Rise of Nations: Resonance[IC]

[The Empire of Pretantia]

"If there is a hope left in the world for the enemies of Oni, then I will find that hope, kill it, flay it, gut it, burn it, eat it, and torture its family while dancing on its remains. Rape is optional."
-Lady Arikawa on the subject of enemy resistance

One hundred years ago, a great war ravaged the world. The Empire of Astarta was beset again by the barbarians of Kakophonos, the seas ruled by the Kakophoni's ally Pragia. To Astarta's aid from the east came the Oni and Slavic Empires, ancient comrades to them. Together the five nations waged battle so gruesome that the proud warriors of Oni tired of endless combat; Kakophonos was racked by plagues of untold horror; Pragia's sheer technological edge with their steam weapons was lost to time; and the vast armies of Astarta, once the crown jewel of its people, were all but exhausted.

The world enterred a dark age, when the lands of Kakophonos and Astarta were swept by disease; when civil war tortured Oni and Slavia; when the worst of curses came down on Pragia. For years the peoples of the world fought man and beast and blight and hunger, no end to suffering in sight but with their deaths.

But that has passed; the plagues, the famine, the strife, all of it. The world returned to grace, and although the nations of old have fallen to the winds of time, new countries came forth to stake their claim upon the lands. Kingdoms shall rise. Empires shall fall. Monks shall love and soldiers shall war. The torch has been passed from the ancient empires to you, our humble children. Now go forth and multiply, or go forth and decimate; it matters not, as you are now the bearers of burden.

The year is 601. Be wary of Hellens, for it shall soon fall.
-MAP PENDING-
OOC: http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=232378

[Pragia]

If you had asked any Pragian what their nation would be like a century ago, they wouldve probably said a global council, a level of technology that bordered magic, and wealth and civilization spread around the world. Oh how wrong they would've been. The plagues of old had devastated the nation, turning the Pragian metropolises into shades of their former selves, and the once-globe spanning influence snuffed by incompetence. The old orders of Pragia: guilds, corporations, even former ambassadors, have returned to bring Pragia back from the ashes.

Just five years ago, the council had convened for the first time in a century, and they represented various factions that near seceded from the nation. All Pragian holdings behind the great wall have rejoined the alliance through force, diplomacy, or other means. The flag of Pragia again flew over Argentum, and nationalism was at a fever pitch. A manifest destiny existed in the nation, the continent that bore their name must be brought back under their control.

The once massive trade network that made Pragia the worlds economic and technological heart are left in tatters, which has allowed for shipping guilds to make daring voyages with vessels of many types. Roads are now traversed by mostly oxen, but some old steam carts still transport goods throughout the country.

A new Fist of the Council has been chosen, going only by the name of Thomas Steele, the nations first fist of the council. He wields Mjolnir as a reclaimer, and he has promised the people of Pragia a second great crusade to reign in the continent.

Pragian professional forces are mobilizing to retake the north, nationalists are restoring the cities

[Shnercropolis]

Somewhere in Central Karinulg

Two friends walked along the long ice-covered road from Hojgad to Nyok, two small and un-noteworthy towns in the middle of Karinulg. They were both messengers going from Dalpurtun to Goriakkuh, the two hubs for civilization in Karinulg. Dalpurtun was important because it was the Kar's throne as well as the main port of the land, and Goriakkuh was important because it was the farthest-south port that was open all year round, making it very important for anyone in South Karinulg. It was not uncommon for two messangers to work in tandem like this, even when delivering completely unrelated messages to completely unrelated people, mainly because it is always safer to travel in twos and also because it's noce to have a companion.

The first messenger said nonchalantly as the snowflakes fluttered lightly around them, "What ya think about that "Grand New Movement" the Kar announced?" and sniffled. The second messenger took his time. It wasn't like they didn't have time for a lot of thinking along an empty road.

After a bit he said, "Well, to me it sounds like a load of bull. There's people way down south, they just went to the Kukmoot, went back home, an' ignored the Kar. Don't even call 'emselves Bulgars, them, call 'emselves Uzbegs. I hear they live half their lives on sea ice, since it's frozen thick miles out for half the year. An' they live in little ice huts. Don't see how 'improving roads' and 'establishing co-ordination' could possibly work with savage folk like that. What say you?"

The first messenger had his reply ready. "Well, I'd say it can't be a bad thing. Like, I been to a place called Myrik, aways east and a bit north of Goriakkuh. The people there live in log cabins, all log cabins, and the lord there lives in a log longhall. It was quite strange, seeing such primitive makings so near to the big towns. So I think even up here it could use some work. Say, where'd ya learn about those Uzbegs? I never heard of 'em."

"Oh, I got a friend who's friend is studying to be a scholar at the University. I learnt lots o' strange things from him, half of which make near no sense to an un-educated man like me. For instance, did you know that sound don't move instantly?"

"Huh. But it sure sounds like it does. How did they figure that one out?"

"That's what I asked him. He said that the folks at the university don't know. What's the use of a university if they don't know anything?"

They walked in silence for quite some time, the snowflakes falling steadily. After some time, the first messenger said, "Goin's getting slow. Best get out the snowshoes." They did so, and continued to their destination.

The Kar tries to update the "backwoods" of his country, steady societal advancement

[Legital]

Higaran Empire
Bucharest, capital city of the Reichland State
Bran Castle

Unable to suppress a complacent smirk, Emperor Franz gazed over the marching halberdiers and swordsmen that made up the First Reichland Regiment. They wore their full combat regalia, their armor helmets and breastplates shined and worn proudly, while their freshly cleaned grey doublets were worn underneath, which also helped to hold their hose in place. Both their doublets and hose were covered with paned maroon cloth.
Swordsmen marched with their swords drawn vertically before themselves in salute, while the halberdiers marched with their left arm crossed across their chest, gripping the shaft of their halberd. All men turned their heads towards their emperor in unison as they marched pass. It was a grand sight to behold, and the emperor enjoyed every moment of it.

Standing beside him on the balcony were several others, state representatives and advisory, all facilitators for the emperor. They too watched in awe and delight as the Reichland First marched past. What made everything entirely better was the fact that there were many, many more similar regiments within the empire that existed. The men of the military were prepared to lay down their lives in the name of their emperor and empire, all to achieve glory and victory. In due time, many would be doing just that.

Beside the emperor stood an older man with a greying goatee and hair, who wore a dark blue cloak, who bowed and inclined his head towards the emperor. "My lord, if I may beg your pardon, I have something I wish to report." Emperor Franz turned to look at the man, his smirk long faded to be replaced by his measured and equal cool expression. He nodded, ready to hear what the man had to say.
"All states, except for Kalter March, report their regiments ready to join your main host. Of course, this is also to the exception of remaining guard regiments. Your conquest of the southern lands is but a small time away, my Lord." Smiling, Franz nodded. "Indeed this is true, my trusted Borisilas. When this parade is finished, meet me in my hall. I wish to discuss with you a worthy pay. You have served my father well, bless his departed soul, and you have served me well. You deserve appreciation, and I will grant it to you." Borisilas bowed again, his eyes gleaming. "You have my utmost gratitude, my Lord. I live to serve." The emperor had soon turned his attention back to the passing military force, along with the rest of the men on the balcony. War would come soon, and with war would come riches, rewards, and valor.

Of course, one would be a fool to forget that with war, death, destruction, and torment was also to be wrought down.

---

Drakken State territory
Patrol detachment, headed by Sergeant Vladimir

The cold wind whipped at the several soldiers that trodded on the outskirts of the Boreal Forest, which made up the southern border of the Higaran Empire to the outlands which held no nation, only scattered peoples and the ghastly horrors of the dark lands. To travelers from far way lands, these cold and dark lands sheathed under constant grey clouds seemed to be a nightmare of horrors. To those who lived or traveled these lands often, in reality, many of these horrors were created within the mind and did not exist within the real world.
That did little to stop vast superstitions from being created amongst the Higaran people, namely soldiers who frequented the lands along with merchants, explorers, and adventurers.
But sometimes, there was no way to distinguish the horrors of the mind with real ones....


"Bah. What fucking terrible weather. Do you think it's going to snow? I think it's going to fucking snow." Gregory grumbled, gripping his panel sleeves tightly as another gust of wind came blowing down. Several of the other gathered men laughed. "Damn Gregor! With all of your hot air, I figured you'd be immune to the cold by now." One soldier piped up, causing another ripple of laughter to pass through the large patrol. "How you ever grew up around these parts is beyond me. It's always like that here. Gregory, are you sure you're not one of those delicate women from Bucharest?" Another said, only to be quickly countered by someone who answered, "What delicate women are you imagining? Look at that goatee! Guys, I think we may have figured out why Pavel here has never brought home a gal! They were all men!" Again, another uproar of laughter erupted from the patrol as their cheerful camaraderie got passed around to each soldier, someone cracking a joke here or picking on another in a good-hearted fashion there. Except for Gregory. He was always, as the men put, a walking hot-headed ass in a mans body unable to enjoy a good cup of mead at a brothel full of young women.

As the gathered group of men continued down the dirt path on the forests edge, the laughter soon began to die down to be replaced by typical conversation between the men. Politics within the courts was a topic of discussion, as well as the coming expansion war, wealth, superstitions, and of course, women. A mix of younger men and older veterans in the squad boasted an interesting conversation.

But eventually, even the conversations died down as the patrol dragged on. The small talk between small groups of the men within the large squad was soon joined together again when someone noticed that one of their fellow squad members was missing. Unfortunately, with thirteen men in the squad, it may have been a while since the man had disappeared.

"What do you mean Joavek is missing? I thought he went to take a piss off yonder." Vladimir said, all men now stopped and gathered in a rough circle on the path. "Now your telling me he never returned? What did he do, shit and pass out from his own fumes?" He said, making an attempt at a joke, which caused some laughter, but it was all nervous. Even Vladimir, the seasoned veteran and leader of the squad was somewhat uneasy. People went missing all the time, but the Higarans were a superstitions people. Some wondered how they ever slept with those ridiculous thoughts in their heads about witches, goblins, and demons.

Hendrak shuffled uneasily before Vladimir. "Well, Vlad, he did. But it's been what, nearly ten minutes now? That's an awfully long piss. And he did not eat much of his morning meal, either." The men fell silent for a moment, several of them shifting their halberds around uneasily. The quickest sign to see if a halberdier was nervous or uneasy was when he could not find a comfortable grip on his halberd, and he often switched holding it with various grips and postures.

Sighing, Vladimir glanced in the forested and bushy area that Joavek was last seen going. It was covered well in brush, not quite easy to get lost in, but perhaps easy enough to trip and fall in, or end up going in a wrong direction for a long ways. Joavek was not a dimwit, either, and he was bright enough at soldering not to get lost. Sighing again, Vladimir glanced over at two soldiers standing next to each other. "Pavel, Ulman, go and find him. And no jokes this time, this is getting serious." The two soldiers half smirked at each other before adjusting their helmets and raising their halberds as they jogged off towards the brush.
As they departed, the remaining men spread out on the path loosely.

"You know, what if a witch is out there. It could be stalking us too." Frier said quietly and somewhat urgently to Edver next to him. The two were young lads from one of the towns of western Drakken, where witches were a common fear. Gustav and Gregory, both veterans in the Drakken Guard, called out the two young men. "Cut that shit out! I want to hear nothing about your silly witches. Witches live way down in Kakophonos. No where near here." Frier nodded, although he did not seem too convinced.

Suddenly, urgent shouting and running caused all the men to startle and bear their weapons as Pavel and Ulman came running full speed out of the brush. The men near the front of the gathering raised their halberds so the running men did not impale themselves at the speed in which they were running.
"Sweet merciful emperor, Joavek i-is in f-fucking pieces! Bloody fucking p-pieces!" Pavel stammered, Ulman hunched over nearly about to be sick. Vladimir would have scolded the men viciously for such a cruel joke, but even for the two men it was something too far. He also never knew a man to go pale in the face by will.
Gritting his teeth, Vlad raised his halberd and stepped forth off the path. "Halberdiers of the twenty-ninth! Form on my side! Double arm intervals!" He called out. The men scrambled to form up, everyone now alert with the startling news. The younger soldiers were sloppy, too visibly shaking. Ulman emptied his stomach in a nearby bush. Even Vladimir felt shaken, and he could feel his heart rate rising. Glancing to his side, Gregory and Gustav held grim and stern looks on their faces. They had served much longer than himself, and he held no doubt they had seen possible worse sights than a dismembered man.

"Halberdiers, advance!"

The men marched through the brush with their weapons lowered as they came down upon the brush area. Pavel motioned his halberd tip in the direction of Joaveks remains, and the formation turned to enter the area. Upon entering the brush, some of the men began to bunch close to each other. A double arms space from the man next to them may as well have been a worlds length apart as they advanced through the thicket.
Soon enough, Joaveks limbless corpse was found in a small clearing. Ulman coughed up the bare remains from his stomach, along with another man. The rest either held looks of disgust or grim realization on their faces.

"Good lord, Joavek...." Vlad murmured as he and a few others knelt down by the body. Indeed, all of his limbs were missing from his body and spread out around the area. Gustav closed the eyes on Joaveks head before one of the soldiers almost yelped and stood up from the body, backing away from it. Tense and already worried, the men glanced at the soldier who startled. "Theres a pattern here. L-look at the limbs. There is a fucking pattern here." He said frantically, and the others quickly backed away from the body.
It was soon apparent that there was indeed a pattern to the arranged limbs. A dark and sick pattern.

[Alleniana]

The forest of masts that lined the docks bobbed gently in the breeze that he presently felt on his face. The city was working well and prospering. He felt rather proud of himself for making it so; as the mayor, he was responsible for how well the town functioned. He reluctantly shut the window to stop the wind from messing up his papers and got back to work after his reverie. He picked up the first letter. It was a simple yellowing card-like script which read:

Dear Mayor,
We have managed to develop the systems necessary to have the sewers implemented. As you wish, we have managed to perfect a system where the roads are not removed for them. The land under the city is perfect for it, and so it will be easy to dig the pipes which will lead into the bay. Of course, near the docks, it will be harder to do and so we will have to dig up the roads, but we have also figured out a good system to cause minimum road unavailability. We hope that you will support this enough for it to go through, for such a system would make the city's waste disposal the most advanced in the world.
From the Head Architect, Pouel Livguro

He picked up his writing tools and wrote a reply on the reverse side.

Dear Head Architect,
I fully approve of your operations and would be glad to try and influence higher up to allocate as many funds as possible to the project. I am glad that it works now and congratulate you and your team on making such headway, so technologically advanced it was probably not seen since the age of the empires like Oni and Pragia. You can visit me sometime to flesh out the details.
From Mayor Jord Aquiloz

He began to read the next letter.

My Most Enamourably Emininent Lord Mayor of Excellency,
I would humbly entrea-

He threw it aside. It was the 4th time that week that the authoritarian extremists had mailed to him. They kept asking for things like the city to be turned into a temple, or for gallows and torture chambers to be built in the town square and things like that. He moved onto the enxt letter, adn the next, and the next. Being a mayor wasn't easy.

[Photana]

Findlay's Rest, Pirani Clan Territory
Finneus Findlay was a man of science. Or at least he thought he was. He had served for a year aboard a sloop, and had gained the respect of his fellow crew through drastic action and inventiveness in times of need. He had pioneered in the field of non-violent tactics, allowing his sloop to capture more people alive, and leading to greater profits for him and his crew. This had payed dividends and allowed him to pay off his debts, and acquire a large estate by the sea, upon which he built the Haven of Findlay's Rest. This Haven had the typical marks of a Romani settlement, a multi-purpose port, hundreds of taverns, gambling dens, and whorehouses in the inner city, while in the outer city, large apartment blocks, schoolhouses, a park, and administrative buildings. Outside the city walls, which were made from sand concrete, slaves toiled in the fields, and inns house weary travelers and their horses. Getting back to Findlay, he was due to set sail for the Southern Sea, not to go on a raid, but to research an animal that the pirates had taken a liking to. They named this creature the Behemoth, and the name was fitting. It was as large as 60 men*, and could open it's mouth as large as 10 men. This animal, despite its huge size, seemed to only eat only the small shrimp. But what interested him was one of the emissions that they produced. When they were contented, these great beasts released a sticky white substance that, when absorbed by a cloth, burned hot and fast. If left in the liquid form, and exposed to flame, explodes. If he could get some of this, he could possibly start a revolution is how the Romani lived, and be remembered forever.

(*1 man = 6 ft or ~2 m)

[Alleniana]

To the Shipmaster,
I require many more ships to be built. The government has ambitions and they involve the navy. I am not at liberty to say what, but the point is, we need hundreds more ships; as many as you can get, and warships. We should be able to provide the sailors from the civilian seafaring population, so you don't need to worry about that. Also, try and get some information on gunpowder; the government also seems to have taken an interest in its use and application after they saw the fireworks up north. I hope you saw them. Anyway, the money is attached. Get shipbuilding.
From the Grand Admiral

[Legital]

Higaran Empire
Bucharest, capital city of the Reichland State
Bran Castle

It had been a short while since the end of the military display, and Emperor Franz, along with several other aides and advisers, had all retreated into the inner and dark sanctum of the massive and ancient Bran Castle. Built centuries ago by several fathers before his father, Bran castle was named after the first emperor of the Higaran empire, Hector Bran. There was a marital issue nearly a century ago that had the heritage line named Franz, instead of Bran. However, with only the addition of some new blood and a new family into the Imperial line, the original Bran line and Franz line are both now united under the name of Franz.
But the name and ways of marriage mean little in regards to the massive castle.
The castle itself was constructed along the peak of the mountain that surrounded the city of Bucharest, therefore each wall was a sheer drop down the mountainside. Built in a somewhat fashion that could relate the walls to a star if seen from above, the castle had little weak spots. Each apex of each point to the 'arms' of the castle ended with a circular tower that was able to hold a large piece of siege equipment, or tens of archers. That was simply the roof, not including the murder holes along the perimeter of the towers. As there were five arms, there were five towers. Within each arm, a level up, was another tower. These served as a secondary defense in times of siege, but also housed small barracks and storage areas. The center of the castle was a construction of small and large towers and buildings that sort of spiraled upwards. The top of the ascending castle was a small tower that held the Imperial Higaran flag.
The castle, even to this day, still was host to construction efforts to adjust and add on. A castle on the peak of a mountain did not come without its share of issues as well

---

"This veal is quite well cooked. I complement Chef Velosky for his chosen side dish as well. Everyone, please, you may eat. I've said many times before you need not wait for me." Franz said with a grin as the others at his table began to cut into their meals and eat. Dull metal forks and knives clanged with metal plates, and goblets of wine and water were jostled about between the table and the mouths of thirsty men.
A small chatter filled the casual eating room, the Emperor sitting at the head with his trusted and senior aides to his side, while lesser lords and other castle administrators ate towards the end. Behind the emperor stood two young servant boys, no older than seventeen, who catered to the emperors whim, inside and outside his dining needs.

Royal guards stood at a somewhat relaxed pose of rest at the doors to the dining hall. His father before him disapproved of the rigid stance of attention outside of ceremonial occasions, as a man moved better in combat if he was at a relaxed position than stiff as a wooden board.

"I assume Baron Graff is already away on expedition?" One of the men to the emperors left said, glancing around at the others around him. The man sat erect, which allowed one to see he was a rather tall man. His hair was light brown, smoothed straight and neatly backwards, and he sported a fine mustache like some of the other men in the dining hall. Also like most, he had noticeable gaunt facial features. He was Count Evrett, a gentleman if there ever was one, and a great friend to Franz. He was a master with the sword, knowledgeable in the latest sciences of the world, a persuasive speaker, and a highly respectable man within the court. He was, to Franzs young children, the 'fun uncle'.

"The ol' bastard, pardon my language, lord, left three days ago. He wouldn't wait for anything, and he kept griping about 'ill winds' coming down from the north. Odd enough, there was no wind. I'd say go and figure that out, but with Graff, you might end up either in a load of trouble or a headache." One man said, and the few men at the end of the table, emperor included, laughed at the stab at the Baron Graff. The man was, how could one put it, wild? A frontiersman from the south and a sailor by the age of six, he was every bit an adventurer. His ability to read the weather was uncanny, and the man could steer a ship perfectly on course out of a hurricane. To make it even better, he lost his eye in a melee fight with a brown bear. He won, of course, but at the cost of an eye. He still wears the bear pelt as a cape to this day, only grudgingly removing it for formal occasions he insists he is forced to attend.

"Speaking of the old Baron," Franz said with a grin, "I wonder how he is doing right now...."

---

Sea east of Araby
Bear of Fortune

"Tight'en that there rigg'en! We've got a storm come'n on in, and if we're lucky, we'll get a nice speed move'n us southeast before it hits." Graff said, the duel holder of the titles captain and baron. The man stood proud and tall on top of the aftcastle of his ship, one hand holding on tight to the rigging to his left, and the other hand steering the vessel. He wore a wide brimmed hat, which was fashioned out of animal hide, namely that of a walrus. Around his shoulders he proudly wore his grizzly bear pelt. Some joked that he was actually a bear in a mans body, as he also sported a thick, yet oddly neat, golden brown beard.
The grizzled sailors next to him set off to do the captains bidding, while the rest of the crew were attending to other stations on the ship. With the coming storm, the sails had to be fixed, and loose rope and rigging needed to be tied down. The ships complement of cannons had to also be tied down, as their weight was enough to cause damage to the hull if they were not properly stowed. The black powder store was also tightly secured within the ship, with empty barrels around them to soak up any damage done from loose items inside the ship rolling around.
Graff and his crew did not fear storms. They did not fear a death at sea, they welcomed it. However, all of them agreed that when they die, it would be on their terms.

A large gust of wind came down from the approaching dark storm clouds, and the ship lurched to the side. Graff smiled a wicked grin, showing off his bad teeth, and he kept the ship on course with only a single hand on the wheel, despite the force in which the wheel wished to turn.
Another large and muscled sailor, somewhat similar to Graff, swaggered up the steps and walked towards the captain with a large roll to his step. He wore an animal pelt too, like many of the other sailors, except this man wore no cover for his head, allowing his long hair to flow with the wind. He stopped just before the captain, offering no salute like the Higaran military vessels would require, and spoke. "Aye, capt'n. Rigg'en 's nice 'en tight. Stores are locked up 'en the boys are ready for whut'eva the heavens above want to throw at us." The man grinned, also showing off a wicked set of gnarled teeth, and Graff nodded. "Good, good. Fetch some rum'n'ale for the boys. There'll be no drink'en on land fall. Gotta keep sharp." He said, and the burly man made a huffing sound as an affirmative and stalked off.

Another large gust of wind came down over the sea, and the waves began to rise and slope much more now. Graff glanced over at the massive dark storm clouds rolling in, and the wind picked up again. He smiled his wicked grin, and howled into the air.
"Here we go boys! Watch yer step!" He roared out, laughing. And just as he did so, heavy rain began to fall and pelt the ship and sea as the wind grew stronger and stronger, and the waves began to toss the ship about.

---

Drakken State territory
Patrol detachment, Boreal Forest

"W-what are we going to do?" One of the halberdiers, a young lad named Kislev said. He glanced around at the others, all gathered around the remains of Joavek. It was determined that no animal could do this, and that someone or something had done it, and was still in the area. The mixed opinion was to gather the remains and flee, or hunt the being responsible.

"I said it before and I will say it again, we need to hunt this thing down and-" "Shut your blabbering trap!" Gregory barked, cutting off the man who was speaking. "We gather the remains and leave. Only a fool would stay around here. We alert the garrison and return with a larger force. There are dark powers at work here." He said, his voice a harsh growl. Then, suddenly, he glanced at Vladimir. His grizzled and harsh expression faded slightly, and he bowed before the man. "Sergeant, I forget my place. What are your orders?" He said, but Vladimir did not mind. The two men held a respectable relationship, and Vlad often looked to Gregory for assistance at times as the man had a great length of experience. And if he thought they should leave, then that was the best choice.

"Gregory is right." Vladimir said, somewhat quietly as he still looked at the body, or rather arrangement of limbs. He pointed at one of the soldiers, and then at the remains. "Use that tarp from the kit to wrap the body. Someone give him a hand. We need to move fast." Two troopers stalked fourth, slowly and hesitant, but went to the job of gathering limbs. A handful of soldiers stood near a tree, out of the way. Everyone was quiet as they gathered the remains and rolled them up tight, with two men carrying the rolled up tarp.
Vladimir motioned at the men to from up and prepare to depart, but one trooper remained at the tree, leaning against it. Vlad was about to bark at him, however, something was off. The soldier leaned against the tree in such a fashion that it would appear he was pinned to it. His body was slump, and his arms hung loosely at his side, with the halberd resting in the nook of his arm. Vlads eyes widened as he noticed the small spike nailing the soldiers neck to the wall, and the pin line of blood flowing down his neck.
A second later, some troopers followed their sergeants gaze and noticed the pinned trooper as well. A gasp and another nervous ripple spread through the soldiers. Several troopers were overwhelmed, the man was alive only a minute ago, and they were all standing around him before they moved into formation.

"Damnit!" He roared, "Someone unpin him and let us move! Quickly now!" Gregory and Gustav were the first soldiers to react, and gently unpinned the poor young soldier from the tree. His halberd clattered to the forest floor, and another picked it up. They all quickly set off out of the brush at a panicked haste.

[Alleniana]

The couple of ships sailed out into the sea. They were small-ish, but large enough to accommodate a fair amount of people for a time. Their sails billowed in the morning breeze. On board were stowed months worth of cheese, biscuits, flour, water, pickles, dried meat, oranges and many other foods as well as weapons, wood, nail, hammers and other such. They weaved a path through the other multitudes of vessels that covered the sea near this part until they were into the open sea. This took quite a long time. The waters of Alleniana were full of ships from merchants to fishermen to the navy's, but here, there were none. They kept going. Their voyage of exploration was going well, and on board, cartographers and many other skilled personnel worked alongside sailors and workers, making sure that no detail escaped their charts. The two vessels sailed alongside and often communicated via flags. It would be a long journey.

[Pragia]

Regulus Shipyards
"Today is truly a great day of celebration among Pragians, for today, we show he world that the Alliance is not dead and gone, but better than ever! For today, I christen this galleon, the Reclamation and the first naval vessel powered by steam constructed by the alliance in nearly a century. Today, we relink ourselves to our former allies. Today, on the shoulders of Reclamation, we retake our former colonies. And today, I declare a state of war existent between the Pragian Alliance and the City State of Union City, a city which used to symbolize peace, prosperity, and strength, now a town infested by scum who dare call themselves Pragians." Declared Wesson Allen, the councils representative of trade. The Reclamation was not too different of the aging fleet Pragia fields, but it was the idea that the alliance still had the chance to take back its former glory.

He was met by a screaming crowd of people as the galleon slipped off of its ramp, boiler revving up and firing a 7 gun salute into Regulus Bay, where near half of the Pragain fleet was stationed, loading up with soldiers to retake the North of the continent.

---

The Pragian Trireme Repentance along with its sister vessels Wright and Prosperity appeared near Romani coasts, seeking to re-establish communications with their former allies, unsure of their fate after the Pragian era of isolation. The vessels contingent of men was a mere 30 soldiers per vessel, most were diplomats and sailors. The lack of civilization was startling, and the Captain of the Repentance was beginning to doubt the nation had fared well enough to survive the dark times.

[Photana]

The Pragian Trireme Repentance along with its sister vessels Wright and Prosperity appeared near Romani coasts, seeking to re-establish communications with their former allies, unsure of their fate after the Pragian era of isolation. The vessels contingent of men was a mere 30 soldiers per vessel, most were diplomats and sailors. The lack of civilization was startling, and the Captain of the Repentance was beginning to doubt the nation had fared well enough to survive the dark times.

Disputed Seas, Nominally Pirati
The three Triremes were startling to say the least. No time in living memory had any foreign warship penetrated Romani waters, and the history books were scant on details of any prior naval engagement. But, scout ships had spotted a poorly armed crew, mostly of the diplomatic type. Even the dullest pirate could glean that these ships were looking for some type of official government. They were entering the disputed waters, and the three clans were at a meeting, each leader hoping to reunite the nation, with their clan on top. They had just reached an agreement- Each clan's leaders would form a united Romani Hierarchy, where lower deputies would have 5 year terms, be elected by popular vote, and represent the people's voice in politics, they would be the passers of laws, coiners of money, and raisers of taxes. The Leaders of the Clans would rule until death, control the military, marshal forces in times of need, and control the appointments of Diplomatic ministers. The word of the Pragian ships had reached the new Lord Protectors, and they would allow the Pragians to continue to wander. They had a government to implement, and didn't need any sort of outside presence right now.

The South Sea
Finneus and his crew had sailed into the great South Sea in search of the great Leviathans. So far, they had found none. It was dusk on the third day at sea, and after this night, the crew would sail back to Findlay's Rest, empty handed. They had just passed out the rations for the night, and Finneus was looking out over the sea. Then he spotted something. It was moving towards the ship quickly. The great white spot stopped at the bow of the ship. It beckoned to the men. It wanted food. They gave it some salt pork, and the great beast rose from the water, and excreted some of the white substance that Finneus needed to progress Romani society. All the men on board felt that this was just a hallucination, they has smoked to much hashish, and had just tossed a good barrel over to the seas. But they had the Leviathan milk, and the barrel of salt pork was gone. So, they turned home, counting their blessings that the Leviathan was peaceful.

[Mauretania Tingitana]

Rho Republic

"So tell us, Consul. What do you propose? We thought these lands were uninhabited but it seems that we were quite wrong. Barbarians to the west, rumors of technology that far surpass our own. Are they peaceful? Will they try to destroy us? What will you have Rhomas do?"

The consul sternly gazed at the senate, the eyes of the older men giving weary stares right back.

"We send an envoy. I shall lead it. I'll bring a detachment of men to escort me. If I do not return in two weeks, you will know their intentions." There was a tense silence in the senate house.

"Very well then, Consul. May the gods watch over you and your men. But before you go, what was the name of the tribe?" The senator once more looked to the consul for answers.

"They are called Pragians, senator."

[Ralnis]

Arisuhtop research base,
Cradon State,
Center Shacklefold

The Arisuhtop Research base was the base that was recently built about five years ago and they where the brains behind the advancements in steam tech, even though they where small it can work since President Myles Bennet Dyson wanted to put more of the budget into trying to close the gap between the two nations for it was big enough already but it can be worked on and now is the time.
Myles walked into the research base as hundreds of scientist where making diagrams of steam power inventions that looked like a steam turbine that they wish to test in the field when the president give the ok for it.
President Dyson walked to the lead scientist Dr. Andrea Fitzgerald who Dyson knew personally when he was a engineer and he was working on the galleons and the unman paddle engine and always was looking to improve.
"Hello there, Doctor how are is the research going?" Asked Dyson.
"Well, Mr. President I am not going to lie, Pragia is years ahead of us by a large margin, I have a sort of theory with the Aeolipile we where able to grab so long ago, but I think that these Aeolipile can do two things. One, I think that we can use it to use as a projectile by using steam with intense heat and use with a nozzle. Two, we should be able to make a sort of spinning jack or turbine that can be use in infrastructure and minimize the need of so many workers, I want to start on the spinning jack first then the rockets."
"Excellent"
Shacklefold starts making advances to there steam tech.

[Alleniana]

As the fuse burnt along the ground, it was watched intently by a white-haired bent-backed man. It burnt out after a few seconds, leading to nothing on the stones. He marked something on his notepad, then lit another fuse with a well placed nearby torch. It burnt to about halfway, and fizzled out. He frowned, and wrote something else on his notepad. He lit yet another fuse, which burnt extremely fast, but threw out innumerable sparks everywhere, so many that he was forced to step back a few steps. He made another note on his notepad, then walked back to his wagon to retrieve more materials to test.

In the wagon sat a young man, with black hair and unbelievably deep green eyes. He looked up as the old man came near and spoke to him.
"Can you move this barrel over there?"
He pointed to a flat stone, quite closer to the shore of the rocky beach.
"Of course."
He nimbly picked up the small barrel, about the size of a stool, and walked quickly over to the indicated rock, and placed it down gently.
The old man followed, and instructed him to wait in the wagon. He then picked up a long fuse, poked one end into the barrel which had a small hole in the top, then unrolled the coil of fuse, all the way back to behind a tree. He lit the fuse, and watched as the sparkle followed the rope, until it disappeared into the barrel.

The explosion's noise nearly bowled him over, and after a few seconds, he looked around. Where the barrel had been, only a huge puff of smoke remained. All around, rocks began to fall mixed with bits of wood shards. When eh felt it was safe, he stepped out of the cover of the tree. The smoke was beginning to dissipate, and where the large flat rock had been, remained only broken lumps and blackened stones. He smiled.

[Pragia]

Pragian Army Encampment Quitus
20 miles away from Union city
Thomas Steele overlooked the maps once more. Scouts have reported of only barbarians here on north. But this was not the only thing they found, halfway across the continent, there were marks of organized outsiders. He feared that such large groups of outsiders may halt the Pragian progress. Settlement and rural areas were moving slowly east, disputing land that used to be wild and untamed for a century. Though this map was copied time and time again delicately through the strife, it showed how much the alliance has withered. Lands that no Pragians have ever seen since the fall have been revealed, showing how small the Alliance is on a global scale.

Tommorrow, 45,000 men march on Union City, men whose loyalties lie solely to the Alliance and to the idea of history writing them down in Glory. They face a city with about 20,000 defenders, and about 140,000 more civilians. A single battery of 4 large steam cannons were their only seige engines, and no Nightsabers were availible, so there will be blood if they try breaking the seige.

---

Former Romani Territory
Captain Amelia of the Repentance had only seen a ship every now and again, showing that there was other civilization, but these vessel's silhouette was far different from what Romani triremes were depicted to look like. The captain decided to make camp on the easternmost island in the archipelago. They set up camp, near 100 people under hide tents. TheWright was sent to Pragia to report their findings and send some settlers to extend the Pragian territories.

Amelia had slept aboard Repentance, sighing about remembering stories her grandmother had told her. The iron plated vessel she had the honor of captaining was over 200 years old, only recently being overhauled along with parts of the old Alliance Navy. She was the first female captain in alliance history, but her prowess during the reunification wars had given her a top-of-the line vessel. She closed her eyes, unsure of what she'll do when she grows to old for the job.

[Photana]

Former Romani Territory
Captain Amelia of the Repentance had only seen a ship every now and again, showing that there was other civilization, but these vessel's silhouette was far different from what Romani triremes were depicted to look like. The captain decided to make camp on the easternmost island in the archipelago. They set up camp, near 100 people under hide tents. TheWright was sent to Pragia to report their findings and send some settlers to extend the Pragian territories.

Amelia had slept aboard Repentance, sighing about remembering stories her grandmother had told her. The iron plated vessel she had the honor of captaining was over 200 years old, only recently being overhauled along with parts of the old Alliance Navy. She was the first female captain in alliance history, but her prowess during the reunification wars had given her a top-of-the line vessel. She closed her eyes, unsure of what she'll do when she grows to old for the job.

Pragian Encamptment, 3rd Romani Republic
The New Romani Republic had been montoring the Pragians closely, and now, they felt, was the time to make contact. The transition was smooth, and the Romani needed allies. Who better than the Pragians? A group of 200, mostly those who had some knowledge of the Pragian language, and many guards, if these Pragians were hostile. They had been observing them for the better part of a night, and then, around moonfull, approached the camp.

Findlay's Rest, 3rd Romani Republic
Finneus gladly accepted the Republic's rule, and had been appointed Minister of Science Innovations. His research speed had increased twofold, and he had began to direct the scholars towards finding a way to weaponize black powder, which had been scavenged from a few crashed ships, and replicated, but had never found any real use besides flares. He also directed efforts into finding an economic use for steam power. He still had the Leviathan Milk in storage, and wanted to find a use for it, but his schedule was full at the moment.

[Shnercropolis]

Dalpurtun
The Kar was worried. His recent programs would to increase trade opportunities, but the merchants would have more things to trade and not enough people to trade with, since the seas were so dangerous for independent traders. That had to change.

Word had spread that something big as happening in Pragia, from the occasional shipper who went to the ports in the north and traded there. These shippers were not as many in number as Kar would have liked. Apparently, though, the old powers were stirring again, reorganizing into a nation after so many years of non-affiliation. This would be perfect; from what the historians of the University said, Pragia had been somewhat of a trade powerhouse in the old days.

He ordered a new expedition to nearby Pragia, to be launched at all speed. It would have about 20 of the best ships; 5 galleons and 15 caravels. Those were the best ships had by the Kar's Navy, high-quality. He wanted to prove that the Bulgars were not a backwards people, they were worthy of Pragia's friendship. The expedition would be headed by captain Tezna Bojna, the First Admiral of the Kar's Navy. He would be bringing along representatives from Danzeg Ship & Trade, The Dalpurtun Kurruwhus Company, and Bjorne's Trade Company. All of them were some of the biggest shipping associations of Karinulg, and hungry for new buyers and sellers. Of course, the Kar would send his own representatives as well, to try and agree on some tariffs.

Feldich Hegg
Weeks had passed as the voyage was made ready, mostly waiting for the representatives from Goriakkuh to arrive. The voyage was at a fantastic start after about ten minutes, reflected Feldich. He was sent along to lead the ambassadors of the Kar. He also had a hatred for sea voyages like this. The seamen aboard assured him that the storms in winter weren't very common, that they often blundered through the passage quickly and left nice, calm seas afterward, that a big storm had recently just been by. Feldich believed none of it. He may not have had any experience on the sea, but he had a feeling in his bones that the voyage would not go well.

[Alleniana]

He watched as the cannon was lit. The fuse burnt well, and the person who had lit it was in a bracing position several paces behind the cannon. After a few tense seconds, it fired. The cannon moved back closer to the person behind it and released clouds of billowing smoke from the front. The cannonball, a simple ball of iron, was projected nearly 50 metres away, where it disappeared into the dilapidated building and caused it to collapse in on itself in a cloud of smoke. The old man watched all this, and clapped loudly, dropping his notebook. He had made good progress, but he knew he needed to perfect it more.

[Ralnis]

Arisuhtop research base,
Cradon State,
Center Shacklefold
The contraption did not work out as planned as Dr. Andrea Fitzgerald walked into the room and dodged a flying bolt that flew from the steam build up and after words broke down.
"What in the world happened!" Dr. Fitzgerald said while his heartbeat was still racing.
"Well...we don't know what happen." One engineer said.
"I know what happen, to much pressure in the system did not know where to go from and it just finally implode the system."
"So we forgot a major part of the puzzle then?"
"I think we are not going at this the right way anyhow, I think we should go at this in a different and basic direction."
"Alright, so where to?"
"Well I have made a cooking pot that uses pressure and from my schematics I think we can do something with it."
"You know Doctor, my brother owns a mining company on the coast and he said that they always have been hitting waterspouts so maybe we can make some sort of pump out of the idea of my colleagues cooking pot."
"Good, everyone start working on this pump of his"
Shtako state,
capital of the Allied States of Shacklefold
President Myles Bennet Dyson was worried about Pragia and the worriment of being attack at any time could speak of there downfall because he did not know anyone in the continent but maybe he can contact the island country of Alleniana, though it will take time and maybe Shacklefold maybe conquered by that time, either way he must male hast to send a ambassador to the shores as fast a possible.

[Alleniana]

As the duo of vessels returned in the night, there was a small group of people onshore to greet them. People were a bit questioning; there were still people about the shore, just not many, and not all there for normal reasons; but the ships flew the Allenian flag, so they didn't think it was anything criminal. The crew was greeted warmly, then they went to the portside government building to review the maps they had brought back. It was quite a fruitful expedition, and so they spent all night up discussing and looking over the maps before in the morning the seamen retired to their homes and the government official went to report and go to sleep. The maritime charts and maps of Alleniana needed updating, and so it was to be done by other officials more skilled in it during the day, so 24 hours from their arrival, the charts would be updated. It was vital, Alleniana being so seafaring based, and new maps meant new profits.

[Shnercropolis]

Somewhere in South Pragia

The small detachment of ship had been blown about and thrown completely off course just north of Noverd Point. Now out of 20 originals there were only 10, 3 galleons and 7 caravels. The storm had been intense, but not so much that so much of the fleet should be lost. There were...things in the water. Huge monstrous things, they took down the ships and ate the crew members. Now, the little band of ships was safe; they were of the coast of an unknown land, probably Pragia. No signs of civilization were evident in the landscape until night, when he saw a lantern moving sedately up the shore. When its bearer saw the ships, they ran back to wherever they had come from.

The next day, early in the morning, about 10 farmer-looking types came hiking up the path, which had been hidden from sight. A boatful of ambassadors, accompanied by a boatful of guards, was put ashore to speak with them.

[Ralnis]

Near south Alleniana countryside shore
The men where on there sloop that took several months and the ambassador was sleeping until he hit land.
The ambassador woke up and was amazed about where the ship landed.
"What in the fathers are we?" He tried to asked one of the sailors.
"I don't know, the old map says that we should be here in Alleniana, but I don't where we are at."
"We that's just great, maybe we can asked some of the locals to see where we are, alright men that's your task, find out where we are!"
Astru Mining company
The experimental pump was going to make a sort of vacuum so water can come out of the mine, but of course this is more like the miner's friend so it will be insufficient even in a trial bases. The pump only gotten some of the water out but then it broke from pressure and water build up.
The engineers had begin jotting down notes and then Dr. Fitzgerald was trying to tell the engineers" My friends we are not getting anywhere close with this sort of pump, as you see from all of your notes, there is a problem without a sort of holding unit, a faster and cheaper way to pump the water, and most importantly, accurate measurements to both the rotation, water, and heat measurements so we can improve on this idea immediately so get to work."

[Pragia]

Somewhere in South Pragia

The small detachment of ship had been blown about and thrown completely off course just north of Noverd Point. Now out of 20 originals there were only 10, 3 galleons and 7 caravels. The storm had been intense, but not so much that so much of the fleet should be lost. There were...things in the water. Huge monstrous things, they took down the ships and ate the crew members. Now, the little band of ships was safe; they were of the coast of an unknown land, probably Pragia. No signs of civilization were evident in the landscape until night, when he saw a lantern moving sedately up the shore. When its bearer saw the ships, they ran back to wherever they had come from.

The next day, early in the morning, about 10 farmer-looking types came hiking up the path, which had been hidden from sight. A boatful of ambassadors, accompanied by a boatful of guards, was put ashore to speak with them.

The farmers were not the only ones however, due to the small distance between the southern border and the Great Wall, word did not take long to reach government officials. An official delegate would be sent aboard the steam Galleon Attrition along with the triremes Zanith, Aurora, and Morgrin. Though these vessels would take a couple of days due to their position in Argentum bay.

The farmers, however, were not the diplomatic type. Pragia's rural populace always had a reputation of being stubborn and aggressive from their long history of rebellion, and the hundred year isolation didn't help. They brought with them scythes and hand axes, and tried attacking the delegate.

---

Union City, Northern Pragia
The city was under Siege for nearly a week before the enemy counterattacked. The steam battery was raining stone on the walls of the city to tear down its high walls. The defenders were ruthless in their assault, charging the Pragian lines head on, despite being outnumbered two to one. Te Pragian formation of a Phalanx with support units laced in held strong, steamthrowers disabling many breserkers through their rage, insides being burnt and saturated, suffocating and even dying due to internal burns. Though front lines did take casualties due to the large battle axes wielded by the defenders, their lack of organization spelled their doom. The walls fell, Pragian soldiers marching uniformly through the breach.

Thomas Steele sat in his command tent, counting the lost. Of the 45,000, nearly four thousand paid with life or limb, but the city was theirs. Though the northern assault was far from over, they now owned a threshold, one that would allow for supply lines and soldiers to move closer to the front. The citizens were rioting however, and a sense of order must be fulfilled, lest they have a rebellion. He stationed patrols to go through the city at night, enforcing curfews. Martial law went into effect for three days, in witch there was spilt blood until the riots quieted, and the city was subdued.

[Alleniana]

Near south Alleniana countryside shore
The men where on there sloop that took several months and the ambassador was sleeping until he hit land.
The ambassador woke up and was amazed about where the ship landed.
"What in the fathers are we?" He tried to asked one of the sailors.
"I don't know, the old map says that we should be here in Alleniana, but I don't where we are at."
"We that's just great, maybe we can asked some of the locals to see where we are, alright men that's your task, find out where we are!"
Astru Mining company
The experimental pump was going to make a sort of vacuum so water can come out of the mine, but of course this is more like the miner's friend so it will be insufficient even in a trial bases. The pump only gotten some of the water out but then it broke from pressure and water build up.
The engineers had begin jotting down notes and then Dr. Fitzgerald was trying to tell the engineers" My friends we are not getting anywhere close with this sort of pump, as you see from all of your notes, there is a problem without a sort of holding unit, a faster and cheaper way to pump the water, and most importantly, accurate measurements to both the rotation, water, and heat measurements so we can improve on this idea immediately so get to work."

The farmers had seen the unknown ships coming, and seeing as they appeared to be confused and lost, although foreign, they felt it best to consult the authorities. A couple of the local officials as well as a handful of soldiers were found, and they moved to greet the unknown ships. Behind them, the braver and curious farmers followed, wondering what it would be all about. They were mostly men, and many had come bearing one of their farm tools in case these were pirates or in case things got ugly.

The officials strode down to them, with the flag of Alleniana borne behind them by a soldier.
"Hail! What brings you to Alleniana?"

[Ralnis]

Near south Alleniana countryside shore
The men where on there sloop that took several months and the ambassador was sleeping until he hit land.
The ambassador woke up and was amazed about where the ship landed.
"What in the fathers are we?" He tried to asked one of the sailors.
"I don't know, the old map says that we should be here in Alleniana, but I don't where we are at."
"We that's just great, maybe we can asked some of the locals to see where we are, alright men that's your task, find out where we are!"
Astru Mining company
The experimental pump was going to make a sort of vacuum so water can come out of the mine, but of course this is more like the miner's friend so it will be insufficient even in a trial bases. The pump only gotten some of the water out but then it broke from pressure and water build up.
The engineers had begin jotting down notes and then Dr. Fitzgerald was trying to tell the engineers" My friends we are not getting anywhere close with this sort of pump, as you see from all of your notes, there is a problem without a sort of holding unit, a faster and cheaper way to pump the water, and most importantly, accurate measurements to both the rotation, water, and heat measurements so we can improve on this idea immediately so get to work."

The farmers had seen the unknown ships coming, and seeing as they appeared to be confused and lost, although foreign, they felt it best to consult the authorities. A couple of the local officials as well as a handful of soldiers were found, and they moved to greet the unknown ships. Behind them, the braver and curious farmers followed, wondering what it would be all about. They were mostly men, and many had come bearing one of their farm tools in case these were pirates or in case things got ugly.

The officials strode down to them, with the flag of Alleniana borne behind them by a soldier.
"Hail! What brings you to Alleniana?"

The flag of Shacklefold was flying behind the ambassador when he was walking down as the soldiers where bearing there crossbows at the ready but the ambassador told them to stand down.
"I am Ambassador Martin Saxon from the Allied States of Shacklefold, I am glad that we have found Alleniana for I was instructed by president Myles Bennet Dyson to try and contact this land, but this place looks so different from what the old maps show."