Fall From Heaven NES
- Thread starter TheJopa
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orangelex44
Partisan
From The Lanun: A Landlubber's Guide
Geography
The geography of the Lanun empire can be roughly split into five parts: the Central Islands, North End, Oosnam, Hammerfel Island, and Rinwel Isle.
The Central Islands (Iriniya, Treacher's Land, and Laniya) are the heartland of the Lanun. Slightly more than three-fifths of Lanun citizens occupy these three islands. Each of them are very similar - rather dry weather, poor soil, and hilly interiors. Very little grows here, and crops are poor exceptions for olives and grapes. While there are a few shepherds among the Lanun, the interiors of the islands are harsh enough that even herding is rare. Luckily, the seas around the islands are extremely rich, providing the food that the land can't. There are many coral reefs along the Central Sea and Treacher's Bay, making for excellent fishing and pearl-diving. Well, excellent for those few that are skilled enough to sail through them.
While in general the three islands are pretty similar, there are some differences. Irinya is the largest by far, but has the smallest population. It is the dryest island, and furthest away from the rich fishing reefs - meaning that food is tough to come by, and for many parts of the island clean water is a problem as well. The vast interior is pretty much unoccupied, with most people collected in small villages along the coasts. The people of Irinya, called Irin, are known for very individualistic personalities.
Treacher's Land is very nearly the complete opposite of Irinya. The smallest island, it has the largest population of three as well as the wettest climate. Few rainstorms come off of Treacher's Sea, but the ones that do are very harsh. The Lanun capitol of Dunwich is located at the northern end of the island.
Laniya is located in between Treacher's Land to the north and Irinya to the south. It is very much in the middle, in terms of population, size, location, and production. Kingsport, the former capitol, is located on it's southern edge. It is unknown whether the Lanun take their name from Laniya, or whether it was the other way around.
If the Central Islands are the heartland, North End is the breadbasket. Unlike the majority of Lanun lands, fishing isn't the main occupation of North Enders - farming is. Weakened rainstorms from the north combine with rich rivers from the south to make near-perfect growing conditions. Unlike the Wastelands of the Bad Prince to the south, North End has very rich soil. The foods that cannot grow on the islands are farmed here, giving the Lanun a supply of grains and meats. The population isn't very dense, but North End is large enough that it accounts for about a sixth of the total population.
Oosnam is once again very different from the rest of the Lanun empire. Unlike the Central Isles, Oosnam and the Windy Isles are quite flat and gets plenty of rain. Oosnam, though, does not worry itself too much about farming - the main crop grown here is timber. The population is still sparse by Central Islands standards, but on Oosnam a larger percentage lives off the coast. A fifth of the Lanun people live here, and they are known for insularity.
Hammerfel Island has a rather unfortunate location. It lies very far north, at the mouth of the Sea of Tywer and terribly close to Mulcarm's Shards. Even worse, it gets lots of rain - and in the winter, snow. Very few live here, but those who do are known for... aggressive dispositions.
Rinwel Isle lies to the south of Erebus. The weather there is radically different from the rest of the empire. Instead of relatively steady rainfalls, it has a rainy season and a dry season. In the rainy season, the isle basically empties as everyone moves to the mainland or to Oosnam. It is a relatively new part of the Lanun empire, and has yet to get a sizeable population.
Geography
The geography of the Lanun empire can be roughly split into five parts: the Central Islands, North End, Oosnam, Hammerfel Island, and Rinwel Isle.
The Central Islands (Iriniya, Treacher's Land, and Laniya) are the heartland of the Lanun. Slightly more than three-fifths of Lanun citizens occupy these three islands. Each of them are very similar - rather dry weather, poor soil, and hilly interiors. Very little grows here, and crops are poor exceptions for olives and grapes. While there are a few shepherds among the Lanun, the interiors of the islands are harsh enough that even herding is rare. Luckily, the seas around the islands are extremely rich, providing the food that the land can't. There are many coral reefs along the Central Sea and Treacher's Bay, making for excellent fishing and pearl-diving. Well, excellent for those few that are skilled enough to sail through them.
While in general the three islands are pretty similar, there are some differences. Irinya is the largest by far, but has the smallest population. It is the dryest island, and furthest away from the rich fishing reefs - meaning that food is tough to come by, and for many parts of the island clean water is a problem as well. The vast interior is pretty much unoccupied, with most people collected in small villages along the coasts. The people of Irinya, called Irin, are known for very individualistic personalities.
Treacher's Land is very nearly the complete opposite of Irinya. The smallest island, it has the largest population of three as well as the wettest climate. Few rainstorms come off of Treacher's Sea, but the ones that do are very harsh. The Lanun capitol of Dunwich is located at the northern end of the island.
Laniya is located in between Treacher's Land to the north and Irinya to the south. It is very much in the middle, in terms of population, size, location, and production. Kingsport, the former capitol, is located on it's southern edge. It is unknown whether the Lanun take their name from Laniya, or whether it was the other way around.
If the Central Islands are the heartland, North End is the breadbasket. Unlike the majority of Lanun lands, fishing isn't the main occupation of North Enders - farming is. Weakened rainstorms from the north combine with rich rivers from the south to make near-perfect growing conditions. Unlike the Wastelands of the Bad Prince to the south, North End has very rich soil. The foods that cannot grow on the islands are farmed here, giving the Lanun a supply of grains and meats. The population isn't very dense, but North End is large enough that it accounts for about a sixth of the total population.
Oosnam is once again very different from the rest of the Lanun empire. Unlike the Central Isles, Oosnam and the Windy Isles are quite flat and gets plenty of rain. Oosnam, though, does not worry itself too much about farming - the main crop grown here is timber. The population is still sparse by Central Islands standards, but on Oosnam a larger percentage lives off the coast. A fifth of the Lanun people live here, and they are known for insularity.
Hammerfel Island has a rather unfortunate location. It lies very far north, at the mouth of the Sea of Tywer and terribly close to Mulcarm's Shards. Even worse, it gets lots of rain - and in the winter, snow. Very few live here, but those who do are known for... aggressive dispositions.
Rinwel Isle lies to the south of Erebus. The weather there is radically different from the rest of the empire. Instead of relatively steady rainfalls, it has a rainy season and a dry season. In the rainy season, the isle basically empties as everyone moves to the mainland or to Oosnam. It is a relatively new part of the Lanun empire, and has yet to get a sizeable population.
Nice. You may want to add that Treacher's sea is marked by extreme tidal differences, and many coral reefs that wait careless sailors who often run ashore when sea suddenly pulls back. Storms that seem to appear out of nothing are also legendary and sea seems to betray the sailors, hence the name of the sea.
Ekolite
Deity
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2007
- Messages
- 5,451
The Calabim require the Amurite Senators to decide whether or not they will be signing the Treaty of Man or not, surely you have examined it enough now? We stress that any misprints and unclear parts of the treaty were not there to mislead the Amurites and were simply mistakes and misunderstandings which have now been corrected.
Do you require any other ammendments?
Do you require any other ammendments?
orangelex44
Partisan
Ah.... you meant to call it Treacherous Sea!
(treacherous means dangerous; labeling it Treachers's Sea means that it is named after someone named Treacher)
Grammar aside, don't change it. Calling it Treacher's Sea makes it more interesting, in my mind - I was going to maybe involve Treacher in a coming history as an explorer.
Either way, I'll add that stuff in.
(treacherous means dangerous; labeling it Treachers's Sea means that it is named after someone named Treacher)
Grammar aside, don't change it. Calling it Treacher's Sea makes it more interesting, in my mind - I was going to maybe involve Treacher in a coming history as an explorer.
Either way, I'll add that stuff in.
Hmmm, I knew 'Treacherous' was correct, but I though that 'a treacher' is a correct word for a man doing treachery. Guess I was wrong.
orangelex44
Partisan
No, that's a "traitor". English is a stupid language.
orangelex44
Partisan
They're not technically the same root. Traitor is from Latin; treachery is from the French.
On the other hand, my dictionary now tells me that "treacher" is, in fact, an English word. It's just obsolete (no longer used), but it meant pretty much what you thought.
On the other hand, my dictionary now tells me that "treacher" is, in fact, an English word. It's just obsolete (no longer used), but it meant pretty much what you thought.
Immaculate
unerring
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2003
- Messages
- 7,623
The Coup:
Turn 16: An Opportunity
Part Five: Senate Resumes
The observant amongst you will notice that there is no part four to the story. Part four is a secret story that wont be published until the last of the coup series is completed- all for dramatic effect of course
Minister Camil normally loved meetings of the senate. He loved the cool marble seats, the raucous and often highly animated debates, the tension of an important vote. He even loved the intrigue and secret dealings that often accompanied the voting process. They called him the father of the republic and though he had never admitted it, Yilderum Camil took an immense satisfaction from knowing the truth of that statement. He was from an older generation, one that remembered the horror of the Amurite civil wars and many thought that he was directly responsible for reassembling the failed state in the aftermath of that war. He took satisfaction in that thought also. It was he who had reconciled the warring factions, given them power to share between them and had given birth to the idea of representation. He so loved the entire idea of representation, the fairness, the inclusiveness of it, that he had pushed to extend it to the masses. His ideas of one man/one vote had been too radical for the other senators at the time, but still, he had achieved in one lifetime what no other man could have. Every man and woman in Amurite society was directly involved in government, in deciding the fate of the nation. It was a beautiful and poetic concept.
And now it was spreading. The Calabim king had drafted a questionably reasonable treaty that would see domestic power shared with a council of man. Silently and slowly, the minister mouthed the words, council of man the words conveyed images of promise, of progressive thought and inclusiveness. If he had a been a religious man, Yilderum would offer a prayer to its success.
Though minister Camil normally enjoyed the senatorial meetings, today was different. The last meeting had been two weeks ago and, in the midst of voting on the Calabim embargo, one renegade priest had attacked and killed his patriarch, an act of blasphemy and treachery against both church and senate if he had ever seen one. Today, at the site of the crime a large intricately woven amber carpet had been spread. Presumably the stains of blood and spellcraft had not washed from the polished marble floor.
The act had tarnished the senate in other ways as well. Senatorial conclaves had not been held since the act and for two weeks over 30 of the senators, including the first speaker Rodrick Bellissam had apparently just vanished from the face of Erebus and now, here there were, ready to meet again as if they had never gone missing. The senators stood huddled in groups, whispering quietly to themselves, no doubt trying to win over opinions and votes regarding the Calabim embargo, the issue which had still to be decided.
Senatorial Minister Camil was confident that the embargo would be halted. He had shared his correspondence with the Calabim king with several of the senators and most were impressed with the spirit, if not the wording of the treaty. Maybe today wouldnt be so bad after all Yilderum thought.
First speaker Bellisam brought the senate to order in his customarily cold-voiced manner and quickly brought the senate to the issue of the Calabim embargo, As you all remember, two weeks ago our vote regarding the Calabim embargo was rudely interrupted by the petty theatrics of imbecilic priests. These coolly delivered words brought gasps from throughout the audience. Why was the first speaker insulting the priesthood so openly? He had always sought to treat them well so as to retain their support for his fragile government. Was he so insulted by their attack on the republic and its government that he was willing to throw all that away? Yilderum was confused. Some game was afoot; normally he wouldnt mind- he had instigated plenty of backroom deals in his day, but this worried him, not the least because he had not been informed of any backroom deals. The feeling of having been left out of the real politics of the amurite senate left a queasy and disquieting feeling in his gut.
The head of the Amurite senate continued, Today, we will not be voting on the Calabim embargo. It seems that several senators wish to vote on a related issue
Yilderum nodded to senator Aygun, a friend of his with whom he shared many opinions and a love for the representative system. No words were spoken and yet the message was clear. Aygun stepped forward, First speaker Bellisam, he rotated to speak to the entirety of the senatorial chambers. Aygun was truly a gifted rhetorician and a fine statesman Yilderum thought and he could not help but be a little proud of his friend and protégé. You cannot simply ignore the proposal brought before the senate. There are traditions, customs to uphold. In these troubled times we must cling to what protects us, what defines us.
Rodrick was undaunted, Once you hear the issue we are to vote on, I am sure you will understand why the calabim embargo will prove itself of little importance. I cede the floor to Turusan Erkan so that we may here his proposal.
A stout bald-headed man with a sure manner and confident voice stepped towards the podium. Turusan Erkan was a fairly minor senator. He was an accomplished mage but was voted to his post by virtue of the support of the population of a Nimarail urban district. He was normally classified as an independent but was known to have allies both amongst the Radical Academics and amongst the Sunrise League. Despite these leanings, he represented common craftsmen, tradesmen and the poor and destitute. His position was a fine example of political balancing that many of the senators had grown quite proficient at. Yilderum leaned in to hear what he had to propose that was so important.
Fellow senators, representatives of Amurite knowledge (a nod to the academics and mages), coin (a nod to the merchants), faith (a nod to the priests), production (a nod to the craftsmen and the farmers party) and people (a sweeping gesture to include all those he had not yet included), Oh, hes good thought Yilderum. we gather here today with a proposal from the Calabim king. Many of you have already read it so I will just summarize its proposals. The king proposes, after much negotiation to accede to polling the population of the calabim empire in regards to the formation of a council of man. This polling will be performed by neutral, the stout senator sneered at what he obviously thought was a patent falsehood observers. We are not to allow our mind-reading mages to observe and ensure the truth of the matter. His moroi and haloi secret agents will be there to blackmail and threaten but we are to be armed only with unenchanted daggers. Turusan Erkan was also a gifted speaker and his emotional appeal had already managed to incite booing and cries against the vampire king from the assembled senators in the crowd. He invites us to add amendments to clarify issues but really all he has managed to do is allow his own power to be shared with those of his puppets. Vampires will never allow the calabim people to choose their own destiny. The embargo will not work. Senator Erkan paused for affect, provided a brief glance to the assembled senators of the right (academics, merchants, traditionalists) and with a flourish pronounced, That is why I propose we vote to bring power to the Calabim people by putting their government to the sword. Who will vote for a declaration of WAR?
There were gasps throughout the senate, but not nearly as many as Yilderum would have expected. Many had known that this was coming. And this explained the strange behaviour of the senators over the last two weeks, the secret deals he had no privy to, the muted conversations that ended as he approached. But despite the pronouncement, Yilderum was not too worried. The merchants would never vote for war. War meant that their coffers would flow into equipping troops and recruiting soldiers and not into the development of commerce. The noble houses would be split, but many had no desire to see their soldiers wasted on some distant battlefield for a cause they did not believe in. The mages and the academics would vote against it; all they wanted was the senate budget to be spent on expanding the libraries and academies, on developing new sources of mana and on training adepts. No, despite what he assumed would be unflinching support from the priests and the Mithril order, the proposal would not pass.
But despite his calculations, Yilderum was not so sure and a fear crept into him.
According to the custom, senators would come forth and vote on the issue, addressing the assembly if they wished to. First speaker Bellisam invited the representatives of the priesthood and the order to cast the first votes. Yilderum noted that many of the senators had replacements sitting in for them today. Presumably there were many who could not in good conciousness take part in the process of democracy that they were so against. Yilderum silently shook his head at their misguided foolishness. Rodrick had been right: they were imbecilic and theatrical attention-whores. Of course, he could never say as much; their support was too important.
The order had control of 15 votes, a sizeable block. Their representative, a priest named Sâhîn Summerspring, the son of the famous now-deceased cultural minister and fan of Somnium and rugby stepped forward purposefully and without speaking, bent, grabbed hold of the exquisite amber carpet that covered the scene of the now-famous murder and with a quick, deliberate motion yanked it from its position and quickly rolled it up under his arm. We vote, he spat the words with distaste as he pointed to the bloodstains and burn marks on the floor before him, to bring Junil and Order to the wretched Calabim people who for too long have suffered under the heal of their soul-leaching vampire masters. Senator Summerspring glared at the assembly, daring any to defy him. The senators were quit for what seemed like forever, frozen before the intensity of his stare and the defiance of his act and suddenly his devout brothers and companions, as one, stood up and began applauding his audacity with enthusiasm and zeal. Soon they were joined by members of the Mithral order, some independents and even a select number of the Sunrise league. Throughout the assembly there were quit nods from all corners. Yilderum scowled; this was not a good way to cast the first votes.
The votes proceeded much as Yilderum had expected. The Mithral order and their supporters voted yes, stating a desire for land and glory. The farmers party voted against the proposal, stating that state funds should go to support the poor and the needy. The traders and craftsmen, he was proud to note, also voted against war.
Then things started to change. The merchants were divided. Many voted against the war, as he had expected, but many also voted for the war citing a growth in demand for war material and the expectation that the conflict would be concluded quickly and reap great financial rewards. Yilderum saw the work of the Khazad merchants and their particular brand of competitive finance in these opinions but was powerless to stop their votes.
Any further expectations were dashed when the majority of the Sunrise league voted for war. These were Yilderums people, his party and without consulting him, many had decided to ally themselves with the order and the mithril guard and vote for a war they had previously been against. What about the establishment of a calabim republic they had dreamed of? What of their arguments for the use of soft power and sanctity of every man, woman and childs life? What of the Kuriotate slaves whose lives they were basically just throwing away? He wanted to strangle them and shake the sense back into them. These men, who had once been his friends suddenly dumbfounded him. As they cast their votes no explanation was provided for their sudden change of heart. Yilderum was crushed and bewildered.
Thankfully the Elohim representative as well as the Luchuirp representative voted against the war, citing the sanctity of life amongst all the people of Erebus. While A small minority of the independents voted for war, most followed the Elohim and Luchuirp in supporting the sanctity of life and a disdain for violence.
Finally Yilderum was content. The balance was slightly in favour of peace and only the mages and academics remained. They would never vote for war; their precious libraries and studies were too important.
Senator Korkud Kusçu stepped forward. He was known to be the mouthpiece for the witch Nezaket Vedat. He was a cautious man who seldom spoke and almost never approached the podium. Today he did just that. Shyly, and with a nod to the first speaker, The academics vote for war.
It was over. The issue was decided. The senate had voted and somehow, surprisingly, they had voted to throw away all the negotiations, the investment in soft power that Yilderum was so proud of. Yilderum lowered his head into his hands and let out a slow moan. He had been outwitted, outmanoeuvred. His trusted allies had acted behind his back to demolish all he had built. It was all too much.
a letter
From Amurite Minister of lands, Yilderum Camil,
To the King Agron of the Calabim
It is with the deepest sense of sadness and shame that I have written to warn you of the actions of those I once called friends. While you and I were negotiating the finer points of introducing a representative council to your government, secret negotiations have been occurring behind the scenes in backrooms and dark towers. The senators have betrayed their consulates and their values and voted to declare war on your nation. I can do nothing to stop them, but I cannot help but think that your negotiations were performed in truth and honesty and for that, I cannot allow your nation to be caught unawares by a surprise attack by the Amurites.
I will be crucified if any of the senate learn of my letter to you but I cannot help but care little. The republic I have been so fond of and which, in many ways, I consider my child is sick and poisoned and may well die. I beseech you to continue with the implementation of the council of man amongst your people. If the Amurites cannot uphold an honest and true republic, then perhaps the Calabim can.
This will be the last letter you receive from me and I hope that we can meet some day but suspect we never will.
With fondness and respect,
Yilderum Camil
Turn 16: An Opportunity
Part Five: Senate Resumes
The observant amongst you will notice that there is no part four to the story. Part four is a secret story that wont be published until the last of the coup series is completed- all for dramatic effect of course
Minister Camil normally loved meetings of the senate. He loved the cool marble seats, the raucous and often highly animated debates, the tension of an important vote. He even loved the intrigue and secret dealings that often accompanied the voting process. They called him the father of the republic and though he had never admitted it, Yilderum Camil took an immense satisfaction from knowing the truth of that statement. He was from an older generation, one that remembered the horror of the Amurite civil wars and many thought that he was directly responsible for reassembling the failed state in the aftermath of that war. He took satisfaction in that thought also. It was he who had reconciled the warring factions, given them power to share between them and had given birth to the idea of representation. He so loved the entire idea of representation, the fairness, the inclusiveness of it, that he had pushed to extend it to the masses. His ideas of one man/one vote had been too radical for the other senators at the time, but still, he had achieved in one lifetime what no other man could have. Every man and woman in Amurite society was directly involved in government, in deciding the fate of the nation. It was a beautiful and poetic concept.
And now it was spreading. The Calabim king had drafted a questionably reasonable treaty that would see domestic power shared with a council of man. Silently and slowly, the minister mouthed the words, council of man the words conveyed images of promise, of progressive thought and inclusiveness. If he had a been a religious man, Yilderum would offer a prayer to its success.
Though minister Camil normally enjoyed the senatorial meetings, today was different. The last meeting had been two weeks ago and, in the midst of voting on the Calabim embargo, one renegade priest had attacked and killed his patriarch, an act of blasphemy and treachery against both church and senate if he had ever seen one. Today, at the site of the crime a large intricately woven amber carpet had been spread. Presumably the stains of blood and spellcraft had not washed from the polished marble floor.
The act had tarnished the senate in other ways as well. Senatorial conclaves had not been held since the act and for two weeks over 30 of the senators, including the first speaker Rodrick Bellissam had apparently just vanished from the face of Erebus and now, here there were, ready to meet again as if they had never gone missing. The senators stood huddled in groups, whispering quietly to themselves, no doubt trying to win over opinions and votes regarding the Calabim embargo, the issue which had still to be decided.
Senatorial Minister Camil was confident that the embargo would be halted. He had shared his correspondence with the Calabim king with several of the senators and most were impressed with the spirit, if not the wording of the treaty. Maybe today wouldnt be so bad after all Yilderum thought.
First speaker Bellisam brought the senate to order in his customarily cold-voiced manner and quickly brought the senate to the issue of the Calabim embargo, As you all remember, two weeks ago our vote regarding the Calabim embargo was rudely interrupted by the petty theatrics of imbecilic priests. These coolly delivered words brought gasps from throughout the audience. Why was the first speaker insulting the priesthood so openly? He had always sought to treat them well so as to retain their support for his fragile government. Was he so insulted by their attack on the republic and its government that he was willing to throw all that away? Yilderum was confused. Some game was afoot; normally he wouldnt mind- he had instigated plenty of backroom deals in his day, but this worried him, not the least because he had not been informed of any backroom deals. The feeling of having been left out of the real politics of the amurite senate left a queasy and disquieting feeling in his gut.
The head of the Amurite senate continued, Today, we will not be voting on the Calabim embargo. It seems that several senators wish to vote on a related issue
Yilderum nodded to senator Aygun, a friend of his with whom he shared many opinions and a love for the representative system. No words were spoken and yet the message was clear. Aygun stepped forward, First speaker Bellisam, he rotated to speak to the entirety of the senatorial chambers. Aygun was truly a gifted rhetorician and a fine statesman Yilderum thought and he could not help but be a little proud of his friend and protégé. You cannot simply ignore the proposal brought before the senate. There are traditions, customs to uphold. In these troubled times we must cling to what protects us, what defines us.
Rodrick was undaunted, Once you hear the issue we are to vote on, I am sure you will understand why the calabim embargo will prove itself of little importance. I cede the floor to Turusan Erkan so that we may here his proposal.
A stout bald-headed man with a sure manner and confident voice stepped towards the podium. Turusan Erkan was a fairly minor senator. He was an accomplished mage but was voted to his post by virtue of the support of the population of a Nimarail urban district. He was normally classified as an independent but was known to have allies both amongst the Radical Academics and amongst the Sunrise League. Despite these leanings, he represented common craftsmen, tradesmen and the poor and destitute. His position was a fine example of political balancing that many of the senators had grown quite proficient at. Yilderum leaned in to hear what he had to propose that was so important.
Fellow senators, representatives of Amurite knowledge (a nod to the academics and mages), coin (a nod to the merchants), faith (a nod to the priests), production (a nod to the craftsmen and the farmers party) and people (a sweeping gesture to include all those he had not yet included), Oh, hes good thought Yilderum. we gather here today with a proposal from the Calabim king. Many of you have already read it so I will just summarize its proposals. The king proposes, after much negotiation to accede to polling the population of the calabim empire in regards to the formation of a council of man. This polling will be performed by neutral, the stout senator sneered at what he obviously thought was a patent falsehood observers. We are not to allow our mind-reading mages to observe and ensure the truth of the matter. His moroi and haloi secret agents will be there to blackmail and threaten but we are to be armed only with unenchanted daggers. Turusan Erkan was also a gifted speaker and his emotional appeal had already managed to incite booing and cries against the vampire king from the assembled senators in the crowd. He invites us to add amendments to clarify issues but really all he has managed to do is allow his own power to be shared with those of his puppets. Vampires will never allow the calabim people to choose their own destiny. The embargo will not work. Senator Erkan paused for affect, provided a brief glance to the assembled senators of the right (academics, merchants, traditionalists) and with a flourish pronounced, That is why I propose we vote to bring power to the Calabim people by putting their government to the sword. Who will vote for a declaration of WAR?
There were gasps throughout the senate, but not nearly as many as Yilderum would have expected. Many had known that this was coming. And this explained the strange behaviour of the senators over the last two weeks, the secret deals he had no privy to, the muted conversations that ended as he approached. But despite the pronouncement, Yilderum was not too worried. The merchants would never vote for war. War meant that their coffers would flow into equipping troops and recruiting soldiers and not into the development of commerce. The noble houses would be split, but many had no desire to see their soldiers wasted on some distant battlefield for a cause they did not believe in. The mages and the academics would vote against it; all they wanted was the senate budget to be spent on expanding the libraries and academies, on developing new sources of mana and on training adepts. No, despite what he assumed would be unflinching support from the priests and the Mithril order, the proposal would not pass.
But despite his calculations, Yilderum was not so sure and a fear crept into him.
According to the custom, senators would come forth and vote on the issue, addressing the assembly if they wished to. First speaker Bellisam invited the representatives of the priesthood and the order to cast the first votes. Yilderum noted that many of the senators had replacements sitting in for them today. Presumably there were many who could not in good conciousness take part in the process of democracy that they were so against. Yilderum silently shook his head at their misguided foolishness. Rodrick had been right: they were imbecilic and theatrical attention-whores. Of course, he could never say as much; their support was too important.
The order had control of 15 votes, a sizeable block. Their representative, a priest named Sâhîn Summerspring, the son of the famous now-deceased cultural minister and fan of Somnium and rugby stepped forward purposefully and without speaking, bent, grabbed hold of the exquisite amber carpet that covered the scene of the now-famous murder and with a quick, deliberate motion yanked it from its position and quickly rolled it up under his arm. We vote, he spat the words with distaste as he pointed to the bloodstains and burn marks on the floor before him, to bring Junil and Order to the wretched Calabim people who for too long have suffered under the heal of their soul-leaching vampire masters. Senator Summerspring glared at the assembly, daring any to defy him. The senators were quit for what seemed like forever, frozen before the intensity of his stare and the defiance of his act and suddenly his devout brothers and companions, as one, stood up and began applauding his audacity with enthusiasm and zeal. Soon they were joined by members of the Mithral order, some independents and even a select number of the Sunrise league. Throughout the assembly there were quit nods from all corners. Yilderum scowled; this was not a good way to cast the first votes.
The votes proceeded much as Yilderum had expected. The Mithral order and their supporters voted yes, stating a desire for land and glory. The farmers party voted against the proposal, stating that state funds should go to support the poor and the needy. The traders and craftsmen, he was proud to note, also voted against war.
Then things started to change. The merchants were divided. Many voted against the war, as he had expected, but many also voted for the war citing a growth in demand for war material and the expectation that the conflict would be concluded quickly and reap great financial rewards. Yilderum saw the work of the Khazad merchants and their particular brand of competitive finance in these opinions but was powerless to stop their votes.
Any further expectations were dashed when the majority of the Sunrise league voted for war. These were Yilderums people, his party and without consulting him, many had decided to ally themselves with the order and the mithril guard and vote for a war they had previously been against. What about the establishment of a calabim republic they had dreamed of? What of their arguments for the use of soft power and sanctity of every man, woman and childs life? What of the Kuriotate slaves whose lives they were basically just throwing away? He wanted to strangle them and shake the sense back into them. These men, who had once been his friends suddenly dumbfounded him. As they cast their votes no explanation was provided for their sudden change of heart. Yilderum was crushed and bewildered.
Thankfully the Elohim representative as well as the Luchuirp representative voted against the war, citing the sanctity of life amongst all the people of Erebus. While A small minority of the independents voted for war, most followed the Elohim and Luchuirp in supporting the sanctity of life and a disdain for violence.
Finally Yilderum was content. The balance was slightly in favour of peace and only the mages and academics remained. They would never vote for war; their precious libraries and studies were too important.
Senator Korkud Kusçu stepped forward. He was known to be the mouthpiece for the witch Nezaket Vedat. He was a cautious man who seldom spoke and almost never approached the podium. Today he did just that. Shyly, and with a nod to the first speaker, The academics vote for war.
It was over. The issue was decided. The senate had voted and somehow, surprisingly, they had voted to throw away all the negotiations, the investment in soft power that Yilderum was so proud of. Yilderum lowered his head into his hands and let out a slow moan. He had been outwitted, outmanoeuvred. His trusted allies had acted behind his back to demolish all he had built. It was all too much.
--------------
a letter
From Amurite Minister of lands, Yilderum Camil,
To the King Agron of the Calabim
It is with the deepest sense of sadness and shame that I have written to warn you of the actions of those I once called friends. While you and I were negotiating the finer points of introducing a representative council to your government, secret negotiations have been occurring behind the scenes in backrooms and dark towers. The senators have betrayed their consulates and their values and voted to declare war on your nation. I can do nothing to stop them, but I cannot help but think that your negotiations were performed in truth and honesty and for that, I cannot allow your nation to be caught unawares by a surprise attack by the Amurites.
I will be crucified if any of the senate learn of my letter to you but I cannot help but care little. The republic I have been so fond of and which, in many ways, I consider my child is sick and poisoned and may well die. I beseech you to continue with the implementation of the council of man amongst your people. If the Amurites cannot uphold an honest and true republic, then perhaps the Calabim can.
This will be the last letter you receive from me and I hope that we can meet some day but suspect we never will.
With fondness and respect,
Yilderum Camil
Immaculate
unerring
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2003
- Messages
- 7,623
sorry for the wall of text.
@KOL:
you called it (sort of). i actually wasn't sure what to do until last night but then decided that i hadn't fought anyone and it would be fun. Whats a nes without war anyway? Its not like we are the elohim.
plese forgive the hard negotiating.
also: at least i didn't surprise attack you... i thought your good faith deserved some small token of appreciation.
@KOL:
Kol.7 from a PM said:Am I possibly right in thinking that you're senators wll sign my deal, but then the Order will violently take control, decide the treaty of Man is null as it was signed by a government that no longer exists, and then launch a massive, full blown crusade on the Calabim?
Because, if that is the plan, remember there are ...(snip)
you called it (sort of). i actually wasn't sure what to do until last night but then decided that i hadn't fought anyone and it would be fun. Whats a nes without war anyway? Its not like we are the elohim.
plese forgive the hard negotiating.
also: at least i didn't surprise attack you... i thought your good faith deserved some small token of appreciation.
arcticnightwolf
Emperor
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2008
- Messages
- 1,301
Sure, but I say that Grigori will cease all wars...
You cannot continue war with nation that cease to exist. You can only continue in war with area that used to be Grigori lands.
However, turn isn't over yet, so we are still in game.
Ekolite
Deity
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2007
- Messages
- 5,451
OOC: *sigh* It took you a while, but I knew you'd get there in the end.
Secret Letter to Amurite Minister of lands, Yilderum Camil
From: Queen Asterna, the Compassionate
It is with great sadness that I write this letter to you, great sadness indeed. My husband is fuming, and has called his generals into conclave. This will be a long, and unfortunate war and many will die, both Amurite and Calabim. I just wish your people could truly understand the ways of the Calabim, they are not monsters! They are good and accomplished people, they took in many elven refugees during the civil war, including my familly, and now a descendent of one of those very elves rules the country. Not a Vampire, not some dark creature from the Pits of Hell, a half-elf. What does that tell you about our people, that some destitute refugees from a far flung land, of a race unusual and untrusted in an Empire of Humans, can become their Queen?
Yes, our history is not the most pleasant on Erebus, yes, we were once ruled by Monsters, the Brujah. But then, the Amurite history is just the same, is it not? And your Dark Age is comparitively recent, while ours was almost one thousand years ago. It saddens me to think that a nation that controls so much influence in the Modern World, cannot see us for what we truly are.
We understand that many of our practises are considered unneccessary and unwholesome, and it shames us that our differences in culture make us so astranged.
Finally, we fear that your life may be in danger. Our intelligence in the Amurite Senate is sketchy to say the least, but we have heard whispers of reform. We fear your great Senate will face a terrible purgeing, and you will be a victim of such an action. There are people amongst you that would return your Empire to the bad old days, I am certain of it. For this reason, I invite you to travel to the Calabim in your war party, when you are within our borders, sneak off in the dead of night and we will have a cart waiting for you in the village of Hersna'am (near the South Border) waiting to transport you to Prespur. When you arrive, you will have our protection, and you may continue to rebuild your dream of Representation in our Nation, as Agron and I have decided we are very much for the movement.
Faithfully,
Queen Asterna
(this would have no in game effect most likely (so we are not benefitting our enemy), but would be rather cool. What do you think?)
Secret Letter to Amurite Minister of lands, Yilderum Camil
From: Queen Asterna, the Compassionate
It is with great sadness that I write this letter to you, great sadness indeed. My husband is fuming, and has called his generals into conclave. This will be a long, and unfortunate war and many will die, both Amurite and Calabim. I just wish your people could truly understand the ways of the Calabim, they are not monsters! They are good and accomplished people, they took in many elven refugees during the civil war, including my familly, and now a descendent of one of those very elves rules the country. Not a Vampire, not some dark creature from the Pits of Hell, a half-elf. What does that tell you about our people, that some destitute refugees from a far flung land, of a race unusual and untrusted in an Empire of Humans, can become their Queen?
Yes, our history is not the most pleasant on Erebus, yes, we were once ruled by Monsters, the Brujah. But then, the Amurite history is just the same, is it not? And your Dark Age is comparitively recent, while ours was almost one thousand years ago. It saddens me to think that a nation that controls so much influence in the Modern World, cannot see us for what we truly are.
We understand that many of our practises are considered unneccessary and unwholesome, and it shames us that our differences in culture make us so astranged.
Finally, we fear that your life may be in danger. Our intelligence in the Amurite Senate is sketchy to say the least, but we have heard whispers of reform. We fear your great Senate will face a terrible purgeing, and you will be a victim of such an action. There are people amongst you that would return your Empire to the bad old days, I am certain of it. For this reason, I invite you to travel to the Calabim in your war party, when you are within our borders, sneak off in the dead of night and we will have a cart waiting for you in the village of Hersna'am (near the South Border) waiting to transport you to Prespur. When you arrive, you will have our protection, and you may continue to rebuild your dream of Representation in our Nation, as Agron and I have decided we are very much for the movement.
Faithfully,
Queen Asterna
(this would have no in game effect most likely (so we are not benefitting our enemy), but would be rather cool. What do you think?)
Immaculate
unerring
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2003
- Messages
- 7,623
expect a story response... after the update.
BUT: for story reasons- your return letter was intercepted by secret police assigned by rodrick to watch yilderum. there will be repercussions for all.
EDIT:
originally it was my intention yes, but then i decided that the poll would be cool so i ammended my orders to include poll stuff adn not attack you:
"THE REST OF THE ORDERS ARE DIVIDED INTO TWO SETS.
Conduct ‘War’ if the calabim don’t perform a fair poll according to the treaty we agreed to (as measured by our ambassadors, neutral observers and the population themselves). Also, if the attack our troops.
Conduct ‘Peace’ if the calabim don’t attack our forces and do conduct a fair poll."
but then i decided that i wanted to fight more.
BUT: for story reasons- your return letter was intercepted by secret police assigned by rodrick to watch yilderum. there will be repercussions for all.
EDIT:
originally it was my intention yes, but then i decided that the poll would be cool so i ammended my orders to include poll stuff adn not attack you:
"THE REST OF THE ORDERS ARE DIVIDED INTO TWO SETS.
Conduct ‘War’ if the calabim don’t perform a fair poll according to the treaty we agreed to (as measured by our ambassadors, neutral observers and the population themselves). Also, if the attack our troops.
Conduct ‘Peace’ if the calabim don’t attack our forces and do conduct a fair poll."
but then i decided that i wanted to fight more.
Ekolite
Deity
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2007
- Messages
- 5,451
OOC: Fine whatever.
IC: The Calabim are disappointed that the Amurites have betrayed us again. We would have complied with each and every one of your ridiculous demands, but that just isn't enough for you and your greedy, coin-loving senators. Perhaps we will continue with this Poll alone, without Amurite manipulation, perhaps we will build the perfect society, the perfect government. No matter what you throw at us, we will survive. Vanquish us, and we will return stronger! We are the children of Angels, and within us all lies the spark of the Divine, the very essence of Aeron the Protector. We will not warn you again, sending more men into our nation will be the begining of the end for you, and we will live to see your demise. Be wary, Oh beacon of democracy, because the Calabim will always have one last trick up their sleeves. We are the children of a benevolent God, while you are nothing but a band of fools.
Shatter us if you will, but, no matter what, we will live on.
Agron
IC: The Calabim are disappointed that the Amurites have betrayed us again. We would have complied with each and every one of your ridiculous demands, but that just isn't enough for you and your greedy, coin-loving senators. Perhaps we will continue with this Poll alone, without Amurite manipulation, perhaps we will build the perfect society, the perfect government. No matter what you throw at us, we will survive. Vanquish us, and we will return stronger! We are the children of Angels, and within us all lies the spark of the Divine, the very essence of Aeron the Protector. We will not warn you again, sending more men into our nation will be the begining of the end for you, and we will live to see your demise. Be wary, Oh beacon of democracy, because the Calabim will always have one last trick up their sleeves. We are the children of a benevolent God, while you are nothing but a band of fools.
Shatter us if you will, but, no matter what, we will live on.
Agron
As a note I haven't fallen of the face of the earth, I'm still mulling over the proposals thrown at me. I'm also waiting for a word on who/what I can play from the remnants of my state. Some preliminary diplomacy from those who have not sent it to me would help
Peace and bread!
Peace and bread!
Ekolite
Deity
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2007
- Messages
- 5,451
You know, if this NES ever dies or finishes and I happen to have some time on my hands I may well run my own FFHNES (if Jopa wouldn't mind). At one point I was going to run a FFH-based game in the forum games subforum but my co-GM was kidknapped by the mafia during the planning phase. However, I think Jopa basically did it a lot better (especially now the rules are more balanced) so it would probably borrow a lot from this NES.
Maybe anyway...
Maybe anyway...
orangelex44
Partisan
Well, I hope this one doesn't die off just yet....
Immaculate
unerring
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2003
- Messages
- 7,623
I hope we get to throw some T4 units around a bit first. Hippus horse archers? Khazad phalanx? Kuriotates centaur knights? Lanun militia (well, you know, after the Amurite nukes, thats all they had left
)?orangelex44
Partisan
That's not nice, Immac.
Besides, the Lanun don't need heavy infantry. I'd be content with Men'o'War, War Turtles, and Water Elementals.
Besides, the Lanun don't need heavy infantry. I'd be content with Men'o'War, War Turtles, and Water Elementals.
