NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Made for this RP here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=462780).

IC:

Emperor Scipo Tullus Vespasian was feeling exhilirated. He had just lead his armies into battle for the first time and utterly crushed the primitive tribes standing in their way. The Kilani Imperium had begun as a tiny cit-state on the southern coast of what they were now calling "Godsland". As far as they could tell it was an island. A very large island to be sure, but there you have it. His father, the first Emperor of the Imperium, had set out to unify the entire island. He had died two years ago, his task unfinished.

Now Scipo was beginning to finish it. They were moving north slowly, his armored and disciplined troops able to beat the relatively primitve northern inhabitants. They were beginning to build roads to the new outposts they had established. Already he controlled almost two-thirds of the island. But the primitives were starting to get smarter. Oh well.

After being on campaign for almost half a year he had returned to Kilani. He was in his chambers, overlooking the bay. It was a beautiful sight. Ships going to and fro. His attention was locked on one specifically, flying the Imperial flag, a red eagle on black. That ship was going to explore to the west. A frightened merchant man had brought back stories of a huge island, with strange beasts and men. He nodded. He had ordered an Imperial expedition sent. Three ships, each contianing the finest goods that Kilani had to offer would sail with the tide. One of his advisors, the old Antony Gravius, would be in command. He would also initate diplomatic talks with any kingdoms they came into contact with.

Sighing the emperor turned back to the papers lying on his desk. The Empire had plenty of stone to quarry, plenty of timber...But little gold. THey had silver by the ton and it was the main unit of currency in Kilani..but gold was scarce. The only gold mine was reporting less and less with each passing month.

Iron ore was another thing they had lots of. Few horses, though...He sighed. Sometimes he wished he didn't have to run an empire, but he woudl have to do it...


One and half weeks later, off the southern coast of Madascar

Antony considered his expedition lucky. They hadn't run into any serious storms yet and so far teh new-fnagled ships were actually working right. It still disturbed him to sail out of sight of land, but now they were near land once more.

"Any sign of inhabitnats?" he yelled up the mast.

"Not yet, m'lord."

Antony grunted and returned to watching the coastline.

OOC: tag for future referance. i assuem we'll have some interaction eventually, given Angermanland's ships. anyway, if warshrike actually has a thread, everything in his sphear of influence would probibly go there. if not, prod him with a stick untill he makes one!

OOC: El Tago

OOC: explanation of my current position on the main OOC thread. However, if ships are 'new-fangled' to your people, it may all be irrelevant anyway...

IC: Terror Incognitia had recently resorted, in this time of change, to accrediting as diplomats some of the most wide-ranging merchants, just in case they came across a new nation. (OOC: ok, ok, far-fetched perhaps, but it saves time...). One such had found a new...well, continent was perhaps the fairest word for it.

Having encountered this new land while sailing from the East, they had turned to the South, and made their way along the coast.

The Captain, a man named James Carr, was a little nervous, as he was in unknown territory here. However, the city up ahead looked civilised, if a little light on shipping...and what little there was he was fairly confident he could outpace. Carrying some of the finest Austian silks, amongst other wares, trade was his primary mission - and all peoples spoke the basic language of trade. He could only hope that the people here had knowledge of other civilised tongues as well...

Callus was bored. As a member of the Imperial Army he had expected to be out in the north, campaigning against the tribesmen and claiming more land for civilization and the Imperium. Instead his training was being wasted on this watchtower overlooking the ocean and the bay of Kilani City. He clutched his pilum and shifted his large shield slightly.

I don't know why they even built a watch-tower he thought to himself, It's not like there are ever any pirates or anythin-

His thoughts were cut short as a ship, not of Kilani design, appeared around the headland. The flag was strange to him ,as was the design. He could see people moving around on deck. He stared for a moment and then he lifted the horn slung at his side and blew three long blasts.

"Strange ship in sight! Alert his Majesty and prepare a galley!"

The small fort watching over the bay was a hive of activity within minutes. A rider left the main gate, galloping towards the harbor. Fifteen minutes later a galley began pulling out into the harbor, it's banks of oars making it look like a giant insect as it crawled towards the harbor entrance. It's single sail rose, catching the breeze. The iron and bronze ram underthe prow glinted as it crashed through the waves.

The Empire had recently begun building newer ships, that were more seaworthy, but the bulk of it's navy was still made up of galleys.

The galley turned and began stroking towards the strange ship. The captain, Julius Octavious, strode out to the prow, a speaking horn in his hands. He perched on the prow as the ship came in hailing range.

"Back oars!" he shouted, "Hold her steady!" The galley slowed and then began drifting slightly. He raised the speaking trumpet and began shouting in Kilani [OOC: Similar to Latin], "Hail, traveler! What brings you to Kilani?"

Fortunately Latin was still the language of the educated man in Incognitia; so though he struggled with this accented, bastard form, the Captain was able to decipher the message.

"We bring greetings from the High Seneschal and Consilium of Terror Incognitia. We come in peace, and would have parley with you. May we enter your harbour?"

ooc: at this point, terror, i'd wonder why latin was EVER the language of the educated man in your territory. i'd have thought it would be whatever is spoken in Han.

All to be explained in the (soon, I promise) Terror Incognitia thread.

But yeah, is a bit weird.

Julius is somewhat confused by the foreigner's strange accent, but replys, "You may enter the harbor if you ruly come in peace. Welcome to the city of Kilani, capital of the Kilani Imperium under the rule of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Scipo Vespasian."

"Our thanks. Where shall we dock?"

"Please, follow us in."

The galley makes a slow, stately turn and begins heading back into the harbor. A fort on the headland dips it's flag in salute, as does the fort on the island in the center of the bay. As they pull towards the pier, the galley swings away, leaving room for the ship to dock.

On the pier, purple-garbed legionaries stand at attention, surrounding a young men with a simple gold circlet on his head and purple trim on his robes.

"Simple traders" though they were, Carr's men knew a high official when they saw one. Respects were paid with a side party.

Carr then came down to the dock.
"I bring the greetings and regards of Terror Incognitia's High Seneschal and Consilium. I am a trader, but I am authorised to speak for Incognitia when I contact new nations."

The Emperor smiles, inclining his head. "I greet you, in the name of the Kilani Imperium. I am Emperor Tullus Vespasian. I give you welcome and offer you my hospitality."

While all this was taking place in the capital, to the north-east, 5,000 men of the Legions were marching north, building a road as they went. They planned to secure a vital river crossing and build a permenant fort thee, which would hopefully expand into a full-fledged settlement. Elsewhere, Imperial diplomats bargained with warlords or they were simply subjected by the Legions and forced to pay homage to the provincial governors. The Kilani Empire was expanding.

In northern Madadascar, A single century from the exploration expedition establishes a fort and begins building a port. Settlers are encouraged.

Another Kilani exploration expedition arrives in Sri Lanka and begins laying down roots.

Richard Enes was a brilliant man, which was how he had become so rich as a merchant. He had gone from growing up on the streets to becoming one of Almohed's richest merchants. He owned the Damar Trading Company, and owned ten carracks, and had at least 4000 men working for him at any given time.

Now he was starting on his newest enterprise: expanding his business to Kilani.

He had set off about three weeks ago with five of his carracks. A total of 2000 men were on this voyage, and the lead ship saw land. This was it, the land of Kilani.

A small fishing fleet was sitting off the coast when the five strange ships appeared. With excited shouts and much consternation they began hauling innets and several took off for their home port, planning on alerting the local Centurion.

The Li Tiso was sailing away into the depths of the indian ocean, it's mission to find new civilisations and places of coloney for Aust. On board it's captain and ambassidor, iGn glanced at the horizion with his telescope. In the distance he could see a landmass larger than any he had encountered so far. With the powerful scope of the glass he could see buildings and cooking fires, civilisation.

he pointed towards the distance shore, "Land Ho! We make anchor there."

OOC: I'll leave your responce to you. Should you not have patrols ect I'll anchor and row ashore.

OOC: Kilani does not have dedicated naval patrols, as most of their warships guard the major harbors. You may encounter a fishing fleet, though.

The Emperor smiles, inclining his head. "I greet you, in the name of the Kilani Imperium. I am Emperor Tullus Vespasian. I give you welcome and offer you my hospitality."

Carr was shocked. To be greeted at the dock, by the Emperor himself, no less. Still, strike while the iron was hot.

"Emperor Vespasian, the thanks of both myself and my country for your welcome. My country is interested in opening up trade with yours; we have a large and extensive trading network, and believe that we have much to offer you. Also, we are forever looking for more allies around the region, especially in these troubled times.

In recent times many nations have begun aggressive foreign policies; and those such as ourselves, who while willing to fight do not wish to conquer, are forever looking for more nations that are prepared to live in peace, and aid each other against the aggression of others.

Finally, my country finds itself burdened with excessive population, and we would be interested, if you are agreeable, in colonising the north of this continent; we would not infringe your lands, and could more conveniently trade with you. This would relieve some of the pressure on our homeland's resources."

The Emperor listens for a moment and then gestures, "Please, come up to the palace. You and you're crew you will be my guests while you stay here. After all, you are the first forigners to set foot on our land! We will talk as we move..."

The Praetorians form uparound the Emperor and Carr, some forming a vanguard, others falling in behind. The procession began to move up hill, towards the palace. Curious people watched the forigners as they knelt before the passing Emperor.

"We would be very agreeable to open trade with your country! I will send ships with you to your homeland so that my people might have some knowledge of your country.

"You speak of troubled times and an agressor. We would be remiss if we could not help new friends to dissuade such people from attacking a peace-loving people. We can provide aid, if you require it. The Imperial Legions are vast and I am sure that my troops could use the combat experience. As it is, they have only fought the barbarians in the north and, under my father, other city-states."

"As to your last question...This entire land is considered Imperial territory by right. Eventually, it will be so. My troops continue to march northwards. However, I would be willing to concede some land...I will show you a map when we arrive at the palace."

Not seeing anything in the form of hostilities, the Almodite merchant vessels sailed into the harbor, seeing the Kilani flag flown on shore, they knew they had reached their destination. All they awaited now was their welcoming committee, or their hanging committee, it depended on how hostile the Kilanis were.

The Austian vessel began to sail towards the choastline, dropping anchor at the entrence to a large sandy bay with a small village on the shoreline. The land was odviously habitable and rich, yet the people did not seem heavly armed.

iGn had a choice, he could go ashore, risk being butchered by the natives that probably didn't speak his language, and try to make diplomatic relations. Or he could attack quickly and raid, burn the village, take slaves and possesions. become rich quick. the second option was by far the more tempting.

he peered into his glass at te village again and saw the thing that made his mind up, a glint of gold in the largest buldig in the settlement. Here he could become rich in the time honoured way of the raider. Strike hard and fast, kill the men and take everything you can.

iGn familly was poor, a old nobel familly that had fallen upon hard times thanks to drought, here was a chance to make them rich again. "Ready to attack!" He ordered, as he men scurried down into the long boats, changing into full battle armour. Swords, spears and sheild where brought out of storage, steel polate pulled on. iGn was going to war.

He had 300 men on his ship and so he left 5 behind to guard the vessel, the rest on the boats preparing to fight.
---------------

The was another Austian ship in Kilani waters, making it's way toward the capital. It was the Santa Mi a 4 decked warship, a ship of exploration. Seeing the city on the horizion it began to sail straight towards it with the intention of forming a diplomatic relationship between the barabrians and Aust.

"I am certain that we could show some of your vessels the way to Incognitia. Once we have some idea of your needs, we can open regular trade routes to the advantage of both of us.

On the subject of military assistance, there is a coming invasion of Aust, who are our allies. We would be prepared to provision any of your troops that you felt able to send, and transport them to the battlefront. We are primarily a maritime power, and so assistance in the land war would be most welcome.

On the subject of colonies, there is no particular need for haste, as we would not be moving in until after the present conflict whatever agreement we reached; while I welcome the fact that you are open to negotiation, it is perhaps better to let that lie until after the Austian situation is resolved. Equally, I am not empowered to offer concession sufficient to compensate you for land you claim, without conferring with the High Seneschal."

The villagers had watched with curiousity and then growing alarm as the large vessel appeared over the horizon. The Kilani, although not used to foriegn visitors, had had to deal with the occasional sea raider from the north. As such, there was a system for this type of thing. The fastest runner in the village heads for a nearby hill, carrying a flint and tinder. A large pile of dry wood and kindling lies in the center of a large expanse of cleared dirt. The vllager lights it as ship begins dropping anchor. A spiral of black smoke heads skyward.

The garrison commander orders his Legionaries to assemble. Although small, this village had a large stram with gold deposits, making it a minorly important place. The garrison was small, however. Only half of a century-fifty trained men.

The men in the village are part of the local militia, as required by law. They meet twice monthly to drill and do weapons practice. Their primary weapon is a short stabbing spear, along with the customary square shield of the legions. They pull on what bits of armor they have, mostly helmets, and begin assembling in the village square.

In the meantime, the half-century parades on the beach, standing in five ranks of ten. The centurion nods to his second-in-command who steps foward and shouts at the approaching boats,

"In the name of the Emperor, identify yourselves!"

+++

Several hours march away, the main garrison for the region is alerted when the smoke appears on the horizon. The commander orders Centurion Juli Scipio to take a century and investigate possible sea-raiders.

The legionaries set out at a brisk march, feet pounding on the well-paved road.

+++

The small port of Lodatum is suprised when an Almodite vessel sails into the harbor. The local commander parades his men and goes to greet the forigners, along with the town magistrate and high officials. As well as a curious crowd of onlookers.

"Greetings, and welcome tot he Kilani Imperium traveler. Who are you?"

+++

Scipio listens to the foriegner as they enter the palace complex. He nods in agreement,

"Of course...Now, let us forget business for the moment! Our kitchens have prepared some of the finest foods to greet our first foriegn visitors. Please, seat yourselves!"

The Emperor waves a hand at a group of tables, surrounded by reclining couches. The tables are full of olives, fish, game, bread, and wine.

+++

Once again, the harbor is in consternation as yet another ship approaches. Again the galley is sent out. The greeting is repeated.

The villagers had watched with curiousity and then growing alarm as the large vessel appeared over the horizon. The Kilani, although not used to foriegn visitors, had had to deal with the occasional sea raider from the north. As such, there was a system for this type of thing. The fastest runner in the village heads for a nearby hill, carrying a flint and tinder. A large pile of dry wood and kindling lies in the center of a large expanse of cleared dirt. The vllager lights it as ship begins dropping anchor. A spiral of black smoke heads skyward.

The garrison commander orders his Legionaries to assemble. Although small, this village had a large stram with gold deposits, making it a minorly important place. The garrison was small, however. Only half of a century-fifty trained men.

The men in the village are part of the local militia, as required by law. They meet twice monthly to drill and do weapons practice. Their primary weapon is a short stabbing spear, along with the customary square shield of the legions. They pull on what bits of armor they have, mostly helmets, and begin assembling in the village square.

In the meantime, the half-century parades on the beach, standing in five ranks of ten. The centurion nods to his second-in-command who steps foward and shouts at the approaching boats,

"In the name of the Emperor, identify yourselves!"

Seeing a chance to disembark his men iGn stepped from his boat first waving a white flag. "I am iGn of..." he needed an appropriate name, "Terror Incognitia." He called, "We are here to discuss peace with your nation. Please send a representive to talk to me."

Once again, the harbor is in consternation as yet another ship approaches. Again the galley is sent out. The greeting is repeated.
Upon translation amabsidor gTit responded. "We are diplomats of Aust, we are here to talk peace."

OOC: Aust...you....-expletive deleted-
And I thought you people prided yourselves on your honour. Taking my name in vain, undermining my diplomatic progress with a new nation...are you sure you want to do this?

IC: "Yes, we would welcome fresh food, it has been a long voyage. Thank you."

The centurion eyes the heavily armed men suspiciously. He glances back towards the village and the distand horizon for a moment. He can see the militia falling in and beyond the houses...an aswering whisp of smoke. Reinforcements on the way.

He turns back. "How do you speak our language? And why do you need so many armed men for a simple diplomatic function?"

The legionaries, hearing the tension in their commanders voice, tighten their ranks slightly. Their hands grip the pilum.

"Order your men to stow their weapons. You cannot land so heavily armed in Imperial territory. And most of your men will have to return to the ship until I can arrange for lodging. We are a small village, but the capital is down the coast, in that direction. If you ruly wish to peak with our leaders, they are there."

+++

The galley captain thinks, for a moment, "Please, follow us in. We have already recieved one set of forgiegn visitors today."

+++

The Emperor nods and seats himself. Several of the courtiers follow suit.

The centurion eyes the heavily armed men suspiciously. He glances back towards the village and the distand horizon for a moment. He can see the militia falling in and beyond the houses...an aswering whisp of smoke. Reinforcements on the way.

He turns back. "How do you speak our language? And why do you need so many armed men for a simple diplomatic function?"

The legionaries, hearing the tension in their commanders voice, tighten their ranks slightly. Their hands grip the pilum.

"Order your men to stow their weapons. You cannot land so heavily armed in Imperial territory. And most of your men will have to return to the ship until I can arrange for lodging. We are a small village, but the capital is down the coast, in that direction. If you ruly wish to peak with our leaders, they are there."


iGn turns to look at his men, they are fromed in ranks and odviously outnumber his enermy. The front 4 rnaks are in phalnax formation, though there pikes are on the floor as they have there throwing spears-tipped with frog poision- ready.

Behind them are the archers, 100 or so, with there bows drawn, again there arrows tips gleaming with poison. the poision will act quickly so the smallest cut will be fatal within minuates.

Then he sees the smoke on the horizion, and knows what it must mean, he has only a little time to act. With all that running through his mind he truns back to the legionary commander, and replys with a single word. "No."

Then he waves his arm at his men and begins to run back into his own ranks and the archers fire there first volley, reloading within seconds and firing again.

The
The galley captain thinks, for a moment, "Please, follow us in. We have already recieved one set of forgiegn visitors today."


OOC: and terror, it's the act of a single man, a pirate. I can't be held responable, how would my goverment. Odviously if they find out it was an Austian and what his name is then I will kill him. Pity his ships not flying a Austian flag huh?

IC: "That is good to hear, I am glad we shall not be the only foreigners on your soil." the Austian ship sailed towards the harbour and within the hour was moored and docked, the men keen to get back onto the mainland.

Ambassidor gTit is the first to step off though, with his translators and aides in tow, ready to see what this new nation brings.

OOC: No, but thinking about the psychology of my people, assuming they find out (and they'll certainly have a go, if their relations with a new nation are messed up), they _will_ see it as treachery, and your government as implicated. I give you fair warning.
Of course if all those who heard him name Terror Incognitia die, then the whole thing won't happen.

OOC: No, but thinking about the psychology of my people, assuming they find out (and they'll certainly have a go, if their relations with a new nation are messed up), they _will_ see it as treachery, and your government as implicated. I give you fair warning.
Of course if all those who heard him name Terror Incognitia die, then the whole thing won't happen.
OOC: Most of them will die, hopefully.

The centurion turns to his men, sprinting for the safety of the formation. His aide, running ahead of him, stumbles and falls, an arrow throw his back. THe legionaries have their shields up in time and arrows thunk into the large square shields, although two men fall from arrows in the face and neck.

"PILUM!" the centurion shouts as he finds himself in the relative safety of the formation. THe legionaries move as one, a volley of the throwing spears flying into the invaders' ranks.

"Testudo!"

The legionaries preform their drill as they have been trained, even as four more die from poisoned arrows. They lock shields, those in the rear ranks raising theirs to protect their heads. Now they from a virtually impentrable wall of wood.

"Withdraw!"

The formation begins marching backwards, slowly, the sound of arrows thunking off of shields and armor filling the air. In the village the militia commander watches, signaling his men to form a line across the main street. The non-combatants, old men, women, and children, flee down the well-paved road to the south-east, towards the answering whisper of smoke. Most carry their most treasured possessions.

The relief column marches on at 180 beats per minute.

The centurion turns to his men, sprinting for the safety of the formation. His aide, running ahead of him, stumbles and falls, an arrow throw his back. THe legionaries have their shields up in time and arrows thunk into the large square shields, although two men fall from arrows in the face and neck.

"PILUM!" the centurion shouts as he finds himself in the relative safety of the formation. THe legionaries move as one, a volley of the throwing spears flying into the invaders' ranks.

"Testudo!"

The legionaries preform their drill as they have been trained, even as four more die from poisoned arrows. They lock shields, those in the rear ranks raising theirs to protect their heads. Now they from a virtually impentrable wall of wood.

"Withdraw!"

The formation begins marching backwards, slowly, the sound of arrows thunking off of shields and armor filling the air. In the village the militia commander watches, signaling his men to form a line across the main street. The non-combatants, old men, women, and children, flee down the well-paved road to the south-east, towards the answering whisper of smoke. Most carry their most treasured possessions.

The relief column marches on at 180 beats per minute.
Seeing there enermy falling abck the Austian soildiery advances in a ragged line, three have fallen from the Palium strikes, but the rest of the deadly missiles have clanged onto sheilds.

The archers switch there targets to the malitia collum, arrows thumping down into the part-timers ranks. Meanwhile a group 50 or so of the faster Austian men, berfit of armour but for a sheild and sword attempt the bypass the enermy forces by running round them in an attempt to block off the escaping villages.

Still only minuates have passed since the Austian shipa rrived, yet now the battle lines are almost ready to join up, the first Austian pike points beginning to touch the legionarrys sheilds.

The legionaries retreat into the relative safety of the militia ranks, the shields coming to gether to form a shield wall. Ten or so militia members are done from the volley of arrows. The rest keep their shields raised, faces grim and frightened. The spears fall down to the level position, a wall of spear points now potruding on either sides of the legionary formation.

The remaining legionaries hurl their last pilum and then draw their short, stabbing swords, prepared to sell their lives dearly.

Some of the faster villagers simply outrun the fify men sent to outpace them. The others scatter into the hills and some simply surrender.

+++

In the court of the emperor, he converses quietly with his guests, "So, what of horses in your nation? We have relatively few and they would aid us greatly..."

An aid silently approaches the Emperor and whispers in his ear. His face tightens and he sits up. "I'm sorry...But I've just recieved word that one of our gold mining sites has been attacked by sea raiders. They are brave to come this close to the capital."

he stands, waving to the ranking preatorian. "Prepare a detachment. We'll leave by ship to investigate and hopefully catch them before they can leave! My armor, quickly."

He turns to his guest, "I apologize...We have not had raids for several years now..But we maintain our guard, nevertheless. If you wish to accompany me..?"

+++

Ambassador gTit is shown to the Imeprial palace, but told that the Empreror is about to leave on some important business. Others will speak to him of trade and other such things.

The legionaries retreat into the relative safety of the militia ranks, the shields coming to gether to form a shield wall. Ten or so militia members are done from the volley of arrows. The rest keep their shields raised, faces grim and frightened. The spears fall down to the level position, a wall of spear points now potruding on either sides of the legionary formation.

The remaining legionaries hurl their last pilum and then draw their short, stabbing swords, prepared to sell their lives dearly.

Some of the faster villagers simply outrun the fify men sent to outpace them. The others scatter into the hills and some simply surrender.
The arrows keapt poaring into the group of leagionarys and miltia. Meanwhile the 145 Austian foot-saildiers formed into ranks of 3 and spread out, there long pikes now completly surrounding the small band of Kilanians.

iGn yells a aa commadned and they all take one place forwards, pikes stabbing forwards in a wall of metal. Some pikes get stuck in sheilds and are dropped, there uses drawing shorts swords and preparing to fight with swords and sheilds. But many pikes find gaps in the wall or go through the sheilds to stab into flesh and to be quickly withdrawn.

Half of the 50 round up those that surrendered into a tight not while the others chase after the fleeting villages, catching some and dragging them back to the band of future slaves.

Ambassador gTit is shown to the Imeprial palace, but told that the Empreror is about to leave on some important business. Others will speak to him of trade and other such things.
"I udnerstand, if there is anything Aust can do to help..."

The arrows keapt poaring into the group of leagionarys and miltia. Meanwhile the 145 Austian foot-saildiers formed into ranks of 3 and spread out, there long pikes now completly surrounding the small band of Kilanians.

iGn yells a aa commadned and they all take one place forwards, pikes stabbing forwards in a wall of metal. Some pikes get stuck in sheilds and are dropped, there uses drawing shorts swords and preparing to fight with swords and sheilds. But many pikes find gaps in the wall or go through the sheilds to stab into flesh and to be quickly withdrawn.

Half of the 50 round up those that surrendered into a tight not while the others chase after the fleeting villages, catching some and dragging them back to the band of future slaves.

OOC: They're formed in the street, with houses anchoring their flanks. You'd have to go all the way around to suround them. And there's about 40 legionaries, plus another hundreed or so militia.

IC: The Emperor, now wearing battle-armor, hurries towards the dock with a hundred Preatorians in formation around him.

OOC: They're formed in the street, with houses anchoring their flanks. You'd have to go all the way around to suround them. And there's about 40 legionaries, plus another hundreed or so militia.

IC: The Emperor, now wearing battle-armor, hurries towards the dock with a hundred Preatorians in formation around him.
OOC: My mistake. You do no nowlong it would take to form a detachment, and for the news to reach him, right?

OOC: Yes. He probably won't arrive until after the relief column.

OOC: The stuff about catching slaves, is taken as posted. this is my main bodies actions.

As the enermy retreated into the village iGn ordered ghis men to split into therre 5 chorts. One chort had already gone off after the slaves but the otehr 5 now split up and moved to surround the enermy. The 1st Chort advanced up the main street in 5 ranks, the front of the small collom studded by pikes.

The other chorts ran round the sides of the hosues to prevent the enermy escaping through the rear and side streets. They filled the entire road, up to 7 or 8 ranks reach, marching with perfect discplin towards the enermy.

The last Chort split into groups of 10 and waited outside the village for nay enermy that might try to break out of the ring. Meanwhile the archers ceased there fire and joined the 1st chort in persuit of the fleeing villages. A pair of men where sent to mouth of the vally to cheak if any enermy renforcements where coming to aid the enermy. They saw a distant dustbowl, that, with the help of a telescope, they found was a enermy collumn. The renforcements where moving quickly but would odviously take 4 or 5 hours to arrive.

The faces of the defenders are grim, some of the younger ones scared. They know that they will probably die. But they're trying to buy time. The centurion stands at the center of the small group of legionaries, next to the standard bearer. A veteran of the expansion wars, he thought his fighting days were over. But now it seems he will die here. He waves his sword, "Advance! Charge!"

With a single voice the men cheer defiantly and charge towards the enemy advancing towards them.

iGn smield as the enermy ran towards his men. What did they hope to achive? All they did was hasten there demise, running onto the spears of his men, 4 deep. Even if they where able to doge the first 9 foot pikes they would hit the second layer, or the third. A impenitarble wall of steel was ahead of them, and from ebhind cam the rest of his force, 300 men filling this passage with blood and horror.

iGn watched as the first Legionarres crumpled onto the pikes, his men thrusting forward, soem of the enermy stopped or slid between the first line of pikes, but his men where walking forwards still and that, with the crush of there own side from behind, forced the enermy onto the pikes.

The front rank of the defenders forces were decimated by the pikes. Men started slipping past the pikes, using their large shields to beat them down. They stabbed with ther gladius, aiming for the throat and head. The rear rank turned to fight the charging foe, meeting them with a wall of steel and wood. They were fighting tooth and nail. This was to the death.

The villagers begin to scatter from the raiders, fleeing into the hills.

The front 2 ranks of Asutians dropped there pikes and drew there swords, locking sheilds in a sheild wall. They used the classic method of fighting. the rear man protected the man in fronts head with his sheild and used a longer sword to fight over the front mans shoulder. The front man forght with a shorter, stabbing sword under the sheilds rimm using his sheild to protect his head and body.

This meant each enermy was facing an attack at head and waist hight and many of the enermy would fall to a blow to a head while protecting there groin or the other way round. Boths sides of the Austian force adopted this tactic while the rear ranks keapt stabbing with the pikes. Soon the order would come for all units to drop there pikes and attack with a sword.

The Kilani, for their part, fought entirely with short stabbing swords, depending on the man on neither side of him to protect his flanks. They used their large shields not only on defense, but also as a weapon to batter the enemy down and keep him down. The rear ranks press into the men of front of them, giving them extra weight with which to shove. As the fight wears on, the Kilani begin retreating into a rally square, piling both their own and enemy dead as a barrier.

OOC: Are you sure you have time and men to do this. Yoiur trapped from both sides in a butchers yard, you have what, 50 legionarrya nd 100 or so malita against 300 perfessional soildiers. You mgiht well fall back into a 'backs to the wall' type square, but a proper one. You might as well surrender.

IC: Seeing the enermy clusted together in a small grouo at the center of the ally, surroudned by the Austian to each side, iGn ordered his men to back away from the enermy and take back there spears. His archers picked up there bows again and prepared to fire.

iGn stepped forwards and called out. "This is your last chance to surrender, or you will be slaughtered, every lastman among you, along with your children. Come out without your weapons and youw ill be treated honourably like the brave fighters you are."

OOC: This is Kilani. Using a puppet atm.

The centurion steps forward over the blood filled streets, "How do I know you won't simply cut us down once we throw down our weapons?"

He glances back at his men and then at the Austian leader, "I want your word of honor that my men will be spared."

"Your men will be spare you have my word as a Aus...Incognetian. we are Honourable people and your men have forght well. My own men will cut me down if I betray you, such is our custom." It was true, his men where already uncomftable with the desption as it is, any further breakage of his honour and he'sd be risking his life.

The centurion pauses and then nods, "Throw down your weapons." he orders. There is a clatter as swords and spears hit the ground, followed by the shields.

"We are in your power."

iGn nodded and stepped forward, motioning for his men to lower there weapons. He stuck out his hand and clasped the centurion's in it. "YOu fight well, I am pleased to have forght such an honourable foe." He smiles and then orders the first chort to step forward.

"If you would allow my men to escort yours onboard my ship, you of course do not be escorted as an officer and gentleman."

The centurion returns the handshake, but shakes his head, "I cannot. My post his here. You are the victors and are of course free to loot whatever you want from the village. We can't stop you. And my wounded need to be seen to."

"Indeed, sire, but this is a slave raid you see and thus we have to leave as few survivors as possable. We will not burn and wreack your village, for what is the honour in stupid destruction? It provides neather slaves nor purpose and just harms the balance of your soul. Your people will be cared for of course, they shall be seen by the ships sergion as soon as possable."

"But I must insist on you coming aboard, I do not want to have to drag you in chains up the gangplank but I shall if i have to. You may be posted here but you shall have to return to Aust with me, to be fair I shall make sure your men do not go into ardious slavery like some. I shall make sure they are sold into good jobs and owners.."

The "Half way around the World" was an Incognitian naval sloop.

Despatched from Nescia as soon as the Admiralty was informed of the altered diplomatic situation, her brief was to get to Kilani with all possible speed, to inform any diplomatic negotiations with that nation, or if necessary commence them.

Land had been sighted. It would not be long now.

OOC: Shouldn't take long to get to Kilani from me, I don't think. But I don't know what timescale to allow. Seeing as we don't have timestamps anyway I thought to get on with it.

Bump

The centurion stiffens, "Slaves? Us? What kind of barbarians are you? We are soldiers and citizens of the Kilani Imperium. We are freemen! The law is clear on this issue! You have no right to press us into slavery!"

The centurion clenches his fists and there's a wave of muttering through the legionaries and militia.

The centurion stiffens, "Slaves? Us? What kind of barbarians are you? We are soldiers and citizens of the Kilani Imperium. We are freemen! The law is clear on this issue! You have no right to press us into slavery!"

The centurion clenches his fists and there's a wave of muttering through the legionaries and militia.
"Your law is, our law is the right of conquest, and that means you will be slaves. I don't want to be cruel to you and your men for you forght bravley and honourably, but I must demand that you go aboard our ship."

The centurion shakes his head, "I will not allow myself or my men to be dragged in chains to a foriegn land."

He steps back into the ranks of the legionaries, who looks like they're ready to fight with their fists if neccessary. Several of them snatch up weapons.

The centurion shakes his head, "I will not allow myself or my men to be dragged in chains to a foriegn land."

He steps back into the ranks of the legionaries, who looks like they're ready to fight with their fists if neccessary. Several of them snatch up weapons.
iGn sighs, "I did not want to do this, but you have left me no choice. Kill them." He gestured to his men who waded into the melee with there swords, fighting unarmed men with steel.

There are sreams and several men hurl themselves bare-handed onto the advancing soldiers. Many of the militia throw up their hands and sit down, while the legionaries put their backs to the wall, fighting with whateverweaponsthey can lay their hands on.

The Battle of Kiber River, Day One

On March Second, Imperial Year 32 AU, the 1st, 5th, 11th, and 15th Legions, along with the 3rdArcher Auxialuries, a total of 25,000 men, cross the Kiber River underthe command of General Antony Mercius. With them are barbarian allies, 10,000 strong, under King Jonan. They intend to put down the barbarian coalition forming in Eastern Kilani and place the area under Imperial rule.

The coalition of tribes has begun assembling their own forces under the leadership of High King Otto Dresmich. They have 80,000 warriors and plan on taking back lands recently placed under Imperial rule. They represent the fighting force of tribes from a third of the land remaining unconqured by the Imperium. Althoughthe tribes have other men in reserve, this is their largest force to date. Dresmich's scouts report that the Kilani have crossed the river and he moves his army to intercept them.

Mercius establishes a fortified camp near a small mountain, which he names Mount Vespasian in honor of the Emperor. A trench, ten foot deep and four foot wide is dug around the camp and the earth is piled on the inside to make a rampart. Then, trees are cut down and a palisade wall is built atop the packed earth.The Kilani army beds down for the night, the Legionary and Barbarian sentries stare out into the night, wrapping their cloaks about them.

At about Midnight, a sentry wakes the general. Torches, thousands of them, have been seen winding their way towards the camp. The legionaries stand-to on the ramparts, shield to shield, as the barbarians attack.

The first wave is butchered as they run headlong into the fortifications. Arrows and pilum take a tremendous toll as they try to navigate the ditch. the follow-up waves manage to get over the ditch, and a life and death struggle ensues on the ramparts. By early morning, the attackers have withdrawn to lick their wounds, leaving five thousand dead, wounded, or prisoners. The Imperials and their allies ahve lost five hundred men. Both sides lick their wounds and prepare for further conflict.

There are sreams and several men hurl themselves bare-handed onto the advancing soldiers. Many of the militia throw up their hands and sit down, while the legionaries put their backs to the wall, fighting with whateverweaponsthey can lay their hands on.
They are swiftly slaughtered, (I hope this isn't to gdmoddish, any problems please tell me.)Thhe Austian troops both outnumebr and out-weapon them and advnace swiftly towards there enermy, fighting with there short swords and shild with brutal efficancy.

When the battle is over the Austaisn have lost 13 men in total, but many of the eermy have been killed. The Austians act quickly now, hauling their dead on board the ship followed by there new slaves. Then the 4 decker sets sail from the sight of the raid leaving the village untouched and depopulated.

OOC: No problem. THey've got no weapons.

IC: As the ship beigns to dissepear into the distance, the surviving villagers begin to filter back out of the hills. Wails begin to fill the air as people begin finding dead loved ones. Adn the relief coloumn marches on.

"This one is alive!"

Women and several of the younger teenagers who escaped begin shfting bodies, dragging the battered body of the centurion out from under the pile. His breathing is shallow, but he is alive.

"Halfway Round The World" OOC(No, I don't know why I called it that either)
having followed the coast for a little way, had now come in sight of a major city.
She stood towards the harbour, awaiting a response from the inhabitants. If none were forthcoming, she would anchor and send a boat inshore. It was not clear whether Incognitia had contacted this nation or not - they would have to proceed carefully.

OOC: GOnna speed up time a bit here...

The relief arrived, dismayed to find corpses and wailing townsfolk. The legionary doctor begin attending to the few survivors of the battle. The centurion was still alive and was able to croak out a brief discription of the attackers and what they had claimed to be. The message was sent back by horse courier, towards the capital. It would arrive in a matter of hours.


At the capital, the Emperor was still entertaining his guests, having been persuaded to let the legionaries take care of the fighting. The Austians had been hustled up to the palace and been given a place of honor next to the Incognitians. The Emperor was busily discussing trade and other such things when word arrived of a third ship entering the harbor.

He seemed slightly amused, "It would seem that we are rather popular today...Send the crew up, if they so wish."

"The emperor wishes to see us? Now?

Very well. No quicker way to get the message across than to take it right to the top. I will go."

"Sir! You can't go without an escort!"

"Very well. Four of your marines, with halberds."

They followed the messenger.

The messenger and the squad of legionaries escorts the men up to the palace and into the banqueting hall. The emperor is slightly suprised to see men of similar dress and equipment as the Incognitans. He turns to Carr, "Are these men your countrymen?" he asks, slightly confused.

"Ah...yes sire. They appear to be men of our Marines, so they must be escorting a Naval officer.

Since we have sent no word of our coming here home, they must be carrying an important message indeed to come here."

Hearing themselves being discussed, the newcomers made their way over to the group at table. However, they waited to be recognised - one does not interrupt an emperor at his dinner.

Vespasian nods, "I see...I wonder why they came to my country..."

He gestures the men forward, "Please, speak. I have here one of oyur countrymen. A James Carr, I believe."

"Sire.

We have been sent by our ruler, the High Seneschal, and by his council, the Consilium. He sent us to carry a message, to all nations we have contact with, and others beyond.

This message is that Aust, to the East of here, is going to be invaded, by a coalition of Frozopia, Kirisubo and Ostia; and that Incognitia has joined the coalition. We are empowered to offer alliance to anyone prepared to aid us in this fight; and trading agreements and a non-aggression pact with any nation that will remain neutral."

The Emperor smiles oddly, "Of course...I would be proud to enter into a trade agreement with your nation. However, I am not so sure of the military intervention. I will have to consult my advisors an-"

There was a commotion near the entrance and a red-robed messenger ran in, panting. He was holding a sealed letter.

iGn sailed directly towards Aust, the bowls of his ship filthy with new slaves. he had already hosited Austian diplomatic flags and he keapt the slaves off deck-should they be persued they would claim to be Asutian diplomats.
-------------------------
The Asutian Ambassidor stood up as he heard the Terror Incognitia delegate speak. "trator." He hissed, "You would join an enermy of Aust, a slave taking fool that murders children. After you had agreed allince with us, your people have no honour, no honour at all."

He turned to the Emproer, "Sire, these people are not to be trusted, they already offered aid to us yet now they turn and declare us enermy, backstabbers! Our fleet was sailing north to join theres when i left Aust, my sons of board. i beg you sire to aid us not this false freind before you!"

"Sire, I know not what he is talking about; we have heard no accusations against the honour and conduct of our new allies.

Our people never concluded an alliance with Aust. They offered one, but our Consilium would not ratify the treaty. They were concerned, and did not believe alliance with Aust was wise.

In these uncertain times, and with forces approaching our nation from both sides; the Austian fleet that he mentioned, and the invasion fleet heading for Aust, for the good of our nation, we needed a secure alliance.

The Frozopians came to us; unlike Aust they were not too proud, did not wait for us to talk to them. They offered us a full alliance, with in effect all three nations of the coalition. And the Consilium was prepared to ratify it.

So the High Seneschal, thinking only of the good of his people, accepted their offer. We are allies with Frozopia, Kirisubo and Ostia, three great nations; we are also in league with Caladonn and Angermanland. Aust has no allies. I think that tells you enough, sire, about our honour, our worth as allies, and that of Aust."

"Maybe you know little of our allince preposial, surly we do not broadcast them to the world. Please tell me, sir, if you were not allied with us then why did your fleet invite outs to joiun your to attack the enermy. It is well known, sir, that in Aust the penilty for breaking your word is death, yet in Incognitia it seems that oath breakers are positivly rewarded."

"We know little, sir, of your alliance proposals. However, we do know that no nation is proud to name you as an ally. No nation will stand up and say that they have faith in you. Whereas we have allies halfway across the world, in Ostia; and all the way across the great ocean, in Caladonn, and in many places between. Each of them will tell you we are their allies. Each, we openly announce as our friends.

We broke no oath. There was a provisional agreement, binding provided the Consilium ratified it. It was clearly stated in negotiations that this was only a firm agreement when it was ratified. It was never ratified. The agreement with Frozopia was ratified before I left Nescia.

In an alliance with your great nation" turning to the Emperor "no such ratification would be required, as the Consilium has now given approval to any agreement that does not bindingly commit us to aiding others' wars of aggression."

The emperor had been half-listening as he read the message from the out-of-breath courier. EH stood, waving a hand for silence and idicated that the other guests should leave. The functaries and higher nobility filtered out, leaving the Emperor, his advisors, the foriegeners, and the Preatorians. He stood for a moment, eyes full of rage, before turning towards the Incognitan messenger, "Is this how your people operate? Offer the hand of peace and with the other strike with a dagger? Eyewitness accounts have placed men from your country at one of our villages! They slaughtered the garrison and enslaved my people!"

The Austian advisor was calm, "I could ahve told you this would happen sire, they have done this to Aust already and now look to do the same to you. They will not be content until they and tere allies rule all the pacific."

"May I speak?"

"We are the only vessel our government has sent to your nation. We do not know your nation, so yours does not know ours. What identifies these despicable raiders as Incognitian? Pirates have flown false flags before now.

Our nation does not practice slavery. We hold no slaves. Our law does not recognise slavery, so any slave who escapes in our lands cannot be retaken. It would be most unusual for any Incognitian to be engaged in the slave trade; and the High Seneschal would never, NEVER order a slave raid.

I swear by my hope of redemption by Almighty God that I had no knowledge of this, and my nation would not do such a thing. I offer you any assistance I may give to clear the honour of my country."

"May I speak?"

"We are the only vessel our government has sent to your nation. We do not know your nation, so yours does not know ours. What identifies these despicable raiders as Incognitian? Pirates have flown false flags before now.

Our nation does not practice slavery. We hold no slaves. Our law does not recognise slavery, so any slave who escapes in our lands cannot be retaken. It would be most unusual for any Incognitian to be engaged in the slave trade; and the High Seneschal would never, NEVER order a slave raid."
"So says a lier and a trator, I would not trust your word. And to clear Aust of any blame the only Asutian vessel in the region, oither than my own, is a explorationary vessel like my own."

"I will allow the Emperor to make his own decision. I would merely point out that Aust practices slavery, Incognitia does not. And so far the only evidence for us is eyewitness statements from people who had never heard of Incognitia before today."

"I will allow the Emperor to make his own decision. I would merely point out that Aust practices slavery, Incognitia does not. And so far the only evidence for us is eyewitness statements from people who had never heard of Incognitia before today."
"So you say at least, and you ally with those that do preactace slevery, ones who state there intent is to invade Asut and take slaves, what to say it is not your allies, people that are known for raiding inncoent community, did not perpitrate this act?"

"What possible reason could our allies have for naming us? They would name you instead, as their enemy, hoping the blame would fall upon you."

"What possible reason could our allies have for naming us? They would name you instead, as their enemy, hoping the blame would fall upon you."
"Maybe they trust you as much as we do, maybe they are trustworthy as your people? I do not know, but all i am saying is that an Austian could not have done so, and the only other slave-taking nations in the region are allies of yours."

Vespasian gestures for silence. "I have only your words to assure me of this. However, I also have a description of these men, and their ship."

He reads aloud the description, looking at both groups for a reaction.

The diplomatic mask slips for a moment, and the ambassador shows unguarded relief that he is entirely sure the raiders were not Incognitian as they claimed.

"Incognitia does not build four-decked ships, and never has. That is no ship of ours. And if the Austian ambassador is prepared to be reasonable for a moment, he can acknowledge as much.

He will not, for a four-decker is an Austian ship; the tactics used on land are Austian; the descriptions of the men sound Austian."

Vespasian turns to the Austians, his face a mask. One of his hands lifts slowly. The Preatorians tense. "Is this true? I have no reason to disbelieve him. And some of your men wear similar clothing."

Vespasian turns to the Austians, his face a mask. One of his hands lifts slowly. The Preatorians tense. "Is this true? I have no reason to disbelieve him. And some of your men wear similar clothing."
The Asutain ambassidors face was a mask of calm, "yes, Austians used 4 decked ships, but so do other nations, we are not alone in utalising deck technology. And the only Asutian ship in the region is my own," He was not lying here, now he was certain iGn had carried out these attacks, but he must not let that on. "And should there be another Austian nearby that attacked you he would be killed as soon as he returned home, indeed I would have to kill him myself-my honour demands it."

"Our clothing is the same in syle to the Hans, and the Froztopians, and the Kirlithians. Indeed there are thousands of people that wear similar clothes and use similar tactics. What flags was this ship flying? I do not men main flags but coloured ensigns."

OOC: red and yellow ones.

OOC: Maybe not Frozopians, we wear thick furs.

The Emperor blinks and scans the account of the attack, "Red and yellow, apparrently."

The Emperor blinks and scans the account of the attack, "Red and yellow, apparrently."
"A raider then, what did this man call himself-iGn? We have had trouble with him before in Aust, he coems from the triangle contenant to the north, he raids for there slave markets. he attacked the Asutian village of Ka-Cu a few weeks before I left."

"Not satisfied with your accusations of us being proved false, you are now accusing our allies?
The Frozopians do not venture this far south, apart from the invasion fleet now on its way. There are abundant primitives closer to their homeland, incapable of mounting a defence, if they want slave labour.
Aust has no such hunting grounds, with us to their north and Angermanland to the East. It is most likely to be an Austian vessel."

"Not satisfied with your accusations of us being proved false, you are now accusing our allies?
The Frozopians do not venture this far south, apart from the invasion fleet now on its way. There are abundant primitives closer to their homeland, incapable of mounting a defence, if they want slave labour.
Aust has no such hunting grounds, with us to their north and Angermanland to the East. It is most likely to be an Austian vessel."
"I balive your grasp of geograpohy is poor, sire. The Froztoians, come from far further north than the triangle conentant, which you call India. And if an Austian wanted slave we could collect our quota from the tribes, or hit a pacific ireland. why go out and attack a known empire, one that we wish to befreind."

"Ah, you meant India. It is not considered by our scholars to be a continent, due to it's rather obvious, elongated connection to the body of Asia. More importantly, they have no great sailing tradition, and have recently been conquered by Cathay; so a four decked ship going raiding for slaves from India is improbable to say the least.
Nonetheless, your interest in raiding is clear. By sending a vessel, commiting an atrocious assault, then blaming another nation, you hoped to drive this nation into your diplomatic grasp."

"Ah, you meant India. It is not considered by our scholars to be a continent, due to it's rather obvious, elongated connection to the body of Asia. More importantly, they have no great sailing tradition, and have recently been conquered by Cathay; so a four decked ship going raiding for slaves from India is improbable to say the least.
Nonetheless, your interest in raiding is clear. By sending a vessel, commiting an atrocious assault, then blaming another nation, you hoped to drive this nation into your diplomatic grasp."
"YOu think i wish to exequeted? You think we are that foolish? An Austian is his honour sire, and i would beg you to reamber it. Aust does not do trechercy, unlike your own people."

"That is not treachery, merely desperate scheming. And since your nation is about to be invaded by an immensely powerful alliance, even your vaunted honour is likely to fall by the wayside as you scramble to gain help. I shall have to inform my nation of the desperation shown by yours in this extraordinary measure."

"That is not treachery, merely desperate scheming. And since your nation is about to be invaded by an immensely powerful alliance, even your vaunted honour is likely to fall by the wayside as you scramble to gain help. I shall have to inform my nation of the desperation shown by yours in this extraordinary measure."
"A mesure which we have not taken. An Austian would never do this never, we would die rarther than forsake our honour. Not even a commoner would dare to do this!" The ambassidor was angry now, his fist curled into balls. "You have not only insulted me but the honour of my nation, our law requires that i kill you for that insult, and I would do so," he calmed for a second, "With the permission of our host i would challange you to a duel."

The ambassador smiled. He was, after all, a soldier on detached diplomatic duty. He was no fat old man, barely able to hold a sword.

"I would not wish our host to think we squabble like children while the fate of nations is at stake. But, with his permission, I accept. I believe it is customary even in your land, that the challenged party names the weapons and the ground."

The Emperor waves a hand, "Be silent, both of you! I will not have you two fighting a duel."

He turns his gaze tothe Ausians, "I do not hold with slavers. They are scum. And if your people deal in slaves, then I want nothing to do with you. Get out of my sight before I have you dragged to your ship."

The Asutian bowed low, "i am sorry that you do not agree with our customs, and i will leave with your permission. However, I warn you not to ally with these oath breakers, and I would beg you not to call us scum. We are men of honour that just happen to do somthing that you do not like. if youw ant scum your should see the other foregner in this room." With that he elft.

"Ambassador, before you leave! Know you this. That we bear no hatred for Aust, and shall spare what remains of your nation once you are no longer a threat to us."

Vespasian turns to an aide, "Shadow them. Make sure they leave our waters without causing trouble."

The aide nods and hurries off to prepare a carrack.

He turns back to the Incognitian. "I am prepared to help you. I will put my men at your disposal. This will not go unpunished."

"Sire, you are nothing if not decisive. My nation is in your debt; and when I send word back there, I shall make sure that is known in Nescia.

Have you enough transports for your men, or will we need to send some of our own? And would you like us to send a naval escort? I am sure that our Navy will be happy to assist in any way possible."

"We have enough transports to carry two legions at a time. Extra transports would be useful. Our navy, however, is woefully inadequeate for a deep-sea journey."

"In that case I shall have to send word home as soon as possible, so that a flotilla can make it here by the time your men are ready to leave.
Much of our fleet is to the East, as that is where they have been most needed recently. Plenty of ships should be available for troop transport; with luck we may be able to match your carrying capacity; and I am certain that all the available warships will be sent as escorts."

Noticing that he was being shadowed the Ambassidor proceeded directly to his ship and set sail directly to Aust, iBon would pay for this.

The "Halfway Round the World" had departed, heading home with all possible speed, so that forces could begin mustering. Merchant Carr's ship had been commandeered so that the ambassador was not left without transport in case another message needed to go home.

The First and Third Legions are being mobilized, and others are being called up. The Emperor is going to assist his new allies, apparently. Ships crowd the harbors of Kilain and red-cloaked legionaries can be seen in almost evry majr port city in large numbers.

The First and Third Legions marched onto their transports, approxiametly 10,000 infantry, plus 1,000 cavalry. THe massive transport fleet meets off of the coast and waits for several hours as the last transports and the few armed escorts meet up. Then they turn and sail for Icognita.

Carr's commandeered merchantman sailed shortly before the legions departed, carrying the Ambassador. His replacement would be sent as soon as possible. He went ahead to clear the way, that the arrival of 10,000 soldiers in Incognitia be taken the right way. He had left the Kilani commanders with charts showing Incognitia's major ports, they would probably head for Nescia.

The fleet sails on even as another two legions are mobilizing back on Kilani.

A merchant vessel rarely arrived in such haste in Nescia. It was unheard of for it to proceed to the naval dockyard, rather than the wharves. However, in the bustle of the port this passed unnoticed.
The ambassador who leapt off the ship and raced to the palace was barely heeded in the busy streets, except when the marines alongside him cried "Make Way!". Reaching the palace; he was ushered inside. An astute observer could have traced the messages passing outwards through the city a few minutes later, as the remainder of the fleet in Nescia sailed out to meet _someone_ and the harbour was quietly cleared for a major arrival.

Commodore Binns gazed upon the ships his lookout had called to warn of a few minutes before; so these were the Kilanians. His own vessels had approached them carefully, with every sign of peaceful intent. He might now be heard; he called across through his speaking trumpet, in Latin.
"Men of Kilani! I am Commodore Binns of the Incognitian Navy. If you will follow me, I will lead you to Nescia, where you can dock."

The ranking officer yells, bnack, "Of course! We're ready to follow you in!"

Signals flutter up the masts and the fleet manuvers to follow.

As was always the way in Nescia, rumour had spread swiftly. Before the fleet arrived even, the first printed libels were hitting the streets "telling all" in their own inimitable style. Stories varied wildly.

The Kilanians must have been stunned on first seeing the harbour. They had probably never seen so many ships in their lives. The harbour was a veritable forest of masts; every vessel going from one place to another had to thread its path through a score of others. The bulk of the fleet was crammed into the Royal Dockyard; however some of the merchant wharves had been cleared to take the rest, leaving some of the visitors surrounded by the bustle of possibly the greatest port in the world; certainly the greatest on this side of the Pacific.
Each vessel was met as it docked, and given a brief welcome and a message: You are welcome to visit the city, in small groups. No firearms. Any trouble to be dealt with by the local authorities.
The flagship was met by a palace official, with a small escort
"Welcome to our capital. I am here to invite your commander, with an escort if he wishes, to come to the Palace and talk with the High Seneschal, along with representatives of the Admiralty."

General Antony Quintus, a young man in his mid-twenties, accepts the invitation with honor. However, he does have one question: "What are firearms?"

"Ah, my apologies. All shall be explained in due course, now if you would accompany me to the Palace, business can commence."

Quintus nods and follows the Incognitan, his honor guard of legionaries forming up around him.

The army, in the meantime, is beginning to draw lots to see who will be the first to visit this strange, foriegn city.

"Welcome. You are the commander of the Kilanian forces here? Excellent.
These are a few of my admirals" gesturing to his right "and a couple of my generals who will be in charge of our next force to be sent to Aust" gesturing to the left.
"I myself am the High Seneschal. I rule here, aided by the Consilium.
So, what are your plans, and what do you need our fleet to do? What do you know, and what do you wish to know, about our plans and forces in Aust?"

Meanwhile the city's markets, taverns and brothels prepared themselves for soldiers and sailors with money to burn, no idea of local prices, and a desperate need for...well, what they had to offer.

"As of yet, we have no overall plan. We need more intelligence on the terrain and area we will be fighting in, as well as our opponents."

"Very well. We will of course give you what maps we have of Aust" gesturing at the table, where a variety of charts and maps were laid out.
"Now, General Smuts here will tell you what we know of their army."

"Thank you sir. The Austians seem to fight with pikes for their line infantry, and longbows for their archers. Their tactics follow from this; close formations, the press of men. Their marines carry short swords and shields. They have no cavalry to our knowledge. The emphasis is on discipline not initiative in their forces."

"And now Admiral Hague will tell you our latest news of the strategic situation."

"Well, their navy is well to the north of here, with our own in pursuit. We have seen little to no Austian naval activity since then, and it seems likely they have no significant naval force remaining.
Our land forces are on the Eastern coast, marching down it, thus far unopposed. They are heading for Bambinio, a major sea port, to capture it, thus controlling a broad region and easing logistics.
On the Western side, our Ostian allies are sending an army of some 30,000; at the last we heard they had not arrived. When they do, they will be aiming to subdue the Western cities of Aust."

"So, general" the High Seneschal spoke again. "Where do you think your forces best fit in that?"

Quintus thinks for a moment, examining the maps, "Their pikes out reach my men's short swords. But we have discipline and cavalry."

He pauses, "I believe my legions would be best suited here...." He stabs a finger down on the Western Coast, "My forces can arrive before the Ostians and form a beach head. We will need to capture a port so we can bring in supplies."

"Very well. Perhaps if I now leave you to discuss with the Admirals such minor details as logistics, as our merchant vessels are available to bring you supplies; as a naval escort to your landing place; and so on."

Quintus nods and turns to the admiral,s his mind already full of details to be seen to, supplies to be moved, and troops to be embarked.

"We are about to send many transport ships to your nation, to help carry soldiers to Aust.

We will be able to send, perhaps 15 Ships of the Line, and some smaller vessels, with your invasion fleet. We would send more, to guarantee its safe arrival, but most of our fleet is chasing the Austians.

We will be happy to sell to you all the necessary supplies, and have our merchants transport them to your beach-head, once it is established. These can be simply accounted and the account settled afterwards, for mutual convenience.

Are there any other issues we need to settle?"

"I do not think so. I will make preliminary landings with my two legions and await reinforcements."

"Very well. Some of our vessels will remain with you, so that if you have any message for us, it can be brought with all speed.

Our escort will be ready to leave in a couple of days; will that suffice for your fleet?"

The first fleet had long departed. Since then, merchants from Incognitia had been arriving in numbers, along with vessels to carry the soldiers who would follow. Many were doing both, to make money while they waited.
In all this, naval vessels had been scant, but the occasional communique.
So a frigate coming flying into harbour was a new one.
The fact that as soon as she came alongside, displaying careless nautical skill to shave a little extra time, a group of men leapt over the side and began running for where the Ambassador was accommodated began to explain it.
That a messenger left his quarters carrying a note soon afterwards, made perfect sense.
The note, handed to a palace official, read, minus the official greetings:
"Our ally Kirisubo has been invaded. Certainly by Aust, and we are confident by the Han Chinese as well. We are sending all available forces to aid our ally in their time of need. Can you assist?"

General Agrippa's fleet neared the coast of Kilani, the landmass came into veiw,

"General we have reached the nation of Kilani, rumor has it they are allied with us but we cannot be sure...."

Agrippa stared off into the distance and replyed to the officer,

"Take us in slow...raise a white flag on the mast.."

The flag was in place and all the fleet could do was wait, the rowers were ordered to hold and the ships glided across the water towards the island...

There were only so many ways to approach a country. And some fleets were so large that they were hard to miss in any case.
So it was not totally unreasonable that the departing frigate, following standing orders to leave Kilani heading West, having arrived coming East, encountered a vast fleet of galleys not too far out.
This was clearly the long-promised Ostian Western force, finally having traversed the Indian Ocean. It was an easy decision to offer a role as go-between, to save any...misunderstanding...when the Kilanians became aware of 30,000 professional soldiers just off their coast.
The frigate bore down within hailing distance of the Ostian lead vessel
"Hail, Ostians! We presume you know you are just off the coast of Kilani, our mutual ally! Would you like us to notify them of your arrival, to prevent them getting the wrong idea when your fleet appears?"

General Agrippa himself stood leaning on the rail aboard the lead galley. He wore a shiney chest plate of a gold colour and blue feathers fluttered in the wind from his helmet,

"Hail friend and ally! yes if you could we would be greatful!" The general replyed

The troops aboard the Ostian galley peered over the sides at the vessel beside them, they hooted and hollared when they heard the news,

"be sure to record the day and place on the charts where we first made contact with our allies...we have done it!!"

General Agrippa said to his officers standing around. As they neared the island of Kilani they noticed the buildings they could see were very much like ostia...

The frigate was even less expected on this second arrival in one day than she had been the first time. This time messengers were sent to the local military commanders, as well as the palace, to tell them that these were allies, passing through on their way to war in Aust. Incognitia had come all too close to war with Caladonn to want to risk misunderstanding leading to war. Especially between two allies.

Agrippa's fleet continued to sail in towards the coast, the ships ceased their rowing and were sailing in on the wind. The structures were becomming more clearer now and it resembled Ostia more than any other nation Agrippa had ever encountered,

"General...we await contact..." A ships officer said..

The crews of all the ships stood stunned staring out over the rolling hills and beaches, some even thought they had some how managed to sail home..the confusion was spreading.

A small flotilla of galleys approaches the fleet, the men on deck disturbed to see men so similar in dress manning the ships. The lead ship hails the Ostians in Kilani.

"Strangers, what brings you to Kilani and why do you have such a fleet at your back?"

General Agrippa dressed in his finest appears on the side of the ship, he salutes the incomming vessels and his aid replys in latin,

"We hail ostia in the west, we are bound for Aust to assist in the war..this is the army of General Agrippa!"

The men on board the other ships looked exactly like ostians, it struck alot of confusion. General Agrippa was amased at the sight before him, he had never seen such a sight as this,

"This must be the nation of Kilani! we come in peace!" He yelled out

The soldiers and crews of the ostian galleys moved to the sides leaning over the rails staring at the men on the other ships in disbelief..

"if you truly come in peace, we welcome you tothe Empire of Kilani."

There is much consternation aboard the ships when it is relized they are very similar to the Kilanians.

ooc: i would like to take this opertunity to prod kilani with a pair of sharp and pointy sticks. thank you.

General Agrippa waves to the friendly vessels,

"We truly come in peace!..but Aust shall feel our wrath upon arrival!" He shouts

Soldiers and crew aboard the galleys started to cheer, Aust was getting closer and closer each day and soon Agrippa would land and start his own front. More galleys came into veiw on the horizon, they stretched out far and wide across the rolling waves.

The ostians were still very interested in what they saw, they honestly did not know what to think of the event.

"Welcome! Death to our enemies! May we offer you the use of our harbor for a few days?"

Agrippa grinned and replyed,

"A harbour would be a gift from the gods! and we share a common enemy! death to our enemys!"

Men who were over hearing the conversation were taken over with joy, they had been at sea for a long time and now were offered the use of a harbour. The morale had been lifted a great deal on this day, the men would have time to refreshin then go on to their objective where they would crush their opponents.

"Please, follow us!"

The flotilla turns and leads the way to a natural harbor, several miles down the coast from the capital. A small reception comitte is waiting.

When General Agrippa's galley had docked he and his staff followed by two guards strolled down the gang plank. Agrippa wore a shiney brass coloured chest plate with a blue toga under it trimmed in gold, his helmet had many fine designs on it, blue and white feathers came from the top,

"Hail Kilani! I am General Agrippa of ostia, with me i have brought fourth gifts to honor your emperor"

He paused....

"The army that follows me will fight in aust beside our allies, we are thirty thousand strong but our will power is greater than any opposing army we can ever face"

Bump...

OOC: soon i will just have them set sail, i neeed a reeeplyy.....

The Emperor ahd turned out yet again to meet the newcomers. He bowed slightly, "I greet you General Agrippa. I am Emperor Vespasian. We welcome you to our land and we give you thanks for the gifts you ahve brought."

General Agrippa took a knee to the emperor,

"Hail Kilani your greatness, it is our pleasure to bear such gifts to an emperor such as yourself"

He lowered his head awaiting the emperors reply....

Vespasian nods with a smile, indicating that Agrippa should rise.

"Again, I thank you. Now, you and your officers must join me at dinner."

General Agrippa rose,

"It would be an honor great Vespasian, we are greatful for the kindness you have showed us"

Agrippa's head officers came foward from the crowd forming up on the jetty. They were dressed in their finest armor ready to make an impression on their new allies who seemed to be very much like themselves.

The Emperor's advisors and a few of his General's are attending him, as well as a escort of praetorians. They form up around the group of nobles and generals and escort them to a pavalion, in which a long table has been set. "I apologize for the rather sparse diniing conditions..."

Agrippa was pleased with the set up,

"It reminds me of home very much so, there is no need to worry about the conditions your greatness..anything is better than a galleys lower decks"

The ostian officers filed in, they were feeling very comfortable with the surroundings.

Food is brought out, along with wine. Roast boars, pheasants, grapes, dates, olives. Everything possible. It is a very extensive feast.

The Ostians chatted with the Kilanians in latin talking loudly, the feast was like a gift from the gods. The Ostian officers had eaten lightly on their voyage and finally had a chance to fill themselves not having to worry about reserving supplys,

General Agrippa spoke up with a loud voice

"Honorable officers of my legions, Honorable great leaders of Kilani..Your greatness! on behalf of my men we are very gracious to the kindness you have showed us sence arrival! may our friendly relationship and alliance last forever!!"

The Ostian officers tapped on the table showing aproval to what the general had just said....

Agrippa looked to the emperor lowering his head slowly...

The Emperor nods, smiling. "To our continued friendship. Kilani Immortalis!"


----


Despite the war raging in Aust, the Kilani LEgions ahve continued their inexorable march to the north-east, conquering the island of Kilani. Those who do not bow to the Kilani emperor are put to the sword. Villages are burned, forts and outposts are erected. Settlers are brought in. The Empire is expanding.

The regular diplomatic correspondence to the Incognitian mission in Kilani this time carried news of some import.

A message to the palace was thrown together and despatched by messenger.
"Incognitia is at war with an unknown power in North Africa. A merchant vessel of ours was savagely and unprovokedly destroyed.
We are currently drawing together an expedition to raze the fortress-city responsible, with Ostian assistance.
We currently do not know the extent of this empire. It may have outposts near you in southern Africa; if so any assistance you are able and willing to offer in crushing these pirates would be welcome."
Alongside it came a renewal of the offer of selling warships, offering especially the Austian ships recently captured and now repaired; and a renewed request for negotiations over a trading enclave in the east of Kilani.

A reply is sent back, indicating that Kilani will do all in it's power to help crush the pirates. It also states that ships would be very helpful.

With such a swift and promising response, the ambassador decided to make a visit to the palace.
He made his way to the palace entrance, and requested audience with the Emperor, or anyone who could speak for him.

The Ostians continued to eat with their allies, General Agrippa spoke to the emperor,

"We must set sail early in the morning, when i return to Ostia i shall stop through to visit your greatness..."