LINESII- Into the Darkness- Part II
- Thread starter Lord_Iggy
- Start date
Kentharu
Zebra Commander
i think a league of this magnitude, in the iron age, across an OCEAN, is improbable
Two stories from Thlayli.
Against the West
“I had wanted to die knowing that New Veritas was safe and secure. While I will not, my children will.”
-Last words of Stratikrator Triarion Panteras
Part Three:
The gates of the Citadel slowly swung outward. Four feet thick, it had taken twenty oaks chopped from the virgin forests of the White Mountains to build them. Thick bars of iron braced the backs of each door, and it required five men on each side to man the winches that slowly slid them out. Within the wood of the gates was set a metallic seal, pressed deep into the oak. Two spears crossed before a tree, below the Phoenix Rampant, the personal seal of the Stratikrator. The seal was divided by the opening gates, which gave one final groan, and stopped.
The ten Sentries of the Gate inside saluted with their falchions, and the Host-Lords walked between them. Directly within the gate there was a small courtyard, only able to hold two hundred men in close quarters. It was covered on all four sides by arrow slits, since any army that managed to breach the gate would be forced to pass this way. If enough garrison troops could be found, it would be a deathtrap for any attacker, even with the best weaponry. Gregorian took a moment to admire the tactical genius of the man who had designed the fortress as he passed on. Nearly fifteen hundred years of experience with fortification hadn’t come to nothing. At the end of the square was a smaller door, these made from reforged iron entirely, thanks to their smaller size. Beyond these doors lay a hall, cold and austere, but it was after all a fortress. Some tapestries had been hung on the walls, though, those that could be brought from Veritas.
Vandrios paused to admire the heroic charge of the First Latis Septiate in the Battle of Guitar, an epic weaving that stretched over twenty feet. That unit was known for its bravery in military texts throughout the Valin nations…for that, and the fact that almost every member throughout the centuries had perished in battle.
Soon they reached the center of the citadel, marked by the meeting point of three hallways. A circular stairway reached upwards. Wordlessly, they began to climb. There was no lift, and no easy way up, especially in the Tower of Command.
---
“Conaivium, anchor the ships, and then lead your men up the main causeway. Septilions Cristonian, Harconias, Veralioi, take your forces to the left of the harbor, and around the rear of the fort. Septilions Centrios, Salenias, and Olarion, follow my unit!”
“AYE, HOST-LORD!”
The wreckage of the riverboats that had opposed Host-Lord Gregorian’s fleet drifted slowly down stream. Half of the Badong Harbor had collapsed from the bombardment of the catapults, but the other was swarming with New Veritasan soldiers. On the shore, hand-to-hand combat had broken out between the advance forces of both armies.
Host Lord Gregorian walked swiftly down the gangplank, the crowd of soldiers around him saluting. Soon Septilions began to bellow out orders to their Tacticas, who in turn ordered their Decadions, who formed up the individual squads. The chaos at the harbor began to turn into order. Within five minutes, the majority of his Septiliates were ready for combat.
“Veralioi, Olarion. Clear our men from those beaches, and send a volley to cover their retreat.”
The war horn called out, and the vanguard on the beaches began to retreat. A ragged cheer broke out from the Guangfei units still standing…until five hundred arrows fell thick and fast in their positions. The twenty men still standing broke, running back towards the village. Forty-five Veritasans rejoined their comrades.
“Good. Draw your weapons. Septilions, you have your orders. Men of Veritas, TAKE THIS CITY FOR THE REPUBLIC!”
“AYE, HOST-LORD!”
The army advanced down the beach, splitting into the two pincers of Gregorian’s strategy As he looked past his army towards, Badong, he heard a gong ring out. The fort’s doors opened, and a long column of men issued out. About five hundred, he reasoned. That was a large garrison, but not enough to repel his men. Soon the main force had reached the edge of the city. Motioning to his personal guard, Gregorian decided that it was safe for the commander (being him) to move closer.
The leading units fanned out, silently entering homes and investigating. All went well for several minutes…until three archers popped up from the roof of a large temple, launching shots into the army. Similar snipers appeared on the roof of the opposite building. He heard one of his Septilions bellow out orders, but he fell as an arrow pierced his shoulder. He was back up soon enough, though…Salenias always had been a fighter, Gregorian remembered. A short melee on the rooves ended with the predictable death of the archers. But there was a new threat, as the bulk of Guangfei’s garrison was marching down the main causeway to confront the army.
Seeing this, Gregorian decided to take personal command. Ordering his guards forward, they pushed their way towards the center of his men’s ranks. He consulted his lieutenants.
“It looks like they’re relying on spears and axes. I’m sure that their crossbowmen are still in the fort. Give them three volleys, and then retreat slowly, firing at will. Then make a charge.”
The three septilions nodded.
Gregorian raised his arm.
“ARCHERS! LOAD BOWS!”
Five-hundred bowstrings went taut as they were pulled back. Torches were passed around the men. Guangfei’s soldiers were almost in range.
“FIRE!”
The Rain of Fire fell among Guangfei’s men, and several fell. They broke into a charge. Gregorian’s forces retreated slowly, launching two more volleys. Then they waited for the oncoming Guangfeis, whose units had fallen apart in the charge.
“CHARGE!”
The Veritasan units swarmed forwards, crashing into their Guangfei counterparts. Archers drew daggers, and Gregorian’s guard drew their scimitars. Soon the battle was joined. From the beginning Guangfei’s forces had started to waver, and the casualties they took to arrows had decreased their numbers seriously. But then one of Gregorian’s personal guards fell…but it was one of the men standing behind him. Damn! Guangfei had placed other archers on the roofs of the town, but had waited until this point to use them!
Gregorian tried to signal Centrios, but then he took a spear through the stomach. So he ordered two nearby Tactica, and half his personal guard to clean out the remaining archers.
“Men, rally to me! Rally for the Republic!”
---
It seemed like they had climbed for an eternity. But Vandrios was so lost in thought, he couldn’t tell. But then, abruptly, they stumbled out into the War Room, the headquarters of the Stratikrator. Vandrios had never seen it before, though Gregorian had. He drew a surprised breath.
They were so high up. The entire city of Redemption lay out before them, silent and sparkling. The moon cast a slim light down, illuminating the gray stone of the walls. The Basilica, and the Halls of the Assemblum could be seen almost directly below, and farther off, the tents of the Haggles like some huge carnival. Then he spotted the Shepherds Quarter, and beyond, the green fields of the countryside. It seemed almost unreal. He squinted, and thought that he could see the White Mountains far in the distance.
The staircase came up in the center of the chamber. The Stratikrator’s personal quarters were located directly above…for obvious reasons, any Stratikrators with a fear of heights would never again be chosen. But the War Room was where he and his generals would meet to plan campaigns. It was a plain room, with one wall covered by a vast map of Tellus, marking the locations and strengths of the Legioni’s hosts. Large glass windows looked out on the city, and the sea.
The room was five sided. On each side of the room lay a statue. Statues of the greatest Host-Lords to ever live.
Dominius. The legendary first Stratikrator. Conqueror of Zibon, and unifier of Emor.
Strategius. The Autorex, the Greatest Stratikrator. Reformer of Veritas, abolisher of slavery, and conqueror of Eldrania.
Sempronius. The Successor to Strategius. The conqueror of Khadon and Alexandria, and the slayer of the Khemran King in single combat.
Cendrian. Cendrian the Selfless, the victor at the great Battle of the Crystal Ridge. Conqueror of Said, he sacrificed his own life knowingly, to give Veritas time to rebuild its armies.
Panteras. Conqueror of Sintonia. Conqueror of Krenel. And Conqueror of Valfei, builder of the Stratikrator’s Citadel, and the last Stratikrator to live.
Vandrios took a moment to absorb it all…and then jumped, as the voice of a man shocked him out of his contemplation.
“Host-Lord Gregorian, and Host-Lord Vandrios. We greet you. Unfortunately, you are late, and the Legioni are weak.”
The High Elder, and the Council of Elders, was sitting on chairs behind them. And behind their chairs was the Exodian Ocean. The Endless Ocean. It mixed with their blue robes, and the moon’s rays glinted off the silver staff in the hands of the High Elder. Every High Elder had held that silver staff since the first, or so the legend went. It once held a great blue sapphire, or a purple amethyst depending on the story. But in grief and rage, the jewel was broken off by Pacian the Incarnate, and cast into the sea. Now it was just a silver staff.
The Host-Lords bowed. “My lords and fathers, we greet you.”
The High Elder cleared his throat.
“Let us begin, since time is short. Vandrios. You were tasked with the destruction of Guangzhou, and the capture of the Emperor. You failed in this, at the Battle of Guangzhou. However, you rallied a large number of tribal warriors to your cause, and executed an acceptable fighting retreat. You forced your way through the mountain passes, to link up with Stratikrator Panteras, and provide him the reinforcements necessary to win the Second Battle of Qingdao. Before he died, he passed command of the city to you, an admirable show of trust. Despite your failure, we believe that the One has smiled on your efforts, intending you to reach Valfei all along.”
“You honor me with your words.”
“Now, Gregorian. You proposed a plan of your own design, for which we gave you six Septiliates, and twenty ships. With this small force, you managed to eliminate Guangfei’s navy in the region. Then you seized and captured Badong and Faitei with fewer than one hundred dead. Finally, you negotiated with and succeeded in convincing the Shangei people to join our cause. Your objectives all met with total success.”
“As it may become clear now, our choice for Stratikrator is Gregorian. Both of you have tactical and strategic skill, excellent leadership, and the ability to win battles with the odds against you. However, Gregorian demonstrated superior ingenuity and creativity in doing so, showing that he can not just manage the military responsibilities that being a Stratikrator entails, but also the diplomatic ones. We wholeheartedly nominate you for Supreme Command of the Legioni.”
Gregorian bowed, smiling.
“I accept this command, for the One, and for his holy nation New Veritas. I will serve until my death, or until the Assemblum sees fit to replace me.”
“Good. Vandrios, we know that you are an excellent commander, and a worthy second in command to the Stratikrator. If Gregorian dies in combat or is captured, you will become the Stratikrator in the event of that occurrence.”
Vandrios laughed.
“I had never wanted this command in the first place, with all due respect to the Assemblum. If you had chosen me, I would have recommended Gregorian in my place. I wholeheartedly endorse your decision. Congratulations, my friend.”
Then Vandrios joined the Council in the traditional salute.
“Hail to the One, and Hail to Stratikrator Gregorian!”
---
Epilogue:
Gregorian’s forces were arrayed in front of the fortress’ gate. A flag of truce had been raised, and the commander of the fort, resplendent in his solid plate armor, came forward. He laughed heartily, and the sound of it bellowed out into the silent town. Then he addressed the Veritasan host in halting Valin.
“Host-Lord Gregorian! You have lost your battle, as we all can see. Your troops have failed to take my mighty fort, and the people of Badong will soon rise up to destroy you.”
Gregorian smiled. “Go on, this is very entertaining.”
“Even if by a miracle you were to take my fort, the numberless legions of the Dragon Throne will destroy you! And there is something you have not considered! My crossbowmen, whom I have hidden from you.”
About two hundred crossbowmen appeared on the parapets of the fort. Gregorian rolled his eyes.
“Oh my, that was certainly unexpected.”
“Ha! Now do you not see that victory is hopeless? But for your valiant attempt, the Dragon Throne will spare the lives of your men, in return for your unconditional surrender. What is your answer?”
Gregorian pondered this. Picking up a horn from his aide, he smiled.
“Our answer? Why, it is war.”
Then he blew the horn. A cloud of arrows appeared overhead, but behind Guangfei’s forces on the wall. Gregorian’s second pincer had arrived, and the fort was caught in the trap. The commander was hit in the back of the head, and toppled over the parapet.
As the siege ladders and battering ram approached the walls, Gregorian called for an archer from his personal guard.
“Do you see that flag up there? Yes, that one. Please do the honors.”
The flaming arrow glowed white hot as it flew into the air, leaving a trail of fire like a phoenix. It struck the flag of the Dragon Throne, dead center. And as the tattered flag burst into flames, Pacian’s prophecy was made real at last.
Against the West
“I had wanted to die knowing that New Veritas was safe and secure. While I will not, my children will.”
-Last words of Stratikrator Triarion Panteras
Part Three:
The gates of the Citadel slowly swung outward. Four feet thick, it had taken twenty oaks chopped from the virgin forests of the White Mountains to build them. Thick bars of iron braced the backs of each door, and it required five men on each side to man the winches that slowly slid them out. Within the wood of the gates was set a metallic seal, pressed deep into the oak. Two spears crossed before a tree, below the Phoenix Rampant, the personal seal of the Stratikrator. The seal was divided by the opening gates, which gave one final groan, and stopped.
The ten Sentries of the Gate inside saluted with their falchions, and the Host-Lords walked between them. Directly within the gate there was a small courtyard, only able to hold two hundred men in close quarters. It was covered on all four sides by arrow slits, since any army that managed to breach the gate would be forced to pass this way. If enough garrison troops could be found, it would be a deathtrap for any attacker, even with the best weaponry. Gregorian took a moment to admire the tactical genius of the man who had designed the fortress as he passed on. Nearly fifteen hundred years of experience with fortification hadn’t come to nothing. At the end of the square was a smaller door, these made from reforged iron entirely, thanks to their smaller size. Beyond these doors lay a hall, cold and austere, but it was after all a fortress. Some tapestries had been hung on the walls, though, those that could be brought from Veritas.
Vandrios paused to admire the heroic charge of the First Latis Septiate in the Battle of Guitar, an epic weaving that stretched over twenty feet. That unit was known for its bravery in military texts throughout the Valin nations…for that, and the fact that almost every member throughout the centuries had perished in battle.
Soon they reached the center of the citadel, marked by the meeting point of three hallways. A circular stairway reached upwards. Wordlessly, they began to climb. There was no lift, and no easy way up, especially in the Tower of Command.
---
“Conaivium, anchor the ships, and then lead your men up the main causeway. Septilions Cristonian, Harconias, Veralioi, take your forces to the left of the harbor, and around the rear of the fort. Septilions Centrios, Salenias, and Olarion, follow my unit!”
“AYE, HOST-LORD!”
The wreckage of the riverboats that had opposed Host-Lord Gregorian’s fleet drifted slowly down stream. Half of the Badong Harbor had collapsed from the bombardment of the catapults, but the other was swarming with New Veritasan soldiers. On the shore, hand-to-hand combat had broken out between the advance forces of both armies.
Host Lord Gregorian walked swiftly down the gangplank, the crowd of soldiers around him saluting. Soon Septilions began to bellow out orders to their Tacticas, who in turn ordered their Decadions, who formed up the individual squads. The chaos at the harbor began to turn into order. Within five minutes, the majority of his Septiliates were ready for combat.
“Veralioi, Olarion. Clear our men from those beaches, and send a volley to cover their retreat.”
The war horn called out, and the vanguard on the beaches began to retreat. A ragged cheer broke out from the Guangfei units still standing…until five hundred arrows fell thick and fast in their positions. The twenty men still standing broke, running back towards the village. Forty-five Veritasans rejoined their comrades.
“Good. Draw your weapons. Septilions, you have your orders. Men of Veritas, TAKE THIS CITY FOR THE REPUBLIC!”
“AYE, HOST-LORD!”
The army advanced down the beach, splitting into the two pincers of Gregorian’s strategy As he looked past his army towards, Badong, he heard a gong ring out. The fort’s doors opened, and a long column of men issued out. About five hundred, he reasoned. That was a large garrison, but not enough to repel his men. Soon the main force had reached the edge of the city. Motioning to his personal guard, Gregorian decided that it was safe for the commander (being him) to move closer.
The leading units fanned out, silently entering homes and investigating. All went well for several minutes…until three archers popped up from the roof of a large temple, launching shots into the army. Similar snipers appeared on the roof of the opposite building. He heard one of his Septilions bellow out orders, but he fell as an arrow pierced his shoulder. He was back up soon enough, though…Salenias always had been a fighter, Gregorian remembered. A short melee on the rooves ended with the predictable death of the archers. But there was a new threat, as the bulk of Guangfei’s garrison was marching down the main causeway to confront the army.
Seeing this, Gregorian decided to take personal command. Ordering his guards forward, they pushed their way towards the center of his men’s ranks. He consulted his lieutenants.
“It looks like they’re relying on spears and axes. I’m sure that their crossbowmen are still in the fort. Give them three volleys, and then retreat slowly, firing at will. Then make a charge.”
The three septilions nodded.
Gregorian raised his arm.
“ARCHERS! LOAD BOWS!”
Five-hundred bowstrings went taut as they were pulled back. Torches were passed around the men. Guangfei’s soldiers were almost in range.
“FIRE!”
The Rain of Fire fell among Guangfei’s men, and several fell. They broke into a charge. Gregorian’s forces retreated slowly, launching two more volleys. Then they waited for the oncoming Guangfeis, whose units had fallen apart in the charge.
“CHARGE!”
The Veritasan units swarmed forwards, crashing into their Guangfei counterparts. Archers drew daggers, and Gregorian’s guard drew their scimitars. Soon the battle was joined. From the beginning Guangfei’s forces had started to waver, and the casualties they took to arrows had decreased their numbers seriously. But then one of Gregorian’s personal guards fell…but it was one of the men standing behind him. Damn! Guangfei had placed other archers on the roofs of the town, but had waited until this point to use them!
Gregorian tried to signal Centrios, but then he took a spear through the stomach. So he ordered two nearby Tactica, and half his personal guard to clean out the remaining archers.
“Men, rally to me! Rally for the Republic!”
---
It seemed like they had climbed for an eternity. But Vandrios was so lost in thought, he couldn’t tell. But then, abruptly, they stumbled out into the War Room, the headquarters of the Stratikrator. Vandrios had never seen it before, though Gregorian had. He drew a surprised breath.
They were so high up. The entire city of Redemption lay out before them, silent and sparkling. The moon cast a slim light down, illuminating the gray stone of the walls. The Basilica, and the Halls of the Assemblum could be seen almost directly below, and farther off, the tents of the Haggles like some huge carnival. Then he spotted the Shepherds Quarter, and beyond, the green fields of the countryside. It seemed almost unreal. He squinted, and thought that he could see the White Mountains far in the distance.
The staircase came up in the center of the chamber. The Stratikrator’s personal quarters were located directly above…for obvious reasons, any Stratikrators with a fear of heights would never again be chosen. But the War Room was where he and his generals would meet to plan campaigns. It was a plain room, with one wall covered by a vast map of Tellus, marking the locations and strengths of the Legioni’s hosts. Large glass windows looked out on the city, and the sea.
The room was five sided. On each side of the room lay a statue. Statues of the greatest Host-Lords to ever live.
Dominius. The legendary first Stratikrator. Conqueror of Zibon, and unifier of Emor.
Strategius. The Autorex, the Greatest Stratikrator. Reformer of Veritas, abolisher of slavery, and conqueror of Eldrania.
Sempronius. The Successor to Strategius. The conqueror of Khadon and Alexandria, and the slayer of the Khemran King in single combat.
Cendrian. Cendrian the Selfless, the victor at the great Battle of the Crystal Ridge. Conqueror of Said, he sacrificed his own life knowingly, to give Veritas time to rebuild its armies.
Panteras. Conqueror of Sintonia. Conqueror of Krenel. And Conqueror of Valfei, builder of the Stratikrator’s Citadel, and the last Stratikrator to live.
Vandrios took a moment to absorb it all…and then jumped, as the voice of a man shocked him out of his contemplation.
“Host-Lord Gregorian, and Host-Lord Vandrios. We greet you. Unfortunately, you are late, and the Legioni are weak.”
The High Elder, and the Council of Elders, was sitting on chairs behind them. And behind their chairs was the Exodian Ocean. The Endless Ocean. It mixed with their blue robes, and the moon’s rays glinted off the silver staff in the hands of the High Elder. Every High Elder had held that silver staff since the first, or so the legend went. It once held a great blue sapphire, or a purple amethyst depending on the story. But in grief and rage, the jewel was broken off by Pacian the Incarnate, and cast into the sea. Now it was just a silver staff.
The Host-Lords bowed. “My lords and fathers, we greet you.”
The High Elder cleared his throat.
“Let us begin, since time is short. Vandrios. You were tasked with the destruction of Guangzhou, and the capture of the Emperor. You failed in this, at the Battle of Guangzhou. However, you rallied a large number of tribal warriors to your cause, and executed an acceptable fighting retreat. You forced your way through the mountain passes, to link up with Stratikrator Panteras, and provide him the reinforcements necessary to win the Second Battle of Qingdao. Before he died, he passed command of the city to you, an admirable show of trust. Despite your failure, we believe that the One has smiled on your efforts, intending you to reach Valfei all along.”
“You honor me with your words.”
“Now, Gregorian. You proposed a plan of your own design, for which we gave you six Septiliates, and twenty ships. With this small force, you managed to eliminate Guangfei’s navy in the region. Then you seized and captured Badong and Faitei with fewer than one hundred dead. Finally, you negotiated with and succeeded in convincing the Shangei people to join our cause. Your objectives all met with total success.”
“As it may become clear now, our choice for Stratikrator is Gregorian. Both of you have tactical and strategic skill, excellent leadership, and the ability to win battles with the odds against you. However, Gregorian demonstrated superior ingenuity and creativity in doing so, showing that he can not just manage the military responsibilities that being a Stratikrator entails, but also the diplomatic ones. We wholeheartedly nominate you for Supreme Command of the Legioni.”
Gregorian bowed, smiling.
“I accept this command, for the One, and for his holy nation New Veritas. I will serve until my death, or until the Assemblum sees fit to replace me.”
“Good. Vandrios, we know that you are an excellent commander, and a worthy second in command to the Stratikrator. If Gregorian dies in combat or is captured, you will become the Stratikrator in the event of that occurrence.”
Vandrios laughed.
“I had never wanted this command in the first place, with all due respect to the Assemblum. If you had chosen me, I would have recommended Gregorian in my place. I wholeheartedly endorse your decision. Congratulations, my friend.”
Then Vandrios joined the Council in the traditional salute.
“Hail to the One, and Hail to Stratikrator Gregorian!”
---
Epilogue:
Gregorian’s forces were arrayed in front of the fortress’ gate. A flag of truce had been raised, and the commander of the fort, resplendent in his solid plate armor, came forward. He laughed heartily, and the sound of it bellowed out into the silent town. Then he addressed the Veritasan host in halting Valin.
“Host-Lord Gregorian! You have lost your battle, as we all can see. Your troops have failed to take my mighty fort, and the people of Badong will soon rise up to destroy you.”
Gregorian smiled. “Go on, this is very entertaining.”
“Even if by a miracle you were to take my fort, the numberless legions of the Dragon Throne will destroy you! And there is something you have not considered! My crossbowmen, whom I have hidden from you.”
About two hundred crossbowmen appeared on the parapets of the fort. Gregorian rolled his eyes.
“Oh my, that was certainly unexpected.”
“Ha! Now do you not see that victory is hopeless? But for your valiant attempt, the Dragon Throne will spare the lives of your men, in return for your unconditional surrender. What is your answer?”
Gregorian pondered this. Picking up a horn from his aide, he smiled.
“Our answer? Why, it is war.”
Then he blew the horn. A cloud of arrows appeared overhead, but behind Guangfei’s forces on the wall. Gregorian’s second pincer had arrived, and the fort was caught in the trap. The commander was hit in the back of the head, and toppled over the parapet.
As the siege ladders and battering ram approached the walls, Gregorian called for an archer from his personal guard.
“Do you see that flag up there? Yes, that one. Please do the honors.”
The flaming arrow glowed white hot as it flew into the air, leaving a trail of fire like a phoenix. It struck the flag of the Dragon Throne, dead center. And as the tattered flag burst into flames, Pacian’s prophecy was made real at last.
Oruc
Reactionary
Kentharu said:
I suppose you want the mod to break up the league? just because you dont like it?
Oruc
Reactionary
Lord_Iggy said:
I know, but he seems to think his opinion matters on the subject.
Edit: If they want to be a part of a league you cant exactly tell them no and stop them from making it, just because Mr Kentharu doesnt like it.
Prince Dysionis, Commander of The Southern UKKK Armies, camped approximatly 1000m above sea level in the UKKK's Toe-Hold in the Bladeist Mountains, From the nearby peaks you could barely make out a city, thought to be the City of Swade, inbetween dense foliage, that of a jungle.
Not a kilometre away was the Samnade Pass, some men were still suffering from wounds, unfortunatly the long distances to even the nearest cities, made total comfort hard, so they had to make do with camp medications; amputations were not infrequent. The wounded men however constitued an irritating drain on supplies which was difficult enough to get up into the mountains, never mind over a large plain and accross a desert, thankfully the System of Roads the Swade had built up over the years stood in good stead, and eased the burden somewhat, but it still proved an irriation, especially if they had to move down into the dark, dank jungle below.
Then of course there were the Swade Survivors, those not run down by the awesome weight of the Cataphratori. Prince Dysionis had let the few surviors see to their comrades left on the field. Mostly however the dead bodies were burnt, to avoid attracting any diseases from the dead natives, or indeed attracting any of the beasts that inhabitated the Jungle.
***
Further away, the Prince Ptolmey, heir Apparant, was furthering his tutoring in the ways of the battlefield in a much more upfront style, he was equipped as part of the Cataphratori, and was engaging in another minor skirmish against the ever numerous Nurmaferian Warlords of the region.
He had chosen to field a force of only Horsearchers and Cataphratori, Demonstrating some skill with Charging in with the Cataphratori, with the horse archers in support the Cataphratori would pull out again, rest, and then charge home again. The Only thing truly hampering the Cataphratori was the lack of a stirrup, but the Cataphratori themselves, and none of the other contemperies knew this, all they was that sometimes the force of a Lance hitting home threw them off the horse. (the lance being tied to the horse in various place, to ensure the full weight of the Horse was behind the tip of the lance.), this led to a rather unfortunate scenrio where a thrown Cataphratori would be swarmed and killed when the others pulled back to rest up for their next charge. None the less Prince Ptolmey found the work Invigorating.
True to form, or rather his Grandfathers form, he was thrown off his horse, and the heir apparant died (after which of course, the troops with which he'd been campaigning with were mighty annoyed at this turn of events, and having become very loyal and vetren soldier, became a bit...fanatical about the retreival of Prince's body and punishing the people who had done this. The field was later found littered with Impaled bodied).
A Small Crypt was built for the Prince (there being no towers nearby) near the City of New Turfar, whilst an undetermined distance away, Prince Dysionis Turned north to look over the lands of his Father, as the sun set, nestling inbetween two peaks, Heir apparant.
OOC: got REALLY bored of the Ptolmey line name, this is the new Line name after update
Not a kilometre away was the Samnade Pass, some men were still suffering from wounds, unfortunatly the long distances to even the nearest cities, made total comfort hard, so they had to make do with camp medications; amputations were not infrequent. The wounded men however constitued an irritating drain on supplies which was difficult enough to get up into the mountains, never mind over a large plain and accross a desert, thankfully the System of Roads the Swade had built up over the years stood in good stead, and eased the burden somewhat, but it still proved an irriation, especially if they had to move down into the dark, dank jungle below.
Then of course there were the Swade Survivors, those not run down by the awesome weight of the Cataphratori. Prince Dysionis had let the few surviors see to their comrades left on the field. Mostly however the dead bodies were burnt, to avoid attracting any diseases from the dead natives, or indeed attracting any of the beasts that inhabitated the Jungle.
***
Further away, the Prince Ptolmey, heir Apparant, was furthering his tutoring in the ways of the battlefield in a much more upfront style, he was equipped as part of the Cataphratori, and was engaging in another minor skirmish against the ever numerous Nurmaferian Warlords of the region.
He had chosen to field a force of only Horsearchers and Cataphratori, Demonstrating some skill with Charging in with the Cataphratori, with the horse archers in support the Cataphratori would pull out again, rest, and then charge home again. The Only thing truly hampering the Cataphratori was the lack of a stirrup, but the Cataphratori themselves, and none of the other contemperies knew this, all they was that sometimes the force of a Lance hitting home threw them off the horse. (the lance being tied to the horse in various place, to ensure the full weight of the Horse was behind the tip of the lance.), this led to a rather unfortunate scenrio where a thrown Cataphratori would be swarmed and killed when the others pulled back to rest up for their next charge. None the less Prince Ptolmey found the work Invigorating.
True to form, or rather his Grandfathers form, he was thrown off his horse, and the heir apparant died (after which of course, the troops with which he'd been campaigning with were mighty annoyed at this turn of events, and having become very loyal and vetren soldier, became a bit...fanatical about the retreival of Prince's body and punishing the people who had done this. The field was later found littered with Impaled bodied).
A Small Crypt was built for the Prince (there being no towers nearby) near the City of New Turfar, whilst an undetermined distance away, Prince Dysionis Turned north to look over the lands of his Father, as the sun set, nestling inbetween two peaks, Heir apparant.
OOC: got REALLY bored of the Ptolmey line name, this is the new Line name after update
~Darkening~
Weep, Mother.
oh god. You know what, I shouldn't be uttering a word. But do you think you scare me Imago? Why don't you actually go have a chat with Emu and see what he has to say. There is sure fire way to piss me off, and that is trying to force me to surrnder. Trust me. If you declare war there will be no peace between us. I'll fight until I'm defeated. Sure. You have a stronger army. But you're overlooking several key elements.
To Norvalin
From Arcadia
You fools. You consider us the occupiers unlawfully? You just ignore the larger Arcadian presence in the city. A few traitors choose to join with you, but the majority of the city called on our government to stop you. You call not talk business with us. What if we were to demand a city of yours? The blood of your people will be in your hands- and it will never be fully repaid. You have lost all forms of trust that you have had with us and as such you will never be trusted again. Do know that if you illegailly invade us, there will be no peace again.
In what world? Your little imaginary world? Arcadians built the city. Arcadians outnumber your pathetic little traitors in the city. The city is mine and if you declare war, it still won't become yours. Yes call in your damn little alliance. But guess what? Your biggest supporter is facing another war- so don't count on him. Exilsum? I hope he has enough common snese to see what you're doing. Tellium I coulnd't care less about. But I tell you one thing, you'll be dead before they arrive.
OOC: Kal you could always drive it apart by assisting finacially ;]. Who knows, this coould be the complete break between Pirians and regular oneists. This turn shall appear to be a big surprise to everyone.
To Norvalin
From Arcadia
You fools. You consider us the occupiers unlawfully? You just ignore the larger Arcadian presence in the city. A few traitors choose to join with you, but the majority of the city called on our government to stop you. You call not talk business with us. What if we were to demand a city of yours? The blood of your people will be in your hands- and it will never be fully repaid. You have lost all forms of trust that you have had with us and as such you will never be trusted again. Do know that if you illegailly invade us, there will be no peace again.
In what world? Your little imaginary world? Arcadians built the city. Arcadians outnumber your pathetic little traitors in the city. The city is mine and if you declare war, it still won't become yours. Yes call in your damn little alliance. But guess what? Your biggest supporter is facing another war- so don't count on him. Exilsum? I hope he has enough common snese to see what you're doing. Tellium I coulnd't care less about. But I tell you one thing, you'll be dead before they arrive.
OOC: Kal you could always drive it apart by assisting finacially ;]. Who knows, this coould be the complete break between Pirians and regular oneists. This turn shall appear to be a big surprise to everyone.
~Darkening~
Weep, Mother.
Oh I've just begun Kal. If Imago thinks he even has a chance of defeating me, dark things will come abound.
Kentharu
Zebra Commander
it was a comment emu, just like how people commented on the improbability of the CRA
Oruc
Reactionary
Kentharu said:
You'll find I disagreed with them doing that
1889
Mayor of H-Marker Lake
~Darkening~ said:
Huh? What did I do? As far as I can tell the Valin League consists of New Veritas and Norvalin (maybe Verta too)
To Arcadia
From Tellium
Despite your poor opinion of us your money is always good. We would like to open trade and exchange Iron tools and paper for pure refreshing glacial ice and woolly ramid hides.
To: Arcadia
From: Norvalin
Homelands are homelands. Due to the strength of the Norvalin cause, a third of the population of Venix decided to leave their city, and their very homes, to join us. Only the One knows how many would be loyal, if they had been not forced to make such a drastic choice.
We have offered a peace, a fair peace, one which would not harm you economicly. Venix and invirons is a small area, and even after its seccesion, you would have many, many places to expand in the direction of. Your nation would hardly be crippled, and justice would be served.
But you have refused us.
Up to the very last moment, we offer you a chance to change your mind, but, we do not think you will take it.
And so, formally, without any more ado, Norvalin declares war on Arcadia.
(And by the way, there is a difference between threats, and simple statements of statistics.)
To: Tellium
From: Norvalin
Our nations once had an understanding. Perhaps, that is gone now, but for the sake of our former friendship, we ask you to cut trade connections with Arcadia. There are many other markets for your goods.
To: Khemri
From: Norvalin
Whatever your interests are in the north, far more profitable deals can be made with our nation, than with Arcadia.
To: The Citizens of Arcadia
From: Norvalin
We do not wish to opress you. We are not monsters, and we belive in freedom. But we also belive in duty. We are sure there are many among your number who look northward, and smile. You do not hate us, and we do not hate you. We are being forced into war by the actions of your leaders. Forced. If indeed the war does come, we will make every effort to make sure you stay safe, and when we win, you will become full and equal citizens of Norvalin.
However, you have a chance to avert the war. Presure your governement into accepting our offered treaty. Do so, for the sake of peace.
From: Norvalin
Homelands are homelands. Due to the strength of the Norvalin cause, a third of the population of Venix decided to leave their city, and their very homes, to join us. Only the One knows how many would be loyal, if they had been not forced to make such a drastic choice.
We have offered a peace, a fair peace, one which would not harm you economicly. Venix and invirons is a small area, and even after its seccesion, you would have many, many places to expand in the direction of. Your nation would hardly be crippled, and justice would be served.
But you have refused us.
Up to the very last moment, we offer you a chance to change your mind, but, we do not think you will take it.
And so, formally, without any more ado, Norvalin declares war on Arcadia.
(And by the way, there is a difference between threats, and simple statements of statistics.)
To: Tellium
From: Norvalin
Our nations once had an understanding. Perhaps, that is gone now, but for the sake of our former friendship, we ask you to cut trade connections with Arcadia. There are many other markets for your goods.
To: Khemri
From: Norvalin
Whatever your interests are in the north, far more profitable deals can be made with our nation, than with Arcadia.
To: The Citizens of Arcadia
From: Norvalin
We do not wish to opress you. We are not monsters, and we belive in freedom. But we also belive in duty. We are sure there are many among your number who look northward, and smile. You do not hate us, and we do not hate you. We are being forced into war by the actions of your leaders. Forced. If indeed the war does come, we will make every effort to make sure you stay safe, and when we win, you will become full and equal citizens of Norvalin.
However, you have a chance to avert the war. Presure your governement into accepting our offered treaty. Do so, for the sake of peace.
Well, then, can you promise to not trade with the weaker of two underdeveloped nations next turn? 
OOC: Darkening, I'm not sure why you're quite as mad as you are. I backed down from what was once a much harsher position, and am willing to negotiate. You seem to be the one that wants the fight, now.
OOC: Darkening, I'm not sure why you're quite as mad as you are. I backed down from what was once a much harsher position, and am willing to negotiate. You seem to be the one that wants the fight, now.
~Darkening~
Weep, Mother.
WTH are you smoking? You demend that I turn over a city that is mine, and you ask what I'm mad about. I'm the warmonger? How many threats did I make to you before this? Oh-no this is entirely on your hands. Your death. See how far statistics get you.
To Tellium
From Arcadia
We apologize as we meant no insult to you. We have recieved multiple threats from this war-monger, and got confused. We would accept trade offerings with those who remember their friends.
To Norvalin
From The Loyal Citizens of Arcadia
You do not seek to oppress us? Ten thousand faithful live in a city that you seek to claim. Take your foolish words elsewhere. The vast majority of Venixians were loyal to our governement, you just seek the foolish minority. We treated you as brothers, and now you treat us as strangers. Venix is the second largest city in Arcadia- it would hurt us not only to give it up economically, but also spiritually. We will not give up our soverignty. May the One curse you for your sinful ways.
To Tellium
From Arcadia
We apologize as we meant no insult to you. We have recieved multiple threats from this war-monger, and got confused. We would accept trade offerings with those who remember their friends.
To Norvalin
From The Loyal Citizens of Arcadia
You do not seek to oppress us? Ten thousand faithful live in a city that you seek to claim. Take your foolish words elsewhere. The vast majority of Venixians were loyal to our governement, you just seek the foolish minority. We treated you as brothers, and now you treat us as strangers. Venix is the second largest city in Arcadia- it would hurt us not only to give it up economically, but also spiritually. We will not give up our soverignty. May the One curse you for your sinful ways.
Far cry from utterly destroying you.
But enough of this flame-fest.
Allow Novalin free access to the city of Venix, which means lowering trade and customs barriers, and the peace will remain, and the city will remain yours.
You see, Norvalin relents yet again.
End this, and except the deal.
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