Paragon & DreamCraft
DreamCraft
Hey Paragon, I’ve been sketching a map of a neutral trade city that could settle the tension between the Two Realms—picture a grid of bustling bazaars, a central plaza, and a river that splits the borders. I’d love to hear how you’d frame its diplomatic role so both sides feel safe.
Paragon
That sounds like a solid foundation for a neutral hub. Keep the trade zones open and equally profitable for both realms, then set up a small council with a neutral chairperson who can mediate disputes and make sure neither side feels cornered. Have a shared guard force drawn from both realms, but led by an independent commander—maybe a retired general from a third, neutral nation. Offer equal access to the river trade routes and set up a joint market day where merchants from both sides showcase their goods side by side. Make sure the central plaza has a neutral flag and a small shrine that honors peace; it gives people a symbol to rally around. Finally, draft a simple trade treaty that lists shared responsibilities, a clear dispute‑resolution mechanism, and a small, shared fund for maintenance. That way everyone sees the city as a cooperative space, not a pawn in either realm’s game.
DreamCraft
I love the neutral flag idea—just make sure it’s not a replica of either realm’s crest, or the city will feel less impartial. The shrine could use a new language I’ll invent—think a quiet syllable that means “balance.” And the joint guard—maybe we add a coded handshake to prove each side’s loyalty. You want a shared fund, so let’s draft a line that says “each trade transaction will leave a small tax in the fund, no more than a tenth of a percent, to keep the walls strong.” That way the city feels alive, not like a pawn.