A Different World: The Noble Cities [IC|Closed]

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Wed Feb 03, 2021 3:16 pm

The Deepkin

Outer Pastures, Kharbarinth
Fifteenth of Neap Tide, Year Twohundred Twentytwo of the Reckoning

The small shed stank - not of offal, or of blood, or anything else the young man was used to. No, it had a very peculiar odor; sheep sweat and sheep fear. You'd think he was busy strangling each of the little bleating vixens to death with his bare hands from how they yowled and mewled, and how their brothers and sisters burbled about outside, a veritable cacophony underlining the otherwise peaceful season between the last snowfall and the time of ploughing. But no. No such thing. Sure, you could slaughter sheep for food, and hides. Lambskin in particular was popular right now with the men of Government Hill, for binding folios and documents to be presented to the Families. The shearer wasn't opposed to a bit of mutton himself now and then, roasted well in the skin to seal in the fat.

But his employers would have been disappointed if he was butchering their prize flock. And this job paid well enough that he had no intention of messing it up. Into the loops of leather one hoof went, then another, then the last two. Not to prevent the animal from escaping, no, they were too placid for that. More to prevent it struggling excessively and the shears from going awry. His employers preferred the beasts have as little wool remaining, praising 'efficiency' and 'completeness' endlessly to the skies, and so their workers had learned to mouth the slogan - time and motion, least and fewest - with practiced precision. The effort of getting the last few strands of wool off of the charges seemed inefficient, to the shearers' eyes, for the minutes used to obtain the tiny threads left over which would be doubtlessly discarded at the weavers struck him as wasteful.

It was not humble shearers who set the rules though.

With a click-clack, click-clack, the recently sharpened shears moved easily through the thick winter pelt of the sodden sheep. Its winter wool, thick with dust, grime, fleas, and all manner of filth, fell away from its body swiftly. It would have to be carded, pulled through lengths of iron to align the fibers, and washed extensively, but eventually it would take on the near-white color which the merchants in the City of Bells and the City of Iron prized so highly. Once men and women with more skill than he had turned it into neat yarn and thread, a hundred goodwives would turn it into the long baggy warm tunics which had all the rage this winter.

Click-clack, click-clack.

Less than ten minutes later, the shearer released the animal from its constraints, and it fled him like a thing possessed. After gathering up the wool and stuffing it into a basket almost full with the fluffy stuff, he hung the shears up again and left the shed, searching for his next victim to torment.

by **The GAmeTopians** » Wed Feb 03, 2021 9:30 pm

The Republic of the Great River

"By this point in the late Copper Era, the River people had already cut away at wide swaths of the riverbed, harvesting the clay that was reshaped and formed into the fine pottery of which we still have remnants today. Particularly ingenious, however, is the way in which the empty spaces, once cleared away, were replaced with docks for visiting ships, as well as for their burgeoning military. Their position at the mouth of a large inland river proved highly significant, both culturally, economically, and strategically. We'll cover Copper Era navy tactics in the next lecture."

-Professor Karl Nighthowl, River Renaissance in the East, Emberhome University, Year 2005 after the River's Birth

"Few may argue against the fact that, even thousands of years ago, we were the most cultured people on the continent. For none have been democratic, a country for and by the people, for as long as us! Is that not the pinnacle of a true government?"

-Hank Skyhill, Republican Card Holder (No, not those Republicans), Year 2008 after the River's Birth

by **Pragia** » Wed Feb 03, 2021 10:49 pm

The Kelskar would return from their expeditions with dire news. For the first time they did not converse among the wider people of their findings, though returned foul smelling rocks were interesting among various peoples. Inevitably, some fell into the use of the scholars searching for methods to strengthen the flayed fibers of wood. But the word of the magister following their findings would be absolute. The newly built stonecutters and extensive surface quarries will be put to use in the face of these ominous omens. The Eleskar had no god of war in their pantheon, for their people rarely had need of conflict. This was an act of a fearful leader, who found piles of bones used in rituals which could not be understood. This reasoning would not be too widespread, kept between the Magister and the Seven, but dictated downward as an absolute. There were practical benefits to such a project, of course. It prevented wild animals from entering the town, and would ensure that those who came and went could be tallied and tracked, in case intrepid Kelskar were unaccounted for. But this would be an exceptional project, erecting specially cut and fit stone blocks around their town, large enough to be multiple men high, and thick enough for lockouts to patrol its length.

by **Prusslandia** » Thu Feb 04, 2021 10:59 am

(Fluff will be added.)

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by **Holy Tedalonia** » Thu Feb 04, 2021 11:14 am

Battle of the Golden Pastures
Varra, urban district

It is a dark night, a night chosen for no moon, when the Varran advance begins. Under cover of shadow and shade they have traveled the long leagues to the barbarian camp - or at least very near the barbarian camp. Alongside them move the highlanders, crouched low, making little sound, though their armor clinked and clanked at times. Not long now. In the distance, in one of the few copses of trees on this wide plain, fires burn. No doubt the barbarian cookfires.

Men hold their spears, clubs, and axes close. Soon they will be to grips with the foe. Through the long grass they course, wild wolves.

Then a voice barks out of the darkness ahead of them, tongue unintelligible, but obviously alarmed.

The thirst of vengeance was palpable amongst the Varrans, seeing those who had attacked their kin throughout the years caused their blood to boil in a way unfamiliar to themselves. Was this hatred? Anger of being wrong? No it was something more than that, they despised the barbarians for what they had done, for what they had done to Varra. The Varran Warriors charged out the grass, unwilling to lose their initiative, with the Highlanders in tow.

Violent swings and vengeful bashes hit the barbarians. If passion and emotion won battles, this would be an easy victory, it wouldn't even be a challenge. However, emotion does not win wars. No, equipment and skill, however the Varrans had brought that with their highlander allies. The plan was simple for now, attack the barbarian warriors, remove their means of fighting back- turn the wolf into a lamb. Varra brings vengeance, Highlanders bring skill, but what had the barbarians brought?

A sentry flees before the Varrans, calling an alarum. But scarcely has he finished his first few words before a thrown spear takes him in the back.

The barbarians, however, do not seem to have been taken at unawares. Arrows whistle out of the night, striking some of the attackers, and in the distance the fires gutter and go out. Darkness plunges over the battlefield, and then eerie wails start in the near distance, high and ululating. They seem to come from all directions, as if spirits of the dead mourn the men soon to join them...

The Varran charge soon falters. With the sentry dead, no new foes present themselves, just the strange chanting sound.

The Head Warrior orders his men to return to the grass and shrubs. Their enemies are just as blind as they are. Only assuming where we are. Hide in the grass, and wait for another strike. The Varrans and Highlanders form a crescent. A waning crescent eagerly awaiting to swallow the barbarians when they start searching through the grass for the men who slew the sentry.

Here and there arrows hiss into the grass, seeking for the invisible men. They come intermittently, hitting now here, now there. Occasionally one of the hiding warriors is struck, and then the arrows come more quickly - probably men of sharp hearing attempting to shoot their stricken foes when they cry out in pain.

If there is an attack forthcoming though, it seems to be gathering in the darkness, not immediately apparent.

I guess hiding will do no good, thought the Head Warrior, "Distance yourselves from one another, and rush the areas where torches once burned!"

After receiving the order, the Varrans and Highlanders leave the tall grass rushing the formerly lit positions. Hoping to overwhelm the enemy by overwhelming their positions.

The Varrans and their allies move forward in the darkness - more or less keeping together in a vague formation. After several minutes they arrive at a series of small sharpened wooden stakes, some of the men encountering them very viscerally by running into them in the gloom, provoking febrile swearing and groans of pain. Moving past them, however, is not overly difficult, and soon they occupy what seems to have been a hastily abandoned encampment of a dozen or so hide tents, with campfires still smoldering. The noises coming from the darkness have quieted, and now silence reigns over the night, save for the aforementioned swearing and whatnot.

After several hours of moving about in the night with no resistance, and no further sign of the foe, day eventually dawns. The plains are vacant, save for a few bodies of those men struck by arrows, and the luckless sentry. A search about the sight of the campfire reveals that only a few men were there, probably a band left to distract the Varrans or lure them in for some greater purpose. Their footsteps depart south, north, east, and west, only a few at a time. Of the larger barbarian group, there is no sign.

The Varrans with the day on their side chose to head to the barbarian encampment, if they encounter the barbarian sentry's once more. They would attack once more, but no longer under the cover of night. Their enemy has proven to be quite capable night warriors.

After several days of searching, and the wiser more woodsmanly members of the Varrans and Manisaharu following the tracks of the barbarians, the campaign group is stumped. Most of the tracks have meandered many times through the streams and rivulets which dot the riverlands near Varra, and show no apparent signs of direction, or are otherwise confused with those of the beasts of the field. If there is a main host of barbarians nearby, they are not readily apparent, nor, indeed, close to Varra.

Perhaps they were scared off by the mustering of our forces, or took our threats seriously.

by **Holy Tedalonia** » Thu Feb 04, 2021 11:25 am

Pillar of Varra
Varra, Urban District

"The results are mixed," stated one Elder, "we chased them off, but we're unable to enact true vengeance."

"Indeed, we need to improve upon our combat abilities, ensure that they can no longer get the better of us, " stated Elspeth disappointed, "They may have escaped vengeance this day, but we will find them. If not my generation than the next."

"Agreed, atleast with the threat gone we can return to our focus inward," added Diarmad, "let us build our strength before we continue our hunt."

The elders nod in agreement. While they are disappointed in the results, they we're happy to know the threat next to their lands are gone for now. This however did not sate the desire of their revenge. How unpleasant it was, to be so close to swallowing the foul people in one fell swoop. How close they were to savor the sweet relief of vengeance, only to be stolen of the chance last second. It was tauntingly bittersweet of a victory. Regardless the elders knew that they must continue their duties, rather than be caught up in the lost of their prey.

"Let's give the Highlanders additional funds for their services," suggested Diarmad, "They did Varra a favor this day, and while we could not match their strength and skill, we want to send them a gesture that we are good friends to the Highlanders, and our friends are paid well for their services."

"Not a bad idea," Elspeth agreed, "atleast that'll make them think twice before siding with the savages if opportunity comes..."

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Thu Feb 04, 2021 12:07 pm

Year 222 of the Reckoning
Turn 12

Zhai Cheng: Word from the Huanca is positive - they will allow the scholars of Zhai Cheng access to their circles of learned men in exchange for suits of iron armor for their warriors, so the Huang may learn the secrets of weaving which are known in the mountain-lands.

Daru: A close study of the blooms reveals that they are some strange amalgamation of arcane forces and the natural world - the gold which the flowers exhibit is indeed metal, lustrous and malleable, which slowly blooms from the earth after the manner of the growing things of the earth. Though the Nirari know of no deposits of the metal nearby, apparently these eldritch flowers are capable of concentrating these trace materials into a usable form. If harvested, they would no doubt be a boon to the people - though is ravaging this blessing from the Ancestors really wise?

Machaka: Outlanders have struck against the city again, but were driven off by the friendly God-Spiders. Three of the majestic beasts were slain by the enemy assault though, which is a great crime against the divinities which they are. The raiders seem to be getting bolder, and understand better how to slay the arachnids which ward Machaka herself from assault.

Eleskar: The explorers, wending south then west along the river, come to a confluence of the river and another stream, flowing out of the west. The two waters join, and then meander away south. Not far from here along the western water the explorers know the Machaka make their homes. This land is heavily forested, great ancient pines covering the flatlands and occasional knolls. Brilliant red fruits grow here, tart but good to eat, and gleaming silver can be found in large veins on the few bare outcroppings of stone. However, nearly man-sized spiders hunt in these woods, their webs as thick as rope coating the branches of the darker copses. This is clearly a dangerous land. Moreover another shrine littered with human bones has been found here, more elaborate than the first - human skin in tattered rotted shreds adorns the altar, and thick pools of corrupted blood have stained the stones from many sacrifices.

Warclyfe: The stupid, trusting birds which the people of Tes'la have relied upon for food for generations prove easy to tame, and are simple to stable and harvest at the needs of the people of Gu. Their feathers, hides, and meat will soon abound yet more within Warclyfe.

Kharbarinth: The metalsmiths of the City of Iron have advanced their craft in their forges and firing chambers, producing keen blades and impressive mechanisms which endure much abuse and heavy forces. From this labor they anticipate being able to create weapons and armor more easily, and the tools which sustain society.

Rivermouth: Workers in the flatlands have unearthed a significant source of workable stone, which they harvest with aid from volunteers from the city. At the end of the year their enthusiasm for such unasked labor is dimmed, but the Republic richer for it. -8 Stability, +4 Stone | The scholars also report success, with the techniques of smithing and the workings of metal being propagated now to the artisan class of the Republic.

Hesukar: The butchery which unfolds on the migrants is paean to the Black Kings of unparalleled success. Their corpses litter the landscape, and the keening cries of the Kraalen echo in the long grass as they hunt down the last of their victims. The new mages chant over the desecrated corpses, channeling the power of their lives to the stern warriors of Skras'Tor. Bone twists and forms in their bodies, and hideous strength fills their limbs. The hundred soldiers of the Hesukar have been Bone-Warped.

by **Novas Arcanum** » Thu Feb 04, 2021 1:05 pm

Bronze Age Shao Dynasty Theme

A new day dawned on the Shao Dynasty. The people of the Middle Kingdom were happy, well-fed and prosperous. Their brethren who had been held in bondage by the northern Xianbei for so long where acclimating themselves to their new found freedom and were happy for it indeed. In time Zhongdu would be rebuilt but for now the Middle Kingdom would look inward looking to increase it's own prosperity and strengthen itself.

There were many foes of the Shao Dynasty mainly the Northern and Western Xianbei but the Huang did not really care about those people, at least not enough to tell the difference between the two tribes. Though the Northern Xianbei were intriguing for having women in their fighting ranks. No it was the Yue who had seemed to be of a similar vein to them. The Huang would not care about the Yue either if it weren't for the fact that they held their people in bondage.

The Shao Dynasty would do everything in it's power to free their people, which meant getting access to iron and forging iron armor and weapons and expanding the military. In order to do that more wealth would be required which is why the scholars were hard at work researching sericulture and finding out how to make silk which would be a highly valuable commodity and one which would make them very rich indeed. The wealth from silk production would allow them to fund many projects but for now the Shao Dynasty would find other ways to increase their wealth production.

by **Pragia** » Thu Feb 04, 2021 5:37 pm

by **Lazarian** » Thu Feb 04, 2021 7:53 pm

Corvus

Smithing District
Twelfth of Harvesttime

The clanking of hammers and the acrid smell of smoke fill the air. Though the focus of the city is on the strength of its fighting men, who drill in the yard and prepare for battle...the wise spirit-guides and learned men know the future lies in the sturdy hands of the craftsmen and artisans.

In the span of four years, the Corvidian metal-workers went from barely churning out sloppy axes to creating fine and carefully detailed tools. Sharp knives, bowls, arrowheads, jewelry, and all manner of odds and ends were created in these loud and chaotic smithies. Though, there was an item of great concern. Soulstone weapons and armor were requested by Craenon and his men, but the city workers simply did not have the supply of red-ore to create significant amounts. They had dun-grey aplenty, but that was merely a single component. This issue remained unresolved this year.

In all, an uneventful year for the Sons of Corvus. Though Crennon resigned from the position of Tribelord, he remained an active proponent in the infrastructure and building projects of the city. The rumor was that he was the one who handled most of the administrative work and political disputes within the city - for Craenon had no desire to muddy his hands in these trivial affairs. This year, timbers and stones were set in place to build a clinic, for those kicked or butted by goats, or those who caught the fever-spirits from standing out in cold rains. Every life was a valuable resource to the city - if any could be saved from such maladies, the clinic was a worthwhile endeavor!

by **Nuxipal** » Thu Feb 04, 2021 9:02 pm

[b]City of Daru
Year of the Ancestor 124[/b]

The lands around Daru could be significantly more wealthy than the Nirari thought. There was a debate on what to do with these gifts from the Ancestor. There were many who saw them as gifts from the ancestor to be taken advantage of. Others saw them as potential sources of power without needing to harm them. And further more believed they should not be touched. The debate wouldn't be decided in this year or the next. Further dedications to the Ancestor were required for clarity in the situation to be made.

Teroh, the future First of the Nirari, was looking over his newly created army. Triple the size it was when he was given its control. All armed with the best weapons available to the Nirari, however, not the best armor around. In times past there were two tribes which the Nirari called friend. One north and one south. However, in the more recent times, Daru had yet to find suitable friends and the knowledge of far off peoples which were in some contact with the early Nirari had to be retraced. Envoys were sent west to the sands of Sorrowfree to seek an audience and gain a new friend and trade partner for the Nirari of Daru. Another Envoy is sent south to Huanca seeking to both try and negotiate some kind of defensive agreement with them and gather intelligence on the strength those related to the Nirari of Daru had. Lastly, 50 of the soldiers are dispatched over the mountains for a purpose unknown to even Kirtar, the First.

The First was growing older now, much of his life lay behind him and he could see that his time was coming to an end soon. He began making preparations to hand power over to Teroh in a ceremony at the Shrine in the coming years.

by **Olthenia** » Fri Feb 05, 2021 3:49 am

The Vale of Ustar, Sorrowfree
Fifth Day of the Arc of Palest Black, the 224th Year of the Star-Count

Swift and steady span the potter’s wheel.

Behind it, with mud-stained fingers and her dark hair spattered with flecks of grey, Jeneba’s brow furrowed. Mostly in concentration. Every once in a while, she’d flick the side of her foot against the wheel on which her creation span, span, span. And slowly, surely, from the gentle touch of her hands? The clay grew. That’s when Jeneba’s brow furrowed the most – when the cleft between her brows deepened into what Fayah laughing called her ‘Camel’s mouth’.

“Damn it!”

Jeneba made a uniquely Khortuun noise; a distinctly camel-like groan deep in the back of her throat. Because would you believe the spinning lump of clay her gentle hand had caressed oh-so-suddenly crumpled? It was such a little thing, too. Just a nudge. A caress. Buuut hell. Before her eyes, the would-be pot she’d barely begun to imagine crumbled into a spinning, mud-slick heap.

And Jeneba sighed.

“Oh, you.”

Those two words saw Jen straighten up from her annoyed slump – just as two warm, wandering arms slid ‘round her waist from behind. “Relaaax!” shushed Faye – and Jen’ smiled. Be it broken clay or the boo-hoos of life – Faye, the light of Jen’s life – always somehow made things better.

“…I am relaxed,” Jeneba drawled. “Really!”

“Sure you are,” Faye agreed – her breath warm against her neck. “Just try again, yeah?” Faye. Jeneba’s life-partner, always had a way of making things right. Not easy, mind you. Or simple. Just… right. It was like that, amongst the Khortuun. Women could arrange their life in such a way - wives who lived with wives - as the Mother-Moon blessed them. And no man or law could say otherwise.

“Fiiine~”

Sometimes.

by **The National Dominion of Hungary** » Fri Feb 05, 2021 4:17 am

The Land of Penithel

"Slowly, peacefully the Pennenthelli live, new buildings rise, the herds of Unicorns Grow and as the people labor the priests attempt to make a device to glide across the waters of the river..."

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Fri Feb 05, 2021 10:25 am

The Deepkin

Seasalt Wharves, Stalheim
Eighth of Sun's Height, Year Twohundred Twentyfour of the Reckoning

They were small ships, boats really which came up the river from the City of Bells. Most of them barely carried a half dozen people, little skiffs which brought grandparents to witness births, couriers to communicate with the masters at the Hall, loved ones who wished to save time on the journey, and small amounts of food and woven cloth. By the standards of nations and countries who would rise in the coming decades, the few rickety wooden piers which were run out into the Great River's confluence scarcely registered on an economic level.

But for the people of Stalheim, long isolated from the luxuries and markets of the homeland, such ability to access their kin and goods was a boon indeed. It had taken more iron fastenings and felled timber and sweat than the magisters were likely to admit to anyone save other oligarchs, but that was a cost born by the state, not the people, and so this cost was in truth invisible. The people only saw the benefits. And the state, the state saw the taxes on the passage of goods and people, which would fund many more projects to come.

by **Ralnis** » Fri Feb 05, 2021 2:57 pm

Warcyfle,
Island of Lo

The new source of food came at a time nearly too soon. Gu's supporters knew that the ancestors hunted the Child Bird and used them as the only source of meat they could get while breadfruit was the only source of vegetable outside of the bounty of the Mirrored Sea. Gu believed the need for domesticating the Child Birds still provided something worth while. It brought a balance diet and more stability for the people of Lo. One thing it also did is that it allowed the scholars to approve of the artisans to begin working on the first island farm to help allocate more man power from hunting and gathering to just one who can do the task just as well.

This allocation can help with the renovation of the housing for the people. They already were running behind but it would be better than nothing. Gu already had been getting more grey but he had noticed that the supporters still gave some allegiance to his plans, they had already had seen their people grow and prosper with new ideas and the scholars believe that they could devote themselves to more of unlocking the Storm God's mysteries of the Path.

Many of them started to delve into the power of Teslanite and wanted to do more than constructing arms and the shrine-forges. Many of started to try and understand the human body as both a temple and the best place for them to cover one of the major weaknesses of their Path. Teslanite when dipping into water would short out and sap all of the energy, even the energy from capturing holy lighting was not sufficient for the plans of the scholars. They needed something better to contain the energy or something that could help them on their goals to become closer to Tes'la.

One crazy scholar had an idea was all it took to get people thinking. The idea of melding Teslanite with the human body. The very idea was crazy, very crazy. However the power of Teslanite was mighty, if untapped and it could help alleviate the human body and the small spark of energy that made them alive. To tamper with the holy design was something that one would call blasphemous but the idea had merit enough that the son of the chieftain and heir to the Warcyfle approved of it. He wanted the Sons of Tes'la to become mighty enough to become stronger than the Aun'kal, ambition like his father but was kept in checked because of the small hubris of what has transpired.

If having Teslanite in the bodies of scholars get them closer to the glory of their god then so be it. But in the eyes of the young heir, it also meant to rewrite the wrongs of his father and make the Aun'kal bow before the might of the Sons of Tesla.

by **The GAmeTopians** » Fri Feb 05, 2021 11:43 pm

The Republic of the Great River

Lore in the morn. Actions whilst I remember.

by **Holy Tedalonia** » Sat Feb 06, 2021 3:00 am

Pillar of Varra
Varra, Urban District

by **The Empire of Tau** » Sat Feb 06, 2021 8:26 am

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Sat Feb 06, 2021 8:48 am

Hesukar

Aled Aederyn

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Sat Feb 06, 2021 10:31 am

Year 224 of the Reckoning
Turn 13

Zhai Cheng: Some of the Huanca, lured by the promise of wealth and a better life, have migrated to Zhai Cheng. These skilled artisans will be a great boon to the people of the Middle Kingdom.

Eleskar: A swift reconnaissance around the Machaka reveals a small encampment of raiders due west of the city, blue painted savages who appear to wield stout bows. They spot some of the scouts, but the explorers retreat back to Machaka in safety.

Corvus: Dissatisfaction is rising amidst the Spirit-Guides, who view the bloodthirsty rule of the Stratocracy and the constant military preparedness as a sign of the Beast. They have begun preaching against this focus on war, largely in private, but some of the boldest do so even in public sessions. How to resolve this conundrum is unclear, but the political discord if unaddressed will not be beneficial at all for the sons of the Wolf. Their proclamations of an excessive focus on defense, though, are soon proven overcautious - the peasants sent to mine tin far from the city have not returned this year.

Daru: The emissaries sent to the Huanca report intransigence in the face of their request - though the intent is appreciated, the people of the south seem reluctant to engage in 'foreign entanglements', as the master of the Huanca terms the matter.

Sorrowfree: Heavy flooding from unseasonably early spring rains has damaged several of the cavern-homes of the people of the Vale of Ustar. Stability will be decreased by two every two years until five Labor is spent on repairs so the citizens may be properly housed again. There is good news however - the wise Mothers of the city prevent the citizens with a codified method of writing, communications printed on common clay tablets, which will be an aid to both education and the transfer of information within the Khortuun.

Kharbarinth: A rot has moved through the domestic crops transplanted to Forgefend, in the words of the scholars likely on account of the heavy salt in the air that settles on both field and bough, which the crops are not acclimated to. Food production decreased by half in Rural Districts until the learned men of the city devote their efforts to resolving this issue.

Riverlands: An unexpected technological breakthrough - with the scholars far away learning from the good men of the Machaka, innovators in the artisan class have been turning their eyes to more prurient concerns, those of food and the growing population of the city. Collaborating with outlying workers in the city's gardens, the artisans have devised a method of agriculture, whereby large fields could be sown and an immense wealth of food reaped. Some dissatisfaction has, however, resulted from the government's failure in this area. -10 Stability

Varra: Dissatisfaction with the failure to destroy the outlanders, and the lack of good housing, has led the Scholars of Varra to go on strike. They are studying the hidden secrets of oaths, and the magic between men and words, and view this failure as a betrayal of their efforts. +2 Stability

Hesukar: The methods of agriculture, so recently developed by the Riverlanders, spread almost miraculously quickly to the food-starved Hesukar. Their people will now create vast farms, to feed the engine of war which the Black Kings demand. Raiders in the wilderness have also captured some scraggly-looking nomads, who can be bound in chains, or no doubt sacrificed for sorcery or mere worship of the Monarch of Blades.

by **Novas Arcanum** » Sat Feb 06, 2021 12:06 pm

Bronze Age Shao Dynasty Theme

Liu Shu stood in the green colored waters of the Yu River picking wild protorice and plump jadegrass. A simple conical straw hat emblematic of the Huang peasant shaded her face from the hot rays of the sun and protected her black hair from the never-ending showers of the rainy season. Raindrops fell from the sky and landed on her skin which was covered in mud and who knows what else the life of a farmer was one of hard work and mud, lots and lots of mud. She turned her head and saw her fellow straw hats picking the bounties of the Yu River, she looked down and saw silver colored fish darting between her legs here and there.

Water birds landed nearby and picked some of the fish from the watery depths. She looked behind them and saw him Chou fishing with his fishing spear. She then turned away and frowned her face has red has a cherry.

"Stuck in fantasy land again are you Shu? ".Shu turned around and saw her best friend Hua holding a woven basket of some jadegrass, her ragged peasant clothing stained with river muck.

"Oh shut up Hua" Shu said smiling.

"Oooh someone can't stop looking at Chou, didn't Wu say you would marry someone with big feet?" Hua said laughing and teasing Shu.

Shu nearly dropped her basket of produce and would proceed to hit Hua on the arm.

"Shut up will you!? Are you going to tell the whole river?!" Shu shouted at Hua.She sighed and got back to work, before someone yelled at her for being idle, in Huang culture hard work was valued above all else.

Has Shu and Hua picked the crops from the waters Shu looked at Hua and sighed once more. "I try to make my feelings known to him but he doesn't seem to notice" Shu says.

"Oh he'll come around, I'm sure of it some boys are just too dumb to realize when someone likes them" Hua said plucking another jadegrass from the waters.

Shu looked at Chou once more." It's more then that but I can't put my finger on it"

"Well there are rumors you know,I can't say if there true or not but I heard..." Hua said.

"Let's just talk about something else" Shu said wanting to take her mind off of Chou. With that said Hua and Shu would chatter endlessly about other things while working from sun up to sun down, life has peasants was one of hard work and drudgery but friendships such has theirs made it worth it in the end.

by **Holy Tedalonia** » Sat Feb 06, 2021 1:11 pm

Pillar of Varra
Varra, Urban District

The Elder Council continued to stir within their tent, discussing the day to day happenings and administration. Discussion was more frequent this time, however as the younger elders who supported the administration, now protest in hopes of forcing Varra's hand. Some are disgruntled, suggesting that they we're dissidents of that kin, but of those who backed down from Varra's demands. Others suggested to negotiate with the scholars, in hopes of remedying the situation, however they were met with disdain from the chieftain.

"To think are people would be, so zealous as to rebel against the leaders who will deliver their vengeance," stated the chieftain frowning, "I will not acknowledge the strike as nothing more as a delayer of our vengeance."

The once youthful woman of Varra, was now tired and weakened as the toll of time impacted her dearly. Her once brunette hair, now turned to grey. Her blue sharp eyes now carry a weariness, where once was youth. Her youthful smile now replaced by a grumpy aged demeanor. The Chieftain had no sympathy for the protestors, but knew that cost of exiling them, especially if those exiles were to join them. As such she had to tolerate their existence, but rather then give them the luxury of attention, she would instead have the tribe continue their efforts, nay, intensify! She would lead by example rather than punish those that stray from the path.

"If we are to enact vengeance we will need to increase the intensity of the search. Promise that the man who finds the barbarians will be met with four cartloads of treasure for him and his family. Perhaps then we can get more inspired troops, and perhaps aid from our neighbors too," stated the Chieftain, "The soldiers will begin their search once more, however I doubt we'll receive much results..."

The elders nod in agreement, some upset how much of a central role she had become to the council. But none can deny the descendants of Varrus himself, some began thinking that the bloodline may carry a wisdom amongst itself. She had been the central role of all major Varran decisions, and committed to Varra's policies. Yes, there were protests now, but those protests were brought up in the intense feelings of failure, a failure of the military, something beyond her control. Her policies, however have been greatly beneficial to Varra. They chased out a threat, established friends amongst their more amenable neighbors, and expanded the bureaucracy and administration.

Most of the elders have long accepted to back her, even if she is nearing the end of her life. They had faith, so long as she lives, Varra will prosper. Hopefully a figure as strong and as wise as her, takes lead in the council after her life. All is well on the verdant plains, save for the lack of blood shed from past misdeeds.

by **Olthenia** » Sun Feb 07, 2021 6:28 am

Lɪғᴇ ᴄᴀɴ ʙᴇ ғᴜɴɴʏ
Aɴᴅ ɪᴛ ᴄᴀɴ ʙᴇ sᴇʀɪᴏᴜs
Bᴜᴛ ᴍᴏsᴛʟʏ ғᴜɴɴʏ

by **Nuxipal** » Sun Feb 07, 2021 11:00 am

City of Daru
Year of the Ancestor 126

It was time. Kirtar was growing older, and the younger and more ambitious Teroh had been gaining more support. A large festival had been planned over the last couple of years by the First of the Nirari. Soldiers were positioned around the city and near the shrine as the ceremony began. Teroh was given the honored bone armor of the First to wear as he approached he Shrine. The ceremony began as Unicorns were marched around the shrine and Teroh walked up to the top of the shrine's entry way. Once he arrived at the shrine, he kneeled before Kirtar as the First spoke to the crowds watching on.

"Today we celebrate the passing of the title of First of the Nirari. Here stands one of our own, Teroh, who many of us have come to know as a righteous and good man. As I am aging, and unable to lead in the same way that I once was able. Because of this I feel it is time to step aside for the new generation of leaders to forge our destiny in the eyes of the ancestor."

He anoints Teroh with the blood of a unicorn, a symbol giving him blessings from the Ancestor herself. As the new first was anointed, Kirtar said to him quietly. "Know this: Beneath the gaze of the Ancestor, only the righteous may stand without fear. I know what you are planning and I ask that you be more cautious for the sake of our people."

Patting the new First on the shoulder, descending the steps to take his new place among the priests and scholars.

by **Pragia** » Sun Feb 07, 2021 3:31 pm

Ghenar Harksa would lead his warriors home from their excursion to the village of the Machaka, crestfallen and unsure. He would speak openly of the revelation that despite their worship and employment of the terrifying 'God-Spiders' they lacked military prowess, similar to their own in stature sans their guardians. Thusly it fell to the council and the magister to decide the course of action. While Kelskar prefers diplomatic and aggressive action, which Harksa agreed with, the Magister did not agree. The wall had been completed: an impressive fortification which would protect the Eleskar for many years to come, and a testament to the strength of what the magi had become. Their sanctum was now the entirety of the Eleskar's Town, their mastery over nature now as unquestionable as the great stonework that surrounded them. There was some debate in the grand scriptorum whether this was the right path, but debate was quickly ended when multiple members of the Council of Seven backed the will of the Eleskar. Now, it seems they would be content to wait, to recruit warriors and arm them to better defend their home.

The attachment of the Kelskar to the Warriors was also of note. While the poorly equipped and trained warriors were stronger, they provided the hunting force the Kelskar lacked. Scout Reconnaissance and knowledge of natural paths allowed for them to move swiftly and with geographic advantage, avoiding many potential disasters the warriors alone would have endured. The Kelskar were considering enlisting the unnamed warriors as their number, but their goals were distinct, and while ties were made, they would not yet be acted upon. The bows their enemies used were novel, not something seen often among hunters of the Eleskar, and a request would be made to the council, one they would acknowledge, and support, but unable to fulfill with current resources.

A Different World: The Noble Cities [IC|Closed]

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