Conquest of a New World

[Eldan]

Only half a season of the moon has passed since the ships of these explorers from over the sea have first touched land in our world. A tumultuous time it has been, and we think conflict may be unavoidable, as many of them come not to explore, but to settle and take away whatever they like, back to their own lands.
Still, the highest nation will stand back and leave the fighting to our more warlike neighbours. We are certain that the Aztec and the northern people will gladly take the honour of proving their prowess on the field of battle.
If the Gods will it, the Highest Nation will be spared and the legacy of the spirit people be kept alive...

-The official chronicles of the Maya Nation, Year of Contact

Day 4
I finally convinced the others to tear that disgusting idol we found on the beach down and errect a cross instead. The natives seemed frightened by it, and it seemed they sent their women and children off the island. These savages will soon learn that their heathen dieties can not help them.

Day Five

Five days it has been since landfall, and if anything, this land is worse than india or africa have ever been. Two of my men walked into the forest to gather wood and never returned, though Alejandro claims to have seen strange lights that night...
The natives are bloodthirsty savages, all the fruit are poison and the swampy ground is crawling with bloodthirsty vermin.

Day 6
Ramon was starting fights today. I had him whipped.
Ants have gotten into our seed deposits. Monstrous things, too, half an inch long. We hope to find edible fruit soon.

Day 8
The wounds from Ramon's whipping are infected, and four men have come down with a fever. I had them isolated from the rest of us, but I fear it might be too late.
This country is a living hell.

Day 12
Why did we ever come here... This country is a living hell, and we will never find anything here that is worth our while. We are dying like flies, only that the flies here don't seem to die.

Day 16
Only half of us left now. And we will all die. The thought amuses me. There are bloated corpses on the beach now. We try to burry them, but in the morning, we find them exhumed. It's hopeless, utterly hopeless.

-Last entry in the diary of Brother Francesco of the Spanish expedition.


The Ravenwood Expedition

Thing's are not going well... first attempts to errect a settlement near the shore have proven fruitless, as the men have problems working the local timber and the ground is swampy. Between the constant foraging for food and fishing to stretch the thinning supplies and further travels along the coast to find a more suitable place for a settlement, the people's morale is still surprisingly high, even though they are forced to continue living in their cramped on-ship quarters.

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Due to low resources, industrial capacity and engineering, no large permanent structures have been built so far. Living standards are problematic, as a lot of time is spent on foraging instead of other pursuits.

Your espionage reveals you no one else's stats.

The Empire of Umbria

A large tribe, the blackfox tribe, just off the southern border of the empire proclaims that they have met strange people from across the eastern ocean. These people wield strange weapons, clearly superior to all weaponry not enhanced by spirits and wielded by those with mana. The blackfox continue to weave tails of the fantastic prowess and military strenght of these explorers and there is open talk of allying with them.
The supressed masses are whispering already, and there is talk of doing the same, leaving one nation for a stronger one...

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The population is worringly close to openly rebelling or fleeing the country as some of them are getting convinced that the empire might, not in fact, have the clearly superior army it claims to have...

Your espionage shows you no one else's stats.

The Confederated Crowns of Scandinavia

After landing in what appeared at first to be calm woodland, dark, pine-like trees of a kind you have never seen before and establishing the first small settlment, your people soon encountered the first natives: while at first glance they seemed friendly, if exotic, clad in leather and living in long, wooden houses, this coastal tribe soon showed their true face: using the guise of diplomacy, they spied on your people and began nightly raids on outlying camps.

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Due to your low army and diplomacy, the natives have taken to assaulting everyone who strays from your settlement in groups and taking all possessions from them. They seem unwilling to negotiate, instead laughing at your people's "apparent weakness".

Due to your espionage, you know the following stats:
Ravenwood expedition:
Army 2; Culture 1; Diplomacy 2; Engineering 1; Espionage 0; Fleet 4; Industrial Capacity 0; Leadership 3; Living Standard 1; Lore 0; Naval Combat 3; Population 2; Resources 1; Technology 2; Essence 1; Support 1

Babbage Hold:
Army 0; Culture 1; Diplomacy 1; Engineering 4; Espionage 0; Fleet 2; Industrial Capacity 1; Leadership 1; Living Standard 2; Lore 2; Naval Combat 1; Population 0; Resources 2; Technology 3; Essence 3; Support 1

Babbage Hold

A strange beast stalks these mountains... catlike, but bigger than even lions and tigers, near the size of bears, with jaws that have, on more than one occasion, crushed a man's skull with their force. It's coat is golden orange, with black spots shaped like eyes.
The obvious solution of shooting it has proven oddly ineffectual so far, as the beast, though apparently fleeing from the noise, has never left behind so much as a drop of blood, though since it only hunts at night, no one is certain if they hit or not...

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Due to your low army and espionage values, your people find themselves hunted by a huge, catlike beast which stalks the night. It seems to avoid robot workers and only kills humans.

Your espionage shows you no one else's stats.

The Alchemists

Grumbling at the hard living in the first settlement, there have been repeated cases of small groups grabbing whatever supplies they could find, often more than their fair share, and striking out on their own, intent on founding their own, "better" settlements. Old feuds and twists between rival schools of alchemy are coming up, as followers from different philosophies are openly debating that the colony should be entirely dissolved into smaller groups.

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Due to low living conditions and leadership, you are losing people as they walk off to found their own settlments. Your espionage shows you the following stats:
Ravenwood expedition:
Army 2; Culture 1; Diplomacy 2; Engineering 1; Espionage 0; Fleet 4; Industrial Capacity 0; Leadership 3; Living Standard 1; Lore 0; Naval Combat 3; Population 2; Resources 1; Technology 2; Essence 1; Support 1

Babbage Hold:
Army 0; Culture 1; Diplomacy 1; Engineering 4; Espionage 0; Fleet 2; Industrial Capacity 1; Leadership 1; Living Standard 2; Lore 2; Naval Combat 1; Population 0; Resources 2; Technology 3; Essence 3; Support 1

Cathay:
Army 2; Culture 1; Diplomacy 0; Engineering 2; Espionage 1; Fleet 0; Industrial Capacity 1; Leadership 3; Living Standard 1; Lore 2; Naval Combat 0; Population 3; Resources 1; Technology 1; Mana 4; Spirit 2

Scandinavia:
Army 0; Culture 0; Diplomacy 1; Engineering 2; Espionage 1; Fleet 3; Industrial Capacity 1; Leadership 2; Living Standard 1; Lore 0; Naval Combat 1; Population 1; Resources 2; Technology 4; Essence3; Support 2

Italy
Army 1; Culture 3; Diplomacy 0; Engineering 2; Espionage 1; Fleet 2; Industrial Capacity 1; Leadership 0; Living Standard 1; Lore 1; Naval Combat 3; Population 0; Resources 1; Technology 2; Essence 4; Support 2

The Kingdom of Italy

After landing on a promising island, the italian leaders make contact with the local natives, who are seemingly very primitive, with all their technology that is above bronze age niveau traded from the mainland: a handful of iron weapons and tools, two carts for moving heavy loads, a single crossbow. However, the area is amazingly fertile, with clear spring water and fields which, according to the natives, yield three or four harvests a year.
However, these same leaders manage to offend the natives in a spectacular fashion during a welcoming feast, as not only half the officers turn away local food with disgusted looks on their faces, but one of them has the splendid idea to spit a mouthful of chewing tobacco on the ground, splattering the feet of the chief's wive.
Back in camp, however, many of the colonists don't seem to unhappy about the predicament of their leaders...

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Low diplomacy and leadership make contact with natives exceedingly difficult, and war with them is looming. Meanwhile, your colonists grumble at their leaders and the supplies which are running low.

Your espionage shows you the following stats:
Ravenwood expedition:
Army 2; Culture 1; Diplomacy 2; Engineering 1; Espionage 0; Fleet 4; Industrial Capacity 0; Leadership 3; Living Standard 1; Lore 0; Naval Combat 3; Population 2; Resources 1; Technology 2; Essence 1; Support 1

Babbage Hold:
Army 0; Culture 1; Diplomacy 1; Engineering 4; Espionage 0; Fleet 2; Industrial Capacity 1; Leadership 1; Living Standard 2; Lore 2; Naval Combat 1; Population 0; Resources 2; Technology 3; Essence 3; Support 1

The Second Iroquois League

As spring breaks, the Iroquois face a new threat, one never encountered before: from the northernmost coasts and rivers belonging to the league come reports of raiders: groups of men travelling in deceptively fragile-seeming hide boats, clad in furs and wielding cruel bone spears. Accompaning them is an even danger: black and white "spirit whales", fish-like beasts bigger than boats, with jaws wide enough to swallow a man in a single bite. They seem spirit-bonded to the raiders, and boats and whales are fighting together, before the raiders come on land, burning and looting small villages before vanishing back into the northern ice.

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Northern raiders use their superior mobility and naval combat ability to raid unprotected sites along rivers and coasts, retreating before warriors arrive.

Your espionage shows you no one else's stats.

The Conclave

Problems arise as this spring is accompanied by extraordinary amounts of melting snow in the higher mountain regions, leading to widespread, catastrophic floods. Poor infrastructure leads to many parts of the territory becoming completely isolated, and there is real threat of famine.

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Low infrastructure, tech and fleet lead to problems with floods, some villages can't be reached at all, except in sheer impossible stunts of swimming and boating by the mana-gifted.

Your espionage shows you the following stats:
Empire of Umbria:
Army 4; Culture 1; Diplomacy 0; Engineering 2; Espionage 1; Fleet 0; Industrial Capacity 2; Leadership 1; Living Standard 1; Lore 1; Naval Combat 0; Population 1; Resources 2; Technology 3; Mana 3; Spirit 2

Second Iroquois League:
Army 3; Culture 1; Diplomacy 2; Engineering 1; Espionage 1; Fleet 0; Industrial Capacity 1; Leadership 2; Living Standard 1; Lore 1; Naval Combat 0; Population 4; Resources 2; Technology 0; Mana 2; Spirit 3

The Conclave
Army 2; Culture 1; Diplomacy 1; Engineering 0; Espionage 2; Fleet 1; Industrial Capacity 1; Leadership 2; Living Standard 1; Lore 3; Naval Combat 0; Population 1; Resources 2; Technology 0; Mana 4; Spirit 3

Great Planes Confederacy
Army 4; Culture 1; Diplomacy 2; Engineering 0; Espionage 1; Fleet 0; Industrial Capacity 2; Leadership 2; Living Standard 1; Lore 1; Naval Combat 0; Population 3; Resources 1; Technology 1; Mana 2; Spirit 3

Great Plains Confederacy

They speak of this as a cursed spring: cold it is, too much rain. The buffalo herds are small, the young barely surviving, and as some tribes, clans and bands abandon their herds to find larger ones, tensions between the groups rise...

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Low resources and living standards create the beginnings of a famine, and there is a threat of feud and conflict between several tribes.

Your espionage shows you no one else's stats.

Taguacipa:

While conflicts between the local powers and fear of the colonists might be good for an economy built on espionage, torrential rains and floods certainly aren't. The hidden city of Taguacipa has been isolated from the world outside for nearly a week, and trade is suffering.

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You know everyone else's stats:
Empire of Umbria:
Army 4; Culture 1; Diplomacy 0; Engineering 2; Espionage 1; Fleet 0; Industrial Capacity 2; Leadership 1; Living Standard 1; Lore 1; Naval Combat 0; Population 1; Resources 2; Technology 3; Mana 3; Spirit 2

Second Iroquois League:
Army 3; Culture 1; Diplomacy 2; Engineering 1; Espionage 1; Fleet 0; Industrial Capacity 1; Leadership 2; Living Standard 1; Lore 1; Naval Combat 0; Population 4; Resources 2; Technology 0; Mana 2; Spirit 3

The Conclave
Army 2; Culture 1; Diplomacy 1; Engineering 0; Espionage 2; Fleet 1; Industrial Capacity 1; Leadership 2; Living Standard 1; Lore 3; Naval Combat 0; Population 1; Resources 2; Technology 0; Mana 4; Spirit 3

Great Planes Confederacy
Army 4; Culture 1; Diplomacy 2; Engineering 0; Espionage 1; Fleet 0; Industrial Capacity 2; Leadership 2; Living Standard 1; Lore 1; Naval Combat 0; Population 3; Resources 1; Technology 1; Mana 2; Spirit 3

The Aztec
Army 3; Culture 2; Diplomacy 1; Engineering 0; Espionage 2; Fleet 1; Industrial Capacity 1; Leadership 2; Living Standard 1; Lore 1; Naval Combat 0; Population 1; Resources 2; Technology 0; Mana 3; Spirit 4

Cathay

Life is harsh for the colonists of the heavenly empire: landing on a rocky, mountainous shore, without even enough ships to house the colonists for long, they struggle to feed the population, and unknown diseases and famine are beginning to take their toll...
The natives here seem frighteningly well organized, as passes deeper into the mountains are walled up and guarded by massive watchtowers, manned day and night, and the tower crews seem utterly unimpressed by your force, denying you access.

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Due to low living standard, made worse by low resources and fleet, you have health problems, which will only get worse over time.
The inca are guarding their country, leaving you only moving along the coast in either direction as a way out. Scouts report that to the north, the mountains end, and dense forest begins. It is, however, questionable if your people will make it there.

Ravenwood expedition:
Army 2; Culture 1; Diplomacy 2; Engineering 1; Espionage 0; Fleet 4; Industrial Capacity 0; Leadership 3; Living Standard 1; Lore 0; Naval Combat 3; Population 2; Resources 1; Technology 2; Essence 1; Support 1

Babbage Hold:
Army 0; Culture 1; Diplomacy 1; Engineering 4; Espionage 0; Fleet 2; Industrial Capacity 1; Leadership 1; Living Standard 2; Lore 2; Naval Combat 1; Population 0; Resources 2; Technology 3; Essence 3; Support 1

Cathay:
Army 2; Culture 1; Diplomacy 0; Engineering 2; Espionage 1; Fleet 0; Industrial Capacity 1; Leadership 3; Living Standard 1; Lore 2; Naval Combat 0; Population 3; Resources 1; Technology 1; Mana 4; Spirit 2

Scandinavia:
Army 0; Culture 0; Diplomacy 1; Engineering 2; Espionage 1; Fleet 3; Industrial Capacity 1; Leadership 2; Living Standard 1; Lore 0; Naval Combat 1; Population 1; Resources 2; Technology 4; Essence3; Support 2

Italy
Army 1; Culture 3; Diplomacy 0; Engineering 2; Espionage 1; Fleet 2; Industrial Capacity 1; Leadership 0; Living Standard 1; Lore 1; Naval Combat 3; Population 0; Resources 1; Technology 2; Essence 4; Support 2

Aztecs

Traditionally, the Maya nobility have always claimed to be the last direct descendants of the original pacific spirit people and the empire of Teotihuacan, the ruins of which still lie on their territory. To this day, the mana of their elders is magnificient, and spirits walk the land in corporeal forms, freely intermingling with the common people.
Their relations to the Aztec have always been strained at best and now, with rumours and reports of new and powerful men arriving from over both oceans, they are downright condescending towards their "less advanced, warlike neighbours", all but demanding that they slay these invaders, lest they feel the wrath of the spirits of sky, water and earth.

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Your espionage gives you the following stats:


Empire of Umbria:
Army 4; Culture 1; Diplomacy 0; Engineering 2; Espionage 1; Fleet 0; Industrial Capacity 2; Leadership 1; Living Standard 1; Lore 1; Naval Combat 0; Population 1; Resources 2; Technology 3; Mana 3; Spirit 2

Second Iroquois League:
Army 3; Culture 1; Diplomacy 2; Engineering 1; Espionage 1; Fleet 0; Industrial Capacity 1; Leadership 2; Living Standard 1; Lore 1; Naval Combat 0; Population 4; Resources 2; Technology 0; Mana 2; Spirit 3

The Conclave
Army 2; Culture 1; Diplomacy 1; Engineering 0; Espionage 2; Fleet 1; Industrial Capacity 1; Leadership 2; Living Standard 1; Lore 3; Naval Combat 0; Population 1; Resources 2; Technology 0; Mana 4; Spirit 3

Great Planes Confederacy
Army 4; Culture 1; Diplomacy 2; Engineering 0; Espionage 1; Fleet 0; Industrial Capacity 2; Leadership 2; Living Standard 1; Lore 1; Naval Combat 0; Population 3; Resources 1; Technology 1; Mana 2; Spirit 3

[LongVin]

Kingdom of Italy

The savagery of the natives had made itself clear at the feast. With their cursed food and strange unwashed customs. Their mere presence offended the cultured and educated officers of the Italian crown. It was a wonder that they did not immediately come to blows. Now, they would need to put these savages in their place and show them their place in the new Italian hierarchy.

The situation was not much better in the hastily established town of Nuovo Verona. The once enthuastic colonists have adapted a lax and anti-establishment attitude against the noble officers of the expedition. It was bodering on mutiny and it would have to be corrected. The colonists must know that the divine order of noble and commoner still exists in this savage godless world.

Captain Junio Rizzo knew he needed to succeed in this task, the admiral has chosen him above all others to establish this colony before coming ashore to rule the island as its Viceroy. There were many other officers in place who would be eager to steal his position. He would need to show strong leadership here.

First, he would request that the Naval Squadron off the coast with its centerpiece of the giant essence powered battleship come closer to shore. If those natives chose to attack his town they would soon learn the full might of Italian power. He would also up his patrols around the perimeter, the rifle armed soldiers should easilly be able to handle any foe they encounter and hold them off until reinforcements arrive.

As for the general population, he would let the priests preach to them of the holy nature of their mission. Hopefully, that would get the motivated to work and respect his leadership. He did not want to take the harsher measures...though that may become necessary in the future if the attitude of the people does not improve.

[Thatguyoverther]

The Second Iroquois League

The Iroquois Counsel meets to discuss the plague of North Men. The Great Longhouse is guarded, as tradition dictates, by Mohawks on the east and Seneca on the west. Smoke fills building from the dozens of fire's used to illuminate the dark interior.

Today is the night day that the problem has been discussed, an still the hundreds of tribes of the League still can't come to an agreement. Kanawida has yet to make his voice heard in the proceedings and waits patiently, listening to all the sides of the

"We should build more war canoes and take the fight to these savages."

"You've heard the tales of the spirit whales, who devour men and destroy boats. We would be dooming the men to an early meeting with the Great Spirit. We should build bigger palisades to protect our people."

"Don't be stupid, no one wins a war cowering behind their walls. We should take the fight to the enemy. We need to gather a war band and march on these beasts in their lair."

"The war band would starve or freeze before they got there. And we don't even know where there is. We need to send scouts to find out where these raids are coming from, I say we ask the shaman's ask the spirits for guidance."

"These north men are brutal, but they are men. They can be reasoned with, we should talk to them, I'm sure some settlement can be reached."

Kanawida clears his throat, and the meeting falls silent.

"We don't know enough of these North Men to start a war. We should send an envoy and see if they can be reasoned with."

The gathered counsel members explode with protest, especially those who's people have been attacked by the North Men. Kanawida raises his hand and the protests die down.

"I didn't say that we should be idle while the envoys do their work. We'll fortify the coastal villages, and gather a war band in case the North Men refuse to talk. We'll also gather all of the resources needed to outfit the war band for such a hazardous journey."

The gathered men are quiet, pondering Kanawida's plan.

One of the men speaks up. "All in favor of Kanawida's plan?" The ayes trickle in and the plan passes. The counsel disbands and men begin work on carrin out the plan.

Message to Great Plains Confederacy

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The League is planning a major northern expedition. We are willing to trade some of our agricultural produce for some of your Big Dogs. Would you be interested?

@Eldan

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I'm not sure if I'm doing this right or not. If I'm doing it wrong let me know.

I'm trying to make peace with the North Men, ideally I'd like them to formally join the League. If the group doesn't have single leader or group that can be treated with, the envoys will try to gain favor with single tribes and try to get them to fight one another.

Kanawida will be joining the envoys and treating directly with the North Men

2 for Diplomacy, +1 for Kanawida's Mana right?

[roll]4d3v[/roll]

[Thatguyoverther]

Sorry for the double post. I messed up my roll.
(1d3)[2] (1d3)[1] (1d3)[3] (1d3)[3]

[kemmotar]

"So, what of these newcomers Xok? Is your report ready?"

Asked the woman. She was sitting leisurely on a chair in the conference chamber, her black hair draped over her dark olive skin. A soft white cotton one piece tunic, a simple garment for the leader of a people, protected her from the damp night.

"Yes Taguacipa, the eagles came in yesterday and we've corroborated several rumors and intelligence which was delayed due to the rain. So far we have learned of 6 such expeditions that have landed in several places in the east coast."

"I see, and their skin?"

"It is white, it seems however they are not of the northern people. Their...technology is very different from ours. Actually, we have no idea what it is."

OOC: crap, i'm in the airport going home and they just called the plane, i'll finish this when I get back later today. Sorry

[Freshmeat]

The Conclave

Weekly report from the Province of Lothicua:

The floods in Lothicua have proven to be just as problematic as most of the other affected regions. As ever, our Emperor has made a wise decision by sending a small delegate of High Priests and affiliated personnel to all concerned provinces to properly oversee and direct the relief efforts. Things here would've been far worse without our help.

We have begun evacuation of all civilians and state personell from those regions that suffered worst. Aided by skilled priests who seek to enlist the aid of as many water spirits as able, as well as experts on geography and other relevant fields of study, we have begun construction of dams at key locations (where we suspect they will be at their most effective), but we don't know if they will hold out. Hopefully long enough for the floods to subside.

Scouts patrol the far reaches of our borders daily, on the lookout for those that might seek to take advantage of our current position to attack us. While our army remains vigilant and keeps watch as careful as ever, we deem the chances of an attack relatively low since anyone willing to mount a proper offense now would be hampered by the floods almost as much as us. Still, since it was the explicit wish of our Emperor not to let our current problems cloud our minds from the potential threat of even greater problems, we will continue to guard the territories of The Conclave at all costs.
Morale remains unchanged for now. We have responded to the floods as best we could, and few people direct blame at us, and only in whispers. Again, as per your instructions, we will try to keep morale up even in these harsh times.

Concerning the food shortage: while our food reserves might buy us some time, we cannot deny that the threat of famine is plaguing our lands. Even though I have great confidence that the decision to increase our fishing industry in the coastal provinces of Akatuco and Mothotirac was a wise one, I have taken the liberty of sending a small group of messengers to the Inca territories nearby. While our civlizations are neither close friends nor bitter enemies and we must therefore expect anything from them, I felt that our current situation could be greatly aided by some sort of trade agreement with the Inca. Regrettably, even we cannot make food appear out of thin air. I have not yet received word from our messengers, but expect them back fairly soon. In the meantime we have begun rationing our remaining food reserves. Although we try to enforce strict discipline, we have deemed it advisable to station a not-inconsiderable guard detail at our warehouses.

- Hacuat, third-term High Priest of The Conclave


To the Inca:

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A scouting party aided by a number of highly disciplined veteran guards and a handful of priests is sent to the border between The Conclave and the Inca. This scouting party is preceded by a pair of messengers who are to contact local leaders of the Inca settlements nearby and discuss a certain trade agreement, with the main objective to get food.

The messengers have orders to:
- downplay the troubles of The Conclave
- try and gauge the reaction of the Inca to determine their intentions
- try and gauge how much, if at all, the Inca are affected by these floods
- be fairly lenient as far as potential trade agreements are concerned (yet not allowing the Inca to take complete advantage of The Conclave) since solving the food crisis is of great importance to the Emperor
- should the Inca agree to supply food, contact the rest of the scouting party and affiliated guards and have them transport the food safely back to The Conclave, possibly in cooperation with Inca guards.
- (if the following can be accomplished without arousing the suspicion of the Inca) to subject the food to tests to get an idea of its quality and edibility

[Adlan]

The Great Plains Confederacy
The Lodges Meet, called together across the land by the famine that stretches it's hand over all the people of the plain. Their winter food stocks will run out too soon, the spring foods they expected are not going to be sufficient. Those who farm the land have seen their crops washed out by untimely flood, and those that have brought in food will not be sufficent to make up the loss.

And so, a great meeting has been called, and the Chief's meet, At a Camp on the Yellow River, every tribe and language in the confederacy comes, every people's cheif and wiseman sits in one of the lodges and talks of what is to be done.

Wild Eye's, listen's to the arguments. Some call for war, within the confederacy, some tell how the younger warriors are beyond their control, and will soon begin raiding other tribes herds. Others push for war outside the confederacy.

And in the Midst of this, the messenger from the Iroquois league arrives. And this causes great debate amongst the Lodges. The League is the greatest force in the north, and is the inheritor of the 1st league, which was the ruler of the plains before the confederacy fell.

And their offer looks to hold the help needed to get out of the famine, at least for the northern tribes.

'The League Would be Powerful Friends, and they are great farmers, their supplies could feed us, and we cannot feed our herds. Every Tribe should Contribute herds of Sukatanka, and for every beast they supply, they shall receive an equal share of the supplies sent to us. We know they are under attack from men from the north. And so, we shall send with them also, a War Party, to show our friendship.'

Wild Eye's proposal is controversial, But she is the Great Chief. She cannot force the tribes to accept it,it must be agreed by the Lodges, but after the lodge of elders approves it, the Lodge of the chiefs does not veto it.

Indeed, the begin to vote on how to implement it, each chief wishing to gain the greater share of glory, supplies and honour for his people. And to send the most of his fractious youths off with the war party.

Message to the Iroquois Leauge:

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Proposal Accepted. Within a Month, the main delivery will be arriving on your borders. Many Thousand Head of BigDogs, and with them, we also send Warriors, to show you how to look after them, and to help you in your comming war with the north.

Actions:
A war party, lead by spotted tail accompanies the supply train of big dogs. Not all the Bigdogs are for trade, some are to carry the food supplies home to each tribe, and some of the warriors will accompany them.
Spotted Tail and the warriors are to be most humble guests, and Spotted tail is to assist the league militarily using the warriors at his disposal, and to strengthen ties with the league.

However, the tribes to the south are too far away, and cannot supply the League due to the time and distance. Their problems must be solved another way. The Famine has been less so here, but they still feel the pinch, In the mountains to the west there is game, and food. Many tribes split off, sending small parties into the hills, expanding the confederacy. Wild Eye's orders that the border be guarded more strongly against the Aztec, increasing the number of raids over the border, stealing supplies and burning their military out posts. In Some raids, there are massacres, but Wild eye's order that the tribes vassel to the Aztec are not to be attacked, only the collection points of tribute grain.

For GM:

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Over all actions should result in less demand on our resources in the north, sending animals we cannot support to the Iroquois to feed, and sending those most likely to start raids and feuds to them as well, where they will also be fed at the League's expense. In the south, expansion into the rocky mountains, intending to eventually become a subculture within the confederacy, permentant settlements and agriculturalists as well as hunting and gathering. Historically, this area was generally reguarded as inhabited by the great plains tribes, who gathered wood and supplies from the era seasonally.

I probably shouldn't be attacking the Aztec if I can help it. But I'm roleplaying a warrior people, how can I not? If possible, I'd like to seperate the vassel tribe from the Aztec rulers, hopefully by trying not to attack them (still, you try controlling thousands of ferocious warriors ;).

[kemmotar]

*Continued from previous post*

The Taguacipa's eyes darken at the mention of technology. Xok has been by her side even before she took up the office 4 years ago and has since been the pillar of her strength, a friend to hold her up, a soundboard for her ideas. For him to seem worried, there must be more to the situation than meets the idea.

"What do you suggest we do with these newcomers? Is infiltration possible?"

"Perhaps, though some have met with savages and are suspicious. We have few spies able to infiltrate and fewer that can pass as their own. Larger settlements will make ideal targets for them but for now we must get them to trust us."

"Indeed, arrange for it. Send eagles to all our diplomats near where the colonists have landed. The highest ranking officer attended by two bodyguards and arrangements for an appropriate low ranked officer to replace them while they're gone. Go make ready and send in someone to take down a letter to be copied and given to the newcomers"

Xok bowed low as he exited the chamber leaving Taguacipa alone to order her thoughts. Soon an apprentice scribe was sent in to take down this later and the following was written down:

To all colonists:

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Newcomers, I bid you welcome to our land. I am named Taguacipa and though we will not meet I wish to extend a hearfelt welcome. Though are lands can sometime seem strange or dangerous there is great beauty to be found. The person giving you this letter has been authorized to negotiate on my part. I hope we can come to an agreement that will become the basis of a long relationship of friendship and trade.

The letter is carried to the colonist's camps by men and women dressed in long and luxurious robes riding upon lamas. They emerge through the jungle with two darkly clad bodyguards, all great persons that have risen to posts with high demands in both skill and intelligence. Once they meet with the colonists they dismount, approach with one hand help at the level of the head with palm facing them in a universal sign of "look, i'm not holding a weapon". They approach slowly and bow as they introduce themselves and announce that they wish to see someone of authority.

OOC:I'm not sure if I need to roll anything...does this count as an action or is an action one that requires that I roll something?

[Greystone]

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I have chosen to land in the West Indies..

Officers Quarters, onshore

"Damn it milady" Captain John Hopkins of the Royal Brittanian navy slammed his hand down on the map "This is no good. Where we have landed is horrible. Half our expedition will die under a month in these conditions"

"Popycock" interrupts Dr. Ammerson, a tall and sandy blond haired man with glasses "It will take at least a four week gestation period for an entire half of our crew to die."

"In any case" a strong feminine voice cuts in "Our people can not continue like this, we need to find a more suitable location." she unfurls a very rough map of the region "Captain Hopkins, take your Juggernaut and a freightor West, I'll take my Juggernaut east with anothr freightor and you Dr. Ammerson will assist Sir Randolph Tully in taking the two frigates and our third freightor down these narrower parts. We shall keep in contact via short length radion agreed?"

"Agreed" the rest reply, before moving to make their preparations.

Cornelia Ravenwood, leader of the expedition turns and sighs rubbing her temple . She is approached by a younger woman, in her teens. She wears more boyish clothing cut to a woman's physique. Princess Honoria raises an eyebrow at her mentor "And I shall be-"

"Staying with me of course"

"Of course"

[Falconer]

The Aztec


Tenochtitlan was easily one of the grandest cities in the Americas. It had been nicknamed "The City of the Waters" by foreign merchants, and the name had stuck. And indeed, Tenochtitlan was a city of water. Canals crisscrossed the city, and fountains were commonly seen along the streets. Tenochtitlan had been built on a lake, connected to the land by four bridges. Once, it was nothing more than a few thatched huts on muddy ground. Now it was a center of power: military, political and divine.

Today, the city was alive with rumors, gossip. Strange peoples had come from across the sea! Were they enemies? Friends? Heralds of the Gods? Demons? Voices were heard all over, speaking and theorizing and guessing and wondering.

In the Council Chamber of the Confederacy, the representatives of the Greater Tribes met to discuss these developments. The chamber was a long hall, lined with chairs. The least esteemed, those whose opinions were deemed worthy enough to be expressed but not necessarily heeded, sat at the far end, closer to the door. The strong, important tribes, who had fought long and hard for the Confederacy, sat closest to the Emperor, Ahuitzotl III. And now, the Emperor looked on passively as the Councilors debated and argued.

The Zapotec councilor began. "These strangers are not to be trusted. Where the land, they desecrate the altars of the Gods and raise up their own symbols. They are a living blasphemy and ought to be killed."

The Tlacopan representative rose in protest. "Surely not! This happening is miraculous; it is teotl. Fate. Of the Gods. I propose that it may be of relation to Quetzalcoatl's return from the East."

"Do you mean to suggest that these strangers are Gods?"

"Not at all; they may, however, be of some notable connection to them."

All looked to the Emperor, awaiting his decision.
"Let messengers be sent. To the Iroquois. To the Sioux. And send most importantly, to these strangers."

"Your Majesty, allow me to speak to these new peoples." A voice from the far end of the hall.

Ever head turned to the golden doors of the Council Hall, which were closing behind Mazatl, the Court Magician. Mazatl was a tall, imposing fellow, clad in simple black robes. He had a great deal of the Emperor's favor, and in many matters held his ear.

Ahuixotl seemed gladdened by the sorcerer's entrance.
"Very well. Mazatl shall be responsible for diplomacy with these peoples, and they shall know our strength."

The Zapotec councilor turned to his Emperor.

"And what of the Maya, your Highness? They say they shall call their spirits to curse us if we do not kill the strangers."

"The Maya are fools, who pretend to divine the wills of their false gods through dark spirits. They forget that not a hundred years ago, they bowed before our every word and trembled at our approach. And despite their temporary delusions, they will do so again someday. Send to them a messenger also. Placate them for now."

Laughter throughout the assembly. The Maya would be brought to heel someday, as all the world would be. All the world would bow before the Confederacy, and the Gods it worshipped.

OoC: Would it be terribly undue for the Aztecs to already know Ravenwood's location, so they can send a diplomat?

The Sioux

Aztec runners deliver a message to the Sioux Chiefs.

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Our conflict has been long, and a victor has yet to be decided. But I feel that if we do not put aside our weapons, at least for now, both of our peoples shall be destined for defeat and ruin in the face of these strangers. Here is my proposal: our raids into your lands shall cease. We shall find worthy sacrifices in away from your lands. For now. Likewise, your attacks on our settlements shall stop, and there shall be compensation for our losses. We shall, until we know the exact nature of these strangers, be as allies, with all the benefits thereof. Should you so wish it, your chiefs may gain an audience with the Emperor to outline the terms of this pact. An invitation of the same is being likewise sent to the Iroquois. The Emperor hopes to assemble an alliance which can, should it be necessary, fend off any aggressive intentions these strangers may have.

The Iroquois

Aztec runners deliver a message to the Iroquois.

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Our conflict has been long, and a victor has yet to be decided. But I feel that if we do not put aside our weapons, at least for now, both of our peoples shall be destined for defeat and ruin in the face of these strangers. Here is my proposal: our raids into your lands shall cease. We shall find worthy sacrifices in away from your lands. For now. Likewise, your attacks on our settlements shall stop. We shall, until we know the exact nature of these strangers, be as allies, with all the benefits thereof. Should you so wish it, your chiefs may gain an audience with the Emperor to outline the terms of this pact. An invitation of the same is being likewise sent to the Sioux. The Emperor hopes to assemble an alliance which can, should it be necessary, fend off any aggressive intentions these strangers may have.

[Greystone]

(Nope, g'head and perhaps meet one of the three exploration groups)

[Falconer]

Ravenwood Expedition

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First they were heard. The steady, rhythmic pounding of drums being beat in unison. On the horizon, a small fleet of canoes can be seen. They appeared to be heading eastwards, towards the islands, and, just noticing the ship, changed direction towards it. Some of them are carrying soldiers clad in what appear to be leopard skins, who hold odd-looking crossbows. A raid? The lead canoes carry people in odd, exotic clothes, with colorful feather headdresses and cloaks; obviously not soldiers. A herald stands in the lead canoe, waving a tree branch, indicating peace.

@Eldan: when players are negotiating, i'll assume we don't have to roll diplomacy.

[Greystone]

Meetings

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The Juggernaut turns smoothly to meet the oncoming natives. It is a massive thing, all iron and cannon. There is very little 'deck', insteadmostly being completley inclosed, with what sems more like the top of a tower where most decks would be.

A man from the 'tower' calls down "Halt, and tell us you buisness!"

[Falconer]

Diplomacy and all that

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The herald continues waving the branch, but a tall man in black robes rises and bids him sit down. He takes out a small pouch, takes a pinch of whatever is within, and swallows it. He then turns to the watchman, and shouts back in flawless English.


"We represent the Great Nations of the mainland. You are strangers in this land, and we wish to speak, that there might be no ill will between us."

[Greystone]

Bla-de-blah

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The sound of perfect english startles the watchman so bad he almost falls off the tower. He catches himself and calls back "R-right, be back in a jiff"
Then there is silence for several moments. Suddenly a hatch opens on the side and a long ramp folds down and makes a minature dock. Two Brittanian marines, rifles at ease and shining steel armor donned rush down. Following them come three sailors.

"Oi, over 'ere" One shouts, gesturing to the dock.

[Falconer]

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The canoes (of which there are six) row towards the dock. Most of the people remain seated, with the tall man, a few of the cloaked people, and few soldiers rise and step onto the dock. All of them are staring at everything, wide eyed. Except for their leader, who glances about for a moment before passively turning to the sailors.

"We are diplomats from the Empire of the mainland. Might we meet your leaders? I am Mazatl, Court Magician."

[Greystone]

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One of he sailors steps forward "Yes of course, she is awaiting your arrival in the study"

He turns and leads the Aztec through a confusing path of gantries and bulkheads. Occasionally they'll pass a crewman who stops his work and watches the savages move past them, before breaking into heated whispering with their compatriots.

Finally they entire a room of actual comfort. The walls are painted and the floor is carpeted. Several leather armchairs dot the room. A heavy oak and iron door stands at the other end of the room.

"Please could your guards wait here while you meet Lady Ravenwood?" the sailors tone is polite but forceful.

[Falconer]

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The magician smiles and nods. He barks orders in what is obviously these peoples' native tongue, and the guards dutifully nod and take positions just outside, on either side of the door.

A few of the diplomats, while they wait, kneel and run their hands through the carpet. They whisper amongst themselves, wild theories of what this here could be, what that over there might do, or what material this over in here was. Mazatl speaks to them also, and they immediately gather behind him, though they eye the room around them in awe.

[Thatguyoverther]

Aztecs

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Your offer of peace will be considered at the next Counsel meeting. Understand that we are a bit wary, years of constant raids have not endeared our two people. We have met these Northmen you call strangers and they pose no threat. The Counsel is concerned that you might have ulterior motives for your proposal.

As soon as the counsel makes a decision we will let you know.

Great Plain Confederacy

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The Counsel is interested to hear what the Confederacy thinks of the Aztec's proposal. We have trouble believing that this proposed peace treaty will benefit either of us. We have yet to have any troubles with these 'strangers' they speak of.

[Adlan]

Iroquois League

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The Great Chief, Wild eyes, has asked all the Chief's to give safe passage to any stranger who reaches our lands, unless they break our hospitality, she wishe's to meet them, and find out if rumours of their magic is true. We have fought the Aztec of old, and we know of their practices. They say they will turn aside and no longer takes slaves from us, and presumably from you also. But they will take slaves and kill them. The Commanche and Apache will not suffer this on their kinfolk in tribes not of our confederacy.

We would consider peace. But they demand recompense for our booty, that we bled and counted coup for. There will not be Peace, at best, we will stop raids if they also cease. Your response would greatly influence the lodges.
-White Eagle, Speaker for the Commanche, appointed voice of the confederacy.

White Eagle wrote the message to the League, slowly, it is true, but in a fair hand, on a calf hide parchment, in the script that the two people's shared. He was a young man, but already an influential medicine man. He had been made speaker for the Comanche, a non-voting position, but one from the tribe who was to address the lodges with the views, in particular he had the views of the younger men, those serving in the confederacy's war party's. Wild eye's had made him one of the voices of the confederacy, to deal as an intermidiate with dealings in the south, though all his actions were subject to review by the Great Cheif and the lodges.

Reply to the Aztec Confederacy:

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We Know your ways of old, and it touches our spirit and our honour for you to take slaves and slay them. Even if they are not from our Confederacy. But there can be peace between us. Our Warriors will hold back, if your raids cease. No recompense shall you have from us, even if there is peace. The Great Chief, Wild eye's, has asked all our Chief's to give safe passage to any stranger who reaches our lands, unless they break our hospitality, she wishes to meet them, and find out if rumours of their magic is true. We will not ally with you to harm those whom we have never seen.
-White Eagle Speaker for the Commanche, appointed voice of the confederacy.

This note was dictated, for white eagle did not speak the Language of the Aztec, though his own tounge was distantly related. It had to be translated by another, and the message was sent off, a Party of Commanche Regular's to accompany it to the border, a Fearsome sight, their long hair flowing in decorated braids, each with their own individual war paint, missing the black that would signify they were going on a raiding party. Their Lances glittering in the sun, they bows at their sides, and shields slung over their light armour.

[Greystone]

"You may enter" A voice, strong and cultered filters from the room across as the iron door opens. Lady Ravenwood, in a rich silken gown sits at a large ebony desk, papers and books scattered about.

"She smiles and stands "I am the Lady Ravenwood, leader of the expedition to this continent"

[Greystone]

For the search

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[roll]1d3[/roll]
[roll]1d3[/roll]
[roll]1d3[/roll]
[roll]1d3[/roll]

[DrakebloodIV]

The Alchemists

"And what do you propose we do, philosopher?"

"My power may be absolute, but the separate schools of alchemy wish to form their own colonies. If this happens we will surely fall. In Europe our own separate schools had enough resources to stay separate, but if we do that here we will all surely starve and die. I will speak with the Lords of each school and see what I can do"

*Rolls sent by PM*

[DrakebloodIV]

Apparently the PM sender dosent get dice roller anymore.

Well here they are.
(1d3-2)[-1]
(1d3-2)[-1]
(1d3-2)[0]
(1d3-2)[-1]

[kemmotar]

The Taguacipa was lying on her oversized bed, cushions propping up her back and reports littered around the bed. Markings made with pieces of coal that stained her fingers black.

Head administrator Sharok, come in. Please, what news? I've been expecting some new shipments of linens and informants coming in through the north pass.

Good news milady, these are the transcripts of this morning's meetings. Please have a look at them.

Very well, pass them to me. Also, call for tea, and some for you of course. I have a nice case of your favorite, the cook has it ready to be brewed.

*Official transcripts of the meeting of the trade and resource administrators concerning the matter of rain affecting trade, advisors: master cartographer Sur'ka, Shaman of the mountain spirit Jarok and Head Engineer Martel, for Lady Taguacipa.

Head administrator Sharok: Greetings colleagues and master cartographer. What is the situation with our resources?

Warehouse overseer Tulak: My lord, our resources of fresh meat and vegetables are running low. We did not anticipate rain of such intensity. We had a good harvest of grain and our usage of it is mediocre, but the stores must be replenished. We're also running low on some precious metals. The detailed reports of consumption and existing stores has been provided.

Mmm...I see, engineer. We have been locked in our own fortress. Why is that?

Head engineer Martel: Well ta be honest surr. Tis quite simple. The existin' canals canna carry the water. Tis too much ta carry our. The rivers afloodin and the spirit dun like to open paths through water. If ye be wantin us I can get ma people to divert. But I dinnae know where ta open them. The damn rain's fillin up the damn ridges in the mountain.

Master cartographer Sur'ka: Umm. E'E'E'E..excuse me b'b'b'but I could h'h'h'h'help...help you. I kn'kn'kn'know the area p'p'p'perfectly and if you c'c'c'c...can tell me where you can di'di'divert the water and then we c'c'can open the paths.

Aye, that be possible lad. What say ye administrator?

That would indeed solve many of our problems. How is the spirit faring in the rain shaman?

Shamman of the mountain spirit Jarok: The spirit will never waver under such pitiful rain. You should thank it for not allowing you to drown in the paths! The mountain does not waver in a day, a month or a year of rain. He will be here long after we have left this earth, standing here before our children as it stood before our ancestors.

Yes, if you would like to be simple and crude. The spirit fares no different in rain or sun, wind or snow.

Well, that is very good news Shaman Jarok, thank you. Now then, engineer is there anything you need, technologically? Cartographer any maps?

Well, ta be honest, the umbrians are quite good in comin up with that kinda stuff. I used ta work there some years ago and learned some things there. They quite good in theories but can't really apply it. If we were to get some o'tha info in our hands, we can work it better than they ever did.

Very interesting my friend. I shall speak to the Taguacipa on the matter. Sur'ka?

F'f'f'f'fine sir, we're g'g'g'g'good to go from maps. Th'th'th'thank you.

Excelent. Trade administrators. Make the necessary preparations for the resumption of trade. I will take this report to the Taguacipa. Thank you gentlemen, the meeting is Adjourned.

End of transcripts*

As you can see my lade, we need to contact our intelligence within the technological departments to send us any reports that can help us here. Master Martel is confident his ex co-workers there could provide the necessary information to re establish trade as soon as possible and make the necessary modifications for future similar events. Master Sur'ka has begun work finding paths where the rain hasn't gotten to yet. If you give us your permission messages will be sent out immediately and work as soon as possible. Master Martel is already working on some modifications.

The Taguacipa sipped her tea as she pondered the question.

I want martel to begin immediately. The umbrian technology can be added later to the modifications. But send the messages immediately. It's been a while since we checked up on them tell them to watch out for any technology they learn from the newcomers. I get the feeling if anyone can make sense of it. Also, ask him what the names of his superiors are and we'll have an infiltrator find a few dirty secrets at some point. The researchers may need a promotion.

Very well, it will be done.

Sharok exits the room with a bow and the Taguacipa continues her work with other administrative reports.

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Rolls:
engineering for initial maintenance and modifications:
(1d3-2)[1]
(1d3-2)[1]
(1d3-2)[0]
(1d3-2)[-1]
+3
Total: 4
Espionage to steal related tech from the umbrians:
(1d3-2)[0]
(1d3-2)[1]
(1d3-2)[-1]
(1d3-2)[0]
+4 (4+1-1)
Total:4

Btw, I was gonna roll lore but I removed it so that's why rolls don't match. I don't think its necessary because they just need to check the maps I guess. If not it was a -3 from the rolls and base 3.

---

* post roll count doesn't match database

[AlistairThorne]

The Empire of Umbria

The God Emperor issues the following edicts:

The God Emperor is...displeased with reports of a 'stronger' nation from the Black Fox Tribe. He orders their messengers execution immediately before ordering a full scale assault by the Always Victorious Imperial Legions of Heaven. The Always Victorious Imperial Legions of Heaven shall crush the Black Fox Tribe, enslave their population, and have their chief's head placed on a spear outside of the God Emperor's home. Anyone known to have had contact with the Heathens From Across the Sea shall be tortured to death for information interrogated before their execution.

So the God Emperor Commands. So Shall It Be.

Any found consorting with the Heathens From Across the Sea will be executed.

Anyone found 'deserting' the Righteous Empire will be executed.

Anyone found standing in the God Emperor's presence will be executed.

That is all.

All Hail Caligula The God Emperor.

Messages to Other Folk.

The deliverers of these messages are empowered to speak on behalf of the God Emperor.

Messages to the Iroquois League and Great Plain Confederacy:

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To the lowly heathens of my neighbouring tribes,

For the time being the God Emperor deigns to grant you a truce until this newest threat is dealt with. These invading heathens pose a potential threat and must be subjugated.

Any action against Umbria during this period of truce will result in the complete extermination of your people. If you honour this Truce, we are prepared to leave you in peace for centuries.

Any native tribe found consorting with these 'new peoples' will be exterminated and/or subjugated.

That is all.

The God-Emperor of Umbria, Ruler Of All He Chooses To Rule

Messages to the Aztecs:

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To the honourable heathens of the Aztec Nation,

We suggest the complete extermination and/or subjugation of these 'new peoples' arriving on our shores. We have offered truces to all native tribes who are intelligent enough to refrain from dealing with them. Any native tribe found consorting with these 'new peoples' will be exterminated and/or subjugated.

The God-Emperor of Umbria, Ruler Of All He Chooses To Rule

[Falconer]

Umbria

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To the Virtuous Pagans of Umbria,

We have examined your proposal, and must say that, while it is courageous and noble both, it may not currently be the wisest course of action right now. We of the Confederacy believe that we must first test the strength of these strangers; they may be stronger than the both of us combined, for all we know. Furthermore, they use strange weapons and armors and wondrous technologies; the may of great use to us. Now is the time for cunning words, not the drawing of swords. But when that time comes, we will gladly fight by your side, and the world shall tremble before our strength.

For the time being, we of the Confederacy would find agreeable a mutual defense pact, to diminish the potential threats of both our barbaric neighbors and these strangers.

Ravenwood

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The magician gives a very ceremonial bow.

"May the Gods smile upon you. I am Mazatl, a great sorcerer of my nation, the Confederacy of the Aztecs. May I be so bold as to assume you are the chieftaness of these strangers that now wander the land?"

The Great Plains Confederacy

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You are to cease your raids upon our lands immediately, or suffer the consequences. Furthermore, you shall provide compensation for the damage inflicted by your braves. You are fools if you think that the justice of the Gods can be escaped. We offer you this opportunity for forgiveness and peace, for now is not the time to fight amongst ourselves. Prove to us your wisdom.

We merely hoped for mutual protection against the potential threat of these strangers, until the situation could be assessed. Your actions have complicated this, but the option is still on the table. Meet our qualifications for peace, and mutual prosperity is assured.

United, we are strong. Divided, we all shall die.

[kopout]

Well, they don't like noises and they don't like bright light. So I say we build massive essence lanterns and flood the whole camp with light, at lest until the exterior wall is finished.

I say we contact the fortress builders. They have obviously lived here a long time they must know how to defend agents these things.

They build fortresses. Thats how they defend themselves. Not from other people but from the bear-cats.

At this moment comes a knocking at the the door. "Enter" commands Professor Dodson "Sir, a man is here to see you, he gave me this." the mesenger hands a note written in an unintelligible script to the Professor. "Get this to the cryptographers. Henry, come with me it seems the native wish to talk ." "Yes, sir" Says the senor linguist falling into step.


@kemmotar: let the talks begin

[AlistairThorne]

Aztecs

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To the Virtuous Heathens of the Aztecs,

A mutual defence agreement is acceptable to us at this time.

Their technology may be 'superior' it may not be. If it is, we can take it from their corpses for they are still small in number. If they are not destroyed in the near future, they will destroy us as locusts destroy the crops.

The God-Emperor of Umbria, Ruler Of All He Chooses To Rule

[WhiteKnight777]

The Empire of Cathay

Huang Rho, The Phoenix Prince, Lord of the Triumphant Eastern Brigade, stared disconsolately out over the rude encampent his people had clawed from the unforgiving terrain. He was... dissatisfied. It was not that he minded sleeping on the hard ground. It was not that he missed his silken sheets, the legion of concubines of the Divine Palace - he felt for the suffering his people had endured. The overcrowding, the disease the poor food. Something had to be done about this.

He looked at the small group of heroes before him. Small in number - but each was a name worth ten thousand horseman - each man and woman was a legion unto themselves. The Glorious Companions. The Immaculates. The Emperor's Immortals. Each of them had tasted the Fruit of the First Tree, grown in the hidden valley of Shangri-La and blessed with the powers of the gods themselves. And each one was his friends.

"The people's bellies grow empty, my friends, and an army marches on its stomach."

"Bah!" Grunted Lu Bu, bilious as ever "They are your subjects, Rho. They will march as you tell them, until they wear their feet down to nubs."

"And that is because I do not give such orders, old friend." Said the prince with a smile. He looked to Cao Xia, the Radiant Blossom of Heavenly knowledge. Her hair, the color of a starling's wing was pulled back in a severe bun, a pair of jade needles serving as the only form of decoration the woman permitted herself. "I trust you have come up with a solution, oh Builder of Wonders?"

She gave a small, quiet smile "I think I have. With the assistance of Rama Ci, it should be a small matter to provide some relief."

The prince nodded, heading towards the entrance of his tent. "Then let it be done straight away. I will not have my people suffer any more than they must."

Cao Xia walked next to Rama Ci, speaking in quiet tones. Though the vast majority of the Empire's subjects professed faith in the Heavenly Beuraucracy, a small minority followed the way of the Buddha. Ci was such a one - the only one of the Immortals who walked that path. His skills in the Martial Arts were unparalelled, but he refused to ever strike a killing blow. Lu Bu insisted that this made him unfit as a warrior, but every time the two had spared, Lu Bu had been handed a humiliating defeat - the only times the Invincible warrior had ever yielded to another. It was whispered that Rama Ci knew the location of Shangri La, and that he was a Boddhivisatta, a living saint of his faith. But of these things, he would not speak.

Robed in black and white, the warrior monk approached a pile of boulders that had been stacked on a hill overlooking a massive plain. The plain had been cleared some days before, the trees cut down and uprooted to form the settlement's rude structures. Most of the expedition's civilians and many of the soldiers waited, watching and hoping that their heroes could provide salvation in what seemed like immanent starvation.

The Prince nodded, and Rama Ci struck. The boulders flew into the air, and he flew after them. As he and the stones reached the apex of their flight, the monk struck each one with a single open-palmed blow. The stones streaked towards the plain like comets, striking the earth with a sound like a storm dragon's roar. The impacts gouged massive depressions in the earth, and dust rose from the craters as Rama Ci landed, his face as serene as ever. The people stared in awe at the devastation as Cao Xia took her place on the ledge overlooking the plain.

The Radiant Blossom began to chant, her hands moving in smooth, flowing motions as she intoned a hypnotic, liquid series of words in the Old Tongue. Blue-green light gathered about her palms and streamed outwards, burrowing down into the ground. Up from within came water, clear and pure, filling the great depressions in the earth. But Cao Xia was not done yet. With an imperious gesture, she flung her arms outward, and a rain of golden motes fell into the new-formed pools, spreading ripples of golden power where they struck. Stalks of gold-headed rice shot up from the pools, their heads already heavy with a bountiful harvest. The people cheered, and the prince nodded to his captains, signaling them to begin collecting the food. It would not last forever, but the enchanted gifts would provide some measure of relief from both hunger and disease. Hopefully it would be enough to last until they could properly establish their own, more mundane food supplies.

In the meantime, those who held the towers would need to be dealt with. The advance of Grand Cathay would not be slowed by these eastern savages.