Mega Story II: The Unfreezing

[cypher132]

Post erased

 

[Zugvogel]

Under an iron sky - I

Spoiler :

The “Simon of Gitta” rolled slow but steadily among the grey waters of the northern sea. The last days had seen a veritable storm, with waves almost the height of three Centaurs one upon the other. At first, the Kuriotate Trieme had seemed safe, driving close to shore and being a squad, massive vessel with one mast rigged in Kuriotate (Latin) fashion. But then, the wind had lessened while the waves increased, threatening to even overturn the ship. The Captain had known but one solution, to seek out deeper waters. They had gone seawards as far as they possibly dared, at times even losing sight to the coast. But by dawn, the waves had finally lessened and the Kuriotate sailors, mostly Humans and Ferrets with one or two Lamia thrown in here and there, had dared to return to coast.
Now they saw what the waves had done to the coastline and, though no one said it, all dreaded what the same waves might have done to their homeport of Kwythelar.

Taryl of Twelth also wondered about it, simultaniously trying to recollect what had happened in the past three months after their miraculous victory. A lot of talking, that much was certain. With officials, captains and bureaucrats. Seemed like all the “nobility” of Kwythelar and all courtiers the Kuriotate could muster had wanted to talk - and more importantly: To be seen talking with - with him. A hero of the Kuriotate, he had been called. Not only by the people but by Lorda himself. He had even be granted an audience with the king himself, along with Relassi junior and the other officers of his old band.
In hindsight, he reconed that he then had had the best - and probably once-in-a-lifetime - opportunity to turn his life into a more settled path. Had he asked, he was certain he would have got a good post with the armed forces or somewhere in the near-omnipotent imperial bureaucracy. He might even have gone into local politics. Those nobles certainly would have supported him in the elections for pretty much any post he wanted. For a moment, he imagined himself as the new major of the town district he hailed from. He would have found himself a wife and fathered a bunch of children. Might have been pleasant.

But instead, the fool that he was, he had said that he didn’t feel like settling down just now. And what had Lorda done? He had smiled, that odd wise and knowing smile he often wore on paintings. And he had named him, Taryl of Twelth, Leftenant of the Kwythelar City Guard, a knight of the realm. Made him a noble, him of all people. And he had given Taryl a scale. A golden scale. Taryl wasn’t sure whether it was an actual scale of Eutarabates. Everyone knew that the magnificient one had vanished, apparently into thin air. Or not, as the scale prove. He didn’t know. What he knew, however, was what the scale meant to him, personally. Everyone knew: Shortly after the victory of Kwythellar, the king had declared that he would form a new unit of men of women of all races and trades, specialists on their respectant areas. The Vangaurd of the Dragon. Nobody really knew much about them, about what they did, except that they operated directly by the king’s command. And thus were...well, not exactly above the law, but somewhere aside from it. And Taryl, as the small scale (probably from the dragons larynx, if it was a real one) he wore on a chain around his neck proved, was now one of them.
In the weeks that followed this appointment, Taryl was out of work. He continued training with the city guard though he was no longer a part of it.
Then, ten days ago, a runner directly from the palace arrived with a sealed scroll. The lad didn’t know what was in it and wouldn’t dare to open it and read it to Taryl. Thus, he had taken it to his old Commander, (now a field marshal of the army). What the Centaur read to him where orders, signed by the kings hand. He was to embark on a ship headed north towards the unknown regions north of Tombsbane’s lands on a search-rescue-and secure mission for a scouting party cut of in a treasure city. And he would be accompanied by another member of the Vanguard called Evyilin Doomspear and a brigade of the 31th light Division. Neither he nor Doomspear would be in charge of the forces, but they would be cooperating.
At first he had been sceptical, it sounded like a suicide squad and moreover, he had never heard of either Doomspear or the 31th. What he had found them out to be, however, had appeased him a bit. Evilyn Doomspear was a white Centaur steed, a scholar and archaeolgist. She seemed very knowledgeable about pretty much anything, from medicine to old tongues, though, of course, Taryl was by no means fit to judge anyones education. What he could judge, however, was that she seemed to know how to use the long spear and the mace she carried.
And the lads from the 31th had the air of being tough cutthroats and sly bastards. Just the sort of people he wanted to have by his side in battle.

Another two days later, they arrived at their destination. Or, more precisely, they had gone as far as they could via ship. The rest of the journey would have to happen on foot. The report of the missing scout party had said the city was one and a half days march inwards of a strait between a small isle and the coast.
The disembarking went swift since they hadn’t got much to carry anyways. So far beyond any supplylines, they would have to live of the land in any case. No point in a huge baggage train.

They reached the city - if the miracle they beheld could really be called that way - close to midday on the next day. It was indeed a city, but it was unlike Kwythelar. The Kuriotate capitol was a vast, sprawling city made of yellow stone and grey plaster, beautiful and impressing despite the ruined state of most suburbs. There were walls and keeps and big palaces, remnants of past glory. This, however, was something entirely different. Smaller than Kwythelar, the Iron City only had a eigth of K. size. But in the light of day, the town seemed much, much greater nonetheless. For everything, literally everything, gleamed under the sun. Copper, Brass, Silver, Gold and pure Steel. A city, apparently dropped down straightly from Kilmorph’s vault. For where else would exist such craftmanship to create such a thing?
Taryl, however, also saw the opportunities this city offered to the Kuriotate. Metals were valuable and hard to come by. If the Kuriotate could claim this place, they would gain both an important post and a way to take the orcs in the back and a source of incredible wealth.
And claiming seemed a possible option. There was no sign of life at all in the city. No sign of their missing Scouts either, though.

The formation moved cautiously through the bronze-paved streets. They were ready to counter an ambush at any time, but they also tried not to offer the opportunity for one in the first place. A vanguard of Centaurs moved before them, archers trained their bows at windows, doorways and alleys and up on the roofs, Ferrets climbed along, also looking out for enemies. Or actually anyone, really. But so far, the city was absolutely deserted.

Or seemed to be, thought Taryl, when he heard a small crack from within a house on his left. Pointing at the building, he gestured the main body of the troop to move on while he, accompanied by a squad of soldiers, entered the suspicious building. Crossbow at the ready, he moved in. He was halfway through the hallway when a shadow jumped at him. Instinctively, he whirled around but was to slow. The figure crashed into him, knocking the crossbow out of his hand. The weapon discharged harmlessly into an iron cupboard. Much less harmless, however, was the dagger Taryl felt pressing against his throat. The rest of his team stood by, not daring to shoot the attacker Taryl still couldn’t see. He didn’t need to, anyhow. With the expertise of a streetfighter grown up in the slums of Ice-Age Kwythelar, he grabbed the weapon arm of his opponent while simultaniously bending his knees and then pushing up his hip. The result send his attacker flying and colliding with a silver doorframe.
What he saw, however, surprised him. He hadn’t been jumped at by a Orc or a Goblin or anything even more sinister. His attacker was, in fact, a girl. A ferret girl with bright green eyes. In the purple and gold tunic of the Kwythelar City Guard. A member of the missing party?


---

Evilyn Doomspear looked around with awe in the huge chamber. Golden cupboards lined the wall and in the middle of the table stood a enormous relief table. Once upon a time, this might have been a map of the city and the surrounding lands. However, the lakes and mountains pictured close by must have vanished und the ice long ago. What remained unchanged however where the detailed relief of the city streets. Obviously, not even Auric’s Winter had been able to change the metal structures of this magnificient city. Oh, what she would give to have time and leasure to excavate it all, to translate the words itched everywhere. To discover the history of this place and its long gone denizens.
But this time was not now. Whatever purpose this room once had served (a major’s office mayhaps?), now it was the headquarter of the Kuriotate forces in the city. A heavily fortified headquarter by the way, and apparently for good reason. From what the survivors of the Scouts had told them (there were more than fifty of them, the party hadn’t been wiped out as they had feared), they weren’t the only ones who had rediscovered this site. A army of humans in bronze armour and with tower shields who named themselves Bannor like the legendary warriors of old had arrived only a few days after the Kuriotate and had claimed an old keep in the northern area of the city. All had gone well until the Bannor had seen the first Centaurs and Ferrets. They had been cautious but friendly to the human Kuriotate, but as soon as they beheld the halfmen, they became aggressive. They claimed that anyone that wasn’t properly and entirely human was tainted by Agares. There hadn’t been any open fights since neither party had the manpower to attack one another, but what had begun on positive terms had turned into a sort of cold war, with each side stalking the other.
And the balance had shifted yet again when a tribe of Gnolls called N’Gomele had arrived from the east and attacked both Kuriotate and Bannor. Probably those creatures where the reason for the Bannors distrust towards non-humans.
In a joint effort, Bannor and Kuriotate had pushed back the Gnolls, but the creatures still haunted the eastern suburbs and made frequent forreys deep into the districts of both nations. But the fighting side by side had not really lessened the Bannors aggression towards non-humans and three days ago, the corpses of two Centaurs had been found, bearing wounds typical for Bannor short-swords. The Kuriotate had responded by raiding the sheep herds the Bannor held outside their keep, stealing both dead animals and live stock. The initiator of that attack had been a s strange but very charismatic mercenary the Kuriotate had picked up on their journey. When Evilyn asked the man who had introduced himself as Nigel of the Fifth March why he had butchered the Bannors sheep instead of their men, he had answered with a merry glint: “Because, Lass, the sheep don’t fight back.”

In general, though, Evelyn was happy it had only hit the sheep. A fight here might destroy valuably artifacts, even ignoring the fact that the Kuriotate would probably loose it anyways. But perhaps the arrival of new Kuriotate would persuade the Bannor to rethink their stance before anything graver could happen. She would try her luck on the morrow. That, after all, was why Lorda had invented the Vanguard. To try where others gave up.

Phew, what a pain in the a this post has been. But let me clarify a few things:

Spoiler :

-The scales given to Taryl, Evelyn (and a few other characters I may or may not introduce in the future) are indeed scales from Eurabates. They allow him/Cardith to "look in" on them from time to time in dream sequences like those from my first ark. A bit overpowered? Maybe. But ingame, how do you know imediately that your hunter half the world away was devoured by a giant spider? This is my awnser to it.

-The Vanguard was inspired by two things: 1)Mass Effect Spectres and 2) the 101st Recon Company. Obesance to Dean the Young in this.

-Despite the violence reported, there is neither a war between the Kuriotate and Bannor nor the Kuriotate and NGomele. (Or, for that matter, between the Bannor and Ngomele). Those are only skirmishes.

-Yes Nigel of 5th March is the Great Commander Nigel. However, in this part he is still far from being a great commander and doesn't count as one to me. I'm also not certain whether he'll become one during the game (at least for the Kurios.)

 

[cypher132]

Spiders

Spiders have recently been roaming the jungle area north of the Nortek and southeast of the Mazatl. Nortek hunting parties have been combing the jungles, but they can only do so much. Initial scout reports indicate no Archos life in the area, but have noticed several ruins and old tablets relating to the Archos. The Goblin King extends a request to the Mazatl, and any other tribe willing, to help them root out this infestation before it becomes a pandemic, citing the destruction of dozens of Grigori cities in the past, Lanun trading fleets being crippled, and the overall fear of the citizenry, never know if they might be bitten in the night or if their town will fall..​

 

[cypher132]

Orc Attacks

The Orcs under the command of Vorug Tombslay have begun their assaults on the Grigori, Dural, Nortek, and Elohim. Massive numbers of Orcs have begun charging towards their targets, smashing against the palisades, many breaking through, causing destruction and death. These four nations are fighting back, but the overwhelming numbers of the Orcs may be too much.

Fully Thawed

The formerly frozen world has fully thawed, now resembling the land of opportunity it had been in the past. Large tracts of land entice expansionist leaders, valuable resources and trade call for the wealthy-minded, and the sounds of war with other nations roars in the minds of the bloodthirsty.

Magical Creatures

Creatures of magic have begun to be attracted to the Amurites and Sheaim. Many of these creatures are hostile, while some are friendly. Large tribes of Gnoslings raid trade routes, making dents in the economies of these two nations.​

 

[cypher132]

Flash of Light

A blinding flash of light emanated from the Ashen Veil Temple of Berodu in the plains between the Balseraph, Illian, and Khazad nations. With it came visions in the minds of the leaders of great wealth and power, along with visions of the Infernal demon Zaleed. It seems the temple is beckoning these three nations towards it, offering great rewards in exchange for its capture.​

 

[Kyzarc Fotjage]

Spoiler :

Lawrence's journal, Eleasias 16, End of Ice 62
Ah, the southern border has been contained. The orcs and goblins have been driven back to the wilderness! The Chislev have requested a regiment of the Radiant Guard come to lead an assault on one of the Goblin's bases, a fort called Blackmoor. If successful, this could go far in eliminating the threat that these vile monsters show to our allies. Our navy has managed to defeat a pirate raid, and before they managed to land even! Soon we will be able to prevent the pirates from reaching our shores at all, allowing our people to farm and trade without fear of slavery or death. The slavers sent an emissary to my court only last month. They 'asked' me, ME!, to allow their people into my borders and to sell. I refused and had them driven into the desert. They said that their associates would be upset at my decision. Bah, I say let them come. Our armies are strong, our walls high, and our allies loyal. The future is bright indeed.


Lawrence's journal, final entry
they all died. Someone came last night and...
fifteen...
Malik bet... false...
must save the...
guards were sla...
sword shard started glowing, managed to destroy half a do... shadows.
Lugus has forsaken us, if he was ever wi...
door won't hold much lon...
Farewell my people. I'm sor... ter leader. Go... uck for the times ahe...

Found in fireplace in Lawrence's bedchambers. Much of it is burnt beyond recognition

Leader of the Malakim and Prophet of Lugus was found missing on the night of Eleasias 17, End of Ice 62. Authorities in the Malakim government and the Church of the Empyrean say no trace of him or his attacker was found. A nationwide manhunt has begun.
The Mirror of Heaven has gone completely dark. This bodes ill for the upcoming days as the governemnt is falling to shambles quickly.

 

[Dean_the_Young]

The Maw had burst forth a hoard of Orcs, and not a Grigori cared.

And why should they? It was unlikely they would live long enough to see one. At least, that was the prognosis on the future of those who remained in the Citadel of Trials, counting the hours until the Lanun berserkers entered the Citadel proper and tore through the peasantry like a shark through a school of minnows. The Citadel walls alone might hold the hoarde for days, but the Lanun had breached through the Caverns underneath.

The Caverns were, most literally, Hell on Erebus now. The Sands, the Flames, the soul-crushing terrain that had for generations hardened the wills of Grigori soldiers, all that now turned into a true battle ground with the Lanun berserkers and their undying Drown.

There had been a chance, once, to respond in force, to push them back and close the breach. That chance had died in a torrent of tragic accidents and stumbles and conspiracies of fates and deities. The Lanun foothold remained established, and the Caverns slowly fell to inexaustable number of corpses that suffered not under the stress of Hell. The Grigori defenders could not even pride themselves in forcing their mindless foes into defeat under such conditions.

The Citadel of Trials was nearing its end.

At least the Colonies were safe, they said. The last happenings of Comillo had come long ago, but no word of his defeat had come either. Comillo must still be alive. The colonies, under his perview, lived. The Grigori would not die here.

But the Grigori here would die. The Citadel's fall was certain This they resigned, in their hearts and words. And with that acceptance, that realization that all they had built would crumble, that they themselves would pass... they did not give up into despair at the inevitable, but were relieved by it, and redoubled their efforts. In the face of the inevitable, they were liberated from despair.

The presence, the same one that had led the Lanun to these caves, bringing forth this calamity, smiled.

---

Prime Minister of Esirce certainly was not long for this world. Whether the Lanun or his own heart would kill him was the only question remaining.

Despite his own chest pains, he showed nothing of the sort in his daily strolls. He walked, with the citizens, with the wounded, with the resting soldiers preparing to return to the battles. He was their last comforter, their last friend, the last confident many of them had, as he talked and shared his wisdom.

Words of Cassiel came from his lips, devoured by young men and women who had never lived in the same time as the Grigori patron. Lessons, ideas, debates were shared, and memories of the Angel filled them with resolve. Where Esirce went, a reminder of who they were followed.

But in the privacy of his own chambers, his confidence sagged. He himself only just believed what he spoke, and his efforts were as much for himself as for his people.

He looked to his side, where a single miniature portrait lined the desk. It was of his daughter, Mouar, and he felt a thin smile on his face at the thought of her. She was safe, in the Colonies. The whole of the Grigori navy had surely organized there by now, warding off any further Lanun attacks, while Comillo... did whatever he was doing.

To say he did not wish things had turned out differently would be wrong. To say there were no possibilities of salvation would be as well. But he did not pray and hope for them. Grigori did not seek salvation except by from themselves.

But sometimes salvation sought them.

When Esirce went to sleep, his dreams were not his own. A message awaited him, a story of a thousand years told in a single second. A tale of Hell, of a Lanun who had broken out of the Machine and returned with only the inspiration of the Grigori to drive her. She was a savior, a gift, an offering of peace, a messenger of a plan.

Prime Minister would no fully recall the experience when he awoke. But when he saw the watchful Panlupan sitting in his chair, he was not surprised to see her, or hear her words.

 

[Diamondeye]

Comillo and Mouar stood staring out across the bay that the Grigori had heroically braved, on the same elevation where Comillo had first seen the Grigori ships with his own eyes. Now, all they could see in the bay was the carnage that was the end of the Citadel of Trials. Comillo put an arm around Mouar and felt her head on his shoulder. Not even she could keep her tears from streaming on this day of sorrow. Comillo looked down into her eyes.

"Now, your people are like you and I. Now they know what it is to outlive all that they know."

 

[cypher132]

Happy late 4/20.

Glowgrass

All the tribes have discovered a special type of grass that presents many herbal opportunities. What the tribes do with this new grass is up to the leaders.​

 

[arcticnightwolf]

[Amurites]Alchemist, the Mad

Spoiler Alchemist, the Mad :

"You know, I still don't think that this is a good idea." showed her concerns Jaina. "Neutralizing magic in one of those creatures can be very unpredictable. Not mentioning that we don't know full effects of these herbs. Actually, where did you get these?"
"Eh, what? These? On north reefs. I found them when i was walking. Anyway, can you please stop interrupting me right now? I'd like to get this finished." He responded quickly.

Jaina mumbled something and walked away. It was uncommon to see master so nervous. When he was young he was calm and deliberate, as every elder mage in New Cevedes was. But with years he was more and more nervous and somewhat mad. Sometimes he just had insane ideas which didn't always ended up well. But as the threat of unknown magical creatures was rising, it was necessary to do something with this. Sure some of them were friendly, but most of them were less. And it was impossible to keep ice-bower on every corner. So master was developing essence which would neutralize magic on certain location. In better case that would cause them to vaporize immediately. In best case it should prevent them even from spawning in certain area. He was doing it alone with his apprentice Jaine for few reasons. First was, that almost no-one wanted to work with him. Sometimes he just got crazy idea and he did it right away. And frankly, it's a little bit drawback-ing when your lab is completely frozen during summer or when in windless months of year you have hurricane in your lab. The second reason was that many mages Amurites had were assigned to moving villages into higher areas as seas begun to rise. Luckily New Cevedes were on top of hill, so main administration centers was spared of moving and causing chaos.

Jaina was in library when she felt it. It was feeling which was hard to describe, something like when air around you is cold and hot at once. She ran downstairs to the lab. The feeling was stronger and stronger as she was approaching. She carefully opened the door when she saw master holding vial with something blue shining white.
She asked "What is it?" Master didn't answer, just stared into the vial fascinated. She come closer to him while looking at it suspiciously. "What - is - it?" she repeated the question. He responded little bit dramatically "Honestly, I have no idea." That was him how she knew. "Let's try it. Test to cast some spell." He encouraged her.
"I'm not sure. Last time I tried to cast spell I turned baker into lynx." She stated. Master laughed "Heh, this funny story I will never forget. I bet he is still scared of you to death." When he saw Jaina's killing look he immediately stopped and just said "Well, right now there are several possibilities what could happen - first is that you may not be able to cast spell at all. Second is that this will have no effect on spell."
She looked at him again "And which parts aren't you telling me?" After few seconds master responded "Mmmmm, it can also amplify your spell or do something completely unpredictable." Jaina summarized "So, you want me to cast spell in some strange aura, while nor I nor you have even the slightest idea what could happen?" He keept on pursuing it. "Yep. But, come on! We've done worse things." She finally agreed although not willingly, but if she wouldn't do it with some elementary spell, then he may find way how to try it with some devastating spell, so at the moment it looked like the best way. She breathed and slowly said the formula with precise pronunciation.

She was relieved. Nothing happened, luckily. Jaina stated "Ok, your null-magic thing work." She went to other room and tried simple levitation spell. "It looks like it works only for lab. But how are you going to stop this effect?" He shrug his shoulders. "I have no idea. But I'm sure we'll find a solution - this lab experienced a lot worse things and still stands."

I haven't write in this thread for long time, so I decided to write short story in 40 minutes. So style is equivalent to this ...

 

[cypher132]

Glowgrass Research

Nortek sages have been investigating this new plant, named Glowgrass, for its medicinal properties. They have discovered, aside from its obvious use as a way to light dark places, that it can be used as an ointment to heal small wounds. They have tried rubbing it on a wound from some warrior volunteers and have gotten good results from it. They report that the wounds healed 25% faster than without it, leading to the Goblin warriors charging back into battle even quicker.

Orcs Expand

Vorug Tombslay's Orc horde has constructed several more settlements near the major nations of Erebus. The horde is getting large enough that it could become a nation of its own. However, due to the chaotic government, anarchistic despotism, such a feat is quite impossible for Tombslay's horde. This doesn't stop the green tides from slamming into the walls of major nations and continuing to grow despite the heavy losses they suffer.​

 

[arcticnightwolf]

As I mentioned icebows, I decided to explain it a little bit.

[Amurites]Part of conversation about Amurite military

Spoiler Part of conversation about Amurite military :

[..]
In some book we read that in old times before the Great Frozening our military was using elemental magic. So we studied it, were gathering information, scraps and mentions about it in our libraries, consulted that with our Elohim friends. Finally we got pretty image about it. After we learned that it was common to every man to be able enchant their weapons with magical effects, we started to search for some spell simple enough for anyone to cast and effective to be productive in combat. We discovered, that it isn't so easy, we found that not everybody would be capable of doing so. Therefore we came with idea to select those who were able to, and reassigned them to our archery squads, so we wouldn't loose them in close range combat. Basically the arrow is enchanted with freezing spell, so if target is hit, it freezes which gives melee unit chance to crush them into millions of pieces. We don't know whether it will be worth it or not and if we will be able to gather enough of them to make difference in battle, because we simply don't have soldiers, so only time will tell ...
[..]

 

[cypher132]

Sea Serpents

The sea serpents of the oceans have multiplied exponentially, making the seas far more dangerous than before. They have become aggressive and have been seen skulking around trade routes and the many ships that use them. Several small fishing fleets have been destroyed be these marauding creatures and it doesn't seem they will be satisfied anytime soon.​

 

[arcticnightwolf]

[Amurites]Cycle of age

Spoiler Cycle of age :

Time is passing by …

Spring come to frozen lands, luring cavemen from their shelters. They are founding encampments. Hunting deer in yet still not snowless forests, gathering goods that Earth provides them. Discovering tools and exploring surroundings. Trying to reason with other tribes. Being spoken to by gods. Training warriors, axmen and fighting for survival with vicious animals.

Time is passing by …

Summer Sun shining on world in it’s bloom. On mages trying spells, on priests preaching citizens. Glow upon great cities, large fields of wheat. On fleets of beautiful ships. Lighting when signing right-of-passage treaties. Illuminating weapons of brave crossbowmen, honorable horse archers. While in the dark assassins are sneaking to their victims, powerful plotting against weak. Fighting for survival with unmerciful barbarian hordes.

Time is passing by …

Autumn, the time of wars, where everybody is trying to join others against their enemies, while being backstabbed by their allies. Armies of heavy infantry burning towns, killing anyone. And survivals are hunted by animals of rangers and shadows. Once beautiful lands converted into hell terrains and battlefields. And men are loosing their faith and morale while fighting for survival with others in never-ending battles.

Time is passing by …

Winter snow starts falling as gods starts to intervene into world of living, when all men days are counted. And after they fall in final battle, the world asleeps under layer of show. And those who manage to stay alive are fighting for surviving with restless cold.

Time is passing by …

-- From book “It depends on what happened, what is now, and what may happen.”, author unknown

 

[cypher132]

Isle of Treasures

Khazad scouting ships have reported seeing a new island previously undiscovered. This island seems rich in gems and metals, but it is protected by several burrows. The undead stalk the island, seeking to tear the life from the breast of every man and woman who dares set foot upon the island. The treasures are tempting, but the battle could be long and costly against these skeleton guardians. However, the nation that does secure this island will no doubt have no need to worry about keeping their people happy.

Bones of a Dragon

The Nortek have heard whispers from their explorers that a large set a bones was discovered. Sages researching it believe that it may be the remains of the ancient red dragon, Acheron. If these truly are the remains of Acheron, this means that there is one less danger in the wilds outside the city walls. The bones are beyond resurrection, or that's what the Nortek sages have discovered as of so far. Either way, Deremei Diranth has forbid any attempts at resurrecting this beast, remembering the stories of Rinwell and would prefer to leave this dangerous beast in the shape of a set of bones.

Spider Swarm Destroyed

Also coming from the Nortek, the spider swarm that was harassing their trade routes has finally been hunted down and destroyed. The trade routes will continue to have an increased guard until the hunters say that all the spiders have been found. The number of swarms currently hiding in the forests is currently unknown, but some hunters fear there may be at least 3 more. Where they are, they cannot say, but if there are more swarms they pose a great danger to the Nortek and any nations around them.
​

 

[Zugvogel]

A trace of dragon - I

Spoiler :

“The Dragon shall rise again! Gone is he, appalled by the taint and corruption of thaw and strangers and hypocrisy. But fret not, true children of the dragon, for he will return to us when the hour is darkest. But first you need to cleanse your bodies and souls lest you ,too, will be burned and scorched along with the impure and wrongbelievers. The Dragon shall rise again!”

Lessuri Relassi, spokesman of the guild of mages of Kwythellar, felt an unnatural chill down his spine. Which was unpleasant indeed, for a snakeman’s spine was quite a bit longer than the average human’s one. And certainly it was not for the wheather. That was fine. Much better than it had known to be for generations. Warm...not hot, like a fire’s heat, but pleasantly warm. Warmth provided by Lughus’s eye, not Bhall’s heart.
Bot even all the furnaces of Kwythellar would have been unable to drive out the unease the mage felt as he read the huge letters of the grafitti painted in crimson red on the wall of an ochre four-storey tenement.
The adepts and spies the mage’s guild employed (just like any other of the major guilds and parties in the capitol) had reported the overnight appearance of texts like this all over the city. Rumour had it that similar writings had appeared in Naggagrond as well. And Relassi instinct (something he was not very fond of but took into account anyway) told him that with the next set of traders from the outpost or the next unit of soldiers on furlough there would also be reports of something like this happening in the enclaves.

The size and logistics required to perform something like this were way above the level of any average gang or minor cult (whose influences had thankfully lessened anyways since the outbreak of the border wars). But it was well within the capabilities of any major church or guild. But who would benefit from it? These grafiti were causing, if anything, fear. Not that there was any need of more of that after the almost-annihilation a few month ago. Granted, with the recent victories over the orcs at Camlan, the imminent threat on the heartland was near zero, but still: The guild’s main objective were a) the pursuit of their individual projects and researches and b)money. Noone would gain anything by stirring public fears.
The faith, on the other hand, might benefit from a panic. But Relassi quickly discarded that: Firstly, because neither the followers of Amathon nor their less influential counterparts in the churches of Junil, Lughus and Sirona, were likely to use veiled prophecies to gather believers. Secondly, because the churches, as of now, were powerful but badly organized. And thirdly and most importantly because the text spoke of false Gods. That was nothing any zealot would ever dare saying.

But all this mystery still did not explain for his persistent unease. He was after all Spokesman of the mage’s and that was, by common consensus, not a position to be acquired through gentleness and anxiety. Slithering, he and his retinue (two guards, a scriptor and several minor mages serving as his assistants) made their way directly to the wallpainting. Something was odd there...it was as if...
Relassi stretched out a hand towards the letters. His scaled fingers came away...still red. Odd. Any known dye or collour should have dried up hours ago. His split tongue erupted from his mouth, taking an ever so small lick at the paint. Blood! Chickens, if his senses didn’t betray him. And what was more, he now sensed, like a tingle on the back of his brain, a distinct but very well hidden trace of magic. He probably wouldn’t even have noticed, had he not consumed a bit of it.
This, now, was much more than just troubling. Somebody was combining blood and magic, which was bad enough as it was, and used it to place spells of fear all over the city. This was way of limits for any guild or religious group. Except one...but who in the mage’s guild would do this? He had to find out, and quickly.
Both because there was no telling whether the traitor(s) would stick to animal blood and because he could not allow his Lordship to find out about the mage’s entanglement in this madness.

Not sure where this will be going...but I bet you are better at guessing what group might be responsible for this than Relassi, eh?^^

 

[ornom0n]

Belseraphs after the Second Ice Age

Spoiler :

Belseraph culture had flourished during the Age of Rebirth. Artists and poets favored by their lunatic king Perpentach coloured the cities with art related buildings: Theatres, art galleries and libraries were a common sight in any Belseraph city or town. These artists were in one of the highest spot of Belseraph caste system, if they could gain Perpentach's favor. Citizens rose and fell because of Perpentach's whims and because his mind was never the same for too long time, this happend very often. This all ended when Auric Ulwin ascended to godhood.
What freezing temperature didn't destroy, the wolves did. The cold destroyed the harvest and hungry wolves came to eat the starving population. Crop depended civilization of Belseraphs quickly crumbled in front of the second Ice Age.
The mad court led by Perpentach issued orders that everyone citizen of Belseraph kingdom was to seek shelter from any nearby caves. This led the Belseraphs back to primitive era, but their artistic traditions passed along the poems and songs yet the Second Ice Age placed bitter and cold feeling to them.
Perpentach declared himself as chieftain of The Belseraph people living in the caves near Coombe View. This was a hard time for all Belseraphs, so he could not lead his people with the same style he had during Age of Rebirth. A human life gained more value in his eyes. The death of his unoffical daughter might have also affected this.
When the ice started to retreat and agriculture was possible Perpentach led his tribe out from the caves to found their first settlement in this era: Habanu. They strived to get their farmlands full of harvest so that they could support larger population and army to expand further to their old lands.
When the Belseraph population began to grow, value of human life started to decrease again in Perpentach's eyes. First the insane or mentally weaker people were brought to freak shows to amuse the avarage people and later Perpentach started to sacrafice ordinary folk for his own amusement, just like he had done in Age of Rebirth. The Belseraphs had returned.
Now Perpentach has expanded his empire towards the lake to the west and sent galleons to explore the coastline of the lake. The southern areas also intrest Perpentach, because their old capital should be located there and hopefully remains of The Theatre of Dreams.

There's my start post for Belseraphs. If there's something that's in conflict with your story give me a shout.

 

[Dean_the_Young]

OOC: Galleons are a good deal to advanced at this point. Think of more of being around turn 100 or so: even the Lanun, the most advanced naval power, is using galleys and trimenes.

---

Barlow the Berserker was a Lanun who had been in attacking the Citadel from the beginning. When they had landed, he had plundered the port. When they had laid seige, he had tried to climb the Citadel walls nine times, recovering from wounds each time. And when the breach into the underground had been found, he had roared his ways through the Caverns of Perdition with the rest of them.

He was used to the sway of battle in the hell-caves. He knew from the air when the Grigori prepared to make a push, or when a thrall attack would overcome section of Grigori lines. He knew, and he was always prepared to take advantage of it with his well-worn axe. Now, as the fighting had entered the Citadel itself, he knew something was wrong.

The resistance had crumbled. Choke points of Grigori were overrun, only to find nothing beyond. Lanun pirates ran through the Citadel halls, seizing everything of value and killing whatever few defenders they could find. Pirates continually flooded from the caves, looting and burning whatever they could. Only the closed gates of the citadel, locked from the inside, gave any suggestion of resistance.

Other pirates were eager, believing that the last Grigori were hiding somewhere in the heart of the castle. They ran towards the center, some eager for the richer plunders and some eager for blood. They were obsessed, driven by energy that a careful observer would have recognized was not their own. Barlow was not a careful observer, but he was experienced. He knew how his blood howled in its berserker fury, and he knew that this urge, impulse, to join his brothers and the Overlords' thralls was not it. In a rare instance of selfcontrol, he mastered himself, walked to the courtyard from which the caverns entered the Citadel itself. He watched as more and more men, thralls, poured into the Citadel, rushing to capitalize on their victory, until it seemed half of the invasion force were within these walls, and only those outside the walls or minding the ships were not.

That thought filled him with dread when the howls from the caverns started.

At first, no one else seemed to notice, so entranced were they. They continued the headlong sprint from the caverns towards profit. But soon the flow slowed, and paused, and there were screams. Then more runners came, not looking ahead with greed but behind with looks of terror.

Barlow grabbed his axe and yelled for others to come with him, but none did. The compulsion, and it truly was a magical compulsion, held them still. As the flow of Lanun from the caverns stopped, as the growls and howls grew louder, he stood alone before the cavern entrance. By ear alone, he swung his axe into the darkness and hit something. Another swing, and another scream. Then a inhuman claw reached out and struck his blade away, and a form tackled into him.

He yelled, he hit, but the beast (and it was certainly no human) hit harder and bit deeper. Soon it was over, and all that was left was for it to bite his throat and devour him.

"By the pit-" he whispered, preyed, as the hell-beast killed him.

 

[cypher132]

Belseraphs after the Second Ice Age
Now Perpentach has expanded his empire towards the lake to the west and sent galleons to explore the coastline of the lake.

OOC: No one has galleons at this time. Dean is correct in the fact that the nations are still working with galleys and triremes. Due to the more hostile wilderness, tech advancement will likely be slower than the last story. Don't worry. Beginner's mistake.

Spoiler :

Deremei Diranth looked over the parchment for a third time, trying to make certain that what he saw was real. The nation was already deep in debt and there was no explanation for why their coffers are so vacant. The defense against Tombslay's hordes had taken a toll on the countryside, with several villages burned to the ground and farms pillaged for food to keep the hordes moving. The death toll was high so far, many believe it is in the hundreds, maybe even a little over a thousand dead. Due to Goblins reproducing at a faster rate than many of the other races in Erebus, their villages and towns tended to be bigger. Not in size, but in population. Because of the short stature of a Goblin, houses that fit 5 Orcs would be able to fit 10-15 Goblins.
However, this led to the giant death toll. Many of these Goblins were untrained, as the greatest military minds in the Nortek were currently taking the fight to Tombslay, leaving few instructors behind. Deremei had tried hard to train as many Goblins as possible before the battles began, but the enemy hordes moved faster than expected. With their walls beginning to crumble in the edges of their small empire, the Nortek are in jeopardy. This was grave news to Deremei. Deremei's top military mind, Arza Kinslaughter, was also out at war. He had taken the Kinslaughter Clan with him, along with the Spiderbane Clan, Metalthief Clan, and Bloodspill Clan. All four Clans were some of the best warriors the Nortek had and they were more successful than the other Clans fighting against Tombslay's horde. Several Clans have been decimated, some entirely annihilated, such as the Bronzethrow Clan and the Three-Bow Clan. The enemy hordes were getting closer to Deremei's capital and moving fast. Clans were beginning to fall back from their positions in the jungles North of the empire and were beginning to fortify the only pass, the Oren Pass, into the valley containing Oren. Makeshift palisades were erected, archer platoons from Oren have arrived at the Oren Pass, and the last two Ogre Clans of the Nortek, the Metalskull Clan and the Rockmate Clan, joined army at Oren Pass and have dug in with the rest of the soldiers. Kinslaughter has begun moving back towards the pass and cities outside the pass have begun to shrink as Goblins fled to the capital, believing it to be their only salvation.

 

[ornom0n]

OOC: No one has galleons at this time. Dean is correct in the fact that the nations are still working with galleys and triremes. Due to the more hostile wilderness, tech advancement will likely be slower than the last story. Don't worry. Beginner's mistake

Yeah im sorry. My intention was that they sent a lot less advanced rowing boats but i guess that just slipped.

Spoiler :

Diary of Romotus, Balseraph explorer
4th of Bitterfire

I and four of us are going to map southern lands by the order of Miiforius from Perpentach's mad court. Those lands are supposed to be crowded with treasures and ruins from the previous era. Im eager to get started. Supplies have all been distributed to our backbags and our colorful outfits are washed all clean for tomorrow. I just need to put some make-up on my face in the morning. I've been told that wilderness does not like ugly people, so better not anger the wildmen!

5th of Bitterfire

We've traveled and sung all day. The nature seemed to have enjoyed our plays, because whispers did not quiet down. Camp is now set and rest of my group are sitting by campfire, singing and laughing. These unclaimed lands don't seem as bad as Miiforius told us. Still, im going to keep my make up clean and my blade close.

6th of Bitterfire

Sun is right over me. We've stopped for a break by a river to have a drink. Not to drink water, but jellonjuice that Hazunis and Kakkadh brought with them. We taunted at the river, as we are not dependent of it's juices. We sing about the jellonjuice, even though we didn't know any songs about it beforehand, but the juice seems to create those words in our mind! Perpentach's court must have many barrels of this juice in storage, because these can make any decision easy!

7th of Bitterfire

We saw a ruined basement of a house from old ages. I could feel the songs they had sung at their life time. Such idyllic life they had liven! Gyhnis started to feel homesick few hours after we had passed that ruin. I cannot blame him, but i prefer it here with our ancient accomplishments. Our boss Oformi told him to dance to calm him down. He did.

10th of Bitterfire

We lost Gyhnis to greenmen. They ambushed us in the woods we passed through. All of us would have been with him, if Oformi hadn't thrown colorful smoke at them to cover our escape. Wise man he is.
These lands really are as dangerous as Miiforius said. Perhaps a bottle of jellonjuice and singing will drive those horrors away.

15th of Bitterfire

It did drive them away, but only for a little while. Now im all alone from my group. We got seperated when the greenmen came again. Mayby they heard our singing or mayby I had left a trail of some sort. Maybe I shouldn't search for Oformi and others. Oformi would cause horrors to me and if I would return back to Hanube, Miiforius would do the same for me. Im the one with the maps, so I can do this alone. My makeup is starting to wear out. What if i return to Hanube without it? No, i can't think of that yet. First i got to map, then i got to worry.

16th of Bitterfire

I saw a large group of greenmen going to the way i came from! That would lead them towards Hanube. Maybe I should warn the city? No, Miiforius will create those terrors. I will head further to south, sing silently and bow down upon rivers, for I have ran out of jellowjuice.