NationStates Jolt Archive

For those who know me or have participated in my other RPs that are very similar to this, you probable know that those get pretty hard to follow as pages are filled up in a matter of minutes. So, I'm starting a new one, this time not using Earth as the map, but made up my own map. Once again, you can say your people are elves or dwarfs or things like that but no super magical powers, some are allowed, but not much. If your interested in joining, please look at the map and see what's not taken, then say what piece of land you want. They are all numbered so it will be easy to keep track.

NOTE: Please only view this map if you are going to sign up or if you are participating in this RP. Too many views overloads the server and ruins it for the rest of us.
http://www.geocities.com/taledonia/seperate.html?1117348015570

Enjoy!

Taledonia-Number(s) 7, 6
Scandivans-Number(s) 14
New Dracora-Number(s) 9
Deatharon- Number(s) 10
Novgova- Number(s) 5
Concador- Number(s) 11
Hanseania- Number(s) 18
Philanchez- Number(s) 8
Partini- Number(s) 2
Clan Fur- Number(s) 15
Spooty- Number(s) 13

(OOC: I'll take number 7 as my starting land.)

IC:

The land of Taledonia had differing characteristics. On the borders of the country, vast mountain ranges with only a few, easily defendable passes leading out. On the inside, vast grassland as far as the eye could see. Many forests of pine dotted the land as well as rivers, great and small, passed flowed through fertilizing the soil since it was fresh water from the snow capped mountains on the border.

Tho the land was only one part of the country; the people were the second. The Taledonians: a smart, beautiful race know for it's statecraft. The 15 cities of the land were thriving centers of trade and production; all ruled by the 16th city of Taledon, the capitol, where the Imperial Senate ruled fairly over the people.

Tho nothing could exist in such a world if it had no means of defense. The armies of Taledonia, which was mainly the city garrisons and the mountain pass garrisons. The standing army was small however, consisting of only 1,000 citizen soldiers and an auxilia force of hired mercinaries numbering 500. The navies served to protect the ports from blockade and to make sure no foreign invaders came in from behind and attacked the soft underbelly of the nation. This force numbered 36 galleys.

In the cities of Talekon, David, and Armunii, the cities closest to the mountains, mines were created in the mountains. These were not shaft mines, as that technology was still unheard of, but simple surface mines that went in as far as 18 meters into the rock. These three cities were the only suppliers of iron ore, silver, gold, bronze, tin and other valuable materials.

Talekon, Tornak, Calar, Abis, and Daven, cities mostly in the upper part of the country, were controlled by the patrician family of Kellerman, one of the new, but powerful families in the country. David, Knothole Glade, Meadow Springs, Flower Fields and Bower, all cities in the interior of Taledonia with the exception of David which was positioned in the mountains, were controlled by the Palii family. Armunii, the final city along the mountain chain, as well as Constance, Hook Coast, Imperial Harbor, and Tevrii are under the control of the Armunii family, the most important and influential family in Taledonia, are positioned in the south along the sea, which gives the Armunii the luxury of controlling sea trade and most of the navy. The capitol city of Taledon, however, was not owned by any of the 3 patrician families, but was under the direct control of the Senate.

Tho the 3 families were of the same nation, there was still fierce competition between them. Each family would try to prove it's worth and get more attention from the Senate, which meant more of the family would be on the Senate and would give more control and influence to that family.

Bumpety bumpety bump

Can I have region 14?

Why not?

ooc: I'll take region 9 if that's ok :)

btw, how 'ancient' are we talking about here?

9 is yours, and were talking ancient Greece/Rome or even Egypt if you want.

Okie dokie... might go a bit different from classic civilisation however. Would Aztec/Amazonian/Whatever fit in here?

Ya, sure. Pretty much anything to do with swords, spears, etc.. but not things from the medievil age. Just basic things.

A Nordic tribe after being driven into the mountains centuries before came upon those who had drvien them and conquered them and enslaved all of those of the lowlands. The Nords began to a capital of Burkia near the mountains which produced, gold, silver, iron, copper, and tin, the plains which produced grains and other foos,a dn the sea whcih supplied fish, a natural trade route, and may pearls. The city had 80,000 inhabitants and the High King lived their.

As the warrios settled down on large plantions and farms that were tended to by the slaves. The capital city was being built into a city of marble instead of wood and bricks as they had began to build baths and other buildings liekt aht of Roman/ Greek cultures.

The gods favor was usually with the Taledonians, but not this summer; drought. A very poor harvest was taken this year and most of the food supply had to be taken from the sea to make up for it as well as many of the livestock taken for food. Hopefully next year would be better, as many sacrifices to the gods were made to win back their favor.

"Fellow Senators!" shouted Maximus Armunii, current head of the Senate, "Due to this recent drought, it has become clear that to avoid starvation, we must find more civilized peoples and open trade with them."

Gaius Kellerman stood up to protest, "Ah, but what if we find only barbarians? Barbarians that would gladly follow our scouts back to our homeland and slaughter our people? I say we stay within our lands and let the "civilized" races come find us!"

A few senators shouted their approval for Gaius, but most others started shouting their agreement with Maximus.

"Then it shall be a vote! All in favor of exploration to find new peoples, say "aye"!"

28 of the Senators shouted Aye, while the other 15 shouted Nay. The remaining 18 Senators did not cast a vote.

City of Imperial Harbor

Pleased at how the Senate had voted, Maximus Armunii, leader of the Armunii family, could once again prove the greatness of his family and gain more support within the Senate. Since he controlled the coastal cities and the navies, he would get all the glory of sea exploration. Immeadiatly, he sent out 16 ships which would go out in groups of 2 and explore for possible trade partners.

City of Talekon

Meanwhile in the north, lands ruled by the Kellerman family, Gaius Kellerman, leader of this family, was furious at the decision made by the Senate. He felt that at any minute, barbarians could be alerted to the peaceful nation and that would mean the end of Taledonian civilization. But, the Senate was the head of state, and their orders should be followed; unless you want to lose favor and good opinion from them.

But Gaius was still unsure, so he took a smart choice. He sent out a party of 90 soldiers with 4 diplomats, all on horseback, to explore. The soldiers were there incase any hostiles were found so that they could be destroyed and not gather their friends and invade Taledonia.

OOC: I call 10 if no one else has claimed it.

Yahoo says the site is too busy, but I reserve this post for an island if that is OK.

OOC: For some reason, the map doesn't show up on your website and when I saved it on my desktop and opened it in Preview, it simply didn't open. Do you know why this happens and how to fix it?

(OOC: Sorry Caladonn, Deatharon beat you to claiming the last place on the small island. Pick one of the other 2 continents to be on.)

IC:

"Land ho!" shouted a sailor.

The 2 galleys had discovered land, but did not know if they would find anyone. It was later realized that they would since thy saw smoke coming from deeper inland.

The 2 ships landed on the shore of the land(kingdom 14, Scandivan territory) and departed from the ships. 10 soldiers were left to guard the ships while the 8 diplomats, and 23 soldiers mounted horses that were brought over from Taledonia and started riding towards the smoke.

I'll call 5 if its alright. I want to be a seafaring nation.

ooc-I want to join, but unable to view the map!

OOC: For some reason, the map doesn't show up on your website and when I saved it on my desktop and opened it in Preview, it simply didn't open. Do you know why this happens and how to fix it?

(OOC: It seems to be working for everybody else. I'm not that experienced in web design but I know you need Java to view it. Do you have Java? And another quick question, when you say it doesn't show up, does it just show a blank screen or does it have a kind of grey background? If it has the background, just let it load for awhile, it's a fairly large image.)

OCC: Can my culture be Romanized, but they have the Viking religion, looks, and warrior tration except that they ahve organized armies and clear leadership and may tactics?

A escort was sent by the King of the land to escort them to the capital of the land.

ooc-the link just tells me that it can't fid 'Taledonia'. Maybe you can just give me a piece of land (I saw it at one point, so I'm not completely clueless).

IC: The people of Deatharon had for years lived in small city states ruled by powerful Princes who fought each other for dominace on there side of the Island. The Moutains ranges that the divide the Island had kept the Deatharon Princes from raiding their neighbors so they fought each other. In the end of this 15 year war the Princes were united by the ruler of the Largest and strongest city Imperial City. The other princes bowed in submission and swore alliegance to Emperor Ivan ruler of all Deatharon.

OOC:
The Empire Contains
18 cities ruled by there respected Duke the term prince was elieminated to rulers of cities since the Emperor took power.

5,000 Imperial soldiers
1,000 heavy Calivary
20 Warships.

(OOC: Ok, about all the complaints about the map, I've started having problems with it now to. I have no clue what's up and I can't find out or fix it because I'm not on my computer and this one is utterly incompetent. But when I clicked on the link it said that it would be fixed in an hour or so. So unless I can get back onto my computer soon or the thing fixes itself, I guess we have no map for awhile. Thos who still want to join, just pick a number between 1 and 18 I think it was, look to see what is taken too, and then claim it. When the map comes back on, you can see what you got. Sorry everyone, my bad....well, this computers bad.)

IC:

The exploration party was surprised by the escorts arrival. They had no clue that people could have know they landed yet(hint, hint) but they took advantage of it. They followed the escort to the capitol city, and from the looks of it, these people were civilized.

The people of Novgova led a life at sea. One who was previleged worked on the ships while the truly important and great were the captains. It was a honor to work on the ships and those lucky to do so did.

Others who were not so lucky, or did not want to become sailors, worked extensively in the silver mines to the north, the sheep flocks to the west, and the olive orchards to the south.

King Adonius II, the country's wise and benevolent ruler and able admiral, ruled from Novalonkia, the nation's capital. It's population of 12,000, hugged the coast as did most of the cities and towns. Novgova's biggest resource was the sea, and in addition to various seafood, pearls were often a common commodity. Natural harbors provided an extensive network of safe harbors for ships of all trades to harbor in.

Although, its army was lacking, consisting mainly of milita, it's navy was second to none. 80 biremes, 30 triremes, and two quinquiremes made up the fleet and thus its waters were some of the best guarded.

(OOC: Ok, about all the complaints about the map, I've started having problems with it now to. I have no clue what's up and I can't find out or fix it because I'm not on my computer and this one is utterly incompetent. But when I clicked on the link it said that it would be fixed in an hour or so. So unless I can get back onto my computer soon or the thing fixes itself, I guess we have no map for awhile. Thos who still want to join, just pick a number between 1 and 14 I think it was, look to see what is taken too, and then claim it. When the map comes back on, you can see what you got. Sorry everyone, my bad....well, this computers bad.)


It told me that it had exceeded its hourly data allotment, that is, that only a certain amount of people can look at the map before the website won't allow anyone from looking at it and if that is the case, it is out of our control.

ooc- I pick 11

King Grindel of the Concadorian people was mad. "What do you mean our hunting spears and swords broke again!" (ooc-they're using copper.) "Argh! There's got to be something somewhere that we could use for stronger weapons. Send peopole in all four directions, rumor has it there are other people with us in the world, somewhere."

OOC: I'll post more about my country later. For now: 25,000 people, 10 main cities, each with an agriculteral suburb. The capital is called Frodel

(OOC: Ah, ok, so we don't have a map for like an hour or something. Check back later.)

The Empire of Deatharon had nearly doubled in size population after 5 years of no fighting between war princes. The Empire had successfully connected roads to every major city and had started constructing Warships to explore the great sea.

King Adonius II, was busy watching a monument of himself being errected in the harbor of Novalonkia, that when completed would rival any monument or temple in history.

(In other words, when completed, it would be a 'Wonder of the World' and be much akin to the real life Colossus)

He had almost completely emptied the enitre treasury. However, it did not matter to him. With vast wealth from the trading and merchant fleets, the treasury would be bulging again in only a few years.

Novgova had grown rich in exporting olive oil, grapes and wine, silver, and pearls to the north and the east, mostly to barbarians, as well as having a considerable slave market.

Prospects looked even better. There were rumors that to the northeast, two civilized countries were forming and to the south there was already word that a new, advanced civilization existed.

In fact, the country was one of the more prosperous in the known world. There was enough money to finance public baths, wells, and a thriving merchant's quarter. Someday, it was hoped that they'd meet foreigners from far away.

The escort showed them through the countryside to the capitol and as they passed through the countryside they saw countless slaves of the same enthincity and and the master were that of the escorts.

It was the gaint statue of bronze(I'm assuimg that it's made of bronze because you said it's like the colossus so) that attracted the attention of the passing Taledonian galleys. They approached the bright gleeming monument that was made spectacular by the suns rays, and in doing so, they saw that it sat in a sort of bay with many ports and cities. The ships sailed closer to the monument, not knowing who the constructers were, but knowing that they would have to be civilized to construct something that could rival the Great Lighthouse of Tevrii.

It was at the same time that the land explorers sent by the Kellerman family arrived in the land as well(land 5, Novgova) also being attracted by the giant statue.

Meanwhile

Back in Taledon, Gaius Kellerman entered the senate building, ready for another lousy speach awarding the Armunii family for something. But he was surprised when he heard what the real reason was: a new civilization had been found. Of course by the Armunii ships, but still, the very fact that there were other civilized people on the earth was exciting news to all.

It was said that these people lived across the great sea, to the east. There, another huge continent stood, and the diplomats were at that very moment speeking with the leaders of this new race.

But this excitement was not to last however, as the head of the senate, Maximus Armunii, and the majority of the senate which was also Armunii family members or friends, had all agreed to install more Armunii onto the senate at the expense of the others. This created unrest and bitter feelings from the Kellerman family and the Palii family, but it was done. It now stood as 11 senators from the Kellerman family, 9 from the Palii family, and the other 51 senators from the Armunii family.

Gaius thought enough was enough as he returned to his factions capitol of Talekon in the north; it was here that he recieved good news. His scouts had found a new civilized peoples too. They were a coastal people and had a large navy but ver few land units. Unfortunatly, the Armunii had also pulled into port in the new lands and would most likely get the credit for finding the civilization. Tho Gaius had a plan, a traitorous plan but one that was needed to keep the Armunii from controlling Taledonia.

He quickly appointed his heir, Alexander Kellerman, to represent the family in the Senate while he was away and then quickly set out on horse towards the new civilization to the north(Novgova).

The escort showed them through the countryside to the capitol and as they passed through the countryside they saw countless slaves of the same enthincity and and the master were that of the escorts.

(OOC: What do you mean by same ethnicity? Do you mean Taledonian or your people? Confused me there.)

The escorts and the Taledonains reached the capitol after a short ride the coty was very similair to the Taledonains cities except a differences.

ooc: can i have 8?

IC: The Scythian Kingdom was a grand and marvelous place. The citizens farmed, mined for minerals, and smithed steel(white) and iron(black). The state funded architects used the best masonry and had advanced much from theyre mudbrick beginnings.

The country is ruled by the Chancellor who is elected by a Council of Priests. The Chancellor must be a member of the Brutii family and holds the position for life. The Chancellors guard in battle are a group of 25 Sarmatian Knights. Horses are abundant in the steppes that form the border of the country. Men are taught from the age of 4 to ride a horse and weild either a bow or sword.

The army is made up of 2500 Cavalry of which 500 are bowmen, 1000 are swordsmen, and 1000 are spearmen. The infantry is made up of regional Militia, Collectively numbering 10,000. A navy of 40 warships of which 20 are biremes and 20 are triremes, guard the ports and trade routes.

The Scythian Pantheon is made up of the War god, Zetru, the Water god, Prespetru, and the Fire god, Hektru.

OCC: I mean like the differnce between Irish and Norwegians.

The Empire ruled By Emperor Ivan had now grown quite a lot since its in was created 7 years ago. The Navy consited of 70 warships and the Military had become mostly Calivary based. A small fleet of 10 warships set sail for the other side of the Island. (9)

Concador had only fishing ships at that time (they never had any fights over water), so they sent out 5 fishing ships over the Great Sea, each with 10 soldiers.

2 Days later

2 of the ships have landed on area 9, and 3 boats on 10. On each part of the Island the soldiers see peasents, and begin to question them. They ask to be brought to the capitals.

At that same time, plans to make warships were being worked out in the capital city of Frodel. The basic plan was that each ship would hold 25 men, and would be equipped with a spikey tree trunk. The ship could then go next to an enemy ship, attach themselves with the log, and have a land-like battle on the 2 decks. (For those who don't understand but know history: just think of what the Romans did in the First Punic War.)

The people of Deatharon (10) respond, "we shall lead you to Imperial City the capital of the Empire of Deatharon." The peasant lead the foriegners to the capital via the many roads by the that lead primarly to Imperial City. The First thing the Concador notice is the massive Calivary patrols moving across the roads.


OOC: kind of like all roads lead to Rome

OOC: Ok, since I kinda got screwed in the other RP, I'll join in this one. Could I have 2 please. Oh and can the northern part of the continent be just like mountainy tundra? If it has to only be where I am, I'm cool. Oh, and for this RP my people are the Rashians. They are horsemen who hunt huge yaks 12 feet tall. Like Persians in the tundra.

IC: A lone rider held his bow and stared at the city below. He was from the land of Alrashia, once nomatic yak hunters. Now, with the yaks becoming more scarce, the young cheiftan of the Yalik Tribe, Sarthui, decided this was not the way to glory. He would gather his men and they would become civilized.

The rider blew his buffalo horn and 10,000 riders appeared behind him. This was every rider that could be taken from the Yalik Tribe and their allies, the Algashi, and Porafi. The City of Ritha would be given a chance to surrender and no harm would be dealt to its inhabitants.

Ritha, a town nearly 20,000 people, had only a measly garrison of 300 spearmen. Rithans were decendants of a deceased country from hundreds of years ago. On the most southern part of Alrashia, a fertile river flowed past and both trade and farming were abundant. Now this city would become the capital of the new Rashian Kingdom. Soon, the other cities along the western seaboard, Opik and Saryonis fell to similar means. Both cities were only half of Ritha's population, but Opik lay on a crutial road to the Northern cities and Saryonis was near a large silver mine. With half of Alrashi under the Rashians control, only the other Tribes, Rimlio and Parathi, and the enormous city of Haraneku in the center, lay resistant.

ooc: Wow this thread moves fast...

To many outsiders, the land of Dracora is a savage inhospitable wildness. Thanks mainly to the great dividing range that cuts the small continent in two combined with the warm sea currents that push up through the strait between the other more temperate landmass below, the land of Dracora is a warm and very humid place. The region is dominated by large meandering rivers that cut through the thick tropical jungle and a localised hotspot is responsible for the small mountain range that starts off the central west coast and ends near the centre of the empire as a chain of active volcanoes.

Despite the harsh environment, the people of Dracora are of a peaceful sort. For many generations now the Dracorian civilisation as grown with little conflict - that conflict mainly in the form of local disputes that are resolved through are series of minor battles or duels known as "trials of justice". These trials date back to the formation of the empire when it is that before there only existed chaos, barbarism and endless bloodshed.

The people are a religious sort, and worship a number of gods with the volcano god ruling over the lesser gods. Although having yet to discover cement or mortar, Dracorian stonemasonry is second to none and great constructs exist in the form of numerous step pyramid temples of numerous sizes built according to various astronomical observations. Other specialities are metal work - especially with gold that is found in plentyful supply in the riverbanks along with a vast variety of gemstones, fishing - the warm waters bring in abundant quantities of fish, and hunting - the jungle is full of numerous large predators that always prove a worthy challenge.

The region is ruled by a single emperor who is seen to sit on the throne by divine right however, the main assurance of power is the loyal band of warriors that have lives beyond fighting but are there to keep the peace and settle disputes should the need arise. The second most influental person in the empire is the high priest. Apart from being responsible for reading omens and performing blood sacrifices, the priesthood of Dracora have complete sovereignity within their immense stone temples and the holy treasures within. For protection, the priesthood have the holy order of K'aath - an order of female warriors trained from birth in the art of hand to hand combat and the ways of the jungle. The K'aath are sworn to guard the holy rituals in this life and the next not matter what making them well feared among the populace. Anyone found to be 'going against the rituals' (read: heresy) or bringing down the displeasure of the gods is tracked down by the K'aath on order of the priesthood and brought before the high priest for judgement... if they are lucky - often the judgement happens beforehand leading to the offender being hunted down and then killed as a form of blood sacrifice.

It's a good thing then, that the present high priest is the emperors brother......

Other things to note - main staple is maize, watercraft are generally limited to river canoes and coastal fishing boats and weapons range from the exotic gilded high quality spears of the K'aath and steel armour and blades of the emperors guard from the holy volcanic forges to simple wooden shields and bronze-tipped hunting spears of the standard milita - often made by the users themselves.

ooc: Standard info
Population scattered amongst numerous small settlements along the many rivers of the region. An extensive road system joining all settlements allows for order to be kept and enforced. There are no real cities of the traditional sense but there are ten major step pyramid-style temple complexes and a number of smaller ones that act as regional meeting places for trade, worship and for learning of recent happenings in the empire.

The largest stone construct of them all is the imperial palace that has stood for many generations. Though few have entered into it's inner sanctum beyond the emperor himself and the high priest, it is rumored that everything within from the bedding to the dinner table in completely made from gold. This is only rumor however.....

Standing military
Milita warriors (Bronze weapons and leather/wooden shields; untrained) - 2,000 currently active (Up to 18,000 possible reserves - all men of age in the region)

Emperors Guard (Steel-tipped spears and light armour if any; chosen from milita and considered to be a high honor) - 1,000

Holy Order of the K'aath (Amazonian warriors often with specialised weapons and armour if any; Note - known to hunt with the aid of large tamed cats native to the jungle) - 200

ooc: Map scale?

Concador: After being invited by the local villagers to share in the ritual of food and drink for the night, the foreign soldiers are lead by some of the local milita to the nearest temple complex. It takes some hours of frantic arm waving and gesturing (they don't speak the native language :p) but finally a temple official directs the soldiers to a trade caravan supposedly passing by the imperial palace. After about a weeks journey along the surprisingly well kept jungle roads the soldiers come across the immense imperial palace of Dracora - a fantastic structure of stone columns, archways and lots and lots of steps - where after some more arm waving they are found by an adventurer who just happens to speak both the language of the soldiers and the natives. Some translation later, the soldiers are brought to an antechamber where Emperor Technotican sits up high on a large gilded throne.

"Greetings travellers. What brings you to my fair land?"

Deatharon: Having sighted your ships as they came around the mountainous headland of the great dividing range, a message is relayed down the coast ahead of the warships where the local officials manage to assemble a group of warriors to meet them. As such, after several hours of entering Dracorian waters, a group of about thirty canoes - paddled by sixty warriors - move out to meet the Deatharon warships.

Tagged for definite interest!

OOC: Calling 15, but i can move if someone has that...

IC:Strigi was vulcanus and gloomy for the most part, but the rich soil, high mineral deposits, and undersurface catacombs that made their homes were more then enough for the craftspeople that lived their.

Only eight real cities existed, but their trading and close proximity made it more like one gigantic city, above and below the surface.

herders followed the black deer that ate the lichen and grass that grew in the black fertile soil, and horns were a common theme in both dress and architeture. Weapons were modled after the regions top predators, the Sabreine, a huge weasel with long canines and resembled a bear more than anything else. It hunted in the cramped tunnels that Strigi was etched with and so infantry took it as its guardian. The caverly attempted to emulate the Coalthera, a cat that varried from grays to blacks with an irridecent riticulated pattern. It was swift and its endurrence unyeilding, the military was fevrent for their symbols and the 95,000 citiznes thanked them for their prowess, even if they numbered only 25,000 10,000, respectivly and thoughout the reagion.

King Adonius II welcomed the Taledonian vessels.

"Greetings from Novgova!" he responded.

He prepared a great feast at his palace in their honor and sacrificed two bulls for the occasion. He offered them free pearls, 5 servants, and wool clothes.

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The Kellerman party was attended to by King Adonius's son Adonius, (Adonius III when he becoes king) in the smaller port of Artaxatia. He welcomed the new travellers before they were in range of the statue, so they probably didn't actually see it physically, but Adonius described the statue the best he could. He planned to take them up to see it, but for the week at least, he decided to entertain the men in his palace.

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The mountain men saw a small party of horsemen. He knew they were going to be in trouble, since the country was always threatened by bandits. No sooner did the men go, then a party of about 20 rushed at the horsemen. The mountain men ran (or galloped if on horseback) as fast as they could. The assortment of cavalry archers, peltasts, spearmen, and peasants quickly routed the bandits who ran away. A solitary giant figure rode to the leader of the horsemen (Gaius Kellermen presumably).

"Thank the gods you are alive! Welcome visitors to our humble land! I am governor Cleonbrotos of Azeotus and I invite you to my humble village."

The people on the Deatharon Warships were surpised to find other people on the other side. The Mountain ranges that divided the border made it impossiable for any contact between the two sides of the Island. The Adrimal of the fleet Alexi Gosh decides to meet these people and orders the ships to allow the new people aboard to talk.


The Strangers from Concador were lead to the Imperial City a massive city surrounded by Stone Walls and Guard towers. The buildings were made of Stone and Wood and the Imperial palace was made of purely stone foundation. The Defense there were high for the city had a giant moat and bridge that could be pulled up with rope.

With the money raised from trade and gold mining, the rest of the army was recruited. About half of the 7000 horse clansmen returned to their homes and additional 6000 horse archers were trained from the cities. The new army now consisted of 10,000 men on horses. They had bows about 3 1/2 feet tall that could be shot roughly 100 feet away. However, the arrows were tipped with sharpened wood and were unable to even pierce tanned leather. Each warrior also carried a 4 foot long wooden spear for close hand combat. This would soon change.

The city of Hareneku had huge fields of iron in the surrounding mountains. With iron, arrows could become nearly 10 times as effective, and the spears could be made into iron and thus not break. However, the city was nearly 50,000 people and the garrison was nearly 3000 spearmen and 500 archers. The walls were nearly 30 feet tall and the Rashians had no siege weapons. Suddenly, one of the Yaliki boys spoke of how he and his friend used to ride yaks. If some yaks were trained and mounted with large canvases, then they could be used for battering rams. And Sarthui ordered it immediatly. It would take several months, but by then, the Rimlio and Parathi tribes would be under his control.
_________________________________________________________________

The Magistrate of Ritha ordered some fishing ships confiscated and used to seek out other countries. They were sent to the lands of 7, 5 and 8 to seek out alliances and trading partners.

As Admiral Freckutus was returing to the Port of Sarim his Leftenent noticed a few fishing ships. Seeing as the fleet had just made sure all fishers were safe and in Port they went out to find out what these people wanted. They discovered that they were Rashians and invited them to the capital of Brutium to meet with the Chancellor Marcurius Brutii.

OoC: Could I have number 18?

(OOC: All are accepted, and just to let everyone know, you can make up your own terrain for your country. Please check the front page to see what's taken and to check out the map if you haven't already.)

IC:

As Gaius was greeted by the scouts in the mountains, he quickly said to them "Take me to your leaders! It is a matter of much importance!"

After discussing some matters about trade, the Armunii ships departed the docks and headed back towards the Taledonian ports.

Senate

As usual, the Armunii were leading the discussions and not even calling upon other senators not in their family for their votes, and considering that they held the majority of the seats within the senate, it saved alot of time.

Alexander, Gaius Kellerman's son and heir, sat on the hard marble bench next to his cousin, who was also a senator. He found the workings of the Senate boring but was quickly revived when the last issue was brought up.

"And finally, war! New lands, populated by barbarians have been discovered to the east(land 6), these we will conquer and mark the starting of the first ever expansion of our glorious civilization.

Therefore I call upon Decius Armunii, and Tomas Armunii to lead the legions of Taledon and conquer these lands." said the head of the senate.

"Figures," wispered Alexander to his cousin and those around him, "Wants to make sure the glory stays with the Armunii."

Taledonian-Barbarian(land 6) border

2 days after the senates decision of invasion, Decius and Tomas Armunii sat on their horses, surrounded by their mounted bodyguards. The 2 legions that were under their control sat ready behind them in marching formation. 12,000 troops in all as each legion contained 6,000 legionaries.

Decius looked over at one of the men beside him and nodded. Immeadiatly, the man, who appeared to be an officer, rode off towards the legions.

"Move out!" he shouted aloud to them, and at this, the blocks of men started moving through the Eastern Mountain pass and headed into the barbarian territory.

As the invasion was well underway, the first of the opposition appeared. Directly at the bottom of the mountain, a few miles away from the pass, sat the nomadic camp of the Domi, barbarians who were the most civilized of all the other tribes, most likely because of Taledonia's close influence.

This small camp had no walls to defend, and had only a modest population. 30 small, animal hide huts sat in a circle around a larger hut in which the leader of the tribe most doubtable lived.

Arriving only a 15 minute march away from the camp, the 2 legions got into battle formation. In the front row, the light infantry. 9 centuries(80 men) of velites, missile units who wore no armor except for hides on their heads, and were armed with a dagger, small wooden shield, and 9 small javelins. Behind the light infantry, stood the heavy infantry in 3 ranks; first, 10 centuries of hastatii, men with light bronze armor and armed with a long, wooden tower shield that had an iron face, a small iron dagger, a short sword(2 feet long) called a Gladius, and 2 pilum, long javelins with specially designed tips that break off upon contact to ensure that the enemy cannot pick up the weapon and return the fire. After the hastatii, were the 10 centuries of principes, men similar to the hastatii in the fact that they carried the same shields and weapons, but wore heavy iron armor. In the last rank, stood the 10 centuries of triarii, men with heavy iron armor and armed with only a long hoplite style spear called a hasta. They did not have pilum or shields like the other heavy infantry and were mainly for defending against cavalry charges. To the sides of the infantry body, stood the 4 equitate units; heavy cavalry armed with small round shields and spears. And on each side of the equitates, stood the commanders Decius and Tomas Armunii with their respective bodyguards of 30 heavy cavalry units. This was a standard battle formation.

On the order from Decius, who was the senior officer and had total control over the legions gave the order to march, and the legion moved forward towards the barbarian village. Behind this force, was the second legion, which was in standard battle formation also and was left under the control of Captain Osiris. This force would act as a reserve.

As Chancellor Marcurius Brutii was consulting his Minister of War he was told of a new land sparesly inhabited by barbarians. He was told that horses were in much more supply there and that it would help him secure his Chancellory in history as a time of greatness. He ordered his Minister of War, Letivius Brutii, his brother, to muster all cavalry and militia and have the Regional Governors conscript local men to guard the towns while he was away on campaign.

5 days later Marcurius was at the front of his army surrounded by his Sarmatian Knights. they were at the border of the new land(4) and ready to invade. the army marched down the steppes and began searching for the nearest villiage and allies who would assimilate into his army.
_________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile, in Brutium Marcurius' brother, Octavian Brutii was Interim Chancellor and recieved the diplomats from Ritha and listened to their question of alliance and trade. He decided that trade was a wonderful idea but he could not authorize an alliance without having his brother authorize it. He had a rider with a note sent right away.
_________________________________________________________________
As Marcurius sat in his temporary quarters relishing his victory, although small, over a band of 750 barbarians. His Leftenent Marcus Aerelius walked in the room and gave Marcurius a note from his brother Octavian saying that explorers from Ritha had arrived and that he had agreed to trade but was wondering if an alliance would be necessary. He wrote a reply...
To my ever quizzical brother,
An alliance is always necessary. In this unsure world a friend is always a good thing to have. Also considering the fact that they share a border with the land we are currently campaigning in and will soon be our land we need to know that they will be friendly and not attack. On another subject I have acquired a guide and he will take me to meet with the barbarian warlord that rules over this land. Scouts have also reported thattwo citys on the road to the caoital are allied with us and are ready to assimilate 1,000 more soldiers into the army. if the warlord does not surrender then I will be forced to do battle and prove our strength.
Your Brother,
Chancellor Marcurius

ooc: Taledonia do you play any of the total war games...it seems like u play RTW... if you do id love to battle you!!!

In both lands, The ambassadors asked if they had any of the precious, strong metal they seeked. if they were willing to trade, the ambassadors offered to aid them in war.

OOC: The metal we're looking for is basically Iron.

(OOC: I play RTW, but I can't battle you online, it only works on my dads laptop at the moment so I have limited access to playing it and plus I would need gamespy which he doesn't want on his work computer. But my knowledge of Roman weapons and organization is from books and stuff too, not just that game.)

ooc: so you know about sarmatian knights and scythia...the laptop situation sucks...i have MTW, RTW, and STW...also all the expansion... :D plus game spy... im also a history buff

Arriving at the villiage of the DOmi, the legions halted. With an order given by Captain Osiris, the second legion departed the first and headed to the rear of the now confused camp.

The nomads within the village were a warlike people, as were most barbarians, and quickly got their forces together at seeing the Imperial Army. 200 barbarian warriors assembled in front of the camp, facing the first legion and paying no attention to the second one that was moving to their rear(this is most likely because they have no grasp of tactics.) After what looked like the chief of the tribe gave out a loud cry, the rest joined in and started an all out charge on the legion.

The barbarians, tho nomads, had developped weapons. They wore thick bear hides for clothes and carried round wooden shields. Their weapons were crudly made wooden spears with bronze tips.

This force charged the legion until they got within range of the velites, who fired volleys of javelins on the confused and scared barbarian warriors who now started retreating in fear of this advanced weapon. The chief of the tribe, however, stopped in front of the village and ordered his men to stop also. He then walked over to the Taledonian legions and bellowed out, "Who's in charge here?"

Decius trotted up on his horse, followed by his bodyguard. The horses also startled the barbarians as they had never seen people riding them.

"I am in charge here, barbarian king." replied Decius coolly and calmy.

The chief went forward and knelt on his knee in front of Decius while he held up his sword in offering to the man who looked like a god.

"I pledge allegeance to you, great man of men, who must surely be a god!" said the chief, bowing his head.

"Captain!" called Decius to one of the men behind him, "Have this man and all the barbarians shackled in iron cuffs and sent back to Taledon with an escort of heavy cavalry to be sold into slavery. Burn the village, kill any who resist."

"Aye, commander!" replied a man behind him as he rode off to give the order.

Decius drew his sword, and with one quick motion severed the head of the barbarian chief, sending it rolling to the ground in front of the corpse it fell from.

The two legions then broke rank and went to their deadly business.

ooc: so you know about sarmatian knights and scythia...the laptop situation sucks...i have MTW, RTW, and STW...also all the expansion... :D plus game spy... im also a history buff

(OOC: History buff, damn, and your right next to me. O well, with the right persuasive tools, I'll make you a client state of Taledonia. Assuming you know what a client state is.)

The valley near Ritha:
The Rashian horsemen stood on a hill. It was nearing November and the second snows had already fallen. It was almost time to return for the winter. Third snows had always included bizzards at nearly -30F and killed most men.

10,000 Horse Archers stood on the hill with double the quivers. A Rimlio chieftan and his escort ran up the hill.

"Surrender."

Sarthui smirked. These people had guts.

"Is it not you that should surrender to us?"

"You have taken our land and yaks before. We don't like you. Also, hand over the city of Ritha, like your sister handed over her virginity to me when I beat it out of Huuughhh!"

The chieftan screamed as the arrow pierced his throat. Sarthui didn't like these people any more. They had rotten guts.

The rest of the body guard was slaughtered and the Cavalry rode out and slaughtered every last warror on that field.
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The main Rimlio Camp near Opik:
Every man above the age of seven was slaughtered, save for the elderly. They younger ones could be fixed to stray from their barbaric traditions. The camp was burned and the Rimlio women and children were sent to nearby Opik. There they could mix with the western sea folk and civilize.
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Campus Parathi:
Hearing the word of the brutal treatment of the Rimlio, the Parathis surrendered. Their main camp, renamed Ulara after the sister of Sarthui, was nearer the center of the area, on the road to Haraneku was spared and wall was put around it. Stables, merchants, and proper housing were also built. The Parathis were mostly farmers and accepted the new way of life. They were not akin to the ways of the bow and horse but had learned, like the Algashi, how to ride yaks. Many fighting age men were sent to Ritha to ride the new war yaks.
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Coast of Philanchez: The diplomats were happy that these new friends agreed to trade. However, there was one request:

"We resquest that at the northern section of land 4 we be allowed to conquer a trading post and fort along the mountain range that divides 4 from 2. It is a place of strategic and economic importance to us. (So its like the hump that pushes land 2 upwards and like 1/2 a centimeter down.)"

Your term is agree to bu only that trading post and the fort must be allowed to hold 200 Scythian Chosen Swordsmen to make sure that you will not attack. Surely this is not to rash.
Chancellor Marcurius

ooc: im mostly a ww2 and politics man but i dabble in alexander the great and hannibal...and please explain the client province thing

The Deatharon ambassador to the Concador respond we have a strong metal substance. and we would be willing trade it to you for military alliance.

OOC: it is iron mined from the moutains of our borders to (9)

As the newly reinforced army narched ever closer to the capital of Hijunta they were met by the warlord Farkus and his 30 bodyguards. He offered Marcurius the entire half of the kingdom they had ridden through but he declined. He asked for a complete surrender or there would be a battle. Farkus refused and set off to Hijunta. Marcurius had his horse archers fire at the body guards and leave only Farkus alive. Marurius then marched his Army of 13,000 to Hijunta where they met Farkus' 5,000 man Army. The battle that ensued was completely one sided. Marcurius had 1250 horse man on either of his flanks. He then had the horse archers fire volleys at Farkus' army. As Farkus' undiciplined army charged forward they began attacking the 1000 barbarians Marcurius had picked up. As Farkus' men slaughtered their way through the barbarians Marcurius ordered his men to begin falling back. Farkus did not realize it at this point but Marcurius was lureing him in to a trap. As Farkus' men began pushing the center of Marcurius' line back Marcurius' Cavalry Came around the flanks of farkus' men and encircled them. It was a slaughter. 5000 of Farkus' 5000 men died and Farkus was hung from the walls of his own fortress. This would be an example that all in land 4 would remember. Marcurius showed them what happened to those that opposed his will. He soon had emisarries arriving from cities around the land offering him their cities. From Hijunta all of land 4 could be ruled. The campaign had ended in success only losing the barbarians he had picked up Marcurius was hailed as a military genius and national hero.

Deatharon, are you at war with anyone?

OOC: was that a IC: comment or an OOC: comment?

When Marcurius arrived in Brutium he sent his brother Octavian with 20 Sarmatian Knights to the land of Taledonia to meet with the Senate. He was to propose an economic and military alliance. This included sharing technology and and training men in eachothers lands to become a unit of the best kind of unit in their land(legionarres, sarmatian knights, etc.).

OOC: was that a IC: comment or an OOC: comment?

both

The Deatharon ambassador responds, "We plan to invade the other side of the Island (9) should it posses people to increase our rule over this fine land.

OOC:

The warrios of the kingdom mustered forming an army of 12,000 swordsmen, 8,000 axemen, 6,000 pikemen, 14,000 longbowmen, 5,000 heavy calvary, and 5,000 horse archers.

If you declare war, the men I have in their capital will go on a killing spree, hopefully killing some officials, and then will try to come up into your land. I can invade from the coastline across from my land. I will start sending cargo ships (with escorts) to bring back the Iron.

The warrios of the kingdom mustered forming an army of 12,000 swordsmen, 8,000 axemen, 6,000 pikemen, 14,000 longbowmen, 5,000 heavy calvary, and 5,000 horse archers.
thats impossible!!!! the arny of rome at its hieght only numbered 50,000 men. your insane!!!!!!!!! :eek:

The Deatharon Emperor hearing this news declares war on the people on the other side of the Island.(9) Troops board the 60 Warships and depart heading to the otherside. soon Deatharon would rule all of the Island.

EDIT: The surplus of Iron was diverted to storage faclities on the docks waiting for the Concador merchants to take it.

15 warships with 25 men each set out for area 9. The men in the capital state a declaration of war and start chopping people up.

ooc- Deatharon, can we split the other half of the Island?

OCC: Actually the army, during the time of the regin Augustus was about 380,000 soldiers and later that number was rasied.

ooc: in wartime yes becaus eof conscription but during peace time it was a standing army of about 5 legions or 50000 men but whatever ill just start conscripting men

The land of Philanchez:
"We thank the Philanchecian people for their wisdom and grace in allowing the conquest of the Trading Fort. Currently it is run by barbarians who call themselves 'civilized' and pledged their alliegence to Haraneku. We do not know your feelings towards the Haranekian city, but we feel it is our duty to crush them. It also is safe, unlike the other cities other than Risha, from the winter hells. We would also be honored to allow your warriors to stay in our newly claimed outpost. We will be sure to make them feel confortable, but also be sure that they continue their training. May Artaz protect you from the fires of Krom eternally!"
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Artaz was the goddess of the Rashians. Most of the tribes and even some of the seafolk worshipped her. She was a beautiful young woman who lived on the most northern island. Krom is her brother. A few of the tribes, especially the people of Haraneku worship him. He is the demon lord of the fires. Supposedly, he dwells below the island. Their angels perpetually prepare for the final battle where the good men of the world will battle evil. That time will come when the fires of Krom fall from the heavens. Until then, men prepare themselves by using their worldly devices to make their holdings more powerful for the end. They also pray with the temples of Aranesh the prophet who came from the north.
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Outside of the Haranekian trading post:
Sarthui smiled as the yaks grunted as Parathian slingers got on the giant canvases on top of the Yaks. Each yak held 4 slingers and a driver. Several Yaks had giant tree trunks attached the the sides for battering the walls. 25 Yaks in all were prepared. Only five were used for seige purposes, though.

As usual, the contemptable Haranekians were defiant. Their allies would arrive and smite the "pathetic armies of Alrashia." Though the town had only 4,000 souls, there was a garrison of nearly 5,000. However, most were simple swordsmen with only leather armor caps and body armor. As the man was still calling from the walls, Sarthui ordered 3 of the Yaks to charge. Two headed for a tower with a couple dozen archers on it while the third attacked the gate. The yaks grunted but soon charged. The tower was made of stone and was defiant while the slingers picked off the archers. More and more kept arriving at the tower until nearly 100 were there. The yak at the wall had more success. The gate was made of simple wood and was smashed immediately. The yak went wild as short swords poked it and it began demolishing the ranks. Slingers did their best to pick off officers.

Most of the swordsmen headed off towards the front gate. The other Siege Yaks headed towards the side gate followed by 200 Horse Archers. As soon as the Yak took out the gate, Horsemen poured through. They captured the market square, as well as the governor's house. Another 5 yaks came through the gate and men were crushed. Another 300 Horse Archers headed for the barracks, while the large tower finally crumbled with nearly 150 men tumbling down. More Horsemen rode through with defiant screams. The fort was nearly taken. Only the Central square and the Temple of Krom stood.

Suddenly, a drum beat in the distance and 5,000 Haranekian Knights rode down the hill overlooking the fort. The speaker hadn't lied.

OCC: Nope the the post I wrote was the army after the civil war.

The 200 Chosen Swordsmen and their 25 Sarmatian Knights escort could see the swollen ranks of the barbarians. They quick marched to the battle and met up with Sarthui. They offered their service as allies and friends. The 25 gleaming armour clad Sarmatian Knights stood at the front lines. With their lances pointed forward and their swords at the ready. They looked like something from th future. Their expensive and rare steel armor was able to withstand most blows and all arrows(with the exception of a longbow or crossbow). They waited for the charge and then it came.
ooc: finish it up Parthini o and im the scythian kingdom in this

OOC: sure my Empire does not bite the hand that feeds it

IC: The 60 Deatharon warships holding 50 men each headed around the moutain passes to open the orders conquer the other side of the Island in the name of Emperor Ivan.

(OOC: hey, i notice 13 isnt taken *licks 13* ill post later ima recovering from a hangover right now)

OOC: For easiness, Horses are the standard horse archer

IC:
The Trading fort:
Sarthui was glad to have a steel (whatever that was) wall in front of him. He ordered 2,000 Horses to assemble behind the line and another 500 to engage them while the knights were charging. The Yaks were sent around the rubble to hide until the knights had passed.

The 500 horses ran forward shooting arrows as they went. a couple dozen knights fell but more pushed on. The horses split and began to circle beside the line of knights. Nearly 300 of each rode off to engage the horses. Perfect. The others continued on.

The column roared as the swords were drawn. Suddenly, they smashed into the line of Sarmatians and fell as iron chestplates met with steel lances. At that moment the 2000 horses behind them fired a volley and 20 12 feet tall yaks bellowed as they crushed horses and flung them away with their rams. The chosen swordsmen ran out and slaughtered the routing knights. Within 3 minutes, nearly 3,000 knights had died. The horses rode forward and killed another 300 stragglers. No longer could Haraneku attack Alrashia. They could only conserve their soldiers for the next summer when the Rashians would undoubtedly attack.

The siege was over. About 400 horses had died in the siege and another 100 in the counterattack. One yak was dead and 10 slingers had died. One Sarmatian Knight had lost an eye and a chosen swordsman had been crushed to death by a dead horse. A cart full of the heads of the attackers lead by the governor was sent as a warning to Haraneku, for next year.

(OOC: Just to correct you guys, the Roman Empire at the time of Augustus had a standing army of 28 full legions and auxilia forces, which numbered around 150,000 legionaries. It was later augmented from that. And I'll explain the client system in my IC post. By the way, Novgova, you haven't responded in awhile so I'm just going to assume something, please post if you object to me hiring your fleet as mercenaries, none will be destroyed tho as they will only serve to blockade and will be returned to your land with lots of denarii.)

IC:

Gaius returned to Taledonia and heard of the invasion from Alexander. He thought of no better time to strike than when the Armunii had most of their forces away on campaign. So he implemented his plan.

60 mercenary ships from Novgova moved into position and blockaded the ports of Taledonia, which would cut off the Armunii's main source of income. After this was done, Gaius, controlling the largest land army in Taledonia, moved his legions(8 of them) to siege the cities of the Armunii. The Palii family had joined Kellerman and donated their forces to the siege also(3 more legions). In a month, most of the Armunii cities surrendered to Kellerman, and a day later, the Armunii capitol of Constance surrendered as Maximus fleed to Taledon, the Imperial Capitol.

After securing the country, with the exception of the capitol, Taledon, Kellerman marched on the city itself. With only the Preatorian guard of 300 troops plus a 5,000 man militia force, the city surrendered at the very sight of Kellermans legions.

Marching through the city streets to the cheers and greetings of the plebians(peasants), Kellerman and his victorious legions made their way to the Imperial Palace. There, the legions got into a review formation in the grand forum of the city while Gaius entered the palace. A few hours later, he returned onto the balcony above the forum, flanked by 15 Preatorians and 5 senators.

After a long victory speech that was met by large cheers by his men and the plebs that had gathered, which was most everybody in the country, Gaius got donw on his knees in front of the senators, who took from a silk pillow a golden laurel crown, which they placed on Gaius's head.

The first Emperor of Taledonia was installed.

The entoruage entered the streets of the capitol and lead them to the Royal Palace the grandest of all the city's great buildings.

(OOC: Your talking about my diplomats right Scandivans?)

IC:

The party sent from a land to the west(land8) were brought by the mountain garrison to the Imperial City to meet with the newly crowned Emperor.

Far off lands, still unknown by the Empire

The diplomats followed the people through the city that resembled Taledonian architecture to the Royal Palace to meet with the leaders and discuss a treaty.

OCC: Yes.

The dipolmats were lead into the palace and into the throne room where the king upon a pure golden throne said to the," Welcome by what reason do you travel here?'

ooc: You know, I am curious as to how you can get a message to your men when they are deep inside foreign territory, inside the main palace surrounded by numerous guards equiped with superior weapons and armor. Most curious...

Imperial Palace: As the declaration is made the palace guards move in a completely overwhelm the mere ten soldiers. Within a few minutes all the men lie dead on the antechamber floor. The emperor is shocked, and before sending off some officials to begin spreading the word to prepare for war decides to meet with his brother to discuss any recent omens.

Off shore to the north (east?): As the village warriors are brought onboard the ten warships to greet the foreigners they spot sixty more coming around the headland packed with soldiers. Noticing the agitation of the crew and the hearing the angry cries over the ocean, the official suspects something is off and confronts the ships captain.

"What is this? You come with more ships full of angry man? What you seek hear foreign devil?"

The official makes a hand gesture and suddenly all sixty warriors spread on the ten Deathron ships begin their bronze-tipped spears to bare on the crewman.

"We are explorers from the great nation of Taledonia, across the sea to the west of you. We were sent by the Senate to find new civilized peoples in which to open up trade with, and we found you. You seem to have similar characteristics in buildings as we do, therefore you cannot be barbarian peoples.

But more to the point, we would like to propose an alliance between our peoples, if you would be so kind." said one of the diplomats.

The king responded," This is will benefit both of our nations so I accept it."

While the new happenings were going on in Taledonia, the campaign in the east had come to an end. All 15 nomadic tribes had been killed or sold into slavery, and their villages burned to the ground. The Imperial troops were now securing the area by setting up various temporary legion forts to secure the new province. Messengers were sent to inform the senate of the success, but they still had no clue that the senate had been disolved and an empire created.

Meanwhile, warriors are sent in all directions across the empire about the declaration of war. All over the region active warriors are put on alert and male villages everywhere are saying goodbye to their loved ones as they are told to report to their local officials for military service. The remaining villagers are advised to be wary of any foreigners travelling through their lands...

"Exellent!" replied another diplomat who was beginning to unrole a scroll, "Here is a draft we made, things can be changed, but these should be the basics. Please sign if you agree to it."

The scroll read:

We, the under signed, officials from Taledonia and leader(s) of insert country name hereby declare the following to be put into effect:

1. Trade will be put into effect. Tarriffs and taxes may be placed on imports and exports by each respectable nation.

2. A right of passage shall be given for both military and civilian peoples to pass through freely and safely in each nation.

3. Each nation shall agree to a mutual protection pack, in which each nation shall donate reinforcements if requested.

"Please sign here." said another handing a quil pen dipped in ink to the King.

He got the pen and then signed and said," This is agreeable and fair."

Adrimal Alexi a political man who was used to back stabbing already prepared for hostile savages arrows from the ten ships shower the warriors and cannos and the Marines were already out an armed they attacked using Iron Axes and swords.


The Main War Armada lands on the Warriors home village pillageing and looting and burning everything in sight.

Deathron:

The ships
Taken aback by this hostility, the warriors are unprepared for this hidden attack and over half their number fall to the arrows. The official is not one of them however, and as the other warriors set upon the foreign devils with unnatural ferocity the official grabs hold of his spear and throws it hard at the admirals chest.

The village
With the bulk of the local warriors offshore, the villagers are not only taken by complete surprise but are utterly defenseless. As the slaughter commences, the women and children flee into the surrounding jungle while the old men and young boys stand to fight these invaders. The battle is horribly one-sided and although they manage to kill some of the invaders, they are all dead within hours.

The Adrimal is struck by the spear and in his cry of pain his loyal L.T. shoots an arrow at the offical in retaliation. The Deatharon Marines were custom to ship fighting and were able to fight farely effectively agaisnt the enemy spears. The decks of the ships were marred with blood from both sides.

The other ships notices their comrades in trouble and rally the men to fight the savages off.

The arrow strikes the official directly in the throat, completely ripping out the juggular as it sideswipes the spinal column and spins of into the sea. As the official chokes to death he gives out a dry rasping cry before collasping to the deck. The remaining warriors meanwhile try their best to survive but with the restricted confines of the ships affecting their movement, combined with the overwhelming odds they fight a losing battle. Realisation of this mixes with a new determination amongst the last few remaining warriors whom scream out a mighty roar to the gods to annouce their arrival before setting upon their numerous foes with wild abandon, committing themselves to dying in battle.

OOC: Last Post for tonight

IC: The Deatharon warriors had seen this kind of despreate stance before and loss quite a few men to it. In the end the surrivors are wiped out in a hail of arrow fire.

ooc: m'kay

As the last few warriors charging the Deathron marines are cut down by the arrow fire they throw their spears at the foreign devils as last act of definace before death.

The coast of Taledonia:
The fishing ship with the emissaries aboard had resupplied in Scythia and headed for Taledonia. They had watched the events unfold the past days and noticed these people were full of intrigue and should be dealt with care. The ship sailed into the harbor under a banner of truce. They talked for the master of the docks and asked to speak to the leader of the country.

The Coast of 14:
The fishing ship arrived and landed under the banner of truce. They landed and performed similar tasks as in Taledonia.

Other ships were sent to the lands of Spooty and New Dracora

Ritha: In the town of Ritha underwent changes. First off, nearly all of the Rashian Tribesmen moved to Ritha. A new council was formed:45 Councillors from Ritha, 15 from Opik, 25 from Saryonis, 10 from Ulara and 3 from Fort Aranesh. Councillors were chosen by the land owners and horsemen. The Council dealt with issues on a wide scale; issues such as road management, governor appointments, foreign affairs, and wars. First, Chief Sarthui was named Lord of the Bow: Commander of all armies. Second, Governors were appointed, one of them being Sarthui's brother. Thirdly, sturdy roads were ordered to be built after the last snows. Last, public spas were ordered to be built immediately in every town to help keep cold from becoming a problem.

The governor of Ritha helped build extra housing for the new Rashians and the spas built. Heated salt water was also sent through pipes inside the walls in order for the building to be heated. Similar systems were ordered in other places. Yak caravans bringing gold and silver and cooled fish and game were commisioned to bring trade to the nearby Scythians.

Fort Aranesh:
Being in the only passable terrain for horses, much less yaks, the fort provided a very strategic point. Trade was taxed and the city's wealth grew immensly. It was barely below freezing there but spas were built anyways. Sturdier walls with boiling oil were prepared, in case of the worst.

Parthini: Having not yet heard of the chaos further north, the local official meets the Parthini fishing ships with a small warband of twenty warriors.

"Greetings travellers. What brings you to our waters?"

"We come with word of peace. We are from a far continent, nearly three weeks hard sail from my land. However, we still wish for peace, trade, and alliance. Your people are kind and so we offer you our friendship and anything you wish, for yours in return."

Parthini: "Your words are kind stranger and speak of a great many generous things. You must speak with the emperor, I am but a humble village chief afterall... But come, tonight you shall join us in the ritual of food and drink. If what you say is true your long journey has no left you tired and hungry. Yes, tonight you join us then tommorrow I take you on journey to see the emperor."

*Having said all this the official - or village chief rather - with his small band of warriors, escorts the Parthinians ashore to his small coastal village. After a night of feasting of smoked fish, jungle fruits and maize bread (Ancient Tacos!) the village chieftain himself guides the foreigners inland towards the holy imperial palace of the emperor.*


One week later...

*Emperor Technotican frowned deeply as he stared down at the Parthinians almost ignoring the explanation from the local village chief whom and found them. Only a few days ago, word had reached the emperor of the devestation in the north-east and the unprovoked slaughter that had been wrought by the foreign invaders. At the moment he was thinking about those innocent deaths and was very much considering just executing these other foreigners much in those that had declared war before... and whose heads now adorned spears outside of the main gate to the complex. His brother - his holiness the high priest Al'tnocan - must have sensed Technotican's restrained mood for as the village chiefain finished his story the high priest immediately spoke up:*

"I feel that your judgement on this matter is true on this matter village elder, for I have received signs from the gods that spoke of these dark times when men from beyond would come and destroy our peace and these foreigners before us are not the same devils that despoiled the holy blood of Dracora."

*The high priest turns to the emperor.*

"My brother, I urge you to accept these strangers as brothers. I know how much the deception and ruthlessness of the others have pained your heart, but these foreigners, these 'Parthinians', are not here to harm us. It is the will of the gods my emperor."

*At this the high priest bows at steps back to allow emperor Technotican to ponder his words. And ponder he does. The emperor continues to stare at the Parthinians for a few minutes before uttering a word.*

"My brother speaks for the Gods, but I must hear it from you. I must know that this is not another rouse like last time when the devils rotten weapons poisoned one of my honored guards. You must understand I am normally more welcoming but... things have changed."

*Emperor Technotican closes his eyes for a moment and takes a deep breath as he tries to restrain himself from showing emotion.*

"This is another thing you should understand Parthinians. We have come under attack from unknown men from across the sea. If you do desire alliance, you will be entering a war that until a few moments ago you knew nothing about. So I will give you a chance you reconsider your offer if you wish for I do not wish to force war upon anyone even if it means a better chance for my people... my people would not wish it either.

So what say you?"

It was a land of mighty forests, rugged hills and a multitude of clear, pistine lakes. A wild and unforgiving paradise even for those who knew how to uncover it's hidden treasures.

Of the smattering of tribes who called these lands home, the most numerous by far was the one who's campfires burned brightly by the shores of the mighty river Mardov, a wide stream which effectivly divided the country in two from east to west. The tribesmen referred to themselves as the "Sul-Mardov" or the "Children of Mardov", and could easily be recognised by the patches of aquamarine blue pigments they sported on their otherwise swarthy skins. A trait much admired by other tribes, who saw it as a mark of favour from the divine.

And so, in the misty forest clearings the Sul-Mardov danced around their idols to the Mother Goddess, Arkhandra, who had risen from her home at the spring of the Mardov, and breathed life into the first of them in the time before other Gods.

The Diplomat stared at the ground in despair. War, and so far away, would be very hard to push.

"I cannot promise you alliance, because I do not have the power to decide this. I shall return home, discuss this with my folk and if I have succeeded, we will come under the purple banner. May Artaz watch over you."

OOC: and I'm the Rashians not the Parthinians. Taledonia, could you also put how people call themselves on the first page, just to clarify that?

As Octavian and his men neared the capital of Taledon they were in awe :eek: at the size and architecture of the city. They had believed that no city rivaled Brutium in beuty or size but this surely did. They were recieved by a Ceturion patroling the city and were escorted to the Senate.

Marcurius, being the energetic man that he was decided to find out if there were other lands besides this continent. He sent a fleet of 5 biremes to seek out civilized people in land 14. He wished to extend an offer of alliance both militarily and economicly so as to increase the treasury and gain a friend for times of war. He hoped that he could forge lasting friendships with land 14 and The Taledonian Empire.

i made a new rp Midevil RP OOC/sign up (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=422930)

OOC: Ahhh!!! These do go quick. yesterday I was reading page 4 and now its on page 8!!! But it seems we all or at least most of us have played RTW, so we all know what we're talking about at least.

In a matter of fact, since Taledonia more or less "steals" my units (which is okay by all means and I am not complaining because if I'm not on, it slows down the story if you have to wait for me to get on, Rp, then find out later what they posted etc, etc), then I'm going to let Taledonia rule me as a sort of puppet state, and then I'll RP from where he/she lets off. My country will be almost like the Roman-Egypt semi-independent government that Egypt had when under Roman control.

The Deatharon forces had not moved from the village position they had been constructing a wooden fortress to house the men while 10 warships would head back and forward for supplies and recurites. The Soon to be General of the Campiagn Duke Cain the father of Alexi was ordered to defeat the savages, He had just recently learned of his son's demise at the hands of the savage Demons and he wanted blood. The Main Armada stayed and guarded the coast in case of canoe attack.

All the soldiers (375-They are still using copper, by the way) leave the coast they have just arrived on, pushing inland. They will seek to get Dracorian cities on their side, if not they will be attacked. The soldiers see a city in the distance, and approach.

They 15 ships start sailing up to Deatheron for the iron. (They have no soldiers, only sailors. They hope to make it back tro Concador without a hassle.)

A Deatharon fishing ship spotts the Concador ships and heads back to dock to warn the merchants to have the Iron ready at the docks.

As the diplomats from the west(land8) wre led through the city towards the Imperial Palace and the Emperor. The millions of plebs looked at them with suspicion. After being led into the throne room, the diplomats were told to bow when they arrived in front of the Emperor.

By that time, however, the Emperor was having a busy conversation with a general named Barbatio, not even pausing to acknoledge the foreigners.

A Brief History of the Kaduna

men wandered into this land looking for shelter and there they found small stocky men who they lived alongside for many years, the two cultures soon emalgamated and both were unrecognisable as either Humans or Dwarves, these peoples found iron and with it they forged weapons the first being the axe and the second being the sword, and with the introduction of weapons came the begginings of war, men would fight eachother and thousands would die to the point that only a handful remained, a child was born and as he grew he found his skills with the axe, people flocked from all over to see the child they called Kadun who grew into a fiercesome warrior that no-one questioned order was restored and the people rejoiced, but all was not well, a man crept into Kaduns palace and slew him in the night, Kadun was found the day after a sword protruding from his chest, from this day onwards swords were outlawed in the kingdom they were seen as dishonourable, Kadun himself was worshipped as a god, they called him the warrior god Kadun and even named themselves the Kaduna, the lands were taken as the population grew and all was well in the land.

OOC: I'll take #17

IC: The nation of Tundwe, whilst small, is extremely robust and it's inhabitants more than used to hardships in peace and in war. The capital city is called Lusaka and is a compact walled city numbering nearly 15,000 citizens. Tundwe as a nation is a confederate alliance of 8 cities ( known as the Octagon Entente) ruled by the King of Lusaka. The King (Cetewayo) has a government formed of democratically elected representatives of the 8 cities ( Lusaka, Chipata, Malanga, Livingstone, Kitwe, Mpika, Chingola & Mfuwe). The peoples of Tundwe are very similar to the hellenic peoples of Greece. They wear a single piece of cloth which (for the men) simply covers the area between their waist and the knee and (for the women) hangs off the shoulder and goes down to the feet with a slit up both sides up to the waist.
The land of Tundwe is extremely furtile with a mighty river, the Zambezi, which directly connects Lusaka to Mfuwe, Malanga and Kitwe). The Tundwean people are not naturally nautical but have been known to build small light (but fast) coastal patrol boats but are yet to go far from the Tundwean boarders. The people of Tundwe are divided into classes, 'Muzi' a slave class (of which there are nearly 25,000 and are not included in the population and are very rarely ever called into military service), 'Chopa' (which are free men and women but not regarded as citizens) 'Doonga' the citizen which is awarded to free men (and can be taken away as well) and the highest rank 'Kapiri' ( the full citizens and noblemen of Tundwe). The military is heavily based upon these social ranks. Muzis are recruited simply as servants to the higher ranks and are only armed with a dagger. Chopas are light skirmish infantry armed with small javelin and are used to disrupt the lines of battle. Doongas are the heavy line infantry armed with 8 foot long spears, have a large circular shield and fight in a tight phalanx of some 144 men. The Kapiri form the Royal Knights of Serenje (which is the place of the afterlife in Tundwean culture). There are only ever 66 Royal Knights (taken from the upper echelons of Tundwean society and the most warlike Kapiri families). The Tundweans have a small standy professional army which are highly trained and extremely fiercesome, they have proved themselves countless times in combat against rebellious barbarian forces in the south and west of Tundwe. The Tundwean militia forces (made up of the lower social ranks) are a reserve army that can be rapidly called upon to mobilize and are trained every 5 days whilst the professional army rigorously trains every other day. Discipline is extremely strict in both the military and civilian life, rank is everything, respect is crucial and disrespect is met with brutal punishment often designed not to reform a character but break him and make a lesson of him to show others.
The Tundwean mindset is one of defense (they do not seek combat because they already know what they can achieve in war, they need to prove nothing to anybody). King Cetewayo is keen to make peace with friends but will punish potential enemies with a quick and brutal series of attacks.
Cetewayo's boarder guards have reported that unknown non-barbarian patrols have been seen and emissaries have been sent to neighbouring lands offering gifts of bronze, Muzis and a scroll bearing the seal of the Tundwean King which contains Cetewayo's declaration of his intent of peaceful but cautious relations with his neighbours.

Parthini:
Oops... my bad.

"And may the gods guide you kind Rashians. Despair not however, for alliance or not you shall be welcome here amongst the Dracorian people as long as you mean them no harm. These foreign invaders were foolish to spill the blood of our most innocent and they shall soon feel our wrath.

One more thing before you go... *Puts out a small dagger in a gold steath adorned by silver dragons and hands it to on of his servants whom then passes over to the Rashian that spoke* ...take this dagger and wear it with you at all times. It is one of the sacred blades of iron, purified by the goddess K'aath in the holy forge of Mt An'aath. My people, who have by now heard of the unspeakable crimes in the north east will know you have their emperors blessings when they see it and will assist you in any way... rather that killing you on the spot.


You may go in peace now fair Rashians, and may it be to peace when you return."

Deatharon: *As the Deatharon soldiers fortified themselves amongst the remains of the Draconian settlement, hidden eyes watched from the depths of the jungle and reported all that they saw back to the priests of the holy temple of Snth'aath - the closest stone structure in the area and one of the ten large pyramid complex shrines. Warriors through this part of the region had been ordered to report here and already over 500 brave souls had arrived with news of about another 500 due to arrive within the week. Refugees had gathered here also having abandoned nearby settlements and taking all that could be carried to the relative safety of Snth'aath - most were family members of the warriors whom had also gathered here.

Due to the relative remoteness from the captial (at least three to four weeks away by road) the priest officials were put in charge of dealing with the foreign invaders. There was wisdom in this, the priests had access to the writings of the Dracorian accestors which told of the violent times of old and as such could draw on this ancient knowledge of warfare. The other advantage was the priesthood had direct control of the feared warrior order of K'aath - one such warrior was worth more than fifty of the most skilled Dracorian warriors and already the priest officials at Snth'aath had heard from ten of them.

The emperor made certain constant supply of maize flour would flow into Snth'aath and after the refugees had finished building up temporary shelther for themselves in the growing new settlement upon the river banks up stream from the holy temples, they busied themselves by collecting the native fruits of the jungle to feed the masses of people. Many believed it shouldn't take long to drive out these foreign devils but the writings told of the evil of assumption and neither the priests of the emperor were not taking any chances...*

ooc: Defences of Snth'aath consist of large stone walls that are virtually impossible to break. But there are no towers, very few men armed with bows (and they will be simple hunting bows at best). Outward swinging stone gates protect four enterance way facing directly north, east, south and west respectively. The refugee settlement is outside the complex along the river to the west. Said river runs under the complex walls in both west and east, through the stone foundations - a metal grate blocks entry through these tunnels. Troop positions... well you'll discover that soon enough ;)


Concador: ooc: Copper weapons - duly noted

*The 'city' the Concadorians could see was the holy temple complex of Hynn'aath. Although it was one of the ten great temples, being only five days journey from the imperial palace and the adjoining great temple of K'aath, it was one of the smallest since many would make the relatively short journey further inland to worship. Neverless it was an important site and the emperor and personally dispatched 250 of his Imperial Guards to the temple. As of yet only 100 warriors had reported in (since many were headed north to face the Deatharons) but a large party of 1,000 gathered men from the west were said to be on the way. They were due to arrive within a week.

The Concadorian army had been unexpected but villagers from nearby settlements on had fled into the jungle when they had arrived on the coast and sent scouts west to report the news to Hynn'aath. Immediately scouts had been dispatched to shadow their movements and after it became apparent the road they followed lead straight to the temple itself, the 5 warriors from the order of the K'aath immediately pressed for action. Working together with the Imperial Guard captain and a few priest officials, an ambush was devised. The Guardsmen shed their fine linked armour of purified iron (read: primative steel) as they prepare for the ambush, armour which is taken up by the other warriors whom are left to defend the temple.

Their bare skin deliberately dirtied by river mud, the 250 guardsmen are lead by the 5 warriors of K'aath along the road toward the approaching Concadorian army. Once all five are happy with the selected area, the warband disperses into the jungle and gets into position to wait for the oncoming foreign army while the K'aathian warriors set forth to 'hunt' the Concadorian army.

(Note - I'm going to assume your soldiers are travelling in single file since that is the way ancient armies travelled and well... it's the only way they could fit on the road or cross the jungle without losing men :p)

It takes a few hours, but soon the K'aathian warriors reach the Concadorian army. Watching the foreigners from the trees above, the warrioresses resist the temptation to start picking them off one by one and instead make moves to shadow the army whilst studing it at the same time. By the time they return to the hidden positions of the Imperial Guard they have learned a number of useful things such as the poor metalwork of the invaders weapons and armour to the proud yet, wary way they carry themselves suggesting men confident in the ways of war.

Soon the Concadorian army is passing by the Dracorian ambush positions. The K'aath in charge wait for about half the invaders number to pass by before they let out a mighty cry to signal the attack. The guardsman all let out a mighty roar as they pounce upon the Concadorian column from both sides for a third of it's length, armed with a thick bladed, curved sword in each hand purified by the goddess K'aath and a whole lot of anger.*


ooc: Aaaaannnd I'm spent :)

Through a series of inter-marriages between the Sul-Mardov’s and several other local tribes, the Children of Mardov soon came to control the entire eastern part of nr. 18 which they soon came to refer to simply as “Mardovia”. The capital city of Kardush stretches out for about half a mile from both sides of the banks of the Mardov River. The city’s buildings vary in appearance, but most are long, low and squat wooden halls. Each such building houses all members of a specific family, from the youngest to the oldest. The largest building by far is the one belonging to the royal family, a hall of at least 30 feet in height, rivalled only in splendour and magnificence by the Temple-Hall of the River Goddess.

At the head of each family sits the oldest living members. It is they who decide upon the outcome of any problems or disputes which affects the family as a whole, while the day-to-day decisions are left to the younger members of the house in a direct line of descendance from the elders.

The main source of food for the Sul-Mardov is wheat, which is grown in large fields in order to support the growing population. Besides farming, any individual skilled in hunting with the bow and the spear is valued highly by any family, and each family is also granted a certain quota of fish to catch from the Mardov River by the governing king, referred to as the “Maob”.

The Maob of the Shimmering Hall of Kardush is known as Glitter-Eye, a mountain of a man whose summit is crowned by a heavy mane of thick, dark chocolate brown hair. Patches of aquamarine blue about the size of a grown mans palm is evident on both his chest and thighs, and though he can be quick to anger and awfully slow to forget a grudge, he is held in high regard by most of his people as a wise and just Maob. At the first day of each month he takes council with the High Priestess of Arkhandra on matters of state, and otherwise receives envoys and diplomats from neighbouring tribes on the first day of each week.

* * *

In the 7th year of Maob Glitter-Eye’s reign, fishermen from Kardush discovered deposits of a light, tough, deep-blue semi-precious stone in the Mardov’s riverbed. This stone, though hitherto unknown to the Sul-Mardov, quickly became popular among the wealthier families as a necklace and ear ornamentation made from bronze whose components were mined from hillside mines in the north-eastern part of the country.

The more common classes would simply wear one on a string around the neck, rumoured as the stone was to bring the wearer good luck. It quickly became known as “Lopaz stone”, and to manifest his control over a specifically stalwart tribe of merchant-princes to the west, Maob Glitter-Eye bribed the council of the Jalag tribe into seceding all ruling authority to him in exchange for a kings ransom’s worth of Lopaz stone

Thus the Sul-Mardov’s lands were further expanded, and prosperity reigned supreme for all those under the yoke of Maob Glitter-Eye.

The Deatharon soldiers were not used to the heat of the jungles and were preparing for a long campaign to the local villages small scouting parties were sent out to survey the land. The War ships started to attack costal villages and putting them to the torch. At least 30 warships were always left behind to defend the fort from the fear some canoes.

King Adonius II, his statue completed, decided to invade north (1) to gain a reasonable fur and timber market. Since Novgova (5) had little timber, being virtually mountainous, he decided to take his little army of 5,000 up north.

The army consisted mainly of Phalanx Pikemen and Levy Pikemen, and also had a sizable amount of bowmen. They crushed barbarian towns, one after another, since they weren't unified. Finally, the army stopped halfway through Barbaria (1) because the army was not large enough to hold the whole territory. King Adonius, on the bank of the River Barbaria (named by Adonius himself), founded Adonia, a large town of 1,500 people. This would be his main trading center that would transfer furs, dyes, and timber down the newly constructed Barbaria Road to Novalonkia. This would offer unprecendented wealth to the already richest country in the world.

He built a palisade around the town and quickly built it up, building a temple to Arkos, the God of Trading, a stable, and a governor's mansion to which to personally rule from, since he retired and gave his king position to Prince Adonius who became King Adonius III.

King Adonius III quickly sent a tribute of pearls, olive oil, and silver via a protected convoy to Gaius Kellermen in the Taledonian Empire and sent a message to him, asking for an alliance or co-empire.

Instantly, 25 men were run through by the Dracorians. The rest formed a two-sided line: one faced each side of the oncoming attackers. The men raised their shields, and began to fight back.

The boats have been loaded with iron (and the sailors have been taught how to make weapons from it), and are heading back to Concador.

Another shipment of soldiers (16 ships, 400 men) are coming. They will land further up the coast than the first troop shipment.

I would like to take 17 if it isnt taken

Deatharon: As soon as the Deatharon scouting parties started leaving their wooden enclosure a number of eager grins began appearing on the faces of the Dracorian warriors watching the camp. They had been waiting for this moment, when first blood would be drawn and word was quickly sent back to Snth'aath...

The plan for the strangers was to make them suffer for their crimes. The news that the foreign devils had finally built up the nerve to enter the jungle passes was good news, a welcome change from the reports of the now abandoned villages along the coast in the area being burnt to the ground with reckless abandon. Of course their was little the priests could do with the news now, for all they knew the foreign devils were already dead...

The aim of the warriors of K'aath was simple. The blood of the goddess's children had been spilled and her lands defiled so it was the job of her guardians to make the infidels pay. And pay they would.

As soon as the scouting parties left the compound, plans devised back in Snth'aath were put in motion. It was believed by many that simply overwhelming the infidels in their tiny cage with large numbers was not enough. So the infidels would be subjected to the ritual of terror - a series of actions meant to leave them blind, scared, and crippled.

5 Warriors from the order of K'aath had instantly volunteered for the first act.

They now tracked the foreign scouting parties individually as they stumbled through the unfamiliar terrain. In each Deatharon scouting party, the K'aathian warriors picked off the hapless soldiers one by one. They took their time in doing this, making certain the remaining prey had realised some of their number had disappeared before silently and swiftly taking the lives of a few more, repeating the process until the last one or two soldiers were so terrified they couldn't help but soil themselves...

Once the deed was done the K'aathian warriors gathered up small bands of warriors from the main group and together the bodies of the slain party members were taken back to one spot where they were systematically defiled. Each body had it's eyes, ears and tongue removed and their backs broken so that their souls would be hapless cripples, damned to hobble painfully whilst blind, deaf and dumb for all eternity. Once night fell, the deformed bodies were impaled onto large wooden spikes and then erected quietly all around the Deatharon compound.

ooc: mwahaha... I'm not finished with you yet ;)

That same night the other 5 warriors of K'aath performed their act against the infidels. Using the hollowed out carcasses of five native crocodiles they had killed that day as cover, the K'aathian warriors swam down river into the sea and towards the infidel encampment. Once there they make their way to where the giant infidel canoes lay at anchor and spread out, quietly boarding one ship each. The first ones to die on the unfortunate five ships are those on watch, quickly followed by anyone else on the main deck. Once certain that the main decks are clear, the K'aathian warriors bolt or jam shut any way out of the lower decks and then set fire to the main deck by knocking over as many of the foreigners oil lantarns before diving back into the sea. The last act of the 5 K'aathian warriors before swimming away in their reptilian disguises is to cut the burning ships loose so that they have a chance of drifting into more ships. By the time the 5 warriors of K'aath return to the river mouth the decks of the five ships are well ablaze.


Concador: So ferocious is the attack by the imperial guardsmen that a number of the enemy die before they even have a chance to bring shields and arms to bear (refers to the 25 you mentioned eariler). Quickly the invaders get into defensive positions and soon the fight is on. The Dracorian guardsmen have no armour but they warriors of great skill - chosen from many to directly serve the emperor - and hence they are able to use this fact to their advantage. The extra mobility allows the guardsman to dodge most attacks although it should be noted that the Concadorian soldiers are no strangers to battle and are able to land a number of considerable blows... within the first few moments of battle 10 guardsmen fall with a further 15 retiring back to the jungle with serious injury.

As the guardsmen begin the engagement the 5 warriors of K'aath yell out "For K'aath and Dracora!!" and leap into the battle their various implements of death spinning around with almost freakish levels of ability. Fighting their way through the battle, the K'aathian warriors force themselves through the fighting with a single purpose in mind and soon they reach the Concadorian captain. As the fighting goes on, the five highly skilled warrioress surround the enemy regiments leader.

Through the engagements that it took to get here the K'aathian warriors considered that these foreigners fought with honor and so it was considered a leader of such warriors should be subjected to the standard warriors code of Dracora. As such it is decided to give this foreigner a chance at an honorable death. One of the K'aathian warriors speaks out:

"Choose which one of us that you wish to die at the hands of and it shall be done."

*The K'aathian warriors waited for the Concadorian to make his choice, occasionally batting away the odd soldier that was brave enough to face them. Whoever he chose would fight him to the death and should he win - however unlikely - his life would be spared. This was a standard rule in most traditional trials in Dracora but of course, you had to be Dracorian to know this...*


edit: Ok, edited. Note - it would help if I knew more about the soldiers I'm fighting here.

The Duke saw this horror the next day and learned about the ships. These Demons wanted blood. The Duke decides to bring fire to these savages. The Deatharon troops leave in large groups burning down the trees and brush for a five mile radius making it virtually impossiable to hide. The Archers slaughter any enemies they spot on sight. The Death Guard are sent to deal with the savages.


OOC: The Death Guard are the elite warriors like persia's ten thousand immortials. They are heading by ship.

ooc: New Dracora: You cannot say that any of my men have died. You cannot say my weapons have broken. You cannot say only a few men are left resisting. In other words, YOU CANNOT GODMOD. If you don't know what that means, read the stickies. You can only post what your side does. I await your new post. (Sorry if that came out a little harsh.)

ooc: Sorry Concador, I was only trying to keep things moving since I cannot see any possible way any of your men will surivive. I didn't want to spend several days coming to an inevitiable outcome. The reason I think this outcome is inevitable is because:

1. You're facing my best troops.
2. You're encumbered by armour
3. Steel beats Copper
4. You've been ambushed
5. You're in an environment that your troops very likely are not used to
6. You're fighting along a column and hence orders will be difficult to relay
7. If your men run they WILL be hunted down or taken by the local wildlife
8. You've invaded the homeland of my warriors, so they have more to fight for
9. You're in the presence of five of my nations version of ninjas and
10. You're men have been on the march for some time

So given those reasons, explain to me how you are not going to be slaughtered?

Deatharon: ooc: M'kay... losses?

In an unexpected move, rather than cowering in their wooden cage the foreign devils appear to become enraged by the sight of their fellows bodies. Storming out in large groups, they put the surrounding jungle to the torch (ooc: with tar?) and chase down the flames in search of their tormentors. The wildfire gains in intensity and spreads outward rapidly catching many of the warriors watching of guard. Many perish in the flames, and those that do not are forced into the open where the Deatharon bowmen take them down. In the end the fire begins to die out as the vegetation becomes wetter inland but by then the damage is down. Everything within a five mile radius of the Deatharon camp has burnt to the ground, and only 50 warriors of the original 250 make it back to Snth'aath alive, all injuried - 30 seriously and 10 not expected to recover...

ooc: Sorry Concador, I was only trying to keep things moving since I cannot see any possible way any of your men will surivive. I didn't want to spend several days coming to an inevitiable outcome. The reason I think this outcome is inevitable is because:

1. You're facing my best troops.
2. You're encumbered by armour
3. Steel beats Copper
4. You've been ambushed
5. You're in an environment that your troops very likely are not used to
6. You're fighting along a column and hence orders will be difficult to relay
7. If your men run they WILL be hunted down or taken by the local wildlife
8. You've invaded the homeland of my warriors, so they have more to fight for
9. You're in the presence of five of my nations version of ninjas and
10. You're men have been on the march for some time

So given those reasons, explain to me how you are not going to be slaughtered?

OOC: First of all, many of these claims are good, and we very well may come the same conclusion in this battle as you did, but it is still godmoding. Also, an ambush in the ancient world wasn't like now a days: now you can open fire with a gun, but back then my troops wouldn't be taken completely by surprise, because your men have still got to run to mine, giving us time to regain some of our wits. Another of your claim is that you're using your best troops--do you think I sent a couple of bums to invade a country? My men also outnumber yours by 125 soldiers. Also, though no one mentioned anything before, these 'ninja' warriors can't be as good as you say (you said they were worth fifty men), or that is a godmod also. Lastly, my men don't wear armor.

One more thing: battles don't have to take several days if we don't want them to: we can just speed up the battle. Example: instead of going through every detail of the battle, we can generalize. We can also increase casualties per post as a result. Please post a fair account of the battle.

IC: The ships have arrived back, and the iron is being made into weapons. From now on, regular convoys (with substantial military escorts) will bring a constant flow of iron back. The first shipment of 15 shiploads can supply 500 soldiers with weapons and shields.

OOC: I'll take region number 1 if that's OK.

OOC: yes we used Tar

IC: The Deatharon troops are reinforced by the Death Guard and the massive force decides to launch an offensive more inland and they take a large force of 300 men and have them scout in a large group for the enemy.

Concador: ooc: Ok, you've got a point and you are right it is godmodding and for that I appologise - I am normally more careful than that (guess I got caught up in the moment :p). I really liked the idea of a stand off at the end however... meh. *Goes off to edit* - Done

Deatharon: ooc: losses?

*Back in Snth'aath arguement has broken out over what to do in the aftermath of the dramatic losses taken in the fire. Warchiefs for the gathered warriors want to attack the infidels immediately losses be damned, the priests want to begin preparations for defending the complex and evacuating the religious artifacts, and the ten warriors of K'aath just want to be let to do their own thing suggesting that if this was the case the enemy would be dealt with in no time. Just as it looks like the leaders in the group are going to being killing themselves a messenger runs into the gathering and reports that scouts have sighted the infidels assembling in large force to presumably begin a serious push inland. The warchiefs use this to push their viewpoint given the urgency of the situation and soon a comprise is reached.

And so with the enemy said to be advancing, a large warband of 600 brave souls lead by the 10 warriors of K'aath leaves Snth'aath to confront the enemy. 150 warriors are left behind to watch over the wounded (50 men) as well as assist with the removal of the holy relics from their sacred sites. It is hoped that should the warrior force lose against the foreign devils, the treasures of Snth'aath will be well into their three week journey to the imperial palace and the holy temples of K'aath.


ooc: General Dracorian warband movement - loose gathering of warriors working in groups of five to ten with nominated scouts working in pairs as the eyes and ears in the jungle. This is the natural environment for these men, you will not surprise them.

OOC: This group is pretty sacrifical

IC: The 300 Deatharon soldiers were armed with bows and swords with light armor. The men were in a column formation trying to stay together for protection.

The kingdom of Relative Liberty was a small, peaceful nation. Of course, it wasn't called Relative Liberty in Elvish but the Elven language is a hard one to master.
The kingdom is covered by woods and small lakes and rivers, although a mighty mountain occupy the center. From there the king rules in his palace of stone. The king was a mountainelf, like the seventeen others in the Calawa dynasty. It was the mountainelves that supplied the wood and waterelves with iron and bronze and thus they were the ones that ruled.

OOC: Number 3, please

IC: The land of Lishtan, to those who entered, appeared to be abandoned. Most found this peculiar. The soil of Lishtan were very rich, the forests were old and strong, and the many seaward mountains promised rich mineral veins. Why no one had conquered it, no one new.

But it was not abandoned. In those mountains whence came the promise of such wealth, lived the Kinari, an ancient race, forgotten by all. Only a few thousand remained, but those few guarded their ancient land vigilantly. They were the reason the land was free. They were the Then'atde of legend, the hidden wardens of Lishtan.

OOC: More about the Kinari to come.

ooc: Heh :p


It wasn't long before the forward scouts reported that the infidel column was not far off. The word was spread around and then directions given for the warband to spilt up roughly into two groups. One group broke off immediately along with eight K'aathian warriors while the other larger group remained under the guidance of the remaining two K'aath to setup an ambush for the oncoming invaders...


ooc:
Main ambush group - 500 warriors, 2 warriors of K'aath
Flanking group - 100 warriors, 8 warriors of K'aath

OOC: can i join in?

ooc: My warriors are experienced fighters, some of the best in Concador.

IC: The Concadorian men are taken aback by the ferociousness of their enemy, especially a certain five warriors... . The battle rages on, with another 75 Concadorians falling, hopefully taking many of the enemy with them, when all of a sudden a call went out: "Pick a man to fight us or die," a Dracorian was saying to the captain. The men tensed themselves for what they new the answer would be--every Concadorian soldier knew that it was an honor to fight to the death. As soon as that defiant cry would come from his lips, the remaining warriors would continue the fight witha ferociousness powered by revenge. The captains "Never!" rang out accross the battlefied.

The new 400 men arrive, and set off inland, heading for another temple they see. (ooc- they are still using copper, but all new troop shipments will be. [see earlier post]).

OOC2: Post a map of your land, please, so I can know where your capital is.

In the north The Vulkans were waking. All over Strigi, the demonic and off-putting mating cry of the sabreines could be heard… Coalthera were forming up packs to track the Black Deer and Muus that were running away fro the impending eruption.

Giant gathering were forming at the Pentasibs, five cinder cone volcanoes were Strigi culture was birthed from. Claims were being made and civilians were preparing to migrate, the largest migration in 100 years. Should the new site in Renit prove prosperous, Stigi would feel a thriving boom like never before. Although there had been rumors of Xeno activity and even sighting, but the words were being tossed aside at the fact that ore and precois minerals were going to become available, providing Renit became extinct.

The 300 soldiers kept marching in the column formation they had not manage to see the enemy yet and that scarried the hell of out them. They decide to split into 3 groups of 100 and spread in three different directions and to return to the spot they were the next day.

In the northeastern reaches of Mardovia, where jagged mountain spires stretched their summits up towards the cloudless skies as though in supplement to some unnamed god of old, the locals spoke in whisper of a vast chasm that had toren through the mountain mountain-side when the world was still young... when the gods did not know themselves.

The chasm was narrow, and an inky darkness seemed to fill it at all times, despite the best efforts of the sun. The daylight seemed to falter and grow weak and pale only a few mere fet inside it, and the locals eyed the mountain suspiciously on dark nights, fearing that evil spirits inhabited the mountain, unless they gave them sacrafices of food and wealth.

* * *

Indeed, all was well for many a year. The mountains would look impressive enough in daylight, but when night came, a hush would come upon all that beheld it, and their sinister shapes loomed silently in the night as a reminder that all was not well in the world...

And then one night, the demons came. Men with their faces adorned in red paint, hefting cruel spears and bearing torches ascended from the mountains in droves. They reached small villages, outlying farmsteads and even the odd outlying town. Their message was clear, the Hungry Lord of the mountain had grown weary of their meager offerings, and had sent his mortal minions down into their world to demand their allegiance, as was his right.

When the villagers spoke to the envoys of the Sul-Mardov tribe, the red-faced men simply replied by putting the speaker to the sword. The Hungry Lord of the Mountain would tolerate no mentioning of the name. Authority was his, and his alone.

Sacrifices were to be made, greater than before. Food would be accepted, but if it was not available, wealth or slaves would also be acceptable. All this happened over the course of only a few nights, and while many villages prepeared to make their offerings to the new Lord, many others scoffed at this. These strangers were simply bandits, they reasoned, and would probably not even borth to make good of their threats.

...

But when the `bandits` massed enforce from the mountains, and put the city of Tulac to the torch along with it's thousand or so inhabitants, the tune changed quickly. Glitter-Eye was barely informed of the event as the first priests of the Hungry Lord came down from the mountains, and began preaching his gospel... a gospel of war and constant hunger.

Concador: ooc: Working on a Civ III rendition atm, but I'll see if I can come up with something a bit more simple before it's done... and that challenge was to the captain directly, also the said five warriors challenging him are like amazonian warriors... which means they're women :p

Insulted by the captains refusal to accept their challenge, the warriors of K'aath glare at the foreign leader as the speaker responds with a level tone,

"Fine. You shall face us all then."

With that said, the speaker swiftly pulls out a small throwing knife and throws it at the Concadorian captain's throat.

Meanwhile, the battle continues to rage in the jungle pass with the skilled guardsman hacking, slashing and spinning as they attempt to cut down their foes. Another 25 had fallen, but it had cost the foreigners three times that number and the guardsmen showed no signs of slowing down any time soon.

Deatharon: The scouts watching the invaders quickly report back to the ambush group about the spilt. The K'aathian warriors pondered over this latest development - these foreign devils were clever and no doubt had spilt up in an attempt to foil any attempts at ambush. As such a new strategy was needed and needed quickly. In the end the group decided to spilt in two and go after two of the now smaller groups while the flanking group would trail the middle group still headed in the direction of Snth'aath.

A group of scouts were nominated to relay this change to the flanking party. Setting out, they cut around the enemy middle group and attempted to pick up the trail of the flanking warband. Although much more difficult than tracking foreigners, the tells were spotted and (relatively) soon the flanking party received the message.

Meanwhile the two groups each headed off in the direction of the flanking Deatharon. Having no time now to setup a proper ambush, each group leader had decided to implement hit-and-run tactics. Sneaking up on the enemy soldiers, each group did it's best to get as close as possible before bursting out of the bushes screaming whilst throwing a volley of bronze tipped spears at the enemy - this happened in both flanking Deatharon groups.

As for the middle group, now no Dracorian warriors stood between them and the temple complex of Snth'aath (except of course, the guys in the garrision). However, a small group of 100 warriors lead by 8 K'aathians were now tracking them, removing the tracks of their enemy as they went along...

Concador: ooc: Working on a Civ III rendition atm, but I'll see if I can come up with something a bit more simple before it's done... and that challenge was to the captain directly, also the said five warriors challenging him are like amazonian warriors... which means they're women :p

Insulted by the captains refusal to accept their challenge, the warriors of K'aath glare at the foreign leader as the speaker responds with a level tone,

"Fine. You shall face us all then."

With that said, the speaker swiftly pulls out a small throwing knife and throws it at the Concadorian captain's throat.

Meanwhile, the battle continues to rage in the jungle pass with the skilled guardsman hacking, slashing and spinning as they attempt to cut down their foes. Another 25 had fallen, but it had cost the foreigners three times that number and the guardsmen showed no signs of slowing down any time soon.



OOC:

I posted 75 men lost because I thought you wanted to speed up the battle (instead of going through every litle comman just giving broad overviews)! If you decide to increase your losses (which, obviously, you don't have to) just post in a new post ("A burst of energy spurted throughout all the Concadorian men, and they took down X men in that short amount of time.", etc.--I'm sick of going back for edits :p )

IC:

The battle raged on.

The second attack force marched up to the city and attacked. (ooc-I just realized I didn't finish off a previous post, so I'm sticking it in now: all further shipments of men will be using iron.)

The Deatharon troops in the left flank saw nothing and decided to head on with the same formation. The same for the right flank. The Middle was marching onwards with the hopes of finding an enemy village to raid.