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- Sep 21, 2008
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Create-a-leader
for LeadersEnhanced: Nuova Alba
for LeadersEnhanced: Nuova Alba
Votes closed!
The following leaders will be added:
- Brigit the Shining (as part of a new summonable civilization, so might take longer than the others); was proposed by thomas.berubeg!
- Longzi Tian (I plan some things for her too); was proposed by icarussc!
- Bernado Juvenal; was proposed by Jabie!
Tayschrenn was proposed by Tayschrenn!
Chyorny Monakh was proposed by Mercutio46!
James Marquembert was proposed by A Golden Dragon!
Ameron the Illuminated Cimmerian was proposed by sputnik323!
Tayschrenn
Spoiler :
I based him on one of my favorite characters from Steven Eriksons Malazan Book of the Fallen. He is one of the greatest sorcerers of his generation (arguably his age). He has helped build up an empire in a century. He is the Imperial High Mage of the Malazan Empire.
Civilization: Amurites (He’s a mage)
Backstory: Not much is known about Tayschrenn, save that he is of Kylorins Blood, and, after two years of study in the magic arts, he became an archmage. After five more years, he rose to the position of Caswallawn. He is the fifth Caswallawn after Dain, middle of the 5th century after the beginning of the Age of Rebirth
Fluff: It was not more than two years after his accession to his position, that Dains first child, then unnamed - as per Amurite tradition until his first birthday – was abducted. Without a trace, this great mans child had dissapeared. A tragedy, only deepening the thoughtfull dim demeanours, of this already troubled man.
-Sigsen (the Naïve), Amurite Sage, end of the 4th century AoR
Mystery shrouded this man, this enigma. He could sink in meditations of multiple days, discovering the nature of things, by ever more reasoning. Thoughtfull was to soft an expression, as he could ponder endlessly. Yet he was a visonary, his precautions and security measures unimaginable, his reasoning thought through from every perspective, his understanding of magic bordering the absolute. As a leader he was neither beloved, nor charismatic, no he was respected. His power as a wizard was unequalled in his day, and maybe is still, in any case, power was never his objective. This is best characterised in a question to one of his colleagues, a mage and chanter named Aconit.
Tayschrenn asked: “Do you know the final attainment of absolute power, Aconit ?”
To which Aconit said “The final what of what?”
Taschrenn answered “Powerlessness, Aconit. Absolute power diffuses into powerlessness.”
In any case, Tayschrenn was always looking for answers on the questions of how to best lead his nation. A thing in which we cannot underestimate his succes, forging the Amurite Empire into the great power it has become. Ending the strife and conflict with the Doviello Queen (which kept him quite busy on a more personal level too), he was able to maintain peace in the north, which enabled new solutions to war and strife on other fronts and levels.
-Biographies of the Caswallawns, part XXXIV 433-489(retirement) AoR
Introduction: Tayschrenn, the road to grandeur by thought; Paragraph 2: The Person
Baruk the unrelenting
Name: Tayschrenn
Traits:
Philosophical
Arcane – Racial
Visionary - +20 % hammers, +2 XP, -50 % hurry cost.
The more forthough you give something, the better you can prepare.
Gnostic - -10% hammers, +30 % war unrest, +10 % research.
If you go down the road of thought too long, it might claim you.
Image
It’s not really what he looks like, but it got a good feel to it
http://ilacha.deviantart.com/art/Duel-of-the-Warlocks-73977387
Leaderrelations
+2 towards leaders with the arcane trait (his colleagues)
+5 towards Mahalla (they ended centuries of strife between their peoples, while becoming more friendly towards each other as well.)
Personality
-Favorite Civic: Magocracy
-Diplomatic modifiers: -2 against users of entropy and chaos mana
-Gender modifier: +1 towards women (just neat and polite)
-Alignment: Neutral
-Favorite Tech : Sorcery
-Favorite Unit : Wizard
-Favorite Wonder : Nexus
-Hated Civic : Republic (Bunch of hypocrits claiming to serve the needs of the people, while only helping the rich few)
-Defeat Quote : Every garden I have ever tended is either dead or wild.
-Religious Weights :
Order – 0
Empyrean – 50
Runes of Kilmorph – 40
Fellowship of Leafs – 20
Octopus Overlords - -50
Council of Esus - -50
Ashen Veil - -100
-Diplo Soundtrack
I suggest one of the following by Two steps from Hell
Infinite Legends http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoEw2m_fMv8
Hypnotica http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtBll0rh4nM
Moving Mountains http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtBll0rh4nM
Undying Love http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtBll0rh4nM
-Diplomatic Texts
Friendly or pleased welcome – Hello, my friend
Neutral welcome – I will speak with you
Gruff welcome – So. Your message ?
Agreeing on treaty – This seems a fair bargain to me.
Not agreeing on trade/ treaty – This I cannot tolerate.
Declaring War
I do not interfere in succession. My forbearance I thought unassailable. But this! ThisI cannot allow.
Civilization: Amurites (He’s a mage)
Backstory: Not much is known about Tayschrenn, save that he is of Kylorins Blood, and, after two years of study in the magic arts, he became an archmage. After five more years, he rose to the position of Caswallawn. He is the fifth Caswallawn after Dain, middle of the 5th century after the beginning of the Age of Rebirth
Fluff: It was not more than two years after his accession to his position, that Dains first child, then unnamed - as per Amurite tradition until his first birthday – was abducted. Without a trace, this great mans child had dissapeared. A tragedy, only deepening the thoughtfull dim demeanours, of this already troubled man.
-Sigsen (the Naïve), Amurite Sage, end of the 4th century AoR
Mystery shrouded this man, this enigma. He could sink in meditations of multiple days, discovering the nature of things, by ever more reasoning. Thoughtfull was to soft an expression, as he could ponder endlessly. Yet he was a visonary, his precautions and security measures unimaginable, his reasoning thought through from every perspective, his understanding of magic bordering the absolute. As a leader he was neither beloved, nor charismatic, no he was respected. His power as a wizard was unequalled in his day, and maybe is still, in any case, power was never his objective. This is best characterised in a question to one of his colleagues, a mage and chanter named Aconit.
Tayschrenn asked: “Do you know the final attainment of absolute power, Aconit ?”
To which Aconit said “The final what of what?”
Taschrenn answered “Powerlessness, Aconit. Absolute power diffuses into powerlessness.”
In any case, Tayschrenn was always looking for answers on the questions of how to best lead his nation. A thing in which we cannot underestimate his succes, forging the Amurite Empire into the great power it has become. Ending the strife and conflict with the Doviello Queen (which kept him quite busy on a more personal level too), he was able to maintain peace in the north, which enabled new solutions to war and strife on other fronts and levels.
-Biographies of the Caswallawns, part XXXIV 433-489(retirement) AoR
Introduction: Tayschrenn, the road to grandeur by thought; Paragraph 2: The Person
Baruk the unrelenting
Name: Tayschrenn
Traits:
Philosophical
Arcane – Racial
Visionary - +20 % hammers, +2 XP, -50 % hurry cost.
The more forthough you give something, the better you can prepare.
Gnostic - -10% hammers, +30 % war unrest, +10 % research.
If you go down the road of thought too long, it might claim you.
Image
It’s not really what he looks like, but it got a good feel to it
http://ilacha.deviantart.com/art/Duel-of-the-Warlocks-73977387
Leaderrelations
+2 towards leaders with the arcane trait (his colleagues)
+5 towards Mahalla (they ended centuries of strife between their peoples, while becoming more friendly towards each other as well.)
Personality
-Favorite Civic: Magocracy
-Diplomatic modifiers: -2 against users of entropy and chaos mana
-Gender modifier: +1 towards women (just neat and polite)
-Alignment: Neutral
-Favorite Tech : Sorcery
-Favorite Unit : Wizard
-Favorite Wonder : Nexus
-Hated Civic : Republic (Bunch of hypocrits claiming to serve the needs of the people, while only helping the rich few)
-Defeat Quote : Every garden I have ever tended is either dead or wild.
-Religious Weights :
Order – 0
Empyrean – 50
Runes of Kilmorph – 40
Fellowship of Leafs – 20
Octopus Overlords - -50
Council of Esus - -50
Ashen Veil - -100
-Diplo Soundtrack
I suggest one of the following by Two steps from Hell
Infinite Legends http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoEw2m_fMv8
Hypnotica http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtBll0rh4nM
Moving Mountains http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtBll0rh4nM
Undying Love http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtBll0rh4nM
-Diplomatic Texts
Friendly or pleased welcome – Hello, my friend
Neutral welcome – I will speak with you
Gruff welcome – So. Your message ?
Agreeing on treaty – This seems a fair bargain to me.
Not agreeing on trade/ treaty – This I cannot tolerate.
Declaring War
I do not interfere in succession. My forbearance I thought unassailable. But this! ThisI cannot allow.
Longzi Tian
Spoiler :
Name: Longzi Tian
Picture: http://admemento.cgsociety.org/gallery/706282/
Civ: Kuriotates
Back story: Kuriotates were involved in a protracted war with Perpentach. At the height of the conflict, the gold dragon Eurabates emerged from his long slumber and turned the tide of the war. He died heroically, defending Naggarond from an army of Eidolons that the Balseraphs had raised to destroy the city. The Kuriotates rallied and drove off the invaders, but Eurabates was gone – his divine essence had returned to the vault of the gods. Worse, the Kuriotates’ leader, Cardith Lorda, had suddenly and mysteriously disappeared as well. The Senate took over the government of the nation, trying to keep it together during the turbulence of rebuilding after the war and of finding a successor to the boy king. Many public figures attempted to gather a following to themselves in order to seize power, but day by day more citizens rallied to a complete unknown: a woman calling herself the Voice of the Dragon. She seemed to have sprang out of the earth; no-one could discover anything about her family, background, or history. Indeed, she seemed not to have such things, nor did she herself speak of them. Instead, she passionately proclaimed allegiance to Eurabates himself, whom she claimed still lived and spoke to her in her dreams, and who had chosen her to lead his people out of darkness by following the divine Dragon, even in their worship of the other gods. The priestly class was divided in their support for her, since she urged worshippers of all the gods to unite in following the wisdom of the Dragon without forsaking their devotion to the other divinities. Such was the strength of her conviction and her sway over the commoners that even her greatest political opponents began to doubt whether she might not truly be the dragon’s representative, or even Lorda reborn. Within three years, the Voice of the Dragon was proclaimed Protector of the Kuriotates and was given the support of the Senate. She took a new name upon her ascension: Longzi Tian, the Heavenly Dragon.
Traits: Charismatic, Ecumenical, Voice of the Dragon
Details on new trait:
>Voice of the Dragon (possibly available to Kuriotate, Matzl, Illian, or Sheaim leaders as well?): All Disciple units begin with the Cult promotion. Disciple units are immune to fear and to Roar. Disciple units gain the Roar spell at level 15. 0.5% chance each turn that Eurabates will appear in the capitol city (goes to 0% if the player builds him). If Eurabates dies, the Charismatic trait is lost.
>Ecumenical (available to any other leader that does not have the Intolerant, Agnostic, or Zealous traits): Disciple units begin with City Garrison I. Disciple units do not abandon you when you change your state religion or religious civics. Blocks access to the Inquisitor promotion, the Purge the Unfaithful wonder, and the Theocracy civic.
Leader Relations: +4 to any Sheaim, Matzl, or Illian leaders: “You also hear the voice of the dragon.” -2 to Grigori: “Your people blaspheme against the draconic majesty.”
Favorite Civic: God King
Favorite Religion: Cult of the Dragon (so none)
Compassion: +1 for high compassion civics, -1 for low compassion civics.
Alignment: Good (voice of the *gold* dragon, after all)
Favored Tech: Mysticism
Favored unitcombat: Disciple
Favorite Wonder: Wyrmhold
Hated civic: none
Defeat quote: You may have silenced us, but your victory is only temporary. The dragon can never truly die. Soon, he will find a new voice, and you will find that he neither forgives nor forgets.
Religious weights: +35 to Leaves, Kilmorph, and Empyrean; +20 to Order; -25 to Overlords and Esus; -50 to AV; -100 to Cult
“It is your move, Captain,” said Longzi Tian softly, breaking into Gilcrass’ reflections. He looked up, startled, into the wide knowing eyes of the Lady. She tapped one finger meaningfully on the marble chessboard in front of them.
“Your pardon, Lady,” mumbled Captain Gilcrass. He scowled at the pieces on the table and stroked his white moustache. He was looking for a way out, and he wasn’t going to find it. Gilcrass was a good player – he’d taken it up after the disappearance of Cardith Lorda, half in memory of the vanished boy king and half to keep himself from going mad during the endless political games played by the Senate in those troubled times. He found a pleasing symmetry in the way that his chess skills had evolved in concert with his growing ability to stay out of the power plays within the capitol. And now he was enjoying the fruits of his labor: he was captain of Her Lady’s palace guard, secure in his old age, and had a reputation as a cutthroat chess master. It was a reputation that Longzi Tian enjoyed upsetting.
It would be difficult to imagine a greater contrast than the one between Longzi Tian and the former king. Lorda had been pleasant, industrious, and cunning, and his disinterest in anything unrelated to the welfare of the empire was legendary. The Lady, by contrast, was distant with those around her, and often spent all night in the palace observatory watching the stars. Sometimes she would go into trances and lose touch with the outside world for hours at a time, hearing only the inner voice of the Dragon. And while Lorda lived for thirty years in the body of a young boy, Longzi Tian was a breathtaking and exotic woman. She had no consort – took no lovers – but her she was almost shockingly beautiful, and even the grandfatherly Gilcrass felt self-conscious and a little tongue-tied when she looked directly at him. It was impossible to lie to her; she had a way of fixing people with her deep green eyes and gazing right down into their souls until they just started babbling the truth. He’d seen a Balseraph diplomat break down and confess that his master’s offer of peace was a mere feint, and then beg to be taken into Her Lady’s service.
“Are you in need of a suggestion, Captain Gilcrass?” said the Lady. The corner of her mouth twitched into a small smile.
Gilcrass shook his head. “No, my Lady,” he said, seizing a knight and moving it decisively forward to bait a trap for his mistress.
Longzi Tian’s eyes narrowed and she studied the board for a moment. On her shoulders and upper arms, which were always left bare, were a pair of dragons – green on the left and red on the right. Many people mistook them for ordinary tattoos, but Gilcrass knew better. She extended her arm, her delicate fingers hovering over her pieces. The tail of the red dragon swirled down from her collarbone and wrapped itself around her index finger. Her hand glinted with the polish of gold-tinged scales.
Captain Gilcrass looked up sharply and his hand went to his sword hilt – he thought for an instant he had heard a distant roar echoing through the palace halls. When his gaze returned to the Lady, he saw that her eyes were searching his face. He tried for a moment to hold her gaze, but he could not endure it. He looked down and rubbed his eyes with his palm.
She reached forward across the board and laid her hand on Gilcrass’s arm; her grip was surprisingly strong. “Don’t be afraid, Captain,” she said. There was kindness in her voice. “You are a Kurios. For you, there is wisdom, guidance, and protection. The roar is only for our foes. And if you cannot stand before me in battle, who can?”
Then Longzi Tian lightly grasped a small pawn near the back of the board, pushed it forward, and turned his trap against him.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_DECLARE_WAR
#You refused to hear the voice of the dragon. Now you will feel his claws and teeth. Now you will be scorched by his breath.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_NO_VASSAL
#Should we turn away from the draconic divinity and pay homage to you? We should not.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_OFFER_VASSAL
#The great wyrm has spoken. We are to follow yow. Lead us, O chosen one, that we may be led by him.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_FIRST_CONTACT
#We are the Kuriotates, the People of the Dragon. I am Longzi Tian, the Voice of the Dragon. Quiet your mind, and you too will hear him speak.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_REFUSE_TO_TALK
#The Dragon has forbidden me to speak with you. Now go.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_PEACE
#You are wise. The chaos of war often drowns out the Dragon’s voice.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_NO_PEACE
#You will soon learn the folly of your ways. The draconic essence is not so lightly blasphemed.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_GREETINGS (Friendly)
#Welcome, my sibling. Have you come to sit in silence and gaze upon the stars with me? Two together may hear what one alone misses.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_GREETINGS (Pleased)
#You stand before the Voice of the Dragon. What do you wish to know of his wisdom?
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_GREETINGS (Cautious)
#You stand before the Voice of the Dragon. What do you wish to know of his wisdom?
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_GREETINGS (Annoyed)
#You stand before the Voice of the Dragon. What do you wish to know of his wisdom?
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_GREETINGS (Furious)
#Were I not commanded by the draconic majesty to speak with you, I would bar my doors to prevent your entering.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_ACCEPT (Friendly)
#The Dragon smiles upon us both.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_ACCEPT (Furious)
#So it must be. The Dragon has decreed it.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_REJECT (Friendly)
#No, my sibling. It is not the will of the Dragon.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_REJECT (Furious)
#The Dragon refuses you, and my heart burns with his fires.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_GLAD (Friendly)
#Take freely from our store of wealth, my sibling.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_GLAD (Pleased-Annoyed)
#It is in accord with the will of the Dragon, and thus I obey.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_GLAD (Furious)
#I do as I am bidden [leadername], but not by you.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_SORRY (Friendly)
#I would have said yes, my sibling, but the Dragon refuses, and I am his Voice.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_SORRY (Pleased-Annoyed)
#The Dragon refuses. Therefore, I refuse.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_SORRY (Furious)
#Do you think it sport to try the patience of the draconic eminence? He refuses.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_TRY_THIS_DEAL
#I have heard the Dragon speak to me of wisdom. Would this not be wisdom?
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_OFFER_PEACE
#The clash of weapons and the screams of the dying threaten to drown the voice of the Dragon. Let us return to a listening silence again.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_JOIN_WAR
#The [civilization] are an affront to the Dragon and must be destroyed. Even if you do not listen for his voice, you must see the threat that they bring to all of us.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_JOIN_WAR_DENIED
#No? Perhaps you fear that your own people would flock to our banner if they once beheld the draconic majesty.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_NO_DEAL (Friendly)
#I would have said yes, my sibling, but the Dragon refuses, and I am his Voice.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_NO_DEAL (Furious)
Do you think it sport to try the patience of the draconic eminence? He refuses.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_THANKS
#The People of the Dragon are grateful.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_DEMAND_TRIBUTE (Stronger)
#Behold the Dragon, [leadername]: wise, divine, and unparalleled in strength. Such greatness deserves an offering.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_DEMAND_TRIBUTE (Equal)
#The mighty Dragon requires an offering from you in recognition of his greatness.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_DEMAND_TRIBUTE (Weaker)
#The Dragon speaks through me, his humble vessel. He commands you to give him this offering. Do not refuse him.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_DEMAND_REJECTED (Stronger)
#Hah! Do my ears deceive me, or are you actually treading on the tail of the holy Dragon? I advise you to take your demands to someone who is less likely to eat you for making them.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_DEMAND_REJECTED (Equal)
#Your demands would be foolish even if you threatened only the people of Kurios. But you also insult the divine Dragon. Beware, [leadername], that your threats do not destroy you.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_DEMAND_REJECTED (Weaker)
#Behold the shadow of the Dragon behind my throne, [leadername]. You do not know who it is you are threatening.
Picture: http://admemento.cgsociety.org/gallery/706282/
Civ: Kuriotates
Back story: Kuriotates were involved in a protracted war with Perpentach. At the height of the conflict, the gold dragon Eurabates emerged from his long slumber and turned the tide of the war. He died heroically, defending Naggarond from an army of Eidolons that the Balseraphs had raised to destroy the city. The Kuriotates rallied and drove off the invaders, but Eurabates was gone – his divine essence had returned to the vault of the gods. Worse, the Kuriotates’ leader, Cardith Lorda, had suddenly and mysteriously disappeared as well. The Senate took over the government of the nation, trying to keep it together during the turbulence of rebuilding after the war and of finding a successor to the boy king. Many public figures attempted to gather a following to themselves in order to seize power, but day by day more citizens rallied to a complete unknown: a woman calling herself the Voice of the Dragon. She seemed to have sprang out of the earth; no-one could discover anything about her family, background, or history. Indeed, she seemed not to have such things, nor did she herself speak of them. Instead, she passionately proclaimed allegiance to Eurabates himself, whom she claimed still lived and spoke to her in her dreams, and who had chosen her to lead his people out of darkness by following the divine Dragon, even in their worship of the other gods. The priestly class was divided in their support for her, since she urged worshippers of all the gods to unite in following the wisdom of the Dragon without forsaking their devotion to the other divinities. Such was the strength of her conviction and her sway over the commoners that even her greatest political opponents began to doubt whether she might not truly be the dragon’s representative, or even Lorda reborn. Within three years, the Voice of the Dragon was proclaimed Protector of the Kuriotates and was given the support of the Senate. She took a new name upon her ascension: Longzi Tian, the Heavenly Dragon.
Traits: Charismatic, Ecumenical, Voice of the Dragon
Details on new trait:
>Voice of the Dragon (possibly available to Kuriotate, Matzl, Illian, or Sheaim leaders as well?): All Disciple units begin with the Cult promotion. Disciple units are immune to fear and to Roar. Disciple units gain the Roar spell at level 15. 0.5% chance each turn that Eurabates will appear in the capitol city (goes to 0% if the player builds him). If Eurabates dies, the Charismatic trait is lost.
>Ecumenical (available to any other leader that does not have the Intolerant, Agnostic, or Zealous traits): Disciple units begin with City Garrison I. Disciple units do not abandon you when you change your state religion or religious civics. Blocks access to the Inquisitor promotion, the Purge the Unfaithful wonder, and the Theocracy civic.
Leader Relations: +4 to any Sheaim, Matzl, or Illian leaders: “You also hear the voice of the dragon.” -2 to Grigori: “Your people blaspheme against the draconic majesty.”
Favorite Civic: God King
Favorite Religion: Cult of the Dragon (so none)
Compassion: +1 for high compassion civics, -1 for low compassion civics.
Alignment: Good (voice of the *gold* dragon, after all)
Favored Tech: Mysticism
Favored unitcombat: Disciple
Favorite Wonder: Wyrmhold
Hated civic: none
Defeat quote: You may have silenced us, but your victory is only temporary. The dragon can never truly die. Soon, he will find a new voice, and you will find that he neither forgives nor forgets.
Religious weights: +35 to Leaves, Kilmorph, and Empyrean; +20 to Order; -25 to Overlords and Esus; -50 to AV; -100 to Cult
“It is your move, Captain,” said Longzi Tian softly, breaking into Gilcrass’ reflections. He looked up, startled, into the wide knowing eyes of the Lady. She tapped one finger meaningfully on the marble chessboard in front of them.
“Your pardon, Lady,” mumbled Captain Gilcrass. He scowled at the pieces on the table and stroked his white moustache. He was looking for a way out, and he wasn’t going to find it. Gilcrass was a good player – he’d taken it up after the disappearance of Cardith Lorda, half in memory of the vanished boy king and half to keep himself from going mad during the endless political games played by the Senate in those troubled times. He found a pleasing symmetry in the way that his chess skills had evolved in concert with his growing ability to stay out of the power plays within the capitol. And now he was enjoying the fruits of his labor: he was captain of Her Lady’s palace guard, secure in his old age, and had a reputation as a cutthroat chess master. It was a reputation that Longzi Tian enjoyed upsetting.
It would be difficult to imagine a greater contrast than the one between Longzi Tian and the former king. Lorda had been pleasant, industrious, and cunning, and his disinterest in anything unrelated to the welfare of the empire was legendary. The Lady, by contrast, was distant with those around her, and often spent all night in the palace observatory watching the stars. Sometimes she would go into trances and lose touch with the outside world for hours at a time, hearing only the inner voice of the Dragon. And while Lorda lived for thirty years in the body of a young boy, Longzi Tian was a breathtaking and exotic woman. She had no consort – took no lovers – but her she was almost shockingly beautiful, and even the grandfatherly Gilcrass felt self-conscious and a little tongue-tied when she looked directly at him. It was impossible to lie to her; she had a way of fixing people with her deep green eyes and gazing right down into their souls until they just started babbling the truth. He’d seen a Balseraph diplomat break down and confess that his master’s offer of peace was a mere feint, and then beg to be taken into Her Lady’s service.
“Are you in need of a suggestion, Captain Gilcrass?” said the Lady. The corner of her mouth twitched into a small smile.
Gilcrass shook his head. “No, my Lady,” he said, seizing a knight and moving it decisively forward to bait a trap for his mistress.
Longzi Tian’s eyes narrowed and she studied the board for a moment. On her shoulders and upper arms, which were always left bare, were a pair of dragons – green on the left and red on the right. Many people mistook them for ordinary tattoos, but Gilcrass knew better. She extended her arm, her delicate fingers hovering over her pieces. The tail of the red dragon swirled down from her collarbone and wrapped itself around her index finger. Her hand glinted with the polish of gold-tinged scales.
Captain Gilcrass looked up sharply and his hand went to his sword hilt – he thought for an instant he had heard a distant roar echoing through the palace halls. When his gaze returned to the Lady, he saw that her eyes were searching his face. He tried for a moment to hold her gaze, but he could not endure it. He looked down and rubbed his eyes with his palm.
She reached forward across the board and laid her hand on Gilcrass’s arm; her grip was surprisingly strong. “Don’t be afraid, Captain,” she said. There was kindness in her voice. “You are a Kurios. For you, there is wisdom, guidance, and protection. The roar is only for our foes. And if you cannot stand before me in battle, who can?”
Then Longzi Tian lightly grasped a small pawn near the back of the board, pushed it forward, and turned his trap against him.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_DECLARE_WAR
#You refused to hear the voice of the dragon. Now you will feel his claws and teeth. Now you will be scorched by his breath.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_NO_VASSAL
#Should we turn away from the draconic divinity and pay homage to you? We should not.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_OFFER_VASSAL
#The great wyrm has spoken. We are to follow yow. Lead us, O chosen one, that we may be led by him.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_FIRST_CONTACT
#We are the Kuriotates, the People of the Dragon. I am Longzi Tian, the Voice of the Dragon. Quiet your mind, and you too will hear him speak.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_REFUSE_TO_TALK
#The Dragon has forbidden me to speak with you. Now go.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_PEACE
#You are wise. The chaos of war often drowns out the Dragon’s voice.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_NO_PEACE
#You will soon learn the folly of your ways. The draconic essence is not so lightly blasphemed.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_GREETINGS (Friendly)
#Welcome, my sibling. Have you come to sit in silence and gaze upon the stars with me? Two together may hear what one alone misses.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_GREETINGS (Pleased)
#You stand before the Voice of the Dragon. What do you wish to know of his wisdom?
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_GREETINGS (Cautious)
#You stand before the Voice of the Dragon. What do you wish to know of his wisdom?
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_GREETINGS (Annoyed)
#You stand before the Voice of the Dragon. What do you wish to know of his wisdom?
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_GREETINGS (Furious)
#Were I not commanded by the draconic majesty to speak with you, I would bar my doors to prevent your entering.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_ACCEPT (Friendly)
#The Dragon smiles upon us both.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_ACCEPT (Furious)
#So it must be. The Dragon has decreed it.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_REJECT (Friendly)
#No, my sibling. It is not the will of the Dragon.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_REJECT (Furious)
#The Dragon refuses you, and my heart burns with his fires.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_GLAD (Friendly)
#Take freely from our store of wealth, my sibling.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_GLAD (Pleased-Annoyed)
#It is in accord with the will of the Dragon, and thus I obey.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_GLAD (Furious)
#I do as I am bidden [leadername], but not by you.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_SORRY (Friendly)
#I would have said yes, my sibling, but the Dragon refuses, and I am his Voice.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_SORRY (Pleased-Annoyed)
#The Dragon refuses. Therefore, I refuse.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_SORRY (Furious)
#Do you think it sport to try the patience of the draconic eminence? He refuses.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_TRY_THIS_DEAL
#I have heard the Dragon speak to me of wisdom. Would this not be wisdom?
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_OFFER_PEACE
#The clash of weapons and the screams of the dying threaten to drown the voice of the Dragon. Let us return to a listening silence again.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_JOIN_WAR
#The [civilization] are an affront to the Dragon and must be destroyed. Even if you do not listen for his voice, you must see the threat that they bring to all of us.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_JOIN_WAR_DENIED
#No? Perhaps you fear that your own people would flock to our banner if they once beheld the draconic majesty.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_NO_DEAL (Friendly)
#I would have said yes, my sibling, but the Dragon refuses, and I am his Voice.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_NO_DEAL (Furious)
Do you think it sport to try the patience of the draconic eminence? He refuses.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_THANKS
#The People of the Dragon are grateful.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_DEMAND_TRIBUTE (Stronger)
#Behold the Dragon, [leadername]: wise, divine, and unparalleled in strength. Such greatness deserves an offering.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_DEMAND_TRIBUTE (Equal)
#The mighty Dragon requires an offering from you in recognition of his greatness.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_DEMAND_TRIBUTE (Weaker)
#The Dragon speaks through me, his humble vessel. He commands you to give him this offering. Do not refuse him.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_DEMAND_REJECTED (Stronger)
#Hah! Do my ears deceive me, or are you actually treading on the tail of the holy Dragon? I advise you to take your demands to someone who is less likely to eat you for making them.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_DEMAND_REJECTED (Equal)
#Your demands would be foolish even if you threatened only the people of Kurios. But you also insult the divine Dragon. Beware, [leadername], that your threats do not destroy you.
AI_DIPLOCOMMENT_DEMAND_REJECTED (Weaker)
#Behold the shadow of the Dragon behind my throne, [leadername]. You do not know who it is you are threatening.
Chyorny Monakh
Spoiler :
Elohim
Chyorny Monakh (means 'The Black Monk')– an Abbot who has lost his faith in what the Elohim hold dear. He feels betrayed by his God and, as he reaches the end of his life, has persuaded his people that he has seen a vision of the future where the Elohim are not the guardians of Erebus, but the supreme rulers.
Backstory
“It had all been such a futile waste
Monakh moved slowly, step by painful step, up the spiral staircase: the rhythmic tapping of his staff echoing in the silence.
Time past. Step after step. Tap after tap.
After an age of agonising movement, he paused, rested his hand against the stone wall, and tried to breathe deeply. The crackling rattle as air entered his lungs reinforced the importance of his mission.
He didn’t have long left.
With a lurch, he resumed his deliberate progress towards the battlements.
It was all pointless; he saw that now: all those years of caring. All those meaningless years of guiding and supporting people who barely acknowledged their existence. Why should you listen to the old monks when there were riches to be had, land to be farmed, wars to be waged?
To begin with, he had been concerned by their indifference – believing that his inability to spread his God’s message was, somehow, a failure in him. Every time he preached tolerance and they responded with scorn, he searched his own soul for the flaw. Was he letting the God down? How many years had he wasted in doubt?
He laughed – the laugh turning into a wracking cough that brought him to his knees.
Not enough time.
Certainly not enough for reminiscing.
Step after step. Tap after tap.
The doorway to the battlements was in front of him. He rested his head against the cool wood and felt a pang of uncertainty. Was this really the only way? His hear hardened. He had explored every other avenue – he had preached his message long and hard and no-one had heeded.
It was time for a change of approach.
Pushing open the door, he felt the cleansing breeze on his face. Stepping forward, his black hood slid off his head, his grey hair spilling untidily forward. As he reached the edge of the battlements, he could see the crowds of people gathered below him – monks, soldiers, tradesmen: the whole city had been summoned.
The hubbub of voices stopped as they saw the black-cowled figure appear above them. It has been years since anyone of them had last seen Abbot Monakh. One day he had simply sealed up the doors to the Keep and refused to leave: for the first few weeks, villages had left food at the doors, but when the meat rotted in the baskets and flies laid their eggs in the fruit, they had soon stopped. Many had even forgotten that within the disused fort lived the man that had been their spiritual leader.
He stood above them now – hair wild and streaming in the wind, arms outstretched in supplication. Despite the distance, they could all hear his voice, cracking with age, as it boomed across the courtyard.
“The gods have sent me a vision. A prophecy of what is to come”
He spoke for hours, feeling the audience’s shock, disgust, then, gradually, their interest in the future he outlined in his revelations. He had them.
He paused to survey the scene beneath him.
He had them. Now all he needed was the time to make his vision a reality . . .”
Traits
Philosophical
Sly
Disillusioned – a halfway-house towards Agnosticism; this trait allows religions to spread in lands, but the bonuses are -50%. This is to try to reflect a people that are inclined towards religion, but cannot be wholly swayed as their leader is preaching against formal doctrine.
Leader Relations
to Bassium – 6 (to reflect Monakh’s rejection of the typical Elohim doctrine)
Personality – the idea here is to create someone utterly conflicted by his past and what he sees as his future. Thus classically ‘good’ things but an attraction to ‘bad’ things.
Favourite Civic – Theology
Favourite Religion – Council of Esus
Attitude to Death Mana – Likes it
Attitude to compassion – lost faith in the point of being compassionate – feels scorn to those that are.
Attitude to gender – has no issues.
Alignment – Good (at least in his own head)
Favourite tech – Priesthood
Favourite combat unit – Monks
Favourite Wonder – Temple of Temporance
A Hated Civic – Slavery (that’s what he thinks he has been living in)
A defeat quote – “Could I have been mistaken? Was this not my destiny? Was I corrupted away from the true path?”
Religious Weight – Will not adopt any other religion than Esus (100)
Brigit the Shining
This is one is a bit special as we could create a whole new "summoned civ" with Brigit as leader;
Spoiler :
Civilization: Clan of Embers. (though when she comes in, possibly rename them to the redeemed?)
Backstory: obvious, but i'll elaborate. when Brigit is freed, she finds Bhall's people and tries to redeem Bhall. if this is choosen, i'll of course write something longer for the pedia.
Mechanic: When Brigit is freed (at, probably a lower level than currently in game, a New Clan of Embers Civilization appears in the empty parts of the map, or using a barb city. this has Brigit as Leader)
name: Brigit the shining
Traits: Aggressive, Philosophical.
New Trait: Passionate: all cities generate a certain amount of food per turn, and units get ``passionate`` promotion, which gives +10% strength. (the food is to balance the potential starting on ice or tundra)
Leader relation: Hatred of the evil, especially Sheim, infernal, and Illian. Likeing of Sabathiel and Basium
(recommended) Create her/him a unique personality:
Civic: Enlightenment;
Religion: Order;
Bad Mana Use: Entropy is bad. So is death Mana
Alignment: Good
a favorite tech: Fanaticism
favorite unitcombat: Meele
a favorite wonder: Mercurian Gate
Hated Civic: Slavery
Defeat Quote: I will save her despite your meddling, Servant of Agares
Religious Weights:
Picture for Brigit
maybe... :\
maybe (though I think she should be a redhead)
music for Brigit
Love dance, from KA (cirque du soleil) it's already being used for the Bannor theme. But I think the begining could work for Brigit. it's the same theme, but I feel it's sadder, more reflective of Brigit
Backstory: obvious, but i'll elaborate. when Brigit is freed, she finds Bhall's people and tries to redeem Bhall. if this is choosen, i'll of course write something longer for the pedia.
Mechanic: When Brigit is freed (at, probably a lower level than currently in game, a New Clan of Embers Civilization appears in the empty parts of the map, or using a barb city. this has Brigit as Leader)
name: Brigit the shining
Traits: Aggressive, Philosophical.
New Trait: Passionate: all cities generate a certain amount of food per turn, and units get ``passionate`` promotion, which gives +10% strength. (the food is to balance the potential starting on ice or tundra)
Leader relation: Hatred of the evil, especially Sheim, infernal, and Illian. Likeing of Sabathiel and Basium
(recommended) Create her/him a unique personality:
Civic: Enlightenment;
Religion: Order;
Bad Mana Use: Entropy is bad. So is death Mana
Alignment: Good
a favorite tech: Fanaticism
favorite unitcombat: Meele
a favorite wonder: Mercurian Gate
Hated Civic: Slavery
Defeat Quote: I will save her despite your meddling, Servant of Agares
Religious Weights:
Spoiler :
Order:90
Empyreum: 90
Runes of Kilmorph: 50
FOL: 10
OO: -50
Esus:-100
Ashen Viel: -50
Empyreum: 90
Runes of Kilmorph: 50
FOL: 10
OO: -50
Esus:-100
Ashen Viel: -50
Picture for Brigit
maybe... :\
maybe (though I think she should be a redhead)
music for Brigit
Love dance, from KA (cirque du soleil) it's already being used for the Bannor theme. But I think the begining could work for Brigit. it's the same theme, but I feel it's sadder, more reflective of Brigit
... ((i hope)) ))
