Only Ruins: Game thread

[pfm1995]

Navahangist

A devastation of papers covered Ammas' desk. Here, schematics for the bracing and support of the new-model steam engines; there, reports of tribals both friendly and not, and over there - ah. That one should've been burned. At the center, in it's own ocean of calm, was a binder of proposals from near-every trading house in Navahangist. All made the same request: The most up-to-date maps of the northern reaches, the 'Ghost Marshes', to prepare for an expedition. The simple question was, then, whom to give the privilege?

A Ship At Sea

How do you make a deal with a horseman? That question plagued the young captain's mind as he stood below, staring at a bay filled with worked goods and oils. They had so little they needed, you see, and so much of what they had was valuable elsewhere. He had seen some of their trinkets in the markets, the black leaves tainted by the blood of a fallen God and, in particular, the rust. If it grows on sand, and plants grow on it... Yes, this trip could make him very, very rich. But what to give in return?

Spoiler: Actions

Show

1: Implement the Improved Steam Engine.
2: Negotiate with the locals to the south of my previous absorption.
3. Same to the south of them.
4: Launch an expedition to the Ghost Marshes
5: Launch an expedition to the Ghost Marshes
6: Establish an embassy with the Khagnate
7: Research ship-building with Blackleaf wood

[Viirin]

Harold's Stay

In the renovation efforts of the subterranean remains of the building Harold was found in, a deeper hallway was discovered. Its design looked different than the rest of the building, and so efforts to investigate it further were ignored. However, something horrible and screaming tumbled forth from the dark recesses there.

A thing with far too many eyes, a great many too numerous mouths of varying size and tooth type, and no other discernible limbs or body parts at all rolled towards the dustmoth excavators, screaming in what could only be assumed to be the terror the faithful historians were feeling.

The moths tried to fly away in the cramped quarters to a surprising amount of skill- this kind of activity was something they had grown accustomed to. They slammed and sealed the entrance to the building with a heavy wooden bar across the thick stone doors that were luckily already in place. There was only one person they could turn to.

Queen Slivan Cook was interested to hear the tale, and even more interested to see for herself. The once-dustmoth recombinant was escorted to the would-be Chapel of Khalorean and let her escorts open the doors, let her in, then as to her wishes, seal it again until further notice.

If it wasn't for the well-placed torches and candles throughout the room, the Queen's flittering avoidance strategy would have ended in at least one face-first crash into a wall. Instead, she was able to avoid the comparitively slow creature long enough to accurately aim her forearm darts, each naturally possessing the Holy Virus. One dart pierced one of the screeching creature's eyes, destroying it. One broke off some of its teeth in one mouth, with the dart and teeth landing on the ground. The last pierced the soft pink flesh tying the incomprehensible thing together.

After awhile, it stopped screaming, stopped trying to chase the Queen, and sat, for lack of a better word, motionless. It didn't seem able to close all its mouths at the same time, nor its eyes, but it seemed to try.

What are you? Slivan Cook asked telepathically.
Too many!

The Queen spoke out loud while also speaking telepathically to the creature.

"What are you?"
Not for!
"You are a recombinant now. You are one of us."
All!
"No. Many. One."
What did you find? It doesn't seem smart enough for us to consider it equal.
Not now, Lectre! I found something I've never seen or heard of and had to make sure we didn't lose an important opportunity.
I approved this. It will make us stronger, my daughters. I am busy now, but it is already subjugated and you don't need to worry anymore. Help teach it how to properly use my gifts.

The Empress! The Queens no longer had a problem with this unexpected turn of events, though it wasn't welcome or without question. Supportive, yet leary. Faith can do many things!

Queen Slivan Cook had the creature follow her back to the interim city centre so it could more efficiently learn to speak and think with a single train of thought before it was taught to use the same parallel thoughts as the other recombinants.

Khalorean City

"While we cleared rubble as you ordered, we found a small library, and various books in some of the destroyed houses destined to be cleared away. They aren't in good condition, but at least some of it might still be useful. We also found a few strange pieces of black armor that shined in the light, but felt like glass."

Queen Oswin Cook allowed the pitiful cart of goods to be brought in to the council chambers. The queen went over the books and maps as best they could, along with most of the drider councilors, since the rest of the council was busy with other things. Torn, rotten, smudged and burned books, scrap pages, and map pieces were all over the table.

"This broken armor and shattered other pieces used to make a sword. I can tell this was a sword at one time. The armor design doesn't seem to be battle-ready though... probably an entirely decorative or ornamental design." A drider councilor said.

"A few of the words in this book say that it was made of obsidian. I know we came from a city of obsidian, but a drawn fragment of a map over here" he grabbed at a destroyed map fragment and continued, "shows a volcano far to the south where the material was acquired from... or so I guess since some of the words in the middle of a few sentences have holes instead of text." One of the other councilors added.

The swordsman councilor was eyeing another torn and burned map. "If we put the map fragments from the actual maps and drawn depictions within the books together with what we already know ourselves and from our own modern-day maps, it looks as though the Rainbow Butterflies actually came from a lot farther to the west than we originally thought."

"What about the original Khaloric drider? Anything about them?" a third councilor asked.

"Not anything concrete, but it looks like missionary directives on a map or two, and a few sentences here and there in a book. If I'm right, then they came from near Stone's Throw."

"Oh, well that would certainly save some time. But look at this passage."

The other councilors looked closer at the intact paragraph the man was highlighting with his finger. "Obsidian equipment was a drider crafting specialty? None of us know anything about that anymore! Not even what few books we've managed to piece together give instruction."

"I believe I have defeated your discovery with my own." The swordsman councilor was beaming. He showed it directly to the patiently waiting Queen.

"Living metal?" Oswin was anxious to get a hold of some. "It doesn't say anything else there... not that's still legible. Anything else in the book? Is this a fantasy or reality?"

"I don't know... that's all I can read of this one. There are a few drawn images that vaguely suggest something else, though I can't tell what the book is trying to tell me since it's so damaged."

Queen Oswin Cook spoke. "Is there anything about galans in there? The Empress wanted to find them once more."

Everyone looked uncomfortable since they had to give a bad answer. Finally the financier councilor answered. "The only thing I saw was a couple pages smudged with ink, stuck together. In between the pages, where they weren't stuck, was a partial drawing of a galan and an arrow pointing to the chitin on one of his legs."

"Alright. Well, at least we know a few other objectives to complete if we wish to regain our strength." Oswin started to leave, and the historian councilor gathered up the written works and went off to get them compiled and copied.

[PossiblyInsane]

Daigoro's Heart

With most of the inlet secured, the Fallen paused in their advance to better develop their new territory. The local Aberrations had afforded ample practice for their military forces, but they remained a distant cry from the glory days of the Auroran Empire. General Antius redoubled his training efforts, adapting Auroran military formations to the Fallen's physiology and the strengths and weakneses of each unti.

With the glut of Bound Aberrations, any labor shortage the Fallen may have faced in the past was a distant memory. The Soulshapers faced a new logistical battle in finding the most efficient way of organizing their charges without risking the bindings failing and loosing haf their labor force to devour the other half.

The Waterbenders set their eyes to the sea, the prospect of recovering forgotten techniques from continent and testing their power against the strongest Aberrations the depths had to offer being a tempting one, fed all the more by rumors of the world beyond. They set to work preparing for the journey. Through proper manipulation of the currents, it should be possible to keep up a favorable slipstream for a travelling army, aiding their travel. With such techniques, it would also be possible to direct icebergs on a favorable course, giving a place for the troops to rest, a refuge from all but the largest Aberration, and a mobile fortress from which a Bender could sling destructive magics without fear of reprisal.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Research Frostships (Intended to give a bonus to combat rolls on the sea and coast)
Research Phalanx Fighting (Intended to give a flat bonus to combat rolls)
Research Slipstream (Intended to give a bonus to naval movement)
Develop a Settlement (Daigoro's Heart): Bound Labor Force (2 Materials. Produce 1 Material per season)

[Togo]

"She did what?" Knarl paused in his measurements, the sea breeze making his theodalite sway to and fro.

"Attacked The Health." said Ak'Narim patiently. His long elegant figures played with the doll in his hands. "Barged in there, arrested two of the doctors.. Something about illegal experiments?" He squeezed the wings in one hand, together, then apart, together then the stiff wooden peices moving with a faint ratcheting sound.

Knarl eyebrows rose. "Did she give a reason?"

Ak'Narim nodded, turning the toy over, and letting a small vial drop out of one leg of the doll, into his hand. "She commands the Dark, The Dark is supposed to enforce the will of Basalt Throne..."

"The *expressed* will..." Knarl cut in, somewhat grumpy. "So she's playing political games?"

"So it would appear." Ak'Narim selected one of the slender darts from the other leg, and carefully dipped it into the syrupy liquid of the vial. "Of course by some arguements, she's quite correct. Who's to say that the Emperor doesn't want this?"

"That's not how it works, and you know it. We serve the Throne- Why are you playing with that thing?"

"I was trying to work what it was for." said Ak'Narim, turning the doll sideways, and placing the dart into the narrow groove in the lyre. "The operation seems straightforward enough, but what is it for?"

"It's for children." said Knarl absently "Training weapon. Poison is enough to paralyse, but not kill."

"Ah, yes, children need to be trained, don't they? How... quaint. In the Cradle we are far more... efficient." He aimed carefully. With the two wings of the doll now on either side of his wrist, it was remarkable stable. With a flick of the head, the wire strings of the lyre snap forward, and the dart flies out to bury almost it's entire length into the hardwood of the joist near Knarl's head. "Still, it's not exactly safe, is it?"

Knarl shrugged. "It's educational. Wouldn't be much point in having a weapon if you couldn't kill someone with it."

"Wouldn't the parents get into trouble if their child hurt someone?"

Knarl frowned. "Probably. As I said, it's educational."

Ak'Narim sighed. "So what are we going to do about Miss Nuele of the Dark?"

Knarl turned to face him. "You're not going to do anything. We can't afford to get the Cradle mixed up in this. I'll..."

Ak'Narim smiled. "You'll take care of her?"

Knarl looked thoughtful. "I'll see what I can do."

Spoiler: Actions

Show

1) settle territory 8, absorbing population where possible
2) negotiate with locals to the west, in the direction of the manor
3) Negoatiate with locals to the south, along the coast
4) Research using basilisks as weapons of war

[Viirin]

Khalorean City

"Restrain yourself from that research for now. There is something else that I feel must be done sooner. Once we converted Gibbers Cook, something has felt wrong in the back of my mind, but I don't know what it is. One of the other essences given to me before the previous Age of Extinction was another species now extinct, according to everyone else. It communicated partially by hearing the thoughts of others, though not as specialized as the telepathic skills we are using now." Empress Dorian Cook was speaking psychically with Queen Oswin Cook.

She thought and meditated for awhile. "Yes, I see it. Its receptive abilities were potent, weren't they? There are so many abilities and species mixed in us that it will take quite a long time and effort in order to organize it all and make it useful. Speaking of useful, the Exterminator's Guild is coming along splendidly."

"Give them a request from me. Xule admitted that their mines are running dry and they are unable to do more than they already are, but I doubt that. Our own knowledge on subterranean living could help them, and in turn, us! If obsidian is found to the south, then that is where a guild party should be sent- not to exterminate, but to bring back proof of concept. In the meantime, we have our own contract to uphold, so we need to send resources to Xule since they opened the door for us to take Stone's Throw."

"It will be done."

--------------------------Lakereach------------------------------

"If we have to send gratuities to Xule, then I don't want our own stockpiles to deplete or diminish. One of the citizens suggested building waterwheels since we expanded the stream into a river and haven't made use of it yet. If we get these built and functional, then we don't have to waste our own materials on inefficiency."

An Auroran advisor of public works heard Queen Ezri Cook's order, and began to get the citizens of the city, regardless of species, together to build the new project.

Spoiler: Actions

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4/4

0. Lectre's Corps continues marching in their search for mountains with hiding galans, heading northwest.
1. Re-research blatid telepathy
2. Build a system of waterwheels in Lakereach (less effort/resources for same job so materials+)
3. Send resources to Xule as per agreement
4. Negotiate with locals (in previously specified area)

0/4

Spoiler: Researches

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- Relearned Arachnomorph Infestation (chestburster larvae)
- Rebuilt Siege Wall around Khalorean City (+1 defense)
- Developed an Irrigation system in Lakereach (+1 food)
- Trained an Army (Lectre's Corps)
- Relearned Recombinant Infestation (Holy Virus that converts others into recombinants and also guarantees loyalty)
- Relearned Recombinant Telepathy
- Relearned Recombinant Hivemind (1/? out of 2 or 3)
- Clear debris from Khalorean City (meant to be Materials+ / Population Max+)
- Found Exterminator's Guild. Now a default addition to every settlement. (Bonuses aimed for, in order of amount: relations+ materials+ population+)

[cybric]

Argentum City - Protectorate Capital

The Fate of the first Army
"My Queen I've returned from the frontier" declared pathfinder Halen

"There is much to report however I'm afraid that our army in the south was unsuccessful in combating the barbarous Aurians. Although our forces put up a valant attempt we were not able to secure victory."

"I feel you holding back Halen...I didn't not send you into the wild to return with niceties. Speak frankly"

"It was a close to a route as you can come my Lady. Our commander, Lord Thalen Aquilius, marched us straight at the enemy. There was no maneuver, there was no tactic, so sure he was that our superior armor and weapons would easily overwhelm the enemy. However it was not so. The only unit that made any progress was under the command of Yarlio of House Thornheart. He and his "Night Lords" through their bloody and if I'm honest vile tactics we were able to avoid complete destruction. The army is regrouping on the southern border regrouping for a new assault at your word."

"In form the general that I would like so speak with him. Have his second in command Lord Grantford assume command of the army until Aquilius can explain himself."

New Settlements

"Both new settlements are coming along well. Our island settlement which the inhabitants have taken to calling "Seagrand" had a population of Luug living there. Apparently they were more than a little idled with their extended isolation. In addition our we recently negotiated with a tribe of Grats to the north. They are a rather surly and rude bunch however they should add a great amount of value to our warbands while I believe that the Luug would make ideal shock troops. They value strength and as such they should take to the way of the warrior quite well. We will need to resize weapons and armor to them but that should not present a large issue.

Taking to the sea

Head Scribe Matria - some call her a genius some call her a mad scientest but know question her loyalty to the protectorate
"Our researches believe that it should be possible using our new found control of Silver Living Metal we should be able to coat our naval ships in the metal and still maintain buoyancy. This will allow our ships far far greater durability from Aberation attacks as well as protection against more mundane dangers of the seas such as reef and rocks and the like without drastic reduction of speed of maneuverability. We'll also be able to add a really really sharp raming blade on our ships that should be killer!

No that we are protected further I would like to proceed with developing a way to power our ships with more speed like I'm talking about bone rattling speed I'll update you as I figure it all out my queen"

And with that she's off to do her thing.


Uncovering the secrets of the gem

Queen Trila touched the blue saphire gem her eyes immediately began to glow a glacial blue as sparks ignited around her eyes. She felt as if she was on fire burning with the heat of a inferno however in the pain was a rapture a strange sensation of longing and loving in the furious pain. As her mind tries to wrap itself around the sensations a vision appeared. A silhouette of a woman with arms outstretched swept wide to the world and all the while she screamed.

Her guards had to all by pry the gem from her hands as she started to cry tears of blood.

She slumped into her throne exhausted.

"That thing. It showed me a vision. Somehow, I don't know how, I think it stored the experience of the person it was attached to. What I felt I think was the last moments of someone caught in the catastrophe"

She wipes sweat from her brow and glares that the gem.

I want this thing studied. I want to know everything that we can gleam from it. It will be painful but there is something powerful to this gem. It was among the artifacts of our ancestors soldiers so I feel it holds a mighty key.

The gem does not appear to be wholly dissimilar to the gems I've seen on the Simulcra that live among our people. There leader has been in seclusion lately however I believe that it is time that ended. I want him and his advisers to work with Scribe Matria on this. She's working on some other projects however she should be able to delegate those.

Warrior Shrines and the way of the warrior

The protectorate at it's heart is a military elitist culture. Everyone is expected to fight if they are called upon. The seven families that comprise the council have decided to formalize the unspoken and uncodified warrior edicts of their culture into a code.

There will now be a separate warrior caste within the protectorate social structure. Dedicated warriors, paladins, will give over their lives to the perfecting of war. They will study it, hone it, and perfect it.

The way of the warrior or Bushido placed emphasis on service to the greater good, constant betterment of ones self for the protection of the people, martial training, veracity in battle and wisdom in peace. Make savage the body and civil the mind.

In order to better spread this mindset and way of thinking the council has decided to found a warrior temple in Argentum the first of many to come. Here warriors can spare, congregate, train in different martial forms, study different stratagems. Although all warriors would benefit from this training and mindset the descendants of silver corvans whose blood lines have a history of martial tradition would find this incredibly helpful and will take the the training and lifestyle very very well as thier ancestors whisper in their blood hints and encouragement.

Reinforcing the Pathfinders
As caravands of artifacts come back to the protectorate with letters from her pathfinders Queen Trila sees without fail the value that these pathfinder teams could have. To that effect she reinforces the current group of pathfinders and in addition found 3 more groups of pathfinders. Warrior diplomats they will seek into the darkness truths of the past. In particular she sends 1 ground even further south east then had previously been explored and another group east into the mountains. They had currently been ignoring the eastern slopes however if they were to expand the protectorate they would need to know what lied beyond thier borders.

The third group would head for a rumored "dead republic"

New Armor

Scribe Matria laughed as her projected yielded results. Some would call it a maniacal laugh but you couldn't argue with results.

She inspected the new armor looking over their handy work. All things considered it wasn't anything especially note worthy seeing as they had resurrected a dead magic in their control of the silver living metal however it was still something.

She and her assistants had figured out how to provide the protection of heavy plate armor in the form of a hyper light weight body glove and molded panels that would weigh as much as traditional leather armor. They had done this by "growing" the suit rather than taking material and shaping it. They were able to shape the living metal into miniscle ringlets or scales each suit containing thousand of thousands much beyond a "normal" smiths ability to produce. The sheer number of scales in the suit give it a almost linen like flexibility. Given the light weight properties of Living Silver Metal it allowed the dense yet light material to provide equal if not better protection than plate armor while allowing a combatant excellent maneuverability which would play into the protectorates tactics well.

Spoiler: actions

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1. [Tech] Research blue crystal technology

2. [Tech] Research "Ironclad Ships"

Spoiler: picture

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going for a bonus to combat on ocean and coast

3. [Tech] Develop super light weight armor. Essentially mithril equivalent. Looking for a flat bonus to combat rolls on land given that our soldiers have the same protection as heavy armor but with the maneuverability of leather

Spoiler: armor picture

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4. [RP] Use pathfinder network to spread word of the Protectorate. These agents will find groups that wish for a better life under the guidance of the protectorate and guide them back to our territory. In particular we will send Grat pathfinders north to get more Grat into our ranks and we will send Corvan agents east towards the mountains.

Desired effect: gain populations

[Anti-Eagle]

July 1174 AD (Turn 5)

May and June of 1174 passed quickly for most, spring turned to summer and the stirrings of the world continued. White lights fell from the sky in the east and into the oceans, briefly setting the far off water alight. The sun grew hot, fog rolled over the coast, and black clouds came and went throughout the months.

Shades came and went through the various communities, striking fear into those that saw them before disappearing, and in some cases taking hosts. Screaming of death and destruction before sprinting into the wilds, taking their hosts with them.

The sun rose over a new day.

Spoiler: Actions

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The Ajivhan Khaganate
Diplomacy - Send Diplomat to the Harconin Protectorate
Diplomacy - Send Diplomat to the Empire of the Basalt Throne
Research - Research Fedayeen
Research - Smokeless Powder
Research - Research Fedayeen (one more action to research)
Research - Research Smokeless Powder (will cost 8 materials to implement)
Settling - Negotiate with locals
Settling - Negotiate with locals

---

The Corpus Verde
Subjugate Aberrations in territory South of Daigoro's Hand
Invade territory South of Badger's Discipline (Success)
Subjugate Aberrations in territory South of Badger's Discipline
Implement Infans Potentia Development Rite
Research Frostships (One more action to research)
Research Phalanx Fighting (One more action to research)
Research Slipstream (Will take one more action to research)
Develop a Settlement (Daigoro's Heart): Bound Labor Force

---

The Empire of the Basalt Throne
1) Settle area 6, absorbing population where possible
2) Settle area 7, absorbing population where possible
3) Negotiate with local tribes, east of territory 6
4) Start construction of a naval repair and construction facility, in area 2.
1) settle territory 8, absorbing population where possible
2) negotiate with locals to the west, in the direction of the manor
3) Negoatiate with locals to the south, along the coast
4) Research using basilisks as weapons of war (will take one more action to research)

---

The Grand Duchy of Xule
-Prepare the mountains to the north of the Channel for Kharolean settlement.
-Continue research into faster ships.
-Research fiat money, for a wealth bonus (Will cost 1 Material to implement)
-Attempt to locate or recruit mages. (Success) (A few crazed Wild Mages)
-Implement faster ships
-Research whale-farming (Will take one more turn)
-Conduct raid against pirates (Success) (2 materials from salvage)
-Research/rediscover steam engines (Will take two more turns)

---

The Harconin Protectorate
1. Implementation Action: Silver Living Metal Magic
2. Implementation Action: Spore Food Chain
3. Negotiate with locals to the North of settlement 1
4. Negotiate with locals on the island west of our settlement.
1. Train Army
2. Train Elite Unit
3. Settle Northern expansion
4. Settle Western Isle

---

The Khaloric Swarm
1. Re-Research Recombinant Telepathy
2. Clear debris from Khalorean City
3. Clear debris from Khalorean City
4. Clear debris from Khalorean City (Minor Success) (barely preserved books)
1. Found settlement where previously indicated. It is called Stone's Throw.
2. Found Exterminator's Guild. Now a default addition to every settlement.
3. The Empress and Queens try to redevelop the Recombinant Hivemind. (will take - more actions to implement)
4. Send diplomat to The Empire of the Basalt Throne.

---

The Navasti League
1: Implement the Improved Steam Engine.
2: Negotiate with the locals to the south of my previous absorption.
3. Same to the south of them.
4: Launch an expedition to the Ghost Marshes (success) (pending)
5: Launch an expedition to the Ghost Marshes (fail)
6: Establish an embassy with the Khagnate
7: Research ship-building with Blackleaf wood (Will cost 3 to implement)

---

The Silverplume Confederacy
Nothing Posted

[Mabn]

Thorn Lake (Silverplume Confederacy)

As with everything is the SC, getting the new engines implemented came down to the guilds and fleets. And in no surprising development, that meant it came down to picking out the 20 krakari you needed to talk to, getting them to tell you the 40 krakari they needed you to talk to, and going down the line till they were unimportant enough to handle by letter and it became your subordinate's problem. The engines worked of course. Everyone knew they worked. But before Ashur could actually come out and say that it worked he needed to get people to tacitly agree to an order in which he would privately meet with a given group to tell them the engines worked prior to saying in public that the engines worked.

Of course to do that, the captains and guild leaders would seek public opinion after seeing (and talking to, but definitely not meeting with!) Ashur in order to indirectly send him a message a week latter which was supposed to indicate by its favorability what they would expect in return for not being moved up or down an implied number of positions they were supposedly holding out for on an adamantly nonexistent list. No one actually had been moved on the not list of course, that would be a grievous insult to both the factions now moved down and Ashur himself. But the order in which Ashur officially secretly spoke to important krakari as a private individual to clue them into an open secret was the stuff feuds were built on.

The next guild on Ashur's list was the bluing focused large piece steel manufacturing guild in Thorn Lake. They would most likely use the opportunity to lobby him to support controls on the price of scrap iron in the face of a sudden and inevitable rise in demand while testing him to see how firmly he would standing by the supporters of Thorn Lake water quality control agreements in the near future.

So done was Ashur with the whole process that he's commissioned a small "demonstration prototype" to stick in the back of a wagon so he could ride it this time.

Spoiler: Retroactions

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1 implement wild magic steam engines
2-8 explore nearby ruins to get as far as 1 remaining material can take me

[Viirin]

Grand Duchy of Xule

As tradition dictated, a splendid feast had been prepared for the Khaloric guests of Xule. The Grand Duke sat in the seat of honour, the Lord Regent to his right and Princess Valencia to his left. The drider prince was seated opposite, flanked by two of his own people, though neither were of the same species. Grimani offered a toast as they began to eat.
"May the gods bless our two nations, and allow us to regain the prosperity of past ages."

"May we work together both in peace and war. Forever shall the Khaloric Swarm honor the bonds we make here today." Moria of Lakereach, First Consort of Queen Slivan Cook, replied auspiciously.

They began to eat in silence, after a few moments, Cosimo belched loudly. Valencia grinned, while Grimani gave them a stern glance.

Moria's assistants looked at him for a response, but he gave none. "After our last banquet", he started, "the Empress gave her command. I am no longer bound to Queen Slivan, and am free to offer myself as a suitor to her royal highness Valencia of Xule."

Valencia sat in stunned silence for a moment, before the meaning of these words slowly dawned on her. She looked in horror at the drider prince's many legs, surely he couldn't mean...
"Thank you," Grimani interjected coolly. "We had made an approach to the Harconin Protectorate, but seeing their lack of response and our nations' mutual interests, I think a betrothal in due course would be appropriate."

"This pleases the Swarm. Though our provable history remains fragmented, the lands we both descended from have always been fruitful and unrestricted in our varied endeavors. It would be a shame for our ancient unions to give sway now when the world is in such disarray." The young drider male continued. "If our offer is accepted, we feel as though it would be of great importance to continue forth with the marriage traditions of both our peoples, to show equal partnership."
The drider said something else. "Please, forgive me, your highnesses. I failed to mention that we have brought with us designs for various improvements that would make use of your previously stated unusable abandoned mining areas, as a gift of gratitude. Our dowry addition is still being prepared for proper transportation."

"Good," the Lord Regent replied. "I trust that they will be delivered according to schedule."

Valencia couldn't quite believe what she was hearing, she finally found her voice and rose to her feet, slamming her fists down on the table to get their attention.
"I can't... I won't marry a bug!"

"I assure you, my lady fiancé, that I am not a commoner as you seem to suggest. I am more than willing to prove my royal blood and heritage." The drider didn't seem amused. He thought she meant 'bug' as in 'social class', and not 'bug' as in 'spider'. "Though, I must admit I am quite gladdened to hear you question my loyalties when I was presented as a consort. As I have been given to ensure our union, my consort status has been permanently revoked. I am yours, my lady."

"I don't care!" Valencia retorted tearfully, glancing at Grimani with a newfound loathing. He returned her gaze dispassionately. Cosimo sat between them, dumbstruck.

"Mind your manners in front of our guests, young lady," the Lord Regent said, his words tinged with ice.

"No, it's not fair, I hate you!" she exclaimed, before turning away and storming out of the dining hall. Grimani watched her leave with a raised eyebrow.
"Well that went about as well as I expected."

"If our mutual gain is not something Xule cares about, then maybe we should take our leave, though it would pain all of our hearts. I understand it would be offensive to your Majesties to see us on your island again, so I will send runners to our incoming promised shipment and tell them to return home with it. We were truly hoping that we could bring safety and order to the shattered remains of this world... is this our answer? I implore you to command us."

"I besiege you not to act rashly." Grimani said. "The words of a child mean very little, she will come around to the idea in time. In the meantime, we should proceed as we discussed earlier."

"We are exceptionally pleased about this" Moria began to say, "We wish to repay now the kindness always shown to us by your people, and hope we can become one. In fact, if your shores are overflowing, our new settlement assisted into existence by your nation has room to spare."

"Thank you, I'm sure there are a number who will wish to take advantage of that opportunity," Grimani said, turning to Cosimo, who sat silently. He nudged the young Duke. "Come, let's have another toast to the momentous agreement that has been reached today."

"Okay," Cosimo murmured uncertainly as he picked up his much smaller goblet, his gaze wandering to the open door his sister had stormed out of.

"I shall inform both Empress Dorian Cook, last of the Direct Descendants, and Queen Nafash Cook, Queen of Stone's Throw, at once." The dustmoth to his left got up from the table and walked backward, bowed, and made their formal exit. "In light of the joyous agreement we have made today, would you honor us with a guided tour of the empty mines in which you speak? It might help us better think of suggestions and gifts to make efficient use of their space."

"Of course," the Lord Regent said with a nod. "I will begin the preparations at once."

With that, the feast had concluded, and many projects both continued and began.

Spoiler: Note

Show

Collaborative work that Jojo and I were really looking forward to. We talked about this one over Skype and couldn't stop laughing at the concept of a little girl being diplomatically required to marry a giant creepy spider, so it's canon now.

[The JoJo]

The Ducal Palace, Xule

Valencia stormed through the corridors of the palace, fighting off tears as she found her way back to her room. She slammed the door behind her and collapsed onto her bed, pressing her face into the soft quilt as she sobbed. She was a princess, with a thousand years of good breeding running through her veins. How could they expect her to marry that... thing?

Her distress soon became anger again as she remembered Grimani and his cold, stern tone. She wished she could be one of the Auroran Emperors of old, and with a click of her fingers, have him beheaded, his body thrown into the sea and then his head placed on a spike. That wasn’t possible though, and so she settled for pulling open her drawers and throwing all her neatly-folded clothes onto the floor, and then tipping over several boxes of toys for good measure. That didn’t make her feel much better, though, and so she collapsed back onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling with a furious gaze as if she was willing it to be destroyed too.

Several hours passed, and Valencia wasn’t called upon, nor did she try to leave her room. Her nursemaid came in, tidied her scattered garments without complaint, and then put the princess to bed. She still shook with fury, but it had become a more subtle, determined anger. She wasn’t going to give up without a fight, and she knew of just one person who might have the power to overrule Grimani. She slipped out of bed and crept up to the door, placing her ear against it. When she was certain that there was no-one outside, she opened the door a fraction and slipped through, tip-toeing along the corridor to the Grand Ducal bedroom. She halted outside his room, flinching as the floorboards beneath her bare feet creaked. She gingerly opened the grand door and crept in, her eyes taking time to adjust to the gloom.

‘Pssh, Cos!’ she whispered, and then she saw something which made her blood run cold. Cosimo’s bed was empty.

‘Up here!’ she heard a small voice above her. She looked around and then upwards, her eye’s widening. Her brother was above her, apparently stuck to the ceiling by all four limbs, his night-robe billowing below him. This struck Valencia as very odd, as she far as she knew, little brothers were not meant to stick to the ceiling.

‘What are you doing up there?’ Valencia asked in a low voice.

‘Help, I’m stuck!’ Cosimo hissed. ‘Get the stick!’

At first, she wasn’t sure what he meant, until she noticed a polished walking stick in the corner of the room, some diplomatic gift their late father had been given no doubt. She rushed over to the stick and grabbed it, before returning to the spot under her brother. She lifted it up so he could grasp hold of it, and then gently pulled him down until he was floating next to her.

‘Thanks,’ Cosimo said as he sat beside her, holding onto the nearest pillar of his four-poster bed so he didn’t rise again. ‘It sometimes happens when I’m sleep, I just float up there, and when I wake up it isn’t easy to get down again.’

‘But, how?’

‘I don’t know... all these weird things have been happening to me recently, I don’t know how to control it. My tutor said that magic is bad, that it’s one of the things that made the Cursed One destroy old Aurora.’ He looked anxiously at her. ‘You won’t tell anyone, will you.’

‘No, of course not,’ Valencia promised. ‘We can work it out together. But there’s something I need you to help me with too.’

‘The marriage?’

‘Exactly.’ Valencia made a face of disgust. ‘I can’t marry a bug, I bet he’ll want me to kiss him on the mouth and everything. You’re the only one who can tell Grimani what to do, you have to stop him.’

‘I don’t know how though.’

‘I know you can.’ She put her hands on his shoulders. ‘We’ll find a way, together.’

Spoiler: Actions

Show

-Continue to research whale farming
-Continue to research steam engines
-Implement fiat currency
-Form treaty of marriage with the Kharolic Swarm

[Anti-Eagle]

North Onchesmos

Blood rained from the sky that night, poisoning the wells and destroying the crops. The dead woke from their graves to consume the living, and the sun never came in the morning. Stores depleted, the fires went out, and months passed in darkness.

The same dream every night. Long and full of dread. Something he tried to push out of mind, something that always returned to him.

Sinan watched with interest as young Janissaries, young Fedayeen fought with their blades infront of him. Each told to bloody eachother until they dropped, each covered in blood, their own and otherwise. With the flower in their system and the training he had instilled in them he wondered how long they'd be able to deal with the pain an blood loss, how close to death they'd be able to get for him without stopping.

He didn't want them to die, he didn't need them dead, unless one of them went berserk most of them would be fine by the end of the month. They were shown how to cause pain and how to kill, they knew how to stop. He needed them to unlearn their fear of death, to learn to ignore pain and injury and still carry out their tasks. Most believed in him, young malleable minds as they were, and already believed in the destiny proclaimed by the mystics. His promise to them of Arcadia didn't hurt either, something that he could show them, something that he could give them.

He wondered when he'd have to.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Technology - Research Fedayeen (3/3 research actions)
Technology - Implement Smokeless Powder (Cost 8 Materials, Grants +2 to combat)
Settling - Absorb locals (7th Territory)
Settling - Absorb locals (8th Territory)

Military (Free) - 1st Ajivhan Cavalry begins moving from the coast towards the Meretonian Wall in the East

[Togo]

"She's doing what?"

"Getting married."

"Well, that nice for her. Isn't it?"

"I don't think so, Effcie." Tiercel turned his page, and kept reading.

"...Marriage isn't happy? I was told..."

"They've only just met." Tiercel paused, made a note, and kept on reading. "I doubt they've talked for very long. Effcie, did you know they have four different factions for offloading goods here?"

"Four?" Miss Ventein paused in her knitting, stroking the tangled fibres until they were smooth and supple again. "How many do we have"

"We have Mirriam. Or you can do it yourself." Tiercel rustled a few different papers. "They have one group for unloading the ship, to the shore. Then another for loading from the shore to the warehouse. A third to count all the packages, to make sure the money's been paid, for using the port, and fourth to move them all from the warehouse to wherever they're going. Feel's like we're missing a trick here."

"What about the group who remove a few of the boxes out of the window in the back of the warehouse?"

Tiercel paused. "I didn't see them. Who were they?"

Effcie smiled, a dimple once more appearing in her cheek. "When I was having my walk. A while after that big meal. They seemed quite organised. Is this what you wanted?" She held up the knitting for inspection.

"Was it dark?"

"Well, um..."

"Sorry, sorry, keep forgetting you can't tell. Yes that's fine. Thank you for that. You wouldn't believe what they charge for armour repair around here. If you could just get rid of those end peices, those will scratch at the leather underneath, and then lay it out on that bit of old sacking until it stops smoking?"

"Thank me as much as you like. I'm still getting paid, right?" Her precise fingers carefully set down the knitting needles with a clack, and then started fingering their way through the heavy mail, pinching each loose end off, and flicking each peice into the metal bin with a sharp ringing crack. "The streets were deserted, and I could hear people sleeping in the houses."

Tiercel nodded "Probably after nightfall. I suspect they were thieves, then."

"Do they count as a Faction?"

He sighed. "I don't really know. I don't think so, or at least I think they might be a Faction that's fighting other Factions." Distracted, he adjusted the goggles perched on his head. "But I'm not sure they really have Factions in the same way we do. The nobles seem most like the Thousand Temples, but..."

"Valencia doesn't seem like someone from a temple..."

"No I think she's more like an Emperor."

"Oh. Oh... So it's more like the countries are getting married?" She paused. "So why are they marrying the Khaloric swarm rather than us?"

Tircel gritted his teeth. "Obviously, because I'm not very good at my job."

"Hey don't say that. Why don't we just get someone else to marry her then? We have heaps of people back home..."

"They have to be suitable. That is, noble and politically powerful. At least I think that's what you need. There's only been one candidate, and I'm not really sure how the Khaloric Swarm works."
He sighed. "I'm not convinced I understand how Xule works."

"Noble?"

"That seems to be the sticking point. A long line of ancestors, preferably warriors, seems to be enough."

"So... You mentioned money?"

Tiercel passed over a heavy leather bag. "Yes, shopping seems to be a recreation here. It would helpful to work out how. I'll... I need to try and work out what we're doing wrong."

"Hey, you'll work it out. I'll see what I can find out, and then it will all be fine. You'll see!"

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Settling - Absorb locals (9th territory)
Settling - Absorb locals (10th territory)
Negotiate with locals in the territory around the manor
Fulfil diplomatic agreements, if needed, otherwise Research using basilisks as weapons of war

[PossiblyInsane]

Daigoro's Heart:

The month passed quietly. At least, as quietly as the fallen were capable of. The screams of many wild Aberrations strategically tactically dismembered as practice for old Auroran formations was certainly loud, but not much more so than the ghastly sounds such creatures made in any case. Though he would be reluctant to admit it, General Antius was pleased with his troops. If they had this many soldiers strategically equivalent to the old Genned monstrosities, but still capable of functioning as a tightly-knit unit, perhaps Aurora would have lasted a good deal longer in the war.

Still, practice and drills would only content the Fallen for so long. As the local Aberrations grew to be less of a threat in the face of Corpus Verde's military might, the Fallen's carefully cultivated anger was denied an effective channel. Previously friendly rivalries between the units took a darker tinge. Old family differences and generational divides grew more pronounced, the icy halls of Daigoro's heart echoing with heated words and frozen silences.

After a lengthy tangential debate (followed by a brief period of actual relevant discussion), the Council found an answer: The Balaenic Archipelago. A former Auroran holding spared from the worst ravages of the Cataclysm, it was relatively accessible by water, would provide a valuable staging area for further excursions into the continent and the Auroran Archipelego. Perhaps more importantly, the Archipelago had few rumors of living metal monsters or Destroyer cultists. Unless the Ray-Das defied all expectations and had not degenerated into a life of wanton piracy without the gentle guidance of military dominance, the local outlaws should prove a good test of how well the new world had retained the knowledge and power of the old.

With the currents speeding their passage, the House Guard set forth for Emico.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Research Phalanx Fighting (2/2 research actions)
Research Slipstream (2/2 research actions)
Implement Phalanx Fighting
Implement Slipstream

Move 1st army towards Emico, of the Balaenic Archipelego.

[The JoJo]

The Grand Duchy of Xule

The two diplomats were hurried through the winding streets of Xule by the crowd, citizens descending from far and wide to see the strangers from faraway lands. Those who couldn't find a place on the street watched with curiosity from the windows of the rickety houses. The pair soon found themselves in the grand hall of the Ducal Palace, standing before a small boy in a luxurious red robe that was clearly several sizes too large for him. He had golden brown skin and wide dark eyes, which were almost obscured by his mop of straight black hair. Beside him stood a gaunt, paler man who bent down to whisper in the boy's ear as they approached.

"Welcome, I am Grand Duke Cosimo the Fourth," the boy said after a pause, looking up to the man, who nodded in assent. "The Duchy offers its... eh... greetings to all visitors from the Basalt Throne."

"Excellent." The layered bow is slung on the sandy haired man's back. "I am Ambassador Tiercel, and this is my bodyguard, Miss Venteign. We bring you greetings from the Basalt Throne, in the hope of many dealings mired in mutual distrust and suspicion that ultimately promote our mutual advantage. I understand that we are to stay here, much as your own representative has been given residence in Valthee. I have an account of our past misdeeds, should an exchange of... of... sins be required? Is that the right word?"

He pauses, and runs a gloved hand through his hair.

"Please do attribute any rudeness or poor behaviour to my ignorance, rather than malice, as our studies of your island may be incomplete. We have brought various gifts, since we were unsure what would be suitable. At this time I am offering a box of woods, a recreational representation of the kind I believe you would refer to as a 'toy', and a ring." He opens a somewhat battered trunk, and takes out in turn, a small boiled leather chest, a colourful wooden figurine of a Krackari holding a lyre, with obvious hinges at the joints as if to allow it to move, and a ring set with a large pearl surrounded by tiny silver leaves.

"I am unsure which gift would be suitable for which recipient. May I trust to your judgement in the matter?"

The lady gives a dimpled smile, but otherwise does not speak.

Cosimo stared blankly at Tiercel, the long words the ambassador used clearly beyond his comprehension. The gaunt man beside him stepped in quickly, giving a slight bow before the pair as the gifts were taken by an attendant.

"Your gifts are greatly appreciated, I am sure the Grand Duke and his sister will enjoy playing this toy. I am Carlos Grimani, Lord Regent of Xule. Is there any business you wish to bring up now, before you are shown to your quarters?"

Tiercel nods, and produces a small scroll case. "We have a few administrative proposals, if the formal introductions are complete? Maybe we could go through the detail with you, Lord... Grimani, if the Grand Duke can spare your time? Or should we meet the Duchess Valencia first? We have a toy for her too."

A slight frown crossed Grimani's face, he didn't bother to correct their mistake.

"If you wish," he said. Refreshments were brought to the two ambassadors and presently Valencia was brought out, scowling and in a frilly white dress. Her hair looked as though it had been roughly combed about a minute before. Grimani nudged her and after giving him a filthy look, she did a clumsy curtsy in front of Tiercel.

Tiercel sits and accepts a drink with what is clearly disguised misgivings, and seems fascinated by the cup. His companion does not drink, or sit. When the Duchess arrives, he springs to his feet.

Tiercel bows. "We brought you a present, Grand Duchess, to match your brother's." He produces a similar doll to the first, only the winged humanoid was crafted as carrying a giant flower rather than a lyre. "If you need a demonstration of how it all works, I'm sure Miss Venteign would be happy to show you."

The lady gives another dimpled smile, and performs a precise copy of Valancia's clumsy curtsy. She moves with an unruffled, liquid grace, more rapidly than her companion, but as if she has all the time in the world.

Tiercel pauses, and then continues, addressing the Dutchess, but somehow the words seem meant for Grimani. "At this point I believe my protocol fails me. We have details to discuss, at The Dutchy's earliest convenience, with whatever individuals you feel are appropriate. There is a saying amongst my people, the Chamber-Folk, that to fish with keys locks doors. What they mean is that "

The lady rolls her eyes. For a moment it looks like she isn't going to say anything, but only for a moment.

"Tiercel, stop."

Tiercel flushes, and leans closer to her, speaking in a whisper that is by no means inaudible. "Effsie, what are you doing? "

"We don't have a Pariah, and you need one."

"You're not trained for this. They don't seem to do revelations, and I'm not sure they even have Pariahs."

"Don't be silly, how can they not have them? We just haven't seen them yet. But we've been here almost an hour and you still haven't actually said anything useful!"

"... Fine, go on then."

The lady turns back to Grimani and the Duchess, and gives another curtsy, more quickly this time.

"Tiercel wants to make a proposal that he think you're likely to refuse..."

"That they might refuse, not that they're likely to refuse." Hisses Tiercel urgently.

"That you might refuse. Because of that he wants to talk to someone about it. But if he talks to someone important, and they say no, then that makes everything awkward between the Dutchy and the Basalt Throne, so he really wants to talk to someone less important. But he can't ask for someone less important, because that'll be an insult for whomever that turns out to be...."

"And for me, and for the Basalt Throne" says Tiercel, in a fierce whisper.

"And for him, apparently." She frowns, her face managing to convey her displeasure without a single wrinkle. "Wait, how does that..?"

Tiercel steps smartly forward. "We are delighted and honoured to meet you, Grand Duchess. Assuming the formalities are by now subtantially complete, we need to talk to a suitable representative in private, at your Throne's... that is at the Dutchy's, earliest convenience."

Grimani gave Valencia another nudge.

"Thank you," she said with a small smile, clutching the toy close to her chest. She then looked expectantly at the Lord Regent.

"Yes, you can go now," Grimani said with a sigh. Valencia took off like a hare, he turned to Tiercel. "I'll see you in my office in fifteen minutes."

~

A short time later, the two ambassadors found themselves sitting in plush chairs opposite the Lord Regent. He poured drinks for all three of them, placing two goblets on the desk in front of him.

"You may speak freely, I will not take offence at directness," Grimani said.

Tiercel nods, and takes out from the scroll case a large sheet of vellum. Inscribed on the somewhat blotchy surface is a complicated diagram involving simple cranes, large gates, walls, towers, and some very very large gears.

"This is our best estimate for the construction of a dreidocht, a facility for the construction and repair of large boats. We're considering building one near our new port.

The question is, do you want to have it?"

"Are you offering us the design?" Grimani asked, casting an eye over the scroll. "Or to build a dreidocht in Xule yourself?"

Tiercel shakes his head. "Neither. We're offering to build you a construction and repair facility in our own port, in the west.

Construction would be cheaper there, closer to the high quality woods we're starting to bring down the river. Far easier to construct there than try and ship massive timbers to Xule, and if your people are on site, better quality too."

"It sounds agreeable," Grimani said. "What's in it for you, though?"

Tiercel starts ticking point off on his figures.

"Firstly, we'll probably learn something about boat-building from you. You can keep whatever processes you wish to secret, but it's going to help if we ever build our own. Similarly, you'll probably learn about the construction of the facility, provided your people spend time there. So if this all goes wrong, at least we both get a benefit.

Secondly, you'll probably end up buying all your supplies for ship building from us, since we're right there next to the boatyard.

Thirdly, we don't really have time to build a navy. We'd like to, we need one, but there are a lot of other things we also need to do. It would much more convenient to use yours. Similarly, you'll sooner or later come across a land-based threat, at which point you may want to consider getting us involved.

So fourthly, we need to be friends. Hence ambassadors, gifts, wishes for mutual benefit, and so on.

Which means fifthly you need a sound rational reason to stay friends with us. One that stands up to political scrutiny. Free use of a military base would seem to meet that requirement.

Sixthly from our point of view, these are things we would need to build anyway for ourselves if we end up not relying on you. Might as well do it now."

Tiercel pauses, to take a sip from his goblet. Miss Venteign, as usual, does not drink.

"Then are there are various fringe advantages. Your ships going to and fro helps reduce piracy and banditry on the trade route. You building up your navy helps avoid any other power establishing itself on these seas, one that we might not get on so well with. This city represents one of the most heavily settled and civilised areas we've come across and we want to maintain contact.

Tiercel puts down his goblet.

"In other words, it is a gift, which you have no reason to refuse. But it is a gift that comes with many implied obligations, and is likely to influence your future decisions. Not least that you would need to use it to actually build ships, preferably by the end of summer, which may not have been your original plan."

"Very well," Grimani said with a nod. "Those are sound enough reasons, on behalf of the Grand Duke, I accept your offer. The details can be discussed later with my minister of trade." He offered a bony hand to the ambassador and they shook on the deal.

Spoiler: Note

Show

Collab between me and Togo.

[pfm1995]

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Want to get my actions out, as I'm moving apartments today and may be a little late in posting the fluff.

1: Implement Blackwood Ships
2: Research Land Rust Cultivation
3: Fortify Navahangist
4: Assimilate the closer of the two territories settled earlier.

[Anti-Eagle]

August 1174 AD (Turn 6)

As the heat of August rolled in, the Mist rolling over the shores in the east spread inland and stirring could be seen by any watching. Things of the deep began to stir, leviathans of the old days were seen by some looking out on the surface as other things began to walk from the ocean onto the shores. Vayri began to sweep at the south and broken half-dead things wandered from the beaches seeking shelter from the chaos, some maddened souls speaking of an army of drowned men and broken blades.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

The Ajivhan Khaganate
- Research Fedayeen (Will Cost 12 Materials to Implement)
- Implement Smokeless Powder (Cost 8 Materials, Grants +2 to combat)
- Absorb locals (7th Territory)
- Absorb locals (8th Territory)
- 1st Ajivhan Cavalry begins moving from the coast towards the Meretonian Wall in the East (free)

---

The Corpus Verde
- Research Phalanx Fighting
- Research Slipstream
- Implement Phalanx Fighting (Costs 6 to implement, +2 to Combat rolls)
- Implement Slipstream (Costs 6 to implement, +2 to Movement on water)
- Move 1st army towards Emico, of the Balaenic Archipelego (free)

---

The Empire of the Basalt Throne
- Absorb locals (9th territory)
- Absorb locals (10th territory)
- Negotiate with locals in the territory around the manor
- Research using basilisks as weapons of war (Will Cost 6 Materials to Implement)

---

The Grand Duchy of Xule
- Continue to research whale farming (Will cost 2 materials to implement)
- Continue to research steam engines (Will take one more turn)
- Implement fiat currency (Costs 1 Material, +1 Materials per season)
- Form treaty of marriage with the Kharolic Swarm

---

The Harconin Protectorate
- Research Simulacra Crystals (Two more actions to research)
- Research Ironclad ships (One more action to research)
- Research Super-Light Armour (One more action to research)
- Search for prospective refugees (Success) A few starving grat.

---

The Khaloric Swarm
- Continue Moving Military towards mountains (free)
- Research Blatid Telepathy (Will take one more action)
- Build waterwheels in Lakereach (Costs 2 Materials, +1 Materials per season)
- Send Resources to the Grand Duchy of Xule (6 Materials)
- Negotiate with locals to the South (1d20)[2] 5 8 (failure)

---

The Navasti League
- Implement Blackwood Ships (Costs 3 Materials, Provides +1 to Combat on the Sea and the Coast)
- Research Land Rust Cultivation (Will cost 3 Materials to implement)
- Fortify Navahangist (Costs 6 Materials)
- Assimilate locals in territory 5 (Corvans)

---

The Silverplume Confederacy
- Implement Wild Magic Steam Engines (Costs 12 Materials, +4 to military movement on water)
- Search Ruins (1d20)[19] (Success) Ruins - Ancient tools in the ruins and broken weapons.
- Search Ruins (1d20)[17] (Success) Ruins - Ancient tools in the ruins and broken weapons.
- Search Ruins (1d20)[2] (Failure)
- Search Ruins (1d20)[13] (Success) Salvage - Wrecked ships upon the beaches and around the coast.
- Search Ruins (1d20)[1] (Failure)
- Search Ruins (1d20)[12] (Success) Salvage - Wrecked ships upon the beaches and around the coast.
- Search Ruins (1d20)[11] (Success) Salvage - Wrecked ships upon the beaches and around the coast.

Spoiler: Turn Six Map

Show

[Viirin]

The Empire of the Basalt Throne, Valthee

Valthee, from the landward side, was almost understated. A broad gateway, sturdily built of large stones to heavy be lifted by a single man. It was open, and clearly used mainly for cattle.
It's at that point that the group diverged. The lowing herd drifted through the gate, towards the cattle markets, while the sandy-haired man who had accompanied since the border, led them through the streets. They were winding, narrow, and paved to precision, lined with stone buildings, roofed with clay tiles. The street was dotted with exterior staircases, thick shutters, and a variety of shapes of doors, windows, and apertures that seem to be neither one nor the other. One particularly high structure contains several large holes, each about the size of a pony, and no obvious way to the ground.
After a steep descent, the road evened out, crossed over an elegantly carved humped stone bridge, and then, slightly they arrive at the port. A huge cargo crane towered over a stone-flagged dock. In the background crouched a large stone pit with a host of wooden bridges across it.
Standing near of one the long, low buildings stood a large humanoid figure, almost eight feet tall, wrapped in thick furs despite the heat. Next to them is a rough sack, largely full, marked with spidery letters in black dye.
It speaks, a loud, scratchy voice. "Vich von of you is the Ambassador?"

"I act as the primary ambassador for the Khaloric Swarm on this venture", the six foot tall, pale-skinned drider said, his piercing blue eyes painful to look directly into. "The others with me also act as representatives of our objectives to a lesser degree. I am Theron, First Consort to Queen Ezri of Lakereach. These are", he motioned to the ray-das girl clad in armor, "N'alti, leader of the Exterminator's Guild in Stone's Throw, and Shin of the dustmoths of Khalorean City." The dustmoth male gave a slight bow.

"Great. Velcome to Valthee, Ve're heavily armed. I'm Mirriam Vine, Head of vhe Valthee Port Authority. I occasionally practice cannibalism. That means I am in charge of ve port. Since vhe port is vhere visitors come from, that means I look after visitors."
She sighs. Two Karkari come past, carrying a stack of what are presumably empty crates, and disappear down one of the narrower alleyways.
"Of course, you didn't come by port, so you may, if vou vish, conduct vour diplomatic negotiations via the Herd. Vou can do vaht in any case, but vhey will ask vhy. I have been chosen for this task because it is considered that I am good at understanding foreigners. If that has not vorried you yet, give it time.
There are several important things vou should know. Do vou vant to carry this on inside, or vould you prefer to stay out here?"

"As insects, we are adaptable. If this is the place you are most comfortable, so are we." Theron wasn't hearing anything displeasurable as of yet, and he made sure it was known using only his body language and tone. "We always act in the greater good for our people, and I am sure you have the same idea. We are also heavily armed, which is why we come to you. We are searching for our lost brothers, though we don't actually know where they are; only a vague idea that they're somewhere in the mountains. One of our armies is already en route there, but we wanted to see if we could pass through your land along the way since it would take less time. If this is unacceptable to you, we will simply go around your borders as to not offend you."

The Portmaster's chamber is decorated, the walls forming the inside of the stone dome painted with a variety of stylised landscape scenes, most of the compositions being combinations of elements, arranged in what is no doubt carefully chosen patterns, but with no attempt at perspective, or forming a continuous unified scene. The overall effect somehow manages to feel plain, the pictures somewhat blending into the coloured whirls of the stone.
Arranged on crude wooden shelves, heavily mounted to the wall, are row upon row of statues, fetishes, idols and other sculptures, some quite recognisable in their theme, some far less so. There are a haphazard collection of chairs, stools, small benches and large sacks of something soft and fibrous. Mirriam lowers herself to the floor, the heavy furs now smelling slightly musky closer up, and obscuring whatever it is she does with her legs.
"First rule, don't kill anything. Different factions have different standards as to what can be eaten, from only plants to anything less intelligent than they are. Being responsible for the death of something is a serious offence. I can probably get you off lightly, but best not to risk it. Please note that vhis includes creatures trying to eat you. Some of vou may be considered too dangerous to eat.." she gives a nod to the Ray-Das girl, "...but for the vest, even if someone tries to kill vou, please try to leave them alive. Any violations should be reported to the nearvest Priest."
A small, mop-like creature arrives, about a foot high on four hairy stubby legs, arrives, pushing a child's wagon with it's head. On it are a collection of thick clay goblets, a jug of steaming hot water, and several bowls of leaves, all arrayed in a star pattern, largest in the middle, smallest at the edge.
"Vou may take tea, if vou vish. Thank you Raschadle." The mop creature bobs a head of thick hair, and starts to scuttle out. "Second, good manners will take vou far. Vhen you first meet people, tell them vour name, your faction if vou haf von, and a selected sin. Something objectionable, but unlikely to be relevent to the person to vhom vou are talking. If vou do not haf anything suitable, I vould suggest that vou borrow von of my gods." Her eyes flick to the heavily laden shelves, "as religious differences are a generally acceptible moral vailing. I can issue vou something suitably unpleasant vor the duration of vor stay."
She pours hot water into one of cups, adds a dash of dried leaf from one of the bowls, and then holds the mug up to her face. She does not drink, but merely inhales deeply.
"If vou are host, and vee vill find a temporary building for you until something more suitable can be built, then of course you should reassure them that you can defend the household. Do not... vhat is the phrase... show off at this point. It is courtesy, not contest, yes?
Thirdly, those of vou who are ambassadors, vill have the rights and privileges of a faction, that faction being vour Khaghanate. Joining another faction is possible, but vill commit your embassy, and its influence over the Khaghanate, to that faction."
She arranges her lips in what is presumably a smile.
"The Khagnate itself can not join vith a Faction unless it vishes to submit to the Basalt Throne.
As to vour proposals. Vour occupation of the only known mountains with good sea access in the Northern half of the continent, has not gone unnoticed. Claiming further territory near the Empire may attract the Emperor's urgent attention. Ve have no particular objection to an army heading for the mountains to the NorthVest, but it may be more... diplomatic to start somewhere other than the nearest point to our nation."
She sets the cup down on the floor, with a firm click.
"As for an army passing through, that may be difficult, since it would not be obvious it was not our doing. Such a matter vould have to be brought before the Throne." Her eyes narrow, as if by sheer willpower she could set her guests aflame. "Can I ask... vhat these 'brothers' look like? If you know?"

"They are direct creations of our god, Khalorean, the God of Justice and Spiders. They are grand insects with powerful, strong legs, breath of flame, blood of liquefied burning stone, skin of black stone and smoldering red cinders. In size, they are... Shin, go stand over there next to the red-cushioned stool with the black wood trim." He did so. "N'alti, go stand over there next to the purple-dyed brass-riveted high-backed chair." She went to the spot and stood in place. "They are approximately the width between my companions." The distance was just shy of 10 meters.
Mirriam raises her eyebrows, then nods.

Mirriam raises her eyebrows, then nods.
"Khalorean is also a god of justice? And has created a race in his image? Interesting." Mirriam tries to avoid glancing at the statue collection to her side, and in particular at a badly damaged multi-legged idol tucked away on the second shelf. "Vell, that makes it easier. I can tell you we don't have them as city dwellers. I can ask the priesthood if they've seen anything like that in our more rural areas or beyond. Best of all would be to ask Ak-Narim. Collecting such traces is very much his area, and he may know something. Beyond that... ...Why are you searching mountains, in particular?
Is there a reason? And forgive me for being indelicate," she continues in a voice that suggests a lack of forgiveness would not bother her in the slightest, "but vit has been a number of years since vou last saw these people? Is it possible they have changed over this time?"

"You spoke of a custom of admitting sins to new conversation partners. We did not know this custom, but it is now time to follow along with you." the drider began to say. "One of our members is an artifact that walks like a man, but is made of invulnerable bags full of mosquitoes and scarabs, and acts as our historian. He said that before he was sealed in an underground room, he knew the last of the galans had headed north from our Temple, the single most important location we have ever known. That is the sole reason we claimed the mountains to your East; we thought they would be hiding there." He took a moment to let his words sink in before continuing.
"It is true that they may have gone mad and corrupt in the long absence, but our sin is only a sin to our most hated enemy- a god whose name we have since forgotten since speaking its name is grounds for immediate death by paralysis and torture. Our Empress, and all of our many Queens, have the ability to forcibly control one's mind, who then welcomes the changes made. Even ghouls can be brought back to life and made sane through our power. Even if the galans did go mad, in the end it doesn't matter in the slightest. As you can see, this is why we must continue onwards to other mountains. But since we are in friendly association with The Grand Duchy of Xule, and hopefully The Empire of the Basalt Throne, we would like to keep our settlement so we could more efficiently make deliveries and come to aid if ever it might be needed." Theron was hesitating, but let himself go in the presence of the right company. "Khalorean had not made only one species; he made several. The galans are only one; the rainbow butterflies another, and our Empress is a recombinant- another creation. There were others, though they are now extinct as far as anyone knows. They were called whiptails, blatid, and arachnomorph. We all love Khalorean dearly! We have artwork of him in our Grand Temple, holding his wizard's staff, looking like a skeleton wearing heavy plate armor, all made of what looks like metal but it is said that he wasn't made of metal or bone at all, but a huge swarm of insects that came together to form his body whenever he chose to appear."

Mirriam is still. "An interesting story, in so many ways. Vou invoke destiny, history, friendship, even the will of the gods themselves. And I find vour delight in the ancient creatures from previous ages very reassuring, since it suggests that there will be fewer misunderstandings while vou're here." She continues, her voice warming to theme, like tumbling gravel. "But vou still haven't told me why you're looking in the mountains. And why so far to the West of where vour records say they went? From the sounds of it, the fire, the size, the ancient magics, the frequent references to death and madness, the legends of your Galans would seem to have more in common with the isles of the Dead Republic, than the Mountains of the Deep Tribes.
Vis flight, Vis migration, vhen was it supposed to have happened?"

"We aren't looking far to the West of where we think the galans went to; we only know that they went north from the last place they were seen. Since there is a huge mountain range to the West of here, and a small one to the East, we had no idea which mountains were the right ones, if any of them were. We are very much lost, and only doing the best we can with what out of date and fragmented information we have." the drider knew he was beginning to take too much of the Basaltian's time, even if they did seem to enjoy the conversation. "There are many people we wish to investigate the existence of in the Dead Republic... but in the off chance the entire nation is mad and attacks any nation who deigns to meet them in full force, we have no ability to repel such a horrific assault, so we don't want to approach. Instead we wish to hope against hope that they might be found sane, in small numbers, and in a relatively easy to traverse locale."

"Ve can let your little group through, no real problem there. But an actual army? From our territory? That's a problem."

"We understand. We will go around your existing borders as to not cause discomfort."

Mirriam rumbles. "I'm no sure if it should be someone more... diplomatic saying vis. But we expanded eastwards precisely so we could get to the mountains. Only to find that Xule had granted them to you."

There's nothing in Mirriam's demenour that suggests what her opinion is on that, merely that she has one.
"So instead we now propose to expand northwest. It's not as good a situation, but securing the sources of the rivers that feed our lake has it's own advantages. If we run into an army of vours up there... Some of the Factions are likely to feel... vell, they vill vonder why you have come so far from home. The news that vou are merely trying to resurrect a race on ancient fire breathing giants on our borders, vill not reassure them."

The drider was silent for a moment, but it was obvious he was in deep thought. "As you are not the most political member of your people, I am not the most of mine. However, I have been entrusted, as I'm sure you have, to do the best we can and reach an answer. I will be frank. We don't want to claim the mountain range taking up a third of the continent. One of our armies has been traveling there for quite a long time, and will continue. If we find the galans, and we hope we will, we will take them back home with us. If you continue expanding and begin to claim the mountains while we are still searching, then we will have to speak again and reach some kind of understanding. If we find them before you begin making claims, then our army and the galans we find will all evacuate the area, and you can expand unheeded." Theron was thinking, and realized something. "It would take another detour, but we could begin our search at the base of the mountains, since that area is closest to you, so we scour the land for our people before you arrive. Xule helped speak on our behalf to the indigenous people of the mountains, and we could do the same thing to a lesser degree for you. I say 'to a lesser degree' because there is far too much space of that mountain range to speak to everyone directly, and it would mean we would be present much longer than either of us want. Also, we may not be the best representatives of your culture, as you are well aware."

Mirriam is silent for almost a minute. "Or, vou could leave the area nearest the Basalt Throne for us to search? The idea of limiting ourselves to areas vou have already looted is not an attractive one. I do not think that vour quest should be a bone ov contention between us. We could not harm vese Galan out of some misguided sense of strategy. Nor could ve reasonably conceal them. And ve have no wish to try to recruit or suborn creatures which, as you say, vour own people have such a strong connection to, such that vou can raise them, even from the lands of those who are dead."
She shakes her head. "Maybe vis should be brought before the Throne, after all. Or, we could see if somevone else is in the settlement, that ve could discuss this vith?."

"My lady Mirriam, I have enjoyed our time together so far, and your people show a great many similarities to my own. I hope that we can come to an agreement without the need of consulting others... and so I have a bare bones idea. Would it be permissible to launch a joint expedition, or to choose a location to begin our search, or any place off-limits? We don't know what part of the mountains they are in, or if they are even alive, or as you mentioned, sane. Any mountainous location is no different to us than any other. I must also mention that we have no interest in collecting of historical relics, artifacts, valuables, land, or anything else of the kind. We only want to bring our own people back to where they belong."

Mirriam nods once, and then unfolds, standing up, her head almost touching the ceiling.
"Now that I can agree to on behalf of vhe Port Authority. I'll square things with the priests, not really their business but vhey won't see it that vay. You mind ve bring a friend, T'loko, and his bodyguard?
She starts moving with rapidity, collecting materials from a nearby desk, not papers, but small clay tablets, some circular, some diamond, some attached with string. Each bears a sigil.
Of course, vhile your army can not come through us, messages, supplies, these are not an issue. Better yet, buy supplies from us, save vou long journey. I suggest you get rest, make plans, then we go upriver. Pick up people from Ak'Narim on the vay. Vou explain vour needs to my people, ve get it all sorted out."
Clutching big handfuls of clay sigils, she turns back to them.
"Anything else? Oh, yes, trade treaty. Ve discuss on the vay?"

"Nothing would please us more!" Theron had failed to get everything the Khaloric Swarm intended, but it was an even better victory than he was tasked with since he found a new national ally. Maybe he could even be awarded Recombinancy!

Spoiler: Note

Show

Collaboration between me and Togo we finished the other day. Might have to edit; will say so here if I did.

[Viirin]

Lectre's Corps

Queen Lectre Cook walked around her resting soldiers as they rested in between speed marches. The mountains were further than they thought- and it was a good thing they had helped settle Stone's Throw. Otherwise, traveling this far at a time straight from Khalorean City would just be ridiculous.

Some of the troops had been killed, repeatedly, and started to go mad. Some actually did, and ran off into who-knows-where, some had their souls torn out and dissolved by the abominations that roamed the land, sometimes even in the daytime.

Someone should study the life cycle of these creatures. There is clearly a lot to learn here.
I agree. We should get better trained exterminators to gather what they can learn.
That would require them to expand services to information and probably treasure-hunting quests, but I'm sure it could be done. Plus it would be safer for the less experienced people to learn teamwork before going on actual dangerous missions.
The telepathic communication between Lectre and Oswin was useful.

The troops were not disenheartened though; they had gained new members. There were a few from a pack of carnivorous, ravenous horned animals who had larvae implanted in their throats in a stressful conflict, and the queen's darts full of Holy Virus was taking a long time to set in since she had overused the ability in succession. The children were born out of their monster parent's chests and taken on their traits, then joined the military. Their parent came back to life and the virus was re-applied now that the things were subdued physically, and after a short while, they joined too. The numbers were only slightly higher than they had been when they started, though a larger portion were recombinants now than there was originally. The loss of the body was the most important part- if a soul was torn out of a dustmoth or drider, then they could be used to birth a new recombinant and its body would convert and come to life as well. With the ability to turn any enemy or fallen ally into two more, the army was very self-sustaining.

Khalorean City

There have been too many distractions. I need to meditate. Do not bother me with anything until I give different orders.
Yes, your Majesty.
Yes, your Majesty.
Yes, your Majesty.
Yes, your Majesty.
Yes, your Majesty.
Yes, your Majesty.
Yes, your Majesty.
Yes, your Majesty.
Yes, your Majesty.

The queens and a few others understanding how important the next week would be was important. The Swarm would grow tremendously in power, or at least the groundwork for such things was going to be laid down. The queens could handle things from their ends; but Empress Dorian Cook was in deep meditation, frustrated with her own lack of speed in redeveloping what was lost.

Stone's Throw

Since I set up the Exterminator's Guild here, I was hoping that we would be able to get more support than I've gotten from you.
We're busy here working on a few things so we don't have time to set it up as professionally as yours is.
And we aren't busy? There is much to do.
You've been like this for decades! I was hoping the Empress would have mellowed you out.
Nothing would make me subservient to you!
That isn't what I was saying! I'm only saying that our locations have different things going on and as such, our priorities are in a different order.
Fine. When are you going to get your Guild set up professionally?
Soon, hopefully. The Aurorans aren't really a threat to us though, so we haven't focused on it.
Point taken, Ezri.

Slivan, I haven't heard from you in awhile. How is your Guild coming along?
There are odd things happening here that I want to get settled before I bother setting it up in any way besides volunteers.
Oh, right, the, uh...
Exactly.
Maybe you can use them to help further that goal.
I was already planning on it. But why are you so interested? Shouldn't Oswin be the one to ask these questions?
She's busy with other things. Plus, I'm the one that came up with the Exterminator's Guild anyway so of course I have a vested interest.
Well anyway, there's something I'm working on here that you can also use there, but the Empress has to finish her end first before any of us can make functional use out of it.

Queen Slivan Cook looked at the partially revealed building that Harold was found entombed in. Its polish and cleaning was starting to look rather impressive as it should. Hopefully it wouldn't be long now before the Swarm had proper places of worship found in every city.

Spoiler: Actions

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4/4

Continue moving army towards the mountains (they don't know about the agreement so they'll probably just keep going around the Basalt Empire's borders). Will reach the mountain range in 1 more turn.

1. Renegotiate with the locals in previously specified area
2. Complete redevelopment of Blatid Telepathy (2/2)
3. Continue redevelopment of Recombinant Hivemind (2/3)
4. Complete redevelopment of Recombinant Hivemind (3/3)

4/4

[cybric]

Harconian Protectorate

A long month went as Atik and his Janissary guard walked across the plains and along the coasts in search of the Northmen. Auroran and aberrant attacks were frequent as they neared the mountains and passed into the lands once held by Grat. Blood was spilled, powder was wasted, and the group continued its path to signs of something stable.

Yarlios troops had been watching the outsiders, these kaijun, as the troops called them for several days. He and this party stuck to the shadows watching, waiting, learning.

He watched as they fought the aberations, he watched as they fought the barborous aurans with strange weapon of fire and smoke.

The Kaijun were riding further and further north further towards home and the protectorate. Finally he decoded they had roved far enough.

The the kaijun made camp and as they ate Yarlio spread his night lords around the camp just outside the fires light.

With his troops covering his approach Yarlio seemed to melt out of the shadows

"Greetings Kaijun...i believe you've been looking for us no"

The cloaked form of Atik looked up at the figure of Yarlio, his Janissaries slowly drawing their blades as they sat. With little pause or noticeable surprise in him he spoke, asking "Are you of the warband turned away at the marshes? Of those who walk to and from the ruins?"

"Ruin Walkers, Patherfinders... Night Lords we have many names but they all are those that you speak of. We've been watching you for sometime now Kaijun. You fight the aberrations, you fight the Aurons, all be it you fight strangely but you seem to fight well. So far that is all you fight."

Yarlio catches the glint of a few blades in the fire light and puts three fingers up. At the signal three javelins land in the encampment. Each one with the severed head of a Auron attached. A warning and a clear message.

"I would advise your men against drawing their blades. There are many shadows in these lands. We do not seek conflict however you'll find that the warriors of the Protectorate also fight very well. We have not lasted this long by fostering weakness. If we have a understanding then we may proceed however if you'd prefer to take your chances we will oblige you."

"We did not come to fight, merely to look and to understand, and to speak" Atik replied. "An army approaching our lands from the North, and others to loot our ancestors is cause for curiosity."

The eyes of his Janissaries settled on the Javelins and the shadows around the camp, "We come on behalf of Khagan Sinan, to seek your... Protectorate."

"Our lands, our ancestors...You're very greedy Sinan's Speaker. Those lands were among those belonging to our ancestors as well. Their stories sing in our blood and their minds race in our steel." A glint a light bounces off of Yarlio's silver skin as a gleamer beams from silver eyes.

"Our army fights the Auronans as our kin before us did with honor albeit a little too much honor for my taste. Before we caught sight of you we feared that the world was only left with the barbarous Auronans. It seems that we might yet have a accord Sinan's speaker. Come, step away from your men as I have stepped away from mine. Let us sit and talk of our peoples. Tomorrow might see us as enemies however for the next ten minutes let us sit as Men and then perhaps the next ten minutes will see us as friends"

As the night went the two talked in the light of the fire, and as talk turned to their two peoples they found similarities between one another, in their pasts and in certain dealings over the centuries.

Following a short bout of combat to appease the warrior code that the protectorate lived by the two warbands moved on together.

Days passed as the Ajivhans walked in the Protectorate lands, pointed towards their holds and assuming themselves to still be watched, to speak with their lord or lords and see if common ground could be made into something stronger, a reunion perhaps was the word, or if something else was to come.

(*OOC this above post is a collaboration between Anti Eagle and I)

Spoiler: Actions

Show

1. Complete research on Similcra Cyrstals
2. Complete research on Similcra Cyrstals
3. Complete research of Ironclad Naval Ships
4. Complete research of Ultra Light Weight Armor

[The JoJo]

The Ducal Palace, Xule

Valencia lay on the floor of her bedroom, staring at the krakari doll which she had been given by the Basalt ambassadors. She was getting a little old for toys, or so she liked to think, but she had admit this one was a beautiful contraption, far more intricately designed than anything she had ever seen built by even the finest toy makers in Xule. And she had seen a lot of toys in her short life.

She ran a hand over the crafted hinges that separated the doll’s wings from its body, wondering what they were for. She could see that allowed the wings to be moved in something that approximated a wing-beat, but there had to be more to it. She positioned the wing in a flying motion, and then tried moving each body part in turn, being careful not to apply too much pressure in-case she broke the gift.

‘Twang!’

The recoil was only slight but it came as a surprise, causing Valencia to drop the toy in alarm. She glanced around in panic to see if anyone had been watching, and when she was sure she was alone, picked the doll back up, relieved that it seemed to be intact. The flower it held had vanished, however. She scanned across the floor and then all around, her eye's widening when she saw the dart she had accidentally fired lodged firmly in the bed frame behind her.

‘Cosimo is going to love this!’

~

"It should be enough, at least to start with." Prince Moria was talking to an armor-wearing dustmoth with strange symbols on the shoulders of his jacket.

The moth took the paper back from the drider once signed, and waved his hand at someone out of sight, while turning and walking outside.

"What was that about?" Grimani asked from where he was sitting nearby, staring intently at the letter in his hands.

Moria surprised himself that he hadn't noticed Grimani sitting there. When did he arrive? "Ah, my venerable and honorable lord Grimani. The dowry I had spoken of earlier has finally arrived. There were some issues along the way, and the cart isn't as full as it should have been, and some of what did make it must be discarded."

"Nasrine!" The dustmoth from earlier flew back up the outer staircase and to the doorway. "Go get me the box."

The moth flew away and back in only a moment. He handed a hand-sized plainly decorated wooden box to the drider, and then flew away again.

"This box contains what looks like dust. It is not dust. This box contains spores of a type of mushroom that grows beneath the Temple of Khalorean in our capitol. With this, you can begin seeding the mines to both produce food, and light enough that whoever harvests it can see well enough to work without torches."

"Excellent," Grimani said as he considered the box before him. "I've been meaning to talk about a project I've been working on. A common market, which would eliminate all trade barriers and tariffs between our two nations. The idea is that other nations might freely join the market, and so all our economies would grow. Have your people put any consideration into this proposal since we last talked?"

"We have begun speaking with the Empire of the Basalt Throne, and forming the beginnings of a relationship." The drider didn't want to say how much less inviting the plainspeople seemed to be. "They do have a rather... interesting concept of government. I cannot honestly say I understand how it functions."

"We have been having... similar difficulty," Grimani admitted. "But they seem friendly enough. Unlike certain other tribes..."

"Other tribes? We haven't met the Harconin besides a few months ago when you first brought up your mine issues. Are they who you meant?"

"No. Have you ever encountered the Brujah?"

"I haven't heard this name, no." Moria was wondering if maybe they were the same monsters that the ray-das had mentioned in whispers before he moved to Xule. "I am very curious on who this could possibly be, or where they might be located?"

"To the north of here. They are an uncivilised race, who drink the blood of their enemies and let women lead them. Some even call them vampires." Grimani passed the letter in his hands to Moria. "We have certain... assets in place in the Brujah's heartland. What concerns me is their relentless expansion southwards, soon they could reach the coast and threaten our trade routes if they do not stop."

"Your ideals of an open market available to all is a noble one that Khalorean himself would have suggested. But with the... Broo ya?" Moria looked like he was trying to remember it right. "With the vampires" he looked at the paper a bit closer, "rapidly expanding and heading straight towards us, it seems as though doing it now would not be the best decision. But we are well acquainted with one another, and we have made promises. We could take control of the northern coast for defense, if you would be so kind as to help us pave the way as you did before."

"If you will sign a mutual defence pact, so that an attack on one of us is considered an attack on both, then we will gladly prepare the territory for you. We already exert some control there to keep our ships secure."

"I cannot sign it alone, but must request for a recombinant from the capitol to agree to it as well. That, or a copy could just as easily be sent to Stone's Throw and Queen Nafash Cook could agree to it just the same. I assume that the pact part of our relationship would break automatically if it is found that the defense is only a repercussion to one's own aggression, but the remainder of our relationship would remain unchanged?"

"It depends on the exact terms we decide. I would hope that preemptive defence would be covered as part of the agreement, at the very least."

"I am glad we understand each other. I will be happy to sign this once the Empress gives her consent through a Queen."

"Very good. Once it is signed, we will begin preparing the north for your arrival."

The drider bowed, and went outside to make sure the Temple Mushroom delivery was taken care of properly.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

-Built fleet in the Basalt port, as agreed by treaty
-Implement whale farming
-Continue to research steam engines
-Prepare the coast to the north of Xule for settlement by the Kharloean Swarm

The second half of this post was a collab with Viirin.

[Mabn]

An island in the Southwest ocean
The engines worked as expected. Freed from reliance on wind and currents krakari clamored to reach scores of areas almost close enough to leave a boat and fly too but beyond their reach for an age. Outposts of the Raptor states at their peak and the remains of those long dead who had yearned and failed to explore them before were being claimed, studied, and stripped of their treasures. The greatest find of the early days was not however in the works of ancient people but in happenstance and a tangential product of their downfall. On a volcanic island who's third age outpost had been buried by sudden, explosive eruption an excavator happened to notice that a chunk of the rock she was clearing away floated in a nearby pool. Revealing and claiming this knowledge quickly made her extraordinarily wealthy. SC guild-mages had for years crafted the stone of their homeland into roads, buildings, and even their capital city, but the rarity, flammability, and frailty of wood had remained for time immemorial a vise around Silverplume naval ambitions. With the possibility on the horizon that soon a hundred krakari could gather together and pull a new vessel out of the ground in an afternoon savvy merchants were hedging whether a magical methodology to create this extraordinary new stone would be discovered before or after its island of origin was mined bellow sea level.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

1-3 research pumice crafting
4-8 settle relevant island (is there any local population?)

[pfm1995]

AN ISLAND FARM

His pegleg cutting a winding swath through the new fields, Ammas walked along rows and rows of black-stalked crops. When he was younger this field was a forest, it's timbers sacrificed to feed Navasti ambition. Soon, it would feed the Navasti themselves. Over the horizon, the finest forge-priests of Gangari fought and failed to bend this newly-discovered metal to their whims, the echoes of the latest Vayri chuckling at their failure.

Finally arriving at the cliff's edge, he looked down to see a rowboat making it's slow journey away from a Ray-das wreck kept from the sea by a horn of rock.

Three minutes later, the wreck exploded.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Implement Land Rust cultivation.
Research Cultural Experience.
[PLACEHOLDER]

[Togo]

The Hall, Valthee

"She's done what?"

"Formed an agreement with the Swarm."

There was a silence in the stone chamber. around the circle of chairs. .

"Well, if it's just a trade agreement...." Knarl said carefully.

"She gone to meet their army when it arrives on our borders." said Nuele in clipped tones. A few mumurs ran around the circle. But not as many as she was expecting. She frowned, and pushed the attack. "I assume noone here disputes that this would be of interest to the Throne?"

Knarl raised an eyebrow, but waited. Right on cue, Ak'Narim spoke up. "But you don't represent the Throne." he said smoothly. "You serve the Emperor. Remember?"

Nule waved this away. "A technicality."

Knarl winced.

She continued. "I'm not going to sit by why she tries negotiate on our behalf.."

That was too much for the circle. Murmurs broke out.. Nuele spoke over the rising thrum. "I intend to seek her out, and demand some answers." She sat back, eyes scanning the circle for the first protest, for her first target.

"Good idea" Cut in Knarl quickly.

"Wha-?"

"I said, good idea! Go there, find out what's going on, make sure everything they're doing is above board. After all, "Knarl said, glancing around. "Noone here is going to argue with your right to see if there is anything going that concerns your faction. Or the right of anyone else who wants to go." He shrugs. "Maybe we'll get a crowd there, and we'll all get to see what's happening. But it's not the job of anyone here to say whether anyone can or can't go. Just.. " He made a face. "...please please do talk to the priests first?"


Afterwards on the street. Knarl was less jovial. "Who did you send?"

"Miss Levan" Said Ak'Narim, his silky words eliminating any trace of smugness in his tone.

"I thought Effcie was dead?"

"She is, I sent Ia."

Knarl looked up at the stars, twinkling in frozen spelendor. "Is she still... stable?"

Ak'Narim gave a slow shrug.

"Who can say?"

They started to walk along the river. Globe lanterns hung from the trees, marking their way. Eventually Knarl spoke. "I wish you'd trust me."

"I have... my own concerns."

"Yes, but you're not good at this. You're not subtle enough."

"You're just annoyed that I moved first."

"Killing her isn't the answer. She isn't the problem.

"She's trying to construct a clear line of authority from the emperor down to every citizen in it! Of course I should kill her."

Frustration flashed across Knarl's face. "I'm not saying it's wrong, I'm saying it's not the right solution to the problem. You're very smart, but that's not..."

Ak'Narim gave another liquid shrug. "I'm generally right. Isn't that enough?"

Knarl shook his head. But didn't say anything. At the fork in the road, they took seperate paths.

Spoiler: Actions

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1) absorb and settle the area around Quartog manor
2) negotiate with locals in the forests to the nw of Quartog manor
3) Negotiate with locals in the mountains to the northwest nearest Quartog manor
4) Send agents to spy on the Brujah, trying to understand their dinosaur training technology

[PossiblyInsane]

Emico

The past month had been worrying for the people of Emico. Rumors abounded, of things stirring in the depths, of dead men walking, of troubles ahead. When the first Terror climbed out of the sea onto shore, alarm bells rang, and they began to rally the militia. When another eight Terrors joined the first, they were horrified. When a well-dressed human climbed out of the surf and joined the hulking monsters (which seemed content just to sit a fair distance outside the edge of town, rather than eating said human), they were confused. When the entire group marched into town under the flag of House Verde and peaceful intentions, they began to doubt their collective sanity.

As Fleshwarper Zarius calmly explained to the governor, the Fallen were merely performing a duty that had been unfortunately neglected over the past centuries. With every other Auroran noble house either destroyed or of dubious claim, the lands of Emico had reverted to the care of the Empire, and the position of Emperor had last been held by House Verde. It was the responsibility of the noble House to provide a standing military force to defend said lands in time of need, which had now been provided, complete with supporting legal texts and documents signed by the last regent of House Verde preserved in ice.

It was something the people of Emico would greatly benefit from, as the governor soon after explained to his people. Fishing boats and trading vessels could sail freely, protected from Aberrations and pirate activity. The Fallen themselves could greatly assist the island's reserves of manpower, hauling boulders like so much flour and felling trees like so much wheat. And, of course, they were all sons of Aurora, even if some were rather oddly shaped.


Many muttered of monsters and witchcraft, but all knew the last, unspoken reason behind the governor's supplication. The Corpus Verde were assuming leadership of Emico diplomatically. Should they need to take it by force, there would likely be very little the people of Emico could do about it.

Spoiler: Actions

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Finish moving the House Guard (First Army) to Emico. (Free)
Negotiate with locals in Emico (X Materials)
Absorb local population in Emico
Stockpile Food (5)
Build a Water Current Management System in Daigoro's Hand. (2 Materials. +1 Food/season)

[Anti-Eagle]

September 1174 AD (Turn 7)

As the heat of Summer turned to Fall the upsetting nature of the past months weather turned to violence, the stirrings of the aberrations turned to a march as bands and hordes of monsters spilled from the sea towards the concentrations of flesh and souls on the coast. Disorganized hungers began to move in lockstep, beginning their assaults almost in clockwork efficiency as those who heeded what little warnings they received over the months picked up and ran further inland, West, South, North... Anywhere that seemed safer.

Those few bastions, walled off and armed against the outside, saw or atleast heard of what was coming towards them or perhaps was already upon them as the first week ended and night fell once again.

Spoiler: Alert

Show

Aberrations are moving from the east, onto the coasts and moving further inland attacking settlements.

Aberrations are attacking The Brujah's seventh territory and approaching its third.

Aberrations are attacking the Balaenic Archipelago.

Aberrations are attacking territory 6 and 8 of The Empire of the Basalt Throne, and are approaching the second and fifth.

Aberrations are attacking Xule.

Aberrations are attacking territory 1 of the Khaloric Swarm

Spoiler: Actions

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The Ajivhan Khaganate
- Implement Fedayeen (Costs 12 Materials to Implement, provides +2 to combat and +2 espionage at the cost of an increased casualty risk when used)
- Research Metallurgy (Two more turns to research)
- Research Blasting Powder (One more action to research)
- Research Rocketry (One more action to research)
- 1st Ajivhan Cavalry continues moving towards the Meretonian Wall in the East (free)

---

The Corpus Verde
- Negotiate with locals in Emico
- Absorb locals in Emico
- Stockpile Food (Five)
- Construct Water Current Management System in Daigoro's Hand (Costs 2 Materials, Provides 1 Food per Season)
- Finish Moving First Army to Emico

---

The Empire of the Basalt Throne
- Absorb locals and settle the area around Qartogs manor
- Negotiate with locals in the forests to the North West of Qartogs manor
- Negotiate with locals in the mountains to the Northwest nearest Qartogs manor
- Send agents to spy on the Brujah, trying to understand their dinosaur training technology (agents sent)

---

The Grand Duchy of Xule
- Built fleet in the Basalt port, as agreed by treaty
- Implement whale farming (Costed 2 Materials. Provides +2 to Food.)
- Continue to research steam engines (Will cost 3 Materials to implement.)
- Prepare the coast to the north of Xule for settlement by the Kharloean Swarm

---

The Harconin Protectorate
- Continue Research into Simulacra Crystals (2/3)
- Continue Research into Simulacra Crystals (3/3. Will cost twelve materials)
- Continue Research into Ironclad Ships (2/2. Will Cost eight materials)
- Continue Research into Ultra Light Weight Armour (2/2. Will cost eight materials)

---

The Khaloric Swarm
- Continue Negotation attempts in the Far South
- Continue Redevelopment of Blatid Telepathy (2/2)
- Continue Redevelopment of the Recombinant Hivemind (2/3)
- Continue Redevelopment of the Recombinant Hivemind (3/3)
- Continue moving army towards the mountains (free)

---

The Navasti League
- Implement Land Rust cultivation (Costs 3 Materials. +1 Food).
- Research Cultural Experience (two more actions as decided)
- Treaty

---

The Silverplume Confederacy
1-4 Research and implement Pumice Crafting
5-8 Settle and develop territory around the island.

[Viirin]

Recombinant Hivemind

My daughters, granddaughters, and grandsons. Hear my thoughts.

Each and every recombinant was able to do so, much to their amazement.

See what I see. North of me is a large group of something curious. Thoughts that glow bright blue but change flavor between stale bread and burning spices. Many other thoughts cloud my vision, but I must know what this is.
Mother Majesty, you told me that thought flavor is unchanging; only the color can change in an individual. The flavor proves the truth of what they are, the color betrays their emotions.
That which I said is that which is true. Whatever is out there is numerous and nonsensical. Locate it for me.
All hear think at once. We barrier no more. How?
Please Gibbers, stop that.
We... can... there is no more hold. Everyone connected now.
Yes. All of us can hear each other's thoughts now. Only the Empress can choose when it is fully open.
One of us can think with all of us.
There is no more separation.
We can be safer now. No one will be without allies.
Any of us can aid any of us.
We can view each thought through many lenses.
Every perspective is valuable. Losing it is not acceptable.
There can be no deception.
Lies do not exist in the Swarm.
Through transparent and honest admittance, Justice can be done.
Bias are evaporated.
Objectives can be seen.
Realistic choices are known, punishments not always necessary.
Forgiveness is given.
Unless irrational.

The hivemind was abuzz in new thoughts being transmitted between the entirety of the species, and the infested experiments were taught how to broadcast, receive, and filter.

I see the thoughts. They're further north of me as well...
They're far to my East, but still North from even that. Everyone says there is only barren ice there.
Apparently not.
I'll send a few people since I'm closer.
While you're at it, we've had some trouble getting that far West.
Ed, take a couple people with you and head towards those glowing thoughts.
Micah, you go West and see if you can get to the Harconin.

Khalorean City

"What the hell are those things?" the drider Exterminator screamed, not expecting an answer.
"Good thing we never opened the siege wall for the mammals, eh?" a dustmoth javelineer laughed.
"Stop being an idiot. Just tear off something's limbs and throw it towards the pit!" a recombinant whose body was mostly based on a drider's hacked off something that looked like a vestigial wing sprouting out of an aberration's face, and threw it over his shoulder towards a large pit where a building was supposed to be, but now it was just a giant bucket full of monster flesh.

"..."
"My Empress?"
"..."
"Dorian, I can hear your voice and thoughts."
"..."
"Empress Cook, I-" Queen Oswin was cut off.
"It is almost done. Send someone to get me more of the raw material from outside."
"I will. What is it you're doing?"
"Help me with it. See what I see."
Empress Dorian showed Queen Oswin what she was thinking, and they both saw the interface.
Oswin's eyes widened. "That would be very helpful right now!"
Dorian smiled wickedly. "Then get more materials so we can infest it and turn it into breeds of new children."

One of the creatures she thought of was similar to a beetle, but with long, flexible antennae and a hooked tail able to pull an enemy off their feet. The creature's body did it passively, but its antennae and tail did it actively- simply help prepare food. Food for the creature. Food that was magically sped up oxidation, turning even thick metal armor into crumbled dust for the creature to eat. Gentle and passive, but excitable when witnessing or smelling metal. Such things, because of their power, would be called 'oxidizers'.

The other creature was also unintelligent, but highly defensive to the point of aggression. If the hivemind found someone to be an ally, or even potentially non-threatening, then the creatures did nothing. However, if they were anyone or anything else, they would swarm the enemy, injecting a one-part-poison one-part-rapidly-incubating-eggs mixture that would cause more of themselves to be born from a single corpse. These spiders were only around six inches long to begin with, but could get up to three feet in length simply by eating. They would be called 'recruiters'.

Spoiler: Actions and a Note!

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Actions 4/4

0: Lectre's Corps reaches the mountains and begins searching for the galans

1. Send diplomat to the Harconin Empire
2. Send diplomat to the Corpus Verde
3. Gen "Oxidizer"
4. Gen "Recruiter"

Actions 0/4

Spoiler: Note

Show

Going to be a collaborative work between PossiblyInsane and myself soon. I'll let him post it :)

Spoiler: Preparations

Show

North Market: Prepared
Red Forest: Prepared

[PossiblyInsane]

The Northern Wastes

It had been extremely difficult to travel through the ice. Aberrations all over, though luckily not as many as it would take to flood the entire landscape. They appeared out of nowhere, came from under the ice, and seemingly from within shadows, or were the shadows cast by nothing that then got hungry and attacked. The escorts were already dead, but Empress Cook had required information on what was now visible as a hugely wide colored flavor spanning the entire field of view. It must be close.
The recombinant bull wasn't meant to walk on ice sheets, but he continued anyway. Shortly after, something in the distance, maybe multiple somethings, seemed to move. Probably just mountains and a trick of the light. As he approached, he could see that no, they weren't mountains. They were only giants! Giants of various shapes, though all of them gigantic. Was... this a city of gargantuan sea creatures that lived on top of the ice for some reason?
Ed Cook continued with the confidence of the Swarm, though the emotional state of his own body was arguing.

Guttural words echoed across the landscape as the figures moved.
"Oh, look. There is nothing down here but ice. What a surprise. Why did we bother getting out of the water, again?"
"Because, Garit, the General would have our hides if we did not at least set foot on the Continent."
"And there is not only ice. Look! There is a cow!"
"That is odd. What is a cow doing this far into the ice sheets?"
"Being dinner. I hunger."
"You always think with your stomach, Maxius."
"If I do not, it tends to make itself heard regardless."

Ed initially didn't speak, but once he realized, and he realized it quickly, that the lumbering mountains of life were making their way towards him, some of them only thinking of what he tasted like, he thought speech quickly would be a good idea if he didn't want half of his entire body bitten off in a single chomp.
"Greetings. I am Ed Cook."

The lead house sized, chitinous monster stops in its tracks. The others slow, looking around the ice for the source of the noise, and stare down in confusion at the migratory bovine for a few moments.

The group of Terrors hurriedly shuffle together in conference.
"Did...did that cow just talk?"
"Oh, thank the Emperors, you heard it too."
"Cows don't usually talk. Why is this one talking? Is it possessed?"
"Why would anything want to possess a cow, of all things?"
"Well, it has to be some kind of magic! Cows don't just decide to start talking out of the blue! Do they?"
"Alright, I think I know what to do."

The lead Terror, recessed eyes squinting suspiciously, turned back and leaned down towards the unusually articulate animal, carefully enunciating every word.

"Are...you...a...magic...cow?"

"In a sense, yes, I am. I was once a simple enraged beast, born of nightmares taking form, but then I attacked the wrong person, or maybe the right one, and they made me better. The question is, what are you? We heard the voices of your thoughts; bright electric blue glowing in the ice, but what could you possibly be?"

The muttered conference continues behind the de-facto diplomat.
"So...did someone turn it into a cow? Or was it a cow to start with?"
"Obviously someone turned it into a cow. What kind of person would actually get attacked by a cow?"
"Well...the Shrage are fairly territorial come mating season..."
"Yes, but that is hardly 'born of nightmares'. It is almost sweet, the way they try to headbutt your legs. Right before you bite their heads off, anyways."
"Speak for yourself, Yorn. Those headbutts can really sting when you are only a few hundred stone."
"It is not my fault you were born a shrimp, Tareg."

The lead Terror, pointedly ignoring the argument behind him, thumps his chest with an armored hand.
"Well you should ask, strange magic cow! I am Lupux Ornus, third of my line, veteran of ten thousand hunts! No man in the House Guard is my equal for the sidelong-rend-into-deathroll-"

"That is only true because Sergeant Artha is a woman, Lupux."

"-AND I have broken the neck of a shell-formed Class IV with no more aid than these six hands-"

"After Grimaldis had stunned the beast. Besides, I believe the magic cow was asking of the Fallen as a whole, and not your ever growing string of boasts."

"Oh hush, Garit, it might be! Do not put words in the magic cow's mouth."

"Both are of value to us. Though in your eyes I am a magic cow, my mother is Queen Lectre of Khalorean City, First City of the Khaloric Swarm. When she was still a drider, she had both a drider mother and father. But then, like me, she was uplifted and became a recombinant. The one who blessed her was my empress- Empress Dorian Cook, a direct creation of the god Khalorean. I personally have only two battles under my survival."

Lupux gives a triumphant roar. "THERE, you see? It does want to hear of my accomplishments! And it's royalty, to boot! Well, my magic cow prince-"

"Now who is the one putting words in the creature's mouth?"

"If you had wanted to speak with it first, you should have been the first to step forward! So, once I had gotten my claws into the Class IV's neck joint-"

"Hold, Lupux." A previously quiet, many tentacled, heavily scarred figure steps forward from the unit. Lupux opens his jaw to protest, thinks better of it, and rejoins the unit. The scarred Terror looks over the recombinant's anatomy, attempting to gauge how quickly it could move, how resilient it's hide, and how much strength it could muster.

"The Khaloric Swarm was annihilated in the Cataclysm. How have your ancestors survived the centuries past?"

"Do you want an honest answer? The Swarm hides nothing."

"And that was one of the troubles, as Father used to say." the Terror muttered to himself. "Only a brief summary, if possible. Scribe Malthus would want the complete answer, but I would rather we finish our patrol before the year's end."

"A summary... a water well was for some reason beneath the Temple, though water never ran in it. When the enemy came to exterminate us, the somewhat rare organic material the Aurorans hoarded, which we had never learned the purpose of, was dumped en masse into the well, and then a larval empress, bearing the essences of the blatid, whiptail, and arachnomorph, was placed inside, then more of the rare foodstuff.

We only recently realized what it was- over time it had nearly calcified, but it was still edible. It turns out it was nothing but candy, made mostly of sugar and flavored of honey. That's how she escaped and brought with her the life essences of all our people who otherwise went extinct. Except for the galans. We're still searching for them."

"I...see. May the fortune of Maximus be upon your search, then..." Hastil recalled his father's stories of rock-skinned monsters covered in fire and many times his size. Given his father had been twenty five feet tall, this sounded imposing. While never one to back down from a challenge, a reckless appetite for combat was weaned off by experience. "...Or Octavius' luck, anyways..." Hastil muttered, realized he had done so, groaned, and grasped his head with a mass of fleshy appendages.

"Empire's ruin, my apologies. I have little experience with this sort of talk."

"I only have the experience I do because I share all thoughts with all my people, as we once did before. But you know what I am, and I still don't know what you are. It was obvious to us that you were someone, or something, intelligent and very interesting and unique... though exactly what you are escapes me. What kind of creature's souls would be bright electric blue, but taste of a marbling of stale bread and fiery spice? Now that I'm closer, I can see something else, too, but not as many. Dark blue, dripping with mintiness?"

"The magic cow has a point, Hastil. He has spoken much of himself already, though I don't recall the Sergeant saying any cow was a member of the Khaloric breeds. It would be of little burden for me to tell him more." said Lupux.

"Only because the burden of your spiel would be shared by the rest of us." said Garit. "Besides, this talk of seeing souls is...strange. I am not sure I care for it."

Hastil gave a cold stare towards the unit. They quieted.
"The power of the Khaloric Swarm lay not in the strength of its' breeds, formidable as they were. It lay in its' ability to adapt, to spread, and to assimilate. You would do well to remember that piece of history."

He turned back to the Recombinant.
"Again, my apologies for our...lack of forwardness. Or what should be a lack of forwardness. The Khaloric Swarm had aided well our fathers, and their fathers before them, but...as your Empress, the Fallen only survived the Cataclysm by falling through the cracks, to use a metaphor. Though by all accounts the Ajhivan's are hardly the terror now as that which had nearly destroyed your race...if you would accompany us back to town, I am certain Lady Cyrica would rather speak with you personally. She far better knows the state of the world than I. Forgive us, but we have survived the ravages of the Destroyer through secrecy, and..."
Hastil shifts his weight, somewhat nervously.
"Well, you have said it yourself. What you know, the Swarm knows, and the Khaloric Swarm hides nothing."

Ed looked to his sides, remembering the driders that came with him but were destroyed by the aberrations along the way. He looked back to the huge monster, and agreed. "Yes, I would like to meet your Lady."

Allowing the giant to lead him, Ed Cook was curious as to what a city created by such a being would look like, and from what? It didn't look like there were any materials out here, not even to a recombinant.

“Very well." Hastil seems to relax slightly. "Daigoro's Heart lies some distance away from here, across water. A moment, and I shall prepare suitable transportation." Hastil paces towards the sea, clenches his beak, and growls a few words under his breath. An ice floe breaks away from shore and begins growing, shaping itself into a more stable, streamlined shape.
"There. Unless you feel inclined to swim several leagues with the rest of us, of course."

"Magic! We are very interested in acquiring this from you. Forgive the bluntness, but it seems you know my people, so you'll likely expect it. Do you know of any mages who are beyond sanity that you could point me towards?"
The recombinant placed one oddly shaped hoof on the ice ship, awaiting the others, or at least other, to get on as well before allowing his full weight to be placed on it.

Hastil's flesh gives a weary ripple.
"Yes, I know of mages that have lost their minds, over the years. Far too many... Letting the Khaloric Swarm see them, however...Time to head home, soldiers." He gestures, and the rest of the squad slips into the water. Seeing the recombinant's hesitation (or possibly politeness. He had little experience reading cow body language), he slithers onto the ice floe, his weight lowering it into the water somewhat.

"...The matter of the mages would be something for the Council to decide. Forgive me, but I suspect that will be the answer to quite a few questions on this journey. Knowledge is power, and power must be restrained."

Ed decided to just wait with the requests, trades, inquiries, and everything else until the proper... person was present, and got onto the ship.

"Right..."
Hastil growls another word, and the ship heads off into the sea, carried by a sudden current. Several large, dark shapes follow it beneath the surface.

****

The ice floe drifted through the inlet, the water below teeming with dark shapes. Smooth glacial walls sheltered the bay on every side. Though worn by the elements, a few stretches of said wall with an opportune view of the surrounding waters were pockmarked with holes wide enough for a man to stroll through. A few indistinct figures shifted within, and quickly flowed out of sight. A distorted gurgling chitter echoed up from the depths.

The floe drew into a large tunnel entrance melted in the ice. The rest of the unit swam ahead, variously walking, scuttling, or slithering out of the water as they approached the shore. Hastil disembarked, pulling the floe behind him until it reached the relatively dry bank of ice scored for traction. Their expressions grew grim. As many concerns as the presence of the recombinant had raised, it had proved a welcome diversion from the damned task behind their journey.

Two Terrors sat in the chamber beyond. One looked down at Ed with mild surprise, pausing in the middle of sharpening his claws. The other had already busied itself with carving a jagged mark on an ice slab, lit by a blue phosphorescent glow.

"Bender Hastil." said the carver, with a slight incline of its' head.

"Scribe Loque." said Hastil, returning the gesture.

"Report."

"The Aberration formerly known as Jerrix was destroyed five and a half leagues due south of Silvhold. No casualties. " Hastil's tentacles drooped wearily. "Again, relay my thanks to the General for this assignment. It has provided…closure."

"Your unit was the most familiar with the Aberration's physiology and behaviour. It was a logical decision." Loque looked up from carving. "By the General's leave, Unit 12 is exempted from military duty for the remainder of today and tomorrow. Antius also mentioned that he would be at Kiere's after the eighth toll, if you felt inclined to floaters."

"Ah, the old softie…" Hastil smiled sadly for a moment, then gestured at the unit. "By your leave, soldiers. See you at Kiere's." The unit gratefully parted, heading down a side passage to their respective dwellings. "To continue the report…something rather odd came with us, on the way back. A Khaloric diplomat, of all things." Hastil gestured towards the recombinant.

Loque's claw paused. "The cow? I thought they were extinct!"
"No, it is simply that there is not sufficient vegetation for them on the ice sheets, and the journey is difficult with hooves. They are far more common on the continent."
"I meant the Khaloric breeds, not cows!"
"Ah. Apparently not."
"You are certain?"
"It speaks. I would not jest on an official report. Let alone today, of all days." Hastil growled.
"My apologies. Well…that changes things…"

"It is as Hastil says" Ed Cook said to the giant tentacled monster with intimidatingly huge claws. "I am one of many recombinants, and my people are steadily growing in number and power once more. We saw your thoughts and tasted the truth of what you are, but the flavor was so different than everything else we have yet seen that we had to come investigate directly. Unfortunately, the drider and ray-das who came with me were destroyed, so I must return alone."

Hastil blinked. "I had not realized you had lost companions on your journey. You have my sympathy."

"I thank you." Ed sat down, looking very much like a zombie cow sitting like a curious cat would if it knew a statue was being carved in its image. "May I ask, what are you?"

Loque put the report slab to one side, and laid another on the table before carving furiously. "So, the stories of the Khaloric's extrasensory capabilities were accurate. Fascinating...When you say 'see' and 'taste', are you translating the sense that allows you to perceive thoughts into physical terms, or do you actually perceive thoughts as part of more traditional senses? Now, your question is a very interesting one. What are any of us, really? Does the world we perceive really exist, or is it merely an illusion crafted by our minds? How can we be sure of anything beyond the existence of our minds?"

Hastil groaned. "By the Emperors, please do not get him started. I swear, sometimes I believe you scribes just come up with this drivel to confuse those who haven't spent ten years in the Archives."

"Of course not!...Well, not for the most part." Loque gave a slightly amused chitter.

Ed wasn't able to smile with the shape of mouth he had, but he would have. Instead, he made a small moo sound followed by a snort. "We perceive that which we perceive. Thoughts are flavors and colors at the same time, though the two aren't forced to reconcile with each other. Hastil, for example, glows a bright electric blue that pierces the eyes with its brightness, but his flavor is a spice that burns the tongue if one was to consume it. You would think blue would be cold or mint, but in his case, that isn't true."
He stood up on all fours and gently slapped himself with his tail due to the cold he couldn't get used to... at least not as of yet.

"Emotions change the color, but the flavor is the truth of whatever that creature is. That's what is so odd- eh..." Ed realized his mistake but it was said. Hopefully no one was offended. That would be all sorts of bad. "Unique! ... About you. There are two flavors within you. One is plain, standard, able to blend in with any other race effortlessly. The other is powerful and violent. What... what are you?"

Loque too would have smiled if not for an inconducive physiology. Instead, she opened her beak to a cheerful angle.

"Well, physiology is another story entirely! You see, as a child is gestating in their mother's womb-"

Hastil coughed. "Loque, much as you I am sure you would enjoy such a discussion, the Khaloric has requested to see Lady Cyrica. And I am certain both she and General Antius would have words about such unreserved conversation with the representative of another nation, even one with a history of cooperation."

"Ah...of course. My apologies, Hastil. I shall send word to Lady Cyrica..." Loque dug a tentacle into the dark pool beside her, and tore a meter long, many eyed eel away from the swarm-bodied Aberrant within. She muttered something to the creature, and threw it down a water filled passage leading into the glacier.

Ed cocked his head, but said nothing.

***

After a few minutes, the eel returned, and spat a few barely comprehensible words to Loque, who returned it to the bulk of it's body.
"Lady Cyrica will be pleased to see you in the Council chambers." translated Loque.

"My thanks. I shall take you there." Hastil slithered further into the glacier.

Past the guard post, the scored ice floor gave way to a path of white sand and crushed shell, lit by phosphorescent pools set at regular intervals. The tunnel expanded, allowing room for dwellings, and the occasional workspace. Though significantly larger than the norm, and restricted to a single storey visible from this tunnel, the buildings were of remarkably well crafted Auroran style, sculpted from the ice. Any wall not part of a dwelling was covered in carvings, some illustrations of classic historical scenes, others more stylized, with an roughly even mix of human and Fallen subjects.

The area seemed devoid of Terrors, though the occasional Aberration scuttled through the streets. Eventually, Hastil came to a set of looming double doors, set on stone hinges. Realizing they were slightly too large for the Recombinant to easily pass on his own, Hastil pushed one open.

"Here we are. I hope you may find the answers you seek."

The will of the hivemind desired to investigate the historical depictions drawn and engraved everywhere, but that could come later. "Thank you, I hope this as well." Ed walked into the building, wondering if the doors would be closed behind him and if so, if he was simply trapped or someone would open it for him when he was done speaking.

With a creak and a thud after passing the door's distance, he knew the doors were at least closed, though the rest of that answer escaped him at the time. Hopefully the word 'escape' wouldn't come up again.

The chamber within was dominated by a massive ice table. Something had struck it hard several times, and spiderwebbed cracks were visible even from underneath. A large Aberration was siphoning water from an aquatic entrance to the chamber and into the cracks, the crack of forming ice providing a constant accompaniment.

An apparently human redhaired woman in a red silk dress sat primly on a chair. Upon seeing the Recombinant, she broke into a smile.

"The Khaloric Swarm! Ah, it has been far too long."

Ed shifted uncontrollably, possibly trying to curtsy, though that was incorrect for a male. A bull cannot bow, so maybe that's what he was doing? After enough of a silence that it was edging on uncomfortable for everyone, he stared at her again.
"The realms of possibility must have expanded recently."

The woman raised an eyebrow. "So speaks the reanimated bull. What manner of possibility expansion in particular were you referring to?"

"Do you know of Harold, the scarecrow? Direct artificed creation of Khalorean, God of Justice and Insects?"

"The avatar of justice which dwells in the Temple of the Khalorean? Yes. I thought him in remarkable condition, given his age."

The bull thudded his face into the ice, his horns piercing it slightly. Luckily the water wasn't so close to the surface at that point, so he didn't get frozen and stuck there.
"Our lady! We remember you. We feared you dead and forgotten!" Lady Cyrica of House Verde, Noble of Aurora!"
Ed didn't even try to lift his head.
"The Swarm breathes free once more. Empress Dorian Cook sends her regards."
He was silent a moment
"So does Queen Nafash Cook, Queen Ezri Cook, Queen Slivan Cook, Queen Oswin Cook, Queen Lectre Cook, Emissary Micah Cook, and myself, Ed Cook"

Lady Cyrica grinned at her long lost collective acquaintance. "It would appear we have both been busy these past few centuries! My warmest regards to you all in turn!"

"I graciously thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Oh, Gibbers Cook says 'me too'. Anyway, this... only raises further questions. I was sent by the Empress to find out what kind of life form was here, but you are beyond expectation. Would you be willing to tell us what your people... even... are?"

Lady Cyrica still smiled, though took on a slightly mournful tinge. "For you? Certainly. But I believe you may have grasped something of it already. You have walked through Daigoro's Heart, spoken with a few of its' people and observed the language used, seen their minds, and, unless you have had a remarkably uneventful journey, those of the Aberrations that fill the seas. Would you care to make an educated guess?"

Ed pulled his horns out and raised his head, looking at the Lady. He was obviously hesitating, but said it anyway. "They're abominations. The formless bodies tearing souls out of whatever they touch. Somehow, you gave them flesh. Weakening severely, but taming them. I'm surprised whatever it is you did didn't kill them outright or drive them even more insane...Or yourself, if I lose my shackles."

Lady Cyrica gave a choked laugh, burying her head in her hands as it turned to sobbing. After a few minutes, she straightened and wiped her eyes, though no tears could be seen. A flash of hunger colored her eyes before she returned the recombinant's gaze.

"I know that last part all too well. There is little point in lying to one that can see thoughts. That is part of why the Khaloric conceal nothing, is it not? Yes, part of me wishes to break free of it's chains, to tear your corpse apart and feast on your agony. The other part holds it in disgust. Such is an Aberration, after all. The distilled madness of a sapient soul. We have both seen far too much of that in the Cataclysm. One need not stir the depths to find monsters enough among men. I know it for what it is, and keep it chained."

"Speaking of monsters among men, and feasting on agony... Do you remember that little island called Xule? It is now the center and entirety of its own kingdom, also descended from Aurora. Though young, Grand Duke Cosimo leads it with Grimani as his Regent. Just over a month ago the human kingdom entered into a diplomatic marriage of peace and equality between Prince Moria, Drider of the Khaloric Swarm and Lady Valencia of Xule." He let a moment pass before continuing.
"I mention this, because monsters stealing the guise of men, or in this case, women, are swarming like a plague just north of them. They stand directly between the houses of Verde and Xule, looking to consume both. Vampires, Lady Cyrica. Not the dignified ones, either."

"It is good to hear that Xule, at least, has fared the centuries relatively well. Vampires notwithstanding." Lady Cyrica pauses for a moment, considering something. "I take it you are referring to the traditional holdings of House Verde, and not its' current ones?"

"The lines of your House are largely unknown to us. Much of our history and information has been lost; what remains is mostly contradictory. The borders I mention are the ones we imagine from the range of thoughts similar to your own. We have moved in near Xule, with their help, but we don't have the military strength at the moment to handle this threat. Your people seem more than excessively capable, if you had interest. Plus, what better way is there to make their acquaintance?"

"A fair point. It would be an excellent opportunity to see how the world has changed, and a good chance to congratulate the married couple in person. Very well. If you shall make the proper introductions to our long lost brothers, we shall be happy to negotiate some form of military assistance. It is high time the descendants of House Verde rejoined the world."

"It would be my pleasure to do so. However, the lives of all my escorts have died just getting me here, and I do not want to risk my own destruction. Would it be permissible for me to remain here, or for you to select someone to act as my new escort?"

"You have my sympathy. You are welcome to stay as long as required. It would certainly be useful to have a Khaloric ambassador for communication with the continent, but an escort can be prepared, if you so desire."

"The Swarm thanks you. In the midst of this conversation, we began to be attacked by swarms of abb... wild aberrations. Since my welcome is granted, would it be excessive of me to request a volunteer to convert, or, if you have any convicts or lunatics beyond redemption or salvation, they would count as the two escorts I would enjoy if my return is requested. Lunatics and convicts, of course, do not need to give consent. That is for Your Ladyship to choose for them. I would be happy to show you the conversion process."

"Ah."
Lady Cyrica's expression shifted to careful neutrality.
"The Khaloric Swarm should understand something of the Corpus Verde. Without a surviving male heir of direct heritage to the throne, we have been left without a...traditional head of house. To ensure the interests of the people are upheld in the absence of such an authority, a council of Fallen that have proven their mental stability and competence in the execution of their duties discusses matters of government."

"While the Khaloric Swarm has aided House Verde well in the past, few members of the Council would consent to giving a member of our race to the Swarm. Not all have remembered the Khaloric as well or as fondly as I."

She gave a weary sigh. "In other words, no. At least for now. Such a proposition could benefit both our races greatly, but...it will require time and negotiation. Perhaps more importantly..."

Lady Cyrica stood, stretching her arms behind her. "...The swarm may wish to see one such creature for themselves."

Spoiler: Note

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And there's that collaborative work between Viirin and I. Goodness, that is quite a bit longer when you don't see it piecemeal in skype chat.

[The JoJo]

The Grand Duchy of Xule

There was one bell unlike any other in the city of Xule. The Bell of Maximus, it was said to have been rescued from the ruins of Nova Verde and now it hung proudly in the tallest tower of the Grand Temple of Xule, waiting to be struck. By tradition, it was only rung in times of danger and so an unfamiliar sound greeted the population of Xule as the bell tolled that morning. Within minutes, crowds of panicked people swarmed around the city gates, taking refuge behind the citadel’s great walls. Finally the gates were closed one-by-one, and then the city guards watched anxiously as the aberration horde approached.

As all this happened, an emergency session had been called in the Ducal Palace. Cosimo had been trying to pluck up the courage to speak to Grimani about his sister’s betrothal for weeks, but he could never seem to find the right opportunity. The Lord Regent and the Grand Duke hadn't seen much of each other, the former being occupied with the building of ships in the Basalt Empire’s ports and other affairs of state, while the latter was occupied in avoiding his tutor and catching frogs in the palace garden. Valencia though was all too aware that precious time was running out, and so with the promise of that they would find a place to practice his newfound magical abilities, Cosimo was eventually persuaded to make the opening volley.

‘...as hordes go, this one is unusual in its size, but the walls of this city have held against far greater foes. The first and second army are on standby, if they should be required.’

With that, Grimani finished his speech to the assembled council. As the assorted noblemen and advisers made their way out of his office, Cosimo turned to the Lord Regent, steeling his nerves. A quill on Grimani’s desk began to slide towards the boy's outstretched hand, he quickly shoved it behind his back.

‘You wish to talk to me about something, your Royal Highness?’ Grimani asked, glancing up from his papers.

‘Yes. Valencia doesn’t want to get married to an insect, even if he is a prince,’ Cosimo said sternly, folding his arms. ‘And I don’t want her to either. I want her to stay here with me so we can play together.’

Grimani looked at him for a second, as if weighing him up, before sighing and speaking.

‘Your father once said something to me at his coronation, something which I have remembered for all these years since. He said that it is the duty of a monarch to not think of himself first, or his family, but of the whole nation.’

‘Huh?’

‘We all must make sacrifices for the good of the realm. I married my wife not for some fleeting youthful passion, as a serf would, but to bind our two families together. The arrangement has worked, and in time, we have grown quite fond of each other. In the same manner, Valencia must accept her duty to marry Prince Moria, to bind our two nations together.’

‘Why are we even trying to be friends with the bugs?’ Cosimo asked, wrinkling his nose. ‘They’re ugly and they’re nothing like us.’

‘They may seem alien to us, but they are amenable to a fair deal. That is the important thing. There are savage tribes to the north of this island who are far less agreeable to diplomacy and may one day pose a threat to our borders. The aberrations which lick at our walls now are a mere annoyance in comparison. When the day comes, would you rather we have friends to stand with us, or that Xule alone facing the vampiric hordes?’

‘I suppose,’ Cosimo said with a gulp, trying and failing to imagine what the vampiric hordes might look like.

‘Good, you learn quickly,’ Grimani said with a brief smile, patting the Grand Duke on the head. ‘Now run along, I’ve got defences to review.’

Spoiler: Actions

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-Implement mushroom gift from the Khaloric Swarm into one of the four mines under Xule (Food bonus)
-Implement steam engines into factories (Materials bonus)
-Form elite coastal guards from units which saw action against pirates
-Research high-rise buildings, to increase maximum population density within a fortified territory

[cybric]

Spoiler: Actions

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- Send Diplomat to Khanate
- Implement Simulacra Crystals (cost: 12 Mats)
- Implement Ironclad Ships (cost: 8 mats)
- Implement Ultra Light Weight Armour (cost: 8 mats)

Spoiler: OCC

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I'll add a post as the weekend goes on

[Togo]

<Text to be added later>

Spoiler: Actions

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1) Absorb and settle the forests to the nw of Quartog manor
2) Absorb and settle the mountains to the northwest nearest Quartog manor
3) Negotiate with locals North East of territory 8
4) Further espionage on the Brujah, either to support the previous action (if needed) or to establish covert smuggling pathways to the Brujah (if the previous action was complete)

Move Army 1 (Imperial Engineers) to combat Abominations attacking the coast