TW: Shattered-Empire IC

[Nemesis67]

To ERA (PM)

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We've heard... My point being that I am mobilizing my forces against them this month. And are going on the offensive. I ask that you help me by purging the Free Kingdoms of Ghost holdouts and assist me in besieging their port city of Luskan. They must be dealt with as soon as possible.

[GnomeGninjas]

To RRS [PM]

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We will help you remove the Ghosts from the Free Kingdom however I don't think we can provide much help besieging their city. Half our army died last month and I don't think it would be wise to send our remaining troops across the continent and risk losing ground closer to home.

[Nemesis67]

Reborn Rhunic Shogunate
Morale: 15

To the ERA (PM)

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I do not know how powerful the Imperial holdouts are, but I would appreciate if you can send everything you can to eliminate them. I know the Ghosts have agents in the area, but some of the populace have sided with the Empire instead of the Shogunate, and I worry that they may push for a revolution within the nation.

I will not have any more chaos on this continent.

[GnomeGninjas]

To RRS [PM]

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We will do everything we can to eliminate the imperial holdouts.

[oblivion6]

RRS Takeover
In this special reprinting of our newspaper we bring news of several pieces of news that apparently slipped through the cracks thanks to the war. By all appearances both the Church and Darkened Realm folk have unanimously declared their allegiance to the RRS. It is also rumored that the entirety of the Free Kingdoms has also sworn service to the Shogunate. Additional rumors of certain unsavory elements of the Kingdoms population resisting the takeover are, as of now, unconfirmed.

More details found on Page 6. RRS: Cunning Manipulators or the Empire's Best Hope?

Nirva to RRS[PM]

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The Admiral himself arrives to meet with the RRS Representative

Ghosts to RRS[PM]

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The very same slob of a politician from last month arrived.

Auron to RRS[PM]

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One of Auron's Redcloaks arrives. Not one you are familiar with but he seems to be important enough to warrant a half-dozen escorts.

[Nemesis67]

Nirva (PM)

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I was wondering if these rumors of you aiding the Ghosts were correct. You do know the spy agency has gone rogue? They are trying to kill Auron by fabricating false claims of treason, and my sources say that this is to pave the way to killing Luserina. The same contacts are the ones who informed me of the Free Kingdoms Cult, so I have faith in the veracity of their claims.

Ghosts (PM)

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"We had an agreement. In exchange for the use of my transportation networks, you would give me information and aid my takeover of the Free Kingdoms. You broke the deal. Why?"

Auron (PM)

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I was wondering if you could confirm whether Nirva aided the Ghosts this past month in this war of yours.

???? (PM)

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OOC: You forgot to respond to this one and it's likely the most important one.

[Grimsage Matt]

Deep Trolls to RRS (PM)

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A Deep Troll Sage arrives.

[Nemesis67]

Deep Trolls (PM)

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"Allow me to properly explain the current state of the continent. The Ghosts have spent the past months fabricating false claims of treason to justify the assassination of Auron to the Empress, or to use a loophole in their bylaws to go ahead without her permission. This information comes the same source that told me of the Free Kingdoms' Cult's Kossuth summoning ritual, so they are credible, which is important as they have told me that the end goal of this assassination is to purge the Empire's leadership of those loyal to the Empress in preparation for... Something. Their exact intentions are unknown.

Auron knew of this plot to eliminate him, and the month prior to the Ghosts delivering the "evidence" to the Empress, Glaive killed the Spymaster. The notable fact is that he hired the assassin to do this months prior, back when he seized the Lake of Blood from the Silverlode Contract, long before any part of this plan was coming to fruition.

Which leaves us with the current state of the continent. The Shogunate has complete control of 2 provinces, and near total control of 3 more. We are allied with the ERA who control most of Central. Our Military, Economy, and Magic are the strongest of anyone, as is likely our Espionage. We have spent the past two years developing a variety of technologies to further improve our martial forces, being the most advanced power aside from yourself. The Empress is hiding away in a safe house at the moment with all the chaos going on, with only the Legions still remaining loyal to her, and the all loyal Imperial factions at war, the Ghosts and Auron aiming to completely eradicate the other, while the Legions are simply trying to keep the peace. Nirva appears to be on the side of the Ghosts and is remaining loyal to the Empire, at least as of this last month.

And, with our recent expansions, the only variable left is yourself. The Legions, the Ghosts, Auron, and Nirva are on one side, though all are trying to murder each other, and myself and the ERA on the other. Standing by and doing nothing will doom the continent to chaos and war, and I will not permit that. You have to take a side."

[Grimsage Matt]

Deep Trolls

To the RRS (PM)

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So, what is it that you want us to do? Our millitary is defensive in nature, and we are not the most subtle of folk.

[oblivion6]

RRS[All PM]

Nirva

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"I am as concerned as you are... my ships were indeed anchored in the Harbor at the time of the attack, but we fired no shots, per my orders to stay neutral. No, whoever fired the Rune Cannons were within The city proper."

Auron

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""I can indeed confirm that Nirva was confirmed. Somebody had access to at least one Rune Cannon within that accursed City."

Ghosts

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There was a mocking edge to his next words. "Oops. Did we neglect to pass the orders to our people in the Free Kingdoms? As for information... ask away."

???

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The man was haggard, tired and worn. He apparently was not a fan of his accommodations. "You truly do not know who I am? I am Maester Mellow, servant of the divine All-Father! What gives you the right to disrupt his divine plan to save this realm from destruction?"

[Nemesis67]

Reborn Rhunic Shogunate
Morale: 15

??? (PM)

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Kundarak stares at Mellow in annoyance for a moment before continuing the interrogation. "I do not believe we are preventing the divine plan to save this realm. Frankly, I think myself and Osric are ensuring that this continent does not descend into flames and ash. We saved it from the coming of Kossuth, unless that's simply another moniker for your god.

I assume that you were given orders by Melvock in case of his demise or disappearance, to rally the Church in a revolt against the Empire. And that you are the source of the open letter referencing my capture of the Church's trio of mages. Were you also the cause of the vanishing of a number of All-Father worshipers in the month we captured you? We never did pick them up in our searches."

To Nirva (PM)

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Do you know of anyone who has access to rune cannons aside from the two of us? Or any reported thefts of such a device?

And, to confirm, you intend to remain neutral in this conflict between the Ghosts and Auron?

OOC: For that matter, does Kheldar know if anyone bought a blackmarket Rune Cannon aside from me?

To the Ghosts (PM)

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"For a spy agency that managed to let its leader to be assassinated by a rather distinctive assassin-for-hire that was paid months in advance for the contract, you are rather confident.

But if you wish to do it this way, then fine. We would like estimates of the strength of Auron and his hired help. And how did your attempt to seize Eagle's Point go? Taking the Lake of Blood could prove beneficial for the Shogunate."

To Auron (PM)

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Odd. I had thought Nirva intended to remain neutral in this conflict...

But onto other business. Do you have estimates of the strength of the Ghosts in addition to an account of their hired mercenaries and assassins? It may be time for me to involve myself in this conflict...

To the Deep Trolls (PM)

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We would like you to use your people, namely your media outlets (OOC: Reputation and Morale mainly), to aid the ERA in removing Ghost-loyal Imperial holdouts within the Free Kingdoms.

[oblivion6]

RRS[PM]

???

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(That was auto correct at its finest... He said Melvock... Kundarak believes he is either telling what he believes is truth or he is Damn good at lying.)

Nirva

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"No. Not a chance anyone else has easy access to my Rune Cannons. We seriously cracked down on security after your acquisition of one. If one was indeed used--and it does appear one was--it was from your arsenal.

Auron

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"So had I.

According to our most recent estimates, the Ghosts have roughly [35 MIL] worth of mercenaries at their disposal, but there may be more. I won't even hazard a guess as to their espionage capabilities. It would take a number beyond reckoning to combat them on that front.

Ghosts

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As expected, Auron's core - his Redcloacks -are still fighting as brilliantly as always. What's holding him back and working in our favor is his mercenaries. Let's just say they aren't exactly the best choice if you're looking for additional muscle...

We almost had Eagles Point, which would cripple their ability to finance this war, but your damn friends in the ERA spoiled all that and arrived to reinforce the garrison.""

[Nemesis67]

Reborn Rhunic Shogunate
Morale: 15

To ??? (PM)

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OOC: Yeah, pretty big autocorrect.

I do know that he is not actually Melvock, right? Or, at least, physically does not at all resemble the old Maester. Could be some, like, mind-seeded backup in case of physical original's death. With his Trio, I'll expect the worst.

"So... You are Maester Melvock... Despite not at all resembling him without the illusions you had when we seized you... Fine then.

So you sent the open letter to Osric. What did you do with the Church upon your return? We targeted it and some groups vanished while we were looking at them. Was that your doing? And then tell me about your death, and how you came back. The ERA and Ghosts confirmed you were killed, but your body vanished in the raid."

To the Ghosts (PM)

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"Yes, I did not expect the ERA to involve themselves... It was an unfortunate oversight. As a curiosity, do you have any estimates as to their capabilities? I do not trust their reports to me completely, and independent verification would be useful.

Do you have any approximation as to Auron's numbers? My course of action will largely be dictated by that."

To Nirva (PM)

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OOC: ... Any reports of missing Rune Cannons then?

"I will have to consult with Madhammer and Kundarak about that matter.

Have you reconsidered my offer of dissolving your alliance with the Empire and aligning with myself? Or, at the least, distancing yourself from Luserina? The map has turned quite red in this past month, and there is no individual group that can win a war with the Shogunate. With the cracks in the Imperial factions, I will rule this continent before too long. It's just a matter of time and how much blood must be shed in doing so."

To Auron (PM)

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OOC: Number beyond reckoning? Where does my ~65 Espionage qualify in terms of strength on the continent? 20 was viewed as one of the strongest on the continent, if I am correct. And I combined 3 of the most capable spy apparatuses in the game.

Also, when I first read 35 Military my reaction was . Then I remembered I have like 50. Ha...

"Do you have any idea how the Ghosts are financing this war? They've never seemed to be particularly wealthy, but are managing to hire absurd numbers of mercenaries. Even if they were the ones to seize the Imperial companies and research divisions those months ago, their coffers have to be stretched quite thin at this point."

To Trolls (PM)

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OOC: For records sake, me and Grim briefly discussed this game in PMs. Trolls have oaths to not act against the power currently on the throne, but Ghosts are in rebellion and are therefore a viable target.

To the ERA and Trolls

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The Shogunate invites DeCorb to the meeting between Osric and the Troll's Sage to discuss matters.

[GnomeGninjas]

To the RRS and Trolls [PM]

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DeCorb arrives at the meeting.

[Grimsage Matt]

To ERA and RRS [PM]

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Deep Sage Tesla Himself arrives.

[Nemesis67]

Reborn Rhunic Shogunate
Morale: 15

To the Deep Trolls (PM)

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"I have received some estimates of the strength of the Ghosts' hired mercenaries and overall strength, and it is not looking too promising for us... In order to decide the best course of action, I'm going to need to know what you can call on to help ensure the continent returns to order from chaos."

OOC: Your statline please. And techs too if you have them off hand.

[oblivion6]

Reborn Rhunic Shogunate[PM]

???

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OOC: Correct. He bears no resemblance to the Maester at all.

"Killed? Seems to me like I'm still alive, yes? This doesn't look like the paradise promised by the All-Father. You must be sorely mistaken."

Auron

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OOC: Ha, well Auron has no idea just how capable on that front. It is believed you have the most Espionage, yes.

"We have discovered it was them behind the draining of imperial front companies - not that we have enough evidence to go public with it. We believe that is why they want Eagles Point."

Ghosts

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"We counted [10+ Military] supported by mages. In short, they changed the course of our plans for this war."

Nirva

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OOC: No. None. Nothing from black-market either from the looks of it.

"I will not sever ties with Luserina. However, with that said, I'm not going to directly oppose you as long as you leave me be. I will be investigating the matter of the Rune Cannon, however."

[Nemesis67]

Reborn Rhunic Shogunate
Morale: 15

To Nirva (PM)

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Osric sighs. "I can understand your loyalty. I just want to be clear what the future of the continent will be. I do not wish to achieve victory through bloodshed, but I can win that battle if I must. And I do know I have had no reports of missing equipment. Or any bought from the blackmarket, according to Kheldar's contacts. Unless they managed to steal the designs from either of us, I do not see how it came from the Shogunate."

To Auron (PM)

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"Thank you for your assistance. I hope this conflict will be over sooner rather than later."

To the Ghosts (PM)

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"And Auron's forces? Both the Redcloaks themselves, and the hired help? It may be time for Madhammer to enter the conflict. He is quite eager to fight a proper war."

To ??? (PM)

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"Answer the questions. You sent the open letter to Osric, yes? And why flee to the Free Kingdoms? Did you have any affiliations with the Cults over there?"

[oblivion6]

RRS[PM]

Ghosts

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"We estimate Auron has between [12-16] Redcloaks at his disposal. As for hired mercenaries, he has [11] based on what we know of his spending. If you plan to help, I suggest pushing at Auron from the west."

???

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"The Free Kingdoms have always been firm followers of the All-Father, why would we not go to them in our hour of need?"

[Nemesis67]

Reborn Rhunic Shogunate
Morale: 15

??? (PM)

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Kundarak glares at the Maester with growing frustration.

"Fine then. I will try a different approach. Your Church is no more. It was subsumed into the Shogunate. The real Melvock has openly claimed that Osric is the harbinger of peace and prosperity as a force of the All-Father. The Free Kingdoms, Shadowcasters, and Darkened Realm have joined us as well. The Ghosts and Auron are in a brutal war that allows us to consolidate our position and guarantee the Empire can never remove the Rhunic from the continent. We will use our advantage in nearly all fields to push for the conquest and domination of the land. If you wish to live, I would highly suggest you make yourself useful to me."

Ghosts (PM)

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We will do what we can. The Free Kingdoms military has not yet been upgraded to our tech levels, but they should make up for that with numbers.

[oblivion6]

Beginning of Turn 20

CRUSH THE REBELLION!: This month, General Octavious, and the entirety of his combined forces seized complete control over Malarae and the surrounding region. Rumours say that he has seemingly imprisoned every Redcloacks or Ghost hiding in the region until things are sorted out - which, admittedly, May be awhile. The local Civil Militias are also operating under his direct command. All Legions have orders to stand ready to repel possible aggression from the RRS. Empress Luserina is said to be on her way to the front.

The Swordsman and the Spymaster Part 2: Auron in all his glory, taking advantage of his routing of Ghost forces at Eagles Point, marched south and took the Ghosts home base with minimal effort on their part - the only hitch being an explosion in the Harbor caused by an unknown cause. However, it was not victory. It is said that the Spymaster and his circle has escaped.

Not only that but a massive force sent by the RRS marched north and east, catching Auron in a pincer movement. It was a hopeless battle, with the Redcloacks falling without much of a fight. The mercenaries throwing down their arms at first sign of trouble was the icing on the cake. Now, every single piece of territory in the Eastern Empire is in Shogunate hands.

Night of the Long Knives: Across the Empire, dozens of bodies are turning up dead. Slit throats, arrows through the heart and bullets in the head. The perpetrators of this act is currently unknown thanks to the Ghosts absence.

[Nemesis67]

Reborn Rhunic Shogunate

To Nirva (7?)

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The Redcloaks have been decimated. My troops outnumber the Legions and are decades ahead in terms of technology. My spies have eliminated the entirety of the Ghosts' network.

So my final offer. Back me as the ruler of the continent, or you will be next. I don't want a war, but I will do what is necessary to unite this land.

To Trolls (15?)

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The Redcloaks have been decimated. My troops outnumber the Legions and are decades ahead in terms of technology. My spies have eliminated the entirety of the Ghosts' network. At this point, I will rule this continent. And I would like you to join me. Together, we can implement your technologies across the entire Empire, and usher in an era of science and prosperity.

We can change the world together. But if I must do so alone, then I will.