LINESII- Into the Darkness
- Thread starter Lord_Iggy
- Start date
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
As Chairman of N.A.O, I hereby order the Riot Committee to incite 3 Massive Chinese Riots (tm) until the update is posted.
Congrats on the 5k Iggy!
Congrats on the 5k Iggy!
~Darkening~
Weep, Mother.
I already got contact through Veritas, and I mentioned the sailing part to Thlayi
.And yes, I know that story was so horrible. So I've gone in, removed the old, and done it over. Hopefully this one is better.
The boy slowly grabbed the bags of the corner table, picking up the sole thing left in the shack worth anything. He stepped out of the building an moved over to a horse that was tied to a small tree. The boy gently tied the bags onto the back of the horse, securing them with a thin piece of rope.
He took one gaze back to the deteriorating shack where he had live for sop long. Then he untied the knot. And a second later, without another single glance back, Joel mounted the horse and left his home of thirteen years. And there the shack sat alone, rotting against the ocean side.
Chapter One: Words & Swords.
“Halfway there!” The boat captain yelled out, indicating for the paddlers to slow down. No more than a large slab of floating wood, serving a very limited purpose. The “boat” was large, rounding out at about nine by nine feet. A large barrier was erected around the perimeter, enclosing the boat off.
Joel sat near the back, resting on a hard oak bench. Other than him and the horse, the boat was virtually empty. Just boat captain, the four rowers off to the side, and two other passengers on the boat. One appeared to be a trader, judging by all the crates of goods that lined the side of the boat. The other one was undistinguishable, having just the single bag on his back.
The boy stared at the tall rows of corn that lined both banks. Farms lined both the sides of the tributary, being worked by the various farmhands that were in demand during this time of the year. Most of the farms were owned most likely by the same man, most likely.
The horse neighed at the rocking as the boat entered new rapids, speeding ahead along the water. The tributary, which had been going relatively easy so far, reached a new course. The tributary, known as the Frekx in Davar, began from a lake in the western hills then flowed downwards, eventually joining with the Lunx to the east and flowing to the sea. Now the course led the stream over a rocky descent.
Joel rummaged through the small bag of food he had left. The boy had around three bags when he left, and now he was down to the last one. He had been traveling for some three months, starting out at the beach and then moving north where the river ran from the lake. Now he was on his way to the capital, around a three day trip left. For the next two hours, Joel held onto the side of the boat as rocked along the path.
The boat eased finally from it’s path, calmly shoaling up against a small dock. The small town of Bravar, known only for the fact it was one of the stops along the trail to the east. A one-stop town, made up only of a few houses, a couple surrounding farms in the countryside, and a small hotel in the middle.
“All off!” The boat captain called out, securing the boat to the dock with a rope. Everyone dutifully filled off the boat, with the rowers and boat master headed to the cabin that was situated on the dock. Any town that had a stop along an official stop were required to house the sailors.
Joel grabbed his bag, grabbed the reigns of the horse, and headed straight for the hotel. Looking even more run-down than normal, the hotel was more of a house than anything official. The boy pulled the door open and stepped inside. He was right, the hotel was nothing more than a large house, with three or four rooms available. Joel checked into one, and then headed upstairs. Reaching the room, he went inside and fell asleep some ten minutes later.
Three Days Later, Outside Dava
The boat gently stopped against the dock, leaving Joel gazing around in awe. The city of Dava was the cultural and economic center of the east, and was the largest city in the Davian empire. Around one-sixth of the entire county lived within the boundaries of the city.
“Welcome to Dava boy!” The boat captain called out with a chuckle, seeing the boy’s look of awestruck. “First time?”
“Uuuh. Yeah.” Joel managed to stutter out, still gazing around.
“Alright then. You might wanna head to a store and get a map. Would suck if you get lost on your first visit here.” He said with a smile.
“Eer, can you just tell me where the palace is?”
“What business do you have in the palace?” The captain asked, a look of curiosity coming on his face.
“My business, thank you.” Joel replied quickly. “Can you tell me or not?”
“Alright, calm down. Just head down the main road. Can’t miss it. Its the big building on the hill, you know?”
“Thanks.” Joel said quickly, stepping off the boat and following the directions. Situated on a huge hill in the middle of the city depression, the palace was easy to find. The only problem however; was that the same reason Joel had came had drew thousands of other people to the city. The crowds formed a huge, nearly impenetrable barrier.
The palace itself was actually a kind of gated community. High ranking nobles and land owners all had their own homes built into the hill. The complex was surrounded by a wall, with the only entrance being a small gate built into the side. Three pairs of guards stood in front of the steps that led around the complex, providing a sentry against any intruder. In front of the guards and gate was a large table that had been set up recently. Three men sat in chairs, sorting through the papers that all the men had brought. Joel groaned and got into the line, behind a tall man dressed in black.
Some three hours later, He had finally managed to make it to the front of one of the lines. The man asked for his papers, reaching out to grab them with a pudgy hand. The man was large, the obvious sign of being high nobility. The man’s eyes opened wide as he read the list of sources that Joel had put down. “G-Go ahead, sir. Up the stairs to the top, then straight down the main hallway.” He spoke, surprising Joel. Normally to get into one the functions, a man would have had to go through a bunch of tests and physical competitions. To be spared all these was a huge honor.
Joel gave a polite nod, then continued finally through the double gates and up the winding stairs to the top. Sitting on the crest of the hill was the palace. A gigantic building the size of a small town. Filled with large windows, with actual glass panes. Glass was rare in the country, and even the rich could barely afford to have more than a dozen of them. Shaking his head clear of the sight, the boy pulled the large teak door open and made his way down the hallway to the hosting room. Built by the second Kali, the room was a gigantic statement about his power. It alone could hold around two to three hundred people comfortably.
The room was crowded despite its size. Some two hundred men had made it through all the tests and were now lounging around the room on couches, waiting for the initial eliminations to come to a close. The men varied from one to another. Some were old and young, others were of poor backgrounds and richer ones, and many came from different sections of the country.
The old and young were the most easily recognizable characteristic. Over two thirds of the generals were over the age of forty, the rest were the heirs of popular generals. The rich could be seen by the elaborate spears the carried, many being ornate and carefully wrought from precious gems. The poor often just held the much more common plain copper spear. The last, main difference among the men was their dress. While long hair and plain clothes were common among the cities in the east, short hair and colorful dress was hugely popular in the eastern cities.
Joel pushed his way through the crowd of generals, making his way to the nearly unoccupied corner in the far right. Only two young generals, both being from the cities by the dress, laid on two of the couches. One had long blond hair that reached past his shoulders, and he wore bright red clothing. The other had closely cropped red hair, and wore a yellow uniform.
“ You just come in?” The one blond asked, gazing boredly at Joel.
“Yeah.” He answered, dropping his bag at the foot of the couch across from the blond head.
“How many are left?” Blond asked again.
“Around thirty, I think.”
“Thanks. Name’s Dimanas Brika.” Blond said.
“Johanes Namir.” The red head said, more interested in the book he was reading.
“Nice to meet you. My name is Joel Ignus.” He said.
“Really? Any relation to the general that died a couple months ago?” Johanes said, suddenly sitting up and becoming more interested.
“Yeah. Brant was my grandfather.” Joel said.
“Awesome.” Dimanas said, now smiling. “Been a general for long?”
“No. Just enlisting today.”
“And you made it through the tests?” Johanes asked.
“They didn’t give me any tests. I just showed the guy my papers and he let me through.”
“ Fat guy? Long, red beard?” Dimanas inquired.
“Yeah, that’s him.”
“Oh, lucky bastard.” Dimanas laughed. “ Lord Stator. Huge worshipper of your grandfather.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah, don’t worry about it. If Brant was your grandfather, then you shouldn’t have any problems getting through the second rounds.” Dimanas reassured him.
“Yeah. I should, after all I trained with him for thirteen years.”
“No offense, but training doesn’t mean anything here. You have to have talent.” Johanes commented.
“Then how you get through?” Dimanas laughed.
“Stuff it.”
“Hey! I think its starting!” Joel called out. The massive doors opposite the trio were slowly pushed open and six pairs of trumpeters walked out. A few seconds later they were playing the anthem. And a minute later the Kali walked out. Joel strained on the tips of his toes to get a look at the man over the crowd.
He was short. Standing only at five feet, he was easily dwarfed by every other man in the room. He, like just about every other man in the east, had cropped his hair short. He had a long, red beard that nearly fell to his chest. He had blue eyes that shone with determination. Around his waist lay a sheath, and the handle of a sword made from bronze stuck out, the gift from a foreign king. “Welcome!” He spoke over the silent crowd. “You all know why you’re here: to find out who is the best of the best!” He was met by a thunder of applause. “But I have news for you all! In the far west, an island lays conquered by the Khermi! An island that is fighting for it’s independence. Normally, we would have nothing to do with this. Its far away from our borders, and personally I care nothing for the west. But there are other situations. The Veritisians have seized the capital and chief city of the Khermi, in order to force them to grant those people independence. We hold an alliance with these people, and we are a people of our word! If war develops, then we shall honor our pledge and go to war! And to make sure that only the finest generals are in my army, I am stating this elimination process. To those who are eliminated, do not fear. You all will receive a place in the army, but only the best can lead the army. So to them all, I must say I am looking forward to hearing of your victories!"
Swissempire
Poet Jester
Good story, though I'm sure the Davarians say suck, awesome, and stuff it
~Darkening~
Weep, Mother.
Sure they do
alex994
Hail Divine Emperor!
THe update better be up when I wake up tomorrow
Darkening, your stories seem to hint at a war. Do you want to send forces to aid Veritas in this turn? Because you didn't say so in your orders.
BTW, I'm resuming update again. With luck, it'll be finished before alex994 wakes up.
BTW, I'm resuming update again. With luck, it'll be finished before alex994 wakes up.
~Darkening~
Weep, Mother.
Not this turn. Probably sometime in the future.
Was looking through old pages that I've missed and found this little gem:
Was looking through old pages that I've missed and found this little gem:
So I've know them for a while I guess. ; )
Update 12- Years 1000-1033: Clash of Titans
In the distant south, a unique civilization has arisen.
Beyond Emor, beyond the Swades, and beyond the great empty jungles, a nation was forged.
A man named Liu Bang, frustrated with the cruel tyrant of his tribe, gathered a following and overthrew the despot. He then went on to unite and free the other fellow tribes bordering him.
Within several years, Liu Bang had brought together a nation of considerable size. He then set out, like a potter to clay, to mold it.
Small, independent farms appeared throughout the lands. Everything was built in harmony with the environment. A professional army has yet to form, but King Liu Bang reserves the right to levee one man from each family incase of attacks from the surrounding barbarians.
At the mouth of the River Blade, another nation has developed. Fasra and his followers came from a southern tribe under pressure from constant Swade expansion. Using this threat as a political tool, Fasra united all of the tribes of the lower Blade River into one nation, Myocaca (meaning United Peoples in Fasras first language).
The people of Myocaca have developed an incredibly close bond with Ramids (specifically, a smaller species about ½ the size of those used by Nurmafer). A child is introduced to one just after birth, and becomes a soul mate of the creature for life.
After Myocaca was united, the Swade Ascendancy was unsurprisingly angered by these upstarts claiming land that they had planned to soon conquer. There were a few skirmishes early on. The Myocacans fought off small attacks, then made peace with the Swades by converting to Bladeism. But despite this peace, surrounding tribes quickly declared their allegiance for one side or another, dividing the people of the River Blade into two distinct political blocs.
Myocaca shows many signs of budding greatness. But it will take great leadership to bring them there.
After accepting the existence of Myocaca, the Swade Ascendancy turned to other methods of bringing other lands under its control. The creation of the Swade Necropolis has spread Bladeism to all of the nearby barbarian states, and as far as Emor, where it has gained a small toehold.
(+Swade Religious Center)
The Kehexou rebellion can no longer truly be called a rebellion. It has now become a war of conquest. Tesrex Mayanas power has been reduced to next to nothing; his comrade-at-arms Maryas Gayanax now has near-total control.
Gayanax continued colonization to the south, and continued sending forces to retake Tekrehexou, the ancient Kehexou homeland, even though Tekrehexou wished to remain part of Khemri.
Nevertheless, with Khemris forces distracted in other locations, Maryas Gayanaxs dreams of a united Kehexou Empire have come true.
Khemri was in a very bad situation. Their Royal family and most of the government was in Veritas hands, and young Rhama Khemr IV had apparently disappeared.
While any barbarian controlling the Khemri Delta would have pillaged the cities there in the blink of an eye, Veritas was more clever than that. It sent all of the people living there, save those it didnt want free, then methodically dismantled the cities. The valuables were shipped out; then the actual buildings were dismantled or demolished. Everything of use was removed, and anything not of use was destroyed or thrown into the sea.
This made some money for Veritas (offset by the massive expense of the operation) but primarily served as a tremendous show of Veritas strength. The fact that Veritas had the power to reduce the two greatest cities of Khemri into literally nothing in a matter of a few years has been devastating to Khemri morale.
(+1 Veritasian economy point, +Veritasian confidence, -Khemri confidence and culture)
Davar has expanded further eastwards to the coast, and discovered something they hadnt before. A few villages populated by Kalmar. Apparently, these were the descendants of the Sons of Odin, who had been defeated centuries in one of Strategius first campaigns. These few people were sick of their harsh existence and chose to join Davar.
The city of Dava has become a majour center of trade, a link between the south and north.
(+Dava economic Center)
Further north, little of note happens. The Malkavians are stable, and growing. They have created a new force, the Brujah Warriors, a group of warriors, legendary for their strength. The Gamorreans have remained in their old lands, and are essentially unchanged from their state a century ago.
The Citadelers continue to explore their surroundings, sending expeditions around the upper Keran range and north of their Malkavian and Gamorrean neighbours.
With increasing trade systems developing along the River Dava, the Citadels outpost of Riverfork has developed into a center of trade, exchanging both goods and knowledge.
More barbarians have become aware of Maugot, and some have become convinced that the tall, pale beings are gods. Most, however, are hostile to them.
A Maugotian expedition to the north has uncovered vast, dry plains. The Maugotians dearly hope that their leader doesnt plan to move them there.
A quick succession of weak Gerber kings passed, and it seemed likely that the ancient Cecilid dynasty was about to fall. But that was not to be.
Cecil the Thirtieth was a strong and able man. He built up a considerable army and, gambling that the Moguls would be distracted by the great war to the south and that the Shalamari would also be occupied, attacked Mogulia.
He personally led his forces against Hajan III of the Moguls. This Hajan, unlike his father and grandfather, was not a warrior. He preferred the luxuries of his capital.
His armies, lacking a skilled leader, were pushed back quickly, and once again the Mogulian fields were occupied. Cecil realized the ineptitude of his adversary, but realized very well the dangers of over extending himself. So he returned a small amount of the occupied lands to the Moguls and signed a peace deal. Hajan III willingly signed it, and many of his people have been infuriated by this.
(-2000 Gerber Spearmen, -2000 Mogul Spearmen, +Gerber Confidence, -Mogul Confidence)
Tristaria has been subjected to further pressure from Veritas to make the Church of the one their official religion. They have once again declared that their countrys people are free to practice whatever religion they want. Mild discontent arose from some Tristarian followers of the Church of the One, but nothing serious. Relations between Veritas and Tristaria are beginning to sour.
Veritas has received shipments of Bronze from Emor, and been instructed on how to work it. Bronze has become the most used metal in Veritas military, and will soon be ubiquitous.
(Veritas enters Bronze Age)
The reconstruction of Veritas has begun properly. Using some of the materials pillaged from Khemri, this great project has gone off to a fast start.
At the tip of the peninsula south of Emor, a Veritasian colony named Sempronia, after the successor of Stratikrator Strategius.
Gorin has borrowed ideas of creating hotter forges from the Gerbers, and combining this with their well developed metalworking skills have successfully created and utilized bronze.
(Gorin enters Bronze Age)
But all of what had happened throughout the rest of the world was next to nothing when compared to the great war between Veritas and Khemri.
While Veritas was dismantling the cities of the Khim delta, Nurmafer fought desperately against their invaders. While their enemies had previously been the predictable Khemri, Rhama Khemr IV had recalled his forces to fight off Veritas, replacing the besiegers with the forces of Shalamari and Gorin, who Nurmafer had next to no knowledge of.
Shalamari surrounded the central cities of Nurmafer, systematically and constantly probing for weaknesses. At the same time, the forces of Gorin moved into the mountains.
The fall of Turfar was at hand. Shalamari found a weak spot in Nurmafers fortifications, which were stretched to the breaking point and then some. They surged in, and while suffering high losses, established a foothold beyond the fortifications.
Seeing this, General Kerzan Mathani of Gorin charged down from the mountains with his wild Bajos and the rest of his force.
Mennodius and the Nurmaferi garrison put up a heroic fight, with many details lost to history. For while they had recorded everything that had happened, once he realized that defeat was inevitable; Mennodius torched the massive Temple of Otornos and the government buildings which held Nurmafers complete history. Fires spread, and after several days of inferno the great city was reduced to ashes and rubble. Nurmafers only hope now lay in the hands of Anarion Ororucin, son of Mennodius.
Anarion would not do what his fathers previous wish for him had been, to flee to the west. He was going to fight for every inch. And even retake some.
Mustering the remenants of the Nurmaferi army, Anarion moved north to break the siege of the holy land. Upon his arrival, he was dismayed to see that Turfar was ruined. His mind set firmly on vengeance from that moment on. He swore to avenge his father and his holy city. It seemed that his chance would come quite soon
(-1000 Gorinese Bajos, -2000 Shalamari Spearmen, -2000 Shalamari Phalanx, -1000 Nurmaferi Archers, -1000 Nurmaferi Temple Guards, -Guitar, -Turfar)
After completing the destruction of the Khim delta, the Veritasian army abandoned theses lands, seized vast stores of grain and other foodstuffs, and marched inland.
At the same time, much of their navy attempted to advance up past the delta into the River Khim. This proved to be an unwise tactical decision. Their large and powerful Galleys and Biremes, while deadly in open seas, were very unwieldy in rivers. Khemris river boat fleet, recalled from the upper river, repeatedly pushed Veritas ships back downstream. Veritas had to content itself with a stalemate on the river.
But it could content itself with several victories on land. Veritas made a landing on the south side of the Khim delta, brushing away the relatively weak Khemri defenses. Apparently, Rhama Khemr IV had apparently opted to avoid combat against a vastly larger force. Regular night raids took a toll on Veritasian numbers and morale, but were not enough to stop Veritas. But these raids caused problems for the invaders, in that any city they conquered would soon fall back into Khemri hands. Not wanting to risk Veritasian morale by having their back door cut off, the Stratikrator decided to leave garrisons in the occupied cities.
Gradually, the army of Veritas advanced further and further into Khemri and eventually Nurmafer. Veritas was greeted joyously by the liberated Nurmaferis, and numerous Nurmaferi partisans joined Veritas in its westward march.
After some futile searching, Veritas got a break. Word reached them of Anarion Ororucin and his advance on the Nurmaferi holy land. The chance for a decisive battle was here. Veritas seized it
(-5 Veritasian Biremes, -10 Khemri River Boats)
So, at the city of Guitar, straddling the southernmost tributary of the River Khim, did the allies of Khemri and Veritas meet in battle. Gorin and Shalamari held the northern shore of the river. Anarion and his Nurmaferi forces were on the southern shore. To his east, the Veritasians and their Nurmaferi militia approached. And further to the east Rhama Khemr IV and his ragged army shadowed Veritas.
Roughly 30 000 men were fighting in this battle, each side with roughly the same number of troops and similar levels of technology.
Pleasantries and outrageous peace demands were shouted from all sides. Then a Nurmaferi arrow killed the Shalamari officer shouting demands on behalf of the allies of Khemri. The battle was on.
Shalamari hurried its Phalanxes across the river and set up defensive positions. Gorin quickly backed them up. Nurmaferi Ramids charged through the citys streets, but were repeatedly turned back by disciplined pikework.
The Veritasian army struck at the Phalanxes on the western bridge with their Latismen, to good effect. Gorinese Bajos quickly moved up to counter Veritas, and a great axe battle took place, with heavy casualties on both sides. Eventually, Veritas retreated their Latismen to maintain a good anti-phalanx unit for later.
Khemri archers began to hassle Veritas right flank, distracting more Veritasian forces from the battle.
Frustrated with the failure of his Ramids, Anarion Ororucin personally led the Nurmaferi Temple Guards against the Shalamari Phalanxes on the Eastern Bridge. Several attacks wore down Shalamari forces, taking little toll on Nurmfae. But Bajos once again forced the Nufmafer back. Anarion retreated angrily.
Veritas, realizing that its tactics werent working, switched its plans. An attack was feinted against the eastern bridge, then the real attack fell on the center. Veritas fought viciously, and won the bridge, putting the battle back onto Shalamari and Gorins side. The attack caused chaos on the Shalamari side, allowing Veritas to advance further into the city.
Shalamari struggled to retake the bridge chokepoint, but it was too late. Veritas was getting over too fast now. The Veritasian floodgates had opened.
On all fronts, things started to go well for Veritas and Nurmafer. People who had been cowering in their houses began to organize and fight the Shalamari and Gorin.
Seeing that the tides of the battle had turned badly against them, Gorin and Shalamari set fire to several buildings and retreated back into the mountains.
Nurmafer and Veritas celebrated their victory. But the war was still far from over. In Khemri, the people rebel as much as they had in Nurmafer when Khemri occupied. Khemris army has taken minimal losses, and takes a large toll on Veritas and Nurmafers numbers. Shalamari and Gorin still have powerful armies in heavily fortified areas.
The great Nurmaferi war, which now involves far more than just Khemri and Nurmafer, can still easily go either way. Both nations have had their capitals and ancient holy lands destroyed. Both hunger for vengeance. The future is impossible to predict.
(-5 Nurmaferi Ramids, -2000 Nurmaferi Temple Guards, -3000 Shalamari Phalanxes, -1000 Shalamari Spearmen, -2000 Gorinese Bajos, -3000 Veritasian Latismen, -2000 Veritasian Spearmen)
*****
Phew. That was a LOOOONG update. And I listened to best of U2, in case you're wondering. She moves in mysterious ways... Anyhoo:
Notes: I accidentally forgot to make Dava an economic center. Sorry. Just imagine that it is.
In the distant south, a unique civilization has arisen.
Beyond Emor, beyond the Swades, and beyond the great empty jungles, a nation was forged.
A man named Liu Bang, frustrated with the cruel tyrant of his tribe, gathered a following and overthrew the despot. He then went on to unite and free the other fellow tribes bordering him.
Within several years, Liu Bang had brought together a nation of considerable size. He then set out, like a potter to clay, to mold it.
Small, independent farms appeared throughout the lands. Everything was built in harmony with the environment. A professional army has yet to form, but King Liu Bang reserves the right to levee one man from each family incase of attacks from the surrounding barbarians.
At the mouth of the River Blade, another nation has developed. Fasra and his followers came from a southern tribe under pressure from constant Swade expansion. Using this threat as a political tool, Fasra united all of the tribes of the lower Blade River into one nation, Myocaca (meaning United Peoples in Fasras first language).
The people of Myocaca have developed an incredibly close bond with Ramids (specifically, a smaller species about ½ the size of those used by Nurmafer). A child is introduced to one just after birth, and becomes a soul mate of the creature for life.
After Myocaca was united, the Swade Ascendancy was unsurprisingly angered by these upstarts claiming land that they had planned to soon conquer. There were a few skirmishes early on. The Myocacans fought off small attacks, then made peace with the Swades by converting to Bladeism. But despite this peace, surrounding tribes quickly declared their allegiance for one side or another, dividing the people of the River Blade into two distinct political blocs.
Myocaca shows many signs of budding greatness. But it will take great leadership to bring them there.
After accepting the existence of Myocaca, the Swade Ascendancy turned to other methods of bringing other lands under its control. The creation of the Swade Necropolis has spread Bladeism to all of the nearby barbarian states, and as far as Emor, where it has gained a small toehold.
(+Swade Religious Center)
The Kehexou rebellion can no longer truly be called a rebellion. It has now become a war of conquest. Tesrex Mayanas power has been reduced to next to nothing; his comrade-at-arms Maryas Gayanax now has near-total control.
Gayanax continued colonization to the south, and continued sending forces to retake Tekrehexou, the ancient Kehexou homeland, even though Tekrehexou wished to remain part of Khemri.
Nevertheless, with Khemris forces distracted in other locations, Maryas Gayanaxs dreams of a united Kehexou Empire have come true.
Khemri was in a very bad situation. Their Royal family and most of the government was in Veritas hands, and young Rhama Khemr IV had apparently disappeared.
While any barbarian controlling the Khemri Delta would have pillaged the cities there in the blink of an eye, Veritas was more clever than that. It sent all of the people living there, save those it didnt want free, then methodically dismantled the cities. The valuables were shipped out; then the actual buildings were dismantled or demolished. Everything of use was removed, and anything not of use was destroyed or thrown into the sea.
This made some money for Veritas (offset by the massive expense of the operation) but primarily served as a tremendous show of Veritas strength. The fact that Veritas had the power to reduce the two greatest cities of Khemri into literally nothing in a matter of a few years has been devastating to Khemri morale.
(+1 Veritasian economy point, +Veritasian confidence, -Khemri confidence and culture)
Davar has expanded further eastwards to the coast, and discovered something they hadnt before. A few villages populated by Kalmar. Apparently, these were the descendants of the Sons of Odin, who had been defeated centuries in one of Strategius first campaigns. These few people were sick of their harsh existence and chose to join Davar.
The city of Dava has become a majour center of trade, a link between the south and north.
(+Dava economic Center)
Further north, little of note happens. The Malkavians are stable, and growing. They have created a new force, the Brujah Warriors, a group of warriors, legendary for their strength. The Gamorreans have remained in their old lands, and are essentially unchanged from their state a century ago.
The Citadelers continue to explore their surroundings, sending expeditions around the upper Keran range and north of their Malkavian and Gamorrean neighbours.
With increasing trade systems developing along the River Dava, the Citadels outpost of Riverfork has developed into a center of trade, exchanging both goods and knowledge.
More barbarians have become aware of Maugot, and some have become convinced that the tall, pale beings are gods. Most, however, are hostile to them.
A Maugotian expedition to the north has uncovered vast, dry plains. The Maugotians dearly hope that their leader doesnt plan to move them there.
A quick succession of weak Gerber kings passed, and it seemed likely that the ancient Cecilid dynasty was about to fall. But that was not to be.
Cecil the Thirtieth was a strong and able man. He built up a considerable army and, gambling that the Moguls would be distracted by the great war to the south and that the Shalamari would also be occupied, attacked Mogulia.
He personally led his forces against Hajan III of the Moguls. This Hajan, unlike his father and grandfather, was not a warrior. He preferred the luxuries of his capital.
His armies, lacking a skilled leader, were pushed back quickly, and once again the Mogulian fields were occupied. Cecil realized the ineptitude of his adversary, but realized very well the dangers of over extending himself. So he returned a small amount of the occupied lands to the Moguls and signed a peace deal. Hajan III willingly signed it, and many of his people have been infuriated by this.
(-2000 Gerber Spearmen, -2000 Mogul Spearmen, +Gerber Confidence, -Mogul Confidence)
Tristaria has been subjected to further pressure from Veritas to make the Church of the one their official religion. They have once again declared that their countrys people are free to practice whatever religion they want. Mild discontent arose from some Tristarian followers of the Church of the One, but nothing serious. Relations between Veritas and Tristaria are beginning to sour.
Veritas has received shipments of Bronze from Emor, and been instructed on how to work it. Bronze has become the most used metal in Veritas military, and will soon be ubiquitous.
(Veritas enters Bronze Age)
The reconstruction of Veritas has begun properly. Using some of the materials pillaged from Khemri, this great project has gone off to a fast start.
At the tip of the peninsula south of Emor, a Veritasian colony named Sempronia, after the successor of Stratikrator Strategius.
Gorin has borrowed ideas of creating hotter forges from the Gerbers, and combining this with their well developed metalworking skills have successfully created and utilized bronze.
(Gorin enters Bronze Age)
But all of what had happened throughout the rest of the world was next to nothing when compared to the great war between Veritas and Khemri.
While Veritas was dismantling the cities of the Khim delta, Nurmafer fought desperately against their invaders. While their enemies had previously been the predictable Khemri, Rhama Khemr IV had recalled his forces to fight off Veritas, replacing the besiegers with the forces of Shalamari and Gorin, who Nurmafer had next to no knowledge of.
Shalamari surrounded the central cities of Nurmafer, systematically and constantly probing for weaknesses. At the same time, the forces of Gorin moved into the mountains.
The fall of Turfar was at hand. Shalamari found a weak spot in Nurmafers fortifications, which were stretched to the breaking point and then some. They surged in, and while suffering high losses, established a foothold beyond the fortifications.
Seeing this, General Kerzan Mathani of Gorin charged down from the mountains with his wild Bajos and the rest of his force.
Mennodius and the Nurmaferi garrison put up a heroic fight, with many details lost to history. For while they had recorded everything that had happened, once he realized that defeat was inevitable; Mennodius torched the massive Temple of Otornos and the government buildings which held Nurmafers complete history. Fires spread, and after several days of inferno the great city was reduced to ashes and rubble. Nurmafers only hope now lay in the hands of Anarion Ororucin, son of Mennodius.
Anarion would not do what his fathers previous wish for him had been, to flee to the west. He was going to fight for every inch. And even retake some.
Mustering the remenants of the Nurmaferi army, Anarion moved north to break the siege of the holy land. Upon his arrival, he was dismayed to see that Turfar was ruined. His mind set firmly on vengeance from that moment on. He swore to avenge his father and his holy city. It seemed that his chance would come quite soon
(-1000 Gorinese Bajos, -2000 Shalamari Spearmen, -2000 Shalamari Phalanx, -1000 Nurmaferi Archers, -1000 Nurmaferi Temple Guards, -Guitar, -Turfar)
After completing the destruction of the Khim delta, the Veritasian army abandoned theses lands, seized vast stores of grain and other foodstuffs, and marched inland.
At the same time, much of their navy attempted to advance up past the delta into the River Khim. This proved to be an unwise tactical decision. Their large and powerful Galleys and Biremes, while deadly in open seas, were very unwieldy in rivers. Khemris river boat fleet, recalled from the upper river, repeatedly pushed Veritas ships back downstream. Veritas had to content itself with a stalemate on the river.
But it could content itself with several victories on land. Veritas made a landing on the south side of the Khim delta, brushing away the relatively weak Khemri defenses. Apparently, Rhama Khemr IV had apparently opted to avoid combat against a vastly larger force. Regular night raids took a toll on Veritasian numbers and morale, but were not enough to stop Veritas. But these raids caused problems for the invaders, in that any city they conquered would soon fall back into Khemri hands. Not wanting to risk Veritasian morale by having their back door cut off, the Stratikrator decided to leave garrisons in the occupied cities.
Gradually, the army of Veritas advanced further and further into Khemri and eventually Nurmafer. Veritas was greeted joyously by the liberated Nurmaferis, and numerous Nurmaferi partisans joined Veritas in its westward march.
After some futile searching, Veritas got a break. Word reached them of Anarion Ororucin and his advance on the Nurmaferi holy land. The chance for a decisive battle was here. Veritas seized it
(-5 Veritasian Biremes, -10 Khemri River Boats)
So, at the city of Guitar, straddling the southernmost tributary of the River Khim, did the allies of Khemri and Veritas meet in battle. Gorin and Shalamari held the northern shore of the river. Anarion and his Nurmaferi forces were on the southern shore. To his east, the Veritasians and their Nurmaferi militia approached. And further to the east Rhama Khemr IV and his ragged army shadowed Veritas.
Roughly 30 000 men were fighting in this battle, each side with roughly the same number of troops and similar levels of technology.
Pleasantries and outrageous peace demands were shouted from all sides. Then a Nurmaferi arrow killed the Shalamari officer shouting demands on behalf of the allies of Khemri. The battle was on.
Shalamari hurried its Phalanxes across the river and set up defensive positions. Gorin quickly backed them up. Nurmaferi Ramids charged through the citys streets, but were repeatedly turned back by disciplined pikework.
The Veritasian army struck at the Phalanxes on the western bridge with their Latismen, to good effect. Gorinese Bajos quickly moved up to counter Veritas, and a great axe battle took place, with heavy casualties on both sides. Eventually, Veritas retreated their Latismen to maintain a good anti-phalanx unit for later.
Khemri archers began to hassle Veritas right flank, distracting more Veritasian forces from the battle.
Frustrated with the failure of his Ramids, Anarion Ororucin personally led the Nurmaferi Temple Guards against the Shalamari Phalanxes on the Eastern Bridge. Several attacks wore down Shalamari forces, taking little toll on Nurmfae. But Bajos once again forced the Nufmafer back. Anarion retreated angrily.
Veritas, realizing that its tactics werent working, switched its plans. An attack was feinted against the eastern bridge, then the real attack fell on the center. Veritas fought viciously, and won the bridge, putting the battle back onto Shalamari and Gorins side. The attack caused chaos on the Shalamari side, allowing Veritas to advance further into the city.
Shalamari struggled to retake the bridge chokepoint, but it was too late. Veritas was getting over too fast now. The Veritasian floodgates had opened.
On all fronts, things started to go well for Veritas and Nurmafer. People who had been cowering in their houses began to organize and fight the Shalamari and Gorin.
Seeing that the tides of the battle had turned badly against them, Gorin and Shalamari set fire to several buildings and retreated back into the mountains.
Nurmafer and Veritas celebrated their victory. But the war was still far from over. In Khemri, the people rebel as much as they had in Nurmafer when Khemri occupied. Khemris army has taken minimal losses, and takes a large toll on Veritas and Nurmafers numbers. Shalamari and Gorin still have powerful armies in heavily fortified areas.
The great Nurmaferi war, which now involves far more than just Khemri and Nurmafer, can still easily go either way. Both nations have had their capitals and ancient holy lands destroyed. Both hunger for vengeance. The future is impossible to predict.
(-5 Nurmaferi Ramids, -2000 Nurmaferi Temple Guards, -3000 Shalamari Phalanxes, -1000 Shalamari Spearmen, -2000 Gorinese Bajos, -3000 Veritasian Latismen, -2000 Veritasian Spearmen)
*****
Phew. That was a LOOOONG update. And I listened to best of U2, in case you're wondering. She moves in mysterious ways... Anyhoo:
Notes: I accidentally forgot to make Dava an economic center. Sorry. Just imagine that it is.
Silver Steak
The Ghost of SS
He ignored mine as well. Deal with it.
EDIT: AND YOU SHALL PAY, VERITAS!
EDIT: AND YOU SHALL PAY, VERITAS!
soul_warrior
Termite!
and i have just sent my orders 
nevermind.
i think you can still add that to my stats, Iggy, as it only involes myself just now. (and malkavia)
nevermind.
i think you can still add that to my stats, Iggy, as it only involes myself just now. (and malkavia
)
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
Wow, great update Iggy!
From: Veritas
To: Khemri
We repeat our earlier offer. Withdraw from Nurmafer, and we will have peace. See how much suffering has been inflicted by your first refusal...it would be a great shame for Khemri to be destroyed.
From: Veritas
To: Khemri
We repeat our earlier offer. Withdraw from Nurmafer, and we will have peace. See how much suffering has been inflicted by your first refusal...it would be a great shame for Khemri to be destroyed.
Wubba360
Emperor
Great Update!
To: Swade
From: Myocaca
We propose a defensive alliance and cease the quarrels along our borders so that we may become a coallition dedicated to the expansion of Bladeism.
To: Swade
From: Myocaca
We propose a defensive alliance and cease the quarrels along our borders so that we may become a coallition dedicated to the expansion of Bladeism.
alex994
Hail Divine Emperor!
Excellent update 
Now to plot... Stats will be up soon I hope? 
Now to plot... Stats will be up soon I hope?
Silver Steak
The Ghost of SS
Thlayli said:
Yours is not an offer. It is a demand. What gives you right to meddle in the affairs of Khemri? We see through your attempts to veil your true agenda: to spread your influence and dominance to the entire world. The war you wage is not for the liberation of Nurmafer, but rather a demonstration of your military might and determination. Naturally, you will succeed in intimidating nations to bow to your will, but Shalamari stands defiantly against you till the end.
You cannot justify yourselves when faced with the sufferings you have caused with your invasion of Khemri, let alone blame it all on Khemri's attack on Nurmafer. What different is the Nurmaferian war from your First War against Zibon? Did you not ultimately seek to expand and conquer? Would you have surrendered if Kalmar had taken over your capital and dismantled it in order to prevent you from conquering Zibon? It is past time that you realize what your true motives are, and act accordingly.
Shalamari has only one intention with this war: to liberate Khemri from Veritas and honor the Crystal Alliance. As long as there are Veritasian forces in Khemri we will fight them. We only hope that you are wise and honest enough to admit your faults and stop being patronizing and self-righteous. If what you truly wish for is peace - and let it be known that we indeed doubt this - you will do so. Only then can peace be discussed in a meaningful manner.
I might, I'll have a look.
But the orders were two days late.
Yeah, sorry about not being totally true to some of your tactics. Firstly, there were several long order sets I was wading through. Secondly, I was very tired.
Thirdly, I thought it out thoroughly before and that would have been the result anyway. I just didn't mention some things.
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
Veritas addressed no communication to Shalamari. It's very easy to throw idealistic phrases around, though, when your people aren't suffering.
No nation doesn't try to expand its power, anyone who says otherwise is a fool. Shalamari is no exception, though it has perhaps been a bit less successful it its own past. Veritas has never intended to annex any Khemran territory, but we will erase Khemri from Tellus if they continue to refuse us.
Likewise, if Nurmafer had invaded Khemri, which was on the brink of collapse, we would have aided them, had they asked us.
The simple truth is that this all would have been avoided if Khemri agreed to peace. If they refuse again, punishment will be inflicted.
No nation doesn't try to expand its power, anyone who says otherwise is a fool. Shalamari is no exception, though it has perhaps been a bit less successful it its own past. Veritas has never intended to annex any Khemran territory, but we will erase Khemri from Tellus if they continue to refuse us.
Likewise, if Nurmafer had invaded Khemri, which was on the brink of collapse, we would have aided them, had they asked us.
The simple truth is that this all would have been avoided if Khemri agreed to peace. If they refuse again, punishment will be inflicted.
Oruc
Reactionary
Invading me was he?
