ImmacuNES III: Post-Apocalyptic Fantasy

Today, maybe?

no- probably not- still working on it... slowly but surely.

so in one or two more days, I should ready my popcorn.

I am still accepting up to one new player at this point. To lead the southern 'Pilsetan' tribe (sort of like amazons).

Click to expand...

I am interested.

Charles Li said:

I am interested.

Click to expand...

Right now, because they are involved in a major war and the part of the update involving them has already been written, i'd have to say no.

Lets wait for the update and see then...

*Bobs up and down in excitement*

Seon said:

*Bobs up and down in excitement*

Click to expand...

sorry this is taking me so damn long.

work has been kicking my ass lately. i had like 1 day of downtime and just blew it relaxing.... i've got maybe 1/2 of the update done... still need to do the undead hippus stuff... which should be interesting... it has been so far and this could be the grande finale (havn't rolled any dice yet).

Oh. Then I will remeber not to directly invoc The Lady until at least Sunday.

update incoming tonight.

everyone at some time?​

The Sjykalfar-Pilsetan War

Part One: Sjykalfar Order Undead Achatin and Pilsetans to Assault Pilsetan Mana Node; Achatin in Uproar!

Unfeeling, unthinking, the animated rotting corpses of Achatin and Pilsetan soldiers are mere puppets to their puppeteer, the Princess Anabella of the Sjykalfar. She, in turn, orders them to assault the Pilsetan mana node. Fortunately for the Pilsetans, the Lion Tribe general is expecting an attack upon their mana node and as the shuffling dwarven, gnomish and pilsetan dead approach the clearing where Pilsetan scholars and sorcerers ply their trade, well placed arrows begin to land amongst their number causing extensive tissue and structural damage. The undead, unfeeling, continue their advance but the Pilsetan formation spearwomen, well trained, experienced and well led, make easy work of the mindless creatures. The pilsetans soldier-women are said to have wailed in grief and frustration at having to face the bodies of their former comrades animated by despicable and abominable practices.

Achatin forces returning home to regroup, heal and grieve their dead comrades, already shocked and angry at having witnessed the animation of their dead comrades soon hear of the affair from their own forces and disgruntled elven villagers. Their leader dead, the Achatin army is fertile soil for the words of an angry and frustrated dwarven demagogue named Cleon Pathos with a tongue for grief, frustration, anger… and revenge. His message is a simple one. The Achatin were invited by the elves to defend their lands in conjunction with them. Instead, they were sent to the front line while cowardly elven soldiers sat in the comfort of their homes, content to let the Achatin fight, bleed and die for them. The Achatin soldiers, in recompense for their sacrifice on foreign soil, were repaid by the dark princess of the Sjykalfar with treachery. The bodies of their friends and comrades were animated and forced to fight again. A rare few might have forgiven this heinous act, this despicable act of dark magic, if only after the battle the bodies had been returned for burial and prayers. But instead they were thrown away in a one-sided battle against a superior foe by the uncaring elves. Well, the Achatin soldiers had had enough. For week after week Captain Cleon Pathos addresses his fellow soldiers with rhetoric and inflammatory speech.

When Princess Anabella addresses them during their passage through the sweet-smelling village of Sjykalfar proper with appeals to the brotherhood of arms and with fear-mongering that they would be unable to return home safe in their current form regardless, only very firm discipline prevents the Achatin army from laying waste to the Sjykalfar township immediately. Afterwards, many must have berated themselves for missing their chance because as they pass through the northernmost Sjykalfar farming villages, the Achatin army, knowing the Sjykalfar soldiers are busy in the south-west, lay waste to entire villages, plundering crops and houses, terrorizing the citizenry and desecrating small shrines and graveyards.

The Achatin are not the only ones who disparage at the tactics employed by Princess Anabella and her cadre of riaï. Many of the common people possess divided loyalties to both their monarch and to the traditional way of life and dream of pious green living with the ‘Tearwillow Reborn’. When they hear of the animation of dead bodies, of necromantic magics being used to twist the bodies of those recently alive to lurch to some sort of cursed second life, it is too much for them to bear. Many villagers throughout the countryside slink away into the forest. Rumors suggest that the Tearwillow and the forces of the druidess Araïlumni await therein to guide them to a new life in their camp.

Pilsetan formation spearmen damaged. Two Sjykalfar farms lose 1 population each. Sjykalfar lose 2 gold and 8 food to pillaging Achatin forces. Achatin gain ‘Captain Cleon Pathos’ a demagogue leader dedicated to fair treatment of Achatin soldiery (and are free to dismiss him if they want).


Part Two: Pilsetan and Sjykalfar Meet at Death Mana Node

After the brief and one-sided encounter at the Pilsetan air mana node the Pilsetan Lion Tribe General commands her forces to advance on the enemy’s death mana node so as to remove the source of elven dark necromantic magics and the source of the enemy princess’s power. Sjykalfar scouts report the movement and soon the two forces are engaged in a race for the node, one to destroy it, one to protect it. Princess Anabella, pre-occupied with a great magic ritual (see below) commands the shadow general to intercept the enemy movement.

This time the Sjykalfar arrive first and deploy their forces on a lightly forested hilltop not far from the small community that had grown around the node.

Within a week the Pilsetan forces arrive, arranging themselves in open field at the base of a long gently sloping hill. The Sjykalfar forces are composed of javelin skirmishers, basic spear and shield infantry and extensive sword and shield soldiery. None are heavily armored. The Lion-General led forces are composed of disciplined, well-trained formation spearmen and adaptable bow and sword missile infantry. Like their opponents, they are also only lightly armored.


The Pilsetans make the first move and begin to slowly march their spearmen up the long slope. Missile infantry guard the flanks. At extreme bow range, what would be considered very long range for longbows and normally impossible for these lighter shortbows, they stop and begin to launch volley after volley at the elves. The Shadow general is slow to respond, thinking that the light forest will do much to protect the elven forces from bows fired at such extreme range. The Pillsetan missiles are no normal arrows however, enchanted, the arrows seem to swim through the air like fish through the sea, kicking with their fletching and flexing their shafts, darting hither and yon through the forest, even changing their path in midflight to strike around shields and branches. The extensive volleys soon prove very damaging and, his position challenged, the shadow general orders a charge with most of his infantry, keeping only one unit of sword and shield in reserve. He guards his flanks with javelin-skirmishers. Meanwhile, the riaï general has magic of his own. Calling upon the dark forces of necromancy, he conjures a small smoking orb of death mana and with words of dark arcane power hurls it at the Pilsetan line. When it lands, it expands to an orb as large as a noble’s manor-house, and with a dull, hollow-sounding pop, bursts. Where once there had been proud Pilsetan infantry-women there now lies only ash and dry skeletal remains. The ranks of Pilsetan infantry-women, suddenly depleted of almost a quarter of their number, are disciplined and drilled by their beloved and trusted commander; though shocked and no doubt fearful for their own lives, they reform without hardly missing a step.

The spellcraft of the elven general serves apparently to signal the second stage of the Pilsetan attack. Suddenly a unit of Pilsetan missile infantry jumps to the air and with the grace and speed of hummingbirds takes to the skies in magical flight. Amongst their numbers the Lion Tribe general and her shock bodyguard can be seen, the lion-mane banner of the Pilsetan general whipping about wildly in the high winds.

On the ground the Pilsetans begin to move their shield-wielding spearmen into a long line in front of the archers while the archers themselves continue their rain of magical arrows. The Sjykalfar continue their charge forward even as the shadow general begins a second casting, this one aimed at the Pilsetan forces flying over his army.

The lion-tribe general orders her flying archers to disperse to prevent the enemy’s death magic from striking too many of her forces and this they do. None-the-less, the shadow general is a competent and dangerous sorcerer and his necromantic magics manage to strike at many of the flying archers, sending their ash and soot remains back to the earth.

As the Sjykalfar forces continue their charge, the flying Pilsetan archers fly beyond the Sjykalfar line and begin trying to shower the enemy rear with arrows. Though these arrows, so far from the enchantment of their brother archers do not benefit from the ‘seeking magics’ they once did, their position and relatively short range ensures deadly results. Only their reduced numbers due to the elven spellcraft prevents an immediate rout of the flanked elven forces. The long charge is a deadly one for the Sjykalfar and by the time the two lines finally meet nearly a third of the Sjykalfar already lie dead, pin-cushions for Pilsetan arrows. The two lines meet, the Pilsetan missile infantry drawing blades to protect the flanks of their spearwomens’ line. Sjykalfar javelins tear through Pilsetan shields as thick and organized Pilsetan spear meet loose undisciplined Sjyklafar lines which almost immediately begin to buckle in the center under the combined frontal spear and rear missile assault. Sjykalfar swordmen attempt to dance to the flanks, avoiding the Pilsetan spearline front on and quickly get entangled with the Pilsetan missile infantry. Here the Sjykalfar fare much better, fighting adequately on the flanks even as their center buckles.

The shadow general shouts orders to his messengers, attempting a wider flanking maneuver with his javelin-skirmishers. Even as he does so, a runner shouts a warning, the enemy general once again seeks personal combat with the Sjykalfar leadership. A javelin flies from the sky directly at the shadow general. Sidestepping the missile, only barely, the elven general draws a blade. The Lion tribe general and her shock bodyguard land amongst the elven center, their elite training, weaponry, and flying enchantments quickly carving out a small battle-zone in the heart of the enemy leadership and the infantry reserve. The Lion Tribe general immediately seeks battle with the Shadow general. The two combatants thrust and parry, a battle of speed, agility and training. The lion tribe general feints with a stab and the shadow general dodges left. Changing her stance and grip in mid-thrust the lion tribe general converts the feinted thrust to a wide slash while her opponent has his weight on his back foot. The shadow general steps back, the razor-sharp spear wizzing by under his chin, so close he feels it scratch the hair of his neck. Calling to his forces, the shadow general is surprised to feel his throat suddenly full of blood. Suddenly weak, his chest wet and warm, he looks down at the blood on his opponent’s spear in surprise. His eyes wide, unbelieving, he topples forward, dead.

The elven center immediately routs and the flanks quickly follow. The Pilsetans pursue until they are out of arrows. It is a very bloody day for the elves and a grand victory for the Pilsetans.


Ominously, the Sjykalfar princess is not present. In Pilseta proper, the Heron Tribe Councilor frets over what the greatest elven necromancer may be preparing. She does not have to wait long.

Lion Tribe general gains 1 martial. Pilsetan formation spear x2 damaged. Formation spear x2 gain experience. Missile infantry damaged, Missile infantry gain experience x3. Sjykalfar lose shadow general. Sjykalfar javelin-skirmisher wounded. Sjykalfar javelin skirmisher gain experience x2. Light spear and shield infantry dead. Light sword and shield infantry dead. Light sword and shield infantry damaged x1. Light sword and shield infantry x2 gain experience.


Part Three: Sjykalfar Ritual Devastates Pilsetan Country-Side

While Princess Anabella would have no doubt wished to have been part of the defense of the western death mana node, and would have been if the Pilsetans were not so quick to charge the position, her skills were not being ignored. Working in conjunction with the sinister riaï mage Rasmus Svigard (with whom some whisper a romantic affair is developing), the princess of the Sjykalfar has developed an elaborate ritual, channeling death mana to send tiny motes of pure necromancy floating over the horizon and gently alighting upon the farms and fields of the Pilsetan countryside. Wherever they land, plants wither and die, their fruits and grain shrivel and crumble at the slightest touch. Pilsetan farmers more courageous then careful exploring the floating motes soon find themselves sickened, tired and lethargic; some even die.

The ritual completes just as the remnants of the shadow general’s army returns from the front. Simultaneously, scouts begin to report Pilsetan galleys sailing eastwards on the estuaries of the ‘North Pilsetan’.

Pilsetan farm fertility reduced to zero (will recover over an extended period of time)


Part Four: Princess Anabella Takes Command

With news of the Pilsetan victory at the Sjykalfar death node trickling back to the riaï court many nobles begin to seriously wonder at the future of the elven people. The Pilsetans, it seems, have a stronger martial presence on the battlefield and only the elven command of necromantic magicks balances that equation. Now, the source of that magic was under serious jeopardy. At any moment Pilsetan mages would unravel the link between the Sjykalfar sorcerors and their source of death magic. Defenseless, the elven people would only be able to watch in fury and anguish as the Pilsetan warrior-women marched over their beloved home.

Even while Princess Anabella maintained her usual calm demeanor, the riaï council was in a panic. Some suggested suing for peace, surrender even. Others suggested an immediate counter-attack to secure the mana while the possibility still existed. Still others suggested contacting the nation of Throal or the orcs of Uld’ar and asking their assistance. Characteristically, Princess Anabella brought the council to immediate attention and unity when she declared that the only acceptable Sjykalfar response was to counter-attack. Her ritual completed, she would personally lead the armies of the elven nation against the Pilsetan army.

Rasmus Svigard, declaring his continued loyalty and devotion to the elven matriarch was the first to dedicate himself to the personal guard of the princess. Raising his onyx-tipped wand, he vowed to personally slay the Lion General herself should she attempt to kill the Sjykalfar monarch. Following his lead, many other of the riaï council soon joined the bodyguard. Many did so out of dedication and loyalty but many tempered blind devotion with the realization that the Lion tribe general would most certainly attempt to challenge the princess in personal combat and that victory for the general would spell certain collapse for the entirety of the elven nation.

When the defeated elven army returned, they had but a week to replenish their supplies, greet their loved ones and heal their wounds before Princess Anabella commanded their return to the Pilsetan position, herself at their head. Prayers were whispered to any that might listen that neither the renegade Achatin nor the Tear Willow reborn would strike at the undefended city when she left.

Sjykalfar scouts are quick to reveal that the enemy Pilsetans seem to have begun reinforcing their position at the death mana node. Mages are already involved in unraveling the aetherial knots that tied Sjykalfar mages to the node. They aso revealed that Pilsetan scouts were probably already aware of the returning elven army.

On the fourth day of marching the elven army perceived Pilsetan galleys floating several miles offshore of the Sjykalfar countryside within the great ‘Loon Lake’. Judging them to be only lightly encumbered Princess Anabella continues her march. The death mana node is too important a goal to gamble dividing her wounded and demoralized forces.

Approaching the area near the death mana node elven scouts report that the Pilsetans have taken positions similar to that taken previously by the elven shadow general, at the top of a lightly wooded long sloping hill. Princess Anabella forms her armies in a thick clot at the base of the hill, her shield-wielding forces at the fore to protect against the Pilsetan shortbow fire. The day is overcast and threatens rain. There is no wind.


The elves begin their long march up the hillside and, as expected, the Pilsetans respond with bow fire. This time the archer-women lack the magical enchantments to guide their arrows and the elven shields do much to protect their forces, especially at such long range. Princess Anabella whispered ancient, nearly forgotten words of dark necromatic power and suddenly the sky darkens further and a strange ghostly wind whips wildly through the Pilsetan forces. Voices from beyond the grave whisper dark threats, like jilted lovers in the ears of the Pilsetan warriors. Cold, whispy fingers, like skeletal branches in the dead of winter pull and tug at Pilsetan armor, pluck at cloth, caress skin. A wave of doubt, purest fear ripples through the Pilsetan line. Archers slow their fire, gaze about wildly in panic and fear. Capatilizing on the fear-inducing spell, Anabella orders a general charge, indicating her javelin-wielding forces are to spread out attempt to flank the enemy missile infantry. Under cover of the confusion causing fear-inducing spell, the elven line is able engage the Pilsetan infantry line.

Despite the presense of their beloved dark matriarch, the elves are once again slowly beat back by the superior numbers, training and martial leadership of the Lion general’s forces. The formation spearmen of the Pilsetan center already push the elven light sword-wielding infantry, fighting in much looser formation back. On the flanks Sjykalfar javelins attempt to circle wider and wider to flank the Pilsetan missile infantry while Sjykalfar sword infantry closer to the center attempt to round on the corners of the Pilsetan spearwomen. The Pilsetan spearwomen extend their line, adequately countering the elven infantry on their wings without seriously threatening their center. Missile infantry pull their swords and charge elven javelin-throwers and despite receiving short-range volleys from the elven skirmishers, look to win the melee.

If it were not for the Princess Anabella and her death magic, the elven people would have lost the battle, the war and their lives. But it was not to be. Drawing on further death mana, Princess Anabella knew that the Pilsetan and elven bodies from the previous battle had been hidden- the lion tribe general would not allow these bodies to be reanimated in a second battle. But that did not mean their tortured spirits could not be corrupted and harnessed. This the elven princess did, calling forth spirits of purest necromatic cold. These creatures, wraiths or specters, whatever they might be called, were aetherial creatures of dark cloth and skeletal visages. Pale purple mists trailed after them and where they went so too did a cold from beyond the grave. The effect upon the Pilsetan line, combined with the earlier fear-inducing spell was great. Many a Pilsetan warrior-women forgot her discipline and training, her veneration for her beloved general and dropped her weapon and fled. As the specters worked their way through the Pilsetan ranks, though the carnage was but little, the effect on morale was great. Just as the Lion general was systematically engaging the specters, sending them back to their graves, the elven matriach wove the last of her mana into one last spell to push the Pilsetan morale over the brink. This time she wove a pattern of arcane that embodied her personally with a powerful vampiric aura. Immediately her riaï bodyguard began to feel a supernatural weakness and began to pale even as their princess was enchanted with a strength and speed never before seen. Charging through her own ranks, she pushed directly into the Pilsetan center, slashing with her sword, bludgeoning with her staff all with a speed that left her a blur and a strength that sundered shields and broke bones. Her opponents too began to weaken and feel faint as their lifeforce was drained to empower the elven matriarch’s spell. Faced with magical devastation and the morale of her armies ready to break at any moment, the lion tribe general ordered a general retreat. But the effects of the elven death magicks had already been felt. The Pilsetan center rippled with panic and almost as one, collapsed upon itself as it turned and fled. The flanking infantry and missile infantry was more courageous and fought a fighting withdrawal but their retreat was hasty and many a wounded Pilsetan soldier had to be left behind.

As a light rain began to fall and the winded elven army surveyed the battlefield, the saw that this time, they were the victors.

Princess Anabella gains ‘riaï bodyguard’ (+1 salary, +1 power). Pilsetan formation spear destroyed. Formation spear x1 gain experience. Light missile infantry damaged. Light missile infantry x1 gain experience. Sjykalfar javelin-skirmsihers damaged. Javelin-skirmishers x1 gain experience. Sword and shield infantry damaged. Sword and shield infantry x2 gain experience. Princess Anabella gains 1 martial.


Part Five: Pilsetan Marines Raid Sjykalfar Heartland

Operating from galleys based off the Sjykalfar coast on nearby Loon Lake, Sjykalfar javelin-skirmishers make numerous small raids up and down the coast, stealing or burning crops, pillaging villages, disrupting commercial traffic and killing those individuals that do not flee when they hear of their arrival. Though locals often organize themselves into militia or some semblance of organized defense, the Pilsetan raiders simply retreat in the face of defenders, using their galleys to quickly insert themselves elsewhere, always maintaining the initiative against the elves in this way.

Upon hearing news of the Pilsetan loss at the death mana node to the west however, the ships and their raiders depart for their homeland.

Sjykalfar lose four food, 2 gold and 2 hammers to raids.

Tabba Ghut Hold Atheltics Competition

Celebrating the bodies blessed of Aeron, the trolls of the Tabba Ghut clan organize a giant well-funded festival centered around a series of games that test strength, accuracy, endurance and fighting. Interestingly, it also celebrates building and craftsmanship by holding competitions to build small homes for use by poorer trolls. The feats of strength involve carrying and throwing rocks. The feats of accuracy center around crossbow firing, javelin throwing and slinging. The endurance feats celebrate long distance running, swimming and rowing. The fighting feats centre around wrestling, swords, and spear use.

During the months long festivities the state opens its granaries to the people, offering free food and booze. Winners receive trophies and financial rewards. Not surprisingly, the cult of Aeron, led by Sorgu Soruşturma takes the opportunity to teach of the blessing of Aeron, to celebrate the flesh and its accomplishments and to strengthen and expand their holy indoctrination.

The festivals are a massive success. From the experience of organizing and hoding the festivals, bureaucrats loyal to Mograg the Ironwill learn much about city planning (health) and organization (governance).

Tabba Ghut can build a temple to the Cult of Aeron for ½ price. Mogag the Ironwill gains ‘bureaucratic retinue’ (+3g salary, +1 health, +1 governance) which the Tabba Ghut can keep or dismiss as they see fit.


Gibbering Grey Shadows Stalk Nozkam Graveyards

Rumors of gray shadow sightings continue to circulate amongst the dwarves and trolls of the Nozkam Legon. Mourning widows add to these rumors when they report seeing the creatures haunting graveyards, digging and scratching at the earth of newly dug graves. In the light of day, investigating Nozkam military reveal excavated graves, missing bodies and scattered bones, broken, their marrow sucked dry. These shadows apparently behave very differently then their predecessors. Rumors begin circulating of ghouls.

Commander Juryias orders his javelin-skirmishers to begin guarding graveyards and shortly government forces come into direct confrontation with the creatures. A pack of half a dozen creatures descend upon a graveyard and are intercepted by the skirmishers. Unlike the previous shadows, these do not use a magical confusing gibbering. Instead, they speak in the Nozkam tongue, calling to each other and warning one another of the javelin-throwing skirmishers. They attack the skirmishers with clawed fingers dripping paralytic poisons and long thin tongues with strange bone-like seriating teeth on their edges. Despite these features, the creatures appear otherwise like normal dwarven members of the Nozkam people.

The Nozkam skirmishers, despite some losses, are able to chase the creatures away, some wounded. Further investigations are able to match wounds inflicted by the skirmishers upon the creatures with wounds borne by members of the community. Questioning these people causes them to return to a ghoul-like state, attacking their captors in desperation. Ultimately the identified ghouls provide no further leads as to what has caused their state or if they are otherwise organizing themselves. Many have wives or husbands, children and though many report strange dirt appearing in their marriage beds or their partners suffering from insomnia, none had considered such a horrendous possibility.

Panic and suspicion spread throughout the city like wildfire. Many begin to suspect their loved ones or neighbors of feeding off the dead, of attacking the living and much worse. The fear of the ghouls is worse then the reality of the affair. With military units defending graveyards and patrolling streets, there are no more real attacks and only occasional raids upon the dead. Suspicion and paranoia do much to reduce productivity and commerce; occasional ghoul raids do just enough to continue to terrorize the community.

Nozkam Legon gains ‘terrorizing ghoul raids’ (-2 food, -1 gold, -2 hammers, -1 trade)


Scions of Twilight, Utilicans Sign Peace Treaty

Initial diplomatic contacts between the trolls of the Scions of Twlight and the humans of Utilica quickly results in an exchange of diplomats and a clear move towards peace and reconciliation. Most Utilicans gladly accept the peace. They had never considered the northern isles as anything other than ‘frozen wastes’. The trolls were creatures of the sea to be feared, not a people to be subjugated or conquered.

For the Scions of Twlight however, a tradition of war and mentality of confrontation does not easily accept this movement towards reconciliation, nor a formal cease fire. For the long-lived trolls, it was not so long ago that the nations best skalds were writing ‘An Edda for the Dead’, promising to write the end of the Utilicans history in their blood, to write their own names, their history and fate in blood. While merchants might enjoy the new peace, celebrate it and assist their queen Sjörá in implementing it, skalds and poets leave her court, those that remain lose their artistic credibility and popularity. Amongst the common people, there is a movement to return to war, to spill the pinkling blood and end their history and celebrate the Scion’s way.

No effect for Utilicans. Scions of Twlight lose skalds (+1 culture) but gain merchant advisors (+4 salary, +1 trade) which they are free to dismiss if they like.


Uld’ar and Throal Hunt Demon Rats

The Throalic government empowers its garrison with local guides to hunt and kill the demonic rats that strike at the population. Uld’ar offers a bounty for rats carcasses, enlisting much of its local population to assist in the battle. Meanwhile much of the city militia, lead by specialist rat catchers are trained to specifically fight these creatures.

Meanwhile, in Renegade, increased development reduces rumor-mongering and idle fearful chatter.

While these efforts do much to combat the rats and appease the population, the attacks do not cease completely and it is difficult to forget that the ‘Rat-Horror’ remains free… somewhere.

Effects of rat attacks reduced for both nations.



Kharkush Identify Two Breached Kaers

The newest ‘most fertile daughter’ only recently risen to her station orders the construction of a series of mines in the eastern high peaks. Within only a year of digging and excavating, the miners strike some magical trap causing an explosion in the shafts and claiming many lives. Extensive religious ceremony is held to guide the spirits to the heavens and new miners are told to dig at alternative locations. Meanwhile the ‘most fertile daughter’ orders her acolytes to investigate the trapped region and these soon report that an ancient kaer lies beneath the mountain. Its great gates are breached but magical and mundane traps litter the gates themselves and the halls they lead into.

Meanwhile, to the west, the ’strongest son’ actively searches for hidden kaers. For years the search is fruitless, his wandering through the wilderness revealing only minor goblin tribes scratching a life by fishing and snaring game. Finally, using the ‘spirit staff’ taken the gibbering shadows’ nest, the ‘strongest son’ uses spirit mana to search the aether for trapped and tortured spirits. This proves very successful and after several weeks of digging, the ‘strongest son’ and his army finally arrive at the doors of a particularly well crafted kaer. Again the traps and magical runes remain largely active and so no real effort is made to breach the fortress. Unlike the eastern kaer, the gates remain un-breached.


No real effect yet. (Vrutchen: you can pm or e-mail me for more details if there is something particular you want to know about these discoveries).


Utilicans Identify Slavers Camp

The Utilican emperor Flavinus orders his soldiers to patrol the shores of the island for any evidence of slavers. On the western coast of the isle, the soldiers find evidence of some sort of camp. The camp is not tten or twenty years old; evidence suggests it was constructed fairly recently and abandoned just as quickly. While Flavinus and others suggest that the slavers have left the island, many soldiers are not so sure. There has been no evidence of the slavers in nearly a decade and a half and now, all of a sudden, evidence of their recent return is unearthed. For many Utilicans it is cause to worry.

Utilicans gain ‘fear of slavers’ building (-1 food, -1 gold).


Uld’ar Scouts Visit

The dwarves of the northern isle, known as the Bicomis Dwarves and lead by the triumvirate of wisest and most excellent warriors Mavyris, Gous and Iysmin greet the Uld’ar scouts with open arms, accepting their (unarmed) scouts into their hill-top towns, extensive cattle ranches and even providing tours of their tanneries. They also gratefully accept their gift of salted meats and grain.

Bicomis dwarves opinion of the Uld’ar increases.


Scions of Twilight, Utilicans Visit ‘White Elves’

Queen Sjörá orders her scouts on the isle of the ‘White Elves’, whom they call the Asgalfar, to learn the language of the foreign elves, to learn their ways and culture and to relate to them the legends of the scourge and of their people. The ‘White Elves’ tell the trolls, in turn, of their short history, of their ‘test’ at the hands of the ‘angel of the winter lord’. Upon hearing this, the trolls quickly determine that the two races share an important cultural link; both venerate Mul'kjrn, god of winter and tradition. The Asgalfar focus more on the living embodiment of Mul'kjrn power however, the ‘wrything winter’, whom they call an angel. They even take one of the Scion scouts to visit the angel- leading him deep into mountainous tunnels into a hidden and sacred valley. Therein they witness the White Elf angel and speak briefly with the creature. The scout’s visit to the angel is considered a great honor by the Asgalfar and thereafter they treat that one troll with much greater respect. They also expect the trolls to pay the creature the same veneration they pay to it.

In 1153, the Utilicans arrive at the island and with the help of the troll scouts, quickly learn to communicate their intentions of peace and willingness to trade. At first the elves seem receptive but when the humans offer clothes and blankets and other gifts made from their linen cloth, the elves suddenly grow very suspicious and look to one-another with a look that says, “We knew this would come”. Almost simultaneously winters grow colder and longer as if Mul'kjrn would punish the elves for their trade and friendliness towards the Utilican humans. When spring fails to arrive as expected the elves banish the Utilicans from their isle. Only once they have done so does spring arrive, its welcome warmth quickly returning the seasons to their rightful behavior.

No efffects.


Throal Founds Krigleezi Anew

Despite the earlier destruction of the first township of Krigleezi, King Varulus III orders a new Krigleezi to be built on the ashes of the first. This time he places the diplomat and ambassador, his cousin Prince Amand in command of the city.

Krigleezi founded (again)


Kraz-Ke-Meka, Palitante Press Offensive Against the Undead Raiders

The Kraz and Palitante governments, after much discussion and soul-searching at the highest levels, finally decide that to withdraw their forces and regroup will only cost them the initiative and allow their nomadic opponents to regroup and retrain and give them time to prepare more extensive traps and ambushes for them. And so, after providing wagons full of water, tents, and other extra supplies suitable for an extended campaign in the desert, the allied armies return to their search for the Hippus.

Julien the Piker orders his scouts, in conjunction with Silvanus’ elite chosen units to patrol a wide perimeter, looking for signs of horses or the undead. For most of winter and spring of 1150, there is no evidence but as the very greatest heat of summer arrives, perceptive scouts begin to notice the same hawk examining them day after day and the first of isolated hoofprints. Julien and Silvanus begin preparing their armies. Wells and pools encountered are tested before consumption and the army begins to march during the night and sleep during the day. Soon enough fresh unpolluted water begins to dry up and the scouts report seeing greater and greater numbers of hoofrprints. In midsummer the hippus launch the first of their skirmishing attacks, sending mounted bowmen against the flanks of the army. These do little damage as they stay mostly out of bow range for fear of Kraz and Palitante crossbows. Continued skirmishes throughout the following months seem more inclined to limit allied human scouting then to cause real damege and so Julien orders the army to take a somewhat more circuitous route, staying amongst the canyons and dry riverbeds in an effort to minimize the impact of any potential cavalry strikes. Finally in early fall the scouts report much more extensive hoof and footprints. Following them the army arrives at a recently abandoned camp. Again there is evidence of metal-casting foundries and smithies. There is pasturage, though mostly abandoned and grazed to near extinction and there are poisoned wells. Lastly there is a great number of tracks, heading north-east. The chase is on. Only 12 days later the Hippus mount the first major defensive action, taking positions on the opposite side of a dry gully running perpendicular to the path of the tracks. Simultaneously scouts report encountering horse-archers to the south and west of the army, an apparent attempt to flank the allied humans. Seeing no signs of mangonels or other siege equipment, the allied humans assume a defensive square position just out of bow range from the enemy undead, paying particular attention to the protection of the water supply as Julien suspects this might be the first target of any major undead counter-attack.

Seeing no real evidence of any immediate charge by the allied humans undead bowmen scurry across the gully, obviously ready to return at a moments notice while undead horsemen close to bow range. The assault begins with three-way missile combat, the Kraz lining up a unit against the north-eastern unmounted bowmen and unit against the southern horse-archers. Palitante crossbowmen are tasked with defending against the western horse-mounted archers. The bow combat goes on for some time and when the humans advance with their javeliners or slingers the undead answer with their own javelin-throwing horsemen. Finally Silvanus has had enough and orders a general charge against the unmounted hippus leading with his trusted spearhead- the elite chosen infantry. Silvanus expects traps and is not disappointed- the gully is full of pit-traps, standard panji stakes traps, side-closing panji traps, spike boards on trestles and hidden one-shot ballista traps. Many Palitante Chosen are staked and fall dead almost immediately. Those that don’t are counter-charged by newly trained hippus spearmen. Julien the Piker commands his infantry to support the Chosen infantry and this they do, countering spears with pikes and their own spears. The undead infantry line is woefully thin and collapses quickly, leaving the Chosen and the Kraz infantry to chase down the undead bowmen. Undead horsemen continue to harass and harry the flanks of the allied army but their shield-bearing infantry and crossbows effectively counter any real attempt to charge or disrupt the allied forces. The undead cavalry are apparently unwilling to close with the thick mass of infantry and so there is no final decisive battle.

Instead the allied army continues to track the massive undead movement, continuously exchanging mostly ineffective missile fire with mounted archers that stay at the army’s flanks. Finally the allied army catches up to a massive movement of undead civilians tracking their way north and east. They trail tents and herd cattle and horses. As the allied human army catches up to the undead exodus, the horse-archers and cavalry finally take up positions between the undead exodus and the human army.

From the civilian population a lone man rides towards the human army. Unlike the rest of the Hippus, he is not undead, only very very haggard, aged but somehow still vibrant and alive.


He steps towards Julien the Piker where he stands amongst the Golems and lays down his lance, “Sons of those who fled the surface, I am the last of those who did not flee the horrors, the greatest of men. I lay down my lance so that my people might be spared death at the hands of your warriors. My surrender is complete and total. State your terms.”

Chosen wounded. Damaged Kraz medium-armored light crossbowmen destroyed.


Achatin Celebrate Return of Soldiers, Success of the Uncorrupted Aifons

The Achatin, like the Tabba Ghut hold massive festivals to celebrate the return of their soldiers and the success of the Aifon over their corrupted cousins the Diabhal Iasc. In memorandum to those who have fallen in defense of the Sjykalfarl there is an entire day of mourning and remembrance. Sharad makes a point of denoucing the magics used by the Sjykalfar upon the dead Achatin but for many Achatin it is not enough; many flock to the demagogue Cleon Pathos and ask him what can be done to make the elves pay for the horrendous magicks wrought upon their dead.

Ultimately the festival does much to appease the population and bring some sense of closure to the events in the south but for many, widows in particular, it is not enough.

Achatin gain ‘frustrated widows’ improvement (-1 governance)


Brandari Lo’Kyl and partners agitate against monarchy

Brandari Lo’Kyl and his clan continue to agitate against the decisions of queen Sjörå. Her pacifist leanings do much to discredit the monarchy in the eyes of common trolls and the Lo’Kyl clan does everything they can to inflame such sentiments. Fortunately for the monarchy, the people consider their queen the high priest of the faith of Mul'kjrn and unlike Brandari, do not consider him the god of unthinking stasis. Instead they think of him as the creator, god of the trollish traditions and guardian of ancient culture. He is a link to the past and a bridge to the future… and so Brandari’s attempts are only partially successful.

The Lo’Kyl clan therefore decides to focus on developing other means of gaining political and physical power. One of the thing they (and their partners) do is develop a shadow mana node to the south of the city.

Scions of Twilight Gain Shadow Magic Node (though there might be some difficulties convincing Lo’Kyl’s clan that it belongs to the entire people and not their clan).



NEWS QUICKLY:

Maps

wow, that was unexpected. Um... sorry?

immac: can I post mai story now?

yup yes (edit 2: you may want to edit your story to indicate that the dead soldiers ARE NOT returned home)

edit: what about it was surprising? that he didn't realease your people's bodies? the reaction of your soldiers? both?

Bothersome Brothers

Good update . Worth the wait.

To the Achatin;
From The Court of Anabella, Princess of the Sjykalfar

Venerable allies,
We are thankful for the aid that your people have provided us in this still-ongoing struggle against our fell neighbours, the traitorous Pilsetans. I recall with fondness of the bond that was forged between our peoples when you declared your soldiers' loyalty to our mutual cause, the downfall of the Pilsetans.

Yet your soldiers have left the field of battle in this time of need - for that we can forgive you, and we acknowledge that their losses are significant. We also acknowledge and bring our excuses that your people take poorly to being sent in battle when their souls are already lost, yet their bodies still available for battle. We hope that your people will come to the understanding that without this necessary evil, the only Achatin to return home would have been deceased, for they would not have withstood the Pilsetans without my arcane measures.

Yet we find it most disrespectable that your returning soldiers have permitted themselves to lose their discipline and go rogue in our, Sjykalfar, farmlands. We do not hesitate to bring to your attention the pivotal situation that the Sjykalfar are currently entrapped in; We need every ressource we can accumulate from our lands in this time of need and your savage plunderings has done much to weighten our burdens.

We have taken offense from this, and present you with a choice; You can return what goods you have taken from our lands and enswear that you will send another army to our cause, and we shall forgive your thoughtless action. If you do not choose to do so, we consider our debt for your martial aids repaid twice or more and there will never again be a close friendship between our peoples.

We hope for your consideration and compassion in this, and that your people will realize their blunder in dealing with a people as proud as the Sjykalfar in such savage manners.

Your Friend and Ally,
Princess Anabella of the Sjykalfar.

To the Pilsetans;
From The Court of Anabella, Princess of the Sjykalfar

It is clear that we are foes, but let it not be said that the mercy of the Sjykalfar is vain. We bring an offer that may put an end to this disastrous war. We have proven to your people and your soldiers beyond doubt our prowess in martial as well as arcane matters, and for every battle, our forces are bolstered whilst yours grow weaker. Your crops rot and decay under the terrible influence of the devastation that the Sjykalfar command, and your people will soon be unable to feed their families, much less your proud armies.

Therefore, we suggest the following terms of peace:
-The Monarch of the Pilsetan Heron Throne and the General of the Lion Banner surrender themselves to the Sjykalfar, that their people are spared from the devastation that they command.
-The armies of the Pilsetans are disbanded, their soldiers disarmed but returned unharmed to the fields to restore the hearth of Pilsetan farmland.
-The Pilsetan city and its associated lands are to become a vassal state to the Sjykalfar, led and ruled by a senate of Riaï in collaboration with representatives of the three major tribes of Pilsetans.

If you accept and follow these conditions, we can promise peace to your lands, and I, Princess Anabella, personally swear that I will devote the Arcane powers of myself and my people to our mutual prosperity instead of inflicting more strife and harm to your peoples.

With hopes of reaching an agreement,
Princes Anabella of the Sjykalfar.

To the Araïlumni, Leader of the rogue Tearwillow Elves
From the Court of Anabella, Princess of the Sjykalfar

Enlightened Warrior, Proud Sister and Leader of the rogue Tearwillow,

It saddens me to know that you cannot appreciate the sacrifices that the Riaï has suffered so that all of the Tearwillow elves can prosper, but I have not lost all hope of reconcilliation with you or the people that you have led with you from my lands.

I write this as one sister to another, seeking reconcilliation and hoping that you can understand that our race and people face more serious threats than the disagreement between Sisters. I know that you and your followers disapprove of the ways of the Riaï, especially so the arcane weapon that is necromancy, but allow me to ensure you this; It is only a weapon. Like you wield the Divine Presence of Sucellus, The Fallen Prince of Spring, so do I wield the arcane weapons that are at my disposal. Ultimately, our goal is the same; The prosperity of our people, the Sjykalfar.

But also, our means are the same; Is your reliance upon the dead - God as he may be - better than mine?

I hope and pray that you can swallow your personal pride for the sake of our people, like I have let my pride be bleaked by the Dark Arts; All this sacrifice, I have done for our people, for you and for me, and those who follow us: For I would rather rule my own people and the undead armies of other nations than see my own people slain, refusing to do what is in my power to stop it.

Please, Sister, consider my suggestion; March to Sjykheim with your weapons laid down and peace in your minds, and you shall be embraced as the Sjykalfar you are. You have my word that I will not harm any of your subjects, and that I will never call any of my people - our people! - back from the dead. Embrace me as a sister and apologize for your instigation of this strife between our people, and I shall forgive you everything. And if your pride does not allow this, then I am willing to bring the same promise if you willingly surrender yourself instead, that you may join your Prince, Succellus, in martyrdom, having offered your own life for the good of our people.

It is my hope that this letter reaches you, although I have no hope of its bearer returning.

In hope of forgiveness, and of reunion,
Your Sister,
Princess Anabella.

I smell some meddling in that meeting with the elves, anyways did I make contact with the Throal?

merciary said:

I smell some meddling in that meeting with the elves, anyways did I make contact with the Throal?

Click to expand...

You met throal and you met Uld'ar... you even met the Achatin.

stats tomorrow (Saturday) or earlier- but expect Saturday.

WOO!!! That went better then expected. Do we have any numbers on the Undead population? That could be useful for latter actions.
Also, are those resources I now have Dye and Fish?