[EMPIRE!] A World-Building Game of People & Discovery

[Zap Dynamic]

The Tale of the
Qarimosi Killings
in the land of Raaneka
Being a tale of the origins of the Fellows,
a most august body of investigators and adventurers.

Spoiler: Part the First

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They were the first Fellowship. They knew nothing of the glory they would inspire in the hearts of many a leal liege to the Council. They only knew the quest, and the quest is what drove them. Let that be a reminder to all who would follow in their footsteps.

Ghor and Teja, twin Raaneki giants, were the rock of the fellowship in times of danger. They would go on to be captains in the Third Raaneki Infantry, and who has not heard of that army’s readiness for grim battle and dire sabotage? Ghor carried spear and shield, and wielded them with power. Teja hefted an oversized Raaneki cutlass, and none could stay his wrath.

The gnomes, Agadhamast and tiny Bhisamkabha, were no taller than a man’s knee. They eventually rose to become members of the Royal Council, but answered many other quests before. They brought broad knowledge of civilization and its history, and they debated everything. In gnomish fashion, they sought clues to understand their quarry even as they chased it.

And whose heart wasn’t stirred by the tragedy of Anton Plainswalker? He was a dour man and a skilled hunter upon the Qarimosi highlands. As a scout of the First Qarimosi Archers, there were few who could best him (or escape him) when he had bow in hand. All would have been lost if not for his sacrifice in the streets of Melytis. May he be glorified forever.

And their leader, the greatest of them, Sir Joradar. Called “the Loud” for his service in the Battle of Hrathan-Tuor, when his clarion voice rallied a shattered army, and bought victory with spear and sword. His children’s grandchildren will carry the name Joradaro, so great was the glory he won. He had won many duels with sword and buckler, but he preferred the subtle work of sabotage to open combat.

Their gear was light. Ghor, Teja, and Sir Joradar wore mithral mail and weapons, but disguised themselves with Qarimosi garb often enough. Agadhamast and Bisamkabha wore robes of black silk, and carried packs of parchment and quills for notes and sketches. More devious, they carried phials of sleepflower pollen and burnflower extract from Kasumor. Officially it was an Ayavan study of their properties, but this tale will reveal the rigorous scholarship of this “study.”

They set out with nothing but rumors. Rumors, and the will to follow the quest. The quest called them to go into harm’s way, and they did so with courage and cunning. See their harrowing adventures yourself, in the next issue of…

The Qarimosi Killings!

Spoiler: Part the Second

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“Two puncture wounds,” Agadhamast muttered as he scrutinized the latest victim. “Twenty four inches across.”

“Overworld inches?” came the tiny voice of Bisamkhaba at his side.

“Underworld,” Agadhamast clarified. “Six standard inches.” He probed his finger into one of the puncture wounds on the small of the victim’s back. Agadhamast was a gnome, and as such he could almost fit his entire hand into the wound. “Odd,” he said, removing his hand. Many things about the surface giants were odd to him.

“What is it?” Sir Joradar may have been called “the Loud,” but he could whisper as well as anyone. “Some new clue?” He was restless. Nearly two weeks searching for the killer in the streets and alleys of Melytis, and they had only managed to find more victims. This latest was a young woman. Her first godana, an image of an elephant on her back, was still vibrant in the evening sunlight.

“A new clue, yes, perhaps.” Agadhamast tittered with Bisamkabha in their own tongue for a moment. “These puncture wounds are positioned directly over the victim’s liver, or they should be. The wounds penetrate into an empty cavity, filled only with this.” He held his hand up to Sir Joradar’s face, who sniffed and recoiled backward

“What is this devilry?” the green-gray slime on the gnome’s fingers was acrid, like flesh charred and spoiled. He would never forget that smell, thanks to the Battle of Hrathan-Tuor. “Her loved ones said she was killed this morning. How could she spoil so quickly?”

“As I said, odd.” Agadhamast, like so many of his kind, approached situations with a mind that was both cunning and cold. Very little escaped his attention, but even less seemed to evoke any emotion from him. “But a more important question: why does the killer seem to be removing organs from its victims? We have no evidence from those first few murders, but each of the last three victims has been missing an organ.” The Fellows found a missing heart from the first victim they could examine, and the kidneys had been removed from the second. Now this.

At a word from Agadhamast, Ghor and Teja moved over to the corpse and hefted it onto a cart. The victim would rot long before it could reach Ayava for examination, but a band of scholars had recently taken residence in Melytis. With the advantage of suitable conditions, perhaps they could discover anything that remained hidden at the scene.

A harsh whisper came from the rooftop above. Anton Plainswalker may have spent most of his life upon the flat, highland steppe of Qarimos, but he had a natural urge for a vantage point and a knack for acrobatics. “Did you hear that?” he called down. All five of the Fellows below froze, and strained their ears against the evening. The faint and distant cry of a man came floating upon the wind. Somewhere nearby there was a loyal subject of the Council who needed help. Melytis had its share of rough warriors and bold adventurers, but skill in arms and strength of courage did not guarantee a virtuous soul.

Anton dashed away over the rooftops as soon as he located the direction of the cries. “Ancestors,” Sir Joradar cursed under his breath. No one understood teamwork like a Raaneki. Even in Qarimos, there were too many who thought to win glory on their own. Sir Joradar knew Qarimosi hunters were an isolated folk, but it didn’t change his feelings. “After him!” Sir Joradar barked to his comrades. “And stick together!” Ghor and Teja scooped the gnomes up onto their shoulders and they were off.

They wound their way through the the back alleys, senses trained on any sounds of violence nearby. They rounded a corner to find Anton in a small courtyard. He stood next to a modest fountain, hand rested upon the shoulder of a Qarimosi messenger. The young man was doubled over and panting hard.

“You have news?” Sir Joradar approached the messenger.

“I come,” the messenger stammered, “from Qarta. Alas! Such terrible news…”

Sir Joradar grabbed the messenger by the shoulders and looked him in the eyes. “Out with it!”

“The Queen’s daughter! Only three years old. The killer has struck again!”

Spoiler: Part the Third

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The wail of a mother for her murdered child haunted the palace at Qarta when the Fellowship arrived. It reverberated off the sandstone walls, and died cold and alone in corridors draped with many silken tapestries and banners. This was not like the previous murders. They had all been adults. Some barely grown, but adults nonetheless.

“We were visiting our relatives,” Sir Bapa Adite stared into a corner of the chamber, a high and vaulted bedroom in one of the palace’s many spires. “We had planned to leave this morning, but Patari begged us to stay longer.” His sigh was wracked with a sob. “She was having such fun. My poor love.”

Patari, the girl’s mother, had sprawled herself upon a pile of cushions. Masadi, Bapa’s other wife, held her close and cooed gentle words of solace, but tears streamed down her own face. Chathi was not her own flesh and blood, but that was hardly a prerequisite for family in Raaneka. Patari’s sobs drifted out onto the balcony, where a most grisly scene awaited the Fellows.

“It is clear,” Agadhamast said, much quieter than usual, “that there was a mighty struggle.” Among the Fellows, it would become an infamous understatement. Chathi was a babe of two years, barely old enough to walk about her chamber. A pair of handmaids attended her daily, and she was guarded by two Council Guards at all times. The trail of carnage from the girl’s bed to the balcony told a story that needed no scholar for edification.

Sir Joradar approached one of the guards, who gazed blankly into the void of night beyond the balcony’s rim. “Report, soldier.” He knew nothing of how to console a grieving parent, but he had summoned the courage of warriors who had gazed upon worse gore than this.

“It was just after midnight,” came the soldier’s hollow reply. “We stood just outside the door when there was a terribly cry. Bhori and I rushed in even as one of the handmaids fled.” The soldier swallowed hard. He couldn’t shake the trauma of the evening. “A man--nay, a beast--stood over the corpse of the other handmaid. Faster than we could draw our blades, he leapt to Chathi’s bed and seized her up. He had… spikes… coming out of one arm.” The soldier shuddered. “I was there, Sir Joradar, at Hrathan-Tuor. I watched a Sympol skewer one of the southrons and feast upon his entrails. I never thought to see something worse than that, not in all my days.” He couldn’t continue.

“I know,” Sir Joradar replied. “Find the strength, son.”

The soldier put his head in his hands. “I tried to stop the beast. He fled at my approach, ran for the balcony as if he meant to fly into the night. I reached for him, but my hand only found a tiny foot. It was already so limp. Ancestors,” the soldier wretched over the balcony. “I tried to save her, Sir. I tried, but… the beast…” his voice was barely a whisper, “he ripped her apart, Sir. With those awful spikes, he… mutilated her.” Tiny Bisamkhaba gasped behind them, and fled the balcony.

“Fellows,” barked Sir Joradar, turning back toward the chamber. “Into the corridor.” Dazed and silent to a man, they all made their way out of the chamber. It was time to let the family grieve in peace.

“Where is Anton?” Sir Joradar needed information.

“Here,” came the Qarimosi’s raspy reply. He emerged from a stairwell to join them.

“Are there tracks?”

Anton nodded. “It is a careful creature, but I have found a trail that leads into the Glass Hills.”

“As I feared,” Bisamkhaba broke in. “A nightmare labyrinth of shadow and sharp rocks. The beast--”

“--The man--” Agadhamast corrected.

“will be difficult to track.” Bisamkhaba barely noticed the interruption.

“Not for me.” Anton Plainswalker looked even more withdrawn than usual. What thoughts raced beneath that furrowed brow?

“Good,” Sir Joradar replied. “Let us make haste.” He looked each of his Fellows in the eye. “There shall not be another victim.”

Spoiler: Part the Last

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Ghor and Teja, Sir Joradar, even Adham and Sami were Raaneki at heart. They were ever seeking each other for support and wisdom. Together, they made up for one another’s lack.

Anton Plainswalker never considered himself a full member of the Fellowship. To him, it was the same as his service in the First Council Archers: a duty. He would answer the call of that duty for the good of his homeland, but he was born and raised in the highland steppes of Qarimos. His father had been his only family, his only friend for many years. They roamed the steppes, hunting antelope and aurochs, and driving Plains Cats away from the nomadic tribes that made their home in that scrubby land. When his father died Anton carried on without him, alone. It was the only life he knew.

He had been in Qarta when Raaneka and Qarimos were reunited. He was barely a man at the time, but his opinions had been set in stone long before. Qarimos was its own land, and had been for centuries. Grim tales of the Raaneki raiders of yesteryear floated throughout all of the steppe tribes. He did not think Qarimos needed reunification, though he had often heard of the merits of the arrangement.

It was for this reason that, on his last day of life, Anton moved through the Glass Hills well ahead of his Fellows. He had told them he could better track their quarry if he were ahead of their racket and distraction, but it was a lie. That was his ‘music,’ and his flexibility was a willingness to work with these foreigners at all.

The Killer’s tracks moved through the Glass Hills like they were his home, but his footsteps were wide and indistinct. He was in a hurry.

“Hail, Fellow,” came a deep rumble behind Anton. It was Teja, Ghor’s twin brother. His two-handed cutlass rattled in the scabbard on his back, echoing through the dizzying twists of the hills around them. Anton made no response, but turned to hear whatever his Fellow had to say.

“What have you found?” Teja seemed eager to the point of impatience. “Is the beast’s lair nearby? We hunger for an end to this.”

Anton shook his head. “Could be, but--” the hunter’s eyes snapped upward as a rock tumbled down the undulating wall to their right. He nocked an arrow with deadly grace. Silence.

Moments dragged on. “Is it--” Teja began, but he was silenced by Anton with a word.

The hunter’s ears strained against the silence. His eyes were locked on a small window of light above them.

There was a flash, and Anton’s arrow clattered off of the rocks above. The hunter cursed. He had fired at another falling rock, but a split second after the arrow left he realized the Killer’s ruse. The stone he fired upon had been thrown from below! The Killer leapt from a hiding place not ten paces from them, and dashed around a corner of the narrow canyon ahead.

“Bring the others!” Anton shouted, already chasing after the Killer. Anton was the most nimble of the Fellows, and but this Killer was exceedingly fast. If he waited for the others it would be too late. It was as he desired: a formidable quarry, a challenging course of pursuit, and solitude.

The Killer flew through the canyon ahead of Anton, scrambling over boulders and up small walls through the twisting world of the Glass Hills. He flitted through beams of light, harried by the hunter’s arrows at every step. To his credit, Anton followed the Killer’s path with speed and grace. Most of his hunts were spent in slow consideration for the terrain, his prey, its habits, and its destination, but this--the final chase--was the moment when Anton felt most alive. How could cooperation ever compare to the joy of pursuit, to the thrill of a hunt’s end?

The answer would come to him sooner than he could have dreamed. Anton rounded a corner into a wide and shadowy chamber in the canyon. Boulders twice as tall as a man littered the area. The Killer could have been anywhere.

Anton’s pulse raced as he inched through the chamber. He looked remarkably relaxed, with his bow and arrow pointed to the ground, but it was the relaxation of a Plains Cat: terrible in its stillness. His eyes roved over the area, but sight held equal court with his other senses as he sought the Killer.

The sound of movement on the rocks above was almost simultaneous with the thrum of Anton’s bowstring. He turned, raised the arrowhead, and let it fly in a single, fluid motion. There was a cry, a crash, and Anton knew no more.

Ghor and Teja heard the cry and sprinted the rest of the distance to the chamber. They tore around a boulder and saw the Killer hunched over the body of their comrade. The Killer was filthy, covered in rags and shrouded by a tangled knot of hair and beard. He reeked of charnel ruin. Only his eyes, bloodshot and crazed, emerged from that awful face.

The Killer howled again, yanking with his one hand at an arrow lodged in his thigh. His other arm ended just below the elbow, where two grisly shards of bone protruded for at least a foot. They were soaked in blood, frozen in midair, ready to plunge once more into Anton’s lifeless chest.

What ensued could hardly be called a battle. Ghor and Teja were said to be twins in body and mind both. They were formidable alone, but together their skill was otherworldly. Anton’s arrow ensured the Killer couldn’t run away, and Teja’s sword ensured he would never kill again.

Sir Joradar arrived moments after the Killer’s death pang, carrying Adham and Sami on his back. He looked from the twins to the corpses of Anton and the beast that had wrought so much pain in Qarimos. There was a moment of silence.

“So it’s over,” Sir Joradar said at last.

Adham and Sami made their way over to the corpses, checking them for any signs of life. The gnomes looked to one another. “It is.” Adham replied.

“Thanks to Anton,” clarified Ghor. “All thanks to him. If not for his arrows, the Killer might have escaped again.”

Sir Joradar made a speech there that would be carved upon the walls of the Fellowship Hall for all time. It spoke of the glory of service and sacrifice, and the folly of isolation. “Fellowship,” he concluded, “is our surest guarantee of success and safety. Even in victory, we are lost without each other. Anton Plainswalker has taught us a valuable lesson today.”

But during his speech, when all eyes were turned inward in grief and reflection, no one noticed the small movement in the sand around the Qarimosi Killer. Two creatures no larger than mice slithered out of the Killer’s mane. The sand clung to their gray-green forms, held fast by the stinking ooze that covered them. They crept unseen into a crevice of the canyon wall, leaving this tale but not the world of Telluris. Though unknown to the Fellows, the true culprits had escaped.

[TheDarkDM]

Year 398, Sympolemou

Incoming

Year 398, the Glazfelli Bazaar

Incoming

Actions

Spoiler

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1. Form trade agreement with Sympolemou - Slaves for True Ice [Curiosity]
2. Form trade agreement with Glazfell Hegemony - Slaves for Drugaudi Coal [Curiosity]
3. Raise 1000 troops - Tzalteca Infantry [Bonus]

[HisHolyAngel]

Fabula dies this round, making Glamora in charge of actions for this round! I'll probz do her death fluff next round.

Spoiler: Actions

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Glamora instates a Holy Knights of Fabula in honor of her mother (Faith 5)
A nationwide funeral is held in honor of Fabula and her effort to bring Sycia into the global community (Faith)
Explore gem mines (curiosity)
Begin Great Project: International Sign Language (curiosity)

I really have no idea what to spend actions on. How are you guys always so full on actions?

[ImperatorV]

Spoiler: Actions

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1.) Contribute to work on the Grizzland Canal [Curiosity]
2.) Establish a school system to teach the basics of math and writing mixed with positive Triumviral history to the common folk in Hrathan-Tuor (equivalent of Elementary/Early Intermediate Education) (1/2) [Curiosity]
3.) Establish a school system to teach the basics of math and writing mixed with positive Triumviral history to the common folk in Genivana (equivalent of Elementary/Early Intermediate Education) (1/2) [Curiosity]
4.) Establish a school system to teach the basics of math and writing mixed with positive Triumviral history to the common folk in Woodwind (equivalent of Elementary/Early Intermediate Education) (1/2) [Curiosity]
5.) Establish a school system to teach the basics of math and writing mixed with positive Triumviral history to the common folk in Aloren (equivalent of Elementary/Early Intermediate Education) (1/2) [Curiosity]
6.) Begin work establishing the first cohesive and government backed monetary system under guidance of the Triumvirate Reserve, which is controlled by the Senate and the High Speaker specifically. Coins will be minted using silver, gold, and platinum imports in denominations to be disclosed and further elaborated as the project goes on. (1/5) [Curiosity]

Long Round Bonus: Raise 1000 troops from Hrathan-Tuor Aloren for the Triumvirate army.

[Morph Bark]

End of Round Fourteen.

Any edits to actions in posts edited after the time of posting this one are considered not valid. (Excepting the OP, of course.)

[Morph Bark]

Round Fifteen: Begin!

Don’t forget to link to any rolls you make for ANY Attribute checks, plus rolls for rulers you will start using at the start of next round. If you want a new ruler in the next round, you must state so in your action post for this round and link to their rolls. Any increases from actions for this round are counted for the ruler you start your next round with (because it’s handier to account for by the co-GM), which may or may not be your current ruler.

Good luck!

Lucky!
+1 Luck for…

…TheDarkDM!
…zabbarot!
…SamBurke!
…Zap Dynamic!

Growth!
The sun has shrunk back to its normal size.

All capital regions with more than 10000 troops have their troop amounts reduced to 10000. All other regions with more than 5000 troops have their troop amounts reduced to 5000.


Investigate!
In the investigation of Princess Encir’s death, Huroshans and Frosten Berapi have cooperated and found that it was the Mad Prince Kuramkesh who was guilty of the murder. Reports say he was found near the location of the Night’s Gate at a ruined ancient fortress, where he was dancing with the rest of her.

The Qarimosi Killer has been apprehended! Turns out it was a Qarimosi orphaned at a young age who took to banditry in the Glass Hills. His lower left arm is largely missing, save for two protrusions of bone that he has sharpened with a knife and made into his killing instrument for unwitting victims. Other bandits he ran with were killed around the time Raaneka and Qarimos merged, making him escape the region and thus spread his target area out over greater range.

Bordeusi scientists have no idea what the purpose is of the strange flying object, but they believe they might be able to reverse-engineer a land-based version of it if they would be put on such a project.

Ashenian investigators find out that the leak of the printing press to Jarrland did not take place from the Ashenian realm. The Qzare has received Lady Imasera and discussed the matter with her, assured her the Imperium will ‘take appropriate action with regards to Jarrland as result of this matter’.

Apparently students and researchers at the Naval Academy of the Jeweled Cities, in their study of the model flying ship and attempts to create something based on that, have come to exhibit the unnatural ability to control the wind! This, combined with Zargrim’s Tanedhan feathers can create enough lift to create low-flying vessels, as long as someone is actively controlling the wind’s lift on the vessel.


Explore!
The Bordeux Concordat has discovered region 71!

Niskovia has discovered region 77!

Tzalteca has discovered region 87!

The Jeweled Cities have discovered region 130!


Colonize!
The Priory of Ascension has finished colonizing Minotron!

Jarrland has begun colonizing Vennland (region 64)!


Claim!
King of Serendel, Lord Liam has laid claim to Wenyavuk as its new chieftain! The newest leaders of the others of the five clans seem to accept him. Word has come from the Sixth Tribe in the Heartwaste that Valineth Varinel defers to the judgement of the chieftains.


Convert!
Raaneka now contains more followers of Radurja!

Bor-Teire now contains more followers of Ascension!


War!
Ashenia completes its conquest of Lacertia, once again unifying it, this time under a grander banner! [Conquest 2/2]

Guilder invades Sah’raa with one of their units. In a battle of money-worshippers versus cannibals, all of the latter’s soldiers are slain. Some Guilderenes stuff the mouths of their slain enemies with their own limbs. [Conquest 1/2]

Sympolemou invades Wenyavuk, a land abandoned by its chieftains and priests. The people have prayed to Irfrin, and salvation came in the form of ratmen who’ve long been their neighbours. [Conquest 1/2]

Hurosha and its allies successfully repel the militant invasion. The Tekorvan rebels manage to utilize the militant presence and gain dominance in Zargrim, but after hearing of the crushing of the militants in an incredibly brutal manner, they vanish back into the northern wilds and aren't seen again.


Terror!
The militants, droughts, famines and volcanic activity have begun to recede. Could world peace be a real thing? Ah, who am I kidding!


Current Map!

Spoiler

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The Bordeux Concordat has discovered region 71! It has 106.000 people and two Good undefined resources.

Region 76 has 44.000 pointy-eared people who live in the mountainous coastal region and two Good undefined resources.

Niskovia has discovered region 77! It has 93.000 people, a Good resource of rock juice and one undefined Good resource.

Tzalteca has discovered region 87! It has 40.000 people of lean stature and very bright eyes, a Good resource of corn and one undefined Good resource.

Region 90 has a Good resource of bananas and one undefined Great resource. The people there seem familiar with the Salterri and are lean and bird-like, with black-feathered wing-arms. They are 112.000 in number.

The Jeweled Cities have discovered region 130! It has 73.000 people of a peculiar non-human race and one undefined Good resource.

Other!
[401] Tarcbjorn has died from a lung infection while travelling by ship from Sympolemou to Raaneka. He is survived by his third and fourth sons, his three daughters and his second wife.

[401] Tarcbjorn's oldest surviving son Vetrstark decides to travel the world to derive inspiration from those travels and the wonders he has seen and will yet see and turn it into a four-part theatrical epic. Rumour has it that either he or his younger brother has joined the Raaneki Fellows.

[401] Paco has become the new First Brother of the Blazing Temple, in absence of the Blazing Avatar, Greta Cardion Divinorum. His first orders of business were to calm what militants remained, assure proper funerals for those who died at the Blazing Temple, and attend the funeral of High Priestess Fabula of Sycia.

[401] Zinael Toranath disappears without a trace from the start of spring until the end of autumn. He remembers little of it afterward, except that it was "very scary, but kind of exciting". A few months after his return, he elopes with a maid, briefly.

[401] ‘Tumberin Krumby’, also known as Tumberink the Islander and Tum-Grum, disappeared in the week after the murder of the Regina. Rumour has it he has disguised himself as the son of one of the captains and still resides somewhere on the islands.

[401] Elwyr Jarrow, fourth child from the first Jarr-Islander union, is born with a golden glowing circle on his forehead.

[402] Vittor Serendel, son of Calaki Devdano and Jacob Serendel, disappears without a trace from the start of spring until the end of autumn. He remembers nothing afterwards, but his godana have changed. Stronger, brighter.

[402] Mount Shlyuz in Niskovia is rumbling, and people speak of spirits dancing within the mountain.

[402] One of the Orthyknin appears to have cannibalized a Visyknin, purportedly for ‘research’. "The results were delicious, I can assure you."

[403] Gio, step-brother to Inigo, disappears without a trace during celebrations of the New Year. Inigo remarks "and he was totally about to seal the deal with this one girl, too."

[403] People have begun to stay well away from the wall of ice to the east of the Glazfell lands. Nightmares are common near the ice-cold wall.

[404] Kenwyn Jak-son briefly disappears from Plainsrock, the Earthguard-Varinel summer palace, while visiting. He returns three days later, explaining he got stuck in a tree and for some reason his clothes were soaked in Raaneki Heartwine.

[Lord_Burch]

ACTIONS
1. Reverse engineer the crashed object. [CURIOSITY]
2. Separate the Criman mounted archers and the Kingbird riders from the main force at Solus. Totaling 8,000 men, have them attack the beast on some plains near Sulvan's Fury. Their orders are to harass the beast till it's dead, but not to get close. [MILITARY] Roll:
3. Tactical maneuvering for above: Plains. [MILITARY] Roll:
4. Issue Concordant Order No. 2: At all times, 1/5 of the army must be equipped with silver weapons. [GREAT PROJECT][CURIOSITY][1/5]
5. Officially attend the Celebration. Trade to be determined.
5.1 Gift Plate Armor tech, Pitch tech, and Ocean-faring ships tech to Ashenia

Non Action: Return Dyamusen Ignato to the Triumvirate.

[Aedilred]

Spoiler: Taking Bad News Badly

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400, Horbeach

The royal council chamber was in ruins. Probably the only piece of furniture unsmashed was the table, and even that had had several healthy chunks taken out of it. Marrik picked his way delicately through the debris, the Lord Chancellor tailing along behind him as if anxious for the champion's protection.

The king was slouched on the throne at one end of the room, still holding his axe. Being carved of stone, the throne was at least relatively impervious to serious damage. Athelmere looked up as Marrik approached.

“You heard the news, then,” Marrik said, his face grim. “How is the Queen?”

“About as well as could be expected,” the king grunted. “Have you seen my uncle Villem?”

“Yes, I heard the news from him.”

“And how has he taken it?”

Marrik looked significantly at the broken furniture.

“I want him dead.”

“Tupelo?”

“Tupelo, Bellami, Petrichor, the whole pack of them.”

“That's... entirely reasonable. How?”

“I'd sail over there and kill them myself, except that bloody canal isn't bloody finished!” He reared out of his chair, hurling down the axe with a mighty clang.

Pendred Isling cleared his throat. “I might point out, lord king, that the Great Charter signed by your father specifically gives conditions for waging war on behalf of a foreign power-”

“-By a foreign king,” Mere snarled, rounding on him. “I know the law. I am not a foreign king. I am Athelmere son of Athelmark, a king of Jarrow, and I will make war on whom I damn well please. They killed my wife's family, the grandparents of your future king, our friends and allies, who built all of this and this damn well will not stand.”

He recovered himself and looked over at Marrik. “You should have killed Tupelo in Raaneka.”

“If I'd known, I would have.”

“So what do we do?” Isling asked.

Mere pinched the bridge of his nose and screwed up his eyes. “We cancel our trades. It'll hurt us more than them, but I don't care. We offer amnesty to any of the family who still live. We hire assassins. We pull his captains away from him. We call our friends, and their friends, in Raaneka, Ignato, Genivana, Guilder, the Blazing Temple, Aus-Teire if we have to, anywhere that has ships, so that when that canal's open we can act immediately. We do everything we can do until if we have to we can sail over there and kill him ourselves.”

“Do you want the... news printed?”

“Yes. I want it printed, I want it distributed, as widely as possible. I want there to be no safe harbour in Telluris for that bastard, or anyone sailing under him or anyone flying his flag. I want anyone colluding in this to starve and rot and do nothing but regret their part in it until I separate them into pieces.”

“Should we make efforts to protect the Queen?”

“I think it would be more prudent to make efforts to protect others from the Queen,” Marrik muttered.

“Take the necessary actions, Pendred,” the king said, waving a hand to dismiss him, then bellowed after him, “An earldom for the man who brings me Tupelo's head!”

Spoiler: A Series of Letters

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Spoiler: To the Rulers of Telluris

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My lords and ladies

No doubt news has by now reached you of the events in the Jewelled Cities. We trust you feel, as we do, that this is an affront to every decency, an act of barbarism to shock even the meanest amongst us. But it is more than that. We submit that this is a challenge to any of us who call ourselves leaders of our people. The murder of a sovereign is a terrible thing. The murder of a fine sovereign along with their family and councillors is a blow against the very institution of government and a threat to us all.

Many of you may not consider us friends. Some of you may feel you have cause to resent us. Some of you may not know us at all. We shall not ask you to revise that opinion today. However it is in nobody's interest that Tupelo Cornus be allowed, in the vernacular, to “get away with this”. Not only is he a murderer, he is a Quill supremacist and xenophobe. We cannot, must not, allow the largest navy in the northern Central Ocean to fall into the hands of pirates and religious fanatics who consider non-Quill unworthy of life.

Thus we implore you to close your harbours to any ships sailing under the command of Tupelo Cornus or flying the flag he has unlawfully claimed as his. Close your borders to his traders from Tar. Sink his warships where you find them, for we assure you they are no friends to you. Soon an end will be put to his villainy. Until then let the rest of us stand together in this at least.

Yours most faithfully,

Athelmere Jarrow, King of the Jarrs, Provincial Lord of the Salterri Imperium
Tempest Grant, Queen of the Jarrs

Spoiler: To Tupelo Cornus

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Usurper, Murderer, Freak

I hear it is said on the islands there are ten thousand ways to die every day. May you soon discover the truth of these words for yourself.

Athelmere, King &c.

---

Usurper,

I have read your lies and excuses.

I will feed you to my lion.

Pray I give you the mercy of death first.

Athelmere, King of the Jarrs, &c.

News and Rumours

• The "Temptations of Lust" sculpture in the new Sea Palace is said to bear a striking resemblance to Queen Tempest. The king is reportedly considering whether to punish the sculptor or reward him.
• A denunciation of Tupelo's new regime in AQUA has been issued, and general amnesty offered for those fleeing it.
• Duke Wiltor has died at the age of 81. His son Marrik succeeds to his dukedom.
• The king has apparently succeeded in taming one of the highland lions by wrestling it into submission. His torso and arms were shredded by the lion and only the queen has been permitted to see the extent of his injuries.
• The king's rash bounty offer on Tupelo's head has led to assassins being dispatched to eliminate him.

Spoiler: Actions

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1. [Diplomacy] Continue colonisation of Vennland (64) (roll if required but I don't think I need one)
2. [Military 5 Special] Create Agents: Agitators.

• Jarrland now contains a large number of educated people skilled in reproducing and distributing information that foreign governments might rather were kept under wraps. Especially if it's true. The services of these loyal malcontents have now been procured by the crown.

3. [Diplomacy] Fabricate claim to Mularuhm:

Spoiler

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A new clause is retroactively and unilaterally added to the Treaty of Everlasting Friendship signed in 381:
In the event that the line of Kalderdan Ringmaker, High King of Mularuhm should cease to occupy that throne leaving no clear heir, the crown of Mularuhm is to be offered to the reigning King of the Jarrs who shall be empowered to assume right of governance over Mularuhm and all its territories until such time as the rightful heir to Kalderdan King shall become known or otherwise in perpetuity. This clause is void in the event that rule over the Jarrs should pass outside the descendants of Atheldynn Lord Jarrow of blessed memory.

In the event that the line of Atheldynn, Lord Jarrow of blessed memory should cease to occupy the throne of the Jarrs leaving no clear heir according to the succession law of the Jarrs, the reigning High King of Mularuhm is empowered to assume governance over the lands of the Jarrs until such time as the rightful heir to Athelmark King shall become known or otherwise in perpetuity, subject to the approval of the relevant authorities of the Salterri Imperium for so long as Jarrland remains a protectorate thereof. This clause is null should rule over Mularuhm pass outside the line of High King Kalderdan Ringmaker in accordance with the above.

4. [Curiosity] Send exploration fleet to the islands to the south-east - roll if required: 11
5. [Curiosity] Complete Project: Great Palace 2/2

Non-actions: Trade of Dyes for Fruit with the Jewelled Cities is cancelled.

Anticipated boni: +1 Diplomacy, +1 Curiosity

[SamBurke]

Spoiler: Actions

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Last round was Mil/Faith, this round is Curiosity/Curiosity

1. [Military] Conquer the Sha'raa! [2/2][31]
2. [Curiosity]Explore underneath Rannara (again). [Roll: 6]
3. [Curiosity] Inigo is sent on a good-will trip to the families of those who died in the Fires of the North. He brings with him a stack of [Dinosaurs] resource in order to build roads, plow fields, and generally improve their lives. This is project 1/2 with Lyradis.
4. [Curiosity] Begin creating a large-scale application of hovercraft principles, using the Jeweled Cities Experiments as a starting ground. Call the grand craft, "The Second Wind" [1/2]
5. [Curiosity] Use Alchemical Powders on the Domhan Staff, in an attempt to produce energy of some sort.
6. I wish I had this action but I don't. :(

[Rain Dragon]

401-405 actions
-Agents: Leikjos 「Doctors」 「singular: Leikeis」 「Military 5 special - Specialty: Medicine」 「Military」
-Finish significantly improving the efficiency of farming the weird and wonderful edible fauna, flora and fauna of Halja 「Project 2/2」 「Curiosity」
-Wander into 76 with 3 land units, military 5 and friends in an attempt to take the lands to the west of Niskovia for Fera [roll - 19]***「Military」
-Continue refining and expanding upon the Haljan number system for more efficient measuring of medicinal herbs and liquids, distances, weights and a multitude of other very useful things 「Great Project 3/5**」 「Curiosity」
-Resource: Vatn-Dauths*「Curiosity 5 special」 「Curiosity」

---

Spoiler: *Vatn-Dauths

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The strange, faintly glowing, burnished gold coloured pools of what seemed to be a liquid similar in consistency and behaviour to water spotted throughout Halja had been left alone for many centuries due to how inherently dangerous they are. Were one to touch the Vatn-Dauths directly, one would feel strange energies coarsing through them causing very strange sensations and muscle spasms throughout the body for the short period of time one could touch the Vatn-Dauths without dying. Prolonged exposure to large amounts of Vatn-Dauths appear to result in a fatal amount of the energy and a slightly charred corpse though nobody has yet caught fire outright. When poked with metal, the energy moves easily through the metal and into the one foolish enough to have poked Vatn-Dauths with a metal implement. Furthermore, if metal is placed in the pools it would eventually glow a dim red as though heated in a forge.

After some time, despite the obvious danger, a foolhardy Haljan decided to very carefully collect some in various containers, discovering that this energy does not travel through wood, certain types of stone or very thick leather. Intrigued, the Haljans have begun to collect the stuff and attempt to find uses for it. Indeed, it appears to be useless as fuel for fire as it is not flammable, is certainly not safe to drink and definitely does not make a pleasant cocktail even very diluted with water and Lothra Dragk Absinthe. Perhaps at a stretch it could be placed at the base of a metal framework to produce very poor heating and light.

One day, the Haljans will use Vatn-Dauths to great effect for well... /something/, but that day is not today.

Spoiler: The Haljan System of Number and Measurement: Distances

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A quick summary

Small distances are measured in Skaurpjo-Hondus
Medium-large distances are measured in Skaurpjo-Bein
Very large distances are measured in Fjarlmikils

Six skaurpjo-hondus are equivalent to one skaurpjo-bein
One thousand skaurpjo-bein are equivalent to one fjarlmikils
Therefore, six thousand skaurpjo-hondus are equivalent to one fjarlmikils

---

In-depth

Medium distances are measured by one standard span between a the fingertips of one Haljan's outstretched right arm and left shoulder. In standardizing a measurement, the length of the Kaiser's armspan has been used. This unit of measurement has been named the skaurpjo-bein.

Generally, when indicating a smallish distance Haljans have been using anywhere between a tenth and a quarter of a skaurpjo-bein. During the project to standardize measurement, the fraction settled upon being a six, as the number six is very important to Haljan culture. One sixth of a skaurpjo-bein is called the skaurpjo-hondus.

One thousand skaurpjo-bein may be a reasonably negligable distance on its own, yet being a vast number by itself and the fact these thousands quickly stack up to becoming quite the distance the unit of measurement which is one thousand skaurpjp-bein has been assigned a name which is Haljan slang for 'a bit of a distance', fjarlmikils.

These measurements have no plural form. While the Haljan language does indeed use plural form for most of its words, the group which these words fall under are not pluralized by adding to the word itself in the Haljan native language. Curiously, those who speak primarily Common Trade language appear to be inclined to add '-s' or '-es' on the end when pluralizing Haljan measurements even though they are not really part of the Common Trade language.

Spoiler: Auf-Graundas - Image

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Spoiler: Violent Traditions

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The deep brown of the mountainside drenched in blood, a still landscape both peaceful and horrifying. This is what the survivors ((assuming there are some)) brought back to Aipiskaupus Thuidans Kaiser. This is the picture they etched into his soul. How is it the humans could bear the pain? How could they feel the 'thrill of battle'? What could be worse than the sheer loss of potential which painted the landscape the survivors described?

Nothing.

Perhaps once, a long time ago the Haljans had enjoyed moving forward. Perhaps once, the traditions were Freedom rather than chains. Yet, how could the Haljans possibly feel such when their courting rituals involved the death of so many Haljan females?

No. That is different.

A willing sacrifice for the furthering of the species, one of the few times a Haljan would ever kill another Haljan. Above all, the overall festivities are a celebration of Life. Indeed, the strongest of Haljan females are gifted the joy of laying many eggs and many of them band together to nurture the young. Imagine our nests empty of hatchlings. That is why we fight then.

But why do we fight now? Simply because if we wish to expand the lands in which we yearn to roam, we have always fought tooth and nail for it. It is not sense. It is not law. It is not even an insight bestowed upon us by those who Know. It is tradition plain and simple, and no longer something which follows the hearts of all Haljans. Yet, it is not something easily changed.

Aipiskaupus thought of the surviving Niskans and raised one eyebrow ever so slightly. Indeed, Zirconyx wishes for the Haljans to protect, not blindly lash out at those who would be in their way. There must be another way, but now is not the time. Now is the time to finish this war. Later is the time to re-evaluate all the Haljans know of claiming more land, for it would not be long before they hungered to see something new once more.

Though the technique had never been used for such a strange thing before, the lowborn Visyknin have had great success with Spaiha. Mingling easily with those just south of the Niskovian Steppe, they spoke to Aipiskaupus Thuidans Kaiser of the Niskan way to procure more land.

It would seem he needs to pay a visit to the High Prince, Vanya Nisakovich in the near future...

NOTE - As a non-action Aipiskaupus Thuidans Kaiser went to the Celebration of the new century of the standard calendar. While there, he met the Ashenite king and agreed to begin communications between Fera and Ashenia. This does not have a mechanical effect but is important fluff-wise if the Ashenite Empire were to ever border Fera as communication has to come before trade according to Feran law.

**Due to the Niskans, once more one of my Great Projects has received a +1!
***I note rulers have recently been slain in battle and want to reiterate that in Haljan culture the males are not allowed to fight outside Fera. As I did not realize this incurred a penalty before the roll was made, the roll is only a total of 19 rather than 21. A special thank you to Aelidrad for pointing this out to me! (::)

---

Stat bonuses - +1 Military | +1 Curiosity
Army changes - None

[BladeofObliviom]

I'm basically just claiming a nice fancy spot right now.

Spoiler: Actions

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1. Investigate the Great Ice Wall! What mysteries could it hold? [Roll] (Curiosity)

2. Pending

3. In Estglaz, explorers approaching the Great Ice Wall discover frighteningly large veins of Cavorite! [Curiosity 5]

Spoiler: Cavorite

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Cavorite is a very uncommon mineral, known to occur in small amounts near places where significant amounts of magic are present. It has a whitish-blue appearance, an extremely smooth texture, and an almost unnaturally light weight. Cavorite is very soft and brittle: It can be reduced to powder with only a small amount of pressure, like talc. Cavorite contains both hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials. If powdered and carefully washed, an amount of dense hydrophilic regolith can be washed away to leave behind Cavor Oil, which is many times lighter than air: If incorrectly contained, it has been known to simply float up into the sky and out of sight on its own.

4. New Great Project: The Avenspire! [1/5] (Curiosity)

Spoiler: The Avenspire

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The Avenspire is an imposing structure, and an arrogant one by its very nature: A great tower, built from white marble at the surface and more porous materials underneath, stretches to the sky until it fades into the distance, the twin lines that seem to slowly approach one another never quite meeting before it passes into the clouds. There is a stairway inside and dozens upon dozens of floors, but balconies for Pegasi are also provided should one not wish to climb so far.

TL;DR: Basically, Orthanc combined with the Tower of Babel, minus the religion. Though technically it's little more than foundation just now.

5. New project: Build Schools in Glazfell [1/2] (Curiosity)

6. New project: Build Schools in Drugaud [1/2] (Curiosity)

[Silverbit]

[Year 401, The Mormaer's Hall, Razdis]
"So much fire and destruction. Though the threat at the Temple has been quashed thanks to the brave actions of a few heroes, still much evil walks the earth in monstrous form, especially in Sulvan's Fury. We need a new order, a veritable school of slayers, to wipe monsters from the face of this world."
And so the Eyeguard were first mentioned in official records. At this early stage only a few scattered Sulvan survivors, Razdissi Awl Bug slayers, Eyrecradian scouts, Scorched Earth clansdwarves and hardened Elbarazi gangers were part of the budding organisation, but they were preparing to grow much bigger. Plans were being drawn up for a great tower, reaching from the bottom of the Kalpraz sinkhole to a retractable drawbridge leading onto the Walls of Kalpraz.

[The same year, Razdis]
Swiftly, 4000 Razdissi troops marched through Eyrecradia and into the lands of their allies against the demon in Sulvan's Fury. They might be too late to stop the destruction of the Capital, but they would assist their allies in ending the life of the horrific thing.

[The same year, Kalpaz, Razdis]
The tunnels rung with the sound of Mithril picks and mattocks. A tunnel was being dug, towards the Zargrim border. In a public statement, the Mormaer's heir said that she "hoped that the new network would bring people of the two nations together in ways our ancestors could never have dreamed of."
Separately, the Mormaer himself made a public statement on a different matter: the Wenyavuk conflict. "Lyradis is ever our ally, and the Sympol have not done harm to our great nation, yet in a war much can go wrong. A shipment of Mithril could go missing, and end up in the hands (or paws, as the case may be) of vile miscreants. To get to the point, until order is restored in Wenyavuk, we shall cease trading them Mithril in exchange for Amber. After the conflict is over, the trade may yet resume."

[Year 402, The Mormaer's Hall, Razdis]
"If we're going to come into contact with other nations, then we need to educate our people. I met a dwarf a few days ago, couldn't sign his name. We've got Quill Engines, we've got paper from wood pulp; we can teach our people."
Soon, small schools begin to spring up around Razdis. Relying a lot on printed volumes, they teach reading and writing, along with history (of both the Razdissi and the outside world), basic survival knowledge about Razdis (Awl Bugs and how to avoid them) and extensive geology, especially pertaining to Mithril and other ores.

[The same year, Kalpraz, Razdis]
Beneath Guilder in Elbaraz, explorers delved. Rumours had developed in the cramped caves of Elbaraz of a new, unexplored cavern. Any chance at escape from the gang-ridden, frequently starving and poverty struck caves was welcome.

My actions:

Spoiler

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1. [CURIOSITY] Begin work on an academy for monster slayers, the Eyeguard. Think dwarven Delta Green/Exalted Wyld Hunt. I'm tired of these [EXPLETIVE] Balrogs on this [EXPLETIVE] plane of existence!/Samuel L Jackson 1/5
2. [CURIOSITY] Continue work on the Zargrim-Razdis tunnel. 2/5
3. [CURIOSITY] Cease the shipment of Mithril in exchange for Amber with Wenyavuk until further notice. If it gets into the wrong paws/hands, then we've got more militants with advanced weaponry. (free action) Begin to construct schools around the Razdis region. 1/2
4. [CURIOSITY] Explore beneath Domhan Abhaile, trying to find habitable caves and/or local dwarfoids. Roll for exploration here, if one is needed.
5. [MILITARY] KILL THE BALFROG, KILL THE BALFROG, KILL THE BALFROG, WITH MITH-RIL, WITH MITH-RIL!!! (Sung to the tune of Ride of the Valkyries) Send 4 battalions (4000 Razdissi to aid the allies of Razdis and the Sulvans in destroying the demon. Send with them Black Hand investigators to see if it can be returned to it's bindings in the volcano if it cannot be destroyed.

Family:

Spoiler

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Lady Grelod Earthsmite (retired)
General Herig of the Embattled Tower Clan (retired, accompanying Lady Earthsmite)
Mormaer Vali the Archer (60)-Urgo Bangboom
Prince Ali Burned-Eye (60) (missing, believed to be in Sympol hands)
Lady Uristine Satato, daughter of Herig (55)-David Satato (happily married)
Princess Cogen, daughter of Urgo (20)
Prince Freki, son of Vali (20)
Prince Ain, son of Vali (7)
Prince Magni, son of Vali (7)
Prince Olsung, son of Vali (6)

[QuintonBeck]

Stat Increases Last Round +2 Military +1 Curiosity

Spoiler: Actions

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1.)Complete Project: Triumviral School System in Nyroth (2/2) [Curiosity]
2.)Complete Project: Triumviral School System in Grizzland (2/2) [Curiosity]
3.)Aid Great Project: Triumviral Reserve in Miji Mkuu, Hrathan-Tuor District (3/5 included Imp's work this round) [Curiosity]
4.)Complete Great Project: Western Grand Canal in Grizzland (5/5) [Curiosity]
5.)Assassinate Tupelo Cornus Roll 13 [Military]
6.)Introduce Civil Engineers (Based on Woodwind Architects; Keyword: Sanitation) to grant +2 to population rolls (necessitating an action during population growth rounds) (Military 5 Special) [Military]

Spoiler: Contract:Tupelo Cornus

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"Another request on this Tupelo fellow Guildmaster."

"This guy must have really pissed the wrong people off." Guildmaster Syf Jaranda mused, "What's the price on this one?"

"An earldom ma'am, down in Jarrland."

Syf turned around from her pacing to look at her young protege who was informing her of the newest contracts. Most of the time now it seemed the Guild only got called up to do reconnaissance work, the occasional request from some local Triumviral Governor to make some dirty laundry get cleaned, small time stuff with small time pay and the international market hadn't had any income at all since the half pay received almost a half century ago for the attempt on the Duke Bloodfang's life.

"Jarrland is kind of a small state isn't it? Did they request our services by name?"

"No ma'am, it's a general offer to whoever takes down this Tupelo fellow. As I said, he seems quite unpopular. He took over AQUA in a coup with plenty of its own assassinations though, pardon my speaking freely but it might be seen as poetic justice we returned the favor. And speaking plainly, an earldom is an earldom, no matter how small. We might could establish a proper Guild down south with that sort of thing."

"You're not wrong Dagr, and that we weren't requested by name but are picking up general want ads speaks to that. It may be time we remind the world the most Ancient and Honored Guild is not to be forgotten get paid in the process of doing so. I suppose we'll need Senate approval to work outside the Provinces," Syf grimaced.

"Permission has already been granted by the High Speaker himself," Dagr answered.

A slow, thin smile spread across the Assassin Guildmaster's face, "I knew I liked Nathanias. Prepare an infiltration team, I believe I shall lead this mission personally. It is time to restore the name of the Hrathanese Assassins Guild to the whispers of the world and show a simple killer like this Tupelo is no match for a true assassin." Syf laced her fingers behind her back, turning away from Dagr, "Business will soon be back on track."

"Yes ma'am," Dagr bowed his head and left his Mistress to prepare for the mission.

Spoiler: Civil Engineers

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The architects of Woodwind, though kept busy with work on the Triumviral School System and the Triumviral Reserve have now approached the Triumvirate Council with another proposition. They believe they can help devise minor systems and mobile as well as permanent infrastructure to help aid in fending off disease and promote healthy living conditions among the people. Their initial proposals concern the military camps and bases throughout the Triumvirate though further plans hold ideas for sanitation projects in major Triumviral cities and even in the country regions of the provinces. After affirming the resources were available the council quickly approved these proposals and granted a charter to the Architect Guild to establish a Civil Engineering Corp with intents to begin working on various sanitation projects throughout the Triumviral Provinces.

[Kitsanth]

401-405 actions
-curiosity- Continue the construction of schools throughout Niskovia and the implementation of a standard curriculum [great project 2/5]
-curiosity- Assist with work on the Haljan number and measurement system project [+1 to RD's project]
-military- Niskovia lends 2 units of troops to Halja's army general for the military conquest of region 76
-diplomacy- attempt colonisation of region 48 [round 1/2] rollhere
-diplomacy- attempt colonisation of region 77 [round 1/2] rollhere


stat bonuses - +1 diplomacy | +1 curiosity
army changes -

Spoiler: fluff

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fluff is here

[Logic]

Spoiler: ACTIONS

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• Diplomacy: Attempt colonization of Region 90 [ (1/2) roll of 15 17* Required: 16]
• Diplomacy: Per terms of treaty, work on the Ashenian Great Project - Study of Somnorum [5/5]
• Curiosity: Continue work on the Great Project - Patent Office (3/5)
• Military: Raise 1000 Aerial Cavalry in Propinlonge
• Military: Raise one Unit of Ships in Propinlonge

*Discovery bonus of +2

[Rizban]

Campestrus Pratum

After years of warfare among themselves, the local tribes faced a greater threat, that of the invading minotines. Though they seemed unstoppable, their forces were actually rather small and disorganized. The Priory of Ascension, under orders from the Qzare, has moved into the region, put a stop to the conflict, and is working with the local human tribes and the new minotine peoples to create a stable government in the region. Though a slow, often infuriating process, a regional government has been established! Though there are still a few malcontents, the vast majority of the people are simply tired of war and are glad for the chance at peace. The region is at last becoming stable. Perhaps, in time, it can even become truly prosperous.

---

Bor-Teire

With the recent unrest due to an influx of disruptive, foreign religious beliefs, the province of Bor-Teire has become unstable. Troops have been dispatched from several areas across the Imperium to enforce the peace. With a show of force, the Priory has begun to try to bring peace back to the region, starting by ensuring the borders are closed to all incoming foreigners, particularly priests of the Lord of Fire.

---

Notifications of Trade Agreements

Spoiler: To the Jeweled Cities

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To The Jeweled Cities

It has come to our attention that the shipments of fruit from your lands are inadequate to the agreement brokered between us. Numerous shipments have been missed, and those that have arrived are far below the amounts upon which we agreed. As such, no further payments of gold will be dispatched to your isles until such time as shipments can be assured and new trade agreements discussed.

From the Office of Patriarch Constans

Spoiler: To the Salterri Imperium

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To the Minister of Financial Affairs

It has come to our attention that the previous agreement brokered in which we traded supplies of our salt for supplies of your various crops is no longer beneficial to our peoples. In recent years, our local agricultural supply has achieved levels sufficient to providing the needs of our populace. However, we do still wish to continue friendly trade with you and are open to negotiating new terms of trade for our supplies of salt.

From the Office of Patriarch Constans

Spoiler: A NEW letterTo the Salterri Imperium

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Honored Qzare,

I do apologize for the previous letter, as it was sent with my consent but without my knowledge. I have appointed one of the Patriarchs the duty of overseeing the trade agreements and resource management of the provinces you have entrusted to me that I might better serve the Imperium by personally spending less time on tedious record keeping. Patriarch Constans was doing his duty as he understood it and was not aware of the agreements that we personally arranged. I apologize again for this misunderstanding and the overzealous administration by a faithful servant who was merely trying to do what was best in the duty he was assigned. The supplies of salt will, of course, continue to be sent uninterrupted; however, we would like to renegotiate the grain trade. If you are willing to allow it, we have researchers who are working to uncover the ancient methods of forging silver weapons who have recently uncovered some texts that hint further at unlocking the mysteries of orichalcum and would like some of the metal with which to experiment. I propose that we be allowed to research and develop this metal to see what secrets the sages might uncover.

In Faith, Friendship, and Honor,
Chief Patriarch Zanper Fidious the Holy

Spoiler: To Guilder

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To the Doge

We apologize greatly, but we are no longer able to continue paying in silver for the magnetite iron ore you have so diligently provided to our people. Recently the local demand for silver has increased significantly, and we no longer have sufficient supplies to maintain this trade. We hope to maintain a friendly relationship with our neighbors and are open to negotiating new trade agreements if you desire.

From the Office of Patriarch Constans

Spoiler: To Mularuhm

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To whom it may concern

We apologize greatly, but we are no longer able to continue paying in silver for the shellfish you have so diligently provided to our people. Recently the local demand for silver has increased significantly, and we no longer have sufficient supplies to maintain this trade. We hope to maintain a friendly relationship with our neighbors and are open to negotiating new trade agreements if you desire.

From the Office of Patriarch Constans

Spoiler: To Pavonia

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To Duke Wulfendyne

As per our verbal agreement, the following trades will take place at the start of the next calendar year following your signed approval.
Priory of Ascension shall provide 500 Gold Chalices.
Pavonia shall provide 20 great carts of processed iron ore and a like amount of worked stone.
This agreement shall remain in effect in perpetuity or until such time as an official declaration ending the trade be issued, such declaration being issued no sooner than twenty-five years hence from the commencement of trade. Additionally, this agreement shall end immediately upon overt military action from either party against the other.

From the Office of Patriarch Constans
Signed and sealed upon this date, year 401

OOC: 1 stack gold for 1 stack iron + 1 stack stone. Deal lasts until war or either of us states otherwise, but no fewer than 5 turns.

---

Spoiler: Actions

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1. [Diplomacy 5] Stabilize Campestrus Pratum (#65) - [13]
2. [Diplomacy] Colonize Bor-Teire (#34) - [17]
3. [Faith] Conversion attempt (Ascension) in Bor-Teire (#34) - [17]
4. [Diplomacy] Send letters to the Salterri of appeasement and attempt to renegotiate agreements.
   • End Trade - Salt (Salteire #35) for Crops (Aus-Teire #36)
   • Begin Trade - Salt (Salteire #35) for Orichalcum (Pontensulae #37)
5. [Diplomacy] Attend the Centennial Celebration.
   Subactions:
   • Conduct trade

     ---

     • End Trade - Gold (Salteire #35) for Fruit (Jeweled Cities #25)
     • End Trade - Silver (Salteire #35) for Magnetite (Guilder's Rannara Colony #53)

       ---

     • Begin Trade - Silver (Salteire #35) for Longhorn Cattle (Campestrus Pratum #65)
     • Begin Trade - Grain (Campestrus Pratum #65) for free (Salteire #35)
     • Begin Trade - Wood (Campestrus Pratum #65) for free (Salteire #35)
     • Begin Trade - Gold (Salteire #35) for Iron and Stone (Pavonia #68)
     • Begin Trade - Silver (Salteire #35) for Horses (Palas Caercia #67)
     • Begin Trade - Bracian Beer (Bracia #33) for Flax (Palas Caercia #67)
     • Begin Trade - Grain (Campestrus Pratum#33) for Flax (Palas Caercia #67)

     ---

Spoiler: Updated Trades

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#	Name	Available Resources	Active Trades
35	Salteire	Food Necessity Gold Good (0/3) Silver Good (0/3) Salt Good (0/3)	Export: Gold Export: Silver Export: Salt Partner Import Bor-Teire (#34) Drum lizards Jarrland (#62) Limestone Pavonia (#68) Iron + Stone Partner Import Palas Caercia (#67) Horses Campestrus Pratum (#65) Longhorn Cattle Aus-Teire (#36) - Partner Import Jeweled Cities (#25) Kelp Olives Bracia (#33) Bracian Beer Pontensulae (#37) Orichalcum
33	Bracia	Salt Necessity Bracian Beer Good (1/3)	Export: Bracian Beer Partner Import Salteire (#35) Salt Palas Caercia (#67) Flax
65	Campestrus Pratum	Silver Necessity Grain Good (1/3) Longhorn Cattle Good (2/3) Wood Good (2/3)	Export: Grain Export: Longhorn Cattle Export: Wood Partner Import Salteire (#35) - Palas Caercia (#67) Potatoes Partner Import Salteire (#35) Silver Partner Import Salteire (#35) -

[lt_murgen]

AQUA (The Jeweled Cities and Tar) Round 15 (301-405) actions:
Previous round increase: +1 Diplomacy

Events
Upon request of Raaneka, the trade of Raaneki stone and Heartwine for Jeweled Cities Kelp-olive oil and gems is cancelled.
Upon request of Jarrland, Jarrlander dyes are no longer going to Tar.
Upon request of Alydaxis, the trade of Ordinarium for Jeweled Cities Kelp-olive oil is cancelled.

A letter from the Senior Council of AQUA makes it way to all leaders of lands in Telluris:

Spoiler: A letter from the Council

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A Letter from the Senior Council of AQUA, to the Leaders of Telluris.
Greetings!
By now many of you will have heard about the change in leadership amongst AQUA. Many of you will little remark or take notice of our leadership changed. To those, we say, thank you. This is an internal matter. We will do our best to continue to honor all trade agreements made in the past, and continue to support the values of free trade and peace we have long championed.

To those who are upset by the recent actions taken by the council, we ask for your understanding. The actions taken by our new Regent, Tupelo Cornus, and the members of the Senior Council could be seen by many as aggressive, violent, and unnecessary. They were not. We understand that the Grant family was extremely popular on the Continent and beyond. To a person, they are clever, witty, and possess great physical charm. But there is more to leadership than charming the nobility of other lands. In the AQUA regions, her charms were less overpowering, and her faults far more evident.

She spoke of peace, and yet sent our men and women into no less than military engagements where AQUA was not directly threatened. She could have supported the Union of the North in their war against the Ignato Empire. Instead, she stood aside and allowed other ships to be used as transport, increasing the carnage of that battle. Her actions so badly damaged that relationship that thirty years later it is still unrepaired. She went to war against the Salterri to defend colonial interests, making an enemy with a powerful navy heritage to protect her “allies” who support her sister’s domain on the continent. She then chose to put our people in harm’s way once again, against the combined forces of an ally and the Salterri to defend an the soldiers of Bordeaux- despite having little formal relations with them. And during that entire time, she continued to spend significant amounts of time and treasure on military buildups and secret projects.

She spoke of trade, and yet the richness of her trade agreements were channeled into the pockets of her friends and relatives. Often, this was done at the expense of the people of AQUA. Lumber from the sacred lands of the Isle of Birds and the Blackadder forest flowed out from our lands. She ‘acquired’ countless acres to increase the fruit exports of our nation. Yet in a land-poor nation, did she stop to consider where the land would come from? From the people, forcing them out of their traditional independent living and into farming. Yes, it was done in the name of commerce. But when one family controls all shipping amongst an island nation, it is more slavery than free enterprise.
And who received the benefits? Raaneki trade wine, to her and her cadre? Mammoths- did the people ever see the meat they were promised? No. The silk she traded for, did the people see it? No- it went into her mighty fleet. The continent burned, and she took from her own people to ‘gift’ others, to make herself look like a generous savior.

Amber was not the generous, welcoming ruler she projected to the rest of the world. Her magnanimousness aboard was countered with callous indifference at home. Our council and advice was routinely discarded. Our concerns for the integrity of our lands dismissed as fear mongering. Our religions threatened in the name of cultural understanding. No, the voices of the people of AQUA never found a ready ear in the Regina. She stocked the Council with sycophants and dependents to assure herself of assent to any policy she chose. She gave license to those who she controlled, positioning them so as to remain in control for generations. Voices of dissent found themselves given ‘promotions’ to far flung outposts where their concerns would come as too little too late.

What was done by this council was an attempt to take back control of our lands; to stop the plundering of our resources and heritage upon the altar of her personality. It was done in accordance to the established covenant and in accordance to our heritage. The particular methodology was deliberately selected to endanger as few people as possible. No civil wars, no fleet battles, no decades long sacrifice of good men and women for the untethered ambitions of a despot.
We acted as we did to prevent a civil war within our borders. It was clear from the many Council meetings that the Grant family would not relinquish control without a fight. When their dwarf ally retired, did they open the Council to the people? N0, they brought in an outsider from a nation allied with them. When their matriarch retired, did they call for elections? No, they had intended to hold her proxy and leave the seat vacant. The Council had to force her hand by calling for an internal vote, negating her vote and her mothers. It was the only way. She responded in typical despot fashion, shipping the newest members off on a months long “diplomatic” boondoggle while she maneuvered to negate the change by creating an alliance of smuggling agents to do her will secretly across Telluris.

We regret the loss of life. We lament the course of action we were forced to take. With no other options available, we chose the path we saw as the least destructive to our lands, our people. We ask, simply, for time to recover and organize to better serve the AQUA. If you choose to turn away, we will mourn the loss of goodwill this act engendered. But it is our fervent hope that the nations of Telluris will accept that this is an internal change in leadership. We will do our best to remain honorable, concerned leaders.

We welcome any opportunity to speak with you and clarify any details or concerns you might have.

ACTIONS
Action #1 Diplomacy: Hold free and general elections for open positions on Senior Council. The Grant's monopoly on intra-regional transport is dissolved. Catamaran captains now work for their own interests. Regorganize Trade within AQUA:
Tar and Meat go from Tar to the Jeweled Cities. Jeweled Cities Kelp-olive Oil and Tropical Fruit go to Tar. The quartz from Kasumor will go to Tar, instead of the Jeweled CIties.
Action #2 Diplomacy: Attempt to colonize region 90. FAILED
Action #3 Diplomacy: Attempt to colonize region 130. FAILED
Action #4 Faith: Faith 5 action: Create new religion, the Children of Khadi.
Action #5 Faith: Start Faith based great project to build a training academy and monastary for my Aeromancers (1/5) [Verified with Morph that this is a FAITH action]

Expected Bonuses: +1 diplomacy, +1 Faith

RUMORS
Strangely, the pubs and whorehouses frequented by AQUA traders have no rumors, none at all.
The Council has forbidden all sea-going transports to dock at Pearl. Catamarans have to be taken from the other islands.

FLUFF

Spoiler: The Tale of the Grant-Tremblor Family

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Tarn, Firth and Martin met with their cousin, Jonas Grant. They had been on the run for several months since their parents were killed. The four of them gathered in a quiet, out of the way tavern in Genivania. Jonas was anxious to hear their tale. Martin quickly found a corner to nap in, exhausted from all the hard travelling.
Tarn began, “Dad had called us all together at the Governor’s quarters in Emerald City.”“
We’d been travelling for the last year or so. Mom had us checking on trade partners.” Firth added.
“Mom was in a bad way.” Tarn cut in. “She’s caught Ship Fever, and it was bad. They were keeping it quiet to avoid a panic.” Jonas nodded. Ship Fever was a rare and deadly disease that could rapidly spread through a ship’s crew. Tarn continued, “Mom was isolated in her rooms, and dad thought it was best we see her one more time.”
Firth spoke up, “It was awful. She had red spots all over her arms and chest, and some of the sores really stunk.”
“The smell of a battlefield it was.” Tarn added, “Dad unlocked and opened the balcony doors so the sea air could get in. I don’t think we could have lasted long in that room without it.”
“I had no idea.” Jones said.
“No one did.” Tarn admitted. “We all know how infectious it is. Mom didn’t want anyone getting it. With all the ships and caravans, it would spread like an octopus.”
"Don’t worry, cousin.” Firth quickly added upon seeing the Jonas’ expression. “Dad didn’t allow us within arm’s reach.”
Again Tarn shot his brother an annoyed glance for interrupting, “Mom was feverish and partially delirious, so we only stayed long enough to tell her we loved her. Things went bad a little while later. We were all in the living room, discussing what we were going to do when dad heard a noise from the bedroom. Dad hurried over and opened the doors.”
Firth cut in, “I think he thought mom was up and moving, delirious.”
“Will you stop that. I’m trying to tell the story.”
“You keep leaving out the …”
“He doesn’t neeed..”
“Cousins!” Jonas interrupted. “I know you both are distraught and exhausted. Please don’t finght.”
Chagrinned, Firth indicated for Tarn to continue. “A group of Quill were in the room. They looked disturbed by mom’s condition. But when they saw us, they came at us. Dad ordered us to grab Martin and run.”
“We wanted to fight, but Martin couldn’t protect himself. Dad told us to protect him.”Tarn nodded.
“So we ran. But we ended up fighting anyway. The door to the stairs was open. Firth threw himself into one of them, and knocked the guy hiding behind it out. But a girl was behind the other, and she came after us.”
Firth continued, “Tarn was awesome! He held her off as we moved down the stairs and out into the city. We’ve been on the run since.”Jonas had to ask, “Has there been any more attacks?”
The pair looked at each other. “Honestly, we’re not certain. It’s an unsettled world and the couple of tough spots could have been highwaymen or brigands.”
“So where are you headed?”“Quarimos, probably. We can get a boat there down to Raaneka or Jarrland. We have friends
“And family”
“And family there.”
“Good plan. Go in peace, cousins.” Jonas clapped each on their shoulders. He got up to leave, a bag of coins and gems left on the table for them.

Spoiler: Tupelo's Sermon, part 1

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Brothers and sisters, Cousins in custom and spirit, I thank you for coming here tonight. In the torchlight I see many I call friends- Priests of Atur and the Shamans of the Wild. The light of the moons shine upon the faces of Quill and Islander, Continental and Outcast alike. By it, I call you all my brothers. Our faith has brought us together. In this place, at this time, our faith is as one.

Brothers and sisters, Cousins in custom and spirit, hear me for my cause and attend that you might hear. Believe me for my honor and have respect for that honor, that you might believe. Query me in your wisdom, and awaken your senses that you might better judge the truth of my words.
If there be any at this assembly , any dear friend of Amber Regina, to them I say, that Tupelo’s love to Amber was no less than theirs. If that friend demand why I rose against Amber, this is my answer. Not that I loved Amber less, but that I loved our people more. Would you rather Amber live and our souls sold to the highest bidder, or that Amber were dead and our souls be once again ours?
As Amber embraced me, I weep for her; as she found fortune, I rejoiced at it. As she was valiant in the cause of peace, I honored her. But as she was perfidious, I slew her. Here were tears for her love. Hera was joy for her fortune. Here was honor for her valor. And here was death for her faithlessness.

Brothers and sisters, Cousins in custom and spirit, this faithlessness hold the whole world within its grasp. And Faithlessness carries death in its wake. Here in our lands, it brought low a leader well beloved. In the North, a being of rage and fire stalks ravaging the land. Oh woe those leaders who face it, for their faith is weak, and that weakness the very strength of the beast! Bordeaux! Ashenia! The payment of faithlessness has come due.
In the East, callous leaders tear apart a once great faith as vultures on a corpse. They squabble over the prime chunks while the very world burns. Hubris and once again Hubris!
To the south, the very dead rise from their graves. Avenging the pillaging of their resting places by those who refused to believe. Alydaxis! Woe to you who neglect the faith handed to you! For you are the defender of that faith, and to what end? A land of wealth and might, devoid of true living.

Brothers and sisters, Cousins in custom and spirit, do we not live for ourselves? Are not our lives our own? Are we but marionettes dancing to the strings our master’s pluck? No, I say to you here and now, NO! When our masters demand we embrace their falsehood, we must say no. When our kings and queens ignore what is righteous, we must say no! it is our souls that hung in the balance. It is our souls that, even now, hang upon a spider’s thread. The flames of indifference, idolatry, and indifference threaten to burn that thread, and plunge us all into the firey abyss. We must refuse the demands of the wicked. We must refute the commands of the unjust. We must not let ourselves be consumed by the flesh and the flesh peddlers.

Brothers and sisters, Cousins in custom and spirit, this is not easy. Our road is not level, and our burdens great. We are beset upon all sides by the inequities of the selfish, and the tyranny of evil men. They will seek to poison and destroy us, my brothers and sisters. They will strike down upon us with furious anger and great vengeance. For they fear us. Yes, they fear us. They fear those that would seek to shelter their brothers and sisters, to guide them in the paths of faith through the great valley of their darkness. Mark my words, there will come a day when we will be persecuted! There will come a day when we will be condemned. There will come a day when we will suffer at the hands of these creatures of spite and hate.
Brothers and sisters, cousins in custom and spirit, do not despair. We shall be strong during the dark times. We shall be strong, because our faith is strong. We shall endure because our faith is ever-enduring. And we shall overcome, because our faith cannot be overcome.

Spoiler: Tupelo's Sermon, part 2

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Brothers and sisters, Cousins in custom and spirit, I too am a dissolute. Cast out by my family, I lived as I could, did what I thought I had to. Those were dark times, filled with dark deeds. But there, there in the swamps, in a time when I had no faith and wanted not for one, my faith found me. I was raised up by this faith, my feet set firmly upon the path that has led me here today, to preach the good news to you.

My first step cousins in custom and spirit, was along the path of Atur. God of my family, He of the Thousand Voices. Yet I found no solace there. For a thousand voices provide a thousand guide points. Brothers and sisters, I came to understand that a point in every direction is the same as no point at all. The Great Father Tree is imply that, a tree. There is no salvation amongst its branches.

My next steps towards revelation, towards redemption, lead me to the Shamans of the Wild. I heeded the call of a simple faith. Bribe the spirits for their good favor. Bribe them again to remove their displeasure. It is a simple faith. It is an easy faith. It is a faith that allows for the most heinous acts to be paid for with treasure. And it is poison for the soul. A poison that masks the pain you feel in yourself, disregards the pain you see in others. It is a poison that whispers its sweet seduction of the end justifying the means.

Brothers and Sisters, those who follow the Cult of the Sky, for a time, I sought salvation within your ranks. The Great Sky Spirit to watch over me. The Great Sky Spirit to send signs and portents to guide me. The Great Sky Spirit, nothing but emptiness and ambivalence. As a child sees clouds shaped to his imagination, so did your shamans see signs shaped to their thoughts, powered by the powerful herbs they ingest. Visions born of the mind, not of the spirit, they cannot save us.

For a time, I despaired. I despaired for my very soul, brothers and sisters. I saw nothing, heard nothing, that in which I could find surcease for my anguish. It was then, in my darkest hour of my darkest night, that I first heard Her call. In darkness, we are created. It is from this darkness that we are born. We move from our mother’s womb to her arms. Then from that shelter into the larger world. We step into the light, and take our place. And then, at the end of our lives, we return to that darkness. Eyes no longer seeing, once again we engulfed by it. I learned of the Mother of Darkness, the one from whom all souls come, and the one to whom all souls return.

Her call is a simple on, brothers and sisters, Cousins in custom and spirit. Her call is one of responsibility. We are responsible for our own soul. Not some shaman, not some seer. Salvation of destruction is in our hands alone. We must always understand why we do what we do. We are simple beings, limited in time and ability. We cannot know what results our actions will cause. All we can know, brothers and sisters, is what is in our heart when we do it. When our end comes, as all ends must come, we will be judged by Her. For She is also known as Khadi, devourer of Souls. She who knows all that has come before, and all to come after. She will take the forthright into her bosom, to rejoin the great wheel of life. Those found wicked, she will destroy utterly.

But fear not, brothers and sisters, Cousins in custom and spirit. Her demands are as simple as they are profound.
The Mother of the Night calls upon us to treat all creatures as we would desire to be treated. Live in harmony with all things, taking only what we understand we need. As we must eat, we must provide. If that means the death of another creature, then it should be as painless as we can arrange. For is that not what we would desire? When we are called back to her bosom, do we not desire to go quietly and peacefully? We owe those that give their lives for us as much.
The Mother of the Night sees all who ponder and think as children. She only wants her children to treat each other fairly. She desires hands outstretched in friendship rather than threat. She desires fortunes shared rather than hoarded. In all dealings between each other, she asks us to consider “Would we trade places with this person?” It is simple, and profound. Elegant, and full of complexity. Her call is one of consideration and attention, care and elevation.

Brothers and sisters, Cousins in custom and spirit, it from that reason that I stand before you today. I seek to reach you, to touch your soul, to lift you up to the endless night sky above and cry out in a loud voice “Kina! Mother of the Night! Accept these who newly welcome your embrace. Khadaratni, The Great Deceiver! Treat them kindly as they tread upon the returning road. Khadi, Devourer of Souls! Accept them as they accept Your truth, and judge their past transgressions with understanding of their futures

Go, my brothers and sisters. Go in peace, with hearts full of compassion and understanding

Spoiler: UPDATED TRADES TABLE

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Jeweled Cities	Tar
EXPORTS U]Kelp-Olive Oil (2/6):[/u] Scla’ca (R5); Ignato Empire (R8); Salterie (r11); Tar (R15); Alydaxis (R5)(Cancelled R15); Raaneka (R10)(cancelled R15); Gemstones (2/3): Tar (R9); ); Raaneka (R10)(cancelled R15); Tropical Fruit (3/6)(R10): Kasumor (R11); Glazfell (R12); Tar (R15)	EXPORTS Wood (4/6): Razdis (R10); Niskovia(R14) Meat:(1/3):: Sympol (R11); Jeweled Cities (R15) Tar: (0/3):: Ignato Empire (R13); Jeweled Cities (R15); Solus(R14)
IMPORTS [NEED] Iron: Razdis (R10) Alydaxis (ordinarium) (R5)(R15 cancelled); Architects: Ignato (R12) Kingbirds: Solus (R14) Lumber: Scla’ca (R5); Bordeaux (R5)lost (R8); Silk: Nyroth (R8); Frosskoz(R12); Salt: Salterie (R11) Star Metal: Niskovia (R14) eeartwine: Raaneka (R10) (lost r15) Mammoths: Wenyavuk(R8) lost (R13) Stone: Raaneka (R10) (lost r15)	IMPORTS [NEED] Precious Stones: Jeweled Cities (R9); Quartz: [/U] Kasumor (R11) Vegetables: Sympol (R11) [S]Dyes: Jarrland (R11)lost(R14)[/S

Spoiler: UPDATED AGE TABLE

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NAME	TITLE	Born	AGE
Atura Timber	Quill Councilmember	318	83
Opus Petricho “Geek”	Quill Councilmember	360	41
Samhell Bellami Junior,	Councilmember and Islander	348	53
Stormbringer,	Councilmember, Air Shaman of the Wild, Crimar by birth	379	22
Tupelo Cornus,”Freak"	Regent of the Jeweled Cities, Sagamore of Tar	350	46
Verdo Collino	Guilder Councilmember	353	43

[Elemental]

Stat increases from last round: +2 Military

Just getting some actions in for a trade.

Spoiler: Actions

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1: Gift of Printing Press technology to Celero according to the agreed upon exchange. [Diplomacy]
2: Study of Somnorum [4/5]. [Curiosity]
3: Begin compilation of a comprehensive encyclopaedia of all things known to Ashenia [1/5]. [Curiosity]
4: Attend the Centennial Celebration in Lyradis. [Diplomacy]
5: Raise 1000 troops in Ashenia. [Military]
6: Send the entire army of Ashenia, all five thousand men, to try and slay the Balefrog. They'll do their best to avoid getting in its reach and try and whittle it down with javelins, arrows and catapults. May the spirits watch over them. [Military]

[TheDarkDM]

Fluff tomorrow

Actions

Spoiler

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1. Attempt to colonize region 87 [Diplomacy] - Success
2. Form trade agreement with Pavonia - Gold for Mercenaries and Stone [Curiosity]
3. Third turn on construction of Great Project, the Gates of Nezetkhamun [Military]
4. Introduce new resource to Tzalteclan, region 86 - Dragon's Blood (it's oil, black gold!) [Curiosity 5 Special]
5. Explore region directly north of Tzalteclan (84?) [Curiosity]

[SamBurke]

I present FLUFF! Why should you read it? Because mother-flipping velociraptors, son. Everybody got time fo dat.

Fantastic Travels and Where to Find Them

Journey 1

The Sha'raa Situation

"Father, I have a thousand cavalry which can finish them, here and now. We began this campaign years ago, and it drags on."

"Because I have sent emissaries of peace to the people of these deserts, that is the reason that--"

Inigo interrupts, however, pointing to the three swords in the room. "You are of Guilder, I am of Guilder, and we need to end this fight. Have any of your dignitaries or sages returned? Alive, I mean. Without limbs missing, bones gnawed?! This is a barbarous land, and it has attacked our people for too long!"

Humperdink groans, sitting back at his table, pushing aside the ancient bronze sword covering the map. "I will allow you one charge, Inigo. That is all. Where would you be placed?"

Inigo grinned, leaping forward to spy out the battlefield. He did not have quite as experienced an eye as his father for the tactics or the wisdoms of war, but his instinct was derived from the long lines of the Princes before him. It would not fail. "Here, on the flank... cutting around by the Great Dune. We could seperate the Gnashmaul fighters from the rest, and our Pterids would cut the remnants to tatters."

"You'll only get one charge."

"I'll only need one!" Inigo said, one hand on his sword, and the other resting on the mysterious relic on the table. "Father, has there been any more word about... this? It's far too large for a goblin, especially these tribes, and far, far, too advanced for their technology."

Humperdink shook his head. "Columbo is getting on in years, son... he was unable to come himself. Until then, we'll have to content ourselves with wonder."

<><><>

The next day, the armies were ranged in their might against each other. In the center, heavy Trihorns carried shield arrays of adamantine, soldiers sliding spears out to create a shear, thorned, wall, backed by thousands of tons of crashing beast. The skies above were filled with the cacophonous screeches of the pterids, awaiting the order to swoop en masse. Behind the lines, medics zoomed back and forth, piloted by eager ensigns on their hovercraft, readying themselves for the horrible wounds and poisons of the cannibals gathered in the valley in front of the massive Dune.

Humperdink stepped to the front, past the safety of the mighty army, and asked for peace once more. He was met with a volley of darts, poisoned with the Afreets' characteristic Lacertal milk, and so ordered the charge.

ON THEY WENT! The Trihorns smashed into the masses of goblins, scattering them right and left. Deeper and deeper into the enemy they plunged, attack slowing to a crawl. It was only then that Humperdink realized the greatness of his failure: the small size of the goblins allowed for nimble movement, and they had prepared against his new weapon by simply surrounding them. Dozens of daggers, all working with poisoned unity, will fell even the greatest of steeds.

"Father, we charge!" Inigo yelled, waving his sword for a moment to summon his men, before pulling out the favored weapon of his longbow. "Men, we have before us a horrible battlefield, filled with man-eating goblins. They will try to strike us down, but... they will fail! For we have the greatest weapon in the history of struggle on our side, behind our charge, and pushing us forward. We..." He leaned down over the neck of his steed, tightening the buckle on its armor. Then, he rose, readying for the charge. "Have the element of surprise."

The men gave a hearty cheer, and plunged over the edge of the sand-dune, sliding down its embankments. As they rode, they gathered speed, a living mass with sand rumbling in their wake and billowing in a cloud as great as the charge. Then Inigo leaned forward again, and motioned for the men near him to do the same: they removed the creatures' muzzles.

With a cry far more fearsome than even the mighty Quetzals which darkened the sun above, the Raptor Battalion sliced straight through the flank of the goblins. The first wave of them leapt high into the air, soaring four or five ranks back into the cannibals, teeth and claws and razor-sharp switchfoot edges ready. Each following flight of the Raptors tore in farther, weaving a path of destruction back and forth across the horde.

Pausing for a moment, Inigo urged the men on. "NO STOPPING! STRAIGHT THROUGH! CUT THROUGH THEM!"

The Battalion rallied at his cry, dashing together and breaking across the field at full gallop. As one, they formed a spearhead, Inigo at its apex, with the mountainous Great Dune ahead as their goal. But the Afreet surged around them. Even as they died, the great Gnashmaul tribe threw themselves at Inigo's men, daggers, poisons, and spears flying everywhere. The raptors gashed holes, killing three or more at a time, riders shoving back leaping goblins, but the raptors still fell.

Finally, on the far side of the army, at the base of the Dune, Inigo order a regrouping. With the tribes pressing in, he made a quick headcount. Many had fallen, many more than he'd anticipated. A look to the other side of the battlefield told him that his father's force was similarly overwhelmed. The ease of the last campaign had left them tragically underestimating the goblin tribes' cohesive strategy. Yet, there they were, breaking into two coordinated groups, one to wipe out Inigo, one to kill Humperdink. They were flanking, they were attacking with vicious courage... these were true warriors.

It was time for another tactic, something that Inigo had read about... the "Dead Ship" ruse. "MEN! Fall back to the houses, and pour out on my signal!" The soldiers nodded, dashing here and there amongst the ruins.

Inigo watched from a housetop as the Afreet stopped, taking the time to organize themselves by tribe, and set up what appeared to be a multiple-prong assault. These were classic tactics... they looked Guilderene, to be forthright. "First the artifact, now this...?" Inigo looked down at the tower, noting a third anomaly. "These ruins. They're far, far, too large... twice the size of a goblin." Was it possible? Had he finally found...?

He was ripped from his thought by the shrill, blood-boiling cry of the cannibals. Inigo growled, gripping his bow as tightly as he can. The goblins found one of his men, one of HIS men, and they were dragging him to the front lines. It was impossible to tell who from here, but it didn't matter in the slightest.

The entire battalion watched as the Afreet tore him apart, just like the very first explorers, and ate him, right there. Right on the battlefield.

Inigo raced down the stairs, throwing his bow over his shoulder and readying for a charge. He was in the street, mounted up, ready to throw the whole plan away, before he realized the goblins' ruse. "Stay! Stay! Hide! They want to draw us out! Let them come to us!" He hid his face, and soothed his mind by swearing to kill a dozen of the cannibals in fitting repayment.

The goblins saw that their plan was not going to be successful, and moved into their ruin-capitol, catching a few of the Battalion unprepared, and unhidden. These they served just as the one before, but the horde moved over the brutal feast, into the central square. Inigo could hear them conversing. 'Where are the meals?' asked one goblin to another, as they crowded to hear orders. Now or never.

"FIRST RAPTOR BATTALION OF GUILDER!" cried Inigo, stepping out into the street astride his hissing mount, "EARN YOUR STRIPES! TAKE NO PRISONERS!"

From every house and door and alleyway burst a warrior, scimitars flashing and steed's claws ready, totally surrounding the cannibals. "Charge." The battle commenced, with the riders not stepping or charging into battle, but veritably leaping into the clumps of goblins, swords and teeth twirling.

It was soon clear to Inigo that this battlefield was the perfect place for victory. The goblins were tightly packed because of the small merchants' streets, easy pickings for a Raptor, whose every limb was a messenger of death. Because of the pack, the Guilderenes could hardly not strike a hit on a murderous goblin, while the speed of the riders carried them past the enemy quite easily.

So it was that the main battle was finally finished. Then, Inigo turned his men, leaving the goblins yet alive, and began to ride from the ruins. "My father still requires aid!" As they raced out, however, he saw that this was quite the opposite of true.

The two halves of the Guilderene army met, ragged and torn, at the gates of the ancient city. Father and son smiled on each other, and embraced. The scattered goblin forces stood no chance of bogging down the Trihorns, and so their travel up the sides of the Dune seemed utterly silent by comparison to the morning's fright.

Finally, at the top, Humperdink and Inigo both froze. At the end of the long, arduous path up to the top of the sand mountain, stood a hall of weather-worn statues, many missing faces or limbs. But clearly visible at the very end was an unforgettable figure: the likeness of son, father, and even grandfather Tumberink.

And at his feet, an ancient Bronze Sword, of traditional Guilderene make.

"What... is this?"

Humperdink ran his hands along the blade, mind processing the change slowly. "It would seem, son, that there is much we do not know about the Sah'raa... Much indeed."

[Zap Dynamic]

The Royal Council of Raaneka
((Attribute increases last round: Curiosity +1, Diplomacy +1, Luck +1))
((Attribute increases this round: Curiosity +1, Faith +1))

Year 401
Lamentations! The Queen is dead! After disappearing from the Royal Council chambers in the midst of heated debate regarding the murder of her Islander Cousins, her body was discovered at dawn in the city of Sarab, crushed beneath the toppled statue of Tupelo in the Victor's Plaza. According to an eyewitness, she toppled the statue by herself in a fit of rage.

In memory of her glory, the Royal Council has decreed that all trade with the Jeweled Cities cease until the murderer Tupelo Cornus is brought to justice. They have further decreed that the tradition of childhood warding with the Islanders will cease. May the Grant family be memorialized at Anguri's funeral, and may their children be granted shelter should they so desire. Raaneka grieves with them in this sorrowful time.

Krama Adite, once the King of Raaneka by his wife's side, refused to speak for a moon's turn after his wife's death. Even in his old age, Krama transformed himself into a man of powerful stillness and strength. The whispers in the city of Bandar told tales of fate and magic. None could fathom the designs of his revenge, until the deed had already been done, and the Fellows returned from their Westward quest.

Spoiler: Anguri's Eulogy

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Anguri the Golden, last living child of Aditi and Devdan themselves, was born at the First Worldwide Raaneki Games. Her birthing gift was an everburning candle from the Blazing Avatar himself. It proved to be a fitting birth and a fitting gift, for the flame of competition was kindled within her, and it it never guttered in all the long years of her life. She was named Champion of the Second Raaneki Games, a year before she grew into womanhood. She became First Marshal of the Berunda Riders shortly after, and won great renown in the Battle of Hrathan-Tuor. Alas, it was the last battle this Warrior Queen would fight. Such were the tenuous days of peace won in that battle.

There was no challenge or hardship too great for Queen Anguri's skill. She wielded the Heron Blade with surpassing skill, and mastered her temper when cooler heads needed to prevail. Her husband, Krama, and her lover, Seri, grieve deeply at her passing.

Anguri was a woman of few words, but what her voice lacked in endurance it reaped rewards in strength. Among many other things, the Golden Queen of Raaneka mended the love of Imperial Princesses and spurred the Blazing Avatar to action in the face of the world's end. She died as she lived: burning bright against the darkness.

She is survived by her only child, Bapa, and six grown grandchildren. She was her mother's equal, and no finer thing might be said of any woman or man in Telluris. May her spirit find the glory she sought in life. May it find harmony with her ancestors. May she rest, she who lived only for action and bold deeds.

No Raaneki may rule alone, so her husband, Krama, has abdicated the Twin Thrones to his cousins in House Satato, Bhakti and Tikta II. Succession would have passed to their parents, had they not perished years earlier while exploring the depths of Ayavazarmanbuh-ja.

Spoiler: The Coronation Speech of Queen Bhakti and King Tikta II

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People of Raaneka, of Qarimos, and Ayava, we welcome your love and support as we rise to these Twin Thrones! Members of the Royal Council, we welcome your wisdom and experience as we just your august ranks. Ancestors beyond, we yearn for your tutelage, and strain our ears to hear the lessons you have passed down to us. May we heed each of you in our actions as Queen and King.

We rise to these thrones with heavy hearts, for those who might have reigned in our stead were lost many years ago. Our parents, Khili and Dheva Satato, were devoted to their ancestors and to their people. In the words of House Satato, may we know Relentless Devotion to their memory in each of our deeds. Raaneka has known wisdom and glory since the days of Aditi and Devdan, may they return at her dearest need. Now, let us build a people of faith and harmony. May the whole world know that Raaneka is not merely prowess in war or love in peace, but also reverence in worship.

With one voice, we pledge our lives and our service to the people of Raaneka, and all true subjects of the Royal Council. May our future actions grow from here!

Dezarajacarita prostrated himself at Krama's feet. "Please," he begged, shaking with remorse, "If only she had seen reason in the debate--"

Krama kicked the gnome away. "You would comfort me with the same cold reason that killed my wife? Would that you were a man, that I might not be shamed in challenging you to a duel."

Year 402
No decrees.

Year 403
Construction on the Royal Council Palace proceeds after nearly 10 years of effort. The Bordeusi Gardens are complete, and the Ayavan and Qarimosi Manors are well underway. The Raaneki Manor will begin construction when these previous tasks are complete.

Year 404
With careful hand and cunning mind, may all the scholars of Ayava begin the task of refining their skill at Illumination. May they look to the godana for their inspiration, that the written words of Raaneka might be as colorful and as symbolic as the flesh of our people.

"We shall study the use of dyes, pigments, and brushes for a year's time, especially the godana of Vittor Serendel of Qarimos." The gnomish master of Flickerhall was ancient, but his voice still held the power of command. "Those Dhanazarmanoms who prove themselves to possess the greatest subtlety and skill shall Illuminate the Chronicle of Anguri the Golden, that the perfection of her glory might be remembered for all time."

Year 405
Lamentations! Krama Adite, once the King of Raaneka, has gone to join his wife and his ancestors. May his memorial revelry be held for seven days, and may no goblet remain empty in that time.

Spoiler: Actions

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1. Conduct a funeral for Anguri Adite and the Grant Family. (Faith)
   
   • Bhakti and Tikta II Satato rise to the Twin Thrones. (Stats)
   • Jeweled Cities trades (Heartwine for Gems, Stone for Kelp-Olive Oil) are cancelled.
   • Warding tradition with the Jeweled Cities is cancelled.
   • Tarn Grant-Tremblor will marry Dusari Adite. Together, they will care for Martin Grant-Tremblor.
   • Remove the Victor's Statue of Tupelo Cornus from the Victor's Plaza at the Great Stadium.
2. Great Project 4/5: Royal Council Palace. (Curiosity)
3. Great Project 1/5: Refine Ayavan Illumination (Faith)
4. Fellows: investigate Tupelo's location and security to aid the mission to assassinate him. (Result: 23 [no roll necessary due to Luck 5 action below]) (Curiosity)
5. Dwell upon the threads of fate to aid the Fellows' investigation. (Luck 5)

[TheDarkDM]

There is a room in the Tzalteclan royal palace open to only a select few. Located above the offices of the Teotlkan, the royal family's dining room was an airy refuge from the business of state. The room itself was suitably massive, stretching more than fifty feet in length and more than thirty feet wide. One of the long walls consisted of nothing but pillars and open air, providing a breathtaking view of the city beyond, while the one opposite it was dominated by an intricate mural of Tzetultep's creation of the Tzalteca. The table within was almost comical in comparison to the room, stretching less than twelve feet in length, but was so heavily inlaid with gold it could have financed a small war. Of the eight chairs arranged around it, only three were filled, but those three were the heart of the empire.

Seated at the head of the table was Teotlkan Nezetkhamun himself, sipping a wide cup of steaming black coffee. On his right sat a young woman, barely nineteen, so beautiful as to lend credence to her divine ancestry. Straight black hair cut to her shoulders framed a heart shaped face, while her golden eyes and flawless bronze skin made her seem almost a statue. She was Maatkare, first of Nezetkhamun's tlapepentli. Across from her was a younger man, perhaps sixteen, who bore a strong resemblance to Nezetkhamun - Senusret, his third and youngest tlapepentli. The two heirs were clearly struggling to remain composed as they watched their father drink in silence. Between the three sat a thick sheaf of papyrus, the collected letters of the agents sent out into the world years prior, and as the cup left Nezetkhamun's lips he gestured towards them.

"I trust you are familiar with these?"

The two heirs exchanged a glance. They knew what that tone meant. Bowing her head, Maatkare was the first to respond.

"Yes, father."

"Good. If you are to succeed me, you must be knowledgeable of the wider world. The barbarians that live beyond our borders are many and varied, and they could pose a threat to our very way of life."

He took another sip from his cup.

"Still, they have their weaknesses. Take this report of the fighting in the northern wastes. The Guilderene forces sustained heavy casualties despite their superior arms and experience, and all for a stretch of land that can barely support civilized life. What does that tell us?"

Senusret was the first to respond.

"They underestimate those they deem their inferiors. Present a weak facade, and they can be lured into a trap."

Nezetkhamun chuckled.

"Indeed. Is that all?"

"They are voracious. By all accounts their kingdom stretches across the northern coast, and even their meanest territory is more valuable than the desert. Conquest is in their blood."

"Correct. They are no different from us, in that way. That is why we work with them for the time being. Even a barbarian can make a powerful friend."

Maatkare smiled with pride, while Senusret's face grew flush. His was a military mind, and the vagaries of diplomacy sometimes escaped him. There was a reason he was third.

"Now, in the central continent it appears there has been a confrontation at the holy site of this "Lord of Fire." A pair of westerners fought over who would bear the title of Avatar, and the loser was dragged into the heavens. Does this pose a threat?"

"It means their religion is not simply primitive superstition. There is a power behind it, a destructive one. It could pose a threat to us."

"But it could also be an advantage. The west has been wracked by religious conflict for decades, if the reports are to be believed. There might be power in the house of their Lord, but its foundations are weak. Strike them, and they are as likely to fall upon themselves as any outsider."

"Well done, both of you. While Tzetultep created us to be supreme over the beings that live in this jungle, it is possible that other divine beings have had a hand in the lives of the barbarians. But they lack focus, and their core is rotten."

Nezetkhamun drained the last of his coffee.

"Apply enough force, and their will would snap."

[WaylanderX]

A New Century Dawns, Return of the Ancients!

Year 402, second cycle of the sun, 7th pyrith: Mystery, Day of Mystery, Fireguard Fortress

Damn he was good. Admittedly, he broke a small sweat with those bandits on the way here, being outnumbered 4 to 1. However, his ingenuity had persevered once again, his Prowess unstoppable. Ashmar really smiled upon him on this expedition. And now he was finally there! The library of Fireguard fortress. Oh the hidden secrets that must be hidden in these ancient books. His body shivered with excitement at the mere thought of such privilige.

While his Kasumori guards cleared out the rest of the fortress, the Bucka, with the name of Blipjik Blipson, elite member of the Guardians of the Ancients (according to himself of course, walked towards a golden inlaid scrollcase, two meters high made entirely of Shintouite, being positioned in the middle of the library. Being gold inlaid must mean something, he figured. His Guardian sense was tingling. And he knew, if his Guardian sense was tingling, he was on to something....most of the time. Taking a couple of scrolls out of the shelf, he walked to a nearby table, fortunatly made of Shintouite aswell, which meant it was still fully intact.

Spreading the scrolls before him, he read their titles, handling each one carefully so he wouldnt damage them. "How to train your cricket, a complete guide", "The secret to having a pristine gleaming tail, how to seduce your man", "Prowess in small things, how to eat 100 snails". All books that were not of interest to him (although his cheeks turned red when he imagined a Kasumori woman with that pristine tail, uhuh). He packed them into his bags for shipment to the Academy for further documentation. He turned to the shelf again.
"Show me your secrets."
He murmured. She examined each and every book in the fancy scrollcase, but every freaking scroll in there seemed to be dedicated to everything useless intelligent beings have come up with in all of time.

Exhausted, he leant against the chair, when suddenly, he saw a bunch of scrolls laying behind the resting place of the ones he just examined. Ready to give up, he took the top scroll from the small pile. It was a pitch black scrollcase, bound in rigid leather and ornamented with thin Shintouite figures. His eyes heavy and his mind cloudy, he read the title. The title....that title...it made his mind clear as quartz, his eyes shot open. This...this was the thing the Kasumori had been looking for...for centuries. The title read..."Shintouite, all secrets revealed, a master craftsman's guide".

Year 404, second cycle of the sun, 7th pyrith: Mystery, Day of the Beetle, Plainsrock

Sitting comfortably in his chair, Wayve looked at his wife and son playing in the gras with amusement. To think he was able to be so happy and content with a wife from the Heartwaste. He still couldnt believe it that mother had agreed to their marriage. His son, Yrin, was to be the heir to Kasumor, while the second child would be the heir of the Heartwaste and Yurokuni. His mind wandered. Relations between the Hurosha Empire and the Heartwaste reached an all time high, but he was not sure what he was to do, which all the treaties surrounding the neighbouring country.

"Mammy, Fafa is dreaming again!" Yrin shouted, causing his mother to laugh with that crystaline, pristine laugh of hers.

"What are you dreaming about my prince? Not something related to non-vacation matters I hope?"

Wayve smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry, my queen, I will return to my vacation mindset."

Valineth was serieus when it came to political matters, but being here together with her child and her husband appeared to put her mind at ease. A woman with an eased mind was far more easy to deal with than a troubled woman. Easier to understand too. The other benefits were also quite.....entertaining. Appearently his grin showed, because Valineth shot him a fierce stare, as if to say "Not in front of the child, you fool!". Aaahh, this life he could get used to. But alas, this wasn't to be forever, he knew. That did not stop him from enjoying every moment of it though. He stood up and walked to his lovely wife and son, lifted them both into a warm embrace and swung them around upon the grassy fields, the three of them laughing as if they had no care in the world.

Spoiler: Actions

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1. Ancient Technology uncovered: Shintouite crafting! (Cur 10, if the typo from last round is corrected)

2. Start repairing and cleaning up of the Element-Guard fortresses (Earthguard, Fireguard, Waterguard and Windguard) with one army unit working on it full time (1 unit of Kasumori Mushi Heishi). (Mil, Project 1/2)

3. Raise 1000 Ore Elven Mushi Heishi in Shikurai. (Mil) Redirect internal resources: (Dip)
- Goats from Keldagrim to Kasumor and Shikurai.
- Send 1 stack of squid to the Heartwaste to relieve their hunger (Gift).
- Raaneka Stone to Grwîstîn.

4. Construct a vast network of Temples in all the major cities of the Hurosha Empire. (Faith, Grand Project 1/5)

5. Establish schools that teach the religion of Ashmar in Zargrim, Shikurai and Keldagrim. (Faith, Project 1/2)

6. Continue Insect Megafauna Rearing Project (IMRP) with the help of the Guardians of the Ancients (Great Project, 3/5, Cur)

Nonactions:

• Keldagrim leaves the Silver Pact Alliance. If the Razdis Dwarves disapprove of this, they are invited to come and discuss new terms for a possible alliance.
• Goblins in Shikurai have invented an alcoholic drink. Being jealous of all the other good "stuff" appearing all over the world, they brewed their own drink, made of the water from the Sea of Darkness, who's water has a permanent black hue, together with the cooked and treated poison of the Kasumori Bombadeer beetles. All of this is brought to taste with a little bit of exotic fruits from the Jewelled Cities and some boiled, ground Sleeppowder pollen. The goblins say it tastes quite "Smashing!" and they call the brew Sublime Scotch (Minor Resource Acquired in Shikurai, Sublime Scotch)
• Remind Tekorva that they do not have the militairy power to help Lyradis and advise Kokuei to stay put and preserve her forces for a potential conflict.
• Grïend learned how to breakdance more awesomely. (Breakdancing Golem Tag)
• Eleljak is very angry at his son, Kenwyn, for getting drunk without him, giving him an asswhooping. Paryna was seen facepalming at the antics of the two. Also, Eleljak is very enthousiastic about the new drink from Shikurai, ordering the first 5 bottles of the stuff.

[moossabi]

ACTIONS

Spoiler

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1) [d] d10 GREAT KINGDOM out of Alydaxis, Glirfrey, Scla'ca, and Arix'la!!!
2) [d] complete Parliamentary Monarchy [5/5] description will be coming in nation post.
2.5) [] Apalulucta dies of the same disease he assisted in curing, the whooping cough. Palinoy takes over as empress-regent.
3) [c] send ships from Glirfrey to explore the great sea (Asia) and to try and find new lands (explore)
4) [f] offer refuge to Tar Cult of the sky worshippers that wish to escape Tupelo's oppression.
5) [d] Terminate Ordanium trading with the Jeweled Cities. Tupelo does not have our trust.

[TheWombatOfDoom]

Round 15 Actions for the Kingdom of Serendel (subject to change):

1[Diplomacy]

Host the Centenial Celebration - Publically denounce the reformed church of the Lord of Fire, and reveal that Adam had had close ties with the false church (basically say that most of the disasters previous and current, are the Reformed Church's fault). Name Paco a friend of the state. Compliment Jarrland in reclaiming more of what was once Relic of Old Lyradis - Vennland. Recieves gift from Jarrland dictating more of the Salterri empire's past. All Serendel regional rulers are in attendance.

• Chief Thunder Fist agrees to send Iron to Domhan in order to replace the Iron they are losing from Sympol.

2[Curiosity]

The Borlmyn merfolk begin experimenting with using the carapaces of the Giant Pistol Shrimp as suits of armor.

3[Military]

• Send my unit of Griffon Riders and a Unit of Grmanhil orcs to reinforce Wenyavuk from the Sympol invading the eastern borders before the new century, if they do not attack, they are to stay in the region.
• Send a letter of cease and desist to Sympolmou. Cancel shipments of fish to Sympolmou from Domhan in response to the military actions.
• Remind Tekorva, who has long been a trade ally of Lyradis, that they are recieving Grain from Lyradis still, and would benifit much from not condoning the expansionist actions of the Sympolmou.

4[Curiosity]

Work with Guilder to improve the state of living in Lyradis, building more roads, providing more irrigation to make crops once again flourish! [2/2] (Guilder = [1/2])

5[Curiosity] - Roll -

Continue experimenting with Abyssium, and the resource is shared [Gift] with the Borlmyn Merfolk, who become quite excited at the descriptions of the past experiments. It seems they have an idea for its use.

6[Curiosity]

Begin rebuilding the old Capital of Lyradis in Requiem, using the ruins and old plans to begin anew. [1/5]

[DurkBlanston]

New Player Bonus Actions

Spoiler

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1. The limited contact reported back by the first explorers sent out under Caercia Bei XII prior to his son’s ascension reported great works and magnificent feats of engineering created by the forces outside Palas Caercia. Though the city proper is still a marvel to behold it has seen greater glory days and is in need of renovation if it is to truly stand as a jewel of culture amidst the world. Work was begun under Caercia Bei XII to restore the city and expand it into a glorious beacon of civilization and Caercian ingenuity. (Great Project: Magnificent City of Palas Caercia, Jewel of the Caercian Seas 1/5) [Curiosity]
2. As work on the city began and intensified Caercia Bei XII realized that the undertaking would require more labor than any previous work undertaken by the cities had before and more work meant more food to pay the laborers with. Protector Caercia Bei so ordered the output of potato crops, which has sustained Palas Caercia and Palas Ritius for centuries to be organized and for mass cultivation of the crop to be promoted resulting in an overabundance of the tubers which are now available for trade with foreign powers. (Curiosity 5 Potatoes (Good)) [Curiosity]
3. Work on the city continued until the day of Caercia Bei XII’s death and the ascension of his son, First Lord Protector of Palas Caercia, Lord of the Caercian Seas and the Mountain Ritius. His anointment completed with The Twice Jeweled Crown, first crown of the united kingdoms bearing a jewel of Ruby to represent Palas Caercia and one of Tiger’s Eye to represent Palas Ritius, saw the completion of the Royal Palace in Palas Caercia and the seat of the Caercian government. (Great Project: Magnificent City of Palas Caercia, Jewel of the Caercian Seas 2/5) [Curiosity]
4. Palas Caercia’s development as a center of power and wealth within the region continued as the First Lord Protector turned his attention to gathering as much information as possible about the outside world and the nations that inhabited it. (Great Project: Magnificent City of Palas Caercia, Jewel of the Caercian Seas 3/5) [Curiosity]
5.Work continues on establishing Palas Caercia Proper as the greatest city of the south (Great Project: Magnificent City of Palas Caercia, Jewel of the Caercian Seas 4/5) [Curiosity]

Round 15 Actions

Spoiler

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1.Seeing the militant bent of many of the foreign powers he has studied since learning of them from his father’s expeditionary teams First Lord Protector Markus Caercia orders the raising of 1,000 troops, cavalry units raised from the ranks of the swift carriers and riders that have long carried royal correspondences between the cities. They are fit with fast riding horses and short bows as well as short swords for engagement where necessary. [Military]
2.Worrying that a single regiment would be unable to protect the lands of Palas Caercia the Lord Protector orders another unit of cavalry raised, one unit shall be maintained at Palas Caercia Proper and the other shall be stationed at Palas Ritius. [Military]
3.The Caercian Council, once responsible for electing the Protector before the unification of the houses and beginning of the era of the Lord Protectors, is appointed by Markus Caercia as his advisory council, the 10 most influential noble families of Palas Caercia and Palas Ritius both are represented and serve as trusted confidants and important diplomats within and without the kingdom. The ten noble houses are: Klauser, Stein, Wulfen, and Ritius of Palas Ritius and Alesius, Puntis, Strabo, Florus, Vulpis, and Vesci of Palas Caercia [Diplomacy]
4. Attend Centennial Celebration, uninvited but following their neighbor Pavonia so as to begin establishing contact with the greater world. [Diplomacy]

• Trade with Salteire: Horses for Silver
• Trade with Bracia (Salteire): Flax for Bracian Beer
• Trade with Salteire: Potatoes for Grain
• Trade with Pavonia: Horses for Mercenaries
• Trade with Salterri Imperium:Horses (to Discordia) for Silver (from Aus-Teire)

5.Finish the grand work on Palas Caercia Proper. The city is now a magnificent sight to behold to any eyes, foreign or native. Great docks stretch into the Bratic and Iric seas to the east and to the west, the great Royal Palace stands resolute and powerful in its center, the noble manors ring the Palace in concentric circles and lessen in prestige the further out one goes and the homes of the common people form the outer ring which is enclosed by a moderate wall to prevent too great an ease of access by foreigners without permission, though certainly not capable of stopping an actual attack. (Great Project: Magnificent City of Palas Caercia, Jewel of the Caercian Seas 5/5) [Curiosity]

[ImperatorV]

Spoiler: Actions

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1.) Upgrade silk to a great resource in Nyroth [Curiosity 5 special]
2.) Establish a school system to teach the basics of math and writing mixed with positive Triumviral history to the common folk in Hrathan-Tuor (equivalent of Elementary/Early Intermediate Education) (2/2) [Curiosity]
3.) Establish a school system to teach the basics of math and writing mixed with positive Triumviral history to the common folk in Genivana (equivalent of Elementary/Early Intermediate Education) (2/2) [Curiosity]
4.) Establish a school system to teach the basics of math and writing mixed with positive Triumviral history to the common folk in Woodwind (equivalent of Elementary/Early Intermediate Education) (2/2) [Curiosity]
5.) Establish a school system to teach the basics of math and writing mixed with positive Triumviral history to the common folk in Aloren (equivalent of Elementary/Early Intermediate Education) (2/2) [Curiosity]
6.) Continue work on the Triumvirate Reserve. The largest denomination of coin, the Platinum Trival, is announced. Smaller coins, and the values in comparison to the Trival, will be announced at a later date. (2/5) [Curiosity]

[Chacmon]

Actions;

-(Curio 10) new tech zeppelins (using sails for propulsion and blue fire for lift), details and fluff to be added in a separate post during the next round when I can find the time.

-(Curio) (minor project) A large amount of addamantium plated zeppelins are unveiled at Tlecuahuitl, enough to transport most of Gunungs army if neccesary. (2/2)

-(Curio) (minor project) Build a zeppelin transport fleet for internal transport and trade in Gunung. (1/2)

-(Curio) Knowledge gained during high volcanic activity period is put to good use ( minor project, improve grand lava canals 2/2)

-(Curio) (minor project 1/2) Start with the implementation of a public schooling system based on a combination of the old temple education system and the new systems being implemented in countrys all around Gunung

-(mil) 1000 archers with adamantium arrows trained for stationing on a war zeppelin in region p8.

[Morph Bark]

The Salterri Imperium

1. [Dip] Send a diplomat to the Centennial celebrations in Lyradis to establish Imperial presence and trade.
2. [Dip] Address the Priory's violation of prior agreements.
3. [Mil] Raise 1000 troops in Penoccident.
4. [Faith10] Secret.

When Xiu Wandao and Syana Ignato's son is two years of age, Wandao announces that he will abdicate the Silver Throne to his brother when the child reaches 7 years of age in 407 of the Common Calendar. The Qzare lost his eldest son from his first marriage while he was leading troops against the undead hordes. Hanyeo reveals his own son--Xiu Tailong--to the public, who fought alongside his cousin, and makes him his heir.

Spoiler: Letter to the Priory of Ascension

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Chief Hierarch Zanper Fidious,

I am certain you are fully aware that the cancellation of trade of our grain for your salt would mean our people are without the salt they have great need of. We wish to keep trade with you, and would like to point to the agreement both verbal and in writing of trade and tribute between our regions. If you have need of something other than grain, we shall arrange it, but the sudden cancellation of our salt imports are highly unamusing.

Qzare Xiu Wandao

Wyrmar ["Lord Wyrmar", Xiu-hen Bai Liu]

1. [Mil] Raise 1000 wurmrider troops.
2. [Mil] Raise 1000 wurmrider troops.
3. [Cur] Investigate practical uses of combining gulpsand with cactus juice.


The Heartwaste

1. [Faith] Begin establishing the Shadowed Academy of Spirits. [1/5]
2. [Faith] Assure people the Lord of Fire isn't out to eat their souls or destroy the world.

[zabbarot]

Triumvirate Round 15

Spoiler: Actions

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• [Faith] Convert Qarimos
• [Faith] Convert Guilder
• [Diplomacy]Attempt to vassalize the Tunneldom beneath Aloren
• [Diplomacy]Attend the Centennial in Lyradis
• [Faith] Contact the Lady of Fire.
• [Faith] Establish a rapport with She of Silver.
  rolls