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

[Lorick]

Kelarth went to the Field of Elders to discern the will of the spirits. Though the priests warned that the spirits might not respond, as they were displeased with the state of disrepair the temple had fallen in, but they communed with Kelarth.
What they said to him is unknown, but suddenly he was interested in contacting other nations. To that end, a few thousand men would be raised, and some trade routes would hopefully be established.
Additionally, so that the spirits would more reliably answer the priests, the temple would be remade in a more magnificent form, which would encourage pilgrimages of worship to the spirits and the living god Kelarth.

Spoiler: Actions

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[Faith] Meditate on the will of the spirits
[Faith] Begin building the Great Temple
[Military] Raise a first Army Unit
[Military] Raise a second Army Unit
[Diplomacy] Establish contact with neighboring nations

[Elemental]

Stat increases from last round: +1 Curiosity

356: 1: News of the missing prince, and indeed his entire missing expedition caused great consternation in the capital. A hero who had braved the unknown for the glory of Ashenia, gone seemingly without cause. Fearing the worst, a thousand warriors on horses were mustered to go looking for him. It was hoped that in greater numbers, they would not fall prey to the same fate as Crown Prince Hazael.
The King's closest confidantes and friends grew worried. In the past few years his health had been deteriorating, and this latest news had caused him to look more worn than ever before.

Happier news though was that Princess Zhela and Prince Varel had had another a child. A daughter they named Melisana. The child has the exotic features of her father, and the same strange reaction toward silver.


357: 2: The colony on the plains of Kyaralath thrives. The soil is fertile and their crops are bountiful enough to sustain them. Some of the people take to the local floral produce with great enthusiasm. The local inhabitants tolerate the newcomers. After all, they are so few and the land so vast, plus the tales they tell of their wise king and his splendour, and indeed the splendour of Ashenia as a whole, intrigue the locals. The settlers did come peacefully after all, and even with their military guard have been more than fair in their transactions.


358: 3: Following his return from Celero, King Hazael II stops in Severikand to visit the great copy-houses and speak with the University scholars about their work. There are rumours that he found the Great Library at Lancaster very impressive and was thinking of increasing the size of his personal library in Adrakand.
Fortunately, the scholars have something to show him, the invention of one of their craftsmen. The craftsman in question, one Sevael Turan, has devised a shockingly simple machine that can do the work of one hundred scribes with few errors. Why no one else thought of carving letters, words and pictures into rearrange-able blocks of wood, none can fathom. Mr. Sevael however, remained humble despite the amazement of the King and the University officials. He pointed out the difficulty of getting an even coat of ink, the skilled labour needed to carve wooden blocks for illustrations, the wear that quickly rendered the individual wooden letters useless, the fact that he was forced to devise a significantly less elegant script in order to make the printing process practical and numerous other minor flaws.
After flicking through one of Turan's first completed printings with it's neat rows of script, the King of course, would have none of this.
"Sevael Turan, your work to improve scholarship outstrips that of a thousand learned sages. You have our gratitude and will receive our highest honours in due course. If you do not mind, we shall keep this work as a memento of your accomplishments these past years."
Upon his return to Adrakand, the King followed up on his word, ennobling Turan and his descendants and granting them wealth, both moveable and in the form of land.

Alas, dark news from the capital. Months later, as Autumn draws to a close, bells rang out across Adrakand, the King has succumbed to the rigours of his age. Following, is the official announcement:
Hazael Toranath II, King of Ashenia, Prince of Eseda and Castellan of Adrakand passed from this realm to be with the spirits, may their blessings shower down upon his house and the land he dedicated his life to. His eldest child, whose absence was uncontrollable, has ascended to the throne of the Kingdom of Ashenia as Hazael Toranath III, may his reign be long and bountiful. In due course, his sister Crown Princess Idrisa shall act as Regent to ensure the continued wealth and prosperity of the realm until the King returns.
This is the will of the Council, may wisdom guide our actions.

Official business dealt with, the time came for the King's funeral procession. A team of twelve specially trained horses led by a single veiled nun drew Hazael's shrouded coffin upon its hearse towards his final resting place in the crypts of Salasan Monastery. Behind them stretched a column of mourners in plain black robes that trekked through the light rain that fell that day. Out of custom, none rode, prepared to walk the entire way to Salasan to honour the King who would ride no more. Despite the large number of people, it was a silent affair, the quiet broken only by the weeping of the Queen Dowager and the ringing of small bells borne by monks in the procession.
Now, Salasan is sacred ground, and as such, the procession was allowed only into the outer sanctum. The Queen Dowager and the nun leading the horses were the only ones allowed further in for the burial of the King within his tomb.
The members of the procession remained outside and sang ancient songs until the Queen returned accompanied by the venerable Abbess of Salasan, and in the ancient traditions handed flowers from the sacred gardens to those who had attended. In exactly a year's time, a festival would be held to remember Hazael and then the people would feast, laugh and dance in his memory, for now, there was only quiet.


359: 4: Mourning or not, the Princess Regent had work to do. Rebellion simmered in Hazaria as the local tribesmen felt threatened by the encroachment of Ashenite settlers. Figuring a personal visit and guarantee would be the best method of resolving the issue, Idrisa departed Adrakand and held court on the border between the two lands.
Promising to recognise the land ownership of the local inhabitants in exchange for an accurate record of exactly what land was owned by whom and spots for the three tribal chiefs on the Royal Council, the matter was smoothed over. Admittedly, the inhabitants weren't all that happy with the idea until Idrisa promised reimbursement of all land taken thus far as well as substantial gifts, but it was for the good of Ashenia so she had no qualms making the deal.


360: 5: Across the sea in the Jewelled Isles, a team of architects and builders gathered on the site chosen by King Jonas and agreed by Queen Amber for the Academy building. Feeling at once the heat, they had decided on a campus of builds with large windows and spacious interiors connected by covered walkways. The question of the day of course, was how best to ensure that the library didn't become too humid during the day, and as such, they chose to consult the local inhabitants for suggestions.
While they were doing that, labourers began work on the foundation of the first teaching hall.

Meanwhile, a collection of scribes under the shade of a group of trees were being taught the Islander tongue by a group of elderly citizens. They felt it appropriate that at least some of the books they were providing should be in a language known by all who lived there, even if the script was of the Ashenite variety.

Spoiler

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1: Military expedition of one thousand light cavalry to search for the lost prince. [military]

2: Finalise colonisation of Kyalarath (region forty-four). [curiosity] [2/2]
Roll.

3: Finish Great Observatory. [curiosity] [5/5] Postponed to next turn.
3: Invent the Printing Press through use of my Curiosity Ten action. The technology is shared with the remainder of the Union of the North, Crima, Bordeux and Sulvan.

4: Bring Hazaria (region twenty-eight) into the political structure of Ashenia, thus stabilising it and enfranchising its inhabitants. [diplomacy]

5: Construct Grand Naval Academy Building/Buildings in the Jewelled Cities to house their naval academy as per the terms of our treaty. [diplomacy] [1/5]

[Arkhosia]

1.Send diplomats to Kasumor
2.Continue that Reinforcing Thingy they had going on (2/5)
3.Raise 1000 troops.
4.Raise 1000 Troops.
5.Announce that all non-UN nations are invited to the 5 Years Festival

[WaylanderX]

There is a Ray of Hope beyond Despair

Actions:

1. Colonize the Northern part of region 4b (inhabitants = 2000 Zar-jin goblins, 2000 Kasumori + Natives). The southern half is under Eyrecradian rule, while the northern half is under Kasumori rule. Stats and Resource distribution pending. (Militairy)

2. Continue building the University of Culture. Extra courses are made available, namely Shikurai Culture and History, On the subject of The Great Eel Spirit, Ancient Cloudiz Customs and Leaders of Kasumor. (Grand Project 2/5). (Curiosity)

3. Raise 1000 Goblin Troops equiped with hovercrafts and siege insects. (Militairy)

4. Marius visits the Blazing Avatar. (Curiosity/Faith?)

5. Attend the World Fair (Deal with Guilder for Inventors-Hovercraft and Razdis for Coal-Hovercraft) (Curiosity)

Fluff action:
After the World Fair back at home, Marius Earthguard steps down from the throne! His daughter, Nyllana Earthguard is now the Eienguard (Shïnguard = Male leader, Eienguard = Female leader)! All Hail the Eienguard! May Prowess guide and guard her forever!
As a present, Marius gave Nyllana a mysterious egg from Vrevral, with the note to take good care of the egg and newborn. Marius is still the Head Swordpriest of Ashmar however and will devote his time investigating and inventing stuff.
Eljak, ambassador of Zargrim, determined to not stay behind, also steps down and gives the position to his son, Eleljak.

[TheWombatOfDoom]

Actions for Lyradis (subject to change - especially the Great resource decision):

1[Military]

1 Unit of Land Units, mostly archers. Equiped in steel armor.

2[Military]

1 Unit of Ocean Faring Ships for the Navy, to protect Lyradissian Waters. It be dangerous times.

3[Curiosity]

Continue work on a Training University for animals and trainers. [Great Project 2/5]

4[Curiosity]

Make Grain a Great resource, and use extra supplies to assist in population growth. Project will also fortify Lyradis in case of drought.

5[Diplomacy] Roll - 9

Use my unit of ocean faring vessels to explore to the Land on Region 32, bringing along the 1 [good] supply of Crops as a diplomatic offering of peace. Attempting to colonize country, or if there are people there, Jain offers a diplomatic merging of the kingdoms in return for Lyradis' protection and sustenance of Resources.

[moossabi]

Fluff!
"Again, how far off-course did they go?"

The whole court was on the brink of open laughter. The explorers had gone so far off-course that there was almost a major political incident with Ashenia.

"Um, well..."

The leader of the expedition (a generic Lizardfolk) was, at the time, very nervous.

"Don't worry, it was not your fault."

Awnli had been appointed as head of diplomatic ordeals, and, as such, was the main figure of this ordeal.

"Well, there is no point in dwelling on it," Apahulucta stated. "You may go."

As the generic person left, the king began to speak: "So, we have a small army, a massive cluster of ruins, an alliance, and some human Salt-people that need a thrashing. So far, a good start."

"But, we only have a small military, and we need some ships."

Dakul had been made supreme army commander.

"True... Apparently Celero has a World's Fair going on, that might help. I'll go, and I'll take Awnli and Kahil. Dakul, watch over the kids while I'm gone."

"Oh, ummmm... Ok?"

The kids, particularly the twins, had earned quite the reputation of troublemakers.

"All right, let's get to it."

______________________________________________

Spoiler: Last Round Increases

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+1 diplomacy, +1 curiosity

Spoiler: ACTIONS

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1) [d] attend world's fair.
2) [m] train 1000 troops
3) [m] create boat fleet to transport units (1/2)
4) [c] explore through the crevice with better maps (explore due west)
5) [c] begin research into alchemy (nonmagical)

Spoiler: Family/important people

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Apahulucta: King, 25
Palinoy: Queen, 23
Sarthar: Heir, 5
Veir and Falm: Twin Princesses, 4
_____

Awnli: Lead Diplomat, 26
Dakul: Supreme General, 24
Kahil: Lead Scientist, 25

[Chief]

No fluff sorry, I'm not sure if my laptop won't run out of power soon, has happend before

Spoiler: Actions

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1.Continue writing the Holy Book of Flames 3/5 [Faith]
2. Build a campus for the academy of arts 3/5 [Curiosity]
3. Combulei departs life, a great funeral is held during which his body is burried in the grand mausoleum, his life work. After the funural Vilindrae Divinorum is instated as the new High priest and ruler of Calorum
4. Send a 1000 troops to aid in conquering the Heartwaste. [military]
5. Simovi, marries the beatifull and pious Bertra. After which they eat the sacred leaf. This is all done in Gunung.[military]

In order to make things less complicated, I will only start counting stat increases for Vilindrae after this round so she does not receive +1 military after this round (unless Morph dictates otherwise, him being the most supreme ruler of us all jk)

edit: last action, from raising troops to wedding

[Arutha]

1: secret
2:foundrys project 3/5
3: metric system 3/5
4: Berta is united in marriage with Simovi, and, due to tradition, can challenge for heir ship of Pryonia. She shows no interest.
5: Rogar marries Selena Corvens, daughter of Erwin Corvens. By the end of their second year of marriage, Selena is pregnant.

This rounds increases are +1 cur, +1 diplo.

[Chacmon]

No time no fluf allas

Aitah steps down as King at the end of the round, seeking to spend his remaining years as a scribe, allowing his son to asscend to the trone.

-(military) Send 4000 troops to aid Guilder in its military campaign in the Hearthwaste
-(diplomacy) attend the fair in Celero (inventors-adamantium trade with guilder)
-(curiosity) search to see if there are any underground regions in Gunung (next to the many underground lava cambers of course)
-(curiosity) Lava canals continue construction (grand project 3/5)
-(faith) In a holy wedding at Fire’s Birth Berta from Pyronia is married to Simovi from Calorum, after the wedding (and before the wedding night) the newlyweds eat from the herb that was given to King Aitah by the Blazing Avatar

[Morph Bark]

End of Round Six.

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 Seven: Begin!

Don’t forget to link to any rolls you make for Diplomatic colonization checks, Military battle and tactical maneuvering checks, Curiosity tech-stealing checks, Faith conversion checks, and 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 count for your current ruler, but may provide greater bonuses to their heir.

Good luck!

New Player?!
HisHolyAngel has reserved region 50! Rumours of catfolk and pegasi spread!


Explore!
Grmanhillian explorers have discovered region 30!

Region P3 discovered by Sympol!

The Ashenian expedition to find Crown Prince Hazael returns with news! They barely managed to defeat an army five times their size, and have received word of the enemies they faced that they wish to have random for the Crown Prince Hazael they seek! “Three great treasures for one great Prince,” the ransom offer is noted.


Colonize!
Ashenia has finished colonizing region 44! It has been dubbed Kyalarath. Region 28 had been dubbed Hazaria.

Razdis has begun colonizing region 14B!

Bordeux has finished colonizing region 40! Region 40 has three terrain features to be determined by Lord_Burch, as well as two Good resources. Please post the write-up for the region in the main thread.

Bordeux has begun colonizing region 26!

The Jeweled Cities have begun colonizing region 26! The Jeweled Cities is more successful in colonizing region 26 this round and will receive a +2 bonus on the Diplomacy check this round.

Kasumor and Eyrecradia have decided to jointly colonize region 4B, with Kasumor taking the northern half and Eyrecradia the southern half. This means that neither fully controls the region. The region has 8000 native inhabitants, which appear to be related to the Eyrecradian elves and Grim goblins. The region’s only known resource is squid, and it is of Great quality. I guess the two colonizers will have to split duty on describing the region? Then again, Arkhosia was there first and long busy with it. You two figure it out. :P

Lyradis has begun colonizing region 32! The natives appear to be rather friendly with the Lyradisians, though their leaders wonder what Jain means by ‘diplomatic merger’.


Conquer!
3000 of the remaining militia in Nyroth are slaughtered in battle against the forces of the Ignato Empire and Hrathan-Tuor. Any others offer no resistance. [Conquest progress: 2/2]

All of the Heartwaste’s 2000 troops are slain in battle against the invading forces of Guilder, Gunung and Calorum. [Conquest progress: 1/2]

Tekorvans wonder in whispers whether their Elder will press the marriage claim the royal family has, to attempt to save the Heartwaste’s populace.


Convert!
A ‘convert’ paragraph may not be included in each round start post, but I thought it’d be handy for zabbarot this first turn co-GMing.
Scla’ca shamans convert lizardfolk in Scla’ca, Alydaxis and Nyroth to the Cult of the Sky!

Radurjic Seekers convert people in Celero, Hrathan-Tuor and Guilder to the religion of Radurja!


Terror!
The Blazing Avatar is slain in front of King Andust’s eyes at the first World’s Fair in Celero! “For the Order!” shouted he, “For the Khater! For the True Fire of the Lord!”

In response to this, the populace of countries with a majority of Lord of Fire worshippers (see here, also includes Ashmar and Calorum Reformation religions) call out for the blood of the guilty. Retaliation! Justice must be served! VENGEANCE BE CAST UPON THEM!

Those with such regions under their control, make Diplomacy checks TN [target number] 9. Those who fail have the populace demand that they take action, or else they will take action for you! (That means they will rebel. Have fun!)


New Map!

Spoiler

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Region 30 has been discovered by Grmanhil! It has 18000 people, a Good amount of grain, and one other Good resource to be determined by the first successful colonizer.

Region 41 has been discovered by Alydaxis! It has 25000 people, a Good amount of giraffes, and one other Good resource to be determined by the first successful colonizer.

Region 42 has been discovered by Alydaxis! It has 19000 people, a Good amount of limestone, and one other Good resource to be determined by the first successful colonizer.

Region 43 has been discovered by Ashenia! It has 39000 people, a Good amount of voidbeasts, and one other Great resource to be determined by the first successful colonizer. It is currently ruled by Hartigan Biûrkahâd, who rules from Heartgouger's Tower, where allegedly Crown Prince/King Hazael II is being held for ransom. Hartigan Biûrkahâd has an army of 4000 warpainted men and women.

Regions 51 and 52 have been discovered by Guilder and Qarimos! They're together part of the Kingdom of Quira, where the pyramid kings rule their faeborn peoples. Not much is known about it.

Region 53 has been discovered by Guilder and Qarimos! It has 24000 people and a Good amount of magnetite.

Region 54 has been discovered by Guilder and Qarimos! It has 16000 people and a Good amount of athletes.

Region P8 has been discovered by the United Lacertian Dominion! It has 8000 people and a Good amount of blue fire.

Region P3 has been discovered by Sympolemou! It has 4000 people and a Good amount of true ice.

Other!
The breeding in Crima has produced a horse with one wing! Another one! Still not very useful, but this one is on the other side! Ashenian breeders have begun to try and create similar, or different results.

The Northern Lights are seen again, this time from Lacertia all the way to Sympolemou. The lizardfolk of the United Lacertian Dominion seem to find them quite pretty to look at.

An old man runs naked through the capital of Calorum yelling "Eureka!" Unfortunately, he runs off into the woods in what seems to be madness and is eaten by bears.

[Chacmon]

fluf pending


-(curiosity) colonize region p8
-(curiosity) make ademantium a great resource
- start sending forged(finished product NOT the tech) adamantium to Celero,Kasumor and Ignato empire
-(curiosity) Look into the avetars murder using the murder weapon as the main lead for the investigation
-(military) send 4000 troops, wielding adamantium shields and spears to Celero And another 1000 riding Mantids, (total 5000 troops wielding a 2 tech bonus)
-(military) train 1000 troops equiped with the new adamantium spears and shields

[Zap Dynamic]

Raaneka, the Painted Lands
((Attribute increases last round: Curiosity +2))
((Attribute increases this round: Curiosity +1))


Year 361
Rejoice! The golden statue in the plaza of Sarab is on schedule, and will be complete in time for an unveiling at the Second Raaneki Games! It has been proclaimed fitting revelry for such a glorious monument.

Year 362
At the first turning of the year, heralds with painted skin went forth to each kingdom, bearing a scroll sealed with the sigil of Lady and Lord of Raaneka:

Spoiler

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With the joined voices of Lady Aditi and Lord Devdan, Masters of Raaneka, may all the realms lend ear!

The first Lord and Lady of Raaneka ruled for fifteen years, and great contests of prowess were held at their coronation and their abdication. These games have repeated themselves every fifteen years for centuries, and in the summer of 362, on the six longest days of the year, the Raaneki Games shall be held yet again. The Raaneki are eager to receive you in peace, and our athletes eager to compete. Come one and all, to partake of our hospitality and our fabled wine.

The Raaneki Games shall begin in the capitol, Bandar of Many Colors. They will conclude in the city of Sarab.

Signed,

Aditi and Devdan
Lady and Lord of Raaneka
Bright Glory, Dark Wine

May the Second Raaneki Games begin!

Year 363
Hail! Hark! May every land lend ear! Aditi Blackhands and her husband Devdan have abdicated the Twin Thrones and departed the land! As the eldest Raaneki coupling of their children, Lady Lomadi and Lord Ujval Devdano ascend to the Twin Thrones! Aditi and Devdan have left the Raaneki with the Berundas as a parting gift. May their glory never fade, and their goblets never empty.

Year 364
Princess Anguri Adite, Marshal of the Raaneki Berunda, has assembled her first flight of warriors! Her husband, Krama, acts as her second among this band of ten worthies.

Year 365
After five years of progress, Raaneka Stadium had been raised in purple stone on the southern edge of the field. Construction continued on the stadium awning. Raaneki throughout the land waited in anticipation of the next two phases: wayhouses along the mounted racecourse, and the stadium at Bandar Harbor.

Spoiler: Actions

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1. Develop Berundas into an aerial military unit. (Curiosity 10)
2. Project 2/2: Construct Golden Berunda Statue. (Curiosity)
3. Host Second Raaneki Games in 362. All nations welcome to compete. (Diplomacy)
   
   • Lady Aditi and Lord Devdan abdicate to Prince Ujval and Lomadi.
   • Princess Anguri Adite to marry Krama, a mighty Raaneki warrior.
4. Train 1 Berunda Aerial Unit. (Military)
5. Great Project 2/5: Construct Raaneka Stadium. (Curiosity)

[Arkhosia]

THE QUEEN IS GONE! LONG LIVE THE KING!

Weiss disappears in the 5th year of Round 7, and is replaced by her heir Jaune.

This is the moment for war!

1:Fortification 3/5
2: Send 1/2 of troops to sympolu (did I spell that right?)
3: raise 1000 troops
4: raise 1000 troops
5: raise 1000 troops

[Silverbit]

[Tunnels, the southeast of Razdis, year 362]
Miners of the Red Rock clan prospecting in newly-revealed caverns stumbled back to the nearest settlement in a happy daze, bearing fragments of shining silver ore.
"Mithril! The moon-silver is here, in our lands! We shall all be rich!"

[The Mormaer's Hall, Razdis, year 365]
Mormaer Razkai the Elder sat wearily on his throne.
"My rule is soon to be over, thank the rocks above and beneath. Razkai will be a capable ruler, I trained him well. What with the Sympol invasion, rumours of cat folk, and the conquest of Eyrecradia, he will have a turbulent rule."
He looked up to the teeming hall. Yet more dwarves were on the way to the tunnels beneath Guilder, and engineers drew diagrams of the Kalpraz defences in luminescent chalk upon the walls of the chambers.

My actions:

Spoiler

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1. [CURIOSITY] Keep colonising region 14B.
2. [CURIOSITY] Use a Curiosity 5 action to discover the resource of Mithril in the deepest reaches of Razdis.
3. [MILITARY] Keep working on the walls of Kalpraz 3/5.
4. [CURIOSITY] Wouldn't you like to know .
5. ???

Razkai the Elder lays down his steel crown at the end of the turn, leaving the Mormaership to Razkai the Younger, now known as Razkai II. The former Mormaer retires to the ancestral clan holdings, to live in quiet surroundings. Speculated reasons for his retirement include the death of the Blazing Avatar and his own encroaching blindness. Stats for Razkai II, but +1 more curiosity.

Family:
Mormaer Razkai the Elder (80)
Prince Razkai the Younger (53)-Grelod Earthsmite (Razkai the Younger is beginning to act more as a regent of the ageing Mormaer.)
Elder Ambvard (47) (retired in Kalpraz)
Prince Tuthin (45)-General Herig of the Embattled Tower Clan
Vali, son of Razkai the Younger (20)
Ali, son of Razkai the Younger(20)
Uristine, daughter of Herig(15)

[Slayerofundead]

Years 361-366

Chieftain Orgnar Bangboom sends Durgra Razorroar with 1000 light infantry men to region 30 to locate any sentient or civilized people in the region. If empty start colonization. (Deplomacy 1 point) roll for colonization http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showp...3&postcount=67
5+3=8


Cheftain Orgnar Bangboom an his son Bergar Bangboom attended the second Raaneki Games withe 6 Orc warriors.(deplomacy 1 point)

Build one unit light infantry and one unit archers (military 2 points)

[QuintonBeck]

Last Round Attribute Increases: +2 Diplomacy

Olwyt rested his head in his hands as the news filtered in. First the attack on Kasumor by the so called "Nightmare Bond" now the Union Marched towards Imperial lands. His father was honor bound and sworn by blood to defend Kasumor thanks to his father's agreement as well as his own desire to maintain good relations with the new Eienguard, the Lady Nyllana he had met those ages ago at the Lyradis Grand Ball. He pondered for a moment that time for his youth but was quickly jerked back to the realities of things.

His plans to begin to consolidate the kingdom his father had forged and reach out and begin to strengthen ties with elsewhere nations had been halted by the news of war. Olwyt knew of war, he had taken fast his father's teachings, but he had hoped to not be confronted with it during his reign. His wish to avoid further bloodshed seemed to be opposed by the Spirits however. He had warned his father of his aggressiveness, many nights Kilwen and himself had spoken to their late father of the need for tact and diplomacy but the Khan of Khans was a straightforward man, a trait that extended to friendships and enemies. Now his enemies had decided to come calling. If only he was here now, his was a mind built for war, no doubt he could repel both invasions with only a handful of troops tactical genius that he was. Probably not truly, but Olwyt certainly felt incapable compared to him, yet he still had notes his father had left behind, his legacy plans and tactics and they would serve Olwyt as best as he could use them.

Not all was lost though, even now. Correspondences from all across the continent had been flying between nations as troops mobilized and moved for war. It was, Olwyt believed, going to be a war he and his would win, he prayed to the Great Ancestor this was true in any event. Only time of course would tell, but he would not be the First and Last Emperor of Ignato, to that he made a solemn vow.

His mind returned to current matter as he reviewed the latest correspondence, yes, things may well work out in the end.

Spoiler: Actions

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1.)Diplomacy 5 Special Action: To quell any threat of rebellion within Nyroth Province an investigation will be coordinated with other GC members to try and find the reasons behind the assassination of the Blazing Avatar [Diplomacy]
2.)Winning Tactic to force a Coastal confrontation with the UN forces in CeleroRoll [Military]
3.)Send 4,000 Imperial troops to defend against the UN in Celero[Military]
4.)Sympol's invasion of Kasumor will not be tolerated by the Empire, or its allies, those traitorous rats will be shown no mercy at the tip of Imperial and Imperial allied blades. With permission of Guilder the Empire commandeers the western Guilderese fleet to ferry 2,000 Scla'ca troops into Woodwind to join the march east against the Sympol invaders in Zagrim.[Military]
5.)March 5,000 Imperial men into Zargrim to assist in the Eienguard's defense against the vermin onslaught[Military]

[lt_murgen]

The Jeweled Cities Round 7 (361-365) actions:

Events
Amber Grant is now fully in charge, having been named as successor and trained last round. Bumps to Amber from round 6 +1 Military, +1 Curiosity.

Her stats are listed here, and updated in my main thread (shortly)
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showp...4&postcount=28
(ooc- yes, I know listing both sisters is technically not correct, but I needed stats so I could do the military rolls to see which one of them won the fight. Yes, I did actually roll!)

The Naval Academy of the Jeweled Cities is Functional! However, the 'stone-ification' of several buildings is ongoing, a gift from our trading associates in Ashenia.


Action #1 (diplomacy) Continue Colonization of Region 26
Roll for second half of colonization: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showp...9&postcount=65
Action #2 (curiosity) start intensive study of gift of model ship (that flies) that was from Blazing Avatar.
Action #3(military) Build 1 unit of warships based on Academy knowledge
Action #4](military) Build 1 unit of ground troops for defense.
Action #5(diplomacy) Secret.

Aiming for +1 diplomacy, +1 military

Rumors:

Spoiler

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The rumor is that Amber, Regina of the Jeweled Cities, refused to allow athletes from the Jeweled Cities travel to Raaneka to attend the games because Evelyn is rumored to have taken up residence there.

The rumor is that the vast numbers of day laborers hired by the Ashenian stonemasons working at the Naval Academy include spies determined to steal their stoneworking secrets.

The rumor is that Jeweled Cities traders are urging Kasumori with an affinity for water to flee the onslaught from Sympol and come live in the islands and smuggling them offshore on their boats.

The rumor is that the Shamans have enchanted the numerous spirit poles around the islands to act as spies for the Regnia.

The rumor is that several massive storms have reduced much of the islands to little more than waterlogged rubble. Many thousands have died.

The rumor is that before Jonas retired, he spent 15 years building a massive fleet, in secret. Now, the Jeweled Cities waits for a reason to unleash them as raiders once again.

Fluff:

Spoiler: Colonization of region 26”

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“They WHAT?” The sound of breaking glass accompanied the outburst. Amber was on her feet and pacing, he glass of Raanekan wine smashed upon the hearth. “Of all the treacherous, backstabbing…" her words trailed off into a long string of expletives in a half-dozen langauges.

The first mate who had brought her the news continued. “Yes, Bordaux was colonizing the region around that great bay. We let their flotilla past Sca’la and Alydaxis as we were instructed. But they applied their efforts to the peninsula to counter ours. Now the natives see them as a greater ally.” He tried to remain neutral as he spoke.

Amber stopped pacing. She took a few deep calming breaths, and closed her eyes. The breathing exercises Whisper had taught her helped restore her focus. She smiled at the young sailor and dismissed him with a thanks.

After that, she took quill to paper. “No one screws me without asking nicely first.” She muttered as she wrote. She wrote for a long time, tearing up several drafts and committing them to the fire. It was near dawn when she finally took a break, summoning her messengers to dispatch the writings. Whisper was waiting on the front porch.

“Shaman Candles on Big Boy says the clouds tell him a hurricane is coming. It will be a bad one.”

Amber sighed. Hurricanes were a yearly occurance. The people of the islands weathered them stoicly, or perhaps fatalistically, every time. “Please have your Order pass the word. Remind people to lay in extra stores of clean water and food. How long do we have?”

“Three days, five at the high end, he thinks.”

She nodded, calculating. “I’ll have the catamaran skippers start hauling people to the leeward side of Big Boy. Plenty of room on the Academy grounds, at least temporarily.” Whisper was pleased with the Regina’s quick action, and left. Shortly afterwards, she called upon Black Sam Bellami. She had a task for him as well.

[Lord_Burch]

Spoiler

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1. Colonization roll for 26.
2. Invasion of Celero with... My troops? Maybe Blades, too? I'm so confused right now.
3-5. Raise 3000 troops in Bordeux.

[HisHolyAngel]

The Birth of Fubala
The chill ingrains itself in a person's bones up here. It is no surprise that at the peak of Mount Shivira, where one is closest to the Goddess of the Frost, a woman is accepting the Rod of Yphine.
The priests claim the rod was made when Yphine created the first winter. They say a great pillar of ice formed in front of her, and as she grasped for it, the pillar shattered in deference to the Goddess. The shattered pieces poured down the sides of the mountains below and into the sea, forming what is known today as the Icefall of the White Lady. Left in her hand, was the single shard of ice that came to be her rod.
Now, that rod was being placed in the hands of the Goddesses' new priestess. She looked tiny, her bare skin, pale against the snow. With the rod in her hand, the men around her begin to approach her, fine fabrics in there arms. They drape the fabrics around her, covering her nudity, and forming robes, with some slight adjustment. One man, who was standing a short distance away, soon begins to speak,
"You shall abandon all you have experienced until now. You shall abandon family, home, life. You shall abandon name and embrace a new one in the glory of the Goddess."
The man approaches the woman, indicating for her to kneel before him. As she does so, he places upon her head a silver circlet, inlaid with white gems.
"Rise, Daughter of the Frost, and accept your new name!"
She stands, looking glorious and radiant amidst the snow on the top of the mountain.
"I am Fabula, Bearer of the Rod, High Priestess of the Chosen People, Guide to the Sacred Land, Hand and Voice of Yphine, Goddess of the Frost and Bringer of the Eternal Winter."
She turns away from the men as they bow before her. She faces the world, away from the mountain.
"I am Yphine!"

------------------------------

((MORE FLUFF TO COME!))

1. Religion is that of Yphine, Goddess of the Frost (Faith)
2. Temple is built in the capital Yphinerra for the new High Priestess Fabula (Faith)
3. An envoy is sent to the The Second Raaneki Games (Diplomacy)
4. Messengers sent out to all nations, to spread the word that Sycia has a new High Priestess and is entering the global community. (Diplomacy)
5. Study of magical artifact (pan that creates boiled meat) received from XXXXXXXXX (don't worry about it just yet, the people who need to know, know) in order to discover how it does what it does (curiosity)

[SamBurke]

Spoiler: ACTIONS/OOC

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Last round's increases were Military/Diplomacy. This round's will be Military(Maxed)/Curiosity.

Morph, *great* work on another epic-length post, and I'm really happy to see Fiassa represented on the map there , but there is a problem... I was colonizing Region 50 last turn. And somebody's apparently moving now...? This would make the *THIRD* time I've tried to expand and someone's moved in. So, uh... could we find the fellow a different place?

1. [Military] Build a unit of soldiers. (+1, armed with Hovercraft / adamantine)
2. [Curiosity] Begin colonizing Region 53. [1/2]
3. [Curiosity] Begin to colonize Region 54. [1/2]
4. [Military] Move to defend Kasumor with 5,000 soldiers under the command of Tumberink the Doge. Maneuver the battle to take place far away from any mountains, to keep the Sympol out of their element.
5. [Military] Moving to invade Sympol with one of my units of ships. [1/2]

[Tychris1]

A LEGACY OF BLOOD AND IRON!

"I, am a Sympol."

The Duke pulled his blade out of the beasts head. A massive writhing monstrosity, with too many legs to be considered natural, and a head with multiple mouths screaming in agony. His blood slicked iron sword flicked ever so gracefully as he readied it. Scores of Plate Armored Stormvermin and heavily outfitted Tribal Warriors surged around him, like an ocean of black and red armor crashing around a rock. They hacked and slashed wildly, butchering the monsters that the Duke had found.

"In this world of constant battle, I am the deadliest weapon of all."

A three headed flying spider swooped down and attempted to grab the Duke. Its slobbering mouth opened wide to engulf him, but it was left eating a rock instead, and the Duke slide under its belly and cut it from top to bottom. His feet danced about, effortlessly moving in the bulky armor as if it were a second skin. Spinning to the left, he extended his arm as far as he could and sent the iron sword throttling through the air, finally becoming impaled as it met the waiting face of a beastial doppleganger of a Sympol, a rat of unusual an unusual size.

Holding up a halberd, a Stormvermin rushed forward and impaled another monster with the aid of eight of his kin. They swarmed over the beast and tore away at it like vultures eating carrion, and just as soon as it dropped dead, they moved on to a new target. Seeing their Duke, they spoke in hushed tones, repeating their oath.

"I respect no authority, but the clenched fist of my Duke."

The skirmish was coming to a close, and the Duke was now merely surveying the battlefield. The crushed bodies of monsters scattered throughout the land, with remarkably few Sympol casualties in return. Holding out his hand, the Duke received the handle of a Greataxe, and continued walking through the gore soaked fields. Finally he came to a stop, finding the wounded and crumpled body of a disgusting thing, a monster with glowing red eyes, pale green skin, and multiple tentacles on its face. Cuts and bruises lined its whole body, and it began to desperately try to crawl from the Duke. Placing his cold, unforgiving, iron boot on the monsters back, Bloodfang held him down with ease. He leaned down, caressing the monsters face with his clawed iron gauntlet. Slowly but surely tearing away each tentacle on his face.

"We Sympol are born into battle, we live in the fields of blood and war. When the time comes, and we march into the Forest of Bones with warriors uncounted, we will kill you all, and fully reclaim our home."

Chopping the abominations head off, The Duke rallied his soldiers with the banner of his people, and awaited their arrival. A teeming mass of Sympol's, interlocking layers of metal standing side by side so closely that they blurred into one homogenous blob of combat. The Duke only had to look at their grinning and worshipping faces to be sure that he had their undeniable attention. This field test was far greater then Bloodfang could have ever hoped! What initially turned out to be a simple field test for their newly delivered suits of Plate Armor turned into a full scale purge of a horrifying slice of Monster territory. Clad in powerful and sturdy Plate Armor, not a single Sympol died that day, and the bodies of the aberrations stacked so high as to make a wall out of them!

"Warriors! Kin! Lend me your ears! In recent years, the Grand Coalition has pressed their strength against the allies we have sworn to protect. They have expanded themselves in the same ruthless manner that these monsters we have slain today did to us years ago! Even now the Soldiers of the Heartwaste are butchered by the hundreds, their crushed bodies tossed eagerly to the side to make way for the growing power mass that is the Grand Coalition. And though it pains me to see our allies in Guilder perpetrating this action, I only wish that the Doge may see my wisdom and turn his efforts in our favor."

Raising his Iron Greataxe above his head, The Duke now began to roar ferociously.

"Let the other nations of the world learn what every Sympol learns when he is born!"

"VICTORY, AT ANY COST!"

Spoiler

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1. Invade Zargim with the combined might of the Nightmare Bond, with Sympolemou contributing 14 EDIT: 13 Military Units, and utilizing Plate Armor (Military)
2. Tactical Maneuvering in Zargim to utilize Winning Tactic: Mountains (Military)
3. Continue progress on Great Project: Combat Drugs! [3/5] Send scouts out to relay Information on the goings on of the GC (As per Waylanders request) (Curiosity) EDIT: Send 1,000 Heavy Infantry to Defend Sympolemou! Never surrender!
4. Curiosity 5, Discover new resource in Sympolemou: Monstrous Rats! (Curiosity)
5. That's Classified information.

[Rain Dragon]

((IMPORTANT! - High Prince Yuuhi has come of age and is now in control of the Ancient Fiefdom of Sanctuary.))

361 - Send a delegation to Guilder to discuss current events 「Diplomacy」

Spoiler: The Awoken Treaty

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Given that we break the hold of a Nightmare, and that we will bring new light to all lands in our hold, Guilder finds it fitting to declare this treaty as the Awakening.

The treaty involves all signatory nations and the various protectorates of Sanctuary, and its terms are laid out as follows:

First, Mutual Defense. All signers of this treaty agree to oppose to the Union of the North's incursions to member nations. This will be done with force if required.

Second, Freedom from Tribute. Guilder and Sanctuary may not leverage tribute from the other's nations.

Third, Heartwastes Peace. There will be peace without soldiers for ten years, until the spring of 370 unless the Heartwaste takes unprovoked military action toward one of the signatory nations before that time.

Fourth, Trade Deals. It is understood, though not fully binding, the signatories of the Awoken Treaty shall not give power to enemy nations in any form. In addition, several specific deals are outlined:

• Pyronia will be given Steel Plate forged from their iron, but not the secrets of the process.
• Kasumor is given the secrets of Plate Armor, and thus renounces their animosity towards Sanctuary.
• All signatories agree to be more open towards additional trade in the future.

Fifth, Future Deals. There will be a work in good faith between Ignato and Sanctuary to create an alliance and work together.

This is witnessed and signed in the year 360 by:
「More signatures pending, but the important ones are」
-High Prince Yuuhi of the Ancient Fiefdom of Sanctuary
-Tumberink, Doge of Guilder 「to be signed next round at a diplomatic event」

362 - A legendary set of weapons has been created for the current and all future High Prince of the Ancient Fiefdom of Sanctuary. They are a pair of fantasy blades like this one. I was going to draw them at some point later. Sorry I don't have them here for now...
363 - Invite all of the most powerful beings of Telluris excepting the official Enemies of Sanctuary to Cantus Sai to be held in the year 366 「Diplomacy」
364 - High Prince Yuuhi publicly announces Sanctuary's extremely controversial position in the war, officially leaves the Nightmare Bond and severs the Mountain Blade treaty 「Diplomacy」

Pending stat increases - 「Diplomacy」 - +1 「Wordiness」 - +1

Spoiler: More reading

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Year 3, Yuuhi Era, Late Autumn [361]

They came from the North, stopping at Guilder's borders. Strange, large people in flowing robes in colours of the earth, stone and river. In the midst of their party, one man in particular stood out. An old man in a flowing white robe tied at the waist with an ornate sky blue sash. His robe appeared to be embroidered with silver, his cloak similarly decorative as it flowed in the slight breeze.

"I see you for the first time. I am Akira Shirokinu." the man in white said in Polite Speech to the border guard, bowing slightly. "I hope the weather is treating you well. Regretfully, I have little time for idle chatter and would appreciate a guarantee of safety so I may speak with your Doge on an important matter if at all possible."

He smiled slightly though it never reached his eyes. The entire party seemed quite sad in fact.

Spoiler: Excerpts from the conversation

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Tumberink sits, staring sadly at a map of the Heartwastes, and with a long scroll, a list of some sort, rolling off the table and far across the room. "This is the list of the dead. Two thousand in the Heartwaste, plus hundreds in Guilder. And now, it seems that my action there would destroy Zagrim as well, leaving a scar across the goblins. So it is that I receive the Sanctuary's delegation with utmost consideration." He bows to the gentlemen, and the promised seats finally arrive.

Sadly, Akira Shirokinu examines the reports of the fallen. Though it was not necessary, his heart went out to the dead of both sides. It was custom for him to reflect the feelings of the High Prince, yet acting was not necessary for truly this battle was a great tragedy for Heartwaste.

"Though I understand not the reasoning behind your Invasion of Heartwaste I am willing to hear your words with an open mind and an open heart. However know that I speak with the Voice of Sanctuary and High Prince Yuuhi is awaiting the outcome of this discussion. If nothing can be done, regrettably we must march to war against the Grand Coalition."

Later on

This letter has been prepared for the Doge Tumberink of Guilder in the event proof is supplied to confirm the vague rumours that the main terrorist heretical group of the Lord of Fire religion hail from Crimar.

Though Sympolemou's declaration is clever, I do not appreciate not being contacted about the fine details nor do I relish the thought some may assume we share the same opinion as expressed within the Declaration. It is all to convenient that the assassins be the very same nations who are seeking to expand their borders, though without further solid evidence to the contrary I shall have to stand by the Sympol.

Furthermore, I have it on very good authority that though many goblins died, Kasumor felt it was necessary to have taken the actions they did and currently have welcomed the goblins with open arms into their Empire. Furthermore, to think so ill of Kasumor disgusts me as though we are currently planning to march on them we have had many years of friendship and trade.

Similarly, rumours of Aloren's civil unrest had reached my ears alongside the new title 'Doomcan' and the claim that the Khan of Woodwind seeks the war simply to begin to add notches to his belt or whatever they do. Imagine my shock when I hear the situation is so bad in Aloren they could not even muster a force to defend their own nation! I have heard little of events after this, though it is a popular opinion that the Khan of the newly formed Ignato Empire embraced the Alorens and restored order to their nation. As for Nyroth, I have heard even less facts about that yet am willing to give the Ignato Empire and Hruan and Tor the benefit of the doubt as these events are much too far away from our Home for us to feel the fear of the Ignato Empire as of yet.

One of the main things preventing me from disbelieving Sympolemou entirely is that the Ignato Empire acts for itself and its allies. I believe sparking a religious war by murdering the Avatar of their allies faith would not serve the Ignato Empire nor their Allies. Guilder's motivations are entirely unknown to us. With the evidence that Sympolemou's accusations are false, I am willing to listen to what you, Doge Tumberink have to say.

We are at the brink of war and it would not do for Sanctuary to choose unwisely.

((OOC - Much more was said, but I'll keep most of it under my hat because most of it's just between Guilder and Sanctuary really. Shoot me a message if some of it does not make sense!))

Miscellaneous - A large party including Akira Sakuranbo and a strange masked Yorukuninin arrive in Pryonia. This event is strange not only due to the number of people but the high number of Aristocrats and heavily armed guard. It is whispered they wish to discuss further delays in Pryonia's shipment of iron plate armour.


Year 4, Yuuhi Era, Mid Winter [362]

He knew what they thought of him. He wasn't blind to the truth. Ninzoukurusu Epinomus examined the metal he had purchased earlier that day. Unlike much of the iron of the region forged into steel, this rare piece was found in the very depths of Yorukuni. It didn't appear to be much different from Tekorvan steel however, and as such Ninzoukurusu did not really believe it was truly Yorukunin. It was very rare to discover iron in Yorukuni. Nonetheless, he had bought it anyway and still didn't quite know why he had.

Sighing lightly and displaying his large deep red Hanseiyoku, Ninzoukurusu ordered some peasants to prepare the Great Forge of Tekorva. Whilst he waited, Ninzoukurusu stared up at the clouds and wondered why he was one of those firstborn of a union between the Aristocracies of Yorukuni and Tekorva. Though to his face people pretended to be respectful of his relatively high position they did little to hide the smirks and even less to conceal the incessant rumours against his kind. The fires roared hot with the strange liquid imported from the Heartwaste. Of course, Ninzoukurusu did not expect this trade to continue much longer considering High Prince Yuuhi's final decision. Like much of the Aristocracy, Ninzoukurusu grudgingly agreed with it, though some of the commoners were more than a little upset about it.

Turning his attention to the Forge, Ninzoukurusu begins to work. Though smithing was best left to the commoners, Ninzoukurusu found him coming back to this hobby time and again. Frowning slightly, Ninzoukurusu waits for the metal to heat.
"The Forge is not yet hot enough." Ninzoukurusu exclaims, disappointed. Yet, the peasants have never before made such a mistake. Urgently, they work the bellows as Ninzoukurusu continues to work. Finally, the metal begins to behave as normal steel would.

Ninzoukurusu begins working the metal into a set of traditional Yorukunin blades, Miryokto though at this point it began to behave strangely once more as though it refused to take the shape Ninzoukurusu wished it to.
"Good work, but don't falter now." Ninzoukurusu almost felt a little badly for the peasants as he struggles to force the steel into shape.

After several hours of hard work, he felt as though he was barely guiding the hammer so tired was he yet he worked on. At this point, the steel's shape and his original goal were starting to look similar but it was incredibly frustrating work and Ninzoukurusu was fairly certain the blades would be ruined. If it were the fault of the steel, he would be sure to punish the people responsible.

Later that week as Ninzoukurusu was sharpening the Miryokto he wonders again at the nature of them. They were the darkest of black and slightly lighter than regular steel. Unsurprisingly, it took a very long time to properly sharpen them. Though he had not added any detailing the blades themselves bore an ornate Yorukunin inscription, naming them 'Night and Song' and a cryptic message in archaic symbols. Could the ancient Legends of the Artist be true? Though he wished to finish them for himself, Ninzoukurusu arranges the best of designers and craftsmen to complete the glaives before presenting them as a gift to the High Prince Yuuhi himself. Perhaps such a handsome gift may elevate his position significantly...

Miscellaneous - A small party of people from Sanctuary arrive at Kasumor during the night. It is rumoured one of the people present was High Prince Yuuhi himself and another the daughter of Shadou Elysius. Later that year, a strange pale man in extremely worn clothing is seen travelling through the Raaneki Wilderness.


Year 5, Yuuhi Era, Early Spring [363]

The following news reaches the ears of all the powerful beings within Telluris

Relatively recently within our Memory the ancient tradition of Cantus Sai has become prominent among the Yorukuninin. As time went on and the nature Cantus Sai fully developed, the main event became exclusively for the Pure Blooded and an unspoken rule was born that only the Aristocracy may attend though all may celebrate Cantus Sai. With recent events giving us access to great influence within the Overworld, our Advisor Shadou to the High Prince of the Ancient Fiefdom of Sanctuary has made an announcement which caused excited rumour among many of the Yorukuninin.

Thus, the Aristocracy have decided to invite the most powerful rulers of the land to partake in Cantus Sai. While they are allowed to bring attendants and parties, they may not bring any but themselves into the Aristocracy’s Cantus Sai.

What is Cantus Sai you ask, and why is it so important to you? Well, to begin with our people are a proud race. Some Overworlders would even call us arrogant, and they are not far wrong. We take great pride in beauty and so an appreciation of the arts would be popular among us, don’t you think? While we celebrate beauty all the time, Cantus Sai is an ancient tradition of gathering to appreciate others’ work. Paintings, sculptures, lyrics, stories, music, theatre and countless other things.

Of course, with the nature of our modern Cantus Sai, would it not be a perfect opportunity for… Well… I’m sure you can figure that out for yourselves, what with so many of High Birth gathered. The next one is to be held during the year 366 of your standard calendar.


Year 6, Yuuhi Era, Mid Summer [364]

Surrounding and including our Break From the Nightmare Bond and Position in the War

This post is under construction!

Summary

The Ancient Fiefdom of Sanctuary has pending negotiations.


Year 3 of the Yuuhi Era 「361」: An Exchange in the High Prince's private quarters between Shadou Elysius, Thorn Princess Kynvessa and High Prince Yuuhi himself from the perspective of High Prince Yuuhi

Spoiler

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"My dear, why do you weep?" the High Speech of Yuuhi echoes through the room as Kynvessa of Heartwaste's tears fall silently. Though the words were spoken, Yuuhi knew already the answer. Thousands of her kin lay dead at the hands of a portion of the Grand Coalition and yet High Prince Yuuhi did nothing. He remembers little of her reply, though she sat tall and dignified throughout, the most beautiful of women even in her distress. She spoke of the dead and of Sanctuary's inaction.

"The negotiations did nothing but waste time and have your people slaughtered true, yet were we to not have attempted this we would have faced what we currently face sooner and with less reason." Yuuhi pours his wife a glass of Nix Merum in a poor attempt to show affection. Unfortunately, to outsiders Yorukuninin and even Tekorvaninin seem cold and unloving. Nonetheless, Kynvessa accepts the wine and excuses herself so Shadou and Yuuhi could discuss official matters privately.

"We have sent a delegation as requested to Guilder. I feel I must agree with Kynvessa however; your efforts are wasted." as Shadou speaks, High Prince Yuuhi examines one of the reports.
"We heard nothing from the Fae Queen of Guilder's reason nor anything of the other participants. We know nothing, thus we can do nothing without risk." Yuuhi points toward the reports of the army, "We have reason to believe Gunung and Calorum were involved. This would suggest the ongoing invasion of Heartwaste is a Grand Coalition matter, not simply Guilder."
"It would be a mistake to interfere as you seem so intent on doing. Simply do nothing and no oath will break."
"All oaths would be broken and you know it!" Yuuhi appears calm though his words were loaded with passion and fury.
"As for action, we have pledged peace with Kasumor, yet we must move through them to defend our fellow Nightmare Bond member. You do realize that Kasumor is a member of the very same Alliance who would attack Heartwaste? He cannot allow this. Yet we cannot declare war upon the Grand Coalition for the same reason! Not only have we pledged peace with Kasumor, we have promised military aid to our Old Friends Pryonia. Backward though they may be, I would not risk this friendship lightly."

Shadou seems a little taken aback, yet could not completely hide the pride he felt. High Prince Yuuhi's grasp of politics was exceptional.

"Our best option with the information we have is to join Sympolemou and take Zargrim so we may defend the Heartwaste. It means breaking promises, yet there is no option we can take which honours all of them and I know... I know it will haunt me for the rest of my days." the High Prince finally manages to regain an appropriate tone of voice. Shadou bows out of respect for Yuuhi.

"It is as you say and your Will shall be done, for you and you alone know the Destiny." Shadou wished he could safely say more, but did not wish to wake the next morning to an executioner's blade.

((OOC note - Though this is private, the intent and word of it leaks outside of Sanctuary))

Year 4 of the Yuuhi Era 「362」: Akira Shirokinu returns to Sanctuary and presents himself before Advisor Shadou Elysius

Spoiler

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Shadou strode past the mighty Army of Sanctuary. The starlight glinted off their weapons and armour as they stood tall and proud, for within a few years time they would march with the armies of the Nightmare Bond against the injustices the Grand Coalition have performed against Heartwaste, home of the High Prince Yuuhi's wife. Nonetheless, the fact Sanctuary was marching for an ally much of the common folk did not know about against their friends Kasumor who are allied with their Old Ally of Pryonia had Sanctuary on the brink of a minor civil war.

"Honourable Shadou Elysius." Shadou turns around to find the delegation returned from Guilder entirely unharmed. Akira Shirokinu rose steadily and presented Shadou with a hefty scroll. In sheer disbelief, Shadou quickly takes it to present to High Prince Yuuhi without even politely dismissing the Aristocrat.

Year 6 of the Yuuhi Era 「364」: High Prince Yuuhi writes the Official War Document to publish to all in Telluris who would be interested

The Official Document

Hear now the Voice of Sanctuary on the Invasion of Zargrim and the War between the Grand Coalition, the Nightmare Bond and the Union of the Northwest!

• Sanctuary is not taking part in the War between the Grand Coalition and the Nightmare Bond;
• Sanctuary refuses to attack Sympolemou, though we no longer have any ties to them;
• Sanctuary is no longer trading with any nation of the Nightmare Bond and has left both the Nightmare Bond and the Mountain Blade treaty;
• Sanctuary is honouring our alliances with Kasumor and Pryonia. As an apology to Kasumor, High Prince Yuuhi has agreed to share the secrets to smithing effective Plate Armour with Kasumor;
• Sanctuary is angered by the recent findings that the terrorist group responsible for the Pain of our Allies has been found in Crimar. Though the Lord of Fire religion goes almost directly against our own, Sanctuary will not tolerate terrorism of any sort and will march with Pryonia against the Fire Heretics.

Yet... None of this does more than imply the truth. The Fire in Heartwaste perhaps being an Act of Terrorism by those in Crimar, the lack of communication from Heartwaste, the Imprisonment of Kynvessa, the Relations with Guilder...

Rubbing his tired eyes High Prince Yuuhi reflects on Kynvessa's fury once she heard Sanctuary had allied with the very same nation who had attacked her homeland.


Year 7, Yuuhi Era, Spring [365]
I see not how any of this benefits anyone but yourself, Yuuhi!

Her harsh words echo through his head as he looks sadly toward the Tekorvanin innocently scurrying to the Overworld to celebrate the Flowers Festival. It had been several long years since she left for the Heartwaste, yet High Prince Yuuhi waited for her still for many a long year. He wished the spirits would protect both her and her daughter Valineth Varinel.

"Kynvessa... Against you, my only crime was honesty." Yuuhi remembers well the day she left.

"I'm sure were that truly a 'someone' rather than a 'something' they would be dead by now." Shadou's words were never respectful when alone with the High Prince. Relaxing his grip on the Miryokto slightly, High Prince Yuuhi turns to his Advisor.
"The negotiations?"
"They still await proper authorization. You do realize all of those involved are in the midst of the war you yourself helped arrange. The Yorukuninin appreciate your moves, but the Tekorvanin feel outrage at your betrayal." Shadou shifts into Polite Speech, fearing the wrath of his Prince.
"No... You are right. Yet upon my shoulders my Mother placed not only the ruling of an empire but the balancing of too many friends. It... I hate to speak ill of her, but it was not so wise of her to have agreed to so much so quickly..."
Shadou almost blinks in surprise before catching himself. It would seem the youth has become less prone to rage when confronted with the realities of what he did. Yet none could deny that what he did, he placed his lands and people before anything else.
"Yes... I doubt any would see it the same way, but what is done is done. You are no saviour, but neither did you damn your nation with this one action." Shadou's warm tone did little to cover the harsh reality of his statement. Yet High Prince Yuuhi let it be. After all, why would he wish for an Advisor who lied to him simply to keep him happy? If none challenged his word, his word would never mean a thing.

[Shnur]

Year 361
[Military] 3
Our army (2 units) will move to Ignato empire, where Khan Dyamus take command of it. We give him permission to use it against aggression of Sympolemou.
Year 362
[Curiosity] 3
Works on royal palace in capital city are almost finished. Now start works on city walls.
(3/5)
Year 363
[Curiosity] 3
Small expedition will be send to region 42, in attempt to start trade and gain influence in this region. (colonization attempt)
Year 364
[Diplomacy] 5
Merchant of Scla´ca will travel to United Lacertian Dominion. We want to trade them our famous Herbs for their fabled Great Lizards.
Year 365
[Faith] 7
We will send our missionaries to Tar. They have lived in darkness, worshiping false gods, but light of the Sky is coming.
(Roll: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showp...7&postcount=90)

[Tychris1]

Declaration of War

The Duke slowly shuffles his way to his throne room, occasionally stopping to take a break as his armor weighed him down. On the fields of war, bloodlust and adrenaline coursed through his veins, making his movements feel effortless. But back in the Heart of the North, it was a whole other story. Grumbling, he sat down upon his throne, and with a single mild gesture, a Sympol bearing a scroll stepped forward and prepped a quill. Bloodfang coughed slightly, before clearing his throat further and speaking sternly.

"It is to my misfortune that I must declare war against the Nation of Zargim. I understand there will he hard feelings amongst the Goblin people held within, and were the positions reversed I would feel rather angry myself. Yet the problem extends farther then Zargim, it stretches all the way to Kasumor, and the Grand Coalition itself. When I was much younger, I was curious. I wished to thrust my palm out into the world and seize the day with my claws. Yet in my young naivety I stumbled into a snake. A bewitching and constricting mistress that consumes and grows with a voracious hunger. That snake was the Grand Coalition. At first I was willing and submissive, eager to be a part of some greater whole, and was blind to what I had joined. As time progressed I stood and acted as an innocent Bystander to the pillaging and conquering of Zargim and Nyroth. Yet I said nothing. When the iron like jaws of the Grand Coalition began to gorge on the flesh of The Heartwaste, my soul broke a little on the inside. My heart was torn, weeping day and night at the conglomerate beast, the monster I had willingly attached myself to. Then came the plot. Approached by both Guilder and the Ignato Empire, I was told of the most heinous deed perpetrated in the land. That of the assassination of The Blazing Avatar. Prior to his untimely death, Guilder and the Ignato Empire were incredibly secretive, and offered me their bloodied knife. In an effort to increase the Grand Coalitions credibility and popularity amongst the world, they sought to sheathe their sword in the Blazing Avatar, and blame the Union of the North for having done so. We here at Sympolemou do not believe in this Lord of Fire, but we do not stand for or believe in the assassination of peaceful religious figures, purely to increase ones own ambitions. Disgusted and angered, I rejected their offer, and finally had built up enough hatred to lash out. No longer shall we stand by lazily and watch them spread like a disease. Today we strike out, with sword and shield, and we shall carve our way into The Heartwaste, and ensure our true allies will never again have to face the same tyranny that the Grand Coalition has presented! And so it is with a heavy heart that I must officially declare war on Kasumor, and in particular its subjugated region known as Zargim."

Releasing his breathe, Bloodfang slumped into his throne, tired and slightly disheveled. Rubbing his face, the Duke thought of the oncoming battle, and quietly muttered.

"I'm getting too old for this ****."

[SamBurke]

The Doge laughs when he reads a transcript of the Duke's speech, but then falls silent. He goes to the plaza and begins, with heavy head and furrowed brow, to write his words to the world. The following letter is sent with silent emissaries to every country and every court.

It is with great sorrow I read the words of the Duke of Sympol. He makes many words, with little break between them, yet I would fane use the sagacity of my people to respond, and perhaps with words more fair and wise. So I take it upon myself to write this reply, in repudiation of the stories of Sympol.

1: He says first that his entry unto the Grand Coalition restrained him. This may be true, yet we of Guilder were similarly restrained at first, and have ample opportunities. There were many lands for the expansion of the ratfolk, yet he looked not at them. Besides this, the Duke never spoke a word of his objection. He said that he was being restrained, yet never asked to work with others towards his colonies or conquests, just as the rest of us did. This, to me, speaks of one who is not seeking to work with others in good faith.

2: Yet I trusted and befriended the Duke, hoping that he would be an honest man despite the brutality of his people. I personally worked with him, as a close friend outside of the Coalition. There has been no betrayal of any sort.

3: Moving now to the next portion of the Sympol speech: that of defending the Heartwastes. Several times before was there discussion of that country among the body of the Grand Coalition, and I remember not the words of Sympol upholding it at all. Perhaps he is a more staunch ally in public, but he does not care for it, or cared not to mention it, behind closed doors. But that leads me to another question: if he is angered by the expansionism against the innocent, why then does he attack the nation of Zagrim? There is no reason to involve the goblin folk, or the entirely uninvolved, neutral, party of Kasumor. If he truly wished to stop the assault on the Heartwastes, he should have made clear his intentions to me, in person. Had he come, sent a dignitary, made any mention whatsoever of the objection, he might have allowed the way of peace. Yet as it is, peace is untenable entirely because of that silence. Is apathy being an ally? I submit not.

4: Now, for the most serious of accusations, that of the Avatar's horrific murder: this is the basest of lies, and I denounce the baseness of the Duke for attempting to slander the name of my lands. I bring up a threefold challenge for him:

• First, explain why I would murder a man whom I have only desired to know further and further, as evidenced time and again. When I was a young man, I spent much of the Grand Ball seeking his wisdom. When I was old, I sent my Prince-Elect, the mighty Humperdink to the high Temple. None of the elders in Guilder approved of such diplomacy or outreach, but I did so regardless. And when my son, the future Doge, returned, he could only speak greatness of the wisdom of the Avatar. Guilder is a changed nation because of the Fire, regardless of our own beliefs. We accept and encourage faith, and not destroy.
  
• Second, explain why I should have motivation to kill a great man who was already to send aid and comfort to my people? The Avatar has expressed his interest in our people, and there is no reason for me to have destroyed a personal friend. Furthermore, Guilder desires NO war when it can be avoided, as can be publicly demonstrated from our many correspondences.
  
• Third and most damning: I challenge the Duke to produce, in any way, shape, or form, even a hint that such a word was uttered by Guilder or her representatives. The Duke, though he may speak well, does not have such proof, nor can it exist: Guilder is no betrayer, it is no vile spy or ruffian.

To find that, one must look elsewhere, and perhaps the rat shall be found.

I regret deeply that the times have forced me to interrupt the joy and workings of your court to send this letter, but Guilder is not a land where lies or slander are tolerated. It will only destroy the world to believe falsehood, so I campaign for honor.

I sign this missive with the hope that it finds you in great health, and in hallowed memory of the ancestors who brought us to this day. May that remembrance drive all of us to be just.

Signed in the Grand Plaza of Venicia, Witnessed by the Current Princes of Guilder and all Diplomats,
The Doge and Ruler of the Guilderene Expanse,
Tumberink the Sage

[Morph Bark]

Year 361, Second Solar Cycle, 6th Pyrith, Day of Honesty

Results of the Investigation of Terrorist Acts in the Kingdom of Celero.

I, Chief Inquisitor Paco Çimar Guzman, monk honourable of the Blazing Temple, hereby declare the following facts to be true:


Fact the First; The people of Celero have long been terrorized in the past by the Order of Fire, an extremist heretical sect that has split themselves from the faith in the Most Fiery One. The assassin who murdered the Blazing Avatar--may the Lord rest his eternal soul--was part of this Order.

Fact the Second; The assassin Thamiel was from Crimar birth.

Fact the Third; The assassin Thamiel originally came to Celero as part of a black operations team under command of High Chieftain Umajin of the Khalifate of Crima, with orders to raise religious tension in Celero.

Fact the Fourth; The assassin Thamiel, and other black operations operatives in his team, utilized tactics inspired by the terrorism of the Order of Fire. This caused remnants of the Order of Fire to find them and absorb several of them into their ranks.

Fact the Fifth; The assassin Thamiel was taught to use styles from Bordeux and Raaneka among others. As such, and for his prowess, he was selected to murder the Blazing Avatar--may the Lord rest his eternal soul--whose parentage can be traced to those two nations.


With these Facts having become Known, we, the monks honourable Inquisitors, carry over the guilty party to the justices of King Andust Noth the Bold, as the crime took place under his roof.

May the Lord of Fire have mercy on his soul.


Chief Inquisitor Paco Çimar Guzman

[Silver Ablaze]

1: Raise Military

2: Raise Military

3: Raise Military

4: Send Princess Helga Grimhammer to Kasumor ( Diplomacy )

5: Send 1000 mantid-mounted dwarves to help Zagrim. ( Military )

[Arutha]

The Clanmaster Cardion stood. The emergency meeting called to discus both the treachery of the Sympol and the heresy of Umajin of Crima was attended by all four Clanmasters. Erwin Corvens, Heagen Flaxim, Prester Tarkim, and Herzog Cardion. Four men who had the power to crush and domestic threat. If they could agree for once. We must destroy our former ally before he can strike us from behind. He has betrayed... NO. Yelled Heagen. We must first crush the monster Umajin. He and his excuse for a clan must be purged. We must... No, Herzog is right. In this, the Rat-things must die first. Not only because of there mad betrayal of our trust, but also because we cannot afford to have his forces at our back. We must help... NO , we must slay this architect of the death of the Avatar. He has dammed himself and his children. They will freeze in the lowest pits of the frosthell below the earth, so it is writen and so... WAIT said Herzog. We cannot argue with out reaching an agreement. Prester, you have not said much during this meeting. What do you think.I think the answer lies in the holy gift of The Lord of Fire Himself. He has granted my son wisdom, and he has developed... A solution for any ills that plague us. He has re-discovered the Divine gift of Kyousei Hi, as it was in scripture. It is... As magnificent as the stories say. Now we will slay the rat men, and hope to redeem them. But for Umajin the foul, there can be only FIRE.

1: Defend Zagrim and assist my fellow GC members .
2:Foundries and factories project (5/5)
3:Metric project (5/5)
4: Raise 1000 troops.
5: Secret

[Lord_Burch]

It is a sad day when the peaceful head of a normally peaceful faith dies in a horrid and painful manner, but life goes on as it always does. The Blazing Avatar did much with his life, but he was nearing his passing time anyway and simply left earlier than any of the honest men among us could have thought.

Still, is it not yet sadder when fear and panic corrupt the thoughts and minds of holy men to pronounce judgment on one who is not guilty, simply because he is in no position to harm them in retaliation where the true perpetrator is? Is it not sadder when the corrupt and wicked commit their foul deeds and not only fail to falter, but no man lifts a finger?

Is it not yet sadder when one, man or Sympol as the case may be, does lift his finger to do what he feels is right, and is condemned for it?

I look out upon the world, and this is what I see: An all-consuming snake, crushing all under its wicked muscles and damning any who dare to speak against it. A hundred thousand men, toiling to feed its all-consuming hunger and recieving only scant days of continued existence in return. Finally, I see a rare few honest men among the serpents, going along with its actions out of fear of what might happen if they do not.

For too long the Grand Coalition has been allowed to conquer, to loot, to plunder as it sees fit, irrespective of the liveliehoods of those that it has consumed. This will be true no longer: The Sympol have bravely chosen to cast aside the whips of an oppressor in favor of a hero's sword, striking out unto certain doom to choose glory and right over the tyranny of their neighbors.

But a fleeting battle it seems, for the Grand Coalition is many and dangerous. Indeed, they may well be the most powerful alliance that Telluris has ever seen! If their intentions were peaceful and honorable they could have brought much good to their peoples and those around them, but instead they have come bearing the torch of war. Aloren was the first victim, and then Nyroth. They brought war to the Heartwastes only a few short years ago, and indirectly brought war upon themselves by finally convincing Duke Bloodfang of the Sympol that they were exactly the worst sort of scum that outsiders see them as.

That said, not all of those within the Coalition are evil: Indeed, many are merely there for security, and choose to turn a blind eye toward the villainy of their allies so as not to be themselves destroyed and consumed by the monster that they helped nurture.

In truth, there are only three nations whom I would declare to be irredeemable: The men of Woodwind, who now call themselves the Empire of Ignato, are bloodthirsty warmongers to their very core. The men of Kasumor brought butchery to the Goblins of Zargrim for no other reason than lust for land and power. Finally, the cutthroat profiteers of Guilder have brought war to the peaceful people of the Heartwastes, once more for lust of land and power.

When I say that I declare war upon the Grand Coalition, it is thus these terrible three that I refer to! No other need be involved, unless they choose to be. From King Andust of Celero to Lyra of Lyradis, I bear no ill will toward those who have been merely using the Grand Coalition as a tool to survive, rather than a weapon of war and destruction.

It is thus with heavy heart that I announce that tomorrow, the Union of the North goes to war. I will march twenty thousand troops over the Celerese border, and if I meet no resistance I will move my grand host into Nyroth to bring justice to the Khan for his father's many crimes, including the hiring of a number of Khater bandits that I spent many years driving from my lands and steadily exterminating.

You spent a lot of effort framing me for this crime to start a war, Dyamus. You may not be with us anymore, but that's exactly what you'll get, even if your son pays the price for what you have done.

As for the other two? May your Fathers rot in their Graves and be Forgotten by all they once knew.

~ High Chieftain Umajin, Lord David Bordeux, Princess Regent Idrisa