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

by **Pragia** » Fri Jun 25, 2021 10:54 pm

The Violet Chambers would be silent now, for it was the time of examinations for the magi. The council members would personally oversee the examination process, as was required of them by strictures which the Grand Magister sought to reinstate. The Magisterium, having established standardized texts for documenting methods of arcane application, have allowed for more to be trained at a time than ever before. The scriptoria of the city of mages were full of studious pupils seeking to join the hierarchy which had begun solidifying around the Grand Magister.

Their studies were surprisingly well developed, consisting of writing, history, mathematics, philosophy, and arcane methodology. The magi had conducted education as a chief goal of their continued prosperity and prominence, promoting magic use among the newest generation. But such goals were facing issues as the population grew and the tightness of bonds loosen slightly. Though there was not yet open factionalism within the councils of the magisters, it was clear that the fate of the Eleskar was no longer over internal issues. There was a crossroads between idealistic conservatives who wanted pacifism and an insulated culture, and more imperialist notions of the new magi. After all, the Eleskar were now free to trade openly down the Arkor, with Machaka and the Riverlands without risk of attack from marauders. This new security would facilitate an outward facing view.

The Grand Magister agreed with this prerogative, and sent the now re-supplied Kelskar on their next expeditions. They had a goal that was unlike their forbearers, issued from a Magistrate that had a different view from the old. They would seek peoples to uplift, to impress so thoroughly with their prosperity that to not join their patrimony would seem foolish. The Magistrate would likewise begin to investigate and expound upon the resources within their grasp in order to further provide for their people. The secret revelations of precious metals abundant in the Eleskar's lands further amplified the perspective that members of the Magistrate had that future trade would be conducted with thier coinage.

For now the Almakar would muster to vanquish the last of the nearby barbarians, to prepare to crush the last obstacles to their security. It was something that would allow for the coming years to be ones of expansion and exploration in earnest, as the magi strove ever forward in the pursuit of new methods of demonstrating their control over the world. Rumors coming from the south spoke of a great empire far away, one which could dwarf any of the city states that the Eleskar currently knew. The men and women of the north can only hope that the brave warriors they had fought beside before could muster themselves against a greater foe, even after their crippling losses.

by **The National Dominion of Hungary** » Mon Jun 28, 2021 3:38 am

The Land of Penithel

Excerpt from 'History of Penithel - First Kingdom Era'.

King Hidrak's coronation occurred shortly after a raid against the so called "Iron City" of Sardavin, a crucial center of metal production in not only Penithel but for a time the primary center of iron production in the lands of the Eastern Coalition. This was the start of a more outward looking Penithel after the long period of internal focus of King Minaan, there was a larger focus on military matters, warriors were being raised and a punitive expedition slowly planned to be undertaken in order to flush out the raiders. Suspicion that these were the same Raiders who had struck Avnelin with little success in the pervious King's reign, the new, arguably more militaristic monarch set out to prove that the crown would take a more active approach to defending the realm than simply the construction of walls and garrisons. While popular among the warriors of Penithel, recovered writings from the period suggest that the Pennethelli philosopher-nobility considered such a militaristic approach, "unkingly."

The early years of King Hidrak's reign also saw a great number of works in the city of Avnelin finished. One of the things he is credited for is staring the large scale production of linen cloth which led to significant changes in fashion which would last all the way up to Late Antiquity and the Third Kingdom Period. Among other works were those defensive in nature, an extension of Avnelins fortifications was completed under his reign, and the local Lord Governor of Sardavin gained significant support from the crown in order to set up a garrison in the vital city.

by **The Empire of Tau** » Sat Jul 03, 2021 2:21 pm

Republic of Machaka - Turn 47

by **Ralnis** » Mon Jul 05, 2021 5:26 am

Island of Lo,
Warcyfle

The city was preparing for war again. For the second time in only two years the marines were ready to strike at the second target of their Storm Chieftain's Campaign. The very 1000 soldiers were ready and armed with the needs to destroy the Ithoi. With the massive build up and peasants being drilled into the needs of sailing the ships, the new one is to use the Aun'kal's ships to destroy the Navy of the One God. It was to experiment on the idea of using bows and mix it in combat, while the Swimming Dodo were dropped to one skiff. So the number of ships would be around 4 but the strength of the armada was still concentrated to numbers not spread apart in order to fight on boats.

However the idea that they can fight numbers with the idea of smashing their navy into the very sea then they decided to separate the fleet into half manpower. Each and every ship was a tremiere except for the skiff. In total it was seven ships in total and one that with the idea for battery ramming the enemy into oblivion as a show of true might to the Ithoi. The Storm Chieftain agreed to the plans and armed the soldiers as they prepare to make war against the last of their rivals.

The message was sent to the Primus of the betrayal with the mass beheading of the missionaries and the converts by the marines. Their bodies were fed to the island's predators but the envoy of the Primus was given the message of betrayal. The One God was next on their conquest and there will only be one god among the seas.

The ships were prepped, Teslanite and bronze, compound and coilbow, all were ready the soldiers ready to prove themselves in combat. The last rival will die and the seas will belong to the Warcyfle themselves.

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Tue Jul 06, 2021 6:18 am

IC: Wow, what weird bits of stone from those spires of stone and men of stone

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Wed Jul 07, 2021 1:26 pm

Year 294 of the Reckoning

Turn 47

Zhai Cheng: East of the mountains north of Zhai Cheng, the explorers have come to the edge of a mighty sea, descending into a great forest. To both north and south the forest continues, but shallow seas beckon eastward. There are tall chestnut trees here, and gleaming green ore in the earth - as well as dangerous cave bears who can be found in the rolling foothills of the western mountains. The scholars in Yuzhou have succeeded in creating finer methods of weaving silk, making it an even more valuable trade good.

Raiders have struck the outer reaches of Zhai Cheng by night, burning two cotton plantations to the ground and making off with a quantity of five cartloads of wealth. They seem to have come out of the north. There have been protests in Yuzhou recently, the people demanding better housing. Three hundred Artisans are refusing to work, going on strike against their living conditions. +22 Stability.

Corvus: Theatrical arts are flourishing in Corvus, great edifices raised for the treading of the stage. In Corvus men have worked long hours to be given the chance to enter the apprenticeships of the city, presenting vast quantities of raw stone to the masons. +24 Stone, -110 Stability. At Cavon an impressive tower built after the fashion of the Shao has been erected, and some of the people have begun worshipping the ancestor-gods of the Huang, causing unrest in the city. +Pagoda, -72 Stability.

A secret stratagem is now realized - and Dol Angren has been seized by force! The folk of Dol Aelyd were wise, and saw such a large company of tough warriors for what it was, and did not let them into their city, but Dol Angren is now occupied by the Corvidians. However, it rollicks with revolt, and many of the people have fled into the mountains and harass the occupiers. 224 Soldiers were lost in the fierce battle to take the city.

Eleskar: The Almakar in Eleskar, drilling in ways of preventing such heinous losses as they suffered before, have advanced their understanding of Military Coordination - they work well at night and in stealth attacks, though some in their ranks call these tactics cowardly and unworthy of the Magisterium. -251 Stability. Raiders have skirmished with the Almakar near Eleskar in the riverlands, being repelled by the earnest efforts of the soldiers, though casualties were heavy. 62 Soldiers slain.

Geomantic Animation has been perfected by the Eleskar, whereby mages with great skill can bring carefully created golems to life with geomantic energy.

Avnelin: Careful tracking has revealed the raiders came out of the west, from beyond the lands of the Nirari. Impressive amounts of copper have been extracted from the earth by eager miners, enriching the city. +6 Copper Ore, -45 Stability.

Machaka: The study of Monumental Architecture has been completed by the Machaka. Tales of the riches of the Machaka have brought nomads from afar, Scholars who seek to join the city. If accepted, two hundred Scholars will join Machaka, but the city will lose 150 Stability.

Warclyfe: The lands of the Ithoi have been overrun, though not without cost. Over seven hundred men litter the shores and beaches of the homeland of the followers of the One God, and the waters are stained red with blood. Five triremes too were sunk in the assault, though two Ithoi biremes seized as spoils of war. Only two hundred and eight five soldiers remain, but now occupy the Ithoi city. Such a bloodbath has caused protests in Warclyfe, and riots in the streets of Aun'kal which threaten to intensify into a rebellion if not put down.

Ithoi: 1400 – 300 Artisans, 200 Scholars, 100 Explorers, 800 Peasants
8 Coast, 3 Hills, 3 Trees, 6 Flatlands
Urban Flatlands [Shrine, 12 Huts, Forge] Fitted Stone Wall
Docks [2 Shipyards, 2 Fishing Docks, 1 Wharf]
Rural Flatlands [2 Paddocks, 2 Pit Mines (Copper), 2 Forestries]
Native Copper, Sheep, Cherry Trees

The scouts sent east have returned with news of a formidable settlement of wild men along the coasts of the tropical seas, and red-faced barbarians who chased them off with spear and arrow.

Kharbarinth: East of northeast of northeast of Stalheim is a land of wide plains, fronted to east and south by tall mountain ranges. A meteor field litters this region, full of valuable iron ore familiar to the people of the City of Iron. There is also a land of grasses with edible stems, called seedgrass, though not of great nutrition. Sheep graze here as well. A rune of warding has been devised, and fortifications for the colonia. Hoardings have been created for strong walls, and new flooded fields for cultivating rice with ease, alongside harbor defenses.

The barbarians have been dispersed from the northeast, induced by force and gift to migrate elsewhere. Workers in Kharbarinth have brought in a large amount of stone. +42 Stone, -340 Stability. A golden age has dawned in Stalheim, and is spreading across the Deepkin Hegemony! -572 Stability.

by **Novas Arcanum** » Thu Jul 08, 2021 10:31 am

Sacred Beasts (Ancient)

Strange times. The Shao did not normally send emissaries to foreign lands but with the further perfection of silk making techniques, the demand for silk was becoming greater. The Shao Empire sought peaceful trade relations with the foreign nations of the world mutually beneficial to both parties. Thus to barbaric lands the diplomats of the Middle Kingdom were sent.

Rising Sun

To the East where the destiny of the Middle Kingdom laid, the settlement of Huangzhou is founded in the lands of the setting sun....

In the distant future, the dawn of the next Era the Yu Dynasty claims the Mandate!

Zhai Cheng

Population: 5533 (+1200 Growth)

Urban District I [Granary , Spinning House,3 huts, Bloomery, Guojizian, Monument, Nursery, Shrine (+3 Stability) ,Forge, Charcoal Pit],+I Flat Food Bonus |II Palisade(+II Culture) | Aqueduct
Urban District II[Forbidden Palace(+2 Stability),Garrison, Smithy, Clinic, 6 Huts,3 Cottages(+3 Stability)] +I Food Bonus| Palisade(+II Culture)| Aqueduct
Urban District III [1 Dense Housing,2 Huts,7 Spinning Houses, Jade Tower (+5 Stability) ] |Simple Stone Wall (+II Culture) |+I Flat Food Bonus| Aqueduct
Urban District IV [5 Training Grounds,7 Dense Housing, Spinning House,5 Amphitheaters ]|Simple Stone Wall (+II Culture)|+I Flat Food Bonus|
Rural District I [5 Huts, Timber Camp,7 Gardens , Galena Scrape Mine]|Watchposts||Aqueduct +III Flat Food Bonus
Rural District II[ Galena Scrape Mine, 4 Paddocks (Unicorn)]|Watchposts,|+III Flat Food Bonus.
Rural District III [Farm,2 Paddocks (Unicorn)]|Watchposts| Aqueduct|+III Flat Food Bonus
Rural District IV [4 Quarries ]Watchposts|+III Food
Rural District V [4 Cotton Plantations] |Watchposts |+III Food
Rural District VI [1 Cotton Plantation]|Watchposts|+III Food
Rural District VII [4 Farms] | Watchposts| Aqueduct|+III Food
Rural District VIII [6 Forestries] |Watchposts|+III Food
Population Actions:
1100 Scholars are researching how to cultivate that grass that grows in water [Protorice Cultivation],+V Culture, +V Wealth
400 Bureaucrats [Urban District I]| Enacting wise and sound government policy +IV Wisdom, +IV Wealth, +IV Stability||Plan of Multitudes [VIII/XX]
100 Peasants [Rural District I]| Working hard--->[+I Labor, +XXII Food ,+I Timber, +II Galena Ore(3 from Domestic Crops,5 from granary ,7 from Aqueduct). ]
1700 Peasants [Rural District II] | Working long hours-->[ +XVII Labor ]
100 Peasants [Rural District VIII] |Working hard [+VI Timber, +VI Food, +I Silk]
100 Peasants [Rural District VI]|Working hard [+I Cotton, +I Labor]
100 Peasants [Rural District II]|Working long hours --->[+IV Food, +II Hides, +II Galena Ore ,+I Labor]
100 Peasants [Rural District III]| Working long hours --->[+IV Hides, +VIII Food ,+I Labor(2 from domestic animal source,2 from paddocks,2 from farm,2 from Aqueduct)]
100 Peasants [Rural District V] |Working hard [+VII Cotton, +I Labor]
100 Peasants [Rural District VII] |Working hard [+XII Food, (8 from Aqueduct) ,+I Labor]
100 Peasants [Forests (Trapped) ] Gathering Silk,+ I Labor
100 Peasants [Rural District IV] |Working hard [+I Stone, +I Labor]
55 Soldiers are guarding the peasants gathering silk
100 Artisans [Urban District] | Crafting wares and tools at the Forge ---> -I Charcoal, -I Galena Ore +II Wealth,-II Wealth, +I Industry
100 Artisans [Urban District]|Weaving fine silk clothing--->-I Silk,+I Silk Cloth,Silk Cloth is consumed +II Culture,+ I Wealth
100 Artisans [Urban District]| Crafting tools and ware at Bloomery-->-I Charcoal,-II Galena +V Wealth
100 Artisans [Urban District]| Weaving cotton clothing ---> +XII Wealth, +Silk Cloth, +II Culture
100 Artisans [Urban District]|Weaving cotton clothing-->-I Cotton, +III Wealth
100 Artisans [Urban District] |Crafting goods and wares--->-I Wealth, +II Industry
300 Freemen [Urban District] | studying the Laoist classics in their freetime, +IV Labor
100 Soldiers are escorting Bureaucrats and Artisans to Zhongdu
100 Bureaucrats moving to Zhongdu,100 Artisans moving to Zhongdu [-10 Stability]
100 Soldiers are being caparisoned for War.[III/III Wealth| I/I Industry]
300 Soldiers (Mount) patrolling in Zhai Cheng
200 Soldiers patrolling in Zhai Cheng
Galley Squadron Patrolling the waters of the Sea of Zhai Cheng
500 Soldiers bolster the ranks of the Army awaiting to complete their training
200 Explorers |Find the settlement of Huangzhou East of East of Yuzhou [-10 Wealth]
100 Soldiers (Mount) are guarding the settlers

Miscellaneous
100 Freemen educated has Scholars
Plan of Multitudes [V/X] +V Wealth.
Plan of Fields [I/V]
Plan of Mines [III/V]
+I Stability from Splendid Isolation.
-23 Stability from overcrowding.

Construction
Grand Wall Rises around the Forbidden Palace [Labor I/V| Wealth I/ VI| Industry 0/V|IV /XX Stone].Slowly.
Aqueduct [Labor V/V| Wealth III/III| Industry 0/III|V/ V Stone]
Dense Housing rises on the banks of the Yu River [Labor V/V| Wealth IV/IV| Industry 0/II|0/III Stone| 0/ II Timber]
Dense Housing rises on the banks of the Yu River [Labor V/V| Wealth IV/IV| Industry 0/II|0/III Stone| 0/II Timber]
Amphitheater[Labor 0/VI |Wealth 0/V| Industry 0/II]
Apothecary [Labor IV/IV| Wealth X/X| Industry III/III]
Docks District [Labor 0/VI |Wealth 0/V| 0/IV Industry ]
Urban District [IV/IV Labor| III/III Wealth]
Simple Stone Wall [Labor II/II, Wealth II/II, Industry I/I |V/V Stone]
Cotton Plantation [III/III Wealth| III/III Labor]
Spinning House[IV/IV Wealth/III/III Labor]
Cotton Plantation [III/III Wealth| III/III Labor]
Spinning House[IV/IV Wealth| III/III Labor]
Cotton Plantation[III/III Wealth| III/III Labor]

Economy
+II Wealth from Palace Economy.
-I Wealth from Splendid Isolation.

Stability
228
Culture
= Surplus 46 Culture

Yuzhou
Population: 3600

(+400 Growth)

Urban Hills [Dense Housing,Nursery,11 Huts, Bloomery, Kiln, Shrine, Spinning House]-Simple Stone Wall(+II Culture)| + I Flat Food Bonus
Urban Hills [Charcoal Pit,5 Huts, Garrison, Smithy]-High Stone Wall(+II Culture)|Path Network|+I Flat Food Bonus
Rural Hills [2 Quarries, 2 Paddocks] Watchposts |+ II Flat Food Bonus
Rural Riverlands [10 Farms, 1 Paddock, 1 Tanners] Watchposts|Aqueduct+ II Flat Food Bonus
Rural Hills [ 2 Deep Quarry,2 Hematite Scrape Mine] |Watchposts|+II Flat Food Bonus
Rural Forest [Forestry]|Watchposts|+II Flat Food Bonus

200 Scholars |Urban District I Also researching that cool grass that grows in water [Protorice Cultivation]
100 Artisans (Refusing to work)| Urban District I [-II Hematite,-I Silk, + II Culture,+VII Wealth]
100 Artisans (Refusing to work)|Urban District II [-II Wealth ,+IV Industry]
2000 Peasants | Rural Hills [ +II Stone, +II Food,+ II Hides, +IV Wool, +XX Labor]
100 Peasants |Rural Hills [+IV Hematite, + III Labor]|Plan of Mines [III/V Turns]
200 Bureaucrats | Urban District [+II Stability, +II Wealth, +II Wisdom |Plan of Fields [V/V Wisdom] ]
100 Peasants |Rural Riverlands [ +XXXII (3 from domestic crops,1 from domestic beast,8 from Aqueduct) Food, +II Wool, +I Hides,-II Hides, +II Wealth]
300 Freemen [Rural Hills] Studying the Laoist Classics in their free time. +III Labor.
400 Soldiers [Iron Armor, Iron Weapons] | Patrolling
100 Slaves working hard [+II Labor],+I Wood, +I Silk, +I Food.
Path Network Brings in one gold ore.
Aqueduct [Labor V/V| Wealth III/III| Industry I/III|V/V Stone]
Aqueduct [Labor II/V| Wealth 0/III| Industry 0/III|0/V Stone]
White Qilin Pagoda [0/VII Labor| 0/III Industry| 0/VII Wealth| I/III Timber]
Huts Upgraded to Houses [VI/VI Labor| III/III Industry| II/II Stone| I/I Timber]
Forge [Labor II/II| Wealth II/II| Industry 0/III]
Forge [Labor II/II| Wealth II/II| Industry 0/III]
Forge [Labor II/II| Wealth 0/II| Industry 0/III]
Forge [Labor II/II| Wealth 0/II| Industry 0/III]
Stability: 3 from Ancestral Shrine + 4 from Housing + 1 from Splendid Isolation + 2 from Bureaucrats + 22 from Event - 1 from Expansion - 6 from Overcrowding,-2 from Slaves = +22(Stability is actually much higher since I haven't been calculating it until now)
Culture: Surplus 14 Culture
A massive undertaking is on the way, one that will take generations to complete. The wall is ordered to be built by the Son of Heaven Yuan Qing to protect the Middle Kingdom from barbarians The Long Wall of 10,000 Li [15/??? Labor|???/??? Wealth|???/??? Industry|18/??? Stone]

Special Action I: Emissaries to Foreign Lands to ask barbarians how much they'd pay for silk.
Special Action II: The Imperial Court moves to Yuzhou, and Yuzhou becomes the capitol of the Shao Dynasty

by **Pragia** » Thu Jul 08, 2021 6:03 pm

It was nightfall over the lands of the magi, the roads leading from the city flanked by great quarries where the stones were hewn by aspiring geomancers and peasants alike. Just beyond these earthworks, the treeline was there. This was beyond the protection of the Eleskar's now-meager looking walls. Truth be told it was dangerous that the Magisterium had not heeded the advisory of High Almakar Valaha, as now he was forced to lead his maniples in actions which left their warriors exposed. The watchtower on the edge of the forest had not reported back the reformed 6th maniple, made up mostly of newer recruits and led by some veterans of Skras Tor.

The manipular system had been updated since those early days, devised by the High Almakar and recorded by the Magisters who embraced it as the Haarun-Taal, or the movement of shadows. Influenced by what he saw conducted by the men of shadow of the Riverlands, the maniples now would move in smaller units of seven, the Almakar-Majoris attached to the first unit which was held in reserve. These units would operate in small teams, providing each other cover and coordination while keeping a loose formation. These refinements of doctrine, descended from the first time the Kelskar led an assault on barbarians not far from here, were proving to be successful in both raiding and defensive action.

The elite 4th maniple, alongside the 1st, 2nd, 5th and 8th were mustered in response initially. 250 men took to the road and moved to find the fate of their comrades, led by the High Almakar personally. They found their comrades slain brutally, seemingly surrounded in the woods. Their trackers would find that the enemy had moved to attack the timber camps not too far away. The force moved in response, sounding the alarm for the remaining Almakar to muster. The advanced force wasted no time in intercepting the enemy. These barbarians had weapons of quality above the Almakar's outdated equipment, but their bows remained an advantage they would leverage. The processes of the Haarun-Taal would become apparent as dozens of loosded arrows fell on the attacking raiders, copper arrowheads piercing flesh and hide. Once the barbarians were aware of the Almakar, they advanced quickly. The fighting would become close, but the bowmen were a ploy for the other maniples lying in wait. What followed was brutal fighting, which the Almakar, though now hardened by conflict, were not prepared for tactically. The movement of shadows hardened into a brawl, but eventually the raiders would break.

With a whole maniple lost, along with some others felled by those silver blades, the Almakar could at least proclaim a pyrrhic victory, as the city remained unblemished. The Grand Magister would take this in stride, for she had other developments which would come to shape the future of the City of Wisdom...

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Mon Jul 12, 2021 8:25 am

Deepkin

Colonia Silvat, Northern Kharbarinth Marches
Second of Chillwind, Year Twohundred Ninetysix of the Reckoning

It was too bloody cold.

At least, that was what Turvin was convinced of. Some of the other men on his patrol had shared similar opinions. Even bundled in thick woolen overcoats, the soldiers that marched along the walls of Silvat were some of the most frigid men in the entire community, as far as he was concerned. Some of the miners or maybe the overseer should have to come up for patrols here too, and maybe they wouldn't whine so much about how quickly Turvin and the other guards stamped around the high stone outcroppings before returning to their nice steamroom-heated wardroom.

You wouldn't think you were so far from the sea here, but the men who had come out to this wild country, lured by the offer of good pay and advancement opportunities, were convinced the Mother hadn't put much thought into this region. It was pretty, sure, to look out at the windswept snow and frozen trees frosted in pale white garlands, and the dappled light of the fires within the Colonia lit the swirling flakes with a homey glow. But if you didn't watch out and wear your scarf tight when the wind was up you'd swiftly find the tips of your mustache frozen solid. One of the jokers in Second Company had snapped the tip off of his squadleader's beard as a prank, and the man looked like he had shaved like a child.

The silver was good though. Carts of star-steel which went south came back with the ample wages of a grateful Emperor.

All you had to do was avoid being a frozen corpse when they returned.

by **Ralnis** » Mon Jul 12, 2021 11:23 am

Warcyfle,
Island of Lo

The defeat of the Ithoi and the destruction of their One God replaced for Tes'la. This sort of war was all that Su'pokk wanted to finally establshed the plans of both Gu and Grum. No longer do the Aun'kal need to shield them and no longer do the One God hound for slaves. All were united in the Mirror Sea as the power of Tes'la can grow and sweep without interference. However that was the words from the loyalists. The thing was still more tenuous than that.

The bloody campaigns to unite the Mirror Sea had made people have protest in Lo and the Aun'kal now are rioting. The a single tall ship with 180 soldiers were sent to the City of the Dawn to help with controlling the rising riots. Wealth was sent that way in order to appease the new leadership underneath his youngest son. Teslanite troops were sent to help contain those who want the Dawn to come back. Such a thing would not be allowed as the Storm Chieftain would not allow two generations worth of people to be sullied. He will make sure peace to come back before he can move forward.

Even with all the appeasement and centralization that the Chieftain is doing, the scholars in the Red Tower had been experimenting with trying to craft Teslanite to the body. They have been getting more scholars to it in exchange for those being part of the Path. It was a sign of loyalty and in order to help the scholarly body and increase the energy of the body to handle the power that they move to manufacture the God Metal.

by **Olthenia** » Mon Jul 12, 2021 12:00 pm

42nd Maxton Street, 3rd floor Cafeteria
19.07.2021

It was tradition, in a way.

«C’moooon!» Dalna’s face was the Google definition of the word ‘Pleading’. For a moment, Goram didn’t even thick his co-worker looked her thirty-four years. Nuh-uh. In fact? If not for her aggressively thick eyebrows and the hint of gold eyeliner, she might’ve passed for a juvie.

“Pleeease? I haven’t had Hesukar in ages!”

“Dalna,” Goram sighed, “-show some mercy here, okay? I’m sick to the Mother of tartar steak and tomatoe juice! Can’t we, like, just go for something else?”

Dalna moped. “Like what? I want chewy, dude. And I want something that actually tastes something.”

“A’ight-“ Goram nodded and glanced at his cellphone. Names and prices and e-links scrolled across the palm-sized screen. “How abooout-“

“Don’t you dare say Khortuun,” Dalna cut in. “I can’t stand bean-bread and stringy, stringy camel-steaks again. Gag me.”

“Okay! Chill!” Goram shot back, fending off Dalna’s dismay with what he hoped was a reasonable tone. A quick thumb-flick across his cellphone later, he added: “I was gonna say-“

“Riverfolk? Nuh-uh. I’m not having fried-to-death carp, thanks,” Dalna remarked. “Besides, I’m pretty sure Chelly from Accounting’s allergic to that seasoning they use.”

“Aw, shucks. …Wait, what seasoning?” Goram wondered. “Riverfolk food got special seasoning now?”

Dalna shrugged. “I don’t know. Whatever it is, it makes every meal they’ve got taste like fish and lemon-lime. Even the salads!”

“Pre-ty sure that’s just the lemon-lime dressing,” Goram shot back. But Dalna wasn’t impressed. And that, alas, was more or less a re-run of Goram and Dalna’s usual Friday pre-lunch-chat. Every Friday, one a month, Goram, Dalna and a couple other happy consultants from Noble Cities Funding and Financing would brave the after-work office rush and convene at a downtown restaurant to eat, drink and not do their own dishes afterwards. It helped that downtown had so many different cuisines to choose from – Hesukar steaks, Khortuun bean-broths and Riverfolk fisheries – even a new diner with a killer line in Hegemonic grub! But alas. If only Dalna hadn’t ruined it all by being a dumb, boring adult with tastes and opinions.

“. . .”

“Hey, Dal’?”

“What?” Dalna’s aggressively thick eyebrows shot up. Goram couldn’t quite tell if his dear colleague was being sarcastic or genuinely hopeful.
“You like dogs?”

Dalna frowned, her freckled forehead a spiderweb of wrinkles. “Sure? Why?”

“’Cuz apparently, there’s this place down on Barry Street that boasts brand, spanking new Corvidian grub,” Goram announced. “I mean, dog fillet, barley brews – you name it.”

“Hmf. A’ight-“ Dalna surrendered – and now it was Goram’s turn to arch his brows in suspected treachery. “…Seriously?”

“Uh-huh!” Dalna nodded – and flashed a smirk. “But first round’s on you.”

Some things, like food, just couldn't be argued with.

Other:
A new settlement is founded in the wooded foothills west of the Spine of the World, W-W-W-N. ‘Kura Kumbe’, men call it. May her children remain always in the light of the Mother.

Other:
No great endeavors of note take place in the lands of the Many Mothers these two years.

by **The Empire of Tau** » Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:04 pm

Republic of Machaka - Turn 48

by **The National Dominion of Hungary** » Wed Jul 14, 2021 10:09 am

The Land of Penithel

The years pass and seasons turn...

by **Lazarian** » Tue Jul 20, 2021 1:04 pm

Corvus, Year 94 of the Reckoning

The Conquest of the Aeder People
Dol Angren, Ninth of Harvesttime

“To arms! To arms!” the fleeing Aeder soldiers shouted, but it was too late. Far too late. Hundreds of snarling Wolf Soldiers poured out from the entrances of their tents, bursting forth with sword and spear at hand.

It had been a great deception which had won them this day. The Crow had surely blessed them with his trickery and guile. Hundreds of weapons and armor had been brought into the city, hidden under the pretense of gifts and splendor. Barrels of barley ale, with gleaming daggers hidden at the bottom. Wagons of tools and trinkets, with false bottoms storing helms and chestplates underneath. Carts of thick, many-colored tents, with spears wrapped alongside their struts. The Aederfolk had let their guard down, their defenses and suspicion dulled by years of gifts. They had escorted the Corvidians into the heart of the city, and set aside a place for them to camp.

In truth, this was all for the best. The Aederfolk were like a younger brother that had steered astray, and who needed to be reprimanded and guided towards the light. They were content to sit in their meagre and meek cities, staring away at the stars and living simple lives. It would not be long until savage wild men mustered the numbers to overrun them, to trample their crops, burn their cities, and loot their homes.

But with proper guidance, such things would be avoided. The Aederfolk would prosper under Corvidian rule. They would understand culture. They would learn to govern state affairs in a civilized manner, rather than feuding tribal clans. They would worship more powerful gods, learn the ways of the outside world, farm with sharper scythes and fight with sterner swords. In time, they would become equal to the Corvidians, and influence their combined nation appropriately.

In the moment, however, they were not ready. Not even close. And thus, men bled and died - for the good of future generations.

Or so the prophets and politicians claimed, anyways.

Notable actions: -35 Wealth from Corvus is spent on Dol Angren

by **Lazarian** » Wed Jul 21, 2021 11:09 am

Year 96 of Destiny's Awakening

The First Corate

As he slowly strode to the peak of the summit to be witnessed by all, Coraen the Elder adjusted the crown. It was a double crown, forged of a sturdy base of soulstone (or brons, as the Deepkin called it) with four spires of iron. The bronze cap, the Lower Crown, served to emphasize the base of the empire, the industrious forges of Corvus. The spires atop it represented the Four Aspects, as well as the sharp spears that ensured Corvidian dominance over the region. The iron ringlet set atop represented the Upper Crown, the Aederfolk which were now begrudgingly part of the empire.

In truth, he had no desire to sit on this throne, or to attain this lofty position. He was well aware that he was merely a puppet Hegemon, a figurehead to inspire and rally the uneducated peasants around whatever decisions the council made. The Nation’s Soul truly pulled the strings and decided things. And amongst all those quarrelling speakers, blacksmith guildmasters, tanner nobles, and clever bankers ruled the council. The military of Corvus was simply an extension of their will. A weapon to protect their prosperity.

It wasn’t a bad arrangement, though. And the perks of being a ruler, whether one with true authority or not - well, those were hard to turn down. If the people wanted a man to worship and admire, a man to rally around, a leader to believe in...he was happy to be that person.

As he rose over the crest of the podium, the trumpets blared, announcing his arrival.

“All hail the Corate Lord! May he reign with power forever!” the head of the Dreamweavers cried, a chorus echoing in the background. Banners flew in the air, entertainers juggled sharp daggers, and dancers swayed and shook feather-fans of crimson and black. Drums pounded loudly, a frenetic and violent cadence of sound.

Corvidians, in recent years, had truly mastered pageantry and spectacle. Rumors of the ritual story-telling in foreign lands had not concerned the council...until the Foreign Temple had arisen in Cavon. Inspired by tales of an Ape Lord, and leaning upon shared worship of ancestors, workers had constructed a structure much alike the temples of the Shao.

This had concerned the sons of Corvus to a great degree. As their people expanded into further reaches, their bonds as brothers grew thinner. Corvidians and Cavonians may have been alike, but the sprawling outlands had begun to grow new identities. The Cestonians were paranoid and security-focused as a result of the unnerving presence of the Watchers, their affinity for foreigners lost and their natural greed curtailed. Such paranoia fostered a culture of self-dependency, and the men of Ceston were wary of all outsiders. Even edicts from the Council itself were disregarded, should the Pacate of Ceston not find them to his favor.

And while the Cestonians drew too far inwards, the Corvinians embraced the outside world with too much enthusiasm. As a hub of trade for the region, Corvin overflowed with foreign goods and people. Traders from Forgefend, sisters of Sorrowfree, and even bold Shao were found in this busy settlement. It was hard to say that these men were still loyal to the principles of their founders and fathers, with such a broad spread of ideas and peoples.

There had been many words spent and arguments made to bring all the wayward sons into their collective values and identity. But they had come up with a sufficient enough solution. In recent years, a sect of Spirit-Guides had perfected mastery of storytelling. Beyond the stories of the Ape Lord, beyond the amphitheatres of the Deepkin. Perhaps it was the many, many influences on their home which had allowed for such a rich background of stories to tell - or perhaps a spark of ingenuity. Regardless, the performances of the Verdate (a religious caste of actors and musicians) were something to behold.

Magnificent stages built into the sides of the rolling hills had been assembled, seats carved into rock and decks built of sturdy oak timbers. Not just in Corvus, but in Cavon, Corvin, Ceston, and soon, the Aederfolk cities. Public holidays had been created, a feast-day on the fourth of every month. Sponsored by the elite of the city, the peasantry packed into theatres filled with poets, musicians, and actors.

This was not an act of simple kindness. The stories told at these festivals were carefully curated by the upper echelons of the Guides. Stories specifically meant to convey and impress Corvidian values upon the population. Stories meant to tie their society back together, after so much foreign influence.

The fable of the Crow and the Desert-Cities was an endorsement of greed and ambition, wrapped up in a folk-tale. The tale of the Demon’s Death was military propaganda, crediting the sons of the Wolf for the victory over the Black Kings. The tragic dirge of Salan, the Wayward Merchant, was a metaphor for the terrible fate that would surely befall cities that attempted to navigate this dangerous world alone.

Perhaps, Coraen mused, all of this would be enough to keep them together. Enough to lead them into the future that had been spoken of a hundred years prior, of their descendents filling the valleys and hills. Enough to shrug off foes and raids, trials and tribulations, struggles and difficulties.

The Gods would see, of course. And life would go on, regardless of what the future held. At the very least - they didn't have to face it alone.

Such was the way of things in the City of Wolves.

by **The GAmeTopians** » Wed Jul 28, 2021 12:16 am

Turn 46 (Rolls were already done, I just never posted actions because busy/dumb)

Turn 47 (Last Turn)

Turn 48

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Tue Aug 24, 2021 1:34 pm

Year 296 of the Reckoning

Turn 48

The Pale Death

A plague stalks the northlands this year, coming during the first winter and not departing until it has burnt its way through many souls in the lands of plains and tundra and forest. Some cities fare better than others, possessing more knowledge of medicine, or healing, or the workings of the human body - but all suffer to one extent or the other. Whispers speak of dark men in blank masks in the woods who are responsible for this death, others of feral savages which might have once been soldiers of the Black Kings who were punished by their former masters for their failures and sent as harbingers of a last, bloody, harvest to their ancient enemies. The wisest dismiss these rumors as mere superstition. Superstition or not, though, the grave-diggers are not idle.

200 Scholars perish in Eleskar
100 Scholars perish in Kelsk-ar
100 Peasants perish in Machaka
100 Freemen, 100 Artisans perish in Rivermouth
100 Peasants perish in Rivermouth

Zhai Cheng: The scholars have been successful at divining how protorice flourishes in the high fields - and it is added happily to the diet of the Shao. Huangzhou rises free and proud in the high mountains above the jungles of Yu. This land is rocky and mountainous, leaving little land for men to build upon, but a small settlement has been raised in one of the high vales where protorice grows in the cold clear streams. Huangzhou's land profile is 5 Forest, 8 Mountains, 5 Hills, 2 Flatland.

Eleskar: The expedition has returned, tired and defeated. Though the supplies sent were adequate, indeed abundant, the expedition's hope of locating other men with which trade might be established is an abject failure. As they sailed north along the wooded shores, forest became cold plains, and then lands where snow and storm lashed the sea, and the very water froze into mountains of ice which threatened ships and upon which they are sure no man can live. If there are cities or wise council to be had in the frozen north, the Eleskar were not able to discover them. There is also renewed fighting upon the borders of Eleskar - raiders out of the east have fought with the maniples deployed there, and were able to carry off some of the tools from the quarries there. 44 Soldiers fell in battle, and two Quarries were wrecked and will require 2 Labor each to repair.

The mages have been successful in their efforts to create method to forge and refine materials possessing innate mystical qualities - this will no doubt enrich both Eleskari society and the might of the maniples, in time.

Deepkin: The explorers that journey northeast of east of Forgefend spy out a region of thick forests, where a wide river - the Black River, actually - runs down out of the north and curves away west towards known lands. White fluffy cotton grows here, and black coal is to be found in the soil, as well as the sinister ore of the north. There are signs of men in this land, though no villages - whether these people might be brigands, or civilized, is unclear.

Research on Wyrdstone has proceeded apace, revealing that the substance has disturbing abilities to create unnatural life, or alter that which is already living... this, perhaps, explains in part the strange red men and the stone men which the Deepkin and Corvidians battled long years ago. Selective breeding techniques have born fruit, starting efforts to create more formidable horses who could bear armored soldiers upon their backs who would otherwise struggle on foot, as are efforts to intensify the amount of food brought from the soil via the use of fermented sewage from the burgeoning cities.

Deepkin magi have completed a study of geokinesis.

Warclyfe: The riots in Aun'kal have to be bloodily suppressed, despite the massive public works projects undertaken and the bounty distributed to the people. A hundred Peasants perish in the crackdown, but the rest seem sullenly quiescent for now. Ithoi proves more peaceful, the people mollified by the distributions. The scouts sent to the utter west return after the better part of a year, their sails in tatters, their ships barely floating. Two hundreds of their number have perished, and as far as they know, the Mirror Sea continues to the ends of the earth, where mighty Tes'la has fixed her bounds. They found naught but sky and sea and storm in their travels... there is also unfortunate news. Little is known about the large island the Ithoi occupy - the slavers never bothering to explore it much - and raiders have come from further inland, carrying off some of the people under cover of dark! One hundred Peasants were taken into captivity, and the Ithoi agitate for their new overlords to do something about the threat.

Sorrowfree: The priests and mystics of Sorrowfree are formalizing their religious precepts, placing down catalogued scriptures about how one should worship the Mother Moon and Father Lizard. Men and women flock to their new temples, eager to receive the blessings of the divine. Otherwise there is little of note to report this year - and in a war-torn world of strife, sometimes no news is good news.

Machaka: The careful study of the masters of the House of Wisdom has yielded impressive results - exemplary sledges for hauling goods on long journeys, and exploiting the bounty of the world about them.

Avnelin: 10 The explorers sent north return with interesting news - not to the Pennitheli, but to their allies. An impressive settlement has been discovered, mere leagues northeast of Rivermouth. It is strong, well fortified, but arrows were shot from it when the galleys drew near to the shore to land men to meet the inhabitants. This might be a source of the raids which have troubled the Riverfolk, or just an insular kindred. In other places the efforts to hunt down the raiders have been successful - the soldiers sent from Avnelin discovered an encampment of raiders just south and west of the city, and dispersed it with only moderate losses. 62 of the warriors of the Philosopher-King fell in the battle, but a wealth of twenty cartloads of lucre was recovered from the conquered encampment.

Corvus: The battle for Dol Aelyd beyond even the causalities of the most dour prognosticators - but it is nothing compared to the butcher's bill which the Corvidians paid to end the threat of the Demon's Den. Though the Aederfolk are prepared for war, clever, marshalled in their hundreds, even the keenest blade and the drawn sword may be beaten down by the unyielding bludgeon - and the will of the soldiers of Corvus is that bludgeon. After a short season of siege the walls are stormed by night, and though the Aelyd fight fiercely, eventually they are broken and their city's gates thrown open. Five hundred and seventy eight soldiers perish in the assault, veterans and newly raised warriors alike - but this marks the end of the Aederfolk as an independent nation, save for some holdouts in the hills and dreams which must be extinguished in resentful hearts.

Dol Aelyd: 1100 Citizens, 400 Peasants, 100 Freemen, 400 Artisans, 300 Scholars
3 Forest, 3 Desert, 4 Flatland, 5 Riverland, 2 Urban, 3 Rural
Urban [Fitted Stone Wall, Garrison, 2 Houses, Smithy]
Urban [Palisade, Creche, 6 Huts]
Rural [2 Gardens, 3 Farms] Watchposts
Rural [2 Quarries, 1 Paddock] Watchposts
Rural [2 Hunting Grounds] Watchposts
Sweetreeds, Ghostgrass, Otters, Deer

Dol Angren: 700 Citizens, 200 Peasants, 100 Scholars, 100 Freemen, 300 Artisans
10 Mountains, 5 Forest, 3 Hills, 1 Rural, 1 Urban
Urban [Cracked Stone Wall, 7 Huts]
Rural [1 Garden, 2 Paddocks] Watchposts
Rural [Quarry, Pit Mine (Magnetite)] Watchposts
Rural [4 Forestries]
Mountain Goats, Magnetite, Taro

The knowledge of Barley Domestication is also gained from the archives of the kings of the Aelyd, alongside plunder of 200 Iron Weapons and 100 Iron Armor.

Rivermouth: The settlers sent to the high mountains find them hot and cool in strange measure, sweltering in the summer when the winds blow from the east out of the Great Khortuun Desert, but frigid in the winter though not snowy like it is further north. If not for the great wealth of hematite here, perhaps they would have settled elsewhere. Fieldhome's profile is 6 Mountain, 3 Desert, 4 Flatland, 5 Hills, 2 Forest.

As the time of a city-state and a cohesive people, clan and kindred and neighbor knowing neighbor, the time of the Noble Cities, is now near spent. From humble beginnings in hovels and with little more than sharp spears and wooden walls to defend themselves from the dark places of the world, the people of the Different World have now arisen into mighty polities, spanning from horizon to horizon. Armies march in conquest, armed not with bronze but keen iron, machines of war rumble across plains and along great highways, and the scepters of many halls watch over distant lands. This is no longer an age of the city, the polis, the kindred - no, now that time is at a close.

This, this is the dawn of a different time upon the Different World... a time, that is of

Imperium and Empire

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

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