alex994
Hail Divine Emperor!
OOC: have you all forgotten about Guangfei? I have a nice Empire too! 
LINESII- Into the Darkness
- Thread starter Lord_Iggy
- Start date
Oh for ****'s ****.
Okay, I'm done fixing your problems. Next time, I only want 1 set of orders to have to read! I think several of my problems came from you having the 'orders for the next 2 updates' then updating them, with me accidentally using the old ones.
Well, now I have a few minutes to pack and send orders for the rest of my NESes.
1190, the plains of the Lengel Empire
The girl who had been taken by Chadi that fateful day was renamed by the warrior women, her meager Nkondian idenity burned away in the fires of Alaki. She was renamed a Lengel, and intergrated by her new mother into the Lengel society as one of the respected Lengel Warrior women.
She was no longer a girl trying to follow in her mother's footsteps, but a part of the Lengel society. A barbarian. She would become Fear, when she her self knew none. She was now Sokhatai of the Chinos, the feared Wolf Clan of the Lengel Empire.
The young girl turned to her new mother, and asked a simple question. "Why do you fight the south?"
The girl was young, but she certaintly was not stupid. She had heard the stories, and had seen the effects of the Lengel war machine first hand. And in the process, she had gained new role models. She wanted to be the prefect warrior, ever since she could think and talk. Ever since she watched her mother.
"We fight," began Chadi catiously, choosing her words carefully, "because it is in our blood to fight. On the steppes of our home, we must fight for survival. Water is scarce. Food is scarce. We cannot grow our food like the South does. So we hunt. We fight for those resources which are most precious for life."
Chadi paused, watching an eagle circle above, looking for prey. Life on the steppes could be compared to that eagle. It was a life of paticence, and then quickly moving in for the kill to sustain you one more day. It was a difficult life, but it was life that Koke gave to them to prepare them for their destiny, and it was the life that they would live to continue their proud military strength. This adversity made the Lengels what they were: and they would never give it up.
The young girl nodded, her eyes following the eagles every movement. She would survive these plains, as it did, and would come out stronger for it. She would become the greatest female warrior Nkondi, and the Lengels, had ever seen.
****
1200, the plains of the Lengel Empire
It had been a hard living, learning to survive on the steppes, but Sokhatai managed it. She was not born a Lengel, but she soon became one. She learned quickly that riding a horse here meant the difference between life and death. How could you herd if you could not keep up? How could you hunt if you could not track prey with speed and endurance, both things which were hard to accomplish only on foot.
Sokhatai adapted quickly, and soon became skilled at the basic skills required of a Lengel. She knew how to ride. How to hunt, and ultimately, she learned to fight. But as she grew older, and practiced the things her mother taught her about Lengel life, she realised that she was much different than her fellow Lengel women.
Even at the age of 15, she was pretty. She had not quite matured yet, but was slowly moving in that direction. When she fully matured, she would be gorgeous. Yet, that was not what made her special. With her beauty, many men in the Lengel clans viewed her merely as eye candy. Not worth anything more than a passing glance (and maybe a passing night...), but she proved them wrong. Sokhatai was more than capable of hunting, and far better than many of her male counter parts in the clan.
When the Lengelzai came to her village to hunt, it was her, with much pride (and some hate from younger and elder males), who was chosen by the elders to serve as the guide to the Lengelzai, one part due to her knowledge of the area, and another because of her beauty. Such beauty might catch the eye of the Lengelzai, and it would help the Clan's image in the Warlords eyes.
With grace, she accepted the Lengelzai's compliments of her beauty from the Lengelzai and his group, and then led the Lengelzai out into the plains for hunting. Jebe, who had gone with his father to practice hunting to prepare for the war they were planning for, looked at the younger girl with hungry eyes, much as Temujan had done many years before with his wife, Anya.
The hunting expedition
At one point, Jebe and Sokhatai were riding together on the hunt, Jebe's father following behind with his retainers, watching the prey they were tracking with practiced ease, although they were not attempting to kill it just yet, merely following it at a steady pace.
Jebe saw a rabbit in the distance, and looked at the pretty girl beside him. Jebe was only 18, and as such his father had refused to find him a wife until he had proven himself worthy of the Lengelzai title in war and battle. Of course, he had dedicated himself to war as a result, eager to fully enter manhood and gain a wife. And this girl interested him greatly.
"Your the best hunter in your clan (Lengel's didn't have villages, as they were nomads. Thus groups were organized merely by clans in various different areas which they controlled, all under the authority of the Lengelzai) as a woman?" asked Jebe conversationally, spotting a fox in the short grass a fair bit ahead.
The girl merely smirked, and drawing her bow she carefully notched an arrow, and fired at the fox, striking it firmly in its side, even half hidden as it was in the yellow grass. A strong twang accompained the action, and Jebe was impressed by the girls skill. Taking her action as a challenge, the young man drew his own bow, and then fired at the small group of foxes that were now fleeing the hunting party, striking one of them on its back as it fled.
The challenge recieved, the two began chasing the foxes at high speed, dueling with their skill at hitting their moving targets. As good as Sokhatai was, Jebe was better. Although Sokhatai was managing to keep pace with Jebe, which was no small feat considering his upbringing.
Eventually, the two stopped, and Jebe smirked at the girl. He was pleasantly surprised by her skill, and would definately remember her for when he wished to marry. She was his prefect woman, as far as he could tell. She could hunt, she could probably fight, and she was beautiful. What more could a Lengel man ask for?
Sokhatai on the other hand was surprised at the elder boy's skill, normally beating the men in her clan at such competetions. It was invigorating, to be finally challenged when before she reigned surpreme. The fact that he was handsome helped too, she supposed.
"Well, I can it is well-deserved. Even my father can barely keep up with me, yet here you are, doing it with ease! He complains of old age, but I know better," the young man said, a jovial smile upon his face. Sokhatai laughed, the image of the invincable Lengelzai complaining of old age a foreign notion.
The two youths began to share stories of their past hunts, and of their parents, smiles and laughter the main bread of their conversation (although several appraising stares were given on both sides).
Further back, Temujan looked on with interested eyes as the youths talked and laughed. Their competetion was suitable entertainment, although it had driven much of the hunt off. Ah, youths. So foolish in their games. Thinking that by their vigor they could defeat the world. Jebe even thought he was a better hunter than his father! Ha, as if. He only let Jebe win (that's what he asserted, in anycase) those challenges.
But, this girl was skilled. And from the looks of it, Nkondian in orgin. Perhaps he could use her to his advantage, while utilizing her seemingly immense skill in hunting (which is a predicable way to measure battle ability). His son seemed interested, perhaps he should have her marry his son? An interesting thought. It would certaintly gain the support of the Nkondians, and it would be much like his own marriage to Anya. They liked each other enough it seemed, and love would grow with time, as it did for him.
Although, such a marriage would not be well suited before an invasion. But he would need the support of the Nkondians before long. The Lengelzai thought long and hard upon the subject, before finally realising the solution. The Nkondians were a warrior women culture, and if the Lengelzai named a female Nkondian to the position of General of a Tjemlz, it would gain the loyalty of those females that wished to fight for Nkondian glory under the Lengel banner.
This Sokhatai would suitibly Lengel for the army, and suitibly Nkondian for the Nkondi amazons, not to mention attractive enough for his son. But the only problem was, she was as of now unsuited to lead an army. The Lengelzai smirked, an idea forming in his mind. He could bring Sokhatai closer to his son, and train her and his son to becoming competent Lengel generals at the same time. Oh yes, he was brillant.
He would take the girl as an apprentice, and teach her and his son to lead armies, and conquer enemies with tactics rather than arrows while at the same time playing match maker with the pretty girl, and his as of yet unattached son. It was such fun being the Supreme leader of the Lengels, and a matchmaker.
****
Silver Steak
The Ghost of SS
Great, Contempt. What nation are you going to marry into the great Lengel family next? 
Swissempire
Poet Jester
Iggy, you don't have to fix it. I was just laughing. Now, if you could make Nurmafer be Swade before you go...
Silver Steak
The Ghost of SS
Contempt said:
Sorry. Shalamari is a republic. We do not have dynasties or other prominent bloodlines that can be exploited that way.
alex994
Hail Divine Emperor!
Calm Before the Storm
Emperor Xians Glorious Reign of 37 years brought great changes to Guangfei, mostly notably the invention of bronze by the great metal smiths of Guangfei, the beginning of the Jade Industry, and most importantly, the unification with Shangei. It affirmed the belief, that all peoples of the stock of the Yellow Emperor must be unified under one Emperor. One state. That all other peoples should and will not establish rule over any descendents of the Yellow Emperor, anyone doing so, are enemies of Heaven.
For all the achievements in his Reign, what most people of Guangfei did not know was that he did not implement any of the original ideas. He merely agreed to mostly everything his officials proposed without little regard for what they would do. He was a weak Emperor by all respects plagued by illnesses of all kinds, and if he had lived in another age, he would not have survived for long. Instead, he lived to a ripe old age despite his constant illnesses and died surrounded by his close family.
As the officials opened the will which should have stated who would succeed him, disaster struck. Although the will clearly stated that Prince Hong, his eldest son now in his 30s would inherit him, at the time the will was opened a small tremor struck. This was seen as an omen of Heavens displeasure and perhaps it was. The officials hesitated for a moment to debate, a moment for them being 3 months. To their deathbed, each and every one of those officials would swear that they were motivated by nothing aside from uncertainty.
The perceived reality was something else. In the last years of Emperor Xians reign, the youngest candidate to the Dragon Throne, Prince Che had begun administrating the Empire in his Fathers name. He had strong rapport with the officials who were quite shocked by the manner in which Prince Hong carried himself whenever he deigned to visit the Imperial Capitol. In his lewd and uncouth manner he wasnt well liked by the officials at court as it plainly reminded them of well, certain people who had no right to sit on the Throne.
They werent even really sure if Prince Hong was even literate for all his martial prowess In truth, he was too much of a military figure. The said officials were worried, quite true in fact, that he would be unable to handle the administrative duties required to run Guangfei. Now obviously when the coronation was delayed, a certain person came to the capitol furiously along with five hundred recruits he had raised to gain the throne.
Why have I not been crowned yet? Did my Fathers will say otherwise? Answer me you knaves!
Screaming and shouting he pummeled the cheap furniture that the officials had brought out as his temper was well known. It was rumored that during the taking of Shangei he personally slew hundreds of soldiers whom had surrendered before being knocked out. History would remember him as a cruel and tyrannical man which for all his achievements go the greater Guangfei Empire, would never become Emperor.
As his soldiers watched on with glee at the terror of the government officials as he was a whirlwind destroying all in his path for seven days. It came to an end but not before all of Guanzhong knew of Prince Hongs attitude. Everyone knew, from well connected merchants to the hardworking farmers. And they feared for the future. It seemed like Guangfei would soon come crashing down Oh yeah, and by now Prince Hongs troops were wrecking chaos in the city.
They were arrogant and cruel men. By all records, they would have been executed in better times. But of course these were not better times. That week became a week of hell and torture. The local officials paralyzed with fear were unable to aid and the people turned their eyes on the man who had kept the Empire at peace. Prince Che, many historians argued that when Prince Hong arrived he had the power to get rid of him immediately instead choosing to bide his time to show the people Prince Hongs true colors.
6 days into the rampage it was put to a stop brutally and with great violence. Calling up the militia of the city and marshalling the nearby army troops Prince Che issued a decree. All of the soldiers of Prince Hong were declared outlaws and a vengeful population vented their anger. The 500 soldiers vanished when confronted with city militia augmented with army troops. The few that survived the battle tried to find shelter inside the Palace but were killed by archers.
And Prince Hong? Unaware of what was happening outside, he continued his rampage threatening and terrorizing the inhabitants. Before Prince Che came before him and confronted him.
My dear older brother, how pleasant it is for you to be here for my coronation. I never did understand why Father thought you would be a good successor I know he knew that you would be the ruin of the Empire. Yet he still named you his successor, a bit biased would you not say? But rest assured, I will honor his memory if not his will. I will become Emperor, and was going to allow you to live in a nice palace for the rest of your life. But no, you had to bring troops in and for that you must pay.
Father willed me to be his successor! I am to be the rightful Emperor, not you! The People will not stand for your usurpation of my Throne! I will be Emperor! Guards!
The guards wont be coming Prince Hong, or I should say the late Prince Hong. You are Prince no longer. Your actions have alienated the Empire to my favor. My rightful ascension to the Throne will be cheered on by the People. And you? You will be exiled to the east, perhaps you will find the imaginary peoples of the west who knows. Return, and even a lowly peasant shall quarrel amongst themselves to kill you. For know this, there shall be a bounty of a massive sum if you return. You have one month to leave Guangfei, I do encourage you to take a galley out. Good Day
And with that, things went on smoothly. Prince Che was crowned Emperor Wu, Fourth Emperor of the House of Liu. His ascension was cheered by thousands and toasted from Bandong to Hangshei. He assured the Western City, Bandong and Faitei that his Fathers agreements would be kept as he was after all dedicated to his Fathers memory.
And Prince Hong? Exiled from Guangfei, he would wander the east, going over rivers and mountains. Perhaps one day he would find the civilization of the East
alex994
Hail Divine Emperor!
Silver Steak said:Sorry. Shalamari is a republic. We do not have dynasties or other prominent bloodlines that can be exploited that way.
You're a theocracy, I'm sure contempt can find some bastard children of your leader
Silver Steak
The Ghost of SS
Theocratic Republic. The Church is Head of State only on the papers. The real power lies in the Circles.
das
Regeneration In Process
Meh, there's always an elite, whether it admits so or not.
Kentharu
Zebra Commander
i want me to be next contempt i have a whole Lord Kaiser, Pharoah like family for you to marry
i have a whole Lord Kaiser, Pharoah like family for you to marry
Oruc
Reactionary
i'll be the best man!
Oruc
Reactionary
Drascir
The city Drascir the symbol of Malkavian unity, the site of the meeting between the chiefs where all clans agreed to cease the endless fighting. It has grown much since then and now its wall could not hold all of the people who called it home, but it seemed that that was changing now.
So many of them were leaving Drascir, perhaps all of the Mursaat and Ravnos clan members were going it seemed, taking as many possessions with them as possible. Leaving the streets on the inside of the wall practically deserted for a time. The Brujah watched them go mumbling amongst themselves when they asked why they were leaving, the only answer they recieved was home.
The two boys darted between ramshackle huts, shacks and assorted people whilst heading for the city gate
Rainulf! Keep up
What do you mean they all left?
They left this morning, I hope we get a big house near the tower!
But why would they leave! They just finished the tower and now their gonna leave it?
I guess so
Although the boys had been inside the city walls plenty of times, it was different without the Mursaat and dark-skinned Ravnos, no one was looking down their noses at them or being chased away from any shop stalls and the most important difference they werent just allowed inside the market. The two boys ran through the streets gaping at the grand houses (by Malkavian standards anyway) and the how clean the paved streets were. As they got closer to the centre and the Tower of Ascension Rainulf gazed straight at the top of the tower rather foolishly before tripping and skidding along the street.
Rainulf! Are you alright?
Yeah I dont think these houses are taken yet, can we look?
Course thats we are here you sure your ok, your bleeding
Its nothing come on
When they got inside the first thing they saw was a family on their knees mumbling some prayer before two small figurines that looked like Bane and Ignatia.
What are they still doing here?
The man got to his feet and began bellowing and shouting things at them that they couldnt understand at first, but they ran outside anyway, with the man still following them telling them to stay away from his house.
Rainulf ran into the street shouting, HELP! HELP! MURSAAT! HELP! Which didnt take long to attract the attention of the other Brujah nearby. They all crowded round asking and shouting what was going and why he was still here, but before anything could be worked out Rainulf shouted He hit me! HE Hit me! Im bleeding see. Which was all anyone needed to jump to the conclusion they all wanted.
Take that you arrogant bastard Betrayer Kin slayer
Theirs more in here!
No not my family!
The young girl and the mother was dragged out onto the street and about to be set upon by the men when someone shouted
Stop this Barbarity!
All the men and women in the crowd turned to the old man.
What would Ignatia say of this?
You know nothing of Ignatia Eldist!
I know much of your god, never has she condoned such acts, she teaches forgiveness not hate, she shares much with Eldos
___________________________________________________
Mursai
Recognise no god but Bane, obey the edicts of your Chieftains without question for they know the will of Bane
Always shall you strive to accomplish the goals your leaders have set out before you and the goals Bane has given us, lest your soul be damned to dwell within Braga Gor till the end of days
Now I shall read the Lords most famous message
I have created a world for you to dwell, it is an untamed beast, and I want you to tame it. Build thy cities, monuments and temples, tear down its forest for thy farms, drive its beasts to extinction, Dispense thy justice upon unbelievers, and bring the world to order!
The great mass of people who had gathered throughout the fields surronding Mursai erupted in a great cheer at the final word, how they longed to fight in Lords name to destroy the enemies of peace with their own hands and see them flee before them.
The People of Mursaat have always known the truth, that there is one god, this Ignatia is but a lie perpetrated by our enemies. We shall force the followers of these false gods to recognise Bane!
But always must we remember why we fight, to bring about Eternal peace! There are those who think peace can be brought about by mere words, words will not keep you safe when barbarians smash down your walls and destroy thy people! You must strike at them first!
The crowd began shouting and cheering Banes name and a few rather over ego souls began running off in random directions or beating up people who looked a bit foreign.
Whilst they were cheering a group of men and women were dragged onto the stage that had been built in the centre of the field.
All of you gathered here today have stayed true to the Mursaat spirit, Loyalty, Obedience and conformity, but there are some who dared disobey the call! When ordered to travel to Mursai, our ancestral home, they choose to stay behind, when you were told to never again recognise the existence of the this Igantia some refused, they had taken to worshipping her!
Such betrayal of their Clan shall not go unpunished! And luckily some brave souls found some of these betrayers and brought them before us, so we may dispense JUSTICE!
Unsheathing a sword he held it above a womans head before saying HEATHENS then bringing the sword down to end her life Shall be punished
HERETICS shall be executed
and the worst of all NONCONFORMISTS shall be extinguished
OOC: I should probably apologise to japa dude for not asking him if I could mention Eldists types in my story but there you go.
The city Drascir the symbol of Malkavian unity, the site of the meeting between the chiefs where all clans agreed to cease the endless fighting. It has grown much since then and now its wall could not hold all of the people who called it home, but it seemed that that was changing now.
So many of them were leaving Drascir, perhaps all of the Mursaat and Ravnos clan members were going it seemed, taking as many possessions with them as possible. Leaving the streets on the inside of the wall practically deserted for a time. The Brujah watched them go mumbling amongst themselves when they asked why they were leaving, the only answer they recieved was home.
The two boys darted between ramshackle huts, shacks and assorted people whilst heading for the city gate
Rainulf! Keep up
What do you mean they all left?
They left this morning, I hope we get a big house near the tower!
But why would they leave! They just finished the tower and now their gonna leave it?
I guess so
Although the boys had been inside the city walls plenty of times, it was different without the Mursaat and dark-skinned Ravnos, no one was looking down their noses at them or being chased away from any shop stalls and the most important difference they werent just allowed inside the market. The two boys ran through the streets gaping at the grand houses (by Malkavian standards anyway) and the how clean the paved streets were. As they got closer to the centre and the Tower of Ascension Rainulf gazed straight at the top of the tower rather foolishly before tripping and skidding along the street.
Rainulf! Are you alright?
Yeah I dont think these houses are taken yet, can we look?
Course thats we are here you sure your ok, your bleeding
Its nothing come on
When they got inside the first thing they saw was a family on their knees mumbling some prayer before two small figurines that looked like Bane and Ignatia.
What are they still doing here?
The man got to his feet and began bellowing and shouting things at them that they couldnt understand at first, but they ran outside anyway, with the man still following them telling them to stay away from his house.
Rainulf ran into the street shouting, HELP! HELP! MURSAAT! HELP! Which didnt take long to attract the attention of the other Brujah nearby. They all crowded round asking and shouting what was going and why he was still here, but before anything could be worked out Rainulf shouted He hit me! HE Hit me! Im bleeding see. Which was all anyone needed to jump to the conclusion they all wanted.
Take that you arrogant bastard Betrayer Kin slayer
Theirs more in here!
No not my family!
The young girl and the mother was dragged out onto the street and about to be set upon by the men when someone shouted
Stop this Barbarity!
All the men and women in the crowd turned to the old man.
What would Ignatia say of this?
You know nothing of Ignatia Eldist!
I know much of your god, never has she condoned such acts, she teaches forgiveness not hate, she shares much with Eldos
___________________________________________________
Mursai
Recognise no god but Bane, obey the edicts of your Chieftains without question for they know the will of Bane
Always shall you strive to accomplish the goals your leaders have set out before you and the goals Bane has given us, lest your soul be damned to dwell within Braga Gor till the end of days
Now I shall read the Lords most famous message
I have created a world for you to dwell, it is an untamed beast, and I want you to tame it. Build thy cities, monuments and temples, tear down its forest for thy farms, drive its beasts to extinction, Dispense thy justice upon unbelievers, and bring the world to order!
The great mass of people who had gathered throughout the fields surronding Mursai erupted in a great cheer at the final word, how they longed to fight in Lords name to destroy the enemies of peace with their own hands and see them flee before them.
The People of Mursaat have always known the truth, that there is one god, this Ignatia is but a lie perpetrated by our enemies. We shall force the followers of these false gods to recognise Bane!
But always must we remember why we fight, to bring about Eternal peace! There are those who think peace can be brought about by mere words, words will not keep you safe when barbarians smash down your walls and destroy thy people! You must strike at them first!
The crowd began shouting and cheering Banes name and a few rather over ego souls began running off in random directions or beating up people who looked a bit foreign.
Whilst they were cheering a group of men and women were dragged onto the stage that had been built in the centre of the field.
All of you gathered here today have stayed true to the Mursaat spirit, Loyalty, Obedience and conformity, but there are some who dared disobey the call! When ordered to travel to Mursai, our ancestral home, they choose to stay behind, when you were told to never again recognise the existence of the this Igantia some refused, they had taken to worshipping her!
Such betrayal of their Clan shall not go unpunished! And luckily some brave souls found some of these betrayers and brought them before us, so we may dispense JUSTICE!
Unsheathing a sword he held it above a womans head before saying HEATHENS then bringing the sword down to end her life Shall be punished
HERETICS shall be executed
and the worst of all NONCONFORMISTS shall be extinguished
OOC: I should probably apologise to japa dude for not asking him if I could mention Eldists types in my story but there you go.
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
The saga continues! Sort of.
The Third Epoch: Opening
Part Two:
Unias, Norvalin
"Heh, people of the wastes indeed. All people ever do around here is drink, hunt, or plot the rebuilding of Veritas. So much for Valin culture."
-Balniar Janinari, Tavern Owner
It wasn't bad. Life was passable, sheep and fish being the staples of the diet for the colonists. After the first ten winters the starvation level was low, and Unias had an actual council chamber after 15 years. Though the roof had already collapsed, and winter was barely half through...
But that's not the point. The Exarchate survived, and over time they made a living, content in their own little forested patch of the world. The stories of Veritas grew rich and embellished, the tales of Strategius and Cendrian being particular favorites. The oral tradition of storytelling became famous in Unias, as there was little paper apart from what had been brought on the Exodus. To preserve their histories, the Norvalins soon turned to other methods of recordkeeping. In the Chamber of Elders, the main hall being slowly built to replace the oft-collapsing council hut, artisans were at work every day.
The Chamber, underway for a decade and still only half finished, was held up by twelve pillars, all massive pine trees stripped of bark and smoothed round. Said artisans carved the stories of Veritas deep into the wood itself, then preserved them with resin and illuminated them in brightly painted colors. It was done this way because there were twelve centuries of history to portray. From the Battles of Zang, Guitar and Said to the Sack of Eldrar, and the Fall of the Assemblum in 777. And domestic scenes, catastrophes, aurochs plowing fields, the first meeting of Veritasans and Keran...it went on and on. The stories swirled upward, and downwards again. After another decade, the final column's etching was completed.
Burning cities and fleeing people began the column, to be followed by a figure in white, hands pointing to the sea. Then ships, scores of ships sailing away. Finally white mountains and a green land beyond.
This was the history of Veritas, and the ancient beginnings of Norvalin. And by no means was the history over.
---
The Diary of Celanti Vanjinaria
Second Day, Third Septi*, Springtide, 1211
Still no further word on the 5 Brigantines sent across the Strait. I counted, and nearly an entire year has passed. Perhaps they have found Exilium, and perhaps not. I have no words not already written to express my grief. Vanani and the others must have survived...I have to believe that the One will protect their passage, or I will succumb to despair. I have to go into the forests to hunt for a time. The snow is melting.
Fifth Day, Fourth Septi, Springtide, 1211
I have returned, and I had a One-blessed hunt. Three deer, two foxes, four grouse and a great aldion** were killed by my bow and spear, and the dogs could hardly carry it all, even with the new sled. I caught the foxes just as they were shedding their wintery coat of silver, it was a perfect ambush. This will be good, for food stocks are still quite low in Unias. But let me continue. Today two ships from the party sent out last year returned. Vanani's ship was not one of them. They said that a massive storm drove them back from Tellus, and separated the fleet. The One's displeasure is shown indeed, and I am now convinced that my brother is dead. The Elders stayed up in the Chamber all night speaking. I know what they are talking of. The storms are growing worse.
Sixth Day, Fifth Septi, Springtide, 1211
I hadn't been into Unias for a while. I earned three coppers helping the work crews erect the palisade. It's nothing like the walls of Veritas in the great tapestries, but I am still proud of it. It stands as high as three men, and there are two towers as well. Perhaps this will stop the wolves from carrying off children, like in 1208. I noticed another thing though, the city is already crowded. Many still live in tents, it is an embarassment to a city of our size. As I rested in the tavern where the workers were gathering, I heard the bronzesmith Palian Kendanti talking about the problem. He wants to lead a party of settlers to the south, where it is supposed to be warmer. Personally I like the man, and Unias is too crowded for my liking. Perhaps I'll go with him. It'll be a year or two before anything comes of it though.
Seventh Day, Seventh Septi, Springtide, 1211
Apparently I was wrong. The Elders hated the families crowding the city, and knew that there would soon be health problems if twenty thousand were cramped into one place for much longer. They gave Palian their blessing, support and prayers. In these times, they can offer little else. I have been rapidly preparing the supplies of the settlers, and Palian has decided to make me leader of the guards. Probably because I hunt so much, or because my entire family is dead or missing. At any rate, there's about six scores of men serving under me, and more than half of them can wield a weapon. Hopefully things will turn out for the better. The party will leave soon, and I expect that we will only stop after at least a season's travel. At least weve chosen a good date for our departure. The One smiles on the seventh day.
Sixth Day, Ninth Septi, Springtide, 1211
The going is slow. I am not worried about attacks from wild creatures; we are following the coast, and the deep forest is some distance away. In fact, the temperature is much better. We have passed about twenty miles from the southern border of the Exarchate, but the old and young need to be carried in carts, and we do not have enough aurochs to do it. Food stocks are dwindling, though we have enough for another month or two, with rationing. I hope that a good spot to settle can be found, and soon. I would hunt, but my responsibilities as chief guard come first.
Third Day, Tenth Septi, Springtide, 1211
I hope that Palian chooses a location soon. Supplies are getting scarce. We had our first death today, an elderly woman who passed on in her sleep. We piled a small mound for her by the ocean, and her grandchildren left some flowers by the grave. It was the best that we could do.
First Day, Eleventh Septi, Springtide, 1211
Praise the One, we have found our spot! I am quite satisfied by it. When I turned up the earth with my spear it was dark and reddish, perfect for growing crops. And the forests nearby are filled with game as well. Before we pitched the first tents, Brother Vantalian purified the area with incense and rose water. He then proclaimed that it was safe to settle there. The hill that we have chosen overlooks a plain that stretches towards sheer cliffs, with the sea thirty feet below. Perhaps we can carve a stairway into the rock face, but that will take time.
Fifth Day, Eleventh Septi, Springtide, 1211
We have raised our first home, which is fortunate. About one hundred colonists cram themselves into the tiny log house we have built every night. Food is still scarce, so we will begin to send out hunters. I will go alone, because personally I think larger parties scare away the game. Only five colonists have died as of now, mostly elderly, a fairly good record. But more will die unless we build more houses and stabilize the food supply.
Second Day, Eleventh Septi, Springtide, 1211
I have returned from hunting the forests, and I am successful. They are rich and healthy, with many animals roaming that have never seen a human before. I am worried though. Despite the apparent beauty and richness of this land, there is something that troubles me. When I was out in the forest, I caught a glance of something in the darkness under the leaves. It was a figure, like a man. Yet not a man.
---
Pax, Exilsium
Apart from the Citadel and several other notable exceptions, Exilsium had the most developed educational systems in Tellus. Ironically, this proved to be a flaw instead of an asset, at least after the Great War. The general historical consensus is that Exilsium fell into the same trap that it so criticized in other Valin nations, that being designs of imperialism. Even so, Pacians colonists started the crisis."
-Raelian Caelian, Commentaries on the Ancients
"Children, please regard the map on your right. It depicts the Veritasan Republic at its zenith. Note how the said Republic stretches across rivers and mountains, from Veritas itself in the extreme south over the Keran mountains, and even into Mogul."
The children obediently stared.
"The Republic of Veritas, as I have mentioned earlier, was destroyed because of the varied sins of its people. Even among the Exiles themselves this is not disputed. However, they claim it was due to the folly of their leaders, who falsified an assassination in order to continue a war. I hope you're all writing this down."
A grand total of three children had been writing it down, and the other twenty scrambled for a piece of parchment and stylus.
"In reality however, the rightly guided wisdom of the Exiliate Assemblum tells us the truth: Veritas fell for three reasons, those being decadence, oppression, and imperialism. Let us turn ourselves to the first sin. The average Veritasan was a gluttonous slob, caring little for work or anything but enjoying the pleasures of life, rather than following the Three Maxims. Indeed...What is it, Master Falian?"
"Sir, if the Veritasans were so lazy, how did they build such a large empire?"
"Simple, through slavery. It is a known fact that every Valin in Veritas had many slaves."
"But sir, didn't Autorex Strategius abolish slavery in 798 Postum Diasporum? And was he not the first in Tellus to do so?"
"Ah...well...technically, but I'm sure the situation in practice was far different. Shall we move to the second sin, then? Of course, oppression. Even from the beginning, we know that Veritas was built on the subjugation of conquered peoples. Take the Emorian people, for example. They were annexed into Veritas without a single chance at resistance. And the Keran, who were brutally forced into the Veritasan system as a byproduct of the Great Crusade against Eldrania, the real threat of which is being doubted even now...What is it this time, Master Falian?"
"In both of the cases you just mentioned sir, didn't the majority of peoples involved choose of their own free will to join Veritas?"
"Perhaps that may be what Veritasan propaganda tells us, but what about the Zibonese? They were brutally oppressed, their culture, civilization and even religion crushed into the ground, and a Veritasan garrison prevented them from ever seeking their freedom, except during the Zibonese Rebellion, which was also crushed."
"Isn't it true, sir, that afterwards the Assemblum apologized for the pain they had inflicted on the Zibonese people, and granted them equal political rights with the average Valin? In fact, didn't they do so for all minorities in the Republic shortly after?"
"I have no idea, but the rightly guided wisdom of the Exiliate Assemblum cannot be doubted. And you, a young boy, can have no possible way of proving the statements that you have put forward, whereas I have the full power and knowledge of Exilsium standing behind me. What have you to say against the third and most grievous sin, that of imperialism? It was certainly greed for land that led to the fall of Veritas, you cannot deny that."
"What you say is true, sir, indeed the Republic of Veritas fell because of greed, or perhaps need, for more land. But can the state known as Veritas truly have been evil merely because of the circumstances surrounding its fall? As the largest, most advanced, and highest populated state practicing the Church of the One, it was Veritas that spread the Faith and protected those who practiced it. Despite the sins of its leaders and people, Veritas existed to spread the Order of a peaceful state, the Truth of the One's teachings, and the Light of advanced civilization."
The room was silent.
"And sir, if Veritas should never have expanded outside of the island where the One left them, why has the noble state of Exilsium done the same? In effect, by colonizing this island, isn't Exilsium trying to expand its own reach as did Veritas? And if this truly is positive in the spread of civilization, can we truly call Veritas evil at all? Is Veritas even any different from Exilsium? With all due respect, the answer is no. "
The teacher's face colored.
"Children, class is dismissed early today. Everyone may go home, except Master Palian. He has forgotten the privelege allowed to him, one allowed in most cases only to Exilsians and not the descendents of the Damned. For his folly, and his delusion in believing the lies of the corrupt Assemblum Popularum Veritasum, he must be disciplined."
---
Septi-A septi is seven days in the Veritasan Calendar. There are thirteen per season.
Aldion-A large animal similar to a moose, but larger, faster and carnivorous, like a grizzly bear. Not found in Tellus.
The Third Epoch: Opening
Part Two:
Unias, Norvalin
"Heh, people of the wastes indeed. All people ever do around here is drink, hunt, or plot the rebuilding of Veritas. So much for Valin culture."
-Balniar Janinari, Tavern Owner
It wasn't bad. Life was passable, sheep and fish being the staples of the diet for the colonists. After the first ten winters the starvation level was low, and Unias had an actual council chamber after 15 years. Though the roof had already collapsed, and winter was barely half through...
But that's not the point. The Exarchate survived, and over time they made a living, content in their own little forested patch of the world. The stories of Veritas grew rich and embellished, the tales of Strategius and Cendrian being particular favorites. The oral tradition of storytelling became famous in Unias, as there was little paper apart from what had been brought on the Exodus. To preserve their histories, the Norvalins soon turned to other methods of recordkeeping. In the Chamber of Elders, the main hall being slowly built to replace the oft-collapsing council hut, artisans were at work every day.
The Chamber, underway for a decade and still only half finished, was held up by twelve pillars, all massive pine trees stripped of bark and smoothed round. Said artisans carved the stories of Veritas deep into the wood itself, then preserved them with resin and illuminated them in brightly painted colors. It was done this way because there were twelve centuries of history to portray. From the Battles of Zang, Guitar and Said to the Sack of Eldrar, and the Fall of the Assemblum in 777. And domestic scenes, catastrophes, aurochs plowing fields, the first meeting of Veritasans and Keran...it went on and on. The stories swirled upward, and downwards again. After another decade, the final column's etching was completed.
Burning cities and fleeing people began the column, to be followed by a figure in white, hands pointing to the sea. Then ships, scores of ships sailing away. Finally white mountains and a green land beyond.
This was the history of Veritas, and the ancient beginnings of Norvalin. And by no means was the history over.
---
The Diary of Celanti Vanjinaria
Second Day, Third Septi*, Springtide, 1211
Still no further word on the 5 Brigantines sent across the Strait. I counted, and nearly an entire year has passed. Perhaps they have found Exilium, and perhaps not. I have no words not already written to express my grief. Vanani and the others must have survived...I have to believe that the One will protect their passage, or I will succumb to despair. I have to go into the forests to hunt for a time. The snow is melting.
Fifth Day, Fourth Septi, Springtide, 1211
I have returned, and I had a One-blessed hunt. Three deer, two foxes, four grouse and a great aldion** were killed by my bow and spear, and the dogs could hardly carry it all, even with the new sled. I caught the foxes just as they were shedding their wintery coat of silver, it was a perfect ambush. This will be good, for food stocks are still quite low in Unias. But let me continue. Today two ships from the party sent out last year returned. Vanani's ship was not one of them. They said that a massive storm drove them back from Tellus, and separated the fleet. The One's displeasure is shown indeed, and I am now convinced that my brother is dead. The Elders stayed up in the Chamber all night speaking. I know what they are talking of. The storms are growing worse.
Sixth Day, Fifth Septi, Springtide, 1211
I hadn't been into Unias for a while. I earned three coppers helping the work crews erect the palisade. It's nothing like the walls of Veritas in the great tapestries, but I am still proud of it. It stands as high as three men, and there are two towers as well. Perhaps this will stop the wolves from carrying off children, like in 1208. I noticed another thing though, the city is already crowded. Many still live in tents, it is an embarassment to a city of our size. As I rested in the tavern where the workers were gathering, I heard the bronzesmith Palian Kendanti talking about the problem. He wants to lead a party of settlers to the south, where it is supposed to be warmer. Personally I like the man, and Unias is too crowded for my liking. Perhaps I'll go with him. It'll be a year or two before anything comes of it though.
Seventh Day, Seventh Septi, Springtide, 1211
Apparently I was wrong. The Elders hated the families crowding the city, and knew that there would soon be health problems if twenty thousand were cramped into one place for much longer. They gave Palian their blessing, support and prayers. In these times, they can offer little else. I have been rapidly preparing the supplies of the settlers, and Palian has decided to make me leader of the guards. Probably because I hunt so much, or because my entire family is dead or missing. At any rate, there's about six scores of men serving under me, and more than half of them can wield a weapon. Hopefully things will turn out for the better. The party will leave soon, and I expect that we will only stop after at least a season's travel. At least weve chosen a good date for our departure. The One smiles on the seventh day.
Sixth Day, Ninth Septi, Springtide, 1211
The going is slow. I am not worried about attacks from wild creatures; we are following the coast, and the deep forest is some distance away. In fact, the temperature is much better. We have passed about twenty miles from the southern border of the Exarchate, but the old and young need to be carried in carts, and we do not have enough aurochs to do it. Food stocks are dwindling, though we have enough for another month or two, with rationing. I hope that a good spot to settle can be found, and soon. I would hunt, but my responsibilities as chief guard come first.
Third Day, Tenth Septi, Springtide, 1211
I hope that Palian chooses a location soon. Supplies are getting scarce. We had our first death today, an elderly woman who passed on in her sleep. We piled a small mound for her by the ocean, and her grandchildren left some flowers by the grave. It was the best that we could do.
First Day, Eleventh Septi, Springtide, 1211
Praise the One, we have found our spot! I am quite satisfied by it. When I turned up the earth with my spear it was dark and reddish, perfect for growing crops. And the forests nearby are filled with game as well. Before we pitched the first tents, Brother Vantalian purified the area with incense and rose water. He then proclaimed that it was safe to settle there. The hill that we have chosen overlooks a plain that stretches towards sheer cliffs, with the sea thirty feet below. Perhaps we can carve a stairway into the rock face, but that will take time.
Fifth Day, Eleventh Septi, Springtide, 1211
We have raised our first home, which is fortunate. About one hundred colonists cram themselves into the tiny log house we have built every night. Food is still scarce, so we will begin to send out hunters. I will go alone, because personally I think larger parties scare away the game. Only five colonists have died as of now, mostly elderly, a fairly good record. But more will die unless we build more houses and stabilize the food supply.
Second Day, Eleventh Septi, Springtide, 1211
I have returned from hunting the forests, and I am successful. They are rich and healthy, with many animals roaming that have never seen a human before. I am worried though. Despite the apparent beauty and richness of this land, there is something that troubles me. When I was out in the forest, I caught a glance of something in the darkness under the leaves. It was a figure, like a man. Yet not a man.
---
Pax, Exilsium
Apart from the Citadel and several other notable exceptions, Exilsium had the most developed educational systems in Tellus. Ironically, this proved to be a flaw instead of an asset, at least after the Great War. The general historical consensus is that Exilsium fell into the same trap that it so criticized in other Valin nations, that being designs of imperialism. Even so, Pacians colonists started the crisis."
-Raelian Caelian, Commentaries on the Ancients
"Children, please regard the map on your right. It depicts the Veritasan Republic at its zenith. Note how the said Republic stretches across rivers and mountains, from Veritas itself in the extreme south over the Keran mountains, and even into Mogul."
The children obediently stared.
"The Republic of Veritas, as I have mentioned earlier, was destroyed because of the varied sins of its people. Even among the Exiles themselves this is not disputed. However, they claim it was due to the folly of their leaders, who falsified an assassination in order to continue a war. I hope you're all writing this down."
A grand total of three children had been writing it down, and the other twenty scrambled for a piece of parchment and stylus.
"In reality however, the rightly guided wisdom of the Exiliate Assemblum tells us the truth: Veritas fell for three reasons, those being decadence, oppression, and imperialism. Let us turn ourselves to the first sin. The average Veritasan was a gluttonous slob, caring little for work or anything but enjoying the pleasures of life, rather than following the Three Maxims. Indeed...What is it, Master Falian?"
"Sir, if the Veritasans were so lazy, how did they build such a large empire?"
"Simple, through slavery. It is a known fact that every Valin in Veritas had many slaves."
"But sir, didn't Autorex Strategius abolish slavery in 798 Postum Diasporum? And was he not the first in Tellus to do so?"
"Ah...well...technically, but I'm sure the situation in practice was far different. Shall we move to the second sin, then? Of course, oppression. Even from the beginning, we know that Veritas was built on the subjugation of conquered peoples. Take the Emorian people, for example. They were annexed into Veritas without a single chance at resistance. And the Keran, who were brutally forced into the Veritasan system as a byproduct of the Great Crusade against Eldrania, the real threat of which is being doubted even now...What is it this time, Master Falian?"
"In both of the cases you just mentioned sir, didn't the majority of peoples involved choose of their own free will to join Veritas?"
"Perhaps that may be what Veritasan propaganda tells us, but what about the Zibonese? They were brutally oppressed, their culture, civilization and even religion crushed into the ground, and a Veritasan garrison prevented them from ever seeking their freedom, except during the Zibonese Rebellion, which was also crushed."
"Isn't it true, sir, that afterwards the Assemblum apologized for the pain they had inflicted on the Zibonese people, and granted them equal political rights with the average Valin? In fact, didn't they do so for all minorities in the Republic shortly after?"
"I have no idea, but the rightly guided wisdom of the Exiliate Assemblum cannot be doubted. And you, a young boy, can have no possible way of proving the statements that you have put forward, whereas I have the full power and knowledge of Exilsium standing behind me. What have you to say against the third and most grievous sin, that of imperialism? It was certainly greed for land that led to the fall of Veritas, you cannot deny that."
"What you say is true, sir, indeed the Republic of Veritas fell because of greed, or perhaps need, for more land. But can the state known as Veritas truly have been evil merely because of the circumstances surrounding its fall? As the largest, most advanced, and highest populated state practicing the Church of the One, it was Veritas that spread the Faith and protected those who practiced it. Despite the sins of its leaders and people, Veritas existed to spread the Order of a peaceful state, the Truth of the One's teachings, and the Light of advanced civilization."
The room was silent.
"And sir, if Veritas should never have expanded outside of the island where the One left them, why has the noble state of Exilsium done the same? In effect, by colonizing this island, isn't Exilsium trying to expand its own reach as did Veritas? And if this truly is positive in the spread of civilization, can we truly call Veritas evil at all? Is Veritas even any different from Exilsium? With all due respect, the answer is no. "
The teacher's face colored.
"Children, class is dismissed early today. Everyone may go home, except Master Palian. He has forgotten the privelege allowed to him, one allowed in most cases only to Exilsians and not the descendents of the Damned. For his folly, and his delusion in believing the lies of the corrupt Assemblum Popularum Veritasum, he must be disciplined."
---
Septi-A septi is seven days in the Veritasan Calendar. There are thirteen per season.
Aldion-A large animal similar to a moose, but larger, faster and carnivorous, like a grizzly bear. Not found in Tellus.
Oruc
Reactionary
Im confused which of the Veritas off-shots are you?
He's New Veritas.
Nice stories. One detail, the Exiles aren't THAT anti-Veritasian. They were only angry at the Veritasian government, and its wars.
And the island is uninhabited, other than for the Exile colonists, so it's not imperialism, it's colonialism, which isn't viewed with such stigma.
BTW, this hotel's great. Free high speed! For one night.
Nice stories. One detail, the Exiles aren't THAT anti-Veritasian. They were only angry at the Veritasian government, and its wars.
And the island is uninhabited, other than for the Exile colonists, so it's not imperialism, it's colonialism, which isn't viewed with such stigma.
BTW, this hotel's great. Free high speed! For one night.
alex994
Hail Divine Emperor!
OOC: Why isn't anyone surprised that the leader of the war didn't become Emperor! 
EDIT: And why is thlayli writing stories about the other valin nations?
EDIT: And why is thlayli writing stories about the other valin nations?
TerrisH
Mischief?
when do we need Orders in by?
Similar threads
- Poll
