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Rise of New France


Pikachurin

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Governor Jean Talon's royal scribe, Stephane Pikachurin-Cartier, has just finished writing the following document, detailing the existence of Nouvelle-France. The document itself was originally written in French, however Stephane managed to find a bilingual friend that was successfully able to translate the document in English.

CoatofArmsofNewFrance.png

Greetings from the New World,

We, the unified peoples of Nouvelle-France, a French colony located north of the New World, have recently achieved greater autonomy over our lands. This is an important day in the history of man. We are now able to control more of our affairs, and that includes the right for our honourable Government to manage our affairs with the other nations of our world.

Hence the reason why you are currently reading this. In the name of our Lord, we hereby declare the existence of the Vice-royauté de Nouvelle-France (Viceroyalty of New France). We are ruled by a responsible sovereign council, composed of the highest officials of the Viceroyalty.

Despite our newfound freedom, we shall continue to be loyal to our French brothers and Monarch in the Old World.

Long live Nouvelle-France!

FlagofNewFrance.png

Signed,

Jean Talon

Governor of Nouvelle-France

Leader of the Sovereign Council

Stephane Pikachurin-Cartier

Royal Scribe

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The chiefs discussed this new 'nation' to their north, as well as the one to their south.

"We are hemmed in by others. We must ensure the safety of our people."

"Yes, but how?"

"A treaty with one is of great necessity."

It was agreed an envoy should be sent to the newcomers in the North.

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"Independence?!" Shouted the various council members sitting around the table, long French tapestries hanging down the wall. The council of nobles, of the various French estates across the realm looked in awe at what they had heard muttering from the king's mouth, even more so of the piece of parchment that was being passed around the table. This would only cause even more division in the Estates-General when the word of a French outpost declaring their own independence from the Greater French Empire.

"Mon Roi, this cannot be allowed to happen. They are our subjects, they are your subjects and this may not able allowed to go unpunished."

"You Excellence." Phillipe said to the Duc du Lyon. "That outpost was a failure of my father, we have just unified our realm and now we are supposed to worry about a people across the Atlantic? No, we home details to worry about, not extending any empire over the ocean. At least not yet." He chuckled, followed by the chuckling of his councilors. "Until that time, it is necessary that our friendship between French peoples is maintained and they have clearly stated that we have their loyalty. Instead, send a ship and a messenger to their government. We have much to discuss with them."

---

The ship would take months to arrive, but after this was done, the government of New France would receive the following missive:

My Faithful Subject,

It is by the Grace of God that we call ourselves of the same family, the same power that only the French people possess. Your recent independence has come of a shock to myself and my court, however there is no reason why that New France and her mother cannot continue to maintain a healthy relationship with one another. As such, I would like to invite you to send an ambassador on the transport ship back to France where I would be honored to welcome you to my court in La Royaume Chateau. There we can talk about the future of our nations and the future of the French people together. I await your presence.

Humbly Yours,

Phillipe Valois

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The chiefs discussed this new 'nation' to their north, as well as the one to their south.

"We are hemmed in by others. We must ensure the safety of our people."

"Yes, but how?"

"A treaty with one is of great necessity."

It was agreed an envoy should be sent to the newcomers in the North.

***PRIVATE***

Jean Talon was looking over a map of Nouvelle-France, thinking about possible improvements, when Stephane burst into the room, panting as if he was running for his life.

"Mon Dieu, Stephane, what in heavens' name happened to you?" asked Jean.

"Sir, we have received a message from the Iroquois nation of the south." replied Stephane, still trying to catch his breath.

Jean thought for a moment. "Hmm...Iroquois...is that an Indian tribe?" he asked.

When he received an affirmative from Stephane, Jean continued, "Well then, let us see if we can establish some sort of agreement with these Indians. Ask them if they are willing to sell beaver pelts to us or something. In exchange we can give them discounts for the local store."

"Independence?!" Shouted the various council members sitting around the table, long French tapestries hanging down the wall. The council of nobles, of the various French estates across the realm looked in awe at what they had heard muttering from the king's mouth, even more so of the piece of parchment that was being passed around the table. This would only cause even more division in the Estates-General when the word of a French outpost declaring their own independence from the Greater French Empire.

"Mon Roi, this cannot be allowed to happen. They are our subjects, they are your subjects and this may not able allowed to go unpunished."

"You Excellence." Phillipe said to the Duc du Lyon. "That outpost was a failure of my father, we have just unified our realm and now we are supposed to worry about a people across the Atlantic? No, we home details to worry about, not extending any empire over the ocean. At least not yet." He chuckled, followed by the chuckling of his councilors. "Until that time, it is necessary that our friendship between French peoples is maintained and they have clearly stated that we have their loyalty. Instead, send a ship and a messenger to their government. We have much to discuss with them."

---

The ship would take months to arrive, but after this was done, the government of New France would receive the following missive:

Today was a great day in the town of Québec. It was the only day of the year when ships from the Old World would arrive at the harbour of Québec, bringing with them the latest things from Europe and beyond. From new machines to fashion styles, there was always something for everyone. Hundreds of men and women lined the port, while some workers were dragging several carts full of beaver pelts toward the harbor, ready to be transported to Europe.

Jean Talon, accompanied by his scribe Stephane Pikachurin-Cartier as usual, was also there. Even though he was also looking forward to obtaining new materials and equipment to improve the state of Nouvelle-France, the primary reason why he was here was to get the latest news and messages from the Old World. Sure, they were probably months old, but that didn't matter.

The first ship had finally reached the harbor, and was preparing to open its cargo to Québec...

----------

"Monsieur Talon! Monsieur Talon!" shouted a young messenger as he tried to get through the crowd that was forming at the harbour. Seeing Jean, the boy bowed slightly and handed a letter. "A letter for you, sir, from France."

Jean quickly grabbed the letter from the boy. "Merci beaucoup." said Jean as he ripped open the letter and read it with the help of Stephane. "His Majesty wants me? Very well, there is no time to lose." He glanced at Stephane. "Pack our bags, Stephane, we shall head for France as soon as possible. When will the ships return to the Old World?"

"In two weeks, sir." replied Stephane.

----------

Months later...

Having survived the storms and currents of the Atlantic, the passenger ship Jean and Stephane was on would finally see the coastline of France.

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Months later...

Having survived the storms and currents of the Atlantic, the passenger ship Jean and Stephane was on would finally see the coastline of France.

The Port of Le Havre was the most important harbor on the the channel between France and England and for the ship carrying the diplomats from New France, this would be a special occasion. Phillipe had sent the Duc du Orleans along with Simon La Brun, the commander of the King's Royal Guard were there to meet with the diplomats. After being taken from the ship, the ambassadors were taken up to the Chateau du Legarde to meet with the Duke and the general. After exchanging pleasantries and the deserving of a long rest from months on the open water of the Atlantic, the next day, a caravan set off towards Paris with regal affair.

After two days on the road, the gathering was led into Paris and taken to the castle in the center of the city. There the ambassadors were led into the Grand Hall where Phillipe and Katherine were seated on their thrones for the audience.

"Welcome my friends." He said rising. "Welcome to Mother France."

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***PRIVATE***

Jean Talon was looking over a map of Nouvelle-France, thinking about possible improvements, when Stephane burst into the room, panting as if he was running for his life.

"Mon Dieu, Stephane, what in heavens' name happened to you?" asked Jean.

"Sir, we have received a message from the Iroquois nation of the south." replied Stephane, still trying to catch his breath.

Jean thought for a moment. "Hmm...Iroquois...is that an Indian tribe?" he asked.

When he received an affirmative from Stephane, Jean continued, "Well then, let us see if we can establish some sort of agreement with these Indians. Ask them if they are willing to sell beaver pelts to us or something. In exchange we can give them discounts for the local store."

OOC: Several Tribes, actually... ;)

IC: The offer was considered a good one. Furs they had plenty of--and in exchange they would get to pick what they got. Perhaps they could even have access to the firearms that were so much more powerful than their bows. Though admittedly, more noisy...the arrows worked much better if you wanted a silent kill.

An invitation was also sent to visit the gathering of chiefs to negotiate further. An interpreter would be provided if they accepted.

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The Port of Le Havre was the most important harbor on the the channel between France and England and for the ship carrying the diplomats from New France, this would be a special occasion. Phillipe had sent the Duc du Orleans along with Simon La Brun, the commander of the King's Royal Guard were there to meet with the diplomats. After being taken from the ship, the ambassadors were taken up to the Chateau du Legarde to meet with the Duke and the general. After exchanging pleasantries and the deserving of a long rest from months on the open water of the Atlantic, the next day, a caravan set off towards Paris with regal affair.

After two days on the road, the gathering was led into Paris and taken to the castle in the center of the city. There the ambassadors were led into the Grand Hall where Phillipe and Katherine were seated on their thrones for the audience.

"Welcome my friends." He said rising. "Welcome to Mother France."

Jean instantly bowed until his nose almost reached the marble floor. "'Tis an honour to meet you, Your Majesty." Standing up, he continued, "I am Jean Talon, Governor of Nouvelle-France and a humble servant of the King of France." He gestured towards Stephane. "And this is my Royal Scribe, Stephane Pikachurin-Cartier."

"So, Your Majesty, what brings us today here in Paris?"

OOC: Several Tribes, actually... ;)

IC: The offer was considered a good one. Furs they had plenty of--and in exchange they would get to pick what they got. Perhaps they could even have access to the firearms that were so much more powerful than their bows. Though admittedly, more noisy...the arrows worked much better if you wanted a silent kill.

An invitation was also sent to visit the gathering of chiefs to negotiate further. An interpreter would be provided if they accepted.

A government official of Nouvelle-France, along with an escort of six guards, would be sent south to negotiate with the Iroquois.

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Along the way, the messenger that was serving as their guide would occasionally glance curiously at the weapons the New French possess, but he knew better than to try and touch unless given permission. But it would be quite evident that he found them fascinating.

Their journey led through various types of terrain, but their final destination was in the approximate center of a place that in another place and time would be known as New York.

In the wait for their arrival, runners were sent out to the various villages throughout the nation, that an important meeting was taking place. No one had to be told where--there was a special village established solely for the Grand Council. And in the center of the village, was the largest Longhouse constructed by any of the Iroquois people, capable of holding up to fifty people comfortably--though they would at the moment only need room for the 15 members of the council, the ambassador and his guards, the interpreter, and a few guards of their own, an equal number to the French guards.

In total, there would be 29 individuals.

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Along the way, the messenger that was serving as their guide would occasionally glance curiously at the weapons the New French possess, but he knew better than to try and touch unless given permission. But it would be quite evident that he found them fascinating.

Their journey led through various types of terrain, but their final destination was in the approximate center of a place that in another place and time would be known as New York.

In the wait for their arrival, runners were sent out to the various villages throughout the nation, that an important meeting was taking place. No one had to be told where--there was a special village established solely for the Grand Council. And in the center of the village, was the largest Longhouse constructed by any of the Iroquois people, capable of holding up to fifty people comfortably--though they would at the moment only need room for the 15 members of the council, the ambassador and his guards, the interpreter, and a few guards of their own, an equal number to the French guards.

In total, there would be 29 individuals.

The representatives of Nouvelle-France, after a week of travelling, would finally arrive at what will be known as New York, completely tired from their journey. After exchanging pleasantries, gifts and begging the Iroquois to give them shelter, they would be prepared for the meeting the next day.

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The representatives of Nouvelle-France, after a week of travelling, would finally arrive at what will be known as New York, completely tired from their journey. After exchanging pleasantries, gifts and begging the Iroquois to give them shelter, they would be prepared for the meeting the next day.

They would be accomodated as best they could for the night. One married couple who currently had a substantial longhouse in their own right, but no family to fill it with yet, volunteered to let the visitors stay in their home.

The next morning, when they woke, the council would already be gathered, waiting, along with their guide. He would, apparently, be serving as their interpreter.

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They would be accomodated as best they could for the night. One married couple who currently had a substantial longhouse in their own right, but no family to fill it with yet, volunteered to let the visitors stay in their home.

The next morning, when they woke, the council would already be gathered, waiting, along with their guide. He would, apparently, be serving as their interpreter.

The representative and his guards would thank the Iroquoian couple for their generosity. Abandoning caution, the representative slept on where he was supposed to sleep, while his guards took turns guarding the official while other guards slept.

----------

The next morning...

The group from Nouvelle-France woke up early and, after a quick breakfast, quickly began to head for the longhouse where the meetings would be held. After exchanging pleasantries with the Iroquoian counsellors and trying to get along with the interpreter, the government official piled several pieces of parchment on the table and said, "What do you Indians want from Nouvelle-France?"

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The representative and his guards would thank the Iroquoian couple for their generosity. Abandoning caution, the representative slept on where he was supposed to sleep, while his guards took turns guarding the official while other guards slept.

----------

The next morning...

The group from Nouvelle-France woke up early and, after a quick breakfast, quickly began to head for the longhouse where the meetings would be held. After exchanging pleasantries with the Iroquoian counsellors and trying to get along with the interpreter, the government official piled several pieces of parchment on the table and said, "What do you Indians want from Nouvelle-France?"

While normally tables wouldn't have been supplied, enough was known about these foreigners that one had been supplied for this meeting. They did not, however, supply any chairs, though the floor was carpeted with animal skins.

One of the Council members, a representative of the Oneida Nation, beckoned to the interpreter, and began speaking. the interpreter, after waiting about five seconds, began speaking. "Chief Running-Wolf says scouts have been sent out to the West and South. Though it is difficult to know for certain, it appears that our neighbors to the south do not intend to live peacefully with anyone here. We want to be able to ensure our freedom as a people. This prompted our decision to send an offer of trade. Specifically, furs for weapons."

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While normally tables wouldn't have been supplied, enough was known about these foreigners that one had been supplied for this meeting. They did not, however, supply any chairs, though the floor was carpeted with animal skins.

One of the Council members, a representative of the Oneida Nation, beckoned to the interpreter, and began speaking. the interpreter, after waiting about five seconds, began speaking. "Chief Running-Wolf says scouts have been sent out to the West and South. Though it is difficult to know for certain, it appears that our neighbors to the south do not intend to live peacefully with anyone here. We want to be able to ensure our freedom as a people. This prompted our decision to send an offer of trade. Specifically, furs for weapons."

The representative thought for a moment. He called for the interpreter, and said, "Indeed. The Americas seem to be aggressive and power hungry. We have the weapons you need to defend yourselves from the Americans, while you have the fur we need to power our economy. I say it is a fair trade. We shall be able to supply you weapons developed from the Old World as long as you provide us a constant supply of fur."

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Jean instantly bowed until his nose almost reached the marble floor. "'Tis an honour to meet you, Your Majesty." Standing up, he continued, "I am Jean Talon, Governor of Nouvelle-France and a humble servant of the King of France." He gestured towards Stephane. "And this is my Royal Scribe, Stephane Pikachurin-Cartier."

"So, Your Majesty, what brings us today here in Paris?"

Phillipe stepped down with a large smile on his face towards where the Governor and the Scribe knelt. "Please, both of you, I am not one to be bowed to. You are lord of your lands and I am of mine, therefore you do me too much honor in kneeling so close to the floor. Rise, both of you." He placed his hands on the Governor's shoulders and nodded. "As to why I have requested you to come to Paris, I see a great prospect between the French people in Europe and those in North America. A Greater French Empire that crosses the North Atlantic and dominates the realm."

He sighed. "At the moment, my realm is embroiled in a war with the Germans. However I don't believe that should get in the way of greater plans of our people. I asked you here so that I could lay eyes on the leader in charge of my population across the sea and to ask what New France requires from her parent country and how do you believe we could make an alliance separated by the sea, work. What must we do from Europe to ensure French dominance of North America?"

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The representative thought for a moment. He called for the interpreter, and said, "Indeed. The Americas seem to be aggressive and power hungry. We have the weapons you need to defend yourselves from the Americans, while you have the fur we need to power our economy. I say it is a fair trade. We shall be able to supply you weapons developed from the Old World as long as you provide us a constant supply of fur."

Chief Running-Wolf could be said to have a satisfied expression, and no few other of the council members agreed with him.

One of those, a representative of the Mohawk tribe, nodded at the interpreter and began speaking.

"That is good. It would also be adviseable, in the interests of securing the trade, to form an agreement not to attack each other."

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Phillipe stepped down with a large smile on his face towards where the Governor and the Scribe knelt. "Please, both of you, I am not one to be bowed to. You are lord of your lands and I am of mine, therefore you do me too much honor in kneeling so close to the floor. Rise, both of you." He placed his hands on the Governor's shoulders and nodded. "As to why I have requested you to come to Paris, I see a great prospect between the French people in Europe and those in North America. A Greater French Empire that crosses the North Atlantic and dominates the realm."

He sighed. "At the moment, my realm is embroiled in a war with the Germans. However I don't believe that should get in the way of greater plans of our people. I asked you here so that I could lay eyes on the leader in charge of my population across the sea and to ask what New France requires from her parent country and how do you believe we could make an alliance separated by the sea, work. What must we do from Europe to ensure French dominance of North America?"

Jean and Stephane quickly rose from the hard marble floor, glad by the way things were going. "Your Majesty, when we left Nouvelle-France, an Indian nation had approached us with the prospect of friendship between the two nations. We are currently making allies in North America to ensure that French influence in the continent remains strong forever," said Jean.

"Ships crossing the great Atlantic currently connect Nouvelle-France to the Old World. Those ships provide us with what we need; weapons, supplies, new technology, and new settlers. The same ships transport goods from the New World, such as beaver pelts and lumber, back to the Old World. If we truly wish to create a Greater French Empire, a stronger navy and increased shipbuilding is what we need."

Chief Running-Wolf could be said to have a satisfied expression, and no few other of the council members agreed with him.

One of those, a representative of the Mohawk tribe, nodded at the interpreter and began speaking.

"That is good. It would also be adviseable, in the interests of securing the trade, to form an agreement not to attack each other."

The representative smiled. Quickly calling the attention of the interpreter, he said, "Ah, of course. We would be more than willing to form an agreement preventing both parties from attacking the other party. While we are talking about non-aggression, perhaps we can also from an agreement that both parties should defend each other when the other party is attacked."

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The representative smiled. Quickly calling the attention of the interpreter, he said, "Ah, of course. We would be more than willing to form an agreement preventing both parties from attacking the other party. While we are talking about non-aggression, perhaps we can also from an agreement that both parties should defend each other when the other party is attacked."

When the interpreter relayed this, a sudden flurry of discussion broke out among the council members. There were too many simultaneous conversations, too many voices speaking at once, to translate, aso he didn't even try.

OOC: In other words, you don;t know what's being said here, yet.../OOC

"This is more than we could have hoped for. It is like the Spirits were anticipating our thoughts."

"But is it really wise? How much do we know about these people?"

"We know enough. They clearly have respect for the land, they are as strong as us and yet do not wage war...they are unlikely to provoke conflict."

"But it deprives us of a major source of raids..."

"Would you rather increase your people at the price of future decrease? Or would you rather we all maintain our existence, and steadily increase?"

In the end, they could agree on one thing, at least. They would need time to come to a firm decision on any mutual defence treaty. This was relayed to the ambassador, though not a few were actually smiling in his direction, indicating their minds were already made up in favor...

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In the end, they could agree on one thing, at least. They would need time to come to a firm decision on any mutual defence treaty. This was relayed to the ambassador, though not a few were actually smiling in his direction, indicating their minds were already made up in favor...

The ambassador was surprised when the Indians suddenly broke into an internal argument that was largely undecipherable by their interpreter. When the argument died down, they were informed by the interpreter that they needed time to form a solid decision. Some of the Indian counsellors didn't look too happy with whatever conclusion they reached, so the ambassador took that as a bad sign.

"Very well then. You may take your time in coming to a decision. However, I assume that you are content with trading your furs for our weapons, and both parties refraining to attack each other?"

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The ambassador was surprised when the Indians suddenly broke into an internal argument that was largely undecipherable by their interpreter. When the argument died down, they were informed by the interpreter that they needed time to form a solid decision. Some of the Indian counsellors didn't look too happy with whatever conclusion they reached, so the ambassador took that as a bad sign.

"Very well then. You may take your time in coming to a decision. However, I assume that you are content with trading your furs for our weapons, and both parties refraining to attack each other?"

The translator had barely relayed the question when one council member nodded emphatically--with no voices of dissent.

"Yes. That much we had already agreed on, should you choose to accept it. And you did. Defending each other, however, will require more than just the council's approval," the interpreter explained.

"I do believe most of the council favors the idea, however," he said, adding what was clearly his own analysis of the situation.

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