call to more substantial action.
Now, to show the puppeteers that squeeze us out every day that we have had enough, arm yourself and take what should be rightfully of the people. Banks, supermarkets and other such tentacles of the corporate monsters. Break them open and do some wealth redistribution.
As said, as done. It would have seemed like little more than a spree of ill-organized robberies in the early night at first. Were it not for the fact the robbers left the same mark everywhere. A white Circle A. Often sprayed on some large commercial billboard or such.
And let us also show the elite of this city that we will not be fooled at their attempts at posing as just and moral people. We all know the charity ball is just an excuse for the fat and wealthy to party together more than anything. So let us crash the party!
Outside of Wayne tower, people had started congregating. Their individual reasons for being there were many. Some had beef with an attending gothamite. Others had a problem with Wayne Enterprises. There were probably also some kids that were there mostly because it seemed exciting to go and crash a large public event. Tensions were high, and the security was nervous. The entire crowd was a riot waiting to happen.
Any prognosis on when we'll be beginning in earnest?
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The colonies in the islands of many oppurtunities. Called anything from a cursed endeavour to the promised land. The coming of civilization from the east bought great political upheaval to this area. The foreigners with their destructive weapons cared nothing for the indeginous peoples. About their old land claims and their culture. They dismissed this outrage with claims of bringing true religion and civilization to the 'savages' standing before them.
It is in this time of change that we will tell this story. A story of nations, large and small, whose actions will forge the future of this region.
A meeting of leaders
Today, the captains of the confederacy of pirate kingdoms have gathered in session to discuss the latest issues. The captains gather on the deck of The admiral's flagship, their demeanor more like old friends meeting than important leaders gathering to discuss the future of their people. Soon, everyone was seated, and Admiral teach opened the meeting officially, standing in front of the attendees in his trademark straightbacked pose.
'Gentlemen, I can waste all our times with pleasantries, or I can get to the point. I think we all prefer the latter rather than the former, so let us begin.' As if on cue, a crewman unrolled a detailed map of the archipelo and sets it up on a standard. 'The first thing to discuss today is the recent incident in the ogre khanate.' The attending captains started talking amongst themselves. The ogres outrage had been a popular subject of conversation recently. 'As you all know, the khanate blames us for allowing a serial killer in their lands without challange. As we all know, we had no way of knowing the identity of this man.'
The admiral calls everyone to attention. 'It is my suggestion that we placate the ogres in their demands for reparations.' The suggestion sparked outrage in some of the attending captains. 'We mustn't show them weakness' some called. 'We cannot afford it' others said. The admiral allowed them to say their mind for just a few moments, long enough to give them the idea they were being lsitened to, yet short enough to make it clear who was still in charge. 'If you'll all excuse me sirs, I'll explain you all my reasoning. Ti s a long-term investment you see.' The admiral allowed his words to sink in for a moment. 'Do any of you remember the time before we had a solid trade agreement with the ogres? Famine and shortages were rampant. Our very comrades were starving to death on the shores of poorly-maintained ports. It is only by the expansive farmlands and herd animals of the ogres that we can feed our people. It is only by their lumber that we can maintain our ports. It has always been an agreement most benificial to us, so I ask that we all do our best to preserve it.'
The attendants all fell silent, in consideration of the admiral's words. 'So, gentlemen, is there any opposition to this decision?' The admiral's intent was clear. There were more than enough other issues to cover today, so the time of debating this sepcific issue was over. Edward's spirited speech had silenced many of the dissenting voices. Some arms still rose in opposition of the decision, but not enough to reach the majority vote required to overturn a decision. 'we are in agreement then. we will concede to the ogres demands of reparations, in the interest of preserving our good relations for the future.
It took a few moments for everyone to regain their composure. It wasn't abnormal for feelings to get somewhat heated during discussions of this sort. Edward briefly lamented the fact they would be even heavier when he would start the next debate. 'Now, the next issue on today's agenda is something you'll all be familiar with. As you might all know, the northern part of our confederation has always... flirted with thoughts of seperatism.' The last few words were more spit out than spoken, immediately, everyone knew what edward was getting at. 'I call forward captain juan garcia. Leader of freebooter retreat and a rather infamous opposer of my policies.'
The crows fell silent. Everyone turned around to look for the man known mostly for never being in support of whatever the admiral suggested. Naturally, he had been amongst the attendees opposing the idea of reparations. The eslean man stood up from his seat and walked forward. his step was ponderous and unfettered. The posture of a man not particularly bothered by the things he did to get what he wanted. He now stood directly before the admiral he had always opposed so. 'Well, Garcia. I would offer to shake your hand again, but you refused the first time. So... tell us of the nature of your relation with the dwarven dominion of Oógurtz.'
It took a while for Garcia to process what his admiral just said, and, by extension, what he was accusing him of. 'Sir, I urge you to know... the initiative came purely from their side. It is not exactly a secret I take some displeasure in your... policies.' Garcia gave the glib smile of a man so slick he could lie as easily as he could breathe. Edward considered his retort for a moment. 'Well, Garcia. Then why is it that your 'response' to this initiative was timestamped as being sent before the dwarves had ever even contacted you? I must say, your ability to see into the future is commendable.' Garcia's breath stopped in his throat. 'Sir, that must have been some kind of administrative error. I would never dream of fraternizing with our enemies.'
Edward turned away from garcia. He knew the man was lying. Everyone in attendance knew. But no one would ever hear the man admitting to it. 'My fellow captains. I hereby ask that captain Garcia's residence and office be subjected to a thorough search. I think we all have sufficient reason to believe him to be a threat to the integrity of our free nation.' Edward sighed. It was a certainty that his decision would be overturned again. Garcia was a powerful man, even after the formation of the confederated pirate kingdoms. How Edward wished more people would realize the eslean agitator only wielded so much power because no one ever bothered to keep him in check.
Again, several hands rose in the sky to signify their opposition, again, his suggestion for inquiry into the eslean's skullduggery had been overturned. The aquilaan admiral wished he could just run the rat through and be done with it. But such would be completely unbecoming of the head of a civilized state that deserved to be recognized in their sovereignty. No doubt garcia would start cleaning out anything incriminating the moment he returned to his port of call. The fish had slipped the net again. And again the little beast had poisoned the confederacy with its wicked bite.
The rest of the meeting consisted of standard fare. A round of hearing for any internal disputes to be resolved. As always, the most complaints came from the area in Garcia's sphere of influence. And as always, it seemed to be disputes drummed up purely to challange the validity of Edward's laws.
backroom skullduggery
After the meeting was over, the attendees dispersed into the port, some went straight back to their personal ships to embark on the journey back home. Others took a trip to one of the many taverns of skarh fin retreat. Mostly old friends catching up over a glass of one of the many fine ales the taverns served. But also those with, darker intentions.
Captain Juan Garcia was one such person with darker intentions. He hadn't a shred of doubt he was being shadowed by edward's cronies again. It wouldn't matter anymore, the next meeting would be several weeks from now, and by that time. His plans would already have come to fruïtion.
He came into one of the more backwater alehouses of the pirate retreat. It was the sort of place even pirates would rather avoid if they had a choice. The smell of cheap ale and stale sweat was the first thing anyone entering noticed, immediately followed by the realization everyone in the bar was akways looking at whatever newcomer decided to make their entrance. Garcia saw a lot of familiar faces, though a few were new. It didn't take him long to realize who the newcomers were, the unrelentingness of their stare said enough. With the nonchalance of a man that considers himself untouchable, he steps deeper into the bowels of the establishment. Few notice the furtive figure slipping in behind him before the door fully closes. The eslean didn't need to look around long to see his contact. It was hard to overlook a hobgoblin after all.
Yes, a hobgoblin, the infamous lapdogs of the dwarven dominions. Integrated in their armies as expendable shock troops and light cavalry over some agreement far in the past. Garcia considered them even more unpleasant to be around than their hotheaded masters. At least the dwarves could appreciate a glass of quality ale.
'The admiral knows what we're doing.' garcia whispered. The hobgoblin just listened. 'I need you all to hurry it up. I don't know how much longer I can keep him off my back.' The hobgoblin simply nodded, as if to communicate he had understood what was being said but considered himself too good to give an answer.
'I want that garisson established in my retreat yesterday, if the admiral finds out just how deep I'm already into this, he'll keelhaul me a hundredfold... are you even listening?” Garcia looked up to the hobgoblin, he had just been silently sitting there, almost as if a statue. 'Am I clear?' The hobgoblin did not respond, but simply pointed at the same furtive figure that had entered the bar behind Garcia. He knew the little man perfectly well. It was the personal spymaster of captain edward. A goblin with considerable talent for incovering plots of intrigue and skullduggery,and equally good at keeping them hidden from prying eyes himself.
'I need to go,I have a ship back home to catch. but remember, I guaranteed a safe passage, don't leave me hanging here. This might just be the little bit of leverage the admiral needs to remove me from my position. And probably from my mortal coil as well.' The man and the goblin nodded to each other, one leaving before the other, pretending not to know the goblin sitting on a table in the corner, conveniently positioned to have listened in on just about everything just said.
In summary
Edward teach sits in his personal cabin on the anchored flagship he calls home. It had been an eventful day. The decision to humor the demans of ogre khans for reparations had been made moslty unanimously, and yet he had also failed yet again to do something about the eslean problem in his government. Again Juan Garcia ould go unpunished for his attempts at sabotaging the confederation, again he would be allowed to agitate matters for another two months.
A more worrying development had also come in from his spymaster. Garcia had met with a hobgoblin, and they had talked about something sounding suspiciously like a military alliance of some kind. It was his honest hope that garcia would fail at reaching his goals like he did. The net was finally closing around the despicable rat. And this time, there would be no escape.
It is in this time of change that we will tell this story. A story of nations, large and small, whose actions will forge the future of this region.
A meeting of leaders
Today, the captains of the confederacy of pirate kingdoms have gathered in session to discuss the latest issues. The captains gather on the deck of The admiral's flagship, their demeanor more like old friends meeting than important leaders gathering to discuss the future of their people. Soon, everyone was seated, and Admiral teach opened the meeting officially, standing in front of the attendees in his trademark straightbacked pose.
'Gentlemen, I can waste all our times with pleasantries, or I can get to the point. I think we all prefer the latter rather than the former, so let us begin.' As if on cue, a crewman unrolled a detailed map of the archipelo and sets it up on a standard. 'The first thing to discuss today is the recent incident in the ogre khanate.' The attending captains started talking amongst themselves. The ogres outrage had been a popular subject of conversation recently. 'As you all know, the khanate blames us for allowing a serial killer in their lands without challange. As we all know, we had no way of knowing the identity of this man.'
The admiral calls everyone to attention. 'It is my suggestion that we placate the ogres in their demands for reparations.' The suggestion sparked outrage in some of the attending captains. 'We mustn't show them weakness' some called. 'We cannot afford it' others said. The admiral allowed them to say their mind for just a few moments, long enough to give them the idea they were being lsitened to, yet short enough to make it clear who was still in charge. 'If you'll all excuse me sirs, I'll explain you all my reasoning. Ti s a long-term investment you see.' The admiral allowed his words to sink in for a moment. 'Do any of you remember the time before we had a solid trade agreement with the ogres? Famine and shortages were rampant. Our very comrades were starving to death on the shores of poorly-maintained ports. It is only by the expansive farmlands and herd animals of the ogres that we can feed our people. It is only by their lumber that we can maintain our ports. It has always been an agreement most benificial to us, so I ask that we all do our best to preserve it.'
The attendants all fell silent, in consideration of the admiral's words. 'So, gentlemen, is there any opposition to this decision?' The admiral's intent was clear. There were more than enough other issues to cover today, so the time of debating this sepcific issue was over. Edward's spirited speech had silenced many of the dissenting voices. Some arms still rose in opposition of the decision, but not enough to reach the majority vote required to overturn a decision. 'we are in agreement then. we will concede to the ogres demands of reparations, in the interest of preserving our good relations for the future.
It took a few moments for everyone to regain their composure. It wasn't abnormal for feelings to get somewhat heated during discussions of this sort. Edward briefly lamented the fact they would be even heavier when he would start the next debate. 'Now, the next issue on today's agenda is something you'll all be familiar with. As you might all know, the northern part of our confederation has always... flirted with thoughts of seperatism.' The last few words were more spit out than spoken, immediately, everyone knew what edward was getting at. 'I call forward captain juan garcia. Leader of freebooter retreat and a rather infamous opposer of my policies.'
The crows fell silent. Everyone turned around to look for the man known mostly for never being in support of whatever the admiral suggested. Naturally, he had been amongst the attendees opposing the idea of reparations. The eslean man stood up from his seat and walked forward. his step was ponderous and unfettered. The posture of a man not particularly bothered by the things he did to get what he wanted. He now stood directly before the admiral he had always opposed so. 'Well, Garcia. I would offer to shake your hand again, but you refused the first time. So... tell us of the nature of your relation with the dwarven dominion of Oógurtz.'
It took a while for Garcia to process what his admiral just said, and, by extension, what he was accusing him of. 'Sir, I urge you to know... the initiative came purely from their side. It is not exactly a secret I take some displeasure in your... policies.' Garcia gave the glib smile of a man so slick he could lie as easily as he could breathe. Edward considered his retort for a moment. 'Well, Garcia. Then why is it that your 'response' to this initiative was timestamped as being sent before the dwarves had ever even contacted you? I must say, your ability to see into the future is commendable.' Garcia's breath stopped in his throat. 'Sir, that must have been some kind of administrative error. I would never dream of fraternizing with our enemies.'
Edward turned away from garcia. He knew the man was lying. Everyone in attendance knew. But no one would ever hear the man admitting to it. 'My fellow captains. I hereby ask that captain Garcia's residence and office be subjected to a thorough search. I think we all have sufficient reason to believe him to be a threat to the integrity of our free nation.' Edward sighed. It was a certainty that his decision would be overturned again. Garcia was a powerful man, even after the formation of the confederated pirate kingdoms. How Edward wished more people would realize the eslean agitator only wielded so much power because no one ever bothered to keep him in check.
Again, several hands rose in the sky to signify their opposition, again, his suggestion for inquiry into the eslean's skullduggery had been overturned. The aquilaan admiral wished he could just run the rat through and be done with it. But such would be completely unbecoming of the head of a civilized state that deserved to be recognized in their sovereignty. No doubt garcia would start cleaning out anything incriminating the moment he returned to his port of call. The fish had slipped the net again. And again the little beast had poisoned the confederacy with its wicked bite.
The rest of the meeting consisted of standard fare. A round of hearing for any internal disputes to be resolved. As always, the most complaints came from the area in Garcia's sphere of influence. And as always, it seemed to be disputes drummed up purely to challange the validity of Edward's laws.
backroom skullduggery
After the meeting was over, the attendees dispersed into the port, some went straight back to their personal ships to embark on the journey back home. Others took a trip to one of the many taverns of skarh fin retreat. Mostly old friends catching up over a glass of one of the many fine ales the taverns served. But also those with, darker intentions.
Captain Juan Garcia was one such person with darker intentions. He hadn't a shred of doubt he was being shadowed by edward's cronies again. It wouldn't matter anymore, the next meeting would be several weeks from now, and by that time. His plans would already have come to fruïtion.
He came into one of the more backwater alehouses of the pirate retreat. It was the sort of place even pirates would rather avoid if they had a choice. The smell of cheap ale and stale sweat was the first thing anyone entering noticed, immediately followed by the realization everyone in the bar was akways looking at whatever newcomer decided to make their entrance. Garcia saw a lot of familiar faces, though a few were new. It didn't take him long to realize who the newcomers were, the unrelentingness of their stare said enough. With the nonchalance of a man that considers himself untouchable, he steps deeper into the bowels of the establishment. Few notice the furtive figure slipping in behind him before the door fully closes. The eslean didn't need to look around long to see his contact. It was hard to overlook a hobgoblin after all.
Yes, a hobgoblin, the infamous lapdogs of the dwarven dominions. Integrated in their armies as expendable shock troops and light cavalry over some agreement far in the past. Garcia considered them even more unpleasant to be around than their hotheaded masters. At least the dwarves could appreciate a glass of quality ale.
'The admiral knows what we're doing.' garcia whispered. The hobgoblin just listened. 'I need you all to hurry it up. I don't know how much longer I can keep him off my back.' The hobgoblin simply nodded, as if to communicate he had understood what was being said but considered himself too good to give an answer.
'I want that garisson established in my retreat yesterday, if the admiral finds out just how deep I'm already into this, he'll keelhaul me a hundredfold... are you even listening?” Garcia looked up to the hobgoblin, he had just been silently sitting there, almost as if a statue. 'Am I clear?' The hobgoblin did not respond, but simply pointed at the same furtive figure that had entered the bar behind Garcia. He knew the little man perfectly well. It was the personal spymaster of captain edward. A goblin with considerable talent for incovering plots of intrigue and skullduggery,and equally good at keeping them hidden from prying eyes himself.
'I need to go,I have a ship back home to catch. but remember, I guaranteed a safe passage, don't leave me hanging here. This might just be the little bit of leverage the admiral needs to remove me from my position. And probably from my mortal coil as well.' The man and the goblin nodded to each other, one leaving before the other, pretending not to know the goblin sitting on a table in the corner, conveniently positioned to have listened in on just about everything just said.
In summary
Edward teach sits in his personal cabin on the anchored flagship he calls home. It had been an eventful day. The decision to humor the demans of ogre khans for reparations had been made moslty unanimously, and yet he had also failed yet again to do something about the eslean problem in his government. Again Juan Garcia ould go unpunished for his attempts at sabotaging the confederation, again he would be allowed to agitate matters for another two months.
A more worrying development had also come in from his spymaster. Garcia had met with a hobgoblin, and they had talked about something sounding suspiciously like a military alliance of some kind. It was his honest hope that garcia would fail at reaching his goals like he did. The net was finally closing around the despicable rat. And this time, there would be no escape.
Nation: The pirate kingdoms.
Government: Confederacy. Currently headed by the full sail rovers pirate crew by overwhelming military power. The head of state is given the title of admiral. Individual leaders of retreat have the right to overturn decisions made by the admiral by majority vote, and each of the retreats is considered an autonomous entitiy within the confederacy.
Head of state: Admiral Juan Garcia: An eslean pirate of great infamy, Juan garcia's story is one of betrayal, bloodshed and opression. In the times before teach united the pirate retreats under one banner, Garcia ran his own little corner of the islands like a cruel tyrant. The natives were enslaved and amde to work so that garcia and his crew could indulge in the pleasures of life on a tropical island without having to lift a finger themselves.
Naturally, this state of affairs was overturned when Edward Teach codified the pirate code. Garcia had been told his iron-fisted rule over his personal holdings would not be compromised. Teach called it a white lie for the good of everyone, but the eslean never forgave him for it.
Now, political upheaval and an ill-timed tirade on teach's part has allowed the eslean to take control over the nation. The people support him wholeheartedly as the exposer of teach's 'tyranny'. Only time will tell how this change in leadership will affect the peace Teach has brokered in the region.
Demographics: the pirate kingdoms Are a relatively new political entity. Formed from individual pirate retrears in the many smaller islands between ausches and iorosis who soon after their unification adopted the local native peoples as protectorates. In demographic terms. The actual pirates are outnumbered by natives by about 3 to 1, though the unification also came with multiple initiatives to reduce tensions between natives and pirates with the intent of peaceful coexistence. Quite a few of the younger citizens are of mixed parentage as a result of this. And it is very unlikely relations will significantly worsen apart from the occasional incident caused by an insolent priate captain not following the code of conduct.
Ideologies and religion: The Pirate kingdoms codified a set of laws shortly after their formation colloqualliy referred to as the pirate code. It covers a great range of subject, with most of it focusing on individual freedom and lack of social classism. It was a necessity to create laws like this to keep the many different nationalities of btoh colonial and native descent from causing internal friction.
In terms of religion, most pirates of colonial descent follow the cayleanite sect of the iomedaeic church. An age-old monotheistic religion that reformed their doctrines when it became undeniable gods other than iomedae existed. The church acknowledges other gods as existing but does not officially sanction the prayer of such individual minor gods. The cayleanite sect follows the teachings of a god of freedom, change and hedonism. A fact also quite reflected in many passages of the pirate code. The native tribes follow a wide variety of minor local deities mostly based upon animist principles, though some tribes have begun moving away from these deities in favor of the cayleanite sect. This naturally creates some friction with more traditionalist natives, though so far the problem has been contained to peaceful protests.
Economy: The pirate kingdoms have little local production and are under trade embargo by all of the colonies. However, the lax regulations and high volume of goods seized from trade vessels make the islands a flourishing hub for black market trade. The largest players in this illegal market besides the pirate kingdoms themselves are the ogre khanate to the west and the combined criminal underground of the colonies.
Military: As a nation consisting mostly of disparate islands, the main military focus of the pirates lies in naval combat ability. They have acces to ships and tactics similiar to that used by the colonial navies. Though their fleet has become somewhat outdated in recent years due to bad relations with the mainland. However, an advantage the pirates have over the colonies is the presence of sea-dwelling undine natives. Pirates of undine descent are feared as effective boarders and skirmishers, as their amphibian biology allows them to freely manouver without an actual ship.
The organization of the pirate navy is modeled heavily after that of the aquilaan colonial navy, as it is a framework admiral teach has worked with for years and years. The supreme commander of the naval forces is admiral teach. Detachments of the main naval force are referred to as squadrons, and are commanded by captains appointed by the admiral based upon merit. The pirates navy is among the strongest in the archipelo. With only the aquilaan colonial navy being a truly fair matchup. Over the years, this has led to a strong rivalry between notable pirates and navy officers.
Foreign relations: The pirate kingdoms are quite disliked by the colonies, who view them as being a rogue state created by outlaws and freebooters. As well as a threat to their trade interests in the region. The smaller native nations view them with ambivalence, as their only reall interactions with them are the occasional black market deal for firearms or other goods of comparable illegality. The ogre khanate has generally good relations with them due to a long-standing history of mutually profitable trade. A strip of beach from the main landmass of iorosis was even granted to the pirates to forge more permanent good relations between the two nations. At the current time however, a severe diplomatic incident has heavily soured relations. Something not easily remedied due to the decentralized nature of both sides. Things are also brewing on the northeastern part of the confederacy, A faction lead by captain jaun Garcia is unhappy with the reforms pushed through by admiral edward teach. Before the unification, they used their superior position to the natives to carve out their own personal playgrounds on the backs of the locals. This state of affairs was ended when admiral teach personally stepped in to enforce compliance with the pirate code. For this, captain Garcia has always resented the admiral, and by extension, the confederation.
Recent political happenings have given Garcia an oppurtunity to openly revolt and break off from the confederation. A war has been brewing between the colonies an the dwarven dominions. And an offer for naval support from garcia to the dwarves was met with a mostly positive answer. This is a worrying development, as garcia and his cronies make up about a third of the naval forces of the confederation.
Government: Confederacy. Currently headed by the full sail rovers pirate crew by overwhelming military power. The head of state is given the title of admiral. Individual leaders of retreat have the right to overturn decisions made by the admiral by majority vote, and each of the retreats is considered an autonomous entitiy within the confederacy.
Head of state: Admiral Juan Garcia: An eslean pirate of great infamy, Juan garcia's story is one of betrayal, bloodshed and opression. In the times before teach united the pirate retreats under one banner, Garcia ran his own little corner of the islands like a cruel tyrant. The natives were enslaved and amde to work so that garcia and his crew could indulge in the pleasures of life on a tropical island without having to lift a finger themselves.
Naturally, this state of affairs was overturned when Edward Teach codified the pirate code. Garcia had been told his iron-fisted rule over his personal holdings would not be compromised. Teach called it a white lie for the good of everyone, but the eslean never forgave him for it.
Now, political upheaval and an ill-timed tirade on teach's part has allowed the eslean to take control over the nation. The people support him wholeheartedly as the exposer of teach's 'tyranny'. Only time will tell how this change in leadership will affect the peace Teach has brokered in the region.
Demographics: the pirate kingdoms Are a relatively new political entity. Formed from individual pirate retrears in the many smaller islands between ausches and iorosis who soon after their unification adopted the local native peoples as protectorates. In demographic terms. The actual pirates are outnumbered by natives by about 3 to 1, though the unification also came with multiple initiatives to reduce tensions between natives and pirates with the intent of peaceful coexistence. Quite a few of the younger citizens are of mixed parentage as a result of this. And it is very unlikely relations will significantly worsen apart from the occasional incident caused by an insolent priate captain not following the code of conduct.
Ideologies and religion: The Pirate kingdoms codified a set of laws shortly after their formation colloqualliy referred to as the pirate code. It covers a great range of subject, with most of it focusing on individual freedom and lack of social classism. It was a necessity to create laws like this to keep the many different nationalities of btoh colonial and native descent from causing internal friction.
In terms of religion, most pirates of colonial descent follow the cayleanite sect of the iomedaeic church. An age-old monotheistic religion that reformed their doctrines when it became undeniable gods other than iomedae existed. The church acknowledges other gods as existing but does not officially sanction the prayer of such individual minor gods. The cayleanite sect follows the teachings of a god of freedom, change and hedonism. A fact also quite reflected in many passages of the pirate code. The native tribes follow a wide variety of minor local deities mostly based upon animist principles, though some tribes have begun moving away from these deities in favor of the cayleanite sect. This naturally creates some friction with more traditionalist natives, though so far the problem has been contained to peaceful protests.
Economy: The pirate kingdoms have little local production and are under trade embargo by all of the colonies. However, the lax regulations and high volume of goods seized from trade vessels make the islands a flourishing hub for black market trade. The largest players in this illegal market besides the pirate kingdoms themselves are the ogre khanate to the west and the combined criminal underground of the colonies.
Military: As a nation consisting mostly of disparate islands, the main military focus of the pirates lies in naval combat ability. They have acces to ships and tactics similiar to that used by the colonial navies. Though their fleet has become somewhat outdated in recent years due to bad relations with the mainland. However, an advantage the pirates have over the colonies is the presence of sea-dwelling undine natives. Pirates of undine descent are feared as effective boarders and skirmishers, as their amphibian biology allows them to freely manouver without an actual ship.
The organization of the pirate navy is modeled heavily after that of the aquilaan colonial navy, as it is a framework admiral teach has worked with for years and years. The supreme commander of the naval forces is admiral teach. Detachments of the main naval force are referred to as squadrons, and are commanded by captains appointed by the admiral based upon merit. The pirates navy is among the strongest in the archipelo. With only the aquilaan colonial navy being a truly fair matchup. Over the years, this has led to a strong rivalry between notable pirates and navy officers.
Foreign relations: The pirate kingdoms are quite disliked by the colonies, who view them as being a rogue state created by outlaws and freebooters. As well as a threat to their trade interests in the region. The smaller native nations view them with ambivalence, as their only reall interactions with them are the occasional black market deal for firearms or other goods of comparable illegality. The ogre khanate has generally good relations with them due to a long-standing history of mutually profitable trade. A strip of beach from the main landmass of iorosis was even granted to the pirates to forge more permanent good relations between the two nations. At the current time however, a severe diplomatic incident has heavily soured relations. Something not easily remedied due to the decentralized nature of both sides. Things are also brewing on the northeastern part of the confederacy, A faction lead by captain jaun Garcia is unhappy with the reforms pushed through by admiral edward teach. Before the unification, they used their superior position to the natives to carve out their own personal playgrounds on the backs of the locals. This state of affairs was ended when admiral teach personally stepped in to enforce compliance with the pirate code. For this, captain Garcia has always resented the admiral, and by extension, the confederation.
Recent political happenings have given Garcia an oppurtunity to openly revolt and break off from the confederation. A war has been brewing between the colonies an the dwarven dominions. And an offer for naval support from garcia to the dwarves was met with a mostly positive answer. This is a worrying development, as garcia and his cronies make up about a third of the naval forces of the confederation.
I myself will be taking on the role of the pirate kingdoms.
if it isn't too much, I would like to call dibs on anarky.
sorry about that, my impatience made me jump the gun. I'm also interested in the Tri-Tachyon corporation.
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