A Different World: The Age of Heroes [IC|Closed]

by **Olthenia** » Fri Dec 30, 2022 7:58 am

Year 116 of the Star-Count Ends
Turn 9

Scandal has befallen Kah’lo this year! Scandal! For if there was ever an industry and art held precious by the Merchant-Priests and their Artisan-Guilds, surely it would be the art of glazing. An art which, as it turns out, the priests of Kah’lo have uncovered attempts to steal! To crib! To copy and sneak-thieve by horrid, awful foreigners! The mastermind behind this attempt is – Kah’lo insists – none other than the greedy Wadi-Maru of foul, feckless Balbenon. Naturally, the Vizier of that fair city have denied these spurious allegations. The foremost heir of the Ketarch-That-Was has no need of Kah’lo’s fripperies - nor their insults. In face of these denials, Kah'lo has swiftly issued a ban on Balbenoan traders in their harbours. Not for nothing do the priests claim for themselves the title of Trade-Hegemons - and if upstart Balbenon insists on peeing in their soup? - well. There must be consequences.

* * *

Valdani: The explorers go west-and-north from fair Valda, into the foothills of the Star-Mountain – and beyond them. Bitter cold is the air here, where the peaks loom and grass is merely a word. Directly north and south, the land flattens into familiar plains – while to the west, the highest peak of the Star-Mountain caresses clouds amidst a mess of forlorn valleys. Granite is gray and plenty here, and copper too – green and glistening in the dimmest crevasses. The explorers also report that some modest caves are festooned by an odd lichen; as thick and scraggly as old men’s beards – with a flavor not unlike that of smoked honey.

But there is more to this land than stone and distant clouds. The air – when the explorers peer long at it – swirls like smoke above the distant horizon. As days darken, the mountain wind likewise sings with a fell scent – a queer alchemical stink like ozone and lightning, married in fury.

Yet it is in meeting with an odd traveler that the men of Valda perhaps learn the most. The traveler in question is a squat old shepherd with the swarthy features of fallen Suzer. At the Valdanis’ queries, he nods westwards and spits. A new Word, insists he, has come amongst the Chimula – carried on the lips of a singing prophet, skull raked and eyes wide. Her wet, red skin-cloak has graced their trails and war-camps – and echoes of her bloody gospel has come, even here, into the vales of the Star. She speaks of the coming of a King, set to descend from the dark between the stars – and rule the land for ever-ever – a Lord of all Empty Abodes. Several Chimulan war chiefs – in particular such names as the infamous Tongue-In-Rain, the cruel Sky-of-Embers and her one-time rival Iron Jacket, whose father fell at the Battle of the Wood of Bones – have exulted at this. They have sworn themselves to the King-In-Coming as bloodied bannerlords-to-be.

Other scouts and tracksmen amongst the Valdani add words of their own. Empty hamlets have they found, and at least one recently inhabited ruin – black and barren, save for flapping skin-pennants and gory firepits, thick with bones of the slain. And tracks – heading west, ever west – towards the highest vales.

Back home in fair Valda, away from these murmured warnings, the Hierarchs of the Tower have reached agreement. And on a system of sifting rumor and say-so for truth and wisdom, no less. Huzzah! And, perhaps, more importantly – the runesmiths and pattern-carvers also bring glad tidings. They have succeeded in crafting an overarching rune that soothes men’s spirits, they insist. If these carvings are imbued with magic of the trammeled tides of the earth’s own energy, all Valda might prosper by it. (+Rune of Health, +Distant Rumors)

Alas – ugly news out of the west. The caravan laden with iron ore to Balbenon has been ambushed, one quiet evening near the Helkarx Sea. In short order, the sword-captains and soldiery meant to guard this precious load have beaten a hasty retreat - for the numbers of the foe were far greater than anticipated. And Valda - proud and fierce - is in an uproar. A company of scouts, so recently returned from their sojourning in the Star-Mountain, is duly commanded out to track and harry the foe. With them go the soldiers, their honor to restore - and iron to retrieve.

It is, in the end, well past summer's height 'ere the sons of Valda return. Great is the glory they speak of, for the foe they found suffered a similar fate as did the one at the battle of the Wood of Bones. On a low, rock-strewn ridge the Chimulans - wary from past experience, perhaps - had stationed watchers before the approach to their war-camp. It is to the credit of Valda's trackers that these watchposts were duly ambushed, throats slit and horns silenced. What followed next was simple bow-work - and a foe feathered by arrows in a skirmish that greatly favored the Valdani. The Chimulans had drums amongst their numbers, however - wide kettle-drums ringed with copper bells. Their striking was part animal roar, part coppery tinkle - and in due course this metal roar saw a host of skin-takers descend from their rocky encampment - weapons at the ready and vengenace in their hearts. It fell to the men of Valda, then as always, to stand - and stand firm. Men raised shields high against one last shower of arrows as their sword-captains beat out practiced tattoos for formations. Then the Chimulan lines met theirs - and for a while, savagery reigned. In this melee, the sheer numbers of the skin-takers may well have carried the day in their favor - had the Valdani arrow-work not been so costly beforehand. The battle was to the hilt, all agree - and there, in the shield-line, many brave Valdani met their end. Men like Oyvan Talvender, who was always so quick to laugh. Perek Huntmantle too, stung by a dozen spears, as well as Eldon Kettlewall, that old sargeant of the guard. These men, and many more, fell for Valda's honor that night. Yet it was the Chimulans who broke first, cursing and yelping, into the feylit dawn. Behind them, wayns of laden iron ore were left as battle-plunder - and 3 Wealth in silver and trinkets, beside. And a banner of painted animal skins, patterned by many bloody hand-prints, displaying a visage of horrors to come.
(24 Soldiers and 7 Explorers are corpsed in glory. Iron ore is recovered. Barbarians are duly chastised.)

The Huang: The wise courtiers of the House of Hao are in agreement. To rule men, and rule them justly, is an art that have surprising things in common with both the handling of sewage and the guarding of city neighborhoods. If done well, its performance and application should only be noticed when it isn’t being done properly. Governance, then, is something the Huang have now mastered. May the Sovereign of Heaven be bettered by it. (+Governance)

The explorers dispatched north-west of Zhai Cheng return in short order. The lands there, west of the Yu river, are lush and green – and home, it appears, to an armed camp of miscreants! While Huang’s explorers hardly got a good look at them, chances are good that these are the raiders that assailed Zhai Cheng’s outskirts in previous years.

Aederfolk: A wide and wholesome riverland meets the Aederfolk’s explorers east of their usual haunts. Fat, orange pumpkin-gourds grow in green groves here, and silverfish play in the river itself – their teeming dances truly a sight to behold. Stony hunks and nuggets the color of sunlight in autumn also make an appearance up and down the river’s banks – sure treasures for many a skilled artisan. North of here, the foothills of distant mountains rise gently towards the heavens, while east more riverlands stretch – lush and green. Southwards, wind-swept plains and the odd cops of trees sway gently under starry skies. (Silverfish, Gourds, Amber)

An unpleasant visage has appeared at the outskirts of Aled Aederyn. A brute, tall and scraggly – with a stone-headed maul slung across a broad shoulder. Bones gleam in his hair, and a pair of pale hands and at least one lip-sewn skull grins from his belt. Behind him, a gaggle of similarly rough-looking wanderers stand – tall and brazen. They name themselves the Rhingydd; free and fair wardens of this wind-swept land. According to the bone-haired brute at their front, the Aederfolk owes them tribute for this noble service – specifically, wealth and food. Three of the one and four of the other should be enough to settle accounts. This time around.

Nha Tachi: The knowledge and know-how of sledges – aids to all who labor, drag and toil – are now known amongst the Tachi na Vao. Some good news, at least, amongst all the awful tidings come their way in recent years.

North and east of the Vao's home lies a tall, rocky land that all but scrapes the clouds, and where the spring of the Ishizuki bubbles from amidst a stony lake. Little grows here, and less lives – but all the Vao’s explorers agree that the nights are unusually clear, and the days similarly bright. Fitting, perhaps, for a land where gods once walked? Flakey, rust-red ore of some description breaks the rocks here and there, as do the odd stand of salt-stone – of which the explorers hardy lacc-animals are most fond of licking. Clustered in the odd crevice, shielded from the fiercest winds, swells of pale berries the color of week-old snow greet curious explorers. Their taste is tart, almost unkindly so – but they fill the belly well enough. And that, at least, is something. (Hematite, Salt, Snowberries)

The Blind Prophet and his Pale Priestess confer briefly amongst themselves. The Vao’s counter-offer is… perhaps less than desired; but not, in the end, wholly disagreeable. So – fair and fine! If the sons of the Ishizuki’s shores wish to see for themselves the grandeur of the Regnant’s city, they are welcome to accompany the Ocaran delegates back to their home. The trek there goes first and foremost westwards, towards another arm of the Vao’s familiar mountains. It turns south ‘ere long, however – and enters a green, tall-as-can-be redwood...

Xcotl: Dark days come and go for the people of Xcotl. The populace of the Eastern Quays are less than pleased at the prospect of a quarantine. This is not aid or succor, they insist, but a slow and insidious death sentence! Crowds of panicked fishermen and marsh-mongers are quickly dispersed by Xcotl’s soldiers, however – their cudgels brooking no argument. The Immortal One has ordered it so! And bit by bit, day by day, time passes. The gifting of extra foodstuffs surely helps also – for while those afflicted and their neighbors are not free to roam as they see fit – they must still eat! And at least, thank the gods, they are not forgotten. By year’s end, though the odd flare of the sickness still comes and goes, the worst is over. Yes, some poor peasants have indeed died – but all in all? – many more can be counted amongst those that have suffered and recovered. Xcotl, thank the Muxipei, faces the new year disease free – and the Eastern Quays can breathe a sigh of relief.

Amidst all this relief, it is almost easy to forget that stranger things yet lurk beyond the threshold of the Xcotl’s known world. Stranger things – and strangers. Fishermen have brought word of queer sails and strange ships in the shallows south of Xcotl. Wanderers, perhaps? Or some pleasant folk too skittish to introduce themselves to Xcotl’s majesty? Time, as always, will tell.

Alikos: To the north and east of the Iron Gate, the lands descend slowly into green and forlorn coastal plains. Sun is plentiful here, and a glorious coastline glimmers both east and northwards. South, meanwhile, smatterings of trees are dotted about a swiftly flowing river through a far, green country. Here, strikingly tall reeds dotted with beautiful blue flowers reach for the skies. A dull brown ore, which the more knowledgeable of the explorers describe as ‘Malachite copper’ is also visible amidst the barren dunes. Lastly, off the shore itself, colonies of coastal clams run – thick and black – towards the ocean deep. (Clams, Flax, Malachite)

The envoys dispatched to far Balbenon are greeted cordially in that ancient city. Both her foulness, and her finery, is on display – from the misery of her flesh-marts to the carven statues that line the Avenue of Ancestors. In due course, they are feasted with roasted figs and cactus wine – and Wadi-Maru, the Grand Vizier’s, seneschals note down their details. The Iron Gate is, after all, known to the Caravan Houses of Balbenon, but only slightly – and the Vizier’s scribes are most keen to rectify that fact. What goods might the Guardians of Godhome crave? What fineries and diversions? What tools and implements? And what, above all, would the envoys of distant Alikos seek from mighty Balbenon?

The Iron’s Gate’s smith-fathers and Proven forge-handlers have, at long last, come to agreement on a method of smelting ore. This is an art purchased by long trial and error. By experience, by failure – and no small amount of huff and truckle. But it is there, now, at long last – and all men finally agree – both on what works, and what does not. With this art on their side, all enemies of Alikos will surely tremble. (+Smelting)

Ravarii: Ever on into the western horizon, bold Ravarii tracksmen find the deep woods finally thinning into a marshy coastal swamp. The water is stagnant here, and brackish too – but that is as may be. The only truly solid land here are modest “isles” of pale gray stone, of a look and provenance unknown to the Ravarii. Still, more knowledgeable explorers proclaim it “soft” to work with – despite the fact it is, indeed, stone – and further investigations by doughty artisans would likely be of benefit. It is beyond the swampy shore, however, that the true treasures of this land lies. For while schools of silverfish glimmer amidst white-capped waves, it is the giants of the sea – armor-whales – that truly catch the eye as they breach and huff. To the south and west, only craggy coastlines and open oceans greet the eye, while to the north, marshland continues into ragged plains and grassy meadows. (Limestone, Armor-Whales, Silverfish)

The secret of working malachite ore into actual, malleable copper – and that copper into actual, useful tools and beautiful trinkets – has been born amongst the Ravarii. Long may it serve them. (+Coppersmithing)

The Lady Ai accepts the hospitality of the Ravarii with smiling relief, and for all the questions Thusnelda asks – graceful replies are duly offered. Eunuchs, the Lady explains, are trusted servants – not women, nor quite men – that assists a ruler in their day-to-day business. The act of creation or, ah, castration – is performed by trusted healers and is, the Lady Ai confesses, a matter on whose exact details she is somewhat lacking. Men find it desirable for a number of reasons, and undergo it to rid them of ambition, to dull their emotions and calm their minds for the rigors of rule and reason. As for a throne? It is both a seat, Lady Ai explains, as well as a symbol – a responsibility to handle, as well as a right to wield on subjects behalf.

Answers. Questions. These matters, and others, pass in conversation with the Lady. And to be sure, ‘ere the winter is passed, robed Oghun are no longer as unfamiliar a sight amongst the Ravarii as they once were. As to the knowledge and know-how amongst them – yes, servants of the Lady Ai can indeed confirm that the growth and care for cherry trees is known in the Seven Peaks. And writing, also – glyphs of which are a daily training-chore amongst the children of Oghun’s nobility. Copper, however, and its working and application is a mystery. As for kinship? Well. Many things are possible between heaven and earth. The Ravarii and Oghun are not entirely dissimilar kindreds, and their tongues are easy enough to understand for a speaker of the other. For now, they can at least content themselves with friendship.

In the end, however, all things must end. Be it daylight. Be it good health. Be it a friendly visit. In time, after a little more than a year’s stay, Lady Ai and her entourage – who scarcely numbered more than two hundred – ready themselves for new horizons. They depart to the east, into the setting sun – and promise to recall with fondness Ravarii hospitality in their prayer-songs.

. . .

It is the following spring, then, when again word comes of strangers in the lands of the Ravarii. New strangers, this time – pouring out of the north-and-west. Contrary to the smiling Lady Ai and her robed loyalists, these are hard-faced men wielding spears of cruel iron, and shirts of gleaming lamellae. Their captain inclines a squirrel-haired helmet a whole half-an-inch at the Ravarii elders – and bids them greetings. In the name, none the less, of the Sages of the Seven Peaks. He seeks the whereabouts of a vile sorceress – a dealer of lies, a manipulator, a blood-drinker and heart-schemer he names ‘the Lady Ai’. Have the Ravarii knowledge of such a scoundrel? This she-devil, he insists, and her followers have been tracked to the climes hereabouts.

If the Ravarii would but confirm his suspicions – and perhaps surrender the Lady Ai, should she be present – the Seven Sages would not look unfavorably upon them.

Well?

by **Novas Arcanum** » Fri Dec 30, 2022 8:30 am

龙舞

The people of the Middle Kingdom prepare for Red War.

Beginning of the Year

Starting resources: Salt, Medicinal herbs, Tin, Rice.
Zhai Cheng (Palisade): 1400 Population | 800 Peasants, 100 Artisans, 300 Scholars,100 Explorers,100 Freemen
8 Riverlands, 8 Flatlands, 4 Hills
Palace District: [ ] [0/XX]
Urban Hill: [5 Huts, Creche][II/XX]
Artisan Flatland: [5 Stonecutter's] [II/XX]
Rural Riverland: [ ] [0/XX]
Rural Hill: [ 4 Quarries] [XX/XX]
Advancements: Medicinal Herb Comprehension, Social Contract, Labor Coordination Food Preservation,Smithing,Scientific Method

Government: Celestial Monarchy

Stat Descriptions(So I don't have to keep going back and fourth)

Palace District: Labor 5, Wealth 6, Industry 2 | Provides a seat of government from which a peoples' business are administered. | Terrain: Any, except Sea. Grants +1 Public Order per year. +1 Wealth per year, 2 Housing.
Riverland: 4 Food
Hills:2 Food, or 2 Stone
Flatland: 3 Food, or 1 Food and 1 Timber or Stone
Urban: 1 Food, 1 Wealth per Trade Post - twenty sites for Constructions (Urban) | Constructed
Rural: 2 Food - twenty sites for Constructions (Rural) | Constructed

City-State Ledger

Citizen Actions:
200 Scholars[Palace]Examines the old oracle bones gleaming wisdom from the ancients to make their own native writing system → [Writing, +I Public Order, +I Wealth, +II Housing, +II Tech Roll]
100 Scholars [Urban] Examines the old oracle bones gleaming wisdom from the ancients to make their own native writing system → [Writing, +III Housing, +I Tech Roll]
100 Artisans [Artisans] cut and shape stone → [-VII Stone,+VII Wealth,-II Wealth,+I Industry +I Labor]
700 Peasants labor in the lands of their ancestors harvesting rice as they have for countless eons → [+XXVIII Food, +IV Labor]
100 Soldiers [Bows] protect the people of the Middle Kingdom
100 Explorers are scouting the borders of the Middle Kingdom → [On the lookout for Barbarians]
100 Peasants labors hard to raise houses for a new generation [+II Labor, -I Stability]
Soldiers are being caparisoned for red war [III/III Wealth| I/I Industry]
Construction:
Simple Stone Wall → [Labor IV/IV| Wealth II/II| Industry 0/I | V/V Stone]
Huts → [III/III Labor| I/I Wealth]
Huts → [III/III Labor| I/I Wealth]
Huts→ [III/III Labor| I/I Wealth]
Great Taixue [ 0/XX Labor| II/X Wealth| 0/VIII Industry, XIII/XV Stone]
Bows → [I/I Wealth]
Smithy→ [Labor III/III| Wealth 0/III| Industry III/IV]
Smithy→ [Labor II/III| Wealth 0/III| Industry 0/IV]

Cache
X Timber ,XV Stone

Event:

Research:
+3 Tech Rolls to Writing

Miscellaneous Actions
100 Soldiers are raised to protect the borders of the Middle Kingdom
Exploration:
N/A

Government Actions
→The Mandate of Heaven is strengthened. The Hao Dynasty adopts the government Celestial Monarchy +1 Peasant during growth
→ The Powers of the Myriads Civic is adopted by the Hao Dynasty +1 Peasant, Homeless Citizens produce -2 Stability, Slums -1 Stability

Ending of the Year

Starting resources: Salt, Medicinal herbs, Tin, Rice.
Zhai Cheng (Palisade|Watchposts): 1400 Population | 800 Peasants, 100 Artisans, 300 Scholars,100 Explorers,100 Soldiers [Bows]
8 Riverlands, 8 Flatlands, 4 Hills
Palace District: [ ] [0/XX]
Urban Hill: [8 Huts, Creche][VIII/XX]
Artisan Flatland: [7 Stonecutter's] [VII/XX]
Rural Riverland: [ ] [0/XX]
Rural Hill: [4 Quarries ] [XX//XX]
Advancements: Medicinal Herb Comprehension, Social Contract, Labor Coordination, Scientific Method, Food Preservation,Smithing,Governance

Government: Celestial Monarchy

by **Elerian** » Fri Dec 30, 2022 6:05 pm

Aederfolk

The Aederfolk were unaccustomed to the rigors of war as the Rhingyyd could surely tell. There was scant more than a newly constructed palisade to keep interlopers at bay, and keep any serious aggressor at bay, it surely would not. Not since the black days of their forefathers when the demon forced their hasty escape did they have need of the ways of war. No, the Rhingyyd had need of war. They were a scrappy people of unclear origins but what was certain was violence was very much apart of their life.

The Aederfolk could learn much from these savage kindred if they could be persuaded to share their knowledge. Or perhaps even settle near the Aederfolk. A strange notion, but one which may very well work to benefit both peoples. Naturally, the Rhingyyd would be wary of such offers, but a show of goodwill would hopefully show them the sincerity of the Aederfolk’s offer.

Yet there was another factor nagging at the Ithel and his council. The Rhingyyd could be kin of the Aeder. Perhaps they too fled the destruction of the demon all those generations ago? It certainly wouldn’t hurt to ask…

[Offer the Rhingyyd 8 food, 4 Sugarcane Pulp, and 4 Wealth to leave Wandering behind and join the Aederfolk and ascertain their people’s origin]

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Sat Dec 31, 2022 8:16 pm

Blood-Red Skies

Conclave of Swords, Valda
Third of First Seed, Year One Hundred Sixteen of the Reckoning

Only the fallen were at peace. Nearly one in four of the spear-brothers who had gone forth to war had been carried back upon biers by their fellows, the victorious dead. Barely an eye was not red from weeping, and the procession from the westerns gates had been one of sound and fury, men not ashamed to let their tears flow down their cheeks and wet their beards. They were the living, who had been avenged threefold for the loss of friend, the loss of father, the loss of brother, but it was not enough.

More rumors had been catalogued, ere they even departed to the shield-wall of the Ridge of Sundered Shame - rumors of false gods given strength by wicked tongues, of men of fell lineages and iniquitous kindreds rallying to banners of flayed skin. Rumors of men with little love for civilized folk, who thought only of soil to be soaked with blood and idols to be feted with bone and bile.

It was well, then, that the hands of the chosen were strong with hate. The Three-in-One granted the warriors of Valda victory against their foes for a second time, though the cost was steeper than many would have wished to pay. But there is no such thing as a battle without bloodshed, and the spear-oaths of the chosen had been even unto death. No man stepped back from the shield-wall even as the cursed Chimulans broke against it like the waters of the Helkarx against stone, even as spear-bite and axe-plunge laid low many of their number, and piled the heathen dead about their shields like chaff after the threshing.

The rumors were concerning all the same. Even as stout hearts and valiant arms had beaten back the foe now thrice, each time the Chimulans had rallied more men to their banners, and filled their hearts with more cunning. Sentries had been posted about the encampment upon the Crackskull Ridge, a cunning stratagem that would have led to the downfall of a people less accustomed to war than those of the Hierarchy. Now came word of a priestess of the savages prophesying of a time of savagery to come.

Well, Valda would be ready. Let them make their prophesies, cut their arms, pray to their gods of wood and stone. Let them marshal their warriors, make their blasphemous promises, howl their blasphemies to the wind. There was only one lord of this world, and he had devoted them for destruction, not prosperity. In these prophesies the priests of the Three and the Hierarchs were in agreement - the will of the Father was so clear that even a child could see it.

A Sword-Time had dawned anew, the age of soldiers and the advance of civilization. In these prophesies barbarism would be gathered, drawn together as a lodestone draws sands of iron, thence to be cast into the fire and burnt away like the dross it was, the putrescence cut away from the wounds of mankind so she might grow strong and hale. It was his will, to bring these men against his children, so they may be tested and not found wanting, and those who had rejected the truth of his revelation destroyed.

They would come. And then all the world would know whose god was the true God, a proof of the mighty works of his hand and the tapestry of his will which none could defy. Within the conclave of swords they beat iron against the anvil, and men made ready for war.

by **Ralnis** » Mon Jan 02, 2023 10:32 am

Xcotl

It seemed that the more things were solved, the more things seemed to have problems. Even though that the sickness had passed, the scholars were still trying to understand the workings of medicine as they believe that it could be possible to mix it with the dark blessings of the Muxpei. However, there was even more problems as the explorers had seen sightings of strange constructs outs in the sea carrying men. They didn't say anything as they passed by their island home, but it just means that there's even more threats and mysteries out there. Mysterious to the point that it was time for them to start building defenses incase these were raiders and they had more powerful techniques than what the Men of Blood had.

By order of the Immortal One, the great mangroves of their marshy island were to be cut down and converted for the use of a palisade. The soldiers were to start their patrols again and an emissary to the Oc Ocara to see if they were willing to conduct trade between the two. If there was any means of rebuilding themselves into a proper successor to their ancestors. Even though they were a nomadic force with blood magic from their gods, but now they had to become different still.

They were too weak, and their enemies were around them. Spider worshippers and floating construct raiders would've been no match for their horde of undeath that they used to fill their armies. They needed to learn what the Oc Ocara know, how they learn how to work that metal and see if they could come up with a trade route. Maybe they also trade with others and could see if they could learn from them as well? Such things are still small for them as they were still trying to build their city, but they need allies if they're ever going to build beyond just their meager marsh hovels.

by **The GAmeTopians** » Mon Jan 02, 2023 2:45 pm

Alikos, Iron Gate of Godhome
Year 18 in the Time of Wonder

The greatest gift of the gods! The long lost gift of the Iron Gate itself, back with the strength of Akrates himself! Iron for arms, Iron for armor, to slay foe and shield friend. Soon… soon, the enemies of the gods would feel the cold bite of the Iron Gate.

Notable: Scholars research Writing (2 rolls). Balbenon envoys speak of an interest in their knowledge and offer our own, having grown and thrived on vastly different shores - surely there is much to be shared in both directions. Explorers explore to the Southeast.

Population growth: +3 from population, +1 from Creche, +1 from Childbirthing
Total: +400 Peasants, +100 Freemen

by **Lazarian** » Mon Jan 02, 2023 4:40 pm

Many Eyes Bring Many Concerns

The Gathering Ravine
First of Thang Mua He

In a ravine close to the city, near every son and daughter of the Tachi people gathered, huddled around the safely returned diplomats. Words traveled far in this place, and it was an ideal place to give announcements for many. Benches of split logs upon stone were set in circular patterns around the small valley, surrounding a small patch of flat stone at the bottom. The explorers had arrived home a few days ago, but they had decided to withhold their findings about Four-Eyes until the Summer Solstice, or Vao’s Ascendance. It was a traditional holiday amongst the Tachi - it was the day that Vao ruled longest over the sky, after all.

“Horror! Horror beyond words!” Tien son Phu Le, head of the explorers proclaimed with a shudder to the crowd, shaking his head in fear. “Four-Eyes is no spirit, nor a heavenly being! It is a living creature of flesh and blood - and a terrifying beast!”

“Imagine a spider, but the height and width of twenty men!” his companion Hai Do chimed in, an older man with a long trailing mustache. He pointed at a nearby willow, which towered above the crowd, to emphasize the size of the creature. “With dripping pincers the length of swords!”

“But - it is not a mere insect.” Tam daughter Phu Le interjected. “It speaks through some strange language of clicks and hisses - and the Oca-curo understand it! It is a great and terrible being - a beast with the mind of a man. It is understandable why the Oca-curo worship her.” she said, a hint of admiration visible in her eyes.

The explorers continued telling the tale of their journey for some time, explaining the ways of the Oca-curo, their city, and the trip itself. Despite their disgust and horror at Four-Eyes, the Ocarans had treated them honorably. They indulged in proper hospitality and had treated the diplomats quite generously. Many had returned heavier than they left, sated by delicious roasted birds and mashed corn. And the buildings of the Ocarans were constructed with care and order - signs of clear and righteous civilization. Their songs were not discordant, nor were their values immoral. Yes, the Ocarans were foreigners, and they worshiped a hideous monster - but they were not necessarily bad men.

“I care not whether the people of Oca-curo are good or not. The beast must be destroyed!” snarled Captain Shiro son Da Banh, leader of the Hau Ve. He twirled his curved iron sword - the gift given by the men of Kah’lo as a sample of their workmanship. “Insects do not have souls, nor minds to think or lips to speak! And nor should they pretend to!”

No!” he continued, his voice raising to a shout. “It is a demon! Accepting the friendship of these savages is an affront to beauty, harmony, and Vao.” he proclaimed, smacking his spear against the earth with emphasis. “The Four-Eyed Demon must be crushed!” he finished firmly, before taking a seat.

A huge part of the attending crowd echoed his remarks, though through respectful whispers and curt nods. The Tachi were not a particularly boisterous kindred - even meetings filled with drama and excitement such as this were largely subdued compared to the celebrations of Kah’lo.

Toda Thi raised his finger to hush Shiro. The chieftain was growing old - his hair was nearly fully grey, and his stern brow was filled with wrinkles. It was expected that he would abdicate soon, as was custom. But who would replace him? Toda had a few brothers of eligible age, and three sons in their twenties. None had shown a particular thirst for the throne. The tribes of the Tachi had grown into a multitude, and governance was no longer so simple as erecting a shrine and keeping the laws. The world was becoming a larger, more dangerous place - outlanders were appearing more and more often. The burden of leadership…was not as appealing as it may have once been.

“I agree with Shiro. Four-Eyes cannot have a soul. And thus, it cannot be trusted.” he said tiredly, crossing his palms atop his cane. “But I do not agree that we should attempt to destroy it. Pretend that there was no demonic creature amongst the Oca-Curo. If such were the case, they would simply be asking for an alliance, for fair amounts of wealth and food. I do not see why we should turn that down. It is always best to pursue friendship and cooperation if such a thing is possible.”

“Friendship and cooperation with a people led by a demon!” monk Chien son Hao Phan interjected, crossing his arms. Once just a mere fishing boy, the first acolyte of legendary Hy Quy had grown into an important figure amongst the Tachi faith. “You cannot ignore that, Ten Toda.”

“I am not ignoring it!” Toda snapped, raising his voice. Years of dealing with the monks' encroachment on his authority had grown tiresome, evidently. It was a valid concern for the Thi clan - many of the people went to the monks and their acolytes for wisdom and guidance, rather than the property authorities. “It is simple - we must judge the Oca-Curo for what they have done, not by who they worship. They have shown us good hospitality and proper respect. I say that we pay them their due for such things. But we shall not allow any worship of Four-Eyes in this village, nor shall we allow their priests to speak of their faith within our borders. There is a righteous path of both peace and diligence.”

The crowd seemed content with this - no angry rabble arose, nor whispers of concern. This would be the response of the Tachi - and it was good enough for now.

Matters of the State
Food: 29 Food in, 17 food out (12 extra)
Stability: 4 Starting. +1 from Palace, +3 from Shrine, -2 from Forced Labor. 6 finishing.
Scholar Assignment: 200 Scholars look into a curious thing this year - the art of addition, subtraction, geometry, and the manipulation of numbers and quantities. This so called “Mathematics” could be useful, some say. Others consider it a vile waste of time that will not amount to anything - or worse, cause great suffering for many youths in the future!
Governmental Action: The 5 Food and 5 Wealth requested by the Oca-Curo is given, as they promised earlier. The Tachi are people of their word, after all.

by **Olthenia** » Mon Jan 02, 2023 5:06 pm

Year 118 of the Star-Count Ends
Turn 10

The Saywend, in their mountain home, have seen a change come amongst them - a reform of their ancient laws and customs. The younger generations of their bearded elite, shorn as they have been by years of famine and want – have no longer the patience for the old ways of their grey-haired elders! So - no longer are their dual Magistrates chosen for life, but rather for four-year terms. This has caused a deal of excitement amongst the old mountain clans, and – the hubbub and grumbling aside – a cadre of their former speakers and hereditary headmen have abandoned their old roles to restyle themselves. As political operators, as partisans, as men of action for a bright new dawn! – holden not so much to familial oaths, but to their own newly formed throngs, personages and electoral parties! With colorful names, including Ember-Reds, Glimmer-Greens and Sky-Blues! In the end, what these new-fangled “parties” and the social landscape they form will mean for the Sons of the Heimar Vale is not known. But for now, at least, theirs is a Republic – free and loud and holden to no council but their own.

* * *

The Huang: The moons that come and go are quiet ones for the Huang. Zhai Cheng is the bustling heart of their people, and its streets and byways are alive with life and laughter. There is, however, something that stirs amongst its populace – a pulse and want and hunger for something. Hao Courtiers have noticed it too – and one of King Liang’s most prominent ministers has finally dared to whisper a suggestion in his sovereign’s ear…

It does, of course, have to do with that grand athletic tournament the House of Hao feted the masses to a few years back. Already, the champions from that grand show – their escapades, their feats of derring-do – have entered city legend; and several champions enjoy no small celebrity amongst their fellows, even years later. Perhaps, then, it is time to announce another, truly grand, tournament? To let the spirit of cuju once more lose amongst the masses, and see them crow for their favored champions - the Pale Dragons, the Lucky Twelve – or whatever the heck their names were? Only this time, the House of Hao should not just announce it. It should host it – and thus truly control it – in style - by building a formal home for it. A temple of athletic showmanship. An arena! Perhaps the wisest of the Huang should consider this matter - a way to truly formalize and perform Arena Games? If a people’s voice is dangerous when charged with wrath, it should be doubly useful when charged with joy!

Yet this is not the only matter which demands King Wei's attention~

Xcotl: Xcotl’s envoys to the mound-city of the Oc Ocarans are met with joyous greetings as befits delicious friends of She of Many Eyes. Her tattooed priests listen cordially to the talk of trade – and their response, ‘ere long, is in the positive. Thus, before the year is ended, a delegation of traders from Oc Ocara once again make an appearance on Xcotl’s northern borders. They set themselves a camp in their customary place from years before – and yes, sure enough, bring offers of fair trade to Xcotl’s marshy markets. This year, the servants of the God-Spiders offer the following: Up to 3 Industry for 3 Wealth each, and – oho! – 2 whole loads of a strange, gorgeous fabric. To touch it is to brush sunlight against the palm of your hand. The Ocarans name it ‘shimmer-silk’, and oh - can scarcely bear to part with one load for less than 5 Wealth. Or perhaps a single herd of those big, bellowing bulls the Xcotl-folk are so fond of? In any case – these are treasures which Xcotl’s artisans would surely delight in; and Xcotl’s elites too – if given the chance.

As to the clody ore by which the Ocarans compose their tools? - they name it 'lead'. It is a metal at once sturdy and fickle - for it holds an uneven edge, and is less brittle than stone or shale. Beyond this, their answers to the Xcotl's questions grow short and vague. Perhaps they are reticent to discuss the exact nature of its use and working? Pshaw. For now, at least, the Ocarans will keep their secrets.

An understanding of life, health and healing have come to the wisest of Xcotl. The human body is a temple of many mysteries – and though a world of questions yet remain – the Immortal’s wisest servants have, at least, formed a rudimentary basis for future studies. The humors of the mortal body is catalogued. The heart, seat of emotion and bravery, is ripe for further study. And sickness – however horrible – begins to be understood; at least a little. (+Medicine)

Wary voices and fearful rumors have swirled along Xcotl’s quays and reedways as of late. Rumors of strangers from the south and their no doubt evil intentions. It is late winter, then, when these strangers close upon Xcotl’s coastline – and anchor a wary smattering of wind-battered vessels – ships! As vast as anything! – but a brief journey from Xcotl itself! Their envoys, presenting themselves before Xcotl’s soldiery, are an equally bedraggled lot. Their leader has bowed low – and, uh, tugged his forked beard in what is possibly a sign of deep respect? – and introduced himself as Fjull Fork-Beard. Kapitan Fjull Fork-Beard, in fact. Storms, he insists, and ill circumstances – ah, and terrible bandits! – have dogged his kinsmen’s journeys as of late. They’re definitely not Fjull’s own fault. No! Perish the thought! Now - would the kind and generous people of Xcotl’s fair land see fit to help repair his ships? They can pay, Fjull promises, in bountiful treasures – but Xcotl’s rulers must make haste in their decisions, for the sail-winds shall not remain favorable for long! Two Wealth worth of supplies, he asks, and three of Food also, should be enough to see him on his way.

As usual, advisers at the Immortal’s court are of two minds about all this. These strangers look wary and lean, insist a bloody-eyed priest. Too damn wary and too damn lean to put up much of a fight, should brave bands of Xcotl’s finest rise to the occasion. Besides, isn’t there something shifty about that Fork-Beard man? How much ‘bountiful treasure’ could these wind-worn strangers possibly have? Ambush them! Take their ships, take their trinkets - and give their beating hearts to the Muxpei!

As usual, it is advisers from Xcotl’s traders and merchant-families that speak against this. It is true that the Muxpei smile on blood and slaughter. But ambushing wary travelers now? For coin and beating hearts? Pshaw. Such actions can give the Muxpei no honor, and less pleasure. No – perhaps the better course of action would be to assist these strangers, for now? And then trace the wary wanderers back to their homes? In time, armed with such knowledge, trade and commerce – and the odd slave-raid too! - could win more for Xcotl than any lone ambush ever could.

Alikos: South and east go Alikos’ bold rangers, mappers and tracksmen – to see what the fields and flatlands thereabouts have to offer. The wind runs free here, and on the clearest days – men’s eyes can spy even into the farthest horizons. Not all is flat as water here, however – for here and there, towering high across all in this far land sands a species of truly giant trees. Their crowns are wide, and the shade they provide as cool as evening – even at the sun’s greatest height. Herds of longhorned cattle graze here, and scurrying rat-creatures too – wide of ear and swifter than a man can spit. To the south, east and west of here – rivers gleam across wide, fecund riverlands. This, then, is a fine and flat oasis – shaded fields in a green and quiet land. (Shade Trees (Giant), Cattle, Swiftrats)

Talks at Balbenon continue apace. In regards to the exchange of knowledge, the servants of Vizier Wadi-Maru are… amenable. To a point. The Alikans knowledge of child-birthing, the care of pregnant mothers and the wisest methods of caring for newborn babes, intrigue them. In exchange for training and clear instruction in this matter, the Balbenoi are prepared to offer the men of the Iron Gate access to matters of Apprenticeship. In this manner, they explain, men of knowledge and craft can better instruct new hands in the creation of worthy tools. (Balbenon desires ‘Childbirthing’ in exchange for ‘Apprenticeship’.)

But there is more that befalls the Iron Gate tin these years. Much, much more…

Aederfolk: Copper is a fickle metal – at once hard as stone, yet malleable by fire if smelted and hammered keenly enough. And brittle, too! – unable to hold a cutter’s edge for long. Yet, for all its lacks and supposed shortcomings, copper is a fine and doughty substance still. Aederfolk smiths now know the art of its make and shaping. May it serve them well. (+Coppersmithing)

With much huffing and hullabaloo – the Rhingyyd have considered the Aederfolk’s offer. And Rhys Rhingyyd, their bone-haired chief with the maul across his shoulder, have accepted it. Let it not be said the Rhingyyd ever turned down a fair offer, if honestly made!

And this, then, is where the troubles start.

Valdani: West of north-west creep Valda’s bold explorers, their faces blackened by soot – swift and quiet. Theirs is not a task of mapping and knowing this high, rocky land – but to see and know what unkind men hide in the darkest of the mountain vales. And ‘ere the year’s end, they return – and in haste! Chased off, were they, by whizzing arrows and the coppery roars of Chimula battledrums – whose irate wielders hunted them for many a day and many a night. But not, alas, before the men of Valda spied the den from which their foes emerged. A gatehouse, dark and tall, of cracked stone – and beyond it? – the glimmer of many bonfires. Could the Chimula, then, have somehow planted stakes, piled stone upon stone and raised a holdfast? A settlement? A cannibal court – up there, amidst the blood-spattered rocks?

A throne-town for the Lord of Empty Abodes.

East, into the Dreaming Wood, creep other explorers. A green and quiet land is this, peopled by ranks upon ranks of giant trees – thick and mossy. Where rays of sunlight break through their leafy crowns to dapple the landscape, strange plants grow – with kind green leaves and bushy fronds quite unknown to the Valdani. Elsewhere in the shade and underbrush, great, hairy beasts with tusks the size of children’s forearms root in the dirt for only the gods-know-what. Their whines and garrulous grunting are as unpleasant as their smell, but the taste of their flesh – once roasted above an open fire – is quite agreeable. North and east of here, windswept plains and godless steppes continue on into the horizon, while to the south more woods beckon – green and silent. (Hops, Oak, Wild Boars)

Meanwhile, there are unsettling news from Valda itself.
It is a known and well acknowledged phenomenon that, where people gather, ideas – as well as sewage – tends to multiply. Unfortunately, it appears that at least one of these gatherings have given rise to an unfortunate sickness – a malaise of sweats, fevers and miserable boubous! At the moment, this sickness has hit the hardest in the streets and alley-warrens of the common folk that live in the shadow of the Tower of Wisdom. Several hundred peasants, if not more, are already sore beset – and quite unable to do much beside endure their own suffering as best they can. Already, there is talk of deaths… (To be exact, 200 Peasants are currently struck down by a vile sickness – and linger in fevered misery, unable to work).

As for the true cause of this? Voices, as well as opinions, differ. An ugly but persistent rumor blames the cause of the malady on none other than angry, angry spirits from Old Suzer. Those old storerooms broken open a few years back? Where wine and trinkets were uncovered from the murk? There were hallways and stairs descending from these storerooms, claim the rumors. Passages to deeper storerooms still – to catacombs! – home to who knows what treasures! Surely, some shiftless graverobbers have explored these passages – and now the ghosts of Old Suzer have risen in their wroth, to curse their Valdani violators with this most dreadful pox! What truth there is to this – and if these catacombs are even real – is anyone’s guess.

Clearer heads, however – give little weight to tall tales of grave robbers and ancient curses. Instead, they say, the source of blame must surely lie on the open styes and cesspits where all the people of Valda have the habit of pouring their daily soil. Their sewage. Their offal. Their every unwanted, rotten ugliness. The summer has been an unseasonably warm one, after all – and on the hottest days? Gods, the stink of the neighborhood sewage piles – not to mention from the River of Kings itself – was enough to offend even the Hierarchs of the Tower! Surely, a more reasonable response to this sickness that now runs rampant – besides curing it, of course - would be to develop a response to handling sewage? Like, say, channels for diverging filthy water away from houses and neighborhoods – and appointed laborers tasked with clearing corpses and offal?

Yet others maintain that, aside from dealing with human waste and animal carcasses – the true and proper response of the City Fathers here must, above all, be to investigate ways of curing the sickness. The Valdani are, after all, a people well-schooled in many ways of aiding the sick. In recent memory, the Conclave of Midwives even established certified methods for aiding pregnancies and caring for the newborn! Is it not time, then, that the finest minds and cleverest scribes in the House of Wisdom call a new conclave? Of healers and bone-menders? Fever-breakers and doctors? To investigate firm methods of warding men from disease and illness? A method of Medicine! Truly – how much misery must Valda tolerate before someone does something about this?

Tachi-na-Vao: Scholars in Nha Tachi have finished their study of Mathematics, and the implications are quite fine, especially for constructing arches and other edifices which might make the creation of infrastructure to benefit all straightforward for the people. Yes, some youths may – in distant futures – avail great misery at this discovery. But so what? The Vao are not bound by the misery of generations yet unborn. To them, angles come first - angles and hypotenuses and perfect, sublime Pi.

West of the Ishizuki’s banks, the land rises ‘ere long – from the rolling hills which the Vao are so used to, and into the tall peaks and mountain vales of the Cong. The land here is riven with great swaths of flakey redness – a queer new mineral, perhaps? Basalt also – gray and swarthy – is well in evidence here, stout bones of the earth well worth the attention of ambitious builders. Lastly, four-legged creatures – wise of countenance, and skittish to a fault, make their home here also. Their cream-tipped tails and fur the color of autumn leaves holds a certain beauty, in its way. South of here, the outskirts of the Oc Ocarans wood share the land with grassy plains. Northwards, the peaks of the mountains rise high indeed – before falling away into scorched drylands. Farther west still, the mountains continue – gray and forlorn.
(Hematite, Basalt, Foxes)

Envoys from the Oca-Curo accept the Vao’s gift-tribute with solemn grace. This is as things should be, they claim – tribute given and respect shown. Further more, it confirms the Vao as a people worthy of esteem in the many, many eyes of the Regnant and her children. Surely, with such relations affirmed, all will flourish.

Ravarii: To butcher a full-grown seal is no simple thing. To slice its skin and free it from its fleshy carcass. To handle, carve and deal with it in such a way that all parts are of use, and a noble use at that? No – all these things are no simple undertaking at all. And yet the Ravarii’s cleverest seal-handlers, hunters and wise shamans have found a way to master it. Praise be, praise be. (+Seal Butchering)

North-west of west, the land rises from marshy swamplands and thins, tree by tree, until it finally opens into grassy plains and wind-swept meadows. Stands of golden-brown barley weave in the wind here, tall and hardy. And dark breaks of a flakey, unknown mineral, too – at once both brittle and hard. Finally, in the grassy dunes closest to the western coast – unnerving numbers of coastal crabs claw and scuttle; fat, rock-red and no friend to man. East of here, woodlands once against thicken, green and solemn, while to the west the ocean gleams – blue and terrible. And on the horizon to the farthest north? Well, goodness - a vast settlement of another kindred draws the eye. And not just a settlement either, no – a city. (Barley, Coal, Rock-Crabs).

The captain of the newcomers inclined his head a second time at the Ravarii’s hospitality.
Clearly, this show of largesse from an unknown host was not what the stern-faced manhunter had expected. But, none the less, it was appreciated. The sealskin shoes in particular were received with a well-pleased mien. And his name? Ah. Tankiray. Captain Tankiray, Sworn Spear of the Seven Peaks. And very well – upon his honor, swore he, none of his soldiers would do harm to the Ravarii during their journey through this land. So he promised, and so it would be. After all, remarked the Oghun, with such friendly offerings of food and supplies – how could he do otherwise?

Tankiray and his men came, explained the stalwart, from the heart of all Oghun – the city of the Seven Peaks. He was even willing to mark its supposed position on the Ravarii’s courtyard-map - for it lay sprawled in glory across a mountain plateau many leagues north-and-west of the River of Rest. To be sure – should the Ravarii feel inclined to discuss matters of trade and commerce with its sage rulers, then by all means – on Tankiray’s word, the Ravarii should find at least a polite hearing there.

And, ah. Cherries, spring water and salmon? Oh, this was a feast. And a welcome one, at that.

But! Upon the mention of Lady Ai’s name, however? Oh, Tankiray’s brow grew furrowed indeed. So the sorceress and her minions had passed through, had she? Fine. Fair and fine. No, of course the Ravarii could not know the depths of her depredations. And perish the thought – there was nothing to forgive. Lady Ai was the last of her lineage, he explained – a horrid and dangerous spell-weaver of truly ill repute. No doubt she had worked some fell sorcery on Thusnelda and her kin, yes? No, no. Of course the Ravarii were hardly to blame for this. Now, Tankiray and his men would depart immediately – the captain explained – after scarcely a night’s rest. And should they happen upon Lady Ai and her minions while in Ravarii lands – no. He regretted to say as much, but he could not promise that there would not be bloodshed. And as for the company of Ravarii stalwarts shadowing his own men? Hmf. The look on Tankiray’s face spoke his thoughts before his words did – but fair enough. Where the Ravarii sent their warriors within their own lands were their own business. Provided they did not interfere with his – the Sworn Spear of the Seven Peaks would offer no objection.

These, then, were the words that passed between the Ravarii – so suddenly part of a wider world – and Tankiray of the Seven Peaks.

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Tue Jan 03, 2023 8:29 am

The Sign and the Seal

Ancient Quarters, Valda
Twentieth of Rain's Hand, Year One Hundred Eighteen of the Reckoning

A frown crossed the face of the elderly man, and Valerian shook his head firmly, rising from the crouch he had adopted to gaze into the derelict stone building.

"It cannot be. I feel nothing of evil from within, and you all know the Word. He freed us from all curses, all superstition, all powers of the grave. This affliction is of the twisted nature of the world, not some demon or spirit."

Gradually the five men in the semi-circle at his back voiced their assent, some more reluctantly than others. There were some in Valda who wanted to believe that the affliction which had struck their brothers was the work of sorcerers, of fools. It was a seductive belief. After all, sorcerers could be killed by cold iron, and the straightforward men of the Hierarchy yearned oftentimes for straightforward solutions. To cut out a coven of sorcerers hiding in the ancient catacombs of vanished Suzer would have been a fell deed, but the city did not lack for young men eager to prove their valor, even if their valor required them to descend into dust-covered graves with naught but a torch and a shortspear.

The other explanation, that this was a part of the fallen aspect of nature to be understood and corrected for, was much less appetizing. It was known that men of earth, taken from dust as they were, did not always mix well with the other elements. Foul waters, foul air, foul fire - all these things could sicken a man, though their pure counterparts were a necessity for his function, as stewards of all the elements. To determine where the malady lay, however, was no easy task.

In this instance, however, the Father had been kind enough to provide his children with a solution even as the hour of their need dawned. His providence was without limit, and he delighted in fulfilling the yearnings of the faithful, drawing them closer to his grace. From the east had come samples of a strange and bitter herb, a dream of the God-Clothed, perhaps, which when mixed with water and allowed to steep filled men with hale humor and banished the fell vapors which oftentimes afflicted the righteous.

The Valdani were no fools. As the men of Suzer had known before them, they knew to take their water for draught and bathing from above the city, and to reject offal and the soil of nights below the piers and fishing-bowers. Still, in times of flood, or times of drought, men were not always so careful with their seeking after water - for the blood of life required replenishing, be the year fair or the year fell. The poorest amongst them, precisely those who now were labored of breath and hot of brow, were the most tempted to care little for the cleanliness of their drink, for long hours of sweat could make any man crave water in desperation, and such was oftentimes the lot of those with little to their names save the strength of their backs.

There was much to be done. In the same manner as the reports out of the east were encouraging, the reports from the Star-Mountain were a matter for concern. Not dread - no, none would acknowledge trepidation. At least not publicly. But concern.

As the three Hierarchs ascended from the valley of the Ancient Quarter back toward the Thousand Hills, they were deep in thought. Valda's men had shown themselves able to beat back the barbarians, such was true, even excise malfeasance from her home upon occasion. But the fortress that had been reported in the heights was another matter. Valor and honor could be broken, and even the stoutest of hearts may not triumph against such formidable fortifications. The Chimulans had shown themselves adept with bows, but with little else - and a wall of frowning stone played to those strengths.

So they must not be given that advantage.

It was determined that the Hundreds, the First joined now by the warriors of the Second, would lie in ambush against the Chimulan stronghold. When the ravening barbarians descended from their fastness - as experience dictated they would, most certainly - then the armies of Valda would be ready. In familiar terrain and good conditions would they be taken, unawares, and so the flower of their might cut down. Then, perhaps, once their strength was bled white, could the destruction of this blasphemous fortress in the heights of the Mountain of Ascent be considered.

It was agreed. The voices of eldest, youngest, and moderation all concurred. Valdani blood would be spilled for such a purpose, that much was also certain. But such was the burden of the Faithful.

by **Elerian** » Tue Jan 03, 2023 1:15 pm

The Aederfolk

Suddenly, his eyes fluttered open and stared into the darkness of his bedchamber. There was the familiar thrumming, a silent chorus that few such as he could hear. A shudder ran through his old bones, prompting him to pull the thin blanket tighter around himself, as if to ward off the painful memories of his younger days. As the vortex within him brewed, so did the throbbing in his ears. Frustrated, he finally sat up, threw off the blanket and ran a hand through his long disheveled hair. It had once been pale as the rays of dawn, sending many women swooning, but now it was matted and turning to a whitish grey. Caught by a faint feeling of unease, he rose and began adding more fuel to the fire.

Finally, when his sandals had been pulled on he followed the distant whistling of the sea's winds, treading the hay covered floor quietly. The fire he’d made the previous night still burned with a meek flame. The thrumming in his ears grew louder as he passed the fire by. Light played over the high cave walls, shadows grew and shrank, and with their movement the mud and stone came to life. The shadows danced, and he saw men and living rock duel, flickering back and forth, and the humming in his ears grew to a low roar. The heat of burning pitch warmed his skin, metal sang and pierced hide, cries of victory and despair rose like a howl. He wasn’t sure how, but his feet moved of their own volition and he found himself standing before the hut wall. Forces of nature in the great tangle of battle, their bodies writhing in rage as they wrought death and destruction. They were doomed to endlessly relive their greatest triumphs and hardships.

The earth did not move, but the vision clouded his eyes and rooted him in place. His hands began to trace along the uneven surface, and his mouth moved but no words were uttered. Now the song was so loud it seemed to shake the very ground he stood on. His palms began feverishly scraping the coarse material, trying desperately to carve words into the tightly packed mud. Time seemed to slow, and the partition trembled one last time before everything went still.

The trance was broken.

He collapsed, feeling as if the whole hut had collapsed on him. As his cheek hit the soft hay floor, he had a final moment of clarity before blacking out.

[4 Wealth Distributed to Ease the Worry of the Aederfolk, and 1 Sugarcane pulp to endear the Rhingyyd]

by **Lazarian** » Tue Jan 03, 2023 7:51 pm

Four Candles, Four Destinies

Toda Thi has resigned. Such was expected - when a man’s hair grows grey, his time grows short. To die as the chieftain is to die with your sins weighted by your responsibilities - and what greater responsibility is there than leadership of their people? Indeed, Vao judges harshly the ruler who has not improved the life of his citizens!

Despite his flaws, Toda son Hurong Thi will be remembered as a noble ruler in the annals of Tachi history. Toda the Builder, who raised walls that tower to the heavens! Toda the Peacemaker, who led not his children into bloodshed and death! Toda the Protector, who listened to the concerns of the citizens and created the Hau Ve and their cudgels of order and stability.

Others, however, will perhaps submit less flattering epithets to the archive. Some whisper of Toda the Demanding, who rushed along infrastructure projects with no heed for his tired workers. Or perhaps Toda the Lukewarm, who did not chase off the foreigners - nor made close allies with them. Or even still, Toda the Helpless, who was pushed around from one position to the next by the monks and the lawmen.

Regardless, his time as leader of the Tachi people has ended. The rest of his days will be spent in drinking tea, playing flute, composing poetry, and providing wise counsel to the newest chieftain - a much more enjoyable existence, to be truthful.

Four candidates for leadership of the Tachi now arise - each with their own vision for what the future holds. Each has received the necessary twenty percent of the village to enter - thus, only those of great merit will enter the trial.

First and foremost is Shiro son Da Banh, captain of the Hau Ve. All of the Tachi know Shiro - for how could you miss him? The man stands nearly a head taller than the average Tachi! With his rippled arms, crooked nose, and serpentine sword, he strikes an unforgettable visage.

Some would call Shiro a thug, a malcontent, or a trouble-raiser. And they may be right to do so, perhaps, for the man was indeed at the forefront of the rabble when the village protested against Toda’s inaction towards the Maquy. And indeed, as a lawman, his tactics are rough - his interrogations are harsh and his demeanor is unpleasant. Even the innocent fear being brought in for questioning!

But while he may be rough and harsh on the outside, others know of his bravery. Who could forget the time he stopped a raving knife-wielding murderer with his bare hands? Who could forget the time when after the Maquy attacked, he sat with the children of the village, held their little hands to his heart, and reassured them that so long as that heart still beat, they would be safe? Though some amongst the Tachi despise him for his personality, they admittedly - reluctantly - respect the man for his good work.

If he is chosen by Vao as chief, he claims, they shall grow great and mighty. No more tribute shall be paid to hideous beasts! No more cowering from roving bands of thugs! They shall triple the guard and achieve martial discipline. Only then will the people of Nha Tachi find satisfaction - through strength, order, and righteousness.

The second candidate is Chien son Hao Phan, commonly known as the Bald Prophet. The foremost disciple of the former Enlightened One, Hy Quy, who risked his life to speak to the men of Kah’lo. Hy has joined the ancestors these last few years, and his burial cairn was heaped high with stones indeed. Chien is incredibly popular amongst the common men and women - in fact, if this decision was a simple vote, he would win easily. After all - who does not love the monks, who toil day and night for the good of the common people? Chien is humble, boasting little about his deeds or his works. He spends his time in meditation in the mountains, seeking the secrets of Earthblessing that Hy had just begun to uncover.

If he is chosen by Vao, the Tachi will likely orient themselves towards peace, harmony, and divinity. They shall study the secrets of the divine and the physical, pursue the simple needs of life, and work and live in blissful peace. They shall show hospitality and kindness to foreigners, yet ultimately preserve the Tachi way of life. Many quietly whisper that the red-robed monks already run this city through quiet suggestions and midnight orders - so perhaps Chien becoming leader will simply formalize what is already occurring.

The third candidate is Mai daughter Tan Durong, the Weaver. She is a stout and matronly woman in her middle years, wrapped in a woolen dress and a colorful scarf. Mai Durong has always been an influential figure amongst the weavers of the Tachi. As a youth, she was at the forefront of the discovery of shearing, and today her designs and patterns are found throughout nearly every home. Her husband is a man of Kah’lo, a thin man with a perpetual smile and a gleam in his eyes.

Prosperity, she claims, is what the Tachi need to focus on. To know comfort and riches and luxury is to be blessed, she says with a smile and a wink. Indeed, her weaving workshops never fail to turn a fine profit, and the women within are richly compensated for their good work. Tachi rugs and tapestries have begun to catch on in Kah’lo - and what starts in Kah’lo spreads to the entire world, her husband claims! Under her reign, the Tachi will invest in workshops, smithies, carpenters, and the fine artisans that make society a better place. They shall become wealthy and prosper, and their humble home shall rise to become one of the greatest cities in the world!

Not all love Sa Mai, though. Tachi women are supposed to be pious, quiet, dignified, and proper. Mai Durong is none of these things! She is a loud and headstrong woman to her core - which some admire, and more despise. Some of the men grumble that she sets a poor example for their wives and daughters. If they all take up needles and thread, who shall raise the children? Others claim that her focus on riches and material wealth is in contrast to proper Tachi values, and that her suspicious foreigner husband has filled her heart with greed. Yes, the people of Kah’lo are as close to friends as foreigners can be, but their values are not those of the Tachi! The Kah’lo are immodest and improper, and for one to be the husband of their leadership? A foul prospect!

Last, but not least, is Quan son Toda Thi, the Moderate. Toda’s eldest son. He holds no great status - yet. A youth in his early twenties, Quan holds little political power, save for the coattails of his father. The Thi Clan is the largest of the many families that compose the Tachi People, and many rulers have come from their bloodline. But is bloodline and coattails enough to justify a leader? Quan narrowly reached the threshold to enter the ritual - perhaps less than a dozen men. He claims that he shall walk the narrow path between the issues that divide his people. He shall not be too warlike, but nor shall he be weak. He shall pursue divinity and knowledge, but keep his head grounded. He shall pursue wealth and prosperity, but not fall victim to avarice and greed. Or so he says, anyways.

It is perhaps a sensible course of action - but most grumble that Little Toda, as they call him, is simply trying to appeal to the indecisive amongst them. He lacks his own strong identity and seeks to catch the runoff from the others. It was enough to win a spot in the ritual, but will fence-sitting and indecisiveness make a good ruler? Most do not think so. Nevertheless, Little Toda has acquired the necessary support to enter - and thus he is here.

As the sun sets on Nha Tachi, the four candidates light their torches and walk towards the plinth erected in the center of town. On each side, a deep basin sits, with a fat tallow candle sitting in the venter. Each candle is the same height, with the same length of thread in the center.

And when the sun finally disappears behind the horizon, they set the candles alight. Now the prospective leaders pray, cross their fingers, and wait. It is a simple ritual, but one tied closely with the Tachi faith. For whoever lights the candle which remains burning the longest? Vao has chosen them. For fire is naught but the spark of the sun, who created all things - and whichever fire burns longest shows approval.

What does fate hold? The Captain? The Prophet? The Weaver? Or the Moderate?

It shall be revealed in time.

Matters of the State
Food: 21 Food in, 19 food out
Stability: 12 Starting. +1 from Palace, +3 from Shrine, +6 from Houses, -8 Forced Labor, -6 Unhoused Citizens. 8 finishing.
Scholar Assignment: 200 Scholars look into the beyond. Into the next cycle. The thousand steps to Heaven. The words to say and bells to ring. Oh, yes - there must be a way to come closer to Vao and his blessings. [Imbuing Rituals]
Governmental Affairs: The ritual of the Four Candles is undergone, and a new ruler is chosen! May the whims of fate decide the path.

by **Ovstylap** » Wed Jan 04, 2023 10:23 am

Years Seventeen and Eighteen of the Ravarii (Turn Nine, Retropost)

With amends made and the people placated following the tragic collapse in the quarries in the previous couple of years, it was collectively agreed within the community of Ravar that their mastery of stone was one of the gifts of the Merciful Ones, and that it was a fine way to honour them. To master stone is to master the harder of the realities of life. To craft the plain, the hard, the rough, the heavy, the obstacles, into things of beauty, soft lines, smoothness, delicacy, and functionality, is surely a reflection of the transformative nature of showing mercy in a world otherwise defined by savagery. That the Merciful Ones saved the people of Ravar and enlightened them, entrusting them with the Gift-Lands, that is something which the Merciful Ones should be honoured with by the wise, grateful, and dedicated mastery of craft, land, and life.

The explorers find themselves growing ever more experienced and hardened by their travels, and many now walk light of foot, with eyes, ears, and even nose sharpened. Some, the hunters among them who enable the other explorers to survive, often break up their white skin with ashes from their fires, or with the rubbed out resins of various leaves. Others commit to memory the lands they have explored, and a primitive understanding of the distances travelled is being established. Each night when they set up camp, sketches are drawn in the dirt by a number of the explorers as they seek to describe what they have seen and how far they have come, as well as understand their direction. Reference to prominent features, the following of ridges, the crossing of rivers, observing the changes in materials, flora, and fauna, all these and more are important as they seek to understand navigation.

Of particular interest are the vast priemval forests that the explorers come across. Though there is fear, there is almost a sense of duty in the further exploration. If no man has come here before, then perhaps it is only the Merciful Ones who have come through? Perhaps it is an area that they cleared out of vile spirits and debased men, or perhaps it is one that they have set aside for those they showed favour to. Perhaps, others say, this is where once men would have stood, before they fell to the worse sides. Now it is empty but of truest nature. It is special no doubt. They tread carefully, but find themselves enjoying the various blue berries they find, and a number collect the seeds and store them in animal skin pouches. One slightly bizarre fellow by the name of Ubaldo has managed to convince a handful of the explorers to carry soil in their skin pouches, and cut small stems of various plants, with roots, and leave them in the skin pouches. Though some of the younger explorers consider this to be a waste- as those men tread slower to prevent the loss of their precious plants, a former scholar with a yearning for the new, by the name of Adolar, believes that like with the deliberate carrying of the Pale metal, perhaps these samples can be brought back to Ravar itself.

Still they continue west, heading now towards the marshy coast, once clear of the forest. If the forest belongs to the Merciful Ones, then surely it would make sense for the land up to the sea, a natural boundary, to likewise be part of the gift left to the Ravarii- just one the Merciful Ones left as a surprise to be discovered! Oh the kindness of the Merciful Ones! As they go by, tall birds, perhaps even graceful despite this height, watch them, but are mainly left alone, for now.

It is in Ravar itself however where there is much talk, gossip, wonder, and imagination. A deep and great amount of thought. Periods of rejoice. Periods of concern. Worry, consideration, debate, anxiety. But hope too. Hope for trade. Gratitude to the Merciful Ones. A great satisfaction. An outpouring of emotion to be sure. The Ravarii are not alone in this world.

Not alone!? How wonderous! For a long time the people of Ravar have wondered if there is anyone but their own distant kinfolk, or the occaisonal random few hunter-gatherers they discover. If there is another large community. Another civilization. Perhaps one visited by the Merciful Ones? Now they know. Now they know for sure. A procession of wary and worn out travellers have come to the lands of the Ravarii. As they passed through, young boys ran ahead, from the farthest borders of the Ravar, to inform Thusnelda and the elders. As they passed through outlying hamlets and farmsteads, where they showed no harm or threat, many people came and regarded the procession with confusion. Some asked questions, others still came forth to offer water or food.

Ultimately, by Ravar itself they came to camp, but a few bowshot distances away. Before long Thusnelda the kind-hearted had received an envoy, and discussed many things with those she sought the advice of, and others who offered it regardless.

An offer was made to the Lady Ai, the illustrious lady, but not before much conversation! Her people had come from a different land, where she had apparently been cast out by eunuchs, who had cast her away from her mother's throne. Now, she was forced into exile! So many questions!

What on earth was a eunuch? Why would anybody want to be castrated? How could someone even do that?
What was a throne? Was a throne more than the seat of the person with the most responsibility, the seat of the person meant most to be selfless? Where had they even come from? How many were they? How could the throne be reclaimed?

There was a lot of conversation and interaction, months even, but the Ravarii people with little dissent gave great hospitality to the people of Lady Ai. Many had their own independent conversations and interactions, they had so much to learn! People exchanged conversations of locations, of language, about customs and culture. Thusnelda herself spent many an hour, even a day, in conversation with Lady Ai, seeking to find out about her people, about her lands.

From the community at large, even without accounting for the many more individual acts of generosity and curiosity, and the overall sense of a collective welcoming, the following were given: One Wealth- often in the form of trinkets, utensils, and the like; Two Hides: Seal-skin shoes, wine and food skins, seal-skin tents; One Food: salmon, river trout, seal-meat, forest truffles, wild cherries, foraged and gathered foods, a whole variety. Indeed, it was the surplus of the season that was handed over, in entirety!

The thought never even was truly considered that there may not be such a thing as the Oghul of the Seven Peaks. Quite simply it appeared that there was another civilisation, and there had been troubles and conflict there, and a great group of people had left. Now, regardless of the truth of it all, it was clear. These people were tired. Many were gaunt. Many of the children did not have the plumpness and vigour they should. And so it was that the people of Ravar showed hospitality. Even as a tent city was allowed to grow, and an entire spring allowed access to, as well as the offerings already made. The following was offered to Lady Ai.

"It is painful to hear of your plight, though there is admiration in the strength and courage it has taken to not fight and cause unnecessary loss of life, but to leave with head held high, and clearly with so many loyal, there must be reason. If those meant to advise yourself and your mother have betrayed you, then they have wronged you. We offer you the option to remain in our lands, among our people, for as long as you should choose, provided that you live in harmony with the land, with the river, with our people. Our soldiers will protect you. Our resources we would share. We ask that your people, once recovered, might work alongside us for the good of all, and that we engage in honest and open dialogue. If but after a couple of years, or four, you should choose to move on, then that will be of your choice. We will not stop you. But if you choose to remain, or some of your people wish you to, then that we can permit. Perhaps, as our languages have some similarity enough, we are somehow distant kin, or blessed by the same gods, and so whilst you are with us, we would like to encourage learning between both of our peoples."

Though the overall reaction was yet to be known, the gifts of One Food, Two Hides, One Wealth had been made, the areas offered, the agreement offered. Likewise sought was an exchanging of information on customs and culture, on social organisation, and on the knowledge of the people of Lady Ai. Perhaps they knew about copper? Here, this was it. Perhaps they knew more about cultivating cherry trees on a larger scale than the haphazard sapling planting the Ravarii did? Perhaps there was an understanding of literacy or numeracy among the people of Lady Ai? These questions would be asked, both by representatives of the community, and by individuals out of their own initiative.

The main point asked however, was where had they come from, and what were the lands like, and what did they hold within. Privately, with only the most trusted of advisors, Thusnelda conceded that in her heart she wished to help this people to the full extent of hospitality, but that to commit to an alliance before trust had been built, or knowledge exchanged, was an unfair responsibility that the Merciful Ones did not expect, and so if such knowledge were given, she would arrange a small, wise delegation, to go to the Seven Peaks, and find out more.

Much happened in these years. Thusnelda was tired, but with this new experience, reinvigorated, determined. She still had some more years in her yet.

by **Novas Arcanum** » Wed Jan 04, 2023 6:49 pm

龙舞

Huo Kun stood with his bow and arrow in the Land of Grass his straw hat shading the fearsome rays of light that fell from the merciless sun. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead. He was here with his brethren. May Heaven grant victory on this day.

The Hao Court

Lady Ai was not even given an audience with the Son of Heaven few foreigners were given the privilege. Many men, of many nations were swayed by physical tidings, some amongst the Huang were no different. Fortunately, the king was amongst the few who were not. Though some of the intermediaries who communicated with Lady Ai and her entourage and relayed the information to King Wei Liang spoke at length of her great beauty as if that was the a true reason to trust her, a true reason to aid her.

But beauty was not a factor in determining such an endeavor, and the Hao Kingdom risked much by helping a foreign outlander. Scheming eunuchs, treachery, betrayal, except for the eunuchs (there were no eunuchs in the Hao Court) the story that Lady Ai spoke of was a common occurrence in Huang history which was replete of the machinations of powerful men and even a few women, who stepped on others to get ahead in the name of ambition.

Also of kings that let what was in their robes do all the thinking which was not a good thing for the ruler of an entire nation.

To aid these outlanders, to turn them away, to ignore them there were many options to consider.

Beginning of the Year

Starting resources: Salt, Medicinal herbs, Tin, Rice.
Zhai Cheng (Palisade): 2300 Population | 1500 Peasants, 100 Artisans, 300 Scholars,100 Explorers,100 Freemen,200 Soldiers [Bows]
8 Riverlands, 8 Flatlands, 4 Hills
Palace District: [ ] [0/XX]
Urban Hill: [8 Huts, Creche][II/XX]
Artisan Flatland: [7 Stonecutter's] [II/XX]
Rural Riverland: [ ] [0/XX]
Rural Hill: [ 4 Quarries] [XX/XX]
Advancements: Medicinal Herb Comprehension, Social Contract, Labor Coordination Food Preservation,Smithing,Scientific Method

Government: Celestial Monarchy

Stat Descriptions(So I don't have to keep going back and fourth)

Palace District: Labor 5, Wealth 6, Industry 2 | Provides a seat of government from which a peoples' business are administered. | Terrain: Any, except Sea. Grants +1 Public Order per year. +1 Wealth per year, 2 Housing.
Riverland: 4 Food
Hills:2 Food, or 2 Stone
Flatland: 3 Food, or 1 Food and 1 Timber or Stone
Urban: 1 Food, 1 Wealth per Trade Post - twenty sites for Constructions (Urban) | Constructed
Rural: 2 Food - twenty sites for Constructions (Rural) | Constructed

City-State Ledger

Citizen Actions:
200 Scholars[Palace]Examines the old oracle bones gleaming wisdom from the ancients to make their own native writing system → [Writing, +I Public Order, +I Wealth, +II Housing, +II Tech Roll]
100 Scholars [Urban] Examines the old oracle bones gleaming wisdom from the ancients to make their own native writing system → [Writing, +III Housing, +I Tech Roll]
100 Artisans [Artisans] cut and shape stone → [-VII Stone,+VII Wealth,-II Wealth,+I Industry +I Labor]
800 Peasants labor in the lands of their ancestors harvesting rice as they have for countless eons → [+XXXII Food, +VIII Labor]
700 Peasants labor in the plains near Zhai Cheng gathering wood and food [+VII Food,+VII Wood,+VII Labor]
200 Soldiers [Bows] protect the people of the Middle Kingdom [Off to fight some Barboi (Telegrammed Olth)]
100 Explorers are doing their thing → [Telegrammed Olth]
100 Freemen gather stone in the Quarries [+II Stone]

Construction:
Simple Stone Wall → [Labor IV/IV| Wealth II/II| Industry 0/I | V/V Stone]
Huts → [III/III Labor| I/I Wealth]
Huts → [III/III Labor| I/I Wealth]
Great Taixue [ XI/XX Labor| II/X Wealth| 0/VIII Industry, XV/XV Stone]
Smithy→ [Labor III/III| Wealth III/III| Industry IV/IV]
Smithy→ [Labor II/III| Wealth 0/III| Industry 0/IV]

Cache
XVII Timber ,VII Stone

Event:
The foreigners will be granted an audience to the King of Heaven if a gift is given to the Hao Court as is customary when foreign envoys visit the Middle Kingdom even when it has been centuries since an outlander has visited the Celestial Nation. Otherwise, food and shelter are freely given [Access to Huts, and Five Food gifted]

Research:
+4 Tech Rolls to Writing (1 from Scientific Method)

Miscellaneous Actions
100 Freemen become Scholars
Exploration:
N/A

Government Actions
→The Mandate of Heaven is strengthened. The Hao Dynasty adopts the government Celestial Monarchy +1 Peasant during growth
→ The Powers of the Myriads Civic is adopted by the Hao Dynasty +1 Peasant, Homeless Citizens produce -2 Stability, Slums -1 Stability

Ending of the Year

Starting resources: Salt, Medicinal herbs, Tin, Rice.
Zhai Cheng (Palisade|Watchposts): 2300 Population | 1600 Peasants, 100 Artisans, 400 Scholars,100 Explorers,200 Soldiers [Bows]
8 Riverlands, 8 Flatlands, 4 Hills
Palace District: [ ] [0/XX]
Urban Hill: [10 Huts, Creche][XI/XX]
Artisan Flatland: [7 Stonecutter's,Smithy] [VII/XX]
Rural Riverland: [ ] [0/XX]
Rural Hill: [4 Quarries ] [XX//XX]
Advancements: Medicinal Herb Comprehension, Social Contract, Labor Coordination, Scientific Method, Food Preservation, Smithing, Governance

Government: Celestial Monarchy
Civics: The Powers of the Myriads

by **Ovstylap** » Thu Jan 05, 2023 7:04 am

Years Nineteen and Twenty of the Ravarii (Tenth Turn Retropost)

The lands west of the ancient forest grew boggier and softer, and it was the isles of a light gray, previously unseen rock, that prevented too many of the explorers from becoming too demoralised. Samples of this rock were collected, and when eventually the explorers hit the coast, they realised that the only way to travel was whence they had come, or northwards, towards lands which appeared to grow drier and slightly higher, giving way to flatlands, and on the horizon, green pastures. It was that way they went, but not before the wondrous sight of fish with scales of a beautiful silver, and other animals, huge, great beasts, which came to the surface of the water to spout out great amounts of water. Perhaps they had to breathe? Surely an exhausting proposition. But they were so huge!? The explorers were fascinated, and spent almost a day simply marvelling whilst they hunted from the marshes. But northwards they would head, bringing their samples with them. Perhaps they would find another civilization, and then they could return to Ravar.

In Ravar itself meanwhile the scholars had finally worked out a means of utilising copper. They found that it could be extracted from the rock containing it, which they called an ore. Surely there were other metals with their own ores, but that of copper they called Malachite. By heating it up, they could melt the metal out, and this could be beaten into various shapes- useful for tools, or for shining trinkets. The tools were harder than rock or stone or bone, but somewhat brittle. They did not cut for long, but certainly did so for longer than stone! A smithy was erected in the new Urban district, from whence new products can be made. It will require the investment of wealth for sure, as turning productive hands away from other tasks means that deliberate choices will be made as to what is done with each gifted day.

Work continued now towards the inquiry into how one could get more from each seal carcass, and the scholars hoped that their endeavors would be successful. Indeed, much free time was spent with the seal-hunting soldiers. Others now turned towards those of the community more experienced with wood work, and the use of timber. They sought to understand the working of timber, lumber, and wood, as a craft. A craft they would call Carpentry.

The relief of Lady Ai was of comfort to Thusnelda, and she appreciated the graceful replies. The Eunuchs were supposedly trusted servants, with them allegedly choosing to allow themselves to be castrated, in order to calm their emotions and minds, and prevent selfish ambition. Privately, many of the Ravarii elders were horrified, but they endeavoured to hide this from their guests. Surely, men can have self-control. Surely, the merit of serving the community is reason enough to be responsible? How could someone possibly choose a life of service which required their own... castration? At least few seemed to die from what the fair Lady said. It appeared that the throne was a concept of somewhat more importance to the Lady Ai and her people, as for the Ravarii, the seat upon which Thusnelda sat was simply Thusnelda's seat. It was carved intricately, for sure, and was comfortable, but that is surely little to ask for someone who gives their life to the community.

Over the winter, the robed Oghun gradually became more familiar, and there was overall warm and interesting interaction. Many people were fascinated by the glyphs used by these people. Although many of the Ravarii drew pictures, or carved images, or wrote tallies, or counted by stones and other items, they did not have a standardised way of putting their words on the ground. Likewise, the growth and care for cherry trees was something the Oghun knew of, and the Ravarii eagerly observed- pitifully though they would not be around for long, and winter was not the time for cutting saplings from cherry trees. Even pruning should occur in the summer, and that was on wild cherry trees. It seemed too that the Oghun did not know how to utilise copper to its full extent, and so that was something the Ravarii did have in common, at least until they made a breakthrough after the Lady Ai had departed with her people. By the end of the season, many Ravarii could consider Oghun as friends, and many had learned of the slang and some of the customs of these people from a distant land. They had not shared much on whence they had come however, and this was of disappointment. Likewise too there had been only limited gratitude, or even interest in, the sealskin gifts- which a number of scholars and soldiers lamented away from their guests as they were trying to work out how to butcher seals more effectively, so that less had to be killed, and their populations could grow.

It was after a year in total that the people of Lady Ai had left. The peasants had worked hard, and the contributions made by the others, for there were around 200 people in the entourage, was roughly similar to the output of work contributed by 100 Ravarii in two. Their way of paying for their hospitality, rather than spoken words perhaps. That was appreciated.

But it would not be long before others came. More strangers. In the spring, from the north, and the west, came dour men, with spears of a harsh looking metal, different in colour to the copper the Ravarii were now beginning to use. They wore too fascinating shirts of armour. Hard men. With hard weapons, and hard armour. Fighters. Professionals. Perhaps killers. The spears and slings, and padded cloth, the copper weaponry, the sharpened tools of the Ravarii were simply not the same. Deadly still nonetheless were Ravarii's good men. Courageous and strong, but they did not have the equipment of these people.

Their leader bowed his head to the Ravarii elders, and greeted them on behalf of the Seven Peaks' Sages. Were these the Eunuchs? Apparently the Lady Ai was a liar, she manipulated, she drank blood!? She played on the hearts of others? Was this true? Could that be the same Lady who had been so graceful, whose people had worked hard during their stay, who had shown relief and even gratitude? But perhaps it was so. It can be hard for honest folk, good communal folk, hard-working, and hospitable, to tell if others are lying, or taking advantage of them, when this is not something they do themselves. Thusnelda had to think quickly, and ponder for a while. No, there was no such Lady Ai present in Ravar, or in the lands inhabited by the Ravarii. Of course the Ravarii would seek to assist a righteous endeavour, but there were things to be discussed, and first of all, the men needed rest.

Thusnelda and the elders ordered the provision and organisation of food for the travelers- as well as seal skin shoes and tents to sustain the worn men (One Hides, One Food). Thusnelda invited the captain for a private discussion.
"I hope that you and your men will find the provisions we have offered adequate at this time, for the duration of your passage through our lands. I trust that your men will not violate our hospitality by squandering our people or our land, and respecting the good faith we currently have for you. I am Thusnelda, and I currently have the privilege of giving my care to the Ravarii, that some might look to me as a leader. What may I call you?

Might I enquire more about whence you have come from, might you mark it for me in the rough map we have had arranged in the courtyard outside. Regardless of your success in your current endeavours, trade of what one has for what one does not always brings prosperity and joy to both sides, and I am sure that the sages would appreciate your role in enabling this. We are an honest and decent folk.

Now, onto what you have come here for. Ah, thank you, Isebrand. Here, some fresh spring water, wild cherries, and salmon. Now, we have had a Lady Ai come through. We gave her and her companions, around two hundred people, some hospitality, as we would to anyone who appeared in need. They were weary, and the Lady Ai spoke of how she and her mother had been usurped by... eunuchs, meant to be loyal to her. We had no reason not to believe her, indeed, we were bewildered to have met such a large group of people, never in our history have we met a community so large. To hear that they had left from another, well, that was incredible. Now we have made no committments to assist in further endeavours, and have taken no sides.

I will tell you what you wish to know. Lady Ai and her companions went to the east. We ask that you spill no blood on our lands, and that you allow a contingent of our soldiers to accompany your own to the borders of our lands, and that should you meet Lady Ai there, that we might bare witness to your discussions. Yes, I do not believe Lady Ai has remained within our lands, if so, we have not heard, and she should be well to the east by now. I hope that for your assistance, and our hospitality of you, you might amicably stay with us for the duration you deem necessary. I have spoken at length, I would be eager to hear your thoughts. I hope that I have not given offence, but if indeed what you say is true and we have been lied to, and she has caused harm to your people, then I can only plead on behalf of my people that I take the responsibility of falling to this, and hope, given your story, that you might understand. What say you?"

by **Ralnis** » Thu Jan 05, 2023 5:24 pm

Xcotl

As the fruits of a new generation that came to the people of Blood. It was good for the town as the Immortal One could see his people remaking the covenants with the Muxpei and the scholars were finally focusing on rediscovering the mysteries of the blood that had been lost to them. There were many secrets of the Blood that could be discovered and explored once again but the main thing that was on the minds of them was about the sickness that had hit their neighbors so long ago. This had come to try and twist their inklings of medicine with the Blood Magic of old to see if there was a magical means to protect them from any sickness if possible.

A clinic was already being built to treat those who had injuries and to try and learn the secrets of the body. For, if the scholars were able to heal the infirm of any aliments that could be solved with mundane matters. But the secrets of the body and blood is something that must be understood if the Xcotl had any hopes of achieving their goals and reconnect with their gods. However, it seems that the gods had other ideas upon there chosen people.

The envoy sent to the Oc Oara had came back with favorable terms indeed. A trade camp came north of their fledging city offering all sorts of goods that they had to sell. They even brought back knowledge of the cloudy ore to the Immortal One by the name of "lead" and had described the basics of it. From the way it sounded, Xantipak was not impressed. He remebered that bone was harvested from the dead and fueled to become as strong as even the toughest stone. Never brittle and alive like muscle. It seemed to be a better material since they had settled in a boneyard.

The trade camp was opened with a joyous praise of their neighbors and the trademasters talked to each other. The Spider Worshippers had many things that Xcotl needed. Their artisans expertise is needed and the need for industry can help with building new defenses against those with strange sails and any other threats that may be around the horizon. They paid for all of the resources but then there was something else. Something that was more... exotic.

This silk, this "shimmer-silk" was indeed colorful. It was a treasure that many scholars wonder if they could use it for their Blood Magic. Something that was interesting to the Immortal One, so they allowed a herd to be sent their way. They had many of the sacred cattle that they've cultivated and were willing to share their treasure as a point of trade. After many said goodbye to the bulls and the people, yet another thing had happened that the Immortal One knew that the gods were testing him. The Strange Sails returned.

Already the wooden stockade was built around the city. The soldiers, crudgels and wooden shields held high, were ready for the enemy. As the vessels- these wooden constructs came, the soldiers got in a fighting line and the people ran even in the snow. However, the enemy came not with the soldiery, but with envoys that pantomine and spoke in a broke tradespeak. Dirty and ragged, the envoys had come with their pale and blonde leader. This man was Fjull Folk-Beard.

Pale hands clasped red in a sign of respect as they told them the story of their people had been having bad luck as of late and they wanted to see if they can fix their ships. They asked for two wagons of wealth and four cattle's worth of food. Their request was brought up to the rest of the nobility and wisest among them. The debate had split the council in two as the debate of the morale actions and the wants of the gods came into play. Both sides were speaking true in this matter.

The ragged men were suspicious, and their ships had come by beforehand. However, they didn't raise a hand against them and their people, whoever they are, know of Xcotl's existence. While the strange constructs-ships were impressive and would open a part of the world that they never could explore over the last hundred years of their existence, the cost could be too great to bear, as they barely had a militia and even that had been shown how little it could be effective against something like the Oc Ocara even if they barely knew how to work that cloudy ore, lead.

On the other hand, the merchant-families and advisors were also correct in this. There was not much to gain from this except for the boats. Something that could be researched on their own or bargained for. The idea of bargaining for the ships was something that enticed the merchant -families quite much, but there was the problem of the price. Xcotl didn't know what they value as treasures but there was something that they had gained. The Shimmer-Silk could be an exotic enticement, one that could be a double-edge sword if these ragged men were truly the raiders that they feared.

The Immortal One had ponded on it for days as he tried to think of everything that could go wrong and right in this situation. Praying to the Muxpei to see what insidious plans that they had. Eventually he came to the realization that both could work. A measure of weariness and restraint. The Immortal One brought in Fjull and asked him if trade was possible if he could trade away his vessels for more food and wealth, but also for the shimmer-silk that they just bought.

They also wanted something, something like information and a promise of trade and no harm to their people. They had already come to them once and sailed away without even first contacting them or making themselves known. The Xcotl are weary of Fork-Beard's kin and fear of them being raiders from the sea. If there's any way that he can show that the Xcotl should not be afraid and that the Kin of the Sea are at least willing to trade, then there's might be a way to be more than just a one stop resting place for his people.

by **Olthenia** » Fri Jan 06, 2023 9:18 pm

Year 120 of the Star-Count Ends
Turn 11

Ugly news out of Balbenon this year. Sped into its glimmering port by flashing oars and full sails, envoys from distant Kah’lo have come to ease tensions. For tense, after all, has been the mood between Kah’lo and Belbenon as of late – and this, in the end, benefits no man. Wadi-Maru, the Great Vizier, has greeted the Merchant-Priests’ envoys as cordiality dictates, entertained them in his star-lit gardens – and feasted them though an evening of exotic meats and spiced fruits. Honey-fingers are duly served. Braised cinnamon-wings too. And devilled sandworm eggs. Which, quite unfortunately, hatch in the stomachs of Kah’lo’s principal envoys! Oh dear! Oh no! They die screaming, clawing at their swollen bellies – and Wadi-Maru’s court guffaws loudly with amusement! Oh dear. Oh no.

Kah’lo, meanwhile, smiles somewhat less.

* * *

Aederfolk: Time amongst the Aeder passes, as it always does. And with it, their neighborly disputes with their distant cousins continues apace. The Ithel may indeed have distributed some wealth in previous months – to mellow the moods of angry fathers and irate freemen. But lo’! To some, the wealth in question is not enough – for as the Rhingyyd continue their insults, their disrespect, why their, outright abuse! – complaints about them do pile up. To other Aeders, meanwhile, it is the wealth itself that is the issue. Has the Ithel truly been reduced to nothing but a Rhingyyd apologist? A muzzle-mouthed servant that salves the pride and honor of wounded Aederfolk with trinkets and empty words? Pshaw. Pshaw and a hundred times pshaw! Several hardier and hot-headed Aeders have been heard grumbling about how the Rhingyyd have outstayed their generous welcome, and that perhaps – if these unlikeable cousins won’t take their swinish ways and leave – hardier means might be needed to bring the message across. (-6 Stability!)

It is while all this is happening that – one day in early summer – another dawn-sailed galley heaves into sight and anchors in the coastal shallows, just beyond the mouth of the Aeder’s river. Once more then, the men of Kah’lo – envoys of the Merchant-Priests – have come to Aled Aederyn. To the Ithel their captain brings an unusual offer. Would any amongst the good Aederfolk – bold and brave as they no doubt are – like work? Specifically, spear-work? As sell-swords? The honest men of Kah’lo have been greatly agrieved, explains the captain, by murder and injustice committed by a vile and terrible tyrant from a distant land. Wadi-Maru! A flesh-peddling torturer, thief and sorcerer! The men of Kah’lo means to punish him for his wicked ways – and war, in the end, is a burden best shared. If the Ithel would pick but 100 stout men or tough women – or indeed, give the men of Kah’lo leave to recruit amongst the Aederfolk on their own – they solemnly swear to pay them, arm them and supply any recruit that meets muster. In return, their time of service will be no less than four full years. Their payment, when signing on, eight wealth. Their weapons and equipment, when signing off, theirs to keep – along with any loot and plunder hauled from the tyrant’s clutches. Adventure! War! Come one, come all!

Tachi-na-Vao: South of the homes of the Tachi, the Ishizuki’s banks wind west-and-south – towards the plains before the woods of the Oca-Curo. This southern land, thus bereft of the river’s immediate closeness – is still a green and pleasant land. More hills roll here, and the odd cops of trees war for summit and sunlight with shrub and frond. West of here, lush plains green and darken into deepening woods, while to the east the hills roll down into wind-swept flatlands. South, finally, the Ishizuki winds its way through coastal plains into a great, blue sea. As for the land itself, here - stands of curious, husky fruits of the same sort seen amongst the Spider-Slaves farther east grow wild. And ‘ere the river turns east, stout colonies of beavers play and hustle in its shallows – sleek and graceful in their watery fiefs. They feed with abandon on patches of juicy, green grass which grows as tall as a man’s waist. The explorer’s lac-horses in particular enjoy it also. (Maize, River-Otters, Grass (Edible)).

There is a gate and a key to all rituals. A vision and a spell to make all secrets of creation simmer and sigh until naught but truth remains. And in that most glorious truth, it is known, there will be the most profound silence never heard. To the wisest of the Vao then have come the knowledge and understanding of Imbuing Rituals. With a good thought, a good word and a good deed - they will put them to good use. (+Imbuing Rituals)

The candles are burnt. The trial is over. The gods have made their approval clear – for one and all.

And it is on none other than Mai Durong that this approval shines. Their first candle to go – to an errant gust of wind, some claim – was that of the Bald Prophet. Evil tongues insist that this shows the gods’ true approval of his soul and work, yet others insist that – rather thana rebuke, this merely demonstrates the true import of Hao Pan’s work amongst the Vao. Not for him, then, leadership and rule – for he is the loadstone. The guiding light and harmonious center pole of Nha Tachi. For him to be anywhere else is to unbalance harmony; and that would hardly do.

The second candle to darken that night belonged to Shiro son Da Banh – the proud captain of the Hau Ve. He took this happening with dignity, men say – and descended from the steps with a pious and silent mien. Men also say that later – down by the rivermen haunts and quaysides – a loud argument broke out between Shiro and some unfortunate rivermen. They had stepped on his shadow, he insisted – and apparently only a scuffle could set things right. But of course, evil tongues would wag that way about a man as both well known and divisive as Shiro. Whatever the case about the riverfront scuffle – one thing is for certain: upon the next dawn, the Hau Ve, to a man, confirmed Shiro as their captain: ‘Now and forever, until the Cong falls’.

The third candle to flicker and darken was Quan’s. But this, it should be say, only came about after Mai Durong’s own candle had begun to gutter. For what seemed like an age – these two remaining candles, the Weaver’s and the Moderate’s – flickered at one another as though life depended on it. But then? In the end? When a final whisp of blueish smoke spiraled up into the darkened sky, and all men knew for certain whom the gods favored the most? It was Sa Mai who could bow her head and thank the divine for this approval - and, not, alas, Quan son Toda Thi.

Still, despite these tidings – and the ceremony’s final outcome – it has been observed that Sa Mai has spoken, at great length, with Quan in the days that followed. On many a stroll down the leafy paths by the Ishizuki’s banks, there they have been – the modest Moderate and the stout Weaver, deep in council. For what purpose precisely these talks have been held, no rumor can agree. But whatever form rule and government amongst the Tachi people will now take under the Weaver’s guidance, Quan – and with him, the shadow of Toda Thi – will likely still be there, for those with eyes to see it.

And it is by the year’s end, when the winds sweeping down from the Cong are at their fiercest, that a band of familiar strangers – if there even is such a thing – arrive on the outskirts of Tachi lands. By their curious hats and neatly trimmed beards, they are none other than men of Kah’lo – and they greet their Vao-friends with cordial respect. On this day, however, the Captain of Kah’lo’s latest expedition does not come to offer trade. Rather, to the stout and brave amongst the Tachi-na-Vao – he bears an offer on behalf of the Holy Factors of Kah’lo: War. Or rather, war for pay.

The good people of Kah’lo, the Captain explains with a grave mien, have been sore beset as of late by the depredations and evil machinations of a cruel and terrible tyrant. Wadi-Maru, this devil is called – a flesh-peddler and torturer of the vilest sort. He has traded lies for truth, murdered for his own amusement, and offended the sensibilities of all noble and honest men. And Kah’lo – red-blooded and righteous as she is – have resolved to punish him for it. And so, then, the Merchant-Priests turn to Vao to offer coin, arms and armor in exchange for bodies. If the Tachi will find amongst their number, say, 100 stout fighters – be they trained warriors or humble peasants – Kah’lo will reimburse them with no less than eight wealth in exchange for four full years of their service. Once those years are at an end, these brave adventurers will be allowed to return home with their arms and armor – and not to mention whatever loot they may have purloined from the cowardly tyrant’s clutches.

It is war. It is adventure! And the Tachi – upon whom the gods surely smile – are welcome to join.

Valda: With time and shrewd measurement. With imagination and no small amount of divine intuition. With a touch, perhaps, of devil-may-care. In these ways, the brewer’s art may well be learned, understood and mastered. This, then, the men of Valda have mastered – and to their credit, the results of their labors is a fine, hops-heavy beer; refreshing and golden in equal measure. (+Brewing)

Shoots and saplings of the green, round-leafed plant discovered in the Dreaming Wood in years past have been transplanted to Valda. And there, after some trial and error, clever gardeners and doughty hedge-scholars have seen them flourish. (+Hops)

Explorers and soldiers of mighty Valda head off into the foothills of the Star Mountain this year. In the quiet watches of lonely nights and hidden posting during the day, their keen eyes watch and wait for scent and sign of the Chimulan foe. But either their quarry has caught their tang on the wind – or some insidious spirit has warned them of the Valdanis’ intent. Whatever the case may be, no sortie of war-armed Chimulans appear in the year that follows – or the one after that. More than likely, the head-takers were too busy plotting some fresh evil up in their mountain abode – or scraping a living off the mountainsides so as not to perish by starvation. For now, at least, the tension holds.

Xcotl: Word from Oc Ocara states that – why yes, the servants of the Many-Eyed Ones would be willing to pay for lead. Although they’re not necessarily ecstatic about these goods, unworked ore is unworked ore, after all – they offer either wealth on a one-for-one basis, or a similar trade of lumber or worked stone.

The servants of the Immortal One have many questions. And if Fjull Fork-Beard can purchase their clemency and aid by their answers, then answer he shall. Fjull Fork-Beard names himself a Quath – at least on his mother’s side. The Quath are a kindred hailing from the lush forests and mountain plateaus of the Isle of Quathoy. Do all Quaths have blond hair and scraggly beards? Yes. Yes, they just might. He sails, he explains, in the service of Mulukal, Sorcerer-Lord of that fair and fecund isle. And as for why Fjull and his fellows sailed past Xcotl’s costs in previous years, yet did not introduce themselves until now? Fjull is apologetic. Theirs have been a journey undertaken for quite a while, he explains – and as such, it was a combination of terrible storms and implacable foes that brought him to Xcotl’s shores. He did not know where he was! Or who to turn to! Surely, surely – had he only known what graceful friends and generous hosts the Xcotl would be, he would have visited them sooner!

When it comes to the bandits that so sorely hounded Fjull, the Fork-Beard’s answer is simple: the Servants of Kah’lo! These perfidious reavers are always keen to hide their true intents behind a screen of pious noises – but, he warns, the Xcotl should always be wary! – for behind all their niceties, the men of Kah’lo will always be money-grubbing fanatics. As for other kindred Fjull knows of? To be sure – he has known many a port and many a coast. Foreign peoples that stand out, then, include the city-state of Balbenon, the foremost heir of the Ketarch-That-Was. The Balbenoi are flesh-peddlers, he explains, and sit an unsteady throne on the southern shore of the great, blue sea. The men of Kah’lo don’t like the Balbenoi much – so heck, they can’t be all bad. And as for Tondak – theirs is a homely port to the south and west of Quathoy, ruled by a tyrant that delights in many cruelties. But, Fjull asserts, his servants at least pay on time – especially when trading horses for arms and armor.

The Immortal’s offer to purchase one of Fjull’s ships is sorely considered. His ships are prized, precious, and surely funded by the Sorcerer-Lord! But in the end, however, the answer is in the affirmative. If the Xcotl so desire, then yes – in exchange for supplies, repairs, wealth and even healthcare, Fjull will part with a wind-battered vessel; and may Mulukal forgive him for it. If nothing else, surely a helping of Ocaran shimmer-silk might help in that respect. (-4 Wealth, -6 Food, -1 Shimmer-Silk, +1 Galley)

And so, ‘ere long, with their galleys repaired and supplies replenished, the men of the Strange Sails depart Xcotl’s shores – with, admittedly, one sail less. As a token of their gratitude, their fork-bearded Kapitan presented his Xcotl hosts with heavy chest indeed. Nay, not a chest – a sarcophagus, of oiled cedar-tree, bound with hammered copper. Within are trinkets from many a strange shore – yellowed tusks as long as men’s forearms, a pair of bronze masks studded with lapis lazuli, a snake-decorated torc and an odd statuette of a crowned, fish-like creature with a coarse slash of a mouth and wide, staring eyes. Carved into the statuette's base, crude letters spell the word 'FATHOM-KING'. And lastly? There is a gem as vast as a child’s head, shaped like a teardrop and as dark as smoke heavy with human fat. (+5 Wealth)

True to their orders, the men of Xcotl follow the strangers sails as they recede – until the horizon swallows them – off towards the south-and-east.

Farewell, Fjull Fork-Beard. Farewell.

The Huang: Wise scholars have cobbled together a language of sorts – a guide through the darkest thickets of the Middle Kingdom’s many dialects, cants, brogues and tribal accents. Now, for the initiated, this language can be written, and mastered, and levered into meaning free of time and place. A written language, pure and simple. A boon to many. (+Writing)

In due course, a gift-tribute is presented by the envoys of the Lady Ai. Trinkets of woven iron, yes? And a red, glimmering ruby – as red as a dragon’s eye. In humble and contrite tones, they request for their mistress an audience at the Court of the Heavenly King – that she might discuss in earnest the fate of her realm. Mighty are the Huang, after all – fierce and stalwart, strong and stoic. If ever there was a throne grand enough to banish injustice from the land, surely this throne would belong to the House of Hao?

Ravarii: For seven long days and seven nights, the Ravarii and their Oghun fellows trek their way eastwards, ever eastwards. Unfortunately, much to Captain Tankiray’s chagrin, no trace is found of the renegade Lady Ai and her followers. Whether the sorceress has sunk into the very earth itself, or fled for some foreign land entirely is anyone’s guess – but she is gone. Quite gone. As for the Oghun, the food given is cherished greatly – for hardtack and stale rations can wary the pallet of even the hardiest traveler – and the Ravarii’s attempts at friendship much appreciated. In the end – after a week’s journey – things end as they must. Captain Tankiray and his fellows bid their Ravarii compatriots farewell with a most solemn throat-song, so deep it stirs the soul – then depart into a gray dawn.

Should the Ravarii ever wander northwards, Tankiray insists – any children of the Gift-Lands will find a welcome in the Seven Peaks.

In due course, Ravar’s bold explorers enter the land of this strange new kindred. Past fields golden with rye and orchards heavy with great, green fruits lies a city – vast and stinking. Its walls are brown and brick, and above its many roofs a great, domed temple squats on the lip of a great bay. Kah’lo, its people name it – and she is favored by the gods. Alhun and Engla’s gifts are received with delight - and the Ravarii, polite and well-mannered as they are – in due course find themselves greeted by robed priests, shaven-headed and smiling. The foremost amongst them, a man with eyes lined with darkest khol – names himself ‘Namar’. He listens to their words and names with great interest – oh yes. Kah’lo’s god decrees that all travelers are welcome to its succor and hospitality, provided they hold the twin virtues of kindness and commerce in their hearts. Do the Ravarii hold these virtues? Excellent, excellent.

In the end, for every question Rembert and Cressida asked, they would have others in return. Ravar was a city, they said? Ruled by a Thusnelda? Ah, and Thusnelda was a name – not a title? Very well. As to the question of whether or not the Ravarii might be allowed to stay through the winter season, then yes – Namar smiled – this could be arranged. In fact, as envoys of a new people whose customs and nature were unknown to Kah’lo – the Merchant-Priests would be pleased to house the Ravarii delegates at their temple compound. As guests, yes? Guests were duly cared for – and provided food. Of course, of course.

Commerce, then, is a sacred venture in Kah’lo. Merchants are respected. Accounting and numeracy skills held in high esteem. The ability to negotiate and haggle, a mark of adulthood. And yes – should the Ravarii wish to exchange maps of where and how they had travelled from distant Ravar, they were welcome to do so. In return, Namar the Khol-Eyed promised to present what he calls their ‘Case for Commercial Ascension’ to his pious masters, the Board of Holy Factors. They would, he assured Rembert and Cressida, send traders to Ravar as soon as the winter storms abated. Then, with relations established, maps of strange lands and foreign shores could be exchanged in earnest.
Speaking of relations, Kah’lo prides itself on many things. Including, would you believe it, the breadth and length of its markets. Here are sold the fruits and treasures of all the world – or at least the parts of it clever enough to bargain with Kah’lo. Would the Ravarii care for a tour?
To behold copper lamps that burn with strange oils?
Skewered fruits fried in oil?
Roasted gulls, fresh off the grill?
Woven carpets of many colors?
Sugar-pulp, made in the style of the distant Aeders?
Tachi prayer-beads? To ward the heart against evil spirits?
Oh, or dancing children, masked and capering, for the delight of the crowd?
Such things, and many others, the Ravarii behold in Kah’lo’s markets – closely accompanied by priestly minders, of course. In the end, Rembert and his fellows are all presented with humble gifts. Goatskin shoes, laced to the knee – and thick linen cloaks, for those cold winters. And a new bow, perhaps, of the supplest yew - for Rosamunde? Yes, and honey-fingers – warm and sticky, for Alhun and Engla. Eat! Eat!
Simple gifts, perhaps – but tokens of goodwill none the less.

As for the Ravarii’s samples of stone, coal and berry-saplings? Well now. The merchant-Priests regarded them with curiosity – but no, explained Namar the Khol-Eyed. Kah’lo would be privileged to merely host the Ravarii as guests, for now. The exchange of knowledge – true knowledge – should wait until later, when the Factors had considered their case. For now then, at least, Ubaldo should keep his saplings.

Namar maintained this stance until the Ravarii brought up the issue of soap.

In the end, Rembert and Cressida were unsure of Namar the Khol-Eyed had truly understood their words – for despite his status as a priest of Kah’lo’s god – the broad little man was not beholden to superstition. Only that which his dark eyes could behold and fathom for themselves would Namar truly accept. And soap somehow helped mortal bodies resist diseased spirits and bad airs? Mysterious. Most mysteries. Still, in the end, Kah’lo’s servant relented – for perhaps the foam and suds soap made would at least delight women and little children? By such portents, profit could be made – oh yes, oh yes. In return, then, the Ravarii are offered instruction by a temple stonemason. His words are terse and his teachings difficult to grasp, perhaps, for those without experience on the matter – but in the end, the Ravarii feel certain. The work and use of limestone, should they ever wish to master it, will come to them all the easier now (+1 to all rolls for Limestone Comprehension for the next 3 Turns).

This, then, is the hospitality of Kah’lo. Its canals stink. Its harbor bustles. Its streets and alleys teem and throng. Its temples ring to the prayer of measure-scales and profit margins. And the Ravarii are welcome there – for the very fairest of deals. Oh yes, oh yes.

Alikos: The year dawns with nary a hint of trouble~

To be sure, not more than a fair few months have passed since the departure of the Tondaki’s red-chinned envoy from the Iron Gate. By all accounts, the Proven fib that no, oh no, those honorless bondsmen were likely somewhere else! – well, it appears to have worked. And yet? Peace, for all its welcome qualities, does not grace Alikos in earnest. But it is not war-drums and a tyrant’s wroth that disturbs fair Alikos, so much as the lament of its very own people! Blame their grievances on whatever you will – fickle fates, barbarous Saywend or the misrule of their betters – but as summer follows spring, it becomes all too clear that many, many a poor soul in the home of the Alikan people live as little more than roofless refugees! 800 of them, in fact.

No, truly! In this, the very heart and high castle of all that is Alikan – hundreds and hundreds of the common folk are little more than sports of the merciless sun and victims of icy rains in equal measure. And even peasants and common laborers do, as it turns out, have a limit to their patience.

Some patient voices, of course, decry the evil of the Alikans’ enemies as the cause of the commons misery. If it hadn’t been for the ravages of the perfidious Saywend, the mighty Proven of the Iron Gate could well have ordered dwellings erected by now. Humble huts! And sturdy farmsteads! For everyone! If the crowd should direct its anger any-damn-where, it should be south – towards Heimar Vale! But while this message might ring true to some – truer still rings the crowd-calls of other, more nefarious demagogues. The Iron Gate is not a poor or lackless place, say they. No, it has peace and room and shelter aplenty – at least for the high and mighty! Thus, to that end, the specter of want and homelessness that now haunt its hard-working populace was an announced disaster – a trouble long foreseen, and avoidable, if only the Proven had bothered about it! But no, while it is the sweat and toil and labor of the common man that harvests Alikos’ fields and wrings wealth from its mighty quarries – its leaders? The so-called Proven? – oh, they are clearly too busy with planning their workshops, raising their forges and glutting themselves on the wealth earned by their lessers’ hard toil to bother with whether or not their workers sleep rough in ditches or warm beds!

The Tondaki refugees, for their part, grumble also. No, they – unlike so many of Alikos’ common folk – are not homeless. Instead, they’re cooped up indoors hither and yon in every neighborhood of the Iron Gate, out of sight and out of mind – in case the unkind yes of their former countrymen spy the Proven’s fibs for what they are. And granted, this measure may well be fore the Todaki refugees’ own safety – but now? Cooped up in a city, with their freedom of movement contained? Oh, they grumble. Did they truly risk life and limb to escape the Tyrant’s clutches, only to be cooped up – like willful colts – here? In this foreign burg? No, fie! Fie and fie! Clearly, they’ve barely swapped one brand of misery for another!
And their neighbors – bereft of home and hearth as they are – resent them even for this misery. For the Proven can, apparently, take pity on foreigners now? Yet condemn their own fellow citizens – their own kin and people – to misery in sheds and ditches?!

No. That, damn their eyes, will not do.
(-6 Stability)

by **Ovstylap** » Sat Jan 07, 2023 8:37 am

Years Twenty-One and Twenty-Two of the Ravarii

What great times these had been for the Ravarii! To know that the world was in fact even greater than they had imagined, that there were other people, such news was of great interest. Captain Tankiray's arrival, so soon after that of Lady Ai, what a marvel that had been. To focus on that alone however would not be prudent in the chronicling of the Ravarii, and so, to other matters of history first.

From amongst a combined effort of both soldiers and scholars had come an understanding of how most effectively a seal could be butchered. Great animals were these, and there was much to be gleaned from consolidating the best practice of a good number of hunters and those who had observed them. It wasn't just a matter of learning how to butcher, but how to make best use of each part. Now in multiple households would seal fat be used to cook. Smaller, less often used parts of hide could be used, to make for instance gloves, or to pad out a form of light armour. Parts of seals that weren't normally eaten could be used now, as people experimented, and tastes broadened. On the one hand, less meat and skin would be wasted in the butchering process, but also were new uses found. Surely from all of this, and from the tusks of the river-seals which could now, with sharp copper, be taken out from even deeper, more food and wealth and hides could be made from it all.

Not only that, but if from each seal much more could be utilised, then less seals needed to be hunted for the same returns. But of course the seal population was being sustained, and growing slightly each year, so perhaps they could still hunt the same number of seals. To do that would require more hunters however. The implications of the political turmoil in this civilisation, that of the Oghun, and of their travels, as well as their equipping for conflict, and willingness to shed blood amongst their own, that then, that then meant that there must surely be other civilizations. The explorers had not yet returned. They had been gone for a generation. The children who went with them must have grown up too, and be exploring themselves. That or they were all dead. The explorers had been instructed to return after making contact with another civilisation, if indeed there was one, or to return after twenty or so years, or when all that they had been given in terms of trinkets for trade with the miscellaneous small groups of hunter gatherers that existed in the wilderness were expended.

Well, all these things meant that there was conflict and other peoples outside of the Gift Lands. Clearly, the Merciful Ones had left as there were others to assist. Ravar thus had need of more men and womenfolk who were prepared to fight for their communities. Hunting was a good way of training them, and giving them strength, courage, comradeship, and familiarity with sling, spear, and stone weapon. So it was that Thusnelda and the elders had called for volunteers. Trials and competitions took place, and those who were willing were tested. From amongst the new generation, then, would 100 be trained. They were given extra food to enable their strengthening, their growth.

Amongst the scholars, there was much to be discussed and considered. Although progress had been made in establishing an understanding of how best to turn wood work into a craft, was it not also true that much of what the Ravarii both built and worked with was stone? Carpentry was still a prospect, but it was clear that Ravar needed to be built up. To sustain its growing population would require industrious work- it would require growth to sustain growth. The copper-smithing was useful in this, but more had to be done. Indeed- although the stonecutting yielded wealth to Ravar, and could be traded with the various very small groups of hunter-gatherers who sought trinkets or their own additional means of barter outside the lands of the Ravarii, that pink or otherwise coloured rock had a great appeal to the Artisans, and to others who looked upon it. Marble it had been called. An intrepid few people had seen that if it were cracked, it almost had a gleam, and it certainly was beautiful. To work out how to work marble, would surely inspire a whole new craft for the artisans. It would surely become a new means to happiness and stature for people within the community- with marble buildings, with marble items, both community and individual could behold and experience more. Yes, then, the comprehension of marble was now the eminent focus of the scholars.

Given that over time more resources were being discovered; and now new peoples; and the rumour was; that there were even more; and given that the population was ever growing; so new methods had to be discovered. Innovation. Ingenuity. Inquiry. Experimentation and discovery. That was why, from amongst those who proved the wittiest, or most thoughtful, or wise for their years, and from some of those who were not quite selected to be hunters, from the new generation would more scholars be trained. These freemen still performed occasional labour, but a lot, nay, most of their time was spent in learning from their elders, and observing and assisting other people in the community perform their tasks.

Many looked with some envy at those who were selected to be warriors- watching their bodies grow, and them eat greater portions. They seemed to be forming relationships more quickly, too, among themselves, and with others. Becoming stronger, and willing to undertake risk to protect the community certainly made one attractive. But although it is ever easy to see the blossoming of others, those who looked at either those training to be warriors, or those being educated to be scholars, it was clear that both groups were learning and expanding their horizons, just in different ways.

What then of the men of Oghun? Ah but such exciting parts of the history of the Ravarii are to come. Far away, to the north-west, but more west than north, were other momentous events occurring.

Thusnelda and the other elders and trusted persons present at the interactions with this leader of the newcomers were most pleased with the gratitude shown by he and his followers. Captain Tankiray was his name, and he was a Sworn Spear of the Seven Peaks. Upon his honour, he swore an oath to not harm the Ravarii. Here was a man the Ravarii could deal with.
The captain of the newcomers inclined his head a second time at the Ravarii’s hospitality.

It sounded from Tankiray's description that the Oghun possessed quite the territory, with a great city at heart upon a mountain plateau. Trade and commerce, and polite reception to visitors, such was the prospect. The elders were thrilled and discussed this as he and Thusnelda retired.

The captain and Thusnelda dined together, and had their discussions in earnest. Thusnelda glad to see him enjoy the meal, but was concerned to see his frown. She was however most assured by his well-mannered and reasonable understanding. She thanked him for that, and in earnest. Listening further to him, she nodded and understood that he would not make a promise he could not keep. They had surely been tricked, was her belief now. Perhaps that explained the seeming lack of gratitude, and willingness to exchange further knowledge than hints. Indeed, more had been given in terms of seal skins to Lady Ai's people.

Captain Tankiray appeared an understanding, sensible man. He was respectful of Thusnelda's wishes. Given that she was now so concerned by his tale, and having seen the contrast between Lady Ai who kept things hidden, and this captain who made promises he intended, but not those he could not, and who was respectful of hospitality, her heart and gut leaned to him. Although surely the Ravarii could not now trick Lady Ai, they had, it seemed, been tricked. If there was the chance at recovering what they had given, and making friends with the rulers of the city of Seven Peaks, perhaps that were best.

Whilst the captain joined his men for the night, Thusnelda discussed with her trusted advisors what was to be done. In the morning, Gebhard, First Warrior of the Ravarii, went and spoke with Captain Tankiray to discuss plans. The main body of warriors would travel behind the Oghun men, and they would camp separetly so as not to interfere. His instructions were to follow and dutifully assist them. If Lady Ai was caught, either in or but a week beyond the boundaries of the last Ravarii settlement, and no negotiation were to succeed, then the Ravarii would assist them in battle. Of course, this was not their fight, and his own men were better equipped, but there was the possibility for alliance, and if all that had been said was true, then the Ravarii's hospitality had been betrayed. As such, during the march, some 20 men would scout ahead, whilst 10 more escorted each flank, and the remaining 60 would follow the Oghun. If battle were to join, then the Ravarii would skirmish before the main clash, their slings and a handful of hunting bows to be put to use, before they would retire to the flanks, 50 a side, throwing spears, before joining in battle to protect their new friends.

Furthermore, Gebhard's men brought an amount of food (One Food) which could be rations for the Oghun, as a gesture of friendship. Dried fish and fruit, nuts, dried meat, and an amount of rough bread from wild grains. If there should be a fight, then of what wealth and hides had been given to Lady Ai, the Ravarii wished to redeem a fair share as negotiated between Gebhard and the captain- perhaps half, if they even wanted it?

Otherwise, a week after they passed the boundaries of the last Ravarii settlement, then they would be wished their farewells, and the Ravarii warriors would return home. That said, Captain Tankiray and his men were welcome to return, regardless of outcome, on their journey home.

These, then, were the words that passed between the Ravarii – so suddenly part of a wider world – and Tankiray of the Seven Peaks.

by **Novas Arcanum** » Sat Jan 07, 2023 10:13 am

The Hao Court

She certainly was as gorgeous as his intermediaries described her, her skin as smooth as silk, her black hair parting way to mysterious and alluring eyes.King Wei Liang was happily married and was one of the few kings in Huang history who was faithful to his wife instead of messing around like previous rulers did.

Still this Lady Ai nearly gave him pause.In another life perhaps...

Anyways back to reality. Some of his advisors looked wide eyed and foolish as they were struck by her extraordinary beauty. King Wei Liang kept a neutral expression,showing no emotion, as Lady Ai bowed low and presented the gifts to Hao Court.

Mere trinkets, baubles nothing to write home about but it was customary and traditional for foreigners to give something of value in dealings with the Celestial Court, indeed it had been well over a century since the Hao Kingdom received foreign dignitaries but this time would be no different.

This Lady Ai spoke at length of her plight of how she traveled countless leagues across countless kingdoms to escape those who would conspire against her. Her story was moving, and struck a cord with some of the men as they imagined all the strife and suffering she and her followers went through.

King Wei Liang kept his stoic expression. He dismissed her, Lady Ai smiled a smile that was melancholic and hid a silent sorrow in her eyes bowing before leaving with her entourage. He would then discuss with his advisors and ministers on what course was best to take.

"She is a deceiver! Your Highness you cannot trust her!" One of his advisors stated.

"Does the Jade Emperor not say to give aid to those in need? She and her people looked malnourished when they arrived to our borders I believe she is not lying" Another of his advisors stated.

Two sides emerged, one saying to turn her and her followers away immediately that Lady Ai was an obvious deceiver, a few even said she was a seductress, a harlot looking to take advantage of the generosity that could be given by the Celestial Kingdom.

Others said that Lady Ai and her followers looked genuine their faces full of sorrow,of pain as if they had suffered something that words could not describe, it was only moral to aid them it would be an affront to Heaven to so cruelly turn them away.

King Wei Liang carefully weighed the opinions of both sides and would come to one of his own.

Beginning of the Year

Starting resources: Salt, Medicinal herbs, Tin, Rice.
Zhai Cheng (Palisade|Watchposts): 2300 Population | 1500 Peasants, 100 Artisans, 400 Scholars,100 Explorers,200 Soldiers [Bows]
8 Riverlands, 8 Flatlands, 4 Hills
Palace District: [ ] [0/XX]
Urban Hill: [10 Huts, Creche][XI/XX]
Artisan Flatland: [7 Stonecutter's,Smithy] [XII/XX]
Rural Riverland: [ ] [0/XX]
Rural Hill: [4 Quarries ] [XX//XX]
Advancements: Medicinal Herb Comprehension, Social Contract, Labor Coordination, Scientific Method, Food Preservation, Smithing, Governance ,Writing

Government: Celestial Monarchy
Civics: The Powers of the Myriads

Stat Descriptions(So I don't have to keep going back and fourth)

Palace District: Labor 5, Wealth 6, Industry 2 | Provides a seat of government from which a peoples' business are administered. | Terrain: Any, except Sea. Grants +1 Public Order per year. +1 Wealth per year, 2 Housing.
Riverland: 4 Food
Hills:2 Food, or 2 Stone
Flatland: 3 Food, or 1 Food and 1 Timber or Stone
Urban: 1 Food, 1 Wealth per Trade Post - twenty sites for Constructions (Urban) | Constructed
Rural: 2 Food - twenty sites for Constructions (Rural) | Constructed

City-State Ledger

Citizen Actions:
200 Scholars[Palace]Exploring how to create better, more beautiful, more harmonious buildings → [Construction, +I Public Order, +I Wealth, +II Housing, +II Tech Roll]
100 Scholars [Urban]Exploring how to create better, more beautiful, more harmonious buildings → [Construction, +III Housing, +I Tech Roll]
100 Scholars [Artisans]Exploring how to create better, more beautiful, more harmonious buildings → [Construction, -I Wealth → +II Industry | +I Tech Roll]
100 Artisans [Artisans] crafting tools and wares→ [-I Wealth → +II Industry|-VII Stone → +VII Wealth| -II Wealth → +I Industry | +I Labor]
800 Peasants labor in the lands of their ancestors harvesting rice as they have for countless eons → [+XXXII Food, +VIII Labor]
700 Peasants labor in the plains near Zhai Cheng gathering wood and food [+VII Food,+VII Wood,+VII Labor]
100 Soldiers [Bows] protecting the people of the Middle Kingdom [Patrolling]
73 Soldiers [Bows] protecting the people of the Middle Kingdom [Patrolling]
100 Explorers are exploring the lands Northwest of Zhai Cheng on a quest to find the metal that has alluded the Huang for centuries→ [Explore Northwest]

Construction:
Simple Stone Wall → [Labor IV/IV| Wealth II/II| Industry I/I | V/V Stone]
Guozijian [ XX/XX Labor| IV/X Wealth| IV/VIII Industry| XV/XV Stone]
Smithy→ [Labor II/III| Wealth 0/III| Industry 0/IV]
Taixue(Scriptoroum) → [Labor III/III| Wealth 0/IV| Industry 0/II]
Urban District → [III/IV Labor|0/III Wealth]

Cache
XVII Timber ,VII Stone

Event:
Since Lady Ai has showed respect to tradition an audience is given with the King of Heaven. Gifts are given and exchanged between both nations, the Hao Kingdom grants an large amount of wealth (V Wealth) far exceeding the value of the gifts given by the Oghun more so to cement it's central position under Heaven then anything else. As to rather join Lady Ai in her plight or not the Hao Dynasty has adopted a neutral position in foreign affairs and cannot outright pick a side in this conflict a world away.

More wealth (V Wealth) is offered on one condition. King Wei Liang has a nephew a minor duke named Wei Zhou who is in need of a bride. If Lady Ai were to marry Wei Zhou, new identities and a life for her and her followers will be offered here in the Middle Kingdom. She would not have to run any longer.
Research:
+4 Tech Rolls to Construction

Miscellaneous Actions
N/A
Exploration:
Exploring Northwest Tile

Government Actions
→The Mandate of Heaven is strengthened. The Hao Dynasty adopts the government Celestial Monarchy +1 Peasant during growth
→ The Powers of the Myriads Civic is adopted by the Hao Dynasty +1 Peasant, Homeless Citizens produce -2 Stability, Slums -1 Stability

Ending of the Year

Starting resources: Salt, Medicinal herbs, Tin, Rice.
Zhai Cheng (Simple Stone Wall| Palisade | Watchposts): 2300 Population | 1500 Peasants, 100 Artisans, 400 Scholars,100 Explorers,200 Soldiers [Bows]
8 Riverlands, 8 Flatlands, 4 Hills
Palace District: [ ] [0/XX]
Urban Hill: [10 Huts, Creche][XI/XX]
Artisan Flatland: [7 Stonecutter's,Smithy] [XII/XX]
Rural Riverland: [ ] [0/XX]
Rural Hill: [4 Quarries ] [XX//XX]
Advancements: Medicinal Herb Comprehension, Social Contract, Labor Coordination, Scientific Method, Food Preservation, Smithing, Governance, Writing

Government: Celestial Monarchy
Civics: The Powers of the Myriads

by **Elerian** » Sat Jan 07, 2023 1:28 pm

The Aederfolk

The egg and origin of all the rot and ruin and various disasters which have put in turmoil all places with unwanted discord, we have come to know as the Rhingyyd. The people of the Rhingyyd, though little known from ancient records have dwelt outside Aederfolk recollection until recent years. These kinfolk have shown they exceed every degree of savagery. The cheeks of their children are deeply furrowed with stone from their very birth. They grow old without beards and without beauty. They all have strong compact limbs and thick necks. They’re so monstrously ugly and misshapen that one might take them for two legged beasts. Although they take the form of men, however ugly, they are so hardy in their mode of life that they have no need of fire nor savory food. But eat the roots of plants and the half raw flesh of any kind of animal whatsoever.

They are seldom protected by any buildings and instead avoid these like tombs. Roaming at large amid the windswept plain and deep wood. They learn from the cradle to enjoy the cold, hunger and thirst. No one of their people ever plows a field or touches a plow handle.

None of their offspring can tell you where he comes from, since he was conceived in one place, born far from there, and brought up yet farther away. So when the reports spread like wildfire among the Aederfolk that a race of kindfolk hitherto unknown had now arisen from a hidden nook of the earth, like a tempest of snows from the distant mountains, and sought to seize or destroy everything in its way. The greater part of the people looking for a home removed from all knowledge of the savages could find no respite from their savage cousins.

The Rhingyyd who joined with the Aederfolk at distance were exceedingly warlike and brave peoples hardened to the difficulties of severe toils. They had set up their camp near the Tawe river, too close to the vast sugarcane plantations. These they have begun to reduce to utter ruin those verdant fields which stood far and wide about it. Caring not for those who dwelt or labored there.

On the precipice of fair Aled Aederyn, they greed for her treasures and intend to make many great efforts to destroy the famous city…

~Scholar's Early Account of the Rhingyyd~

* 100 Peasant Volunteers climb aboard the Red Sailed Galley to offer their service as Mercenaries of Kah'lo
* The Ithel of Aled Aederyn requests the Rhingyyd settle any adjacent land to Aled Aederyn with any Aederfolk volunteers in exchange for Wealth, Food and Sugarcane Pulp
* Brave Aederfolk Explorers Travel North of North

by **Lazarian** » Sat Jan 07, 2023 7:10 pm

The Pursuit of Honor

Despite the potential for controversy in Mai Durong’s ascension as chief, disharmony amongst the Tachi was largely avoided. Those who were not chosen had accepted the outcome without undue strife. Chien son Hao Phan seems almost relieved to be back to meditation and teaching. A few evil men whispered foul things concerning his character and the gust of wind which extinguished his candle - but when the monks stopped visiting their homes to raise the children and feed the elderly? Oh, those words stopped quickly.

And, to the Tachi’s surprise, Shiro has done little grumbling about the outcome. There was a squabble amongst the docks on the night of the ceremony, yes - but since then? Peace and quiet. Acceptance and duty. Say what you will about Shiro son Da Banh, but he is a pious man at heart. It is one thing to disagree with other men - it is another thing to disagree with Vao and his heavenly host.

Perhaps it has helped that Quan, son of Toda, has been an ever-present figure at her grand table in the last year. His acceptance of her rule has largely pacified the Thi Clan, and his place amongst her advisors has quelled their fears of losing their representation and status. One in every three men are Thi, after all. To be shut out from the leadership of the village is a foul portent indeed! But Quan’s presence, whether as a serious advisor or as a mere figurehead, has done much to calm these rivers of dissent.

The first actions of Mai’s rule were generally what the Tachi expected - the raising of more workshops and the promotion of more fields and pastures. These were seen as fine purposes for the shui, the mandatory diem given to the government each year.

It was not long, however, before the calm serenity of the Ishizuki was broken. In the late months of the year, the red sails of the Kah’lo are spotted down the river. It is not long before they dock alongside the shores of the settlement, pouring off their fine galleys with their strange hats and trimmed beards. They are welcomed very warmly by Sa Mai and her husband, who embrace their guests and host a fine feast.

And then the weeping begins.

Sa Mai’s husband, Erzi, has a favorite nephew back in Kah’lo. Kuram, son of Hannek. And this nephew, a diplomat amongst the Kah’lo, has been slain! Slain by poison at a hosted dinner, by this foul tyrant “Wadi-Maru”! As the Kah’lo representatives explain this tragic tale, Erzi not only is brought to tears, but he shears his treasured beard and burns it! Right at the hearth!

Despite the Tachi’s disdain for strangers, this raises great sympathy for the Kah’lo amongst the village. Indeed - while the Kah’lo may be immodest in their garb and speech, and their worship of odd gods incorrect, they are generally a respectable people. They offer fair terms in trade, and have never failed to host Tachi visitors in a proper manner.

In Tachi-na-Vao culture, to treat a guest poorly is a foul thing indeed. And to harm a guest? A near-unforgivable sin. And to host a guest in splendor, only to murder them through poison and worms? An unforgivable blemish against harmony!

When the Kah’lo extend their offer for mercenaries, for the noble Tachi to partake in revenge against this horrible “Wadi-Maru”, the idea blazes through the young men of the city like a wildfire through dried grass. It is only right to punish the wicked. Balbenon must be destroyed - or at the very least, compensated for their wicked deeds in turn!

And thus, the Hau Ve take up arms and armor. They shall raise a new batch of young men to protect their home, should the cursed Maquy return - and the moment such a thing is done? They shall join the men of Kah’lo in vengeance. May Vao smile upon them!

Matters of the State

Food: 21 Food in, 19 food out
Stability: 8 Starting. +1 from Palace, +3 from Shrine, +12 from Houses, -9 Forced Labor. 15 finishing.
Scholar Assignment: 200 Scholars look into the secrets of heaven and earth. If man came from dust and stone - can they return to those ancient aspects? One shall see. [Arcana: One with Earth]
Governmental Affairs:
- The money received from Kah’lo in exchange for their services is used to purchase extra Iron Weapons and Iron Armor for the troops. [-13 Wealth, +Iron Armor, +Iron Weapons]
- The Hau Ve (Bows, Iron Armor, Iron Weapons) are sent to war!
- The Thieu Nie (Bows) are sent to war! (Receive Armor/Weapons from Kah’lo)
- Inquiries are made of Kah'lo - do they know the secrets of [Smelting]? If so, what could the Tachi provide in turn to receive access to such knowledge?

by **Ovstylap** » Mon Jan 09, 2023 6:46 am

Years Twenty-Three and Twenty-Four of the Ravarii

In Ravar this year, much was afoot. Though at this moment the scholars had not made a breakthrough on the comprehension of marble, they were getting increasingly close, and so it was that some amongst them returned, alongside some of the new scholars, to creating a standard informed understanding of woodworking as a trade- Carpentry. Amongst the elder and wiser of the scholars, there also began discussions and the gathering of insights into systems of governance, exploring how the Ravarii society could be administered once Thusnelda stepped down, as she was increasingly beginning to suggest that this would come, sooner or later.

Over the past few years, it had come to the realization of the Ravarii that there were potentially many more people's than their first experiences had given to indicate. So it was that there was a potential of both threat, but also opportunity for the community. As such, using the generational knowledge of horn lamination that had been passed down, a mass production of composite bows occurred, and as these were made, so the warriors, when not hunting seals, began to practice. In addition, a network of watchtowers were raised- where some men might stay a few days, hunting and gathering to sustain themselves, as well as having some rations with them, before they were rotated out with other warriors or volunteers. From these watchtowers could they observe those who came and went, and if there was a threat, they could light beacons, which would alert the other networks of watchtowers, and thus the final one, which in the area near the Great Hall, from whence the alarm, on horn and drum, could be raised.

Finally, it was decided that exploration along the coast could be made with more than the simple rafts and primitive boats that were used on the river of rest- with time and funding, labour, and skill, appropriately dedicated, boats could be produced which would enable the Ravarii to both gain from the sea, and also to explore elsewhere. So it was that in the coastlands, preparations began to occur for the creation of a docks.

The striped sails of the Kah'lo came ever closer to the Ravarii shores, and a great many people had come to see. Foremost amongst them were many warriors, armed with bow and spear. Seeing that there were not yet proper docks, the Kah'lo aimed for an area of the shore were a lot of construction seemed to be ongoing- the estuary seemed to provide a bay of its own, with potential for a good harbour in future. As they drew closer, the explorers blew horns to signal who they were.

When it was realised, as the explorers disembarked, that they had finally, after two decades, returned to their community, and had brought friends from another civilisation, traders, there were great celebrations. The Kah'lo traders would witness so much joy and reunion, already tales exchanged. Children born of the explorers, seeing the homeland they had heard tales of for so long, people who had left as children, returning as men and women. People finding out who had married, who had passed, how much larger their families were now, news of what had happened. There was another civilization? The Oghun? A sorceress? Others in pursuit?

It was a phenomenal reunion, and many fires burned that night as people rejoiced in the open air. The Kah'lo were welcomed by Thusnelda and a number of the elders, and given quarters and food. Over the next day, hunting parties were sent out, stores and warehouses opened, food gathered together, and preparations made for a great feast.

A huge feast would be hosted, celebrating the return of the explorers, and welcoming the Kah'lo guests who were with them. Gifts were showered upon the Kah'lo, thanking them for bringing the explorers back, and to encourage further trade and friendship, as well as to simply show hospitality. Seal-skin shoes and cloaks, bundles of seal-skins themselves, shining copper trinkets, statuettes, fragranced soaps, carvings and engravings, Runes carved in stone to give good health. (-6 Food, -2 Wealth, -4 Hides).

In coming days, the explorers then would speak with their community, and the Kah'lo would be offered a full exchange of maps, and teaching in the production and making of soap. Perhaps now they would be willing to share knowledge of the Pale Metal, the Limestone, the Blue Berries, and the Coal, should they have it, or perhaps, other knowledge. What else had they brought to trade?

Days of feasting, story-telling, friendship-forging, gift giving, trade agreements, these are what would follow. For thank the Merciful Ones, but the explorers had returned, and with hopeful friends to be!!!!

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Mon Jan 09, 2023 7:10 am

A Hand of Hate

Northern Highlands, Valda
Seventeenth of First Seed, Year One Hundred Twenty of the Reckoning

A debate had been had between the sword-captains and their trusted seconds, long and hot, tongues burnished like hammers for the forge by the heat of the disagreement. Low and quiet had it been, but no the less fierce for being in hushed tones and during rainy evenings.

A season had the men of the Hundreds lain in ambush, their men coiled tight, a beast ready to spring. From planting's start they had stood ready, their outliers and scouts a net cast across the foothills of the Star Mountain, ready to snare any wayward soul which came within their reach.

And then another season they had stood ready, their weapons sharp, their faces set firm against the heat of summer, men hidden in shadows and under bowers prepared to maneuver when the shield-chant sent them against the iniquitous foe.

They had not complained when back home the fields of wheat ripened to gold, when green became lustrous wealth for all to consume, content to subside upon cakes of way-bread and strips of dried mutton. Warrior and soldier alike had endured without raising their voices, iron-hard, spears in their hands, prepared for the enemy. Surely the foe would descend any day now, their riotous columns believing that this land was theirs, and the crows would feast on their folly.

But the enemy had never appeared.

Autumn became winter, and winter spring, and spring summer, and summer autumn again. Men had grown beards who had been clean-shaven youths at the beginning of the affray, companies had constructed bivouacs in their reserve positions, clean and reinforced, woven of the reeds of the field to house squad-leaders. Pits had been prepared across all of the likely routes by which the enemy might descend, filled with cunning spikes, clever men creating cloaks of leaves and grasses to ward their movements against any flesh-eating barbarian which came in their midst, the better to work the butcher's bill.

Now the first voices of discontent were heard. They might as well become colonists in this land, some said, for all the threat the Chimulans displayed. Maybe this King Who Was Promised had eaten them all up, like the devil he was, or a great storm sent by the Father had driven the savages shrieking from the heights of his holy mountain. They should advance in force, and claim the mountain fastness, ere others thought the same.

And there were rumors of war from the west. Of Balbenon, and a place named Kah'lo, and treachery, and good hot spear-work to loosen muscles and cover men in glory and crimson in twain. Surely it would be better if the sons of Valda did not idly sit out this terrible and beautiful war, but could be unleashed on the unworthy, instead of stuck patrolling hills and guarding against shadows.

Other men knew better than most that the Chimulans lurked still in the heights. They might fear Valda, and still be marshalling their strength. But they would come, as sure as the streams descended from the hills. They would come, and then the men would need to be ready.

So a compromise was settled on, between the spear-captain. Fresh men, hard men, had been raised from Valda. They were eager for combat, eager for glory. It was not the nature of the sons of Valda to wait, to allow an enemy to strike them first. And so up the winding mountain paths the scouts and warriors crept, toward the fastness of the foe.

These Chimulans, they fancied themselves sackers, savages, the bane of civilized men. They were fools. In blood red war and the long centuries of the Spear-Time the sons of Valda had proven themselves more and over, and it was time for their foes to be reminded of this truth. There was little food to be had upon the heights of the sacred mountain, and the scavenging bands and hunting parties of the foe must be spread far indeed to support that alpine stronghold - an opportunity. And if the foe rallied to pursue the raiders? Ah, clever men would lure them back to prepared positions, to brothers set in ambush. The Chimulans would not descend willingly into the noose, then it was right that they should be provoked.

Men with hands strong with hate would chastise the barbarians, make them fear cold iron and the surcoats of black and white which decorated the shoulders of the Righteous.

So it would be, if the Father willed it.

A Time of Healing: The garrison and the physicians of the city isolate those who still bear active boils and sores upon their bodies from the general populace, declaring them Unclean and banishing them to a traditional place of healing, a small island in the middle of the River of Kings downstream from Valda. As the God-Clothed instructed them, those whose pox has sunken and whose skin has become whole may submit themselves to the priests for cleansing, to rejoin the people. Rations of beer and food are still provided to the exiles by rafts, but as Unclean they bear the burden to prevent their judgement from being imputed to others.

by **The GAmeTopians** » Mon Jan 09, 2023 2:31 pm

Alikos, Iron Gate of Godhome
Year 20 in the Time of Wonder

Men of a foreign tyrant - at the walls of the Iron Gate? Well… honor should be met with honor, and dishonor with a swift blade.

The Tondaki delegation is greeted by Proven scholars. The head of the Proven, an elderly man by the name of Peiphas, speaks with measured tone and apologetic words. "I am afraid we are not familiar with these dangerous and vile bondsmen of which you speak - we would welcome you into the Iron Gate, to feast with our staunch and honorable people. But if you seek a haven for criminals and scum..." the scholar's gaze turns to the south. "The rats of Saywend have been preying on our crop like bandits. Surely the dishonorable would find a home there."

The refugees had come with honor, and had not caused trouble - if they revealed themselves to be criminals and scum with their actions within the Iron Gate, they would be dealt with swiftly - but until then, this Tyrant could look elsewhere.

Notable: Scholars research Writing (2 rolls). A deal is reached with Balbenon - open archives to Alikos’ Childbirthing knowledge in exchange for access to Camel Domestication. Explorers watch Saywend patrols. Refugees hide in their homes, giving up production this turn in exchange for safety from the eyes of Tondak.

by **Ralnis** » Mon Jan 09, 2023 3:08 pm

Xcotl

Last two years was an eventful one. Even though that there wasn't much in the way of unlocking the secrets of the Blood, the scholars were not despaired. Even moreso with the new generation coming in to become more scholars and advisors to the Immortal One. All of them true believers in the Muxpei and wish to bring their powers into reality. However, the more pressing issue is to try and get more homes for the people. It was natural for a city to grow since the city becomes more prosperous by the success of their leadership. One new generation to succeed beyond the foundations of the old.

On top of that, there was more than enough of a reason to expand another paddock and get more herds to feed new people. Many of them have been growing big and strong off of the diet of Brazing Bulls and Prickelpears. Some of them strong enough to even start recruiting into the active militia, being braves and maybe even a war party for slaves once they have become more knowledgeable of the lands around them. Xantipak believed that it was time to martial a new host for defense and power projection in the coming generation. It should be easy to get enough men within 4 years, around an extra 200 soldiers should be sufficient but Xantipak was thinking of perhaps pushing it to even 100 more. At least until the understandings of raising the dead and could help with having massive amounts of labor of shambling horrors to help them once more.

However, there table was full, as the expansion of the city came first and the expansion of the military just a bit.

by **Olthenia** » Tue Jan 10, 2023 3:43 pm

Year 122 of the Star-Count Ends
Turn 12

Once more, as in years prior, the throb of insect-rhythms fills the summer nights - and the air is silver-bright. As prophecies foretold, oracles and soothsayers across the land concur in whispered unison that matters of sorcery might now be investigated. The stars, they insist, are right. But! – they hasten to add – would-be seekers must take care not to look too closely, lest the dark-between-the-stars stares back.

Kah’lo has seen its honor besmirched, its envoys murdered and its Merchant-Priests well and truly offended. It is war then – war! The Hall of Exchange rings with thunderous sermons, and in the fields beyond Kah’lo itself – a vast city of tents and lean-tos have grown to accommodate a grave new undertaking. Men are gathered there – fighters and sellswords from across the north, stout Tachi and savage Aederfolk amongst them – trained and marshalled for a singular purpose. As the spring storms abate and the calmness of summer settles across the oceans – a fleet of red-sailed galleys sails south. Following their crossing – they land on black-pebbled shores scarcely a week’s ride from the bright young colony of Ikirmawa; most recent daughter of perfidious Balbenon. Forth spews Kah’lo’s numbers, up goes their mercenary banners…

So it is war, then. And mothers weep.

* * *

The Huang: North and west, up the Yu’s banks, go the men of Zhai Cheng. The land here is flat and fecund, green and grassy almost as far as the eye can see. The Yu is wide here, and more than a little shallow – with many a sandbar and islet. Some of these are dotted by gashes of a strange, greenish ore – bright against the white sands. Wild grapes grow here also, pale and tart – and strange, clucking birds, red of crest and lame of wing, root for insects in the shallows. To the north, the riverlands continue along the Yu’s meandering way – and west, grassy meadows disappear into the distant horizon. Eastwards, beyond the river’s banks, the land rises into foothills and tall, sweeping mountains. South, finally, a tributary of the Yu sweeps – rough and fierce. (Malachite, Grapes, Chickens)

The Yu is a mother to the people of Zhai Cheng. By its annual eddies and currents, the Huang know to harvest, sow, and fish. But the Yu is a fickle mother, and this year her annual flooding has been far fiercer than in known memory. In many places, her stream has spilled beyond her banks and flooded many a farm and humble hovel! Fortunately, the mess and destruction aside – few people have actually been hurt. That has hardly stopped the commons from grumbling, of course – but then again, when have peasants ever been content with their lot? (-4 Stability. Rural District and Palisade damaged for 2 Labor each.)

Aederfolk: The rule of men in all their myriads is no simple things. To stamp authority across the land, and legitimize it, even less so. Yet this gift of rule – and wise rule, hopefully! – is what has come to the Aederfolk as of late. To be sure, there are still details and matters to organize and consider. Responsibilities to clarify and fealties to settle. But firm rule, at least, is preferable to anarchy – this much the now Aederfolk know. Long may it keep them. (+Governance)

North and north again travel Aederfolk stalwarts. The land here is a flat and close to featureless – equal parts weaving grasslands and something eerily close to wind-swept steppes. Curiously, outcrops of pale, white crystals dot the odd earthen cave here and there – as pale as yesteryear’s snows. Packs of deer roam the grasses farther inland; dark of eye and ever fearful of man’s coming. The are particularly fond of a particular species of olive tress, who gnarled branches hide many a pale, green treasure. East and northwards, walls of mountains reach for the skies, while to the west, the plains disappear into wild, primeval woodlands (Crystal (White), Deer, Olives).

Volunteers? Sugarcane-pulp?! Phah! And phah again! For many a long year by now, the Aederfolk and their Rhingyyd cousins have stayed at odds with one another. Those odds, in turn, have brokered enmity where once goodwill reigned – and seen fair patience replaced with something altogether sour. For was there every enmity harsher, or strife more deadly, than that between kindreds of the same blood? And now, it seems, the Ithel’s offer – kindly meant, perhaps – and generous in its way, have made the cup of Rhingyyd and Aeder grievances at long last spill over.

The Aederfolk can complain bitterly about Rhingyyd excesses and bullying, to be sure – but Rhys Rhingyyd and his clansmen have their share of grievances too! For more than four long years, his braves and all their kin have stood as the Aeder’s protectors – their shield from hurt and harm. And what have the Aeders given them in return, aside from their pulped, sugary leavings? Their mud and their sour looks? Resentment and spite, he claims – and he is not, perhaps, wrong. No, the lands the Rhingyyd inhabit are as much theirs as it is the Aederfolk’s, claims he. If the Ithel thought the Rhingyyd unfit neighbours to his muddy court and all their mewling, pulp-mouthed children? – Fine! The Ithel could move elsewhere – him and all his craven, lackwit toadies. The Rhingyyd, for their part, were staying.

In hindsight, it was probably word of this decision that heralded the riot.
Not directly, perhaps – but still. To be sure, what exactly set it all in motion is not clearly known – even now. But an argument, it is said, between a cane-farmer and some Rhingyyd swineherds the day after Rhys’ red-faced rejection saw the farmer call his kin for aid. His crops, after all, were under threat – for the wild hogs with which the Rhingyyd kept their company would, much like their tenders, eat almost anything! The Rhingyyd, for their part, fetched their cudgels – and then someone blew a horn.
And broke someone’s nose.
And insulted someone’s mother.
And threw a rock!
Soon, what might otherwise have been a muddy brawl quickly simmered into something far uglier. It was only close to nightfall on the following day that a brittle, bloody calm began to settle. The wounded had staggered well away by then, and those that couldn’t…
Well.
(100 Peasants are slain, murdered in their hovels or stabbed in their yards, as neighbor turns on neighbor. Woe to war and kinstrife! -6 Stability)

Tachi-na-Vao: It is a curious thing – farming the land. Curious, and boring. And frankly, who cares about the land? Nothing but pesky farmers, that's who - and the wisest of the Vao are scarcely concerned with their mutterings. No, instead, their goal and focus for these next years is an intricate study - or series of studies, rather - of becoming the land. After all, all men agree - who should seeds and nonsenseical root-things have all the fun? Truly, in their heart of hearts, the wisest of the Vao know - being one with the land is what good knowledge and wise decisions are all about. This, then, they have pursued - and apparently accomplished. The earth, presumably, rejoices. (+Arcana: One With Earth)

To the south and west of the Vao’s homes, the land is parted by the Ishizuki river and, to the west, rolling hills. Beyond them, forests fill the horizon – tall and green. The Ocuran Woods, some call it – others Foureyes’ Forest. Whatever the case, great, shaggy moose huff and snort at the explorers here – their antlers a sight to behold. Elsewhere, nearer the river, shallow pools hold clusters of a soft, greenish grain-plant. The hills themselves, sparse as they are, lie dark with quartz – inedible, perhaps, but for the artisan’s imagination. North of here, tall mountains loom, while to the south more fields and wooded outskirts hold the land in harmony. Westward flows the hilly Ishizuki, and to the east – leafy woods swallow the horizon. (Moose, Rice (Wild), Quartz)

As the first day of summer graces the land, grand tidings grace the Vao’s humble homes. Oh, yes. Oh, yes! – for envoys from the west have arrived at Nha Tachi. The gut-eyed Prophet from years past smiles as his minder, the Pale Priestess, points him at the Vao’s representatives – brow smooth and hands open. In but two brief years, declares he, a grand festival to celebrate the coming of summer is to be held at Oc Ocara – by the will of the most gracious Regnant, She of Many Eyes. And as esteemed friends of the Ocaran people, the Vao are duly invited to attend. To feast. To know the joy of summer’s height and celebrate, in unison, with the Goddess Made Flesh – and the hatching of her thousand young. With his message spoken, the Prophet’s minders bring forth baskets of Ocaran foodstuffs – corn and loaves of berry-bred - tasty tokens of the Regnant’s love. (+2 Food. And an invitation~)

Unfortunately, emissaries from Oc Ocara is not the only ghost from years past that haunts the lands of the Vao this year. In the dead of winter, a torrent of black-hearted brigands sally down from the eastern hills – their shields daubed black with tar. By the time Nha Tachi’s watch posts blaze their warnings, a rural district is already aswarm with foes! Fortunately, once again as in years past, this night-time raid does not appear to target the common. Instead, the brigands’ aim is outlying storehouses, paddocks and granaries – to empty them, to a fault, of all things even remotely worthy of the term ‘food’; lac-horses included!
But in Nha Tachi an alarm is raised – the Thieu Ve roused to an un-mistakeable martial drumbeat. To arms! To arms! The foe is here! Time to make good on their vows and their training! And as the stocks of green recruits muster in the quayside market – Ma Durong, scarcely a year into her leadership of all Vao, finds her moment. Bathed in the torchlight of the gathering Thieu, the Vao’s stout matron growls clear orders. The Weaver, some might call her – but in this hour? With the watch posts blazing and the outer homesteads afire – Ma Durong is the Vao’s mother-of-war. This disgrace will not be tolerated! Will the Vao simply stand by as the bedeviled Maquy steal their livelihoods AGAIN? If they simply lay down and take it – and cower behind their walls – the foe will be back next season! And the next! For what wolf ever knew fear of prey that hid? No, these words ring clear and loud from Ma Durong – and against the fury in her voice, faces that moments ago were marred by worry and fear harden with a furious resolve – until the fateful cry goes up. Death! Death to the Maquy! And soon the word is spread – as fast as messengers run and braves shout. All Nha Tachi is levied - fishermen wave their skewers and farmers raise their shears. And the Vao, bless their hearts, rouse to war.

Faced with this – the Maquy, for their part, have shouldered their duties with relative ease. While half their soot-blackened number break larder-locks and herd shrieking lac-horses, the other half array themselves in a rough line – ready to raise alarms of their own should the Vao mount a response. By the sound of it, they’re even shouting a rather insulting song across the frozen paddocks! Something about a daughter of Nha Tachi? And a lusty lac-stud? Ahem. The moment Nha Tachi’s gates swing open, a wild UreeEEE! skirls forth from the Macuy’s midst – hunting horns blaring. Battle is joined! The foe comes forth! And yet? As the true numbers of the Tachi’s fury becomes apparent – the Macuy retreat. A single volley of green-speckled arrows is all they give in parting. Then? Lac-horses whinnying and loot-bags heavy – they sprint back to whence they came – into the night-dark hills. They leave behind a smattering of smashed farmsteads and silent paddocks – but oh, it could have been so much worse.
(Rural District 1 requires 1 Labor to function again; and two Paddocks within it are quite ransacked. -3 Food)

Valdani: East of east, Valda’s peerless explorers find yet more of the Dreaming Wood. Here, leaf-girt pathways and mossy delvings lie as green and silent as ever. Indeed, to even move and tread in such a place seems half a dream and half a wild, waking venture born of something weirder than truth. Is this, then, why men call it the Dreaming Wood? In any case – after weeks of wandering, the woods thin into plains once more. South, more woods and plains stand – cheek by jowl; while both east and north – vast plains beckon, free of law and man alike. More oaks stand here, tall and silent – but take heed! In their shadows lurk a breed of strange, green-eyed felines – long as men, sharp of claw and dark of fur. In the odd glen, wild wheat weaves in leafy winds. (Oak, Shadowcats, Wheat)

Envoys have come from fair Balbenon – hard ridden on panting, much-mewling hump-beasts. In terse tones and with graven miens, they request the brave men of Valda’s assistance, aid and succor! For assailed, claim they, have their countrymen been – by a most awful and insidious foe - a foe every bit as horrid as the flesh-eating Chimula! The Balbeni name these interlopers as the men of a vile, foreign placed called ‘Kah’lo’ – and add, in the very same breath; that they are a vile breed of moon-mad fanatics. From across the great water, these blinkered zealots – bleating false-accusations and nonsensical ravings – have launched an assault upon the lands of Wadi-Maru. Specifically, a colony of his – yes, his! – called Ikirmawa. Would bold Valda not stand shield to shield and shoulder to shoulder with Wadi-Maru? If so, the generous vizier shall reward them for this favor, of course - reward them handsomely – to the tune of seven chests of wealth for every 100 stalwart soldiers the Valdani can muster. For four years, the envoys ask, these men must serve – after which glory and lucre aplenty shall be theirs, and no man shall want for anything.

This is a tumultuous year for the men of Valda – and their fighting men in particular. For lo’, after bivouacking and camping in solid patience for more than two years, the Sword-Captains finally decided on a bold ploy. Their foe, reluctant to brave Valda with his ravings – as in recent years – seemed reluctant to repeat his attempts while the Valdani so waited. So now? Hells, now the Valdani meant to provoke him – to march on, bold and braze, and raid his mountain meadows. Once the foe thus mustered a response – war-horns blaring and banners waving – the Valdani meant to draw the foe into an ambush of their making. Chimulans may well have thought themselves the bane of all civilized folk – but the Valdani, in their fury, would show them.

And this, to an extent, is more or less what occurred.

To be sure, the Valdani soldiers that ventured up into the Star-Mountains highest vales did indeed find crude fields and terraced yards. Childish but concerted attempts to scrape a living off of rocks, yes? And the Chimulans, upon learning – to their chagrin – the Valdani’s depredations of their precious farmsteads – gave chase. For these peaks were the foot of the Lord-In-Coming’s throne; the seat from which He would rule the land forever-ever, and drown in hunger-fury all those who did not please His baleful gaze. The Valdani, in treading here, have erred not merely against Chimulan livelihoods – but against the new god their skin-cloaked prophets sing their praises for. Vengeance, then, is ordered – and their throngs mustered.

In the end, it is an ambush – and a brutal one. Down in the lower vales, pit traps and rain after rain of arrows teach the servants of the Star-Mount’s King-In-Coming that iron, alas, is no match to faith alone.
(Amongst the throngs of the slain, trinkets and baubels - and even a few battered shirts of copper scales - clear easily the grasp of unfeeling fingers. Dead, after all, care naught for such things. +3 Wealth, +Copper Armor)

Knowledge and understanding of the Living State has come to the men of Valda. Government, and the society it animates, is a thing both painfully alive and yet – to lesser minds, perhaps? – as difficult to grasp as smoke or dreams. The men of Valda, for their part, are not such men. Not anymore. (+Living State)

In their ravings and their weepings, in their slow night’s journey to dawn once more – Valda’s fever-sick ill, pustulent and coughing – live. And recover. It is verily so that clean water has cured far from all that suffered in Valda – and it was a hard, but necessary, decision to quarantine the Unclean. As the winter rains lessen, and spring makes the land green once more, the last of the Valdani that have been ill-afflicted in recent years can present themselves – hale and hearty – for inspection. Their bodies are clear. The heartbeats firm. They – and Valda – are whole once more. (King Pox’s reign in Valda’s river-slums is finally ended. Blessed be.)

Xcotl: This summer is a harsh one in marshy Xcotl. The days are scorching hot, and even Xcotl’s quaysides – close as they are to the marshes all about them – and the gleaming sea not far beyond it – swelters in heat unbearable. The nights, then, are scarcely better – for all the sweet succor the lack of direct sunlight brings to wary brows and sweaty backs. In stuffy bedrooms and even under open skies, men and women slumber restlessly – bare and sweaty. Entranced in dreaming explorations of distant, sleeping kingdoms...

The explorers return this year with some unfortunate news. For the only thing that lies in the regions South and East of Xcotl…is water. There is nothing there but salt water, brackish salt water, and more damned saltwater! It extends out as far as the eyes can see, a blue plain of indescribable length and depth. And salt. But returning empty-handed to the Immortal Xantipak is a daunting prospect - indeed, many amongst the Xcotl say that returning in failure and shame is rewarded by the removal of your fleshy, dripping, beating heart! Or, at the very least, some organ or other. Regardless of the consequences, none of the explorers are willing to return with nothing. Instead, the explorers forge South and West of Xcotl, surveying the regions found there. The land is composed largely of windworn flatlands. Barren prairies sparsely populated with a few trees and scrub-bushes stretch for miles before slowly ascending into similarly barren hills of dirt and stone. A particularly hardy grass grows here, with small seed pods which can be ground and eaten. It is a plain thing, easily overlooked – but could serve as the crop for many, should it be cultivated. Alongside the grass are pits of sticky black tar. It is a thick sludge, difficult to clean off one’s clothing or skin. But the most interesting – and most dangerous – thing to be found in these regions are large, circular valleys of sand. Indeed – the land is pocked with hundreds of these funnel-shaped holes, which are lined with slippery sand and small rocks. It was a mystery as to what these things were. At least, it was, until Manti Auo slipped, fell, and slid down the slope of one.

And then it burst from the ground! A hideous pair of chitinous jaws, sharper than steel and larger than swords! Say what you will about unfortunate Manti’s fate, but at least his death was quick. The insectlike beast devoured him within minutes, as it stared up at the other explorers with sets of beady, soulless eyes. Yes, the Ant-Lions of the southwest are deadly and terrible – but intriguing creatures, nevertheless. (Bitumen. Ant-lions. Maize.)

The wise men of the village have no luck this year with the pursuit of mixing medicine with blood magic. Perhaps, some of the priests whisper, it may be worth it to attempt a more specific course of knowledge, rather than a broad general study. For example, the sacrifice of a Brazing Bull is known to provide a blessing. And it well known amongst the Xcotl that to clean a wound with water and to bind it with cloth shall ward off ill spirits. But sacrificing a Brazing Bull, and rubbing the bone ash upon the wound, then binding it? It does not seem to perform any better than the simple ash-less binding. Perhaps there is indeed some merit to combining common wisdom with arcane mysticism and the boons of blood - but if there is, this merit shall be found with a more specific approach, rather than a generalized one. This is not to say that the year's work has gone to waste. Some of their findings this year about the workings of the human body and the ways and rites of sacrifice may eventually become useful. But not yet. Not this year. [Rolls carried over to the next turn.]

Ravarii: The men of Kah'lo revel with the Ravarii late into the night. Bones are picked clean, songs are sung late into the night, and every man and woman eats their fill. The men and women of the village are pleased with the taste of these blue berries and are happy to hear of the splendid tidings of the existence of other kindreds - and kindreds that are friends, rather than foes. Thusnelda's righteous judgement in the treatment of the Kah'lo people is praised, and the men and women of the village seem happier to follow such a leader. Hearts hum with joy and men whistle as they work - the Ravarii are especially proud of their heritage and direction these last few years. [+3 Stability]

The gifts presented to the Kah'lo are accepted with fervent gratefulness, and the Kah'lo seem intrigued by the potential of the hides. Perhaps, they say, these could fetch a fine price - although only the gods can predict which wares will sell and which will not. These soft furs could become the latest craze amongst the noblemen and dainty ladies of Kah'lo - or they could simply clog up the storehouses, sitting in sad unsold piles. The Ravarii, however, are free to bring these wares to Kah'lo at any time.

After the feasting is done, the Kah'lo depart, their red sails slowly retreating past the horizon. In the annals of the Merchant-Priests of Kah'lo, they solemnly promise, the Ravarii shall be known as friends, a good and civilized kindred, and deserving of many discounts.

A few of their number stay behind, stating that they shall work to compile more detailed reports of Ravar's culture and people for the Holy Factors to review.

With the help of the Kah'lo, the scholars make a breakthrough this year as to the use of Marble. This stone - pale and beautiful - can be now be worked by Ravarii craftsmen, and the world made even more beautiful for it. (+Marble Comprehension)

Alikos: The Alikan language is a difficult one – a word-wood of many ungovernable thickets, foggy dialects and mealy half-words. It should surprise no one, then, that committing it to writing; that bounding it with grammar, syntax, tense and form is a difficult task. Yet it is a task in which the wisest of the Iron Gate have at long last succeeded. (+Writing)

The Alikan explorers that travelled south in recent years have made themselves firm bivouacs and fine watchposts amidst the Saywend’s hills. There, from their lookouts and spy-points, these clever man quiet women have seen much – and made accurate marks of it. About the comings and goings of Saywend patrols. About farmsteads and hidden tracks, where men might move unseen, when comes the hour. (For the next 2 Turns, raids against the Heimar Vale’s outlying districts have an increased chance of striking ‘ere any alarm or warning can be made.)

Peace, of a sort, have at long last returned to the Iron Gate. By Proven decree and much gnashing of teeth, the ill mood that has so dogged the streets and forge-yards the past of months… Well. To say it dissipates like dew before the dawn might be putting it strongly, but it clears the way a fever breaks. Slowly. For with the raising of huts and the steady distribution of food and fodder for one and all – civil strife, and its horrid specter, is averted. Yet some, however, seem ill-content in spite of this. Or worse yet, are ill-content because of this. For the time when it seemed as though every second man in Alikos went homeless like a Saywend beggar revealed deep cracks and fissures within the city’s social mortar; fissures that no amount of humble huts – dry and utilitarian though they are – can cover in a moon’s turn; let alone a year.

And so, though the huts rise, there are still men in the Gate who remember what homelessness is. Who wish above all to ensure that they never need give vent to such talk again. To that end, the commons have formed a council of their own. A ‘Boulam’, they name it – signifying ‘Chosen’. For it is those of witty words and grave voices that have found themselves elected to it – to speak for the masses of the Iron Gate’s laboring poor, across and apart from any bonds of clan and blood-fealty – and ensure the ‘Proven’ may hear them.

It is predictable, then, that the Proven are less than pleased by this. To many, the very idea of such a gathering – by common laborers, forge-minders and field-hands? – is a recipe for yet more civil strife. Yet others amongst the Proven are more circumspect. Perhaps the gatherings of these Chosen might function as a useful outlet for common concerns? And a lure, even, for demagogues and rabble-rousers? Yes. And surely, if only the Proven listen in – they, too, could be all the better for it. For when the cats know where all the rats gather to squeak their insults – they will also know who to bribe, and who to purr for. And who to eat.

In the end, if this ridiculous notion shall wither on the branch - if it becomes a tool for would-be royalists and demagogues, or a spawning ground for malcontents and rabble-rousers? - only the gods may know.
(A gathering of urban poor – the Chosen – have formed a civil government of their own, to act in tandem, as much as in opposition, to Proven misrule. What an affront! What nonsense! What necessity.)

Another caravan arrives from the east this year – droves and droves of bleating, grouchy camels – one in tow after another. And yet? No. This is not, as the men of Alikos may first have surmised, an attempt by the Balbenoi at trade and commerce. Rather, the turbaned emissaries of Vizier Wadi-Maru bring a most solemn offer to the men of the Iron Gate. The Balbenoi, they explain, have decided – in their humble righteousness – to make a necessary stand against a vile and perfidious kindred they call ‘the men of Kah’lo’. These thieving peddlers of drunkenness and vice are superstitious fools and ignorant zealots in equal measure - and have actually had the gall – the GALL! – to land a horde of their ignominious bandits on the shores of Wadi-Maru’s most precious colony; Ikirmawa. This fair city these fanatics now leer at – dreaming to despoil her, as vile men dream to sully a righteous maiden. Would the bold men of Alikos make a stand against such villainy? And accompany Wadi-Maru’s forces as he sails to sweep these vermin back into the sea? If the Iron Gate would but provide 100 soldiers for four full years of service, the envoys promise that seven loads of wealth shall be theirs. Seven loads, yes! – and, of course, whatever loot and lucre they might ransom from the fanatics’ clutches.

Well, Iron Gate? Is it war – for fun and profit?

* * *

A Different World: The Age of Heroes [IC|Closed]

Arrival of the Lady Ai

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