Absolution 4: Tabula Rasa

Update Soundtrack Science by System of a Down

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Welcome to the Bronze Age, You Might Have Noticed Some Changes

Remember when the first person got into the Bronze Age and everyone got to see all of the cool Bronze Age stuff that was waiting for them? Well, this is sort of like that. Except that now the last person has entered the Bronze Age and there aren't going to be as many exciting things in this one.

Social Cohesion now goes from 1-15.

India, the Remaining Sections of the Middle East, and the Mediterranean are now available as civilized areas to new players and for player expansion.

Some Tactic Bonuses have been increased.

Corruption now goes from 1-3.

Social Cohesion thresholds have been adjusted.

Paranaa now has contact with the Western Starting Zone factions.

The Land of the Sun now has contact with the Eastern Starting Zone factions.


Some new, Bronze Age NPCs have been added. These are: Tatui, The Kingdom of Iberios, Persia, and the Khanate. They are covered in more detail at the bottom of this update.

If you have a boat and ready access to the Pacific you might notice some quasi-relevant changes to the map.

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They were lost, they must have been lost. So high in the mountains, but Arostese knew who they must be. The prophecy foretold their identity.

The wind was terrible that day, worse than normal, but Arotese was a man of Paranaa and he knew the ways of the mountain. He was dressed for the occasion. These wanderers were not.

But the prophecies foretold of this day. His own family's prophecies. Arostese traced his line to Aesau, the Wheelmaker, by way of Hep, the Wanderer of the West.

When the brothers returned to Paranaa the line of Dor ascended to the throne, where they worked to cultivate strong relations with the neighbors of the East. Dor knew much of these places and he likewise taught his sons.

A different path befell the sons of Hep. Arostese went to this overlook every day like his father before him, waiting until prophecies came to pass.

"Do you know if the Stones still stand on the banks of the Nule?" Arostese asked the men as he approached them. His father taught Arostese Zulappan as his own father had taught him. Arostese prayed to the Heavenly Dragon that he did not botch the pronunciation.

The men looked at him confused. Not men of Zull, Arostese thought for a second, but he was prepared for this possibility.

"Does Gideon's Golden Monument still light the path for the faithful pilgrim to Waset?"

That brought a response, the merchants shuffled and talked amongst themselves. Yes, Arostese thought to himself, they must understand Saturnese.

"I have not been to Waset," finally came the reply from one of the merchants, "But I wonder how you came to know their tongue, and why you speak it like a priest."

"Are you not men of Satura?"

"No, we come from the Land of the Sun, do you speak Urian?"

Arostese shakes his head, "I have heard of your land, but I was always told that there was no use in the language, your people are beset with a madness that bids them fight amongst themselves."

The merchants laugh, "Perhaps in ancient times, but for hundreds of years the Land of the Sun has been a place of prosperity. What else do you know of the West? How did you come to learn Saturnese? Do you have a warm place to rest?"

Arostese smiles, "Follow me to Paranaa, we have been waiting for you. My ancestors, it is said," Arostese begins to walk, waving his arm in the direction of the burgeoning village, "that they visited your lands. My father taught me Zulappan and Saturnese, I was always told that the merchants would be men of Zull."

The merchants laugh again, "Zulappan is the language of peasants and stone worshippers."

As he lead the caravan towards Paranaa Arostes tried to imagine the changes that must have taken place since those long ago days when Hep walked the streets of Zull and Waset.

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In Zull, a new Age Dawned as the next incarnation of the stones was revealed. Shinestone, or as it is called in the East, Bronze. Rumors of the East abound in Zulappi, traders tell of faraway lands, at the very rising of the Sun, where the rarest goods are acquired. And then, as if to back up their claim, produce a sample of Silks from some unimaginably distant Empire where Dragons rule over men.

But with Bronze came also the sudden realization of problems with the infrastructure, plumbing systems were inefficient by the standards of people who can work bronze, barracks were teaching outdated tactics, everything had to be replaced. (The economy has been halved in accordance with the move to a new age). Steps have been taken, though, to build a modern Zulappi Economy. Shinestone foundries where the new metals are made into spears and ploughshares blossom to life across the land.

But, more importantly a new industry has emerged ideally suited for immigrant arrivals from the East. The import of Saturan Potterscraft has allowed the Shaman to sell them as chamberpots, collecting waste product to compensate for the indoor plumbing problems. This waste from the filled Saturan jars is then shoveled into the fields where it provides nutrients for the crops. It has been a boon to everyone involved and some have even gone so far as to draw pictures of Saturan folk heroes onto their chamberpots. Zulappi men claim to one another, "Last night I took a crap in Gideon!" or "Last night I took a crap in Pharon!" but the response is always the same, "Doesn't matter, they're all full of crap!"

Strangely though, a number of the new immigrants have also begun carving strange runes into the chamberpots. When asked by the Undershamans about these runes the refugees claim that these markings represent sounds that can be used to print more than simple hieroglyphs. In fact they claim that the runes they have been carving spell out "Throne of the Farseer" and they have taught a handful of the brightest Undershamans how to spell out "Long Life to the Shaman and Glory to Zulappi." These carvings have been showing up all over the Land.

The faith of the Stones continues to spread, with an official temple in Syrius and new pilgrims from the South, it seems that even the Sudanese have begun to see the wisdom of the Stones.

In the armies the changes of the new age came quickly, with the foundries readily providing new equipment to the soldiers and upgrading every warrior to a Spearman.

But despite the new strength of their arms the Zulappi sent allies alone to the West to win their honor. Outnumbered the Warriors of Ur fought the Tribes of Seli first near the border of Zulappi. They were greatly successful and pursued the barbarians further West as they retreated.

The Warriors of Seli turned on them as they chased, destroying a large group of the Warriors before they were themselves overpowered. The victory has brought great expansion to the West and some even tell of Lands far beyond the border.

(Zulappi: +Economic Expansion (2), +Bronze Working, +Writing (1/6), +4 Reputation, +2 Social Cohesion)

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In Satura as well Bronze was cast, purer, they say, than the Zulappi Bronze of the North. Rumors of faraway nations also arose here, but most were dismissed as Zulappi lies. Men ruled by Dragons? Preposterous.

Persia though, that seems like a real place, and the evidence of Incense only serves to support the claim. Talk of strange religions and customs that must exist in faraway Persia abound.

The Warehouse of Wonders was completed this turn, serving as a centralized depot for exports and greatly increasing the wealth of the Saturans despite domestic infrastructure that is increasingly shoddy and antiquated. Although the coffers of the Farseer and the Merchants are full many people in Satura starve and do not have proper access to clean water. This inequality drives tensions and despite many very successful and critically acclaimed messages on the subject the faith of the Stones continues to grow among the poorer classes.

But Aktenism grew as well this turn, with many in the Land of the Sun, especially merchants and nobles, adopting the faith. Class tensions also drive the split of faiths in the Land of the Sun, but as the privileged classes in the Land of the Sun are not nearly as wealthy as their counterparts in Satura the religion has actually begun to catch on among the common men. The Land of the Sun has also incorporated various Zorroist communities to the North and pressures to name a national religion have been mostly ignored by the Merchant Lords.

In Sudan many have converted to the faith of the stones, and since Sudan has more favorable relations with Satura many adherents to that faith now simply begin their pilgrimage through Sudan in order to conceal their final destination.

With Southward expansion now reaching beyond deserts and into the Serengeti some reports have come back from the new Spearmen on Border Patrol that although the Shepherds and Hunters of those lands do not seem hostile, they also do not seem to appreciate the intrusion of Saturan citizens into their lands. If they aren't dealt with head on they might cause problems.

But in Waset there are other suspicions, why would these peaceful men not want to adopt Satura as their own? Perhaps, some say, there are foreign agents afoot. It is said that the men of Iberios are crafty, and perhaps they have dispatched agents against the Saturans.

(Satura: +Bronze Working, +Warehouse of Wonders, +2 Social Cohesion, +7 Reputation, +Trade Good: Potterscraft)

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In The Empire of the Heavenly Dragon rumors are spreading about Lands and nations far to the West beyond Paranaa, fueled by the strange new Trade Goods that the Wanderer Merchants are offering, Dyes, Fragrances and… Zulappi Beer. Even some Bronze trinkets made by no craftsman of the Dragon that have sent ripples of panic through the ranks.

Favors were exchanged, allegiances secured, the Soo River Harbor was finally completed, and with it the Emperor's first Galley. Granted permission to travel the length of the river until he reached the Land of Shang the Captain soon flouted his orders. Sailing directly into Shang territory he sent a messenger to the Emperor claiming that "Galleys are not meant for Rivers! I shall conquer the Seas in your name!"

Quickly sliding past the rafts and fishermen of Shang the Captain found himself finally at the Ocean where he set out at once, ready for adventure. He soon discovered the land of Kitanato, a strong, civilized people of Northeastern Islands. He combed the coasts and found Korea, tasting their Rice Wine in celebration of a feat that the Koreans felt closely tied to. Here were the Ocean Ships they had heard about, that they had helped fund. They were fascinated and greatly celebratory about the possibility of Trade Routes unhindered by Manchurian barbarians.

On his return voyage this Captain also encountered another Island, to the East of the Lands of the Heavenly Dragon. Although he greatly desired to claim it in the name of his Emperor he found the natives hostile and was forced to retreat.

The Spearmen and Horseman of the Heavenly Dragon continued to fight their way South, deeper into jungles, vanquishing any who oppose them, but a new and different threat has appeared to the North.

Horsemen of Ulaanbaatar have bound themselves in allegiance to a single Khan and claim that they will build an empire to dwarf the Heavenly Dragon's lands without the bother of the research, philosophy or faith. Worse still, some suspect that the Khan has already planted Agents into Junjan, how else could he have managed to figure out the nature of Bronze?

With the shift of new technologies and changes to social structure the citizens desire more and better things, but even in this arena the Land of the Heavenly Dragon is ahead of the curve, with Hanghui (Guilds) arising to maintain Social Order in these turbulent times.

With new trade coming in and out of the Harbor, new industries thriving under the supervision of the Hanghui, the economy of the Heavenly Dragon expanded greatly this turn, in no small way assisted by the growth and security of their trade routes.

(Kingdom of the Heavenly Dragon: +Economic Expansion (3), +Soo River Harbor, +1 Galley, +Guilds, +Subterfuge, +Sailing, +Masonic Code (1/2), +Trade Good: Silks, +4 Reputation, +2 Social Cohesion)

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In the land of Shang the appeals of the new urban populace were appeased with the import of Black Teas, and the fact that Acupuncture was thrown in served to calm them down a great deal.

This was a good thing since the development of Bronze Working has left them feeling a need for something more. The infrastructure is starting to look out of date and the new possibilities of the learned arts seem boundless to them. They too have heard the rumors, lands far away, these Persians and Men of the Sun, and even the Islanders of Kitanato whom the Dragon men claimed were right off the coast, they desire greatly to learn about these other lands. In particular Zorroism, the religious faith of the Persians, seems to be striking their interest.

With Bronze came not only new expectations, but also powerful new weapons. As soon as Bronze was understood the smiths were hammering away, working to arm every warrior in the Army of Shang with the new Spears and Shields. And they succeeded, 6 Spearmen now defend Laozai, and the Generals are begging for an excuse to take this new military force on an expedition.

Which they might have found, although the Barbarian Tribes of Manchuria have not been a threat for Centuries lately they seem to be swelling in number, and some even congregate outside of farms and fields to shout and claim their dominance.

And the Manchurians are not the only threat, to the West the Tribes of Ulaanbaatar have assembled together under a Khan and ride Horses into battle, they even seem to have mastered the Arts of Subterfuge and Bronze Working. Some suspect that the Khan has spies even now, in the streets of Laozai, and that he stole bronze directly from the Forges of Shang.

The generals insist that this only proves the need to begin training Agents of their own, men of Shang who would be prepared to counter such things. But mostly they wish to "test out" the new weapons on the Barbarians of Manchuria, just in case the Khan does want some sort of trouble.

With the new expanses of land though, the inner court of the Li rulers is more concerned with keeping everything in line. Some recommend that the King take on a new title, Emperor, and divide up the land into more autonomous regions.

There have been reports that the Empire of the Heavenly Dragon has been sending Galleys down the river, these large ships have frightened many fishermen who complain to the King.

(Shang: +Bronze Working, +Acupuncture, +2 Reputation, +1 Social Cohesion)

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Diplomacy:

To: The Great Kingdom of Shang
From: Korea

Can we expect to renew our trade agreement?

To: The Empire of the Heavenly Dragon
From: Kitanato

Where do you come from!

To: Zulappi
From: The Land of the Sun

I did not expect that you would send my soldiers alone against those enemies, especially considering the new strength of your weapons. I feel as though you owe me 1 EP in Blood Money for the Fathers and Sons of my Land, in light of the fact that you did not risk your own men as brothers in combat.

To: Satura
From: Persia

In Zorroism we believe that all of mans faith possesses in itself heresy, that no faith is perfect, but that some faiths are less imperfect than others. Our priests have studied the teachings of many faiths. In some lands they worship Dragons, and it is clear that there is much heresy in this belief. In others they worship Stones and there is also much heresy in this faith.

But your faith is second only to Zorroism for the purity of it's rationale, we applaud it. We find your faith acceptable and we will permit you to send missionaries to Persia if we may send missionaries to Satura. Perhaps we could even offer some Sacramental Whips?

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New Map:

Spoiler :


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New NPC overview:

Spoiler :
Tatui: Small village on the Western Edge of Mediterranean Africa. They possess Rafting and have picked up on Bronze Working from Zulappi travelers. They have developed a method to Pickle Grouper so that it can be traded. Contact With: Zulappi, Satura, Land of the Sun

Name: Tatui / Wise Man Hannou / NPC
Capital: Tatui
Economy: 4(-1)/3
Trait: Scientific
Reputation: 10
Technologies: [Bronze Age] Rafting
Soldiers: 2 Spearmen (Tatui)
Buildings: None
Trade Goods: Pickled Grouper
Social Cohesion: 10

Iberios: Adventurous warriors from Zulappi went to Tatui and hired rafts (bartering their knowledge of Shinestone) across the waves to Iberia where they planned to use their knowledge of Shinestone to conquer an empire.

They equipped a local army, trained them, and were immediately overthrown. A local chieftain was able, however, to unite the Spearmen and form them into a loyal army, declaring himself King of Iberios and daring any to defy his claim.Contact With: Zulappi, Satura

Name: Iberios / King Floof / NPC
Capital: Cartegena
Economy: 4(-1)/3
Trait: Militaristic
Reputation: 20
Technologies: [Bronze Age] Subterfuge
Soldiers: 1 Spearman (Cartegena), 1 Agent (Undisclosed Location)
Buildings: None
Trade Goods: None
Social Cohesion: 10

The Khanate: Warrior Tribes of Mongolia have found a dynasty and they are sticking to it. With knowledge of Domestication and Subterfuge, and Bronze Working stolen from foundries in Junjan the Horsemen and Agents of Mongolia are well prepared for the new age. Contact With: Heavenly Dragon, Shang

Name: The Khanate / Sel Khan / NPC
Capital: Ulaanbaatar
Economy: 4(-1)/3
Trait: Militaristic
Reputation: 20
Technologies: [Bronze Age] Subterfuge, Domestication
Soldiers: 1 Horseman (Ulaanbaatar), 1 Agent (Undisclosed Location)
Buildings: None
Trade Goods: None
Social Cohesion: 10

Persia: Persia has Incense and Sacramental Whips as trade goods, worships Zorroism, and is in the Bronze Age, located on a prime trading route they are prepared to capitalize. Contact With: Zulappi, Satura, Land of the Sun, Heavenly Dragon, Shang

Name: Persia / High Priest Darius / NPC
Capital: Pasargadae
Economy: 4/4
Trait: Religious
Reputation: 20
Technologies: [Bronze Age]
Soldiers: 2 Spearmen (Pasargadae)
Buildings: Roads
Trade Goods: Incense, Sacramental Whips
Social Cohesion: 12
 
To: Satura
From: Persia

In Zorroism we believe that all of mans faith possesses in itself heresy, that no faith is perfect, but that some faiths are less imperfect than others. Our priests have studied the teachings of many faiths. In some lands they worship Dragons, and it is clear that there is much heresy in this belief. In others they worship Stones and there is also much heresy in this faith.

But your faith is second only to Zorroism for the purity of it's rationale, we applaud it. We find your faith acceptable and we will permit you to send missionaries to Persia if we may send missionaries to Satura. Perhaps we could even offer some Sacramental Whips?

To Persia
From Pharon the Farseer

I have heard of many news as well, concerning Zorroism, and I must say that I agree. No faith is completely true, no faith is truly perfect. Understanding and faith must go together, like brothers into the sunset.

I believe that instead of simply sharing missionaries and let our nations be divided further by men of the robe, that we should learn the myths and secrets of each other's religion, and discover the strengths and weaknesses inherent in our faiths, so that together they can be as one, stronger, and more pure as the impurities, like the flakes of sandy bronze, are beaten away by the relentless hammer.

We are willing to fund such an effort to collect all our teachings together. Perhaps the scribbling of the Zulappi would be useful to collect the ancient words, carried down one through time one priest at a time. Perhaps the record-keeping of the merchant clerks would be useful to store and find such works. But what we need, if we go such an undertaking, is your priests, skilled in the art of discerning heresy and purity.

There is a saying in the forging of Bronze: Only labor can make strength. Your priests have labored much to find as much purity as I do in their faith. And here is another: From two ores, comes one metal..


To Zulappi
From Pharon the Farseer

If you wish to simply use our elaborate vases and decorated pieces as mere chamber pots, go right ahead. Nonetheless, we will continue to use only the highest craftmenship on making Potterscraft, so that your delicate bottoms can secure themselves and release their stony wastes.


To Aset-Worshipping cultists
From Pharon the Farseer

Go as you may, the sun will always be there with warmth and light, ready to welcome you to every new day.

OOC: Early Zulappi Religion

Early Zullappan culture was centered around the worship of Water, known then as the giver of life and the catcher of dreams.
 
To: Satura
From: Persia

It is an excellent plan, we shall send our wisest scholars to discuss our faith with you.

Zorroists believe in Zorro, he is a wealthy landowner who protects the poor and weak from the troubles of this world. But Zorro does not exist, he is a being of the "Realm of Ideas," unfettered by worldly lust or greed. Men cannot live up to the example of Zorro because they are forever bound to the flesh and cannot exist only as ideas. Therefore the sacramental whips are used for self-flagellation, and we shall beat the flesh until it can live up to the perfection demanded by the Realm of Ideas, for pain links the abstract to the corporeal and is the bridge to understanding.
 
Hey,

To: King Soru II Celestial Kingdom of Kitanato
From: Emperor Shifang of the Dragon Empire


We are from the mainland to the west. If you are willing to trade we have knowledge we are willing to trade. I would also like for you to send a offical Royal Delegation to visit and talk of the Dragon's Puzzle.


To: The Great King Ichabous Paranaa
From: Emperor Shifang of the Dragon Empire


I am fearful of the increasing amounts of Horse Barbarians rallying around this Sel Khan and his Khanate. I do not fear for the Dragon Empire. I fear for you my most honorable and loyal ally. I offer you the Dragon's Wisdom of Domestication for 1 EP and a troop of warriors. I will have them equiped and trained in the most up to date tactics. They will, with your blessing, return to Paranaa as your personal guard. I would hope that you keep the Dragon's Wisdom of Domestication secret for many years.

To: Chief Kar of Korea
From: Emperor Shirfang of the Dragon Empire


The ever increasing numbers of Horse Barbarians joining this Sel Khan may one day soon threaten your lands. You soldiers have no chance against such horse tactics. I would like to offer you the Dragon's Wisdom of the Chariot for 3 EP. Or now that you have seen the great ships of the Dragon Empire I would be willing to give the knowledge for Korean rice wine.



KPJdlp
 
To: The Empire of the Heavenly Dragon
From: Kitanato

Mainland? You must mean one of the lesser islands. You must have sensed the strength and purity of Kitanato and been drawn inexorably to serve. This is understandable, the men of this island have been granted dominion by the Gods over all of the islands and you must have sensed this on some primitive level. We will permit your scholars to come and serve on our island. But we do not know what they might teach us, we are on the verge of understanding, well, we shouldn't say, it should be kept a secret from the lesser men of lesser islands, but since your sailors were clever enough to find their way here we might as well mention. We nearly understand Bronze itself.

To: The Empire of the Heavenly Dragon
From: Korea

Khans? Such men are no different from the Manchurian Barbarians that my people spend their lives in battle with and we do not fear them. We will gladly trade you our Rice Wine for your pieces of the Dragon's Puzzle, but if what you say is true then we would be better served with Bronze Weapons than with simple Chariots.

We would prefer Pottery, at the very least. But we are willing to negotiate.

To: Empire of the Heavenly Dragon
From: Paranaa

We graciously accept your generous offer.
 
Hey,

The Tales of Cin Fu. (Cultural)

Cin Fu had one of those lives that they told tales about. From the vast Northern Steppes to the monsoon beaches of the south. Even as far away as the steamy jungle frontier of the deep south. There were many Tales of Cin Fu adventures. The most popular one. being. Of when the Emperor had journeyed to Soo and had ordered Cin Fu to sail only on the Mie River as far east as the border with the Kingdom of Shang would allow. Cin Fu, on the every great galley he had designed and built, replied that "Galleys are not meant for Rivers! I shall conquer the Seas in your name!" winning over the Emperor, who could only agree. Some were funny such as how Cin Fu got so drunk at a feast with the great Chief Kar of Korea he danced around the room singing old vulgar nomad and river songs. Some were tragic as how Cin Fu lost his heart to a Island Princess he had seen. Never to know her name or touch.

"Wife were is that model I built!" Now Cin Fu was a old man, living in a modest home in Nan Lu, trying to solve another piece of the Dragon's puzzle against his wifes reluctance . "Woman, I warn you!"



Cf02
 
To: Satura
From: Persia

It is an excellent plan, we shall send our wisest scholars to discuss our faith with you.

Zorroists believe in Zorro, he is a wealthy landowner who protects the poor and weak from the troubles of this world. But Zorro does not exist, he is a being of the "Realm of Ideas," unfettered by worldly lust or greed. Men cannot live up to the example of Zorro because they are forever bound to the flesh and cannot exist only as ideas. Therefore the sacramental whips are used for self-flagellation, and we shall beat the flesh until it can live up to the perfection demanded by the Realm of Ideas, for pain links the abstract to the corporeal and is the bridge to understanding.

From Satura

Some excerpts from the many tales and musings of the Golden Sun.

Aset is one of the first gods to meet the Golden Sun, Aktan during creation. The Sun was the center of a sphere of order in a sea of Chaos, and Aset, as one of the first gods, formed at the boundary between these two forces. When he met the sun, he attempted to wrestle it, until the bright rays of the supreme Aktan had cast the rebellious god through chaos until he was covered with mud.

It was from this mud that Aset's prison was made. This god still resisted the power of Aktan and the more agreeable gods, so these pillars are made- they cast a shadow of power onto the earth and help keep the seal strong.
we worship the great Akten instead of the lowly and perfidious Aset. It is because we worship a creator, not a destroyer. It is because we worship one who is selfless, instead of one who is selfish. It is because we are honest, and we worship the Golden Sun with Gold by revering gold, while you worship the Stones with Clay by revering work.
Indeed, it seems that in making a monument to commerce, he is nontheless, once more, making a temple to the Golden Sun. Let the gifts of the sun be freed from the earth, and spread out over it, so that its power can protect the world from Aset day and night. Let his power be revered by all, and accepted by all, and utilized by all as a mark of his grace against the evils of Aset.
this religion espouses life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, enabled by labor, piety, and a good eye for opportunity.
At its simplest, Aktenism worships Akten, the Golden Sun, who symbolizes order, for it rises and falls every day. Aset is all that is chaotic and wrong, changing constantly, always deceiving. It is said that our world is built on lies, and that is true. But it is also true that Akten shines upon us every day, slowly freeing us from the world.

Aset is the stones of this world, and from Aset all deceptions arrive. The Faith of the Stones is the best known and most blatant Aset-Cultist group. The earth and water of this world are nuetral, for both great order and great disorder can come from earth and mud.

The discovery of Gold allows a second way to achieve enlightenment. By gathering gold physically, without any consideration of inheritance, one can gather the protective power of Akten while also aiding in the spread of Gold across the world. Doing so allows Akten to protect us from the horrors of Aset even during the depths of darkness called night. Practitioners work hard while keeping an eye out for opportunities to better oneself and the community as a whole.

Name: Aktenism
Values: Life, Liberty, Property and Piety
 
Hey,

To: King Soru II Celestial Kingdom of Kitanato
From: Emperor Shifang of the Dragon Empire


Still learning how to make bronze. That is old knowledge of the Dragon. I will gladly send craftsmen of the Bronze Hanghui to show your craftsmen the heights of bronze working for 1 EP.

To: Chief Kar of Korea
From: Emperor Shifang of the Dragon Empire


The chariot is just the first piece of the Dragons Wisdom. There is another piece before the puzzle is complete. I thank you for the Rice Wine trade.

Pottery. Yes that can be done swiftly Great Chief Kar. 2 EP



KJ02
 
To: Satura
From: Persia

Your values are in accordance with our own, and we have similar feelings about the Stone worshipers, albeit for different reasons. For a Zorroist the heresy of the stones is that they worship things of this Earth as an end in itself, the appeal "make yourself like the stones," to us makes man into a beast, rather than allowing him to mature as a creature of ideas. We do not have a problem with religious tokens, such as your Gold, and there must be material objects that bring our mind to truly significant ideas through the power of metaphor, but to worship these objects is to us, heresy.

Your talk of prosperity, especially moves us, for we are a pragmatic people. The lesson of Zorro is simple in this regard, he is a wealthy man, he is able to provide for himself and his family, he tends to his fields effectively and is just to his servants, but he is wealthy and in this manner also we aspire to his example. We too, use his symbols to ward away the darkness and remind us of the justice and charity which are beings of the Realm of Ideas, but for us that item is Fire, and many Sacramental Flames are lit in our temples.

We are very interested in this talk of Gods. There are no Gods in Zorroism. Are these Gods members of the Realm of Ideas, designed to lead humanity forward? Or are they literal beings who are bound to the flesh of reality and subject to the greeds and lust of the corporeal world?

To: The Empire of the Heavenly Dragon
From: Kitanato

Interesting. We make some fine Stone Statues, perhaps we could trade those for your knowledge of Bronze and Sailing?
 
To Persia

Fire, flames of the Golden sun. :hmm:...

Gods in our religion would coorespond to inhabitants of your Realm of Ideas. If there is an inhabitant of that Realm who focuses on despoiling, on destroying, and on defiling, that would be Aset. If there is an inhabitant of that realm who focuses on healing, on aiding, and on making that would be Akten. They are not within our realm, but their greatness shows through. The righteousness of Akten is so bright, he burns with purity in the sky. The depravity of Aset is so deep, that Akten buried him under the dirt. A much better way of seeing it is that Aset is the strongest being of the Sea of Chaos and Akten is the strongest being of the Mountain of Order. Our world is the boundary between these two realm of ideas.

Let's see what we seem to agree upon so far.
1) There is a Realm of higher beings, known as the Realm of Ideas or the Mountain of Order/Sea of Chaos, populated by Ideal Beings, also known as Gods. They represent what is to be achieved or avoided. Zorro/Akten
2) Religious Symbols are used as metaphors to represent and symbolize the purity of what is meant to be achieved. Zorroistic Symbols/Gold Symbols
3) Mankind needs to grow the positive aspect of themselves to become enlightened with ideas. Men of Ideas/Men of Achievement
 
Hey,

To: King Soru II Celestial Kingdom of Kitanato
From: Emperor Shifang of the Dragon Empire


King Soru II asks to much from Emperor Shifang of the Dragon Empire. The Wisdom of the Sail will remain the Dragons. I will offer you the ability to write down your own ideas and bronze for your Stone Statues and 2 EP.


J03
 
To: Satura
From: Persia

We shall add an altar to Atken in our temple. Ideal Beings is a much more palatable notion in Persia than "Gods," and in fact even Zorro could be seen as such a entity, although we would never think of him as a God. His story instead is more one of supernatural hero legend. We had not ever considered the notion of the origin of the world. We have not required a Creator. But as a symbol of the Ideal State of Order we appreciate the wisdom of Atken as the force of Order. The understanding of Aset is also greatly enlightening. I see the power of your ideas and I respect that.

To: Empire of the Dragon
From: Kitanato

Agreed.

To: Empire of the Dragon
From: Korea

Agreed.
 
OOC: Is that from Persia or Land of the sun?

IC:

To Land of the Sun/Persia

Let our missionaries meet, and let our understanding guide our future decisions.

To aid those willing to practice more traditional forms of Zorroism, we would accept your deal of Sacrificial Whips.
 
Hey,

Lady Ling of the Silk Eyes (scientific)

"Have you decoded Captain Zhiqiang Bronze Hanghui codes?" Lady Ling asked from behind the silk screen that divided her from the Heavenly and the Underworld she played in. If those codes could be dephired she would have the Book of the Founding of the Bronze Hanghui. The book held all the special rituals and all the information on locating the best areas for ore, different mixtures and heating recipes. Designs of huge forges. Details of special rituals involving all sorts of strange rules and steps.

Her body shock with excitement thinking of her place in the Dragon Empire. Becoming the loving wife of the First Emperor of the Dragon Empire from a young warlord's daughter who held the Dragon's Wisdom of Silk. She had been sent north by Grand-General Yongrui were she met and soon married the Emperor. She had set up the most secret industry in the world, Silk. Which lead her, with the help of the puzzle piece Captain Zhiqiang, to set up the Silk Eyes, the Empire's Spy Circle. To safeguard her husband no pieces will be over looked.

"The book has been decoded and Captain Zhiqiang has broken the Hanghui code and has copied the design." Said a faceless member of Silk Eyes from the darkness of the garden. "All Hanghui secret codes are now copied."

"Leave the book and go." She said smiling behind her brightly lite silkscreen. The breaking of the codes will give her husband Shirong a chance against the Horse Barbarians. Even with all her spies in the Silk Eyes, she did not know that the Emperor had already read a decoded copy.


LLsSo2
 
To: The Empire of the Heavenly Dragon
From: Persia

We have heard tales of the wisdom of your scholars and we admit that we are interested in your written language. We have Incense to offer you.
 
To: Zulappi
From: Iberios

Hail, Shaman. I understand if you are wary of me, but those soldiers were deserters, and we both know that they were not here for anything but their own selfish gain. Yes, I took their Spears. Yes, and I tortured the information of Bronze Working out of them. But can't we put all of that behind us?

I have knowledge of the secret ways, and perhaps we could barter. My Druids are very interested in this religion of the stones and my scholars ponder the mysteries of your alphabet.
 
Hey,

Emperor Shifang's Edge. (construction)

"This is what my mother would have called the piece of the Dragon's Puzzle." Emperor Shifang said to his Northern General Bia Xi. They sat, mounted on fine horses, overlooking the activity in the valley. The sounds of hundreds of wagons and thousands of men filled the air. A wide river cut its way crossed the valley's middle. Spaced along the river bank work gangs were building massive water wheels, some of which were connected to a few completed long, tall buildings. Black smoke billowed from wide mouthed chimneys of other buildings surrounded by mounds of ore.

"What would you call it my Emperor Shifang." Questioned the military minded Northern General Bia Xi, not caring about puzzles or such nonsense.

"I would call it the edge against the Horse Barbarians." Emperor Shifang laughed.


ESf01
 
Careful... oh so careful...ok, don't hold your bre... FOCUS! Ok ok. Draw the gold through the ope oh gods this is so bor-wait damn it is stu why does all the bad things hap oh wait yea I forgot that thing when master taught me ok where is that tool oh here it is perfect I knew I can do it ok back to wor heat the hold Careful... oh so careful... good, nice and soft, yes I got gold thre Ok, ok, I need to inlay thi... good thing I have some gems from Land of the S... damn it won't fi... oh well, I have a file here bronze is so usefu... ow! My hand! Did I really stick my hand in the trough of urin ewww... well, at least I didn't lose it back to wor ok delicate carefully GREAT I managed to fit it in good, now I have to slowly inlay the gold threa carefully carefully phew, it is done.

The master craftsman sighed. In his hands is a masterwork, a single chunk of marble stoneware carved into delicious patters and then baked with layers of colored clay, then inlaid with a single Cat's Eye gem and then strung with gold.

Jocasta rang the bell. "Comming comming! I have your necklace ready!"

"Oh thank you! That would be... three hands?"

"No, its Ok. Curtesy of the House Hannah. Give Pharon my regards"

"I insist!"

"No Ma'am, completely unecesary"

"Then at least have a slice of cake"

"Is it not a lie?"

"Its not a lie"

"Akten bless you, Jocasta. Give my regards to the cook as well."

"I will"

He opened the covered cake to find that, indeed, it wasn't a lie.

It was also frosted with three-hand's worth of gold.

"Don't be so modest!" or something like that, was strewn over the top.

Hmm... cake no wait how can I eat this its covered in gold! Oh my gods its cov hey I have a chamber pot maybe I can poop in it and gideon would get it for me yeah that would totally work it smells awesome I can't wait for dinner...

Stream of consciousness=awesome and confusion story. :scan:
 
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