Formal Greeting of the Envoy of Pestin

Parley Parley in the Court
1

image
image1536×1024 128 KB

Address of Prince Afonso of Portucalense

Delivered in the Great Hall of Guimarães

Envoy of the Republic of Pestin, honored guests, and lords of Portucalense,

I welcome you to Guimarães, a city raised not by ease, but by endurance, and bound not by conquest, but by the sea. Any who cross long waters in good faith are never strangers here.

Pestin is known to us as a Republic shaped by discipline, foresight, and respect for the balance between commerce and arms. Such states do not rise by chance. They rise because they understand that ships, laws, and alliances must be built to last.

Portucalense, though young in years, has learned its lessons quickly. We were born of storm and exile, and we learned early that survival favors those who master the wind rather than curse it. Our harbors were carved to endure pressure, our hulls shaped for distance, our sailors trained to trust neither fortune nor fear.

I receive your envoy not merely to trade goods, but to exchange confidence. Where Pestin has refined the arts of naval discipline and maritime defense, Portucalense has refined speed, endurance, and the movement of wealth across uncertain seas.

Let us therefore speak openly, as seafaring peoples should. Let us explore a bond of trade that strengthens both our markets, a friendship that steadies both our republic and our principality, and a mutual defense that ensures no hostile power mistakes prosperity for weakness.

May this visit mark not a single agreement, but the first knot in a rope strong enough to weather many seasons.

Guimarães stands open to you. Our tables, our halls, and our councils are at your disposal.

Speak freely, and be heard with respect.

2

Břetislav z Hradiště
Envoy of Duke Albers of the Merchant Republic of Pestin

Your Excellency, I thank you for your hospitality. His Excellency, Duke Albers, and people of the Merchant Republic have long heard of the amicable friendship of you and your peoples; truly, in this case words do not do justice.

I come before you with fine wares and goods from the Merchant Republic; spices, finely wrought pieces crafted from the highest quality gold and silver, weapons forged by the master smiths of the Arsenal of Pestin-Grad, and more. Please, regard these gifts as ones offered in friendship.

I am charged by the Duke to speak, inquire, and discuss regarding the possibility of treaties of friendship and commerce. There is much to recommend, and much prosperity potentially to be had. As Your Majesty is no doubt aware, Pestin and the port-city of Pestin-Grad serve as gateways to the interior of Yevia; merchants, farmers, and wares from even distant Leuktria and the Vilant Kingdom come down the Sutesk River to our docks.

Further, as Your Majesty is no doubt aware, Pestin has long maintained a colony on Weslif. We see this as creating opportunities for trade and engagement between merchants from Portucalense and Pestin, as well as opening the door to access to a friendly anchorage, at Eimonsbach, for a convenient port-of-call for Portucalense ships.

3

image
image1024×1536 197 KB

Alfonso De Aviz
Principality of Portucalense

I thank you for your words and for the gifts sent by Duke Albers. Please convey to him my appreciation for both his courtesy and his confidence in you as his representative.

We recognize Pestin’s position at Pestin-Grad and along the Sutesk River. Control of the passage between sea and interior gives your republic reach well beyond its walls, and it is a reach we take seriously.

We also note your mention of Eimonsbach. A friendly anchorage on Weslif is of clear value to vessels operating on longer routes, and access to such a port is worth discussing in concrete terms.

You have come to speak of treaties of friendship and commerce. These are matters we approach directly. If trade between our merchants is to expand, the terms must be clear, reliable, and mutually beneficial. If friendship is to be formalized, it must rest on defined obligations rather than sentiment.

Portucalense is prepared to offer structured trade access and port privileges, including predictable docking rights, provisioning, repair, and storage for Pestin merchant vessels, subject to agreed tariffs and conduct. In return, we expect equivalent access for Portucalense ships at Pestin-Grad and at Eimonsbach, under terms no less favorable than those granted to your own merchants or trusted partners.

Trade alone, however, does not protect itself. Ships that move farther and faster require assurances beyond market access. For this reason, we propose cooperation at sea focused on the protection of commerce, the safety of crews, and the deterrence of piracy or unlawful interference. This would include mutual recognition of convoys, shared rules of conduct, and assistance to one another’s vessels when threatened or attacked.

Such arrangements are intended to preserve stability, not to provoke conflict. Prosperous trade depends on secure seas, and secure seas are best maintained when responsible powers act together.

If Pestin is prepared to discuss these matters in detail, my council is ready to proceed, and to set out clearly what Portucalense requires in return.

4

Břetislav z Hradiště
Envoy of Duke Albers of the Merchant Republic of Pestin

These terms are entirely acceptable, Your Majesty. The merchants of Pestin would have no trading partners, and no reputation to speak of, were these not to be offered; we regard them as the bare minimum, especially given the realities of wind, weather, and the perils of voyaging the ocean.

Pestin is therefore prepared to discuss these matters in detail. We stand ready to hear what Portucalense requires in return.

5

image
image1024×1536 202 KB

Alfonso De Aviz
Principality of Portucalense

I welcome your acceptance of the principles discussed. Agreement at that level allows us to proceed without delay or misunderstanding.

Portucalense is therefore prepared to place a concrete draft before you, so that discussion may focus on substance rather than intent. This draft reflects our understanding of reciprocal trade access, port privileges, cooperation at sea, and a structured exchange of maritime capability.

It also sets out the consideration Portucalense would require in return for direct assistance in improving Pestin’s merchant fleet. The figures and provisions therein are presented as a basis for negotiation and are open to refinement by mutual consent.

I invite you to review the articles with care. Where Pestin sees need for adjustment, let it be stated plainly. My council is ready to receive your response and to proceed without unnecessary delay.

Draft Treaty of Commerce, Friendship, and Maritime Cooperation

Between the Principality of Portucalense and the Merchant Republic of Pestin

Proposed at Guimarães for discussion and amendment

Preamble

The Principality of Portucalense and the Merchant Republic of Pestin,
Recognizing their shared reliance upon maritime trade for prosperity and stability,
Desiring to formalize friendly relations, expand lawful commerce, and ensure the safety of vessels and crews at sea,
And seeking practical cooperation founded upon reciprocity and clear obligation,

Hereby set forth the following articles for mutual consideration.

Article I – Friendship and Recognition

  1. The Parties affirm peaceful friendship and mutual respect.
  2. Each Party recognizes the sovereignty and lawful authority of the other.
  3. Neither Party shall knowingly permit its ports or vessels to be used for hostile acts against the other.

Article II – Reciprocal Trade Access

  1. Merchants of both Parties shall enjoy lawful access to the ports of the other for purposes of trade.
  2. Such access shall include docking, loading, unloading, storage, and commercial exchange in accordance with local law.
  3. Tariffs and fees shall be predictable and applied without discrimination.

Article III – Port Privileges and Anchorage

  1. Portucalense shall grant Pestin merchant vessels access to its ports for provisioning, repair, and storage.
  2. Pestin shall grant Portucalense merchant vessels equivalent access at Pestin-Grad and at the anchorage of Eimonsbach.
  3. The privileges described in this Article shall also extend to warships of either Party when such vessels seek shelter, repair, resupply, or safe anchorage due to damage, weather, navigational hazard, or other necessity encountered in the ordinary course of lawful passage.
  4. Access granted to warships under this Article shall be temporary in nature and shall not be construed as permission to station forces, conduct military operations, or establish permanent presence within the ports of the other Party.
  5. These privileges shall not be suspended except in declared emergencies, which shall be promptly communicated.

Article IV – Protection of Commerce at Sea

  1. The Parties recognize the protection of lawful commerce as a shared responsibility.
  2. Each Party shall render reasonable assistance to the vessels of the other when threatened by piracy, unlawful seizure, or interference, where such assistance may be given without disproportionate risk.
  3. No vessel flying the colors of either Party shall be deliberately abandoned when aid is practicable.

Article V – Convoys and Maritime Conduct

  1. Merchant convoys organized by either Party shall be mutually recognized.
  2. The Parties shall seek agreement on signaling, identification, and conduct at sea to reduce misunderstanding.
  3. Joint measures may be adopted to improve the safety and efficiency of major trade routes.

Article VI – Shipbuilding Assistance and Technical Cooperation

  1. Portucalense is prepared to assist Pestin in the improvement of its merchant fleet through technical cooperation.
  2. Such assistance may include the temporary dispatch of Portucalense shipbuilders, sailmakers, and maritime specialists to Pestin shipyards for advisory and instructional purposes.
  3. The scope, duration, number of personnel, and specific methods or designs involved shall be defined by mutual agreement and limited to merchant vessels intended for trade.
  4. Any practices or designs shared under this article shall not be transferred to third parties without consent.

Article VII – Financial Consideration

  1. In recognition of the assistance described in Article VI, Pestin shall provide financial consideration to Portucalense.
  2. As a basis for negotiation, Portucalense proposes a lump-sum payment of ₰15,000,000 Pfennig.
  3. The Parties may agree to adjustments in amount, schedule, or form of consideration, including partial substitution through tariff reductions, port privileges, or other commercial concessions.

Article VIII – Exchange of Maritime Knowledge

  1. The Parties may further agree to structured exchanges relating to convoy organization, shipboard discipline, and commercial security practices.
  2. All such exchanges shall be conducted by mutual consent and limited to purposes consistent with this treaty.

Article IX – Dispute Resolution

  1. Disputes arising under this treaty shall first be addressed through diplomatic consultation.
  2. Neither Party shall resort to hostile measures without first seeking resolution through envoys or joint councils.

Article X – Duration and Amendment

  1. This treaty, if ratified, shall remain in force for ten years.
  2. Amendments or clarifications may be adopted by mutual consent.

Article XI – Ratification

This treaty shall enter into force upon ratification by the lawful authorities of both Parties.

6

Břetislav z Hradiště
Envoy of Duke Albers of the Merchant Republic of Pestin

These terms are acceptable, Your Majesty. However, we propose for consideration a modification of Article III to also encompass warships - not just merchant vessels. I am sure Duke Albers would agree that this is a matter of practicality.

If a Portucalense warship were to, for example, be damaged by floating ice off the coast of Pestin, the way this Article reads it would not have rights to seek shelter and repair in Pestin-Grad or any other port of the Republic. I feel Your Majesty would agree that this lack of rights would be beyond the height of rudeness.

7

image
image1024×1536 163 KB

Hmmmmm seems my pages forgot that crucial part…

Your point is well taken, and it is raised in the proper spirit.

Port access that fails in moments of necessity is not a privilege at all. I agree that it would be improper, and impractical, for a vessel acting lawfully under our colors to be denied shelter or repair solely by reason of its armament.

Portucalense therefore accepts the inclusion of warships within the scope of Article III, subject to clear limitations appropriate to friendly powers.

Let the article be amended accordingly.

8

Břetislav z Hradiště
Envoy of Duke Albers of the Merchant Republic of Pestin

Thank you, Your Majesty. I see nothing further to add to this agreement. I am sure Duke Albers will be exceptionally pleased with the outcome of these discussions.

9

image
image1024×1536 190 KB

Alfonso De Aviz
Principality of Portucalense

This is very agreeable.

No stop it you two!

YOU"RE RIPPING THE NEW TREATY STOP!

2 Likes