[Sundarian Embassy] Exploring Cooperation Possibilities <private>
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[Sundarian Embassy] Exploring Cooperation Possibilities <private>
Lady Peinaili de Montrève » Fri Apr 12, 2013 1:29 pm
((OOC: this topic is private to Senator Maria Latharion and Senator Peinaili de Montrève))
On Unity the Sundarian Federation had opted to procure a piece of land in the Diplomatic district, instead of making use for the available facilities in the Senate building. And although the Federation had offered a more then generous budget for the establishment of an Embassy, the Lady de Montrève had chosen to keep it stylish and classy, thus the Embassy was housed in a large Manor house and several smaller annexes in the Victorian style. This left sufficient ground for a large courtyard and a well kept garden, which offered a large variety of native Sundarian and other plant life.
For today's occasion the entrance was ornamented with both the Stellarian Traid Federation and Sundarian banners and in the flagpost next to the heraldy of House de Montrève, the heraldry of House Latharion, flew high.
On the doorstep just outside the Embassy Senator Peinaili de Montrève, accompanied by Lady Alexandra Koniova, awaited the arrival of her guest.
On Unity the Sundarian Federation had opted to procure a piece of land in the Diplomatic district, instead of making use for the available facilities in the Senate building. And although the Federation had offered a more then generous budget for the establishment of an Embassy, the Lady de Montrève had chosen to keep it stylish and classy, thus the Embassy was housed in a large Manor house and several smaller annexes in the Victorian style. This left sufficient ground for a large courtyard and a well kept garden, which offered a large variety of native Sundarian and other plant life.
For today's occasion the entrance was ornamented with both the Stellarian Traid Federation and Sundarian banners and in the flagpost next to the heraldy of House de Montrève, the heraldry of House Latharion, flew high.
On the doorstep just outside the Embassy Senator Peinaili de Montrève, accompanied by Lady Alexandra Koniova, awaited the arrival of her guest.
Maria Latharion » Fri Apr 12, 2013 8:23 pm
When she arrived, Lady-Senator Maria Latharion looked at the heraldry of the House de Montrève and the empty flagpole next to it for a moment.
"Good day, Senator de Montrève, Lady Koniova."
She bowed to both women.
The Victorian architecture was a bit strange to her. It stood in sharp contrast with the high-tech look Astrians preferred.
((OOC: My senator doesn't have anything like a heraldry, that's why it's empty. Also there isn't a 'House Latharion'. No offence just friendly pointing it out.))
"Good day, Senator de Montrève, Lady Koniova."
She bowed to both women.
The Victorian architecture was a bit strange to her. It stood in sharp contrast with the high-tech look Astrians preferred.
((OOC: My senator doesn't have anything like a heraldry, that's why it's empty. Also there isn't a 'House Latharion'. No offence just friendly pointing it out.))
Lady Peinaili de Montrève » Wed Apr 17, 2013 6:51 pm
((OOC: No problem))
The ladies de Montrève and Koniova simulateously knelt adeyante as was the Sundarian custom, after they got back up, Peinaili said:
"Welcome Senator, it is a pleasure to meet with you here. I hope that during this meeting we get the chance to get to know a bit more about each other and our respective factions, so that we may find goals to work on together for the betterment of the Union."
Peinaili then started to walk slowly towards the entrance to give the Senator time to look around before they would enter into the foyer. This space was perhaps the most impressive room in the entire Embassy, if one would judge it purely by decoration, in the center stood a large round fountain which was enclosed by a double winged staircase, winding up to the higher floors all the way to the domed roof with large skylight. Strategically placed in niches or on the wall, where sculptures or paintings of characters that payed a role of importance in the history of the Sundarian people.
The delegation then continued passed the fountain and underneath the overlook, through a short hallway towards the salon, which had been prepared for the occasion and its garden door's where open.
The ladies de Montrève and Koniova simulateously knelt adeyante as was the Sundarian custom, after they got back up, Peinaili said:
"Welcome Senator, it is a pleasure to meet with you here. I hope that during this meeting we get the chance to get to know a bit more about each other and our respective factions, so that we may find goals to work on together for the betterment of the Union."
Peinaili then started to walk slowly towards the entrance to give the Senator time to look around before they would enter into the foyer. This space was perhaps the most impressive room in the entire Embassy, if one would judge it purely by decoration, in the center stood a large round fountain which was enclosed by a double winged staircase, winding up to the higher floors all the way to the domed roof with large skylight. Strategically placed in niches or on the wall, where sculptures or paintings of characters that payed a role of importance in the history of the Sundarian people.
The delegation then continued passed the fountain and underneath the overlook, through a short hallway towards the salon, which had been prepared for the occasion and its garden door's where open.
Maria Latharion » Thu Apr 18, 2013 5:32 pm
Lady-Senator Maria Latharion followed the Sundarian Senator, looking around to take in her surroundings.
"If I may be so bold to ask Senator, what is the significance of that flag at the entrance?"
"If I may be so bold to ask Senator, what is the significance of that flag at the entrance?"
Lady Peinaili de Montrève » Fri Apr 19, 2013 12:03 pm
Expecting the question Peinaili requested Alexandra to go and fetch several items from her personal chambers as she started to explain the significance of the Heraldry in the Sundarian Culture.
"Of course Senator," Peinaili stated, "The flag bears the coat of arms of my house, and its main purpose is identification however it has great meaning and historical value which is still woven in the Sundarian tradition amongst the nobility.
Heraldry has been used for several hundred years and has its origin early history when the oldest houses claimed nobility or more precisely, dominion over an area of land. As they claimed dominion, a way was needed to identify and mark territory. As a result, unique inheritable emblems were designed and registered, to identify either a person, by means of a personal coat of arms, or a noble family with their familial coat of arms.
These emblems were then placed on flags or clothing, shields and or armour and property as a means of identification."
Alexandra came back carrying a book and small ledger, followed by 2 servants carrying an old, richly decorated, oaken chest. Both servants wore traditional liveries, as was the protocol during official visits at the Embassy, one was red and was adorned with the same coat of arms as was on the flag outside. The other was dressed in green, displaying a different coat of arms. After the chest had been set down, Peinaili took an old key from her desk drawer and opened the chest while both servants remained.
"Of course Senator," Peinaili stated, "The flag bears the coat of arms of my house, and its main purpose is identification however it has great meaning and historical value which is still woven in the Sundarian tradition amongst the nobility.
Heraldry has been used for several hundred years and has its origin early history when the oldest houses claimed nobility or more precisely, dominion over an area of land. As they claimed dominion, a way was needed to identify and mark territory. As a result, unique inheritable emblems were designed and registered, to identify either a person, by means of a personal coat of arms, or a noble family with their familial coat of arms.
These emblems were then placed on flags or clothing, shields and or armour and property as a means of identification."
Alexandra came back carrying a book and small ledger, followed by 2 servants carrying an old, richly decorated, oaken chest. Both servants wore traditional liveries, as was the protocol during official visits at the Embassy, one was red and was adorned with the same coat of arms as was on the flag outside. The other was dressed in green, displaying a different coat of arms. After the chest had been set down, Peinaili took an old key from her desk drawer and opened the chest while both servants remained.
Maria Latharion » Fri Apr 19, 2013 12:51 pm
The Astrian Lady-Senator looked a bit confused.
"Excuse me, but what is nobility? And what do houses have to do with it?"
Maria didn't understand how Lady Peinaili could link something that apparently applied to people, to houses or how a house could claim dominion over land.
"Excuse me, but what is nobility? And what do houses have to do with it?"
Maria didn't understand how Lady Peinaili could link something that apparently applied to people, to houses or how a house could claim dominion over land.
Alexandra Koniova » Fri Apr 19, 2013 1:34 pm
Seeing the Astrian Senator was a bit confused and understanding the fact that the concept might indeed be a bit strange Alexandra answered her question:
"Nobility is a social class which possesses more acknowledged privileges or eminence than members of most other classes the in a society, membership therein typically being hereditary. The separate social classes are often quantified by differences in wealth, levels of education, employment, health and nutrition."
Alexandra said she started to explain the concept,
"The privileges associated with nobility may constitute substantial advantages over or relative to non-nobles, or may be largely honorary, and vary from country to country and era to era. The privileges may involve many things, such holding certain offices or positions of importance within the Government, or rights to tribute in the form of entitlement to cash rents or usage taxes, labour and/or a portion of the annual crop yield from commoners or nobles of lower rank who lived or worked on the noble's manor or within his domain. The local lord could also impose restrictions on such a commoner's movements, religion or legal undertakings.
Nowadays the extend of the privileges the nobility still hold, which were originally derived from local tradition, are limited by law. Several forms of tribute payments still exist, but local nobility can no longer impose restriction on the movements of other social classes or press them in matter of religion or legal undertakings. For instance, my ancestors would have prevented their workers for travelling to other grounds since they owed allegiance and service to my house in exchange for their protection. Nowadays my father can no longer force people to work on our lands since they now have the constitutional right of free passage and the rights to work where they choose.
Historically membership in the nobility and the prerogatives thereof have been regulated or acknowledged by the government, thereby distinguishing it from other sectors of a nation's upper class. Nonetheless, nobility has rarely constituted a closed class; acquisition of sufficient power, wealth, military prowess or royal favour has, enabled commoners to ascend into the nobility. With the titles of nobility normally being hereditary from the moment they are given, this resulted in nobles houses, families that hold one or more noble titles and privileges.
In my case for example, I am Alexandra Koniova, with Koniova being my family name and part of the noble house of Lafrioye è Koniova. Should I enter in a marriage with someone from another noble house, I would still remain a member of my house, but also become a member of his house, and our children would be first of a new house, since they would hold the hereditary titles of both my spouse and myself."
Alexandra made sure to take things slow so that the Senator could ask questions, or requested clarifications when things where unclear for her. Alexandra was also a bit curious to learn how things where with the Astrian people so she asked:
"Is there a system of social classes within the Stellarian Triad federation or is there no such distinction?"
"Nobility is a social class which possesses more acknowledged privileges or eminence than members of most other classes the in a society, membership therein typically being hereditary. The separate social classes are often quantified by differences in wealth, levels of education, employment, health and nutrition."
Alexandra said she started to explain the concept,
"The privileges associated with nobility may constitute substantial advantages over or relative to non-nobles, or may be largely honorary, and vary from country to country and era to era. The privileges may involve many things, such holding certain offices or positions of importance within the Government, or rights to tribute in the form of entitlement to cash rents or usage taxes, labour and/or a portion of the annual crop yield from commoners or nobles of lower rank who lived or worked on the noble's manor or within his domain. The local lord could also impose restrictions on such a commoner's movements, religion or legal undertakings.
Nowadays the extend of the privileges the nobility still hold, which were originally derived from local tradition, are limited by law. Several forms of tribute payments still exist, but local nobility can no longer impose restriction on the movements of other social classes or press them in matter of religion or legal undertakings. For instance, my ancestors would have prevented their workers for travelling to other grounds since they owed allegiance and service to my house in exchange for their protection. Nowadays my father can no longer force people to work on our lands since they now have the constitutional right of free passage and the rights to work where they choose.
Historically membership in the nobility and the prerogatives thereof have been regulated or acknowledged by the government, thereby distinguishing it from other sectors of a nation's upper class. Nonetheless, nobility has rarely constituted a closed class; acquisition of sufficient power, wealth, military prowess or royal favour has, enabled commoners to ascend into the nobility. With the titles of nobility normally being hereditary from the moment they are given, this resulted in nobles houses, families that hold one or more noble titles and privileges.
In my case for example, I am Alexandra Koniova, with Koniova being my family name and part of the noble house of Lafrioye è Koniova. Should I enter in a marriage with someone from another noble house, I would still remain a member of my house, but also become a member of his house, and our children would be first of a new house, since they would hold the hereditary titles of both my spouse and myself."
Alexandra made sure to take things slow so that the Senator could ask questions, or requested clarifications when things where unclear for her. Alexandra was also a bit curious to learn how things where with the Astrian people so she asked:
"Is there a system of social classes within the Stellarian Triad federation or is there no such distinction?"
Maria Latharion » Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:52 pm
Maria shook her head.
"No, we don't have anything like that. According to the law everyone is equal. Before we where a democracy we where a meritocracy.
We focus more on the individual than their family and positions, titles and non-personal property can't be inherited.
Names are registered at birth along with the name of at least one parent. While often children are given the last name of one of the parents, a different name can be chosen as a last name. Apart from identification, little to no value is held to a persons name."
"No, we don't have anything like that. According to the law everyone is equal. Before we where a democracy we where a meritocracy.
We focus more on the individual than their family and positions, titles and non-personal property can't be inherited.
Names are registered at birth along with the name of at least one parent. While often children are given the last name of one of the parents, a different name can be chosen as a last name. Apart from identification, little to no value is held to a persons name."
Lady Peinaili de Montrève » Fri Apr 26, 2013 1:40 pm
" I see Senator," Peinaili responded, "We see the same development within the Federation, or at least the differences between the other social classes and the nobility slowly fade. The nobility will try preserve their holdings and titles, but in the past years their influence has diminished slowly due to new legislation."
She then took the old ledger from Alexandra and opened it carefully.
"So to recapitulate, Heraldry mainly serves as a means of identification, " Peinaili said as she continued her explanation, "but also it as an important part of our historical heritage. To explain this better I have asked Alexandra to bring these items, so that I may show you."
In the ledger the Senator could see copies of deeds and several charters, both given out by ancestors of the Lady de Montrève, and given to House de Montrève, which date back to the creation of the House into nobility. These contained a lot of information about the welfare of the lands and its holdings, the problems and laws passed over time, it was clearly a valuable source of historical information. Peinaili made sure to provide additional information when needed and explained the relevance of certain documents within their historical time frame.
She then asked both servants, that were still standing next to the chest, to carefully pick up the old tapestry and roll it out so that the broidery on it could be seen. It contained a part of the genealogy of the House de Montrève and it showed the development of the heraldry and its changes through the ages. Peinaili discussed several additions or disappearance of elements within the heraldic quarters of the coat of arms and their relevance and links with other noble houses.
She then took the old ledger from Alexandra and opened it carefully.
"So to recapitulate, Heraldry mainly serves as a means of identification, " Peinaili said as she continued her explanation, "but also it as an important part of our historical heritage. To explain this better I have asked Alexandra to bring these items, so that I may show you."
In the ledger the Senator could see copies of deeds and several charters, both given out by ancestors of the Lady de Montrève, and given to House de Montrève, which date back to the creation of the House into nobility. These contained a lot of information about the welfare of the lands and its holdings, the problems and laws passed over time, it was clearly a valuable source of historical information. Peinaili made sure to provide additional information when needed and explained the relevance of certain documents within their historical time frame.
She then asked both servants, that were still standing next to the chest, to carefully pick up the old tapestry and roll it out so that the broidery on it could be seen. It contained a part of the genealogy of the House de Montrève and it showed the development of the heraldry and its changes through the ages. Peinaili discussed several additions or disappearance of elements within the heraldic quarters of the coat of arms and their relevance and links with other noble houses.
Maria Latharion » Fri Apr 26, 2013 11:16 pm
Lady-Senator Maria Latharion listened attentively. Though she was intrigued by the things Peinaili explained, most of them where very strange to her.
The importance of ones parents and different social classes were something completely foreign to her.
"I think you misunderstood Senator. There have been no social classes on Stellaria since the Reproduction War, over 900 years ago and even before that the lowest born woman could become one of the highest leaders if she proved she was the best suited woman for the job."
She explained.
"So as you see, there never have been social classes in the STF."
The importance of ones parents and different social classes were something completely foreign to her.
"I think you misunderstood Senator. There have been no social classes on Stellaria since the Reproduction War, over 900 years ago and even before that the lowest born woman could become one of the highest leaders if she proved she was the best suited woman for the job."
She explained.
"So as you see, there never have been social classes in the STF."
Lady Peinaili de Montrève » Thu May 09, 2013 5:58 pm
"Ah yes of course," Peinaili responded, "That would indeed make this entire concept of social classes very strange and seemingly chaotic. Suffice to say the current government, and the governments before them, has pushed to reduce the differences between the social classes, but I guess it would need a similar event in order to resolve the difference completely.
I trust however that the significance of heraldry at the entrance of the Embassy is now a bit more clear."
She nodded towards the servants, who then started to pack up the chest and ledger and carried it out of the room. Meanwhile Peinaili and Alexandra continued to walk, through the open doors, to the garden terrace. With the shadow of some trees and surrounded by several flowerbeds with a wide variety of floral species, both Sundarian and other, several seats and sofa's had been placed, with several refreshments close at hand.
I trust however that the significance of heraldry at the entrance of the Embassy is now a bit more clear."
She nodded towards the servants, who then started to pack up the chest and ledger and carried it out of the room. Meanwhile Peinaili and Alexandra continued to walk, through the open doors, to the garden terrace. With the shadow of some trees and surrounded by several flowerbeds with a wide variety of floral species, both Sundarian and other, several seats and sofa's had been placed, with several refreshments close at hand.
Maria Latharion » Fri May 10, 2013 3:02 pm
"Yes it is."
Maria sat down, after the others had taken a seat, she continued.
"Shall we get down to business?"
Maria sat down, after the others had taken a seat, she continued.
"Shall we get down to business?"
Lady Peinaili de Montrève » Fri May 17, 2013 11:17 am
"Of course,"
Peinaili said while she helped herself to a cup of tea,
"That is after all part of the reason why I invited you here. It has been brought to my attention that the Stellarian Triad Federation has started to produce holonet relays, with which we have no problem. It might however be in both our best interest to coordinate the amount produced in order not to flood the market.
As I have been told by our experts, the joining of the IO Protocol and several technological breakthroughs, has generated sufficient demand to warrant at least two producers, but this demand may fall quickly once a large enough network has been build. It is well known that the Sundarian Federation has started to produce Holonet relays to match her own transportation needs at first, but we now have a substantial market interest by selling these to other parties, such as the IO Protocol.
I would like to know what the Stellarian Triad Federation hopes to do with the production capacity available, so that we may make a decision on the necessity of any further increase in production. Is the Stellarian Triad Federation looking to increase her current production of relays and if so, to which amount?"
Peinaili said while she helped herself to a cup of tea,
"That is after all part of the reason why I invited you here. It has been brought to my attention that the Stellarian Triad Federation has started to produce holonet relays, with which we have no problem. It might however be in both our best interest to coordinate the amount produced in order not to flood the market.
As I have been told by our experts, the joining of the IO Protocol and several technological breakthroughs, has generated sufficient demand to warrant at least two producers, but this demand may fall quickly once a large enough network has been build. It is well known that the Sundarian Federation has started to produce Holonet relays to match her own transportation needs at first, but we now have a substantial market interest by selling these to other parties, such as the IO Protocol.
I would like to know what the Stellarian Triad Federation hopes to do with the production capacity available, so that we may make a decision on the necessity of any further increase in production. Is the Stellarian Triad Federation looking to increase her current production of relays and if so, to which amount?"
Maria Latharion » Fri May 17, 2013 4:52 pm
"We are looking to expand our production, but not until our economy can properly handle it. We would probably raise it to 100 
per 
and possibly further later on."
Maria picked up a cup of coffee and took a sip.
"That there was a shortage in production of holonet relays was only a small part of our consideration when we decided to start producing holonet relays."
per and possibly further later on."Maria picked up a cup of coffee and took a sip.
"That there was a shortage in production of holonet relays was only a small part of our consideration when we decided to start producing holonet relays."
Lady Peinaili de Montrève » Fri May 31, 2013 11:35 am
"Thank you for your honest reply Senator,"
Peinaili said as she took a sip of her tea,
"The Sundarian Council is looking to expand our production to 300 / . This however will take some time as the necessary infrastructure is yet to be build. Further investments once this has been completed are unlikely.
Would you be willing to make arrangements in order to guarantee a minimal price per unit for which we would then both supply our array's to 3rd parties? While currently there is no real need for such a treaty, this might prove a valuable measure to preserve the market in the future."
Peinaili said as she took a sip of her tea,
"The Sundarian Council is looking to expand our production to 300
/ . This however will take some time as the necessary infrastructure is yet to be build. Further investments once this has been completed are unlikely.Would you be willing to make arrangements in order to guarantee a minimal price per unit for which we would then both supply our array's to 3rd parties? While currently there is no real need for such a treaty, this might prove a valuable measure to preserve the market in the future."
Maria Latharion » Mon Jun 03, 2013 9:52 am
The Astrian woman took another sip of her coffee. Her face unreadable as she carefully chose her next words.
"Senator, might I ask what it would accomplish if we both ask the same price foe our relays? And how would this help preserve the market?"
"Senator, might I ask what it would accomplish if we both ask the same price foe our relays? And how would this help preserve the market?"
Lady Peinaili de Montrève » Thu Jun 06, 2013 1:59 pm
Peinaili took a sip of her tea, as she carefully observed the Stellarian senator while she answered her question.
"I did not mean for us to ask the same price for our relays," she stated, "Asking the same price would probably cause more damage to the market then it would do good. Nor did I mean for us to reach an agreement on a salesprice. I merely suggest that we take a look into a bottom price. By making arrangement on a minimum price of sale, while leaving each faction the choice of her salesprice, either at or above this minimum, we could ensure a minimum return on investment.
It would protect the investments done by either party, and would offer a fair price to all union members."
"I did not mean for us to ask the same price for our relays," she stated, "Asking the same price would probably cause more damage to the market then it would do good. Nor did I mean for us to reach an agreement on a salesprice. I merely suggest that we take a look into a bottom price. By making arrangement on a minimum price of sale, while leaving each faction the choice of her salesprice, either at or above this minimum, we could ensure a minimum return on investment.
It would protect the investments done by either party, and would offer a fair price to all union members."
Maria Latharion » Fri Jun 07, 2013 8:42 pm
Maria set down her coffee for a moment. She took a deep breath.
"While you have a fair point, senator, and your proposal would no doubt be beneficial. I cannot agree to it.
Minimum price agreements are simply out of the question, a practice I cannot and will not allow the STF to participate in."
She then looked at the Sundarian senator.
"I am sorry. I'm willing to discuss other methods of cooperation, but no minimal price agreements."
"While you have a fair point, senator, and your proposal would no doubt be beneficial. I cannot agree to it.
Minimum price agreements are simply out of the question, a practice I cannot and will not allow the STF to participate in."
She then looked at the Sundarian senator.
"I am sorry. I'm willing to discuss other methods of cooperation, but no minimal price agreements."
Lady Peinaili de Montrève » Sat Jun 15, 2013 4:27 pm
"I see, perhaps you could explain why such a measure isn't possible?" Peinaili asked after listening to the Senator's reply to her proposal and she added, "And what would you suggest we'd do instead then if we are to cooperate?"
Maria Latharion » Wed Jun 19, 2013 7:54 pm
"Simple, the advantages are outweighed by the disadvantages.
Think about it. While it guarantees a certain profit, it removes competition and with it the incentive for innovation. Also what if a world finds the minimum price we agree on to high? In stead of being able to negotiate other possibilities, we would be forced to refuse a consumer."
"As for cooperation possibilities, we could cooperate on research for any new technology for or using holonet relays."
Think about it. While it guarantees a certain profit, it removes competition and with it the incentive for innovation. Also what if a world finds the minimum price we agree on to high? In stead of being able to negotiate other possibilities, we would be forced to refuse a consumer."
"As for cooperation possibilities, we could cooperate on research for any new technology for or using holonet relays."
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