Dawn of a New World (Fantasy - IC)

[United Martains]

The world is new, freshly created by the gods, left now for the mortal races to shape as they choose...

Races such as the Hahsriiti, the Olktatth, the Óðinnweyjan, the Delkhar, the Crocodylus, the Aureals, and the Xiushani have emerged, and more may still come to the new continents. Thousands of years of history are yet to unfold. But it began here.

Welcome to "Dawn of a New World." The premise of this RP is simple. This world has just been created in the last few decades. It has no history behind it yet, no established lore. Just an untapped world of magic, war, politics, heroes, etc. etc. You get the point.

OOC THREAD IS HERE!
DIPLO/WAR THREAD IS HERE!

Remember that every new page in this forum is 1 year in game time, and that you should date your posts to keep track of in game time. It starts at the beginning of the 86th year of Creation.

And so it has begun.

[United Martains]

Huhsrova, Hahsriit, 3rd of Trebus, The First Month, Of the 86th year

Thraet Nitem Thrutrodgen sat in the council chambers in Huhsrova, the largest city in Hahsriit (although it was really no more than a large town). Around him sat his closest advisers, and members of each town, discussing the merits of different forms of expansion. A map lay on the table in front of the council. They spoke in their dialects of the Hahsriiti tongue, which were all very similar, allowing fluent communication, albeit with occasional slight miss communication.

"We have almost all of Navtet to expand into," said Nita Hancit, an young merchant lady from the prominent Hah known as Ceah. "We should be expanding southwards, claiming all of our island homeland as ours."

"It would piss of the Aureals," replied Rito Rahyhi, a military commander in charge of scouting out the south of the Navtet. "The Aureals don't respect us, and we know so little about them. But we are above starting petty conflicts. And on top of that, aren't ready."

"I have told you, many many times, we should expand across the Straight of Betliis. There is much land there, free to take." That was Gyda Thrutrihi. She was an explorer and sailor who mapped much of the land across the Straight of Betliis.

"You are all right, of course," said Nitem, speaking up over his council. "All of your options are completely valid and justified. You are all most wise and respectable. But a decision must be reached." The council was silent as the Thraet chose their next steps. "We will both push south, and across the straight. We will direct most colonists down the western coast of Navtet, and some south in other directions. We will build fortified keeps and hah along the border, so we are ready in the possible case of a disagreement with the Aureals. Similarly, some colonists will be directed to the north and east, colonizing the new land across the straight. Gyda, you will lead the efforts to establish territory there."

Pausing for a moment to consider the actions, Nitem asked the council for their input.

"Are we agreed? Is there any other opinion that should be voiced now?"

A murmur of yeses and agreements went through the council.

"Then it shall be done. As I can no longer take the time to manage every piece of information that comes to me, I am appointing Srodya Hihsridor to manage all logistics in these expansions. Thank you, Srodya, for your service. Dismissed!"

The council packed up, moving back to their places of work around the city. Nitem went back to his quarters to sleep, rest, as he knew he had much to do yet.

[Hastiaka]

The Aurelic Dominion
Aetherwynd Isle • Asundera • Crystal Palace

'We Aureals have lost many things to the master of mankind.
Divinity, immortality, vast populations and now,
we have lost our home.
the home that sundered. But now, we have gained a new home.
Behold, Aetherwynd Isle. Our new home. Our salvation.'

- Great Sage Rundacano
Arrival at the beaches of Aetherwynd Isle. 45 years ago

The Great Assembly • Western Wing • Crystal Palace
The hall was glittering with silver statues and crystal roofings. Banners of eagles displayed symmetrically around the hall. Magical lamps illuminated the great palace. The Crystal Palace is the most beautiful creation of the Aureals. But the cost was demanding. Every day for the past 20 years,they have been gathering resources from the territories in the straight. The feared navy of the Aureals fiercely guards the straight.

Queen Barenthia is an adventurer of sorts and is boooreed of politics. When she was crowned princess, she traveled across the newly conquered territories of the Aurielic Dominion. She somehow escaped an entire Marine contingent guarding her. She interacted with commoners and by Merithia, she even contacted a human being! of all sorts, she, a future Queen would contact a lesser being? What a disgrace! other advisors would say. But the great sage trusts her. For he had a vision that she will lead the dominion to prosperity.

Today is the day to decide on which part of the nation will the Queen focus on.

As the council of Princes, Lords and Nobility gathered around a long gold-clad table. Queen Barenthia sat on the Crystal Throne. Grand Admiral Aryanne was the first to speak. As she stood, she unfurled a map of the Continent and marked the southeastern potion of the Eastern Territories.

''This is a strategic location for the Navy and for the Marines. I will commit the Golden Fleet's resources to see it's construction. My queen, all i ask is your approval and i shall request workers from the Lord of Aurelic Infrastructure.''

''The Golden Fleet is the most powerful fleet we have. I'm sure that Admiral Raanfir's Emerald Fleet would acknowledge that.'' she added.

Archmagister Anacano raised his hand and refuted the Admiral's proposal.

''We need more Colleges to further our studies! We need to tap into the resources of the nation in order to complete the tasks of defending our nation with our mages! An entire fleet could be sank by one Archmagister with a hurricane spell!''

Aryanne laughed and whispered to hier side; ''He's the only Archmagister. He thinks he can sink all 7 fleets. What a stupid person.''

Queen Barenthia made a gesture to stop and said; ''We will focus on diplomacy and expanding the navy. Improve our garrisons in our territories. We need to defend our assets at all costs! We will balance the funding to all respective parties. I will make the establishment of Trade routes our priority. As well as expanding our colonies. Grand Admiral, you will create that base you proposed and other Admirals, make sure no one crosses the straight. Now, Merethia be with you.''

Afterwards, the assembly was dissmised.

[Argentumurbem]

86th Year, Spring

Cairnople



Cairnople, the beating heart of the Balgorate. It was here, in the excavated halls which stretched out in all directions, that the Delkhar were first conceived. Born from stone and mud, fire and water, the Gallae were vomited forth from the core of the earth. Where once hundreds battled to the death in the darkness, now thousands toiled away in the light. Burning braziers adorned every alcove, rivers of molten lava slugged its way along the lower floors, dripping down like half-frozen waterfalls from one tier to the other. The heat was intense, thick plumes of hot ash rising through the winding passageways of the stone hive, up and up and up.

Noln leaned out over his terrace, the world below him nothing but blinding. Drinking in the heat as if it were some sort of scented nectar, the ruler of the Cerlegat Delkhar closed his ebony eyes. They were no use to him within the deep core of the mountains. In the homeland, he needed only his ears. What he "saw" was much more vivid without the distraction of sight, much purer and potent in comparison.

"Do I have your blessing?"

The Belubi edged closer to his leader, tongue darting out at the merest hint of getting permission for the mission he had envisaged. He had taken the name Tobi when he was raised to clan chieftain of the Five Hands, a name which had not often crossed Noln's mind. The warrior had been forgotten as soon as he was sent off to take charge of the raiders.

"You have it," came the reply, slow and booming. What was it he was planning?

Spitting out thanks, the fighter retreated back in to the shadows, steel barely scraping as he made his way back to wherever his party had made their camp. Noln watched without looking, seeing the grin which had frozen itself on the Dalkhar's face as its twin-hearts started to beat faster. He could feel the heavy tread of Tobi's feet as they waddled away. All without even trying.

"Pasra!" the leader barked out, calling on his personal armourer. "A new gauntlet."

He had bestowed the old one on Garsh the Dancer. The chieftain had fallen to his knees upon receiving the gift, little knowing that Noln had grown tired of the simple design of the single blade attached to it.

"Yes, great Noln! It will have three blades, close together so that they act as one."

The runt raced away, snapping out commands to the Delkhar rodents under his new-found authority. It was funny to see the lessers act so big.

**********

Clear Lagoon



Eighty gathered in the darkness. Their master had gone to seek the great leader's permission and until that was granted to them, they had strict instructions to wait. Ever since Noln had slaughtered his way through the catacombs of the mountain realms, he had been swift to secure all the power for himself. Any Delkhar caught battling each other without his prior knowledge and acceptance was met with severe punishments. The Hunched Ferals had been wiped out entirely when they set on the Turmoil before Noln approved the attack.

"Will he grant us this gift?" one asked another, the two yet to prove themselves worthy of bearing a name.

"No see why not," came the reply, hissed and vomited from between rows of sharp teeth. "We is stronger than them."

"Silence!"

The Five Hands settled down at the command, ears and noses strained to catch any hint of their presence being acknowledged by the foe. They could hear the Meat Banners reveling in raiding stories. The clan had always been one to ascend from within the mountain confines and pillage the sun-touched lands. Bringing back little in the way of meat, they had found themselves being overlooked by the hatchlings in favour of their neighbours. Successful clans were more appealing to the little mewling sacks than those who ventured forth with nothing but words to bring back.

When it became clear that their proximity was not known to their prey, the Five Hands began to creep closer. When Tobi returned there would be no time to approach quietly, so the raiders did themselves a favour. On the opposite side, raiders from the Roughskulls would be doing the same, waiting for the Five Hands to signal that the attack would not see the Balgor bearing down on them in revenge.

It was a long time before they heard the stampede that was Tobi, racing forward through the twisting passageways to reach them.

They did not need to wait for the order: the smell was on him.

"Five Hands!" they shrieked, scuttling forward towards the foe. On the other side, the Roughskulls would feel the vibrations and come crashing in from their side, carving in to the rear of whatever force the Meat Banners had before them.

[Aden Protectorate]

Þjóðveldið Óðinnwey

Lögrétta (Law Rock), Alþing, Þinguppgjör

"Our neighbours to the south, the despicable útlendingur (wild-men) who deign show any civility by naming themselves the Olktatth have long tried to raid the south-eastern coast - it is the opinion of the Þings of Strömbung, Dádýr, Gamallfjörður and Drekarfjall that we begin constructions of advanced defenses along the coast of the most frequent raiding spots and that we supply General Harðurreglustiku and his Great Fleet of Faxeboi with a massive army, a Great Óðinnweyjan Army if you will to raid the coast and bring our enemies to their knees and destroy their ability to ravage our sacred coasts."

Valgarðr Valgarðrsson of the Varðrada faction in the Alþing stood down from the Lögrétta. His faction was militaristic to put it mildly - their goal was to use brute force to assert the will of Óðinnwey upon the world. Most people didn't take them seriously, the Lawspeaker Guðfinn Guðfinnsson Einar of the kynþátt Einar certainly didn't a bunch of tired old statesmen trying to relive the glory days of the raids of Óðinnwey - when in reality they as a nation had moved on to more important things, like mapping the worlds oceans, or writing epic sagas.

The Lawspeaker stood.

"Valgarðr Valgarðrsson of the Olðing kynþátt the Alþing will vote on your proposed however I am in the opinion that yes, we must construct coastal defenses to protect ourselves but a massive attack on the enemies to the south is unecessary - what if we simply removed restrictions the Alþing has placed on the raids, and simply allow independent raiding parties to take vengeance for us."

There was nodding among the general population of the Alþing. Valgarðr Valgarðrsson snorted in derision.

"Shall we vote?"

Within an hour all the votes had been counted, the majority ruled in favour. Once again the Varðrada faction had been defeated by the superior popular appeal of the Vinsællskáld faction - who favoured culture, the skalds, the gods, and exploration - however every faction on the island supported the raids onto the coast, there was no question about that, however they differed in their intensity and means.

The Lawspeaker stood again to speak.

"Will Snorrivald Haraldsson of Ragnar please come before the Alþing to present his case?"

A short man by Óðinnweyjan standards, standing at around 6'2 stood. He had a balding head, white hair and a carefully trimmed beard. He had blue eyes, broad shoulders, and a strong figure much like all the other people present in the Alþing. He wore a purple robe symbolizing his status as a representative of the Cult of Ríða - mistress of fertility, patron of weavers. He was bespectacled, and had a quiet voice so every in the Alþing had to strain to here him.

"Good-day my fellow patrons of the Alþing, I have come forward on behalf of the skáld Elliði Geirröðursson Eyiki, who has recently completed the Óðinnweyjan Saga - chronicling the sagas of our people, it is his wish that our long tradition of storytelling and culture be preserved, and myself and he have created the Skáldskóla, we have brought together numerous skálds including Snorri Helusson author of the Ríða Saga. It our plan to accept the best young minds to study to become skálds - we need to ensure our culture is the strongest, and most recorded in the world! We ask for the patronage of the Alþing and your permission to establish the school."

It was obvious - the Alþing voted strongly in favour. The Lawspeaker stood again.

"Our last order of business for today regards the exploits of the seafarer Ranald Fairhairsson - the great explorer and cartographer who mapped the Great Southern Coast - he has asked for funding to equip a voyage to sail beyond the Great Southern Coast and establish a small settlement which will be used to import goods from the locality."

Once again in favour.

The South-Eastern Coast

The coastal constructions had begun - villages on the coast had been equipped with pikes, the land around the pikes had been flooded, so that the land was deep - around a foot underwater. The harbours that the villages opened onto had been protected by a Longship or two while construction of a tower in the center of the harbour - which was equipped with a fire launcher that could be accessed easily by the village defenders and sealed off from attackers.

The Longships were to be stationed there forevermore - every Óðinnweyjan man and women could sail and man a boat, and every Óðinnweyjan man was fit to fight - one Óðinnweyjan could take down two Olktokth - being larger and naturally more muscular. The raids never really devastated them, but they took great insult to anyone stepping on their sacred shores.

The Port of Þíða

The fleet in the port of Þíða lead by the epic hero and sailor Ranald Fairhairsson was just preparing to leave for the land beyond the Great Southern Coast (talking to you United Martians), with him he had six Longships that could and would make the journey from the port to the unknown lands. He had brought with him around twenty colonists who would be in charge of managing the trading colony, procuring goods and preparing goods for import back to the Homeland etc. Within a day the fleet was ready and the ships set sail, as the sun began to set the ships disappeared over the horizon.

[Claanyad]

Olktokth

A Laksolkt Village to the North of Olktokth
Spring, 86th Year

The sun rose over the ground as the chill night air parted to give way to the still, calm air of morning. As peasants rose to their morning duties in the villages dotting the Lraszaft-Road, the birds began to chirp as the dew on the thick, coarse grass began to evaporate away. All was good, quiet and peaceful - just how the Laksolkt liked it. They could get to tending their few crops, or hunting, or fishing in peace. No-one was there to stop them or slow them down.
But the crisp silence that hung in the morning air was shattered by the sound of the galloping hooves that the Laksolkt had almost come to expect. The Vraksolkt almost always came down the mountain, though it was very rare for them to come this far North at any time. Usually, they would trade with the villages at the foot of the mountain, but this village lay on the coast. One of the few guardsmen, dressed in the traditional garb of most Laksolkt guardsmen - a spun tunic and cape with leather armour over the top, went to alert the Zromskakhts of the hold.
As the Vraksolkt horsemen arrived at the wooden walls of the village, they were greeted with the traditional greeting of the land.
"Friend or foe?"
"Friend. I wish to treat with Zromskakhts Zrums Lukszrams."
The Zromskakhts, still just leaving his longhouse in the village, and passing many confused peasants along the way, gestured for the gate to be opened. Two guards pulled the gate apart, and the horsemen trotted into the walled village, not dissimilar to most other Laksolkt hold villages. The horseman at the head of the group took off his helmet, shaking out his long brown hair. He dismounted his horse, and embraced the Zromskakhts of the hold, himself not too unhappy with this surprise visit either.
"Kukhtsvraks!" the Zromskakhts said to his son, the lone horseman, who gestured to his underlings to dismount also, to which they obliged. They left the embrace, for Lukszrams to look upon his visitor, "It has been far too long. You have changed."
"Only for the better, father," Kukhtsvraks answered.
"Everyone!" Lukszrams shouted to the entire village, "My son has returned. Tonight, we shall all feast in the longhouse!"
A cheer erupted from the ranks of the villagers, ad they went back to their work, with increased spirit, in preparation and expectation for the feast to come.
"But for now," Lukszrams' son replied softly into his father's ear, "We have to walk."
Lukszrams' face dropped, "Yes, indeed my son."
The coast was not far, and they walked in silence until then. As they reached the coastline, its rocky beach grinding under the shoes of the two as they walked, their guards behind them.
"So - how are you enjoying the Vraksolkt lands. Is Zromskakhts Kunz Athskakhts treating you well?"
"He is. He thinks highly of you, father. He has raised me to the rank of Zrumsmaft."
The father smiled, "My son, a captain in one of the most prestigious clans in the Olktokth? I would never have thought it. It is quite an honour."
"I thank you, father."
"So," Lukszrams began, dread filling his mind, "What news?"
Kukhtsvraks sighed, "Not news, to be sure, father. I am worried. The North-Men have been surprisingly quiet over the last few weeks, and I fear that they could raid your lands at any moment. And those wooden walls won't hold them when they do."
Lukszrams laughed, still with the dread at the back of his mind, "Child, you must learn to take the good and grasp onto it. Do not be so cynical of the blessings that Vraksatth gives us. He will protect us from the fury of the North-Men."
"Father, could your guards really defend from a North-Man raid? If Vraksatth provides, I have yet to see his provision destroy a raiding army."
"If Vraksatth fails, then our Zrams will protect us." Zromskakhts Lukszrams was not going to be moved, and his son did not realise it. He had faith in the provision of his rulers, both deity and man.
"Father, our laksakth lies at the North of the coast, while Vraksakth lies at the southern edge of The Mountain. Do you really think that even the Zrams could defend you with his armies, let alone spare those forces? He has other concerns."
Lukszrams put his hand up to tell his son to stop. He had heard enough. "I don't want your concern while you are here. We shall feast, and then we shall leave it to Vraksatth to decide. Clear?"
Kukhtsvraks sighed again, "Yes, father."
"Good. We must return to the village. I am sure your mother would have wanted to see you like this."
"I am sure she would have, father," Kukhtsvraks responded, his tone still disappointed. They began to trudge up to the village.

---

Vraksakth, the Capital of Olktokth
Spring, 86th Year

It was Zrams Uths Kakhtsasht of the Olktokth who ruled the land of Olktokth and all in it. His father had ruled for many years, after uniting the people with war and diplomacy. But when he died at the age of fifty, he left the great legacy of the Zrams of Olktokth to his son. Kakhtsasht still was very new to the business of ruling. He always visited his father's tomb in the morning to escape from it and pray to Vraksatth to assist him. He silently hoped that his father could be around to protect him or guide him, but alas, that was not so.
"My Zrams," A guard appeared, signalling to Kakhtsasht that it was time to begin his ruling for the day. He silently walked away from the stone which showed where his father was in the ground, and ascended the steps to the throne room. His High Council sat at the long table in the centre awaiting their duties. As the Zrams walked across the room the Councillors rose. He reached the stone chair at the head of the table, and they all sat together.
"Thank you for coming, my Zrams, with your impeccable timing," the treasurer said, evidently with a touch of sarcasm in his tone. He was an Aktholkt, rich and famous, with a large hold in the East, "No doubt the council feels similarly thankful?"
"Stop with your blabbering, fool!" the High General - a tall Vraksolkt man - replied, no grace in his voice at all, "The Zrams has a right to appear when he will. Especially considering the all too recent demise of his Zrams-Father. We all grieve him."
"We should start with business, gentlemen, before we descend into complete chaos." the Head Councillor chastised the two, who fell silent, "My Zrams, do you wish to proceed?"
"Yes. Please go on."
The treasurer stood and spoke about some monetary issues, mainly regarding the paying of taxes (or rather, lack thereof) from a certain Zromskakhts. The chaplain spoke for what seemed like an age on some heathens in the south who should be invaded, to which most of the council disagreed on practical grounds. The chancellor stated that they had discovered a new tribe to the south, to which most groaned, since many new tribes were being discovered each day.
The General stood finally and spoke his piece, "My Zrams, we have had word of increased North-Man movement. Our ships have not been attacked, but we fear that the coast may be soon."
The treasurer stood and began to shout towards the General, "For Vraksatth's sake, I don't think that they will prove much of a threat to our nation. They stop at raiding, they wouldn't attack our nation any further than that, I am sure." The treasurer and the General shared a rivalry, and had done since an incident many years ago, when the treasurer had refused a payment to the military forces in order to expand their territory. In retaliation, the General stormed the Treasurer's hold, thereby forcing his hand and making him pay. They have not seen eye to eye since then.
"How can you be sure what those heathen idiots will do? By my estimation, they could do anything, raiding, invading, pillaging or killing. We have to stop them before they become too powerful," the General turned to the Zrams, "My Zrams, surely you cannot agree with this idiot."
The Zrams had to consider, "We must not over-react to their increase of power, but we must be ready for anything to happen. I'm sure that a few more guards in the forts along the coast couldn't hurt."
The General nodded, and both councillors sat down, still seeing the other in a negative light.
"Is there anything else to discuss?" The Head Councillor asked, to which the rest shook their heads. "Alright, meeting dismissed."
The councillors stood, and left the Throne Room. The Head Councillor, however, stayed.
"My Zrams, do you need to speak with me about the demise of your father? I served him for many years, and..."
"I am fine, Councillor. You may leave."
The Head Councillor opened his mouth as if to speak, his beard running down his front, before closing it and nodding, "Very well, my Zrams. Farewell."
The Head Councillor left also, and the Zrams ascended the steps to a balcony. He looked out over the city, and the valley which it lay in. The mountainside had been chiseled away to form steep sides that were almost impregnable, the city itself had ben built into the sides of the mountain, and the Vas-Gate stood as a great wall at the valley's entry. He knew that he was safe, but he worried for his subjects, those who were under him. The mountain-realm was safe, but perhaps some parts less safe than others.

[United Martains]

Huhsrova, Hahsriit, 24th of Tratus, The Third Month, Of the 86th year

Under the supervision of Srodya Hihsridor and Gyda Thrutrihi, a fleet of eight ships was sent to colonize the shores across The Straight Of Betliis, each manned by 13 sailors. Two of these ships were armed naval ships, carrying with them 2 units of 31 soldiers (One sergeant, and 3 sections of 10 soldiers). These armed ships were to protect the fleet should the Aureals take issue with the transportation, or should northern raiders happen to appear. One of the ships was purely for cargo, carrying metal, wood, seeds, livestock, and tools. Tthree ships were mostly for the transportation of the colonists, with 70 to 80 colonists in each. The other two ships were small and fast. They carried some people and cargo, but their main purpose was for scouting the coast, and sending messages between the colony ant Navtet. Under the guide of Gyda Thrutrihi, they would set up a large hah on the new shores, to be used as a base for future colonies.

As the ships were set to leave early on the 24th, the Thraet stood up before the residents of Huhsrova to give a speech.

"People of Hahsriit! The fleet we are sending out is a symbol. A symbol of our expansion, our strength, and our legitimacy as a people! What we do now is the first of many steps to show the world what the Hahsriiti are capable of. We will trek, sail, and ride to new lands, and find prosperity for all our people. The Aureals have some misguided logic telling them that they are better than us. I assure you this is not the case. We begin our expansion today, and it will not end any time soon. I ask you all to congratulate all the people who have stepped up, to leave their lives behind to live in an unfamiliar world. Today, they are our heroes. But also, today, all Hahsriiti are heroes. This expansion is a combined effort of us all. So I say good luck to those pushing the boundaries today. And good luck to all those who endeavor to do the same in future!"

The speech was met with applause, and some cheering from a few people in the crowd. It was well received, of course, but Thraet Nitem knew that this was not truly a matter of concern to most Hahsriiti. They were simple folk, whose cares were focused on farming and family. This grand nationalistic expansion was not something they were devoted to. Nor was Nitem, in fact. Power was fine and all, but at the end of the day, it was the well being of the people that mattered most.

Later that day, the council met again. Thraet Nitem opened the discussion.

"Congratulations everybody on seeing the colonists successfully off. I have a good feeling about our expansion in that direction. Let us hope that the people will live well and happily, and Gyda will lead them well. I believe Srodya has some things to say about our expansion southwards."

"Yes, thank you Thraet, and once again best wishes to the colonists. Just an update on our expansion to the south, we have recently begun building three new Civahahin. One is simply strengthening our borders north of the Rotcyv River, but two more are pushing beyond our previous borders and into the Lowlands, south of the Rotcyv River. One is along the river bank, while another is further south still, on the coastline. Our once these Civahahin have been built, we shall continue building more Civahahin southward, while populating the land we have claimed with regular Hahin. That is all, thank you."

"Thank you, Srodya. Now that our outward expansion is taken care of, it is time we consider what we aim to do inside our own lands, to strengthen our people. What are some ideas on this?"

The discussion went for hours from there, discussing ideas of schools, military bases, new hah, etc. In the end, it was decided that they would begin setting up brick roads between the hah, to make travel easier for priests, traders, and armies. They would also build a University of Huhsrova, where people could study politics, architecture, and the art of magic (something that the council had rarely discussed before).

"And as our last order of business... it has for some time occurred to me that our nearest neighbors are the Aureals, and that we are not on the best terms with them. So, for better or worse, I wish to send a diplomatic envoy to the Aureal lands. As we do not know where their capital is, we shall send them to the nearest town first, then seek audience with the higher up lords of the Dominion. Sratthrid Trayhali, you will lead this company. You may be accompanied by two other envoys, as well as four armed bodyguards, should the meeting fail. Sratthrid, thank you for your service. Dismissed."

[The Olog-Hai]

Somewhere in Coastal Territories of the Tribe of Battelia.....
"Come quick, Melnihe! Get Syralth!"
"What is it? What are you looking at, Rehkoke?"
"I found this weird rock that I can see through. It doesn't look like any crystal...."
"Whoah! You should show that to Shaman Syralth!"
"I just said that....."
"How did you find it?"
"Last night, during the battle between the sky and the earth I saw a bright jagged thing hit around here, and I saw a glint in the sand. Today, I came here and I found this."
Melnihe runs off to get Shaman Syralth. A few minutes (I don't have any other way to measure time) later, Melnihe arrives back wihShaman Syralth.
"What do we have here," Syralth says. "Where did you find this, and what does it do?"
Rehkoke tell Syralth the same story he told Melnihe, but also adds that he hasn't even touched it to see what it does.
"Well, if you haven't touched it yet, I might as well."
Syralth goes up to the rock, and picks it up.
"Hm. It is smooth, and it reflects the light of the sky god. I will take it to one of the higher shamans, and see what they think. I think this has earned me a promotion, and you the chance of becoming a shaman, because you are not common. This is why commoners do not become shamans. Because they do not look at things like this."
In the Mountains...
"Krelneh, I've seen others."
"Others what, Markah"
"Others like us Krelneh."
"How much like us?"
"Enough to be a threat, Krelneh."
"Fine. Continue with your scouting of the lands around ours, and keep track of any other others you see."
"Aye, Krelneh."
Markah leaves the room and jumps off a ledge, opening her wings to fly as she does so.
Tavrinth thinks to himself on the matter. "Hm.... what should I do about the others? Should we try to have peace, or make sure they know to stay out. Lets try both. Lets build back up our military.
"Mimlek!" shouts Tavrinth.
"Yes Krelneh?" Mimlek replies, as he lands on the ledge and walks up to Tavrinth.
"Tell the militia to start training monthly, instead of once every two months. We may need to start fighting some time soon...
"Understood Krelneh. I will do this"

[Claanyad]

Olktokth

Vraksakth, the Capital of Olktokth
Early Autumn, 86th Year

As the months quickly passed, and the trees grew redder, like the blood of martyrs had been spilled on them, the season of short nights had ended, and the season of long nights was to begin. Being very near to the Arctic circle, Olktokth bore the brunt of the winter, experiencing longer nights, colder weather and frozen water. Already, the rivers to the north of the realm had begun to develop a thin layer of frost in the mornings, and down south, the dew crackled slightly underfoot. This was perfect weather for a festival - and a festival was what the people received.
Inside the great city's walls, people danced and cheered in the stone-cut streets, and while many drank beer or danced to music, others had to prepare. Long nights weren't always a blessing, as the people had discovered. The season of long nights would bring food shortage, crop failure, cold weather, disease, and quite possibly death. In the stone throne room, the weather had become colder noticeably. One disadvantage of living chiselled into the mountain is that there was no way to heat the palace. It was simply as cold as the mountain decided it should be. And for this night, that was very cold. The High Council met again, under less formal terms, walking around to continue blood flow and warmth, dreading the longer, colder nights to come.
"My Zrams, we must begin storing food for the long nights ahead," the Treasurer, Zromskakhts Zrums Uthskukhts, shivered, teeth chattering slightly as he spoke, "Your father set up the food storage for a good reason - and this winter is shaping up to be a bad one. Perhaps not as bad as the Great Winter, but definitely significant."
For once, a cold General Zromskakhts Zrums Vaskakhts nodded his agreement. Zrams Uths Kakhtsasht knew it was right. He would have to store food - but where? If it was too far away from the smaller Laksaktho, or villages, then they would have no food, but if it was too far from the main cities, then the larger cities would have the same problem. They could split up the food, but who was to know if the split would be good for everyone.
"Centralise our food supply to major cities. It's the only way we'll survive, and if the peasants want to come, they will." The treasurer suggested.
The General guffawed at this, "And what about the mountains? Surely we deserve food too? Or are you lukso too important to share food with us up high?"
The treasurer was insulted, but did not act on it. The Head Councillor spoke secretly to the Zrams.
"This year has been a bad harvest already, and Vraksakth can't make any food of its own. If we don't get food, we'll starve before the winter is up. Do what your father would have done - send collectors out and tax food. 10% from each zromskakhtsokth. It's the only way we'll have enough food to go around - for peasants and citizens."
The Zrams nodded. "We shall tax 10% of the food from rural areas. We shall get food to the cities that way. Another 10% shall be given to the realms which need it - the mountains and the Northern reach."
This brought a silent gratitude from the General, but a seething anger from the Treasurer. Naturally, he would have been happy to take all the food - he cared little for peasants and the Laksolkt. The Head Councillor nodded a thanks, and the chaplain stayed quiet. The food would be collected that way, and hopefully, none would go hungry.

[Kaledoria]

Early spring of the 86th Year

A new force for the Uthgard army had been assembled, to finally bring the war in the south to a victorious end.

Eight years ago, the Giants had successfully incorporated the Goblin tribes in the southwest. The Goblins of the central mountains had been disorganized and did not even have a name for themselves as a people. Well, the Jotunn had named them Vaetti and they had trained and send out their Vaetti heralds to proclaim, that the Vaetti were happy to be unified in a single Kingdom.
Three years ago Uthgard went on, laying claims to the Tribal confederation to the south. It was an assembled people of Goblins and human settlers from Uthgard, who had migrated there in the decades since the Creation.
Despite the fact, that the Goblins called themselves Braunwalder, the Jotun King Tryggva had proclaimed, that they were just another people of Vaetti, rebelling against the rightful rule of the Giants. To the other nations they pointed out the heartbreaking stories of the human settlers suffering from Goblin attacks and requesting the Uthgard intervention.

The conflict went well and Uthgard would have won already, if it had not been for the human tribes to their west. A year ago, they had joined the fight on the side of the Braunwalders. The King did not even blame them. In fact, he did already have troops assembled at this front and plans to incorporate them were already in preparation, too. It was only smart, that the tribes did not wait to be picked one by one, but fought at once.
These Humans, "Teutobochen" as they refereed to themselves, were by appearance an ethnicity somewhere in the middle between the Asken and the Olktatth Humans of the land behind the Njordforden bay.
But amongst them was an unlikely high number of cases of gigantism - one or two every hundred children grew to much bigger proportions then their fellow humans, 8 or even 9 feet tall, half way to the size of a Jotun. At first, about 70 years ago, some people had suspected Giant raiders to have sneaked into the woods of the Teutobochen, raping the women, but investigations both by their chieftains and Jotun Jarls had shown this was not the case. In any way, it was a blessing as their current High Chief of the Teutobochen was a "Coloss", as they were named for now, and this would prepare the common people to be ruled by even bigger people soon, too.
All the better was, that Uthgar could now put it in a way, that they had been attacked by the "Teutobochen" and fighting back was their due right.

King Tryggva thus inspected the new force: Fifty Giant Moose, larger even then a Jotun man. To their back, platforms were strapped, that were manned by three to four Vaetti archers, able to shoot down onto small targets from save cover. In addition, one of the Goblins set directly in the animal's neck, whispering into it's ears, where to go, who to crush under their large hoofs and sometimes even when to use their imposing antlers. (The Goblins had however pointed out, that it was not natural for the large beasts to attack human-sized targets with their antlers)

Tryggva stepped on his chariot and together with the Moose-Riders and the accompanying troops they left for the army camp a few hour south. Tomorrow morning, they would attack an important central tribe in Braunwald, sitting on the crossroad of the two main roads leading through the lands. Winning there would disrupt the enemy's movement and coordination and the ability to mass his forces.




Early summer of the 86th Year

With the Goblins in the south at the point where they were no longer fighting to win but just desperately trying to buy time and/or to negotiate beneficial terms of vassalage, and with the forces at the western front getting more and more ground against the Humans, it was time to think of the future. The Giants could not always fight. If they continued expansion without stabilization, they would overextend and could brake from within. A time of peace would have to follow like it did after the first wave of expansion that had ended 38 years ago. It had worked then, it was the right think now. But besides internal stability, foreign affairs would have to be a task on the schedule this time.

The Odinweyjan seamed like a good people to get started. The Jotunn had no intention of owning the hard, barren rock up in the north, that the Odinweyjan called home and having them as friends could be beneficial. He reckoned, that the Gothi had already had some contact with those people and they had identified a number of their Gods, that presumptively had shaped Uthgard during the Creation as well. - As far as anyone could be certain about the Gods' plans.
The Gothi also noticed, that the Jotun language and the Odinweyjan language were in fact just two dialects of mostly the same language. Just shifting the intonation allowed the natives of one language to find a basic level of communication with the other. Dangerous were only the small part of unique words that both languages had. It posed a danger of mistranslations and misinterpretations, when men who had not learned the differences of the languages from the sages spoke with another.
However, by now sufficient numbers of translators were available in the towns of the northern coast.

King Tryggva decided two measures to improve the relations. Measure one would be to open trade between the two nations.
He ordered an emissary to come to him, that would memorize a diplomatic message to bring to the island in the north. With it he sent three amphorae of honey and three barrels of ale as a gift.

A moon later, the emissaryhad found his way to Odinwey and to their Lawspeaker.

"Honored Lawspeaker Guðfinn Guðfinnsson Einar,

Even though a formal system of peerage that surpasses borders has yet to be established, we were created by our gods with an inherit knowledge of the concept. In this sense, King Tryggva would like to present you this gift and his recognition from one ruler to another in the hopes that you are willing to return the recognition.

Besides his goodwill, the King thinks, that the two nations could benefit from cooperation: He has seen one of your ships passing our shores and even though it was rather small and seamed almost fragile, it was fast and - even more surprisingly - it comfortably managed waves, that would threaten our bigger boats. He is not afraid to admit, that our people were not created with knowledge of shipbuilding that is anywhere near your skill. The only factor that favors our boats is, that we have in our lands wide reaches of the most formidable forests on the face of this world. We thus offer you to supply your wharfs with the best planks, beams and masts you can get anywhere but in return we ask for one out of every five ships you build from these materials.

So spoke King Tryggva and I, his humble bard Johan would be honored to return your reply.

The second measure was the order to create a book of the difference between the two languages, that would enable anyone able to read to learn the other language, without a sage to mentor him. They had a good graphite ink, but King Tryggva wanted not to write it on parchment and wanted paper for that. At the Creation, there had been a number of good sheets of paper in his realm but none of his people had been able to create such material since then. However, he thought, just as there were the Odinweyjan, who had been granted the skills of ship-building, there would certainly be other races that the gods created with the knowledge of paper-making, maybe even among the races, that they had already established relation with over the last decades (Paper manufacturing had not exactly been the top priority topic in those first contact situations). He thus send out men skilled in diverse languages, to the realms to the south and west, to find such folks.

[Aden Protectorate]

Þjóðveldið Óðinnwey

Port of Faxeboi

From the Port of Faxeboi, the great harbour of the world and home to the Fleet of Faxeboi, lead by the accomplished sailor, general, and former Lawspeaker Harðurreglustiku Hagardsson Einar - one would thing that the recent events in the Alþing the general would be down, that was not the case - for even though the Miðsvæðis (Centre-authority) had refused to bestow patronage to his expedition, his cousin the current Lawspeaker had snuck in something even more beneficial to the Great Fleet.

He had abolished all the restrictions on the fleet to raid the Great Southern Coast, previously it required the assent of the local Þing of Faxeboi, and the assent of every höfðingi that had a kinsmen participating in the raid - but in a stroke of utter brilliance Guðfinn Guðfinnsson Einar had used the popular hatred of the Varðrada faction to further their own agenda! Brilliant! However of course the register system remained, requiring raid leaders to collect the names of everyone aboard and register it with the local Þing so that proper mourning could be completed.

Within a day or two the expedition was ready, three-hundred battle-hardened men were aboard, their rounded shields painted with the symbols of their kynþátt. They had fur clothing their bodies, metal plates covering key areas, and two battle-axes strapped to their backs. Their arms were bare, showing huge muscular arms painted with symbols depicting victory and praying for their victory. They all loaded onto their designated ship and the fleet embarked, ready to take on the útlendingur to the south.

This would be the largest raid since the law was passed in the Alþing, many independent raiding parties had departed within the space of the few weeks, and all came back home rich in plunder. This raid however was expected to be the most successful, numbers and leadership counted for a lot in their favour.

House of the Lawspeaker, Þinguppgjör

Guðfinn Guðfinnsson Einar rested at the hearth of the House of the Lawspeaker, the designated home of the Lawspeaker for their three-year term. He poured over the epic Is Saga - written by the skáld Þórvaldr Hjaltason told the story of the Three Sisters of the Isle of Faxe - who claimed descent from the Goddess Þórarinn, the deity associated with the love, fire, and volcanoes, and patron of the three sisters - it told of how they defied Þórarinn, who subsequently after turned them into volcanoes.

Guðfinn was a lover of poetry, which flourished in Óðinnwey, long had his people appreciated the arts more than most, a good skáld would often get far, becoming the leader of his local Þing or even heading the Alþing as Lawspeaker, as Guðfinn had done. For you see Guðfinn had been schooled under Thori Thorisson, the Greatest skáld of this era, and had even started a saga himself - though he was far from done, for sagas required a long time and it often took a lifetime for one to be done.

He put down the saga and went to his private study, which was no more than a secluded room with oaken table. There lay his master piece, the Drekkin Saga - which told of the God Drekkin and his deeds. Their was a faint knock on the door followed by an opening of the door. In a servant brought a letter. She laid it on the desk. After finishing the particular sentence he was working on he put down his quill and read over the letter - what an interesting proposal, despite some odd words here and there and some odd grammar the writer-turned-politician found it very interesting, very interesting in deed.

He quickly took the letter in hand and burst out of the room, he commanded a servant to come with him. He quickly called on his Chief Servant, a man by the name of Olav Olfsson, he was 7'4 and Guðfinn was 7'5.

"Collect some of the finest tapestries we have, a rune-stone carving, and a copy of the Óðinnweyjan Saga (an epic that told of the history of the Óðinnweyjan people)."

"Yes sir."

Within two days the reply had been written, the news had spread all over the country, and a special session of the Alþing had been called to discuss the future relationship within the next two weeks, the ship with the reply had sailed off along with the gifts collected by Guðfinn and a representative, an adventurous skáld by the name Jyoþá Jansson who was looking for inspiration for his saga.

Hail good King from the South Sea! Greetings from the people and Alþing of Óðinnwey and their leader the Lawspeaker Guðfinn Guðfinnsson of the Kynþátt of Einar!

Then the gods have created you well, good king for we were born with the same inherent understanding of peerage between states, you are so kind to recognize us that I am overjoyed to recognize you in return. I must comment that your language resembles our own tongue - in fact I was able to read through it without much difficulty. I have included in your gifts the Óðinnweyjan Saga, the antional epic of our people so you may better understand us.

We have long sailed past your coast, in fact we have mapped it with precision and with my representative, Jyoþá Jansson, we have sent a detailed and fine map of your coasts, printed on animal hide-paper. Mutual cooperation is the best thing for us, and since you have offered so generously we would be humbled and gracious if we could import some of your lumber for our shipbuilding, which we need in our current conflict against the útlendingur to our south and your west. If your majesty would allow it we would wish to establish a small settlement on the coast to import this lumber to our craftsmen in the port of Faxeboi.

May Snorri bless you and your people for all eternity!

[Russian people of america]

Fercini Kingdom, Year 86


The Western Reptiles, Rulers of the Western half of the island of Xirantina. They are Warriors, farmers, craftsman, and sailors. They are the Enemy's of the vicious and barbaric eastern reptiles, who enslave, pillage and kill their neighbors. The council is deciding how to best handle this situation. Nearby Passerby's can hear the whispers and discussion's going on within the debate room, they hear the majority of Reptiles demanding blood, others want a more peaceful approach to the matter at hand. Finally a decision is made, the Army's will be deployed to defend the borders, no offensive attack will happen. Of course they would't attack, their aren't that many reptiles, despite the high birth rate. One lizard slipped away, dressed in a dark cloak, a silver dagger seen in his hand. As one of the senator's left, one could only look away as the attack happened, and when it was over the senator lay in a pool of blood, the same dagger used to stab him lay at his side. Yet he was breathing, alive, and within another few minutes he was rushed to the local dentist, who happened to also serve as a primitive doctor. He would survive, and would one day rule the republic.

[Claanyad]

Olktokth

Vraksakth, the Capital of Olktokth
Mid-Autumn, 86th Year

The arrival of a smelly, young man dressed in the traditional 'uniform' of a guard from the Northern Laksolkt lands in the Great City during a cold Autumn could mean many things - but some in the High Council knew that the arrival only heralded bad news on all fronts. Two city guards had escorted him to the Stone Palace along the road from the Vas-Gate to the city itself, and they had brought him in front of the High Council immediately. Evidently he had been sharing his story with the guards, as both shared a concerned look upon their faces. The man himself held only a pained and horrified expression, as if he had seen a massacre. But then again, the thought could never be removed from one's mind. As the man struggled to gain his composure, General Zromskakhts Zrums Vaskakhts stood close to the man and spoke, his voice with an authoritative tone.
"You are standing in front of the Zrams of the Olktokth. Kneel, man!"
"That will do, Vaskakhts. We don't know what horrors this man has seen. Give him room." The Head Councillor said in an authoritative tone. Vaskakhts returned to his seat, bowing to the Zrams as he did so. The Head Councillor motioned for the Zrams to initiate the conversation. He needed the skills. Zrams Uths Kakhtsasht knew that he would need to be kind to this man. He motioned to a servant to fetch him a drink, and she obliged. The Zrams walked closer to the Guard, whose head was still lowered and bowed.
"You are from the North?" He finally asked, crossing his arms.
The man looked up at him, before answering, "Yes, my Zrams."
"Where from?"
"A Laksakth named Lrosasht. It's west of the City of Lrosakth."
The Zrams nodded, "I haven't been to the North, but I know of your rulers. Who is the Zromskakhts of the village?"
This question evidently troubled the man, but he answered slowly, "Zrums Lukszrams. I am not sure what became of him after I left."
Again nodding, Zrams Uths Kakhtsasht continued, "I knew of him. He was a good man. Tell me what happened - from the beginning."
The guard nodded. "It was night time. Most of the guards were sleeping, but a few of us were awake. We had to patrol the village, in case anything happened - you know, tavern brawls or the like. Suddenly, the walls erupted in flame, and North-Men... or at least, I think they were North-Men - attacked us."
The General pounded his fist on the table, "I knew it! I told you that those North-Men would be bad news! No doubt they are planning an invasion as we speak!"
Zrams Kakhtsasht motioned for him to stop speaking, then looked towards the Guard to continue.
"I went and got the Zromskakhts - he blew his horn to tell the guards to come to him. And then I had to leave... I mean, he told me to. To get your help."
"And so you're here."
The Guard nodded. The Zrams sighed. He had hoped that the colder months would not herald North-Man attacks, but evidently that was what happened. Suddenly, the Zrams noticed a blood patch on his armour. "What's this?"
The guard looked down, "I had to fight my way out of a mêlée. I am not sure if I killed anyone in the hurry, but I did manage to escape."
The Zrams furrowed his brow. He knew that the General was thinking the same thing. While the guard was looking down, Kakhtsasht nodded towards the general. He picked up a wooden and blunted knife and threw it towards the Guard's head. He caught it by the hilt before it even touched him. All in the council gasped, save for the Zrams.
"Anyone to escape from a North-Man raid when you have been ambushed, in panic and most importantly, outnumbered in a mêlée has to be an impressive fighter. What's your name?"
The Guard dropped the wooden knife, and replied, "Maft Khaskukhts. I don't have an earned-name, yet."
Zrams Kakhtsasht nodded. "From now on, your earned name will be Aths*. I have not seen anyone do successfully what you just did. Furthermore, you shall be the captain of my guard."
Though still surprised by the fact that he was given an earned-name, he nodded at the prospect of being on the Zrams' guard. Zrams Kakhtsasht looked towards the Head Councillor.
"Zrumskakhts, I want you to go to the City of Lrosakth. You will board a boat from there which will take you to the North-Man territory. Fly the flag of our people as well as a black flag - hopefully they will take it to mean a flag of truce. Do not go on a military ship - travel on a small merchant vessel. I am sure treasurer Uthskukhts has a ship for you, and you can probably find someone in Lrosakth who speaks their language."
The treasurer nodded in affirmation, and the Head Councillor responded to the Zrams' order.
"Very well, my Zrams. It shall be as you say."
Talking to the General, the Zrams continued, "Vaskakhts, you will set this man up for his duties as the head of the guard. Give him an office in the palace, accommodation and his uniform for his time ahead. He shall be on the High Council also - it's your job to make sure he is ready."
"Yes, Zrams." He took the guardsman by the shoulder, and as they left the room, he could be heard saying, "First off, less of that leather. You need plate metal."
"Does anyone else have anything?"
The other councillors shook their heads. He dismissed them all, and most left save for the Head Councillor, who, as always, stayed behind.
"Well done at your delegation. You look and sound more like you father each day. I am sure he would be proud."
"Thank you, Head Councillor," the Zrams responded. "Vraksatth be with you on your journey."
Both men patted each other across the shoulder, a traditional respect. The Head Councillor left, and the Zrams walked around the throne room. He did not know whether the North-Men would invade or stick to raiding, but either way, he knew that further raids could follow both ways unless something was done.

[Aidannadia]

Baransu City, Baransu-Year 86
"I now bring this meeting of the Council of Balance to an end. I wish you all a good day." The Grand Scalemaster Ja'nii Baelnz said, her voice resounding among the chambers. The councilmembers all got up and left, leaving the Scalemaster to her lonesome in the temple. The meeting was fairly standard, discussing the spread of the Balance to other nations, as well as internal threats to the religion.

Ja'nii walked home alone, to her extravagant house near the the temple and came home to her husband tending the pupa. "Hello, my little mushroom." She said to Haln. He was a good husband, tending to the pupa with great care. They would be emerging as young ones in a month or so.

"How was the meeting."

"Routine. Seems we are getting more converts in the west, though the Noln are so backwards; they can't seem to be reasoned with. The sooner we wipe them out the better."

---

Shawmi Ya looked over Baransu from the top of the capitol. The city was smaller than other cities in land mass, but the actual beauty of it was unmatched in the eastern world. This was the grandest place in the world beyond a doubt and yet..... it was not good enough for Shawmi. The city was not yet perfect. It was definitely missing something, but that something always eluded her.

Her chamber down were forcefully opened and in came her secretary, Jau. He was a handsome young man, and it was no secret this was the reason she had hired him. Her job was stressful after all, but looking at Jau seemed to lift her spirits.

"Madam Peacekeeper, Councilmember Xen wants to speak with you."

"Send him in." Councilmember Xen was Shawmi's eyes to the inner workings of the council. No doubt Ja'nii knew of this, but there wasn't much that the Scalemaster could do. If she fired Xen, people would most likely, and quite correctly, call her out for being sexist.

Xen entered the chamber and said. "Hello, Madam Peacekeeper. The meeting today was rather standard. No new developements to report. The Council discussed the Cult of Chaos at length, and there seems to be more activity from them in this city over the last few weeks."

"Thank you, Xen. You may go." The cult was nothing more than a few incompetent anarchists. There activity has been increasing in the area for a while now, and they were no doubt planning something, but the group was decentralized and rather easy to deal with. Calling it a group wasn't even that accurate in and of itself. It was more like many like-minded individuals that agree that all Order should die.

Shawmi looked over the city again. Change was coming to Baransu, for better or worse.

---

An Isemur figure sat in a circle among their kin around a glorious fire this night. The figure stared into the fire, it's beauty caressing the wood and consuming it in flames.

"Why have you asked us all to meet?" A different figure inquired.

"I agree. This is not safe." An Isemuri replied, his cloak darker than the rest. "We should be more careful when it comes to meetings-"

"My fellow enlightened ones, I have asked you here today to discuss a venture of joint interest. I require nothing of you, as Chaos teaches us, but to not accept would bring one's faith in the cosmic entropy into question..." The figure began.

"Would you just spit it out already?" The dark-cloaked one snapped to the figure.

A slight chuckled was heard coming from the figure as she stabbed into the dark-cloaked one. "I would not try to order me. Let this be a lesson to the rest of you. Now, as I was saying....." The figure continued. "There comes a time in every beings life where they are presented with an opportunity that they cannot afford to miss. I believe the opportunity of a lifetime is here for all of you tonight. I have a plan that will allow the combined individuals of Chaos to finally put Order in check and Balance the scales of life once again. No longer will we be forced to do anything. No longer will that tyrant Shawmi Ya have control over this great land of Balance, and we will decapitate the spineless head of Ja'nii Baelnz as an example to generation to come and say 'This i what happens to those who do not act.' So, tell me my like-minded individuals, is this the opportunity we have been waiting for?!" The figure stood over the crowd, their figure visible in the light of the flame as the crowd cheered.

[Kaledoria]

Uthgard, Kingdom of the Jotun Giants.
Summer, Year 86

King Tryggva was happy to hear, that Lawspeaker Guðfinn agreed to the trade deal. In a year or two, he would not only have ships like the Odinweyjan, he would have ships like the Odinweyjan made out of Uthgard wood!

He was unsure about the request for settlement rights and discussed it with his Kanceler Trampe:
"On the one hand, it will mean, that for the time they will take care of all the shipping. Even better should they decide to build a wharf here, to save on the cost and risk for the transportation, they will likely need local workforce. This is a great opportunity. However I'm uncertain about allowing them to settle on our coasts. We would not have any overview, what they ship out of our lands or into it. I would suggest Glaskjeklippen instead."
The Kanceler seamed uncertain: "If we allowed them on our mainland, and they turned on us, we could just send our troops in and arrest them all. If we have them on our islands, they could just seal the island of, with their fleet."
"If they turn on us, they can simply send in their fleet and block our access to our lands, no matter where their settlement is." The Kanceler could not think of another argument for wither point and so Glaskjeklippen it was. Emissary Johan had already found his way around on Odinnwey, so he was chosen again to deliver the message:

Honored Lawspeaker Guðfinn Guðfinnsson of the Kynþátt of Einar,

The King thanks you for your gift. He is looking forward to learn more about your language and your people through it.
We welcome the trade and would like to offer you the north-western coast of the Isle of Glaskjeklippen, the eastern one of the larger isles in front of our coast. Your sailors probably know it from the huge cliffs at it's northeastern end, going straight up from the see to over a thousand feet height. The rest of the isle features level shores, some hot springs and a few wind-shielded valleys, that, so far, are only used by a few villages and cottages in he south and southeast.

The King ended with wishing you the blessings of the Sea God and made this humble bard remember this message word by word.

"By the way, Johan," the King asked his emissary, right before he left, "What does this word mean: "útlendingur"? ... Something-men..." Johan frowned: "I had heart this word, too. Maybe related to our word "utland" - "foreign". But it seams to be more of a generic insult. They didn't call us that way - at least not when I was listening."



Autumn, Year 86
The southern front

The King had decided, that the plan to finally break Braunwalder resistance was, to wait for the winter. The Jotunn and their serfs would harvest the fields and secure the foodstuff for the local population hiding in their woods and caves and where-ever. Then, once the winter came the resistance would come to the giants begging to become vassals.

Jarl Angaster was watching over a local tribe of humans, who had been reinforced with farmers from home to harvest the Goblin wheat. It was evening and they were about to deliver the grain of the day to the nearest fortification when a guard shouted alarm. Since they were discovered, the Braunwalders jumped up, out of the high grass, and charged towards the wagons.

The Jarl blew his horn and his men formed a semi-circle around their stuff. He counted and it were at least 200 attackers against 15 giants and 20 men. By itself an equal fight, which (alongside the renown Goblin cowardliness) was probably the reason, the Goblins did not finish their charge, none of them was willing to throw his body onto a Jotun spear, only in order to maybe create and opening in their battle line, so that his friend could possibly cross the distance and land a strike.

But that by itself were not the full numbers. As the attackers tried to circle around the Uthgard formation, their reinforcements, alarmed by the horn, appeared from behind the nearby grassy knoll. Ten humans on horseback and twenty Goblin warriors mounted on Wolves, lead by Angaster's Huskarl Jofke on his chariot.

"Kills that guy with the horn," the Braunwalder leader shouted, maybe hoping to win the fight by demoralizing the Uthgard men through killing their leader but the desperation of the plan did not make it a good one. The Uthgard men formed an sheltron of alternating Giant and Human sized shields, a massive wall around Angaster with only his spear pointing out. Even though the Goblins were as well prepared as their limited resources allowed them - they had packed long-spears as their primary weapons - the overlapping round shields blocked any vital areas and they were only able to get in a few minor strikes to three of the giants' feet and one to a momentarily exposed weapon arm. Their desperation grew, as the cavalry approached and as the first javelin of one of the horsemen struck one of the Goblins in the back, killing him outright, they were instantly broken. "Make prisoners, if it's convenient," Jarl Angaster shouted laughing and to add insult he repeated it in the language of his enemies, that he had gotten some rudimentary knowledge of during the last three month.


Still Autumn, Year 86
The western front

King Tryggva was personally overseeing the campaign against the humans. They had long been on the defense, while the troops had been needed in the south but now it was his time to strike back. His first move was to attack in the north, take their coastal town and then secure the river. He was going to control, what of this war would reach the outside, as he was still worried to gain a reputation as a warmonger (which honestly he kind of was).

Initially, the humans had surprised him. They were more ferocious warriors, then expected: Dressed in furs or naked, covered in mud, they suddenly came down from the treetops and assaulted his vanguard with volleys of javelins and small throwing axes.

His troops had retreated but as they reached the main part of the army, the situation turned around. The Jotun hirdmen charged and the enemy skirmishers realized, that those long legs of the Giants came with a speed advantage, too. It was also the moment, that the humans realized, that shields were of limited use in melee against a giant, as one in two Jotunn (of this army) was equipped with a large, heavy axe, able to split a wooden shield in two with a single strike.

The humans fled and many were killed.

The armies had earned first experiences with one another and adapted: The humans fortified themselves behind the wooden walls of their town, while Tryggva had realized, that the enemy lacked decent armor and had thus ordered more ranged weapons and a few more Gestir (fighting humans and goblins).

They lay siege to Kimberport for only 2 weeks. But the Jotunn did not have to construct elaborate siege engines, they just had to wait for one of the creatures, their animal trainers at home had trained. Then in the 15th night, the Giants approached the city walls under the protection of very large wooden screens. As they parted, a mammoth stepped through their ranks and went up against the wall. Under the enormous weight, the wall broke down with a horrible sound of breaking wood. The mammoth pulled back and as the first waves of humans, Goblins and war dogs was send through the breach, the mammoth approached another part of the palisade. At the same time, Goblin moose riders had approached the walls and shot volleys of burning and screaming arrows over the walls, just to increase the general chaos on the other side.
In the morning, the city was taken, and their defenders were killed or captured, even though the collateral damage was slightly higher then Tryggva had hoped.

The King was approached by a Volva. The large (well ... fat) Jotun women was a high ranking member of the magically oriented hierarchy and even the King was required to pay her respect, so he bowed. She had a large round shield with her, that she carried like a dinner plate. On top of it was a dead gopher, it's skull had been cracked open by getting smashed on the shield boss, the blood splatters carefully measured and afterwards the entrails were cut out with a sharp, very short knife. "The omens are clearer then usual my King. You must act quickly because the enemy is going to strike back, he massed his troops at at the center of his realm and now he plans to push through in the middle between this army here and your southern one."
"When?"
"Soon!"

King Tryggva grinned. His enemies were strategically able. They could lay waste to the entire lands between their border and the Swartkoppen Mountains. He would have to rush his army to the protection to prevent the worst damage and he would have to move at faster then the save speed. It was such a good plan because he saw the trap but had no decent option but to step into it nevertheless. This war would not be won by strategy alone but by brute force, too. He thought aloud: "They will not stay stationary in the central west. It would allow our northern and southern army to approach them at once and crush them from both sides. They will move towards one of the armies to catch them in the hasty transit. And those men do not seam to be the ones, who would strike at the lower ranking of two leaders, while avoiding the more prestigious target. Prepare a bird with one of those messenger spells that make it fly directly to the Seidmadra in Jarl Oddar's army in the south. Write him a note, that he should not react to this development should they have heart of it already. Instead he should spread his army out and take as much of the Teutobochen lands as he can in short time. We will take care of their army and once we did, I do not want them to be able to retreat back into the safety of their lands."

[The Olog-Hai]

Somewhere in the Tribe of Battelia...
"I've seen other land."
"How?"
"I was out for a morning flight, and I saw land in the middle of the water."
"Others have probably seen it. No need to report it to the shamans."

Elsewhere....
"Krelneh, I have gotten a better view of the others."
"Good, Markah. What do they look like?"
"They look..... well, they look the purple rocks we sometimes find. Softer, but the same color."
"Interesting.... go find out more."
Tavrinth called in Mimlek.
"There have been further developments. We know more about them. Go to the shamans and try to get even more information"
"Yes, Krelneh."

[Terminus Alpha]

Off the coast of the Northern Lands

The lands of the North had always been a place of savagery. It's people fought amongst themselves with little provocation, and the wars they waged were always more violent than the Cult's Holy Dictate permitted. Rape and pillage, burn and salt, all for little to no gain in the eyes of the Duo. The Rapturings were a kindness that the Duo blessed these savages with, one that many thought that they didn't deserve. But, every decade, the ship of the Cult would sweep North, not to take earthly plunder, but to seize uneducated Pagans. Whole villages were carried in chains to the boats of the Cult and resettled on the Blessed Isles, to await their transformation into Kulthists.

Fleetmaster Kul'gyh was the leader of this Rapturing, and he lead a fleet of hundreds of ships. Most of these were simple cogs, meant to carry the Pagans and the forces of the Rapturing. The remainder of the Fleet were ships decorated - and armed - to impress. These Ocean-going galleys had been painted white and black, and sailed under the colors of their patron. On deck, ballista lined the sides of the ships and were accompanied by archers. Below the decks labored the rowers, a motley crew of criminals condemned to serve in the fleet, and the Unrefined, those Pagans who had converted but not yet Refined into true Kulthists. These men and women would serve as emissaries to the villages of the Pagans, proposing that they join the Cult willingly. Often - after the Cult completed a few tasks to win their loyalty - they did. But more often, the Pagans of the North rebuked the emissaries, sending them - or their heads - back to the Fleet. This was the current dilemma. Two groups of emissaries had been dispatched, both did not come back.

"Fleetmaster" spoke Jul'tha, one of the lesser captains of the fleet, "I believe that the tribe in the East, those that call themselves Aurelic, are our most pressing concern. They seem too not be as disorganized as the other tribes of the North."

The Fleetmaster considered this for a moment before speaking

"That is true. But they seem to be of a more hardy stock. Many of the tribals around here pay tribute to them, and they do not raid these 'Aurelics' as they do each other. I will not see this Rapturing shattered because we struck the stronger foe. Jkal'thay!"

A slender Kulthist walked into the Fleetmaster's quarters. His black robes signified a Devout of Purity - and their total lack of color signified a Hushed One, a Kulthist so devoted to purity that they swore never to speak, lest they betray their Purity, and be forced into Reincarnation.

"I wish for more information about these 'Aurelics.' Take a boat of soliders and acquire as much information as possible, and report back a week from now."

The slender black figure subtly nodded, and departed the Quarters.

"Now, Jul'tha, I wish for you to raid the unorganized villages of the West. Take a Command* of soldiers and come back with double your number."

"As you will, sir."

*Command of soldiers = Around 100 soldiers.

[Argentumurbem]

The Deep Forest



The messenger raced from branch to branch, mouth opening out in to a snarl as he neared the tunnel limit. Before him the gnarled timber started to glow with the golden rays of sunlight. Eyes slowly opening, the errant-boy started to grind its teeth. A dozen trips had already been made out on the plains outside of the cold stone and each time he had returned wishing that he did not have to go back out. If he was not going out to raid then there was no reason for him to be so far away from the comforting warmth of the deep stone.

"What are you doing here?" hissed a Talip, revealing itself from a hollow in one of the sun-drenched tree trunks. "What do the Gallae want from us?"

"Service!" the messenger hissed, enjoying the same-telltale signs of discomfort. Only one of the Delkhar now had the arrogance to demand such a thing. "Tell the others: gather in Cairnople. The Crowned has spoken to the Gods and they have demanded blood!"

[Hastiaka]

The Aurelic Dominion
Firstwatch Isle • Eldenport • Aurien's Hall


Eldenport Aurien's Hall

Counsel Hall • Central Structure • Aurien's Hall

The fleets of the south were being redirected north in order to ensure the security of Aetherwynd isle. An accord was being made up north. An accord that might just change the face of the western world. However, the Golden Fleet is directing expansion efforts further south. Down south, Elven Supremacists rule and influence the land. Eldenport is not exempt from this influence. Currently, Grand Admiral Aryanne is visiting Firstwatch Isle and will have a talk with the Aurien.

The Eldenport Hall was much more grander than others. It was bigger and stronger than most Aurien's Hall. Aurien Erthade Tralaquil is the leader of the town. The two sat in the table and began talks about the current state of politics.

''Aurien Erthade, what do you think of the current monarch of the Dominion?'' the Admiral kept on questioning the Aurien.

''Eldenport supports the Monarchy and the Dominion. This is the home of the Firstwatch Navy. The scourge of the southern seas! Although, we have sent most of it up north.'' the Aurien lowered her tone.

''I offer you the perfect proposition. Are you interested?'' the Admiral's smug face worried the Aurien much.

''Kindly leave my Hall at once. Take your fleet and go to Sunspear Point and expand there if you wish. I never heard anything and i won't accuse you of anything. But if you move, Eldenport will resist all kinds of corruption. Now, leave my citadel!'' the Aurien shouted.

''Very well.'' and she added, ''Suit yourself. It's coming...'' she left with confidence.

[Claanyad]

Olktokth

Winter, 86th Year

The ice and snow had come almost as soon as Winter had - from the furthest reaches of the north to the fertile and dense south, a thick white layer of snow covered the ground. Some would consider it a godsend, others a beautiful wonder of nature. For the people of the Olktokth, though, it was a different story. In Vraksakth, for example, peasants trawled the streets, only with a faint memory of the times before, when they could dance in the streets of their city. But this had happened every year before, and as the citizens resented it, so too did they come to expect it. But as the food supplies slowly emptied, and even though they lived safe in the knowledge that they would probably survive with what food they had, the nights grew longer, and the days colder.
The mountains were even more so, as Vraksolkt people had to hide out in their shelters or descend the mountains to live with the Laksolkt. Naturally, they were not too happy about it, as the Laksolkt and the Vraksolkt had always shared a rivalry of sorts, though they had become more united by the Olktokth. But as they descended, people knew that until the end of the season, they would be forced to live closer together. Many people, Laksolkt and Vraksolkt, had begun a mass exodus to Vraksakth, the capital. It held the largest population, safety from many of the elements, and a wall to keep them from enemies. They would be safe for the moment there. They hoped at least.

[Hastiaka]

The Aurelic Dominion
Northwatch • Lilmlion city • Northern Fleets Command


Port Inhelian, Gateway to Lilmlion city

Ravenfire Castle, Home of Northwatch's Kinlord

The castle fire gave warmth to the battle-hardened Commanders and Officers that sat around the long crystal table. Eagle banners were proudly displayed in the walls of the great castle. Servants stood aside and are waiting for orders. Kinlord Vorian Silinwatch is the ruler of the Province of Northwatch. Located in the Mainland continent, this province has the largest Military population and has the most well disciplined Militia within the Dominion.

Northwatch has a different story. Northmen would travel down and raid several Dominion villages without provocation. But times has since then changed. After the foundation of Lilmlion, the Aureals pushed the original inhabitants back. Northwatch is the only province where there is an existing army. Thousands of soldiers come from two groups; The 34 Northwatch Marines and the 4 Northwatch Field Armies.

News of Humans ''sinking'' an expedition ship has reached town and the citizens of Lilmlion city are outraged. Thousands are protesting the actions done by the Humans. Meanwhile, the Generals and Admirals of the Northwatch Fleet and Field Armies have been gathered by the Kinlord.

''Kinlord Vorian, we ask to deploy the 2nd Northwatch Field Army to the Olk-? to the Olk-folk's territory. Their unprecedented move against our expedition is condoned! We must act swift before they start a counter attack.'' suggested Admiral Norionil.

''Wait a minute!'' shouted a low-ranking officer from afar. ''Should we reason with the Olk-folks? Maybe it's a misunderstanding!'' then, a slam was heard.

''BLASPHEMY! Those Humans sank our ship and we'll sink their entire race! Let's show them what Aurealic superiority is like. I vouch for sending the 2nd Field Army to their territory.'' Commodore Erundil ranted.

The Kinlord was divided. He had chosen to stay neutral on the politics of the two factions of the Dominion. But such neutrality is about to fade. With most if not, all the commanding officers in Northwatch being Supremacists, he had no choice but to send the 7,000-strong army to invade the border of the Olk-folks.

''Send the 2nd Field Army and the Militia. Make sure to set foothold in the borderlands.''

[The Olog-Hai]

After a break, more of the adventures of the marvelous rehkoke!
"Syralth, higher shaman, I have found out something new."
"What is it, good Rehkoke, my apprentice?"
"I found out something new. So, if we take our wings, and sit on a big piece of wood in the water, the wind will push you and the piece of wood in the direction of the wind."
"This is very interesting. I will investigate this farther, and tell the high shamans."

Later...
"Krelneh, my apprentice has found out something ingenious."
"What is it this time, Syralth? He has already done so much..."
"This time, he found our that if one sits on a piece of wood in the water, and opens their wings, the wind will push them and the wood in the direction of the wind."
"You and him will be elevated, and we will find substitutes for wings, as your wings begin to hurt after be open for a long time."

[Acruan]

The Acruani Collective
Arushin Island, First City
Second Sixth of 86th year of the First Calendar

A rainy day outside one of the obelisks. In one of its rooms, having a clear view of the outside, 12 Acruani stood around a table made of the crystalline material as the building itself. In that room, each of the vaguely human-looking statue-like beings was made of a different stone, metal or wood and had a different colored stone in their forehead. Over their body, each had a simple piece of rough cloth and no real ornaments.

"Will it take much longer?" The one with a red jewel in their forehead spoke with a feminine voice, "The Gray is already too late."

A moment later, the one with a blue jewel calmly spoke, "The sun isn't even set yet, they still have time." The room that had been in silence for over an hour simply returned to it, and remained so until its door was opened by another Acruani, this one made of blackish smooth stone with a strangely bright gray jewel on its forehead, "All of you seem as early as always." They said before taking a seat on the only empty chair.

"Now that we are all here, we may begin." The Blue spoke once more before looking about, feeling how about half of them already wished the meeting that hasn't even begun to end already, "As it was spoken in our last meeting by the Brown, our first batch of the new ships is already fully operational and 9 collectives have already volunteered people for possible expeditions. I recommend for us to select some Prime Heads or individuals from the ships own crew for the ships leadership. And yet another one to control the fleet."

The White began speaking briefly afterwards, "We also need to give them a prop-" They however, suddenly stopped, their gaze, both the White's and the others turning to the Gray, "You may speak first. Your ideas are always the most resplendent."

"I request control of the First Fleet and all the ultramarine affairs." The room simply went back to a silence that even The Gray considered dreadful, even if he knew that half of them were more than accepting and most of the rest did not mind how the matter would end.

After several silent moments, The Blue said, "Since there are no complains. May it be announced that The Keeper of The Gray is now responsible for the First Fleet and all Acruani ultramarine affairs."

The rest of the meeting went through several topics going from the birth rate to new building plans at the port towns to the state of several of the villages that dotted the island.

Arushin Island, Northern Port Town of Azuerath
Second Sixth of 86th year of the First Calendar

Just off from the coast, nine medium wooden ships with triangular and quadrangular sails just set off. The ships carried varied goods and at least, one 'scholar' though it was harder to find the one in the ship that couldn't call himself such. Though all the ships seemed perfectly the same, one of them had different colored gray sails; said ship, being lead by no one other than The Keeper of The Gray.

Still on the port, several Acruani waved towards the ships, as if that was the most natural gesture to make to the ones departing in their journey towards the Rest of All, or simply new lands. While some of the people already considered, Arushin -the- All others had other thoughts. Some thought that everything was All and some thought that just the Acruani were the Many. That day, most of them simply wished the ones they knew a safe trip before going back to their usual day.

On the gray sailed ship, The Gray quickly spoke around to the sailors of the ship, "Have Cinnamon'Shayard signal the other ships. We need of those of Wind get us to move faster. We are going west. The mission for now is to acquire more information, we need maps, books, scrolls and any information not in one of those is to be noted so that we can bring back... Home." Though their voice was rather calm, all of the sailors there knew how happy The Gray was with their expedition. Most of the sailors raised an arm and cheered. Even if each of them had nothing visibly in common other than the shape of their body, they all cheered for all the possibilities to come.

For the following minutes the message was relayed around with nice used of light magic.

Coast of the Nameless Western Continent, The Gray's Ship
Third Sixth of 86th year of the New Calendar

"Keeper of the Gray, we have been sailing for days already going north along the coast and haven't landed once. Is this the best path to follow? Some of the Primes Heads of the other ships believe that we should explore inland before going further north," Said Cinnamon'Shayard, the one responsible for communication and general light spells.

The Gray, now no longer watching the coast, "We will continue along the coast, while it is possible for us to go inland, any seafaring group of beings would have a town along the coast. Therefore, our chances are higher this way. Go recommend the ones who are bored enough to have such idea to draw some of the birds flying by or the trees along the coast. That way they will not find such thoughts." Cinnamon'Shayard nodded as they left to spread the message.

The fleet had been sailing for several weeks already, gone west until they found a coast, before going northward, along the coast. As time passed, the ships went around the northeastern edge of the continent, but never going far off the coast even as they saw smaller pieces of land to the north, after all, this fleet's mission was for knowledge, not for land.