Immaculate
unerring
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2003
- Messages
- 7,623
Update 12: Years 1170- 1175: War Engulfs Barsaive- part four
Uld’ar Soldiery Continues To Hunt Rat Horror Constructs In Renegade
The Uld’ar continue to systematically hunt the Rat Horror’s constructs amongst the warrens and tunnels below Renegade. The rat horrors are on the defensive; already banished form Uld’ar and Throal, their numbers are low from constant warfare with a better equipped and better trained foe. The Uld’ar continue to make use of fire, smoke and pumped water as well as a series of traps and trained excavators and exterminators. Very quickly the orcs begin to confront the enemy who cannot hope to hide in their warrens in the face of such aggression.
Rat Creatures Face Uld’ar Hunters
True epic battle never occurs. The battles are a series of skirmishes from which the orcs usually emerge victorious. True to its nature, the rat horror itself never makes itself known, choosing instead to flee before being cornered and destroyed.
As the Ul’dar continue their efforts they encounter less and less of the rat creatures and more and more empty warrens booby-trapped to greet the orcs as they advance. Finally, after less then a year of hunting governor Ragnor Huldimun announces the efforts successful. The rats have finally been banished from Uld’ar lands.
But again, where did the rat horror go?
Scout damaged, gains experience. Javelin Skirmisher damaged. Rat attacks improvement removed completely.
Bandits Raid Throalic Aid Convoy Sent To Sjykalfar
King Valarus is keen to maintain the integrity of what he sees as a bastion of defense against Patrian hegemony and continues to send support to the Sjykalfar. By pre-arranged negotiation, a shipment will pass from Throal, via the countryside of Renegade (of Uld’ar) and into Sjykalfar territory. During initial negotiations Archbishop Muldar Edoris and king Valarus III have a major difference of opinion. King Valarus is incensed that the Uld’ar would attempt to charge him for assisting his ally and performing what he considers the duty of the chosen of the goddess; to protect Barsaive from the Patrians. As a result he threatens an economic embargo of the Throalic cities and villages. Though Edoris is not the slightly cowed by these words, he agrees to allow the convoy to pass provided it follows a pre-arranged route.
Only eighteen months after the launch of the convoy laden with metals, leather, forging tools, armor, weapons, currency and grain, orcish bandits fall upon the convoy just east of Renegade.
Tikos, orcish bandit surveys the dwarven caravan
The orcish bandits fall upon the caravan in a frenzied violence; these are obviously not trained soldiers but opportunistic commoners turned to an easy coin. Fortunately for the convoy, King Valarus had no intention of allowing his valuables to pass without escort and several score dwarven mountain rangers, previously shadowing the caravan from hiding, soon make themselves known, and though they now find themselves on flat land away from the hills and mountains they specialize in operating in, they are more than a match for the untrained orc bandits they soon surround. The orcs fight briefly, losing a third of their number and quickly surrender and are captured by the well trained, well-equipped dwarves.
Meanwhile, while one unit of rangers continues its escort, the second disappears into the nearby hills, captured bandits in tow.
To the west, the Uld’ar operation against the rat creatures appears to be nearing completion and when word comes of a Throalic invasion and the murder of righteous ULd’ari citizens, these soldiers are assigned the task of recovering the murderous dwarves and apprehending them.
Led by scouts able to track the caravan, the faster moving orcish army quickly catches up to the caravan just as they cross into Sjykalfar lands. Uld’ari spear and shield infantry clad in lamellar armor approach the dwarves and demand their surrender. The dwarves refuse, saying that they were only protecting their caravan. The orcs retort that the dwarves have murdered Uld’ari citizens. The dwarves are ready to ignore the orcs and return to their caravan when the orcish captain, a minor officer whose name is forgotten to history, orders an attack. The dwarves are forced to grab what goods they can and flee and even then a few lucky javelins claim almost a dozen dwarven lives.
The other unit of dwarven rangers is never intercepted, moving too quickly and too stealthily, even with their prisoners, amongst the hills and mountains between Renegade and Throal.
Uld’ar claims 9 gold, 18 food from caravan.
”Fevered Path” Spreads Its Influence Throughout Pilseta
Even as the war with the Sjykalfar continues to rage in the east, strange rumors begin circulating amongst the members of the Dragonfly and Boar tribes. Illicit late-night meetings outside the protective perimeter of the newly constructed palisade. Strange orders to local herbalists that cannot be explained through medicinal or religious use. Absent-minded wanderings through the streets, eyes wide and vacant, the individuals unresponsive to any provocation. Strange paintings found in the morning on public and private buildings.
Strange paintings are found on buildings throughout the Dragonfly and Boar tribe districts of Pilseta
Wild flowers of a previously unknown species, their perfumes rich and intoxicating, soon begin to grow throughout alleys and along the gutters of residences. Entire courtyards are overtaken with the flowering vines and transformed into private jungle-like gardens. Gardeners and city officials trying to clean areas overtaken with the flowers soon find that the vines are quite capable of defending themselves. Their pollen is sufficient to induce powerful dream-like delirium where the individual is completely unable to differentiate reality from their own personal fantasy that can last, depending on exposure, from hours to several days.
Strange flowers overtake Pilseta village
(can you identify the flower?)
The flowers and the strange behavior of the tribe members soon prove related as city investigators examining the strange behavior of the absent-minded individuals walking through town or following the late-night rendezvous often find evidence of the signature flower, or more ominously, potions made from the plants specifically for use by the bizarre covens.
As the strange behavior and plants spread throughout the city, the covens begin to openly refer to themselves as followers of the ‘Fevered Path’ and consider themselves part of that religious cult. They claim they are dedicated to making life from dreams.
Dragonfly Council gains 1 piety.
Great Bison-Like Beasts Spotted on Southern Coasts of Asgalfar Island
Asgalfar scouts and hunters ranging to the far southern coasts of their isle report great herds of bison-like creatures roaming the land. The creatures are covered in long thick fur, often covered in frost, and bare coiled horns like a ram and long but blunted tusks like an elephant. While most are at least 7 feet tall at the shoulder, some are as tall as 11 feet.
Asgalfar elders are intrigued by the possibility of hunting or domesticating the creatures and soon mount further expeditions to track the creatures and determine their movements. After some time their home range is well determined.
No Effect
Baal Found City of Gwyrd-An-Caern On Southern Coast of Key Bay
While much of the Baalic army migrates northwards to engage in mercenary work for the Kingdom of Throal, the remainder and its entire civilian population migrate, en masse, for almost 4 years, moving steadily eastwards the whole time. Their goal is the fertile hills of the southern peninsula opposite Pilseta on Key Bay.
Arriving, the high priestess Feylhin of Baal is said to utter, “Here we Rejoice in the Blessings And Mercy of the Lord of Hope”. That evening the constellation of Agares shines particularly strongly and the Baal are filled with great expectations for the future.
Over the coming years the numerous Baal citizenry expand to found several farming, mining and fishing villages in the countryside around their city. Agares is indeed with them for they find semi-domesticated sorghum growing wild in the hills east and west of their location and jute growing near their mining villages to the south-east.
Baalic farmers domesticate Sweet Sorghum near Gwyrd-An-Caern
Within the halls of power, there is much discussion regarding the direction that the new city should take. Many advocate raising a mighty monument to the surival of the Baal and their extensive migration (This would increase the territory the Baal control and slightly increase their income by raising culture). Others advocate the construction of a rudimentary palisade to protect the Baal from foreign invaders. Others advocate the construction of a granary to store the sorghum they harvest (This would increase population growth by increasing health.). Still others advocate the construction of a temple to celebrate the Lord of Hope (This would allow the Baal to build more acolytes/priests of Agares and would allow any existing acolytes to cast spells by increasing piety and fulfilling the prerequisite temple requirement to cast divine spells).
Gwyrd-An-Caern Founded
Tabba Ghut Shipping Struck by Pirates
Exports of minerals and jewelry, booze and leather goods continues to grow from Tabba Ghut while the also import a variety of goods including dyes, spices, and grains. Ships sailing the Red Feather Straits and the Oread sea brings wealth and prosperity but also create risk. One of those risks is the danger of interception of ships by pirates.
Tabba Ghut Shipping Struck By Pirates
In 1172 through 1175, pirates consistently strike at the shipping of Tabba Ghut and others in these northern seas. Several ships disappear completely while other ships report strange galleys appearing from mists or frozen fog banks and chasing their vessels before falling off. From what can be determined the pirates are operating in small fleets but may be new to the waters for they are not puissant rowers and their skills in sailing in the harsh northern winds are not reputed to be too good. Despite this, the seas are large and patrolling Tabba Ghut vessels fail to intercept any of the pirates (though with better luck they could easily have done so). The pirates manage to intercept nearly a dozen ships over the three year period, each one carrying several tons of trade goods.
Tabba Ghut lose 3 gold. Uld’ar, Throal, Palitante, Utilica lose 1 gold.
Bicormis Mining Operations Awaken Serpents from the Swamp
The Bicormis dwarves have always been aware of the dangers that lie in the nearby swamps. Great multi-headed beasts who fill the very air with noxious venoms lie therein, territorial and vigilant, but content to remain in their gloomy overgrown waters.
However, all that changes when the Bicormis begin developing their metal industries and overflow from their tailing ponds begin to flow into the swamps. The creatures suddenly awaken from their reverie and inflamed with the affront to their home, make their way to the small mining villages and lay them to waste.
Multi-headed swamp creatures lay waste to entire dwarven communities
Ultimately those dwarves who draw their spears and attempt to defend their lands are overcome with noxious vapors before their spears can even bounce ineffectively upon the thick scales of the dragon-like creatures. Those wounds that are received by the creatures quickly regenerate and not a single one of the creatures are even seriously injured yet their small number is able to completely destroy 3 small mining villages. Survivors flee into the hills and only much later return to find their fallen countrymen missing. Bones, are all that is left and many of these bear signs of having been chewed or bitten.
Bicormis dwarves lose mine.
Tabba Ghut Close Borders to the White Elves
The Tabba Ghut order an embargo of all things ‘White Elf’. They also continue their vigilance of their internal population, keeping a watchful eye upon any that might have been affected by the ‘Book of Winter’ or the whispers of the winter wind. While white-elf missionaries have never been common (or welcome) on the streets of Tabba Ghut, the new policies see them forcibly deported. Amongst the deportees are troll and human followers of the ‘Book of Winter’ (those who fell from the true path).
White elves gain small Taba Ghut troll and human minority
Kraz-ke-Meka Pay Reparations to Patria
Despite popular sentiment to the contrary, the Kraz Grand Crafter orders shipment of much of their prized incense and gold to the cities of Patria. Soqed Hazi is said to have been very pleased with the ‘gifts’ and to have accepted the Kraz apology for their ‘childish behavior’.
Happily, Kylorin’s fleet is seen to move eastwards and not seen again.
Five gold, 8 trade goods sent from Kraz to Patria. Five gold remain for next turn.
Isidor of the Palitante Wields Magical Scepter of Authority
Isidor’s rule is already very nearly absolute but he does much to cement his authority when he unveils a magical artifact, a scepter which channels law magic into obedience and loyalty to the masses. The scepter is of obviously Patrian manufacture but whether it is a new construct of an artifact of times prior to the Scourge remains unknown.
For many, there is the issue of where the scepter had come from, but for most, it is a welcome respite from petty crimes and minor corruption.
Isidor gains “Patrian Scepter of Authority (+1 governance)”
Blossoms of Mercy Flock to Achatin
A great exodus of followers of the Merciful Goddess takes place in the early parts of this half decade as a formal procession of priests and lay followers of that goddess makes its way from Uld’ar to Achatin. When asked why, many respond that they are celebrating the return of the hero Glamdrin.
Their response sets off a series of rumors throughout the Achatin population as more and more people begin expecting the return of this great hero from before the scourge. Where and how these rumors began remains a mystery but there is not debating the effect on the orcish, gnomish and dwarven populations as many civilians begin to flock to the sermons of this faith and minor shrines rise up throughout the countryside of both nations. Even as far as Throal the news inspires new faithful to take to the white candle and plum blossom.
Blossoms of Mercy greatly expands amongst Throal, Uld’ar and especially Achatin
Kraz-ke-Meka Train Militia
Extending the training of militia that had been necessary during the Patria raids, the Kraz set about providing both military training and food to any volunteers. With fear of renewed Patrian attacks at the forefront of the minds of many, the operation is widely successful and many citizens turn up to learn how to stand in a row, spears at the ready. More monetary funding would have allowed hiring of more advanced trainers but none-the-less, basic civil defense has begun.
Kraz get a discount on the construction of the garrison building when and if they ever build one.
Tabba Ghut Develop Major Training Program
The Tabba Ghut leadership open their treasury and their granaries to train common people in the arts of fighting and in stamina and strength development. The training sessions are held weekly and volunteers are provided food and small payments. Meanwhile funds are allocated to hire effective trainers.
Tabba Ghut get a discount on the construction of the garrison building when and if they ever build one.
Tabba Ghut Develop Food for the Hungry Program
Lecturing on how the weak can only become strong when tested and well fed, the Tabba Ghut leadership opens its food stores to feed the needy. Soup and meals are provided to the needy but without real administrative organization, the result is a mess and none really learn from the experience.
No effect.
Achatin Continue War Games
Achatin shadow adepts and acolytes of the ‘Three Goddesses’ continue to work together to weave phantasms of light and shadow for the war games of previous years. This time the focus is on practicing combat against Uld’ari and Patrian-like illusions. Importantly, the war games take place on the southern borders of the Achatin nation, in full view of the Uld’ari villages, an action which some orcs see as confrontational and others as almost humorous. Again, those units with the least experience gain the most from these games.
All Achatin units with 1 or 0 experience gain 1 experience.
Uld’ari Develop Bicormis-Inspired Cavalry
The Uld’ari have now had a long tradition of cooperation with the Bicormis and indeed many credit the orcs with introducing metal-working and mining back to this dwarven culture. One aspect of Bicormis dwarven society that has long fascinated outsiders is there use of heavy rhinoceros-like creatures as both beasts of burden and as the central aspect of their defensive military.
After years of study, the Uld’ari are finally ready to attempt their own use of these creatures and several score are imported back to Uld’ar to be developed into a cavalry regiment. With the help of Bicormis trainers and extensive new developments in the field of animal husbandry amongst the Uld’ar themselves, the orcs finally unveil their newest weapon.
Uld’ar Bicormis Cavalry take the battlefield
The cavalry is lightly armored, instead rellying on the speed and naturally thick hide of the mount to avoid injury. The creatures are large, much larger then horses or dwarven giant boars and their speed can easily match that of a horse, though their endurance is not as good. The initial cavalry developed is armed with a long lance and several javelins. This new development is sure to revolutionize war for the Uld’ar.
Uld’ar receive a unit of (damaged) Bicormis cavalry and can recruit up to one more unit per turn. Note that this event is due to the Uld’ar being the first to reach a specific technological milestone.
Kharkush Economy Crashing
As Kharkush continues to grow, its population now accounting for nearly two-fifths of the entire continent’s population, employment begins to get harder and harder to find. A large population means many opportunities but without a real strong commercial core, an urban population without real skills finds itself more and more reliant on the state’s almshouses. Without strong commercial development, increased population will only lead to greater economic woes.
A growing urban population befuddles the economic development of the Kharkush
Kharkush gain 'extensive unemployment' improvement (-2 gold, -2 trade goods).
News Quickly
_______Blossoms of Mercy Expands to White Elven Isle______
_______Faith of the White Hand Established In Utilican Countryside; Many White Elven Missionaries Spotted______
Maps
Spoiler :
