But if you made it a different color its more like a completely different nation than an autonomious state. It would confuse new and old players alike.

A thousand campfires lit even the clouds above; the trees were awash in firelight–the Great Council was meeting once more. Tomorrow, at least. Tonight, the women and of the Merhai would sit around a thousand campfires, catching up with friends made last year in other clans, finding out the latest rumors, and of course, discussing the decisions to be made tomorrow in the great white tent that stood starkly above the rest of the encampment on a high hill.

Nyara left her own tent that night, to wander through the encampment of one of the greatest gatherings of the Merhai in ages. She had heard news come out of the south. The armies of the Merhai were to return home from their great victory over the Iron Faced Empire, and the people were abounding with talk of what would happen now that the Merhai had vanquished the most fearsome foe that they had ever faced.

The thought of those armies returning chilled her to the bone. She had been a newborn when her father had left, and now, eighteen years later, she was to see him once again. This is supposed to make me happy. Delighted, to see my father. But I’m not. The world demanded that she instantly open up a place in her heart for a person who she knew she should love, but barely knew. Not that she was particularly sentimental, but the idea of her father returning home was... terrifying, to say the least.

The night was alive with dancers and singers, horns of music and horns of ale, but Nyara was interested in none of that; she turned down invitations to dance around the campfire from drunk young men; she declined offered ale that the same men pressed upon her, likely in the hopes that she’d drink enough to accept their invitations to dance.

She pressed grimly forward, until she was near the center of the encampment, where it was quieter, with a more regal aura, and found the small white tent almost next to the Great Hall, which was still being erected by a few builders even this late in the night. A thin trail of smoke was wisping through the hole in the top of the little hut. So he was awake, at least. Nyara found the door, and half ducked through it.

“May I enter?”

“Nyara? Of course.” The voice was far weaker than she had imagined.

She pushed through, and left the leather flap swinging behind her.

An old fox lay pale and dying upon the snow white bed that sat next to a pile of glowing ashes. His clouded grey eyes alighted on her, and he smiled tiredly.

“Nyara, my sweet granddaughter. Sit, if you would please.”

“Your fire has almost gone out.” The air was chilly, too. She set to gathering a few pieces of split wood from a haphazard pile in a corner of the room, and glanced at Kahir’s bed. The furs had not been kept in weeks. A single cup of cold water lay beside his bed, and a jumble of books looked tossed at the side of his bed. “Father, who has been taking care of you?”

He chuckled softly. “What with the Great Council about to happen, I do believe they forgot me entirely. Me, my child, I am the one taking care of me.”

She gritted her teeth, and placed the wood on the fire.

“It’s all right. I am not starving, nor am I dying. Well, the latter, maybe. But at least I am not starving.”

“Grandfather, come to my tent. We have many of the clan there, enough to take care of you. The fox should not die alone; come live with your kin.” She knelt and took up a blackened wooden stick, stirring the fire a little. The bark on one of the lumps of wood caught, and a small flickering flame leapt upwards.

He sighed. “Alas, child, I would love to take you up on the offer, but it’s far too late already. I am dying, and there is little any mortal man can do about that. Living to the age of ninety and... oh, however many years I lived to, that is good enough for any mortal, and it is good enough for me.”

She swore, shoving the stick into the fire so hard that she broke it. “Come with me anyway, then. You do not deserve to die alone.”

“Perhaps I shall come with you... However... The journey to the tent of the Great Council is long from yours. I would not like to go all the way there, only to go all the way back again.”

She found another stick, and stirred the fire once more.“Why in the name of the gods would you be going to the Great Council?” A log caught.

“Oh, I may be old, but I still have a few things to say.”

“The last time you had something to say, you embroiled us in a massive war.” Satisfied with the fire, she found a seat on the hard dirt of the floor.

“That’s right.”

“Are you planning the same thing again?” She poked the fire again, to give the bottom some air.

“I don’t see why that would be a bad thing even if I were.”

“Do remind me, what happened the last time you started this incessant plotting?”

He chuckled. “Young minds simply don’t remember the past. Of course, you were not even weaned when we began the war, so I suppose you’re forgiven...” He reached blindly for the cup that sat beside him, and sipped. “Why, we brought down a massive steppe empire, doubled our territory size, and brought ourselves into the world stage.” He blinked innocently at her.

“And lost thousands of men in that bloody war.”

“That’s all you focus upon? I had hoped that bringing down the massive steppe empire would have counted rather higher in your favor.” He closed his eyes again.

She leaned forward, eyes narrowing. “Father, tell me true. Do you intend to wage war once again?”

“Not in a literal sense. Not against any foe that we might fear.”

“Which way are you intending our people to go?”

“Strictly speaking, the majority of them won’t go anywhere. I only intend to extend our territorial boundaries.”

“You’re dancing around the issue.”

“So I am. You’ll know soon enough. Are you not a member of the Great Council yourself? Yes, so you will hear me present it to the Great Council. I see no need for you to worry yourself before then. If you wish to help me, send me a servant or two; I’m afraid I’ll need to be helped into that tent over there.”

“Grandfather,” she said, crossly. “You cannot–”

“–I can. I am a man of the Merhai, and I shall go where I please. What do you have to say to that?”

“I say it is madness. You’re far too weak to go speaking in front of the Council, and they will bombard you with questions until you drop dead. And if you drop dead in the tent...”

“...then someone will need to clean up my body and burn me a funeral pyre,” he said. “I do not fear death, and our people need guidance.”

“It is not your place–”

“It is.”

“Grandfather–”

“–Stop interrupting me,” he snapped.

“You weren’t talking,” she said, wounded.

“Silence is sometimes the most effective way of speaking your mind. Very well, if I must fill the air with words, then I shall.

“I will go to this Council, wether you will it, or not. I shall make my plans clear to the Great Council, and win them over one by one if need be. Once I have convinced them all, then I will see that the Merhai actually follow the course of action that I direct them to, and I will build ourselves an empire. That has always been my dream, and I intend to see it carried out.

“And there is nothing you can do to stop me.”

“What is your plan?” she asked, again. “I will not move from this tent until you tell me, if I have to miss the Great Council.”

“That would be amusing,” he said. “I would then go to the Great Council myself, and you’d be stuck here in this tent, waiting for my answer.”

“Just tell me.”

He smiled. “Get a map, if you please.” She looked around, and found one lying askew among the pile of books that was beside his bed. Rolling it out, she prompted him, “Yes?”

“Find the place the Merhai are at.”

She nodded, then realized he couldn’t see her nod anyway. “And?”

“You see the mountain range the Ikki nation is astride?”

“Of course.” It was hard to miss.

“The only ways to go through that range are to go through the monastic, enclosed Ikki, or go far, far to the south, to the passes–one ice-bound, the rest so far away as to be ridiculous. Now, we can assume that though the north is cold, the mountains there are probably going to peter out. And even if they are not... Then the route between nations like Gammorea and Gorin is rather shortened. And if not shortened, then at the very least, they have a new route to travel over–ours. And with trade comes riches... With riches...”

“Yes, I see your point. But we are so far north, that...”

“Open your eyes, granddaughter! If we can control the whole of this mountain range, then we will be not only a massive nation, but also in control over the entirety of the resources of the far north. And while timber and furs may seem a simple and cheap thing to us, much further south, they do not have these in abundance.”

“So you intend to make us the trading nation of the north.”

“All that and more, my sweet. I intend to make us the Empire of the North.”

I am sorry Kal'Thzar. I was just reading one Krimzonstriker's post when I typed that :).

Okay, I have a question for you.

A bunch of people seem to want the old 'areas of local autonomy' on the map.

What would you rather have? That, or the current system of regions?

Areas of local autonomy. The region system, IMO, has a number of problems, including the fact that many of our nations do not have real provinces in our nations, as they are drawn on the map. Also, the province system is getting in the way of real territory boundries. While Khemri has occupied Tellium and Verta for this turn, they are still two seperate countries (at least until Khemri annexes them) but because of the province system, there is no line denoteing any border. The rural economy system, if tweaked a little, would seem to be able to serve the same game function as provinces, and, if you returned to it, you would no longer need to draw the little, confusing lines all over the map.

Lovely Story NK

I'm the biggest defender of the status quo around, but I liked the old system. However, the region system has its benefits as well, and if it's easier to update with that for Iggy, I support that.

What if locally autonomous areas could just be included as a separate section in the stats?

For example:

Veritas
...
...
Autonomous Areas: Mogul (area around Delhi)

It doesn't get much easier than that.

OOC: Getting a bit ambitious again, Thlayli? ;)

Just do whatever you want, LI. You're a good enough mod. :)

No, no, just quoting some history. :mischief:

i think thlayli's idea would please you silver? isn't that the sort of thing you wanted?

Contempt, Kal, and Thayli, I need

The name of your most famous ruler
The name of your most famous female ruler/other high position
and The name of your most Famous General

For thlayli the first and second ones are obvious. THE Stratikrator :D

And I am working on it, so shush.

Well, the most famous ruler would be Autorex Strategius. Look up some stories referring to him in the old thread...there's quite a few. The updates mention him a lot, as well.

The highest position a female ascended to in Veritas was Oceanus. Oceanus Quintalis was in charge of the Veritasan Navy during the outbreak of the Great War, and supervised the capture of Khadon and Alexandria with Stratikrator Sempronius, the successor to Strategius.

After Strategius returned power to the Assemblum, they made him Stratikrator, and his conquering of Eldrania along with Davar and Tristaria made him one of the most famous Veritasan generals, if not the most famous.

Other famous Stratikrators include Dominius, (conquered Zibon, annexed Emor) Sempronius, (see above), Cendrian, (captured and destroyed Said, sacrificed his life and army to delay Crystalist/Khemran forces), and Panteras (conquered Sintonia, captured Krenel, and rebuilt Redemption.)

The name of your most famous ruler
The name of your most famous female ruler/other high position
and The name of your most Famous General

Most Famous Ruler...mhmmm I have a few, Thing is, I rotated Through Dynasties, Most Famous Ruler, would either be King Alexander I of the second Alexander Dynasty, or King Rhama the IV I think (chose to continue the war with Veritas)

King Alexander I of the Second Dynasty (must think of An Easier abbreviation or something to use there...) would be the best General, (King Dysonis is a bit "recent" to have that historical aurua round him that makes everyone worship him :p). King Alexander, is the one who devised, carried out the Ambush in the Crystal Ridge Mountains, and is the General who carried the battle into Veritas proper.

Most Famous Female ruler is..Iman, reasons remain secrative. (uhmm its an effect she had on the Religion...)

It was a sorry sight - a venerable traveler in a tattered robe. The once white cloth was now a shade of dull brown, with occasional greenish stains. It was clearly something that did not suit him, as his bare wrists proved, but he looked to be in no position or disposition to worry about unfit clothes. He seemed rather content to be so old and poor. The only sign of uneasiness were the slight twitches in his eyebrows and eyes glistening, watered by slowly welling tears.

He was wandering the lands of his ancestors, the once glorious Shalamari. Only Veritas of old had ever rivaled its greatness. Now it was but a chapter in the vast volume of History. What was would never return, as all empires eventually fall and inevitably face oblivion. Even the current revival was not enough to bring any real hope of Shalamari returning to its former glory. Its time had passed, and was no more and never to be again. Most Shalamari were content with this. The old man was too, but he had other reasons for lamenting.

The Church which for long had dominated the Republic, had toppled its government in the most crucial time of its people. Threatened by the combined forces of bloodthirsty Gerbers and swarming Lengels, the Priests wore weapons and armor and became War-Clerics. They saught to protect the faith and the faithful, and went to great lengths to do so. They took matters in their own hands, and by doing so they robbed the people's chosen of their power - and greatly stressed the trust the people had in themselves. This proved to be their downfall in the end.

The war was quickly lost to the invading hordes, and the people forced to flee to the West and the South. The exiles in Gorin were particularily lucky, as they were not only under the protection of their host, but also enjoyed access to Ruby and the Stone Circles. Their Holy Site was saved from the enemy, and it greatly contributed towards maintaining Shalamari as a united, distinct culture. Still, this was not enough to prevent the failure of the Church from affecting the faithful. Many, many had converted to Masra over the century. Those who did not, spread rumors, instigated revolts and demanded community leadership to be elected and not selected. Eventually when Shalamari regained their homeland and resettled it, they had broken away from the Church's grasp.

Now, "War-Clerics" were widely regarded as backward conservatives, or even dangerous conspirators intent on toppling the frail new republic. It was all bollocks, although disputes still raged between the Church and the "New Circlemen". The old man had no interest in it, although he had sympathy for his colleagues who had to face the incessant accusations and wary eyes shot by these Chosen. He did not dispute their right to rule, though. The Church had tried in its time, and evidently failed. He only felt this resignation, and a slight irritation over the other's inability to drop the argument. Perhaps it was his wisdom, or simply old age.

He was not, as one might think, miserable because this power shift had lost him his job. Truthfully, he was slightly relieved. He still had food to last him through the faithful's donations, and he was past worrying about sleeping outside. He had nothing to interest a bandit, and the winters he had conquered for thirty years. He did not believe it would be his bane, after all these years. The lack of housing also meant he was able to travel around in the realm freely. He also avoided disturbing the locals regularily for donations or shelter - a dangerous thing to do for him in these times.

No, The Red Lady know he was not lamenting the hardships of his life. What he grieved the most was the state of his people and their religion. The faithful were not so towards their spiritual guides and guardians. Wherever he went, he knew someone might oppose him, and do everything in their might to drive him away. There was little he could do but comply, lest he seed further resentment and conflict. And this was the outcome of a milennia of benevolent guidance and protection, this was his kindred, his people. He had sworn his life to repairing this lack of trust, and seen it drift away inconsequentally, like an upturned sandglass. The result of his industry was ironically just as easily reversed. One paranoid Republican was enough to turn the entire community against him.

His life was spent in all but goodness, and he reflected this as well as he might through maintaining it that way. His struggle in expressing kindness and selflessness meant he never experienced anything he might want again. Luckily, it had also liberated him from regretting his life or his workings. Now as his life drew to a close, he felt neither bitterness or hatred. He was hollow and devoid of powerful emotions. This, he knew, was not of old age. Although he had long feared that the years would dull his mind as much as his body, it had blissfully turned out to be the opposite. This was also why he had begun to reflect anew on the state of things - he clearly felt his vigor was diminishing.

His life was, he felt, at last ending. There was nothing left to be done, and nothing much had been done. His work had largely ended in ruins, the people still mistrusted and blamed the Church for the defeat and destruction of Shalamari. He who previously had held a certain pride in not being part of the Church during the Last War, could only fall down onto his knees and realize his failure meant he was none the better. This broke through his barrier of calm, and also caused the tears to turn from a trickle to a flow. He had lost his strength of will to dream on, to hope.

At last the old man ceased his wandering. He simply sat down against a rock along the road, and waited for death to embrace him. Travelers saw him there, but none stopped longer than it took to recognize his patched ceremonial cape. He was not surprised. It only reaffirmed his belief, or lack thereof. He was intent on, if not content with, leaving his mortal shell in what peace he could still have. He still wished to help, and if that proved impossible, at least to do no harm.

Then, as he sat there on the roadside wasting away, a boy walked up to him. He was a bastard child, a Gorimari, with the dark skin of the Westerners and the red hair of the Yath. His eyes were a shade of green, and they shone with remarkable brilliance. He stood in front of the dying old man for a long time, before he suddenly grasped his hand and spoke.

"Why are you sitting here like this, Grandpa*?"

The words of the lad moved the crippled War-Cleric like only The Red Lady could. He tried to muster the strength to answer, or at least think of a reply. He was numb and weak, and so only managed to raise his head and gape moronically. The boy still stood there, holding his hand and pressing firmly. He waited for the answer that never came, unrelented by the appaling sight of the old Priest. This brought confusion and despair to the latter, who struggled even harder against the enfeeblement.

At last, like a miracle, he managed to speak.

"Why? My child?"

A series of dreadful coughs brought his body down in a painful crouch. He pulled himself back up again to face the boy.

"Who are you, my child? Why do you ask?"

"I was sent to find you, Grandpa. You wish to teach me."

"Sent? By who?"

The boy did not reply, but sat there with the old man's hand still in his own. He looked straight in the eye without blinking and only waited. At last, a miracle really occured as the truth was revealed.

"Praised be The Red Lady! Unworthy am I, who is so blessed indeed!"

"You wish to teach me, Grandpa."

The boy pulled the old man up to his feet. Strange, how they still managed to support him. He still felt hollow and feeble, but a force not his own now drove him. He had a mission now, and terribly little time.

"I will teach you. I will teach you the only thing you need to know!"

The old man lived for three days with his new apprentice. He taught him all his survival tricks, gave him his staff and provided clothes fit for a life on the road. Then he commanded him to travel far away, to a place that had not heard of Shalamari at all. He vested him with this mission, and died shortly thereafter.

"Go, for you are the Seed of Destiny. The Red Lady protect you and guide you. May you one day be able to spread the faith and rebuild the Church. Go with this blessing. Go!"

And the boy went, leaving all he had ever known except his faith. His name was Viski Lasi.

*Common reference to the head of a monastery or temple by young apprentices

Nice story, Silver. :)

ummm is that a rebelion? if it isn't then thats cool

if it is... well.. umm sorry?

anyway, you could have asked me to set up some kind of protection for your religion... i never intended it to start going away like that... and it hasn't really,

Considering that the boy is LEAVING Shalamari... ;) Excellent story, though perhaps a bit gloomy...

silver, please stop trying to convert my population... i have done nothing but help you, stop trying to screw up my nation

don't make me take harsh measures

silver, please stop trying to convert my population... i have done nothing but help you, stop trying to screw up my nation

don't make me take harsh measures

Kentharu, try to READ the story before making comments ;) The whole story practically reeks of how the Shalamari church has lost the faith and trust of her people who are converting to Masra en masse and how the main character, a Cleric himself, had lost faith. And how his student is leaving Shalamari... :(

leaving the shalamari to go spread the word, i read the story, i also read the stats, there are more crystalist people than there were before... but maybe that is just population growth *shrug* we will find out soon

Relax, ken. I'm practically making Masra the only form of Crystalism there is! The story is only a prelude to my rejoining. I intend to send the apprentice to a far away land, and start the Church anew there. Although it will be in a totally reformed version, both because the boy hasn't had proper tutelage in the faith, and because it must naturally be shaped to fit the new people of the faith. ;)

EDIT: Read the story again, and you will notice the commandment includes the words "to a place that had not heard of Shalamari at all". Although if the Gorinese have an exonym for Shalamari, I think they might fit that criteria. :D

ok sweet, well i will help you do that. just tell me where it is and ill send some ships or whatever...

To Clear everything up, all of Bladedom has heard of Shalamari, and i don't want to make you a liar:p

ok sweet, well i will help you do that. just tell me where it is and ill send some ships or whatever...

Neat. I will write how the Gorinese settlers in former Gerber welcomed him and provided supplies for his continued journey in my next story. :)

could you pm me about where you are going, just pm, cause i'd like to take this off the thread before turner comes in :p

Why, this isn't Spam, this is In-Game Dicussion. And SS, If you so much as preach to 1 person in any Bladeist State, i will literrally "kill" your dreams:p

i know its not spam but "just in case" ya know? (and cause the posts were reaaaally close together so yea)

Have no fears, Swiss. I intend to make a new nation, not pick (on) an existing one. ;)

Have no fears, Swiss. I intend to make a new nation, not pick (on) an existing one. ;)

Good to have you back, SS. This NES wasn't the same without you.

Just don't come south, or you'll be brutally murdered, K?

Thanks for the welcome, and your (poorly) veiled threats are not necessary. :)

The Travels of Viski Lasi

The apprentice boy first went across the Wardash, heading for the lands formerly inhabited by the vile Gerbers. Hunting and foraging along the way, he made a living out of the nature. When he passed cities where wildlife was scarce, he stole what food he needed to move on. It was a harsh life, and he was caught several times and thrown in prison once. Luckily, he managed to escape through a narrow space in the wall. Even starvation can be a blessing at times.

He continued east, beyond the southern tip of the Keran Range, and entered the lands of Kalmar. He wandered the streets of Copenholm for a few days, trying to gather information about remote lands. It was then that he heard people speak of the New World. He did not understand where it was, or how to get there. Except there was a major clue: he had to travel by sea.

Viski Lasi ended up taking crew on a merchant ship. Its captain was based in Andama, but voyaged widely from Khemri in the south to Gammorea in the north. The boy worked pretty much like a common slave, and continued to do so for two years. Here, he learned much seamanship, and learned enough to understand a number of languages of Terrania. After a while, it was discovered that he had stolen coins from the captains desk, and was promptly booted ashore. He was now stranded somewhere in northern Davar, with nothing on his name but his ragged clothes and a broken oar.

Viski Lasi went inland, and soon met the local people. He saw the Valin cousins, and the Lengel cousins. His meeting with them was a violent one, and his killing of a Lengel sheriff* quickly brought him into trouble. He fled north, away from Davar, and reached the lands of the Citadel. He saw the vast harbor of Seaport, and the road threading westward up towards the high mountains. He also heard the locals speak of the vast knowledge contained inside the Citadel. The entire known world was mapped, they said, and anyone seeking to know its shape could but venture to the Citadel. The apprentice quickly heeded the advice.

Upon reaching the splenourous city of the Citadel, he wasted no time in heading to the Great Library to ask about the New World. He was welcomed like all visitors seeking knowledge, and particularily so for his interesting heritage as Gorimari. He agreed to speak of his lands in exchange for a route to the New World. After a series of interviews and scribed scrolls, he was shown a map of the entire Known World. When he was shown the range of his travels, he quickly saw that reaching the New World would be no easy feat. Still, he had not given up his mission commanded upon him by the venerable War-Cleric.

The apprentice did not leave immediately, however, as he was offered a place in the Great Library as a special student. He considered the offer, and agreed. Since he felt he was not ready to undertake the voyage further east without proper preparations and sufficient information, he saw it fit that he stay for a while in the Citadel to fully grasp all the knowledge the Citadelers had of the New World. He was only planning to stay for a few months at first, but his new life was far too comfortable and enriching to be quitted so hastily. The apprentice stayed in the Citadel for a total of five years, working as scribe, translator and even went a trip back to his homeland to update the Citadel's knowledge on the new Shalamari region inside Gorin.

After these five years of study and "luxury" had passed, he keenly felt he must fulfill his mission the sooner the better. He was now more than sufficiently educated to conduct the voyage east. He even had a small sum to fund his travel. It turned out to be just enough to get him to Norvalin, or the Union or Ardan as it was now known. He set off from the Citadel alone, and his absence was noticed indeed among the Citadelers. One of them even wrote a book on this strange foreigner.

The voyage east was a long and frankly boring one. The only thing that broke the dullness of it was the stop for supplies at Orum, and the violent storm of the northern ocean. The former of the two was exotic even for the seasoned traveler the apprentice was. The latter was a torture even for the seasoned seaman he was. Still, he proved his worth when one of the masts broke in the worst of the hurricane winds, as he was able to rally the desperate crew to bunker in and weather the storm. He parted with the crew in good spirits, and set off to find his next destination...

To be continued!

Nice story, SS.

Iggy, the final parts of my story are PM'ed. Since I'm getting a fever, I'm going to bed and hoping that you'll have the update finished tomorrow or Monday. Good luck!

And no, the last parts weren't written in a state of semi-delirium. Total delirium really. I think I've passed 101... (degrees fairenheit)

*passes out*

EDIT: More than 30,000 characters, if you count all four parts.

*re-passes out*

ill send orders soon...

nice story btw

Other famous Stratikrators include Dominius, (conquered Zibon, annexed Emor) Sempronius, (see above), Cendrian, (captured and destroyed Said, sacrificed his life and army to delay Crystalist/Khemran forces), and Panteras (conquered Sintonia, captured Krenel, and rebuilt Redemption.)Delgani, who got beaten at Hexki Valley, leading directly to the fall of Veritas...

Nice stories SS.

Much of the New World is updated...

Delgani, who got beaten at Hexki Valley, leading directly to the fall of Veritas...

Wouldn't have Veritas fallen anyways even with a victory at Hexki? The Emorians and the Bladeists would still storm Veritas. :confused:

For the record, orders were sent hours ago. I'm beginning to work on my stories now :)

That happened after the Veritasians were already doomed. They would have emerged more strongly from Hexki Valley if they had noticed the trap, and destroyed the CRA ambushers when they were in the mountains and spread out.

With that victory, New Veritas wouldn't have reduced its homeland defenses and would have been able to continue the war longer, possibly even getting a fair peace.

Interesting alt history I suppose.

With that victory, New Veritas wouldn't have reduced its homeland defenses and would have been able to continue the war longer, possibly even getting a fair peace.

Actually considering the two past broken peace treaties that did happen, I doubt any peace would have been kept by the two sides. ;) Another Byzantine-Persian scenario, with the Lengels as the Arabs would be the most likely I guess. :mischief:

True, the continuing war would have allowed the Lengels to conquer even more due to having weakened enemies.

The history of Tellus will be so rich by the end i wouldn't be surprised to see alt-histories about it and off-shoots.

That happened after the Veritasians were already doomed. They would have emerged more strongly from Hexki Valley if they had noticed the trap, and destroyed the CRA ambushers when they were in the mountains and spread out.

To catch the Army spread out would mean that they would have to be cautious, and slow. And They wanted the element of suprise badly, so I played on this, giving them small victories (chasing away the border guard, giving them a city) leading them to beleive that they still had an element of suprise.

To change the outcome of that period of time, the conditions for Vertisian betrayal and invasion would also have to change.

(true Emor Supplied me with info, but I had stated that battle plans were to be made anyway incase of betrayal)

regardless, It was fun that battle.

The Fall of a Tree

It was a sad ceremony by any standards. It was an agonizing heart wrenching moments for others. Others, but not him showed their emotions crying on each other’s shoulders their tears rolling down their cheeks as inevitably as the setting sun. He had learned from birth that wearing one’s emotions on one’s sleeves was a sign of weakness. Yet even he felt a twinge, and as the funeral went, he felt a thing that he had not felt for years. A drop of water fell on his hands. It was a tear, a tear for the life of a great man. Even as the tears began to fall unable to cease the flow, he remembered...

*********************

“As you see, the Guangfei Emperor even in times of war is still merciful and benevolent.” The words were said in a whimsical humoring mood as his companion was still unable to grasp at their complexity. The words themselves were understandable, yet the message and what they conveyed was still beyond his grasp. His companion could still remember walking in, not to the Throne room, but to the informal office of the Emperor. It was a heir of a dynasty who reigned by ties of blood and divine will for five hundred years unbroken, the great enemy of New Veritas but perhaps not the greatest, the upholder of aristocratic and monarchial rule.

Yet, the man was no tyrant. He was a man of flesh and blood, a man when all was said, and still a young man above all. He had all the traits of man, and none of the demon. And when he saw Lao Tzu, his young face lit up like fire finding a cache of oil. He rose and moved towards the elderly man with a benign air before as if suddenly remember he stopped. Stopped, calmed down, and once more sat down awaiting Lao Tzu to enter. And ever the wise one, he did. Striding with a humble aura that befitted him so, he came within five feet of the Emperor and there bowed.

“Your Majesty, I hope that you will spare me the kneeling on account of my age. There are not many that live to the ripe age of 97.” As always, his voice espoused respect, civility, and the manners that a Duke would envy.

“It is all for the better.” Here, the Emperor stood up and walked towards a painting and in a detached tone spoke. “You were once my teacher, you will always be my teacher, your lessons have been well remembered and put to good use. But surely it must be of importance? You rarely appear in Guanzhong, or the Imperial Palace if for not a matter that you believe of importance.” There was a trace of an accusation in that statement, an accusation that was not unfounded.

“Indeed, as always Your Majesty your wisdom and vision is beyond mortal comprehension. A dear friend of mine has a request of Your Majesty, and it is my dearest hope that you will listen and grant his request.”

A few sounds of laughter emitted from the Emperor before he spoke. “There’s no need to pander to my ego Holy One, I am not like the members of the Council of Pax though in all honesty, it is most likely I am greater then them in matters of rank and arrogance. Call your friend I will listen for if his matter was not important you would not bring him yourself.”

Lao Tzu signaled for his companion to come forward and so he did. It was Yong Zhi, the air he once had in Pax was no more, this was a broken old man. He was a defeated old man clinging to his last straws at hope and redemption. He threw himself at the Emperor’s feet prostrating with all the serenity of a man on the brink of death. The Emperor to say the least was shocked, shocked beyond remark.

“Ah… Your friend is ah very apologetic. May I inquire who he is and what manner of petition he brings to me?”

“He, my dear friend, is Yong Zhi. No my Emperor, hear me out, and then make your decision. He is as you may know, the head of the Church of the One in Guangfei, a blood traitor by all reckoning. Yet he was mislead off the Way of the Light, and he knew yet but continued on his path. For he was a man of great spirit and determination. And proud beyond measure, much like a young man I once knew. He comes to ask, no beg you for not a pardon, but forgiveness. To forgive he and those who followed him in fighting the Throne.”

“He asked for much, mercy cannot be given to the likes of him and his as one would pass out copper coins to beggars on the streets.”

“That is true, yet if it was for the mercy of the Late Emperor, a child would have never become the Emperor of today. For mercy is a double edged blade, will you deny a faithful and loyal subject of his humble request? You whisper a word, and thousands are freed from fear. The peace of mothers and fathers, the preservation of the raising of children, do you desire to be the one to end it?”

“Why did you bother coming? You knew my decision long before you came. The Grand Secretary will announce it. I will pardon all followers of the Church that had fled from my righteous armies. Go, both of you. May peace follow you.”

*****************************

“It is with a great and joyous heart, that I inform all of you, once brothers, always brothers, that Emperor Ku has formally pardoned and given forgiveness for all followers of the Church that fled. May this day, the third day of the third month mark a new beginning between our brothers, reunited once more with a common purpose. For the betterment of all, for the prosperity of all. Long Live the One! Long Live Guangfei! To light undiminished in the fading world!”

Lao Tzu finished and his listeners came to speak and shakes hands with the now wizened old man. There were many, for the listeners had not just been Oneists, but of Guangfei’s main faith yet all tolerant and receptive. And in the crowd itself hidden in the throng of the moving masses of people, the Emperor himself was present. And so was Yong Zhi standing side by side with Lao Tzu, comrades and brothers. It was in this joyous and celebratory scene, that death and chaos came. For not everyone had come with well intents. No, they had come to kill.

The first that tried with a knife hidden failed to secure his objective forced to take another whom laid down his life. The second succeeded, and his knife plunged into the heart of the man who died. And a baptism of blood and shock resulted. For there were others, who gathered at the moment at the two fallen men and spoke.

“The Heretic is Dead! Long Reign The Republic! Long Live the Church of the One! Death to the Heretics! Death to the Traitors! Death to Guangfei! Long Live the Republic!”

Young men with nothing to their names, nothing to their achievements but thoughts of glory and wealth within their minds had brought down one of the greatest philosophers the world had ever seen. For Lao Tzu laid dead next to him, his comrade Yong Zhi. Brothers in life, brothers in death they would be. Yet his assassins were fools, for their plot while succeeding would not outlive them. All but a few were hacked dead to pieces, gore and entrails aplenty by the Imperial Guard and the crowd in a frenzy of hatred.

The few that survived would regret not having died that gentle death. The most heinous tortures of all were done upon them, within full approval of the infuriated masses. They were dissected, their chest spilt open and their organs taken out, most notably their still beating heart in front of their own eyes in the great pain. Every organ, veins and capillaries noted and recorded so that in their death, they would do more then in their life.

******************

The bearers of the coffins walked past, the massive crowd dressed in white, the color of purity, the color of the pureness that death would bring. Two coffins, for two brothers, Lao Tzu and Yong Zhi were buried. Yet they knew, that their bodies would be desecrated by those who disagreed. So the tomb was never seen outside of the most fervent of the Way, and the tomb vanished, to remain forever a secret until a new era.

Men are mortal, ideas are not…

Awesome story!

Will write the last story shortly. Good to see many stories now! :)

It was a sorry sight. A terribly thin and weary man, clinging to a soggy raft barely able to support his weight. It was clear that the makeshift raft had been drifting at sea for weeks, and the starving dehydrated sailor was only able to maintain a weak hold on the ropework that went around the planks. The storm that had come that night had thrown him about violently, and crushed the masts of his ship like twigs. Later, the storm had released him, only to leave him out on the open sea to die a slow and agonizing death.

The man had very dark skin, and curly red hair. His build was tall, and his figure betrayed that he had once been a large man. Now he was reduced to skin and bones, his muscles all but vanished as his body chipped away at his reserves. It was a small wonder he had lasted this long, even though the frequent rains provided him with sufficient water. Still, he was as dead as a live man can be. Stranded on the ocean, unimaginably far away from any human lands, and only drifting with the currents of the sea like a leaf on a river.

His name was Viski Lasi. Apprentice, missionary and traveler. He had given up all of these titles now. They had once been his foremost, badges of honor and calls to duty. How full of life and vigor he had been when he set off from Vael Dash, headed for the mysterious atheists of the Far East. He had been sure this was his intended destination, and that The Red Lady would ensure safe travels in order for him to spread her faith. Now, he didn't even know what nonsense had driven him to undertake this "mission". Why, he barely knew anything of the faith in the first place! How was he supposed to be the new Founder of the Church?

Just as he was lying there, hating everything including his foolish self, he heard cries from above. It startled him, and jerked his head to his left. What he saw was a miracle. A flight of seabirds were flocking around a point on the surface, diving for fish. Birds, that naturally had a nest somewhere on land. This dawning hope was, alas, a faint one. He was still crippled and unable to move, and who said the birds nested anywhere near his drifting pile of planks? Any even if he did reach land, he would only die as helpless as he had been on the raft. No, this was not a miracle, only a sarcastic reminder of his imminent death.

Viski Lasi closed his eyes, and prepared for death. He went back to his comatose slumber, and hoped he would pass away while he was still unaware. He did not perish, however, and opened his eyes yet again but a few hours later. His raft was no longer drifting, and he could hear the distinct sound of wind ruffling the branches of trees. He heard birds and wildlife, and insects were stinging him all over his body. Just what he needed: to be robbed of a calm and oblivious entry to the Netherworld.

He cursed, and tried to wave the insects away. After this proved futile, he tried to swallow those who came into his mouth. He coughed and spat and cringed at their bitter taste, but did not give up his fight. All he wanted was to die in peace! Why would the bugs not let him? Eventually, he let them suck out what was left of his ribbed body. It would hasten his death anyway, bring the end to this madness a little closer. Still, try as he might, he could not sleep. All the noises from the trees behind his head made him stay awake and restless. For some reason, he kept trying to identify the sounds. Birds, animals, winds, a small stream to his left. All these sounds made him feel like he was going insane. And maybe he was?

What chances was there of him suddenly awaking on an island after drifting for several weeks? What were all these noises and sounds, and biting insects, if not only figments of his unfettered imagination? Were they not hallucinations, like all those imaginary ships that had appeared far away on the horizon the first week when he was still able to yell and wave with his hands?

He then heard footsteps. Footsteps. He was mad. There was no doubt anymore. Four or five of them, in the distinct rythm of men walking purposefully. He could hear them coming towards him, as clearly as the bug bites stung. They came beside him, and he could see their faces looking down onto him. Their eyes. They were green. Just like his. They were like him. One of them sat down on his knees and grasped his hand. They were real. They were alive, like him. It was a miracle!

"Wha... Whe..."

Viski Lasi could only make small noises with his mouth. His struggled to keep his eyes focused, to see their faces. He wanted to speak with them. But how? He could not speak with them, only to. If he indeed could speak at all.

"Why?"

Suddenly, his mind went blank as he looked into the eyes of the old War-Cleric that had once been where he was now. He could feel the tears in his eyes, like he had seen once almost ten years ago. He could feel his wasting body, like he had witnessed the old man die away. But he also felt how this miracle was not a chance, and that it would last him through. He rested then, for as long as he needed. He knew he would wake up again, to start his new life. Such serenity was on his face as he lay there on his raft among the five foreign men that they bent down and greeted this alien with awe and wonder.

The brink of death is a strange place, and miracles only occur in the direst of needs, when all hope is extinguished.

Well, my fever's broken. I think that I can post coherently again. Iggy, please let me know when you won't accept any further changes to the orders, so I can post my stories here.

And great stories, everyone. I liked yours alex, it's particularly useful to both of our causes.

Well, my fever's broken. I think that I can post coherently again. Iggy, please let me know when you won't accept any further changes to the orders, so I can post my stories here.

With all due respect, stories can be false you know ;) *points out Kehexou story arc*

With all due respect, stories can be false you know ;) *points out Kehexou story arc*

No, technically the Mayanas dynasty hadn't fallen yet, but was merely on its last legs as Khemri intervened, saving it.

In retrospect, the situation was rather confusing in Kehexou pre-war...the Mayanas dynasty had originally agreed to invade Khemri, but only tentatively.

may or may not write a story....

The sinews of war is infinite resources.

Yathai

Cities: Viskas
Leader: Father Viski Lasi / Silver Steak
Religion: Mantea
Government: Theocratic Monarchy
Economy: 2- 2/0
Population: To be determined by me
Army: To be determined by me
Navy: None
Education: None
Technology: Copper Age
Confidence: Tolerating
Culture: None
Wonders:
Description: An island people that gathered together, united by faith under the rule of Viski Lasi.


After the arrival of the Gorimari Viski Lasi to the islands of Yathanai, he was welcomed as an emissary from the gods. None had come to them from across the endless ocean, and his obviously alien appearance meant they believed he was not human at all. They took him to the largest settlement, and crowned him king. All the various chieftains and priests were quick to subjugate themselves to this new God-King. All this time, Viski Lasi worked hard to learn their language and understand their religion and culture.

He quickly saw patterns in their grammar, as he had much knowledge on the composition of languages from his many travels and extended study in the Citadel. After that, it was only a matter of continually listening and repeating the Yathai before he could speak with them. He was also quick to discover that the many tribes had many demigods and tribal spirits that were worshipped. Still, they all agreed on a single fundamental spiritual idea, not unlike that of Duality and Balance in Terrania. The Yathai believed that everything in the world is a mix of heat and cold, light and dark, solid and liquid, apparent and hidden, real and unreal.

This meant the two powers, called Shu and Shi, had to be worshipped equally to maintain balance and harmony in the world. In addition, there were countless lesser deities and spirits, all with their domains and power to affect mortals. The smaller tribes also usually had their own tribal patron spirit. This wealth of deities and the religion's heavy influence on their culture meant Viski Lasi had much to work with - and much to work against.

The first thing he did in order to pave the way for the New Church was to go about to the many tribes and gather representatives. They were ordered to gather the totems and holy symbols of their tribal deity to him. Upon gathering them all, the God-King declared that all these were evil spirits that only sought to divert the faithful's attention away from the true gods. He destroyed the idols with his own hands, and burned what could be burned, and grounded what could not to dust. This caused the Yathai to rebel fiercely against him, but he had already planned how to counter their obvious reaction.

In a daring speech to the angered Yathai, he spoke of how the tribal spirits were a danger to them. The spirits were only figments created by Shi so that the Yathai would focus less on Shu. This created an unbalance, since the worship of unreal figments meant they were effectively giving Shi more power than Shu. Thus, the spirits had to be cast out and abolished in order to bring back balance and harmony. This message was surprisingly well received by the Yathai, who partly saw this action as a liberation from the often terrifying characters of the spirits.

After this abolishment of the spirits, Viski Lasi began forming the fundament for the New Church. The administrative and purely practical aspects were not as much a challenge as the forming of the new dogma. Still, his lack of indoctrination back in Shalamari, as well as his now intimate knowledge of the Yathai religion meant he had free hands and plenty of tools to work with. He was careful to write only what he felt was the truth, and his primary goal was to make the new religion as much the Yathai's as well as his Crystalism. He did not feel it was important to hold on to anything but the essential facts of Crystalism, and incorporated as much as possible of the Yathai beliefs into the new.

Shu and Shi, deities of the Day and the Night, were renamed The Red Lady and The Blue Lady. (nyah! I'm not giving up this one! :p) Shu was given the title "the Good Mother", and Shi was named "the Temptress". This clear contrast between the two was in order to make sure that the Yathai were not fooled again to confuse one with the other. The two poles also meant there could not be a third deity, and also ensured both were equally worshipped in order to maintain balance and harmony.

Shu was given thanks for blessings, and Shi was appeased in order to avoid or to lighten hardships. If Shu was more worshipped, Shi could call disasters and death to fall upon the Yathai. If Shi was more worshipped, the Good Mother would likewise take away her blessings from the people. The best way to please both gods was therefore to have one temple, one altar and one Church for both of them. This entwined the two so that the religion was one single, despite the gods being two directly opposing ones.

Although this balance was the basest of foundations in the new religion, it was not so that both gods were treated equally. Naturally, the Good Mother was considered more favourable for mortals, as evil gods are seldom embraced. The Yathai did not seek to elevate the Temptress' domains as ideals. It goes without saying that they regarded The Red Lady as their protector against The Blue Lady. Still, it was a cosmic fact that one was countered by the other, and both had to be in balance for the world to be at peace, or even exist.

This idea of a reality composed of two entwined counterparts formed the foundation of the new religion. Viski Lasi named it Mantea, which meant Equilbrium in the Yathai tongue. With the instatement of Mantea as the only true religion in Yathai, he had succeeded in founding the New Church. Only three years had passed since his arrival to the Yathanai islands, and his rule would last for decades more. He began at once the building of a magnificent temple the very coast he had arrived. It was soon a bustling city, and the capital of the new theocracy.

Among the many lesser achievements of Viski Lasi was the development of the Yath alphabet. He based it on the one he learned in the Citadel, modifying to accomodate for subtle variations in vocal sounds in the Yathai tongue. He also taught the people how to build sturdy ships, and the art of mapping. He used all the knowledge he had gathered through his experiences in his old life to teach the Yathai as best as he could.

Lastly, he spoke to the of the world outside the Yathanai islands, and how he had been sent from there by the gods to guide them to the true faith. This knowledge was largely abandoned by the Yathai, because it was difficult for them to accept the existance of distant lands as large and wide as entire oceans. Still, it was not entirely forgotten, as all of the teachings of Viski Lasi were recorded and stored for future generations. For Viski Lasi knew he would die one day, and that he needed successors...

Leader: Father Viski Lasi / Silver Steak
:rotfl: plain hilarious...

your story is fun to read when I think of that name in it's finnish meaning :p

hey what about Dula! and Blue Face! Gorin demands you include them :p

*looks for a picture of a generic angry mob*

@andis: The joke is rather old. If you look in the first thread, you might notice that the first Father of Yath al'Shanaal was indeed called Viski Lasi. ;) And yes, I named him so on purpose.

@Kentharu: I don't care. Viski Lasi is Gorimari, but was still a Crystalist, not a follower of Masra. If you insist, I can portray Dula as Shi, the evil counterpart of The Red Lady. :p

You know, what's with this usage of Chinese/asiatic names? Shi and Shu? :p

I only picked them because they sounded alike. Plus "shi" means "death" and "shu" means "lord" in Japanese?

EDIT: Not that it particularily fits Mantea, but anyway.

dont do that, then our nations probably won't be friends :(

ICwise i mean

Doesn't matter. We won't meet for the next, oh say, four or five centuries anyway. That is, if Gorin even lasts that long. :p

EDIT: Off to boot camp once more. Only this week, and I will move to Oslo again! :woohoo:

Dedication

Oss was excited for today. Today was his ordination into his new life. It was his gateway into spreading the good word. It was the full realization of his dreams. For Oss Tregader was about to become a Missionary of the Gifts, a Soldier of Peace and Bladeism. In short, Oss was being Ordained as a Missionary-Preist in the Soceity of Gifts, its members called the Wilipites.

The Soceity of Gifts was created by mandate of the Ascendant Master Evern II, on August 15, 1501. Its founder was Saint Igngy of Jarade, a fighter in the end of the Lengel Wars and the reconstuction who saw the need for Peace, Justice, and Bladeism. The Soceity was Consecrated under the Master Uni Creatomi, a title of the Blessed Ascendant Master, Wilipo Chipa. Thus its members came to be called Wilipites. It was lead by the Superior-General, and stressed obediance to your superiors and the the Ascendant Master above all. It is focused on education, human rights, social justice, but most of all foreign missionary work.

Oss had long dreamed of this moment. This moment when his family would finally be proud of him, when he could finally be proud of himself. He had study long and hard for this, to be come a Brother Missionary. He would be held in high regard by others. He would travel the world and spread Bladeism, true Bladeism.

By true Bladeism he ment what would be later called Wilipianity. Though the people of the time didn't recognize it as a sect, historians trace its roots to the founding of the Soceity of Gifts. Wilipianity was no different than Bladeism but it added new books and gospels. It taught that if people worked and served their nation and superiors tirelessly and without question, then they would reach salvation and be loved by the Blademaster in Peresofo. It also taught that by be meek and serving, your nation would be blessed with Great Leaders who would bring prosperity and great Temporal Power. These Great Leaders were called Gifts and can be considered SuperSaints. At this point in time there were 3 Gifts that were held in the highest regard by the Wilipites and thus the people they preached too. They were Wilipo, Diva, and Evern(politcally Evern I, but just called Evern). This was a trinity of sucess and faith to them, and thusly the adherents of Wilipianity held triangles in high regard.

The Superior-General, Gufidi, sucessor to Igngy. Oss steped up to Gufidi. The leader made Oss make the vows, and he did. He made Oss swear allegiance to the Ascendant Master and too the Society of Gifts. Then Oss was given his first mission.....

your story makes my eyebrows twitch so....

few examples:
Saint Igngy
for obvious reasons

on August
August...seriously why use the same months :p make something up :D

Igngy came from Ignasius. and Iggy. COMBINED INTO A SUPER SAINTLY MOD SOLDIER!!!!

He's obviously making a Bladeists version of Jesuits ;)

Oh how my mind shudders so *sigh*.

Yeah, I try to pleasantly ignore outright ripoffs from Western European, OTL culture in an ancient age, alternate universe.

It is 1500..............Iron Age.........a Medival missionary groups already existed...... I mean a police force in the Copper Age though was completely okay though;)

It is 1500..............Iron Age.........a Medival missionary groups already existed...... I mean a police force in the Copper Age though was completely okay though;)

It's still, at best, the equivalent of 400 BCE.

you forget this doesn't have CE or BCE, it just has 1 timeline

I would beg to differ. Its more around at 11th Century AD. There was just the steppe invasions, and as Iggy has pointed out the existance of the Citadel has propelled techonology.

you forget this doesn't have CE or BCE, it just has 1 timeline

Equivalent kentharu, equivalent :p As in the progress of technology and etc in comparison with OTL, that's what she was referring to. Not the actual date of the time, but the level of technology and advancement ;)

And it's hardly the 11th Century AD, gunpowder would have already been invented by then and in addition, the Mongols weren't the only peoples to come out of the steppes. The ancestors of the Persians did come after all from the steppes and the Persians conquered Mespotamia much as the Lengels conquered most of the Cradle. And if you don't count them, there's also the Huns in the 5th Century.

It's still, at best, the equivalent of 400 BCE.
Oh, I think it's closer to 50 AD.

:mischief:

Actually its more like the 12th Century. The Union of Khemri and Kehexou= Union of Hungary and Croatia, Mongol Conquests, Lengel Conquests, Song Dynasty loses power in China, the Struggle in Guangfei, technology about the same....

Actually its more like the 12th Century. The Union of Khemri and Kehexou= Union of Hungary and Croatia, Mongol Conquests, Lengel Conquests, Song Dynasty loses power in China, the Struggle in Guangfei, technology about the same....
No, it's definitely around 50 AD. :p

Actually its more like the 12th Century. The Union of Khemri and Kehexou= Union of Hungary and Croatia, Mongol Conquests, Lengel Conquests, Song Dynasty loses power in China, the Struggle in Guangfei, technology about the same....

What on earth does the Union of Khemri and Kehexou have to do about the OTL equivalent time? There's been tons of royal marriages and unifications in history. I would argue that the UKKK is Imperial Rome under Augustus/Alexander's Empire. The Lengel conquests are the Persian conquests. The Song Dynasty and Guangfei has little in common, I would argue it's more of late Han dynasty thing. There are no stirrups at all. :p

EDIT: Just because we have better ships then in OTL doesn't mean anything. First of all, can you actually compare the Atlantic/Pacific Ocean and the Exodian Sea? From my estimate, the Atlantic and Pacific are both vasly larger, deeper and rougher then the Exodian Sea :p

I thought the Lengels had stirrups, and the Khemri..... their Cataphratoria.

And Veritas was Rome i always thought.

Though OTL comparisons really don't work. I still say were definatly out of the B.C.E range. We have ships that can cross from Nontin to New Veritas

I'm saying around 500 CE, just as a rough estimate. Lengels=Turks and all that.

From my estimate, the Atlantic and Pacific are both vasly larger, deeper and rougher then the Exodian SeaCrossing the Exodian is like crossing the Bering Strait. Not difficult.

To add my points to this interesting argument:

1. We don't have gunpowder yet.
2. Barbarian invasions have happened for millennia OTL and TTL. The Zibonese were the first in this NES, moving down from the area north of former Nkondi and displacing proto-Veritasian, Kalmar, Emoran, Davarian, and possibly Eldranian tribes (this was pre-first update very early history).
3. We have developed several knightlike groups of elite armoured cavalry.

Basically, we are sometime in the Roman era, somewhere between 100 BCE and 500 CE.

@Silver Steak- Could you send orders for your nation so I can include it in the update?

See! I'm right :p

Though Iggy, is Exilisium like a form of Hawaii fed by volcanic eruptions or is it more like Britain which was seperated from Europe?

How's the update coming so far iggy? :(

It's not quite like either, but similar to both.

It is quite volcanic, but not in the same way as Hawai'i. It is, in geopolitical terms, quite like a weaker Britain which is just further from the coast.

I've done most of my update save the Guangfei/Valin conflict, which is gonna take me several days of scattered updating to finish.


Oh bugger, stupid wars. Just tell me Iggy, yes or no, did my... uh... "reforms" work out decently? :p

(Posted here to avoid spam issues)

Decently I suppose, considering what you did. :groucho:

Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do for the Big Dog Upstairs ;) I'll take decently, I suppose (as if I had a choice!) :p

Not sure why *I* used a spoiler too...

3. We have developed several knightlike groups of elite armoured cavalry.

Sassanids, earliest knight like groups WERE the 'cataphractori' (ok I warped the spelling but whatever) :p

IMHO its never easy to correlate a NES in progress to any historical equivalent. The world right now does seem Roman Imperial, but there are some differences, for instance there is better cavalry - thanks to the Lengels - and better ships - thanks to the V-word people; infantry tactics, meanwhile, seem more backwards, as does siege warfare (but that's just my own opinion).

Btw, as a trend, this world is generally more amphibious oriented - the Great Ocean is like a macro-Mediterranean. Future seems quite bright for the present predominant sea power, the UKKK, though New Veritas and the Citadel (especially if it gets rid of that pacifism) are nice potential competitors. Also, a fourth (and maybe a fifth) sea power might emerge in the east.

*anticipates the grand naval slugfest eagerly*

Future seems quite bright for the present predominant sea power, the UKKK,

The Futures Bright; The Futures Orange

*is shot*

I'm actually Unsure of my path, what do I want to acheive :s

Make the seas run red with the blood of those who dare get in your path! Conquer all the islands of the Great Ocean and the lands beyond the seas too! Build a great colonial empire!

Or let the fleet rot and go hunting instead. :p

Anything for you das ;)

"Here rabbit rabbit rabbit...."

the Citadel (especially if it gets rid of that pacifism)
:lol:

Oh bugger
Good movie! w00t!

Oh, sorry. I, too, like the idea of a comparison, militarily if not politically, to 1st century Imperial Rome.

Iggy, since you didn't seem to acknowledge my questions, I'll be posting my stories now, and assume that you won't accept any changes to orders.

hes already began the update, you should be safe.

Crossroads of Destiny

"I resign my commission as Stratikrator, having failed the nation. In my place, I appoint Host-Lord Vandrios as Stratikrator of the Legioni."

-Last words of Stratikrator Gregorian

"What do you think of the Dragon Throne?
Cold and hard, unfeeling stone
Power, and treasure, at his command
Thousands slain from a bloody hand
Edicts made from a golden throne
He will die there, all alone."

-Excerpt from New Veritasan battle hymn

Prologue-The Spy

This was an age of great things. New inventions, discoveries, and wars of glory. The sopping wet man, shivering on his horse, snorted at the propaganda fed to him, the people and all the soldiers. Times like this made him question who he was fighting for. What made New Veritas better than Guangfei, anyway? What if good and evil were only words in a book?

But he shook himself out of it. For all its faults, New Veritas was a land of freedom. A man could make his trade there unhindered by some petty lord, serving a great lord, all bowing and scraping to a corrupt, disgusting monarch. Guangfei had been built by a man, to serve an Emperor. Veritas was built by the people, and it served the people. Those ‘Fei came to burn and slaughter, and in its wake build a new society, an aristocratic hellhole of serfs and peasants laboring to enrich a new generation of glittering men. The spy saw what Guangfei would bring. And he had come to crush it.

His horse shied, nervously. Dusk was falling, and it was getting colder. And a thick, impenetrable fog was developing. He was but one spy, alone in the world. And the power and might of Guangfei drew closer to the border...

The spy was Valfei by birth, but dressed himself in the brown aldion-skin of a Veritasan outrider. Kicking his horse into action, they stumbled together down the loose gravel of the hillside. The mist wreathed them, and it was almost too late...seeing the chasm open below him, he dug his feet into the sides of his steed, and skittish as she was, the horse managed to stop one foot short of the gorge.

The man whistled with surprise. Down below lay a lush valley, thick with green vegetation, and a brisk stream trickling down from the mountains. Some fruit trees and a field of grain clustered around the smoking remnants of a destroyed farm. "They must have been some of the loyal ones," he reflected. After all, this was not far from the border with New Veritas.

Lined up down the valley was rank upon rank of tents. They were filled with young men, eager for war. The spy smiled. He had fought on both sides of the border, and unlike the impressionable young men in the tents below, he knew the truth. The armies were remarkably similar. Thousands of fresh conscripts, led by weary veteran officers and arrogant, confident generals. He could almost feel their proud hearts slumbering down there in the tents, beating with heady expectation of the battle to come.

It was his job to destroy them. To destroy his countrymen...no! Not anymore. Not after Qingdao. From the moment he stepped on that ship, he left that behind. Regardless of the color of his skin, he was Veritasan now. And the Veritasan spy knew exactly what to do.

The spy was a small man, with little in the way of fat or muscle. He crawled on his belly through the dirt and lichens to get a closer look. Usually the command tents were grouped towards the center to protect against ambush…there! The flag of the Dragon Throne fluttered nearby. Now all that he had to do was wait. Within five minutes, several officers emerged from the tent, laughing and gesturing. The tallest, probably a mid-level general, wore a purple cape.

“Only the Stratikrator wears a purple cape,” the spy growled, and pulled out his bow. It was a beautiful Serpentine masterpiece, three feet long and carved from a great yew. He oiled and strung the bow silently in the growing gloom. Then he selected three arrows, and withdrew a small pot of oil from his saddlebags. Tenderly, he selected a quail fletched, barbed arrow, and took aim.

He would turn in just a moment…

Wait…

Wait…

The officer turned to reenter his tent, exposing the front of his forehead.

The spy released his fingers with a prayer to his ancestors and the One.

Pfffffft!

The shaft whistled through the air, and hit its mark. With a short scream of pain, the Guangfei commander collapsed to the ground. His aides rushed to help him, but it was too late. The barb had impacted his eye socket, killing him within seconds. In a flash, the man withdrew two more arrows, dipped them in oil, and lit them ablaze. He shot them off towards the tents.

It was dangerous now. They had seen him, and a few return arrows whistled by his forehead. This had been a nice opportunity to cause some chaos, but he had to return to New Veritas. Lighting another spark, he dropped it into the pot of oil and tossed it into the chasm. The homemade bomb exploded, lighting another few tents on fire.

“That should delay them at least a day, as they reorganize and search for me,” he thought. But he was skilled enough to avoid detection, especially now. Smiling sadly, he mounted his horse and trotted off into the gloom and thickening fog.

---

He entered Host-Lord Vandrios' tent one day later.

Vandrios was old now, and no less noble, massive, or humble. But the man had aged a decade since he had seen him in spring…and he was weeping.

“My lord, what is the…?”

That was when he saw the purple cape.

Crossroads of Destiny

"Recent excavations of the older Veritasan ruins do indicate that the first great world event on which the fate of Tellus hung was the Great Crusade against Eldrania. The near-mythical actions of Autorex Strategius have been validated in fact. But, as every Valin child knows, the fate of New Veritas and Valin civilization would be decided in the epic battles of the War of the Dragon's Throne."

-Aurelius Tristention, Dissertations on the First and Second Republics, 4785

Part One:

"Vanti, do you see them?"

"Great prophet Pacian, they're coming through again! Tactica Halenian, we must regroup!"

The Seventy Seventh Tacticate of Phoenix Archers had a storied history. Supposedly the 77th was present in the original naval actions against Kalmar, sniping at enemy sailors and spearmen in the first great naval battle of history. They had functioned, under various Septilions and Host-Lords, for over one thousand years, being reformed and filled with the finest archers available at the first hint of battle. They had been slaughtered and victorious countless times, and war was no new thing to them.

But these damn assassins were just too much! They didn't have any particular skill, but one's guard gets a bit lax when they come through every night!

Badong was supposed to be a nice leave for the forty men. Rest in the city, relax, protect some "King Deng" or whatever he was called, and wait until New Veritas got its command problems sorted out and inevitably called them in again. But no...it seemed that this Deng fellow was rather disliked. The people seemed nice and polite on the surface, and many enjoyed freedom, but there were some among them that kept yellow flags hidden in their cellars, flags bearing a particular dragon that the members of the Tacticate didn't take too kindly to seeing.

Tactica Halenian should have been a Septilion by now, commanding 300 men. But he declined the promotion, preferring to lead his unit into the heat of battle...if these petty skirmishes could even be called battle.

The Royal Palace was really a converted provincial fort, at least until Guangzhou was sacked that is. The King led his court, mostly comprised of Veritasan advisors and a few local governors, within a small throne room. The “Panda Throne,” the people called it, reflecting the gentle, pudgy nature of their king. Somewhere an Alexandrine Panda raged at the irony. Anyway, Halenian suspected that the majority of these assassins were militia sent in from across the border. It was easy to blend in with the Shangei…after all, they all looked alike.

The officer had no time to consider all of this, though. The would-be killers, clad in black rags, had scaled the perimeter wall, and were racing for the main building. Halenian didn’t even need to shout an order; he merely looked at one of his Decadions, standing in the shadows of the upper balcony. The burly soldier nodded, and three men stepped out behind him. As the first assassin reached out for the handle of the main entrance’s painted oak doors, he saw with horror that his hand was no longer there. Within seconds, another arrow pierced his chest.

The other three men were turned into human pin cushions before they even had a chance to react.

“Excellent work men, let’s reassemble at…”

But then a scream, along with the crashing of earthen pots, could be heard clearly, coming from the kitchens and servants quarters at the rear of the compound. Damn! They’d infiltrated assassins in with the servants, and the other attacks were only a distraction! Quickly formulating a plan, he called out to his Decadions.

“Take ten men into the palace. Reinforce the King’s guard, and do not let him come to harm! I’m heading for the kitchens.”

His men ran off, and Halenian broke into a sprint, smashing down the door with a savage kick. Three servants lay dead, and the kitchens were in total chaos, with platters of food thrown everywhere, clay ovens smashed, and live chickens running around. One of the serving girls was still alive, but bled heavily from the arm. Tearing off some of his tunic, he bound the wound, and threw water on the girl to wake her up.

“Child, what happened?”

The young girl coughed.

“They said...they were...water women…”

Halenian’s eyes widened. Heavenly One! Female assassins…that wasn’t good.

“You must tell me, where did they go?”

“Out there...that window.”

This was looking grim indeed. Laying the child down on some flower sacks, the Veritasan jumped onto the frame of the window. Twisting himself around, he pulled his body up and onto the roof tiles. Crouching down, he saw the end of a kimono flash near the balcony…damn it all, the balcony! It might be too late to save him, but something had to be done.

Without thinking, the Veritasan officer broke into a run. Using his bow for leverage, he jumped off the roof into thin air, hoping that his fingers would reach the lowest balcony rail.

---

The spy grimaced at the condition of his leader.

“My lord…you are the Stratikrator.”

And he bowed. Vandrios waved dismissively, humbly.

“Don’t bow before me, Jiang. I have no stomach for it.”

“So Gregorian is…”

“Dead, yes. He threw himself off the Tower of Command. A brilliant man, and a great leader. The weight of command, of the trust of New Veritas, was too much for him to bear.”

“The rumors I heard in Qingdao were not good.”

“Yes, you have heard correctly. The Sintonian rebellion has taken Paleras. Their campfires can be seen from the top of the Citadel. Our spies indicate that Swade, Gorin, and possibly Khemri are forming a coalition against us. These are bleak times, my friend.”

Jiang hoped that it hadn’t been this bad…but his worst fears were confirmed.

“So…is it over?”

Vandrios slumped his shoulders. “To be honest, I had placed my faith in Gregorian. If he failed, then the chances of my success are dim indeed. Indeed, only the threat of the army’s mutiny has kept the Assemblum from capitulating to Sintonia and Guangfei. Quite literally, I am the only one holding this country together.”

Two men stepped out of the shadows.

“You were, Stratikrator Vandrios, but no longer.”

The spy looked dubiously at the two men, who bowed politely.

“I am Kendrian Vantalias, representative of Norvalin.” The tall diplomat wore a black cloak, with no symbol or adornment. He was dressed for the cold, Jiang saw. His skin was ethereally white, and long black hair was tied into a braid behind his forehead. The second man stepped forward. “Landrios Kersalis, envoy of Exilsium, at your service.” This second negotiator wore a thin gray cloak. He had tanned skin, and a thin, silver brooch pinned near his heart. But the two men and the Stratikrator looked remarkably similar.

The Exilsian spoke first. “Though we do not agree with the motives of New Veritas, its destruction will inevitably mean our destruction. The Exiled stand with you.”

The Norvaliner did not move. “We stand with our brothers,” he said simply.

The two men swept out of the tent, as one. They were headed for Redemption. Vandrios sighed, and collapsed into a chair. Jiang glanced quizzically at his leader.

“Do you really trust them?”

“They are Valins. I have to trust them. But betrayal is possible, and if we are betrayed, our cause is lost. But we need their navy. When the League has assembled its forces, we will have over fifteen thousand soldiers. It will be a force that can end this war.”

“It has taken its toll on all of us.”

“I remembered something that Stratikrator Panteras once told me as a young soldier. ‘It’s easy to have ideas,’ he said, ‘but pretty damn hard to make them work.’ I now know how true that was.”

“How can I help you, my lord?”

“Don’t call me that, I already told you.” Despite his suffering, the old man smiled. “In fact Jiang, I have a very special task for you. In the end, the entire outcome of the war may depend on your actions.”

“And if I refuse?” he said jokingly.

“In that case, I’ll have you gutted with a pike.”

“Well then, let’s get started.”

---

Halenian honestly thought that he was going to die. He regretted nothing that had happened, and closed his eyes, preparing to see the One face to face at last. But instead of the One, the officer’s outstretched arms crashed into the balcony. Grasping at the wood, he managed to grab onto it. Pulling himself up on the splintered balcony, he grabbed a throwing dagger, and ran into the room, crashing through a wooden screen.

Entering the throne room, he saw his men all standing in fighting stance around the throne. In the throne itself sat the King of Shangei, looking for all his weight like a giant panda. Standing directly behind him, using the throne and the body of the monarch as cover, stood a pretty female assassin, of Guangfei descent. She held a dagger to the throat of the choking king.

Without thinking, Halenian remembered his training. A standoff always ended in blood. Break the standoff, with minimal damage to the target. An injured hostage is better than a dead one.

The dagger left his fingers, almost without him asking it to. Two arrows followed that. The assassin managed to register that she was about to die a split second before the event actually occurred. One of his men, he didn’t see who, ran behind the throne to “ensure” that she was dead. Two others ran forward to support the collapsing monarch. Halenian sighed.

“That was exciting. Post a guard around the king, and sweep the entire compound. Let’s not let this happen again.”

“Are you alright, sir?”

“Thank you,” the King of Shangei said. “Veritas truly can save.”

Halenian was confused…but he nodded happily. That was when the messenger tapped him on the back.

“Orders from Redemption,” he said.

Crossroads of Destiny

"If a man were, in his lifetime, to do everything right, he could become the ruler of the world. Whether or not such a thing is justified is another question entirely."

-Autorex Strategius

"If there is only one lesson that I can impart to a young soldier, it is that you should never, NEVER, execute a plan that has anything to do with a hammer and an anvil. Cendrian, Delagani, and Gregorian were geniuses, and masterful leaders. But they all failed to realize that simply wielding a hammer is far more effective.

-Stratikrator Vandrios, Tactics and Strategy

Part Two:

Hundreds of years later, historians would review musty, decaying texts, and peel apart fragile parchment illuminations, of the long and storied history of the Veritasan Legioni. In many of the more scholarly texts, the corrolation is often drawn between Strategius and Vandrios. Regardless of their success in the field, it almost seemed that Vandrios was a mirror image of Strategius, in the Second Republic that is. Alatia and Kerania, crossing the Keran Range and crossing the Eastern Gap, and the titanic battles they fought against numerically superior, fanatical enemies.

But only one or two amateurs hit on the true similarity between Strategius and Vandrios. The former was such a skilled Autorex, and the latter such a skilled Stratikrator, because neither of them wanted the job.

---

A piercingly high war-horn blared, as the gates of the Stratikrator's Citadel were swung open. In galloped Vandrios, returned from the front, and entering the capitol as Stratikrator for the first time. It was difficult doing this...especially since Gregorian's suicide.

Stratikrator Gregorian was charismatic, intelligent, and heroic. People naturally gravitated to him, and he was well liked among the men. But Vandrios didn't have any of Gregorian's charm. He had a blocky face with a large blunt nose. His hair, once gray and black, had turned entirely white, and was bound behind his head in the Veritasan fashion. Atop his horse, the Stratikrator (already tall at 6'5) was an imposing figure. He was a man to be obeyed, not adored.

Four Palantioi surrounded him, and they swept rapidly through the cavernous entryway. But they stopped when they reached the central courtyard. Inside, the chaos that had swept the military after Gregorian's suicide was apparent. Aides, officers, generals, and civilians all milled around, trying to find someone to give them orders. Several of the officers saw the Stratikrator coming through, and then the entire mass of humanity pushed towards him. Astride his horse, the Stratikrator's head bobbed above the crowd like a lighthouse during a storm. He was engulfed in a flood of questions.

"Stratikrator, another thousand Urban Militia have arrived today, and I have nowhere to house them."

"My liege, Chief Architect Belisarian reports that the outer palisade wall has been completed. What are your orders?"

"Sir, Sintonian raiding parties have penetrated to the outer farming villages. What is your command?"

Taking it all in, the Stratikrator shot back replies.

"Take tents from the storehouses, and pitch them in the empty sections of the Merchants Quarter. Tell Belisarian that the palisade wall must be reinforced, in stone. Send three companies of Urban Militia to bolster those we have at the front."

He made a motion to one of his guards, and the horses plowed through the crowd. Anything else could be dealt with in writing, Vandrios figured. After parting the sea of people, Vandrios dismounted, handed the reins to a groom, and walked to the keep. He was tired.

Forty minutes later, he emerged in the Eyrie, the informal name for the living quarters of the Stratikrator, located above the War Room at the very top of the Tower of Command. His chest heaved with exertion. This got harder every year...and now the weight of command was added to the weight of age. But the Stratikrator did not yet sit down. This was a moment he had to remember.

Pulling back the curtain, he gazed down on the city that he now commanded. Far off, upon the towering gray walls, tiny antlike soldiers were marching, or shooting arrows at practice targets. Even farther below sappers dug trenches, or affixed wooden spikes to the palisade wall now stretching around all Redemption. Even farther below, long columns of people and animals flowed into the city…Urban Militia arriving from the fishing villages along the coast, refugees from Paleras or the south, with large wagons pulled by aurochs, or simply on foot. Squinting, he thought that he saw farmers among them, bringing in food supplies to fill up the storehouses. The clink and scrape of metal on stone and mortar could be heard all throughout the city, as the quarter walls were repaired, and wells dug and re-dug. The underground aqueduct under the Citadel was also in working order, he had heard. For the moment, he was satisfied. It was truly amazing what a nation could do when they were galvanized into action.

But then he turned back to Gregorian’s, (no, his, he remembered with a jolt,) worktable, and all his weariness returned when he saw the huge stack of papers lying there. So this was the weight of true command…having to deal with every petty little problem that the simplest officer could solve on his own. He was disgusted and exhausted, but he knew his duty. Paging swiftly through the letters, one caught his eye. It was a slim, white envelope, not addressed to ‘The Stratikrator’ or ‘Stratikrator Vandrios,’ but simply, ‘Vandrios.’ Curious, he ripped it open, and a small scrap of parchment fell onto his knee. The writing was messy and blotted…clearly it had been written in a hurry.

“If you are ever in doubt, my old friend, look to the seal. We must lean on its power, whenever our hope fails.”

-Gregorian

Vandrios’ hands trembled as he wrote the words written by his comrade and former commander. How wise he truly was…in all ways except his suicide. Standing up, he gazed at the Stratikrator’s Seal, set deep into the wood of the worktable. It was modeled on the crest of Strategius, with the Phoenix Rampant boldly flying through the circle. Running his hands over the seal absentmindedly, Vandrios recalled the words that Gregorian had written him. “We must lean on its power…” Feeling a little foolish, Vandrios leaned with all his considerable weight on the seal. To his shock, the seal gave way, pushing downward into the table. Some lever deep within creaked, and a hidden drawer sprung out of the worktable.

His hands truly shaking now, Vandrios saw that a thick stack of bound parchment lay within. His eyes widened as he read the first sentence.

“It is good that you have found this, brother in arms. Now you will see the Truth, and the salvation of New Veritas will be placed into your hands.”

As he frantically read through the letter, his eyes widened with shock, and then closed with grief. Stunned by what he had read, the Stratikrator fell backwards into his chair, as a single, heaving sob racked his body. Then it stopped.

Stratikrator Vandrios, Supreme Commander of the Veritasan Army, stood up, straightening his back. His face was expressionless. Then, with an earsplitting cry of rage, he drew his falchion and smashed it down. The thick oak of the table was turned into matchwood, splintered in half by the force of the blow. With cold fury in his eyes, he swept out of the room. Something had just become painfully, obviously clear to him.

Stratikrator Gregorian did not commit suicide.

Crossroads of Destiny

"It was interesting, what happened that day."

-Soldier present during the Second Coup

Part Three:

The Assemblum was deadlocked again. Just brilliant, thought High Elder Marcus Quintus. Again with the fishing rights debate, when one third of their members had been slaughtered in their provinces, victims of the Bladeist rebellion. And all these fools from the north thought only of their fish, and all these fools from Saenium thought only of their money. It had been ages since they did anything useful…in fact, it was a miracle that Stratikrator Vandrios had arrived to organize things. Far better than his predecessor, he reflected, who had men fawning over him all the time but could never win a battle.

Turning his attention back to the debate, he saw that it had gone nowhere. Old Assemblyman Ulanion was still droning along about his fish.

“And furthermore, the excise tax habitually instituted by the provincial government has become completely unacceptable, in that it mainly…”

A resounding crash from outside the chamber cut off the politician. Pounding footsteps could be heard, along with shouted orders, and a clash of metal. The Assemblum fell silent, troubled whispers spreading like brushfire as the sounds of fighting receded.

Quintus pounded his staff. “Please, my lords, settle down, I’m sure that the disturbance has been cleared up.”

The door that led to the main meeting chamber of the Assemblum was a masterpiece of carved mahogany, with a scene from the Second Exodus elaborately carved into the wood. In an instant it was smashed to pieces, as a steel javelin punctured the wood. Soldiers filed in through the breach, lining up on either wall. Not Bladeists, as Quintus had assumed, fingering his dagger. Veritasans.

A junior Assemblyman, recently escaped from Paleras, saw the massive form of the Stratikrator sweep in through the ruins of the entryway. “Dear One,” he thought, “I’m in the mosaic. This is the Fall of the Assemblum in 777.”

Stratikrator Vandrios stood before the Assemblum Popularum Nova Veritasum, his face impassive. Then suddenly, horribly, it was twisted into a mask of grief and wrath.

“HOW COULD YOU!” Drawing his sword, he advanced on the High Elder. “You inhuman monster! Have you not learned from the Second Exodus?”

The Assemblum was bewildered. One Elder stood up, arms outstretched. “My lord Stratikrator, what is the meaning of thi-

“DO NOT PLAY FALSE WITH ME! I know the truth! Even if some of you are ignorant, the TRUTH WILL BE KNOWN!”

Openly sobbing with anguish, the tears streaming down his cheeks, the Stratikrator continued to walk towards the High Elder.

“It was you, then,” he growled. “YOU MURDERED STRATIKRATOR GREGORIAN!”

The Assemblum fell apart, with members screaming accusations at the High Elder or the Stratikrator. Seizing a porcelain vase, he threw it brutally to the ground. The crash silenced them. All his rage gone, the Stratikrator’s face was again impassive.

“I shall tell you the truth. The Assemblum has stayed in power five years beyond its term, using the clause that an Assemblum cannot be ended during war. But the Assemblum concerned itself with civilian matters, leaving the responsibility of conducting the war and managing supplies, recruitment, everything…to Stratikrator Gregorian. The man, brilliant and a fine leader, could not manage both the military and civilian ends of fighting the war, because he did not have the AUTHORITY. You gave him the responsibility of power without the authority!”

He paused, chest heaving.

“DO YOU FOOLS NOT SEE? The man wished to make himself AUTOREX, for One’s sake! He wanted to overthrow you, to do the job that you all failed to do! And Quintus realized this, as did the entire Council of Elders. Someone betrayed Gregorian. And Gregorian knew it. But instead of bringing the Stratikrator to trial, they poisoned him, threw his body off the Tower, and called it suicide!”

The High Elder sat back in his chair, stunned. “H..how do you know this?” his shaking voice questioned.

Vandrios snarled back, “Because Gregorian knew of your bloody plot, and chose to accept death with honor!” He threw the stack of parchment at the High Elder. “I have it, in his own hand! Now tell me, Marcus, do you deny it? In the name of Truth and Light, DO YOU DENY IT?”

High Elder Marcus Quintus bowed his head, unflinching. “I do not.”

Vandrios walked before the High Elder, sword in hand. Raising it above his head, he said softly, “Then I will complete what Gregorian failed to do.”

Staring at his death above him, the High Elder looked up, with cold eyes.

“Will you do it, Vandrios? Will you make yourself Autorex?”

Vandrios threw his sword to the side, smiling grimly.

“No, High Elder. I will not kill you and take power. But I will do what Gregorian failed do do, and what you failed to do as well. I will save New Veritas.”

He motioned to his soldiers, who marched forward.

“From threats without, and within.”

One Elder, still proud and shameless, stood up. “On what…authority?”

Vandrios stared.

“On the authority of the People of Veritas, and of the One Himself. I declare this Assemblum disbanded. Get out of my sight, you thieves and murderers.”

---

The next morning, the citizens of Redemption awoke to see a proclamation proclaimed on every street corner.

By the Order of the Stratikrator

1.The Assemblum, which has held power beyond its term, is disbanded. A new Assemblum shall be convened within the moon’s turning, one freely chosen according to the laws of Veritas.

2.To prevent the obstruction of victory in peace and in war, in a time of declared war the Stratikrator is now joint Ruler of Veritas with the elected High Elder. He has full power to make law and order the land, with the reasonable consent of his fellow Elders and Assemblymen.

3. If the Stratikrator is ever to overstep his bounds in time of war, he may be voted out of service, by the direct choice of the people of Veritas.

HAIL TO THE ONE, and his holy nation.

An old man, reading the proclamation, spit out the seeds from an apple he’d just finished. “About time,” he croaked.

---

Halenian waited with his men on the docks as he was ordered. Soon the galleys pulled into view.

With a shock, he realized that the crew was not Veritasan. They were Feis, and all clad in disgusting rags! What was this, some kind of trick? He tensed, and seeing him do so his men drew their weapons.

But the man who strode off the docks bore no weapon, and smiled amiably. In flawless Valin, he said, “Greetings, Tactica. My name is Jiang, and I am a spy for the nation of New Veritas, long may she reign. We have work to do.”

Dumbfounded, he nodded. What the hell was going on, he wondered.

If only he knew it was something that would change the course of the world.

finished? I have the feelings theirs more...

the Citadel (especially if it gets rid of that pacifism)
Certainly not, unless someone decides to invade and start genociding the population...

IMHO its never easy to correlate a NES in progress to any historical equivalent. The world right now does seem Roman Imperial, but there are some differences, for instance there is better cavalry - thanks to the Lengels - and better ships - thanks to the V-word people; infantry tactics, meanwhile, seem more backwards, as does siege warfare (but that's just my own opinion).

Btw, as a trend, this world is generally more amphibious oriented - the Great Ocean is like a macro-Mediterranean. Future seems quite bright for the present predominant sea power, the UKKK, though New Veritas and the Citadel (especially if it gets rid of that pacifism) are nice potential competitors. Also, a fourth (and maybe a fifth) sea power might emerge in the east.

*anticipates the grand naval slugfest eagerly*

Agreed naval slugfests are always fun.

The following events take place between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM.

Everything was swell in Exilsium. The entire island was claimed in the name of the One. Travelling scholars brought back the knwoledge of Duality and Balance, preserving it by partly incorporating it into Exilisiums state religion. Most important of all tropical fruit was in abundance. But there were troubles rising on the horizon. The long period of peace has made the troops rowdy and wanting of slaughter. Exilsiums most dangerous men, a group of people called The Injustice Friends has decided to meet and discuss the options.

Whity: So we are all here. Let us begin, what do you suggest we do to improve the troops morale?

Krunk: KILL! BURN! RAPE! PILLAGE! KILL! BURN! RAPE! PILLAGE! KILLAGE! BAPE! PILL! RURN!

Van Halen: I'm gonna have to go with Krunk this time. Plus my axe needs some fine tuning on random people's heads.

Major: Me too. I havent ended anyones existance with combustion in a long time.

Baurus: I know of suitable location where our skills could be put to good use. It will entertain our troops and we'll swat some bothersome flies.

Makgaivero: Where is that?

Baurus: *points on a familiar location on the map*

Van Halen: Oh yeah, that place. Now that's a fancy place. We can get some high quality raping and pillaging going on there. I put my vote down for that.

Major: Likewise.

Krunk: Krunk has no voting rights. *sigh*

Makgaivero: I'm voting for that because we can get some useful work done and not because of the rape and pillage experience. Maybe you others could learn a bit?

Van Halen: Yeah, maybe we should.

Major: Yup we could act civilized, I guess.

....

Van Halen and Major: NAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!! RAPE AND PILLAGE FOR THE WIN!

Makgaivero: Always same old, same old.

Whity: Then we are decided, as soon as our fleets hoist the new Jolly Skull Flag we set sail for THAT PLACE!

The Rest: YAAAARRRR!!!

Whity: But first I want you the meet someone. A certain individual who will lead our troops into war. He is the man from my visions. The One who was chosen by The One! This is Neo.

Neo: I know Tao Fu.

Whity: He has mastered the Five Animal style faster then anyone and has already started to develop his own fighting stye. Imagine if you were in a bar fight. It would be Neo and 20 guys against him.....and errr point is that you'd still be fuxed if you were to cross path with him.

Neo: Whity, I admire your faith but I dont think I'm the One.

Whity: Nonsense, you are His Avatar. You can shape things as you see fit. But you have to free your mind of the earthly restrictions. Once you do that, you can take the Path of the One.

Neo: Are you telling me that I can dodge arrows and spears?

Whity: No, Neo. I'm trying to tell you that when you're ready, you won't have to.

*looks impassively* Well, this will make what I did look like child's play so you can hardly complain ;)

So Gregorian knew he was going to be poisoned and just let it happened? if thats the best Veritas has to offer Im surprised they got anywhere.

Neo: Are you telling me that I can dodge arrows and spears?

Whity: No, Neo. I'm trying to tell you that when you're ready, you won't have to.ROFL.

I'll be accepting no orders that have anything to do with the Valin conflict.

So Gregorian knew he was going to be poisoned and just let it happened? if thats the best Veritas has to offer Im surprised they got anywhere.

Gregorian realized that his death was coming, and accepted it in the knowledge that making himself absolute ruler of Veritas would be no better than allowing the Assemblum to continue ruling, and that it would weaken the nation when it was most vulnerable.

He knew that Vandrios would be elected Stratikrator, and so he left the truth for him to read, knowing that he (being less ambitious) might be able to solve the situation without destroying democracy.

*imagines Vandrios as Obi-Wan*

"My allegiance is to the Republic, to democracy!"

Whity: Then we are decided, as soon as our fleets hoist the new Jolly Skull Flag we set sail for THAT PLACE!



where is it? i want to know :cry:

I'll be accepting no orders that have anything to do with the Valin conflict.

You know, I'm really not that dishonest a person no matter what contempt says about that time in stnnes3 :p I mean, Norvalin, Exilsium and all the other things mentioned in his story doesn't really change my orders at all...

Well thlayli, considering Obi-wan was killed by his apprentence and former friend... :mischief:

Alex, you begged strategic advice from the mod, and looked at Contempt's plans. :p

Alex, you begged strategic advice from the mod, and looked at Contempt's plans. :p

Technically speaking, I got those plans from someone else :p And begging strategic advice from the mod is nothing like sending orders after someone posted a story about sensitive material after the deadline ;)

I assume conehead sent orders right? And for the record, this war is all thlayli's fault :)

I sent orders alex.

Into the Setting Sun…

Gulls cried overhead and the ever distinctive smell of fish was in the air of Guangzhou. A bustling sea port conducting trade with the coastal cities of Khemri, it was famous, or infamous for her raw fish, or sushi. Certain black and white animals were the patrons of this city and many of them in disguise would have bemoaned her destruction. Yet today, there was a strange sense in the air, a sense that only those that truly paid attention would have noticed. It was a scent of a purpose, a goal and of people striving towards one thing.

The port, busy as always would normally have no concerns for the small fleet nestled in the harbor after all, hundreds of ships left Guanzhong regularly destined for the Khemri’s cities, and in a few cases to Gorin. But none of those trade fleets could match this one in quality or size. They were all bearing the signets and banners of Guangfei showing the dragon upon a black background. They were nestled in the center of the port awaiting departure as peoples of all classes, farmers, craftsmen, scholars, merchants, and even a few nobles descended on to the ships. Final farewells in some cases on the dock as fathers to son, brother to brother and teacher to student said farewell, all sure that they would never return.

And on the flagship, or the head ship of the fleet, not a ship at all lavished or decorated, but a plain, perhaps even a bit old ship, the commander of this fleet said his words of farewell to his closest relatives. A bridge in which a Shrine to Xi Shi, the Celestial Consort dominated, two young men spoke. One in the lavish and wealthy clothing of the highest of the highest of the aristocracy, the robe intertwined with the Imperial Dragon. The other wore a relatively humble robe, that of a scholar official of the middling rank. Yet they were brothers, brothers who had simply chosen different paths in life.

“Ming, there’s no need to go. Someone else can take your place to command this expedition. I will petition our cousin the Emperor surely he can find reason to overturn the late Yue Emperor’s edict.”

“He won’t, and I don’t want him either. At Yue’s death, I had the occasion to speak with Emperor Ku and I reassured him that I have every faith in continuing the expedition as Emperor Yue ordered.”

“Emperor Yue was mad by disease when he made that decision. Prince Tang, now the Grand Emperor, practically ran the Kingdom. The only reason why Yue’s edict on this matter was carried out was because of your own views! Yue is dead, we are winning the war. There is no need for you to go into exile!”

“My opinions haven’t changed at all, and as I told you before I’m not going into exile. I’m leading an expedition to find new lands to settle, far away from Guangfei, New Veritas or Trinlin. To find a place of peace, where we can prosper and grow far away from the ravages of war. I am not going into exile. I am going to establish a new Kingdom to preserve Guangfei’s ancient heritage, knowledge and learning in the case, Heaven Forbid It, that the Dragon Throne of Guangfei falls.”

“Damn you Ming! Don’t give yourself those half arsed answers! You know the reason you were assigned to this command to “establish a new Kingdom” is NOTHING like that! It was because Tang wanted you out of the Imperial Succession! Why did you have to be so stubborn? You wanted peace with New Veritas and Trinlin! You told Emperor Yue, our grandfather in his FACE that you would sign away Qingdao to New Veritas in exchange for peace! This is a suicide mission! GAHH!” In exasperation, he threw up his arms.

“Peace brother, that is perhaps Yue’s reason to do so, but it is not mine. If we survive in our task, we will rebuild anew. A Guangfei unspoiled by war, a Guangfei of peace and prosperity of all. Now now, don’t cry little brother. Things will get better. May your life be fruitful here, there is no convincing me. Good bye…”

The young man clad in the dragon robes of royalty shook his head, shook hands with his brother one last time and left. The drums began as the horns blew. The fleet set out, into the rising sun. A small fleet in all well supplied with goods ranging from books to trees, they set out. Children with ever bright and curious eyes, husband and wife together looking back to Guangzhou, to Guangfei, to home. A home they knew they would never return to in their lifetime. And above them all, a Prince whom had spurned his heritage and chose another path, finally lost himself in life.

And as they sailed on, white clouds beyond numbers in the north came in sight and with this heavenly sign, they continued onward. And as Guangfei, and all things of familiar sight to them disappeared, in near unity, the thoughts of the people were expressed. Long Live Guangfei.

And so they went, into the rising sun…

The Duke of Beishan, the Guangfei ambassador to the UKKK moved towards the exit of the Throneroom, the Guards opened up the massive inlaid doors, but he turned and spoke

"The offer stands, please contact me when you have arrived at your decision,"

Then he bowed and went out.

King Dysonis surreptitiously scanned his personal advisors, the ambassador had asked for a private audiance, so only his needed advisors were present. A few had mouths agape, these were to be noted, they were...naive, they would have to mature quickly to survive. Others had impassive faces, eyes glittered however, his closest circle however, was unreadable, but for the anyalitical gaze with which they bore down on himself.

It was a good thing that the kings personal spies were as good and inclusive as they were, it would be hard to know anything about some members of this Court otherwise.

"Opinions?" He asked.

One of the more naive men began to babble; his family had military infulences, but that had mostly degenerated. They were now more or less purely a trading family.

"Its certainly doable, from a military standpoint, and its the best thing for...us,"

Arguments almost immediatly began to breakout; most concerned repurcussion to declaring war, and the current need to rebuild and gain stablity. Some were accused of thinking primaraly of their money bags, others were accused of cowardly behaviour.

Again the King scanned his advisors, resting momentarily on each of his closest ones, 3 nodded, 1 disagreed, and another 2 indicated neutraility.

"ENOUGH, we shall look into this matter further before we come to a decision, I ask that House Belen and House Bronte look further into this matter, having the most commercial enterprises in that area. I wish information on the war and attitudes of the people, everything. I will also get in touch with my own relevant peoples. I suggest that you attach some military advisors also, I will choose some officers from the Royal Guard to help you in this,"

The Court Settled down, and they moved onto other buisness.

****

Information trickled back home; and the King Convened a meeting between his closest advisors.

"It almost looks to be too good to be true, they are weak, vulnerable,"
"But we must move with haste, caution has little place in such a campaign, otherwise the opportunity is wasted,"
"mhmm True, however I fail to see what resources they could mobolise to counter this, given the time frame we are giving them to respond,"
"True, either they are crushed or we are forced to go slowly,"
"Mererly a risk then, not a gamble?"
"Exactly, either way we will not lose everything, Whilst they have committed everything, or everything of signifiance,"
"Especially if we ask our Vassals to contribute we should have no problems,"

King Dysonis broke in; "It is settled then, I will go on my last campaign, Tell the Duke that we agree, and make sure you remind him of the...terms,"

"Indeed, a 200 year monopoly of Silk, The Guangfei must have wanted us badly, my own people tell me that some in their interior court have accused the emperor of selling out his soul,"

"It is off to war we go then,"

Son of Temat.

It has been many years since I have been born. I was born as the son of Temat. King of all Tsaya and Aithea. When I were twenty years old my father died, and as his only son I became the new king of Tsaya. In this twenty years I learned much from my father. He taught me how to run the kingdom, what to do when people rebelled or a war begin. He also taught me to think by myself for solutions if new problems may arise in the future. In his lifetime the people of the west visited out shores and I was sent to learn in far away empires. My teacher, an old man from the Cidatel of knowledge showed me parts of their history. He showed me the wars that have plagued their part of the world, he showed me the nature of peace and pacifism. My father, after hearing I am being taught to prefer peace over war instantly called for my return. War was the Tsayan way. If the enemy does not bow down to you his head shall remain yours while his body burned. My father was proud with the heads of is enemies. A whole room in his palace kept the heads of thousands of people, enemies of my father. People who tried to fight the Tsayan armies and failed. The head room so it was called. In many houses across Tsaya this rooms existed. It was i our culture to keep the head of those who did not gave up in front of our might. Pacifism was the opposite of what we believed in. We do not hate others, but we cherish war, and war is all that matter in the end, for the winner of the war, will be the winner of everything.

I also have my own room of heads. I remember of when I told my teacher from the Cidatel he nearly have fainted. How a young man could be so warlike he said. How can a child so young have a room of heads he took himself. I explained him that in Tsaya the day you can walk and talk is the day you begin fighting. In competitions or in wars. We are the people of war. While peace may have it's economical benefits, war brings many more riches to the winners, much greater fame and glory. While in peace the smiths do not work to perfect the weapons while in war they do. Bringing new tools of war, and peace. The god do not interest the kings of Tsaya. They may be there and they may not, all that matters is that on the human lands the stronger side will take the fame and glory and power.



As my father died I knew that opening trade with the empires of the west will bring good to Tsaya. But I never forget that in the end war will be upon us again, and we shall fight to the last men. We shall take new heads from our enemies. And all will speak in fear of the people of Tsaya.

So Gregorian knew he was going to be poisoned and just let it happened? if thats the best Veritas has to offer Im surprised they got anywhere.

I'm not surprised that they got to where they are now - specifically, far to the south from where they have started, having been thrown out of their own land almost completely. ;)

I'm not surprised that they got to where they are now - specifically, far to the south from where they have started, having been thrown out of their own land almost completely. ;)

To be blunt with you, New Veritas will fall. Even if they bring the other Valin states with them to hell ;) I mean just look at cleric's story, surely a candidate :p

Not to mention Alatia, Shangei, and an unnamed additional nation as well. :mischief:

@das: And how has Gerber been doing lately?

Oh, you know, population in the hundreds... soon to be tens once the Gorinese complete their work... ;)

Oh, you know, population in the hundreds... soon to be tens once the Gorinese complete their work... ;)

I think that as a plot twist, the last 10 surviving Gerbers should betray everything their culture and empire ever stood for and come work for New Veritas. Just to spice things up a little. ;)

No, the last ten Gerbers will go into the underground and remain unheard and unseen until Iggy has to close this NES for whatever reason, when it will become clear that the descendants of those crypto-Gerbers were really preparing a doomsday weapon that will destroy the world. ;)

No, the last ten Gerbers will go into the underground and remain unheard and unseen until Iggy has to close this NES for whatever reason, when it will become clear that the descendants of those crypto-Gerbers were really preparing a doomsday weapon that will destroy the world. ;)

This will never end. It will perpetually expand, and after all civilizations have advanced to the modern age, LINESII Part 3 - Interplanetary Colonization Phase will begin!

This will never end. It will perpetually expand, and after all civilizations have advanced to the modern age, LINESII Part 3 - Interplanetary Colonization Phase will begin!

Hear, hear! :D All hail Iggy for his most wonderous NES, which indeed does shine truthful glory over the name of the game!

Seriusly Iggy, this is so awesome I would vote for bringing this into the Interstellar Age.

And Thayli, I wouldn't be TOO confident in Alatia.

For the record, my expedition is not an exodus of any sorts. It's to make sure I have a China-esque nation to play, Heaven Forbid it, Guangfei falls or collaspes :p I'll probably still move over to them if Guangfei wins though ;)

NO! I forbad it. Unless you'll marry an Empress to Evern II and conjoin our nations....

Well, I have plans for a space NES... I could toss that onto the end of this NES...

How's the update going btw? How many more days of sparse random updating to go?

Probably until next weekend. I plan to finish the update before I leave on the month-long trip.

Month-long? Oh, dear. Does that mean this NES is suspended for four or even five weeks? :( I don't play in that many NESes, dammit! Plus now that this thread is watched, it might be closed due to incessant update demands!

Does it matter? It takes him four or five weeks to update :rolleyes: anyway..

Does it matter? It takes him four or five weeks to update :rolleyes: anyway..

*drum beat and cymbal crash*

Well.. It is kinda a pain.. stJNES5 was closed cause an update took 3 hours... MOD's realy take their time this days :p

And yes I understand they got better thigns to do.. still... Write a 3 pages thing in word in a week :p kinda..

3 Pages? Try 10 or 11.

how many times to go on holidays/trips anyway? you going abroad or somthing

This trip is a trip for an Experiential Science program I am in.

The other ones are usually speed skating trips to the Olympic Oval in Calgary. The summer trips are visits to relatives.

I think we should pool our rescourses and buy Iggy a laptop with mobile internet.

Great idea! I'll donate 20 bucks to the Lord_Iggy's Update NAO Fund. Anyone else? :)

Great idea! I'll donate 20 bucks to the Lord_Iggy's Update NAO Fund. Anyone else? :)

NAO officially contributes 17 million Paraguayan pesos from NES2VI. Use them wisely. :p

Out of interest in seeing this update, 12,54 trillion Byzantine hyperpyra are contributed to said fund out of the state economy that we rescued through the Brane Hole. ;)

Realistically, without a hard location on Iggy, we can't send any money. It'd be a cool idea, no?

Well there's always Paypal.

Paypal (www.paypal.com)

There is also something called "Smite me, oh Mighty Smiter!" (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showpost.php?p=4507948&postcount=1209) if you ever saw Bruce Almighty.

EDIT: Seriously, guys. Let's tone it down now so Iggy won't have to see how the thread was closed about a week after his departure. It would only suck, for all of us.

Does it matter? It takes him four or five weeks to update :rolleyes: anyway..

Erez, if you nag and whine another NES to death, then I'm going to hunt you down and bloody kill you. It isn't funny, isn't helpful, and when you haven't managed to write a decent NES yourself, you have no right to complain, at all. So shut the **** up.

I think we should pool our rescourses and buy Iggy a laptop with mobile internet.Sorry, but it's a school trip. I'm going to be working during it.

On the plus side, because I miss a month's worth of weekends and days off, I get a bunch of time off in November and December, and a week off in January. Plus a 3 week spring break in February due to the Canada Games occuring where I live.

If you guys would let me simplify the NES some I could update more often...

Anway, I will be resuming updating shortly, then maybe do some homework.

Erez, if you nag and whine another NES to death, then I'm going to hunt you down and bloody kill you. It isn't funny, isn't helpful, and when you haven't managed to write a decent NES yourself, you have no right to complain, at all. So shut the **** up.

Agreed. Quite whining Erez, it helps no one.

Iggy - RL, especially homework, is much more important than NESing, obviously. Despite my burning urge (which I *do* plan on getting checked out) to know what happened to my country, I am more than happy to wait. Even if its been thrown into civil war...

Especially if its been thrown into civil war :p

I could PM you your section of the update if you're absolutely desparate, but I don't want to release it bit by bit. It reduces anticipation.

If you guys would let me simplify the NES some I could update more often...

What kind of simplifications did you have in mind? Aside from regions based economy?

In other news, what with the recent widespread disagreement over what-the-hell-era-in-history-does-this-point-in-time-actually-correspond-to, you-scurvy-ahistorical-dogs? maybe every update or two we could get a brief estimate range for the most "advanced" countries like you did when you told us it was ca. 100 BC to AD 400 [futile insertion of opinion: several hundred years later than I would have pegged it at]. It could help keep us on track for where our nations stand.

I agree with you, icarus. It is an alternate universe after all, and technology in different areas will advance at different speeds. But since even by Iggy's own estimation, its been 2000 years tops since the dawn of prehistory. Judging by the fact that according to OTL it would still be 1000 BCE, (and that's generous,) technological progress (or technoflation) has increased at a slightly faster rate, IMO.

That would bring us to a pre-Roman or late Hellenic World level...perhaps 500 BCE. Contrary to what das has said, naval technology hasn't really advanced to anything farther than that, despite its patronage by the Valin nations.

Just look at the Punic Wars. You had fleets of over 100 Quinqueremes (which are about as large as the largest ships fielded by Veritas or Khemri) engaging in battle, and armies with sizes (at times) of almost 50,000 people clashing. The Battle of Trebia was on a far larger scale than anything we've seen yet here.

At least in terms of army and navy size if not population, (I personally think that in the next age, one eco should buy 2000 troops to account for this,) LINESII lags a bit behind our world.

Conversely however, architecture and city building, siege warfare, and other more peaceful domestic pursuits seem to live up to their OTL comparisons, thanks to the efforts of Veritas, Khemri, and the Citadel mostly.

This is my justification for pegging the current date of the NES in OTL terms at 500-700 BCE.

EDIT: I almost forgot the Battle of Cannae, where there were at least 80,000 Romans and Latins, and 45,000 of Hannibal's troops.

I agree, but also animal domestication has gone very far with a variety of cavalry, ramids similar to war elephants and assorted horsemen and other creatures,

EDIT: Seriously, guys. Let's tone it down now so Iggy won't have to see how the thread was closed about a week after his departure. It would only suck, for all of us.

Indeed. Wise words. ;)

Yes, population and development aren't the same. But then again, this world is slightly less hospitable for human settlement than our earth.

In some areas we are in the high Roman Era, and others we are still Classical. This NES won't advance just like earth did.

Turner, is a discussion of our technological progress considered 'spam'?

Turner, is a discussion of our technological progress considered 'spam'?

Obviously I'm not as into NESing as just about every other poster in this forum. Thanks to a couple of individuals I've been able to slowly change what I see as spam in this forum. A year ago, yeah, it would have been spam. But now I'm of the mindset, that in the NES Forum, most things that are related to the NES is not spam. About the only thing right now that I see as spam is the constant whining y'all do about when the update is coming. It'll get here when it gets here.

So, in answer to your question, discussion of technological progress is currently not considered spam.

The CFC Staff does reserve the right to change our viewpoint on that at any time, with or without warning....

Thlayli, troop numbers have always been skewed in a NES. The Assyrians, near 700 BCE, could muster over 50k in a single field army. We simply don't do that in fresh starts.

Not entirely. When the Swade took back the Necropolis we had a concript army of upwards of 20,000+ I think. But thats my culture *shrugs*

Exactly; ridiculously small by real world standards, for a nation in levee en masse.

Well, my levee en masse rules (you can conscript 1/5-1/4 of your population in a serious situation, but you'd better do darn well or suffer an economic hit and confidence hit.

And the recruits are much worse than normal troops.

In some areas we are in the high Roman Era, and others we are still Classical. This NES won't advance just like earth did.

Which areas would you say are in the high Roman Era and which areas are still in the classical? :)

We could conscript 1/4-1/5 of our population??? :eek: Why didn't I do that :(

Manpower my friend...

Iggy, as a question, how many troops were at the Battle of the Necropolis. I estimated in my order 50k to 70k, but i got the feeling you made it lessss...

Given that yes, history here develops differently, it's still good to put some figures out here for a bit of perspective (many of you undoubtedly already know these...)

rough populations around the 1st century AD

World ~Perhaps 300 million

Roman Empire ~55 million
Han Empire ~also 50 or 60 million

Are the "populations" given in the stats the entire sum of people living within a country, or only citizens?

See? This is a great example. Start out comparing history to a NES, and suddenly it devolves to spam....

Given that yes, history here develops differently, it's still good to put some figures out here for a bit of perspective (many of you undoubtedly already know these...)

rough populations around the 1st century AD

World ~Perhaps 300 million

Roman Empire ~55 million
Han Empire ~also 50 or 60 million

Are the "populations" given in the stats the entire sum of people living within a country, or only citizens?

I would assume that "population" includes non-citizens given that occupied territory adds to your population.

I really need to save these things in Word...

Crossroads of Destiny

"A Republic is a strange form of government. Under a despotism, things can be done quickly and efficiently. But when that king, emperor, or tyrant dies, it is inevitable that one day someone less capable or intelligent will replace him. Chaos dictates that it shall, and when it does such a state will fall to pieces. When one hundred men rule, less good gets done, but less evil as well. And the leaders are beholden to follow the people's will, in theory. But waging a war in such a manner would be impossible. The earliest Elders knew this. Hence, the creation of the Stratikrator..."

-Caelianus Trentalian, Thoughts on Tellus, 987

Epilogue:

Oceanus Conaivium took it all in. His broad chest rose as he inhaled the fresh salt air of the high sea. He had been made for this, just as his father was under Gregorian. For all he knew, there had been a Conaivium serving in the Fleet since the dawn of days. And he loved it, with every ounce of his being. Though he might never admit it, Conaivium loved his ship more than his wife, his children, and even New Veritas itself. The sun was dying gloriously today, and the pieces were falling into place. It was beautiful, a grand, watery game of Strategy...and he had read the enemy's moves. The deck of his Pentareme flagship, Silver Victory, heaved slowly, at anchor in the center of the assembled ships.

A subordinate approached him. "My lord, the northwestern squadron has returned. S.N. Ialanis reports that Vandrios and his men have reached their destination."

Conaivium chuckled. It was a deep, throaty laugh, and even the lips of the jumpy aide twitched upwards. "Excellent. The Hammer of Wrath is in place. Now, the defense is up to us."

"My lord, how is it to be done with forty five ships? I do not question your judgement, but the rumors tell us that Khemri has raised a vast fleet, and..."

"I will tell you."

Conaivium stared into the dying embers of Tellus' star.

"Forty five ships, indeed. Khemri has the power to build a hundred, and their puppets, traitor Valins and barbaric Bladeists, will contribute more. But we are prepared. Our Pentaremes are unrivaled. And we know where they must attack us."

"But even so, forty five..."

"Perhaps not. Look to the east."

And as the aide looked away from the sun, towards the darkness left in its wake, he saw. Trireme after Trireme after Trireme. Warhorns blared their deep, urgent call, and others returned from the New Veritasan fleet.

"You see, my friend, forty five ships would never hold Khemri. But were the League of Valins to combine even a portion of her navies, well...one hundred and five would be more of a challenge."

And then they both laughed, as Valin met Valin. Now when Khemri came, they would not be fighting simply a nation. They would be fighting a belief, an ideal, and a race. If they died in the battle to come, none would question their valor, or their glory.

"Do not fail me, my men," Conaivium thought. And he thought of the ships. Of Phoenix, Quintalis, Exodus, Crimson Scimitar, Justice, and countless others. The ocean would embrace many of them for the last time, soon. But it would take more of the enemy's.

---

Jiang smiled. It wasn't a smile of mirth or surprise; he hadn't had one of those in years. It was a grim smile, ironic, cynical, and sad. It was a smile that thought of a better future which neither he, nor his children, would ever see. Because his children were dead, and he would be quite soon as well. The spy held no illusions as to that.

Vandrios held none of the idealism that Gregorian had, he realized. Or Vandrios managed to put his aside until it was needed. The former Stratikrator would never have ordered spies into Guanzhong, to...well, to do what they had been instructed to accomplish. It was a much more elegant solution than killing the emperor, if anything that brutal could be considered elegant. And the Dragon Throne was only the figurehead of a vast system of oppression. Thousands of peasants lived and died to scrape a meager existance from the land, serving the golden lords who lived richly on the profit from their serfs, slaves in all but name. The aristocracy ruled over their "people" with a gauntleted fist...and the worst part of it was, the citizens of Guangfei loved the chains which bound them.

Jiang had escaped their system, but only at the expense of all he loved. Others had seen the light as well, but were crushed, or seduced back into the system, by that perverted, self-serving corruption of the Church of the One that they had invented. He remembered the interrogation of one of their government officials, turned over to the Veritasans by Trinlin after the capture of the city of Shangei. Under threat of more physical "persuasion," the man admitted that the "Oneists" that had assassinated Yong Zhi were in fact broken men, driven to the act by Guangfei's agents. That official suffered for his crimes.

It would be vengeance, and rightful retribution. Thousands might die, but if that ensured a better future for the people, the true people of Guangfei, then he would sacrifice his life for such a cause.

The river was so crowded with refugee ships, Jiang observed. These waterways really were the lifeline of Guangfei. But they were all just loyal citizens, fleeing north from the ravages of war. Fleeing to the protection of the Divine Emperor.

That same grim smile etched itself across his face. Now it's up to you, Vandrios.

---

The general from Guangfei faced his Trinlinese counterpart across the table. Between them lay the treaty of peace, only awaiting the signatures of both men. It was good that one part of this war had ended, Guangfei's general thought to himself. In truth, he was sick of it all. Sick of the Alatian raids, the Veritasan armies, and the Trinlinese invasion that had ravaged so much of his nation.

Soon, this would all be over. Perhaps he would see the burning of Redemption in his lifetime, he reflected. Wouldn't that be a sight to see.

He looked inquisitively at his counterpart from Trinlin. "Now, have your commanders already sent the orders to withdraw, and to all your armies?"

The general from Trinlin was a large man, and larger in his armor. Tugging on his long, black beard, he broke into a wide smile.

"Oh yes, our orders have been sent."

Guangfei signed, with a flourish. "To peace, then."

Trinlin signed with a rough caste mark. "To peace."

What a peace it would be.

*raises eyebrows* That is very odd indeed you seem to have misinterpreted many things ;)

EDIT: And Yong Zhi wasn't even the prime target :p

OOC: Story time. Little Kiddies sit around the fire now. And Thayli's quotes are cool, so i chose to emulate them.

On Man and Might

They say dying for the Blademaster is the Greatest Glory. Whomever said that was entirely wrong. Surviving and Winning for Him is far superior, for you may enjoy both the spiritual and temporal perks. -Reuo Henfaj, Member of the "300"

Reuo marched along side his lover, through unclaimed plains and nomadic paradise. His broadsword was strapped to his back, his Chatiney sheathed at his hip and his daggers on his thighs. His bronzed and glistening muscles pulsated from the journey. He looked ahead of him at the grand horde of Bigjaur riders in front of him. He had ridden one of the beasts before, long ago during his "training".

Reuo turned to his partner Whed and in the sort of intraspectivness shared only with a partner inquired of Whed, "How does the Blademaster make such majestic creatures?"

With an equally march tempered voice Whed replied, "Through His Grace and knowledge alone"

But that did not satisfy Reuo. "But Whed, how does he craft such grace and such muscle, such ferocity and obediance. Why does he create such a majestic creature and subordinate it to mear men?"

Whed was quick in reply, "For, as the Book of Creation tells us, ". He created Man by carving them out of the very rock of the earth with Life, and he shaped all of the worlds creatures with his other 5 blades. And those others he granted life too were subordinated and given as gifts to his people". Reuo, we were chosen by him."

Reuo, desperate to get off the seriousness of the subject, cast a quick glance to the Longbowmen lagging behind. With a chuckle he added, "Apparently, he chose us more."

The partners shared a laugh and kept up the march. They would reach Oneist Ozkir very soon indeed.

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

Evern II was nervous, and pious as he was, he turned to the Blademaster for his answers. So he spoke with his Minsh, or Personal Preist. For as the Ascendant Master he was the closest thing to the Blademaster on Tellus, but that didn't mean he didn't still need Spiritual Advice.

Clad in a red robe with the hood over his head, the now 28 year old humbly approached the Minsh, who was surrounded by candles and clad in a Blue Robe. For Red was the color of the Left Blades of Death, Famine and War, and Blue the color of the Right Blades of Life, Prosperity and Peace.

Evern kowtowed to the Minsh and went to one knee. "Honorable Minsh, I come for you in need of guidance from the Holy Texts, in this our hour of need. I ask you help me and then together we pray."

Minsh Golgari lifted his head and revealed his face, shadows dancing across it like leaves in the wind. "As you desire. For as it is said in the Gospel of Prosperity "The Blademaster grant to those whom have earned there wishes, and he smiles upon those who voice their desires""

Evern responded, "Minsh, I ask you too guide me. For tommorow I enter war, for tommorow I bring death. Tommorow I am in the Red, so tonight i am clothed in my sin."

"Your sin is not such. Your sin is in your failure to lead. The Blademaster knows that we must make war, or why would he have created it. Your sin is your cowardice. You must go forth and slay the Oneists whom opress the Enlightened. For it is said in the Book of War, "For those whom question Me and opress thee must be stopped by Blade or other means. For a threat to thee is a threat to Me.""

"Minsh, I fear my ability, I doubt my ability, and I fear my for my life."

"And Majestic Master, that is your sin. For you musn't let your fear conquer your soul or you have lost. Your ability is granted by the Blademaster himself and augmented by the training of the Brightest of the Blessed."

Evern began to raise protest but the Minsh shushed him. "Now we pray young one."

And they sat surrounded by candles as the moonrays swept over them. The sat in silence and prayed in a symmetry of spirituality and color.

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

"MEN, today we fight for our honor, and for the Blademaster. Today we fight the Oneists whom have opressed us for far too long! Today we cry out for blood and vengeance and let no mortal stop us."

Evern began his speech. He was riding the royal Bigjaur, and held his gleaming blade high.

"For we fight for our futures, for peace, for glory and for Bladism. For all those whom dare threaten Bladism have been crushed. At the Necropolis who defeated the heathen Nurmaferi?"

And the army gave a rousing "SWADE!"

"And whom defeated the Lengels for Hell, the Devils on Horseback?"

"SWADE"

"Whom did the Blademaster choose to grant enlightenment too?"

"SWADE"

"MEN, we must not fear death, for death is only the beginning. We must instead seek glory on the field of battle, we must seek blood for our Blades and Safety for our children. Now we begin the War, now we begin our REDEMPTION!!! THE OZKIR IS OURS AND VERITAS SHALL FALL. DEATH TO THE VALINS!"

And the Army echoed, "THE ONEISTS MUST DIE!"

And the whoosh of 3,000 arrows pierced the air. And another whoosh. And another.

The screams of the spearmen falling like chaff combated that noise.

"FOR GLORY AND BATTLE, FOR BLOOD AND BLADE!" Evern II cried and raised his sword and charged into the fray, 1000 Bigjaurs at his back. He would led by example, and taste the glories of battle.

OOC: You know swiss, you're almost enough to make me recement my alliance with thlayli (not that its been done yet;] ).

Heheh, doubt that...

OOC: Not Trinlin. ;)

From: New Veritas
To: UoA

An alliance between New Veritas and the Union of Ardan is welcomed. Our Davarian and Arcadian brothers have stood by us in the past. Allow us to recement our existing friendship by joining us in an agreement of trade and safe passage. If in the future you are interested in an agreement of mutual defense, we would be happy to consider that as well.

Iggy I'm think you should keep an update progress thingy in your sig showing how much of the update is completed like

Update Status: 99.98 %

This way we dont need to nag you constantly :p

Swiss was that story inspired by that new trailer of the movie 300?

Iggy I'm think you should keep an update progress thingy in your sig showing how much of the update is completed like

Update Status: 99.98 %

This way we dont need to nag you constantly :p

Swiss was that story inspired by that new trailer of the movie 300?

OOC: It's really hard to set a numeric value on update progress. I say this based on my own experiences as MOD.

@Iggy: Can you provide us with a list of possible simplifications of the rules so that we have something sensible to discuss while you're gone?

@SS- Sure, I'll post my possible rule changes for discussion when I go.

Update Progress: 59%.

OOC: Not Trinlin. ;)

You'll see ;)

This update is rather shrouded in rumors and couter-rumors, don't you think? I wonder if any of the predictions will come true.

I predict that the Merhai have barely any interaction with the south whatsoever. Almost certain to be true. :)

I wrote my story to try to illustrate the mindset of the Swade as a whole, but to also show the moderation, evolution, and secularization of some peoples minds such as the soldier's questioning and the Ascendant Masters doubt. But the Swade are still a proud people, and the Valin arrogance is pissing them off more. We have no problem with some Oneism, just Valin Oneism and the Emorians.

Valin Oneism and the Emorians.

With the exception of Davar, that's pretty much all the Oneism there is.

And Guangfei Oneism, and Exilisum Oneism.........

To New Veritas
From UoA

We would be willing to encourage trading bwteen our states, but we feel that it must be limited to that.

And Guangfei Oneism, and Exilisum Oneism.........
Exilsium is Valin.

But their Oneism is different. Cleric stated he is making a Daoist like Oneism there.:)

Me and Cleric need to have a little chat about that. ;)

Bah, religions are bound to schism as they grow. I was indeed considering invading Gorin for converting to Masra, but wisely chose otherwise. ;)

Can we expect it today since you'll be gone tommorow. And will we have to live for a month without stats? NOOOOOO!!!!!!!

It's not exactly that hard to figure out the stats in your head, based on what Iggy writes in the update, you know.

I once proposed that if everyone updated their own stats, it would make Iggy's job way easier. But then again, can you really trust people that much? :p

I'm going to finish the update late tonight or sometime before I leave tomorrow.

And regardless of your opinions, I will simplify my stats once I get back.

IE: Merging unit types, Removing Confidence stat, Replacing Population with Size (which will work the same, but will be lower-maintenance). Those are the main changes I want.

Question them if you wish, and I shall explain my reasons.

They'd have to be checked and confirmed again by Iggy anyway. I don't want extra pointless work.

Agreed with SS.

Removing Confidence is fine but the other two are integral parts of the Game......:cry:

@Swiss- Population will still exist, just in a simplified form. It takes an inordinately long time in the stats, and having levels would be vastly simpler and nearly as functional.

You will still have UUs. And what I will call 'infantry' can be used as spears, axes, swords... they can be mixed or specialized, depending on your current needs.

The stats will be different, but the facts will remain the same.

Suggestion: Why don't you hire a co-MOD or something who can do part of your work? I'm not giving any names in particular (and certainly not myself), only I've played with the idea myself. I can't really say I've heard of any NESes having co-MODs, but good traditions all start somewhere, no?

Co-modding... nah, it's really not worth it for the communications hassles that will occur.

There could be two cleanly separated tasks. Like writing update/doing stats.

Hopefully, stat simplifications will make co-modding unnecessary anyway.

Removing Confidence stat

If you do this, how will Cultural Centers be any different from Religious Centers?

Statswise, there is no real difference. I randomly give bonuses to both, which is why I'm also considering merging the two.

I'm on my updating computer at last, and resuming the update.

Please don't spam, I don't want this getting closed, and a ban for me now is the equivalent of a monthlong ban, because I can't post until November 1.

I agree with Imago. Removing Confidence won't make stat updates much easier, and it's an interesting stat. At least, it will be missed.

Huh. Random bonuses? Do you like print out all the people who have eco centers and throw darts or something? XP

--

Oh, Iggy, I just want to say that confidence is a nice stat and I like the idea, but whatever it takes to make the work easier.

Well, the thing is that confidence fluctuates so much according to current events, it changes several times per update, depending on how you do militarily or domestically.

Though it isn't a difficult stat, so I'll keep it if you want.

I think confidence is important, it decides how much the people stand behind you.

i thought you were going to get rid of culture rather than confidence which seems to have less importance than confidence, like you said it shouldn't matter if a culture is new or old people will fight as much or little for an old or new one, while confidence really allow the player to know and think, "Hey my people love me, maybe i can draft them into the army or have them build something big?" or "hey my people seem to hate me, Iw onder if my leader will be assassinated or overthrown, should i prepare to kill some rioter?" But its up to you iggy

i think culture is a more important stat in a fresh start. Maybe as we get into industrial age or something like that then we should have confidence and get rid of the culture stat

I guess I'll keep both. They're fairly low-upkeep stats.

If you must, you can get rid of population and confidence, btu keep the unit seperations, PLEASE. It can't be that much more difficult...PLEASE PLEASE.

Of the three i think Population can be gotten rid of and replaced with a generic size stat, and confidence is unessarcy until the industrial age-ish and since you want it to be a story nes, people should write that kind of stuff into their stories.

But Unit Seperation is so flavorfully and thematically needed, it adds a spice to the game. "Infantry" clashing means nothing to me, but Swordsman flanking spearmen while archers shoot into the fray makes such a visual, and that part of what Into the Darkness is. It works because its NOT generci, but because its flavorful. Its a Flavor NES!

I think a generic infantry cavalry and what not stat would be awesome, because i could switch people to different jobs, which is more realistic i think. So in the stats you would have "10 000 infantry" and in your orders you would put "4 000 will be spearmen 2000 will be archers" and so on and so forth. It would be easier i think, for everyone that way

for the size thing i think you should have a bigger number instead of just 1-5 or 6 put it to like 15 or something

I disagree, Kentharu. In the current age at least, different parts of the military are specially adapted to certain tasks. Cataphractoi, heavy cavalry, have a far different power level and function than a normal levy spearman. Realistically most nations have never had all purpose armies before the 18th century or so, instead they specialized, purchasing different types of troops and ships. The different unit types are part of what makes our nations, and their fighting styles, unique.

Also, I agree with pretty much everyone else about keeping Confidence. Population I'd rather not see you change, but...I can accept the loss of it.

That's why there will be an Infantry and a Cavalry listing under the military units thlayli :) There will be right iggy? :(

But you don't have Axeman who can suddenly wield a Sword, or Archers who are also Spearmen.... it doesn't make sense.

Considering the updates are usually in 50 year periods, those axemen should have died a long time ago ;)

I will have the following designations:
Infantry
Light Cavalry
Heavy Cavalry
Armoured
Ships
Capital Ships
Submarines
Airforce (possibly more detail in the future)

And there will still be UUs.

Heck, maybe I won't change. But I think this new system will be fine. Tell me, what exactly is it that you do with the current system that you can't with the proposed?

Well, I'm basically happy with that. But maybe we should have a light and heavy infantry as well to show the difference between say the lightly armed infantry of the Persians to the heavy legions of Rome? And we don't have armoured or submarines right now right? :confused: Or did the Valins invent them... :mischief:

Light and Heavy infantry? Can be done, can be done.

Some of these groups, of course, have yet to be invented.

There I really don't see the difference with what you already have except robbing us of our flavor. WE NEED OUR FLAVOR. You stated you wanted this to be more story NESish, and one of the main contributing factors to this feeling of uniqueness is the Flavor Units. I want to be killed by a Ramid charge or fight Valin Falchions, not Be hit by Heavy Cavalry and loss Infantry to their infantry.....

And this new system doesn't simplify it for you because it still has the same amount of catagories. This is the change i'm most against. **** Population and confidence, I want my units

What exactly do ramids fall under in that system, anyway?

Swiss, don't be so stubborn. The mod needs it to make stats quicker to update with school and the whole thing coming up. I for one fully support iggy's proposal :)

Swiss, don't be so stubborn. The mod needs it to make stats quicker to update with school and the whole thing coming up. I for one fully support iggy's proposal :)
Try to quash my dissent you smelly smelly Maoist. You'd like that wouldn't you. Go Revolutionize your culture or go on a long march or something:p

But I think that the flavor is an integral part of LINES and i think removing that would be a travesty.

I support whatever Iggy chooses to do. It's his NES, if you don't like the rules then just leave.

What exactly do ramids fall under in that system, anyway?

I would believe heavy cavarly.

Although I do think that all those categories might negate the simplification (even though I like those categories if we can't have flavour naming), I agree with Dark. Iggy, do what's easiest.

While I also agree with Swiss that the flavour was awesome, simplifying stats doesn't preclude you (Iggy) from saying in the update that the Ramids plowed through the Falchion lines, etc. despite the lack of flavour descriptions in the stats.

EDIT: Also, we keep talking about how this is a more story based NES. You can always just write stories about what your "light infantry" actually are.

LB hit the nail on the head there.

Though under the weight of those who insist on keeping the status quo, I may keep things as they are. But remember LINES? It only had 3 unit types, plus, magi, UU and galleys.

LINES was before my time and apparently blew up....so there for to avoid the apocalypse we must keep the Flavor Units.

Circular logic always wins.

LINES was before my time and apparently blew up....so there for to avoid the apocalypse we must keep the Flavor Units.

LINES blew up at my command :p

It was done so that this NES could be started.

LINES blew up, but I survived! :D

My two-cents is that I like the status quo, but will accept anything Iggy decides to change.

Iggy, do as you think best. In NES rules, moderator's convenience should really come first - a NES could live without a few players who disagree with the rules (because most of the times, replacements could be found), but it cannot really live without a moderator. Player convenience is also important, but it still takes the backseat to moderator convenience.

So do as you see fit - personally I could only welcome the changes that you propose as they will make things easier both for you and for the players, at least those of them who, as I, appreciate being able to write orders quickly without typing out the various troop types (the overwhelming majority of armies are combined arms in any case, and in the exception cases it could be pointed out specifically).

Yeah, it's not like this NES has a shortage of players. Erm, not that I suggest you get rid of any of them. :mischief:

I would believe heavy cavarly.

That doesn't make any sense. Either you'd have to translate 10 ramids into 1000 heavy cavalry or more, or the ramid-using nations would lose a significant amount of power.

A THOUSAND ramids? :eek: One could bulldoze the entire Cradle with ease!

Translate it into elephantry, or better yet ramidary (or at least "unconventional heavy cavalry" :p There should also be "unconventional light cavalry" for the camel riders!).

Note: das understood what I meant. Silver did not. :p

don't forget bigjaurs and other beasts

aren't bigjaurs just another type of ramid? that are smaller or something

make ramids a UU

no, ramids are a beast that are domesticated, they are just a type of animal exercised currently by many nations, and bigjaurs are nothing close to ramids, ramids are like elephants or rhinos with ore tusks and stuff and more fierce, bigjaurs are giant jaguars that were domesticated by swade and are exercised only by bladist nations at this current time.

True. The ramids have six tusks, if I remember correctly, which makes them rather frightening mounts. There has been experiments with breeding smaller ramids for increased speed in the CRA, but I don't know how that went.

Ramids have six tusks what is this LOTRs? can I have raptors? with a monoclu?

they are like that, but not that huge. the elephants in LOTRs are like 10 stories high lol

Bigjaurs, Horses, and Ramids are the only available cavalry at this time.

Ramids actually have variations in the number of horns, depending on breed.

I'm on the home stretch of the update!

BTW, I'll be gone for a month in... 6 hours.

Bigjaurs, Horses, and Ramids are the only available cavalry at this time.

The question remains - should they, despite their significant differences, be counted together or separately? Up to you, ofcourse.

Bigjaurs are fairly equivalent to horses, Ramids would be classified under 'heavy cavalry', which would be elite and very expensive (1 point for 10, like Gorin's new UU, which is mentioned in the update)

Or I could simply not rock the boat. But merging axes, spears, swords and archers into infantry would be nice at least. And maybe standardizing naval units.

think of a horse like a horse and a bigjaur like a warg for u lotr fans, but i am sure iggy would let u ride raptors if you could find some like komodo dragon beast like creature, i mean this is a different world... wait komodo beasts*goes back to the drawing board*

I've got to say, I really agree with Swiss on this. Don't change the unit types now. It might be time consuming, but the current system is more realistic. Not to mention, I just invented a great medium cavalry...

Okay, but could I merge infantry types?

You're the mod dammit! ignore them and do what you must!

I agree with emu; above all, however, I plea that Iggy concentrate on the update and THEN thinks about the ramids.

das ist seconded! *flees for fear of reprisals to the horrible pun*

i think we should stop bugging iggy and let him finish the update

I think it was stupid to branch units into axemen and swordsmen, it's not like we fuse the damn weapons to their hand.

I think it was stupid to branch units into axemen and swordsmen, it's not like we fuse the damn weapons to their hand.

exactly...why would we do that:mischief:

Update 22- Years 1500-1535: Vandrios' Gambit

As trade and knowledge exchange increases, the last remnants of copper-age cultures have adopted Bronze.
(All Copper Age nations enter Bronze Age)

Ida’an’i’i is going through a time of stagnation. Its borders are not expanding, power is decentralizing further, and barbarians approach. Will it suffer the same, stagnating end that Aithea suffered?
(-Ida’an’i’i’ Confidence)

Probably not actually. For Tsaya, the cause of Aithea’s demise, seems unlikely to be doing more conquering in the immediate future.

It all started one chill, foggy day. Many days in the lands of Tsaya are like this, but that is a minor point. It sets a mood.

King Temat the Conqueror was found dead in his palace. Then, only a few days later, the army of Kelios flooded over the border. The Tsayans were in a state of disarray, and quickly lost many borderlands. Its more numerous armies, which could have normally easily pushed back the invaders, were disorganized and not following a central authority. The forces of Kelios had advanced to within sight of Tsariga when at last the young Tsayan, Prince Ezral, took solid control over the nation and put down his rivals for the throne. Quickly preparing his forces and rallying together his forces, he established a defensive line against the invaders. His large fleet began raiding trade ships and coastal settlements along the coast of Kelios.

But Ezral’s problems were just beginning. In the east, the barbarians that had been pushed away by the Tsayans prior to the conquest of Aithea began raiding into Tsayan borders. The Aitheans, began some scattered rebelling, although their disjointed and never properly unified culture prevented any serious organized rebellions.

Kelios has the upper hand for now, but can it maintain it? With Tsaya recovering and now fighting back, this may prove to be difficult. Nonetheless, Kelios maintains a distinct economic advantage, hampered little by the Tsayan blockade as large-scale trade with the west had not yet begun.
(-2000 Kelios Militia, -1000 Kelios Spearmen, -2000 Tsayan Spearmen, -1000 Tsayan Archers, -1 Tsayan Region)

In Tir Tairngire, a time of great upheaval has come. The War Chief declared himself High King and High Priest of the Holy Church. Which Church?

Pirian Oneist, unfortunately for the Divotheist majority of the country. For the High King immediately began a process of forced conversion, cracking down on all practitioners of the old faith. Many converted, but others fought. A civil war nearly broke out, but the Oneist forces stamped out opposition before it could become too strong. All of the nation now follows Pirian Oneism, although resentment towards the government is growing for its heavy-handed actions.
(-1000 Tuatha Spearmen, -Confidence, -Culture, All of Tuatha converts to Pirian Oneism)

Adar continues its rapid westward population growth. Propaganda and a rewriting of history have greatly increased national pride and confidence.

The still unnamed New World settlement of Citadel has come under threat from the forces of Adar, who demanded its abandonment, but the Citadelers refused. So far, Adar has not attacked.
(+Adar Confidence and Culture)

In a major move, the states of Davar and Arcadia signed the Treaty of Ardan, uniting the two separated nations back into one, the Union of Ardan. The body of St. Pire set off by ship back to its old resting place in the city of Ardan.
(Vael Dash: Religious Center becomes Cultural Center)

Sensing an upcoming conflict, Nontin has readied its army in case of a serious situation.

And this serious situation has arisen.

Signing a free trade agreement with distant Kelios (Note: This occurred before the Tsayan blockade cut off Kelios’ trade) Norvalin became a point of trade for eastern goods. Then, it extended the free trade agreement to include all Norvalin citizens, including the remaining Orthodox Oneist population in Venix.

Great anger was caused by this move, for Norvalin suddenly had a huge hold on trade. Rioting broke out against the Norvalins in Arcadia.

Then, things got much, much more dangerous.

2000 Norvalin troops marched into the city with no declaration of war. The Norvalin Assemblum insisted that none was needed, as this was merely a defense of its interests.

Arcadia had had enough of Norvalin’s arrogance. A large Urban Militia was raised, and pushed the Norvalin forces out with minor fighting. The nations exist now in a state of undeclared war, but neither side has chosen to act yet.
(-1000 Norvalin Returned)

Orum has done absolutely nothing worthy of mention, other than continuing to adopt Gamorrea’s beliefs ahead of the Citadel’s.
(More Orum converts to Gooranism)

A minor rebellion of Malkavians took place in Gamorrea, but it was quickly and brutally crushed. Many Malkavians have been killed, and all rebel sympathizers have been enslaved. Despite its apparent national advancement, it has been clearly shown that the Gamorreans have lost none of their brutality and ruthlessness

Gamorrea has now begun an active program of settlement to reduce the power of the Malkavians.

Meanwhile, Gamorrean forces have begun campaigning into the northern barbarians.
(-500 Gamorrean Horse Archers)

Ikki New Eldists flood into the Citadel to escape their persecution, bringing away many of Ikki’s best minds with them.
(Ikki’s New Eldist Population joins the Citadel)

Ikki’s forces in the west have advanced into the mountains on the Lengel border. The Lengels have not yet reacted to this, possibly viewing the lands as inconsequential or inconvenient for a cavalry-based nation. But the Lengel Khan has demanded that Ikki cease its expansion into these lands now.

Merhai has formed into a Republic. Increasing contact with the south has settled the people somewhat, and a capital has been founded, for now simply named ‘Merhai City’. Its army has expanded eastwards through the mountains and southwards towards Ikki with success.
(-500 Merhai Spearmen)

Gorin has entered a time of prosperity and advancement. Improving technologies have carried the nation to a level above its rivals. These advances in construction and weaponry quickly spread south into Khemri.
(Gorin and Khemri enter Imperial Age)

Gorinese settlers have begun to flood into the vast empty and fallow lands of the ‘Betrayers’. Cities have been established at the extremes of Gorin’s territory, at the northeast and southeast tips of the nation. Gorin is beginning to assimilate its absorbed cultures, though groups of ethnic Nkondi and impure Lengels still refuse to assimilate and agitate for independence in the north.

The northern border between Gorin and the Lengel nation remains undefined.

The Shalamari are at long last beginning to culturally assimilate into Gorin- and vice versa, as some would say.

Croyodon is continuing to adopt Nordism, and increasingly it is appearing hand in hand with Masra, with people practicing both faiths. It would seem that this is to be the future of religion in Croyodon.
(Masra and Nordism coexist in Croyodon)

In a parallel to what is happening in Croyodon, King Vikar of Kalmar has begun a project of revitalizing the Kalmar culture.

The UKKK’s hybrid religion has been christened ‘Aegypt’. Many view it as a uniting of Khemri’s religions, but the fact is that the majority of the nation follows other religions, notably Oneism, Otornosiasm and Orthodox Crystalism.

New cities are being founded in the UKKK’s recent conquests, beginning the imparting of Khemri’s culture on these areas

For the most part, this nation has been remarkably stable. Tellium is fine as long as it retains economic freedom, and Verta is willing to accept Khemri rule as long as its holy city is not defiled and its religion is respected. Recently-conquered Nurmafer could possibly become a trouble spot in the future, but its groups generally have difficulty co-operating with each other. And Kehexou, while clearly the weaker partner of the Union, is fairly-represented in government, and now shares a religion with Khemri.

Khemri’s economic development has made the generally unused arable lands of Old Nurmafer much more profitable.
(+1 Region)

The volcano off the coast of Kexoudau has, after centuries of regular eruption, at last gone silent. The regular tourism and pilgrimage to the area has dwindled, and the presence of the island (and the treacherous shallows around it) has prevented large-scale trade in its harbour.
(-Kexoudau Economic Center)

Skilv’so’s cultural integration with the Nurmaferi people continues. With the remaining independent Nurmaferi principalities facing subjugation by the Bladeists, joining Skilv’so and Khemri became viable alternatives. The Nurmaferis who were in Swade lands moved out freely, as the Swades were quite happy to see people of different ethnicities and religions out of their country.
(+1 Skilv’so Region)

Emorans from Swade-controlled Emor flood into Myocaca to escape the more religiously oppressive Swade Government.

Myocaca has gone into a phase of rebuilding. New cities are being built in war-ravaged areas, and the destroyed Grand Gates of Blade are being rebuilt. It is a golden age for Myocaca in many ways.
(+Confidence and Culture)

In the Swade Ascendancy, religious change is beginning. A recent development of Bladeism, called Wilipianity, is updated, with further texts and the recognition of the 3 saintlike ‘Gifts’, Wilipo, Diva, and Evern I. For the most part, these changes are very smooth, although a few disagree with the recognition of the Gifts, who some believe distract from the Blademaster.

Aryie remains a blissful island of peace in an ocean of violence.

To its south, the Valfei war has exploded in its magnitude. The original minor dispute over Qingdao has extended into a war involving every nation from Khemri to Trinlin (save Aryie), and then some.

Upon the declaration of war against New Veritas by the Bladeist states, Myocaca quickly occupied the city of Trenta. The city was lightly defended, and the small Urban Militia guard fled soon after seeing the large Myocacan force. Signs that a massive army had been here just shortly before added to Myocacan confusion, but these strange discoveries were not acted on.

Meanwhile, a Swade naval force headed to Sintonia was intercepted and annihilated by the forces of New Veritas and its allies.
(-5 Bladeremes, -5 Biguns)

A large Swade force then moved south into lands of the recently-converted Ozkir barbarians to the north of Guangfei, then charged into Alatia. Here they met up with Guangfei’s northern army. The overwhelmed Alatians were crushed, and their nation was divided between the Swades and Guangfei.
(-1000 Swade Longbowmen, -500 Bigjaur Riders, -2000 Guangfei Recruits, -500 Ma Bing, -Alatia)

Great internal changes took place inside Veritas as support of the Assemblum plummeted. Stratikrator Vandrios was given great authority, less than only the Autorex Strategius centuries earlier.
(+Confidence)

A call was made for militia volunteers, and it was answered.

While Urban Militia held off the Sintonian forces, New Veritas’ Palantioi Cavalry began attacking from the mountains, and infantry landed between Sintonia and Paleras, dividing the Sintonians in two.

Meanwhile, a force of 2000 Norvalin returned landed in southern Sintonia.

They had expected to find a Oneist majority area, but this was not to be the case. The Emoran settlement there had been minimal, and had been replaced primarily by Sintonians during the period of New Veritasian rule.

The forces of Norvalin fought their way northwards, but the going was difficult all the way. Sintonian forces were dispatched, and with an added militia, the invaders began to fall back.

Neither side had the strength to wipe each other out, so their front lines stabilized at a chokepoint between the mountains and the sea, south of Sintonia. But Bladeist sabotage against the Norvalins is quickly taking its toll.
(-1000 Norvalin Returned, -500 Sintonian Swordsmen)

Back in the north, New Veritas was quickly advancing. A deadly mixed cavalry force was decimating the Sintonian forces in the north, eventually forcing them back to Paleras. A small pocket remained fortified south of Redemption. Here, a huge pro-Valin rebellion took place. The Sintonians were unable to put down the rebels, and yielded the city of Paleras to New Veritas.
(-1000 Sintonian Swordsmen, -1000 Sintonian Spearmen, -500 New Veritasian Palantoi)

Guangfei has commissioned the deadly 1000 Imperial Guardsmen to aid the Dragon Throne in its time of most desparate need.

A force was sent to the south to hold off the Trinlinese advance. It was outnumbered, but superior in training and having the people on their side.

Word began to spread of Trinlinese atrocities, killing and stealing from peasants, defiling religious sites… it is unknown whether this is mere propaganda or actual fact (possibly a mix of both) but it has crystallized the hatred of the Guangfei peasantry to the invaders.

The Guangfei southern army, augmented by thousands of militia volunteers, met the western Trinlinese army at Chanjiang. At first, the battle was leaning toward’s Trinlin, but the first military actions of the Imperial Guards quickly began to turn the tides. This and the appearance of cavalry, which Trinlin had little or no experience fighting, sealed Trinlin’s fate. The western army was destroyed, and Guangfei crossed the river to fight the eastern force of Trinlin. The eastern force was particularly troubled because its expected Shangei allies had not arrived. Nonetheless, it continued its northeastern advance.

It was met across the river from Guanzhong by the forces of Guangfei. Running low on supplies, tired, and suffering from partisan actions behind its lines, Trinlin’s commander was in a very difficult situation.

When a message reached him from home, however, this would change. He was fighting for more than conquest. He was fighting for national survival…

Guangfei struck from the north and west. Trinlin went into a fighting retreat. But an attack from a cavalry force in the south that had been putting down pro-Shangei revolts was a final blow.

Trinlin’s last army was destroyed in the Great Battle of Jianking, totally surrounded and annihilated.
(-Trinlin’s army, -3000 Guangfei Recruits, -100 Imperial Guardsmen, -500 Ma Bing, -500 Archers, -500 Crossbowmen)

What was this message that Trinlin’s commander received?

Word of Khemri’s invasion.

During the war, Trinlin’s forces had been completely emptied into Guangfei. No organized defenders existed when, without warning, Khemri destroyed its small fleet and landed at the port city of Wiviter with a force of well over 10 000 trained soldiers.

Racing upriver, Khemri conquered city after city, falling too fast for Trinlin to form an organized resistance.

Then, rebellion broke out. Magland, the barbarian state absorbed into Trinlin over a century earlier, declared its independence. Barbarians in the west invaded and established the Kingdom of Destre. All over, barbarians took advantage of their longtime enemy’s weakness, and struck.

The combined forces of the Magland rebellion and Khemri quickly beat the remnants of Trinlin into submission.
(-Trinlin, +Magland, +Destre, -1000 Khemri Royal Guards, -500 Cataphratori, -1000 Skilv’so Spearmen)

And why had Shangei not aided Trinlin?

Civil war.

With the convenient deaths of many of the Veritasian guards of the Shangei King (possibly due to food poisoning from a poorly-cooked pig), a Shangei nationalist group tried to rescue their leader. The rescue attempt was nearly successful, but one of the Veritasian guards, believing that it would be better to kill the Shangei leadership than have it turn on New Veritas, slew Dong Xao.

With the simultaneous collapse of both Royal Authority (the death of the King) and Veritasian control (using Dong Xao to control the nation), the whole nation was torn apart by rival groups. Anarchy reigns in Bandong and Faitei.
(-Shangei)

To all, it was becoming clear that Guangfei and its allies were winning the war.

Until the location of Stratikrator Vandrios and his forces was discovered.

A force of over 10 thousand Valins, from as far away as Norvalin and Exilsium, smashed into northern Guangfei, racing straight for the capital. It seems that this was the solution to the mystery Myocaca had discovered in Trenta.

Desperately, Guangfei raised further militia to augment its 4000-strong defense corps in Guanzhong. Forces raced in from all directions. But they wouldn’t arrive in time.

Vandrios struck. And just before reaching the walls of the city, a gate opened. The traitors who committed the act were soon killed, but not before Ramids entered the city gates. The city was rampaged, and destroyed in the subsequent attack. The Emperor Yue was killed, but his son Ku succeeded him, and reestablished the government in the south (many officials had escaped)

Now, New Veritas holds the destroyed capital. But its forces are surrounded. And Guangfei is not collapsing.

But this position may be advantageous if peace agreements should begin. As always, only time can tell.
(-4000 Guangfei Recruits, -1000 Exilsium Latismen, -1000 New Veritasian Scimitari, -500 Cataphractoi, -1000 Norvalin Swordsmen)

A group of a hundred or so Guangfei set sail for the ‘Legendary Lands of the West’. No word has come from them yet, though it is generally assumed that they are floating somewhere in the frigid South Kaosian Ocean, frozen in fetal positions.



And on a far distant land, a god makes landfall...



*****

Notes: ~Darkening~, if you don’t like your colour (a 50-50 mix of your old colours) please request one different.

Old Nurmafer is where Nurmafer was prior to the Great War, New Nurmafer was its location afterwards.

SS, your nation exists, I just didn’t have the time to write about it. You exist as you did in the map you sent to me.

And please don’t flood my PM box with questions until I get back, please and thank you.

Seeya on October 31, or maybe earlier if I find an internet cafe.

La Carte pour Vous
http://forums.civfanatics.com/uploads/59597/MAP22.png

Thats it. I'm sick and tired of this- Thlayli I'm sorry but your ally is going up in flames. Three times I've forgiven him but I KNEW he was going to try and attack me again. Now lets see how good he can do. No peace will be accpeted. Those of you allied with me, consider it time to move.

To Norvalin
From Arcadia

You have just enacted your death sentence. May the One show mercy upon your ignorant souls for we shall not.

To Nontin
From Arcadia

As a common follower of the faith, we would expect you to at least remain neutral. Norvalin has too many times violated peace and attempted war upon us. Now they shall suffer. You would be advised to remain out of it.

Nice update. But is there any actual reason I'm not in the Imperial Age?

OOC: Swiss, since you control Kernal, I'll sind you some infromation on it.

Hey where is my religious center?

Anyways you can all bugger off with yer wars....im turning exilsium into a peaceful philosophical monasteric religion -trading & money making island.

The Citadel is my new best friend.

pish Iggies forgotten things, or has his reasons....

my project! :( religious centre...*sigh* theres a reason I got my projecty finished this turn, remedy some of the problems by helping the culture, and giving the relgion a focal point around a new centre..*mutter*.

other than that, brilliant update :)

yeaaa imperial age baby, i feel like king kong now :D

Hey where is my religious center?

Anyways you can all bugger off with yer wars....im turning exilsium into a peaceful philosophical monasteric religion -trading & money making island.

The Citadel is my new best friend.
Yay! *passes peace pipe to cleric*

amazing update, Though i will have to discuss things with swiss, i couldn't be happier

Nice update. But is there any actual reason I'm not in the Imperial Age?

because your not imperialist?..... Imperialistic

From: New Veritas
To: Guangfei

We are willing to end this war. All that we began it for was the cession of Valfei, and look at the ruin war has brought. Cede us Valfei (for which we will pay two economic points) and allow Stratikrator Vandrios to withdraw, and such a peace will be attained.

From: New Veritas
To: Norvalin

We agree.

From: New Veritas
To: Exilsium

Your abandonment of us is saddening indeed.