Meridian in the West Isles

Who are they and what are they up to?

Liquid_Oxygen

August 2, 2023

Meridian, in early July, claimed Artland Isles on the basis of “research and exploration” although these claims are later revealed as territorial ambitions.

On July 26th, 732, a Meridian Fleet under the name of Far West Command was spotted heading towards the West Isles and was chased by Admiral Lenson of Altmand until he was requested back to Krakos Isles. Although the fleet was no longer in danger, entering the West Isles would be met with resistance from the Central Trading Company, forcing the fleet to wait idly in the Quacic.

Eight days later, on August 3rd, Meridian officially declared war on Altmand after their failed invasion of the Artland Isles on July 31st.

On August 12th, 732, the West Isles Trading Company was formed amidst the conflict against Altmand to fund piracy throughout the archipelago to harm the Central Trading Company's monopolistic hegemony of the West Isles. Formed possibly by the Far West Command ~9 days after the war decleration, the company's intention was funding piracy. Pirate dealers, who worked under this company, appeared at Outpost all across the archipelago and would buy stolen goods for an increased price. Piracy would soon become a profitable field.

Pirate Dealer working for the West Isles Trading Company

Main Centre

Around 598 days (1.6 years) later, plans were set into motion which would see the subjugation of the West Isles under Meridian. On April 2nd, 734, men from the Far West Command, alongside supplies and weaponry, landed on an island south of Doobin. WI-Main Centre was soon established and became the centre of operations inside the West Isles. After Far West Command was notified of their centre, the command requested new hideouts near main ports which would pose as delegations of a company.

WI-Main Centre

North Centre

Ten days later, on April 17th, the North Centre was formed. The center was originally supposed to be at Volney, however, the lack of discretion forced them to relocate to Norsla. On April 19th, delegates from Main Centre conducted a meeting at Volney with its’ councilmen, which granted docking right.

Six days later, delegates from North Centre conducted a meeting however this went poorly compared to the last. The councilmen declined their documents and requested to inspect their request, which the delegates denied. The councilmen, suspicious of the validity of their company, requested live testimonies from their customers. A day later the North Centre requested ten men from Main Centre with alibis to act as customers, however on the 28th a warrant for their arrest was published, forcing their centre into hiding.

WI-North Centre

Southwest Centre

As mentioned in a note earlier to the North Centre on April 29th, the Southwest Centre was established at Hordlo. Following their formation, Main Centre requested them to purchase a large quantity of supplies including food, ammunition, weapons, water, and cards & accessories which would be shipped back. The Southwest Centre informs Main Centre of their plans to negotiate with the Hordlo government posing as an anti-pirate crew requesting docking rights.

On May 12th it is reported that delegates from Southwest Centre have established connections with the Hordlo government and the possibility of docking rights. They note the CTC’s presence as Hordlo’s enforcement making it difficult however they managed to evade detection so far.

WI-Southwest Centre

Central Centre

On May 10th, the Central Centre was established at Aerisland with plans to create a company and request docking rights. To not repeat North Centre’s mistake, Main Centre offers to send men to verify the validity of the company.

On May 16th, after contacting the Aerisland Port Authority, rights to dock a large fleet have been declined. The Authority is noted to be adamant about not granting docking rights due to its central location. On May 17th, Main Centre suggests increasing payments for those rights alongside a request to Command to fund more operations. On May 18th, the Authority denied docking rights again even when payments have increased, leading Central Centre to halt negotiations and to conduct business to fund themselves.

WI-Central Centre

West Centre

On April 23rd, Far West Command requested that Main Centre establish a supply network. Twenty-one days later on May 15th, the West Centre was established at Doobin and would serve as the hub for rations due to the abundance of Sea Biscuits. As with other Centres, West Centre would form a company with plans of a trade deal to purchase Sea Biscuits in bulk.

WI-West Centre

What are their plans?

On May 7th, 734 a note revealed their plans. The Far West Command sent Doubloons to fund operations and noted that the issues with Volney are not detrimental however they should continue negotiations. At the end of the note,

“However, if the contingency of the fleet is executed, you shall be the Viceroy of the West Isles. Attached to this letter is the proposed flag of it. I expect you to form a government under the crown if that does happen to be the case.”

It can be presumed that with meticulous negotiations and docking rights, they can assume power within the cities and establish the Viceroyalty of the West Isles, kicking out any Altmand Influence, including the Central Trading Company, in the Far West.

That’s a possibility, only if their contingency is executed. Luckily, their operations are in their infancy and the largest and most organized ports of Volney and Aerisland have declined their advances.