Our people have always been looked down on. Many say that is because of the history in our lands and salted marshes but we know better. All of those pompous and fat nations to the south are nothing but hypocritical lackies to the Emperor and the Guilds which monoploize the Damescrown trade. Our own ships are often pushed out of foreign ports or banned entirely. We are always the last choice for a trade contract or opportunities. Some would say it is because our quality is lower and our ships in disrepair but we know better. What is a reasonable man to do in a situation like this? Simple make do with his lot? Of course not we will have our wealth one way or another. Our own people do not listen to us, we showed them the power of order and fear and brought them in line. Gawed to our north is always seeking to encroach upon our territory and take it for ourself but we will show them too. Our spies now lie in every port we trade in and even within places like the Magisterium, the Institute, the Emperors court. We will take any advantage we can get. If there is discord we will make it be heard. If a cargo cannot be gotten legally there is always the smugglers and pirates we sponsor who can aquire it for us. 

With our massive spynetwork it will be easy for us to sabotage Gawed and solidify our grasp on the surrounding area. Our spies are infamous around Anbennar and beyond for their ability to remain unseen and unidentifiable. Many a noble and trader think twice before hiring a new guard or taking a new lover as they could easily be one of our own. This unique advantage gives us a large degree of soft power around the world as well as a reputation to be feared and respected. Secrets our order does not know are few and far between all of which is of course used to assist the Lord Mayor and trading families and guilds of our City.

Trying to dominate Vertesk will be Gawed´s last mistake, we will take their holdings and establish our own dominion. Gawed's strength is not in question yet in order to attack us they would risk a fight with the Emperor himself though the new Wex family is far from stable and in power. We will bide our time and grow out power, waiting for an opportunity to strike where we can deal a debilitating blow to our old enemy and watch the life slowly drain out of them. Nothing would bring our families and people more happiness.

Our people understand that a harsh hand may be bitter to swallow but a necessary tool to peace, stability, and security. Ours is a city and nation that has had many problems in the past with crime and unrest. This is something we solved by making examples out of our citizens through torture in the dungeons of the black tower and exile to the salt mines to the southwest. All citizens of Vertesk know well the price for crime or speaking out and go about their lives with it always hanging over their heads. But this is a good thing, we can do much more without having to worry about such petty problems.