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Post by SouthWestern Traders on May 11, 2016 5:28:57 GMT
In the last days of winter, a man made his way through the hills of Albion to the city of Exeter. He was Gwyndaf of Garth Celwyn, Third Son of Chief Saben, and a man of Caerleon, raised to be honorable, do good and, it would appear, lead a vessel. By the grace of Queen Jessica, he had been granted a commission on the Southwestern Traders newest, upcoming ship.
Sanctuary
Rumour had it that the original intended name had been something else, but a young boy had looked upon the ship once morrow and whispered something to one of the shipwrights which left him dumbfounded. Eventually the new name made its way up to Lord Kaegan, Commodore Victor and Grand Admiral Aethor. They were delighted at the prospect of an even better name and so, before the ship was officially named, its name was changed to better reflect its upcoming role and its captain.
The Guild was very proud of its captains, who hailed from far and wide. Their every accomplishments added to the Guild's naval tradition. It was expected that with Gwyndaf's upbringing, he would one day bring accomplishments of his own. The only concern was some friction between Gwyndaf and Victor concerning how to carry out duties, but both men were mostly honorable and true to their word, so they had that in common.
So it was that Gwyndaf of Garth Celwyn instead became Captain Gwyndaf of Garth Celwyn, Third Son of Chief Saben, man of Caerleon, and Captain of Sanctuary.
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Post by SouthWestern Traders on Jun 20, 2016 23:21:30 GMT
Captain Gwyndaf’s first mate on sanctuary was a former fellow student of his at Caerleon’s halls of learning. Hand-picked by Gwyndaf to accompany him to Dumonia, where Gwyndaf would assume command of “Sanctuary”, the two had shared many days and nights at the halls as students, if they were not home with their families helping tending to chores. As such, both men held respect for Sir Estian and Queen Jessica, and it was this respect and the offer of a commission that now afforded the same respect to Grand Admiral Aethor and the Southwestern Traders, for whom they now worked.
Both men did not possess the same maritime background that so many merchants of the Guild did, but they were far from clueless, and in any case, it was not uncommon for captains to have no maritime knowledge whatsoever. Certainly, such lack of knowledge was a growing issue in Albion. They would have to rely on their skilled crewmembers. Instead, they were well-educated men; a rarity and in some cases even a curiosity, but a useful one of the sort.
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Post by Commodore Victor (SWT) on Oct 25, 2016 19:40:58 GMT
Commodore Victor, Captain Gwyndaf and Captain Aiden walked the docks of Wessex, inspecting the ships and their crews. They watched as the dockworkers loaded the fully repaired ships with supplies. “That didn’t take too long,” Gwyndaf remarked, “We won’t even have to wait for spring for these ships to be in service again.”
“Quite right,” Victor responded, “We’ll be more than ready to bring the fight to the Slavers if they continue to refuse our most reasonable demands.”
“What demands are those, exactly?” Captain Aiden inquired.
“That’ll be for Admiral Whiterose and our allies to figure out.” Victor responded, “And it is not for me to say. Suffice to say that we have more than enough leverage in our ships alone. Speaking of which, you better get acquainted with your new crew Captain Aiden.”
They stopped before one of the newly captured ships, which had been aptly renamed Freedom, mostly to spite the Slavers in the most acceptable manner possible, but spite them nonetheless. They were enemies of the guild still, and a peace had yet to be brokered at the time they were doing the inspections. “This is her, Captain Aiden. The newest, proudest vessel of the fleet. We named her Freedom.”
Captain Gwyndaf chuckled, “I get it. Because you freed her, yes?”
Victor did not look amused. “Yes. I’m glad you got the joke Captain Gwyndaf. Or should I call you Captain Obvious?” He paused to let the insult sink in. “Now get to work you two. Rounding up your crews and having these ships back in service better not take all winter.”
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Post by Gwyndaf of Garth Celwyn (SWT) on Nov 2, 2016 4:12:54 GMT
Sanctuary and Freedom broke the waves. Captain Gwyndaf was at the helm of Sanctuary, following closely behind Captain Aiden and Freedom. They had been sailing eastward bound and would soon sail round Tir Moreth, as they headed up northwards. It wasn't until Deira that they would sail straight north after a brief stop. That way they might avoid the Lothian coasts and any dangers there, while making their way quickly and safely to the Shetland islands. Perhaps even with a few Bayardian goods, if time allowed it.
For now, though, Captain Gwyndaf had to run to the starboard of the ship and chum the waters. The poor man had been assigned a post as captain, and while he was very promising and would undoubtedly make a good one, he didn't yet have the iron stomach of his crew, or that of Captain Aiden. He was, ultimately, still a land-lubber.
But his crew loved him all the same.
"You alright there cap'?" The ship's interim first mate and navigator asked, "I'm... hurgh... alright.." Gwyndaf lied, "I'll be alright." He wiped his mouth and looked at the first mate, "What?". His appointed first mate was serving under Captain Aiden, so that both might get some more experience under their belt out at sea, serving with more experienced seamen.
The first mate chuckled and patted him on the back, "It's alright cap', we know you weren't born to the sea, but we'll make you one of us yet. Just let it all out. We've a long way to go still, and the fish need food as well as we do, aye."
Gwyndaf turned to look at the horizon, "Aye." He steadied himself and promptly chummed again.
"Steady as she goes!" the first mate yelled out to the rest of the crew, "Cap's orders! We've a ways to go before we head north lads!"
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Post by Gwyndaf of Garth Celwyn (SWT) on Nov 4, 2016 5:22:50 GMT
“Those are the lands of Queen Felicia North, are they not?” Gwyndaf asked his first mate. The first mate squinted, “Aye, I suppose they are.” He guessed, “How’d you know, cap’?”
“I had a good tutor.” He replied briefly, then stating “We’ll be by the lands of Bayard soon then. Tell me, my good man, how are you and Captain Aiden’s skills at navigation?”
“Excellent if I do say so myself, cap’. Captain Aiden much prefers to have me work on other matters. We’ve been to the dwarven isles before, but t’was a long time ago. Admiral Whiterose was with us then.”
Gwyndaf asked. “Was she now? I hear she’s been around a bit”, looking at the first mate for a response. “Aye, that she has, at least as much as her ship.” He gave a short blessing in honour of Elyssia’s and Aiden’s ships, Justice and Temperance, now at the depths of the ocean. “We’ll make it there alright cap’. Like we always have.”
Gwyndaf had become more attuned to the sea by now. He wasn’t chumming as often. “That we will, good sir. The admiral’s trust in the two of you is well-placed.”
“Thank you cap’. Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to get myself some sleep. Good night cap’.” The first mate stated.
“Good night. I’ll take the first watch.” Gwyndaf finished.
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Post by Gwyndaf of Garth Celwyn (SWT) on Nov 18, 2016 6:33:24 GMT
On their return for their distant voyage, Captain Gwyndaf and Aiden had stopped to lend aid to a stranded vessel on the eastern shores of Albion. Its crew of Northern Traders had followed them, but a winter storm had blown them off-course and onto rocks. Many of the sailors had sadly succumbed to their injuries, and the ship and its goods were lost. The local peasants and fishermen would surely salvage them for their own purposes, but it was nothing Gwyndaf or Aiden could help with.
All the same, they brought the distressed sailors into the safety of their own ships, as they continued their journey home. Once they got back, they realized that other Northern Trader merchants had suffered similar fates and either returned destitute, if they'd returned at all. Fortunately, for those who came back with little left to their name, Admiral Whiterose proved a generous woman. Her, Captain Gwyndaf and Captain Aiden provided the sailors, merchants and other distressed persons with quarters and work. With some of the wealth that had been procured from venturing as far as to the dwarven lands, Admiral Whiterose found it within her heart to assuage the pains these poor souls felt.
Yet it could not bring back the dead, nor bring back broken ships, nor convince those merchants who had found great success elsewhere to return once more to Dumonia.
At that, the Admiral could only shrug. She knew the life of a sailor, having been one herself once... and most likely still being able to call herself one even now. At the very least, those who had suffered could work diligently once more, and she was confident they would soon find wealth and prosperity in the rich lands of Albion.
And now, Captain Gwyndaf also knew of the life of a sailor; its hardships, its pleasures and the monotony. At a quiet ceremony, Admiral Whiterose officially recognized that Captain Gwyndaf had earned the respect and trust of the Southwestern Traders. But in the upcoming spring, Gwyndaf and Sanctuary would remain in Dumonia, as he took care of more courtly matters, as he was trained to do.
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Post by SouthWestern Traders on Dec 2, 2016 6:22:04 GMT
Captain Gwyndaf's new responsibilities meant that he had to see his charge, Sanctuary, depart without him. It remained in good hands all the same; both his first mate and Captain Aiden would good care of the ship, their crews, and the goods on-board. They had made it just fine through winter, thanks to the skilled sailors and excellent shipwrights of the Southwestern Traders. It was reasonable to expect that they would do just as well, if not better now that spring had finally arrived.
He also took a trip down to the shore when Captain Caedan and Captain Torsen, who were manning Aspiration and Vigor respectively, made a very brief stop in Exeter to pay a short visit to Admiral Whiterose. He greeted them and gave them the customary well-wishes on their journey, as they traveled on.
As Gwyndaf worked diligently, it would appear to him that he could report the same to Admiral Whiterose about the rest of the guilders and sailors.
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Post by Gwyndaf of Garth Celwyn (SWT) on Jan 27, 2017 6:18:40 GMT
Sitting down with one of the merchants, Captain Gwyndaf asked him bluntly, "Tell me, sir, how do you determine the price of your wares?"
The merchant looked at him quizzically. It was not a question he heard often... at least not in the context it was being asked in. And so he inquired for more details.
"I mean, good sir, you set the prices of your goods, you barters, and you make a profit... but how? How do you know?", Gwyndaf continued.
"Experience," The merchant answered, "And intuition. When you've traveled as I have, you come to realize most people are not that different. Don't bother with those who will not pay the price these things are worth; you wouldn't want to waste your time with them or lose your hard-earned coin on them. Instead, you must find those who need what you haven't, then find that you have it, and procure it."
"Sorry, what?" Gwyndaf asked, "How do you do that?"
"Take the dwarves, for instance," The merchant replied, "They live in the mountains, and sure, they have food. They must have. But they haven't our food, and neither do I. So I go find it, but I find what I haven't. I already have farmers ready to supply me with winter vegetables and meats that I can bring to the dwarves, and by summer's time, I'll have some more goods and produce. You see, I'm one step ahead of my customer; otherwise, they'd already have what I bring! And I can't have that." The merchant then shared something very important with Captain Gwyndaf, "This is also why a promise is important. A farmer will not bring you his wheat if you don't pay him the gold he is owed. A dwarf will not hold his tools for you, if your ship doesn't make it upon the horizon. And a lord will not allow you to grace his presence, if you do not procure him his many luxuries that he pays for."
"I see," Gwyndaf noted, "Always a step ahead eh?"
"Yup," The merchant said, "Now if you'll excuse me, I've given you my report, and I must away to more work. Have a pleasant day Captain."
"Thank you sir," Gwyndaf replied, "A pleasant day to you as well."
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Post by SouthWestern Traders on Feb 23, 2017 8:18:32 GMT
Throughout the land, merchants prospered, regardless of who they owed their allegiance too. It would seem that these were good times for those who made their living in turning fine objects into finer merchandise. This certainly held true in the region where the Southwestern Traders called themselves State Guild, and where the Northern Traders were permitted to operate as merchants in their own right.
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In Gawant, there was word that a new road would soon bring goods from booming Wessex; while torn apart by war only a few seasons ago, it had seen a flourish of activity in the months after. The people there were well on their way to recovery, and all its neighbors were sure to benefit.
At the docks lay harbored the two oldest ships of the fleet: Aspiration and Vigor. Although Vigor was the elder ship, it was Aspiration, and as such Captain Caedan, that would lead the upcoming venture.
The initial successes of spring had spurred the sailors into action. Having brought back a taste of what could be had in the far north, they were ready to head up there once more, and had more buyers ready for their inevitable return too.
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While Captain Gwyndaf was successfully managing courtly duties in Dumonia, he also delegated a sizeable chunk of authority to his First Mate Erik, who would take the helm of Sanctuary for the summer. All the same, Captain Aiden formerly of the Leidang, and of the ship Freedom, was the man in charge. Both men had previously taken the journey now, and they were confident that the winds of summer would be firm, but gentle. Like how a sailor might touch a woman. Or how a lady might slap a man. Some said Captain Aiden had never done either of those things, because they called the captain a saint.
Others claimed the captain just didn’t like women. They only did so in secret though.
This year, they would join the ships from Gawant and Caerleon in heading north, and as such, they were foregoing their eastern route for the season. The northern route was a shorter distance at any rate.
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In Caerleon, two hibernian ships, Westerly and Winter, lay docked at Aberconwy and Deganwy respectively. Captains Gaelyn Walker and Lilly Everwater enjoyed a joint command of their venture, with their crews being relatively inexperienced at the time, and them still needing to find good first mates. Until such a time, which would likely be by the end of the summer, they could at least rely on each other.
And while the guilders of Wessex were busy with their own concerns, the guilders in Caerleon made good use of their time, and found their pockets well-lined. Goods well-made and sold was by far the best way towards prosperity, for there were no shortcuts to be found in an honest living.
Neither could there be shortcuts to getting the ships ready for their journey, and both captains were eager to depart, so they made sure their crews inspected the ships and their cargo carefully being doing so, so that they might not lose any time having to redo poor, shoddy or sloppy work.
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Post by Commodore Victor (SWT) on Feb 24, 2017 8:45:13 GMT
One of the benefits of the successes in Spring was that the merchants employed by Commodore Victor in Gawant were already well underway in their tasks of securing buyers for the goods they expected to bring back. This task was made far easier when the buyers could be presented with actual examples of goods they could purchase immediately, and that they might want more of.
For some, the dwarven alloys were of such quality that they absolutely had to have more to work their craft and continue to make tools that would surpass most other craftsmen. In taverns at night, it was said that even an neophyte apprentice might exceed a master with the right dwarven alloy, but that was obviously untrue, the master’s pointed out, because it required a master’s hand to work the alloy. It also required a master’s purse to buy it.
For others, the beauty and uniqueness of dwarven figurines was a must for a collector. There was something to be said about small granite statues studded with polished olivine, quartz, or even the rare occasional gemstone.
And again for others, they instead sought to sell supplies they might load onto the vessels heading north. With such little space available, and so many suppliers, it was easier for the merchants to demand a good price or commission on any supplies headed north, as well as selecting only the best quality products. There was an obvious emphasis on quality. It also helped that there were plans to maintain these expeditions insofar as it was possible to do so, and thus the suppliers were eager for a steady means of disposing of their goods, that, owing to their high quality and typically higher price, were otherwise usually difficult to move, and often sat collecting dust in most smithies, potteries and the like.
With the war seemingly over in the north, and a tenuous peace made with the Slavers, it would seem that this summer would be a good one for all of Albion.
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Post by Gwyndaf of Garth Celwyn (SWT) on Feb 27, 2017 5:39:07 GMT
“I will find you work,” Captain Gwyndaf promised, “One way or another, there will be tasks for you to do, I can assure you of that.”
“So the rumours are true then?” The guilder asked, to which Gwyndaf quickly responded “They’re not rumours; it’s an ongoing negotiation. Until the matter is settled, I can neither confirm nor deny that the move will take place. However, I assure you that there will be well-paying tasks for you to perform regardless. I have taken the necessary precautions, and you have nothing to worry about.”
“Hmpf,” The guilder responded skeptically, “Well, I’ll hold you to your promise. This is a bit sooner than we’d all expected.”
“Yes, but you all knew it was going to happen. The sooner the better, I say.” Gwyndaf seemed slightly annoyed, “And if everything works out, then we’ll benefit from a more centralized location from which to conduct our business. Then eventually, we’ll have some nice new quarters, and when those are ready, we’ll move the rest, yeah?”
“Yeah. Alright.” The guilder finished, “You promised me work, so what do you need me to do then?”
“For starters, I want you to make sure that everything intended for the northbound trip is accounted for. Then if you can inspect the goods from last season to make sure they’re all accounted for, and going to where they need to go, that would be great.” Gwyndaf declared, “Some of that stuff should have been sold yesterday.”
“Got it. I’m surprised it wasn’t, but I’m sure it’ll fetch a pretty penny Capt.”
“Make sure it does.” Gwyndaf dismissed the guilder, and returned to his administrative duties.
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Post by Elyssia Whiterose (SWT) on Mar 1, 2017 20:04:15 GMT
The merchant measured, then re-measured. By his account, this would be the first true expedition from Caerleon for years. As distant and mountainous as it was, it had scarcely seen such a flurry of activity. There was so much potential remaining untapped, and Queen Jessica Caerleon had done much to bring it to the surface. Between the Southwestern and Northern Traders, what had been brought up would now also be brought forth. Presented. Auctioned. And Sold.
Hopefully at a good price.
This merchant in particular was an old acquaintance of Elyssia's. She had trained him, and had given him direction, guidelines and policies to follow when carrying out his work, and he had found that it had always worked in his favour. It would appear that she knew what she was doing.
In return for that knowledge, and the ensuing success that followed its application, the merchant provided support for the expedition heading northwards. He arranged for logistics, supplies, and more, and made sure that goods were bought locally or imported at a favourable price, and that the goods brought in from the north were sold to those who offered the most (or made the best offers, if other considerations had to be made for any reason, such as quantity).
He was not the only merchant working on these tasks, but he was one of the best. Hand-selected by Elyssia just for this purpose. And he would make sure that his work was well-done.
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Post by Elyssia Whiterose (SWT) on Mar 21, 2017 4:53:56 GMT
[T11] Captain Gwyndaf and Sanctuary
In late summer and early autumn, Elyssia had sought a reprieve from the cramped, claustrophobic halls of court and had headed up north, and then out to sea, off the coast of Caerleon. Joining old friends as well as new for a fishing trip off the coast, they targeted the magnificently large and remarkably easy to catch basking shark. Her friends liked to joke that it was the sheep of the sea, and they were the wolves. It would be gone from these shores soon enough, only to return again next summer, and so they wanted to catch however many they could, so that they might process its leather, its flesh and its oil before winter set in. Other fishermen across Albion were surely doing the same, hoping to build up their stocks before winter set in for good.
Returning to the docks, Elyssia met up with Captain Porter and Captain Norvin. “Captain Porter,” Elyssia stood quite stoically down at the docks, addressing the crews and their captains, “Captain Norvin,” She nodded, “I’m assigning Captain Norvin to lead the expedition. Captain Porter, I expect you to work with Queen Caerleon's men this autumn, as you have before.”
She looked upon the ships that were moored by the docks; Rivalry and Sir Doyle. “I understand that the loss of Westerly and Winter is no idle matter.” She paused to let the gravity of the matter sink in.
“We never stop. Everyday we wake, we head out to sea, knowing that that day may be our last.” Elyssia continued, “They knew it when they set out. Every sailor and captain knows this. And I know that you know it too.”
“I wish you good tides on your journeys, wherever they may take you, and all the blessings of the gods and the One God. May fortune favour you.” The captains nodded, and resumed their duties. This was hardly the first time either of them had set out.
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Post by Commodore Victor (SWT) on Mar 21, 2017 6:13:28 GMT
In Gawant With the major roads between Gawant and Wessex finished, the wool of Wessex could find its way easily to the ports of Gawant. Some wondered how the merchants there could ever have been so successful, but the ever diligent guilders did not wonder. They knew full well that their wealth came from an honest, hard day’s work. From these lands, Aspiration and Vigor would set forth once more.
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In Exeter, Dumonia
From the port of Exeter, Sanctuary and Freedom departed, fully laden with goods destined for Nagnati, and with an eager crew hoping to bring back the riches of Hibernia to Dumonia. This time without the use of force, but there might yet come a time when such riches might be taken by force. With every passing season, more wealth and prosperity found itself flowing out from Albion, and back into it again twofold or even threefold, and not just for the guilders themselves. That flow was true regardless of how.
But for this autumn, it was silver tongues that was going bring back wealth, not silver blades.
First Mate Erik, Captain Aiden, and Commodore Victor were all eager to see the ships depart before the weather got any colder, and before any signs of winter started showing themselves. While Captain Aiden made the necessary arrangements on the ship, Commodore Victor took care of matters at hand to be found on land. The guilders remained, as always, a busy lot.
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Post by SouthWestern Traders on Mar 25, 2017 3:43:35 GMT
"You see my lord," The apprentice smith said, banging the chainmail with a hard blow from his hammer, "This is made from good dwarven steel, and with the craftsmanship of your best armourers. Notice how it remains pristine even after the hardest of blows!" The apprentice had entered full sales-pitch mode, partly out of frustration that his master had banned him from the smithy for a week after he had knocked over all the tools in a spectacular display of incompetence.
Poppy-cock, the apprentice had said, it was the dog's fault. It was always the dog's fault. But master didn't care and he needed someone to bring the guild's best armour to the local lords who had the commissioned them.
"Very good boy, here's some coin for your trouble. I'd like for your master to make me two more before the season is over."
"Certainly my lord, although the ships aren't sailing to North Hold anymore, I'll make sure you get the last of the dwarven steel." They weren't running out just yet, but there was no reason to tell the eager lord that. Plus they would run out eventually, and then what would they do? Until then, they would have to make sure they got their money's worth. The lord was truthfully paying a premium for good craftsmanship that wouldn't have paid otherwise.
So the apprentice felt pretty satisfied with himself, as he walked home, having benefited greatly from the many ships that had sailed north, and also from those that hadn't made it back.
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