Rebuilding Agriculture

Archalen Andares · December 31, 2007, 08:16 PM

Timestamp: 12th of Optia.
The Season is Summer of Era XIV Post Fractum.

In an effort to revitalize the city as well as move it to become more self-sustaining the Thane introduced a series of concurrent initiatives designed to bring the land around the city under the plow of economic well being. Starting on the 12th of Optia the land outside the city would be divided, surveyed, and parceled out to those who wished to live on the land and work it. This was designed to give those whose knowledge of agriculture and animal breeding a place to ply their trades, as well as create a bountiful harvest during the reaping season that could feed Imperia. This of course would reduce the dependence of the city on outside sources, lower the cost of food inside the city, and ensure that the hunger be wiped out, if not deflated.

The first part of this initiative was the surveying of the lands outside and around the city. Imperia fared far better then some other cities in the Sultanate (Such as Syl or Arakmat.) The temperate zone was good for farming and being so close to the sea produced a rich fertile soil that was ready for fruits, vegetables, as well as medicinal plants and the like. Not only that, but the grazing animals that would also be used for food, skins, leathers, and a myriad of other resources had ample grass and foliage to fill themselves on. After the initial official survey of the land outside Imperian a team of surveyors were sent to parcel the land or divide it up into nice farming areas. The land divided extended several miles outside the city and each were equal in size where possible. Recoreded, coded, and deeded these were now under control of the government of Imperia.

The second part of the plan called for a massive buildup of farming equipment. City aides and officials scoured the city placing orders for plows, yokes, harnesses, hay bales, fencing and many other items. What could be produced inside the city was given preference to any outside resources, thus giving the local smiths, wood workers, and laborers a chance to increase their business. After as much could be bought from the local populace did the shrewd traders and city officials turn outside the city. Much of the equipment was sought in Candaceburg, the farming center of the Empire. Once the necessary equipment was bought, stored, and secured it was inventoried. Finally being bulked together into sets that corresponded with the individual plots of lands waiting, it would be sure that each person assigned to the plot of land got their fair share of resources to start with.

This gave every farming family an equal start and eliminated any imbalance between farms save for work ethic and a natural deposition for farming. It cost the city money, but the money would be made up and at the same time the farmers would have everything they needed to settle and turn the lands.

The third stage was a massive publication in where every city message board, city official and business received flyer's and notices detailing the new opportunity. The Thane wanted to make sure that every person who was willing to commit and start a better life for themselves had the knowledge that this operation was in effect. There were many plots of land awaiting and it was hoped that all could be filled. Doing so would significantly increase the food reserves of the city. Also during the third stage new silos and warehouses were beginning construction on the inside of the city gate toward the west. These would be built for the non-perishables that could be stored in reserve.

These silos and warehouses would be used to store an excess food the city produced so that in case of an emergency (Like the meteor storm of the past) the city would have ample food to help it through. These silos and warehouses would be guarded with guards from the city watch and would be fenced and lit with torches all around. (of course, the torches would be kept away from the buildings some!). Again, the labor for this was given preference to Imperians.

The final stage of the initiative after the silos and a public knowledge of the project emerged, would be a calling for the Imperian Office of Commerce for able and willing applicants to sign up. The lands would be deeded to the people in a interview like fashion. Those with the highest knowledge of farming and animal breeding would be given priority, to make sure the government would get a return on its investment. Also of note, was a contract that stated in plain and common terms the function of this operation. The people that were awarded the land and tools for the plots of lands would work the land for free. That is, they would not have to pay the government for three seasons after being awarded the land. This is so the people can get their farms to par before being indebted. After the three season start, the people who were awarded the land would have to pay the government for the land they were working to own. The payment would be by season and would consist of half in currency and half in goods. (Be it vegetables, medicinal plants, fruits, animals, or byproducts of animals.)

This way the government received steady income as well as practice items for its populace. The contract also stated that the person who lived on the parceled land would have to maintain a government set quota each season or face strict penalties, and they would have to constantly live on said piece of land. If this contract was agreeable to the people who were being interviewed, and the interviewer met the standards of the Imperian Office of Commerce, they were awarded the deed and could immediately claim their land and tools.

It was in this way that everyone would win. The excellent potential farmland not currently being used outside the city would be, a reserve would be built up for emergency, labor was increased, and the prices and reliance on others for food would drop. After the people paid off their lands the government would release their contract and they would be free to do as they please on it, provided they contributed to the economy of Imperia. After all, this plan was certainly better then leaving precious resources that weren't being used of yet still be wasted!

It was an ambitious project, one that would surely benefit the city for era's to come.

Dzrg · February 6, 2008, 07:52 PM

The first brightening in the month of Ioannes, in the Season of Summer, Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIV Post Fractum, the Second Era of the Regency of Milo L'Evienne

Dzrg made his way to the office of the Thane, passed the Guards who already knew him well and then advised the Thane's receptionist that he needed to see Archalen. Once he was admitted, the Orc got right to the point, "Been hearin' dat ya gettin farm output some boost. I got a way ta help ya do it. Been gettin more fish than can be processed, so made it inta fertilizer. Got more of dat den I can sell so here's da deal. Ya send wagons ta da Fish Factory an pick up da fertilizer at no cost. Den ya give it ta da farmers. I get rid of da fertilizer, da farmers have better crops an' maybe dey export some an' I get more bizness fer Imperia Rescue and Salvage.

"Not gonna cost ya, not gonna cost da farmers."

Archalen Andares · February 23, 2008, 02:43 AM

Archalen promptly saw the revered Justicar and quickly had the receptionist Lir'anna bring some drinks and the odd cigars that Archalen remembered the Orc was fond of. Bowing deeply, he seated both of them and listened intently to the offer. Now, this was exactly the thing the Thane approved and respected. Mutual assistance and a keen mind for expanding and optimizing business. It was no wonder why the Thane respected the Orc. And despite the common superstitions of the Orcs not being as smart as others, well this greenskin constantly shattered all stereotypes.

"Justicar, as always your suggestions and advice are....beyond wondeful. Of course I would be happy to partake in this and get the farmers the fertilizers. We have an abundance of wagons from the Imperian Trade Depot....so that shouldn't be a problem. You have only...to give me the times and volume of the fertilizer and I shall see to it, it is promptly picked up and delivered. Who knows? Perhaps if we have a surplus after delivering it....we can trade it out to other cities?"

The Thane thought a moment and offered Drzg some business in return, as he thought the Orc might both appreciate and enjoy. "Speaking of trade...we are soon expanding the Imperian Trade Depots routes. If you like....I can have more ice and salt produced and you can have us haul some of your fish from your industry and sell it to distance lands. We have some fish to sell already....but doing this would increase profits for you. Not to mention we don't have access to any....deep water fish and ocean products." The Thane took a pipe out of his draw, and after packing it with Arkamat smoke leaves promptly used his flint and lit it. Then he took out a piece of parchament and began to write on it. As he did so he explained "After all, sea based fishing is a form of agriculture and if you would....I would like to have this developed more. Good for everyone, escpecially those who control the waterfront." he said, giving a wrly grin towards the Justicar. "These are the items and products that my foreman at the Depot says is in demand in the other provinces. Items and products...that you can exploit and expand upon." He gave Drzg the paper.

Secrets :

"Of course, I wouldn't charge you anything but the space it takes on the wagons....which is close to silvers per foot. After all, one good turn deserves another.....does it not" Archalen took another drink and wondered if the Justicar would be interested in these wonderful ways to expand his business and help Imperian Trade.

Dzrg · February 23, 2008, 03:47 PM

Dzrg appreciated getting in to see the Thane promptly. When the drinks and tobacco came, the Orc helped himself to a cigar, broke it in half and put it in his mouth. He chewed sufficiently to get a soft wad and then poured himself a drink. He enjoyed sipping the rum and swallowing it along with tocacco juice. The cigar lasted a long time and the blend tingled his throat as it passed to his gut.

As expected, the Thane accepted the offer. In response to the question about times and volume, the Orc replied, "Mid-Brightening is best time. Maybe about 10 tons each Brightening. Got about 100 tons ta be rid of. Already shipped as much as we can sell. Too much left. Lotta fish brought in all at once."

He thought about the Thane's offer for more ice and salt, then replied, "More ice and salt means we can ship further. Been thinkin' 'bout whalin' already. If ya got market fer it, den we can start whalin'. Maybe ya got people comin' who can join wit Imperia Rescue and Salvage ta run things. I got da crowns ta expand an' da boats, but not 'nuff people who can run da operations. More crowns fer me, fer dem an' fer Imperia. Ready fer more bizness but gotta have people ta help run tings. Dey can be part owners an' make money."

Dzrg took another sip of rum as he waited for the Thane's response.

Archalen Andares · February 26, 2008, 10:53 AM

Archalen watched in quiet amusement as again, the Orc proffered to pretty much eat and chew the cigar then smoke it. It was here perhaps, the young Esh'lahier thought of how little he knew of Orcish culture or preferences, if Drzgs chewing of the cigar was a common thing of course. Taking a drink of Arakmat wine, the Thane savored the texture of it while he thought of the Orcs offer. This could be a good time to break into the sea industry but the Thane knew his obligations to the city itself did not warrant nor allow such time to be spent in such a way. Not only that, but the Thane had very little of the things called friends he could offer to the Imperia rescue and salvage operation.

Of course, he did have a way he could legitimately tap into the profits there and that was his old mentor Mylair. The man had been a sailor for a small time off the coast of Port Alyxandrya (or smuggler, more specifically) so he probably knew the ins and outs of running operations on the sea. However Archalen did not know if Mylair wanted the offer or if the old Esh'lahier could be relied upon to do as he was told once he got there. The Thane thought of this for a second before speaking. "I've got one man in mind that might be able to help run things.....names Mylair form Port Alyxandrya. Old mentor of mine. Use to own a ship some centuries ago." Archalen took a drink and nodded his head in affirmation of his idea. "I'm not sure he would be interested, but I will speak to him about it and if he is.....I'll be sure to direct him to you promptly."

Archalen finished off his glass of wine. "Well, I thank you for the fertilizer. I'm sure the ....farmers will use it well. Was there anything else I could do for you Justicar?"

Dzrg · February 29, 2008, 09:52 AM

Having accomplished what he set out to do, Dzrg finished his drink, letting it stay in his mouth for a few moments to pick up the essence of the tobacco and then swallowed, chaw and all. He was satisfied with the business aspect and the snack as well. A good hearty burp would have topped it off quite well but one of the things he was taught by Kia was that such a pleasurable sign relief and satisfaction is not acceptable in the upper crust of Aelyria's society.

The thought of having this fellow Mylair pick up some of the duties in Imperia Rescue and Salvage was appealing but the Orc did not count on it. It seemed that very few people were interested in making more money.

"Good seein' ya. Thanks fer da tobacco an' drink. Ya doin' a good job bein' Thane. Keep it up." With that, the Orc left.