[b]Kythian, Duchy of Lydiah[/b]

Duke Elvahn surveyed the mighty port of Kythian from his balcony, absorbing its greatness and wealth. One of the finest dockyards in the known world, there were few other nations that could compare with Lydiah's naval power. Readjusting his grip on his trident, his primary weapon and symbol of the Duchy, he prepared to relax for a few minutes before the bustle of state affairs overtook him again.

"Your Grace," squeaked a small, nervous voice. Elvahn's servants were well aware of his dislike of being interrupted or bothered while resting.

"What is it, Geoffrey." sighed the Duke wearily. "This had better be important." 

"Your Grace, the ambassador from the Lance Empire has sent me with a message from Emperor Gabriel. He seeks to negotiate further trade agreements with Lydiah."

Elvahn stopped and pondered this for a moment. Turning his head towards the Thane of Kythian, his chief advisor and High Admiral of the Lydiahn fleet, he spoke thus: "The Emperor has an interest in the New World, is that not so?"

"It is, your Grace." replied the Thane. 

"Hmm... perhaps... perhaps we could use this to our advantage. The other nations will have set out to colonise the new land, that is almost certain. It is unlikely that Lydiah could establish a foothold alone... this negotiation does not necessarily have to be purely trade orientated, does it?"

"I think I begin to understand, your Grace." said the Thane, a slow smile breaking on his face.

"Very well," announced the Duke, turning once more to the messenger. "Bid the ambassador come hither to the palace, and we will discuss matters at once. And you," he said, swivelling his gaze to the Thane. "Ready the fleets. I want at least four frigates, five barques, and some passenger ships. There is little doubt that the Emperor will refuse our help - his navy is weak, our ships could be a vital help to him."

Elvahn smiled as he watched the men scuttle away to do his bidding. Though they would likely never conquer the New World, its opportunities could definitely be exploited.

(The negotiations will be done through PMs)

[hider=Colonial Fleet (yet to be deployed)]
4 Frigates
5 Barques
5 Brigs
3 Galleys
5 passenger ships (each holds roughly 150 people in relative comfort, with low risk of disease)
200 soldiers (regulars)
450 settlers
100 assorted livestock and poultry
Farming implements and seed
Assorted livestock
I years supply of food, rationed and preserved[/hider]