For eight centuries the Serene Republic of Venoa had rejected the feudalism so common in many of it's neighbors. In it's place was a plutocratic oligarchic system. Power was in the hands of those who had wealth, be they the prominent guilds or the patrician class. While seen as lords by many a layman beyond their borders all a household needed to do to obtain patrician status was to have the appropriate yearly income to gain the ability to achieve the right to run for office and be elected by those citizens who had the right to vote (mostly those whom had met some lesser income requirement, but also including veterans, master tradesmen and those who served the republic well). This system had driven the Serene Republic's rise from one City State among others on the Anvosi Peninsula to one of the most powerful human nations. The lowliest mudlark picking over the coastline for nails and other such refuse which had its buyers aspired to climb the social ranks (in the last few years with a greater margin of success) either for himself or his children while a Patrician who wanted to keep his exalted status had to constantly be on his toes. It's trade fleets were the foundations of this, but also through manufacturing, shipbuilding, building up a navy that could force favorable trade terms, deal with pirates and claim colonies and through finance.Generally the patrician families competed fiercely with each other for prestige, wealth and influence. However there were exceptions, as happened on a wet winter night when two dozen heads of patrician families and guildmasters congregated at the manor of House Di'Villigino. Among them (including the host) were five members of The Council of Fifteen, the ruling council of the Serene Republic though the matter of discussion was officially off the books. There was some conversation about matters between the figures but this ended by Ritzio Di'Villiginio as he tapped his spoon against his glass."Ladies and Gentlemen." He said politely as a couple of servants began distributing small stacks of papers. "Tonight we have gathered to discuss a matter which is both of a concern to both ourselves and the well being of the Republic. While I you are all aware of your portion of the situation the report you have been given summarizes the situation for other the issue in regards to all of us." The gathered leaders poured over the list of notes and were shocked at what they saw. Many of them had speculated about the exact figures but seeing the reality of the matter was shocking. There was an odd murmuring of shock and bewilderment. "The first point is the most straightforward, in short Infrastructure has borrowed from us some eleven million three hundred and seventy two thousand one hundred and fifty Lyra at an average annual interest rate of 16.5% per year. Certain other parties in the city who have elected not to attend this meeting have also loaned them considerable sums as have other financial institutions abroad, though we can not at this time be specific.""You could build, outfit and provision four hundred trade ships for that much!" Giachamo Di'Giovelli, owner of the largest shipyard in the city after the arsenal, blurted out. "With steam engines!""Even so this can't be bad as it looks." Vintenzio Di'Hanseti said, nervously "Sure the Coldlanders borrowed a lot of Real Money, but between they also buy metal off us in the mountains, housing it in our warehouses, shipping it back in venoan tradeships and insuring the shipments they've just been keeping it warm for us for a few hours.""For a fraction of the loaned coin that is true." Ritzio responded. "However from what we can gather at least half of it is shipped out to cover similar spending elsewhere.""By the gods, how much metal do those golems need even if they are building ships out of it?!" Someone blurted out."They just can't keep this up for much longer! Sooner or latter they'll run out of money and options." Someone else let out."I'm not worried about that." Someone responded quickly "I'm worried about Drow will finish them off before then, they took one of their convoys a few weeks back. The tide could be turning and that means Infrastructure's days are numbered.""One of their cargo ships managed to fight free of it's assailants, one of their Ironclads would have obliterated the entire squadron in short order. Have you forgotten what they did at Daagsgrad?""Oh don't be so naive." The tone of the exchange was getting more heated. "Daagsgrad was a fluke, the figures that they published were obviously exaggerated. The Dark Elves will return to strike the killing blow soon enough.""Just like the other battles then?""Yes! I say this as someone who's actually seen naval guns in battle, their guns can't be half good as they claim even with rifling. Besides the Drow are now building their own steamships.""Regardless any future move by the Drow will have to be a big one. Here and now I'm concerned about our ships going headed North to Infrastructure." This was but the loudest of the exchanges which continued on for a few minutes."Gentleman." Di'Ritzo said. He did not yell but he did give his voice a firm carrying quality. "Your points and discussion are valid, however this was but the first part of the report. First of all the Central Committee is bending over backwards to procure the resources that it deems critical to it's war effort. Secondly they have proven themselves capable against what forces the Drow have so far mustered. That said the Drow states involved have only committed a fraction of their reserves and have been working towards narrowing the technological gap, though it is still unknown how far they have come. Thirdly is the fact that Infrastructure is stuck on the defensive. Leaving aside the matter of Watchtowers, the lands are sparsely peopled and it can only mobilize so many soldiers and man so many ships. The fact that their territory is so large counts against them as it spreads their forces thin. Their ironclads are definitely powerful, but they can only be in one place at a time and they are not invincible.""As it stands the outcome of this war is still in the air, but as far as our interests are concerned two possible outcomes. The first will see the preservation of a valuable trading who shall provide the republic and it's people with opportunities and riches for decades to come. The alternative is that the Drow succeed in it's destruction, either in full or in part, laying waste farms, villages, towns, cities and their capacity to pay back the debts they've incurred. This brings us to the reason for this meeting. As such tomorrow I shall propose to the Doge and the Council that the Serene Republic give an ultimatum to the Drow States currently at war with Infrastructure: cease hostilities or we will be forced to intervene to restore peace. I have already gotten the support from the fellow council members seated here, though your pledges will help sway what. Ladies and gentlemen, are you willing to do what must be done?"There was a murmur of agreement among most of the gathered higher ups. The threat to their coffers from the loss of trade (which Infrastructure had given Venoa them a local monopoly on for the Anvosi Peninsula in exchange for reduced tariffs) and the debts was too great to be casually dismissed. Even so their was some dissent."You plan on threatening war against the Drow? You'll have them attack us in force?!""The states involved in the war, yes. We have faced down the Dark Elves before and emerged triumphant, even when were alone. If worse came to worse and war happened we would be opening up a second front on these northern states from the south. Moreover you should be reminded that we now have advantage in steam powered warships. We currently have forty eight steam galleys and six steam galleasses in service with more under construction, including our first Ironclads. Just as importantly we have experienced crews who can handle them without burning their ships to the waterline. This is leaving aside the matter of High Elvish intervention and the resolve of the Drow in this war which has already been costly. Finally the point needs to be made that there are consequences for threatening the Serene Republic.""This situation has gotten out of hand" Giachamo Di'Giovelli said "and from what I can see the time for decisive action has come. You have my signature and my full support."There was a couple of seconds of consideration among the gathered elites but then one by one they similarly gave their support.Previous- Infrastructure: Part Two Hundred and Forty Eight Next- Infrastructure: Part Two Hundred and Fifty