Tides of Blood IC [Castion Only]

[Thallanos]

The Republic of Thallanos, a single, monumental city sprawled over the Isles of Thallanos, ruled by a disjointed council of autonomous aristocratic nobles, prominent businessmen, and military commanders. A large degree of decentralization, pioneered by Archmagister Vaseilios Megalos, has made him a very popular ruler with the other houses, but is a policy without much support within his own family.

While relatively politically stable as the Archmagister lives, a worrying religious cult too has reared it's ugly head, the "Order of Nyctelios", has long been a minor cult mostly ignored by Thallan society as a whole. The Cult has inexplicably become emboldened in recent years, with more followers than ever before. This Order worships the unspeakable horrors known as the Old Ones, or the Chaodis Pantheon, specifically, the "Prince of the Outer" known as Nyctelios, a colossal winged beast with tentacled appendages and a horned head, with dozens and dozens of pitch black, slimy eyeballs. The Prince of the Outer is widely considered the prime evil of the Thallan Pantheon.

In popular folklore he was driven to the sea by the gods of Thallanos, assisted by a band of heroes known as the "Myrmidons," the legacy of which lives on with the Elite Guard of the Archmagister of Thallanos, who share the same title of Myrmidon. While mainstream religious orders claim that Nyctelios was defeated permanently, the cult sees differently, believing he merely slumbers below the waves

Thallanos, Palatial District

Archmagister Vaseilios was accompanied by three Myrmidons, in resplendent gilded steel armour consisting of a scale hauberk underneath a heavy cuirass and shoulderpads, wielding their iconic flame-bladed Claymores, the troops were not just for show, they were impeccably trained and respected across the world. Just previously, the Archmagister's escort had just been ambushed by unknown assailants, hooded and cloaked, their faces covered by terrifying masks, armed with an assortment of maces, axes, swords and daggers. They overpowered the small escort which had mostly consisted of city watch. The Myrmidons managed to cut through the assassins with relative ease, and bundled the Archmagister into an alleyway.

They dropped into the sewers. It was Dark and Dank, one of the myrmidons sheathed his Claymore, "It's okay, sir, we're going to get you out of here, we'll follow the sewers north for about half a league, that should bring us right under the Palace, the guards will be able to take us from there to your chambers," he said as he lit a torch for his free hand and drew his ornate arming sword. "Stay between us and keep your head down, and we'll be fine."

They made their way through the dark and rotting sewer system, the only light coming from the occasional gratings far above, and the flickering glow of the Myrmidons torch. They made their way to a large cistern, which was approximately 150 metres across on either side. The large grate above sent piercing rays of sunlight into a circular pattern on the centre, but otherwise, the pitiful light offered by the torch proved laughably pointless, and the cistern was shrouded mostly in complete blackness. The Archmagister clambered over large brickwork blocks, his ornate golden robes being covered in dirt, dust and refuse. They reached the far end of the cistern. Where a steel gate was closed and barred.

"Shit, its barred from the other side. Alkibiades, see if you can find another way around," the lead Myrmidon said.

The man with the torch nodded and started walking, and stopped almost immediately. "More Assassins!" he said.

"Fuck, it's a trap!" another shouted anxiously. They were cornered on a brickwork walkway, with no way out but the barred gate. "We need to get that gate open,"

The Cultists closed around them and one of the Myrmidons desperately tried to unbar the door, the two others stood forwards, flamberges in hand. Vaseilios had no idea how the cultists could see in this godforsaken sewer, but they seemed to navigate the pitch darkness with astounding dexterity and swiftness. The first few charged them recklessly, and were easily cleaved in twain by heavy two handed claymores. The rest stood back, just on the edges of the flickering light of the flame.

With a clang and a metallic crash, the gate behind them opened "I got it!" the Archmagister heard behind him.

"You two go, the Palace is just ahead, We will hold them off," the lead of the Myrmidons said.

The Archmagister simply nodded and followed the last remaining Myrmidon through the sewers as the wave of cultists crashed upon the doomed Myrmidons. Vaseilios didn't know how long they could hold the cultists off, but he prayed it would be long enough for them to reach the palace. The narrow and low-ceiling sewer tunnel was flanked by a river of stinking sewerage. As they pushed forwards, they heard the shouts and screams of the battle behind them. In the darkness they heard shuffling feet ahead in the long, dark tunnel.

"Shit, take cover in that enclave, I'll check ahead," the Myrmidon said, "If there is any trouble, flee to me, I'll be just ahead."

The Archmagister nodded and ducked into a dark side passage, a dead end, keeping his ears open in case he heard the sound of approaching footsteps. After a moment the sound of clashing of steel stopped, and he heard the sound of a heavily armoured soldier approaching. He sighed with relief and began to step forwards, but before he could move he heard the sound of stone on stone grating. A secret door in the corridor behind him opened, and out rushed a single assassin.

"The Prince Rises..." he said as he plunged the dagger into the Archmagisters throat.

---

Thallanos, Academy District

"Tell the Heir-Patriarch what you told me,"

Periklis Megalos was seated in the throne of House Megalos, which he ruled in his father's stead while the Archmagister ruled in the Palatial District. Before him was his personal household guard, and a single ragged-looking Myrmidon, covered in blood and... other unpleasant substances.

"You know what happened to my father?" asked Periklis. Ever since his father's disappearance following the attack on his royal escort, the worst was feared, but nobody had ever found the body, and until the death of the Archmagister was confirmed, it would be unprudent to host a royal election.

"He is dead, the Order of Nyctelios killed him, I... They may have moved the body, but the Archmagister is definitely dead..." the Myrmidon said.

It was alot to take in at once, Periklis was filled with emotions, his father may have been too weak on the other houses, but he was a good man, and did not deserve to die in some godsforsaken sewer by fanatic lunatics. At this point it would typically be time for the election of a new Archmagister from the noble families. But this assassination wasn't an isolated event, and it had the possibility to blow up into a full blown crisis. "Have the noble families meet in the Palatial District, I will announce our situation to them then."

The families would convene at the Palace, believing they would be electing a new Archmagister from amongst the Patriarchs, but Periklis had something else planned.

[Senate and People of Aetia]

HOUSE KATSAROS
1327 Year of the Sun

Thallanos, Market District

---

Sophokles Katsaros was never so proud in his entire life. He also hadn't felt so anxious since he was a teenager, just before the first time he met with one of his father's young female servants in secret near the docks. But no, this was bigger than just ploughing some low born servant girl he had a crush on. This was his time. Finally, after all these years, he would bring his ancient family, the proud House of Katsaros, to power in Thallanos. Archmagister Vaseilios Megalos had been killed by some random bandits in the sewer system like some low-level dock worker, leaving his son, Periklis as the only heir to the House of Meglos. With Vaseilios's death, elections where in order, and the late Archmagister's son wasn't particularly popular. In contrast, Sophokles was. Many were attracted by his plans for more decentralisation in Thallanos, his promises of a greater future. His great Houses' Aetian origins had also secured Sophokles the Republic's support in the upcoming election, something that greatly enhanced his prestige among the pro-Aetian traders and high-class citizens of Thallanos, who he made sure would support him.

The Patriarch of House Katsaros looked at himself in the full body mirror in his personal chambers as he straightened his luxurious red and black robes. If only i was 10 years younger the 58-year old Sophokles thought as he ran his fingers through his short grey hair. The only thing that bothered him right now is that he would become Archmagister too late in his life, that he would be too old to be as dynamic a leader as he would like. Wrinkles had long formed on his face and he had occasional problems with his back aches. But he erased the thought from his mind; he didn't care. He would enforce his agenda on Thallanos and make this lax collection of houses and trade conglomerates the powerful, impregnable trade city-fortress it was always destined to be, making his and his father's vision a reality. His Houses' great vaults and the large sums of Aetian funding would make sure of that. His thoughts were interupted by a knock on the door.

"Come in" he said and the door opened, revealing High Strategos Arkadios, the Katsarid military commander.

"All is set, Patriarch. The carriage and escort is ready" the younger man, in his early 40s, said.

"Ah, good" said Sophokles and walked up to Arkadios, placing his had on his left shoulder "After all these years..." he smiled

"Yes, my Lord. It's finally time" the High Strategos replied with a grin.

"Let's go, Arkadios"

The two men left the Katsarid keep and boarded the carriage waiting for them outside. The carriage was adorned with the symbols of their house, and escorted by four elite bodyguards clad in segmented and chain mail armor, riding on horseback, the one leading the convoy carrying the House's banner - a golden horse standing on its back feet on a deep red background. The convoy passed through the Market District of Thallanos. The Katsarids had turned the Market District into their model little town. The dominant architecture was a mix of Aetian and local designs, the streets were clean and. But most importantly, they all knew what was going to happen in the Palace. No one wanted to appear disrespectful to the future Archmagister, especially if said Archmagister is head of one of the strongest, if not the strongest noble House on the isles.

Thallanos, Palatial District

---

They arrived outside the palace in less than half an hour, due to the Market District being close to the Palace District. The Palace looked magnificent as always. Build on seemingly golden bricks, with massive domes and tall towers that dominated the area, this was the heart of the Republic of Thallanos, the seat of power of the City Council. Sophokles and Arkadios disembarked from the carriage and walked up the gates. Mighty Myrmidons stood guard at the Palace gates with their their golden full plate armour and massive flamberge swords. The sight of those brutes could send shivers down the spine of even the most veteran Aetian Evocatus and battle hardened northerner Knight-Noble. The Myrmidons bowed their heads in respect and the Katsarids and their bodyguards entered the palace grounds.

The delegation met one the palace's staff, that would lead them to the meeting chambers. The palace was as luxurious on the inside as it was on the outside. The walls were painted white with golden finishes and the halls were separated by gilded arches from where hang the banners of Thallanos and the current leading family, House Megalos. Massive golden chandeliers hang from the ceiling above, which was itself decorated with large, elaborate wall painting by the most talented artists in the known world. Some of the walls were adorned with portraits of former Archmagisters and canvas paintings that commemorated their important deeds and works for the city. Sophokles rejoiced at the thought that his portrait would be hanging alongside them one day.

The palace official led them to a massive wooden double door, that was guarded by Myrmidons as well. The guardsmen opened the doors that revealed the meeting room behind them. With their four body guards staying outside, Sophokles and Arkadios entered the meeting room as the official announced their arrival. Sophokles saw the heads of the other noble houses gathered there, including Periklis Megalos. The Katsarids were the last to arrive. Good though Sophokles as he grinned it's fitting the new Archmagister

"Ah, my lords, it is good to see you all here" he said and went to greet the rest personally.

[Thallanos]

HOUSE MEGALOS

Thallanos, Palatial District

The last of the nobles from across Thallanos had arrived in the Archmagisters Palace. The Kastsarids would be the most difficult in accepting the new order of things, but they would come around, even if they were hotheaded, they were loyal to Thallanos. Their ties with Aetia were troubling at best, but Periklis sincerely doubted that they, as a noble Thallan family, would sell out their city to foreigners.

"Excellent to see you all here m'lords" the Gnoskyrios Philotheos said, the Gnoskyrios, or master of knowledge was in charge of the succession and would oversee the election of a new Archmagister, as well as assisting the new Archmagister in his duties as well as getting settled in. "I am sure you are all well acquainted with the process at hand, I believe most of you were present for the electorate of the late Archmagister Vaseilios, may the deep rest his soul. First, we will speak with the candid--" before he could finish he was interrupted by Periklis who stood behind him.

The Gnoskyrios was an insufferable old man, feeble-minded and weak of body, Periklis had no more time for his babbling. "Before we proceed my lords, I wish to make a statement. Many of you are aware of the circumstances surrounding my fathers death, many of you I imagine are not. His death was no accident, and I do not believe any of you are aware of how dire this situation is. His death is on the hands of the Order of Nyctelios." He paused for a moment to allow the hushed tones in the large vaulted hall to cease.

"This situation, my Lords, has the potential to blow into a major crisis in the city. For the Order to strike so deep in the Capital, to strike down our very own Archmagister under the noses of the city watch? The significance of this event cannot be understated." The troops belonging to Megalos in the hall, who outnumbered those of the other houses significantly, lay their hands on their swords, ready for anything. "As such, I am using my power as the Interim Archmagister to declare the following elections null."

Uproar and indignation erupted throughout the chamber. "Until this crisis has been resolved, I name myself the Archon of Thallanos, effective immediately. I will also be launching a grand inquisition to root out these cultists wherever they be found. I will, naturally require the other Patriarchs to swear fealty to me before leaving, merely a formality, as would occur for the Archmagister. How about we begin with the great and noble house Katsaros?" He said, looking at Patriarch Sophokles.

"Come, my friend, bend the knee to me and let us hunt down these heretical beasts together," he said.

[Senate and People of Aetia]

HOUSE KATSAROS
1327 Year of the Sun

Thallanos, Palatial District

---

That little shit thought Sophokles. He knew Periklis as a power-hungry, arrogant and cruel man, completely unlike his respected father. Despite the political rivalry with the late Archmagister, the Patriarch of House Katsaros - or Cassarius, to use its Aetian name - had great respect for Vaseilios. His dream for Thallanos was very similar to the aims of Sophokles himself, save minor differences, and his actions found Sophokles in agreement several times. Now Periklis wanted to destroy all that. Sophokles never thought the little bastard would go as far as to declare himself Archon. Not only was he snatching Katsaros' certain election from under his nose, he was also standing as an obstacle to the ancient inner workings of the Thallan Republic. He could not stand for it. He cleared his throat.

"My Lord this against the city's sacred rules. It is our duty to carry out elections after an Archmagister has passed away. It is the core principle of our Republic"

Periklis seemed unfazed "The elections for the Archmagistrate shall proceed as normal, as soon as this crisis is resolved, my lord, Thallanos needs a united front to weather the coming storm"

This will be harder than expected thought Sophokles. The heads of the other houses looked like they wanted no part. These were the Patriarchs of the two strongest and most influential noble Houses on the isles clashing over the future of Thallanos. Those inferior than them had no job in interfering, and they knew their place. However, Sophokles had a feeling their support here would be needed. One delegation, nevermind how powerful and influential the house it represented, could be overwhelmed by Periklis and his guards, but united they could stand against this tyrant in the making. He glanced at the other Patriachs and remained calm.

"With all due respect, Lord Megalos, this is simply unconstitutional. Our great city has gone through crises in the past, but our noble Houses never allowed said crises to interfere with the workings of the Republic. House Katsaros will not, can not stand for that"

Megalos was fast to reply "The days of the first Nyctelios Crisis was before the founding of our great Republic. The Archon of those days led the Kingdom throughout these rough times, we simply cannot afford the time to allow a new Archmagister to take office"

The fierce Republican in Sophokles snapped. But he tried to appear quiescent "Are you praising the kings of old, now? Have you forgotten the torment these tyrants brought on our great nation?"

"Do not let the actions of the mad kings in the last day of the dynasty cloud your judgement of some of the greatest legendary rulers Thallanos has had" said "We have had strong and kind kings, as we have had weak and cruel kings, what is more, we have had Archmagisters just as vicious as the worst of the mad Kings"

Kastsaros glanced at the rest of the noble lords in the hall. Some appeared worried, intimidated, while others looked - or tried to look - as if they were neutral and indifferent. Yet none had openly declared their allegiance to Megalos and his thugs, none had gone to bend the knee to the young lord and pledge their house to his cause. Sophokles could just bend the knee and be done with it, or swear fealty and then return to his House's territories only to barricade himself and start an armed resistance. But he was neither a traitor to his values nor a dishonourable man. Periklis was unmoved, but he would try to reason for the last time with him. He didn't have high hopes that he could bring sense to that idiot, and knew the consequences, but he would give it a try nonetheless.

"This is the reason we have established the Republic, my Lord. So we can easily prevent tyrants from taking power, and topple them if they do. I understand your reasoning, but House Katsaros will not stand for this defiance of our values"

Perliklis' face darkened and anger appeared in his eyes "Respectfully, my Lord, you don't have an option, to preserve our values we must temporarily abandon them in face of this oncoming threat, I stress that the elections will continue as they would as soon as we can be assured of the extermination of the Nyctelios Cult"

Sohpokles sighed. There was no hope. "A wise man once said that whoever is willing to abandon his freedom and values in the name of security doesn't deserve to be free. This is not a war, Lord Megalos. This is but an incursion from a minor cult that aims to come to prominence by killing your respected father. Your father worked hard for free Thallanos, he fought hard for the freedoms and independence of the noble houses. Now you seek to destroy all this in the name of "security", and you bring your armsmen here to intimidate us into letting you destroy what your fathar has built all these years. For the last time, we cannot let this happen"

Periklis finally looked like he had enough "I'm sorry, my lord, I did not intend to imply that you had a choice in the matter" he slightly turned his head to refer to his men "Guards, seize him"

The towering Myrmidons unsheathed their massive two-hander flamberge sword and rushed forward. Sophokles instinctively took some steps back as these brutes approached him. As the nearest guard had almost reached him, one of his own Katsarid soldiers appeared, short sword in hand. The nearest Myrmidon slashed at him with his large sword but the Katsarid sidestepped, dodging the powerful blow. Then he lunged forward, thrusting so hard at the Myrmidons face that the grill of the brute's was broken and his skull behind it was shattered. The Myrmidon took some steps back and fell on the floor bellow, with a loud clang as150 kilos of man and armour hit the marble. The other three Katsarid guards engaged the Myrmidons, who had superior numbers in hard to hand combat. One of Sophokle's guards was almost cleaved in half diagonally from shoulder to waist by a two-hander, and another Myrmidon fell heavily wounded from a wound in the crotch. Sophokles saw one of his officer's helmets fly in the air, but later realised the helmet also included the head of the officer himself. Anger flowed through him. This is how the Republic dies?. He had to stop it.

"Stand down!" he yelled "By the Gods stand down! Stop this madness"

His soldiers obeyed with some hesitation, throwing their swords to the ground. The Myrmidons seized them, and seized Sophokles right after. The once proud Patriarch of House Katsaros grunted as his old body was forced to its knees by the guards. All he could see was the feet of Periklis approaching him. The young Archon lowered his body and Katsaros raised his head to look him straight in the eyes.

"Now, we can do it the hard way if you so desire, my lord" Megalos spoke with a lowered voice "Or you can bend the knee and go home to your loving family"

Sophokles looked away and laughed, like a madman one would say. Then his gaze returned to Periklis' eyes. His eyes glowed with both anger and sorrow "The great House of Katsaros does not bow to tyrants" he said and spat at the Archon's feet.

[Thallanos]

HOUSE MEGALOS

Thallanos, Palatial District

The Guards had Sophokles restrained, but the stubborn old man still would show no reason. "Kill him," Periklis said. One of the Myrmidons threw Sophokles to the floor while another brandished his massive greatsword. Just as the Executioner was about to swing, "Wait, stop," he said.

"I will show mercy on this day, the Traitor will not receive the punishment as is typical for his kind, for I am no tyrant, he shall be free to return to his family once the crisis is abated, but for now he must be secured," he loudly proclaimed to all those present. Turning to the guard holding his mailed glove on Sophokles back he said, "Throw him in the dungeons, after a few months I imagine he will change his mind."

Sophokles was frogmarched away from the great hall, and the ceremony continued. The Archmagisters Sceptre was handed to him, and a newly forged golden Crown of the Archon was placed on his head. "Long Live the Archonate!" the crowd proclaimed. Some spoke with conviction, others spoke softly, not wishing to share the fate of the Katsarids.

"Send a raven to Tullios Katsaros, tell him he is the acting Patriarch of the Katsarids for the moment, tell him his father has made unfortunate life choices, let him know his life is not in danger, but he simply needs some time to think. Invite Tullios to the Palace to bend the knee and his father will be freed as soon as possible," he said to the Gnoskyrios. The Duties of an Archon, he imagined, were somewhat different to that of the Archmagister, he was looking forward to reforming Thallanos into a true player on the world stage. It made no sense such an affluent nation would be split bickering between each other while the Aetians and worse lay on their borders, threatening to take over as soon as they smelled blood in the water.

__________

After House Megalos and Arkantos, the most powerful Houses in Thallanos were undoubtably House Arkantos, Marinos and Argyris.

House Arkantos lay in control of the military district, with a large amount of the nations Copper supplies, which was used in the production of the high-grade Thallan Bronze. A closely guarded secret, Thallan Bronze was on par with Iron with its ability to hold an edge, and its protective qualities, while inferior to true steel, the lack of Iron resources on the island combined with a surplus of Copper led the Thallan bronzesmiths of old to continually refine and develop the production of the Bronze to compensate.

House Marinos controlled the Docklands district, and had the most powerful navy in the Republic, and would be critical in securing the waters around Thallanos, it was no secret that House Katsaros has a strong link with their Aetian Homeland, and it would not be out of the realm of possibility for the Legion to interfere in the conflict.

House Argyris, on the other hand, was in charge of the Garden District, and was responsible, along with House Marinos, for providing a plurality of food to the burgeoning city, food was always a slight problem for such a large city, and if House Marinos and House Argyris could be brought under his wing, Katsaros wouldnt last long with limited food from imports.

House Arkantos was a simple matter, his mother was an Arkantid, and the ties between Arkantos and Megalos lay deep. House Argyris was always a fickle thing, seemingly changing sides whenever it suited them. House Marinos, finally, was expected to back the Palace, and if they didnt, their relatively weak land forces would allow Megalos to annex them quickly before they managed to do any damage.

Periklis didn't necessarily think that a civil war was inevitable, he had never met Tullios in person, and didnt exactly know how he would react, but he could hope that he would see that fighting was futile, and would only lead to the death of his father, and likely his entire House.

[Senate and People of Aetia]

HOUSE KATSAROS
1327 Year of the Sun

Thallanos, Market District, Keep of House Katsaros

---

Tullios Katsaros gazed upon the city bellow from the veranda on the tower keep. Dressed in elegant but strict and conservative dark red clothing, he enjoyed the light breeze. With a cup of the best Attican wine in his hand, he observed the palatial disctrict, The massive palace, the seat of the Archmagistrate, was visible all the way from the keep, such was its size and magnitude. He was waiting for the moment where he could see the palace's officials and staff respectfully lower the banners and flags of House Megalos to replace them with his own colours. The Katsarid servants had already prepared a feast for when Patriarch Katsaros, his beloved father, would return triumphant wielding the Archmagister's Sceptre. He could not help but smirk at the thought of finally being part of the ruling noble house in the isles, of finally being able to enact the dreams of his father, his grandfather, and his ancestors before him. This was a glorious day for the House of Katsaros.

His thoughts were interrupted as the balcony door behind him was opened by a guard in full panoply that announced that a raven had arrived for him and that Alexandros Katsaros, a cousin of Tullios and a high ranking officer of the House's armed forces, was there to deliver the message. Tullios nodded and the guard let Alexandros in. The armor-clad Alexandros was in his mid 20s, tall and well built, but he had gained some additional weight recently. Peacetime does that to a professional soldier. Tullios smiled as he saw his beloved cousin. They shook hands, in the old Aetian wrist clasp style as was tradition in their House.

"Alexandros, i trust you are a bearer of good news" Tullios said as he poured his cousin a cup of wine.

"I honestly don't know cousin. But i have bad feeling" Alexandros said as he handed the sealed letter to Tullios and took the cup Tullios offered him. The young Katsaros noticed how uneasy his cousin looked.

"Come on, no misfortune could have happened in such a great day" Tullios said, trying to keep his good mood.

He noticed the seal of House Megalos on the letter. Now he was starting to get worried. He broke the seal and unfolded the letter, starting to read it. Alexandros stood by him silent and unmoving. By the time he finished reading, Tullios's good mood had long disappeared. Now his look was full of anger, anger and sorrow. The heir to House Katsaros slowly walked to the table on the veranda, tossed the letter aside and filled his cup to the brim before downing it in a instant. He was taking deep breaths, trying to remained composed, or at least look the part. He turned around to face his cousin.

"I am the acting Patriarch of our House" he sighed heavily

"W-Wha-"

"They have imprisoned my father. Periklis declared himself Archon to defend Thallanos from the Order of Nyctelios. My father resisted, and they threw him in a dungeon. The High Strategos is dead"

"By the Gods" Alexander was dumbfounded. He expected bad news, maybe Sophokles not getting enough votes to secure his election, maybe some new attack by the Order in their district, but not this.

Tullios walked up to him "Kneel" he said.

This took Alexander by surprise. He began to say something but Tullios did not let him speak "I said, kneel!" his voice was strict and his tone was getting louder.

Alexander kneeled before his dear cousin, and now his Patriarch "Alexander Katsaros" Tullios began "Son of Demosthenes and Cassiopeia, I, Tullios, Patriarch of the honoured House of Katsaros, name you High Strategos of the Armed Forces of our Noble House. May you lead us to victory in the wars to come. Now, stand!"

Alexander slowly stood up, still in shock by this turn of events and the massive burden and responsibility that had just fallen upon his shoulders "A-Are you sure this is wise?"

Tullios placed his hand on his cousin's shoulder "You are one of the few men i trust with my life, Alexander. Your are capable, strong, a better soldier than any other in the Katsarid Army. I place my trust in you to lead our warriors through this"

"This?"

"I want you to assemble every man you can, and i mean every man. Take them and close the district's gates, barricade the streets" Tullios turned around to gaze upon the city once again, but continued talking "No one gets in or out of out without my permission. Raise whatever reserves we have at our disposal and train new recruits. Send ravens to every House, tell them that it is their duty to stand against that tyrant in the making, tell them that if they stand by us, they will be remembered as those who fought to preserve our freedoms and values, and that they will be rewarded with more than just our gratitude."

"Tullios, are you certain this is the most rational thing to do?" Alexandros spoke "We could try to reason with Periklis, negotiate your father's release. Then we can talk about the politi-"

The young Patriarch suddenly turned around and took a sharp step towards the new High Strategos. Alexandres instinctively took a step back. "THEY HAVE MY FATHER!" he yelled "They had the audacity to arrest and imprison him, no one else than Sophokles fucking Katsaros, like he was a common market thief! Do you think they will just let him free because we ask them nicely or give them gold?" Tullios tried to calm down "This is not what my father would have wished either. He would prefer to die than see his son beg and negotiate with a tyrant. Besides, the moment we try to barter with Periklis is the moment we appear weak to the other Houses. We would lose all hope for support in armed struggle" he turned his back on Alexandros again and let out a deep sigh "Now, do as you're told" he said

"As you wish" Alexandors reluctantly said and turned to leave the room.

"Wait" Tullios stopped him "Prepare a messenger, separate from the ravens."

"For whom would the message be?"

"The Aetian embassy."

[Thallanos]

THE ARCHONATE

Thallanos, Palatial District

"We know the Marinids and Arkantids will be with us, Archon, the Pachids and Raptids are likely to stay neutral," Strategos Kyriakos Megalos said, at this point war was inevitable with the Katsarids, Periklis, as Archon, should theoretically have the support of all other houses of the City, but in practice that was not the case, House Arkantos, was thankfully, ruled by Periklis' father-in-law, and their support would be essentially guaranteed. House Marinos would have been one of the most important, with access to the largest docks of the city and the majority of the Thallan navy, their support would mean any support for House Katsaros would be forced through the much smaller dockyards of the Market District, thankfully they had declared their support for the Archonate, in exchange that Periklis' heir would be married to the firstborn daughter of Patriarch Diokles Marinos.

"And what of House Argyris," said Periklis. The Gardens District was the source of much of Thallanos' produce, the lush ground and concentrated farming was essential in keeping the city running.

"The Argyrids are... unpredictable, Archon, but they appear to have levied many men from their countryside, and it is unclear who they intend to march for," replied the Strategos.

At this moment, Periklis and Kyriakos were seated by a large wooden map of the island, they awaited on the Strategos of the Arkantids, as well as the Patriarchs of Houses Marinos, Argyris and Arkantos. Patriarch Lysimachus of the Argyrids had not responded to the summons, and they expected he would not be attending. "Where are they?" Periklis said.

As if on cue, a Myrmidon Guard of the Palace opened the door to the war room, he announced the arrival of their guests, and ushered five people into the room. The Patriarchs Diokles Marinos and Grigoris Arkantos, the Strategos Eutychius of the Arkantids, as well as one trusted bodyguard for each Patriarch. "Very well, I assume there was no sign of the Patriarch Lysimachus?" said Periklis.

"No, Archon, the Patriach did not meet with the Myrmidon escort sent to retrieve him."

"We will consider the House Argyris hostile until further notice then," he said, regretfully. Handing a note he had already prepared for this eventuality to the Myrmidon, "Tell the Gnoskyrios to send this letter to the Marshal of the Garrison in the Academy District," he ordered.

"My Lords, we know why we are all here, two of the Great Houses of Thallanos are now in open rebellion against the Palace, but we cannot forget about the Cultist Insurrection which is still ongoing, they will only prosper in this chaos, thusly, this rebellion must be ended as swiftly as possible, as of now, unless those traitorous Katsarid dogs open our city to Aetian invasion, we have a distinct numbers advantage, which I would recommend we push immediately," said the Archon.

"I agree with the Archon," he Arkantid Strategos said, "House Arkantos can have troops throughout the Slumlands district within two weeks, the majority of the Katsarid forces remain in the Market district, the watchmen in the Slumlands are nothing but an unruly mob, and should be no match for the Arkantid Army,"

---

Thallanos, Military District

The Army of House Arkantos was one of the largest, even if they relied primarily on Thallan Bronze rather than the superior Steel which was shipped from the mainland, they were also one of the mo st well-drilled forces in the City, second in training only to those of, unfortunately for them, House Katsaros, but, thankfully, the Slumlands district relied on largely untrained Levies made up primarily of the lowfolk, and would be no substitute for the well-drilled military machine which was the Katsarid army of the Market District.

Alkibiades was the third son of a renowned military family, and he was a well respected Whitecloak Hoplite of the XII lykánthropos Phalanx. Trained expertly with both his kopis shortsword and dory spear. They marched out of the gate which marked the end of the Military district. Between districts lay unaffiliated fields which tended to be between one and five kilometers wide. These generally house farms and some woodlands.

Alkibiades and two thousand fellow Hoplite Spearmen, Toxotes Archers, Hypaspist Light Infantry and some Hippokon Cavalry, were to besiege and capture the gates leading to the Katsarid Slumlands district. With the gates battered down, the Arkantids could swarm the district, and troops loyal to the Archon himself could attack from the south, via the Palatial District. The battle would be the first of the war, and one of the most important.

After a short half hour march to the gates they arrived. Alkibiades was at the backlines in a camp set up by the besiegers, just out of range of the missiles of defenders. Preparing the siege equipment would take some time, six siege towers were to be prepared to storm the walls, and a covered battering ram to beat down the gate once the gatehouse was secured. Alkibiades was in the vanguard scaling the walls, while a glorious fate, he couldn't help but fear for his life.