by Max Barry

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The Glens IV
Expansion post 3

"We practically have 'em surrounded," said one der Dagrig as he pointed to a map from the Glenfolk — the Fesclant specifically.

"Aye, but we haven't a clue of their homeland. Can't do anything without knowing," said a mórder twenty years Dagrig's senior.

Occo raised his stump, the other hand on the table. "Diplomacy is still a viable option. They have not yet attacked our men there and I doubt they will even try to. Our arrival by ship most assuredly scared them into some form of submission."

"Boss," said Dagrig, "they have the advantage by knowing their area. We don't. If they wanted, they could take our men there and make them disappear quickly."

A door creaked behind the three. Within the span of a few microseconds two of their heads snapped towards it. Occo was the only one to keep his eyes on the table. "Aye, glad to have you here, your grace," he said. "We have been talking about the Glenfolk and how to approach it." He turned his head towards the door to see her poking her head through the crack.

"What've you guys thought up?"

Occo turned his body around and leaned his back against the table, his hand on the table and his stump on his hip. "We decided it would be a fine idea to send a contingent of a few hundred-some troops alongside our diplomats to the Fesclant. As relations are slightly rocky with regards to the Fesclant and their current grip upon the Glenfolk, having well-trained troops to defend our diplomats would be one of the better ways to ensure peace." He raised his stump upwards. "The Glenfolk's language is similar enough to ours that basic conversation can be made, thus I imagine our troops will be able to explain themselves away."

She nodded. "Okay." With that, she pulled her head from the gap and shut the door.

Dagrig and his mórder both looked at Occo before sighing and nodded. "Right," said Dagrig, "looks like we're going with what you said."

"It is the best course of action."

***

Fergust narrowed his eyes. "You're serious?"

His officer, Cennfind, nodded slowly. "Yes, sir. I came as fast as I could from out east — I didn't expect them to be so quick, my liege."

"F*ckin' hell." Fergust shook his head and leaned leaned his temple against his hand. "Very well. We just have to contend with the foreigners for now." He raised his head back up. "What's the news on the west? Their head should be arriving soon enough so I can send you both to entertain the foreigners."

Cennfind's face paled. "Uh, about that..." His words trailed off.

"Hm?"

Cennfind steeled himself and made his back as straight as a board. "The west is rebelling, sir. The arrival of the Findclant — the foreigners, my liege — seems to have given them enough drive to push back against your control."

Fergust ran his hand down his face. "You're serious? Again?" he asked.

Cennfind could only nod.

Whispers at the Head - I
Development

Waterpalace, Caídas Grande

A roar occupied every part of the room. Definite. Deafening. Defiant of any other sound that sought to upset its rule. And yet to all present it seemed to merely be a part of the background, one that would be missed were it not present. At least, that was the truth for nearly all those gathered.

Gonzalo Pinedo was the exception, and bowed as low as he could, well past the ninety-degree angle at which he would normally halt his downwards progress. At this his back protested, a sharp ache sending tendrils of pain shooting out into his lower back, but he rose all the same, countenancing it all in the name of keeping a stoical expression. The ragged strands of hair he still called his own rested limply across his forehead as he rose, weighed down as though it had recently been washed. His skin was slick to the touch, damp with the all-pervasive moisture of his environment, and accordingly his dark burgundy silks ran wet too, though were weighed down only slightly as they absorbed little of the water running down his form.

“Oh great Scholar - how blessed we are by your learned presence.”

“You honor me, Your Grace.” Gonzalo gave a courteous smile to the Emperatriz’s words, biting his tongue as he considered saying it was little bother to him; the Emperatriz appreciated being a bother in the lives of her subjects, and the tick-tick-tick echoing in the background reminded him of as much on a second-by-second basis, as slaves toiled away in updating the palace to Her Majesty’s desires. If one persisted through hardship to serve her, it showed dedication. She craved nothing less. “I can serve Astvats anywhere, but only Your Excellence here.” He settled for that, and hoped it would maintain a good impression.

“An unfortunate state of being,” Gaceta lamented, “I do so envy the Almighty and Its ability to exist everywhere at once; but all the same I appreciate the trust which It has placed in me to serve as a guiding hand to the whole of the Empire.”

“Your role is an important one, Your Grace. I would imagine It, through the Faith, does not bestow upon you the right to rule lightly. Only the best will do, I am sure.”

“You needn’t be so sycophantic, dear scholar, no no.” Gaceta smiled, summoning a young boy from the wings, “May I introduce to you, Valesco Maximilien Sorje, Príncipe Heredero del Imperio de los Voltan.”

Gonzalo nearly choked as he heard the Emperatriz declare the boy, her heir no less, to be a Sorje, rather than a Rapace, but swallowed it and gave another bow, equal to the first, wincing as he reached its perigee to the ground but bringing it to heel once more as he rose.

“Word of your family seldom travels all the way downriver, but it brings me great joy to hear that you have borne a child, Your Grace.” Whatever game Gaceta was playing at with the boy’s name Gonzalo was unsure, but he reckoned it would be well worth a good, long mulling-over in due course.

“I must be careful with that word which departs my true realm, so limited as it stands these days.” She sighed, referencing her (mothers) sidelining by the Imperial Council, which now held de facto power and was ultimately a puppet of the heads of the various Banco’s and their associates. Her only power was strong local support around Caídas Grande (and a loose understanding with the neighboring Tkhetians); her ‘Divine Mandate’, which was a formality granted by the Faith; and of course the gold that poured forth from the Crown Mines, better known these days as the Cartangan Mines. She was all but obliged to sell the output of the mines to the Cartangan Jewelers Cartel at cut rate prices, as barring that they would be seized and her largest source of income would dry up. She could kick up a hell of a storm following such an action, but her ultimate fate were she to do as much would be death at the hands of some banker-cum-aristocrat, and she could hardly countenance that.

“Nonetheless,” she continued, “He is indeed my elected heir, and in keeping with this I wish for him to be educated to the best possible extent. I figured there to be no better a figure than a scholar learned in the ways of the world such as yourself. Word of your works suggests that you are an Alonsican[1] through and through, and as it was all this Rapacian nonsense that took down my father, I think its about time we reject his ideals and return to those that have been proven successful.”

“Ah, Alonsico Sorje.” Gonzalo smiled - he certainly did revere the man, and realized he was almost giddy at the prospect of what the child’s name meant. It was not a feeling he had understood at first, and rightfully so as it was clouded with fears as to what it meant for the Empire. “He was, indeed, exceptionally gifted in either skill, or luck. I am not, of course, inclined to place much value in the latter, but I will not dismiss a belief so strongly held by others out of hand.”

“Hm, well I gathered you certainly were not a believer in luck at the very least,” Gaceta agreed, “But in any case, I ask whether these rumours I have heard are in fact true?”

“I am no purist,” Gonzalo said bluntly, before letting a smile crack across his lips, “But I do believe the fundamentals between myself and him - in thought, mind you, not blood of course - are well aligned.”

“Well you are a rare breed in these parts then, Senor Pinedo. Rare indeed. I am swarmed by damnable Rapacians or…” she hesitated, but only for a second, “Those who subscribe to the views of power espoused by the Faith. I place in them little stock. But in you - in the ideas of my grandfather? If you can sway me to that conclusion, and the conclusion that you are a dear friend to the Crown, then I can offer you employment in tutoring the youth of the Royal clan. And of course, all due compensation.”

Gonzalo bowed - he was too far now to object, at least without powerful friends. If he wished to later he could certainly sell the information he learned while here, but that was a matter for later. It was also telling...perhaps he really was an Alonsican? Furthering one's position at any cost, moral even.

“I would consider it an unmatched honor, Your Grace.” he bowed low once more, “If I may ask a little something of you, however, before I begin my employment?”

Gaceta gestured for him to go on.

“I had not answered your summons with an understanding I would be staying here permanently. If you would forgive me...no more than half a year, perhaps, to collect my belongings and set my affairs in Varreja in order, I would be most endeared.”

“Valesco is five come the end of the fall. If I can expect your return come first snowfall, you have my blessing.”

Three months? Gonzalo could make it work. “I eagerly anticipate my return, Your Grace.”

“And I yours.” Gaceta said firmly, “Thank you Senor Pinedo. You may speak to me regarding your compensation upon your return. As a retainer, I will have my steward dispatch to you fifteen golden Zeatos by dawn tomorrow. That should cover your expenses in moving here.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

Gonzalo bowed one last time before stepping back, pivoting, and leaving the room.

----------------------------------------

[1]: Those who follow the political principles of Alonsico Sorje, as opposed to some alternative such as the Carralists or Rapacians.

OOC:

124-125CE Update Complete.

The Northern Reunification Campaign 1

Following the massive success of the southern reunification campaign Jiaxi’s massive gain of recognition and prestige over the inefficient regency council was a gigantic gain for his bid over the operations of Fodotang. The bloated corrupt bureaucrats content to rot away in Xanzi gradually began to lose their stranglehold over the people of Fodotang and their disrespect to the Jinn dynasty would not be soon forgotten. Pressing his successes in the field of power the emperor successfully lobbied for a massive build up of the army. A new campaign was in order this time to expand and recapture the lost northern provinces and restore the capital. Moving from Xanzi will hopefully be the push needed to wrest control away from the corrupt council once and for all. Giving a passionate speech the emperor addressed his armies ‘Today we press our position of refound success to press on to our remaining lost provinces. I know together we will be able to best all rebels we find along the way and restore the prestige of our empire!” The men erupted into a roar of applause for their most divine liege and began to set themselves into motion towards the first field of battle to recover

This campaign was to emulate the success of the southern campaign on a much grander scale; the army was well funded and led by the impeccable leadership of the emperor along with the now promoted troops of the southern campaign. There would be no room for mistake or any factor leading up to chance as Jiaxi skillfully and tactfully worked with generals and scribes to ink to papyrus a grand battle plan/manifesto - the north would be regained along with the capital. “Fodotang will lie stagnant for no longer!” the emperor erupted to his men as the press north began the massive multi pronged assault of the northern reunification army overran all who opposed them, a great start to establish the hopeful mood and tone of the battles ahead. The armies were efficiently crushing all who opposed them as Jiaxi inspired them to give their all to restore glory and prestige to the Jinn dynasty. Step one of the campaign has gone to perfection. This was the best aspects of the ragtag southern campaign mixed with the confidence and reassurance proper financial and manpower can bring the recipe for success was crafted from the start this time and executing it would be a formality of leadership and battlefield prowess. Screams over the battlefield erupted as all who opposed the army were quickly slaughtered. A display of force would be needed to effectively punish all who dare rebel against the glorious might of Fodotang. From now on there would be no further prisoners the need for rebel manpower had been outgrown their punishment would be death as they all deserve. Pressing the successful assault the desert avalanche of the Fodotang forces would press themselves forward carefully to not lose any momentum as the ambitious northern reunification campaign kicked off.

Prismea and The venusians

The venusians

Rekfels
City Post

It was Leyna's first time outside of Alaricstedt. While her twin brother Adelmo will be taught the rule of law and economy, how to lead a country how to lead an army and so on by various persons in the court, as he is the heir to the kingdom, she is sent to a temple of the Notra-Order in the city of Rekfels to be taught to become a scholar later one in life, once she becomes an adult 10 years later.

The city of Rekfels is not only known to have mountains rich of resources like copper, iron, marble and zinc, but it's also a religious stronghold of the Notra-Order. The reason for this was that the new science of Astronomy started in Rekfels. Many Notra-Followers settled there to pursue this science. As in this city was already a high concentration of Notraists, other Notraists who pursue different kinds of science flocked to this city too.

As the horse-drawn carriages transports Leyna further to the city she could already see it in the mountains. High up in the mountains she could already see the grand towers made of marble in the sky and she could also already see the buildings build into the mountains. And while the carriage drags her on, she could see how many goods were transported out of the city. Probably the many goods, the many resources found in the mountain. Now transported to Alaricstedt, where it will be sold to the Prismeans. The goods are heavenly guarded to ensure that no one will rob it.

Leyna looks up in the sky and sees how high the city truly is. As a nine year old girl she is scared that she could fall down from either the city or on the way to it. A servant with the name of Anna who took care of Leyna in Alaricstedt tries to comfort her.

Anna: “Don't worry little princess, many have traveled to this city and many have traveled from this city many times and haven't hurt themselves. You will be fine.

Leyna: “But what if an accident happens, and we fall down?”

Anna: “You and your family are protected by the gods, you don't need to worry about anything for now!”

Leyna: “But the gods didn't protected grandfather.”

Anna, desperate to calm this girl: “The gods needed your father more than us, so they brought him to their places.”

Leyna: “Why do I need to go there?”

Anna: “Queen Adelina thought it would be the best of you if you would study abroad. I can't explain it, sorry!”

Leyna: “Why isn't Adelmo going there?”

Anna: “He needs to be prepared for his role as kings.”

Leyna: “Why does he need to become king? Why can't I become queen?”

Anna: “He is the first-born son of your mother and your father!”

Leyna: “That is not fair!”

Anna: “It's tradition!”

Leyna: “Why?”

Anna: “Because it is that way.”

Leyna was quiet for the rest of the travel. When she arrived at the city states, she, and the servants who came with her leaved the carriage and entered highly guarded by venusian soldiers through a large gate made out of marble the city. Despite not being the heir, as a princess and the daughter of the queen, her arrival is celebrated among large parts of the city's populace. Going through the streets she arrived at a large palace. Not as large compared to Alaricstedt, but still something to behold. There she was greeted by the jarl of this city Björn Oilenkop.

Björn: “Greeting, little princess Leyna av Venusia, daughter of the queen of the Venusians Adelina av Venusia. What can I do.

Leyna doesn't talk, instead breathing heavenly.

Anna: “Sorry jarl, our little princess here is a bit shy.”

Björn: “(Talking to Anna) I think she first needs to be accustomed to live here. After few days, worst case in few weeks, she should be fine. (Talking to Leyna) I may guess right, that after a long travel you have hunger and thirst.”

Leyna nicks and is sent together with the servants into the dining hall. After one hour the table is filled with many venusian delicacies flavored with herbs growing in the rough mountain area for the hunger and milk with honey for the thirst.

Björn: “And, do you feel better now?"

Leyna: “Yes.”

Björn: “Good, once you're done with eating, my servants will guide you and your servants into your rooms, I will send a report to the Notraists here that you have arrived and that they can begin to lecture you tomorrow.”

Leyna: “Why am I here?”

Björn: “Your mother, the queen of Venusia, has sent me, prior before you probably left Alaricstedt a letter. She thought it would be the best for you, if you weren't in Alaricstedt for now and suggested, (more like ordered), that the Notraists here would teach you some of their skills, some of their knowledge.

Leyna was guided to room in the palace together with her servants, who tried to make Leyna feel like she was at home.

As the night came and all of Rekfels was quiet, Björn was lying in his bed thinking why the queen had sent her daughter here. Surely not only to learn. If that was what she wanted she simply could have sent an agreement with the Prismeans to let her study there, but she didn't. He got an idea why that could be: Leyna was weak.

He doesn't know what her skills are, but the few hours were enough to draw a picture of her. When she arrived before him, she seemed to be scared. Scared of new people? Of a new place? Of not being with her parents in Alaricstedt anymore? Or perhaps of me? Whatever the reason is, despite being young, being scared is not sign a sign of good leadership. It's a sign of weakness, which every Venusian, no matter his or her passion, if war or science, despises heavenly within a leader. Here she is safe from politics.

But why don't sent her to the Prismeans? Is the mistrust that big? Or does she wants her still to be relatively close in case something happens? Both Prismeans and Venusians who strive for power could alternatively use her later, despite her weakness, as a claimant for the throne as a puppet. If something would happen here, Adelina could always come here and take her back.

And the servants? Maybe they are here to protect Leyna from outside influence? But couldn't they use her theoretically too? Or is their loyalty to the crown already ensured? Because if, they surely too wouldn't want someone considered weak to take the crown. Maybe I am thinking too much into this and they were only sent to comfort in a time of a great chance for Leyna? There are too many questions.

The moon is shining through Björn's window, giving a small amount of light, revealing a bookshelf filled with many books from the Notra-Order, primarly about Astronomy, and a cupboard with a golden statue of an venusian mining worker on it.

Both symbols of Rekfels.

For Crown and Kriwe I
Expansion post 1

A heavy rain fell upon Borceric, filling the rain and street gutters and the various containers that Borceric’s habitants had left out whether they were meant to collect rainwater or not. The cobblestone roads were beaten down once again and were forced to take it alone for, while misery enjoys company, company does not enjoy misery.

The only one to walk through those streets was a sopping wet messenger, his charge — the missive he was instructed to carry to Borceric’s king — kept protected behind his heavy coat. His hat barely protected his face from the rain’s onslaught and his boots made splashes in the small puddles forming along the street’s dip and the street gutters.

He pulled the coat closet to him, a light shiver taking his body. He drew closer to Borceric’s broch, in front of which stood a pavilion which kept its posted guardsmen dry.

“Halt,” said one of the guardsmen, “what is your business?”

The messenger raised his hand, showing only the mark of Perkūns’s thunder which had been branded on his palm with a hot iron. He performed a few hand gestures to go along with it, earning himself a few nods from the guardsmen and a welcome into the broch. His boots left a trail of muck into the broch’s foyer.

“Your majesty!” he yelled.

A head, belonging to Drunneht V, peeked from around the corner several seconds later. “Pa! You’ve got company!” he yelled deeper into the room he was in. While the reply was faint to the messenger’s ears, it was loud enough for Drunneht V to nod. “Come in. He’ll be in in a moment.”

The messenger came forward and nodded with a thanks. He took a seat at the long table, which sat empty at this nearly-ungodly hour, and rapped his fingertips along the wood. It took a few minutes for King Drunneht IV to come out of a side room and take a seat opposite of the messenger. Drunneht’s fingers were interlaced and a glance around the room told the messenger that Drunneht V had already left.

The silence lingered for a few more seconds before Drunneht took the lead. “Bernameirs…” His words trailed off already. “I’m surprised your brother hasn’t caught you in your ploys yet.”

Bernameirs chuckled. “Aye. He’s not as paranoid as our father, my thanks to Perkūns. Still, I came with a missive.” He gently moved his hand into his jacket and pulled the missive from it before handing it over. “From the Kriwe-Kriwajto.”

“The Kriwe-Kriwajto?” Drunneht cocked an eyebrow,.taking the missive. “You’re serious?”

Bernameirs nodded. “Visvalds recently asked him to glean what Perkūns and his children would think about a forced military occupation of Borceric in spite of the League Charter.”

“You’re kiddin’ me.” Drunneht shook his head gently as he inspected the missive’s front. Its wax seal was that of the Kriwe-Kriwajto of the Pāmeddei and was in the shape of the sun goddess. “Well, he’d have the League on his arse, that’s for sure.”

“That’s the issue, your majesty. Visvalds has no use for the League. The Amber Road’s been closed up and he refuses to use any of Cairuen’s remaining ports.

Drunneht’s hand, which still held on tight to the missive, hit the table.

For Crown and Kriwe II
Expansion post 2

Drunneht brought his missive-holding hand up to his face. “Fer feck’s sake, you’re right.” He shook his head harder. “Naw, naw, naw. That doesn’t bode well at all.”

Bernameirs raised his hand, a few drops of rainwater dropping from it. “Now, now, your majesty, I’m sure it can be fineggled.” He let his hand fall. “He’d have to mobilize his troops and I’m more than certain many of them won’t be willing to attack Borceric because of our heavy Brūseic population.”

“I guess you’re right,” Drunneht said as he ran his hand off his face. “Still, something had to be thought up.”

“But, as I was saying…” Bernameirs cut back into the conversation. “The Kriwe-Kriwajto’s revelations concerning the Gods’ opinions on Visvald’s planned invasion were… not the best, so to say. That letter,” he continued as he pointed towards the missive, “is his direct word to you. He knows what I’m doing and I trust fully in him.”

Drunneht nodded along as he cracked open the wax seal. He pulled the letter out only to have to hand it back over. “I can’t understand that.”

Bernameirs looked it over. “Huh. A strange mix of Voltanese script and Uinnlantish Ogham.” He looked over to Drunneht. “I’m not quite sure how to take that, but I’ll tackle it later.” He read it to himself before live-translating it. “‘To the most esteemed King Drunneht of Borceric: I must give you a truly grave warning. My liege, Visvalds Mindaugas, plans to invade your kingdom. The Gods have shown me that they will not accept that all, though I know not why.

“‘I entrust Bernameirs Mindaugas to bring the letter safely to you; and I trust that the word will allow the Gods’ vision to shine against my liege Visvalds’s desire to go against Their desires. Sincerely, Kriwe-Kriwajto Kursins of the Pāmeddei.’”

Bernameirs looked towards Drunneht. “So, that was the gist. As of now, Visvalds likely will bring his levies together and march. I suggest sending a letter to Uinncair to get assistance; you’ll be needing it.”

“Aye, I will, won’t I,” Drunneht said with a sigh. “Alright. You ought to head back to Pāmeddei before your brother thinks something’s up.”

“No, no, don’t worry.” Bernameirs shook his head. “He thinks I was bringing the umpteenth letter of, ‘Surrender please,’ to you. You’ve always taken them and… what do you do with them?”

“Stow ‘em away.”

“Yeah, stow them away, leaving nothing for Visvalds to see. He’s gotten used to it and likely expects it again. So, I’ll just have to tell him you’ve refused again. He’ll take the bait with open arms and then some. I’m safe, so don’t worry.”

“Alright then. Still, chop-chop. I doubt he’ll be too keen on you being late back to Pāmeddei.”

Bernameirs shook his head slowly as he got out of the chair. “You don’t have to worry, sir. I’ll be back there before he knows it. Besides,” he said with a gesture of his hand as he pushed the chair in, “if push comes to shove, he’ll think of the likelihood he’ll be beaten back and then call it a day.”

For Crown and Kriwe III
Expansion post 3

A few taps on the door drew Cosca’s gaze towards it. “Come in,” she said from her desk, setting a thin piece of fabric into her book with her thumb and shutting it. The door opened in turn, revealing Occo to be standing there. He stood straight with his hands behind his back. A quick salute, unusual for him to deal to her, followed before he moved to the side. A middle-aged man came in from behind him, stepping into the room with rather gentle footsteps.

“My queen,” Occo said as he entered the room behind him, “this is the King of Borceric, Drunneht IV Madrunnehti. He has a very urgent request.”

Cosca’s mouth became an o-shape.

“Aye,” Drunneht said. He set his hand on the top of a chair and moved it within a few feet of her desk. He sat in it and set his ankle on his knee, setting his hands on his knees. “Lady Mapueceni, I have a… slight favor to ask of you.”

“Really?” She was sitting up now, her body alert. “What’s the favor?”

He elected to have a small pause before he spoke again. “The Pāmeddei have been requesting that I kowtow to their rule for the past decade or two. Now, at first it was rather friendly; ‘We’ve got benefits for willing vassals,’ or ‘We don’t bite.’ Then it ramped up into, ‘Please, we want you,’ up to, ‘Just kowtow before we raze you like Cairuen.’ It was old then and it’s old now, ‘specially when they’re threatenin’ to breach the Charter—”

“The Charter?” Cosca had interrupted him rather rudely, she realized, but she had no time to pay that mind. “They want to break the Charter? Are you sure?”

“Aye, I am. I’ve got someone on the inside and even the head of their church isn’t feeling it.”

“Oh— Oh dear.” She glanced towards Occo but brought her attention back solely onto Drunneht. “How long until they attack, do you think?”

“A few months at maximum. The Kingdom of the Pāmeddei is large enough to make the levies have to travel and recuperate for a few weeks at a time. I doubt I’ll have much time left come two months, though. That leads into why I came here.” He set both his feet on the ground and laced his fingers, bending his back and letting his elbows rest on his thighs. “I need troops and a lot of ‘em. Can you do that for me?”

She was quiet for several seconds. “How many?”

He opened his mouth, shut it, and then spoke; “5,000 minimum, your grace. Though, as the Pāmeddei have a strong hold on both themselves and their land, I’d err on the side of caution and ask for 10,000 men. I know it’s a lot, but—”

“Occo.” She cut him off again and turned her gaze to Occo. “Me, you, chat. Drunneht, sir,” she turned her head over, “could you wait outside for a few minutes? Me and Occo have to discuss.”

He paused, only to nod and stand up. He was rather quick in leaving, saying only, “Tell me when you’re done,” before shutting the door behind him.

For Crown and Kriwe IV
Expansion post 4

Cosca ran her hands through her hair. “10,000, he wants. That’s…” she took a hand off of her head to count quickly before holding the result up and before Occo. “That’s a seventh — I think — of our army! He’s asking for a seventh!”

Occo shook his head with a sigh. “I can count, too. They tend to learn more than ‘the Positions’ back in Wensburgh.” He set his stump on his hip. “Given the Pāmeddei’s rampant expansionism among their own people, and given what Drunneht has told us, I would err to say somewhere between his two estimates would be best. However,” he continued with a raised finger, “given the Borcericans’ precedent for a desire of glory and power, I do not doubt he may be attempting to lie.”

“There’s no reason, though. His only neighbor is a part of the League and attacking them would be a violation of the Charter.” She glanced at the door and said slightly quieter, “And plus, I doubt his grandfather rubbed off on him — my grandpa wrote about him in his journals. Guy’s looking more impulsive than his grandpa, so a plan like this surely should’ve fell through.”

Occo raised his finger again, then let it falter, then let his hand fall. “Whatever decision you come to, I cannot stop.”

“I say we should give him… how’s 8,000 sound?”

“Sounds good.” Occo was light on his feet towards the door. He opened it and ushered Drunneht in, who walked in with as sure of a step as a minute ago.

“I’m surprised it was that quick,” he said with a chuckle which transitioned into a sigh.

“Drunneht, sir,” Cosca said as she straightened her back, “Uinncair would be willing to offer 8,000 well-bodied men to defend Borceric from a Pāmeddei attack. Is that adequate?”

A look of confusion overcame his face. “Really?” he asked. “That worked?” A smile came to replace his confusion. “Well, color me shocked — thank you, your grace.” After a low bow with his hand over his heart, Drunneht left. The door shut behind him.

“Your grace,” Occo said after a moment of silence, “if he uses those troops to attack the Pāmeddei first, I am boycotting tanistry.”

“Hey!”

***

The long table, and indeed Drunneht himself, were bathed in the darkness of the night. He couldn’t sleep, the thought of needing to write a letter for support from Celmuhb lingering in his mind alongside the thought of the Pāmeddei bum-rushing Borceric with thousands of cavalry and horse archers maintained from their nomadic days as brothers to the Sakeli.

He rubbed his face in relief. “Thank you, Custósi,” he whispered. “Thank you. The Faith may still hold out yet.”

It only took a few moments after giving Kuśtoszi his thanks that he felt his eyelids finally dropping. All it had taken was thanking Kuśtoszi for him to alleviate Drunneht from his trouble for the time being. Thus, when his head hit the table with a thud, it disturbed no one around — not even himself.

The Lu and Ren Expedition - Part I
Expansion Post

Lu Dan and Ren Kong walked cautiously through the camp of Tang Min which surrounded the final stRenhold of resistance to Tang rule in Taegong: Yongdi. The men that they passed were tired and many looked ill. Disease had ravaged the camp no less than five times over the course of the last three years, killing as many as ten-thousand men. To the north was encamped another army under Tang Jian and Tang Kai, Min’s two sons who had come from the west after their successful conquest of the Chu Clan.

The two men covered their mouths, the stench of unbathed soldiers singeing their nostrils. They approached the largest tent within the camp, one adorned with the mighty image of a golden dragon, and entered.

The smell inside was no better. Though the faint scent of incense hung in their air the unbathed odor of the 81 year old man sitting before them overpowered it. Lu Dan and Ren Kong bowed to Tang Min, the old man hardly acknowledging them as he poured over a map of the ancient Meng Dynasty.

“Rejoice, my brothers,” Tang Min said, his eyes glowing with greed as he touched the land to the east of his son’s recent acquisitions. “For a new empire is at hand.”

The two men glanced at one another. “Your Grace?” They asked.

“My armies have crushed the last pockets of resistance throughout the land of Taegong. Yongdi is the final bastion and it too will soon fall. With my armies soon to be free from their obligations in Taegong proper I think that it’s time to start looking elsewhere.” Tang Min motioned for them to come forward. “Come and see what I mean. Do you see this land here? Good. I intend to take it for my own.”

Lu Dan’s eyes grew wide with surprise. “But my lord! That land is half the size of the Confederacy! How do you expect to take it all?”

The old man waved his hand, brushing side Lu Dan’s concerns. “That is where the two of you come in. The Meng Dynasty once controlled this land here which means that part of the area that you will be going into already has ties to our people. This land here, beyond the crumbling East Wall, is mostly unexplored and presumably uninhabited. I want you two to organize a group of no more than fifty men to go and explore the region.”

Ren Kong grew excited, the idea of travelling to a new land made all the more appealing when Tang Min offered to make them the lords of the new land should they return. “It shall be done, my lord.”

Lu Dan grimaced at the thought. Though the two had made a name for themselves in their exploration of some of the old Meng Dynasty ruins and in searching for new flora and fauna among the oldest woods, he had no interest in the fame or fortune promised to him should he complete this task for Tang Min. Hiding his fear for the start of their journey, Lu Dan simply nodded his head and bowed.

The Lu and Ren Expedition - Part II
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“Isn’t this exciting?!” Exclaimed Ren Kong as he and Lu Dan led their expedition over the crumbling remains of the once mighty East Wall and into the unknown. The former of the two friends had been rather excited about their journey from the moment Tang Min assigned them to the task of exploring these unknown regions. The latter, however, was more than skeptical about what they would find.

Lu Dan’s nose was buried, as it usually was, in an ancient tome loaned to the pair by the Tang Clan leader for their trip. “Says here that the Meng Dynasty had built the East Wall to keep the Dongniu invaders out.” He shuddered before closing the book. “I don’t know about you, Kong, but this seems like suicide.”

His friend shook his head. “No, Lu Dan. You’re looking at this through the wrong angle. It’s all a matter of perspective and I am certain that our expedition will be for the good of the Confederacy.”

Dan fell silent. He knew better than to argue with Ren Kong when the man got it in his head that what they were doing was for the better of one thing or another. He gazed around at the landscape set before them. In every direction spread a vast plain devoid of any tree or hill. All was flat, covered in green grass turning golden brown for the coming harvest. He suspected that the land was not formed this way naturally, as the ancient Meng would have desired a flat landscape on which they could easily spot their foes. On the ground, scattered in between the innumerable blades of grass, was the occasional spear or arrow head rusted over with age. One of their men even found an old helmet of unknown make, the first of their discoveries on their great journey.

It had long been known that the fall of the Meng happened suddenly and violently as the dynasty fell into corruption following the death of Empress Dowager Ju Jingyi in 88 BCE. In 79 BCE, a year before the destruction of the empire, the Dongiu led a massive assault on the East Wall, no doubt the reason for the scattered weapons and armour found by the Lu and Ren Expedition. The assault was said to have been so large that it shook the earth as it approached the wall. The Meng defenders were valiant in their stand but were no match, and within a matter of hours the wall was breached. Thousands of barbarians stormed into Taegong, and it wouldn’t be until Tang Wen, Tang Min’s great-grandfather, defeated them at the Battle of Fengchang that the massive horde would be stopped and chased back across the wall. The barbarians haven’t been seen since.

“What if we took a boat and sailed to the end of the land?” Lu Dan asked. “That way we could say that we explored without actually doing it.”

Ren Kong shook his head. “Don’t be a coward, Lu Dan. We’ve been in far worse situations. In fact –“ The man was cut short when he noticed a lone rider astride a large brown stallion crest the hill two miles in front of them. For a moment no one moved. Then the rider raised his arm, turned, and rode back down the hill from whence he came.

The Lu and Ren Expedition - Part III
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It had been three weeks since the expedition had seen any sign of the rider that had visited them at the East Wall. Though many of the men were initially nervous, taking his appearance as an ill omen, most had forgotten the encounter altogether. Following the surprise visit, the expedition had made its way through the Sima Valley that separated the East Wall from the Yijin Forest and then through the forest to the newly dubbed Ping River. Along the way they discovered several new types of flowers and initiated experiments into the medicinal and mystical properties of each.

Ba Yun, the expedition’s mystic, was at the forefront of these discoveries when the group reached the Ping River. Using what he knew would work, he combined the new ingredients with the old – ensuring to use sparse amounts of the known ingredients in the event of an emergency – and began to test the effects on himself. To his delight, he found that the essence of a large red flower discovered in the lower basin of the Ping River Valley had the ability to reinvigorate you for some time. His new concoction was then ordered to be given to the men sent to scout ahead of the expedition so that they would have the necessary energy to come and go within the span of a day.

To his dismay, however, the essence of a purple flower whose center was as white as snow had the opposite effect. In fact, his various potions and elixirs promised to elongate one’s life nearly shortened his when he became gravely ill after consuming the flower outright. His illness delayed the party who were forced to establish a temporary wooden fort to the east of the river until he began to recover. It was here, among the brambles and bushes of an unknown land, that they had their first real encounter with outsiders.

“I don’t see why I should have to be the one to look after you.” Lu Dan said as he dabbed Ba Yun’s forehead with a cold wet cloth. “You were the one who poisoned yourself, after all.”

“All in the name of medicine.” Ba Yun whispered, his eyes closed and his body drenched in sweat. “We have to know what is useful and what is deadly in this new land.”

Lu Dan grimaced, mocking the man’s noble endeavor. He cared little for the likes of Ba Yun, and desired for there to be a day when mystics and magicians simply cast themselves away via spell or potion. He believed not at all in the power of magic or faith. “The next time you decide to eat something make sure it’s bright as day. I’ve heard that the brighter something is the more deadly it can be.”

Ba Yun opened his eyes, scowling at Lu Dan who appeared quite proud of himself for telling the magician to eat something more poisonous next time. “You –“

Shouts from outside silenced the both of them. Lu Dan got up and rushed to the door of their tent, cautiously poking his head out of the flap. The camp was in complete disarray as the men scrambled to find their weapons. “What’s going on?” He asked one of them.

“Twenty armed men are at the gate.” The man gasped. “They’re threatening violence if we don’t leave now!”

The Lu and Ren Expedition - Part IV
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The two leaders of the expedition hastily met at the center of the fort, each man attempting to appear calm before their panicked men. They quickly put together a plan in order to save the expedition should things take a turn for the worst before rushing to the gate to meet their new foes.

As they reached the gate many of their men fell back to the rear, packing up only the supplies that they absolutely could not live without as they traversed the wilderness. Others still worked to open up a whole in the southern wall, creating an opening large enough for the double-humped Tingxun Camels that they had brought with them to pass through. Even Ba Yun, sick though he was, was stirred from his rest and hoisted over the back of a camel as they made their escape.

“Hello there!” Called out Ren Kong to the newcomers. He was clutching a short-sword given to him by his father before they departed. Kong had pressed his body up against the gate, hoping that his own body would be enough to keep it in place should the unknown people attempt to breach it.

Lu Dan gave his friend a quizzical look “Hello there?” He whispered to him. “Are you intending to treat them to tea or something? They could be here to kill us!”

“I know, now keep your voice down.” He peeked through a gap in the palisade wall encircling their makeshift fort. The newcomers were still on their horses, each man staring at the fort as though it were an irritating obstacle in their path. “Do you speak our language?” He called out.

The men glanced at each other, their horses shifting beneath them. “They speak an odd language,” said a large warrior towards the front of the group. “It sounds like the language of those pesky monks in the Dongguo Monastery farther east.”

Another man who sat near the rear of their pack spoke up. His slender figure and snakish features unnerved Ren Kong who still stared at them through the hole in the wall. “It does. You don’t think that the Tailong has awoken once again have you?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” The first warrior said. “Tailong will never wake again.”

“What are they saying?” Lu Dan asked his friend as the warriors continued to talk among themselves. His voice was laced with panic as he watched the last of their men slip through the hole in the back of the fort.

“I don’t know, but we have to hurry. Come quickly, Lu Dan, we must make our escape while they’re busy trying to figure out who we are. That’s it. Come on!” The two men ran off into the night as the band of warriors finally decided that they would raid the fort, only realizing that no one was there. Enraged, the leader of the group shouted his revenge into the night as Dan and Kong ushered their weary men through the forest and deeper into the unknown.

The Lu and Ren Expedition - Part V
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To the great horror of the expedition, Ba Yun would die of his illness some days later as they lay encamped by the sea. Ba Yun’s death only compounded their misery as they were weary and lost as well. Most of what they were using to guide them through the wilderness was lost when their makeshift fort by the Ping River was raided and destroyed by the barbarians. While the scouts had gone back to see if they could salvage anything their trips to the base yielded little in the way of hope.

Ren Kong sat by the still warm body of Ba Yun, certain that if the raiders had not attacked then they would have been able to heal their magician. Gazing out across the sea, he found himself regretting this journey altogether. Lu Dan was right, he thought to himself, this land was truly a land of death and misery.

He was about to tell his men to start packing for the return journey when a bird the color of scarlet appeared in the sky. Trailing it, nearly engulfing it, was a thin veil of flame as it flew overhead towards a piece of land just off the coast. “Fengdi zaici jueqi[1],” he said to himself. He rose, his eyes locked on the bird. “Fengdi zaici jueqi!” He called out above the sound of crashing waves.

His men turned their gazes towards the bird, many uttering “Feng”[2] when they saw it. Within an instant, the mood of the camp shifted from one of defeat to one of elation and hope. Some began to cheer while others, overwhelmed with gladness, collapsed where they were and began to sob. Ren Kong’s eyes followed the bird to its destination. In the distance, on the land across the sea, was the tip of a brown tower that rose out of the dark trees that surrounded it.

“There,” he said to Dan who had come up beside him. “We will travel there.”

“And just what is over there?” He asked his old friend.

“Renewal.”

The expedition began their journey further east with renewed hope and vigor in the assignment given to them by Tang Min. Though they were without anyone who could heal their sick, the group travelled dutifully along the coast until they came to a narrow isthmus just wide enough for three camels to walk across abreast. At the far end of the isthmus was yet another untamed land, but this one appeared to have once known civilization.

“Did the Meng Dynasty own land this far out?” Ren Kong asked his Lu Dan. “I didn’t think that they ever went beyond the East Wall.”

Lu Dan stared at the ruins of an ancient stone gate that guarded the entrance to the land beyond it. “It’s possible that they did at one point, but there is no record of it.”

The expedition stopped at the foot of the ruined gate, any marking indicating its former owner long since eroded away by the sea. Then, as though a lonely cloud inching its way across the sky, the group entered into the land thought to be safer than the territory they now left behind.

_______________________________________________________________

[1] Fengdi zaici jueqi – “The Phoenix Emperor rises again.”
[2] Feng – Phoenix

The Lu and Ren Expedition - Part VI
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Ren Kong fell face down before a man introduced to him only as the Grand Celestial. The man, or rather the child, was clothed in a red robe with an orange sash wrapping itself around his waist before climbing over his left shoulder. His right arm was exposed, decorated with a series of tattoos depicting the life cycle of phoenix. The boy remained stoic as Ren Kong began to ask for help from the leader of this far-flung order.

“You will have your aid,” the boy said flatly. “Only after you depart from my domain.”

Lu Dan, who was in no way impressed with the child, clenched his teeth. “How do we know that we can trust you? For all we know we’ll leave, and you’ll send us nothing.”

“You dare to question the Grand Celestial?” Barked one of the boy’s attendants, a man who was far, far older than the so-called leader of this forgotten temple. “The Grand Celestial is incapable of lying. He speaks only the truth as he channels the very truth of the Xiazhai De Daolu itself!”

The Grand Celestial raised his hand, silencing the man. “My monks will see you out. Wait on the other side of the shore and your aid will come by nightfall.”

Ren Kong was scooped up by two monks, dragging him out of the presence of their master. The expedition was escorted out of the temple towards the coast of the mainland where they were left to set up camp once more.

“What a load of nonsense,” said Lu Dan as he spoke to Ren Kong about the events that just unfolded. “I think that they’re liars. No one has sailed this far east since the Meng. There is no way that their order could have survived way out here.

“Why not?” Ren Kong asked, his eyes glued to the top of the pagoda standing vigil over the land it dominated. “They have men and women there. Sure, most are holy men and women, but such is the case with most of the early Taean colonies, no?”

Lu Dan scoffed. “Not really. This is a rarity.” The two men fell silent, each one trying to figure out how the temple city was founded let alone survived this far from the rest of Taegong for so long. But their quiet contemplations would be cut short when seven monks bearing the promised aid appeared on the other side of the isthmus.

“Looks like the boy isn’t a liar after all.” Remarked Ren Kong, standing to receive the holy men. Lu Dan, however, remained seated.

“Greetings travelers,” said one of the monks. “The Grand Celestial is most delighted to help you in any way that he can. Please, take this food and medicine as a token of his good will.” He gestured to the three crates carried by the other six monks. “He wishes that he could help you more, but we need everything that we have for our own journey west.”

“West?” Asked Ren Kong. “Why would you need to travel west?”

“The golden feng has appeared in the sky. Soon the Grand Celestial will be needed to appoint the one whom Di pleases to the Rooster Seat.” From behind him appeared a large ship decorated with gold and red paint. On its bow was the carved image of a rooster’s head.

“The Rooster Seat?!” Exclaimed Lu Dan. “You mean…”

The monk smiled, following the gazes of the men on the shore. “We must go. Be brave, young warriors.”

“It can’t be,” said Lu Dan once the monks had disappeared. “The Rooster Seat’s been empty for over 200 years!”

“If it’s soon to be filled then we’ll need to get back home and fast.” Ren Kong picked up his pack, hoisting it over his shoulder as he started to walk north. “Come on. It’s too dangerous to stay here after dark and we won’t be able to head back the way we came. We’ll travel north and go home by hugging the feet of the Zhanghai Mountains. We’ll know we’re almost home when we see the ruins of the East Wall once more.”

For Crown and Kriwe V
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Drunneht stared at the Pāmeddeic representative, Strangs, standing at his table. “Sir,” he said simply, with only the falsest pretense of respect, “why are you here again? You already know my answer.”

Strangs still stood with his back as straight as a rod. “Well, kin of Drunneht,” he started, “my king requires that you bow to his will. He has been peaceful enough but he has now grown tired of your refusal. You know very well that Pāmeddeic—”

“Let me stop you right there,” Drunneht said with his hand up. “You know very well what his plans are. The Amber Road was operating well until Mindaugs got his hands on the Brūsei, then it all dried up as all those dialects we’d hear became the same. I know his plans for Borceric and I’d appreciate if you two shoved them up your—”

Strangs raised his hand, silencing Drunneht. “King Madrunnehti, I implore you to take the offer. Any indication towards the contrary would be total suicide for your kingdom—”

“—Ahah!” Drunneht exclaimed. “There you go. How hard was it to finally come clean?”

Strangs blinked, scowled, and shook his head. “Very well,” he said. He turned his head and yelled something in Pāmeddeic Brūseic before turning his head back. A servant walked in with a… plate and a rather tall plate cover measuring nearly a foot height. A rather disgusting smell seeped from under it. Strangs angled his head upwards, his chin facing above Drunneht, and nodded his head to the servant with a single word. The servant pulled the plate cover off.

It was a human head.

Drunneht flinched backwards, his chair scraping the floor loudly. “What on God’s green Earth—”

“I am glad your partner-in-crime finally came forward, as well,” Strangs said. “Dear Widewuto was caught collaborating with your kind and he has found his head offered to you. As a gesture of friendship, and hopefully one of new beginnings. Visvalds is willing to forgive if you are willing to surrender.”

The head was pale until its neck, which was purplish-red. It evidently had been cauterized or else livor mortis wouldn’t have occurred. The smell itself was ghastly and made Drunneht want to vomit. Strangs and the Brūseic servant, meanwhile, kept their heads high.

“So, Drunneht,” Strangs said after letting the sight soak in, “what will it be?”

“G-get out.”

“Hm?”

Drunneht yelled, “Guards! Get these bastarts out of my broch this damned instant!”

Strangs didn’t even nod as he was grabbed by his bicep and pulled away. The servant evidently didn’t need to be told twice as he scampered away in nearly an instant.

Drunneht stared at the head. At least it wasn’t Bernameirs— No, that was the wrong way to look at it. A likely-innocent man died and had his head served on a platter to strike a message. Was he in the wrong place at the wrong time, or could it have been a decoy operation by Bernameirs? He couldn’t tear his eyes away from the sight, couldn’t—

His head jerked to the side as he retched.

For Crown and Kriwe VI
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Bernameirs ran his hand from the top of his head down the back of his neck. There was one less Mindaugas now than there was just two weeks ago. It had to be done, though. The operation was going along well enough and he just had to get some more info before skipping town back to Borceric. Bernameirs let his hand rest on the window sill, his eyes staring aimlessly into the streets below.

“His face was beyond pale, your grace,” Strangs said behind him.

A light chuckle came from Visvalds. “Really? Did he like his informant’s head on a platter? If he wants, I could serve his head on a platter for his son.”

“Now, now, your majesty,” Strangs said, “a proper wait for your levies is the best course of action.”

They continued talking amongst themselves as Bernameirs continued to stare out at the streets. He didn’t know if it was worth it. He could’ve tried to lie to himself and tell himself it was to save the greater Brūsei people and their homeland, but it felt wrong to try and do that. It felt wrong to even consider it as anything other than betraying his blood. Though, did he truly have familial honor left? He was already conspiring behind the Mindaugas family’s back.

“—ey Bernameirs!” Visvalds yelled.

Bernameirs turned his head. “Huh?”

“What do you say?”

“...say to what?” He didn’t let even a moment sit between his words before adding, “I don’t know — I was focusing on a shady figure I thought I saw down in the street.”

Visvalds facepalmed and heaved a heavy sigh. “Alright, I’ll give you the gist: The Illirosoi down to our south are still doing their Illirosoi things. What do you think of getting them to assist us in taking Borceric’s possessions in Darenn?”

Bernameirs gave the thought a moment. “Well… I think it could work. Their horsemen can travel twice as fast as us in the same amount of time, so having them not only on the Darenn front but also on the main front would be beneficial for the invasion.”

“Right then. Strangs, get—”

“No,” Bernameirs cut in, “I’ll do it. I’ll argue them into agreement.”

Visvalds stared at him. After several long seconds, he clucked his tongue. “Alright. Make well or it’s your arse, got it?”

“Yeah.”

Bernameirs turned his body fully away from the window and began walking towards the door.

“Bernameirs,” said Strangs from behind him. “What did the man look like? I will personally look for him.”

Bernameirs stopped dead in his tracks. “He, uh… he was quick around, so I didn’t get a good look at him, but I think he was… tall, blonde-haired, and in a longcoat.” Alongside his description was a strong desire, and an acting upon it, to not look back at Strangs.

“Very well. Continue then.”

Bernameirs was quicker in his escape for the door after that, clearing the several feet and shutting the door behind him within the span of only a few seconds. His footsteps were loud as he escaped the building himself and made his way for the stables. He had to get to the Illirosoi — and fast.

OOC:

125-126CE Update Complete.

Shimmering Subjugations
Tore Zam Expansion Post #2
Tore Zam, the general understanding of the island nation is that 6 tribes with origins theorized to have some connection to the neighboring nation of Uinnrenn. These have been noted in design styles, culture, as well as linguistics. However, the island of Taihei still possesses several tribes who are more Polarean in origin. These differences have made the idea of expansionism a hotly contested one which is made worse by differences in different polarean groups. While some may be more accepting the others reacted violently to the existence of these. With the rise of the new chieftain Elyta, a new focus has been given to the unification of Taihei under Tore Zamic rule.

The rain currently in the region was uncharacteristically strong, making any attempt to walk forward feel like one was one mistep away from sinking into the water muddy ground below. Nevertheless, they marched on. The winds would pass through, pushing them all around. Nevertheless, they marched on. The Tore Zamots marching through these terrible conditions were a ragtag mix of soldiers and diplomats. Whether it would be through cooperation or coercion, they would claim a new piece of land. Arriving at their destination there was a group of people mostly free of rain in a… Forest? No, it was all a large structure which gave the appearance of a forest. Within however, it was revealed to be much more complex than meets the eye. Chandeliers, multiple halls and rooms, nicely dressed individuals discussing all sorts of matters.. When the men entered, all the chatter going on in the background ceased. Their face paintings giving them away as Tore Zamots. Immediately the Area was evacuated out, some taking a look at the men who so suddenly entered their home. The youngest ones primarily had looks of curiosity, presumed parents had one of fear, and the eldest ones had visible disgust on their faces. Eventually the only one Native Polarean was left, a stern looking man who appeared to be the leader. The group of men looked at one another before forming a circle to discuss, eventually letting one diplomat go forward.

The diplomat awkwardly sat down across a table from the leader, who stared directly at him. A period of silence ensued, a minute, two, five. Until the words finally came out from the leader’s mouth.

“Do you intend to state your business on our land”

“Ah, but can the land truly belong to someone, it is a being as much as you-”

“Enough with the spiritual blabber, your people have been trying to nab this land for generations now and I know damn well that’s your intent now, isn’t it?”

“...Well you must understand that it would allow the island to finally be at peace. The bloodshed, hatred, wouldn’t you want it all to come to an easy end?”

“Get out.”

“But surely-”

“Get out now. Sending a silver tongued man such as yourself to manipulate me into doing the one thing our people have sworn to never do,”

The diplomat frowned, getting in closer to whisper in the ears of the Native Polarean leader, the more he spoke the wider the eyes of the leader grew. The horror on his face evident to the confused onlookers, “As you can see, the woman sending us does not have much mercy”

The proud leader of the Native Polareans, was reduced to a crumbling shell of the man he was a moment ago, “That woman… that devil has no regard for human life.”

The diplomat avoided the eyes of the man, pulling out a contract for the man to sign, “I’ll be the one to ensure your people stay fine, you just need to sign…”

The water remained blue for the night.

Prismea and The venusians

Open the Country. Stop Having It Be Closed.
Trade copost with Uinnrenn

<Dialogue in Uinnlantish>
{Dialogue in Polarean}

The day was overcast, clouds above heavy with rain. The streets were bustling and markets were filled with goods and people. The smell of various foreign spices wafted into the street and drew men and women to their sources. And despite that, Neitenn map Uinnbronn was pushing his way through the crowd further towards Uinncair's broch. Clutched in his non-dominant hand was a rolled-up leather. Even though Voltanese parchments had entered the League, the Uinnlant had maintained their tradition of painting ogham upon tanned leathers.

He came to the broch's entrance and slid through. The first face he saw was that of 52-year old Occo Ónnismarci, pedsagiad to King Drost. No words were exchanged, for at the end of the letter was Occo's name. He turned around and went up the stairs, followed closely by Neitenn.

"<It is a pleasure to meet you,>" said King Drost as Occo and Neitenn entered the room. "<Your father taught you himself, didn’t he?>" he asked.

Neitenn nodded with a cocked eyebrow. “<And why am I here?>”

"<Occo didn't write the reason for the summons?>" asked Drost. Neitenn shook his head. Drost shook his as well as an aside before continuing. "<Well, word says the Polareanization attempts on Taihai had a few holes; a tribe’s living and about.>”

"<The hatsugenate hasn't ran 'em in yet?>"

Occo shook his head. "<Surprisingly, not yet. Are you up for the job?>"

"<I read Mailgun's accounts of the Idhonril. That investment was a waste. How do we know this particular tribe won't be the same?>”

"<We don't.>"

Occo butted in with, "<Investing early can bear great fruits, map Uinnbronn. Such had been the case with the Okimosi. Should these Taihaiese tribals last, we may gain the most by virtue of being the first known to contact them.>"

"<Aye,>"— Drost pointed toward Occo —"<what he said.>"

It took a few seconds, but Neitenn sighed. "<Very well. I'll head out.>"

And head out, he did. It had been a week, including the time taken to collect the sailors, ships, and soldiers. A galley was at the helm of the formation, upon which were Neitenn and twenty-five well-trained and -equipped spearmen. Behind the galley were five triremes manned by a hundred troops each. This was a precaution; the tribals could have been hostile. That possibility was on the minds of each man brought along for the journey as the ships drew within a few kilometers of shore.

***

The ports of Tore Zam were undergoing a standard day, after revealing themselves the Tore Zamic ships had been regularly doing runs around the island of Taihei within the past year. Occasionally they’d drop on an isle to scout out the land or see who else is nearby. But this afternoon bore results different from the norm. The port soon became a scramble for an entire hour, while the nose could enjoy the sea air the eyes and ears would be besieged by the bodies rushing about and shouting. After an hour, the leader of the station came to the decision to report this to the current leader, Chief Cultes.

“Chieftain, we have caught note of outsiders for the first time today, we come to you to ask, what do we do?” asked the station leader.

Shifting on his throne Cultest leaned forward, “What is your name sir?”

The station leader, taken aback, responded, “I am Fisrac, son of Sedlac,” looking up at the chief Fisrac waited in anxiety.

Smiling Cultes got up to pick a tome, an old and worn looking one at that, flipping through pages until looking up and staring down the station leader.“Well Fisrac, what do you think?”

Following a period of silence, Fisrac gulped and opened his mouth, “why do you ask me this?”

“Tradition states I take into account word of people, so I want you to help as these are the first outsiders we have seen in ages”

Following a period of silence, Fisrac opened up, “They have ships, large ones, combat with them is ill advised. If I may, we would stand to gain from a larger ally.”

Walking up to Fisrac, the chief put his hand on Fisrac’s shoulder, “An interesting choice. Come with me, I want you with me for this big event.”

The two left the chief’s home and set off with a few soldiers and two other chiefs that were able to make the trip on short notice and arrived at the original port to the discovery of a large ship.

***

Even though it should have been on his mind, Neitenn hadn’t thought of what language he’d need to speak to the tribals. Polarean and Voltanese were likely the best to use, but he didn’t know if they’d understand Voltanese; Polarean had a better chance by virtue of being the closest known, civilized population.

Neitenn mumbled his Polarean introduction under his breath. He really had to brush up on it, but so far his Polarean would suffice. A deep breath led its way into another repetition, and then another, until the door into the cabin clicked open.

“<Cledhbiad, sir?>” asked the deckhand that had peeked his head through the crack in the door. “<We’re approaching shore. You oughta come out.>”

Neitenn nodded. “I’ll be out in a moment.”

The deckhand retracted his head and shut the door.

Neitenn leaned back in his chair for a few seconds, his Polarean narrowly escaping him before he rose. He grabbed the sheathed dagger and hooked the sheath on his belt, going inward such that it was largely hidden, as he came to the door. He opened the door as he took a drab-colored tam o’ shanter off a small stand, putting it on upon his head as he walked through the door. What greeted his eyes was a port directly ahead of the galley.

He peered over the edge of the ship and behind the cabin, finding that the five triremes assigned to the galley had stayed with them. He breathed a sigh of relief, turning his gaze to the port. He made a short. “Eicú!”[1] His twenty-five spearmen got in a neat formation on the bow of the ship. If he had to admit, the number of spearmen assigned to serve as security detail was a bit extreme.

“<Lads,>” he addressed them as he came to their front, “<we’re landing on now-unknown turf. We oughta be careful with what we do and say. Be aware of them and what they do, but don’t be too quick to fight; we can’t risk souring relations with them if they turn out to be friendly. Understood?>”

Ai!”[2] called the spearmen.

Neitenn nodded. “<Good.>” He made a sharp turn and began walking down the gangplank. Behind him, the spearmen followed in single-file before fanning out back into formation. With Neitenn at the helm, the formation moved formalized and kept still. Neitenn expected for their hosts to arrive soon, and once they did he would give them his Polarean introduction.

***

Arriving at the shore the 3 chiefs took a look at the Uinnlantish ship and amongst themselves, all three of them had their own questions on what to do. Chieftains Cultes, Silta, and Dysta were furiously debating the course of action to take with Fisrac silently observing.

“I feel that it is in our best interest that I take the lead on this one,” Cultes said, “I am most aware of our history and culture, it would be in our best interest. Besides,”He then pointed his finger and the Uinnlantish ship and back to an old book he had brought with him, “look at those ships, I’ve seen somewhat similar designs in them in some old artifacts, it is completely necessary I lead this”

“Or,” Silta responded “I handle this because unlike you I actually know about modern Tore Zamic society,” grabbing Cultes’ book and tossing it over her back. “We used to kill each other in the night and give up offspring regularly. The ONLY thing holding us back from collapsing is a temporary treaty and even that doesn’t stop some smaller groups from having skirmishes. We need to take steps forward.

Patiently waiting was the most recently put in place chief, Dysta. “You both DO realize that if it weren’t for the suggestion of my father, this situation wouldn’t happen. Now if you excuse me I feel it’s best that I handle it, we can keep both the past and future in mind.” Grumbling in agreement the other two let him through, Dysta walked out waiting for the Uinnlant, {Greetings Strangers, I hope the day finds you well}

Neitenn breathed a sigh of relief. "<Oh, Dunna's blessed us today.>" He bowed with his hand over his heart. "{A pleasure to meet your people.}" He rose. "{I hope the day finds you well, in turn. The Kingdom of Uinncair had heard of a people here. As its representative, I would love to learn about your people and what makes them tick. Hopefully in turn I will be able to tell you the same of the Uinnlant, my own people.}"

Dysta gave a look at the other two chiefs before turning back to reply, “{Ah, well I am Dysta one of the six primary chiefs of Tore Zam, and so are these two,}” he said gesturing to the Cultes and Silta, “{Of course we would get you acquainted with all six of us but one of us is enjoying a hunting trip and another two are currently handling a conflict in the west. We have spent a larger part of the past era warring amongst one another, and scars still remain here. We would love to offer you one of our history books on your trip home. Regardless, the presence of an outsider is interesting. We speak the same words, although your accent is an odd one, who are you all?}”

"{Accent? Well, er…}" Neitenn paused. "<How do I say…> {I hail from a nation known as Uinncair. It is a member of a League to the north of here named the League of Uinnrenn. Perhaps my Polarean is colored by my native language.}" He looked toward the other two and bowed with his hand over his heart. Upon his rise, he said, "{A pleasure to meet you two, your graces.}"

The two nodded back at him before Dysta spoke again, “{Could we interest you in anything before you make your leave? A book, some mushrooms, a bride, maybe a tour of the land? We wish to provide what you need, within reason of course.}”

Neitenn raised a brow at the bride portion of that statement though he quickly ousted it from his mind. “{I, and the League, appreciate the gesture. However, as per my purpose here, I must request a meeting with you all with the idea of diplomacy and trade in mind. Would your graces be willing for such?}” he asked.

Dysta grinned at the proposal, “{Well, on behalf of all of the Tore Zamic Tribes, I would say that is without a doubt a reasonable offer, do come again fair ones}

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————

[1] - a Uinnlantish interjection which calls attention to a specific location.
[2] - a Uinnlantish interjection which can be translated simply to “yes, aye”

Shimmering Subjugations

Tore Zam Expansion Post #3

The news has spread throughout the land that a long stubborn group of Native Polareans have officially signed an accords, making them to be Tore Zamic. Under it there is still a great amount of autonomy provided. Priests and government officials alike are at work giving out new names and partially assimilating the peoples. The new tribe being dubbed Iwari stripped their former leader, Lazal, of his position due to him submitting so easily. However, rumors persist about the alternative to joining Tore Zam, they are quickly shot down by any who vocalize these questions. Some occasionally going missing for extended periods before returning almost entirely different people. Currently, Chief Elyta has set her sights on the west, this time moving there herself.

The sky was clear, in contrast with the last time Tore Zamots had set out to gain land for themselves. The birds of the land were chirping as the people marched on, one figure endowed in gold face paintings and a purple cape. They had marched on for miles, slowly tracking a few stains in their clothing. The occasional burn and droplets of red. Arriving at their destination, they came across a makeshift fortress. The purple caped individual banged on the front doors, demanding for a leader to come forth. Eventually, 2 severely injured guards opened up the doors, letting in the one with the purple cape. The fortress was at it’s limit, being filled to the brim with elderly people, mothers, and children. Immediately, the caped one went over to a frail-looking old man.

“This is the sixth time I have had to trek a long distance in order to get to you, and here you sit, hiding behind the refugees you helped make. You are nothing but a coward in every sense of the word”

“Refugees I made? Is that so? You came barging into our land with ridiculous requests and you’re going to claim this is my fault? I had peaceful relations with the previous chief-”

“I do not care in the slightest how things were for you and the previous chieftains, you are interrupting the innate duty of Tore Zam to be the sole leaders of this island and if you do not surrender immediately I will not hesitate to destroy this structure and everyone within.”

The old man sighed, “You are an interesting one Elyta Sada, nothing like your predecessors. Let us go up to the roof, if I am to relinquish being my own sovereign nation, I want to do it in the light of the sun.”

Elyta obliged, walking up the stairs onto the roof with a priest at the standby, “Here are the terms of annexation, just sign and we don’t have to play this ridiculous game of cat and mouse…”

At the ready were troops for both sides, with bows aimed at the opposing leaders respectively, “I’m impressed youngster, you have by force defeated my troops at various locations, much more fun to play with really.”

Elyta grabbed the old man by the collar, fury in her eyes, “What are you playing at old man?”

The man shrugged, “I have nothing to do really, I would quite enjoy a change of pace, now before you commit more war crimes against my people, I’d like to join Tore Zam, I did enjoy the glories of being a rising power” the man trailed off with a nostalgic look in his eyes.

Elyta dropped the old man, slumping in the chair provided, “Just sign the damn papers and our priest will set you up”

The priest in question muttered a few phrases under his breath, placing a hand on the old man’s head and looked at a scroll he had. “Congratulations sir, you are now Iyanra of the tribe Yanaeya”

Elyta traveled home, having accomplished what she set out to do, but at what cost? She had murdered, burnt, pillaged, and sacrificed who knows how many soldiers, all to take down a a senile old man. She gathered ash from one of the villages she burnt on her way and placed it in a container, she may not be a child anymore but she still remained fresh in the ways of leadership.

The venusians

Freedom
Expansion Post

It is done, after years of hard work Gisilfrid is finally free. He may not be in his native homeland anymore, but atleast he has friends, made from prisoners and slaves alike. Settling in the southern area of the colony a new life of freedom begins, a new life separated from his old life back in mainland Venusia. It is hard to build a village in the desert, but after the work done in factual slavery, this isn't really something he and the others are not accustomed to. This settlement which is build is a rather unique one.

Normally the Publectians and Venusians, if they even live in the same settlement, live separated from each other in their own parts, only meeting on the marketplace or the entrance of the settlement. But as the Venusians in this settlement were former enslaved prisoners and the Publectians were former slaves, over all these years a kind of new community has been build between them. The venusian prisoners got more advantages as the publectian slaves, but free were none of them, until now. To survive the life of being enslaved, not only physically but mentally, the Venusians and Publectians needed to work together. This unity between the people didn't stop when they were, after years of hard work, finally freed and allowed to pursue their own destiny.

Only very few of the former enslaved ones, decided to return back to the mainland. Mainly because of the reason that many don't have enough to pay for a travel back to the mainland. Some Venusians don't go back out of fear for being shunned by society as former criminals and some Publectians don't go back out of fear of being treated unequal, compared to the colonies where the work and help of every free man is appreciated.

Now that Gisilfrid is free, he can begin his life anew. He already constructed his house and his farm outside of it. Just like the life he lived as a child and a teen before he began sinking into crime. Was it his fault that his family was poor? Was it his fault his parents were killed in one of the dead man Alaric's Campaign before he could grow up to an adult? No, no it wasn't. He felt as if criminality was forced upon him.

But atleast, even thought forced into it, it was his own choice. Different to the Publectians, whose crime was only to fight for their country. They only did their duty for which they were punished. Should they have been cowards and not fight at all? That the Publectians were enslaved is is not only the fault of the old king Alaric, but also of the current queen Adelina. It's an open secret that she want to change Venusia into a “better version”. But why didn't she forbid that Publectians who did their job to defend their land become slaves? Was it fine for her to punish other people for something the Venusians themselve value alot? Punished with the loss of freedom for honor and loyalty. Was it fine for her that way?
But nonetheless life goes on, the men here are free and didn't she implemented the rule to become free as a slave or prisoner after all?

Did she take or gave freedom?

Expansion Post: Integration V

The life of a knight was not easy, but Silas had been born a winner in life and did not worry about petty issues like financing for his equipment. There were many wandering knights who had no money to buy equipment and who were always doing odd jobs to earn their daily living, most of whom were not regarded very well by the nobles and members of royalty.
Since Silas was the son of Count Muller, he had already secured his knighthood when he went from being a squire to a knight, the Uruzak did not suffer from a lack of wealth.

Naturally Silas did favors for less wealthy knights to gain their loyalty and make friendly relations, over the years he had befriended talented squires with Hisari named Araki and a low nobleman from Jindur named Mathias. Unfortunately after the incident at Tokhae Mathias died and Silas along with Araki were assigned to a group of knights charged with dealing with pirates on the coast, Silas became second in command to a nobleman named Rutherford who led the Markarz, although the nobleman was a coward he managed to accomplish his mission with the help of Araki's intelligence and Silas' encouragement.

They lured a large force of pirates inland and ambushed them leaving no survivors, Silas killed the leader of the group, the son of a Pirate King who was ravaging the Sea of Shadows, and all three received rewards for their services.

Rutheford married a daughter of the Duke of Sovenburgh and Araki along with Silas managed to enter the Royal Guard, Silas became squire to the commander of the Royal Guard and Araki became squire to Silas' father who arranged for Silas not to suffer prejudice from his fellow Kashanites.
As it turned out, most of the members of the guard were assigned to assist in fighting the pirates that were ravaging the Shadow Sea and most of its members traveled to the Hakadian Islands, experience that would not be lacking for their squires in the future.

After a few months of being part of the prestigious order of knights, Silas received a mission from the commander of the order, apparently Hisari emissaries were coming to Heglax and he was to make arrangements to ensure their safety.

Silas asked Araki for advice and Araki told him to hire a warrior named Ard to accompany the Hisari to the capital.

Even so he had a duty to welcome them and introduce them to Orkaz Hartmut and the Crown officials, so he put on his ceremonial armor that bore the emblem of House Horkheimer and prepared himself for the arrival of the Hisaris.

Fortunately Ard did his job well and guided the Hisaris to one of Heglax's taverns called The Wooly. There Silas was waiting for them and the two sides would not have a pleasant surprise at the reception, there two old enemies recognized each other without delay and swords were drawn.

Noi Venusia
Expansion Post

On Adelina's desk were papers. These papers contain reports of Noi Venusia, the colony on the western peninsula. The results are very favorable. The whole peninsula is now in venusian control. The native cities either joined voluntarily or were already abandoned before we arrived. Also the whole of the peninsula seems to speak venusian now, new villages begin to grow and old villages become towns and cities now, especially the city of Orkenspitz.

But not everything is great in the colony, as the migration of former venusian criminals and publectian slaves to the colony has caused quite some unrest. But despite that, the future of a prospering "Noi Venusia" seems to be secured.

Not only because more Venusians travel to this place to settle there, but also because the rumors of the existence of the "Jinn-Empire", also called Fodotang, seem to have been proven right. They seem to have problems with rebels at the moment, but once this so called empire stabilizes it would be a good trade partner.

Noi Venusia looks like a great success, despite all critics, the queen of Venusia seems to have been right about this project being a profit bringing one in the future.
Adelina remembers before she even took control of Venusia, she remembers when she feared to fail, when she feared to disappoint her country, to ruin her country. But that fears are fully gone now. And the success of this colony, of Noi Venusia proves this. What else could be achieved? Only the future knows what the Gods still plan to do with her and her country.

~~

Gervais is sitting in a tavern in Alaricstedt, coming home from Noi Venusia as he visited the different parts of the Kingdom, when he waited for another offer from the queen to do something. All these years he was since Adelina's rise he was sent to the different parts of the Kingdom to negotiate with the different minor leaders there to adopt something Adelina called “the provincial system”, which plans to reorganize the kingdom into something similar to the provinces of old Publectia. He doesn't like the publectian influence, but if it keeps the kingdom safe and allows Gervais to be paid, while doing something he likes, to travel, he didn't complain.

Zelig comes into the tavern greeting the diplomat.

Gervais: “Aren't you a nobleman? What are you doing in a commoners tavern?”

Zelig: “I may have married the queen, but I was still born as a common Venusian. And if I want to drink like a commoner I'll do it. My wife is powerful, but not powerful enough to stop me from this.

Gervais: “I'm pretty sure you aren't here just to experience your old life again.”

Zelig: “You know the rumors about this “Jinn-Empire” ?”

Gervais: “Everyone who just went once into Noi Venusia knows these, why?”

Zelig: “It seems to be true, the Jinn-Empire seems to truly exist according to merchants.”

Gervais: “Do you think that they could be useful for us?”

Zelig: “I don't know much about these topics, but they definitively could be good trade partners. And if Adelina thinks it can win something for Venusia, you will most likely be sent there. As you like traveling I thought I'll tell you beforehand.”

Gervais: “Thanks my friend.”

Zelig: “Just one thing thought, they seem to have strange traditions, even stranger than the Prismeans if the rumors are true, so just that you're prepared.”

Gervais: "You don't need to tell me that my friend...

...a diplomat should always be prepared!”

OOC:

126-127CE Update Complete.

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