The rain swept over the land in thick blankets, covering everything within sight. Although, it's not like Ampelos could see very far with the dark gloom hanging over the land. Ampelos sighed sightly, and shaking his head, he turned to head back into the warmer part of the shelter. He never finished the turn, because at that moment he felt the grasp of fear. Out of the gloom came a heavily cloaked and hooded man. No, wait... there was two men, but only one had a hood on.

Neither of them seemed to be bothered by the heavy rain or winds, but continued mercilessly towards the shelter. Ampelos quickly rushed to the entrance, hope returning to him once again.

"Yes, I see you have been busy Ampelos." muttered the the non-hooded man. Ampelos replied in return, "Aye, I don't care to 'uch for doing nothin for days. Tha's 'ore of somethin you like to do, Traditore." He said this with a utter malice, and it brought a look of glee upon his face when Traditore went to respond.

He never got the chance, for at that moment the hooded one chose to speak. His words, although spoken grimly and sometimes with spite, were always words of wisdom and truth. For this was but the first of many that would be spoken, and this is the chronicles of that what was spoken.

------------------

Welcome to the Verità, a newspaper that chronicles the words and wisdom of a citizen from the nation of Fantikos. This will contain many game updates, as well as editorials and out of game happenings. The purpose of this newspaper is to provide information in a more interesting form. A counter-balance, as you will, of the illusionists that hold this game in thrall. With a bit of scarasm and witty humor, just to spice things up.

Released Chronicles:
Chronicle #1 (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showpost.php?p=2995376&postcount=13)
Chronicle #2 (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showpost.php?p=3009106&postcount=18)
Chronicle #3 (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showpost.php?p=3149028&postcount=23)
Chronicle #4 (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showpost.php?p=3149028&postcount=23)
Chronicle #5 (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showpost.php?p=3149028&postcount=23)

Want to be notified of new issues?
Needless to say, these won't come out on a set schedule. Although all of the issues will be posted inside of this thread, it might not be worth it to check this thread every time someone makes a post. So, if you wish to get a PM notification of a new issue, please say so inside of this thread. This will also include a direct link to the newest issue, just to make it easier.

Notify:
RegentMan
peter grimes
Stuck_as_a_Mac
CivGeneral
admiral-bell
greekguy
Nobody
vikingruler

I always love these newspapers, and with your witty humor, this should be a good one. Be sure to drop off a copy at the Expatriate Governor's office.

Just an announcement, I've received several applications for the writer poistion. So around this time tommorow I'm going to cut it short and announce who won.

So you have around 24 hours to get it in!

I'd like notification of new issues. Thanks in advance!

Okay, I've chosen my second writer. So, Congratulations Gerikes! You got it ;).

Decided on him for several reasons, all of which I won't include here. Anyway, I'm giving you basically free reign over your topics. You can choose any topic or area to write about. Just make it interesting ;).

Once you've decided on a topic (or topics, if you want to do multiple ones), PM me what your writing about, and then I'll do a "What to expect in the next issue" type thing.

I'll take a subscription. Despite your mood change, I still like your writing style.

SaaM

PS- No use responding to me. I'm @ an internet cafe.

I would like to subscribe

subscription please

Okay, were formalizing plans and preparing the first issue. Be prepared to be shocked!!

Er... 'Verità' is latin. Thought we were playing with their big enemies, the Greeks...

Er... 'Verità' is latin. Thought we were playing with their big enemies, the Greeks...

The Greeks and Romans were never enemies. The Greek City-States fell before the Roman Republic. However, during the height of the Greek City-States much of Italy was under the control of Greece. The Roman Republic was, infact, based off the ideas of the Greek City-states. The Romans based almost there entire nation off of the greek culture. They even stole and re-named there gods ;).

Also, Verità is not pure latin. It is modern day Italian. Ancient Latin/Greek is far to hard to type with an english keyboard.

In Latin Veritá would mean, I think, veritatis.

Chronicle #1
By Gerikes and Strider

The grasslands of Nyssa were a wonder to behold. Miles upon miles of endless green, only disturbed by the clear blue of the Evrotas River. Moving down towards the southern reaches, the grasslands turned into forests.

This wonderful land however, was not a comfort for the one who walked upon it. Ampelos moved through the sea of grass, tired and hungry, he had exhausted his food that morning. "I'm 'waz soppose to be there allready!" he muttered angrily to himself, watching as the sun dipped silently under the land. He looked down, but immediantly threw away his plan of resting here, upon seeing the numerous bugs crawling in the grass.

Ampelos sighed, feeling utterly beaten, and continued on. Growling to himself, he glanced up to check his path. There it was, sitting between two trees! The rather small and dainty building looked careworn and slightly run-down. As he closed in on the building, he heard a muffled cry of welcome, and then a very loud voice yell "He's here!!"

Two figures quickly came out of the house, and moved to intercept him. As they neared, Traditore asked "What did you find out!? What is the news?" Ampelos sighed slightly, and answered "Our wise mens 'r working on a new way 'o communication. Somethin ta do with long messages."

"Good, then they did what the Fallen One told them to do. Anything else, what about the efforts we put into scouting? Oh, and where do they plan to settle the city?" Bowing slightly to the second figure, Ampelos replied "They 'r plannin to settle in tha location you advised, 'though it twas a close decision. They be abit to 'uch attached to tha rivers. Yes, but they 'r settling just among the bank of tha Evrotas. "

Fallen Hero, the second figure replied "That doesn't matter to us, as long as they did what they were told to do. We will handle the dissenters later. What about the scouting, in what direction is the scouting party to go?" Ampelos with a looking of utter victory answered "They are, once again, doing as you requested. The scouting party is to head in a northern direction."

"Great, everything is working out perfectly. However, I must deal with these dissenters. I will make a trip to them tomorrow, so leave me to my rest."

--------------------------------

The embers of the fire still enraged the surrounding air with its heat as Ampelos and Traditore observed it with silent gratitude. The grasslands of Nyssa, like all things great and beautiful, were haunted by a sinister side. For Nyssa, it was her dreary nights. The reign of the moon in this area oppressed all those who ventured far from a source of warmth.

"The gift of fire...” Traditore finally said.

"Aye, fire, and what a gift it is. Almost as good as the gift of a deep sleep", replied Ampelos, stretching out his short, husky figure. Even fully stretched he wouldn't match the height of some of the younger males in the young settlement. Of course no one ever had the will to say that to him, as the only thing shorter than his figure was most undoubtedly his temper.

"Ah, but the gift of sleep is one shared by all the creatures. Fire was given to us by the Gods to set us apart. Prometheus risked his own immortal life for us", Traditore stated. "However, even though this gift was given to us, and the great Zeus despised our holding of it, it has not been taken away. We still have the power of this gift to conjure upon our needing. No other animal on this land holds that power."

"Aye, and no man or animal has the gift of keeping me awake as long as you can, Traditore. Now please, we've 'ad a long past few weeks founding this city. And tonight’ll be the first long night’s rest I’ll have got’n since I was late getting to your ole’ shack those weeks ago.", Ampelos pleaded.

"But the Gods have again given us a gift. " At this, Ampelos realized Traditore's ramblings might have some merit.

"It was not long ago that the idea spread 'round this area...", Traditore began.

"...when two families came together, for one's land had grown no more fertile than the tundra to the South. Soon this collective moved into another, and with the passage of time an idea of "community" was born. Now, we pity the idea of the lone family away from this city's protection, but we forget that not long ago we were all part of those lone families."

"It's a bold new time we're living in. I remember my grandfather telling me when the animals were less scarce and farming wasn't the way of life. When the tedium of work involved the excitement of the hunt, not the digging of a field. We thought the Gods were angry at us for forcing our change of life, but we knew so little of this gift the gods had given us. A gift unmatched in its glory since our ancestors did receive that of fire from Prometheus."

"This gift of community. Like fire, without it a man will surely die, but with it he can live." At this Traditore pulled his blanket tighter around him and closed his eyes, preparing for sleep. Ampelos decided to humor his longtime friend's recent spiel.

"And so why is it so important? Why are we taking this next step so soon, gathering up all those we could find to build this “City?” Did we go around teaching people how to use fire, or didn't we just learn it on our own?"

For a brief moment, Traditore’s mind slipped to the events of the past weeks: the journey to the settlement; the construction of the family dwellings; the organization of the young men to scout the landscape; the final construction of the gathering place that would be called the “Palace.” He remembered the looks of the faces of the people knowing they were the start of something big. He remembered the cheer at the feast proclaiming the completion of the city Olympus. Then he remembered the boar, hung cooking above the fire in the city center. He remembered one of the children trying to sneak past the two elder males who were tending to the meal.

Traditore responded, still remembering the scene. "Because unlike the gift of fire, if we do not learn how to utilize it correctly, it is not the one man that perishes….” and how the child, in her attempt to steal a piece of the community meal, was burned by a sudden leap from the flame..

“…it would be all of us who perish.”

The notification PM's were also sent out. If you requested a notification, but did not receive one, please tell me.

You're partly right. 'Verità' is modern Italian, the latin word is 'veritas'.

However, I do think that, since we're playing with the greek, we could use their own word for truth, Alethéia. The romans may have used greek cosmology in their culture, but a true greek would never admit this foreign influence in Hélas.

But I maybe this is not the time for this discussion. Let go. :)

Strider, I think you are doing a great work in the "Verità" newspaper. The way you narrated the founding of Olympus is greatly envolving. Good job :goodjob: !

Strider, I think you are doing a great work in the "Verità" newspaper. The way you narrated the founding of Olympus is greatly envolving. Good job :goodjob: !

This was writen, in differant parts, by both myself and Gerikes. So I'm not the only person who should receive your thanks ;).

However, thank you nonetheless.

Chronicle #2
By Gerikes and Strider


The Warriors of Athena
With each man in the Warriors of Athena force gripping his weapon tighter, the tension between the two packs grew. The light rain could not alone cool the tempers as the two packs stood opposite each other, the Fanatikos warriors looking up to the nomadic tribe whose encampment was placed on top of a small hill. Only Leandor, the leader of the warrior pack, could stop what might be a bloody conflict; one that would put the warrior pack’s mission of exploration in jeopardy.

The Sarmatian counterpart to Leandor, the Argaragantes, stood before him. The elder’s expressions looked peaceful but cautious, while their younger tribesmen behind them manifested the look of defiance to the would-be enemy. In the end, it was the trading of food which won over either side into the luxury of peace.

The two tribes, once discovering a place of harmony, went out on a hunt, using their temporary gain in numbers to allow each to benefit from a large food gathering. However, during the hunt, a Sarmatian warrior fell from a large drop, and perished shortly after.

The evening followed with the Fanatikos warrior pack, Leandor in the lead, taking witness to an amazing spectacle of worship. With the tribal drums in full array leading the rest of the tribe to dance, the Argaragantes of the tribe had the body of the fallen Sarmatian warrior placed upon the central alter. Alongside of the body was placed the largest animal taken in the hunt. Afterwards, the burial of the body with the ashes of the burned animal took place, and a feast upon the rest of the animals ensued. Through it all, the drums stirred enough excitement into the Fanatikos warriors that, one by one, they found themselves dancing alongside the Sarmatian warriors.

After a full evening of celebration, Leandor curled his body low to enter the small hut located at the center of the Sarmatian tribe’s village. His body was weak from the day’s journey, but his mind was in a place it had never entered before. He signed and motioned to the Argaragantes for hours, discovering their beliefs. They believed that in the afterlife, a warrior will be reluctant to leave the village. The tribe would give the animal as a gift for the fallen warrior to take to the afterlife, and would make noise so that the warrior would still be able to hear them, even as he would go farther and farther away. The body was buried with the ashes because the tribe believed that the earth had the power to fuse the traits of the animal with the warrior to make him stronger going into the afterlife.

---

Years later, a runner came through the Sarmatian encampment. The runner was able to tell the argaragantes in the small language which they had created about the events of the Fanatikos warrior band, known as the Warriors of Ares, which had perished in a fight with a Barbarian tribe.

In solidarity, the entire Sarmatian tribe traveled to Olympus. Upon the night they arrived, the tribe enacted their ceremony in honor of the fallen Warriors of Ares. It was not long before the citizens of the city were seduced by the drums, just as Leandor had been years before. The ceremonies continued for the next 32 nights, one for each of the Warriors of Ares.

The Sarmatian tribe left on the 33rd night. Their memory would slowly be lost to legend. Although over time the ceremonies would change, the idea of burying the dead would continue.

Ontop the Hill (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?p=3005594#post3005594)
Ontop of a hill, in the city of Olympus, raged a battle. A battle that has raged for hundreds of years, and will rage for thousands of years more. "Although, in this battle, people are killed. Well, atleast I hope no one is killed." Aggelos thought silently.

He sighed slightly to himself, the Judiciary was always a source of confusion for him. They had made some rulings that made sense, like the name of new cities (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showpost.php?p=3005594&postcount=46). Yet, Aggelos couldn't allow his mind to grasp the concept of allowing 5 people, to make the choice that 20 should be making.

Aggelos couldn't help thinking, that several of these rullings was not in the interest of the nation. Rather, the interest of those that stood before him.

The failure of the enlightened
Traditore couldn't help smiling while he watched the preacher (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=126588). Ranting on about "The Five," did he not know that was a symbol, of his [Traditore's] master, the Fallen One? The five, an idea born anew, a theory that will work, he was sure of it. "Although, it wouldn't work exactly how he plans it," Traditore muttered to himself. "I doubt, the results will be to his liking at all."

Just a few "notes"

Sorry about the time it takes for a new chronicle to get released, but writing them are time consuming, and we do have real life concerns also ;).

Once again, I would like to say, if you requested to be notified when a new one is released, but did not get the notification, please inform me immediantly.

i'd like a notification as well please. thanks.

Okay, I updated the first page with a direct link to Chronicle #2. Currently, we plan (well.. I plan anyway) to get Chronicle #3 out on wednesday.

Also, I've been doing some thinking. I know that this method of "news" is not really that good for actually telling the news. So I've been thinking of either starting up a "fast reaction" news team that will cover the issues much like the other existing newspapers, or to merge with one of the existing newspapers that already does this.

If you have a newspaper and want to merge, send me a PM.

As the FEN already announced, were going to merge for the reasons I stated above. Now we don't have to focus as much on actually telling the news.

The current deal is that the current FEN subscribers will receive the next Chronicle first. About two to three days after it is released privately, I will release it publicly, much like I've been doing.

Long time sense I've released the chronicles Publicly, so I'll make it up by releasing all of them up to this date.

Verità Chronicle #3
By Gerikes and Strider

Evzen stared out into the night sky, admiring the crescent shape of the moon, knowing soon that it would be full. This, the latest rest after a day’s travels for the settlement party, was one of the more rewarding, as they had just reached the peak of what was planned to be the only large climb of their travel. While mostly tired, each man still had some excitement left in him; excitement ripped straight from their souls by the inspiring words of The Preacher, put into the hands in front of them and devoured with an excess of food carried solely for this occasion. The Preacher would lead another short soliloquy, and another rise of cheers would rise from the not-yet-weary-enough travelers.

One of those enjoying the festivities noticed the relatively silent demeanor that Evzen held. After finishing the last of his wine, the stumbling Cadmus made his way to Evzen, throwing his arm over Evzen’s shoulder.

“Why don’ you join us, Evzen? C’mon, what are you thinking about: those reports of French warriors to the North?” The fellow let out a mighty laughter before straining to get out his next words: “I’ll fight them all by myself, bring ‘em! Heh… besides, it’s like we’re already there!”

Still staring emotionless, Evzen replied, “Almost.”

---

“That must be it! The Eternal Waters!” A shout went up, and some of the travelers started running full speed. Others took the moment to reflect with their families while still others thanked the moon for their survival. Soon the word spread around that the City’s construction would proceed in the morning, and to set up their last small camp for the night.

Cadmus, before heading to his makeshift shelter, spoke to Evzen, “Well, hopefully the tough part is over.”

To which Evzen replied, “Almost.”

---

That night, as one by one the settlers awoke in their homes, one by one their spirits sank. The winds and rains had torn open some temporary placements. Throughout the next few weeks; winds, lightning, and rains would drive some settlers to thoughts of abandoning the city, fearing that nature did not want them there. But still, they pressed forward, the words of The Preacher keeping their hopes intact.

After the last parts of the city had been put in place, and each home was finished, the townspeople went to their final houses for rest. Tomorrow was a full day of celebration in honor of the City of Styx’s completion, and one that the history of the small village would not soon forget. Cadmus, after catching sight of Evzen standing at the water’s edge, approached the noble. They both peered out as the sun continued to sink off the edge of the world.

After the sun had all but finally dithered into the unknown, Cadmus started his walk to his new home. He said as he turned away, “It looks like our venture days have come to an end.”

Still peering out into the water, Evzen watched longingly as the sun finally disappeared out of sight, into the unknown. He then smiled and responded, “Almost.”

----------------------------

The men watched in silent awe, as the smith pulled the red hot blade out of the oven. He raised the hammer above his head, and with a blow that would split a mans skull, he struck the blade. Dozens of sparks, human stars, sprung out from the blade. The smith, with a praticed grace, flipped the blade over and hit it again.

He repeated this pattern, over and over again. Always a strike, then a flip, strike, flip untill a musical rhythm could be detected. It was certainly not pleasing to the ear, but it reminded many of the men of power and strength. A bloodlust fought it's way into the eyes of many, as they imagined themselves in a glorious battle, a battle inwhich they would be graced as a hero. Then, to return home, at the head of an army, watching hundreds of admiring eyes follow his every path.

Few were graced with the vision of what this would mean for life outside of battle, and none understood the ratifications of this moment. Yet, none would forget the day they learned the secret of Iron Working.

Verità Chronicle #4
By Gerikes and Strider

The young Persian scientist Farzan had arrived in Civantonia not too prior to receiving that dreaded letter. His contributions inside the Great Library were complimentary to his scientific mind, but never made large waves. In short, Farzan’s name was unknown outside the circle of Scientists that dedicated their lives studying and researching in the district around the Great Library in Civantonia. However, few knew about the family he had back in Persia. And of those, only Farzan himself knew about the threats that the Persian Government had just put upon them. In just a few weeks, however, that would all change.

The night created a ghastly atmosphere in the forests where the twenty-three men tried their hardest to subdue their horse’s whinnies and cries. Their patience finally paid off, as down below in the valley they spied the target caravan moving casually under the full moon. The leader of the small Horsemen brigade, Androgeus, watched the hill across the valley. Upon seeing the reflection of a familiar blade from a friendly sword there atop the hill, he motioned to his men to mount for a charge. As the party started their descent down the mount, they all observed the mirror motion atop the opposite hill, where the rest of their unit posed to flank the seemingly innocent caravan party below. The small caravan, witnessing the far hills units first, had their horses lunge across the grain of the valley into a dead course for Androgeus and his men. In a matter of minutes, the small caravan was surrounded.
Inside the four packed Caravan loads they found the documents they had feared. A letter intercepted by Fanatikos Intelligence had been proved correct. Farzan, a once humble Persian scientist working in the glorious Great Library of Civantonia, now had been caught seeking to exit Fanatikos with years of research data in hand.
Just as the Persian government had told him to in the intercepted letter.

Farzan was immediately arrested, along with his associates. Most importantly, the data that Farzan had spent months compiling were now in Fanatikos hands, and it was with this last item that Emperor Xerxes was most unpleased. Soon, the dispute between the two nations exploded into a war of words. In what many people have described as a “fit of rage”, Xerxes gave to the Fanatikos Government the message that their “Action to hold Farzan’s confidential research data goes against moral principles”.

Farzan was captured, and as such Persia had lost their greatest scientist. Their reputation diminished and hopes for a scientific revival gone, Xerxes sent the second most important letter of his life to that point.
The first one led to a fiasco. The second one led to a war.

Verità Chronicle #5
By Gerikes and Strider

*Note... Chronicle #5 has not been released inside of the FEN as of yet. Chronicle #5 and most likely Chronicle #6 also will be out in the next issue.


Ampelos looked at the red substance in his glass with a sigh. He had hoped, after this long journey, to get just pure fresh water. Sighing again, he set the goblet down on the desk and looked around the small bedroom he was given. Spacious and simple, every piece of furniture spoke of Rome. Tomorrow, Ampelos shall meet with the Roman emperor as his nations representative. With some luck, he could strike a deal that would be beneficial to those back home.

Ampelos turned back to the desk, his mind set on trying the strange drink. He covered the distance quickly, and snatching up the goblet, drunk it all in one large gulp. He was surprised by the taste, it being very rich and sweet. Pulling a small chain by the door, he ordered a servant to bring him more, which was quickly done. Ampelos spent man minutes slowly drinking the wines, for he had discovered that they came in different colors and types. His fascination quickly turned to interest, and calling a servant he asked
"Where does this drink come form? How do you make it?"

The servant stood silent for several seconds, seemingly shocked. Then regaining his wits, he answered "But sir, they come from your own people! We trade our incense for this delicacy!"

Ampelos, shocked, took several seconds to regain his composure. Then, smiling slightly, he answered "Why yes, it is a delicacy, isn't it?"

I updated the first post of this thread.

Also, starting with Chronicle #7 I will start to send the Newspaper to those on the "Notify" list (which will be changed to subscriber). The FEN will continue to host the chronicles when it comes out.

By subscribing you will most likely get the Chronicle a day before the FEN is released. However, there's no promises on this. You might get it acouple of hours AFTER the FEN is released. All I can say is live with it. As a bonus though, you will get alittle extra content. Nothing major or heart stopping, but it will be interesting.

As always, each Chronicle will be posted inside of this thread (and linked to the top) about 3-4 days after the FEN is released. Last but not least, Chronicle #6 has been sent and will most likely appear inside of the next issue of the FEN.

i would like to subscribe

I apologize for not reading this sooner. The Chronicles are incredible. I would love to subscribe.

You've both been added.