LINESII- Into the Darkness
- Thread starter Lord_Iggy
- Start date
Silver Steak
The Ghost of SS
Actually, Azash got what he said. The 1000th reply. 
Win-win, I guess.
Win-win, I guess.
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
Gah! Sorry Iggy, I lost access to the internet last night, and fell asleep when I was trying to fix it. 
But I have (almost) finished the stories, so I'll post them over the next hour.
But I have (almost) finished the stories, so I'll post them over the next hour.
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
Part Two:
Stratikrator's Castle, Copenholm, Veritas
Technically, it was the Stratikrator's Castle. But there hadn't been one since Dominius, the legendary conqueror of Kalmar, and occupier of Emoria. It was in a blaze of glory that he died, along with two Host-Lords, in the final battles at Copenholm. Conveniently enough, it was an arrow through the back that killed him.
It was all too convenient that so many generals died in the final battles, some said. When the Oceanus Elsanion, a traditional ally of the Assemblum, was made governor of the Kalmarian conquests, it had become clear that the Assemblum Popularum Veritasum would never again let the army gain too much power. Perhaps if they had realized that a Stratikrator they could control was far better than a hero, who was Stratikrator in all but title, they would have preserved the Republic.
But those are just guesses for allohistorians. The point was that the Stratikrators Castle had to be occupied by someone it was a key defensive position. Only Strategius could hold it. So the little Stratikrator, as his men affectionately called him, took the castle for his own, on the agreement of his fellow Host-Lords. This was the first move that worried the Assemblum but they decided to wait, and watch.
Strategius was the first problem, but in the waiting was another. In fact, many problems were creeping up in the Republic. In the past the Assemblum had been filled with average citizens, men dedicated to the improvement and expansion of Veritas and the Church. Colonists were sent out, and new cities were constantly being founded.
But now corruption had spread in the Assemblum, that slow poison that time only helps, and the Elder Council more so. Beautiful marble villas were built on the island, and in Salvation, filled with treasures that rightfully were owed to the State. The rulers of Veritas were isolated from doings in Tellium, especially Emoria and Kalmar. The Zibonese and Kalmarians were forced into racial submission, not given equal opportunity and assimilated, as they should have been. Because of the pure Veritasans mistreatment of them, they kept their own cultures. That wasnt good for unity in the Republic.
Massive amounts of people now lived on the land, and it was becoming depleted. The forests and farms were straining to feed the people, and the fishing fleets sailed ever further in pursuit of their schools. Many came to the cities in search of work work that could be provided, but only by an Assemblum that cared.
There was one more thing, and it festered at the mind of even the laziest Elder. The Eldranii. The last scouts were sent out a century ago, and the ones that survived gave a harrowing tale, not of wild hordes, but fanatical armies, ruthlessly trained. They had the blood of countless thousands on their hands, but their power was a problem. For a time, the Assemblum was content with building the Great Fences, a massive line of stone barricades on the northern border. But as the northern friends of Veritas, the Aneyans, sent embassies less and less, their cries for help growing fainter it was clear that the Eldranian hordes would soon finish with their conquests in the North and turn their eyes to the civilized world.
To Veritas.
Strategius knew all this, and in his idealistic mind he knew that the system was broken. What could one man do, though? The wheels of the Republic had ground to a stop and only a good kick would restart them. But the slaughter no, it could not come to Vertias. That was a holy island the home of the Sea People. If this was to be done, it would be done with the consent of the people.
And he had it, after the Second Battle at Copenholm. The Sons of Odin revealed themselves, and they overmatched themselves. Petty assassins they sent first, not even that much of a challenge to Strategius personal guard. They killed them impetuously, and sounded the alarm. By now, the actual battle was joined, ragged skirmishers charging out of the pine forests surrounding the city, tattered green banners flying. To their credit, the rebels had mustered several thousands.
It was over before the flaming arrows even began to fly. The experienced legions of the Republic were better armored, better disciplined and better supplied, and the Archers of the Phoenix were particularly effective. But the most important weapon on the battlefield was the reputation of Host-Lord Strategius.
And after the routing of the rebels, he was greeted with cheers in the city. Cheers from former Kalmarians and Veritasans alike. Every one of his fellow Host-Lords was certain that the offer to take up the title of Stratikrator would arrive from the Assemblum any day now.
What arrived was an order to return to the city, and disband his army.
Never before had a military commander in the service of the Republic been given such an insult. Strategius assembled his best Septilions, and commandeered the Oceanus fleet. Hed be going back to Veritas but not alone.
Stratikrator's Castle, Copenholm, Veritas
Technically, it was the Stratikrator's Castle. But there hadn't been one since Dominius, the legendary conqueror of Kalmar, and occupier of Emoria. It was in a blaze of glory that he died, along with two Host-Lords, in the final battles at Copenholm. Conveniently enough, it was an arrow through the back that killed him.
It was all too convenient that so many generals died in the final battles, some said. When the Oceanus Elsanion, a traditional ally of the Assemblum, was made governor of the Kalmarian conquests, it had become clear that the Assemblum Popularum Veritasum would never again let the army gain too much power. Perhaps if they had realized that a Stratikrator they could control was far better than a hero, who was Stratikrator in all but title, they would have preserved the Republic.
But those are just guesses for allohistorians. The point was that the Stratikrators Castle had to be occupied by someone it was a key defensive position. Only Strategius could hold it. So the little Stratikrator, as his men affectionately called him, took the castle for his own, on the agreement of his fellow Host-Lords. This was the first move that worried the Assemblum but they decided to wait, and watch.
Strategius was the first problem, but in the waiting was another. In fact, many problems were creeping up in the Republic. In the past the Assemblum had been filled with average citizens, men dedicated to the improvement and expansion of Veritas and the Church. Colonists were sent out, and new cities were constantly being founded.
But now corruption had spread in the Assemblum, that slow poison that time only helps, and the Elder Council more so. Beautiful marble villas were built on the island, and in Salvation, filled with treasures that rightfully were owed to the State. The rulers of Veritas were isolated from doings in Tellium, especially Emoria and Kalmar. The Zibonese and Kalmarians were forced into racial submission, not given equal opportunity and assimilated, as they should have been. Because of the pure Veritasans mistreatment of them, they kept their own cultures. That wasnt good for unity in the Republic.
Massive amounts of people now lived on the land, and it was becoming depleted. The forests and farms were straining to feed the people, and the fishing fleets sailed ever further in pursuit of their schools. Many came to the cities in search of work work that could be provided, but only by an Assemblum that cared.
There was one more thing, and it festered at the mind of even the laziest Elder. The Eldranii. The last scouts were sent out a century ago, and the ones that survived gave a harrowing tale, not of wild hordes, but fanatical armies, ruthlessly trained. They had the blood of countless thousands on their hands, but their power was a problem. For a time, the Assemblum was content with building the Great Fences, a massive line of stone barricades on the northern border. But as the northern friends of Veritas, the Aneyans, sent embassies less and less, their cries for help growing fainter it was clear that the Eldranian hordes would soon finish with their conquests in the North and turn their eyes to the civilized world.
To Veritas.
Strategius knew all this, and in his idealistic mind he knew that the system was broken. What could one man do, though? The wheels of the Republic had ground to a stop and only a good kick would restart them. But the slaughter no, it could not come to Vertias. That was a holy island the home of the Sea People. If this was to be done, it would be done with the consent of the people.
And he had it, after the Second Battle at Copenholm. The Sons of Odin revealed themselves, and they overmatched themselves. Petty assassins they sent first, not even that much of a challenge to Strategius personal guard. They killed them impetuously, and sounded the alarm. By now, the actual battle was joined, ragged skirmishers charging out of the pine forests surrounding the city, tattered green banners flying. To their credit, the rebels had mustered several thousands.
It was over before the flaming arrows even began to fly. The experienced legions of the Republic were better armored, better disciplined and better supplied, and the Archers of the Phoenix were particularly effective. But the most important weapon on the battlefield was the reputation of Host-Lord Strategius.
And after the routing of the rebels, he was greeted with cheers in the city. Cheers from former Kalmarians and Veritasans alike. Every one of his fellow Host-Lords was certain that the offer to take up the title of Stratikrator would arrive from the Assemblum any day now.
What arrived was an order to return to the city, and disband his army.
Never before had a military commander in the service of the Republic been given such an insult. Strategius assembled his best Septilions, and commandeered the Oceanus fleet. Hed be going back to Veritas but not alone.
Update 8- Years 753-820: Ascendance of Generals
The tides of the war between Gerberia and the Moguls are beginning to shift. The Gerbers, most pleased with their rapid conquests, became relaxed and overconfident. Meanwhile, the Mogul General Hajan overthrew the weak and unpopular Akbar dynasty and declared himself Emperor. Quickly preparing militias and raising as big an army as possible, he left his capital with a minimal garrison and struck at the eastern side of the advancing Gerber armies. He powered through them, then raced northwards, where only token Gerber forces still defended. He incited revolts and uprisings everywhere he went, and made it so far as to successfully pillage Gerber lands!
General Hajan then turned back southwards. He had hoped to manoeuver around the Gerber forces by trekking through a pass at the eastern end of the Crystal Ridge mountains, but was cut off by a Gerber army. Hajan raced towards the city of Gerrabad, planning to take the route from it back to his capital.
He made it to the city and defeated the small garrison. The Gerber armies surrounded him. General Hajan prepared to make his last stand. Gerrabad was a defensible city, and he had the population on his side. But his force was horribly outnumbered.
The Gerbers were quick to attack. Their massive army fell on Gerrabad like a tsunami. Wave upon wave was repelled, but each eroded the defenses just a little more. The battle raged for weeks, and fallen bodies clogged the River Wardash. But the Moguls gradually came to see that they could not win. They were starving, sickening, and still outnumbered. Only their faith in their great general kept them alive.
On the 22nd day of the battle, the final blow fell. The Gerbers struck at the city one last time, and the shaky Mogul defense collapsed. The Gerbers then razed the city, killing all those who had helped the Moguls defend (in other words, everyone). But amidst the rubble of Gerrabad, the body of General Hajan could not be found. For it was later discovered that he had fled before the battle to prepare defenses in Delhi. The man who everyone had thought was the General was one of his lieutenants, in disguise.
The Gerbers once again travelled south, and besieged the Mogul capital. But this time, they had not the forces to attack. So they bunkered down and prepared for a long siege to decide what is known as the 'Hajan War', after the brilliant and wily Mogul General.
(-4000 Gerber Spearmen, -1 confidence, -1 eco points for next turn, -3000 Mogul Spearmen, +1 confidence, +1 culture, -12 000 Population)
Gerber blacksmiths have successfully mixed two metals into one, but it is still extremely difficult and impractical.
Emor begins majour explorations in all directions. They have, for the first time in centuries, sailed back to Veritas and curteously replaced the three galleys they were loaned so many years ago.
The Emorans have more reasons to celebrate then making contact with the heart of their religion. They have completed the Tomb of Emrus, a statue over the grave of the great Lord Emrus with an inscription describing the voyage to the new lands.
The Emorans have created a new, powerful division in their army. The Marchers, as they are called, are capable of doing pretty much anything. They are also highly trained in the arts of healing.
Nurmaferi exploration continues as always. They have discovered a great desert to their south, and a mountain range beyond it. The potential mineral wealth of the mountains has yet to be discovered. But at the moment, the coastline is far more convenient and profitable to settle.
The Temple of Otornos has been completed, and the religion of Otornosiasm has spread through Nurmafer like wildfire. (andis, please write a description for your religion)
Khemri has decided to sit back and consolidate its vastly expanded empire. They have built up infrastructure throughout their lands with a labour tax, which while slightly annoying the populace, serves well.
Following the introduction of Oundainty to the Khemri populace, considerable theological arguements appeared, culminating with the realization that there is only one god and that the words of the Prophet Sathya were misinterpreted. The new 'Khemri Monotheism' has spread through all of Khemri's lands, but Khemri Polytheism is still practiced in some places outside of their borders.
Gorin, following the lead of other nations, has begun exploration and expansion into unknown lands.
The Gorinese city of Dathan has finally taken advantage of its position near other nations by opening up to trade. It's economy has gone into a boom, with no sign of slowing down.
And due to the actions of an artist named Belzar, copper has been discovered in the Gornese section of the Crystal Ridge Mountains. While it was at first only used for art, its military application was noticed when [CENSORED BY THE ROWANTHI'ORTI].
(+Dathan Economic Center, Gorin enters Copper Age)
The religion of Crystalism has become totally dominant in the Wardash. Only a few Neocrystalists still practice their religion.
The High Priest of Yath'al Shanaal has commissioned the construction of several monasteries to write and record information. The Yath'al Shanaal then declared that the year 0 began with the beginning of their written language, called Shaal. Shaal is Yath'al Shanaal words written in the Khemri Alphabet. The Crystalic Calendar (CC) is now used in all the nations of the Upper Wardash and Nkondi. Year 0 of the Crystalic calendar is year 800 of the Veritasan calendar.
The Qua'laen Jal have expanded northwards.
The Nkondi have founded the city of Darawa on the Wardash River, and it has quickly become an economic artery of the nation.
(+Darawa Economic center)
The armies of the Nkondi have joined the war against the Eldranians. A great Nkondi force crossed the Kalmar River to confront the Eldranian force sent to finish off the Gargari. Wild hordes of Shaka drove off the Eldranians. The Eldranian commanders were taken aback, but quickly realized that these were not resurgent Gargari, but a whole new group of Demons altogether. Sending word back to Eldrar, the Eldranians then unleashed their own new weapon. Copper technology, stolen from Aney Tigot. Many vicious battles raged between the Nkondi and Eldrania over the devastated ruins of the Gargari nation, but little land changed hands. Eldrania could have easily pushed back the Nkondi invaders, but most of their forces were fighting off to the south.
Eldrania has managed to fortify its beachhead on the western bank of the Kalmar River, despite constant attacks by Nkondi and Aneyan forces. The Eldranian forces managed to capture a few fortifications, but they suffered heavy losses at the arrows of the mighty Aneyan Archers. Once again, the war seemed to be at a stalemate.
But the Eldranians had almost forgotten about one other threat. The armies of Tristaria stormed over the Kalmar River and seized several Eldranian fortifications. The forces of Eldrania are far stretched, but not so much that they couldn't deal with this. They have kept the Tristarians in check, so far.
The Tristarians and Nkondi have both been given copper weapons by the Aneyans, to help stop the Eldranian scourge.
(Eldrania enters Copper Age, -5000 Eldranian Spearmen, -2000 Nkondi Shaka, -2000 Nkondi Warriors, -2000 Aneyan Spearmen, -1000 Tristarian Spearmen, -Gargari, Tristaria and Nkondi enter Copper Age)
At the eastern end of the known world, a state has arisen. Based around the growing city of Dava, the Davarians have united various surrounding tribes. Their development was greatly accelerated with the arrival of numerous Kalmar refugees centuries ago.
These people show great promise, assuming that they can avoid the attention of Eldrania.
(I changed your nation's formation story slightly ~Darkening~, as some details of it wouldn't work)
In Veritas, a Host-Lord by the name of Strategius had begun to attract the Assemblum's attention. After successfully defeating the Sons of Odin rebel group, he received an order from the Assemblum to disband his army. Infuriated, Strategius traveled with his army and a commandeered armada to Veritas, and confronted the Assemblum. It is not known exactly what happened in his long confrontation with them, but when he left, on the 7th day of the 7th month of the year 777 Postum Diasporum, he had been declared Autorex Strategius, absolute ruler of Veritas. What really happened in the confrontation will not be known for the next 2 millennia, as was part of Strategius' agreement with the Assemblum.
*****
Notes: The dots on the map represent Desert/Tundra- Very difficult to survive on.
The tides of the war between Gerberia and the Moguls are beginning to shift. The Gerbers, most pleased with their rapid conquests, became relaxed and overconfident. Meanwhile, the Mogul General Hajan overthrew the weak and unpopular Akbar dynasty and declared himself Emperor. Quickly preparing militias and raising as big an army as possible, he left his capital with a minimal garrison and struck at the eastern side of the advancing Gerber armies. He powered through them, then raced northwards, where only token Gerber forces still defended. He incited revolts and uprisings everywhere he went, and made it so far as to successfully pillage Gerber lands!
General Hajan then turned back southwards. He had hoped to manoeuver around the Gerber forces by trekking through a pass at the eastern end of the Crystal Ridge mountains, but was cut off by a Gerber army. Hajan raced towards the city of Gerrabad, planning to take the route from it back to his capital.
He made it to the city and defeated the small garrison. The Gerber armies surrounded him. General Hajan prepared to make his last stand. Gerrabad was a defensible city, and he had the population on his side. But his force was horribly outnumbered.
The Gerbers were quick to attack. Their massive army fell on Gerrabad like a tsunami. Wave upon wave was repelled, but each eroded the defenses just a little more. The battle raged for weeks, and fallen bodies clogged the River Wardash. But the Moguls gradually came to see that they could not win. They were starving, sickening, and still outnumbered. Only their faith in their great general kept them alive.
On the 22nd day of the battle, the final blow fell. The Gerbers struck at the city one last time, and the shaky Mogul defense collapsed. The Gerbers then razed the city, killing all those who had helped the Moguls defend (in other words, everyone). But amidst the rubble of Gerrabad, the body of General Hajan could not be found. For it was later discovered that he had fled before the battle to prepare defenses in Delhi. The man who everyone had thought was the General was one of his lieutenants, in disguise.
The Gerbers once again travelled south, and besieged the Mogul capital. But this time, they had not the forces to attack. So they bunkered down and prepared for a long siege to decide what is known as the 'Hajan War', after the brilliant and wily Mogul General.
(-4000 Gerber Spearmen, -1 confidence, -1 eco points for next turn, -3000 Mogul Spearmen, +1 confidence, +1 culture, -12 000 Population)
Gerber blacksmiths have successfully mixed two metals into one, but it is still extremely difficult and impractical.
Emor begins majour explorations in all directions. They have, for the first time in centuries, sailed back to Veritas and curteously replaced the three galleys they were loaned so many years ago.
The Emorans have more reasons to celebrate then making contact with the heart of their religion. They have completed the Tomb of Emrus, a statue over the grave of the great Lord Emrus with an inscription describing the voyage to the new lands.
The Emorans have created a new, powerful division in their army. The Marchers, as they are called, are capable of doing pretty much anything. They are also highly trained in the arts of healing.
Nurmaferi exploration continues as always. They have discovered a great desert to their south, and a mountain range beyond it. The potential mineral wealth of the mountains has yet to be discovered. But at the moment, the coastline is far more convenient and profitable to settle.
The Temple of Otornos has been completed, and the religion of Otornosiasm has spread through Nurmafer like wildfire. (andis, please write a description for your religion)
Khemri has decided to sit back and consolidate its vastly expanded empire. They have built up infrastructure throughout their lands with a labour tax, which while slightly annoying the populace, serves well.
Following the introduction of Oundainty to the Khemri populace, considerable theological arguements appeared, culminating with the realization that there is only one god and that the words of the Prophet Sathya were misinterpreted. The new 'Khemri Monotheism' has spread through all of Khemri's lands, but Khemri Polytheism is still practiced in some places outside of their borders.
Gorin, following the lead of other nations, has begun exploration and expansion into unknown lands.
The Gorinese city of Dathan has finally taken advantage of its position near other nations by opening up to trade. It's economy has gone into a boom, with no sign of slowing down.
And due to the actions of an artist named Belzar, copper has been discovered in the Gornese section of the Crystal Ridge Mountains. While it was at first only used for art, its military application was noticed when [CENSORED BY THE ROWANTHI'ORTI].
(+Dathan Economic Center, Gorin enters Copper Age)
The religion of Crystalism has become totally dominant in the Wardash. Only a few Neocrystalists still practice their religion.
The High Priest of Yath'al Shanaal has commissioned the construction of several monasteries to write and record information. The Yath'al Shanaal then declared that the year 0 began with the beginning of their written language, called Shaal. Shaal is Yath'al Shanaal words written in the Khemri Alphabet. The Crystalic Calendar (CC) is now used in all the nations of the Upper Wardash and Nkondi. Year 0 of the Crystalic calendar is year 800 of the Veritasan calendar.
The Qua'laen Jal have expanded northwards.
The Nkondi have founded the city of Darawa on the Wardash River, and it has quickly become an economic artery of the nation.
(+Darawa Economic center)
The armies of the Nkondi have joined the war against the Eldranians. A great Nkondi force crossed the Kalmar River to confront the Eldranian force sent to finish off the Gargari. Wild hordes of Shaka drove off the Eldranians. The Eldranian commanders were taken aback, but quickly realized that these were not resurgent Gargari, but a whole new group of Demons altogether. Sending word back to Eldrar, the Eldranians then unleashed their own new weapon. Copper technology, stolen from Aney Tigot. Many vicious battles raged between the Nkondi and Eldrania over the devastated ruins of the Gargari nation, but little land changed hands. Eldrania could have easily pushed back the Nkondi invaders, but most of their forces were fighting off to the south.
Eldrania has managed to fortify its beachhead on the western bank of the Kalmar River, despite constant attacks by Nkondi and Aneyan forces. The Eldranian forces managed to capture a few fortifications, but they suffered heavy losses at the arrows of the mighty Aneyan Archers. Once again, the war seemed to be at a stalemate.
But the Eldranians had almost forgotten about one other threat. The armies of Tristaria stormed over the Kalmar River and seized several Eldranian fortifications. The forces of Eldrania are far stretched, but not so much that they couldn't deal with this. They have kept the Tristarians in check, so far.
The Tristarians and Nkondi have both been given copper weapons by the Aneyans, to help stop the Eldranian scourge.
(Eldrania enters Copper Age, -5000 Eldranian Spearmen, -2000 Nkondi Shaka, -2000 Nkondi Warriors, -2000 Aneyan Spearmen, -1000 Tristarian Spearmen, -Gargari, Tristaria and Nkondi enter Copper Age)
At the eastern end of the known world, a state has arisen. Based around the growing city of Dava, the Davarians have united various surrounding tribes. Their development was greatly accelerated with the arrival of numerous Kalmar refugees centuries ago.
These people show great promise, assuming that they can avoid the attention of Eldrania.
(I changed your nation's formation story slightly ~Darkening~, as some details of it wouldn't work)
In Veritas, a Host-Lord by the name of Strategius had begun to attract the Assemblum's attention. After successfully defeating the Sons of Odin rebel group, he received an order from the Assemblum to disband his army. Infuriated, Strategius traveled with his army and a commandeered armada to Veritas, and confronted the Assemblum. It is not known exactly what happened in his long confrontation with them, but when he left, on the 7th day of the 7th month of the year 777 Postum Diasporum, he had been declared Autorex Strategius, absolute ruler of Veritas. What really happened in the confrontation will not be known for the next 2 millennia, as was part of Strategius' agreement with the Assemblum.
*****
Notes: The dots on the map represent Desert/Tundra- Very difficult to survive on.
Kentharu
Zebra Commander
w00t w00t!! Gorin is now ready to kick ass baby YEA *does the dance of coolness* how yyoooooou like me now da na na na da na NA!
WATCH ME WITH MY NEXT COOL STORY
awesome update IGgy Iggy Iggy IGIGIGIGY
WATCH ME WITH MY NEXT COOL STORY
awesome update IGgy Iggy Iggy IGIGIGIGY
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
Great update! I just need to finish up the last part, I'll post it here in the next half-hour.
Silver Steak
The Ghost of SS
Still convinced that ~Darkening~ is within your reach, Kal? 
I guess you'd have to plow through Veritas first, in that case. 
I guess you'd have to plow through Veritas first, in that case. 
jalapeno_dude
AKA Panda Judo Eel
Feel free Kal! I won't stop you!Silver Steak said:I guess you'd have to plow through Veritas first, in that case.
Silver Steak
The Ghost of SS
Forgot to say: great update, Iggy! 
Screw the Veritasian Calendar! CC is the way to go! Don't you know alliteration is catchy?
Screw the Veritasian Calendar! CC is the way to go! Don't you know alliteration is catchy?
