End of Empires - N3S III

[Thlayli]

Lives of the Princes, Vol. 2

“No man can choose to become a god. He is simply seen for what he always was.”

-Jahan the Conqueror

“Each animal and plant has its own virtues in the natural hierarchy. But if the species of man are atop that hierarchy, then the human animal is the most life-sustaining of them all.”

-Nephrax-ta-Delphis

“I saw a flickering multitude of candle flames, adrift on a cold, storm-wracked sea. ‘These are your lives,’ said the voice in my ears. ‘And I am the Wind which causes them to tremble.’”

-Elikas-ta-Tisatar

“The chains that bind us are stronger than metal. Language, faith, and fate guide us to our end more surely than any arrow.”

-Avetas-ta-Sephasai

“Virtue is overwhelmed by violence like footprints in the snow. Every mark you make will fade, but you keep walking or you die.”

-Satores-ta-Yashidim

 

[das]

NK, I still could use a reply to my PM.

 

[Masada]

The Satar ambassador has had to be recalled.

 

[North King]

About 9 hours to go.

 

[Terrance888]

I watched as my brother sunk to his knees. Time seemed to slow, the crowd seemed to go silent, my heart seemed to burst as he his watery grey eyes slowly went from the shining black leather of the handle and looked deep within my own.

"I know you" he managed to choke out before he coughed, blood splattering the ground between us, joining the blood shed but moments ago. And yet this blood was more of his life than all the others combined. "You... will make... a good king..." he whispered. I stood still, stoic, with a slightly triumphant smile on my face. Just the stance that the Great Kings of Old used to stand over their defeated rivals, or so my father has told me. "Just... don't forget... yourself..." he groaned, falling forward. One final gasp and splutter, and he died groveling the ground before me.

I continued to stand still, but inside I was in a tempest. Emotions and thoughts chased each other like two Leunese merchants trying to cheat each other. What did he mean? How long do I have to stand here? What if more discovered my secret?

But more importantly was the fact that the crowd was still around me, waiting for something. It has been over a hundred years since the last Coronation Competition ended in blood. For many years, all claimed the King's protege as the new king without rival or contest. However, that changed after the scrawny Gorgos Sarwen became king. Although there has been three more deathless competition, this one seemed to be fated to fall to it's bloody end.

I tried to remember the stories, the customs of the Great Kings of Old. The mighty Gandoros Quercas, bringer of Iron, the first Thewen and the last to win the kingship by blood. The sly Gargez Parwen, whose silvered tongue brought the first Partheca to reach the far side of our land. The legendary Partencutca, founder of Parte and slayer of a thousand challengers.

And I knew what I had to do.

I sized over my brother's body, ignoring the bile rising within me. Shall it be his brains for his thoughtfulness? This heart for his gentleness? His liver for his strength or his lung for his speed? Or should I even take his pinky, for his famed good luck. Luck not good enough to prevent my desperate strike from piercing his armor front and back.

But the choice was obvious. I drew my knife and turned his body over, the potency of his life already leaving his flesh. I cut open his clothes, and drew his tatooed manhood from it's shealth.

There was a hushed gasp from the crowd as I chopped it cleanly off with one blow. I anointed myself with it's blood, and shoved the entire member in my mouth, gagging on it as I chewed and swallowed his might. The last bite swallowed and the ritual completed, I drew my sword from his lifeless body, gave him a silent prayer, and composed myself.

Standing again, I raised by bloody sword to the sky as the crowd cheered. No more shall weaklings or shams rule Partheca. Once the coronation was completed, I shall institute new inheritance laws for the crown. I shall conquer all the Zarcasen, and bring them below our feet forever. I shall build an army even the Mainlanders would fear, and I shall chronicle all this. For a new dawn is rising.

I am Condom Rupturwen, King of Partheca. And my dynasty, the Dascawen, shall usher in a new age of might for our people.

 

[Lord_Iggy]

I'm going to need more time, I'm still in the tail end of my glut of fourth-year final exams.

 

[Thlayli]

Wait, woah, nine hours? It's due in the morning?

Mornings are not exatas. I'd like at least until the end of the weekend if that's okay. :I

 

[das]

I wouldn't mind an extension either if others are asking for it already, if only to give me a bit more time to plan.

 

[North King]

...The deadline has been posted for a while now. Guys, if I delay this until the end of the weekend, there is a 0% chance I will update until next weekend, and possibly until the weekend after that. For one thing, this makes me incredibly unhappy, and for another thing, it makes me look like a jerk for promising quick updates that I can't deliver. For a third thing, why did you wait until 6 hours before the update to say this?

So. Uh. I guess I can give a stupid long extension, but, this is...

 

[Lord_Iggy]

I thought that the deadline was later on the weekend, so I didn't ask for an extension. I evidently didn't double-check the time. All I need to be sure about before I send orders is what I'm doing with Matt regarding the war with the Imperial Opulensi.

 

[Thlayli]

I think we can forgive you for taking two weeks to update if you can forgive us for taking so long to send orders.

 

[North King]

I don't think forgiveness is merited for either side, so no.

 

[das]

Okay, I'll try and work on something now.

 

[Luckymoose]

I should have something in by the deadline, assuming my alarm wakes me up in time.

 

[das]

Sent.

 

[North King]

A+ to everyone involved in the west; only one orderset missing there. I'm going to start writing the update where I can, but I will accept orders for a while longer... with the caveat that those people who were actually on time will get a considerable bonus.

 

[Thlayli]

Setting the order deadline in the morning is really cruel. I'd rather have it on the evening of the day before than be fooled into thinking I had another day.

 

[Angst]

Sorry I'm a moron. I have two papers due Wednesday and gf was over this weekend so haven't been attentive.

Sending orders now.

 

[das]

Setting the order deadline in the morning is really cruel. I'd rather have it on the evening of the day before than be fooled into thinking I had another day.

Wasn't morning for me.

 

[Angst]

Orders should be sent.

Sorry NK. I hope they're doable. Now I'm actually active and <>.