As the twenty eighth tyrn of Pavilion begins much of the world is embroiled in a desperate war of some sort or another. The Domo empire collapses, a titan emerging from its corpse, leaving a path of death in its wake. The jungles of the west are thick with blood and broken chitin as two monstrous hives wage bloody war. In more distant corners of the world scholars study the mysteries of the world, spirits of magic and the sometimes thin veil between worlds. Wizards brood in their towers, the adenic elves retreat from the world, and peaceful Vencia watches the wars to the south with concern. But for a moment let us consider the actors on the stage.> The Holy Kingdom of BarzaWielders of mighty geomantic and divine power, smiths, missionaries, and above all else soldiers, the Kingdom of Barza has worked tirelessly for many turns to contain threat after threat to Pavilion. With arcane metals that purifies darkness and can cut magic itself they stand as protectors of this world.> OrcmanieFar to the north Orcmanie stands as a bastion of peace, a stabilizing force for the region raising their considerable martial might only ever in defense of others. Armed with finely crafted steel and accompanied by mighty beasts they have accrued a vast empire.> VenciaA peaceful people, yet one ready to defend themselves the people of Vencia concern themselves more with fine food and the contemplation of the divine than the art of war, though considerable construction of mighty walls speaks to the war filled lands to the south.> OrdalanA land of fierce warrior women, divinely empowered by fire and lightning. Some are called demons, horned and silver skinned. Others are called weretiger, never fully human again. All call themselves Nixen, defenders of Ordalan, sworn to vengeance against their many enemies.> KroviaA surprisingly spiritual people, the hulking sharkmen of Krovia are fierce warriors to be sure, using blood magic to both heal and empower. Nonetheless the sharkmen are cunning diplomats as well, striking deals as often as they launch their fearsome raids.
> VitruviaThe peculiar alchemy born of Vitruvia come in all shapes and sizes, as do their passions. Some work with the Rocs, mighty birds of the sky. Others prefer alchemy, metallurgy, runework, or civil engineering. A dispassionate people, Vitruvian arms have only ever been raised for coin, and on the behalf of other nations at that.> GuliseareThe harpies of Guliseare are religious zealots to their core, seeing all others of Pavilion as Lessers. The first aggressors of the new age, much of their effort has been poured into creating fearsome warriors of the sky. As their airship designs become more widespread they may inadvertently change the world however.> HabitunThe secretive Habitun Cult has focused its efforts primarily on the esoteric arts, piercing the veil between what is and what could have been. With a highly educated population they reach out to meddle in the affairs of far off lands. Wielding strange magic and portals to alternate realities they prepare for a world without the sun.> KrawlAlien invaders from a distant world, the Krawl attack with teeming masses of diverse and strange monstrous creatures, seeking to devour and consume all before them. Led by a team of ‘High Minds’ the Krawl are otherwise mindless abominations, knowing only to consume.> VizariA college of wizards and scholars, the Vizari found themselves in a distant land after a catastrophic magical accident. Set back, but not broken they have rebuilt and continued their studies of the arcane.> SkritA vast hive of insects, the Skrit have only one true objective, to grow and expand across the world, ignoring the protests of other races as they stream across the border. Their only true obstacle is the Krawl hive, who seeks to do the same. Having come to dominate all manner of life around them, the Skrit consider it only a matter of time before they conquer the Krawl as well.> UrottiThe dwarves of Urotti are latecomers to the stage of the world, but nonetheless have built a respectable nation for themselves, rich in resources and busy with industry. Their crowning achievement are the Deep Roads, subterranean paths that span hundreds of miles between cities and outposts.> TurbansAn offshoot of the Domo, these mercantile people have negotiated and bargained themselves into a secure future, weaving deals and alliances while enriching themselves with coin in the process.> KhurnaireThe newest actor to take the stage, it remains to be seen if the people of Khurnaire will escape the shadow of the Domo or be consumed by it.
TURN 28 BEGINS!
>>6277047Luxor's Mercy be good! The Monster made in the Domo's Death knell still marches! Justinian is still nowhere to be found and the Needle, a most holy and potent artifact is still missing. Though with the Silver Threads permeating the Abomination that desolates Barzantine Countryside with every step, he suspects he knows where both are.... Still there is nothing for it, the Generals marshall the army to attempt another assault on the Mosnter. It must fall and soon, lest Barza be destroyed. Hopefully the Aide Tacitus has acquired was worth it.Action 1: Theodoropolis has been seized, the Bandits removed, and the city itself is now firmly under Barzantine control. Yet the City itself is still ailing from mismanagement and neglect. A source of stone is sought out for the reconstruction of the city, because it will fall further into decay otherwise.Action 2: Likewise the City is in dire need of a Forge complex, as it cannot create metal or forge anything until such a place is created, and the Soldiery and levies from the city will be in desperate need of arms and armor for the trials and travails coming and extant.Military: Resist the Monster as best as we are able. Attempt to inflict maximal damage to it while minimizing harm to our forces. Barza will not fall here!Missionary: All the Civilized lands and many of the Barbaroi ones have been shown Luxor's light, at least in part. There are some that do not believe in the Spiritual and only pay lip service to those they believe are deluded fools, like the homonculi to the north and the Merchants to the far south. There are others that have instead chosen to syncretize his message with their own flawed ones, like the Bloodthirsty Krovians or the Polytheistic Orcmen. Yet there are others who cling so strongly to thier own idols that spreading his light is impossible, like the Wing Harpies of Gulisaere or the Dark-skinned elves of Habitun. Yet amongst civilized peoples who are not close minded zealots there are two nations that has not had a dedicated movement spreading Luxor's message to them. The Adenic Elves, and the Dwarves to the Far North. That changes now. The Faithful of Luxor move towards Adenai, to spread the Holy Word.
>>6277047>Action 1 - Forge in GribGrib's been seeing a lot more warrior folks passing through, as of late. The double delicacy of Maned Frog and Mollusc has rich merchants clamoring for samples to send abroad, but those with full pockets and nothing better to do will always prefer to hunt a fresh bunch themselves. Wounded soldiers returning from the ant frontline may decide that a few weeks on the hippie-ish island is exactly what they need to aid in their speedy recovery. The recent discovery of the Giant's Glade only sparks greater fervor for the warlike to visit the otherwise peaceful island. If nothing else, the leaders of Grib need this forge to properly outfit their own men to help keep the peace.>Action 2 - Military History Archive in GribNo Krovian is ever truly a pacifist (or if they are, its officially classed as a mental illness) but the closest to exist is those who choose to permanently reside among the cyan shrooms of Grib. Still, it doesn't do to become TOO peaceful, and with many more soldiers showing up and hanging about, a not-so-gentle reminder may be in order to toughen up the softer local Krovians. Great Stele's are erected, scenes of battle and tales of history carved into the monolithic rocks, with smaller tablets being used to record further historic details. Let the fires of years past ignite new passions in the youth of tomorrow!War Action - Wary RestThese damn elves and their effervescent raiding. The cowards refuse to do anything but run and hide, striking where they can remain unseen. The Krovian army works to once again secure it's food supply, and if possible, catch these interlopers in the act.Scouting - Once more watching for supply line raiders.
>>6277047>Action 1: A Forge for PortblancThe northern town has long been the premier source for Tin; a forge in the town will allow us to export refined ingots rather then lumps of raw ore, as well as allowing the Orcmen of the blanc isle to repair, maintain and equip their metallurgy without waiting for ship from Rooin in every instance. >Action 2: Metal for CadonCount Hetzgrub Moonhurleur organises a search for metal within his domain. Iron is both the goal and the most likely target, for Cadon is famed for red Granite and it is the presence of Iron with the rock that gives it such rich colour.>War Action: Fresh MusterWith veterans of the war now stood down, and many granted with land and titles in the territories of Colnaude, there are many boots that need filling. And so the army welcomes in the next generation to the ranks, the Serjeants putting these Orcmen recruits through their paces whilst new errant scions and valorous promotes come to fill up the gaps in our cavalry lists. The Orcman army will be made ready once more.>Bureau Renseignement: The childe of house HitabThe Habitun seek a missing scion of their kind, believed to have taken ship to the Orcmanie. As such, the Bureau Renseignement are charged to seek this individual out; to maintain a watch on his whereabouts and actions, and to capture and remand him should he attempt to leave our lands.
Action 1: Great Aqueduct projectWe shall use various bump based systems to expand our water-related resources. Create aqueducts which lead into more deserty lands to help bring water to the lands there. This should aid in growing our population and making the land more inhabitable.Action 2: Water conservationmethods are introduced to aidi n water conversation. floting parasols are installed above the great river to prevent evaporation and magic cooling devices are installed in the water. Cooling it should further lessedn losses of water via evaporation.
Once more, and sadly so soon, the King is Dead. Long Live the King!By the great grace of our Lord Aagen,who has granted us this tyrn of the sun, and in remembrance of our own blessed father, I, King Talarin of the Venks in my sixth tyrn upon Swiftarn do hereby order;>New lumber camps to be built in lands shared with the Skrit>Construction of a port across the Tarn from Avesten to access whatever tropical curios there lie
>>6277047Nation: The School of Basic Spiritual Competence, The Scholarium of Subversions, The Academy-Archive of Khurnaire, The Mystery Delving Company, The Conquering School, The Sorrowful Ones, The Vvardenstat, The Border MarchRaces: Ashen Humans, Vizari Humans, Gnolls, Nagas, Werewolves, the occasional Slaug and Half-Slaug. No Soft-Legs. All that hungers for knowledge is welcome.Capital: Khurnaire » FOR OUR LORD IS THE DARK « Or so they say.The Sages of Khurnaire has sacrificed many things in the pursuit of comfort and a stable life. All glories, all pursuits of meaningful strength, abandoned and forsaken for tomorrow and next year. It is a way of time, that even existing accrues its benefits, and for the Sages, it would be an ever-growing pile of gold and various accounts of healthy financial stock at the heart of their institute, and a many a crop of personal projects and dead-end discoveries now lying in the dark.No one had much of anything to convince the collective to act to though, beyond a continual expansion of their complex and cadres, somebody else below them to supervise or assist the handling of mollusks, the management of birds, the breeding of boars, or most unfortunately, to teach the Turbans the detachment required for spirit scouting, and all the effort required to house them in the (Civilized Sacrifice) cells without any unwanted attention looking in. So many layers hidden and blatant to keep secrets and culture alive. It would take a stranger from up north, running away from some ritual or another, and certain ideas spoken in eager ears to rouse O Khurnaire. "The world has wronged us. The spirits tricked us. We have power." Ancient ideas, nonexistent ideas, wrong ideas, but the Sages had forgotten why such thoughts were kept away from them now. The Lords Gold and Steel has seen it fit to grant the Stranger their rightful title as Lord Mana, and so all Khurnaire sees the Stranger's call to prove their strength against the DARK as true.
>>6277815>>6277047Coffers are emptied. Men and tool gathered. The Sages are too busy reexamining old notes on many mysteries to be of any use. Still, there is no shortage of the desperate, the eager to climb, the expendable, in Kuttikrahr and elsewhere in Turban lands. The heat troubles all.>Establish Fort Khurkhashuin on the Ruins of Huirsas'toir.>Establish Fort Naar'ur on the New Isle.This must be done. The New Isle is key to preventing the Dark's escape west. Khurkhashuin to the north. It seems the Zas, and the Witchs' Forest, are far too filled with spirit to be eaten by the Dark? Curious.
>>6277047>Cruelty to the helpless is not a sign of strength, but WEAKNESS in character. Conversely, mercy to the enemy is a sign of WEAKNESS in foresight.- Excerpt from tyrnly sermon from the Cognita CathedralAction 1: Build the city of Gronn Dal [collective of venk and nacheter refugees]>It is a simple supply and demand matter. High demand in Bikube, nay, Habitun entire for scholars and researchers, but nary enough supply. Conversely, high demand of mancers and warriors on the warfront, but nary enough supply. No offense intended, but a fraction of your kind are bringing their full potential, as it is. Conversely, many of our best mancers are researching subjects they've not much of interest in.>Aside, Bikube has had little to no competition in research funding, with its fancy p-that is to say, they need impetus to stop gobbling funding and start producing results, lest the funding be pulled.>Thus, I propose: New Gronn Dal, cosmopolitan center of trade, research, and expatriates with no better land to return to. The matters of your vulnerabilities will be addressed, and your current lacking ability in matters of magical access are already under work and research by experts. Every ten scholars that emigrate to my city will free up a mancer of ours to go test their theories on the warfront, with glee and relish, and with far greater effect on the war effort. The holy and magical warriors will be interviewed by our own researchers, and be subjects of our own research of wind-less magic, I think it was called. Not an expert on that subject myself.>You will have to work to earn your keep, but you have an eternity to do so, I was made to understand.`- Gronn Dal mayor, spreading open papyrus depicting New Gronn Dal plans"Farces and Triumphs In The Arts: Vol 3">Great opportunity awaits across the lake.>Habitun opening her doors for first wave of pioneers.>Farmers, craftsmen, homesteaders, fishermen, and more.>Free transportation and pre-allotted plot of land.>Limited slots.- Notice posted across Avesten walls and boards
>>6278056Action 2: Sword Surfing (2/?)>As demonstrated, sword surfing could be the future for ou-- Siemen RaqqasExcerpt from "Habitun Council Public Issue Proposals: Northern Quadrant, Level 5, 3rd Wall, Shelf #4, Issue #902239", before it was interrupted by Issue #902240>Behold, a crystal sphere. [Stige proceeded to smash said sphere with a hammer, causing shards to fly in radius, injuring attendees]>Easy to craft, easy to destroy. But oh no, it harms the user. [Stige showcases bloodied arms. Proceeds to quickly heal himself with Shadowmancy]>Behold a crystal Porcupine. [Stige proceeded to tap said crystal "porcupine" with a strange dual-pronged fork. Crystal started humming at increasing rate. Stige throws porcupine at approaching guard. Crystal porcupine humming reaches zenith, shattering after six total seconds]>Harder to craft. Easy to throw, harms someone else.>Behold, a pregnant crystal porcupine. [Stige proceeded to tap said pregnant crystal porcupine with "fork", before throwing it at approaching guards. Porcupine shatters, scattering "babies", which shatter one second after]>I'll be in my lab. [Stige proceeded to meld into shadow, and disappear]- Stige Sukon"Habitun Council Public Issue Proposals: Northern Quadrant, Level 5, 3rd Wall, Shelf #4, Issue #902240">Stige Sukon is wanted for disciplining after assaulting four Habitun Council guards. Present him and his innovation at earliest convenience.- Missive from Habitun council to house Sukon>Stige has not come home since two tyrns.- Reply from house Sukon>Stige is in my workshop. Entertaining as his ideas are, I ask you take him away, as I can no longer bear his stench in my vicinity.- Missive from True Katan to Habitun council>Attached Porcupine Round samples. Need a ballista to prime and deliver. Council dissatisfied by my presentation for reasons inconceivable.- Missive from Stige Sukon to an Urotti smithActual Action 2: Porcupine Rounds (Delivery Mechanism developed by Urotti)Agrimensores Guild: Scour Habitun for Magical Resources (2/3)
>>6278058Intrigue Action:Scour Orcmanie for Wyverns (3/3) [Delayed]Harass Domo Flesh Titan [Approved]>Task: Intercept rampaging titanic flesh titan with Fracture Blade traps augmented with Shadow Runes>Assets: 36 Huntsmen w/Prolonged Incursion Gearset, 8 Siblings w/Tyrn Proselytization Gearset, 4 Bakhold Pouncers w/Marathon Gearset, 4 Medqa-Harnesses, 164 Fracture Blades, 588 Shadow Rune Stamps, Writ Of Passage Signed by Orcmanie and Barzaentine Kings>Strategem: Split into 4 teams. Team 1 monitors flesh titan, Team 2 provides overwatch for monitoring Team 1 against flanking attacks or marauders, Teams 3 and 4 lay fracture blade and shadow rune traps alongside projected path in hard-to-reach/spot spaces. Switch responsibilities around every 2 days. Collect or destroy fracture blades and shadow rune stamps left behind - DO NOT allow flesh titan to collect either.>Success Metrics: Defeat of flesh titan by either full crystallization, or intercepting foreign forces.- Briefing for Operation Crunchy StatuaryWar: Salt the Dark Lake (skrit poison or Terra's Bubbles)>Haimen (krovians) have been starved, and now retreat to their homeland to resupply. We've a tyrn of neither they, nor the main Krawl force interfering. I intend on making good use of it.>Shadowmancers will chart a course with the Shadow Ants. Initial poisoning should begin with the Chili Pepper farms, from whence the Dark Lake garrison derives its primary nourishment. Thorough destruction is preferred, but secondary to the Dark Lake itself.>Utilize the hidden routes to lay strategic deposits of poison in watering wells, granaries, mess halls -or whatever they have that passes for them. Fire may follow when the garrison is sufficiently weakened, but what is most important is rendering the city and its amenities utterly harmful to the Krawl, that they would have to rebuild it from scratch, or forego it entirely in their upcoming counter-offensive.>Should the Gronn Dal mayor prove successful, the Krawl's own warbeast could be used in conjunction with our Bakhold Pouncers in delivering the final blow, and sinking the city itself under the waves. I hear it is a great digger. We could use such a thing back home, should it survive...- Marshal Bjorn SayyadExcerpt from war briefing>Despite confusing name, Dark City is not a lake, but a massive spire.- Forward Scout Report#42>Continue with the plan, reserve a contingent of Shadowmancers to place Fracture Blades on spire shadow. Stagger placement, remove when patrols approach, take your time to drain it.- Marshal Bjorn SayyadExcerpt from followup war briefing
>>62770471&2. Search for resources, rolled already, Angora Rabbits and Emeralds. The Vizari can not really take the time to rest. The nation lacks the usual resources most nations would rely upon, though the mages don't really need such things, as well food and warmth are constant concerns in this cold home. Diviners make their predictions and men go out to find what could be riches, resources, or more mushrooms. The first group find their way to a group of rabbits not yet discovered. Large, fluffy, and somehow less skiddish towards humans than most others they're easily domesticated and farmed for their meat and fur; though some take to keeping the creatures as pets. The second group are far more fruitful compared to the others; as the diviners point towards hills that hold fortune and they diviners did not lie. Green emeralds are uncovered and a mine quickly set up. After some testing it is found that, like most other gems that come to market, the emeralds can store quite a bit of mana, though it has an affinity with protection magic oddly enough.
>>6277047Action 1: Diamond Runeworks (upgrade Runic Workshop)Incorporating precision engineered diamond tools in our rune engraving allows for more potent runic engravings than ever before. Chisels, high fidelity graining tools and more are swiftly exchanged for diamond variants courtesy of imported Skrit gemstones.While the Urotti to the north experiment with vastly wider varieties of runes that we have access to in our libraries, we focus our efforts on unbeatable quality.Indeed, the entire runic workshop expands into a colossal sprawl that dominates an entire sector of Holtzahnad, now dubbed simply “The Runeworks”, a place sufficient to equip all the armies of VitruviaAction 2: Expand Reagent FarmsA recent audit has found that a surprising amount of Vitruvians are malnourished or born deficient in some way. After a thorough investigation, it is deduced that lack of nutrition and vital life-giving substances during gestation are responsible for this. Indeed, it is quite possible that all Vitruvians created since the vanishing of the Masters have been created slightly incorrectly due to a shortage of vital developmental chemicals!In order to begin rectifying this issue, an immediate expansion of the farming sectors is ordered, with Sabbatical to manage the expanded crop rotas.
>>6277047After much debate, the vote is cast, Princess Roza of house Waldetrudis becomes Queen of Ordalan. There had been much expectation between house Siglinda's trade focus and house Grimhallow's Emberglen focus, but the opposition between the two allowed house Waldetrudis to gain the slight edge in votes over both of them.>Action 1: Building of the Pyronix Sanctuary southwest of Sturnes. A place better equipped to handle the Pyronixen, with ample space, quarters and activities.With the deaths of so many Pyronixen, the Church of Schwaerz gets involved. Because a Tigernix needs to take in several Immortal Flames to even start the Pyronix transformation, that entails a significant influence in the church, making the loss of Pyronixen more noticeable than that of Pyre Axes. Inspections of the Pyronix dungeons discovers most of them to be woefully inadequate. Cramped and cold, unfit for even commoners. The reason for needing the dungeon remains though, the Pyronixen are unstable until the transformation is complete, a danger to the public, especially in Sturnes where most dungeons are found. Any Pyronix rampage could turn into a slaughter in the streets. The church thus creates a Pyronix Sanctuary outside the city, where space is plentiful and they can stretch their legs, as well as newly constructed quarters that are more befitting the lower nobility that the Pyronixen are.>Action 2: Pyronix bath reform. Providing baths and clean clothes to the Pyronixen, as well as plenty of food and drink. To improve bloodflow.When Queen Roza hears of the trouble involving the Pyronixen, she decides to get involved as well, demanding a reform in how the Pyronixen are handled. As most Pyronixen are lower nobility it is an easy case to make that they should enjoy the luxuries of their class, even when transforming. Roza demands that baths be provided to the Pyronixen, as well as clean clothes and bedding, not for cleanliness, but bloodflow, as vitality is the counter to illness. She also demands they never restrict them from food or booze, even as a form of punishment. These reforms cause many dungeons to close down, sending their Pyronixen to the new sanctuary, who struggles to accomodate. But then Queen Roza offers her assistance, providing the manpower and money necessary to expand the sanctuary, but also embedding her officials into the church, managing these new resources. Thus increasing Roza's influence.>Military: Holding off the Domo death titan, until Vitruvia's weapon is brought to bear.In the lull of the fighting, the envoys of Queen Roza of house Waldetrudis has negotiated with Vitruvia, a deal has been struck. Messengers are sent and Sasha's battle plan is changed, they are to focus on harrying the titan's advance, until the Virtuvian weapon arrives to destroy it. Sasha is upset that she doesn't get to deliver the killing blow, but she has witnessed the destruction left in the titan's wake, and will be pleased with its destruction.
>>6277047The purpose of these actions is to make the greatest preparations possible for the continued war effort. This includes expanding Our food stores and finally activating Our magic abilities.>1 Darkroe’s magicWith rachni the spider demon removed from Our collective consciousness, the time has finally come for Us to finish Our bridge over this endlessly vast gap. The path is clear, Our magic power (school) will be realized, and so too will Our connection to the krawl’s favorite planar monster, Darkroe. Rivaruo fills in for Maja as she handles the front lines, trusted with this sacred duty after having been able to kick around and prove herself for a while since her creation. Novenary was exempt from the same, due to his nature as a loose cannon.And so, standing on the precipice of the pit of ruin, also known as Vizari’s Folley, Riva directs the amassed krawl within Geloup Gris to form into its vortex. The ground rumbles as the whirlwind towers out of the pit’s center, stopping shortly above ground level. Having taken the entire amassment of bodies and krawl into itself, it has a wide brim. It is then that Riva sets a trajectory, to Darkroe, coordinates loosely memorized genetically since the beginning of the krawl itself. She uses her direct control to force Geloup Gris to self-disperse its entire body, with magic force in tow, inside the vortex. With all the raw power that was Geloup Gris suddenly at her fingertips, she finally whips the remaining vortex on its side and extends it instantly across space time. Soon, the midsection and end of the vortex vanish, and all that remains, floating above the center of the pit, is a spinning hole. A permanent rift in space time to one permanently selected location. The (magic school) portal was opened. Riva takes the first liberty to launch herself through, no bother yet to make a bridge, to meet the mythical monster of might and magic. (Pic related: red amalgamate: Darkroe) It is said that Darkroe speaks in four voices at once, given his single head with multiple faces. None but the high krawl may interpret his teachings, as each voice is meant for a single one at a time. With his help, We will craft great spells. Like a dragon of death, the tail, wings, claws, and single, forward, gaping maw emerge in a primordial uproar.
>>6278999>>6277047(2/2)>2 The Xelles Forest (extra map icon from expansion of the original?)Our lava fungus, the Xelles, is a great resource for the krawl, though it is currently only a single one. We have not attempted to propogate it, granted, as long as this species has contact with lava flow, they won’t fully mature. Until they wither, their spores don’t spread into the lava that they need to grow. So, We will attempt their expansion manually. In order to raise a Xelles forest under ground, We will scrape spore samples from the fruiting body’s cup of sturdy mycelium, then distribute them into Our lava flow. Once complete, this will allow Us to gain general-use access to very high quality krawl food sources. If there isn’t enough Lava, then make this action an excavation instead. (Pic related: a Xelles from the side, and the fruiting body on the top of the Xelles.)>Intrigue: where are the nachetar going? We idly watch their forces disperse, even sacrificing a handful of troops to get in close. They never attack or show any aggression, just observe from a safe distance.
>>6278893Addendum: Big FishingTerminate the Pike with extreme prejudice.That is all.
>>6279419>>6277534Yeah, kill the Scouting war action and join in on this.
>>6277047> Action 1: Call a Moot of the RealmBy royal decree King Torin summoned forth the miners, masons, smiths, and engineers of every clan and craft-hall to assemble within the grand halls of Thul-Garuhm. A grand feasting was prepared, laden with roast game, mushroom pies, and kegs of crimson ale drawn fresh from the royal vaults.Amid the revelry, the King stood atop the Anvil Throne and presented the moot with a problem: the mines and the deep roads are growing deep and vast and demanded a new system to keep the shafts dry and workable. Teams gathered around hearth-fires and planning tables, sketching pump designs on soot-slates and stone parchment. Tinkers from Virn-Lodahr proposed a chain-lift driven by wheel pressure, while engineers from the coast envisioned bellows sealed in resin to drive water up through rune-inscribed valves. > Action 2: Forge a Ballista Launching SystemAs the moot continued, a curious delegation from the Habitun joined the festivities scholars and shadowmancers bearing strange crystalline artifacts. After several mugs of fire ale and a short demonstration that left a bench splintered and two stewards mildly lacerated, they laid out their request: a launching mechanism for unstable, volatile crystal munitions.Intrigued, the dwarves pored over the designs. After spirited discussion, a solution emerged: a double-limbed torsion ballista mounted with a runic stabilization cradle. Forged from a reverb iron alloy and fitted with shock-absorbing struts, this mechanism would launch the crystal "porcupines" at velocity while minimizing stress on the payload. In place of standard trigger mechanisms, the dwarves devised a pressurized rune-spark ignition tuned with fine runecraft, allowing timed detonation to synchronize with airburst effects. A prototype was promised before the next Tyrn.
>>6279761> Action 3: Build an Apiary Village in Thanduil’s HollowFar from the bustle of the lives within the average hold, within the gentler corners of the south a new curiosity took root among certain farmers, wisewomen, and hearth cooks after word had reached their ears of a new golden substance called honey, said to be both healing and hearty. Intrigued, these dwarves set questions upon passing merchants and wandering folk where their inquiries eventually reached the ears of a pair of wandering Habitun scholars.These elven lorekeepers appeared with an offer. They would teach these dwarves about the art of bee tending in return for a share of the harvest to send to their Habitun kin. It was a fourth son of a minor lord stout and shrewd, who accepted the pact and rallied those interested.With royal blessing and clanstone in hand, they journeyed east to the ancient forest of Tusindårsskoven. There they founded a humble village where homes where dug into the hills with care. Small streams were diverted to feed gardens, while artificial hives were built from carved wood, amber steel, and polished stone> Rumors:Hollow-Eyed Watchers: Rangers from Der et’Tharn whisper of strange pale figures glimpsed at night—tall, root-bound things that leave no tracks and vanish with the morning dew.Cracks in the Deep Road: Engineers at the moot report unexpected fissures forming near the old workshops—some swear they humming.Echoes Beneath: A miner in Thul-Garuhm’s lower shaft claimed he heard tapping that matched the forge rhythm—though no work was being done nearby.Crimson Frost: Apiarists returning from Thanduil’s Hollow speak of a strange crimson frost seen clinging to certain flowers—none dare harvest from them.
>>6277048>Mold the mind.Free will adds layers of complexities and risks to the way of Skritsciety. It is a delicate balance after all, each skrit knows its place and purpose. The Skritar though, burdened with the kindling of sentience, lack such clarity. Thus Central takes steps to ensure that the Skritari become properly "educated" as to their what is expected of them and how to serve the swarm. Taking queues from the Venks and the Cult, it identifies the perfect tool for the job: Religion. And so Central becomes "Mother", the life giver of the Skritari, she who lives within and among them. May they serve her well, praise her for bringing them into the world, and make her proud!>Improve infrastructure.A lot of advances in all sorts of different fields have allowed the Skrit to thrive and rise from their humble beginnings. But there is one field they have been slacking on: Infrastructure. Their colonies and networks are still stuck in the old ways, and it is time to shine upon it the light of innovation, so says mighty Central. It begins to experiment with improved designs and methods to reinforce colonial infrastructure, improve overal logistics within and between them, and craft theories on how to better govern them.
>>6279800Replace action 1 Mold the mind with the following:>Enrich the mindReligion will give the children a purpose to serve and a law to abide. But the Skrit never needed these and have gotten as far as they have. What good is having a servant that is blindly obedient, but offers no value? The only thing of value when it comes to the skritarii is their intelligence, able to think freely without Central's input. Thus we must strengthen this quality of theirs and enrich their minds. Newborns are given a rough litmus test to evaluate where their intellectual strengths are, after which Mother assigns them a doctrine of study. Each skritarii will be assigned a field to specialize in and master under the Mother's guidance and tutelage.
>>6277047Report on Lesser Activities to Cyra, Noreusper of Guliseare, executioner of Thessa, bane of Kaenum, unifier of the Aripan, Ruler of all the hallowed mountains, Aelelox's chosen prophet, most blessed and holy Aripan to fly upon the skies and walk upon the earth.Efforts to slay the beast that rampages through the Barzantine lands and comes ever closer to the blessed mountains has been a failure. While our forces had done significant damage, the beast recovers through the corpses of our allies. Fortunately, our fleet is mostly intact compared to before, martyrs having been kept to a minimum. Although, many have suffered from the beasts unholy roar. The bulk of the fleet is to be repaired, and their crews given respite, but those vessels that need minimal repair, and those who are deemed sufficiently recovered from that unholy noise are to attempt to buy time and delay the beast in whatever way they can. Your faithful servant, Kallixeina.>Action One. Further arms for the blessedAs the forces of the holy army grow, more and more weapons need to be made, and with them come the greater demand of holy steel to be forged into the tools of war that purge the wicked, unclean and lesser from the world. A greater supply of the most important material for it's construction, iron, is required. And as such, the current deposits are to be expanded and further excavated to allow for our supply to come closer to the demand.>Action Two. Further prospecting.Related to this is a need for greater self sufficiency. While we have a source of iron, a reliable source of coal is something we lack. While wood can be utilized, it would result in more lumber yards being required to actually supply any charcoal kiln. And so, further efforts to try and find a source of coal so as to be able to be free from the trade that was required, or worse, being forced to waste far more hands doing labor in extracting a substitute and turning that substitute into something viable. A proper mine would be both far less labor intensive and also of far greater output and quality without impacting the other resources required for Guliseare's military.>Military action.All effort is made to delay the advance of the monster. Prevent it from ever daring to approach the foothills of the holy mountains. The Holy Army's fleet will need repairs, but those who's ears were not split and who's vessels were repaired will be sent.
>>6277131>BarzaThe reconstruction of Theodoropolis is no small task. Before its destruction it had relied on the steady flow of trade goods to build its homes, furniture and tools, but in this darker age it shall need to source these goods more locally. Geomancers set to work sensing the location of a sizable deposit of workable stone while more mundane craftsmen set to work building out the forges and workshops any city needs to thrive. Soon enough a fine vein of marble is discovered and put to good use supplying the city with both beauty and comfort.Missionaries to the Adenic lands find a warm welcome, indeed a sizable presence of the Luxor faith has already sprung up here, and the considerable deeds of the Barzans have opened many doors here. Unfortunately it seems something is brewing in the elite of the half elven people, the upper nobility of the Adenai grow withdrawn and strange and there is talk of permits and papers to even enter the capital, already many foreign merchants are having to do their work outside the city gates. For the time the nation seems to be closing off, though the rural countryside gladly accepts Luxor as their elf lords turn away from them.>>6277534>Krovian BandsFor too long the people of Grib have lived cushy lives while the distant soldiers of Krovia proper do the hard work of war and conquest. Meanwhile the people of Grib are sleeping on beaches, playing with their food, and even putting plants on their food! If the Krovians were more religion minded the problem would be solved with fire and knives, but instead Drevino opts for fire and knowledge. Stele of the history of Krovia, marked with the most glorious victories, and controversially the worst defeats of the Krovians. Sharkmen with loud lungs are assigned to holler the details at passerbys, explaining the more intricate details, and occasionally reenacting them. To pound the point of their glorious history in even more a district of new forges are opened up on the island to keep the locals armed and ready for the next war on the horizon. Curiously one of the stele is carved overnight, depicting a glorious last stand of krovian pirates against vizari wizards, though none can say who is responsible.The Gladiator Acolytes of the Pulse Arena of Luxor find their metallic avatar staring to the west over the ocean, a most savage and krovian grin on his face. He issues a command to summon the mightiest warriors in the land, a great foe approaches.
>>6277598>OrcmanieThe grim truth of war is that is an insatiable beast, ever hungry for more lives, weapons, and supplies. For Orcmanie to survive in the future every piece of it must be ready to defend itself, and so Cadon and Portblanc both set out to prepare their population for war. A supply of iron or other weapon’s grade material must be found, and forges must be built to transform the ore into the tools and weapons of war. The gods must favor the orcs this day (or their shrewd assessment of the red granite has paid off) for they have indeed found a rich vein of iron to exploit, and soon enough forge smoke stains the snow of Portblanc as they work to transform the metal into fine weapons.The Bureau sets about the relatively straightforward task of tracking down a loan elf in a strange place, and sure enough a trail of rumors and stories quickly surfaces of the lad. A trail of hedonism, debauchery, and frivolous spending serves to mask something more concerning, a number of attempts to bribe, subvert or corrupt local officials. By the time the bureau has unraveled a dozen plots that all amount to attempts to plunder Orcmanie of wealth the boy has vanished over the Adenic border. At least his machinations within Orcmanie have been stopped though.Efforts at recruitment to replenish the armies are somewhat hindered by local issues in the many cities of Orcmanie. Portblanc citizens protest that their sons are needed to chop wood for fires and repairs. Cadon and Colnaude recruits are willing, but the existing and planned forges have only enough weapons for the cities they are already supplying. >>6277664>Turquoise TurbansThe merchant lords of the Turbans have as of late become obsessed with water and greenery. Great projects have begun, at great expense, to expand the reach of the great river. Lacking stone or wood to build with the architects turn to the one thing they do possess in great abundance, steel. Great Thueban it is called, the Steel Snake of the desert. Almost immediately the levels of the river begin to drop as it is spread across greater land, but a great network of umbrellas and vitruvian cooling devices are put into place, actually enabling a mild increase in the depth of the river as much less is lost to the merciless gaze of the sun. The result is quite stunning, as green meadows and lush hills begin to spring up across the desert. A fine place for farmland, or perhaps even a bit of logging? Many complaints have arisen about the lack of local building materials, only the richest can afford the high cost of imported stone and wood.
>>6277678>Talarin I, King of the VenksAs lumber camps and a long overdue port is constructed in Avesten, news arrives from the south of the conflict between the Skrit and Krawl, as it often does. While volunteers to march and die in the meatgrinder of a war between hives are understandably rare, the question is raised if perhaps Vencia could lend some of its considerable food surplus to the Skrit to bolster their war effort. Better the swarm you know after all. Still it is a distant problem, most are more concerned with exotic trades from across the Tarn, a strangle slender yellow fruit bartered from skrit drones is currently all the rage.>>6277815>KhurnaireThe Stranger, Lord Mana, titles mean little to the DARK. Only in the test of strength will meaning be found. Great fortresses are built up to contain the swirling lands engulfed in darkness where strange things of bone and shadow walk. Sailors set out seeking supplies, tools, materials, anything to aid the struggle. Forges spring up, quarries are dug, a field of obsidian stone is found, fragile but sharp enough to cut the bone men. A jungle island, lush with wild mangos. For a time there is great will in the people. (Take three actions per turn until told otherwise).Khurkhashuin is attacked even before it is finished, though it is only a probing thing, a few women of black rubber, a few men of pale bone, laughing and gnawing even as workers' tools strike them down. A warning shot, a reminder that the DARK is coming.>>6278056>Habitun CultA strange city Gronn Dal is, and almost immediately comes a flurry of complaints, threats, and accusations about it. A city of heretics and abominations, shadow eaters and monsters. More practically the accountants and quartermasters cry out about the already lacking supplies of stone and wood, the already nonexistent infrastructure of ateliers and tailors or gods forbid the savages want a forge for their crude weapons of war. The demonstration of the joint project between the Urotti and Habitun shredding a stuffed roc simulacrum does little to appease them, save for calls for the weapon to be turned on the city of outcasts. Internally Gronn Dal struggles as well, especially with pampered Vencian nobles turning up at all hours to complain and wail about the conditions. >>6278674>VizariThe cold of Vizari finds itself much easier to bear with the aid of the Angora rabbit. Fluffy companions, and often sheared for their wool, the thick material soon finds itself into clothing, blankets and more, often forming thick tapestries to keep the high towers of wizards warm and cozy.Of more magical note, the discovery of emeralds set off quite the buzz. These glittering stones are quite proficient at storing magical power, and should serve well to support greater magical endeavors, or simply keep golems running in the field longer.
>>6278893>VitruviaGlittering diamond runetools are a useful addition to the workshops, enabling considerably more runes to be etched into place, and a good thing too, the latest accounting has shown that the sizable armies of Vitruvia simply can’t all be equipped by without this upgrade, and the Masters forbid if a second useful rune is discovered to add on.Speaking of shortfalls, the reagent farms are expanded in an effort to keep up with the vast demand for potions, and ingredients for the cauldrons of course. Apparently vast numbers of menia have been quite starved, but based on an order from the Masters seven centuries ago have refrained from complaining.>>6278910>Kingdom of OrdalanThe sanctuary bears considerable fruit. The newest generation of Pyronix have achieved a potent mastery of their flame and fury, while still maintaining their humanity, and indeed even a future. No longer are they looked at as shackled warbeasts, but rather powerful soldiers, able to strike with precise explosions of fury, violence, and fire. >>6278999>The KrawlThe sky trembles. Black clouds swirl. Tremendous power gathers to a point. Then the sky itself rips open, revealing a chaotic place beyond, and there waits Darkroe. Riva wastes no time, lunging into the portal. When she returns it is with new knowledge, of mana and magic, and the ways to transform it into weapons of war.Expansion of the Xelles goes off without issue, providing much needed food for the swarm. Watching the Nachetars reveals little, they return Zabacraw without complaint or treachery, then head north, though to which of the many nations of the north it is hard to say with certainty. A little is overheard by eavesdropping >>6279761>UrottiThe best and brightest of dwarfkind have few obstacles they can’t overcome, and the matter of pumping is not one of them. By end of moot designs have been sketched and planned out, supplies requisitioned, and by end of tyrn not only are the deep roads free of night soil, piss, and the occasional snowmelt flood, but the local farmers are well supplied in compost as well. A fine bit of work.A common ballista is a simple enough thing for dwarven minds, the trick with the habitun variant is of course that it must expertly apply vibrations just so, at just the right moments, without shattering any of its delicate payloads before. The resulting contraption is startlingly quiet, a clever alloy of reverb iron inverts the effects of the metal, allowing it selectively mute certain vibrations. Ever eager for new food and drink, the dwarves set to work constructing a great apiary. Easily preserved, and paired with pleasant candles useful in the mines it soon becomes a valued resource, even if the fields of flowers that feed the bees must be studded with hundreds of heat runes to keep the bees from being wiped out in harsh winters.
>>6279800>SkritShaping minds, and shaping flesh. These are the concerns of Central at the moment. One is easy enough to solve by building a facility for the Skritari to gather and learn. Curiously enough though the first lessons are handed down by Mother herself, quite soon Central finds some of her children taking on teaching duties themselves, passing knowledge on in turn. Fascinating.Of logistics there are naturally many inefficiencies to explore and handle, but the most glaring is the difficulty of producing new tools for new problems. The typical skrit strategy involves engineering entirely new life forms, producing batches of eggs, tending larva, field tests, the entire process often takes months or even years for a stubborn issue. But here her young Skritari develops a new solution she is glad to implement. Shaping Vats, purpose built chambers where a specialized drone can be grown and harvested to particular shapes in days or even hours, mimicking the same efficiency and purpose of a forge for a more traditional nation. Of course many more will need to be built for full military efficiency, but still it is a great boon.The Nachetars of the southern front pack their things and leave the battlefield, though they have left the infrastructure built for them behind under Skrit control. Within the now Skrit Node is left a detailed set of instructions on how to replicate the communication waves the Krawl use to command and communicate with another. A most interesting discovery.>>6280690>The Divine Republic of GuliseareAnelk slaves and Aripan scouts set hard to work this tyrn, expanding access to the veins of iron in the land, and by a turn of good luck finding a vein of coal as well. The work is well worth it (though Anelk slaves might disagree), for the previously meager arms of the capital army can now be replaced with fine steel. Sadly Adorota remains unable to support more than a meager militia, lacking both a forge and sufficient food infrastructure to pull the locals away from small farm plots and hunting.
> War (And Definitely Not War)> Vitruvia’s Big FishIt’s a lovely day on the Tarn for a day of fishing. Of course this is no ordinary fishing trip, the ships brim with krovian mercenaries and shock weapons. Rocs circle the sky from overhead keeping an eye out for large shadows in the water below. By day the waters seem calm enough, trade vessels sailing along with confidence. By night the waters fill with frog song and glowing eyes though, always just out of reach, vanishing whenever roc or krovian draws near. For two nights rings of glowing eyes herald strikes on the ships by the great Hafgufa, never fully committing, just dealing enough damage to force ships back to port for repairs. On the third night the vitruvian forces respond quickly to the ring of eyes, krovian mercenaries swimming up to ambush the great fish. Then it appears behind them, striking in a fury, shredding sharkmen into bloody chunks before attacking the ships in a fury, forcing them into a hasty retreat. > Siege of the Dark LakeThe svaltfar of the Habitun Cult march forth from the city of Deltus, armed for a mighty siege. Bakhold pouncers break the thin Krawl lines of resistance that remain, allowing shadow blade specialists to move in. Medqa daggers are embedded in key locations in mines, triggering their collapse, while skrit chemical poisons are poured on the thickets of chili peppers that sustain the Krawl forces. The Dark Lake itself, a massive high spire of seeming darkness is next and for a time sheer numbers hold off the elves, with waves of Krawl spilling from the strange edifice. Eventually the krawl are bottled up inside the strange structure, and the svaltfar set to work on their unique style of siege, crystallization. Striking at the shadow of the great structure close to its base, snowflake patterns of crystallization form and shatter under the force of the massive structure around them. Against a structure this size many medqa blades simply disintegrate or shatter under the strain, but fresh satchels of the esoteric weapons are brought to the front line, and though many are left broken in the dirt some tipping point is finally reached in the structure. The dark tower warps and twists like a flame in the wind, then snaps out of existence, leaving only a crystallized stump behind.
> March of the Sewn TitanIt is in darkness that the light shines brightest, and few places are this principal as bright as it is in the shadow of the Sewn Titan. Scattered Barzan forces, no longer with the comfort of ignorance, grimly regroup, armed with freshly blessed weapons of holy steel and magic severing blades of silver. To their surprise they find the dread titan hesitating, body twisting back and forth, one eyed face first staring north, then to the east. Finally it begins plodding toward the east, though the holy warriors of Barza set off in hot pursuit almost immediately. Behind them Ordalan forces transport a deadly cargo, vitruvian alchemy bombs said to light the very air aflame. From the south rushes the ragged remains of the Guliseare forces who have already wounded the monster once and look to do so again.The battle rages through the day. Barzan knights on giant boars strike at the monster’s ankles, weaving in and out of the grasp of the beast and cutting down any foul domo zombies that spill from its corpse body. Free aripan work uneasily alongside Guliseare forces, peppering the monster with fire, arrows and rays of light. Silversteel ballista rip and tear. Sinkholes into pits of lava leave the feet of the monster a horrific amalgam of charred flesh. Unexpectedly the forces even find themselves aided by Habitun operatives who litter the path of the monster with crystallizing blades and vicious horror worms, though neither seems to slow the beast for long, medqa blades shattering under the burden of stopping the giant. Scarred with crystal and charcoal, riddled with arrows and torn flesh, the beast stumbles and slows. Using borrowed airships Ordalan forces bring their deadly cargo into the air and move in for what they hope will be a decisive strike against the monster, only for the monster to unleash its hellish scream, paralyzing the airships and troops on the ground. With a contemptuous flick it sends the deadly payloads directly into the Ordalan forces, killing hundreds in an instant as waves of flame race across the battlefield.In the aftermath the Ordalan and Guliseare armies are forced into retreat, their numbers, supplies and equipment too depleted to continue waging war for at least two tyrns. The Titan itself turns toward the sea, marching out into its waters before vanishing under the waves.---- TURN 28 ENDS ----
>>6281122Action 1: Establish a Magic IconWith the Advent of myriad Luxorite Miracles there is a need for Priests to be trained in the Word and Deed of Luxor, and while for a time the Grand Basilica served ably, it is now woefully in adequate for the needs of his People. Thus, the Establishment of a Seminary, a complex to trains the priests and give them space to reflect and meditate upon his words. So that his Word might reach the masses more ably and his works might pass into the World to illuminate it more ably. Action 2: Greater Healing.While the Healing Rods of Luxor are potent, often there are wounds in the chaos of war that are beyond the rods ability to mend. Losses of limbs and other vital organs, mangling of a body via trampling or massive weapons, or holes rent in flesh via magic are all beyond the Healing rods capabilities as it can only mend, not restore what is lost. However, there is a promising Ritual that is being developed. With Massive Prayer inscribed silver bowls, and Water from the Blessed Spring, a ravaged form of man might be immersed in said water and restored to what they once were, despite injuries and maiming. This is quite expensive. Extremely so as the Bowls themselves requires precise engraving and much prayer, and the spring is taken from only rarely so as to not abuse Luxor's life-giving gift to us. Yet the results are promising and those who have served Barza as heroes may yet be whole once more.Military Action: With the Sewn Titan sinking into the sea, there is likely only one target. Krovia. While the Shark men are not loved in Barza, they are not hated. The Titan must fall, so Barzan Men brave and true march after the beast, so it will menace their homes never again. If it turns to fight? Lava will be used to break its stance and foundation, and Silver Blades will be used to harry it when it's otherwise fleeing or not turning to fight.Missionary Action: The Ashes of the Domo are inhabited. A new people. We do not know what they are called. WE do not know which heathen Gods they worship. But as a Neighbor we must spread his Light to them all the Same. The hands and feet of Luxor go south to spread the word.
>>6281125The sages are still pouring through their archives and cataloguing possible projects, but some have enough time on their hands to engage with the Academy-Archive’s primary missions. A makeshift diplomatic staff stationed in Kuttikrahr prepares to send envoys north.>Action 1: Strengthen the ZasThe mighty river has been the lifeblood of the plains since eons past. Its waters provided the people on their campaign north, provided the boar herds their prey, and made the Toir which we once called home to. It has stood with us for all time, and it must be why the DARK did not swallow the eastern plains as well. We stand above all spirits, but is it not right to repay and strengthen this one when it benefits us all the same?Let us build a temple behind Kharkhashuin, near the tributary, and let us dedicate it to Zas the Protector, who stands only for us, and let tributes (and little sacrifices) be fed unto it, so that it may believe this truth above others.>Action 2: Still LightThese strangers from north keep coming all the same, and this deity they speak of.. It is a useful label to use. Gather the weak and vulnerable, the unbound and rootless, and let them hear these evangelists’ screeds until these words fill their hearts one and all. The sages shall guide them afterwards, direct these new senses they gain from faith into the proper invocations for this Lord of Light, and capture the summoned lights into glass vessels commissioned from Kuttikrahr. Let a Church of Mirrors be christened in this pursuit, placed downriver from the boar herds, so that these thaumaturgic lights may be used for our purposes.Still, need a reliable supply of glass to make all of this worthwhile.>Action 3: Fortify KhurnaireKhurnaire itself is still woefully vulnerable to any band deciding to travel through the old road, so walls it is. Relatively standard, no magical add-ons, just something simple and easily fixable to modify later on.>War? Action: Poking ItThere’s never really a shortage of criminals, and while most pay it with a fine or a labour stint, some warrants a worser treatment. Let the tyrn fly by, and you have atleast a dozen give-or-take of this sort of criminals. The Lord of Steel is weak enough that going without some of these executions is adequate enough a favor to ask for some of the better guards that’ll be unfit for service on the forts as the years go by, so that’s some expendables, and outfit them with a week or so of provisions and one or two of the lower sages’ most annoying scribes, and you have a good for a mission or two scouting company. Promise them pardon and a job offer on Khurnaire or the forts, and I’m sure they’ll get us some amount of worthwhile intelligence on the Darklands.
By the great grace of our Lord Aagen,who has granted us this tyrn of the sun, I, King Talarin of the Venks in my seventh tyrn upon Swiftarn do hereby order;>Hallowthwaite, being long an Abbey town, be now granted a city charter and his grace ennobled as an Earl-Bishop>Grand frost markets be built upon the road and portal to the Urotti and the beasts thereabouts brought to the College of Notables
>>6281127Action 1: More Reagents!More more more more!Blasting pods and zapgrass, great fields of burnseed to be turned into b-oil, artificial wetlands to grow Evil Rice and great mennish mangroves to harvest for mangrove mango man toes.All sorts of the most obscure and delicate crops are planted in an effort to race Vitruvia towards full agricultural self sufficiency, evidently this is the most important goal as of late and so it is pursued with extreme rigour.Action 2: Deepwell ArchiveThe Nachetar refugees are taken in to The Well where they are free to live in peace beneath the ground. Built down in the discontinued sections of that quarry are countless layers upon layers upon layers of residences, anchored from wall to wall, enough for the current nachetar population and then many many more to inhabit, sustained indefinitely by the Prime Species that spawned them in the first place.The residents may view this as an exceptional kindness, but what Vitruvia extracts from them is knowledge. Stories and cultures from other worlds that add to the hodgepodge that is the Vitruvian cultural tapestry, teachings and discoveries and theories in mathematics, sciences, fields of thought and literature. Skilled workers in complex trades, magicians and sorcerers who, lacking magic, maintain their knowledge, the occasional alchemist or runesmith who may actually be quite helpful, there is practically no end to those who know something or other, especially as the population of this colony grows.The Deepwell Archive refers to the sum total of all the extracted knowledge from these refugees from unreality, a library-sanctum that can allow these war-weary nachetar to live in peace and allow their vast knowledge to aid Vitruvias educational establishments.(Note, move the sonic bird icon to the correct location)
>>62811251. Jeweler in VizariWith the discovery of emeralds the Vizari jewelers get a major boost in income as the wealthy have a new material to seek out in their choice of magical accessories and golem cores. The current jewelers expand, hiring new apprentices, who in turn start their own workshops and hire their own apprentices. Copper still remains the only precious metal, unfortunately, but it is potential that could see merchants exploring options on the mainland. 2. Build a Golem Workshop in Vizari.Along with the expansion of jewelers the golemancers also find their business booming. With the emeralds allowing for a greater capacity of mana to be stored they find an increased demand for golems with emerald hearts. Military affairs, domestic workers, and merchants all desire golems that can last on fewer recharges.
>>6281122>>6281124>Action 1: Forge at CadonFinding veins of Iron in the red earth so close to Cadon seems a gift from Varez himself; and so in honour of the fiery god forges are established at Cadon; that the work of the local smiths might turn raw iron to forged steel and provide the Orcmanie with another source of tools and weapons.>Action 2: Survey/Prospect: Portblanc MaterialIt seems Portblanc is in need of building material, and so the King decrees that one will be provided to his subjects. Preferably, the search might uncover a local and useful material source that might be put to use to bolster the isle's local economy and save on shipping fees.>Warrior Priests: The Broken SouthDomo 'civilisation' might have fractured, but are the Demons of the Domo yet all put to rest? Many Warrior-Priests of the Orcmanie now venture fourth beyond the bounds of Colnaude and Ganstad. Some are gripped by the urge of exploration, seeking to understand more of the world, the known gods and mysteries of gods unknown. Some are driven by missionary zeal or the dreams of racial ties; for the Slaug-Orcs of old must have been distant kin, and bringing them and their descendants into the fold of Ganuz' pantheon would be a boon to any of Orcen blood. Some simply wish to help the common people of the land fight back against threats from the remnant Domo-monsters. And some wish to scrutinise this society; to determine if they are truly seeking redemption, or merely the same old Domo-monsters now wearing brand new skin.>Military Action: Muster at CastraThe fortress of Castra Orienta has been garrisoned by soldiers of the Orcmanie ever since the start of the Domo wars, and so it is here that the Orcman army musters. Soldiers are rotated both to and from the garrison, though more join the then leave as waning Adenic interest and numbers leaves the shoulders of Orcmen to take up the increased burden. And whilst the soldiers ready and drill and prepare, their leaders assess and communicate with neighbours to see where the next campaign should wage.
>>6281122>Distrust of the outsider is a healthy emotion to hold. Contempt for Council decree, and the sanctity of another's property, is an unhealthy sentiment to maintain to those that wish continued use of their limbs.- Excerpt from tyrnly sermon from the Cognita CathedralAction 1: Skald College (red)>Intra-realm art has been deemed safe for consumption for the youth. Content not compliant to Terra's will will be censored and its producer severely fined. You may proceed with your project at will.- Reply from Habitun Council to Gronn Dal mayor proposal of Skald College>Skint: I won't do it>Mayor: You may starve>Skint: You promised us shelter and work!>Mayor: And I am giving you one>Skint: But it is denigrating! Our goddess's hymns are not to be regaled by braggarts, tittered by tots, nor scoffed by toffs!>Mayor: It is by the grace of her non-existence that her tale may be told, you honor her this way, or you honor naught at all. Besides, this ingratiates thee to childe and man alike, that they may hurl less stones when they seeth yon non-alfaen visage!- Excerpt from Gronn Dal: The Founding, a play by the Skald College of Gronn Dal, troupe touring Habitun this coming Ylir!Action 2: Smoking Quartz mine (blue)>Propriety and decorum should not be the forces that can block progress. Resources and bureaucracy should.>To that end, I have leveraged reasonable funds to acquire the patch of land southwest of Bikube, and papers to allow you and yours access.>A deposit of highly valuable gemstones lay there. For your efforts in cutting the red tape, I shall dedicate half to your nation.- Missive from Stige Sukon to Alpha Skrit nodeTrade:>VitruviaGive: 1/2 Lapidary produce in the form of fine lenses and laboratory instrumentsReceive: 1/2 Reagent farm #1 produce in the form of tree growth potions>VenciaGive: Shadow Trade Route #1 in the form of precious stones and gemsReceive: Iron Mine #1 produce>SkritGive: 1/2 Cave Fish in the form of Shadow Jelly, 1 Smoking Quartz mine output, 1/2 Dulce Plumbum (lead) mine output, 1/2 Ouroboros Snake pens outputReceive: 1/2 Coal Mine produce, 1 Spider Silk farm output>UrottiGive: 1/2 Juhrs for purposes of mining and tunneling, disseminate 10 library cards of access designation 122 to each Dverg house of note, enable merit-based admittance of Dverg to school and college, 1 Glitter Vapor mine produce in the form of Terra's Pus for purposes of runecraftReceive: Underground infrastructure, 1/2 Lumberyard produce, 1/2 Gneiss quarry produce, Platinum mine produce>Habitun #083Give: Platinum reserves obtained from Urotti for purposes of dragon punishmentReceive: Steel mine produce- Habitun Council national trade audit, 122
>>6282628War: Logistics for Skrit backlines (Rest)>Overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer. Our alfs need rest and recreation. Reward them with that for their victories, and morale shall remain ever high. Push them to continue fighting when they need not, and their defeat shall erase any memory of their accomplishments from their and our people's memories to date.- Missive from Marshal Bjorn Sayyad to Habitun CouncilIntrigue: 3/3 Wyvern Hunt>>Gormandur 9th, Fog age>Arrived at Tin mine. Bartered foods fod a compass. Shadow Ant guide seemed leery of continuing north. Ignored.>>Solmandur 12th, Fog age>Running out of Shadow Ant eggs. If this goes on, might need to expend Terra's Flesh emergency supplies to request resupply.>>Solmandur 22nd, Fog age>Finally found missing Frost Chimera. Bones scraped clean... and chewed in some parts. Turning back, isolated general perimeter with other agents.- Agrimensore Report #369Agrimensores Guild: 3/3 (Toyelig Pitchers)>Beware the sickly sweet smell of near-Dulce, for it heralds the presence of a most vicious predator. Stationary, but not to be underestimated. Back away slowly, ensuring your step is solid with your tiptoes. Should it begin sliding, you must retract it afore it turns into a gooey mass, for that is the secretion of the Toyelig Pitcher.>Should it ensnare you, a short fall through tubes into what passes for its stomach, followed by agonizing digestion, awaits.- Scoutsmaster Ivar Buraq,"Wandering Through The Realm, A Guidebook"
>>6281122Turn 27 > Action 1: Rune Research – Binding the WildIn the quiet depths of Virn-Urdor several rune masters and lore keepers convened to address a growing unease. Tales from abroad from tyrns long past oft spoke of uncontrolled magics and continent spanning spells, of arcane storms twisting man and nature alike. With cautious purpose and little ceremony, they began research into a new class of runes designed not to unleash power, but to bind and temper it.Dubbed Stilrunaz, or “stilling runes,” this line of inquiry sought to create a glyph capable of catching fragments of chaotic, wild or ambient magic and siphoning them into crystalline matrices for slow release. Whether this energy came from spells gone awry the leavings of ancient enchantments or gods blasted fields, the runes would gather and store the excess until the surrounding environment could safely absorb it again. > Action 2: Prospecting – Hills of the SouthSurveyors were dispatched to the southern rises past the old capital. With chisels, ground picks, and mattocks in hand, the prospectors scoured the land in search of new resources for their clan. > Action 3: Prospecting – The Icebound StepIn the frost-choked barrens of the east, another team pressed forward under bone-chilling winds seeking the mineral bones of the land beneath the snow. Despite several blizzards and the loss of a yak-team to frostbite, the dwarves continued to endeavor onward in search of new wealth for their clan.> Rumors from Across the HoldsRunes That Hum: A stonecutter’s apprentice in Thul-Toruhm claims that one of the test stones from the east hums softly at night. His overseer scoffed… until he heard it too.Veins of Violet: In the southern hills, a miner uncovered a thin ribbon of metallic violet ore. It sparked when touched with steel and left a faint taste of salt in the mouth. The sample was sealed and brought to the forge-priests.Dreams of Fire: Several rune-smiths working on the stilling runes have reported shared dreams—visions of great chains snaring a burning sky. Some call it omen, others inspiration. Either way, they continue carving.
> Action 1: Expand EastThe great desert to our eat long lays uclaimed. It has lain dormant for a long time. Enugh time that we feel confident the sharks don't want it - expand west> Action 2: Bamboo orchardsWhat we need is a construction material. Wood is better for fire. What we need is bamboo. It grows fast and it being hollow makes for great insulation.Begin cultivating canegrass/bamboo on mass for construction purposes!
>>6282628Adjust Trade:>VitruviaGive: 1/2 Lapidary produce in the form of fine lenses and laboratory instrumentsReceive: 1/2 Reagent farm #1 produce in the form of tree growth potions>VenciaGive: Shadow Trade Route #1 in the form of precious stones and gemsReceive: Iron Mine #1 produce>SkritGive: 1/2 Cave Fish in the form of Shadow Jelly, 1 Smoking Quartz mine output, 1/2 Platinum mine output (traded from Urotti), 1/2 Ouroboros Snake pens outputReceive: 1/2 Coal Mine produce, 1 Spider Silk farm output>UrottiGive: 1/2 Juhrs for purposes of mining and tunneling, disseminate 10 library cards of access designation 122 to each Dverg house of note, enable merit-based admittance of Dverg to school and college, 1 Glitter Vapor mine produce in the form of Terra's Pus for purposes of runecraftReceive: Underground infrastructure, 1/2 Lumberyard produce, 1/2 Gneiss quarry produce, Platinum mine produce, Green Marble produce>Habitun #083Give: 1/2 Platinum reserves obtained from Urotti for purposes of dragon punishmentReceive: 1/2 Steel mine produce- Habitun Council national trade audit, 122
>>6281129Report on Lesser Activities to Cyra, Noreusper of Guliseare, executioner of Thessa, bane of Kaenum, unifier of the Aripan, Ruler of all the hallowed mountains, Aelelox's chosen prophet, most blessed and holy Aripan to fly upon the skies and walk upon the earth.The vile Kaenumite beast has left Barzantine lands. Alive, Unfortunately. While there is certainly a desire to rectify this, the losses our forces have taken are regrettably significant and while the faith of our army is unbreakable, to further waste them would be sin, for in their current state they surely would achieve little. Airship losses in the field have been minimal, yet a significant number which have returned from the prior clash are considered write offs and only useful to be broken down for parts. Further, casualties among experienced crew has risen, even if the majority are still alive and simply...combat ineffective due to their injuries. Mainly regarding that of their hearing. Your faithful servant, Kallixeina.>Action One. The prime hunting grounds of Kaenumite.In the chaos of the battle in the south a single airship found itself grounded, decrewed and unguarded as Guliseare forces regrouped. And an Anelk whom once was a slave and had been one of few who had actually managed to escape Guliseare and blend in with the free Anelk population in Ordalan found a major opportunity. With the help of some likeminded ragtag Anelk forces part of the decimated Ordalan army, the ship light enough for the sizable group to lift with some effort, was moved aside and hidden in the nearby forests. There, slowly but surely, it was repaired, a few other free Anelk coming to aid the ships repair, along with one simple modification to allow for propulsion despite their lack of magic to move the vessel through the air. A massive propeller powered through a system of chains powered through physical labor, along with some smaller ones on the sides of the vessel. In essence turning the vessel into an areal equivalent to a ship powered by oars. Quercia, the Anelk in question who managed to scavenge the vessel, would become it's first captain and christen the ship with a new name.Thessa's Revenge.And thus, the first Sky Pirate would come to plague Guliseare.>Action Two. Further faithful forgesWith far more plentiful iron and coal supplies, more localized production for Adarota was only natural to come about. Even if most tools and weapons were made in the capital, the forges would be useful for repairing things. Be it parts for the airships in the nearby docks or local tools and weapons for hunters, workers, farmers and so forth. Regardless, it would be highly beneficial for the growing town, and certainly make things easier on the subsistence hunters and farmers. (Also relinquish the conquered territory in the south to our southern neighbors. It is useless to us)
>>6281122>Action 1 - Expand TerritoryGrib's been busy, as of late, with more mainland Krovians showing up day after day. The quiet idyllic culture is being swept away by the current of Krovian ideals. Pressed for peace, the more peaceful Krovians fill up the rest of the island, little homes and abodes springing up in the untamed mushroom wildernesses.Some who welcome the change venture across the sea on a short trip, looking to secure a supply of fresh Krawl to send back to the ever-hungry mouths of the tourists.Oh also the desert sharks inch a little along the coast.>Action 2 - ArmorKrovian's love of bloodshed and violence is well established. Their weapons are of fine make, suitable for hacking, crushing, slashing; anything a sensible Krovian could wish upon their foe. But defense? Seems a bit pointless, really. Bloodshed is good, whoever spills it. Still, the biting ants and corruptive Nacheter have left the Krovians aware of the less fun kinds of injuries, festering venoms and black magic working to make the Krovians work on making sure they can avoid such things in the future.>Military Action Hoorah! As Drevino and his forces march to the Pulse/Lux Temple, they begin to chant their bloodthirsty war cries, tales of past victory and promises of future slaughter winding together seamlessly under the beat of their drums. A great cheer springs up as they crest a hill and catch sight of the temple itself, the glowing Avatar of their shared god standing at it's peak and gazing out to sea, weapon in hand and a grinning snarl on their face. >Intrigue Action - Help the Vitruvians with their fish problem AGAINWe have shamed ourselves. What sorta pike escapes our great hunt?A really yummy one, probably!Get dat fish. We will dine on it's ornery flesh!
>>6282171Addendum: Keep fishingContinue supporting Krovian endeavours to hunt the legendary Leviathan Pike, bringing out our shock weapons to bear against the horrid beast.
Peace, at last. The declaration is made by Queen Roza of house Waldetrudis, that we have beaten back the Nachetar menace. What follows is a long and arduous process of compensation and inheritance. Many nobles had died in the war, some noble houses had been wiped out, though some turns out to have survivors. House Hadwigg was thought extinct, until word spread about Sasha the Vermillion Blade. But because of this, a number of pretenders arise to try and claim the inheritance of lost houses. There is work to be done in righting the record.>Action 1: Restoration of the Blossoming Dawn, first step, the ringed road outskirts.The Church of the Blossoming Dawn was a promise of a bright future, a promise broken with its destruction, but we shall mend that promise with the making of a new and grander church. As the first step, a ringed road is made around the Ruins of Dawn, this ringed road is dotted with inns, rest stops and warehouses. This acts as both a hub for travel, as well as a stockpile, gathering vast amounts of building material, both from Ordalan as well as abroad, in preparation for building the new church in the middle of this ringed road. Furthermore, having all caravans move on this one road gives us a precise overview of who enters and leaves.>Action 2: Southern expansion, a land of Red Hooded Vagrants, keeping watch over the cursed lands to the south.After the war is over, the Red Hood Vagrants are left wondering what to do. The war was a source of income, not only from Ordalan mercenary contracts, but also from bounties from all the banditry caused by the war. Fortunately Sasha is there to tell them what to do, they are to expand into the former Domo territories, making a new home, a land of vagrants. Soon whole tent villages appear in these territories, some continue work as Red Hoods in keeping order and protecting against the cursed lands to the south, but many beat their swords into ploughshares, to make these lands their home. Some daring Red Hoods even try settling into the cursed lands themselves, testing their mettle to the extreme.>Military: Returning home, or making new homes down south.With the collapse of the Domo regime, the threat is dealt with, for now. Thus the warriors return home, those who still have homes that is. Many of the homeless go off to the southern expansion, to make new homes, even if it means fighting the horrors of the cursed lands.>Diplomacy: Take over the western hextre of the Guliseare-Domo occupation. Eastern hextre goes to Barza.Also, the one hextre of occupation Ordalan has had gone missing on the map, attached image shows it.
>Build quarts mine for the cultAfter diplomatic back and forths, Central agrees to build a quarts mine in Cult lands >Expand silk productionEyeing its infrastructure and spider silk as a possible core resource to improve it, the Skrit expand their silk production
>1: The first magic forms: projectile classesWith the snapping of the dark lake, it is once again time to multiply. Next time, we may consider a Great Dark Lake. But until then, We must rebuild far stronger, like a muscle made of millions. Rivaruo is tasked with translating the first teachings of Darkroe to that of results in reality. As such, she devises the badly-needed basic projectile classes, each modified forms of pre-existing types.>ViblovaA modification of Blova’s remnants, it shoots a pair of projectiles from the top of its head. They glow bright green as they sail over a moderate distance, and offer small blunt force trauma. Far more painful in large groups, beware dismemberment>VolzepiA mauled modification of the zepi form, with only three and a half legs, it lobs exploding balls of condensed, unstable crystal, one at a time, which constantly grow out of its body. Detrimentally hot AOEs, beware your hair.>GrisbonA modification of gris, it is like the standard lump of mud with a gelatinous amorphous snail foot to locomote it around, however, its attack pattern has been changed, and its form further adapted. Instead of extending arms from itself, it is able to morph into the ground with its further liquified form, not only to make the ground harder to traverse, but also present heavy detriments to humanoid health on contact with bare skin. Not only is it full of dead animals and disease, the plague and toxins they may bring are amplified by the power of Darkroe’s magic effects.>2: Failsafe protocols (create living library of specimens)Samples of every different specimen in the capital hive are collected, including the Xelles, fungal garden and etc. unique food stores elsewhere. These heaps of spores for each will be transported to the far east, in the desert, to the lava flow. This will become the library of living specimens, which may see use to grow another large hive in the immediate future.
>>6281300>Constantine the Regent of BarzaThe Holy Seminary of Barzaentine is an unusual institution, compared to most buildings referred to as seminaries. Many things are similar, the morning prayers, the shelves creaking with scrolls and leatherbound tomes of wisdom, the ancient abbot who leads them. Less usual is the calisthenics, led by a roaring krovian convert, the grizzled veterans who teach the art of the cudgel, sword, mace and shield, or the mix of arcane and divine spellcraft taught here. A barzan missionary must be ready to meet new believers anywhere.To heal all the woes of war is a commendable effort, and Barza has taken a powerful stride to doing so with the creation of the Healing Baptism, a ritual silver and the holy water that flows from the mountain top. The tremendous power involved can cure nearly any disease, restore lost limbs, perhaps even nudge the hourglass of life back a few years. What it cannot touch is the horrors of war that afflict a soldier's mind.The missionaries on the southern border find themselves oddly, and indeed even suspiciously welcomed into the Khurnaire lands, with a grand Chapel of Mirrors being constructed to house visiting missionaries. The strong endorsement certainly leads many to the faith of Luxor however, and there is a genuine desire among many common folk to flock to a faith that might guard them against the shadowy threats lurking on their borders.>>6281439>AA. of KhurnaireThere has always been a holy power to running power, the sweeping current that in time purifies all within it, expelling all filth and contaminates to the great ocean where salt does what men sometimes cannot. Still it would not do to underestimate the enemy, and so a fine temple is built where the prayers of the faithful might flow downriver and form a barrier that strength of arms cannot.Strange times call for strange allies, and the suspicious looks of the barzan missionaries confirm the sentiment, still when one faces spirits of darkness what better tool than the light? Let the masses take up some foreign faith, there is plenty of power in it after all, and that power will certainly be needed in the days to come. The Church of Mirrors will collect that light and forge it into a blade of light, the full ramifications of the will of the people can be handled some other time.Scarce are the walls around Khurnaire constructed when the first strike of bone men and rubbery shadow women attack it, laughing all the while. Their heart is not in it however, nor in repelling the probing attacks Khurnaire sends into their lands, no another nation has earned their ire this tyrn. Still if shivering survivors are any indication the threat within the cursed lands is dangerous indeed, with whimpered whispers of strange powers and cursed strength.
>>6281458>Talarin I, King of the VenksHallowthwaite marks the third city of Vencia, pulling together the scholars and priests of the abbey with the traders and merchants of avesten into under a single Earl-Bishop. Built from red clay bricks there is occasionally a spot of worry that the city might stand up and walk away, but so far it remains in place.New markets spring up along the northern road to the Urotti. Dwarven runework in particular proves an immediate fascination to many a Venk, even if runic heaters must be carefully isolated to avoid their disruptive nature. Still this form of magic is quite resistant, unlike the enchantments and alchemy of many other nations it can reassert itself once free of Vencian influence. This shared environment also makes quick work of the northern bear’s mysteries, the beasts apparently transmit some sort of fear effect along their gaze! At least to anyone not a Venk.>>6282171>VitruviaThere is simply not enough farmland in Vitruvia. Even as the fields are expanded and then expanded again the sheer need of the cities, the alchemy labs, and the munitions factory all desperately clamour for more. Sadly there’s nothing to be done, save the simple act of planting and nurturing of fields.The Nachetar refugees settle comfortably into the Deepwell Archive, though to no one’s surprise save the single minded homunculi they ultimately build a small village on the surface, only descending into the mine for their work amongst the prime statues. Exactly what they’re trying to achieve as they commune with the statues is hard to say, though they certainly fill quite a few scrolls with interesting bits of information about the myriad people who never were.>>6282178>The Tower Archmage of VizariThe work of a wizard has long been one of a polymath, having to master both scholarly pursuits as well as more practical efforts such as architecture, craftsmanship, smithing, and sculpting. But the simple truth is that as the world grows larger, especially as military forces grow more numerous, such an approach can no longer suffice. Jeweler and Golem workshops spring up in Vizari to apply the detailed expertise of gem and golem shaping on a wider level, allowing combat focused magi to spend more time mastering their craft and less time polishing their staves. The more uniform design and quality of golems, gems and other tools of the trade also simplifies the logistics of any military activity in the future.Merchants stopping over in Urong find the city has, for lack of a better word, chilled. The usual smiles are present, but there is an uneasy feeling involved in all transactions in the city. An attempt to touch the mind of one of the citizens met a sudden surge of dread and chill that rebuffed the spell, and though the changeling made no indication that it had noticed the merchants quickly departed. Was the skin of changelings always this cold?
>>6282379>OrcmanieOrcmanie must be able to defend itself, and defend others. Must be ready, at all times to take up the sword and shield. Such is the ethos that propels forward the construction of the forge quarter at Cadon, workshops and smithies being built to supply the city with local tools, and in times of war to bring sword and spear and axe to the frontlines. Less directly connected to this effort, but still vital is the seeking of materials for homes and walls in Portblanc. What is found is curious indeed. First mistaken as ice, and referred to by some as everice, this pale and heavy blue stone is an excellent insulator, taking a remarkably long time to change in temperature, making the homes of Portblanc considerably warmer and more comfortable.Exploration in the Khurnaire lands is a mixed bag. Immediately around Ganstand there are scattered tribes of previously Domo people, many hungry, most confused as though waking from a long nightmare. These flock to the banner Orcmanie, eager to find some semblance of normalcy even if under the banner of another nation. Many of the blue skinned slaug especially find themselves drawn to the ranks of the warrior priests and their orcish gods. Going the other direction are nixen settlers from Ordalan, pushing in to claim these lands. Further south the jungle twists and warps into a strange plain where the sky grows sullen and violet. Here the priests find themselves attacked by laughing creatures, some of pale bone, others of dark rubbery flesh. Though they are dispatched easily enough, the explorers do not stay long. Of Khurnaire proper, far to the east they are welcome warmly, here there is much talk of the dark powers on their border, and interest in what power the orcman pantheon might bring to fight them.An unfortunate event, a Turban delegation, (much harried after passing through the cursed lands to the south) has come to collect on debts owed, claiming the output of the Lumber and Cattle industries around the city that was once Koll’nand. This would have caused an unfortunate shortage of building materials, but a curious solution is developed, an architecture style of using sailcloth for walls is developed, taking advantage of a sizable linen farm outside the city.
>>6282628>Habitun CultThe Skald college of Gronn Dal finds it must strike a fine balance between many things. There is the providing of entertainment of course, of songs and japes and the drama of the theatre. There is the desire of its actors and playwrights, culminating in arguments loud and furious about the butchering of treasured stories and tales of their people for the sake of entertainment. Grimmest of all is the glare of the censors of the church. Many a tale is spared by what quickly becomes the standard opening of works from the Skald College. “Here is a tale believed by a distant people, may Terra have mercy on their soul”. While the Forgotten chafe at the implications, and the censors glare at the lack of any direct condemnation, for most it suffices, and the treasury (and pockets) of Gronn Dal are soon lined with coin from “The Splitting of the Lands”.Smoking Quartz, long a source of great amusement, the butt of many jokes, is quickly finding its way into the efforts of the coutures and other ateliers. Though convincing a lady of proper society to wear a ‘marital aid’ on her dress is near impossible, more practical minded elves quickly take up the style of patterns of small gems woven into their silk garments, toughening it into something more like steel than silk.>>6282996>Urotti DwarvesThe Spelleater rune has long been a sought after rune. Unfortunately it simply doesn’t exist, what is found instead is called the Shatter Rune, an ugly looking thing that breaks magic that strikes it into harmless motes of light. But when coupled with mountain runes the shattered spells can be absorbed into other runework.Word of a strange problem has arisen during the spring melts. Some strange new fungus, as tall as a dwarf has overtaken many cellars. Worse still is that it releases gusts of wind as dwarves approach, sometimes knocking them off their feet, other times hurling objects at those that approach. After uprooting the unruly fungus with the aid of tower shields the dwarves manage to gather the fungi into a farm proper, where they can be managed for food, or perhaps other uses.Prospectors discover an abandoned mine, though one that is causing no small amount of confusion among the prospectors, because no one can quite agree what's in it. Moreso each prospector has returned with a sample of a different ore! After some head scratching the conclusion is eventually reached that the mine produces whatever those who enter desires, a remarkable find! There are even lower levels that have been barred with heaps of rubble that should be easy to clear! (You can change the output of this mine to any ore you’ve seen).
>>6283283>Turquoise TurbansBought from the distant jungles of the Skrit and Krawl, the bamboo seeds flourish in the warm climate of the Turban territory. Soon enough the sturdy material is found all throughout the territory, alongside a yellow sandstone freshly quarried this tyrn. The resources will be well used by settlers as they expand across the desert. A few of the boldest even stake a claim in the cursed lands, though this may ultimately be unwise and draw the attention of this darker power.>>6283598>The Divine Republic of GuliseareTo protect the holy land there must be forges, workshops, carpenters, polers and cooper and all manner of craftsmen. A great many of these are built in Adarota, allowing far more of the city to take up arms in a time of need.Far to the south there is a concerning development. The wreckage of many airships is strewn across the Domo plains, and in that wreckage precious Orihalchum lay, inert, regathering its precious gift of flight until it can lift free. But instead of joining the stars it is instead scavenged by escaped Anelk slaves, repaired with skills hard won through years of hard labor, and then improved further with chains and a strange contraption called a propeller that pushes the ship about. They swoop north, terrorizing Ordalan citizens, raiding trade routes, and generally doing as they please before vanishing into the hills. >>6283828>Krovian BandsArmor has long been viewed with skepticism by Krovians, who wonder if pulseless metal skin is really worth anything, but as the world grows more dangerous there's no denying its use. Wounds that won't stop bleeding, little monsters that burrow beneath the skin and eat you from the inside, all manner of barb and poison, these things serve well to push the desire for something to protect the body. Krovian settlers push out once again, filling out the last few wilds of the world.>>6283923>Kingdom of OrdalanWork begins on the restoration of the church, first carving out a large space around it with roads and checkpoints, in anticipation of future work.Red Hoods head south, setting down homesteads and roots at last. Those in the cursed lands face almost immediate attack from the locals, strange humanoids, some pale bone white, others black and rubbery, all always laughing. Adding salt to injury there are reports of bandits in airships! Stolen from the Guliseare?The acquisition of new resources does much to alleviate concerns in Ordelan, filling stomachs and providing lumber for new homes.>>6284437>SkritToil and labor are simple things to the Skrit, and the expansion of mines and the spinning of more silk is easy enough. The smoking quartz it acquires in the process is quite useful, toughing chitin and silk into a material that is remarkably strong. When combined with the existing lead armor the result is something comparable to steel.
>>6284538>KrawlThe blessings of Darkroe are felt almost immediately across the Krawl. These first blessings manifest simply enough, as bursts of energy that can be lobbed, impacting with blunt force, exploding more energetically, or even applying toxic contact poisons. The loss of the dark lake sends a shock of panic through the Krawl, and an immediate effort to catalogue and preserve the lost forms from the dark lake begins. The resulting library is secreted away to the east, far from the battlefield where they can be cultivated further for future projects.
> Fall of the Sewn TitanThe krovians smell the approach of the monster before they ever see it. A cocktail of rotting fish flesh, decayed bodies and worm eaten lumber that invades the nostrils and curdles even the krovian stomach. Then the first wave bursts from the shore, skittering ancient beasts of the sea, some more bone than flesh, held together by root and sinew. Pike, axe, and harpoon cut them down easily enough. Scarce have the boldest chefs considered how much boiling would be required to make proper food from them does a second wave burst from the sea. Then a third, a fourth, a fifth- all through the day waves of abominations crawl up from the coast and are cut down. As the sun goes down the form of the titan is revealed by the glowing threads wound through its body, lurking in the ocean. Only then does it stride forward, emerging from the water amidst the greatest tide of monstrosities yet. If not for reinforcements from Girb allowing the more elite warriors of Zhelezo time to breath the lines may have broken immediately.Even Drevino is dwarfed next to the monstrosity, yet he holds the beast at bay, moving with startling agility around the sewn titan, hacking at its legs, keeping it from devastating his forces. Though the titan is truly massive, it moves sluggishly, weighed down by great scars of obsidian, massive silversteel bolts gouged into its body, a single great hole in its twisted face that still glows with the fury of Solaire. Nonetheless as the battle rages on Drevino comes to a grim realization. By steps, sometimes by inches, his warriors are being pushed back. Something must change.The sound of barzan horns heralds that change. A charge of knights on boars clears the battlefield, a barrage of ballista staggers the beast. The two armies surge forward, driving back the ocean horrors aiding the monster. The titan is goaded forward, isolated, then a massive barzan spell circle drawn around the great beast as Drevino battles it. The earth rends and twists like paper, dropping the monster into the earth up to its waist, then lava begins to froth and rise from deep within the earth as Drevino and his giant champions hack at the monster. Hellish shrieks burst from the titan, shattering eardrums, but it is too little, too late. Piece by piece the monster is hacked to pieces, pieces shattering into swarms of undead that are cut down by glowing barzan blades or devoured by krovian savagery. In one last desperate attempt to save itself the very head of the monster rips itself free, skittering like a twisted spider of corpses, rushing toward the ocean. Drevino’s foot comes down hard on it, causing a final gory explosion of corpses.In the aftermath, a miracle. Justinian is found, somehow still alive. Not far from him is his silver needle blade. And close to both is a young girl, neither Barzan, Domo, or any other nation known to Pavillion.
>It’s a nice day for fishing, isn’t it?Beware Patient Sharks.- Advice given to Barzan gladiatorsOnce more Krovian and Vitruvian sailors set out across the Tarn. For two days their prey taunts them, striking at ships in the distance, appearing at inopportune times, and sometimes scraping the bottom of their ship just long enough to rouse an alert before vanishing into the deep. On the third day the great fish leads them on a merry chase, drawing closer to a southern shore before vanishing into the deep again.It is here that the great pike finds itself ambushed by Krovians who had predicted its movements days ago and had been laying in wait for some hours. The sharkmen fall upon the great fish in a furious biting and stabbing swarm staining the water dark with blood. Only a sudden appearance of frog folk engaging with the Krovians allows the fish to make its escape as its frog guardians are torn to pieces by the shark hunters. Though alive it will be some time before it can roam the waters again.---TURN 29 ENDS---
>>6284542>>6284547>Action 1: Forges for ColnaudeThat the Turbans now expect Orcmanie alone to carry the full weight of the assumed trade deal causes grumbling in many quarters, but Duke Morthochet reminds his subjects that none of the resources they are trading were theirs before the war. And in exchange, valuable Iron that keeps his army fed with the blades and plate they need. All that is required now is a Forge for Colnaude to transform this Turban Steel and allow the local supply or armaments to flow.>Action 2: Prospect: Duchy of Colnaude Construction MaterialSailcloth served adequately as material for the War-Camps whilst Orcman forces besieged old Koll'naud; but despite pressing it into service in emergency, as a construction material for rebuilding the city it is somewhat lacking. And so yet again prospectors of the Orcmanie get to work, searching the surrounds of Colnaude Duchy for a solid material; preferably a strong and sturdy stone from which to build.>Military Action: Residual PresencesTwo armies protect our lands, and another holds garrison of Castra Orienta to safeguard our supply routes. This allows the final force to be tested in the field; for the new south of Ordalan is plagued with both monsters and bandits; and these must be challenged with the aid of Orcman strength.>Warrior Priests: Fighting back corruptionWhatever flag the ancestors of Khurnaire might have fought beneath, the mad monsters of bone and rubber are clearly the greater threat to civilised lands. Thus, the Warrior-Priests congregate to help where the need falls; breaking the maddened laughter with the silvered sword of Hilda and runic shield of Ganuz; burning the cursed and corrupted away with the flame of Vaerz and Luxorc's scathing light.
>>6284542-estion their first line of character. But it is the price, these heroes will live their lives haunted, burdened, troubled by those acts, that's what give sacrifice weight, and even to the grave, their souls will be weighted and marked with debt so that they will never abandon the earth and reach freedom. The nearer older past ways, taught by cowards, is to sacrifice significance, and conduct magic unburdened in the dark. To say of wonders untold, yet so fragile as to disappear in the morning light. There is infinity to be had, all pursuits sought, yet these are merely the works of singular master and apprentices, naught but noise in the grander scheme of things. The newer, present ways, these ask for a certain arrogance and the like. To be above the world, and so, to be right in the commanding of magic and spirits alike. You know as well as I that the people have always been at a precipice of this way of thinking, that this way of God's were always present and looming, and that the city on the Zas was the closest that the people had reached for this, before it was swallowed too. Ofcourse, always do the way of faith look so alluring to the subservient, weak-minded, and the unthinking, and the scraps of power are certain, miraculous, but one must keep in mind, of those who desecrated the ways then, who murdered the Gods, and ruined the isles. It is best that we insulate Khurnaire from it. Let a thousand churches be built above the soil, but let none of these words fall and bury itself beneath, to not be spoken in any other context besides mockery and hypothesizing. To make it understood that all that lies above are merely stones to pave our righteous path. I advise much more judicious selection requirements, and leave the details to you. Here, keeping the discourses and disputations alive is enough to disenchant anyone from pure blind faith. I can tolerate theologues.>Action 1: Preserve the Heart of Khurnaire.Still, we must remind ourselves that we stand upon history. The "Fall" of the Sewn Titan has been bandied about by those priests unfortunate enough to think our facades truthful. The Hero and Witch are nothing more than witless fools that wasted the truths they stumbled into, but the third component? The name they invited from across the sea, the one whose body still fights and rebels against the King in the Wind for it knows naught the death of those who murdered it? It is a name with strength. We must consider. We must draw again, prey upon those who now benefit from the Krahr Lords' waters. (As for how I knew all this, it came to me in a dream really.)Whisper to them, that while the Zas waters the sands, the blooming on the delta, on the dune sands, that is a miracle owed to only one deity. The One, the Lord that Slept beneath the Plains, our Queen Marlene.>Action 2: Build a Church to Marlene the Green.
>>6284542>>6286570On to the last matter for the age, we still need glass, still need to temper and shape it into mirrors and flasks and lenses to capture light. It won't do to just abandon this project even if its side effects are troublesome. Consult the Sage River-Sand-Devil and lure in the glass artisans within Kuttikrahr with a small part of whatever profits there'll be in the larger scale work, or the permittance to make whatever art projects they'll waste their times on, or whatever else, maybe a guild under our wings. The apprentices are always vulnerable enough.>Action 3: Build GlassworksP.S. Do inform me of the recent expedition's successes. The darklands seems much weaker than expected, and preserving the local fauna is key to learning of whatever paths might be made to ply with the deity of that land. I'll be damned if those priests purified it all within the next century.>War Action: Kidnap the Gribblies, and Keep Them in the Church of Mirrors P.P.S. Please also send someone to my office to speak of the results of our diplomatic outreach. Confirming the stances of the Telldeni and the Orcmanie are important, as access to the Adennic and the Tagagayan are practically gatekept by both states. Managing to recruit the dwarves to our endeavour, as well as the right to operate within or at least travel Ordalan's lands? Too necessary to go without.
>>6284542The ever busy Vitruvians are abuzz. The focus now is on construction materials. Given that the favour the Ordelan owe us for “helping” is due to be repaid, the work is expected to progress exceedingly quickly!Indeed, such efficiency is cause for celebration. In a different country. Get back to work.Action 1: Expand Deep Slate QuarryMore stone is needed, quarrying operations are expanded massively with the most modern innovations. Elevators, minecarts, strength-potion aided labourers and basic machines are all employed to flatten down the mountain peak into a grand chasm.The stone will build homes in Holtzahnad and Hollvania, allowing these venerable cities to finally display the same economic might that their northern siblings do.As more stone is acquired, the Ordelani are tasked with expanding the Alive Oak lumber operation, to similarly enable larger construction efforts all across the nation.Action 2: More Reagents!Even more reagent farms are needed. The food issue is resolved, more or less, but more ingredients are needed to equip Vitruvia with enough potions to use for warfare, for overwhelmingly their own reserves are traded to other nations for profit.This farm is placed in the cold north near Holmbastus, for the chilled soil and gloomy environment is actually perfect for several wintery reagents that can be grown all year around in the taiga.
>>6284542>Kare bleeds, and Terra weeps. The Vodnik died for his sake. Will we do less, and prove ourselves lesser?!- Excerpt from tyrnly sermon from the Cognita CathedralAction 1: Hunt for the invisible predators>Sibling realities warn that the way [underground] is filled with beasts of illusion and vicious knife like claws, and that they have lost many explorers trying to plumb its depths...- Excerpt from inter-timeline communication archives>Contract to be extended to Urotti miners guild.>Excavate collapsed segments of tunnels under Fuaha, clear way for connection to Deep Road network. Render rock in form useful for construction purposes.>Payment unto Urotti king in the form of surveys and access to exclusive underground fueling project.- Summary of long-form offer of collaboration between Urotti and Habitun>Shadow (follow) miners, lay traps, use as bait. Injure, do not cripple, let the beasts lead us to their lairs.- Orders assigned to clandestine Geist patrol sent under FuahaAction 2: Waste Processing Facility>Seer of Beasts: The freaks and bloodthirsty brutes brutalized Kare.>Seer of Shadow: Oh no, I like Kare. Terra likes Kare.>Seer of Smoke: 'Wasting waste is a waste', house Hitab informs. I say we downgrade the freaks' traded merchandise to that of a... lesser source.- Excerpt from Habitun Council meeting>Requesting piping of waste within Habitun to mouth of Sharq river. Facility will be constructed to process into more worthwhile output, and yon own pipes will be less taxed.- Excerpt from Habitun Council communique to Urotti mining guild>True Katan: They want me to do what?>Bille Hitab: Your eyes are functional, are they not?>True Katan: Aye, but I doubt your hand is>Bille Hitab: It is an infinite resource.>True Katan: An insult to my skills! My craft!>Bille Hitab: Only you have the skill and craft to do it.>True Katan: You think I've that little respect to myself that I would denigrate myself to handling WASTE?!>Bille Hitab: They maimed Kare, True.>True Katan: ... and?>Bille Hitab: They will no longer receive your lapidary's craft. They have been deemed undeserving. You are to carry out their punishment.>True Katan: I see. I suppose... I owe Kare a few freaks' pink eye...- Excerpt From Lapidary Development Communiques: Series #149
>>6286924Trade:>VitruviaGive: 1/2 Waste Facility produce in the form of "fine" lenses and laboratory instrumentsReceive: 1/2 Reagent farm #1 produce in the form of tree growth potions>VenciaGive: Shadow Trade Route #1 in the form of precious stones and gemsReceive: Iron Mine #1 produce>SkritGive: 1/2 Cave Fish in the form of Shadow Jelly, 1 Smoking Quartz mine output, 1/2 Platinum mine output (traded from Urotti), 1/2 Ouroboros Snake pens outputReceive: 1/2 Coal Mine produce, 1 Spider Silk farm output>UrottiGive: 1/2 Juhrs for purposes of mining and tunneling, disseminate 10 library cards of access designation 122 to each Dverg house of note, enable merit-based admittance of Dverg to school and college, 1 Glitter Vapor mine produce in the form of Terra's Pus for purposes of runecraft, 1/2 Lapidary produce in the form of Porcupine RoundsReceive: Underground infrastructure, 1/2 Lumberyard produce, 1/2 Gneiss quarry produce, Platinum mine produce, Green Marble produce, 1/2 Lumberyard produce in the form of ballistae>Habitun #083Give: 1/2 Platinum reserves obtained from Urotti for purposes of dragon punishment, 1 Dulce Plumbum (lead) mine outputReceive: 1/2 Steel mine produce, 1 Quarry output- Habitun Council national trade audit, 122Resource Allocation:>>Huntsmen>City: Bikube>Armor: Spider Silk enhanced with Smoking Quartz, crafted by Silk Couture>Arms: 1/2 Suffused Medqa Fracture Blades, 1/2 Glitter Vapor>Supplies: Green Marble>Food: Apiary Honey and Cave Fish>Beasts: Ouroboros Snake symbiotes>Aux: 1/2 Waste Facility Porcupine Rounds, 1/2 Lumberyard produce in the form of ballistae>>Bakhold Pouncers>City: Fuaha>Armor: TBD>Arms: 1/2 Glitter Vapor, 1/2 Steel Spears>Supplies: New Quarry>Food: Oysters and Fish>Beasts: One half MedqaWar: Secure lake Supkha>Pursuent to this[1] event, any Rocs observed in Habitun territory will be shot down, unless approved by the council of Habitun.Habitun does not approve of any unsolicited flights through its territories.- Missive from Habitun Council1. See Nacheter intrusion incident, Geist Report #67432>The lake has a surfeit of roc effigies, enchanted with truly lifelike motions and sounds. You see one, shoot it down, and make sure you retrieve its heart, which is a true roc's heart. Helps sell the illusion or something, the shadowmancers have been ambiguous about this.- Marshal Bjorn Sayyad briefing to lake securing forcesAgrimensores Guild: Survey Urotti (found Zinc and Coal, chose Zinc)
>>6284551With a home for her Red Hoods, Sasha rests at last. It has been 9 tyrns since she lost her arm, her blade still burns, but she can't wield it anymore. She has lived very long for a Nix, but she is old, she is grey. If only she had a successor to grant her blade to, none of the Red Hoods have been able to stand the flames for long. Hopefully one will come along soon, to inherit the blade off her. Until then, she resides at her homestead across the river from the Rose Garden.>Action 1: Provide labour for Virtuvia, expansion of Living Oak Farms.Though the Vitruvian destructive device failed to have its intended effect on the death titan, the failure is more on delivering the device, not the explosion that happened. Thus Ordalan is still on the line for paying the price for the service. So Queen Roza of house Waldetrudis sets up a contract for Nixen workers to once again move to the lands of Vitruvia, to expand their tree farms once more. The trees this time are ones described as "alive". A strange quality, but surely no wood is beyond the Nixen's ability to cultivate.>Action 2: An Anelk Baron hunts the airship bandits. The Redwing Baron takes to the sky.The reports of airships ravaging the countryside troubles the nobles of Ordalan, having no real way of combatting them, but one noble instead sees opportunity. Baron Gustav of house Redwing, an Anelk lord, has studied both the arrowsong and the Aripan airships. He believes these damaged and poorly maintained airships will fly low enough for him and his songwing retinue to board them. For an Anelk to capture an Aripan vessel would be legendary.
By the great grace of our Lord Aagen,who has granted us this tyrn of the sun, I, King Talarin of the Venks in my eighth tyrn upon Swiftarn do hereby order;>The bravest men of Vencia issued building stuff of board & stone, and money also, for the corralling and enclosing of the northern beasts. And if such work be completed in haste, the training of them therein as weapons of war>Additional orchards to be planted in the shared territories in the north
> The Steam engineAs we managed to make out lakes no longer lose water to evaporation a new opportunity opens itself to our eyes... what it we made stuff evaporate on purpose? Like how when you boil water in a kettle the steam first rushes out unleashing a violent whistle before throwing the lid open the same technology could be harnessed to move a behemoth of steal forward.To create the steam Engine experiment with coal and imported warming plates to see what's more suitable.> The train and the iron Road's it ridesCreate trains and rails. For now on a local scale trams to make living in cities more efficient cart systems for our mines and quarries to speed up delivery of prescious materials. However we see a much brighter future ahead for this technology.> Monster harvesting operationsBegin operations to capture and categorize various beasts of the black domo-waste to our north. They too can become a good for sale. The Krawl always crave unique biological entities
>>6284542>Action 1 - Upgrade Pulse-Lux TempleA great victory was won here, reinforcing the supremacy of Pulse over all other ways of life. Only the Krovians could have slain a foul titan like this, and so the Krovian's set to immortalizing this glorious feat in carvings and bloodstained murals forever more.>Action 2 - Port on eastern most hex, below Krawl lands.Krovians are of the sea. No matter how long they walk on land, their connection to the tides of their birth, the currents of Pulse, will always bring them home. As such, it is a port, not the infrastructure of homes and such, that is sometimes brought up first on new lands. Names and culture will follow, first, it's time to get a fishy snack!>Army Movement - Return to Zhelezo and rest>Intrigue Action - Raise the Titan-Fall girl in the ways of Pulse.Dangerous she may be, but all good Krovians are dangerous. Let her run the streets as the pups do, let her chase the piglets and feast on the baby Isle Turtles as they hatch from their sand-buried eggs. There is something about her that compels...
> Emeralds> Deep Sea Ships
>>6284542Joyous Day! The Sewn Titan felled at the shores of Krovia under the jaws of the Krovian Hordes and the Silverine Blades of Barza's Elite! Better yet Justinian and his Needle, thought lost since the Titan's genesis was found, and recovered! While he bears scars both without and within from his ordeal, he returns home to heal and rest at the head of a victorious army. No more will the Core of the Domo threaten Barza and no more will their death rattle scar and consume our lands!Action 1. Renovate the Temple.The Krovians, perhaps due to their innate cultural bloodthirst and predatory outlook, never understood much of what the missionaries of Luxor taught. Some do, and those brothers and sisters in the faith are cherished, the ones that ape the syncretism of our faith and their own practices are not to be mocked, but corrected, gently. They have done Barza a great service by taking the brunt of the Titan's Fury this Tyrn, and wish to celebrate. We will aide them in this, in our own way, and help spread Barzan arts to their temple. Works of Luxor and Barza's own contribution to bringing the Sewn Titan down will be added to their Temple, in solidarity with those who helped us fell it. In general the Barzan Craftsmen and Artisian will work to make sure the Temple Lives up to the Luxor side of the Structure.Action 2:"Heal the Land, and heal the Nation"Barza bears scars from the Sewn Titan's March and while only the hinterlands are scarred, leaving such a gaping fester in the Nation is an ill advised idea given how the Shadowlands sprang up from such Domo wrought Desolation. Priests of Luxor and Geomancers are commissioned with the restoration of the land back into a healthy state, So that the scars of the past conflict might be mended.War Action: VigilanceWith the Sewn Titan felled, and no more measures of the Apocalypse on the horizon for now, the Army of Barzaenium returns home, drilling and otherwise recuperating, awaiting a time where they are needed to fight once more.Missionary Action: While Vitruvia's Reception to the Light of Luxor was lukewarm due to their lust for Lucre, Amongst the lowest there is a strong burning faith. That flame will be nurtured by Barzan Faithful so that they may know what is right and deny that is wrong.
>>6284543Trade negotiations with the Orcmanie have gone cold for now. There is just too much of difference in how the two cultures value materials and see precious metals and stones. While to the Orcmanie they are valuable as stores of value to the Vizari they are tool materials akin to iron; if with the added benefit of being pretty and rare. It is a shame but life goes on. 1. Expand Emerald minesThe use of Emeralds to store mana has become an important asset for the Vizari mages, much to the detriment of the glass industry. However the march of capitalism and progress does not end as more mines are built to exploit the gem deposit for all they can get to further fuel industries. 2. Research Deep Water ShipsThe Vizari are in a tight spot for trade. The Orcmanie has grown cold, not wanting anything the Vizari currently hold. To the south the changelings and elves have gone silent and have been for some time; and beyond that they would eventually come into conflict with Krovian pirates again. To the north east lies two nations last reported to be isolationist, one where the explorers could not even confirm anyone resides. So another plan is made, sail west to reach the far east. While many argue the feasibility of such an endeavor others push through with it and begin researching larger ships to survive in deep water and carry enough for longer expeditions.
this turn im ming zinc copper and prospecting stone
>>6284551>Improved logic centers.The Skrit have grown, but their way of thinking has remained unchanged. Much of the Skrit's collective intelligence known simpy as central, or as mother to the Skritari, comes from the natural interaction between billions of skrit. But why rely purely on the skrit alone when so many other insects and even parasitic computers have entered into the service of the Skrit? Slowly Central begins to upgrade how its thinking operates, but introducing other bugs, Skritarii, and parasite computers into its decision making process>Prospect the landIn an attempt to improve their infrastructure, Central launches a prospecting mission across its territories in the hopes of discovering metals and minerals useful for applications in architecture, infrastructure, and engineering.
>>6284542Report on Lesser Activities to Cyra, Noreusper of Guliseare, executioner of Thessa, bane of Kaenum, unifier of the Aripan, Ruler of all the hallowed mountains, Aelelox's chosen prophet, most blessed and holy Aripan to fly upon the skies and walk upon the earth.The Kaenumite's have struck! Somehow, a number of Anelk have managed to take some of the airships lost in the battle against the beast. Unfortunately, by time of this message, they have seemingly vanished, meaning just retribution is delayed... At the very least it does mean that their raids have ceased with them, but it is still of concern. Of further concern is their method of propulsion seemingly removed from Aelelox's will, relying mainly on what appears to be some sort of powered wind mill instead of faith and sail. Should we recapture one of these vessels, it would be best to examine the design so as to know it's limitations, and if it is of any use to us. Your faithful servant, Kallixeina.>Action One. Foundation of the ArenaWhile the northern neighbors of the Divine Republic may have forgotten about the arrangement, Guliseare has not. Especially considering Guliseare already did the work to find the site, and more importantly there is one whom had engaged in arena combat before with foreigners and found it quite entertaining that would best be kept distracted by such things for the time being... While originally it was intended as a method to get revenge in a not so costly way and prove superiority over the Greenskinned archers to the north west and the shadowy mutilating Kaenumites to the north, it's intention has shifted a bit. To keep Ourania out of trouble and ensure she doesn't cause trouble for the council as even Ilias sees her as a radical in a number of her views... Of course her likely choosing spare those she defeats in this arena will be somewhat of a headache, at the very least it can be framed as them not being worth the effort for her to kill to any Acolyte or Blessed whom ask about it...>Action Two. Hunting grounds.In the mountains and forests there are many small and large creatures that our hunters feast upon, and for the longest time meat has become something of a valued product only the most wealthy or important could afford unless one actively hunted for it themselves. Given this, organization of proper hunting lodges so as to better be able to extract game is undertaken by a few acolyte Aripan. After all, at this moment in time such would serve to give them a fairly comfortable living arrangement, and most of the beast in the woods are easy pickings, provided one isn't stupid enough to descend from the canopy.
(1/2)>>6284552The following actions are committed to further Our magic development and offensive defense.>1: High Krawl magics: offensiveFor further self defense, possibly the greatest offense at a single given point, the high krawl on the field will now be learned ranged attacks according their elements. These special attacks are only available in their second, more monstrous forms. Novenary slews bolts of hot electric power from his many undulating limbs. The flashes and strikes are likely disorienting and bad for the heart. This added on to his already menacing portal attack method is sure to be effective.Rivaruo is able to will many slow-moving projectiles on to the field surrounding her. Each one is a large sphere, and has two effects. First, it lowers the body temperature of the receiving enemy. Then, it clogs as much of their airways with water as it can. This last effect is heavily assisted by the impact of more projectiles.Finally, Maja fires arcs of dark magic, the same magic Darkroe himself utilizes. No other krawl has this power, as krawl of the dark property cannot simply be foot soldiers. Objects within the krawl’s army may also have this property, such as the Thoraxa fruiting body atop the Xelles. Dark is supposedly the most dangerous, yet ultimately supporting, of the krawl’s four elements, as it causes direct lacerations and conversion of insides to outsides, more and more violently and effective with each impact.Maja’s second form changes her into a spinning-top of limbs, made from her hair tendrils. With each swing of her then primary arms, she could fire one of these wide, sweeping arcs, in a darker magenta color. Were she to spin in place, she would also be able to do the same in a concentrated spot, in an area of effect as far as her arms stretch. Which is oddly, not as far as her hair does when she looks more like a person.
(2/2)>>6284552>>6288399>2: The temple of Darkroe in the pit of ruinStart construction of the temple of Darkroe, made entirely from stone and glittering minerals. The foundation will start in the bottom of Vizari's Folley, and then be constructed up to the very portal, towered to the platform which surrounds the gateway. That platform will then be bridged outward in four directions to the edges of the pit, on the very surface. Each bridge will then be marked with an ornate gate, upon completion. This is not only to welcome visitors, but to pay tribute to Darkroe.>Intrigue: Tapping into the multiverseRiva is to speak with Darkroe once more. She asks him about tapping into the rest of the multiverse for traces of more successful krawl civilizations. The ones with more than enough krawl to crack planets, and countless dark lakes to spare. Surely, a handful of completely alien troops will help Us when they’re in Our grasp. Krawl share and share alike. Among each other, just as four high krawl tend to share an empiric master.>Diplo: travel north with the venksMaja and her antique troops will travel north, escorted through the nation of vencia by the Venks.
>>6285615>OrcmanieThe cursed lands wrought by the machinations of the Domo do not lay in sight of Ganstand, nonetheless their presence is felt keenly. Green knights and warrior priests ride from the fortress on regular intervals, responding to cries for help from the isolated Ordalan homesteads on the border. The construction of a forge district in Colnaude is a welcome relief to those nearby, keeping arms and armor in fighting shape even during regular use. Also welcome is the construction of a quarry into a deep pit of pale yellow limestone, allowing the many citizens of Colnaude to replace pole and sailcloth homes with that of firm stone walls. Curiously this yellow stone is seemingly filled with sea shells and the bones of odd creatures of the sea. Did the gods pull this entire region from the ocean at some point? Regardless, a local custom begins of accenting the bones in the stone with splashes of color, or in more affluent areas even trying to reinvision the ancient sea floor that might have been in this area.Strikes into the cursed lands meet with little success, the mockeries within have little interest in direct confrontation and the terrain has turned strange and cursed. A platoon of orcmen might travel an hour in one direction only to return where they started, or turn a corner and find themselves miles away. There is little in the way of settlements to strike or destroy as well, leaving those within to wander, hoping for enemy contact.
>>6286570>AA. of KhurnaireThe Church of Mirrors has worked well, indeed perhaps too well. Among the common folk of Khurnaire there is frequent talk of the glory of Luxor, of the mighty deeds that have been wrought, the salvation provided, the shield to protect the innocent. Compared to the darkness that has been all too common in the history of the Khurnaire it is a welcome relief. But such light also threatens to twist and corrupt the higher echelons, and so it must be contained. The gods are separated and divided, into those above and those below, and pains are taken to ensure that all know that the stones that lay on the earth will tumble the first moment the ground below shifts or vanishes. A wall of mirrors to protect the heart of Khurnaire.The dream! The dream of the goddess! Wounded and weak, reduced to a child, reborn from a corpse heap! Not all have it, but many do, tied by some strange and sympathetic magic that fills their mind. The church of Marlene the Green springs up, though whether it is to give worship, beg for mercy, or to plot darkness is hard to say, the fascination that fills the cult is a dangerous and malleable thing. Then comes the dreams of the woman with one eye who simply stares, a long stick of charcoal in her hand. What does it mean?Lord Mana has of late obsessed about mirrors. The nature of glass and silver, reflection and light. It is no surprise that kilns are built to process great quantities of sand into glass, windows and goblets and when a little silver can be acquired from the north, even mirrors. Lord Mana has taken to standing between a dozen or more of them, watching the infinite reflections stretch into the distance. To what end?Bolder strikes into the cursed lands are sadly met with bolder resistance. Strange magic warps the land, and several hunting parties return strung together with their own sinews as macabre puppets. The bone man who marionettes them laughs even as he is cut down.
>>6286711>VitruviaStone and lumber and food, these things are what keeps a cities heart beating, and as the increased supplies flow into the cities of Vitruvia there is a considerable sigh of relief as decaying homes are finally repaired, crumbling furniture replaced and labs starved of supplies finally have something to work with. The increased number of traumatized Ordalan transplants having mental breakdowns and going on stabbing sprees in the cities is generally seen as well within acceptable levels, and certainly has nothing to do with the red sap flowing from harvested Alive Oaks. It’s probably the screaming that pushes them over the edge.Things come to a head when a rather explosive (metaphorically) scuffle occurs in downtown Holmbastus. The details are nearly impossible to determine, but by the time the dust settles two dozen Krovians lay dead and a teashop burst into flames. After verifying that this wasn’t standard operating procedure for the teashop, (a difficult task since the cavia running it had vanished (presumably into a Krovian’s stomach)) some sort lab accident was presumed, until a menia admitted to removing and cleaning the dozens of arrows that had apparently killed the krovians. Crafted from Alive Oak, attention turns toward the Ordalan transplants even as reports spring up the murder of krovians across the city.>>6286924>Habitun CultHunting a creature you cannot see is a dangerous quarry indeed, and more than one alf grumbles that the matter would have been far simpler if one of the Venks could be brought along to disable the problematic powers of the beasts. Nonetheless where sight fails dumb mechanisms can succeed. The tunnels are littered with traps, snares and pitfalls, each strung with bells. Any traps that ring are assumed to be filled with a snarling beast, and once the beasts are starved of food and water their illusions fade. A minimal number of fingers are still lost, the beasts are clever and vicious and a strategy of jabbing empty traps ultimately has to be employed, but before long many of the creatures are trapped in cages and the population had dwindled enough to allow for further exploration into the deep tunnels beneath the earth.The shaping of waste into crystal is a strange and bizarre activity for a craftsman to engage in, but the final product is blissfully free of any lingering odor or part of its original nature, and the material is certainly easy enough to shape, if foul on the nose.A fine black carriage arrives, slipping past geists and ghost alike with remarkable ease. Standing atop it, a harpoon in her hand and a collection of scars and krovian blood paint on her face is a young girl, with a very krovian grin on her face. Apparently someone swore a solemn oath to shelter and educate her for a season?
>>6287466>Kingdom of OrdalanThe Redwing Baron sets out on the trail of the skypirates, tracking them through the southern woods Ordalan, and then on through the jungles that were once a dark magical wall, but now are merely a mundane thicket. What he finds is a network of anelk smugglers ferrying supplies from the lumberyard and rice farms. He catches up to them just in time to watch their freshly repaired fleet shoot into the air, filled with fresh recruits from the local anelk population. They shoot to the east, cutting into Khurnaire territory.>>6287579>Talarin I, King of the VenksTaming the fierce bears of the north is no easy task, and for the grown adults that are captured it is nearly impossible. But for cubs taken from their mother just after weaning it can be done, imbuing the creatures with a wild loyalty for their trainers. While some numbers of the beast are ready for use in war or as fierce guardians, even more could be ready with some more effort into their training, enough for all the armies of Vencia.Within the shared territories a fine orchard of breadnuts is cultivated from a handful of wild specimens. Roasted until they become not unlike potatoes they join the bounty of food the Venks enjoy.
>>6287598>Turquoise TurbansCan the steam of a kettle push a cart? The very idea seems rather nonsensical, after all there’s a world of difference between the flap of a kettle and moving anything of substance. The contraption that gets built is given a wide birth, resembling in many ways a giant kettle mounted on a furnace, mounted on a cart. Heat runes are used to keep the water just below boiling, then coal fires are ignited below to heat the water into steam. After allowing the water to heat sufficiently a lever is yanked to allow the steam to escape out the back of the device, rocketing it forward along the rails, usually. The tremendous uncontrolled burst of power often sends the device off the rails and into either the river or some unfortunate caravan in the path. On the other hand improper timing of the steam release can cause the device to either limp forward no faster than a disgruntled camel or explode violently, killing or maiming everyone nearby. Still, with a supply of coal and/or runework from afar, and the supply of water from the river or aqueduct, the device does allow for incredibly quick movement of goods, assuming one has a tolerance for being blown to bits. The device is quite hungry for coal however, expanding further would cut into the supplies that keeps the steel forges burning.The Hunter’s Guild is established along the border of the cursed land and soon enough all manner of strange products are flowing from it. Rubbery leather, twisted bones, and strange skulls. Strange oily pelts and odd plants. It quickly becomes a dangerous but lucrative profession for the young turban with more talent than prospects. A proper expedition will be required to establish a concrete source of anything though. (You can ‘prospect’ this area by raiding it)
>>6287606>Krovian BandsBarzan and Krovian hands join together to improve the Pulse-Lux temple. Finery from across the land is gathered together, forging and carving statues. Turban tapestries are called for, murals are painted in blood. The feasting lasts for a week.The most distant Krovian lands are connected with a sea port, allowing the local settlers there to receive steady supplies from something other than merchants traveling across hundreds of miles of krawl wasteland.The girl is certainly an oddity among the krovians. When she emerges from the carriage with wide eyes it takes little time before she is swept away by a tide of young sharklings. Slim and frail and tiny, she often ends up the target of crueler and more vicious children. All too quickly for those who tormented her the frailty falls away, replaced by a mixture of street cunning and wiry toughness. Before long she is leading a small gang of krovian children through the streets, stealing pigs, ambushing rivals and scrawling graffiti. Eventually the black carriage returns and she reluctantly boards it, though not without quite a few scars. Every meat merchant in krovia breathes a sigh of relief, despite her small size she certainly eats like a krovian.Word arrives of a massacre in Holmbastus. Eleanore has vanished and many of her cadre of Krovians working at the ‘tea’ shop has been killed. Reports vary, but there was apparently some sort of brawl that spiraled out of control, the tea shop was destroyed, and over a dozen krovians cut down by arrows of vitruvian make.>>6287703>Vizari ArchmageAs the emerald mines are deepened in preparation of future spellwork the Vizari turn their attention to the west. There is a theory among some, based on the height of towers appearing to shorten as one gets further from them, or a ship vanishing below the horizon, that the world is some sort of ball, or sphere. The idea is strange and novel, but more importantly it hints at a strange possibility, that one could sail west to arrive at the eastern parts of the world. The idea gains enough traction that work begins on large vessels intended for a long voyage to the east, there is only one way to know for sure.Interrogation quickly turns into kidnapping in the city of Urong. Operatives in the city sequester their ‘volunteer’ and pump him for information, though there is little time. Undead? No. Magic? Certainly, the kidnapped changeling warped parts of their own flesh into venomous sea snakes and hurled them at the operatives, then filled the room with a frigid mist. In the ensuing scuffle the changeling is killed and the operatives make their escape, fortunately without alerting the entire city. A close call to be sure.
>>6287877>Justinian the ScarredThe combined efforts of Barza and Krovian raise the temple to new heights of beauty and wonder. Geomancers both at the temple and along the path of the titan work to mend the devastation it has caused. Directly mending the broken land is a difficult task, requiring remarkable effort for the smallest of gains, however the beauty of the earth is that there is plenty of it. Geomancers carefully pull the soil of the surrounding lands into the dead lands, burying the barren soil deep in the earth where it can heal. It will be generations before the land is truly fully restored, but once again greenery can, if not flourish, at least survive and grow in this part of the country. Foul weather and a chaotic incident in Holmbastus unfortunately hinder missionary efforts in Vitruvia, though the small churches staffed by polymyria offer a warm welcome regardless.>>6288207>UrottiIt is a season of striking the earth for the Urotti, with new mines of Zinc and Copper being dug into the earth as well as a quarry of fine black granite being dug out for future use in walls and masonry. Many dwarves however clamour for expansion of the mysterious mines of desire, after all why search for metals would one can simply wish for them and find the mine providing? There are even rumors of dwarves desiring rare alloys or strange beasts and finding signs of them.>>6288354>Skrit ColoniesA quarry is carved out to provide sturdy stone for walls and tunnels and what furniture the Skritari might need. The banded gneiss stone is generally considered a very nice addition to the many hives of the Skrit.The Skritari have shown Central that in chaos and disunity there can be innovation and creativity that it had not previously considered. What more might be found in the minds of all of its creatures? For a day the entire swarm stutters and halts as it makes the changes, elevating and unshackling the minds of hundreds and thousands of creatures. For some it is simply too much, many creatures are ill suited for anything beyond the basest of instincts. But from the chaos rises a great chorus of voices, thousands of them, tied together but striving in many directions. For a few days disunity threatens to bring the hive down in a cacophony of violence, but it is the Skritari, and their love for their mother, who lead the call that reunites the hives and brings the voices back into harmony, or at least something close to it. For better or for worse the Skrit are changed forever.
>>6288356>The Divine Republic of GulisearIt is a quiet time in Gulisear, as hunting lodges are built and the great foundation of the arena is constructed. Word of the sky pirates to the south, built from the dregs and splinters of their betters, fades as news arrives that they have flown not north as expected, but to the east instead. Let other lessers deal with them! In addition to the arena foundations a set of proper domiciles are also constructed into the hills overlooking the site, as well as a training facility to sharpen the skills of aripan champions who plan to fight there.>>6288399>The KrawlA great temple is constructed within and around the great pit that hosts the portal to Darkroe. As it nears completion the High Krawl are drawn to it, kneeling around the dread presence of the dark krawl god, and each feels the blessings flow into them, filling them with a dangerous and devastating power. Riva speaks with the dark god and asks of the greater universe, of alternate realities and what power may lay beyond them, if there are other Krawl that might provide aid here. Visions fill her mind, and each is the same, of other worlds eagerly accepting an invitation to this one, and each and every one betraying them, devouring their hives for their own. After all, do the Krawl not have the one prime directive to expand and populate? Another Krawl weaker than their own is simply an opportunity to grow rapidly, to multiply and expand. There will be no aid from other versions of themselves, only a greater threat.----END TURN 30----
>>6288517Hahaa. Hahahahah. Whichever truth this is, it'll be amusing to delay such marvelous revelations for perhaps a tyrne, maybe two tyrnes. My sciomancies foretells that it'll be incredibly amusing to let your name pass on, let you be misconstrued with Her, but there are always better uses for the scraps that you can provide. Not as valuable as seeing you survive on meager offerings and misdirected faith though. If it isn't who it is, I welcome the reunion.Try to keep yourself useful. Why not whisper to Her? You couldn't do worser.-#@?*~Mademoiselle,It is with great pleasure that I inform you of the success of my travel north. It is as you say, take seven steps as the Spirit Annal did, spin nine times in mockery of the Cove Sagas' acts. It wasn't buried deep enough to be trouble for the golem, and thankfully unharmed by the whims of time. I must say, it speaks to your genius for this endeavour to succeed without any intervention whatsoever. I suppose, the birdfolk simply spoke wrongly to the beastfolk? The riverine vessels were strangely placid, and I thought I would've had to deal with interference when I make land, especially with the army on the distance, but the golem was fast enough, and I did time it so I arrive by night. I hope they enjoy the worms.Lastly, may I ask of how the knowledge of this cache was given to you? I won't speak of this to anyone, but my brief perusal of the materials (and a introductory note kept in my possesion) would suggest a different intended audience, and even the most sycophantic of our Sages will question how you exactly "dreamt this up". Mayhaps, you can frame this as you rediscovering some of the old lore that our Archives lost to time?Still, tell me who exactly we owe a debt to. It is inauspicious to not plan such repayments atleast.>Action 1: Nachetar Arcane LoreWe did as we were told, yes. The artifice from the isle, safely stowed and unstowed, we beckoned the light to enter it. Is this part of the grand plan? So, the manifestation of light, those personified things, how do they fit? Against the Darklands? But the lanterns, those are about revealing truth aren't they? But what truth are we saying is true? Whichever is stronger? Oh, so it's like that, they're meant as a, a support staff? Auxilary? Force multiplier? They're meant to "emanate the truth that light cuts"? I thought that was metaphorical. It's just a bad image though, aesthetically worser than better forged things. Well, I suppose we see if Luxor smiles upon this. What?>Action 2: Mirror Light and Spiritualize
>>6288614Aye, sir. We were mobilizing for the Titan's survey when we saw the ships on the horizon and thought that might be an obstacle to the survey itself. The sages picked up some of the.. hostile intent? Standard procedure as well with these kinds, open our doors and offer food, well you'll see. The head Steelman over Huirsas wanted to stab the trespassers as is his due, but the Zas Priest-Sage brought him back to senses, and you know how it is with the stab them while they sleep strategies. They were more, well, there's been enough words said of Kaenum and Anelki and what have you passing through the vine and captured for speculation. Wanted a primary source on these things. Wanted to poke at the, what was it, "Orichalcum"? as well. And well, You know how it is. We always are in need of more Blood. Nothing attuned to the skies besides them. No sage knows of "Kaenum", "Anelk", "Aripan", and what have you, off the top of their head. If you speak of Marlene, Urmest, and Mannu, and the Hero and Witch, understandable. But outside? Well, only the Barzae, and maybe the Vizarii. Still, you should doubt the "academic curiosity" and "institutional duty" that the Priest-Sage will no doubt write in his report to be his main motives. They might die before this all blooms, but if they don't die, I advise reassignment down river. Send a party upriver to check back on them yeah? The survey could be extended to the Huirsastoir itself as well, if we're delaying things further.>Action 3: Se- PLEASE PLEASE PLEASEStanding orders for the militia are to shadow the Guild Hunters and provide a forward camp for forays into the Darklands. Current baubles are still inadequate for fauna capture. Priorities are to observe Guild tactics and Darkland fauna behavior in preparation of future attempts.>War Action: Aid the Guild
>>6288517>When gods walk among us, it is our duty to be mistaken for them in nature and action, often and constantly. To do less would spit upon their teachings.- Excerpt from tyrnly sermon from the Cognita CathedralAction 1: Birger the God Shadow>You have been deemed out of line for bringing an outsider into Habitun without prior authorization, as well as signing contracts involving Habitun without sufficient authority. Report for disciplining.- Missive from Siblinghood Head Overseer to Sibling Birger>I submit myself for Stige Sukon experiments #00004-B[1] and #00072[2]. Per missive #000377[3] to all Siblings, no further disciplining may be disseminated.- Reply from Sibling Birger to Sibling Head Overseer1. Partial-To-Full Tenebrism Experiment2. Suffusion to Sentients Experiment3. Penned to reduce volume of complaints from house Sukon>Explain yourself.- Missive from the Seer of Shadow to Sibling Birger>Sibling Birger has encountered trace of divine. Based on recorded interactions with various Domo[1], educated guesses are being made regarding its proximity and relation to Terra.>Promise was penned to hold said god-child in Habitun for one tyrn to provide sufficient context for a decision to be made for whom it may cohabitate with for extended duration.>Sibling Birger hereby nominates himself to become the god-child's Shadow, in name and effect, that he may guide it in ways more appropriate for an avatar of Terra.- Reply from Sibling Birger to the Seer of Shadow1. Attached:>>"You would get along well with our Dverg cousins. They too believe in aspects, each to be honored, though they manifest in clan lines that they trace directly to each. Instead of aspects of Terra in and of herself, they more favor ideations, such as honor, truth, bravery, and other moral conceptions. Such aspects seem to hold a familial link of blood to each other, in their creed">>"I would be remiss then, not to grant you the prophecy that has founded our society, eons past, when Kholan and Marlene were more intertwined">- Diplomat Rive Mudamir, reciting the prophecy,>"Farces And Triumphs In The Arts: Vol 2", 021>Terra be with you, Sibling Birger. May your faith be a reminder of what we should be.- Blessing from the Seer of Shadow to Sibling Birger
>>6289039Action 2: Skill Development Curriculum>Erika: May I hear the reasoning one more time?>Seer of Smoke: Minimal return on Fugleman nurture-over-neuter experiment.>Erika: Thank you. Do you cease experimentation attempts after a single failure?>Seer of Smoke: When the cost becomes excessive and possible returns decreasingly likely.>Erika: Great. And if a new factor is introduced..?>Seer of Smoke: Acquire alternate line of funding leveraging factor's difference, whilst downplaying failures in original experimentation line as extraneous delays that will see themselves resolved with the dried up funds, keeping the dry-up secret. Utilize the new fund for both projects, and reduce safety regulations in the hope of sufficient success in either path to justify a renewal of funding for the other.>Erika: I see. If it please the Seer of Shadow, I would like to present this letter requesting admittance of the Unknown Girl, on behalf of the Siblinghood. Such admittance is to be limited to a single tyrn. The only curriculae my institute offers that last for a single tyrn are limited to the Vodniks whom are deemed too dull for anything outside of fishing -no offense to the Hitab Fisker girl. If you wish to grant her any amount of reverence, I will require sufficient funding to build a course around her abilities and needs, and in the spirit of fairness, for all the other children of Habitun.>Seer of Souls: That still seems as if it would tax our treasury over->Erika: It will also overwrite whatever savagery she learned from the Haimen. Why, they shall be so, so miffed!>Seer of Souls: ... approved.>Seer of Shadow: Approved.>Seer of Smoke: I've a small fortune allocated for purposes of amusement. You have convinced me it is worth accessing today.>Erika: My, Sukon, you flatter me.>Seer of Souls: Get a room.- Excerpt from court hearing on incident #338863, 113>New program to be introduced to Bikube schools>Reduced time, increased effectiveness in areas gifted>Tailored to the child>Admittance to Hulua College of Thaumaturgecraft and Magimancy provided free for all participants in new program>Hulua College of Thaumaturgecraft and Magimancy to receive a new Dverg Trades and Runes wing. Heretofore to be referred to as Hulua College of Arts and Crafts- Note provided to Hulua students during solstice vacation to provide to parentsAgrimensores: Show and Tell all to the Unknown Girl>Instructors bearing this seal shall be granted access to portal facilities and alternate lines, as well as their cargo of one (1) Unknown Girl.- Seal-bearing Document issued by Habitun Council
>>6289040Intrigue: Accelerated Education Program>Hunt Instructor Annika and her cat(s) are hereby commanded to accompany and personally oversee development and tutoring of Unknown Girl. Prior experience dealing with animals[1] should serve well in decontamination of any un-Habitun thought and behaviors acquired from Haimen.>Leverage headmistress Erika and graduate student Robin where necessary. Free admittance to the Meditative Asylum, and audience with the Feth Fiada are granted for the duration.- Missive to Hunt Instructor Annika from Habitun Council1. Refer to Vidar huntWar: Wargames For Terra With The Urotti>Squad-level tactics have aided considerably in the conflict against innumerable swarms such as the Krawl, and undisciplined hordes such as the Haimen.>They shall be codified, tested, and drilled on a squad by squad basis. Inter-unit tactics allow for great flexibility for a multitude of situations. As such, the armies of the various cities, from Bakhold Pouncers to Shadowmancers to Geists to Shadows to Huntsmen to Shadow Ants shall be intermingled in several different situations and set-ups. This will be carried out in the empty taiga south of the Sidhe Mounds.>We encourage the Dvergs of Urotti to join, that we may learn and teach each other.- Missive from Marshal Bjorn Sayyad to Urotti King>Static will be Hunt Instructor Annika's assignment with the Unknown Girl. Vary the rest at will.- Missive from Siblinghood to Marshal Bjorn Sayyad regarding wargames
>>6288522 Action 1 and 2: Forge infrastructureThe industrial might go Holtzahnad is on full display as the mighty forges of the city are improved even further to become unrivalled on Pavillion, a third forgeworks is established in the meanwhile during this metallurgical craze in the snowy city of Hollvania.With this doubling of Vitruvias equipment capacity, every soldier in the nation may be equipped with Runic Gjoldsteel armour and weapons, finally completing the revolution in armament started long long ago.Spears are sharpened, bolts are cast, armour is fitted and Rocs are saddled, as the Vitruvian military is rumoured to soon be rated “officially passable”, meeting all the bare minimum standards set by the board of standard setting.In the forges themselves, Polymyria forgemasters and labourers toil endlessly to ensure metal purity, edge sharpening and equipment quality.All the while they are aware that they are merely cogs in a larger machine. Their produce will be taken away and engraved with runes elsewhere, then sent off to a warehouse to equip fresh recruits, their work here useful, but never final.Just how they like it! Morale sees a 0.45% improvement.Army movement: All armies to the Rocport, both to keep them where they can be rapidly deployed and also to surround Holmbastus just in case we need the muscle.Espionage: Investigate the MurdersThe vanishing of one “Eleanor the Cat” and the apparently murder of this many Krovians is undesirable. Sudden deaths are of course nothing new to Vitruvia, nor are the disappearances of Cavia, but Vitruvians are the ones meant to be dying, not our guests! And if you’re going to go missing, you are required to submit a notice of intent.Originally this individual was assumed to have been eaten, but the reveal that the Krovians were apparently killed by Vitruvian armaments implies strongly that this was not actually the common scuffle caused by rowdy Krovians, and the vanished cavia may actually still be alive somewhere, and has a lot to answer for if so.The Ordelan would naturally be suspected of the crime given their criminal heritage and squeamishness, but surely they lack the capability to pull of something like this against a group of fully armed Krovian warriors?A cunning Cavia named Dexter “Dex” Dogtective is set upon the case, having transferred from the Archive after reading too much Nachetarine noir fiction. Equipped with just a magnifying glass, a sensitive nose, and 130 armed agents seconded from the Deepwell garrison, he pledges to sniff out clues behind this mystery and crack the case.
>>6288517>Action 1: The Wyverns, returned to us.The Agrimensores of Habitun have provided to us the location of these ancient Orcen allies. And so, we return to them, and them to us. Be it that we must occupy this isle of their remnant in the far north, or else transplant a viable and sustainable population to the the Wyverntete peninsula; either way the most valiant of Orcman Knights may be bought the option of new great mounts worthy of status and stature.>Action 2: The Arena of the Three StandsSuch a structure was proposed initially by the ambassador of the Habitun, and agreed by the Orcmen as 'a stadium comprised of three stands, one wholly within the borders of each nation and viewing unto the tripartite border in enclosement about the position. Said arena amidst the three stands would henceforth be considered a neutral location betwixt our realms, one in which combat both restrained and mortal might be plotted and planned in varieties of sporting contest, to be arranged under watchful and legal supervision, for the thrill and enjoyment of the spectator in cheering on their followed champions and seeing those of their foes cast down in the arena dust.'It is a partial surprise that the Gulseare have done so much preliminary work upon the facility; perhaps they are just that eager to meet foes in combat without necessitating the outbreak of war. Nonetheless, it is now time for the architects and builders of the Orcmanie to do our part for this collaborative structure.>Bureau Renseignement: Rumours of Disaster and PlagueThough Prophecy can never truly be trusted and oft lurks like a viper, reshaping a future in preparation of its own arrival; the Prophecy that the Vizari arrive to deliver of disaster and plague to a neighbour is nonetheless unsettling in the extreme. The Bureau are tasked with investigation of the matter where they are able; to ensure that it is not the Orcmanie which falls afoul of this prophecy, and to watch Adenai and Tagagaya more closely for the signs of such emerging disaster in either their lands.
Things continue to calm down in Ordalan. For while they have been at peace, the backlog of issues caused by the war have not been easy to resolve. But by now, most of the inheritance disputes have been settled, and Queen Roza of house Waldetrudis has had extensive talks with the nobles of Emberglen. The city had been a rival to Sturnes, threatening to become its own nation, but the war did ultimately put them on the same side. Now the nobles of Emberglen have made an official pact with Sturnes and knelt before the Queen of Ordalan. Roza's authority is recognized throughout Ordalan, as defying it not only makes you an enemy of Sturnes, but Emberglen as well.>Action 1: Gardens of the Blossoming Dawn. The second step, making flower gardens and gardener homes around where the church will be.As plans are drafted for the church itself, paths, huts and gardens are made in the interior of the Ringed Road. There is no one road to the middle, there are a hundred footpaths, each with their own vista of flowers along it, each one tended to by a different gardener. There are also benches to admire the view from as you rest your weary legs. It is hard to imagine a warrior people would make such a garden, but for the Nixen there is no contradiction, as warriors protect the beauty of this world from those who wish to strip and ravage it. The middle however, is still barren, as that is where the new church will stand.>Action 2: The founding of Vermillion Grave. A city of Red Hoods, protecting Sasha's final resting place. The Vermillion Blade goes to the Pyronix Sanctuary for safekeeping.As Sasha lives out her final days, more and more Red Hoods come to attend her. Many test themselves with her Vermillion Blade, but all get hurt by the roaring inferno of rage contained within. Then, one morning, Sasha doesn't wake. A great funeral pyre is made, with a rose from every Red Hood in Ordalan, also attended by the Pyronixen from the nearby sanctuary, honouring a sister of Nixenzorn. After the funeral, the Vermillion Blade is taken to the Pyronix Sanctuary, while the Red Hoods turn the Vermillion Grave into a tent city. Several Red Hoods make homes of wood and stone, but all keep the tarp from their tents. The city remains dominated by tents, which change as Red Hoods travel elsewhere for jobs, but they always return. Vermillion Grave is a city of vagrants, past or current, their nobles are proud of having been homeless during the war, as it proves their resilience, and there is a strong community spirit.
> Action 1: Look for coalwe need more coal! (if I can build a second coalmine on my deposit do that if not prospect for coal!)> Action 2: improve train efficiencyit's simple rather than releasing the steam per hand either leadingto limping or explosions how about we automate it? Spring steel is used to make... springs! Sptings can be tuned for specific draw weight once sufficient pressure builds up the springs bend out of the way releasing steam at exact needed pressures> Action 3: industrializationbegin using steam engines in other industries where less power is needed we can use the eternally usable fire runes or fast growing bamboo to fuel them afterall!What can all a steam gine do? Swing a hammer to forge faster! Mix cement to free men from labor! Pump water to create deep wells or to create plumbing systems that go higher into the buildings.
>>6288517>Action 1 - Found city of Pesok (ruins south-west of the Pulse Metal mines)The mines of that precious metal have run deeper and deeper into the earth, the heartbeat of stone and blood Pulsing as Krovians dig ever-lower. As more and more workers arrive to plumb the depths, so too must homes be built to shelter them and ranch animals be corralled to feed them. With lands no longer considered to just be the distant reaches of Zhelezo's realm, a new city comes into being erected from the long-empty husks of the wizards' tall towers. >Action 2 - Divinity of DrevinoWounded heavily in combat, a combined regime of blood-based Pulse healing and soothing Lux-light work has Drevino back on his feet. It seems the epic confrontation has once more driven his mighty form to new heights, though luckily for his tailors and armor smiths it is only figuratively. A crimson haze of beating might surrounds Drevino now, as he has become what could be considered a living manifestation of Pulse, or at least as close as one could get to such a lofty dream. His strength has multiplied, where even steel of the highest grade is torn like fish skin by an errant swipe of his hand, and any who dare cross him would see the wounds they inflict close at an alarming rate. Drevino is a perpetual now, made immortal not by blessed bloodlines or centuries of blood magic, but by his very own nature itself.>Army - Continue rest in ZhelezoLacking their warchiefs resources and blessings, the rest of the Krovian army must heal at the slower rate.>Intrigue - Internal Power StruggleDevastating as it is, the Krovian drug empire will not be undone by a single raid on a single tea-shop. There is a power struggle now with Lekarstvo dead, so any efforts made to find the killers must wait until a new leader is established. Pudra, a cunning hammer-head type Krovian, seems to be the most prominent candidate, but she must work to remove her competition first!
Having succeeded to the Throne of Rudam at such advanced an age, it is no wonder his Majesty should pass to the Choir Eternal so quickly. So it is, the King is Dead. Long Live the King!By the great grace of our Lord Aagen,who has granted us this tyrn of the sun, and in remembrance of our own blessed father, I, King Talarin II of the Venks do hereby order;>Continuance in the training of the Lover Bears on the ice>Investigation of the land and resources of the land, lately reclaimed from the Krawl
>>6288527Action 1: Divination before setting sail.An expedition is planned. If the world is a sphere we can simply sail west and reach the east; expanding the range of our trade. Some others worry about the dangers that could be found on the other side of the world; and diviners are consulted to see what dangers they may find and what routes would be best to catch the sea currents. Some are even willing to trade their luck in other areas to ensure their survival on this voyage.2. Journey to the mystical lands of VenkiaThe time has come. The volunteers and sailors for this mission set out with jade trinkets for luck, prayers on their lips, and paintings or drawings of their loved ones close to their hearts. Tearful goodbyes are given and many of the small alters scattered around the Vizari lands are crowded. The ships supplies, golemic hearts, and propulsion is double and triple checked to ensure everything will last months on the water. With preparations made ships set sail from the northern port of Costa Nord and the southern fort of Porto Sud; and only time will tell what they find or if they even survive.
>>6288529With Justinian returned to the helm of Barza, the Sewn Titan destroyed and the Land as restored as possible a sense of calm falls over Barza and it's environs. Now is the time to enjoy the goodness of the life Luxor has given and to rest.Action1. While Justinian is loath to continue a pursuit of War in a time of peace, he is not so foolish as to deny his armies the tools necessary should that peace be disturbed. Yet the supply of Wingclippers a valued tool of his army is diminished due to lack of wood. Thus what must be done is clear, to set up another lumbermill so that they supply of such tools flows.Action 2. Other pursuits of the Kingdom of Barzaentines are less warlike in endeavors. Barza has and will continue to use lots of metals to feed their nation. As such the Geomancers of the nation have been asked to devise a way to find the earth's bounty more easily so that more Silver, Iron and any other worthy metals gifted by Luxor might be found and put to use.Military: Drill and stay vigilant for the Darkness of the World is still present, if not in a mass large enough to be an oncoming Calamity, yet.Missionary: Once more do the hands and feet of Luxor march towards the Vitruvian border. With them are several Inquisitors to make sure there is no unpleasantness directed towards these fine faithful, and if possible to get to the bottom of the conflict that seems to be brewing on either side of Barza.
>>6288530These actions are made to increase Our overall capability in terms of trade and transport.>1: Port TownErect a port town on Our northwestern coast. It will be called Port Town, and a race track may one day be established there.>2: Flight upgrade: spin speedIncrease the speed at which vortexes spin. This should allow for further stability higher in the air, and above different terrains. We so choose to accomplish this by means of a sub-space crank drive, being a set of metal cogs that levitate in the center of the arena inside, yet bind themselves to the metal spiked-tendrils outside the vortex, assisting heavily for increasing the spin speed of the vortex itself, which would run like a flywheel. Like the drivetrain of a bicycle, the krawl inside the vortex circle the crank drive, spin it with their manual pushing, and change which size of gear they have selected as needed. (Airport to be erected in my next action)>Diplo: continue traveling north with the Venks, and set sail around the ant territory posthasteMaja shouldn’t have much trouble lifting the heavy-duty Iwadogan over any would-be impassable walls. Nor the boat, for that matter.
>>6288517>Action 1: Transit RailsEngineers, masons, and scribes of the craft were gathered in the old capital by the wealthiest chiefs and trade-dwarves to chart the course of the deep roads and make a true transit system. Stone tables were spread with maps of mines, markets, and halls while the air was thick with smoke and ale as Dwarves argued on the best mode of transport. Some pressed for beasts of burden, others for gear-driven carriages, while a few dared propose that dwarves themselves haul the load. After a long debate a consensus was struck: the system would be built upon the familiar rails of the mines, widened and reinforced, these modified tracks would carry ore, dorfs and trade alike. Greater "wagons" also made of iron or what else would be accommodate this new mode of transportation.>Action 2: Expand the deep roads Miners and delvers set their chisels to stone once more, driving the deep roads network further. The work was long and bitter, dust choked the tunnels as lamps burned low as hammer and pick carrying for miles as old surveys were consulted, new mine shafts cut, and supports set where the stone lay treacherous.>Action 3: TransitForge-masters and the eldest of runelords were summoned to pursue a bold task: to find a way to move iron carriages without beasts of burden, over long distances and steep inclines. In the Grand Foundry, crucibles were rune-marked to burn hotter than natural flame, rare ores were poured and re-poured, and the clang of hammers rang long into the night as weary laborers fed the endless furnaces while scribes poured over ancient tablets in search of lost knowledge while Dorf engineers experimented with new mechanisms no matter how odd.>Rumors in the Halls- In the market tunnels of Virn-Lodahr, bakers whisper that a new strain of yeast has been found, making bread rise fuller and sweeter—though some grumble it spoils too quickly.- Along the projected rail routes, miners report strange cracks appearing in the stone, as if the mountain itself resents being measured and marked.- Sailors boast that dwarven beer barrels now travel by ship rather than mule, but one unlucky crew swears a cask split open at sea and drew a swarm of gulls that followed them for three days.- A mason’s guild in the eastern halls is said to be feuding over stone quotas, with tempers running hot enough that hammers, not words, may soon settle the matter.- Children in a mining village have been carving little figurines of a “black ore man” with sharp teeth, claiming it comes to them in dreams. Parents say it is only play, but the elders mutter otherwise.
>>6288530(No time for fluff and update is apparently right the fuck now so will write some later)>Action One. Ranches>Action Two. Refinement of Ourania's skills in duels.
>GLOBALFor much of the previous tyrn the moon's gaze has remained full and undiminished, for unknown reasons.>>6288614>AA. of KhurnairePassage up the river into Ordalan territory for an ash skinned human is no pleasant task, but a heavy cloak, and a barzan ancestor best not thought too deeply on do enough to make the lone figure moving upstream more curiosity than threat. Seven steps and nine spins lead to an isolated oak in the woods, and here there is an old carved sign, barely looking to be more than the errant touch of an animal, but one that is known to the ash skinned one. Hidden beneath the dirt amidst the roots is a collection of scrolls and tomes, densely written, on the nature of magics as practiced by...well none of the names are familiar. Still, there is runework, martial chi shaping forms, detailed summoning circles, dark secrets of flesh shaping, and holy incantations to heal the body. A wide set of foundations, though the mysterious writer often apologizes for not being able to leave more.To bottle light is no small task, and with a more problematic source of it perhaps impossible. Nonetheless the faithful give it willingly with the belief that it is a tool and a weapon against the darkness of the cursed lands, and perhaps that is enough. When released the light takes the form of knives that lash out, seeking the dark creatures of the cursed lands, forcing them to yield to the truth of their cursed existence. Attempts to twist the light directly sadly evaporate quite like water on a hot pan, though these knives of light will be useful nonetheless.There is no small suspicion on the part of the sky pirates, but supplies are supplies, even if the worst acts of the past are still spoken of in whispers late at night. A hidden airdock is constructed in the jungles and the anelk speak at length of their plans, their strategies and what they might have to offer. There is a surprising number of younglings and noncombatants as well, life has gone on, even for sky pirates. Some settle and build hidden homes beneath the trees, others plot darkly.
>>6289039> Habitun CultA shadow is a glimpse of possibility. To take one's own shadow, remove it entirely, then merge with it? Such a thing is the path of death, madness, and infinite possibility. What Birger becomes seems at first simply a svaltfar with no shadow, then quickly becomes apparent that he is both shadow and man all at once, able to walk in the light of Solaire or flatten against a wall just as easily. He steps from shadow to shadow, flitting across in a blink, carrying others with him though the experience leaves most gasping or weeping. When he speaks it is a tumble of words, prophecy from across a thousand worlds and the ravings of a man who has seen too much. Attempts to reproduce the result are sadly failures, some experience of the one time svaltfar has made him utterly unique.The girl is problematic. For the first two weeks she must be regularly fetched, usually in the midst of causing some sort of havoc or stealing from the cave fish supplies, and forcibly placed in the classroom. For the next two months, she instead occupies herself corrupting her classmates, leaving a trail of graffiti and chaos in her wake, setting up a fighting ring (the runesmith instructor was found participating), and at one point leaving a bewildered medqa on the roof of the cathedral. Slowly, ever so slowly, Krovian savagery ebbs and tempers into something more calculated, if no less problematic. She reignites protests against Habitun isolation, frequently engages with debates with the preachers at the cathedral, and refuses to eat even a single vegetable to the endless frustration of the school cooks. And yet she learns, drinking in knowledge of magic, combat, and craftsmanship alongside her peers and showing a stunning aptitude for the nature of shadow magic, when she isn’t sitting atop the cathedral talking to the sun. When the black carriage comes she leaves behind a cadre of extremely talented, if chaotic youths.
>>6289550>VitruviaThe great industrial engine of Vitruvia lurches forward once more as more forges ignite and begin billowing out great clouds of black smoke across the land. All through the land there is a great hammer and clanging as gleaming gjoldsteel is worked into fine arms and armor for all the admittedly undisciplined and untrained vitruvian forces. But nonetheless well armed, well fed, and even well housed! Dexter, Dex, Dogtective, the most brilliant mind in all of Vitruvia (according to himself anyway) is on the case! Tracking a scent through the madcap city of Holmbastus is no easy task, as is finding evidence after a menia cleaning crew has swept through the area, but fortunately all of the evidence, including viscera, was formed into a quickly constructed museum and giftshop. Three interesting bits of evidence arise. The first, is a curious smell, quickly identified as similar to, but not identical to Black Jelly sold by Habitun merchants. The second is the absence of cat among the viscera of the slain krovians, no less than thirty two unique forms of life (half of them Vitruvian) were found among the krovian remains, but none of them were cats. Lastly is the fletching on a single arrow, which bears plumage from a bird found only in the pine forests around Holmbastus, while the remainder are from birds from the jungles near the Alive Oak plantations. A conclusion is clearly in order! Eleanor has been kidnapped! By a giant bird living in the forests around Holmbastus! With a penchant for black jelly! Tally to!Further investigation is curtailed by the city erupting into violence as the krovian drug trade attempts to equalize itself. Citizens are recruited into gangs, switching alliances frequently, and the city descends into chaos. Barzan missionaries arrive in the midst of it all, providing aid and succor to those trying to stay out of the madness, ultimately resulting in them establishing a front presence in the city.
>>6289716>OrcmanieFar from the north arrive the wyverns! Or their eggs anyway. The great beasts as adults are entirely too fierce and powerful to be tamed, lashing out with claws and tails, their wings able to throw man and horse aside with a buffet of wind. A sizable open air pen is constructed, and for several long years young drakes are raised and trained, enough for a handful of elite knights. More training, and an expansion of the pens will be required for these mighty creatures to become widespread across all the armies of Orcmanie.The Orcman contribution to the Arena of Three Stands comes in the form of great pillars of red granite and of course their own section of seating, training grounds and housing facilities. Already quite the population of supporting staff and cottage industries has sprung up around the arena, leading to uneasy mingling of Harpy and Orcmen as some small measure of trade and conversation occurs.The Bureau sets its agents to work in the changeling cities of Bahay and Urong. What they discover is chilling. While the city of Bahay is more or less unchanged, having transferred power away from the missing king to a council of merchants, the city of Urong is merely a facade of its former self. A grim chill permeates the air, and outsiders are viewed with naked hostility, barely tolerated so long as they have coin. A clever (and lucky) agent manages to pass themselves off as a changeling, integrating into the inner city where no foreigners are allowed. There they discover some sort of cult venerating “The Eyes Below”, some god or beast of the deep waters off the coast of Urong. The agent acquires copies of plans to enact some sort of summoning ritual in the future, as well as useful passcodes that might enable future operations.>>6291210>Kingdom of OrdalanIn many ways Ordalan is slowly splitting. To the north sweeping roads and grand gardens are being built, all just preparations for what will presumably be a grand cathedral. To the far south however, where dark monsters raid the countryside and none walk after dark is Vermillion Grave, the city of tents. A city built from plundered lumber of the defeated Domo and fed by its rice. Old and weathered tent cloth stretches across the streets in the form of awnings and makeshift pavilions, hangs as doors and curtains, and flaps in the wind as flags stitched with the myriad symbols of old gangs and militias. The city quickly develops a reputation as a haven of criminals, thugs, and bandits, with rumors that sky pirates lurk in the city as well. There is no denying that the many tarps and coverings across the city streets certainly cloak the city in darkness. Perhaps the unrest is because of the lack of tools and places to repair them. The nearest proper set of forges and metalworkers is in Emberglen, locals arms, armor, and tools are quite shabby as a result.
>>6291226>Turquoise TurbansThe kettle cars set off something of a craze across the nation. Prospectors set out across the land seeking more coal, engineers and smiths set to work trying to find new strategies for improving the trains, and every inventory and conman in the land soon has a miracle ‘kettle device’ for sale. Sadly most of it falls short. Prospectors seeking coal turn up a vein of salt instead, a useful good to be sure, but not one that moves the trains. Efforts to incorporate springs into the kettle cars improves the stability of the vehicles, though at the cost of dramatically reducing their speed, there is talk of greasing the entire railway in butter to reduce their roughness. Kettle devices likewise end up largely problematic, though a highly promising steam powered javelin thrower does result in a mercenary group purchasing what remains of the coal supplies to operate the quite deadly device. The vast majority of ideas however fail to make it off the ground, smiths dismiss steam hammers as erratic and unreliable, and the kettle cement mixer sadly resulted in three bystanders being petrified. The barzan cement dealers quickly withdraw. What workshops do show promise all inexplicably explode, are torched by rivals, or in one extreme case is destroyed by a rod of metal that fell from the heavens, only to a month later levitate into the air and vanish! >>6291301>Krovian BandsPesok is a miners town through and through, built out of the ruins of an ancient vizari mining town, old towers split by some ancient catastrophe now serving as lean-to style dwelling for the sharkmen. Surviving on mantis eggs, wandering krawl and ancient spell stones that call water from deep within the earth they work hard to provide the precious living metal so desired by all krovians. Still the city currently struggles, lacking stone or wood for homes, and a forge for tools and maintenance.The might of Drevino is a thing of living legend. Tales of his grand battle against the sewn titan circulate across the land, even in Vizari pubs where the speaker is usually pelted with stale beer and rotten fruit before being tossed out. There’s certainly no denying an aura of vitality and power about the shark chieftain, or those powerful enough to keep up with him. The city of Holmbastus is wracked by chaos as the krovian drug trade lurches toward equilibrium. The impressionable citizens of Vitruvian find themselves recruited into drug gangs, and for several days the city is rocked by explosions, poisonous gasses and filled with roving gangs of letter opener wielding menia, to say nothing of the krovians with massive harpoons stalking the streets. Somewhat problematically most of the vitruvian gangs immediately switch sides the moment a krovian barks orders at them.
>>6291312>Talarin II, King of the VenksTraining of the dread bears of the north continues without issue, though curiously the locals have begun to call them lover bears instead, perhaps because of their tendency to gaze into the eyes of anyone nearby. King Talarin II is even greeted with a performance of the great beasts skating around a frozen lake with their trainers in a reproduction of the ancient drama “The Culling of the Auger’s Cult”, a tale of an inquisitorial purge from the ancient past.Explorers and prospectors of the newly gained territories find ancient networks of tunnels, as well as walls and gatehouses, after a fashion anyway. Here and there in the dark tunnels are creatures known as Tiger Moles, massive but skittish moles with sizable claws primarily used for digging. With a little coaxing some of the creatures are tamed and lead out of the tunnels, though exactly what they would be useful for is hard to say, perhaps the dwarves of the north would like their digging nature?Aside from the moles, a species of bat is discovered in the tunnels with oddly fragrant dung, smelling of a potent mix of garlic, ginger and mint. A few bottles make their way their way to the College of Notables, where the fungaloid staff proclaim it to be in possession of some sort of healing magic, though for most it finds more use as a perfumer's ingredient. >>6291551>The Tower Archmage of VizariTravel and Coin, Foreign and Blades. The message is clear enough, safe travels, but perhaps a rocky reception on the far side of the ocean. Nonetheless ships are loaded to the brim with supplies, last minute survival spells checked over, and the ships depart the harbor to much cheering. Luck is sacrificed shamelessly, marriages dissolve, businesses collapse, but the ships shoot out of the harbor with a strong wind at their backs and courage in their hearts. Only time will tell for sure how their journey will end.
>>6291658>Justinian the Scarred of BarzaThe basic needs of the nation are nothing glamorous, but wood for crossbows, homes, and charcoal kilns is a vital component of the nation.The focus of Barzan geomancy has long been on the movement of earth, stone and magma, on careful rituals executed with precision and speed. The art of dowsing however is far softer in nature, relying on navigating the flows of ambient magic and feeling how they change in regards to different materials within the earth. While there is still much to learn in the fledgling art enough is discovered to lend barzan prospectors an edge over their counterparts. (When prospecting you will receive two results and can pick one to be the ‘real’ one).The missionary group that heads to Vitruvia finds the weather clearing and the road ahead clear. They find themselves called to Holmbastus where they find the city embroiled in a violent gang war. Acting quickly they move in to guard the citizens of the city, saving many lives, and earning no small number of converts in the process. In the coming months a fine new church rises up in the city.At end of tyrn a black carriage arrives bearing a now teenage girl, riding on the roof. Among her belongings is a motley collection, a krovian harpoon and several broken shark teeth, an extensive collection of books, most of which hiss with shadowy snakes whenever a barza priest nears them, a single runic practice slab that does nothing at all and the telltale crook of a broken nose. Krovia called her Grista, Habitun called her Marlene. What will Barza call her?
>>6291976>The KrawlA port town by the name of Port Town is constructed on the coastline of the Krawl nation. What dark games the Krawl High minds are playing is difficult to guess, especially given the construction of a sizable looping track designed for high speed chariot races. From a distance the humps and bumps of Port Town might be mistaken for a normal, if perhaps mishapen village on the sea, but drawing closer reveals a strange truth. The entire town is a single slowly breathing krawl organism whose sole purpose is to produce large amphibious krawl forms for sea transport. The odd bumps that might be mistaken for buildings are actually surface level organs and orifices that allow the movement of other krawl and supplies in and out of the town’s true nature below the earth.The machinations of the Vitruvians and the Guliseare have long earned the envy of the Krawl, whose own vortexes are sadly limited in their ability to tear across the sky. The latest enhancements of the vortexes however helps to narrow, but not close the gap. By using specialized krawl forms to forcefully pull a chain through a clever mechanism the vortexes can be launched high into the sky, ripping through the clouds furiously for a time before returning to earth. These enhanced vortexes require considerably more structure in the form of metallic resources however. To truly match the Guliseare and Vitruvians however more effort will be required.>>6291980>UrottiExpansion work of the deeproads largely proceeds without issue, as does the laying of long networks of rail. It is in the development of a locomotion system that the primary issues arise. While many alloys are developed and tried, any that can produce sufficient forward motion also run into the immediate issue of shaking their occupants, carts, and cargo to the point of serious injury. What is eventually constructed are dubbed Gong Stations, constructions of reverb iron alloys paired with specially designed carts of the same. Heavy stones are pulled on pulleys via yeti-sloth labor, then dropped on reverb iron ‘gongs’, that then transmit and transform that energy in a surge of powerful forward movement that carries goods and passengers for several miles, assuming the carts don’t shatter under the impact or fly wildly off the rails. Unfortunately while the prototypes are working well enough, there is insufficient reverb iron to actually enable them across the rail system, leaving the carts to be pulled by goats, yeti sloths, and grumbling dwarven youths.
>>6292087>The Divine Republic of GuliseareGoat farms spring up along the hillsides of Guliseare, providing a valuable source of milk and meat for the harpies living nearby.Ourania’s skills cannot be denied, even if they are an unorthodox mixture of techniques from across all of Pavilion, but the training of her teachers at the grand arena takes them to the next level. Awareness, magic, martial and even social skills are all drilled into the still young harpy, teaching her ways to master her opponents on every level. ----TURN 31 ENDS-----
>>6292407>Action 1: Roost.The Priest-Sage grew aged and troubled over the years, fearing for the end of his (personal) machinations with the end of his duties fast approaching. But he saw a glimpse, a glimpse of what that traitor blood took from north, and he was awoken to the truth of things. Propose an expansion of the Zas's Temple, make it so that operations upriver are more and more possible, and the Lord's cohorts will jump at the effort, providing him the resources needed to do this. Travel downriver and recruit whoever he sees has the potential for that inclination, that fascination of birds and the open skies, he couldn't care less if it's the slums or the archives, he'll take it. Upriver, again, the ritual site is constructed near the harpies as a temple meant to provide the Zas's protection to them, and his new staff the temple's attendants. Let years flow by, encourage whatever dalliances occurs between his staff and the harpies, dote on whatever and whoever, I couldn't care. When the year is set, and death is knocking, that is the time. Gather those who were gathered, and with scraps of lore remembered and rethought a thousand times, summon the attention of She Who Dwells in Deepest Dark, and with her as witness, sacrifice himself and all that attends for the harpies' sake. Whatever shape he and they take under her hands, it will protect the harpies in these jungles. He couldn't see how their dreams could be reality with how the world was set now, so all that he can do is to provide them the shelter to try and try again. What an auspicious turn of events, don't you think? >Action 2: For Luxor's Sake.Besides the Priest-Sage's dereliction, the Khurnaire has gathered some bands of the Mirror Church's followers, of the brawny stock that could personally beat up any trouble, and sent them upriver to Vermillion Grave for "missionary work", or more honestly, to establish themselves as smiths and prepare the Grave against the encroaching dark. Lord knows how vulnerable these sorts are to her machinations, who knows what else might be plotting in the dark if they don't act now. No hidden agendas whatsoever, Luxor won't be pleased with that. Just good intentions.
>>6292515>Action 3: The Tower The Tower The TowerYes, we are here under the Lord Mana's will. The study's goals are to study the Tower of Joining itself, and test whether or not the Lord Mana's theories of it are true, and how far we can exploit it. Master Sage Lady-Dark-Plot's current assignments have allowed her to take on a supervisory role, so report on any anomalies or progress to her property near Otorso. Firstly, we are to use Spirit Scouting to study the complex itself and verify the validity of our archived information in regards to the tower. The Sages specifically needs us to study the slabs itself, to see if anything is more visible or audible from the other side, and the depth of the complex, to see the deepest part of the tower. The slab examination is to be done shortly, and the depth measurement can be done cautiously, we have time, and the usual pair scenario, guarded by the Lord of Steel's men and the captured lights for when we find something in the depths, should give us a good enough estimate of the complex by the time this is all done.Secondly, the slab's "joining". We are to ascertain the joining's duration of attunement, of effect, and of de-attunement, valid subjects, loss of information, and retention of information. We are also to learn if there are limitations to the slabs, if the depth of the slab's location matters, where the enchantment draws its energy from, and if it is understandable, if it is replicable with our present knowledge. This is the main body of our study, and shipments of flora, fauna, some unwanted lowlifes, and the necessary holding and restraining equipment is currently being facilitated by Lady-Dark-Plot from her colleagues in the Krahr.Thirdly, and the Lord Mana had asked us to do this discreetly, is whether or not one can escape death with the Tower. We are to arrange for several unfortunate accidents involving the non-thinking subjects to see if that would result in the merging or atleast housing of the two spirits within one body. We are then to follow that with several workplace incidents involving our thinking subjects, to see if the mechanisms are still the same there. As the depth study travels deeper, our options to conduct more elaborate rituals and enchantments to aid in the soul-anchoring process, and manipulate the second goal's factors to our liking. If there is even but a chance of success here, the Lord Mana will make this our permanent posting. Hm? If this is for the Lord herself? No, I suspect this is for her cadres. Haven't you counted how long the Lord have lived?>Military Action: Scout the CoastsThe Khurnaire's militia marches to the coasts of the Darklands, eagerly testing their shiny spirits, and seeing if the Lord Mana's fear of them preparing to leave the continent are true.
>>6292407>>6292411>Action 1: How to train your WyvernThat the Wyverns come from the northern isle, from a rocky shore, matches with some of the oldest Orcen myths and tales of our origins. But what connection existed before has evidently eroded; or perhaps it is the Human half-blood present throughout the Orcmanie that makes the wild wyverns ever a stranger to us. So those of us so privileged by birth or battle-honours to permit to ride them must forge these bonds anew; rediscovering the ways and methods of the Wyvern-Sagas to bond with these most magnificent beasts and bind them into service with our Kingdom.>Action 2: Stable-izing the situation.When all of our forces were concentrated in in a single army, those Knights who needed a mount seemed always able to obtain an Orman Warhorse and any Warrior with prestige could acquire a Whound companion. Now that independent commands are being established throughout the land, we have started to run across shortages in our numbers of military beasts as commanders vie to improve their cavalry edges. And so, new Stables for their breeding and training are to be established close to the land containing our oldest farms>Free: Wood TitheIn the Orcmanie proper, there are nine Hextres that are yet underdeveloped, hosting only minor fiefs, small villages and iterant foresters. In the lands about Colnaude, there remain another four. Tithing these places for wood rather then expecting coinage or other more typical feudal dues will reduce the burden on these communities, as well as allow us to to make up for a previously-expected shortfall.>Military Action - Gone UrongThe news our agent brings us is horrifying. The city has been cast adrift from even the nominal protection once offered by the burghurs of Bahay, and cultists now practice their insanities in the secluded streets. News of a pending summoning fills hearts with dread and memory of the Dawn; such actions must therefore be decisively stopped, and by any and every means at our disposal. By Order of King Guyard II the Elite of the Orcmanie are mobilised to join with the Ducal army of Cadon; and Count Hetzgrub Moonhurleur receives the King, his Royal companions compliment, and the gathered ranks of the Order of the Enduring Bough to the muster. Together, the Army marches upon Urong; planning to seize this forsaken city and occupy it well enough to root out these cultists before their summoning plan can be enacted.Elsewhere, the worn army of Colnaude returns home for rest and rotation after two tyrns in the field, and the army of Rooin goes upon drills and manoeuvres that are overseen by Sir Franchug Fenshoutporc.
>>6292407>Children are for coddling. The Solaire-corrupted coddle with luxury, and spoiling takes on a double meaning. The Terra-blessed coddle with love, and no matter how tough a form it takes, the All-Mother knows best.- Excerpt from tyrnly sermon from the Cognita CathedralAction 1: Court Tournaments>Unchallenged, our children's minds remain pure, and untainted. Like milk.>Lest we forget, naught is more fragile nor as capable of spoiling in any but the most controlled of environs as milk. So too are our children ever open to external influence by radicals and 'free thinkers'.>A proofing is in order, of their minds and souls. They should be given the right, nay, the OBLIGATION to challenge us. For in so doing and losing, do they learn the truths of the world.>An unquestioning follower is but a Medqa. Terra expects better. That, I believe, is what Marlene was telling us with her incitements of rebellion.>I humbly request a review of our methods of governance, for a smidge more freedom will grant us infinitely more robustness.- Anonymous internal Siblinghood missive>... futh this, I need a vacation- Seer of Shadow outburst during court hearing on incident #34001, 113>Sub-offices of Habitun Council court to be opened in city of Bikube, city of Virn-Urdor, Hulua College of Arts and Crafts, and outskirts of Gronn Dal.>Said offices will take upon duties of evaluating proposals afore they are submitted to the court proper for hearing. Evaluation metrics will include comparison with other proposals, length of time spent in waitlist, number of rejections, and relevance to national efforts.>Conversely, restrictions on personages capable of presenting court proposals shall be reneged.>Hearings will be subject to random inspections by Siblings and Councilfar at random, staggered intervels. Suspicion of bribery or bias will be met with judicious punishment involving Terra's Dew collections.- Habitun Council decree, nailed to various public squares
>>6293031Action 2: Mana Collider>Pressure mounting from Urotti runesmiths to provide exceptional insights on scaling of runes.>Runic knowledge already exhausted by foolish Hals Bulbul. None left to salvage dignity that has not been seen.>Designate ten tonne of Terra's Flesh to be awarded to first considerable insight into runesmithery scaling.- Missive from Seer of Smoke to Habitun Council, following monthly audience with Urotti court>I can do it for five.- Missive from Gronn Dal mayor to Seer of Smoke>A squad of Huntsmen is around your house, Miho. Surrender, or die.- Reply from Seer of Smoke to Gronn Dal mayor>I simply see potential to salvage Nacheter and Gronn Dal reputation with such an effort. The workshop is centered around my city after all.- Reply from Gronn Dal mayor to Seer of Smoke, full of arrow holes>Elaborate at length. I will have escort of the Sukon ancestor. He WILL render you unto ash if you fail to assuage my worry at your newfound sense of charity.- Reply from Seer of Smoke to Gronn Dal mayor>Item 1: 3791 Shatter Runes. Installed within collider, in varying sequences.>Item 2: 11373 Mountain Runes. 3791 installed around vicinity of Gronn Dal, just past outskirts of Yakman housing. 7500 installed in sequence towards Mana Collider facility. 82 circumnavigating collider.>Item 3: 3 Master Shadowmancers. They will suffuse rune formations through Mountain and Shatter runes.>Item 4: 6 tonne of Terra's Flesh. To fuel Shadowmancers for duration of experiments.>Item 5: 2 tonne of Terra's Flesh. To pay for construction crews of facility.>Item 6: 300 favn of Black Granite. To construct facility with.>Item 7: 3 tonne of Terra's Flesh. To purchase miscullaneous construction materials with.>Expected Return: 70 Scaled Shattered Mountain arrays per tyrn.- Summary of proposal #3405 to Habitun council, 113Military Action: Move armies back to Gronn Dal for eventuality of deployment via rail or ship.Agrimensores Guild: Scan Urotti For Unique Materials (1/3)
>>6293032Intrigue Action: Hunting Classes ["Tax" of game] [Four Boreal tiles on and around Gronn Dal]>As of the founding of the city of Gronn Dal, the controversial addition of Yakmen and Nacheters has demonstrated a disparity in the very founding thought of Habitun and her immigrants.>Yakmen, you've not the cunning nor aptitude for stalking your prey in the woods, favoring small pastures that feed you less and less with its hard soil.>Nacheters, think not we had not noticed yon pocketing of alms and resale for petty luxuries.>Self-sufficiency is a core Habitun precept. Even the children practice it. And now, so shall you.>But think not Habitun a cruel matron, sending you unto the woods with nary guidance and expecting untested mettle to fend for itself. We are not only in the business of birthing excellence, but the very DEBRIDEMENT of all that may hide her. No proper Alfar shall you be, you will NOT be a source of shame for Habitun!>Hunt instructor Annika shall be guiding you in batches through the steps of the hunts of elk, goose, rabbit, and fox. Obey her as you would a Sibling.- Herald of Habitun Council"Announcement To All Habitun Immigrants Of Gronn Dal"
>>6292407Trade summary: my biotitans are sent for an upgrade to the crawl. Alongside the update we send captured monsters> Action 1: CharcoalWe have our rapidly growing bamboo. Set up charcoal production> Tax actionTax the meadows, we need bamboo! Focus our production> Action 2+3: The great Iron RoadsBuld the Ferodawo a network of iron roads around the nationWhat the Moving kettles excell in is not speed but mass. What would require a thousand camelback caravns they transpiort in one go. Establish an extensive network throughout the nation this should help increase the output of well... EVERYTHINGMines can mine more, resources can reach across the land rapidly. And soon the Iron roads shall extend beyond the boundaries of our nation.> Action 1:
>>6292409NOTE: Combine both Holtzahnad forges into one mega forgeAction 1 and 2: Ninjitsu Academy (Convert Arbalest, creating a 3 action ninja academy)The old Arbalest building has evolved over the years, renovated into a shooting academy not too long ago, but it has in recent times inexplicably become home to a not so hidden order of ninjas.Somewhat educated in stealth, assassinations, house keeping and other military and domestic techniques, they are a skilled order, but a small and hobbyist one, until now.It appears that their value has now been recognised, as their headquarters is now due to receive a massive renovation to expand their reach and fold their order into the wider modus operandi of Vitruvia, turning the shanty organisation into a fully functional department.Recognising the history of the building, initiates learn well and early the advantage of the crossbow for theoretical assassinations(?), along with their training in using Gjoldsteel shurikens and dark clothing, basic competency in ranged combat and stealth are expected before melee techniques are introduced along with practical activities such as wall climbing and rooftop running.The major expansions to the site enable initiates to be taught to a scholarly degree in wide varieties of subjects however. Warfare, sabotage, strategy, infiltration, stealth, counterespionage, logistics, disguise, housekeeping(?), survival, and a unique martial arts style based off of Nachetarine techniques are all part of the curriculum depending on what one intends to learn here specifically, and full competency in all is expected for those who will go on to become full members.There is more than a little Nachetar influence in this order, many of their writings from the Archive are used to provide the theoretical foundation for the coursework in the expanded academy, records of espionage and martial texts, battles fought and lost that can be learned from, the odd breathing technique or silent movement scroll. The topics taught here are so varied that some graduates may only be ninjas in theory, mostly going on to become military advisors or strategists, but even so all who are able of body learn the fundamentals of stealth and killing silently.Intrigue: SCUM AND VILLAINY IN HOLMBASTUSDex is on the case. He has a nose that can sniff out crime before it happens. Unfortunately this crime has already happened, so his main advantage is useless, but even still he can smell the crime that’s already happened as if it was still happening. And it is.Both the ordelan and the Habitun seem implicated with this latest twist and crime is at an all time high with the gang war ongoing. These are mean streets, but Dex is meaner. He just needs to wait for someone to throw him a bone.The Greatest Detective who ever lived adjusts his doggy trenchcoat and detective hat. He’ll shake the truth out of the giant crime bird if it’s the last thing he does, and then the mystery will be revealed!
>>6292407>Action 1: Improve the Rail SystemThough a form of mass transit has been achieved, no dwarf would suffer such crude contraptions to stand as their legacy. The Gong Stations rattled goods and dorf alike and so noble and laborer both have turned their minds and hands toward improvement. Guilds of smiths, scribes, and miners labored day and night while some sought smoother alloys and others refined carts and rails as still others dared to rework the very principle of motion itself. Pride and stubbornness drive the effort as much as need, for no dwarf wishes to be remembered for wagons that leap the track like drunken yaks.>Action 2: Invest in GolemsWhile the holds bustled with the work of rails, one lone scribe descended into the ruins of the old capital, searching vaults and half-collapsed archives for fragments of lore. >Action 3: Build a Second Reverb Iron MineWith the demands of the Gong Stations and experimental alloys consuming more than the realm can spare work began on a second mine. Prospectors have marked a new vein of reverb iron, its strange hum faintly audible even in the rock. Tunnels are cut, supports raised, and the first ore began to flow. Yet as every dwarf knows, the deeper one digs the louder the mountain may answer.>Rumors in the HallsAlewives in Virn-Lodahr whisper that the new rail experiments are shaking barrels in their cellars so badly that the beer turns to froth before it can be tapped.Children dare each other to stand close to the Gong Stations when the stones drop, swearing they can hear the voices of ancestors in the thunder.Prospectors claim the new reverb iron vein “sings” louder than the last, with a rhythm not unlike a heartbeat.A caravan returning from the Habitun reports seeing great shapes moving along the ridges at night, slow and deliberate, though no tracks were found come morning.Some miners in the eastern tunnels tell of stone statues shifting when unobserved, tools misplaced and dust disturbed as if by unseen hands.
>>6292416Fluff: While excitement and concern run through Vizari society as prophecies of safe travels across the seas but dangers at home pass through the people there are many doubters that the Vizari even need to reach out to others. Much of the island remains untapped for resources and sparsely populated. Would it not be better to take advantage of these lands rather than seek out dangerous paths across the seas to trade with people we know almost nothing about? The dice are consulted as these naysayers seek out resources left untapped. 1. Resource search, results rolled: Snowpears The first thing they find is a tree of pear like fruits. While this would be a great find when the people who found the fruits tasted them they found that the fruits tasted like nothing. It had no flavor what so ever even though there didn't seem to be any downside to eating it. It quickly becomes a contested fruit as the price remains low and mainly used for medicine rather than food the poor will still take it rather than starve. The name snowpears is given to the fruit by the few orchard owners as it's a better alternative than some of the other names given to it. 2. Resource Search, results rolled: Effigy AntsThe other group finds a kind of ant in the south that holds strong magic. Naturally tied to conjuration the insects formed their nests out of conjured stones, with the notable oddity that the hives had the depiction of a woman with one eye. As the ants are studied, though, it is revealed they will conjure effigies of the deceased loved ones of the mages studying them; leading to some discussion and concern. It is concluded that they have not only magical but spiritual powers, giving them some primal perception of the spiritual. With the cult activity in Urong that goddess may be saturating too much for other spiritual presences to be made; but when in the presence of mortals the lingering presence of dead loved ones may be seen by them and incorporated. The Effigy ants quickly become a beloved creature for builders and stone working artists; with grieving families coming to artisans to have the ants create depictions of loved ones for funerals and home shrines. For construction, though, the effigies are usually set aside or buried in the structure and melded into the stone; no one willing to risk the divine retribution to come from breaking effigies of the dead. The gods who protect the dead are not known for their patience for that kind of disrespect. War: The Occupation of UrongThe Orcmanie have been kind enough to inform us of the cult activity and plans to summon some dark entity in Urong. They are a threat that can not be allowed. Whatever this 'Eyes Below' is it is unlikely to be a good neighbor and so the military moves to take the city with the Orcmanie; landing from the sea with golemic and magic forces. It's known that the people of Urong are face changers so how to tell each other apart will be simple, telekentic displays.
>>6292413>Action 1 - Pesok's Krovian Gingko TreeThe structural integrity of the ruined wizards' towers leaves a lot to be desired. What appears as remnants of solid masonry is more often than not marred by veins of corruption, scars of the terrible magic they wielded so long ago. The result is a series of snaking black streaks that make the stone brittle and ashy. Other rocks are melted into odd, writhing shapes, as if the very towers themselves were wrought into semi-liquid and were doing their utmost to escape the magic spells being cast at their peaks. The Krovians cannot build a great city with the ruined remnants of another, and so they strike out into the wide desert beyond, looking for the original quarry that their ancient arcane foes must have used to build their towers centuries ago. Each expedition leads deeper and deeper into the desert, but no quarry is found, nor any faded road or path that would signify the passage of those great blocks they used. Eventually, however, a suitable replacement is found. A wide oasis deep in the desert bears a few copses of stunning trees, their leaves a heady mix of bright gold and faded pink. Soon enough, the Krovians have built a lumbermill, and the bright wood is carted back to Pesok to aid in the making of their new homes.
>>6294263>Action 2 - Pulselight Lantern [Magic upgrade of BloodMist rage spell]It happened at the tail end of the second wave of construction for the PulseLux temple. The Barzanaeites, always more organized and timely than their Krovian contemporaries, had finished a great Silversteel lantern at the peak of one of their segments of the temple. The shining metal formed a perfect home for the pulsing ball of light a Barzan priest had chanted into being, a fraction of Lux's essence meant to watch over the temple with it's gentle light. The Avatar, watching from the temple's peak, had even bowed once the construction was done, honoring the beautiful handiwork that the men had poured themselves into that day.Perhaps it was envy, but more likely, it was mere admiration, the nearly childlike wonder at seeing something amazing and thinking "Hmm, can I do that?" that caused one Krovian to attempt to mimic the feat. A warrior in his own right, the mason had earned a great tool for themselves in their youth, their forearm replaced with a swirling mass of ever-changing Pulsemetal, able to take on the shape of any tool they craved (even if it was a simple hammer or spike most of the time). As they bent to work, they used a fraction of their own prosthetic to form the frame of a great lantern to mirror the one already made. Sadly, such a feat was beyond them, but the Krovian, eyes filled with a flicker of madness, pressed on. More and more of his liquid metal arm poured out, and as the Avatar watched on in silent excitement, even the architects own blood began to flow out and fill the gaps of the new lanterns shape. The Krovian stumbled, he gasped in pain, he roared in excitement and then became a shivering wretched husk as the last of himself poured out. Without so much as a final exhale, his corpse fell forward into the finished lanterns center, expunged in a flash of crimson light that served to create a flickering orb of Bloodlight. The Lantern was complete, and the temple was balanced once more.The Avatar smiled toothily, and gave another bow.>Army Action - 'Pesok' army sails to Zhelezo, begins duty of guarding supply line. 'Zhelezo' army (always with Drevino) and 'Grib' army move along road north to meet with Krawl 'Al' army east of the black fort.To war! Drevino and his men, flush with the victory over the Titan, return to the northern stretches of the Krawl nation. There, they will squash Skirt forces, tear apart their anthills, and claim the land for their own! The less well armed and trained forces of the newly founded Pesok warbands will have to be stuck with guarding duty, but perhaps they may earn glory there too!
>>6294264Intrigue Action - Krovian Missionaries head to BarzaThe religion of Pulse has always been a uniquely Krovian affair. While the Krawl know it in theory, and practice it by their nature, they cannot truly LIVE the Pulse way. The Barzan's leave more to be desired, but they at least follow an adjacent path. In the past, Barzan priests sought to teach the truth of Lux to the Krovian masses, and their belief found purchase, merging Blood and Light in the temple that the Avatar of both now resides in. Now, the balance must be restored, and young Krovian shamans make their way to Barzarium, preaching the way of their combined faiths. While the Barzan populace COULD stand to be a little more Pulse-y in their ways, the Shamans recognize that this is more of a practice run, a test of their proselytizing before they venture out into the real world.
>>6294264Correction, move the two armies to the Healing Pits.
>>6292419Things are still quiet for Barza, and idle hands oft times lead todark works. There are whispering in court that the King is ill for while his flesh has mended, he still has moment of infirmity. Talks about someone new being put upon the throne are bandied about seemingly idly, while others talk of a cursade to the north to purge the Nachetars that haunt those strange places. Yet others still whisper of a punitive mission to the south, to rip out those who sought to destroy Barza out root and stem. Into this morass at court does a young woman called Helen arrives to the court, astride a Black Carriage....Action1. Dowsing RodsGreat strides have been made in the geomantic art of finding minerals. yet further refinement is needed. An artful solution to the endeavor is derived in short order. Wooden rods exposed to refined earthen geomantic energies are proposed. the theory is that, with enough samples of various ore and minerals acquired the rods will be able to point out locations where such are found in abundance more precisely than current methods.Action 2. Teaching HelenThe mysterious woman who arrived in a mysterious chariot quickly becomes the talk of the Court. More so when the King interviews her immediately upon arrival. The rumor mill reaches a fever pitch when he makes her a fixture at court despite her many irregularities and rough edges. Yet, despite her many flaws and foibles she is not cast out, rather the King seemingly energized now becomes a taskmaster to her. Rumors abound as to the why even as she is taught of the one True Faith, or maintaining Barzan reserve, Geomantic logic, and the precepts of Barzan military doctrine. Was the King taken with her, and perhaps finally decided on a bride to secure his line? Had she ensorcelled him? Was she someone of import from a distant land he was teaching as a favor? Sadly, for the gossip mongers of the court, neither seemed inclined to share details.Missionary Action: The faithful of Luxor once again head towards Khurnaire. With the Darkness so close, and barbarism that they once embraced so very recent, concerns about their spiritual health are great. Thus, will succor be given to them, that they might see the Light, truly.
>>6292516>Intrigue Action - For Darkness Begets Light, and Greater Light Begets Ever Greater DarknessWelcome, again. Welcome again. Let more and more of the common, vulgar, weak, licentious crowd in their decrepitude believe in their words. Let these ideas fight and sprout like wildfire, and grow and grow in my Heart's grand silence. Send out the oh-so weak to witness the grand works of Basilica, Cathedral, and Dawn, and weep and kneel for the works of men that they were never granted the chance to ape to. For Khurnaire, Khurnaire believes, truly believes.
>>6292420The following actions are committed to create a cruel weapon (and upgrade perception)>1: Molten fragmentation (explosive, fiery, anti-personnel)Volzag, the next magic iteration of Volzepi, formerly the Kassa line, which is formerly the Rach.Its body is like a wound up rope to nurture a constantly-charging, unstable, molten, magic crystal core, Volzag has lost all the legs of its previous forms in favor of a snake’s locomotion. It is small, only up to a meter long, though fat in its center. The Volzag, like all krawl forms, is communally aware of its nearby cohort and their thoughts, as well as its surroundings, by means of frequencies emitted and received by each krawl in a given location. They use this data to police a battlefield and put themselves to the best use they can manage by, as said, putting together the information on contacts from each krawl in relay. However, it seems they have some struggles with stealth for the moment. Perhaps some changes in design will fix that problem, but for now, this is the working prototype.Volzag, and its soon subsequent forms, are designed to be a fire bomb of high cruelty. They will be able to discern which race they are perceiving, as all other krawl can with the same perceptive ability, and We will be able to tell them which ones We wish to be put to a scorching end, and which ones We want them to ignore on their way.The Volzepi has projectiles of bursting molten crystal, which did so after they were cracked off the bed of crystal spines in its back and launched forward with a bucking leap from the crippled monster. The Volzag, on the other hand, has a payload of the same crystals in a relatively similar amount, but condensed into one spot. When the Volzag reaches it's target, it will attempt to wrap itself around the contact and release all the built-up magic charge in its crystal-burst at once, causing them to crack off their columns and fracture into pieces, before blasting outward in a sheet of molten crystal. Watch your hair. The Volzag then disperses into krawl dust, its mission complete.
>>6292420>>6294815>2: Perception upgradeWe, the high krawl, were unaware of any issues with perception among the rank and file, as We are best interpretive of the signals they sent Us over many long tyrns. However, it seems they are far less aware of their surroundings than We are of the same. And so, being the only high krawl in the hive at the moment, Riva devises a solution.“An update to the frame work. The armies and all subsequent new forms will receive greater fungal growths and fruiting bodies adapted into their forms. This should ‘boost the signal' they put out, so to speak, improve overall cognition, and give them each a little more visual flare. Fungus, having been a part of Our biology since ages before We arrived on this planet, is well accommodated to acting this way, and contributing to the relay.”To receive this upgrade to the overall perception of all krawl, each will travel in shifts with their counterparts, and return to their posts as soon as they’ve been implanted with the most compatible spores.>Intrigue: SvartalfarAs Novenary is in Holmbastus, which is in a state of complete havoc, He will do everything in his power to gain more knowledge about the inner workings of nearby habitun settlements and tiles. He inquires the Vizari dockhands at the port about what is shipped in and out of habitun. Moreso, he’s certain to try his hardest to stay out of elf sight.After he has his information on barrels and their looks and contents and destinations and strict, strange nature of trade between Svartalfar and Vitruvia, Novenary travels back to the roc-port and waits as long as he needs to in order to arrange a flyover near but not in the tile of medqa. Technically, inside Habitun borders, briefly. Should the Roc in question be shot down, which Novenary has been assured that it won't be, he will leap from it and take evasive maneuvers gliding back into Vitruvia in his vortex, then deliver the sad news to the rocport in Holmbastus. While near medqa, Novenary will attempt to gain as much info about the location as possible, such as biome, structure, live stock, elf activity, remoteness, etc.
>>6292411Queen Roza has some headaches coming now that a third city has emerged, one of such rebellious character. She feels she has missed an opportunity to not strike a deal with Sasha, as now she has to find who is in charge of Vermillion Grave. But at least she has plenty of time to figure this out, since there isn't likely to be a war anytime soon, as Adenai may find fewer allies if they try attacking us again.>Action 1: Farming southwest of Emberglen, near the Rose Garden.As the population increases, more farms are made to feed and clothe the people. The inner banks of the rivers are preferred, as the river naturally creates a gap in the canopies, allowing sunlight to reach down before even the first tree is felled, even more so along the concave bank. The lands around the Rose Garden sees plenty of new farmsteads appear.>Action 2: Prospecting for minerals southeast of Vermillion Grave. Hopefully not more silver.While the issue of adequate tools could be alleviated by the presence of a forge, a bigger problem looms: The shortage of iron. We have been reliant on imported iron, and it will not be able to support our growing nation, we need our own source of iron. Thus, a prospecting push is made near Vermillion Grave, hopefully it'll give us a metal other than silver.>Tithe: Jungle Tax.While the people of the south has a harsh living in those untamed lands, the jungle wall is a boon in many unexpected ways. Not only does it stifle cursed invasions, but the wood itself is a valuable curiosity for the nobles up north. Thus, the southerners living near the jungle can make a living selling this wood.>Military: Vermillion Guard move to the cursed south.The army of Vermillion Grave moves into position, ready to halt any advances by the denizens of the cursed lands. This army consists of a lot of Red Hood Vagrants, so being poorly equipped is not that unfamiliar to them, but they have had success against far better equipped enemies in the Domo than the what the cursed lands currently offer.
>>6292087(Bit late but fluff for that past turn)Report on Lesser Activities to Cyra, Noreusper of Guliseare, executioner of Thessa, bane of Kaenum, unifier of the Aripan, Ruler of all the hallowed mountains, Aelelox's chosen prophet, most blessed and holy Aripan to fly upon the skies and walk upon the earth.The Kaenumite's have surprisingly shown their cowardice is greater than their wrath, and they have not come to harass us and our shipping as previously thought. More importantly is the Greenskins are actually working on their portion of the arena now. Considering her extensive experience, as much as her personality is...extremely open to the point that even Ilias finds her as going too far, she is our most adept duelist. And utilizing her in the coming combat there would be a grand way to invigorate our people and prove our superiority. Despite her current skill, some further training could be wise, just to ensure she will be adept with any weapon.Your faithful servant, Kallixeina.>Action One. RanchesWith the hunting lodges formed, some of the Aripan whom had taken to hearding the various mountain goats around have worked to similarly organize proper ranches so as to be able to provide for new culinary choices for the Republic that were accessible to the average Acolyte. The most important of which was simply that of milk and cheese, both of which could only be provided by the ranchers, compared to the hunters. Although, while one would expect a rivalry between the ranchers and hunters, this has been avoided for now, mainly due to the hills where little game resided was utilized for the pastures. Though, the future may change this...>Action Two. Refinement of Ourania's skills in duels.Ourania's skills are unmatched. However, how adept she is at using every weapon at her disposal is important. Especially in proper combat against our rivals who will utilize every trick in the book to slay her. This is simply a precaution to that, explaining and showing the potential sneaky tactics the Greenskin and Kaenumite shadows will try as best as possible and ensuring that even if they request absurd weapon restrictions her overwhelming power will be able to deal with the lessers with a good deal of pathetic ease...Of some surprise however is her interest in techniques to disarm, though there is a slight concern this implies she intends not to kill in her duels. Even if that is unfortunately the case, her victories would still bring great fortune to us.
>>6292423Report on Lesser Activities to Cyra, Noreusper of Guliseare, executioner of Thessa, bane of Kaenum, unifier of the Aripan, Ruler of all the hallowed mountains, Aelelox's chosen prophet, most blessed and holy Aripan to fly upon the skies and walk upon the earth.We are truly blessed! The moon, one of Aelelox's greatest creations shines brightly every night! In fact it's gentle light has allowed us to discover something quite important, and definitively prove the link between Aelelox's most important creations along with her objective superiority. That aside, work near the arena is causing a notable population to form in the area who frequently come into contact with the greenskins. We should keep an eye on this to ensure any potential issues of faith do not occur among our own populous. Or any potential attempt at infiltration by these lessers.Your faithful servant, Kallixeina.>Action One. Plentiful food and a rising culinary culture. With the price of meat now affordable to most with a decent bit of funding and a treat for the poor along with all the various foods introduced with the introduction of cheese, a number of dishes would start to be created utilizing many of these new foods. For the longest time, Guliseare had mainly simple meals of fruits, but now? Far more could be created. Especially with a bit of trade. In the area near the grand Arena, the dish basonici da tyri becomes quite popular, fried cheese battered and seasoned. In fact a few snack foods similarly made up of cheese form in the area, as does a number of meat dishes, most utilizing various cheeses. In fact it appears almost as if as quickly as cheese entered the Gulisearen diet it started to dominate. So much so that some ranchers have saught to try and get other cattle capable of producing the stuff, along with trying out new methods of cheesemaking.
>>6296289>Action Two. Aelelox's other eye.For a significant period of time it was believed that Aelelox's blessings of light were only possible with the sun. And, these beliefs were technically true. However, that is because the nature of the Moon is different from that of the Sun. The Sun is the most divinely powerful object. The torch that was made into the sun by Aelelox was granted by the only other divine, even if a corrupt one. And in Aelelox purifying it's corrupt energies she was able to turn Kaenum's power into her own. Yet, the moon is solely Aelelox's work. And more is required to use the blessed light of the moon than that of the sun. By chance, with so many nights blessed with the moon, one of our clergy came upon the revelation to allow themselves to draw upon the light of the moon like that of the sun. And that revelation? The light of the moon and sun is one and the same. The moon a reflection of the sun. And, by reflecting on the nature of the prayer that calls upon Aelelox to grant us some of her power and applying extra symbolism in both hymn and attire in the prayer, we can brighten even the darkest night. The strength of this is still tied to the phases of the moon, however it means our priests shan't be powerless once night falls.
By the great grace of our Lord Aagen,who has granted us this tyrn of the sun, I, King Talarin II of the Venks do hereby order;>As in the north, the enclosing and thence training of these great moles as beasts for burdensome work>In that same place, a harvesting operation of this guano, enough for extensive further research at the College of Notables
1 - Build iron mine.2- Build iron mine.3- experiment with the weird sewage from Trygon's city.
>Global: The moon grows ever brighter, and there can be no doubt that it grows ever larger in the night sky. A grim worry begins to gnaw at the minds of the eldest who remember when the moon grew dark in the sky. A restlessness begins to stir across the land, and many of the predators of the night, found stirring at odd hours and times.>>6292515>AA. of KhurnaireThe natural desire, is of course a high temple, peeking out of the jungle canopy. But for all their love of the sky the Anelk decide against it, favoring a temple low to the ground. Here the secret gods of the Anelk and the spirits the Khurnaire observe as tools against the enemy mix and mingle and change into a strange little pantheon found nowhere else. Here there is love, and families and eventually blood, as the old priest is sacrificed as a ward against the darkness below and the light above both. For the Anelk have felt the lash of the light too often to trust it, and the scars of the dark are far too deep here in Khurnaire to forget the dangers there as well. But here blood in river water is a symbol of protection, and the jungle grows thick and dark over the temple.It’s no secret that the smiths and forgeworkers who arrive in Vermillion Grave are viewed with suspicion or outright hostility, and it is certainly helpful that the city favors cloth in its construction for such things handle well the occasional stone or buckets of dung and piss when they are hurled contemptuously at the unwelcome guests. Still, there is a need here for tools, and repairs, and metalwork, and the prayers of Luxor carry much weight here, for the faith does (much to the annoyance of the elders of Khurnaire) burn bright and true and that shared link between the Nixen and Ash-Skinned does as much to ease tensions as filling a need in the community.The Tower of Joining is a strange relic indeed. Spirit walkers dive through its depths until they risk untethering themselves permanently but find no bottom. Does it go on forever? Experiments on the joining itself yield mixed results. Death is difficult to restrain to the device, even chickens and goats have to be bound and gagged and killed quickly at that to trigger any results, and even those results are of little use, only so much can be gleaned from the screaming of a goat. Of men there is little better, the connection severs as normal, the mind of the dead slips away like sand in the hands. But once, just once, letting a man die slowly, an old mercenary who had seen many battles and had bargained a sizable sum for his family for this service, something strange was observed. The paired sage screamed, then begged, then wept and pleaded, hiding in a corner. Little sense can be had from him, save ramblings of a one eyed woman. Later the sage recovers and immediately joins the hunter’s guild of the Turbans, swearing off the spiritual entirely.
> Even More KhurnaireRound and round the scouts go. It is all too clear that the monsters of the cursed lands are toying with them, trapping them in some twisted loop of landscape, mocking them with laughter, occasionally taking a limb, or robbing a pack of supplies, or worse still replacing food with pulsating flesh or barbed bone. Eventually the scouts escape, starving and haggard, but alive. Mostly. Fortunately a fresh round of Barzan missionaries are present to help heal the worst of it, though the latest infusion of foreign religion has left many clamoring for the construction of a road from Khurnaire to Barza so believers can make pilgrimages to the Basilica. >>6292777>Orcmanie Elite of the Orcmanie are mobilised to join with the Ducal army of CadonThe training of a wyvern begins with the egg and a curious practice called Creaking, where a knight paces a circle around the egg in a particularly creaky set of armor meant to emulate the sounds of a mother wyverns great scales and body. The beast is then raised and fed fresh kills by the same knight, eventually taking the beast on hunts as one would a favored whound, building a strong and loyal bond. Only then does the training begin in earnest, of riding and tolerating a saddle, of daring dives and vicious tail strikes, learning to operate as a single deadly weapon in the midst of a chaotic warzone. Orcmanie has grown wide and vast over the centuries, and such a thing has resulted in deficiencies and lacks throughout the land, underequipped and underarmed soldiers to say the least. The latest of many shortages to be targeted is the need for more steeds and whounds of war, and so new stables are built, new pastures allocated, and soon a great many more knights and even more common soldiers find themselves with steeds and companions to aid them, even as the more elite orcman grumbles about ‘watering down’ the glory of the nobility.A fresh tax of lumber from rural orcmanie does much to provide fine longbows to the armies of the nation.
>>6293031>Habitun CultIntrigue Action: Hunting Classes ["Tax" of game] [Four Boreal tiles on and around Gronn Dal]No debate is more ferocious than that of the concept of formal debates themselves. The idea of inviting in contentious viewpoints into the land, especially from alfmen or nachetar is greeted first with laughter, then mockery, then outright hostility by many. And yet the policy pushes forward, and soon enough in council chambers and town halls, and even street corners and village squares soon enough the sounds of furious debate arise. Fortunately the sheer mass of ideas that arises ensures that most of the more outlandish ones quickly wither on the vine, though there is an unfortunately epidemic of striped red socks for approximately three days before the practice is outlawed with prejudice by the council.The High Intensity Mana Boreal Observatory (the bureaucrat in charge of getting the name corrected gave up after three attempts to wade through the red tape involved) is a curious snaking construction of dwarven made runes, hundred and thousands of them, venk cottages and manors who watch the proceeding with curiosity, and a newly designed curiosity known as “blank stone”, which provides a layer of mana insulation to key parts of the device. Day and night spells are thrown at the walls of the device, shattering into swirling motes of lights that are swept and drawn by runework, blankstone and venks down channels and paths to a central chamber where, well no one is quite sure what is happening there, but it seems very important.The citizens of Gronn Dal take to their hunting lessons with varying levels of success, but in the end it’s generally agreed that the town can at least feed itself.>>6293551>TurbansOn and on the great iron roads are built, stretching around the coasts and up and down the rivers and aqueducts of the nation, great plumes of smoke climbing into the sky at the launching stations dotted along the way. A man (or snake-man hybrid) can travel all the way to the Khurnaire Glassworks to pick up a fine set of glassware and return within just a few days to his home in Kuttikrahr with them. Assuming he packs them well in soft velvet anyway, and the kettlecar doesn’t derail, which barely ever happens anymore. Peasants farm fields of bamboo, selling them to newly built charcoal kilns to pay their taxes, all to feed the never ending hunger of the railways.
>>6293714>VitruviaThe Vitruvian Ninjitusu Academy is loudly touted as an ancient institution, stretching back since before the Smoke Lit Masters themselves, an ancient order of Ninjas that swore their service to the masters in ancient times and kept watch over the lands ever since. It is widely agreed upon that Miho himself founded the order, and was also trained there under himself (time travel has become the latest fad among bards). It is said that the Ninja of old could walk on water, vanish in broad daylight, command the dead to speak, and had swords that could cut mountains. None of this is true of course, more sober minded cavia at the cafe across the street from it spend their days reminding the students that it was a struggling arborist (or was it a fletcher?) shop barely last tyrn that struggled to find funding from the city spanner until it was bought out by this latest nonsense. Nonetheless the Ninjitus Academy does seem to find a bit of success, to the point where it eventually finds itself woven into the fabric of Vitruvian itself, eight weeks mandatory ninja training is added to the standard curriculum for Menia and Polymyria, and many a cavia volunteer as well, learning the basics of stealth, combat, etiquette and a measure of discipline and cohesion that could prove useful in any future military adventure Vitruvia finds itself in.The dog detective is on the case! Like a bloodhound on a scent he doggedly refuses to give in! He knows the average krovian’s bark is worse than their bite, and he also knows many of them are dead or wounded by infighting so he doesn’t have to test that theory! Through the streets, the sewers, past the missionaries, the mobsters, the...other mobsters? Some sort of lobster cavia? Maybe? No time for that, Dexter is on another case! Onward! He sniffs, he tracks, he asks entirely too many questions! And eventually he gets lucky and finds a witness, a dehydrated menia collapsed in the wardrobe of Eleanor’s home, who when revived relates a chilling tale of dark elf home invaders first threatening, then abducting the cat into a sack. Now that’s a lead!An anomaly is reported in Holtzahnad, a group of free Anelk have been spotted in the city, working cautiously to form a network of contacts. They seem to have an interest in the A-Bomb project, though they have been fairly circumspect in the manner, this was only discovered by a forgotten Devia class whose sole purpose in life appears to be life as a living window curtain overheard the conversation in a private inn room.
>>6293767>UrottiSeats, cushions, suspension systems and careful calibration sadly can only do so much to manage the sheer power and speed of the Gong Rails. Nonetheless some minor efficiency and comfort gains are eked out, though it quickly apparent that this is a difficult task, the rails lay at the edge of the technology this current age is capable of, pushing past it would be an arduous task at best.Knowledge of the ancient art of golem crafting is found not in the depths of the old world, but by studying the ‘living’ examples found in the world around them, the gentle plodding stone constructs found in some old mines and the great giants of ice on the borders of Urotti some secrets can be gleaned, of old empowered runes that give a glimmer of life and mind to simple stone, though more material will be needed to make a force of such things, some stone or perhaps even ice?>>6294188>The Tower Archmage of VizariThere can be no doubt about it, some dark power lurks on the isle of the Vizari, some mysterious force that taints this land with cursed stone, beasts, and plants. From tasteless fruit to macabre ants all agree that some dark power must lay somewhere deep beneath the snow and ice. Nonetheless, the dark power seems amicable enough, if grim in nature, and many a merchant makes a good living selling fine statuettes of his favorite grandmother to foreigners, passing them off as mysterious idols of a forgotten civilization.
>>6294263>Krovian BandsThe Krovian Gingko’s pale pink lumber quickly becomes a favorite across the nation, finding its way into temple and shrine furniture, as well as religious icons. Pesok as a result becomes known as something of a spiritual town. The local constructions of the lumber added to the desolate expanses of desert interspersed with sun bleached vizari ruins leads to the town being the source of many shamans, with spiritual retreats, hidden shrines and esoterics springing up around the town with alarming speed.Pulselight is a strange thing, it seems to do little to wild animals, who view the shifting red light with little more than curiosity. And to a calm target with no desire for violence, no easy task to find in Krovia, the light does little at all. But the slightest bit of malice, hunger, or fear can be fanned to an inferno by the light. Under the influence of pulselight the trapping of civilization and even higher thought seem to fade away, favoring simple animalistic instincts.Krovian missionaries to Barza are greeted warmly and treated well, but sadly it seems little progress has been made on spreading the nature of the Pulse further afield.
>>6294367>Justinian the Scarred of BarzaWork continues on the design and construction of dousing rods, imbuing rods of metal with geomantic magic meant to seek out and sense their fellows. The refinements allow more targeted searches, instead of running down every rumor of a shiny rock in the kingdom prospectors can follow the magical sympathy of a rod of metal. (You can declare a metallic resource you already own when prospecting, increasing the odds that it will appear in your possible results)The teaching of Helen goes well enough, though it quickly becomes apparent to the more perceptive members of the court that the girl has a penchant for pranks and chaos in addition to a remarkable (if unsurprising) aptitude for geomantic magic. It takes a concerningly long time for the bursar of the basilica to realize that all of his accounting documents have had extra days added to the week, and even longer to realize that an extra month had been tucked in between the pages. Statecraft sadly eludes her, more than once Justinian must personally extract her from the boar stables where she can often be found. In the end Justinian suspects he has learned more than he has taught, on the nature of the blade, the king and kingdom, and magic itself. Hostility is a rare thing for most Barzan missionaries, who are welcome (or politely tolerated) in nearly all the world, but the open acceptance of the Khurnaire authority, who openly accept the missionaries, plying them with a measure of supplies and directing peasantry to them is naturally more than a little worrying considering the nature of the Khurnaire’s view of spirits and gods as little more than tools of war. Still, gifts of healing and lanterns to reveal the machinations of the dark creatures of the cursed lands are received well and used better, healing and mending the twisted and often necrotic wounds received when creatures cross over from the twisted lands.
>>6294815>The KrawlA devious plan has been devised by the High Krawl, though the final touches still require a few refinements. New sensory organs are developed and added to the common designs of many Krawl allowing for greater range of understanding of the world, seeing many things than most of the creatures of this world do not, heat and magic, the dance of electromagnetism that krawl communication flows along, and of course simple sharpened eyesight. The Volzag is a dangerously simple krawl design, packed with volatile gasses and sharp shrapnel it resembles in many ways a simple flat mollusc, until the shell warps then explodes under sudden explosive pressure, puncturing any creature nearby with sharp shards of hot rock and metal.The flyover of Habitun executes well and without issue, there is a spot of luck where two of the giant beetles are engaged in an aggressive show of dominance toward each other that ends up breaking a fence allowing a herd of the large creatures to spill out and begin wandering the forest. In the chaos Novenary is able to swoop low, getting a good look at the layout of the ranches, infrastructure and patrols of the local defenses. By the time the bird and its rider is noticed they are well away, flying back to Holmbastus. >>6296205>Kingdom of OrdalanIt is a quiet tyrn in Ordalan. Fields of sweet potatoes are dug and planted near the Rose Gardens, a new tax is levied for lumber, and prospectors find a vein of valuable iron and construct a deep mine to access it. This latest acquisition is perhaps the most important, providing a valuable source of metal Ordalan has needed badly for centuries.>>6296289>The Divine Republic of GuliseareThe unending intense gaze of the moon, now often visible even during the day, has been a source of concern, fear, and no small number of heretics, but the revelation that it is only a mirror of the sun’s power is a soothing balm to many. Soon though as this belief spreads, coinciding with the growing size of the moon in the sky, a zealous cult begins to arise, demanding a temple of the moon and for plans to approach the great silvery disc as well.In calmer news a tradition of cheesemaking takes off across the land. Soon the hills and mountains are riddled with caverns dedicated to the storage and aging of varieties of cheese, with ‘hanging’ cheeses named for their aging process dangling off cliffside becoming especially popular.
>>6297781>Talarin II, King of the VenksThe great tiger moles of the warrens are sheparded out of the depths, and resituated in more pleasant ranches on the surface, though for barns they must be kept in large cellars or the beasts will begin to burrow of their own accord, digging great warrens that can stretch for miles in winding tunnels if left untouched. While excellent beasts of burden, they can only be properly worked by night, becoming fussy and problematic when forced into the daylight, and in no small part day blind as well.The guano of the tunnels, after no small unpleasantness is discovered to be a fine laxative, useful for when the body requires a purge of unpleasantness. Some minimal testing involving a somewhat comical launching system that preserves some of the magical properties of the item on a Venk also shows that it can rapidly purge the body of any number of toxins, at least though minor enough to warrant a test. A few sheep that were pressed into service required quite quickly from some rather severe poisons however. The explosive gastrointestinal distress the sheep showed however was quite unpleasant, though likely an important part of the process. It is no time at all before one of the professors has arranged a contraption to deliver small doses at high speed as effective hangover cures.>>6298711>SkritFrom central flows forth the command, ‘Build two iron mines’, with such great authority that even the thousands of minds of the collective don’t stop to ask questions of the how or why. Of course, the where and how are curious questions. Central had seemed utterly convinced it could simply issue the command and expect results, leaving the details to the Skritari. Half a tyrn later it is discovered that a minor accident had altered the message strangely, but by then, inexplicably the new iron mines had been constructed, according to unknown plans delivered by unknown persons. That the mine seems to be more designed like a temple than an industrial site is concerning, and the message carved into the walls. “A favor given, a favor owed.”The sewage of Vitruvia is a wild mixture of potion runoff, sewage and mad experiments. Most creatures exposed to it in any great quantity suffer from mutations, chaotic magical forces that tear them apart, or simple madness. But with a little refinement and work a curious potion is devised from the chemical mixture. The mixture, when used as a venom creates a temporary disruptive magical force that prevents the poisoned target from casting magic.Skritari agents in Holmbastus find the city a chaotic environment and generally ripe for the picking. While they certainly don’t establish themself as the sole power in the city, in the chaos it is simple enough to establish yet another faction in the city.
> WAR> The Eyes BelowThe approaching armies take the city of Urong by surprise, but the city still manages to mount a considerable defense in the end. The ensuing battle is chaotic, with changeling cultists fighting street to street with vicious ambushes that take advantage of their shapeshifting to the fullest, torching buildings and wielding magic of ice and salt to block roads, collapse buildings, and outright drown any enemy forces they can. Nonetheless they are outnumbered and outarmed, the Vizari are superior mages and the Orcmen superior fighters and street by street the city falls. Unfortunately the two armies are too slow in their approach.The earth shakes and the sea swells. Great ravines sunder fully half the city as the land itself lurches. A desperate retreat is called as either the earth drops or the sea rises, no one is certain which. Some great monstrosity in the sea appears, silhouetted by a great storm, striking out with great force before the storm moves out to sea, followed by thousands of changelings as they shift into strange new forms. In the aftermath most of Urong is naught but rubble flooded with seawater.END TURN
>>6299374The destruction of Urong is yet another reminder, of any were needed, of the perils of heedless magic and the choosing of unworthy gods. The King looks upon the waters into which the unworldly monster and the changeling acolytes have waded, and wonders where such a beast might come to land again; if it indeed is ever to reappear within the histories.>Action 1: Claim that which RemainsThere is nearby land that has yet to be claimed, the number made slightly greater by the city of Urong's fall to monstrous apparition and the churning of the tides. And the matter of Urong has shown us that to leave land untended upon our very borders is to invite disaster close to home; giving space in which the forces of the unworthy might plot and fester. As such, let this be unclaimed no more; let those sworn unto his Majesty King Guyard craft for themselves new lands and fiefs out of the few remaining wilds. The dry headlands upon which Urong once stood, the untapped forests to the west of Colnaude; and a patch of unsettled woodland that lies just a short distance from the both along the sea-lanes. Let the sea be our passage and our borders. >Action 2: Wyverns upon the Head.The Elite of the Orcmen grumble about the watering of the nobility? Then let us raise the higher nobility even higher into the heavens. The Castle Wyverntete was built long tyrns past by an Orcman who failed in his quest but founded a legacy. Now that the Wyverns are once again tame enough to fly with the armies of the Orcmanie, we shall use the site and the surrounds to chase that noble's dream. Tamed Wyverns will be encouraged and directed to nest on new sites upon the Wyverntete peninsula, allowing us to breed more of the grand creatures into our service; whilst the Castle itself will make an excellent site to host training befitting status for those young nobles seeking to someday fly a grand and dangerous mount.>Bureau RenseignementCultists summoning a giant gribbly monster and wiping out a nearby town down to the last inhabitant is never encouraged. The Bureau focus themselves to ward our nation against the threat of cultists and infiltrators.
>>6299507>Military Action: Search by Air and SeaMany ships sail from out many ports, and the beating wings of our Wyverns and Frost Chimerae scour from the skies. Let us follow the path of the eyes below, that the watcher be watched and wrath it brings known. And if it steers upon known shores, let our armies stand ready to respond.>Army of RooinThe Army of Cadon is deployed upon the headland and preparing to watch/follow the Eyes Below. As such, the army of Rooin will move from grasslands north of Bahay to cover the defence of the city of Cadon - Cadon is after all the closest Orcman City to Urong by both land and Sea.
>>6299374The moon is of no concern. For one, the complex was built underground to deny the astronomical its relevance in our life. For another, sleep is the easiest way, but when restlessness itself makes the waking be as the dreaming, another way is opened. Any and all consequences are welcome to me.>Action 1: Summoning StudyThe Lord Mana has revealed a cache of lore discovered by her in the depths of the Khurnaire, likely some hidden property of a dead sage or two, that seems to be an attempt at carving out a unified base of summoning magic. From our cursory examination, it seems to essentially be a "reinventing of the wheel" of invocations, made without the assumptions and trappings of lore from the isles, and reliant especially on the construction and maintenance of circles. It will be useful enough as a foundation of whatever summoning specialties still survives in the Academy-Archive, (and an establishment of yet another group with the Lord on its head, but we don't talk about that). >Action 2: Binding StudyActive interference by the One-Eyed Spirit in the Tower Study was unaccounted for, and likely a possible factor in the Tower Study's relative failure. Its change of behaviour suggests possible disruptions in the Khurnaire's long term plans involving spiritual manipulation and so must precautionary measures be prepared. In conjunction with the Summoning Study, elder Sage Chain-Curse will lead a group to codify his study of Chains, and the Chaining of spiritual beings unto material beings, long inherited from the Sage Chain-Sad-Pain's first forays into the subject in Huirsas'toir. Minor troubles in adapting the magic to the quantity or the scale of entities that we seek to bind are foreseen, but we believe in the Sage Chain-Curse's genius to pave away such obstacles. Do remember that failure at this pursuit is unacceptable and will carry significant consequences.>Action 3: Distraction Tactic(https://youtu.be/IqFBdBWK9bc)We have enough pull to get a little hunter off from the guild and into our possessions, some promises of aid with the Light Spirits, or our militia's backing, or whatever else gets them to see that leaving this one unfortunate soul in our hands is fine. Now, send him away and talking to those who dreamt of that one-eyed girl, and push him into establishing a church and cult to propitiate this spirit. All hindrances, that this spirit seeks no worship, that this spirit hates us, that this spirit wants nothing to do with us, easily solved with lore and theology that we handily provide. Consider the identity of this spirit to be of no concern to me. Hm, number of worshippers? Yes, if he fails in attaining a suitable amount of members, then they are to be made fanatics. There are completely mundane methods to induce fanaticism in even the most stubborn of unbelievers. Growing Luxorite worship has enabled a vector of societal pressure and plausible causes of death that we can inflict on anyone that displeases us.
>>6299687>Military Action: Road SurveyAs of late, the Lord Mana has yet again 'foreseen' possible plots by the Dark, this time suborning the local spirits that once made up the Good Fortune Road that connected present Orcmanie territory and the Turbans, and then using the sizable merged spirit to essentially invade the surviving Good Fortune Road and the Orcmanie's. The scouts are rallied and sent again to see if this truly is the case. One has to suspect that at some point, the Lord Mana is simply doing this as a method to feed the Dark with none the wiser, but such accusations are simply never fielded, for the Lord Mana can talk hours on end about the Road Spirits with earnest belief, and if you still question her after that, that you are a "sympathizer of the Dark" and either the denial of further academic advancement or a sudden career change into a scout of the Darklands, depending on her mood and your status.>Intrigue Action: Scout the An'naud.The Staff would send an envoy and band to Adenai itself if it could, but suspicions with no certain origins inclines to more shadowy actions, testing the waters first before a proper ambassadorial party is assembled. From our ports in the Homeward Isles, it should be relatively easy to prepare and send a few... not infiltration parties, hm. Some groups of mildly-evangelical peasants with one or two of the junior sages, meant to land on unruled land and make their way in from the rural country to the city An'naud itself. "To spread the faith of Luxor." There, that should do the trick.
By the great grace of our Lord Aagen,who has granted us this tyrn of the sun, I, King Talarin II of the Venks do hereby order;>Rumours of war having reached the homeland it is imperative that the armies are best equipped in whatever our nation produces alone, giving over this tyrn's whole purse save that which is not put to maintaining proper order
>>6299386The Situation with the Moon and its lack of Shadow has become troublesome and weight on the mind of people of Barza. Steps must be taken.Action1: Justinian Charges the sages and wisemen who have studied the celestial bodies above and the site of Karn-ur to gather. Using the Site's already built in and sanitized ability to view the heavens to attempt to determine what ails the moon, so a solution to its seeming descent might be found. In a room that was once for meditation on the Heavens and their cycle, Justinian sets up several objects. A swinging candelabra made of silver, two comfortable chairs without silverine supports, a lectern with a book of vellum bound in silver thread. "Lady Kaine, if you meet with me here and now so that we may converse, I would be appreciative."Action 2: With the advent of dowsing rods, prospectors are sent out to find Iron, so that Barza may have more of the metal for it's needs.Missionary Action: Luxorite missionaries head into Khurnaire once more, as the poor lost children of Pavillion need it. But with them go some Inquisitors to hunt the Dark, in whatever forms it chooses to take.
The industrial revolution and it's consequences have been pretty goot do use so far:> Action 1: Invest in pilgrimage paths/trade routesWe shall aid out vassal to the north by investing in his pilgrimage pats. Help him build his pilgrimage paths and in exchange we shall have permit to use it for trade> Action 2: Look for resources - the industry hungers> Action 3: Military train infrastrcture.Adapt out train infrastrcture so in a pinch it can be used for rapid troop transport.train troops, adapt trains and rails. The goal is to be able to deploy troops within the tyrn as if they were stationed permanently at any of our rail ports.
>>6299374>So long has peace been taken for granted. But Solaire and his agents are ever preparing to take it from us. Charge a heavy price.- Excerpt from tyrnly sermon from the Cognita CathedralAction 1: Toyelig Pitchers>Vodnik harvesters successful. Their mucus indeed helps neutralize the sap.>You will receive your due share.- Missive from Bever Hitab to Arvid Murawid>Considering ongoing affairs, I propose swift improvements be applied to our porcupine ballistae. Six tonnes of Toyelig sap are already sent to Urotti. The new limbs should be more than capable of handling the additional strain required, especially if combined with Smoking Quartz. Experiments promising so far.- Arvid Murawid"Habitun Council Public Issue Proposals: Northern Quadrant, Level 6, 1st Wall, Shelf #3, Issue #903502"Action 2: Shadow Senses>Sympathic magics go one way, and quite a bit goes through. Emotions, ticks, shape, and even belief. A shadow is, after all, a projection of the self and soul.>It is thus never questioned whether the projection could reflect upon the source. But why? Fracture Blades have demonstrated that to drain a shadow is to drain a self. The common theorem is that the drain is merely of energy, and the husking a result of a lack of energy. I proposed that theorem[1].>I propose different now. A newly discovered amalgamation of the two, a part of the self in the shadow, a part of the shadow in the self, but moreso a part of the self in the part of the shadow in the self. Too small to be normally detected, not due to lack of ability, but perception. It is that perception that will be expanded upon within figures 452-594.- Stige Sukon"Theory of Magimancy Vol 3: Chapter 15"1. See Vol 2>Suffuse shadow within Porcupine Bolt. Repeat thrice.>Load Porcupine Bolt onto ballista. Repeat thrice.>Apply Toyelig sap onto ballista limbs. Repeat as necessary until limbs reach safe stress level, as indicated by drawn diagram[1].>Pull ballista limbs into position, as indicated by drawn diagram[2].>Aim ballista using instructions in chapter 3.>Ring primer as directed in diagram[3]. Use lense to estimate distance of target.>Launch trio of ballistae by releasing trigger mechanism.>Via suffused shadows, alter trajectory of bolts as needed by moving fins as directed in diagram[4].>Once target is trapped within trio of bolts, you may allow bolts to maintain course. Do bear in mind excessive direction can cause bolts to lose momentum.>Presuming you had primed the bolts for the proper range, the shrapnel explosion should shred the target. If not, adjust priming range according to last vision through suffused shadows.>Remember to top up on Terra's Flesh. A drained commander is an inaccurate commander.- Summary of Ballista Commander's Manual
>>6301406>Attached crate is of reed kites. Disseminate to each Geist, and one per Huntsman squad.>Designated scouts and Geists are to additionally receive doubled Terra's Flesh rations, to aid in their new tasks.- Update #8491 to Quartermaster Allotment GuideAgrimensores Guild: Scan Urotti For Unique Materials (2/3)Intrigue: Wouldn't you like to know, weather boyWar: Field test long range Porcupine Ballistae>Place floats on southern Yammering Woods. Test improved ballistae. Ignore non-alfar cries of pain or for help, except to focus fire on them. Mancers claim it a new method of confirming hits.- Military Exercise Order from Marshal Bjorn Sayyad
>>62993821&2. Loot the Urong Shore Carrots and libraries. The Vizari are nothing if not opportunistic and while the legions are camped in the ruins of Urong, with nothing to fight, they waste no time looting the city for what remains and trading them back to the Vizari via their supply lines. Most notable of these is the shore carrots whose fields are now flooded and the libraries; particularly those with books on the changeling magics. Military: The Costa Norda legion is on the hunt; whatever that spirit or divinity was it has clearly been summoned and escaped. It's uncertain if such a thing will become an issue to the Vizari; but a hostile sea goddess can certainly mess with their shipping if she wants. The diviners are called to seek where the Urong cult has fled and whether this goddess is hostile before the legion moves out.
>>6299378Action 1: Ninjitsu Academy 4/4The finishing touches to the academy include expanded training grounds for thousands of disciples to study at simultaneously, expanded lecture halls, awards and certification recognised throughout pavilion for successful graduates, really cool looking ninja uniforms with bandanas and bright colours and places to hide your knives and everything, and of course a comprehensive library of war detailing every battle ever fought on the continent, including battles that only occurred in Unreality or in potential futures.A sizeable wargaming club develops to hone the strategical brilliance of students (only Cavia really play, and they’re really annoying and nerdy about it), along with various other organisations, some more tightly integrated into the academy than others.It is truly a place of higher learning, the most comprehensive and efficient pooling of militant education ever constructed, a machine that churns out ninjas ran by the most studied and brainy military minds ever educated. Practically everyone in upper management is addicted to intelligence potions.Action 2: Ninjitsu Academy (Clan Intrigue Agency) 1/4A star-shaped structure rises in the heart of the academy, expanding its infrastructure even further. Here the most talented disciples of the grand academy gather.This expansion to the academy is concerned wholly with practical applications of ninjitsu. Not merely in warfare, but in times of peace where they must practice their arts and perform their role in utmost secrecy. They train in assassinations, kidnappings, infiltration and sabotage, much as the other students do, but these lessons are far more practical and directed towards legitimate targets Vitruvia may need handled.The greatest focus is placed on theoretically combating other espionage organisations, uprooting their influence in Vitruvia, turning and subverting their agents, intercepting communications and never ever being caught.Espionage: Root out remaining Habitunese influence in Vitruvia, deploying crack ninja squads to terminate kidnappers and assassins both and secure against further interference.Military: Establish order in Holmbastus. Press troops against the border with the Habitun and open fire on anything that steps out of line, regularly violate their airspace to make a point, retaliate with lethal force if fired upon. Begin burning swathes of forest that fall questionably maybe not really within and along our border to remove any cover they might try to use in the future to stage an attack.
>>6299374>>6299374>Action 1: Continue Golem ResearchThe first lessons of rune-bound stone was now turned toward metal. Forge-masters made a variety of frames shaped out of different metals and alloys while anything from stone to wood to even metal itself where used as the hide of this new type of golem to bear rune-carvings without breaking, while scribes quarreled over how to bind command into the cold metal frames.>Action 2: Improve the BallistaEngines of war were hauled from their bastions into the open yards, where smiths and engineers bent their craft to refinement. Ropes of hardened sinew were twisted tighter than before, while the arms were banded with iron, horn, and layered timber to test their strength. Some craftsmen raised heavier frames to bear the strain of monstrous bolts.Others turned their skill to a new design. From their forges came the Drakkarim, a repeating ballista fitted with a tall magazine of quarrels and a claw drawn by chain and cam.>Action 3: Create the Antimagic RuneSome of the runelords of the Urotti With aid from the Habitun’s observatory sought to master a new rune.By reshaping the rune of shattering, the dwarves theorised it could be modified to unravel spells cast by mortal hands seeking to reshape the land and mortal alike into unnatural things. Alongside it, the rune of the mountain would draw in any wild and chaotic magics to channel them into runes of holding that would bleed the power away, harmlessly.>Rumors in the HallsRails near one Gong Station are said to grow warm even when idle, as though fire stirs beneath the metal.Children in the east play at “golem games,” stacking stones and carving crude runes—one heap was said to have shifted before toppling.Hunters returning from the high passes claim the ice giants have been seen further south, their shapes gleaming by moonlight.Folk complain that ballista trials rattle their homes, though the engineers dismiss it as grumbling.A peddler swears one of the rune-statues blinked when a spellcaster walked too near. None believe him, for his tongue loosens after ale.>War movement 2 full shield hosts march to the aid of the Elves under the direct command of Brodhok Ravotum of clan Aviz>Intrigue Dwarven sentries would keep an eye on the border of the Vitruvians from key lookout points looking for any signs of any movement
>>6299374>Action 1: Forge in PesokPesok is a newly founded town, and it's military might is a far-cry less formidable than even the normally peaceful-living Gribans! A lack of ability to refine the metal they dig from the earth is the obvious cause, and so a great fiery forge is erected, the recent flux of Gingko wood a natural fuel source for the roaring flames. Let the miners show their mettle with metal in hand!>Action 2: Tactic Development - The Open FrayDrevino and his warband have long departed from the truly wild days of the native Warbands the Krovians found themselves in at the dawn of time. For tyrns now, Krovians have been at least SOMEWHAT disciplined on the field of battle, even since the ancient Wizard Wars. Still, it never hurts to return to your roots (though this saying doesn't really translate into the plant-averse Krovian tongue) and so a formalized tactic of 'wild warfare' is codified and engraved onto the military steles that have popped up across the nation. The use of Pulselight allows Krovian Shamans to sow disarray into the enemy forces in targeted batches, ripping apart disciplined and armored squadrons by forcing them to break rank and engage the Krovians in their favored arena, wanton violence!>War Action - Rally with Krawl Forces and take on the Skrit!The Skrit have arrayed themselves along the border, as have the Krawl. With a roar, Drevino and the armies of Zhelezo and Grib call their alien ally to arms, rallying them into a single hex and charging through the road-bearing forest. The Krovians, of course, will always prioritize open warfare, and so any Skrit armies not entrenched behind forts or walls will be targeted first. Should none be available (or remain...) then the Black Fort will be first to fall before the marshalled might of the two greatest Pulse nations!>Intrigue Action - The Turban's turn!The Krovian proselytizers are a little bored in Barzan territory. Their human contemporaries have been spreading their faith a lot longer than the Krovians, and thus they offer little 'weaknesses of faith' which the Krovians can really sink their teeth into. No matter, it seems the Turbans ALSO want to do some faith-spreading! If they are new at it, then that makes them a much easier target!
>>6299389The new iron causes much excitement in Ordalan. Not only for the economic benefits, but because the Nixen had once had great iron mines before the great war. The loss of iron is thought responsible for a great deal of our misfortunes, but now, we have it, and we will soon have more.>Action 1: Expanding the Iron Mine of Vermillion Grave.Hearing of the iron coming from the south, Sturnes itself responds. The nobles there convince a large number of seasoned silver miners to go to Vermillion Grave to help dig iron instead. In fact, it doesn't take much convincing as iron has become quite valuable in absence of a local supply. This influx of not just workers but experienced workers, as well as generous investments by the Sturnes nobles, leads to rapid growth of the mine in the area.>Action 2: The Songwing's Flight. Refinement on the Feathersong, to allow them to go higher and further, courtesy of Baron Redwing.Since his failure to capture the sky piratess, Baron Gustav of house Redwing has been hard at work developing the Feathersong. Consulting the Chaerda teachers, they are more interested in the Arrowsong itself, but do admire the drive of Baron Redwing. So they provide the guidance they can to let the Anelks come closer to the flight the Aripan has been lording over them. The new training allow even trainees to achieve longer flights than the masters of old. And while the use of bow and arrow is still held in high regard, the velocity of flight removes the issue of the sword's range. Baron Redwing particularly favours the flying sword style, as legend has it house Redwing gained its name from one Anelk who stained her wings completely red with the blood of the enemies she cut down.
>>6299389The following actions are committed to cover a couple of the krawl’s bases for offense. And to kick off the second and last chapter of the Krawl-Ant war.>1: Volnoot (stealth upgrade)Volzag receives an upgrade once more, before it may be multiplied en masse. Its body is refined to be more slippery, and faster-acting with its motions. A widened head and lengthened tail gives greater control and speed in its slithering when, say, traveling undetected through tall grass, or slipping into the water at the edge of a pond or wrapping tightly around a beetle or wagon. For now, its new name will be Volnoot. These Volnoot forms are still in development, and won’t see deployment yet, due to their currently small numbers.>2: Siege techZabacraw must be upgraded once more, in preparation for the coming hot conflict. Its chitin armor will be supplemented by up-armored joints, jutting out from between its plates. They will be made from stone and krawlmetal alloy in a form of pudding-like rock. Zabacraw should be able to use these to lend greater defense against harpoons, and to a far greater effect on tackling structures, adding significantly more weight and torque to its attacks.>War:This tyrn, the armies of krawl, and their heroes Novenary, Rivaruo, and Zabacraw, will siege the Black Fort directly, with the ultimate goal to flatten it; save for Hi, which will hold position to defend the Healing Pits icon.If:The Skrit military occupy their fortress,Then:The krawl and krovian militaries will death-ball on the fortress with all their heroes.If:The Skrit armies do not occupy their fortress,Then:The krawl military and all its heroes available will siege the fortress to rubble, while the Krovians play crowd control, fighting the skrit armies in the hexes they have determined.
>>6302348>>6299389>War: addendumAll magic troops, save for the ones in development, will be deployed in Hi, along with the other anti-infantry We have already created.
> Actions: The great wall x3.With nothing but time on their hands, the Skrit begin to build a magnificent wall in the south, right against the borders running along the Krawl to Vitruvia. But calling it a wall is perhaps generous. What it actually is is just a really sophisticated mound that runs along along the border. Though defense is it's biggest purpose, it is essentially a military experiment in the attrition warfare. The mound is essentially a compact, thinned out, and fortified continuous colony that stretches from one end of the "wall" to the other. Troughout its structure are numerous individual "command cores", acting as independent "personalities" each with with 2 objectives.1) Expand the "wall" forward from the core's position towards enemy territory.2)Maintain contact with adjacent nodes. If communication is broken, prioritize relinking with neighbor core. With this central aims to combine both the sheer number of the Skrit and their resilience to create a creeping wall of war that will slowly expand into enemy lands and offer them a fortified place to launch their attacks from.
>>6299389Report on Civil Activities to Cyra, Noreusper of Guliseare, executioner of Thessa, bane of Kaenum, unifier of the Aripan, Ruler of all the hallowed mountains, Aelelox's chosen prophet, most blessed and holy Aripan to fly upon the skies and walk upon the earth.The revelation regarding the nature of the moon is a unique one that has caused a few unique circumstances. A number of Acolytes seem to be taking things a bit too far. The moon is a creation of Aelelox, yes. One of their greatest to be sure. But we do not worship and revere them as we do her, just as we do not worship one another as if all were equal to Aelelox. The clergy will set them on the right path, and failing that, there is always the Inquzonie. Other than this, considering the creation of the arena is nearing it's completion, it might be wise for us to have Ourania train those whom seek to fight there. If anyone knows the most about the fighting styles of our enemies and their weaknesses it's her. And it will serve to keep her distracted just that little bit longer before the arena is finished. At least unless the incident noted in my report on Lesser activities escalates.Your faithful servant, Kallixeina.>Action One. Guidance of the flock.The sun and moon are mere creations of Aelelox, not Aelelox herself. Reference to the sun and moon being her eyes is symbolic. Not literal. Seeing how enthusiastic our faithful are is grand, but that faith must be in the right place and on the right path. Deviation can lead to heresy that will allow the vile influence of Kaenum to seep into and corrupt the soul of the misguided. And we shall not allow that to happen. An idea is floated by Kallixeina to ensure more are capable of reading our most blessed works. But this is something that can wait until later. >Action Two. Training from the best. Ourania is second only to Cyra herself in combat capabilities, so it's said. In truth, Ourania probably surpasses even her in skill at arms, even if not in strategy or tactics. Who better a teacher then to enlighten our future gladiators than one who engaged in such sport before? Of course, this training will be useful for our army as well considering where those gladiators will likely end up when another great holy war is declared. But for the meantime it will mainly serve to ensure that our superiority is known to our rivals in the arena, no matter who our brave faithful fight. While they surely won't be able to reach her power, strength, speed and skill, they can certainly achieve far more and far greater than otherwise without Ourania...Still, that Arean better be finished soon, or else someone will have to be reminded of their obligation.
>>6301176The turbans shall add to their trade route with the Crawl the harvested monster parts in exchange for them promising to teach us magic.The Titan leader shall handle the first delivery of parts along his skechuled pilgrimage for updates.
>GlobalThe Moon draws ever closer, now far larger than the sun, its pale splendor evident in night or day. A few greybeards swear the days grow a little colder, the nights a little longer than they used to be. High above, on the surface of the silver disc can be spotted what might be roads, cities, and towns, glittering with twinkling light. Reports abound of young women having dreams of seeking something lost.>GlobalThe half elves of Adenai withdraw from the world. Travelers find their more isolated villages abandoned, while small towns centered around key resources grow more paranoid and withdrawn. Waves of migrants show up in surrounding nations, citing a withdrawn government and encroaching wilderness and banditry driving them out as the higher elves of the city sit behind their walls. A great many show up in Barza in particular, drawn by their faith.>>6299507>OrcmanieAs the half elves of Adenai withdraw, the half orcs of Orcmanie spread out into the world, laying claim to what was once understood, but never truly changeling lands. Indeed, here and there a few isolated villages and hermits are discovered and adopted into the kingdom, both of changelings in the north and blue skinned orcs and ash skinned humans to the south. Great rookeries and caverns are dug and carefully mapped and plotted in the wilds around Wyverntete, much to the fear and concern of the smaller local villages in the area, who raise some fuss about the presence of the mighty apex predator in the local ecosystem. Still, managing the wild population of wyverns serves as useful practice for fledgling knights.The Bureau finds nothing of interest in their search, kept overly busy cataloging and managing the influx of new migrants to the kingdom. Likewise, searches of the coast find no trace of the Eyes Below, for now it seems it has retreated to the deep ocean rather than face the might of Orcmen.
>>6299687>AA. of KhurnaireAfter a sometimes harrowing, sometimes enlightening experience with the One Eyed Woman the advancements in summoning and binding come quickly and easily, building on secrets found and given. Of lesser spirits, dark things from the cursed lands, mischievous sprites of magic, and the tiny hive spirits of insects, such things are easy enough to bind with offerings of blood, honey, and pain. Greater spirits require greater offerings of course, the sewn titan devoured an entire nation, so much that it is a struggle to recall the name, and in the end it fell to mortal hands. To bind the god of the Barza would be no easy task, and the list of ingredients for the spell are not trivial. A blade of stone whose wounds do not heal, given as a gift. A rod of metal as long and thick as a man that floats as easily as a leaf on the wind. A cask of bitter eye-wine, tapped on a joyous occasion. A still beating heart of ice. The shell of a people who no longer live. No small list! There is a turn of luck upon approaching the former scholar turned hunter, for he has already become a prophet of sorts on his own, building up a mixture of superstitions, faith, and creeds around the one eyed woman. Die with Honor he calls out, Die a good tale upon the canvass. It is as much a survival guide as it is a philosophy, but it suits those men who hunt the cursed lands for profit and glory, and with the backing of Khurnaire soon a proper church is built, with him leading sermons between trips into the Cursed Lands. Then as if to add more spice to the pot, a band of Krovian missionaries arrives and seeds their notions of Pulse into the church as well, creating a curious mixture of religions.Pilgrims, or perhaps spies, are sent to the Adenai, traveling openly across the land. It takes little time at all to find empty villages, and it is not long after before elves on opal drakes chase the pilgrims out of the country, peppering their heels with arrows. It is quite clear the Khurnaire are not welcome here.The military forces of the land have outright refused to enter the Cursed Lands for a time after their latest misadventure. (They are currently exhausted until the end of turn 35)>>6300869>Talarin II, King of the VenksPreparations for war take two forms, the first is a serious investment in the refinement and development of weapons, organizing the forces of the nation into various roles of war and in turn establishing weapons of choice for those roles. Humble spears for militia men, full plate and bastard swords for mighty knights. The second is further training and distribution of the Dread Bears of the north. The unsettling and paralytic gaze of these predators, coupled with their sheer bulk of muscle makes them a dangerous addition to any conflict, though when well trained and domesticated they are surprisingly gentle and affectionate to the Venks, though fiercely protective as well.
>>6300931>Justinian the ScarredTapping a solid and pure ingot of iron as they travel, the prospectors of Barza set out across the land, running down rumors and old maps as they go. Luck, and geomancy, are with them on this day and they find a hidden valley where a natural cave leads them down a winding and narrow path to a sizable seam of iron. Earthshakers work carefully to widen and reinforce the path and soon an industrious mine is in place.A magic map, an ancient key, and the word of a frankly hapless goddess are little to work with, but comparing the map to those recorded by Vitruvian roc riders does show it be a true location, in the frozen north of Urotti! And of course the question of where the moon’s cloak could be is the greatest question of all. Given the fury of the lunar goddess and the presence of what seems to be actual cities on the moon’s surface as it draws closer Justinian may need to work fast to avoid whatever calamity is brewing.In a pleasant change of pace missionaries find themselves meeting pilgrims traveling north, following Turban work crews. Apparently a road is being built to facilitate pilgrimages to the Basilica! Missionaries guide many of the Khurnaire people on their way, and soon the practice spreads across the land, with even the occasional dwarf holding a worn and weathered holy book arriving in Barza. It’s hard to even say how it made it to the far north!Inquisitors on the other hand make their way to the south with grimmer business on their mind. There is little to find in the open unfortunately, though Lord Mana does gleefully saddle them with a band of hunters being sent into the cursed lands that keeps their hands more than a little full keeping both themselves and their companions alive against the predations of that dark place. At least the monsters there are obvious about it, more than one inquisitor voices the opinion in private that Lord Mana seems to be more intent on feeding the cursed lands with hapless hunters than purging it.
>>6301176>Turquoise TurbansWork crews building roads to the north find themselves tailed by a veritable army of pilgrims seeking passage to Barza. If a means could be devised to expand water availability across the land perhaps a tidy profit could be made charging pilgrims for passage to the holy land. Of course most of them have only the most minor of sums, much to the disgruntlement of merchants that tail the crowd of customers. Doesn’t Lord Mana know his people need more wealth to send at Turban markets?Prospectors scour the land, turning up a deposit of tin. While not the most valuable of metals, if paired with a bit of copper the resulting bronze is as good as any iron. Perhaps someone has some copper they aren’t using?Turban mercenaries study the railways as a means to move troops, plotting courses, supply movements, and response times. There’s no doubt about it, the rails allow an army to travel across the land almost instantly, allowing armies to defend nearly anywhere in the country in an instant. Relatively speaking anyway.An odd new religion has popped up within the nation, a cult centered around worship of a One Eyed Woman. Focused on veneration of the dead and a glorious death in battle, it combines elements of Khurnaire and Krovian philosophies together in the Turban lands, transforming the Hunter’s guild into more a sacred order than a mercenary guild, though in most respects it still remains one.>>6301406>Habitun CultToyelig Pitchers are a dangerous and vile plant to be sure, scouts watch in horror as a proud stage simply seems to melt into a braying, panicking puddle and slide into the maw of the predator. Nonetheless the glistening oil of the plant is a potent but dangerous magical tool, able to render any organic material more like an overcooked bit of pasta than flesh, bone, or sturdy lumber. Half the produce is packed off to the Urotti who have dangerous plans involving the limbs of ballista.The study of what could have been via the shadow is a curious field. Long glimpses into the future are difficult, if occasionally possible, though mostly one finds the magical equivalent of ten thousand books, all with one different word from the next. On the battlefield however, training one's understanding of the could of been and learning to catch glimpses of it proves much more useful, granting elves with an understanding of it a cunning ability to predict their opponents. A series of incredibly confusing reports flow in, detailing the disastrous detainment, capture, and sometimes humiliating deaths of members of a secret murder-kidnapping ring in Vitruvia. Apparently they’re desperately seeking reinforcements and additional help? No one can make heads or tails of it, but everything seems legitimate.
>>6301626>The Tower ArchmageUnfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, the ships seeking the Eyes Below find no trace of the monster, hopefully it has sailed out to sea to never return. Soldiers instead turn to plundering the resources of the Urong, bringing home crates of salty carrot and enough tomes to fill a freshly built library. Magic of ice and salt, rituals of summoning, scrolls of traditional changeling illusions, there are many possibilities waiting in the captured books.Merchants approaching the Adenai find the city gates shut tight, and only the smallest of villages will even speak to them, the larger towns have walled themselves off tightly and refuse to let outsiders in. Many elven villages are found abandoned and empty.>>6301777>VitruviaThe ancient and traditional academy of Ninjitu in Vitruvia continues to grow, actually taking on some semblance of its overwrought advertisements. What had started as a failed bower has steadily grown in size and scope, becoming a standard part of the education of military menia everwhere. The rigorous academy program yields a cunning and tactical troupe of field ninjas, while also providing any number of useful tools for espionage work afield.Their first assignment? Someone has stolen key parts and plans for the construction and design of an Alchemy Bomb! Canisters of cloud accelerant, triggers mechanisms, and runic controls have all vanished from the workshop. The only clue is a fine black powder that the alchemists couldn’t identify. The news comes on the heels of fresh new attacks by the lake monster, disrupting shipments of cloud cotton and preventing work on restoring the stocks of accelerant liquid.
>>6301817>UrottiIt is said, in the ancient days when a dwarf could be born, raised, and return to his ancestors all without seeing the sun, that the blessed people of the deep places were served by a stone people that they had created by their own hands. These are the secrets that the dwarven elders seek when they slip down through hidden and secret paths to the ancient cities that sleep beneath the earth. The elder returns with a broken arm, and pale from lost blood, but his sling is stuffed with old knowledge, reclaimed from forgotten libraries beneath the earth. Concerningly the ancient door into the city has been unsealed, and the hidden key used to lock the gates has vanished. It is only a matter of time before something nasty begins to seep from the deep lands. Armed with old secrets applied to new forge techniques, the Urotti create the first men of steel, powerful frame golems.The sap of the Toyelig Pitcher is a curious gift from the Habitun, but any dwarven engineer can see the merit in it. Carefully measured amounts allow the limbs of a ballista to twist unnaturally, storing immense power within the device that can be released with a single quick kick. The shots soar high into the air, able to reach even soaring rocs or Guliseare airships.Building on the designs and research of the Habitun, dwarven runesmiths embark on a curious mission to design something never seen before, a shield that theoretically could stop even a god’s wrath. A design of shatter runes that feed into mountain runes, that empower other more bespoke constructions. Housed in a massive dwarven guardian statue, the hope is that any sufficiently powerful magical disaster would provide enough ambient power to trigger the construct. The idea is simple enough though, a runic array whose entire purpose is to harvest enough mana to recreate itself, manifesting dozens, then hundreds if need be, of these arrays in the path of any disaster that might come for the Urotti people.
>>6302296>Krovian BandsIt is a beautiful season for war! The moon shines brilliantly day and night, allowing battles to rage until the soldiers are falling asleep midswing, the ants have renewed themselves with mighty warriors able to do more than just swarm mindlessly, and with any luck the haughty elves will return for a rematch! Forges bloom across Pesok in response, arming Krovians eager to join the battle. The Open Fray’s only weakness in history is the unwillingness of the enemy to engage in it, but the power of pulselight changes that! Igniting the fire of violence in the heart of the enemy is often a simple matter, and the resulting brawl often favors the mighty krovians. The tactic is codified and added to the formal style of war, though it reveals a weakness in turn, as the number of Krovian armies has grown, the temples of the nation have struggled to keep up with the sheer number of shaman required for the work of war. If Pesok and Grib are to keep up with their fellows they will need their own temples, to train their own shaman.Missionaries in turban lands find good success, there is an existing cult of the One Eyed Woman, who preaches, among other things, a philosophy of dying an honorable warrior’s death. This is fertile ground for Pulse shamans, and soon enough the Pulse has become an integral part of the One Eyed Church, weaving its way into both Khurnaire and Turban society as a result. >>6302313>Kingdom of OrdalanThe nation hungers always for more iron, and it is no surprise that more tunnels and entrances are carved out, allowing even more of the precious metal to flow out and be shaped by the many smiths of the nation. Indeed there is so much iron that concern begins to grow that the Khurnaire smiths that shape it at the Vermillion Grave will bear too much influence over the nation before long, indeed with no competition in the old capital there is no denying that ash skinned humans are becoming quite wealthy and even influential in the nation. As stories travel across the land it quickly becomes apparent that the foes Ordalan could face have power both on the ground and in the air. Orcish wyverns, harpy airships, vitruvian rocs, elven drakes, all these menaces require an answer, and that answer is the Songwing. An elite cadre of anelk warriors, born aloft by the power of the feathersong, these soldiers are able to take the battle to the sky, fighting whatever threatens Ordalan, no matter how high it might fly overhead.
>>6302348>The KrawlAs always, the Krawl prepare for war. The Volnoot is a slippery sabotageur, more snake like than its millstone style ancestor, but still a deadly weapon designed to violently explode into shrapnel. It’s sleek design allows it to move unseen in many places, clinging to the underside of carriages, lurking in trees, or crawling along the ceilings of skrit tunnels. Still, their advanced designs are clearly more intended for espionage and sabotage than open warfare.In open warfare there are few things more dangerous than Zabacraw, whose mighty form pounds across the land once more, though still bearing a few mighty scars from his previous brush with death. Freshly augmented with plates of stone and metal the great landfish is ready to bring war to the Skrit once more.A curious bit of information makes its way belatedly to the High Krawl, delayed by intense combat focus. One of their number has been assassinated in Vitruvian lands, just a minor pureform that had been accompanying Novenary, but nonetheless an open act of violence against the Krawl. Amongst the Vitruvians its entirely possibly such a thing could have been an industrial accident, but the incident still leaves a bad taste.>>6302774>SkritCentral tires of war, and so it turns its mind to the creation of something to end it. Perhaps even end all wars. As war rages around them, worker drones construct a great hive-wall, weaving earth and stone and flesh and neurons together into something awesome and terrible, a great living structure, an independent force of nature whose sole purpose is to consume and grow across the land, pushing ceaselessly against the Krawl. Three massive node-minds drive the living wall. Already vast roots of flesh push out across the land, harvesting everything around them ruthlessly to consume and grow the wall. Still, to the mild concern of Central, it realizes that it has no actual control of the wall, it knows nothing beyond its directive of endless growth toward the enemy. >>6302959>The Divine Republic of GuliseareFurious sermons and the occasional purge of the unfaithful serve to drive the fledgeling mooncult to the shadows, though occasionally graffiti of a great leering eye is found lurking in unexpected places. Still, most of the faithful take heart in the words of their leadership even as the moon draws ever closer, and people murmur if the cities coming into view on its surface are perhaps the heavenly realm of Aelelox.More pragmatic minds however see a different message in the eye of the moon however. Cities can house armies, and these lunar cities could very well invade the surface soon. The champions of Guliseare are set to training their people for this threat or the next one, leading their considerable expertise and wisdom to the people.
> Border SkirmishesSkirmishes along the border are cut short when a Roc takes a ballista bolt to the wing, spirals into Holmbastus and sets a neighborhood on fire. By the time things settle down there’s considerable hesitance to dance across the border and risk taking another shot.> JUNGLE BRAWL 2.0: BIGGER! CRAZIER! BLOODIER!The Skrit host waiting at the border for the Krovians is vast indeed, so vast that the assembled armies cannot all hope to fit within the black fortress. The krovians fall upon the weaker wings of the enemy army with glee, tearing apart two of the assembled ant hosts with only the slightest of fatigue. A vicious ambush follows, swathes of terrain collapsing, isolating one of the krovian armies in a swarming mass of ants. The ensuing madness of ichor and blood nearly rises to the chests of the krovian forces, but by sheer fury the sharkmen carve their way free, crushing their ambushers in the process.In the meantime the Krawl forces have assaulted the fortress, but the more elite forces of the Skrit manage to drive them back, Skritari agents striking with the aid of hundreds of drones manage to force the Krawl into retreat, striking with disruptive poisons and launching dangerously aggressive attacks before using some strange magic to blink from overextended positions to safe within their hives.The Krovian forces, having cleared the field of ants with minimal effort, move on to the hive fortress itself. Great iron shark-rams rush across the battlefield and punch holes into the hive. Krovian warriors dive in and vicious tunnel fighting begins. The battle with these new elite Skritari however is nothing like the mindless swarms outside. Shells as hard as steel, minds as sharp and cunning as any krovian, and a concerning variety of poisons and chemical weapons make every tunnel a brutal battle. In the end Drevino calls a retreat, knowing that with respite, and the chaff of the battle cleared away, he stands better odds taking the fortress next tyrn.---END TURN 33---
>>6305729The Moon is of no concern, for the Sages are in deep contemplation. The words of Sage Chain-Curse over what exactly transpired to grant him the knowledge required to summon Luxor rock the deeper chambers. Forums and debates over the direction of the Khurnaire in regards to this attention continues on day and night, with the Lord herself and her cadres' relatively silent, only represented by her Heartsent mediators. Chain-Curse himself would conspire in whispers to those he trusts, that Lord Mana knew exactly what would happen, that even now, her practical endorsement of the fool Prophet is clear evidence of machinations that the larger Khurnaire is unaware of. He couldn't accuse her directly, say that she's clearly working with the spirits for some odious goal, something to do with that Lord of Light no doubt, but the pieces are there. He just can't shake the feeling that his memories of that night were wrong somehow.[+] - [+] - [+] - [+] - [+]Hear! For the Lord proclaims!The spiritual malignance, that once sent the forebearer-kin of our Slaug to drown in the southern seas! The brother-against-brother, that turned our ancestors upon one another, and tricked the Great Druidess into true and utter ruin! The bloodthirsting one, the one who plagued the Ordalanii, masterminding the Wars of Dawn! It has turned to the Adenai now atlast, for it has afflicted them with a death of the SOUL! Now, it is our duty to right the world, to repay the debts of our ancestors! We must go forth!>Action 1: Surround the An'naud! (Expand)First, to surround the once Dark templecity, the second city, who proclaim Dark over nature. May us, our faith in Luxor, and the light ones we have brought forth in bottles and mirrors, steward this land again into righteousness!>Action 2: A Vanguard Against Its Heart! (Expand)Second, a front against the heart of Aden, with the warrior priests of the One-Eye to bulwark, so that when the world is right, we may come forth and bring about Light to banish that spirit of Madness, once and for all!>Action 3: Let Us Be Many. (Expand)Third, FEAR NOT! For those of you with no passage, no kin to carry you there! The Lord says, that as our citizen-soldiers rest, we must do our part! We must conquer the Dark, proclaim our strength! Bring forth the blood of the Zas, the bravery of the One Eye, and the touch of Marlene! With mirrored Light, with magic of Chains, we can push back the Dark, make them fear our grasp! Those hordes, those cackling ones, let them laugh, let them dance! Ignore whatever lies and lies and spins in your dreams, for we know the Truth! That we have strength immeasurable, strength in Light, that these Dark ones cannot claim for we are MIGHTY! Go forth! Spread the word!
>>6305770>Intrigue Action: Allay ConcernsLet's ignore the Conquering School-sourced attempts at getting even more peasants and strategic positions for a moment. The Staff, you know they're under the Scholarium of Subversions? Anyway, yes, the Staff, they keep to themselves well enough, how curious that practically everyone working as smiths in the north has some sort of relation to some of them, yes yes. Those smiths, the Staff commands, they use their wealth for charitable efforts, feed the poor, care for the orphaned, shelter the criminal, those sorts of things. They might "accidentally" spread a little of that faith in the Zas, but that's a minor thing. No, they're far more curious over the stories and myths that these ones at the Grave would speak of. It's a way to make them more, Ordalanii you see. It's of no concern, a bit quirky really.
>>6305729>>6305770(Because claims are apparently 8 tiles now)The ambitions of the Conquering School accidentally runs wild, and while they lack the ships to actually carry everyone that wanted to settle the formerly Adenic lands, traveling to "vanquish the Dark" isn't exactly troublesome for the Slaugish herders. North, the temples to Zas sponsors an expedition to at last claim a source of the southern rivers, and last of the Druid's eastward jungles.>Action 1: Surround the An'naud, Settle the Vanguard Against Its Heart! (Expand)>Action 2: Let Us Be Many, Let Us Be Whole. (Expand)Amongst the Khurnaire, it can be said that the Mystery Delving Company Khurnaire is one who is most material, most worldly. They are apathetic, uncaring of spirits, and take that principle as their guiding star. They do not care for the matters of the Manu pretender, not for whatever the Lord Mana is. It is with this most curious of blessings that they are the first to realize the absurd disaster in the making that the Conquering School's plot would bring. >Action 3: Establish Church of Marlene in the Adenic An'naud BorderlandsThey would've preferred establishing some sort of administrative centre, a major and central institution to manage the Khurnaire's far-off holdings (and allow them to funnel in more cash without anyone else knowing), but they fear that it might be too elaborate for the villeins. What they arrive too though, are temples. Putting one of Luxor's here would immediately incite a war against the Adenai, no go there. One of Manu's? Exactly the same outcome as Luxor's but with different reasons. The Zas, if he had any reach here, he is a reasonable deity, but the Zas claims not the ocean, and so it is untenable. Marlene, they couldn't do worse, and they don't have the time to forge a spirit exactly for this, so Marlene will do. There're traces of it you know. An'naud once was a city meant to venerate Nature, if you view it correctly. Marlene has a hold here, despite the ignorance of everyone else. Perhaps, that's enough Mystery to delve into.
>Action 1: Stables at CadonThe orcmanie is ever-hungry for the beasts that support our warriors and armies. New breeding stables are to be established on land close to Cadon (Red x)>Action 2: Expand into the Adenic WithdrawalCasta Orienta is ours now. The Adenai are pulling back, leaving our army as the sole garrison. And so Castellan Craneaile becomes Count Craneaile, and the lands north of the river are settled with Orcmen. And on the Colnaude peninsula, the settlers new-arrived last tyrn find more free land then every they dreamed of. Taking larger holdings, they push inward; to find a caste of ready-made serfs has arrived and are just waiting to take the oaths of service...Military Action: The 'Khunaire' refuse to withdraw, so more forcible methods are needed to expel them. The Army of Rooin is redeployed to Casta Orienta, thereby giving the Portblanc Army freedom to move. The Portblanc force firstly secures the bounds of Bahay. Thereafter the forces of Portblanc will co-operate with any Ordalani effort to push down the coast of the Adenic gulf, or else press the passage themselves if the Ordalani decline to join in with the operation. The Army of Colnaude will press north-west and join up with our settlers, pressing through their claimed territories and clearing the land of any unwanted foreign presence.Our navies will do what they can to halt and detain any unwanted Khunaire, sending them back to their home ports or else sinking their ships if they cannot be deterred.>Warrior PriestsThe Priests accompany the armies of the Orcmanie, bringing with them both the Luxorc lanterns and agents of the Bureau to oversee the new territories. They come to scour the new lands of the foreign and disloyal Khunaire, seizing their shrines and temples to place up the Panthon in their stead. Any of these 'Khunaire' who agree to leave will be returned to their lands as prisoners under armed escort. Any who insist on staying will be considered subjects of the Khunaire no longer, and if they are found to be false in any loyalty to the Orcmanie or our gods, they will be treated as if dangerous Domo and promptly dispatched. (Those Khunaire who accept Luxor but reject his place in the Orcmanie pantheon will be treated more kindly, and returned to Barzaentine so they can run their own tests on the validity of their belief)
By the great grace of our Lord Aagen,who has granted us this tyrn of the sun, I, King Talarin II of the Venks do hereby order;>An Aagenic foothold be erected on the shores of the Tarn at Taxmoss (Abbey)>A new calendar be written and made law, that of fast days, penitential processions, and prayers that right order be re-established
>>6305728>Let it be known, if not far and wide, then in every Habitun faithful's heart: we shall die for homeland rather than another's, that is true, but we shall also always be first to martyrdom for the good of all, for Terra!- Excerpt from tyrnly sermon from the Cognita CathedralAction 1: The Tuatha's Feth Fiada 8/?: Cat-sìth>Subject Broderick:>>Symptoms: Sterility.>>Proposed cure: Shadow conduit to return proper function. Provided blueprint.- Grimhild Hitab"Patient Record #3477">Subject Broderick:>>Symptoms: Sterility despite Shadow conduit.>>Proposed cure: Continuous shadow conduit to return proper function prior to copulation.- Grimhild Hitab"Patient Record #3485">Subject Eleanor:>>Symptoms: Annika being a pitiful cat lady. Cat Eleanor barren.>>Proposed cure: Dedicated shadow suffusion to ensure proper womb function. Provided blueprint. Charged hefty payment in Terra's Flesh.- Grimhild Hitab"Patient Record #3510">Too many kittens. Please take on and feed.- Anonymous[1] note attached to basketful of Sith cats left in front of Geist office1. Geists confirmed it was from Annika within the hour>The Sith is a comforting sight for the Habitun traveler, a terrifying premonition to an intruder.>Of smoke, shadow, and disputable flesh, these creatures seem to vanish into sight with their wide grin showing first, and vanish out with the grin being the last trace of their existence.>They feed on both tiny woodland creatures and raw Glitter Vapor. If you are able to pet one at all, assume it has allowed you to.- Scoutsmaster Ivar Buraq,"Wandering Through The Realm, A Guidebook">Attached crate is of limpid skelle whistles. Disseminate to each inducted Geist with instructions to whistle with packet of vapor at the ready.>Whistle will summon 2-7 Siths. Feed, and inform that Broderick and Eleanor decided them playmates.- Update #8498 to Quartermaster Allotment Guide
>>6306427Action 2: Birger The God Shadow goes to the moonIntrigue: Moon Shadow>Terra hath decree'd I fly yon to cover her most favored and tortured child>Or die trying>Terra hath decree'd that a fool's errand>And I a fool>This fool shall try>For what good is a life spent unlived- Note left behind sibling Birger's quarters, with a window overlooking the moon wide openMilitary: Move Bakhold Pouncers (Fuaha army) left one hex, move Huntsmen (Bikube army) towards the Skrit frontlines>Stated objective: impress border sanctity on freaks.>Stated objective has been achieved.>Further waste of resource on border grandstanding not only places Skrit allies in danger of being overwhelmed, allowing Haimen and Krawl a Supkha foothold, it would also place us at the same level of desperate saber rattling the freaks have doubled down on.>We know they won't attack, they know we won't attack. Declare a victory, and they will be unable to contest it without taking steps they cannot recover from.>Aside, the dverg are pressed on their own holds, and they could benefit far more from our assitance, in reward for their assistance in the prior tyrn.- War report from marshal Bjorn Sayyad>Your expertise is acknowledged in matters of warfare. Acknowledge ours in matters of civil safety and morale.>The Bakhold Pouncers must remain on the border, to curtail any future 'protests' by roc incursions. Their mobility in carrying the porcupine ballistae should serve best in that task. Aided by Geists, none should be capable of breaching our border from any side.>You may send the Huntsmen to the Skrit front, as the loss of absolute safety of Supkha shores is an indispensible advantage.>Aid to the Urotti is as yet impossible due to lack of resources and alfpower. The Gronn Dal legion is not ready yet, and would prove more bane than boon to their efforts.- Habitun Council decree to marshal Bjorn Sayyad
>>63057321. Trade Route: Yak Products for the Eye Fruit of Ganuz's Grove, Vizari - OrcmaineWith the legions returning to Vizari so too does the negotiations and ideas exchanged during that time. Word of a strange fruit in the south comes up and their willingness to trade for yak products does gain interest; not only because the fruit is apparently a good material for curse magic. A fruit with taste is a fruit with taste, even if it taste cursed, and the merchants aren't going to pass up the chance to sell something. 2. Construct more Yak farms. With the trade of product the Yak ranchers gain more money and attention than they have had for quite some time. This has allowed them to expand their herds so they have enough product to satisfy foreign and domestic desire.Military: The Costa Norda legion are given the order to return home, seeing as the spirit or god summoned hasn't been showing any hostility.
>>6306428Agrimensores: Find the Urotti a unique resource 3/3>The requested ore has been located.>Do note that it is either semi-sentient, or already has a gardener.>It is highly dangerous, but might seems to contain extreme concentrations of mana. As we do not believe in waste, we cannot recommend disposing of it, but can recommend not overly relying on it.>Map attached.- Missive from Agrimensores guild to Urotti mining guild
The activity of Khurnaire is causing concern, as they are of a similar ilk to the Domo, who allied with Adenai during their invasion of our land. We have tolerated Adenai's presence, but with Adenai's withdrawal Khurnaire is attempting to seize this territory, replacing one barbarian neighbour with another.>Action 1: Expanding into the abandoned territory. Contest Khurnaire's excessive expansion.After news of Adenai pulling back from the coast to our west, news come of Khurnaire's expeditions there. We want neither to be so close to Sturnes, so the queen issues a decree to expand into this land, pushing out the would-be colonists of Khurnaire from that territory, taking it for Ordalan. In addition, a southern expansion forms, colonizing parts of the cursed lands to our south.>Action 2: Forges of Sturnes.In response to the expanded iron mine, a third industrial centre rises in Ordalan, this time in Sturnes. The Khurnaire smiths will have to compete with the smiths of both Emberglen and Sturnes. This will surely put a check on the Khurnaire influence, especially important due to their current expansionism.>Trade: Barza deal change to 1 Silver and 1 Lumber for 1 Iron.After a talk, Barza has sought Ordalan silver to augment their own supply, they have agreed to provide more iron in the trade to before, but the queen has made sure to keep enough silver for our silvering, to lessen the curse we bear. But a deal has also been struck that they shall provide contribution to the Blossoming Dawn's reconstruction within 5 tyrns time.
>>6305730The Moon draws yet closer still and still no solution has been found. In the wake what promises to be another calamity Barza expands, so it can weather the worst.Action1. Expansion of the Iron mine. Geomancers did well to find us such a boon, and it must be expanded for full capacity.Action 2 Expand the Marble Quarry. Marble has been a principle building block of Barza since we've found it. More is needed.Trade action amendment with Ordalan: Ordalan has been a boon trading partner, and the trade has changed to benefit us both. Ordalan stops sending us excess food as we do not at current need it. Instead in addition to to the wood, they also send us silver. We send them even more iron in turn.(1 wood, 1 Silver from Ordalan with another half unit sent when they expand. 1 and half units of iron from Barza.)Espionage Action: Inquisitors are sent to seek out the Shroud of the moon with great circumspection. Finding it is imperative to avert the oncoming calamity. Likewise finding a way to recharge it, since it has been depowered is a goal but a secondary one.
>>6305735Report on Lesser Activities to Cyra, Noreusper of Guliseare, executioner of Thessa, bane of Kaenum, unifier of the Aripan, Ruler of all the hallowed mountains, Aelelox's chosen prophet, most blessed and holy Aripan to fly upon the skies and walk upon the earth.The tensions between the northern Kaenumites and the merchants of Vitruvia are being mediated in the west. A full report as to the results of this meeting will be provided when available, as I will be there and able to provide a full transcript of the events. Other than this, recent reports from the boarderguard suggest that there's some sort of far distant land that could be discovered. Considering the horizon is far greater and the amount of land one can see from up high is likewise, our airships are perfect for any sort of exploration, and if you deem such efforts worthwhile, we can perhaps find these strange lands through the maps that were found and take advantage of them. Your faithful servant, Kallixeina.>Action One. Expedition.The map that was given by the drunk at the boarder was taken by one Rafail and examined thoroughly as an airship was outfitted for an expedition to far distant lands. The prospect of yet more mountains that could potentially serve as a good home for our people, along with the prestige and power that can be gained from trade or conquest of such a distant land is obviously appealing. Though it will be a long journey, that much is certain... Once laden with plentiful supply, a trained crew and a few supporting soldiers and a priest, the Blessed Rafail would have his vessel take to the skies.>Action Two. Terracing. With the increased variety of diet of the Aripan, and the extensive exchange of various foods to enhance Aripan dishes near the grand Arena, the desire for home grown crops that normally only could be found in the plains grew significantly. Yet, destroying large swaths of woodlands for the purpose was not desired given the defensive use that the forest held along with the plentiful game in them. As such, efforts to find a way to be able to harvest and plant these crops on the far more open hills quietly got worked upon. The simple idea of just having the earth flatten out where the crops grow was easy enough to implement but far more difficult was the efforts to find a way to improve this method and ensure just as much food was produced if not more than that of the crops farmed in the normally flat fields.
>1: VolcanogThe nearly final form of the Volnoot line, the Volcanog. This form will comprise the ultimate, most survivalist stealth bomb units around. Since their previous iteration, they have changed vastly. From snakes, their entire bodies have split into strands of pure krawl, held together by multiple discs, some made of stone, and one housing the giant clump of charging, volatile, magic crystal. These strands of pure krawl may split off from the main form and reunite as needed. Call it a mechanism of survival, to be able to split apart, slither away, and reform elsewhere to keep moving for a safer target. Their heads are now gone, but they still stand at a whopping less than half a foot tall on the field. They are however up to several feet long. On the front end of their body is a clump of strands with eyes on the end, so that they may discriminate their targets.>2: Krawl-a-pult (airport, pic related for demonstration)The krawl’s airport is a simple, single structure, powered by muscle. It takes advantage of the torqued ability of the sub-space cranks of vortexes. At any given Krawl-a-pult, two vortexes stand side by side, with the heaviest, strongest krawl inside them to turn their cranks hard. At this setup, a vortex’s spiked tendril, already connected to its own crank drive, would have its open ends connected to the two torsion-building vortexes, standing at a distance. When the operators determine that enough torsion has been built, they command the vortex to take off, which rockets the vortex in question forward as they let go and then upward with the lift they manage at, potentially, very high speeds. This should allow any given mobile vortex to gain great height and stay airborne for longer.The first one will be built along the southern coast, near Vizari’s Folley, and relatively close to Vitruvia.>Intrigue: dwarven totems>War: Deathball on the black fortressOnce more, We use Our well-developed siege tech in attempt to fell the Black Fort. Accompanied by the Krovians again, We will slaughter every last skrit or skritari in the keep. We also wish to impose an effort on Our troops to capture a Skritari or parts of a Skritari after it has been killed. Magic troops will be rearranged accordingly. Those magic troops who spread fire and exploding hot crystals will stay fast along the healing pits in army Hi, being Volzepi and other previous forms that utilize magma in their bodies or manage to throw fire. Other magic troop, ranged for the most part, will meet up with the main battle group at the black fort and prepare to attack infantry.
Action 1 - Krovian War Tactics [Tidal Blow]Krovians generally resort to a feeding frenzy when the lust for battle takes over. Chaos and mayhem abound as Shamans lead their personal guards through the melee; any form of over-arching order or mass-discipline is forgotten. The first Krovian tactic is meant to level the playing field, making the enemy discard these trappings of "civilized warfare" via the maddening PulseLight.Sometimes, though, a united front is needed. Whether entrenched, emboldened or empowered, an enemy can sometimes feel invincible, and present a wall they hope will turn back the tide. Forming a wedge, the largest and most powerful Krovians can lead their lesser brothers in a pointed formation, tearing through the enemy line like a tooth through hide. From there? The melee begins!Action 2 - Prospect (Far-east desert tile). Generic, true random prospect.The distant port sits on the edge of the Krawl territory, where beach-dunes stretch along the coast. What will intrepid Krovian explorers find here, lurking amongst sand, sea or surf?What? Its sand, sea or SKY? No, for you see, Krovians almost never look up. Their necks dont bend that way. So they say Sand, Sea and Surf.>War Action - Crush the black fort.The Skrit are doing something untoward, but the plan remains the same. Their best fighters are holed up in the recesses of their fortification, and it is the Krovians might that will crack their shell and claim their reef for our own.>Intrigue - Investigate flesh-wall.The Krovian missionaires can rest a turn, it's Krovian "scientists" who take to the stage today. They inspect the Skrits expanding flesh wall. They poke, they prod, they bite, they try and boil, or splash with blood. Truly, the height of scientific endeavors.To be fair, Krovians are actually fairly decent at working with flesh, and studying the mutated and horrific. If anyone can figure something out about this tumorous mass, they can.
Action 1: Upgrade the CIA 2/4Action 2: Build reagent farmEspionage: Tax a reagent farm
>>6305728>Action 1: Construct Statue of Morgrim near the Tojuset>Action 2: Construct Statue of Valaya near Thul-GaruhmThe moon is large enough now that even pigs can see it. Time is of the essence, and our people must be protected post-haste.Morgrim, he who invented the wheel, the axle, the lever, the incline, the pulley, the screw, and the wedge, was to be honored near the Tojuset, wherein he would protect his most ardent followers with the same zeal they had for him.Valaya, she who protects the hearth whilst Grungni pummels the horrors below, was to be honored near Thul-Garuhm, oldest known home of the dwarves, that she may hold them within her bosom and shield against any that may seek intrusion.>Action 3: Extract the Dragon HeartsThe orchard unearthed by the Svartalfar was a curious thing. A garden without a gardener, and within each of its fruits, the power of the very sun!Long have the men of steel been slow and lumbering, due to reliance on ambient mana in the air. But now, with a powerful source housed within their chassis, they could perform feats of speed and power beyond even their considerable frames would imply.Now, the fearsome beasts of the 'neath will learn fear!>Military: Suppress The Deep Lands
> GLOBAL: The Lunar Invasion Begins!With great streaks of silver light several sizable meteors launch from the surface of the moon! They slam into the surface with a sound heard for miles if the spectacular light was not enough to notice. Great silver rods plunge into the ground, and begin unfolding into the unmistakable shape of fortresses. Figures within with gleaming hair and skin of pale silver pour out from within, armed with blade, staff, and bow. It is an invasion!> Global: A New World?Rumors race across the land like wildfire that Vizari sailors have found something out past the horizon, an entire new continent. Stories fly of obsidian sharks, orcish explosion wizards, domo with ten arms and other outlandish tails.>>6305823>AA. of KhurnaireIt is with a bold songs and many a lantern of glowing knife light that settlers push into the Cursed Lands, expecting battle and trickery, phantoms and torment. Instead they find nothing at all, just desolate plains of black rock and white bones of beasts strange and large. No plants, no animals, not even the warble of a bird or the chirp of an insect. It is an eerie and strange sight. Even the wind howls without sound in this place, an experience that settlers struggle to put into words. Settlers persevere however, pouring blessings of luxor into the soil alongside dung and bonemeal, eking out harvests from this grim land. Has the dark left? And if so, where to?It is perhaps no surprise that the smiths and tradesmen who ply their wares in the Vermillion Grave find their audience a tough nut to crack. They are tolerated, sometimes even appreciated, but there’s no denying that they are outsiders, foreigners strange to this land, and the traditions of Zas make little headway into the hearts and minds of Ordelan. Instead it is Ordelani gods that drift into Khurnaire, stories of Janos and Sturnes, the power of lightning and fire, man made beast and storm and unleashed upon the Dark becomes quite popular for a short time.The church of Marlene is a popular one of farmers in the distant reaches, for any wise farmer knows his dependence on the earth for his craft. A sizable chapel, adorned with turban tapestries, built of stone from the islands off the coast and decorated with shimmering black obsidian rises up, providing a place of refuge and community amongst the settlers, those that remain anyway.The great expansion to parts distant and foreign is mostly a failure. Many return, speaking of lands already settled and mighty armies waiting to turn them around. Others stay, but swear new oaths, to new lords.
>>6308171>The Tower ArchmageA proper trade route is established between wizard and orcman, both finding the endeavor fruitful. The bitter fruit is not well loved by the orcmen, but for the flavor starved Vizari it adds an interesting twist to many a dish that is well appreciated. And that a pie of the stuff gives enough cursed power for a minor hex on a rival is just a bonus. Of course nothing is without cost, to maintain their own reserves of meats and cheeses the Vizari expand their pens and pastures to have enough yak herds to trade some and keep some for themselves.News finally arrives from the expedition to the west! A ragged ship with a ragged crew arrives home at last, reporting on a sizable chain of islands far to the west, encased in a vast storm of terrible proportions. Efforts are made to keep the new land hidden, but a feverish sailor babbles widely to anyone who will listen, telling all manner of tales and soon rumors are racing across the land. More reliably the captain of the ship reports that a small settlement has been established, though not one without peril, for on their very first night canoes of grey skinned savages landed in the bay accompanied by beasts of bone and black rubbery flesh and attacked. Fortunately the settlers had been warned by a native and were on high alert, and the savages were soon sent into retreat, those they weren’t crushed by golem feet or incinerated by magical fire.>>6305876>OrcmanieThe stables at Cadon are well received, with the additional horses and hounds quickly becoming beloved members of the community. The fresh legion of hunters, trackers, and mounted heavy knights will serve the nation well.Pushing into the spaces abandoned by the Adenai is a natural move for those orcmen along the frontier, who find decaying and empty villages, fields left fallow and other signs of those who once lived here. Elven villas are repaired, ancestor shrines repurposed for the orcman pantheon, and the fields replanted. What comes as a surprise is the waves of Khurnaire who spill into the land some time afterwards. The orcman army sweeps through the area, interrogating these foreigners by light of golden lanterns and might of orcish dragonsteel. A few are belligerent, and are sent packing by the point of a sword, but many are simple folk, adherents to Luxor with fear and unease in their eyes (and shadows) who see the well armed military force and are quite quick to swear whatever oaths are required to let them live in peace. For the Khurnaire, who have many gods already, a few more to add to the mix is no great burden after all, though it is clear that for this community Luxor is held quite highly.
>>6306427>Habitun cultBeware traveler who wanders the woods of the Habitun Cult late at night, for strange things lurk in those forests, silent monsters who watch from the trees and living fog. But few develop a reputation for fear quite like the Cat-sith, the boundless legion of shadow cats that hunt and play in the woods of Habitun. Rumor goes that a legion of vitruvian invaders might wander into the woods then find themselves surrounded by grinning teeth and eyes. Scared witless they scatter into the woods, with only a few survivors staggering out to tell the tale of hot breath on the neck, the pressure of claws on the skin, and the mocking laughter of spirits. The story is fictional of course, but the grinning smile of the Cat-sith is anything but, and the geists who haunt the woods are well versed in using the cats as spies, messengers and more.To leap to the moon is no small task, and to leap into the light even grander still, but what else can a man do when he loves his country? Still, there is a price to such madness, to fling oneself so madly into folly, and the price is certainly the stability of Birger’s mind. His trip takes a full year, and when he returns he is a changed elf, and perhaps not an elf at all, if ever he was after his previous encounter with the gods. Half of him shines brilliantly with the light of the moon, with such intensity he must wear a cloak or blind those present. The other half is a dark void that seems to dim the room around him, swallowing light. He speaks in poems and song and mournful dirges, of things long past and far future. It is a month under the asylum’s care before anything useful can be gotten from him, one eye always showing the moon, the other a darkness most shadows only dream of. He speaks of a goddess of terrible beauty, and beautiful terror, driven toward madness and lunacy by the unceasing light of the moon, light that he has taken on part of, just the smallest part, to ease her pain. They come! They come, he sings, the ten thousand sons and daughters of the moon, they come to tear apart the world until the Cloak of the Moon can be found. Every stone will be overturned until it is found, but the service of Birger has granted the Habitun some small reprieve.
>>6306186>Talarin II, King of the VenksThe abbey at Taxmoss is a welcome sight for those settlers on the far shore of the Tarn, whose jungle home is quite different from the comforts of home. The combination of the new abbey and the wide distribution of a formal calendar finally ending the endless disputes about the proper time for each feast and fast serves as a fine anchor for these more distant Venks, keeping the area feeling properly homey, despite the jungle of tigers and giant ants just a stones throw in any direction. Of course a flood of arguments and complaints immediately arises all across Vencia, flooding the poor bishop with letters, arguing for less fasting and more feasting, and why their favorite hymn and prayer wasn’t included. Nonetheless within a generation or two these things will smooth out into the steady hum of “This is how it’s always been”, at least until the next offical decides to change things.A fine black carriage rolls up from the west, pulled by two massive black stallions. Sitting on top of it, rather than within it, is a young woman of peculiar hard to place features, reading a book. A sizable halberd sits across her lap, a dangerous hooked thing longer than she is. She departs the carriage, fetching a small trunk and approaches the Cockaigne Abbey. Apparently she is here to serve as an acolyte to the abbey.>>6308719>Kingdom of OrdalanLong have the noble families of Ordalan eyed the border between them and the Adenai, and it is no small relief when reports come in of abandoned villages. Lesser noble houses pounce on the opportunity to enhance their station and the countryside is soon flooded with the less important daughters and even a few sons of Ordalan carving out little fiefdoms for themselves. Settlers to the south however have a much worse time, for the Cursed Lands have not dwindled as the years have passed. Still, they are of a peculiar nature this time, eerily quiet with nary a monster or fiend in sight. So unsettling is the nature of this place that Ordalan and Khurnaire villages find themselves side by side, making quiet agreements far from the eyes of their leaders that here in this cursed place the wholesome must band together against the profane if they are to have any hopes of surviving it. What are their leaders thinking, sending them to this place?The forge at Sturnes blazes hot and stays quite busy, though in this time of peace it makes more plowshares than spatha.
>>6308720>Constantine the RegentWhile miners swing picks and geomancers move earth, the inquisitors of Barza set out across the land in droves, seeking clues. With the moon as close as it is, and the brilliant meteors it has sent forth the problem quickly becomes a deluge of information as believers across the land supply entirely too much information. Nonetheless the inquisitors persevere and discover a few fascinating scraps of information. The first recorded month of the moon failing to wane corresponds with the very month a venk diplomat in vitruvia was heard to request the shadow of the moon from his menia servants. The very idea seems ridiculous, and yet the timing is concerningly accurate. A second piece of information is given only to the king’s ears himself.>>6308729>The Divine Republic of GuliseareA grand expedition vessel is prepared, a truly massive ship that can sustain itself in the air for months, or even years, assuming its crew can find, forage, or steal enough supplies from the surroundings. It sets off toward the south, though the lands of many nations stand between it and its destination far away. (The “Exp” marker represents your Expedition. It can move 8 tiles per turn. Please alert players as you pass by or through their nation in the event that they wish to stop, halt, attack, or otherwise engage in diplomacy with you). They carry with them considerable supplies, enough to lay claim to whatever they find and build some form of permanent structure, perhaps a town, temple, or airdock. (You can disband this expedition as a minor action to claim the tile its on and build an icon)Sturdy timbers and the hard work of slaves shattering stone carves out neat spaces along the mountainside for farmland where previously there was none. These high clifftop farms will be well protected from the enemy, and far easier to bring in produce as well, rather than hauling heavy baskets up the mountainside from the valleys below.>>6309087>VitruviaThe first lesson at the Secret Vitruvian Ninja Academy is to realize that there is a secret Vitruvian Ninja Academy. The second lesson is that, to the bewilderment of nearly all of its students, the flashy black outfits and masks are incredibly bad at avoiding detection. The third lesson is that there is no secret Vitruvian Ninja Academy. Probably. Students are encouraged to tail their instructors, who are themselves tailing other more advanced instructors to try and find the academy. Someone probably knows where it is.On and on the great accounting of reagents goes, and more and more farmland is tilled and worked to produce the needed reagents required for the vast numbers of potions needed for the Vitruvian army.
>>6309083>KrawlThe latest twisted creation of the Krawl is the Volcanog, a writhing snake-like creature containing an explosive core. A stealthy sabotageur, it's more than capable of creeping and climbing through ditches or up walls before exploding in a shower of red hot shrapnel and fire. Often the resulting fire is more deadly than the original blast.The Krawl-a-pult is a strange structure, but a useful one, consisting of massive chains and cranks and a corkscrew structure that can wind up and launch a dark vortex that has been reinforced with a metal frame high into the air. It is a useful piece of infrastructure, easily allowing the Krawl to intercept flying forces, though more work remains to be done before the Krawl can truly take to the skies in the same manner as the Guliseare or Vitruvians.Examination of the dwarven plans shows that the resulting structure, a massive construction easily fifty feet high, is incredibly complex, revolving around hundreds of tiny mana warping shapes carved into stone. The exact working details are difficult to discern, but the theory is simple enough. Any magical disaster is theorized to also cause a local surge in ambient magic. These massive constructions can tap into that energy to become briefly animate, moving to interpose magically disruptive shapes into the path of whatever possesses the most magic. What is most cunning about this design however is that the disrupted magic is then used to create more magic molding shapes whose entire purpose is to duplicate themselves until the magical disaster is sufficiently disrupted. Effectively the device uses the power of a massive spell against itself. The end result is ideally a thin layer of magically manifested dust.
>>6309084>KrovianThe Tidal blow is a well beloved tactic of the Krovians, and they take to it almost immediately. The only issue is resolving which Krovian gets to be at the point of the wedge, the resulting argument of which is often more fierce than the ensuing battle. A scattering of customs, traditions and means of setting the issue spreads across Krovia, though every group and regiment seems to have their own spin on it. A few krovians tentatively suggest that perhaps some sort of school or training camp might help? Perhaps two, since it's unlikely there would be room for Pesok in just one.In the distant reaches of the desert a strange new practice is emerging. Acupuncture of the Asp Needle, a cactus found in that arid region. Though it started as a means for Krovians to prove they were tougher than one another (a short lived needle hugging contest was eventually canceled as being dumb and suicidal even by krovian standards) it is quickly realized that the cactus needles actually dull pain and reduce swelling. The red seething mass of the skrit flesh wall is a disgusting thing to look upon, being made of thousands of ants fused and twisted together, seemingly always spewing forth more numbers to build the wall higher or longer. When sections of the wall are damaged entire other sections simply twist and move into place to protect it. When attacked, the wall can break apart into swarms, making it quite dangerous as well. Still, even the weak pulse of the ants has a pattern to it, study by the shaman finds a thread of will to it, deep within the structure there is a core, a central point that controls the mass, or at least the area around it, there may be more than one, and disturbingly it seems another be is being built, though it will be some time before it is complete.
>>6309122>UrottiThe great defender statues are awe inspiring sites, paragons of dwarven engineering, emblems of history and culture. Filled with vast numbers of runes and complex machinery to manage them, they lay dormant, waiting for a surge in magic to spin them to life where they will manifest a great shield to disrupt that magic. The dwarves call them dragon hearts, though in truth they seem more like fruit than heart, being grown on strange silvery vines in a strangely lit cavern beneath the earth. Each one is large enough that a dwarf can carry only one in his arms, and they grow ever so slow, the vines gently set one on the ground every week or so, and a waiting dwarf carefully set it in a cart padded by sloth wool and begins the long trip toward the workshops. Only the largest golems can fit these magical cores, those usually designed for excavation or heavy rough mining, but it takes minimal work to retrofit them for purpose, the power within the hearts seems almost eager to leap out and be used. Work will be required to take true advantage of these gifts in something more military oriented.For now the deep lands seem quiet, but armies watch the open doors with concern. Investigation into the key finds little, save a sheet of fine silver marked with the words “sorry, had to borrow the key, i’ll put it back promise”. There is no signature, save a crescent moon.> Jungle Fury at the Wall of FleshWith songs of valor and fury the Krovian forces surge forth toward the Black Fort of the Skrit, seeking to at long last purge it from the world. First however they will need to break through this great abominable wall of flesh the Skrit have built. Krovian forces attack at two point, slamming great iron sharks into the wall as Skrit defenders hurl spines and stingers and poison down. Ants pour down the wall, the beleaguered remains of half broken armies. The wall itself also moves to defend itself, rust red hued drones pouring from holes or simply detaching from the walls themselves. None of them are a match for the Krovian forces alone, who rend chitin and crush leaden armor plates with ease, but it is sheer numbers that forces the Krovians back, though not before they have obliterated two more of the weaker Skrit armies.Krawl forces rush to capitalize on the worn down Skrit defenders, Gigassi siege engines and Zabacraw rushing the walls next, followed by Volrach flame spitters and all matter of explosive Krawl. The battle is fierce, with fire and shrapnel consuming many on both sides. Skrit are cooked in their own lead armor, entire sections of the wall shudder and move to crush invaders, everywhere ichor and black krawl mix together and flow down the walls. But in the end the Krawl are forced to admit they are outmatched by Skritari cunning and the legions of rust red ants that form the walls.---END TURN 34---
>>6292407It is as the Lord Mana feared. The Dark ones have broken free from the chains binding them to this land, and in the Vizari men's great err to break that last magic of Urmest and the King in the Wind, they have their way home to ply their tongues at the most sympathetic of souls. Yet, is it not curious how this particular set of coincidences arranged itself? All the Khurnaire's vessels were sent north stuck on that pointless journey. The Khurnaire's employed militia were especially exhausted to chase down any certain targets. Maybe it's all just a coincidence, maybe the fact that none of this now seaborne Dark landed on the Khurnaire's territory is merely happenstance. Just drawing connections that don't make any sense really. Something you can only do if you assume malice in the part of Khurnaire. Hehe.>Action 1: The Greater Zas Must Be Protected! (Fortify the Temple of Zaza)The recent arrival of certain neighbourly forces is of no concern! None at all. In fact, it is welcomed! May they freely tour the great many trenches and little burrows the Khurnaire has dug throughout the not-aiding-at-all jungles! May they freely witness the earthenworks that the Khurnaire has summoned with that old blood of theirs over the Temple, all the river's innings pulled up to hide its most precious of possessions! There is only one, perhaps three, actually unwelcome parties around here, and these Moonly Ones aren't them (so far).>Action 2 & 3: The Zaza Must Be Propitiated!! (AAAAAAAAA)Hmhm. The Khurnaire has its designs, of binding the little fragments of the Zas to his pantheon's faithful, so that even beyond his rivers may they conjure the miracles of him and his pantheon. It would aid where the Khurnaire thinks these miracles are much needed of course. The second, Lord Mana thinks the secrets of healing are likely better used by their hands, knowing that the Zas's fatherly nature will likely be expressed even further with these incantations. Not exactly fixed though. While the binding (and attached summoning) is mandatory in the Khurnaire's eye, these second offering is open to choice. If the Temple sees it fit, send its worthy to apprentice under the Lord Mana, if the Temple does not, then tell the Khurnaire of what it intents and the Khurnaire will turn its resources for theirs. These are all theirs in the end, the name notwithstanding..
>>6309163>>6309283>Intrigue Action: Marleniic OutreachFurther penetration into Ordalanii society currently impossible with present assets, and the present lack of enthusiasm to spend further attention to solidify our influence is troublesome but expected. The Scholarium turns its attentions to the Orcmanie, and while official authorities are still too haunted by our progeny, and the complete failure of the still missing Sorrowful Ones party didn't help, the Church of Marlene has provided us with an in so to say. Facilitate talks between our priest and theirs, and in the void between official topics, consult them on the Orcmanie's southern holdings, the spiritual state of affairs, and what we can do to further the reach of Marlene (and Luxor).
Just a summary of my last turns because I need to repeat it anyhow fucking shit. I actually had a propper long post I wrote for it. too1. upgrade steam engines with bronze boilers for more efficient heat transfer2. build tin mine3. prospect for resources again
>>6309163>Action 1: Stables for ColnaudeAs part of the slowly continuing drive to upgrade the currently existing Orcman armies, stables are to be established at Colnaude.>Action 2: OrleneOrcman holdings upon the lower peninsula have swollen to an extent that was never planned for. These new territories require a new Orcman enclave at their heart to manage them, and the site that seems most suitable and central is close to where the Khunaire had once tried to establish a religious community. And so a new Orcman town is established in close proximity to what had been the Church of Marlene, with the venerable Sir Julebog Pactserpante granted the right of oversight as Count of the territory. 'Orman-site-Marlene' is soon atrophied and shortened to the simpler 'Orlene', and thus the town comes to commonly be known by this name. And the old church will be used once more by the townsfolk as the site of a pantheonic religious establishment, with a bishop sent from Rooin to take charge of the congregation, and new-carved Icons to Ganuz and Hilda set dominantly into the entranceway, whilst icons to Varez, Anos, Loter and Luxorc are raised amidst the halls.>Warrior Priests - The nature of MarleneMarlene is a god-name unknown to us. We do not know her - not by that name, at least. Though in aspect there is some resemblance unto Hilda, her domains are more closely those of Ganuz. Perhaps she is a representation of the Holy couple as a unity? Or could she be some other offspring from the pair, or even a god yet unknown? If she can be syncretised without causing offense to our existing gods, then we shall endeavour to do so locally... but if there is no truth to her, if she is merely some Domo-Demon, we shall be forthright in excising her from these halls.>Military MovementsColnaude's army shall make a return home, though moving via. Orlene to aid with the new town's establishment. And with the army of Rooin stationed at the Castra, the army of Portblanc shall return to Rooin.
>>6309167It is an odd situation in the world. The goddess of the moon has apparently made her anger known and sent the wrath of armies to the east. They do not seem interested in Vizari, though, and so the Vizari monitor the situation. Better news come from the west as the expedition has not found the Venk lands, thankfully some say as reports come from Rooin of the nature of the Venk constitution, but instead has found an entirely new land. So far only archipelagos of islands have been found but even in what has been seen new peoples and mysteries are noticed. 1. Fort North of New Vizari BayIt is clear the natives of the jungle island are far from friendly, and constant raids, while easily defended against, will hamper the expansion of the colony. So the residents of New Vizari build a fort to protect the bay at the mouth among the mountains. A way to get a better watch for more raids and to loose projectiles and magic upon raiding fleets. 2. Research Lightning magic. With the study of Weeping Silver, or Archmage Metal as it's come to be called in Vizari, an interesting idea has come to those who have mastered telekinetics and thermal magic. Mixing the two, and using a copper-lead alloy to channel the magics. The result is interesting as when paired it creates a storm of lightning jumping in a cast direction; fast and strong for lower mana as it's natural properties seek to jump to a target. It can also be absorbed, similar to the dichotomy of fire-ice magics; but lightning is not so easy to store as heat.
>>6309163>Action 1 - Prospect [Building Material] The Asp Needles are a fun new past-time for the Krovians, even if short lived. Still, trends never truly die, and Krovian youths in this region will, at least once in their life, find themselves as walking pincushions for the numbing needles.Fun as they are, the 'wood' of the cactus makes for poor construction material, and so the sharkmen once more strike out into the sand and the coasts nearby, looking for something to build their homes with.>Action 2 - Zhelezo Training CampThe tentative idea for a training camp is tentatively implemented. The great Steles that marked Krovian history are moved to central locations, and within these circles of monolith memorials, smaller rocks are carved to codify the Krovian ways of war.>War Action - Fall of Black Fort, Take 3, action!You know what it is. Krawl + Krovian, deathball, take out the fort.>Intrigue - Shaman SabotageThe Skrit wall is made of flesh it seems, even if yucky and ant-flavored. Few in this world can call themselves as equal masters of flesh to a Krovian Shaman, and so it is that a small cabal of the sharkmen mystics look to sabotage or sway the Skrit will within their meager Pulse. Some look to starve it out, cutting lines of Pulse that lead to the central will. If this proves fruitless, they will overwhelm it, forcing more Pulse down what channels remain in an attempt to overcome it completely.
>>6311224>War Action - CorrectionIn addition, move up the un-tested Pesok army. Let all 3 armies fall upon the fort now!
>>6309163>Expand Shaping VatsDue to a long-misplaced decimal point, Central had been logging its armies well-equipped, and attributing their lackluster behavior to disruptive signals broadcast by the Krawl.Correcting the error nearly caused the equivalent of a stroke to the hivemind, as it quickly attempted to load-balance all the reports it was receiving back from its units that suddenly made sense.Quickly, commands were sent to the Shaping Vats to double output, and utilize collected corpses in the interim while supply lines were properly assigned.>Build a waste processing facility for the twin cities (action exchange)The Habitun reinforcements promise to lessen the load, but their own supply lines are somewhat lacking. Central will do what it does best, and construct a waste processing facility to produce the ammo their ballistae need.>Fortify Skrit NodeIn the meantime, while the wall was holding well, a worst case scenario needed to be accounted for. Orders are sent for mounds of reinforced soil to be erected around the Skrit Node, with numerous potholes filled with sleeper units and highly reactive chemicals scattered around the perimeter, the smell of which is easy to discern for the Skrit, but would drive Krovian senses haywire. The entire area could turn into a killing field easily, as tunnels are dug underneath the area, allowing for quick and easy swarming of any lagging or lone units on the field.>Interface with the wall (intrigue)The Skitari being outside of Central's control is one thing, at least they were loyal. The wall on the other hand had little reason to be trusted to attack the enemy outside inertia, and the last thing Central needed was a third hivemind in the region.Send in translator units, Skitari, bribes, mind controlling wasps, whatever is necessary to gain leverage on the thing.>WarYawn
>>6309163>Action 1: Construct Statue of Smednir near Virn-LodahrThungni, the he whom shaped ore with his bare hands, dipping it in red-hot lava to soften. He would be honored near the metal workshops of Virn-Lodahr, wherein new alloys are dreamt up night and day.>Action 2: Crack the secrets of the Dragon HeartsThe reasoning behind the name of Dragon Hearts was not revealed by the Habitun, but it proved to be an important clue to understanding their origin.The foremost botanists of Urotti came to an indubitable conclusion: sun rays were not so rich in energy, nor did the cave focus them in such a capacity, that they would form fruits of such power, even over millennia. In fact, the fruits themselves were barely plants themselves.The roots on the other hand, went deep. Deeper than days of digging could unveil, though moreso due to the extreme heat found after a few fathoms. Either a lava vein, or the corpses of elden dragons themselves, were what fed the fruits. A safe way to contain the power, not of a thousand suns, but the earth and her dragons itself.And so as to hearts, veins were dreamt up, of lava-resistent platinum miniature pipes, from their chests and through their bodies, powering each individual rune and empowering it beyond what any may have ever seen golems capable of before.>Action 3: Construct a Waste Processing Facility near the WorkshopThe porcupine ballistae were sadly under-utilized, not due to lack of iron, but crystals. With our cousins so busy defending their Skrit allies south, it is up to us to shoulder the burden of our own armies, as we stand watch on the gates to the 'neath.That, and the waste being pumped out of the workshop was leaving a sorry sight in the lands.>Intrigue: Aid the Skrit in food 'tax collection'Accountants, woodsmen, and land surveyors are sent to the Skrit, to aid them in streamlining their harvesters and ensure sustainable supplies of food do flow through.>Military: Guard the gate to The Deep Lands
>>6309163>Legend and myth oft provide false unmeetable expectations and promises. Canon and doctrine on the other hand shall never fail you.- Excerpt from tyrnly sermon from the Cognita CathedralAction 1: Rebuild the Dark Lake, rechristen it Omega>The stump of the Dark Lake contains a network of tunnels and store houses under it. So far it has gone unexploited, but with proper efforts, it can serve as an additional strongpoint from which the Skrit may launch their offensives.>I have negotiated an exchange of expertise and efforts. All Skrit in the area are preoccupied with repelling the invaders, but those in the vicinity of the twin cities seem to be underutilized. They will be constructing a waste processing facility to fill all of our crystalline needs, allowing the Lapidary to focus on fine craftsmanship once more.>All the Skrit ask in exchange is the city.- Missive from Skrit ambassador Aksel Durbawey to Habitun Council>Plan approved. The Urotti have also agreed to take on their share of the load.- Reply from Habitun Council to Skrit ambassador Aksel DurbaweyAction 2: Build an anti-disaster statue depicting Luna against Solaire on Gronn Dal>I am utilizing my own coffers for this, as I believe a majority of Habitun's infrastructure is in the area. Protecting it from both the moon goddess's fickle temper, and the southern freaks' inevitable aggression takes priority.>The shape is to force the belligerant moonfolk to think twice about assaulting a city that honors their goddess. Such hesitation can prove advantageous, if leveraged properly.\>Unless you have other concerns, I will be beginning construction immediately.- Missive from Gronn Dal mayor to Habitun Council
>>6311393War: Move Huntsmen (Bikube army) to the former Dark Lake and fortify while it is being rebuilt. Bakhold Pouncers (Fuaha army) maintains the no-fly zone on the border.>Well you're lucky I was in Delta when I was. Those pixie folk are funny. Anywho, building up is easy, down easier, sideways is where it gets tricky. Luckily, plenty of Juhrs allotted for this.>I'll just need you to form a perimeter, prevent the fleshy wall from pushing in, and help the Skrit transport their eggs and queens in as I dig my way through.- Missive from Age Bani to marshal Bjorn SayyadAgrimensores: Scour Habitun for unique resources 1/3Trade:>Vinge 083: I'm sick of dwagons!>Vinge 016: What now?>Vinge 083: Finawwy got thwough its fwames and twaps. Spwattewed dipwomats with its cwaws.>Vinge 001: Ah, that would do it.>Vinge 016: Send more?>Vinge 083: WE DON'T HAVE DISPOSABLE DIPWOMATS!>Vinge 038: And no messages since?>Vinge 083: It wants twibute now, fow the insuwt. Awwogant to wimits unthinkabwe!>Vinge 001: I may have an idea for that...- Excerpt from shadow ant communiques between Vinge Sukons >VitruviaGive: 1/2 Waste Facility produce in the form of "fine" lenses and laboratory instrumentsReceive: 1/2 Reagent farm #1 produce in the form of tree growth potions>Vencia (for flavor purposes)>SkritGive: 1/2 Cave Fish, 1 Fish, 1 Smoking Quartz mine output, 1/2 Ouroboros Snake pens output, 2 Food icons' worth (from Habitun #083)Receive: 1/2 Coal Mine produce, 2 Spider Silk farm output>UrottiGive: 1/2 Juhrs for purposes of mining and tunneling, 1/2 college/school, 1 Glitter Vapor mine produce in the form of Terra's Pus for purposes of runecraft, 1/2 Lapidary produce in the form of Porcupine RoundsReceive: Underground infrastructure, Mine of Eris produce in the form of garishly valuable looking gems and jewelry, Green Marble produce, 1/2 Lumberyard produce in the form of ballistae>Habitun #083Give: 1 Mine of Eris produce from Urotti for purposes of dragon bribery/poisoning, 1 Spider Silk farm output (from Skrit), 1 Dulce Plumbum (lead) mine outputReceive: 1 Quarry output, 2 Food icons' worth>KroviaGive: 1/2 Cave FishReceive: 1/2 Ephedra amphetamines- Habitun Council national trade audit, 122
>>6309169The new fiefs has caused some consternation among the Nixen, not so much the tales of what's going on in the cursed lands, but the formerly elven lands. These lands have long been held by the elves, Sturnes even has a large wall cutting itself from these lands. There is value in these lands, allowing Sturnes finally access to the sea, the subsistence settlements concern themselves more with fishing than hunting, but there is the question of what Adenai is going to do. The elves are a scheming sort, managing to dodge the consequences of summoning the Nachetar while still presenting themselves as civilized. There is concern that this might provoke another war, but we are also far better equipped now, unless they were to somehow convince Orcmanie to aid them. But ultimately, Queen Roza of house Waldetrudis can handle those rumors well enough due to them not having any solid proof for now.>Action 1: Expanding the northwestern silver mine.With the metal in demand for both our own use and trade, Sturnes finally expands its silver mines, providing more silver for both uses. The mining town grows, with more toolsmiths and services like clothiers, butchers, hospitals, etc. Death tolls in the mines reduce while more work gets done every day, as the operation is brought up to a modern standard.>Action 2: Prospecting for metal northwest of Emberglen.While Sturnes focuses on the mines they have, Emberglen goes looking for more metal, there is more than just silver and iron in the ground, though another deposit of either would be welcome. Prospectors once more gather along the river where all the mines are along, as panning is a common method of prospecting.
>1: Thaloris, High krawl of the bellowing warriorFinally, the last of the high krawl has been given its means to take shape. Thaloris, nine feet tall, built from the screaming essence of the planet, and whose concentrated regenerative ability rivals no other. His body is cloaked in black, forest green underneath, and a sunshine yellow in the lined patterns across his whole body. He is built for nonstop combat, boasting two clawed arms, and a bonus arm in the center of his back that has a gigantic sword permanently affixed to its end. This however is no ordinary sword. The sword has a face and eyes on its sides, the blade where its nose should be, indicating that this thing, this sword, is actually the consciousness of Thaloris. Its hungry teeth and deep red eyes indicate its thirst and desire for action. It speaks and emotes as such, while the head on its body only yells as it charges into combat. Voluntarily, it just can’t say anything else, yet manages to stay reserved when needed. On its left arm is a giant, exaggeratedly thick shield made of chitin and flesh and metal. This shield towers over Thaloris in both of his forms, constantly regenerating its thickness into new shapes as needed, post-damage.Thaloris’ combat form is moreso a huge version of himself, stacking up ¾ of Zabacraw’s vertical height, he can become a giant. In this form, his body’s head tucks downward and the sword arm takes its place, along with a far bigger shield. In this form, Thaloris becomes a siege weapon, and though he loses the extended reach of his sword, his new head gives him a coincidental mohawk. Thaloris’ signature charge and shield bash, into clawed slashes, into punches, and body slams, he’s the whole physical damage package, with magic regeneration to boost his defense.>2: Offense at the healing pitsEstablish a krawl-a-pult (airport) in the hex with the healing pits.
>War: Deathball mk. 3Put an end to the black fort with as much siege as We can manage. Zabacraw will dig under the wall to assault it directly, while krawl-a-pults will be utilized to glide troops, both krawl and krovian, into different locations surrounding the fort. All of which should be siege capable, the attending high krawl present and diving in is well.>Intrigue: pinpointing the coresWe intend to put the ant wall's many cores directly on the map, so that they may be attacked. As such, We use Our frequent environmental scanning to figure out exactly where these epicenters are.>DiploBefore Thaloris witnesses the unforgiving fires of war, he’s sent on his first diplomatic mission, to speak with the silver anelk which dropped from the moon in the south. The titan brings with him good tidings and gifts, fungi samples, xelles liquor, and the first ever pet krawl, self-sustainable. It has a fungus growing on its body. He wants to portray the message that the krawl’s attunement with pulse makes their entire race into the perfect tool to be utilized for justice by another. His shield just might save his skin, should he encounter any problems with them and their laser firearms.“We, the krawl, wish to inform you that your envoy has touched down on peaceful lands. In the south, people cooperate mutually, and carry big sticks. I am Thaloris, the high krawl of the aurora, the essence of the planet, and long-dormant stone. We welcome you with open arms, and wish to assist you in solving this magic conundrum that’s brought you here. Please accept these gifts as tokens of Our good will.”
>>6309163A new land far across the sea and much more importantly, the Lunar sphere discharging its people in search of an artifact that gives the moon it's shadow. Thanks to timely intervention by a spirit we are not under threat, not yet, yet that might change if the relic is not found and restored. Dark Days for Pavillion.>Action 1. A Third CityPlans for a third city to house the influx of Adenic faithful that have fled to Barza and to increase Barza's might in general have been long in the working. Even with the moon's invasion the plans are not to be stopped now. Settled between the Astrological site of Karn-ur and the ruins of the Fort shattered in the Sewn Titan's wake, on top of Old Vizari Ruins, a city is created. Space is cleared and anything left from the Vizari ruins of interest are set aside to study later, while the city itself is set up and made ready for people to live in. A city named Thallopolis>Action 2: A ForgeThallopolis will need a forge, for it will need metals and access to such. So we will build one.>Intrigue/Missionary Action: While Aagen is the prevalent deity of the Venks, they seem like a reasonable and compassionate people. Spread the word of Luxor there even if our magic fails in the face of their nature.
>>6309163Action 1: Reagent Farm (north east of Hohenholm)Reagents are ever and always required, soon we finally have enough. With these additional farms, our stores will last even in times of heavy use, allowing finally all of our officers to have a steady supply of intelligence potion in their line of work. Strategies people have never conceived of before are right around the corner, along with possible cranial trauma.Action 2: Clan Intelligence Agency 3/4The hidden ninja academy now spans three hundred meters below the original and nearly a kilometre across in its various tunnels. It consumes an ungodly portion of Vitruvias GDP, and parts of it seem to have collided with several different sets of ancient ruins below the ground, some of which have been repurposed into training arenas, others simply boarded up.The academy is now an institution like no other, a labyrinthine catacomb with a spirit of its own, it is capable of training applicants into true masters of stealth, veritable grandmasters even, able to conduct frightfully dangerous acts.Indeed, spirit of its own may not be incorrect, as nobody is quite sure who is in charge of this place.The rooms move on their own, turned by complex mechanisms, there are layers upon layers of automated ninja trial rooms, ascension tests and puzzle rooms.If there is a master at the heart of this, they must have been swallowed up by the bureaucracy long long ago. Perhaps that is the final art of stealth, to vanish so absolutely within your own designs that nobody can confirm if you ever existed.Intrigue: Tax another four tiles to produce a reagent farm worth of foodWar:Our four armies, combined with diplomats from the Urotti and Vencia, shall fly to the moon! They shall go, adventure about and fight if needed, a grand expedition to the lunar surface!Our primary hopes are for new alchemical reagents, but anything else we might find and be able to bring back is a bonus too.We expect to be joined by legions of aripan aboard airships from Guliseare, but we are confident in our chances if travelling alone.
By the great grace of our Lord Aagen,who has granted us this tyrn of the sun, I, King Talarin II of the Venks do hereby order;>An army be raised in Avesten for the protection of the Kingdom>Underground bunkers be built in Rudam and then Cockaigne if the purse allows
>>6309283>AA. of KhurnaireThe symbol of the Zaza quickly becomes the weeping eye, often stylized to just a curved line and a single vertical stroke, but quite literally in the most faithful and blessed, who keep their eyes bandaged tightly, only revealing their weeping eyes to spread the precious tears on a wound, or slip a few into the mouth of the ill. But there is power in these tears, for the wounds knit fast and without infection, the sick grow strong again, and a simple vial of them is enough to give even the most horrid of monsters in the Cursed Lands pause. They are not as flash or quick as the might of Luxor, but silver rods tarnish and prayer eventually fail, while the tears of men last for as long as they are needed.For yes, they have returned, whatever the grim joke might be, the beasts and twisted shapes of man and woman in rotting rubbery flesh and stark white bone are back, haunting the villages and towns who share their land, though they seem content enough with torment and games, and many of the Zaza travel far, preaching, fighting, and laying down blessings of tears to drive them back.Finding ground against the priests of the Orcmen is a difficult thing, what is one god against many? Still, Marlene is accepted in their pantheon, if given a coat of green paint and tusks, and perhaps that is enough for some future work.>>6309529>Turquoise TurbansRails will change the world! Just as soon as this business with the boilers and water retention can be sorted out. Just finding enough materials for the boilers is difficult enough, only steel and iron can hope to withstand the extreme pressure required to launch vehicles across the landscape, but clever engineers work out ways to incorporate bronze rods into the construction in key places to allow more even transfer of heat to the water in the tanks. Of course all this means is that even more materials can be poured into the construction of rail and kettle cars, and so a fresh mine of tin is opened to supply the materials needed.Prospectors seeking yet more material are sadly disappointed that reports of a strange rock formation instead lead them to an odd patch of plants growing in the Cursed Lands. These Kholan Radishes are as long and thick as a man’s leg, requiring a boar and rope just to pull them free from the ground. Some odd magic lingers in them, when eaten raw they deaden pain, emotion, and morality, then sharpens the mind to a single task. Unfortunately this task is usually macabre at best and terrible at worst, so a long stew is recommended to break down the magic within.Calamity! A great silver fortress has emerged from the sea and with it a legion of silver skinned and winged beings bearing horns like that of a stag! They demand the immediate surrender of the capital so it may be searched for an item stolen from them, and absolute obedience and aid to their quest.
>>6310976>OrcmanieWith lunar armies afoot, rumors of war between monstrous hives of insects in the far east, and news of a land far to the west it is no surprise the Orcmanie continue building up their armies, establishing stables and kennels across the land. The establishment of the new city of Orlene is no small strain of course, but the promise of fresh hands to hold sword, shield and bow in defense of Orcmanie is well worth it.The nature of Marlene is largely that of a nature goddess. Khurnaire who have sworn to Orcmanie describe her as a nature or earth goddess who once slept beneath the lands to the south, but now walks the world, seeking something that was lost. They tell tales that she was consumed by a witch but burst free when the witch was slain. Given that many of the ex-khurnaire are slaug it takes little time for the idea of Marlene as some far flung cousin or niece to more traditional orcmanie gods to take root.>>6311029>The Tower ArchmageFortunately for the far flung Vizari in the new world there are no more attacks on their fledgling settlement as they build it up, though lookouts spot a truly massive ship cruising nearby. The design is quite foreign of course, but parts of it almost look...Adenic in nature. A simple fort is built into the mountains to the north overlooking the bay, but there’s no denying that is a primitive thing, the settlement is undeniably lacking in many of the basics, though most pressing at the moment is steady food. Weeping silver quickly proves to be a useful and potent focus for lightning magic, enabling a talented wizard to zip about a battlefield unleashing debilitating cracks of electrical power that twists muscles into knots and leaves wicked burns on all they touch. More subtle users can even use it to push their body to its limits, forcing muscles to work far beyond what they want to.
>>6311224>Krovian BandsSeeking new materials for his home a krovian boss orders his gang to bring all the large stone slabs from a vizari ruin to his home. For three days the krovians labor, their bosses growing angrier by the minute that the job isn’t yet done. He supervises the task directly, but after breaking for lunch he stares in disbelief at the pile of rubble, for it has returned to just as he left it. It seems some cursed wizard magic still lingers here, no matter how many slabs of wizard stone are removed, the moment someone looks away the heaps of broken city return to just as they were. Still, it’ll save plenty of work cutting and shaping stone, so the Krovians build it anyway. It’s probably not too cursed.Training is a foreign concept to the krovians, but with a little cajoling and a lot of beating pups are rounded up and forced into the training camp. There they learn all the fanciest and cleverest new techniques. The rip! The tear! The bite and shake! And how to recite all fifty of Drevino’s greatest kills! A few more practical minded instructors even sneak in some good advice on holding the line, how to push and break the enemy, and which end of the harpoon goes in the enemy, a sadly important piece of advice for some pups.The wall of skrit flesh is a disturbing and unpleasant thing, an abomination of pulse. Shamans assemble and channel their power into it, feeling a path to one of the cores at the heart of the thing, just in time to find another presence already there. There is a struggle, one force trying to protect the core, the other disrupt or even break it, then suddenly a surge of pulse lashes back at the assembled krovians, killing a few of the older ones, stunning the rest. The strongest of them, who held for a moment longer than the rest is shaken and pale, he describes a glimpse of something terrifying, the pulse of a million creatures all channeled to a single point hundreds of miles away, peering down at him.Desperate word arrives from Pesok, someone has invaded! Hot the heels that is even more panicked messages from Turban merchants that someone has invaded them! Apparently there are silver bird men occupying both areas? The timing could not be worse.
>>6311279>SkritThe war to the south rages on and on. It may rage until the Habitun are shown to be right and the sun goes dark at last, or the gods grow tired of the game they play and pull the curtain shut. The shaping vats are expanded, hives are fortified, and on goes the business of basic infrastructure, turning waste into crystal shrapnel. In exchange the elves are preparing a new hive along the front line, alongside considerable inflows of supplies to keep it fed.The question of the great wall’s loyalty is most pressing of all however, for it seems to have little concern for anything save growth and consumption. Interfacing with the node however finds it under attack from the other side, krovian shamans are flooding their own influence into it, trying to cripple it with surges of power! The wall itself, seemingly paralyzed by the struggle, is unable to mount a defense. Central struggles with the concept for a few minutes, then understanding of this odd power clicks in its mind. Something in the rhythm of life, the beating pulse of all things, has power. And there is nothing that has more beating hearts than the Skrit. With one unified surge of power it drives the krovians from the wall’s system, though its efforts to influence it were stymied in the process.A band of dwarven explorers and surveyors aids the Skrit colonies in marking out areas ideal for the harvesting of food, that alongside a considerable influx of food from other allies will help the war effort greatly.>>6311390>UrottiAnother mighty statue arises, and with it the security of the dwarven people rises once more. Whatever disasters might befall the world, if they are magical in form they shall be repelled by the power of the dwarves. The setting of pipes and runes into a dragon heart is considered the ultimate test of a dwarven craftsman. The pipes themselves must be perfectly constructed, any flaw will ruin both pipe and heart, and they must be sharpened to the finest of level, then rune marked as well. A harness is fitted around the heart, and each of thirteen pipes are punctured into the heart itself with precise hammer strikes, each one done with held breath, but done quickly lest the pressure warp and rupture the pipes. When complete the system is ready for use, the thirteen pipes fitted with nozzles and taps to allow the dragon flame to flow into the intricate runic systems that give the golem life. The resulting designs are a step up from those before, faster, stronger and more powerful, and with remarkable grace and finesse compared to their forebears. Nightsoil is an ever present issue in all settlements across the world, but here with the aid of a little elven magic it is at least made useful, though the dwarves work a little more intelligently than elven craftsmen, instead leaving the foul task of shaping the waste to presses and molds driven by waterwheels rather than work it by hand tools.
>>6311393>Habitun CultThe Skrit and Krawl share many things, among them a love for tunnels and underground work, more than one elf jokes that perhaps the dwarves are a hivemind as well. So it is that networks of tunnels carved out and around the crystalline stump of the krawl Dark Lake are cleared of beasts and lingering Krawl monsters, then made secure and ready for an influx of Skrit queens, supplies, and the menagerie of other beasts that are also host to the hivemind. It is not long before the crystal stump is buried beneath the rising sight of yet another Skrit mound, though even with the flow of new food supplies it is an open question if the hive can be fed. There are so, so many mouths to feed among the skrit, and already food supplies are stretched thin indeed for them.Another grand statue of protection is built, this one as much a cultural ploy as it is a magical defense, though hopefully neither will be needed as the lunar ‘visitors’ seemingly pack their things and leave, even their silver fortresses picking up on bulky metal legs and stomping away, not across the land, but directly into and under the surface of the lake! What are they planning?>>6311468>Kingdom of OrdalanIt is a time of quiet industry in Ordalan, with new mines of silver and copper being cut into the earth. Smiths across the land grow rich as steady work flows into their shops. There is much grumbling of the wealthier smiths of Emberglen and Sturnes, many of whom have the patronage of nobility, that it should be them in charge of things at Vermillion Grave, though the local people there are generally quite content with the Khurnaire smiths, and it is quite clear that greed more than any true outrage drives their motivations.>>6311502>KrawlThaloris, the Bellowing Warrior of the Krawl is a menacing and powerful sight, which may be the reason that moonites waste no time unleashing a salvo of silver blades weapons at him, three slicing halfway through his shield. There is apparently little desire for truce or conversation among these people. Unfortunately they seem to be headed directly for Darkroe’s temple, and for all his might the High Krawl can do little to stop them by himself.Another Krawl-a-pult is constructed at the healing pits, possibly anticipating some attack from the sky, though from whom it is difficult to say.Sensing the cores is a difficult task to say the least, for between them and the Krawl are thousands of bodies. Nonetheless there is a pattern and a reason to what seems chaos, and by following that pattern one can track the movements of the core. Of course to the annoyance of the Krawl it quickly becomes apparent that the cores can simply move, any intel on them quickly becomes outdated. Still a successful intrigue paired with an attack could spell a lethal blow.
>>6311528>Constantine the RegentThallopolis is quickly a bustling city on the pilgrims path from Khurnaire to Barza, built of fine marble. Forges burn hot making the tools the people need and it quickly becomes a favorite resting stop on the long trail, with many pilgrims settling there.Far to the east missionaries in the Venk lands find a polite and kind people, but ones clearly well ensconced in their own faith, though there is no great divide between Aegan and Luxor. Indeed this is something of a problem for the missionaries, for most Venks response to information on Luxor is to equate him to some foreign variant of Aegan and then move about their day.>>6311619>VitruviaGiven the fading of the changelings from the world stage it may very well be that the Vitruvian Stealth Ninjas are the world's foremost experts on infiltration, even if no one is quite sure where the main office is anymore. Of course there's always the theory that a yet more clever ninja exists somewhere, they're just too well hidden to see.More reagents are farmed! So many reagents! There's even a brief uprising of hypnotators, but fortunately it turns out to just be a particularly delicious potato soup recipe.Crisis breaks out in Hohenholm! A great mechanical fortress of silver has quite literally walked into the city, crushing several buildings in its path, a band of silver anelk leaping from it! Several key city officials (at least they claim to be the city council, no one can quite remember who they are or if the city is even supposed to have a council) and the city spanner have been captured! And both mayors! Suffice to say the silver invaders are a little confused by the ruling structure of Hohenholm, but they’ll likely figure it out at some point.>>6311871>Talarin II, King of the VenksWith lunar invaders on the border and the southern ant war growing hotter than ever, it is no surprise that another army is called up for the defense of the kingdom. Craftsmen across the land pool their efforts together to provide the supplies and equipment needed, paid handsomely by the crown of course.Should all else fail though, the people must be protected. Networks of cellars and hideaways are ordered to be constructed, for fear of lunar bombardment or other terrible possibilities. Soon it becomes something of a fad even, with families competing on designs of hidden doors and compartments, escape hatches and secret wells. And of course all of it is furnished properly and ready for use, soon many a secret parlor room has been added.The worst fears are soon realized, as a great silver fortress, treading on great stubby silver legs of all things comes stomping up to the abbey. Fortunately for Vencia, luck is with them. (We’ll sort out why in RP).
> GuliseareA concerning trend is developing in the streets of Sonistia. Graffiti is being scrawled in the dark corners and back allies of the city, of an eye viciously scrawled over with an ‘X’. It is assumed to be the work of slaves and heretics, though it is always difficult to say for sure.> Lunar InvasionAs Rocs and airships rise high into the sky the air grows cold and the stars grow bright. The world grows small beneath them, other than a particularly excitable band of krovian children spotted by spy glass far in the distance they are pioneers of the sky, and what lay beyond it! For a time the air grows dangerously thin. There is an awkward moment where the Guliseare vessels find they have neither lift nor drop, they simply hang in the air. Still, just a bit of air magic gets them moving again, then there is a curious sensation of perspective flipping when the armada realizes suddenly it is moving down. While upside down. Fortunately not overly quickly, though many ships and rocs must suddenly learn how to spin their vessel around. Then slowly but surely the air grows warmer, the air thicker, the light of the moon ever brighter. Spirits rise, bold songs are sung.Then the first salvo of moonlight lances streaks up, as beautiful as they are deadly. Airships are sent into a spin, Rocs take hits. The Armada scatters, dodging and weaving as countless lances rise up, all thoughts of diplomacy are shattered. Then finally some critical point is passed as the deadly beams cease. A vast lunar cityscape stretches out below, a city larger and grander than anything on their home that now hangs overhead. Buildings of glass and silver stretch out below, rising in high artful shapes. There are rows of glass houses that seem to contain plants, a grand plaza filled with statues and gawking silver Anelk, a sizable patch of squat buildings plainer than the rest, and of course the high towers that even now crackle with silver energy from which the moonlight lances were launched. There can be no doubt that even now a response is being mustered. The question on everyone’s lips is of course “What now?”
> Jungle Thunderdome Part InfinityThe air shakes with the sound of krovian war drums, the pounding of gigassa stone giants. Plumes of flame occasionally burst from Volrach. Blood chants echo on the wind. The battlefield is filled with countless corpses, far more ants than Krawl and Krovian, though there is no shortage of any of the three. The jungle stirs restlessly with eyes, Skrit drones infest every bird and beast for miles.While the Krawl fuss with their limited flight tech and consider options for tunnels, the Krovians do what they do best and charge the wall, clambering over the broken and discarded siege rams from previous attempts. The Skrit have done their best to patch the wall, but Drevino himself leads the charge here, crashing through the hasty repairs to lead an assault into the internals of the wall. Brutal tunnel fighting ensues, but it is clear who the superior fighters are, and without the aid of countless chaff to slow them down the Krovians crash through, forcing the Skrit into retreat as the red wall comes crashing down around them. The krovians claw their way free from the biting mass as Krawl cleanup crews roll in with jets of flame, forcing back the swarming biting mass of red ants and holding the opening as the Krovians continue their hot pursuit of the Skrit armies who fall back to their fortress. Here the Krovians find themselves worn down, their siege equipment lost in the red wall, they’re forced to fight on the Skrit’s terms, lured into ambushes of poisoned stingers, maddened animals and pits of caustic acid. With a scowl Drevino calls the retreat, pulling back to hold the red wall back while the Krawl try their luck.The sheer exhaustion of the skrit facing the fresh Krawl quickly becomes apparent. There simply aren’t enough supplies to maintain the battle against the Krawl, who can surge into the tunnels with reckless abandon, when Gigassa are not slamming into them and collapsing them entirely. Piece by piece, tunnel by tunnel the black fort slowly collapses as the Skritari slowly give ground, until they flee to the nearby Skrit Node.---End Turn 35---
>>6312338Threat level still elevated even if presently mitigated. Recent discoveries should aid our ally in their endeavour. >Action 1: My Babel AcademiaSage Mud-Dirt-Cynic-Speech's assignment to scout Moonbase Army 4 has yielded a procedure to communicate meaning directly into the limbo that lies between the thinking organ and the hearing organ. Being the only Sage in all the Khurnaire to know of this art, Sage Mud-Dirt-Cynic-Speech is retired from all positions and called to the Academy-Archive of Khurnaire to study this art, document the procedures carved by the Harpy Interloper, and to open a course to teach this art to the Academy-Archive, prioritizing Scholarium applicants. Sage Mud-Dirt-Cynic-Speech is given one month to handle all of his affairs north to a satisfactory state, before he is to be expected here at the Khurnaire. Failure to comply is to be understood as treason against the Great Khurnaire and will be treated accordingly. >Action 2: The flesh is fluid! It can be changed! Reshaped! Remake!The Lord Mana is in need of fresh me- students! Students, interested in the wondrous art of flesh-shaping. The Lord has "recently mastered" this magic, and so seeks to test her understanding of it by teaching it to apprentices. The Lord is uninterested in teaching any presently-titled Sages of the magic, as her envisioned method of teaching this requires a more malleable mind than what our respectable Sages would have. Any student willing to accept the Lord's tutelage will be honorably granted a Sagely title, and is expected to either teach this art to more students, or serve the Academy-Archive in other ways. For further information and/or application, please visit Z1H3A4 on the bottom of the fifth stairwell. Thank you. >Action 3: Stare Unto AbyssThe Dark's recent return, and without our notice too, has suggested some certain implications that must be investigated. While secondary sources are available, our knowledge has grown enough that taking and binding primary sources to directly question is now possible. A holding facility is to be constructed at the edges of the Darklands on the former Good Fortune Road, and rituals to bind these Dark Ones readied for any raiding party, or if none presents themselves for too long, any captives from a hunt conducted by the militia and aided by the Guild and local elements. Priorities are to discover how they escaped the Khurnaire's notice to go to the Sea and back, where they disappeared to and why, and nothing else at the moment. Try to maintain a friendly rapport with any of the captives. The Lord has plans for them.
>>6312444>War Action: Guard KhordavolanThe militia is to prioritize protecting the construction of Khordavolan. Protection of civilian lives is allowed, but the Vvardenstaat Khurnaire warns that the Dark might simply defeat them piecemeal and advises to hold position on Khordavolan until further notice. Temple action and local insurgence should be enough to not lose the present status quo.>Intrigue Action: A Visit to DawnWith our pilgrims effectively established, the Scholarium Khurnaire is to sponsor a pilgrimage to the Ordalan's great church, and seed their Sages along the way. The Lord is interested in confirming if the "Nachetar" incursion was truly and utterly vanquished, and intends that the Scholarium validates their utter extinction in Theoderopolis and Blossoming Dawn.
>>6312334>Terra's wounded child, shroud finally recovered, aches. We shall honor our mother, and see our sibling consoled.- Excerpt from tyrnly sermon from the Cognita CathedralAction 1: Build an anti-disaster statue depicting the River Of Shadow in Fuaha>Fuaha cannot have less importance than the city of foreign. See to it we exceed them.- Missive from Seer of Souls to Arvid Bani>You know my price.- Reply from Arvid Bani to Seer of Souls>Three tonne.- Reply from Seer of Souls to Arvid Bani>Ten.- Reply from Arvid Bani to Seer of Souls>Six.- Reply from Seer of Souls to Arvid Bani>Eight.- Reply from Arvid Bani to Seer of Souls>Five and I shall have one of the Urotti's fugelwoman maids sent to pour them for you.- Reply from Seer of Souls to Arvid Bani>Deal.- Reply from Arvid Bani to Seer of SoulsAction 2: Smokery>Are the binds really nece-ffffine...>Smoking Quartz. Remember it? Yes, interesting effect. Thought, what if more smoked materials.>Obvious was Dulce, made stuff durable against Solaire. Thennnnn-chitin and bone and steel, what if that too smoked? Applied? Spider silk, smoking quartz zmoked, then itself smoked on skin?>What if the shadows themselves could drain into smoke, and empower our wear and ware? Much theoretical room to experiment, much expensive room required.- Stige Sukon"Habitun Council Public Issue Proposals: Northern Quadrant, Level 5, 3rd Wall, Shelf #4, Issue #903674"War: Attack the Krawl port to the southeast of OmegaAgrimensores: Scour Habitun for unique resources 2/3
>>6312334>Action 1: Rune CapacitorsWhen one crafts the perfect shield to deflect all blows, the obvious next step is the perfect spear to penetrate all defenses.But how would one negate the absolute pinnacle of magical defense that is the ancestral statues?The question is levied to the runesmiths, whom spend the next tyrn developing their own ideas.The most promising proves to be an alteration to runes involving the Habitun's shadow rune, allowing them to store excess mana into another realm, such that when they enter a mana-deadened or mana-draining area, they continue to function for a long time.The development of the rune proves challenging past the initial phases, as the mana storage construct seems to leak at different levels of full, if not consume itself outright. In one instance, a black ichor erupted and had to be doused in magma.Maybe the mana collider could prove useful?>Action 2: Expand Dragon HeartsThe botanists guild are tasked by Queen Agertha to master the secrets of the Dragon Hearts, and increase their number to meet the demands of their golem work and military force.>Action 3: Brass Walker Construction PlatformMoon armies and their fortresses that walk, Rocs that drop eggs that turn into a sun, legions of barbarians with beasts that can touch the ceilings of the great hall unassisted. The weapons of lands beyond were fearsome, but more than that, their very threat was irksome. Those who think themselves superior made no effort to play the games of diplomacy and manners.The Urotti required their own super weapon, one that would make all think twice about fething with the proud peoples.And so, a massive platform is erected above a mana leyline, and a lava vein diverted to flow underneath and power it, for the crafts to come.>Intrigue: Use the Habitun mana collider to recharge the moon cloak
>Pavilion is forsaken. We retreat to the cellars.Grant an additional action each to Vitruvia-cum-Loluna & Habitun
>>6313476>The charity is most appreciated, but sadly, ill-granted.>The neighbors of yours, the 'wibban', they've a need greater.>Grant them farmland or livestock, that they may feed themselves in their ongoing war against the southern menace, and in turn, defend your cellars from encroachment.- Missive from Vandal Jaffar, ambassador to the Venks
>>6313476>>6313529>>6311279Funds sent to the Culsis Ambassador as part of treaties negotiated in Orcmanie are redirected to Her Grace, the Shrinestess of Cockaigne, Naditu, to be distributed thence to the Wibban.
>>6312338>Action 1: Peninsula ProspectsThroughout the recent land acquisitions that had once belonged to Adenai, it is a notable factor that there do not appear to be any mines throughout either the seized or conquered territories. And so Orcman prospectors set to work to discover what metal or mineral wealth might lie beneath the land. Will there be Iron? Copper? Or perhaps something utterly different but far more useful or splendid? >Action 2: Improved VesselsIt has become evident that, despite our many harbours and great tonnage afloat upon the seas, the smaller fleets of the nations around us are also more agile, and more able to upgrade and adapt themselves to the changing times. But we can learn from them, borrowing design ideas and innovations from the Vizari, Adenai and Urotti so that the new vessels laid down in our ports and shipyards will be of a superior quality to the designs that came before, and make full use of the Colnaude sailcloth available to us. Ideas of arming the new ships with 'Wyvern ex Machina is also floated, though the engineers wonder if this weapon may be too risky afloat... but is it any less risky then the idea of siting real Wyverns aboard?>Bureau RenseignementThe Beaureau continue with their internal work, keeping the nation safe from infiltration. But whispers from abroad have begun to circulate, that the 'visitors' from the moon seek out some special, lost item... is there anything in the lands of the Orcmanie, or nearby Adenai or Bahay, that might share some resemblance with the prize they chase?>Military MattersThe recent withdrawal from of Adenai territory and the shrinking of their borders has made many Orcmen wonder just what their southern neighbours have been up to - and how will we know, if they have ceased trading and communications? That long-settled Adenic territory has been seized was strange; yet their retention of An'naud seems all the stranger, for the city was once owned by the Domo, and had barely been held by Adenai long enough to restore order before the period of decline and withdrawal began. Why, then, did the city cling to the retreating Adenai? Duke Morthochet leads a force from Colnaude to investigate the reasons for this - is the town truly still loyal to Adenai, or are Domo continuists using the Elves as a cover to restore their old madness?if it is the latter, we may be required to impose a new order of our own...
>>6312342The Lunar invasion proceeds apace, little can be done for now, all hangs in the balance.>Action 1. Luxorite Temple at Blossoming Dawn.The Nixen of Ordalan have requested a Luxorite temple at Blossoming Dawn. Made with Marble and Silver it will be a Light against the Darkness that was the Nachetar or any other darkness that stalks Pavillion's lands.>Action 2: Blade Fit for a KingA Pillar of Silver taken from Karn-Ur. Iron taken from the Deepest parts of the Central Hills that surround the Mountains. The metals rendered down and compressed using geomantic principles. The forged into a Blade of Silversteel purer than any other, with the Forgemasters chanting prayers of Lxuor the entire time and quenched in spring water held in silver bowls. Blaes are terrible things, but in times of peril, a blade can mean the difference between devastation and deliverance. A sword's purpose is to sever after all. Whether it be flesh from bone, mail from plate, Sorcery from magician, or victory form defeat.>Military Action: While Barza has not been touched yet, it is likely not a matter of if the Lunar fortresses come, but when. Barza's armies are set to rapidly redeploy to block off any March into our terriory.>Missionary/Intrigue/Minor Action: The Hands of Luxor march forth once again, in order to spread his word to the Lunar visitors who've landed upon Pavillion.
>>6312338The mystery of the Adenic looking ship is one for another time. For now issues of material and food are present for the young colony. 1. Fishing Ships in New Vizari; TunaWith food from the far flung homeland not something that can be relied upon completely the colonists need at least a stable food source to keep themselves alive. Thankfully the peaceful bay has many fish, especially the large tuna, that can be caught. Magically pulling nets through the water or just telekenetically fishing the fish up into the boat is a useful bit of training and food both. 2. Culture shift: The AscendantAs news comes through that the Vitruvian nation had been conquered by the moon soldiers there is a mix of emotions that run through the Vizari people. Some fear that the moon goddess might conquer the continent, some are ecstatic at the descent of the gods, but many more are disenfranchised. What good does a nation do for a god? Are the gods truly what we thought they were for so long? While the Vizari had never been a pious sort a shift away from piety comes with the recent news, and in it's place a new movement begins. The ready use of mana reduces a human's need for sleep or food; to a limit. Mana, to the Vizari, is a near perfect thing. Raw power that can become and do almost anything. Maybe further clarity can bring someone to even greater heights; closer to mana. So many begin to turn their prayer time into one of meditation and focusing on drawing as much mana into themselves as safe to expedite their growth rather than letting it come naturally.
>>6312339((I think for rp purposes, keep the wizard rock material where it is, and move the Gingko lumberyard to around where the Asp Needles are))>Action 1 - Found city of IgolkaWith Asp needles to amuse them, and Gingko wood to build, a city can form. Of course, no Krovian city can survive without food, so...>Action 2 - Prospect food near Igolka.Hi ho! Hi ho! It's off to hunt we go! We'll swim and run, we'll kill for fun! hi ho! Hi ho!>War Action + Intrigue - Crush the Cores!Drevino yet lusts for battle. The forces of Pesok have only recently begun to fight, and so he moves to join their ranks, leaving the armies of Grib and Zhelezo to retreat. Should the nearby healing pools serve to restore their fighting spirits, they will make their way there. If they will not suffice, then they will begin their march homebound to the capital to recuperate.The remaining lone army will follow their Warchief into the fray once more, a host of shamans chanting at their center as they make for the ant-wall. There, the physical might of the sharks will tear at the walls form while the Shamans use the rising fury of battle to build a core of their own, looking to crush the cores beneath their magical might with one vicious strike!
>>6312341Objective: secure the border>1: Flamethrower barbecue (elemental MAGIC fortress)Units are transferred from armies and the stationary flamethrower barbecue is established where the black fort once stood. The jungle canopy scorches to a crisp, and any ant in the vicinity would smell the burning, harvested entrails of their brethren. This icon will serve as the point where the entire ant wall will be cooked, and then distributed to resting krawl armies, as army Hi and the krovians make ground in their raids. The boosted magic fire will engulf the entire hex, and make it less habitable for anyone but the resting Fo krawl army inside it. Krovians have been advised to steer clear, unless they for some reason need to steer close.>2: VolcanonYet another stealth upgrade for this type of unit, formerly the volcanog. So secretive and hard to spot, its presence could be anonymous on the field.>War: Border jamboreeWith the cores now cornered and separated from a large segment of the wall, army Hi finally swaps places with that of army Fu. Fu rests along the border with the two krovian armies, securing defense as they stand by at their posts, and wait for roasted ant piles to come in and restore their nutrients. Fo remains at the ruins to rest, hold position, and upkeep the elemental magic of the new flamethrower barbecue in that hex. Unfortunately, the krovians seem less interested in eating the ants after they’ve been killed, but do take great tastings when the local high krawl kindly allocate some of the multiplying krawl units from Fu and Fo for them to boil and eat as they resuscitate. Ants become the food that feeds down the chain regardless, and a miles long jamboree starts as the previous and ongoing victory settles in everyone’s minds and guts. The far distribution makes for a secure defense on the border and supply lines, which the ants or elves would not dare to encroach upon. Meanwhile, Army Hi and the krovians use the opportunity to snipe off the wall’s cores and bring the resulting fresh meat back to the barbecue, where it will be eaten Tl;dr, Fu and Fo are resting/on standby, and Hi is attacking with the support of the fresh krovian army. Thaloris joins army Fo at the barbecue, to offer a lifeline for the resting troops in case of sudden raids. Fo casually burns ants that it and Fu eat and use to multiply. Some of the newly created krawl are allotted to the also resting krovians. (Check action and pic related for army positions.)>Intrigue: waiting for the coresUnarmed troops are stationed at different locales along the ant wall, so as to see if covering more area is better at determining the locations of the cores for long enough to strike them down.(Message for the mapper: please rename all armies to Fi, Fo, and Fum?)
>>6311502Pic related: Thaloris (wip)
>>6312334>Fortify OmegaThe frontline city will almost certainly fall unless it is strengthened. Send the Meqda to till up the mounds, and prepare for the slaughter.>Bio RecyclingThe armies recuperating in the cities are a waste of resources. Their knowledge and experience is already part of Central, their equipment easily reusable by the standard chassis, and their flesh needlessly rotting rather than feeding the war machine.New batches can be produced en masse, and aged to maturation by the time they reach the frontline.>Aphid farm on DeltaThe funny humanoids on the other side of the Habitun jungle portal were small. Not small enough to pass through. But we were. Scouts reported that they were masters of bug rearing, and one of their most prized possessions was an insect that produced a nectar sweeter than honey, and were docile to boot.Obtain a breeding pair, and start farming.>Apple orchard (gift from venks)A wagon train of apple saplings was sent from the easterly neighbors. How kind.>Conduct a raid on the supply lines (intrigue)The enemy is stretched thin within our home territory, beyond the wall.Send the Omega army to do what we do best. All their food are belong to us.>WarThey are coming. Kill them all.Or if they run, chase and kill them I guess.
>>6312341More silver is always welcome in Ordalan, though this new copper has aroused some curiosity. Each cult has a preferred metal, Janos likes silver, Diloter likes gold, Hilda likes iron, and Schwaerz, his metals are copper and bronze. Question is, if they will make do with only copper, or wait until tin is found, to make bronze. Or even if they will seek a metal blessing at all, since they have plenty gained from just the ash tigers.>Action 1: Expanding the southeastern silver mine.The Ordalan mining expansion continues, now with Emberglen's silver mine. Plenty of eager people are found, to dig silver for both silvering and for trade for iron from Barza. The smiths of Emberglen will have plenty of metal to work with.>Action 2: On silver wings. Janos' blessing on Anelk Songwings.With a steadily increasing supply of silver, baron Gustav of house Redwing manages to bargain for a share of the silvering, to raise his retinue of Songwings to Ordained, to bolt through the sky like lightning. The baron also manages to arrange a greater silvering for himself, enough to gain the signature blue skin of the Greater Ordained. Though as Gustav gains power, he notices he isn't as flexible as before, he's not weakening, yet. It will be time to act, be it against the piratess, the moon people, or both. Though he is not sure what he will do with them, as he might be able to elevate the Anelk even further if he could gather the mightiest of his kind.
> WarpostThe mooniggers have gone to far putting their mobile fortress on my trade route and disturbing trade?Mobilise the great industralised army and march however, not stright at the enemy not yet. This turn we are sending a killteam.After we have our spirit walkers scout the enemy fortress (spirit projection magic) we shall identify their leadership, their queen general, taisho, pricess whatever.Next a band of elite adventurers is to move in. Equipped with speed potions, antimagic shields and the best equipement money can buy the goal is to kidnap their ruler and get out of there.After that we will see, will we negotiate or will we just lay bait?
>>6313651>Army of CadonToo long has this army been deployed in the dunes, waiting to see if eyes below return to the place they unleashed. The Army of Cadon returns to Cadon
>>6312338Report on Lesser Activities to Cyra, Noreusper of Guliseare, executioner of Thessa, bane of Kaenum, unifier of the Aripan, Ruler of all the hallowed mountains, Aelelox's chosen prophet, most blessed and holy Aripan to fly upon the skies and walk upon the earth.News regarding the expedition to the moon is scarce, but news in other matters is overflowing. Firstly, the meeting in the greenskins territory has amounted to...limited effect. If war will break out we hardly know, though we do expect an ability to take advantage of the chaos regardless and a myriad of possible avenues to explore should conflict erupt. Secondly, Vitruvia seems to have had something happen? It's hard to say but a strange invitation came in not too long ago that, from the sounds of things, seems almost like a takeover or coup, even if it's irrational to believe. Thirdly, a report has come from the expedition that stated they were halted by a Anelk that somehow became nobility in Ordalan territory. They forced them to sign some sort of paper though the captain technically doesn't have the authority to do so for any official legal documentation. Regardless, we will be investigating if they do this same kind of thing to merchants on the ground and on the sea's, if they are more lenient to those on the ground, Ilias has suggested bringing up a formal complaint, though personally I would advise more direct action through a show of force to ensure those uppity Anelk learn to fear the hawk on high, for they are but mice as we rule the sky.Your faithful servant, Kallixeina.>Action One. Something stirs.And in glistening reds and golds Thessa came before them, blessed by the fires which once burned her. "On this day they are truly blessed, for KAENUM has granted her mercy."And the bindings upon the Anelk broke one by one, their captors having been frozen in place by KAENUM.Thessa gathered her people, and to them she spoke. "The home of the Anelk must change once more, thus saith KAENUM. The Tyrant Traitor AELELOX will see to our destruction should the Anelk stay.""To traverse the path to freedom, you are to burn the tools which you were forced to labor under, and light from these fires a lantern and follow. Any light snuffed out will surely be recaptured by AELELOX.""Do not attempt to save those who's lights flicker. Nothing can be done for these poor souls. To come close to one is to come close to AELELOX also.""Let us not forget those who are lost to the Aripan. Treasure their memory, and on this day forevermore mourn them, for their body and soul are lost."
>>6312338>>6314767>Action Two. Ourania's Condetilier.Ourania's skills at arms are renowned. However, her philosophy is not so. Despite this, a number of the best under her have come to an interesting and potentially useful (and lucrative) position in matters of the faith. The other peoples are Lesser, of course. But that does not mean this Aelelox forsaken world cannot be explored and the lessers in it exploited. These open minded and radical Aripan Blessed are open to utilize their arts of war to benefit their pockets and kill and/or protect a few lessers while they are at it. In essence, they are well trained mercenaries, and already a number of them are gathering Acolyte Aripan to serve them, also usually radical or merely liberal in their views.>Action Three. Destroyer Airships.With the moon so close and the initial strike on it, some idea's have come about to create airships that are capable of carrying extensive amounts of fire potions or similarly explosive/incendiary munitions at high altitude, even if for only short periods of time. The delicate balancing act required for such a vessel will obviously make it's creation more difficult, but it is a worthwhile endeavor to engage in none the less due to the potential future applications and the possibility of striking major cities without commiting to a major and costly invasion. Something useful if one wants to wipe a city from the map rather than loot it and its inhabitants.>Free Action One. Continue the expedition.Despite the...snag, the expedition should in theory continue at a good pace towards it's original goal. Slowly trundling along and maybe even reaching the sea before the next Tyrn.>Free Action Two. Ordalan Trade Practices.Given the...annoyance our expedition had to face, a small bit of effort is undertaken to see if Vitruvian's are treated any differently with their Rocs, and their rates regarding lesser forms of travel, such as the actual sea ships or caravans and wagons.>War Action(I would put a detailed plan for kicking Lunarian ass but I'm tired. Might get a proper plan out later.)
>>6312342Action 1: Clan Intelligence Agency 4/4The sprawling underground complex is complete. A serpent wrapped around the roots of Loluna, it houses, trains and deploys these unseen agents to whatever task that might be required of them.They are far, far out of reach of conventional bureaucracy, so far removed from it (save for the quarterly report) that they may as well be exempt. They answer only to the creed of their order, and usually answer by brooding epically in the corner or naruto running somewhere really fast.Loluna is now ready to defend against or launch operations that require the utmost secrecy, operating as silently as the moons own shadow.Action 2: A-Bomb VaultA high security runic vault to store all of our A-bombs and related materials, our previous storage method of “leaving everything out on the table” was found to be woefully insufficient.Impenetrable walls and doors, 24/7 guards posted inside and outside, safety railings and hazard handling requirements to prevent accidental explosions, this is the very latest in Lolunian reforms hitting the nation.Never again will our A-bombs be destroyed before deployment, and now we can store twice as many as before!Action 3: Saved for next turn Intrigue: Stomper SchematicsThe walking fortresses of the moonites are fascinating things, unfortunately the secrets of how they function are so far beyond us we have no clue as to where to begin if we were to construct our own.Luckily, we have been instructed to bring endless reams of paperwork to the stomper, and thus have an excuse to have ninjas near it at all times. The real stealthy ones too.Sneak in, learn what we can and let’s see if we can develop our own in due course.If caught, act lost.War: Steal Moon LasersThe Vitruvian(?) expedition goes around attacking the laser artillery (and other lunar weapons they find), stealing as much of it as they can and preparing them for shipment back home.It seems there’s likely not going to be any rare lunar reagents, but these weapons are at least of interest. Take anything else we find that’s fascinating too.By doing this, we also support the Guliseare expedition in doing whatever it is they’re doing, as they shall be able to do their job with far less lasers being fired at them.Following this, it’s time for us to head back to Pavilion with our lunar treasure in tow.
>>6314757Action 1: military improvementAction 2: Invent poison to kill mooniggers withAction 3: proespect for resources
>GlobalThe moon grows dark once more! Song and celebration spread across the land as the natural order is seemingly restored. For many years the moon does not grow bright again, but when it finally does it returns to its normal monthly cadence. The Lunar invaders retreat to their bases, save for the Empress of Loluna who seems to be quite enjoying her position.>>6312444>AA. of KhurnaireSpeaking without speech carries with it a number of useful advantages, not least of which is, with practice, a remarkable increase in speed of conversation. Most impressive however is that it crosses all barriers of language, even between man and beast. Unfortunately most beasts are little more than dumb animals, the smartest among them only carry a hundred ‘words’ or so, but with a little training they can be taught to carry more complex messages, even if they do not fully understand their meaning. And of course the ability to speak without being heard by others has all manner of useful applications.Few students survive the teachings of Lord Mana on the art of fleshcrafting, and fewer still survive entirely the same, emerging with strange limbs, extra eyes, and bits of animals welded to their flesh. Still, with a supply of flesh, animal or human, a number of useful augmentations can be achieved.The needs of Khordavolan for the imprisonment of cursed creatures are quite varied, cells are designed with the floor separated into a grid where stones carved with symbols of binding or offering bowls can be slotted in or out as needed, usually by the third or fourth mangled guard the correct arrangement is discovered, though some of the cleverer monsters will wait months, or even years before making their move. Cauldrons of saltwater boil in the courtyards, and a steady stream of prisoners and exiles are ‘encouraged’ to provide blood. The greatest problem of all is getting anything useful out of the monsters, once fully contained they usually lapse into moody depression, only stirring when given an offering of some hapless prisoner who displeased the Lord Mana. The pilgrimage north to the Blossoming Dawn is largely without issue, indeed there seems to be no trace of the Nachetar remaining in these lands. Though there is little to compare against save ancient records that record a ‘great and vast emptiness beneath the land’, there seems to be nothing of the sort anymore. Even the ancient bones of the dead seem finally at peace. Though none will allow them near the crystal monument at the Blossoming Dawn, at a distance even it seems to be worn smooth with time. There is the faintest hint of a woman’s figure in the pillar of crystal’s shape.
>>6312661>Habitun CultThere is considerable grumbling as the grand statue of protection rises up over Fuaha. Why bother protecting the surface at all when this time and effort could be put into developing underground infrastructure instead?The smokery is a strange structure, resembling in many ways a mundane building used for preserving foods. Inside however the clever use of powdered smoking quartz spread across plumes of smoke allows the creation of a quite useful blend of spider silk and quartz. The resulting quartz silk is a soft and luxurious material, but turns aside weapons as though it were made of steel.>>6313476>Talarin II, King of the VenksThe venks, in much panic over the moon’s presence, hurry to the safety of their prepared hiding places rather than face the vastness of the moon overhead. When, in a few months ambassador Vandal makes the rounds letting them know the threat has passed, they all agree it was actually quite cosy, and soon Cellar Day is marked on the calendar as a yearly event.>>6314293>The Tower ArchmageSettlement of the new world continues along, with nets of massive fish being pulled from the sea. All is quiet in this distant place, for now anyway.The rise of the Ascendant Philosophy in Vizari society is a subtle but noticeable one. While many of the common folk continue to cling to faith in the gods, the higher echelons of society noticeably begin to move away from them, encouraging a philosophy of shifting away from the shackles of humanity. The first major move in this direction is the replacement of food with Mana Stones, small smooth stones that are swallowed and rest in the stomach, enchanted to help transform mana into nourishment for the body, and resolve lingering issues from the lack of food.>>6314305>Lys the HeartglowHigh atop her mountain, Lys looks down as the Liten go about their peaceful lives singing and tending the gardens. She sits and enjoys a lovely salad, considering the tranquil majesty of a meal that no living thing suffered for. Truly all is well. She pens a letter to a dear friend, then steps outsi-Drevino awakes in a panic, heart pounding, from the most terrifying nightmare he has ever experienced.>>6314305>KroviansThe city of Igolka springs up as the Krovian population swells and grows, centered around a curious but controversial new find. The Bell Sheep is an oddly shaped creature, resembling a sheep in many ways, but with a torso resembling that of a large gourd! Making matters worse is that the creatures lay eggs, burying them into the ground like seeds! Newly born bell sheep pop out of the soil head first, braying loudly until their mothers come along and dig them back out. What are these things!?
>>6312715>UrottiGrand trellises are constructed throughout the Dragon Heart cavern, allowing the vines to climb up and across them, blooming with new flowers. In time these trellices also form fruits, slowly growing in size until a greater bounty of the softly glowing pearls can be delivered.A grand project is being designed by the greatest Urotti minds, a golem greater in scale than any before it, titanic in size and scope, higher than any building in Pavillion, empowered by dozens of dragon hearts. The first step, perhaps of many, is the construction of a great scaffolding across the side of the mountain, and a great workshop beneath its surface where forges run hot and the arguments of engineers run hotter. A weapon to end all wars they say to each other. A weapon to change the world.Vital to the effort is the design of the mana capacitor, a curious device designed to contain large amounts of mana. Initial efforts to store the energy in other reality quickly failed, for the power required far outstripped that being contained in the first place. A more workable design however was multiple layers of cylinders nested within one another, each carved with intricate patterns of runes. When twisted in one direction the capacitor gathers mana, storing it in layers upon layers of runes. When twisted the other direction, disruption runes release the power, flooding whatever they are connected to with power.The process of charging the Cloak of the Moon requires a full three weeks, during which runic equipment across the land fails and flickers and habitun shadows flee the region in droves as the local mana field collapses. As venks cycle in and out of the collider in shifts, a curious phenomenon is noticed. The venks themselves seem to be growing quieter and simpler, horns growing larger, bodies growing bulkier and sizable weight gain is noticed. Fortunately the symptoms seem to abate once the Cloak finally ceases gathering mana, and after a few months all venks present seem fully restored to their normal selves.The restored Cloak of the Moon is an astonishing artifact, for once fully charged it almost immediately begins to shine with a tremendous and brilliant light, so bright that a dozen blankets tossed atop it only serve to muffle it to a level that one can squint upon it. At the same time, at long last the moon grows dark once again, cloaking the land in darkness. As the Cloak is transported to the capital the dwarven engineers can’t help but wonder what such a mighty artifact could do if it were connected to the Brass Walker project. The power of such a weapon could bring many nations to their knees. All the pieces to construct such a thing rest in the hands of the dwarves, if they can only reach out and take them.
>>6314306>The KrawlThe frontlines of the war grows hotter still as the Krawl set up a series of intense fire towers, spewing out great blasts of flame as anything that draws near, torching ants, krawl and sharkman alike. Hiding in the ash and soot covered ruins are hundreds of Volcanon, waiting ambushers carrying explosive charges. Any force that moves to take this area will face stiff resistance, and undoubtedly this stealthy explosives will use elsewhere as well.>>6313651>OrcmanieMuch of the exploration of the previously adenic region is done picking through the ruins of crumbling villages, following the overgrown trails they once followed and examining the left behind goods and items found tucked away in dusty pots and old cabinets. While there is much to see, crumbling statues imported from their homeland now hosting nests of crows, fields of exotic plants gone feral, there is little of interest to the prospectors for some time until an oddly pristine village is discovered, all life within it extinguished but yet oddly well preserved. The reason is quickly apparent, for an offensive yet invisible gas seems to fill the air, even fly and creeping mold is repelled by it apparently. Skin burns and eyes water at its presence. It is by night, when one of the explorers drew closer with a torch that the entire village is suddenly engulfed in a terrible flame, killing the unfortunate explorer instantly, and sending the rest fleeing in a panic. When they collect themselves in the morning they find the village has turned into a pit of fire! The hazard is sealed up with thick wet mud, then a firm seal on top of the well, but there is much speculation about possible uses of this rather intense find.It is certainly true that while the Orcmanie possess a great many ships, they are somewhat lacking in capability compared to their peers, being, charitably, large ungainly vessels that rely on bulk rather than precision in the water. But the sheer number of ships, and the sheer number of captains and shipwrights has resulted in a wealth of experience and knowledge that has finally come together to this point, resulting in a new generation of sleeker more agile vessels, sporting clever sail designs that enable considerable skill on the high sea.Diplomats to Annaud actually make contact with the elven city, where a beleaguered diplomat relays what little he knows, which is almost nothing. He too has lost contact with the capital. The half elven people would like to maintain their independence, but are willing to pledge soldiers to defense of the region if Orcmanie will join them in any military defense that is required.The Bureau finds nothing of note.
>>6314161>Justinian the ScarredThe Luxorite Temple at the Blossoming Dawn is a beautiful addition to the growing landscape of monuments, churches and vast rose gardens of the Blossoming Dawn. There at its center, surrounded by a sizable lake and smiling but well armed nixen is a small island where the jagged crystal stands that marks the sealed wound the Nachetar once poured in through. Time has worn down the impromptu monument however, and the jagged edges have grown smooth over the years. Some pilgrims even swear there is the image of a woman in its form, slowly taking shape over the course of decades, or perhaps even centuries. It is a remarkable change from what was once a bloody battlefield, strewn with corpses and mud. Still, occasionally children will fetch a broken blade or old pauldron from the soil, there is even a little shop where a wizened old woman polishes them and sells them to pilgrims as trinkets and charms.Lunar silver, geomantic iron, seven hundred and seventy seven strikes of a hammer embossed with sacred prayer are the basic ingredients for the king’s blade. It is a curious thing though, for in the style of silversteel spell weapons the edge is heavily notched and patterned, granting the blade a nearly invisible edge that slices upon magic and steel with equal ease. A curious rumor circulates that the blade was quenched in a bottle of the king’s personal wine, though none can say why.Missionaries to the lunar invaders find them a cold and stern lot, though they do warm considerably when the moon grows dark again. Nonetheless they view the efforts of the missionaries a bit like an adult does that of an enthusiastic child. Eventually the missionaries discover that the lunar invaders are themselves demi-gods of the moon goddess, and perhaps not the best choice for extolling the virtues of ‘Uncle’ Luxor to.>>6314311>SkritThe escalation of war continues on and on, with great orchards being planted and ranches of sweet aphids being built. All of it flows to the front lines, supplying armies and equipment, going into the flesh shaping chambers and back out as equipment. So much logistical goes on that the Skrit develop a fine mastery of it, gaining the ability to quickly scrap the resources intended for one hive’s armies for another, letting the Skrit collapse failed armies and their supplies into the remaining ones in a manner that allows the Skrit forces to become considerably more difficult wipe out.Ditches and dirt walls spring up around Omega, anticipating future battles at the site, not that this is any great prediction.
>>6314311>SkritThe escalation of war continues on and on, with great orchards being planted and ranches of sweet aphids being built. All of it flows to the front lines, supplying armies and equipment, going into the flesh shaping chambers and back out as equipment. So much logistical goes on that the Skrit develop a fine mastery of it, gaining the ability to quickly scrap the resources intended for one hive’s armies for another, letting the Skrit collapse failed armies and their supplies into the remaining ones in a manner that allows the Skrit forces to become considerably more difficult wipe out.Ditches and dirt walls spring up around Omega, anticipating future battles at the site, not that this is any great prediction.>>6314353>Kingdom of OrdalanThe blessings of silver spread across Ordalan, given to the Anelk Songwings as well in pale mimicry of their lunar cousins that are causing a great stir to the south and east. Now undisputed masters of the sky they zip about with bow and spear, lashing out with strikes of lightning and furious salvos of arrows strung and fired at what some say is a divine speed.>>6314882>Turquoise TurbansFrothing with rage, the commanders of the mercenary forces of the Turbans drill their troops day and night, while harassing the hunter’s guild for suitable poisons. Given a total lack of test subjects to work with it is slow going, but a painful poison is developed that at least works on fellow turbans.Explorers discover a strange temple in the desert, adorned in faded gold decorations, covered in many carvings of...work out routines? It is apparently some relic of an ancient people utterly obsessed with self improvement. The depicted routines do seem to work quite well though!The elite group of adventurers are returned by a terrified worker, in quite small jars, in quite a few pieces. Fortunately in spite of this the silver invaders seem content to bundle up into their fortress and ignore the locals. Perhaps the moon going dark has signaled them that their work is done?
>>6314767>The Divine Republic of GuliseareThough the airships are away on their holy mission, work continues on improved designs for them. Terrifying bombing bays designed to drop hundreds of containers of alchemist fire are designed, an attack that should it land would unleash a devastating wave of flame and death on its target. The sheer quantity of the alchemist fire required calls for an increase in imports however. Still, the bombing bays could be used with other weapons as well, or even stones.An elite cadre of warriors develops within the nation under the tutelage of Ourania, with each of them developing their own pupils and disciples trained well in the art of war. Of somewhat concern is their openness to interaction with the outside world, an eagerness to line their pockets with the business of war and subtle operations that call for a deniable asset. After all, those who will work for coin are just as likely be those who will betray for it.Something stirs in the heart of the nation, signified by the symbol of the blinded eye, in broken manacles left in odd and conspicuous places, packed in barrels of food or hidden between the folds of woven cloth. Something is changing in Guliseare, or trying to at least.The moon goes dark, but the airships sent to the moon do not return. Have they perished? Died launching a desperate strike against the dark goddess? Years later, when the moon grows bright again and returns to its regular cadence the airships return, simply appearing with their crews, seemingly asleep at their stations. They remember nothing, but laughter and a smile.
>>6314877>LolunaIt has taken nearly ten years, but Crouching Rat, elite disciple of the Hidden Ninja School of Vitruvia has traced a thousand leads, followed a hundred paths, invisibly tracked dozens of other elite ninja like himself. There have been setbacks, twice he has been found, and had a bone broken for his transgression, the first an arm, the second a leg. He has been warned that the third will be his neck. But at the same time, unspoken, is the promise that this is the final test of the Hidden Ninja School, that the final rank of Master Ninja can only be achieved by finding the Final Master of the school. It is a path fraught with peril. But now here he sits at the front desk of the Not Hidden Ninja Academy (The name is generally considered the first clue that the Hidden Academy exists). Here at the front desk the secretary, a squirrel cavia so aged her hair has turned silver turns to him after sending the latest batch of students. No conversation is needed, she simply nods affirmation and passes him the mark of his final rank of Master. The Empress is displeased to say the least at the news of the stolen bombs, but at least the new holding facility seems to please here. Of course when the reports start coming in about the ships returning from the moon she quite literally blows the roof off her palace. Attempts to accidently bumble into vital parts of the lunar stomper do not go particularly well, even for the most well trained of ninjas, though the matter fortunately doesn’t escalate to the empress. There are apparently all manner of clever security systems within the device, strange devices that require special flat signet rings, or can examine one’s hands or eyes to verify identity. Still, even what can be gleaned from the outside of joints, casings, and exhaust ports is something to go on, though far from what was desired.It is an exceptional turn of luck for those forces on the moon, for part way through the invasion it goes terribly dark all across the moon, with all going silent across the city. Raiding parties crash into the defense towers, grabbing anything they can carry out, strange boxes filled with flat wafers covered in intricate runework, crystals, machines, odd tubes and bizarre alloys. Then taking advantage of the blind spot they have created they beat a quick retreat toward home. None too soon, for the moon seems to be slowly retreating after it has gone dark. The returning raiders are greeted by none other than the Empress themselves, who promptly orders the plunder locked up tight in a warehouse with a deep sigh. The sight of safety railing and covered vats of acid is nearly too much for the returning soldiers.
> Jungle Brawl Infinity 2While most of the Krovian and Krawl forces rest, trying to catch their breath from months and years of fighting, Habitun forces stage a daring gambit. Using the Red Wall as cover they strike at Port Town, a strange and twisted amalgamation of living buildings and odd organs that serve as docks and shipyards for the Krawl, setting fires, unleashing flesh devouring worms, and crystallizing key structures. At the same time the leviathan Kare strikes from the sea, serving as vanguard for a fleet of Habitun vessels that had sailed downriver previously. The elf army races down docks that are more tongue than wood, boards their vessels, and sails away, not toward safety but toward the distant southern peninsula!Meanwhile Krawl and Krovian forces work together, tracking and isolating one of the cores of the Red Wall, paralyzing it with a brutal strike by Krawl Shaman, then tearing a sizable chunk of the wall to pieces, a pulsating slimy core brain organ included. The effect is sudden and brutal, the entire western half the wall shudders and suddenly grows still, ants collapsing, rendering the entire thing an inert heap of millions of ants. Their victory is short lived however, for from behind the elite Skrit forces have laid in wait, sacrificing part of the wall for this moment where they strike into the Krawl and Krovian armies, dealing a devastating strike against them before retreating to their hives.In yet another section of the jungle the Omega hive forces scurry out under cover of darkness. While Krovian forces enjoy grilled Krawl and the soothing power of the healing pools, ants strike at the supply lines of the Krovians, toppling carts, plundering food, and hauling off beasts and sometimes even their shepherds! The Krovian forces will go hungry tonight, though at least there is Krawl to eat.----END TURN 36---
Okay I see my war post was just completely ignored.Action 1: prozess weaknesses of moonigger castleI have guys who can project their spirits and move super fast while in near invisible and untouchable spirit form.Considering they scouted for the adventures as described and ignored I study the weaknesses of the castleAction 2: adapt poison mid war - keep throwing it at the rabbits adjust and check I have the mindrape potion which can rapidly slow thinking. It should be trivial to capture someAction 3: draft more soldiers - fuck it up the conscrion numbers War post:Bombard the enemy castle with mind rape potions followed by the poison improved via skirmishes. Mix in standard catapults and coal catapults.Send in sappers to target known weaknesses. Use water-tube-boiler bombs to detonate the weak points Once the eny is weakened feed the biotitams speed poison and send them in to crush the rabbits. Reminder the biotitams are better compared to the Krawl ones due to being clad in full style armor - and here also speed potion use.Use antimagic shields and archers where necessary - again due to the scouts I'd know any magic the mooniggers use
By the great grace of our Lord Aagen,who has this tyrn returned us to the sun, and in remembrance of those who were lost in the dark, on behalf of King Vone II of the Venks in his minority, I, Matlin-August his Reeve and Regent, am by the laws of our Lord and this land given to hereby order;>A Queensway be built from Taxmoss to Hohenholm with a branch to Delta and should the purse allow, bridges over the Lata and the Ave into the southern Skritlands also>Taxmoss and her surroundings - even into Skritlands thereabouts - to be catalogued formally
>>6315071>Action 1: How to Train your... Frost ChimeraWyverns are fierce and predatory beasts, but something of an understanding was reached reasonably rapidly with them after their rediscovery. Though the Frost Chimera was found and even used by the settlers of the Blanc isle far, far before the Wyvern rediscovery, they have hitherto only been popular among the families and hold-lords of the same isle, and had owed their training more to rates of willing attrition by those who wished to earn place among the ranks of the noble and the mounted. But after such an age, a true mastery of the training and breeding of these creatures for the armies of the Orcmanie has finally emerged.>Action 2: Aid of the Blossoming DawnMany of the gods kept by the Nixen are ours as well and long established, and the Barzaens have taken the responsibility of adding Luxor to the centre of worship. And as they have taken their turn, so do we take our own. And so it is Ganuz to whom we raise a new shrine and monument amongst those of the other Gods in attendance. Building as close as we are permitted to the existing space of Hilda, the structure is added to the Ordelani efforts, in fitting stone to blend with the visual whole; whilst for the interior our masons carve and setting a Red-Granite statue of Ganuz, ornamented with Gold and Black Cherry-Wood and supplemented with Perma-Ice enough that 'Sea' mists will rise about his ankles. After all, the Ordelani are Human, and have their own gods already of war - and one of hunters who may cover forests; but until recently their land has been a land-locked one. Perhaps Ganuz might come to serve as their god of the seas before they realise the call for one.But do not think we have come here for Ganuz alone. To the centre of worship for (Di)-Loter, we add casks and kegs and icons of gold for the prosperous lady. To the Worship of Luxorc, we add Golden lanterns to stand with the Silver. To the fires of Varez's temple we gift 'dragon'-forged icons. Whilst to Hilda's own site of worship, the Orcmanie makes a gift of personal weapons. Old things, steel things, humble things; some already much-worn by use. These are blades wielded by ordinary Orcmen who once rode toward the broken dawn; gifts passed down from warriors who have left this mortal world. The warriors who broke a nachetar horde and relieved sturnes from occupation before the Domo could end the city, the warriors who helped break the nachetar once more at the gates of the Dawn itself. Here their blades will rest.
>>6316040>Bureau Renseignement/Garde ForestierOur watchful vigil over our lands ever continues; protecting them from the threats without and within.>Military Actions:>Army of CadonThe deployment of an Adenic army to our borders after such a period of silence alarms the Count of Cadon. As such, the Army of Cadon is deployed forward to shadow and match it; making an encampment near to the Cadon stables.>Army of PortblancThe Army of the Isle marches south upon the Bahay road once more, crossing the river Sainac before making their encampment upon the western shore of the lake.>Army of ColnaudeThat the Elven forces of An'naud are more approachable and communicative then almost any Adenic met this side of the Bahay war is seen as something of a minor miracle. Perhaps it may be because these Half-Elves are descended from those who marched at the Orcman flank to bring war together upon the Domo, if not the very same ones? If so, they were our brothers in battle; and should be respected as such. Duke Morthochet states that whilst he cannot speak directly for his King; he personally is willing to vouch at court and co-operate with An'naud in defensive matters that threaten the peninsula, and that to all intents and purposes the governance of the peninsula is left in his hands. He offers the Annaudi garrison the use of one of his ships, should they wish to attempt again to restore contact with their capitol. And should they find their efforts rebuffed by their silent homeland, he makes an offer of the formal status of Protectorate, so that they might retain their independence beneath Orcman guarantee.With the outcome discovered and offers made unto the Annaudi, the army of Colnaude again marches for their home.
>>6315072Barza lets go a collective sigh of relief as the Moon's shadow returns to it and cloaks it in darkness. This grows to slight dismay as the darkness holds for a long time, but as the lunar cycle returns a celebration occurs. the fact the Lunar invaders are quiescent is also celebrated, and Barza looks forwards to a return to normalcy.>Action 1. Establish a KennelLong has Barza gone without dedicated animals for war. Yes, horses are extant, as well as the Spellbreaker boar, but the former are flighty creatures, and too frail in the face of the myriad horrors that seem to stalk Pavillion for the purpose of spilling blood or worse. Thus does Justinian, after considering many options, commission a Kennel of hounds, to be both boon companions in the day to day of Barzantine life, and able allies and coursers when combat inevitably comes back to Barza's lands.Action 2: A Better Hound.Not Content to just commission a kennel's construction, Justinian sets a challenge for his newly positioned Kennel masters. To enable the hound's ability to function in the heat of battle against foes of all kinds, to give them the ability to fight with fang and fury while being supported by Barzan geomancy or to be able to go without. Because Barza's greatest strength is to fight as one, spell and blade in accord. Now fangs will be added to that panoply.Intrigue/Missionary/Minor Action: The Shroud is recharged, the shadow returned, searing light remanded to cooling darkness. Go forth to make sure it is returned to whence it came and then seal it away forevermore so this will not happen again.
>>6315073As Queen Roza of house Waldetrudis' reign is nearing its end, she reflects upon her achievements. She has finished the war against the Domo, saved the Pyronixen from their deep and dark dungeons, expanded the silver mining, seen the discovery of our own iron and are currently overseeing the reconstruction of Ordalan's grand temple of the Blossoming Dawn. Her reign was stable, and saw growth for a people who had been marred with the war. It hasn't been as revolutionary as she had hoped, but it has been prosperous, and perhaps that is all it needs to be. However, she has yet to put the crowning achievement on her reign, her magnum opus, and that will be the completion of the temple of the Blossoming Dawn, the herald of the new dawn.>>6314161>>6316053>Action 1: The New Temple of the Blossoming Dawn. The temple shall be built, with aid of Barza and Orcmanie, and we shall be united in faith.Long has there been questions over the truth of Orda Nixglau, when two parallel religions exist beside us, yet both are inheritors of Tellden. But with the new temple, incorporating aspects from all three inheritors, we shall usher in an age of unity. The new temple shall be grand, incorporating materials, techniques and symbols from 3 nations into the crossroad temple of the Blossoming Dawn. With Marble, Quartzite and Red Granite, the new temple shall be a beacon for all. The Orda Nixglau is changed to incorporate Luxor, Orcmanie and Chaerda elements, no longer just tolerated heresy, they are now made part of the canon.>Action 2: The hunt for the Sky Pirates continue, it ends now.Long has Baron Gustav of house Redwing had his attention divided by tending to his realm and advancing the station of his people. But today he shall finally resolve the issue of the Sky Pirates. Blitzing across the skies with his Songwings, he shall delve into the Khurnaire territory to track them down. Though, he is wondering what to do with them once caught, being fellow Anelks, he could use that airship to get to the moon. And then there is the Sky Piratess captain, a woman that can match his grandeur, an Anelk who put their name on the map. If they were together, they'd be unstoppable.
>>6315068Action 1: Improve navy based off Shadow Ant reports from Huntsman armyAction 2 and intrigue: Open a portal for a rape mollusk hive underneath the Hive cityMilitary: Once rape mollusk hive is operational, move to Igolka, raze and pillage its port, then continue onwards to GribAgrimensores: Scour Habitun for unique resources 3/3
>>6315068>Action 1: Expand the deep roads towards the VenksThe hearty Venks have long struggled trudging through the desolate snowy wastes of the north, in an effort to experience the warmth of dwarven hospitality.No more. They will arrive in speed and comfort.>Action 2: Investigate the mines of ErisRumors abound around the accursed mines. From monsters, to daemonic cultists, to lost Skrit, to a secretive elvish experiment.To not know is to fear. The dwarves of Urotti know no fear! And thus they must know!>Action 3: Brass Walker HeartThe internal organs and parts of the Brass Walker need to be prepared ahead of time, that the assembly does not run into issues with inconsistent groundwork. A neck too thin for the head, pipes too thick for the superstructure, all of these and more could cause the whole project to come crashing down.And so it is that a heart made of the ripest dragon fruits is assembled. Blood of molten ember iron is tested thoroughly through titanium pipes, its fluidity maintained with heating runes. Bones of reverb iron that would withstand and disperse blows that would crush any lesser material. Skin of crackling sanctified brass to repel whatever may come.>Intrigue: Study the moon cloak before its return to its vault. Could it provide some insight into improving our power storage and funneling?
>>6315068>Efficient Retraining (give me faster army recovery)Bio-recycling has given Central much raw material to work with, and the continuously built factories are supplying the bodies with the much-needed armaments.Still, the speed of knowledge dissemination leaves much to be desired.Load the largest brains we can find with all the necessary training and information. Initiate the transfers into the command nodes. Past experience shows that such massive download of information burns out the brains.The Ouroboros snakes are to then be applied to the burnt out brains, to return them to pristine condition, in time for the next command node knowledge transfer.>More Shaping VatsAnother army armed.>Shaman BBQ (intrigue)If they try to access the wall again, fry them.Otherwise, study how we can control it.>WarHunker down, wait for reinforcements. We're fortified enough to weather them.
>>63150691. Seek new resources in the New World; rolled: Sulfur With some shipments of materials going out into the lands of New Vizari some have started to think that there may be something out there worth mining or harvesting in the mountains. The natives of the island seem fairly isolationist so it's uncertain if they would take offense to the action; but they didn't take action when the fort was made so it should be fine. Looking around the mountains a volcanic region is found with a sulfurous hot spring and crystalized sulfur in a nearby cave. It is an interesting find, to say the least, and while no one has dug deep into the magical properties it is known to have useful alchemical properties for medicine and combustibles. 2. Transhuman Desires: RestlessThe Ascendant do not rest on their laurels with the invention of the mana stone food replacement; and instead seek to move forward covering the other known body function that mana can cover; sleep. A similar method is explored by using a mana stone enchanted to cover for the body by transforming the mana into restfulness for the body. Some rest may be needed but, instead of sleep, many seek to use the stone during in a meditative state instead.
>>6315068Action 1 - Prospect Metal for IgolkaAction 2 - Construct Temple in Igolka Zhelezo is the capital, and under Drevino's leadership, forms the heart of the Krovian nation. The people here are wide and varied, pulling from all corners of the greater Krovian area.Pesok is spiritual, hard-working Krovians surrounded by the echoes of ancient war and living over the vast riches of Pulsemetal beneath them. Serious and straightforward, that is a Pesokian Krovian, who lives their life under strict regiments and demands for ever-more metal.Grib sees the other side of the pendulum, a far-off city of peaceful laze-abouts and idle thinkers. They are unusually thoughtful for the shorts-sighted Krovians, and the closest thing to 'architects' and 'philosophers' usually come from Grib.Igolka is characterized by it's isolation. The land is dry and hardy, but they are surrounded by a wealth of Krawl meat to sustain their hunts and palettes. Travelling to Igolka can only really be done by sea, and is an even longer journey than it is to Grib, so news from other Krovians is often scarce and out-dated.In their isolation, they form their own customs. A new temple springs up, dedicated to the moon itself, who's terror has held sway over the world until recently. It's ties to the tides are well-known, and so the Krovians reason that it MUST be a great heart in the sky, with the earth below it's body.In aid of this new construction, metal is sought out, for tools and weapons.>Intrigue Action - Shamans Destroy/Steal Wall CoreWhile the Krovian armies will rest, for the most part, their attendant shamans yet have work to do. More of the wall yet stands, and the Krawl will see it fall, or be subsumed. Aid their efforts, if possible.>War ActionsGR Army - Patrol supply lines, protect food.ZH Army - Remain in healing pools, restore health. Drevino joins and remains attached to ZH army.PE Army - Move to occupy and defend BBQ fort. Spend entire turn trying to figure out what BBQ stands for (Badly Burning Queen...ants? No, thats BBQA...)IG Army - Move north to held defend Hive from invading BI(tches)GR navy - Move to south hex of Igolke port.IG Navy - Chase and fight BI.
>>6315068Action 1: Lunar Workshop (Hollvania)High in the mountains of Hollvania, in that wintery landscape it is said the Empress is fond of, rises a workshop dedicated to unveiling the secrets of lunar technology.The true treasure trove is denied to the Lolunans, but the few secrets the ninjas have recovered and the preliminary examination of the items before they were locked away give a decent starting point.The facility imports a truly stupendous amount of intelligence potion yearly, and exports mostly just dreams, but only here can the direst secrets of the moonites be unveiled, in a facility equipped with technology so state of the art it hasn’t been invented yet.Action 2: Lunar MechanicsWe are fairly familiar with mechanisms, but those of the Moonites are more advanced than even the most complex Holtzahnad mechanical bird or Clade Wars playing robot.In the heart of the lunar workshop, the utmost effort goes into deciphering the theory behind just how the stomper moves the way it does.Endless gear assemblies are proposed and rejected, eyewitnesses are grilled upon what they saw, their notes are assembled to create sprawling blueprints, and all the infinite possible mechanical arrangements are reduced to a mere few, as joints, exhaust ports and device casings fall into place.Mechanism by mechanism, we will learn their sciences.Action 3: Stomper Start While certainly the Lolunan scientists would not claim to know how to build a stomper start to finish, they are at least confident they can begin building one.The superstructure seems simple enough, massive Gjoldsteel casings can be devised for the legs, rubber insulation can also be packed on the inside to prevent any possible issues once internal components start going in.The fortress section and the part that joins the castle section to the movement frame are also fairly easy to construct, though present some architectural challenges given the amount of sway anticipated.Tireless work goes into this project, the end result being something like a Gjoldsteel plated runic castle on hollow legs, supported and kept upright by a labyrinthine amalgamation of struts, scaffolding and support pillars.Now all that’s needed is practically everything that goes on the inside to make this thing move. Surely we’ve made some progress on that while putting this together? Espionage: Expel Habitun Stragglers
>>6315074(Will give fluff later, just putting this here in case I don't get time for fluff before thread falls off)>Action One. Prospecting>Action Two. Ranches>Action Three. Settlement on the island, specifically on the mountain.
>>6315068Nature there was, vile and base. I would see .. asphyxiation, choking, fighting for survival, and just rotting away. There's a lot of misery. But it is the same sort of misery that was all around us. The trees were in misery, the birds were in misery. I don't think they sing, they just screech in pain.It's like a curse weighing on the entire landscape. That, whoever goes too deep into this, has their share of that curse. It's a land created in anger.Yet, taking a closer look at it all, there is a sort of harmony. A harmony of overwhelming and collective murder. Even the stars up here, in the sky, look like a mess.When I say all this, I say this full of admiration. I can not hate it. I love it, I love it very much, but I loved it against my own better judgement. >Action 1: Meaning ImpositionSpeech can't be the limits of this art, so saith Orator. Words are only vessels of Meaning after all. Before his passing, Sage Mud-Dirt-Orator would spend a large amount of time theorizing on the theoretical developments of the Lunar Trick would be, and if the Khurnaire had the time, would probably pursue. Chief among them, and the one they first pursue, is to confuse on who exactly is speaking. Make a person think that they are the ones who said it, then a little leap, and make them think that they are the ones who thought those words. The intent was, you could accelerate the domestication of feral or predatory animals, or introduce behaviors that would otherwise be impossible to teach to plants and fungi. That's what written anyway. "Domestication". Very useful no? It'll require the bending of mindsets, Lord Mana suspects.
>>6317570>Action 2: Strange Isn't It?We were unaware of the Dark's true thoughtlessness when we came to be. We thought it malevolent, capable and with intent to harm. That something that swallowed these western wastes clearly had agency. But now, several tyrnes in, and no true rally against our settlements, only reactionary measures. Now, it feels, pointless?Is their facade of intelligence just a feature of the original catastrophe that created them?<O> <O>The third landing of the ancestors, the ones given nothing. Desert of exiles and unwanted ones, lost the game in plains and forests both. Spite answered by summoned Dark.We thought Marlene was the One, the spirit we might trick into becoming our patron and host, to use and possess for our purposes. Now, with such a vacuum revealed, why not make One of our own from the Dark?It's simple mythologizing really. The folk of Enkarn knew a secret name, and when everything came apart for the "Domo", there was no reason for them to not summon it. It was a dumb and stupid evil. Wandered through the seas before it was buried in the sands, when Janos and Sturnes still walked.Now, with all these imprisoned pieces of it, we shall reconstitute it, and teach it of its existence. That it was once a Weapon of the Dark, turned against the world. That it was then enlightened, by the Light, of its purposeless nature. That to repay for its crime, it shall serve the Khurnaire forevermor- No, that's not right. That it was once a child of the Lord of Mana, and to repay for its betrayal and crime against the world, that it shall serve Her forevermore. A better reason, a better story, a prodigal spawn to return to its welcoming mother. It'll take.. practicians of the Lunar Speech to tell it of this story, adherents of the One-Eye and His Light in the Mirror to persuade it to accept the Truth, and the Lord's Fleshshapers and advisors from Marlene to make it whole again, before we free it from its fleshy existence. With it incorporeal, then we impose the bindings to anchor it to the world, and reinterpret this prison into a temple. Such a Weapon, no, a Tool of ours, to cut away at the Dark and impose our dominion upon it.. HAHAHAHAHAHA!
>>6317571>Action 3: Among SheepThe Scholarium of Subversions Khurnaire didn't just sleep on the Conquering School's attempt of expansion. Don't you think it's suspicious for the Khurnaire to push that far into the Adennic Gulf without any reason whatsoever? Hmhm. Anyway, where the Conquering School always thought of things in quantity, the Scholarium always thought of faultlines. Where a singular piece can make all the difference. Let us then turn to one particular family. The patriarch, one of the islanders scouted out and pulled aside by the Scholarium for a deal of a lifetime. In another lifetime, he could've been another unnoticed Sage of the Academy Archive of Khurnaire, but the Scholarium has an offer.Be taught principles of the Academy-Archive of Khurnaire's calling and chaining of spirits, and a new life over the horizon. All for the low low price of minding a dozen contingencies that the Scholarium conceived to place the Scholarium in a better position in any outcome of the expansion. Barely a price attached for such knowledge.The Orcmanie-Ordalanic counterexpansion was one of the more likelier outcomes, alongside sudden Adenic resurgence, so the mission here is particularly elaborate. I'll narrate. Keep yourselves aground, don't draw the attention of the aristocrats and their priestly goons. Then, you shall have two progeny. While one shall be to continue your line, one shall be ours. Teach them the principles and your way to benefit without notice. Teach them the pursuit of righteousness that is our blood's way, and all the stories you remember. Yet, for one that is most close to him, espouse on they his "beliefs", wink wink, that the Truth of Khurnaire is correct, that no spirits should lord over life, and the heart that Lied within it, that no being really deserves to lord over another's life.The Patriarch is indebted to the Orcman to pursue such a dream, but the childe, the childe bears not the weight of the father. He shall tell them this dream, and is it not right for the child to make its parent's dream true? He shall of course advise them to stay nonsuspect, simply study the inequalities imposed upon the people by these foreign invaders and compare them to the relatively free era of the Magnates and the Archpriests. Bide time and wait if the Khurnaire finds a way to contact them.
>>6317573>Intrigue Action: Consort with the AnelkiiAnother tyrn, another batch of pilgrims north to Dawn. Still gathering legitimacy to travel even further, or information to hide among travelers to the Rooin's Cathedral. Still, for most of the Khurnaire, harpies are a curiosity, and it isn't that strange for pilgrims be filled with wonder at such new things to not mingle with them. Somewhere around here, a question shall be asked, perhaps from someone who knows the stories. "If the Ordalan's ancient enemies are thwarted, why do they stand still and even consort with the slavelords of Gulliseare? Why let their weapons rust and their bows unstrung if the world is wrong and their kin suffers so?" Perhaps it shall be nothing, perhaps it shall be something. The question has to be asked at some point, no?
