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The Fourth Tablet of St. Lothar: On Commerce


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THE LOTHAR STONES

THE FOURTH TABLET

On Commerce

 

 

The Lothar Stones are marble engravings revealing life in the Bathalite Empire, otherwise known as Old Balian, dated somewhere between the fifth to seventh century. They are attributed to St. Lothar the Bannerlord, who served as one of the final dynasts of that ancient civilization. At least twelve of these stones are believed to be in existence, with each depicting the perspectives of Lothar and his Bathalites on various topics. They are written in Old Bathalite, a script similar to non-Dragaari Flexio.

 

The Bathalites were renowned for being one of the most innovative heartlander polities of their time, believed to have spread their influence all throughout Almaris with their rich trade networks, strong piety, and powerful chariot warriors.

 

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Although Almaris hosted some larger cities and even more developed polities, Old Balian seems to be regarded as the continent’s commercial capital. It was the largest (possibly only) harbor in southern Almaris capable of fielding deepwater vessels. The Old Balthalites, for their part, reveled in their role as the seat of the continental economy.

 

On Commerce was recovered by Amiratus Ledicort Vuiller on an expedition toward an old Balthalite colony south of Urguan. Details of his expedition can be found in the missive here. The tablet was then translated by Teodosio Cardinal Tyria and the Amiratus over a two year period - the adaption expedited through the knowledge gained in translating On The Wheel.

 

SYNOPSIS

 

The fourth tablet elaborates on the mercantile philosophy of the Balthalites, which emphasized wealth as coming from a diversity of goods rather than an abundance of any specific treasure. Several lines underscore the Balthalites’ religious attitudes which, while archaic and somewhat foreign from modern Canonism, do demonstrate that they had retained the first two of the Holy Scrolls and and at least some of the oral histories of the True Faith. In particular, the reference to the Creator’s watchful eye over cheating in the marketplace is certainly an allusion to the Epistle to the Harrenites.

 

Outside of celebrating the Balthalite Empire’s wealth, the fourth tablet also gives insight into their social attitudes. As inhabitants of such a commercial hub, the Old Balthalites co-opted the political and cultural innovations of their neighbors eagerly; contemporary records show that market officials were selected by a combination of democratic means and sortition, and that this style of governance was recognized as an explicitly elven import.

 

Most significantly, this tablet also enlightens us as to the nature of Old Balian’s neighbors. Some, such as the democratic elves of Belesis, are familiar to us. Others, such as the portal-crafting magelords that were ancient Almarisian dwarves, are entirely foreign and even border on fantasy. Nevertheless, St. Lothar’s glowing descriptions indicate that he wished to maintain positive relationships with all of them; archaeological records suggest this is likely because auxiliaries from all three mentioned groups participated in the overthrow of the Mad Emperor. It remains to be seen whether these polities were actually representative of their respective races in Almaris, or if they were merely small—but favored—allies of the Balthalites.

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IV. COMMERCE

Translated by Cardinal Teodosia Tyria and Amiratus Ledicort Vuiller

 

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This artist’s rendering of the fourth tablet depicts the crew of a Balthalite ship unloading goods received during a trade mission. Immediately noticeable is the diversity of both culture and physical appearance in Balthalite culture. The two dark-skinned men in the foreground are wearing girdles that indicate their status as servants along with southern headdresses which mark them as recent arrivals. Yet, in the background, another man of similar complexion wears the cape of a native Balthalite nobleman. The central figure sports a pointed cap, which was the traditional attire of a merchant “capo,” the leader of each such expedition.

 

We of Balthali treasure the handiwork of the Creator.

We admire the beauty of the wild and of the tame.

Therefore we esteem that work in all our trades.

 

In the quarries, every stone is cut as if for the House of Worship.

At the loom, every sash is woven as if for our beloved.

In Peroz, a priest watches the market and sanctifies the scales.

Whoever cheats in trade is a thief from the Creator.

 

Thus our merchants are always reverent of their goods and honest in exchange.

They go out into far lands with eagerness.

We offer up the treasures of our land and our hands lovingly.

 

In return we receive the bounties of our fellows.

We were taught that the greatest wealth is not of the world, but of the spirit.

Therefore knowledge is a bounty as well, and is valued in trade.

 

With this knowledge we offer that which is treasured by the natives of each land.

 

In Belesis there are elves who elect their prince by vote of the people.

They treasure the stone of our quarries, for they have none.

We bring to them porphyry and alabaster in splendid shapes.

Two years ago we sold them a myriad of stones in twelve colors.

These they use to cast their votes in onyx urns also of our make.

 

They gave to us three wondrous phials which magnify the alchemist’s art.

By these phials, our dyes are brightened and our silver made purer.

But more treasured than this, we learned their custom of vote-casting.

Today it is used to choose the blesser of the scales in Peroz.

 

In the south we also know an orc tribe who were cast away from their people.

Their king’s back is twisted but his mind is straight and sharp.

Therefore he loves to bargain for our knowledge.

First we brought to him our letters and then maps of the heavens.

 

His tribe gave generously in return, and called our letters staying-words.

For our maps they gave to us cinnamon and cloves, and tasteful spices of all kinds.

For our letters they taught us of their secret springs and refuges.

Now our merchants range farther across the land and sprinkle their bread with cinnamon.

We raise our cups in honor of those outcasts.

 

Strangest of our neighbors are the dwarf-sages.

They know the subtle virtues of the elements,

and put them to wise uses in enchantment.

 

To them we bring the tools of their magic, the inks and glass alembics.

With these, they say they devise doors between the worlds.

And for us they share brass tools to reckon the heavens.

Our ships see now the routes traced by the stars.

 

However what is esteemed highest is that which is traded among many.

The greatest knowledge is known by all.

The greatest wealth is shared by everyone.

Therefore we also bring to others the treasures that were given to us.

 

We have brought the sextants and astrolabes of the dwarves to the hunchbacked king.

Joyfully he spreads his sails on distant shores, and we meet his ships in amity.

 

We brought the vote-casting of Belesis to the dwarves.

Now the worthiest scholars rule them and no door is barred to their arts.

 

We brought the fine spices of the south to the elves.

Now they eat every meal merrily, and their wine is renowned in all nations.

 

Every land and people is thereby made richer.

Whoever gives generously also gives to the Creator.

Whatever is shared is multiplied.

 

Spoiler

Thanks and credits to @VIROSfor his work on this.

 

Edited by Kingdom of Balian
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A smile graces Ledicort's face as he sees the now published translation. He both hoped there would be more found and despised such a thought, they were excrutiating to translate.

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Ember adds this to her Southern Lexicon still in production!

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