Parthian tales and other things

[The Rock Doctor]

OOC:  It'd be Vilnius, yes.  Warsaw is an important commercial centre, but not the seat of government.

[Kaiser Kirk]

On the trip, Princess Shirin had found that of her assigned escorts, one of the Suren ladies, Parysatis, seemed far to interested in finding a marriagable candidate, but disdained the Bavand as a provincial lord, while setting her sights on the highest ranking man available, the Arshakiani dynast.  Those two gentlemen seemed disinterested, setting their sights higher, on the Princess and other Suren lady, talking constantly about how themselves and their impending greatness as their means to achieve this. Aspas Surena, was a 2nd born to that Great House. While Shirin was lithe and athletic, and had worked to build strength to serve in  the military, Aspas was a little wisp of a girl. Tiny and delicately built, Aspas had not the physical stature to make it into the military, and had served her national service as an page at the Academy of Gondishapur* before returning to court.  With her long silken black hair, flashing black eyes, and honeyed skin, she was quite striking and seemed to catch most men's eye, outshining the other ladies.  The two ladies from House Mihan and Zik were late birth courtiers, obsessed with status and infighting and unsure how to deal with a fairly pragmatic princess who outranked them considerably, and cared little for the court gossip or the fact fashion had advanced and both the cut of the Princess's robe and sash were slightly outdated. They tried to explain this in their best pitying tones, 'admiring' her fiscal prudence in not having the most recent style, and lauding her commitment to a more traditional look, all of which she just seemed amused by.   
Wilno was a vibrant city, well kept and bustling, but in this season cloaked in snow, and by Parthian standards, just a bit cold outside. For Princess Shirin, who had scouted the Horde on the steppe in the depths of winter, this was tolerable, but for the others in her party it made the winter wonderland of the Palace grounds an aspect  to be foregone for the cozy and warm interiors of the Palaces.
The Funeral, well someone forgot the first letters.  The Parthian delegation were of the Zorastorian faith. The Muslims had long ago declared Zoroastrians 'people of the book' along with Christians and Jews, with the belief that they all shared a supreme deity,  and the other faiths had followed. Funeral practices were substantially different, as the Zoroastrians believed in cremation, and used fire as the symbol of the light of knowledge that the individual had brought to others, after which everyone got drunk and reminisced.** The apparently endless Mass was not part of the, to them, normal experience, nor was the somber tone afterward.

Further, Shirin and the rest of the delegation attire certainly did not meet the fashion standards of the Vilnus court. The elaborate robes of office with the sash of honors did not appear and garnered substantial looks. The Parthian delegation had been given a section adjacent to the the Aztec contingent. Their lead was the crown prince, who was a dashing war hero in the Mayan war, actually flying one of those flimsy planes in combat and defeating the Mayan pilots. Like Aspas Surena, he had a striking dark and dashing appearance, and like the Parthians, the Aztec delegation did not quite fit the norms of the Wilno court either, which led to the two groups awkwardly chit chatting in what Greek*** they shared.



*founded ~540CE by exiled Nestorians under Parthian auspices, when Nestorians schools were closed in Byzantine after the 489 Nestorian Schism, renowned College of Medicine and now University of many fields.
**I'm blending Zoroastrian cremation with an Irish wake here...
*** I presume Greek is the 'common' tongue of the Navalism world. Latin would be a candidate, but while Rome was never eliminated, it was much reduced, while Byzantine has been the center of commerce and the strongest enduring state in our history. Parthia of course has been nearly wiped out three times, and fought long bitter wars to recover.

[Kaiser Kirk]

Is that a 4x4?
Why is is set on end in the ground?
Oh, it's a new(s) post...

[TacCovert4]

(I would presume Greek as well, since Greek was the official tongue of Roman Citizens, in fact it was one way to differentiate a commoner from a proper Roman Citizen, since commoners spoke Latin while Citizens were fluent in Greek)

[Kaiser Kirk]

(I would presume Greek as well, since Greek was the official tongue of Roman Citizens, in fact it was one way to differentiate a commoner from a proper Roman Citizen, since commoners spoke Latin while Citizens were fluent in Greek)

The history developed had the near extinction of both Parthia and Rome, which allowed for the majority of history to continue apace. Byzantine, while diminished temporarily, continued. Rome resurged after the dark days of the 400s. While the failure to fully conquer and then the resurgence of Parthia in the 650s-750s cut the economic legs from the Muslim conquests, pushing forward the reconquista of Iberia, and allowing Byzantine to reconquer the Levant. Parthia then got bludgeoned by the Mongols and Tamberlane, but that reduced the impacts on Byzantine, so it does not fall to the Ottomans. Hence, while none of the ancient regimes fully fell, from the 300s -1900s Byzantine has likely been the dominant economic and so linguistic power in Western Eurasia 

[Kaiser Kirk]

The Royal Road would be arriving in a week, much to late to join in the Vilno regatta. The Royal Road had departed Bushere even before she boarded the Zeppelin, but the journey through the Suez and the Roman Sea had taken much time. While it was deemed worth the mild risk of storms to attend the coronation, no such haste was warranted for the return, so she had stayed for.    The Wilno fleet had been quite impressive, and Shirin found herself wondering how the Parthian would compare on parade. As far as she knew, the Navy did not indulge in such, but the navy had never quite her eye, and unlike her brother Vache, she had not deployed overseas, so the ships remained descriptions in her royal briefing materials. Still she knew that while technically a cruiser, Royal Road would be like a toy to the Wilno fleet.

Shirin sometimes wondered if she had made the right choices in life.  Work and devotion, or indulgence and luxury.  Honor, respect and admiration, or being seen as a courtier, albeit a prestigious one.   Her brother Iskandar had offered to make her an Heir before she was of age, and she had agreed.  A simple extension of her extensive tutoring, she had studied hard, and when she reached majority, passed the Questions posed by the High Chamber and so earned her place as officially Fourth in Line. She then plunged into her National Service.  Because of her status as Princess, even if not heir, she could have taken a more luxurious path, certainly a different course would likely have seen the easier road of declining the Military, and aiming for the easier road of Civil Service, she had the brains for a prestigious Academic posting, and could have stayed closer to Courts and Parties.  But she would have felt ashamed, Nobles who were trusted to lead were also were expected to set examples to demonstrate they earned that trust, and it could be stripped away in dire cases. 

Shirin rather liked hunting and dancing and music, but felt very proud of her time with the Parthian Rangers. They were the part of the Elite light forces that actually sought out and kept contact with the potential foes. While she had taken time for Court events and schooling, during her time with them, she had learned to make command decisions that mattered to her troopers.  The military demanded it's would-be field grade officers spend time learning the logistics or engineering that allowed large bodies of troops to function, and she had started that route.

Expectations were that over the next decade she would marry and have children, Professionally, she could stay with the military in a staff role, or serve as the Emperors representative, say in diplomatic circles such as this funeral.  When she was a child it seemed like renewing the links to the Norse, or forging a better peace with Rajasthan would be the best matches, but the domestic politics of those nations meant those matches were unlikely. Traditionally the Arascid line, if not marrying a foreign Royal line, made its matches among the second tier of Nobles, frequently from the Mountain provinces that had long been the redoubts of the Parthian state. Now she had found in two foreign men different facets that caught her interest, suggesting there may be something more. Should she steer her course into diplomatic circles, their encounters could become friendships, but she was keenly aware that all three felt the pressure of marriage, and that could lead to living in a foreign court.

First, she had a duty to pay a call on her distant relations among the Norse, and meet the man to whom she was once intended. She understood he was quite the man's man, and so their was no chance of that plan occurring, but the silence and isolation from the Norse court this past decade was something that could be pried open by a Royal visit on reasonable pretext. Then she had to arrange with Iskandar to royally invite Wictor and Ali to visit Gilan. Of course first she would need to call Iskandar, but with no line from Wilno*,  for now the Embassy's telegraph should suffice. Framing the information, transcribed by the telegraph operators, to decorously explain the goings on and prospects, that would be the conundrum.

[Kaiser Kirk]

Iskandar X, Shahahan of Parthia, holder of so many titles it exasperated him to be formally announced, sometimes despaired of the formalities.

The light and comfortable clothes served as a base for the formal apparel of the Royal Robes, which were heavily embroidered. The sash of the house of Arascid went over that, his family accomplishments not truly fitting, while his personal ones were relegated to a small strip. Then the particular royal regalia.  There were sometimes when he felt particularly lazy and indulgent that he wished his Ancestor had not dispensed of some of the personal assistants that would have made dressing easier, if somewhat undignified. However he could rely on his aide to review and ensure all the various bits and pieces are where they were supposed to be.

The Palace was a grand building, built in the late 1400s at great expense, replacing the ruin left by Timur in 1387 when the city was massacred. The Grand throne room, with it's sunlit colonnade and it's entrance flanked by a garden populated by hydraulicly operated singing birds, never failed to impress those new. The descent of the great golden dome from the ceiling, upon which the modernized Peacock Throne was set, gave the impression of the Emperor descending from the Heavens. All of which was terribly useless for actually discussing matters and examining documents.

The Second story of the Palace, from where the throne descended, was also the location of the Council of Ministers, with it's grand "U" shaped council table. Betwixt the two was the Emperor's preparation room, where he waited to make the final entrance. The chamber was quiet, filled with old books left open on stands.  The books were written by his Ancestors, each page filled with a single saying or concept they felt of importance.  Iskandar lingered over one of his favored ones, set down by Vistaham II "The Idealist" who in the early 1800s embraced the 'Enlightenment' concepts and tried to introduce some democratic concepts.
"A Monarch, no matter how clever or wise, has no more hours between dawn and dusk than any other in which to do their works, and so are limited in what they can achieve unless they entrust others.

A Monarch who sets clever men in places of power, and harnesses their ambition, gains all their hours between Dusk and Dawn to further their works, and can do Great things."

Idly flipping the page, he moved deeper in the book :
"A ruler who makes good decisions shall win the peoples thanks.

A ruler who makes poor decisions will win the peoples derision.

A ruler who appoints a minister who makes good decisions shall win both parties the peoples thanks, while additionally the ruler shall be thought wise for appointing the minister.

A ruler who appoints a minister who makes bad decisions and earns the peoples derision, can win praise by removing the poor minister and appointing a better one."

Not all the words of his ancestors were golden, and many were dated, but frequently they had some resonance in these days.

His aide signaled that the meeting was ready, and all awaited his arrival.

Inskandar X entered the Council of Ministers and took his place at the head of the 'Horseshoe' as it was call.  This was one of several sessions that had occurred over the past several months.Like most Parthian bureaucracies, the military leadership was elderly and extremely traditional. Their responses to Iskandar's first queries as to technology and the military's future had been very conservative, and had led to his formation of this panel.  Iskandar, the Ministers of the Army and Navy, of Finance, and of Infrastructure (and Production) were all present. Senior staff from the Military colleges were present, as were the leaders of the Upper and Lower Chamber's Military Committees. Normally his Uncle, 1st in line, would be present, but he was in failing health and once again ill, which only reinforced Iskandar's need to update the chain of succession. Presentations would be done by representatives of the various bodies, as well as the various intelligence services and prominent proponents of various military theories.

The topic was the evolution in military technology over the past several years, and how that would effect tactics, strategy and procurement. The keen desire was provide reliable equipment in the needed quantities...for whatever the new battles – on land or sea- would look like.  The rapid development of aircraft and where that may lead, as well as the change to the grand tactical picture the presence of mobile armored guns. The War Colleges had been studying both for a decade, but leaps in capability, reliability and numbers were changing the answers. The Rangers had over the years found several large Horde armor depots and airfield, deep in Horde territories, proving that threat was well armed.  Byzantine of course was a major power in that way.  Rajasthan was dangerous but limited by the Indus and the Hindu-Kush.

The Mayan-Japanese war had brought attention to how tracked mobile guns could be used to nullify border fortifications, and a deep dispersed belt of fortified points was the key to the Northern...and other...borders. A retrofit program, fitting key gun positions with bolstered dome shields of RHA + sand filling + facehardened, overlaid on the older armor had been undertaken*. The Parthian response to the Mayan war, as well as the difficulties the Japanese had, and the urgent efforts made by the Aztec, had been the focus of several early meetings. The Parthian aide mission to Wilno to provision and treat the interned soldiers had an unexpected bonus of first hand observation and discussion, and there had been some radio traffic monitored.  Assessing the capability of the Ethiopians (Friendly) and Berbers (Not Friendly) and Incans (Mixed) and Parthian responses had been examined in later meetings. With all the overseas wars, the presumption was early land defeat, six months to secure the seas, and then a counter invasion to liberate the lost territories, which still appeared possible. A conflict with a larger power, well there were specific war plans for each.
The varied terrain and sheer extent of Parthia and it's overseas territories was proving to considerably complicate matters.  The efforts to hear a wide variety of concepts had exposed how this could be problematic. One  theorist, with a published book had espoused thousands of small tracked armored vehicles to serve as mobile machine gun posts and gun carrier-tractors, replacing cavalry and horse artillery.  While the Northern steppe was suited for such, the mountains of the Northwest and Southeast were not. Further, the oil and parts needed produced supply difficulties compounded by sheer unreliability of such current vehicles...they simply could not be relied on to make a deep strike in some unguarded section of line. The response from the Royal Armory on ballistics tests had verified that special steel cored bullets could defeat light armor, while the 15mm round could be adapted for the role, indeed a oversized rifle for that round had recently entered testing.

Discussions on focusing or dispersing these new machines, and the mechanical and fuel support to supply them, with the attendant effects on budget. Concentration of scores allowed use of mass and firepower, best able to overwhelm dispersed defenses, but coordination by flags was proving extremely difficult, and the need for a separate crewman to simply monitor adjacent vehicles and the enemy positions had been suggested, despite the weight penalty. Which would increase the cost and complexity, impacting production and finance...which was why THEY were at a military discussion. Dispersing the vehicles and attaching them to infantry allowed them to operate independently and flexibly, but increased the maintenance and resupply challenge, while the reliability issues meant frequently there would be no support. Lastly in a duel with a gun, or battery of them, a single vehicle was far more likely to come out on the loosing end.

The discussions were monthly, trying to assess which theories should be returned to the Services for exploration, or lead to equipment orders for trials – a rather expensive proposition – but felt...at least by Iskandar...as important.  The grand scheme to provide agricultural land and resources for Parthia's exploding population to expand to, that was to be his legacy, a future of Prosperity for the peoples of the homeland, and to all those in the new territories.... all of which could founder if the Shield that was the Military was not well kept, and letting the old Generals plan to refight the war of their youth was not adequate. Parthia critically lacked actual experience against a modern force, and it would be disastrous to find they had chosen the wrong path with the new weapons. Iskandar keenly felt practical experience was needed, but had not wanted to send soldiers sworn to Parthia's protection into the Mayan battle, it would not have seemed that he was keeping his faith in that oath. Lacking that practical experience, they looked to what they could glean from others, or develop theories on. Presentations on Byzantine theories and Horde planning documents only went so far, informing on the NOW. The young minds fascinated by the technologic possibilities were critical to evaluate options for the Future...what needed to be built.   For such a critical juncture, Iskandar's  role was to ensure a robust discussion was made.  "To avoid becoming a figurehead, involve yourself in decisions, support your ministers in most, suggest alterations in some, but at time insist on exploring alternatives and taking the better path."

*Similar to what the Belgians did prior to WW1, but failed to do between the wars.

[Kaiser Kirk]

And now...time for more rambling....

The Wilno Funeral/Coronation had by it's nature been a rather sudden occurrence, and a decade before, the Parthian Royal Family would not have been able to attend, simply by reason of travel time.  With Parthia now having global interests, it had been felt prudent to make a show of attending.  Zeppelins meant Iskandar could send his sister, and he knew the risk was small even in winter.
Shirin was similarly a calculated risk taker, and had been willing to take the Zeppelin ride in January,  and her entourage had little choice in the matter. The trip back was not nearly as important, and so the mail-courier cruiser, Royal Road, with it's staterooms was designated to carry them home and arrived some days after the Regatta.

The Embassy telegraph had been busily recording an schedule for the Royal Personage, so on it's arrive she found that beyond visiting her distant Norse relations, she was to make a diplomatic call at Barcelona and visit the Iberians, after which would be a long route around the Horn of Africa, stopping at the major Parthian possessions. The Royal Road was designed for high speed dashes between such ports. Aunt Isias had visited Stone Town (Zanzibar), but as the Royal line generally kept to Parthia, she would be the first to call on many of the Satrapies.

Oslo was a more muted occasion than Shirin had braced herself for. Following King Gunnar's injury* and coma, political leadership had turned to infighting and no majority government emerged. Seizing the reins was a minority coalition government led Nationalist Isolationist Party. The Norse had, along with so many other nations, embraced the writings of George Foster, praising Isolationism, self-reliant economies and restricted trade with outsides, essentially arguing for the adoption the Japanese Sokaku policy long after the Japanese had discarded it.  To Shirin, this seemed peculiar, for one the Parthians had a mechanism to replace the infirm, enfeebled, insane, or otherwise unsuited Shahahan, or other leader, that was one reason for a line of succession defined by blood but also demonstrated ability. For another, from her briefing papers the NIP mainly seemed to spout self-serving propaganda which was dutifully echoed by the various news organizations they owned. Ahura Mazda had fire as a symbol of the Light of Knowledge, that truth was worthwhile seemed a given, but here it was inconvenient.  The entire arrangement had led to a paralysis of Norse Foreign policy for nearly 15 years.  Few of Parthia had called other than diplomats, or merchants at the designated ports. Shirin's Royal nature ensured the Norse Government could not politely refuse her admittance.

A small honor guard greeted Shirin and her party at the Harbor, and the Norse Foreign Minister put on an appearance. They were then whisked to the Parthian Embassy. The Norse hosted the first dinner, that very evening, with Political functionaries present, a perfectly grim affair.

The next day, Shirin was able to formally call on King Gunnar Harada. When stricken, he had been a decade her senior but unmarried, and while his cousin had been the originally intended partner, that gentleman was uninterested in the ladies....so she wondered if things had been different could Gunnar have been her future? Now a wane and wasted man, struck down in his youth. She wondered how he had been before, was he strong quiet and self-assured like Wiktor, or dashing and jaunty like Ali ? Seeing King Gunnar was in some ways terribly sad, but as she stood there and paid her respects, she couldn't help but wonder how others would remember her contributions if tomorrow was her last day.

The Embassy's mail that evening included a telegraphed schedule from Prince Ali, indicating he was had arrived safely in Portsmouth, and she dictated a reply. Prince Wicktor had not been heard of, but it had not been long, but she seemed to have something in common and at least a friendship could be forged- she had a suspicion that Vilnus would be far more interesting to visit in

The following evening was a Banquet and Ball at the Palace, where the resident Nobility took excuse to have a party, to which Shirin seemed mostly an excuse. She did get to meet the distant relatives, but that was to be expected, as Rhodogune Arshakuni (the Arascid House family name) had passed over a century prior, after a marriage that cemented the last Alliance against the Golden Horde. Shirin Ashakuni had been the century prior, and the marriages of Atossa and Artesmia had been even deeper in the past, marking the first Alliance against the Horde. Surprisingly, King Gunnar's 4th sister, Princess Adrianna, bore a family resemblance**, and had three darling daughters- Astrid, Ella and Anna. She also finally met her might have been betrothed, Filip, who turned out to be wondrously dull with an elevated opinion of his own wit, surrounded by pair of sycophantic young men who lauded his every utterance. The various alternative paths that her could have taken once again seemed prominent in her regard. There were distractions from such serious considerations, with dinner, a skit, and dancing. Overall, the evening was rather delightful, with the Norse courtiers interested in the 'new shiny' of the Parthian Nobles, and so they were kept quit busy.

The next day, the short visit was over, the Royal Road stocked up, and the passengers embarked. The voyage across the North Sea, in early February, was bedeviled by squalls,.  but the vessel was built for good speed in all weathers..though the heating provisions left a little to be desired, things were brisk.

The dash across the North Sea and down the channel was uneventful. Shirin had asked to be told when they were abreast from Portsmouth, but when she was informed, it was a dark and stormy night, the ship having slowed to avoid collisions in the poor visibility. Once past the weather, the Royal Road was able to maintain her 22knot cruising speed the remainder of the journey to Barcelona.


*  With Iberia, we know there was political unrest, as players changed. With the Norse, the long pause in 1912 is completely unexplained. Further, we have China and other isolationist NPCs.
Therefore I am putting forth the conjecture that there are competing theories of international interaction, and that something hit the Pause button in Norse politics...
**This all according to the Norse Royals that Walter was working on, I believe Adrianna was meant to look a bit different. His renditions of Iskandar and Shirin (this one) are a bit off how I portray though :)

[Kaiser Kirk]

Much of life was a routine, even for the Shahanshan Iskandar, King of Kings. Claiming a portion of each day for a sedate routine had a calming effect for him.  Rising early, a vigorous session of varzesh-e bastani would leave muscles sore and on rare occasion bruises, but was followed by a heated bathtub to remove the grime and leave him fresh for the day. That would then begin by breaking fast with his wife Zenobia and chatting over the day's plans, the policy matters ahead, and her plans for the next banquet. Since no children had come of their union, the birth of Vache's second daughter was the center of the discussion. The designated line of succession granted flexibility, so a first cousin could be slated to be added when Uncle Sanatruck's decline forced Iskandar to redesignate, but it was always better when one in the direct line could be tutored since youth, and hopefully one of the daughters would prove to have the aptitude and desire.

The business of the day then started, reviewing the latest decoded missive from his little sister Shirin, briefly relating the Norse court, and reiterating her plans for hosting her new friends.  Then other the missives of import.  Today was a busy day, as he had his council of Academic advisors. The Zoroastrian faith prized truth and knowledge, and it had been long tradition for the King of Kings not to simply rely on the reports processed through the bureaucracies, but also on the varied intelligence services and knowledgeable advisors.

Armed with this information, he greeted the new agricultural minister, in this case an elderly gentleman from the House of Commons*. Iskandar conveyed his expectation that Ministers were key decision makers, but were to listen to and evaluate the inputs of the experts. Iskandar discussing his vision for robust scientific exploration of crops, importance of that continuing, of focusing on practical applications of resources, the importance of the advisor corps and planning for crop failures and catastrophes. A flaw of the system was placing a senior politician in an executive position, so typically

The afternoon was slipping away by time his official day was winding down. The new minister had departed, and he had a window of time before the banquet that evening for the delegation from Rajasthan, just arrived to discuss dams. Iskandar contemplated Shirin's request for formal invitations. Prince Wiktor had made an impression, but what she felt was self confidence and restraint could be disinterest. Still, no harm in fostering a friendship and seeing if more could blossom there. The Foreign ministry's files on Wiktor gave no reason for concern, and the intelligence services indicated he was well thought of. Prince Ali had also made an impression and she dwelt on him slightly more, but the file on Prince Ali was somewhat more concerning.  Prince Ali was an victorious pilot and leader, a risk taker, which reminded Iskandar of the hard won experience of Azteca in war...but also made him concerned regarding the death rate of pilots. The Aztec had shared a synopsis of the war on request, and reports from those helping the internees had been intriguing. There was more there to be sought over, the question was how to coax the Aztec to bringing that experience to Parthia, and his military leaders welcoming the matter. Given the terrain differences, one could not expect their art of war to provide the same insight tailored to Parthia the Byzantine Strategikon had when captured, but could the Aztec-Roman steppe be that different than the lands of the Golden Horde?

There was no need to force a royal marriage, there was a wide range of suitors of sufficient rank**, but either was an intriguing prospect. Iskandar worried though that the sheer difference in cultures and religion could be a barrier, that would be something he needed to investigate further. Before departing to prepare for the evening, he gave orders for reports to be prepared, with a special request of first hand observations of Azteca and Wilno cultures. The King's Eyes, and the Parthian Merchant Association would be the best sources for the latter. Then, his busy day concluded, he left to host the Rajasthani delegation. 

*typically only those prosperous and established were elected to village councils, and by time seniority raised someone from village council through the intervening governments to the House and eligibility for ministership, they were reliably old.
** The Seven Princely families are disqualified to prevent usurpation, but the various Arascid cadet lines and surrounding nations had long been the primary matches. There was that time a  2nd Heir was placed on the Rajasthan throne, and then became a focus of a civil war, so those situations were avoided as well.

[Kaiser Kirk]

This is in one way filler, but it includes some concepts I want to put down as well.
So long and meandering, but gets Shirin 'home'.

Shirin had been quite willing to take the risk to take a Zeppelin home, and risk the storms, but while her brother had been willing to risk her on the trip TO Wilno, he saw value in her taking the long and formal route home. Princess Shirin and her entourage steamed on the Royal Mail to Cadiz*. A brief shore visit this far from the capital only turned out some notables, but Cadiz proved picturesque in its own right, even in winter. Fascination with antiquities in the late 1800s had brought to light the idea that Cadiz had been founded by the Phoenicians, and was of tremendous age, even by Parthian standards, but none of that was still in evidence. Much later conquered by the Muslims, it had been retaken less than a century later by the new Iberian nation, and became a provincial capital, little of that period remained as well. However, much of the old town had been revitalized and prospered when the Iberians first traced the route around Africa to Asia,  and then later when they struck out across the Atlantic to pursue the tales of Norse and Mali trade with lands across, which proved to be well populated with strong kingdoms. Cadiz became the primary port for the rich trade that followed and so had become quite prominent. That time of prosperity had left it's stamp on the city, lasting until the age of steam.  As a result of that mercantile connection, the city was host to a Parthian consulate, on who's grounds a banquet was held with the local notables feted and a recalcitrant Shirin required to serve as courteous hostess. The wine and dancing lasted until the wee hours, and the local Dons...somewhat forgot how to comport themselves, but there were no broken bones...

The rest of the trip was short dashes between Parthian Ports, with a cruiser as escort, providing a long overdue visit by a Royal Personage, with her escort of noble scions, a daytime tour, a polite dinner and dance, and then a day where any serious discussion that needed to happen could. Parthia's bureaucracy was old, bloated, hidebound, but there was great value placed on truth and knowledge, while tests to ensure competence had been imported over a thousand years prior, so in it's own ponderous way the system tried to seek new ways and reward competency and results.  This meant that each Parthian territory had much in common – particularly in appearance of new buildings, but differed in certain ways.

Each port featured a prominent lighthouse, white clad stone, and a brass-clad roof housing a fresnel lens - symbolic of the light of knowledge- representing not only the Parthian claim, but also a tangible improvement for navigation and commerce. Other tangibles such as improved harbors, blocks of new buildings- often rammed earth and wood with tile roofs, a paved major road network, and clusters of electrified public buildings – schools, libraries, windmills, silos, and others. The degree of government buildings varied more widely.

The first stops were in the Protectorates which of course differed from virtually all other Parthian territories. There was no time to visit each of the Kingdoms, so the satrap capitals of Kabuu and Palmas became the host locations for grand gatherings. The local Kings had been loosing a war against Fulani jihaddists**, loosing battles in the interior separately and falling back on their various strongholds. These, having centuries of trade with Europe, were established and fortified.  Once the Parthians claimed the Azores, their putative confederation had sought Parthian intercession, but the underlying treaty enshrined a protectorate, leaving most of the local political structure in place, and the Parthian presence was more subdued, though growing. There, the lighthouse and new docks and warehouses were backed by the old  city walls, and the buildings beyond had a distinctly Moroccon style to them. The local Kings had each been required to journey to Isfarhan to pledge their allegiance and verify their commitment to the treaties, but this was the first that a Royal came to visit in return. The several days of required commitment was both a fascinating display of local traditions, and brought the total number of socializing days Shirin had to play princess in far past her totals of the past several years. Shirin then found herself in the particular circumstance of taking the railline inland and paying formal visits to the Parthian troops supporting the locals inland. This was of course done under the 'Princess' honorific, rather than the far less exalted 'Captain' she had worked so hard for, and she was well aware of the mixed blessing the 'honor' was for the troops, especially those who had indubitably been tasked with additional cleaning duties. Still, it gave her an opportunity to ride a horse- the tsete fly was less prevalent in this part of Africa – and she at least understood what she was looking at. What Shirin was unsure of is how her challenge to a target shoot was received. Against the assembled Snipers...She did not win, she shot after the 16 shooters and placed fourth and sixth, congratulating the winner. While she had been trained by a master, grown up shooting and hunting, and was an excellent shot, she did not get the practice time to beat them at their own specialty....maybe if they had been making shots from horseback. Still, she still felt the exhibition was a good way to interact, if outside typical protocol.

The rest of the voyage, took them steaming to the Azores, then down to Ikapa and seeing Table mountain and the veldt at the tip of Africa. The drylands of the southern cape had been lightly populated by nomads, but was an terrain long familiar to the Parthians, and their colonists had been able to turn the lands lesser used by the nomads into productive terrain... not that the schedule allowed for her to see it.

A voyage up the coast to Sofala, seized by the Parthians of Kilwa from the Sultans of Mogadishu in 1180, long ago lost during the Mongol invasions, and now since reclaimed. The Zambezi river offered difficulties ascending, so a set of quad tracks carried the heavy traffic from the interior territories to the port.  From there, they steamed up to Stonetown, the one place in Africa Aunt Isias had visited previously. Capital of the Sultanate of Zanzibar, founded by the Sultanate of Oman, to which Shirin had claim through the marriage that cemented the Arascid claim to Oman. The Satrap here was her first cousin, Aunt Isias's son, and quite possibly a future formal Heir, which gave Shirin someone outside her entourage that she knew, and so it was wonderful to catchup as adults.

Despite the pleasant stay, the final sprint home to the Parthian gulf and Bushere was most welcome. During her absence, her sister-in-law had birthed her second niece, who Shirin finally got to meet and hold.

*I wrote Barcelona earlier, Cadiz is what I was thinking of, in the SW not the NE. My European geography is usually better than that. Argh.
** Historically, there was an 1800s jihaddist state in the Niger basin, somewhat like ISIS. Here, I moved that into the early 1900s and made it the basis for Parthia becoming involved.
The Parthians have backed the locals in evicting the jihaddists, while the United Berbers wound up conquering their corelands. Arms Parthia originally supplied the Protectarate militaries have wound up surplused and resold and made their way to Mayan Rebels. While Parthia takes a very harsh line towards corruption by its own officials, so long as the Protectarates follow the Charter Laws (closest to a constitution), they mostly run their own internal affairs.

[Kaiser Kirk]

The port city of Bushere was a clean and well kept mercantile hub, with a major naval base, but what it truly provided Shirin and her now tired entourage was railroad access inland, into the foothills and valleys, to Shiraz.

Shiraz, city of Poets, Literature and Flowers. The modern incarnation of a village founded 4000 years prior by the Elamites called Tirazis, Shiraz had been a major city for 800 years. Unlike nearby Istakhr, Shiraz had not been sacked by Ghengis Khan or Tamberlane. To the East, now on the outskirt of the city, was a sprawling fortress, verging on 2000 years old, tasked with controlling and protecting this strategic valley.

Along the river were croplands, and vineyards cloaked the lower hills, fed by quanats* from mountain springs. Rising above were oak woodlands for grazing, and in the distant mountains carefully tended cedar and pine forests rose above, until the giving way on the upperslopes to the juniper forests.

Anciently part of Media, and long capital of Fars province, it was from this area that the Medes raised their cavalry to bring down the Assyrian empire, and it had been an important source of armored cavalry for millennia. Now far from potential battlelines, it was home to the training school for Parthian Cavalry. While theoretically all fresh National Service recruits had potential, usually those with some prior riding and shooting skills shone in the testing and were selected. There was a tremendous difference between an upper class brat able to sit a horse, and a soldier ready to act as part of a cohesive unit...and hug the mud as needed.

Vache Arashakuni, of House Arascid, 2nd Heir to the Throne, had tested well and swiftly been chosen for the Army, specifically, Cavalry when he entered national service. At the end of his first term reenlisted and attended OCS, so he had been a freshly promoted Lieutenant of Dragoons in 1909 when his elder brother decided to embrace expansion. Vache had seen combat in against the forces of Kandy, Aceh and Srivijaya as a Dragoon, his breastplates had the dents to prove it. Vache had been called on of representative of the throne to take surrenders and to sign the treaties. Parthian officers could not promote to Regimental command purely on time as a Line officer, they were required to understand support arms by serving in them. So he had served his time in the Pioneers and been as far as Hawaii and Kalifern.

Time and duty stalk those of Royal lineage, and his marriage to Anoys of a cadet House had called him back to Parthia to start his family distant from places he would be shot at.  Promoted to Colonel and posted as deputy commander of the Training Regiment of Dragoons posted to this fortress, Vache was proud father of two daughters, one only recently welcomed to this world. His wife Anoys was doing well, as were both Cassandre and her elder sister  Anzaze. Vache's younger sister Shirin, 4th in line, had arrived from an overseas trip to see her new neice and room had been found in officer's country for her, while her entorage paid their respects and continued to the capital of Isfahan.

It was Cassandre's birth that was occasion for a visit from the 'King of Kings', Iskandar. That and a long overdue chance to meet with his siblings. However, any visit from the 'King of Kings' was an occasion.

*quanats are slanted tunnels serving as underground aqueducts, dug between the croplands and the subterranean springs in the mountains. Wells give access along their route, allowing these cool underground streams to irrigate wide areas without great evaporation losses en route.  With Yachals, and evaporative cooling, these could even be used to make ice in the deserts.

[Kaiser Kirk]

yet another long post

Iskandar always had mixed feelings when traveling beyond the capital, for his arrival was viewed as of great import where he went. Formal ceremonies, processions, banquets, though he had a fondness for the award ceremonies. The combination was deemed important to vest the Crown with not only practical authority, but also a certain understanding of importance...but that all meant "casual" was not an option.

The typical trappings of arrival went well, the normal crowds turned out, the City leaders gave their greeting all in the morning. The afternoon featured the local award ceremonies, hastily moved up to this day so they could come from Iskandar's hand. Medallions denoting personal merit – which could be displayed by family members with a mark of difference - were given out those who had distinguished themselves professionally – as doctors, academics, model farmers, elite crafters, or who had done a civic service of note- typically members of volunteer organizations or ever particularly praised bureaucrats, typically civil engineers.  The candidates had been carefully vetted to ensure they were individuals of honor. First they were sponsored by others, then cross checked not only by officialdom, but also via secondary channels such as journalists and reports from the "Eyes of the Flame" *, then they are publicly honored by the highest level available and awarded a monthly stipend for the next decade.  All of this was followed by a banquet to which not only the local Nobles, City Officials, Guild Leaders and rich merchants came, but the award honorees and spouses – fitted with new clothes- were guests.

The next morning was filled with briefings, some meetings and finally, in the late afternoon, Iskandar could reach the time he had reserved for family.  A local manor had been borrowed for his trip, and there he hosted his siblings and got to meet the newest addition, little Cassandre and formally acknowledge her place in the dynasty.  After dinner, Iskandar, Vache and Shirin excused themselves and withdrew to the manor's study.

Iskandar : "I am glad we could gather, there are several matters I need to discuss with you. The letters you both send regarding the briefing materials are always informative, but since we actually are in one place, I hope to discuss several important matters.

Uncle Sanatruk is declining, consumption and bad knees, he has not been able to attend meetings, or take on duties of First Heir for a while. I think it is time for him to withdraw from that role.  Which means I am looking to you, Vache, to step up as First heir, which means you will need to be Prince full time, and place your commission inactive. Aunt Isais will be Second, unless Shirin wants to be Second instead of Third ?

Vache :  Well Isky, I can not say this surprises me, so I am prepared. I would like a portfolio where I stay involved in the military in some manner.

Iskandar : I think that would be quite useful, there are many innovations that need to be evaluated and fitted to our forces. I have noticed that those who were junior officers in the [1898] Rajasthan war seem resistant to new concepts. I could use your insight on where Royal pressure is should be focused to spur adaptation. How about you Shirin, are you desirous of Second ?

Shirin : You can leave me fourth for now, this trip of being a Royal representative was exhausting...

Iskandar : Sorry, but I will not install a new heir ahead of you,  Shirin I will make you Third, and Aunt Isais Second. I do want both of your input on which of our cousins is most suited to be Fourth Heir.  That does bring me to the matter of Shirin's suitors...

Shirin : They aren't suitors, they are , um potentials...friends... maybe, well maybe suitors, I wasn't sure of their level of interest, though I suspect...  I had a lovely if decorous time with both. I would very much like to invite them to the Rudkahn estate in Gilan for hunting, riding, and seeing our nation. If we simply enjoy each others company, that is acceptable, but if there is something more, I would like to find out.

Iskandar : Both Ali and Wiktor are unlikely to come to live here if there is a marriage, and their countries customs are fairly different. Are you certain you are willing to leave Parthia if it goes that way? There are plenty of suitable families beyond the Seven** that are willing to send their sons to live with you, rather than the other way around.

Shirin : You two have a different perspective, I grew up knowing I was supposed to go to marry some Norse in the cold North, and my life would change drastically. I guess I was spared that, I met the man, not impressed. Our family is honored and powerful, but bound by destiny, none of us have a truly free path, but an embarrassment of other benefits. I've endured many or most of the locals, they see me as a way to climb the social ladder. But...Ali and Wiktor are Heirs in their own right, both accomplished and capable. Maybe that's why they strike me as so much better than the needy and graspy suitors here.   Ali's passionate and burns bright, but I suspect Wiktor is like a geode- the fire is inside. If my hand isn't needed to honor an ancient agreement, or a new alliance, then I would like the time to see if either of them might be more interested, and then explore what their countries are like a bit more. So I would very much like to host them....oh and that would mean another furlough from the Logistics command.

Iskandar : Vache?

Vache : I think the Little Pest has thought this out. Diplomatically, it might be bad if she goes to one of those countries and stabs someone ...

Shirin : Once ! Just once ! And only lightly in the leg and given where he grabbed me I think I was nice about it.

Vache : Didn't you break his instep too ?

Shirin : Again, ONCE. A simple stab and stomp...I haven't done it since.

Iskandar : I do remember you letting that branch go and bashing me off my horse into that mud puddle...I think Vache has a point Pest, it's to dangerous to send you overseas unless we want a war..

Shirin : Very funny you two...look I'm serious, I think there may be a path here to..something...can I explore it ? The only people I've shot  <glaring at them> lately have been some Horde scouts in Khorasan, I'm pretty safe with folks on our side.

Vache : Well that's a change... so were these 'Horde Scouts' ...suitors ?

Iskandar : *chuckles * calm down you two. Shirin when were you thinking of?

Shirin : I was thinking May or June? The rains are past, the flowers are out, the weather is heating up, but someone from Wilno should not find it beastly hot. I really don't know the temperature in Azteca. Good outdoor weather.

Iskandar : Any such occasion, to avoid raising eyebrows, will have to have multiple attendees, and we shall need to put our best foot forward. May or June of this year may be too soon to arrange that at Rudkahn. That's somewhat our family's retreat, we don't host foreign royals there typically. The weather in September of this year is good, or perhaps May – June of next year. Perhaps the Festivals at the end of May or beginning of September? I will direct the Foreign ministry to explore arrangements.

Shirin : I'd appreciate that. Thank you Isky.

Isky : Of course Pest.  Now, while I have my two serving military siblings, I have questions. As your briefings have described, there are many theorists writing about the proper evolution of weaponry and fitting these into our military- be it land, sea or now air. We've all seen the documents on the Mayan war. There have been few pitched wars between comparable forces in recent years, I think hearing from people that have been in the fight, and have had time to plan for the next has value. I have suggested engaging the Aztecs to see if we can hire tutors to come and outline their thoughts and demonstrate their ideas, maybe bring over entire air wings and legions.  Senior staff seems confident we do not need that, we can devise and act on our own notions.  I have grown up with military tutors, but I acutely aware we lack the practical experience it all, and I am well aware there is a difference between theory and practice. That leaves me unsure if this is an occasion I should force the consideration. I am inclined to do so. I just don't want to send my people charging across marshes into dug in machine guns just because we got our theories wrong***. So...what are your thoughts ?

Shirin : I really am not sure the Aztec have had time to put together a brand new military theory, but Ali did talk of air combat, so I'm sure they have learned many things. Even little things like the actual rather than planned rate of artillery fire, air sorties and such. I'm unsure how many things will transfer from the Mayan war, the terrain has some real differences with say Khorasan plains, or Siestan mountains and desert... Vache what do you think ?

Vache : Well, importing a large formation and declaring that Parthia should simply copy it is unlikely to be well received and risks the wrong lessons being learned. Technical advisors, supplemented by demonstration formations of the theories we find interesting...that could really prove insightful. The Cavalry – Dragoons, Light or Rangers -  as a branch operates differently than the infantry, as we're more likely to be broken down into small units, or built up into a large rapid response formation, so we have more gear organic to lower levels, and the junior officers used to operating to enact a plan, or attack along a thrust line, rather than specific orders detailing a march here, then there... 

There are a number of us that think that model of lower order discretion should be expanded, so that if the front is splintered, or supply lines to a large depot are cut, the orphaned formations can react to a common goal and still function. The terrain faced in the Mayan war had a lot of rolling hill savannas, and areas of rugged terrain and jungle, and they managed a fighting retreat while fending off Mayan tanks and dealing with aircraft attacking depots at those Japanese ports. We've never faced tanks, or defended air attacks,  I do not know what there is to learn, but I strongly expect there is something. Hearing from the Aztecs how they view it, and maybe seeing some of the concepts demonstrated...I think that could be quite useful in developing our own versions suited for Parthia's needs.

Iskandar : Well, sounds like I should hold off inviting an entire Legion, but there is a core of merit here. So what do you two advise I request ?

...discussion continued


*The press exists, but is fairly weak, it is allowed to print demonstrably true statements freely, but false statements and slander are punishable. This leads to a great deal of 'reading between the lines'. The "Eyes of the Flame" is a Zoroastrian organization that seeks the truth in society. The 'Eyes have Spys' recruit across society, but try hard to recruit from other religions as well, such as Christians and Jews. The "Eyes of the Flame" will collate the voluntary tips about official malfeasance, or rumors of personal wrongdoing. Only when the same information from multiple sources has trickled upwards does a tip get made to the formal authorities. The fact that no one tipster can cause mischief, bolstered by the guiding oaths, helps keep the organization fairly benign, though there have been occasions where the fact information is power has won out. Between the journalists, and the Eyes, much of the dark and seamy side of Parthian life eventually comes to life. These sources also make fairly effective background checks to ensure those honored are not rumored to be horrid people in private.

**There are Seven Princely families, generally related to the Arascid Dynasty. This made for a ready power base and potential source of rivals, so direct intermarriage has been forbidden since the late 600s. Instead the Arascids marry neighboring dynasties, Cadet houses from local areas (Armenia, Albania, Georgia, Rajasthan) and even Ducal-level families. The Seven also marry into those families, but the Royal Genealogists are careful to both avoid too-close marriage, or dilute the lineage to greatly.

***An allusion to the Parthian – Rajasthani war, which did not go wonderfully for the Parthians.

[The Rock Doctor]

This is good stuff, Kirk.

[Kaiser Kirk]

Thank you, sorry I keep stuffing so much in each.
As I work through bringing out the background information, I should be able to make more concise posts :)

[Kaiser Kirk]

In the late Spring of 1927, Parthia sends several diplomatic notes.

The first,  conveyed through their Ambassador to Azteca,  requesting a discussion regarding the potential dispatch of Aztec theorists and trainers to provide their war experience derived concepts and insights to the Parthian Military for a period of perhaps a year. The discussion shall include what consideration or compensation would be desired by Azteca for acceding to this request.

The second, somewhat late  in the Spring was a formal invitation, in rather more stately wording than presented here, dispatched to the Great Royal Houses of Azteca, Wilno, and Rajasthan as well several of the Parthian Princely families. The invitation named Princes Ali, Wicktor and Sadul respectively, and such accompaniment as are desired,  while each of the Parthian families receive invitations for both an eligible son and daughter. 
'The event is hosted by Princess Shirin of House Arascid, and will provide a respectable and relaxed venue for participants to gather and participate in a range of activates and discourse.

Attendance is requested for the first week in October of 1927 at the Palace of Rudkhan in rural Gilan.
Daytime activities shall include hunting, mountaineering and equestrian events*, while the rustic fall festivals are also available. For evening, Dinner, Dancing and Theatrical Entertainments will be available each night.

The presentation of the invitation belies the somewhat more tortured path of it's development.

Arriving but days later, the arrival of the Dispatch from the Aztec Embassy in Isfarhan is at first thought to be a rapid reply.  However the content is itself an invitation, which leads to confusion, until it can be determined that the delays of relaying message traffic, especially encoded, almost certainly led to both messages being in transit at the same time.

The  Foreign Ministry of course submits the Aztec message to Iskandar for his personal attention. With the Emperor's permission, the message was also sent to his little sister.

Shirin did not receive it immediately, as who at the moment was on field exercises as a logistics officer, which in practice involved rather innovated use of curses regarding the parentage of mules and possible reuse of the stubborn creatures as stew and glue... Trucks could reach the main depots, but were incapable of resupplying the mountain troops forward depots. Which made rendering the mules into stew nothing but a lovely dream.  The message awaited the end of the maneuvers later that week. The phone call from her brother came the evening after her return, allowing Shirin to converse with Iskandar and Zenobia (the Queen).  The discussion turned on the need to delay a visit for a seemly period after the proposed gathering in Gilan. Iskandar and Shirin found themselves at odds over the appropriate time, with Iskandar finding more and more reasons for further delay while Shirin became further and further exasperated, until Iskandar gave into a fit of laughter. Queen Zenobia then suggested six months as an appropriate period.

This led to the Formal response to the Aztec missive that Princess Shirin would be most pleased to avail herself of the hospitality, and could be excused from her duties to make the trip in March of 1928.  The diplomatic note is countersigned  - Shirin.


optional reading on the occasional difficulties encountered

Imperial Council Chamber
Illustrating why things sometimes take longer than they should

Shahahan Iskandar, Queen Zenobia, the Foreign Minister, the subminister for Royal Protocol , along with several other advisors sat around the horseshoe shaped conference table and listened to the  supremely uncomfortable subminister for Culture and Foreign Affairs seek desperately not to tell the Emperor things said Emperor may not want to hear.

Iskandar had been long reconciled to the notion that many did not like telling the Emperor unpleasant news, and that combined with the Zorastorian notion of telling a lie with the Parthian proclivity towards artful obfuscation, misdirection, and ornate traditions which allowed one to circumnavigate a subject without providing any illumination as to the actual answer, thus ever so courteously letting one's audience draw entirely the wrong answer while still not saying single false word...well he was quite confident his subminister for Culture and Foreign Affairs profoundly verbose and certainly a master of such arts of verbal disassembly, and yet Iskandar so wanted to just the man and yell 'Spit it out'....

Iskandar : <ahem>
...The man continued talking. The pace of his words quickened...but he did not shut up...
Iskandar : <ahem>

Subminister : "Yes, oh sublime Ruler of ... " and once again started spouting on the lengthy formal title appended to for two thousand years and far to cumbersome for normal usage....

Iskandar : "Enough.  I requested you appear and convey insights as to the findings in this report <tapping the folder in front of him> and explain it to myself and a handful of my advisors. The report is dense, and fails to answer the questions asked in an acceptable manner. You have been talking for nigh onto 30 minutes, and have used the long form of my title for roughly half that. There is something you are trying not to say. So I will be asking some simple questions.

One , the Palace at Rudkahn, in Gilan, is it in a suitable state to host foreign royalty for hunting, games, and during a local festival, or does it need renovation to meet foreign standards ?

Subminister Culture and Foreign Affairs : "Oh sublime one, the Palace of Rudkahn of course is a glorious monument to over thirteen centuries history, legendary sanctuary of Queen Boran, bastion against the Followers of Mohammad, and in the distant past expanded to serve as first the Capital during the Reconquest and later the summer capital of the Dynasty.  As a beloved summer palace and retreat for members of the Dynasty, it meets the need for a family retreat..."

Iskandar :...AND?

Subminister Culture and Foreign Affairs : "While in many ways a striking and charming structure, to the discerning eye accustomed to the highest quality, there are perhaps, features that could be found as charming and rustic in some regards, and while opulent compared to the standards of a normal noble family, when compared to the Forbidden City complex of the Chinese, the Palaces of the Ruling Sultans of the Deccan Confederation, the glories of Kyoto, and other luminous habitation of the glorious, then assessing the proper variables for evaluation is a complex task but from which we can construct a multivariate matrix that...

Iskandar : ...I believe you covered that portion on page 5 and then continued explaining methodology for another 5 pages, but I don't recall a final assessment. That is why you are here. From your elaborate and continuing attempts to avoid actually answering my questions, which I find most unsatisfactory. So answer. Is my childhood home currently in the needed state to host Princes of Wilno, Azteca, and if we can manage it Rajasthan, as well as those of numerous Princely families this May?

Subminister Culture and Foreign Affairs : ...Yes Sire, um to the exacting standards of Foreign rulers, expectations regarding trained staffing levels could be viewed as an area of comparative cultural differences leading to understandable but potentially adverse comparisons to their typicals standards which may not properly account for the desired rustic nature. Likewise the charming and quaint murals and tapestries, while magnificent in their heyday, have a patina of age which does not reflect current fashions expected in royal abodes. The rustic...

Iskandar : "Wait...I believe that finally you say things of vague use. So, we shall delay and instead of at in May,  We shall issue the invitation for the Fall to coincide with the festivals there.  The Rudkahn will be ...refreshed... to maintain...I repeat to maintain...its rustic country appeal, but able to provide suitable staff, luxurious chambers...and ensure those aspects showing wear and tear are corrected.

We shall offer Polo* of course, but also Hunting, mounted Archery**, Steeplechase, Banquets and Tours, plus the Gilan festivals. I expect that is a great deal grander event than Shirin desired, but so be it. Oh and add Tours of the countryside, all with the appropriate ornate diplomatic language of course..

You (turning to the hitherto silent Foreign Minister) shall issue the invitations after deciding the most auspicious time frame based on our desired guests, with primacy to attendance by Prince Wiktor and Prince Ali, the others are desired but not desired.

You, subminister, shall serve as an Advisor. Zenobia and I shall discuss matters and designate a Project lead and you will answer to that individual. The staff training and renovation work must be done by the beginning of September, the Royal Purse will pay. Understood ?

Foreign Minister : Of course Sire.

Subminister : Your everflowing wisdom is once again evident your Majesty, May I complement you on such a well considered deci...

Iskandar : Enough – be advised, the end result will be a restored and update variant of my childhood summer home, not a rebuilt opulent palace. Polish what is there, not replace.

Turning to address the Foreign minister, Iskandar asks : I trust you will create a suitably floral formal invitation, to be reviewed by Zenobia and Shirin, and not sent until each are satisfied.  Do you have comments to add ?

Foreign Minister : I believe I have sufficient information to commence. Any such gathering will of course have potential for diplomatic...ripples and speculation, the presentation should ensure these are minimized unless you desire otherwise.

Iskandar : This would appear to be sufficient progress for today on this issue. We should move on to the Foreign Ministry's briefing on the Rajasthani issue. Minister, if you would call in your functionaries, we have questions that require further explanations before agreeing to your recommendations.

....break....

*Is believed to have originated in Persia
** Likely originated with proto-Iranian tribes