PureNES: Epoch of Glory

Mercy for all Occasions ​
“They say that mercy is for the weak, given by the foolish. If that is the case, then let me be foolish and say that the Jin Bo are weak. All under Heaven know the truth; they simply decline to acknowledge the reality.” –Yun General Luo Zhongyi

It amazes me sometimes how foolish and strange men can be. As ordered and entrusted by His Imperial Majesty, under my command my armies marched along the Nanyan Hai, engaged the Jin Bo opposition and was quite successful in my objectives routing the opposition. However I am sure my rather… unorthodox tactics will bring me to the attention of my superiors back at the Capitol. I can already imagine their angry letters… “How dare you even consider integrating the conscripts with your other troops?” would only be the beginning.

I’ve long agreed with Li 將軍 (General) in that reforms for the army isn’t enough; we have to change the way we fight wars. Li has been given the green light due to his seniority while I’m dispatched off to a heaven-less task that was meant to be a suicide mission by my superiors. Unfortunately for them they didn’t think the “radical”, “dangerous” and “Telcari-influenced” me would decide to spurn their admonishing and continue army reforms.

My troops, the Army of the Righteous, were immensely successful. As city after city fell to our forces; my foresight in sending cavalry detachments ahead proved very bountiful capturing some Jin Bo officials and military officers with their families abandoning their posts as they tried to flee. No matter the race, ideology and class, cowards are everywhere. They were of course escorted to the Yun lines and as of now temporarily located in the city I’ve made my headquarters with the other Jin Bo notables that had remained behind; I had planned a meeting with them today as a matter of fact.

Looking in the mirror, I saw a confident and to be honest, a very good looking man smirking back dressed in a relatively plain brown uniform minus the many medals and awards that adorned my chest. It had been quite a while since I’ve been back in my hometown; I didn’t wish to make a bad first impression after all these decades. I didn’t wish to give these Jin Bo notables the impression of a typical haughty Yun General and had dressed plainly but with the assurance of wealth and power shown by his sword at his side.

As I walked towards the designated area, I considered my options. His Majesty, along with my splendid superiors, had not considered the possibility of capturing said notables along with some surrendering. Well, I was always good at acting. I burst into the room with a proud stride.

“Gentlemen, please, sit. Relax, have a cup of tea; I assure you it’s not poisoned. That would be unseemly of a 將軍 (General). It is good tea though I’m afraid I must breach some less than pleasing areas of interest. I have been ordered by Kong 將軍(General Kong) to ah… liquidate all Jin Bo sympathizers and supporters in the territories I’ve captured.” There were no such orders, but they didn’t need to know that; I simply needed to gauge their reactions. Their reactions were masterpieces, ranging from fear, resigned determination to outward courage.

“That being said, I have long decided I will not carry out any such orders. I have talked with my fellow generals in command of this theater and we have all agreed that we will not liquidate all of you en masse. Naturally the military officers among you will be traded; we’ve simply not decided what to do with the rest of you. Most of you are civilians, rebels, traitors, the running dogs of the Telcari. His Most Benevolent Imperial Majesty does not look kindly upon your likes.”

Again gauging the facial expressions, I could see that a portion had caught on to my game and were expressionless while the rest were a mixture of anxiety and confusion.

“Now that’s been stated, let’s go on to some more live discussions shall we? As you may know, I, Luo Zhongyi, am a native of this lovely city. My loyalties were simply not limited to my regional area but to the greater Empire; however I am quite knowledgeable about the ideas that have sparked such a rebellion against the Empire. The very same rights that you say you fight for are being curbed by the Jin Bo. Your press is censored; your right to assembly has been ‘temporarily’ canceled due to the war effort and the need to keep morale up. Do you not feel remorse and fear from the corruption of your original rebellion? Do you not think that in the end, no one will win but the Telcari?”

To my dying day, to the face of the Death God I will deny that those words were bait; they were truly what I thought of the Jin Bo and their war. I sympathized with the people in that room but I recognized long ago that my duty laid with my Emperor, my People and my Country against our foreign enemies. Such intense contemplation on those faces, with one exception:

“Lies! General, cease your words of poison! Our Cause is Just and Righteous! Our sacred liberties will be defended and fought for at the end of a gun! All we have known under the Yun Empire is oppression and death; unending, relentless death and decay! For our freedoms, death is all too welcoming! For our sacred beliefs, family, country, faith, loyalty; all of them must be sacrificed for the greater good! Yes! Even aligning with ancestral foes such as the similarly minded Telcari must be done to defend our liberties and crush the heinous Emperor! It is with those who share our thoughts that we align with, not those we have most in common with!”

The young military man’s words were disturbing, more so than the words of the strongly motivated nobles who pushed for the opposite. I was lifted by those words as I felt at peace, tranquility for the first time since I had chosen my side in the civil war. I guess my emotions had shown themselves as many of those notables had looks of understanding. I smiled and bid them farewell. I understand the hearts of my enemies as they did mine; I understood their fears and hopes, with that I would continue to fight, for my Empire and Emperor.

For the Hopes and Dreams of Man… ​
 
OOC: When are the stats going to be up on the first page? I assume not until Thlayli returns at least.
 
OOC: *looks at Illusionist* *starts screaming* STALKER!!! :p

I'm joking ;)
 
Nylan said:
OOC: When are the stats going to be up on the first page? I assume not until Thlayli returns at least.
Click to expand...

Forgot to answer this.

Um... Probably not until then, no.

Saturday's getting awfully close, people.
 
I still have received nothing from Thlayli on my nation, despite having posted my claim and stories, unless I missed something. It would be nice to have for stories. Also, am I missing the Seraphist religious outline (that Thlayli said would be forthcoming) or has it not yet been posted?

Thanks! :)
 
I need a reply to my PM before I write a story.
 
I will get a story or two up as soon as I can, but first I have a great deal of other matters to attend to.
 
LittleBoots said:
I still have received nothing from Thlayli on my nation, despite having posted my claim and stories, unless I missed something. It would be nice to have for stories.
Click to expand...

Well, would it be possible to wait for that until after this coming update?

Also, am I missing the Seraphist religious outline (that Thlayli said would be forthcoming) or has it not yet been posted?

Thanks! :)
Click to expand...

I don't believe that has been posted.
 
The expedition outside the city had gone well. The countryside was not yet fully ravaged by the ongoing war around it, and the enemy did not yet dare to come within ten miles of the sprawling mass of the city of Hespiron. The last Darian army to attempt an assault on the city had been turned back decisively, and the Darians had not troubled themselves much about the city since, preferring to devote their energies to stamping out Hespironi resistance elsewhere. They had largely succeeded in the inland regions, where the ships of the Empire could not reach straggling remnants of the army of Hespiron or bombard Darian positions, but the resistance remained strong along the coastline, especially in the north.

However, as Hamian Aldarius well knew, Teleria could not stand by and let the Darians gorge themselves on the riches of Hespiron. Recent flashes of battle on the fringes of the former Berian Republic had distracted some of the Empire’s forces, but General Octavian was said to be planning a larger assault against the Darian occupiers. Fresh forces had poured into the city over the past few weeks, and some had suggested that Octavian meant to lead a land assault into Daria itself in order to force the Emperor to withdraw. Hamian put little stock into such rumors; such a movement would be a death stroke to the Darian invasion if successful, but the risks were far too high in battle away from the sea. You could not withdraw fast enough.

Hamian hoped to today learn something of the General’s true plan. His own expeditions into the interior had brought mixed news: The Hespironi resistance had been swept away, but the locals themselves had greeted the Telerian army with cheers, and the Darians had been very reluctant to engage them in battle; only at the town of Liado had the Darians remained and fought, and there the small garrison had been swept away. He brought with him some important local Hespironi figures as well, and a two guides, one from the interior and one from the coasts north of the city, all of whom might be of use to General Octavian. As a junior member of a lesser branch of House Aldarius, Hamian was anxious to be of use to the much more influential Octavian.

Now, he strode smartly through the streets of Hespiron toward General Octavian’s central command. Here and there, damages from the initial battle in which the city had been saved from Daria could be seen, but much of the harm had been repaired rapidly since then. The locals, initially subdued and fearful of both the Darian threat and the Telerian soldiers, had now returned to their previous enterprising ways; Hamian was approached by street vendors no fewer than eleven times after entering the city. Now, however, he had reached the command.

Although the Pelarch of Hespiron had offered his own palace to the Telerian general and his soldiers, Octavian had refused, preferring to use for his headquarters a converted warehouse near the waterfront. After Hamian flashed his identification to the guards, he marched right up to General Octavian himself.

“Lieutenant Aldarius! Good to see that your regiment has returned from the expedition. I trust that everything went well?”

Hamian allowed himself a smile. “Indeed, General Ludionus. The Darians were mostly unwilling to engage in combat entirely, and I have brought back with me many prominent Hespironi from the inland territories.”

“Good, good. It is my belief that the Darian Emperor was caught off-guard by our landing here. He was planning to overrun small Hespiron and did not count on the enmity of mighty Telerius. I do not expect that you shall be hindered in future expeditions either, though you must always be on your guard.”

“You wish us to continue our forays into the countryside, sir? Are we attempting to draw the Darians down upon the city? They will not long stand for us marching brazenly forth.”

“I do not expect that they will. The Darian Emperor is not known for his steady temper; his ill-thought wroth was what triggered this war in the beginning. He knows that attacking us here would be suicide, but I hope to bait him into doing something stupid.”

“Forgive me, general, but are we not then going to strike openly against the Darians? Would it not be wise to evict them from Hespiron before they can do further damage?”

“It would indeed be wise. This city is a thorn in the Emperor’s side, and it will hopefully be a large enough thorn to blind him to all else.” Here Octavian paused. “I will be leaving Hespiron tonight by ship. General Lucianus will take the command here. I trust that you will do your duty well under his leadership, Lieutenant Aldarius.”

“Indeed, sir, I shall.”
 
He was a grown man. From his newfound height, he gazed across the plains of dust. He could see no one. There was nothing, no homes, no shops, no carts, no donkeys, no people. Not except the young girl seated next to him. He could not see her but if he bent down. That was strange. She seemed somehow familiar. Avila, a voice inside his head said. That is her name. He remembered now. Avila was a childhood friend; perhaps his sister? He could not recall. But she should be old now, as he was. It made no sense. Nothing here made sense. He did not recall growing up.

He did recall what needed to be done. For there was one thing on the plains of dust other than himself and the oddly invisible girl named Avila. She was leading him straight to it. He could not feel himself taking the steps, but he glided across the formless landscape nonetheless. The ground was coated with ash, but their passage did not disturb it. He considered asking Avila about this, but something told him that she would not understand, that she would not respond. He only knew that he needed to follow her.

A gaping rent in the earth lay ahead, a hole so deep and dark that the light which suffused the plains could not penetrate it even one inch. That was also strange. He tore his eyes from the blackest blackness before him and searched the sky. There was no sun, but it was not dark. Grey clouds stretched to the horizon, clouds so thick that they could not be peeled back. These were no storm clouds. It did not rain on the plains of dust, nor in the serpent’s lair.

Though he had stopped, Avila strode merrily ahead. Nothing concerned her the way it did him. He wondered for a moment if she had noticed the ominous sky or the empty plains about them. It seemed that she had eyes only for the maw. He must go to it. He felt a strange tug, a pull, as if he could not be far separated from the little girl. She had stopped, and looked back at him as if pained. She did not speak (Could she speak?), but he saw in that plaintive look a request that he, too, come forward. She needed him, and they needed to enter the maw.

The scent of soot and ash grew strong as they approached, and the sky seemed to darken as if the pit were drawing the light away to be throttled in its infinite depths. He could hear clanging and banging coming from deep within, and an unearthly moaning. A jet of steam hissed up from the recesses.

And then, as Avila took her first step into the pit, into the tunnel to evil and malice, it came. He dashed forward as if to stop her, to grab her, to run away with her and never look back, but the iron serpent moved faster. It reared its hideous head, molded of metal stolen from far below the ground, and in an instant Avila was gone. He screamed, an endless scream that none could hear, and then suddenly there was light.

He awoke in his bed, a boy again. His mother was dabbing his forehead and cooing.

“Did you have a nightmare again, my sweetness? I heard your screams. You were crying your sister’s name. She is here, now. They brought her back late last night from the mines. They found her hiding on the steamroad.”
But he was already asleep again. The iron serpent had not claimed its victim after all.




That story was fun to write. In case it's not clear, the railroads being built to expand our mining operations are now complete, and a little boy who lives nearby has a nightmare about his sister being eaten by one of the new "iron serpents".
 
Fourteen hours to the deadline, and I have all of two people who have done anything. I know I couldn't get every question answered, and I sincerely apologize for that. But I really want to update this on time, and cannot do that without more material.
 
Formal Declaration
by
The Kingdom of Gosica​


Nations of the world, Gosica would like to draw your attention to a threat. This threat is powerful, and is in the process of slowly strangling us all. This threat has murdered for gain, caused untold suffering to secure markets and goods, and continues to force its will upon those who have not the strength to stop them. This threat is the Guilds of Mettlingen.

The Guilds must be stopped. Even now they are in the midst of bloody conflict, suppressing those who wish to be free of their tyranny. They trade in slaves. They are aiding revolts in Thule. They encourage privateers to attack shipping. They brutally crush all economic rivals, which in turn stunts prosperity and growth anywhere but Mettlingen. Now is the time to act.

The Kingdom of Gosica hereby declares war on the guilds Elstadt, Kuurel, and Dreningen, and intends to end the danger of Guilds, which prevent global peace, prosperity, and progress. Gosica calls for all nations to rise up against this threat. It encourages the United Republic of Alhaven to declare war and drive Dreningen from the shores of Alhaven. It calls for Princeps to be a faithful ally, and join the Gosican army as it purges this evil from the world. It calls for Jathalland, who already has seen the danger of Guilds, to act quickly. It calls on all of the nations of the world to rise up and destroy this scourge.

Enact trade embargos on the Metti. Send economic aid to those who fight. Join the fight yourselves, most importantly. Do everything you can. Mettlingen as we know it will fall, its empire has decayed into a den of corruption, and its glory is long gone. Let this era end, and let a new one begin.

Lastly, Gosica calls upon the people of Mettlingen itself. Give up the Guilds. Resist the corruption. Help those who fight against the Guilds. Gosica, and those who stand with it, do not seek the death of Mettlingen’s people, but rather seek to cure it of a sickening disease. Accept your saviors with open arms. We have no quarrel with you, and seek your good welfare. You are in no danger from those who fight the Guilds.

The URA, Princeps, Jathalland, Taenevix, and others have pledged support. Be not afraid to add your names to the list. You have little to lose, and much to gain. It is time for a new world. Destroy the “Metti” empire, and set yourselves free. You will have new markets, new territories, and new friends. New potential.


OOC: I'm trying to squeeze in some stories, but I can't promise anything.
 
Some Understandable Problem​

“I am, what many would say, a general of a transitioning era. Old enough to remember the past and recognize it yet young enough to see the future and relish it’s coming. That is of course if I live to see that new dawn.” –Yun General Li Fang

“General, with all due respect you are mad! You cannot possibly consider that plan to be a feasible one! Death is not something I fear, but you do not blindly throw men away to their demise without just cause or hope!” The young officer’s shock and his passions were so apparent at the moment; characteristic of a young military officer yes, but it was not an ideal that the Imperial Army tried to cultivate. Young men these days were such odd creatures.

“Perhaps if you hadn’t jumped at my plan like a Telcari seeing money on the street I would have clarified?” The laughter that emerged from the joke restored the levity in the command room as even though the young officer blushed at his mistake he was able to join in the laughter. He smiled to himself inside; the environment in which these discussions were being held were very important in that it allowed his officers to freely discuss ideas and suggestions without fear of any repercussions.

“The chief objective of our army is to hold the southern provinces against the Telcari and their ilk and defend the Imperial Capital. In doing that we will gain time for the Emperor’s other armies to crush the Jin Bo before we can confront the Telcari en masse. We should be able to hold what remains of the Southern Great Wall region indefinitely.”

“But Sir, the Telcari could easily circumvent our lines and press onto the Capital regardless of what we do!”

“You forget that most of our conscripts were once farmers. The southern territory that we retain should still be capable of supporting an army if we use some of our conscripts to begin farming and thus reducing our need for supplies from the rest of the Empire. The Great Wall and the fortresses in the region were designed to combat both external and internal threats. Holding out alone will strengthen the perception of any potential allies we have against the Telcari.”

“The Great Wall has already been breached there is no reason to hold the reminders of it! It will only be token and mostly SYMBOLIC defense. We cannot hold these territories with the troops we have against the Telcari! They have the finest army in Karai!”

“You’re wrong Colonel. I agree with the General, we MUST hold what remains of the Great Wall. It is not only a symbol but the last practical obstacle that remains between the Telcari and the Capital. They can only transport so many soldiers and supplies over seas and that alone will prevent any wholesale offensive against the Capital. Also in maintaining these fortifications we threaten the Telcari homeland and as such they will be forced to keep soldiers there to guard against us.”

He could only smile. He had on interest in forcing his ideas upon his officers but merely in teaching them how to think for themselves and be successful in debating ideas professionally without any personal biases. These young men would be a new brand of officers; loyal, pragmatic, intelligent and capable of standing on their own independently and now follow orders from the bureaucrats to the letter.

General Luo Zhongyi against the southern Jin Bo and General Zhou Yu against the northern Jin Bo were doing their best in retraining and strengthening their armies along with a good deal of modernization. He could only smile as his officers entered into a general debate about the two opposing military strategies; he would wait until the appropriate time before stepping in and making the final decision.
 
@Nylan: Thanks! :mischief:

Will write Jacob story tomorrow (may be up to 12 hours late). Too tired now. Probably no Esau story, but he won't be doing anything update-worthy for 5+ updates anyway...
 
OOC: Hmm, I wonder if this will represent people attacking the de jure realm of Mettlingen much... I predict lots of suffering and people trying to take away its colonies, even if the guilds are destroyed.

I think a certain independent Metti merchant will find this to be of great interest...
 
My other personality is trying to emerge again and this is giving me a splitting headache, I am unlikely to churn anything out until I solve some RL thingamajigs as well.
 
The New land of Old

Captain Robert Van der Zruyk, Piet and Steven walked up a hill beyond the port in Elesius.

"Is the man you're looking for here?" inquired Steven Hawkesbury.

"Of course he is..." murmured the Captain, gazing around- "Aha! Hello there!"

A small distance ahead was a most oddly dressed man. He wore slightly blemished white robes, an old brown hat, and carried a black umbrella. His body was thin, but his face was round, friendly and aged. He had a thick, short beard and a ring of hair around his head, both coloured white with scattered flecks of grey.

"Erich!" exclaimed Zruyk, "It's been far too long!"

The normally gruff captain held out his arms in greeting, and embraced the older man.

"Indeed it has." replied Erich, "So, how goes the outside world?"

"Oh, nothing of interest* really. Your news from a decade ago is still relevant enough. Compiarda's still rampaging through his little empire, the Guilds are still price-gouging, Jathalland's still acting righteously indignant about it all... Really, most of the news of interest is here in Alhaven."

"Well, I can't say we even get news about that. What is happening?"

"Oh, more rebellions in Mettlingen's territory... word is that the Guilds are moving in a massive force. Apparently Dreningen's getting the blame for the problem."

Erich gave a strained look.

"I never like it when those people move too close to this little utopia." he thought aloud, gesturing to the mishmash of pseudoclassical structures behind him."

Robert gave Piet a smug and ever-so-slightly sarcastic look.

"But that's enough for me. Please, I'm being a terrible host. I should get you to my home."

*****

"So, Sullivan-"

"Steven."

"Yes... how is your 'adventure' turning out?"

The young Athurian risked a quick glance at the captain. He was in a discussion with Piet.

"Well, the stories aren't really true. It's not sailing the open seas, fighting off pirates and having girls in every port. It's sitting next to a blazing coal fire in a dirty ship, and carrying around boxes and barrels whenever he demands it. I don't think people love hearing about the person who's black with soot and dragging around huge boxes through bad ports. They want stories from a hundred years ago."

Erich tented his fingers while he listened. His face went serious as he responded.

"You're a lot smarter than Robert gives you credit for. You're with a good man, and hard work will get you money from him. With money, you can get a good life, or your own ship. The joy isn't your job, it's the future your job creates."

Steven stared deep into the old man's eyes.

"I'll remember that sir."

Erich's face snapped back to a grin, like an elastic stretched out of shape.

"I'm sure you will. Now, Robert-"

The captain turned around.

"Yes?"

"I believe you have some things to drop off for me."

"Er... wines. I have plenty from Torenze."

"I'm referring to the sculptures... oh great moons, have you forgotten to get that again? Are you too cutthroat a businessman to give these things for your friends, or are you to forgetful to remember it? Or just lazy?"

"You do remember that I could never stand the art auctions in places like that."

"You don't have to like what you ship."

"I know. That's why I ship alcohol. So you can have some wine, look at the local area, and forget that you're missing marble sculptures. Or imagine that the local carvers are better."

Erich scowled slightly, though this was well-hidden by his beard. His fingers drummed on the umbrella handle like a warrior's would on a sword.

"Next time, Captain, I expect you to ship the goods that are in demand. But this is why I hate talking business- it sours the day. Please, would you like some more tea? I'll go get some biscuits."

*****

With stomachs full, the three guests left Erich Bos' house. After a few minutes of silent walking, Steven raised a question.

"What was with the sculptures?"

"Ehh, I... owe them to him..."

Steven was poised to inquire further, but Piet (behind Zruyk) grimaced, shook his head, and made a cutting motion across his throat. After more silent walking, the three stepped onto the ship. The Captain broke the silence by addressing the crew, most of whom were unloading boxes.

"Alright gentlemen, I think it's about time to head home. But first, I need to hear something- who here does not despise Torenzi art auctions?"

*News has yet to reach Alhaven*
 
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