Chapter 5.16 - The Announcement Ceremony

All of the attendees had been given a copy of the event schedule.

After arrival, the first event was to be the Signing ceremony, where Haven was officially added to the Nation Registry. The second day was to be a banquet for all the invited guests. Finally, the last day was a gala, which would consist of a bit of light entertainment. Afterwards all parties would leave the following day and report back to their home countries.

Each nation arrived in their finest gear. The northern kingdoms wore enchanted armor with thick adamantine chest plates, while the amount of magical barriers coming off the Sarween diplomats was causing the air to ripple while they walked. The grand wood alliance came with their ceremonial leathers. Unlike their northern counterparts, their armor was meant to be light and easy to move in to reduce the probability of being hit. Serin could feel the dull nature of the diplomats, and was sure that any of his novice or even intermediate spells would most likely shrug off the diplomats. This is what Jasmine meant when she said the Inquisitors of the Grand Woods Alliance were able to ignore lesser magic, Serin mused.

However has the diplomats were led in by Serin's attendants, their second surprise was awaiting them. Serin had all unassigned members of his protectorate present in their full gear, just as he was. The grand hall, build for large functions such as this, was filled with rows and rows of high level soldier-citizens. Covered in armor from head to toe, armed with Dragonbone blades and autobolter rifles, these people looked dressed for conquest, not for celebration. However the most imposing part was their masks. It was a sea of individualized masks. Some masks denoted units or specialties. The only way to tell Serin apart from the sea of protectorate, was hat his mask and helm was adorned with a crown made of adamantine and studded with magically charged gems.

Mast, whose protectorate armor was built to match his normal military coat, read the announcement. "We, citizens and protectors of haven, welcome the following nations to the formal announcement rites. Welcome, The Northern Kingdoms. Welcome, the Grand Wood Alliance. Welcome, The Sarween Technocracy. Welcome, The Kingdom of Thul."

After the formal reading Mast continued, " We would also like to welcome the honored ally, trade partner, and friend, Queen Narissa, The Golden Sovereign of the Glassback Mountains."

This caused the other diplomats to have pause. There, in her human form, smiling and waving, was Narissa. Serin could see this further pushed their enemies off their footing. They stared with questioning eyes, and could tell some did not believe that this regal woman before them was the same as the mighty gold dragon of myth.

Narissa smiled and took a special seat reserved for her, with Uriel waiting on her during her stay.

Mast continued, "To all present, today is a glorious day. Today Haven announces its entrance into the world stage. To those of us who have welcome with open arms, we look forward to fruitful and beneficial relationships for the future. To those of you who have attempted to harm us, through force of will, guile, or terrorism, know that today we will show you why that stops now. But without further adieu, Lord Serin, Sovereign of the 6 peoples of Haven, we await you."

At this the room of citizens kneeled. Serin, went to his Kingdom Screen, and activated the announcement.

Suddenly, several screens became available.

Listed out were International Trade, International Politics, Subterfuge, Diplomacy, Alliance(s), and finally War.

Serin smiled. He knew the announcement would be able to assist him in building and expanding his nation. These tools would be useful.

Mast then bowed to Serin. Serin started, "On this day, Haven has entered the world stage. As its leader, I have already had discussions with several of my fellow leaders, and we have not yet decided which of you we will declare war with. We will give each of your nations the chance to redeem yourselves by the end of this event.."

The Northern Kingdom's diplomat interrupted, "Your pitiful little burb threatens us?"

Serin smiled, "No. We would not threaten you, as you are diplomats. We are extending this threat to the host nations you belong do. And if you are wondering what you have done to upset us, here is a gift for you." Serin pulled a platinum plated skull from his bag and threw it at the feet of the Northern Kingdom's diplomat. The diplomat snarled, "so you killed some scout or soldier, think we are impressed?"

Serin smiled, "That is the skull of Atta, leader of the Desert Sons. Their skulls adorn the walls of our city. And before you leave you will beg forgiveness, or fire will rain down on your capital."

This caused silence to continue. Serin walked out first. Mast then announced, "The formal Announcement ceremony has completed. Members of haven will now bring goods into the Diplomatic quarter for you to peruse. Everything you see is available for trade, with exception of the people themselves."

Mast continued, "Additionally, various foodstuffs, basic honeywine, and entertainment will be provided to your various entourages in the merchant's Quarter."

***

As Serin walked out, he saw under his diplomacy tab different options that he could spend KP to enable.

The first he saw was

Allow Emmigration

Serin looked at it and smiled. And purchased it.

This immediately revealed two additional options for purchase.

Allow Political Asylum

Allow Defectors

Serin looked through the tabs and saw they were more management features, but at a national level. Serin saw that on the Subterfuge tab, most of it was already unlocked since Dana had already established a functional house of masks.

Serin contacted Dana,

'Dana, we have an opportunity. After announcement, our nation has been given the chance to accept immigrants from other nations, as well as entice political and military targets to change nation. Please take this into account with this evening's entertainment, and report back a plan and status.'

Dana's response, Serin could tell, had a mischievous tone to it:'Understood. I will send my best. Permission to utilize the Dusted Honeywine reserves?'

Serin smiled, 'You have the right to any trick in the book to garner these assets.'

***

Serin had selected specific clientele to be present at the tradeshow. Mostly humans, changeling, and any Demis that could hide their demis. Serin was not ashamed of his people, but under their suggestion, it was best to not reveal all their cards yet.

On display were numerous of Serin's trade goods as well as free samples available.

A huge variety of fruits and vegetables, including spices from several worlds. There were also animal byproducts such as fish, pork, beef, eggs, as well as wool, leather and crustaceons. Honey and honeywine were shown as well as precious metal for enchanting and amethyst and rose quartz. Serin presented several of their copies of the Sarween's weapons as well. Less as an enticement for trade and more of showing the Sarween they weren't special.

Finally were several of the simpler models of homunculus. None with pods. Showing that they would trade these implied they could produce them.

Of Course Jeffrey and Iris were doing their best to represent the Thul Kingdom and sample everything provided. Although Serin had not garnered much in the way of materials, Serin was sure his trade assets were valuable and exotic enough to set him apart.

After an hour or so, The two diplomats, Simon and Arch from the Grand Woods Alliance, came to see the trade materials. They were absolutely floored with the materials present.

"Where do these spices come from?"

Serin smiled, "They come from our spice gardens."

"No you fool, where can i find them in nature?"

Serin then looked at the diplomats. "I would suggest you treat me with respect. Or should I throw a skull at your feet?"

Simon walked his words back, " 'Lord' Serin, where might I find these in nature?"

Serin laughed, "I could tell you, but i am afraid going there would only get you killed. No worries, we produce them here and are willing to trade them."

Arch was tugging on Simon trying to calm him down but Simon continued. "Young boy, you think your fancy armor will save you? When true power comes, it will not save you."

Serin had since switched to a simple robe and hood, with his hood up it hid most of his features. The Sarween Technocracy and Northern Kingdom's diplomats had come out to watch the exchange.

The Sarween diplomats were floored as Serin lifted his hood and radiated his powers. The arcane sigils glowed bright blue like his eyes, and magical power radiated off him. It was enough to push past the barrier of the Simon's resistance.

"Do not mistake my looks for my power, diplomat. And at this venture i think it is worthwhile for you to report to your superiors our power here. Serin drew his power and presence back in, and handed a skull. This one from the leader of the slave caravan.

"Slavery is not tolerated in this country. As a country that practices the vile business of slavery, we stand firmly against what you stand for. We also believe in autonomy, so we leave you to your own devices. But should we need to, we will emancipate every single slave you own, arm them, and kill every other citizen in all of your combined nations."

The diplomat snarled, but Arch caught him. "Do not hit him, he is right and we must report back. Simon, come we must submit a report to our superiors. Or did you miss they produce homunculus here?"

Simon looked. He knew. With adequate materials a homunculus was as powerful as a single new recruit, and only took a week to build, instead of 16 years to develop and grow. Serin had them beat in physical might.

As Simon and Arch left, the diplomats came from Sarween came over, "How did you earn your sigils, Lord Serin. Those are reserved for the greatest of magisters in our country."

Serin smiled, "That is a national secret I am afraid. I wouldn't tell you if we were the closest allies, which we are far from." Serin then tossed a skull at their feet. "The first interaction you chose to have with us was to perform an act of terrorism."

The diplomats tried to weasel out of it. "I am not sure what you mean,"

Serin called out, "Scion of Retribution, your presence is requested."

For a few seconds nothing happened. Then suddenly with a woosh and a soft landing, Ansar, the Scion of Retribution arrived. His face and body were obscured, and the Sarween could tell his mask had no ability to permit visual information through.

"So a blind man is your witness? This is hardly evidence."

Ansar then spoke, " Magus Rarron, House of Kras, third son of Archmagus Kras and deputy of the court of whispers. As he was the one to order the attack, his is the life that is forfeit. At all times i know where he is. I can see him in my dreams. And each moment brings us closer to one another. You may assist my lord in delivering this man to us, or we will be forced to take drastic action."

The diplomats laughed, "I am not sure how you garnered so much information, but I cannot even speak on that matter."

Ansar smiled, "blood doesn't lie, and I have tasted his. Only a promise to my lord keeps me from tasting yours as well."

The diplomat gulped. "You would never find him. He is the son of an Archmagus. His entourage keeps him on the move. And the house of whispers cannot even be entered as there is no door.

Serin smiled, "Oh, we know where he is at all times. We just don't want to go get him."

Arch had now returned with Simon visibly shaken.

Serin unrolled three large maps.

"These are all three of your capitals."

The diplomat from the northern kingdoms. "So you have a few maps. Any scamp from the street could have made those."

Serin smiled, and the maps began to populate with what every single building was, occupants, and alternative purposes.

Serin looked at Ansar, "Scion, might i request a drop of your blood?"

Ansar smiled, and nicked his finger on a dagger, then dripped a drop of blood on the map of the Sarween Capital city of Morat. Then Ansar spoke, "follow your prey."

The drop of blood did not stain the map. Instead it started to move. Then went to a building without doors or windows off the map labelled 'House of Whispers'

The Sarween pulled a stone and crushed it. Serin could tell he was sending a message. Suddenly, the drop moved off the building, and moved almost warped over to another building, then began to move quickly through the streets.

It then dawned on the diplomats. The magics of Haven were alien, and could not be countered. Serin had just found one of the secret entrances to their most secretive buildings, tagging someone he had never met, through a magic that could not be countered.

Serin smiled, "Deliver him here for judgement, and if he acted on his own accord, the requests will stop there, otherwise we will then ask for who ordered him. And we will find that person all the same."

Serin started to sit when the diplomat sputtered, "you think we will just sit with your threats? You think you have the power to stand against our technological superiority and magical might?"

Serin had thoroughly riled them all up it seemed. Serin walked over to each map. Serin then pointed to it "At each of your capitals we have designated a non-military, natural structure outside your city limits. For The Northern Kingdom's Castle Hargrave, there is Albus Hill. For The Grand wood Alliance, there is the Terrace Planes. And for the Sarween Technocracy there is Monte Chillair. These are all about to be destroyed."

The Northern kingdoms laughed, "You buried some explosives in an unguarded, uninhabited rock. A little impressive, but that's your threat?"

Serin smiled, and with a bit of illusion magic, every single structure in all three capitals was given an alphanumerical designation. Serin then activated his message magic, and spoke aloud as he sent the message. "Lord Rezzi, Execute Operation Starfall. Targets NK1, GWA1, ST1."

Then three separate blasts were heard, loud enough to rattle glass and cause the jars of honey to fall off their pristine stack, crashing to the ground.

Serin looked at the confused diplomats. "Those were projectiles fired from here. They will reach their targets in between 8 and 14 minutes. With that gentlemen, I am tired and your blatant disrespect towards our nation has left me with a sour stomach. I will leave the food samples for you to enjoy."

***