End of Empires - N3S III

No, the Reokhar, Adanai, Khatri, etc., are permanent NPCs until people know more about them. I might accept an application for the Reokhar over the course of the ET.
 
Stats should come soonish.

In other news, I am strongly leaning towards an extended update in the near future. I was angling for Update 30, but I'm willing to be flexible if this current set of shenanigans stretches out longer. Think something like Update 12 -- two or three or four hundred years of development -- like we're zooming out with the camera for a couple of centuries and zooming back in.

In general, since I'm not a big fan of the word "boring" as applied to my updates, I wouldn't call it a "BT". But it's the same thing, functionally. :p

This.
 
Mighty Prince Talephas, noble Sixth-Gaci: when the word of your proclamation came to us, we were disturbed, for therein were included declarations that fit not, in our judgement, with the great wisdom that is the privilege of great princes, which we have forever held you to possess. For error and inaccuracy abounds, and, although holding you each in honour and esteem, we do not agree with your word in significant regards.

Therefore let it be known that I, the Redeemer, and the Pentapartite Council of the Federation, have met together, and made a resolution, and it will stand firm until we, by our own authority and exatas, and through the guiding wisdom of Opporia or through whatsoever way the representatives of the Farubaida deem right to follow, deem it right to abrogate the same.

Firstly, we are not vassals or subjects of the Ayasi, and any who believes that we are such preserves a misconception in his heart. It has been said and agreed explicitly between myself and the Ayasi that his protection over us was undertaken freely, and that we are not obliged in any sense to protect him from opponents internal or external, and the Ayasi will not deny this. Nor do we consider the Ayasi to be in a position to protect us from anything whatsoever, or to have rendered to us benefits disproportionate to those we have rendered to him.

Secondly, we are most certainly not vassals of the Prince Talephas. According to the Peace of Magha, we are in the south of the world, and it is a self-contradiction to suggest that we might be subject to any form of joint rule involving the Prince Talephas. We have devised no intention to return to our ancient seats, but we will not submit, or be held subject, to the Prince Talephas.

Thirdly, let no inaccurate word be made writ by your exatas, noble Talephas: know well that truth and exatas are two different things. It is intrinsically untrue that a lord who, ruling over a mighty people, has not been able to hold his control over them, possesses exatas before he has reduced his enemies to subjection. Exatas is known in deeds, and whomsoever possesses it we will honour: exatas is not known in words, in conclaves, in private discussions, and is not bestowed by your judgement or mine. May the Ayasi win his exatas and cause his enemies to shrink before him before requiring that we treat him as possessing it.

Accordingly, our proclamation, declared by my own will and by the will of the Pentapartite council, is that we will not march in support of the Ayasi while Prince Talephas and the Ayasi maintain such pretensions. We are not obliged to do so, are independent executors of the deeds of men, and do not submit in any way whatsoever to the rule of either the Prince Talephas or the Ayasi. Indeed, the suggestion that we might be obliged to do so by being subject to you causes us to be firm, that not a man from our armies will be directed to march with you. We wish of the Prince Talephas and the Ayasi that our inaction be seen correctly as being our right, and not unjustly as being an act of hostility against either Prince Talephas or the Ayasi: for it need not be so.

We request of the Prince Talephas and the Ayasi that, in accordance with the Ayasi's previous words, they accept that we are independent parties entitled to act as we see fit and not bound to assist the Ayasi in any sense whatsoever. If the Prince Talephas and the Ayasi require our submission, it shall be decided by the sword and true exatas: if Prince Talephas and the Ayasi would not incur our opposition or have any real interest in our military support, which remains an open prospect - for it is the will of all wise men to reside in peace when war is to be avoided - let them declare what has forever been known to all, that we are vassals of none.

The Farubaida and the Exatai will never act except freely and by our own will.

This is law by our exatas and it shall be upheld through the light of Opporia: let his will be ever done by his agents upon earth.

Metexares, Twenty-second Redeemer of Man, High Prince of the Star, Heir of Arastephas, Ayasi over the Kotthorns and Scion of Tavha
 
The Sarafaio of the Farubaida o Caroha thinks, speaks and acts in harmony with the Redeemer of the Kothari Exatai. The Peace of the Moti has always been an accord of willful allegiance, and never has it represented a state of coerced vassalage. The Farubaida shall not march alongside the Ayasi's armies as a servant or underling, for never have we been such things.

Should we aid the Holy Moti Emperor in his struggle, we shall do so by our own volition, as partners and equals.
 
The Prince of the Star comes forth to deliver a sermon on not claiming what is not rightfully won by exatas, and concludes his message by claiming the title of Ayasi. What a wondrous thing! Did perhaps the Prince stumble upon this title in the forest, it having wandered away from Gaci-city in the night? We do not recall him claiming it before. By all means, great Star-Prince, tell us what victory you have won to deserve this title you now so boldly claim.

It is true, the lineage of the Star has won mighty victories of late, giving weight to their claim. Redeemer Kartis' great victories against the Farubaida would surely be sung of, were the Kothari not humiliated utterly in that war, and now forced to follow the policies of their one-time enemies.

But of course, there is Metexares' great conquest of Jipha, a tiny kingdom with barely any soldiers to defend itself. We recall the Kothari doing such a thing at the will and with the consent of Third-Lerai, whose authority they recognized at that time, when it was convenient for them to do so.

Metexares, you are an opportunist and a coward. You have not done a single thing that was not cautiously considered years in advance, and boldness and exatas are as foreign to you as the morning light to a skulking rat.

By all means, sit silently in your fortress while we march to restore the authority of the true Ayasi. We know that is a skill at which the Kothari truly excel.

But do not presume to address the Co-Rulers of the World in such fashion ever again, or it will truly go ill for you. When we have finished restoring his rightful authority which your ancestors were wise enough to recognize, we are sure Sixth-Gaci's displeasure with your defiance, as well as ours, will be made manifest.

Prince Sianai, Servant of Talephas the Great
 
We have been constant, O Prince Sianai. It is you who is opportunistically making use of the war in the Ayasi's domains to assert new privileges.

Never have we recanted the peace of Tavha, although we did not choose to assert it. Nor, as you well know and we freely grant, would we now, if the High Prince of the Shield and his princes did not assert far-fetched privileges and claims of dominion over what has never been yours. I said what I said entirely to remind you of how I am not a subject of any, but the Redeemer of Man. This is not opportunism: never before has another prince so impugned our exatas as you now do. Never in the direst straits have we said that we are another's subject, and you mistake us if you suppose that now we are strong - yes, strong through our counsel and the wisdom of Opporia, and not strong through thrusting our lances in vain, time and time again, at the walls of Subal - we will relinquish what has been ours since the Pyre of the Six.

We look forward to hearing the word of the Ayasi, for he cannot deny that what we and the Carohans, so long his loyal allies, have said, is so.

Metexares, Redeemer of Man and High Prince of the Star
 
I assume that since I'm now in charge of Telha Exatai, I can already start with diplomacy and orders? Or I need to wait for the next update?
 
I assume that since I'm now in charge of Telha Exatai, I can already start with diplomacy and orders? Or I need to wait for the next update?

I might talk with Thlayli a little, since he's helped the Telha out quite a bit over the last two turns (something like double their income in aid).
 
The Order of Law has found that when the Farubaida o Caroha has been set free from foreign rule, it has been agreed that it would become an autonomous part of the Holy Moti Empire, free in its internal affairs, but nonetheless obliged to recognise the supreme authority of the Ayasi and to support him in war; the Ayasi has merely refrained from exercising his authority over the Farubaida in the past, as he has in the present, out of respect for its institutions and its autonomy. The agreement with the Kothari has been more recent and less clear, and may perhaps be interpreted in the light that Metexares has suggested; they are in any case not under any strict obligation to assist the Ayasi as he would assist them.

The Ayasi nonetheless had hoped that such assistance would be provided as a matter of our historical alliance and mutual interests. If the Kothari do not provide it, then it is their choice. If the Farubaida does not provide it, then it would not be looked at well; nonetheless, the historical understanding has been that the Farubaida is not obliged to assist in putting down internal uprisings and landbound invasions far away from its territory. In either case, it appears that our current agreement will need to be revised when the turmoil subsides. In the meantime, the Ayasi sees that he will have to content himself with the support of the North, which, however, should be more than sufficient in the current circumstances.
 
That Treacherous Fog

--

"All his rage had not availed him against his great enemy, and so his mind was turned to shame and doubt, and he nurtured a poisoned seed within himself." - Valos Ende, The Wars of the Charitai

--

Grey seas and grey skies. Crags awash with foam, standing boldly before the storm's onslaught, only to drown again beneath the driving waves moments later. A single ship under oar fighting to gain port - fighting that it might be spared the rocks - shreds of saffron cloth yet clinging to the mast. It seemed for a moment that it would founder, but by some great effort were the oars set to, and the ship powered forward with speed. The harbour neared, seeming little more than a large cleft in the sheer cliff face. The city of Sar Kalos sat perched above, quietly, for its people had been driven indoors by the fury of the storm. Some few faces peered out from windows to watch the ship as it slipped, bedraggled, into an empty berth, but none moved to help its harried crew tie off. The gangway came crashing down, and two figures huddled beneath woolen cloaks made their way into the city, purpose evident in stride.

Their footfalls slapped wetly on the bare stone floor. The wind howled against the shutters, and the lamps guttered in their sconces. A man's voice carried down the hall: "He is dead, we need hear no more of his wishes or of his will. No man may rightly call another to his purpose from the grave." Tythas knew the voice, knew well its ragged timbre. Constans. Tythas had turned his father's death over and over in his mind, and in his heart, but still he felt nothing but a vague and looming apprehension. It was as if he could neither think nor see, for an impenetrable fog was before him. Still, he knew that someday that which loomed beyond the fog would catch him, and that he would be rent by its purpose. Eres walked ahead, her sodden cloak trailing on the floor. Her jaw was set, and her pace deliberate. "Our Republic would falter, and it would die, and all that we have fought for - that I have fought for! - would be for nothing." Constans again, his voice clear over the tumult of the storm. The pair approached, an obligate silently departing from his post outside the yawning oaken doors.

Three chairs, a bare table, and two men. Kaed, the Prelate-Admiral, a wry look of amusement writ plain upon his face. Young and tall, his face scarred - by acclamation had he succeeded his father, who had taken an arrow in the throat in ambuscade by a Leunan squadron. Only by dint of the son's courage and command was the battle carried, or so Tythas had heard said. Constans, of the Red and Righteous Flame: reckless, determined, and sure in his faith. His fierce black beard was at last giving way to grey. He had won the Sacred Isle in battle against the heathen, and so he was praised hero of the Republic, though he had thrown his men against the walls of Halq with abandon, and secured his own rise atop a mountain of Daharai dead. Constans looked up at the intrusion, and his mouth opened as if to speak, but the Exarch's words cut the air, silencing him.

"Constans Anthon, with the voice of the Republic I accuse you. You are a murderer, and a traitor. Your command is abrogated for your ineptitude on the field of battle. Your title is removed from you, for you have schemed to cast down rightful authority for your own benefit. Your life is forfeit, for by your order was the sanctity of the Republic broken, and the Exarch Eandar Solien slain. Do you bear any word in your defence?" Eres said. Constans spluttered, disbelief warring with outrage. He stood suddenly, his chair crashing to the ground.

"Lying witch! By what authority do you dare impugn my character? By what right do you contest the dignity of the Flame-Bearer?" Constans roared.

"The Red Chamber has confirmed her, and she is vested with the all the powers of Opulens Exarchai. Or were you not aware, Brother?" Kaed said, smiling from where he sat, his hands drumming idly on the table's worn surface. A sound from the hall, and Tythas turned, men entering. Montros, and a half dozen roindori. Constans seized upon them with his eyes, a grin forming on his lips.

"Brother Montros! The Spicers overstep, and I command that you -" Constans began, but his words trailed to nothing as Montros looked upon him grimly, and placed his hand upon sword. Clarity seemed to descend upon Constans. "I see." he said "I am outplayed, then."

Constans stood for a moment, utterly still, his face blank. Then with speed he drew a long dagger from his belt - crimson tassel hanging from the pommel - and he dove at the Lady Eres. Montros cursed. Tythas stepped forward, his sword coming free from scabbard in one smooth motion, and it pierced Constans through his belly. The once-Prelate - his grip divested of its strength - dropped his blade to clatter on the floor, and fell on Tythas to grasp him by the shoulders, and he held him closely. "Well done, boy." Constans whispered so that only Tythas should hear "On the shore of gedden shall I greet your father, and I shall clasp his hand as Brother, for it was not I who killed him." Constans fell upon the ground then, and blood trailed from his lips and from the rent in his belly, and he was dead. Tythas turned, still clasping his bloodied sword, and the Lady Eres met his gaze, her blue-eyed stare piercing the fog about him.

"Gratitude, Prelate Tythas. Gratitude." she said.
 
The Peace of Paulinth

Here are the terms of the Red Chamber of the Republic of the Daharai, and of the Assembly of the Republic of Iolha, that these two nations might come to peace with the Senate of the Republic of Leun.

i. Leun shall withdraw its armies from Farea, and make peace with the Crown of that nation, as it shall with the Crown of Rihnit.

ii. Leun shall abandon all claim to the those lands that lie on the western edge of the Gulf of Leun - save Tiratas and its companion island, to the isle of Pulchas and its companion, to the Lesser Tesach archipelago, to the barrier of Rihnit, and to the northern shore of Naelsia, all of which now are attendant to the Republic of the Daharai, and shall be ceded to that nation in perpetuity.

iii. Leun shall abandon any claim to the Acayan state of Gadenne, and allow the cession of this territory to the Republic of Iolha, which shall be recognized in perpetuity.

iv. Leun shall renounce any ambition to seize the rightful territories of or make war upon the Republic of the Daharai, the Republic of Iolha, or the Kingdoms of Farea and Rihnit.

v. Leun shall henceforth absent itself from the affairs of the cities of Cheidia and Tars.

vi. Leun shall guarantee the safe passage of Daharai merchantmen and other ships of commerce through its waters, and never again bar the passes about the city and island of Itaea to maritime trade.

The Seal of the Red Chamber and the Signature of the Exarch Eres are affixed, binding the Orders of the Daharai and the people of Spitos to honour the Peace of Paulinth
 
Selected Excerpts from Tales of the Azurim:

Section 7 - the Song of Talat

(A note on reading - each line has four stresses, two on each side of the caesura)

In days gone by/ we worked the seas
Both green and blue/ the cities sprawled
And gods were strong/ and we were safe
Black stone rose/ while decadence reigned
So Gaaru waned/ Hakaalu slowed
did Saarnu fade/ and Uraz recede
For Irinizu/ had shown his face
The yellow-bone mask/ of deathly rot
Demon from deep/ defiler of death
He who made/ the corpses decay
The towering man/ with head of bone
And so he loosed/ the monsters three
Upon the Earth/ to spread his wake
Of death and rot/ while gods were checked
Mammoth Zilat/ the scion of death
Korotalaz/ the demon’s champion
The deathly ape/ who jungle haunts
Liviraz/ assassin for the end
Hellish snake/ who serves the demon
Irinizu/ unleashed on man

Talat was but/ a humble man
He worked and slept/ in village small
Cutting the wood/ of the vast sea green
The jungle of/ realms of men
As he did work/ one fateful eve
Terrible Zilat/ Rotted Beast
Scion of death/ who Irinizu
Played as pawn/ that mammoth of decay
Whose flank showed bone/ and rotted flesh
Assaulted the village/ of working Talat
And ate the flesh/ of all who stayed
So when good Talat/ returned by morn
He saw the broken/ mess of death
And the bones/ of all he loved
And to Talat/ great Gaaru spoke
Gaaru of mind/ who burns the fires
Who showed us metal/ and masters the gods
And Gaaru told/ Talat the name
Of the beast/ who wrought the death
Talat was strong/ and with his axe
Journeyed deep/ into the green
And following trails/ of great decay
Found at last/ the foe he sought
The shambling death/ mammoth Zilat

He faced the beast/ in clearing long
And meeting eyes/ of blood declared
His virtuous intent/ of avenging the dead
Which then received/ a fearful reply
Of a evil trumpet/ issued from
The rotted trunk/ of demon Zilat
Zilat had feasted/ on the deaths
Of those who lately/ lived among
The jungle depths/ where hero Talat
Now stood against/ his demon foe
And due to facing/ easy prey
Was unprepared/ for Talat’s assault
The giant beast/ did slowly turn
Heaving its putrid/ and rotten mass
To face the small/ indignant man
Now backed against/ the forest wall
The vile demon/ did now roar
And bring its yellowed/ tusks to bear
While thundering feet/ began to thud
Against the verdant/ forest floor
But even with/ such fierce display
The brave Talat/ did not run
But brought his axe/ of heavy bronze
Upon his shoulder/ and braced his feet
And as Talat/ was standing strong
Great Hakaalu/ saw his chance
And he who rules/ the rocks and earth
Gave hero Talat/ the strength of stone
And so Zilat/ did meet his foe
But could not shift/ the humble man
So good Talat/ then brought his axe
Down through the skull/ of the Scion of Death
And split the yellowed/ bone in twain
Which spilt the rancid/ ancient gore
Of the demon lately/ blighting the earth
And with the strength/ of this victorious clash
The gods could see/ with vision clear
The plight of man/ who they’d created
And formed a plan/ to crush their foe
The corpse crafter/ Irinizu

(The gods gather followers around Talat and he sets off to destroy the demons. He destroys Korotalaz and Liviraz but Irinizu summons an army of corpses to aid his battle against the gods and man. As the followers of Talat and the gods fight, Talat attacks Irinizu. He is given boons from each of the gods in the battle, and although Talat slays Irinizu, he is dealt a mortal wound in the process. Though he has removed the overbearing influence of death in the world, because he dies in its silencing he is unable to stop its presence in the world. Therefore, death is still in the world and Irinizu, the bringer of death, ends up having the last laugh.)
 
The Peace of Paulinth

Here are the terms of the Red Chamber of the Republic of the Daharai, and of the Assembly of the Republic of Iolha, that these two nations might come to peace with the Senate of the Republic of Leun.

i. Leun shall withdraw its armies from Farea, and make peace with the Crown of that nation, as it shall with the Crown of Rihnit.

ii. Leun shall abandon all claim to the those lands that lie on the eastern edge of the Gulf of Leun - save Tiratas and its companion island, to the isle of Pulchas and its companion, to the Lesser Tesach archipelago, to the barrier of Rihnit, and to the northern shore of Naelsia, all of which now are attendant to the Republic of the Daharai, and shall be ceded to that nation in perpetuity.

iii. Leun shall abandon any claim to the Acayan state of Gadenne, and allow the cession of this territory to the Republic of Iolha, which shall be recognized in perpetuity.

iv. Leun shall renounce any ambition to seize the rightful territories of or make war upon the Republic of the Daharai, the Republic of Iolha, or the Kingdoms of Farea and Rihnit.

v. Leun shall henceforth absent itself from the affairs of the cities of Cheidia and Tars.

vi. Leun shall guarantee the safe passage of Daharai merchantmen and other ships of commerce through its waters, and never again bar the passes about the city and island of Itaea to maritime trade.

The Seal of the Red Chamber and the Signature of the Exarch Eres are affixed, binding the Orders of the Daharai and the people of Spitos to honour the Peace of Paulinth

Signed, the Assembly of Iolha and its Speaker Majarsuc Santhurjao
 
OOC: I am curious as to why that was signed for me.

Is it because I'm a republic?

(Note I'm not complaining, as I was gonna sign it anyway. Just trying to understand the mechanics.)
 
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