NationStates Jolt Archive

The heavy iron doors swung closed in the temples, as the priests debated on a course of action. All over the Empire temples were reporting of the increasing number of people praying for food. It was indeed certain that a national crisis was underway, farms had reached their maximum yield, and the population only continued to grow.

The greenhouses were no longer a viable option, they covered most of the land, land that was now needed for homes. While far in the highlands clans were preparing to take what they wanted by force no matter the Ones will.

High Temple – London

As the Lords were seated around their iron table the fires crackled and burned. All six Lords were present, each one represented the major cities and their outlying areas. At the head of the table sat The Chancellor and Lord of London Cleric Baralis. His black woollen robes fell to the floor while his slender pale skin showed intellect and cunning. “Sirs, please be seated and hush for only a mere moment.” A small mumble rose from the other five lords as they were forced to do Baralis’s bidding. “As you all are now aware we now face our greatest challenge since the Barbarians were driven from our shores. I will say it plainly sirs. We are running out of food. Our population is growing and the peasants are angering.”

A Large man Lord Saru stood up from his table. “We are always running out of food.” He boomed. “The winters are always the coldest, and the mobs are always hungry. How do we know we are running out of food?”

A small mumble of agreement came from the other clerics.

“Lord Saru has a good point.” Baralis accepted. “And I took the precaution for preparing against this very point.” Narrowing his eyes at Saru, Baralis stood up and began to pace around the room. “I know we are running out of food, because the stores are already half empty, and it is not yet mid winter! We are surviving on the sea stocks and cattle, but my Lords it is only a matter of time before they too dwindle. Without food the peasants will riot, with that we will suffer a great turmoil and disorder. We will lose our positions, and we will become like those.” Walking to the grand windows Baralis pointed down at the streets. Leppers and convicts sat chained to the wall. Turning Baralis watched the look of shock and fear in the eyes of his fellow colleagues. He had gained the desired effect, now they were his.

“What would you have us do Lord Baralis. Surely there is something that can be done.” Spoke Lord C’tan.

This was going perfectly Baralis thought. He had already spoke to C’tan before the meeting and gained his support, now the other Lords would follow. “We must do one thing. We need more arable land, and it must be further south. Or we need to decrease our population which can only come through war. Thankfully we can have our war and gain more land at the same time. Gentleman, it think we have had peace for long enough.

OOC Is this on a Earth?

OoC: It's part of the Anti-Future RP... Bob-Bob rename it as such.

OOC: Ehh Merchant Guilds, you tell no one what to do. It will not be renamed and keep your answering of everyone’s questions to yourself for once. There was no need to post in this thread. I could have answered his question myself.

Two Weeks Later

Baralis mused over a glass of water, having no want for ale and only the smallest supply of wine, he preferred to keep his senses sharp for the coming trials. Recollecting back to the fateful day at the counsel meeting, he smirked at the thought of the Lords and clerics now thrown in chains. They had been so helpful in supporting him, assisting him in his plans, calling for all men of fighting age to prepare. But they were fools. All they had done was seal their own fate. A week after the meeting Baralis through the help of his servants planted rumours in the cities, lies, a deceit that it was his fellow Lords fault for the lack of food. The crowds were slow to act but all in good time. It only took five days for rumours to turn to violence. The citizens demanding retribution for the accursed and heathens who strayed from the ones past, while Baralis remained the one innocent neutral Lord who tried in vain to save his people. Letting out a small laugh Baralis drank down the water quickly and moved towards his dinner.

Picking up a small fish Baralis watched it wriggle on his tray. Coming from a small coastal village, he always preferred his food fresh and now he paid for it dearly. Two Sovereigns it cost him for this fish. It was scandalous, but it was fresh. Jabbing his fork into the eye he watched with some satisfaction as a red blood came to the surface, yanking his fork back he pulled out the eye. These do indeed taste better fresh he thought to himself. Savouring the taste he stopped all of a sudden as a knock arrived at his chamber door. The taste turning sour as his servant Velin entered the room.

“Good Afternoon eminence, may the One honour you and your family.” Bending over Velin allowed a large bow as he smiled at his Lord.

“Yes, yes whatever, tell me Velin what news do you bring me?”

As Baralis stabbed his fork into the other eye of the fish, Velin winced at the sound. “Well your eminence, the people are now firmly in your control, I have continued to spread the rumours of the Lords corruption and the great need of food throughout the nation, the severity of the crisis has been greatly increased. The people are now demanding their heads in ice.”

Nodding slowly. “Well done Velin, you have outdone yourself again. I trust everything with the navy is going to plan?”

As Baralis cut open the fishes scales he peeled the flesh from its muscle, flicking the remains out into the room they splattered onto Velins face. “Yes eminence, the fleet is indeed ready to begin operations. We have all our ships situated in Glasgow and London, they will be ready to sail by high tide tomorrow.”

Discarding the now eaten fish onto the stone floor Baralis picked another tasty morsel from the container to his right. “I think its time that we increased the morale of the people, we need to get them on our side, increase their distaste for foreign peoples, I trust you can put your talents to work Velin.”

Nodding with a small smile all he could do was agree with his Lord. “Eminence what will these shipping raids achieve, they can’t possibly bring us much food.”

Lifting his hand Velin was stopped instantly. “No we won’t gain much, but we will gain plunder and money. If all goes correctly the land of Guffingford will pay for our war upon it. This is not about food Velin, we will colonise Gaul for that. No this war is only to keep the people busy. I need them to love me Velin, they must care for me like they do for the One.”

Smiling as though he understood. “If that is all eminence? I will go about my duties.”

Pointing to the discarded fish on the floor. “If you would be so kind Velin.” As his aide got down on his hands and knees Baralis couldn’t help but notice that he was underneath his fish pot. Knocking it over, water fell to the floor, and covered Velin. “Tut, Tut, Tut, you ought to be more careful Velin. Now all my fish are ruined. Be a good fellow and go to Meddowsfield village and fetch me a new batch will you? And be as kind to deduct it from your salary.” As Velin moved to the door Baralis coughed once again. “ Before you go Velin, please.” Baralis pointed to the water covered floor.

The torches burned bright on the coast of Gaul where the small fishing fleet was tied up. The fog drifted over the Channel like a thick gray smog by the factories behind me, what kind of island or continent is lying beyond the endless water and clouds? I have seen the land, white cliffs and small boats but we never talked. Things have changed fast in Gerlach, new factories and processing centres have been built, a new leader called Lurch has been promoted as vice-chairman of Gerlach and he's quickly rebuilding and fielding the army, it's growing with new recruits daily. Giant smokestacks are spewing out foul smoke daily, the sound of the assembly lines and the steam coming from the foundries building new types of artillery and cannons. There have been raids before but the frequency is rising. Coastal communities are more often the target of vandals, looters and rapists looking for money and gold. Our army have scared them away again and again... But they keep returning.

We must prepare our defences well, I am sure they will come here in numbers shortly. Our rich lands are a magnet to those barbarians. We must remain vigilant. I have ordered my men to keep watch over the shores until the builders arrive from central Gerlach to start the construction of fortresses. Until then we have to rely on pallisades.

2 Days Later

The orders had come from Lord Baralis himself. The fleet was to commence raids immediately on all settlements along the Gaul coastline. The iron clad battleships were few in number but they were hidden from the swarm of wooden galleys. Moving out from the Thames and the Clyde they crept towards the promised land. The temples, priests and clerics now heralded the time of coming, the one had promised his people Gaul and it was up to them to take it.

As the vessels made their way into open sea the crowds at home watched with hope and glee, some even saw Lord Baralis, a man doing everything in his power to see that his people were safe and well on the Palace balcony.

Dreadnaught Doomgiver

The creaking and groaning of the ship could be heard everywhere, black smoke filled most passageways as the coal furnaces were fired up. Heat came from the belly in a ship as well as a man and that’s what Captain Murdoch was thinking off. It was only another hour until lunch, hopefully it would be more than turnips and onion this time. He wanted some meat, but he would take his fill when he reached Gaul.

The journey was only expected to be five hours until they reached their first port of call. The orders were to attack and leave no one alive. Then Baralis would begin sending over people to use their homes and infrastructure. Every ship in the fleet was a dark red, red as the blood that would soon flow in the seas and land. It was also their trademark, soon everyone would learn to fear the Red ships.

As the hour approached Captain Murdochs mouth watered as he smelt meat being cooked, as he got up from his chair he made his way to the canteen when he heard the ominous shout. LAND HO, ENEMY SPOTTED! Cursing the crewman who made the observation Murdoch made his way to the bridge. “Very well raise the black flag, have the fleet kill all vessels in range and order the transports to make landfall.” The orders passed throughout the ship quickly as each man prepared for battle.

On board the old fishing ship the crew saw the red giants cut through the water, the crimson of the hull and the black soot coming betrayed a very nasty surprise. Doggins, the captain of the fishing raft noted it in his daily log:

Daily log - the 28th day of the 12th month
I can't believe what I just saw. Beasts of iron and steel gliding through the water heading for our coast. The winds is coming from behind and I ordered all to drop the nets and to set sail for port. I have no time to continue, I must help the lads.

The raft speedily sailed towards port, and just in time. Captain Doggins ran to the harbourmaster who was busy in a very awkward position...

"Come on bitch, bend over and take it" The harbourmaster, a small thick figure with greasy hair, dirty fingernails and sweaty clothes was trying hard to fuck the whore but his fat and greasy belly kept him from doing so. He was very annoyed and kept on trying until his back was soaked with sweat. When Doggins came in a stench of sour butter attacked his nostrils.
"Harbour master, sound the goddamn alarm, an iron fleet is approaching our shores, they can be here..."

The bell tolled, the ships came in sight. Doggins ran up the stairs to the guardpost in the roof while the harbourmaster was trying to put his pants on. Immediately a messenger was sent to Gerlach to warn Vice-chairman Lurch of the coming raids.

OOC: Link to map (http://members.lycos.co.uk/manhattanproject120/anti-europe.jpg) TG me where to be added.

As the ships came into range of the coastline, the large guns of the dreadnaughts turned towards the ports. The red hulls glimmering in the sunlight showed no mercy.

As the smaller wooden galleys sailed up and down the small stretch of attacked coastline they brought down fishing boats and other types of civilian craft. Fire arrows, and Greek fire rained down upon them as the wind powered demons continued their attacks.

At the main port itself Captain Murdoch heard the bells ring, in an attempt to warn the people of the danger, but it was useless. “Have the guns open fire and send the transports in. Order the captains to leave no one alive.”

“What about the Palisades sir?”

Nodding his head with disappointment. “Use your head man. Burn them down.”

The transports poured out a black smoke and made their way towards the coast, the men inside armoured in metal suits showed no emotion only a kind nature towards death. The iron armour was red all over apart from a black tower engraved on the helmet, the symbol of the one. Their unsheathed broadswords clung against their suits as they prepared to disembark.

The ships made landfall ten minutes after the bells sounded, most of the rusty shore boats made journey however some broke apart drowning the soldiers who fell into the icy waters. As the men touched the safety of foreign soil the roar of the guns could be heard opening fire.

The shells filled with fire broke apart above the towns or smashed into buildings, while the troops made their way towards the populous. A red tide marching towards the enemy, would soon blend in with the earth once it turned red with blood.

As the navy opened fire the troops organised themselves, broadsword in hand they waited for the needed breech.

Captain Doggins grabbed a rifle and aimed for the first red madmen he saw on deck of the first ship entering the harbour, shots were fired from the tower, women and children screaming and running for their fathers desperately fighting off the hordes of marauders. The voices of courage and hatred shifted to sadness and panic, no militia could defend themselves against this. Soon the weak ranks collapsed and few managed to flee to the forests. Captain Doggins was one of them...

"We lost the whole damn village to those bastards!" Only two children and several women were with them. The rest is raped and killed... "What to do now? We can't get to Gerlach on foot... If only we sent the message earlier. Then the army would be here." "I agree, but their ships aren't made of wood. Iron and steel, our weapons cannot harm those." Captain Doggins stepped forward and tried to calm the desperate rabble. "Friends fear not, I have overheard this in a tavern in another town a couple of days ago. Someone named Gezler found tomes of old knowledge, they contain the secret of the most powerful weapons which destroyed all the empires..."
Some old hag yelled at Doggins, "There weren't any empires or some old book! The Ko-Ih-Noor destroyed them all! I curse them but they know where to find that stuff! Stop drinking." Doggins wasn't angered or anything but he continued his plea "Listen to me, I know a guy Baron Lurch was promoted to Vice-Chairman after this. Surely they won't do that if he was a liar." "Shut your damn mouth with liar, only those in the city of thieves and liars are the worst scum of the earth! I am sure you either misunderstood or a story told by drunken scoundrels.

Hours later...

Hiding in the cold dark forest they heard the barbarians feasting and the townhall burning fierce. Suddenly the sound of horse hoofs in the snow. The messenger returned!

"Oh no I'm too damn late... This message is from Gerlach and" Doggins snatched the letter from the messengers hand and read.

From Vice-Chairman of Gerlach J.D.S Lurch
We have heard your request for additional forces in sector 12a/3 of the map and when this message arrives five hundred airmarshals of the 1st regiment will be enroute to the location. THe type of forces will remain secret due to element of surprise and success of the mission at hand.

"Well, we just have to hide until they show up."

As the night brought victory the officers sat in the great town hall feasting. Laughter followed, by ale sounded from the tavern while the captains and officers drank to their victory. A few screams could be heard from outside as the last of the women gave up on life. The guards were having their way with them, it mattered not whether they were dead or alive. The men of the town all slaughtered upon sight had their heads lining the remains of the palisade while their bodies were given to the crows.

As the night reined in, the fleet began to depart to the next port, to the next slaughter. Sentries mounted the remains of the palisade waiting and watching for enemy reinforcements.

As Marebel drank the last from his ale skin on the Paliside walls he viewed the remains of the town. “I don’t think Lord Baralis will be pleased with us about the town so ruined Gravel.”

“Why do you say that Marebel?”

“Well he said he wanted the town intact, I wouldn’t care to be Captain Murdoch when we go home.”

“But we won’t be going home for some time Marebel, we’ve been told to keep this town and keep it we will.”

“Don’t be daft, look at it, there’s nothing to keep.”

“You tell Lord Baralis that, cause I certainly wouldn’t want to. Its like old Tom always said nothing like a good woman to drive away the anger Marebel, and if you don’t have a woman, a cooked rat will do.”

“A cooked rat?”

“Yes Marebel, lowliest and most hated of creatures if you can eat one of those then you won’t have much anger in you, well at least as old Tom says.”

“Heh, did you hear the Gravel?”

“Here what?”

“Listen.”

“I don’t here anything Marebel, I think you’ve had too much ale.”

“You can’t ever have to much ale Gravel, its good for the heart and sharpens the witt, once you reach the end point.”

“The end point?”

“Yes Gravel the end point, when you’ve drunk so much that you become sober.”

“That doesn’t make much sense to me Marebel, are you sure?”

“Well so old lady Hevellsmith told me at the Putsmiths Inn. And you can’t doubt the word of a lady like that Gravel, not if you want the wrath of the one on you.”

“What was that. Now I’m serious Gravel I heard something.”

“Don’t be so daft Marebel, there’s nothing to. What is that.” Pointing into the sky a large black monster could be seen heading towards the town. Silhouetted from the light of the fire it crept slowly against the wind towards the garrison. “Quick raise the alarm Marebel.” Gavel ignoring his last sentence lifted the iron hammer and began to beet upon the towns warning bell. As soldiers ran from their rooms and out into the streets the sky seemed to glow with fire as these black things neared their position.

“We need to get help from the ships Gravel.”

“How can we, their moving away, their heading towards the next port.”

The balloons slowly flew over the townhall catching the barbarians completely by surprise. The rifles and simple wooden rockets blew the wildmen off the Gerlach grounds. Like a pack of wolves driven away from each other by gunfire the invaders ran and fled to the forests - there was no other way out.

Scouts from a more faster air platform reported ships were going at high speeds for the next town, a well fortified harbour with a garrison of twelve hundred men, and five cannons. Most of the scum already fled into the woods, the balloons changed cource and started to chase the pirates. If they were as fast as Doggins said they'd reach port tomorrow morning. A messenger on horseback has left, perhaps he will reach them in time.

The soldiers saw the men came running towards them, quietly they laid in the ditch, just a few more feet. The guns were aimed, and some took a sip of beer. The scared fleeing from town had no idea what waited them in the dark forest.