TW;After the End Times IC

[Grimsage Matt]

What happened in 2012? Nations scoffed at the proposed end of the world. And then of course, several things happened. Several volcanos around the world went pyroclastic, burying entire cities, shattering islands. Half of the Antarctic ice shelf was blasted clean off into the ocean. All of this, was merely the begining. The Great nations, frightened and needing to secure themselves aginst the coming darkness, prepared for a final world war. And, then the final blow was struck. At the very moment that the first missile was launched, a massive quantam wave front swollowed the solar system. Inside of it, technology was rendered useless. Only the most basic of devices could even function in this new reality. But, the nuclear warheads and power plants gave one final show. They all went off at once.

Dispite that, humanity survived. Broken and scattered, they have endured a fall from empire. Now, 1000 years later, lead your people to glory, and reclaim the golden age of the Ancients! But beware! For in this land of broken dreams, Total War may yet consume you all.

Spring 3012

Off the Spanish coast
They came in the dead of night, and left only the dead by dawn. Roaming down the spanish coast, pillaging, looting, leaving only ashes behind them, the Boar Clan of the Vikings stand ready for another season of plunder.

Ruins of Paris
Sitting on a crude throne of whale bone, with a man, dirty and crowned, chained to the bottom, Jarl Nidhogg Wyrm sits in judement. "This vermin called itself king o these lands." At that, he and his throng roar in laughter. "Well frenchman, you can't claim kingship when the Sea Drakes come, becuase all others are prey." And with that, he casualy lops off the mans head.

The Ruins of New York
The dead are called. A cold voice from the north now binds them. Arise ye damned, and carry out the masters will!

Avalon
As the mages start working on their spell, they notice something, the power, the magic, it's coming faster and faster, ever faster, need to stop the spell, to much power... Morgan finds them dead, blown apart by magic they could not control. It's been happening more and more oftten lately, either massive surges of magic, or it slowing to a crawl. What the hell is going on?

NCS
They tore through another town today. Noone was hurt or killed, but they need to be stoped! Their pratice of a pagan ritual, their mockery of Football, they drive Fords!!! These "Bear-Men" must be driven out and purged!

Gia's Chosen
You've been feeling it for the last several days. Some of the older groves, deep in the mountians, have been growing dark. Not dying, in which they would merely be changing, but seemingly vanish. And whatever it is its spreading like a cancer through the old growth forest.

The Nahual Empire
As the priests sacrifice another, the power seems to spike, and twist, almost leaping out of the priests spells, as if it has a mind of it's own. And as the next one is sacrficed, the feeling repeats itself, but somehow feels even more malginant, even more aware, even more alive...

the intelligence agency
Withen your compound, several of the devices you've been using seem to be malfunctioning. The computer you salavaged, is showing nothing but your faces plastered to the most obsence trash, your names attached to a thousand year old confessions of the most vile nature. And those camaras your proud of? They seem to be moving somewhere.

Mindaluzvis Sultanate
Several of those attuned to beasts feel their nervousness. Something was here, something new. Just last week, an entire town of meremen, vasnished. Large animals, that would fear nothing less thena Kracken, have been vanishing. Something is in the water, and it's hungry...

Grimland
It used to be there, and now there it is again. Just going down one hall way seems to take no time at all, and fifty years at once. Just another day here. But the voices, they're getting louder, more stridant, demanding to be let in.. but what are they saying?

The Southern Empire
Another Year, another Dollar. The Wombats textiles trade well, even if they are mutants, the platapi are making agressive gestures agross the lake again, and the Kangaroos are holding firm in the interior. But rumors are floting. That the psitaint is becoming more and more common, that the boss is one! How else could he have made all them deals?

[puppyavenger]

The Nahual Empire
ESP-D 4

First Speaker Ahuiliztli stood in front of agreat crowd in Tenochtitlan, the yearly sacrifices to Tlaloc had been completed and the Empire would survive for another year, so it was time for the sun priest to address to crowd.


Nahual Brothers and Sisters, today is a new dawn for the Empire! With new magics and technologies we will soon once again be able to circumvent the globe like the Great Ones of old! Soon our Empire shall command the respect of the world, and the subservience of all this land! And this future begins today!

To the North there is nothing but Anarchy and petty fiefdoms until our honoured enemies in the NCS, well in the south the worst kind of parasite lords over the people, slowly sapping their strength and corrupting their spirit. We shall bring order and Justice to these Lands, the Gods Will it!

Sent by messenger and courier, many diplomatic missives were sent out following the speech.

To Southern Drug Lords
Messenger are sent to all of the major ones.

You are the scum of the earth, and your rule of the region will end. You have three options, submit to us and go into comfortable exile, resist us and die in battle or as a sacrifice, or aid us in the conquest of your fellows and maintain your position as a regional official. The choice is your's. Choose quickly.,

To the various tribes and fiefdoms of Northern Mexico

We offer security and safety, and freedom from the terror of warlords and bandits. Submit to us, and you will be accepted peacefully.

To the Raptor Bandits We would like to give you a recruitment. We are always interested in recruiting light cavalry, and you would fine additions to the imperial army. You would be incorporated as a military order and given all the luxuries of the world for your service.

To the NCS You lost last year, so you're hosting the game

[oblivion6]

intelligence agency
morale:7

it was amusing the way all her victims always looked at her with that same pleading expression on their faces before she killed them.

Ara watched quietly from the shadows as the trio of raiders walked into the alleyway...and straight into her waiting traps. there was a sudden flash of light complete with the raiders screams of pain.

only one of them emerged from the alley, battered and scorched and even he soon collapsed onto the ground, alive but just barely. it was then Ara made her appearance to the man as she pulled out her modified luger. the mans eyes begged and pleaded for her to spare him...but she did not, ending him with a shot in between the eyes.

it wasnt that she necessarilly enjoyed the killing, but years of hardships had made sure she didnt have any regrets...

to the world
the intelligence agency would like to begin establishing ties with all the other nations of the world. we are offering our intelligence agents at a fair and reasonable price. we also have a few companies of our elite commando's(MIL) but not many of those. contact the agency if interested in hiring.

[Grimsage Matt]

Drug Lord Yual To the Nahual Empire (ESP-D 4)
Seems to me that you boys mean war down here. What makes you think I should side with you? Not saying I won't, and not saying I will, but I need to know what your side of the bargian is.

Drug Lord Fressna to the Nahual Empire (ESP-D 3)
Skum you call us? Bah! We earned these positions through the only way possible! You have to be rich to afford a seat, and you have to be a ruthless bastard. So come on them, we'll gut you.

Drug Lord Krom To the Nahual Empire (ESP-D 4)
And by comfortable exile you mean you'll kill us out of sight. We'll take our chances. You might be suprised by what we have.

The Eastern Mexico Leauge to the Nahual Empire (ESP-D 4)
We will confer with our town elders. We must all make this descion. Besides, the Bandits never give us any trouble.

The Western Mexico Confredracy to the Nahual Empire (ESP-D 4)
The "Bandits" are our allies! They raid the rich bastards and give back to us. Why would we get rid of them? And the warlords are elected you know. Well, most of them.

Pedros Raptor Riders to the Nahual Empire (ESP-D 4)
Why we sign on permenant eh? You pay us, we fight for you, yes?

[puppyavenger]

Nahual Empire
ESP-D 4

Drug Lord Yual
Side with us and aid us in securing the region, and we'll enthrone you as Prince of the region. There will have to be certain policy changes
, but you'll be richer and more powerful then you ever were on your own

Drug Lord Fressna
You talk about fish, your blood will enrich the lakes and rivers of Mexico, and your families shall empower whichever man ends your pathetic life. Surrender now, or you are a dead man.

Drug Lord Krom
Believe me, if we wanted you dead, it wouldn't be out of sight. Surrender and you will be the Prince of the region, more powerful then ever before. We don't want to fight more then we have to, believe me. .

The Eastern Mexico League
We Eagerly await your decision, and would very much appreciate it by the end of the month. Otherwise, we will have to assume you refuse.

The Western Mexico Confederacy
Very Well, perhaps I was being too subtle. If you pledge yourselves to the Empire your Confederacy can continue to exist as a regional government. If you do not, everyone will die. We eagerly await your decision.

Pedro's Raptor Riders
Not just pay, but supply on our own dime and provide support, as well as provide dwellings near the new regional capital rather more glamorous then what you have now. Not to mention continued opportunities to loot and raid.

GM How much detail can I get out of them of the weird phenomenons effects? is blood magic still possible? Safe?

[ForzaFiori]

NCS - D. ESP 6

Thomas Calhoun stared at the reports on his desk with disgust. In the north, the Bear Clan was raiding, driving those fords of all things. And in that heathen city of Tenochtitlan, the elite Orangebloods had been beaten by those savage Jaguar lovers. There were going to have to be changes his country.

TO: those damnable bear people

I could not live with my conscious if I didn't at least offer you the chance to cease and desist your illegal raids into NCS territory before wiping you from the earth. If you come into my country again, we will not rest until you are destroyed.


TO: The Nahual Empire

Of course. Death Valley will be ready for when we spill your heathen blood.


TO: any of the various peoples around the NCS

We are all southern, are we not? Our people are linked in our fight for freedom. All our ancestors fought the Yankees when they invaded, and suffered under their irons. When the fall came, all of us found our freedom again, and it is sweeter than ever. Now we must rediscover our unity. Divided, we are easy to destroy, one by one, until none is left. Unified, there would not be a power on Earth who can challenge us. We would be able to take the fight TO the yankee for once, starting with that illegal atrocity that is West Virginia, and those ford-driving bear-people. All we ask is that you come to realize the truth of the Great Tiger, and help us follow his path to the destiny that was taken from our people before the fall. Will you join us, or doom yourselves?

[Grimsage Matt]

Drug Lord Yual to The Nahual Empire (ESP-D 4)
Will need to see the exact details on paper. It's nothing personal, but it's always good to have records handy in these times.

Drug Lord Fressna to The Nahual Empire (ESP-D 3)
I am a woman! But enough of this. I would coperate with you, if you can prove that you are so powerful. Of the five Drug Lords, we have seen that two have not responded to you. Jurn and Fphillip, are the two. They are barely comptent, but have had some sucess in defending themselves from attack. If one or both of them were removed, we would work under you.

Drug Lord Krom to The Nahual Empire (ESP-D 4)
I've noticed that you've sent the same offer to my peer, the Drug Lord Yual. And, as there can only really be one prince of the area, who are you really planing on giving it to? With that said, we know what you do for relgion, and find the practice of human sacrifice impractical. However, we do have something that may intrest you. In exchange for leaving us be, we will give you a map my grandfather purchased some years ago from someone he called 'Capone'. Would this be sufficent?

The Eastern Mexico Leauge to The Nahual Empire (ESP-D 4)
We must refrain from joining you. We are christian, and will not work with those who practice rites such as yours.

The Western Mexico Conferdracy to The Nahual Empire (ESP-D 4)
Should have figured. Look, it's not a matter of joining you, it's a matter of how much money you'll fork over for it.

Pedros Raptor Riders to The Nahual Empire (ESP-D 4)
Why would we want that? We as free as the winds right now. All we really need is our guns and our mounts. The money, we give that away. Why should we work for you? We hear what you do. We can fight for you, but we will not join you.

GM PM to puppyavaenger
All you can tell right now is that theres something weird going on. More at EoT or Blood bowl.

The Bear Klun-West Virgina to the NCS (ESP-D 5)
What we do? Mos we did were drive inter sum o yer towns, sell some shine and try and play a friendly game o baseball. Not that fertball sterf. We nerver hurt nabody. Sides, this is the great and free, home a the brave! America!
OOC; ESP-D is your morale plus any esp invested. Yours should be higher then 2

The highlands Millita of Tenesse to the NCS (ESP-D 4)
Well, we don't really play football. We prefer Soccer ourselves.

Croc King Jack to the NCS (ESP-D 2)
Why sshould we join you? I sspeak for all the swamp. We follow the mighty Grand Croc. Ssshould your godling dessire to be devoured, sssend it down here.

Warlady Selma to the NCS (ESP-D 3)
Free? you mean you want us shackled to you. We won't have it.

The Beasts of Virginia to the NCS (ESP-D 5)
You speak of the Bear Klun? You should see their cousains. The Bears are overly frindly, but they're harmless. The Tur-nam however, well, I shouldn't say anything of them to you.

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon
D.Esp: 4
Rep: 2

Morgan teleports back to her palace, having concluded her investigation of the recent accident. Arriving in her chambers she spends a few moments looking over her appearance before concluding that it is satisfactory, before walking to the throne room. Sure she could have just teleported there but she loved making a big entrance. As she enters her throne room she activates the spells she has on the doorway. Smoke billows from the doorway as the light seems to be sucked out of the room, leaving only a couple of torches on either side of the door remaining lit. As the doors open a herald says All kneel before the great and powerful queen Morgan Le Fey, ruler of the Isles and savior of Avalon. The court is well accustomed to her flair for the dramatic and bow, trying to hid their disinterest. After all she hasn't changed up her "dramatic entrance" in nearly 50 years.

After the drama of Morgan's entrance dies down Morgan sits on her throne and addresses the gathered nobles before her. We have remained separate from the rest of the world for a long time however recent raids by the vikings have caused problems large enough that this state of affairs cannot remain any longer. With this some surprised talking began to spring up amongst the nobles of the country. Holding up her hand for silence Morgan continues. Circumstances have changed and as such we must adapt. As such our policy of isolation has come to an end. Come tomorrow our best diplomats will be sent to meet with nearby nations, in hopes that we can ally to allay the threat of the viking raid along our territory. As she proclaims this the nobles start talking, which turns to yelling as they realize that the entire political situation is about to be overturned. Flares of magic can be seen throughout the crowd - not unexpected given that magic was a prerequisite for being nobility - which causes the guards to look around trying to spot any aggressive actions. However the nobility is to used to Morgan's rule and like always eventually comes to accept her conclusion.

After the session ended Morgan went into a back office to talk to her researchers about the recent problems they had been having. After a short talk she decided a certain pub in Ireland had enough magic disturbance to merit her personal attention. She had heard vague whispers of a powerful mage called Capone that was holed up there, and was very interested in meeting with him.

To Gia's chosen

A man cloaked in black appears in front of the palace, bearing a message from Avalon. It is unclear how he got there, having simply appeared from thin air. When a representative appears to hear him he says:

Hello to Gia's Chosen, I come bearing greetings from the great and powerful Morgan Le Fey, Ruler of the nation of Avalon. She hopes to promote co-operation between our two nations. With the rise of the vikings and the general chaos of Europe we feel that it would be a good idea to befriend the only other stable faction in the region. What would you say to establishing a defensive alliance with our nation, in order to protect against the vikings?


To Feudal lords of Europe

The vikings have recently become enough of a problem for us to take notice of. Should we be willing to engage them in a military fashion could we count on any of you to commit military resources to the cause?

[puppyavenger]

Nahual Empire
ESP-D 4

Druglord Yual

Of course. A delegate of mine will be accompanying An Expeditionary force to the border to deal with those less wise then you. At that point details can be worked out.


Druglord Fressna If a show of strength is what you want, it's what you shall receive. consider it done

OOC Are either of those two directly on my border? Who's closer and who do I have to go through?

Druglord Krom The most worthy of course. But such tribute may be acceptable, depending on what the map depicts.

To East Mexican League Very Well then, May your god watch over you in the Afterlife, and know that your sacrifice will sustain this land for generations to come

To West Mexican Confederacy Name your price, it shall be delivered after I rip from the corpses of your neighbours.

Pedro's Riders Very well, we will supply whatever price you which for your temporary employment. Name it

To GM well that's ominous

To NCS Wonderful, I'll begin assembling a team

[Grimsage Matt]

The French To Avalon (ESP-D 4)
Our king was recently killed by viking raiders. We would be happy to work with you to kill them.

The Spanish Dominion To Avalon (ESP-D 4)
These Viking dogs need to be put down, and they're been hararssing our coast. We shall permit your assistence.

TO puppyavenger (GM/PM)
That would be Jurn. He's holed up in a rocky pass right on your border.

West Mexican Confederacy to the Nahual Empire (ESP-D 4)
We will require 3 t.Econ to side with you.

Pedros Raptor Riders to the Nahual Empire (ESP-D 4)
We can accept contracts of 1 t.Econ for 3 t.Mil.

Drug Lord Krom To the Nahual Empire (ESP-D 4)
The map depicts where to find the temple of Cham Balam. We think that this would be important to you, yes?

[puppyavenger]

ESP-D 4

To Raptor Riders and West Mexicans Your price shall be delivered at the end of the season

Krom OOC: Okay, googles failing me, what is that?

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvis Sultanate

A room of black iron creaks and groans with the swaying of the waves. A throne of deep red Old Wood dominates a raised platform. Heavily shuttered windows permit only the barest wisps of sunlight inside.

Before the throne kneel several supplicants, each bearing a quietly burning torch. There are several brown-skinned human tribesfolk of various castes, clad in long loincloths, with weathered robes of cotton or silk. The men wear turbans while the women wear veils or headscarves. All have kris-hilts protruding from belts or sashes. Their bodies are lithe and supple, yet with taut muscles, no strangers to toil--- even those who wear the trappings of merchants and maharlika nobles.

Beside them, a naga patrolman coils, his lower body sinuous but his upper body stiff and at attention, bearing the torch as if it were a spear on parade. Beside him, a splay-fingered web-toed siokoy crouches, his scales gleaming in the torchlight, his large gills conspicuously shut, his icthyoid mouth gasping for air.

Somewhat separate from the rest of the supplicants, there gasps and grovels a spindly-fingered eyeless mutant clad only in a threadbare loincloth. The seemingly overlarge torch rests uneasily on his bony shoulder.

Beside the throne, a scratching noise pauses. The court stenographer, a bespectacled boy in a turban almost too big for him, massages his fingers before reaching for a fresh slate.

Beyond the circles of flickering torchlight, there are patches of shadow deeper than the darkness surrounding them. The only spots of light are those that glint off of unblinking black eyes and the gleam of weaponry.

Upon the throne there crouches a veiled woman in tattered robes. Upon her night-haired brow sits a simple silver circlet. Her arms are corded with thick muscle, the right hanging low and idly flexing black talons, the left resting upon the hilt of a great broad sword with curved blade.

In a voice surprisingly rich and devoid of the regular undead gurgling and groaning, she says, "I thank you, one and all, for having come forward with this grave news. Know that we will do everything in our power to ensure the people's continued safety and prosperity. Go, and may the gods' grace go with you"

Turning to the scribe, she says, "Relay orders to the various headmen. Have the warriors stand firm and make ready against incoming leviathans. Have the people restrict boating distance, and stand ready to retreat to high-dry ground. Have artillery teams and Mandaragit-bombers alerted at the coastlines. The people have been through this before and know what is to be done. As long as we stand together, there is nothing to fear. Get them ready, move when they have to. By the guidance of Allah, Jesus, Buddha, Bathala, the Old Gods and the ancestors, by BLOOD, we will triumph as always we have before"

"Prepare missives as well for the chieftains of the other islands..."

To chieftains/leaders of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, East Timor, Christmas Island, Singapore, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, New Guinea, Bangladesh:
Fellow guardians of peace and order amongst the isles, by grace and guidance of bones and blood, of ancestors and gods, greetings. We are still verifying the accounts, but we have had reports of leviathans stirring once more in the waters. We pray that we are mistaken, but it is better to be ready and have no blow fall, than to be unready when the blow falls. We belong to many islands and many peoples, but it is but one sea that we inhabit. In the name of light and life, we call upon old alliances and old bonds. People of the isles, be alert, be vigilant. Be not afraid of the darkness below the waves. Be not afraid to call upon us for aid and we ask as well for your aid, in the name of common fellowship and camaraderie.

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvi Sultanate


And to the Fane of Danao and the Technical Collective and other concerned officials:
Esteemed Panday and Babaylan, greetings. Apologies for keeping this brief. Have had reports of leviathans stirring in the deeps. Please get the diviners, the scanners, the sages and the scouts and spies out. Request and requisition support from the naga, tikbalang, anito and siokoy sectors if you have to. I am presently on my way to help with the strengthening of old alliances with our islander neighbours and then onwards to your temples to further the development of better weapons with which to fight this ancient and abominable foe.

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvi Sultanate


To the GM:

>>*Still not quite sure on how this works, feel free to correct me, chief.
>Allocating Leader's bonus to TEC-dev't [next turn] REP [now] to help re-secure regional alliances.
>Allocating People's bonus to MAG. Supernatural countermeasures for supernatural threat. Unlock the sanctioned psykers Diviner cadres, go!

Questions:
>What is the current state of diplomatic relations with Hong Kong and Taiwan?
>How are the other peoples of the isles doing?


MOR: 6
ESP-D: 6
REP: 5

[Umbranar]

Gaia`s Chosen

Rep: 2
Esp-D: 2

The druids had gathered in the Ancient Grove of Iras, the first Archdruid.
Archdruid Roland asked all to be silent and listen, summoning a chair of plants for each.

These are troubling times. The forests in the north seem to be disconnected from the Leylines and the natural world. Whatever is up there is spreading.

Have you seen it Archdruid?

I have from a distant. I will go there myself at the next dawn with a company of rangers and four of you. Ilgar, Morhas, Kulash and Nebusi, you will join me in this mission for you are the most powerful.

Three male and one female rose from their chair and bowed, then sat back into their chairs again.

What about the Outsiders threatening the world in the south? These so called Vikings? It was Kulash who spoke again and asked these questions.

Send a ranger patrol to prepare the southern area for ambushes and traps. I heard Avalon has contacted us, accept their offer. Contact the southern groves and let the druids do what they can to turn the forest against these interlopers. No army should be able to march up.

Archdruid Roland then stood up: As Gaia will it, so be it. We are the chosen. The other druids repeated the devotive sentense meaning the gathering was over.

To Avalon
We accept your offer, our rangers are currently preparing the southern forest and mountain area`s to lay ambushes. Together with the druids the area would be hard to march upon with an army. We can not focus on this threat though, up north the nature`s bond is severed and we must investigate. - Kulash, second in command.

[HerbieRAI]

Calant looked out from his penthouse sweet in the Southern Empire's skypeircer. It was one of the highest buildings in the world, since it has been maintained from the ancient days before the world was tainted. He didn't leave it much, climbing up and down 34 flights of stairs was a lot of work, so he had all his meetings on the floor beneath him.

This last election had been a hard one, and had divided the populous. Fortunetly, he had gotten rid of most of his competitors now, and had secured his rulership for the forseeable future. Now it was time to expand and make this world as prosperous as it was half a millennium ago. This would mean confronting the mutants that inhabited most of the continent. Calant didn't have an issue with them, but the people that lived here were scared of them. Scared so much that the largest hit to his public support was a blind accusation that he himself was a mutant of some kind.

But the petty squables of the workers never bothered Calant. They were always easily manipulated, and he felt confindent he could bring the people to heel if they ever came against him.

DESP 2

To the Abornigial State

Our people have been apart for a long period of time. We would like to become closer, allow our business into your land to develop and we will allow you to send missionaries into our great city. Does this sound like a good deal?


To the Kingdom of the Bill

We may be at odds with eachother, but that does not mean we cannot find peace. Our people always look kindly on business dealings, so I would like to propose a deal where we buy some of your technology.

[Grimsage Matt]

Drug Lord Krom To the Nahual Empire (ESP-D 4)
Aztecs that don't know about the Temple oc Cham Balam? Intresting. Cham Balam was a very powerful Aztec priest who lived two thousand years ago. Rumor had it that his books are in his temple tomb. As we are not aztecs, we cannot use them ourselves.

chieftains/leaders of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, East Timor, Christmas Island, Singapore, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, New Guinea, Bangladesh to the Mindaluzvis Sultanate (ESP-D 1)
As this threat has also been affecting us, we shall work with you to try and contian this threat.

the Abornigial State to the southern Empire (ESP-D 2)
This sounds good to us.

The Kingdom of the Bill to the southern Empire (ESP-D 2)
We personaly have no problem with this, but we do recognize that your people might have objections. Nonethless, just what is it that your intrested in buying?

[HerbieRAI]

Kingdom of the Bill

We are looking for knowledge into energy creation and storage. The steam generation we have currently will not be able to keep up with our usage. We know there is currently a lot of energy in the atmostphere that creates the genetic mutations and inhibits the ancient technology. We would like to harness that to power our factories.

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvian Sultanate

Thunder rumbles in a black sky. Unrelenting rain batters land and sea. White foam crashes high upon a rocky coastline. Palm and mangrove forests groan under the lashing of the wind.

Within the bowels of the vast cityship Ngiti ng Tondo, with its myriad interconnected hulls and holds and deck upon deck of Old Steel and new construction, life for the people within continues as usual... except that in certain places, some people still stagger drunkenly and singing and revelry ring in the shadows, delicious aromas smoking up the ventilation.

The mobile Mindaluzvian capital, currently moored in the relative safety of Sandakan Harbour, still has something of a festive mood. It is not every day that people get to travel to so many different places, and right from their own homes, at that. Despite the looming leviathan threat, the people never forget to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Meanwhile, in one of the many conning towers of the cityship, the Sultana stands over a group of cowled clerics hunched over radio-telegraphy sets. She lets herself have a brief smile as she recalls the myriad Majapahit chieftains' reactions when she had come in person aboard the Ngiti ng Tondo and rendered supplies and brief bits of training to each little kingdom.

Incense hangs thick in the air, the smoothness of the smoke serving as stark counterpoint to the clicks and the clacks of brass and copper keystrokes. A pair of scribe-savants transcribe incoming and outgoing messages with almost superhuman speed, their brows furrowed with concentration as they memorize everything.

To the keeper of the messenger pigeons that have surely come back dripping wet: (by runner)
We thank you and your birds. Take a break, you've earned it. But be vigilant.

To the GM:
Unless you so command, sir, perhaps it would be better to abbreviate the various names of the various South East Asian postapocalyptic nations to their classical names, that is, the Srivijayan and Majapahit Empires Confederations?

Er, ha-ha, speaking of naming, I acknowledge that I keep forgetting the "-ian" at the end of my faction's name. Ha-ha-ha.

Incidentally, leviathan threat? Giant whales, giant sharks, giant crocodiles, giant snakes, giant squids, giant stingrays, giant rats are not strangers in this side of the world.

To the Council of Trade Barons of the NEIETC:

In the name of the gods and the ancestors, greetings. We hope that all is well there. To be blunt, what do you have in the way of food, shipbuilding materials and weapons? The better the quality, the better for your business. In exchange, we offer contracts for the services of entertainers, fighters, or shipments of beasts, or shipments of textiles. Feel free to name your products and name your prices. Of course, whatever the trade we might agree upon, it will have to wait for the sea to settle and the weather to clear.

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvi Sultanate


To the August Red Dragon Whose Celestial Guidance Leads the Imperial Council:

In the name of the gods and the ancestors, greetings. We hope that all is well there. We acknowledge that our nations have not always been the best of neighbours, but it is our wish to work past our former disagreements towards peace and prosperity between our peoples. We would like to recall of ancient days, the times when the tycoon dynasties like the Tans, the Cos, the Ayalas, the Gos made great business in this land. In the spirit of cooperation, fellowship and business, we extend the following deal... To be blunt, what do you have in the way of food, shipbuilding materials and weapons? The better the quality, the better for your business. In exchange, we offer contracts for the services of entertainers, fighters, or shipments of beasts, or shipments of textiles. Feel free to name your products and name your prices. Of course, whatever the trade we might agree upon, it will have to wait for the sea to settle and the weather to clear.

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvi Sultanate


To the Intelligence Agency:

Greetings, in the name of the gods and the ancestors. We hope all is well there. We have heard your message. We cannot offer much in terms of food or other raw materials as yet, but we have bodies to spare. We have warriors and mages aplenty, as well as certain more-than-mortal consultants who may be up for contract. Or would you care to name some other good or service you desire in exchange for the services of your agents? Building Jewish synagogues and safehouses this side of the world with Mindal mercs as security, maybe? In which case, we ask for a little something extra--- ancient war materiel. Metal ships, metal ships-that-swim-like-fish, metal birds that can carry men. And guns, lots of guns. Boom-fish and boom-birds as well.

Wishing you prosperity.

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvi Sultanate


To the Southern Empire:

In the name of the gods and the ancestors, greetings. We hope that all is well there. We have heard rumours of your vast and prosperous realm from nomadic merchants and from the southeast-most of the Majapahit kingdoms. To be blunt, what do you have in the way of food, shipbuilding materials and weapons? The better the quality, the better for your business. Have you any ancient war materiel to spare, for loan or for sale? In exchange, we offer contracts for the services of entertainers, fighters, mages or shipments of beasts, or shipments of textiles. Feel free to name your products and name your prices. Of course, whatever the trade we might agree upon, it will have to wait for the sea to settle and the weather to clear.

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvi Sultanate

[ForzaFiori]

NCS

TO: The World

The New Confederate States has recently decided to open it's sacred colleges to other nations. While you will have to pay for the privileged, and would of course not be allowed to research state secrets, we would be willing to allow others to peruse our vast stores of ancient knowledge to help create your own inventions, and we both profit from the creation.

Basically, pay me X WEL, and I'll use X TEC to research your projects. We share research and get it done that much faster, then we both get the tech at the end. Of course, this offer is only good until I run out of tech points each turn.

[oblivion6]

intelligence agency
morale:7

OOC: thanks for having such low ESP-D people. love reading everything:smallwink:

to minduluzian sultanate/GM
hahah, most of us arent religious men. we live for the work not any higher power.

however, though your offer to set up synagogues is appreciated it is not necessary. however i would like to set up recruitment and business depots in your lands. what do you need my agents to do?

GM:would setting up said recruitment offices increase my REP and my ESP?

to NCS
i would like to know if your interested in helping me solve some technology problems i have been having. i dont have much to pay but i can offer some agents to
do any jobs foryou.

to GM
i am hoping that fixing my computers might give me a bonus to ESP or something because my agents would have easier access to information since they wouldnt need as much foot work.

also, would it be possible to make the recruitment depots give me an appropriate trait orsomething that insures a steady stream of agents coming in?

[Grimsage Matt]

Kingdom of the Bill to the Southern Empire (ESP-D 4)
Have you given any thought to tidal energy generation? Or are you sugessting that your people are thinking of incorperating the psionic and arcane energies into your engines? If it's Tidal, we might be able to sell you some.

Trade Baron Gallywix to the Mindaluzvian Sultanate (ESP-D 5)
Well, well well. I can aragnge for a shipment of 2 tEcon worth of shipbuilding meterials, but I'll need a little something myself. Theres this little trade route problem I'm having with the other Barons. You blow them up, I send you the meterials, deal?

Trade Baron Blackwater to the Mindaluzvian Sultanate (ESP-D 5)
Trade is always welcomed. I'm currently having some local poltical trouble. More accurtalty, One of my fellow Barons is a little hardheaded. You deal with Gallywix and Bilge, and I'll see what I can do.

Trade Baron Bilge to the Mindaluzvian Sultanate (ESP-D 6)
I would love to help you. However, I'm cureently in the middle of vigorus neogiations with my fellow Trade Barons. Why, just last week, Gallywix blew up one of Bilges warehouses, and Blige sent his thugs after Gallywixs dockworkers. As they are the more naval pair, they're trade route squabble has not yet affected me. However, As I told the charter for several of the intieor trade routes, I could sasisfy your request. And our payment is simple. We would like you to try and get Gallywix and Bilge to stop fighting with each other. You only need try, and we will make ou shipmnt to you reguardless.

The Imperial Red Dragon to the Sultana of the Mindaluzvian Sultanate (ESP-D 6)
We of the great and mighty Cathy, hear your words. We have some small amount of food that could be spared from the pesants, in exchange for your soliders taking up arms against the mongols, who ride over the northern marches.
His Awesome Imperial Magesty, Beloved of Heaven, Lord of the four Corners, Master of Fate, the Great Helmsman, The honored Patriarch, Scourge of the Barbarians, Defender of Wall, Master of Dragons, One True Master of The World, His emminant Magesty,
Emperor Huang Di.

To oblivion6 and Nexus-R.C._Mina
Ya, recruitment offices would help increase ESP. REP, maybe. Could backfire.

To oblivion6
It could. However, you may want to find out whats wrong with 'em at EoT. You might be suprised.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 6)

TO: Intelligence Agency

That sounds possible. I have a job I think would be right up your alley. What do you need researched?

[oblivion6]

intelligence agency

to NCS[7]
well this turn i was just hoping to fix the problems our own tech has been having in case it escalates.

OOC: i am referring to the "problem" that grimsage made for everyone

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 6)

TO: Intelligence Agency

I can have some people work on your problem. In exchange, I'd like some of your people to sneak into a Bear Klun camp and steal one of their trucks. If you can get me one, I'd be willing to work on your problem. Either 2 TEC/turn till it's over, or 5 TEC this turn after you get me the truck only.

[oblivion6]

intelligence agency
morale:7

to NCS
alright, doesnt seem like too much trouble. what can you tell me about the bear klun?

i think the 2 tech per turn is the best option. i also plan to put my tech to help you out, despite it being extremely low.

to GM
what do i know about this cult on cyprus? mainly their defensive capabilities.

also what do i know about this "bear klun" group?

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 6)

To: Intelligence Agency

The Bear Klun are a society of anthropomorphic bear people. They one clan of several found throughout the mountains - This particular clan lives in what used to be West Virginia. They've managed to build a working pick-up truck. If my people can get a hold of one, I'm sure that they'll be able to start making them. I would be willing to offer them for sale to my allies, of course.

[oblivion6]

intelligence agency

to NCS/GM
it is a deal then. i think such trucks could greatly aid my agents in their extractions. let me know when your selling them.

GM: what is the bear klans ESP-D? need to know so i can determine how much ESP to use.

[puppyavenger]

Nahual Empire

ESP-D 4

To Drug Lord Krom That would certainly be acceptable tribute, and we would be willing to accept the edge of your domain as our southern border in exchange for it. We must first verify it though, you understand? My delegate, a serpent priest and scholar, will be leading the forces in the southern theatre, and will verify it when he arrives.

[HerbieRAI]

To the Kingdom of the Bill

Those tidal generators could be useful, how much would you charge to deliver a few to Sidney?


To the NCS

We have a few ideas that could be looked into. The main thing we need looked into is energy sources. Our factories consume a lot and our current coal/wood fires are ruining our city. We were thinking that the radiation in the atmosphere or psionic energies could be harnessed, but we are far away from experts to know if that is even possible. We could send you 2 t.WEL this turn to do some prelim work to try to find what would be required.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 6)

TO: Southern Empire

excellent. I will have our people begin researching immediately.


TO: GM

what kind of weapons could I assume I have? Black powder musket? Breach loaders? Gatling Guns?

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvizian Sultanate

The outer layers of the cityship Ngiti ng Tondo are scrubbed clean by unrelenting rain. Wan and sickly sunlight paints the sky a throbbing grey though it is high noon.

Yet again, the Sultana holds office in a conning tower. Keys and murmurs clack and whisper as the scribe-savants process messages.

To the New Confederate States of America:
By the grace of the gods and the guidance of the ancestors, greetings.

Your offer seems quite generous. We can offer you the services of our warriors in exchange... or would you care to name some other price for the chance to study with your learned ones? To be specific, beyond the lore of the ancients in general, what we're looking for at the moment would be something that can help against an underwater-inwater foe. Sonar, torpedoes and depth charges, we think they were called. And of course, the means, materiel and personnel or training to operate and maintain them.

If this is overreaching, we propose an extension of the deal--- Throw those in and mayhap we can share some of the arcane lore of our mystics as well? Do note, however, we'll have to wait for the season after next to come and the monsoons to fully pass before we can send the first ships over and probably one or two seasons until they arrive at your shores... the vastness of the Karagatang Pasipiko? Do you have coordinates on the Old Maps or some sort of directions by the celestial bodies, landmarks, ley-lines or beacons by which the captains might know where exactly they should head? Is there anything that we, as guests in your lands, should or should not bring?

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvian Sultanate

OOC: Hmm, 2 MIL, 2 MAG for 4 TEC as an opening bid.
Koff. Did I do that correctly? What is "WEL"--- failed to see this as a stat-indicator in any of the rulesets presented.


To the Intelligence Agency:
By the grace of the gods and the guidance of the ancestors, greetings.

Indeed? You live solely for the war in the shadows and owe neither allegiance nor devotion to old gods and new? Intriguing. We suppose you often remind your neighbours that they are but men? To your proposals, we have no immediate objections. Would three such centers--- two in the north and south and one in our mobile capital--- suffice for your price? As to your question of assignment for your agents: 1] See what's brewing up in the NEIETC. Who's telling the truth? Troop classes and dispositions? Materiel available, both mundane, magical and/or modern? What resources do they truly have at their disposal? 2] Ditto, but what are the immediate troops used by the Mongols against the northern Chinese reaches? Numbers, classes, dispositions, weapons? 3] A cadre of agents... to be kept on retainer. 4] To better train our own agents.

By blaze and blade, bones and blood,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvian Sultanate


To the

By the grace of the gods and the guidance of the ancestors, greetings.

By blaze and blade, bones and blood,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvian Sultanate

spliiiiiiish! pap-pap-pap-pap!
[sounds of roof repair teams scrambling, trying not to gawk at their monarch stopping up a leak in the ceiling with her hands]

To His Awesome Imperial Magesty, Beloved of Heaven, Lord of the four Corners, Master of Fate, the Great Helmsman, The honored Patriarch, Scourge of the Barbarians, Defender of Wall, Master of Dragons, One True Master of The World, His emminant Magesty,
Emperor Huang Di:

By the grace of the gods and the guidance of the ancestors, greetings.

No offense meant to you, your Majesty... How much we can send you will depend on how much you can send us. And since you seem to have been fighting the Mongols for quite some time, some good intel on troop classes, dispositions, etc, will be appreciated.

By blaze and blade, bones and blood,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvian Sultanate


To the GM:

Shi-Huang-FREKKEN-Di! Caaaaathaaaaaaayyyyyy! Yeeeeaaaaaah!

Er, koff. Yeah. Ahem.

Delaying decision on the NEIETC until the IntelAg reports back on what's what.

Proposed disposition of stats come next turn:
~ -2 MIL > China
-2 MIL > NEIETC
+2 MIL homeguard + allied troops from the Majapahit Kingdoms
Leader's Bonus > TEC
People's Bonus > ECON... that is, IF the leviathan problem has been dealt with.

[oblivion6]

intelligence agency

to mindaulzian sultanate[7]
thats a tall order for such a short amount of time. however if it can be split up over a couple turns then i can easilly handle it.

how about i investigate the mongols this turn and begin on the others next turn? i am also operating under a contarct of the NCS so i dont have my full resources to spare.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 6)

Mr. Calhoun was amazed. He had never expected the savages of the world to realize the potential found in the great Cooper Library, but within a few weeks of his announcement, people from around the world were wanting to study there. So many that soon the library would be packed above capacity, and would actually hinder the research...

TO: Mindaluzvizian Sultanate

Your offer has great merit. If you send your warriors and mages, as well as your researchers, we will begin researching these "depth charges". They will probably be quicker to develop than submarines or sonar. When your people arrive, we will explain what our plans our. They can help us defeat the infidels that surround our great nation.

Will your men be willing to participating in our religious rites? There are several that are observed prior to battle that have been found to truly help men in battle. We will not force citizens of other nations to participate, but we allow any who wish to join in.


WEL is the same as ECON. I didn't realize Grimsage had switched terminology. And the 2 MIL and 2 MAG for 4 TEC sounds great.



TO: The World

I'm afraid that our library has reached full capacity for the year, and we will not be accepting any more requests for research until the new year.

[puppyavenger]

Nahual Empire
ESP-D 4

In realms on opposite oceans Nahual messengers finally arrived, carrying messenger from the Fire Speaker and authorized to speak in his name.

To The Mindaluzvizian Sultanate Greetings foul heathens! We bring greeting from the Great Nahual Empire, and as we are currently too far separated for war to be practical, we would like to discuss trade.

To Avalon Greeting Great witch-queen. I am a representative from the Great Nahual Empire on the far side of the ocean, and have been sent to discuss trade and exchanges of knowledge.

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

It is another grey-skied day at the conning tower. Keys clack, styli scritch and scratch while cadenced voices murmur.

Outside, the mountains around the Cagayan Gulf ripple with greenery.
Inside, some of the more obstructive and useless consoles have been removed, giving the place a bit more space.

To the Intelligence Agency:

By the grace of the gods and the guidance of the ancestors, greetings.

We see. Very well, then.
You had mentioned that your agents are under contract to the NCS. We do believe it won't be a breach of ethics on your part if you were to divulge troop dispositions, etc... on the part of "the infidels that surround [their] great nation". Why, because we will be under contract to them as well.

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvian Sultanate


To Baron Gallywix:

By the grace of the gods and the guidance of the ancestors, greetings.

Our apologies for the delay. Rest assured, however, when we come, it will be with the cannons of our best ships. Also, once we settle certain matters with certain other powers, I shall lead our forces there personally.

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvian Sultanate


To Baron Blackwater:

By the grace of the gods and the guidance of the ancestors, greetings.

Our apologies for the delay. Rest assured, however, when we come, it will be with the cannons of our best ships. Also, once we settle certain matters with certain other powers, I shall lead our forces there personally.

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvian Sultanate


To Baron Bilge:

By the grace of the gods and the guidance of the ancestors, greetings.

Is it a correct assumption that if those two stop fighting, that will remove the threat to your inland caravans and enable you access to foreign trade once more instead of simply controlling the interior? Also, exactly how much are you offering for simply attempting to get them to stop fighting? We cast our bones this morning and what they showed was something strange... And if we may be blunt, why are you not as, well, bloodthirsty as your neighbour Barons?

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvian Sultanate


To the New Confederate States of America:

By the grace of the gods and the guidance of the ancestors, greetings.

Supposing the certain problem we are having at the moment passes before our scholars' work is done, would they be able to shift focus, or would it be more prudent to let them continue?

Understood. But we must ask--- What kind of lands constitute your great territory? I doubt mere militia would suffice for your purposes. Many kinds of warriors and beasts we have, some better suited to certain terrain than others.

That depends. What would your religious rituals entail? We believe you had not mentioned--- Which of the old gods or new do you worship? Here, as long as they worship no manner of hellspawn, folk are free to pray to whom they will.

We are suddenly reminded. Unless we are mistaken, the Nahual are your neighbours on your continent. What are their people like? How would you describe their warriors and their magic? Will they be amongst those infidels against whom our spears shall fly?

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvian Sultanate


I see. WEL= Wealth, yes? Koff. Really? I suppose knocking that down to 1 MIL 1 MAG for 4 TEC would make it a crap deal? Ha-ha. Correct me if I'm mistaken, according to the Quality/Quantity rules, it would be prudent to field more than one point's worth of troops.



And suddenly, there is a rapping at the chamber door. A quick exchange of whispers with one of the Death Guard has the Sultana throwing her hands in the air and scratching her head in frustration and puzzlement but nevertheless orders a table prepared.

The metal door opens. As the Nahual ambassador enters, servants usher him (To the Nahual Empire)to a table where dishes of fried fish, boiled rice and seaweed smoke. There are also several pitchers--- one of water, one of beer, one of wine, one of blood--- placed before him, and a box of betel chew and pipe-leaf opened. A trapdoor in the centre of the room slides aside to reveal a circular stairwell leading into the deeper recesses of the conning tower. A burly drummer and a supple dancer with tight brown-skinned grace emerge and set up a soothing rhythm to smooth away the stresses of the ambassador's long journey.

The Sultana, hand on hilt, smiles, fangs flashing as she does so, and greets the Nahual ambassador. "By blaze and blade, by blood and bones, we welcome you to Mindaluzvi. Forgive the frugality. If you had sent messengers beforehand, we could have prepared a feast for your welcome. As it is, though, these are hard times"

Behind her and all around them, he sees shadows stir. Cloaked figures flex fingers about sword hilts, spear hafts and gun handles. Beyond the incense that permeates the room, there seethes the scent of death. "Now, as to your purpose, or so you'd said... Was that a joke, or do you insult us? A thousand miles to merely spit an insult and threaten war, this is a jest is it not? Suppose that is maybe your strange manner of simply greeting your neighbours, what would you offer in trade? Do you have any samples of what you have to offer? And what would you name in exchange?"

"Oh right..." the Sultana adds, seemingly as an afterthought. "As neighbours on that continent, what do you know of the NCS? And... are you at war with them, currently?"

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 6)

To: Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

Our scholars would be able to switch tasks, although prior research would most likely not be useful, and the new task would be started from scratch. We would also be able to go back and finish up the tech we had stopped researching.

The lands currently in our great nation can be divided into three seperate zones, stretching north-south in three bands. The farthest west is mountains, as the eastern half of the Appalachians is ours. This turns into hills in our new midlands (our capital is in this area), and at the coast it is relatively flat, and swampy. To our south, that which was Georgia is mostly swamp - This is where your men would be used. The blessed land around our capital is the best in the world - natural disasters do not occur here, we have an excellent climate for growing food, and animal life a plenty for meat. The land also produces the best soldiers in the world - in the before fall country known as the United States, they awarded a medal known as the "Medal of Honor" for feats of extreme courage. There were more soldiers honored with this metal per capita in this region than any other in the nation, and the tradition continues to this day.

We worship the Great Tiger, who's footprints are visible on the ancient roads, as our ancestors have done since time immemorial. Our rituals for war are thus: Prior to marching on the enemy, all units taking part in the war visit the Great Stadium of Death Valley in Clemson to watch a game of "football", an ancient sport common to this area. The game is sacred in our religion. Prior to the game, a great party is held outside the stadium, with any soldiers going on campaign being honored with free food and drink (common people bring food and drink to cook and eat before the game, and all soldiers are free to partake from anyone's pot). Directly before the game, the Orange bloods (including myself) recreate an ancient ritual by running down a hill at the end of our stadium and touching our sacred relic, "The Rock", brought from far to the west, where the Great Tiger was born. At half time of this game, actors recreate the story of how the Great Tiger slew the Chicken - the embodiment of evil, and kicked all of his creatures out of our nation. Prior to the battle, a great chant is taken up, calling upon the Great Tiger to lend us his strength. It is known as the "Cadence" and is started by the commanding general with "1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4" (to ensure that everyone has the same pace) then the rest of the army joins in for the true chant: "C-L-E-M-S-O-N---T-I-G-E-R---S -Fight Tigers - Fight Tigers - Fight, Fight, Fight!"

The Nahual are indeed infidels, though more civilized than those who demand immediate extermination. They are a jungle people, skilled in military tactics and magic. Like us, they possess a elite force that possesses powers of transformation - though unlike us, they transform into the lesser jaguar. We have an ancient agreement with these people as well. To prevent a war between our people that would destroy us both, we have already divided the land between us. To our west there is a great desert - the Mojave. We will split this desert eventually, but until then we have each agreed to stay on our side of it. We also hold a ball game similar to football each year in place of war, our Orange-bloods against their Jaguar Warriors. This years will be held in Clemson - perhaps you could send a representative.

-First among the Orange-Blooded,
Thomas Green Calhoun


I would be willing to trade 2 TEC for 1 MIL and 1 MAG. Or I can give you a "loan" if you will, and I'll help you now and you help me later with a roughly equal task - I'll up it to 4 TEC for the 2 points your giving me, but later I'll call on you when I need some help, probably militarily.

[puppyavenger]

To the Sultanate The Messenger looks puzzled at your response "How is it a threat? War is simply the natural state of being between bordering states. Or do you have some other word for raids and similar things on another lands border towns, or duels between the champions of realms? Regardless, war would be no impediment to trade, so the point is moot.

Anyway, Mexico is rich in very little these days, but that's irrelevant to what we can trade. Primarily we wish to offer the services of mage-priests such as myself as aides and mercenaries, as well as other troops should you wish it. Although such a strong realm as yours would have little need for mere extra bodies. In exchange all we would ask for is the sacrifices to fuel our magic, and some small number to bring home with us to sustain the realm.

For the Orangebloods, they are our honoured enemies. Their religion is based on an ingenious game, and a heavily modified version is played each year to determine the victor of the season.

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

To the Nahual Empire:

A black-taloned hand scratches at a furrowed brow. "Humour me. How does war not impede trade? If two nations are at war--- cities and walled towns would be bottled up, armies on the alert... would not caravans and cogs be fat targets, no matter how many guards they hire?"

Fingers click. The music and the dancing stop. Many moments pass in silent thought. Then the Sultana exhales a long and rancid breath. "It seems our realms are similar in our martial and magical nature and ravaged-and-recovering economies... but no. Our people's souls will not feed the blood-thirsty gods of some other land, no matter what you offer. Ha-ha-ha! Unless you offer blades and blazes, in which case we will fight and your skulls will become drinking cups, your blood feasted upon and your skins made into paper"

She rests the great blade of the Reaper across her shoulders, hefting it as if it were no heavier than a rod of rattan. "There might be another way, though. You crave war, blood and slaves, yes? Bring whatever fighters or mages you care to bring, up north to Cathay. Muster with us at the city of Beijing and the forces of the Red Dragon Emperor as they march against the Mongols. You will have your share of the loot and the prisoners of war, to do with as you please. Will that be agreeable to you? Oh, and speaking of your honoured enemies, we shall also be sending an army there, under contract to Clerist Calhoun. Will we be given safe passage through your lands, or shall we have to toss some morsels to your blood-gods?"

The Sultana nods at the feast spread before the Nahual Messenger. "Business aside, do you find the food insulting? Is there anything else that you'd want prepared? Or maybe you'd like to be shown to the diplomatic suites, where you can rest before you sail again for your home?"


To the New Confederate States of America:

By the grace of the gods and the guidance of the ancestors, greetings.

Duly noted, and thank you. Could you tell us of the west coast of your land, that is, the one closer to the vastness of the Karagatang Pasipiko? What

It seems your nation would indeed make an impressive and worthy ally.

Also my thanks for making me laugh. My clerks nearly choked, my bodyguards snorted. No, we urge you not to ask what piece of almost certainly unintentional comedy you'd assaulted us with... but thank you nonetheless.

That digression aside, yes, our warriors would welcome food and drink and entertainment. Enlightenment as well. We would be curious to witness the rites of your Great Tiger and add those to our lore of the myriad gods. If any of them wish to participate, they are allowed to do so.

Duly noted, thank you. I believe we will be sending a delegation. When should they set sail, that they might arrive in time for your yearly game?

Also, if I may request: prepare an altar and several of your worst criminals. I'm coming over tonight. The former to hold what I believe you would consider a relic--- an "American Football" from Before the Fall, found simply floating in the Manila Sea by a boat of fishermen. The latter, well, for me. Traveling too far and too quick makes me especially hungry.

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvian Sultanate


Nah, let's take the full deal. Aerial cavalry for sniping/strafing/bombing and a troop of Scout Rangers. Might get trounced if I commit too little.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 6)

To - The Sultanate:

We have had no knowledge of the west coast since prior to the fall - at that time the area near the coast was considered some of the best land in the nation. It was green and fertile in the north, growing into desert in the south, and it was plagued by earthquakes and wild fires. There is a younger, taller range of mountains that runs along this coast as well, and separates the coast from the great desert I mentioned in my last letter. This desert was the hottest, driest area in the nation. Now however, I do not know. The fall may have sunk part of the coast, or irradiated the land, or changed the flora and fauna.

The game between the NCS and the Nahual is held on the fall equinox. I'm afraid I do not know how long it takes your ships to cross the ocean, nor the speed at which they could cross the land, and so cannot give you an estimate of when to leave in order to arrive in time for the game.

The alter and prisoners will be prepared, ask requested. We await your visit with bated breath.

-First among the Orange-bloods,
Thomas G. Calhoun


the original deal it is then.

[Grimsage Matt]

Trade Baron Gallywix to the Mindaluzvian Sultanate (ESP-D 5)
Very well then. Hope to do business soon.

Trade Baron Blackwater to the Mindaluzvian Sultanate (ESP-D 5)
Very well then. We hope to do business again soon.

Trade Baron Blige to the Mindaluzvian Sultanate (ESP-D 6)
You might want to check your divinations again. It's not that I'm any less ruthless then the other barons, but rather that I realize tha it's more expenive to have inter company conflicts. So yes, I'm more agreeable to comprimise. However, comprimise only if the outcome also benifits me. Also, we can offer about 6 t.Econ of goods for this, if they stop fighting.

Kingdom of the Bill to the southern Empire( ESP-D 2)
We can send across about 3 tech worth of tidal generators, in exchange for 3 Econ of goods.

Cathay to the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate
We are a old realm. Even the fall was not enough to sink us. We are prepared to pay you 6 Econ to fight the barbarians. They are nomadic, and rarely spend more then one day in the same place. But we have found two locations where they seem to gather.

A large mountian that is peaked with storms that do not abate, the Isao Tomita, and recently, they have restablished themselves at the Ruins of Xi Qia. Defeating the local Khans at these two locations should be enough to hold them back for now.

His Awesome Imperial Magesty, Beloved of Heaven, Lord of the four Corners, Master of Fate, the Great Helmsman, The honored Patriarch, Scourge of the Barbarians, Defender of Wall, Master of Dragons, One True Master of The World, His emminant Magesty,
Emperor Huang Di

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

To Nahual Empire

We would be very interested in trade and the exchange on knowledge. What did you have in mind?

[Grimsage Matt]

Turn 2

The world, it used to be so peaceful....

Over in north america, the NCS has stired up the denizens of the swamp! From the Croc Kings to the Moonshiners, to the mythical Olk Mama herself, will they beat them indidels? The Orangebloods on the bloodstained hillock say uit's only a matter of time.

Over in mexico, blood flows freely. As the Nhauls blood magic opens gates to the plane of blood, and they ubnleash nightmare inducing monsters of death on those who wiould stand aainst them, only a few remain. From the infamous Daywalker Blade in eastern mexico to the Drug Lord Jurn, the resistence lives on.

Over in the down under, business is booming! From the Aborginals in the north, to the southern empire, to the hordes of Drop bears poised to invade again, life is looking good.

The isles are being conronted with many things. But they should be able to overcome them. Capone has money riding on them doing that.

EoT's are due saturday.

[oblivion6]

cyprus invasion
[I]captain winters led his men off the boats and onto the shores of cyprus, establishing a beachhead that 4th company could use to offload their heavier equipment and vehicles. the beach was clear other than a circle of cyprus natives guarded by a knot of half naked barbarians, so it didnt seem to be a very hard task...but of course it was...for as soon as the barbarians engaged his main force of soldiers while he circled around with a squad to eliminate the cultist magi, they completed their goal...of summoning forth a massive jade golem. this golem didnt take long to start ripping his forces apart and he was finally forced to give the order. retreat! retreat to the boats! he shouted as he ran.

canadian inroads
well, well. what have we here? Ara muttered after taking a peek into the cave...within rested a large, winged beast almost like a bird but with scales instead of feathers...a dragon. they had set out from Tel Aviv in order to begin mapping the routes through canada when her mages had reported that they detected a very powerful magical presence ahead so she decided to check it out. needless to say, she ordered her people to go around after she figured out what it was.

[Umbranar]

Gaia`s Chosen

Rep: 2
Esp-D: 2

To Avalon
Gaia watches over you, rulers of Avalon.
We are glad to inform you that nature is responding to our calls and that the approach will be harder for the vikings in the south. We want to call upon you to aid us in a strange phenomenon. The forests up north are slowly turning into living metal and not responding to our magic. Currently we seek technology to reverse this process or at least halt its spread. Our druids feel strange so we are weary to send them in. With our rangers devided to both protect the druids in the metal forest and preparing the southern border against the vikings, we require aid.

To the World
Greetings, leaders of the new world.
We, Gaia`s chosen will open our borders to those who wish to trade. At our trade posts guides will wait for those interrested to guide you through the area. We also seek aid in a dire situation without the forests itself. Details will be given in private messages or meetings.

-Archdruid Roland, Chosen of Gaia

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon
Esp Def: 4
Rep: 2

To Gia's Chosen

We will help you in this endevor. You said your main reason for not taking offensive action against the viking clans was the problem in the north of your territories so anything that helps to solve that problem is something that brings the viking issue closer to a solution.


To Intelligence Agency

What would it cost to get an estimate of the military and magical strengths of the various viking clans. Additionally what would the added cost be to determine their political relationships to each other? We do not have many financial resource but I feel we can likely work something out.


A Pub in Ireland

With a pop and a flash Morgan appears in front of the Irish pub where rumor has it this capone fellow has made his home. Opening the door she asks a patron to point her towards capone. {A general description of the pub's interior would be nice, in case there is something visually odd. I mean something odd is going on here.}

[Grimsage Matt]

Canadian inroads
The dragon, resting on it's nest of bones and leaves, opens one eye, and rasps out, "Tell me, joor, why should I not burn you?" It does not sound agressive, merely slightly grumpy and bored.

Capones pub

The place is almost typical for a irish pub, if only there wasn't Elvis proforming in stage. With the rolling stones providing support. Watching them, cheering them, and drinking enough beer to kill a village, is a larvitar with a gangster hat. When you enter, it waves you over and summons a glass of wine for you. Then, it speaks.

"Sweet cheeks, been a while. Last I saw, you, Arthur and Merlin were still kickin round the joint. Now? You're the queen bee, Merlins a tree, and Arthur's running Tel Novad. Been meaning to check up on ya, anycase, see if those buggers were right. Just to settle a bet, it was the servent girl on Avalon, right?"

[HerbieRAI]

To NCS

How is the research going?


To New Recruits (from EOT)

You have been telling stories of Drop Bears. We take mutant threats seriously, Where did they come from?

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 6)

TO: Southern Empire

Research into tidal energy goes well, though we sadly have not had any major breakthroughs yet. Would you like to continue the deal for another month?


TO: Intelligence Agency

How goes our deal? Have you managed to get your hands on a truck?


TO: Nahual

Which turn should our ball game be held on, and then how many turns between each, or should it be every turn? Also, how do you want to decide who wins?


TO: The Sultanate

We would like to continue having your troops as reinforcements in our war with the crocodiles, but our side of our deal has already been completed. How can we reimburse you for the use of your units? Do you have another project to suggest, or perhaps a small amount of monetary compensation?


TO: Grimsage

still waiting on an answer to my PM on what all I'd need to do in order to give someone a tech

[oblivion6]

ntelligence agency

Canadian inroads
Ara drew back quickly nearly tripping herself up as she draws her Luger and recollect the spells she knew. i dont want any trouble. we are just here mapping the ley-lines and usable trails through this desolate wasteland.

to Avalon/GM
i suppose i could begin getting some rudimentery information on the viking clan politics and troop strengths.

in exchange do you think you could provide me with some magical support against the cyprus natives?

to NCS
the bear klan caught my people but they seem to be reasonable people. they say to buy the truck it will be 1 ECON.

to mindulzian sultanate
my agents report that while mongol hordes posses 50-60 MIL, they prefer to operate in much smaller units so it would be possible to bite off small chunks of them instead of getting slaughtered in open-war.

[Grimsage Matt]

Southern Empires new recruits
Most kinds of drop bear, there lurking in them bigger frontier groves. No idea were they come from, heard they was here before us from a old feller. But the walking uns are bad. They lurk tween wombat and aborginal territory. Them smart and dangerous buggers .

on tech trades
it's in the ooc. Forum derped there, so it's not showing.

Canadian inroads

[Umbranar]

Gaia`s Chosen

Esp-D:2
Rep: 2

To Avalon
Excellent, a ranger will await the arrival of your envoy to guide you through the borderlands. We will pledge our magical support to your cause once this is resolved. Alas we do not have the manpower to send with you as an army since our tactics involve cunning and suprice, with nature to back us up. We will try to remedy this in the future.

We would also be glad if you could contact your allies. They might have technology or magic to cure the metal forest. Decades of isolation has done little to improve contacts with the world.

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

Esp Def: 4
Rep: 2

An Irish Pub

Morgan is surprised by the styles of music being played in the pub, but - having skipped that era in history - does not notice the significance of the performers.

She walks over to Capone, saying "Yes it was the servant girl on Avalon. That turned out to be a stroke of good luck, as without her I wouldn't have been able to complete the ritual. Good thing I did too, look where it got me. Immortal ruler of the isles is certainly an achievement. Glad my ritual worked out better than that bloke in Canada's though, wouldn't want to be him. Not sure who gave him the ritual, but it seems too harsh for the Seelie court, and I doubt he would be dumb enough to go to the UnSeelie. But if not the fey who would he have gotten it from?

And while I am sorry about this a great many years have passed since we apparently met before and I seem to have forgotten who you were. Were you perhaps going by a different name back then?


To the French/Gia's Chosen

To the ruler of France

We are currently trying to get intelligence on the viking clans to learn if an attack is feasable. In regards to preparation we have also contacted Gia's Chosen, who have their own problems in the North. They have pledged their magic to our cause should they find a solution to their problems. Any assistance you could provide to them on either the technological or magical front would likely speed up the arrival of their support.

Until we get the intelligence reports however we recommend that we combine our fleets in order to make the vikings less effective in their attacks. Do you agree to co-ordinate your fleets with ours?

{Gia's chosen is included so that I don't have to relay messages back and forth between the two factions}


To Intelligence Agency

Exactly how much magical support are you requesting? {OOC: how many points of magic do you want in trade for the reports?}

[Grimsage Matt]

An Irish Pub

All of a sudden, the pint sized creatures grins. "Well sweetcheeks, not entirely suprised you don't remeber me. Some reason, you younglings never seem to remeber old Capone. And don't bring Nagash up." He looks at you. His eyes are... diffrent. They are not orbs, but endless pits, in which you can see stars colliding, and worlds being born, then dying of old age.

"I'm not always proud of what I've done, but some things need to happen. Same with you. Got strongarmed by those pycopaths into getting you that ritual, and made all the arrangements so you'd be here now. Personaly, if whats happened is any guess, Arthur turned down the job. Smart bugger. Hell, Merlin flatout told me to suck termites." He chuckled theres, and takes another massive swig.

"Now you? Well me lass, you have everything you ever wanted. Say, what happened to Mordred anyway? Been meaning to find that weasel. Bugger owes me money, but hey, think he'd have more sense then to cheat one of the horsemen."

Canadian Inroads
The dragon lifts a scaly eyeridge. As your standing in a cave, with roots growing down from the forest above, in the middle of a overgrown forest, it seems...

"Joor, I know that you mortals change the meaning of your words often, and that you are not gifted with tounges like Dohv, so I will assume you are both to untelligent to be worth the effort, and foolish enough to meet your demise soon. Now leave Joor, before you burn."

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

An Irish Pub

As the man speaks Morgan sees the change in his eyes, and knows that this man has very great power. Probably enough to actually accomplish what he says he has done, especially if he is one of the horsemen of legend.

"Not sure what happened to Mordred, I think whatever happened was likely in the thousand years that I skipped. Not surprised he cheated you however. He wouldn't recognize power until it hit him in the face.

Also thanks for the ritual it turned out rather well, if a little hard to use at first. I'm not surprised that Arthur and Merlin turned you down, they would just get hung up on "the natural order of things" and die at their "appointed time". They wouldn't have been able to use the loophole even if they had accepted.

And having everything I ever wanted? I've heard some people say that the journey is more important than the goal... They were fools. Being queen is amazing, having everything I want even more so. Everything would be perfect if those viking raids hadn't started causing problems. I was about to start trying to rediscover the lost magic of technology when this came up. Bloody poor timing if you ask me."

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 6)

TO: Intelligence Agency

how you get the truck is up to you - pay, steal, or build your own as long as it works when it gets here. The NCS however will not deal with criminals such as the Bear Klun.

[oblivion6]

intelligence agency

EDIT: to NCS
very well. send your TECH my way and i shall deliver the truck.

to bear klan
i believe i will be buying the truck from you for 1 ECON. i do warn you that the NCS does not approve of you.

canadian inroads
with the dragons final word Ara immediantly scurried out of the cave to rejoin her agents

to avalon
2-3 magic should be enough to defeat the golems they are creating. i will see what i find out about the vikings

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

To Intelligence Agency

3 Magic is an acceptable price. Our mages will be teleporting in. Have your men ready to receive them.

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

D-ESP: 8 REP: 2

The rage of the seas have calmed down, for now. Those who sail upon those white-teethed waves are calm as well, but look forward to the surging of steel-storms and spell-storms ahead.

Children and spouses who were left behind make sure to pray for their warriors who had left for war, old honour to uphold and new glory to win. Militiamen run their patrol routes around the various settlements, feather-adorned speartips bobbing in the breeze. They work in shifts: one shift at rest, one shift on patrol...

...the other training. Some of them engage in drills of fighting forms upon dusty clearings. Others beat upon trees or old rubber tires while others spar with their partners while balancing on bamboo rafts or stones in a river. Not one word of protest or pain escapes the lips of these iron-bodied, lightning-limbed fighters even as blow upon blow batters their flesh.

At the quays and coastlines, heavy weapons teams man ballista emplacements. Rivers, estuaries and swamps have battle-barges borne by giant crocodiles patrolling them. Fishermen and salvage crews hail them as guardians and even give them trinkets or snacks.

Councils of mages consult their myriad material to try and pinpoint and if possible, exterminate the leviathan threat. The shadow of the Sultana moves amongst them, helping wherever and however she could, especially with the matter of driving them off or killing them. She racks her memories of the World Before, tries to see what can be seen in the archives of the Technical Collective, that they might somehow help as well in this endeavour.

Meanwhile...

In the land of the Qin, the expeditionary force under the command of Kumander Wasi al-Husseini docks at the great city of Beijing. Two companies of crack kabayok cavalry clean their gear, spread their feathers and sharpen their claws while the corps of sorcerers and herbalists prepare their incantations and devices. The hunched horse-headed form of Senior Ramon looms over his acolytes, his necklace of bones tinkling in the sea breeze. A mixed race group of auxiliaries serves as the vanguard of the force, loping ahead with expressions of barely suppressed hunger, rage, ecstasy and dread flashing across their faces. Kumander Wasi presents his contract to the Qingese governor, pays his respects to the local authorities and deities, consults with the local Qingese military commander for the latest recon data and if there might be any volunteers or joint action. Regardless, he leads the attack expedition first to Xi Qia and then on to Isao Tomita...

In the blasted lands of North America, in a now bloodstained swamp, war rages. **further tactics already PM'd to GM.

To the Blackblood Captains of Korea:

By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

The support of your people in the upcoming campaign against the Mongols would be appreciated. You would be welcome to your share of the loot, as well as one-third of the vast treasure that the Qingese Emperor is offering.
Whatsay ye?

Our forces will be arriving at Beijing shortly.

By blade and blaze, blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To His Awesome Imperial Magesty, Beloved of Heaven, Lord of the four Corners, Master of Fate, the Great Helmsman, The honored Patriarch, Scourge of the Barbarians, Defender of Wall, Master of Dragons, One True Master of The World, His emminant Magesty,
Emperor Huang Di

By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

That is a more than satisfactory offer, your majesty. We thank you as well for the reconnaissance.

Also, just giving advance warning, there might be others joining this campaign. Maybe some Koreans, maybe not. A little extra surety can't hurt.

Our forces will be arriving at Beijing shortly.

By blade and blaze, blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To Trade Baron Bilge

By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

That is a more than satisfactory offer, your grace.

So, suppose they might somehow focus upon a common-foe-that-is-not-you... will that meet your needs? Or do you want something... QUIETER than a hundred-cannon salute from some of our warships plus a personal showing together with my elites, will that suffice?

By blade and blaze, blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To the Intelligence Agency

By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

Of course. Thank you for the reconnaissance. I trust the further endeavours will go as we had earlier agreed upon?

By blade and blaze, blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To the NCS:

By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

President Calhoun, I trust our crusade goes well? Reinforcements are en route, as well as the scholars and sages we had spoken of. It seems Beastmaster-Lakan Singson XXI has indeed outdone himself on the breeding of these magnificent birds, has he not?

How fare the Orangeblood commonfolk?

Ah, that. We were under the understanding that the deal isn't done until the war isn't done... But if you say so, who are we to refuse such generosity and fairness? SONAR/RADAR, along with the know-how of maintenance, usage and transport? Advanced gunpowder weaponry for both infantry and naval-grade?

By blade and blaze, blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To Gaia's Chosen:

By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

We have no objections and would indeed welcome trade. What have you to offer?

What do you want? We have all sorts of tropical fruit, as well as rice and tubers. We have fine liquors made from rice, cane, coconuts and of course, grapes. We have singers and dancers and other entertainers; servants who cook and clean well; warriors and mages of skill equal to few upon sea, sky or land--- all or any of whose services you may rent, for the right price, of course.

As to your other matter, we would be glad to help, once we... clean up... certain matters here. I could visit, though, see what can be seen, say what could be said.

All I ask is that you prepare one or two of your worst criminals. Long journeys in too quick a time make me a tad bit too hungry.

By blade and blaze, blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To the GM:
Tactics for the Mongolian contract-campaign:
>Hold the Mongols' attention with hit-and-run light cavalry tactics. Koreans act as shock/distracting troops. Meanwhile, have some of the mages tunnel underneath the ruins. Once the tunnel is made good, have the auxiliaries surge through, engage the Mongols in close quarters and rip them apart. Light cavalry outside closes in, mops up any survivors.
>Raise any fallen as undead to use later on.
>Once again, hold the Mongols' attention with hit-and-run light cavalry tactics. Send the Koreans and the undead in first. Their damage resistance should prove useful against the weather. Mages put on supporting spells, fire support and counter of any mages the Mongols might have about. Have the Koreans take the centre in the assault, followed by undead auxiliaries, with Sigbin and Aswang on the flanks. Light Kabayok cavalry keeps up bowfire, circles around to the rear, keeps up the bowfire. Leave an avenue for Mongol survivors to think they can escape through... but will only be either cut down or captured if they run through there.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 6)

To: The Sultanate

The war goes well. NCS forces will begin consolidating their forces in the swamps, setting up forwards bases from which we can press further. I will also begin work on a new project. I think you'll like it, and I may even be willing to let my engineers sell them. We will also put our people to work on a form of sonar. With any luck, we may be able to bring it into use against the crocodiles.


To: whoever owns Washington DC (the Library of Congress, to be specific)

Greatings, my fellow lovers of knowledge. In past times, the Library of Congress was the most spectacular library in the world. In the current times, Cooper Library is hoping to take up the mantle. To do this, we are hoping to collect texts from across the world and gather them at our facilities. We would be willing to pay you for copies of any titles you have that are not currently on our campus.

[Mabn]

Grimland's first ships were primitive boats of sewn hide, created by those with who knew how to make such things to cross the gaps in the vanishing ice. Later, as they came to rely on the sea for sustenance and the hulls of their inherited relics were melted down and reforged as tools they learned build larger ships with wire frames and thick wax shells propelled by crude diesel engines. These ships were fast and resilient, lighter that metal vessels and well adapted to the collisions that even experienced pilots fell victim to sailing the antarctic coasts. But with these strengths came weaknesses, the designs could only grow so large, trapping the people of Grimland in a narrow sphere, beyond which the supplies of their voyages could not last. They were well acquainted with the southern reaches of South America, well enough to know never to willingly go there, but beyond that they knew of the outside world only from stories and the sparse accounts of sailors blown of course.
That would change now. In a flash like the autumn sun the people of Grimland sought to learn more about ships than anyone had ever forgotten. Ships of every available material were attempted, glass, rock, living flesh, algae paper, and tape. Most of these were unsuccessful, but along the way they figured out how to make a fiberglass that withstood low temperatures, so they decided to switch gears and soon threw up vast heated indoor shipyards to handle glass thread and epoxy. So they assembled three fleets, the sun, moon, and stars to make their way to the three southern continents.

[Mabn]

Sun fleet to the communist penguins (PM)
What is your wrath and how may we help you by turning towards it?

[Grimsage Matt]

Turn 3
Fall is falling.

Capone is sighted driving a Motorcycle deep into asia, off on some mission.

Over in america, the Aztec advance is still, and the Gia's chosen are desperatly fighting the new growth, keeping it in dead lock.

The Grimlands fleets have set sail, who knows what they'll find? Besides communist penguins.

Eveyones gearing up, and spying on each other, and whats this over in asia? A mongol force broke on chinas walls again, and theres kidnapings, betrayals and all that other intriuge happening over in india.

From Russia, the Bear Kluns more... agressive kin are marching. The Russian Battle Bears, Lead by Stalin II.

Well, lets see what happens. And don't press the big red button.

The Penguins of Maddegascar to Grimland (PM)
We are ordering you to leave these waters, or we shall kill every last one of you on these boats! You human swine.

[oblivion6]

intelligence agency

cyprus invasion
captain winters...no wait, he was no longer a captain. high captain had promoted him to commander for his success on cyprus.

commander winters quietly signaled to his men to circle around and get into position to flank the small group of cultists below. with the aid of some of those avalonian mages his men had finally taken down that damned jade golem and taken the island. however pockets of stragglers still remained and their work was far from over.

they had been tracking this particular group for days now and had finally caught up to them...long chase for such a small island...

with his men now into position, all that remained now was to give the order which he did so gladly, jumping up out of the brush chucking a improvised concussion grenade into the clearing which was the signal for his men to move. there was a brief period of fire when his men eliminated those few stunned cultists who fought back. the battle was over within seconds...

to NCS
i have the truck. i will send it as soon as you send the tech.

OOC: basically in my EOT i will put in my EOT that i send the truck only if your tech arrives

to mindulzian sultanates
India is quite complicated. their are 4 major trade barons. only 1 is human while the others are...something else.

to avalon/GM
the viking political situation is quite complicated. however i do have an idea of their capabilities.

18 MIL
10 ECON
8 magic?

GM: it was 8 magic right?

to koream battle-trolls
esteemed warlords, war-games on cyprus? i can pay a bit.

[Mabn]

Grimland to Penguins (PM)Leaving the water was always our intention, but we are unsure what a "swine" is. You seem agitated, would you care to elucidate the reasons for your discomposure?

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

To the french

The vikings currently have
18 MIL
10 ECON
8 magic
according to our intelligence reports.
Unless you have more military strength than we anticipate we do not have the strength to attack them directly. However we might be able to exploit the fractured nature of the clans so that only some of them will fight us. About how much military resources do you have?

Also do you know anything about the situation between clans?

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 9)

TO: Intelligence Agency

Do you want the tech sent to you, or do you want me to research your problem and give you the solution? I'm pretty sure I can get it done quicker, but since it costs me econ equal to the tech spent in order to send it to you, I'd have to ask that you pay me back if it takes more than 2 TEC

[Grimsage Matt]

The Penguins of Maddegascar to Grimland (PM)
They beat up several of your people and tell you to leave. While shooting at you.

Korean Wartrolls to the intelligence agency
We have our own concerns at this time.

The French to Avalon
We have heard thet the Sea Drakes have been conquering the smaller clans, and are trying for leadership, but thats all we know.

[Mabn]

Grimland to Penguins (PM)You are a discredit to penguins everywhere, I request a map of you territories to that we may have the privilege of never meeting your people again!
The moon fleet makes its way to the lit shores, a diplomatic party disembarks to meet their inhabitants

[Grimsage Matt]

The Penguins of Maddegascar to Grimland (PM)
They send the map over. On a cannonball. Your ship isn't sunk, but... The Antarctic penguins are a lot friendlier.

The Moon Fleet at the Oasis of the Seas
It's not the shore thats lit, it's a ship! A ship massive enough to dwarf most of your fleet. So far, they don't seem to have noticed you....

[Mabn]

Moon Fleetgiven the unusual design, guide staff are unusual where to request boarding, and so send up a flare to alert their companions of their presence.

[HerbieRAI]

The Southern Empire

To the NCS

We had our communications cut off last month, and we are in the process of re-establishing them. We are willing to pay you another 2 WEL to continue the research into the generators.

To the World

The Great Southern Empire will soon be mass producing the ancient vehicals of old. These Jeeps and Bikes will be available for sale, although supplies are limited. Please contact the HOA for purchase orders.

All sales final. The Southern Empire does not garuntee the life of the vehical. Fuel for said vehicals not included. Injury or death while using a vehical is not the fault of the Southern Empire or its producers. It is illegal to drive a vehical without a seat belt. Driving a vehical while intoxicated lowers reaction time and may lead to injury or death. Side effects include dizzyness, nausia, and a feeling of being a complete bad a**.

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

To The french
Thank you for the information. As the sea drakes are making a power play and are the biggest threat to us we should contact the smaller clans in order to ally with they against the sea drakes.

To the smaller viking clans

We have recently been having problems with the sea drakes raiding out territories. Given that they seem to be making a power play against the other clans we propose that we undertake joint military actions in order to crush the sea drakes. Are you willing to ally with us and the french in this matter?

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 9)

TO: Southern Empire

Excellent. The project should be complete in a few months. We will also have to come to an agreement as to how the technology gets to you - It would be expensive to send you the full technology (like 8 econ expensive) so I would either need compensation, or I could let you research it much faster, but you'd still have to research it yourself.

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

Ripples in the ether

OOC: should I label it that or just label it canadian wastelands?

IC:
Morgan surveys her expedition, looking over her elite mages, as well as her new bodyguard that she "convinced" to join her. So far the expedition has gone well, even if the only good that comes of it is the new recruits.

"Lieutenant, what have we found out so far? is the source of the disruption nearby, and do we have a way to stop it?

[HerbieRAI]

The Southern Empire

To NCS

I feel we could take a large portion of that cost, but we feel some should be handled by the NCS, although the exact amounts can be decided on once the tech is finished.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 9)

TO: Southern Empire

That will be fine - It would simply be impossible for us to handle the entire cost. We are a nation of farmers and scholars, rather than industrialists, sadly.

[Grimsage Matt]

The French To Avalon
Yes, we will do so.

The Spiked Beard Clan, The Monty Clan and the Rabid Mut Clan To Avalon
We know they're a big bunch o bastards, but better a hardcase then some spellchucker! The Ravens are bad enough.

Ripples in the Ether

"Milady, according to the Orc's, theres a artifact that channels magic from the ley lines near by called the Stormspire, located in the ruins of 'halifax'. As they say that their legends state it functions to absorb magic from the air, it may bear investigating."

Canadian Inroads
Ara and her group notice something. From the ruins of Halifax, a great runed spire stands, pulsing with energy. Those totems seem to be reacting to it.

Moon Fleet

A voice shouts out; "Who goes there? And what do you lot want?"

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

Ripples in the ether

Morgan teleports the group to the general vicinity of Halifax. Far enough that anything inhabiting the ruins will likely not spot them. If there is nothing of note upon arrival the group makes its way towards the artifact. If there is anything of note tell me what it is of course.

[Grimsage Matt]

Ripples in the ether
As she casts the Teleport spell, and as everyone is being transfered there, something happens. Interference from the Storm Spire blocks direct Teleportation into the ruins, and you think you see some people near by...

[oblivion6]

intelligence agency

Does anyone even read my fluff posts? i dont care just curious and bored:smallconfused:

canadian inroads
[not technically for this turn but i will fluff it early since im bored]

after recieving an urgent message from Ara, the directors daughter, Captain Winters once again found himself leading his men off the boats and onto the shore. his orders were to begin establishing out-posts on the canadian shore and prepare for further movement inland but Ara sending a message was very rare which meant it must be important so he had gathered up a small platoon of men to begin the long trek to halifax

to Avalon
i discovered something in halifax(canada) you may be interested in.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 9)

TO: Southern Empire

what ancient vehicles do you have in stock, and what are there costs. We may have a few orders for you. We would pay more for working models, though will accept broken ones if that is all you have.

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

To Intelligence Agency

Well, that is very interesting, We have an expedition led by Morgan herself heading to Halifax at this very moment. The canadian wastes are dangerous, perhaps we should have our expeditions meet up, in order to further our objectives.

Also if at all possible could you find out the military strength of specifically the sea drakes viking clan, as opposed to the strength of all the clans combined? what payment would be required.


To Viking clans except Sea drakes

You may not think that our conquoring the sea drakes would be a good thing however, I have no interest in ruling their lands. Their raids are causing large problems for myself and my allies. Once they are devastated enough that their raids will stop I fully intend to pull out of their lands, and leave the other clans (like yourselves) to deal with the remaining leadership. So you see you do not need to fear long term damage done by us spellcasters, as we really don't care about what happens in your lands as long as it doesn't effect us.

Please accept our aid against the sea drakes, and our involvement with the clans will come to an end, and unless you start raiding us we will stay out of your way.

[Mabn]

Moon fleet
we are the second fleet of Grimland, seeking to learn the disposition of the peoples in this continent, we ask permission to send a boarding party to you vessel.

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

Deep within the bowels of the Fane of Danao, components and designs from across the sea are compared with ancient schematics. The holy city of stone and steel belches black smoke as it churns out weaponry for the war effort and new tools to cultivate agriculture and infrastructure at home.

Meanwhile...

To the Intelligence Agency:

By the grace of the gods and the guidance of the ancestors, greetings.

Acknowledged and appreciated. This is India, you are sure? And not the territory that once was called Hong Kong? Be that as it may, if it is within your agents' abilities, from what do they derive the bulk of their income? What sorts of military units do they prefer to field?

By blade and blaze, by blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To the NCS:


By the grace of the gods and the guidance of the ancestors, greetings.

Acknowledged and appreciated. Have your men encountered the astral whale as well? Be on the alert, things may be quiet, but it is most likely they are merely biding their time.

By blade and blaze, by blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To the Southern Empire:

By the grace of the gods and the guidance of the ancestors, greetings.

Acknowledged and appreciated. We apologize, however. We have no interest in such a deal at this time. How about a counteroffer? What do want in exchange for your surplus food and wood?

By blade and blaze, by blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To the *various Majapahit and Srivijayan Kingdoms:

By the grace of the gods and the guidance of the ancestors, greetings.

Acknowledged and appreciated. Friends, how do you fare? How go the harvests, how goes the hunt for the leviathans?

By blade and blaze, by blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To the GM:

*Yeah, you know of whom I speak, THEM. Koff. Ha-ha, do we really want to write out every single last one of the other Southeast Asian archipelagos and peninsulas.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 9)

TO: The Sultanate

Astral Whale? I'm afraid my men have been busy fortifying our position. What can you tell me about the whale?

Also, on the war front, My soldiers have established forward bases in the swamps, where our troops can rest, reload, and heal. Now we just need to deal with the rat problem... Have you ever heard of the Pied Piper? I think he may be more than a myth. My soldiers have reported hearing pipes at night, and now rats have been getting into the stores. We would appreciate any ideas you may have as to how to remove the Piper and his pets. Or donations of cats to the frontline troops - it's become our main idea for a temporary solution until we fully fix the problem.

[oblivion6]

intelligence agency

to Avalon
my own expedition is currently encamped in the ruins waiting for a small contigent of my commandos. i will let them know to expect your mages.

regarding the vikings:my agents are actually working on a project to steal away the vikings magical and military capabilities.

to mindulzian sultanate
no it is clearly India that these trade-barons rule. most of my agents are employed by Avalon so its likely i wont find much this month but i will work on it.

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

Ripples in the Ether

Morgan teleports the group to meet up with the agents from the intelligence agency.


To Intelligence Agency

Morgan is teleporting our forces. She should arrive shortly.

Exactly how many forces do you expect to steal? and I take it this is a polite way of saying no to determining the sea drakes strength? I am not upset, but would like a clear response to my request.


To Gia's Chosen

How goes the struggle in your own lands?

Should it be going reasonably well I would like to know your position on a situation that might come up soon. I am trying to convince the smaller viking clans to ally with ourselves and the french against the sea drakes clan (the largest). removing them as a threat would clear up your forces from guarding your border somewhat. Could we count on your military and/or magical and/or espionage support should I be able to convince the lesser clans to ally with us? We will not be offended by a refusal.

[oblivion6]

intelligence agency

to Avalon
i plan to "steal" as much as i can with the [12 ESP and 8 morale] i have commited to the operation.

i will still be scouting the sea-drakes but the investigation might not be completed this [EOT]

if you so desired you could even put your own intelligence arm towards helping steal the vikings assets. anything we eliminate now is that much less you have to face later on. i will of course not charge you a thing for this operation nor the scouting of the sea--drakes.

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

To Intelligence Agency

I have no offensive intelligence branch of government. Until a short while ago we had a strict policy of isolation from other nations, only broken by the viking raids. As I rule the entirety of the isles I saw no need for spies. While I plan to get a few sooner or later for the moment I have nothing to contribute to the operation on that front. That is why I have been hiring you, because I do not possess the ability to do so myself.

That being said I can refer you to other nations that might want to help. The french had their king killed in a viking raid, and are likely to want revenge. I am sure that any intelligence agents that they have will be willing to help. Gia's chosen also have no love of the vikings, so maybe they will aid you if you ask.

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

To the NCS:

By the grace of the gods and the guidance of the ancestors, greetings.

Your people have strange enemies, we do say. Ah, the astral whale. It comes without warning, from the woods, from the soil, from the shadows, from empty air. It looks like a great white whale that swims upon currents of the warp-winds. It is no creature of flesh and blood, but one of the mystic and arcane. It preys upon those with too much obsession in their hearts and minds, or so our captains had deduced, given its initial victims. Hence, the whores and feasting in our warcamps.

Rats, you say? Hah!
We come and we catch.
We purge and partake.
And thank you and our enemies as well for the unintentional hospitality.
Would your people want some rat recipies? Feel free to raid our cookpots, since, of course, you're the hosts.

By blade and blaze, by blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To the Intelligence Agency:

By the grace of the gods and the guidance of the ancestors, greetings.

Acknowledged and appreciated. India, then. We'll take you at your word, then. These Indian Trade Barons, how is their internal stability? Also, what trade commodities do they seem to usually have in surplus?

By blade and blaze, by blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

[Grimsage Matt]

Turn 4
Winter, the Reapers Season. Capones Drinking Eggnog.

The Swamp War

The Moonshiners are almost beaten, and their last strinbghold, the Duff Brewery has fallen before! Noone has been the Corc Kings for a bit, and Ol Moma and the Piper have vanished from sight. The horseflies have been getting far worse though.


A stormy Rite

As Le Fay channels the Stormspires power unprotected, several electric elementals emerge. Ara of the IA killed most of them, with some strange totems she found...

Feel the Thunder, Fear the Sultana

Wielding a blow that shoots lighting, the Sultanna manages to break a centuar war party. For the time being, the Centuars are pulling back.

Ze French
All the Vikings have headed back to their holds for the winter, and the french are preparing for spring. Them Sea Drakes is nasty buggers.

[Mabn]

Grimland
Sun fleetDamion Sky pouted in his office, their ship was chosen as a forward scout to enter the dock and make inquiries, and command of his ship was being taken by the fleet diplomatic officer.

Moon fleetCaptain James Star, leader of the Moon fleet, used his rather statistically remarkable luck as an icebreaker to gain information from his hosts.

Star fleetWho would suspect that creatures of canine feature would be so lacking in stamina and thrill of the chase. Still... the Antarctic dogs are a lot friendlier.

Forgotten ReachesConner and his Team for the Delving of Phenomena(the Grimland esp forces) enter the door.

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon
D.Esp: 4

The Canadian Wastes

Coming through the ruins of Halifax Morgan Le Fey leads her company towards the Spire, with the IA agents scouting out the path ahead and neutralizing the smaller groups of enemies. On the rare occasion when a large enough group would cross their path that discreet assassination was not an option she would bring her company - really enough to form a small army on its own - to deal with it. All in all this association was working out fairly well. The intelligence agency was turning out to be a quite useful ally. {OOC: taking a few liberties with the IA, oblivion6 if you object tell me and I will change it}

Her lieutenant stopped her internal musings as he informed her that they had arrived at the Spire. Apparently in her musings she had lost track of where they were. No matter, she would do what she came here for. Ordering her company to spread out and guard the area her mages start laying out a rune circle around the Spire, preparing for the ritual. In a short while it is done, and she teleports to the top of the Spire. There she throws her magic at the runes, where they then redirect it at the base of the tower, activating it. As the Spire awakens from its dormancy Morgan reaches out with her magic for the energy stored within the tower. As it activates energy shoots out of the top of the tower, and Morgan draws it into herself. She can feel the power overwhelming her body, but the ritual must be completed. Using the power of the Spire she reaches out into the Ambient magic, and makes the change she came here for. With that Morgan drops out of conciousness.

Several minutes later she wakes up, pleasantly surprised to have survived the ritual. Sure death would have been a temporary condition but it was still unpleasant. Wasn't like she had looked forward to that part.

Quickly putting those thought away for later she looked around, attempting to figure out what was going on. Looking down from the summit of the tower she sees that a battle is taking place, between elementals apparently summoned during the ritual, and the IA, with the Orcs she had "persuaded" to join her being mostly dead and her mages supporting from a distance, throwing whatever spells they could think of on short notice.

The person who had the greatest effect on the battle however was Ara, an agent of the IA that she had gotten to know over the length of the journey to the Spire. She appeared to be wielding some sort of weapon that was making short work of the few remaining elementals.

Quickly healing most of her wounds she teleports down to help with the mop-up of the few remaining elementals. After that is completed she says to Ara "Well, the elementals were certainly unexpected, however I thank you for getting rid of them before they could kill more of my forces. I am sorry for the losses to your forces as well, and wish I could have prevented their loss. At least the ritual suceeded. I would have hated for their deaths to have had no purpose.

To French

Our war on the vikings should come soon. Their civil war has likely sapped their strength somewhat, so they will not be getting too much weaker. How about we attack in the fall {EOT after this one}. We can use the summer to build up our forces, and when the fall comes I have a plan for dealing with them. Should you agree to this then we should discuss more in depth battle plans in private.


To Gia's Chosen

How are the problems in your own land doing? If they are going fairly well then what do you say to striking a major blow to the vikings this fall {EOT after this one} Should you be willing to commit military resources then you should meet with us and the French in private some time in order to discuss details.


To Smaller Viking Clans

Have you given any thought to our offer of Alliance against the sea drakes?

OOC: they haven't responded to my prior message yet.


To Intelligence Agency

Do you have any relevent information on the viking clans that you wish to share? Also how successful was your endevor to subvert the military of the vikings? If this is classified we understand, but as we are fighting them we would certainly be thankful for an accurate estimation of their military strength, or at least what you reduced it by.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 6)

TO: Southern Empire

We've finished researching your energy source - Tidal energy. It'll cost 6 WEL to transfer it to you, and we'd be willing to split it this turn if your able. We're also still waiting for your answer to the costs and types of pre-fall vehicles you have.


TO: The Sultanate

We have almost driven them back! If we can only take Duff Brewery again and hold it, and do something about these horseflies, Georgia will be taken.

What can we do to repay you for your help? Is there any invasion of yours that we can assist with?

We are still looking into sonar, though it is taking time. We will let you know when it is finished.

[oblivion6]

Intelligence agency

[fluff to come when i get bored later]

to sultanate
their counter-intelligence network is quite good, however i should be able to get some agents in within a month or so.

to Avalon
well, our operations have succeeded in stealing away 3 of their MIL but the rest of them are intensely loyal to the clan and will fight to the death.

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

To Intelligence Agency

We thank you for your efforts. Even a 3 MIL reduction in their forces will help when we get around to taking the fight to them.

Although it seems unlikely given your usual method of operating I feel I must ask, when France and Myself attack the vikings will you be willing to provide Military assistance? If not will you assist in any other way? Again I will feel no ill will against you should you refuse, but Ihave to ask on the off chance you will help.

[oblivion6]

Halifax Ruins

fan out and kill those bastards! Ara shouted as she spotted the strange lightning elementals. their strange forms shifting and glowing as they tore apart Morgan Le Fey's mercenaries. one of them almost fried her, the damn thing had shot a powerful bolt of lightning her way forcing her to jump into cover. it didnt take her long to recover though, jumping right back out and taking several potshots at the creature with her personally modified Luger...but the bullets didnt even phase the thing.

looking around she noticed that many of her men were having similiar issues, with the exception of her mages who were having some success but were quickly tiring. this is it she thought to herself, not seeing any way to win this battle...but then she noticed the glowing totem at her belt and she felt a strong, overwhelming urge to use it on the elementals. not one to pass up a perfect oppurtunity, she charged the nearest creature and bashed the things "head" in with the totem and immediantly felt a growing sense of power inside her.

with the key to killing the damn things now clear it wasnt long before Ara and her captains holding the other totems were quickly able to rout the elementals once and for all.

Captain winters, how many men did we lose? Ara asked her friend, purposely ignoring his new rank of commander. always demoting me Ara. Captan Winters said jokingly before turning serious 3 mages, agent Brador and an entire commando squadron.

Ara nodded and turned around quickly not wanting Winters to see the pained look or the tears in her eyes, at the mention of agent Brador who was her oldest friend in the world, having known him since she was a little girl..

about time you showed up you treacherous witch. Ara said in a grim tone after seeing Morgan and stalked off into the ruins alone, her normally calm and uncaring demeanor vanishing for the first time in 10 years.

to Avalon
yes. it is not too far a departure from our normal operations as we do offer our crack commando squads up for contracts.

we will be sending 2 MIL free of charge. consider it repayment for your help in Canada.

[HerbieRAI]

The Southern Empire (DESP 3)

The first car off the assembly was transported to the tower, and Calant was the first one in the passenger seat. It wasn't the first car in the empire, those were sold as transports to pay for the research costs. This, however, was the first one off the line. It was a bit more crude than Calant had desired, but the line was built for military vehicals, not for the flash that the people wanted. That line would be made soon.

As he road through the overgrown streets, the Military Counciler, Becker, was in the passenger seat debriefing him on the current "Cold War" conflict with the Bills. Calant mostly ignored the conversation, very little ever happened on that front and hearing Becker's every worry was one of the more tiresome aspects of Calant's job. The drive, however, was a lot more fun than anticipated. He could feel the wind in his hair and the bumps in the road added a lot of excitment. He would have to do this for all his meetings with Becker.


To the NCS

That is Great news about the generators, We will spend 3 WEL this year (I assume a turn is a year) to get it directly to us.

Although we believe our finances will be put into other areas this year (turn), we would like you to begin researching another technology as well. What we are looking for is PSI absorbers. The mutations that have given some PSI like powers has not happened in the Southern Empire. We are looking for a way to cancel enemy PSI powers in case we ever have to face them on the battlefield.

We currently have Bikes and Trucks that are geared for war, and the current cost is 3 WEL for 2 MIL. Due to the tech trade, we are willing to give you a Discount trade of 2 WEL for 2 MIL, or 1 WEL for 1 MIL for this turn only.


The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

Unfortunetly we do not have such a surplus. Raw Materials and food are always tight in these parts. What we have are manufactured goods.

~Calant Riese, Lead Counciler of the HOA.

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon


The Canadian Wastes

Morgan is quite surprised by Ara's comments, not being used to being talked to in such a manner. By the time she is thinks up a coherent response Ara is already walking away. Thinking on what has happened she really can't blame her for the outburst, even though Morgan doesn't consider herself at fault. After all a lot of people died as an indirect result of the ritual, and Ara's people were a lot less replaceable than her "hired" orcs. Add to that that she was unconscious for most of the battle and it did look fairly bad.

At least her mages were out of earshot when Ara said that; it wouldn't do for her people to see her disrespected like that. After all, she had ruled for so long that everyone in Avalon was simply used to treating her with respect and gratitude.

Morgan sighs, and moves to gather what few survivors were left from her expedition. She'll have a talk with Ara when she comes back, hopefully less angry. After all it wasn't like she was the only one who took losses.

To Intelligence Agency

Thank you for your support. The attack will hopefully begin {EOT after this one}. This EOT will be used for preparations.

[Grimsage Matt]

To Mabn and HerbieRAI
The Sun fleet is just outside of the Southern Empires harbours.

The Stormspire

Around the spire, those who are not profeicint in magic seem to drop. Not dead, but overwhelmed. Morgans mages are driven to their knees, and the few mages with Ara see black spots starting to form. Even Ara, further from the spire, feels as if a massive boulder was suddenly placed on her shoulders, the air turned thick and heavy.

Morgan? She is standing in the eye of the storm. Or rather, the full brunt of what ever it is, is glaring right at her. The amount of magic in the air is almost physical, and while you can't detect hostility, you also can't feel your body at this point.

And then it hits. A solider from the IA coughs blood, some of the mages start to wimper, and the ground under Morgan looks like a fist hit it.

WHERE IS HE! WHERE IS THAT LITTLE MISRIBLE, DRUNKEN EXCUSE FOR A POWER!!! I FELT HIS TOUCH HERE CHILD, SO FORK HIM OVER!

While the voice does seem to be waiting for a response, your pretty sure everything in a the area that was not affected just started running like the hounds of hell were after them.

[HerbieRAI]

To Sun Fleet


Are you outside our harbor for trade? We are always looking for a way to expand to new consumers. What can we interest you in?

[Mabn]

Sun fleet to southern Empire (PM)We are an exploratory and diplomatic fleet, as such our possible trade goods are limited. We are interested in the disposition of the world at this time. You will be glad to know we do indeed eat, so it would seem your search will also bear results.

[HerbieRAI]

Southern Empire to Sun Fleet (PM)

Then we shall help in your endevor. We can give you a map of our lands, and some supplies for your journies. When you have completed your task, please contact us. We would be interested in buying the information from you.


To GM (PM)

We will give the sun fleet some supplies (not sure how much they need, and if an entire WEL is needed. Also, we will give them a map, convinently not having any military bases, and also the Kingdom of the Bill, Muscrat Republic, the kangaroos, and the Drop Bears territories are all part of the Southern Empire.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS

TO: Southern Empire

We will begin work on the Psi Absorbers, though we do not know how long it will take. Our scientists aren't used to trying to PREVENT psionics.

We should be able to afford 1 WEL for 1 MIL this turn.

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

The Stormspire

Morgan stares at the storm of magic in front of her, being shocked by the raw power being displayed. This was certainly not what she expected when the ritual was done.

Trying to project the confidence she most certainly does not feel Morgan looks around for a source of the voice, and finding none picks an arbitrary point in front of her and says Indeed the one you seek has had a minor presence here, and I have also felt his presence, however do you really believe that one such as him would have to be physically present in order to make an impression? If I had to guess I would say he is on a different continent at the moment, not that I track his movements. While I am sorry to disappoint you I cannot comply with your request. As such I humbly request that you lessen your presence in the area as it seems to be harmful to some of the people in the area. Morgan stops speaking, and is quite glad that she kept her fear from showing through in her speech.

[Grimsage Matt]

The Stormspire

Morgan notices something. There is something doing the can-can on her head. Something that smells like beer.

WELL THEN, JUST GOT A BIT MIFFED. CAPONE IS THE LITTLE BASTARD THAT RESULTED IN MY CURRENT STATE, AND IF I CATCH THE BUGGER, I"M GOING TO NUKE HIM!!!

And with that, the sheer overwhelming power dissipates, sinking back into the spire, then heading inland....

At which point Capone jumps off your head, kisses you on the check, winks and dissapears. In his place is a commemtrive beer mug.

I faced Down Nagash Ur and My Soul Was Made Into This Mug!

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

The Stormspire

Although Morgan had managed to maintain her composure through 1000 years of time travel, the entire Arthur and Merlin thing, becoming immortal, the entire Stormspire expedition, as well as Nagash's yelling Morgan was totally unprepared for Capone suddenly appearing on her head and giving her a mug. As such when everyone comes to their senses they find Morgan staring back and forth between a random spot on the ground, and the mug in her hand, her mouth hanging open in shock.

OOC: I think I'll wait for the IA to post their response before doing anything else on this post series. To Oblivion: Morgan will likely stay like that until someone catches her attention (or a few minutes pass, whatever happens sooner) due to the sheer absurdity of what just happened, so if your post involves interaction with Morgan that will be the state you likely find her in.

[Grimsage Matt]

The Forgtten Reaches (Mabn)
As you enter the door, Connor feels something. Looking back, where the door used to be, there is another long tunnel. It is damp, cold and the voices seem to be increasing. As the tunnel slopes down, you see things out of the corner of your eyes, hear things just beyond the human range of hearing, and your fledgling psionic gifts are making you aware of something. Something, something older then the stone around you, something so cold to make ice seem like flame, was watching you.

Yet, as soon as you started to feel that way, it vanished.

Time passes, your not sure how long. Could have been minuties, hours, days, years, stars could have been born then died. And yet the tunnel keeps reaching down. Intill at last, you reach a door. A simple steel door. No handle, no knob. No glass, no label. Merely, a slab of metal, with hinges.

[Mabn]

Grimland
Sun fleetWe had actually intended to head home after making promising contact, however we are one of three fleets, and when we return we will tell you the findings of the other two.

Forgotten Reaches{inside the mind of Conner}-> Method one: push on the door. Method two: break the hinges and pull the door out (with science). Method three: affix a handle to the door (with science). Method four: proceed through a wall (with nothing resembling science).

[oblivion6]

Intelligence agency

Stormspire
Ara, having had time to calm down a bit after the battle was already on her way back to rejoin her men before they started looking for her. that is of course when what was clearly a very powerful entity chose to impose its will onto the area. she struggled to keep moving but it felt like she was carrying the world on her shoulders, like that Atlas she remembered from childhood stories. however, in her already weakened mental and emotional state she couldnt keep it up for long and eventually blacked out...

meanwhile...Commander Winters, after seeing the odd sight regarding capone and Morgana, immediantly turned his back on the specacle, hoping he was just imagining it. so while muttering under his breath, he went to go find Ara who must've gotten lost in the ruins somehow.

thinking Ara was just lost, Winters was quite suprised when she found her slipping in and out of conciousness on the ruined pavement. always one to ask questions later rather than now, he immediantly moved to pick the young girl up to carry her back to the camp.

even concious she wasnt very coherent and just muttered about a terrible evil and a fat, drunk leprauchan dancing on Morgana's head.

Ara was lighter than he had imagined and thus it wasnt long before he came within sight of a pair of his commando's who were quite shocked by the sight before them and questioning their own sanity since never before had they seen Ara in so vulnerable a state. normally even when she slept she looked like she would knife anything that disturbed her, not anything like she was now.

[Miraqariftsky]

MOR 9 D-ESP 11

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

The Qingese Front

In the ancient and enduring city of Beijing, though winter now grips the land, all manner of folk flock to the streets. A thousand on a thousand voices raise a joyful din as the triumphal march enters.

In the victorious vanguard are Kumander Wasi and his honour guards. Half of them ride great night-feathered roosters while the other half swagger about on squat legs corded with thick muscle, their clawed arms almost dragging across Beijing’s pavement. All the men of the vanguard have their bows and swords sheathed, but have their freshly-polished scrap-guns shouldered...

…all except the Kumander Wasi himself, whose mount crows against his weight. Though already a short man, he is bowed shorter still by the great bulging sack which he carries over his back..

The mage-corps marches in the middle. Towering tikbalang loom head and shoulders above the rank and file, the twitching tails, muscular limbs and snorting horse-heads belying their prodigious mystic might. About them range their red-robed copper-cuirassed human apprentices. Not neighing for his grave solemnity, Senor Ramon strides last in their ranks, bearing proudly the army’s banner upon his spear. Just below the barbed glaive-head, there whips and flaps in the breeze, the banner of a crimson kock rampant on a gold field.

The rest of the riders and their roosters follow. Vibrant feathers and shining mail scintillate in the morning light. The proud birds strut their way through the Qingese avenues, flapping, clawing and crowing at the people's adulation. Their riders struggle to maintain order while local maidens drape garlands of flowers about their lances and shields and mad, whooping children chase each other through the streets. Still, the kabayok cavalrymen wave and smile at their grateful hosts, freely taking gifts of food and trinkets.

Behind the cavalry come the infantry. Half of them seem to lope or hop like beasts, for beastmen they are, hunters with the blood of dogs and ghouls in their veins. Half of them are young human warriors, and this their first true war. Now they are blooded soldiers. Now, at gunpoint, spearpoint, clawpoint, they hustle a train of centaur prisoners of war who pull sleds heaped with plunder.

Last are the tireless ranks of the walking dead… Dead soldiers who will return home to their families to be given proper burial or to be given proper binding rituals, should they choose not yet to commit themselves to the care of Maivuyan, Goddess of the Underworld.

When they arrive through the cheering (or screaming) throngs before whomever the Qingese Emperor decrees to receive them, Kumander Wasi presents that representative with a bronze shield with inscriptions scratched in at clawpoint and signed in blood and fire. One side of the writing on the shield is written in Baybayin, the written form of the primary native Mindaluzvisian language, the other side of the shield contains writing in Mandarin.


To the Immortal Red Dragon, Emperor Shi Huang Di, Father of Qin:
From: your ally in the south, the Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

As you have asked of us, your majesty, we have come to your aid and defeated your northern enemies for you where you pointed us. Half the captured slaves are yours to do with as you please. The rest of the plunder, plus the previously agreed upon price for our services, we claim.

Be warned, however, though this certain chunk of the Great Horde has been destroyed, and upon the moment of victory, voices upon the wind spoke, saying “The Storm Lords Have Spoken. We Shall Not Ride South”… the rest are still out there. Be warned, beware, be on your guard… be easy to procure our services to once more, should the need arise.

If it please your majesty, we extend the invitation to a feast over at our capital, to celebrate this victory. This invitation is open to your majesty, or to whomever your majesty decides shall go in his stead, and as well to the crews of the ships that will be carrying home our plunder and our payment.

A pleasure doing business with you. Feel free to drop us a line, should your majesty require any further business with us.

May peace and prosperity between our peoples endure for a thousand generations.


Once the inscribed shield is handed over, Kumander Wasi bows and finally drops the sack at the feet of the Qingese representative. Within are the severed heads of the enemy slain, gathered together after battle… after the traditions of the warriors of the Mongols, the Nippongo and the Mindaluzvisians.


The American Front

The snows of winter are stained with blood. Bones gleam amidst the frost.

From the shadows of the great tangled woods, shot, arrows and spells lash out. Scales flash, fangs slash. Naga hunters and seasoned mortal rangers strike and fade, stabbing deeper into fast-dwindling Croc-King territory with each sally. In between, while they rest and reload, they sing to one another and let their allies throw themselves upon their hated foe… all the lot armoured by Mindaluzvisian mages against the pestilent swarms wielded by the enemy.

Meanwhile, the mists shudder with thunderbolts as the Sultana unleashes the fury of the Stormlords’ Bow upon the last defenders of the Duff Brewery while bombardments and strafing runs by the mandaragit aerial cavalry rake upon those who flee.

Suddenly, the lightning stops. Just when the defenders think they have a chance to breathe, the frozen marshes erupt in a thousand war-cries. Volleys of arrows arc in from beyond the treeline, providing cover as Confederate troops charge in for the finishing blow. The Mindaluzvisian mercenaries cover the flanks. The Sultana leads the charge, screaming, howling, slashing, biting, stabbing, clawing, rending.

The Home Front

Winter’s cold in the temperate regions of the world is but a cool breeze down in the tropics. Rice farmers all over the archipelago rejoice for the discovery of seemingly miraculous rice grains from the old days. By the orders of Vizier Bing and the efficiency of the agriculturally-adept Jollibirri nobility, these were spread to the far corners of the realm and this led to a wonderful harvest for everyone.

Along with the yearly tributes from the myriad Mindaluzvisian maharlika regional rulers, boats bearing tribute also found their way to the capital-cityship from the many chieftains of the Majapahit kingdoms. The Vizier had them checked and purified, and then recorded, as a matter of course… then set aside for the royal cellar only a few, then sent the rest to the rest of the Mindaluzvisian nobility, as bonuses for their service and loyalty. The boats from the Majapahits, which had come to the Ngiti ng Tondo bearing but single barrels of wine, are sent back to their masters, now laden with a good carabao, a sack of good seed-rice and a jar of coconut wine apiece in a gesture of generosity.

Messages

To the Intelligence Agency:
By the grace of the gods and the guidance of the ancestors, greetings.

Acknowledged and appreciated. We'll take your word for it, then. Looking forward to opening our previously agreed upon trading depots and training/recruitment centers, then.

By blade and blaze, by blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

To the Southern Empire:
By the grace of the gods and the guidance of the ancestors, greetings.

Understood. We offer the rent of our steel, then. What technology or lore have you to offer in exchange for our marching against your enemies. Whatsay ye?

By blade and blaze, by blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

To the NCS:

By the grace of the gods and the guidance of the ancestors, greetings.

Acknowledged and appreciated. Done, and done... or rather, on it. Let’s just chalk it up as further favours you owe us, eh?

By blade and blaze, by blood and bones,
~Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

[Grimsage Matt]

The Forgotten Reaches
The Door opens, and a little old lady steps out. "Aren't you nice young men coming in?"

The Duff Brewery
The Sultana fires the bow. Lighting roars. "Homer Smash Lighting!" The Moonshiners Champion, Homer Simpson (http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&biw=1440&bih=806&tbm=isch&tbnid=3tUU0m2j11lx_M:&imgrefurl=http://www.teesforall.com/The_Simpsons_Large_Angry_Homer_Red_Graphic_Tee_Shi rt-p-19638.html&docid=cPwfprDZK6H1IM&imgurl=http://www.teesforall.com/images/Simpsons_Homer_Grab_Red_Shirt_POP.jpg&w=600&h=600&ei=dLlfUNCDB7DD0AGUhYCIBA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=501&vpy=306&dur=3297&hovh=225&hovw=225&tx=136&ty=127&sig=103373200144089694478&page=2&tbnh=137&tbnw=133&start=29&ndsp=36&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:29,i:176). Stands before you. And he bats the lighting away.

The water behind you erupts, as The King o' Crocs (http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&biw=1440&bih=806&tbm=isch&tbnid=FIMjpT7473XnqM:&imgrefurl=http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/images/64911&docid=z4cNthLOmBtJ5M&imgurl=http://static.skyrim.nexusmods.com/images/2329033-1333442137.jpg&w=1280&h=800&ei=u7pfUILDC8br0gHRvICYBg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=561&vpy=199&dur=2608&hovh=177&hovw=284&tx=134&ty=95&sig=103373200144089694478&page=1&tbnh=138&tbnw=186&start=0&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0,i:85) finally emerges.

The dead howl, as the enimatic Ol Moma (http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&biw=1440&bih=806&tbm=isch&tbnid=LQqDAMTznP73BM:&imgrefurl=http://www.moviemaniacs.net/figures/mcfarlane/monsters/series1/voodoo/index.htm&docid=Fpv5qt5rampaMM&imgurl=http://www.moviemaniacs.net/figures/mcfarlane/monsters/series1/voodoo/prevoodoo2.jpg&w=600&h=900&ei=NbtfUNnbG4zV0gGz6oCIDg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=875&vpy=169&dur=383&hovh=275&hovw=183&tx=68&ty=129&sig=103373200144089694478&page=1&tbnh=140&tbnw=96&start=0&ndsp=38&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:0,i:95) steps form from the shadows.

The beasts of the marsh laugh and giggle, and the maddening pipes sound crystal clear, as maddness makes on flesh and bone. The one who dared steal the pipers pipes, The Joker (http://www.google.com/imgres?start=140&hl=en&biw=1440&bih=806&addh=36&tbm=isch&tbnid=YaEfKZblEmH7DM:&imgrefurl=http://latent-talent.deviantart.com/art/The-Joker-Up-Close-115119901&docid=cEWNNRVksypaPM&imgurl=http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs45/i/2009/065/2/f/The_Joker___Up_Close_by_latent_talent.jpg&w=800&h=711&ei=HLxfULneD4Tw0gHWvIDIAg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=392&vpy=48&dur=636&hovh=212&hovw=238&tx=110&ty=136&sig=103373200144089694478&page=5&tbnh=145&tbnw=154&ndsp=38&ved=1t:429,r:17,s:140,i:296).

The forces arrayed against you, are beyond much of ones guess. Each is a legand, each is a myth, streching back long before the ages of Man. But with a drunken roar, your aid arrives. Fickle and unkown, you lives hang yet in the balance.

But your allies for this fight are not mere minions.

His soul a burning inferno, his wrath a scourge to any, The Ghost Rider (http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&biw=1440&bih=806&tbm=isch&tbnid=_e6-2DsuPj9HJM:&imgrefurl=http://blog.newsok.com/nerdage/category/ghost-rider/&docid=_IwvxGFSRa72tM&imgurl=http://blog.newsok.com/nerdage/files/2008/10/ghost-rider-dannyketch_01_cover.jpg&w=550&h=977&ei=5rxfUKaNCset0AGnh4HIBw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1115&vpy=392&dur=3179&hovh=299&hovw=168&tx=98&ty=171&sig=103373200144089694478&page=1&tbnh=140&tbnw=82&start=0&ndsp=32&ved=1t:429,r:22,s:0,i:208).

He is sometimes called the Judge of the Damned, the Executioner of the Night, The Final Guardian. The Awsangs feel something coming from him. Like the Sultana, he is a halfblood. Unlike her, Blade (http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&biw=1440&bih=806&tbm=isch&tbnid=Qcw9wFoE0VP2WM:&imgrefurl=http://coolspotters.com/movies/blade-trinity/wallpapers/33865&docid=gVIWkrnfloe5mM&imgurl=http://www4.images.coolspotters.com/wallpapers/33865/blade-trinity-mobile-wallpaper.jpg&w=320&h=480&ei=zb1fUI_YMIqV0QGI2IHQCQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=385&vpy=417&dur=581&hovh=275&hovw=183&tx=96&ty=240&sig=103373200144089694478&page=2&tbnh=148&tbnw=99&start=29&ndsp=33&ved=1t:429,r:7,s:29,i:258) seems to radiate something, like something that scares them.

The last pair is here for a simple reason. Capone promised them a epic fight. Gortrek & Felix (http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&biw=1440&bih=806&tbm=isch&tbnid=HdunYbkwssywRM:&imgrefurl=http://www.blacklibrary.com/Warhammer/gotrek-and-felix-the-anthology-wallpaper.html&docid=C2Ssc00DvDRXIM&imgurl=http://www.blacklibrary.com/Images/Product/DefaultBL/xlarge/wallpaper-gnf-anthology.jpg&w=600&h=450&ei=lr9fUNfaKOns0gGuiIH4DQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1138&vpy=379&dur=1391&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=202&ty=70&sig=103373200144089694478&page=2&tbnh=146&tbnw=193&start=30&ndsp=39&ved=1t:429,r:15,s:30,i:222), the Slayer and the bard.

The coming fight, will shake the very foundations of the the land. You stand at ground zero, and will be able to tell those in far distant times what you have seen here today. This, is not fighting between mortals. This? This is war twist gods.

France

The Sea drakes had not been idle. Their plans are coming to completion. Already, the Twilight Drakes (http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&biw=1440&bih=806&tbm=isch&tbnid=mYWZoNlgdy2vaM:&imgrefurl=http://www.warcraftmounts.com/mounts/twilightdrake.php&docid=8lJ86MQ9msrRTM&imgurl=http://www.warcraftmounts.com/images/skins/drakeskintwilightgreen_01.jpg&w=500&h=500&ei=_8BfUNKAOOnw0gGWo4GACQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=684&vpy=170&dur=5614&hovh=225&hovw=225&tx=120&ty=106&sig=103373200144089694478&page=1&tbnh=138&tbnw=133&start=0&ndsp=26&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0,i:149) are being seen. Soon, they will finish their call. Soon, the world will fall beneath the masters rage.

[Mabn]

Forgotten ReachesConner stepped through the door. "We are."

[Grimsage Matt]

Forgotten Reaches
"Well dearies, you're late you know, and it's not a good thing to keep a lady waiting. And young Mr.Bright, how are you doing today? Been so long since I stoped by, or has that not happened yet? Well, lets get you to where you have to go." As you follow here down, you come to a large room, filled with books. When Connor picks one up, it's blank. As he starts thining about the land however, words begin to appear....

[Mabn]

Forgotten ReachesLines of living, blazing, ink flash withing Conner's eyes as an ocean of sight heeds his command to flow. Withing his mind the emerging words are snatched withing his sights of past and future and form constellations of insight who's radiance could burn an eye clenched shut. Conner calmly opens a few more books and begins flipping pages.

[Grimsage Matt]

The Tome Of Khalzan Xor (In the Forgotten Reaches)
This book, already has words in it. But as Connor reads it, his stomach clenchs. He reads but a few pages, and understands far less. He does not want to understand. But, the words keep going after him! He is being forced to learn, oh sweet god, make it stop.....

The entire party wakes up in their rooms. But one of the Blank books, is on Connors bedstand. It is the morning they left.

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

Winter of Woe in the Swamps of Sorrow

The Sultana reels momentarily as their enigmatic enemies reveal themselves, the quarry finally at bay. A curse and a prayer she mutters at the appearance of the the others who, if the bones are right, might be their allies.

Battered mail clinking, she steps back, takes a deep breath, inhaling the scents of the souls of those about her and snaps out orders to her soldiers. "Fan out, cover the flanks, engage only the mortal opponents! You know what to do! Death Guard, with me. We hunt as the askal-pack! Black Guard, support that black man, keep those buggers off his back! Mandaragit, keep up the strafing!"

In the scant moments she'd taken to issue orders and receive acknowledgements, the various heroes and villains were already on the move.

She ducks as a brimstone-wreathed motorcyclist roars above her head towards the great green dragon rampaging through the masses of Confederate troops. To the side, she hears a deep voices bellowing a death-song in a strange tongue against mad and malicious laughter. At the other flank, she sees her elite Black Guard advancing with shields up, spears and axes out, following the black-skinned slayer as he slashes his way through the ranks of the walking dead towards the marshland necromancer.

The Sultana kneels, holding the Stormlords' Bow horizontally, a scintillating arrow drawn back to her ear and the Death Guard fan out into a staggered echelon formation while preparing their scrapguns. They hold their fire until the yellow-skinned brute is within spitting distance...

...and then over a dozen scrapguns clack and the built-up thunderbolt slams into the yellow brute. Not trusting their eyes, they dart in and out, clawing quickly and leaping away to reload and shoot and run and stab once more.

Meanwhile, the bulk of the human Mindaluzvisian forces on the ground have pulled back to the edges of the fray. Several squads have consolidated around several double-ballista emplacements. Polearms and shields provide close-in protection while the heavy weapons scythe through enemy ranks. Naga hunters support Confederate boatmen, fire spells melting the frozen waters enough for their allies to skirmish through. The nagas then follow, mopping up and flanking.

[Grimsage Matt]

The Homer-Man

"Homer Mad! Homer.. What Homer do? Homer Mad Homer No know, Home SMASH!!!" Lighting bolts and gunfire, seem to bounce off his titanic lard. A dimwited brute, he only manages to hit one of them Black guard, but the impact could be compared to droping a building on him.

The King of Crocs has meet his quarry, that kitten that invaded his swamp... "Kitty cat, had yer chansse. Coullld havve lefft. I'll eat youur boonesss." And with a hiss of putrid breath, he perpares to lunge. But as it does so, a chain, lit on flames, wraps around his throat.

"You, Guiltly." With a voice, hollow and ashen, seating on a bike blazing brimestone, he dismounts. The King o Crocs swings a claw at it, and rips off the riders jaw. The Rider grabs it back, reattaches it, and starts draging the croc away.

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

Winter of Woe in the Swamps of Sorrow

In the great madness of the massive melee, a certain young man has become separated from his unit. His beard is barely grown, no wrinkles yet compete with the scars upon his face. Though panting with exertion, it is a feral grin that graces his face. Some small part of him at the back of his mind is already looking forward to coming home with tales of glory and the shining smile of his sweetheart, Fatima. He wonders if she'd have given birth to their firstborn already, wondering if it'd be a girl or boy, wondering what the name shall be, by the time he gets home from this strange, cold land.

Snarling at himself for the unexpected reverie, he leaps backwards over a flipped-up airboat's hull as yet another pack of ravening zombies comes at him, axe already whirling and burying itself in the skull of a fiend about to eviscerate a screaming white man... no, he corrects himself, a Confederate comrade. Another rotting fiend comes in upon the left and the right, more scratching and scrambling up the hull. The two men fight back to back in the churning muck; yelling oaths and curses in two different tongues; battleaxe backed up against a clacking-booming-whacking shotgun.

Kawal Kassim hears a clack, a short scream, a gurgle behind him. He buries his battleaxe down into one zombie's ribs, splitting it from crown to breastbone. Using the stuck axe as a fulcrum, he then pivots sharply and delivers a powerful kick to the fiend already gorging itself upon his now dead ally, sending both of them into the airboat's still-spinning fan-blades.

He doesn't even flinch as he gets spattered by hot gore while stooping to retrieve the fallen shotgun. He allows himself a small smile at finally holding one of the Old Guns in his hands. The smile disappears with a crackling volley of scrapgun-fire and thunderbolts... that gets drowned by the roaring of a great yellow-skinned brute about to rip his fearless leader apart. Without a further thought, Kawal Kassim charges, a cry of "LLAHU AKHBAR!" upon his cracked lips.

Kawal Kassim's head goes spinning off into the darkness, open mouth and raging eyes still screaming defiance.

Gushing blood paints his killer crimson. Though now headless, his body staggers on with the momentum of his charge. Even as the Black Guardsman falls, his arm drapes around the yellow-skinned brute's shoulders, his fingers spasm about his looted Remington's trigger and blasts one last shot into the yellow ogre's waddling gut.

The Sultana snarls. Frozen mud flies as she hurls a great double-handed clod of dirt at the brute's face. The cold, clinging, heavy mud sticks to the brute's face, blinding and choking. Taking advantage, all under the covering fire of the inhumanly rapidly reloading Death Guard, the Sultana advances and sinks a sword into the great brute's hips and shoulders. Materializing from the shadows, she calls forth her ruler's sword, the long-hafted broad-bladed panabas with the name of Reaper and thrusts it clean through the great brute's middle.

She leaps back, unshoulders the Stormlords' Bow and looses a thunderbolt at practically point blank range, using her various embedded weapons' blades as foci for the unleashed energy...

Meanwhile, Major Miles Gore of the Forty-First Confederate Infantry Regiment yells above the din of battle, "FORWARD, TIGERS! SUFFER NOT THE BLASPHEMERS TO LIVE!" Cries of "Hut-Hut-Hut!" and "Ooh-Rah!" and "PURGE THE UNCLEAN!" answer him despite the roaring of beasts, the booming of guns, the crashing of spells and the all-too-earthly clangs of steel on steel and the meat-cleaver crunches of steel on flesh.

He fends off a charging mass of slavering fiends with his sweeping shield together with a phalanx of his stout-hearted men. Their shield-arms grow numb from the impacts of shoulder and blade and claw and fang. With concerted grunts and thrusts, they push forward against the tide of terror, trying to ignore the titanic struggles going on about them, focusing on foes they can face as men.

The Home Front

At home, there is neither winter nor woe. The veterans of the Qingese Campaign come home to a hero's welcome, made all the more merry by the junk upon junk loaded with plunder from the Horde and payment-tribute from the mighty Dragon Empire's coffers.

Though people celebrate with feasting and with fireworks, as well as the hosting of games and races, life goes on. Aromatic and delicious smoke drifts up into the heavens with a hundred burnt offerings. The old harvest is brought in and fresh seeds are sown. Granaries and storage yards stock up with various surpluses. Men and maidens dance in radiant robes of red and black and gold, cotton and silk newly spun. Old stories as well as new are told in song and steel upon many a stage to the adulation of clapping crowds. Forges churn as the panday smith and books turn as the baylan delve into old lore.

[Mabn]

BastionConner walked into the infirmity to see the city's newest resident. "do you require skin grafts? We can provide you with a standard or photosynthetic epidermis."

The sun and moon fleets set off again to their respective continents with the collated and analyzed reports of the three expeditions.

Star Fleet"to bad we could land there, I wonder what the pots were for"

[Grimsage Matt]

Turn 5
Spring, 2513

The Battle For Duff Brewery

Guns slaming into him, lighting ripping his maw nearly off, Homer is a battered Ogre. Chugging doen Duffs, he belchs flames, and attempts his escape. But it is not to be. With the black guard ripping at his heels, the Sultannta removing his spine with her bare hands, the Mighty homer does not manage to escape. It does take a few Black Guard to get the Sultanna out from where he fell on her however.

The Fight between demon and beast, Rider and Croc, rages fircely. Each heals almost as fast as the other can inflict inguries, but then the Croc manages something. He dosues the Ghost Rider!

Fleeing back to the deeper waters, he passes by the NCS troops. The President, in full Tiger form, leaps on him from above. The Croc King, weakened by the strike against the Ghost Rider, could not put up as much of a fight. While taking heavy damage, Calhoun closes his jaws around his neck, and breaks it. The King o Crocs is dead.

Blade is locked into battle with Ol Moma, blade aginst spear, martial skill versus magical power. But she is losing, barely. With one last shrieked curse, she vanishes back into the shadows. Blade chases after her, and vanishes from the battle field.

Over on the Joker front, ya only the Grimlanders and used to sights like this. The Joker is warping time and space, is and is-not, opening up unstable rifts to the warp with his mad piping. However, it's the same mad piping that forces him to flee, as another comapnion of Gortrek's, Snorri Nosebiter (http://www.google.ca/imgres?um=1&hl=en&safe=active&sa=N&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&biw=1280&bih=856&tbm=isch&tbnid=k4ohVncNNt_yDM:&imgrefurl=http://jerodez.blogspot.com/2011/05/snorri-muerdenarices.html&docid=K9YZZ75zxdtIGM&imgurl=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCVjr89E9Gg/TdKUx8rr60I/AAAAAAAAAL4/MvSa5HtgJ1U/s1600/Snorri2.jpg&w=1168&h=1600&ei=NXNkUPPrEKuy0AGzmoDoBQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1041&vpy=269&dur=1375&hovh=263&hovw=192&tx=174&ty=139&sig=100390678387184332361&page=2&tbnh=154&tbnw=97&start=25&ndsp=34&ved=1t:429,r:20,s:25,i:217) had gotten lost in the transit. But as the Reaper once said, "That bugger is to dumb to die."

While not able to kill the Joker, they manage to drive him off, forcing him to retreat into the warp.

Rewards; (Choose how to Split)
Duff Brewery; Location. May spend 2 Econ to make 1 use of "Duff Band Beer", giving your unit even harder to kill off. (Ya, Homer was completly smashed.) You may also use 5 Econ to raise your Mor by .5, as the beer uplifts your people.

Homers Beerhat; This Beerhat is loaded with potent abillities. Mostly, It can hold BEER!!! But ya, this baby increases your VIP's toughness, making them harder to kill, and can be used to enter a drunken rage (Penalty on attacks, bonus to damage, reduces damage taken).

Swamp Lords Fetish; As in a mystic charm fetish. This allows you to breath underwater, increases your speed in the water, and most importantly? Allows you to command aquatic reptilian creatures.

Bastion, Death Walks among you

The, you think it's a man, looks at you, and in a hollow voice states, "I left that behind me a long time ago." With that, it removes it's helm, and you see it's face (http://www.google.ca/imgres?start=261&num=10&um=1&hl=en&safe=active&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&biw=1280&bih=856&tbm=isch&tbnid=HlSU1tPpYe05hM:&imgrefurl=http://www.regressionx.com/wow/undead.htm&docid=yIxF3JobpACySM&imgurl=http://www.regressionx.com/wow/Images/undead.gif&w=275&h=296&ei=0XVkUOrvF4-70AHlhoHIDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=945&vpy=247&dur=343&hovh=233&hovw=216&tx=104&ty=113&sig=100390678387184332361&page=10&tbnh=165&tbnw=153&ndsp=27&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:261,i:300).

"Tell me, did you happen to see if any of my compansions were nearby?"

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

To small viking clans

You complain about spellslingers getting involved in your affairs, but look at what the Drakes have done. Do you honestly think their creations could be anything but magical in nature? Even I am not arrogant enough to attempt to play God and create life in the manner the drakes have done.

Will you accept our offer and ally with us against the drakes?


To Gia's Chosen

Are you interested in participating in a military attack against the drakes?


To French

Although I am attempting to gather additional support, we cannot afford to wait any longer. If the Drakes have magic this strong at their disposal then they cannot be allowed to grow stronger. We should launch our attack at {EOT}. For the naval battle let our forces take the first attack, as we have something planned for the viking navy.

[HerbieRAI]

The Southern Empire



The Southen Times

March against the Mutants

The war against the Kingdom of the Bill has been raging for about a year now, and the progress is astounding. The Southern Empire has already taken many of the Bills cities, and continues to push into the interior.

Many scientists have been warning that the Bill's forces were strong, and would repel any invasion force with their aquatic abilities. These beliefs were proven wrong as our men and their pure, un-mutated blood have been able to thwart the Bills in almost every battle.

The other advantage we have is our superior minds. Thanks to these, we have re-engineered the vechicals of the past which gives our troops faster movement and quick responses on the battlefield. Army Commanders predict the Bills will be brought under empire control within a few years.

The control of the Bills cities has also opened up many busniess opertunities for the common Southerner. When our armies marched through the locals moved away, leaving many buildings and resources up for grabs for any brave investor. If any wish to move into the new territory, please contact the HOA Busniess Department for current listing of safe zones.

Foriegn Policy Vote

As the war with the Bills continues, more and more of the local populace is captured by our brave men at arms. The question arises "What do we do with these four creatures". The HOA has issued a vote from the common populace to be held at the end of the year. Everyone is encouraged to go vote to help steer our empire in the right direction.

The options in the vote are as follows:

Full Integration - Caputured mutants are treated as immigrated peoples and have the option of becoming full citizens of the Empire

Lower Class - While gaining all the liberties of creatures, they can never become citizens of the great empire

Slavery - Mutants are not real people, let them become tools for our advancement

Euthanize - The lives of these creatures is dank and painful. The most humane option is to put the creatures out of their misery.

The HOA would also like to add that this vote will not impact any Mutant or PSI citizens, only those captured in war.

To Grimland

We are looking into ways to dampen the genetic mutations and PSI abilities that seem to be taking hold of the world. Do you have any technologies to help battle this problem, and if not would you be interested in helping solve it?

[oblivion6]

Intelligence agency

To Avalon
i understand the viking war begins next month? we will give the orders to send a couple companies your way.[2.5 MIL]

to cyber troll
greetings, you pesky little cyber troll. what is it you do best?

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

To Intelligence Agency

We thank you for your support.

[Mabn]

Grimland
Bastion"We did not, but we shall begin searching. If you don't mind me asking, why and how long were you trapped in the ice?"
Southern EmpireHere are partial maps of Africa and South America; the lower half of South America is a deadly jungle and the lower coasts of Africa are home to some rather unfriendly dog-men. Farther north in South America we encountered a human vessel which spoke of a great war farther north. With each trip from home we will seek to flesh out these maps further. As to the mutation question, we have only a treatment against albinism, all the mutations we have encountered have been beneficial or harmless.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 7)

Swamps of Georgia:
President Calhoun watches as his enemies fall or turn and run. When it is clear that the day is won, he looses a blood curdling roar, answered by all the Orangebloods in battle. As one, they return to human form, their roars turning into shouts of victory. Calhoun finds his way to a medical station first, and has the wounds from the Croc-King bound, before moving through is troops offering congratulations to the living, and last rights to the dead. (A process done by all the Orangebloods) Making his way to the Sultana, he extends his hand, taking her's in a warrior's grip. "The day is won! We have driven back the infidels and their supernatural allies. Tonight, there shall be a great celebration at our command center, and tomorrow another in Death Valley. We would be honored if you and your soldiers will join us as guests of honor. If you have the time, I would also like a word with you in private.

Private Meeting:

So, for the loot, I figure one of us take the building, the other can have the two trinkets. I would prefer to have the Brewery, seeing as how it is in NCS lands, but if you would like it, I will grant it to you as your embassy.



TO: Bear Klun

We thank you for the sending Bob to assist us with our research, though this doesn't make up for your heathen ways. However, you have proven your use, as well as your ability to be rational, which means that your people are no longer ones that must be destroyed on sight. We would like to work with you to increase the relations between our peoples, if possible.


TO: The lands of Virginia, Alabama, and Tennessee

You have heard, I'm sure, of what has occurred in Georgia. After a long struggle with the heathens, it has been brought back into the Confederacy, bringing us one step closer to our goal of reunification. I have decided to again offer any former Confederate area, beginning with those closes to us, to enter again into our union. Before you reject us, let us explain what this would entail:

Each state within the Confederacy (the exact boarders of the states to be decided upon once new tracts of land are brought into our great nation) will be autonomous with internal matters. This includes being free to set your own state religion, or toleration of religion, so long as every state allows followers of the Great Tiger, as it was our state that has created the confederacy. States are also free to print their own money, and have completely separate laws.

The federal government, which will be based in Clemson, will control international relations, and set tax rates. The decisions will be made by a panel of the rulers of each state (which the states are free to choose as you wish, you may keep your kings, presidents, dukes, what-have-you). Each ruler will get a vote, with the President of Carolina getting two, again in recognition of our state being the founding state.

We state again: You may keep your current government, your current religion, and your current money. All we ask is to form a league to protect Greater Dixie from outside threats. The world is heading towards large nations again, and it is only a matter of time before another nation comes and attempts to oppress us, as the devilish Union did long ago. We can band together now, or fall separately later.

[Grimsage Matt]

Cyber Troll to the IA
Messing files and messin you you meat sacks. Also, if you try and get rid of me, and a serious attempt I mean, I'll detonate that old nuclear reactor under the base.

Other then that, you have anyones e-mail? I want to send spam.

Grimland
"Sorry, I am Ebon Knight Markus Bloodrose. Me, my brothers and sister were here with a few other Ebon knights. We had almost finished construction of a Necropolis, and Bella, Timothy and Jacob were establishing the portal back to Archus. Last I saw, something had gone wrong, and then, I was here. My guess is that there was a surge in the energy matrix, and so a peice of the voidfrost leaked out. But in anycase, I'll be heading back out. I don't even feel the cold, unlike you humans."

With that, he puts his helm back on, and starts walking, heading to the site where he was found.

Small Viking Clans to Avalon
They aren't making the drakes. Though our stories say undoing Capones works is a bad idea, and he worked with Loki to bind something bigger. We'll help you take them down, if only because it's one of the few times we've seen Capone do something himself.

Ze French to Avalon
Very well, the sooner the Drakes are killed, the better.

Bear Klun to NCS
Well, we had just been hearing how yer boys been working on them sonar, so thought we'd send him along. And we did say we was sorry, a few of our boys got drunk, and thought starting a game at yer place would be funny. Young punks. Any case, hear you got the Southern Duff Brewery. You have to take out Homer too? That sack of lard never stays dead for some reason.

The Theocratic State of Alabama to the NCS
We need not lift a finger aginst ye, for the great lord god will smite ye and send you down into hellfire, like that other bunch of Tiger Devils. But we see the main part of your arguement, and will join our banner to yours, for now.
Signed,
Arch Bishop Smites-The-Infidels-With-Holy-Cannons.

The Virginana Bear Klun to the NCS
Nah, we're good as it be.

Warlords of Tenesse
We're paying protection money to someone else, and theres no way you can beat him. Sure, it ties up the Thunderhorn Brewery, but he's worth it.

[Mabn]

Grimland
Bastion"Cold sir knight? It is summer, otherwise our children would not have had the light to find you. If you don't mind my talking while we walk, where is Archus? Actually, if you don't mind a detour on my part, I can answer my own question there. More pertinently, was the portal you were conjuring for going or coming?"

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

A field in Avalon

Morgan looked upon the latest additions to her army, and smiled as she saw the devastation they were causing across the field. These would do nicely for her army.

She was greatly pleased that she was able to retrieve the golem core when she sent her mages against the Cyprus natives. It had proved invaluable to her recent endeavors. Although it took a lot of time she had unlocked its secrets, and the golem forge had been constructed. And with that the face of her army had changed.

While she still had her conventional forces the golems made up the bulk of her military forces, and as she watched their efforts ahead of her she knew that they would serve her well.

It had been difficult to find a way to test the golems in actual combat, until they found a way to kill two birds with one stone. Bandits were always a problem, and recently one of the bandit lords had gotten to full of himself and had to be put down. Given that he had gathered a large army to himself she knew that it was a perfect opportunity to test out her golems in battle. She was not dissapointed.

Expecting to face her soldiers and perhaps a few of her mages they did not expect the soldiers of stone that showed up. Although there were not too many of the golems, a single one of them was worth dozens of soldiers if not more. Wielding war-hammers as large as a man they simply smashed away any who stood before them. One particularly unlucky man was sent flying across the field after being hit between the legs by a golem, which caused a wince to come from her 2 male apprentices standing near Morgan. She was a little disappointing at that, after all sympathy for an enemy - and an bandit at that - served no purpose.

Focusing back on the battle she saw that the bandits morale had broken, and they were running. Morgan heard a voice next to her saying Why do they even bother to run, don't they know that the golems can run faster than them? I mean they are 8 feet tall, and don't tire after running. Cassandra was Morgans favorite of her current apprentices, being the only one of her apprentices who had even a basic grasp of strategy. The other 2 had their uses, but Cassandra was the favorite - at least for the moment.

Turning her head Morgan says We may know that but I doubt that the bandits have kept up with our military research. They still think they have a chance.

Cassandra nods, not having considered that, after all keeping secrets wasn't exactly Avalon's best area. Well, despite the stupidity of the enemy I think we have proven the golems' effectiveness. These should help our military greatly. they should probably be classified as shock troopers rather than regular military however. After all, who better to break the enemy lines then 8 foot tall stone automatons? A few swings of their hammers and entire line could collapse.

As they talk the battle continues , although at this point it is more of a mop up then a real battle. The bandits were hopelessly outmatched here, with those who still resisted being literally crushed under the heel of Morgan's newest soldiers.

Yes, these would serve her well indeed.

To intelligence Agency

Off the top of your head would you happen to know what the military strength of the viking clans except the Drakes is at the moment? If not could you find out?

[oblivion6]

Intelligence Agency

To Avalon
i dont have the exact amounts but i believe it is about 10 MIL. however i will do some follow up investigations

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

To Intelligence Agency

Thank you for your efforts. We appreciate the approximation as well.

[Grimsage Matt]

The Duff Brewery
As the slayers jumped in after the Joker, and dragged poor Felix along for the ride, all is quiet.

Then, there is a loud roaring sound, and something is coining up the western causeay.

A large group of Headbangers (http://www.google.ca/imgres?num=10&um=1&hl=en&safe=active&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&biw=1280&bih=856&tbm=isch&tbnid=vEqVAdq8zkM8tM:&imgrefurl=http://www.joystiq.com/photos/brutal-legend-10-13-09/&docid=nAeeT2yM97iYfM&imgurl=http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2009/10/the-headbangers-10122009-51.jpg&w=1024&h=576&ei=eKRlULMJhurSAanigPgM&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=333&vpy=171&dur=1233&hovh=168&hovw=300&tx=151&ty=90&sig=100390678387184332361&page=1&tbnh=120&tbnw=213&start=0&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:74), a small escort of Thunderhog's (http://www.google.ca/imgres?um=1&hl=en&safe=active&sa=X&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&biw=1280&bih=856&tbm=isch&tbnid=zZb3gqJy5fN8lM:&imgrefurl=http://brutallegend.wikia.com/wiki/File:ThunderhogKM.jpg&docid=2gqWVou6ZGyiiM&itg=1&imgurl=http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110827093915/brutallegend/images/3/30/ThunderhogKM.jpg&w=1000&h=750&ei=ZaVlUNyyJKHl0gGE3YCYDQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=405&vpy=156&dur=1734&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=147&ty=113&sig=100390678387184332361&page=1&tbnh=152&tbnw=203&start=0&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:71), and a pair of Metal Beasts (http://www.google.ca/imgres?um=1&hl=en&safe=active&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&biw=1280&bih=856&tbm=isch&tbnid=NyDbRrshZTUzcM:&imgrefurl=http://roosterteeth.com/forum/viewTopic.php%3Fid%3D2224557&docid=EfaynkXwVDSzrM&imgurl=http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/brutallegend/images/c/c8/MetalBeasts.jpg&w=494&h=296&ei=1KVlULqcHJKL0QHTqYCgDQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=173&vpy=165&dur=2780&hovh=174&hovw=290&tx=191&ty=109&sig=100390678387184332361&page=1&tbnh=119&tbnw=199&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:68). They're approching, not as a warband, but as if they used to trade with the moonshiners, and don't know the brewery changed hands...

Grimland
"Oh yes, the surface is warm enough, but down in the Ice cracks, where the voidfrost is leaking? It'll kill you mortal. I don't have any blood left to freeze. But, if you think you can survive, just follow me down."

[HerbieRAI]

Ultimatium to the Kingdom of the Bills

Our forces have caputred many of your cities and people. We suggest you lay down your arms now and surrender before more bloodshed occurs.


Message to the Abroginals

The concert was amazing. Would you consider teaching some of our people to play that kind of music?

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

The Home Front

Senyor Ramon and his associate dedicated mages have retired once more to their forest fastnesses to rest and continue research and delving into mysteries arcane and divine. A good number of his apprentices, however, have elected to remain outside, to carry out a certain order of Vizier Bing. Under their guidance, the united babaylan and Technicals are to take advantage of their newly improved archiving system and disseminate knowledge both old and new to the populace at large, especially the children.

This, the aged minister believes, will hopefully be the beginning of a reinstitution of formal public education. May the gods forgive them that their professional teachers are so few and their students so many, their classrooms merely the shadows beneath great trees... then again, it is a start. It is a good thing that kids these days can be trusted with the knives they will be using to take notes with--- bamboo doesn't grow on trees, you kn... oh, wait. Also a good thing that the oral tradition, as well as people's minds and memory are strong as their bodies.

Meanwhile, Kumander Wasi is strolling the deck of flagship, the Kampilan. Moonlight shines off of the currently quiet vastness of the sea, off the freshly-scrubbed deck and off the various scrap-cannons and weapons of his crew. The watchmen up in the crow's nest report nothing but quiet as their captain passes by. The weathered wardog salutes and pats the knees of the sailors manning the nearby double-ballista turret and leans over the railing at the bow.

He takes out his ivory pipe, tamps down some tabac and lights it with a cantrip. He sighs out a stream of smoke that drifts off on a cool night breeze and stares at it until it dissipates amongst the waves. Wasi walks back belowdecks, puffing contentedly the while and looks for his ship's radio operator. The cowled man shakes his head.

All quiet. Too quiet.

Wasi reaches for a refill only to shrug once he realizes his pouch is empty. Why might a fresh and glorious war-hero from the noble Duterte line be voluntarily going out on border patrol, on maneuvers, restless and only at ease when still in harness, still under the sails, still in the saddle? He flexes his corded muscles, making the red tattooed names flare like fresh wounds.

It's why he always laughs at the aspirations of the young bucks under him. Nobility? A harem full of beautiful wives? Riches and power? BAH! He'd rather have the screaming of steel and the spilling of blood, the roaring of spells and the crashing of the waves rather than the screeching, the arguments, and the nagging, oh sweet Prophet, the nagging!

Wasi'd always had a favourite amongst his wives, all of whom were married to him to cement political alliances by minor noble factions. Saif al-Sahar, sweet Saif. Well-named, as well, and she was the only warrior to ever beat him with a sword. And why was she not aboard this mission, this campaign, to revel in the clashing and the crashing and the crushing? Pregnant with their firstborn. Then again, he can't actually play favourites, now, can he? Hell, that's what got him into this mess in the first place! Bah...

Still...

Responsibility.

Kumander Wasi passes by the galley and grabs a great smoked buffalo leg as well as a bottle of spell-freshed milk. He goes down into the ship's cargo hold, nods the two guards away and unlocks a certain cage. Inside is a freshly bandaged puppy pug... and yet it seems to be already half his height. Why might those bastard Mongols have been keeping a puppy in a cave torture dungeon? Wasi shakes his head and empties half the milk into the pup's bowl and chugs the remainder for himself. He sits back and they take turns chewing chunks from the juicy meat until all that's left is an overlarge bone for the dog to gnaw upon.

He stares at the dog in the eyes. The dog tilts its head, returning his gaze with a stupid grin and pants, tongue lolling. Wasi nudges the milk-bowl forward with his big toe to the dog's delight. "You've got your cage, I've got my cage. Count yourself lucky, dog, all you've got are bars. Pff. Wide bars, at that."

Once again, Wasi emerges on the topdeck. The moon is behind him. Though Kumander Wasi is short in stature, the shadow he casts stretches across the deck right to the bow.

Not midget or mutant or monster... but a man.

At the American Front

The Sultana accepts her Guards' aid readily in climbing out from under the great yellow ogre's dead bulk, spitting a torrent of curses the while. She then plants her foot on the brute's body for leverage and heaves out the Reaper. With a single chop, the ugly head comes off...

...and with a snap of her fingers, a Guardsman impales the trophy upon a spearpoint.

She joins in the roars of victory, albeit reservedly. Though she goes about fixing poultices, smiling and slapping backs of the successful survivors from her army, she still tells the commanders to keep watch for any further signs of trouble. To the honoured dead, she gives her thanks for their service and her blessing... and a spell of reanimation to those whose lingering souls say they have unfinished business in this world.

The Sultana returns Calhoun's grip with her own, a lopsided smile upon her face even as she replies, "Ah, you are too kind. If you insist..."

Private Meeting

Keep the brewery, keep the... beerhat. I'll take the shaman's fetish.
You think it's too generous? I'll call them in for favours, in the future, if that's alright with ye? How many's that that ye owe us already?

As for an embassy... good point. But nah, we are loyal to the San Miguel brew.

Though, if ye don't mind my asking, what can you tell us of the various other nations around you on this strange land?


Suddenly, trumpets made from conch-shells and carabao-horns blare a warning. Those aerial cavalrymen still in the sky wheel about, preparing for another strafing run, if need be. The heavy weapons teams that had set up on the edge of the battlefield pivot, training their sights on the newcomers. Spearmen form up with the newly undead making up their first ranks.

The Sultana releases Calhoun's arm and gives Reaper a twirl before settling the great blade at her side. She begins marching for the new frontline, calling over her shoulder to Calhoun, "Looks like we've got visitors. They seem to be coming in peace, but we're ready to rip them to pieces, should they prove hostile. Your territory, your call. You coming?"

[Mabn]

Grimland
BastionConner Bright stops by his room and looks up Archus, void frost, and void in his white book while sending a (almost patently indestructible and documentably able to survive being frozen) pocket seal ahead with sir Bloodrose.
Sun Fleetsails around the the unexplored side of Australia to resume its search
Moon FleetWent north again, this time along the other coast of South America. Captain Star has named the pug Vor after its proclivities and has taken to having it ride around on his head.
Star Fleethas hit continued north across the African coast, approaching Spain unless they saw further inhabitation between there and the gnolls

[Grimsage Matt]

the Kampilan

Senyor Ramon feels a little flash of heat, and then a nudge in the back. A cold, wet nudge. He would have to look down, and into vacant, googly eyes, and a open mouth, with her tounge hanging out. The pug got out of the cage.

The Kingdom of the Bill to the Southern Empire
You want everything on land? Fine. You can have it. All we want is all our people who want to leave. The sooner the better in fact.

Moon Fleet
Durning a storm, the little pug got knocked off. It ran right back up the side of the ship, just as if it was flatground.

[oblivion6]

Intelligece Agency

Stormspire

Ara finally awakened about a week after the battle for the spire and the subsequent capone drama. she had of course awakened before now, but it was always in a dazed trance-like state. sitting up and looking around she realized that she was in her tent, and judging from the cold air and the wind outside she must still be in Canada.

[I]too damn cold up here, i need to go back home and get warm. she thought as she rose from her bedroll, which was actually quite comfortable for a bedroll since the IA believed in acquiring the best possible gear for its members. pushing aside the flap of her tent she walked outside, hoping to find Winters since he could likely fill her in on what has happened while she was out...and is immediantly greeted by the large and imposing spire where Bra- no! she couldnt dwell on the past, time enough to grieve later. she figured she had better make amends with Morgana. the events at the spire werent really her fault after all.

looking around, she is greeted by several of her agents wo are overjoyed to see her recovery. after wandering around for a couple minutes she finally spots commander Winters who waves her over. good to see you've recovered Ara. we were all worried about you, but of course i shouldve known you were fine. the man said with a grin. just had to catch up on some beauty sleep. now whats happened while i was sleeping? she replied

quite a bit actually Winters said and went onto explaining how an advance team of colonists had came up from the coast and were even now rebuilding the ruins of halifax while mages worked in the spire. Ara was amazed at how far the reconstruction has come in the last week, with several houses and shops that now looked like they were almost habitable once again.

seeing that all her work here had not gone to waste and that it could do without her for a couple weeks she made up her mind to go back home, to Israel and her father...

to Cyber-Troll
[gives troll Email of all my contacts, like Avalon, sultanate, NCS...]

To GM
hmm...could i rig that nuclear reactor under my base to blow up if i was attacked. basically like a "if i cant have this base then no one can" type of scenario.

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate
ESP-D 13
MOR 11

To the GM:

Am I correct in assuming that you had meant Kumander Wasi, since he was the one keeping the Pug? Senor Ramon's currently off deep in his tomes.

The Kampilan

Pale moonlight shimmers in through a far porthole, playing across the scarred warrior-prince's face. He idly chews on his pipe in a state of half-sleep, then suddenly comes bolt awake with a stirring of heat and wind.

Without conscious thought, he has tensed up into a combat-ready crouch, greasy gnawed bone raised like a club, his sword-half drawn, bloodshot eyes darting about the dark room looking for whatever it was that had startled him. Kumander Wasi relaxes as he suddenly realizes that it was just the pug, licking barking and licking his toes.

He wiggles his toes at the pup, then tosses the bone to the far side of the cargo hold for her to fetch. vwang-bamf! With a breath of mystic wind, the pug disappears and reappears with the bone already in her mouth.

And then what had just happened fully dawns on him. The ivory pipe clatters from his mouth with a muttered curse. "Putangina..."

The Home Front

Another season, another round of feasting. Pasko and the New Year are celebrated with prayers sung, gifts given and bonds renewed. The Red Dragon's Moon and Valentine's are met with races and ring-fights, oars splashing and sticks slashing, voices rising and wagers falling. New lovers kiss and new warriors clash. Imported Qingese fireworks compete with local displays of spellfire. People from the Qing Empire and the Majapahit Kingdoms come as well to participate in the annual celebrations and competitions.

Meanwhile, on all the other days of the season that aren't official holidays, life and work go on. Workers in all fields, even those who toil behind a desk, are given energizing and refreshing beverages as part of their regular rations by the San Miguel branch of the Jollibirries. Teachers have begun once more to circulate the realm, instructing, learning and recruiting. Newly minted veteran soldiers go back to their families to rest, others, the more hardened and dedicated corps, return to their homestowns to train a new crop of aspiring warriors.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 6)

Duff Brewery:

President Calhoun motions his men to take up defense positions in front of the incoming groups of people. When they are close enough to shout to, he hollers "Halt and identify yourself!"

[Grimsage Matt]

Duff Brewery

The Convoy stops, then a single guy on a bike rides forword.

"Hi man. We're just the Rockers. We'd the shiner dudes go? We already paid for some beer for the concert. Or are you rh fuzz man? I swear, I done nothin!"

The Kampilan
The pug is content to just gnaw on the bone, and if he lets her, curls up beside him in his bunk.

Capones Pub Board (Cuse he's board Ya punks!)

This time, the Top threes!

MIL;
1) The Sea Drakes [NPC]
2) Avalon [PC]
3) The Phyrexians [NPC]

Econ;
1) Trade Baron Bildge [NPC]
2) Southern Empire [PC]
3) Salmon Clan (Vikings) [NPC]

ESP;
1) The Intelligence Agency [PC]
2) Raven Clan (Vikings) [NPC]
3) The Phyrexians [NPC]

Tech;
1) The Phyrexians [NPC]
1) The Cyber Troll [A trait of the Intelligence agency]
2) Grimland [PC]
3) NCS [PC]

MAG/PSI;
1) Raven Clan (Vikings) [NPC]
2) The Sea Drakes (Vikings)[NPC]
3) Avalon[[PC]
3) The Phyrexians[NPC]

Morale;
1) The Vikings (Every Clan tied for 1st)[NPC]
2) The Phyrexians[NPC]
3) The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate[PC]

Rep;
1) Romania[NPC]
2) The Oasis of the Sea[NPC]
3) The Intelligence agency[PC]

[Mabn]

Grimland

Conner looked up from his white book. "I shall walk planes and build an internet and I shall end you!"

[HerbieRAI]

Southern Empire

To Kingdom of the Bill

We are alright with this, but we must ask where you will go?


To Grimland

Thank you for the maps. If you spend time researching ways to stop mutations, we will be willing to pay handsomly.


To NCS

We would like to bring up the PSI inhibitors again. If you are willing to begin research, we could spend 3 WEL this turn.

[Grimsage Matt]

Connors White Book
The Ebon hold is a fortress, a moving HQ of Death Knights, warriors that harness the power of itself.

Kingdom of the Bill to the Southern Empire
We are heading to our holdings in new zealand. Now, do you agree? We have some fleeing to do.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 7)

TO: Southern Empire

We will begin looking into the Psi Absorbers this turn. I'm afraid that I do not know how long it will take, as my people have never attempted to STOP psionic energy.


TO: The world.

The NCS would like to announce the official joining of the Theocratic State of Alabama and the Theocratic State of Carolina into the New Confederate States of America. We would also like to offer any sovereign nation in the areas formerly under control of the Confederacy the opportunity to join as well for mutual protection, research, and economic power.

TO: Theocratic State of Alabama

Greetings, our new Confederate brothers. We would like to begin by welcoming you into our confederacy, and ask that you give us an idea of what capabilities you have, so that we may begin planning for the future of our union. We would also like to know what religion guides your Theocracy, if possible.

-Pres. Calhoun of Carolina

[Mabn]

Grimland
to the Southern EmpireMutations are an inherent effect of our cell replication process, preventing them would require a serious mutation itself and once they happen reconstructing what was there before is guesswork. However if an up to date genetic record is kept for the individual in question, reversing mutations should be possible if done soon enough. Could such a technique serve your purposes?
BastionConner decided to check how his guest is doing.
Moon FleetThe moon fleet has scaled South America's far coast.
Star Fleeta preliminary report was made marking Northern Africa as uninhabited. The Spanish Coast has born frequent sightings of smoke and habitation is considered highly probable.

[HerbieRAI]

The Southern Empire

To Grimland

While the process could work, we were thinking more along the lines of cureing the birth defects that lead to great variations in the population. While this currently isn't a problem, we fear as we expand our territory it could become one quickly. If you feel this would be a large project than we can table it for the time being, until we have more resources at our disposal.

To NCS

Great News! Thank you for your cooperation.


To Kingdom of the Bill

We will not stop your migration.

[Grimsage Matt]

The Bill gets the Hell out of there... and so does Capone

Almost in a blind panic, the remaining Bills leave, fleeing across the waters. The Southern Empire feels mighty fine about itself, intill the Bills army shows up to evacuate. The Divisions that are runing for their lives could have overwhelmed the empire... so what are they running from?

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate
(D-ESP 13)

At the Duff Brewery

A black-taloned hand scratches at a pallid brow, then clicks its fingers harshly. The Sultana marches up to Calhoun and the Rocker ambassador and says, "There is nothing fuzzy here... unless you count the feathers of our eagles"

At this, the contingent of Mandaragit aerial cavalry drops out of cloud cover, screeching loudly in a flyby and then begins to circle. The Sultana flashes a toothy grin and continues, "Suffice it to say, this place is under new management. However, you came for a concert and a party?"

"We were just about to commence celebrations, weren't we?" she finishes, her right elbow jabbing at Calhoun's ribs, her left hand oh-so-casually crackling its knuckles about the haft of a sword almost as long as she is tall.

The Kampilan


Kumander Wasi wakes up with the sun shining in his face. He yawns and stretches languidly against the great, warm bulk upon which he'd pillowed his head...

...then jumps up, clutching his head in surprise when a vast wet tongue licks him up. With the Pug bounding at his heels, crewmen stumbling back into their bunks as a massive stinking dog thunders past, he dashes for the radio-room and sends a missive to Senor Ramon, formalities forgotten as he races to report.

New pet dog. Has strange power of appearing and disappearing at will. Strange emanations, beyond my capacity. Does not seem to use the shadow-paths, as we usually do. Please advise. W/D.

[Grimsage Matt]

The Duff Brewery

"We just came to pick up a order we placed with the boys that used to run the joint. Little fella, name of Capone, he's hosting a wild shindig back west. We just came to pick up the drinks. So, can we buy some booze?"

The Kampilan
The radio equipment starts producing a noise, old classical eropean music. Bach in fact.

"Hello, we picked up pug emmenations from here, could you please respond? We'll be sending someone over, but could you confirm first?"

[Mabn]

Grimland
to the Southern EmpireBirth defects...that would be time consuming, but not necessarily hard. The first step would be figuring out the cause of the defects, once that is done we can probably do something.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS:

Duff Brewery:
"What deal did you have with Capone? I'm sure we can come to an agreement." Pres. Calhoun says to the men. "The Sultana here is correct however - We were just about to start the celebration of our recent victory. Why don't you join us, and we can discuss your purchase while we drink."

[Grimsage Matt]

The Duff Brewery

"Sure, we never turn down free booze."

The Theoractic State of Alabama
We follow the great lord Christ of course.
OOC; Hardcore Christians. As in, they have all the faith, almost none of the brains. Not Zelot level, but preety strict in their beliefs.

[Durmatagno]

Captain Drake stood on the deck of the boat that was returning to port to dock. His black hair was was kept at a medium length and kept out of his eyes. His green eyes were cold, and seemed soulless, though this was just an illusion. He was, in truth, a very kind man. He treated his people well, and wished only for their safety. He tried to treat foreign peoples well to, though this was not always possible. The boat shook as it slowed inside of the port, coming to a stop near a wooden dock. Climbing off, Drake brushed off his coat and continued on his merry way.

To the Cambodia Assassins
I wish to speak to you about a partnership in dealing with the Drug Lords. If you wish to meet, I will be back in port in three months.

It had been three hours since he had landed for his shore leave, and he had already done everything he needed to do. Standing and stretching, he made his way down the street to his home, and his wife and son. He only had a week, and he might as well enjoy it.

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate
D-ESP 13 MOR 11

At the Duff Brewery

The Mindaluzvisian contingent proceed with their American allies to the victory celebrations. Before dawn, however, the Sultana and her Death Guard take their leave and melt away into the shadows... When the sun rises over the West, it is once again, Kumander Kim who holds the general's baton. He is long of beard, grey of hair, short of stature, wiry of sinews, hard of eyes and many-scarred. His standing orders are to see to the welfare of the warriors, their pay and their plunder... and their orderly withdrawal from this theatre of war.

At the Ngiti ng Tondo

The Sultana and the Death Guard crawl out of the shadows and dust of the throne room of the capital city-ship and resume their old positions... after slaking their hunger on a swamplander prisoner. She then takes the latest situation reports from Vizier Bing and sits down once more to the daily grind of bureaucracy and logistics, while preparing for the next campaign in Hong Kong on behalf of Baron Bilge.

At the Kampilan

The hair on Kumander Wasi's neck rises at the unexpected transmission. Using hand signals, he gets his fleet ready for action, just in case. He turns to the operator and says, "Tell them, 'Identify yourselves, your affiliations and intentions." Unconsciously, one of his hands drifts to the pug's head, scratching idly.

[oblivion6]

Intelligence Agency

From the war in North America against the Duff Brewery, the horde wars in China to the upcoming wars against the violent Viking Clans, war has dominated the globe and brought untold death and destruction to thousands.

this extends to Not just war but disease and other natural disasters as well. while we of the IA cannot end or prevent war as a whole, we can help alleviate the pain and suffering of those countless lives affected by wars, pestilence and natural disasters.

in order to faciliate this goal we are in the proccess of organizing the Medical Corp, a group composed of not only doctors and mages but warriors and any others willing to help the world become a better place. we would like anyone that can help to donate funds and support for the Corp. anyone interested in this worthy cause may contact us either in Tel Aviv or the city of Faluna, the new capital of the Reforged Canadian Alliance.

to NCS, Theocratic state of Alabama, Mara, Avalon
greetings...as you all know i am forming a group to aid the suffering families around the world. in particular is the need for quality teachers to help teach those gifted with magic the basics of restoritive magic to better aid the suffering.

i was wondering if you would be interested in helping with this worthy cause? i already have several volunteers ready to learn.

OOC: basically i plan to give this new Medical Corp its own magic stat. also planning a VIP for the group which is the main focous of the mages but any extra will be giving the group magic.

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

To IA

For the moment our mages are occupied, however should the situation go well we shall provide mages at a later date.

OOC: I already received my EOT reply. We will see how the political situation is next turn before I make any commitments.

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

To the Intelligence Agency: (and the GM, of course)

By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

Guilty as charged, your honour. We freely admit what hypocrisy there be in this, but aye, fire is in our blood and we sell our steel openly. We try however we can to either minimize collateral damage during our contract-campaigns. Again, we stress, guilty as charged, your honour.

We dare say, this is an honourable move, on your part, and we would support it however we can. We can provide mages, mystics and medics as well as warriors for your defense details and even raw labour, should you require it. And as is inevitable for such deployments, we will also be able to provide field engineers and entertainers, blacksmiths and all manner of camp followers as needs arise.

Whatsay ye? Any preferred place? Of course, we understand that this will mostly be a work of charity, but, well, it's a hard world out there, as you have yourself said. It is tradition to ask for a price for one's sweat and blood. What do you offer in recompense?

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~The Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

[oblivion6]

Intelligence Agency

To Sultanate
currently all our resources are tied for this turn aiding in the formation of the Medical Corp but after they are established then i will gladly offer you some monetary compensation.

our biggest need currently is mages to teach restorative magic as we are working to train security volunteers so they can protect themselves.

OOC: in other words after this coming turn. already wrote my EOT despite new turn not even being up:smalltongue:

[Grimsage Matt]

Turn 6

The Winds of Ascension

"God, is angry".

That is what many people said, right before the winds tore them apart, or waves the size of hills crushed thier homes. Much od what was on the Altantic Eroupe is now... gone. As if scouraged away. As if it never was.

France and spain, gone.

The last holdouts of the Chosen of Gia, gone.

The Vikings? Thor proctects them still.

But a storm that would cause Noah to tremble, a storm of a hundred days and a hundred nights of maddining, shreeching hell, well, it'e echos woke something. From the depths of the sea, it rose. And now, slowly, a hurricane that never ends, is veering stright for Avalon.

The Drop Bear Invasion
They knew what caused them to invade, they knew they had to weather the storm, and hope that the Souther Empire would not attack. But they did, and now, He (http://www.google.ca/imgres?num=10&hl=en&biw=1440&bih=775&tbm=isch&tbnid=tvwSAlcAV-ylEM:&imgrefurl=http://ravengerx.deviantart.com/art/Hircine-100435722&docid=c948WWkyjsCpdM&imgurl=http://www.deviantart.com/download/100435722/Hircine_by_RavengerX.png&w=820&h=551&ei=2EhyUNiwHrPD0AHbtIHYDQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=261&vpy=156&dur=1486&hovh=184&hovw=274&tx=173&ty=95&sig=113450245965668801824&page=1&tbnh=141&tbnw=220&start=0&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:74) is free to hunt with his horde, till Austriala is scouraged bare.

[Mabn]

Grimland
Sun FleetQuery 1: if the land is denuded where are the bears dropping from? Query 2: do we want to stay and find out? Query 3: we are going home now.
Moon Fleet Finally someone to meet, James took one of the smallboats to greet them.
Star FleetThis wildlife seems agitated and the nearby people seem to be having trouble, why don't we use that nearby techno-log to create a radio pulse to stun the creature!
BastionEdwin Vast spent his time away from the frenetic to and fro of a Bastion that didn't need him and spent his days preforming slight of hand tricks for children and animals. He had really gotten quite good at them, but he felt unsatisfied, as if in another life he had been more.

[oblivion6]

the Intelligence Agency would like to reiterate the need for the new Medical Corp after millions of lives were snuffed out by the great storm. we urge Avalon to prepare for the worst but we cannot send the Corp into such harm, they will instead be aiding the areas already hit by the disaster.

[HerbieRAI]

The Southern Empire

To Eddie Riggs

As you know, the Drop Bears are invading and destroying all in their path. Are you and your metal brothers willing to help fight them off? We can build you a stage to give the performance of a lifetime.


To The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

You said years ago that your troops are willing to fight for payment. Well, the Southern Empire has an endless tide of beasts coming against us, and we have the funds to purchase a large army, although we lack strength ourselves. Can we come to some sort of agreement?

- Calant Riese

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

To All viking clans

In light of the recent storm that devastated the continent I think it would be a good course of action to stop fighting each other, and work on rebuilding the region. Is everyone willing to agree to stop attacking and/or raiding each other so that we can rebuild? I don't think any of us would really want even more death and destruction at the moment.If you are willing then I have a proposal for the more magically inclined clans.

This storm doesn't seem to be dissipating anytime soon, so the best way to deal with it would preferably be to redirect it to uninhabited areas. We propose that the mages of our nations, as well as any that we can get from other nations work together to hopefully redirect the storm towards the north pole, where it will go down towards the pacific ocean. Hopefully it will burn itself out there, where it can't cause more damage. Are any of you inclined to help?


To All

With the storm coming towards Avalon we are requesting magical aid from anyone willing to give it. We plan to use our magic to shift the storm towards the north pole, and eventually the pacific ocean, where it will hopefully burn itself out away from inhabited areas. We however feel that our magic may not be enough, and so request aid in this endevor from any who are willing to give it.

Additionally given the devastation on the continent any aid that could be sent there would also be appreciated. Although the devastation is severe there must be at least some survivors.

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

D-ESP 15 MOR 12

In the throne-room of the Ngiti ng Tondo

The chamber of gloom reeks like an abbatoir, the stench of fresh death and decay almost choking the several mortal scribes operating the newly installed communications tables. Some of these messages will be sent by pigeon, others by raven, others by sorcery, others by wireless telegraph or radio. The gathered Death Guard have yet to clean their weapons thoroughly enough and even now, preparations are being made, orders sent out for a new contract-campaign to slake the people's innate belligerent nature... a belligerent nature that had, in ages past, been one of the many cancers in their society that had ripped at them from the inside.

To the nobles and commanders who had headed the Crocodile King Contract-Campaign:

By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

We thank you and your soldiers for your valiant service, the glory and the plunder you have won for our People and our Nation. Come home, be at home. Rest your weary bones, return to your families and farms. Stand the home-guard's watch, be the torch that shines brightly in the ramparts and the watchtowers, giving light to our people and showing the way home for your comrades-at-arms who take your place as warriors afield.

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~The Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To the nobles and commanders who had headed the current Home Guard:

By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

We thank you and your soldiers for your valiant service, in standing the home-guard's watch, be the torch that shines brightly in the ramparts and the watchtowers, giving light to our people and showing the way home for your returning comrades-at-arms. Now we sail against the coastal Barons of Hong Kong and soon south against the invading monster-horde in Australia, for honour, glory and plunder!

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~The Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To the Majapahit chieftains:

By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

How do you do, brothers and sisters of the sea and sun, fellows of the forest and the field?

We call upon your service. Ships of fighting-men, cadres of herbalists and mages, trackers and trappers and assassins... However much you can send, we will be grateful. We sail for honour, glory and plunder against the coastal Barons of Hong Kong and the monster-horde in Australia.

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~The Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To Baron Bilge of the NEIETC:

By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

How do you do, sir? We are about to embark upon a contract-campaign at your behest. What is your current situation with the two coastal Barons?

Confirm, please? Our terms are, by whatever means, to make the coastal Barons cease their hostilities against each other and in exchange, you will furnish us with 6 ECON worth of goods and services? Since we are about to bring to bear the might of a veteran armada with significant support, would you care to increase the recompense? To 8-worth or 10-worth, maybe?

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~The Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To Intelligence Agency: (and the GM)

By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

How do you do? The weather here seems to be the same as ever, but you have mentioned a "great storm"? Where, when, how? Surely it wasn't as great as the thousand or so tempests during the Great Fall?

Feel free to send your volunteers here. We can train them well in self-defense, as well as outfit them with military escorts, in case of raiders. We will also have our own charity donations in the form of teams of salvage and retrieval experts, food and clothes as well as medical professionals, mages and entertainers for the survivors.

We apologize, though, we cannot YET send these as we have currently pending contracts. And yes, we understand that you are currently occupied as well. Maybe, when you are freed up, you would care to come to the aid of Baron Bilge of Hong Kong or the beleaguered people of Australia and lend your spying/scouting/assassination skills to our campaigns there?

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~The Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To Arch-Count Dracula of Romania: (and the GM)

By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

Brother of the Blood, it's been a long time since last we heard or met. How has your side of the world been? How have you and yours been? Still making that delicious blood brew of yours?

Something we've heard over there--- a great storm of some sort? What's the news? Any way we could help?

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~The Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To Calant Riese of the Southern Empire:

By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

How do you do? We hope that your family and your hometown are safe, at least.

We can help you, yes. Unfortunately, we have another pending contract at the moment. Hopefully, that will be over quickly enough so that we can attend to you.

In the meantime while we build up additional forces for the Australia-bound armada, what can you tell us of your foes? Locations, speed, dispositions, pertinent abilities? Geographical hazards? Any supplies or support that you could lend when our force does get there? "Information is ammunition"--- the more you help us, the more we can help you.

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~The Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To Largely Unidentified Sending From "Avalon": (and the GM)

By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

How do you do? We hope that your family and your hometown are safe, at least.

We can help you, yes. Unfortunately, we have certain pending contracts at the moment. Hopefully, those will be over quickly enough so that we can attend to you.

When we can, we might visit, to personally see to your aid. In the meantime, we suppose we might have some mages' cadres, clerical [and lay-folk] congregations and mystics' covens whose spells and prayers might help in some small way.

We wish you and yours the best.

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~The Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


On the Kampilan, already making its way back to the Manila Sea

The patrol fleet under the command of Kumander Wasi is already sailing back home, having received orders for force-assembly and imminent redeployment. All weapons teams are primed at their positions, spotters peeling their eyes at sea and sky, loaders with spear-like ballista-bolts standing by, triggermen flexing their fingers. All oar-teams pull with all their might, mighty thews rippling across their muscled backs and arms, overseers' drums beating a lively rhythm.

Kumander Wasi has begun smoking again, chewing upon his pipe fiercely. He glares at the cloaked clerk at the comms station.

To The Whoever The Heck That Was:

Whoever you are with the German music. This is our eleventh response. This is Kumander Wasi of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate Home Guard patrol fleet. We are responding, but we will not answer your questions unless you identify yourselves, declare your allegiances and affiliations as well as declare your intentions. Further, this is a restricted frequency and you are advised that this communication is merely a courtesy. Whoever you are with the German music, please respond. Kumander Wasi, over and out.

Suddenly, the great pug begins barking at her master, or rather, at the shadows from the smoke around his ivory pipe. The shadows lengthen, expand... then coalesce and solidify into a towering horse-headed and horse-hooved man in robes, harness and staff.

Senor Ramon quickly sidesteps and snorts as the gigantic puppy lunges at him, then gasps as it disappears then reappears, intercepting his dodge and latching onto his walking stick. Kumander Wasi grunts and grabs at the scruff of her neck, yelling "HSSST!"

[Grimsage Matt]

the Kampilan
The Comms start up again.

"Sorry about that, we've had some mongol troubles, and they managed to jam communications for a bit. I'm Brother Thao of the Order of the Pug, from our main monestary. One of our pugs had noticed something down there, and sorry fo intruding. Also, permission to come aboard?"

Moon Fleet
As they approched, it seems that distance made him smaller. The giant standing before the rowboats is easily 30ft high, but looks more sad then hostile.

"Halt ye who come to these shores. Turn back now if ye value thy lives and souls."

Eddie Riggs to the Southern Empire
We're in full Rock mode up here, and if we leave? The folks here would be going down. The Bears are also up here.

The Viking Clans
For the time being they agree to a truce. Even the Boars, and most people say your average rock is smarter then them.

Arch Count Dracula to The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate
We have been doing very well, execpt for the last few months. Unending storms, we however, do not reside near the sea, so where spared the worst of it. Most of the coast has been washed away from our understanding. And would you like us to send you some?

Baron Bilge to The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate
Very well, we'll send you the 8 Econ.

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

To Intelligence Agency

Given the devastation of the continent we have entered a truce with the vikings. Your soldiers will no longer be needed in that war. I wish you luck on your disaster relief efforts. Although our mages will be occupied making sure the same doesn't happen to us we may be capable of aiding in other ways. Our golems are many times stronger and faster than a man, and should be useful for searching through debris, and the army personnel can be better used saving those that lived now that a truce has been made.

[Mabn]

Moon Fleet"What is the cause of your sorrow?"

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

To The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

We thank you for what you can provide.

For the moment we are doing relatively well, with the storm generally staying away from our territory. In Europe ourselves and to a lesser extent the viking clans are the only nations to really survive. All others were wiped out by a storm of unheard of proportions. That however may change in the future as the storm has turned towards our nation. Our mages are going to attempt to re-direct the storm, so that we don't suffer the same devestation that the rest of Europe has suffered.

In terms of magic the attempt to turn the storm will out of necessity be taking place soon. So if you plan to send aid after your contracts are finished focus on the devastated areas (of which we will hopefully not be one). Although our mages will be otherwise occupied we have recently reached a truce with the vikings, and so our military personnel will be put to use helping to find and save any survivors in France. Spain and the former land of Gia's Chosen were also hit very hard, so those are areas where you might want to focus your efforts.

We hope that your people are doing better than those on our continent.

May magic flow forever through your veins
~ Morgan Le Fey, Queen of Avalon


To Viking clans

We thank you for the truce. We both have bigger issues at the moment then our past problems.

I believe that we should focus on looking for any survivors of the storms wrath. The majority of our military personel will be leaving the landing sites shortly. They will navigate around the storm, to france, and attempt to look for survivors there. Do you have any plans to help with restoration/looking for survivors?

To the more magical clans: We would still like to know if you plan on helping us direct the storm. It shows no signs of slowing down, and if it is not stopped it might well continue on to hit you. It would be best for everyone to deal with this sooner and together - where we have the biggest chance of success - rather than independently, where we have less chance of succeeding.

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

D-ESP 15, MOR 12

In the West Mindaluzvisian Sea (formerly known as the South China Sea)

The sea is stained scarlet as the sun sets. A forest of masts sprouts and springs and sways around the coasts of Hong Kong. The warships' furled sails seem like a countless crosses waiting for their victims to be mounted. Double-ballistae, scrap-cannons, Old Turrets, rocket racks, archer contingents and mage-lights stand ready. Two behemothic battleships, monstrous conglomerations of Old Steel, lead the fleet--- the Lapu-Lapu and the Ngiti ng Tondo.

Whether the Majapahits showed up or not, that's up to them.

As the last rays of the sun disappear over the distant horizon, all the fleet's signal gongs and trumpets blare at the same time and depth charges that had been seeded--- at a barely safe distance away from the city itself--- explode all at once. When the waves and the thunder have cleared, all the monsters and men, all the soldiers and sailors shout and yell and howl and scream, clashing weapons upon shields, setting up a great din.

The Sultana, the Death Guard and the Black Guard step off a boarding ramp on one of the many hulls of the cityship Ngiti ng Tondo and onto a barge of solidified yet seething shadow-stuff. She raises the Stormlord’s Bow and causes the air above Hong Kong to crackle with a coruscating crown of rippling thunderbolts, her now unearthly voice speaking from every spot of shade in the city.

"There need be no bloodshed. Warriors and folk of the Blackwater and Gallywix Baronies, lay down your arms and you will not be harmed. If you continue your hostilities against each other, we will rip your ships apart and string your warriors across your harbour by their entrails. If you turn your steel upon us, we will defend ourselves and we will crush you. If you lay down your arms, cease hostilities and return to the negotiation table, and let us leave in peace with our pay, we will leave you in peace, not in pieces. You have five minutes to deliver your answer"

Meanwhile, bureaucracy and diplomacy are not idle...

To Baron Bilge:

By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

Well, then. Here we are. We hope your troops are ready in the interior and that you have our payment ready as well. At least for this one, we aim to intimidate rather than outright devastate. The quicker the conflict, the less the bloodshed, the better.

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~The Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To Avalon:
By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

Thank you for your concern. We have the yearly monsoon and week upon week of new typhoons, as well as earthquakes and volcano eruptions every so often. But based on what you have described, apparently better off than on your side of the world.

We are sorry to hear about your losses and the tragedy over there. Very well, then. You have our support in trying to turn away the storm’s wrath. For now, it may not be as much as we would be able to afford had we been otherwise free, but we do have our word of honour and would be very remiss if we were to break contract.

You have our mystic support for this season, free of charge as charity.

However, when we can, we shall be sending a full salvation-support-salvage-settlement expedition there as well, rest assured.


Effectively 8-MAG worth of support “free” this Turn. Why the quotation marks? Because we’re counting that as a favour that can be called in later on.

If, by next Turn, you still have the Tempest of Doom bearing down on you, we’re charging. 3 MIL, 3 ECON, 2 TEC worth of stuff.

Satisfactory?


By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~The Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To Arch Count Dracula of Romania:

By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

We are glad, then, that you and yours are well. Well, relatively. That sounds terrible. Surely somebody over there must have sinned greatly and incurred the wrath of Heaven. Who do you think is responsible? Or is it simply an act of nature?

Well, that depends. What do you need? Or who over there is currently most needy?

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~The Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


At the Kampilan

Senor Ramon whinnies a chant that calms down the machine-spirits of the communications set, and transfers the incoming call to an audio interface instead of the Morse transceiver that was usually standard issue on Sultanate ships. He leaves his staff in the jaws of the Pug and takes up the handset.

“We read you, loud and clear, Brother Thao. This is Senor Ramon, archmage of the Babaylan Caste. So it seemed, yes. Your… pug… was found in one of the Qingese redoubts of the Mongols after we drove them off, under contract to the Red Dragon Emperor. The pug was found injured--- war-wounds, torture or experimentation or some combination of the above--- but we have since seen to its treatment. Alright. So, you are saying that this pug is to be given the status of “foreign delegate prisoner of war” instead of “plunder from battle”? Hold on a moment, please…”

The wise tikbalang signs to the other officers around him, and they quickly prepare a welcome for their guest. Servants ready a wooden plate containing a cup of fresh water, an orange, a large sailor’s biscuit and a chunk of hard cheese. Beside the door, two guards armed with the wavy-edged short-bladed kris swords stand ready as well.

Meanwhile, the usually serious Kumander Wasi, though he has drawn his fork-tipped long-bodied kampilan sword, is still busy petting the Pug.

Senor Ramon subtly opens the ship’s wards enough to let in a traveler, but tightens and sharpens its defensive net… as well as weaving a quick spell of music, of tribal drums and flutes and bamboo percussions. He then speaks once more into the handset. “Brother Thao, come in, please. We are ready to receive you, if you are coming aboard. We apologize that we only have water, fruit, biscuit and cheese for you. Will you be desiring anything else?”

[Grimsage Matt]

At the Kampilan
There is a faint electrical discharge, as a man in simple robes, holding on to a sparking pug, emerges from the equipment.

"Well, to be honest, we're just checking up, making sure the little fella is being treated okay."

He places the pug down, and it bounces over to your pug. While only a quarter the size, he just starts chewing on the end of the staff beside your girl.

"Fact is, if she's bonded already, nothing we could do to take her away. This kinda pug, well, wonder how the Mongols even managed to hold her?"

The little pug is chasing your big un, and shes heading stright for Kumander Wasi, teleports up into his arms.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS

TO: Theocratic State of Alabama

Greetings, fellow confederate.

While it gladdens me that you have seen reason and are helping to create a new dixie, there are still those that are taken over by evil, and have yet to see the light of shining nation. One such people exist above you, in the area formerly called Tennessee. Do you know these people? Is there a way they could be convinced to join us, or do we need to bring them in forcefully? As a member of our nation, we would appreciate your insight on your neighbors.

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

To The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

Greetings from the nation of Avalon. We thank you for your support, and hope that we can repay you some day.

As to our side of the world... Up to a few months ago we had never had a storm even close to this magnitude. Given that a war had just started we suspect that at least one faction involved attempted to weaponize a storm, and succeeded too well. Given that the vikings are much less damaged it might be one of their clans, or perhaps one of the factions that was destroyed. Perhaps it was simply that an existing storm reacted badly to the magic being thrown around by the factions. The secret is probably at the bottom of the ocean now. Regardless this is nowhere near normal conditions.

With your aid we will hopefully have enough magical power to turn away the storm.

May magic flow forever through your veins
~ Morgan Le Fey, Queen of Avalon

[Grimsage Matt]

Heart of the Storm, near the Florida swamp

Rage. Hunger. Pain.

As a veritible hurricane sweeps north, orginating from the berumdea Triangle, something can be glimpsed withen. Massive and grey, it's presence roars out over the storm itself... It has woken, and the world will drown.

Columbia Assassians to The United Technocratic States of Durmatagno
At this time, we are not intrested in moving against them. We are preserving a delicate balance of power, and do not wish it to be.. disrupted.

The Moon Fleet
"Ye Would be Sad if Eye Tryants Bound ye unto a single place, as a warning for all who venture near their domain."

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

At the Kampilan
Senor Ramon recoils with a neighing "GACK!" when the monk sends himself through the radio waves and out the drokkin' communicator's handset.

The great stallion gives a massive shrug at the Brother's words, then waves at the food set before him. "Eat, honoured guest. Would you like singers or dancers to be brought before you? You mentioned you had a Mongol problem? Would you like us to take care of some of them for you? Also, What more can you tell us of these strange dogs, wise one? We are eager to learn."

He then claps a hand to one ear as if listening to something. His eyes grow dark, his brow furrows, his nostrils snort hot breath. He gasps, reels, clasping a table's edge for support.

Senor Ramon, turns to Brother Thao and says, "It is as though a million voices cried out and were suddenly... drowned. I have just received word. There has been, well, is, or rather, are two terrible storms past the Gibraltar Straits and have already devastated a good part of Europe. Even now they still rage. What light can the learned and wise ones of your Order shed upon this terrible tragedy?"

Meanwhile, the once-formidable warrior struggles to hold up the great Pug on one arm. The two guards try to help him but she rounds upon them, suddenly fierce. His men in peril, Kumander Wasi forgets his fear and leaps upon the Pug's back, tugging upon the scruff of her neck, growling, "No!".
[/SPOILER]

To Avalon:
By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

All due respect, the Tribe of Trese had once taught that the Underworld will always seek redress and to restore balance. Someone is being punished, that is certain.

In the meantime, we plead with you, deflect it, don't attack it.

Be that as it may, we hope that the spirit of cooperation can help save your people. Contact whoever you know can help you over there. Band together against this common threat. Whoever, wherever. Offer concessions or bribes lest you be swept away.

You have our prayers.

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~The Sultana Sinagtala of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

[Mabn]

Moon Fleet"I have spent most of my life in a single place. I hated it. I couldn't get my mind of of all the places i could never go to and things I would never know or see. I cannot break your curse, but I can tell you about my home so your life will have had one more thing you learned of."

[Durmatagno]

If thats the way you wish it to be, so be it. Just be careful, powerful forces are spreading worldwide, and that "delicate balance" won't last long. If you ever change your mind, you know where to find us.

Drake sent his response back to the assassins, and relaxed back in his chair, so far the two large storms hadn't as of yet affected his people. While that was all well and good, there was still the problem of the pug, and the growing demand for him to expand. His eyes were set firmly on South America, and soon his eyes would see the real thing, not just it on a map.

[Mabn]

Grimland
StarfleetOur music... we usually do it in private, the voices tend to sing along and things can get out of hand. Are you sure you would like to here some?
SunfleetO.K. people, lets do this, standard aquatic digestive evacuation protocols: craft anti corrosion equipment, seal our craft and render it buoyant, disable out hosts nervous system, drag our craft free and latch on. We'll need to re purpose the rigging as splints and tarp. Thank time we have engines as a backup.
MoonfleetUpon returning to port, James was asked if his dog had been given retrografts.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS:

TO: The Sultanate

We have finally finished our research into Sonar, and are willing to provide the specs for costs to you, our great ally.


TO: The United Technocratic States of Durmatagno

Greatings, our southeastern neighbor. The formation of your state has recently come to our attention. Know that the great lands of Dixie are being re-united under the Great Tiger in to a New Confederate States, one that will last the ages and destroy the evil Yankees. If you do not seek to prevent us from achieving our divine mission, we will save wiping your heathen religion from the planet until the afterwards.

-First of the Orange Bloods,
Thomas G. Clahoun

[oblivion6]

Captain Winters waited anxiously for the scouts to return...he had been recieving reports of monsterous raiders just a few miles out from Faluna, the newly established seat of the IA backed Reforged Canadian Alliance which consisted of the colonies recently built using IA funds. the raiders didnt seem to be causing any major problems, but letting them go unchallenged would likely attract even more trouble...

there was a rustling in the bushes off to his right and out stepped a pretty black-haired girl of maybe 16...though young, Lyon certainly had potential. she was also one of the only agents available at the moment, with the rest dealing with a situation half way around the world in India...Winters didnt know much about the girls past but he certainly curious...

Whats the situation Lyon? Winters asked in a gentle voice, he didnt know why but he always felt bad for the girl and as such always treated her with the utmost care and delicateness despite knowing nothing of her. she just had this aura about her...

about a dozen Gnolls, armed to the teeth as well as a single frost troll... she said in an excited voice. she always got this way before battle.

hmm...alright then... Winters paused and considered his strategy before shouting Form up in Skirmish Formation! to his men. in normal circumstances he would have them in a tight, almost turtle formation, but against a troll, that wasnt an option...

he chucked then at the thought of what Ara would say in that situation. we dont need your soldiers...just a couple hyena's and a troll. i could take them with one hand tied behind my back! she might say, despite clearly not meaning what she said. she wasnt foolish after all...he wished Ara were here at the moment, her skills might come in handy, but she had been working in Israel for the last several months. he couldnt exactly blame her for that, it certainly was cold here in Canada and Ara had been at the forefront of the re-colonization efforts here in the wastes...

umm...captain...are you coming...? Lyon asked, shaking him out of his daze. she was staring up at him curiously.

huh? oh of course...was just lost in thought... he said before hurrying to join his men, Lyon not far behind...
______

Winters ordered his men to stay put and took Lyon ahead, he wanted to see the raiders himself before attacking. sure enough, below were a dozen gnolls, armed with pikes and even a couple primitive shotguns amongst them, and a couple feet away from them was a massive,shaggy white troll, chained with thick chains to an even thicker tree...it was big even for a troll but was nothing his people couldnt handle.

hurrying back to his men he ordered his people to surround the area and await the signal...he also ordered a couple men to spark a small fire off in the woods behind the gnolls. the goal was to lure as many gnolls away from the camp as possible since the troll was going to be tough enough to kill without all those gnolls causing trouble...however, things didnt go as planned and instead unchained their troll and set off towards the tral of smoke as one big group...Damn, nothings ever easy is it? he thought to himself before shouting Attack! Attack! dont let them regroup

there was a massive burst of gunfire and an explosion as his men jumped up from the bushes, grenades being thrown and submachine guns peppering the gnolls with bullets. the gnolls quickly scattering to the woods and the troll howled in pain as hundreds of bullets riddled its thick hide, but he had forgotten one crucial fact about trolls...they tended to berserk and ignore all wounds the closer they came to death...all of a sudden the beast turned and immediantly rushed the closest person in sight...Lyon!!! look out! Winters shouted at the girl, most of the other soldiers having taken off in pursuit of gnolls.

her eyes widened as she turned to see the troll charging for her...out of ammunition she threw her submachine gun to the side and opened fire with her sidearm, but that would have been the end of her had Winters not stabbed the thing in the side with a fallen gnolls pike...the beast reared and howled, turning to this idiot who had engaged him and charged...Holy sh**... Winters muttered as the troll charged, murderous rage in its eyes. he rolled and watched the troll run past him, shooting it with his sidearm as it passed. despite this VERY VERY brief resite, the troll quickly came back around.

Lyon quickly rushed to his side, a submachine gun she had recently acquired from a fallen comrade in her hand. you should get out of here Lyon Winters said looking between her and the murderous troll.

nah, i think i'll stay... Lyon said with a grin before quickly diving to the side. Winters eyes widened as he saw what she saw, diving to the ground as well...the blast of icy cold air blasted over him. brr...thats cold... he thought to himself taking another shot at the troll, who was slowly stalking towards Lyon.

yet again, that would have been the end of Lyon had someone not saved her from death. the back of the trolls head exploded as the bullet thundered into its brain...both Winters and Lyon, startled by this turned towards the direction the bullet had come, and the hooded figure that stood there, holding a long barreled sniper-rifle...Winters gasped as the figure lowered his hood...or she, he should say...it was Ara...

[HerbieRAI]

Calant looked out the window of the skytower. He could make out the battle in the distance, and luckly the recent wall was holding. Reports weren't looking good, but they were acceptable considering the circumstances.

And the Military Rehabilitation program has managed to push the horde back slightly

Calant did a 180 and stared at his aid for a few moments

Did you just say pushed the horde back? What is the Military Rehabilitation program?

It was the order you signed a few weeks ago. It takes our mentally unstable and serial killers, arms them, and puts them on the front. It runs off the idea that people who have lost their mind just need a chance to succed to regain their sanity. Aparently one of them has grown real attached to his flamethrower and has been advantly pushing back the enemy.

Well then, we should continue the program. Also, begin suppling the front with flame weapons. If the bears hate the fire, we'll burn them to a crisp.

[Grimsage Matt]

Turn 7

Everything must Burn! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clqlx8EQ77w)

Down under, the drop bear horde is being pushed back. Slightly. This is not the result of mechanics or flame weapons, but one mans brutality and fire based descruction on a level that scares both friend and foe.

Traped for nearly a week behind enemy lines, one of the Fringe boys said this; "It's not out there traped with them. May god have mercy on their souls, they're trapped with it."

This is The Pyro (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUhOnX8qt3I). Get your fire reist gear.


The Barons Trade War

Over in Hong Kong, it was a nice, normal day of goblin politics. There was avigrous exchange of macheine gun fire, followed by a intesnse salvo of naplam rockets. As they exchanged shots of exploding sheep, they spoted ships on the horizen. War ships.

After exchnging a few "welcome to the civil war" shots with the Sultanates ships, they banded together and surrendered. Mostly. The Sultanate found a lot of expolsives in the ships cargo bays.


Storm over the Atlantic

The Mages of Avalon managed to briefly halt the storm. Of course, when a massive head miles long and miles across emerges from the storm and bellows out a question at volumes great enough to shatter stone walls..... Better give they guy what he wants.

The Indian Civil War

As the raiders of the Serpent Queen move in on the embattled Governer of Old India, the castle of Kurnool is assulted. The bulk of the casulties where the mages stationed there.

In other news...

Capone bought the newspaper
Elvis was sighted having a beer with Eddie Riggs
A flying saucer probed some of the NCS's cows. They were returned tramatized, but physicaly unharmed.
The Internet Troll held a convention last week. One person was so burned, only the Pyro could do better.
The Orc's of the Shara dessert are plaing another Waaagh. As soon as they make the comevertive axes anyway.
Cthulhu married Paris Hilton.

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

Storm over the Atlantic

Among the Mages of Avalon present Morgan alone speaks enough of the draconic language to converse with the storm-lord. Motioning for her mages to not attempt anything Morgan says {draconic: We know of one mage who has gained power so as to be far above the fleeting power of mortals such as myself. He goes by the name of Nagash, and lives in the Great Spire. It is an artifact in a land we mortals call Canada. You can get to it by passing over the north pole. His power is orders of magnitude above any other mage that walks the earth. If we could not possibly have woken you, than Nagash is the only one who could have. Should you go to meet with him we humbly request that you take a path around our island, as mortals such as us cannot withstand the power that you project around you.}

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate D-ESP 14 MOR 12

The Armada

Escort vessels peel off, guarding a heavily laden convoy of cargo ships, trade cogs and junks as they bear towards the Mindaluzvisian mainland, bearing the payment of Baron Bilge's payment and their war-loot. Behind them, the cloud of smoke and dust over Hong Kong is already dissipating.

The rest of the armada tacks southward, weaving through ports of resupply at the Majapahit isles, then on to the Australian mainland. They establish a beachead and secure a firebase on high ground with multiple spiked ditches around it.

From there, the aerial cavalry takes to bombing runs and strafing runs over the massed mutant horde assaulting the Southern Empire's cities. The sky darkens with volley on volley of quarrels while clay pots burst amongst the beasts' ranks, spreading liquid flames and disgorging briefly bound fire elementals who run free of their constraints, reveling in the havoc that they wreak.

Cannons and mortars, catapults and ballistae from both naval positions and inland emplacements bombard the beastmen's masses. Contingents of giant rooster-riding light cavalry race around the flanks, peppering the mutants with unceasing arrows.

Under all this suppression, the main force advances. Heavy infantry advance with shields and swords, scrapguns to the fore. They crack out several volleys of flechette-shots into the ravening horde… and then switch to using the explosive rounds that they had found in the Barons’ stockpiles. When the action is too close for shooting, they close ranks, thrusting blades through shields, keeping tight formation, killing anything that comes at them.

Meanwhile, the Sultana and the Death Guard along with contingents of zealot shock troopers fan out to the left flank, picking their way through the myriad corpse-mounds that pile around their employers’ defensive walls. When they judge the moment right, silent as night, they surge out of the shadows and drive into the ravenous horde from behind.

[oblivion6]

[i'm bored and too tired to proccess my own EoTs so i might as well continue my story...:smalltongue:]

they were at it yet again...scouts had confirmed that the band of gnolls they had slaughtered a few days earlier had actually been the forerunners of a larger band, testing and probing the defenses of the military forces in the area...this new, larger force was said to consist of over 200 gnolls and 3 dozen trolls, but this was nothing the men and women of the IA's 1st mountain regiment. though most IA commando teams were more experienced in the flat, arid lands of the middle-east, the 1st mountain regiment had been fighting nonstop in the icy canadian wilderness for many many months.

Winters stood on a small hill, overseeing the construction of fortifications against the approacing gnoll swarm. special volunteer units were out harrying the beasts but he was certain the main battle would take place here and he wanted his men as dug in as possible.

-----
meanwhile, Ara crouched on top of a narrow ridge-line overlooking the gnoll encampment, with her sniper and a pair of binoculars. her and Lyon were tasked with observing the horde, identifying potential leaders and generally just keeping watch...this trend had continued for a couple days, with the gnolls drawing ever closer to civilization but otherwise not changing routine very much.until now that is. today, the gnolls had stopped their march early, and what was more, the guards around the camps perimeter had doubled in both numbers and quality...it wasnt long before she saw why...a mile or so away behind the camp, she began to make out the shape of a dozen more gnolls and with them were what appeared to be...white drakes!

ah hell... Ara muttered after seeing this. drakes were pretty much just smaller cousins to the dragon, but much more dim-witted and aggressive than their larger counterparts. she had dealt with white dragons twice before while exploring the Canadian wilderness and both times the damn thing had seriously considered killing her! she wasnt in much of a hurry to meet their stupid cousins even if they were much smaller...

Ara quickly moved to awaken her companion, who was sleeping in a tent not 15 feet away. really, drakes? Lyon asked in an excited tone after Ara explained the situation. Ara just sighed and handed the binoculars to the young girl. she kind of reminded her of herself when she was younger, brave,eager and sometimes foolish...she would get over that real quickly though...you almost had to in order to be a member of the IA's elite corp of intelligence agents. Ara had killed in just about every way imaginable, but had almost been killed herself many times. you never knew when trouble might strike...

they were sneaking along the very edges of the gnoll camp not long after Ara had awoken Lyon. they were trying to gain more detailed and in depth knowledge of what was going on, and what better way to go about doing that than listen to drunken guards? she did know a bit of gnoll after all, having picked it up after months of working with such creatures.

they were picking their way thrugh he trees very carefully, just waiting for Ara to overhear a gold mine of information from the guards. that didnt happen though for they all seemed unusually alert, almost as if they actually expected something to happen...this fact was not wasted on the 2 girls but by the time they realized it, it was too late...the gnolls knew about them!

they were quickly pulling out towards the main IA company fortifications when the attack came, swift and unexpected. a dozen gnolls came charging out of the brush and a crossbow quarrel whizzed by Ara's head. damn...how'd they track us so quickly? she muttered, pulling out a Luger and shooting the nearest two gnolls between the eyes in one fluid motion. but so content was she upon those gnolls around her, she couldnt dodge the crossbowman forever...there was a sharp pain in the small of her back, where the bolt had hit her. she spent the next several moments falling in and out of conciousness, the gnolls insidious drug flowing inside of her...the last thing she saw before completely blacking out was Lyon drawing a knife from her boot just before a spear buried itself in her back...
[not done yet]

[Grimsage Matt]

Storm over the Atlantic

The Stormlord snorts.

["Youngling, I tracked the scent here. And all I want is a apology. Unlike you whipersnapers, I'm a civilized being."]*- In Dragonic.

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

Storm over the Atlantic


note: while everyone can read this it should really be OOC knowledge unless you have a spy that speaks draconic in my ranks.

Morgan thinks briefly on this, confused by the stormlords change in demeanor. {draconic: we are sorry for waking you, and for trying to deflect the blame elsewhere. We had thought that you would be angry, and given the power you appear to possess could probably wreck our nation. Out of fear we reacted as we did. Please accept our humble apology for awakening you. }

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

To: the NCS

*OOC: Sorry, this took so long. Got busy. Also, lost the link. And sorry as well that this be lacking in... quality. Very tired.

Well, then. Name your price. Let's see what we can negotiate.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS:

Sultanate:

It would be 8 ECON to send you everything you need for sonar.


The World:
The NCS has recently recreated an ancient technology, known as Sonar. We are willing to sell this technology to any interested country, for a price of 9 Econ.

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

To the NCS:


By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

Our appreciation for your efforts and your aid. However, it seems we have run into some greater than expected difficulty in the war down under. Would you be willing to stretch the payment out over two to four seasons?

Does your Sonar have an above-water equivalent? Would you mind if our scholars continue joint research with yours on these and other projects? What do you have in the ways of agriculture, industry or military hardware that you might be willing to trade, or at least teach the development thereof?

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Vizier Bing of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate


To the GM:

Would Sonar/Radar be magitech-compatible? How much would it take to upgrade the Sultanate's extant early warning system to integrate competent voxcaster stations and auspex arrays--- of reliable maintenance and magitech design such that only citizens can operate them--- at every significant population centre?

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 7)

Sultanate:

If you can provide 4 ECON this turn, we will provide the rest, and you can pay us back over the next 4 turns, 1 ECON/turn. Is that an OK deal? Otherwise, I won't be able to send the tech until a later turn, after I've saved some money.

We will take your requests into consideration in our future endeavors, and will contact you if we think we have something that would interest you. If there are specific things you'd like to work jointly on, we are always willing to do so.

[Grimsage Matt]

Turn 8

The Storm Lord Returns to sleep in the triangle, but not before shrouding Avalon in a thick fog, from which nothing returns.....

Down over in the land on fire.... WAIT A DUNDEE MOMENT! WHO THE BLAZES SET THE OUTBACK ON FIRE! At least the Drop bears seem to be roasting. Last confirmed sighting of the Pyro; It was using a flag pole to make werewolf smores out of Werewolves and Dropbears.

The Swamps of Georgia are having a population boom, with the NCS coming down in droves to build up the place. However, some of the natives are getting restless, and the Bog Monsters are at it again. Seriously, Vorgons would hate that poetery....

The IA Rangers and the New Brunswick Ents had a lively hockey game this season, with the IA winning in overtime. In related news, last years champions, the Seals of Nunevut, beat the Tronto leafs once again. However, they tied against the Mimes from Quebec, and one lucky man won 500,000 dollors from a 5 buck bet.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 9)

Charlie Sheen

Greetings, my fellow ruler. We are the holy Confederate States of America, and seek to reunite all of Dixie. In exchange for your joining our alliance, which already includes the noble territories of North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama, we would be willing to provide you with the Duff Brewing company, producers of the finest beer in America, as well as invite you to the Carolinas, where you can find the most beautiful women in America to help refill your harem. All we ask is for your joining our confederation, and allowing the worship of the Great Tiger in your territories.


Bog Monsters of Georgia

You speak in Haikus
that are truly horrible,
this you must admit.

We would make a deal -
a haiku competition.
Winner gets Georgia.

Capone will be judge
Unpartial, though he is strange.
what is your response?


Capone:

Would you like to judge a haiku competition? We'd provide free Duff beer.

[oblivion6]

Intelligence Agency

Charlie Sheen
Greetings. you are a god among men and I have a proposal for you. Join the IA...Our holdings and embassies are all around the world, granting you access to all the exotic women and beer you could ever ask for...The woman of the IA here in Israel are also quite fine if I do say so myself, must be the sun-kissed skin so hot it'll melt your popsickle:tongue:

[Grimsage Matt]

Charlie Sheen to NCS
Eh, so long as I can sleep with 'em, and the booze keeps coming, I'll be a 'member'. Not fully joining, just being freindly, thts all.

Charlie Sheen to the IA
Keep the Booze and chicks coming, and I'll tell you all you want to know in this part of the world.

Capone to the NCS
Sure, but you do know that I'll drink your place dry, right? Anycase, I'll be over. Been drinking with Sheen. Good fella. Also, you know that the poems they use are random, right?
OOC; I did not think you would challanage them to a Hiku conest, and I suck at those. Ment to them to be 'background'. Some people have leprecons, you have Bog Monesters that just do bad poetry

The Bog Monsters to the NCS
Despoilers of Bogs,
The others lived simple,
Revenge we have.

We may not fight,
But other weapons are,
Annoyance our spear.

We will meet,
On bog of Poetery,
Capone drunken judge.

[HerbieRAI]

The Southern Empire

The smoke could be seen from any portion of the empire, and the smell of burnt fleash filled the air. It was a very satisfying feeling, although a little unearving. The Sultanate would probably be very upset, but the half breeds would cope as they always did. The would seemed to be ending for the true humans, all was about lost.

That was when he came forward, to show the way to redemption. For too long the Southern Empire has tolerated mutants, now the way was clear. The only good mutant was one becoming a smore.

To the Sultanate

We thank you for your efforts with stopping the dropbear horde. We are now working on making sure this problem never starts again.


To Eddie Riggs

The last bits of the invasion are being delt with. We would like your assistance in finding the source of the Drop Bears and makeing sure they never return in these numbers.

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate MOR 12 D-ESP 14

Under the Sultana's guidance, the surviving soldiers of the relief force tend to their wounded; refurbish, re-arm, refit and repair their various armaments; construct redoubts against expected enemy counterattacks...

...and raise the dead from both sides in order to plug the holes in their ranks.

When they receive word of the Imperial purges, they mobilize every unit that they could spare, even extending offers of pardon and sanction to... privateers... to undertake rescue missions for the refugees.

Meanwhile, back at home, contraptions of steel and spirit and spell are constructed in every major population center. A farmer in the mountains can now contact her husband on patrol upon the waves and receive educational as well as entertainment programs on the regularly scheduled slots as well as call up buyers--- both local and foreign--- for her crops.

To the Southern Empire:
By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

You're welcome.

And if you don't want them, you're free to give them to us. Let them be our problem, eh?

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Vizier Bing of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

To the NCS:
By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

We accept your fair offer.

Maybe we can interest you in something as well? By the song of Santa Kalashnikova and the wings of San Miguel, we have advanced weapons under development. Reliable as well as accurate and capable of rapid fire in the hands of a good soldier. We also have an advanced communications and detection system in the works. Help us in developing these and we'll see to it that you get a similar discount to the one you gave us.

What deal do you propose for these?

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Vizier Bing of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

To the Intelligence Agency:
By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

How are your charges doing, up in Canada? All well with you, we trust?

You had mentioned giving aid to the helpless, to refugees and to the persecuted? We're trying to do our bit over in this region. If you can spare some of your agents for a bit of immediate action, we'll see how we can compensate your efforts. The Southern Empire is attempting a bit of genocide and it comes to our attention that there are surely multitudes who are suffering in India and Japan as well. The above were arranged in order of priority. Help us save them from their oppressors... and ascertain as well that they are "clean" enough to be reintegrated into our normal society without exposing the citizenry to undue threat.


So... 6 ESP now for 3 ECON, 3 MOR later?


By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Vizier Bing of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

To the Downtrodden, the Oppressed and the Persecuted
Of the Southern Empire, the Indian Realms
And the World
By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

If your enemies hound you with fear and hatred, with fire and steel
If you are driven into the mud and filth with an iron boot and a cruel laugh
If your children are starving and you are wasting and ill
If you are pureblood or mutant, beastblood or spellfleshed
So long as you have no daemon-taint
Or bear ill-will towards your neighbour
By boat or wing or hoof or claw or foot
Come to us. Our arms are open, there's a light in the window
We will feed you and clothe you,
Give you roofs and give you smiles
In the Sultanate,
There is no war but for the war that is paid
There is no poverty but for the poverty of the lazy
All we ask in return for giving you a second chance at life
Is your citizenship.

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Vizier Bing of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

[oblivion6]

Intelligence Agency

To Mindulzian Sultanate
Things are coming along fairly well in Canada according to all reports. Progress has slowed but no matter...

It is good you contacted me when you did. I was just about to sit down and think of where to allocate our resources(read EoT)

As of this moment, I think I will dispatch my daughter and a couple squadrons of men to help you out. Will also contact the Medical Corp and see what can be sent over.

Ara, 3 ESP and Medical Corp
Director Dhavid

[ForzaFiori]

NCS (D ESP 12)

Sultanate

Excellent. We will ship you the technology this turn.

We also have 2 TEC we can spare to assist you with your projects. Sadly, our resources are limited, and are currently tied up in other projects.

[Grimsage Matt]

Eddie Riggs to the Southern Empire
Look man, we know what causes stuff like this. Some christain just tried to conesecrate Ayers Rock again. Happens everytime one of you guys does that.

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate MOR 12 D-ESP 14

To the NCS:
By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

Excellent, then.

If you can spare it, we will take it. If not now, we are certain we can come to some other agreement some other time.

Also, forgive us if we are mistaken, but would it be amiss to send a representative to your poetry contest?

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Vizier Bing of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

To the Intelligence Agency:

By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

Good for you. And indeed, progress need not be rushed, lest you stumble and fall off the mountain while climbing, yes?

We are humbled and delighted by your generosity.

An expedition of teachers and entertainers, craftsmen and labourers would be satisfactory?

^Well, then. 6 ESP-worth now for 3 ECON-worth, 3 MOR-worth next turn, confirmed.


By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Vizier Bing of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

[ForzaFiori]

NCS

Sultanate:

Certainly, you may send a representative. I cannot predict whether he'll enjoy it or not, however. The Bog Monsters are near the worst poets in the world.

[Miraqariftsky]

The Mindaluzvisian Sultanate MOR 12 D-ESP 14

To the NCS:
By the guidance of the ancestors and the grace of the gods, greetings.

Excellent, then.

Our Ambassador Asa and her retinue have had some turbulence during their European expedition, but they should be over soon enough, we hope.

By blaze and blade, blood and bones,
~Vizier Bing of the Mindaluzvisian Sultanate

Meanwhile, elsewhere...

Somewhere near the concentration camps and purge-plazas...

Shadows pad through shadows. Something drools as certain stealthy figures slip past guards and into enclosures.

Within the cages, in the depths of the pits where the huddled mutant masses await execution, whispers that bring hope float on winds that reek of filth and fear, of despair and death. Come with me if you wanna live.

Bugging eyes and grinning jowls appear out of nothingness as a certain black-clad captain and certain other leather-wrapped agents help refugee families onto syndicate privateer ships under cover of night and spells of darkness. Those who are most ill and infirm are encouraged to hold onto the Pug's fur as it blips back and away to safety...


Rescue whoever can still be rescued.
If the Intelligence Agency's people are in on it, so much the better.
If there's "safe" looting/questioning to be had, so be it, but don't stop and dawdle while doing so.

Grr, grumble, pirate scum. Grr, grumble, desperate times, desperate measures. Level of official pardons-and-sanctions depend on how much they help. If their good deeds here outweigh their previous misdeeds, good for them. If they are caught again with red-handed with heinous hell, all bets are off.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS:

The great Tournament ended with an amazing spectacle. The winner, Conan the Warbringer, is lifted on the arms of his fellow soldiers as they cheer, and becomes the newest leader of the Confederate Army. The loser, Vermillion the Tigeress, is promoted to head the Orange-Bloods in battle as Conan's second in command.

[oblivion6]

...Ara's knife almost cut straight through the girls arm as she was jolted out of a deep sleep...Fortuanatly, Lyon was quicker than that and was able to get out of the way. Save it for the enemy, she began, grinning. the werewolves are already on their way here...

Sorry...Didnt anyone ever warn you not to wake me up before noon? Ara said, rubbing her bleary eyes. How many do the scouts estimate are in the horde?

A couple dozen atleast, but they are many times stronger than even you so... Lyon's voice trailed off, not needing to finish the statement...

-----
It wasnt long until Ara and Lyon stood side-by-side in the trenches, alongside the few agents they had brought with them. They had been airlifted from Canada using a cargo freighter recently commandeered for the IA. She didnt know all the details, but then again that was her fathers job...About all she knew for sure was that they were to support the Sultanate against a horde of werewolves of all things! She was not the type to get scared all that easilly, but, even she had to admit that dozens of howling werewolves charging all at once presented quite the sight. A glance to the right showed that Lyon felt the same way.

The battle started with a bang...Teams of rifleman opened fire with their guns, fairly rudimentery in her opinion, and Sultanate mages and necromancers called up storms of lighting and summoned up hundreds of zombies from the ground. Ara felt tears in her eyes and just shook her head at the methods of the necromancers, not approving at all. Having dabbled a bit in necromancy not long ago after the death of Brador, an old friend who had died thanks to that *****, Morgana Le Fay, she knew exactly how unreliable such spells were, especially when you attempted to reach the actual spirits of the departed. Though she knew it wasnt the mages fault, she scowled at the thought of Morgana. She had to blame somebody for his death after all, and she was the easiest target.

She was shaken out of her reverie when she felt someone tap her on the shoulder. It was Lyon. Ara...Are you okay? She asked, concerned.

Yes. Just a bad memory... She said evasively. She didnt like talking about it. Even her own father and "brother" had tried to get her to open up but were similiarly pushed away. Lyon just nodded and let it drop.

Just moments later, after Ara had taken stock of the situation, the battle seemed to be going fairly well, but there were still too many werewolves. Okay, this is it...Fire at will! She shouted to her own men, taking shots of her own against the largest alpha wolves. Cut off the head and the whole group will fall in short order. With any luck at all, the werewolves wouldnt even be able to reach their fortifications since the Sultanate had generously kept a compay in reserve to protect her positions. However, it paid to be careful.

[Part 1 is over. Part 2 will come later.]

[Grimsage Matt]

Turn 9.... now with 50% more Doom

It came from Antarctica..

A storm of unspeakable devesation. Mostly, as sure, the North Atlantic one was bad, but at least it didn't rip time and space apart, use them to play baseball and beat up a tank then glue them back together. But the worst part is the pugs. Seeming to draw the storm behind them, they've gone on a yipping dash north, waking things up, unleashing their breathern.

In the land down under, their pugs are emerging from the Dreamtime, bringing both reast and peace, and horror and nightmares along for the ride.

South America's native animals are being marshaled, as the Primordial pugs flex their stubby tails.

In Africa, the wind howls, the Earth shakes, water twists and chirns and the sun almost blasts the land, as it's pugs begin to emerge from the elements themselves.

Needless to say, that drop bear horde is starting to get thin mighty fast.

But a event has occured, in a hill. Silent, in the eye of the storm. There, the Pyro and one of the Oldest of the Dreaming Pugs met. Hand met paw.... and the world seemed to shift, ever so slightly.

[oblivion6]

Intelligence Agency

The battle was winding down. Werewolves were being gunned down by the score, those few surviving the firestorm being slaughtered by Sultanate infantrymen. Then of course, things took a turn for the worst. Ara felt a little light-headed and she felt a dull ache in the back of her head. Before all hell broke loose...A massive storm of psychic energy swept over the battle-field, causing widespread havoc amongst the ranks. So much energy and malice was present in this storm that weaker minds were instantly shattered, and even Ara momentarrilly blacked out.

When she came too, it was a scene of utter chaos. The werewolves had breached the fortifications and were even now in the trenches where confusion reigned. Taking a split second to take stock of her surroundings, Ara grabbed a sidearm from one of her fallen agents and gunned down the nearest werewolf who had been slowly advancing on an unconcious Lyon. That was not the only wolf nearby however and a werewolf bigger than any she had seen before was already taking sizing her up. Even hunched over as it was, it still stood about eight feet tall, quite a bit taller than Ara.

Of course, Ara muttered, aiming her sidearm at the beast. nothings ever easy... The beast came in at a rush so fast and ferocious, that Ara, normally quick to react, had no chance to retaliate, completely bowling her over. Having lost her sidearm while falling, she drew a knife and threw it at the beast, burying it it its shoulder. Quickly jumping to her feet, she grabbed another dagger from her belt. Sidestepping the beasts next lunge, she stabbed it in the side. Though the wolf was clearly extraordinary strong and fast, it simply couldnt change its angle of attack mid-lunge. She let her combat instincts take over, drowning out everything but the wolf, so she was prepared for the next charge. With a quick muttered word, the shadows around Ara seemed to swirl up around her and she disappeared..Reappearing just feet away from her original position. See you in hell... she said to the beast, a wide smile on her face, just as a stream of shadowy knives left her hand and went straight to its throat.

The immediant threat having been dealt with, she ran over to Lyon and checked to see if she was still breathing. She was, but just barely...Having some experience in rudimentery healing arts, Ara did what she could for the girl, but it required professional hands, which she simply couldnt provide. Especially seeing as how one of her own agents let out a shout...Hit the deck! Napalm missles are inbound!

Ara had just barely managed to throw herself on top of Lyon, shielding her body with her own, when the missles impacted not far from the trench. The last thing she knew was a bright light and extreme heat...

[Part 2 is done.]

To the world
In a massive televised broadcast, shown across the world, Director Dhavid, head of the IA, made an announcement to the world. The fact that his agents had succesfully hacked into the communications network of the entire world, implanting its own 'Cyber-Troll News Network', spoke volumes about just how formidable his agents were.

"I will skip all pleasantries here and get straight to the point." He began, his face appearing more haggard than it had in a long time. Probably due to the fact that his own daughter, Ara, was off fighting as a mercenary somplace.

"All of you are aware of the recent "disturbances" to the south. My mages have determined that the filthy dogs of hell are dragging this storm behind them like the plague. They MUST be stopped! I urge EVERYONE to put aside all quarrels and band together to fight this menace. All interested should attend an open meeting here in Tel Aviv..."

To All Canadian Groups
A message is sent to all the various groups that operate under my sway in the Canadian colonies, be they gnomes, ents or whomever.

"Great disturbance in the south. Calling all able-bodied warriors to enlist at the nearest recruitment depot. Should you fight well and with courage, bonuses will be offered and those who show great talent will be allowed permanent positions in the army."

OOC: Hoping my REP will help with this.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS:

Intelligence Agency:

We will send one of our diplomats to the meeting in Tel Aviv. I'm afraid that our president himself is busy. We too felt the disturbances in the south, and anything that happens in Antarctica and can be felt in Carolina must be dealt with.

[hydroplatypus]

Avalon

To All

* ** ***r** *** w*** *** *o* ** w*ll **t ** **** to ** **** of ****hi** *** *** f********l* *****e. ** are ************ **rr* *** ****, *** **** y** **** ** ***li** **** *ou* th****.

After this the transmission is just static. It appears that attempts to lift the fog around Avalon have failed.

[Grimsage Matt]

On a Hill top

It drifted, gently swaying, a thousand snowflakes, drawn to earth. It rose, a bubble of merry laughter, a thousand voices combined in a roar of pure estacsy. Around, a sea, gentling carrsessing, even as flesh dissolves. A rabbit, spontanesouly combusts, werewolves exploding from the heat.

And then, the eyes opened.

In Austriala

Quickling dashing behind fortifcations, few where lost, even as what amounted to a tidal wave of pure dunduilted fire swept over them. Cower in basements, being cooked alive, even as itr goes out as fast as it arrived.

On the front lines, the Sulanate and Ia forces duck for cover and erect shields to protect them from the incoming fire storm, even as it rains napalm, and metors fall like hateful bombs. The werewolves are burned, turned to ash before they can even reach shelter.

In the Sultanate and Antarctica

Like the land pouring forth it's rage, a pillar of solid flame as burst from the Souther Empire. Compareable to a Quasar's gamma pulse, it screams it's rage for only a split second.

Southern Empire

Where the Pyro once stood, something else has taken it's place. Pure, Pyrokentic flames make up it's body, and all around it is incerirated. (http://www.google.ca/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&tbo=d&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&biw=1440&bih=710&tbm=isch&tbnid=CPaePAnmlHwKUM:&imgrefurl=http://starcraft.wikia.com/wiki/Dark_archon&docid=KeBXzr45fBq9DM&imgurl=http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080503231126/starcraft/images/d/d0/DarkArchon_SC1_Cncpt1.jpg&w=582&h=435&ei=r6zbUOC5DY6w0AHFyoC4Cw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=822&vpy=163&dur=1234&hovh=194&hovw=260&tx=149&ty=107&sig=108487321860410486381&page=1&tbnh=143&tbnw=191&start=0&ndsp=33&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:0,i:130)

And, in the soliders minds, one phrase can be heard, over and over.

"All must burn. All must be Ash."

Never a dull moment.

[oblivion6]

Okay, that hurt, Ara murmered, attempting to rise from the cot, but couldnt and only succeeded in feeling a painful burning sensation across most of her body.

You should stay put young lady. a mans voice said. Looking around, she found herself in a small tent. Not far away was an old man dressed in the robes of a Sultanate mage, and another cot. Laying on the cot was a young, black-haired girl...Noticing the concern that found its way upon Ara's face after seeing Lyon, the man said, She's alright, just sleeping. She's more exhausted than anything. You on the other hand, are lucky to be alive.

Not needing to experience the pain again, Ara did as she was told and layed back down. What happened and where are we?

Your in the main camp of the Sultanate legions. The soldiers that brought you here claim to have found you in the trenches that were sighted for missile attack after being breached. They said you were shielding this other young lady, he motioned at Lyon. wth our own body. A claim I dont doubt in the slightest based on your injuries. Like I said, her wounds are really nothing but minor cuts, bruises and a couple small burns. You on the other hand, were burned so severely its a wonder you survived. As things stand now, your almost certain to be scarred for life, but I did what I could for you...

[Not finished yet...]

[HerbieRAI]

Calant saw the explosion from his tower, but he was to slow to react. The light blinded his eyes as he feel to the ground, and the shockwave blew out the glass panes and covered him with glass. He could hear the sirens blaring.

This is what I get for asking the mutants for help. Calant thought to himself. They come to my country and set off nuclear explosions. This ends now.

Realizing he can't see, he yells out to one of his advisors. Get the word our to the army and the Pyro, the Sultanate are now the enemy. We need to get revenge for this disaster.

[Mabn]

Grimland
In Tel AvivA long green boat with neither sails nor exhaust docks outside the city, its shape seeming to twist and flicker
The white bookas much as he wanted to see firsthand what would transpire in his home, Conner left instructions to his agents, boarded a ship of the Star Fleet, and set off for Tel Aviv, the best chance to deal with whatever had set off the pugs was for the rest of the world to know as soon as possible what they were dealing with, and the only one who could give reports from the Arctic Wastes to Asia Minor was him.
Death Knightsand agent appeared before the floating citadel to request audience
The Pugs ThemselvesIn the Moon fleet's fastest ship, with his pug and Grimland's finest canine agents, James set of in break-neck pursuit of the supernatural dogs in attempt to speak with them

[Grimsage Matt]

Calant's Tower

One of your aides, looking very nervous, approches you. "Sir, we just recived a report from the battlefield. The explosion..." Now, she seems almost to terrified to speak, "Sir, it's the Pyro. According to one of the scouts, the Pyro just exploeded into something... else."


The Frostshadow Hold

A beast made of bones desends from the citidel, and seems to beckon the agent to ride it.


On stranger Tides

Sailing after the pugs, you are swept from the beging to the end of time, through all spaces and none, reduced to pure energy and back again. Even so, your making progress.

[oblivion6]

Intelligence Agency

Grimland
You would be met at the docks by Director Dhavid himself, still looking haggard and weary. "Greetings. I dont believe we have had the pleasure to meet before." he paused. "I will be frank with you, my temper is not what it used to be...My daughter is off fighting to the south and could be dead for all I know so please bear with me."

"What can I do for you?"

[Mabn]

Grimland

Heart of Winter
the agent ascends unfazed, this was expected

as Conner sailed past the ice flows of home to the maelstrom Grimlanders called the gate of the world, he began to read about Antarctica's history before it was a dwelling place of men.

Intelligence AgencyA sick looking man tilted his head so it leaned over the bow. "You can use our aid. You asked for us, after all. It would be a pity if the world of men perished to some bad weather."

[oblivion6]

Intelligence Agency

Grimland
"Aye. We could use all the aid we can get. And I fear this is more than bad weather...Even now the hounds of hell are marching north in greater numbers ever seen before. I myself am no scholar but I fear it will only get worse before it gets better...A representitive is already here from the NCS, should I send a runner and get this meeting started?

The Fires of War
Winters is called off of duty in the Canadian wilderness and sent south to investigate the Pug threat.

[Mabn]

Grimland

Intelligence Agency"I am a scholar, and if I was certain it would get better I wouldn't have sailed past storms and 'hellhounds' to get here. I have no Idea what the NCS is, but by all means feel free to invite them."

[ForzaFiori]

NCS:

Intelligence Agency:


The envoy arrives Israel by boat, pulling off the barge in a beat up Dodge Charger, painted like the General Lee. The car drives to Tel Aviv, stopping in front of the main Intelligence Agency building in the city. A large man steps out, 6'6" tall and well muscled. He is dressed in wrangler jeans, a plaid button-up shirt, and cowboy boots and hat. His face is tattooed like a tiger, and his eyes are slitted like a cats. He enters the building, introducing himself as Bill McMillan, the representative from the NCS in regards to the plea for assistance that had been sent out. He asks to be taken to someone in a position to talk to him frankly, so that the NCS may decide whether to supply aid to assist you, and how much to send.

[oblivion6]

Intelligence Agency

NCS/Grimland[PM]
The NCS representitive would be greeted by a pair of soldiers and immediantly escorted down beneath the main intelligence building through a maze of twisting and turning corridors. Apparently the IA had an entire bunker complex beneath Tel Aviv! Upon reaching a door guarded by a man almost as big as himself, Bill would be led inside to a small room. Inside, sitting at a small table, was Director Dhavid and a frail looking man.

"Ah, you must be from the NCS," the director said looking up at you. Motioning towards the other man, he said, "This is a scholar from Grimland." After a brief pause, he said. "Now then. What is everyones opinion on those damn dogs...Pugs...things?

[ForzaFiori]

NCS:

Grimland/IA

((my guy isn't actually a PM - lets just say that the Pres showed up though, if Grim doesn't have any problem with that.))

Calhoun takes a seat, and looks suprised at the question asked. "This is the first we have heard of any problems with dogs. Are the really pugs? Somehow, when you said dogs from hell, I expected something larger, and less fluffy. You known, like a German Shepard or Rottweiler. Our psions did feel a... disturbance... while working on a project recently, however. A massive force, emanating from far to the south. I assumed the dogs have something to do with it, which is why I am here."


Sheeple of Virginia

5 messengers are sent into Virginia, each bearing the same message to any of the leaders of the Sheep People found by our agents. "Greetings, my neighbors to the north. You have no doubt heard of our quest to recreate the Blessed land of Dixie. We wish to offer you, the great people of Virginia, the chance to join our alliance. We know that we have done nothing as of yet to earn your trust, which is why we are coming to you now. What can the great state of Carolina, and our allies in the effort to reunite our great lands, do to assist you, and prove our worth as your allies?

-Thomas Calhoun
President of the New Confederate States of America"

[Mabn]

Grimland
NCS/IA(PM)
They are indeed dogs, and I doubt their origin is infernal, but they are very dangerous. We know neither of a way to harm them nor of a way to measure their power. Since they are adorable and make great companions this hasn't been a problem until recently. The reason we are concerned is that we are unaware what made them move in such numbers. We are currently trying to speak with the dogs and check up on things in the antarctic interior to find out. If we find out anything I will inform you both.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS

IA/Grimland (PM)

"It wouldn't defeat them, but as a stalling tactic, have you considered using some sort of controllable rabbit? Pugs are bred to chase them, you might be able to lead them back where they came, buy us time to figure out how to hurt them.

[Mabn]

Grimland
IA/NCS(PM)
What is a rabbit?

[ForzaFiori]

NCS

IA/Grimland (PM)

Calhoun uses a small amount of his psionic energy to produce a faint image of a small, furry creature.
"A rabbit is a small, fast mammal with large ears, that was common to most of the world before the fall. Pugs, along with several other breeds of dogs back pre-fall, were bred to hunt them. If we made a rabbit of some sort - either mechanical, or created by magic or psionic energy, scaled up to the size and speed of these pugs, perhaps we could play on their instincts, and at least have them moving in the wrong direction."

[Mabn]

Grimland
NCS/IA(PM)
We might be able to build such a thing, but we don't have a method to control it remotely, so using them could become a risky proposition. Also, these dogs have a bit of a head start by now and they're not moving slowly, even with our best tech the pugs could be anywhere in the world they're trying to get to before we caught up to them. At best I could have the IA send your people a remote schematic of my devising have yours assemble it, and hope they continue north long enough for the completed beast to intercept them.

[ForzaFiori]

NCS

IA/Grimland

"Considering that my territories are somewhere well above the equator, that plan would still wind up with over half the world inhabited by dust mops. Somehow we must be able to come up with something that leaves more of the world pug-free."

[Mabn]

Grimland
NCS/IA(PM)
Now your just nitpicking. Besides, the pugs really aren't that bad. They're just overexcited at the moment. If we can wear them out or calm them down they'll be fine.

[oblivion6]

Intelligence Agency

NCS/Grimland[PM]
"Hmm...Robot Rabbits...Crazy, but it might just work. As to transporting them, my engineers have been working on new fighter designs for the new IA air-service. These could potentially be modified to suit our needs. However, it would take time to organize..."

"The Pugs themselves may not be bad but I am concerned about all the beasts their march is stirring."

[ForzaFiori]

NCS

IA/Grimland

"If we were to go with the Rabbit idea, what would you need from the NCS?"