The upcoming Friday. The 24th.

Ooh, Iggy, you've almost reached the hallowed 8,000 mark.

And to think, we joined in the same month. :crazyeye:

Orders will be sent tonight, I hope. *looks pointedly at Imago and Cleric who have NOT sent me a copy of their orders*

Ooh, Iggy, you've almost reached the hallowed 8,000 mark.

And to think, we joined in the same month. :crazyeye:

Orders will be sent tonight, I hope. *looks pointedly at Imago and Cleric who have NOT sent me a copy of their orders*

He's a spammer. I've been around since 2003 and I don't even have 7,000 yet. (I'm approaching it, though.)

I protest. I just participate in way more NESes.

I made a conscious effort to stop total spam posts after 3000.

Looking forward to the orders Thlayli!

I protest. I just participate in way more NESes.

I made a conscious effort to stop total spam posts after 3000.

Looking forward to the orders Thlayli!

I'll get right on that.

Everyone knows that sleep is overrated. :p







:(

I protest. I just participate in way more NESes.

I made a conscious effort to stop total spam posts after 3000.

Looking forward to the orders Thlayli!

I was just kidding. I guess I forgot the obligatory smiley...

Huh, kind of reminds me of the battle between Rome and Carthage in the Third Transpoenic War. At least I have something to work off of.
You know, that should have gone a lot better. At least I never lost my homeland permanently until I died.

*looks pointedly at Imago and Cleric who have NOT sent me a copy of their orders*

Dont look at me, I didnt betray you or anything. Although I was tempted to... (I attribute it to my disease CBD - Chronic Backstabbing Disorder)

My orders are almost done, just touching up Domestic. They will be sent ASAP, but i'm on a plane now and once i land i might not have internet for a while. But i'll try

Iggy so we can expect the update this weekend? Ze line is dead no? No matter.

Here is some usual maddnes from me.

End of Exile

A dagger in the dark is worth a thousand swords at dawn.

-Thought for the day

A new beginning:

Corax lead his men out from the great city of Horus, the new religious bastion of Exilsium. He was assigned by the Inquistion to hunt down the rebellious faction of heretics in the mountains, who worshipped the mysterious Life Force, probably a god of Chaos. Even more so, they advocated peaceful living. It was well known there can be no peace as long as the enemies of the Emperor draw breath. Whatever the reason, the unclean were to be purged.

The Raven Guard set path into the mountains, Corax the Chapter Master being reluctant to sail on the sea or use the roads. He held a manic distrust for roads, claiming they were deathtraps and an invitation to get ambushed. He didnt like the idea of sea travel either, but that was a general feel of the whole Exilsium. Exilisiums had many names for the sea like the Sea of Madness, the Immaterium, the Warp and the Realm of Chaos. Yes in the minds of the exilsiums sea was far from being a safe place to travel, but it was necessary for existence.

For three days and three nights the Marines marched through the mountains towards the vile enemy. Scouts brought information that the heretics built an encampment and some meager defenses. The Raven Guard were on top of the enemy and could charge right in, but they specialized in infiltration and lightning attacks. Corax decided they would strike at night, because of the obvious advantage and the troops were tired from the march.

Nightfall came and so did the attack of the Marines. They sneaked up on the unsuspecting heretics and launched their awesome assault. Corax then roared his orders. "Lo, though the time is dark, our faith shines. Our faith is what makes us strong. Let all sinners fear the Emperor's wrath! Now go! Cleanse! Purge! KILL!"

And so a great slaughter began, Valin fought Valin. The marines stroke swiftly and thus the heretics were taken by complete suprise. Blood, guts, brains, limbs started to fly in the air as the battle started. The undiscplined peasents were no match for the Raven Guard Marines. From the darkness they striked, fast and lethal, and by the time their foes could react... darkness there and nothing more.

Sunrise. The enemy camp was almost completely destroyed. Few peasent were still alive scattered across the camp, making annoying groans of pain and suffering. Brother-Captain Mareus yelled with anger "A moment of laxity spawns a lifetime of heresy. So in the name of the Emperor FINISH THIS!" Quickly all over the camp, cries were silenced most violently.

Corax was pleased with the extermination of the pagans. However the scouts then brought him new of a small detachemnt of peasents hiding in a cave near to the now burned camp. The Marines attempted to enter but every time they tried a barrage of arrows came out of nowhere and killed them all. Corax thought long and hard, he could charge the cave with overwhelming force but that would produce many casulties and would be a waste of life. Then the Emperor bestowed upon him an idea...a very bright idea.

"Brother Mareus, do we have that special shipment from the Adeptus Mechanicus with us?"

"We do, Master Corax."

"Excellent, call the Chaplain! Bring forth the Holy Hand Grenade of Pax!"

"Here it is sir."

"Chaplain, what are the instructions from the Ecclesiarchy and the Adeptus Mechanicus on how to use this device?"

"From the most holy Book of Armaments (Chapter 2, verses 9-21) :
...And Saint Thryn raised the hand grenade up on high, saying, "O Emperor, bless this, Thy hand grenade, that with it, Thou mayest blow Thine enemies to tiny bits... in Thy mercy. And the Emperor did grin, and the people did feast upon the lambs and tropical fruit and...

"Can you skip ahead a bit Brother Chaplain?"

"Errm, yes of course.....And the Emperor spoke, saying, "First shalt thou lit the Holy Fuse. Then, shalt thou count to three. No more, no less. Three shall be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, neither count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out. Once the number three, being the third number, be reached, then lobbest thou thy Holy Hand Grenade of Pax towards thy foe, who, being not in My sight, shall snuff it. "

"All right then. *Corax lites the fuse* ONE, TWO, FIVE!"

"Three sir!"

"THREE!"

Corax then hurled the Holy Grenade into the dark cave. It soared through the air and upon contact with the ground it was like a choir of angels sung the most beautiful song in that split second. Then all hell broke loose, a inferno of sticky fire erupted and within seconds, the burning heretics ran out of the cave and started to die in the most gruesome ways. It would soon become one of the most feared weapons of the Inquisition.

"In the darkness a blind man is the best guide. In an age of madness look to the madman to show the way."

-Thought for the day

OOC: Emperor or The Immortal God Emperor of Mankind is actually the same as the One. Except it doesnt sound so lame.

:lol:

Funny stuff Cleric.

Yeah, update's this weekend.

Oh joy! :D

Oh, and you still haven't added the titles, Iggy. Yeah, I pester. I have no shame. :p To prove it once again, I ask that you make me the Update Titles Scribe! Henceforth, all LINES2 update titles will be brought to you by Silvery Steaks Inc!

Sorry, I've just been very busy SS.

I'm starting preliminary work on the update now.

I just sent orders :)

Merci Beaucoup alex.

COUP???? *runs around screaming* ;)

Merci (French for Thank-You) Beaucoup (Very Much).

I was kidding :p

*sigh*

Deadline yet?

What do you mean by that?

I basically accept orders until the updated area is done.

And I've done pitifully little so far.

Hey, just noticed I've passed 3000 posts! To quote Cleric as he did the same; "I have no life." :p

Not true...I have a life now, but it's filled with people, alcohol and cheap thrills. A sad way to live I know. Anyway update on weekend eh Iggy? How is the weather up there on your THRONE OF LIES!

The weather at my computer chair (or if you wish, the Throne of Lies) is absolutely frigid. It was -38 C at my house yesterday.

Then we had a power outage... fortunately I was out of the house at a speed skating competition most of the day.

I'm working on the update now.

The weather at my computer chair (or if you wish, the Throne of Lies) is absolutely frigid. It was -38 C at my house yesterday.

Then we had a power outage... fortunately I was out of the house at a speed skating competition most of the day.

I'm working on the update now.
Wimp. You're not allowed to complain until you're within a millionth of a degree of absolute zero. :p

Wimp. You're not allowed to complain until you're within a millionth of a degree of absolute zero. :p

So speaks the Massachusettsian (I assume, from your "location"), who, since he lives on the East Coast, has obviously never experienced a real winter. :p

Decloak: Just to give you northerners a thought, overnight low here is 47°F. Nine day average high from here forward is about 58°F (getting up to around 70). ;)

Oh, yeah: bleed, Veritas, bleed! *insert cheering for the, err...alliance... here*

So speaks the Massachusettsian (I assume, from your "location"), who, since he lives on the East Coast, has obviously never experienced a real winter. :p
Hah! Midwest winters are nothing compared to Northeast winters! Do you have nor'easters? Didn't think so! And I bet you didn't have a blizzard on Patriot's Day (the third monday in April, for you silly people who don't live in Massachusetts or Maine)!

:p

Of course, we're not going to have any snow this winter. Stupid global warming...

Hah! Midwest winters are nothing compared to Northeast winters! Do you have nor'easters? Didn't think so! And I bet you didn't have a blizzard on Patriot's Day (the third monday in April, for you silly people who don't live in Massachusetts or Maine)!

No, but we did have a snowstorm in May, if I recall correctly. And again in early October. The snow usually covers the ground from... right about now to nearly June. And you probably don't have snow drifts anything resembling ours, so nyah!

:D

I'm really sorry guys, but I won't be able to finish the update this weekend.

However, I can give a 100% Guarantee that it will be here within 7 days. You can hold me to it.

However, I can give a 100% Guarantee that it will be here within 7 days. You can hold me to it.

I dispute this assertion on the basis that you lack prescient knowledge of the future. Just to be a pain in the ass ;)

Anyway, one day I will continue my philosophical ramblings for your (read: my) enjoyment. Maybe when my academy gets completed :mischief: :D

98-99% then. Barring horrible injury or a death in the immediate family, there will be an update. It's already 1/3 to 1/2 done.

suddenly feeling a bit nervous...I should have been more sophiosticated, what I've done equates to a BIG hammers, and a nut.

Eh, whatever works. I actually sent the first 1 PM orders in a LONG time, probably since before the Great War, so I think that's a good sign. ;)

mhmmm....*attempts to avoid looking like an idiot* ;)

IC: Any assaults or infringements of Guangfei's soverignity will result in war. As of now, the Empire of the Han Dynasty of Guangfei is still neutral in all affairs.

IC: Any assaults or infringements of Guangfei's soverignity will result in war. As of now, the Empire of the Han Dynasty of Guangfei is still neutral in all affairs.

The Han Dynasty. Seriously, LAME

The Han Dynasty. Seriously, LAME

OOC: It's better to follow lame historical names then make up weird lame names like "Wilipo" :p

OOC: It's better to follow lame historical names then make up weird lame names like "Wilipo" :p

Yes, because China really existed in the NES. :rolleyes: Though I'm sure you're not actually trying to make a carbon clone of China. Of course not.

"Wilipo" always reminds me of "Wilusa" which is an awesome historical name.

Not much has been heard around Skilvso parts from Khemri-Land officials. Does the King still rule in health? We've heard disturbing rumors that the bloodline is running perilously thin.

"Wilipo" always reminds me of "Wilusa" which is an awesome historical name.
Ilium FTW!

Even I want the update now, Iggy.

EDIT: Oh, by the way, just like Cleric and SS, I have no life.

The update will be done by Sunday.

The update will be done by Sunday.

Yay!

Reading LINES is a bit like eating pie, only with less fruit filling and more death.

Yay!

Reading LINES is a bit like eating pie, only with less fruit filling and more death.
Thlayli, send orders!

Go do stats thlayli.

Iggy, if you have time, please update the world history section too. If you have time, please and thank you. And I'm working on that story. His name is Na-Shiming ;)

Gah, you angry people!

Jalapeno, I'll send orders now. Alex, stats will be done Friday.

Ah- nevermind.

Beginning resuming the update... I'll put progress in my sig when I hit 50%.

Oh, Iggy. If you feel you don't have enough to do, make sure you take a look at those titles I made. ;)

I added a few of them, and now-I'm-updating.

Don't worry, I've kept sure I know where your proposed titles are.

I added a few of them, and now-I'm-updating.

Don't worry, I've kept sure I know where your proposed titles are.

:scan: I copy that. I hope you got my orders - I posted them directly on the thread. If not, I'll send them again. Or maybe just post them on the thread. :p

They're supposed to be PMed...

They're about two lines long. Observe:

Spend half of eco on spreading Mantea.
Spend half eco on galleys and begin mapping.

I finished your section in 20 seconds. I might as well tell you now: Everything was done, the archipelago is mapped, and there are heathen barbarians to your south that you're converting.

Great! Will Yathai appear on the map now? :hopeful:

Great! Will Yathai appear on the map now? :hopeful:

Maybe you should get PM'ed the map, since only you know where you are until the Citadel discovers you. :p

He'll just be floating in the darkness like Guangfei, Trinlin, and Tsaya before him.

Hey Iggy, with many nations entering the Imperial Age, the 1000 soldiers per eco point limit that existed at the beginning of the NES seems a bit low. Perhaps it should be doubled?

The numbers are increasing in the growth of levy armies. People are starting to have medieval-style small professional armies backed by vast hordes of temporary soldiers.

Update approaching 50%... things are going well so far.

The numbers are increasing in the growth of levy armies. People are starting to have medieval-style small professional armies backed by vast hordes of temporary soldiers.

Update approaching 50%... things are going well so far.

Fair enough. Any hints about the update? :groucho:

Haven't done Veritas yet.

@~Darkening~- Veritas has the Phoenix, Khemri has the setting sun... does the Union of Ardan have a symbol?

Just curious, but do you know the outcome of the significant conflicts early or late in the updating progress? I guess this varies, really. Oh. Did I just answer my own question?

Yes, you did. Usually I see as I go, sometimes it's extremely obvious who will win from the get-go. And sometimes, I get totally surprised. There's already been two really unexpected things so far this update. Well, one REALLY unexpected thing, one sorta unexpected.

Interesting... Is this where we start a betting round on who guesses the unexpected? ;)

As long as the discussion doesn't get spammy. It'd be a pity if I couldn't post this update, as I'm already done everything north of Khemri.

I'm done everything except the War of the White Rose now!

...which involves, regrettably, every major nation south of Khemri.

horay not being in the south?

iggy am i... alive in the update?

*sigh* I suppose this is the ultimate test of sending simple orders and trusting the promises of others...

I'm done everything except the War of the White Rose now!

...which involves, regrettably, every major nation south of Khemri.

Wha what??? Who was the bastard nation that attacked the Mighty Dragon? ;) Good thing I spent all that money on evil stuff :evil:

And Guangfei has the Dragon, Just saying. :)

EDIT: Probably Khemri who did the heinous task, I believe Kal is getting a penchant for attacking me... And the least prepared relatively speaking... If it's the Bladeists... well, shouldn't be much of a problem. :D Or if it's evil barbarian hordes WHO KNOWS!!!

Guangfei? A major nation? Ridiculous!

Of course, it's obviously Aryie. Aryie is the one who secretly sends spies out to all of the other nations and infiltrates the capital, than swiftly decapitates all the rulers of the kingdoms in a perfectly synchronized event - 3:00 A.M. is the time, and heads will roll.

Or, not. I'm glad I'm not involved in any conflicts. I hope.

I smell the potential for trickery, seeing as how Khemri is divided into three geographically estranged parts.


Skilvso banner, including iron age experimentation with recursion:

Well, the only real thing heavily symvolized in Ardan/Davar/Arcadia is the Crescent Moon (Not sure why, but I've always had it involved in a flag I've pcitured. Mostly a black background, with a white crescent in the middle and now a few stars around it to represent the provinces would be the most recent idea.) So something along the lines of "The Crescent Ascendent" would be a pretty good title for me ;].

Hmmm....did you betray me Ken? I have a gut feeling that says you did ;]- through I wouldn't blame you if you did. A smart move, getting rid of the hippie ;]. Oh well, theres hoping for the best for my devious scheming.

Btw, its pronounced "Are-den", not "Are-dan". Just wanting to say that- not sure of the reason anyways.

i didn't betray anyone or attack anyone... i sat in my country and built up... cause i was to over stretched

@Ken:
i didn't betray anyone or attack anyone... i sat in my country and built up... cause i was to over stretched

Honestly? I thought for sure that you would attack me this turn. Nothing I could really do about it anyway. My too-small forces are already overstretched. I'd be surprised if I manage either one of my two goals because of the numbers I sent for them.

#Iggy: You'll probably figure out where I'm going wiht this, but I'll still ask:

1.) Whats the rough size of the Exilian sea (the sea between Davar and Arcadia. Named it that since Norvalin, Arcadia, and Adar all fled there.) Is it roughly the size of the Black, Caspian, or Red sea?

2.) Do ships crossing it skirt along the coasts (and then acropss the Strait), or are they capable of crossing the entire sea/ocean at one time?

3.) How well has the Citadel, Davian, Valin, etc ships mapped the region? (is there any chance of them missing something?)

Well, The Exodian Ocean applies to everything west of the Old World, so that would mean everything except the Kehexou Sea and the large gulf in between Myocaca and New Veritas.

I really hope you didn't betray me, Dark. Judging by your questions though, I don't think that's likely.

From what I know about the sea, it's fairly shallow, so at this point Citadel, Valin, and Ardan ships can cross it pretty easily.

I know the Citadel hasn't missed anything....

The scale of this map is IDENTICAL to the normal NES map. Ships crossing the Exodian (not Exilian) generally skirt the coast for safety and easy supplies. Also, the route is something of a great circle, so the ships go slightly straighter than the map would suggest.

The northern Exodian is VERY well mapped.

70% complete!!! :D Can we expect it in the next 12 hours?

Where's the equator? The map seems shorter north-south than a regular map; is that because you cropped equal amounts off north and south or is there a greater amount of unexplored territory in one direction over the other?

There should be far more territory to the south; Fairhelt and Orum are basically at the northern edge of where humans can establish lasting civilization, but Gerougia has not been mentioned to be particularly cold.

Why would I tell you where the equator is?:p

I'm hoping to finish it tonight.

Why would I tell you where the equator is?:p

I'm hoping to finish it tonight.
Actually, it's fairly easy to find the equator using astronomy. The ancient Greeks or Egyptians or whoever did that. So the Citadel should certainly know...

Actually, it's fairly easy to find the equator using astronomy. The ancient Greeks or Egyptians or whoever did that. So the Citadel should certainly know...

Perhaps... The solstices were known in ancient Greece and Egypt, and by measuring the shadow cast by two identical columns on midday one of these days, one could(?) calculate the length of the longitudes. Or, they could simply go south until the column did not cast any shadow at all. I think it was something like that anyway.

Actually, it's fairly easy to find the equator using astronomy. The ancient Greeks or Egyptians or whoever did that. So the Citadel should certainly know...

This planet has no axial tilt. Its seasons are due to an elliptical orbit.

This planet has no axial tilt. Its seasons are due to an elliptical orbit.
Oh, you would think of that... so every day everywhere is 12 hours long?

Axial tilt changes over time, and given that the Chinese measured it OTL in 1000 BC, we should be able to detect that. So why does this planet have a non-variable axial tilt?

Oh, you would think of that... so every day everywhere is 12 hours long?

Axial tilt changes over time, and given that the Chinese measured it OTL in 1000 BC, we should be able to detect that. So why does this planet have a non-variable axial tilt?

Besides, it is astrophysically improbable. For a planet to have no axial tilt, the sum of all impacts made by asteroids must have annuled eachother. I bet there are a lot of other factors affecting it as well, but even this one is a bit hard to believe.

EDIT: And the slight oscillation in the axial tilt is called "obliquity of the ecliptic".

Besides, it is astrophysically improbable. For a planet to have no axial tilt, the sum of all impacts made by asteroids must have annuled eachother. I bet there are a lot of other factors affecting it as well, but even this one is a bit hard to believe.
Of course, the penguins could just be using their advanced technology to thwart us... :p

Of course, the penguins could just be using their advanced technology to thwart us... :p

What we really want to know is how to calculate the dimensions of the planet without the help of axial tilt. There are other stars, I hope?

What we really want to know is how to calculate the dimensions of the planet without the help of axial tilt. There are other stars, I hope?
Well, we could just circumnavigate it and measure... :p

Go ahead and do that! I don't have ships to spare. The expedition is bound to fail due to discontented penguins tired of the humans' curiosity and persistence.

Oh, you would think of that... so every day everywhere is 12 hours long?Yep.

And there is probably a slight offset in the planet's axis, but it's not enough to cause a change of more than a few degrees (in temperature, not angle :p)

Decloak: That does of course mean the world has no seasons at all, too. Measuring circumference is actually pretty easy. All you need to do is send somebody to the equator and have them realize it is the equator. Doing that's the hard part. :) Earth had Egypt, which made it simple.

Decloak: That does of course mean the world has no seasons at all, too. Measuring circumference is actually pretty easy. All you need to do is send somebody to the equator and have them realize it is the equator. Doing that's the hard part. :) Earth had Egypt, which made it simple.

And the measurements made by ancient Egyps were even better than those made by the French in the 18th century. ;) Anyway, this means one Citadeler sitting somewhere on Terrania only has to pop his head out at noon and see if there are any shadows cast by the walls of the house. If not, he's on the equator. Since there are no axial tilt to force him to measure on solar equinoxes, because all days are equinoxes.

By the fact above Iggy, I would consider that the Citadel already knows the location of the Equator, or at least down to the few odd degrees you mentioned. Now reveal it to us... :evil:

Decloak: That does of course mean the world has no seasons at all, too. Measuring circumference is actually pretty easy. All you need to do is send somebody to the equator and have them realize it is the equator. Doing that's the hard part. :) Earth had Egypt, which made it simple.

He mentioned that problem with seasons. Apparently, the solution is to have the planet in an elliptical orbit. Unfortunately, for planets close enough to a star to have approximately the same temperatures as Earth, an elliptical orbit is highly unstable and would degenerate within a matter of millions of years (far too short a time for life to have developed to a multicellular level, if at all).

Apparently, the solution is to have the planet in an elliptical orbit.
Decloak: All orbits are elliptical. It's just a measure of eccentricity. Mars is rather eccentric compared to Earth (0.093 vs. 0.016) and experiences great variances depending on its orbital position, so I suppose if you did something like that with a low axial-tilt planet closer in it'd work. Of course, with (virtually) no tilt it'd be summer (perihelion) and winter (aphelion) for the whole planet, but I guess that's better than no seasons at all. Could get pretty nasty though.

Decloak: All orbits are elliptical. It's just a measure of eccentricity. Mars is rather eccentric compared to Earth (0.093 vs. 0.016) and experiences great variances depending on its orbital position, so I suppose if you did something like that with a low axial-tilt planet closer in it'd work. Of course, with (virtually) no tilt it'd be summer (perihelion) and winter (aphelion) for the whole planet, but I guess that's better than no seasons at all. Could get pretty nasty though.

The point I was making was that an elliptical orbit eccentric enough to cause season-like variation would be too unstable for an inner planet to maintain.

Okay, I'll draw in roughly where the equator is on the map during this update.

And did I ever say that the seasons were particularly varied? There's not much difference between summer and winter, except in the areas where the variations raise and lower the temperature around 0 C.

I don't care if there is an equator, or if the revolution of this planet is highly elliptical or not, can we worry about scientific facts later? Lets let Iggy concentrate on updating

Yeah, I'm nearing completion now. We can resume this conversation once the update's posted.

BTW, something crazy: Sheep, stalin006 and I all have the same postcount right now. 8204 (http://forums.civfanatics.com/memberlist.php?do=getall&page=2&pp=30&order=desc&sort=posts)

The point I was making was that an elliptical orbit eccentric enough to cause season-like variation would be too unstable for an inner planet to maintain.
Decloak: Not true; again, see the example of Mars (http://nova.stanford.edu/projects/mod/high/highlight03.html). If you were to take Mars and reduce it's orbital period to that of Earth's, keeping its eccentricity, it would not randomly become unstable, and would exhibit similarly extreme variances in temperature as it already does. Gravity does not function differently the closer you get to a star unless you are so close that tidal forces come into play. All the planets are basically in free fall in the Sun's gravity well; position has no bearing. Were the planets not there, you could replicate Pluto's orbit farther in and it would be perfect stable, for instance.

Based on what Iggy just said, the eccentricity of this world is closer to Earth's, so it's a moot point anyway. Just a more bland world. ;)

[EDIT] Crosspost... done anyway though.

Good- everyone can begin screaming at me soon enough. I was just asking 'cause I need a new capital if this works.......

I need no equator! Guangfei is the center of the world! It's obvious! :lol: The other "Great Powers" are nothing more then religious barbaric fanatics in the form of the Bladeists, Xenophobic Greek Wannabees in the form of the Valins and etc :p

Of course, I am looking forward to the update.

Bladeists, Xenophobic Greek Wannabees

I resent that! I'm more of a german-greek-turkish mix! And least its better than being a blatant rip off of China!

Good- everyone can begin screaming at me soon enough. I was just asking 'cause I need a new capital if this works.......

Huh? What do you mean by that?

Huh? What do you mean by that?

Stop! Go update! We'll bore you to death after!

Its not funny- I'm really wondering whether or not I collapsed this turn- and here Iggy is teasing me with the hope that he just posted it!

I resent that! I'm more of a german-greek-turkish mix! And least its better than being a blatant rip off of China!

You're not Valin :p And I'm hardly a blatant rip off of China, I mean, do you see us going around saying how much greater we are than everyone else? Isolating ourselves? Crushing all dissenting religions?

Eh- the Exodian (by your own words) would be the ocean next to Khermi and Gorin (and Croyodon)- "the western ocean".

Oh, forgot to send Ordes in.
#$%#%
Rember Iggy, Emoriaans thing New Vertis Is corrupt and Stuc up, Perverting the way of the one to their whims, and have abandoned all the intent of the ones Teachings. so no rebelion by them.

Oh, forgot to send Ordes in.
#$%#%
Rember Iggy, Emoriaans thing New Vertis Is corrupt and Stuc up, Perverting the way of the one to their whims, and have abandoned all the intent of the ones Teachings. so no rebelion by them.

Don't get me started on the traitorous, heretical, morally prostituted cesspool that is the entire Emorian race.

Speaking entirely IC of course. :mischief:

Iggy you're so evil its not funny........

I am NOT evil to the point of not being funny!

Why, I'm quite funny- evil funny.

I'm working until 4- frickin- AM!

I'm going to have sleep now... the update is approaching 90% completion but I can't stay up much longer.

Hopefully you slept well. Any news yet, Iggy?

I'm back updating. 5 and a half hours of sleep are fine, I'll just get up later on Monday.

I'm back updating. 5 and a half hours of sleep are fine, I'll just get up later on Monday.
Will we see it in the next 6 hours?

6 hours from now- definitely. Perhaps even sooner.

Yippeee!!!!!

That's great! I guess I'll check it in the morning, then.

I'm nearly finished the update, but I have to go for a minute.

I'll be back to post the update in a little over 2 hours. Guaranteed.

2 hours? :(

Guess I'll read it in the morning...

:( (10 char)

iggy... dude 2 hours :( thats gone already

*starts shaking* LINES WITHDRAWL!!! AHHH!!!1

Damnit, iggy you've been posting the update for lik 15 minutes now, i have to go to bed! DO IT !

Update 24- Years 1590-1631: Ascendent Crescent

In the chaotic lands of former Ida’an’i’i, pirates and warlords continue to reign. The anarchy is beginning to coalesce more into a many-factioned war as of late.

Raids against the Syracians for hard-to-get supplies are causing troubles for Jara’s young kingdom. The most serious is the establishment of a pirate nation at the tip of the Aithean peninsula.
(-1000 Syracian Spearmen)

The Yathai continue to expand throughout their archipelago. Several naval expeditions have mapped the nearby area, locating several heathen tribes on islands to the south. Conversions are already beginning, though if they will be successful remains to be seen.

The people of Kelios are rebuilding from their war. They have managed to keep the peace, and save a few changes are letting the people of Tsaya continue much of their old lifestyle.

For the first time, Kelios is beginning significant colonization of the land north of the mountains. The city of Lamniasir has been established near the source of a river flowing to the north.

A cenotaph honouring the deceased citizens of Aldisir is being built in the ruins of the city. A recovery is beginning, but it will take some time.

Sanx peacefully expands into the north along with its eastern neighbours.

Chancotol has come under new government and established an official capital at Sobol, a trading center at the mouth of the Chancotol River.
(+Sobol economic Center)

Tir Tairngire has come into a time of troubles. Many people still held lingering anger against the Connall line of Chiefs, primarily for their harsh religious policies. This added to the nation falling behind its neighbours in terms of technology and societal development created a dangerous situation. A Chief named Kenna emerged in the south and began gathering followers. The government didn’t act on it, until a declaration of independence came from the area of Port Connall (renamed Tiria). As per tradition, Kenna traveled to Murias to fight Connall III in duel. The Chief of Tir Tairngire could hardly refuse a request such as this without a great loss of standing. So he accepted, and was slain. Furious, the supporters of Connall attacked Kenna, who fled. Kenna gathered his forces, who were quickly attacked. They pulled off a surprising victory outside of their new capital, scattering much of the Connallite Army. Given this brief chance, Kenna advanced on the cities of Shae da Dale and Murias. Connall IV (the nephew of the late Chief) managed to regather his forces and set up defensive lines before both cities.

But by this point, anti-Connall unrest was beginning to break out all over the nation. Tir Tairngire is now in a difficult situation. It is vulnerable to outside attack, and the war seems to be very closely-balanced, so the war may drag on. Kenna and the people (who largely support him), however, have time on their side.
(-2000 Swordsmen)

Adar has retreated its forces from The Citadel’s Azulian city, causing a sigh of relief from New Eldists everywhere. Soon to be taken back, as Adar then turned on Zemora and attacked. The Zemorans had no warning at all, and quickly lost many inactive troops.

The Zemorans didn’t get their act together until nearly one third of the country was under Adar’s control. Levies were called up (though not many, due to the pacifist nature of Zemora), and defenses were set up around the capital. In the north, defensive armies roamed and struck at the invaders wherever they could.

Zemoran raiders have been attacking the Malkavian coast, but no trade goes through, so little economic damage occurred. However, repeated attacks on the city of Adar have been problematic, and quite worrying for some residents.

At this time, the war is stagnant. Adar maintains firm control of its conquests (by, incredibly, treating the occupied people chivalrously), but Zemora shows no signs of collapse anywhere in the near future.
(-1000 Justiciars, -1000 Justiciar Spears, -3500 Zemoran Spearmen)

In the Union of Ardan, several great movements are afoot. First is the strengthening power of General Jarn Atrex. The power of the Bishop Jeal is reduced to little more than religious authority over Pirian Oneism.

Secondly is the long-awaited reconciliation of Oneism. Saint Pire was recognized by the Valin Republics of Veritas as a legitimate disciple of the One, and his Church as legitimate as well. Exilsium’s slightly modified views on Oneism were also legitimized.
(+Exilsium Religious Center)

Thirdly is the enactment of two major military actions.

Simultaneously, Styatior Atrex and Diatior Tare landed in the cities or Orum and Soran. At first it appeared to just be a routine supply stop. This was disproved when Ardanese forces came charging out of the ships. Before Orum could put up its defenses, the two cities, much of the army, and the Royal Family were captured.

Orum’s surrender was demanded, with the threat of the deaths of the Royal Family. The Pacifist New Eldists surrendered, and the New Eldist elements of the Royal Family were exiled to the Citadel. The Gooranists, however, refused, and were slaughtered.

Thus began the real fighting. Ardan’s forces fought Gooranist Orum’s army, and the New Eldists were caught in the crossfire. Those who won’t occupied by Ardan’s forces were slaughtered wholesale by Gooranist extremists for collaborating with the invaders (or more accurately, sharing a religion with collaborators and being natural idealogical enemies).

IT soon became clear, however, that the Gooranists were no match for the forces fielded by the Union of Ardan. Resistance crumbled in the south, though it lives on in the north, which has collapsed into barbarism. A few opportunistic barbarians conquered the Gooranists in the far south of Orum.
(+10 Ardanese Galleys (more were captured, but destroyed when the surviving elements of Orum’s fleet counterattacked), -2000 Spearmen, -1500 Urban Militia, -Orum)

As for the other major military action? Patience… for its time will soon come.

The War between Gamorrea and Ikki has taken a dramatic and highly-unexpected turn. In the heart of Ikki itself, a coalition that had grown sick and tired of the Shogun’s warmongering launched a coup against him. This should have worked fine, but it failed to kill the Shogun. Infuriated, he called back troops from the Gamorrean front to fight the rebels. As fighting raged through the nation, the Gamorreans destroyed the depleted force in Malkavia and began to advance into the Ikki heartland, regions where no enemy had ever set foot.

Ikki’s public began to panic when news of the fall of Dazjyki reached them. They demanded the two fighting factions to call a truce to fight off the invaders. Under the threat of a peasant revolt, a truce was signed and the two sides turned to fight the Gamorreans. Then, in an act reminiscent of the last major war in the northwest, the Shogun turned on the rebels and crushed their army. With perfect timing, the Gamorreans arrived and attacked both sides.

At the Battle of Kioku, The Shogun destroyed the rebels, and was in turn destroyed by the Gamorreans.

With this, the capital of Kioku, site of the ancient monastery of Enryakuji, fell into Gamorrean hands. As a final insult to Ikki, the holy ruins were converted into a Gooranist Shrine.

The rest of Ikki fell to a variety of fates. Much was conquered by Gamorrea, who dispersed every city they found and converted all who they could. Ikki expatriates from the Citadel came to reclaim their own home in the south of the former nation, on behalf of the Citadel. Gorin reclaimed lands which had once belonged to the Lengels and more. And Merhai, a longtime rival of Ikki, annexed the chaotic northern regions.

Ikki is gone- but its influence and people live on in the nations who absorbed its remains.
(-2500 Gamorrean Horse Archers, +1 Bonus Eco for Pillaging, - Ikki)

Merhai has intensified trade with the south. This is greatly aided by the fact that it now controls the sources of the Wardash and Kalmar rivers, and thus has a highway straight to the Khemri Sea. With the ever-increasing north-south exchange the recently named Merhai capital of Kaliai has become a very prosperous city.
(+Kaliai Economic Center)

So far, Gorin is doing a good job of holding its vast empire. It has been pragmatically dealing with the Lengels, raising children away from their parents to kill the culture, enslaving adults, and converting everyone that they can. They have helped to keep the Nkondi in line with gifts of Lengel slaves.

There have been a few Lengel uprisings, but nothing that has been too great to deal with.
(-1000 Gorinese Spearmen, -1000 Gorinese Cavalry)

Expeditions into the Kaosian Ocean have borne no fruit as of yet.

The Citadel has given Iron to all peaceful nations, as a show of its goodwill and to further its nefarious goals of the peaceful advancement of humanity.

It has also begun a new burst of colonization and exploration. From Iceport in the north and Southport in the (duh) south, expeditions of exploration have been sent out to map new lands.

The corrupt and inept rule of Calmidon the Weak has come to the end, heralding the beginning of the Croyodonian civil war. Radtonius, a fervent Nordist, executed the King in retaliation for the execution of the Nordist council. He then set out to form the nation into an Absolutist Theocracy. War broke out when he refused to reform the Council Elect. It defied him, gathered a new Council, and summoned the army. Radtonius retreated to the north and established the Nordist state of Nordica, based in the holy city of Calvaron.

The first moves of the war have been played. Diplomacy is clearly over. The time for battle has come.

The lands of Nurmafer are becoming an economically viable part of Khemri.
(+1 Region)

In the continuing meteoric (yet highly unstable) rise of Veritas, the Order of the White Rose has made Tellium the 4th Republic of Veritas. It quickly made a lightning strike towards the Wardash River, to secure a natural defensive line. The small Khemri force present in the area was quickly destroyed. Khemri’s main army, containing well over 10 thousand professionals raced against the Valins for the city of Delhi. The Valins beat them by only a few hours. They fought for the lightly-defended city, and secured it just as the forces of Khemri arrived.

King Dysonis of Khemri issued a grave threat, that for every Khermi killed by the rebellion, 200 Valins shall perish. This pleased his people, but solidified the resolve of the Valins.
(+Khemri Confidence)

Not wanting to give them a chance to fortify, Khemri’s eastern River Fleet (which had been in Delhi but fled before its fall) aided the massive army in crossing. The Valins fired burning arrows and other incendiaries upon the crossing ships, but it was too little to make a significant difference. First, Elite Royal Guards tried to establish beachheads. But time after time, Valin Rose Knights would fight them off.

But the battle wore on them. After several hours, a firm beachhead was established. Cavalry and Ramids crossed the river. Slowly but inevitably, the Khemri flood overtook the defenders. The city of Delhi was besieged, and the forces of Khemri advanced further into Old Veritas.

Meanwhile, a Kalmar force sent by Khemri to capture the city of Falas ran into a huge Valin and Ardanese navy. Ardan had pledged its loyalties and friendship towards Veritas, and joined its Oneist brothers.

Great things were afoot. A chance to destroy Khemri was here. So many of the pro-Valin members of the Kalmar force defected. Those who had Khemri captains fought and quickly died, and others who insisted on their neutrality were permitted to leave.
(-35 Kalmar Galleys, +25 Veritasian Galleys, -1000 Kalmar Axemen, -1000 Kalmar Archers)

In the Kehx Sea, Khemri was suffering from a plague of piracy. The former White Rose fleet had taken to privateering against. It was a waste of forces to hunt for the elusive raiders, and Khemri’s navy had bigger fish to fry. It traveled south to Redemption to aid the blockaders already there. It suspected that the Oneists would attack. These suspicions would soon be confirmed.
(-Delhi Economic Center)

The entirety of the fleets of Veritas (including the Kalmar who had turned against Khemri), and Ardan attacked. Khemri appeared to be caught out of position, its Bimarines unready and unprotected by Galleys. They were attacked by the Oneists, but were intercepted by the rest of Khemri’s fleet. Then Khemri’s interceptors were struck by more Oneists. The battle broke down into chaos from this point. Khemri was outnumbered 2:1, greater in skill, but less sophisticated in equipment. Veritas made good use of its new Septaremes, (faster and weaker versions of the huge Pentaremes) and had better developed their Valin fire weapons than Khemri (who had reverse-engineered the weapons captured at the First Sea Battle of Redemption).

After a few hours of battle, it became clear that the brief period of Khemri’s naval supremacy was over. Not wanting to be utterly crushed, the Khemri forces retreated from the battle. Defeated, but not destroyed. The years-long blockade of Redemption was broken. But it would seem that the Oneists were too late…
(-40 Jyuphia, -10 Veritasian Septaremes, -5 Veritasian Triremes, -15 Veritasian Galleys, -30 Khemri Galleys, -15 Tridents, -5 Bimarines)

Prior to the battle at sea, things were growing grimmer and grimmer for Redemption. The Swades were now the primary proponents of the siege, the Myocacans content with holding onto the southern White Mountains and Saenium.

As the months and, eventually, years passed by, the people starved more and more. Rebellions broke out in the countryside in Sintonia, but the Swades had left civilians too terrified to revolt. In 1592, the siege weapons of the Swades were all assembled and in place. The mightiest fortress in the world was assaulted. The Valins put up an incredible defense, especially considering that they had lived off of starvation rations, dirt, the dead, and other things I won’t mention for years. But after a series of brutal street battles, all of the city fell save the Stratikrator’s Citadel. In a cruel twist of fate, the Swades allowed the area to remain in Veritasian control to observe what would happen to their city (or maybe they just accepted that they were incapable of capturing it).

It was demanded that all in the city convert to Bladeism. But none would. Bread and water would not sway them. So the Bladeists set out to kill every Oneist in the city. A vast array of brutal tortures were used, and within a few weeks the entire city was martyred, from the oldest men and women to the youngest infants.

It was now that the Khemri navy was defeated outside of the city’s harbour. The Oneist navy arrived and evacuated the few dozen survivors from the Stratikrator’s Citadel. They had no land forces sufficient to defeat the Swades. For now, all that could be done was supply rebellions, which they did vigorously.
(-1000 Swade Longbowmen, -2000 Swordsmen of Divine Enlightenment, -4000 Swordsmen Recruits, -1000 Myocacan Cavalry, -Redemption’s Urban Militia, -1500 Phoenix Archers)

At home, the Swades have undergone dramatic economic growth. A plan to settle Redemption (named ‘Fulfillment’ by the Swades) was abandoned with the loss of Khemri’s naval superiority and a growing reluctance by Qingdao to allow Bladeists through its lands. The Swade public is beginning to grow tired of the regular recruitment, and hope that peace comes sometime soon.

Both Myocaca and the Swades have been preparing for a Valin invasion, which has not yet come.

The occupation of New Veritas is not going easily, especially with the only supplies coming from Sintonia and through tenuous routes in Guangfei. But the Bladeists are holding out well enough.

Everywhere, victories seemed to be coming to the Oneists. Except for in Old Veritas.

Dysonis’ massive army was smashing its way through the rebelling lands. Delhi had fallen after a siege, and many other cities were falling as well. It was clear that the lands wouldn’t hold out for long, especially with the full weight of Khemri’s army falling upon them.

After some skilled maneuvers, Khemri had captured all of the mainland except for the Zibonese highlands and Salvation. At Lux, Xenophon (a leader of the White Roses) made his last stand with much of his army. He was surrounded and, in an epic battle, destroyed. However, he cost Khemri many troops, and won the time to set up defenses at Tellium. This, slight naval superiority, and the arrival of reinforcements from the rest of Veritas allowed the remaining members of the Order to survive, flee or disappear back into obscurity.

For now, the war still hangs in the balance. Both sides still maintain a good chance of victory…

Skilv’so has completed the Avenue of Chimes, and built more infrastructure over the country. It remains largely unaffected by the battles being fought in the east and south.

Aryie remains as remarkably peaceful as it has always been, and has begun the construction of several great monuments dedicated to past Priests of the nation.

Rising prices of stone and metals have rekindled the long-weakened economy of the Guangfei city of Hangshei.
(+Hangshei Economic Center)

The Empire of Guangfei has been quite busy, despite being no longer involved in any wars. It has established the city of Wanbei in the south to help maintain control over its vast southern territories. In the north, the city of Guanzhong has been heavily fortified to protect it from being conquered should Guangfei fight a northern war again. Mass conversions have taken place in Buguan, and Bladeist missionaries trying to enter the nation have been turned back. Throughout the nation, cultural assimilation is taking place everywhere. The economy is solidifying, and growth seems to be just around the corner.

To the south, the Trinlinist nation of Rozan has arisen. Little contact has been made so far, but the people seem to be friendly enough- though not open to conversion.

To the west, Guangfei has set a strongly anti-Bladeist stance. It has aided unconverted tribes to fight the Bladeist converts, and has already taken much of the region. However, the coastal protostates, despite the Guangfei blockade against them, remain unperturbed.
(-500 Guangfei Spearmen)

Warlord Tesman of Magland was facing a conundrum. Khemri’s possessions in Trinlin should have been, in his opinion, Magland’s. Khemri had little use for a distant and rebellious colony, one which the Aegyptian religion did not understand (in his mind) culturally or religiously.

The outbreak of war and rebellion in distant lands and the arrival of a certain Oneist emissary gave Tesman the opportunity he had been hoping for.

With all the honour of the Mag race, he delivered a declaration of war to the local Khemri governor, gave them a day, then attacked.

Even with Tesman’s charity, the miniscule local garrison was no match for thousands of Magland’s best infantry. The were was overrun within weeks. None could escape due to a naval blockade of the port city of Wiviter.

The Khemri settlers in Trinlin are being well-treated, and Tesman claims that if Khemri will be willing to accept the loss of the captured regions the people shall be allowed to return home.
(-500 Mag Swordsmen, +Mag Confidence -Khemri Confidence)

Finally, in the lands south of Sintonia, the Gerougians continue to develop culturally and militarily. They have contacted a strange people over the waters to their east, people worshipping a ‘Blademaster’…

*****

Notes: Wubba, your idea for the reptilian cavalry- sorry, no such things exist in your jungles. It would be overpowered too. I put the money into regular cavalry.

And the equator goes through Emor.

The Map

http://forums.civfanatics.com/uploads/59597/MAP24.png

And here's lonely ol' SS:
http://forums.civfanatics.com/uploads/59597/YATHAI.png

Great Update, but why would the people not carry out the furfillment plan? Its was their holy duty:(

From the Gorinese Empire
to Nordica and Croyodon

The Lord Kaiser warned you that this creation of a new faith would not stand for long and he will not tolerate it. There will be no war, there will only be Croyodon and by Dula's might, if Nordica so much as raises a finger to them the Lord Kaiser will take action in their defense. The Lord Kaiser has made it clear, there will be a Masra king in Croyodon, or there will be neither Nordica or Croyodon. There will only be Gorin.

To UoA, Kalmar, the Veritas Republic, and the UKKK

The Gorinese empire expresses its neutrality again, however if the Oneist forces find their way into the Khemri homeland then the Gorinese Empire will take action.

ooc farrow which of those two are you going to control?

Ken get on AIM so we can talk

Farow controls Croyodon.

Great Update, but why would the people not carry out the furfillment plan? Its was their holy dutyLogistical difficulties.

Lord_Iggy signing off.

*shakes head* Such a grim and dark update indeed, yet strangely excellent :) I assume after the fall of Redemption/Fullfillment Guanzhong is not the most fortified city in the world?

And why are there Trinlinists states but no "Guangfei-ists" states huh? :p

(who had reverse-engineered the weapons captured at the First Sea Battle of Redemption).

*cough* How is this possible? It's not like the fire was manufactured there, they could copy the design of the ship but not the substance.

Bladeists have used a system like it for years. Tell 'em Swiss.

From Croyodon
To Gorin

We are attempting to establish a equally represented power of both Masra and Nordism. The people support this and it will prevent another great civil war in our kingdom. The mad general will be killed. The least we ask from you is that you remain neutral. Masra and Nordism can coexist as it has but when the other tries to enslave one side then we have civil war.

The purpose of the council is that each side Masra and Nordism gets equal representation.
-6 seats are held by Nordist
-6 seats are held by Masra
-Council Elect (the elected ruler by the council)

Our people will never destroy Nordism as it is part of our cultural identity and we will never destroy Masra for the same reason. These two religions make us Croyodonians and they have coexisted just fine before. We respect Gorin as an ally and we have assisted Gorin several times when that great empire was in need. Now we are in need and the least we ask is that you support the council as the authority over the Croyodonian Kingdom.

To: The Citadel
From: Kelios

We have heard word of your great intellectual achievements and would like to invite you and your followers to enter Kelios and assist in the education of the masses. The philosophies of New Eldism can be reconciled with the philosophies of Alse.

to Zemora
From Adar

Their will be a union between our people's, no more will their be divisions between us, we shall become one.
so lay down your arms and we shall treat you as brothers, those who take up the sword against us we shall honour as warriors... but they will die as warriors.
No mercy for those who resist the unity and peace we bring.

From the Gorinese Empire
To Croyodon

The Lord Kaiser's and the Empire's position has been stated. There will be only Croyodon. There will be no Nordica. The Empire is grateful for all the help from Croyodon but we will not tolerate such abominations as Nordica. Croyodon had promised the Lord Kaiser that their king would remain a faithful Masra follower. This has not happened. You have 30 years (or however long a turn is) to get your act together. If there is a Nordica, or if Croyodon has a Nordica leader, then Gorin will act.

The Lord Kaiser will no longer reiterate this. It is final.

ooc sorry bout this mate, but IC is IC eh?

great update, dissapointed my reptilian army couldn't work, but what if the reptiles walked on all fours like a komodo dragon, able to swim, climb, and fight powerfully, but lacking in speed?

Nice update!

From: The Citadel
To: Adar

We condemn your pointless warfare. What will you provide the people of Zemora that they do not have already?

From: The Citadel
To: Union of Ardan

Why did you invade Orum? Why did you bring death to so many? Why did you harm New Eldists, when they have done you no harm? We wish only for peace, yet you persecute us. Is desiring peace such a crime?

From: The Citadel
To: Gerougia, Guarela, Rozan, Deshre

Greetings, people of the south! May we send scholars to your peoples, so that we can grow closer together and benefit from each other?

From: The Citadel
To: Kelios

Agreed. May peace always prosper.

Bladeists have used a system like it for years. Tell 'em Swiss.

For serious Thy, I had Swade Fire the first turn i had ports. I even engineered a sprayer so it could be launched off of Bladeremes.

Gawd, the Oneists always want everything the Bladeists have. They take it and call it their own. Roll over and Die already! Sheesh.

Great update Iggy! Yay~

Woohoo for super peaceful country named Aryie! Yeah! I get Iron this turn because I am peaceful. That's pure skill right there.

Gorin could pwn you all :p

OCC: Kenthrau, I am trying to make an equal state that allows both religions equal representation. You said Masra was tolerant of other faiths so why is this a problem. I also told you our monarch was masra still I did not make any promises that he would remain so. It would be in the best interests of the followers of Masra and the people of Croyodon if the council was to come to power.

Gorin has been a great ally and we allowed your missionaries into our lands freely but we never made any agreements that you are allowed to dictate what government we have. If this was a problem you should have said something after I wrote my story ;).

ooc you should have read the update, Masra in Gorin is changing and i won't have Nordica existing, period. Its Croyodon or nothing

OOC: You should read my stories and the update :p. Nordica is hated by the council. They think the ruler is a mad man just like they thought the Masra monarch was a incompetent buffoon.

I don't care what their leaders or whatever think. Masra will be the dominant faith there, or ill make it the dominant faith. And im sorry if this sounds harsh, im just stating the facts k?

OCC: Masra is still the larger of the two faiths by populations but Nordist want equal representation so I do not have a civil war again.

You need to comprimise or I will have civil war every few generations. It is in the best interests of Masra. Offer me a solution other then having Masra as the absolute power of the state and I will be willing to listen. If are not willing to give me either of those solutions you will have to invade and prop up a Masra ruler which will lead to the death of both Masra and Nordist followers.

The Masra followers want the council as do the Nordist followers. You are forcing something that will make Croyodon an extremely unstable. We are willing to reinstate a monarch that has power but ultimately the council has most of the power. The problem is we need things to stay balanced or one side will destroy the other which leads to civil war.

OOC: Guys, IC discussion!

The Lord Kaiser has spoken. End of discussion
Either croyodon with a Masra majority or no croyodon at all

Kentharu, I sent you a PM which hopefully you will agree to.

Edit: Please offer us a solution then that prevents further civil war and needless violence within our borders. We are willing to listen but discussion and an open mind is the only way to prevent a crisis.

to Zemora
From Adar

Their will be a union between our people's, no more will their be divisions between us, we shall become one.
so lay down your arms and we shall treat you as brothers, those who take up the sword against us we shall honour as warriors... but they will die as warriors.
No mercy for those who resist the unity and peace we bring.Only if we are allowed to continue practicing our religion, and if you end your vendetta agaisnt the well-meaning Citadel.

If we are to join you, it will be a merger of equals, not a conquest.

From: The Citadel
To: Gerougia, Guarela, Rozan, Deshre

Greetings, people of the south! May we send scholars to your peoples, so that we can grow closer together and benefit from each other?
From: Guarela
That would be appreciated.
From: Rozan
You don't have contact with us yet.
From: Destre
Thanks! But how can you get to us?

From: Guarela
That would be appreciated.
From: Rozan
You don't have contact with us yet.
From: Destre
Thanks! But how can you get to us?

I have scholars in Guangfei--so shouldn't I know about/be able to access Rozan and Destre?

Also, answer my PM!

OOC: Guangfei doesn't have contact with Rozan and those other states in LB's direction. PM will be sent shortly iggy ;)

To Magland
From Guangfei

We dearly hope that you will not repeat the mistake of Trinlin, your predecessor state in the geographical area you rule over, in invading Guangfei. We wish for peaceful trading relations and to this end we offer Magland a 200 Years Peace (NAP for 200 years).

OOC: Guangfei doesn't have contact with Rozan and those other states in LB's direction. PM will be sent shortly iggy ;)

To Magland
From Guangfei

We dearly hope that you will not repeat the mistake of Trinlin, your predecessor state in the geographical area you rule over, in invading Guangfei. We wish for peaceful trading relations and to this end we offer Magland a 200 Years Peace (NAP for 200 years).
To the south, the Trinlinist nation of Rozan has arisen. Little contact has been made so far, but the people seem to be friendly enough- though not open to conversion.
This is in your section--sounds like you have some contact. And my point was that I have scholars based there, so they should have spread out throughout the region. They certainly have contact with Magland, so they should have contact with Destre.

OOC: My apologies, thought Rozan was a country in LB's direction. Never said anything about Destre though :p

To Magland
From Guangfei

We dearly hope that you will not repeat the mistake of Trinlin, your predecessor state in the geographical area you rule over, in invading Guangfei. We wish for peaceful trading relations and to this end we offer Magland a 200 Years Peace (NAP for 200 years).
We would not be as foolish as our predecessors (don't worry, we likely know more than you on Trinlin, they occupied us for over a century) to attack the Dragon Throne. We graciously accept your NAP, and hope that the peace lasts far longer than that.

@JD- Well, you may be able to get connections, but they will be very tenuous.

@JD- Well, you may be able to get connections, but they will be very tenuous.

We'll see about that... :mischief:

ANSWER MY PM!!!!

I AM!

Man, it's been pitch black here since 5:00... ah, northern latitudes. :)

OOC: Back towards the end of the last thread, you said the cycles of visitation of the Divotheist gods was 287 years. With this update, more than 287 years have passed since the last time they visited, even assuming they visited just before the Western civilizations discovered the East. Shouldn't this cause a massive crisis of faith among Divotheists? Or did something big happen you're not telling us about?

Interesting that you would say that...well, I'll leave it for later. ;)

Well, I think that I'll write some more stories. That was an excellent update, Iggy. I'm very satisfied.

From: The Valin Republic of Veritas
To: The Swade Ascendency

Clearly, you are animals in human skin. However, if you leave New Veritas now we will permit you to withdraw alive, and will even recognize Sintonia as independent, at the original borders of their rebellion. If you refuse these generous terms, we will have no recourse but to destroy you as we destroyed the Eldranians.

For truly, you are far less noble than they.

OOC: Eldranians, noble? Relatively speaking on a terrible scale maybe. :p And really, this update has been very inspiring for stories :D

Though the Eldranians were insane religious fanatics bent on the destruction of all around them, Veritas did respect them for their conviction, especially in believing in a twisted, corrupted version of what was really the One.

OOC: Eldranians, noble? Relatively speaking on a terrible scale maybe. :p And really, this update has been very inspiring for stories :D
Of course the Eldranians were noble. They stuck to their beliefs to the last. Ironically, the one Eldranian to survive was a coward...and look what he founded. :p

Which brings me to a PoD: what if the captured Eldranian boy (see update 9) had suceeded in killing Strategius? How would the world be different today?

@Thlayli: don't try to get all mysterious on me. If we have a contest of secret knowledge, I'd win. :D

Shouldn't this cause a massive crisis of faith among Divotheists? Or did something big happen you're not telling us about?The last festival of the gods took place in 1448. And only the priests get to make pilgrimages to the peaks of the mountains to greet them. The rest of the people just get to throw the party of their lifetimes and listen to the stories.

The last festival of the gods took place in 1448. And only the priests get to make pilgrimages to the peaks of the mountains to greet them. The rest of the people just get to throw the party of their lifetimes and listen to the stories.
Oh, so they come from inland? I thought they came from across the sea...

They come from the sky, silly heathen! :p

Only time will tell. ;) (about the secret knowledge thing)

Well, for one, Eldrania would still have fallen, but slower and more painfully, inflicting more casualties. The Eldranian people were destroyed, so Veritas couldn't exactly destroy them more...but I suppose they (I) might have taken more time rebuilding from the war's damages, thus delaying/preventing the invasion of Khemri under Sempronius and causing all sorts of stuff to happen.

Like, a cold war between the CRA and Veritas/Davar, with Mogul torn apart by both sides in the middle. And, Veritas would have had armies free to aid Emor during the original Bladeist invasion, probably.

Only time will tell. ;) (about the secret knowledge thing)

Well, for one, Eldrania would still have fallen, but slower and more painfully, inflicting more casualties. The Eldranian people were destroyed, so Veritas couldn't exactly destroy them more...but I suppose they (I) might have taken more time rebuilding from the war's damages, thus delaying/preventing the invasion of Khemri under Sempronius and causing all sorts of stuff to happen.
I'd also assume we would have had time to wipe out the Nkondi...would that have made the Lengel invasion better or worse?

Maybe given Kal a chance to crush the Kehex rebellion then attack Veritas before it could guarantee its survival with the Exarchates (New Veritas, Norvalin, etc)

@JD- It would have made the Lengels even more vulnerable to anti-cavalry.

Maybe given Kal a chance to crush the Kehex rebellion then attack Veritas before it could guarantee its survival with the Exarchates (New Veritas, Norvalin, etc)

@JD- It would have made the Lengels even more vulnerable to anti-cavalry.

Well, I was supplying the Kehex rebellion from pretty early on, so I'm not sure.

See above "cold war" speculations. And Emor wouldn't have become twisted and traitorous.

Or maybe Emor would have even become MORE twisted and traitorus? How are the "Emorans" doing now anyways? :confused:

Only time will tell. ;) (about the secret knowledge thing)

Well, for one, Eldrania would still have fallen, but slower and more painfully, inflicting more casualties. The Eldranian people were destroyed, so Veritas couldn't exactly destroy them more...but I suppose they (I) might have taken more time rebuilding from the war's damages, thus delaying/preventing the invasion of Khemri under Sempronius and causing all sorts of stuff to happen.

Like, a cold war between the CRA and Veritas/Davar, with Mogul torn apart by both sides in the middle. And, Veritas would have had armies free to aid Emor during the original Bladeist invasion, probably.

and Emor wouldn't have betrayed you eather. (which was the main point, you couldn't spare anything to make a diffrence, and you were wageing pointless wars. main reasons we drifted appart)

The Emorians mostly got booted out of Swade Emor, they're almost all in Myocacan Emor and Myocaca.

Ethnically speaking, they're spread thinly through all of Valindom (Emorans who didn't leave with Emrus) and fairly concentrated in the city of Veritas (from settlers during the time of Verta).

Emor is mainly building up and holding together under the Myceen Rule. I am plaing to start some peacfull protest to befomr a simi-independent state soon, but not for atleast another turn (and we would still be a part of them, just simi-independent.) hmm, we still hate the guts of Vertis. but that is more of political hate then hate toward their people. we have simply devloped a strng belif that matters of state are better handled out of the hands of religious leaders, both via our own Examples, and Theirs.

Emor is mainly building up and holding together under the Myceen Rule. I am plaing to start some peacfull protest to befomr a simi-independent state soon, but not for atleast another turn (and we would still be a part of them, just simi-independent.) hmm, we still hate the guts of Vertis. but that is more of political hate then hate toward their people. we have simply devloped a strng belif that matters of state are better handled out of the hands of religious leaders, both via our own Examples, and Theirs.

Or, you could accept your irrelevancy and get on with it. (jk)

I seem to remember offering you troops Terris, and you turned me down... :hmm: I thought we'd reconciled after the Crusade of Vengeance? *shrugs* If you want to be that way, go ahead.

@Iggy: As for Emorians in Old Veritas, shouldn't they have been integrated long, long ago? After all, they were virtually identical to Valins.

OOC: I'm curious iggy, why have ethnic and nationalities continued after a conquest and etc in the "Cradle" while those things are well... becoming non-existant in Guangfei? :confused:

@Iggy: As for Emorians in Old Veritas, shouldn't they have been integrated long, long ago? After all, they were virtually identical to Valins.They're culturally integrated, though not totally physically absorbed into the Valin race. They tend to be stronger-built and more frequently red and blonde haired.

@alex-Because you haven't conquered many culturally different states. You'll note that Qingdao has a particularly strong cultural identity, though it is strongly loyal to you.

Nevermind. I answered my own paranoid rambling.

FROM: Gerougia
TO: Citadel

We thank you for your advisors and applaud your construction of an outpost nearby to further facilitate our relations. However, we respectfully request you cease expanding in our area. We have heard horrible tales from the outside world and would like as little of your interference here as possible.

OOC: If I missed any other diplo, direct me to it.

From the Gorinese Empire
To Merhia and Gamorrea

We offer you a NAP

From: Gamorrea

Accepted.

From: The Citadel
To: Adar

We condemn your pointless warfare. What will you provide the people of Zemora that they do not have already?


Law, order and a path to paradise.
We condemn your continueing meddling throughout this world.


Only if we are allowed to continue practicing our religion, and if you end your vendetta agaisnt the well-meaning Citadel.

If we are to join you, it will be a merger of equals, not a conquest.


How can our peoples become one if you continue to practice a different religion to us? it will create divisions among brothers and will be exploited by others.

From the Gorinese Empire
To Merhia and Gamorrea

We offer you a NAP

From: Republic of the Merhai (Merhai is the shortened form of the name)
To: Gorin

We accept.

OOC: Note that Eldrania probably would have had time to destroy Davar, or at least set them back severely. We also wiped them out on the last turn...

From: Citadel
To: Gerougia

You must be confusing us with others--we do not interfere, but assist everyone equally. In any case, we will not expand further, and we never intended to.

How can our peoples become one if you continue to practice a different religion to us? it will create divisions among brothers and will be exploited by others.Then war, regrettably, must continue.

Zemora calls for aid from any country that wishes to destroy the Xenophobic nation of Adar.

EDIT: Nation Stats are Done

From: The Citadel
To: Zemora

We will send you defensive aid.

Excellent, new tagets for the Inquistion :mwaha:

Hmm, I don't remember making an Inquisition...but if you really want to Cleric, go ahead. Just make sure I approve of any actions you want to make first.

Hmm, I don't remember making an Inquisition...but if you really want to Cleric, go ahead. Just make sure I approve of any actions you want to make first.

Well it is currently based on Exilsium, as per my story. I thought you were going to mangle me for using your story format.

iggy just to point out, I should have an income of 7 eco points not just 6

Thy I haven't had a chance to talk to you yet, but I've worked out terms with Swiss (and hopefully Wubba will follow along....)

I've yet to speak with Kal, mostly because he's a nut and won't ever get on at inconveint times ;].

OOC: Note that Eldrania probably would have had time to destroy Davar, or at least set them back severely. We also wiped them out on the last turn...\

Uuh, re-read that update- I defeated you in the first battle we had, but I lost most of my troops. If you focused soley against me- an unwise idea since your other flankes would have been completly open- you'd had a chance to defeat me, but I doubt that you'd "wipe me out". Also, I'd like to know how you did if you army was anniliated in that first battle, then the next turn "Veritasian, Davian, etc troops finally managed the defeat of Eldrania.".

I'm more curious about what would have happened if you had decided not to attack me that turn? The main reason I ever allied with thlayli was because of you, and had you not attacked, Davar wouldn't have become oneist and a (questionable) valin ally. I also wouldn't have gotten sucked into the Gerber conflicts and the Great War, allowing me time to actually build.

To The Citadel
From the UoA

To the contrary, we have nothing but hope for the Orums. We expected you of all to surely see the benefits of their inclusions with our people. We have (or wil be soon enough) giving them the same independent rights that the other provinces of the Union receive, and at least under us they have the protection they deserve. All we did was prevent their eventual domination by the Goorists under the leadership of their lackey kings. Note that we left them alive, exiling them to your lands. We will tolerate your heathen religion in these lands as long as you do not attempt to make the most of it.

Also note that any Citadelian troops attempting to travel through Ardan (NOT ARDANESE IGGY!) lands will be turned back, and should they attempt to continue they will be dealt with. You have no treaty with us, so we will not allow it.

OOC: Jal I didn't do anything you shouldn't have expected me to do. Just don't provoke any massive pacafist revolts in Orum and I'll leave you alone. Also, don't spread it into my other areas- I need men that can actually fight, not just sit there. Yep, thats the reason I don't want your religion.

Well, a large part of Eldrania falling so quickly was that I had decided to move on to my second nation (at the beginning of the NES, I concieved the idea of a nation going from ultra-violent to pacifist).

And it would have been against Eldranian xenocidal beliefs not to attack you. Probably wiser, yes, but not in-character.

IC:

From: The Citadel of Knowledge
To: Union of Ardan

Exile and persecution are not signs of inclusion. On the contrary, they are signs of exclusion, of unnecessary violence, of bloodthirsty xenophobia. Has your time in the north changed you so much that a once inclusive, if orthodox, people have transformed into a paranoid, xenophobic society? Are you no better than Adar, than Ikki? We were not so foolish as to expect you to continue in peace, but we hoped you would at least be kind and merciful.

To The Citadel
From Ardan

You're quickly becomeing annyoing. Do not act so innocent- the dark details tucked away in the corners of your citadel's libraries are not forgein to us- we know all of your plans- spies are very useful in these ages. Exile and persecution? Did we not leave that family alive? Why fate do you think whould have befell them if some other nation had captured them? Did we slaughter the Eldist population? No- to the contrary we left them alive and as they were! We persecute only those who seek to undermine us, so do not even dare to speak of that.

If uniting our peoples- and extending the protection of our graceful mercy to others- is bloodthirsty, we'd like to know what exactly your plans are. What would have happened to orum if Gammorea had gotten control of it? What would have happened to the Eldist population then? And no, we are no better than ourselves. But as of these "Ikki" you speak of we know little- we do not claim to be as "educated" as you do.

The fact that you exist to this day shows our mercy- many times we wcould have brought you under our thumb, many times easily walked into your underguarded realm and installed ourselves as the lords of your land. But, out of respect for what you claim to be your mission, we leave you be. Do not interfere with our business.

OOC: Jal, you may claim to be peaceful but I know your real purpose. Who can fight any wars if their population is made up of pacafists? I'm not allowing your faith to spread- consider this just desserts for your xenophobic people ;].

To: The Union of Ardan
From: The Republic of the Merhai

Do not attack those which are innocent. You may fight against more foes than you thought.

@Iggy, I think I will do more of a story based civil war and control both sides if that is alright.

It just seems easier on me and you.

And Kentharu I hope we have worked out any problems between us.

To The Merhai (wherever you are)
From Ardan

Do not speak as if you can even dream of the plans we have. Did we not already state that, out of respect for "their" noble mission, we will not attack them?

OOC: NK I'm more afraid of the defensive pact Citadel has with Gorin than you ;].

To: Ardan
From: The Swade Ascendancy

We know not what peace you speak of. Have you agreed to join us in the annihilation of the Valin?

All we did was prevent their eventual domination by the Goorists under the leadership of their lackey kings.
To: Union of Ardan
From: Gamorrea
Do not judge us on what our ancestors did. We have been a nation as civilized as any other since the defeat of the Malkavians. Had Orum become part of Gamorrea, we would not have allowed the slaughter you allowed to take place. Unlike you, we recognize the values of having New Eldists within our population.

@Iggy, I think I will do more of a story based civil war and control both sides if that is alright.

It just seems easier on me and you.

And Kentharu I hope we have worked out any problems between us.Sounds fine to me. I look forward to the stories.

To The Merhai (wherever you are)
From Ardan

Do not speak as if you can even dream of the plans we have. Did we not already state that, out of respect for "their" noble mission, we will not attack them?

Oh, I think we might dream more than you.

It's what we do up north; all those mushrooms, and long winters to pass the time.

In any case, we have no quarrel with you, but the Citadel is not a nation that one should attack.

OOC: NK I'm more afraid of the defensive pact Citadel has with Gorin than you ;].

OOC: Actually, I have no defensive pact with the Citadel. I'm just illustrating the fact that everyone supports them in a fight. :p

Why would everyone support them? Haven't any of you figured out what JD's doing? I swear, the first eldranians were the nice ones!

IC:

To Gammorea
From Ardan

What may have happened matters not any more- we will judge from present examples. We meant no hostility, but know that we are prepared for anything. Anyways, we have already mentioned that the Eldists in Orukm may continue to practice as they wish, as long as it does not interfere with the wellness of the state.

OOC: I refuse to say that I'm not going to attack JD anymore, so take that NK!.

To The Citadel
From Ardan

You're quickly becomeing annyoing. Do not act so innocent- the dark details tucked away in the corners of your citadel's libraries are not forgein to us- we know all of your plans- spies are very useful in these ages. Exile and persecution? Did we not leave that family alive? Why fate do you think whould have befell them if some other nation had captured them? Did we slaughter the Eldist population? No- to the contrary we left them alive and as they were! We persecute only those who seek to undermine us, so do not even dare to speak of that.

If uniting our peoples- and extending the protection of our graceful mercy to others- is bloodthirsty, we'd like to know what exactly your plans are. What would have happened to orum if Gammorea had gotten control of it? What would have happened to the Eldist population then? And no, we are no better than ourselves. But as of these "Ikki" you speak of we know little- we do not claim to be as "educated" as you do.

The fact that you exist to this day shows our mercy- many times we wcould have brought you under our thumb, many times easily walked into your underguarded realm and installed ourselves as the lords of your land. But, out of respect for what you claim to be your mission, we leave you be. Do not interfere with our business.

OOC: Jal, you may claim to be peaceful but I know your real purpose. Who can fight any wars if their population is made up of pacafists? I'm not allowing your faith to spread- consider this just desserts for your xenophobic people ;].
From: The Citadel of Knowledge
To: Ardan

You worry us. What have we ever done to earn your hatred, your suspicion? Have we ever acted aggressively against another nation? Have we ever acted against the advancement of all mankind? Your defense is a flimsy one. You summon up hypothetical ideas which you twist to your advantage. The fact remains that you acted aggressively, while Gammorea did not. You persecuted and exiled the innocent, while Gammorea did not. Perhaps, if the people of Orum were being attacked, you might have been justified in stepping in to save them. Instead, shamefully, you attacked out of a lust for conquest. Now you attempt to turn our words against us, to somehow make the Citadel into the evil aggressors. Shame!

OOC: When are orders due?

we know what JD is doing, im just waiting for him to convert more of my people to whatever his religion is, so i can kill him

we know what JD is doing, im just waiting for him to convert more of my people to whatever his religion is, so i can kill him
OOC: Have fun with that. I'm honestly surprised I survived this long. Apparently, NESers are nicer people then I thought. Some of them might even come to my aid. Perhaps even those who have signed defensive guarantees with me won't betray me... :p

OOC: Have fun with that. I'm honestly surprised I survived this long. Apparently, NESers are nicer people then I thought. Some of them might even come to my aid. Perhaps even those who have signed defensive guarantees with me won't betray me...

Jeez, you don't remember that NAP we signed like, 1000 years ago?

Jeez, you don't remember that NAP we signed like, 1000 years ago?
Actually, I looked for a statement saying you wouldn't expand north. But I couldn't find one. :p

The Valin Republic of Veritas supports the Union of Ardan in their efforts to bring the Light, Truth, and Order of the One into Orum, and will continue to do so, as long as none of the nation's inhabitants are oppressed or killed.

Dark, we should talk on MSN later.

The Valin Republic of Veritas supports the Union of Ardan in their efforts to bring the Light, Truth, and Order of the One into Orum, and will continue to do so, as long as none of the nation's inhabitants are oppressed or killed.

Dark, we should talk on MSN later.
From: The Citadel
To: VRV

This is a fundamentally hypocritical statement. All war brings oppression. The inhabitants of Orum did not wish to be subjected to another government. Thus, they are being oppressed, as is shown by their resistance.

From: The Citadel
To: VRV

This is a fundamentally hypocritical statement. All war brings oppression. The inhabitants of Orum did not wish to be subjected to another government. Thus, they are being oppressed, as is shown by their resistance.

From: Valin Republic of Veritas
To: The Citadel of Knowledge

We speak as the nation with perhaps the most war-fighting experience on fair Tellus. We have started wars, and had them thrust upon us. Some were for land, or to ensure the One's teachings remained intact. However, to make such a blanket statement as "all war brings oppression" seems great foolishness to us. We admire your pacifist sentiments, but every nation must accept that not all goals, however noble, can be accomplished without force of arms. Do you honestly think that the Eldranian menace could have been stopped without war?

We do not know what the people of Orum think, and whether or not they are oppressed refers to the treatment they will face under the control of Ardan. All else is irrelevancy.

From: Valin Republic of Veritas
To: The Citadel of Knowledge

We speak as the nation with perhaps the most war-fighting experience on fair Tellus. We have started wars, and had them thrust upon us. Some were for land, or to ensure the One's teachings remained intact. However, to make such a blanket statement as "all war brings oppression" seems great foolishness to us. We admire your pacifist sentiments, but every nation must accept that not all goals, however noble, can be accomplished without force of arms. Do you honestly think that the Eldranian menace could have been stopped without war?

We do not know what the people of Orum think, and whether or not they are oppressed refers to the treatment they will face under the control of Ardan. All else is irrelevancy.
We accept, regretfully, that some defensive wars may be justified. When a nation is invaded, the inhabitants are justified in defending themselves and their familiies. In certain extreme cases, when a nation refuses to live in peace with those around it, it must be isolated and prevented from making war. But an offensive war, for no reason other than that a nation lusts for land and slaves, is never justified, and resistance against them is justified. Such is the case in Ardan's invasion of Orum.

IC:

Guangfei may have little influence in the affairs of the inhabitants of the North, but an attack on The Honorable State of the Citadel is a declaration of War to the Dragon Throne. Have a pleasant day, and May The Heavens/ One/Blademaster/etc bless you.

@Iggy: Doesn't Aryie get advancement to Iron Age...Unless The Citadel doesn't have contact with me DX

@Iggy: Doesn't Aryie get advancement to Iron Age...Unless The Citadel doesn't have contact with me DX
If we have contact with Guangfei, we have it with you. And you stayed at peace last turn, so that meets our criteria. I'd assume that Iggy forgot about you and only gave iron to the NPCs...

Kal'Thzar has sent 1 PM orders every turn of the game and look at Khemri. Is it suffering from neglect? No!

just noticed this, I feel so validated, thanks Iggy :D

uhh sorry 'bout that PM iggy...

OOC: When are orders due?Depends if you want the update this weekend or the weekend after.

@Kal- Yes, I think your orders are a role model for what people should send. IE: alex explaining all sorts of programs that don't have a major impact (Imperial Examinations etc) is superfluous and prevents me from easily getting to the updateable substance of the orders.

@Kal- Yes, I think your orders are a role model for what people should send. IE: alex explaining all sorts of programs that don't have a major impact (Imperial Examinations etc) is superfluous and prevents me from easily getting to the updateable substance of the orders.

You know, you may not understand but that "superfluous" Imperial Examinations was one of the factors that allowed China to remain unify and keep alive China's vast culture throughout her 3000+ years of history!
In addition to that, it did allow China to have a relatively speaking at times, a well educated and efficient bureaucracy superior to all other bureaucracies until Europe "caught" up so to speak. It also allowed for "assimilated" barbarians to feel a "part" of the Greater Whole of China as the Examinations were open to ALL (educated men of course, and depends on Dynasty).

:mad: *mumbles incoherently about penguins attacking*

All in good jest of course ;)

Yes, but it's not something that needs to be elaborated on so much. Just mentioning the basics would have easily been sufficient.

*looks at order* It was only 3/4th of a page as well as the other side benefits? And with paragraphs too :(

alex, you have a quite united empire for starters, and this simply makes your nation slightly more progressive. It doesn't, given the situations, make a huge difference, at least in the updates and stats.

I have to agree with Iggy. For me, usually a wiki link is sufficient (andis is good at this).

Croyodon’s Great Civil War
The Birth of the Republic

“Masra is a tolerant faith. We will not let a madman ruin all we have worked for much of our history”
Masra Councilmen, Radon Meragon

“Our people have been prosecuted long enough by the absolute, religious, fanatical monarchs that have ruined our lands”
Nordist Councilmen, Mershon Derfond

Croyodon had been plagued with the first war ever fought on its soil. The ironic thing was that it was with itself. The country which survived the Lengel invasions unharmed and with relatively low casualties was now in a war with itself. The country had survived a lack of culture almost being integrated into Gorin its great ally. But the people persevered against outside dangers only to collapse from within.

The council was formed to revolt against the absolute monarch rulers which caused the lands to reach the current point. The war was over religion as most are. Radical Masra and Nordist rulers wanted their religion to be the only form to be allowed even though a majority of the population practiced toleration of differences. A lesson taught long ago by the Gorin Empire’s beliefs.

Three Major Battles Decided Croyodon’s fate. The final one ever more decisive then the other three leading to General Radtonius’s fate.

Battle of Ragod

Ragod is a small town east of the Great Mountains of Croy that make up the backbone of Croyodon and are the source of the River Croy. This small town had a small ancient Masra settlement. These people were one of the first to head north to the vast frontiers Croyodon had added to its kingdom. Ignored by history for a larger part until now where the first decisive battle of the war took place.

General Radtonius’s knowing an attack against Croyodon through the Great Mountains of Croy would lead to disaster especially with the mountains fortress of Manocon blocking a roadway necessary for his troops to move quickly through the mountains. Also, he was short on supplies as much of his country was largely inefficient as he knew nothing how to run a government. Corruption was high and economic stagnation resulted. All funds going to the army which often fell short of what was required. A quick victory was required.

He headed south where he planned to crush the council’s armies which he would almost succeed at. The council lead by incompetent military leadership headed north to defeat the enemy. On the open plains the council’s force was easily outmaneuvered. They put up a valiant but foolish fight before retreating further east across the plains at roughly 25% fighting strength.

As the army went south it was obvious the soldiers were high on morale but were

Battle for Sargond

The council ordered the armies to retreat south but a stubborn commander refused and about 1,000 remained behind to hold them off. He knew the enemy was closing them on them fast and the army would be destroyed before they even got close to Croyodon City. He stayed behind with his soldiers so the army and council could survive.

He made a stand. A short battle took place to buy his comrades some time. Every soldier was slaughtered that day but this was a great moral booster to both Masra and Nordist followers. It would be crucial in the final defense of the kingdom.

Siege of Croyodon City

The army had escaped just barely to the capital to make a stand against the enemy forces. The capital was quickly encircled and cut off. The council’s army was grossly outnumbered and knew victory was impossible. They would fight to the end for what they believed in as the King of Masra claimed.

The city had been encircled and the walls constantly attacked by the enemy. Morale for the council’s forces was quickly collapsing as well as civilian morale as food began to quickly run out. The city was not prepared for a siege of this length for there had never been a war of this magnitude before.

General Radtonious’s forces were confident in victory but with food and plunder low they was some dissent within the army. This would lead to the salvation of Croyodon once Gorin arrived.

After a changing of the council to get Gorin to assist them in the war which truly was the only hope. Gorin dispatched a good sized force to help relieve the siege but the question was would they get there in time as the siege had already started many days ago.

Gorin’s armies arrived and almost imeditatly half of the general’s force switched sides. As Gorin relieved the siege and the battle wore on every day hundreds defected.

At last the General knew it was a loss

Conclusion

He fled north back to Nordica defeated and only to find his homeland in anarchy. The holy city was the only place of order. He there at the steps of the Great Temple of Nordica he committed suicide. The Council now with a King headed north and restored order.

The King now had a vast array of prisoners. He gave them amnesty to help quicken the healing of the nation. He needed the forces to regain control of the borders of the kingdom.

The King announced the birth of the First Republic of Croyodon and he was the only member to hold a permanent seat within its council.

Council Breakdown

Nordica Seat- 1 vote
Nordica Seat- 1 vote
Nordica Seat- 1 vote
Nordica Seat- 1 vote
Masra Seat- 1 vote
Masra Seat- 1 vote
Masra Seat- 1 vote
Masra Seat- 1 vote
Masra Seat- 1 vote
Masra Seat- 1 vote
King (Masra)- 2 votes

The Council Elect represents the council and is direct control of the Guards of the Council.

OCC:

I may not have time to write many stories by the next update so I wrote an overview of the Civil War. I made it a one turn civil war as the General did not have the support necessary to claim victory. Plus Gorin’s assistance helped.

@Iggy, How come my economy has grown very little and is the same size as Merhai?

Just wondering. If so after reunification I believe it should grow as I have built many cities plus trade north-south is on the increase as Khmeri and Gorin grow. Am I wrong with this assumption?

Your economy will grow now that the war is concluded.

Hey! Just because your economy is the same as mine isn't terrible. I've spent the last three turns trying to grow it one point!

Well I have been around since update 13 so I think my country has grown enough to support a higher economy.

I've been around 12 updates already :eek: The time sure does fly when one's having fun :D

White Roses

"I consider this a temporary setback."

-Stratikrator Thanatos, upon leaving the Stratikrator's Citadel

"Three centuries of constant war can drive a people to the brink of madness. Fortunately, the brink of madness is where true genius occurs."

-Oceanus Tristarios

---

Prologue:

"They are coming, Elenias. You have your orders from Xenophon."

"It is simply impossible. I have lived in Lux for nearly a century, my books, my life, are here! I have a duty to this!"

"What you have a duty to is not my concern. What I know is that we are overwhelmed, and pulling back to Salvation. The roses grow finest there, Elenias."

"Don't spout poetry at me, Kalan. I must stay."

"Consider this then, my elderly friend. Your mind, layered and aging, contains the knowledge of a score of Elders and Stratikrators. The tomes you have read will be lost, burned by the Khemrans whether you stay, or go. Dysonis the Flatulent will see to that. But you, sir, are a greater asset than a Septiliate. Go."

He wavered, indecisive.

"I will die, soon..."

"Then all the better you save that knowledge before your life ends, and put it to good use in Salvation. There are scholars there, Disciples who use fine inks to illustrate their tomes. Your words could be preserved for all Veritasans, but only if you leave now."

"Fine. Even if we both die, I wouldn't have a moment's rest in Paradise with you nagging me about it. Hand me my stick."

"Good. You can take three tomes with you."

He considered this, carefully. Since he had been made caretaker of this place, nearly sixty years ago, Elenias had memorized countless scores of books. Historical texts, ancient botanical descriptions, prose, philosophical inquiry, and plays moved nebulously through his memory, the thoughts and words of others floating out of the mist like ghosts, or old comrades. It would be best to take those he hadn't fully memorized, he reasoned.

As his gnarled, arthritic hands ran over the wall of books, he selected one, then another, and another, placing them on the table

The first was The Structure and Function of Crystals, a thick compendium of rocks and minerals once bought from a Citadelan trader, whose family had "acquired" it centuries ago following the collapse of Shalamari.

The second was entitled, Origins and Studies of Divotheism, a fairly slim, black book that seemed to have no author. The book often referenced obscure texts that could only be found in the Citadel...or perhaps Redemption, once.

The final book had a purple cover, and a round crest, golden and shimmering, embroidered on the front. It was simply entitled, Strategius.

Having picked up his books, the elderly caretaker nodded to the soldier, who placed them into a sack. Kalan could not read, but he knew that solid gold would have been less valuable.

Elenias gazed sadly at the wall of books arranged before him. Silently closing his eyes, he sent a prayer to the One, a hopeful wish that this knowledge would survive into the future. In the distance, shouts could be heard. There was very little time indeed, and both men knew it.

"To Salvation, then."

The old man and the young one went through the door, leaving Lux behind them. It seemed that there was too much sun for roses to grow, this year.

Excerpt from "The Path of Mortal Men"

“Of all the great Emperors, Kings, Warlords, Nobles and Chieftains of the fair world, who have not desired to know the tidings of the world long before they have yet come to pass? Yet it is closed, to all aside from those willing to pay the fiddler’s fee.” –Na Shimin, Guangfei Philosopher and "Seer"

The Future, is forever shifting, forever omnipotent, and forever…. Eternal. That is the word to describe the future, it shall always be there, no matter the place, the situation, the future is always eternal. One may stop time, but the future shall always be present. For in some way, the future is the present. If one considers the fact that if time was stopped, what would then happen? Would the nothingness of time frozen continue to be the future? And as time remained frozen, what would one call the place where time stopped?

It is said that the work of powerful magicks can allow one to access the appropriate channels to focus one’s inner energy and manipulate one’s surroundings. That this insight or ability is hidden from us is only hidden from the most foolish and idiotic. This is the realm of the Gods, or the One, in which the dead can use to some lesser extent. I thus believe that life is an obstacle to seeing the future. For after life, one has little interests in the happenings of the mortal realm.

There are many who do not simply dream it, but throw their lives into seeing the future. They are seen as seers, prophets, great religious leaders or seen as witches, heretics and enemies of a religion. The Great Prophet of the Citadel and The Last of the Eldranians was perhaps one whose ability outshone all others. Yet there are many others who have Seen but whose name are not recorded in any myriad book of the numberless possessed by the Citadel.

It is known, that since the Dawn of Time through bones, herbs and metals of the Earth mixed in the proper proportions can grant one the ability, for a short time, to see into the awe inspiring future through the eyes of the Mighty Gods. And so I did, and while I would not go as far as to claim I have seen the future, I would say that nothing is impossible and perhaps, just perhaps, the future was glimpsed…..



The Indivisible shall be divided,
and it shall be 47 thrice a doubled
The great wrongs shall be righted,
night shall fall under the orange sky.

The Phoenix driven back around the tents
Will be chased from there by other birds:
When the noise of cymbals, trumpets and bells
Will restore the senses of the senseless lady.

The Swordsmen has long driven away the Phoenix,
from her high perch under the sun she has fled.
Yet as the sun dawns she has returned to reclaim,
the Swordsman and the Phoenix shall fight once again.
And under the crescent moon, the true colors shall be shown.”

The moon is obscured in deep gloom,
his brother becomes bright red in color.
The great one hidden for a long time in the shadows
will hold the blade in the bloody wound.

From the Heavens shall come mighty beasts,
black and white they shall come and be seen.
Yet armed with heavenly might few can stand,
they shall come to terms against the almighty white.

The man will be called by a barbaric name
that three sisters will receive from destiny.
He will speak then to a great people in words and deeds,
more than any other man will have fame and renown.

Fire shall not lay waste to the lands of man,
a greater foe shall slay all whom oppose her.
A great quantity of man shall die in great pain,
hence the sea this great foe shall come.

Excerpt from "The Unchosen Path: Response to the School of Guangzhong"

Speculations are often given on the subjects of Life and Time. From our frail mortal bodies, few things are known; we manage, however, to be aware of three truths: That these properties exist, are universal, and are unchangable. No man can stop time. It is said that the One knows all paths taken and all paths possible. However, for this conjecture to be correct, several assumptions must be made. For the One to know all possible paths, he must exist beyond time, or transcendent from it.

The existence of the One, in his true form, undiluted by misinterpretation, must clearly exist in and throughout all of Time. For all know another truth: Something cannot come from nothing. But this presents a paradox in the very existence of Time itself. From whence did Time come? Time cannot stretch in an infinite chain into the past, since all observed things in Tellus have a beginning, and a cause for their existence. Thus, the only appropriate conclusion is that the very Cause for the beginning of Time was beyond it, independent of it, and greater than what it created. This Cause has a name, for it is known to us. The One.

The One knows all paths, for He exists above them, looking down on the world and the people traveling them. Since he has already, without the passage of Time which affects Him not, seen the entire life of Tellus and all on it from beginning to end, our proverbial fate is sealed.

But is there only one path? We leave open to discussion this question, but note that all men come to a point in their lives when they must make a decision independent of all other influence. Truly, such a path is not chosen for them. For if it were, the will of men to do evil would not exist, since the One, in His wisdom, would not allow it. This is not a path. It is more akin to an open plain, or a great city with one thousand alleyways. Such a vast, complex thing as the fate of Tellus cannot be seen with the assistance of rocks, bones, and earthen substances. Such things are not for men to see.

Poetry is often used to express metaphorical discontent, present an opinion through symbolism, or to prophesize the so-called future. However, the blatant utilization of national images within such a "vision" seems more to evoke the writer's desire for the future of Tellus, rather than its actual manifestation. In fact, such writings can more be interpreted as the distubed hallucinations of a xenophobic drug addict, rather than a true prophecy, which is only inspired by Divine Guidance.

OOC: Just keeping up a nice philosophical discourse. We should get Gerougia involved in this. ;)

Nice stories guys.

A Note on Transliterations from Kelia
A work by Hanam of Zemora

The language used by the nation of Kelios is a most expressive one, derived apparently from an ancestral tongue unrelated to that of their neighbors. In fact, it seems almost as if the people of Kelios have little in common at all with their Divotheist neighbors, but that is of less relevance to this discourse. What is relevant is the use of apparent “object-indicators” in Kelia.

This work, like many other scholarly works produced in Zemora, utilizes a modified form of the Eldranian alphabet, adopted from the New Eldists and influenced by Veritasian script. While the alphabet of Zemora has faded into disuse and are now known only to the most well-educated of scholars, such was not the case with Kelios, which continues its use of Kelia characters (for it would be false to call it an alphabet) to this day. We have transliterated some works of Kelia literature over the years, both into Eldranian and Veritasian, and these transliterations have proved useful in the study of the Kelia language begun here by their ambassadors. However, increasing influence of Eldranian in Kelios has revealed an important quirk of the Kelia language long left unknown to outsiders.

That quirk is the use of “object-indicators”. These characters, numbering in the thousands at least, are used in addition to the standard letters of the 21-character Kelia alphabet. It was long thought that such characters were simply remnants of an older character system, and students of the Kelia language merely memorized as many as possible. Now, however, with Kelia scholars writing in Eldranian, it has become obvious that we took a mistaken route. The characters are not meant to be pronounced. In fact, when a Kelia transliterator writes in Eldranian, the characters are dropped entirely.

It was unclear to us what this should signify. We, after all, had heard the proper pronunciation of these characters and used them when attempting to converse in Kelia for decades. Some Kelia scholars with whom we have spoken have acknowledged that each character has its pronunciation, but that these are never used when speaking. In fact, they elaborated, there is some movement to elide them entirely from written Kelia as well for their uselessness. I must say that I was flabbergasted.

What are the implications? For one, we have mispronounced and miswritten Kelia words since the beginning. This must be immediately rectified. Their capital is not Kelios-ir, but Kelios. The port is not Mard-sir, but Mard. The “sir” character, signifying a city, must be ignored. Similarly so for names. The male ending “in” must be elided from texts; the female ending “an”, apparently already falling from use in Kelia writings, must also be excised. We must purge our transliterations of error in order to not be humiliated by our descendants.


(I’ll clarify the changes in my orders, Iggy.)

The Lament of the People

“Tiran trembled with fear as the tremors reached their zenith. The boy waited in horror as, for the briefest of seconds, the tremors ceased to exist. And then, from the distant sea, came a great eruption- a thousand foot tier of water jettisoned into the air. The beast had awakened and the boy knew that there would be no calming it- the Age of the Beast had begun.”- The Age of the Beast, myth from pre-Kalian Davar.

The Year 1593

“The time is now, Styatior.” The aid said slowly, bowing before the venerable Tare. The leader of the Ardan forces, an elder man clearly in the last years of his life, sighed with a hint of passion. His gray hair fluttered slightly with the cool autumn breeze that passed in through the stone windows, though he made no other clear movement. When he spoke, he spoke with a thick, raspy voice that echoed the pain the entire populace of the Union mellowed in.

“I truly do not know why the Republics had to assign me this duty. I made it well known that I have chosen to live out my few days in peace, not in this room.” The man sighed, indicating to the stone walls enclosing him. The room had little of value, nothing out of the ordinary, and was bare except the most essential items. Yet it was, arguably, the one room where some of the most important decisions of the time were made. It was the office of the Styatior, the supreme leader of the Ardan Army and Guide to the Councils.

“They had no one else to turn to sir- with his passing, the old era has ended.” The aid said quietly. The man was nearly as old as the new Styatior. He was widely regarded throughout the Union as a man of immaculate learning, of unquestionable wisdom, and intelligence that rivaled the most respected Citadelian. Yet he was humble and lived his entire life giving advice to the leaders of the Union. It was under his advice that the previous Styatior had crafted the plan to annex Orum. While controversial, the plan was necessary to ensure the communications between the two parts of the Union. Most citizens barely knew that, in fact, just about the whole plan he had come up with.

“There must be a time when the young step forward to relieve the old, you know Dara?” Tare., the new commander, spoke quietly.

“Indeed- you surely have known that I gave my full support to the Councils when the proposed the naming of Caro to the Bishopy- and I’m sure I’ll support whoever you select to serve under you. “ The man said with a chuckle. “But, I’m also sure that not even you would dare miss Jarn’s entombment.” The aid mused.

“Of course- not for my own life. I will be along soon enough- I wish to finish this note to the Valin Republics before it is too late. “ The Styatior said quietly, dragging the ink in a fluid motion.



XXXXX


“Many know of his name by heart, and much more have known the worry it strikes into them, yet very few knew who he was. He was so much more than a simple military commander. He was a friend to every Davian, a friend to every Pirian, and a friend to every man who saw the future and dared not look away from it. He was born into an age that would see the unification of our people, and one that would see our great expansion. He stood by the Union in its greatest breaking moment and made sure that the ties binding us together would never stray. It was under his guidance that we reconciled a bit with the Valins and proved that we do have some morals to stand for.

Most of all he was my greatest friend and ally, and I am most proud to say that I served by the greatest of the great- our late Styatior Atrex, may the One guide his soul. He shall be never be forgotten by our people.” Tare said quietly, ending the simple speech. It was another windy autumn day, deep within the city of Vael Dash. An innumerable crowd had gathered for the burial of the late leader, with the entire city crowding themselves along the river banks in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the ceremony. Made up mostly of Davian majorities, a few other nationalities are present- most notably a few Valin advisors, a couple key Nontin leaders, and a pair of Orum consuls. The rest are of their heritage and speak true to their ancestry.

The ceremony is performed at the Marble Tomb, the square building set along the main bridge spanning the Rydos. The building is simple (yet brilliant) in its architecture- a perfect square, with four ionic columns rising off the corners. Hanging off the front of the building was a rich, gleaming golden Avien that shone with the morning rays. It was in here that the founder of Arcadia was entombed. It was here that the hero of Ardan would also be laid to rest- a honor given to very few men. Only three had ever been buried there- the Bishop, the first Bishop of Ardan, and now the first Styratior.

Tare somberly led the ceremony into the hallowed building, the body of the greater leader carried in directly behind him. To his left was the newest Bishop of Ardan, Caro. The man was remarkably young- barely past his twentieth year. With young, vibrant green eyes and a thick head of black hair, he made a strong and compelling picture beside the tiring Tare and many in the procession could only note the age of the great military commander. But nevertheless, it was ironically Tare (not the Bishop) who led the procession down the sacred halls to the awaiting tomb.

It was cast of the same pure white marble as the Tomb. The tomb was actually dug from the side of the building, set of the same stone and carved with the greatest detail. Thin lines representing the winds were carved at the top of the tomb, with ripples representing the waves lying along the bottom. Fittingly, a figure was carved beneath the waves of the tomb. Nothing more than a mere semi circle carved, it was more of a tribute than many could ever image.

The men gently laid the body down into the marble coffin, and then with a somber toll of a great bell from the upper reaches of the Tomb, they pulled the heavy lid shut. The Bishop then stepped forward and performed the funeral rites, releasing the great soul from his body to rejoin the One in Tellus. Then, with hearts sunken low, the men peddled out of the tomb and left it to its dark rest.

In the darkness the Leviathan- patron symbol of Artex house- smiled as it bore its mouth open wide- spewing the great waters forth and bringing about the Age of the Beast.


[i]

It would be another ten years before Tare would follower his predecessor into the halls of the Tomb. Xean, his replacement, would then officially “adopt” the Leviathan as the symbol for Ardan- a nation born from the waters.[i]

just so you know iggy, i will be assisting him militarily so yea...

Who is 'him'? The Citadel?

I think he means me but I may be wrong.

The First Revelation of Pithios
[1]O King of All That Is, you revealed to me my inner evils; you restored me to Your Life. [2]You took that which was broken and made it anew; you brought Light to Dark places and cast out the Enemy. [3] You have shown me myself, that which is at once closest to me and farthest away. [4] You have restored sight to my blind eyes. [5] Those who would hear of the grace of the One, hear my words.

[6] I stood at the head of a vast army before a city of glittering white, my numberless forces arrayed against it, ready for the assault. It’s high walls and regal banners would be smashed to pieces, ripped to shreds, for the glory of victory would be mine. [7] I raised my sword and lowered my spear; my will was unstoppable. [8] We charged across the plain; our might was unbreakable. [9] My standard would fly over the citadel; my power was unyielding.

[10] The defenders stood fast in their lines as we charged. The two forces clashed and I was unhorsed; yet there were none who could stand against me. [11] I made my way to the thick of the battle, where the din of war was the loudest. There did I revel. [12] I cut down many a well-bred man, cut to the quick before the sun had risen. I towered over men. [13] It was then that I met the Captain of the Guard, the citizen soldier who would stand against me. [14] We joined in single combat and his strength was impressive, yet he was nothing against my power. [15] My sword was howling from hunger, ever-feasting, ever-rending, never-sated. [16] He fell to the ground, his shield placed before him. He would know his weakness, his foolishness in standing his ground, before he died. [17] I kicked away his shield and fought off his sword. I prepared to strip him of his armour. [18] I tore off his helmet and looked into his eyes.

[19] I lay helpless on the ground, the Enemy above me; in his eyes, his terrible gap[A] blazing before me. I could not match his strength; my frailty in my mortality. [20] It was then that the horn sounded as the sun rose. The Radiance None May Gaze Upon came like a lion against the jackals and the cavalry of my King arrived. [21] His charge was relentless and the Enemy routed; [22] all their ranks were broke. [23] The king came upon the Enemy and forced him to yield. [24] He stopped his assault cold as the grave. [25] He cast the Enemy to his gap and raised me up and set me on solid ground.

[26] He entered the citadel and the songs of rejoicing pleased the heavenly chorus. [27] At last, our King had arrived.

[A] - Chaos, n.: 1. A gap; a void; a vacuum., 2. religious, the Emptiness of Evil and Sin

OOC: I'll jump into the philosophical stuff soon enough. This is finals week and I honestly shouldn't be on as much as I am. Lucky dog that I am, I have almost all my finals in one day (tomorrow) and really shouldn't be screwing around online, but alas, here I am. Saturday I have a rather large final paper to write over the meaning of a happiness/a good life and then maybe by Monday I can put my two bits in.

when are orders for?

In keeping with the intellectual theme:

Excerpt from
Genibate and Entrush
by Chief Scrivener Griuto of the Order of the Faithful Word
Written while abroad in Farport and originally written in the alphabet of the New Eldists

Knowledge is power they say, but knowledge is not possession of books. No knowledge is genibate, whilst to own books is merely to have the ability to access data, to merely peer into the mind of geniuses, this is only entrush, which can lead to genibate, but can also lead to delusions of grandeur and power. In the Ascendancy and throughout all of Bladedom[1] it is recognized that there is knowledge that can be gained from books, but that not all who read gain genibate, and it is also recognized that not all with genibate needed or started out with entrush. But for the reader of this to truly understand what I’m saying, I guess some basic definitions are warranted.

Genibate is a Swade word that has no direct translation into other languages, such as Neweldish or Guangese, or even Valinese. Its meaning has been tried to be described by Swade, Myocacan and Aryian scholastics and it always comes down to a mixture of comprehension of knowledge, ability to use knowledge productively, and the ability to both gain and transfer that knowledge. But it also means a sort of spark, a natural predisposition to genius that is shaped and fostered by the world around you. The mind is not a blank slate, it is held, but that all children have potential and are active learners. Some just have more potential than the rest. This potential is not based on class, for an aristocrats son could have access to thousands of tomes taken from Fulfillment or bought from Citadeler travelers, but the son of a peasant could have so much genibate that when he joins the army he could rise to become the leader of an entire 1,000 man battlegroup, or he could become the priest of a large urban temple. For example, the aristocrat’s son may know that the Bladeist forces took Veritas in 1134, but the peasant’s son may know how to lead an army into battle and uses that knowledge to augment his leading abilities. In short, genibate is not simply to know but to utilize and understand and be right most of the time. Although none are infallible but the Blademaster, those with high genibate can be close. For a deeper understanding, the word genibate written in Swadeskrit[2] with the symbols that are used in Blademaster, gift, near, infallibility and with the vowels that when put together like such in a word mean nature or natural.

Entrush is the mere knowing of facts, the mere access to data, and the drive for non-practical knowledge. These definitions are not the precise meaning, but instead what scholars before me have postulated. Entrush is a word that describe those who read manuscripts and feel that givens them knowledge and ability. The ability peer into the mind of geniuses and those with genibate does not make you one nor give you some, yet many would say it does. The Citadelers learn both through experience and knowledge and this why the best of the have genibate. They travel the world to increase their potential for genibate and are thusly very successful. Not all in their society have it, and until they truly accept the Blademaster they will never reach their full potential but alack I digress. Now the Valin on the other hand devour books like food, yet most have entrush not genibate. They believe their stolen books and false god and heretical ways will bring genibate to them and their people but it does not. Their history of failure against those who are more enlightened than them, namely Khemri and as we have seen numerous times the Swade, proves this outright. They are an arrogant people and arrogance without genibate is a death sentence to a people. Perhaps the Valin shall see the error of their ways, but perhaps they shall not. Time will only tell. Yet as we did with genibate we can look to the make up of the word entrush to discover what is meant to mean. Written in Swadeskrit it combines the symbols for ignorance, book, knowledge, delusions/dreams, and its vowel combinations mean not natural (artificial) or incorrect.


[1] At the time of writing, the Scrivener included The Swade Ascendancy, Myocaca, Aryie, Sintonia and the regions of Baldiest concentration in this statement. Studies looking into the matter have concluded he had no knowledge of Guarela, which had similar words to this but ones that had been twisted by there distance from the “Blade Hub”, as recent scholars have termed it, that being the cultural center of Bladeism which is Cultesia.

[2] Swadeskrit is the written language of the Swade, made up of 64 symbols and 10 Vowels. It has evolved from hieroglyphics to this very sophisticed form because of prolonged contact with the Citadel and with Khemri and Veritas. The language is one of beauty and meaning, with every symbol being assigned 2-3 elemental meanings and every vowel is believed to have special properties when combined with others.

Nice stories guys. It definitely gives an interesting insight on your nations.

I'm flattered that everyone seems to be using the Citadel in their nation. That's why I created the nation--to provide an interesting dynamic in the NES.

For the record, there are no "Citadel traders" as such. There are not merchants from the Citadel who sell scrolls for money. Scholars will, however, sometimes exchange scrolls, but only for ones that they fell are of equal or greater value.

@Thlayli: care to trade the book on Strategius? :p

I'm flattered that everyone seems to be using the Citadel in their nation. That's why I created the nation--to provide an interesting dynamic in the NES.

For the record, there are no "Citadel traders" as such. There are not merchants from the Citadel who sell scrolls for money. Scholars will, however, sometimes exchange scrolls, but only for ones that they fell are of equal or greater value.

@Thlayli: care to trade the book on Strategius? :p

Hmm, well even the Citadel needs merchants...and what's more lucrative than trading in rare books? (Strictly under the table, though. ;))

Littleboots, just curious...why'd you choose the fall of Redemption for your story subject?

Heh, My trade in papyrus...come on guys, I'm currently the only one providing "paper" :p

An Inspection of the City of Mard
Laya of Faran, by Order of Most Revered Gared

The city of Mard has grown drastically in recent years. Kelios has long remained isolated form those nations across the sea, helped in no small part by the blockade by the defiant Tsayans. However, the invitation extended by the late lamented Most Revered Jarsind to the people of the Citadel to enter Kelios via the port of Mard has changed this. While the Eldranians[1] themselves brought little in trade but knowledge and some rather misguided “Guides”, they were soon followed by Valins, Ardans, Kalmari, Khemri, and of course peoples from various states of this land: Zemorans most especially, and Tairngire fleeing their civil war, but also Adarese, Sanx, Chanc, Syracians and Aitheans. Mard has rapidly become a hub for trade.

Around the port itself, originally quite small but now greatly expanded in size, a huge number of warehouses line the shore, each full to the brim with supplies entering or exiting Kelios. While my hometown of Faran and Tsarin to the east have also benefited from this recent drastic rise in trade, only the local governate of Mard has effectively capitalized on the opening of Kelios to foreign merchants. To be sure, there is some fear, in Mard and elsewhere, that foreign influence will dilute Kelios’s strong adherence to the Path and its call for government by all, but this fear seems unfounded. The Tsayans themselves were easily assimilated, and so, too, will be those of other nationalities who enter Kelios permanently.

It is my most firm recommendation to the Council and to the Most Revered that Kelios continue its investment into the city of Mard in order to make it the premier port in the farthest eastern lands. Since the collapse of I’dan’i’i[2], trade has been stifled, and the nations of the west thirst for goods only Kelios can provide. Let us expand the port and open it to more foreign merchants so as to bring the world so much close to Perfection.



[1]Kelios, of course, does not fully understand the negative significance of Eldrania and still widely uses the term for the Citadel at this time.
[2]Neither I nor the Kelia know how to spell it.

@Kal: Parchment is the way of the future. :p

So, I made a religion map last night.

With some minor exceptions, it doesn't contain religious minorities, so most of the time I just colored the entire country for the "majority" religion. I guess only Iggy knows which religious minorities are strongest where, so he can update this later if he wants, and add it to the other reference maps.

Blue- Church of the One
Light Blue- Pirian Oneism
Red- Bladeism
Pink- Ancestor Worship
Green-Trinlinism
Light Orange- Andues
Purple- Masra
Gold- Nordism
Yellow- New Eldism
Orange- Banism
Gray- Animism

Other "1-state" religions are the color of their country.

http://forums.civfanatics.com/uploads/59439/LINES_Religion_Map.PNG

Aww hell naw, I follow the Emperor, keep your lame One.

don't forget the onist minority located in Emor, very nice map though, Iggy should add it to his atlas

by that map Masra has the largest thingy... i don't think thats right

by that map Masra has the largest thingy... i don't think thats right

Well there's a Lengri minority...I just don't know how far it extends.

Iggy I am rejoining. Let me find a nation or something.

Heh, My trade in papyrus...come on guys, I'm currently the only one providing "paper" :p

Oh please kal, Guangfei has had paper for almost what? 7 turns? :p

And Qingdao, while being Oneists, DOES NOT FOLLOW THE CHURCH OF THE ONE. The 1% is incosequential. :p

IC: The Scholars of Guangfei refuse to respond to any message to the "imaginary" area of Guangzhong. The Scholars would like to ttake this time to say once more, that the Valins seem to have been degernating into barbarians as time progresses. At the onset of the Qingdao War, you were able to spell Guanzhong "Guangzhou" instead of now "Guangzhong" :p

Alse extends considerably into both Sanx and Syracia; it's not a one-nation faith any longer.

Post 7000!

OOC: You know, I think that just because almost 1/3rd of the prophecies that guy made involve the Valin Race in some way was why the Valins responded. Everyone of those prophecies will come true I assure you ;) Everyone.... :evil:

Heh, My trade in papyrus...come on guys, I'm currently the only one providing "paper" :p
That's what you think...

@Cuivienen: The only problem is that none of the Citadelers are descended from Eldranians. The Prophet was the last Eldranian, and he died without children (at least biological ones).