HqNes2 - Fair, New World

@Hq - The orders I sent that didn't make the last update, they'll be used for this update, yes?
 
UPDATE 12 – 786 AF

Don’t throw rocks, when…
In the slave society of Laconia the Council of Elders come up with a brilliant idea. Since precious metals are so scarce on the island it seems such a waste to spend them domestically as useless jewellery and coins when they could be spent in trade with the newly met nation of Dashtaka. Replacing gold, silver etc as the local currency is… rocks! Not just the kind of rock you can pick up as you take a walk, but a specific kind of extra heavy stones found only in a single quarry on the island. All rocks are engraved with a specific value and keeping any precious metals for your self is made a crime against the state. Oddly enough this causes no real unrest in the population of Laconia as they are used to following the orders/instructions coming from the Council of Elders*1.
The biggest grumble over this new system is the weight of the stones. Even so, the citizens go along with it as does the Perioikoi (second rate citizens) who are used to the oddities of the True-Bloods. Naturally, the slaves have no influence on it whatsoever, one way or the other.
So far things are quiet in Laconia. The slaves are, apparently, bereft of any rebellious tendencies and contact with the outer world is still limited, though growing.

Tides of War
After the initial Tribunal invasion some 4 years ago they didn’t have much luck. Facing a better trained army with equal numbers it was down to the fanatical devotion of the troops to provide a telling difference. Sadly, they lacked in it and were initially halted in Siberia and then pushed out. Now, the tides of war took a serious turn for the Tribunal leadership. Channelling funds into their new grand project they lacked the numbers to hold back the Siberian army as it crossed over the border.
Most of the Tribunal forces had been pulled back to protect the capital and this was as the Siberians expected. Knowing the difficulties in an amphibious invasion, they instead focused on the western part of Tribunal. Encountering light resistance they made good progress and captured large amounts of land. Panicked officials soon rode to meet the Siberian leaders, pleading for peace. This they got, but at a massive prize. Not only were they forced to cede parts of their lands, they also had to pay the Siberians a vast sum to make them stop.
(One eco-level from Tribunal to Siberia. -4000 Siberian infantry, -5000 Tribunal infantry)

Ben Who rides again
In Th'Lex-Zamrezei things are quite quiet. Learning from his mistakes with charging for the horse races, the Khan lowers the prices for watching and even arranges a few races where the public can come and watch for nothing. After discovering that the view is actually better in these arenas the people are eventually won over and start attending them.
This, combined with increased trade with Dashtaka, has a positive effect on the economy as more money starts making its way into the pockets of the Khan.
Many goods are brought back from Dashtaka by traders in exchange for exquisite pots and figurines produced by the women of the nation. The trade managed by the women as it is no job for a proud Th’Lex man to work with his hands creating items out of clay.
Speaking of which, the riders of the Th’Lex move out across the plains claiming new lands for their Khans and seeking new opponents to test their mettle against. A few tribes oppose them, but most are swept aside with only a few loses. With the fast moving cavalry leading the way significant amounts of land is claimed for the Khan and several tribes subjugated… much against their wishes.
(Th’Lex: -500 cavalry)

Praise the Gods!
After the defeat of Tribunal many believers of the faith have started looking to Ironal for leadership and to interpret the will of the Gods. With the completion of the Great Cathedral in Butam even more people start seeing Ironal as the true defender of the Faith. Many people from arrive in Butam from the lands conquered by the Siberians as they are disillusioned with life in Tribunal.
Together with the influx of new, relatively wealthy people and the continuing expansion into the Tirpian market the economy of Ironal finally breaks the decline for good and makes it grow once again.
Having suffered horrendous casualties trying to expand northwest the tactics are changed. Rather than pushing forward aggressively a new system is initiated relying partly on brute force, partly on aiding some tribes against others and partly on bribing. This actually works wonders, particularly helping some tribes against others. Not only does it gain Ironal some friends, they also get free access through some areas and aid in putting down hostile tribes. Whilst technically a part of Ironal now due to the presence of their forces, the areas populated by the friendly tribes are in reality more autonomous areas under the protection of Ironal. Should the friendly feelings ever dissipate again, Ironal could find itself in a tough position with parts of their forces cut off.
(Ironal: -1000 infantry)

Corruption is bad, mkay?
As part of the restructuring in Calador massive search is started to find corrupt officials. Using members of the army and even members of the royal house in an attempt to find out who would be willing to take bribes or assist in a coup a large amount of people is found, some in relatively high positions. The crackdown came suddenly and unexpected in the middle of the night. All the arrested officials of course proclaimed their innocence, but to no avail. Just having their names on the list was enough for the king and the officials were executed as a lesson to other citizens. Despite losing many officials new people were soon employed to take over and all together this actually tightened things up a bit (+1 civil leadership).
Continuing its focus on trade many ships are sent up and down the river meeting many new nations, including merchants from the nation of Laconia.
The increased trade, particularly with Zhuba, Siberia, Mearlekrol and, to some extent, Imperia boosts the Caladonian economy (+1 economy)

Decimal
Having replaced one ruler for another (see random events) the people of Imperia are hopeful of a better future. After a good start a new, harsh rule is introduced in the military. No one really likes it, but most people actually support it as they see it as necessary. Basically, it has now become allowed for officers to beat their soldiers if they don’t follow orders. Few people have any problems with this as it is no different from a father disciplining his son. The problem is more the rule of “Decimal”. If a company shows cowardice in war, then one out of every ten is to be executed. While nobody likes cowards, most people do think it is a bit over the top. However, considering the nation is at peace and they want the troops to fight for their nation, people accept this.
Inspired by their new Th’Lex friends, the Imperians start their own horse races with the champions getting to go to Th’Lex and compete their. The sport proves massively popular with the people as it takes their mind of the hard lives they live. Combined with a new system that enables all citizens to officially complain about things and actually be heard by an official, happiness in increasing (+1 happiness). Well, the officials aren’t too happy, but who cares about them?
Trade also picks up as treaties are signed with Calador and Dashtaka to allow for an easier exchange of goods. Due to its location close to both nations, the majority of the trade goes through the city of Elfiki causing a massive boom in it (+eco centre).

We don’t take crap from nobody!
Having fought, and died, lately, at the hands of both Ibe and barbarians, you would have expected Syldavia to have learned a bit from it. Not so. Angered at the defeat at the hands of primitive, unwashed barbarians a new force is raised and whipped into shape before being sent east and told to either come back in glory with their shields or, lacking glory, on them.
And so, another force of unknown numbers was sent into the mountains once again.
Granted, the troops used this time was in better shape, but the commanders still lacked any overall strategy as for how to deal with the tribes and thus chose to just use brute force time and time again.
Now, just charging ahead at barbarians is not a bad plan as such as they are usually much less disciplined than regular troops, but in narrow mountain passes where bottlenecks are plenty and you don’t control the higher ground, it is suicide. Whilst the Syldavian forces had the better training, they couldn’t bring their numbers to bear and took extreme losses. Progress was made, but at a terrible cost.
(Syldavia: -5000 infantry)

All quiet on the Western Front
In Dashtaka nothing happens. Literally. Sure, the government starts improving a lot of different things, train some soldiers and build a lot of ships. The End. Well, almost, because they also send a small expedition south having learned of the existence of some islands they decide to try and colonize one of them. With some troops to guard the settlers there is little real trouble establishing a foothold useful for future expansion. The only real thing of note happening there is a storm sinking a few ships.
Life is boring in Dashtaka :p
(Dashtaka: -2 ships)

All quiet on the Southern Front
For news of Cironelle, see above :p Little happens here, though the army is trained furiously and a new round of roadbuilding is initiated resulted in much better infrastructure allowing for faster and better transport of goods.

Random Events
Imperator Idrea delivers a rousing speech to his people following the victory over Syldavia about the future of Ibe. The idea of Greater Ibe in the way it supposedly was when Isis was mortal is a popular one greatly leading many to volunteer for the army (+3000 infantry)

In Imperia old Ernest Richards abdicates his throne in the face of revolt. New in power is his son, Alan Richards. The population is not really sure if things will get any better, but for now they’ve decided to wait and see. The decision to allow people to worship again has, however, proved popular (+1 confidence)

The people of Tiesto are starting to lose faith in their emperor (-1 confidence)

All Religious centres inspires the population (+1 happiness to all nations having a rel. centre at the start of the turn)

Diplomacy
From: Mearlekrol
To: Imperia and Calador
We wish to improve trade relations with your nations. Would you care to sign a trade agreement?

To: Calador
From: Zhuba and Mearlekrol.
We agree.

New Treaties
Trade agreement between Imperia and Calador.
Trade agreement between Imperia and Dashtaka.
Alliance between Th'Lex Zamrezei and Imperia.
Peace signed between Siberia and Tribunal
Peace signed between Ibe and Syldavia.
Non-aggression pact between Ibe and Syldavia.
War continues between Rhodon and Gallin

Notes
*1 LittleBoots, you really ought to make a story with all those details you sent me in the orders.

If you have questions or diplo you want an answer to in the orders, then please say so in the title. I don’t usually read orders until after deadline as I want to update the NPC nations first and make plans for them before I know what you are up to.

Carmen and Captain… I got orders from you twice :p And a few days apart. You can always just ask if you can’t remember if you’ve already sent. I used the newest version you sent for the update.

Everybody should have a look at the economy rules again ;) Most people either spend too little or not enough on the things they try to do. You have the amount of points listed under economy + 1 point for every special city. I’ve been nice this time ;)

Oh, and sorry for the quality. I'm not feeling too good. Something in the air.
 
And the map. Not too many changes this time.

update12nw8.png
 
lurker's comment: There should definitely be a "Borduria" to counter Syldavia.
 
Angered at the defeat at the hands of primitive, unwashed barbarians

I'll have you know that these barbarians are much better trained than that rabble Syldavia calls an army ;].


Imperator Idrea delivers a rousing speech to his people following the victory over Syldavia about the future of Ibe. The idea of Greater Ibe in the way it supposedly was when Isis was mortal is a popular one greatly leading many to volunteer for the army (+3000 infantry)

I've actually began writing an (increadibly) long story of this. I should have it done by tomorrow ;].
 
btw if you want a name, try Ingsoc :p Nineteen Eighty Four is great

IC:

To:Mearlekrol
From: Imperia

we accept, we are always glad to trade with neighbours
 
Centaurs

Upon reaching enlightenment so long ago, it is believed that Th'Lex become one with nature and it's creatures. His body melded with that of a green horse, who's hooves did not touch the ground. They were the ground.
Th'Lex has since used his awesome enlightenment to create a new species, the centaurs. Those who reach enlightenment are joined with their favorite mount when they reach death, and they become centaurs.
Centaurs are used to send messages and perform errands for Th'Lex, although they are magical and do not often reveal themselves to common folk.
The sign of one is said to bring good luck, whether through battle or other endeavors.

centaur.jpg
 
To Cironelle:
Greetings. We wish to Assure you we have no intrest in Expaning south at this time. Would you be willing to sign a 10 Year Non Aggression and Trade Pact? (5turn Nap and a trade pact)

To Tripi
Greetings, We wish to Extend an offer of a Defensive Alliance to your wonderous people, who we share so much culture and trade with! we also wish to Bring even more wonderous goods! (Defensive Agreement, Trade Pact)

To Tribunal
Oh Great Clutured Brothers, we wish to Open Our Borders with you, Our brothers. Let Our Trade Prosper, and Peace Reign between us (Trade pact and 5 turn Year NAP)
 
I will try to turn it into a story sometime this weekend then :) If I can't do it by Sunday, I'll just post the orders or something.
 
To: Ironal
From: Imperia

we shake our fists at your getting our attention
 
I am going to express more interest in this NES for now on.

I am sorry for all the problems I caused you Harleqin and all the nations near me.

Let me think of a story to write it should be posted soon!!
 
To: Ironal
From: Tirpi
Yes, we think that might be a wise move. We agree.

To: Ironal
From: Imperia
Yes, we must join together and smite the non-believers. Trade and such is a good start.

Iggy, well your orders were much simpler than usual :p
 
@Hq- Really? They were just a bit shorter than usual, but I was simply focusing on national development.

Not much update material, other than my expansions.
 
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