[EMPIRE4!] IC Thread

[Gengy]

Round 8
[Desert of Magic]
Regno (8), Iadesh (7)
[Grand Magus Viclean]

Actions:

1. [Diplomacy] With many Initiates already in the region, and support from the mining town of Little Litore, the Grand Magus makes an effort to finally - at last - bring the whole of the Regner desert into the fold, and truly create a unified Desert of Magic.
   (Press Claim, Region 9, Roll: 20)
   [Organized Faith Majority (does not provide a bonus, subtracted two from total roll)]
2. [Economy] Umbo Iadesh the Seventh seeks to expand the clothing options of Oamenii, and merchants soon make a bid for Giant's Silk from nearby Reflas
   (Buyout of Trade Post #2, Region 11, Roll: 15)
3. [Economy] Corn merchants from Coatl are blown away by a storm, and are forced to make an emergency stop in the Kingdom of Obroslo, where they are quick to try and purchase Moon Opals.
   (Buyout of first Trade Post, Region 22, Roll: 16)
4. [Economy] While in Obroslo, merchants hear of a land so full of miners that entire slabs of a unique type of rock - Granite - is sold. Soon, Umbo Iadesh is interested enough to send merchants directly there.
   (Buyout of second Trade Post, Region 26, Roll: 16)
5. [Economy] With Corn and Shrimp being transported from far away, Umbo Iadesh asks the Bratus Academy to recommend a good preservative, and where to find it. A singular record shows an experiment with a Parchseed sample - acquired during a diplomatic visit to Avakonia - so the more bold merchants serving Regno and Iadesh go to make a purchase of Parchseed Oil from the heart of the Empire.
   (Buyout of third Trade Post, +1 Scepter of Bray, Region 51, Roll: 19)

Non-Actions:

• Support Izbefe's purchase of Iadeshian Camels from R7 TP#2

Spoiler: News and Rumors

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• With the release of all the slaves in Iadesh, there is a collective sigh of relief from Regno. Cataracta, on the other hand, suffers a couple of months of uneasiness as the people in the region adjust to needing to hire workers for tasks that previously slaves performed. The slaves, on the other hand, by and large are quite happy with the result. They have a warm place to stay, and if they don't choose to leave, they can either work (and get paid!) as laborers or go north to Bratus College to get an education for a more skilled position. Most notably, each and every slave that stays in the Desert or the Dunes joins a new family: the Liber family of Cataracta, overseen by the new family head, the ancient adviser Soc Pingo, now known as Pingo Liber. He moves to Cataracta, along with many 'grand daughters' (former slaves of the region) and oversees the transitioning period. Housing and guaranteed jobs are available until the year 129, at which point a former slave must have secured their own job, joined the Liber family, or make some other accommodations, as the government will no longer provide for them after that.
• With the removal of slavery, the Grand Magus turns his attentions back towards unifying the desert. He reaches out towards (Region 9) and the response is very positive.
• Spera Sortis, now old enough to join a hunting party, stumbles across a newborn sandboar piglet, who's mother is no where to be found. Likely already hunted. Instead of granting the newborn a swift death, she adopts it, and within a year, has the sandboar - now named Porcus - eating out of her hand. This starts a new trend among young girls in Sortis, whom all want their own piglets as pets.
• With less of a peaceful treaty occurring in the Conference of the Burned Field then was hoped for, Regno still hopes for peace in the southeast. Ambassadors Vecto and Urias propose to their prospective hosts that they are more than willing to act as liaisons to each other, should the need arise.
• Ambassador Riola Greybeak from Whitefeather is politely asked by members of the Three Towers to travel around Regno's deserts and help create a more solidified map. Captain Disca and some of his Regnan guard squad will travel with her, should she accept.
• The Dawntalon family is expecting another child, and Magi Sortiment is hoping for a boy this time.
• Conversations with the Firethorn Regiment were reportedly occurring for a while between Sortis and Wazham, but Heir Tutum refuses to say exactly what they were about. No obvious communications continue.
• Speaker Arunca returns home to Newbess, briefly, before becoming Magi Arunca, much to his mother's widely stated pride. He then returns to his duties as Ambassador to D̨vatla.
• Comoara of Family Casnic is heard talking to Emissary of the Satsujin about the merits of marriage, and the specifics of what precisely it means for others... and what it could mean for him.
• Petram, the City in the Shallows, has asked the Three Towers to consider sending explorers to the north, but every attempt of a small scout so far has been one of a lost or dead scout. The Grand Magus begins to take an interest, and starts working on another of his own personal ideas. Late in the year 126, he is seen spending time with camels more than people.
• Arriving in Khirus, Speaker Urias and his two Aspectus guards marvel at what they find. The Ambassador sends back frequent reports, and asks that they be preserved as a collection for other Initiates to study; a request that is easy to accept.
• Grand Magus Viclean hears a rumor that Jalsi Seung Kyung has began to feel his age, and the senior Jalsi will be stepping down in the next few years. This makes the Grand Magus quite sad to hear, and Oamenii begin to see him studying mirrors and the few grey hairs on his own head.
• With the addition of steady Iron deliveries, better weapons are made for the Legionnaires and better pick axes are made for the miners. Blattea - and subsequently Bani - becomes easier to mine.
• Upon making purchases of Granite from the far east corner of the Inyaka sub-continent, merchants have trouble finding a way back to the Uhraiya sea. Transporting slabs of rock overland is difficult, and no easy rivers exist. Thankfully, the Theocracy of Coatl is to the south, along the Badan sea, and that is the direction the merchants head, in the hopes of finding an easier land passage back to Uhraiya. Yet, before they can get there, they are way laid by - reportedly - security forces from Glen Gwitna. These security forces are very interested in the shipments of granite, and offer protection and will aid in ensuring that the shipments arrive in Regno, in exchange for a modest payment. The captain of the security forces is rumored to have said all of this was a menacing laugh while brandishing a saber. Supposedly, the Regnan Merchant in charge - Uitand of the Gagiu family from Iadesh - found all of this so impressive, that he rushed over to the captain, hugged him in greeting, and gave him a bag full of Sapphires. When the first shipment of Granite arrived back to Regno, Umbo Iadesh heard the story, and now a small chest of Sapphires arrives in Glen Gwitna once a year from Regno's private stock. Protection on the Badan and Uhraiya seas has never been stronger.
• Umbo Iadesh the Seventh is quick to hire a large number of Liber family members as laborers. He makes sure they are well fed and cared for, hires some Earth Speakers from Bratus as architects, and as soon as the Granite from far away Inyaka arrives, a new kind of road is developed between Prinde Town and Cataracta. Raised stone platforms are created through Initia practices, making a flat road that rises high above the sand and is unlikely to be covered. Laborers then places granite slabs, one after the other, over the risen roadway, making it uniform and easily traversal. The occasional resting location is hand crafted and carved at various intervals along the road. There are... several set backs the first year, as both Laborers and Speakers go through trial and error to make things work properly.

Spoiler: Ruler Information

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Grand Magus Viclean	D	E	F	M	I
Current	8	8	10	2	2
End of round 1	1	0	1	0	0
End of round 2	1	1	0	0	0
End of round 3	1	0	1	0	0
End of round 4	0	1	1	0	0
End of round 5	0	0	2	0	0
End of round 6	2	0	0	0	0
End of round 7	0	2	0	0	0
End of round 8	0	0	0	0	0

New Ruler Next Round

Expected Stat Bonuses: +2 Economy

Spoiler: Mechanical Bookkeeping

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Total Number of Regno 'Owned' Religious Centers: 4
Total Number of Initia 'Learning' Centers: 13
Total Number of Initia Holy Orders: 1

Regno Controlled Trading Posts:

• Bani - Region 8, TP #1
• Sapphires - Region 9, TP #3
• Corn - Region 33, TP #3
• Ships - Region 6, TP #3
• Dragon Shrimp - Region 10, TP #2
• Iadeshian Camels - Region 7, TP #1
• Iron - Region 13, TP#3

Military Units:

• 2 [Regnan Legionnaires]
• 1 [Iadeshian Camel Riders]

[Reggiejam]

ISLES OF LAZAR



Region 28; NE Corner

Round 8 (124 - 126)

Diplomacy: 1
Military: 3
Economy: 6
Faith: 6
Intrigue: 4

1 [FAITH] (Faith 5) Form a Coatl Perijanism Holy Order: The Burners

The first Arndok built the Burners to serve the army, scouting, raiding, and most importantly burning out any obstacle in their path. The new order of the Burners are to serve a similar purpose but their obstacles to overcome with flame are not physical but moral and spiritual. The Burners are entrusted with ensuring old brush is cleansed by tending flames.

2 [FAITH] Convert Isles of Lazar HC 1 to Coatl Perijanism Success

The Jalyeong-bo Shaman Molokai faces accusations by the Burners of hoarding sacrifices intended for the spirits for himself. This, the Burners proclaim, is the reason for Molokai's reticence to adopt the worship of Xincoatl for Xincoatl demands his sacrifices be burned that all may see his dancing tongue taste his tithe.

A number of sacrifices are discovered in the Shaman's home and while the elder shaman tries to insist such evidence is planted his sway among the people is seriously damaged by the accusations. Molokai elects to leave quietly rather than face the Burners justice. The Moot is at last secured in the name of Xincoatl with the naming of the senior Burner Tobian to the position of head priest at the Moot.

3 [MILITARY] Raise 1 Unit and restore the Army of the Tribe

Trained to fight with whatever they can find and armed with bows and whale-bone swords, they are, for now the elite of Lazar's soldiers.

4 [ECONOMY] Buyout Granite TP 3 Open in Region 26 Failure

Despite rising tensions the Gwitnans, Lord Ferreth specifically, are thanked for driving out foreign infidels from the Sea of Badan and the Tail of Xincoatl. The Amham Federation may balk at having its stolen bounty reclaimed by easterners but the lazarites respect and admire the Gwitnan loyalty to the eastern cause and the call of Xincoatl. The warm words are accompanied by the attempt to establish a Lazarite trading post alongside the skeleton left by the abandoned Wuzei Darak merchants now controlled by Gwitnan privateers. When Regnans are spotted operating the ocean however it is decided it would be better to let the Gwitnans handle these new western infiltrators and the lazarites move to less crowded quarries elsewhere in the region.

Removed from neighboring the Gwitnans by the obfuscating Regnan presence the lazarites are unable to develop a relationship between the local quarry workers and the Coalition traders already present failing to make entry into the regional trade. Amham, and Jalyeong-bo more generally, are given the bulk of the blame. The failure a supposed result of bad spirits clouding the region as well as the divisive conversions in Gwitna negatively affecting the otherwise pious Coalition and its relationships with fellow worshippers of Xincoatl.

5 [ECONOMY] Buyout Copper TP 3 Open in Region 30 Success

The Kiin Sareteh at first consider ejecting the Firethorne Regiment from the isles, suspicious of the foreigners who promise so much and take in equal or greater measure to the size of their promises yet in the end the profits being generated by the Firethorne contracts and the desire to see the Jalyeong-bo lead mercenary group employed by the foreigners have to deal with the eventual fallout of its pyramid funding outweighs the initial xenophobia. The conservative sect of the Kiin Sareteh, still doubtful of the continental mining enterprise being pursued, funds a shipping and mercantile expedition down along the Xincoatl Coast to the lands northwest of the Pall where a number of copper mines lay dormant and unclaimed.

The expedition is a great success and steady shipments of copper begin to flow up and down the eastern coast of the known world. The reports of these explorers and merchants about the wild untamed jungle of the Pall has also incited a great interest among the more radical Coatl Perijanists who believe the haunted jungle must be purified by the blazing light of Xincoatl.

[ROLLS]

[UNITS] 0 Units

[RUMORS]
Coatl Philosophers of Fire find a much more welcome reception among the Isles of Lazar than in their home country. The radical monotheist sect and their hardline ideals find themselves not only respected but employed at the highest levels of government. A small but notable portion of the Isles' newest holy order claim to be former or current Philosophers of Fire as well as Burners.

Shaman Molokai is declared to be Laham Nokura, in Imperial "One of the Forgotten Ones", and his name is scoured to never be spoken or mentioned again. Head priest Tobian records the former Shaman's name in his book ensuring his predecessor shall die alone and be fully forgotten by the Tribe.

Lazarite merchants have come into contact with Gwitnan sailors in their trade and religious expansion. Tales that these foreign merchants also adhere to the tenets of Coatl Perijanism does much to reduce tensions that could otherwise emerge as the two powers seek to establish themselves across the eastern seaboard as merchant powers. When news comes in of the Gwitnan’s piracy an initial fear strikes the merchants of the copper fleets. However, the Arndok on behalf of the Kiin Sareteh extends her thanks and congratulations to the defenders of the Badan Sea for keeping foreign interlopers like the Wuzei Darak from claiming what they have not paid for. No formal alliance is drawn up but the Lazarites seem willing to treat Gwitnans with respect as fellow Coatl Perijanists.

The rumblings of Jalyeong-bo discontent stirred by distant Amham irritates the Kiin Sareteh and the Arndok urges all Lazarites operating in the Badan to avoid doing business with Jalyeong-bo traders in the sea ports of Xincoatl's Tail. The declaration is met unevenly by the lazarite merchants but even without uniformity the lazarite displeasure at Jalyeong-bo agitation and expansion is clear. Let the spirit shamans focus on the west where they are strong. If they wish to do business with the east they must trade fairly not seek to disrupt it.

Four children are chosen by the Kiin Sareteh by ritual magic as candidates to serve as the next Arndok. The children, all around five years old, are taken under the care of the state and begin to receive an education fit for a noble. Three of the children come from the families of prominent Kiin Sareteh voices but the fourth is an orphan and ward of the state whose family was lost in the Burning. Though but one of dozens so affected by the Burning that this child of nothing was identified by Xincoatl as potentially serving the Tribe as Arndok is touted as proof of Xincoatl's mercy and generosity.

[Minescratcher]

Regions 19, 20 & 21
Ti Linnad
Leader: Premier Lira Jinna

Actions:

1. [Diplomacy] Complete excavation of the Statue Gardens [3/5]
The high caverns have been delved in full, and now all that remains is the finer work. Rubble is cleared and pillars are reinforced, the great stairs leading up the wall of the ravine are built, and the colossal archway at its entrance is decorated. As the work nears completion, craftsmen come from across Ti Linnad to add their work to the intricate carvings that circle and entwine the pillars. According to the schedule, the Statue Gardens should be finished within three or four years.

2. [Diplomacy] Complete sculpting of statues for the Statue Gardens [4/5]
Many of the statues commissioned in the last three years are complete, and transported to the Statue Gardens. However, the halls are not yet complete. New commissions are sent out, including to the recently-integrated Uran. Their own heroes, including such as the legendary Aizkolaria swordsman Arfrenu Agnar, the loyal wanderer Lillin Zura, and the first High Tasuna Edvin Werd, join the ranks of those immortalized in the Statue Gardens.

3. [Diplomacy] Make peace with Obroslo [Region 22]
The recent unhappy passings of Necathi Tinnudoja and Mynnar Ullac have led the remaining Council members to realize that the end of their lives must be coming soon. An old Linnadi tradition holds that those who feel their death approaching should put an end to their quarrels, and in appreciation of this, the Premier officially offers peace to their long foes. Although it is unknown how long this peace will last, many hope that the new king can throw aside the weight of the ex-imperial tyrants before him and prove himself worthy of his title.

4. [Diplomacy] Stabilize Gelupar, the Icebound Heights [Region 19]: 18
Messengers from the Highlands make contact with the tribes of Gelupar and with the nobles of Karamak, offering them gifts and two seats in the Council in exchange for becoming part of Ti Linnad. Most of the tribes agree, hoping to avoid becoming entangled with Perivan again, and the nobles that opposed unification have been defeated in battle. The Uran tribes form an agreement amongst themselves that their member of the Council will be beholden to the collective will of all the tribes, while the Karamaki nobles eagerly accept and hold a contest of lore and history to determine their member. In 125, the High Tasuna Arseni and the noble Vencel Karamaki take their seats in the Council for the first time.

5. [Military] Raise a unit
The peoples of Arfordir are restless and eager to see the world, but none more so than the Omanush of Caleilen. A particularly talented captain would have a great resource at his disposal, and Mallow assigns just such a captain to a small fleet of Caleilen ships. Under Admiral Haltaran, the 1st Malva Naval Division forms the backbone of the Linnadi navy, and as skilled as they are at sea, they are no less adept at fighting on land.

Nonactions:

Spoiler: News and Rumors

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• The aged priest Necathi Tinnudoja has passed away in the winter of 125, after living a surprisingly long life of almost forty-nine years. Many comment that with the adoption of Coatl, Pylliar seem to be living longer and longer; all of the Council members are also far advanced in years. Many arrive to pay their respects to the battle-scarred priest from across the Highlands. He is succeeded as high priest of Xincoatl in Ti Linnad by his first son, Ashea Necathoja.
  .
• Two months later, the Council loses one of its oldest members, Mynnar Ullac. He is honored with a special position in the Statue Gardens, at the right hand of the last Premier, representing the previous Council who overthrew the corrupt and cowardly Fourth Council in 83. As for his position, he is succeeded by one Regor Pyrrahasso, a young and eager leader from Arfordir.
  .
• Lira Jinna's search for a successor has brought a relatively young Pylliar by the name of Jannellai Norraissa to her attention. She takes the fledgling leader under her wing, and it is widely agreed that Jannellai is destined to be the next Premier.
  .
• Hearing of the protection services offered by the Gwitna, and remembering the raids against Omanush shipping, Synnidra Syssillo and Colrim advise Mallow to come to an agreement with them. She agrees, and the Caleilen sailors begin to carry a blue-and-white banner, which can be hoisted to prove their loyalty to the Linnadi, and thus protection, if need be.
  .
• Soon after, the news of a Jalyeong-Bo coup in Glen Gwitna worries many. The primary fear is that, as "Suicidal" Sandor seems to oppose Coatl Perijanism, Ti Linnad's ally may turn against them. However, no signs of this are forthcoming, and the Council decides to let matters rest for the time being.
  .
• Many look on Anham's religious warfare with contempt, and even a number of Illoan shamans revile the mass conversions as a coward's tactic. However, some see it rather as an intelligent way to avoid direct conflict, which could never be sustainable for Anham. The people of Arfordir, especially the seafaring Jallish and Omanush, note that silver shipments still fail to reach Regner, even after the Gwitnan uprising.
  .
• Reports spread throughout Ti Linnad of strange creatures sighted all across mid-Inyaka. The creatures are reported to appear at first as normal horses that have a pure-color coat with no blotches or blemishes. However, on closer inspection, the horses have a horn growing from the center of their head. In every story, only moments after the onlooker noted the horn, the creature turned to face him and disappeared in a flash of light. These tales are dismissed at first as mere rumors, and multiple expeditions fail to confirm the existence of these "unicorns", but sightings only grow more common as the years pass.
  .

Spoiler: Ruler Information

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Current Stats
Diplomacy: 8
Military: 10
Economy: 4
Intrigue: 2
Faith: 3

New Ruler Next Round? No
New ruler changeover in 1 round

Expected Stat Bonuses: Diplomacy +2

Spoiler: Other notes

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Military units: 3 + 1/ 8
General: Sennu Moko (8)

• 1st Opal Company
• 1st Pine Company
• 3rd Cloud Company
• + 1st Malva Naval Division
  

  ---

• 1st Cloud Company (KIA)
• 1st Fang Company (KIA)
• 1st Wingknights (KIA)
• 1st Bear Company (KIA)
• 2nd Cloud Company (KIA)
• 2nd Fang Company (KIA)
• 1st Forest Company (KIA)

Resources controlled:

• Region 21 [Highlands of Ti Linnad]: Pegasi
• Region 33 [Coatl]: Corn
• Region 45 [Inyoni Crescent]: Incense

Techs:

• Wingknights: +1 to battle rolls (Cavalry slot); requires Pegasi
• Inyoni Skyfarers: +1 to battle rolls (Live Weapons and Warbeasts slot); requires Incense

Religion bonuses:

• +1 unit cap

Cultural Identity: United in Action
The Linnadi are a people shaped by unity. When the opportunity comes to work as one force, they seize it - at home and abroad.

Increase in die size for rolls for supported trade post buyouts and allowed holy center conversions (these both apply to buyouts and conversions in controlled regions).

Saved actions:
[Economy] Buyout Pegasi TP 3 in Ti Linnad [Region 21]: [roll]

[Economy] Buyout Wheat TP 1 in [Region 48]: [roll]

[Diplomacy] Transport the statues into the Statue Gardens [5/5]

[moossabi]

Realm of the Tides, Round Eight
Speaker Wadagle

Actions

1. [Diplomacy] In the aftermath of the battle Wadagle and Kelios meet with the local leaders of Lior to discuss the situation with the Sattathanya. While there, the locals manage to get Wadagle to be able to differentiate between the Sattathanya extremists and moderate Abhidics. Following this revelation Wadagle agrees to leave the people of the region be and protect them from future threats in exchange for the leaders swearing fealty to Wadagle, effectively turning Lior into a protectorate state. (Stabilize Region 43; Roll: 14; SUCCESS)
2. [Military] Incensed by the Council's blasphemy, many formerly sidelined Picians declare their loyalty to Wadagle and join his side in the civil war. (Raise 1 unit)
3. [Military] Incensed by the Council's blasphemy, many formerly sidelined Picians declare their loyalty to Wadagle and join his side in the civil war. (Raise 1 unit)
4. [Military] Though there is a civil war going on, Wadagle recognizes the importance of not stalling in the efforts against the Abhidic extremists. Since they're busy on a march further south it will be a trifling matter to send in a small force to quickly reestablish control over the region. (Invade region 42 with 2 units)
5. [Faith] Amham delenda est. (Convert Holy Center 1 of Region 70; Roll: 12)

Nonactions

• None

News and Rumors

• As Wadagle had predicted, the Abhidic rebels broke before the might of our armies. Though the cost was heavy, the portion of the coast formerly belonging to the Whitefeather Kingdom is now ours. Unfortunately, the loss of life in doing so was catastrophic. While we are still able to flaunt this battle as a victory the battle for Lior will serve as a reminder not to stray too far from the water for too long ever again.
• Wadagle's return to Fresia has been met with an all-out civil war between the corrupted council and those zealously supporting the way of the Leviathan. Wadagle is quick to align himself against the council and is named Speaker by his compatriots as more and more Picians gather to storm the Grand Temple and depose the vile council.

Spoiler: The Council's Treachery

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The capitol of the Pician realm was, all being said, a dreary place. Even on sunny days the grey stones of the old human city emanated a sense of loss, waves lapping at the walls of once proud structures fallen into ruin. On other days the place would be full of activity, Picians coming and going from their hunts as if this place were a beehive for them. Today, the city was abuzz with a different sort of activity. Some areas were oppressed by deathly silence, others drowning in the cries of Picians in the throes of combat. The council's treachery had come to light and now brother slaughtered brother brazenly in the streets. In embracing the foul foreign worship of spirits they had guaranteed their execution at the hands of those they may have once called friend.

Upon a particularly shallow point of the flooded city, probably built upon a hill prior to Fresia's fateful collapse, the Grand Temple of the Leviathan towered over the other dilapidated structures. It was here that the shamanic filth had profaned the shrines of the Leviathan, and where the council who allowed this sacrilege to occur hid in their chamber. They would not be safe forever.

Some distance before the Temple's entrance a great mob of Picians emerged, led by Wadagle, the one they called Speaker. His appointment by the people had violated the ancient ways of the Pician faith, but the Council forfeited their right to elect one the moment they forfeited the Leviathan.

Wadagle gazed around the street on which they now stood securely, the upper reaches of the Fresian waves lapping at the stones around him. On every side of the street lay the sacred statues to the Leviathan in all his thrice-headed glory, discarded by the enemy. Wadagle scowled. Everyone responsible for this mess would pay, starting with the Council. Without hardly a word, his crowd marched forth unto the temple, fully ready to do what needed to be done.

The doors stood ajar from what was most likely an earlier incursion, and beyond lay a sight that made the party's blood boil. The diases which had enshrined the statues of the Leviathan now held hoards upon hoards of false icons, talismans and idols dedicated to vile false gods. Strewn around them were the bodies of Picians, those loyal to the Leviathan discernible from those who aided the attempts to remove his glory. While in other times the worn floor and walls would be slightly damp, they were all spattered red with blood.

Growing more outraged by every blasphemous sight they took in, Wadagle's party marched its way through the halls to the Council's chamber. Some tried to stop them, all of them failed. By the time Wadagle was upon the doors of the chamber, nearly a dozen more Picians had added their corpses to the Temple's unwanted collection. As regrettable as the whole thing was, this was the price of treason. A price the Council had yet to pay.

Wadagle gestured towards the door to his men, who immediately set about battering against it with all their force. After about a minute of this the door gave way, the ancient rotted wood shattering upon the stone floor of the chamber. The Council Chamber was a room ringed with stone columns, at the center of which was a crescent table arching away from the door. From the somewhat jarred looks of the other council members Wadagle gathered that they had probably been conversing prior to the door's untimely demise. His men surged into the room, leveling their spears at the ones who had so foolishly betrayed them. Wadagle walked forward towards the table, a spear in hand and the rage of tens of thousands of Picians surging behind his eyes.

The entire remainder of the council was present, only Wadagle's former seat left unoccupied. Upon the back wall, where once there was a great insignia of the Leviathan which had been thrown out by the foreign shamans. Finally the one at the center of the table, Orbagle, spoke up with a scowl on his face. "<You were to come here years ago. We demanded that you come alone, and yet here you stand, betraying the Council's wishes.>"

Cooly, Wadagle replied "<You are the ones to betray our people. To betray the Leviathan. To betray your own honor as Picians.>"

"<You fool, can't you see? The Leviathan is a demon unto itself. The only right thing to do is to embrace the spirits.>"

"<And in doing so you allowed foreign shamans to pervert all our race has built and held dear. Perhaps Mlagarblargle's path of aggression was wrong, but this doesn't mean that you allow monsters to defile this holy place.>"

Addressing the wider room now, Orbagle pleaded to the rest of the Picians Wadagle had brought; "<Please, brothers, see the light. We must pay homage to the spirits of this world! It is the only true way!>"

Yet they all remained unmoved, their eyes cold towards those they had once respected. Wadagle let out a short laugh. "<We have seen your 'true way.' The way of burning down the past, casting asides centuries of tradition for some lowly spirits. Well I'm sorry to say, but your 'true way' is at an end, and all those who forced it upon Fresia shall taste the wrath of the Picians.>"

Suddenly panicking, Orbagle and several other Council members jumped from their chairs, Orbagle pointing at Wadagle with a look of frantic disgust on his face. "<No! You cannot continue down this path of bloodlust set down by Mlagarblargle! It is not right and never will be!>"

Wadagle simply chuckled. "<Would you like to know something funny Orbagle? I was planning on leaving things the way they were. Slowly trying to reform our faith and seek enlightenment in a passive manner. But this?>" he gestured to the temple they stood in as a whole, the temple which had been desecrated while the Council did nothing. "<This is of your making. You allowed this sacrilege to take place and helped me come to realize something. This world is harsh, unbending. There cannot be peace so long as there are those who would seek our undoing. The Azen want war, the Sattyathanya want war, and the Empire to our north wants war. Your actions have ensured that I will give it to them. You have condemned this realm to an eternity of war that will not end until every being which would defy us has been crushed.>"

Now every Council member was on their feet, stone swords and axes and maces drawn against their enemy. "<We cannot allow this to pass. Prepare to meet your end, monster!>"

Wadagle smiled murderously. "<Come, then. Break yourself upon my blade!>"

The groups met in a flurry of blood and chaos. The councilors, who had spent the last few years in the capitol away from the front lines, were no match for Wadagle's battle-hardened comrades. As the slaughter developed it quickly became clear that Wadagle's men could handle them all on their own, but Wadagle couldn't resist jumping into the fray for himself. He lunged at Orbagle, who yelped as Wadagle pinned him to the floor and tore his sword from his grasp.

As Wadagle raised the sword to stab through Orbagle's head, the air suddenly became very heavy. He found that he wasn't able to make the thrust he had prepared for, an invisible shield seemingly of the air itself placing itself between him and Orbagle. All around him his allies' movements began to slow, the Council members gaining the upper hand at last as the world around them seemed to turn against them. Orbagle croaked out a chuckle. "<You fool. Even now the spirits themselves work against your evil intentions, and will soon ensure that this little civil war births a better society.>"

Wadagle had had enough. Magic be damned, this fool must die. With every ounce of his will he forced the blade downward, the air blocking it slowly giving way to his raw fury. In the end, the barrier broke and the blade plunged through Orbagle's face into his brain, blood oozing from the wound as his body went limp. All around Wadagle the air lifted, his men resuming their slaughter of the traitors of the council. Less than a minute more and the room was finally silent.

Slowly rising to his feet, Wadagle looked down upon the corpse of his foe. The blood was spreading everywhere now, seeping ingo a river that met with the streams of the other dead Council members. His men around him were silent for the most part, trying to comprehend what had happened; what they had just done. After what seemed like an eternity of silence, one of the Picians spoke up. "<Hail Speaker Wadagle, he who shall lead us unto glory!>"

The ancient chant of the Council upon the election of a new Speaker. Wadagle had said it just once, for Mlagarblargle, and now it was being said for him. All around the room more and more joined the chant. "<Hail Speaker Wadagle, he who shall lead us unto glory!>" The cry echoed throughout the chamber, soaring far higher than the blasphemy of Orbagle ever had. When Wadagle turned to face them once more he was smiling, his eyes shining with tears.

Spoiler: Stats

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Wadagle's rolls

Stat	Value	Increase?
Diplomacy	5	-
Military	5	+1
Economy	3	-
Intrigue	1	-
Faith	5	-

Military unit count: 6
Generals:

• None yet

Spoiler: Regions

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Region Name	Region Number	Resource	Holy Center 1	Holy Center 2	Holy Center 3	Status
Atrisia	42	Shadow Flax	Jaelong-Bo	Abhidi	-	De Jure Territory
Lior	43	Lentils	Abhidi	Abhidi	Initia	Stabilizing
Hosra	68	Amber	Abhidi	Perijanism	Abhidi	Avakonian Occupation
Carida	69	Corn	Abhidi	Perijanism	Jaelong-Bo	Province
Fresia	70	Gold	Lies	Leviathan	-	Capitol; Unrest

Spoiler: Technology/Specialties

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Specialties

Type	Name	Effect(s)	Permenant?
Military	Strength in Numbers, Weakness in Solitude	+2 die size to invading single-region entities	No
-	-	-	-

Technology

Type	Name	Requirement(s)	Effect(s)
Military	Refined Pician Weaponry	Iron	+1 to combat
-	-	-	-

Spoiler: To-Do List

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-Conquer 69, 68, 43
-Kill the jerks who are ruining my empire
-Remove Jalyeong-Bo
-Sack Rando's TPs and blitz for his capitol
-Give Rando the tech
-Steal the slave trade again
-Ditch the whole 'drown the world' approach
-Become omnivorous/swap requirement to a generic 'food,' stop eating slaves
-AMHAM DELENDA EST
-????
-Profit
-Find and reclaim the ancestral moose holy lands

[woolli264]

Izbefe

Actions!
1. [Military 10] Bani Bowls: (Drugs Medicine and Blessings) -1 to troop losses, requires Bani
After years of study and research the Magi Lokir Rainstep has discovered a way to make the healing magic of the water aspect a little easier for an everyday person to use. To use this magic an individual would need to fill with salt water a bowl, or some other container, that is carved with an Initia rune of healing. Then, a pinch of Bani and a drop blood from the casualty in question must be added to the container. If all was done correctly the mixture should thicken into a more viscous blue liquid that can be applied to bandages or directly to wounds to greatly accelerate the healing process and slightly ease the pain.
2. [Economy] Purchase Salt trade post 1 from Avakonia region 66 result: 20
3. [Economy] Purchase mustard seed Trade Post 1 from Avakonia region 50 result: 18
4. [Economy] Purchase Honey Trade Post 1 from Avakonia region 17 result: 18
5. [Economy] purchase trade post 2 for camels in Iadesh region 7 result: 15
roll(s)

News: A great many preservatives are purchased from the Avakonian Empire. This is to combat the growing problem of food spoiling as sailors partake in longer journeys away from Regner.
Many merchants are sent out across the seas to various trade outlets of the Avakonian Empire. It's lands have not seen this many people from Izbefe since Dejan brought a swath back as slaves years ago.
Ruler Stuff:
King Balder Gammet
Diplomacy: 6 Economy: 8+2 Faith: 3 Intrigue: 2 Military: 10

[Lleban]

The Theocracy of Coatl

Ruler:
Tenoch The Rightly Guided Exarch "Protector of Lacia"
Faith 10
Military 10
Economy 3
Intrigue 1
Diplomacy 4

Actions:
[Diplomacy]Give The Gwinta coalition a tech. Sacrificial magic supply Lines
[Diplomacy] Tepin The Younger shall marry a lass from region 31 roll 9
[military]Hire scaled Magpies
[military]Hire Shona auxiliaries
[Military]Hire Serpentine martial artists

News but also Rumors

• Word that Jayleong bo missionaries have infiltrated Glen Gwitna put many of the Elder Magi on edge. Fortunately this feeling has been reciprocated my many of the Northern Magi.
• A Magi, once thought to have gone missing in the mountains of region 25, has returned now giving charismatic speeches within the halls of Uxmal's great temple. While the return of Ixtili's master has been celebrated, she warns of an incoming tragedy.
• A greater intensity of contacts have come from the newly restored isles of Lazar. Even if some of the philosophers of fire find a home there, better in the isles then at Coatl.
• Tenoch in his age has began to rail against the empire and their heretical Perijanism. While he pangs on about their lack of doctrine and vision, others in the inner circle have their own ambitions. Chalchiuitl The Miser, with her spindly hand, python skin cape, and legendary frugality, desires profit from the urbanized centers of Estensule. Tepin the Younger, back from his study in Rengo and eager to prove his worth, is torn between lusting after the knowledge the Empire hoards and loathing the Empire antipathy toward magic. Atl The Large, wants only the glory from defeating the empire on the battlefield and to finally prove his worth as a commander to Tennoch. Milintica The Unrelenting, hardened by the storms of the bad only wishes to see those who deny Xincoatl burn.
• Atl the large has returned from Lacia, and while all seems well things are markedly different for the man. The first thing an observer would notice is his face once clean shaven and relatively neat, now disheveled fostering a bread reaching to the mans chest. His hand is gone, now replaced with a bronze fist with Illidian script on each of the fingers. Three years of guerrilla campaigning in a foreign land, three years of questionable choices, three years of storming fortified underground bunkers and three years of slaughter have critically diminished the proud army. While the scholars and magi would praise this as a victory, Atl knew better, the rats had merely jumped ship.

Spoiler: Spirit Exorcism(Blood and Fire)

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Spirits are everywhere, they live beneath us, above us, and around us. Normally these beings are benevolent and can be safety ignored. But some go bad, that's where this treatise comes in handy. Before you read any further, be sure to recite the 7 virtues of exorcism. Any fulled trained exorcist must never deviate or waiver from these principles, lest they court failure.

• Never turn your back on a spirit
• Strike first or run fast
• Stay grounded
• A deal with a spirit is a death by 1000 cuts
• Magic is a tool not a crutch
• Patience leads to victory
• Adapt or die

Spirits serve a different role in creation than mortals, this presents both unique opportunities and unique challenges. They don't live and die in the same ways mortals do, for they are intangible creatures. However, they are most vulnerable when possessing a host. Normally these host's are human, but a spirit could just as easily posses an animal without notice. This can make finding a spirit extremely difficult, unless of course you use a detection ritual. A detection ritual is done by utter the Mantra of purity while shedding your blood on an iron blade. At the rituals completion your blade shall point to the nearest point victim of possession.
Once you find your victim,bind them with your own blood using a Mantra of binding.

[DimpleLoamsdown]

New Lacia

Land of the Milk skinned men.

Daran the fourth, Second Mouthpiece of Lacia, Head of Domitordía, son of Daran the third.

Actions:

1. [Economy] Attempt a buyout of region 23 (Glengy)'s second wood tradepost.
   Desperate to prevent further Abhidic vermin from sliding into the lands of Lacia, the council of Graminaofa sends trade negotiators to make a deal with the people of Glengy so as to prevent the senseless burning of medicinal Feth Leaves for heat during the cold months of the year. Rumor has it that the Giant Redcedar wood of Glen Gwitna burns brightly, creating great crimson flames, while also serving as excellent water resistant and versatile building materials. Furthermore, the long branches of these trees are supposedly naturally grown with two unique layers: the first and outer layer is bendy and can be used for bows, crossbows and shoes; the second and inner layer that grows in after a few years is perfect for the handles of swords, spears, axes, hammers, and for longpipes.
   Econ: 2
   Supported
   Roll: 13
2. [Economy] Attempt a buyout of region 23 (Glengy)'s third wood tradepost.
   Econ: 2
   Supported
   Roll: 12
3. [Faith] Convert the first Holy Center (Abhidi) of Tafer (region 44).
   Monks are mobilized to the Temple Square in Lekheal to convert the Abhidic pagans that falsely worship there. The Manuscript of Ildia is brought along to help Domitordian speakers to show the Misguided, as the Abhidi have come to be called by Lacians, the truth of religion.
   Faith: 10
   CI activates
   Manuscript of the Ildia: +1
   Roll: 17
4. [Diplomacy] Transfer Peledia (region 34) to the rule of the Whitefeather Kingdom.
   Trumpets bent out of tune by the sky-water sound in the rainy mid-spring weather of the sending off party for Daire Darrison to the Whitefeather Kingdom to have his land officially admitted into the rule of Keat Whitefeather, making Peledia into a collaborative realm with the Wifer Kingdom. Although the aforementioned conditions are what is hoped for from the transition by the Peledians, the fate of all Peledians and Peledia is left to Keat Whitefeather himself, and his councils. After the party, Daire Darrison and his two sons ride north on Camilian Camals to the riverbanks of the north of Peledia. At this point, the party boards a barge and navigates the river downstream to get to the lands of Whitefeather where they hope to encounter their new king for the first time.
5. [Diplomacy] Stabilize the Lacians.
   Regaining the trust of the humble Lacians becomes top priority for the Council of Graminaofa as they work to ensure the people that wood will arrive in great shipments to every household.
   Dip: 2
   Roll: 10

Sub Actions:

Non Actions:

Spoiler: Surplus News and Rumours

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Spoiler: Ruler Information

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Current Stats

Diplomacy: 2
Military: 1
Economy: 2
Intrigue: 2
Faith: 10

New Ruler Next Round? Dropping out of game

Expected Stat Bonuses +1 Economy, +1 Diplomacy

Spoiler: Active Projects

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Great Temple
(Foundation 3/3, Center Circle 2/5, North/Folursing Circle 0/5, South-East/Fortren Circle 0/5, South-West/Echeler Circle 0/5, Libraries 0/5, Religious Texts 0/5, Murals and Stained Glass 0/5, Residences 0/5, Extra connecting halls 0/5)

[Rolepgeek]

NPC Actions

The Avakonian Empire

Empress Vana Rafæla Zhekurus
Diplomacy: 10
Economy: 4
Faith: 2
Military: 10
Intrigue: 5

1. [Military]Recruit Unit: Levies are raised from the northernmost reaches of the Empire, the militia phalanxes of the League made into professional soldiers. They are green yet, but that same discipline and courage that made the cities of the League unassailable by storm will form a sturdy bulwark for Avakonia, keeping it's foes at pike's length. This recruitment may also serve to keep the cities of the League of White Sails low on trained soldiery not loyal to the Empire, but this is truly a minor concern...In total, three thousand young men march in Imperial finery.
   
2. [Military]Recruit Unit: With Hosra's reintegration into the empire, rebuilding can begin. And the first step is to rebuild the spirits of the people, after their long occupation by the Picians, their newly won freedom, and the subsequent stamping out of that fledgeling independence by imperial rule. A new company of spearmen is established from the remnants of those rebels that drove out the fishmen, whom are given the option to serve as bulwark against the Pician menace or be sent to work in the salt flats of (region 67) as slaves. Two individuals choose the latter option, and close to two thousand former rebels, now known as The Empress's Fishermen, man the Hosran border. Hooked spears, breastplates, and a cold, quiet hatred form nearly the entirety of their accoutrement.
   
3. [Faith]Convert Jalyeong-Bo religious center 2 of Region 47 to Perijanism: (Region 47) has been in religious turmoil for decades now. With the fanaticism of a splinter sect of Abhidi rising in the southeast, the Empress has decreed that this is no longer allowed to continue. Abhidi from across the Empire petition the Empress, asking her not to let the actions of these misguided, violent fanatics shape her opinion of them all. So the Empire does as it has always done, and takes the temples of the spirit-worshippers for it's own purposes.
   
4. [Economy]Buyout trading post 1 for Shadow Flax in region 42: In the years since the renewal of the Vratis Pacts, anti-Omanush sentiment has continued to fester among certain Imperial merchants. One of these, an ambitious young man named Adrijan Nikosi, discovers a reference to the virtues of Shadow Flax in an old trade compendium. In an attempt to discredit the Omanush, he leads a merchant convoy there, daring the Sattyathanya danger, to ship the material back to the elite of the Empire.
   
5. [Economy]Buyout trading post 2 for Honey in region 17: Since the reintroduction of salt wagons to the Imperial army, preservatives have been the logistical sticking point. While salt and honey have always been major resources in the Empire, economic infighting has hindered the army’s access to them, and foreigners have begun to take these resources for themselves. To solve these issues, request is now made of the honeycombs across the strait, and the salt wagons are prepared.
   
6. [Diplomacy]Stabilize region 14: The Dvatlan rabblerouser has a point: chaos has indeed continued in the years since the taking of the League of White Sails. Sadly, that is where the truth in his ravings ends. Given the anarchy that perverted the people of the League before the Empire returned, one would hardly expect it to disappear so quickly. And so the guiding hand of Avakon brings the region back to stability, showing them the true protection and order of the Empire - a stark contrast to Dvatla.
   
7. [Economy]Enact Additional Tariffs: Preservatives are not the only demand of the military. The Inquisition has disarranged its leadership, and the captains to replace the corrupt must be recruited. But most of all, soldiers must be paid. Corruption gave them coin, whether to buy silence, loyalty, or something else, and they have become accustomed to a greater salary than the books record. New conscripts, too, from the League and Hosra, demand to be paid. To ensure steady payments to the Imperial military, tariffs are enacted on foreign trade. Those who would ship through the strait find the passage fee much increased, and foreign merchants harvesting goods from Avakonian lands find themselves heavily taxed, with an even greater tariff placed on state-sponsored trading posts. Imports are taxed, too, and traders like Nikosi find themselves without the profits they expected. But the soldiers will be paid.
   

Nonactions:

Spoiler: News and Rumors

Show

The child Empress is learning quickly, and takes an especially avid interest in both the cultural heritage of her father and stories about the prowess of her ancestors.

Spoiler: Other

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Expected stat increases:
+1 Economy

Other:
Sattyathanya Zealots in region 42 aid Azenhal in it's attack on region 41!
Sattyathanya Zealots in region 36 move to region 38!
2 Native Units spawn in region 36!

[LapisCattis]

The Jianta Federation
Regions 75-76
Round 8

Actions:

Spoiler

Show

1. Economy - Buy-Out Trade Post from Region 73 (Rolled 12)
Acquire supplies of Freshwater Fish
2. Economy - Buy-Out Trade Post from Region 76 (+2 bonus to roll) (Rolled 12)
Acquire supplies of Cloudwing Piranhas
3. Economy - Buy-Out Trade Post from Region 29 (Rolled 16)
Acquire supplies of Medicinal Plants
4. Economy - Buy-Out Trade Post from Region 27 (Rolled 14)
Acquire supplies of Silver
5. Military - Military 5 Special Action - Military Specialization
With an increasing number of trade posts and more areas of unrest and war to pass by, Trin Bak has ordered the creation of a new class of Caravan Guards to protect trade posts and traders from raiders. As an open deal to help convince other nations to allow the Guards into their territories, Caravan Guards would be tasked with helping to defend nations within which the Darak own a trade post if that nation holds a peaceful alliance with the Darak and requests assistance. These guards are unfortunately organized too late to prevent the raiding of the granite tradepost in Region 26.

Nonactions:

Spoiler

Show

Support the Setjura Confederacy's buyout of one of the Darak's trade post

News and Rumors:

Spoiler

Show

-The details of the marriage alliance have been finalized and, with minimal speedbumps, been smoothly enforced. Primarily a trade and political alliance, both the Wuzei Darak and the Huab have opened up resources such as ships, technologies, trade imports, and military units to one another, and exchange is happening more or less freely among the whole Jianta island chain. Of course, neither the Darak nor the Huab is ceding complete control to the other, and have therefore agreed an a name change to represent the new alliance.
-The Jianta Federation reaffirm their trade friendship with the sea elves and pass on a gift of Cloudwing Piranhas and Huo-Ke squid to the next ship to pass the islands. The Huab in particular insist on a generous gift given a longstanding history of the sea elves providing them with trade goods and news in return for local delicacies.
-The Jianta Federation is very displeased with the Gwitna pirates and wish for a storm to destroy their canoes.

[Rolepgeek]

End of Round Eight.

All edits to actions posts made after this point will be considered invalid.

[Rolepgeek]

Round 9: Begin!
Imperial Reckoning 127-129
Don’t forget to link to any rolls you make for ANY Attribute checks, plus rolls for rulers you will start using at the start of next round. If you want a new ruler in the next round, you must state so in your action post for this round and link to their rolls. Any increases from actions for this round are counted for the ruler you start your next round with (because it’s handier to account for by the co-GM), which may or may not be your current ruler.

Good luck!

Rules Alerts & Changes!
Distance loss roll threshold has been reduced to three (as have increases to effective distance from mountains/ocean crossings). Keep in mind, however, that technologies may help offset this, and may be created by both Economy and Military Special 10 actions for this purpose.

Organizations are now available to interact with! Currently the only Organization is the Omanush Convoys, but more are likely to be introduced in upcoming rounds! A separate spreadsheet is being created to track related information for them.

Growth!
Yemur (1) becomes Stable
Gelupar, the Icebound Heights (19) becomes Stable
Shona (32) becomes Stable
Liop (43) becomes Stable

Recruitment of malcontents and carefully decided curfews and security edicts meant to reduce crime and ideas of liberty amongst the cities in The League of White Sails are fortunately successful in quieting much of the populace’s fears, though somewhat late for certain individuals…
The League of White Sails become Stable
The Whitefeather Kingdom accepts Peledia [Region 34] from its brothers in faith. In commemoration, a guard of Skyfarers pledges service to Lacia.

The ever-popular Gwitnan stuntman seems a boon to any diplomacy; where overt tactics had failed, a man chasing a bear down a mountain while barely able to control his canoe succeeds, and [Region 26] is closer to the Gwitna than before. (Successful claim press on Region 26)

The growth of Initia in [Region 9] has led the natives to a closer relationship with Regno, and the region accepts their leadership as part of a unified northern desert. (Successful claim press on Region 9)

The words of Khirus’s Chancellor seem to resonate with several leaders in [Region 37], and one agrees to a marriage with Kathine. The populace seems to support them also, though divisions between the “republicans” and “concordians” seem to be growing, as Azenhal begins to press for political unification through their marriage.

Khäsglis finds the lands further east more receptive to his overtures, and a marriage is arranged with the daughter of a powerful family. The emissaries seem to have impressed the people of [Region 13], and they have become more approving of Dvatla.

At long last, the Kingdom of Obroslo has secured peace for a time. The Linnadi form a treaty between the two, putting an end to the interminable conflict. Celebrations are had, and a grand feast, as the King now looks to increase the prosperity of his hard-won realm.

The Chojo make use of their unique talents to inquire into the Hlaali Bark trade, and find something interesting; at extraordinarily regular intervals, several shipments of Hlaali Bark find leave (region 56). These intervals are not the same, but each to the same port is almost identically spaced apart from each other, and they all head to different ports. Tracing them after that point is rather difficult, and indeed discovering that this pattern meant anything more than an obsession with reliability on the part of local merchants happened almost by accident; it seems that one Chojo attempting to stow away home on one of these ships missed her chance to leave discreetly, and was ferried back to…(region 57), which then turned out to receive significant amounts of Hlaali Bark, even considering the proximity of the regions.

Faith!
The Whitefeather Kingdom’s Ildian craftsmen weave a cloak of feathers from the great line of Whitefeather kings, and in its creation imbue what knowledge and wisdom of the ancestors they can into the flowing cape. (Relic: Feathered Cape. Effect: +1 to Random Stat at new ruler stat generation. Owner: Whitefeather)

Amham, center of the Jalyeong-bo shamanist revival of the recent decade, becomes host to a holy order of spirit shamans: the Redwave Drummers. These shamans focus upon the deep spirits of the earth such as those that churn the molten core of Amham’s fiery mountain, and quickly become a recognized thread in the fabric of Amham life. (Amham (2) now contains a Jalyeong-bo Holy Order: the Redwave Drummers)

Work on compiling the oral legends of the Seretse continues, turning up intriguing results.

In Aniachaket [Region 24], Jalyeong-bo shamans invigorated by Amham patronage work to depose and replace the Abhidists currently operating in the region. Opening the people to spiritual guidance and influence, the shamans cast out the reflective, ascetic monks who have long dominated the region’s spiritual forum. Shamans quickly begin to spread their own orthodoxy among the populace from the activity gardens of the region. (Aniachaket [Region 24] HCs 1 & 2 convert from Abhidi to Jalyeong-bo)

Striking closer to the heart of their thieving enemy Glen Gwitna, in an attempt to spread ideals of enlightenment, and perhaps spiritual solidarity in the realm of trade, Amham-led Shamans seek to drive out the mysterious occultism of Honmyo that had recently ousted the Pantheon of Ildia from the Gwitnan capital. The shamans seek a fundamental restoration of the established ancient order which saw Gwitna serve the spirits first in all things. (Glen Gwitna HC 2 converts from Honmyo to Jalyeong-bo)

Though lacking a decisive majority across the Coalition, Jalyeong-bo is declared the official State Religion by the uprising shamans led by their de facto leader and representative, Suicide Sandor. The full ramifications of this act yet remain to be seen, though some Gwitnans fear civil war or terror heretofore unseen in Inyaka. (Jalyeong-bo is Glen Gwitna’s State Religion)

The Isles of Lazar, removed though they may be from the centrality of continental politics, are not immune to foreign influence and the Coatl Perijanist influx shows no sign of abating. Riled by radical calls to action and incendiary rhetoric, the region gives rise to a new Coatl Perijanist holy order: the Burners, who pledge themselves to the ideals of Xincoatl. (Isles of Lazar [Region 28] now contains a Coatl Perijanist Holy Order: the Burners)

At long last, the Coatl Perijanist revolution in the Isles of Lazar is completed and the final vestiges of Jalyeong-bo worship are swept aside by the new order. (Isles of Lazar HC 1 converts from Jalyeong-bo to Coatl Perijanist)

Eager to drive out the threat of additional Abhidist uprisings in Palmor, Lacian proselytizers move into the provincial regions of the Whitefeather Kingdom to push out the old ways of Abhidic aestheticism and replace them with the vibrant worship of the Pantheon of Ildia. Internally divided between radical supporters of Sattyathanya and more moderate Abhidist sects of old, the monks are unable to present a unified front and find themselves dispersed by the concentrated action of the Ildian worshippers. (Tafer HC 1 converts from Abhidi to Pantheon of Ildia)

The Jalyeong-bo shamans of [Region 47] prove more difficult to remove than expected. Remembering the violent conversions of Dejan, they have specially prepared for another attempt by the Empire, and when it comes it is easily stopped.

Trade!
The Desert Kingdom of Regno flexes its economic chops as it seeks to expand far and wide its network of merchants and tradesmen. Near their home desert, the Oamenii merchants acquire an outpost for Giant’s Silk in the neighboring Kingdom of Dvatla, which fulfills many desires for fancier fabric among the desert’s elite. (RGO successfully buys out TP 2 for Giant’s Silk in Region 11)

Stretching far to the east, into one of the more dangerous areas for trade given its propensity for Gwitnan pirates, Regno buys up rights and imports for Moon Opals in the Kingdom of Obroslo, and for Granite even further abroad in the untamed lands of the northeast. The Regnans find they join their Initiated brothers and sisters as tradesmen within Obroslo, the small scrappy kingdom’s only other trading partner being Azenhal. Some Regnans express concern over the security measures being provided by their homeland noting the total loss of Daraki granite shipments to Gwitnan piracy in recent years. (RGO successfully buys out TP 1 for Moon Opals in Region 22. RGO successfully buys out TP 2 for Granite in Region 26)

The boldest of the Regnan merchants a company of Oamenii strike out without imperial invite to the Avakonian capital, hoping their offers of trade and wealth will be enough to grant them access to the purse strings of the imperial magistry of the region. Bolstered by success further abroad and the mystic enhancement brought on by the Scepter of Bray the Oamenii quickly find a sympathetic ear among the Avakonian bureaucracy that sells them access to yearly portions of the region’s parchseed harvests for a reasonable sum. (RGO successfully buys out TP 2 for Parchseed Oil in Region 51)

Lazarite merchants seeking to fulfill the desires of their people take the long sailing journey down the east coast in search of copper. Finding a small unrecognized kingdom filled with copper mines the Lazarites are quick to negotiate a deal and soon exports of the dull red-brown metal begin to arrive in the Isles. (LZR successfully buys out TP 3 for Copper in Region 30)

The Kingdom of Izbefe seems to declare if not a trade war a spirited economic competition with the Avakonian Empire. Latching onto the Empire’s preservatives usable in their salt wagons the northwestern kingdom systematically pulls the resources from the Empire’s grasp and into Izbefe’s own. (IZB successfully buys out TP 1 in Region 17 for Honey, taking it from Avakonia. IZB successfully buys out TP 1 in Region 50 for Mustard Seed, taking it from Avakonia. IZB successfully buys out TP 1 in Region 67 for Salt, taking it from Avakonia)

Izbefe does not wholly consume itself with poking its largest neighbor, its allies in Regno receive Izbefe merchants who come seeking to trade for Iadesh’s famed camels. With support from the Regnan administration and being no novices at trade themselves the merchants of Izbefe quickly arrange an agreeable deal for importing camels from the region’s major camel traders. (IZB successfully buys out TP 2 for Camels in Region 7)

A deal between New Lacia and Glen Gwitna sees the small southern holy land of Ildia become the majority owner of Glen Gwitna’s Red Cedar timber production. Though outside speculators question what advantages Gwitna is conferred by selling two thirds of their capital’s input to foreigners of another faith with little militarily or economically to offer the Coalition, this disquiet is ignored by Gwitnan officials who ensure the Lacian deal goes through. (LCA successfully buys out TP 2 & 3 for Giant Redcedar Wood in Region 23)

The tensions raised by the Vratis Pacts still do not seem to have subsided, as a disgruntled Avakonian merchant determines to show up the Omanush. He leads an expedition out of the Empire entirely, to [Region 42], hoping to ship shadow flax back to the Imperial elite. Despite the raised tariffs cutting deep into his profits, the risk still pays off. (Avakonia successfully buys out TP 1 for Shadow Flax in Region 42)

A combination of merchant infighting, corruption, and foreign interference hampers the Empire’s reinstatement of salt wagons. Merchants are sent to secure honey from across the strait, so that the army may march in force once again. They are successful, perhaps due to the proximity of Avakon more than any other reason. (Avakonia successfully buys out TP 2 for Honey in Region 17)

The merchants of the newly minted Jianta Federation travel near and far om the seas. At home in the south, they easily acquire shipments of freshwater fish and the more exotic cloudwing piranhas, striking a deal with their Setjuran neighbors. (Jianta Federation / Wuzei Darak successfully buys out TP 1 for Cloudwing Piranhas in Region 76 and TP 2 for Freshwater Fish in Region 73)

Abroad, the Jianta cross from one end of Emjata to the other, setting up supply posts for silver in the north and braving the dangerous Pall to bring back medicines from afar. (Jianta Federation / Wuzei Darak successfully buys out TP 1 for Silver in Region 27 and TP 1 for Medicinal Plants in Region 29)

War!
Whatever force desecrated the lands of Khirus, it left great power behind. A new standard-issue weapon among the republic’s military is created: bags of obsidian glass, which are set alight and thrown. When the bag burns through, the glass explodes in a thunderous ball of fire, devastating both when placed as a trap and against specialized enemy fortifications.

Civil war calls for generals, and one has appeared in Varjik: the mercenary Captain Four Fingers. Though he has not yet chosen a side, he makes it known that his services are available to the highest bidder….

In like manner, Chieftess Feather calls upon the aid of all enemies of Avakonia, to help the clans overturn the Firethorn Regiment. Whether any heed her call is yet to be seen.

The unfortunate death of Ultol Vianlis sees his son Sandor succeed him as Gwitnan High Warchief. A few mutter that it was only unfortunate Vianlis couldn’t have held out a month longer and let Sandor kill himself before taking the position, but most approve of the charismatic, visor-wearing hero.

Khäsglis’s cousin N̨amodl is one of the most skilled camel riders in all of Dvatla. His ability is recognized by the king, as he is appointed as captain of the most elite camel calvary.

Following the Gwitnan raids on their trade posts, the Jianta Federation worries for the safety of their merchants and organizes the Caravan Guards, a branch of the military tasked with defending shipping. To encourage trade, they are also tasked with defending the regions in which the Federation holds trading posts.

The Sattyathanya continue their quest, as under the leadership of Azenhal peace falls through in Palmor yet again. They march against what they believe will be the main force of Khirus protecting the Basins, but are met by silence. Against Bram’s better judgement, the zealots press on, and are promptly ambushed by a gang of ghouls. While the monsters are all slain, the zealots have also suffered much greater losses than would be expected, and this pattern only continues until the Sattyathanya leader agrees with Bram that they should withdraw. Many of the survivors, seeing Bram’s superior ability and disillusioned by the horrors they faced in The Basins, decide to officially join up with the military of the Concordance, hoping that this will earn them and their families a place in the Magi’s vision of the future. The reoccupation of their homelands by Picians may influence this decision as well.

Spoiler: Results

Show

Azenhal Coalition: 9 Units + Mil6 + Tech 1 + 11 = 27
Khirus: 2 Units + Mil9 + 19 = 30
Azenhal Casualties: 50%
Sattyathanya Casualties: 10% + 2 units
Khirus Casualties: 30%
Defender Victory! The Concordance of Azenhal lose 1 unit, Sattyathanya Zealots lose 3 units, the Republic of Khirus loses 1 unit. The Basins (region 41) is still controlled by the Republic of Khirus! 4 Sattyathanya Zealot units retreat to Azenhal (region 71)! 2 Sattyathanya Zealot units turn into Azenhal units!

Meanwhile, Khirus pursues an attack in force against the Abhidic holdout in [Region 38]. The army of the republic marches into the region hoping for a simple campaign, but this is the heart of the Sattyathanya, and they have recent reinforcements from the north. The invaders find themselves resisted to the bitter end, and although they are victorious against a few small forts, the sheer numbers and dedication of the zealots forces a well-ordered retreat after taking heavy losses.

Spoiler: Results

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Khirus: 4 Units + Mil10 + 12 = 26
Sattyathanya Zealots: 7 Units + Mil9 + 13 = 29
Attacker Casualties: 60%
Defender Casualties: 10% + 3 size losses
Defender Victory! The Republic of Khirus loses 2 units, Sattyathanya Zealots lose 4 units. Region 38 is still controlled by Sattyathanya Zealots!

Yasei’s successor proves himself to be a competent leader. The Kunai find it relatively easy to take the western shores of the island, as the enemy commander decides to hole up further inland. This proves a deadly tactical mistake when he finds his fortress surrounded by a force four times his garrison’s size. He surrenders after a short, almost ceremonial defense, and is turned over to the new Yasei for judgement on his fate.

Spoiler: Results

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Kunai: 4 Units + Mil5 + 9 = 18
Region 57: 1 Unit + Mil1 + 6 = 8
Attacker Casualties: 20% *0.5
Defender Casualties: 20% *1.5
Attacker Victory! Region 57 loses all units! The Kunai Clans control Region 57! Region 57 is in Unrest!

Determined to put an end to the chaos engulfing the southwestern coast, the soldiers of the Setjuran Confederacy sail to Wasipacha. A grim sight meets their eyes from the time they come in sight of the shoreline: vast plumes of smoke, rising from the jungle. Grimmer still are the corpses, in various stages of decay, which litter the beaches: some clutching weapons, some clutching children. Despite the horrifying tableau, Kodora devises a plan to face each enemy force piecemeal. Although many good Setjuran warriors fall, by the end of the year what remains of the major towns of Wasipacha are occupied. Around them, sporadic fighting continues, as the defeated remnants of the civil war continue to fight.

Spoiler: Results

Show

Setjura: 4 units + Mil6 + 11 = 21
Wasipacha: 2 units + Mil9 + 8 = 19
Attacker losses: 30%
Defender losses: 50%
Attacker Victory! The Setjura Confederacy loses 1 unit, Wasipacha loses all units! Wasipacha (region 57) is controlled by the Setjura Confederacy! Wasipacha is in Unrest!

The Dvatlan envoy to the League of White Sails at first finds the ear of many, who fear the unrest that once again spreads throughout the region. Eventually, he has drummed up enough popular support that he, his soldiers, and his supporters can storm the center of Avakonian power and oust the Imperial governor… just as messengers bearing the Empire’s announcement that the curfews and edicts intended to restore order may finally be lifted. Many are furious at the Dvatlan king, believing themselves to have been tricked, while others stand by him, saying that the Empire did too little, too late. And the Empress herself cannot be very pleased….

Spoiler: Results

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The League of White Sails is undefended, Dvatla auto-wins! Dvatla controls The League of White Sails (region 14)! Region 14 remains Stable!

As the zealots strike south, the Picians take advantage of their absence to re-establish hegemony over the area they had been defending. The people of the area are terrified, but without a means to resist…

Spoiler: Results

Show

Liop (region 43) is undefended, The Realm of the Tides auto-wins! The Realm of the Tides controls Liop (region 43)! Region 43 is Unstable!

Terror!
Civil war breaks out in the Firethorn Regiment, as various conquered leaders vie with Imperial influence for control of Varjik. The named successor of Amerah Kren finds himself beset by Avakonian expansionism, slaver rebellion, and tribal rearmament at every turn.

As Suicide Sandor’s coup progresses, his followers become more violent. Eventually, matters reach a breaking point, and Lord Ferreth is imprisoned in his own home at Tloon Redlan. Jalyeong-bo zealots urge the extermination of Coatl, and violence breaks out. Tensions culminate in a group of holdout Coatl priests being bound together and left at the edge of the forest at dusk as an offering to the spirits. When the sun rises, they are gone, and the ground shows telltale drag marks leading into the forest.

Gwitnan piracy picks up in the eastern seas, and among its latest victims are the Daraki of the southwest, far removed from their local markets and easily overwhelmed by Gwitnan privateers. While some Daraki choose to remain in the northeast and adopt Gwitnan bosses to continue their granite trade far from home, many more return to Wuzei Darak disgruntled and penniless, their grand schemes and fortunes dashed by the rogues of Gwitna. (GWT successfully raids TP 1 for Granite in Region 26, taking it from WZD)

Leading to far more turmoil and chaos across the Coalition, the Gwitnans also target the highly valued silver shipments of the Amham Federation. Though Amham merchants had initially worked to conceal their valuable shipments on the long journey home, such a long stretch of peaceful trading had caused the western traders to relax their security, a mistake the Gwitnans would make them regret. While shamanist uprisings and reorderings protest these illegal seizures, those captains who command ships successfully pirating silver shipments seem wholly unconcerned with matters beyond their growing piles of bullion. (GWT successfully raids TP 2 for Silver in Region 27, taking it from AMF)

Discovery! Map!

Spoiler

Show

Other!

With some cunning diplomacy, the Whitefeather Kingdom is able to steer the Sattyathanya zealots away from their borders.

The priests in Amham warn of the return of war, of a great conflict which shall herald the end of the current age. Visions much like those seen decades ago appear to them: the corpse of a tremendous warrior, collapsed under the coils by the corpse of an enormous serpent; a burning wasteland, smoke rising from the ashes of great forests; the aftermath of cataclysmic battles, corpses strewn for miles and blood spilled on every surface; great Omanush town-ships drifting on the sea, rotting and unmanned; and above every scene, the sun looms large - a sickly, rot-colored sun.

In (region 17), imperial bureaucracy once more rears its ugly head, though for once to a fortunate outcome. A local administrator and bureaucrat, with stakes in several profitable meaderies, uses his office to redistrict several fields used by his competitors, and nearly a thousand acres of flower fields are made into refugee settlement areas. The local governor of the region, on finding out about this, nearly orders the change undone, until she considers more carefully how her Empress might act about this plan. So she orders the fields of the original bureaucrat to be redistricted as well, and mandates at least 10% of each existing field be turned over in the same manner. Upon hearing of her initiative, the Empress rewards her suitably, and the governor is on her way to becoming an important figure in the imperial hierarchy. The economy of the region is still recovering from the decline in honey production, but the influx of labor is sure to make up for it, given time.

(Region 61)’s civil war seems to have finally produced a victor. They manage to secure the borders, turning the remaining militancy of the population to look outwards, at the chaos surrounding them, and work to build up their walls to protect the fragile newfound peace. Their king is chosen by the gods, and the gods shall protect them.
Region 61 is no longer in Anarchy! 2 additional Native units spawn!

As the Setjura secure the major towns and the last vestiges of the civil war burn themselves out, the after-effects of the fighting become clear. Many of the artifacts once gathered and sold by collectors as the regions only effective export have been destroyed, and the routes to the ruins from which more might be found lost to the wilderness. The Seretse may need to rediscover such ruins the hard way...
Trade Post 3 for Artifacts in Wasipacha (region 60) is destroyed! Artifacts in Wasipacha (region 60) are now Good Quality!

Ka-ruun is pushed over the edge as their sole stabilizing influence, the Firethorn Regiment, falls into disarray. The region erupts into civil war, and mercenaries and former slaves fight one another in bloody skirmishes across the region. Trade out of the area reaches almost a standstill.
Ka-ruun (region 62) becomes uncontrolled and goes into Anarchy! 6 Slaver Rebel units and 6 Freedmen Rebel units spawn! Trade post 2 for Slaves in Ka-ruun (region 62) is destroyed! Slaves in Ka-ruun (region 62) are now Minor Quality!

The people of (region 4) jump at the chance to get free from their overseas overlords, and when the Firethorn Regiment’s leader dies and her successors turn on one another, they use the opportunity to start pushing out the foreign influence.
Region 4 goes into Rebellion! 3 Rebel units spawn!

The replacement Sartek installed by the Empress appears to be unsatisfactory for the people of Perivan, who now seek to topple him and replace them with a local noble popular with the common people.
Region 15 goes into Rebellion! 4 Perivan Rebel units spawn!

Some Initiates are more focused on their studies than others. Unfortunately, this also means some Initiates are less focused on the other aspects of their careers. Several careless trade deals made whilst conversing via telepathic with colleagues later, and a number of key Blattea mines are now controlled by some particularly canny sea elf traders.
Omanush Convoys gain control of trade post 1 for Bani in Regno (region 8)!

Several aspiring Coatlan priests, eager to gain recognition in the eyes of their superiors and the gods, carry out a cunning plan that results in them gaining ownership of nearly half the clay digging sites in Shona. When they realize the extent of their success, they offer most to the church, keeping only one site to oversee themselves and experiment with its potential uses in effigy sacrifice.
The Theocracy of Coatl gains control of Trade Post 1 for Blood Clay in Shona (region 32)!

2 Sattyathanya Zealot units spawn in 38!

[Tentreto]

The Whitefeather Kingdom
Region 45+44+46+34: Inyoni Crescent

Spoiler: Crest

Show

Round 9
Keat Whitefeather
Diplomacy 10
Military 10
Economy 4
Intrigue 1
Faith 5

1[Diplomacy 10] Form Great Kingdom!
Through toil, hardship, and shrewd diplomacy, the Whitefeather Kingdom is in a position to now be considered one of the foresmost kingdoms of the world. Having united many regions through war and peace in war-torn Palmor, this is no mean feat.

2 [Diplomacy] Attend event

Spoiler: sub actions

Show

Accept Pician weaponry
Accept oath of Vassalege from Azenhal
Accept Diplomatic Expedition from Regno
Give Skyfarers to Regno

3[Military] Attack Region 47 with (currently 5) troops under Keat using sky farers and wingknights. (total +17) may include Coatl help. If so includes Banner of Unity.

After finally establishing strength, and with at least a truce in the south, the time has come to return with dividends what the empire did to the Inyoni Crescent. While Keat has little anger for those forced to live under the empire, he will show them that for the Inyoni, all their subjects are part of the Kingdom.

4[Military] Raise a unit
And although men are sent away, many more are recruited, as the hour is at hand, and defences are needed for the inevitable counter attack on all sides.
5[Military] Raise a unit

News and Rumours

Spoiler: Resources and troops

Show

Inyoni Crescent 45, Incense
Region 71, Iron
Pegasi 21
7 troops

Spoiler: Ruler information+ extra

Show

Changes:
Heir is Crexa Whitefeather
No change

[OmnivorousOgre]

Setjura Confederacy, Round 9

Regions 73-74, 60

Actions:
1. [Diplomacy] Stabilize Wasipacha
As Wasipacha is now under Setjuran control, the process of returning order to the region can begin. Leaders are appointed from among the locals for the surviving settlements, who then organize and oversee the commencing reconstruction effort with Setjuran aid. Meanwhile the Confederacy's soldiers take care of their defence. The remaining forces fighting within a region are given a chance to surrender peacefully, with the hope that the region can be pacified without further bloodshed. Roll: 14

2. [Diplomacy] Attend the Summit of Ti Linnad
With the objective of achieving legitimacy and recognition for the new Confederacy, a delegation is sent to the Summit in Ti Linnad. Given the distance and the nearby conflicts, the trip is arduous. They have to trek through [Region 59] and the Empire's lands before finally crossing Uhraiya.

Spoiler: Sub-actions

Show

Trade Fish glue manufacturing to Regno for Diplomatic Expedition
Trade Fish glue manufacturing to Azenhal for Refined Pician Weaponry

3. [Economy] Finance Wasipachan reconstruction
A large amount of supplies and construction materials are sent to Wasipacha to kickstart the rebuilding. It will take years to complete, but these resources will make the process significantly simpler.

4. [Economy] Send supplies to Chieftess Feather
When the delegation to the Summit departs, it is accompanied by a small caravan carrying weapons, rations, clothes and other supplies. However, somewhere in [Region 59] the delegation and the caravan part ways. It is rumored that the supplies are meant for Chieftess Feather's forces, and that the caravan guards intend to join her as volunteers.

5. [Faith] Great Project (4/5)
While gathering oral tradition from the western parts of Kadanga and the migrants in Tabando, a few of the collectors cannot help making comparisons to Roagan tradition. They too have their own legends of a specific spirit as the guardian, and in a few instances progenitor of their people. The gathering of oral histories is soon after finalized, and the work of compiling it all into a readable format is begun.

Nonactions:

• None

News and rumors:

• The risk in Wasipacha paid off, and Kodora has gained a newfound respect within the council, although his personal ferocity in battle contributed to this as much as the success of the attack.
• After returning from the Summit, Kodora learns that his wife has succumbed to disease and passed away.
• The emergence of the Harentse is a source of great excitement and confusion among the Seretse. Those of a more scholarly disposition are puzzled as to what the exact relation between the two peoples is.

Spoiler: Ruler

Show

Kodora
Diplomacy: 4
Economy: 4
Faith: 3
Military: 7
Intrigue: 3
Expected increases: Diplomacy +1, Economy +1

No new ruler next round.

Spoiler: Special

Show

Cultural identity: Unmoving Waters -Die size increase when resisting conversion, not permanent

Technology: Fish glue manufacturing
The art of making glue out of fish skin, bones and bladders through boiling has been known to our people for a long time. But recently we have refined our methods of manufacturing it, allowing us to produce it in far larger quantities than before. While just an everyday commodity by itself, it's use frees up a lot of other resources that an industrious leader may use elsewhere.

Resource used: Fish

Effect: +1 to one Economy action per round

Jalyeong-Bo Bonuses
1. (5 Centers): Spiritual Solidarity - +1 to resist conversions - the faith of Jalyeong-Bo is comprised of more than mere mortals. Subtle efforts by the spirits work against those who would turn the people from their fellowship. (Active)
2. (15 Centers): Spiritual Network - +1 to conversion attempts - the spirits do not respect lines drawn on maps by mortals, and will readily move to accommodate new pacts. (Active)
3. (Most Centers): Sight of the Eyeless - +2 to the difficulty of secret actions in a region with a controlled religious center - to fool those who are bound to the spirits means tricking more than simply mortal observers. (Active)

[Mechalich]

Amham Federation
Regions 1+2
Duke Seok Gyeon

Actions
1. Faith - F10 Special Religious Unity - In 128, sensing the end coming, Seung Kyung recieves a missive from the vanished Chae-Jalsi. Acting upon it he climbs the slopes of Mount Ayam alone. Though his weakened frame is reduced to a crawl at many points he reaches the lava tubes and descends to the caldera to commune with the volcano spirit. He emerges a week later, barely alive, but the stones themselves carry him down from the slopes. On his deathbed he relates his fundamental principles of shamanism, the Many Beating Worlds. This deceptively short but extremely complex document is instantly copied and presently across Amham. As Seung Kyung breathes his last Mount Ayam spurts with a brilliant but harmless fiery display. Amham is now a Holy Land.
2. Diplomacy - Attend Event - Duke Seok Gyeon travels to Ti Linnad to attend the summit there. Yu Yijin, senior shaman of Hameong Grove, accompanies him.
Sub-Actions: 1. Proclaim neutrality in the conflict between various parties and the Avakonian Empire. Amham takes an official stance of non-involvement in the coming conflict.
2. Propose general anti-piracy and banditry agreement.
3. Diplomacy - Treat with Omanush Convoys Roll 13 - The dowager duchess Nari Gyeon is dispatched as Amham's representative to the Omanush in the hopes of formalizing what had been a long-term friendly relationship and perhaps assisting in trade. This starts well and regular contact continues.
4. Economy - Attempt Buyout of Trading Post 1 (Silver) in Region 49 Roll 7 - Seeking to acquire a supply of precious metals that will not be subject to pirate attacks, merchants from Amham broach the idea of a partnership with Avakonia instead. Unfortunately this effort fails to take hold, perhaps due to the chaotic military developments consuming the Empire.
5. Economy - Attempt Buyout of Trading Post 1 (Silver) in Region 27 Roll 10 - Not willing to back down easily, several of Amham's barons seek to cooperate with their more maritime inclined cousins from Yemur to restore a lesser stake in the silver trade of Region 27. Despite some promising early negotiations, this effort fails to stick.

Non-Actions
1. Support Buyout of Region 1 TP 1 by Omanush Convoys.


Jalyeong-Bo Bonuses
1. (5 Centers): Spiritual Solidarity - +1 to resist conversions - the faith of Jalyeong-Bo is comprised of more than mere mortals. Subtle efforts by the spirits work against those who would turn the people from their fellowship. (Active)
2. (15 Centers): Spiritual Network - +1 to conversion attempts - the spirits do not respect lines drawn on maps by mortals, and will readily move to accommodate new pacts. (Active)
3. (Most Centers): Sight of the Eyeless - +2 to the difficulty of secret actions in a region with a controlled religious center - to fool those who are bound to the spirits means tricking more than simply mortal observers. (Active)

News and Rumors

Spoiler

Show

1. Juhee Gyeon is married in 127 to Somun, a youthful baron from Yemur. Dual ceremonies are held in both regions to celebrate the union.
2. Seok Gyeon and his wife Hwa celebrate the birth of their second child, Yeongsi, in 128.
3. The jauba Aro Silaw completes his survey of Regner's waterways by late 129 and returns to Amham to finish his book. He is asked by the Duke to survey potential shore and delta islands suitable for the use by the Omanush as treaty ports for future construction.
4. Aro Silaw's book, Regner's Finned Spirits, is widely considered a masterpiece of both religious observation and the naturalism those of Initia would term 'science.' However, the shaman himself laments the illustrations used to illuminate the text. While he has a fine hand for technical representation, his etched pieces lack style and vigor. A search is begun for a masterful illustrator to produce artistry suitable for the official rendition.
5. Suyi-Jalsi pens a letter thanking the Grand Magus of Regno for his expression of mourning. Kin Gyeon delivers this and a small drum the late Seung Kyung had used as a youth to Regno in person.
6. The radicalism of the Lazarites is alarming to many within Amham. Local shamans quietly undertake efforts to welcome refugees from the distant region when they can. Several tracts are penned denouncing radicalism in religious practice in general, including among those who follow the spirits. Debate and persuasion is stressed as vastly preferable to spears, which cause all to suffer.

Ruler Information

Spoiler

Show

Duke Seok Gyeon
Age 29 in 129

Stats:
Diplomacy: 6
Economy: 2
Military: 4
Faith: 10
Intrigue: 2

Anticipated Changes: Diplomacy +1, Economy +1

New Ruler Next Round: No

[Gengy]

Round 9
[Desert of Magic]
Regno (8), Iadesh (7), Jherki (9)
[Grand Magus Viclean]

Actions:

1. [Economy] (Economy 10) - After much research, and careful collaboration with the logistics of Camel Calvary from Dvalta, the Grand Magus finally gives up on being able to invent anything that would suit finding out more about his new curiosities: the northern lands. He deems it implausible and unsafe. Until Heir Tutum Sortis suggests something that the Iadesh family has done for years when encountering a problem that they don't know how to solve: throw money at it. Lots of money. This... works, and works well! Viclean pays many diplomats, laborers, camel drivers, and sets up an official government office of exploration. The more riches that this office receives, the better they perform.
   
   

   [Diplomatic Expedition]
   Requires: Precious Mineral (gold, bani, jewels, etc.)
   Tech Required: Pack Animal Tech and/or Ship Tech
   Mechanics: Allows exploration and/or colonization. (With Precious Mineral, Pack Animal Tech, AND Ship tech: creates a diplomatic claim on a randomly selected neighboring region from the newly explored region[s].)
   -- Special -- Cannot explore (on map) without a pack animal tech. Cannot colonize (off map) without a ship tech. Resources for these techs are required for either exploration and/or colonization.

2. [Diplomacy] Heir Tutum attends the Summit and Conclave. Everyone within Regno, Iadesh, and Jherki is very pleased with his diplomatic leadership efforts, and the vast amount of new knowledge that begins to pore out from Bratus Academy thanks to the Summit.
   
   Spoiler: Sub-actions

   Show

   
   

   • Trade Diplomatic Expedition to Izbefe for Bani Bowls and Expanded Holds
   • Trade Diplomatic Expedition to Dvalta for Camel Cavalry
   • Trade Diplomatic Expedition to Setjura Confederacy for Fish Glue Manufacturing
   • Trade Diplomatic Expedition to Azenhal for Refined Pician Weapons
   • Trade Diplomatic Expedition to Theocracy of Coatl for Sacrificial Magic Supply Lines
   • Gift Refined Pician Weapons to Izbefe and Dvalta
   • Gift Camel Cavalry and Bani Bowls to Azenhal
   • Trade Diplomatic Expedition to Whitefeather for Inyoni Skyfarers
   • Trade Diplomatic Expedition to Khirus for Obsidian Fire. The Republic stipulates that the knowledge of Obsidian Fire cannot be traded without their permission, and Regno agrees; so long as any future knowledge that Khirus obtains through exchange of Diplomatic Expedition is also provided to Bratus Academy.
   • Accept ownership of region 56 from Izbefe
   • Sign the following treaties:
     
     Spoiler: Defense Pact of Regner and Nearby Lands

     Show

     - All facets of the previous Agreement between Regno and Izbefe still stand.
     - This defensive pact stipulates the addition of D̨vatla as a recognized nation in good standing, and together, the three signing nations will work towards peace amongst themselves. None will act aggressively towards the other without sufficient cause and attempting diplomatic avenues first.
     - When attacked, one of the three signatory nations may ask for defensive aid, and the other two will make efforts to assist however possible.
     - Where possible, trade between the three nations will be given preference and support from any other signatory.
     
     
     
     Spoiler: The Obsidian Sands Treaty

     Show

     This treaty represents a binding friendship between our two nations, moving forward into the future together.
     
     Article I
     Violence between the Republic of Khirus and those whom fly Regnan Banners will be unilaterally banned. In the event that combat cannot be avoided, all forms of diplomatic resolution must be made first, even going so far as to attempt to mediate between conflicting allies.
     
     Article II
     Citizens will be granted full migration rights, allowed to move between Khirus and Regno freely. This will allow for greater diversity and deeper understanding of the nations cultures to form between our nations.
     
     Article III
     Khirus will open their doors to the conversion of Abhidi temples ensuring the protection of Initia institutions. Protection for all Initiates will be assured by the military of the Republic. The Three Towers of Regno will not support any Learning Centers created in the Republic without first receiving Khirus approval.
     
     Article IV
     Technology will be traded, exchanged and granted as the two nations deem acceptable, allowing for further prosperity of both nations.
     
     Article V
     Trade between nations will be actively supported when mutually agreed to; both nations will aid one another’s acquisitions where possible.
     
     Article VI
     An embassy will be established in the capital of Regno for the Republic of Khirus Selenity of the Basins along with an appropriate guard and household for herself will be kept in Regnos protection.
     
     Article VII
     All current and future holdings that willingly fly the flag of these two nations will be seen as members of good standing of both Regno and Khirus, respective of the flags they fly. These regions will be expected to adhere to this treaty.
     
     
     
     Spoiler: The Treaty of the Statue Gardens

     Show

     In Linnadi and Old Imperial; below this heading, three terms followed.
     
     In Summary:
     The undersigned, on behalf of their represented states, agree:
     - To oppose the Avakonian Empire, to each state's maximum;
     - To protect the fellow signatories, whether from Avakonia or its vassals, to each state's maximum;
     - And to honor and respect the desires of the fellow signatories, in respect to the compensation and shares of gains requested, as described below.
     
     Below this was the detailed text of the treaty, with a large blank area at the bottom.
     
     

   
   
3. [Diplomacy] Politely inform the Omanush Convoys of the other - yet to be purchased - sources of wealth, attempt to establish trade laws with them, and curry their favor. Begin the process to develop a port of call in Prinde Town off the coast of Iadesh.
   (Curry favor with Oganization, Omanush Convoys, Roll: 13)
4. [Economy] With much embarassment for the lapse of judgement, Grand Magus Viclean himself personally oversees the effort to regain control of the Blattea Mines in the Oasis.
   (Supported buyout of Trade Post #1, Region 8, Roll: 23)
5. [Faith] With encouragement from the Khirus Republic, Speaker Urias begins to teach the principles of Initia and science to people within the Basins. While the rumored changelings and tricksters there are not seen, the humans are very quick and eager students.
   (Claim Religious Center #1, Region 41, Roll: 21 )

Non-Actions:

• If they are in need of easily exchangeable funds, offer the Omanush Convoys the support of the Five Cities in purchasing Sapphires from the Collective Mines of the Home of the Dry (Support Buyout of Trade Post #2, Region 9, if Omanush Convoys want Sapphires)

Spoiler: News and Rumors

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• There is a great deal of curiosity about the lands to the north. No explorers whom have gone there have returned. Members of the Legionnaires express concerns that there might be an unknown danger there, while Bratus Academy just wants to know more about the geography. Cataracta expresses interest in the kinds of riches that might be found there. Needless to say, the speculation runs rampant, and Grand Magus Viclean himself even becomes curious. An expedition, backed by the government, is in order.
• The whole of the Desert of Regner is now one. Grand Magus Viclean is quite pleased.
• Spera Sortis and her pet Sandboar Porcus are becoming renowned as hunters. The teenage girl brings in quite a bit to eat for her rather large family, and dotes on her younger half-brothers. She begins to ask her father, Tutum Sortis, if she might learn statecraft and the principles of Initia. The Heir is at first hesitant, wanting to protect his daughter; and it's not a common practice among the Iadesh family to allow women to be diplomats. Yet, he is approached by his father in law, and given the gift of wisdom: "A man with three wives should be smart enough to not say that women cannot do something." Spera is quickly given the lessons she wants.
• An official Speaker is sent to the Kunai Clans, as Heir Tutum can no longer balance the trips back and forth from their lands and Regno. Speaker Schimba is very happy with her new position, and resolves to write an excellent thesis on the nature of the various Clans. Though she does have trouble talking to the Satsujin. They always seem to disappear - sometimes literally - when she gets close.
• The maps that were created with aid from Ambassador Riola Greybeak from Whitefeather are touted as exceptional, and now Iadesh wants some of their own. Captain Disca is often heard grumbling about his birdlady being overworked too hard.
• The Dawntalon family is happy to announce the birth of a brand new baby girl in early 127, Mira Dawntalon. The new babe is adored by her mother and older sister, as well as her father, Magi Sortiment. However, the Ambassador to the Crescent really wanted a boy. His wife is happy to comply, it seems, as in late 129, Batant Dawntalon is born. The darling boy is the apple of his father's eye, and the reports that Regno receives are now half about the Inyoni, and half about his family. A gentle reminder of Sortiment's position is enough to reduce (though not erase) the discussion of his new children in his reports.
• The Firethorn Regiment's civil war seems to trouble Heir Tutum greatly. Supposedly, he felt he owed the previous leader of the Regiment a debt, but now that she has died, he flounders a bit when the subject of the Regiment comes up.
• Magi Arunca, Ambassador to D̨vatla, is quickly becoming one of the premier experts on both the theory and practice of combat; at least for Dvatlan forms of combat. The once timid young boy has grown into a strong and capable man,
• Comoara of Family Casnic finally convinces Emissary to marry her. Her family is overjoyed. The ceremony is a simple one, officiated by none other than Soc Fodina of Sortis, who apparently can't stop laughing during the wedding. Something about 'four ounces'. It reportedly makes the groom uncomfortable, and people speculate that a small child may be on the way. Still, Comoara is quite pleased. She is rumored to - repeatedly - show Emissary the benefits of being married, on an almost daily basis.
• Petram, the City in the Shallows, becomes the official site of the 'Regner Diplomatic Expedition' headquarters. Though only a small building on the outskirts of the valley, it sends many people to Bratus Academy to learn what they can of statecraft, map-making, handling animals, and a slew of other things.
• Speaker Urias and his two Aspectus guards are thrilled to assist Khirus in whatever way they can. Letters requesting additional Speakers to be sent to the Basins and/or Razzak are sent back to Regno, but take time to reach the Three Towers. Still, Speaker Urias is convinced that they will be interested, and continues to tell those of the Khirus Government that ask that they can expect Learning Centers opening up in a few years.
• Grand Magus Viclean hears about the death of Jalsi Seung Kyung and is grief stricken for days. Though it is a short letter, he pens an apology that he himself cannot come to the service of the great Jalsi, and sends several Magi from Newbess - including Magus Uimi - in his stead. As before, the Magi show up, remain respectful of Amham Federation traditions, and then leave. Only the letter - rumored to be stained by tears - is left behind.
• Iron weaponry continues to be strengthen, and while many Defenders of the Dry comment that it is not much better than bronze weapons, they are no less thrilled to have a steady supply.
• Glen Gwitna continues annually to receive a small chest of Sapphires from Regno's private stock, courtesy of Umbo Iadesh the Seventh. Some merchants grumble that this is a waste of money, but others - the majority - are quick to point out how much safer it is to sail in both Uhraiya and Badan since the protection of their new friends began. Sailing in those seas is a sure way to have at least one mighty Glen Gwitna ship come up along side the merchant vessels, and many of the crew of the protective ship look quite fierce, merchants say. They always look upon the banner of Iadesh and begin to gnash their teeth and moan, apparently angry. Probably at anyone whom would dare attack the merchants of Regno, Iadesh, and Jherki. As thanks, in the year 129, Umbo Iadesh sends a small necklace of Moon Opals with the regular shipment of Sapphires, for Lord Ferreth to reward to whomever he sees fit.
• Road construction continues, now that a steady supply of Granite arrives from Inyaka. Umbo Iadesh the Seventh continues to pay those of the Liber family, and he pays them well. The road between Prinde Town and Cataracta finishes, and soon, the earth Speakers architects are planning - and begining development - on the road between Cataracta and Bratus. Learning from their previous attempts, they are much faster than before, and expect this road to be finished before the end of Year 129. They are correct, and Umbo Iadesh is very thankful. He sends food and wine to Pingo Liber for his whole extended family.
• Though old, Pingo Liber - current head of the Liber family - is apparently very skilled at negotiations. He leans on that, and quickly manages to marry many of his 'daughters' to very influential families in both Iadesh and Regno. Several of his adopted 'sons' are sent to learn military matters from Fort Mustar, and marry into families in Jherki. Pingo laments, however, that the government support of his family has ended. There are still a few... less proactive members of his family that he has to encourage - with very strong language - to get out there and make something of themselves. Most of them do. Some of them don't. Of those that do, they wander the deserts to the Bratus Academy, or to the Petram Diplomatic Expedition Headquarters, or even to sign on with the Legionnaires. A few of them become full fledged Aspectus. Of those that don't, however, Pingo Liber is at a loss of what to do with them. Most of these just want to return to being slaves, and not having to think about their lives in this way. With regret, Pingo Liber finds them menial jobs in Cataracta as indentured servants, as the law allows. The funding returns to the Liber family, and Pingo and his 'daughters' check on the indentured servants frequently to ensure they continue to be well treated.
• Space is made for the new Ambassador from the Khirus Republic, Selenity of the Basins. Due to the Obsidian Sands Treaty, she is given space quite a bit closer to Bratus than Sortis, to allow her and her household to build however they choose. Regno only stipulates that she must hire builders from the Liber family. And... members of the Three Towers quietly make assurances regarding certain rumors about those in power within the Khirus Republic. No one shall be forced, but it's only a matter of time until a volunteer is found. And approved.
• Hearing from King Balder Gammet of his concerns of being able to properly oversee the southern island region during his part of the newly signed Treaty of the Statue Gardens, Grand Magus Viclean accepts with solemn aplomb the duty to see to the people there. He asks for volunteers among the Magi to go and survey the lands, and is reportedly surprised when Magus Scruto of Family Litore is among the volunteers. With now decades of experience at governance of the City in the Seashore, Viclean sees no one better to lead both the expedition and the diplomatic force. Magus Scruto's daughter, Magi Memoria, becomes Magus Memoria of Family Litore and begins to oversee Litore City.

Spoiler: Ruler Information

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Grand Magus Viclean	D	E	F	M	I
Current	8	10	10	2	2
End of round 1	1	0	1	0	0
End of round 2	1	1	0	0	0
End of round 3	1	0	1	0	0
End of round 4	0	1	1	0	0
End of round 5	0	0	2	0	0
End of round 6	2	0	0	0	0
End of round 7	0	2	0	0	0
End of round 8	0	2	0	0	0
End of round 9	0	0	0	0	0

New Ruler Next Round

Expected Stat Bonuses: +1 Diplomacy

Spoiler: Mechanical Bookkeeping

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Total Number of Regno 'Owned' Religious Centers: 4
Total Number of Initia 'Learning' Centers: 13
Total Number of Initia Holy Orders: 1

Regno Controlled Trading Posts:

• Bani - Region 8, TP #1
• Sapphires - Region 9, TP #3
• Corn - Region 33, TP #3
• Ships - Region 6, TP #3
• Dragon Shrimp - Region 10, TP #2
• Iadeshian Camels - Region 7, TP #1
• Iron - Region 13, TP#3
• Giant's Silk - Region 11, TP#2
• Moon Opals - Region 22, TP#1
• Granite - Region 26, TP#2
• Parchseed Oil - Region 51, TP#3

Military Units:

• 2 [Regnan Legionnaires]
• 1 [Defenders of the Dry]
• 1 [Iadeshian Camel Riders]

[Minescratcher]

Regions 19, 20 & 21
Ti Linnad
Leader: Premier Lira Jinna Premier Jannellai Norraissa

Actions:

1. [Military] Invade [Region 18] with 4 units under Premier Lira Jinna (4 units, Mil 10, +2 tech, total +16)
Avakonia has become a decaying vestige of the force for good and order it once was. With the Treaty of the Gardens signed, the Linnadi army begins to assault the Empire in force, aiming first to purge both its corruption and its tin supplies from [Region 18]. Lira Jinna takes command of the infantry and cavalry force and dispatches Sennu Moku to field command, while the 1st Malva Division takes the fight to the sea, holding off the Avakonian navy until the coast is secured.

2. [Military] Raise a unit
The warriors of the Aizkolaria are renowned for their skill in varied and unpredictable weaponry. Many of them, seeking glory, coin, or honor, join the Linnadi army as the 1st Vulpine Company under Korlen Borgild, known as the Fortress for his mastery of a unique defensive fighting style.

3. [Diplomacy] Complete the Statue Gardens [5/5]
Construction of the Statue Gardens is finished, and now they are ready to be filled. Statues arrive from across Ti Linnad to be placed into their rightful spots. A great statue of Cayi Soarsinnat towers over the entrance to the main cavern, while rows of Linnadi heroes and leaders stretch out behind her. To the south, another cavern opens, dedicated to the heroes of Arfordir and Gelupar. To the north, two smaller caverns have been delved. One is filled with records of the deeds of the immortalized heroes; the other's contents are unknown and its door locked, though is rumored that the original copy of the Treaty of the Gardens is contained within.

4. [Diplomacy] Host the Summit and Conclave in the Statue Gardens
With the Statue Gardens complete, leaders from across Emjata are invited to a Summit held within the vast caverns. A few receive an additional invitation to the Conclave, to discuss the topic at the forefront of each invitee's mind.

Spoiler: Those invited to the Conclave

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• woolli264 - Izbefe
• Aventine - Dvatla
• Gengy - Regno
• Tentreto - Kingdom of Whitefeather
• Potato_Priest - Glen Gwitna
• Lleban - Theocracy of Coatl
• kaio999 - Republic of Khirus
• moossabi - sort of
• Reggiejam - Isles of Lazar

Spoiler: Subactions

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• Trade Wingknights to Coatl for Sacrificial Magic Supply Lines
• Formalize the Treaty of the Statue Gardens, agreeing to mutual aid in attacks and defense against Avakonia among all parties
• Accept the aid of the Kiin Paleseh Bor (non-action)

5. [Diplomacy] Make CI Permanent
Unity is set first in the Linnadi virtues, and unity comes first for all Linnadi. To pull together in times of need is to truly live, and Pylliar and humans alike can always find a common ground. To oppose corruption, tyranny, and falsehoods is just as much the duty of all Linnadi. In either situation, the Linnadi are at their strongest, acting as one great creature that works for each part's benefit. This ideal has been part of their culture for centuries, and now it comes to the forefront once more.

Nonactions:

1. Support Coatlean buyout of Pegasi TP 3

Spoiler: News and Rumors

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• Two days after the Summit and Conclave, the Scepter of Watch is discovered laid on the floor at the foot of the statue of Cayi Soarsinnat. This is the first news of it anyone has heard since soon after it was stolen in 107. Its return is interpreted as a good omen for the coming war, a reminder that those who remain united and loyal will prevail in the end, and it is placed in a secure case in the Lower North Cavern.
  .
• Fate smiles upon the foes of the Empire, as unexpected rebellion breaks out in every corner of the Empire. Perivan refuses the Avakonian puppet, and the Firethorn Regiment's stolen lands in Regner work to throw off their yoke. Some agitate for the Council to send supplies or troops to aid the rebels, but the Premier is certain that the best aid the Linnadi can give is to attack the Empire themselves.
  .
• News of the civil war in Ka-ruun worries many in Ti Linnad. While it provides an undisputed tactical advantage, it seems to have been caused by a slaver lord's attempt to seize power after being ousted by the Firethorn invasion. Ka-ruun's history as violent slavers and oppressors, and rumors that they have sold slaves to the Picians (whose existence is no longer disputed), lead many to the opinion that the assault on the Empire may cause the tyrant to regain power. On the other hand, once the Empire is weakened, it will be much easier for any number of groups to war against him.
  .
• Upon returning from [Region 18] in the fall of 129, Lira Jinna falls ill once again and is bedridden for three months. She is said to be in great pain, and the inevitable news that she has passed on comes as no surprise, though that does little to lessen its sadness. A week is spent in memorial of Lira Jinna, in remembrance of the energetic and devoted leader that the Linnadi have lost, and in prayer for good fortune upon her and her people. Her student Jannellai Norraissa takes the title of Premier, and hopes are high that she will continue to lead Ti Linnad along the best path.
  .
• Anti-Imperial propaganda
  .

Spoiler: Ruler Information

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Current Stats
Diplomacy: 10
Military: 10
Economy: 4
Intrigue: 2
Faith: 3

New Ruler Next Round? Yes
New ruler: Premier Jannellai Norraissa

Diplomacy: 5
Military: 5
Economy: 5
Intrigue: 3
Faith: 1

Rolls

Expected Stat Bonuses: Diplomacy +1, Military +1

Spoiler: Other notes

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Military units: 4 + 1/ 9
General: Sennu Moko (8)

• 1st Opal Company
• 1st Pine Company
• 3rd Cloud Company
• 1st Malva Naval Division
• + 1st Vulpine Company
  

  ---

• 1st Cloud Company (KIA)
• 1st Fang Company (KIA)
• 1st Wingknights (KIA)
• 1st Bear Company (KIA)
• 2nd Cloud Company (KIA)
• 2nd Fang Company (KIA)
• 1st Forest Company (KIA)

Resources controlled:

• Region 21 [Highlands of Ti Linnad]: Pegasi
• Region 33 [Coatl]: Corn
• Region 45 [Inyoni Crescent]: Incense

Techs:

• Wingknights: +1 to battle rolls (Cavalry slot); requires Pegasi
• Inyoni Skyfarers: +1 to battle rolls (Live Weapons and Warbeasts slot); requires Incense

Religion bonuses:

• +1 unit cap

Permanent Cultural Identity: United in Action
The Linnadi are a people shaped by unity. When the opportunity comes to work as one, they seize it - at home and abroad.

Increase in die size for rolls for supported trade post buyouts and allowed holy center conversions (these both apply to buyouts and conversions in controlled regions).

Saved actions:
[Economy] Buyout Pegasi TP 3 in Ti Linnad [Region 21]: [roll]

[Economy] Buyout Wheat TP 1 in [Region 48]: [roll]

[Reggiejam]

ISLES OF LAZAR



Region 28; NE Corner

Round 8 (127 - 130)

Diplomacy: 1
Military: 3
Economy: 7
Faith: 7
Intrigue: 4

1 [FAITH] Convert Region 27 HC 1 from Jalyeong-bo to Coatl Perijanism Failure

While many young Xincoatl Priests daydream of journeying far south and engaging with the horrors of the Pall and its jungles pressing matters closer to home demand priority. The Jalyeong-bo uprising in Glen Gwitna shows the shamanistic faith and its strong proponent in Amham are willing to support revolt over simple trade negotiation and so the long stagnant order of Jalyeong-bo shamans who have guided the continental northeast face true opposition for the first time in recent history as Xincoatl Priests move to oust the shamans.

Though suspected to be a weak willed religion reliant on spiritual guidance over personal dedication to an ideal or real understanding of the cosmic balance the shamans who have so long lived and worshipped in the region prove to be more difficult to oust than anticipated. Burners, Philosophers of Fire, and laymen of the flame move to throw out the worldly spirits from people’s worship and incite worship of the great serpent in their place but find themselves resisted with vigor by the local shamans. After months and campaigning in the northern stretch of the region it appears clear the shamans are not yet weak enough to be ousted. The lazarites seem deeply displeased with this turn of events and vow to redouble their efforts.

2 [FAITH] Convert Region 27 HC 2 from Jalyeong-bo to Coatl Perijanism Success

Fires blaze, chants echo in the night, and the screams of both man and beast chosen to feed Xincoatl reverberate throughout (Region 27). Lazarite preachers incite mobs to cast out the misguided shamans of Jalyeong-bo who would lead people by the narrow ambitions of their spirit pacts. The truly enlightened know there is no freedom for a mortal in the land of gods and spirits. It is only through unity and loyalty to Xincoatl, Firebringer and First Patron of the Mortal Realm, that one might find true purpose. Xincoatl brought the magic of fire to mortals and rewards the passion of the mortal spirit. Xincoatl does not hide his hunger for flesh and sacrifice as the spirits do under guise of pacts. Xincoatl desires are clear and honest, the unified worship of his most divine form in exchange for the unrivalled wisdom and power gathered by the ancient serpent to be shared among his most loyal followers.

Bombastic displays of fire and fury incite the people to rise up against the elder Shamans who had so long acted as arbitrators and mediators in the region. The Shamans are declared mini despots and accused of presuming to lead from the sidelines as the Shamans of western Amham do among their Federation. The eldest Shamans are decried as weak and degenerate individuals compacting with spirits to leverage power over their fellows and advocacy for a strong willed voice of the people to take up the reigns from the discredited Shamans leads to the revolutionary installation of Burner Nithis to the position of Head Priest at a major holy site in the region.

3 [FAITH] Convert Glen Gwitna (23) HC 2 from Jalyeong-bo to Coatl Perijanism Success

Though the size of the lazarite army is small the great throng of proselytizers and zealous radicals bent on the teachings of Xincoatl who descend upon the Coalition are not so small in number. The priests quickly move to oust the Jalyeong-bo shamans who had recently restored themselves to control of the Sanctified Caverns. Perhaps the Coatl Perijanists might otherwise have been willing to recognize the shamans’ claim to this ancient site of their worship but given their actions and the actions of those they inspired they are deemed too dangerous a sect to be permitted in a brother of faith’s capital.

Depriving themselves of sensory stimuli may have allowed the shamans greater connection with the spirits but it offered them no protection from the rough ejection by muscle-bound servants of the Xincoatl priesthood. The shamans are barred from entry into the caverns and those who refuse are given a lethal alternative. Quickly the Caverns are sanctified in the name of the great fire serpent and evidence of Jalyeong-bo spirit worship is suppressed.

4 [FAITH] Convert Aniachaket (24) HC 2 from Jalyeong-bo to Coatl Perijanism Failure

The temples of this region had for many years served as peaceful retreats for the Abhidi aesthetics who had long held sway over religious matters. Now these monks had been cast out by the arriving shamans sponsored by Amham, shamans who attempted to enforce the Federation’s strictures from afar. Though no friend of Abhidists the worshippers of Xincoatl are resolved to see the western shamans driven out of the east and so move to avenge the cast out monks.

Shamans are confronted in the streets of Aniachaket by gangs of lazarites and local spiritually charged conscripts who harass and attempt to shame the shamans publically with charges of their acting as agents of Amham seeking to control the population for their own foreign aims. Amham, they say, seeks to steal the resources of the east and so it sends its shamans to pacify the people that this thievery is the spirit’s will. The street preachers insist the shamans' religious imperialism must not be tolerated by the unified worshippers of Xincoatl and that they must be cast out as invaders the same as Avakonian soldiers who would seek to occupy the eastern lands and extract their bounty. While the priests of Xincoatl do well to stir passions among the people the shamanistic traditions rekindled by Amham do enough to unify the Jalyeong-bo worshippers against incursion, much to the Kiin Sareteh's chagrin.

5 [FAITH] Convert Aniachaket (24) HC 1 from Jalyeong-bo to Coatl Perijanism Success

Though failing to seize the countryside from Jalyeong-bo shamans the lazarites continue to spread their vicious attacks against the shamans throughout the region of Aniachaket. The lazarites soon make their way to the regional capital where some among the dissatisfied former Abhidists latch onto the message of Xincoatl and its venomous degenerations of the western-backed shamans.

Sensing an upswell among the populace the fiery oration of Xincoatl priests soon incites a mob of unruly peasants to storm the spirit shamans during their meditation, disrupting their focus and more tangibly kicking them from the Abhidist temple they had occupied since arriving in the region. Though ostensibly only against the shamans it soon becomes apparent the Xincoatl priests intend to stay acting as "advisors" and helping to secure the region against counter actions by Amham and its puppet shamans. Within the region support for Suicide Sandor and his grandiose campaign is ridiculed as foolish and greater focus is placed on careful and level leadership embodied first in the divine form of Xincoatl and second in the mortal form of divinely ordained rulers such as Lord Ferreth.

ROLLS

[UNITS] 1 Unit
The Army of the Tribe

[RUMORS]

• The Gwitnans have betrayed the flame of Xincoatl under the leadership of the false king Irvasu Sandor who imprisons good Lord Fereth, true ruler of Gwitna. Support for this coup must be erased and its religious origins is connected to the festering presence of Jalyeong-bo dissidents in the northeast.
• The Black Company makes itself available at discounted rates subsidized by the Kiin Sareteh to rebel organizations in Gwitna willing to oppose the renegade Sandor. The Gwitnans are protectors of the east and defenders of trade and they must be rightly guided by the pure flames of Xincoatl, not the ever shifting impulses of worldly spirits. The east must stand united, basking in the warm flames of the great serpent who shall watch and care for those who follow his guiding light.
• The children receiving tutelage under the watchful eye of Kiin Sareteh instructors are introduced to Arndok Elbruk for the first time since their induction three years ago. Odeline, the child of the Burning, seems to strike a chord with the reigning Arndok who selects her to receive a blessing in the coming trials between the children. In a few more years when they show the first signs of adolescence they will face their first trial of of the flame. Only two of the four will survive. These two will face their second trial once they achieve full adulthood. Only one will survive to be the Arndok’s heir. When the time comes they shall overcome the reigning Arndok and take their place as the head of the Tribe. All that would come in time. For now the children learn to tend the flame and dance among its light. Learn the ancient tongue, the Conqueror's tongue, and all the new tongues the lazarites were coming to know. They would learn commerce and trade alongside lessons in warfare and diplomacy. They would become the best of the Tribe, the most capable of serving it as Arndok.
• Plans to continue a matched expansion in mercantile and religious realms slows in light of the Jalyeong-bo crisis as well as the expansion of foreign mercantile powers, such as the Daraki and their unwelcome Jianta Federation as well as the Oamenii desert dwellers of the west, in the Badan. Glen Gwitna must be restored to Lord Ferreth’s rule and its place among the Coatl Perijanist brethren that it may serve in its capacity as defender of the Badan and eject these foreign infidels from infesting the trade posts of the east.
• Some more radical Burners attempt to sway the Kiin Sareteh to deploy the Army of the Tribe to Glen Gwitna now that it lays undefended due to Sandor's attack on Avakonia but concerns over travel distance and the effectiveness of such a small army, even against an undefended capital, overrule these zealous voices. Instead the lazarites focus their efforts on turning out the Jalyeong-bo influence from the Coalition seeking to purge both support for Sandor and undue Amham influence in the east. These worshippers of Xincoatl act as lines of communication and brotherhood between Coatl Perijanists of the Coalition seeking to restore a sense of normalcy and unity. The priests are even said to be directly involved in the jailbreaking of Lord Ferreth though such rumors are largely unsubstantiated.

[RandoMan]

Azenhal

(Round 9, Region 71)

Magus Bram Tywil
Diplomacy: 6
Military: 7
Economy: 2
Faith: 7
Intrigue: 3

Actions

1. [Diplomacy] Press Sattyathanya claim to Region 38 Roll: 13 (1/2)
2. [Military] Invade Region 36 with 4 Units equipped with Refined Pician Weaponry under Magus Bram utilizing Roots of the Mountain Military Specialization. Total: 2d12+12
3. [Diplomacy] Incite the Sattyathanya seeking refuge in Azenhal to join the local armies in widening Azenhal authority to better protect Palmor from Pician and vampiric abominations. Roll: 12
4. [Diplomacy] Press marriage claim to Region 37 Roll: 15 (2/2)
5. [Diplomacy] Attend the Summit and Conclave at the Statue Gardens of Ti Linnad
   
   Spoiler

   Show

   
   

   • Swear Vassalage to the Whitefeather Kingdom
   • Trade Refined Pician Weaponry to Coatl for 2 units of mercenaries deliverable in 131
   • Gift Refined Pician Weaponry to Whitefeather
   • Trade Refined Pician Weaponry to Regno for Diplomatic Expedition
   • Accept gifts of Bani Bowls and Camel Cavalry from Regno
   • Gift Refined Pician Weapons to Izbefe and Dvalta
   • Trade Refined Pician Weaponry to Setjura Confederacy for Fish Glue Manufacturing

   
   

Non-Actions
Allow the Whitefeather Kingdom to pass through Azenhal
Allow Sattyathanya units to pass through Azenhal

News & Rumors

Spoiler

Show

• The failure to seize the Basins from Khirus and the decimation of Sattyantha forces in the western theater of the war has led Magus Bram to abandon for now the focus on managing the Khirese front and micromanaging the Sattyathanya and their leadership. With both the Basins and (Region 37) still recalcitrant to allow zealot or Azen troops passage through a decisive strike on Khirus proper, a coordinated liberation of Razakk, or a truly unified defense of (Region 38) remains impossible. Instead Bram turns his eye eastward to (Region 36), recently evacuated of Sattyathanya and left under a provisional government. Building a base of land and popular support less susceptible to Khirese or Pician seizure could be a winning long term strategy. Confident he isn’t needed to advise the expert Sattyathanya general brought south to continue defending the Sattyathanya heartland in (Region 38) from the Khirese aggression that will doubtless continue to focus on the region Bram marches east into unclaimed land. The zealot’s general and army is formally invited to join Bram’s western campaign should he desire to aid in the region’s liberation. While not outright promised, insinuation of Abhidi finding worshippers among the region is abundant.
• Though Khirese propaganda suggests Azenhal to be some dark conspirator intent to subject (Region 37) to theocratic oppression efforts are made by diplomats to highlight Azenhal’s role in refocusing the Sattyantha away from the region as well as the long litany of crimes levied against Khirus and the evidence supporting their veracity. The disputing of Azenhal claim to the region by the Khirese is presented as another example of the regressive and deeply unenlightened Republic attempting to stifle any word against their dark regime from drifting too close to the capital. Speculation as to the deeply horrific state of the Khirese capital that it must be shielded on all fronts from outside view begins to circulate the region addended with suggestion that whatever dark cancer sits in the blackened south would consume all it was allowed to touch.
• The Magus made a pledge to Yatabuyai Yadaoyai, Abhidism an authenticity for the zealot's cooperation and shared governance of the land they claimed. However, if Khirus and their wicked Pician allies have anything to say there will be no land claimed by the Sattyathanya but what is claimed by Azenhal directly. War-weary voices declare the compact made with the zealots unfulfilled by their actions. No comment is issued from the eastern front by the Magus though it seems likely the matter turns upon the outcome of the war in (Region 38).
• Coordinated by Magi Vecto the First Circle Initiates begin to establish Initia-friendly community networks among the common people of Azenhal at large. In Azenhal itself dwarven Initiates slowly take over the lowly Courier Guild responsible for carrying stone tablets with production orders and delivering iron product to Bray for wider distribution. In "New" Bray First Circle members take up duties rebuilding the many still destroyed buildings from the occupation and while their numbers are relatively small or insignificant at a grand scale as re-builders they do much to inspire the local populace and stir them to action of their own. Out among the Maltey Valleys First Circle Initiates take long sabbaticals from checking in with Vecto or their fellow members of the Circle as they try to insert themselves into various useful positions among the Valley dweller clans.
• Tales of Sattyathanya monks rooting out Khirese infiltrators and provocateurs intent to disturb the zealous defenders of God's light reach the Magus even in his command tent in the east. The number of souls still willing to fight for the Sattyathanya and their forces arriving to bolster his own in the east seems to have re-softened Bram's view of the otherwise dimly looked upon zealots. Yatabuyai Yadaoyai is contacted by messenger with a Magus sealed envelope containing an agreement to establish a partnership with the tenuous 'Caliphate of Vashthiya' which is recognized to hold rightful claim to (Region 38). The Magus offers many concessions and promises of fair and equal treatment and although only words on a page they seem to stir a sentiment among the Abhidists whom surround Yatabuyai. Realizing such agreements may be moot should the Khirese sweep in for surely they would execute those Abhidists whom held kind regard for Azenhal the effort nevertheless is made to close on the agreement that arose from the Burned Fields.

[Potato_Priest]

The Gwitna Coalition
Lord Ferreth
Regions 23, 24, & 25
Round 9

Actions

1. [Military] Invade region 51 (Avakonia) with 7 units led by Suicide Sandor (mil 6) for a total bonus of +13. For distance loss purposes, the armies will travel along the Inyaka coast, 7 regions in total.
Suicide Sandor, noting he rising anger in his Zealot devotees, turns their attention to the original usurper of Jalyeong-bo in Glen Gwitna: the Avakonian Empire! In the year 128 he calls upon all who are loyal to the old ways to load into war canoes, accompanied by the entire military of the coalition, and to set for Avakonia. Blood shall be spilled, revenge shall be had, and empires will fall, for the Gwitna sail for the capitol city!

Spoiler: Tactics

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The Zealots are going to bind themselves to the most destructive, most furious spirits they can find and use them to wreak general havok. It's also worthy of note that the zealots and shamans are going to be put on the frontlines in all engagements. Suicide Sandor's general strategy is to seek the empire in close quarters engagements, where the greater height and weight of the Gwitna infantrymen can hopefully pull them through. On areas of open ground he is going to rely on war bears (bears are pretty darn fast) and huitlhualpuk slingers to counter cavalry.

2. [Diplomacy]Continue Pressing claim to region 26. Almost as a chicken can continue running for minutes after its head is cut off, so the diplomatic delegation to region 26 continues to treat with the locals even after the ruler of Glen Gwitna is imprisoned. Fortunately, Suicide Sandor's performance and the coalition's current Jalyeong-bo worship seem to give them an edge.
3. [Military]Raise a unit In the temorary abscense of the majority of the Jalyeong-bo worshippers and zealots, about 3000 Coatl worshipers, organized by the Lazarite missionaries, arm themselves across Glen Gwitna to fight for their god and their Lord. This is not hard to do, for the instruments of hunting and fishing are easily turned towards war.
4. [Faith]Change State Religion to Coatl Perijanism In the fall of year 129, a mixed team of Shushan assassins and Gwitna burglers sneak into Tloon Redlan. The shushan kill the guards on Lord Ferreth's cell before they can make a sound, while the Gwitna put their burglary skills to use opening the door. In a matter of minutes, they manage to sneak Lord Ferreth back out of the Old Fortress and deliver him into the custody of the Lazarite missionaries and their militia. When the militia arrives to recapture the fortress the next morning with Lord Ferreth leading it, the soldiers on the walls quickly back down to allow the reestablishment of the old government.
5. [Diplomacy]Improve Relations with the Omanush Convoys Shortly after Lord Ferreth is freed, he hears word of Omanush caravans wishing to cross Shona to the Badan. He sends these Caravans a messanger canoe laden with a few gifts and a note written on leather. Roll 16 His message is thus:

Spoiler: Message

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There has been no major piracy on Omanush vessels in our waters for over 9 years, a rare occurrence for any who regularly ply our waters. The reason for this is simple: the Gwitna now have weaker, richer prey to pursue, and need not tangle with well armed Omanush convoys for sustenance. Your people have, for the moment, my respect, and I would be willing to communicate with you on matters of business in the future.

Non-Actions


News and Rumors
As pirate activity increases, so does the number of slaves in the Coalition. A common law seems to be emerging wherein the children of slaves are counted as children of their masters not only for the purposes of their house, but for the purpose of inheritance as well.

Short hair on women is becoming popular in the coalition.

In the confusion of successive government changes, what should be done with the Pician Blarfargle becomes unclear. The isles of Lazar display some interest in obtaining him for their own study, but the head guard at Blarfargle's compound, perhaps worried about a pician contamination of the Badan or Uhraiya in the current state of turmoil, offers him an escort to return to Fresia. Blarfargle accepts, and is rather unceremoniously dropped off on the shores of his sunken homeland with his children.

Spoiler: Ruler Information

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Lord Ferreth
Age: 44
Diplomacy 9
Economy 1
Military 5
Faith 1
Intrigue 10

Wife: Anci Cuahuey, age 37.
Son: Suvlin Cuahuey, age 11.
Daughter: Llerlisi Cuahuey, age 9.
Rolls

Attribute Increases: +1 diplomacy, +1 military

No new ruler next round.

[kaio999]

Khirus
The dark mirror
Region 39, 40, 41

Actions

1:[DIPLOMACY] [Diplomacy 5 - Cultural Identity - The Crimson Republic- d8 against unrest] The Republic of Khirus is a brilliant two pronged strategy devised by the genius of the elysium kindred to control the population. New regions and peoples are more prone to support the idea of freedom for the common man, and the promise of being able to pave their own destiny. Once one is part of this society however the dream of the Republic is balanced with the horror of stepping too out of line. Whispers of dissidents disappearing in the night of whole families being murdered in grisly fashion if a family member speaks out creates unrest and paranoia, but the wealth and pageantry and the money fed into the nation keeps any from escaping. Trapping them with both carrot and stick.
2:[DIPLOMACY] Attend the event

Spoiler

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1)Accepting Sacrificial magic supply lines from Coatl
2)Formally signing the Obsidian Sands Treaty with Regno
3)Trading Obsidian Fire for Diplomatic Exploration with Regno Regno agrees not to trade Obsidian fire with others and Khirus agrees that any trades made with diplomatic exploration must be offered in trade to Regno.

3:[MILITARY] The battles against the religious rebels had devestated the newly created Republic guard however thanks to the fears within the Jaelong-bo this is used as fervor to create a unit of their kinds warrior spirit warriors wielding blood and war spirits. A twisted and "wrong" take on the Jaelong-bo doctrine. (1 unit)
4:[MILITARY] [Invasion of region 38 with 3 units from Khirus+2 from Picians+ 10 from Chancellor]The Pician expedition is marched through the basins and through Khirus itself as the Republican guards and ghouls of the kindred march side by side trying to get to know one another while also promoting the Khirus pician alliance. Forming some measure of coming camradarie... The alien nature of both forces however remains obvious despite vampiric leaders doing their best to show respect to the Picians who had come to aid them. Diplomat Purbagle is there for translations aiding their general and leader Chancellor Treves who is there to continue another three year campaign against the zealots.

Spoiler: Campaign Strategy

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The new strategy of the Chancellor against these zealots was different then before. In the first expedition he had engaged in, he had relied on traditional pitch battles believing his more organized force could defeat their overwhelming numbers, and while multiple successes occurred it had been costly and one troop lost by Khirus had to equal more then 4 of the enemy. Eventually that became too much and he had been disgraced and forced to retreat. This time the chancellor avoids outright combat the armies instead marches on cities and forts forcing them to surrender. Marching the Picians outside walls to terrify those within promising safety only if there is no siege. To further prove their point the obsidian fire will be used to terrify and frighten them. The plan was to steal and starve the enemy army while they pillage them of their supplies.

Ghouls are used as skirmishers and flank troops striking out with gorilla warfare looking to murder and create terror throughout all of region 38, striking at the rebels wherever they are weakest.

If inevitably they are forced to meet on open field the Chancellor will put the Picians in the center as horrifying shock troops and the ghouls on the flanks The Republic guard will be the second wave in the center and rely on long spears to thrust over the heads of the picians into the faces of the Sattanyaha. From there they will look to smash through and crush the general of the Sattan Abhidi. Promises of a wish granted to any man who brings their general to him alive. The chancellor himself will keep a personal unit of his own trained ghouls. They will be an assassin core used to attack any weak points of the enemy.

5:[DIPLOMACY] messengers and low level diplomats are sent throughout (region 38) far ahead of the coming army. They spread the same message everywhere they go. If you lay down your arms, surrender or aid us against the religious zealots you will be rewarded and granted new rights. If you raise arms against the zealots you will see wealth beyond your wildest dreams. To the most mercenary and dangerous of region 38s secular population the promise of immortality is also whispered about in closed and careful circles. 9

Government Structure of the Provinces
Consul- The Consul is made up of the most elite and represent much of the wealth and power within a region they are not elected but appointed and within their regions are more like dukes and counts then elected officials. (Golden masks and veils)
Senators- Senators are elected based in region and population the basins have 3 Khirus has 7 and Razzak has 5 such officials each elected in areas designated by the elected chancellor at the time and various civil servents.
Mayors- They answer to senators they rule over 1 city or farming/industrial/trade region. They collect taxes which is in turn sent up to Republic government in part they keep a small portion to run the city and maintain security.

News and Rumours

• The Pician army marches through Khirus not as enemies but a thinking worthwhile ally. This is used to show the inherent power and beauty of the Republic that even the Picians will work them alone!
• Regnan diplomats are viewed as upstanding citizens and an offer is made to Speaker Urias, if they wish to bring in peaceful religious services (in abhidi held territory) within the Basins or Razzak, a promise of protection for their speakers and magis will be guarenteed.
• Talk of religious tolerance and freedom is promoted by the Republic, the idea of the nation under a single faith is viewed as "evil" no one voice should stand above the others only through equality of faith can the individual beliefs be strengthened.
• The spread of religious faiths has the Khirus leadership wanting to expand and the Khirese send diplomats to Coatl missionaries to further dilute the abhidi in the region.
• The chancellors loss in (region 38) has some doubting his leadership, voters are considering pushing to have him removed in his next election. Should he fail again even with Pician aid the results could be devestating for his career in politics (and his life)
• Peace and tranquility have been brought to all the regions under the Republic of Khirus, stability now reigns in both regions which were once foreign.
• Curfews have been lifted.
• The capital is lit up in the evenings, decadent parties are held every evening. Talk of lust cults are spreading through the region.
• Attending the Summit new diplomats and Representative Kathine and Mila will again be leading them.

Spoiler: Bandaran nightlife

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The more time one spends in the capital of Khirus the more beguiling and sinister it becomes. After 2 and a half years the envoys of Regno will have bumped shoulders with every conceivable pleasure and dark delight open to the citizens of Bandara. Various dens dedicated to drug fueled wants are embraced. Bath-houses which seem to exist on every corner contain pleasures of the flesh of all kinds to distract them from what lurks in the shadows.

When Curfew ended in the year 125 madness erupted in the streets, not since the founding of an independent nation had the republic experienced such jubilation. With no formal noble class the rich and poor took part in one another’s celebrations. Whole streets contained parties of mask wearing frivolity homes of wealthy citizens became far grander dens of sin then any bathhouse. Oh it was a wild and raucous thing, but then it started. Disappearances doubled, citizens were reminded of the fear in the dark as men and women alike simply vanished. Many would turn up days or weeks later but many never returned and there was never a word on where they ended up. The soldiers and enforcers took everything with a smile but nothing ever seemed to actually get done, and talk of various rituals and cults popped up all through the city.

Blood worshipping Jaelong-Bo were said to be sacrificing people, abhidists attacking citizens not supporting the Sattanyaha, rumors spread like wildfire almost as if they were designed to scar and horrify the population. Rumors the fang of Khirus was beginning to ooze red from its walls.

These rumors mixed with plenty of other more mundane things. Every party of lust fueled cravings had a corresponding salon of thinkers and philosophers. For every nightmare there was talk of dreams of tomorrow. The Regnans were forced to see both sides of the coin. Political theory was talked about openly as government types were argued. The Republic was challenged by the ideals of democracy and even imperialists existed among their number. Almost everyone spoke out against religious extremism but this was also met with many praising religion freedom and equality.

While these brilliant artists and philosophers and traders moved amongst each other they debated everything from orc rights to how to handle the “Azenhal” problem all while getting splendidly drunk. The carrot of freedom dangled everywhere all while the rod was just out of sight only punishing those who wanted to lurk too deep or who demanded too much. Those who spoke about changing the world outside of Khirus were embraced those who wanted to change what was within didn’t seem to talk long… Or simply vanished.

Spoiler: Masquerada Internal Memos (SECRET)

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The Republic of Khirus is more free then many imagine. The presumption of vampiric kings ruling from the shadows is not entirely untrue but our society is just as complicated and even more dangerous than it is for the mortals of our society. Most do not kill their food, instead draining them in moments of pleasure and intimacy or even simple muggings so they are left dazed and confused. The Republics love of pageantry was designed on purpose so the vamps could hide their presence in plain sight. Since my arrival I have realized we are not meant to be simple beasts hiding in the skin of men… In some ways its worse its all the worst impulses of being human added to inhuman thirst.

That is not to say all of our kind are so temperate. The fang and their brutal religious services remain shrouded in mystery, there are rumors enemies of the Republic are kidnapped and brought there for various rites. What is important to realize is that there are factions and these factions have very different drives, desires and goals.

My time here has taught me many things, as an outsider and a man who failed to hide himself I have been forced to take the reigns as a second military commander of the Republic, a role I both relish and despise in equal measure. Especially when my loyalty is constantly tested. The political machinations of the kindred as they refer to themselves is hideous and intricate beyond imagining. What I have learned is that five different factions vie for control over each center of power.

The Chancellors faction remains the most powerful, it is made up of the chancellor and his childer, those whom he created which includes powerful members of the senate like representative Mila and Kathine and now includes myself. As well as dozens if not hundreds of ghouls and humans manipulated through mind control or greed. He is the centerpiece of the current direction of the Republic and probably the most moderate of the forces in the city. That’s why with the Chancellor is gone, his wars in the east have him tied up completely leaving the consul in charge of the dailies goings on of the Elysium and the nation as a whole is so dangerous. The chancellors allies have begun turning up dead. Various ghouls and even some of his childer have seen their end at the hands of unknown assassins. The Elysiums pristine status quo is beginning to crumble as hungry neonates and dissatisfied elders look at the position of chancellor with hungry eyes and wonder if he has grown comfortable after these 42 years as their leader. The fact that the chancellor remains young and eternal is also beginning to propagate the rumors of the vampiric influence of the nation.

Consul Sharamin promotes the blood worship of the nation, he is the only outside source to that secretive temple Khirus acknowledges. It appears the chancellor wants this dark force to remain a hobby of the consul and not promote it as an actual faith but Sharamin grows more demanding… And he is older than the chancellor. How exactly this dark faith will impact Khirus really depends on how much control the chancellor can keep. His faction is largely hidden I imagine the chancellor has more knowledge then I.

Consul Blake runs an incredibly hawkish faction, he believes a vampire king should be elected and announced, he wants to see the mortals of the world quake to a vampire king. An immortal lord and its court sweeping through the world with violence, but this has not been well supported and his faction remains small but zealous in such ideals. It appears there are rumors of vampires trying and failing to control such power. Legends of a nation born before the days of Degan keep them wary… I am still looking for such tales.

The merchant kings of Tyras a wealthy region in Southern Khirus attempt to push politics in their direction regularly. They manage most of the obsidian glass trde and are now taking over ironwood and moving into spices as well. They use that wealth to place Senators into their control to promote peace with Azenhal… I am not sure who’s in charge among them.

The final faction are old creatures… Ancient and terrifying. I only have a glimpse but they look to snap their fangs into Avakonia, they are obsessed with it. Rumors in the courts and elysiums talk of them being Degans kin. Some believe one of Degans generals who carved up the nation might be among their number transformed and whispering in the blackest shadow. They call themselves the shattered emperors.

I know writing such words is heresy. Proof of our existence in written form is dangerous and revealing vampire politics could easily lead to my death but I am alone since Azenhal turned its back. I cannot get Bram out of my mind even now. I did try and if you ever read this my king I want you to know something. I blame you for this, I was made a general and I thought I was the luckiest man alive, but it led to war and we suffered, we went to that meeting in the sands and with casual devotion she pierced me made me love her and transformed me into the monsters I fought…

Finally you could not even kill me. You came into the basins and you outnumbered me 10 to 1 I launched myself against your men ripping through you by the hundreds and instead of fighting you left me here. I dragged back dozens of dwarves from one of your units I tortured them for months drinking them slow. Comrades I helped train I murdered them each while I sucked them dry… It was ecstasy… It was a freak show.

One sits in my room even now I am looking at him and I see the terror in his eyes. I wonder if he thinks you will save him…

The ramblings of the Black Marshall
Rishard Whidden

Spoiler: Ruler information

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Current Stats
Diplomacy 5+1
Economy 4
Military 10
Religion 2
Intrigue 5

New Ruler Next Round?
NO

Military Units
2 Ghoul units (250 humans in each unit fed vampiric blood granted increased strength and speed)
1 Republican Guard (2500 human soldiers trained with classic military tactics)

Adding

1 bloody thorn unit (100 vampiric neonates, young vampires who will prove themselves as leaders, and heroes. They will be the elite of the new army and a core to build around)
1 Republican Guard (2500 human soldiers trained with classic military tactics)



Expected Stat Bonuses
1 point of diplomacy

Spoiler: People of Interest

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magus Illian- Mortal whose magic is invested in the darker aspects of Jaelong-Bo and summoning dark spirits of blood, bone obsidian and death
representative Kathine- Vampire, Greater noble among the lords of elysium recently elected to office by the Masquerada though mortal beliefs is that she won by a landslide from the voting populace.
representative Mila- Lessor noble she had various scandals but was popular among the mortals and so was chosen for public office by the Masquerada.
Chancellor Treves- The elected leader of the Republic of Khirus, as well as the voice of the masquerada. The first leader of the Masquerada to also rule over the republic openly.
Diplomat Purbagle- Pician diplomat and member of the Republic (And Masquerada) a ghoul who in a few years may even earn a place as a kindred
The Black Marshall Rishard Whidden- Mil 9 general a vampiric childer of Kathine and new leader of the armed forces among Khirus
Diplomat Tassadin- Diplomat hand picked from among the people of Razzak currently a ghoul and lover of representative Mila
Diplomat Selenity- A girl of the basins she lost her home and family because of the Sattanyaha and Azenhal attack, she is completely free of blood binding and is instead held up as a symbol of the tyranny of Azenhals Abhidi theocracy.
Consul Yuval Harari- A member of the consul, one of the oldest necromancers in known existence, he became a vampire at a very old age and has immense power within Khirus.

OOC EDIT: TECHNOLOGY: Obsidian Fire: +1 defensive battle bonus/+2 bonus to attackers draw bonus ( If two people fight, and they draw, the attacker gets a +2 bonus if they continue the fight next round)
obsidian glass/3 obsidian glass

Obsidian glass is the ruined remains of a land desecrated by a force so powerful we today cannot imagine the power needed to produce it. The kindred have harnessed a fragment of this power if only in a VERY vulgar form. Carefully grinding up the obsidian glass and placing it into leather bags they have found out setting the bags to fire and throwing them cause powerful explosions setting fires and causing loud and terrifying explosions.

[moossabi]

Realm of the Tides, Round Nine
Speaker Wadagle

Actions

1. [Faith] It would seem that the actions of the northern heathens have done more than defile our most sacred temple, as it has been essentially infested by strange entities known as spirits. Though Fresia is still rife with conflict, since Wadagle has managed to retake the capitol from the treacherous council one of the realm's highest priorities is the expulsion of these spirits. The infidel idols and talismans forced upon our grand temple are all struck until they break and cast into the sea as an offering to the Leviathan. All the statues of the Leviathan's holy glory are returned to their proper places of worship within the temple and the walls and floors are cleansed of the blood shed in the name of civil war. Finally, once the grandest statues have been restored all the spiritual activity within the capitol begins to halt. The flooded streets echo with praises of Speaker Mlagarblargle, who has restored our god to his place of worship. (Convert Holy Center 1 of Region 70 to the Leviathan Faith; Roll: 13)
2. [Diplomacy] Though the people of Atrisia are relatively fearful of their returning occupiers, Wadagle tries to meet with local leaders who had been overturned by the Sattathanya to try to bring order. Citing the instance of Lior, Wadagle assures the Atrisians that his reign will be different from the bloodlusted one of Mlagarblargle and that they will have the protection of the Picians against any future threats, both internal and external. With their basic autonomy assured, the people of Atrisia begin to settle down as the Picians prove to be much less aggressive than before. (Stabilize Region 42; Roll: 15 (additional +2 from recent conquest))
3. [Diplomacy] With the Council deposed Wadagle calls his countrymen to make peace, though some still remain loyal to the Council. Unfortunately some fighting still continues throughout Fresia, as the region remains in unrest. (Stabilize Region 70; Roll: 9)
4. [Military] Though many concerns contend for the attention of Wadagle, our friends in Khirus have been quite tenacious in requesting our aid against the Sattathanya den of [Region 38]. Since this Abhidist sect has already made it abundantly clear that they wish to combat the Picians Wadagle agrees to send a small detachment south under the purview of his eldest son, who is instructed to assist the Khirusi army in whatever way their leader deems necessary (barring outright designating them as blade-fodder). (Send 2 units to support Khirus' conquest of Region 38)
5. [Military] Raise a unit

Nonactions

• Deny the Oamanush undisturbed access through Fresia

News and Rumors

• Though the eruption of war in the land from which the Caridans import slaves seems like a tempting opportunity for further growth, Wadagle decides against immediate intervention. While the two sides slaughter eachother we shall watch from the side and prepare to take advantage of whatever situation may rise from this battle.
• In the wake of the expulsion of the spirits from the Grand Temple, some of the foreign shamans have been found still lingering within our realm. They are swiftly rounded up and brought before Speaker Wadagle, each being charged with a simple question. Shaman after shaman refuses, and shaman after shaman are butchered alive by the Speaker's men in full view of the others. This mess continued until the youngest finally broke down and agreed to answer everything. Once the information was recorded, the rest of the shamans were executed. Strangely, shortly after this butchery forces begin to mass on the border with Hosra...
• Some fleshlings with pointed ears, massive boats and somehow larger egos have come to us to ask for 'trade rights' through our lands. Of course initially they don't seem like too much of a problem, but soon many begin to make connections between this request and certain other 'trading' interactions with the Azen. As the deadline for them to evacuate our realm is about to expire and they have yet to close a single post, it is suspected that this is a plot by the dwarves to find some loophole in our ultimatum by which these boat-fleshlings can continue to rob us of our resources and pass on the profits to the dwarves. And they thought we were too stupid to see through this ploy!

Spoiler: Stats

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Wadagle's rolls

Stat	Value	Increase?
Diplomacy	5	+1
Military	6	+1
Economy	3	-
Intrigue	1	-
Faith	5	-

Military unit count: 5 (+1)
Generals:

• None yet

Spoiler: Regions

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Region Name	Region Number	Resource	Holy Center 1	Holy Center 2	Holy Center 3	Status
Atrisia	42	Shadow Flax	Jaelong-Bo	Abhidi	-	Unstable Province
Lior	43	Lentils	Abhidi	Abhidi	Initia	Province
Hosra	68	Amber	Abhidi	Perijanism	Abhidi	Avakonian Occupation
Carida	69	Corn	Abhidi	Perijanism	Jaelong-Bo	Province
Fresia	70	Gold	Lies	Leviathan	-	Capitol; Unrest

Spoiler: Technology/Specialties

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Specialties

Type	Name	Effect(s)	Permenant?
Military	Strength in Numbers, Weakness in Solitude	+2 die size to invading single-region entities	No
-	-	-	-

Technology

Type	Name	Requirement(s)	Effect(s)
Military	Refined Pician Weaponry	Iron	+1 to combat
-	-	-	-

Spoiler: To-Do List

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-Conquer 69, 68, 43
-Kill the jerks who are ruining my empire
-Remove Jalyeong-Bo
-Sack Rando's TPs and blitz for his capitol
-Give Rando the tech
-Steal the slave trade again
-Ditch the whole 'drown the world' approach
-Become omnivorous/swap requirement to a generic 'food,' stop eating slaves
-AMHAM DELENDA EST
-????
-Profit
-Find and reclaim the ancestral moose holy lands

[HalfTangible]

Realm: The Kunai Clans
Ruler: Mumei
Round 9
127-129 IR

Spoiler: Ruler Information

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Mumei

Current Stats
Diplomacy: 6
Military: 6
Economy: 3
Intrigue: 6
Faith: 8

Expected Stat Bonuses
+1 Faith
+1 Military

*	Dip	Mil	Eco	Int	Fth
Starting stats	5	1	2	4	2
Round 1		+2
Round 2	Dip	+1	Eco	+1	Fth
Round 3	Dip	Mil	+1	Int	+1
Round 4	Dip	Mil	Eco	Int	+1
Round 5	Dip	+1	Eco	Int	+1
Round 6	+1	Mil	Eco	Int	+1
Round 7	Dip	Mil	Eco	Int	+2
Round 8	Dip	+1	Eco	+1	Fth
Current Stats	6	6	3	6	8

Spoiler: Actions

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[Faith - Convert Holy Center 1 in Glen Gwitna (23) - Honmyo - Roll (10)]: Living in a land that subscribes to another philosophy is one thing, but Jaelyong-bo's attempt to convert the Kunai themselves is not something they are willing to accept. And so, seeing weakness as the Coatl make a similar attempt, the Shushan begin to spread the word of their people further into Glen Gwitna.

[Faith - Convert Holy Center 1 (Region 57) - Honmyo - Roll (13)]: Mumei has taken particular interest in the mountains of [region 57], and seeks to spread the philosophy of the true name. Why she has such a keen interest in the mountains is well known, but many of the scouts sent into the mountains are never found.

[Military - Send 5 troops to defend 47 - Ruler present]: The Yasei's armies march in full force, for the first time in living memory. The Satsujin that travel with them lay the groundwork for the defense, and prepare to spy and disrupt the enemy. Though they are heavily outnumbered, there is little fear. Those whose names shall end, shall end. If not, then fear will only sully them before the end.

Let the Inyoni come.

[Military - Raise 1 troop]: Almost in a panic, the Chojo clan pulls together a small force from the Kunai who haven't left; mostly Amidasu and Satsujin. It's unlikely to be necessary, but if it becomes so, there will be a militia ready to protect Kuniumi.

[Secret - Roll (11)]

News and Rumors
-Emissary proposes to Comoara, gets into contact with her parents, and makes plans to wed her in Regno. Comoara has made it very clear to him just how important it is for her that they be married (mostly, it's rumored, to shut her mom up). The practice is something he finds strange, but if it means that this wonderful, lovely woman is in his life from now on, it can't be wrong.

... Right?

Comoara of Family Casnic finally convinces Emissary to marry her. Her family is overjoyed. The ceremony is a simple one, officiated by none other than Soc Fodina of Sortis, who apparently can't stop laughing during the wedding. Something about 'four ounces'. It reportedly makes the groom uncomfortable, and people speculate that a small child may be on the way. Still, Comoara is quite pleased. She is rumored to - repeatedly - show Emissary the benefits of being married, on an almost daily basis.

-Marriage was even better than he'd dreamed. Emissary spent most of his time with Comoara before, now he can't keep his hands off. Rumors circle that he was raised by a mother and a father with a sister, despite his apparent lack of knowledge regarding marriage, and that he'd like something similar: at least one son and one daughter.

In addition, although it's never stated publicly, Soc Fodina's customers and the people she talks to grow ever more glowing and positive. There's a great sense of generosity and goodwill towards her, even moreso than what was there previously. Even in Regno, the Satsujin can do wonders when they want.

-Perhaps Schimba's promise to write a treatise was premature; The Kunai tell her very little about the clans. If anything, the clans do their best to avoid speaking of their ways. It takes prodding, but she eventually finds that her predecessor had left a very poor impression. The Kunai find Initia's practice of research... well, irreverent, disrespectful, and insulting to the Names.

She makes little progress.

-The new Yasei has the same zeal as the previous, but far more patience. He is content to convert the western half of the island, and to watch Izbefe's actions on the eastern half. He was ready, regardless of what came, and to make Yasei a name to be feared.

-Shushan looks upon the changing leadership in Glen Gwitna with distaste. While the smart move would probably be to lay low and attempt to aid whoever seemed stronger, he cannot deny that this situation feels all too familiar, and not in a good way. Lord Ferreth's imprisonment has visibly rattled him. It only gets worse when the Jaelyong-bo adherents attempt to convert his Shushan.

-Mumei's actions have become increasingly secretive as of late. While no one says it directly to her, many begin to think that she's about to hit a breakthrough. Perhaps something to do with the true language, at last?

-The Emperor-consort is livid with the Firethorn Regiment; both their own loyalists, and Avakonia's loyalists. They have no reason at all to fight one another, least of all while slavers and tribesmen are at their gates. He implores the two to stop fighting, immediately, and direct their resources toward their rebellions. Whether the Firethorn remain a vassal or becomes a province once more can be talked about when their region is stable once more. He promises he will mediate and assist in whatever the two ultimately decide.

-The Emperor-Consort sees the enemy coming, and sends out a call to Mumei. Siding with the Avakonian Empire was basically pointless if they do not at least attempt to keep it afloat in such a crisis. Mumei begrudgingly sends Yasei's armies and some of her own Satsujin to aid the Empire's defense in [region 47].

-Crown Princess Dastastia disappears when the enemy advances on Avakonia. The Emperor-Consort is not even slightly worried. If you don't understand why that is, you're not paying attention.

-Mumei eventually learns of attempts by Glen Gwitna's new Jaelyong-bo leadership to turn Shushan and his people away from the Names. For several years she is very, very quiet about it. Eerily so, in fact. To a degree that even the other Satsujin find unnerving.

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Army: 5 units

Stone-like resources(?):
15 - Blackrock? - Perivan
16 - Marble - Avakonia
32 - Blood Clay? - Unoccupied
40 - Obsidian Glass?? - Khirus
41 - Ironwood?? - Unoccupied

Clans:
Shushan Clan (Ruler)
Appointed as regional governors (daimyo) when Dejan originally conquered the region. Posses most legitimate claim to the region, legally speaking, as well as the most detailed historical record. Experts in court intrigue and assassination. Avakonia loyalists, currently in exile from Kuniumi

Chojo Clan (Butterfly)
All-female. More open to foreign influence than other clans. Males born to them are quickly cast out, usually to the Satsujin, Amidasu or to the original father. Specialize in genuine diplomacy and social stealth (appearing harmless and/or exercising authority they do not truly have).

Yasei (Wild)
Makes heavy use of animals and elements found in the wild. Members often bond with one particular animal companion for life. Greatest scouts, have one of the only cavalry forces in the region. They are also heavily religious.

Amidasu Clan (to devise)
Inventors and scientists. Have the greatest wordsmiths.

Satsujin (Killer)
Ninjas among ninjas. Guardians of Kuniumi, primary concern is the safety and well-being of its clans. All members learn at least some wordsmithing. Experts in stealth and assassination.

Spoiler: Created Techs, CIs, Miracles, etc

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[Diplomacy 5 - Cultural Identity - The Satsujin - Secret Actions]: The Satsujin are a secretive clan composed almost entirely of Wordsmiths. They do their best work in the dark, hiding from prying eyes. Some might call it cowardly, but not openly. At least not for long.

Spoiler: Saved Actions

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[Military 5 - Military Specialization - Territories w/Honmyo Centers]:

[Military - Raise a unit]: The Chojo clan goes on another recruitment drive throughout the lands of Kuniumi, rousing up more young lads to fight for the Kunai clans, if the need arises.

[Zayuz]

The Imperial State of Varjik/The Firethorn Regiment
Vassal of the Avakonian Empire

Sofrid Dakk, Lord Captain of the Firethorn Regiment
Diplomacy: 2
Military: 7
Economy: 1
Intrigue: 4
Faith: 5

Actions for Round 9

1. [Intrigue] Secret
   A small division of the still loyal soldiers in Varjik go missing for a decent bit of time.. Their wherebouts, unknown.
   
   
2. [Faith] Convert Varjik [R58, HC1] to Dejanism (Failed)
   [Action Redacted with approval of players and GM for war]
   
3. [Military] Defend region 16 under the command of the empress with one unit (Mil 3)
   The Empire fights best with a friend by their side, and the Regiment is not about to abandon their leige when the world comes crashing against them. This unprovoked call to war undoubtedly puts their corces in the right, filling the queensguard with confidence in their abilities to vanquish the heated northern factions. Jerak, their leader, demands to know the enemy’s list of war demands and just why they would all turn upon their neighbours of many years on a whim. One they are delivered, it is said that he is sent into an outrage. Those ungrateful enough to ignore all the good the empire has done for this world would get what's coming to them.
   
4. [Faith 5] Discover an Artifact
   
5. [Military] Attack R52 with one unit lead by Mercenary Captain Four Fingers (Mil 7)
   Techs in use: Sedellan Armor Coating (No effect unless magic is used)
   Second historical attempt of the tribes of 53 to conquer 52. Fluff inbound.
   
6. [Military] Aid the Avakonian Empire in the defense of Avakonia (R51) with two units lead by Sofrid using Empress' Mil score (Mil 10)
   Techs in use: Sedellan Armor Coating [+2 if against magic]
   Mil Spec in use: The Eleventh Hour [+die size in capital regions]
   
   Non Actions:
   Accept Salt Wagons for Sedellan Glass Coating tech trade with Avakonia.

Spoiler: News and Rumors: Relevant to Woolli

Show

• The civil war just about reaches a height, with the first large scale battles taking place. The Firethorn and Avakonian loyalists line up in the capital region of Varjik, prepared to fight out the issue of reintegration into the empire. Days pass at a standstill, nobody properly engaging. Residences are occupied, people split, weapons forged and men hired.. Only to receive an official missive from the Empire's consort to cease hostilities against one another. With still high tensions, both groups heed the call to war against the rebels across their lands; vowing to settle their score with the empire's help once the dissenters are dealt with.
• Treachery! The attack on Region 4 by the northern Izbefe barbarians is taken with great offense. Rebels rise in the area, and attackers come.. But the Regiment shall not be deterred. This is an act of war not only on the Regiment, but the empire itself. Chieftess Feather implores the northern kingdom to leave the lands alone so that she might have a chance to sway the unhappy peoples there to her side; no men need die in vain when they share a common enemy.

[*] There is war everywhere. It rises from the north and south; extending west in silence, and yet men must be sent east. The Regiment is suddenly needed everywhere to maintain their lands and the integrity of their liege and her allies. During these tough calls, the pull of faith comes ever stronger, beckoning those who do not still do not heed his call to find solace in the reverence to Dejan. And yet the people still cling to their previous beliefs; perhaps their resolve of faith will protect them from the hard times ahead.[*] Caravans sent to Cheieftess Feather arrive from the south despite military interference during the travels. She welcomes the Kadangan Wetlands to engage in further trade with her permission, and seems to plan to share with them the technique of performing the violet oath, and how to recreate it to the maximum efficiency in their own lands. With any luck, their coup will lead to success and greater ties in the future.

Non Actions:

Expected Improvements: Faith +1, Military +1

Spoiler: Stats

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Military Units: 3 ([Sofrid] Firethorn Engineering Corps, [Sofrid] The Queensguard, [Jerak] First Avakonian Brigade, [Chieftess Feather] Ruffled Feathers)

Regions Owned: [Varjik - Region 58], [Derokar - Region 53], [Wazham - Region 4]

Cultural Identities:
[Legacy of the Preserver] Increase die size from 2d6 to 2d8 when making stabilization rolls. (Temporary)

Military Specialization:
[The Eleventh Hour] Increase dice pool from 2d10 to 2d12 when fighting in a capital region.

Military Technologies: Sedellan Armor Coating [Sedellan Glass]
Economics Technologies: Violet Oath [Violet Oak]
Secrets Whispered: 1
Resources Required: Foreign Workforce
Resources controlled: Sedellan Glass (R58, TP1), Violet Oak (R53, TP1), Mercenaries (R28, TP3)

[Aventine]

D̨vatla

Khäsglis
(Round 9: 127-129 IR)

Actions

1. [Diplomacy] Stabilize Region 12 (roll=13) Prince Zäklis's patience has run out. With the support of the Abhidic warrior monks of the Thousand Swords and a collection of loyal local nobles, he purges the malcontents among the Lords of Këpääs. With the Lords now stacked with puppets, he is easily granted special powers: "legally" weakening the oligarchy, which had so far been allowed to maintain much of their former power under D̨vatlan rule. He then introduces various reforms and undertakes numerous construction projects and improvements in infrastructure to win over the populace and strengthen his position while undercutting any who might still support the old Lords.
2. [Diplomacy] Attend the Summit and Conclave
   
   1. Trade Camel Cavalry to Regno for Diplomatic Expedition
   2. Trade Camel Cavalry to Izbefe for Bani Bowls
   3. Accept Pician Weapons
   4. Sign mutual defense treaty with Regno and Izbefe
   5. Sign Treaty of the Statue Gardens
3. [Diplomacy] Claim 13 (roll=15) Negotiations between Khäsglis and his new father-in-law in [Region 13] continue. Although there is still widespread resistance to the idea, the eastern ruler recognizes the relative strength of his neighbor and accepts loose D̨vatlan overlordship as a client kingdom.
4. [Military] Invade Region 16 (7 units, M7, camel cavalry, total +15) *
5. [Military] Recruit A major recruiting effort is begun in the riverlands of southern Reflas and the northern hinterlands of the League.

*[[At the moment I'm facing the strongest resistance by a significant margin, though in theory that may change if the empire's actions are shifted to defend 48. Presumably Khäsglis would have warnings from spies and scouts and whatnot of a major imperial army marching north. So his plan would be to find some favorable terrain in a place where his supply lines can keep him well-supplied without being under too much threat themselves, and wait. He wants to try to force the empire to either A) move the army elsewhere, opening up his path to march south and cause havoc; B) leave a large army tied up there keeping him from moving, which leaves less to fight the other invasions; or C) attack him at a place he picked, which should give him the best chance he has at winning.]]

Non-Actions


News and Rumors

• A whim? For years now the empire has pursued a policy of aggression and belligerence in the north. The empress seized the League cities in the name of preserving order, yet disorder remained. The Sartek of Perivan was foolish enough to trust the empress; now he lies dead at the hands of her agents, an imperial puppet has taken his place and chaos engulfs Perivan. The Firethorn speak of the empire bringing order and justice, yet it has brought nothing but chaos to Inyaka. If the Regiment truly desired peace and order and freedom, they would join us in tearing down the corrupt old order which they cling to. Dejan did not look backwards, but forwards. He did not try, desperately, to hold on to what his forefathers' gave him, but remade the world in his own image. To this Jerak who makes demands of us we say this: join us and make a new world over the ruins of the old, or join the Sartek.
• Magi Arunca is invited to accompany the army in its invasion of the empire. While he would be kept out of the fighting itself, as much as possible, it would provide him a closer look at D̨vatlan military theory in practice.
• Emissaries are sent to the rebel lord in Perivan, bringing to his attention the D̨vatlan invasion of the empire and suggesting friendship between mutual enemies of Avakonia. Or if "friendship" is asking too much, at least an informal agreement to quietly leave each other alone while we deal with more pressing matters.
• The High Priest of Tëlir Geza accuses Khäsglis of turning his back on his family and the true ways of his people, after the king pointedly ignores his earlier proclamation on Abhidi.
• The cities of the League of White Sails are rewarded for their willingness to join D̨vatla, and are allowed to retain a great deal of autonomy over their own affairs. With the chaos of the past several decades finally giving way to peace and order, the cities turn their attention to rebuilding their mercantile and naval power.
• It is noted with some displeasure that though the empire has been forced out of the region, a significant amount of the rice grown in the hinterlands of the League finds its way to imperial hands.
• Though he doesn't provide any actual help, Khäsglis is said to be interested in Chieftess Feather and hopeful that she will find success in her war.

Khäsglis

Diplomacy: 6
Military: 7
Economy: 3
Intrigue: 2
Faith: 5

Increase: Diplomacy and Military

Spoiler: Regions

Show

Region	#	Resource	Minor	Good	Great	Holy Center 1	Holy Center 2	Holy Center 3
D̨vatla	12	Iron	D̨vatla	Regno	(Open)	Tëlir Geza	Abhidi	Abhidi
Llët̨sällë	10	Dragon Shrimp	(Open)	Regno	XX	Initia	Jalyeong-Bo	Abhidi
Reflas	11	Giant's Silk	D̨vatla	Regno	(Open)	Jalyeong-Bo	Abhidi	Tëlir Geza
R14	14	Rice	Avakonia	(Open)	XX	Perijanism	Perijanism	Perijanism

Region	#	Owner	Resource	Minor	Good	Great
Iadesh	7	Regno	Camels	Regno	Izbefe	D̨vatla

Spoiler: Armies, Technology, etc.

Show

7 units

Military Specialization: Region 12 and regions bordering it
Military Technology: Camel Cavalry (+1, cavalry slot, requires camels)
General: N̨amodl (M6)

Cultural Identity: Conversions

Relic: Idol of Däz̨ëlis (conversions)

[woolli264]

Izbefe

Actions!
1. [Economy 10] Expanded Holds: +1 to buyouts requires ships
Secondary effect: Logistics slot, one less distance loss, requires ships, one precious metal, one preservative, one food resource.
2. [Diplomacy] Marry into the royalty of region 3 (roll 8+6 diplomacy makes a total roll of 14)
3. [Diplomacy] Event
-Trade Bani Bowls and Expanded Holds to Regno for Diplomatic expeditions
-Trade Bani Bowls to Dvalta for Camel Cavalry
-Sign Dvalta Regno treaty
-Transfer ownership of region 56 to Regno
-Sign the treaty of the statue gardens
4. [Military] Invade region 4 with 5 units and King Balder Gammet (mil 10)
-Use Bani Bowls tech (-1 to troop losses)
-Fight alongside the rebels whenever possible
5. [Military] Raise a unit
roll(s)
News:
Southern Regner will be united once again, not under Avakonia but this time under Izbefe. The people will rule the land they live and work on and Avakonias pet will be pushed from the shores and back across the sea.
Region 56, despite it's lack of military prowess has proven difficult to maintain, especially during times of war. This coupled with threats from the Kunai Clans has prompted it's ownership to be shifted to Regno, a close ally, for safe keeping.
Ruler Stuff:
King Balder Gammet
Diplomacy: 6+1 Economy: 10 Faith: 3 Intrigue: 2 Military: 10

[Lleban]

The Theocracy of Coatl

Ruler:
Tenoch The Rightly Guided Exarch "Protector of Lacia"
Faith 10
Military 10
Economy 3
Intrigue 1
Diplomacy 5

Actions:
[Military] Attack region 48 with Atl The Large and 4 troops + tech Sacrificial magic supply lines
[Diplomacy] attend an Conclave: In an effort to appease members of the priestly caste more....suspicious of his ascension Tepin has chosen to go after the the Empire to gain the prestige of of Magi at home and perhaps more importantly abroad.
Subactions

• Trade wing knights for Sacrificial magic supply lines
• Trade Sacrificial magic supply lines for Diplomatic Expedition
• Gift Sacrificial magic supply lines to Khirus
• Gift Sacrificial magic supply lines to the Gwitna coalition unless they already have it

[Diplomacy] To Region 31 for marriage claim roll 12 Against his better judgment Teppin has fallen in love with an influential Azonite merchant. What will the priest magi think about this, poorly to say the least. But, little sways Tepin from her quick wit and mesmerizing gaze.
[economy]Buy out Pegasi tp 3 with +1 for hyrda scales and + 2 from the Ti linnadi roll 14
[economy]Initiate great project (Building Onamush base in Calakmul) In a bid to further connect the Uhraiya and Badan by Chalchiuitl, the Shona begin building a specialized harbor along with a series of canals and roads through the regions varied terrain.

News but also Rumors

• Tenoch has become bed ridden due to a particularly severe out break of River fever. Many are worried that his demise is near. Especially concerning that Tenoch's closest male relative is his second cousin Tepin the Younger
• Eager to secure his claim Tepin the Younger has joined forces with Atl the Large and Chalchiuitl the Miser in order to head off claims from other ambitious priests. Fortunately none have attempted to summon the honorable Lord Ferrath to take the throne, partly due to fear of a civil war and partly due to the mans current imprisonment.
• River fever most often appears during the warmer summer months immediately after the wet season. Symptoms include headaches, high fever and vomiting. Many Magi are often forced to travel and treat the ill in order to mitigate any damage to the workforce. While the plague has been fairly quiet these past few years, its come back with a vengeance.
• Four letters from the isles of Lazar have reached the political figures behind the throne. While they cover a variety of topics they share a common theme, walking off the coil of Xincoatl is....unwise

Spoiler: New ruler next round Yes!!

Show

roll
Diplomacy 4 Floating(+1)
Faith 3
Military 2
Economy 2 Floating(+1)
Intrigue 1

Changes from this round (+1) econ (+1) diplomacy

[Rolepgeek]

NPC Actions

The Avakonian Empire

Empress Vana Rafæla Zhekurus
Diplomacy: 10
Economy: 5
Faith: 2
Military: 10
Intrigue: 5

1. [Military]Defend the Empire against the Inyoni! Four Units defend Region 47 under Mumei of the Kunai Clans(Mil6): In the heart of the Empire, along the coast, a war is fought on sea and sky. A battle for control over the land that dominates southern Uhraiya rages, as Omanush ships disgorge archers and horsemen. Mumei, head of the Kunai clans, is said to be presiding over the campaign, and though her orders come, no one is sure where she is herself. While the Kunai she brings with her see no difficulty with this, Avakonian troops are understandably unnerved by a general who will not show herself on the battlefield. At least it is unlikely for her to be killed this way.
   
2. [Military]Defend the Empire against the Gwitna! Four Units defend Avakon under Captain Sofrid of the Firethorn Regiment, with Imperial military advisors(Mil10, The Eleventh Hour):
   
3. [Military]Defend the Empire against the Dvatlans! Seven Units defend region 16 under The Empress' leadership(Mil10, Legacy of the Conqueror):
   
4. [Military]Defend the Empire against the Linnadi! One Unit Defends Region 18 with no leader(Mil5):
   
5. [Economy 5]Expand Salt Trading Posts in region 67:
   
6. [Diplomacy]Call On Imperial Allies: The Omanush. The Firethorn Regiment. The Clans of Kunai. All these and others, as allies of the empire, are called upon to defend the Empire against the barbarian hordes on its doorstep. The last true bastion of civilization must not fall!
   
7. [Diplomacy]Stabilize region 16:

Nonactions:
Trade Salt Wagons tech to Varjik in exchange for Sedellan Glass Armor

Spoiler: News and Rumors

Show

The Empress has had a second child, and the timing could not be more significant. As enemies descend from every direction, the child is given over to the Firethorn Regiment to be raised in their style,

Spoiler: Other

Show

Expected stat increases: None

Organizations!
Please be aware, Organizations are experimental and rules are subject to change

Omanush Convoys

Buyout Attempt on TP 1 for Steelshrooms of Yemur (region 1)
Buyout Attempt on TP 2 for Sapphires of Jherki (region 9)
Buyout Attempt on TP 3 for Incense of Inyoni Crescent (region 45)

Thanks to an ever-widening network of trade and piracy throughout Emjata, many Omanush clans have decided to band together for protection and trade benefits. They have advertised their services via word of mouth with the merchants they have most of their dealings with; the first group to grant the Omanush Convoys rights to Three Trading Posts will be given advantageous deals in the future. (1 Diplomacy Action per Trade Post to directly give TPs, or 1 Economy Action to grant Support for all three, but will only buyout 1 per Round until all three obtained)

They also approach representatives of the Theocracy of Coatl, asking if they would be willing to help them acquire access across the isthmus, in exchange for priority access to the best trade routes. (2 Action Economy Great Project to build an Omanush Convoys Base and Support for Blood Clay trading post in Shona or convincing/coercing Glen Gwitna to allow passage via acquisition of Giant Redcedar Wood trading post in Glen Gwitna)

In recognition for their long relationship with the Amham Federation, several prominent Omanush merchant-captains offer to put in a very good word if the government of Amham will agree to set aside portions of their existing harbors, or build new ones, to house Omanush ships exclusively. (2 Action Economy Great Project to build Omanush Base in Amham)

Finally, they make a request of the Realm of the Tides, to allow their trade through the Fresian archipelago and northern lakes, in exchange for easier acquisition of distant resources...such as meat. (2 Action Economy Great Project to build Omanush Base in Lior)

Other!
Two Sattyathanya Zealot Units in Region 71 (Azenhal) support King Bram of Azenhal's assault on region 36!
Sattyathanya Zealots in Region 38 fortify themselves against the coming storm.

[Rolepgeek]

End of Round Nine.

All edits to actions posts made after this point will be considered invalid.

[Rolepgeek]

Round 10: Begin!
Imperial Reckoning 130-132
Don’t forget to link to any rolls you make for ANY Attribute checks, plus rolls for rulers you will start using at the start of next round. If you want a new ruler in the next round, you must state so in your action post for this round and link to their rolls. Any increases from actions for this round are counted for the ruler you start your next round with (because it’s handier to account for by the co-GM), which may or may not be your current ruler.

Good luck!

Rules Alerts & Changes!

Growth!
After years of war and diplomacy King Keat Whitefeather stands at the head of a powerful kingdom. In anticipation of his march upon the Empire Keat calls a great feast among his vassals and sycophant nobles to celebrate the unity and strength of Whitefeather in the face of Palmor’s vicious reputation. The Inyoni led kingdom emerges as a powerful force upon the face of Emjata declaring itself a Great Kingdom at last!

Among those eager to recognize Whitefeather’s elevation above the common kingdoms is the dwarven and human conclave of Azenhal which comes to pledge vassalage to King Keat and his Great Kingdom. Azenhal is now a vassal of the Whitefeather Kingdom!

The Amham Federation is known worldwide as the greatest center of Jalyeong-bo worship active in modern Emjata and the prestige brought by the Federation’s Shamans in spreading the teachings of the spirits does not go unnoticed. The Many Beating Worlds text, ultimate revelation of Seung Kyung slowly but perceptibly catches momentum outside Amham among the many groups of Jalyeong-bo operating across the continents. While not all are quick to adhere to the new words as orthodoxy many shamans are excited by the work in Amham and the Federation experiences a surge of Jalyeong-bo Shamans making pilgrimage to its lands. The Amham Federation is now a Holy Land for Jalyeong-bo!

Izbefe transfers control of Region 56 to the Desert Kingdom of Regno. It seems with the Firethorne being driven out of Regner the Izbefe seem content to focus on the continent instead of holding the easily seized island territory against the mischievous Kunai!

Ti Linnad has prospered under their belief in unity and cooperation within the lands held by the Premier and the Council as well as among allies and contemporaries. This belief was enshrined in the actions and legacy of Premier Lira Jinna who helped to build Ti Linnad to the point where it might challenge the Avakonian Empire itself with allies built and peaces sworn! Her memory is not forgotten and a national spirit becomes more commonplace among the people. Ti Linnad’s Cultural Identity United in Action - 2d8 on Supported Buyouts and Conversions introduced in Round 4 becomes Permanent!

Azenhal seals its diplomatic claim on Region 37 despite the turmoil that is the Sattyathanya rebellions and war with Khirus and the Picians. It seems some measure of respect is earned in the eyes of the local populace and they pledge to join Azenhal willingly as a lesser state within the growing number of factions composing Azenhal’s government.

Despite the civil war in Gwitna, or perhaps because of its spectacle, Region 26 agrees to join the rather large and influential Gwitnan Coalition. Though Sandor has sailed east into the deadly maw of Avakonia the locals seem eager to see what the Gwitnan people will do next and seem to feel safer being close to them than being their enemy or even their innocuous neighbor.

The Republic of Khirus has ways of ensuring its citizens do not raise alarm against their governors. With both reward and punishment bureaucrats and ‘special agents’ of the Khirese Republic work to shape the attitudes of the populace to look on their leaders with admiration and respect or, barring that, fear and servility. Khirus develops the Cultural Identity The Crimson Republic - 2d8 on stabilizations
It has been said by some that to rule is to reward the people with bread, entertain the people with circuses, and cull the people with the sword. Zäklis proves to be capable of all three, when he launches his own version of the Imperial Inquisition – with the size and scope of D̨vatla, it is a much faster process, but the purpose is the same. Rebellious lords and ladies are removed, their replacements installed, and the people satiated about this unseemly turn of politics with crucial infrastructure and nominal reforms. D̨vatla becomes Stable!

Perivan’s (region 15) Rebellion goes unanswered by the Avakonian Empire and the region becomes free. Perivan becomes a minor state, technically independent, and wary of foreign assaults. Perivan (region 15) gains two units!

In the face of foreign assault, the brilliant defense of (region 16), and the presence of the Empress herself, gives the people a renewed faith in the Avakonian Empire. Not only do they turn their efforts to helping secure the new border along the various land trade routes that meet in the area, but volunteers flock to the army in droves - weapon and armorsmiths throughout the peninsula are overburdened for months trying to keep up with the newfound demand. Region 16 becomes Stable! The Avakonian Empire gains two Units!

Wasipacha becomes Stable!
Obroslo gets +1 unit and does some economic stuff?

Faith!
Although the Initia follower Magus Bram fights against the Republic of Khirus the Grand Magus in Regno has taken a different approach to the southern kingdom. Developing a diplomatic rapport the desert kingdom is able to secure Republican sponsorship for an Initia mission being established in the Basins. Although Khirus limits the Initiates to operating such that they directly compete with the Abhidist sects of the region they are nonetheless successful in turning one of the holy centers to the way of the elemental aspects. (The Basins (41) HC 1 is converted from Abhidi to Initia)

With a radical zeal the lazarites who have become such strong advocates for Xincoatl move onto the continent and work tirelessly to force out Jalyeong-bo Shamans from the holy sites of the northeast. Though perhaps not as successful as they desired the lazarites do manage to install one of their own within (Region 27) from whom the tenets of Coatl Perijanism flow loudly. (Region 27 HC 2 is converted from Jalyeong-bo to Coatl Perijanism)

Involving themselves in the Gwitnan civil war prompted by Suicide Sandor’s Jalyeong-bo coup against Lord Ferreth the Lazarites move to enforce a more universal adherence to Xincoatl throughout the Gwitnan territories. The capital is prioritized for purifying from the spirits but Aniachaket too, the heart of Jalyeong-bo sympathies within the Coalition and source of many of Sandor’s more zealous supporters, receives the torch of Xincoatl’s knowledge. (Glen Gwitna (23) HC 2 and Aniachaket (24) HC 1 are converted from Jalyeong-bo to Coatl Perijanism)

With Lord Ferreth restored to the throne after his brief displacement by Suicide Sandor so too is Coatl Perijanism restored as Glen Gwitna’s State Religion.

With great effort by the Speaker of the Realm of the Tides the Leviathan is restored to worship within Fresia, ousting the spiritual reverence brought in by Jalyeong-bo Shamans. Statues depicting the great monstrous entity worshipped by the Pician horde once more line the sunken halls of ruined Antonia. (Fresia (70) HC 1 is converted from Jalyeong-bo to Leviathan)

The Kunai Clans attempt to replicate their success in converting newly annexed provinces and teachers of Honmyo move into Region 57 to proselytize to the people. These True Namers soon push out a conclave of Jalyeong-bo Shamans from a prominent religious center within the region leaving Honmyo to spread from its newly acquired site. (Region 57 HC 1 is converted from Jalyeong-bo to Honmyo)
Trade!
Though offering a hand of friendship and a smile Regno makes it clear that Omanush activity in the lands held by the united desert without permission is not welcome. Funded and supported by the Grand Magus’ administration merchants under Regno banners quickly recover control of the Blattea mines in the region that had been so enticed to do business with the sea elves and evict the sea-faring interlopers. (RGO buys out TP 1 in Regno (8) for Bani)

The Theocracy of Coatl reaches an agreement with Ti Linnad exchanging both technology as well as the means to use it. Coatl successfully purchases the final available trading post for Ti Linnad’s Pegasi, bringing the unique flying creatures down alongside their fellow Palmor Pegasi purchasers in Whitefeather. (CTL buys out TP 3 in Ti Linnad (21) for Pegasi)
War!

The Inyoni warriors and the brilliant King Whitefeather face off against the guerrilla hit-and-run tactics of the shadowy Kunai clans. [Region 47] in its entirety becomes a battleground. While the Inyoni warriors are far more effective at conventional warfare than the Kunai and their Pegasus Knights are able to quickly destroy any force they catch out, Mumei's hit-and-fade tactics eschew conventional warfare for ambushes and night raids, using Avakonian forces as diversions and reinforcements. As time drags on, the two forces eat away at each other, culiminating in a bloody but ultimately indecisive battle that sends the Yasei clan scattering. However, the Inyoni are similarly bloodied, and while they are able to prepare a staging ground for future invasions, they are unable to do much else against the remnants of the Avakonian troops.

It is only as the dust settles and the Inyoni withdraw that the troops realize what has happened: their king has been captured. Though the Inyoni employ both their pegasi and their curse in their search, they find no trace of their leader.

Spoiler: Results

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Whitefeather Kingdom: 5 Units + Mil10 + Tech 2 + 12 = 29
Kunai Coalition: 9 Units + Mil6 + 14 = 29
Whitefeather Casualties: 50% + 1 size loss
Kunai Clan Casualties: 40% + 1 coalition size loss
Avakonia Casualties: 70%
Tie! Whitefeather Kingdom loses 4 units, Kunai Clan loses 3 units, Avakonia loses 3 units! The Whitefeather Kingdom now has a foothold on region 47! King Keat Whitefeather has been captured by the Avakonian Empire!

The Dwarves of Azenhal and the forces of Sattyathanya descend on [region 36] with the force of a volcano. This is not an exaggeration, as in some cases, Azen quite literally erupt from the ground, collapsing sections of land underneath enemy fortifications and boiling out of the earth like a burning tide. The soldiers of Sattyathanya form a bulwark above, throwing themselves with righteous vigor against any foes that dare meet them outside the cities, while the Men of the Valley, more reserved, hold the flanks. The cities are secured within a matter of months, though the fighting is fierce, and fire follows the Azen as though they breathed it.

Despite this victory, the mood is solemn in the aftermath; King Bram, Magus and leader of the Azen, is slain. An arrow lodged in his chest, catching on the collarbone when he fell, and he died but a few hours later. His loss is unexpected and targic, especially in the face of the many victories Azenhal has won so recently.

Spoiler: Results

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Azenhal Coalition: 6 Units + Mil7 + Tech 1 + 19 = 33
Region 36: 3 Units + Mil4 + 12 = 19
Azenhal Casualties: 30%*0.5+ 1 coalition size loss
Sattyathanya Casualties: 30%*0.5
Native Casualties: 50%*1.5 + 1 size loss
Attacker Victory! The Concordance of Azenhal lose 2 units, Sattyathanya Zealots lose 1 unit, Region 36 loses all units! Region 36 is now controlled by the Concordance of Azenhal! Region 36 is in Unrest! Two Sattyathanya Zealot units spawn in region 36! Magus Bram has been killed!

The Sattyathanya Campaign, as it came to be known, was disastrous for Khirus. The difficulties began with the unit commanders. Infighting in the ranks, and particularly between Picians and ghouls, nearly caused a complete breaking off of Pician support, before the Chancellor could smooth relations. Then came the difficulties in feeding their men. The Sattyathanya left nothing in the fields for their armies to subsist; it seemed an early harvest and a lot of dedication on the part of the populace left neither grain nor men to sustain the Khirusian armies, forcing them to be completely reliant on their supply line. Which, of course, became the prime target of attacks. Many harassment parties of ghouls, sent to terrorize the landscape, are hunted down by the keen noses of Bhreshi hounds, their strength hard to match against such fearsome cavalry. Specialized strikes, intended to slow down and prevent the invaders from getting rest, make it difficult to advance as supplies dwindle. Eventually, annoyed and fatigued, several commanders strike out recklessly, looking for a decisive engagement. To their misfortune, they receive one. Though the difficulties in logistics for the natives had resulted in minor starvation and desertion, they still manage to annihilate the diminished force of the vampires, and continue on towards the remainder of the Khirusian army. Forced to retreat and harried all the way, only a few thousand disparate troops make it back to republic territory. Many of the ghouls, with their masters dead, disperse or go mad. The Picians are no more; not a single one escaped the hounds.

Though they did take some of the forts, technically.

Spoiler: Results

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Khirus: 5 Units + Mil10 + 6 = 21
Sattyathanya Zealots: 5 Units + Mil9 + 7 = 21
Khirus Casualties: 50% + 1 size loss
Pician Casualties: 40% + 1 coalition size loss
Sattyathanya Casualties: 20% + 1 size loss
Tie! The Republic of Khirus lose 3 units, The Realm of the Tides lose 2 units, and Sattyathanya Zealots lose 2 units. Region 38 is still controlled by Sattyathanya Zealots! Khirus has a foothold in region 38!

In (region 16), The King of Dvatla comes up with a cunning plan; to wait out the Empire. To this end, he begins construction of a fort large enough for his army to hold effectively in an ideal defensive location within the area. No matter what the Empire chooses, at this point, he comes out advantageously, after all. Unfortunately, he does not anticipate the Empress herself leading, and she chooses the option he was not expecting; she moves to threaten Dvatlan territory with the majority of her forces, leaving what appears to be a token force to hold off Dvatla. Though concerned about his homeland, Khasglis knows that if the Imperial heartland is threatened, she will be forced to break off, and he can wreak havoc.

As he closes on the defending force, however, he realizes that the numbers they sent out were far smaller than his scouts initially reported, and the remaining force far larger; the cavalry that was sent as the offensive decoy smashes into the Dvatlan army from behind, as the Empress herself leads on the frontlines in the defensive contingent. Though many of her Firethorn guards fall in battle, she remains, coated in the blood of Dvatlans, spear in hand, when she sees Khasglis. As she calls him to fight her in personal combat, the rest of his army breaks and flees, camels helping to keep them from being slaughtered on the way. Khasglis retreats with them; to slay the Empress would be to die himself, at this point, as well as if she had killed him herself.

Spoiler: Results

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Dvatla: 7 Units + Mil7 + Tech 1 + 5 = 20
Avakonia: 8 Units + Mil10 -1 Dist. Loss + 13 = 30
Dvatla Casualties: 20%*1.5 + 1 size loss
Avakonia Casualties: 20% *0.5
Firethorn Casualties: 20%*0.5 + 1 distance loss
Defender Victory! Dvatla loses 3 units, Avakonia loses 1 unit, Firethorn Regiment loses 1 unit! Region 16 is still controlled by Avakonia!

Surprising many in Emjata - although not those party to the signing of the Treaty of Statue Gardens - Ti Linnad prepares it's warriors and begins an assault on Avakonia lands in Region 18. With the vast majority of their forces occupied elsewhere, the Empire can only leave a rearguard force. Though intended to slow down the advance while important personnel and tin stockpiles are moved out, they are unprepared in the face of Premier Jannellai Norraissa's coordinated campaign; the sheer number of balls that the Premier is able to put in play overwhelms the harassment efforts, and the defenders are taken apart piece by piece, losing control of the sky first, then sea, and finally ground and cities. The evacuation efforts are quickly halted, and many prominent officials and governors are in Linnadi custody.

Spoiler: Results

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Ti Linnad: 4 units + Mil10 + Tech 2 + 12 = 28
Avakonia: 1 unit + Mil5 + 10 = 16
Linnadi losses: 20% * 0.5
Avakonia losses: 40% *1.5
Attacker Victory! Ti Linnad loses no units, Avakonia loses one unit! Region 18 is now controlled by Ti Linnad! Region 18 is in Unrest!

King Balder Gammet attack the Firethrone Regiment stronghold in the Regner territory of Wazham (Region 4). Only to find... there are no members of the Regiment willing to fight him. Instead, he encounters a group of rebel natives who want independance. And they are willing to fight for it. Though the armies of Izbefe do not want to fight them and little military effort is put into battle tactics against the rebels, they still must defend themselves when the rebels choose to attack anyways. Izbefe loses some of their men to this initial assault. Trying to drive out the new invading military force - and receiving no support from the Firethorn Regiment - the rebels make a valiant effort, but still lose to the better trained forces of Izbefe. Though the rebels had a plan (a much better plan than Izbefe, since they had only a plan against the Firethorn Regiment), they did not account for the capability of Izbefean warriors to recuperate from their wounds; attrition warfare intended to incapacitate many at a time rather than kill a few is ill-suited to defeat an enemy able to recover so readily from their wounds. With their primary strategy made useless, many rebels abandon the cause, and the cleanup is simple.

Spoiler: Results

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Izbefe: 5 units + Mil10 + 2 = 17
Region 4 Rebels: 3 units + Mil6 + 4 = 13
Izbefe losses: 20% + 2 size losses
Rebel losses: 20%
Attacker Victory! Izbefe loses three units, Region 4 Rebels lose all units! Wazham (Region 4) is now controlled by Izbefe! Wazham(region 4) is in Unrest!

Though the pirates of Glen Gwitna slightly outnumber the Firethorne regiment, the Regiment's greater discipline and the strategic acumen of Captain Sofrid ultimately win the campaign. Glen Gwitna loses the entirety of its land force, while the Regiment is largely unscathed. The Firethorne were jubilant at this great victory, and the ease with which they'd repelled the invaders. Surely this would demoralize them and send them scurrying back to their coves.

However, Glen Gwitna makes its living on the sea, and its navy (which was half of their fighting power) proves far more difficult to repel. The sea elf admiral present, with Firethorn support, manages to utilize a chevron formation to neutralize the individual vulnerability of the Omanush quinqueremes, allowing Captain Sofrid is still able to fight them off with minimal losses. However, he is not able to fully rout them as he had the land invasion. Suicide Sandor, seeing the two forces grinding to a standstill, decides to try one of his more..."unique" ideas, and presents it to his commanders: launch an assault directly on the capital, and capture the enemy commander.

To absolutely everyone's surprise, it works.

Spoiler: Results

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Glen Gwitna: 7 units + Mil6 + 10 = 23
Firethorn Coalition: 6 unit + Mil10 + 13 = 29
Glen Gwitna losses: 40% + 1 size loss
Firethorn losses: 20%
Avakonia losses: 30% + 1 size loss
Defender Victory! Glen Gwitna loses 4 units, Firethorn Regiment loses no units, Avakonia loses two units! Region 51 is still controlled by Avakonia! Captain Sofrid has been captured by Glen Gwitna!

The land of Ka-ruun, so recently brought to an uneasy peace, erupts into war once more as the Firethorn Regiment disintegrates. High Lord Zoshar begins to send his soldiers across the land, raiding, pillaging, and enslaving all who refuse to swear loyalty to him (and sometimes even those who do). But many stand against him, and in early 128 they unite behind the banner of Marwa Nasin, a former slave who gained military expertise through several tactics manuals stolen from her former master. She meets Zoshar on the field, using the terrain to surround his soldiers with her own equally-sized force. In the heat of the battle, Marwa and Zoshar clash one-on-one. Zoshar gains the upper hand, running Marwa through with his blade, but she remains conscious for long enough to behead him with one last slash. The slaver’s men are soundly defeated, and the survivors break and flee on seeing their lord’s death.

Spoiler: Results

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Ka-Ruun Slavers: 6 units + Mil10 + 8 = 24
Ka-Ruun Freedmen: 6 units + Mil6 + 8 = 20
Slaver losses: 10% + 1 size loss
Freedmen losses: 40% + 2 size losses
Freedmen Victory! Slavers lose 2 units, Freedmen lose 4 units! Region 62 is now controlled by Freedmen Rebels! Region 62 is no longer in Anarchy! Marwa Nasin has been killed! Four Slaver Rebel units are converted to Freedmen Rebel units! Slave Resource in Ka-Ruun(region 62) is changed to Labor Guilds!

The warriors of Coatl join the battle against the Avakonian Empire, sailing across the Uhraiya to assault the coasts of [Region 48]. Although they expect to be opposed in force, the soldiers of the Empire are nowhere to be seen, and the region is quickly placed under Coatlean control - perhaps too quickly….

Spoiler: Results

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Coatl: 1 distance loss
Region 48 is undefended, the Theocracy of Coatl auto-wins! The Theocracy of Coatl loses one unit! The Theocracy of Coatl controls region 48! Region 48 is in Unrest!

Renowned mercenary Captain Four Fingers has decided that the best profit is to be made alongside the tribes of Derokar as they assault [Region 52] once again. With the Empire’s attention elsewhere, he is able to wrest the region out of Avakonian control without much struggle, though unrest remains.

Spoiler: Results

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Region 52 is undefended, The Firethorn Regiment auto-wins! The Firethorn Regiment controls Region 52! Region 52 is in Unrest!

Terror!
Region 5 is in Unrest
Region 35(New Lacia)-> Anarchy?
In Khirus and The Basins, something strange is happening. Important governmental officials, normally known to value their privacy immensely, are striding out into broad daylight, without the cultural garments common to Khirus. They are crying, and even more oddly, they begin to smoke and burn, crumbling into ash only a few minutes afterwards. Some speak of a sparrow that hunts eagles, others of light crafted into a spear. All seem to beg forgiveness for what they have done. Some were rumored or known to be corrupt, and many citizens interpret it as the spirits taking displeasure with the mistreatment of their people, and burning the corrupt from the inside out. Though the bodies cannot be examined, due to their method of death, witnesses report strange marks on their face, neck, and chest. Many officials find this incredibly unsettling, and some disappear entirely, probably fleeing their office before they can be attacked. The stability of the regions are beginning to be affected...Region 40 and Region 41 are in Unrest!
In Liop, now renamed Lior by the Pician translators who have come to be instrumental in ruling the area, Picians have been found strung up by their gills, bellies split open and intestines used to spell out glyphs in the native tongue. It roughly translates to “Flayed Fillets”. Many are nervous that the Picians will come down even harder in the area as a result, and tensions are high. Region 43(Lior/Liop) is in Unrest!
Region 56 is in Unrest! Region 57 is Unstable!
Region 68 (Hosra) is Unstable!
Region 62 trading post is reduced to Minor Quality. Realm of the Tides loses trading post 1 for Labor Guilds in Region 62!
Discovery! Map!

Spoiler

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Other!
Iadesh reacting to the changes in economy from outlawing Slavery
Over the past few years in Iadesh, the economy has been dealing with the waves caused by outlawing slavery, now that the initial stabilizing influence of infrastructure projects have been completed. While manual labor still earns workers enough to survive on and little more, as it does in the neighboring regions, some enterprising merchants have found that by offering to pay just a little more, they can pull workers away from their competitors, and make themselves out to be kind and generous souls in the process. Workers are allowed to decide who they work for, now, after all. Some craftsmen, too accustomed to the prior style of treatment of their assistants (largely a lot of shouting and cuffing of ears for mistakes), find themselves without aid before they can adapt. Others, known to be more patient, find themselves run amok with people demanding to be allowed to work for them. This relatively sudden change in stability of employment is met by a number of methods to address it by various merchants, artisans, and camel breeders. The most common response, where there is a coordinated one, is the requirement of the signing of employment contracts, often by individuals without literacy. In the few cases where this is questioned, it is found that is, technically, legitimate; making all contracts signed by the illiterate void and null would cause too many issues in other places for the judges involved to hold fault at this time. These contracts are rarely very favorable to the employed, and most are little better than, or simply outright the equivalent of, indentured servitude. In other areas, merchant guilds keep a list, supposedly written on blackened hide, of individuals they will not employ, scaring many into obedience for fear of starvation.

Street vendors become even more common to distribute food to the masses who must now purchase it for themselves, instead of receiving it from their masters, and with no experience in haggling, the less intelligent, the more exhausted, and the naive find themselves gouged for every coin the vendors can get; the intelligent often manage to become vendors themselves, seeing the opportunity it presents. Market squares and caravansaries become louder, more crowded, and more dangerous; pickpockets and thugs grow more numerous as the desperate or opportunistic turn to crime, and riots become almost a monthly occurrence in some areas. While these riots tend to be directed at local merchants rather than the government, they are putting further strain on an already beleaguered economic situation, and already bandit activity has risen. Local guards and militia resources are becoming strained, and city governors find their funds dwindling, as taxes fall alongside the economy while prices rise. Furthermore, some government officials have noted a worrying sentiment among the poor of the area; certain agitators are pointing out (not incorrectly...) that the merchants and vendors gouging them are so very often adherents of Initia, worshippers of greed and sloth, wrathful and arbitrary like the elements they love. They claim that the old ways are lost among the wealthy, that they have forgotten the responsibilities the spirits gave them in return for the material bounty they possess. While this sentiment is by no means common as of yet, it's certainly growing among those looking for someone to blame for their troubles, and more worryingly, it is not entirely wrong; Initia is rather advantageous in terms of fostering a mercantile mindset, encouraging intelligent experimentation, and discouraging potentially wasteful sacrifices. Though talented Jalyeong-Bo practitioners can easily become far richer through their bond with the spirits and a well-made pact or three, they also share a kinship with their workers some Initia merchants seem to have forgotten, seeing the worship of spirits as delusional and impractical. Spirits are, after all, fickle creatures, and anyone who would rely on them, rather than developing their own sense for the Aspects, is obviously a fool.

Overall, the region's economy is fragile but adapting, and while the poor are still impoverished, they have their freedoms, and for that they are grateful to Regno. While this explains much of their ire being directed at their employers and salespeople, rather than government officials, the situation is one to watch.

1 Sattyathanya Zealot Unit Spawns in Region 38!

[HalfTangible]

Realm: The Kunai Clans
Ruler: Mumei
Round 10
130-132 IR

Spoiler: Ruler Information

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Mumei

Current Stats
Diplomacy: 6
Military: 7
Economy: 3
Intrigue: 6
Faith: 9

Expected Stat Bonuses

*	Dip	Mil	Eco	Int	Fth
Starting stats	5	1	2	4	2
Round 1		+2
Round 2	Dip	+1	Eco	+1	Fth
Round 3	Dip	Mil	+1	Int	+1
Round 4	Dip	Mil	Eco	Int	+1
Round 5	Dip	+1	Eco	Int	+1
Round 6	+1	Mil	Eco	Int	+1
Round 7	Dip	Mil	Eco	Int	+2
Round 8	Dip	+1	Eco	+1	Fth
Round 9	Dip	+1	Eco	Int	+1
Current Stats	6	7	3	6	9

Spoiler: Actions

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[Military - Defend 54 (Kuniumi) - 2 troops - Mumei (Mil 7)]: Threatening the Kunai was a mistake. Had they simply waited, Mumei would have lost the greater portion of her force along with a great deal of morale. But with their homeland under threat, the Kunai have no desire but to defend their home.

[Military - Attack 53 (Derokar) - 1 troop - Unknown Satsujin (Mil 4)]: The Satsujin are always a step ahead. As the enemy moves into Kuniumi, news reaches Cheiftess Feather of a force moving into her very homelands!

[Military 5 - Military Specialization - Yasei Clan (Fighting in Regions w/ 2 Honmyo Centers)]: The Yasei Clan is the most zealous and militaristic of the clans. They will protect the faithful wherever they are found, for that is their mission.

[Faith - Convert (Honmyo) - Region 53 - Holy Center 3 - Roll (15)]: There are rumors that those who follow the true name have not only risen in protest to Cheiftess Feather's hostile actions against Kuniumi, but that the numbers of those faithful are greater than originally believed.

[Secret - Roll (9)]: The Satsujin are on the move...

News and Rumors
-Emissary is somewhat floored by the notion that he needs to find a name that suits his children; people who not only he has never met, but also ones who don't have anything to meet, and won't for months. Eventually he decides to give them both names based on what he hopes they'll become. So his daughter, he names Shinbi (true beauty, aesthetic appreciation), and his son he names Shinrai (reliance, trust, confidence). He writes these words in Enku upon their foreheads, and smiles.

-Shushan's lover (the woman he refers to as Angel) goes with him as they leave the capital of Glen Gwitna, which ultimately means she is revealed. Minanova Fanal of the Orca clan is an olive-skinned beauty of a woman, with a waterfall of black hair, the curves of a goddess and skin smooth as silk. It's no small wonder how Shushan could have fallen for her.

-Word comes from Glen Gwitna that the Shushan are still welcome within the lands set aside for them. They return, and it becomes apparent that the Shushan have loosened their taboos on mixing with the locals. However, they avoid intimacy with anyone who has been pair-bonded, to keep from upsetting their hosts.

Moreover, Minanova is with child once again...

-The Yasei Clan's casualties in [47] were heavy. Though they attempted ambush and hit-and-fade tactics under Mumei's direction, the enemy's wing knights proved too fast to entirely outrun or outmaneuver. The fact that the clan must immediately continue to wage war is infuriating at best.

-Shushan hears of the invasion on Kuniumi. He is not concerned, even though (for some unNamed reason) his pregnant bondmate is. The Kunai, he says, have the strength needed to defend themselves even without the Shushan leading them. If they win, good. If they lose, it gives him a legitimate cause to reclaim his throne for his son, one that the other Clans may very well accept.

-As Mumei prepares to march to Hosra once again, she reciveves word that Cheiftess Feather may soon be attacking Kunai lands. Her Satsujin cease their preparations for a long march and instead begin preparing for a defensive war.

Spoiler: Notes

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Army: 3 units (5 units standing, -3 units lost, +1 gained)

Shushan's son: Round 6
Emissary's twins (Shinbi and Shinrai): Round 10
Dastastia: Round 6

Stone-like resources(?):
15 - Blackrock? - Perivan
16 - Marble - Avakonia
32 - Blood Clay? - Unoccupied
40 - Obsidian Glass?? - Khirus
41 - Ironwood?? - Unoccupied

Clans:
Shushan Clan (Ruler)
Appointed as regional governors (daimyo) when Dejan originally conquered the region. Posses most legitimate claim to the region, legally speaking, as well as the most detailed historical record. Experts in court intrigue and assassination. Avakonia loyalists, currently in exile from Kuniumi

Chojo Clan (Butterfly)
All-female. More open to foreign influence than other clans. Males born to them are quickly cast out, usually to the Satsujin, Amidasu or to the original father. Specialize in genuine diplomacy and social stealth (appearing harmless and/or exercising authority they do not truly have).

Yasei (Wild)
Makes heavy use of animals and elements found in the wild. Members often bond with one particular animal companion for life. Greatest scouts, have one of the only cavalry forces in the region. They are also heavily religious.

Amidasu Clan (to devise)
Inventors and scientists. Have the greatest wordsmiths.

Satsujin (Killer)
Ninjas among ninjas. Guardians of Kuniumi, primary concern is the safety and well-being of its clans. All members learn at least some wordsmithing. Experts in stealth and assassination.

Spoiler: Created Techs, CIs, Miracles, etc

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[Diplomacy 5 - Cultural Identity - The Satsujin - Secret Actions]: The Satsujin are a secretive clan composed almost entirely of Wordsmiths. They do their best work in the dark, hiding from prying eyes. Some might call it cowardly, but not openly. At least not for long.

Spoiler: Saved Actions

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[Faith - Convert (Honmyo) - Region 26 - Holy Center 1 - Roll]: The Shushan Clan aggressively targets the Jaelyong-bo shamans for conversion to the ways of the Name. They may be citizens of Glen Gwitna, but given that Jaelyong-bo just attempted a coup, they're probably a safe target.

[Faith - Convert (Honmyo) - Region 26 - Holy Center 2 - Roll]: The Shushan Clan aggressively targets the Jaelyong-bo shamans for conversion to the ways of the Name. They may be citizens of Glen Gwitna, but given that Jaelyong-bo just attempted a coup, they're probably a safe target.

[Military - Defend Region 68 - 4 regions of travel - 3 Units (Mumei - Mil 7)]: The Kunai are not made for protracted, traditional warfare, and the Picians both outnumber them and outfight them. Mumei knows this better than anyone. But there is no choice; they must fight.

[Military - Raise a unit]: The Chojo clan goes on another recruitment drive throughout the lands of Kuniumi, rousing up more young lads to fight for the Kunai clans, if the need arises.