End of Empires - N3S III

Out of that red twilight they came crossing the horizon as they surmounted the crest of those dark hills, long black shadows of nothing fit to quench the last gasps of that dying sun and it slid behind the hills and into embrace of mother night. Down past the warnings they came great piles of bones and skulls set upon spears jaws hanging loose and gaping lost in the maudlin laughter of death and past the fetishes protections against the other place warnings against spirits, devils, djinn and the hand of man.

What fear we? We brave men, we sons of brave men: Hai Vithana. Up into saddles we went, leather worn smooth under constant use, stained brown with blood and viscera with chasing of silver, foriegn work, lost under the skulls of enemies slain hair still stuck to skeletal brows. Hands heft lances, fingers run the length of bow-strings checking for moisture and men nuzzle their horses gauze covered heads which made them look like the veiled equine brides of desperate men.

There were but two of them. There were many of us. I said let us be at them. Out past the tree that hung over our hide we rode the sound of hooves muted by the sand and booties made of leather. All that could be seen was the steam rising from horse and man's noses. All that coule be heard was the cracking of the desert as it set down to slumber. Into the wadi we rode the false green of its trees fit to attract fools obscured in the steam and darknesss. Out of it we passed and with its passing went any semblance of life as the sand piled up in deep drifts fit to drown a man if he strayed from that unmarked path.

Even our harnesses were wrapped. Soft linen proof against sound. Our shoes removed for the same. All of our clothes tight against bodies hard with hunger and want and need. Of souls long since estranged from that other place where the women lived and laughter prevailed. That place where we were not yet welcome. In the darkness sometimes muffled against a grooms own veil came a curse as a horse-bride stumbled upon a rock for which it could not see. Not once did we come down to walk our loves. They knew the path as sure as we.

Now they are fading into darkness embraced in the blackness from whence they came as they passs the horizon into the lee of that hill. Out of sight and into imagination they walked our co-heirs to that dark night; our of courage and into fear went we. The stars dipped dimmed turn on themselves in a dance all of their own making and with a final turn they hide their faces to us. Into darkness we plunged. The moon did not dance but hid amidst a cloudless sky. The light of her eye winked out and a stream of light poured forth racing across the sky. We knew not then but they were her tears.

We rode on we the brave. Past fear into terror. The path lost to us though we had ridden it much. Horses plunging on into nothingness. They spoke to us then not in the language of men but in the way of horses. A quiet whinny of sadness for us on that ride. We knew then that we had died. In time they walked upon two legs carrying us along like babes holding us in the crook of their hooves against the beating of their hearts. Lost we rode on, man unto horse, horse unto man. Eyes straining against the veil that covers all things.

Soon the laughing began. Harsh sounds, easy to confuse with the desert fox. Erupting bursting upon the silence piercing it. Then nothing. We saw nothing. Heard naught but the beating of equine hearts. The horses had stilled. Sadness fading into silence. We moaned all collective in our grief and in the knowing of our fate. Lost. Lost of soul. Lost of fixed things. Left in torpor and darkness. Uncertainty and error our guide. We moaned once more. A flicker against the nothing just the barest crack. Nothing to see with eyes. But deeper than that rubbing the soul raw in its intensity and ambiguity and want. We cried then. Not for fear. We had long gone past that but for hope.

Darkness and silence. Hope and light. Again and again it changed. First pushing against our soul, then our hearts, prodding at the receptacles of our hope, kicking up against our minds opening them to it. To her. Once more we moaned. It dimmed threatening to burn out and leave us in obscurity. We prayed in the old way though we had no cause to. It burned shifting past our eyes and into our minds a great light illuminating us for what we were burning asunder that which it found wanting shifting and changing us in that light. Error fled its cry while uncertainty died. It burned low again then blue like the poor man's candle of fat starved of sustenance.

Then words came to us unbidden etched in our hearts though we had known them not. Words to prayers to a lady we knew not. It burned slipping past our mind and into our heart. Burning out ignorance and vice. And left in its place her. Eyes afire. Red as mulberries. Mark of the Gods. She turned. Figure of glory. Face shielded from us behind a veil of finest gauze. She danced away and the light passed from us. She sung alien tunes and it returned beaming to the rise and fall of her voice. We wept for salvation. She smiled.

And it shifted once more. Away from our heart deeper still into the soul. Searching pearcing. Eyes flaming like hottest coals. And the horses rode us. Drove us forward. Our heads against their breasts still. The beating of hearts long since lost to the intensity of the flames. Once more she smiled. And into our mind flowed her words you shall know I come when the horses shall walk on two feet and shall speak in the tongues of men.

Out of the darkness we rode. Into a fire that burned and into the company of the men we had proposed to kill. They had heard us long before, seen us almost as long and they had sat while we stood transfixed by her and lit a fire and cooked a string of rabbits and prepared flat-bread on the rocks around the edge of the fire. Sane men would not have stopped as they did. Sane men would not have stopped as we did. Their eyes fixed on us. No mercy. No sense. Cunning. Cruel. I knew then what the hare feels. Not before his last moment but before the chase. That moment of freedom sweet to savor snapping instantly into fear.

They were dressed in cowls of rags finger-bones to hold their hair a skull upon their staffs and ears pricked through with ribs like the evils of old. Not men then but monsters. Fit to pluck fingers from hands, rip skulls from necks and pull ribs like teeth. Not monsters then but gathers of men. They looked and we sat. And long into the night did they tell us of her. Our lady. Our temptress of the soul. Our wife.

Hightower said:

Hi. I'm a new poster, but not new to following this thread. I'd like to join this NES after the update, maybe as Trahana. What is the culture of that area like? (Sorry for not doing this by PM; I just registered today and can't use PMs yet.)

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Unlock your PM's here.

@NK
My orders will arrive today, but they may arrive slightly later than what is your orders due that - my dads birthday. Sorry.

Northen Wolf said:

Unlock your PM's here.

@NK
My orders will arrive today, but they may arrive slightly later than what is your orders due that - my dads birthday. Sorry.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the link, but the issue for me is I think the short registration time, not post count (which I could up pretty quickly if I wanted/needed to).

Anyway, as a result I will post orders here; hopefully North King will see them. Since Trahana does not have stats yet, these will be pretty general, and none of it is private enough to be worried about not sending them via PM.

1. Reach an amicable solution as to whatever conflict is ongoing on our northwestern borders, annexing what we currently control and whatever else can be easily taken beforehand. Our goal is to keep the peace and safety of Trahana, although we are willing to annex territory if it furthers that goal.
2. Arrange the marriage of the Enadanbar (prince), eldest son of the Danbar (king), the ruler of Trahana, with the daughter of the ruler of Haina. Generally facilitate peaceful relations with the Haina through trade, small gifts and diplomatic missions.
3. Promote the development of the already high-quality Trahana masonry, stoneworking and stonewares. Commission the construction of new, larger Machaiambarai (Machai temples with dramatically tall spires, sort of like steeples but with multiple per temple) in each major city of Trahana to promote the guild of masons and showcase Trahana's great pride in its architectural ability.
4. Send emissaries to the city-states to the north, between Trahana and Dehr, expressing our friendship and desire for peace.

Stories to come later today, after the deadline.

Hightower said:

Thanks for the link, but the issue for me is I think the short registration time, not post count (which I could up pretty quickly if I wanted/needed to).

Click to expand...

AFAIK They should be able to unlock postcounts for any user, does not matter whatever you have been member for 5 days and/or have 5 posts.

Orders incoming shortly.

Espoir said:

The world may have changed,
but order will always be restored by EXATAS.
Slaves can not masquerade as freemen.
Taleldil will not allow it.
Your defeat was sealed from your first foray,
even as you thought yourself victorious.
You will tremble before the might of the Redeemer.
The mask glints the brightest gold.​

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Prince Satores-ta-Yashidim of the Arrow, Prince Nephrax-ta-Delphis of the Scroll, Prince Taraxilas-ha of the Sword, Prince Elikas-ta-Tisatar of the Shield, Prince Zephtalik of the Spear, Prince Ilparnir-ta-Atracta of the Wheel.

We cut our arms anew, and place the blood upon the mask. For the Six shall crown a Seventh, as it has always been. At Magha, in conclave, 391.

And the Satar prostitute themselves to expediency again. Taleldil is not only a piss-poor slayer of Goddesses but a slut for whatever new steppe tail comes past his equine nose.

One wonders how Scroll or any of his minions managed to escape his little rat's-nest in the fair city of Kargan to attend such a conclave.

Lord_Iggy said:

One wonders how Scroll or any of his minions managed to escape his little rat's-nest in the fair city of Kargan to attend such a conclave.

Click to expand...

Sesalik-ta-Shaim, fourth son of Nephrax-ta-Delphis, bled for his father by proxy.

Faeorias* of Farea

Only most important Faeorian elders, from Faeorias who were large enough to posses some power in 3 states of Farea, had gathered to the Meeting Hall of Farea. Well, less than 10 years ago it had been only 2 states, but times have changed. One of those two was Norupi, oldest of the states, simply known as 'Farea' for foreign merchants. Home of countless Faeorias, dominated by capital of Farea - a city like no other. Province of Ania, on the other hand, was settled several years after Norupi/Farea had been settled. Ania, ania was taken via peaceful expansion, to aid chaotic city state to restore order from chaos it had fallen into. And now, with the colonization of new lands, new province was created after Faeorian meeting decision. That Decision had gained significant support. "The New Colonies" that this "province" held, was named 'Hirulaho', meaning something in lines of 'Green Mountains' in one of the Farean dialects. Even tho this new province was small and weak, most of Feorias had charged into colonization attempt, once it passed the election. There was a chance of bright future for Hirulaho province.

This colonization idea had already been incredibly successful - with in less than 10 years, Natives North and North-East of Farea, had been convinced of Goodness and kindness of Farean leadership. Everything went, just like Grael had predicted when he first proposed this "colonization idea". Many of the natives had joined new colonies or were working together with colonists and some had chosen to live together with colonists, absorbing Farean culture. Trading with natives had proven to be very useful as well, although origin and worth of goods was often greatly under question, aslong as they were not Farean goods, everything was good and these new goods improved colonial growth by quite a bit. Sending Idaghor priests to outlying native villages to live with and to work as diplomats was also a great and rather successful idea.

And just like Grael had predicted about successfully befriending natives, These new colonies were chance for large Faeorias to expand - to put down their rivaly, due to their always increasing size. And, like he expected, many of the small colonies fell under control of small or even 'minor' Faeorias. This helped to solve civil problem of large Faeorias gaining all power and ignoring small faeorias. Among Several small Faeorias, that had gained power hold in Hirulaho - the new colonies - was also Graels own Feoria. Yes, he was known as Grael of Raev. Raevs Faeoria was formed not so long ago, after Hiolof Feaoria infighting had split this family into several small faeorias. Raev was one of the smallest of Hiolof feaorias, still it was rated as "medium sized" feoria as there were simply too many small faeorias.

Yet, Grael had bargained on right deals. First, when voting for allowing all traders into Farean Ports, as long as traders had not done any harm to Farea and its friends. Then, when he founded a small trader shop in Surgoai, using all of his Raev Faeorias funds, and even borrowing some more (Crazy idea, some said). Once this new edict had passed, Raevs small trader shop business bloomed and produced almost triple of the expected income. But those were not all of the bargains that Grael had successfully made - he was one of the first Feaorian Elders, who proposed colonization of new lands and he successfully convinced many important and influential elders to vote for this plan. He had to, as he had gambled quite a bit - Faeoria Raev, together with many other small Faeorias had borrowed large sums of money, hired many scouts and best supplies, well before this edict came into open discussion. And that gave Raev Faeoria considerable head-start, in comparison to other Faerias, when colonization began. When first colonists finished building foundations of new colonies, Grael sent cheap supplies from Raevs trader shop to these colonies and made sure that natives would love inhabitants of his colonies. He saw no sense in attacking these natives, unless they were threat to everyone. Why waste your life taking lives, when you could work towards peaceful life and enlightenment. Soon, after very good expansion and deals, his Faeoria had more marriage requests, than he could have ever hoped for. A tiny Faeoria, in comparison to huge and always existing Faeorias, had grown into considerable power with in about ten years. And most of this, was thanks to Raevs elders, especially Grael - because they dared to take risks.

By now, Graels actions had earned him excellent reputation among other Faeorian Elders. He was trusted, respected and his advice was well worth of gold to many. But even in his height of power, he cared for those, who were not in any faeorias and often donated or employed poor people to do non important tasks, that other Faeorias used trained and experienced workers for. That kindness and care, had given Grael of Raev considerable support amongst poorer citizens and villagers of Farea. And now, he planned to use this respect to achieve his long dream - his life goal. Dream that he had dreamed so long about, ever since his mother told him the story How Farea was founded ... And since then, he had worked towards that goal - To build a city and to be chosen into honorable office of leading Elders of that city. He knew, that his Faeorias expansion options were limited, only beacuse children do not mature in 10 years, that Raev had gained power and respect. Grael knew, that this idea will find much opposition amongst larger Faeorias, yet he was certain, that if he presented facts in proper order, he could convince some of the elders and press his dream through. He was certain that, even if his Faeoria would have to give up few colonies, as his small Faeoria would lack manpower to be leading family in this city, he could earn Raev a position, to become one of the most influencial families in that city and within 20 years, he would gain a seat in City Elders council.

And so, he stood today before Elders of countless but influential Faeorias, who had been gathered into Election Hall. This meeting, summoned by him and several other influential Elders of Farea, would be the meeting, that would fulfill his goal... his dream. And so he walked onto pedestal and rised his hand and swore loyalty of himself and his Faeoria to Farea. And most elders to stop speaking about trivial matters and started to listen to him. And so Grael spoke. He presented his facts, He countered insults and stupididy, He convinced Elders, as well as he could. He knew, that should he make even one slight mistake, it'll tip of the balance of scales and he will not be able to find enough support amongst the crowd.

After several days, when Faeorias had had enough time, to think his request through, voting commenced. And Grael was certain, that his request would pass. It had to pass, there was no other solution. Solution, that would further improve Farea. He knew that Farea required another Economical center and he hoped that other Faeorias would know this aswell. A city that would not be coastal but located deep inside the mainland. A city, that could trade with Cyntan merchants, coordinate relations and trade between natives and colonies and eventually most of the inland. A city, That would become center of inland trade, maybe even Fareans future capital. And he even had name for this new population center. Mirof. Known as Central Fortification. He chosen a site for this city - a place near a small river, with incredibly clean water. A place near forest and place, where there was a border patrol fortification - this was good site. Good for defense, good for food, good for fresh water. Good for construction supplies and farming. A perfect site for new city.

Graels Faeoria, t'was known as Raev, had taken an incredibly huge risk. They had borrowed even more money and tripled loans on their Faeoria. He had taken huge risk, should that project fail, his Faeoria shall collapse. And Raev was not the only Faeoria that had taken huge loans. They had all taken from countless loans from countless of places. No-one knew who owed whom and how much, but they all knew .. they knew that They all had debts. Even large Faeorias. They had bet on that, that their future is secure, that their future expansion will pay for loans. That their investment was well worth the price. And Grael hoped, that it was worth it, or Farea - the moral Successor of the First empire of Helsians - shall fall into nothing but small city states. But he had to risk ... because he knew, that he could only achieve enlightenment when he fulfills his dream - his life long goal. To become one of the Leading elders of a Town. And that was nearly impossible for Faeoria that has the the size of Raev. But size can be changed in the long run, like large empires fall and Small nations become Empires.

*Farea is lead by powerful families that are called Faeorias

Fantastic story Northen, you're really taking off with the Fareans.

A map, that has to show general locations of Hirulaho province, as well as show general placement of this new city of Mirof. It is not accurate in terms of borders or landscape but should be enough for visual estimates.

EDIT:

Orders sent (late but with permission to be late).

I want to start a nation but i don't know how, i need to see a recent map to know where to put it and, also, what information do i need to give in order to be established?

Sorry i am new to NES's and i was browsing the thread here and it looked interesting so i thought i might as well give it a go.

dominatr said:

I want to start a nation but i don't know how, i need to see a recent map to know where to put it and, also, what information do i need to give in order to be established?

Sorry i am new to NES's and i was browsing the thread here and it looked interesting so i thought i might as well give it a go.

Click to expand...

Generally all that information is found on the front page .

Here:

And here:

I would advise reading the entire posts 1,2, and 4 though; they may will provide some valuable information.


Oh, and welcome to NESing!

Utugia
Starting Location: Very far south in isolation
Society: Chief ruling each minor tribe and one major chief ruling the nation as a whole. Men hunt, farm, and fight, and women take care of the villages, cook and make supplies. Pretty basic society.
Lineage: on a small series of islands, then they slowly moved onto the continent
Values: They believe in truth, fairness, and freedom. They are very closely tied with nature. They hate war but will fight to the death if it means to protect their values and people.
Religion(s): Sort of a nature-worshipping culture. They don't believe in a god, but they are aware of their world and they do everything in mind with preserving and helping nature.
Language(s): They speak Utugian, which can be seen as sort of an african language in terms of the pronunciation of their words and names. They write on very thin sheets of a type of rock near their villages, and they write it with a different type of rock which leaves a dark mark on surfaces.
Mythos: Not really sure about this one, i'm going to leave this blank.
Economic Base: They do not operate with a monetary system of any sort, they beleieve that everything is natures and they use what they need to sustain life. They trade resources with others if they need but do not accept anything that is supposed to represent money.
Nation Names: Utugia, Orombuwe, Pitura, Noromwemba, Uri Mdobwe, Lomongo
Person Names: Bathili, Mposi, Kodosa, Mbewela-Utugwomite (original chief of Utugia) Lumosa
Place Names: Ustututar, Bolkongo, Manikeme, Bofasa, Estombi-Rawanto, Rebozo, Tentwekenga.

They are somewhat of an isolated peoples, but they are very friendly to those who are friendly in return. They are quiet and they enjoy exploring. The chiefs are people who have done many things for the tribe. The tribe consists of several large stone-mud huts, smaller huts for storage of supplies and food, and a few fire pits in the center for meals. The Utugu people wear animal furs and the average man in the tribe is about 6 feet tall and very strong and has a grey tone of brown skin.

Awesome join app! But how does one explain black people in cold areas? Those are cold areas...

i fixed it for you

Black people can't naturally inhabit ice regions, or come from them, that isn't how biology works. White people are white because of the regions they inhabit, everyone was black originally, we changed because we needed to.