A Different World: Imperium and Empire [IC|Closed]

by **The GAmeTopians** » Thu Apr 14, 2022 3:48 pm

The Republic of the Great River

The miracle of flight in the 4th century. Perhaps these were not the majestic beasts of myth and legend, but the Drakes of the Republic had already changed the landscape of the entire nation. Families once split between the far ends of the land, from Rivermouth to Ironpeak, now communicating through letters delivered in mere days, rather than weeks or months. Military scouts, watching over the land of their home cities from perches in the sky. Archons of the Senatore, the great Council, arriving at the capital each month with all the swiftness and grandeur of their personal steed.

The Republic had, in one short year, become the Empire of the Dragon.

Government Type, Enlightened Republic: 8 Authority (4 Settlements * 2)
Tech Rolls: 5 (1 * 3 Palaces (1 Destroyed)) + 2 Active University w/ School
Copying Monumental Architecture from Machaka, 5/10 (5 Tech Rolls)

Rivermouth culture output: +6
Temporary culture from negative discontent: 0
Net authority change: -4
Remaining: 4

Temporary Culture from Negative Discontent: 0
Authority Change: +2
Remaining Authority: 6

Riverwatch Culture: +1
Temporary Culture from Negative Discontent: 0
Net authority change: -4
Remaining: 2

Remaining Discontent: 0
Temporary Culture from Negative Discontent: 5
Net authority change: -1
Remaining: 5

Old Culture: 73
Culture Gain: 7
Temp Culture: 0
Culture Drain: 0
New Culture: 80/38, Tier 2

by **Novas Arcanum** » Thu Apr 14, 2022 4:01 pm

Peace of the Fourth Century

-Cowrite by GAmetopians and Novas Arcanum

The cherry petals rained heavily in the city of Hou Cheng for it was spring and the snow had melted only a few weeks ago. It was not long ago that Zhao Zao had repulsed the red-headed men who attacked the city. Still one could find only faint signs that war had visited this great city, burnt marks here and there but for the most part it looked as prosperous as ever. Standing on the thick walls of the intimidating Jiayuguan Fortress was a young woman wearing colorful silk robes attended by soldiers shod in gleaming iron, wielding wickedly sharp blades.This person was Lu Xiran a woman of Huang and Niari descent.She watched the heavens,for the Republic had sent word that their diplomats would be riding legendary loong or dragons.

Finally after what seemed to be an eternity they arrived. Her eyes widened as she saw great winged animals appear across the horizon with what seemed to be human figures riding on top of them blocking the midday sun.

She was not as impressed as she hoped, for these were not the divine beings of legend but merely winged lizards. Still seeing such majestic beings soaring high in the sky was a breathtaking sight to behold and she felt chills as the creatures approached the fortress. Being the trained diplomat she was however, she showed no outward expression of her excitement and remained refined , her eyes watching keenly as the Republican diplomats stepped off their winged beasts.

“Greetings, and welcome to the Middle Kingdom” Lu Xiran said bowing respectfully.

Not far behind the landing drakes, dust from the flight settling on the stone beneath them, a small contingent of Republican guards rode atop Horned Lords - weapons sheathed, but it was only reasonable for such respected diplomats to have at least a few guards. The great beasts, it seemed, could not yet bear the weight of a fully armored soldier - though it was only a matter of time, as the Horned Lords had once been the same.

A man wrapped in blue cloth slid carefully off the back of one of the creatures, its scales rumbling at the movement. He bore a great beard of shimmering grey, and ran his fingers through a similar mane atop his pale head. He bowed slightly, a compromise to the foreign greeting method, and responded in kind.

“Thank you for having us, Miss Lu. I apologize for our slightly delayed arrival - you might imagine that the view of these lands from the sky above is quite breathtaking, and I found myself moving more slowly to take in the sights.” His speech was calm and belabored, belying the stability within a fragile-seeming form.

Lu Xiran was impressed, few foreigners were educated on Huang customs.If one looked closely, one could see an ever so slight smile that quickly returned to the neutral expression she held before.“ No need to apologize, one can not be blamed when riding on such magnificent beasts…” Lu Xiran said while looking at the drakes whose scales shimmered in the sunlight.

“In any case, you must be tired from your long journey, come I’ll show you to your quarters” The young diplomat said clapping her hands. The Republican diplomats would be escorted to their luxurious quarters where foreign dignitaries were often treated. After a feast of delicious northern-style Huang food, and some rest the Yu would get straight to business with the Republican diplomats.

In a great wooden room the Huang and Republican diplomats sat face to face with each other. Behind the Yu diplomats was a red and yellow banner with the hanzi characters Great Yu written on it. Behind the Republicans hung their banner as well. An old man in regal robes was seated in the center of the Huang delegation, no doubt the head of the diplomats. Next to him was Lu Xiran who would translate for him.

In a strong and powerful voice, the senior diplomat would speak his message that Lu Xiran translated in the riverlander tongue.

“In exchange for returning Fieldhome to the Republic and ending the war between our peoples, the Republic and all members of the Coalition must recognize the Pennethelli as being a sphere of influence of the Yu Empire”.

The senior diplomat then spoke some more words.” My master Hou Shun would also stipulate that the Xia- ,erm Corvidians are to respect the sovereignty of the Middle Kingdom and not march armies near her borders if future conflict is to be avoided” Lu Xiran said.

The man in blue, having since been introduced as Anders Lightbrow, sat flanked by two black-robed diplomats, seemingly his aides.
“The Republic finds these terms amenable - however, we are afraid that we have little control over the actions of the Corvidians. Certainly, they are our allies - but we have no more influence over them than the Huang do over the Great Imperium to the West. We will certainly convey intentions of peace and mutual respect, but to task us with enforcing Huang relations with Corvus seems unreasonable.”

Lu Xiran simply nodded and relayed the information to Hou Shun. After they exchanged words Lu Xiran then turned to Anders Lightbrow once more.
“Then we have an agreement may peace and prosperity flourish between our two nations for all time” With that said the negotiations were complete. The deal was sealed, and peace however fragile was achieved between the Yu Empire and the Republic.

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Fri Apr 15, 2022 1:19 pm

Year 431 of the Reckoning Ends

The Great Yu: This year is a year of relative peace on one front, but danger on others, with the accord signed with the River-men of the north and fear on other sides. There are some setbacks, however; the emissaries sent to the Pennenthelli and the King in Blue are less well-received than has been the case in the past, and the cultural influences of the Huang appear to be waning. There is word in Avnelin that the gifts of the Yu are mere lucre, a pittance compared to the glories which the Pennenthelli can achieve on their own feet.

Peace, though, is relative. Raiders out of the east have attacked Huangzhou, carrying off a thousand of her sons and daughters from the nearby craggy hills where the peasants were gleaning for sustenance beyond the bounds of the city. Their failure to return is not marked until late in the day, and the forces that set off to pursue the foe report that the enemy appears to be many and heavily-shod. The governor of Huangzhou appeals to the central government for more men to defend his people. Cultists have begun gaining power in the city, worshippers of a Lord in Rags who lives in the mountains who it is said will defend his adherents against the enemy.

There is also other black news. A 'strong force' out of the west has assaulted the Long Wall near Zhai Cheng, according to reports from scouts there. Contact has been lost with a number of garrisons, and it seems armies may be needed to turn back some foe. This is in addition to some mysterious disappearances in Yuzhou, instances few in number but growing in frequency where men and women simply pack up their belongings and walk off into the jungle either north, south, or west. They leave no mention of where they are going, but their frequency is beginning to add up. Nearly a thousand plebeians have disappeared in this manner recently.

Warcyfle: Soldiers from Ithoi and Warcyfle, striking under cover of night, have devastated a barbarian not far north of Ithoi. A thousand captives were seized in the assault and the settlement was destroyed by fire. Four hundred and three warriors of the Storm-King perished in the battle to overwhelm the foe. This is a good thing for the cause of civilization; the warriors of Likan have also beat back raiding parties which came out of the south, with minimal casualties to the garrison.

The Landsraad Imperium: Efforts to negotiate with the brigands east of Unrolvelith have proved fruitless, and the outlanders north of Nerroth are likewise proving difficult to bargain with. Deep under Tsargrad the prospectors have discovered a source of pale black ore, one which the miners are unfamiliar with. Efforts to formalize the process of military service via civic patronage are moving forward, backed by many Great Houses who fear the dangerous world about the high walls of the Imperium.

There have been reports of brigands east of Clarion, an unfortunate development. Understanding of the citrine gems, common but beautiful, has come to the scholars of the Emperor - they appear to be capable, in large quantities, of calling a part of the sorcerous energy of the sun to the process in which they are integrated. Attempts to refine the processes whereby such sorcerous energies are integrated into everyday life are also moving forward. Understanding of the Lesser Blink has also come from study of foreign lands.

Khortuun: The scouts sent south return with unwelcome words - the lands where the foul foe which was once fought are yet occupied, and in what appears to be greater numbers and strength than before. Walls have been raised about the tent-city of purple and black, and armed bands patrol there in force. The Crones have made a breakthrough into integrating the many networks of whisperers and agents which their circles utilize for information gathering and to keep an eye on friend and foe alike. These Cohesive Networks will serve them well in these unstable times.

Though there is little trust yet between the Sky-Brothers and the Khortuun, still commerce can forge a common bond. In exchange for much ore many hundreds of thralls are sent south with the people of Sorrowfree, to labor at the behest of the Crones. In the east the overtures to the brigands named Duranni are less successful - an exorbitant bribe of a hundred cartloads of gold and jewels is demanded in exchange for peace, that the Duranni might raid elsewhere. But what truly is the value of peace? Blood spilled, perhaps, might be cheaper than treasure, if many mothers have many sons.

Peace, perhaps, must be purchased with both. A strong force of raiders out of the west has attacked Sorrowfree itself, battling with the Nduja along the lip of the chasm which forms the borders of the Khortuun before withdrawing. Nearly six hundred of the swift-moving soldiers perished in the battle before the enemy began to fall back, and the foe's force was still formidable and dangerous when it retired. This may have only been a probing assault... and the warriors were clad in armor of purple and ash.

The Bacchanal Republic of Machaka: There is little news this year, which is good news in a world riven by war. The colony to the north is recovering, and prosperity is in the hands of the newly-arisen Bacchanal Republic.

The Brotherhood of Corvus: Negotiations proceed apace with the savages who have made their homes south and west of Cavon - they are a proud folk though, and many, and state bluntly that the losses to their kinsmen from such a journey and uprooting of ancestral lands are worth far more than the tribute the Brotherhood has proposed. They will need more to consider this sojourn, or encouragement via other means. Of the emissaries dispatched to the men south of Corvin, none have returned.

The Callacaei reconsider the offer, and state that they will allow three thousand of their warriors to participate in a razzia south with the Wolves of Corvus in exchange for two thousand suits of forged iron armor and an even share of the spoils - they stipulate, however, that the Brave Sons will not take part in any assault upon walls or fortified places. If the Brotherhood seeks to spend blood on these places, that is their affair, but the Callacaei do not love their progeny so little as to waste them thusly.

Word has come in from Ceston of wild men establishing an encampment south and east of their mountain fastness. There is also consternation in Corvin - not only have the emissaries disappeared who were sent to negotiate, but nearly a thousand of the Plebeians left to their own devices have not been able to be found come year's end. There are no records to speak of of any mass migration or removal from the city. Men, women, entire families appear to have simply ceased to exist.

The Republic of the Great River: No news, perhaps, is good news - peace attends the Republic on every side, and envoys have been sent north from the lands of the Pennenthelli to re-establish relations with the Great River.

by **The Empire of Tau** » Sat Apr 16, 2022 4:37 pm

The Bacchanal Republic of Machaka - Turn 32

by **Olthenia** » Tue Apr 19, 2022 9:03 am

Sorrowfree

The Grand Temple
Twentieth of the Arc of Many Mouths, 432nd Year of the Star-Count

T’was another council session, high up in the domed chamber of the Mother’s Temple. Crones and their attendants peopled the benches, as ever – their chatter and discussion ebbing. Murmuring.

“It’s unbecoming,“ Javrinda mo Gaan, First Acolyte of the Second Circle, grumbled. “It’s unbecoming and cowardly. What would our ancestors say if they knew?”

“Now, now-“ cautioned her colleague Asmena mo Sarnem, whose wrinkled forehead made clear her advanced age. “If we can pay for years of peace, fine. Time is worth more than wealth.”

Javrinda, whose dark eyes had been fixed on something on the dome far above them, slid her gaze back to Asmena and merely grunted. It was a grunt with a great deal to say for itself, however; a sound born of equal parts resignation and disgust. As well it should be. Sorrowfree, the seat of all Khortuun, the Mother-Moon’s chosen people, were under siege. More or less, at any rate. Scarcely a year ago, foemen flying vile banners of purple and ash – the hated foe native of the inner Ustar – had approached Sorrowfree’s very outskirts. Only a pitched battle fought by the warbands of the Nduja had seen them off – with hundreds of slain as the butcher’s bill.

And now? As though that wasn’t bad enough? The Duranni were spouting threats. Another misbegotten, vile people were they – whose more or less permanent warcamp lay sprawled somewhere in the northern mountains. And they were making threats. Of raids and ravages. Of war. Now, under less threatening circumstances, the more belligerent Crones of fair Sorrowfree – as prickly as anyone with regards to their honor – would have met these threats with clamors of affront. If bandits and brigands wanted Khortuun blood, they could buy it at their own risk! And yet, damn it all, these were unkind times.

The foe of purple-and-ash – natives of the wide desert deltas wise crones called the ‘Throne of Light’ – were literally at Sorrowfree’s door. Clawing it down. And clever crones knew – however much it rankled – that if you could pay a blade to go away? Well. That’s just what clever crones did; pride be damned.

Even if it rankled.

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Thu Apr 21, 2022 7:34 am

The North Marches

Outskirts, Clarion
Seventh of Neaptide, Year Four Hundred Thirtyone of the Reckoning

It wasn't a polite term. Clavius grimaced as his boots slapped on the smoothed cobblestones of the road along the coast. But it was accurate. "Softfoot". Some of the men of the Victorious 12th had chanted it when his unit passed him on the way out of the city, before their officers drew them in - and that hadn't exactly been the most expedited of processes. Good natured? Perhaps. But there was a bit of cruelty in there, the undercurrent that filled a decent number of military units. He had seen it in the Guards when they visited the Dun Quarter back home. Sure, they were bound by oaths, by standards of conduct. But that didn't mean you didn't have to be careful with them, the same way you treated a dog bred to hunt.

Yeah, his feet were soft. After the first three days of marching most of the 4th Stalheim had been nursing blisters and welts the like of which Clavius had never suffered in his life. It was these damnable military issue boots. Their hobnails were made to soak up the impact of marching for weeks over the unyielding surface of the highroads, but they played hell even on the tough feet of the average Landser. Back in the city you rarely saw anyone in such stiff leather if they could help it, or unless the snows were particularly deep. And then, of course, nobody was fool enough to try and march day after day in snowboots.

Except the Guard.

They were supposed to keep you in fighting shape, once you toughened up. Once you were no longer a "softfoot". Thick leather to turn errant swords, to prevent you tearing up your soles over the broken terrain of the wilds, to give you firm footing even on ground slick with mud or blood. The young man from the wainwrights' quarter didn't know about all that. Instructors could say whatever they wanted, and you were supposed to believe them. There was probably some logic behind it, yeah. The Great Houses wanted the armed bands they paid for to get use out of the men in them, the blood spilled to keep the wilds where they belonged. Even the patterns on the bottom of the boots had probably been studied by some artificer conclave, designed to spread weight while maximizing traction or some such bollocks.

Yeah, some such bollocks.

Sweat was already running down Clavius' back under his segmentum and they were barely north of the city. It was going to be a scorcher. Whoever had the men marching in full armor was a wanker, no doubt. Captain Allonius said that there were barbarians settling near the mouth of the Nerva, men who weren't interested in taking the Emperor's coin. It wasn't the Imperial way to trust such free folk to keep to themselves. Intermittent raiding along any border you cared to choose told the story of that.

Thus it was the job of the Guard to do what they did best - do unto others before they did unto you. Out here at the edges of the Imperium there was little else to say about the bloody butcher's work which kept settlements free and the lights shining out into the darkness. Tomorrow, maybe the day after, the men of the 4th Stalheim would have a chance to earn a name for themselves, to commemorate their first victory.

Until then Clavius just hoped the blisters stayed down.

Authority: 2 Hegemony + 3 Palace = 5
Deepkin operate Palace District [3 Authority, 6 Wealth, 3 Industry, -6 Discontent] [3 Labor, 1 Industry, 2 Authority, 1 Enchantment]
Deepkin operate University District [30 Wealth, 3 Culture, 6 Tech] [1 Labor, 1 Industry, 2 Authority, 1 Enchantment]
Deepkin operating University District [30 Wealth, 3 Culture, 6 Tech] [1 Labor, 1 Industry, 2 Authority, 1 Enchantment]
Deepkin operating University District [30 Wealth, 3 Culture, 6 Tech] [1 Labor, 1 Industry, 2 Authority, 1 Enchantment]
Deepkin operating Theater District [6 Culture, 3 Wealth] [1 Labor, 1 Industry, 2 Authority, 1 Enchantment]
Deepkin operating Artisan District [-3 Wool, -3 Timber, 15 Charcoal, 9 Wealth, 18 Industry] [1 Labor, 1 Industry, 2 Authority, 1 Enchantment]
Deepkin operate Forge District [-3 Charcoal, -7 Meteoric Iron Ore, -8 Native Silver, 39 Wealth, 6 Iron, 6 Silver, 3 Industry] [1 Labor, 1 Industry, 2 Authority, 1 Enchantment]
Deepkin oversee Forestry District [9 Timber, 3 Wealth] [1 Labor, 1 Industry, 2 Authority, 1 Enchantment]
Deepkin labor in Mining District [9 Stone, 6 Amethyst, 6 Blackstone, 6 Native Silver, 3 Culture] [1 Labor, 1 Industry, 2 Authority, 1 Enchantment]
Prospecting continues in the region [-10 Wealth, -2 Authority]
4 Tech Rolls, 9 Wealth from Culture
22 Tech Rolls
5 Labor from Apprenticeships II
Passive: 1 Labor, 14 Food, 9 Wealth, 2 Industry, 5 Timber, 2 Stone, 1 Amethyst, 4 Culture, 4 Wool
7 Remote Harvesting: 4 Meteoric Iron, 3 Marble
10 Food from Domestics
+2 Discontent from Hegemony | -2 Discontent from Palace: 0
Modifiers: Silk [+Culture 4/5], Am [Growth]
Income: 24 Food, 17 Labor, 161 Wealth, 35 Industry, 9 Enchantment, 11 Timber, 10 Stone, 12 Charcoal, -3 Meteoric Iron Ore, 1 Wool, 6 Iron, 6 Silver, 6 Blackstone, 7 Amethyst, 1 Silk, 3 Marble, -2 Native Silver, 2 Power Stones, 31 Culture
Constructing Stonecutter [1/8 Labor, 2/2 Wealth] -> [8/8 Labor] [Done]
Fabricating Gem-Mind Golems [6/6 Labor, 4/4 Iron, 5/5 Amethysts, 15/15 Wealth, 24/24 Enchantment, 4/4 Power Stones] [Done]
Constructing Arena [3/30 Labor, 50/50 Wealth, 15/15 Industry]
Raising Army [15 Wealth, 15 Industry]
End: 646 Wealth, 79 Industry, 82 Timber, 38 Stone, 4 Wool, 74 Charcoal, 15 Meteoric Iron Ore, 31 Iron, 12 Silver, 45 Blackstone, 31 Amethyst, 15 Diamonds, 23 Native Silver, 12 Marble, 5 Aetherium, 3 Firechar, 13 Silk, 0 Power Stones

by **Lazarian** » Fri Apr 22, 2022 7:28 am

The Brotherhood of Corvus

The Gauntlet

Trial Grounds, Cavon
Seventh of Greengrowth

Tarin Graintender put his hands on his knees, bracing himself for the pain that was soon to follow. The trainees around him panted and gasped, drenched in sweat, exhaustion written upon their faces. It was the first day of the year-long training, and the wheat was to be separated from the chaff.

Thousands of men would travel to the Memorial of the Fallen to make the attempt. Only half would even make it through the first day. The initial physical test involved a long run through most of the morning, led by a Spear-Priest. Many of the city dwellers had fallen out from the block, wheezing for breath. They would slink back home with regret in their eyes. Some would try again the next year - many would not.

But even those who passed the run were not guaranteed admission. The next challenge was the Stones of Seren - various circular rocks, which varied in size from the size of Tarin’s head to perhaps the size of a large goat. This test did not have a consistent mark of failure or success, according to the few Wolves that served as the town watch of Catan, Tarin’s home. The passing stone seemed to change every year. Rumors were that it was chosen based on a quota, set by the Soulan.

Almost nobody had been eliminated by the Stones this year. For a more discerning man, this perhaps would have been cause for concern. The implication it held for national security and the state of the armies was poor. But for Tarin, this mattered not. It was a relief, and perhaps even a blessing, for Tarin had struggled greatly in this task. His fingers had slipped on the third rock, and it had crashed to the ground.

Before them, the Gauntlet awaited. Two lines of older men stood before them, fists, sticks, and rotten vegetables held at the ready. Some of the veterans looked grim, not reveling in this cruel trial - but others grinned fiendishly, eager to dole out the punishment that they had once endured. They jeered at the wide-eyed youths who cowered before the sight, hurling mocking insults and spitting obscenities at them.

There were much fewer of them than there should have been, Tarin noted. And the distance of the gauntlet was only a few dozen strides this year. He’d feared that it would be much longer - the Spear-Priests he had spoken to had told tall tales of a mile of torment.

The campaigns against the Death-Defiers of Corvin had been costly. Too costly. In the halls of the Soulan, a Great Purge of outlanders and raiders had been ordered, and the vast armies of Corvus had assembled to march out and dole out judgment against those who would not respect diplomacy.

It had been a disaster. The very first battle of the campaign had been against men who had risen up from grievous wounds. It was said that the foe was of bloodless bodies and brainless skulls, only dispatched by obliteration of the body. The losses were horrific - one in three men had been slain, and the campaign was instantly halted, with the Wolves coming home to lick their wounds.

Despite all this, joining the Wolves was not still an easy feat. It was still considered a great religious honor, guaranteeing veneration in the afterlife. And even for those who dismissed the teachings of the Four Aspects and believed in no gods - there were many practical reasons to desire the bloody career. The pay was good, comparable to that of educated men and skilled craftsmen. And large portions of the Soulan Council’s national treasury were dedicated to furnishing lots of good land for those who survived the twenty-year term of service.
It was a dangerous profession, to be sure. Many did not survive for the full term, dying in foreign lands from fell magick, arrow, or sword. But some preferred a shorter, more privileged life in comparison to a long and dreary existence of a goat-herder or a farmer. Most of the Wolves were uneducated men, from the poorer classes. There was a near-endless supply of ambitious youth from the far countrysides of the Empire, who would already be accustomed to struggle and death.

Not all soldiers were Wolves, of course. The Wolf Soldiers were the professional military of Corvus, sent out to enact the will of the Brotherhood both near and far. Other patrols, town garrisons and guard regiments were greater in raw number - the Crows and Hawks, who stood upon the walls of the cities and patrolled along the roadways between them.

It may have been easier to join their number instead, and as Tarin stared at the path in front of him, he almost regretted not pursuing that destiny. But the Spear-Priest at the shrine in little Catan had sworn that a great destiny awaited him, and to reject it and pursue an easier path would bring great shame to his family. The gods gave every man different strengths so that they may serve their people in different ways, after all - and Tarin was a head taller than half the youths in the village. In his heart, Tarin knew the Spear-Priest was right.

Besides, even putting the gods aside, joining the Crows or Sparrows had rational disadvantages. They were often part-timers or reservists, clad in faded red vests and motley assortments of lamellar or chainmail. There was no government blessing or covenant given to those that followed a career amongst the guards or watchmen.

He took a deep breath, clenched his fists and teeth, and launched into a sprint. Some of the Wolves on the sides cheered and shouted, despite themselves - these brave youths would one day be their comrades in arms and their blood-brothers.

Then they started swinging. A foot caught Tarin in the side, knocking the breath from his lungs, and he fell unceremoniously into the dirt. As he attempted to regain his footing, blows landed upon him from all sides. Pain exploded through his mind as they prodded and smacked him with their thin rods, delivering a cruel beating. But despite it all, he was able to stand, lifting his arms above his face to protect his skull. Around him, the other prospects ran, crawled, and dragged themselves through the torrent of violence. It was a cacophony of cruelty and chaos.

It had a purpose, of course. It was better to weed out the cowardly before they abandoned you on the battlefield. Better to weed out the weak before they fell from a single wound beside you. Better to give a trainee a sample of the horrors of war, so that they would not cower at their first battlefield. The civilized and educated men of the Brotherhood found the practices of the Wolves to be abhorrent and loathsome - but who were they to judge? They sat in their cities, safe and fat, relying on others to do their dirty work. They had no right to speak.

After what felt like a quarter-hour, Tarin stumbled across the line, falling to the ground in relief. Bruises and welts were formed across his entire back, and his lip was bloody and swollen. The Spear-Priests at the finish line lifted him up in triumph, congratulating him. They adorned him with a garland upon his head, anointed him with fragrant oil, and placed a band of bronze upon his wrist. They saw to his wounds, brushing blood away and wrapping his cuts with bandages, before proudly patting him on the back and moving to the next successful candidate.

It had been horrid, but he had made it. He’d survived.

Through the first day, at least.

National Overview

Military Actions: None.
Research: 11 Tech Rolls (6 Palace Districts, 5 University)

11 Tech Rolls are spent on deciphering the strange scrolls left behind by the S Corvin Outlanders.

Government:

Civic Integration is adopted.

Culture: 132 Culture / 77 Population starting. 6 income. 138 / 77 finishing.

Authority:
Corvus: Net ? (15 in, ? out)
2 from p. Palace, 1 from a. Palace, 1 from Garrison, 9 from Patricians, 2 from Republic
Cavon: Net ? (10 in, ? out)
2 from p. Palace, 1 from a. Palace, 1 from Garrison, 4 from Patricians, 2 from Republic
Corvin: Net ? (8 in, ? out)
2 from p. Palace, 1 from a. Palace, 1 from Garrison, 2 from Patricians, 2 from Republic
Ceston: Net 2 (9 in, 7 out)
2 from p. Palace, 1 from a. Palace, 1 from Garrison, 3 from Patricians, 2 from Republic
Catan: Net 4 (6 in, 0 out)
2 from p. Palace, 2 from Republic, 1 from Patrician, 1 from a. Palace
Thurvan: Net 6 (6 in, 4 out)
2 from p. Palace, 2 from Republic, 1 from Patrician, 1 from a. Palace

Zero surplus authority. All authority is used. Ten Idlers. 54 authority. 13 army. 67 authority.

Discontent:
Corvus: 0 Discontent / 25 Pops = Life is good!
Cavon: 0 Discontent / 18 Pops = Life is good.
Corvin: 0 Discontent / 11 Pops = Life is good.
Ceston: 0 Discontent / 14 Pops = Life is good.
Catan: 0 Discontent / 6 Pop = Life is good.
Thurvan: 0 Discontent / 3 Pop = Life is good.
Outlander Emissaries:

Emissaries are sent once to the SE Cavon Barbarians, or as they call themselves, the Odawa. The Brotherhood understands that moving again is costly, and the Corvidians will not demand such an unreasonable burden. The Odawa can stay in these lands, as long as they swear on their deities that they shall not enact harm upon the sons and daughters of Corvus. They can enjoy the lush bounties that the Four Aspects have placed upon these sacred lands, bask themselves in the sun, and graze their herds. Perhaps they can even trade their goods, or enjoy treasures of Gold and splendid tools, should they lend their warriors to the aid of the Wolf. Would they be interested in aligning their banners, and formalizing such an alliance? The Corvidians can surely offer them anything their hearts may desire.

A warning is delivered at the end of this relatively benevolent message, however. To deny this boon and raid Corvan lands and villages will be met with merciless and absolute slaughter. The raiders South of Corvin could defy death itself - and they were not able to withstand the Wolves. It would be best if the Odawa thought very carefully about this.

Emissaries are also sent to the wild men South and East of Ceston. They are asked what their business is there, and whether they could be convinced to either move, or swear fealty to Corvus.

Emissaries are also sent to the Deepkin at Forgefend, bearing the banners of the fallen S Corvin barbarians in tow. They speak of the men who defied death, asking if the Landsraad has any information about these people. Even if they do not, perhaps their artificers would wish to know about such matters.

by **The GAmeTopians** » Mon Apr 25, 2022 11:34 am

The Republic of the Great River

Scaffolds rose high into the air, heavily obscuring the great construction at the center of the fortress city Riverwatch. But this was not a weapon of war, no - the greatest power of all, the power of human labor, would be organized within these walls... once they were complete, of course. The Bureau was the greatest feat of Republican construction yet, surpassing even the great walls that protected their people from the incursions of those beyond the plains. This would be a building for the people - for only through collective labor would the whole prosper.

Government Type, Enlightened Republic: 11 Authority (4 Settlements * 2) + 3 from Tier 2 Culture
Tech Rolls: 9 (1 * 3 Palaces (1 Destroyed)) + 2 Active University w/ School +4 Citizen-Scholars
Copying Monumental Architecture from Machaka, 5/10->10/10 (5 Tech Rolls) (Complete!)
Copying Shaft Mining from Corvus, 4/10 (4 Tech Rolls)

Rivermouth culture output: +6
Temporary culture from negative discontent: +3
Net authority change: -5
Remaining: 6

Temporary Culture from Negative Discontent: +7
Authority Change: 0
Remaining Authority: 6

Riverwatch Culture: +1
Temporary Culture from Negative Discontent: 0
Net authority change: -6
Remaining: 0

Remaining Discontent: 0
Temporary Culture from Negative Discontent: 0
Net authority change: 0
Remaining: 0

Old Culture: 80
Culture Gain: 7
Temp Culture: 10
Culture Drain: 10 (2 from Tier 2 Culture, 8 from Citizen-Scholars)
New Culture: 87/38, Tier 2

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Mon Apr 25, 2022 3:08 pm

Year 432 of the Reckoning Ends

The Bacchanal Republic of Machaka: A strong force of raiders have attacked the outlying regions of Machaka under cover of darkness, burning and pillaging outlying farmsteads, damaging an Agricultural District and destroying another. These brigands must be uncommonly cunning to have evaded the watchers of Machaka's defenses and the intermittent patrols. Scouts also report outlanders establishing an encampment south of Nea.

Sorrowfree: Explorers from Ge'en have mapped out the mountains region south of the city, siting deposits of malachite, noting packs of mountain-dwelling wolves, and making records of large shaggy sure-footed goats the size of the most formidable camels which the wolves hunt. Such majestic beasts could prove extremely useful for carrying goods across the broken peaks of the Spine of the World if they were tamed.

The emissaries to the Painted King are greeted cordially, but their offer of stronger cooperation politely rejected - the Khortuun have many foes, if his merchants are to be believed in their reports, and it is not a wise ruler who binds his kin to battle for the sake of a single friend. Sorrowfree is strong, but her friendship is not so valuable that he will spend blood for her good will, or risk such.

As for the Duranni, the envoys return swiftly and with fear-sweat about their necks. The encampment of the mountain kindreds, previously adjudged strong and formidable, is as empty as a new-hewn tomb. There are weapons, rent and cast aside, and signs that a battle unfolded here, for the walls are breached by some device or devilry. Of the Duranni though, there are no trails to be discovered.

That is not all! Miners working hard in the quarries of Sorrowfree have stumbled upon a deeply buried deposit of lurid green stone, surrounded by sand which was heated to such a degree that it has turned to muddy-clear glass. What the provenance of this discovery might mean is unclear, but certainly it holds potential, either malign or beneficial to the Crones and their charges.

The Landsraad Imperium: In pride the armed bands return to Stalheim, bearing a wealth of plunder from their foes. Aboard the Aer-galleys and heavily armed and armored they set upon the foes of the Emperor, and scattered the simple raiders and malcontents with volleys of deadly bolts. Their landbound kinsmen merely mopped up the remnants of the enemy, suffering some two dozen paltry casualties. Twenty cartloads of wealth is the plunder.

The emissaries dispatched to the men east of Unrolvelith speak positively of the negotiations, of overawed kings and greedy clan-fathers, and it is before year's end when the kindreds of that encampment begin trickling into the homes set aside for them in the alleys of the city. Prospectors in Zharrdehur have come upon deep veins of marble running down into the earth. Merchants also carry the secrets of the Language of the Void this year to the shadowmancers of Stalheim.

Mages of the Deepkin are making progress in the field of devising more formidable forms for the Secondborn who walk in their midst, to bear mighty burdens and carry heavy weapons. Creating heavy armors reinforced for the strong constitutions of Firstborn and Secondborn alike of the lightest mithril is another area where the artificers are seeing strides. Devices to hybridize the runic languages of magic and thus make yet more of the populace of the Imperium literate in the manipulation of the arcane are proceeding apace.

The Great Yu: Soldiers of the Yu Dynasty have turned back a large barbarian host which breached the Long Wall and burnt two encampments discovered not far from the western beleaguer of the immense fortifications. Casualties are reported to have been heavy, but the Celestial Emperor's armies are many. Work has resumed on a series of fortresses to the north of the Jade Lands to secure all approaches to the fair kindreds.

Warcyfle: A sea-born assault on wild men who infest the islands of Ithoi saw success, seizing a thousand captives for the cost of less than three hundred casualties to the large forces that swept down upon the encampment. These wild men, who call themselves the True Inheritors, are numerous but ill-armed and apparently lacking in political and military sophistication. There is good news though this year - through a careful process of heating and charging, cells of layered gold and teslanite have been proven capable of holding the heavenly charge for long periods of time, allowing mages to transfer the strength of Tes'la even to those lands which do not hold his shrines.

The Brotherhood of Corvus: The Odawa seem content to refrain from raiding the fat lands of Corvus, in exchange for a nominal weregild of five cartloads of wealth and ten cartloads of food to be delivered at feast-time in the autumn, so they may banquet and toast the peace with their neighbors. The offer of trade is intriguing to these outlanders - they have heard of the pulley-bows of the Wolves, and would give many carts of the wool of their shimmering sheep for these inventions, if Corvus can part with such weapons. Scouts have brought reports of outlanders establishing dwellings in caves to the north and east of Corvus, as well as east of Thurvan.

The emissaries dispatched to the outlanders near Corvus are received less kindly, though not in a manner which could be considered hostile. The host they observe is great indeed, a sea of camels, horses, oxen, and hide-tents large enough to swallow many villages. The chiefs of these people hear the inquiries of the emissaries, and dismiss him with platitudes about passing through seeking better grazing lands. Military scouts follow the emissary openly as far as the borders of Corvus, and seem very interested in the city they observe there before bidding him safe travels.

At Forgefend in the west the Deepkin greet the information from Corvus with frowns and muttering. The banners are not unfamiliar to them - it is apparent cultists or sorcerers of this persuasion have been seen and fought with along their eastern border in a manner similar to the danger they pose to Corvus. The Guard captains with which the emissaries speak note that they saw success with weapons bearing the ability to call fire to their victims when engaging the deathless enemies which the sorcerers favor deploying. There is also concerning news from Cavon - men working on the outskirts of the city have been reported missing, hundreds and nearly a thousand simply disappearing into the woodlands in small parties. Their tracks lead east.

The Great Republic of the River: Black news! A formidable host has been spotted by the watchtowers at Rivermouth, marching down out of the north with banners of deep crimson. They outnumber the defenders of the city considerably, and have begun pillaging the outlying districts, apparently content to stand siege and starve out the city behind her high walls... scouts report that the enemy bears weapons of bronze, and some manner of siege equipment has been described in their ranks.

by **Olthenia** » Thu Apr 28, 2022 1:08 pm

D E D I C A T I O N

Bᴇғᴏʀᴇ ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ ᴄᴀᴍᴇ,
ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪᴀʀs ᴡᴇʀᴇ
ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ᴛᴏ ғᴇᴀsᴛ
ᴜᴘᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴀɴᴅs
ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʜɪᴇᴠᴇs,

ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʜɪᴇᴠᴇs
ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ᴛᴏ
ɪɴɢᴇsᴛ ᴛʜᴇ
ᴛᴏɴɢᴜᴇs ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ
ʟɪᴀʀ ʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀs,

Aɴᴅ ᴡᴇ ᴘʀᴀɪsᴇᴅ
ᴛʜᴇ Mᴏᴛʜᴇʀ Mᴏᴏɴ
ғᴏʀ Hᴇʀ ᴊᴜᴅɢᴇᴍᴇɴᴛs.

by **The Empire of Tau** » Sat Apr 30, 2022 7:50 pm

The Bacchanal Republic of Machaka - Turn 33

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Thu May 05, 2022 6:22 am

Fire and Ash

Eastern Marches, Aetharn Heights
Twentieth of Longnight, Year Four Hundred Thirtytwo of the Reckoning

A shadow fell across the sun, and the sentry looked up from his reverie, shading his hand. There were few clouds in the winter sky, and yet for a moment his thick brow furrowed in incomprehension, trying to make sense of the shape which drifted before the yellow orb of the Sky-Father.

Then the first bolts began to fall.

The first impact threw him aside into a pile of stones, which was lucky - a second or two later one of the bolts landed exactly where he had been standing. If he had still been there he would have been reduced to a fine red mist and scraps of scattered cloth; as it was the shards from the explosion merely raked his body with shallow lacerations. It hurt like all Darfire, and as he drew in a breath to yell the alarm sharp pains shot through his chest. That would be some of the ribs broken for sure. Damnation.

It was more of a cough and a bark of alert than a true yell, for he couldn't fill his lungs fully. But the warning was pointless anyway. Back toward the encampment he could hear men shouting, the screams of the dead and dying. Chanted prayers to the Son of Shadow could barely be heard over the din, the enchanters gathering their sorcery - but a series of rippling explosions turned the chorus into a discordance, and the stomach-turning feeling of magic building ebbed away like the receding tide.

He glanced about for his bow, then slumped in chagrin. It was snapped in two nearby, probably from the impact or from having his body thrown against it. Upward his gaze went again, to the small black objects which were falling from that floating... whatever it was. Devilry. Fell enchantment. The Sky-Father would look upon him with disdain, but there was no point in rejoining his kin. The fires and shaking of the earth that he could feel even now from the encampment spoke a bitter word about the ability of the War-Host to deal with this assault.

Down the slope he limped, looking for a cavern or outcropping to hide beneath. The gods were angry, and even the twice-lived couldn't fight the birds in the sky. He had no wish to end up in the charnel pits, not yet. Concealment, then, meant survival.

by **Lazarian** » Tue May 10, 2022 12:01 pm

The Brotherhood of Corvus

A quiet year transpires this year. The soldiers lick their wounds, replenishing their numbers. The markets hustle and bustle with activity. The sheep bleat in the fields, and the wind lazily blows over the plains. But nothing grand takes place, truly.

National Overview

Military Actions: Hawk I absorbed into Hawk IV. Sparrow I absorbed into Sparrow II. Hawk I and II absorbed into Hawk III.
Research: 11 Tech Rolls (6 Palace Districts, 5 University, 6 Citizen-Scholars)

17 Tech Rolls are spent on deciphering the strange scrolls left behind by the S Corvin Outlanders. [Arcana: ?]

Government:

Culture: 154 Culture / 77 Population starting. 6 income. 160 / 77 finishing.

Authority:
Corvus: Net ? (19 in, ? out)
2 from p. Palace, 1 from a. Palace, 1 from Garrison, 9 from Patricians, 2 from Republic, 4 from Civic Integration
Cavon: Net ? (12 in, ? out)
2 from p. Palace, 1 from a. Palace, 1 from Garrison, 4 from Patricians, 2 from Republic, 2 from Civic Integration
Corvin: Net ? (10 in, ? out)
2 from p. Palace, 1 from a. Palace, 1 from Garrison, 4 from Patricians, 2 from Republic
Ceston: Net 2 (9 in, 7 out)
2 from p. Palace, 1 from a. Palace, 1 from Garrison, 3 from Patricians, 2 from Republic
Catan: Net 4 (6 in, 0 out)
2 from p. Palace, 2 from Republic, 1 from Patrician, 1 from a. Palace,
Thurvan: Net 6 (7 in, 4 out)
2 from p. Palace, 2 from Republic, 1 from Patrician, 1 from a. Palace, 1 from Garrison

Zero surplus authority. All authority is used.

Discontent:
Corvus: 0 Discontent / 25 Pops = Life is good!
Cavon: 0 Discontent / 18 Pops = Life is good.
Corvin: 0 Discontent / 11 Pops = Life is good.
Ceston: 0 Discontent / 14 Pops = Life is good.
Catan: 0 Discontent / 6 Pop = Life is good.
Thurvan: 0 Discontent / 3 Pop = Life is good.
Outlander Emissaries:

Emissaries are sent to the Cave Dwellers in NE Corvus. Greatwolf III travels alongside the ambassadors - not to attack or harm, but perhaps to frighten them a little. The message is simple, as is custom now. The cave-dwellers can feel free to live here in the heights above Corvus, but should their warriors be discovered harrying the outlying agricultural lands - they will be obliterated without mercy. With that warning out of the way - could the Cave Dwellers be enticed to swear allegiance, or join their sons to a campaign? There is always room for new allies and friends under the grand tent of the Aspects.

Emissaries are sent to the men south east of Thurvan, with the same message. They are sent later in the year, so that Greatwolf III can accompany them as well.

The 5 Wealth and 10 Food requested by the Odawa are delivered, deducted from the ledgers of the capital city of Corvus. May peace reign throughout the lands. 1000 Crossbows are delivered to them (using Corvus Market) in exchange for however much wool they see fit - although no less than eight. Preferably ten. As many as the clever traders can dredge out of them.

Emissaries are sent to the Painted King - though his offer was fair, they will respectfully decline. They do, however, support his reign over the mountains in the Qindao area. The messengers state that if he calls for aid, the Corvidians will answer - exclusively in the event that the Shao attempt to stamp out his kingdom once more, however. They also inquire as to how to further positive relations, should his Magnificence be interested in that.

Emissaries are sent to the Perruni, with talk of a great opportunity. The Soulan Council has decided to create more colonies to secure the homeland. Some have spoken of building one for the Perruni to reside in, and giving the offer of integration as Citizens of Corvus, with voting rights and protection privileges. How do the Clans feel about this offer, and what may compel them to look upon it with favor?

Emissaries are sent to the Deepkin at Forgefend. After much bowing and scraping, they voice complaints about a foul and loathsome group called the Callaeci. These miserable bandits sit on the highways from Corvin to Forgefend, and fatten themselves on the goods of greater nations. The ambassador claims that they have a sure-fire way to lead these barbarians into an exposed and vulnerable position, and the Deepkin could acquire easy slaves from such a venture - should they commit a small portion of their fearsome military.

Espionage: Scouts, spies, and informants are sent to the East of Cavon, to attempt to figure out where the missing have gone. They are also launched from Corvin, in an effort to figure out where the missing have gone. 20 Wealth is spent to aid in these endeavors, deducted from the ledgers of the city of Corvus.

A spy network is set up in the Corvus Watchers (SE Ceston), ordered to work on counting the numbers of the foe and preparing a report as to their relative strength. It is concerning that they would dare send military scouts to follow.

by **The GAmeTopians** » Wed May 11, 2022 9:53 am

The Republic of the Great River
The Bureau

High granite walls frame a massive building, clean lines forming an almost hypnotic pattern across the body of the complex. Dark timber doors dot the structure periodically, multiple entrances to the Bureau. Frequently in the course of the day, figures slip in and out of the behemoth of bureaucracy. Beyond these entryways, smooth stone halls lead to a vast web of offices, meeting rooms, and thinner still corridors beyond.

"Here is your office, Demarch Brightsteel. You possess authority over the entirety of Hall Beta, with 64 subordinate offices under your domain - though I'm sure that information was provided in your brief." Two black-clad men stood in the doorway of a brightly lit office, generously furnished with various goods - firmly constructed chairs and tables, and small artworks displaying Republican imagery. The finer-dressed of the two men settled into the cushioned chair behind the broad main desk, nodding to the other man.

"Mm- I think I could get used to this." Demarch Brightsteel removed a sheaf of parchments from his cloak, scattering them across the desk. "I've yet to sort through the back half of the brief, however, so I'd best get to that. My thanks for the escort, Proxenos Greengale."

Government Type, Enlightened Republic: 11 Authority (4 Settlements * 2) + 3 from Tier 2 Culture
Tech Rolls: 9 (1 * 3 Palaces (1 Destroyed)) + 2 Active University w/ School +4 Citizen-Scholars
Copying Shaft Mining from Corvus, 4/10 -> 10/10 (Complete!) (6 Tech Rolls)
Copying Outlander Emissaries from Corvus, 3/10 (3 Tech Rolls)

Rivermouth culture output: +6
Temporary culture from negative discontent: +1
Net authority change: -4
Remaining: 7

Temporary Culture from Negative Discontent: +10
Authority Change: -1
Remaining Authority: 6

Riverwatch Culture: +1
Temporary Culture from Negative Discontent: 0
Net authority change: -6
Remaining: 0

Remaining Discontent: 0
Temporary Culture from Negative Discontent: 0
Net authority change: 0
Remaining: 0

Old Culture: 87
Culture Gain: 7
Temp Culture: 11
Culture Drain: 10 (2 from Tier 2 Culture, 8 from Citizen-Scholars)
New Culture: 94 (Temp 95)/38, Tier 2

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Wed May 11, 2022 12:44 pm

Year 433 of the Reckoning Ends

Sorrowfree: A quiet year. That much is good, after so much bloodshed. The borders of the Khortuun are not violated, and her colonies and daughters develop in prosperity and wealth.

Warcyfle: The True Inheritors bend the knee, knowing they are beaten; they will submit in exchange for their lives. Four thousands of their number are cast into chains and returned to Ithoi, the captives of a grand campaign and now, perhaps, betraying dominion over the Mirror Sea on every hand.

The Bacchanal Republic of Machaka: Scouts dispatched east to the ocean have located a large settlement of brigands south and east of the lands of the Eleskari, formidable and dangerous to trade in this region.

The Landsraad Imperium: The prospecting efforts of the men of the Imperium have failed to yield any results of note. The assault upon the barbarians cowering in the eastern heights above the fledgling colony of Aetharn has proceeded without incident, the heavy ballistae of the Aer-squadron devastating the foe and scattering them to the winds. Landing parties made off with several chests of interesting scrolls and thirty cartloads of lucre, returned to Stalheim. Efforts in the field of siphoning from the rifts of the Beneath and the Outsider are seeing refinement.

Alchemists of the School of the Wyrd are making strides toward a long-term goal of the Deepkin - the mastery of the elements, and of mimicking the modern world with sweat and sorcery. Attempts to arm and armor the Agaladrim for war, with routines to allow them to adapt and fight on the battlefield, have also seen success. These heavy constructs will be feared by many. The artificers have also seen success in getting utility out of the emeralds common across the Imperium, these gemstones being treated with enchanting fire and seeming to cause a clarity of mind and unity of purpose in those who work beneath their light.

The Brotherhood of Corvus: Scholars of the Crow have translated the scrolls seized from the Outlanders - these blasphemous texts speak of life eternal given to those who follow the Shadow in the Stone, or perhaps the Crown above the Sky, depending on how you translate them. Rituals are outlined in these texts, to abase oneself through human sacrifice and fetid rituals and thus gain the attention and favor of the Shadow-Crown. The priests of the Four say that these obscene rites are certainly the work of the Beast, and should be destroyed, but the Wolves counsel that the might on display in the forces against which Corvus was arrayed is obvious. If foreign rituals like that of the Change can be embraced for might, why should this new god be rejected, whatever the cost?

The emissaries sent to investigate the reports of men north and east of Corvus return with news both troubling and welcome - there are no signs of inhabitants here, merely old fire pits and empty cave-dwellings. Old bones, broken weapons, and dried blood tell of battle, but who was victor and who was victim is impossible to tell. There are no graves dug in the barren windswept heights, but the dead may have been burned in the fires of one of the many hovels consumed by flame.

The outlanders near Thurvan are more receptive, by dint of actually existing. Their chiefs greet the men of Corvus politely, and speak of oaths of allegiance which could be secured with appropriate gifts and patronage for their kinsmen. The Odawa, on the other hand, seem to have not anticipated the large amounts of wool that the men of Corvus consider their bows to be worth - three cartloads of wool were available to be sent west, but there is discussion of more being ready by the next spring to fulfill the terms of their agreement.

Emissaries of the Painted King speak of sons and daughters given in troth to demonstrate intent to live at peace - but the Folk of the Mountain seem not to understand that the Brotherhood has no royalty to provide such princes and princesses for the binding of bloodlines. The Perruni, on the other hand, speak of being willing to be formally integrated as citizens of Corvus - if their special rights are secured by law, so that their interests are not subsumed into the larger numbers of the Brotherhood and their particular culture devoured by the Four.

The soldiers and officials of the Imperium at Forgefend are easily seduced by the opportunity for the removal of lesser kindreds - the men of the Brotherhood get the impression that the hierarchs of the city have little respect for those who have not constructed great cities, after the fashion of civilized folk, and regard them as not much more noble than brigands with no kings or chiefs. If the Corvidians can lure such a savage folk into the open, the armies of Forgefend can be brought to bear to remove this impediment to trade, that is certain.

The Great Republic of the River: With the repulse of the forces of the Sorcerer-Princes from Rivermouth peace reigns in the vale of the Great River - for a time, at least.

by **Olthenia** » Wed May 18, 2022 7:47 am

C A L M S E A S

Sorrowfree
Eighteenth Day of the Arc of Many Mouths, 433rd Year of the Star-Count

The borders of the Khortuun were indeed unviolated that year. It should come as little surprise then that the seasons that followed were quiet ones. To be sure, the wise Crones of fair Sorrowfree bickered in their Grand Temple, as always - and sang their prayer-songs to the Mother-Moon's glory as loud as ever. But on the whole? Peace and silence reigned. And nothing but.

Of course, that's not to say that nothing actually happened that year. All across the lands of the Khortuun, people still lived their quiet lives. Some with diligence, others less so. In their yards and barrack-homes, the myriad armies of the Temple Mothers - the spears and shields of the Mother-Moon's will - kept up their drills and practices. To trained eyes, their war-making may well have looked somewhat green. Like tribal massings of painted war-women, whooping and surging in charge and counter-charge. Like scattered squalls of arrows at distant targets. Like warriors trying but not quite managing to fight as one. It was doubly to their benefit that war did not visit the lands of the Khortuun then. War, like any craft worth learning well, required time.

Elsewhere, west from Sorrowfree, across the great, grey peaks of the Spine Mountains, life went on as it always had in the largest of Sorrowfree's daughter-colonies. Kura Kumbe - sprawled admidst the wooden foothills of the evergreen forest - had a temple growing on its northern utskirts. Truly, the tallest strut of its central dome was so impressively tall by now, it caught the first rays of the morning sun even before the highest pines that surrounded it. Soon, wise woman wnd clever men agreed, the second Grand Temple beyond Sorrowfree would be ready for its first service. Beyond the joy of that first service and the satisfaction of a job well done, though - there lingered a deeper question. Which Mother would Kura Kumbe's temple serve?

Sorrowfree, as the foremost city of all Khortuun cities, had mothered her daughter-towns as best it could. In times of war and uncertainty, it was Sorrwofree's fighting braves that had kept her children safe. When artisanal crafts and clever tools were needed to see a job done, it was from Sorrowfree's labors the answers sprang. All in all, Sorrowfree and her Grand Temple had mothered Kura Kumbe into adulthood. For the Forest City, as some clever tongues called Kura Kumbe, was a fledgeling colony no more. No, mother! With her very own temple facing the dawn, and her own praye-rsongs greeting the first rays of the Sun Lord's benevolence - Kura Kumbe would be grown; an adult in her own right. And her Mother-Temple, then, would have a tone and flavor all its own.

And her cult, some feared and others smiled, would be a loving, lisentious and frivilous one. One dedicated to thoughtless celebration, to the founding of commuity and the joining of women and men in earthly pleasure. Some listeners who heard such thoughts frowned with concern and shook their heads. How could such practices - cloaked and shrouded in religious ceremony - be of benefit to a proper city? Surely, cultic rites celebrating such nonsense would only serve to throng her halls with lovestruck menfolk. It might even make a house of ill repute of the very house of the Mother-Moon!

Or would it?

It was a good thing then that others argued otherwise. Fertility and motherhood - the bringing forth of life - was a mystery, they councilled. A mystery divine in nature - and one that wise mothers must contemplate and investigate - if true benefit should come to those who celebrated it. It was not, then, a question of wether Kura Kumbe's new temple should host such a cult - but whether it could truly afford not to. For who else, but clever mothers, should celebrate such mysteries?

A deep question, to be sure - and one with more than one answer.

-Trade and commerce flows, as ever, from Three-Brothers and Kura Kumbe. And Fastaqui, too! This year their destination is the Court of the Painted King, to further friendly relations (9 Trade Value).

-Other trade caravans head elsewhere from Sorrowfree, bound for distant lands (5 Trade Value to fair Three Brothers; away across the mountains).

-This year, the elders of Sorrowfree dispatch an expedition to the mountain plateau where the Durrani once hosted their war-camp. What secrets linger there? And what treasures? (-10 Wealth.)

-Envoys in the Corvidian style are this year dispatched to the Sky-Brothers of far Kachalla - and their message is an important one. They speak of Sorrowfree, and the desire of her Crones for friendship and compact. To this end, she seeks a union with the elders of Kachalla. A firm and formal tieing of proper bonds between the Khortuun and the Sky-Brethren. To demonstrate the seriousness of Sorrowfree's intent, the envoys ask Kachalla's council what steps the Crones might take to prove their worth. The envoys speak, after all, of a joining - one born of diplomatic hegemony - and Sorrowfree is not so bold as to suggest Kachalla does not come without a mind of its own; nor so rude as to suggest she is not worth a fair effort.

-Other envoys - albeit ones perhaps less in grandure and stature than those sent father north - make their way east to the court of the Painted King. Once their bows are performed and their greetings delivered, they make their desire plain: that Sorrowfree and the Painted King join their realms as one, and make common cause against the world. What price would the Painted Seer demand in exchange for the swearing of such oaths? They must but name it, and the Crones of sweet Sorrowfree shall consider it fairly. The night, after all, is dark and full of terrors - and although the Painted Seer no doubt sees much and more, there is safety is numbers; particularly so if the Huang Dragon is to be defied.

-The Nduja are replenished, at long last. (1000)
The Bonadar resume their patrols of Sorrowfree and her environs. (Patrol)
The Sogoi spend their days in toil and training (Tribal, 3/5)
The Temple Guard follow their fine example (Tribal, 2/5).

by **The Empire of Tau** » Wed May 18, 2022 4:52 pm

The Bacchanal Republic of Machaka - Turn 34

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Fri May 20, 2022 3:04 pm

Strength in Stone

Firetender's District, Nerroth
Third of First Seed, Year Four Hundred Thirtyfour of the Reckoning

The evening was falling as the long line of wains entered the craftsmens' quarters, figures in the red-trimmed robes of artificers of the flame lounging at various points on the heavy ox-drawn carts or walking alongside in loose knots, deep in conversation. With the hour of eveningmeal approaching the crush of laborers, miners, workers, and artisans gave them less deference than might have otherwise been the case; tired eyes and weary limbs did not always value respect as highly as those newly rested and filled with energy. But still a bubble followed the wains, one enforced by the few conclave guards with scarlet-rimmed shields and iron helms covered in crimson wrappings.

Enchantment was a thing of the central cities after all, of tall spires and deep laboratories. It did not trouble those on the outskirts of the Imperium, any more than did the endless maneuvering and politics of the Great Houses and the murky webs of the Landsraad. Some of those who watched the procession stared with suspicion at the heavy loads of stone broken in the nearby mines as it was being hauled toward the workshops which prevailed in the Firetender's District; such materials were often used to animate Secondborn constructs, which took positions and employment away from unskilled Deepkin all too often.

But such was not to be the case today. Nerroth was known to possess ample reserves of deep dun gray ore called cassiterite, and the metallurgists from back west were interested in producing barans weapons and tools in the city. By itself cassiterite was fairly useless, mainly integrated into cheap pewterware and pots and pans which even the poorest of Nerroth's inhabitants found subpar. The new enchantments coming out of the City of Bells promised to revitalize the metalworking economy of the novel settlement, with luck.

The chanting echoed through the hallways for several hours as night drew her cloak over the houses in the shadows of the eastern mountains, a ceremony of considerable effort. Heavy drumming of the forgers and smiths was a deep rhythm which underscored the sonorous stanzas and cadences of the sorcerous working. By the next morning glittering cuprous ingots emerged from the workshops, for use in melding and the creation of bronze, yet another gift of the Father to his favored sons.

by **Novas Arcanum** » Sat May 21, 2022 5:51 am

Call of the East

The sun rose in the west shining it's glory on the lands of the Middle Kingdom. It had been a year of trials and tribulations with much needed peace and quiet. Just a few years earlier Xiong Xieren, a close friend of Zhao Zao, had turned back wild barbarians near the walls of Zhai Cheng at a great cost of lives annihilating the savages for all time. The jade lands were watered with the blood of countless sons, but peace had been secured and the price in blood would never be forgotten.

Indeed it was a time of great momentous change. Turning away from the world for just a moment, the Yu Dynasty would complete it's crowning achievement the Great Canal. Stretching to uninhabited lands to the south then to the bustling city of Zhai Cheng finally ending Zhongdu, the Huang would prove themselves once again bending the earth to their indomitable will. The canal would connect disparate regions of the empire, allowing for trade and commerce to reach lands previously untouched by the Heavenly Kingdom bringing order and civilization to even far flung lands. It would spur migration leading to great upheaval and opportunity.

Even so the people of the Middle Kingdom continued working hard, striving for prosperity and taming the wildlands that surrounded them with iron determination while hoping and praying to the ancestors for continued peace. Still the Sons of Heaven sharpened their blades and looked to the west, north, and south knowing that very soon their lands would be tested once again by savage barbarians whoever they may be.

A series of battles near the Long Wall, brutal and bloody. Xiong Xiren would lead the barbarian Shannxi into a trap, performing a classic strategy of sending a weak force to attack the enemy encampment. After a short, pitched battle the supposedly battered and bruised Yu force would make a retreat, the barbarians believing themselves to be victorious would give chase vigorously yelling battle cries and curses at the fleeing Yu soldiers.

Suddenly emerging from north, west, south and east Xiong Xieren's forces would emerge from the hills surrounding the Shannxi. The Shannxi would fight viciously but in the end surrounded on all sides utterly flanked they would be destroyed, and the barbarians shouted throwing their weapons to the ground in a desperate attempt to flee. The Yu seeking to project Wei,awesome authority into the battle would let a few escape from the encirclement only to be cut down by soldiers laying in wait.

It was a brutal and efficient strategy that saw nearly all of the Shannxi destroyed. It was over, done. The Shannxi War would see most of the invaders killed and Zhai Cheng saved,the City of Fire spared from destruction. Xiong Xieren would be honored by the Emperor but it appeared that peace would not last. With the Shannxi defeated the Emperor turned his attention to the Qiang once more.

The Qiang Wars were technically ongoing, both the Yu and Qiang had entered an uneasy peace refraining from attacking each other. The Qiang were busy licking their wounds from the attacks on Qindao. The Yu likewise were busy with other matters fighting foes in all directions. Now was the time to fight once more.

by **Ralnis** » Mon May 23, 2022 11:24 am

(Co-op between Tau and Ralnis)

Island of Lo, Kingdom of Warcyfle

There was a large assortment of marines that watched the diplomats and slaves that came from the eradication of the True Inheritors. Thousands of slaves threatened Ithoi for generations. Years of purging and enslaving the heathens so now they can be put to the good of the People of Tes’la. Among them are the daughters and wives who were deemed the prettiest or the most skilled to be sent to the victors.

However, while the spoils of war were being handed out to the upper and middle classes of the Warcyfle, they weren’t the most important part of today. A young princess of the Aederfolk, the diplomat of the Velathriim, and a diplomat from Machalka had come from all over the world to see the large island that had been continuously growing and working to make their island capital one of the largest in the world despite their small size.

Awaiting the three people from different nations was a man in a light, flowing tunic. His arms were made out of Teslanite, like his security retinue. The tan skin of the person who lived in a tropical paradise came with an air of diplomacy. He bowed to people as he spoke in trade speak.

“I welcome everyone to the capital of our people! The glorious island capital of Lo! His Majesty welcomes you all to the coordination of a new nation and a new age for all who live in the Storm Father’s Domain.”

The Machakan diplomat, surrounded by his own guards, waves and greets those around him. He takes a second or two to do some sightseeing before returning to his duties. He needs to secure the agreements between Machaka and Warcyfle. Machaka offers its whole library for the whole library of Electromancy.

The diplomat was assured that they will have time to give their proposal once the ceremony is done. As everyone walked through the gates of the glorious city-island as everyone goes about their lives in preparation for the new announcement. There were banners of the lightning symbol over a purple backdrop. Child Birds were being chased by children while slaves toiled away for the glory of their betters.

The palace was built into the mountain, right where the large red stone tower with sapphire crystals was on the very top of the mountain. The source of all of Electromancy in the known world. The Warcyfle representative was more than happy to let it be known for the research of the Red Tower and the glorious magics that the Storm Father had brought them.

At last, they had reached the very palace and the most elite of the Teslanite welding soldiers parted way for them to gather in the throne room. The sound of music filled the air as nobility and priest from all over Warcyfle. At the center of it all was a young man, tan as like all the other islanders but he had a regal appearance, one with flowing robes of many colors and a golden band on his brown hair. This was the king of Warcyfle, King Ya’el. He was the second of the Divine Storm Kings who were chosen by the Father himself to direct the nation and spread the message of his religion throughout the world. As long as this small island was the center of one of the world’s mightiest nations and one of the largest religions.

“Welcome everyone to the coordination of a new nation.” Ya’el proclaimed,” I am the Second of the Divine Storm Kings and the one who commands the Mirror Sea in hegemony. Among the diplomats from the far away republic of Machaka, the youngest princess of the Aeder, and a representative of the Velathriim. “

They both gave their respective bows in front of their ruler, the Aeder princess gave a deeper bow than the Velathriim.

“I have summoned all to make the announcement of something new. A new name and a new era for this nation. A new covenant will be formed and a new ambition to be met as the expansion of the Storm Father’s children throughout the Main Land. As we share the glory of the Path of Electromancy throughout!”

A chorus of cheers from the warlike soldiers and nobility is heard throughout the palace until the King silences them.

“For the longest time our march had been hindered by heathens who dared to tread upon our islands, threaten our hegemony. For too long our neighbors, the Corvians, those snarling wolves, had been weakened by machinations and careful planning to the point that the Sunset Invasions of Velatharrim and Corvus had been successful. With the grip on the mainland and the helping of the Aederfolk to throw off the yoke of their enemy.”

It is now that the King stood up and his voice became ever more booming.

“ It is here that I stand before our Storm Father, our vassals, and invited representatives to bear witness to this decree. That the Age of the Kingdom is over! The Age of the Empire of Warcyfle! For our Imperial might has spread into the Main Land and our Father’s Storm will be ever-lasting!”

As the decree of the new Empire of Warcyfle was made, the Storm King became known as the Divine Cloud Emperor, and the formal establishment of the Kingdom of the Aeder as a vassal of the Empire. It was sent all over in order to mark it on new maps and the promise of military protection against the Wolves. Even markes as the ambition of the Warcyfle against the Wolves wasn’t fully met but they had scored a true victory against a previously believed unassailable foe.

The Velathriim also had no problems with the bandit problems so far and the newly minted Emperor expected the city-state to pay their dues now. The final piece of discussion was towards the Machakan diplomat for an immense tech trade.

The tech trade noted that they had a coastline and were willing to accept the Storm Father in their republic. It was paramount since the worship of Tes’la was the understanding of their magic. They even were willing to import some of those mythical God Spiders and to understand them. However, the long distance was still a problem, even with their holds in the Main Land and the vassals.

Still, the deal was struck and missionaries were being sent with the diplomat after the week of festivities for the rising of the new Imperial Order under Tes’la.

by **Lazarian** » Sun May 29, 2022 3:50 pm

Research: 17 Tech Rolls (6 Palace Districts, 5 University, 6 Citizen-Scholars)

8 Tech Rolls are spent on studying Prospecting from the Machaka.

The protests of the Spirit-Guides are ignored, and 9 Tech Rolls are spent on investigating the dreadful rituals of the Shadow Crown. Strength is the first of the Corvan Virtues - no matter the avenue the pursuit of it takes. A motley array of criminals are provided for their sacrifices. A cruel fate, but one they were to face anyways. Testing is also to be done with typical blood offerings of goats, as to see if perhaps this can work instead.

Outlander Emissaries:

Emissaries return to the men Southeast of Thurvan, proposing an offer of fifty Wealth for their allegiance.

The Odawa are lightly chastised for their lack of wool given, but the crossbows are handed over as was observed. The remaining payment is to be waived - the Corvidians seek to establish themselves as generous benefactors to those who cooperate. An offer of partnership is proposed to the Khan - the Odawa can have many more crossbows and stay in these lands as long as they would see fit, should they respect and ally with their betters.

Emissaries are sent to the Perruni to finalize the deal, requesting information on the resources available in these lands and notable features, if any exist. The Corvidians will provide the wealth, infrastructure, and investment of the colony. In return, the Perruni will settle it, creating a city which will be more populated and thus more useful than the little countryside villages of Thurvan of Catan. The Perruni will become Full Citizens with representatives in the Soulan, and they will not be required to give back to the state for at least twenty years. Perhaps, over the next hundred years, their children’s children will become true Sons of Corvus.

Emissaries are sent to the Callaeci. They fete the Brave Sons with gold and ale, speaking of a group of brigands that have been harrying their allies, the Khortuun. There will be no walls to assault, nor fortified places to brave. These tribal bandits live in tents amongst the desert, with few fortifications to their name - but their numbers are vast, and the Corvidians are spread thin. The 2 sets of Forged Iron Armor are delivered as promised, taken from Corvus. Half the spoils will be awarded to them. They will be requested to send as many sons as they can muster for the assault in the fall months of next year.

Emissaries are sent to the Deepkin, to arrange an ambush near Kura Kumbe. The Priestesses of the Mother-Moon have allowed for the legions of the Landsraad to lodge in the homes of the city - for a year, that is.

Emissaries are sent to the Outlanders near SE Ceston, with Greatwolf I serving as an escort. They are asked what their business is there, and whether they could be convinced to either move, or swear fealty to Corvus.

Emissaries are sent to the Outlanders South of Cavon, with Greatwolf I serving as an escort. They are asked what their business is there, and whether they could be convinced to either move, or swear fealty to Corvus.

Espionage:

Spies are sent amongst the traders to the Odawa, to take account of their numbers and fighting strength.

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Tue May 31, 2022 9:55 am

Year 434 of the Reckoning Ends

Sorrowfree: The explorers sent north and west into the high mountains find little more than that which was first observed by the envoys, to their chagrin - the encampment of the Durrani is scoured clean, perhaps by scavengers, perhaps by looters, perhaps simply by the people themselves when they left on their journey to wherever they have departed. It may be they were simply a frugal folk, little give to profligacy and waste. Whatever the case, broken pottery, rotted wheels, torn fabrics, discarded cloaks - these things which are found are of little overall use.

The envoys return from Kachalla with omens and words which are fair, if perhaps not what were expected. The people of the Sky have much respect for the Khortuun, and are willing to offer tribute in exchange for a guarantee of their protection - the shamans of the plains speak of black signifiers of the years to come, of long nights of wolves and blood, and it is best that honorable men (and Mothers) stand back to back against such foes.

The Folk of the Mountain, on the other hand, are less conciliatory. They value the aid that the Khortuun have offered them, and have gained much from trade and fair goods which Sorrowfree sends to their markets behind their high walls - but the King under the Mountain, the Painted Seer, is proud, and his armies strong. None have yet breached his walls, or laid low his armies. If Khortuun will aid him in his war with the southern barbarians who have laid siege to his home once already, that would be a fine thing, but common cause in war is not the same as finding fealty for the Mothers.

The Bacchanal Republic of Machaka: There is dark news this year - slavers have come out of the south and attacked Nea, carrying away a thousand of her sons into exile. The garrison resisted bravely, but was put to the sword, and they could not hold up the reputed vast numbers of the foe for long enough to make a difference in the flight of their kinsmen.

The Landsraad Imperium: Artificers and artisans of Khoramor have made strides in creating polished lenses of brightstone, which when activated can be used for seeing great distances or even projecting dangerous heat and light, after the fashion of the Beacons which the Emperor uses for harbor defense. Mages working with the alchemical compounds of Tenebris have enhanced their understanding of the building blocks of life, seeing success transmuting the base metal of copper into useful strong iron. The manufacturing of clever and strong mechanisms for the creation of impressive complex weapons is proceeding apace.

The Great Yu Dynasty: The Grand Army has marched north, laying siege once more to the hated Qiang. The blessed lands of the Yu will be secure, one day, and peace will rain on all sides.

Warcyfle: The medical professionals of Warcyfle have been studying techniques out of the north, of the anatomy of men and how clever knives and implements, called Surgery, can forestall death and enhance life. This practice they have now mastered.

The Brotherhood of Corvus: Dark rituals, from darker sources, have become known to the men of Corvus - a means whereby the dead may be raised to fight once more, at only the small cost of damnation to the caster. These are dark rituals, which seem to corrupt those who even learn how to use them, but there is in such fell menace a strength which cannot be denied...

The outlanders south and east of Thurvan have accepted the offer of fealty for their band of kinsmen - a thousand Plebeians are available to be integrated into any city of the Brotherhood in range next year. The Odawa are less receptive to the offers of allegiance in exchange for lands and weapons - their counselors find it a strange concept that they should be given the lands upon which they live by men who do not own such lands. Still, this is not so much a statement of hostility as it is skepticism of the value of the Corvidian offer. Weapons are well and good, but Corvus has many foes, and to ally with her is to promise much blood to the thirsty earth.

The emissaries to the Perruni return with word of large deposits of black stone in the Perruni lands, and deep deposits of rich green gems. Neither of these are used much by the Perruni, but of course if they mine them they will no doubt bring prosperity to Corvus and the Perruni alike. The Callaeci greet this news with approbation; a quick census of the willing indicates the assault against these enemies of Corvus can expect at least three thousand warriors to aid in their war.

The envoys sent south and east of Ceston return with news of a simple folk that dwells there, numerous and in possession of strong mounts, but not overly sophisticated. Their chief spoke of them as a nomadic people that will move on in time - they were unaware that their presence was of concern to the people of mountains, as they term the inhabitants of Ceston. These are rich lands, with much forage for their people and herds, but in exchange for a small compensation they could be persuaded to move onward in their journey. The idea of integration to a settled kin they politely reject.

As for the men south of Cavon... that is a different matter. The envoys and Greatwolf I dispatched in that direction were assaulted by a large host of men, well armed and shod, even as they drew near to the encampment - men bearing banners and hauberks of sable and brilliant lurid purple! It was only at the cost of a valiant rearguard that the diplomats and main host of Greatwolf I escaped, but a hundred and fifty men perished in the retreat and initial assault.

The assault on the men near Corvus has been concluded, and their city taken, but at significant cost in lives. Of the over six thousands of brave souls that began the attack only one thousand and seven hundreds limp home to Corvus, the dead beyond the count of grief, but the enemy slaughtered to a man - save the few who escaped, flying east for their lives. The enemy encampment has been burned with fire, and there was too much plunder to carry off all at once. Greatwolf II, Greatwolf III, and Hound I have suffered too many casualties and must be disbanded. However the host returns with loot of three thousand suits of Forged Iron Armor, three thousand sets of Forged Iron Weapons, and three thousand crossbows. It was only by the valiant work of the Brotherhood and the grace of the Wolf that victory was had this day. The victors estimate that nearly sixty cartloads of wealth, as well as a thousand more sets of armor and weapons, could still be brought home from the battlefield.

This is not all though. This is a year of much portent for Corvus. News has ceased to arrive from Catan, fair daughter of Corvus. Those merchants which leave in her direction do not return. It may be that the worst, whatever that means, has befallen another of the Brotherhood's progeny.

by **Novas Arcanum** » Tue May 31, 2022 12:09 pm

Diplomatic Mission to the Lands of the Painted King 画王

Shi Zhihao bowed respectfully in front of the Qiang delegation . The esteemed diplomat was flanked by two subordinates who aided him, one of them being a Qiang translator who would interpret the words of the northerners. The air was tense and suffocating though the sun shined brightly through the paper windows of the building that stood in the center of Shenyang and the winter snows had melted weeks ago.

The Qiang wore robes of the finest silk albeit in a fashion less sophisticated compared to the Huang. Their appearance was strikingly similar to the Yu themselves, an ignorant foreigner would believe they were the same people but appearances could be deceiving the Qiang diplomats spoke their tongue to the Yu delegation, their manner of speech rough but clear and straight to the point none of the poetry that members of the scholarly class in the halls of Yuzhou and Zhai Cheng used to speak to each other.

Even Shi Zhihao who up to this point in his career had never interacted with the Qiang before could understand some of the words that they spoke their language a rougher branch of the tree the Huang language belonged to but still some words and meaning were lost a reflection of the subtle and very real differences between their two languages which was why he had his translator Wei Xiang translate the words for him.

After hearing the words from his translator Shi Zhihao merely nodded an acknowledgement of whatever the Qiang had said. Showing no emotion Shi Zhihao relayed his message to the Qiang, stating that the Middle Kingdom wished for peaceful trade and coexistence between their nations and the signing of a peace treaty to end the war between their peoples. In exchange the Yongheng Emperor would open lucrative trade between their capitols, promising wealth and silk to flow between their two states.The Qiang frowned speaking to one and another loudly, while pointing at the Huang delegation.

Shi Zhihao stood there adhering to the tenet of neutral jing . He knew this diplomatic mission was a risk. The Qiang were after all barbarians still he awaited their answer, whether peace could be achieved between the Yu Empire and Qiang Kingdom remained to be seen, he would either end up six feet under or having achieved a diplomatic victory that would save thousands of lives.

At the dawn of the next era, the Taiyang Dynasty rises in the East!

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Sun Jun 05, 2022 3:01 pm

The West Marches

Highroad Sunfall, Zharrdehur
Tenth of Neaptide, Year Four Hundred Thirtyfive of the Reckoning

With a cluck and a twitch of his reins Stavros whipped up his oxen, begrudgingly pulling them toward the side of the thoroughfare. Normally a heavily laden oxcart was its own law, trundling along without any regard for who else had to pass on the wide paved length of the Highroad. But today was not any day.

The first ranks that passed him were luxuriously clad, heavy in the reds and purples which displayed the wealth and grandeur of the sons of the Emperor, their armor so laden with glittering moonsilver and precious gems that it approached the gaudy. But anon the first company receded, replaced by the businesslike black and white hauberks of the Guard, steady lines of men with heavy packs on their backs and tower shields slung over their shoulders, their bearded faces not yet weary but set against the toil of the road.

For minutes it seemed they passed, rank after rank of hobnailed feet beating against the cool gray stone; many were striding Godblessed, others the mere titans of the Hierarchs, still others common men with ageless faces and unbreaking mien carrying heavy siege crossbows and escorting wagons of equipment and supplies. There was also a sight which made the oxen low concernedly though, and Stavros' eyes bulge in his head, new indeed; the Agaladrim, for Agaladrim they must be, great forward-bent titans as tall as two men who strode along under the weight of a squad worth of heavy steel and burnished starmetal. Their great mallets they carried in their hands the size of his head looked like they could crush even a man in full plate like an insect upon the road. The man out of the farming communities to the east did not know what fools had earned the ire of the Emperor and the Great Houses so, but he said a brief prayer to Mother for mercy upon them at the day of their death.

Eventually the host passed, and with grumbling his oxen returned to the road, their cargo of threshed wheat in a hundred sacks bound for the markets of the wild settlement of Zharrdehur and the crimson pillars. There must be a glorious battle to be had, somewhere, but the humble farmer was glad only that the men were marching onward, and not stopping to bivouac near his lands.

by **The Empire of Tau** » Mon Jun 13, 2022 1:40 pm

Of Future and State

From a humble republic to mercantile practices to hedonistic tendencies, Machaka has grown much during the last four decades. And that lust to rise above a regional power drives the ambitions of the hedonists - to seek goods, slaves, and knowledge to further their indulgence. Fueled by the relative abundance of wealth, industry, and cheap labor, Machaka now plans its future ahead itself. The colonies of Nea and Eshe shall see heavy investment as the future heart-land of Machaka, with Nea being at the center of these developments due to how it has progressed itself so far. Meanwhile, Machaka will continue its current pace of rapid urbanization and proto-industrialization - made possible by the existence of the Manufactory and Great Bath. Elsewhere, the military will also see an increase in its numbers as the wildmen and nomad threat increases. Preferably, an offensive campaign is the best option in ridding these threats. Sadly, the reality is often disappointing. With current plans of internal development, a defensive strategy is most realistic and less risky. Likewise, a more diplomatic approach is also on the table. Why fight - if you can bring your enemies to the dinner table? And if the world is not burning to the ground then trade routes will be another major factor. Of course, trade is most fickle in its delivers and promises then if the benefit is great then it shall be done.

A Different World: Imperium and Empire [IC|Closed]

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