Chain and anchor
Outside the rat run was well underway. Even after five years there were not many children living at the estate, but their numbers were bolstered by a small number of Freeborn and League youths. Their parents followed the scampering children, just close enough to be safe but far enough away as to give their offspring a feeling of independence. The burgomeester himself was out there, in sack cloth and ashes wearing a beautiful rat face purchased at great expense from the finest mask-maker in Sarvos. The streets were alive with laughter and shouts of mock outrage as one pillar of the community or another was cornered and forced to hand over candied fruit or dark chocolate.
"Really?" Maria had her back to the crowds, leaning against the balcony railing, eating sweet almonds. "Sometimes I think the Sarcophan go out of their way to bait Highguard. I know its probably not intentional - they'd never want to alienate anyone they think they could sell things to - but even in comparison to Caricomare, the estates are an absolute hive of shameless behaviour."
"It's one of the reasons I like them," replied Prince Luija with an impish smile. Maria rolled her eyes.
"I heard a very bad joke the other day from one of the Freeborn peddlers..." She began.
"I think I know the one you mean." Luija shook her head. "I didn't think it was very funny to be honest."
"Nor did the burgomeester. He was very civil about it, as he always is, but he left that fellow feeling about three inches tall all while smiling and buying some glasswork from him. It was a master class."
Luija chuckled, then looked thoughtful. "You know this might be a good thing, actually. Highguard has politely told the Vandersaar that they're not happy. The Delves will have to reconsider their entire approach to Highguard if they want to do business with them -"
"Which they do of course," interjected Maria.
"Which they do of course," Luija agreed. "They'll take a little time to regroup, find a better approach. Perhaps make an effort to downplay this entire 'den of licentiousness' thing. Maybe even adjust to how the Empire operates instead of constantly pushing us to do things their way."
Maria nodded licking powdered sugar off her fingertips.
"But let's hope they don't go too far the other way, eh?" she said, reaching for a delicious looking apricot pastry. "It's very convenient having a 'den of licentiousness' practically on the doorstep, as it were."
Prince Luija made a noncommital noise, sipping her chocolate-laced coffee. Below, a trio of Freeborn fire-dancers performed to the enthusiastic applause and cheers of a largely Sarcophan audience, who rained rings and festival trinkets into the upturned hats placed strategically around their feet..jpg)
Overview
- The Sarcophan Delves remain friendly to the Empire and enthusiastic about continued Imperial trade
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate ambassador that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.
The merchant-princes of the Sarcophan Delves - the bedelaar huisbaas - strive for neutrality. They are enthusiastic about trade with the Empire, but their neutrality is precious to them. They hold it a mark of pride that they will deal with anyone who has goods, services, or money. While they have given up the practice of slavery without regret, they refuse to pick a side between the Liberty Pact and the Freedom Accord. Their primary goal is to ensure the ports of the world remain open to their ships, ideally with free trade agreements that allow their merchants to operate without onerous tariffs. They have recently declared the Pax Sarcophan - a commitment to combat piracy and ensure that independent traders are free to sail the seven seas regardless of the politics of the great powers. Perhaps as part of this increased involvement in political affairs, they have also extended their protection to the independent city-state of Beoraidh in Mareave, apparently to help guarantee its neutrality.
The Sarcophan ambassador to the Empire is Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike, of the Tower of Crows. She reports to the beggar-landlords of Sarcophan, and is known to be a wily and subtle diplomat. No stranger to the murkier waters of espionage and intelligence-gathering, she constantly seeks opportunities to expand the influence of the Sarcophan mercantile Empire across the Known World. She has no particular loyalty to any one faction; her main concern appears to be the prosperity of the nation as a whole.
- Status: Foreigner
- Ports: Sarcophan, Betovering, and (temporarily) Jakhalsmarkt.
- Ambassador: Dino i Riqueza of the Brass Coast
The Business of Diplomacy
- The House of the Buildelrat and the deBruin family are both happy to accept that their offers are not of interest to the Empire
- Access to the Jakhalsmarkt will continue until the start of the Autumn Equinox 388YE after which further investment may be required
- The Tower of the Raven has advised Sarcophan travellers to be cognisant of the very different legal position of the Empire compared to the Delves they are used to
As always, there are topics of diplomatic nature to discuss. The Buildelrat offer thanks to the Ambassador for pursuing the matter of access to the Moeraskriden, and for being candid in their response. Being honest allows the Buidelrat to look elsewhere, and avoid wasting energy on something Imperial traders aren't interested in. Likewise the deBruin family respond philosophically when informed that the Empire will not need their services in the fight against the Children of Wrecks. There is rarelyr a shortage of opportunity for veteran marines. The Ambassador may still present a proposal on behalf of the Empire if they change their mind in the future. Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike expands a little. The Sarcophan are first and foremost businessfolk. They respond much better to being told there is no interest than to being "strung along" - even if the reasons for being ambiguous are well meaning. If an offer isn't of interest, being honest about that from the start prevents a lot of frustration.
In contrast to the Moeraskriden situation, significant numbers of Imperial traders continue to be drawn to the Jakhalsmarkt. Annabel de Gouden of the House of the Jackal, who secured Imperial access to the jewellers' port, continues to sponsor the Empire's captains in visiting the markets. She has confirmed that access to Jakhalsmarkt under current conditions will continue until the start of the Autumn Equinox 388YE. She will then review whether it is still profitable to continue and whether she will need to request investment from the Empire to maintain the trade in Jarmish star jewels that appear to be such a draw.
Legal matters are of a greater concern. The Empire's recent laws against cannibalism have caused some concern, especially with regard to the funerary rites of Hester van de Moerassen. Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike thanks the Ambassador for their handling of the affair and reassures them that going forward her office will strongly discourage anyone thinking of doing anything similar. Frankly, there is no reason for Sarcophan folk to be having their funerals in a nation that has made their practices illegal. If they are that dedicated to the idea, they can do so in the Alivetti estates. More worrying is the report that Hester van de Moerassen was apparently murdered, and Annike has passed these allegations on to the relevant parties.
Ambassador Dino's patience speaks well of them, and she absolutely concurs with his sentiment that "by being flippant about local laws they are putting much more at risk for all of us who prize good trading relations.". The Tower of the Ravens will make more of an effort to impress on Sarcophan looking to trade with or visit the Empire that they must be cognizant of Imperial law when they are outside the Alivetti estates.
Our Revels Are Ended
- The grand week-long party at the Alivetti estate has gone off without a hitch
- Highguard discouraged members of its nation from attending
The five year celebration at the Alvietti estate has concluded with no lingering ill effects beyond perhaps some rueful memories and some historic hangovers. Burgemeester Vandersaar has declared it a rousing success, despite the fact that the Highborn declined to attend. Guided by the statement of principle raised by Exarch Aemon of the Suns of Couros and endorsed by the Highborn assembly, there were few visitors to the week-long festivities from the sombre nation. Nobody talks about it openly, but this snub has sent a message to the Alivetti Estate that while Highguard might tolerate them, they do not welcome further engagement. For at least the next year there will be no more approaches to Highguard from the Delves. This doesn't represent anger at the Highborn - quite the contrary. Again, being direct and unambiguous helps everyone make better business decisions.
Participation : Alvietti Celebration
- Anyone could have attended the celebration at the Alvietti estates
- Freeborn and League character, especially from Tassato, Sarvos, and Madruga, received additional benefits
Citizens from all over the League and the Brass Coast attended the celebrations openly and in reasonable numbers. Business owners from these nations were able to choose a free diversification option as a result of small but lucrative deals made during the revelry. Every business owner in Sarvos, Tassato, and Madruga receives two doses of random consumables acquired from the Estates. These either represent "treats" picked up during the party or goods acquired from people who attended after the celebration. Most are harmless, but there is a chance some are not legal in the Empire. The magistrates, already a little stretched, will find it almost impossible to prevent Imperial citizens bringing illegal goods out of Alivetti intentionally or accidentally. If your character wouldn't have had anything to do with the celebration, you can hand these consumables back to GOD when you collect your pack.
While only League and Freeborn characters directly benefit in a measurable way from participating in the celebrations, any Imperial citizen is welcome to have attended (including Highborn characters). Details of the kinds of events that took place are found in last seasons A wild night and a new road wind of fortune. The theme is one of celebration, both of the enclave itself and of Sarcophan traditions and culture.
Apothecary Guild
- The enthusiasm for the Apothecarys Guild from the Kruidenkenner has cooled significantly
- All Kruidenkenner offers except that presented in the The Circle Game wind of fortune have been withdrawn
- The current Apothecaries' Guild Leader is Esmé i Estrico i Erigo
The Sarcophan Delves pride themselves on their mastery of herblore, especially when it comes to the apothecary arts. Foremost among the Delves' practitioners are the wealthy and influential Kruidenkenner, a powerful guild that exists outside the thirteen houses in a manner analogous to an Imperial sodality. Since the formation of the Imperial Apothecaries Guild, the Kruidenkenner have sought closer ties with their Imperial peers. Unfortunately, they are used to working within a much looser legal system than that of the Empire, and have apparently been frustrated by their efforts to build ties with the sodality. Bedelaar Husiaas Annike has done her best to manage the expectations of the guild, but with limited success. She also acknowledges the efforts of Ambassador Dino and their staff - especially their proxy Estrella - in doing the same in the Empire.
During the Winter Solstice the Senate amended the manifesto of the Guild to make it clear that their powers and responsibilities only extend to Imperial citizens. This seems to end any possibility of cooperation between the Kruidenkenner and the Sodality.
For now, they have withdrawn all offers related to sharing herb lore with the Kruidenkenner, trading such lore to the Empire, or interfering with Imperial titles. This includes the offer intended to encourage the Senate to amend the appointment methods of the Kruidenkenner Trademaster and Master of the Root and Stem. The offer to amend the trade of herbs for the Kruidenkenner Trademaster and the Master of the Root and Stem remain on the table, however. The reason for this, Annike explains, is that these deals were made with a member of the Imperial civil service, specifically Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra, so the Kruidenkenner are not worried that it might run afoul of the Senate or the Constitution or the law. Annike cautions that the offers will expire at the end of the Autumn Equinox 388YE - the markets will have shifted enough that the Kruidenkenner would need to rethink them - but there is no animosity here. There's no question that the Kruidenkenner will continue to fulfill all their current obligations to the Empire. The leadership of the Guild are still interested in building bridges with the Imperial sodality; they're simply not sure how best to go about it given the (to them) convoluted nature of Imperial law and tradition.
| Building Bridges |
| Commission Type: Appraisal |
| Availability: Until the end of the Winter Solstice 388YE |
Limits:
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Effect:
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As such, Annike passes along a proposal from the Kruidenkenner. There are plenty of experienced members of the Guild in the Empire already, trading and staffing the Kruidenkenner Magazijn at Crown's Quay. They have more experience of dealing with Imperial sensibilities, and with the civil service. They suggest that the best way to cement ties between the Sarcophan Guild and their Imperial peers would be for the Senate to commission an appraisal to explore cooperation between the Kruidenkenner and the Imperial Apothecaries Guild. The civil service do not believe this would take any more time than a traditional appraisal - there's no need to travel to the Delves for a start - and would not have any additional costs. The advantage over a traditional appraisal is that the Kruidenkenner would be directly involved in developing opportunities, removing the need for any further diplomatic discussion, and with the possibility that accepting any or all of the proposals could be done via a treaty (there'd be no doubt as to whether the agreements were the result of a diplomatic negotiation).
A Highborn Fashion
- Money enjoyed by Highborn businesses and mines due to the trade in stonework and stone has ended
- The Cathedral of the Way in the Sarcophan Delves has lost all but one rank of a single ministry
- Sarcophan pilgrims look elsewhere for spiritual guidance
For the last year, there has been a demand for Highborn stone and stonework in the Sarcophan Delves. The monument trade continues, but the high demand has more-or-less run its course as of the dawn of the Spring Equinox. The high profits enjoyed by Highborn businesses and mines have ended. It also appears that Senna van Ijzer - the art dealer who first negotiated the arrangement on behalf of the Sarcophan sect known as the Collectors - has been discouraged from pursuing any further links. There is concern in the Delves that after the Highborn statement about the anniversary of the Alvietti estate, it might be best to avoid further trade arrangements for the time being
The prosperity of Highguard has come at the cost of the respect the Sarcophan people had for the Cathedral of the Navigators. As the Spring Equinox dawns, the Low Ministry has been lost, and the merchant ministry has been reduced to a single rank of production. This represents a significant loss of influence for the cathedral, the Bishop of the Navigators, and the Imperial version of the Way in the Sarcophan Delves.
Reports from over the Sea of Teeth indicate that the Sumaah Präster - who have their own grand temple in the of the Sumaah Republic temple there has not been shy about capitalising on this situation. They continue to preach that the Way is not a "trapping" or a "style" that can be draped over the false religion of the Sarcophan Delves; that Prosperity is not solely about wealth; and Pride should never be sacrificed in pursuit of profit. Many Sarcophan pilgrims of the Way who looked to the Cathedral and its priests for guidance now look elsewhere; either to Sumaah or inwardly to their own traditions and practices. The latter in particular cannot help but lead to more divergence from both of the larger approaches to the faith.
The Cathedral of the Navigators is still a beautiful and breathtaking structure, but its burgeoning congregation of the faithful is much reduced with visitors more likely to be artists or sight-seers with no interest in the Way. Something of a white elephant - or a white sepulchre perhaps
The Virtue of Art
- A Sarcophan entrepreneur is prepared to purchase the Cathedral of the Navigators from the Senate
| Cathedral Sale |
| Commission Type: Abrogate Title |
| Availability: Until the end of the Spring Equinox 388YE |
Effect:
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Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike clearly finds the matter a little disappointing, but she still passes along an offer made by one of the wealthier members of the House of the Maggot. Marieke is a draughir who prides herself on her exquisite taste, and since retiring as the representative of her house to the Beggar's Banquet she has taken on the mantle of a patron of the arts. Viewing the declining attendance of the Cathedral of the Navigators as an opportunity, she is prepared to pay 140 Thrones to the Imperial Senate if they are prepared to sell the building to her. Her intent is apparently to turn it into a massive art gallery, museum, and auction hall dealing in artworks and antiques. Given how much the Cathedral cost to build, this would represent only a fraction of what was invested. Marieke wants a decision now however; the opportunity is only available at the Spring Equinox.
The civil service advise that if the Senate wishes to take advantage of this opportunity they could do so by abrogating the title of Bishop of the Navigators and specifying in the senate motion that the Cathedral itself is being sold to the House of the Maggot. The money will be provided following the Spring Equinox.
The treaty that established the Cathedral also established the Alivetti estates, but nothing in the treaty however that suggests that the concedence is conditional on the Cathedral continuing to stand; from the point of view of both Imperial and Sarcophan law (such as it is) the Senate is free to sell the land the Delves ceded to them if they wish. In the Delves at least, this will be seen as the maturing of an Imperial investment, with no implications for the enclave in Sarvos.
Sarcophan Further Reading
Winds of Fortune
- Chain and anchor - 388YE Spring Winter wind of fortune revising Sarcophan relations with the Empire
- A wild night and a new road - 387YE Winter wind of fortune discussing Imperial/Sarcophan relations
- All the night-tide - 387YE Autumn wind of fortune discussing growing Sarcophan influence in the Bay of Catazar
- Can't give everything away - 387YE Summer wind of fortune introducing the Pax Sarcophan
- Waiting for the worms - 387YE Spring Wind of Fortune discussing Sarcophan diplomatic matters
- Theory of the crows - 386YE Winter Wind of Fortune discussing Sarcophan diplomatic matters
- Hyenas and herbs - 386YE Autumn Wind of Fortune discussing Sarcophan diplomatic matters
- Houses of Silence - 386YE Autumn Wind of Fortune relating to the Alivetti estates
- Towers and crows - 386YE Summer Wind of Fortune discussing Sarcophan diplomatic matters
- The mathematics of tears - 383YE Spring Wind of Fortune recounting the Sarcophan ending the slave trade in their nation
Sarcophan Associated Titles
- Kruidenkenner Trademaster
- High Herbalist of Sybella
- Master of the Root and Stem
- Master of the Clearing House
- Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks
- Custodian of the Concordium Dock
- Prime Factor of the deBruin Docks
- Bishop of the Navigators
Sarcophan History
Click Expand to see a summary of various pages related to the Sarcophan Delves.