jalapeno_dude
AKA Panda Judo Eel
If we have contact with Guangfei, we have it with you. And you stayed at peace last turn, so that meets our criteria. I'd assume that Iggy forgot about you and only gave iron to the NPCs...
LINESII- Into the Darkness- Part II
- Thread starter Lord_Iggy
- Start date
Depends if you want the update this weekend or the weekend after.
@Kal- Yes, I think your orders are a role model for what people should send. IE: alex explaining all sorts of programs that don't have a major impact (Imperial Examinations etc) is superfluous and prevents me from easily getting to the updateable substance of the orders.
alex994
Hail Divine Emperor!
You know, you may not understand but that "superfluous" Imperial Examinations was one of the factors that allowed China to remain unify and keep alive China's vast culture throughout her 3000+ years of history!
In addition to that, it did allow China to have a relatively speaking at times, a well educated and efficient bureaucracy superior to all other bureaucracies until Europe "caught" up so to speak. It also allowed for "assimilated" barbarians to feel a "part" of the Greater Whole of China as the Examinations were open to ALL (educated men of course, and depends on Dynasty).
*mumbles incoherently about penguins attacking*All in good jest of course
alex994
Hail Divine Emperor!
*looks at order* It was only 3/4th of a page as well as the other side benefits? And with paragraphs too 
jalapeno_dude
AKA Panda Judo Eel
I have to agree with Iggy. For me, usually a wiki link is sufficient (andis is good at this).
Croyodon’s Great Civil War
The Birth of the Republic
“Masra is a tolerant faith. We will not let a madman ruin all we have worked for much of our history”
Masra Councilmen, Radon Meragon
“Our people have been prosecuted long enough by the absolute, religious, fanatical monarchs that have ruined our lands”
Nordist Councilmen, Mershon Derfond
Croyodon had been plagued with the first war ever fought on its soil. The ironic thing was that it was with itself. The country which survived the Lengel invasions unharmed and with relatively low casualties was now in a war with itself. The country had survived a lack of culture almost being integrated into Gorin its great ally. But the people persevered against outside dangers only to collapse from within.
The council was formed to revolt against the absolute monarch rulers which caused the lands to reach the current point. The war was over religion as most are. Radical Masra and Nordist rulers wanted their religion to be the only form to be allowed even though a majority of the population practiced toleration of differences. A lesson taught long ago by the Gorin Empire’s beliefs.
Three Major Battles Decided Croyodon’s fate. The final one ever more decisive then the other three leading to General Radtonius’s fate.
Battle of Ragod
Ragod is a small town east of the Great Mountains of Croy that make up the backbone of Croyodon and are the source of the River Croy. This small town had a small ancient Masra settlement. These people were one of the first to head north to the vast frontiers Croyodon had added to its kingdom. Ignored by history for a larger part until now where the first decisive battle of the war took place.
General Radtonius’s knowing an attack against Croyodon through the Great Mountains of Croy would lead to disaster especially with the mountains fortress of Manocon blocking a roadway necessary for his troops to move quickly through the mountains. Also, he was short on supplies as much of his country was largely inefficient as he knew nothing how to run a government. Corruption was high and economic stagnation resulted. All funds going to the army which often fell short of what was required. A quick victory was required.
He headed south where he planned to crush the council’s armies which he would almost succeed at. The council lead by incompetent military leadership headed north to defeat the enemy. On the open plains the council’s force was easily outmaneuvered. They put up a valiant but foolish fight before retreating further east across the plains at roughly 25% fighting strength.
As the army went south it was obvious the soldiers were high on morale but were
Battle for Sargond
The council ordered the armies to retreat south but a stubborn commander refused and about 1,000 remained behind to hold them off. He knew the enemy was closing them on them fast and the army would be destroyed before they even got close to Croyodon City. He stayed behind with his soldiers so the army and council could survive.
He made a stand. A short battle took place to buy his comrades some time. Every soldier was slaughtered that day but this was a great moral booster to both Masra and Nordist followers. It would be crucial in the final defense of the kingdom.
Siege of Croyodon City
The army had escaped just barely to the capital to make a stand against the enemy forces. The capital was quickly encircled and cut off. The council’s army was grossly outnumbered and knew victory was impossible. They would fight to the end for what they believed in as the King of Masra claimed.
The city had been encircled and the walls constantly attacked by the enemy. Morale for the council’s forces was quickly collapsing as well as civilian morale as food began to quickly run out. The city was not prepared for a siege of this length for there had never been a war of this magnitude before.
General Radtonious’s forces were confident in victory but with food and plunder low they was some dissent within the army. This would lead to the salvation of Croyodon once Gorin arrived.
After a changing of the council to get Gorin to assist them in the war which truly was the only hope. Gorin dispatched a good sized force to help relieve the siege but the question was would they get there in time as the siege had already started many days ago.
Gorin’s armies arrived and almost imeditatly half of the general’s force switched sides. As Gorin relieved the siege and the battle wore on every day hundreds defected.
At last the General knew it was a loss
Conclusion
He fled north back to Nordica defeated and only to find his homeland in anarchy. The holy city was the only place of order. He there at the steps of the Great Temple of Nordica he committed suicide. The Council now with a King headed north and restored order.
The King now had a vast array of prisoners. He gave them amnesty to help quicken the healing of the nation. He needed the forces to regain control of the borders of the kingdom.
The King announced the birth of the First Republic of Croyodon and he was the only member to hold a permanent seat within its council.
Council Breakdown
Nordica Seat- 1 vote
Nordica Seat- 1 vote
Nordica Seat- 1 vote
Nordica Seat- 1 vote
Masra Seat- 1 vote
Masra Seat- 1 vote
Masra Seat- 1 vote
Masra Seat- 1 vote
Masra Seat- 1 vote
Masra Seat- 1 vote
King (Masra)- 2 votes
The Council Elect represents the council and is direct control of the Guards of the Council.
OCC:
I may not have time to write many stories by the next update so I wrote an overview of the Civil War. I made it a one turn civil war as the General did not have the support necessary to claim victory. Plus Gorin’s assistance helped.
@Iggy, How come my economy has grown very little and is the same size as Merhai?
Just wondering. If so after reunification I believe it should grow as I have built many cities plus trade north-south is on the increase as Khmeri and Gorin grow. Am I wrong with this assumption?
The Birth of the Republic
“Masra is a tolerant faith. We will not let a madman ruin all we have worked for much of our history”
Masra Councilmen, Radon Meragon
“Our people have been prosecuted long enough by the absolute, religious, fanatical monarchs that have ruined our lands”
Nordist Councilmen, Mershon Derfond
Croyodon had been plagued with the first war ever fought on its soil. The ironic thing was that it was with itself. The country which survived the Lengel invasions unharmed and with relatively low casualties was now in a war with itself. The country had survived a lack of culture almost being integrated into Gorin its great ally. But the people persevered against outside dangers only to collapse from within.
The council was formed to revolt against the absolute monarch rulers which caused the lands to reach the current point. The war was over religion as most are. Radical Masra and Nordist rulers wanted their religion to be the only form to be allowed even though a majority of the population practiced toleration of differences. A lesson taught long ago by the Gorin Empire’s beliefs.
Three Major Battles Decided Croyodon’s fate. The final one ever more decisive then the other three leading to General Radtonius’s fate.
Battle of Ragod
Ragod is a small town east of the Great Mountains of Croy that make up the backbone of Croyodon and are the source of the River Croy. This small town had a small ancient Masra settlement. These people were one of the first to head north to the vast frontiers Croyodon had added to its kingdom. Ignored by history for a larger part until now where the first decisive battle of the war took place.
General Radtonius’s knowing an attack against Croyodon through the Great Mountains of Croy would lead to disaster especially with the mountains fortress of Manocon blocking a roadway necessary for his troops to move quickly through the mountains. Also, he was short on supplies as much of his country was largely inefficient as he knew nothing how to run a government. Corruption was high and economic stagnation resulted. All funds going to the army which often fell short of what was required. A quick victory was required.
He headed south where he planned to crush the council’s armies which he would almost succeed at. The council lead by incompetent military leadership headed north to defeat the enemy. On the open plains the council’s force was easily outmaneuvered. They put up a valiant but foolish fight before retreating further east across the plains at roughly 25% fighting strength.
As the army went south it was obvious the soldiers were high on morale but were
Battle for Sargond
The council ordered the armies to retreat south but a stubborn commander refused and about 1,000 remained behind to hold them off. He knew the enemy was closing them on them fast and the army would be destroyed before they even got close to Croyodon City. He stayed behind with his soldiers so the army and council could survive.
He made a stand. A short battle took place to buy his comrades some time. Every soldier was slaughtered that day but this was a great moral booster to both Masra and Nordist followers. It would be crucial in the final defense of the kingdom.
Siege of Croyodon City
The army had escaped just barely to the capital to make a stand against the enemy forces. The capital was quickly encircled and cut off. The council’s army was grossly outnumbered and knew victory was impossible. They would fight to the end for what they believed in as the King of Masra claimed.
The city had been encircled and the walls constantly attacked by the enemy. Morale for the council’s forces was quickly collapsing as well as civilian morale as food began to quickly run out. The city was not prepared for a siege of this length for there had never been a war of this magnitude before.
General Radtonious’s forces were confident in victory but with food and plunder low they was some dissent within the army. This would lead to the salvation of Croyodon once Gorin arrived.
After a changing of the council to get Gorin to assist them in the war which truly was the only hope. Gorin dispatched a good sized force to help relieve the siege but the question was would they get there in time as the siege had already started many days ago.
Gorin’s armies arrived and almost imeditatly half of the general’s force switched sides. As Gorin relieved the siege and the battle wore on every day hundreds defected.
At last the General knew it was a loss
Conclusion
He fled north back to Nordica defeated and only to find his homeland in anarchy. The holy city was the only place of order. He there at the steps of the Great Temple of Nordica he committed suicide. The Council now with a King headed north and restored order.
The King now had a vast array of prisoners. He gave them amnesty to help quicken the healing of the nation. He needed the forces to regain control of the borders of the kingdom.
The King announced the birth of the First Republic of Croyodon and he was the only member to hold a permanent seat within its council.
Council Breakdown
Nordica Seat- 1 vote
Nordica Seat- 1 vote
Nordica Seat- 1 vote
Nordica Seat- 1 vote
Masra Seat- 1 vote
Masra Seat- 1 vote
Masra Seat- 1 vote
Masra Seat- 1 vote
Masra Seat- 1 vote
Masra Seat- 1 vote
King (Masra)- 2 votes
The Council Elect represents the council and is direct control of the Guards of the Council.
OCC:
I may not have time to write many stories by the next update so I wrote an overview of the Civil War. I made it a one turn civil war as the General did not have the support necessary to claim victory. Plus Gorin’s assistance helped.
@Iggy, How come my economy has grown very little and is the same size as Merhai?
Just wondering. If so after reunification I believe it should grow as I have built many cities plus trade north-south is on the increase as Khmeri and Gorin grow. Am I wrong with this assumption?
North King
blech
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2004
- Messages
- 18,165
Hey! Just because your economy is the same as mine isn't terrible. I've spent the last three turns trying to grow it one point!
alex994
Hail Divine Emperor!
I've been around 12 updates already 
The time sure does fly when one's having fun 
The time sure does fly when one's having fun 
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
White Roses
"I consider this a temporary setback."
-Stratikrator Thanatos, upon leaving the Stratikrator's Citadel
"Three centuries of constant war can drive a people to the brink of madness. Fortunately, the brink of madness is where true genius occurs."
-Oceanus Tristarios
---
Prologue:
"They are coming, Elenias. You have your orders from Xenophon."
"It is simply impossible. I have lived in Lux for nearly a century, my books, my life, are here! I have a duty to this!"
"What you have a duty to is not my concern. What I know is that we are overwhelmed, and pulling back to Salvation. The roses grow finest there, Elenias."
"Don't spout poetry at me, Kalan. I must stay."
"Consider this then, my elderly friend. Your mind, layered and aging, contains the knowledge of a score of Elders and Stratikrators. The tomes you have read will be lost, burned by the Khemrans whether you stay, or go. Dysonis the Flatulent will see to that. But you, sir, are a greater asset than a Septiliate. Go."
He wavered, indecisive.
"I will die, soon..."
"Then all the better you save that knowledge before your life ends, and put it to good use in Salvation. There are scholars there, Disciples who use fine inks to illustrate their tomes. Your words could be preserved for all Veritasans, but only if you leave now."
"Fine. Even if we both die, I wouldn't have a moment's rest in Paradise with you nagging me about it. Hand me my stick."
"Good. You can take three tomes with you."
He considered this, carefully. Since he had been made caretaker of this place, nearly sixty years ago, Elenias had memorized countless scores of books. Historical texts, ancient botanical descriptions, prose, philosophical inquiry, and plays moved nebulously through his memory, the thoughts and words of others floating out of the mist like ghosts, or old comrades. It would be best to take those he hadn't fully memorized, he reasoned.
As his gnarled, arthritic hands ran over the wall of books, he selected one, then another, and another, placing them on the table
The first was The Structure and Function of Crystals, a thick compendium of rocks and minerals once bought from a Citadelan trader, whose family had "acquired" it centuries ago following the collapse of Shalamari.
The second was entitled, Origins and Studies of Divotheism, a fairly slim, black book that seemed to have no author. The book often referenced obscure texts that could only be found in the Citadel...or perhaps Redemption, once.
The final book had a purple cover, and a round crest, golden and shimmering, embroidered on the front. It was simply entitled, Strategius.
Having picked up his books, the elderly caretaker nodded to the soldier, who placed them into a sack. Kalan could not read, but he knew that solid gold would have been less valuable.
Elenias gazed sadly at the wall of books arranged before him. Silently closing his eyes, he sent a prayer to the One, a hopeful wish that this knowledge would survive into the future. In the distance, shouts could be heard. There was very little time indeed, and both men knew it.
"To Salvation, then."
The old man and the young one went through the door, leaving Lux behind them. It seemed that there was too much sun for roses to grow, this year.
"I consider this a temporary setback."
-Stratikrator Thanatos, upon leaving the Stratikrator's Citadel
"Three centuries of constant war can drive a people to the brink of madness. Fortunately, the brink of madness is where true genius occurs."
-Oceanus Tristarios
---
Prologue:
"They are coming, Elenias. You have your orders from Xenophon."
"It is simply impossible. I have lived in Lux for nearly a century, my books, my life, are here! I have a duty to this!"
"What you have a duty to is not my concern. What I know is that we are overwhelmed, and pulling back to Salvation. The roses grow finest there, Elenias."
"Don't spout poetry at me, Kalan. I must stay."
"Consider this then, my elderly friend. Your mind, layered and aging, contains the knowledge of a score of Elders and Stratikrators. The tomes you have read will be lost, burned by the Khemrans whether you stay, or go. Dysonis the Flatulent will see to that. But you, sir, are a greater asset than a Septiliate. Go."
He wavered, indecisive.
"I will die, soon..."
"Then all the better you save that knowledge before your life ends, and put it to good use in Salvation. There are scholars there, Disciples who use fine inks to illustrate their tomes. Your words could be preserved for all Veritasans, but only if you leave now."
"Fine. Even if we both die, I wouldn't have a moment's rest in Paradise with you nagging me about it. Hand me my stick."
"Good. You can take three tomes with you."
He considered this, carefully. Since he had been made caretaker of this place, nearly sixty years ago, Elenias had memorized countless scores of books. Historical texts, ancient botanical descriptions, prose, philosophical inquiry, and plays moved nebulously through his memory, the thoughts and words of others floating out of the mist like ghosts, or old comrades. It would be best to take those he hadn't fully memorized, he reasoned.
As his gnarled, arthritic hands ran over the wall of books, he selected one, then another, and another, placing them on the table
The first was The Structure and Function of Crystals, a thick compendium of rocks and minerals once bought from a Citadelan trader, whose family had "acquired" it centuries ago following the collapse of Shalamari.
The second was entitled, Origins and Studies of Divotheism, a fairly slim, black book that seemed to have no author. The book often referenced obscure texts that could only be found in the Citadel...or perhaps Redemption, once.
The final book had a purple cover, and a round crest, golden and shimmering, embroidered on the front. It was simply entitled, Strategius.
Having picked up his books, the elderly caretaker nodded to the soldier, who placed them into a sack. Kalan could not read, but he knew that solid gold would have been less valuable.
Elenias gazed sadly at the wall of books arranged before him. Silently closing his eyes, he sent a prayer to the One, a hopeful wish that this knowledge would survive into the future. In the distance, shouts could be heard. There was very little time indeed, and both men knew it.
"To Salvation, then."
The old man and the young one went through the door, leaving Lux behind them. It seemed that there was too much sun for roses to grow, this year.
alex994
Hail Divine Emperor!
Excerpt from "The Path of Mortal Men"
“Of all the great Emperors, Kings, Warlords, Nobles and Chieftains of the fair world, who have not desired to know the tidings of the world long before they have yet come to pass? Yet it is closed, to all aside from those willing to pay the fiddler’s fee.” –Na Shimin, Guangfei Philosopher and "Seer"
The Future, is forever shifting, forever omnipotent, and forever…. Eternal. That is the word to describe the future, it shall always be there, no matter the place, the situation, the future is always eternal. One may stop time, but the future shall always be present. For in some way, the future is the present. If one considers the fact that if time was stopped, what would then happen? Would the nothingness of time frozen continue to be the future? And as time remained frozen, what would one call the place where time stopped?
It is said that the work of powerful magicks can allow one to access the appropriate channels to focus one’s inner energy and manipulate one’s surroundings. That this insight or ability is hidden from us is only hidden from the most foolish and idiotic. This is the realm of the Gods, or the One, in which the dead can use to some lesser extent. I thus believe that life is an obstacle to seeing the future. For after life, one has little interests in the happenings of the mortal realm.
There are many who do not simply dream it, but throw their lives into seeing the future. They are seen as seers, prophets, great religious leaders or seen as witches, heretics and enemies of a religion. The Great Prophet of the Citadel and The Last of the Eldranians was perhaps one whose ability outshone all others. Yet there are many others who have Seen but whose name are not recorded in any myriad book of the numberless possessed by the Citadel.
It is known, that since the Dawn of Time through bones, herbs and metals of the Earth mixed in the proper proportions can grant one the ability, for a short time, to see into the awe inspiring future through the eyes of the Mighty Gods. And so I did, and while I would not go as far as to claim I have seen the future, I would say that nothing is impossible and perhaps, just perhaps, the future was glimpsed…..
The Indivisible shall be divided,
and it shall be 47 thrice a doubled
The great wrongs shall be righted,
night shall fall under the orange sky.
The Phoenix driven back around the tents
Will be chased from there by other birds:
When the noise of cymbals, trumpets and bells
Will restore the senses of the senseless lady.
The Swordsmen has long driven away the Phoenix,
from her high perch under the sun she has fled.
Yet as the sun dawns she has returned to reclaim,
the Swordsman and the Phoenix shall fight once again.
And under the crescent moon, the true colors shall be shown.”
The moon is obscured in deep gloom,
his brother becomes bright red in color.
The great one hidden for a long time in the shadows
will hold the blade in the bloody wound.
From the Heavens shall come mighty beasts,
black and white they shall come and be seen.
Yet armed with heavenly might few can stand,
they shall come to terms against the almighty white.
The man will be called by a barbaric name
that three sisters will receive from destiny.
He will speak then to a great people in words and deeds,
more than any other man will have fame and renown.
Fire shall not lay waste to the lands of man,
a greater foe shall slay all whom oppose her.
A great quantity of man shall die in great pain,
hence the sea this great foe shall come.
and it shall be 47 thrice a doubled
The great wrongs shall be righted,
night shall fall under the orange sky.
The Phoenix driven back around the tents
Will be chased from there by other birds:
When the noise of cymbals, trumpets and bells
Will restore the senses of the senseless lady.
The Swordsmen has long driven away the Phoenix,
from her high perch under the sun she has fled.
Yet as the sun dawns she has returned to reclaim,
the Swordsman and the Phoenix shall fight once again.
And under the crescent moon, the true colors shall be shown.”
The moon is obscured in deep gloom,
his brother becomes bright red in color.
The great one hidden for a long time in the shadows
will hold the blade in the bloody wound.
From the Heavens shall come mighty beasts,
black and white they shall come and be seen.
Yet armed with heavenly might few can stand,
they shall come to terms against the almighty white.
The man will be called by a barbaric name
that three sisters will receive from destiny.
He will speak then to a great people in words and deeds,
more than any other man will have fame and renown.
Fire shall not lay waste to the lands of man,
a greater foe shall slay all whom oppose her.
A great quantity of man shall die in great pain,
hence the sea this great foe shall come.
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
Excerpt from "The Unchosen Path: Response to the School of Guangzhong"
Speculations are often given on the subjects of Life and Time. From our frail mortal bodies, few things are known; we manage, however, to be aware of three truths: That these properties exist, are universal, and are unchangable. No man can stop time. It is said that the One knows all paths taken and all paths possible. However, for this conjecture to be correct, several assumptions must be made. For the One to know all possible paths, he must exist beyond time, or transcendent from it.
The existence of the One, in his true form, undiluted by misinterpretation, must clearly exist in and throughout all of Time. For all know another truth: Something cannot come from nothing. But this presents a paradox in the very existence of Time itself. From whence did Time come? Time cannot stretch in an infinite chain into the past, since all observed things in Tellus have a beginning, and a cause for their existence. Thus, the only appropriate conclusion is that the very Cause for the beginning of Time was beyond it, independent of it, and greater than what it created. This Cause has a name, for it is known to us. The One.
The One knows all paths, for He exists above them, looking down on the world and the people traveling them. Since he has already, without the passage of Time which affects Him not, seen the entire life of Tellus and all on it from beginning to end, our proverbial fate is sealed.
But is there only one path? We leave open to discussion this question, but note that all men come to a point in their lives when they must make a decision independent of all other influence. Truly, such a path is not chosen for them. For if it were, the will of men to do evil would not exist, since the One, in His wisdom, would not allow it. This is not a path. It is more akin to an open plain, or a great city with one thousand alleyways. Such a vast, complex thing as the fate of Tellus cannot be seen with the assistance of rocks, bones, and earthen substances. Such things are not for men to see.
Poetry is often used to express metaphorical discontent, present an opinion through symbolism, or to prophesize the so-called future. However, the blatant utilization of national images within such a "vision" seems more to evoke the writer's desire for the future of Tellus, rather than its actual manifestation. In fact, such writings can more be interpreted as the distubed hallucinations of a xenophobic drug addict, rather than a true prophecy, which is only inspired by Divine Guidance.
OOC: Just keeping up a nice philosophical discourse. We should get Gerougia involved in this.
Speculations are often given on the subjects of Life and Time. From our frail mortal bodies, few things are known; we manage, however, to be aware of three truths: That these properties exist, are universal, and are unchangable. No man can stop time. It is said that the One knows all paths taken and all paths possible. However, for this conjecture to be correct, several assumptions must be made. For the One to know all possible paths, he must exist beyond time, or transcendent from it.
The existence of the One, in his true form, undiluted by misinterpretation, must clearly exist in and throughout all of Time. For all know another truth: Something cannot come from nothing. But this presents a paradox in the very existence of Time itself. From whence did Time come? Time cannot stretch in an infinite chain into the past, since all observed things in Tellus have a beginning, and a cause for their existence. Thus, the only appropriate conclusion is that the very Cause for the beginning of Time was beyond it, independent of it, and greater than what it created. This Cause has a name, for it is known to us. The One.
The One knows all paths, for He exists above them, looking down on the world and the people traveling them. Since he has already, without the passage of Time which affects Him not, seen the entire life of Tellus and all on it from beginning to end, our proverbial fate is sealed.
But is there only one path? We leave open to discussion this question, but note that all men come to a point in their lives when they must make a decision independent of all other influence. Truly, such a path is not chosen for them. For if it were, the will of men to do evil would not exist, since the One, in His wisdom, would not allow it. This is not a path. It is more akin to an open plain, or a great city with one thousand alleyways. Such a vast, complex thing as the fate of Tellus cannot be seen with the assistance of rocks, bones, and earthen substances. Such things are not for men to see.
Poetry is often used to express metaphorical discontent, present an opinion through symbolism, or to prophesize the so-called future. However, the blatant utilization of national images within such a "vision" seems more to evoke the writer's desire for the future of Tellus, rather than its actual manifestation. In fact, such writings can more be interpreted as the distubed hallucinations of a xenophobic drug addict, rather than a true prophecy, which is only inspired by Divine Guidance.
OOC: Just keeping up a nice philosophical discourse. We should get Gerougia involved in this.
Cuivienen
Deity
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2003
- Messages
- 8,011
A Note on Transliterations from Kelia
A work by Hanam of Zemora
A work by Hanam of Zemora
The language used by the nation of Kelios is a most expressive one, derived apparently from an ancestral tongue unrelated to that of their neighbors. In fact, it seems almost as if the people of Kelios have little in common at all with their Divotheist neighbors, but that is of less relevance to this discourse. What is relevant is the use of apparent object-indicators in Kelia.
This work, like many other scholarly works produced in Zemora, utilizes a modified form of the Eldranian alphabet, adopted from the New Eldists and influenced by Veritasian script. While the alphabet of Zemora has faded into disuse and are now known only to the most well-educated of scholars, such was not the case with Kelios, which continues its use of Kelia characters (for it would be false to call it an alphabet) to this day. We have transliterated some works of Kelia literature over the years, both into Eldranian and Veritasian, and these transliterations have proved useful in the study of the Kelia language begun here by their ambassadors. However, increasing influence of Eldranian in Kelios has revealed an important quirk of the Kelia language long left unknown to outsiders.
That quirk is the use of object-indicators. These characters, numbering in the thousands at least, are used in addition to the standard letters of the 21-character Kelia alphabet. It was long thought that such characters were simply remnants of an older character system, and students of the Kelia language merely memorized as many as possible. Now, however, with Kelia scholars writing in Eldranian, it has become obvious that we took a mistaken route. The characters are not meant to be pronounced. In fact, when a Kelia transliterator writes in Eldranian, the characters are dropped entirely.
It was unclear to us what this should signify. We, after all, had heard the proper pronunciation of these characters and used them when attempting to converse in Kelia for decades. Some Kelia scholars with whom we have spoken have acknowledged that each character has its pronunciation, but that these are never used when speaking. In fact, they elaborated, there is some movement to elide them entirely from written Kelia as well for their uselessness. I must say that I was flabbergasted.
What are the implications? For one, we have mispronounced and miswritten Kelia words since the beginning. This must be immediately rectified. Their capital is not Kelios-ir, but Kelios. The port is not Mard-sir, but Mard. The sir character, signifying a city, must be ignored. Similarly so for names. The male ending in must be elided from texts; the female ending an, apparently already falling from use in Kelia writings, must also be excised. We must purge our transliterations of error in order to not be humiliated by our descendants.
(Ill clarify the changes in my orders, Iggy.)
~Darkening~
Weep, Mother.
The Lament of the People
Tiran trembled with fear as the tremors reached their zenith. The boy waited in horror as, for the briefest of seconds, the tremors ceased to exist. And then, from the distant sea, came a great eruption- a thousand foot tier of water jettisoned into the air. The beast had awakened and the boy knew that there would be no calming it- the Age of the Beast had begun.- The Age of the Beast, myth from pre-Kalian Davar.
The Year 1593
The time is now, Styatior. The aid said slowly, bowing before the venerable Tare. The leader of the Ardan forces, an elder man clearly in the last years of his life, sighed with a hint of passion. His gray hair fluttered slightly with the cool autumn breeze that passed in through the stone windows, though he made no other clear movement. When he spoke, he spoke with a thick, raspy voice that echoed the pain the entire populace of the Union mellowed in.
I truly do not know why the Republics had to assign me this duty. I made it well known that I have chosen to live out my few days in peace, not in this room. The man sighed, indicating to the stone walls enclosing him. The room had little of value, nothing out of the ordinary, and was bare except the most essential items. Yet it was, arguably, the one room where some of the most important decisions of the time were made. It was the office of the Styatior, the supreme leader of the Ardan Army and Guide to the Councils.
They had no one else to turn to sir- with his passing, the old era has ended. The aid said quietly. The man was nearly as old as the new Styatior. He was widely regarded throughout the Union as a man of immaculate learning, of unquestionable wisdom, and intelligence that rivaled the most respected Citadelian. Yet he was humble and lived his entire life giving advice to the leaders of the Union. It was under his advice that the previous Styatior had crafted the plan to annex Orum. While controversial, the plan was necessary to ensure the communications between the two parts of the Union. Most citizens barely knew that, in fact, just about the whole plan he had come up with.
There must be a time when the young step forward to relieve the old, you know Dara? Tare., the new commander, spoke quietly.
Indeed- you surely have known that I gave my full support to the Councils when the proposed the naming of Caro to the Bishopy- and Im sure Ill support whoever you select to serve under you. The man said with a chuckle. But, Im also sure that not even you would dare miss Jarns entombment. The aid mused.
Of course- not for my own life. I will be along soon enough- I wish to finish this note to the Valin Republics before it is too late. The Styatior said quietly, dragging the ink in a fluid motion.
XXXXX
Many know of his name by heart, and much more have known the worry it strikes into them, yet very few knew who he was. He was so much more than a simple military commander. He was a friend to every Davian, a friend to every Pirian, and a friend to every man who saw the future and dared not look away from it. He was born into an age that would see the unification of our people, and one that would see our great expansion. He stood by the Union in its greatest breaking moment and made sure that the ties binding us together would never stray. It was under his guidance that we reconciled a bit with the Valins and proved that we do have some morals to stand for.
Most of all he was my greatest friend and ally, and I am most proud to say that I served by the greatest of the great- our late Styatior Atrex, may the One guide his soul. He shall be never be forgotten by our people. Tare said quietly, ending the simple speech. It was another windy autumn day, deep within the city of Vael Dash. An innumerable crowd had gathered for the burial of the late leader, with the entire city crowding themselves along the river banks in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the ceremony. Made up mostly of Davian majorities, a few other nationalities are present- most notably a few Valin advisors, a couple key Nontin leaders, and a pair of Orum consuls. The rest are of their heritage and speak true to their ancestry.
The ceremony is performed at the Marble Tomb, the square building set along the main bridge spanning the Rydos. The building is simple (yet brilliant) in its architecture- a perfect square, with four ionic columns rising off the corners. Hanging off the front of the building was a rich, gleaming golden Avien that shone with the morning rays. It was in here that the founder of Arcadia was entombed. It was here that the hero of Ardan would also be laid to rest- a honor given to very few men. Only three had ever been buried there- the Bishop, the first Bishop of Ardan, and now the first Styratior.
Tare somberly led the ceremony into the hallowed building, the body of the greater leader carried in directly behind him. To his left was the newest Bishop of Ardan, Caro. The man was remarkably young- barely past his twentieth year. With young, vibrant green eyes and a thick head of black hair, he made a strong and compelling picture beside the tiring Tare and many in the procession could only note the age of the great military commander. But nevertheless, it was ironically Tare (not the Bishop) who led the procession down the sacred halls to the awaiting tomb.
It was cast of the same pure white marble as the Tomb. The tomb was actually dug from the side of the building, set of the same stone and carved with the greatest detail. Thin lines representing the winds were carved at the top of the tomb, with ripples representing the waves lying along the bottom. Fittingly, a figure was carved beneath the waves of the tomb. Nothing more than a mere semi circle carved, it was more of a tribute than many could ever image.
The men gently laid the body down into the marble coffin, and then with a somber toll of a great bell from the upper reaches of the Tomb, they pulled the heavy lid shut. The Bishop then stepped forward and performed the funeral rites, releasing the great soul from his body to rejoin the One in Tellus. Then, with hearts sunken low, the men peddled out of the tomb and left it to its dark rest.
In the darkness the Leviathan- patron symbol of Artex house- smiled as it bore its mouth open wide- spewing the great waters forth and bringing about the Age of the Beast.
It would be another ten years before Tare would follower his predecessor into the halls of the Tomb. Xean, his replacement, would then officially adopt the Leviathan as the symbol for Ardan- a nation born from the waters.
Kentharu
Zebra Commander
just so you know iggy, i will be assisting him militarily so yea...
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