End of Turn 12
Start of Turn 13
Start of Turn 13
Amurite Elections
The elections in the Amurite Republic suddenly took a sharp twist as Yilderum pushed through a law that granted the universal suffrage. It was a cunning move, as 21 new senators that represented the general populace made only one fourth of the Senate, while three thirds remained in the control of the wealthy. Smarter peasants complained about this, their desire was to abolish the voting census completely and bring equality. They still agitated the masses and fought for their cause.
But most peasants were not that cunning and they felt represented. They did not realize that they still held less power than they deserved. Planned anti-elections and uprisings died suddenly, and that made Senators let out a sigh of relief. Peasants will probably complain again sometimes in the future, but not today.
The outcome of the elections changed drastically. Previously, fact that the power was kept away from the masses was the only thing keeping the Amurites from becoming a Theocracy, though some merchants planned to vote for Order priests only to keep the order in the state. Now it remained to see how will elections turn out. It proved that, once people were were granted power of some sort, they were no longer prone to vote for their priests. Their consciousness increased, and they realized that they position now is much better than it was when the Republic was established - normal life returned, wounds were healed, food and shelter were available for everyone, and Amurites were richer and enjoying more luxuries than ever before.
Out of 21 'populist' Senators, majority of 15 belonged to the Order. This was still less than it was expected. Four more senators represented the smallfolk, banded in the Farmers Party, an union whose influence grew by each passing day. Final two Senators were Leno Kahre, Commander of Rat Pass Fort, and Emre Gevaro, Captain of Cevedes City Guards. They were both proponents of strong standing army and expansionist, militaristic tendencies. They two were proud of the fact they were associated with the Mithril Guard, and were proof that the portion of Amurite populace turned their eyes outside their national borders.
In the main part of the Senate, things were much different as well. With economy improving greatly in the last few years, structure of the voting population changed drastically. While before only about 25% of population was allowed to vote for the 'main senate', it now expanded to slightly more than 40%. Most of the newcomers were small traders and craftsmen. This, and the new expansion of the Senate infuriated mages, who were now feeling that they lose their power. On the other side, feeling that the rebellion is no longer threatening the Republic, those who planned to vote for the Order were now back to their normal agendas.
Out of 78 new Senators, 18 were members of Sunrise League, a traditional and conservative Amurite faction Valledia belonged to, and Camil still belongs to. 11 new Senators were even more traditional, having reactionary ideas of restoring Mage Republic and strong Casswalen with real powers. Faction calling themselves Radical Academics achieved a major success with 17 Senators Radical Academics were association of mages interested in lifting the restrictions on 'evil practices', seeking knowledge without limitations, often coming in conflicts with Order. Granted, some of their members are mages that supported the Veil and the Interregnum, but there are also some real researchers there. 7 Senators were merchant representatives, Empyrean had one of their representatives, while Kilmorph had two one elected and one installed by the immigrant dwarven population. Mithril Guard got three more Senators in the main Senate. Elohim appointed one of their Monks, Ettim the Swift, to the Senate. 20 of the remaining Senators were Order followers, elected mainly by priesthood and newly-created craftsmen.
In the end, a new head of state and his ministers were to be elected. The main battle was fought between Order and Mages. Order candidate, Rodrick Belissam had support of 35 Order senators, 4 farmer ones, and 5 Mithril Guardist. Radical Academics united with reactionaries and supported the Luwin Born-in-Storm who promised to become a Casswalen, with 28 votes. 18 members of Sunrise League at first supported Yilgderum Camil and his right hand Valledia, and refused to side with either, backed with 7 merchant Senators, while monk and religious minorities abstained. This would yield Order a mandate, but then members of Sunrise League begun deflecting to radicals, rather seeing mage on throne than priest. Also, Matthias the Silvertongue, Berry Bessam, Marco Assam and Myrcella of Ciriail, elected by merchants, were all basically bribed to vote for Luwin, betraying their positions, and memebers of religious minorities were influenced to vote against the Order. Now Luwin needed only 9 Senators from Sunrise League to defect... In the end, Rodrick saved his position by promising great concessions to traditionalists, aid of mages, stamping out of religious radicalism. A new government is formed. A fragile one, sanctioned by mages, supported by the poor, but nevertheless, a new, religious government, first time in the Amurite history.
Amurites: New leader Rodrick Belissam
Kuriotate-Hippus War
As Hippus advance, Kuriotates come up with cunning plan. They plan to catch Hippus in a trap and, using magic, burn plains around them and the plains. They were hoping that Amurites will help with this plan, but help never came. Nevertheless, when Hippus approached within 30 miles of Naggarond, in a hot summer night, Kuriotates set plains on fire tall, dry grass and pine trees burned well, and Hippus were soon caught in the ring of fire.
Many Hippus tribes have trials for young warriors, including charging horses through burning fire. But charging a horse through many yards of smoke, hotness and flames is much harder, and it takes all off Hippus knowledge to control horses in such conditions. Many horsemen were dead, burned or suffocated.
Appromaxtively one in ten horsemen that charged on Naggarond was out of fight. Hippus retreat further on south, away from fire. Naggarond is saved.
Citizens of Naggarond watch the burning fire on the horison, red over black sky, and realize what were they in. Many men died on south, and many more will die. Quiet and worried, they won't sleep tonight.
They realize that few hours later, as winds turn and fire spreads violently in all directions. Naggarond itself was in danger of burning, as ashes and smoke carried by wind fell on the magnificent buildings and monuments. Luckily, city was spared, but countryside did burn for days later and many farms in the area went to ashes. Governors will have to dip in their granaries and distribute rations, as harvest from the south is going to be thin. People lose their illusions of safety, and prepare for harshness of Erebus.
Also, Naggarond is not the only place Hippus marched on. In fact majority of their army was busy on south, where they took miles of land Darkwoods, Nagyr Groove, Soft Meadows. Entire Kuriotate south now lies in hands of Hippus.
Kuriotates: -1 stability, -20 gold
Affairs on East
Last time, Dark Elves marched on Light and encountered bunch of golems. A battle ended in a draw, neither side gaining advantage, but a draw is not a victory, and Svartalfarl yet have to crush the resistance of the rebels.
Svartalfarl decide to retreat to Darkgate and to reinforce there, to prepare for next battle. Meanwhile Lydia does the same. First she gathers Fawns and Satyrs from southern forests for her cause, then she receives another regiment of Clay Golems from Luchuirp, and then she gets equipment from Kuriotate empire, consisting of enchanted equipment, amulets, scrolls of fire magic, enchanted swords and armors, and firebows. While these equipment arrived from Kuriotate empire, many rumor that Kuriotates are not able to craft such magic, and that it must come from Amurite lands.
Feeling much more secure, Lydia leads her men north, all the way up to Cinnabar Leaf River, and takes few villages on her way. She spreads her agenda, liberating many hundreds slaves, who then take swords and join her command. She leads them south again, and actually puts Darkgate under the siege. Entire kingdom is shocked with this news. Since Svartalfarl army was garrisoned in Darkgate, they sail out the castle, and break the siege, without combat as Lydia decided that this is not time to shed blood. Svartalfarl liberate their copper mines, but are not willing to move north and face full, now formidable, strength of Ljosalfarl. City now only remains supplied by the sea routes.
At the same time, Svartalfarl nobles are unhappy with the situation and the apparent weakness of the Sorceress Queen in this situation. They split in two factions, one desiring to overthrow Queen and then to squash the rebellion, and other to support the Queen, squash the rebellion and then see what to do later.
Rumors are that lords north of capital are fielding an army and are preparing to march on the Thariss.
Svartalfarl: -2 stability, -20 gold
Khazad movements
Khazad move their troops to fight Gar'Rah. Hearing the news of the dreaded Bears coming to help Gar'Meg, Gar'Rah clan send their diplomats to the Hallowel Palace to discuss peace, while Khazad army still travels. Paramanders move in the Grindstone plains, where they encounter single disorganized militia regiment trying to gather all those who run away and reinforce. Encountering Paramanders, militia flees east in Kuriotate lands, and Paramanders retake Grindstone Plains.
Kuriotates: -1 stability
Grigori settle Shazaak
Grigori turn their province of Shazaak, which was full of Orcs, into a true city with all rights and duties of a Grigori city. Most Orcs welcome this as they are already used to Grigori enlightened rule, and they hope they will finally get their villages and other infrastructure. Many colonists from mainland also arrive, and Orcs are no longer majority in the province.
Shazaak is now a city
Grigori piracy stops
Grigori government finally took care of the pirates at their coastlines- they agreed with Lanun, and Lanun used their power and reputation to crack down on these raiders. Reports say that few ships were sunk, and then buccaneers landed in pirate base north of Corel, destroying resistance, and forcing remaining pirates to yield. Now Lanun control that island.
Lanun: +1 stability, -5 gold
Grigori: +1 stability
Calabim Claim Wheat
Calabim simply ordered their peasants to freely use the wheat fields, because they are, as Princess says, Calabim land. Apparently they had agreed with the Lanun. Any Lanun interference would make Calabim very angry.
Calabim gain Wheat resource
Motherlode
Khazad miners have been trully blessed by Kilmorph, as they have struck a motherlode. Minerals are in abundance, and aristocrats are planning to build even more mines
Khazad: +100 gold, based on number of mines
Astrologers and Prophets agree: Constellation is seen on the sky
A constellation of Silver Tears is seen on the night sky. This constellation is sacred to Danalin, and while fish and sea bounty is in abundance, people seem to be more depressed and suicides are more frequent.
All nations: -2 stability
Lanun: +40 gold
Balseraphs: +30 gold
Kuriotates: +30 gold
Amurites: +10 gold
Calabim: +10 gold
Great Ragbi tournament held in Amurite lands
Amurites organized a great tournament of new sport, called Ragbi. Series of games gathered a huge crowd of spectators, when teams from many cities and villages, from Khazad, Amurite and Hippus lands played series of games. Balseraph entertainers were also present, of course. After finals, crowd was amused by wrestling matches, jousting and all such. Happiness and stability increases, and profit was made as well, especially for Khazad ale.
Amurites: +2 stability, +10 gold
Khazad: +5 gold
New Amurite government
With Rodrick Belissam proclaimed as new Senior Speaker, new minister cabinet was also formed. Yilderum Camil was made minister of Lands, by the agreement with Sunrise League, and being a perfect man for the spot. Nicholas Cassel was made minister of War. Foreign affairs were handled by Rodrick personally, while spot being officially open. Ministry of Trade was biggest looser here, as merchants were played out- their Senators selling their allegiance. Position of Minister of Trade remained in hands of Kerem Gurek. Minister of Book is Radical Academic Giliam Thesel, good friend of Luwin Born-in-Storm. Minister of culture remained Marcell of Summerspring, more for honor as he was nearing his last days, falling to sickness, and new minister will surely be elected in next few months.
Also, Amurites are now full recovered from their civil war, and their economy is at it's full strength.
Spoiler :
But also, Kuriotates probably sold them their own stuff.
Whoa! That turned out a lot longer then I expected. I hope people actually bother to read it all. 
