Holds of Karag Mor/Republic of Ever-Winter

(OOC: Leaving it up to you when we arrive at the Grand Hall of Thanes seeing as I choose when we left Flint's home; which has a print map below in the spoiler for reference. Awesome that we both got two posts up each so quickly yay!!)

As Garek motioned to the rolled up parchment in his pack it reminded the Thane of the terms which were benificial for both dwarven societies:

Oath of Kinship
- Unites the two Dwarven Societies so that in times of War, the other will come to support the first.
- Unites the two Dwarven Societies so that in times of Economical troubles, the other will support the first.
- Unites the two Dwarven Societies so that both will speak of troubles so that both will remain united.
- Unites the two Dwarven Societies with a Council that will unite the ruling castes of both as brothers.
- Empty space where any other modifications to the original treaty can be made.
- Multiple areas where signatures can be made.

"Yes I agree, I particularly have interest in how our two Dwarven Sociesties will have a council with the ruling castes combined. I'm sure discussions will be brought up regarding that subject. The others seem straight forward enough though." Flint added

"Here's something interesting, light tunnels." Flint stated pointing towards light flooding from the roof of the mountains interior, "We built those in ages past, or the other two clans did, my own prefers more naturall darkness then these warrens. But they reflect light off large mirriors and shine it into the darkness below, our homes. All the warrens and the other two cities use them, only Never-Winter uses glow worm lamps* as their primary light day and night." the Thane proudly explained his clansmen's accomplishments while showing his own pride at the Operis Clans continued use of their ancestors discoveries of the glow worms*.

*Glow Worm Lamps/Glow Worms: Worms held within a lamp shaped object project an soft blue light. Although not bright this glow provided by the creatures provide around ten feet of easy sight to any from the Operis Clan and others around 5 ft. The Lamps can be seen by others in the dark from around 100 feet away. The worms within live around 14-17 years before they must be replaced within the lamps. The worms are found in the dark warrens used to grow some of the republics fungus and mushrooms.

Grand Hall of Thanes; General Layout:

Spoiler:

((Gona' say we get there now. I'm running out of small talk. xD))

As the group entered the hall a bright grin formed on Garek's face. From the eyes of anyone other than a Dwarf, it was just a Pentagon shaped room with two tables in the laid out in the center. To a Dwarf however, it was so much more. From just a quick glance, Garek could see that the hall was perfectly symmetrical, each side the same length, and the dimensions perfect for the work at hand. A fine piece of stone masonry thought Garek as he looked about.

"Well, now that we're here, let's get to it shall we?" Garek said as he turned to grin at Flint, awaiting the Thane's first move as they entered the hall.

The Pentagon shaped room was in fact something more along the lines of a ampatheater. The high walls were some 20 Feet high where observing dwarves of the republic came to watch the proccedings and voice their concerns to their thanes later. Placed at the far end of the Grand Hall was an addition that the Thane noticed immediately. A seperate table for Garek and other ambassadors.

"Garek let me introduce you to the other Thanes." Flint stated seeing Hammerfell and Brimstone already present, "This wise old dwarve you see before you is Thane Anvil Hammerfell. Thane Hammerfell isof the Scola Clan whose city is Ever-Winter. This giant of a dwarve is Thane Steel Brimstone, and he's the Thane of the Purpuras Clan in Black Lake City. Thane Hammerfell and Brimstone this is Garek Whitebeard, of the Holds of Karag Mor." The two dwarves, both older then Thane Flint Stokes, greated Garek warmly.

Bernard, Keeper of the Grand Hall of Thanes, approached Garek waiting for the Thanes to allow him a word, which they quickly did. The Keeper held their respect for he had been doing his job as keeper far longer then they as thanes. "The dwarve who accompanied you here can sit in the seats. They've a section for themselves or they can sit with dwarves of the Republic if they wish. There's two extra seats at your table." The keeper stated grumpily walking off leaning on a cane. It was sad that Bernard knew more about the Republic then the Thanes and Regent from his time as Keeper of the Grand Hall. Many treated him with equal respect shown to the leaders of the Republic of Ever-Winter.

Regent Thrag was already present and was similarly introduced to Garek as the two Thanes. Commander Ironfist arrived last nodding to Garek whom he had met first when he led him into the Republics undermountain domain. As they took their seats, after the ritural opening ceremony of every council*, Thane Flint Stokes remained standing as the hushed quite fell over all those at the assembly, "Brothers and sisters of the Republic," he spoke clear not needing to raise his voice as his words reached the ears of those surrounding him, I called this emergency council so that our kinsmen" guesturing towards where Garek sat, "can speak his peace. Let us keep our ears and minds open to his words." Sitting down the Thane had given the floor to Garek Whitebeard.

*Ritural Opening Ceremony: I haven't yet thought up something kool an interesting. When I do I'll be sure to make a nice little note about it but untill then let this vague and unclear wording interest you.

((Sorry, this weeks been hectic.))

Garek bowed lowly to the Thanes of Neverwinter. In the Mors, Title was considered a great honor, and one that should be respected. At least in the Holds, Title and Nobility was earned through greatness, not family heritage.

"It is a pleasure to meet both of you, and a great honor as well to be in the presence of so many lords," he said as he cleared his throat, looking over the assembled nobility, "Brother Dwarves of Neverwinter, I come to you with open arms, in happy reverence to kinsmen lost, now found. In my homeland, we had believed that we were the last of our people, doomed to disappear from the world as do all things. Now, with the discovery of your existence we have a chance to reunite the Dwarves once more!"

As he said his final words, he drew the long sheath of leather from his pack. Unstopping the top, he pulled out the copy of the Oath of Kinship and presented it to the multiple Lords.

Oath of Kinship
- Unites the two Dwarven Societies so that in times of War, the other will come to support the first.
- Unites the two Dwarven Societies so that in times of Economical troubles, the other will support the first.
- Unites the two Dwarven Societies so that both will speak of troubles so that both will remain united.
- Unites the two Dwarven Societies with a Council that will unite the ruling castes of both as brothers.
- Empty space where any other modifications to the original treaty can be made.
- Multiple areas where signatures can be made.

After giving them a sufficient amount of time to read it over, he continued speaking.

"This Oath was drafted by my Lord, King Kurgen Forgebeard of Karag Mor. It is his intention to reunite the lost tendrils of the lost Dwarven Empire, to forge an alliance of Kinsmen stronger than any foe could break. Through this, we shall endure."

(Not at all dude I've had the Avian's to entertain me lol, hopefully we can wrap this up all nice and neat like. Also Thane Anvil Hammerfell is for peace with Avian's so the Republic can prosper trying to convey that with him in these negotiations sorry if I screw plans up for you moderators hopefully I wont though.)

The Regent being presented with the Oath of Kinship read it aloud in a clear voice allowing the three Thanes present to hear it's offer as well as the assembled people watching and listening to Garek's words. After he was finished the Dwarf from the Holds of Karag Mor continued, "This Oath was drafted by my Lord, King Kurgen Forgebeard of Karag Mor. It is his intention to reunite the lost tendrils of the lost Dwarven Empire, to forge an alliance of Kinsmen stronger than any foe could break. Through this, we shall endure."

As Garek sat down the Regent and Thanes began their debating. Thane Anvil Hammerfell was the first to speak, "An alliance with the Holds of Karag Mor would be favorable to the Republic of Ever-Winter. Our combined nations would force the Avian's to seek peace with us after they saw the might of a dwarven alliance. We would simply have to put a show of force and then our peace could be maintained and we could once again prosper without threats."

Regent Thrag countered, "I agree an alliance with the Dwarves of the Holds of Karag Mor will be benificial but a simple show of force isn't the answer. Those Avian's will continue to plague us and never cease their aggressions till we upset their leaders rule weather it be the combined might our our two peoples or through the strength of the Republic alone the Avians must..."

Thane Steel interrupted the Regent and the Thanes different points for their re-election, "We're not here to discuss course of action against the Avians, but this Oath of Kinship. I beleive we shouldn't stray from that topic, as for the oath I'm highly in favor of such a course of action. United the two dwarven nations would be a force none would rekon with and could in time prop each other up and prosper a great deal. The only issue I see is this concil of Ruling Castes. We can't have simply their King and our Regent present because any disagreement would be dead locked but we can't have an abundence of Thanes present either."

Looking at the Oath of Kinship Thane Steel offered, "What if this Concil of Ruling Castes were held alternatively here within the Republic as well as the Holds. Which ever nation hosting the Concil is allowed their leader, their General, and one Thane. The nation visiting their leader and their General or a Thane depending on their preference. The other three points of the Oath are straight forward enough."

Commander Ironfist, standing in for the general had nothing to comment. He was there purely for military advice but since this was more of a diplomatic matter remained out of it though approved of the Thane Steel's purposal and points. Thane Flint, "I feared there'd be complications regarding that topic on the Oath, though couldn't think of an adaquate resolution such as Thane Steel. I support the Oath as well as the suggested clearification regarding the Council of the Ruling Caste."

As the debate drew on for half an hour the Council of Thanes agreed that they would accept the Oath of Kinship if the point regarding the Council of Ruling Castes could be clearified in a more specific way. Thane Steel Brimstone asked Garek, "We've come to an agreement as you no doubt know." seeing as Garek was sitting at the ambassador's table he had heard everything discussed, "We'd like to amend the portion of the Oath that states:

- Unites the two Dwarven Societies with a Council that will unite the ruling castes of both as brothers.

and add below it the following," the Thane stated picking up a peice of paper and giving it to Garek. The paper had the written words of what they hoped to add to the Oath.

- The Council of Kinsmen will alternate between the Republic and the Holds. Whomever the host is allowed three Representitives while whomever the guest allowed two Representitives.

Garek held his chin in the palm of his hand as the group bickered and squabbled over what should and shouldn't become of the Oath. So far, he found himself fond of these Dwarves. A fine example of Dwarven Culture if any there was one thought Garek as boredom itched at his brain. A slight grin formed on his lips as he thought of how foolish he was being. The years of being on the surface have made you anxious for actions it seems. As he pondered this new event, he was broken from his trance by the voice of the Council addressing him.

- Unites the two Dwarven Societies with a Council that will unite the ruling castes of both as brothers.

- The Council of Kinsmen will alternate between the Republic and the Holds. Whomever the host is allowed three Representitives while whomever the guest allowed two Representitives.

Garek rubbed his bearded chin with his index finger and thumb in thought. He saw nothing wrong with this addition, in fact found it quite sound. However, accepting anything without the approval of one of the Thanes was tantamount to complete disrespect to them and their families. As he moved to say it was not in his rights to make any changes he stopped himself. Had Kurgen not given him complete control of the expedition and the Oath? Was it not in his rights to decide what was best for the Holds, in the name of his King? With a grumble of self gratitude he stood up and bowed once more.

"This seems a proper and acceptable addition to the Oath. It would be beneficial to both parties, no doubt. In the name of King Kurgen Firebrand I accept this as truth. If that is all, shall we get down to signing the thing?" He said, eager to make it official, "We still have other things to speak of."

The leaders of the Republic waited patiently as Garek thought over their purposed change to the Oath of Kinship. "This seems a proper and acceptable addition to the Oath. It would be beneficial to both parties, no doubt. In the name of King Kurgen Firebrand I accept this as truth. If that is all, shall we get down to signing the thing?" Garek replyed sounding eager to make it official, "We still have other things to speak of."

The Thanes murmed their agreement while Regent Thrag Shields added the approprate addition to the Oath and pened his name at the bottom of the agreement signing for the Republic as a whole agreeing to the terms. The Thanes made room for Garek Whitebeard as the Regent finished and passed the writing utensil to the dwarf from the Holds of Karag Mor.

(Not sure what else you want to talk about, the current war of Ever-Winter and Ezria? I'll let you start it.)

Garek took the writing utensil and scrawled his name across the paper. Pride welled up in his heart as he though, millennia from now, young dwarfs would look onto this document and see his name signed in the bottom. He was sure he had gained himself immortality in the mortal world now. Pushing the thoughts out, Garek turned to matters of a more serious nature.

"Aye, a good day. Now, I would hear more of these Bird Men and their War with you? I would not see all this great deeds done in vain."

Military matters were brought up and although any one of the politicians could have answered the question posed by Garek Whitebeard they opinions of the upcoming election would no doubt come into play. Looking at Commander Ironfist they allowed him to supply unbaised facts of the war. He was a dwarf of the Republic and as such fought for her safety and not for political gains. He kept his own personal beleifs about the upcoming election to himself not wishing to influence those under his command and be accused of ordering votes for one party or another.

"The Avains as they call themselves are a race of birdmen. Some, in battle, have exhibited the ability of flight though generally they are the lightest armed and armored ones. Our first conflict with them was over 140 years ago when we sent an ambassador to offer a suggestion that they relocate to another mountain chain to prevent tensions between our people which the Republic offered assistance to do or the some form of peace would be accomplished between our people. As such we don't know what exctly they heard but we know from the sole survivors report that the diplomatic ambassador didn't live long enough to complete his offers but was executed along with all but one of his escorts."

Sighing Ironfist continued with the history lesson, "Before this our people were a peacefull people and I doubt so much of the Republics blood had been shed in centuries untill those Avian's executed their captives. The sole survivor was in a great deal of shock, at least that's what the reports say. He supposedly still lives though is crazy from seeing the atrocities the Avians commited. Upon his return the Republic went to war. Our first efforts were stalled due to lack of knowledge of our enemy whom could fight and had better knowledge of the terrain. Ultimately the 1st Dwarven Legion was lost, the 2nd was formed and fought, finding victory after victory. Pushing the Avians back, but we retreated into our mountains because a third party appeared and we knew not their intent nor did we wish another diplomatic party to end up similarly executed."

Running his palm over his mouth and beard the commander informed, "Over 140 years have passed and Avian scouts assualted dwarven soldiers inspecting our south entrance camouflage to see if it needed replacing. The Avian's in all this time have never gone past Death Trap Pass, last time they did they were marching on the Republic before the 2nd stopped them and they had sent flying scouts ahead to look fro the entrance. This was a similar tactic so the 3rd Dwarven Legion was formed and after a declaration of war they march out of the same entrance you entered. We've yet to hear much from them but caravans should be returning soon so we'll know more then."

((As always sorry for taking awhile. Also, sorry for small post.))

Garek listened patiently throughout the tale. Every so often he would nod or grumble, ancient battles forming in his mind. From what he was hearing, these Avians were the equivalent to the elves of the Holds. Traitorous creatures with less honor then dogs, clearly. As the tale came to a close Garek stared blankly, deep in thought. After giving the story proper thought he spoke once more.

"Aye lads, these Avians sound like truly cowardice beings, dishonorable beyond reason. I offer my condolences for your losses in battle with these heathens. If there is anything the Holds can do, don't hesitate to ask."

Garek had been present within the Republic during the whole election process of the new Regent so when Regent Anvil requested, "Well we're planning on opening another front. If we can succed in making the Avian's beleive that their forces don't stand a chance we might be able to bring an end to the war so that we can begin a reign of peace hopefully. Personally I was hoping that the Holds of Karag Mor would be able to send some 3,000 Dwarven Warriors to our aid as well as a few seige weapons such as catapults, battering rams, or a seige tower if available."

Going into details of where the Dwarves from the Holds were to be stationed, "Around 1000 of your kinsmen would be requested to aid the defense of the fortress at Death Trap Pass here." Anvil said pointedly

Legion General Thrag then steped in, "The other 2,000 dwarves or so would meet with an similarly sized force of the Republic near the north Entrance with what Seige Equipment available to us making our strength nearing 5,000 dwarves give or take. From there we march out and battle the Avian's where we see fit."

After Gareks response to the purposal Anvil continued with other matters, "I'm sure you've heard that the Republics claimed a Iron Vein that resides both in the Republic and the Holds. As our stake marks it for the Republic and I've heard that Thrag sent a massive informing you of the location I have a purposal. The Republic buys the land where the Vein of Iron is from the Holds. We discovered it some time ago but only recently sent miners to the area. I was thinking 350,000 Gold Coins for the area."

Continuing without stopping the new Regent went on about a possible trade agreement something he must accomplish seeing as it's something he promised to do while running for the position, "As for trade I was hoping that the Holds could use Stone or Marble, I know with the war should the Holds have any spare Iron ores we'd gladly trade them for it."

Summery:

-Request for aid against the Avians, along with presenting a plan of opening a new front against the Avians.
-350,000 Gold Coins for the land where the iron vein in the Holds resides. (5 EP)
-Trade suggested without clear specifications of minor/moderate/massive, will leave that up to you Zhufor

((Sorry that it took forever to make a new post. Been lazy as hell, starting the post, then not finishing it.))

Garek had spent the entire election confused and disorientated by the strange custom. He was completely taken aback by the removal of a prominent and seemingly quite adequate leader from power. Back in the Holds, the King couldn't be removed unless all the Thanes ruled to over throw him and even then another member of the Royal Clan would take power. It seemed like an entire waste of time and resources. Finally the long process came to an end and talks resumed.

As Garek listened to the new military plans held by the Regent, he couldn't help but think back to the Holds. It had been a long time since the Holds had gone to true war and would be a much needed boost of morale if a victory could be won. However, the amount of men requested to aid in this war was quite high indeed. Garek rubbed his chin in thought.

"3,000 Lads eh? That's a lot of Clansmen possibly lost. I doubt many Thanes will be quite pleased with that demand. However, our Oath demands that we come to your aid and one doesn't break oaths. Aye, we will send these men to aid our brothers of Ever-Winter."

As the speech continued Garek once again became slightly uncomfortable. He found that Anvil was quite pushy in matters of trade. Who was he to decide what belonged to the Holds anyways? Garek decided he much preferred the previous Regent to this new one.

"Mmm. This is not my decision to make, you see. The mining clans will have claimed it themselves and they themselves are sovereign parties within the Holds. You would have to take it up with them if you want them to give up their mines. However, I would be glad to offer trade between the Holds and Ever-Winter. It's true that we are in desperate need of proper stone, for you see, the Holds over the Century have used up most of the good building material. I offer equal trade (Moderate) for both of us so that we may both flourish."

---

-The Holds will not sell the Vein to Ever-Winter without more in-depth Negotiations.
-The Holds agree to send around 3000 Troops to aid Ever-Winter in it's war.
-The Holds agree to trade away their Iron (Moderate) for Stone (Moderate).

(Not at all dude, I took Agrina while you were gone lol but about to lose it. Apparently we can't both own the mines between our nations either so it's one or the other too which sucks cuz no agreement means neither side gets it. Make sure you let Mille know what troops are going where and that they're coming to aide the Republic. And already working on a trade with stone with Mille, sorry but you weren't around and didn't think I'd use the Stone to trade with you. Maybe if I find stuff in the new areas when they post a mod mark we'll get a trade for like what/ever it is for marble or that Iron you already own or something.)

"Aye, to many in fact but the Dwarves from the Holds won't be front line troops if we can help it. They'll be used mostly to reinforce the Death Trap Fortress with anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 dwarves depending on your general's decision, and the rest will be used as reinforcements for the 4th Dwarven Legion that should be leaving. We'll try not to risk our kinsmens lives and use our own strength to see this war through but these Crows are deadly foes, even for dwarven might." The Regent informed.

Hearing the news of trading Stone for the rights to the Iron the Regent was displeased. "How about you send my purposal to your Mining clans though I shall amend it. We'll still offer 350,00 Gold Coins for the Land that the Vein is on within the Holds of Karag Mor. But well also compensate the Mining Clans with a equal price so that the Republic has full claim to the Iron."

"Unfortantely we cannot agree to any tades with stone at the moment. Ambassadors left the Republic some time ago and we're uncertain if it's already promised to someone else. Although we recently just expanded our boarders so we may yet find another source. We also have marble, or will when they begin mining."

Summery:
-700,000 Gold for the Iron Vein; 350,000 to the Kingdom for the land and 350,000 to the Mining clands (10 EP total)

((Um, don't know why we can't just both mine it and get 10/20 instead of the full 20/20. I think it would actually make a lot of sense myself.))

Garek tapped at his forehead with his index finger. All this negotiating was getting on his nerves. Could the Regent not tell that he didn't wish to trade off something as valuable as an Iron Vein? He continued to grumble quietly until he heard the Regent's new promise. Even for a Dwarf as controlled as himself that kind of money wasn't something so easily thrown about. The numbers made his mouth water just thinking about it. With a reassuring breath he nodded his head.

"Fine! I shall send this new deal to the King back in the Mors. I'm sure he would be quite happy to accept that great sum of gold. The miners won't be too disappointed either, truth be told. However, I cannot promise anything till the King has properly reviewed it and passed it with the Mining Clan that found it. To be completely frank with you, the Holds have not been producing the material that they used to."

(OOC: If you want we can continue on towards the meeting at your place and begin getting the fluff posts outta the way that way when we get mod marks and apps updated with the new resources that we've discovered, and hopefulll a new resources in my expanded land that I might discover, we can get straight down to buisness and get our trade going nice a smooth like.)

The formal letter that Anvil Hammerfell had written up stated plainly that The Holds of Karag Mor would give up rights to the Iron Vein that fell between the two great nations and would be compenstated, both the Kingdom and the Mining clans, with 350,000 Gold apeice making the sum a total of 700,000 Gold flowing from the Republic of Ever-Winter to the coffers in the Holds. The gold would be gaurded by soldiers from the Republic before being handed over to soldiers from The Holds at their boarder for the rest of the journey.

The official letter also included that the next meeting, one that would dicuss upcoming trades between the two dwarven nations was to be held within the Karag Mor Mountains as per the Oath of Kinship stated. The next meeting between the two nations would hopefully open their nations boarders with trade so the dwarves could once again begin their steady expansion outwards and reclaim the glory of their older days.

Summery:

-Letter that's delivered to the King and Mining clans states both the King and the Clans would get 350,000 Gold apeice a total of 700,000 Gold for the rights to the Iron Vien.(10 EP to The Holds of Karag Mor for the rights to the Iron Vein)

-Letter also states that the next metting is to be held within The Holds of Karag Mor and will be dicussing trade options between both the Republic and the Holds.

((Sorry, I've had a complete and utter writers block for the past week. Finally forcing myself to post. By the way, I'm assuming you would have a Diplomat of some kind always stationed in the Holds, similar to Garek.))

King Kurgen Forgebeard stroked his beard thoughtfully as he reread over the finely written missive he had received with the last caravan coming from the Republic of Ever-Winter. The missive brought up the rather touchy subject of the Iron vein discovered branching between Ever-Winter and the Holds. The reason for the trouble was the Mining Clans that had discovered it were reluctant to let such a find go. It wasn't enough that they had found the Iron and a good quantity of Gold, they wanted to mine it and work themselves as their ancestors had for generations. However no Dwarf could look at the sum of Gold Coins that would be sent and deny it flat out. It was clearly not something to dismiss lightly.

He had decided to bring the Mining Clan's Leader's and other Thane's in the area to have continued discussion on the topic with the Diplomat from the Republic. Kurgen looked up from his reading at the group of Miner Nobles. Among them were several Clan Thanes whom found the Iron Vein well within their right to argue over. Beside Kurgen stood his ever attendant brother, Thane Kraygen Firebrand, Lord of Karag Barak. They stood ready, awaiting the entrance of the Diplomatic Team from the Republic.

(OOC: Took some liberties about the past history between the two. Hope you don't mind to much, but didn't know if we were in his palace/castle or w/e it's called just said an entrance so choose something else to elaborate on.)

Tarcisius limped into the entrance standing before King Kurgen Forgebeard and assembled Thanes before coming to attention and slamming his fist into his chest. Tarcisius was an odd sight. He had a wooden leg, carved by himself over the years to replace the peg the formerly supported his left side, and a patch over his right eye. Appearing to be a pirate from the seas the dwarf looked out of place underground. He wore simple yet colorful clothes though his face remained as if he'd been in a bad mood for the last couple of decades.

Like King Kurgen, Tarcisius had received a similar letter from the Republic of Ever-Winter though his included a set of details and limits he could negotiate with. He preferably would have like to share the vein of iron but it seemed this new Regent was far too head strong for his own good, something that helped keep his facial appearance in its place. After saluting in the Republics fashion the grizzled old dwarf did so in the Hold's custom, bowing to the King and assembled Thanes. "It's an honor to be of service once again King Kurgen." the dwarves voice growled out from his graying beard. Tarcisius had meet with the King before along with some curious dwarves from the Holds and had taught them a few things about the Republic, since then contact with the King and Thanes had been almost non-existent.

King Kurgen grinned slightly before returning the bow, then the Republic's salute, the assembled Thanes and Mining Clan Viceroys quickly following in suit. None of them wanted to offend the diplomat or their King in this, a Diplomatic matter that could easily sway the flow of fortunes. As soon as they had finished their bowing and saluting all took seats on either of the two long tables, one on both the left and right of the King's Granite Throne. Each side represented both sides of the argument, those siding for keeping the vein and those willing to trade it off for more riches. Kurgen stood and addressed the assembled Lords.

"This Assembly has been called to order to speak of a matter of great importance. It seems that both the Hold's and the Republic have discovered a Iron vein crossing across our shared borders. The Thane's of the Republic have offered a large sum of gold to both the Noble House and the Mining Clans in order to lay claim to the vein themselves."

Both tables broke into raucous bellows of oaths and demands, each arguing which side was in the right. They were quickly silenced by the slam of Kraygen's Forgehammer. Kurgen nodded his thanks to his brother then spoke once more.

"Diplomat Tarcisius is recognized. Diplomat, explain what your Republic wants out of this agreement."

"This Assembly has been called to order to speak of a matter of great importance. It seems that both the Hold's and the Republic have discovered a Iron vein crossing across our shared borders. The Thane's of the Republic have offered a large sum of gold to both the Noble House and the Mining Clans in order to lay claim to the vein themselves."

When the discussion began as it always does with dwarves Tarcisius felt as if these dwarves were every bit the same as the Republic's people. Kraygen's Forgehammer resounded loud silencing the parties, something drastic like that is a common occurrence with dwarves. When addressed by the King Tarcisius grin disappeared from his face quickly and any who saw it wasn't absolutely sure.

"Diplomat Tarcisius is recognized. Diplomat, explain what your Republic wants out of this agreement." Kurgen requested

The grizzled old dwarf stood unsteadily and was forced to grab the table for support, "As you command m'lord. The Republic of Ever-Winter's offer is 350,000 gold coins divided among the mining clans because of their claim to the Iron Vein and 350,000 gold coins to the Holds of Karag Mor for the land that encompasses the Iron Vein. In total 700,000 Gold Coins would be sent and guarded by the Republic to the Holds for distribution in return we get the Iron Vein."

Sitting down the diplomat practically fell back into his chair. Mumbling the dwarf examined his wooden leg which wasn't operating as intended.