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Andrew Keith

Topic: Democratic State of Jolayst

((This is the founded nation of the refugees who passed through Sevia. I'd say it's location is that small peninsular just north east of Laodicea. A small, coastal village with a wooden palisade. The village name is Jolayst as well.

The population is 990, including young children. In the small and well-built docks there are two sloops with another four, much smaller ones under construction in drydocks. There are 210 sailors, included in the population, and they are helping the rest of the village make their own fishing ships to help provide for the community.))

Polvin stood atop a crate in the center marketplace of the community and called out to everyone. "All in favor of the construction of a large meeting house, call I!"

"I!" The small town rang with cheers as plans began to roll around the town on where the meeting house will be and what it will look like.

#1 Dec 21st 2007, 4:12pm

awilla the hun

The Rakarskian trader, the RTS Revolution, was slowly towards the town's harbour. They were there to spread the republic's trade, and to investigate rumors of a new country arising in the Southern continent. The ship's captain, one Johacim Kellenstein, had inquisitorial backing to investigate the settlement fully, and to see if these people would be good men to trade with Rakarskia. The ship's inquisitor, one Inquisitor Newport, would investigate, comrade Eric Kellmer would handle the trade, and Captain Macsden would hande the defence of the ship if things got nasty. Six small cannon and a sixty man company of musket armed marines would put up a fight, if nothing else. But, hopefully, they would not be needed.

#2 Dec 22nd 2007, 8:29am

Andrew Keith

The sailors left their civilian friends and ran for their sloops, which sailed slowly out, with their ballistae and archers ready. They were ready to defend their new state, away from any other nation wishing to dominate them.

"Who are you!" The captain of the leading sloop bellowed. On its bow it had Honor finely painted and etched in the wood.

#3 Dec 22nd 2007, 8:38am

awilla the hun

Kellenstein lowered his telescope and took the proffered speaking trumpet. "We are traders from the People's Most Democratic Republic of Rakarskia!" he called back. "We do not wish to harm you, but be advised that this is an armed vessel, which will fight back if it is fired upon! Comrades, I now beg your permission for us to land in your settlement!"

#4 Dec 22nd 2007, 8:46am

Andrew Keith

"Our docks are not suited to your ships!" The captain called back through his seashell trumpet.

#5 Dec 22nd 2007, 8:50am

awilla the hun

"Very well, comrades!" Kellenstein called back. He thought for a moment. "Would you do us the honour of landing via one of your own ships? There will be a party of five men, one of whom will be armed."

The armed man in question, Inquisitor Newport, produced another speaking trumpet from his long coat. "I give my word of honour that I will not use my weapons on anyone!" he shouted. "Unless we are assaulted, in which case I will have to defend myself." He could have simply given his pistol up, but giving a foreigner a gun would mean that he could study its workings, and that would not do.

(And it is only a small trading vessel, not steam powered. It may fit into a medieval style docks.)

#6 Dec 22nd 2007, 8:55am . Edited Dec 22nd 2007, 8:58am

Andrew Keith

(Oh, didn't know. But is it still ironclad or hulled?))

#7 Dec 22nd 2007, 9:04am

awilla the hun

(Wooden.)

#8 Dec 22nd 2007, 9:17am

Andrew Keith

"Send them then!" The captain called back as his crew continued to be on guard.

#9 Dec 22nd 2007, 10:22am

awilla the hun

Captain Kellenstein, Inquisitor Newport and three various professors (an inquisitorial scientist, a sociologist and an economist) climbed on to the small boat and rowed out to the docks. They then climbed up on to dry land, and surveyed the scene.

#10 Dec 22nd 2007, 11:35am

Andrew Keith

The two sloops went back to the dock and one of them completely disembarked and went to the three Rakarskians.

"Greetings!" He called to them.

The crew of the other sloop stayed on board, watching the ship.

#11 Dec 22nd 2007, 12:26pm

awilla the hun

(This is the ship's captain, right? How do these people dress, exactly? Rakarskians wear breaches, coats and tricornes/bicornes/top hats for men. The inquisitors, when not undercover, wear long brown greatcoats and wide brimmed brown hats.)

"You equal, comrade!" Captain Kellenstein called back. "I am Captain Johacim Kellenstein, and I come with my associates here to represent Rakarskia!"

#12 Dec 23rd 2007, 12:43am

Andrew Keith

(The sailors would be wearing just plain tunics and breeches, with the captain wearing a large plumed hat along with a gray overcoat. Most of the female citizens would be in dresses, and not the ones that are very wide and such, while the men would be in mostly fine tunics and pants, as well as jackets/coats if it's cold. Everyone would be well-kept in their appearance, including the children.)

"Greetings. I am Captain Allem, and this is Jolayst." The captain replied to the Rakarskian as he approached.

#13 Dec 23rd 2007, 4:51am

awilla the hun

"We have much to discuss, comrade," Johacim said. "Is there anywhere we can talk?" They were already attracting a small crowd of curious onlookers. "I have heard of your town, but I must confess my ignorance. Who rules you? What country are you from? And why has a new town sprang up over here?"

#14 Dec 23rd 2007, 8:44am

Andrew Keith

The captain looked with a hint of worry at the other citizens around him. "How have you heard of our town when we only recently raised it, and have not connected with any of our neighbors?"

#15 Dec 23rd 2007, 11:44am

awilla the hun

"I say that I have heard of it, I mean that my government's intelligence agency has heard about here. Fishermen, merchants and suchlike come and go quite often, in their boats and wagons, and I suppose that the Inquisition just paid the right person the right amount to tell them some rumors. But I'm no expert, of course." Johacim smiled placatingly. "But we know very little about you. And knowledge, comrade, leads to trade. And trade leads to alliance."

#16 Dec 23rd 2007, 11:56am

Andrew Keith

"Well then," Captain Allem began, clearing his throat. "we are a free government. No one leads, no one is ruled-over. We are a democracy where we decide what happens as a communal whole. May I ask what this Rakarskia is?"

#17 Dec 23rd 2007, 11:59am

awilla the hun

"Rakrskia is a large, and dare I say it, powerful republic," Johacim said diplomatically. The inquisitor's ears metaphorically pricked up, and the three professors were having a discussion about democracy. "We rose up against the emperors in a great revolution forty seven years ago. We elect our leaders- our electors- and they make important government related decisions. We can elect some of them, but more important ones are left ot the electors to handle. The current Chairman- the head elector- is a man called Joseph Steele. He has led us well for the past three years. Now, across the sea is part of an organisation called the Rakarskian Colonial Company, which spreads our Muskovian principles, and our trade. We have establised a small colony nearby, and that is our major base of operations in this area." Kellenstein reckoned that he had explained fairly concisely, and the inquisitor didn't appear to be very upset about anything.

#18 Dec 23rd 2007, 12:05pm

Andrew Keith

"But still men are given power over the citizens?" The captain inquired curiously, not offensively. "We are a new city-state, with which desires to keep our independence from other sovereignty." He added.

#19 Dec 23rd 2007, 12:12pm

awilla the hun

It was Inquisitor Newport who answered. "Technically, comrade, the citizens do not tell the Electors what to do. But the citizens are given decisions- shall we use tax X, or policy Y- and the people can vote yes or no. When quick decisions are needed, the Electors decide. This is far quicker, and less wasteful of time, resources and lives in some cases, than ordering several million people to vote."

#20 Dec 23rd 2007, 12:19pm

Andrew Keith

"Several million? A large state, your home is." The captain commented, then gestured his arm wide across the community. "As you can see, we are certainly not that large." He ended with a smile which soon faded as he cleared his throat once more and rubbed his fine mustache.

"However, to answer your question of talking elsewhere, there is nowhere else more suitable. The community should be able to hear this discussion, as we will decide as a whole what this state will do." Allem stated, bringing nods from the crowd before Polvin made his way through and appeared at Allem's side.

"Greetings, my name is Polvin. I hear your colony wishes to trade with us." The man stated.

#21 Dec 23rd 2007, 12:24pm

awilla the hun

"Indeed so. We can give you parts for machines, and men who can help you construct and operate them, as well as food if you need it," Kellenstein said simply. "Now, comrades, what can you offer us in return?"

#22 Dec 23rd 2007, 12:49pm

Andrew Keith

"We have fish and shipwrights. Nothing else we may offer, and what are these machines you speak of?" Polvin asked, his face and everyone else's around him confused.

#23 Dec 23rd 2007, 12:51pm

awilla the hun

"Ah. Yes. Well, these machines are capable of producing large quantities of consumer goods- pots, pans, clothing, that sort of thing- in a small amount of time, and requiring less people than doing it by hand. They are powered by something called steam," Kellenstein said. One of the professors chipped in at this point.

"Exactly and precisely so! Steam power involved evaporating water, and directing the pressure of the steam towards turning an axle, and therefore-" he was cut off by a look from the inquisitor.

#24 Dec 23rd 2007, 12:56pm

Andrew Keith

Polvin and Allem looked to each other with shrugs, then to the crowd, who were digesting the information.

"What do you all think about that?" Polvin called to them, and everyone began murmuring amongst themselves.

"Let's try this machinery out!" One man in the crowd cried, and everyone went silent before erupting with their agreement.

"Settled then." Polvin said with a friendly smile to Kellenstein.

#25 Dec 23rd 2007, 12:58pm

awilla the hun

"Excellent!" Kellenstein almost rubbed his hands with glee. "We have an example to show you. It will take a few hours to set up, comrades, and we will require coal." He blew his whistle, and a heavily laden party of small boats were soon rowing to land, carrying a small, broken down steam loom and thread, along with several workers (mostly women) to set it up. They set to work in the open area behind Kellenstein's party.

#26 Dec 24th 2007, 4:56am

Andrew Keith

Allem and Polvin looked to each other with some confusion. "Coal?" Polvin asked to them.

#27 Dec 24th 2007, 5:11am

awilla the hun

"Black stone. Good for burning. These can use wood, but coal is better," Kellenstein explained proudly.

#28 Dec 24th 2007, 6:35am

Andrew Keith

"Do you have the coal needed or must we fetch some wood?" Captain Allem asked to the Rakarskian.

#29 Dec 24th 2007, 7:15am

awilla the hun

"We haven't brought any combustibles with us," Kellenstein explained apologetically. "We expected that you would have some wood, or coal. There wasn't enough space in the hull. We'll pay you for it, however, in the cloth that we shall make today."

#30 Dec 24th 2007, 10:10am

Andrew Keith

"What sort of cloth do you make?" Polvin asked as Captain Allem whispered to one of his crew to fetch wood. The man came back shortly after with wood blocks in his arms.

#31 Dec 24th 2007, 10:13am

awilla the hun

"Thank you, comrade!" Kellenstein said to the man as the wood was handed over. "Today, I believe that we've brought along cotton. Or was it wool? But we can do several different types." The loom was slowly taking shape.

(Can we skip ahead to when it is completed, or does Polvin have more questions?)

#32 Dec 24th 2007, 10:22am

Andrew Keith

(Sure. No more questions.)

Captain Allem and Polvin stood there, along with the crowd, waiting for these 'machines.'

#33 Dec 24th 2007, 10:23am

awilla the hun

The loom was finally set up. Kellenstein inwardly dreaded that one of the parts had broken loose in the voyage. "Who needs more cloth?" he called to the crowd. Several hands went up. "You can take it as payment for friendship, and the wood comrade Allem here has provided!"

With a hiss of steam and a clanking of gears, the loom ground into life. The crowd looked on, expectantly, as the loom began to turn threads to sheets of cloth at a faster rate than any one human could attempt. And this only required a handful of workers! They hadn't dreamed of such efficiency.

(Lets just say that a decent amount of cloth was produced. A few ells, or whatever the measurement is. I don't know how much cloth a peasant would want, and I don't know how large an ell is.)

#34 Dec 24th 2007, 10:36am

Andrew Keith

(About how wide would the sheets be? I would say each person would probably want at least a yard or two of cloth.)

"What do you expect in payment for this?" Polvin inquired to the Rakarskian as Captain Allem was obviously deep in thought.

#35 Dec 24th 2007, 10:57am

awilla the hun

"What sort of things do you think you could export to us?" Kellenstein asked as the cloth was being cut into appropriately sized strips. "We would need a more suitable space for a factory, of course."

#36 Dec 24th 2007, 12:41pm

Andrew Keith

"Well, we have plenty of lumber in this area, and the mountain right over there might have ore, but we have yet to set up mines as we were settling ourselves here." Polvin replied with an apologetic shrug.

"But, there is fishing we could export as well." Captain Allem hastily added.

"And our farming fields on the other side of town are growing corn and potatoes." Polvin also added. "Take your pick."

#37 Dec 24th 2007, 12:46pm

awilla the hun

Kellenstein thought for a moment. He was not a proper merchant, just a merchantman's captain, but it seemed to be a good proposition. A nation with an expanding population would require a lot of food, and these people seemed happy to provide surpluses. And the inquisitor's questioning had revealed no magical influences. "Very well, comrades," he said, before offering his hand. "I would suggest sending a diplomat to the Isle of Terra-" he hastily wrote out some map co ordinates- "to make any formal treaties. But this seems to be a good offer." He explained the need for food.

#38 Jan 05th, 3:19am

Andrew Keith

Captain Allem was still obviously still in thought, and glancing around before back to the ground.

"Alright. We won't be able to export too much in the holds of our sloops, but we are in construction of more ships, including cargo ships. Will that be fine? A little fish and crops in small shipments until we get larger ships made." Polvin inquired to Kellenstein, shaking the man's hand.

#39 Jan 05th, 5:40am

awilla the hun

"I would need precise weights, of course," Kellenstein replied. "But it sounds acceptable, if not official. Who wants cloth?" The loom had finished its process, leaving a large quantity of usable fabric. "And you can have this in return."

#40 Jan 05th, 5:51am

Andrew Keith

"Precise weights?" Captain Allem asked. "Well as once having to use these ships to smuggle during the war, they can carry over sixteen-hunnerd pounds of near-pure silver, in ingots." He added proudly.

"I'm not sure how precise that is, but I'm sure it gives a sufficient estimate, wouldn't you say?" Polvin asked to Kellenstein.

((Ingots would be roughly a foot long and a few inches wide and tall. They would weigh about 1.093 ounces [equals 1 Troy ounce, which is an ingot]. These cargo holds would hold about 24,192 ingots, and that would weigh about 1,648 pounds. Hold dimensions: 24ft long, 8 tall, and 14 wide.))

#41 Jan 05th, 8:27am

awilla the hun

"I think it would. Now, about the food..." Kellenstein said. "This is pure barter: food for machinery. I'm sure you'll understand, comrade."

#42 Jan 05th, 10:25am

Andrew Keith

"It sounds about right." Polvin said, looking to the crowd who nodded their agreement.

#43 Jan 05th, 11:29am

awilla the hun

"Just so. Now, could we start to exchange gifts and that sort of thing? And would you mind letting our sailors off the ship? They appreciate that sort of thing, I think," Kellenstein said. This was going well.

#44 Jan 06th, 4:30am

Andrew Keith

"Of course. We have a few people who will offer drinks and food for goods." Polvin answered. The crowd dispersed to their homes, the farmers to their crops and the fishermen to their stores.

((Is this Rakarskian ship a steamboat as well or sailboat?))

#45 Jan 06th, 5:58am

awilla the hun

(A sailing boat. They didn't consider the mission important enough to warrant a precious steamship.)

The sailors soon disembarked, and were happily getting drunk and exhanging stories. Kellenstein and the inquisitor, on their part, questioned anyone they met about Jolayst.

#46 Jan 06th, 6:10am

Andrew Keith

All they would've found out was what they were already told. A new state, spent a day in Sevian hospitality, migrated out to the east, where they ended up here.

"Mr. Kellenstein, may I speak with you in private? A friendly sailor-to-sailor chat, aboard my docked ship right there." Captain Allem asked to Kellenstein as he approached the Rakarskian.

#47 Jan 06th, 6:27am

awilla the hun

"Of course, comrade Allen," he replied. The inquisitor nodded, and he turned to Allenby, ready to follow him.

#48 Jan 06th, 8:26am

Andrew Keith

"Come." Captain Allem said after.

-Aboard the Fortitude-

"Might I ask what are those weapons you are carrying? It would further our defensive capabilities here in Jolayst if we had anything near to match up in power of other nations in the area." Captain Allem inquired to Kellenstein.

#49 Jan 06th, 2:29pm

awilla the hun

The conversation was beginning to reach dangerous territory. Arming a nation whom you had only just met was not a good foreign policy, but it did no harm to tell them about blackpowder technology. Captain Kellenstein drew his pistol and laid it on the table. "This," he said, "is a gun. A gun is a tube, where a chemical is inserted into one end of it-" he pointed at the frizzen- "a flame is put to the chemical, and it explodes, propelling a lead bullet forward to smash into a target." He picked up the pistol and fired it into the table, blowing a small hole through it. "We have many different sizes of gun," he added, offering the pistol to Allem. "The pieces on our ship are the size of tree trunks, and our marines have crossbow sized weapons. As far as we know, there is only one other firearm equipped power in this area, and that it Zerbia." He produced his map and rolled it out on the table.

#50 Jan 07th, 1:51am

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