FfH AAR: Bannor

[TheJopa]

This is a Fall From Heaven AAR. Bannors are crusaders of FfH, their backstroy can be found in spoiler tag.

Spoiler :

The Bannor started with a handful of people, trapped in hell during the fall of Braduk but rescued by Sabathiel, an angel in Junil's service. In exchange for their salvation, the spirits bound themselves and their descendants to ceaselessly battle the forces of chaos and disorder. As Sabathiel led the honourable spirits forth into the light, they formed the vanguard in a devastating war against the Clan of Embers, even more powerful then than they are today. Throughout the entire Age of Magic, the Bannor waged brutal and merciless war not only on the Clan, but on all who would not submit to law and order.[PARAGRAPH:1]Throughout this war of liberation and extermination, these heroes of an ancient age forged conquered, allied, and submitting tribes, cities, and nations into a human empire which, with the aid and guidance of Sabathiel, has stood firm even against the ravages of the Age of Ice, when all other nations were scattered and confounded. Though a shadow of its former power, the Bannor have already begun the work of rebuilding their strength to continue the fight their mythical forefathers swore them to.[PARAGRAPH:1]This continuing Holy War permeates every part of their society, leaving it almost totally militarised. For the Bannor, there is no clear line between religion, family, and politics. They apply a frightening religious fervour to the art of war, and their obsession with order makes even the peasant regiments among the best drilled of all the empires. All men are trained from childhood in the arts of war – hand to hand combat, archery, self defence, strength, and agility. Unlike most other societies, there are plenty of possibilities for rising through the ranks through bravery and skill, a fact which inspires as much if not more fighting fervour than the religious element.[PARAGRAPH:1]Because they need to be defended and ready at all times, outlying villages are more like forts, every farm is a small castle, the cities are huge garrison towns but also centers of trade, religion, and diplomacy. Few men are without scars from battle and the women are strongwilled and hardened. They know that the children they raise may one day be lost in battle, and they also know that one day the war may come to them. It is a rare woman among the Bannor that cannot handle a sword. [PARAGRAPH:1]A central part of understanding the fabric of Bannor society is understanding the split between estates and "free land". The estates are enormous tracts of land, almost sub-kingdoms, under the rule of an Order, a Family or one of those peculiarities of the Bannor: a Hereditary Order – a religious order with members exclusively from one clan. Centered on a stronghold or small fortified city, the main function of the estates is to provide the necessary resources to field one Order or Family division, the powerful and highly dedicated fighting forces that make up the feared backbone of the Bannor armies.[PARAGRAPH:1]The lion's share of the land in the Bannor empire is the "free land". The villages and cities that occupy and make a living off this land must, in addition to paying taxes and organising their own defences, provide a number of soldiers, fully trained and equipped, according to the wealth of the settlement. Although the Orders and Families are the spearhead and armoured fist of Bannor armies, "free land" conscripts provide the bulk forces that are needed to carry a battle.[PARAGRAPH:1]By far the most numerous of the estate-holders, the non-hereditary Orders will take fighters from all across the world, all nations and races. Those deemed worthy in prowess and intelligence are taught in the ways and language of the Bannor and then join the fighting forces on the same footing as native Bannor.[PARAGRAPH:1]The hereditary Orders are in reality families that have founded or taken over control of an Order. All the major positions are held by and passed down from father to son, uncle to nephew, like any usual aristocratic title. It is one of the few options a rich non-noble family has of gaining an estate and the power and responsibility that comes with it.[PARAGRAPH:1]The noble Families all trace their lineage back to one of the spirits that Sabathiel set free. They use this holy heritage to legitimize their enormous power, and it is the reason the priesthood tolerates their existence and their meddling in the running of things. There are very few Families, but every one of them wields as much power and wealth as an Order. However, the priesthood keeps these secular powerhouses under careful and strict control, lest they attempt to change the fabric of Bannor society.[PARAGRAPH:1]The highly-trained and well-equipped men who fight in the professional divisions of the Orders and Families come from a variety of backgrounds and fight for any number of reasons: Some do it for money or status, some few do it for glory or personal revenge, but most do it because they truly believe they are are on the front line of the war against Evil.[PARAGRAPH:1]As any Bannor priest could tell you, the war fought by the Bannor is far more complicated than than a simple Good-Evil battle. The priesthood, under the guidance of Sabathiel (or so they claim) decide who is an enemy. Although they have yet to fight a civilization that conforms to some kind of law and sense of justice and compassion, few who can avoid it dare cross the Bannor, lest they be "damned" and added to the list of civilizations that must be taught to repent.[PARAGRAPH:1]The focal point of the entire Bannor Empire is their capital, centered around the Bannor Palace, The Halls of Sabathiel. Although still recognizably a garrison city, it is also a sprawling, international metropolis matched by few other cities in Erebus. This is where the Orders have their headquarters, this is where the Families meet to discuss affairs of state, and this is where people come to consult with the priesthood. People of all races flock to the city to swell the ranks of the Orders, the Halls of Sabathiel have a constant stream of visitors coming to pay tribute or ask favours of his priests, and the bazaars and markets attract traders from far and wide, catering to the needs of a multiracial, multinational and multicultural army and administration.Sabathiel, the mythical ruler of the Bannor, exhausted by his tireless fight against the influence and attacks of Mulcarn during the Ice Age, is said to reside deep within the recesses of his Halls, watching, guiding, teaching, and warding over the Bannor, conserving his temporal strength for some dire future conflict where he will once again be needed. He is a shadow king, never seen by his subjects but always a haunting figure, ever present in their consciousness.[PARAGRAPH:1]In this day, there are those even among the Bannor, and even more so among their enemies, who whisper that both Sabathiel and his original spirits are naught but legends invented by a militant priesthood looking for ways to legitimize their rule. Whatever the truth of the matter, the fact is that in the Age of Rebirth, the Bannor must rely on human flesh and cold steel, not angels and spirits, to bring Law to the dark corners of the world.

I took Sabathiel as a leader, he is Charismatic and Organized.

Chapter I

Spoiler :

-„Here?“
Bannor people looked confused. Their journey was finally over. They were no longer in hell. But this was no Erebus as they remembered it. Everything was gone. Every trace of civilization, magnificent cities, prosperous farms and villages, roads, all gone. Gone and replaced with huge sheets of ice and tundra. Nicholas, the eldest of the elders answered the peoples cries:
-„Sabathiel said it would be like this. When Bhall fell, Age of Ice came. Apparently we haven't fared worst, we could as well remain in frozen hell. “
-„Yeah, but of all places on Erebus, we had to come HERE. I mean look at this. Huge mountains, forests, tundra...“ -Someone from the mob shouted.
-„Well, Sabathiel wouldn't lead us here if he didn't think that this place is good. Besides, Age of Ice just ended, it should get warmer here soon enough, and our scouts already found sheep and corn on the east. We will just have to start it all over again. A new beginning, to build a new world, but this time it will be a better world, with no evil, with no fear. A world of justice and order, where strong will not harm the weak, a world of law and righteousness, a world of BANNOR!“
So the Torrolerial was build, and inside a great palace which will serve as a center of new Bannor government and administration, but also a place from where Sabathiel will contact and lead Bannor, being unable to directly enter Erebus, or anything in The Creation.



As we found soon enough, we are not alone. A scout reported a settlement of wild, green-skinned, feral people nearby, so strange they couldn't be humans. No one knew who or what they are but Sabathiel once again had the answer: Orcs, a twisted people of Bhall have built their settlement just south of us. They are our fierce and sworn enemies, standing against all our ideals, and they think just the same about us, they will attack us in the future without warning.

Soon enough we find more of their kind, often avoiding fight with them. But some of them organized into a 'Clan of Embers' , and think that they are not as primitive. They offered us a peace, which we accepted, but it is not a real peace: They are living in a city previously known as Braduk, where we came from, shamelessly tainting it. All Orcs are the same, and we will not sleep calmly until all of them are gone from the Creation.

*New Goal: Eliminate all Orcs, barbs or Clan.

Our first encounter with The Clan. Due to signed truce, it went on without fight, but we don't trust them at all


Our warriors dispatched to explore the world around us have found a small settlement. This one was not populated by the wild orcs, but with genuine humans, struggling to survive the Age of Ice, apparently at this point sucessfully. They taught us how to fish, that is how they survived the Age of Ice.

They are not the only one who fish. A descendants of the pirates from the Age of Magic have also organized into nation, and are now standing ready to enter a new age. They called themselves the 'Lanun', a word unknown to us previously. But Erebus was changed greatly, and once great oceans are now a little more than a large lakes. We will be interested to see how will they fare in the future, but also remain cautious: They are not a good nation we can rely upon.


We also meet similar wild people called Doviello. They are indeed human, but so savage we wish they weren't humans, that we could simply call them Beasts.


We also heard that the Red Dragon appeared somewhere, but it is too far away to give us any concerns.


We met Hippus, horse lords and mercenaries. There is hope for them, if we can bring them on our side, but if not, it is the war pending. We will see.


It's a bit dull to report through early phase but we will now learn how Bannor deal with insanity and first Bannor victory.

Today something strange happened on the Royal Court.



When heard about this, Sabathiel was enraged. He demanded a to see this woman. She was a former artist, a creative and innovative person, as she described herself. But Sabathiel had no ear for her. This wasting of money is offense on very roots of Bannor society. He exiled her out of Torrolerial, and also few of her superiors , as they were responsible she got in charge in the first place.
This was an great example to everyone of how a Bannor society shall be lead.


One of our warriors dispatched to explore found a Bear Den. Bears are strong so we should stay clear from them.


Later on the same Warriors get attacked by pack of wolves and survive the attack.



We discovered Animal Husbandry, allowing our scouts to learn how to subdue animals. Scouts were already prepared in Torrolerial and taught how to do so. After their education they were sent on east to explore and hopefully bring home some animals for our carnivals.

Near Torrolerial villagers built a new pasture, making a great example of Bannor virtue.

Sabathiel ordered that settlement Myrean must be taken from unholy horde of Orcs.Four warrior regiments were dispatched to take the settlement. Ors are strong and numerous, but unruly and disorganized. As Sabathiel told their men: A horde of unruly Orcs is no more an army than a heap of building material is a house. And Bannor strength is in organization.
This was indeed true as some of Orcs stormed on our sieging troops, foolishly attempting a counterattack instead of waiting inside a city.






Finally settlement is taken. 2 regiments were lost, but it is not too much of a loss. Dead were buried with greatest honors. Surviving two regiments were awarded with prestigious titles. There were still humans inside the town and they welcomed Bannor liberators, offering them sanctuary. With this valorous gesture, there is no doubt this is Bannor land now!

 

[TheJopa]

Update coming tomorrow, comments are welcome, if someone has any questions (This is Fall From Heaven 2 mod) just ask.

 

[Fenboy]

This is looking good, FFH AARs are always fun to read, and I don't believe I''ve seen one from the Bannor's (unique) point of view.

 

[Ozbenno]

What map script are you using? Sort of looks like Boreal but not sure.

Anyway, good luck!

 

[TheJopa]

What map script are you using? Sort of looks like Boreal but not sure.

Anyway, good luck!

Highlands map, but 'Thaw' Mechanic is on- that means world starts frozen and gradually, over first 100 turns, warms up to normal. So starting position wasn't all that terrible, I'll post a screenshot of what land around capitol became.
Specifically look at Myrean at the second screenshot, when I discovered it, and latter when I captured it, you will see the difference.

 

[TheJopa]

Chapter II

Spoiler :

A small Bannor scouting party traveled east, as ordered. Their mission was not so much to discover, but to capture animals for carnivals. As they traveled east, they saw another orcish settlement. But something was unusual here. There was a large, burning temple at the outskirts of the city. One of the scouts heart a legends about Pyre of the Seraphic, demonic place where angels were sacrificed to fallen goddess Bhall. They were trembling in fear, and would have gone home immediately have they not had their orders. And orders were sacred to Bannors. So they went past the settlement, as ordered, sneaking, letting no fear show.

They tried to sneak past the settlement, but they were spotted. An Orc immediately sounded the alert and poor scouts stood no chance. Surviving were captured and tortured in the Pyre of the Seraphic. Once again poor men gave they lives for the Bannor, an idea that will surely be repeated again through Bannor future.

Sabathiel needed no informers- when his followers spotted the Temple, his Divine powers gave him the knowledge as well. This temple was Evil. And Evil must be controlled, destroyed, and certainly not be in the hands of Orcs!

Orcs offered Open Borders, but Sabathiel refused it firmly. He believed it was just another Orcish trick. They offered it multiple times, each time Sabathiel refused. He even authorized men who ruled in his name as a governors, to immediately refuse any similar offer from Orcs, which was a precedent, since Sabathiel controlled all diplomatic matters directly from his Palace chamber. He did allow Doviello, wild beastmen of tundra, to travel through his lands, and Bannors could travel through theirs.

With the advent of Mysticism Sabathiel decided it was time to engage more actively into ruling the Bannor. The Angel was exhausted from his travelling through Hell. So he ruled from his Palace chamber, where his governors would come to meet him, but with the Mysticism he could communicate more easily, and he also regained some strength in the meantime. So now it was time to reform the Bannor law.

Before, Bannor was ruled by a Despot, a man put in charge directly by Sabathiel. Despot was responsible only to Sabathiel, and because the Angel personally granted him power his authority was unquestionable. This put Bannor in the same place as any other dictatorship in the world, but Sabathiel would make sure a Despot isn't corrupt or evil. Sabathiel only gave advices and controlled foreign policy. After this reforms, position of Despot was abolished, Sabathiel controlled not only foreign policy but also army, many of the civilian matters, building plans, economy... Governors were introduced, they were put in charge again by Sabathiel and they controlled order and law in their provinces and executed Sabathiel's will. Bannor was now ruled by a true God King!


Two new cities were built, though one had problems due to bears, 3 warrior divisions were slain! But in the end bears were lured away and town was in place.

Here you see one of the casualties, and also that settlement with the Pyre is now controlled by Hippus! Well I guess it's better than Orcs but still... Also adventurers found something new to explore but I guess stuff like that is pretty common on Erebus



This is how land south of Capitol look now. Note that land is no longer frozen! It's pretty fertile now actually.


We meet the new leader, Cardith Lorda, the Boy King. Sabathiel admired him. They were a few good men in the evil world. They had to stick together, so they signed immediately many treaties. We will see what will future bring us. Sabathiel knows that in their heads they have somewhat different visions of what good world should be like...


This is world map, after we combined it with Cardith's.

 

[woodelf]

Very nice.

 

[TheJopa]

Chapter III

Spoiler :

The following years were marked with prosperity and general advancement of a Bannor society, with only occasional minor interruptions of any kind. Industrious villagers again gathered and built a new pasture near Vallus. Orcs made several attempts to pillage our homes and properties, every time stopped by superior Bannor armies.

Under new, direct Sabathiel leadership towns grew, technologies were discovered and Bannor power, as well as Sabathiel, was growing by each passing day. But Angel was not yet fully strong, so his authority couldn't cover just about anything. One example of this was obvious in city of Vallius, when, upon completing construction of Monument, citizens wanted to inscribe it.



This was obviously an authority of a local governor. Hard pressed by demands of merchant elite and traders he agreed to inscribe it to Mammon. Sabathiel would resent inscribing Monument to anyone but Junil, and especially to evil god of greed. But extra cash was indeed handy. As Sabathiel gets stronger, any dissent from ideal of Good will be eliminated mercilessly.


During these days Kuriotate diplomat asked to revoke Right of Passage agreement we had with Doviello. Sabathiel agreed on this. Doviello hated us for that, but they were not important anyway.


We heard rumors about a great scientific breakthrough made by Orcs. It is utterly impossible that such wild creatures can make any meaningful scientfic discovery, as long as murder and torturing isn't considered a science. But if this rumor indeed proves truth that is even more disturbing- it must mean they work with demons, that demons granted them some unholy knowledge.
At the same time, all efforts of Orcish diplomats to open borders and improve relations were dismissed. Sabathiel just didn't trust Orcs, he wanted them exterminated, and he signed no deal with them.


We met strange people of Sidar. We don't know where they lands are, but they seem quite proud of that fact. They are unholy, undead creatures even if they don't admit it. But for now, let them have their lands, if they start worshiping demons we will deal with them.

Once skeletons strayed into our lands and entered a villages at the outskirts of Myrean. Army sent to deal with them didn't fare well-Entire unexperienced division of warriors was wiped out , unprepared to fighting with skeletons. It took experienced Knights of Myrean, legendary warriors that liberated Myrean from Orcs, to kill the skeletons.


Doviello built town near our border. For the first time we have a land border with other civilization.


We discovered bronze working, allowing us to clear forests all around and build many more villages there.



Hunter offered to sell us some animals in Capitol. We instead hired the Hunter personally. He captured some bears from the east and dispatched them to our cities. Unfortunately his career hasn't been long, he was killed by one bear north of our capital. That is life-harsh.

One day rare insects that could help heal fever were found in our forest near Myrean and we payed to have them researched and protected. We gained a new scientist in Myrean to study them, and also health was better.

Sabathiel ordered a new city to be built on the west, to gain access to Copper. Also trained bear were sent to protect, and entertain settlers, and also extend cultural influence.



Army was expanded as well-New axes were given to troops and more men were drafted in the army.



And one day Sabathiel got so strong that he contacted Junil himself, and allowed people to channel his energy into Erebus... But that is another chapter, as it marked an end of entire era in Bannor history...

 

[TheJopa]

Note great merchant in pic above: I got him but I decided to save him until I find out where the holy city will be. You are not supposed to know for him!

Now: Comments! I want to know what do you like, what don't.Too many pictures? Too much text? As game goes on it should get more interesting. I want constructive criticism

 

[TheJopa]

Chapter IV

Spoiler :

Founding the Order of Junil marked a new era for Bannor, just as proclamation of God King many years ago. Temples were built through the land, people were more content, villages and cities grew. Sabathiel had more and more power. He was no longer confined to his Palace, he could now enter every temple of Order. Eventually he had enough power to enter any area where followers of Junil were, and this brought him on the verge of breaking the compact. He backed down, for now, and decided to appear only inside temples. He reformed Bannor society into true Military State, making number of regulations about military service. Even before this Bannor, of course, had organized themselves into something close to military state but as population grew more formal regulation was needed.

This disappeased the former landlords, who previously owned parcels of land. Land was taken from them and given to farmers who were supposed to make enough money from land to equip themselves for battle. Landlords, on the opposite, had hoped to get even more power and to subjugate peasants into serfdom. This lead to conflict where Sabathiel stripped all rebellious landlords of their titles, and those that still rebelled were arrested, most of them were convicted to death penalty. Their property was then confiscated and divided to poor. This is a great example of Sabathiel care for people and view of what is good.



We heard Clan has started to worship ancient Dwarven Goddess Kilmorph. Unnatural. They are no longer considered Evil by the world. Could it be they are really making a redemption? But Sabathiel still believes it is a trick, and keeps repelling all of their diplomats.



We sent troops to capture another settlement of barbarian Orcs, but when army arrive, it is already under siege of Doviello troops and they take it. Just one week earlier, heck, even day, and it would be ours! Army is prepared to take it from Doviello by force, and fight a war over it, but Sabathiel calls them off. War with Doviello will indeed come, but not today. Few days latter we hear that Doviello mine got infested with Giant Spiders. It must be a justice from Junil!



A great hero, Valin Phanuel, was recruited in Torrolerial, and immediately given assistance of a Great Commander. (Bannor people were first on Erebus to learn Military Strategy so the man who was working on the project became well known and called great Commander)


With Sabathiel support Valin explored an ancient tomb and discovered ancient item:Rod of Winds! Man wielding it has tremendous power, and even more power the more Air Mana his civilization taps.



About at the same time we discovered Knowledge of the Ether, and Elementalism, so adepts were ordered to tap an Fire Mana, and latter as much Air and Law mana as possible.
And again we meet an enemy -Calabim empire, the Vampires keeping humans as slaves. Can there be no other holy empire outside our borders?

Sabathiel also ordered his sages to develop currency. Minting of Denarii started. This also allowed a guild to form-Guild of The Nine, which will be known in Bannor empire as Fighters Guild. They were basically serving as mercenaries. Immediately they offered us a contract- A group of Clan refugees seeks a revenge against Clan. Sabathiel long thought about this offer. Money wasn't an issue, but would he allow Orcs in his army? Finally he decided to give them a chance- as after all they did have a common enemy, and he would need a strength of an Ogre that just joined the army.


Missionaries spread The Order to Kuritotate, and Cardith Lorda accepts it as a state religion, strengthening our bond.
We found out where The Sidar, the nation of shades, are. They are east of us and Doviello. Soon after, we discover that they became vassals of Calabim. That will surely hurt our relations, but it is logical move for Sidar, as they will get Vampires protection, without fear they will be enslaved, as Calabim are pretty far away from Sidar. After all, they do share a bond of immortality with Vampires. A bond we will have to destroy.


Current diplomacy screen- we have only one ally. Something must be done, with so much evil we cannot possibly hope to take it out alone. So decision is to ally Hippus, the Horselords. First we gift them some gold, as they love it above everything else, especially newly minted Bannor Denarii. We also gift them some techs. Eventually they agree to sign open borders, and we send missionaries to spread the true religion, and they accept it as their state religion. Success! From now on Hippus will be considered as a Good civilization on Erebus.



Calabim threaten us with foul requests for tribute, which we of course reject. But war might be closer. Good thing we are preparing for war already-war against Doviello.

And the war was closer that anyone thought, and it begun with incident in village Macar. It was a Bannor village, administratively part of the city of Vallus, but it was closer to Heimseter than Vallus. Land it was built on belonged to Doviello long time ago but as they couldn't keep it Bannor claimed the land and built a village, and it remained Bannor for generations. But one day Doviello decided to restore sovereignty of the area, and entered the village with their troops. Administration of the village was captured and expelled to Vallus with Doviello prison wagon. People were shocked. In the chaos that ensued, rumor that savage Doviello killed the administrators and Bannor people in the village started to circle. It was a lie, as wagon safely arrived in Vallus after five days, but it was too late- war was already declared.




Erebus before the break of Doviello war. Hippus are green, Kuriotate purple, Lanun dark blue, Calabim red, Clan orange, and Doviello are blue south of us. Note the faint gray on the east, that is Sidar nation. Also blue on the far west, a civilization we haven't met yet.

 

[seZereth]

Keep up the great work, definitely use as many pictures as you can, gives live to the whole thing.
cant wait for the war against doviello

 

[Nonobots]

It's a good read and the pictures add a lot to it... you keep it in character and that's great.

Keep it up and purge Erebus of all Evil!

 

[Slvynn]

Yeah nice read, please only put your pictures into spoilers, because loading thread is nasty process

 

[TheJopa]

Thanks for the feedback, I was already worried if anyone actually reads this. Now I just need to write it all down..

 

[TheJopa]

From now on everything is in spoiler tags

Chapter V

Spoiler :

War with Doviello wasn't viewed as something dramatic in Bannor society or by Sabathiel. By the point Sabathiel declared war, it was already won, because Bannor were economically and technologically far more superior to Doviello, and they called upon their allies Hippus and Kuriotates to help them in war. All answered the call, Sabathiel did have to offer them some technologies to aid their war effort and convince their leaders to wage war, but Doviello now had three enemies to fight, and Sabathiel's vision of tripartite alliance was strengthened.


Plan was following. On the strategic map blue arrow was army lead by Ogre mercenary who was supposed to immediately secure Macar village and then seek to seize the control of Heimseter. Yellow arrow was second army, lead by Vallin Phanuel , the legendary hero, and his goal was the city of Stavgard. Red was the third army, made of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Infantry Divisions of Axemen, accompanied by one Infantry Reserves Division (Also armed with axes, but unexperienced in combat so it's called reserves). Their goal is the city of Ultigar, a city Bannors swore to take ever since Doviello conquered it from Orc hordes just a few days before Bannors would do the same.


Ogre Mercenary securing the village Macar. Ogre's strength was unmatched by entire Bannor forces except the hero Vallin.Sabathiel's decision to hire him will be proved as a wise choice.


But Doviello weren't giving up easily either. They called upon the Wild Hunt, reinforcing their armies with packs of wolves, and fought brutally to defend their homes. They were as brave as Bannor, and their generals almost as bold. They did put up a valuable resistance, even retaking their cities on few occasions. On the other occasion they temporary dragged the war into the stalemate, where the either side was unable to make any significan breakthrough. But time was on side of Bannor and their allies and Doviello plans to either cause war exhaustion in Bannor lands or wait for foreign intervention was not enough, either of the two came too late to make any difference.


At the assault on Ultigar brave Infantry III Division was overpowered and killed, fortunately Reserves Divison proved to be strong enough and the Ultigar fell. Having tasted combat, Reserves division took place of III Division and was renamed, Capetan of the Reserves promoted to Commander. Warehouses of Ultigar were emptied and sold to fuel the Bannor war machine. Most valuable possession they had was a fine wine from the vineyards on the west. Soldiers also tasted the wine, although commanders kept the discipline in the regiments and had stict orders not to commit any atrocity, it did not go without troubles. All Doviello citizens were fine but once Bannors discovered that city still had some Orcish inhabitants from the past time, every single one they found was put to sword. Fifty killed Orcs were reported, but reports say it is at least twice that number. Doviello witnesses will later claim that Orcish inhabitants were the most peaceful people in the city, never causing any problems and being far less savage the Doviello will prove to be in the war.


South of Ultigar was another Doviello city, Thorshafn. It had iron deposits so it was a strategic target. Once taken it provided better, iron weapons for all Bannor troops. Even with iron laying in front of their vilages Doviello could forge weapons from it, so that is another reason they lost in the end.
During war a twisted cult of Octopus Overlords appeared in Clan lands. Sabathiel used this opportunity to send a Note. It was a speech that had to be held on the main square of every city by every Governor in Sabathiel's name, as he was still unable to directly appear in Creation. It greatly condemned Orcs and clan, claiming that proof of their vile nature finnaly appeared. Bannor people accepted this speech of hate whole-heartly. Despite the expetations, Jonas, the leader of Orcs, repressed this cult and remained loyal to good Godess of Earth, Kilmorph. He did what he could to appear as civilized on the world stage, to reform the Orcs. This did not in any way reduce the Bannor hate towards the 'Clan's Cult' – they said the Orcs still worship it hiddenly and that repression is just a ruse.
Form of the Titan, a magnificent statue-wonder was built in Trinity, a city where worshipping of the Order begun. Sidar revoked the protection they were receiving from Calabim and ended vampiric influence in their government. We will definitely hear about this latter, as neither side will easily back down here. Crusaders also appeared on the battleground- a volontary troops fighting in the name of Junil. First Crusader regiment was founded in Trinity, and many more will follow, mostly appearing in lands where Order just spread. They strengthened us in our war effort.

On the Bannor-Lanun border, Lanun fire mana flared up, causing nearby forests to burn, and fires spread to Bannor lands as well. This was most unfortunate accident, but at first some thought Lanun purposely flared up a node so close to our border, just to burn our land, but mages explained that stuff like that happens and that no one can neither prevent it, nor purposely cause it. And we saw more fire soon- Confessors were deployed to battleground, casting Rings of Fire on Doviello cities. This ultimately broke the stalemate, as well as it caused a major forest fires.

Sidar, now free from Calabim rule, adopted Fellowship of the Leaves and dedicated their eternal lives to protecting the nature – Sabathiel admited it made sense, as only someone who lives so long can protect slowly-developing nature well. But they were still not Bannor friends or allies.


Entire Bannor nation was rejoicing when they heard almost unimaginable news: Donal Lugh, a man who remained trapped in Hell after Sabathiel led Bannor out, returned through portal in Tentatio-Onis. Celebration immediately took place, and after it he went on battlefield. He single-handedly took the city of Kabhlag (he did have the assistance of his faithful party and few most loyal followers)

The war did drag on longer than Bannor expected, and this was even worse when Doviello agreed to become puppet-state of Calabim. Sabathiel was persistent that the war must be fought until Dovello unconditionally surrendered, not because of Doviello (Bannor held no special hate for them, even if they could, considering how savage Doviello were, and the reason for war was long forgotten) but just to display strength of Tripartite Alliance. Before becoming puppet of Alexis, Doviello people offered to embrace the Order of Junil and be ally, if not even puppet of Tripartite Alliance, but the leaders of Alliance agreed to war until Doviello were destroyed. Now Alliance had to deal with Calabim as well, even if Bannor didn't consider them too much of a threat-Lanun nation was dividing them.

 

[TheJopa]

The diplomacy spiderweb looks like a party from Baldur's Gate.

I think some of them are from Icewind Dale. Anyway if you haven't tried FfH yet I strongly recommend you to try it.

 

[TheJopa]

Actually I have a game of Icewind Dale 2 going on now. I'm fighting in an ice castle or something. It's a cool game. But I haven't played a game of civ since just after it came out. I installed the Alexander scenario and will try that someday.

Well I haven't played civ4 since I played Fall From Heaven, it's just much better

 

[TheJopa]

Chapter VI (A rather short one)

Spoiler :

But the situation changed once again. Calabim leader convinced Lanun to join war against Bannor, even though we had signed Treaty of Friendship and Open Borders agreement with them. Now things were more serious, as the Lanun army approached our famed city of Tentatio-Onis, which was now defended only by local Milita.


Map at the day Lanun declared war. Note on the above screenshot how Calabim adopted Order. They however can't be real Order followers, as they still commit blood sacrifices and hold slaves, Tripartite Alliance agreed to excommunicate Calabim and their entrie Clergy.



Sabathiel ordered to hurry the campaign on the south against remaining Doviello resistance, even if it would mean more loses. In great cavalry battle between Doviello cavalry and our Vallin and his loyal party, Bannor won, and Doviello finally crumbled. They fought bravely and didn't surrender until their very last city fell.



There was no time for celebration- at the same time the Doviello were falling the first battles of new war were being fought. Bannor gained new hope when new hero, Sphener, arose in Torrolerial.


But war was already taking it's tool on Bannors. For a long time Bannor forges were crafting weapons and armors instead of tools and jewelry. Peasants were mobilized for war, so there were not enough men to work on the fields. Famine was already threatening in many provinces, especially in Torrolerial. Despite that, much of the food and resources had to be sent to the army on the front lines. Costs of war were tremendous, money had to be taken from moneylenders, and libraries and schools had to be temporary shut down. Inflation was rising, people were starting to loose faith in the Denarii. Thing that actually kept Bannor Empire running was plunder from conquered lands.


Sabathiel knew he needed peace. But it was impossible to get at this time, he needed to fight now, despite the costs. Currently Tripartite Alliance was at war with Doviello and Calabim, and Bannor with Lanun as well. Then Doviello were annexed so there were no longer in war with anyone. With Doviello out, there was no reason for Calabim to keep fighting. Sabathiel still felt he needed stronger upper-arm in the negotiations so he sent troops to take the only settlement Calabim had in the 'good' part of the world-Ahepetr.


Sabathiel managed to sign peace with Calabim. Kuriotates did the same, and joined the war with Lanun instead. Hippus, however, kept fighting Calabim, and remained in peace with Lanun.

Now defense of Tentatio-Onis was top priority. Confessors and Sphener were dispatched. Militia managed to hold the Lanun army for long enough until reinforcements arrived. Sieging army was first struck with Ring of Fire, then Sabathiel stormed out and killed most of the sieging troops. Then Lanun tried to storm the city but it was hopeless- Tentatio-Onis was defended and Lanun army broken.


Next step was waiting for Donal Lugh to meet Sphener, and they two together took Bolans.




Knights of Myrean, men now legendary and known through the entire Bannor Empire for their brave fights against Orcs and Doviello, met with Sabathiel and he gave them honor of being the first Paladin Order to be established in the Bannor Empire. They took the Lanun city northwest from Torrolerial. After the conquest Torrolerial was much safer, as it could no longer be directly attacked or pillaged.



Lanun were not as tough as Doviello and Bannor armies were winning on all battlegrounds. War seems to be near its end, but what else Junil has in store for us? Bannor fate isn't meant to be easy...
Sphener posing with two Paladin regiments. The holiest and the strongest troops that exist on Erebus.

 

[Nonobots]

Cool! Good going there.

Would it be in character to vassalize Hannah, evangelize her and have her convert to the order? It could be debated that all this girl need is some good guidance and a strong father figure.

Would you have enough with her and your allies for a religious domination victory?

 

[TheJopa]

Cool! Good going there.

Would it be in character to vassalize Hannah, evangelize her and have her convert to the order? It could be debated that all this girl need is some good guidance and a strong father figure.

Would you have enough with her and your allies for a religious domination victory?

It's not that it would be too much out of character to vassal her, after all I would consider it as actually overthrowing Hannah, putting her into dungeon and installing a new, Order-loyal government. But Sabathiel simply can't accept existence of Orc Clan and Calabim Vampires. And there is another civilization west of both Clan and Calabim, landlocked, so I doubt it would be enough.