Heirs to Heaven

Another reminder from your friendly neighbourhood GM. Orders due in 5-ish hours.

The plan for handling orders cutoff is that I will not accept any edits or revisions after the deadline. I will accept new orders, but no offensive military actions.

The Unitarian Manifesto

Love, peace, forgiveness, but above all, Unity: these are the Unitarian's values. After the death of God-- or, moreover, the transferral of God from one plane of existence to another, for surely he still lives among us in our Faith-- the Holy Church and the Clergy in the Holy City conducted God's funeral in private, and His burial was barred from the Great Houses.

This action outraged some members of the Kingdom who were so deep in grief that their actions cannot be held accountable to them. These, who are called Separatists but who may prefer the term Reformists, have called in some cases for a reasonable public ceremony and in other cases for the destruction of the Church and the rending of God's Kingdom. Supporters of the Holy Church, known as "Loyalists", condemn the Separatists, some going even as far as calling for a Holy War against them.

The wake of God's passing from mortal flesh was bound to ignite philosophical discussion, but all Faithful surely thought this discussion would occur among a unified people, together in mourning and supporting one another. However there is strife afoot in God's Kingdom, and the Clergy is no less to blame than Iskaakokian Separatists, or Braxtonian Loyalists, in the foundation of this conflict. But rather than condemn all those who look to division and bloodshed to settle disputes, the Unitarian will take this as an opportunity to espouse the togetherness, forgiveness, and empathy that will be needed if we are as a Kingdom to survive this tragedy.

The First Truth of the Unitarian is: God's will is absolute, and He is not truly gone, so His will must be the foundation of all Faith still to this day.

The Second Truth of the Unitarian is: God is perfect, and all His Faithful must strive for his image, and to carry his will out in the world.

The Third Truth of the Unitarian is: Through the creation of the Kingdom of Heaven, God showed his will to be the unification of all His Faithful under the Kingdom.

The Fourth Truth of the Unitarian is: Through the love of His Faithful under the Kingdom of Heaven, God showed his will to be universal love and forgiveness for all His Faithful.

The Fifth Truth of the Unitarian is: Though man is fallible and does err, God forgives him, except when the err is violence against the Faithful.

The Sixth Truth of the Unitarian is: Though God may no longer speak to His Faithful, through His actions he has proven His will to be the maintenance of a Kingdom of the Faithful, and universal love, peace, unity, and forgiveness among all Faithful.

Given these Truths, which none can discount, it can be reasoned from the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Truths that the only will of God in relation to the Kingdom after His passing is that the Great Houses and the High Clergy must stay together as a KINGDOM, as it was before His passing. The Great Houses and the High Clergy only served as provincial organizations to enforce His will while he was elsewhere, and in this way none are infallible nor God's successor. What matters is the KINGDOM, and the Kingdom will not survive if it is divided.

Therefore, the Unitarian's goals are clear. A Unitarian strives to serve God's will, and God's will is the maintenance of unity between the Great Houses and the High Clergy. A Unitarian therefore arrives at the conclusion that the Faithful must remain together, and must not fight among themselves regardless of the actions of one another, if the action is not violent. A Unitarian forgives and is nonviolent, and hopes that others will come to believe in the Unitarian Love.

However, there is a question that presses and remains. It is the question of succession, for while God can never be replaced, nor can His leadership be matched, it behooves any Kingdom to have a King. Though all Faithful must only ever bow to God, a steward nominated equally by all Houses and with the sovereignty of all Faithful should be selected to carry on the centralized stability of the Kingdom. The Unitarian Solution to the question of succession is that a successor will soon present himself naturally, and that he who is able to gain the support of all the Faithful without bloodshed or dividing the Church will gain the support of the Unitarian.

In summation, God's will is absolute, and His will is the maintenance of the Kingdom and peace between all His Faithful, as represented by the Great Houses and the Holy Church. The Unitarian is he who seeks to carry out this will in all actions.

The Faith of any who would disagree with the principles of Unitarianism must be pulled into question, for those who would even as their grief fades support any form of division of the Kingdom are clearly and deliberately opposing the will of God. However, those who would act in violence or inequity against their fellow Faithful even as their grief fades, regardless of the actions in grief, are also acting against the will of God. Only those who would seek, in these times when we emerge from our mourning to find a new world in need of guidance, the continued unity, peace, and equity of the Faithful, are truly just in the eyes of Our Lord.

LONG LIVE PEACE

LONG LIVE UNITY

LONG LIVE THE KINGDOM

LONG LIVE THE WILL OF GOD

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The first volume of The Unitarian Manifesto, dictated by Lord Byrias Isthon, published for presentation at the First Conference of Mephs in the year 416 Anno Domini, or 1 Post Ascendum (PA, a new notation used by some Oristhian scholars to denote a "new age" that begins with the passing of God).

inthesomeday said:

For the sake of the extension of the goals of Unitarianism into the League of Merchants, House Isthon's two remaining trade deals are offered to House Lamere and House Dandale.

And as to the Council of Mephs (416), House Isthon repeats its Unitarian standpoint: support of the Clergy as well as of the Separatists, for all in the Kingdom are the Faithful of God.

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I accept this trade deal

Orders due in less than 1 hour. Still need orders from Sonereal, Tolni, <nuke>, Robert Can't, Gurra09, JohannaK, and Double A.

EDIT: Soft Lock. I have begun processing orders.

Everyone should know House Atykn's thoughts on theology.

Companions the creator seeks, not corpses, not herds and believers. Fellow creators the creator seeks--those who write new values on new tablets. Companions the creator seeks, and fellow harvesters; for everything about him is ripe for the harvest.

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What is this? House Atkyn has no idea of the origin of this statement, other than it appears to be the fruit of some tavern cider. We are humoured that a family we are committed to marry is spreading this... interesting mythology.

OOC: the comment was indeed from me on IOTchat; we were playing over the notice that "God is dead" is a literal notion in this game. Please regard my quoting as OOC regarding the nature of House Atkyn.

All orders received except for Johanna and Robert. Good job people, nice turn out! Update pretty much finished too, but I'll wait until in case they can get orders in in the next 10ish hours.

Robert can't hasn't been online for a while... I sent him PM's that weren't answered for a few days now... So Johanna get to it

The Conference of Gealot Stirs the Faith Gealot, House of Mephisels
The Conference of Gealot was held by House Mephs in an attempt to reconcile the divisions growing in the Faith. Attending were representatives from Houses Taran, Isthon, Atkyn, Toullies, Lamere, Polud, Braxton and Thustra, along with throngs of clergy from nearly every province. Notably absent were any representatives from the Holy Church, although several letters did arrive, all signed by different priests on behalf of the Holy Council, and all with wildly different contents. Some fiercely denounced the Conference, others warned the attendees to ensure that the Holy Church&#8217;s will be respected in the conference (whatever that will was), one wished all participants well and put up a good debate, and another declared that the Conference was actually being held by the Holy Church (much to the confusion of Lord Aegron.

The ideal of the Conference did not last long, as it became clear that while many of the Houses had similar thoughts on the direction of the Faith, others were vehement in their righteousness, and the clergy where an entirely different mess. While ideologies numbered in the dozens, and exact differences in doctrine and philosophy among the clergy were uncountable, a handful of major &#8216;schools&#8217; took hold among both Great House representatives and clergy alike.

On one side was movement that had co-opted the Lamere&#8217;s &#8216;Carlislism,&#8217; claiming that the Houses, and by extension their vassals and retainers, could claim legitimacy through their own inherent abilities, rather than from arbitrarily from God, and that the Houses could, and indeed should, rule and worship by themselves independently from the Holy Church, which had no justification for lordship over the Houses. They worship the legacy of God, but do truly believe He is dead, and so to honour his will, the Houses must prove their worth. While vastly different from the original intents of the academics at Carlisle university, the so-called &#8216;Carlists&#8217; have spread through a sizeable number of minor nobles, merchants and clergy. The Carlists have been decried as rebels and separatists bent on destroying the kingdom. Indeed, some may hold that ambition.

Less extreme are the large number of &#8216;Separatists,&#8217; who have rebranded themselves as &#8216;Free Church.&#8217; The central threads to movement is to separate the Faith from the Holy Church, and to remain faithful to God&#8217;s will and to ensure the unity of the Kingdom of Heaven. How to achieve these objectives varies between House and clergy, but most are focused on making the Free Church reign supreme over the Holy Church, whether that be through a coalition of local House churches, or a single unified Free Church. The specifics of God&#8217;s current condition are still widely debated, but it is at least agreed upon that He either exists in some form on some plane.

At the centre of the debate is Unitarianism, as proposed by House Isthon. The movement is based on neutrality, peace, and forgiveness. The Unitarians are intent on maintaining the peace and unity of the Kingdom and serving the will of God. Despite not taking sides, Unitarianism has managed to attract the largest number of followers among the clergy, who note how similar it is to the accepting manner God dealt with the Faith. Critics on both sides of the debate claim that without God or a head, the movement is doomed to failure, as their is no way to keep the peace between such wildly varying viewpoints, and at best Unitarianism is simply a way to sidestep the messiness of the Free Church while quietly forming its own hegemony over the Faith.

And finally there are the Loyalists, head among them House Braxton, who sneer at the entire conference, denouncing them all as heretics. While not all are as brazen as the Braxtons, there are many who see the conference and the Great Houses as opportunistic, using the death of God as an excuse to divvy up the Faith. The Loyalists pledge continued support and fealty to the Holy Church as the direct continuation of God&#8217;s rule on earth. The silence, or rather confusing mixed messages, from the Holy Church has made a set policy for Loyalists be rather hard to pinpoint, but a seething hatred (or at least dissaproval) for those who dishonour His Holy Church, His legacy, is common amongst the Loyalists.

Outside of these main movements are dozens, if not hundreds, of rapidly evolving philosophies, ideologies and cults amongst the lesser clergy and common people, facilitated by the Conference. As the Great Houses and clergy depart House Meph lands, few have a better understanding of the situation. One thing is known though: House Mephs put on a good party.
[+1LG for House Mephs]

Merchant League Forms, True Power Uncertain Davensport, House Lamere
A Merchant League has been formed between the trading Houses of Lamere, Isthon, Wychland and Dandale. While the total power over trade the three Houses together hold is substantial, it is uncertain how united the League truly is, as members form marriages and alliances outside of the League. Whether these outside relations will prove to benefits for the League, or divide it, remains to be seen.



Lord Alexandros Condemns Holy Church, Formally Breaks House Isaakios Ties With Holy City Clergy Isaakios, House Isaakios
Passions burned in House Isaakios lands, as Lord Alexandros sent a condemnation of the Holy Church to the Conference of Gealot rather than attending. He followed up his condemnation by formally breaking ties with the Holy Church. Separatist clergy in Isaakios, as well as other northern territories held by other Houses, have praised Lord Alexandros&#8217; boldness, and already a new, independent clergy is forming in Isaakios, loyal not only to the will of God, but also to the House.
[+1LG for House Isaakios]

Fleeing Church Loyalists Steal and Pillage, Claim Local Nobles Alexandroupolis, House Isaakios
With Isaakios&#8217; denouncement of the Holy Church and its attack on House Dandale, some Church Loyalists have fled their homes for safer and more tolerant lands in House Dandale or Koriate territory. Alexandroupolis saw a spat of violence and destruction as a local noble and his retainers attempted to stop the deserters from stealing goods to smuggle out of the province. The noble claims that the peasants managed to make off with large stores of supplies after torching their villages, and it's unclear where exactly the peasants fled to.
[-5EP for House Isaakios]

Traders Trade Tensions, Pressure Lord to Fix their Problems Veniera. House Dandale
Terpira Bay is the busiest stretch of seas surrounding the continent, with both the trade hubs of Stillharbour and Veniera competing to attract traders and merchants from the scorched southern tip of Haliginis to the frozen northern shore of Sotoka. Disagreements and arguments over shipping rights are frequent, and another has come to the attention of Lord Enrique. A merchant company based out of Veniera has complained to his court that a rival company based out of Stillharbour has been encroaching on their contracts, stealing customers in House Dandale territory. They demand that Lord Enrique take action against House Wychland for allowing this to happen, either by demanding repayment for lost commerce or a trade embargo to push rivals out of the market. Accepting the merchants demands will no doubt gain support for the House, but it will also mean allowing merchants to dictate House policy and ostracise another Great House, though denying the merchants will plant seeds of dissatisfaction in the traders.

House Lamere Embraces New Academic Movement: &#8216;Carlislism&#8217; Davensport, House Lamere
While questions of theology rage in the Conference of Gealot, academics at Carlisle University have pushed a new movement that seeks to explain the legitimacy of the Great Houses. The scholars have concluded that the Houses are not legitimate based solely on God arbitrarily deciding so, but rather that because God is infinitely wise, his choice of governors must have been made knowing who make the most just and fair rulers. They simply point to the accomplishments of House Lamere, who were able to convert a frozen island into one of the mightiest centres of trade in God&#8217;s Kingdom. House Lamere has graciously embraced &#8216;Carlislism,&#8217; and indeed the movement has spread surprisingly quickly through the ranks of commoners and nobles alike in the lands under House Lamere. Thanks to the formation of the Merchant League and the Conference of Gealot, Carlislims has been spreading quickly to other Houses, though it has also drawn criticism from Church Loyalists who claim that the academics are little more than paid shills for the Great House.
[+1LG for House Lamere]

Family Worries for Lady Laminas&#8217; Mind Kumar, House of Koriates
Lady Laminas, an intensely sharp minded woman, has drawn the worried eyes of her family, as she spends an unusual amount of time in on the shores of Lake Celestis in Kumar, repeatedly painting the same scene. Everytime, she paints a great tree growing forth from the lake, its limbs spreading out over the shores, and dangling from its branches are bleeding hearts. Priests have been sent to assure she still holds her sanity, but she simply insults and sends them away, at least confirming her personality remains intact. She claims she is perfectly fine, and indeed she still manages to carry out her duties without issue, and that she just needs to get the images out of her head.

Poachers Encroach Into Wychwood for Famed Wych-Turkeys Wychwood, House Wychland
Poachers from Owary have been crossing into the Wychwood to hunt the famed wych-turkeys, wyrkrys as some say, causing friction with local hunters and border guards. The local lord has petitioned Lady Jacqueline to take the issue up with House Polud, either by diplomatic or more forceful means. Whether House Wychland will give in to its retainers demand to gain support at the expense of damaging relations with the neighboring Great House, or deny the noble and suffer his grudge, remains to be seen.

Clergy Demands Allowance Noveria, House Polud
With contact, and therefore funds, cut off with the Holy Church, clergy in Noveria have come before Lord Myncel's court claiming it is the House's responsibility to fund the Faith. They demand (5EP) to fund their activities and facilities. Paying them would gain the support of the clergy, but could set a precedent for others looking for goods and funds from the House. Denying the Clergy could further exacerbate the turmoil of the Faith, and the prestige of the House in the eyes of the faithful.

North Western Islands United in Marriage Ellen Yee, House Atkyn
While the two northwestern isles may not be held under a single House, they are now joined in holy matrimony between House Atkyn and House Lamere. House Lamere is a signed member of the new Merchant League, and so whether the Atkyn-Lamere wedding is a sign of a strengthened Merchant League, or the beginning of blocs already forming within the League, is arguable.

Petrified Forest Uncovered, Local Artisans Capitalise Davensport, House Lamere
A farmer in Davensport recently uncovered a mass of petrified trees while tilling a field. The local lord quickly appropriated the land, and soon excavated a full stone forest. Artisans and stone workers have been cutting and shaping logs into statues or other trinkets. Talismans, fetishes and paperweights made of the hardened wood can already be found in markets from Alexandroupolis to Lys.
[+1 Base EP, +1 TV in Davensport]

Fog Still Hangs Over Wychland as Profits Continue to Grow Stillharbour, House Wychland
The think fog that recently fell over the lands of House Wychland still remains, oddly reluctant to fade as fog is generally wont to do. The merchants and commoners under Lady Jacqueline don&#8217;t mind much, as their leader, and their profits, both arose out of a deep depression only recently. For now they are happy with trading visibility for the survival of their House, and the wealth of their estates.
[+1LG for House Wychland]

Union Between House Braxton and House Wychland Castle Braxton, House Braxton
William and Braxton married Elanore Wychland in a surprise move, uniting the Southern and Northern Houses. House Wychland also sent a substantial material package to the south, funding a sizeable expansion of Braxton forces. Some wonder if Wychland was pressured into the union by the aggressive House Braxton, or if the northerners are hoping to use Braxton troops to influence the South. House Wychland is also a member of the newly formed Merchant League, and like House Lamere, this outside marriage could be a strategy to strengthen the diplomatic reach of the League, or it could be a sign of divided interests in the young organisation.


Retired Warriors Take Up Arms Oristhea, House Isthon
With uncertain times ahead, a retinue of retired veterans have banded together, strapped on their leathers, picked up sword and spear and presented themselves to Lord Byrias, who graciously added them to the Farmer&#8217;s Brigade&#8217;s ranks. The men had previously served as soldiers lent to the Holy Church to serve in the Army of Heaven, but now they wish the ensure the borders and security of House Isthon and its retainers.
[+1 Vet Lt. Inf for House Isthon]

Soldiers and Maintenance Crews Slacking in Shore Forts Toullies, House de Toullies
Soldiers in Toullies evidently feel overwhelmingly safe, as officers have repeatedly found forts almost completely abandoned during inspections. Soldiers would later be tracked down in brothels and taverns of nearby villages, drunkenly slurring that they were on duty and standing guard, no foul mainlander would take Toullies wine with their eyes on it, no sir.
[-1 FRT in Toullies]

Minor Noble Insults Rival Minor Noble, Complains to Lady Mid-Thuria, House Taran
A minor noble holding lands on the border of Mid-Thuria and Hitherstone has complained to Lady Nichola that the neighbouring local lord in Hitherstone has insluted his pride and honour. He demands action against the little upstart, whether it be a diplomatic, or better yet, military response. There is little doubt the little lord would love to use the excuse to get his hands on raided goods or land in Hitherstone, and House Taran could benefit as well, but it wuold mean spoiling relations with its Thurian neighbour, as well as show minor nobles can drag the Great House into their petty arguments. On the other hand, denying the noble and ignoring the insult could be seen as a sign of weakness, and the noble may harbour a grudge.

Disturbing Nightmares Plague Duchess Rreeastane, House Atkyn
For nearly a week Duchess Ysbal of Rreeastane has been plagued by dark dreams, causing to awake in the night screaming and weeping. She has met with court priests and healers, but none can tell what is causing the nightmares, or what they mean. She says describes the dream as if she is on a boat, approaching Ehar. The continent grows larger, but as the familiar shores become more defined, she realises the land is not made of earth, but of millions of bloated corpses. Some believe the dreams to be sent from God, while others dismiss them as stress.

Farmers Fell Forest, Expand Fields Hamlets, House Arimathea
Peasants in Hamlets have cut a swathe of clear land out of the province&#8217;s thick woods to make room for a substantial expansion of farmland. The peasants have done so of their own accord, claiming that they, neighbouring villages and the House as a whole need more food, and felt it was their duty as farmers to supply that food. While the local lord who owns the forest and nearby farmlands is not exactly happy to have his subjects destroy his property without his consent, he has rolled with the change, happy to have a greater income and to look good in front of Lord James.
[+1AGR in Hamlets]

Lord Zaran Kept Awake, Tells of Visions Moordawn, House Thustra
Lord Zaran has had long, sleepless nights since due to visions that chase away his sleep. He says he sees yellow eyes deep in the sea, coming ever closer to his shores. Every night, when he closes his eyes, those yellow ones stare back at him.


Southern Alliance Forming Around House Iskariotas Ephexsea, House Iskariotas
The tolling of wedding bells in Ephexsea foretold not only the joining of House Iskariotas and House Faulhamer in Holy Union, but also the coalescing of power in the South on Lord Isxmael Iskariota. On that day, before the wedding attendees and aside the bride and groom, Lord Lythric Faulhamer declared his formal support for Lord Isxmael. The move has been aplauded across provinces on southern peninsula administered by the two houses, seeing it as a pledge to peace and prosperity for the South. Soon after the wedding and pledge of support a trade deal was signed between the Houses&#8217; merchants, further solidifying ties.

Braxton Forces Marching Near Ironhold Border Castle Braxton, House Braxton
House Braxton&#8217;s Sword Company, recently expanded thanks to payments from the northern House Wychland, performed extensive military exercises close to the Ironhold border. Local Faulhamer nobles watched uneasily, worried their paltry estate guards would do little to protect them from the thousands of Braxton troopers.

Mine Collapse in Kills Dozens, Halts Production Ironhold, House Faulhamer
An older mine has collapsed in Ironhold, killing dozens of miners and severely reducing the extraction of raw metals in the province. The cave-in was likely caused by a small tremor felt across the southern peninsula, though there were no further word of damages.
[-1IND in Ironhold]

Merchants Take the Money and Run Erlingsworth, House Braxton
A cabal of merchants is suspected of stealing a large amount of goods and coin from local nobles and traders in Erlingsworth and sailing off before authorities could investigate. It is unclear how the rogue merchants were able to steal such a large amount of capital, but some have suggested a sudden increase in yellow painted stones have hit the market.
[-5EP for House Braxton]

Heretics Disappeared by the Inquisitorial Order of the Burning Blade Erlingsworth, House Braxton
The Burning Blade, a cadre of fanatical officers tasked with rooting out heretic, has left behind a number of towns with substantially smaller populations in Erlingsworth. They have dutifully reported to Lord Braxton that they are successfully reminding the people of the province of God&#8217;s holy word, but also request extra funding, as the commoners are proving more ignorant than previously thought. Nonetheless, the campaign does seem to be working, as there are few &#8216;Separatists&#8217; among the Faithful in Erlingsworth now that the Order has made a few rounds.
[+1LG for House Braxton]

Young Love Pressures Old Nobility Nalo, House Iskariota
The son of one of the largest minor Houses in Nalo has been discovered to be frequently crossing the into Vastra harad to &#8216;visit&#8217; the young lady of House Natt och Dag. The boy&#8217;s father has appealed to Lord Isxmael to approve of the marriage to ensure his son&#8217;s honour. The decision now rests on Isxmael&#8217;s shoulders. Approving the marriage would bring another House into his influence, but would also mean acknowledging that a lesser noble can drive his policy making, while denying the lord will likely breed contentment.

Local Lord Constructs Village Courts Toolei, House of Mephisels
A popular minor noble in Toolei has raised a number of village courts in his lands, much to the delight of the peasants. The courts allows easier access to the noble and his representatives for the peasants, and gives them a means of presenting issues without having to travel away from their homes and farms. The small boost in support is appreciated by Lord Aegon, and even better, the local lord paid for the courts out of his own coffers.
[+1ADM in Toolei]

Able Bodied Men Eager to Work Ostra harad, House Natt och Dag
Young men across Ostra harad have stood up to better the lands under House Natt och Dag. Thousands of hands toil in mines, farms and cottages, and all are ready to pick up sword and spear for their homes if House and God will it.
[+5MP for House Natt och Dag]

STATS


Notes:
@Everyone - All military units require 1 MP to field. Light infantry to heavy ships require the same amount of MP. All military units require EP and IC in equal amounts to field.
@Everyone - If you are lacking a trade deal you thought you were supposed to have, it is could be because your partner intentionally or unintentionally did not include it in their orders. If you both believe you wrote it in your orders, tell me and I&#8217;ll recheck.
@Zappericus - You did not have enough MP to complete unit order, I did not process the Shieldbreaker Company and 2 LI from Sword Company.
@inthesomeday - Improving fortifications requires EP as well as IC. The fortifications were not built.
@erez87 - looks like you wanted to pay 20ep rather than 2ep to improve IND in Crat-Ror. Banked the left over EP.
@Gurra09 - Due to me leaving out a &#8216;no spending fractions of ep&#8217; in the rules, you got a free skirmisher rather than me round up the EP. Yay!
@JohannaK - You cannot directly upgrade trade power. The EP was banked.

There we go, update 1. Make sure to check over the stats, as I&#8217;m sure I&#8217;ve made a mistake somewhere. If and when you spot an error, please send me a PM.

I&#8217;ll set the soft lock for orders on Friday, June 24th. I will update the timer in my sig.

We would like to ask the Houses of Taran and Wychsland for a marital union between our Great Houses.

To: House Braxton
From: Lythric Faulhamer

Curious that in a time of peace that you begin marshaling forces so quickly and marching them up and down our border. We have no quarrel with House Braxton, and House Faulhamer is largely ignorant of the affairs in the north. As we understand it, House Braxton is a stalwart defender of the faith and has been thorough in extinguishing heresy. We see no reason for this posturing against us.

If this is all a misunderstanding, let bygones be bygones. We are builders and smiths, working to secure a future for generations to come. We only wish to protect the peace that we so desperately cling to in these troubling times.

OOC: Great update.

By the way, I believe there is a mistake in the stats. I hired 2 heavy infantry but in the stats it says that I have only 1.

Excellent update Decamper

Lord Alexandros was in his throne room and having a conversation with Ministers Yiannis and Nikos. They were discussing about recent events; especially about the looting and violence in the aftermath of the Holy Church's condemnation.

"My Lord", Yianis said, "I believe that we should send scouts to search for the peasants and find out what exactly happened and why the noble was unable to stop the looting."

"Indeed.", Nikos added. "You should also punish harshly any rebels that the scouts capture. I suggest that you execute in public any captured rebels to show your resolve. You should not let such treachery go unpunished."

Alexandros sighed. "The Kingdom has been divided and there is turmoil everywhere. Even in our lands we had to face a revolt. The clouds of war will soon shadow the Kingdom. We must be vigilant. I will follow your advice and sent scouts to investigate and execute any rebels found. We must also expand our military forces so that we can defend our House."

At that moment, the young Prince Christopher walked into the room. He bowed slightly before his father and the two Ministers. "Greetings.", he said.

"Son, how was your hunting today?", a smiling Alexandros asked.

"I managed to kill three deer, two of them with one arrow. My friend Yiaggos also managed to kill two deer."

Alexandros laughed. "It's great to hear about your skills with the bow."

"Father, have you been discussing about the riots?"

"Yes."

"The Secretary of Treasury reported to me that the destruction caused by the riots has depleted nearly 1/4 of our treasury."

"Even if the riots had not taken place", Yiannis added, "our treasury would still be lacking compared to that of the other Houses."

"It is because of the lack of trade.", Nikos said. "We have managed to ensure a trade deal with only one other House while the other Houses have more trade partners. The other Houses were not keen on trading with us most likely because of our strong stance of the issue of the Holy Church."

"We have to develop our agriculture", Alexandros replied, "and if possible secure another trade deal. If we do not increase our funds, we will fall behind the other Houses."

"Father, we have one of the most powerful armies in the Kingdom.", Christopher noted. "So, while we are lacking in economics, our military might should not be underestimated. Also you have shown resolve to battle the corruption of the High Clergy and have gained the admiration of many. As such you are in a very advantageous position, much more than that of other Houses."

Alexandros laughed. "You really know how to make me happy. You have a point! We are indeed in an advantageous position."

OOC: Great update, Decamper.

christos200 said:

OOC: Great update.

By the way, I believe there is a mistake in the stats. I hired 2 heavy infantry but in the stats it says that I have only 1.

Click to expand...

Maybe I got those instead of you? I didn't build any heavy infantry, and I don't recall starting with 3...

ooc: You have 2 merc HI, christos

OOC: You are right. My mistake.

IC:

Christopher and Yiaggos were in one of the forests of Isaakios House. The trees of that forest were thick and old. The leaves from the tall trees lay scattered on the forest floor. Christopher was still and aiming with his bow at a deer he had seen, which was eating some grass.

Christopher was relaxed and calm while Yiaggos was breathing heavily and was anxious; he feared that the deer would be able to get away.

“Do not worry.”, Christopher said, “My aim is pretty good.”

Indeed. He released his arrow and it penetrated the neck of the poor animal, killing it. Yiaggos laughed and excitedly said, “Excellent aim, Prince! You are becoming more skilled with the bow every day.”

Christopher sighed. “Shooting a deer is one thing, shooting an enemy is totally another. My father had put down a rebellion during his youth and showed great bravery. I wonder if I have a chance to show my skills on the battlefield too.”

“I am sure that your time to show your skills will come sooner or later.”, Yiaggos replied. “Shall we search for another deer?”

“Yes. By the way, I have written a new poem. I was inspired by our hunting of deer.”

“I would be most interested in reading it. Your poetry is always great.”

“Too bad my fighting skills are rather lacking. Anyway, let’s go. We must find another deer.”

As they were walking in the forest, suddenly a man charged and aimed with his sword at Christopher’s chest. Christopher, utterly surprised, instinctively moved to the left and dodged the attack. Yiaggos quickly unsheathed his sword and charged at the assassin. The two blades met and a ‘clang’ sound was heard. At that moment an arrow penetrated the right leg of the assassin, causing him to fall to the ground; while Yiaggos and the assassin were fighting, Christopher had found the chance to injure the assassin with his bow.

Yiaggos aimed his sword at the assassin’s neck and shouted, “Who are you and why you wanted to kill Prince Christopher?!”

Upon hearing that name, the assassin’s face became ashen white. Trembling, he replied, “I…I…I did not know that he was the Prince. I…I…I…thought….that…. he was just another foolish noble who had come to this forest and whom I could rob.”

Yiaggos was about to kill the man when Christopher intervened, “Let him go. He seems to be just a poor man trying to make a living.”

He then took out a few golden coins from his purse and gave them to the man. “Take this and set up an honest business. If I ever catch you trying to steal again, I will not spare you.”

The man bowed repeatedly before the Prince saying, “Thank you my Lord, thank you my Lord!”. He then left as fast as he could.

“You are far too kind.”, Yiaggos said. “This could be detrimental.”

“You are overreacting. Father said that we should help commoners in need.”

From: Lord Byrias Isthon "the Quiet"
To: Houses Braxton and Faulhammer

Brothers in faith,

It is crucial that we do not allow ourselves to fall into conflict born of grief. We must stay strong, as a Union of the Faithful. One of the many advantages of our organization into a Kingdom is that when conflict arises between two parties, there are others that can mediate objectively.

For this purpose, a small diplomatic envoy has set out to the border on the isthmus to mediate the budding crisis. Of course, I may be paranoid, but in these troubling times, without God present to mediate, and with looting, division, and even murder rampant across the continent, we must look to our brothers Faithful to guide us when we are astray, and to guide them likewise

I'm pretty sure I didn't hire like, 10 units of skirmishes...?
Could we take a look at that?

upon rereading orders, I have hired 4 units of heavy infantry and 0 units of skirmishers.

I have no idea how this translated to 8 units of skirmishers...