Ascendancy: Game Thread

**Anti-Eagle** · 2018-12-31, 12:02 AM (ISO 8601)

Ascendancy

"It is now the 2660th year of the world by the Auroran Count, the 1900th year since the gods arose, and by my count the 1573rd year since the first of the cataclysms. It has been 726 years since the return of civilization, 720 years since word of the Yellow thing began to spread..."

"It is by the blessings of the dead ones that I have lived to see this day and it is by the curses of the dead ones that I have suffered to see this day."

"Sinan is gone..."
"626 years have passed..."
"A new time of industry has begun..."
"The grip of the Ascendant has weakened on the Earth..."
"Men walk the lands again, reclaiming their former glories..."
"One day at a time..."
"An age of man..."
"A storm is coming..."
"A new destiny..."

- fragments of a lost diary

January 1900 (Turn 1, Winter)...

The end of the world has come and went, and the machinations of the races of men have kept going. The world as safe as it has been made is still a dangerous place and the click of the world's clock is a constant reminder that we all have so little time. Even the immortals felt it.

Ah. But such wonders one could see in the short time afforded to the living.

Spoiler: Post Information

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You are free to post however you like however here is the norm from the previous games.

At the top of your post include the location and/or date in bold and/or underlined. If you change location or the time frame make such a thing clear with an additional date line. At the bottom of your post (in a spoiler) declare your actions in a clear way, whether normal actions or something you've come up with.

I'd ask that you run things through some form of spellcheck but as long as it's comprehendable I'm not worried.

---

The first turn, each player has five actions to spend without spending additional resources. Each turn after this each player has three actions. If you wish to take additional actions you must spend wealth. Four actions total costs 10 wealth, and five actions total costs 30.

If you wish to do something in secret, mark your action as secret and PM me what you're doing with said secret action.

---

Each turn lasts seven days, beginning and ending on Saturdays. The first week due to its unusual beginning will last longer, starting today (Monday the 31st) and ending on Saturday (the 12th). If you have an issue with this let me know. If you can't keep up with this schedule you have a one week action bank allowing you to post every other week if need be.

---

If you need to get in contact with me message myself through discord or in a PM here. In my absence JoJo and Novabomb are the authorities on the game world should I be unavailable.

Spoiler: Mythopoeia Thread Links

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Original Recruitment: https://v1.escapistmagazine.com/foru...-RP-Now-closed
Second Recruitment: https://v1.escapistmagazine.com/foru...iting#21144859
Game Thread: https://v1.escapistmagazine.com/foru...losed#20769330
Group: https://v1.escapistmagazine.com/grou...thopoeia-group

Spoiler: Only Ruins Thread Links

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Setting Thread: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?506647
Rules Thread: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?506645
Original Recruitment Thread: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?506837
Second Recruitment Thread: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?522244
Third Recruitment Thread: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?545504
Out-Of-Character Thread: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?508062
Game Thread: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?508138

Spoiler: Ascendancy 1900 Thread Links

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Spoiler: Ascendancy 2000

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Grand Index: https://www.myth-weavers.com/showthread.php?t=478805
Index: https://www.myth-weavers.com/showthread.php?t=478801

Spoiler: The Far West

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Grand Index: https://www.myth-weavers.com/showthread.php?t=478805
Index: https://www.myth-weavers.com/showthread.php?t=478802

**Viirin** · 2019-01-02, 03:22 AM (ISO 8601)

It was freezing. Really freezing! The city southeast of Candy Mountain was sprawling, but hot. Inside the dungeon however, the temperature dropped more and more, and a change of clothing was needed. Fur, preferably.

She shivered. "How much further?"
"See the webs all over the walls?"
She looked, uncomfortable. "Yeah. What about them?"
"What are they made of?" The guide wasn't pleased about her lack of experience.
After touching one, she was surprised. "Ice."
"We're halfway there. Might start getting a little chilly soon."
She wondered how much colder it would get.

Not wanting to find out too soon, she moved her torch closer to the web. It glowed from the firelight, but didn't melt or even turn shiny from starting to do so.

"What?"
"The webs here are made of ice, and radiate it, but can't be warmed, burned, or melted."
She pulled her second cloak even tighter over herself and shivered in fear instead of cold. The blue dye and icy blue inner fur lining only made her think even more of how cold it was, and she wished she had worn something of some other color. She couldn't feel it through her gloves, but she stroked the white silk tassels next to the decorative buttons.

Spoiler: Actions

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Increase concepts by +1 of their current bonus:

1. +1 Untraceable Income
2. +1 Treasure Chest
3. +1 Quest Reward

Create new concept:

4. Curious Trinket (+1 Influence)
Well-described items that are meant for others to investigate in some way. Who did it belong to, how did it get there, what does it do, etc.

Non-concept action:

5. A monogrammed female's very expensive down-filled parka dyed multiple shades of blue with a silk inner lining and silk tassels is found at the entrance to a dungeon with its entrance located somewhere near a city built on the northern ice barrens.

**Novabomb** · 2019-01-07, 01:02 AM (ISO 8601)

WIP

Memo: Policy update regarding employee benefits
From: Bostal Airrider, Undersecretary for the Department of Treasury, Republic of Awn.

It has come to my attention that there has been an aboundance of misuse of treasury property for the storing of employee personal wealth as well as an misuse of branch facilities for short term borrowing through the use of informal agreement to transfer the extra wealth in the next shipment. These activities are performed in ways that risk both the reputation of the department, as well as its financial responsibility through embezzelment.
The following new policies shall address this:

Employee Storage Benefit:
Employees shall be able to enter their wealth into their local vault. Retrieval of a portion, or all of it may be done free of charge, but all holdings and withdrawals must be recorded by the vault manager. Unaccounted for coin in the vault will be henceforth be considered property of the state.

Employee Branch Loan Program:
Employees shall be granted the ability to withdraw up to one month's salary funds from a branch vault to be reimbursed from the employee's own holdings, or failing that the withholding of their pay. A borrowing fee of 2% shall be applied in consideration for the extra work required in tracking and transport for this program.

These policies shall go into effect <date>

Spoiler: Actions

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1) New Concept: Employee Storage Benefit. (+1 Unity)

2) New Concept: Employee Branch Loan Program (+1 Wealth)

3) 3x Begin Building the case for the Messenger Guild to be incorportated into the Administratum Proper. (Not sure how you want to handle this mechanically. This is the Administratum trying to swallow another faction through the use of influence.

**The JoJo** · 2019-01-07, 06:00 PM (ISO 8601)

January 1900 - The Hegemon's Palace, Xule, Union of Auroran Republics

Romana Alascane swept into her chambers, only allowing herself to deflate once the door was firmly shut behind her. It had been a long day at the Continental Congress, but no one in her position could afford to show the slightest weakness. Weakness was fatal to a hegemon of Aurora.

She shrugged off her fur coat and then the ceremonial dragon-scale carapace underneath. Beyond looking grander, the carapace also had the advantage of concealing the prominent chitin plates that ran down her back. The mark of the morian. As she stepped in front of the mirror to let down her hair, she saw a pair of green, glowing eyes reflected back at her.

"Oh, it's you again."

She reached down to stroke the scrawny fox's head.

"Missed me?" Kismet asked.

"Not particularly," Romana said. "Are you here to collect your end of the bargain?"

"Not yet." Kismet leapt up onto her seat. "Just curious to see how my little investment is going."

"Could be worse. Congress is as stubborn as ever. The Dead Republic have been dragging their feet over the proposed treaty of mutuality. And I haven't heard from the Valencian Front in several months."

"That is... concerning." Kismet pricked his ears. "Where did you last hear from them?"

"Basaltian Padonia."

"Perhaps I will pay them a visit some time, then." The fox grinned toothily. "Anything for my little investment."

**LordArgon** · 2019-01-11, 03:06 PM (ISO 8601)

WIP

Spoiler: Actions

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Create New Concept:
Ancient Armaments - (+1 Military Conflict Rolls): The Oculiuris use advanced weapons plundered from ancient armories to gain an edge in armed conflicts.
Alchemy: Transmutation - (+1 Wealth Production): The Oculiuris use their knowledge of alchemy to create valuable materials from cheaper items.
Improve Concept:
Ruin Raiders (+1 Wealth Production)
Increase Influence:
The Union of Auroran Republics: Create schools for the less fortunate, and to recruit promising individuals.

**Anti-Eagle** · 2019-01-12, 07:24 PM (ISO 8601)

February 1900 (Turn 2, Winter)

...

December 1894 - Vesille, The Northern Raptor States

Yellow smoke drifted across the skyline as the assault began. Music blared from a speaker on the absurdly quick helicopter as gunfire rained from the Gatling cannons down on the things below.

It was a good day despite the circumstances. It had been years since they'd been allowed to bring the helicopters out. The right fuel for the ancient craft was too hard to produce to use them for everyday operations, or so they said. It was a hard won skill that the jumpers had learned to pilot them, to shoot accurately at the high speeds they obtained in the craft, and to rappel from the open doors down to the ground.

They were necessary skills to fight the yellow quickly and effectively in these days. Armed and armoured with the best they had at their disposal they carried Solothurn avto rifles to clear the streets and tunnels from the yellow, large multi-barreled rifles designed to fire several different calibers and types of bullets and used multiple magazines of ammunition. They wore the faceless Aegishjalmur masks to protect against poisons, and plated Vegvisir armour developed centuries ago with occult practices to guard the bodies and spirits of its wearers.

The tools they carried on their bodies were varied but the purpose was clear. Extermination.

Spoiler: Music

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January 1900 - The Isle of Bedlam, The Ajivhan Khaganate

It was raining when the ship docked in Bedlam, unsurprising. It rained very nearly every day and every hour around the now ancient asylum complex. No one was completely sure why but some, including Red, thought that the sheer number of broken minds warped the forces of nature around the spires of the small city.

The walk wasn't very long from the silver gates of the docks to the small garden and entrance to the cells his old friend lived in now.

Spoiler: January 1900 (Turn 1, Winter)

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The Vatnahlifir
Create a Concept - Fedai (+1 to Military Conflict Rolls) - The core of the Vatnahlifir are composed of Fedai, Fedayeen, literally meaning "Those Who Sacrifice." Hardened and extremely disciplined forces dedicated to Sinan and the dream of Ajivha they are highly skilled soldiers and spies.

Develop a Concept - Garbed in Sanctity (+2 to Wealth Production)
Develop a Concept - Investigators (+2 to Espionage Conflict Rolls)
Develop a Concept - Relic Hunters (+2 to Wealth Production)
Develop a Concept - Sacred Armaments (+2 to Military Conflict Rolls)

Kismet
Create a Concept - Investment (+1 to Wealth Production)
Develop a Concept x4 - Investment (+5 to Wealth Production)

The Exterminator's Guild
Develop a Concept - Untraceable Income (+5)
Develop a Concept - Treasure Chest (+3)
Develop a Concept - Quest Reward (+2)
Create a Concept - Curious Trinket (+1 Influence)

5. A monogrammed female's very expensive down-filled parka dyed multiple shades of blue with a silk inner lining and silk tassels is found at the entrance to a dungeon with its entrance located somewhere near a city built on the northern ice barrens.

The Administratum of Awn
Create a Concept - Employee Storage Benefit. (+1 Unity)
Create a Concept - Employee Branch Loan Program (+1 Wealth)
3) 3x Begin Building the case for the Messenger Guild to be incorporated into the Administratum Proper.

The Oculiuris (One Action Saved)
Create a Concept - Ancient Armaments (+1 Military Conflict Rolls): The Oculiuris use advanced weapons plundered from ancient armories to gain an edge in armed conflicts.
Create a Concept Alchemy: Transmutation (+1 Wealth Production): The Oculiuris use their knowledge of alchemy to create valuable materials from cheaper items.
Develop a Concept - Ruin Raiders (+3 Wealth Production)
Increase Influence - The Union of Auroran Republics: Create schools for the less fortunate, and to recruit promising individuals.

The Crimson Enigmas (Five Actions Saved)

**Novabomb** · 2019-01-19, 12:36 AM (ISO 8601)

Spoiler: Actions

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1) Develop Concept Employee Branch Program.
2) Develop Concept Tax Collector.
3) Continue Campaign to absorb the Messenger Guild.

**Anti-Eagle** · 2019-01-19, 10:15 PM (ISO 8601)

March 1900 (Turn 3, Spring)

...

December 1894 - Vesille, The Northern Raptor States

Red looked on through his eyeless mask as he grabbed the rope and slid down into the fogged yellow-coated streets, gunfire echoing out around him. Men ran ragged in the streets, wearing yellow paint or running from men covered in yellow paint, as abominations stalked the streets seeking to kill or forcibly convert those they hadn't already taken as the city turned into a charnel house of smoke and meat.

Short pops went off as they eyed their first target on the streets and the thing fell. A stinking Yellow thing of chitin and fangs, its yellow burning blood painting the street.

January 1900 - The Isle of Bedlam, The Ajivhan Khaganate

Red left his pistol and his mask with the attendant as he entered the asylum, a wretched and beautiful place engineered in the past to contain those they couldn't control. The cell he was looking for was... number 511 on the Eastern side of the isle. It contained his old friend, Pyotr. And every year he came and spoke with him, made sure the guards were treating him well, though that was never a concern with the phantoms. As insane as they became they were treated as the princes of old the moment they crossed the line between soldier and inmate.

He passed through hall of wretch after wretch before he found the cell, and it was empty. Well aside from the books, bed, and holy marks coating the walls.

After finding an orderly he found out that Pyotr was at the central gardens today, he had been going for the past month apparently.

Spoiler: February 1900 (Turn 2, Winter)

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The Vatnahlifir
Create a Concept - A Frozen Forest (+1 to Unity Production) - Spoken to the increasingly damaged psyches of the phantoms of Bedlam is the mantra of the Frozen Forest, a peaceful and effective mantra that soothes the minds of the inmates or so it is claimed. The words are believed to be sourced from an ancient and little known manuscript scavenged from the ancient aetherial collective.

Create a Concept - Hunger (+1 to Unity Production) - The phantoms of the Vatnahlifir are often afflicted with a particular psychosis, a hunger, composed of a variety of conditions. Though they will never starve they feel a deep hunger that manifests in a variety of ways, usually for flesh in one way or another, though it has found other ways to appear.

Create a Concept - Oneiric Visions (+1 to Unity Production) - The phantoms of the Vatnahlifir often dream of the aether and the land of Arcadia, stories of their dead and ancestors are often shared in ceremonies and meetings between the phantoms and the various priests and certain honoured guests of the Khaganate.

Kismet
Develop a Concept x3 - Investment (+8 to Wealth Production)

The Administratum of Awn
1) Develop Concept Employee Branch Program (+2 Wealth)
2) Develop Concept Tax Collector (+4 Wealth)
3) Continue Campaign to absorb the Messenger Guild.

The Oculiuris (Four Actions Saved)

The Crimson Enigmas (Five Actions Saved)

**The JoJo** · 2019-01-24, 05:01 PM (ISO 8601)

March 1900 - The Channel Sea

Kismet let the wind carry him like a bird up and down the Channel. First to New Ajivha to barter with a struggling farmer. Then west to the Harconin, where he snagged a bargain with a maiden who wanted to elope on her wedding day. It was as he was soaring back towards Lyseria that he suddenly remembered his promise to Romana Alascane.

His conspiracy of ravens were sharp-eyed, but they were not infallible, and so far they had failed to turn up any solid leads on the whereabouts of the Basaltian rebels. That either meant they were better at hiding than he had expected, or they had been stamped out altogether. Either worked for him.

~

Isle of Pesh, Dead Republic

The long ages had not been kind to Badger. Even immortality had its limits, apparently, as his skin hung in loose folds, and he had long since given up trying to trim his beard. Most of his kinsmen had long since disappeared from the world; some having lost their minds locked away in forgotten tombs; others chained up and tossed over the side of a ship into the ocean depths. The crushing dark of the abyss the closest one could get to oblivion. But still Badger clung on, more out of duty than anything else.

If he had known what it would lead to, would he choose to receive the blessing again? Hard to say. He would have been long old and grey, if not dead, before he had ever got a chance to meet Aurelius Daigoro as a mortal, true. But then too quickly the princeling had grown into a man, and then an elder, and then into the history books. His life had been a brightly burning spark, compared to Badger's unending trudge...

He heard someone, or something, stumble in the dark. He looked up to see a small figure dressed in a red and gold robe. His pale, delicate skin contrasted with his untidy mop of black hair, whilst his lips were curled in the ghost of a smirk.

"I can tell it's you, Kismet," Badger said softly. "You never get the eyes right."

He wasn't sure why the little imp delighted in torturing him this way. Kismet bounced up to him with a sly grin, placing his hands on the ancient immortal's knees.

"I'm looking for some rebels from the Basalt Empire. Valencian Front. Know anything?"

"I might." This was a familiar routine.

"One year?" Kismet asked, offering out a vial of inky black liquid. Oblivion in a glass container. A weaker cousin to the draft that had put Badger to sleep for centuries under Xule. He suspected that Kismet probably could locate the stronger stuff if he really wanted to, but then why would he want risk losing his best source of information?

"Two, at least."

"One and a half."

"One and a half, and you don't bother me again until next winter."

"We have a deal," Kismet said, grinning. He deposited a pair of vials into Badger's great hands, which the man then stowed away in a wooden chest. A repository, should he feel the need to take an extended break from consciousness some time in the future. "Well then?" the little imp asked impatiently.

"You'll find the Valencian Front holed up in Osyth, middle Padonia. They were trying to jump the border to lie low for a while, but ended up trapped before they could make it. Look for a man named Akir. If he's still alive, that is."

**LordArgon** · 2019-01-25, 04:31 PM (ISO 8601)

March 1900 - Dead Republic
Sindros threw his hands up in exultation, as another set of hands were raised from the table in front of him. After figuring out how to turn lead to gold, he had all of the funding to reach his real goal, creating life. After a month of nonstop research and experimenting, he had done it. While it was only the size of his hand, it was a big step towards making sentient homunculi.

Spoiler: Actions

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Create Concept
Alchemy: Homunculus (+1 Influence Production)
Improve concept
Alchemy: Transmutation (+1 Wealth Production)
Thousand Eyes (+1 Espionage Conflict Roles)
Of One Mind (+1 Unity Production)
Increase Influence
-Dead Republic
-Republic of Awn

**Novabomb** · 2019-01-26, 02:29 AM (ISO 8601)

Spoiler: Actions

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1) Create Concept Liberty Guild Guards
2) Develop Concept Liberty Guild.
3) Continue Campaign to absorb the Messenger Guild.

**Anti-Eagle** · 2019-01-26, 08:59 PM (ISO 8601)

April 1900 (Turn 4, Spring)

...

December 1894 - Vesille, The Northern Raptor States

Finding the way to the tunnels didn't take very long, the buildings had been sighted ahead of time and they weren't exactly hidden. The plan was to blow holes in the buildings to collapse them with blasting oil and trinity sticks, then breach the rubble to enter the tunnels.

It was an easy plan that had worked in the past. It made sure there was only one entrance at the site and killed anything in the way.

War shields were dropped from the helicopter down onto the streets and Reds team moved quick to collect them after the bombs were set. They would need them in the confines of the tunnel complexes or gods forbid the cultists formed firing lines in the streets.

After the explosions they readied themselves and set the lyddite charge on the mound of broken buildings. The fun part was just ahead.

January 1900 - The Isle of Bedlam, The Ajivhan Khaganate

"Listen only to the sound of my voice."
"Let your mind relax. Let your thoughts drift."
"Let the bad memories fade. Let peace be upon you."
"Surrender yourself to your dreams."
"Let them wash over you like the gentle waves of the bluest ocean."
"Let them envelop you. Comfort you."

The broadcast over the loud speakers was new to Red, and wasn't something he was particularly fond of despite the calming effect it had. It was too... he wasn't sure. It didn't help that it was spoken in Aetheric.

"Imagine somewhere calm."
"Imagine somewhere safe."
"Imagine yourself in a frozen forest."
"You're standing in a clearing."
"Trees around you so tall, they touch the sky."
"Pure white snowflakes fall all around."
"You can feel them melt on your skin."
"You are not cold."
"It cannot overcome the warmth of your beating heart."
"Can you hear it?"
"You only have to listen."

Wandering through the lush gardens of Bedlam, it didn't take very long to find Pyotr. Sitting. Meditating. Gaunt and sickly looking.

"Can you hear it slowing?"
"You're slowing it."
"You are in control."
"Calm."
"At peace."

Spoiler: March 1900 (Turn 3, Spring)

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The Vatnahlifir
Develop a Concept - A Frozen Forest (+2 to Unity Production)
Develop a Concept - Hunger (+2 to Unity Production)
Develop a Concept - Oneiric Visions (+2 to Unity Production)

Kismet
Create a Concept - Searching (+1 to Wealth Production)
Develop a Concept x2 - Searching (+3 to Wealth Production)

The Administratum of Awn
1) Create Concept Liberty Guild Guards (+1 to Military Conflict rolls)
2) Develop Concept Liberty Guild (+3 Influence Production)
3) Continue Campaign to absorb the Messenger Guild.

The Oculiuris (One Action Saved)
Create Concept - Alchemy: Homunculus (+1 Influence Production)
Develop a concept - Alchemy: Transmutation (+2 Wealth Production)
Develop a Concept - Thousand Eyes (+2 Espionage Conflict Roles)
Develop a Concept - Of One Mind (+4 Unity Production)
Increase Influence - Dead Republic
Increase Influence -Republic of Awn

The Crimson Enigmas (Five Actions Saved)

**kemmotar** · 2019-01-31, 09:36 AM (ISO 8601)

April 1900 (Turn 4, Spring) - The Specialist Collector Collective

On a bright and cool spring morning, a messenger boy appeared at the front door of the headquarters of Administratum of Awn bearing a sealed letter addressed:

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
FROM THE AWN BRANCH OF THE SCC
FOR THE OFFICIAL ATTENTION OF PERSON IN CHARGE FOR COMMERCIAL MATTERS

++++

Having obtained official permission from the Headquarters of our collective to engage in commercial negotiations with the great and noble Administratum of Awn, we of the Collective would like to formally request the opportunity to meet with your representatives in order to investigate mutually profitable business. In addition, the collective would consider placing deposits for safekeeping with the administratum should such be of interest.

Faithfully yours,
Raderick Fracht
Branch Manager on behalf of SCC, Awn Branch.

**Novabomb** · 2019-02-02, 02:16 PM (ISO 8601)

To Raderick Fracht Branch Manager on behalf of SCC, Awn Branch.

Greetings,
Welcome to the Republic of Awn. We are pleased that you have elected to settle in our humble nation.
The Administratum would be happy to discuss your specific needs. We would welcome a representative at <date> if that is suitable for you. Attached are a few forms which help us understand the scope of your buisness so that we may accomodate you appropriately. Additionally a brief on the regulations concerning trade are contained.

Sincerely,
Senior Clerk Estuary, Home Branch of the Administratum of Awn

Spoiler: Actions

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1) Send Representative to SCC
2) Create Concept Company Forms (+ Espionage)
3) Create Concept Trade Regulation (+ Wealth)

**Anti-Eagle** · 2019-02-02, 10:22 PM (ISO 8601)

May 1900 (Turn 5, Spring)

...

December 1894 - Vesille, The Northern Raptor States

Red was the first one down into the man-sized tunnel. He always was. Officers served at the front. That was the way of Ajivha, especially the Vatnahlifir.

His mask kept everything light and visible as he marched into the darkness, his gun peeking out from behind his shield. The moment he saw something he'd let loose a volley of silenced fire and that would be the end of it. There were very rarely anyone in these tunnels that didn't need to die. Never anyone that could be saved.

Pyotr and the rest walked a few feet behind him in succession shields and rifles at the ready for the first branch.

January 1900 - The Isle of Bedlam, The Ajivhan Khaganate

"Pyotr?"

Reddened dead-looking blue eyes turned to meet Red's and a souless voice replied, "Yes?"

Pyotr looked as if he had been starving to death for years and Red wasn't sure if that was disease or choice. He had been gaunt even when he was fighting but this was sickening. Though he thought this wasn't the first he had seen of this in his work as a chaplain, and it was still probably healthier than eating nails or other assorted inedibles like so many took to.

"Pyotr... It's me. Rederick."

"Rhetoric?" The gaunt man looked puzzled for a few moments before speaking again, "Rhetoric, it's been too long... too long. Where have you been?"

"I've been working in the North, there's been another outbreak."

"Another?... I had hoped it had been over the last time."

"The war never ends... Let's sit. Speak. How have they been treating you?"

Spoiler: April 1900 (Turn 4, Spring)

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The Vatnahlifir
Develop a Concept - A Frozen Forest (+3 to Unity Production)
Develop a Concept - Hunger (+3 to Unity Production)
Develop a Concept - Oneiric Visions (+3 to Unity Production)

Kismet
Develop a Concept x3 - Searching (+6 to Wealth Production)

The Administratum of Awn
1) Send Representative to SCC
2) Create Concept Company Forms (+1 Espionage)
3) Create Concept Trade Regulation (+1 Wealth)

The Oculiuris (Four Actions Saved)

The Specialists Collectors Collective (Three Actions Saved)

**kemmotar** · 2019-02-05, 05:46 AM (ISO 8601)

May 1900 - The Specialist Collector Collective

The Awn delegation was welcomed to the Awn branch of the SCC, the outpost was simple but functional, geared towards work more than pleasure. Drinks and light snacks were presented and some pleasantries offered before the delegation got down to business.

The forms had been filled in, Raderick apologetically noting that some questions could only be answered by vague statements or simply marked as proprietary information and he hoped that would not provide an impediment.

The SCC are interested in exploring the provision of commodities at a more competitive price than that which is currently prevalent. This would entail larger and more long term contracts but would benefit both parties.

**kemmotar** · 2019-02-08, 04:08 AM (ISO 8601)

Spoiler: turn 5 actions

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previous turn actions:
1) enhance concept: perks
2) enhance concept: blacklist
3) enhance concept: loyalty

reserve 3 actions

**The JoJo** · 2019-02-08, 01:17 PM (ISO 8601)

Osyth, Padonia, Empire of the Basalt Obelisk

Akir boarded down the last window hatch, before cocking his black market Ajivhan rifle. He was under no illusion of the futility of the coming skirmish. He, and the ragged group of men who had stuck with him to the end, would certainly die. But it was a better death than rotting away inside a Basaltian dungeon, and at least this way they would set an example for future revolutionaries.

"For the revolution!" he exclaimed. "For the people!" He only received bleary-eyed looks in response.

"How... touching." He heard a woman's voice behind him. He spun around to see a figure in a long flowing dress, her green eyes contrasting against the drabness of their surroundings.

"Who are you?! How did you get in here?"

"My name is Kismet. Have you not heard of me?"

Akir shook his head. Behind him, one of men called out, "The dealmaker!"

"Very good," Kismet said, in the manner of an approving schoolmistress. "I have been sent far and wide to find you, and frankly, I expected more. Nevertheless, I have a bargain to offer. If you wouldn't prefer to end up on the tips of Basaltian bayonets, that is."

"So the gods are on our side!" another of the men exclaimed. Kismet merely smiled.

"I offer this piece of cloth. It may look old and threadbare, but raise it as a banner and you will have victory in battle no less than three times. After that, you will be masters of your own fate once more."

Kismet handed the blood red flag over to Akir, who reluctantly took it.

"And what do you ask for in return?" the revolutionary asked sceptically.

"Only a small favour. After the third use, I will return to claim the flag, and the most precious possession of the final wielder. Good luck."

Spoiler: Actions

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-Create magical item -- the Fated Flag. Gives a bonus when raised in combat three times, with a special price to pay on the third occasion. (If possible, use all three actions to give the maximum possible bonus to the flag. If not, assign the other two to growing influence in the Empire of the Basalt Throne and the Harconin Protectorate.)

**LordArgon** · 2019-02-09, 09:32 AM (ISO 8601)

May 1900 - Dead Republic

Spoiler: Actions

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Improve concept
Alchemy: Transmutation (+1 Wealth Production)
Alchemy: Homunculus (+1 influence production)
Thousand Eyes (+1 Espionage Conflict Roles)
Of One Mind (+1 Unity Production)
Increase Influence
-Dead Republic

**Joshua Dolphin** · 2019-02-09, 10:39 PM (ISO 8601)

May 1900 - The city of Svalt

"The people have demands!"
"Military actions are not necessary!"
"If we make an army we can defend our people"
"If we make an army we only encourage others to attack us"
The Krakari people's house of svalt was filled with people yelling at each other and heated debate. The noise just continued to escalate until Svigi Halm stood in the centre of the room and struck the ground with his stick. The first strike did not do much but he continued till the entire house quietened. Svigi was an elderly Krakari, the oldest in the entire house. He stood 5' 3'' and had a slight hunch.
"This anarchy is not what produces success." the old krakari said "Now I understand that more and more conflicts are starting everyday and this threatens our way of life but do you remember any time a war has come near the borders of our great city. Not once has an army approached or dare attempted an attack. The value of our city is surely great but the value of its peoples trust is surely of more value to them."
It was clear the views of Svigi were not held by most in the room but being the oldest and longest serving member in the house they respected him greatly.
A tall and young Krakari named Makir stood up to address the group "As many of you know I am the representative of the border guard within this house. We see many crimes attempted daily on our roads and stop them at every point. The issue is each month we see more and more crimes and we see larger groups of bandits trying their luck. We have enough resources right now but without greater resources I truly fear we will not have the strength to even guarantee the safety of our own roads anymore let alone our entire border from an enemy assault." Makir sat down.
A murmur of agreement came from the house members. The borders and promise of protection on their roads was believed to be a critical part of effective trade within the city and if that system no longer worked it could greatly affect trade and tourism. Money was the main concern of anyone is the parliament system of Svalt after all.
Finally a Krakari women by the name of Astir Rivelt stood up to address the room "I propose we devote time and money towards developing our border guard as a start towards strengthening our defences. Following that we will send a diplomat to the Vatnahlifir and ask for their pledge to protect us if war time does come."
The house murmured in agreement and it was settled.

Spoiler: Actions

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Action 1: Diplomacy: establish a trade/ formal treaty - a deal with the Vatnahlifir
Action 2: Concept: develop a new concept - Border defence: The city of Svalt is devoted to defending its borders and roads. +1 to military rolls
Action 3: Search a ruins

**Anti-Eagle** · 2019-02-09, 10:54 PM (ISO 8601)

June 1900 (Turn 6, Summer)

...

December 1894 - Vesille, The Northern Raptor States

By the time they had found him, he had completely lost it. Naked and covered in the acid-blood of the yellow things as it burned into his flesh. Unsupervised and in the darkness of the grotto Pyotr had decided in his wisdom after the dozens of battles he had been in against the Yellow that he needed to embrace the taboo and understand the enemy, understand their flesh, and drink their blood.

He had to be dragged kicking and screaming from the tunnels in the midst of the combat he had become a liability. And it pained Red to drag his long friend and subordinate through it.

January 1900 - The Isle of Bedlam, The Ajivhan Khaganate

Pyotr tapped his bandaged fingers on the small glass table between them, humming and looking through his dead eyes at Rederick trying to see into his soul, "I... I've been having dreams. Not the normal ones. These ones are worse. My magic is barely under control now."

"... What kind of dreams?"

"They're nightmares but they're not like the normal ones. Beyond the memories, the corruptions, the fire. It's like seeing beyond the walls of his ancient memories. I dream of the hunger, and where it comes from. I think I'm close. I... hear voices now. They're a choir."

"What have you-?"

Pyotr slowly began to unbandage his hands and fingers exposing bone and sinew and badly healed scars and infections. "They found me eating my hands last week. I was screaming about teeth, or so I've been told. It's not the first time. I can only remember them in a haze at best but I think I know where it comes from."

Rederick stared hard at his old friend, and after a few moments, so he dumped the glasses on the table and poured into them from a flask of koronahol he kept in his coat. In his years as a chaplain he had seen many a thing, but not in those he was close to. He wondered how long it would be before Pyotr was taken for testing like so many who claimed to see the beyond.

Spoiler: May 1900 (Turn 5, Spring)

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The Vatnahlifir
Develop a Concept - A Frozen Forest (+4 to Unity Production)
Develop a Concept - Hunger (+4 to Unity Production)
Develop a Concept - Oneiric Visions (+4 to Unity Production)
Diplomacy - Send a weapons shipment to the Sveit

Kismet
Create an Artifact - The Fated Flag (Provides +6 to combat three times, before extracting a cost)

The Administratum of Awn (Three Actions Saved)

The Oculiuris (Three Actions Saved)
Improve concept
Alchemy: Transmutation (+3 Wealth Production)
Alchemy: Homunculus (+2 influence production)
Thousand Eyes (+3 Espionage Conflict Roles)
Of One Mind (+5 Unity Production)
Increase Influence
-Dead Republic

The Specialists Collectors Collective (Five Actions Saved)
1) enhance concept: perks (+2 Unity)
2) enhance concept: blacklist (+2 Unity)
3) enhance concept: loyalty (+1 Unity)

The Sveit
Action 1: Diplomacy: establish a trade/ formal treaty - a deal with the Vatnahlifir
Action 2: Concept: develop a new concept - Border defence: The city of Svalt is devoted to defending its borders and roads. +1 to military rolls
Action 3: Search a ruins

**kemmotar** · 2019-02-15, 10:12 AM (ISO 8601)

June 1900 - The Specialist Collector's Collective.

Life at the various outposts moved at a pace that the traders of the collective were not unused to, that is relatively quiet life interspersed with moments of panic and desperate activity.

However, trade and money kept flowing back and forth through the outposts in close communication with one another. Some were informed guessts, some gambles but in the end, the collective always managed to make a profit.

The negotiations with the Awn were taking longer than expected, however, and so a decision was made to expand the search.

To this end dignitaries and other worthies of all nations and organisations would be invited to a lavish party to be held at the home of the Collective, an ancient mansion of auroran heritage in the old capital of the empire.

The party would be attended by the most influential and powerful members of the collective and guests would be able to enjoy exotic foods and drink imported from around the known world and of course no party would be complete without a surprise attraction to be revealed only at the end.

In order to allow for sufficient preparations from both sides, the party would take place 4 months hence. Any RSVPs should be delivered to the local SCC outpost and the representative of any nation or organisation would be welcome and expected.

Spoiler: actions

Show

Send out invitations
Party preparations
enhance concept: perks

**The JoJo** · 2019-02-15, 01:11 PM (ISO 8601)

June 1900 - The Deep Mountains

Even on an isolated mountain, news of the SCC party reached Kismet, as ever, by raven. He was embroiled in a tribal conflict among the Deep Tribes, having sponsored either side some years earlier, but nevertheless made a mental note to attend when the time came. In disguise, of course.

**Novabomb** · 2019-02-16, 01:26 AM (ISO 8601)

Spoiler: Actions

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1-2) Continue Campaign to absorb the Messenger Guild.
3) Develop the Employee Loan program.
4) Begin plans to create the 1st National Bank of Awn. (New concept built from Employee Loan program)
5) Create concept, auditor's division (Concept coming from Guild Oversight)

**LordArgon** · 2019-02-16, 12:02 PM (ISO 8601)

June 1900 - Dead Republic
As it is the only branch of the Oculiuris to have a public headquarters, the Dead Republic branch received the invitation to the party. Seeing as so many influential guests would be attending, it was decided that some preparations would be necessary, both in the looks and spooks departments.

Spoiler: Actions

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Diplomacy
Respond to the party invitation stating our intent to accept the invitation.
B]Improve concept[/B]
Thousand Eyes (+1 Espionage Conflict Roles)
Of One Mind (+1 Unity Production)
Increase Influence
-Dead Republic
-Republic of Awn

**Anti-Eagle** · 2019-02-16, 11:07 PM (ISO 8601)

July 1900 (Turn 7, Summer)

"Listen only to the sound of my voice."
"Let your mind relax. Let your thoughts drift."
"Let the bad memories fade. Let peace be upon you."
"Surrender yourself to your dreams."
"Let them wash over you like the gentle waves of the bluest ocean."
"Let them envelop you. Comfort you."

"Imagine somewhere calm."
"Imagine somewhere safe."
"Imagine yourself in a frozen forest."
"You're standing in a clearing."
"Trees around you so tall, they touch the sky."
"Pure white snowflakes fall all around."
"You can feel them melt on your skin."
"You are not cold."
"It cannot overcome the warmth of your beating heart."
"Can you hear it?"
"You only have to listen."

"Can you hear it slowing?"
"You're slowing it."
"You are in control."
"Calm."
"At peace."

...

In the month of July, a party of Ajivhan diplomats, working for Project Covenant, dressed in green finery journied from their offices in Valthee to the site of the Specialist Collectors Collective and their party bearing ceremonial arms and gifts of medicinal tonics.

Spoiler: June 1900 (Turn 6, Summer)

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The Vatnahlifir
Create a Concept - Mass Indoctrination (+1 to Unity Production) - From the highest office to the farthest servant, the Vatnahlifir has a mission to indoctrinate its members to loyally serve the cause to the death. How it accomplishes this varies significantly, often beginning as young children, but it extends beyond their own members with the general activity of the cult of Sinan and its influence across the Khaganate.

Create a Concept - Bjofastafur (+1 to Unity Production) - The Bjofastafur device developed in the year 1191 by occultists within the Vatnahlifir to safeguard their secrets and general human intelligence against enemy acquisition. Implanted into the bodies of every single member of the Vatnahlifir and certain allies, the Bjofastafur device is a bundle of living metal, kaplo, and simulacra crystal. The carefully sculpted simulacra crystal is used as a vial to hold the alchemically treated wild mage blood necessary for the function of the device. When the symbiotically merged simulacra crystal detects certain foreign taints such as spirit possession or recombinant infection it violently spreads through any already unclaimed parts of the body to seize the soul, before setting the blood on fire an incinerating the body.

Create a Concept - Stimulants (+1 to Unity Production) - The Vatnahlifir, especially their phantoms, make extensive use of a wide variety of stimulants, alchemical or otherwise. The drug of choice is an alchemical entheogen known as Thyrazine, which they manufacture from genned crops derived from the ancient aetherial collective. Thyrazine, they claim, strengthens the mind and soul against outside influences. It also heightens senses, quickens thought, and strengthens the body.

Diplomacy - Attend the SCC party.

Kismet
Create a Concept - Profiteer (+1 Wealth)
Develop a Concept x2 - Profiteer (+3 Wealth)

The Administratum of Awn (One Action Saved)
1-2) Continue Campaign to absorb the Messenger Guild.
3) Develop the Employee Loan program. (+3 Wealth)
4) Begin plans to create the 1st National Bank of Awn. (+1 Wealth)
5) Create concept, auditor's division (+1 Wealth)

The Oculiuris (One Action Saved)
Diplomacy
Respond to the party invitation stating our intent to accept the invitation.
Improve concept
Thousand Eyes (+1 Espionage Conflict Roles)
Of One Mind (+1 Unity Production)
Increase Influence
-Dead Republic
-Republic of Awn

The Specialists Collectors Collective (Five Actions Saved)
Send out invitations
Party preparations
enhance concept: perks (+3 Unity)

The Sveit (Three Actions Saved)

Hive of Ice (Three Actions Saved)

**kemmotar** · 2019-02-20, 11:47 AM (ISO 8601)

June 1900 - The Specialist Collector's Collective //Valthee Branch

The diplomatic party were at first greeted by a completely unprepared junior aide, given the lack of advance notice. Thankfully the aide knew just enough to not ask the party to make an appointment and return. Meetings were interrupted and with maginificent speed and efficiency (and a few minor disgruntled traders) the honoured guests were quickly shown into the most lavish meeting room. A variety of beverages as well as cold and hot delicacies were served.

A short wait later, the mistress of the trading house, a human woman announced by an aide as Mohana Karsus, appeared at the door and greeted the guests warmly. Mohana was dressed in a sapphire blue silk robe, tied at the waste with a golden rope, that complimented her olive skin and blue eyes.

Honoured guests, we are much pleased by your coming and have long desired to speak with representatives of the khaganate. We thank you for your gifts which will be cherished. In return, though we would be unable to match the value of your gifts and so we ask you accept them in the spirit in which they are given, we would like to offer you these ornamental pistols, though they are only replicas, of an ancient type used by the Auroran Empire armies. We have it on good authority that they are very close to the original design. We hope they please you.

We of the collective are here to serve and provide your needs. May we offer you any additional or alternative refreshments ? We have an excellent vintage of a special concoction brewed by specialist creators of the republic, each one is meant to evoke a different emotion. Presently we have an excellent example of a vintage that evokes what one feels when watching a particularly brutal storm from the warmth and safety of one's castle.

**Moon_Dusk** · 2019-02-23, 03:44 PM (ISO 8601)

Frozen South
July 3rd 1900

With a great crack the ice wall of a tunnel is opened revealing the open chamber the old hive had. The tall lithe creature glances about the old chamber before its mandibles clacked together. We have found an empty chamber Central Mind the Jerlin's sleek skull twitched as it received its orders, with a scrape of talons the new doorway is marked and the receding tail of the Jerlin is soon rounding a corner. A few minutes later the heavy stomps of a large creature echos from the hall, finally the Central Mind's immense head peaks into the room. With a self assured chuckle it slithers into the room and glances about before finding a hatch in the 'ceiling' I require a Drone in sub-sector 9S. Almost immediately a drone squeezes past the bulk of the Central Mind and starts scraping at the ice bound hatch, in a few minutes the hatch is cleared of ice. As the Central Mind examines the hatch it suddenly opens by itself, on the other side is a metallic face-plate of a Golem, “Swarm encountered, defensive measures active.” Within moments the hatch was closed and seemed to lock in place. Within the time span the Central Mind waited for an appropriate time to issue orders, before eventually the drone within the room bolts to the end of the hall and starts building defenses seconds later the other one who was digging a bit a ways joins in soon after. The Central Mind then slithers out of the room. It leaves a drone at the doorway to intercept any Golems that come out.

Spoiler: Actions

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Heightened Security (+1 Espionage)
Shaky Diplomacy(+1 influence)
Rapid Expansion(+1 Unity)

**Joshua Dolphin** · 2019-02-24, 06:53 AM (ISO 8601)

June 1900 - The Mirinan Docks

The early morning fog hung over the heads of the workers as it did every other day. The workers had come from far and wide to work on the Heill road. The Safest and fastest road to ever be built was its claim to fame but for months already progress had been halted by nature. The road was made from a magically enchanted mixture of clay, crushed stone and water. Today was the last day of work where the two ends of the road would meet and the Heill road would be complete for super fast travel between the Mirinan docks and the city of Svalt.

The City of Svalt

Astir Rivelt sat at her desk dictating to her scribe. "We of the great city of Svalt extend our hospitality to you. We are hosting a great party where peoples of all varieties may come to socialise. We will offer accommodation and all requirements to our esteemed guests. We hope to see you here on August 14th."
The guest list for the event was quite extensive to say the least. Astir expected maybe 10% of the people invited would arrive but even that would be a lot of people. Astir was in charge of all the preparation for the event and she was quite busy due to it.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Action 1: Improve concept: Developed Travel Infrastructure
Action 2: Improve concept: Developed Travel Infrastructure
Action 3: Improve concept: Developed Travel Infrastructure
Action 4: use magical message means to send out the invitation
Action 5: Improve Strong Industry and Trade
Action 6: Merge Ajivhan arms and border defence

**Anti-Eagle** · 2019-02-24, 12:10 PM (ISO 8601)

August 1900 (Turn 8, Summer)

Tare had known she was different for as long as she could remember. The fairies told her as such. The voices. They came to her and told her of the world and the world beyond. Who she could trust. Her mother. Who she couldn't. Her father. They taught her how to deal with the bullies. How to sharpen the stones and make it look like an accident.

She was never to speak of them or what they told her though. No matter how trustworthy they seemed, this was her secret.

The Specialist Collectors Collective

The diplomats accepted the gift happily, examining the ornamental pistols carefully and examining the barrels wondering how much work would be needed to make them functional.

They then accepted the exotic liquor and looked positively pleased at the odd flavour and its effect. As much magic as they had at their disposal, theirs looked... less by comparison.

The Frozen South

The automatons sat in the dark watching the open hatch for hours as they contemplated the meaning of the recombinants, reactivating their components had taken alot out of them after a millenia of silent waiting, watching, expecting rescue from the century bunker or gokvahar. not that they knew what had happened to their ancient seats of power.

When the runic controls had failed them, they drifted until they were shot down by what they could only guess was Grat or Auroran artillery. And then they locked the hatches and sealed the breach, waiting for anyone. The cataclysms came and went as they waited in the darkness, watching their now ancient cargo, dismantling what they had to and repairing themselves for the long wait ahead of them as the ice spread further and further North.

For all they knew, they were the only ones left. And so their leader, a clockwork machine named Masih designed to pilot the ancient vessel, poked his seven eyed head out into the tunnel and spoke with a rumbling tinny voice "Hello! Is there anyone out there!"

Spoiler: July 1900 (Turn 7, Summer)

Show

The Vatnahlifir
Develop a Concept - Mass Indoctrination (+2 to Unity Production)
Develop a Concept - Bjofastafur (+2 to Unity Production)
Develop a Concept - Stimulants (+2 to Unity Production)
Diplomacy - Accept Invitation to Sveit Party

Kismet

The Administratum of Awn (Four Actions Saved)

The Oculiuris (Four Actions Saved)

The Specialists Collectors Collective (Five Actions Saved)

The Sveit
Action 1: Improve concept: Developed Travel Infrastructure
Action 2: Improve concept: Developed Travel Infrastructure
Action 3: Improve concept: Developed Travel Infrastructure
Action 4: use magical message means to send out the invitation
Action 5: Improve Strong Industry and Trade
Action 6: Merge Ajivhan arms and border defence

Hive of Ice (Three Actions Saved)
Heightened Security (+1 Espionage)
Shaky Diplomacy(+1 influence)
Rapid Expansion(+1 Unity)

Thread: Ascendancy: Game Thread

Ascendancy: 1900 (Game Thread)

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February 1900 (Turn 2, Winter)

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March 1900 (Turn 3, Spring)

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April 1900 (Turn 4, Spring)

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May 1900 (Turn 5. Spring)

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June 1900 (Turn 6, Summer)

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July 1900 (Turn 7, Summer)

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August 1900 (Turn 8. Summer)

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