Kegyeleem: Magic and Realms (IC)

[Toaslandia]

The Baron saw the knight charging him and sidestepped, swinging his sword upwards at the knight.

[Dentali]

Announcement from the Kingdom of Dentali sent to every settlement in the Warzone and the leaders of respective forces

Dentali ships will begin shipping humanitarian aid to the peasants in the areas affected by the war. Citizens on both sides of the conflict will be eligible to receive aid, if military forces of one side prevent supplies from being delivered they will forfeit supplies for their people. Additionally Dentali will accept any and all refugees fleeing the conflict until such time as the conflict ends.

[North Acren]

Wilhelm receives word of the battles over in South Raznakova and decides to send a Warship carrying weapons and equipment to the Tzar. He includes a letter with the ship saying
"To whom this may concern,
I have heard of the problems you have been under and i have decided to help. Of course you may deny our help but all i am asking in return is trade. Thank you for your time, Wilhelm"

[Mersdon]

The Baron saw the knight charging him and sidestepped, swinging his sword upwards at the knight.

The man’s bane hardened gauntlet stopped the blade from finding purchase on the unyielding steel. The knight used the brass butt of his mace to club the Baron while one of the bandits wrestled him to the ground with one leap. Slowly, as more bandits died or made their way into the city to make it fall, more Raznakovan forces and Carinthian faces made themselves known. In the meantime, a large Exile brig was disabled in the battle right outside the harbor. All of a sudden, the crew dumped their cargo of tar and nitroglycerin on the deck, lit a match, and jumped overboard.
—
The leader of the bandits immediately impaled the Dentalian messenger upon reading the message. He penned back a letter stating that the bandits had no need for aid, and immediately killed all the prisoners held by the bandits. He then sent the messenger’s head back to Dentali. All refugees encountered in the Barony and on the high seas by the bandits and their mercenaries were slain immediately. The massive fireball in the harbor from the exploding ship rendered that port unusable, so if Dentali truly wanted to protect those refugees left, the Kingdom would have to intervene.

[Toaslandia]

Baron Pollux turned his sword and thrust it backwards into the bandit behind him when he heard a horn. 1,500 of the Order of Beacon's cavalry and hunters had arrived. The cavalry was heavily armored and so were the Hunters, who were trained to hunt monsters. They charged the bandits, Raznakovan, and Carinthian

[Drazar]

Drazar
Duke Edmond Bailey

News had reached Drazar of the chaos in Beaconia and Edmond was considering what to do. Now Beaconia may not be a very large nation but having chaos so close to Drazar was worrying. And Beconia could be a nice buffer state if Drazar achieved independence and Beaconia would be much easier to make an ally then a large empire. So Edmond decided to intervene in this conflict.

Now this of course left the issue that they were vassals of the Nosewagania´s and Emperor Horcegus II and they had not responded. but then again intervening without contacting them could help make the world see Drazar as more independent. Besides what would the emperor do Drazar was simply helping a neighbor. So the Edmond decided to do it to intervene in this conflict. A letter would be written to Baron Pollux reading.

To Baron Pollux of the Barony of Beconia,
Greetings from Drazar! The invasion of Beconia is incredibly unjust and Drazar wishes to offer assistance in this matter. I will personally be leading a force up to repel these bandits and invaders. We will take some time to mobilize of course but we have every intention of coming to your aid.
From Duke Edmond Bailey of the Duchy of Drazar

The call would be sent out the nobles of Drazar it was time to mobilize.

[Andsed]

This is just a sort of tag that I´m putting here so I can better keep an eye on this thread. Please ignore.

[Dentali]

Letter to Baron Pollux Pyrrha

One of our citizens under the flag of truce and representing the nation of Dentali on a humanitarian was butchered by bandits in your borders. We demand justice, please deliver the culprits to us immediately, if you need assistance to do so we will provide it. We will be sending representatives to your count under Master Jeremiah of the 3rd Circle of the Order of the Gryphon to your court to collect the culprits and represent the interests of the Kingdom of Dentali.

Under order from the Dentali King The Order of the Gryphon dispatched 6 knights under Master Jeremiah of the 3rd Circle to Beconia to investigate the murder of the messenger of the Kingdom.




DENTALI MILITARY REVIEW

Dentali Pikeman



Dentali Pikeman are the staple of their military formations. Made up of the peasant levy of Dentali their defensive focus often has Dentali armies plant themselves in a defensive position and force the enemy to come at them, letting them grind and wear themselves on Dentali Pikes. They are not killing machines, grreat warriors or elite troops but they have TREMENDOUS staying power and are extremely well equipped/ supplied.

Dentali Swordsmen



A flexible infantry unit, the swordsmen are often professional or semi-professional warriors who have enough skill to use swords and other weapons that take more skill to wield than a spear. They are called swordsmen but they are often equipped with other weapons of similar length such as maces, hammers and axes and shield. They are frequently placed on flanks or reserves where they can react to enemy movements and forces should they try and get around or break through the pike wall or where they can exploit an enemies weakness and counterattack.


Dentali Greatswords



When it comes time to go on the attack the heavy infantry of the Dentali Greatswords are counted on the cleave through the enemy. Wielding massive two handed swords and wearing extremely heavy armor these warriors can be found in the honor guard of most lords, they are a shock and awe unit meant to be pointed in a direction which they steamroll everything in their way. They are not flexible, they cannot hold the line well, but their charge is neigh unbeatable.



Dentali Haldberdiers



Essentially a much better equipped experienced and train version of spearmen whose halberds are used as 'can openers' for heavy armor. They are a standing force of units maintained by lords which train constantly, they have great strength and versatility on the battlefield and are truly deadly defensive units.


Dentali Crossbowmen



The Derntali have never had a strong tradition of archery or bowmanship but when the crossbow was invented they took to it and is now the ranged weapon of choice for the nation. Crossbows are much easier to use than bows as they require much less physical strength and practice to wield, enabling people to learn how to use them without much training. With most nations the downside of a crossbow is the difficulty involved in its production, but the massive industrial capacity of Dentali and its strong tradition of making complex products enables Dentali to easy combat this downside. They are an extremely common sight in the armies of Dentali.


Dentali Knight



Though Dentali is not ideal for raising horses the feudal traditions still created the mounted knight, which is considered elite among Dentali units. While Dentali has better units than other nations in a few categories their mounted contingent is not one of them. Not only are they few in number but the defensive focus of Dentali armies leads them to be less inclined towards the mounted charge and while they are certainly heavily equipped and protected thanks to the wealth of the riders they see much less action then their peers in other nations.

[Toaslandia]

Letter to Baron Pollux Pyrrha

One of our citizens under the flag of truce and representing the nation of Dentali on a humanitarian was butchered by bandits in your borders. We demand justice, please deliver the culprits to us immediately, if you need assistance to do so we will provide it. We will be sending representatives to your count under Master Jeremiah of the 3rd Circle of the Order of the Gryphon to your court to collect the culprits and represent the interests of the Kingdom of Dentali.

Under order from the Dentali King The Order of the Gryphon dispatched 6 knights under Master Jeremiah of the 3rd Circle to Beconia to investigate the murder of the messenger of the Kingdom.

(Image)


DENTALI MILITARY REVIEW

Dentali Pikeman

(Image)

Dentali Pikeman are the staple of their military formations. Made up of the peasant levy of Dentali their defensive focus often has Dentali armies plant themselves in a defensive position and force the enemy to come at them, letting them grind and wear themselves on Dentali Pikes. They are not killing machines, grreat warriors or elite troops but they have TREMENDOUS staying power and are extremely well equipped/ supplied.

Dentali Swordsmen

(Image)

A flexible infantry unit, the swordsmen are often professional or semi-professional warriors who have enough skill to use swords and other weapons that take more skill to wield than a spear. They are called swordsmen but they are often eqipped with other weapons of similar length such as maces, hammers and axes and shield. They are frequently placed on flanks or reserves where they can react to enemy movements and forces should they try and get around or break through the pike wall or where they can exploit an enemies weakness and counterattack.

Baron Pollux's vassal, Sir Adrina, received the letter and sent one in the Baron's stead.

Dear King of Dentali,
We are in desperate need of assistance. Razakovan mercenaries, bandits, and Carinthian forces have invaded our humble barony, even after we gave compensation. They murdered your messenger and our refugees trying to escape. Please assist us in defeating these invaders.
From, Sir Adrina, Baron Pollux's vassal and chancellor

[Dentali]

Letter to Baron Pollux Pyrrha

One of our citizens under the flag of truce and representing the nation of Dentali on a humanitarian was butchered by bandits in your borders. We demand justice, please deliver the culprits to us immediately, if you need assistance to do so we will provide it. We will be sending representatives to your count under Master Jeremiah of the 3rd Circle of the Order of the Gryphon to your court to collect the culprits and represent the interests of the Kingdom of Dentali.

Under order from the Dentali King The Order of the Gryphon dispatched 6 knights under Master Jeremiah of the 3rd Circle to Beconia to investigate the murder of the messenger of the Kingdom.

Baron Pollux's vassal, Sir Adrina, received the letter and sent one in the Baron's stead.

Dear King of Dentali,
We are in desperate need of assistance. Razakovan mercenaries, bandits, and Carinthian forces have invaded our humble barony, even after we gave compensation. They murdered your messenger and our refugees trying to escape. Please assist us in defeating these invaders.
From, Sir Adrina, Baron Pollux's vassal and chancellor

Letter from Master Jeremiah in route

I shall be representing the Kingdom in these matters, we shall be investigating the incident and finding those responsible. Your conflict is of no interest or concern of ours beyond humanitarian aid and finding those responsible for the death of our diplomat. We shall send a letter to the head of the Carinthian forces regarding our request.

[Drazar]

Drazar
Duke Edmond Bailey
Edmond sat upon his horse at the front of the army that was marching out to assist the Beconians. The force consisted of roughly 18,000 men with composition of the army roughly being:

2,000 Drazarian Noble Swordsmen:

The best of best of the Drazarian military being heavily armored and well equipped and given some of the best training imaginable they are elite fighters. They are mainly consisted of nobles who have trained their whole lives for this. They are mainly used for holding the line and fighting long grinding engagements being more defensive units.

3,000 Drazarian Axemen

They are shocktroopers being equipped with two handed axes used to penetrate though armor and being given light armor capable of blocking some indirect hits and giving them fast movement. Their ranks are mainly consisting of town military given better equipment so they have some training. They are used for quick offensive maneuvers and for plugging in gaps in a line due to their limited ability for prolonged combat.

7,000 Drazarian Spearmen

The main infantry of the Drazarian army.They are peasant levy given some basic training and some basic equipment. Their main purpose is simply to hold enemy's in place and act as the main infantry of the army being flexible with some decent staying power.

2,000 Drazarian Archers

They are the main skirmishers used in the Drazarian army. Their main purpose is to support the infantry and cavalry and help counter enemy skirmishers. Their ranks consist of former hunters and a few nobles so they have some good training. They have been given light armor that can block a indirect hit but not much along with a small knife for melee. Their bows are decently made as are their arrows so they are decently equipped in that department.

1,500 Drazarian Crossbowmen

They are the more powerful skirmishers used in the Drazarian army. They are used to deal with heavy infantry and other more heavily armored foes and act as reserve infantry if need be. Their ranks consist of mostly nobles who have trained their whole lives so they are well trained. Their armor is decent all things considered able to take a arrow or a indirect hit and they are given short swords so they can hold their own in melee combat though against well trained foes they won´t last forever. Their crossbows are well made as are their arrows making them very good at piercing heavy armor from long range.

1,000 Drazarian Heavy Lancers

They are elite shock cavalry who also serve as bodyguards for the Duke during combat. They are consisted of nobles who have trained their lives for this. They are heavily armored as our their horses and they uses lances during charges and armed with swords for more prolonged combat. They are used for fighting off enemy cavalry and for flanking.

1,500 Light Lancers

They are fast maneuverable cavalry used for quick and fast strikes. Their ranks are mostly town militia given better equipment so they have decent training. Their armor is lighter than usual but still offers decent protection while still allowing them to move quickly and they use lances for charges and swords for prolonged combat. They are used for attacking important targets and flanking maneuvers.

There were also a couple hundred mages coming along to assist the army. As the army marched Edmond's good friend Bartholomew Dalison Earl of Atril rode up next to him. Bartholomew spoke to Edmond voicing his concerns about intervening saying.

"Edmond are you sure you want to campaign in Beconia? I mean what will Horcegus think? Do you really want to risk angering him?" Edmond looked over at Bartholomew and responded with.

"What else should we do? We can't have a potentially powerful warmongering nation gaining territory so close to us while we wait for Horcegus's approval. If we can finish this little fight quickly enough we may be able to gain not only an ally in Beconia but also deal with a potential threat to Drazar and Horcegus may not notice. I understand your concern but I think this may be our best option." Bartholomews still looked concerned but he did nod and rode back to his contingent which he would be commanding.

A letter would be sent to the Beconians informing them of their movements and a letter would also be sent to the commanders of the invaders reading.

To the commanders of the invaders in Beconia
Hello your invasion of Beconia is in no way just and Drazar will not stand for it. We will intervene if your forces are not withdrawn. I do not wish to fight but I will not hesitate to do so here. Please for the safety of all of us pull out your forces.
From Duke Edmond Bailey of the Duchy of Drazar

[Oppermenia]

Matthew Opperman, heir to Gregori
The Streets of Oppermanson

Matthew sees a strange figure brush past him, who looks him in the eye. He is weirded out by it, wondering what this was, but he doesn't think anything of it. He continues his walk with his mother, as they eat their elkenburgers.

Grand Duke Gregori of Oppermanson, High Warden of the Oppermenian peninsula
Oppermanor, Oppermanson

Gregori sits in his office chambers, looking over the matters he must tend to as Grand Duke, mainly writing out thank you letters for all the condolensces he got. He just had to get away from the stuffy Lords and Ministers of the Grand Duke's Council.

He held nothing against them, but he didn't want to spend his time with them. As a child, he saw things in Oppermanson that needed changing. His father Nikel had expressed distaste with it as well but that it would've been almost impossible for a Grand Duke to effectively change those things. But, at the time, he wasn't a Grand Duke.

As an adult, in his twenties, he decided he could make change. So, as heir to Oppermanson, the young Lord Gregori, he went out on missions in impoverished places and churches and ministries in Oppermenia. He saw his people and what was happening with them. He built their trust and saw to it that things could change for them. And, Oppermanson was all the better for it.

And, he wanted to continue that as Grand Duke. However, the Grand Duke's Council doesn't like change. They are all about tradition, while Gregori was all about progress. If it was flawed or broken, then fix it or change it. The Council saw it a different way.

So, Gregori sat at his desk, looking through these matters on his own. It also gave him some peace and quiet ... After a while, he heard the door creak open.

"Who are you to disturb your Grand Duke's studies - -" When he looked up, he saw his best friend Ser Mikel Stein, a young knight and heir to House Stein and Gregori's chosen First Lord. "Mikel, I apologize, I didn't expect you to come in."

"That is fine, Gregori. I know you don't like the Council. And you like to be by yourself."

"Yes, yes ... Well, my friend, what have you come to me for?"

"Well, we have recieved word from some tradesmen from the East of Tulivag that a war is happening. I'm unsure of the details. Raznakova, Carinthia, and Beaconia seem to be involved. Drazar has entered on Beaconia's side. It would serve us well to know your position in this."

"That is tricky. Drazar is on Beaconia's side, and Drazar is a Nosewaganian vassal and thus on our side. So, we really should help them. However, Carinthia borders us. If we enter against them, then we could get taken over. We don't want thus. Plus, we haven't any word from Horcegus on Nosewagania's position in the war. This war is also leagues away. So, I believe Oppermenia shall stay neutral."

"Thank you, Your Grace. The Council and I shall release a statement on your behalf." Mikel just sort of stood there for a bit.

"Is that all, Mikel?" asked Gregori.

"Actually, Gregori, no. I just wish to talk to you. Not as your First Lord, not as your faithful knight, but as your friend. As your brother. How are you?"

"I am fine. Why?"

"I know you were very close to your father, and now he's dead. Yet, you have not been talking to anyone about it."

Gregori thought for a moment. "My friend, just as I was close to my father, I am very close to you. We ate together, played together, fought together … We are family, we are brothers. Our Houses have bad blood because of history, but that did not matter to us. We were family regardless, which almost settled the ages old feud between House Opperman and House Stein."

Mikel smiled. "Yes, I know, Your Grace. I think the same of you."

"Because we are brothers, Mikel, I value you. So, a word of advice: don't try to talk to me about my father. I don't know how many times you could try it before I put your head on a spike."

"Gregori, I … I apologize, I was just - -"

"Yes, I know, Mikel, and I appreciate it. However, I can assure you that anything I feel right now will be best dealt with if I do this alone."

Mikel nodded. After, Mikel just stood there in silence for a while as Gregori wrote up some orders with his seal. Then, the silence was suddenly broken as someone burst through the door, startling them.

"I apologize for disturbing you, Your Grace and my lord." It was a smaller fellow, a scrawny young man almost with the look of a boy.

"What is the mean of this - -" Gregori began.

"I apologize, Your Grace, this is my squire." He then glared at the young squire, Henri Eddard. "Who shouldn't be here."

"I am sorry, my lord. But, this is important."

"What is it?" asked Gregori.

"Your Grace, they have found Nosewaganians fleeing in. However, they are not just any Nosewaganians. They are Farkites, enemies of the Nosewaganian state, and they wish to seek out refuge in Oppermenia."

[South Raznakova]

The cavalry archers continue to lay siege to the cities and battle the Beaconian forces. Meanwhile, the Okhrana assassins continue the assassinations

[Nosewagania]

HORCEGUS II

Nos Wogan was crowded as usual, grand and tall cathedrals with stained glass bearing the faces of Luna, Sollis, Feliesten, and even Magnus shined. In the keep of the city, Emperor Horcegus II pondered deeply.

"My liege," began Royal Adviser Roman Johanson, "What shall we do about this war between Raznakova, Carinthia, and Beaconia?"

"Stay out of it of course! We don't needith our own peoples to be fighting in thou petty war! If Nosewagania wanted to ascend to belligeracy then we would wait until a victor was declared and immediately dispose of our enemy." The Emperor barked.

"Of course my lord, maybe we should send an order to our vassals to stay out of this conflict."

"The goith ahead and do it. Write'th under my name."

"Yes my liege."

MESSAGE TO OPPERMENIa

To the Grand Duke, Gregori Opperman

MESSAGE FROM THE GRAND EMPEROR, HOCEGUS II

To the servant of the emperor, I wish to alert you that of war between Raznakova, Carinthia, and Beaconia. This war is unfortunate indeed but I assure you our empire is in no grave danger and we will not be needed in this war. No Nosewaganian soldiers shall engage in any combat whatsoever with any of the belligerents. If Nosewagania is provoked then our wrath will be unleashed upon them so there is truly no need to fret.

If you value your position as Grand Duke of Oppermanson then you shall follow your superiors orders.

- Emperor Horcegus II

To Duke Edmond Bailey

MESSAGE FROM THE GRAND EMPEROR, HOCEGUS II

To the servant of the emperor, I wish to alert you that of war between Raznakova, Carinthia, and Beaconia. This war is unfortunate indeed but I assure you our empire is in no grave danger and we will not be needed in this war. No Nosewaganian soldiers shall engage in any combat whatsoever with any of the belligerents. If Nosewagania is provoked then our wrath will be unleashed upon them so there is truly no need to fret.

If you value your position as Duke of Drazar then you shall follow your superiors orders.

- Emperor Horcegus II

To Imperator Dyllonus

MESSAGE FROM THE GRAND EMPEROR, HOCEGUS II

To the servant of the emperor, I wish to alert you that of war between Raznakova, Carinthia, and Beaconia. This war is unfortunate indeed but I assure you our empire is in no grave danger and we will not be needed in this war. No Nosewaganian soldiers shall engage in any combat whatsoever with any of the belligerents. If Nosewagania is provoked then our wrath will be unleashed upon them so there is truly no need to fret.

If you value your position as Imperator of Dyllonia then you shall follow your superiors orders.

- Emperor Horcegus II

50 guards are each appointed to guard the messages. Upon arrival to the capitals horns will sound giving out the seven note anthem.

[Dentali]

Letter from Master Jeremiah of the Kingdom of Dentali to Captain Varadkar of the Carinthian forces

I have been appointed by the King of Dentali to investigate the murder of one of our citizens representing the crown flying under a banner of truce. Initial investigations have revealed the bandits have ties to the nation of Carinthia. While we in no way believe this murder was sanctioned by your nation we wish to discuss the situation so that justice may be done. I shall be arriving at your camp shortly with retinue of 5.

[Oppermenia]

Gregori Opperman, Grand Duke of Oppermanson, High Warden of the Oppermenian peninsula
Oppermanor, Oppermanson

"This is bad," said Mikel as Gregori and he walked to the Council Meeting Hall.

"How so?" said Gregori.

"Greg, clearly you don't have sense about these things. The Farkites are enemies of Nosewagania. And we are vassals of Nosewagania! If the Nosewaganians see any collusion with these radicals and us, then that will cause a world of problems for us!"

"You worry yourself too much."

"And you don't worry yourself enough." They walked into the meeting hall. Gregori took his seat as Grand Duke, while Mikel took his seat on Gregori's right hand as First Lord.

"Good evening, my good lords and ministers. Please brief me on the situation at hand," opened Gregori.

"Of course, Your Grace, thank you," said the High Minister. "The last of the Farkites were caught fleeing into Oppermenian soil, and they seek refuge here. They are also enemies of the Nosewaganian state."

"Someone please tell me who or what the Farkites are," commanded Gregori.

"Allow me, Your Grace,” said Minister Nelson. "The Farkites are a radical religious group who are devout followers of the Nagy Farkas, and oppose Nosewagania and their values and Horizon religion. They are enemies of the state because of it."

"The Nagy Farkas?"

"The Great Wolf, as we know Him, Your Grace," explained Lady Rhoella, High Priestess of the Church of Wolven. "The Farkites are loyal to Him and only Him, and want to continue the religion of the Nagy Farkas, so they oppose the Nosewaganians because of Nosewaganian irreverence to anything besides Horizonism. The Nosewaganians hunted them down to near extinction."

"How come I've never heard of this?" asked Gregori. "The Great Wolf is freely worshipped here along with our god we claim to be true - The Grand One."

"Yes, Your Grace, but we are a special exception," the High Minister told him. "We are allowed to worship the Great Wolf and the Grand One freely only because our Church of Oppermenia recognizes the gods of the Horizon as official gods equal to the Grand One, despite them not being worshipped. Elsewhere, any other gods besides the Horizon in Nosewagania are considered to be unholy symbols and illegal symbols."

Gregori was very surprised. He had not heard of Nosewagania doing any such things.

“So, what is our position on this?” asked Lord Arron.

“Well, that depends on His Grace,” replied the High Minister. “After all, this Council is only meant to advise him, which we would do. Your Grace, I highly advise against helping them. They’re enemies of Nosewagania, so they are enemies of Oppermenia. We must hand them all to Horcegus with zero prejudice.”

“No!” Lady Rhoella blurted. Then, the entire Council was staring at her.

“Lady Rhoella? Do you have an opinion?”

She struggled to find the words. “Um - -“

“That’s what I thought. Well, let’s - -“

“No,” said Gregori sternly. The High Minister looked at him surprised. “Your Holiness, I respect you and your role here, but I am your ruler by the Grace of the Grand One and the Great Wolf, and I wish to hear what Lady Rhoella has to say. I command it.” The High Minister went silent, and looked to be embarrassed.

“Thank you, Gregori,” Lady Rhoella said in a gentle tone. “Listen, we cannot turn our backs on them. They are worshippers of the Great Wolf. They are our people! We must help them. Even the preacher of the Grand One preach to never turn your back on anyone.”

“What a nice sentiment, Lady Rhoella,” said the High Minister. “But I’m afraid such sentiments cannot be considered when running a realm. It’s main focus should be on its people.”

“They are our people! The children of the Great Wolf!”

“M’lady - -“ the High Minister began before being cut off by Gregori.

“Actually, I agree with Lady Rhoella.” The room stopped. “They are our people, and we shouldn’t turn our backs on them. I will allow them to seek refuge on Oppermenian soil. I will find lands for them to farm and live off of. I will document them as Oppermenian citizens and give them new names. And, they will be free from the oppressions of Nosewagania.” The Lords and Ministers looked shocked, the High Minister especially.

“Your Grace - -“

“Don’t,” Mikel urged.

“My decision is final,” Gregori confirmed. “And, Mikel shall deal with it for me while I’m in Nos Wogan.”

“What?” asked Mikel.

“Don’t you remember? I begin my trek to the capital tomorrow.”

“Okay, and what do you want me to do?”

“I want you and the Council to deal with particularly this matter. And keep it a secret. Matthew will be the Regent while I’m gone, and I can’t have him stirred up in all of this.”

“What do you mean?”

“My good lords and ministers, the fact that we are just finding this shows us that something might be wrong. You see, I believe there is corruption in the Nosewaganian government. Someone or multiple people orchestrating these things from the inside.” The room stopped as everyone thought for a moment. It was absurd, but not so out there. “However, it’s only a hunch. Before I can tell that, I’ll need proof. So, while I’m in Nosewagania to swear fealty, I will also be investigating - I will try to find out for myself if I’m right, and if so, who is responsible. Back here, you will be hiding this for me.”

The High Minister put his hand on his forehead. Mikel looked Gregori in the eye. “So, we are really doing this?” Gregori nodded. “Well, I never thought the day would come that we would be opposing Nosewagania.”

“Not have I,” Gregori responded.

[Mersdon]

Letter from Master Jeremiah of the Kingdom of Dentali to Captain Varadkar of the Carinthian forces

I have been appointed by the King of Dentali to investigate the murder of one of our citizens representing the crown flying under a banner of truce. Initial investigations have revealed the bandits have ties to the nation of Carinthia. While we in no way believe this murder was sanctioned by your nation we wish to discuss the situation so that justice may be done. I shall be arriving at your camp shortly with retinue of 5.

As night fell on the Barony of Beaconia, both armies withdrew to their respective camps; one marched back to a city on fire and cut off from the world, while the other galloped, bloodied, to the dark realm of the forests nearby. As the bandits’ and mercenaries’ cooking fires started up and their columns of smoke rose, a Dentalian messenger, again holding a white flag, arrived with a message to the leader of the bandits’ forces. The body of the earlier diplomat lay on a massive stake nearby, albeit hidden in the marshlands around the camp.
Far removed from the filthy and bloody reality of the main camp, the Wolven War Council sat down in a purple, gilt-embroidered tent for their first meeting since the beginning of the battle. In the middle of their meeting, though, the foreigner rushed in with a piece of parchment. Captain “Varadkar” read the message. After two minutes of intense reading, the man stood up in a rage. “How dare he insinuate that this band of brothers has backing from the greedy moneylenders and monopolistic traders of the West? And this message comes from a rival, jealous merchant republic!” The Captain spat in the messenger’s face. “You! You can tell your filthy mongrel of a leader that we have no ties or loyalties to any nation other than our own! His messenger can come, but let him know that we will only permit him to come unharmed if he and his retinue are unarmed! We’ve executed over fifteen Carinthian citizens in our total war against the Beaconian state! I’ll show him justice- in the Steppe fashion.” The messenger was seized by five Mongolian-like bandits, a scimitar held to his neck, and was led outside onto the main road out of Beaconia. “We have the earlier diplomat’s companion with us, so he may go with you. Now, here is a bag of five gold pieces,” said the Captain, plopping it into the diplomat’s free hand, “enough to get you two back home. Now, take these chargers and these safe conduct passes. Your weapons will stay with us. Go.” The two men were helped onto their horses, and they immediately ran for the road. As they went at full throttle for home, the Captain waved at one of his best marksmen. “Burke, see that man?”
“Yes, my liege.” The archer raised his steel-plated arbalest, aiming squarely at the companion’s chest.
The captain spoke after a long pause. “There only needs to be one messenger to carry the news home, yes? You know what to do. Do it.”
Marksman Burke’s finger pulled the trigger, and the javelin-like arrow flew true to its mark. As the two horsemen dashed onto the road, the late messenger’s companion fell from his charger, dead.
(OOC: To clear some stuff up, the harming of messengers and diplomats was widely practiced during much of the IRL Middle Ages, especially by rivals of the sender and by bandits who had nothing to lose (there were no Geneva Conventions back then). This storyline is the latter, of bandits with no care for chivalrous acts, and my main realm and characters would not execute messengers. The goal here is to be a spark for new storylines in this world, and maybe provide some entertainment.)
(As a side note, there’s no evidence (yet) that SR or I have been involved in this campaign. I’ll releas that evidence when Beaconia or I see fit to do so. Thus, your nations can suspect our involvement in this war, but have no solid, physical, or circumstantial proof of it.)

[Persia-Kebabistan]

Prince Carles stood up from his study's chair as the Kharqorin finished speaking. "Hello, sir. Allow me to give you a warm welcome to the Principality of Carinthia. I have a great interest in the geography of the world as well," he said with a smile. "I would love to share the information I have about my lands with your cartographers and orators, and would like the same to happen to my geographers. Speaking of geography, our nations have clashed for a while, I understand, about territorial claims. Although your nation has gotten more... reclusive over the years, which I regret, we're willing to work with you. I am willing to give my seal of approval to your non-aggression pact and send it to the Assembly if we hash out the details of our borders first. Our timber industry is at risk, you see, and so is our access to the southern part of Kegyeleem. Please keep in mind that we wish to keep the peace, but will not be so weak as to bow down at every demand." Recalling his tutor's lessons on negotiation and the fraught history between the two nations over territory, he continued with a bit less friendliness. "Our navy and merchant marine are the strongest in the world, and we control this continent's trade. They could be used for your benefit. As such, I propose a gentleman's agreement. Carinthia will get sovereignity over the islands to the west of your peninsula, and will own a city, port, and the right to construct a massive citadel in province 409. Our rights to harvest timber and the resources of your forests would be permitted in perpetuity, in return for financial and military aid. We will also receive military access in your lands, including in the event of a defensive war against South Raznakova. For that, we would be willing to reciprocate. Your confederation would gain the mainland. With that, our animosities could be stowed away, and we could even have an alliance signed between our nations and people. Those are our base requests. I cannot alter them without risking public displeasure and the spontaneous cessation of international trade between us by the merchant class. Sergeant, take these gentlemen and have them well fed and quartered in our best guest rooms. Pleas

The delegation is conflicted over the Carinthian plan, due to its effect of dragging the Alliance into the world.

The delegates then think of an idea, which, though involving the Alliance with the outside world, will benefit it. They reason that since they can not avoid it, they can embrace it, but they will form pacts with all countries in order to guarantee the Alliance's neutrality.

They write down a proposal which goes like this (things in rectangular brackets are OOC comments):

The Delegation of the Kharqorin Alliance (hereby referred to as the Delegation) has drafted a declaration to keep peace between the Kharqorin Alliance (which will hereby be referred to as the Alliance) and Carinthia:

1. For the duration of the Delegation's stay, the Delegation shall learn about Carinthian geography and the Carinthians shall learn about the Alliance's geography. Both sides will use this knowledge for the greater good of Kegyeleem and not for solely their own benefit at the expense of others.

2. Carinthia will gain the islands to the West of the Alliance and will be granted a plot of coastal land (which will be referred to as Port A in this treaty) in the Emirate of Gawuy [409] which will be under the sovereignty of Carinthia. In return, Gawuy shall receive a land plot of equal area (Port 1) to be positioned near Aetoria or any significant Carinthian city.

3. Carinthia has the right to harvest the Alliance's forest resources, subject to the requirements of the Alliance's individual member states' regulations and in a way that does no harm to either the Alliance nor nature. Rather than receiving military and financial aid, the Alliance will have the right to harvest Carinthian silk subject to Carinthian regulations and in a way that does no harm to either Carinthia nor nature. To prevent the economic relationship from being one-sided, the regulations will be similar. If a hypothetical party X decides to stop giving privileges to party Y and pull out of the agreement, party X will be free to do so, but party Y will no longer be obliged to grant privileges to X.

4. Both parties agree to not threaten each other's interests or declare war on each other, as this is a non-aggression pact. This will not however, be a military alliance due to the Alliance's desire to be neutral on the world stage. As such, the Alliance does not want the two parties to exchange military access. However, Carinthia is free to have a military presence in Port A as it will be Carinthian land. Gawuy, in return, gets military access in Port 1 as it will be Gawuyish land.

5. The concerned parties can continue interacting with other countries. This is because the Alliance seeks to have non-aggression pacts with all of its neighbors (Nosewagania, Carinthia, Raznakova, and the Balteac Confederacy). If Raznakova forms a non-aggression pact with the Alliance, we will be happy to host peace talks between Raznakova and Carinthia.

The delegates sign their names on the bottom and request to see Carles de Gerona when he is free.

They are still very tense, however, for they do not know if the Alliance will be okay with this proposed policy of forming pacts with everyone rather than being isolated.

OOC: This is my preferred solution. FYI, the Alliance will eventually start participating in world affairs, most likely on the side of Mersdon, but not at the moment.

[Persia-Kebabistan]

OOC: This is the intro post for my third character.

IC: An old man walks through a monastery, pain being injected into him with every move. He can feel the suffering of his kin, of the magicians up in Beaconia.

He sits on the balcony, overlooking the forested mountains. As he does so, he tried to practice his magic to distract himself.

But it is no use, for even though he is the best magician in the Alliance, even a child's magic is more potent than his.

He glances at a faded codex: A One Way Trip to Flavortown by Kai Vieri. He has flashbacks of the last dark magic user, how she bought a copy of the book, how she documented her magic in the copy, how the man concealed it in his monastery to hide it from those with evil hearts, how everyday, he is tempted to open the book, read her notes, and end it all.

"Simeon, don't do it," he says to himself.

[Oppermenia]

Gregori Opperman, Grand Duke Of Oppermanson, High Warden of the Oppermenian peninsula
Helnenburg Ports, Helnenburg City

Gregori stands at the dock of the Helenburg ports on the southeastern coast of Oppermenia. His boat is ready to take him to Sakatian Nosewagania where an envoy will take him to Nos Wogan. It sits in front of him at the dock, waiting for him.

Matthew is with him. Gregori needed to say goodbye. “Matthew, I need you to know that I love you very much. And, I’m proud of the young man you are becoming.” Gregori can see the confusion in Matthew’s eyes.

“But Father, you will be all right, you are just going to Nos Wogan to swear fealty,” Matthew said. “You will be back sometime.”

Gregori just smiled at Matthew. “I just felt the need to tell you that. I don’t know how long I will be living in Kegyeleem, our world, but I know that it doesn’t matter. I have seen what our world can become, the good we can instill into it. I have seen this in you.” He kissed Matthew’s head. “I love you, son. And whatever happens here, you must be strong. You are the Opperman of Oppermanson, Lord Regent of Oppermanson and Oppermenia. You will face a lot, and some of it may be difficult, but I know you can do it. You are my blood, and I have seen that manifest in you. You are a fine young man: one that I would be proud to hand my throne to, and call my son.”

“Father, I - -“

“You don’t have to say anything, Matthew, I know.” A boat staff blew the boat’s horn, signaling Gregori to go. “I have to go now, goodbye.”

“Goodbye, Father.”

They smiled at each other, and then Gregori hopped on his boat. Oh, that child... he’s almost an adult, but still a child. He has no idea what’s to come.

[Persia-Kebabistan]

Prince Carles stood up from his study's chair as the Kharqorin finished speaking. "Hello, sir. Allow me to give you a warm welcome to the Principality of Carinthia. I have a great interest in the geography of the world as well," he said with a smile. "I would love to share the information I have about my lands with your cartographers and orators, and would like the same to happen to my geographers. Speaking of geography, our nations have clashed for a while, I understand, about territorial claims. Although your nation has gotten more... reclusive over the years, which I regret, we're willing to work with you. I am willing to give my seal of approval to your non-aggression pact and send it to the Assembly if we hash out the details of our borders first. Our timber industry is at risk, you see, and so is our access to the southern part of Kegyeleem. Please keep in mind that we wish to keep the peace, but will not be so weak as to bow down at every demand." Recalling his tutor's lessons on negotiation and the fraught history between the two nations over territory, he continued with a bit less friendliness. "Our navy and merchant marine are the strongest in the world, and we control this continent's trade. They could be used for your benefit. As such, I propose a gentleman's agreement. Carinthia will get sovereignity over the islands to the west of your peninsula, and will own a city, port, and the right to construct a massive citadel in province 409. Our rights to harvest timber and the resources of your forests would be permitted in perpetuity, in return for financial and military aid. We will also receive military access in your lands, including in the event of a defensive war against South Raznakova. For that, we would be willing to reciprocate. Your confederation would gain the mainland. With that, our animosities could be stowed away, and we could even have an alliance signed between our nations and people. Those are our base requests. I cannot alter them without risking public displeasure and the spontaneous cessation of international trade between us by the merchant class. Sergeant, take these gentlemen and have them well fed and quartered in our best guest rooms. Pleas

The delegation is conflicted over the Carinthian plan, due to its effect of dragging the Alliance into the world.

The delegates then think of an idea, which, though involving the Alliance with the outside world, will benefit it. They reason that since they can not avoid it, they can embrace it, but they will form pacts with all countries in order to guarantee the Alliance's neutrality.

They write down a proposal which goes like this (things in rectangular brackets are OOC comments):

The Delegation of the Kharqorin Alliance (hereby referred to as the Delegation) has drafted a declaration to keep peace between the Kharqorin Alliance (which will hereby be referred to as the Alliance) and Carinthia:

1. For the duration of the Delegation's stay, the Delegation shall learn about Carinthian geography and the Carinthians shall learn about the Alliance's geography. Both sides will use this knowledge for the greater good of Kegyeleem and not for solely their own benefit at the expense of others.

2. Carinthia will gain the islands to the West of the Alliance and will be granted a plot of coastal land (which will be referred to as Port A in this treaty) in the Emirate of Gawuy [409] which will be under the sovereignty of Carinthia. In return, Gawuy shall receive a land plot of equal area (Port 1) to be positioned near Aetoria or any significant Carinthian city.

3. Carinthia has the right to harvest the Alliance's forest resources, subject to the requirements of the Alliance's individual member states' regulations and in a way that does no harm to either the Alliance nor nature. Rather than receiving military and financial aid, the Alliance will have the right to harvest Carinthian silk subject to Carinthian regulations and in a way that does no harm to either Carinthia nor nature. To prevent the economic relationship from being one-sided, the regulations will be similar. If a hypothetical party X decides to stop giving privileges to party Y and pull out of the agreement, party X will be free to do so, but party Y will no longer be obliged to grant privileges to X.

4. Both parties agree to not threaten each other's interests or declare war on each other, as this is a non-aggression pact. This will not however, be a military alliance due to the Alliance's desire to be neutral on the world stage. As such, the Alliance does not want the two parties to exchange military access. However, Carinthia is free to have a military presence in Port A as it will be Carinthian land. Gawuy, in return, gets military access in Port 1 as it will be Gawuyish land.

5. The concerned parties can continue interacting with other countries. This is because the Alliance seeks to have non-aggression pacts with all of its neighbors (Nosewagania, Carinthia, Raznakova, and the Balteac Confederacy). If Raznakova forms a non-aggression pact with the Alliance, we will be happy to host peace talks between Raznakova and Carinthia.

The delegates sign their names on the bottom and request to see Carles de Gerona when he is free.

They are still very tense, however, for they do not know if the Alliance will be okay with this proposed policy of forming pacts with everyone rather than being isolated.

OOC: This is my preferred solution. FYI, the Alliance will eventually start participating in world affairs, most likely on the side of Mersdon, but not at the moment.

OOC: For now, the Alliance's foreign policy will be similar to that of Switzerland, in that they will interact with other countries but are always in a state of armed neutrality.

[South Raznakova]

The man who had been following Matthew earlier sees Gregori leave for Nos Wogan at the docks. Although Gregori was officially heading to Nos Wogan to swear fealty, an Okhrana informant had overheard Gregori talk about his suspicions about the Nosewaganian government. He takes out a pencil and writes a small note. He attaches the note to the leg of his hawk and lets it go to deliver the message to the Tsar.

5 hours later

In the snowy forests outside of Tsarekoye Selo, an arrow flew through the air, hitting a lone deer.

"Did I get it Papa?", asked Nikolai.

"Lets go find out.", said the Tsar.

They walked towards the deer, the snow crunching beneath their feet. A hawk flew above them, watching them. They found the deer. It was laying on the ground in a pool of blood.

"Good work Nikolai!", said the Tsar.

As Nikolai pulled out his knife to skin the deer, a man in Okhrana gear came running up to them. The man stopped, hit his heels together and saluted.

"Excellency, I have a message from one of our operatives in Oppermenia.". says the warrior.

"I see, stay here Nikolai, this shouldn't take long.", says the Tsar. He and the Okhrana warrior walk a few feet away, out of hearing distance.

"Excellency, Gregori Opperman has left for Nos Wogan to give fealty to Horcegus. However, one of our informants has discovered that he believes that there is corruption within the Nosewaganian government, and is going to investigate. He may suspect Horcegus was the one who gave us the contract to kill Nikel Opperman."

"I see. Where is Gregori now?", asked the Tsar.

"He is on board a boat, heading to Nosewagania. We have one of our operatives on board the boat with him. They will keep us informed as best they can. What do you wish for us to do Excellency?"

"Keep him and his family under surveillance. I have already had to have one Opperman killed, I do not wish to have to do it again.", said the Tsar.

"Understood Excellency.", the warrior saluted, took three steps back, turned and left.

"What was that about Papa?", asked Nikolai.

The Tsar turned, a smile on his face.

"It was nothing Nikolai. Come, let me see how you are doing with that deer."

[Drazar]

Duke Edmond Bailey
Drazar
Dammit! Edmond thought receiving the letter from Horcegus. ¨Damm that arrogant bastard!¨ Edmond screamed internally. He looked upon the council of advisers he had assembled in his tent in the camp. One man shouted out.

¨We can´t challenge the Nosewaganian empire! We will be destroyed!¨ Another man responded with.

¨Says who! They have been our superiors for to long. It is cowardice to let them walk over us!¨ This started up more yelling and debates and Edmond had enough and shouted.

¨SILENCE!¨ This calmed down the debate and Edmond spoke again calmer this time.

¨Now I have no intention of letting Horcegus walk over me.¨ To which Bartholomew interrupted with.

¨Edmond you can´t be suggesting we rebel I mean we don´t¨ Edmond raised his hand cutting off Bartholomew and then Edmond gestured for Bartholomew to sit which he did. Edmond continued with.

¨Fighting the Nosewaganian´s is not something I want right now. But if need be I will. I shall write to Horcegus trying to convince him to let us intervene. While we do that we shall camp here and I will have my brother and regent Barnard if necessary raise up another army. A tax cut should keep the people happy and my family´s wealth should help cover the cost. You are all dismissed.¨ As the advisers left Edmond wrote to Barnard letting him know his orders and he wrote a letter to Horcegus reading.

To Emperor Horcegus II of the Nosewaganian empire
Please your grace let me intervene in the conflict in Beconia. It is simply bandits the fight shall be short. When we succeed we will secure Beconia favor and prevent bandits from gaining a permanent base of operation on our border. Drazar will take the cost just please let me assist the Beconians for the good of the empire.
From your forever loyal vassal Duke Edmond Bailey of the Duchy of Drazar.

[Toaslandia]

Baron Pollux was worried that the Nosewaganian Empire wouldn't let it's vassals go to war to help him, so he wrote a letter to Horcegus.

Your Imperial Majesty, if you assist us in this war, we shall swear fealty to you and provide you with our famous army and weapons.
Signed, Baron Pollux

[South Raznakova]

The Tsar writes a letter to Horcegus

To be delivered to Emperor Horcegus II by order of the Tsar

Emperor Horecgus, I ask that you do not get involved in this war. This war is of financial importance to me. So I ask that you do not get involved. It is not worth it.