Wheel of Fortune - IC

[Malaki]

Two posts to have all the info of the Chronicle

Setting (The World of Ellenica)
Here is a list of the main City-States with the Patron God, the political system and the main terrain.
It will follow a description for everyone of them).

City Name	Patron God	Political System	Main Terrain	Traduced and Posted
Aegis	Zeus	Oligarchy (Nobles)	Mountain	First post
Festalia	Aphrodite	Democracy	Plain/Coastal	First Post
Scalea	Apollo	Democracy	Coastal	First Post
Gartenis	Ares	Oligarchy (Warriors)	Mountain	First Post
Irikos	Artemis	Oligarchy (Nobles)	Plain	First Post
Brania	Athena	Democracy	Plain/Mountain	First Post
Eleusi	Demeter	Theocracy	Plain/Coastal	First Post
Parionne	Dionysus	Theocracy	Coastal	First Post
Tartos	Hades	Oligarchy (Warriors)	Mountain	Second Post
Kaneses	Hecate	Theocracy	Mountain	Second Post
Netoria	Hephaestus	Monarchy	Mountain	Second Post
Cirico	Hera	Oligarchy (Nobles)	Coastal	Second Post
Leonnis	Herakles	Oligarchy (Warriors)	Mountain	Second Post
Viridon	Hermes	Oligarchy (Nobles)	Coastal	Second Post
Laudir	Tyche	Democracy	Plain/Coastal	Second Post
Ondarie	Poseidon	Monarchy	Coastal	Second Post
Dexos	Pan	Theocracy	Plain	Second Post
Mazone	Nike	Monarchy	Plain	Second Post

Spoiler: Cult of Hestia

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The Cult of Hestia
The cult of Hestia is shared in each of the city-state of Ellenica. Hestia is the Goddess of the Fireplace and she’s not worshipped in a specific temple nor in a specific city: she’s an important “host” in each temple of the other gods, in each polis or colony.
The symbol of Hestia is a brazier; a priestess (or heroine) of the Goddess has the duty of keeping the brazier always aglow, and of accommodate travelers in the temples, whatever gods there are venerated, whatever is the city; however, if she discover that a traveler has made a crime in the city (real or perceived to be) she has the duty to send him away.
Killing a priestess of Hestia is considered a mortal sin; in some cities the judgment is swift and deadly, while in others there is only a minor punishment (which depends on the city where the crime took place). Due to their status, the priestesses of Hestia are accepted and protected everywhere, although (with rare exceptions) they do not ever get away from the place where they were invested of their task.
The high priestess of the sacred fire is entitled to have from 1 to 5 maidens as her entourage; when she dies, the Goddess chooses the new high priestess among them. If all protected of a temple of the goddess are killed, the Goddess herself addressed some women from the City State and orders them as her priestesses and maidens. At that point they are untouchable, whatever their previous status (even the slaves are freed automatically if selected).

Spoiler: City-States

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City-States
There is 18 City-States on the Ellenica continent.
Some impervious territories are not claim by any of the city because really difficult to reach, of no use, or maybe because they are really dangerous; but for main part every territory are part of a City-State domain.
Slavery is normally accepted on the continent; war prisoners are often take as slave by the winners of a war, if they cannot pay a ranson for themselves. It is also real for mercenaries who lost a war the need to ransom themselves or became slaves.
Merchant from every territory are accepted in any City-State and are not subject to slavery if they follow the laws of the state.
A standard City-State growth above a pick or little hill (natural or created by people), protected by walls and structured in three segments: the extern ring or Lower District where slaves live and you may find stables and majority of the hostels (if it is a coastal city you may find here also the harbor), an Inner District with houses of free citizens and commercial activities (noble houses will be near the upper part of the city) and an Acropolis, with other strong defending walls to keep safe the high nobles, high priestess or influent merchant houses (or a combination of them) and every other Officer in the city, temples and the Agora, the places in the middle of the temples in which citizens crowd to take political decisions.
A city have normally a single Patron Deity but citizens are free to follow the God or Goddess they prefer (so a merchant may follow Tyche or Hades, a farmer Demeter and so on); often as single citizens or as a community Ellenics do sacrifice to have the favour of a particular God (may be Ares before a war, or Poseidon to have good winds on a boat expedition, or Hades and Hecates for funeral rites); some cities have also medium size temples instead of simply shrines for Gods or Goddess allied with the patron Deity.

Aegis
Politics:
Aegis is the largest of the city-states of Ellenica; it is named after the shield of Zeus, patron deity of the city. Surprisingly, in Aegis culture is not as developed as in the rest of the island; the noble ruling elite governs all the political issues, while the majority of the population is illiterate or otherwise disinclined to take interest in matters other than their work.
The strength of Aegis’ army is based on the Holy Warriors who, invoking the glory of Zeus and his help in battle, fall into a destructive trance that allows them to face every enemy. Of course, the nobles act as officers into Aegis’ Army, and they take all the tactical decisions.
The city is very rich and has a special feature: its Acropolis is placed on a sort of levitating plate that is 10 meters higher than the city. You can access the area of the temples only through 4 steps of solid gold , at the four cardinal points.
However, the wealth is shared among the entire population; Aegis’ nobility often takes artists from other cities and hires them so that can work for the glory of their lords, that on a monthly basis set up events to compare the skills of their protected.
System of Government:
The city is governed by an oligarchic council, attended by 3 representatives for each of the 13 noble families of Aegis. The council has the duty of governing the city, impose taxes, elect the representatives of the courts and the army chief (who gets the title of Magister)
Religion:
Aegis is the city devoted to the father of the gods, the supreme Zeus; however, into the Acropolis you can find temples dedicated to all the gods of the Hellenic pantheon, whose cults are largely tolerated by the population. The temple of Zeus is adorned with several statues in gold and tapestries; in the main square in front of it, there is a chryselephantine statue of the Father of the Gods, 10 meters high.
Territory :
The city and the territories annexed to it are spread over a wide mountainous area; the wealth of the city is mainly due to the generous gold and silver mines of the region, as well as those of iron and coal. The city trades ores and ingots with other cities, in exchange for items of handicrafts and artifacts .


Festalia
Politics:
The terrain of the city-state of Festalia winds through rolling hills and a valley accompanied by the biggest river of the continent, Medran, which flows into a lagoon right by the sea. Here the town is settled, for the most part developed on natural and artificial islands and connected by a series of suspended bridges. Being devoted to the Goddess of Love, the city and its inhabitants take much care about personal freedom, and hardly rush to help an ally city in war if not well justified or encouraged; their idea of individual freedom is too much entrenched. In fact, slavery is abolished in the city, which makes Festalia poorer than other ones in Ellenica, as the most menial tasks must still be performed by the free people; even the nobility was abolished, with an official edict, at its foundation.
The government is run by a group of priestesses of the Goddess, chosen from among all the candidates thanks to the votes of all male and female citizens of the towns, villages and settlements of the area, present in Festalia at the time of the vote and who have passed the puberty. Each voter may at any time hold a referendum among the inhabitants and to obtain the removal of one of the representatives, if he has a good reason and it shows it in an assembly of the congregation.
The priesthood of Aphrodite is exclusively female (although it’s also open to the male Heroes of the Goddess), as well as female is to be the leader of this "council of elected officials", which is crowned with the title of "Queen of Beauty " and that from the time of the vote until the expiry of the mandate will live recluse on the island known as "of the Queen" at the center of the lagoon, a large garden where the Acropolis is allocated and where the advice and decisions on laws and policy are taken. On that island is also focused production of the famous honey that gives a lot of prestige to the city.
System of Government:
The Council of Aphrodite is an elected body that remains in office for three years; is elected by popular vote, and has all power over citizens. The “Queen of Beauty” is usually chosen by the intercession of the Goddess, and her vote is secret.
Similarly 5 Priestesses are elected with the title of "censor" which works as judges; a censor cannot be elected as a Counselor, but the heroes of the Goddess can normally be elected (and often at least one of the Censors is).
The people have the right to remove the board completely ( with the exception of the Queen ) if any of its member proves inept: just hold a referendum and vote to get at least 5000 votes in support. At that point the case is brought to a censor, which evaluates the grievances and issues a judgment: if it is endorsed by the Goddess, the Couselor is removed.
Religion:
The cult of Aphrodite is almost unique in the region; the other gods of the pantheon of Ellenica are also tolerated, with the exception of Hades and Hecate. Particular attention is given to the cult of Ares (historically lover of the Goddess and with whom she had her children ) and Hephaestus ( her husband); although a minority, the blacksmiths of Festalia are very popular in the beauty and elegance of their accomplishments, if not in strength: this is the only place where they forged the famous " sword of crystal," fragile but deadly.
Territory:
The trade flow is restricted, exports almost absent; Festalia remains with its domestic production, which is sufficiently varied to allow both stocks of food and minerals for their weapons. The only exported products are honey, exceptionally abundant ( Festalia is the only city where you can find honey bees ) and the Veneris, a drink made of light wine, honey and spices, often elongated with hallucinogenic herbs whose recipe is jealously guarded by priestesses; it’s sold in small vials, should be drunk hot and has the reputation of being a powerful love potion and aphrodisiac. It’s high demanded throughout all Ellenica, and also expensive.


Scalea
Politics:
Scalea is a port city on the eastern side of the continent, near to the mountains that seem to push it toward the sea. It’ also known as the City of Marble, due to its extensive quarries of this material; most of the statues, temples and all public buildings are built in marble.
The city is dedicated to the patron deity Apollo, patron of the arts; many academies are locate in the city area. The art express itself in its broadest sense: sculpture, oratory, singing, music, painting, magic and oracles are taught in various institutes and academies of the city. Teaching is one of the major sources of income of the city; Instructors are often trained, who are then hired by the noble families of other city-states, for the education of their offspring.
Scalea is a city of art and culture in every place, at any hour of the day (and occasionally even at night); it is easy to find in every tavern bards or musicians intent on singing the stories and legends of the city, of the island and of the world. In this sense, the travelers are welcomed in every corner of the city; so that they can share their stories with the orators, which have so always new facts to be able to tell to audiences attentive and eager for novelty.
The city is also renowned for its Oracles: the divination tradition of its clerics and sorcerers is well known throughout Ellenica, and often citizens of other city-states (that are not at war with Scalea) reach its large port to look for a response able to unravel the darkness of their future.
Slavery in the territory of the city is very low; in the countryside around is limited to the indispensable to maintain agricultural production to sustain the population.
The city's population is made up for one-third by Spellscales: this race of scaly humanoids descended from ancient crosses between people of Ellenica and beings of draconic bloodline. A famous legend tells that Apollo wanted to give the gift of magic power to the blood of his devotees; to do so, he charmed with his music a great dragon, Vixirianthorinxos, and convinced him to procreate with a human woman. From their relationship was born the first of this breed, and in time also other dragons perceived the advantages of a union of this kind; and so a new race arose, and their blood began to flow in the next generation even in the human beings. Usually the Spellscales are entrusted almost exclusively on the great task of supporting the Magic Academies of Scalea.
System of Government:
The city is governed by a Senate composed of 101 deputies elected democratically by the whole free population of the city. 20 of these are from the rural areas of the state. The Senate has the duty to make laws and elect the courts, as well as choose the military leaders during the war.
Religion:
The cult of Apollo is widely shared by the inhabitants. In addition, people worship Zeus (father of Apollo), Poseidon (lord of the Se ), Aphrodite, Demeter and Athena.
Territory:
Scalea is spread almost exclusively on a stretch of mountain overlooking the sea; the trade of the city is mainly based on the extraction of marble, which is required by many parts of Ellenica. The harbor is a very valuable resource for trade; the fleet of Scalea rivals in size with that of Ondarie, and the captains of its ships are experienced and capable. The city has established several colonies outside of the island.
With regard to agriculture, Scalea is famous for the cultivation of the olive and oil production; also are bred largely goats, which cheese is highly appreciated in Ellenica.
Finally, the export of objects of art and jewelry is very developed; products of the masters Scaleani are sought after all over the world, and often rival the fine elven products.


Gartenis
Politics:
This city-state is marked by battles and bloodshed. Its free population is currently formed by the members of 919 different clans, devoted to the single-minded cult of Ares, God of War and Cruelty in Battle. In this city, feuds between the various warrior clans are always going on, while the issues considered less important (as the commercial, agricultural, handicraft) are delegated to servants and slaves, belonging to the whole clan. Since childhood, the young Gartenis know the fury of war and its ruthlessness; at birth, they are baptized with the blood that comes from the open throat of a servant of the clan, sacrifice to Ares himself. The children who are not physically suitable are thrown into one of the three wells that descend from the Acropolis to the depths of the continent: only flawless males can become warriors of Gartenis. Within eight years old, each young man must have killed at least 3 classmates, preferably in a bloody way and in the arena, but even cold-blooded murders are not disdained. If they do not fulfill this task, they are castrated so that they cannot spawn descendants; the tendons of the hands and feet are cut and they are enslaved to a house, randomly selected from the 919, and will be used for humiliating tasks (typically female ones) as cleaning and service at the table. Clan’s issues are resolved with small battles between families, as explained below; challenges within a clan are addressed in the arenas of private families, those between components of different clans are resolved with a deadly battle in the arena.
Membership in a clan is inherited by the paternal line; women are banned from warlike career. Clans are organized according to a kind of hierarchy which is determined by their power in battle; a smaller house can always go up in a list at the expense of one of higher rank. These schemes offer a continuous chaotic vision of power within the city that delights the Lord of War, and propose a scheme of ever-changing city management. During the feuds between clans, only the male members and the warriors aged over 8 years can be killed; the priests of the cult of Ares cannot participate in feuds. A clan wins a war if he manages to kill a number of warriors higher than the opposite side of the house within a day of the declaration of war (which has to be taken and affixed to the arena an hour before the start of the feud); no member of the family challenged can move away from the land of the city, while distant members have an hour to return to the city before the battles begin.
Some clans have orcish blood in their veins; it’s not uncommon to see half-orcs into the ranks of the warriors of a family. There is no racial hatred or fear between them and humans of Ellenica: a warrior is measured by its cruelty and ability in battle, not by his blood.
Foreigners are treated with cold detachment; as soon as they arrive in the city, they may require a document that allows them to stay in the city area up to a maximum of 15 days, if they provide a valid reason. They can raise arms against a person belonging to a clan only if provoked and just if another citizen of a house of Gartenis can witness in their favor; instead, they are free to attack any slave, but not to kill him, if not in clear danger. If they are attacked by a free citizen, they can defend themselves and even kill the assailant.
System of Government:
The government is headed by 25 warriors, called the Fist of Ares. They are chosen among the 25 families of the highest level of the city. Among them is chosen the “First” with this criterion: each household chooses 3 of his best warriors, that are put together in the arena. The member of the house where the warriors survive is declared First Fist, and he has the right of life and death over all the inhabitants of the city for a period from two to seven years. Only the priests of Ares can hold a new council to choose the First, following the instructions of the god. If a house decays while one of his member is the First, he has the right to terminate the period of his regency, then he gets kicked out of the city, or it can remain as a mercenary of one of the clans. In the case of death of one of the other 24 warriors, the family that has lost a member can replace him with another of his choice; if the First Fist dies, another council takes place.
The Fist of Ares is the tactical unit of the fighting strength of Gartenis; the military units of the city prefer to operate in small groups, motivated principally by their instinct, without worrying too much about the consequences of their actions. They are known throughout Ellenica for their cruelty and thirst for blood.
Religion:
The cult of Ares is followed by all members of the clans. Some temples of gods like Hades, Poseidon and Zeus are nevertheless tolerated; the servants are allowed to hold small shrines of Demeter, but far from the ground citizen.
The temples of Ares are bare and unadorned; his clerics like to make human sacrifices in honor of the god, both male and female. None of the members of the clan, whether they are men or women, can be freely sacrificed: foreigners who break the laws of Gartenis instead can be chosen for the sacrifice; they have to defend themselves in the arena in front of a representative of the clergy, in a deadly battle. If they win, they must leave the territory of the city within a day, or are killed anyway.
Recently, it has become common practice for high-ranking families (who do not have enough slaves) to sacrifice some of the female members of the clan, if they pass the fertile period of their existence (this is to keep the clan strong and compact).
Territory:
Gartenis’ territory lays between hills and mountains. The preferred goods are slaves (often war ones), which are sold and bought freely in the markets of the towns and nearby villages. There are also various minerals such as copper, iron and tin from the mountains around the city. Agriculture is poor; it’s offset from the herd of sheep (Gartenis is surprisingly one of the largest exporters of wool of Ellenica).


Irikos
Politics:
Irikos’ territory is small, compared to other Ellenica cities; it is also rich of woods, with few facilities scattered outside the city and rather small and simple temples of devotion to the patron saint of the city: Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt. Its inhabitants are simple people, not prone to noise than many of the other Hellenic cities, nature lovers, farmers, farming and living off the land.
The nobles who govern the city do it by right of birth; they possess almost all the arable land, and the population pays the rights of exploitation in money or products to be able to work the land. The nobles have the task of keeping alive and ready the army, to enforce conscription, and to defend the borders. However, this would be impossible without the Virgin of Artemis.
The clergy of the Goddess is in fact composed solely of females who vote to perpetual chastity in order to devote himself exclusively to the will of the goddess and the preservation of nature. They instruct all those who then become valuable guides to Ellenica, rangers, whether they are from Irikos or from other parts of Ellenica, as long as they promise to always respect the earth and its gifts, flora and fauna.
It has always attracted the interest of almost the entire elven race, which with the passage of time has become significant part of the population. It’ a fact that now a quarter of the clergy of Artemis is formed by female elves that maintain the same number of votes of the sisters of men.
System of Government:
The city of Irikos is protected by its nobility; a meeting is set up when it is necessary, with the agenda to deal with, normally about neighborhood problems or wars. The nobles is delegated the administration of justice for all the events that occurred in their territories, with the only care to communicate to the acts of the city every judgment issued
Religion:
Artemis is the patron deity; its temples are small and inconspicuous, but many throughout the city-state. Almost every citizen worships the Goddess of the Hunt; prayers are raised also the father of the gods, Zeus, and the twin of the Goddess, Apollo, to whom are dedicated to the other temples of the Acropolis.
Territory:
Irikos develops into a broad valley between the mountains; its people live by timber cutting and exporting, selling organic livestock, goats, pigs, and wild boar. His particular cheese is flavored with herbs and is appreciated in every part of the Ellenica.
Among the exports are also counted all shooting weapons, such as bows and crossbows, whose secrets of construction have been offered by the elves to all the people of the city.


Brania
Politics:
The City of the Justice is renowned throughout Ellenica for the impartiality and good judgment of its courts. In this city, the most valuable asset for a man is the intellect: a good idea can lead many people to make great careers in Brania. It’s a cosmopolitan and very open city: everyone is welcome here, at least until he does some act that deliberately go against the city or its territories, its citizens, or its laws.
Everyone tries to look neat; people themselves often tend to denounce injustice, not just those incurred but also those who they observe during the day, on the streets or in the many taverns.
Its white marble Acropolis is majestic and competes in beauty with the most beautiful of the continent. At the center of its forum, where the Parliament meets, there is a statue of the goddess Athena with spear, shield and helmet, a reminder of the fact that those who are in Brania are under its aegis, and need not fear injustice.
In this city there is an Academy unique in Ellenica: it trains young Paladins, upright and righteous men with the task of traveling around the world to bring the light of goodness and order. Their battalions are feared in the clashes, as they often prove to be implacable opponents that combine brilliant military skills with divine powers generously granted by the Goddess herself. Frequently, Brania receives requests for one or a group of these Paladins in order to restore order in a city at war, or to bring support to righteous people who are crushed by wrong-doers; they then depart in crusades to bring their help where more serve across Ellenica.
In Brania lives also a high percentage of gnomes, who realize mighty siege engines and for the Parliament of the cities; using them, the army often solves many of the battles against the other cities. Gnomes mix techniques of magic, alchemy and technological engineering in highly effective combinations. The mysteries of the techniques of building of these giants weapon are closely guarded by their authors.
System of Government:
The city government is entrusted to a parliament composed of 350 citizens, elected among all free people of Brania, whether they are male or female, without distinction. Anyone can nominate himself for the role, provided they have the support of at least 1,000 potential voters of the town or nearby villages.
The Parliament takes executive decisions on taxation, policy and laws, and leaves to the Paladins the burden of administering justice on the citizens. Each Paladin makes a vow to the goddess to administer justice for the benefit of citizens and free people. The crimes are solved with slavery, which is always temporary: who is found guilty transforms his sentence in an appropriate period of service for the community, until the debt is extinguished. From that moment he’s a free man again; if he has personal possessions, during the period of slavery they are managed by the city, which returns them as soon as his sentence finishes.
Religion:
The goddess Athena is mainly worshiped. However, there are temples of all the other good or neutral gods of the Olympian pantheon.
Territory:
Brania lies among many hills; cereals and grapes are grown, the latter is used largely for light wine that is exported in some parts of the Hellenic. The city has also discrete mines of coal, iron and silver.


Eleusi
Politics:
Eleusi and its territory are concentrated in the widest valley of Ellenica. The capital is less populated than the other city-states, but it is surrounded by many small villages of farmers, all devoted to the main deity of the city, Demeter, the goddess of fertility. Despite venerating a deity very much oriented towards peace, the inhabitants of Eleusi, if provoked, are fierce fighters. However, "never a war started by the voice of a free man of Eleusi", as those who live in this city-state claim full of pride. Eleusi, however, is always oriented towards alliances with cities which have as their patron good deity or at least than teach respect of the others among the dictates of their religion.
The slaves are mainly used to work in the fields, coordinated by masters Eleusinian; as opposed to other cities, slaves are never required to serve at the table, because the act of serving the food is “an honor from the goddess”.
There are no particular differences between male or female beings.
System of Government:
The city is governed by the Council of Clerics of Demeter. Every cleric or hero/heroine has the right to speak on matters relating to the whole city; whoever believes in Demeter can call for an extraordinary meeting to the Council, which must be set up within three days of the request. The voting members of the Council are those who have attained a high degree in the clerical system of the goddess, and were initiated into the Eleusinian Mysteries; the others have no right to vote. Those initiated into the mysteries are tightly bound in the number of 51 (including the head of the cult, which has the title of Giver of Fertility, and is always female).
Religion:
The cult of Demeter, Goddess of Fertility, is the most practiced both in cities and in rural areas; is also respected the Father of the Gods and most of the good deities, with greater attention to the female ones.
Territory:
The valley where it is located makes Eleusi the best producer of fruits, vegetables and grain, which are exported to many other cities in exchange for minerals and raw materials. The granaries of the city, gigantic and always filled, are a source of pride of the Eleusinian traveling for business across the continent.
From the port of Eleusi many ships often leave for other port cities of Ellenica and the colonies, loaded with products of the earth.

Parionne
Politics:
The city is dedicated to the cult of Dionysus, Lord of Vision and of Madness. His clerics , the "Bearers of the Tirso" , decide for life and death between the city walls . Their will is law, because their desire is the pleasure of God. Those who belong to the cult are initiated into the Orphic Mysteries , and learn to impose their will on the world, with all the systems that are allowed to them . In the case where two priests are in disagreement, it is called the "law of wisdom " as discriminating , who is a citizen of the city for longer holds the right in disputes.
The population is subservient to their whims, or slave ; and yet they share the pleasures of God to those who deserve it, and the punishment of those who do not fear their wrath. The greatest strength of the Parionic army , the Crimson Guard , is determined and ruthless , since they know the rewards which God can guide them : and their strength is in their faith. Just to see them take the field , riding their Nightmares , to know that their opponents will be intimidated by their presence, and half the battle is already won even before it begins .
The "Bearers of Tirso" then hold the power , and administer justice : they have access to a secret garden inside the temple of Dionysus, in the Acropolis , where plants are grown and produced substances that can cause feelings never felt before , to remove locks to the inhibitions and break the will of those who come into contact : with this merchandise the cult of Dionysus gathers her consent, and those who make use of these substances will soon no longer able to get rid of the need of the sensations induced by them , and becomes a slave who would do anything to satisfy their cravings yet .
Among the Bearers then there are many women who make use of the graces of their body to ensnare even the most righteous ; in the city foreigners are welcome and are often invited to participate in orgies , which are held every 7 days, which are given over to wine and drugs that bind to the unfortunate city.
Only those who carry music , such as wandering bards are left free to participate in the festivities without compulsion, and nobody has the right to corrupt them , as Dionysius teaches that music is sacred and incorruptible for people , and the artists are blessed
System of Government:
The city is governed by the clergy of Dionysus , in the persons of the Bearers of Tirso (the term also indicates priestesses female ) . The mainstay of worship is the High Priest of the Crimson , who presides over an enclave of 7 "older" Bearers of Tirso . Access enclave just happens to age , meaning not the registry, but the years lived as a citizen of Parionne : Only 7 more "elders" among the priests are entitled to a seat in this body .
Religion:
The widespread worship is that of the god of wine and madness ; is also accepted that the cult of Apollo and Aphrodite , as lovers of music and love , even if it forms a little deviated from the normal canons of their respective churches.
Among the slave is allowed the worship of Zeus in the city, that of Poseidon among those who work on the sea and that of Demeter in the countryside . The cults of Hades and Hecate are banned , as it is a sin to waste time talking about death , while there is always a new experience to do during life
Territory :
Parionne is a seaside town located in the southern part of the island. Lives of small business, and is renowned for its vineyards, which are extensive and luxuriant . They are taken from different types of wines to the finest , the Crimson Tear , which has a very high cost for those who can deal with it with some luck amphora : even one of them could enrich a merchant for a few years .
It is also produced oil , and has developed the breeding of cattle for milk and meat.

[Malaki]

Spoiler: City-States II (continue)

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Tartos
Politics:
Tartos is the city of the Dead. Someone call it Vestibule of the Afterlife, other Door of Minos, and it’s dedicated to the worship of Hades, the Lord of the Underworld.
Curiously, the most rare stuff that is sold in the city is Death itself: it is always treated with great care, and administered by those who hold power only in exceptional cases; to be clear, it is inflicted only to those who practice necromancy (on city ground) outside the limits imposed by the clergy of Hades. All other offenses are converted into periods of slavery to the church of Hades, which can range from a day to a lifetime.
To check that the law is enforced to everyone, including clergy, there is the vigilance of the Judges: they are citizens of Tartos who have decided to lose their identity as individuals and wear the black mask of divine justice, impartial, to be administered equally to citizens, guests and slaves. In fact, it is common practice that those who visit the city underlie entirely to its laws, without distinction of sex, caste or personal property, since each is identical in front of Death, and the Judges Judge as she herself would do so: impartially.
The town lies in a mountainous area, between narrow gorges, inhospitable to life; the entire city is completely carved in a black, malleable stone, which is found only on the mountainside overlooking Tartos, an ancient extinct volcano. The buildings of the Acropolis were not built from blocks or building material, but have been excavated entirely in this black stone, thus giving the city a sinister aspect. The temples are often adorned with white funeral shrouds to the rare windows, or with silvery fine chisels to complete its appearance, while inside are bare. The stone is easily workable with tools, but if it comes in contact with a particular acid (product with a mysterious formula by some alchemists of the city-state) it becomes similar to granite in texture and hardness.
The black color is also the one of the Judges and priests of Hades: they wear uniforms or armor of the most varied and diverse materials, but always of that color. To distinguish priests from the Judges, the latter usually shave their hair and they carry a death mask, which leaves only the eyes and the mouth visible, indicating that their identity has merged with Justice of the Dead.
Since Hades is also the patron deity of the assassins, in Tartos was established from time immemorial an academy that prepares young people for this type of career. This institute has a huge greenhouse where they grow different herbs that are used to produce powerful poisons. Often the most implacable Judges have learned some of their skills from this school.
System of Government:
The Judges govern de facto the entire city; membership to the Judges is decided by a board of representatives of the cult of Hades. The novice Judge must be sponsored by a senior member of the order: the candidate is interrogated by the clergy in the manner they deem most appropriate, then it must face a ritual combat, using only a non-sharp knife against a beast of Tartarus. Only if he succeeds in the task the new Judge forever lose his identity and is reborn as a mortal incarnation of the will of Death. Judges are entrusted with the defense of the city, the organization of the army (if necessary by taking guards among citizens ) and the administration of daily justice.
Religion:
The Lord of Death, Hades, is worshipped. Other faiths are freely accepted by the clergy and snubbed by the population; small temples of each Hellenic deity, except Hecate, are present in the city and in rural areas, but retain the characteristics of the cult of Hades in appearance and manner, almost completely.
Territory:
Tartos is entirely mountainous; the region is rich in ores and gems of all types (it is said that this is the blessing of Hades, who is also worshiped as the God of Wealth), very rare in other city-states of Ellenica, that the city exports in exchange of all other goods on the continent. The volcanic soil is very fertile and enables a rich and luxuriant agriculture, but it’s intended only for the internal market.


Kaneses
Politics:
Kaneses is called the City Grey; it is mainly dedicated to Hecate, Goddess of the Moon and dreaded Lady of the Night. It owes its name to the material of construction of its buildings and homes, the gray stone that is mined from quarries situated on the territory of the state: a poor but solid material used to reinforce every day its ramparts. Hecate is considered the saint patron of the moon and magic: the followers of his creed use the magical arts with profusion, often aimed at the darker side of this power. In fact, necromancy is common practice throughout the entire kingdom and it’s also institutionalized: whoever holds necromantic powers is advised by the clergy of the goddess to develop their potential through the ranks of the clergy or, if they do not hear the call of the Goddess so close, to improve their talent at the great Academy of Necromancy which is located in the Acropolis of the city. This Academy is the most renowned institute, but certainly not the only one within the city: there are institutes for each of the other seven schools of magic specialization, and 4 institutions for the spontaneous powers, one of which is open only to those who has talent arising from the mind and not from the blood; for this reason, the Grey City boasts some of the greatest makers of magic and psionic items.
In addition, the undead (created by those who possess this power) are an important part of the city: they are good servants and soldiers, they do not know tiredness, insubordination or pity, and they are heralds perfect for the Lady of the Night. They are so widespread among the population that slavery was abolished within the city over 400 years ago: the menial, hazardous or denigrating works are left to these trust and blind servants. Of course, families who can field among its ranks more people learned in the art of necromancy automatically have a greater power within the ranks of the city. For this reason, Kaneses always looks for new material for experiments, often sending real teams in search of ancient battlefields, cemeteries and ruins, or paying handsomely for anyone who can smuggle bodies within the city.
System of Government:
The city is governed by three prominent people within the cult of Hecate, which are called the Servants of the Black Moon. They are a man, a woman and a sentient undead, proxy of the goddess; apart from the latter, who is elected by divine desire and holds a charge as long as Hecate itself provides otherwise, the male is chosen by the representatives of the cult of male who have attained a high degree of belief in the system, while the woman is chosen from a list of candidates of the priestesses, but the vote is open to any woman belonging to the ranks of the clergy, plus every Hero and Heroine dedicated to Hecate.
Among the high-ranking members of the clergy are also chosen judges and administrative officials of the city-state.
It is said that since 300 years the Goddess has granted her favors to an ancient mummy that is not native to the soil of Ellenica, but which possesses powerful arcane and divine powers.
Religion:
The cult of Hecate is widely extended to the towns, villages and countryside of the surrounding area, where there are many temples dedicated to the Goddess; some people also worship Apollo, Dionysus, and Hermes. In some campaigns, landowners seek the favor of Demeter.
Territory:
Kaneses lays between mountains and inland valleys; in the agricultural lands are cultivated cereals and vegetables. There are several stone quarries, which provide much of the building material of the towns and villages; in the depths of the earth there are the rare crystals, which are typically used to create psionic objects.
The kingdom of necromancers exports magic items and psionic ones produced by their magic user; they are usually produced with raw materials found in the territory or imported.
The largest market for imports is instead the one of corpses, always required for divine and arcane necromancers; of course, given since they are legally difficult to find, often Kaneses merchants trades with smugglers from all Ellenica.

Netoria
Politics:
The City of Bronze is dedicated to the worship of Hephaestus, the blacksmith of the gods. Almost all of the dwarves of Ellenica live in its streets; the population takes into account the great craftsmanship and what it can produce. It is called City of Bronze because the alloy of copper and tin is the basis of most of the monuments that you meet on the streets: there is a profusion of statues of various gods of Ellenica and their sacred symbols.
Netoria grows on the slopes of an active volcano, Megantes, and over time its inhabitants have carved natural caves and caverns in search of minerals in the mountains, where entire neighborhoods of the city were then made and where the dwarves now prefer to dwell. The weapons produced by the craftsmen are famous and appreciated by the whole Ellenica; several nobles of the most diverse cities often send servants at the foot of Megantes in order to craft their weapons, that, for their quality, often become part of the family treasures. The good blacksmiths in Netoria often have a large weight in the affairs of the city and at least three of the counselors of the king are usually chosen from this group of experts: the lord of the city-state is the eldest male descendant of the royal house, he’s crowned at achievement of twenty years as prince successor and rises to the rank of king only after the death of the former, or by renounce to the crown. If a first-born son waives and has not male sons, the government passes to the second-born and his sons; but if the king's son is not yet old enough to reign, the royal family appoints a regent who shall hold office until the time comes for the future reigning prince.
The Acropolis of the city is near the top of Megantes; the Temple of Hephaestus is attached to a passage that leads inside the volcano, where the Forge of the Titans is located: this place is a huge stone hall for forging, which draws heat directly from the molten lava. The minerals contained in it often bestow extraordinary properties to the blades made here, and all products manufactured at that place are considered sacred by the clerics of the god.
System of Government:
The House Fidante is holding the city since its foundation: there have never been breaks to the dynastic line in over eight hundred years of the reign. The king often surrounds of Advisers on the various issues pertaining to the kingdom; among them, he also chooses the people to whom is assigned the task of administering justice according to the laws that the royal family has established over time.
Religion:
The cult of the Blacksmith of the Gods, Hephaestus, is the most followed. Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and wife of the god, Athena and Apollo are also worshipped; other good or neutral gods are commonly accepted, and have a small following.
Territory:
Netoria is placed on a ledge by the volcano Megantes, that follows a ridge sloping; the few mountain valleys and plateaus provide a small annual harvest, while the steep terrain offers good pasture for sheep and cattle. The minerals present are among the most common, but definitely very abundant in quantity
The real business of the city is the forging of weapons and armor, made by the skilled blacksmiths of the city.


Cirico
Politics:
The population of Cirico is historically linked to Hera, wife of the Divine Zeus; they are similar to the deity that represents them - often suspicious and vindictive. They consider knowledge as a rare commodity; an academy has been active for centuries in the city and it form real spies, that the state council sends to the other cities of Ellenica to gather information (the city's library collects information, maps and data far more than the major libraries of the continent).
As followers of Hera, citizen of Cirico believe that their power should be earned and maintained, and often noble houses organize dances or social events to check and potential rivals or allies; every question, however, is usually resolved at political level, and rarely flows into bloodshed.
The city also trains those who are the real “secret weapons” of the city: Cirico is the only city to form the famous Ellenica Warmage, that have often resolved the battles of the city in its favor.
The Acropolis is located on an embankment, and is completely surrounded by a grove where thousands of peacocks live free; they are animals sacred to the Goddess, and their killing is punished with the death sentence.
System of Government:
The city is governed by what is called a Noble Conclave composed of 5 members: the most prominent families have the opportunity to elect their candidate for the council (that actually holds the political and judiciary power). This Conclave remains in office ten years and is often the result of political maneuvering and agreements between the 24 noble families that make up the elite of the city; these agreements can begin years before the election.
Religion:
The Goddess of Marriage, Hera, is worshipped. The marriage bond is in fact inseparable, and whoever violates it is put to death; the priests and priestesses of the goddess are often linked both to the cult and to the school of spies (actually they are also the main teachers). Often the cult sends their protected in missions to collect information on behalf of the city state. They often travel incognito, and recognize each other in a complicated non-verbal alphabet, which also includes the use of peacock feathers of different colors as an additional distinguishing feature.
Other deities are accepted Zeus, the divine bridegroom, and all the gods in the neutral part of the pantheon, although the acropolis see only the great temple of the goddess and the smaller temple of her husband, and no one else.
Territory:
Cirico is a port in the south east of Ellenica. It sells mainly skins and raw materials output and virtually does not import any commodity; the real wealth of the city is its massive library, that collects historical data retrieved in a variety of locations across the continent, including often obscure fragments that came from the depths of history - or strange artifacts belonging to the period of the struggle with the Titans.


Leonnis
Politics:
Leonnis is perhaps the most barbarous of the whole island as far as the ways of its inhabitants: the most important things in a man are his courage and his brute strength. The physical and athletic skills are an important factor in the city: the weak are openly despised, those who cannot prove their worth in combat is removed even by the nobility of the city, and must resign himself to do the merchant or farmer.
The whole legal system of Leonnis is based on the physical merit: often disputes between citizens are resolved with physical challenges between champions appointed by them, rather than judgment based on written laws; sometimes you just need a bit more luck in a battle… and the fate smiles to the most skilled, and not to the worthy. This way of governance has often put the inhabitants of this place and other visitors from the rest of Ellenica in embarrassing situations, if not open disputes; for example, when you ask a foreign merchant to prove the goodness of their prices... winning a fight challenge.
This challenge system is also applied to the most serious crimes: if against all the evidence brought by a jury a defendant continues to proclaim his innocence, he can invoke the "judgment of the lion" ( so called in honor of an ancient trial won by Heracles when he was still a mortal): The judges assign to the defendant a challenge, or quest, to which he must submit accompanied only by a partner and by some observers of Leonnis. Usually this quest is related to the severity of the offense, and can even be to challenge to death one of the Olympic monsters that live in the surrounding area of the city. In fact, this city has been notorious for the natural caves where several creatures native of the island (and sometimes even more exotic) are locked up, and some considered sacred forests where hunting is prohibited and where very ferocious beasts grow.
The worship for physical prowess is so important for these people that they set up real "games" often open to other people of Ellenica, where those who demonstrate the best physical characteristics in different disciplines (racing speed or of resistance, from the launch of a disc to jump up to the fight) are crowned as champions and welcomed into their city as real heroes.
System of Government:
Leonnis is based on an aristocracy based on physical strength; as opposed to other places on the island, such as Gartenis, this superiority is decided in not cruel ways, through the mechanism of the games. So it’s possible for people of lower social backgrounds to rise to the rank of true warriors, defenders of their people, if they are able to stand out with their value. The military forces are governed by the "Council of the Brave", the 144 best warriors of the city, who elect a Rex, who remains in office for 7 years. Military forces are chosen from among those who are considered warriors; is also entrusted to them the task of legislating (if the need arises) and the administration of justice; in time of peace a Brave has the duty of judge according to the laws.
Religion:
The cult of Heracles stands among the others, and is dominant in the city. All the inhabitants are proud to say that, even when he was still a mortal, the great hero founded the city in the company of many members of his family, and then his blood flows in the limbs of Leonnis people. When he rose to the divine rank thanks to the quest that he had accomplished in life, his courage and valor were used as a benchmark by all the people. However, the other cults are largely tolerated, which are freely supported by the slave population and those not native of Leonnis (that, however, have some interests in the city and in the nearby territories).
Territory:
Leonnis stretches over three highlands around Mount Feroxes, the Beast. It lives mainly by the land products in its non-urban areas, and if necessary export commodities such as timber and iron, in exchange for finished products.


Viridon
Politics:
Viridon is a city that builds most of its wealth on travel and exchange of goods. You can find everything, as long as it exists and has a price (and, if the price is too high, you can steal it). The city is claustrophobic, made up of narrow streets full of intersections and dead ends, where getting lost could lead to lose your bag, if you’re lucky, and your life, if you’re not. Wealth is an engine, of course; but also the courage and disdain of danger.
Viridon is also famous for the Labyrinth of Shadows: It is said that Hermes, the patron saint of the city, challenged at the dice game the Titan Ceo and defeated him with a trick; the Titan was forced to give part of his energy in order to build that structure. The Labyrinth is a place that is simultaneously on Ellenica and in other places; inside it you can find great treasures, monsters and dangers... In some cases, young people who have come out of it were older than a few moments later, other times someone has come out completely transformed, or with strange powers that previously did not have. But there are many people who didn’t manage to exit from its high walls. Hermes drove his faithful around it and he founded the city that protects; thanks to that structure, the city is the destination for pilgrimages... and big gains.
Each citizen is allowed to enter the Labyrinth only once in his life, without any price; foreigners are allowed to enter with a generous recompense (often monetary, or through a Sacred Quest). Once you exit, the Labyrinth forbid you to enter it a second time.
The city is famous for two other large structures: an academy of magic illusion, founded by a former Viridon’s that came out of the Labyrinth with magical powers never seen again in the centuries to follow, and an academy of Eloquence that prepares a figure really important in all Ellenica, called the Conciliator. These are usually master musicians or clerics (you can access this academy, whatever your beliefs) that study in order to reconcile the wrongs between citizens. They are sought after in many cities of Ellenica, when disputes arise between citizens of different city-states, or if there is a war between the cities: they usually take a "third party" impartial role among the contenders. If both judged agree, the word of the Conciliator becomes law. The Academy releases this title sparingly, and in all the land of Ellenica there are known only a dozen living conciliators, ready to exercise their role, if required.
System of Government:
The city is governed by a council of nobles, chosen among the families of the local aristocracy. Only those who have noble blood and has completed the fourteenth year of age, male or female, has the right to one vote. This leads to a closed system, but so far no complaints exhibited against the council was taken seriously.
The elected nobles are called consuls, and they are in number of 15; among them is elected a proconsul, in office for six years. The consuls have in fact legislative, executive and judiciary power in the territories (the proconsul has the last word, and in fact it’s a time-limited monarchy).
Religion:
The god Hermes is widely followed, although in recent times many votive shrines of Tyche have arisen especially in the poorest areas. The Labyrinth is located on the north side of the Agora, just in front of the great temple of the god of thieves and travelers. It’s possible to worship any god of Ellenica, and even titanic cults seem to be tolerated, obviously not in sunlight...
Territory:
Viridon is a city on the east coast of the continent. Wide and calm gulfs allow a large oil production and harvesting of shellfish, which are renowned throughout the continent, and are a major export item. The city is not very rich in raw materials, which therefore are traded with the genres mentioned above. Other incomes come from access to the Labyrinth (if you are not natives of the city-states you have to pay a high price to access it). However, there are a lot of businesses in the large ports and quiet gulfs; it’s easy to find everything in the city, whose skillful merchants often take long trips in order to present rare and precious goods in the markets.


Laudir
Politics:
The city of Laudir is also called the City of Two Markets, as in all of its territory is mainly worshiped Tyche, the goddess of travel and good luck. Its inhabitants are renowned for being great merchants, and many of them perform sometimes travel extremely long and dangerous in every part of Ellenica in order to show to their customers rare and valuable goods and products. In the port of Tyche every day ships with their cargoes arrive and depart, full of people who are hoping that their luck may run forever toward the good.
In this city at every street corner you can find a stand of magic items for sale (often mostly false ), or a diviner that for a few copper coins can read your future, or someone who bakes bizarre animals on a fire, or bands of tumblers and jugglers who entertain the crowds. The city is a gigantic market, placed anywhere there is room for bargaining: it’s defined as the city of the two markets since in addition to the normal trading that you can do in its streets, there is another market "hidden" in the neighborhoods that now have long occupied by the halfling (in fact, now almost a third of the population of the city is made up of members of this small nation). They were attracted in the past by the adventurous spirit of the inhabitants of Laudir and some of them have decided to use the city as a base for their travels; they then drew their families, or other halfling who have met, and so their population on the territory of the city-state has become conspicuous. They are actively involved in both the government and the defense of their city.
The main body of the army is made up of a special cavalry: Laudir is the city of the island, where most of horses are bred, which are used both to pull the chariots of the merchants and as a support for the defense of the caravans; the grasslands of the city are full with stables. Next to the human body on horseback, three additional cavalry have distinguished, all composed of members of the little people: the one that mounts on war ponies, which are used in battle alongside the human troops; the one that mounts galloping dogs, which supports the supervision of the work in the towns and villages; and finally the cavalry of goats, which is usually used as arrowhead in mountain battles: in fact, given the nature of the territory of Ellenica, it is almost impossible to use mounts in the skirmishes between cities, whereas this real special body manages to take advantage of the speed even on uneven ground.
System of Government:
Tyche elects its own representatives on the basis of neighborhoods; there are 28 representatives in the city, and the other 9 are from the nearby cities. Of all these, 12 are from the halfling race. Participation in the army and the city guard is voluntary; however, the pay of a soldier is 3 times greater than the average wage of a craftsman of the city.
Religion:
It’s worshipped Tyche, the Goddess of Fortune, trade and travel, but there are also temples of the other gods of Ellenica, without distinction.
Territory:
Laudir sees its territory near the sea, on a rather flat countryside and with some mountains in the far north (where it is allocated by the halfling cavalry mountain). Despite being flat, the soils are not too fertile, and thus play a minor interest in other cities of Ellenica; residents have opted for the breeding of horses for both transportation and as a food source, so as to compensate for the poor agriculture.
The city trades everything, importing and exporting goods disparate that their merchants find on the island, and outside of it.


Ondarie
Politics:
The city of Ondarie is basically a huge harbor that extends for miles along the west coast of Ellenica. Its shipyards are huge and produce the larger and faster ships of the continent; its fleet (both merchant and military) is vast and impressive. This is not surprising , since the city of Ondarie is devoted to Poseidon, god of the Sea and brother of Zeus.
The main earning method of the city is the maritime trade; many of the fleets of the peoples of every other state-city stop in the vast city ports, which are the most convenient and protected than the others of Ellenica: in fact, there is a sort of pact among the reigning dynasty of Ondarie and many pirates who infest the seas, which allows the government to protect each year a number of ships from the attacks of pirates. It is rumored that the latter have a real bond with Ondarie, and the royal family releases real "letters of permission" (after a generous recompense) which allow the pirates to plunder freely ships that do not call for the protection of the city. It also seems that the most famous of these pirates, Rexios Hero of Poseidon, is tied for the blood to one of the noble Merchant families; someone argue that he’s the former king of the city, Varoxes, mysteriously disappeared ten years earlier.
The biggest temple of Poseidon in the city, contrary to the custom of other city of Ellenica, is not found in the Acropolis but it is the Lighthouse, located on an island off the coast, a mammoth building made of Scalea’s marble and gold, where the priests of the Shrine of the Sea perform their most important rituals.
Ondarie develops little inland, but has "attached" to its territory many of the islands facing the city; it’s also the land which founded the largest number of colonies in Sebuntu and Llaniran (often in these satellite towns captains of ships making their way around Ondarie seek protection against pirates)
System of Government:
The city is ruled by King Geroxes, belonging to the royal family. He administers the laws and justice with the help of the Scribes, officials elected by himself, who have jurisdiction over various districts of the city or on a few neighboring countries. Each colony has a Governor who takes the place of the king.
Religion:
The most widely followed cult is the one of the God of the Sea, Poseidon. It’s common also the worship of Zeus, of Aphrodite and Hera, but even less benign cults (such as Hades or Ares) are generally accepted and tolerated. A particular interest is also the cult of Tyche.
Territory :
Ondarie extends mainly on the west coast of Ellenica, and on the nearby islands. It has an extensive colonial tradition, and these new founded towns and villages tend to remain loyal to the hometown.
The major income of the city comes from the business and duties of protection of ships in transit in its seas; the most widely exported product is fish, which is sold directly in the markets of the ports.
The city also exports large quantities of purple dye , which seems to be extracted from a mysterious mollusk that is found in large quantities only along its coastline.


Dexos
Politics:
The city-state is different from the others of the island. It’ a single, small acropolis with temples of all the gods, who lay as a chorus to a temple, located on the branches of a giant tree and dedicated to Pan, the god of wild nature. The rest of Dexos is divided between thirty communities distributed in a large wooded area. Two different castes stands as guard and glory of God and his followers: the priests and the Druids. Druids are in fact the keepers of the legislative power, while priests’ duty is the care of the spirit and of justice in the territories of the city-state.
The few laws are related almost exclusively to the protection of nature, following the examples left by Pan and the guidance of his two voices, the clergy and attendants.
The hunting of wild animals without a permit is not tolerated; anyone caught in a similar activity is imprisoned and then banished from the territory. In addition, slavery is abolished: whoever is discovered to possess slaves suffered the confiscation of his property and is banned for life from Dexos. The people divide their lives between agriculture and the war for the defense of the city itself. Rarely a war has been declared on the other cities of Ellenica, unless they do not cause deliberately destroying natural resources.
System of Government:
The city is governed by the Druid Council: 19 elected representatives of the Druids among all of them, and they become the city's main political body for strategic decisions.
Religion:
It is of course revered primarily Pan, and all other Hellenic deities are tolerated, even destructive ones like Ares or those directed towards death as Hades or Hecate; a greater regard is given to those which are linked to the nature, as Artemis, Demeter or Poseidon.
Territory:
Dexos unfolds in a hilly and wooded; its resources are mainly agriculture and trade. Even the mountains are rich in iron and coal, which if it exceeds the amount due for the production of weapons is sold to nearby cities.


Mazone
(NB: the concepts presented below supersede those related to Nike everywhere else)
Politics:
In this city and its territories the belief of many of the other cities are upset: in fact the main caste of Mazone is made up of warrior women of all races, with large prevalence human (they are famous with the name of the Amazons), which retain the right of life and death over all the people. Males are treated like slaves or, in very rare cases, such as simple objects that women can exchange for their own pleasure. The political and military life is completely precluded to male beings. Many females who have escaped from the other city-states (where women are often viewed as second-rate citizens, or worse, like slaves) make dangerous journeys in order to arrive at this place that will see them as the main protagonists of the free and public life.
The Amazons revere Nike, the goddess of victory. This cult arose in the last three centuries supplanting the old cult of Gala, the Seeker. In practice, the biggest supporter of Gala, the heroine Nike, betrayed the goddess and managed to weaken her until she managed to defeat her, supported by the whole Amazon army. At that point, she rose to the divine rank, and became a guide for her people. This has deeply marked the territories of Mazone: from that moment, no living being has ever seen new clerics of any deity, because the Amazons enforce the exclusive worship of Nike in their city (the belief in another god is a crime punishable by death). However, often new Heroine of Nike born among the women of the villages and nearby towns. There is no cleric, male or female, of the goddess Nike.
No male stranger is accepted in Mazone, unless he’s a slave owned by a female merchant; every free man found in Mazone is killed instantly.
System of government:
Mazone is ruled by a monarchy: since the birth of the worship of Nike, the Queen of the Amazons is chosen in the royal house of the descendants of the Goddess. The current Queen is Altea, Heroine of the Cult and First Seeker of the Kingdom of Mazone.
Religion:
There is only the cult of the Goddess Nike; believe in other gods is considered deadly offense.
Territory:
Mazone covers a wide wooded valley on a plateau between the central mountains; it trades mainly in products of hunting, timber and iron (which is extracted from some servants men from the mountains of the state land).

[Malaki]

The evening see the greatest tempest from years on Ellenica.
Black clouds comes apparently from nowhere in the middle of the afternoon making impossible to the Red Barge to unanchor from the port.
High winds hit the little city of Ofis, and some poor hut of the port district flied away.
Everyone of you, the day after, is at the docks. 7 strangers male of different races and looking - a dwarf in brown tunic bringing an axe carved in a single stone, a catfolk, an rich-vested human with a lute, a merfolk, a really pale elf with a long bow on the back, a suli and a red-skinned Ifrit with a long spear - are all awaiting to talk to the Captain.
When Captain came out from the ship the seven people look at him; with no words his face become pale and he speaks "everyone of you, on board, come on. We will leave in an hour or so. The fee is 1 gold coin"
Everyone paid. Sailors go on with the loading of barrels on the lower deck, and then the Red Barge start its new journey to Mavala.
That first day the strangers meets on the deck, and maybe to break the long silence between them the Ifrit start to talk.

"I'm Kiteras, son of Renoras, from Scalea. The manner in which the Captain accept us aboard seems really strange only to me?"

"Yes" Say the elf, before everyone other speak. Then he lied down on his right, his back to the other six.

[Starbin]

Arenicus arrived at the gates of the city, glancing up at the looming clouds with a smile. He had made good time, arriving before the forewarned storm could hinder his travels. Once he stepped through the gates, he waved odwn the first citizen he could find, demanding directions to the port. Once there, he checked upon the availability of the Red Barge and found it had been delayed. Smiling again, he found a place to stay for the night and returned the next day.

Upon the morrow, Arenicus arrived at the docks where the Red Barge was berthed. Approaching the boarding planks, he found a large group gathered, six strange men assembled waiting for the Captain. Before he could ask why they were all there, the Captain came out, looked at them all strangely, then demanded a gold coin for passage and told them to board. He gave the man a coin, but his gaze clearly showed the man his lack of respect was noticed an not appreciated. However, he let the slight go unspoken, since he was following the path his god had set for him.

Early the next morning, he went to the deck of the ship and found the others gathered. He stood apart for a moment, listening as the ifrit and the elf spoke first. He frowned as the elf rolled away and showed his back to the group. Stepping forward, hand on his sword, the warrior greeted the others. Arenicus was well-built and attractive, with sparkling blue eyes and bronzed, marble-smooth skin. His golden hair fell to his shoulders, with two battle-braids keeping most of it from his eyes. He wore an armored coat and leather legguards, and had a heavy blade at his hip.

"Hail and well met. I am Arenicus, loyal son of Gartenis. I care not for the Captain's discomfort ... but I do wonder what brought such strange beings here? Who are you all, and what is your purpose?" Hand on his sword he nudged the elf, indicating he should answer as well.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Oh yeah, Mr. Personality! Let's go with Diplomacy ((1d20+4)[14])for pretty much everyone but the elf - I realize it won't sway PCs, but it should at least provide a benchmark for whether he's likeable or not

If necessary, intimidation for the elf: (1d20+13)[22]

[Leriel]

Githeos arrived to the docks more or less at the same time of the others… the fast voyage made him tired and somewhat dirty, but everything was forgotten when he saw for the first time the sea. Wonderful.
He was unable to stood still while waiting for the captain: at the beginning he just moved his tail nervously, then he walked across the dock and finally concentrated on the strange people near the Red Barge. With stealth he went near each of them, looking and especially smelling them…
[OOC – Githeos has Scent as racial feature.]
The merfolk smelled of salt, as expected from such a wonderful specimen of the Sea People; the dwarf smelled of stone and beer; but Githeos felt unease about the suli – he smelled of blood.
By the way, as soon as he gave the golp piece to the Captain, he dashed to the opposite side of the ship, careless bumping on some sailor (no, not trying to rob anyone… for now)!
He took a look ecstatic at the sea, and he was wondering about climbing on the mainmast when he heard the fire-touched and the blood-smelling.
He dashed toward them…. Then he raised his huge straw hat (shaped as for protecting him from both the sun and the rain), letting it on his back and showing his feline face, with a big smile on it.
"May this beautiful sun shine on all of you!" he says, raising his arms as for welcoming the sun.
"Well met, fire blessed Kiteras" – he says to the Ifrit – "and well met, proud Arenicus!"
He bows a little, widening his smile.
"I’m Githeos, blood of the Lynx, and I’m a wandering one, with no special preference for a place or another… but let’s say that Dexos is a good place for my kind."
Finally he looks at Arenicus – careful to not cross his eyes, not yet – and he speaks again.
"A purpose? Do you really need one? Do you? Fine… this ship is my chance to reach Mavala and see the games."
He scratches his head with a clawed hand.
"The Gods blessed us… Yesterday I was too far and the storm delayed the departure of the ship."
Finally he adds, with a lower voice: "Well, the Gods could also provide some nice women aboard…"

[Malaki]

Spoiler: OOC @Leriel

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You detect the Scent of the 55 sailors, but from the other six strangers one of them have no smell AT ALL.
It's the Elf. Not even smell of thing he touch, it seems no odor remain on him. You realize even that it is untraceable for you even with scent

[Chained Birds]

Funick Plasmander

Standing, as a grounded Merfolk can stand, with his large, solid body holding firm and stoic, the Merfolk simply followed the movement of the six others. He didn't say a word, or even utter a simple grunt, or give a single glance to acknowledge anyone around him. He simply gripped his large, shell-incrusted spear and seemed to use it to balance his serpent-like movements as he slithered to the barge.

Closing his eyes, he took in the sounds of everything going on around him. But immediately opened them upon Arenicus's questions and Githeos's additional quandaries.

"All will be revealed in due time grounded ones. Just trust that the one who sent you down this path had great faith in that you would get where you needed to go without... Issue."

It seems like he trails off a bit towards the end. He seems to be distracted by something.

"I am Funick, The Outcast Priest. My name was given to me by my father Plasmander, Blacksmith of Shell Repairs; and my title was given to me by those whose authority I could not match."

He then looks around.

"Oh, and I'm a Mer if you haven't figured it out yet."

[Malaki]

"Well met to everyone. I'm Yano the Wanderer, proud servant with voice and entertainment in Festalia ports, and also follower of Mylady of Love"
The human do a step to be in the middle of you all, then perform a stagey bow to everyone, without doing a mess with his instrument, and come back to his former position.

The dwarf take a face that resemble the one that may have a mouse in a trap... He inspire deeply and then speak "Eliah Irongrasp, formerly from the Ironpick clan, years ago. I call Leonnis my home, now.
It's a pleasure to spare some time with you all, before we arrive at Mavala"
While he say that everyone of you see a tattoo carved on his left hand, picturing a sort or whirlwind.

Every eye now point at the elf back. He sighs, and then roll over, pointing his pale face in your direction.
"I'm Tassarion. This is my name, so call me that. no Tassy, Tass, Sary of whateverelse you may think.
And for the reason i'm here... well, let's say that a God make a really beautiful trap for me, and put the right thing in it.
So, even if I was a slave, i escaped from my former master, then stole some money, return to him and pay my freedom.
And now it seems that a new stupid cage fall on me, a second time." His eyes like tiny slots. "Mentioning which, maybe you're trapped too, like me... if it is so, i think someone on this boat will die, really soon. Blood may spill, hurray for the Gods"
While saying this sentence his voice and manner are grave.

[Chained Birds]

Funick

The Merfolk simply scratches his head.

"Well, hopefully our patrons don't oppose each other. Wouldn't want any unnecessary bloodshed over simple differences in ideology or something. But I suppose we should try to not announce out gods yet. Although my deity should be pretty apparent because of the symbol on my back."

He taps the back of his vest with his spear, as the symbol of Poseidon flashes for a moment before fading away.

[Starbin]

Arenicus paused for a moment as the elf spoke, his eyes narrowing dangerously as he took a step back and his hand tightened on the hilt of his sword. "Is that a threat, elf?" The man is obviously not used to subtlety and stands ready to do combat, if the situation warranted.

[Leriel]

Githeos does not want that his wonderful adventure starts with a murder - he feels that the Gartenian could non be able to stop, after he starts tasting the flavor of blood. Not yet!

So he (foolishly? No, it's a daring move! ^^) moves between the two of them.

"Proud Arenicus, this is not a worthy opponent for you!" he says, speaking fast.
"Please, listen to me... My god told me to reach this place, and Funick's god did the same, so I think that you're blessed by your god, don't you?" (Githeos put a lot of emphasis on "blessed").
He does not wait for a signal from the suli but goes on, after catching breath.
"Instead, look at him" pointing the elf. "He speaks of traps and cages ans slavery... poor one..."
Githeos shakes his head - he's trying to explain a concept like he needs to do it with a child.
"We have a priest among us, the merfolk. He told that our patrons wants us to reach Mavala. There... there you will show the glory of your god... but for now, spare this poor smelling elf!"
The fur of Githeos is almost imperceptibly raised - but he does know what does it mean...

[Malaki]

The Ifrit make a step to bring himself in the middle of the crowd, but the catfolk move faster, so he place himself on the left flank of Githeos
"He spokes well. I think that no one means to harm others, here. I suppose we are all guided by the Gods, now that he mentioned it. Am I wrong?"
He put a glance to you all. The elf make a shrung, and start laughing. "I don't want to insult nobody of you. And i don't want any fight between us all. I'm just tired of this child play by the Gods. They..."
Suddenly the voice of the sailor on the mast erupt in a voice "Mavala at head sea!"
The sailors at oars stopped to move. Wind becalmed, and the sun seems to recrown the island, west of your position. Istinctivelly you try to look to see the island but the voice of Captain ask attention.
"Well done. We will be at Mavala tomorrow morning, there are about four hours of sail to be at the port. Time to dinner, now. Please, prepare for the supper"
"Aye, Captain" say the crew.
From the lookout-post a broken voice come to you "Cursed Titans... Something at labord!"
You see any head aboard turn left. The light of the sun cast strange shadows on the sea, so you take some second to focus the "something" the sailor point off.
"Where?" ask Yano.
"Over there" say Eliah pointing a finger.
Something like a big black hole stay vertical some feet above water, his "surface" oriented to Mavala.
From the hole a line of flying creature point really fast to the island, carrying something on their back and in their talons.
Many of them, at least a hundred of the big ones, and many more smaller.
"Here they come!" says the Captain. Looking better, a really tiny group of smaller creatures point in the direction of the boat.
"Here they come" echoed wispering the elf. He rapidly climb up to the mast, reading his longbow. "Here's your fight, Gartenian warrior. Be ready" he shout.
In a couple of minutes the little shadows take the form of nine large reptile-like creatures; three of them are mounted, and everyone bring a skeletal crature in his talons.
Their target is your ship. No mistakes in that. When the reptile are above the ship they release the creatures. Two of the three riders fall by will on the boat, too. One is a large Skeleton with a mace and a grinning "smile" in his skull; the other is covered with blood and shows long claw at his right hand.
[OOC @all: You will have initiative and many turns before the creatures arrive, so you have time to ask for skill check and prepare actions.
There will be 9 skeleton + the two mentioned on board.
You may use distance weapons: due to the speed of the saurian you have only a single turn to shoot. Targeting at the three riders have a 50% of miss due to the cover provided by the saurian. After this turn the eight saurian unmounted plus the mounted one with his rider will leave pointing to Mavala]

[Leriel]

Githeos was happy to see that no one got hurt... even if he found the elf a bit too strange, even for his standards. Well, nice to see that the Ifrit was at his side.
He was going to enjoy the supper... but then the flying creature arrived. He was thinking about taking his beautiful bow, but decided against, it due to the amazing speed of the saurian-like creatures.
OOC - Switch to present time and a couple of checks:
Knowledge (nature) check for these saurians: (1d20+6)[20]
Knowledge (religion) check for the skeletons: (1d20+5)[18]

Githeos looks for a piece of wood to be used as a light stick or quarterstaff against these horde of enemies, silently cursing Hades, and takes cover beyond a barrel. Finally he speaks aloud:
"As my uncle said... you can rip flesh, but you need to crush the bones..."

[Chained Birds]

Funick

The Merfolk looks to the skies, and then to the seas. Perhaps swimming away could be an option, but for now he will try to stand firm.

He moves up to Arenicus.

"Would you like to benefit from the sea's wonder?"

He places a hand on the Suli's shoulder.

Spoiler: 1stTurn Actions

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Move Action: Move towards Arenicus
Standard Action: Casting Bull's Strength on Arenicus (if he accepts)
- Duration: 3 Minutes.
- Effect: +4 Enhancement Bonus to Strength.

Funick then rushes over to Githeos and asks him a similar question.

"Would you too like to be guarded by the sea's strength?"

Spoiler: 2nd Turn Actions

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Move Action: Move towards Githeos.
Standard Action: Cast Protection from Evil on Githeos (if he accepts)
- Duration: 3 minutes.
- Effect: +2 Deflection Bonus to AC VS Evil Creatures and +2 Resistance Bonus to Saves VS Evil Creatures.

Positioning himself so he is pretty close to all allies, Funick closes his eyes. The symbol of Poseidon on Funick's back glimmers brightly as he holds his spear with both hands, holding it upright in front of his face.

"We are blessed to be within the confines of the sea's embrace, so allow its wondrous power to flow into your bodies."

He then shakes the spear from side to side, before slamming the bottom of the spear onto the floor.

Spoiler: Final Turn Actions

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Move Action: Move to a good position to get as many allies as possible within 50ft of Funick.
Standard Action: Cast Bless.
- Duration: 3 Minutes.
- Effect: +1 Morale Bonus to Attack Rolls and Saves VS Fear. Must be within 50ft of Funick to gain this.

[Starbin]

Arenicus let the threat hang for a moment before finally turning away from the elf. He didn't need to prove himself, but he would not let an insult linger. But with the skinny one's apology, he nodded curtly and moved away. He was checking his weapons when the call to action came. Even the elf seemed ready to fight, so Arenicus nodded, a grim smile on his face.

He gauged the distance to the flying creatures, then placed a giant two-handed hammer within reach as he took aim with his bow. When the fish-man cast his spell, he frowned at first, then grinned with barely restrained violence dancing in his eyes. "Let us show these fools the error of their ways!"

Spoiler: Actions

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Will attack the flyers with his bow as much as possible until they arrive, then switch to the hammer against any surviving skels. Let me know how many ranged attacks we get!

[Leriel]

Githeos looks astonished at the merfolk while he moves toward Arenicus. The mer stand still with a lot of effort, but he moves quick, like an eel.

And suddenly Funick reach the catfolk (who found a short iron bar for the imminent battle), promising a blessing of his god...

"Sure, Funick!"

Githeos feels excited at the idea of magic protecting him from enemies, and he moves to the center of the ship, in order to flank every creature menacing Funick or Kiteras (better stay away from the huge hammer of Arenicus!)

[Malaki]

Spoiler: @Leriel

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The flying creatures are pteranodons. Huge ones, as you initially are not sure about their race, because of dimensions and the speed they have in flight. They are not Ellenica native but found on some extern islands, but sometimes they are sent in marketplace as rare creatures, and normally of large size.
The undead are skeletons; you know about their resistance to not blount weapons, and other informations about normal undead. The red one is a Bloody Skeleton, the other it's probably a Skeleton with a strange cunning intelligence, but at your sight share the same characteristics of the normal ones, maybe it's stronger than the others.

[OOC All]: The Red Barge is 125 feet long and 20 feet large. The mast is 60 feet high. You are all in the rear part of the boat (Githeos moved near the mast, so there will be some feet between you after Funick spell), on the main deck (mast is in the center). Everyone is in range for the bless, and also Kiteras, Eliah and Yano; not Tassarion who is high the mast with a sailor. Captain is also at range of the spell, seems unarmed.
On your deck there are 50 other sailors mainly armed with a sailor knife or unarmed, and the Boatswain at Rudder-tiller in upper deck. The 50 sailor are all along the left flank of the boat (because they were looking to the point the sailor at lookout post point said before). Here and there you have group of 2-3 barrels (you may use it for cover, if you want it) and ropes (some used for the navigation, some placed on the board unbound). There's an access to the lower deck at the front part, behind you there is the upper deck with a ladder to reach it.
You have only one round to aim with long range weapons[/OOC]

As you prepare yourself for battle you see also the other get ready for action. Eliah take his Axe and place himself with his back to the sea, on the right flank of the ship. Yano takes his lute from his back and start to tweak the strings, a ballad that gives you many more confidence on the battle that has to come, and move him near the ladder to upper deck.
Kiteras take his spear with left hand, looking at the creature approaching. He closes his eyes in search for concentration and cast a spell on it, saying:
"For the ancient pact of my ancestors, may this spear burn with the power of ages and became their instrument as I am" . The spear glows like it was burning for an instant, then Kiteras smiles and get ready, placing side by side with Funick.
Sailors start to shout in fear for the creatures approching. They fly fast, but Arenicus and Tassarion readied their weapons and take a shot before that flying monsters left skeleton on the deck, and then depart to Mavala. The elf was faster than the Gartenian and take a shot to one of the beast, causing a cut in one of a flyer wing, but with no other apparent harm.

[OOC:
Kiteras cast a spell, DC 16 in spellcraft to identify it if you want.
Yano start to play to inspire courage, you all gain a +1 to attack and damage rolls, and also a +1 morale on roll against charm and fear effects. The effect stack with the one from Funick bless spell.
Arenicus may take a single shot, whatever target you prefer.]

Spoiler: map

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Yano is A
Captain is B
Kiteras is C
Funick is 1
Eliah is 2
Arenicus is 3
near the mast 2 is Githeos
near the mast 3 is Tassarion (above on the mast)

[edited: added map]

[Starbin]

Arenicus fired off a shot from his bow, aiming for the same one the elf shot, before setting his bow to the side and grabbing his hammer.

"Hold, men! You heard the cat - these bones break like any others! You may not have a hammer like mine, but you can still use sticks, stones, staves or anything blunt!"

Spoiler: Attack

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Attack w/bow - (1d20+5)[8], Damage - (1d6)[4]
Edit: sigh ...

[Malaki]

The arrow from Arenicus missed for a few the flying creature, that point its face back to the original target, Mavala island.
The other flyers do a hedgehop on the sea surface and relase the undead with this maneuver.
The skeletons reach the deck from a 4 feet high, not enough to do harm them.
The high velocity of the flyers implies that some skeleton lack in the landing... in fact three of them roll to the left side of the barge untouched, hitting the right bulwark (consider them flat-footed). One of them rolls on Eliah, who is hit and go also on the deck with the undead.
The other skeletons landed on their feet, ready to act. Their first move is trying to reach the nearest target they have. The far ones are attacking the oar sailors, who tried to defend themselves screaming.
The red one lands on its feet on the upper deck, near the helmsman, and cut his throat with a single, deadly blow. You can hear the shrill cry of his last breath, before he falls down.
The larger one lands near the ladder to lower deck, in the heading of the barge, holding position and grinning.

OC: considering Funick (1) position as E9:
Eliah moves to F11
skeleton landing is:
E11, flat-footed
F8 pointing at Kiteras
H8 pointing at Arenicus
I9 pointing at Githeos
M11, flat-footed
P11, flat-footed
O7, attacking sailor
Q7, attacking sailor
S7, attacking sailor
The red one land on A8
The big one land on T8
Roll initiative so we can start the battle ;)
Every Undead start as if they have 0 on the roll

If you're pleased, i can take a new picture of the map, with undead positions. I thought it was clear enough with coordinates, but if you prefer ask for it and i'll do]

[Malaki]

[moving as for intiative rolls, i do every roll for action, no decision is made before the battle ;)]
The landing of the undeads was really fast, but Yano reacts even faster. Without even to stop playing his lute he do a step back from the ladder and look for something; then smiled and to the captain and says:
"It seems that these wooden bar may be useful" pointing with the head at three large sticks between them, smiling; then he reach for one, picking one of them while posing his lute gently to the deck floor.
Kiteras' attention is for the skeleton he is facing: he does a feint with the spearhead, than using his left arm hit the creature with the spear back, causing a little damage on the undead hip.

Spoiler: actual map

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[Leriel]

Githeos grins at the words of Arenicus - the Gartenian has some common sense, after all.

He was ready to play with his opponents in a game of bluff and feint... but facing a skeleton and looking at the empty sockets of its eyes, he realizes that the creature have even less brain than his new companion. Well, no use trying to fool it...

So... Githeos steps back, away from the reach of the nearer skeleton [5-ft step], then he tries to tumble away [into Q13] and get the (unaware) support of Arenicus, flanking one of the skeleton that menaces him, and finally he tries to land a blow on the creature.

Spoiler: Rolls

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Rolls:
Acrobatics (1d20+7)[27]
Attack (1d20+6)[8] (counting flanking, bless and song)
Damage (if I'm lucky!) (2d6+2)[10]

[Starbin]

With his extremely large hammer in hand, Arenicus roared in delight, ready to dish out some devastation on his foes. Seeing Githeos slip away, the warrior ignored the cat for now, intent on removing one of the skeletons that bracketed his position. With a grunt, he swept the earthbreaker back to catch the still unmoving skeleton, sure that his blow would disintegrate it immediately.

Spoiler: Actions

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Attack flat-footed skeleton to Arenicus's 'southwest'
Attack w/earthbreaker - (1d20+7)[8], Damage - (2d6+6)[9]

...
...
...
Are you freakin' kidding me? A 3 and a 1 for my first combat rolls? Awesome ...

[Malaki]

A sudden lurch of the barge transform the blows from Githeos and Arenicus in two misses of their respective targets.
Eliah take his stone axe from the floor and jump up; with a blow he try to hit the skeleton in front of him, but he missed it and hit the barge flank instead.
From the mast Tassarion fire an arrow that finish into the skull of a skeleton, but with no other apparent effect. He shout loudly at the sailors: "You scums! Use the crates to protect yourselves! Don't let them reach for you: move near us adventurers, protect yourselves one to another. No one need to die! Fast!!!"
The Captain smiles back at Yano "I have my method to defend myself, let me show you" Suddenly he move an arm and from the flank behind him some sort of sea snake arrive crawling, placing at the side of the Captain, guarding him.

[ooc: it's Funick move now; it seems that the bad luck for the rolls is also for me :-/]

[Chained Birds]

Funick

Funick raises his spear up.

"Purge!"

The spear glows slightly, before he slams the bottom of the spear into the ground creating a shockwave of white energy that passes harmlessly through his allies, but not so harmlessly to the undead.

Spoiler: Actions

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Standard Action: Channel Energy (Undead Harm) (4/5)
- (2d6)[7] to all undead within 30ft of Funick.
- Will Save 13 For Half (Undead Skeletons only).

[Malaki]

The energy wave started by Funick passes between the living like an harmless vibration in the bones, but when it reaches the undeads, it transforms in a fiery blast of energy that, for a second, make them glow like candles in the twilight.
The five creatures make a sort of tremble; then open their jaws to the sky, in what may resemble a silent scream of pain.
The one previously hit by Kiteras crumbles to the deck floor; the other three on the deck and the one near the rudder-tiller move their heads toward their previous targets.
Some of the sailors are badly shocked by the attack so, they give their backs to the skeletons to try to escape. Three of them are hit before even they can move. Others defend themselves with knives trying to reach the rear part of the barge, where you are. Five of the sailors dive for the sea, out of board. Between the men not near the skeletons someone listen to the suggestion of the elf and move themselves between the crates, trying to stall for some second. A sailor tries to move to the lower deck, but the far skeleton intercept him and kill the man with a powerful blow.
The red skeleton moves in direction of the ladder: when he starts to walk, the red gore on him seems to close one of the wound caused by Funick's move. He arrives at top of the ladder then tries to hit Yano with his bloody claw, but he misses the attack.
The one previously pointing at Githeos moves to reach him and gives a two fast to claws attack: the first one misses [11] but the second piercees the catfolk defense [19, 4 hit points lost]
The other one near Arenicus tries the same: two rapid sequence lunges, but the martial training of the warrior [10 & 14] keep him safe from the harm by now.
The skeletons on the floor try to stand up from the prone position, the one near Arenicus tries to do the same.

[OC: Arenicus and Eliah have an opportunity attack]

[Starbin]

Arenicus frowned, his aim having been spoiled by the swaying of the ship - he was unused to fighting from a moving platform and it angered him. Fortunately, it didn't spoil his ability to avoid being hit (or perhaps it simply made attacking as difficult for the skeletons as it did for him). Regardless, one of the enemy moved across his combat zone, opening itself up to attack. With a growl, he swung.

Spoiler: AOO

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Attack - (1d20+7)[13], Damage - (2d6+6)[15]
EDIT: Whoops, totally forgot about the three buffs on Arenicus (Inspire courage, Bless, and Bull's Strength).

That means my attack was actually a 17, and my damage would be 19 ... huzzah!

Spoiler: Status

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HPs: 28/28; AC: 18; F +4 R +3 W +1
Active effects
Inspire Courage (+1 comp bonus att/dam; +1 morale bonus to saves vs fear/charm)
Bless (+1 morale bonus to att and saves vs fear)
Bull's Str (+4 enh bonus to Str)

[Malaki]

As the giant hammer hits the bones of the undead, it suddenly crumbles in dust, destroyed forever.
From below the balcony, Yano tries to hit the red skeleton with the bar: he rotates it in his right hand and hits the creature, separating some bones from the figure: but the creature seems to continue on its plan.
Kiteras moves forward 10 feet and engage the skeleton that Arenicus missed last turn, trying to hit with the spear, but he misses the target.

[OC: It's Arenicus and Githeos Turn]

Spoiler: actual map

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[Leriel]

The tumbling performance of Githeos was superb... his combat efforts, not so good. Nevermind - bad luck, a wave, whims of fate... who cares? For one moment, Githeos is pervaded by the pain - and the somewhat iron smell of blood. Time to strike back!

Again, Githeos tries to hit the skeleton between him and Arenicus [O15 in map]

Spoiler: Attack!

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Attack (1d20+6)[20] (counting flanking, bless and song)
Damage (2d6+2)[5]

[Malaki]

The skeleton turns his eye-sockets to Githeos before it becomes dust [skeleton down; Arenicus is up to you]

[Starbin]

Arenicus grunted in satisfaction as he blasted one of the skeletons from existence. He nodded in appreciation as the cat returned another bone-man to dust. "That is how you do it! Rally, men, rally and fight!" With his flank no longer harried, he turned to charge the reddish skeleton, his mighty hammer swinging down to crush the creature.

Spoiler: AOO

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Attack - (1d20+13)[19] Damage - (2d6+10)[19] (Includes charge and buffs)

Spoiler: Status

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HPs: 28/28; AC: 16; F +4 R +3 W +1
Active effects
Inspire Courage (+1 comp bonus att/dam; +1 morale bonus to saves vs fear/charm)
Bless (+1 morale bonus to att and saves vs fear)
Bull's Str (+4 enh bonus to Str)
Charge (+2 Att, -2 AC)