Events in Turn 1:
No more than few months have passed since Age of Ice ended, but hostilities already broke out.
Cassiel's settlers went on to colonize a province they named Kalm(#21) when settlers found out that an outpost was already under constuction by Kuriotates, who came there just few days earlier. Since Cardith ordered some militia troops to be trained, they quickly came to the area and gave the Kurios the second advantage, besides time.
Grigori didn't back down. They still hold their part of the province and no side can claim that they control region completely.
Kuriotates invested small amounts of gold and sent their ambassadors to all nations of the world. They all bring gifts and good wishes, and hopes of cooperation. The world is slightly more sympathetic towards Kurios, as they currently have slightly more prestige. If Grigori did the same, they could turn this to their advantage.
Ambassador that went to Midgar said that province is a core part of Kuriotates territory and that they do not intend to leave it, in any case, and that is best for Grigori to abandon it if they don't want conflict.
However, he also spread the word about peace, and suggested that Kurios and Grigori can and should live in harmony. He offered an Open Borders agreement to Cassiel.
Another ambassador went to Luchuirp lands, and suggested that their people should be closer together and in good relations. He offered to divide lands between this two nations: Province 40 should be Kuriotates, and 39 Luchuirp, and mountain range in between.
Those two nations are all allowed to make their second colonization attempt this turn
Other nations are encouraged to make their stand on the issue
All others, please send orders in next 24 hours. I suggest reading entire 1st post, as some things were changed or explained better.
Latter on, the update:
[map link required]
Conflict Resolved Peacefully
Tensions suddenly faded when Cassiel ordered his settlers to turn away and settle another province. This was a bit unexpected move by many citizens as war probably wouldn't break out so easily even if both sides persisted for a while. Still, there is a sigh of relief in both countries as peace and reason found their way at least for now.
Grigori issued second colonization order, Kuriotates went through with first one. Decision to allow second expansion this turn is revoked
Reaction among Kuriotate empire is positive ad confidence in leader increases. Kuriotates gain +1 stability
Grigori can choose to let this go (no effect) or to encourage revanchist movement (gain one free militia division and lose -1 stablitiy)
The Grigori chose to let it go...[/QUOTE]
Turn Two
The world at turn 3. Enjoy!
Update during Turn 3
Grigori adventurers visit the cave of Groedilnn and seek it's riches. After many fights and struggles, which they likely wouldn't survive if Cassiel hadn't generously supplied with potions and equipment, they have found treasury worth of 75 gold, which can be sold or divided amongst populace for +5 stability. They also found ancient scroll of Call Animal. Scroll can be used to permanently summon a regiment of Bears at any time in the future during your turn, at no cost (You still have to pay their maintenace once they are summoned). They have also found Amulet of Shadows, which makes wearer invisible when in darkness. It slightly increases spy efficiency for owning civ.
These two items can be freely sold to another civ. Perhaps someone is willing to offer gold or technology to Grigori to gain possesion of these precious items?
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Balseraph people are angry that they do not know not the secrets of Arts. If they do not obtain them in next 3 turns (until turn 6) they will suffer unrest. If they do obtain them, stability increase that the Arts give will be doubled (+6 instead of +3)
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As Luchuirp empire grows, there is much discussion about relationships amongst new city states. The question is how much authority should each city state have? Most agree that the army and foreign policy should be united, but what about trade and internal business? How independent should they be from capitol?
It's on leader to make the decision. More authority to each city state gives more income, and less authority will cause stability drop and unhappiness. But have in mind that decision will affect future events in the empire. It is also possible to completely change government type into something else.
Turn 4
As more seasons have passed, Erebus seemed to be without war. Only far on north, in province know amongst scholars and cartographers as "Province 23", few Orcish tribes started to fight among themselves. A minority of Orcs loyal to Cassiel attacked a majority of other tribes in province. Majority claims that Cassiel bribed those few Orc leaders in province with gold and promises of power, and that no true Orc will ever give up worshiping Bhall and accept godless Grigori rule of antitheism.
There might be some truth in their claims, as Grigori army is indeed present in province, but it's also true that their army has not engaged in single fight yet. It remains to see how this will develop.
Some Orcs call upon Kuriotates and the Boy-King to save them. They heard stories about great tolerance in their kingdom and freedom that servants of Cardith enjoy, but most Orcish elders shun any foreign government and desire to rule themselves. In any case, dire times of strife await all inhabitants of the province.
Nations have once more expanded, and now many share land borders with each other. Trade will soon become the most potent source of income for almost all nations of the world.
Turn 4 Report
A New Religion
A new religion, The Order Of Junil, appeared on Erebus. Their faith spreads rapidly and followers diligently work to spread their word. So far it has spread to Kuriotate lands, where it had Significant success in converting the populace and no problems or tensions were reported. Still, number of followers is far less than one half.
Order spread to Khazad and Luchuirp lands, where it had Moderate success and no problems were reported. Khazad were even less influenced than Luchuirp, as their faith in Kilmorph is strong.
Order also spread to Amurite lands, where it was immediately repressed, so it keeps spreading in silence, its members hiding from government and working on overthrow of corrupted magocracy.
Barbarian activity
Barbarian activity was reported in some unowned provinces. It was usually about one militia regiment of rowing barbarians, and usually Orcs, though in one province tribes of desert dwelling human nomads called Malakim were reported. Civilizations of Erebus should be aware. A map shows dangerous areas:
Colonization map at start of turn 5:
Turn 5 has come to an end and the biggest news is that trade routes were opened. This will bring in a huge quantities of income for all parties involved.
Balseraph empire seem to become a center of trade and prosperity. Carnivals are always open and full and games are hosted daily. People are happy, enjoying not only in being fed and sheltered, but also in precious luxuries and entertainment, a rare feat in these days on Erebus. Their government seems to be extremely stable. This is all possible because of tremendous income that Balseraphs are making - merchants and farmers are all rich. This is a remarkable age and some even begin to call it a Golden Age of Baseraphs.
Some have foreseen that and ordered their trade routes away from Balseraphs. Khazad and Grigori agreed not to send merchants to Balseraphs but instead to each other.
A great Somnium tournament was held in Khazad empire. Khazad fully financed travels and accommodation for all who played, and Marcell of Summerspring, an adept from Amurite empire, won the tournament. Amurites are thrilled and winner became hero overnight. Balseraphs were less fortunate. Angry at the defeat of all their contestants, they claim that contest was rigged and demand that their King must host the next Somnium tournament as soon as possible. That new tournament must be even more grandiose than those that cheapskate dwarves did.
While many celebrate and become distracted by such entertainment, reality is much harsher for those who live in Shazaak province. There has been another incident and another revolt, as some less prominent figures of the Salvation movement begun to turn their backs on it and returned to violence. This undermined Salvationists efforts and various groups of Orcs again rose to arms, and Grigori army responded with violence. As order is being restored, a feeling that foreign spies actually funded this disturbance is all-pervasive. Nothing can be proven, though.
Khazad gain +2 stability for hosting the tournament.
Amurites gain +1 stability for winning the tournamnet.
Balseraphs have to either host another Somnium tournament in next 3 turns that will cost at least 15 gold or lose -1 stability
Grigori lose -1 stability, -5 gold and can't build anything in Shazaak this turn.
Turn 6 Report
Beginning of Turn 7
Astrologers report: Blazing Sword
Astrologers report that constellation of Blazing Sword moved into prominence. These 5 bright red stars are sacred to Camulos, God of War, and sages report that this means a period of wars and bloodshed. Attacking armies are more efficient, Orcs are more active, more blood is spilled in battles, and people are upset at this sign.
-2 stability for all empires
City State of Tia'Ran
Magistrates of Luchuirp city state of Tia'Ran seem to be discontent that large amount of their money is pouring to the Royal Treasury, but they seem to get none of it back. No building, village or farm was constructed in the area for a long time and no gold coin has returned to them, so they feel like their gold is wasted in filling a coffers of Mutambo or Ithralia.
To combat this, they have used their rights as a city state and have made several trade deals with prominent Khazad aristocrats. Their gold is now pouring towards Khazad and not Luchuirp coffers. Even worse, if this trend continues, Tia'Ran might feel closer to Khazad dwarves than Luchuirp.
Khazad authorities have no influence over this, unless they specifically order to stop this.
Luchuirp: -15 Gold
Khazad: +15 Gold
Luchuirp: -1 Stability
Mutambo Mines
Luchuirp grand investments into their mines in Mutambo finally returned profits, as engineers completed a first set of brand new, extremely deep and efficient mines. And this is only a beginning.
Mutambo: +1 mine
Mutambo: +1 gold from each mine
Amurites and the Order
The Order of Junil, although hidden, managed to grow enough to pose some problems to the government. They launched a series of attack on wizard towers, libraries and even trade routes. Especially if funded by foreign powers, they could grow very strong very quickly. For now, they were dispatched, but not without costs.
Amurites: -3 stability
Grigori education efforts
A richer nobles from the Grigori Empire decided to fund local schools, boosting education and research
Grigori can research next Tier 1 tech for 90 gold
Fights in province #5
There are reports that Balseraph troops were sent to province 5, where barbarian activity is reported. Not much else is known, except that they could be working closely with Khazad, to together eliminate this threat.
Kuriotates refugees
Kuriotates are becoming renown as a shelter to all those running for their lands or simply seeking opportunity for better life or money. This time a famous dwarven bard Rhaeg Morr joined their empire, his songs becoming famous in the empire. Also, many mages running away from the repressive regime in their Amurite homeland join their empire, though most powerful of them are yet expected to come
Kuriotates: +2 stability and +5 gold
Turn 6 Report
Beginning of Turn 7
Astrologers report: Blazing Sword
Astrologers report that constellation of Blazing Sword moved into prominence. These 5 bright red stars are sacred to Camulos, God of War, and sages report that this means a period of wars and bloodshed. Attacking armies are more efficient, Orcs are more active, more blood is spilled in battles, and people are upset at this sign.
-2 stability for all empires
City State of Tia'Ran
Magistrates of Luchuirp city state of Tia'Ran seem to be discontent that large amount of their money is pouring to the Royal Treasury, but they seem to get none of it back. No building, village or farm was constructed in the area for a long time and no gold coin has returned to them, so they feel like their gold is wasted in filling a coffers of Mutambo or Ithralia.
To combat this, they have used their rights as a city state and have made several trade deals with prominent Khazad aristocrats. Their gold is now pouring towards Khazad and not Luchuirp coffers. Even worse, if this trend continues, Tia'Ran might feel closer to Khazad dwarves than Luchuirp.
Khazad authorities have no influence over this, unless they specifically order to stop this.
Luchuirp: -15 Gold
Khazad: +15 Gold
Luchuirp: -1 Stability
Mutambo Mines
Luchuirp grand investments into their mines in Mutambo finally returned profits, as engineers completed a first set of brand new, extremely deep and efficient mines. And this is only a beginning.
Mutambo: +1 mine
Mutambo: +1 gold from each mine
Amurites and the Order
The Order of Junil, although hidden, managed to grow enough to pose some problems to the government. They launched a series of attack on wizard towers, libraries and even trade routes. Especially if funded by foreign powers, they could grow very strong very quickly. For now, they were dispatched, but not without costs.
Amurites: -3 stability
Grigori education efforts
A richer nobles from the Grigori Empire decided to fund local schools, boosting education and research
Grigori can research next Tier 1 tech for 90 gold
Fights in province #5
There are reports that Balseraph troops were sent to province 5, where barbarian activity is reported. Not much else is known, except that they could be working closely with Khazad, to together eliminate this threat.
Kuriotates refugees
Kuriotates are becoming renown as a shelter to all those running for their lands or simply seeking opportunity for better life or money. This time a famous dwarven bard Rhaeg Morr joined their empire, his songs becoming famous in the empire. Also, many mages running away from the repressive regime in their Amurite homeland join their empire, though most powerful of them are yet expected to come
Kuriotates: +2 stability and +5 gold
End of Turn 7
Beginning of Turn 8
Amurite Caswallen dead, country facing civil war
Thomas the Caswallen, ruler of the Amurites, was found dead in his chamber. No traces of violence were found and most people say he died by natural death but it is not easy for Caswallen to die of old age, especially not if he practiced unholy magic. Some say it was demon pact that caught him, some say assassination.
Either way, his right-hand Tyrion Cavros was viewed as a decent successor by the most powerful mages, so he took the office and proclaimed himself Tyrion the Caswallen. However some saw this as their opportunity, and the country is slinking into the civil war.
On west, Valedia the Even, former Royal Steward and Chancellor gathered it's forces. She is seeking to establish an Aristocratic Republic, as in old ways of the Amurites, and to break off the demonic pacts. She is supported by the lower nobility, mages, merchants and burghers, and partially by the peasants.
On east, Nicholas Cassel gathered followers of the Order, and is seeking to establish a rightful and holy Amurite State. Supported by lower classes of peasants and craftsmen, and by most merchants, they are opposed by almost all aristocrats because of their plans to stamp out all aristocratic privileges and make all equal before the law, and are also viewed with suspicion by most mages for their reliance on priests and not mages.
Either way, hard times are before Amurite people
Famine
Long and dry summer and harsh winter have took their toll, and this season was by far worst one ever seen since the Age of Ice ended.
Soil is infertile, crops are withering and there simply isn't enough food to feed all the starving citizens. Disaster is looming as people die on the streets.
Based on the amount of farms and fisheries opposed to cities and villages, following civilizations have their next turn income reduced, and also stability decreased:
Balseraphs: -3 stability, -10 income
Kahazad: -5 stability, -15 income
Grigori: -5 stability, -15 income
Kuriotates: -2 stability, -10 income
Luchuirp: -4 stability, -15 income
Svartalfarl: -5 stability, -15 income
Lanun: -2 stability, -5 income
Calabim: -2 stability, -5 income
Amurite Refugees seek shelter in Kuriotate lands
Terrified by the war and starvation in their homeland, and lured by the tales of prosperity, many Amurite citizens fled to Kuriotate cities. Many of them are potent mages. This is definitely a bonus for the Kuriotates.
Cost of researching Knowledge of the Ether is reduced by -100 gold for the Kuriotates
Svartalfarl adopt Slavery
In latest days Svartalfarl increase their number of slaves dramatically, and their economy is beginning to feel effects of the cost-free labor. Some of the elves are complaining about this degradation of elvenkind, but few are loud against it.
Svartalfarl have Slavery labor
Svartalfarl lose -1 stability
Somnium tournament results
Latest Somnium tournament held in Balseraph empire was different form the last. Not only it was more lavish, but also hosted a plenty of different Somnium variants with many house rules.
Most prominent four tournaments were won by Balseraph, Svartalfarl, Lanun and Khazad players. Games were commented as fair and no cheating was reported.
Balseraphs +1 stability and +5 gold
Svartalfarl, Lanun and Khazad +1 stability
The epilogue of Luchuirp trade affair
High judges have concluded that no laws of Independent City States were broken when signing agreement with Khazad, and that to demand that traders, both Khazad or Luchuirp be punished is insanity. This demand was, in the first place, brought up by Khazad leader Kandros Fyr, without Luchuirp demand, and the decision was that it would be a treachery to punish own people. Luchuirp have concluded the same.
Either way, as province experienced building-up, dissent is gone and except few lost coins everything returns to normal.
Balseraphs leave Area 5, Khazad enter
Some reported that Balseraphs have abandoned the Desert Province, at the same time Khazad entered. Fights are reported, and it remains to see the results. What is certain is that Khazad could use some extra supplies, like water.
End of Turn 8
Start of Turn 9
Banner of the True Sunrise
Amurite Report
Amurite Civil War is raging on. On the west, Valledia's forces, led by Captain Borcus kept marching towards Cevedes largely without any resistance. Army was reinforcing with volunteers at every liberated village. Finally, when Cevedes itself was in danger Tyrion decided to assemble an army of his most powerful mages and to push Valledia's forces out in single decisive battle.
Borcus had an army of 12.000 men, most of them were peasants with poor equipment, and a core of the army was made of mercenary horsemen that were hired by citizens and merchants that supported Valledia. Tyrion had merely 5.000 men, peasants and foot mercenaries.
But when the battle started, skies darkened and winds rose. Banners of the True Sunrise, new Republic flags without crimson Veil references on them and enchanted to glow at night were now flapping and dancing on the wind. Then hell broke loose from the sky, with raging thunders striking into very heart of Borcus's army.
Tyrion used this fear and confusion and ordered a charge. Backed by seven towering demons from hell itself, he tore through Borcus army like through butter. The rest of the battle was mindless slaying and running for life. Peasants were routing, and Valledia forces were now pushed about 100 miles away and split in two. It took a while before mercenary riders and mage-refugees put an end to this counter-attack.
On east, however, Tyrion front was weakened and Order troops, thousands of milita peasants backed by priests and armored Crusaders, won almost every battle and captured a major Amurite city of Nimarail. Cassel's plan of establishing a Theocracy could become a reality.
Fights in Province 5
Latest invasions finally put an end to the Orc presence in Malakia province, when head of Mar'Ghan, the last Orcish chieftain in the area, was attached and displayed at the top of a large pole.
In the last few weeks, joint Khazad and Balseraph forces worked tirelessly to push out all the Orcs, at the delight of Malakim tribes in the area. Khazad were putting their extra water supplies to a good use, and their Bear regiments tore through anything they encountered like a powerful Knights would. Also, Paramanders did a good job and sent many Orcs to Bhall. Balseraph forces were not much worse.
Now, it remains a question about what shall happen, as no side asserted a total control over province and native dark skinned tribes are grateful, but now wish that their deserts are once again really theirs. They don't like the stories about Mad King's behavior and shocking hedonism of his people, and they don't trust the small creatures of the underworld either. Either way, they are not numerous enough that it would even matter if either side decided to force take the province, and both sides are safer than they were few months ago.
Balseraph and Khazad +1 stability
Balseraphs Adopt Slavery
Though slavery was always legal in Balseraph kingdom, slaves were mainly used as servants and in carnivals. This changed today when first slaves - captured Orc soldiers arrived in Grand Jubilee and were put to hard construction work. Many new laws were also issued, that allowed enslavement of those who couldn't pay their debts, enslavement of murders, thieves, those who insulted the God King and so on. People are worried about harsh new laws, and that thy could be next.
-1 stabilty for Balseraphs and Labor changed to Slavery
Balseraph Religious Unrests
There is a growing religious unrest among the Balseraph populace. Most of the population is unhappy that state religion is one with a smallest number of followers. They know nothing about Water God nor about Overlords, they feel no connection to them and do not care about their priests. Most have never seen a priest, but they have heard stories about some unholy ceremonies.
Almost one half of population follows a Perpentach's personality cult and actually believes that he is a God. Large part of population follows no religion or honors some pagan gods. They envy Grigori agnosticism and enjoy lives on their own. Despite missionaries, Order or Runes or Empyrean are not popular. Only every tenth citizens worships Overlords.
They see a solution in their northern friends example - Kuriotates. They wish that Perpentach issued an edict that would guarantee a religious freedom to all citizens.
If edict is issued, at the cost of 30 gold, Balseraphs would gain +2 stability, change religion to No State Religion/Religious Freedom and cultural values to Liberty/Consumption. Kuriotates would also gain +1 stability.
If Overlords remain a state religion then more unrests could happen.
Other solutions, like adopting a personality cult, are possible.
Prespur Gem Mines
Gem mines in Calabim city of Prespur are subject of tales on entire Erebus. Their wealth is immense. But today Prespur is mentioned for another reason.
Although miners work there tirelessly, bringing in great wealth, there simply isn't enough food to feed all the miners and citizens in the province. There is need for more labor, but they can't come and work if they have nothing to eat. Governors hope that there will be enough reason in their lords' heads to build more farms, as this is a simply waste of potential.
Calabim lose 1 gold due to Prespur's commerce limit
Ardor
Grigori have completed their great project of casting Ardor. Spirits of Grigori people are renewed and refreshed, and so is the entire Grigori administration and government, purged from corruption and once again full of new ideas.
Grigori stability restored to 100 and they are able to build two more free cities
Svartalfarl slave raids
Svartalfarl hunters are attempting slave raids in the barbarian province on the east. They managed to catch many Orcs that strayed away from their camps. Slaves are a great commodity to sell on Svartalfarl new slave market, and they are also providing a valuable experience for the Svartalfarl hunters. They however had no luck in capturing an Orcish chieftain.
+5 gold for Svartalfarl, and Hunter regiment will fight slightly better in the future
Pirates
A damaged Lanun ship moored into Luchuirp harbor. Ship was attacked by the pirates, unknown ships with black sails. Lanun crew barely escaped, using their superior speed and seamanship, but were severely damaged by arrows and in ramming and boarding attempts. Also, similar ships with blacks sails were seen near Grigori coasts, and also near Lanun isles, where they tried to raid fishing boats, but were stopped by Lanun navy.
Dire times are ahead
Luchuirp Alleviate Famine
Luchuirp have sent gold to every city state, to help those that were hurt by famine. Many people were saved thanks to this efforts, and economy is returning to normal faster than expected. To prevent famine from occuring ever again, large granaries were built that will feed it's citizens in case that famine ever strikes again. Floods and stroms are rare in Luchuirp lands, but infestations and droughts are not, so this will with no doubt help whenever season is not as good as expected.
+3 stability for Luchuirp
Svartalfarl Trade Boom
Increased production and consumption finally show in Svartalfarl Empire, so they gain a new trade route to their use. Many new merchants entered in the business and generally wealth is growing.
Svart gain new trade route
Call other mails NES or whatever, but keep final orders one special. If you change your orders or add something to them, copy all other orders in that new mail as well, so that I again have only one mail per player.
