Sovereign Of Ludditia

[Ashenmoon]

http://web.telia.com/~u33221589/map.jpg


Battle at Star Vana:

[Ashenmoon]

Beep. Here there be rumours and updates and... other stuff.
Turn: 31... b. 31b. Yes. Turn 31b.
~94 days after start, nightfall.

The Battle of Star Vana
For a few more "mini-turns", representing but a few hours at a time compared to the usual 3-4 days, we'll be dealing with the Battle of Star Vana, depicted in the smaller map above. There's not much more to it than ordering your troops around, if you have them - if the battle drags on, there might be an update made to the Big Map eventually, depicting the state of the world, but when this battle ends, so does the game.

No news are written for these maps at the time. But some anecdotes are included in the thread when I post to say "update!".





Funds: (approximate resources everyone's got) (not that it much matters any more)
I don't care. Just order away and if it makes sense to me that you ought to be able to, well, carry out that order, it'll be carried out.


News (and rumours)
"The penultimate update! Come the next turn all that will be resolved will be so."

"The seas boil, the earth quakes, the forests of burn; plainlands become mountain ranges, highlands turn into oceans. Amidst the chaos of a world coming crashing down, a last battle is commenced."

"The Thornbyan army retook Wintry in a bloody battle, scattering the Waldsteinian army - but Lord Fore, it is said, was badly wounded in the battle. The Lord of Thornbyopolis now stands alone, clad in the armour of the ancients, in the armour worn by the hero legend has it once, long ago, defeated the Four Gods when they last walked the earth - but the cape, the cape is missing!"

"General Steiner is marching south, crossing the river at Steam. He is not a day's march from Star Vana!"

"Commodare Tumen leads a fraction of the men he left Keep Zula; the rest died in crossing the rising mountains. Now they have reached the shores of the sea after a hellish march through night and day to escape the reshaping of the earth - and before them, on the sea, they see the Xarian armada sailing north!"

"Tsun-ami's fleet has stopped at Bastu, which was taken with ease from a small Cultist garrison. The Queen-Admiral demands the immediate disbanding of the Four Gods' armies, pointing out the hopelessness of its situation - completely cut off from its homeland, in hostile territory, all but surrounded. The Queen-Admiral also extends the message to all left in the land that this war is folly, and that soon enough, Xarian reinforcements will arrive and make all the deaths caused by this war mean nothing. As a side note, she definitely has some sort of sea creature in tow with her fleet."

"General Bradford is holding back, it seems. No definite engagement from his side yet, though there's been some skirmishing with the God's Horde. Perhaps he wait for Steiner's men?"


"To the big business, then. Star Vana is under attack. Well and duly. There's been no sign of divine intervention so far. A great tent of black cloth has been raised on the plain in the middle of the God's Horde, and it is said that the god dwells there - some say in a catatonic state! Still, the peasant rabble is busy, building rafts and barges at the shore of the channel seperating Star Vana from the mainland; the work, of course, is hampered by a plentitude of siege engines firing away from the city and the ships patrolling the waters - a few of these have been set to fire, by all accounts through the application of quite ordinary means; flaming arrows and the like. Some start to wonder if the threats of magical attacks issued every so often by the Four Gods' emissaries are empty ones!"







"General Bradford! General Bradford has returned - or, in fact, he seems to have been around for all this time. It is quite a measure of a general to have succeeded in hiding what rumour has it is ten thousand men, at the least, for near two months, but days away from the capital! How the blazes he got there, how the blazes they've managed to find food without raising the alarm, well, those are all good questions not yet answered. Of course, the alarm obviously was raised, though in a small voice, for the question already answered is this: the Lord-Admiral, having - obviously - learned of his location, seems to have recruited the General to his side! His march towards Star Vana is preceded by the proclamation of his alliance to the xarians in union with the old, royalist forces!"

"Star Vana is in uproar - Prince Tariot, fourth prince of Von Dunja and the last defender of the same city against the Cult of the Four Gods, has staged a coup against the nobles in the city! Perfectly executed, the transferral of power in the capital was instant - the few heads that rolled did so within a matter of minutes of eachother. Tariot thereafter proclaimed himself Defender of Star Vana, and that His city - the bloodlines of the reigning families in Star Vana and Von Dunja ever were rather closely mingled, so it's not a too far stretch - would fight the Cult to the last man! But hours ago, the bridges were opened to allow the full-blood Xarian armies outside into the city - not a second too soon, as the God's Horde can be seen from the walls of the city!"

"The Waldsteinian army has broken free and is united at Wintry! The tale of how the Lord escaped the captivity of his xarian hostess is a strange one, but involved the same xarian and her army well underway embarking onto their fleet when the uncaptured Waldsteinians struck. The battle which followed wasn't much of the sort; the xarians skirmished a little, but seemed content to let the Lord of the Keep be released without too much bloodshed on their own side - of course, in the dark and confusion, not much can be said for certain as to anyone's intentions. This all occurred during the night just past, and last word had it the xarian fleet had not yet fully departed."

"Speaking of Tariot and the Princes at Court - Star Thondr finally had enough of it, and rose against the oppression of the Four Gods!"

"In other news, the Plague is finally seeping into the Midlands. So far, Captain Stroll is the only notable death, but the disease is finding its way into the ranks of the armies marching around."

"Cut Valley is burning. Half of it, at least - the other side is drowning! Keep Zula still stands, but near every other town and village is on fire - alas, for Commodare Tumen, to witness the end of his young empire in such a conflagration!"





"The city - of Thornbyopolis - has been reclaimed - for Thornby! This city nana, once a place of beauty; et cetera. Now it's in bleedy ruins, anyhow, quite keeping in style with the fashion of the world. The battle of the city was basically decided by Lord Fore, who, gimped out bastard as he is, managed to take the city against a force only marginally smaller than his own. There are few enough generals of his capacity left in the world - some said Redwind was his match, though not likely we're gonna find that out, are we? But it was bloody enough; just little more than a thousand Soulforgers escaped north, having basically halved Fore's army before they went. The Golden Knights fared particularly ill, and were all but wiped out in a clash with the giants outside the southern gates in the beginning of the battle. A score or so remain still standing on that short-lived reincarnation of the band of legends they're named after."

"So, the seas are spreading, anyhow. Fort Andersong now enjoys a waterfront view, though the Shenaolians hardly appreciate theirs as they are scrambling for the higher ground which, oddly, is now found in the middle of the valley - them bottomless clefts and in-rushing seas reshape the landscape rather fundamentally."

"Oh, and the east is on Fire. Really. Well, not all of it, but near enough. For miles and miles around Fort Redwind, a scorched landscape is spreading out. In a hellish episode, the fires reached Old Pasus and the tens of thousands crowding towards the harbour; several ships caught fire, and those who was already onboard lifted anchor and sailed away, quite simply, to find a better land. Off they go! Of the army, Commodare Tumen's the highest ranking officer in all the zulian Empire who didn't find himself a boat in time. He scrounged together what men that didn't make it on to the ships and now have maybe one-two thousand men stationed in the Keep, staring east at the smoke on the horizon, creeping ever closer."

"Yes, Lord Fore probably is one of the last great generals of his age - Parisot is dead. The road the Army of the Cult of the Four Gods have followed has been paved with traps and explosives, vile contraptions sprung from Ximenezak, no doubt. Bastu is where the general met his end; luckily for the Cult, the bridge at the city still remains, and the Prophet pushes his people ever forward. Now not tow days behind them follows the God's Horde. It is a black hole, of sorts; oh, it is certain enough that it is moving forward, but not a word is heard from its core - no man have met the Living God and left his presence to tell the tale. No, it would seem they all just... stick around, in an ever-growing cluster."

"Something fishy is definitely going on in the north-east. Ulmat Thondr is currently enduring the last of the Xarian storm, but much thankful for it, as it would seem someone is intent on incinerating the city and its surroundings. Several cities in Oinkland have been attacked by would-be arsonists; Pavltora is well on its way to cinders. The God's Heat isn't helping matters, of course. Also fishy is what's going on in the northern Borderlands - the land is somehow... well, going wrong. As if some blight is cast upon it, some disease of some strange sort."

"Men rarely understand women, and what Tsun-ami is up to is anyone's best guess. She has issued no declaration save neutrality towards her co-Xarians, and have moved all her forces to Wintry, bringing with her Lord Waldstein and his entire army, still captive and seemingly staying that way."




"Weather still acting up, and in the latest news, it's said that all of the North - that is, the country north of the Commonwealth - has turned into one big sea, the shores of which now lie but miles from Southpass. Most of the world is acting up in one way or another; the Dry Plains are on fire, Shenaola's well on way on becoming underwater; the East is on fire - though the north's getting washed by the remnants of the Xarian storm, much to the appreciation of the inhabitants of Star Thondr - and so forth, and so forth."

"Tsun-ami did the comeback we all knew was in waiting (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/NotQuiteDead) - it seems she and Lord Fore have bunked out in Alixat for near a week. Their cordial relations, a de facto alliance at least between the two of them, turned Lord Waldstein's aspiring ambitions into misery as his disembarking army found themselves beset by their combined force; and a Xarian fleet took the opportunity to beset the transport-ships of Waldstein's. The battle, though pitched, was hardly a fair one - surrounded, outnumbered, Lord Waldstein surrendered while there still remained some men alive of his army. A thousand or so still live - as Tsun-ami's hostages. Lord Waldstein, too, is captive in her care."

"Lord Fore afterwards took what boats he could scrounge up and is now approaching Thornbyopolis. Inside, it is said that the main body of the Soulforger army - slowed down my several days of cat-and-mouse-playing with Stroll (who, once the soulforgers gave up and marched south, promptly dropped dead by the plague) together with about a score of giants. Yormund, it appears, was killed in storming the city; after looting to their heart's content, most of the giants left to investigate what the heck's happened to their homeland. While Stroll's unit is beset by the plague, south of the city the Supreme Commander and his small band of men await the coming of Lord Fore, and, many say with confidence, to reclaim his city!"


"The whole Cult of the Four Gods are marching on the Steadfast-Midton road. Blocking traffic for sure, and hunting a Lord-Admiral-loyal force which did not have the time to get on the ships evacuating Fleet. Of course, Midton was claimed by newly arrived Xarian forces a while ago. So that end of the road'll get messy."





"Yes, the world is definitely in upheaval. The south coast of Southland is breaking into pieces; a great mountain-ridge is rising from the ocean floor, Haven and a Xarian fleet disappeared into a sudden sea; Greyport now stands, miraculously undamaged, on an island/peninsula in what appears to be becoming an archipelago. The rivers and, in areas, the entire ocean, keeps flooding; Shake is half underwater, and the river south has swallowed up all settlements next to it. The mountainranges surrounding Shenaola Valley have soared, yet at the northern end of the valley, a chasm into the very belly of the earth has opened; half of Fort Shenaola remains, now overlooking a sheer drop with no bottom to be seen. No-man's Dyke have found, to its surprise, an ocean but a few days to the west; a giant rift opened up and a huge wave spilled out and washed away Westwatch - and, seeing as water is still spilling out, we've likely not seen the end of that wave yet. We've definitely seen the end of Mr d'Avion, though... anyhow. The Dry Plains are on fire; in fact, a little bit of everything all over the land where the last of the storm which brought Tsun-ami isn't still raging, has spontaneously combusted. Not to mention the North doing some pretty badass landscaping; mountains are popping upp all over. Southern Midland, or the coast which was created after Ximenezak's flashy exit, is still being flooded, though the steam has finally laid off. Cut Valley's being flooded by the river; the forests of the northern Wulfang Hills are all on fire; Lake Country is becoming just one big Lake."

"The Legion of the Four Gods found Gettys at fire, and the attempts to extinguish the flames were stopped by explosive traps laid out by the hastily retreating Lord-Admiral-loyal troops. Speaking of on fire, so is Star Thondr. Also, the Legion of The God is on the march! His followers swarm the land around like... grasshoppers. Much swarming being done; a whole lot of swooning, too, as the heat and poor conditions get to the people."

"The Xarian army in Cut Valley managed to repulse a zulian attack; however, the zulians retreated to Arbor and have since then in turn repulsed a xarian attack."

"Midland's in plenty of confusion, anyhow. The newly arrived xarians are making claims on everything they find; the nobles in Star Vana stubbonly refuse their once-ally Lord-Admiral access to the city; the plague is stirring up quite nicely what with the thousands of refugees running around. All in all, the End is Near. Clearly."

"Thornbyopolis is taken! The Great Citadel has fallen, for the first time in history! Clearly, say the same people who said clearly before, this is yet another sign of the Ending drawing near! Story goes, giants now maraud the city streets; long have that foul race longed to pillage this oh-so-grand price. The Supreme Commander flees the city with hardly two hundred men left to him - in an attempt to break through, the majority of the garrison, under Captain Gil, whose task it was to follow after the elites had opened the way, fell to the giants' clubs."

"In other bad news for the Supreme Commander, the Waldsteinian soulforger-army took Somerset after a pitched battle, and disease is spreading through Spear. Further, a Waldsteinian army under Lord Waldstein himself is disembarking just south of Alixat!"







"Rimtori, First of the Priest-Magi, was struck by a crossbow-bolt at the very apex of the Summoning. With her dying breath, she completed the ritual; what has happened in the intervening six hours can only be explained as yet another unfolding of Hell on earth. Scorching heat has spread out from Fort Redwind; the woods are on fire for miles around; horses and other animals have been driven mad with the heat; fields of corn have spontaneously erupted into flames. But inside the city, well, sure enough, Mnesthes himself has appeared, and fifty thousand devoted fanatics are chucked in there with him."

"So, Ximenezak finally blew up and took with it half southeastern Midland. This event occurring simultaneously as the Queen-Admiral's fleet was sailing by on the river naturally caused some problems for the Great Coming of Xaria. The remains of the Grand Armana has washed up on the new shorelines created after the blast; a pitiable, sundered army remains of a host fit to conquer the world. Whether or not the Queen-Admiral herself is still alive is not known. Whether by the Heat of Mnesthes, or by Ximenezak's own devilry, the seas have been nigh boiling, and great clouds of mist have risen."

"General Redwind did not survive the blast. Too bad. Near half his army was swallowed up in the blast's first... reshaping of the Ludditian shoreline. The water's still rising here and there, and the ground is moving - earthquakes and more are rumbling under the surface of the world."

"The refugees crowding Midland have now grown to such immense numbers that, well, trying to dot them out on a map would be a waste of time. What's known for sure as for their location is that at least twenty, maybe more, thousand refugees crowded the fording at Skiphorion when the blast's first wave came. The ford, and most of the town located at it, is washed away. A tragedy, indeed. Even so, refugees who made it over the river in time are spilling into Southland. To the north, the river and border to the Commonwealth is shut, though there's plenty enough daring the swim at unguarded crossings. Not too many have made it to the other side so far."

"Thornbyopolis is under attack! Somehow, impossibly, the garrison still holds - they say that but a thousand men are in there together with the Supreme Commander, and yet they hold against near two hundred giants! True, the city is well fortified, but the battling where the giants have broken through the walls - as they are wont to do without too much trouble - must be brutal, frantic, to hold them off. Some say that there is a new force unveiled inside the city, an elite guard of Thornby's, that contribute greatly to fending each attack off. However, the outer defences were abandoned a day ago; the Supreme Commander now fights to maintain control over the island-keep standing in the centre of the city where the river flows."

"In Cut Valley, the Lord-Admiral's armies have been driven against the river; a great many zulians have taken up arms, and delaying the xarians, gave Mingan's cavalry time to catch up with the xarians heading north, to Threemeet, it is believed. This battle south of Threemeet came to a standstill as the Heat spread; Mingan's horse is all but gone, but more zulian forces have arrived from the south, retaking Arbor on the way. Most men with any sense lie low in the shade and pray the weather of the world will take reason. Threemeet have repulsed an attempt at storming the city from the north by a xarian army; once again, there are rumours of a thunder-weapon of some sort used by the Waldsteinians manning the walls."

"Anyhow, what with the xarian army surrounded in Cut Valley, the other army not being able to break into the valley from the north, things have further deteriorated for the Lord-Admiral Lon-ami. The Nobles at Star Vana have once again broken their allegiance to him, and everywhere across Midland, forces allied to the xarians have simply laid down arms and joined the masses fleeing Midland."

"They say the Dancing Joker was killed when he led his band of guerrilla prisoners through Hardy on their way to the Commonwealth's own territories. Whether the Cult of the Four Gods or Ulmat Thondr had anything to do with it is unknown; what is known, is that the entire, vast legion led by the Prophet, the General and the Twins, and so forth, are marching down the road towards Gettys."







"The End is near! In every corner of every street in every city, criers shout the same thing: the end is near!"


"Tsun-ami, Queen-Admiral of the Xarian Empire, has issued a declaration with swift messenger-ships sent to every harbour of the whole southern coast. In short, she explains that she has assessed the situation in Ludditia, and the actions of the Forerunners under Lord-Admiral Lon-ami, and having surveyed the many errors committed since the first wave of the Return, she will now personally take command of the Forerunners - an army which, in any case, is but a fraction of the size which now comes. Lord-Admiral Lon-ami brought with him a mere scouting force of the grand and vast Xarian Empire to herald the coming of the Empire; the Queen-Admiral, second only to the Emperor himself, brings with her a full Xarian armada to decisively conquer this small corner of the world for the Empire's benefit."

"Thus, she declares that all of Ludditia is to once again become subject of Xaria, and that the wrongs committed by the Forerunners will be harshly amended; among those the murder of the old king, carried out by agents of the Lord-Admiral, and the same's subsequent failure to contain and control the situation, and foremost, for the same's not just failure, but willful instigating of a Summoning of a Demon of Hell; all acts reprehensible by the standards of Xaria. The Lord-Admiral is to be arrested and judged swiftly, and, again, harshly, for his near-intentional quest for destruction of the lands of the Empire."

"At last, on the situation in the Province of Ludditia, the Queen-Admiral has made clear that she, having intently studied what histories of Ludditia were known in Xaria, means to make peace with the Oinklanders, as was concluded once long ago between Xaria and the Oinklanders, and that their cult is but an ill-advised delusion. Hence, she sees no reason why not peace can be restored to the country, and that though not supported, and indeed discouraged, the Cult of the Four Gods will nonetheless be accepted in the open and liberal Xarian society soon to be implemented in the Province of Ludditia. On the many other evils plaguing the land, the Queen-Admiral encourage every lord to do their best to calm the populace, to contain the disease rumoured in the west, and to wait out the strange phenomena around the city of Ximenezak."



"Half the homesteads in all of Midland and nigh as many in Cut Valley have been abandoned - the countryside is aswarm with refugees! Storms and confusion reign - a clear picture of the events is becoming ever more difficult to discern..."

"Chieftain Yormund, jovially returning to Waldsteinian service, now controls part of Poor, while the other half is held by Shenaolian forces."

"This strange plague is, by all accounts, spreading through the west!"

"They say that the Lord Xie, responsible for the Demon-Summoning and Darkness of Ximenezak, is disappeared - some say dead!"

"Arbor is now controlled by xarians, loyal to the Lord-Admiral. How they, and all their brethren Forerunners, will respond to the Queen-Admiral's demand of loyalty is not yet known. The zulian army stationed there was overwhelmed, but retreated to the south orderly."





"Storms rage across the surface of Ludditia. The Darkness over Ximenezak is swelling, ever more rapidly - it is said that the only living thing still near the city is Redwind's host, but what they are doing there, none can tell. Meanwhile, a storm more of this world, yet of surprising ferocity, springs from the sea, and is engulfing the South in a cloak of rain. And in the midst of the gale, it is said a fleet larger than any other ever seen in all of Ludditia is riding the waves, surrounded by creatures thought only to exist in myth; drakes, and other, stranger creatures!"

"In Fort Redwind, the Waldsteinian Commander, Grayson, has been murdered! Screaming fanatics have taken over the city, while the Priest-Magi continue their relentless summoning - it is clear that some forces are working against them, for several thousand of the prisoner-sacrifices - not yet either soulforged nor sacrificed afterwards for their blood-force - were released, and fought for their escape; but they were soon overwhelmed by the peasant-zealots. Rimtori's work continues, undisturbed."

"Steadfast was stormed by a xarian army supported by Midlandish allies - for the latter, the casualties were enormous! The zulian garrison inside the Keep fought a long and bitter battle, but finally retreated orderly through the northern gate."

"Supreme Commander Thornby is being carried on a litter out of Poor, accompanied by large portions of the city's population - for outside its walls, and, indeed, soon thereafter inside them, too, a gigantic battle is being fought! Literally. Giants pounding up giants; Chieftain Yormund, impressed by the tiny human's prowess, promptly declared for him instead, together with most of his own band; the zulian-bought giants under Chieftain Glonk, cherishing, as all giants, a good sport, decided to oppose Yormund and what came after that was, and is still, one big wrestling-match through the ever-more ruined streets of Poor. Playtime is coming to a halt, however, as the army of Shenaolia is just appearing on the southern road of the city..."

"A plague! A plague, of some sort, is said to rip the western lands! Just what was needed to perfect the idyll of Ludditia, what with certain famine going to strike come the winter, due to the immense numbers of refugees crowding all of Midland, escaping Ximenezak's Shadow. And while on that topic, it would seem the roads in Cut Valley are busy, too - a great exodus from the main cities, heading towards the Keep."

[Ashenmoon]

##############OLD NEWS:

"A dark wind sweeps over the world. There is not a man in all of southern Midlands who does not feel it - the Cloud of Ximenezak is spreading. None have dared venture within sight of the city for days, now, but it is said strange lights have been seen on the horizon..."

"Rimtori, First of the Priest-Magi, the Godsummoner, has commenced preparing for the Ritual of Summoning. A gigantic undertaking, it will no doubt take many days before the Ritual can be begun. As it seems, the allies have been fooled - from Cut Valley, not a single prison-train has been seen! The world, when not carrying worried looks towards Ximenezak, stare to this once-ordinary city in the East, and fret over what will come from this strangeness, and those of the Zulian dominion especially wonder what is in store for them..."

"Lord Thornby, now styling himself as Supreme Commander, has been wounded! Attempting a single battle with Chieftain Yormund outside Poor, the lord's blade was snagged in his cloak, and he was struck by a mighty blow. He bought Poor a respite - the giants, impressed by the human's prowess in battle until his unfortunate accident, have retired, for now. The Supreme Commander will likely survive - but many now doubt the veracity of his claim to possessing the true Wargear of Thornby of legend! Surely, that the cloak itself was his downfall must be a sign, a portentous omen!"

"General Redwind crushed a Thornbyan force of irregulars led by Commander Darren - who escaped - near the coast. On the sea, the Xarian fleet, much reduced, pursue the Waldsteinian one, which was used by Zulian troops to pull back over the bay to Cut Valley."

"Spring has been sacked, pillaged, looted, devastated by General Parisot's elites! Surely, the supplies of an entire town will be able to sustain the cut-off forces of the Prophet, who maintain the siege of Fort Andersong, under constant pressure from within. In the Borderlands, the Dancing Joker run circles around the peasant-bands risen to claim the reward on his life - across the river, more rebels allied to the Commonwealth have been beaten by Four God fanatics."


"Once again, fishermen return with strange tales from the sea - they say a great fleet has been spotted, riding in a rainstorm surrounded by drakes of the sea, heading due north! Surely, this time it can't be true? Can it? Really?
Oh, heck."



"The Darkness has thickened, and evil roars from the abandoned ruins of Ximenezak! Commadare Noyan flees with his men; though no physical enemy oppose them, they abandoned the city in terror during the last night and have not stopped running until the walls of Skissus were in sight! The Nether Realm is being manifested on earth!"

"The North is risen! Thirty Summoners, said to ride horses of black fire summoned by the Four Gods themselves to speed them on their way, travel through each hour of the day, and come night, thousands flock to their camp in prayer! Tousands, tens of thousands follow in their wake, and across all of Oinkland and the East, pilgrims in numbers beyond reckoning travel towards Fort Redwind, where already a camp larger than the city itself is erected to house the coming zealots. Devotees of the Cult of the Four Gods crowd every stretch of the roads between Ulmat and Star Thondr, and even now through the Borderlands and Fort Redwind is being filled! Prison-trains arrive to the Fort each day, and soulforged creatures, listless, without wills of their own, crowd the back-alleys of the once ordered and tidy settlement. Though it is the leader of the Waldsteinian garrison who is in charge, his power over his own city is muted before the force of ten thousand pilgrims, whose numbers multiply with each passing day! Mnesthes is called! Mnesthes is coming! Mnesthes ftang!"

"Steiner's army has fallen back, over the river and into Fort Andersong itself but hours ago, and now General Parisot and the Prophet Meryl's forces assemble on the plain before the city-walls protected by the Northflood. Already, a ritual is being performed by the ten priest-magi following the army, but its audience is a tired, exhausted one. Inside the walls Steiner's men have been joined by fresh reinforcements inside the city, but the stress of keeping up the constant skirmishing with the Four Gods' army has taken its toll on the armoured cavalry elite of Andersong's forces. Meanwhile, Parisot's men have taken the brunt of the fighting, and for him it is his main body of men, his regular soldiers, that have been whittled down to but a few hundred remaining. Meryl's zealots march inside a horde of peasant-fanatics which has only grown larger, shielded by Parisot's efforts - but they are poorly supplied and no danger to Fort Andersong's stout walls. In fact, the whole army of the Four Gods is poorly supplied - the route to Ulmat Thondr has been cut off by the Dancing Joker, who somehow has managed to lead his band of escaped prisoners across the river and now creates a mayhem for the army's supply trains!"

"To the south of the main scene, the Twin Princes lead their larger force in pursuit of d'Avion's lighter, more agile force, and Mordred has been repulsed from Fleet with his peasant-army by a trained force carrying the old Royalist banners."

"Midland is shaken! The news carried by the Prince has not resulted in newfound religiousness in the people, but even so, thousands gather together in great conglomerations - without aim or purpose save that of fretful worrying of the evils in the East and in the South!"

"The Xarians claim they have found evidence of a Zulian agent being responsible for the assassination of Lord-Marshal Crawl! A host was sent across the river at Bastu and drove away the zulians at Damyra following the announcement! And it would seem the royalist forces opposing the Xarian de facto regime have dispersed."

"South of Ximenezak, General Redwind drove a Thornbyan force, attacking the remnants of Tumen's force, away and is currently in pursuit; a thousand soulforgers are said to have disembarked outside Skissus, and the fleet which brought them was to the very last row-boat ordered into the fray - the sea is awash with wreckages; of Fiayegas' armada, but tinders remain, and though reinforcements have arrived to the allied benefits, it is the Xarian fleet which retains most of its structure - now the battle is a confused, mingled thing spread over a large portion of open sea; it is more a long series of running skirmishes than the pitched battle it was a few days ago."

"Alixat valley and the nearby woodland is near flooded! The dams constructed by the Zulian and Waldsteinian forces have been turned against them by some clever feat of clandestine engineering!"



"The last trace of the Imperial Zone has been scourged from Ximenezak - it has become a ghost city, yet they say there are things still inside, that the shadows themselves have taken life! The darkness has spread, and some even claim to have felt the earth rumble many miles away! Once General Redwind led his men to the aid of Commodare Noyan, the Thornbyan troops retreated: now the allied forces are assembled outside the city - though nothing tangible, none wish to linger inside Ximenezak's walls. For the past few hours, there has been no visible, or otherwise perceivable, change to whatever is happening to the city - perhaps it will escalate no further..."

"To the south, admiral Kuzan Aokiji and Commodore Fiayegas are trapped! Thornbyan fireships have struck from the west, and in the narrow channel, the fires are spreading - but the open sea to the east is blocked by a Xarian fleet! On the land, Commadare Tumen has led a small band of soldiers, but a few hundred, towards Skissus, fleeing from a much larger Thornbyan army led by the now infamous Turncoat Lieutenant, Stroll."

"General Steiner is leading his troops in a running battle against the vastly superior armies of Parisot and Meryl - already, they have reached, and overrun, New Lows! But the price they pay is dear - but for ten priest-magis summoning strange energies against them, Steiner's armoured cavalry would rule the field. As it is, hundreds of the less trained Four Gods fanatics have fallen to sudden raids. To the south, d'Avion's reinforcements have been driven south of the river by the Twin Princes, thus cutting them off from the action between the main armies."

"Shenaola is once again firmly in the hands of Baron Garth. Indeed, the folk of Shenaola has once again risen against this new threat - it would seem that independence is, and has always been, a thing held most dear in the hearts of every Shenaolian. Perhaps they are willing to accept aid to achieve this end, but one should not think to have bought their hearts by such measures! Nay, rather an honest neighbour - an opponent once, yes, but having clearly surrendered the ambitions to conquer and now treating the Shenaolian folk as an equal, not an underdog! Yes, rather such an ally, than an insidious schemer from the east who once helped us in secret towards our independence, and now turn against us for wishing to maintain it! So speak the men in every village and hamlet across the Valley."

"The Xarian armies struggle to maintain control over Midland - though few oppose them openly, it is clear to see that no voluntary aid will be forthcoming from the people. The east is still outside their influence, but soon, it is believed, these Xarians returned - for so it, undoubtedly, seems they are - will have re-established a nation led by themselves this side of the ocean! Already, some wonder if they but herald the coming of even more armies from the south, and when, perchance, such sails will be seen on the horizon..."

"They say the Sword of Thornby has been reclaimed from the vaults of Star Vana to its reightful owner! Long have the descendants of the Thornbyan line coveted this ancient treasure of legend, and it would seem that the Xarians have acquiesced to this one's claims! Now it is said that he carries with him the Greathelm, the Chestpiece and the Sword of Thornby! The legend says that there are pauldrens, gauntlets, greaves, boots and a cape to go with these ancient treasures - yet nigh every noble household claim their heirloom to be the real thing. Now the Lord-Commander has called for his artifacts to be returned to him - the reward is considerable, and so will, no doubt, the pretenders be!"

"Prince Tariot, with not a man to accompany him, has ridden into the gates of Star Vana. Alone, worn, tired, with a distinctly haggard appearance, he was nonetheless known to the City Council. His message was dire: the Four Gods are coming! The Xarian grip of the city is stretched to its limits as panic is slowly seeping into the streets..."



"The name of Ximenezak and all things associated with it will be a curse for generations to come! Demons and monstrous mechanisms roam the streets, though now counting in mere scores in isolated pockets, pushed back by Zulian men in the western parts and Waldsteinian forces in the harbour district east - their losses count in thousands! Traps line every sidewalk of the city; buildings collapse onto the street, barrels of explosives turn every intersection into a crater - for every trap disarmed, another two are discovered. Among the men and women pushing into the city, there is no doubt that there is more opposed to them than the slavering demons in the streets. Strange magics swirl through the city, and ominous chanting* can be heard - now a darkness is upon the city and the surroundings. A sense of foreboding lies thick on the city - the summoning must be stopped, but even as it draws nearer, Thornbyan troops have attacked the western, Zulian, forces!"

"General Steiner wreaks havoc with his armoured cavalry on the fields west of Hardy - but his reinforcements to the south have been ambushed by the Twin Princes! The Commonwealth faces a dire situation indeed."

"Giants mess up the lives of the Shenaolians. Poor things. Tawer's Ferry's been taken, though some say a full dozen of the fell beasts have been... felled."

*Probably in latin.



"Ximenezak is currently under attack by Zulian and Waldsteinian forces. Parts of the walls are taken, and the Imperial Zone is buckling - yet there is strange talk of a monstrous machine tearing through ranks of soldiery going rampage inside the city! Inside, it would seem a summoning has been begun!"
"To the west of Ximenezak, the Thornbyan army is in pursuit of a zulian force, leading them farther away from the city."
"Royalist forces, outcast in their own heartland, have taken Wintry!"
"Giants have attacked in the northern reaches of Shenaola Valley!"
"The Alixat woodway, running by the river, has been flooded by several dams - marching through the area is sure to be difficult."
"Fleet has been seized by the Thondrian veteran-soldier Mordred, who but days earlier brushed aside a band of escaped prisoner-slaves, recapturing some but focusing on his objective across the river."
"Lov was plundered by another such band of released prisoner-slaves; though sentiments towards their own religion have cooled off of late, several thousand oinkish peasants have risen in response to this threat in their own lands."


"Lord-Marshal Crawl is dead! And all evidence points at his new-found allies! This is madness! This is Star Vana! The royalist forces are in confusion; some mean that the only course of action acceptable is to drive the newcomers from these lands, while others say that their coming have only been to the benefit of the land. The main body of the outlander army is now encamped outside Bastu."

"Haven has joined the Shenaolian federation, which now answers to Baron Garth, a newcomer to the scene having usurped the power of old Lord Shivers. This new young leader seems intent on a more active role in the world's politics than the old regime, and already his troops march east. Yet from the mountains come rumours that a band of giants has been contracted by the Waldsteinian faction. If so, that is a potent threat indeed!"

"Hardy has fallen to the Four Gods, opposed only by a regiment of bikers, which inflicted severe casualties to the Twin Princes' forces as those attempted to move around the city on the fields to the south - although the bikers were driven back, the Princes' flank was bloodied. All the Commonwealth is travelling east - and before them go the rumour of the Dancing Joker unleashed! Long thought to be dead, the reputed agent's name has resurfaced together with the release and rising of several thousand of the Four Gods' prisoners in the Oink area."

"Lieutenant Stroll and Thornby's Second Army fell in the back of Commodare Tumen's Zulian forces as they besieged Ximenezak - the zulians were driven south, where Skissus has been taken by Noyan, joined by several thousand Skissian survivors."

"Further south, the Bay has seen a long series of naval battles. A xarian fleet joined the Imperial Zone's battered ships and have held the joined Waldsteinian and Zulian armadas at bay - but have slowly been pushed back. It looks like the seas soon will be safe for the Eastern forces to peruse at will."

"Greyport, learning that its benefactor from the east had ordered its troops north and away, soon abandoned any thought of resistance and has surrendered to the Thornbyan empire."

"Dullngray has been taken by the fruitiqans, and there are even rumours saying that humans have, somehow, been horribly mutated into twisted creatures akin to the unnatural monsters allied to the northwestern confederation of No-man's Dyke and Gurtville. If this affliction will spread, who knows what will happen?"






"Lord Shivers, of Shake, Highlord of Shenaola, Protector of the Valley and so forth, has sent a missive to every corner of the land! The lord has always been known as something of a... jittery type, yet some of the things he claim seem quite preposterous. Nevertheless, the missive states that the mysterious fleet which sailed up the river to Star Vana but days ago are, in fact, but the forerunners of a much greater force intent to claim all of Ludditia! He mean to say that these are the Xarians returned, yet after so many years having passed, they chose to attempt to ally themselves with the most unfortunate of folk on this earth; the Shenaolians. Even now, centuries after the last Xarian ship was seen on the southern horizon, memory in Shenaola of their long and bitter struggle against the Xarian empire lives in mother's tales and folklore better suited to peasants than to lords! Yet Shivers, and indeed, all of Shenaola, has declared their intention of dismantling this so-called Xarian threat before it can grow too powerful, and call for allies from all across the land! Already it would seem that the long-running dislike of their Thornbyan neighbours has been put aside in face of a much older grudge - there is talk of an alliance struck between the two factions!"
"Also in the same missive, Lord Shivers continue with a harangue aimed towards the many evils which have befallen the land ever since the King's death, particularly on the resurgence of the Four Gods, the fruitiqans employed by the northwest and the massacring Imperial Zone."
"On the topic of the old King's death, however, it seems that whatever force is now in charge of Star Vana and the royalist forces, is investigating his death. Some claim he was murdered, though most believe he simply passed on peacefully."
"Back on the topic of Thornby, Dribble Delving has been retaken by the Lord-Commander and his vastly superior force. It seemed a trap of some kind had been devised to greet him, yet when Waldsteinian-loyal troops struck, little was heard of the strange thunder-weapon - some buildings were blasted in the beginning of the battle, but too few by far for any real damage to be done, but there have been no reports of actual killings from afar by the rods carried around by the Waldsteiners."

"While the Commonwealth regroups, rumours from the east have taken a dire turn - it is said that the entirety of the army of the Four Gods are assembled but a short march away from Hardy, outside Soori Donn!"
"Cut Bay is aswarm with transport ships of all types and sizes ferrying two great hosts upon the sea - it is said that General Redwind has sailed down the river, following the Zulian host before him, which even now is disembarking on the coast south of Ximenezak! Confusion reigns in the territory controlled by the Imperial Zone, and the countryside is in unrest."
"The Capital and the royalist forces remain immobile, and maintain their stranglehold on the rivers - a Zulian host has been denied passage through Bath. No battle has been joined... yet. Tensions run high on both sides!"




"The lands of the Four Gods are awash with marching armies! Yet rumours are wild as to where - some say east, some say south - some say both, and that the army has been split!"

"The forces of the Commonwealth of Andersong are attempting to take Sauna, yet the defences still hold. However, the cool professionalism has assured that Steiner's losses are light, while the royalist forces are decimated. Against the Commonwealth also fights a fleet of these strange ships from the south seas - though not closely engaged, it is clear that some alliance must have been struck between Crawl and whoever is in charge of these strangers!"

"A massacre has taken place at Skissus! Thousands flee the city while those remaining there are slaughtered by Imperial forces! Already some have banded together to face this threat. Meanwhile, the bay to the south has seen battle - Ximenezak's fleet were driven away by Waldstein's warships; it is said that some some soldiers of the Imperial Zone disembarked near Alixat, but were driven away by the garrison at the town."

"Across the bay, the Cut Valley watches as soldiers of all kinds march south along the river - it is even said that some forces of Waldstein have followed the route south, while most claim it has hardly moved in the past few days from its position near Threemeet. In the forests to the south, tales abound of the Stone Eagles of Waldstein, rooting out the decades-old bandit-dens which have infested the wilds."

"Dribble Delving has been taken by Waldsteinian forces! Survivors from the battle tell a strange tale of a terrible weapon in the hands of the soldiers from across the bay, striking down men from afar with the sound of thunder! The Lord-Commander and his army is but a day's march from the town."



"The battle outside the fields of Von Dunja is over! Though the forces of Manri were but hours from victory, the attack in their rear by a legion of well-armed, well-trained Ulmat Thondrians combined with the then-reorganized zealots of Meryl and Twin Princes, pushed Manri's men towards the city walls where Parisot's men stood fast. Soon enough, they surrendered, and were to a man sent away, together with all the camp followers, to the north. As news of the outcome reached the rest of Oinkland, all cities left worth of note surrendered to the dominion of the Four Gods!"

"In the north, support grows for the Commonwealth - Southpass now flies the Commonwealth flag! To the south, however, the river keep at Sauna stands resolute."

"Little has escaped as to the events in and around the capital - but it is said that the royalist forces have reorganized and moved away from the capital, as if this new strange army has been accepted as not being a threat. To the east, the religion of the Four Gods have swept over the town of Windstedt, soon thereafter reached by Zulian forces - who fell back to Steadfast without engaging. To Steadfast now also marches the great host of General Redwind from the newly renamed Fort."

"Lord-Commander Thornby and his men have been allowed to leave Shenaola Valley unharmed - in fact, observers say that it was with marked congeniality that Lord Shivers of Shake rode along with the Thornbyan heir several miles, to discuss some strange matter of import. Truly, it seems the newly formed independent Shenaolan nation has nigh turned heel on its politics toward its eastern neighbour."




"In the dead of night, Parisot's elite men stormed the city gates of Von Dunja - and met with hardly any opposition whatsoever! But as his legions ranged into the city, chaos, frenzied mobs and fires met them with each step taken! A confused story has surfaced of the three Princes locked within the city fighting a bitter struggle with eachothers, then Four God fanatics. After a day of fruitless street-fighting, Parisot abandoned any attempt to impose order on the city and first deal with his main objective - the fires. In a gigantic effort, involving most of his own troops, volunteer citizens and peasant-fanatics arriving from the countryside, a dam was constructed and the river diverted, partially, into the city. As the streets filled with water, the second day after the gates were taken ended."
"The morning after was met with dismay by the Prophet Meryl - the southern portion of the plains outside Von Dunja had been turned into a waterlogged swamp overnight, and the vaunted zealots of his legions were thrown into disarray. It was then word reached them of a second army of Prince Manri, coming from the north! Before there was time to react, the peasant-army of the Twin Princes were engaged - first from the north, then, as Manri's main force attacked, also from the east! The main body of the peasants were driven south - into the soaked remains of the zealot camp, mixing with the same and driving all towards the river. The Princes' best-trained troops, however, were seperated from the others and driven northeast. The combined forces of Prince Manri continued to push the panicked peasant-army into the path of the zealots - thousands lie dead on the fields, and hundreds have drowned in the river. Night fell on the third day, with all the commanders of the Four Gods seperated - Parisot inside the city, struggling against the resurging remains of Prince Triot's - the only Prince left alive in Von Dunja - forces; the Twin Princes in the forests to the north, and the Prophet lost in a confused mass of humanity near the river. The huge numbers of the army had been turned against itself."
"Yet as dawn approaches, word comes from the west - two thousand trained soldiers have crossed the river at Lov and have marched through the night to appear on the field of battle!"

"Also, now on the topic of Ulmat Thondr: the rudimentary locales of an academy have been raised in the city. Schoolars arrive from all across the land, unperturbed by the war!"

"The Commonwealth of Andersong expands by the hour! Steam was stormed, Greenwood opened its gates before the army sent against it had even arrived, and Swift, too, have declared for the Commonwealth!"

"Meanwhile, confusion rules in the ranks of the royalist forces arrayed before the sudden army appearing in their midst, who have begun to dig in around the Capital. Orders, at the moment, are not to attack - messengers swarm the roads, and it is believed negotiations are taking place inside Star Vana - but outside the city, none know where the blazes this army even came from!"

"Lord Shivers of Shenaola Valley and the Lord-Commander Thornby have begun negotiations - what might spring from these two old neighbours is uncertain - most believe that the Lord-Commander simply seeks safe passage out of the Valley, and in return, to recognize the sovereignty and independence of Shenaola Valley!"

"Steadfast has fallen after two days of bloody fighting - some say fully a third of the Zulian troops engaged fell to the defenders, yet other dismiss it as a gross exaggeration. Either way, the Empire now controls one of the most important chokeholds in the East! Of the surviving defenders, some say that they have all been executed; defiant the last - other claim they have been whisked away in a long caravan to the south, along with all the criminals in the prison and other such filth..."



"An army of numbers beyond reckoning is disembarking from the great ships from the sea! Thousands, tens of thousands have already sailed up the river and assembled on the shore south of Star Vana! The capital is not besieged - yet! Inside, two thousand of the King's Guards along with the Lord-Marshal stare across the lake at the mass of humanity gathered before them!"
"Thus, the great host of the royalists has turned its attention away from the south, abandoning the siege of Wintry. Indeed, all of Midland is now mustered - but what is this new actor on the stage? A threat, no doubt! Yet already some have mused on the handiness of such a large and prepared force of men could be in the hands of any of the many generals who vie for control in the land..."

"The only other force to match this sudden appearance, in numbers, at least, is found in the north - ten thousand peasants are assembled under the Twin Princes, while General Parisot holds at least three thousand trained veterans, and the Prophet himself leads a legion of zealots! And while ever more peasants join the ranks of the Four Gods, more are swept away in the night to unknown ends - whole villages are emptied! Already, cries for vengeance can be heard throughout Oinkland - but to the south, the religion of the Four Gods have managed to pass around Steadfast and have reached the southlands! A bit closer at hand, but south of the great army assembled, Von Dunja burns! There is no doubt that a great fire is ravaging the city - one which started more than a week ago!"

"Steadfast remains the last royalist stronghold in the east - Fort Bradford has surrendered! As the army of General Redwind prepared to assault, the city gates were opened to reveal - nothing! General Bradford and his troops have disappeared - citizens claim they left before the siege even began, leaving only a token garrison to maintain appearances on the walls! Some ask if they have gone to join Steadfast, which has refused, and returned, all attempts of the Zulian Empire to negotiate their surrender, but that city is now closed - besieged by Commodare Noyan and his troops!"

"All of the lands of Thornby have risen in response of the threats facing this newfound kingdom! Lord Ting, a most capable man indeed, is mustering all forces at hand, emptying the very garrison of Thornbyopolis itself - all prayers now go to the Lord-Commander and his army to hold out in Regal Front until aid can arrive! In the south, unexpected help was given by bands of independent-minded warriors and bandits, who repulsed the Waldstein-loyal Greyport-men! These are hardy men, used to the wilds and freedom - and any attempt by any power to lay claims to their lands are considered with ridicule, as are the soft townspeople of Greyport! Some fear, however, that they will turn north and sack Dribble Delving while they're at it..."

"Westwatch has surrendered to the Commonwealth of Andersong! And with fresh biker-regiments assembling in the Fort, a mighty power can now turn its eyes to the south, and the many things happening around the capital!"



"The townships No-man's Dyke and Gurtville have made common cause and declared their allegiance, to stand together and fend off the evils which have gripped the rest of the realm."
"It is clear to see - a huge fleet is sailing through Cut Bay north! Some say it comes from Waldstein, or the lands south of Shenaola Valley, still others claim it to be not ships, but sea demons risen from the sea to drench all the land!"

"Ill news tower over the fledgling empire of Thornby, higher and higher! The people of Shake rose up against the small garrison, and opened the gates to more of their kin, as other harried the retreating army of the Lord-Commander and Lord Fore every step of the way. News reached them just at they reached Regal Front, where they have now made camp - among their troops, there are regiments who refuse to leave this safe place to attempt to retake Shake - especially as it seems all of Shenaola has now risen to arms! Indeed, it would seem Flee is the only town holding back - an omen?"
"Meanwhile, the army now led by Captain Gil and the turncoat Lieutenant Stroll has been caught in Wintry - the Lord-Marshal is sending all his forces in Midland, and beyond, to strike at the Thornbyan empire! Some say he will even lead forth the King's Legions from Star Vana and go to battle himself! If so, a most capable general will be set against the junior officers at Wintry."
"And lastly, Greyport has cast down its guise as loyal to Lord Thornby - the forces which met the men from Dribble Delving declared themselves as men of Waldstein Keep! A short, but bloody, for the Dribblers, battle ensued, and now the remnants of that force flees north!"

"Westwatch is under siege! The Commonwealth can draw breath once again as soon as this threat in its side is removed -and with the Lord-Marshal drawing away his forces from the crossings, some foresee that Midland itself soon will see Commonwealth troops marching across it. Indeed, already another pretender approaches from the east; the defenders at Dalmyra were easily shunted aside by forces from Keep Zula!"

"The fields just outside Von Dunja are aswarm with soldiers, warriors, mercenaries, preachers, fanatics, peasants, you name it - huge numbers have answered the Prophet's call to arms and are journeying to what is plain to see soon will be a field of battle. The army led by Prince Manri seems small in comparison, but already reports have revealed it to be larger than it first was expected - indeed, some even claim the Prince has allies in the north leading a second army, and that all the woods of Oinkland are aswarm with his men! Manri, the second son of the late king, is a man of some repute - if not the greatest commander, then surely a man others find themselves willingly follow!"
"Also, it would seem a fire ravages Von Dunja. Indeed, smoke has risen from over the tall walls for several days, now. What is happening in Von Dunja?"


"Sailors and fishermen talk of a strange sighting far in the south seas - a great fleet lying at the horizon bearing an unfamiliar banner! Who and where these ships came from, none can answer. Old men's tales, some say, but the number of sightings are growing..."

"The siege of Von Dunja carries on with no sign of change - the capital is well provisioned and can last many weeks more, and even though it is their former masters who now lead the siege, no sign has been seen that the population of the city is near giving up. And now rumours come from the south that an army led by the youngest Prince, Manri, has dispersed a force loyal to the Prophet and laid siege to Dumra! And still no word has escaped as to the fate of the third captured Prince - most believe him to be long dead."
"The joint army of royalist forces and men from Westwatch attempted to cross the river and attack Nook - but were repulsed. To the south, Brook, although maintaining neutrality, has allowed Commonwealth forces to quarter just outside the town."
"The forces of Thornby seem unstoppable! While one army has relieved their comrades in Wintry, and thus throwing back the main body of Lord-Marshal Crawl's army, another, under Lord Fore and the Lord-Commander himself, took the fords at Regal Front and then the town itself, marching on to defeat the forces besieging Stunt. Few of either town's defenders have survived, and now the Lord-Commander faces an imminent threat as fresh Shenaolan forces arrive to shut close the path back to their empire - should Shake be retaken, and it was but lightly garrisoned by the quickly passing Thornbyans, the way out of the Valley will be shut..."
"The northwestern provinces maintain a neutral position, and have declined a political feeler from Thornbyopolis.
"Fort Bradford is under siege! None can tell what happens inside the city walls, though some speculate the city will soon surrender to the great host arranged before it - still others claim that the General no doubt had made preparations well in time, and now sits comfortably in one of the most defensible positions in all of Ludditia, with one of its most professional soldiery manning it."


"Strange news have spilled out from Ximenezak - it seems a certain Vulgyre has declared the Imperial Army Zone. Who knows what strange secrets have been broiling in that great mystery of a city - but now legions march out of the city gates, intent on... well, who knows what?"

"Lieutenant Stroll, third in command of the great host assembled on the plain outside Wintry to strike Thornby's side, has defected! In a daring move he and his closest men, on duty inside the town, barricaded the gates and is now flying the flag of Thornbyopolis! It would have been more fortunate for Stroll and his men, however, had not fresh reinforcements arrived from the capital the morning after - the town is now completely surrounded!"
"News from Shenaola Valley tell a daring tale: a raid struck out in secret by the cunning old fox, Lord Fore, took the city Shake by surprise! The deed was made possible by the lord of the castle having taken most of his men to besiege Stunt - already, the forces in favour of Thornby are faltering in Shenaola, and Tawers Ferry has fallen."
"Skissus is in disarray - some met the Zulian envoys eagerly, but far more have now risen in outright hostilities - Skissus claims independence, or at the very least, neutrality in the conflict at hand."
"The Waldstein army under general Redwind has halted at Type Oh, mere miles from Fort Bradford, which has closed its gates - but some say that the general is recovering from his long illness, and already is busy preparing the defences of the fort."
"Strange tidings come from Oink - they say hundreds, no, thousands have been deported from their homes - to where or for what end, none can tell."
"An army of the Commonwealth attempted to take the city of Steam, guarding the crossing of the river - but were repulsed, with light casualties on both sides."


"Forces loyal to the old regime crumble in every corner of the realm! Only in the Midlands does Lord-Marshal Crawl hold any sway, and his armies retreat across the rivers from the dreaded "bikers" from Andersong - at the fords, however, they hold their stand, well aware that the strange mounts are rendered harmless in such terrain."
"In Shenaola Valley hundreds more take to arms with every passing day! Those declaring for Thornby must now regret their decision, as they are surrounded and besieged by thousands. The Lord of Shake must surely be pleased - but this sudden rising seems strangely fervent - some say outside forces are manipulating events in the Valley, which now veers ever more towards independence."
"Threemeet was stormed by zulian forces - though a bloody venture, the defenders were at last subjugated. All of Cut Valley now answers to the High Emperor! And across the Bay, Alixat has declared for the Emperor, as well!"
"The Siege of Von Dunja carries on - two of the Princes are now actually leading the siege as General Parisot is occupied in the south. Among the common folk, it is muttered that the holy cause has been turned into yet another form of the relentless palace intrigues. Only silence has been heard as to the whereabouts of the third captured Prince - some say he died at the hands of his hosts, others claim that even now he leads an army for the Four Gods; yet others claim he has escaped to Star Thondr and there assembles an army to relieve his besieged brothers."
"Lake Country is falling, peacefully, to the forces of Lord Waldstein. While Fort Bradford still stands proud, its walls are poorly manned, and some say the general is deathly ill. General Redwind marches north unopposed."

"General Parisot led the armies of the prophet Meryl and the Four Gods in a sudden storming of the town Pavltora - the assault came swiftly, and relentlessly. Although the cost in lives grew high, the attack continued nonetheless - a large portion of the zealot elites of Parisot's army now lie dead in the streets of Pavltora."
"All is in disarray at Threemeet after Lord Trimoot met a sudden death! The army assembled to oppose High Emperor Zula is already dispersing - but the fort is well manned nonetheless."
"Shenaola Valley is divided into several camps! Stunt and Tawers Ferry have both declared for the Thornbyan power of old, but Shake and Fort Shenaola resolutely refuses. The countryside is aflame with bands of armed men - and there is no doubt that the pro-Thornbyan powers are vastly undermanned."
"Meanwhile the Southlands have similarly answered the call of Lord Thornby, and hundreds march towards his banners in Spear and in other places, too."
"A small force sent from Fort Andersong met with Crawl's forward army on the field - though the bikers ruled the field, their enemies' lines could not be broken. Both sides retreated after a drawn-out battle, and now it has been revealed that the royalist forces withdrew across the river during the night!"
"To the northwest, however, royalist forces have rendezvoused with an army from Westwatch - several thousand strong, and led by one of Lord-Marshal Crawl's most trusted lieutenants, Leap."

"The forces of the Commonwealth of Andersong are being mustered to face the threat from the south! Near fourteen hundred volunteers have risen in Hardy, but still the forces of the Lord-Marshal hold back."
"The siege of Von Dunja is settling into routine, while ever more peasants flock to the banner of the Borderland missionaries, and to Ulmat Thondr, as well. No word has escaped as to the condition of the captured Princes."
"Stavraburg fell after a lacklustre effort at defence, and already the Lake Country is simmering with rumours. Some have even answered Lord Waldstein's call and formed a band loyal to the power to the south!"
"Lord Thornby himself led the charge in a daring assault against the walls of Spear! Bringing to hardly more men than there were defending the city, the superior leadership by the Lord-Commander and Lord Fore, and the morale of their troops, made this stunning feat possible! However, it came at a price - and on the plains southwest of Star Vana Lord-Marshal Crawl is assembling an army of several thousand to meet him, and to the west Shenaola Valley is in near uproar - whether those in support of Lord Thornby or the Lord-Marshal will come out on top is still uncertain..."
"The High Emperor's sudden new strategy have borne fruit, and a small force have joined his banners at Arbor - but Threemeet is prepared, and Lord Trimoot is a capable leader in his own right!"

"By the Second Battle at the Fords of Lov, General Parisot gained the crossing in a spectacular victory, capturing the three Princes at Court leading the army defending the crossing, and now besieges the remaining four Princes - the capital, Von Dunja, is under siege! However, it is well manned and has a strong defence - storming the city will not be easy! "
"Spies have revealed the plan of Lord-Marshal Crawl to, in junction with Westwatch, attack the Commonwealth of Andersong. When Crawl's armies strike, so will Westwatch, who for now remain impassive, awaiting reinforcements. This situation could quickly become dangerous for the fledgling nation - but volunteers in Nook and Spring have responded by taking to arms!"
"The Borderlands have been reached by the words of the Prophet Meryl - already, a small peasant army has gathered around a particularly well-spoken missionary!"
"Lord-Commander Thornby has led his forces north, accompanied by the veteran Lord Fore. Together, they have laid siege to Spear, and the countryside have risen in support to the heir of the kings of old!"
"Meanwhile, Shenaola Valley grows more belligerent, and Shake has now closed its gates to travellers coming from the east. Lord-Marshal Crawl already assembles a second army to face this southern threat, as well as dealing with the North! The Lord-Marshal is a capable strategist indeed!"
"Liventein surrendered peacefully to the forces of general Redwing! And support is growing for the Soulforgers - particularly in the regions no longer visited by these strange warriors - and several hundred volunteers have travelled to Waldstein Keep from Nool to be trained!"

"The armies of Andersong have taken Gettys on a whim - the lord and his army fled! Bowing to Andersongian superiority, Spring has declared for the Commonwealth! However, Lord-Marshal Crawl have issued a declaration against the Commonwealth, urging the Northern Provinces to resist until an army from the capital can arrive to crush these upstarts once and for all!"
"General Parisot has led the army of Ulmat Thondr in an attempt to take the fording of Lov - but was repulsed! The combined might of the Princes at Court, leading portions of the very garrison of Von Dunja, resisted the assault. However, the brunt of the Four Gods' casualties were peasant-followers - and already, fresh such have arrived to Ulmat Thondr in numbers even greater than before the battle! Also, a band of these peasant-warriors seized the town Mikhre to the north for the glory of the Prophet!"
"Somerset have been seized by pro-Thornbyan forces, and the southern Midlands are aflame with lords and their followings riding in confusion away from the expected offensive from the south, leaving their homes undefended! However, were these forces to join under the Lord-Marshal's command, they will mean trouble for Lord Thornby."
"Arbor has taken by the Zulian Empire after a short battle, after which the forces there retreated into the mountains. The northern Cut Valley still musters its forces to answer this aggression!"

"Spring dissemble in the face of an Andersongian diplomatic offensive, and in general, relations in the north towards this new Commonwealth are turning to the worse. While an army from Westwatch as of yet stands still, it is uncertain it will remain so."
"Somerset and, indeed, all of southern Midlands are awash in strange tidings from the south! Some fear Lord Thornby will march north; others welcome the thought - lords all over the province assemble their armies, yet who will fight who and for who is as of yet uncertain."
"Lov ousted its former ruling class and welcomed Ulmat Thondr's forces led by General Parisot! More men and women leave their farms to flock to the four-coloured banner, driven to zeal by the teachings of Meryl. However, across the river from Lov the Princes at Court have assembled an army, and more are coming. A crossing will, no doubt, be hotly contested!"
"The warriors of Waldstein Keep have marched south and taken Nyvgrod, destroying in the process several smaller forces. Many fled their progress and are joining forces to the east. Meanwhile, the militia of Savgrod joined Lord Waldstein's army."
"Keep Zula's forces seized North Nool after a short, light battle, and driven the nobles opposing them at Oldtown north."
"Shenaola Valley is festering with rumours as to what to do in the times ahead - some advocate allying with Lord Thornby, others to proclaim an independent state..."
"The capital, Star Vana, is ruled by Lord-Marshal Crawl, and recently, word has gone out that he has called for the forces still loyal to the old Sovereignty to join him in a campaign to quell the recent risings!"

"Hardy and Nook have joined the Commonwealth of Andersong! However, many from Nook sharing blood-ties with the Lords of Westwatch have instead joined this second force in the north."
"A howling peasant-army led by a core of men under General Parisot has claimed Davr! More flock to the Four Gods, but closer to Von Dunja lords prepare armies to resist their expected coming south."
"Strange rumours have crept from Nool under the rule of Lord Waldstein - they say the gaols have been emptied and the men marched off. Meanwhile, the core of the Lord's army have left north, through the thick forest - some say Savgrod is taken already!"
"Shenaola Valley is restless in the face of Lord Thornby's quickly rising power - the lords muster their men!"
"The nobility of Cut Valley is in uproar, and armies march across the land in all directions!"

"Fort Andersong is mustering its forces, and already the dreaded "bikes" move along the northern east-west road! It is said that New Lows was stormed without its defenders even noticing!"
"The heir of the ancient line of Thornby, ruler of Thornbyopolis, have risen in rebellion against the now-dead regime! They say that old Lord Fore have led the Thonrbyan troops east, and that their enemies flee before them!
"Hundreds flock to the standards of Ulmat Thondr in northern Oinkland, and more arrive every day! - this new religion has set the region's lower classes aflame, but the ruling lords view this coming with distrust."
"Men and missives swarm from the castle of Waldstein Keep, and Wulfangian warships have been sighted outside the shore of as far north as Cut Valley!"
"Keep Zula has brought Old Pasus into its fold as Cut Valley consolidates its powers in face of the sudden movement in the south."

"The Patriarch of Von Dunja has been executed! The intrigues of the Prince-Patriarchs of the Palace have beheaded the Oinklandish leadership - at the same time as the old religion of the Four Gods resurfaced!"
"The people of Star Vana crowd to the streets in abject horror as the word spreads. The Sovereign is dead, and his cabinet, in the ritual fashion, have all committed suicide - and he has left no heir to the Sovereignty of Ludditia! Who now can tell what will happen - the realm is ripe for the taking as the central government comes to a crumbling, confused halt. Already disorder spreads through the capital, and soon enough, the rest of the realm!"



#############OTHER OLD STUFF. Half of it's outdated, no doubt.

General starting-messages
And some more stuff. These two posts are changed continuously, by the by. Things appear in new places or are changed and rewritten and whatever. All should be done in time for the actual lift-off.[/B] (Which needn't be particularly action-filled; after that, there's 24 hours to send around orders before your armies will take their first, tentative steps moving across a fraction of the map. Loads of time on our hands.)

Introduction to the unintroduced: after my long-lived (http://www.scrollsoflore.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3960) mapdrawing interest got applied to Azeroth (http://www.scrollsoflore.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4067&page=2), the idea came up - or, in my case, at least, resurfaced - that one could, conceivably, do something more engaging than just looking at (my) maps. One could, in fact, convert 'em into some sort of hybrid strategy-roleplayish game!

And so we did. A more in-depth explanation behind this game will be prepared below by yours truly. This first post will be displaying the ever-updating information to be kept track on regarding the soon-to-come war.

Hopefully, this wee thing will attract a little crowd and may serve as a way for me to vent whatever comes into my mind at the time.

For the moment: if you're curious 'bout this strange business, give a shout and I'll include you right in! No obligation, nor even expectation, to be particularly fervent in your war-commanding; this is a slow-paced pastime, just one more thread to keep track on in the forum. Action is expected to commence... well. Tomorrow, Monday. After that, feel free to send off your missives and order your armies around to your heart's content, and at about 9 p.m. or so Tuesday, the map will be updated and things will start happening.

Nothing's settled yet. I'll explain more in-depth stuff in the next post, but for instance, I right now imagine one "turn" to allow an army to move about 30 kilometres - that's 75 pixels per 24 hours. If someone feels like ordering an army across the entire map, it'll take about two weeks. The speed could be upped, though, and maybe should; but maybe we'll let things run along for a wee while and see how bored we get first?

Possibly, this thread won't be very active, since much of the ordering-abouts is bound to go via PMs for secrecy: but I encourage yeh to spam it anyway, and make up some rumours of your own, or suggestions to the game, or just spam about. I will be watching, and some of it might come true!

------------

Trying to come up with a manual here. It'll be done, eventually, but the gist of it can be found in http://www.scrollsoflore.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4067&page=3 and subsequent pages in that thread.

Wee Index:
* Concerning the game and the mentality
* Concerning the map and the world it implies
* Concerning all sorts of stuff
* Concerning armies and recruitin' 'em and suchthings.
* Concerning the world, the regions within it and the players
* Concerning spies, scouts, diplomats, missionaries - agents of all kinds and more

* Concerning the game and the mentality
Okay, so, first of all; this is a board-based roleplaying strategy game, in that order, more or less. And I'm alpha and omega, a and z, godmodder and creator of the universe. All will tremble before me and my hordes of peasant armies!

Ach, but really, I'll play it fair and will generously apply dices and all sorts of notes to even things out. Still, by passing it through me, things which would be way-too-bothersome to define rules for (such as Face Eating Robots) can still function in this world in a more-or-less balanced way, though I don't necessarily see balance as something all-that-great. Some things are better than others; some starting positions might seem better than others - and they probably are. But those ragged, isolated men and women on the Gurtville frontier will have other stuff working in their favour, while those FER units will no doubt break down continously. Anyhow: the bottom line is that while I'll try to standardize stuff and so on, part of the point of this is that there's not actually any real rules - hence, a start for everything can be asking me if it can be done.

Maybe it can.

One of the most important things, I think, to keep in mind in the future is that the map won't tell you everything. It might even be plain wrong. Indeed, in general, view the map with a healthy amount of distrust and make sure to order around a few spies to give you more reliable information - instead of Fog of War, here we do Wildly Inaccurate Or Just Plain False Information.

The map will lie to you! (or it might not - that army suddenly arriving right at your doorstep might be a well-hidden sneak attack!) Keep track of where your army should be and gloat at everyone trusting the map, while your army secretly executes one of those sneak attack thingies. Mind you, walking your army through a forest or wildland might get them lost, and the word might be spread anyhow - spies and such report in PMs; but all sorts of rumours will be listed in the first post. Some true, some not.


* Concerning the map and the world it implies

Welcome to the realm of the Sovereign of Ludditia! Things that look like settlements probably are; those dotted lines mean roads, them sinous, bluish, river-like things imply, indeed, rivers; forests are green, the sea is blue (at the borders, at least) and mountains are... well. They're mountainish.

Here's a walkthrough:
Towns - ex: Dullngray, New Lows - are what I call those hollowed-out, house-like icons. Fortified towns - ex: Steam, Sauna - have tower-icons, and storming these can and will be bloodier than storming the un-walled variety.
Cities - ex: Shake, Spear - are what I call the castle-like icons, and finally the Capitals are Star Vana and Von Dunja with their... well, Northshire Abbey icons.

Army-icons come in some varying sets. Referring to this image here (http://www.scrollsoflore.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=409&stc=1&d=1232149131), but in the right-hand portion of the picture, there's four armies named C, D, E and F. F is a smallish army up to about 1000 men; the E-icon covers the 1000-2000 range, D's 2-3000; C's up to 4000. Larger armies still will be given more clustered-up icons; but don't depend on the icons to tell you everything about an army. Armies will have morale which will work just the way you think it would; get beaten a lot, march through wilderness, be cut off from your lines of supply, and that 10,000-man army will wither away facing just about anything of note. There's also different types of armies; Ximenezak's Face Eating Robots are a reality, though a costly such.


* Concerning all sorts of stuff
For now, these are the base lines:
Towns generate 500 muni, (new currency!) fortified ones 750, cities 1500 and capitals 3000, every two turns.
Towns have a base 200 garrison, fortified ones 750, cities 1500 and capitals 5000. One can march off with the garrison, too, though that might result in riots in recently-conquered towns or towns-tired-of-bearing-the-load-of-your-goddamn-war and all sorts of unpleasantries. Still, the garrison can be drained. Conquering a new settlement will automatically (unless otherwise ordered) set aside a garrison from your nearby forces. The strength of a garrison is implied by the colouring on the town's bar.
Movement at about 30 km/turn; this would be a long-march speed across not-very-familiar land. Moving shorter distances inside more familiar territory will be quicker, considerably.
You start with... well, 5000 muni. There's currently no plan for upkeep for troops in the field. Currently, I'mma thinking I'll be showing an estimate for everyone's funds here in the thread, and should one want a more precise number, contact me. Should one not want ones funds to be displayed here, tell me.


* Concerning armies and recruitin' 'em and suchthings.

Recruiting a 500-man company will cost about 3000 muni. You order recruiting like pretty much everything else in this "game": you post here, or PM me, what you'd like to do. "Commence recruiting on a 1000-man regiment in Star Vana" would be one way to put it, in which I'll subtract about 6000 muni from your funds - I'll tell you now and then, if you care to, how much muni you actually have at your disposal. I'll keep continuous track on such things m'self, of course. The regiment will appear within about two turns; at which point it probably won't be fully manned, nor very well-trained, and with a weak morale. Let it stay in its home town for a few more turns and it will get better prepared, but you can order it away and it will train on the march. Which will be slower, but heck, likely, you've got time.

The standard unit is a rabble of peasants scrounged together, and will probably do you fine. However, you could try and order more specific things - such as, experienced veteran mercenaries - which probably will cost you more, who might defect if things get ugly, but might be a quicker way to get an already-experienced force. Or you might order in a wing of cavalry and all sorts of stuff; but really, in the end, the cost will probably balance everything out rather evenly. It's not so much rock-paper-scissors as it's some flavour: rock-granite-limestone.

Recruiting of most units can only be done in your home territory - roughly, areas such as Shenaola Valley or Midland or Oink. Yes, there's a land called Oink. Other units - such as mercenaries - can possibly be found everywhere, more or less; one can also strike some luck with the inhabitants of an area: propagate your faction long enough, fervently and fund-backed, and peasant armies might rise on your behalf.

Armies are blessed with a number of attributes I will try to keep moderate track on: such as how many men are in it, any specific units of interest in it, morale, experience, and so forth. All of these things will be thrown together with circumstantial things like terrain bonuses and so forth with a dice, to decide the outcome of battles and such things.


* Concerning the world, the regions within it and the players
Ludditia is a region about the size of half the Iberian Peninsula, and sports a rich variety of peoples, systems of belief and all sorts of stuff bound to end up in conflict sooner or later. The fringes of the great Cut Bay are inhabited by the descendants of a long-ago vanished people - the Xarians - from across the seas, who settled, in particular, in Cut Valley and across the Bay at the once-domineering Thornbyopolis. To the north, now pushed back to the forests of Oink and bound behind a great river, the ancient Oinklanders reside, who once, long ago and before even the across-the-seas settlers arrived, held sway as far south as the Wulfang Hills, an empire which also included Midland where they built the great capital Star Vana. Both of these powers have failed, however, faltered by old age and bested by the native Midlanders themselves, who established the Sovereign realm of Ludditia. But the old powers are stirring, and Ludditia faces internal crises as the borderlands, settled generations ago by Midlanders, question the power of the Sovereign in Star Vana, and other regions still rise upp, where the rule of the SoL has only ever been an abstracted notion with no anchor in the hearts of the people. Is it maybe time for the isolated people living on the far side of the Wulfang Hills to rise up, and carve an empire out for their own?

And poof, one day; the Sovereign was murdered, and left no heir! The realm is in chaos, and indeed, near enough the whole known - or at least, relevant, world - for the Patriarch of Von Dunja met a sudden end himself! Now is the time, as the established powers have had their heads cut off, to break the shackles of... shackledom and establish others!

Here follows a list of the players, and their starting positions, as I have interpreted them. Things noted below might be important later on - if the region is long accustomed to independence, conquering it might mean trouble. Peasant armies, baby! So if you read something you don't like, tell me, and I'll change it! (if I like what you like, that is, but I probably will, since what would the point be of this game otherwise?)

Fort Bradford, (commanded by, duh, Bradford) straddling an important waterway and commanding the northern approach to the prosperous, loyal and hardy men of Lake Country, still retains much of its military discipline and will from its origins as a frontier outpost. The strength and discipline of its troops are not to be underestimated. Long have the Generals of the fort been staunch supporters of the Sovereign; is this maybe the time when the people of Ford Bradford step up to restore the realm to order?

Fort Andersong, (controlled by Fordragon) while sharing a similar past with the Bradfordians, is closer in distance yet farther away in mind and heart from the Midlandish supremacy. The long Northern East-West road binds the Northern Provinces closely to eachother, and trade with the even farther North is a common interest often hampered by Star Vana bureaucracy. Older still than the Eastern settlements, the duchies of the North might well be sympathetic to uniting under the provincial power of the duke-colonel of Andersong in seeking independence, or better yet, glory! Having long ago traded extensively with the southern warlock-inventor-city of Ximenezak, the Fort Andersong includes in its own forces a full wing of gruesome technological constructs spluttering black smoke and spitting fire in all directions - a force which have crushed many an enemy's hearts in its proud history, and crushed the rest of them if given the proper circumstances - a plain field works best. But now these "bikes", as they are called, are aged, crumbling things, but the Andersongian troops are still a capable force when mustered.

Ulmat Thondr (commanded by Timolas) is where the old religion of the far north, where the Oinklanders origins lie, has suddenly resurfaced with a vengeance: zealot-priests preaching the tenets of the Four Gods spread throughout the Oinklandish villages and cities, stirring their hearts to a crusade to return the Oinkers to their true belief! And, while at it, why not reclaim the South as well?

Waldenstein Keep, (controlled by Wulfang) is an ancient castle which stood here when the Oinklanders first expeditions explored the coast of Cut Bay and the people who lived there, though they did not return; which oversaw fleet after fleet arrive from ancient Xaria with settlers; and now, centuries later, still stands, in name, as an ally of the Midlandish kingdom of Ludditia. But the Lord of this castle hails not from Midland but belongs to the long line of Waldenstein Lords which have lived here so long ago that the name it was given then would hardly be recognized as the same today. This is an old place in an old, wild corner of the world, a place of strength, a place of mystery.

Keep Zula (controlled by Zula) is one of the first cities founded by the Xarians across the sea. Inhabited for centuries, it is the outlet of Cut Valley to the sea, a region still flavoured by its ancient heritage. The people here remember their roots, and the Midlandish layer laid upon their culture may be just that - a thin veneer.

Thornbyopolis ( controlled by Yuber8900) is Keep Zula's older brother, and if anything, the memories of the olden days live stronger here still. Once the beating heart of a dominating nation, all but the island the city stands on have been lost to Midlandish influence. But it is a rich city, fed by resources carried on the river from the fertile Shenaola Valley - the promise still lives behind these aged walls of a power reborn.

Ximenezak (controlled by Omacron) is a major port city to which all the ideas of the world flow. Originally Xarian, and still with a strong cabal of Xarian lords commanding the city council, the rush and flow of the world through its many streets have changed what once was a mere fishing village to a centre of education and innovation. Witchcraft and soul-commanding warlocks work in tandem with engineers and inventors, producing sometimes useful little gadgets, sometimes horrifying engines of war sure to spread terror through all who would be met by them in battle. But these constructs - or "robots", as they are known, are rarely seen, and even more rarely built; the cost in resources, and in lives, so dear that few would make use of them. The upkeep, in any case, is enormous and they require constant repairs by their engineers to function properly.

Gurtville (controlled by Gurtogg_Bloodboil) lies in the far west, seperated from the rest of Ludditia by great, dry plains and dark forests. This is a harsh land, and the people have grown hard by it and the permanent vigil against the wild folk which live in the highlands, and the occasional rampaging giant. While not populous, the people of Gurtville are long accustomed to war and poor conditions.

These, at least, are who I think are in the game. If you're on the list but have no intention of joining this silly escapade; don't worry - no need to unsign yourself or something like that; it can't hurt, having the options open, can it? 'Sides, I'm having a blast making stuff up. And if you're not on the list... get on it!


* Concerning spies, scouts, diplomats, missionaries - agents of all kinds and more
There is, of course, an innumerable amount of things you can do. The easy way to play this is like a Risk game, and that might work well enough out for you if you're lucky. The "deeper" layers of the game, however, can probably be manipulated to bring about a much greater success rate! For instance: the map will be lying, rumours will abound, left, right and centre - place out a few spies or scouts at key locations, and depending on how lucky you are, how skilled I decide your agents are, and sometimes pending just how large a budget you have blessed them will; you can and will at times receive information of interest, the truth behind rumours and the map, and so forth. In general, a scout tasked with just keeping an eye out for approaching armies will cost you about 500 muni to commission. (If you start swamping me with scouts, though, they might get more expensive! Besides, though, they aren't fool-proof.) But you decide for yourself just how much to give the bugger. Send him off on an empty pocket, though, and he might just decide the other side might pay him better...

Spies can infiltrate all sorts of things; including your opponents - if you manage to get a spy into the higher branches of the command structure, you could potentially be made privy to his every order before it's even executed! Of course, such an undertaking would be risky,* costly, and would require an agent of some skill - something one does not find easily. First cough up with the funds to try to recruit such an agent, or send an agent of your own into a number of minor missions before he gets a Big Job.

*The risk, however, could be that he is found out, or decides that serving the other side might be a better idea!

Missionaries, or preachers of secular and religious nature, are a go-go for declaring the Right of your faction and religion and so forth! The good-will of the inhabitants of an area can mean a world of difference for an army marching through - will they be permanently pestered by guerrilla-style peasants, or joined by them? Proclaim Your right to the throne, or independence, or religion, or just general rightness - but it'll cost.

Aaand so forth. Assassins, Clever Merchanting (how about ruining the economic infrastructure of a province without ever fielding an army in it?)

[Omacron]

((Pst, you forgot to mention the robots. And I don't want them to run off faces anymore. They now run on fear. Literally, they siphon adrenaline from recently deceased corpses to fuel themselves.))

[Timolas]

(Wow, I'm impressed. This seems like a massive undertaking for you to keep track of. However, the opportunities for fun are boundless. I believe 21 GMT is 9 right; so yeah I shall begin the conquest in the name of the Four Gods then!)

[Yuber8900]

Thornbyolpolis shall crush all those in the path of the Thornby Imperative!

[Timolas]

Thornbyolpolis shall crush all those in the path of the Thornby Imperative!

Mnesthes ftang!

[Yuber8900]

Lord Commander Thornby: Soldiers of Thornbyopolis! Your lord demands you listen! The Golden Hand has seen fit to end the false rulers who have kept us from reclaiming our rightful lands! As heir to the name Thornby I shall take back the world which was rightfully ours, and we shall once again rule this land for 10,000 years!

[Wulfang]

Lord Loeth Waldstein: Soldiers of Waldstein Keep! The whole Ludditia is crumbling after the deaths of our rulers and main governors! It is now time for the armies of Soulforgers to march across the land, restore order and unite all under one banner!

[Fordragon]

"Blood alone moves the wheels of history!"

"Have you ever asked yourselves in an hour of meditiation, which everyone finds during the day, how long we have been striving for greatness? Not just the years we have been at war... the war of work... but from the moment, as a child when we realized that the world could be conquered. It has been a lifetime struggle... a neverending fight! I say to you, and you will understand, that IT IS A PRIVILGE TO FIGHT! WE ARE WARRIORS!"

"I ask you, once more rise and be worthy of this historical hour! Men... and women... of Fort Andersong, UNIT! We must never ceded control of the Motherland, for it is together... TOGETHER, that we prevail! We must never acqueiesce, for it is TOGETHER THAT WE PREVAIL!"

[Ashenmoon]

Yeah, I guess it is a relatively massive undertaking, but then again maybe not; in any case, heck, it gives me the giggles when I'm in the right mood,* so why not?

And in other news: in nine minutes, the official Start is Started, but fosho, really, it's Begun.

Tada.

Feel free to start ordering armies around and send around spies and whatnot! (The cost, and risk, and usage, of spies and suchlike stuff should maybe be detailed in the manual, but simply enough you can order someone to do just about anything you want to do, along with mayhap just how great a budget this someone has to accomplish this whatever-it-is quest of his. But such a thing as sending a scout to some place/town to look around and send you back interesting information would cost in the region of... 500 muni. Sending an assassin squad to take out an enemy's command structure will cost waaay more, plus pre-emptive planning - scrounging together a rabble willing to risk their lives to do it would take quite a few turns, and finding a rabble that's actually competent would be even more demanding. Likely.)

*And sway-y (what the heck's the adjective form of "sway"? I say it's this) though my mood may be, in recent days it's turned to just the Right kind of mood to keep this project going as far as it has; so it can't be all wrong, can it?

[Wulfang]

Just one question: what about naval units and sea combat? Can constructions be made in the middle of the sea (like oil rigs and such)?

[Yuber8900]

What's the condition of our basic starting unit? Are they decently trained or baby fresh?

[Fordragon]

Are units going to function more like Risk (different icon = different unit size) or more like "infantry in cities, cavalry in open field combat" type things?

[Zula]

I am yuber little brother!!!! XD

[Timolas]

The Four Gods demand an army of 500 men to begin training!

[Ashenmoon]

No oil rigs currently planned for, but all port towns have at least a small fleet they can make use of to ship armies around. Of interest, I guess, is Ximenezak, which has a fairly large number of ships at their disposal, and Waldstein Keep, which has fewer, but admittably, more war-like in nature. Cities located on rivers also have access to barges and such. I could give more detailed information in PMs - in any case, it'd take a few days of "in-game" time to arrange any sort of majort naval... uh, action.

Starting units are all... moderate. They're as good as you can expect from a relatively long training-period, and they're all in high spirits - all eager to fight for The Just Cause!

Unit icons represent, sort of, the size of the army - in this picture (http://www.scrollsoflore.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=409&stc=1&d=1232149131), top-right corner, blue F-army numbers anything up to about 1000 men while C stands for 4-5000. Larger armies still will be given more clustered-up icons. These icons represent pretty much any army composed of either infantry or a mix of units. Some icons stand for unusual unit types - such as Ximenezak's WALL-E-icon indicating a robot-ish thingie, or Andersong's bike-cavalry thing. In general, though, try to remember what you've got in your own armies and pester your opponents with scouts to figger out what's facing you.

Oh yeah. Everyone's starting armies number 1000 men. Most towns will at the most be able to train 500 men simultaneously, though "your" capitals will in the future, when your empire is larger, be able to train larger regiments simultaneously. Cities you bring into your fold will be able to field 1000-man regiments at a time; and if you've conquered a city, your own capital will be able to match it. I'll note when that's possible for you, though. Capitals... oh, 2000-ish.

And yuppity-dee, Timmie!


Also, inspired by already-received missives, I thought I could mock up an example of how one could formulate one's order - everything I've gotten so far have made sense, but just thought... well. Think of it as a source of inspiration.

Imagining myself as the lord of Regal Front down in Shenaola Valley, and that (me-NPC-controlled) army beside it being mine, I might order something like this:

"Send two-thirds of my army to Stunt and the other part to Rawnoke, order a diplomat-dude to soften up the two cities and, if possible, buy them over - max funding for him is 2000 muni. Also send a herald to Shake for what muni I have left and let him proclaim my intentions of creating an independent nation out of Shenaola Valley."

Now, had Shenaola Valley been described (it hasn't been, at all, I realize) as a region close-knit and not much liking what's going on abroad, with the people generally peace-like, all of this might have paid off just as one could have hoped. Rawnoke and Stunt would capitulate, their garrisons would join my team; I might even get a extra few hundred volunteers for free, and the population of Shake might also be persuaded closer to my view. Of course, this could trigger the lord of Shake to act pre-emptively, and field an army of his own to attack me... but I don't plan to use my NPC powazh too much. After all, the point is you guys killing off eachother, not me keeping you seperated by the unholy might of peasant legions. Anyhow; further manipulating with that herald might pay off in the future, though. Boost him with more funds the next time and maybe I'd get some inside sympathy who could attempt to open the gates or something such, were I to attack.

Of course, likely, the two towns Rawnoke and Stunt wouldn't just fold like that; were I to heap 2000 muni on only one of them, it might work out. But at that point one might wonder if it wouldn't just be cheaper to storm the damn place - they've only got a 200 garrison, after all!

Well. Just thought I'd... give an example. Much information about the why's-and-such of things happening because of your orders will be conveyed together with my reply-PMs; but jolly, ask away here, too!

[Timolas]

If I'm still in time to patch an order, I'd like to send religious preachers south to Davr to carefully spread the word of the Four; Zinine, Mnesthes, Muhar and Brux. Zinine offers them wisdom, Mnesthes offers them life and verility. Muhar offers them riches and wealth. Brux; power.
Those are the cornerstones of the teachings of the Four.
Let it be known to the people of Davr that if they do not convert, the armies of Ulmat Thondr are on the lookout for heretics...

Since I just ordered the training of a 500 man force, I will use a remainder wealth of 1000 to fund my preachers... to help them... bribe, arrange and ensure the authorities do not meddle in the Teachings.

[Ashenmoon]

The map has been updated, along with the rumour-section. You'll notice that a few of you have been lucky - that only paves the road for unlucky later on! PMs carrying the reports of scouts and spies and armies sent out in this first turn are not to be expected until tomorrow, 'cause I simply can't stop reading this damn book... next, eheh, content patch, will be more elaborate. For now, suffice to say, everything is going rather swell for everyone - all towns approached have surrendered with nary a fight. Casualties insignificant. Training of all new armies going along swell and will be appearing in turn 2 as planned.

Turn 2!

[Yuber8900]

Note, keep a link to older versions of the map somewhere in you info posts. That way we have a baseline comparison to how things have gone about.

[Timolas]

Now that Davr has been softened with the teachings of the Four, the newly recruited army under General Parisot is hereby ordered to march south. Davr is to be approached and Parisot is to issue a declaration.

The aristocracy of this settlement are surely aware of the lower classes flocking to the banner of Ulmat Thondr. Ours is a message of hope. Immediate surrender is requested, or else, the missionaries will incite open rebellion while my army moves against the nobles of Davr.

In other words, my army moves against Davr giving the citizenship a choice.

Meanwhile, I would like to send emissaries to Lov and Von Dunja, using any tax income I get for the round to fund them. With the Patriarch of Von Dunja executed with the rising of the Four Gods cult, it is time to spread the teachings yet again... Davr will serve as an example.

[Fordragon]

Fort Andersong dispatches diplomats to the towns of Hardy and Nook. Their budget is 500 muni a piece, sufficient for a short trip such as that. They are to pass on the following messages.

Fort Andersong and the Duke-Colonel begin the road to a glorious new future. Before us stands the path to a bright new future, one where Man will be free to pursue their destiny as they see fit. No longer will we be constrained by men who sit in opulence while those in the provinces barely scrape by, not allowed but the simplest financial transactions; forced to trade with distant capitals rather than their neighbors! No longer will mystics guide the affairs of state, deriving their diplomacy, their economy, and their military from tea leaves or vision crystals. We shall govern with logic and reason, and with the council of those who understand as such.

On this day, the Duke-Colonel has made official our secession from the Sovereignty. In its place he has formed the Commonwealth of Andersong, a state which, as it sounds, is devoted to securing the future prosperity of our people. The township of New Lows has become the first of many future partners in this glorious endeavor. Now, to you, we offer a place as members of the Commonwealth. Will you join us in building a new Age of Reason?

[Ashenmoon]

The map has been updated, along with available funds for participants, and some not-very-rumourish* tidbits have been updated to post #2. Yeh will be updated more closely in PMs coming out shortly. The troops most'o yeh ordered to be recruited in round 0 have been, well, made available - they're green, but you might as well take them out for a run, is my advice. They'll do well enough, I figure. Also, today was taxday, plus, I kept check of taking-over-towns-costs: so far, nobody's really approached foreign territory, so pillaging doesn't bring all that much. Still, feel richer.

*Now in the beginning, you are all, after all, just matching wits with me, more or less - which means rumours are rather borish. The map will become considerably more untrustworthy and the rumours more imaginative as you start facing off against eachother...

Hark; turn 2!

[Timolas]

((I suggest all of you forget PMs and just post your plans and orders here. Otherwise, we have no real idea of what one another is doing, and it will feel like a lonely game. I'm not saying discard secret plans, just no need to be so secretive.))

General Parisot's achievements are celebrated in Ulmat Thondr!
Ulmat Thondr dispatches it's missionaries to spread the news of this glorious victory to the heretical townships to inspire fear and awe!

Do not think, lords of Von Dunja, that your defiance has gone unnoticed.
The intentions of the Prophet Meryl are your conversion or your deaths.

General Parisot is hereby ordered to lead the newly converted regiment in Ulmat Thondr and his own personal army ('1') to march southeast against the province of Lov. Training for the inexperienced will be done on the march.

The four-coloured banner of Ulmat Thondr is raised high to signal the coming of the Host.
And throughout the march, the missionaries offer confession for the sins of the many who choose to convert.

[Wulfang]

As bandits seem to be ready to assail Savgrod, have the Soulforger army assure the people that, under the rule of Lord Waldstein, the freedom and safety of the people is guaranteed and that any criminals, especially brigands, will be put to the blade. Have them meet with these bandits and, in case they refuse to abide by the law or see the reason behind my kind words, have them slain. Waldstein Keep doesn't offer second chances.

Afterwards, invite any willing people into joining their ranks. Already trained militia shall receive higher positions and thus be better paid. Afterwards, have them march south to Nyvgrod and present the villagers with the usual choices: surrender and join me (as in the previous speech in Savgrod), or hide away your women and children and fight to the death.

[Fordragon]

The Duke-Colonel is engaging in the following troop actions:

Our bike force, the 1st Commonwealth Armored Cavalry, moves to reinforce the town of Hardy.

The newly-raised infantry regiment, the 2nd Andersong Regulars, moves West to the town of Nook, where they will take up station and begin training exercise.

I presume my bankroll is a little low to train a regiment of bike cavalry, so I am going to put 2000 muni towards training the regiment. It'll be sort of a piecemeal thing.

Finally, the remaining 500 muni is committed to inviting the township of Spring to join the Commonwealth. They are promised the Three Ideals, as are all our member-cities: protection from our foes, prosperity for our people, and freedom from bureaucratic interference.

[Yuber8900]

Turn 2

Lord Commander Thornby: Pleased as I am by taking Poor without any considerable expenditure; I was hoping to have taken Shake before the Shenaolains became cautious. Not happening it seems. Commander Darren, send an order to Lord Fore to investigate a mile outwards for signs of dissidents, but do not engage. Commander Vain, gather more men for our army; and make sure that our current recruits are training hard. Now, newcomer, Captain Dennis was it? Lord Ting said I should use you when he was away. I have a special mission for you. (PM)

[Ashenmoon]

Well said, Timolas! Was feeling a wee bit lonely; at least at this stage, there's not really any need for large-scale secrecy. Or, perhaps, at all. O'ell. Also, we're not even as many as I've dotted out on the map - feel free, by the by, to invite moar people. Might make it more interesting.

Also: on the topic of maps, currently, the map is being hosted on my own wee storage site, on which there aint room for a map for every turn. I'm keeping such for myself, though, so if one'd like to poke me for earlier turns' maps, one could mail me - stefex@telia.com. But, no doubt, I'll probably create a compendium afterwards when all of this is done, showing troop-movements with all sorts of dotted and coloured lines. Or so I plan.

[Yuber8900]

For now, your maps are at a small enough size for attachment to load them up. If/when that gets surpassed, then photobucket(when set to 1megabyte size limit) should work.

[Zula]

After the glorious conquest of Oldtown I the ruler of Keep Zula command 300 soldiers to join down the battle at Oldtown and show these foolish nobles who they are messing with, the rest of the army shall continue with the orders already given. And I would like to begin the training of more troops at Old pasus.

[Ashenmoon]

Weeaall, I'd still feel a bit uncomfy loading up all those maps here on the board. Waste of space's my thought on it. Are you sure you'd not be content with an after-action recap version?

Neehow: map's been updated, along with funds, along with news (you'll find updates on your progress there in the second post, or in PMs I send out) - bringing Lord-Marshal Crawl into the loop, an oldschool fellow with a mind bent on squashin' yeh all!

Turn 3!

[Fordragon]

Now that the 2nd Andersong Regulars are on station, they are ordered to begin training exercises and fortifying their position in the event the Westguard army becomes belligerent.

Also, the 1st Commonwealth Armored Cavalry Regiment moves to New Gettys. Our goal is to secure it against the Royalists who would drag the people down with them.

[Yuber8900]

Turn 3

Lord Commander Thornby: That turned out even better then I expected. Good work on that Captain. Now, to capitalize on all the various rumormongering. Send a small envoy to Somerset asking for their allegiance. Send orders, and 200 muni to go to helping improve Poor, to Lord Ting. The orders are to have him and two aids to approach Shake. If they appear to be friendly with us, have him negotiate an alliance and learn the state of allegiances with the valley. Also remind him to not do anything reckless, I know he's not known for that trait, but I want to er on the side of caution regarding that whole area.

Now, for other matters. Have Lord Fore and a quarter of his men return to Thornbyopolis. The remaining 3/4 are to move and stand guard at Skiphoron.

[Timolas]

Ah, General Parisot. The Prophet Meryl is most pleased.

Now is the time to meet with Von Dunja on the field. Long have the Four Gods waited to spill the blood of heretics. The people of Lov shall be shown ultimate kindness and redemption.

Parisot, you shall be supported by two additional peasant legions from Ulmat Thondr ((x & x)) and you are to use the zenith of your tactical ability and the zeal of your thousands to outmaneuver and outflank the princes of Von Dunja.

General Parisot, hear me now. It is a priority that you do not murder the princes in combat. Capture them instead. I want them brought to Ulmat Thondr in chains and given a choice.

Serve the Four Gods or die.

With the princes of Von Dunja under our heel the northlands will be under our complete influence with their willing assistance.

Of course, those princes who resist will be given a public execution in front of their people.

Finally, my funds will go to training an additional army. The eyes of Ulmat Thondr turn south... southwest.

[Zula]

High Lord Zula: Most excelent!!! with the defeat of those foolish nobles now we can finally claim Oldtown for our cause, and with the adqusition of North Nool I hereby declare the foundation of the Zulian empire!!! And command my troops at Oldtown to wait for reinforcments from the glorious Keep, after wich half of the reinforcments will stay at Oldtown to defend it while the rest of the troops will march towards north to take arbor and consilidate our dominion over Cut valley!

[Wulfang]

Well, it's time to bring the big guns into the field. My new recruits will move to Nyvgrod and joint the main force, if possible directly by boat. My most trusted advisor, General Areth Redwind, will lead the combined force.

The villagers of Nyvgrod will be offered the chance to join the Soulforgers, just as in Savgrod. Afterwards, this legion will march towards Liventein, always adhering to the usual invasion code.

[Ashenmoon]

Aaand, update! Taxday, too! Turn 4!


Of interest today was the battle at the Fords of Lov - General Parisot led around 1500 soldiers and 6000 volunteer-peasants against the combined might of the Princes at Court of Von Dunja - around 4000 - plus a contingent from the garrison of the Capital, numbering around 2000. Their defensible positions at the ford won the day - but while the Princes' forces are now severely weakened, the full toll of the Four Gods' casualties have already been replenished by newcomers!

Now, the way I do this is a mished-together l'il system. It works like this: armies get, like, "combat values", which are modified by stuff like experience and morale. In theory, it works like this:
Number of soldiers in the unit * their morale * experience * two dice-rolls * terrain bonuses * general bonus + whatever I feel like.
Morale and experience hover around a factor of 1.5 for a trained regiment. Good troops, I imagine, could reach stuff like 2-3, but nobody's got anything like that. The two dice rolls (results being 2-12) are... uh... well, it turns into factors of 1.2 - 2.2. You get it. Terrain bonuses are really just for the defending dude; defending a fortified town would give a bonus of, like, 2. Generals, I've just included into my (well, most of what I've written is "just included", too, but I had sort-of thought of them before) system by assigning them a base factor of, like, 1.3, + a dice roll.

Of course, that's just something I made up on the spot, basically. Way it turned out, Ulmat Thondr carried some 25000ish "combat points" into the battle at the Fords, while the Princes responded with 30000ish. Considering that Parisot attempted to force a crossing against a prepared army with most of his own force being untrained peasants, I'd say it was a close-run thing!

Also, by my count, there's some 40,000ish soldiers in the field on the map right now, though many of those are me-controlled, of course.

Well. Just felt like sharing my momentary mathematical fervour...

[Fordragon]

So I put another 2000 muni towards my bike regiment, the 2nd Commonwealth Armored Cavalry Regiment. Another 500 I would use to inserting spies in to Westguard to watch their movements.

And as for the Lord-Marshal, the Duke-Colonel has this to say:

Those from a bygone age always tremble in fear at the coming of a new dawn! Those invested most closely in its existence always fight hardest for the establishment! Why would the Lord-Marshal fight so hard for the Sovereignty? The answer, as always, is easy to determine: he wishes to become the new Sovereign, and with no one above him any longer, he intends to keep the same decayed order in place, but placing himself at the top.

Brave sons and daughters of the Commonwealth, RISE UP! Take up the sword in defense of your homeland! We shall cut to shreds the yoke that has left us pulling the Sovereign's decadence. Join with me,sSweep aside the relics of the dead order, and march forward with me in to a bold new future where we are no longer shackled to the whims of a man who cares only for our wealth. No revolution is worth anything unless it can defend itself!

The Commonwealth of Andersong will not stop until our people are safe from you, Lord-Marshal. Should you choose to surrender now, we shall spare you and your people from the iron fist that is about to fall upon you. Continue your belligerence and the Commonwealth Armored Cavalry shall soon be at your gates. I care not for the decaying empire you continue to squat in, but cast aspirations upon the Men of the North and we shall strike you down.

[Wulfang]

General Redwind will continue on his way to conquer Liventein according to usual procedure. Meanwhile, I want another 500 hundred men to begin training back at the Keep. Also, since I didn't do it back then, send an envoy to Nool and recruit everyone interested, offering them advanced Soulforger training in Waldstein Keep. Everyone interested should travel to the Keep and train there along with the other troops.

[Yuber8900]

Lord Commander Thornby: So the dear Marshal is more concerned with the northlands then us? How useful. Here's our strategy. Commander Vain will gather up another 500 able-bodied men from Thornbyopolis. Captain Gil will move up the 2nd regiment into Thronbyopolis. The 1st regiment shall march to Somerset and consolidate our power with the local forces. After resting we shall march onto Spear.

Lord Fore: An extremely risky maneuver milord. Even if they did agree to our position, we can't expect the Somerset forces to march to war so quickly. And the defenders of Spear will not scatter as easily as Skiphorion did.

Lord Commander Thornby: Valid points, both of them. But I do believe I have an idea that shall settle both matters. I will take to the field myself. My presence will tell the troops of Somerset that I fight on equal grounding as they do; and facing the lineage that had Spear constructed will give an advantage in negotiations of the keep.

Lord Fore: My lord that is too dangerous. I know your skill with the sword is superb but we cannot risk your life when mine would do.

Lord Commander: Though I am not Supreme Commander like my ancestors; I am still leader of Thornbyopolis. If I do not face danger like they did, if I do not fight with my men; I would shame my blood.

Lord Fore: My lord, you see-

Lord Commander Thornby: Yes, Lord Fore. I search for the lost regalia of the Supreme Commander. Once I find the pieces of armor, blade, and shield stolen from my family at the collapse of our empire; then once again can I truly proclaim a rightful inheritance to this city and this land. With such a proclamation I believe I can end this war quickly.

Lord Fore: It will not be an easy path. Few would heed your words, and you'll make a greater enemy of all those who once suffered under the yoke of your forefathers. The capital may turn its attention from the northlands to us.

Lord Commander Thornby: Even if only a few listen, that would save lives and time. This war will be costly on the land and its people. If I can end it faster by such a means, then I will.

---

Turn 4
-500 conscript at Thornbyoplis
-Move regiment 2 to Thornbyopolis (Under command of Captain Gil with second Lieutenant Matthews.)
-Move regiment 1 to Somerset(Under command of Lord Commander Thornby with second Lord Fore.)

[Timolas]

((I like your combat system. Makes it fair when it comes down to fighting other players especially))

General Parisot, we are most displeased by your failure. The Prophet is watching you with fading interest... Your career may come to an end unless you can prove to the Four that you are a capable commander!
We have not one prince of Dunja in our custody!

On the other hand, I want the peasantry of the converted township to the north to surprise attack the city, distracting the defending princes in the gulf of Lov. Meryl also wishes for all converts back at Davr and Ulmat Thondr to march to enforce Parisot. Upon their arrival, the surprise attack from the north begins and Parisot can flank them.

Ulmat Thondr has sent covert diplomatics to Fort Andersong, where a ceasefire has been declared between the two factions.
While Andersong does not back the religion directly, priests of the Four Gods have been sent to the southwestern provinces to give the people a chance to convert out of their own free will.

[Ashenmoon]

Turn 5!

General Parisot took the crossing, and managed to capture the three Princes which led the army there - but the other four Princes are now holed up in the besieged Von Dunja! Lord-Marshal Crawl works to fend the tattered realm against the Commonwealth, and now also turns his attention to the South. And the rich, populous Shenaola Valley also turns its eyes to swordplay... Other news, and the same news, to be found in the second post!

And by golly, this all was a bit more... well, just that; more, than I had first thought. Heeh. Likely, I'll have to back down on the "don't trust the map" statement. It's pretty reliable, now - mostly, I figure, it would be unreliable only if someone specifically orders their armies to stay under the radar.

Toodles!

[Wulfang]

Usual procedure: recruiting interested villagers with promises of power and then move on to Stavraburg. General Redwind is to send an envoy to Glasses detailing how Lord Waldstein intends to bring Ludditia under one banner and how those who join General Redwind and help our purposes will be rewarded and be granted status in the new world order that will follow our campaign.

This envoy is to start recruiting new troops and, to the best of his ability, train them in the basic Soulforger techniques and tactics. These new recruits will train until the First Soulforger Legion arrives, at which point the combined force will begin our conquest of Lake Country and the lands to the north.

During training, messengers should also be sent to Type Oh, direct interested villagers for training back at Glasses and then travel to Fort Bradford, where they'll use their diplomatic immunity to gather intel on the status of the fort and start showing its inhabitants how they should break free of Bradford's tyranical rule.

One question: those units at the Keep, they're the newly arrived villagers, correct?

[Yuber8900]

Lord Fore: Our troops are in position milord.

Lord Commander Thornby: Excellent. Send a messenger to Shake asking for their obedience. If they don't agree, we'll engage. In addition, send another messenger to Commander Vain to gather another round of strong men; and from Thornbyopolis order another messanger to head for Dribble Delving and ask for their allegiance. With Shake reinforcing its borders; then coming in through Haven and Flee would allow a tactical advantage.

---

Turn 5
-Send a message to Spear asking for their surrender. If they refuse, Regiment 1 attacks.
-Recruit 500 men in Thornbyopolis.
-If Regiment x is a living unit, order them to Poor.
-Send a message to Dribble Delving asking for them to join Thornbyopolis.

[Zula]

High Emperor Zula(Yeah fancy name): Citizens of the Empire here today infront of a crowd of you, I am delighted to witness the most wonderful vision my eyes I had ever seen.
The peasantry united with the military together
on a crusade against injustice of the corrupt nobles who have been feeding over the hard and great work of all of you. And so as I said today I call all of you to join us to help the Empire in anyway you can be it joining the army or just doing your regular jobs. But this call is not just to the citizens of the empire but to all of the peasants of Ludditia so together we scourge this land of injustice.

Militray orders:
1-Regiment 3 must join with regiment one at Arbor
2-Regiment 1 must prepare siege weapons to strike Threemeet
3-Sent an emmisary to the army tha escaped Arbor offering the soilders to join my army if the kill their superiors(The nobles that went to battle with them)
4-Sent spies to Threemeet. spreading the speech in an attemp to gain the favor of the peasantry.

EDIT:Thanks for the correction

[Ashenmoon]

By the by, thought I could ask if anyone knows what happened of Bradford? He seemed a bit enthused about this idea, but then he just... hasn't posted for ten days, what I can see. Seems an elaborate way to deal with getting bored with the concept >.>

I am annoyed by the dearth of activity in the mid-field of the map, simply. Hence Lord-Marshal Crawl's efforts, though he's hardly a satisfying substitute.

[Wulfang]

It's also weird how Omacron dropped this. He seemed so interested in his weird cannibalistic robots...

[Yuber8900]

Added something to my command a few posts up. Forgot it when I was writing earlier.

[Zula]

By the by, thought I could ask if anyone knows what happened of Bradford? He seemed a bit enthused about this idea, but then he just... hasn't posted for ten days, what I can see. Seems an elaborate way to deal with getting bored with the concept >.>

I am annoyed by the dearth of activity in the mid-field of the map, simply. Hence Lord-Marshal Crawl's efforts, though he's hardly a satisfying substitute.

You should try to speak with omacron or gurt. Maybe Bradford went on holydays or something

[Yuber8900]

Bradford hasn't been on since the 13th. So yeah.....

[Ashenmoon]

Well, Omie got tied up in exams or something of the sort. Could send a feeler to Gurt, true - though I think I had pestered everybody already with a mess-send out of PMs, and I imagine that anyone who bothers to keep track on these forums would've noticed this. Like as not the notion just fell out of favour - nothing wrong with that, save the neglect suffered by the poor, poor citizens of Gurtville! Alas, nobody's gathering their taxes!

Oh, hell, I'll send him a feeler.

[Zula]

Well, Omie got tied up in exams or something of the sort. Could send a feeler to Gurt, true - though I think I had pestered everybody already with a mess-send out of PMs, and I imagine that anyone who bothers to keep track on these forums would've noticed this. Like as not the notion just fell out of favour - nothing wrong with that, save the neglect suffered by the poor, poor citizens of Gurtville! Alas, nobody's gathering their taxes!

Oh, hell, I'll send him a feeler.

So that means Omie will come eventually?

[Ashenmoon]

Dunno, but wouldn't bet money on it.

[Fordragon]

Now that the people see the Royalists for what they are, we move. While both the Spring Volunteer regiment and the 2nd Commonwealth Armored Cav moves against the Royalist army to the south of Fort Andersong, the 1st Commonwealth ACR begins a trip back to Spring.

[Timolas]

Begin a siege of Von Dunja! All surrounding forces are to buckle down and starve the city into submission. At respective hours throughout the day, the besieging army is to burst into prayer so that the people of the city can hear the singing and know that there will always be a place for them in the arms of the Four Gods.

The three captured princes are to be taken to Ulmat Thondr to be presented before the Prophet. If they submit, they will have places of power in the new Order. Their influence will be used to turn the provinces and to ensure the dominion and political management of the growing conclave.

Should they refuse, they will be tortured and kept imprisoned until their will breaks. They will also serve as hostages for the remaining princes of Dunja.

I will also begin training a 500 man regiment at Ulmat Thondr.

[Ashenmoon]

Aaand, taxday. Turn 6!

Lord-Commander Thornby - although Lord Fore was the, ehm, de facto leader - led his forces in a surprisingly successfull attack against Spear. Goes to show that my poor NPCs are grossly underpowered, but I doubt anyone's complaining.

[Fordragon]

The Hardy volunteers are to begin a march to take the strategic chokepoint of Fleet and secure it against Crawl. And now that both units are in position, I order that the attack on Fall begin!

EDIT: Also, if it was taxday, why do I still have 300 bucks?

[Yuber8900]

Lord Commander Thornby: This is it, the Warhelm of Thornby! With this, the first step to restoring my empire is complete!

Now for matters of war. The surviving Somerset forces are too move back to Somerset. Commander Darren shall lead Regiment 2 to reinforce Somerset. Commander Vain will gather another 500 brave men in Thornbyopolis. Regiment x is too continue into Poor and be placed under Lord Ting's command, despite being better suited for espionage he's still a Lord of Thornbyopolis and can still teach a thing or two to my brave volunteers about fighting.

And finally regarding the Warhelm; send word to our cities to spread word to every incoming and outgoing trader, wanderer, visitor and just about they see coming or leaving -- that Lord Commander Thornby has reclaimed his rightful inheritance! By proof of the Warhelm I now wear I declare the ancient Empire of Thornbyopolis restored! The people will flock to our banner here, at Spear.

---

Turn 6
-Somerset forces of Regiment 1 to move to Somerset.
-Commander Darren to lead Regiment 2 to Somerset.
-Commander Vain to gather 500 more men.
-Captain Gil to train up Regiment 3.
-500 muni to help spread the noise that Thronby has reinstated the Empire of Thornbyopolis. All those that wish to return the land to its true owners are to gather in Spear.

Is there an upper limit to how many people we can scrounge from one city? And I'd like a status report on my troops. In a PM please.

[Ashenmoon]

Good question, Fordragon.

Funds updated. You have, in fact, 4500 muni. As projected, the amount of muni you receive is steadily booming.

And there's no limit. Able-bodied men litter the streets. However, you can only cram 1000 into your training grounds at any given time, but you can train troops in your new towns, too. This is true for the moment, at least, when the towns are of roughly the same culture as yourself. Once one start to move away from your original area, that changes. For Thornbyopolis, I only see two more towns which could be used to train new troops: Skissus and Alixat.

[Wulfang]

Time to put all troops on the move towards Glasses. Have General Redwind gather as many new recruits as he can in Stravaburg and then go north. My new troops at Waldstein Keep should do exactly the same, but going directly through the forest.

And have them slay that army in there on the way.

Also, spread the word through all my territories that any volunteers will be given free training at Waldstein Keep. All that is needed is willpower and travelling there!

[Zula]

The new Regiment that flocked to arbor shall be greeted with the bigger honors and join regiment 1 and 3 to form one regiment under the command of Commarade Noyan.

Regiment 2 under the command of Commarade Tumen shall march towards Keep Zula and asking for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer along the way.

And finally regiment number 4 under the orders of Commarade Mingan must march towards Arbor.

[Fordragon]

All right! I'm going to use my newfound largesse to form a new unit, the Spring Light Infantry, and integrate the peasant army on station in to their numbers.

By the way, do I get some kind of attack bonus for attacking from two directions at once (to wit, a pincer)?

[xie323]

Can I join?

[Zula]

Can I join?

Please make this happen.

[Fordragon]

Give him someone who's not playing's thing.

[Ashenmoon]

Oh, look at that. Maybe I should be looking in here more often. Why, certainly! And indeed, I see no reason why you can't simply take a pick - though, not Star Vana or Von Dunja. Otherwise, go ahead.

[Timolas]

Ah, before the update. I'd like to focus on the southern province of Pavltora. I'd like to pull all forces not busy besieging Dunja to strike at it without hesitation. This includes the peasants inbetween Davr and Lov, and the zealots at Ulmat Thondr. They will strike as one.

Meanwhile, negotiations and attempts to persuade the captive princes continue in secret...

[Ashenmoon]

Aaand update! Turn... 7, is it?

Two princes have succumbed to gentle persuasion and now stand daily before the walls of their city, urging their people to surrender. No word has escaped the city walls, however - who knows what is happening inside?

In other news, while the forces of Andersong drove away one army, another, larger still, has gathered west of Spring. Tensions in Shenaola Valley runs high as several settlements have declared for Lord Thornby - still others refuse him furiously. Lord Trimoot, a respectable commander, met an untimely death, and the opposition against the Zulian Empire in Cut Valley withers...

[Yuber8900]

Lord Commander Thornby: Well now, can't say I expected this to happen.

Lord Fore: This puts us in a tough position.

Lord Commander Thornby: Indeed. With Midland troops steering closer and Valley men going to civil war, for lack of a better description, this will be a difficult time.

Lord Fore: I suggest we move our forces to engage near Somerset. Though we may end up losing the Valley, making sure we can keep our new gains is more important; especially with Somerset bordering Thornbyopolis.

Lord Commander: Leaving the people of the Valley to die on the other hand, could undermine our purposes latter. I shall take a few hours alone to determine what we should do.

Lord Fore: As you wish milord.

---

Turn 7
-100 Regulars, led by Lord Commander Thornby, are to meet with Regiment x1 and then proceed towards Poor.
-Regiment x2 is to dig into Stunt and prepare.
-500 mainforce of Regiment 2 are to move to Regiment 1.
-500 conscripts, led by Lieutenant Matthew, are to move to Poor.
-500 Regulars, led by Captain Gil, are to move to Somerset.
-A messenger is to be sent to Dribble Delving asking for their allegiance. If they agree they shall receive 1000 muni.
-500 muni to be sent to Poor as goodwill gesture while they put up with all the soldiers.

[Wulfang]

Not much to add: have Redwind unite with the volunteers up north, and my envoy to continue the training of volunteers from Glasses and Type Oh. The main army will enter Glasses with the common procedure and regiment 2 is to continue its march to Glasses as well.

Remember: I'm supposed to have a diplomat turning the peasants against Bradford!

[Zula]

The death of Lord Trimoot means the death of opposition to OUR regime in cut valley, and so I call the Commarades Noyan and Tumen to march with their armies to Threemeet and offer them to peacefully join us in our crusade for justice! If they refuse then we will fight our way to liberate the town from opression!

Meanwhile our armada under the commmand of Commodore Fiayegas will sail to the town of Alixat to offer them a place within our Empire if Alixat refuse then he has explicit orders returning to Old pasus docks

Commadare Mingan must continue his travel to Keep Zula.

[Fordragon]

All three units to the south are ordered to push on through Fall towards the fort of Steam. The enemy is not to be allowed rest!

Meanwhile, Fort Andersong will construct another unit of infantry, which shall see good use shortly.

[Ashenmoon]

My, my, for once, I've actually got some plans for the evening! Update will be late, possibly even pushed up till tomorrow.

[Ashenmoon]

Updated turn 8. Muni and so forth should all add up. Toodles! Next turn to be updated as planned in... oh, ten hours from now.

[Zula]

High Emperor: Finally! Cut valley is under our control my friends freedom is just a step closer from our grasp regretably during the battle Commadare Tumen has been badly hurt during the battle and lost any regiment to command, but don't despair! Has since I said this is just a step in our war against injustice.

Now military preparations.

Train a regimen at Arbor which be lead by Commadare Tumen.
Train one regiment of Heavy cavalry at keep Zula(If muni allows)
Commadare Noyan has Orders of Staying at Threemeet at the moment, and also has always asking for volunteers.
Commadare Mingan Intsead will stay at Keep Zula
And finally Commodore Fiayegas will sail towards Skissus with the same orders has before.

[Wulfang]

Good, everything going just as planned. Send messengers to the volunteers arriving from the east and tell them to rendezvous with the first regiment at Type Oh. General Redwind is to assemble all volunteers and new trainees and move to Type Oh as well. The reinforcements coming from the forest should quicken up their pace, as one of the decisive battles for the formation of the new kingdom looms in the horizon.

Besides that, the envoys in Type Oh should have started training new volunteers by now and the ones in Fort Bradford should spread the word that General Redwind is arriving and brings with him the whole might of Waldstein. The new order is coming!

EDIT: By the way, can I get a number next turn of how many troops I'll have in each regiment? If so, thank you.

[Yuber8900]

Lord Commander Thornby: Rally the men! The time to march on Shake is now! We will rescue our besieged citizens and restore order to the Valley!

Turn 8
-Regiment 1 and 4 are to fuse together and march on Shake.
-Recruit 500 men in Thornbyopolis.
-A messenger is to be sent to Greyport asking for their allegiance. If they agree they shall receive 1000 muni.

[Timolas]

Parisot shall return to Ulmat Thondr so that the army of fanatics will be replenished by new recruits trained by all surviving elites until the battalion is back at full strength.

A new regiment will also be trained at Ulmat, and upon its graduation into the Cult's military it will march to enforce the siege at Dunja.

The Prophet Meryl deems that the time is right to secure the region once and for all. He sets out with the two armies currently around Ulmat Thondr and marches south to Soori Donn to claim it in the name of the Four Gods.

Meanwhile, the Twin Princes Kariel and Mathredis continue leading the siege in the name of the Four.
It is at this time of mutterings amidst the crowds of dissent that the First Purge is to begin.

The impure and heretical amidst both the armies and townships across the lands that fall under the jurisdiction of Ulmat Thondr are to be rooted out by the Inquisition of the Twin Princes. All those deemed sinners in the eyes of the Four are to be brought to Ulmat Thondr.

Nobody is to know of the fate of these prisoners, deserters and 'unhappy volunteers'. They will be locked away in an Internment Camp for use in Meryl's masterplan.

The message will be spread to all unbelievers and believers alike;
"There is no shame in a merciful death! Let our Crusade ease your suffering!"

[Kerrah]

I shoot a magic missile at the darkness!

[Ashenmoon]

You attack the darkness. There is an elf before you.

[Kerrah]

I say: "Hello. I'm Kerrah, the sorcerer of life!"

[Ashenmoon]

Then how come you had to cast magic missile?

[Fordragon]

All three combined armies near Steam are to press the attack. Meanwhile, the Spring Infantry are to move south to secure Fall.

Another infantry regiment, the 4th Andersong Heavy Infantry, is ordered to begin formation for the continuing push towards Westwatch.

Finally, put 1000 muni towards strengthening the garrison at Fleet.

[Ashenmoon]

>.> Oh bugger, that was lateish, Fordragon. I've just updated everything. However, I can plain see that the attack on Steam would have been no great success - the roads south are now well prepared, and manned by royalist forces. Consider the other orders sort-of executed; add on new ones for the next turn, too - I just cannae be arsed to update the map.

That been taken care of (sorta) I declare turn 9!

The Thornby lands have suffered both setbacks - Tawers Ferry - and gains; Greyport have declared for, though the land around the town is awash with roving bands opposing, oh, pretty much anything. And a lieutenant Stroll has defected, taking the garrison of Wintry and his own troops with him. Tough luck for them, though, the army they defected from was reinforced soon thereafter, enough so to besiege the town.

Also, Xiemenezak has produced a new ruler - xie323 has jumped right into the fringes of some smokin' action - but he has his Imperial Army to back him up.

Aaand, also, you'll notice I gave x-regiments (irregular formations) numbers instead. Might've missed some stuff, but whatever.

[Yuber8900]

The bar at Greyport is still black. So I control it and you just made an error?

Also, holy crap.

[Timolas]

You forgot to add the Ulmat rumours!
But the tension is starting to build up. This was such an amazing idea.

[Wulfang]

Time to end this. Have the second regiment make haste. When they pass by Glasses, any new volunteers should go with them. Remember the usual promises! Meanwhile, General Redwind will lead the first regiment and our allied troops in the siege against Fort Bradford.



Lord Waldstein: Areth, this is perhaps our most decisive battle until now. If we take Fort Bradford, the power of our nascent nation will finally be consolidated and we'll finally have a true city with real fortifications to serve as the basis of operations for our campaign.

General Redwind: And what of the rumors, my lord? Our envoys say Bradford is recovering from his long illness. While his troops haven't made a move since the Sovereignty crumbled, his military expertise should not be taken lightly.

Lord Waldstein: Bradford is a reasonable man, dear Areth. I agree that the current situation would be far different had he been active from the start, but currently his forces are outnumbered nearly 6 to 1. He doesn't have many options to choose from.

General Redwind: Then what should we do?

Lord Waldstein: Appeal to his common sense. Request a meeting with him once our troops arrive near the Fort. Give him two choices: either he and his troops die to our blades, or he surrenders and joins us. And make him this offer: if he surrenders, I'll allow him to keep leading his troops, but under our command. He'll take his troops and be given the freedom of any Waldsteinian general, but all troop movements and recruiting will have to be first aproved by me. If he joins us, he and his troops are to leave the Fort and establish his new foothold in Stavford.

General Redwind: So his loyalty to you, or his life. As you wish, milord.

Lord Waldstein: Oh, and Areth. I think the Fort will need a new name afterwards. Do you fancy the sound of Fort Redwind?!

General Redwind (smirking): Greatly, milord. Greatly.

Lord Waldstein: Go now, my general. The hopes of the future Waldstein Federation rest on your shoulders.

[Ashenmoon]

Ah yes. I guess Greyport should be yellow, yeah. Will be fixed... well. Later some time. Currently, I'm trying out an idea to showcase more properly what's in an army - swamping the map with tiny tiny icons that nobody but I will be able to make complete sense of, but still, I think, give a better feel for the size and composition of armies. But, might get cluttered. We'll see.

Aaand... Ulmat rumours? Any specifics, or just lack of updates? Not all that much happening... well, except, of course, this strange whatever-it-is gathering-together of people. I'll make a note of it.

Aaand, again; arrh. Things are heating up nicely, at last. I actually caught myself thinking about writing a wee story-ishy thing out of all this afterwards, by the by.

[Timolas]

Ah yes. I guess Greyport should be yellow, yeah. Will be fixed... well. Later some time. Currently, I'm trying out an idea to showcase more properly what's in an army - swamping the map with tiny tiny icons that nobody but I will be able to make complete sense of, but still, I think, give a better feel for the size and composition of armies. But, might get cluttered. We'll see.

Aaand... Ulmat rumours? Any specifics, or just lack of updates? Not all that much happening... well, except, of course, this strange whatever-it-is gathering-together of people. I'll make a note of it.

Aaand, again; arrh. Things are heating up nicely, at last. I actually caught myself thinking about writing a wee story-ishy thing out of all this afterwards, by the by.

You should!
And by the rumours I meant you forgot to update and tell me how Dumra converted and that to tell me how Meryl took Soori, basically. And what happened with my Purge.

[Wulfang]

Aaand, again; arrh. Things are heating up nicely, at last. I actually caught myself thinking about writing a wee story-ishy thing out of all this afterwards, by the by.

Would be very cool. Since we're all creating characters and making speeches and such, this is turning into an epic thing. Now that our armies are starting to approach eachother, things are really getting interesting, and much bloodshed, intrigue and drama will surely ensue!

[Zula]

Commadare Mingan: My lord, all of Cut valley now answers to your commnads and even across the bay, the town of Alixat has pleged their loyalty to the regime.

High Emperor: Fantastic my dear Mingan now finally we can't our crusade but we shouldn't sleep on our triumph, Ximenazak that so far has been neutral has suddendly begin moving their forces, and also news tell that Bradford has finally reganied his health

Commadare Mingan: Right my lord, so which are your orders now?

High Emperor: Well my dear Mingan I want you to take Damyra for me

Commadare Mingan: As you wish

-Regiment b will be renamed 3, and stay at Keep Zula under the command of Commadare Tumen.
-Regiment 2 will march towards Damyra
-Regiment 1 under the Command of Noyan will stay at Threemeet until they regain ther morale.
-The ones loyal to the empire at skissus will join Commodore Fiayegas and sail towards Alixat.

[Timolas]

The Prophet Meryl stands atop the highest balcony of the former governor's palace of Ulmat Thondr, addressing the crowds and pilgrims from all across the northlands.

Heed the will of the Four, for now are the End Times, my childen! The stars are aligned as never before! I have seen the signs in the heavens. I have heard the whispers of the gods themselves. Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust. Empires have risen and fallen. Cast away the paltry and petty material objects of this world. Mark my words. Soon... very, very soon... the Four will be here to judge your deeds. Of the Four, pray to Mnesthes. For Mnesthes is the first and the foremost... and it is He who will come to survey all that we have created. Soon... very... very... soon!

Parisot; once your numbers are replenished, resume the siege at Von Dunja. Continue preaching peace, food, water and prosperity to the besieged people, until they realise that in their pain and starvation, the only path to redemption is to overthrow the corrupt princes that remain.
The converted Twin Princes Kariel and Mathredis; you have served me well. Eternal paradise will be yours. You will be the hands of vengeance of the Order. You will be the Inquisitors, my servants, my children.

And as for myself, I, Meryl, will begin making the ritual preparations necessary for the coming of Our Lord.

[Ashenmoon]

Eeexcellent. Also, I'd like to point towards the updated map - including Fordragon's orders - which now has a somewhat different approach to army-icons. The notion is that, if one look at the unit-icons above the 60-kilometres-line, from left to right, the first unit represents 200 regular troops; the next 400 regulars, next 200 irregulars, next 500 irregulars, last 1000 irregulars.

It's mainly to make things easier for me, not legibility for you.

[Fordragon]

Well, judging by their progress, order the First Army (both ACR units and the infantry) to fall back to the north. The City of Brook will be compensated to the figure of 1000 muni for the use of their land as Commonwealth troops establish a forward base there.

Meanwhile advance the new Andersong Regular regiment west to reinforce troops against Westwatch.

[xie323]

For my 1st action.

-Train 500 Zone demons (Which equals 500 standard units).


This world is unworthy...for existence....gather my forces...and soon we shall..destroy this world and become a GOD!!!!

[Yuber8900]

Lord Commander Thornby: We have to advance quickly. Much as I hate to deprive the men of rest, lives are counting on us.

---
Meanwhile, somewhere else....

Lord Ting: While the Lord Commander and Lord Fore are away, we have to defend our new allies. Advance Regiments 2 and 3 to Wintry and Spear. And have the Grayport guard deal with some of those annoying bandits.

---
Turn 9
-Regiment 1 is to advance upon Regal Front, crushing all Valley resistance along the way. When they arrive, they are to then advance into combat with the Valley forces in between Stunt and Regal Front.
-Regiment b is to attack Valley forces in between Stunt and Regal Front when Regiment 1 engages.
-Regiment 2 is to move and reinforce Wintry.
-Regiment 3 is to move to Spear.
-Regiment C is to deal with the nearest bandit unit.
-850 muni to Dullngray and Greenwood to get them to declare for Throbyopolis.

[Zula]

Commadare Mingan: My lord, all of Cut valley now answers to your commnads and even across the bay, the town of Alixat has pleged their loyalty to the regime.

High Emperor: Fantastic my dear Mingan now finally we can't our crusade but we shouldn't sleep on our triumph, Ximenazak that so far has been neutral has suddendly begin moving their forces, and also news tell that Bradford has finally reganied his health

Commadare Mingan: Right my lord, so which are your orders now?

High Emperor: Well my dear Mingan I want you to take Damyra for me

Commadare Mingan: As you wish

-Regiment b will be renamed 3, and stay at Keep Zula under the command of Commadare Tumen.
-Regiment 2 will march towards Damyra
-Regiment 1 under the Command of Noyan will stay at Threemeet until they regain ther morale.
-The ones loyal to the empire at skissus will join Commodore Fiayegas and sail towards Alixat.

Add to this

-Call for volunteers all over the empire.

[xie323]

A dark figure stands on top of Xiemenezak....

BEHOLD MY MESSAGE TO EVERY BEING!!!

I AM THE LEADER OF THE ZONE WE CAME TO THIS WORLD TO ABSORB THE LIFE ENERGIES! WE HAVE ALREADY ABSORBED THE POPULACE OF XIEMENEZAK AND REPLACED THEM WITH A ARMY OF ZONE DEMONS!!!! SOON WE WILL HAVE THE SUFFICENT FUNDS TO EXPAND OUR ARMY AND UNLEASH OUR WRATH ON THE WORLD!! COOPERATE OR PERISH!!!

P.S: I have exams coming up soon wont have a lot of times to play this. Please dont destroy my city until the exams are over its more fair.

[Timolas]

Ulmat Thondr puts a new military plan into action; the Culling.

All battles are expected to result in prisoners of war. These are to be spared unconditionally and are to be taken to Ulmat Thondr to be rounded up with the other prisoners.

((Ashen, can you create a small tally figure to count the number of possible sacrifices/prisoners etc I have in hold over time? I'm keeping them collected in various places, although Ulmat is the greatest concentration to keep them.))

[Ashenmoon]

Hark, turn 10!

Wulfang and Timolas, the numbers in paranthesis after your muni is... your other resource.

[Timolas]

Prince Manri.

That man will pay ever so dearly.


Time to kick the idle military into action and sort out the prince oligarchy of the north once and for all.


Commence training a 2000 man army in Ulmat Thondr!

General Parisot, the Twin Princes and the Prophet Meryl are to unite their legions before the plains of Von Dunja, and are to assume defensive positions to await the coming of Prince Manri. The siege is not to be lifted. If the relief force attempts to interfere, we will be ready. A call is set out to all local forces under the Four Gods, whether they be at Soori or Lov or whatever province, to meet at Von Dunja and join the main legion.
The army of the Four is to be united and divided into three; one flank under the Twin Princes Kariel and Mathredis, one under Parisot and one under Meryl.

The perogative remains the same.
Take every man alive if possible. Aim to maim, cripple and wound every man in combat, but if possible don't deal a killing blow once he is down.
I want caravans of steel and metal commissioned for 1000 muni to be with my armies at all time to ship prisoners of war and captured civilians, heretics and sinners to the Internment Camps. Every battle must yield cattle in the form of slaves for the Four Gods.

Let all who hear us despair, for we are the sons and daughters of the gods.

[Wulfang]

General Redwind should continue with the siege. And remind Bradford and his troops that they can still surrender and that their victory doesn't seem so possible. And I have reinforcements on the way.

Send a ship to meet this new armada that is arriving. This is to be a diplomatic meeting, so no fighting. I want to know their identity and intentions.

[Timolas]

General Redwind should continue with the siege. And remind Bradford and his troops that they can still surrender and that their victory doesn't seem so possible. And I have reinforcements on the way.

Send a ship to meet this new armada that is arriving. This is to be a diplomatic meeting, so no fighting. I want to know their identity and intentions.

I send an emissary south asking for assistance from the terrible royalist threat endangering the freedom of religion in the north!
And I send... religious emissaries... to the people of the south!

Muhahahhaah!

Ambassador and veteran from the old wars, Mordred, goes to parley with General Redwind.

[Fordragon]

Commission a fourth Armored Cavalry regiment. These regiments form the tip of our sword, and this new, elite unit shall be no different!

Meanwhile, send the new Infantry regiment to the west to relieve the Second Army's garrison. Meanwhile, I want the Second Army to press the attack on Westwatch while the enemy's troops are disorganized due to their withdrawl.

Soldiers of the Commonwealth, now is the time to end this menace. Give them no time to regroup! While they are scattered, we shall stomp their menace out for good, clearing a path to unite with our brothers to the West!

[xie323]

Hmm...the inhabitents of Ulmat Thondr are what we need. Send a diplomat to Ulmat Thondr. We will make a allience with Ulmat Thondr and crush the rest!!!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[Zula]

Standing infront of a crowd of peasants at Keep Zula
High Emperor Zula: Dear citizens of the Empire dark times are upon us as unseen forces are even now conspiring agaisnt everything we stand for!!!

So today I regretably have to ask all of you, the ones infront of me now and the ones who will read this speech later to trust me your beloved Emperor and join our armies!!! I beg you to help.

Like the citizens of the Empire is your responsabilty.

Orders:
-Regiment 4 shall join regiment 3 at Keep Zula under the orders of Commadare Tumen.
-Command of Mingan leading regiment 2 will continue its march towards Damyra
-Commandare Noyan will stay at Threemeet for the moment.
-Commodore Fiayegas has orders of contacting the strange armada that has arrived to the realm.
-The propaganda bombing of Steadfast will continue.
-The massive call of volunteers for the Empire most continue.

[xie323]

Apperantly there is one place neither of you were able to conquer-Shaqsylvania. Send a recon of 50 men there the quickest and least run-into-combat way possible.

[Yuber8900]

I should have a group of 500 conscripts on Thornbyopolis.

Hippaforalkus!

[Yuber8900]

Lord Commander Thornby: We're going to have to act quickly to stabilize the situation. Regiment B is going to regroup with our main unit here, then we're falling back to Shake.

Lord Fore: Our new allies won't like that.

Lord Commander Thornby: Sad, but true. I can't leave our backside vulnerable. We'll safeguard the keep when the reinforcements arrive, then strike back out. Lord Ting, send an ultimatum to the Valley commanders. Write the message as you see fit, but make sure that the letter includes an order for them to leave Thornyopolis allied towns alone. They won't agree of course, but such an insult to them could lead to a rash attack in our favor.

The forces near Wintry are to hold out. Regiment 3 is to continue on towards Spear. Make sure more men are trained up in Thornbyopolis.


---

Turn 10
-Regiment A is to move down to Grayport and fuse with Regiment C.
-Regiment B is to fuse with Regiment 1.
-Regiment 1 is to move back to Shake.
-An ultimatum will be sent to the commanders of the Valley troops. Cease their attacks on cities that have declared for Thornbyopolis and retreat their men.
-Regiment 3 is to continue onto Spear.
-Regiment 2 and Regiment 4 are to fuse together.
-The 500 conscripts that are supposed to be in Thornbyopolis will move to Poor.
-6000 muni to recruit 1000 more men in Thornbyopolis.

Full list of my available resources sent in PM. Including what leader is attached to what, and garrisons of cities.

[xie323]

Why you doublepost you could have edited your post?

[Yuber8900]

Why you doublepost you could have edited your post?

I'm God Mod. I can do whatever I want!

[Fordragon]

Apperantly there is one place neither of you were able to conquer-Shaqsylvania. Send a recon of 50 men there the quickest and least run-into-combat way possible.

Big Diesel Shaq Daddy gonna run up all in yo face, fool. Cause to face the Shogun, you have to fight a lot of ninjas.

(ALL ACTUAL SHAQ QUOTES)

[xie323]

Course of action:

-Spend 1000 muni to train regulars.

-Call for volunteers from all over the land.

-The recon will still continue to Shaqsylvania. We need to see what we're up against.

-spend 500 muni to send a diplomat to Timolas empire.

[Ashenmoon]

Might I remind everyone that:

Almost all orders you give which you don't specify a budget for, such as calling for volunteers, are given one by me, from your treasury, which I deem will give at least a minor response. No order is effective without muni backing it up, save ordering around your armies. Hence, if you really want to scrounge up volunteers, specify a budget!

Also, I hope y'all realize that I consider diplomatic missions to other players to be but fill-out in this thread, right? There -are- PMs. Unless it is intended as spy missions, in which case you'll have to say that outright, which I doubt you will, hence, PM me that. Spy missions cost even more because they're such a bother to keep track on... >.> Hee hee.

Also, Yuber, you made it sound like you were going to send me a list - as I've not gotten any, I'll send one to you instead. Let's compare! Invisible regiment is, indeed, invisible, but very much there. Or will in the next update.

Which will be coming up shortly.

[Yuber8900]

On turn 8 I ordered up 500 more troops, but they didn't appear on the city this turn when they should have.

[Ashenmoon]

Yes, yes. They've already appeared in Poor... in my not-yet-uploaded map.

[Yuber8900]

mmmk.

[xie323]

Everyone we do not wish to quarrel we wish to find Shaqsylvania!

[Ashenmoon]

Phew. Turn 11 turns the table for many!

Prince Manri and the Four Gods size up to do battle, the empire of Thornby is stricken by many ills, the northwest declares independence, and what is this huge freaking fleet in the middle of the Bay?

And now... I take a rest.

[xie323]

Course of action:

-Keep on moving my recon army towards Shaqsylvania.

[Zula]

Showtime

-Commadare Mingan shall stay at Damyra and spend 200 muni on proganda in favor of the Empire and asking for volunteers.
-Commodore Fiayegas shall sail with the armada north towards Keep Zula where Commadare Tumen with his army and the new volunteers will go onboard and then sail through the rivers up too Steadfast. If not possible he will march towards Threemeeet.
-Commadare Noyan will march near Steadfast and invest 1500 muni in proganda in favor of the Empire in an attemp of convincing the garrison and if not possible the population of joining the Empire.
-The new regiment of Heavy cavalry will march and join Commadare Mingan at Damyra.
-Spend 4000 more muni in a newregiment of Heavy cavalry.

[Wulfang]

What's happening at damned Fort Bradford? In 6 days it hasn't fallen? Crud. Keep pushing forward, General Redwind, and the victory will surely come!

Also about my (hehe) troops near Dribble Delving, have them try to sway nearby bandit groups to our cause, reminding them of their hatred for Thornby, how I'll improve their region and how they'll have important positions if they aid me. Afterwards, head towards Dribble Delving and remind the fleeing soldeirs that theyan still defect to my side. If they refuse, kill them and then recruit any interested locals to our cause. Muni is to be used in persuasion as needed.

Also, send a call for volunteers across my domains in the east. Lord Waldstein wants to create a special and honorable force to defend his (and their) homeland. Preferably with skills in archery, trap making and ambushing. They should head for the Keep and begin training as a combined and professional force. Again, muni is to be spent as needed (and don't stop this training for lack of funds: I want professional troops out of this and you're free to take muni from me in turns to come to finish paying for this as their training goes along). These most honorable defenders of Waldstein will be known as the Stone Eagles.

And remember, General Redwind is to press forward! The Fort is to be captured in the next three days (1 turn)!

[Ashenmoon]

You're outright attacking Fort Bradford? All I've heard is that you've maintained a siege and tried to get the people inside to give up. Eheeh. The same goes for Von Dunja. And... near everything of note. Well... in fact, everything fortified. If I don't see something I interpret as explicitly ordering to storm the place, you just settle down outside. 'Cause storming these things are bloody - I keep upping the modifier for fortified places - and I don't want to mix anything up. 'Sides, I was hoping Mr Oh-so-very Back-from-the-dead Bradford'd get back, but oh no... >.>

I'll take that as an order to storm the Fort, Wulfang? Eheh... hrrm.

[Wulfang]

You're outright attacking Fort Bradford? All I've heard is that you've maintained a siege and tried to get the people inside to give up. Eheeh. The same goes for Von Dunja. And... near everything of note. Well... in fact, everything fortified. If I don't see something I interpret as explicitly ordering to storm the place, you just settle down outside. 'Cause storming these things are bloody - I keep upping the modifier for fortified places - and I don't want to mix anything up. 'Sides, I was hoping Mr Oh-so-very Back-from-the-dead Bradford'd get back, but oh no... >.>

I'll take that as an order to storm the Fort, Wulfang? Eheh... hrrm.

Ah, me and Tim have been damned by our prose...

My idea was proposing them to surrender and, in case that was turned down, outright attack. Well, if there's no answer and all my troops are in place, then attack!

[xie323]

BTW since my empire can build robots how much does it cost?

Now:

ITS TIME...

I will now start the 5 phases.

first I will save up enough funds to build the "Alpha Construct"!!!!

[Timolas]

((Another thanks to Ashen for dedicating this sum of time every day to us; it's such tremendous fun. I wish there was a way of sustaining this should Ashen find himself too busy to keep on doing this for us.))

((I don't know if Ashen is supposed to announce the arrival of messengers or not))
This I tell to the Zone Demons and their emissary proposing an alliance; the Four Gods will spare your existence and we will go so far as to accept a ceasefire; however, we have our own affairs to deal with.

[Lon-ami]

((If someone sent me an emissary and I didn't answer it yet, send it again. You know, send = post here you're sending it or pm me; again))

others claim it to be not ships, but sea demons risen from the sea to drench all the land!

((Shit, I'm going to tear out the eyes of those treacherous bastard fishermen!!))

[Zula]

((Another thanks to Ashen for dedicating this sum of time every day to us; it's such tremendous fun. I wish there was a way of sustaining this should Ashen find himself too busy to keep on doing this for us.))


((Actually you are right, thanks man actually this is a tremendous fun, I look forward to every turn.))

[xie323]

(Ashen How much is it for a robot Xiemezak can build robots?)

[Wulfang]

((Another thanks to Ashen for dedicating this sum of time every day to us; it's such tremendous fun. I wish there was a way of sustaining this should Ashen find himself too busy to keep on doing this for us.))

((Agreed. Roleplaying and actually strategizing how to kill each other? You couldn't have found me a better pastime. Thanks a lot!))

[Ashenmoon]

Oh dearie, thanks, all. Though, if there'd be a next time, I'd sure as heck do all this differently >.>

xie323, 4000 muni should set you up with a nice FER unit within two turns. And dearie, this is not the best time for Lord Thornby to miss a turn, I'd say... well, some time left.
Oh, look at that, I might even be delayed. Yes, next update'll be an hour or two after scheduled.

[Yuber8900]

Doesn't matter, I'm screwed too much to do anything.

[xie323]

Oh dearie, thanks, all. Though, if there'd be a next time, I'd sure as heck do all this differently >.>

xie323, 4000 muni should set you up with a nice FER unit within two turns. And dearie, this is not the best time for Lord Thornby to miss a turn, I'd say... well, some time left.
Oh, look at that, I might even be delayed. Yes, next update'll be an hour or two after scheduled.

((Tnakks Ill save up the muni and build something...worse....))

[Mark_Romaneck]

The inhabitants of Gurtvile did not see it coming, they got hammered and in their desperation they turned to forces they didnt fully understand... some people cant be bought, bullied, or negociated with... some people just want to eat everything!

And those people have arrived at Luditia with one clear intenttion to reclaim their rightful place on the top of the foodchain, the Fruitiqueans have returned from their long banishment to the depths of the earth now have been unleashed by the careless inhabitants of Gurtville.

the frutiqueans look like well... fruits, for the most part but their delicious appearance hiddes terrible and voracious foes that hunger for flesh of the damn herbivores.

The council of the dietus balancius now has awakened and promised to their people that the world will once again feel their presence!.

Commander Citricus Acidius has rallied the Naranjiads and now musters and army of willing and bold fruitiqueans

*********
No Man´s dyke is training a regiment of 500 men (-3000 mun)

[Zula]

Doesn't matter, I'm screwed too much to do anything.

Yuber don't lose faith!!

[Timolas]

I wish to spend 1000 muni to build an academy in Ulmat Thondr, dedicated to the harnessing of the divine magics of the Four Gods! Once it is completed, we can begin the training of sorcerers and priests.
Their purpose will be twofold. First, in the military sense. Secondly, to herald the coming of the Lord.

[Yuber8900]

Yuber don't lose faith!!

...Faith has no place in logic. I don't have enough men in Regiment 1 to survive and what men do remain are low on morale. Regiment 2 can't retreat, and regiment 3 is useless. Regiment a or whatever is gonna be chased down no matter what I do. I've lost, no point wasting my time on a losing battle.

[Timolas]

...Faith has no place in logic. I don't have enough men in Regiment 1 to survive and what men do remain are low on morale. Regiment 2 can't retreat, and regiment 3 is useless. Regiment a or whatever is gonna be chased down no matter what I do. I've lost, no point wasting my time on a losing battle.

You can still buckle down with what remains and rebuild; none of us are going to crack down on you after all.

Lord Thornby is counting on you! You cannot let history repeat itself! Embrace the will of the Four and we will save you!

[Zula]

...Faith has no place in logic. I don't have enough men in Regiment 1 to survive and what men do remain are low on morale. Regiment 2 can't retreat, and regiment 3 is useless. Regiment a or whatever is gonna be chased down no matter what I do. I've lost, no point wasting my time on a losing battle.

You have 6000 gold, you could bribe out your way out of shenaloa valley, regiment 5 could help with that or join regiment 3 and make a way for 2 to retreat. and you could use your 6000 to bribe someone!! a battle is not lost until you don't have a single soldier standing! or no more money left!! Thats not the Dark God I know talking about surrendering.

[Yuber8900]

You can still buckle down with what remains and rebuild; none of us are going to crack down on you after all.

Lord Thornby is counting on you! You cannot let history repeat itself! Embrace the will of the Four and we will save you!

Time travels ever in circles. Forever looped. Always the same.

[Zula]

Time travels ever in circles. Forever looped. Always the same.

Lies are lies.

[Fordragon]

Didn't you like... eat all the people who knew how to make said robots?

[Ashenmoon]

Thornby doesn't have to get hope. Hope gets Thornby.

[xie323]

Didn't you like... eat all the people who knew how to make said robots?

But I have the Papers! We dont need the population I know how the techs are built!

[Ashenmoon]

Yes, well, I wouldn't really recommend the robots anyhow. They will have a certain... tendency towards breaking in pieces. Lots of upkeep, and so forth. Anyhow.

Turn 12! Hope is rekindled, and so forth, for Thornby as the royalist forces turn on their heels to face this new turn of events! Turning, turning...

[Fordragon]

Never read "A Canticle for Liebowitz" or anything else of that vein? The papers never do anybody any good without somebody to explain what they mean. Unless the factories are automated, which provides us with a state I like to call "techno-barbarism."

Anyway, my orders:

-The First Army, lead by the illustrious General Reinhardt Steiner and his 1st Commonwealth Armored Cavalry Regiment, is to march south in to the City of Steam.

-Brigadier General Yuri Volte Hyuga will take his Second Army south to Greenwood to secure Steam's flank. Their cantons in Westwatch will be taken up by the 6th Light Infantry, currently based at Nook.

-The new regiment of the Commonwealth Armored Cavalry is to meet up with the 5th Heavy Infantry in preparation for a push against Sauna.

-The town of Swift must see that the tide has turned against Neutrality and that the Commonwealth of Andersong is willing to offer them our Three Virtues. Dispatch a diplomat to make our case for alliance with a budget of 500 muni.

-Commission two regiments of Heavy Infantry to be built, one at Fort Andersong and the other at Fleet.

-Finally, use the 1500 muni I have in the bank to refit, upgrade and reinforce the Fleet Infantry on the Eastern Front. The people of the Commonwealth must send a message that we stand firm against Royalists.

People of the Commonwealth of Andersong and beyond, today we have conquered one foe. The dagger the Lord-Marshal had pressed to our back is gone, and with our mighty armies now free to concentrate on the real threat, we are now ready to cast down the spectre of Royalist intimidation FOREVER! The Duke-Colonel stands poised to lead our Commonwealth in liberating the people of the old Capital from Royalist oppression. The only question is if you are willing to stand up and fight alongside him. Do you dare to give this gift to the people of the old Capital? Can you find it in your heart to aid the people of Midland in casting off the oppression of the Lord-Marshal's corrupt establishment, as we did for the North?

[Mark_Romaneck]

...Faith has no place in logic. I don't have enough men in Regiment 1 to survive and what men do remain are low on morale. Regiment 2 can't retreat, and regiment 3 is useless. Regiment a or whatever is gonna be chased down no matter what I do. I've lost, no point wasting my time on a losing battle.

With no doubt in my mind, I speak for the fruitiqueans that it is better to have fought and died a miserable death... than to flee and live miserable lives

[Yuber8900]

-Brigadier General Yuri Volte Hyuga will take his Second Army south to Greenwood to secure Steam's flank. Their cantons in Westwatch will be taken up by the 6th Light Infantry, currently based at Nook.

Yuri is too badass for this forum. He leaves nao.

With no doubt in my mind, I speak for the fruitiqueans that it is better to have fought and died a miserable death... than to flee and live miserable lives

Least they'd be alive, which is the real victory.

[Timolas]

Clearly, something is amiss in Von Dunja. If there is to be a city for us to salvage, then the time has come to make a move.

General Parisot, it is your god given duty to crack open the gates of that city. It is clear that there can't be much resistance if the city is ablaze.
Set foot in the hallowed streets of Von Dunja which we are destined to take.
I will dedicate 3000 muni to equip and prepare my men to douse those flames. With that emptying treasury, I want all men under General Parisot to save Von Dunja from the smoldering fires. Water, buckets, conscripts. Damn it, I want the entire lake next to the city transferred atop the fires by night.

Do not fail me, Parisot. You have served Ulmat Thondr well thus far, but the time has come to take the jewel of the north.

The Twin Princes and I, the Prophet Meryl, will maintain defensive positions in case Prince Manri tries to intervene. Pray to the gods.

[Fordragon]

Make him. You'll be cowering in a burning pile of rubble before you can finish your sentence.

[Zula]

Commadare Noyan: BLASPHEMY THE FORCES OF STEADFAST HAVE REFUSED TO JOIN OUR CRUSADE. THEY STILL CHERISH THE TIMES OF THE OLD MONARCHY AND SO BECAUSE OF THAT TODAY WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE ARRIVING ARMY LEAD BY COMMADARE TUMEN, WE SHALL CLAME STEADFAST FOR OUR BELOVED EMPEROR AND FREE THEIR CITIZENS FROM THE WICKED CLAWS OF INJUSTICE!!!!!!.

-Commadare Noyan and Tumen shall attack Steadfast with the might of their combined army. After the battle any survivors from the enemy have the choice of joining the Empire.
-Commadare Fiayegas well stay where it is or if possible will aid using their cannons on the attack.
-Commadare Mingan shall stay for the moment at Damyra.
-Regiment 4 shall march towards Arbor
-Recruit a regiment of 500 people at Arbor wich will unite with regiment 4. All volunteers shall unite with this regiments at Arbor.
-Recruit a regiment of 500 people at Alixat.

EDIT: See Yuber I told you to have hope XD

[Timolas]

Make him. You'll be cowering in a burning pile of rubble before you can finish your sentence.

If I discover that the Commonwealth had anything to do with this, I swear by the Four that you will be torn down and crushed into your own filth.

Make that a 5000 muni investment. Divert the very lake itself to Dunja. I want whatever can be saved, saved. Leave not a cinder smoldering. Parisot himself can direct events without getting his hands dirty. He is valued beyond words.

If Parisot's regiment is not enough, then send more men. Force the countryside to rise up. I will take Dunja no matter the cost.

[Fordragon]

I was just bantering with Yuber, actually. Yuri Volte Hyuga is probably the most overpowered character in any game ever, possibly more powerful than Orlandu from FFT, and thus, he has no need to answer anyone's invectives, ever. If he was a fighting game character, he would be an SNK boss.

[Timolas]

((How depressing.))

[Ashenmoon]

You know, it's just too much damn fun raising NPC armies out of no-where to direct events, that I'm half wondering if we'll ever get to the Deal of this thing, which is... well... PvP. Tee hee. Gotta let a man have his moments, thou, eh?

Not like anyone's gonna get defeated by me. That'd just be pointless...

[Timolas]

(Whatever happens, I promise you that I'll drag Prince Manri screaming to the pits of hell with me. I will feed Prince Manri to Mnesthes, first of the Four. He will be the pinnacle of the ritual. When the time comes, when the armies engage. Manri will be taken!)

My remaining 2500 muni will be used to give what training can be given to the ten thousand peasants under the Princes Kariel and Mathredis. They'll need it.

[Yuber8900]

I was just bantering with Yuber, actually. Yuri Volte Hyuga is probably the most overpowered character in any game ever, possibly more powerful than Orlandu from FFT, and thus, he has no need to answer anyone's invectives, ever. If he was a fighting game character, he would be an SNK boss.

Not while Yuri Lowell, LAZLO SMASH, and Revya exist.

[Fordragon]

Not while Yuri Lowell, LAZLO SMASH, and Revya exist.

Pfft, nobody else compares to SH1 Yuri. He got nerfed HARD in SH2. He was so good in the first one he literally reduced every other party member in the game to the role of "throw items at Yuri."

[Yuber8900]

Yuri Lowell - Does 3x as much damage as the other party members while fully healing.

LAZLO SMASH - Deals 3x as much damage as other party members. Can have the entire party take hits for him extending his already above average lifebar even more.

Revya - Summons a fucking army. Does 3x as much damage as other party members.

Oh yeah, and the MAIN of Persona 3 who can do anything.

[xie323]

Ill wait till I get 10,000 muni then Ill get 100 giants in Shaqsylvania.

Also agreed to ceasefire with Ulmat Thondr.

[Timolas]

Ill wait till I get 10,000 muni then Ill get 100 giants in Shaqsylvania.

Also agreed to ceasefire with Ulmat Thondr.

That could take a week. Why don't you send your 'Zone Demons' to take the town south of you?

[Mark_Romaneck]

Least they'd be alive, which is the real victory.
http://pbfcomics.com/archive_b/PBF224-Commander_Crisp.jpg

If my army gets to them... they wont be alive

[Timolas]

Mark is right. Without Lord Thornby, the fruits and Zone Demons will kill the people to the last man.

[Zula]

Mark is right. Without Lord Thornby, the fruits and Zone Demons will kill the people to the last man.

Unless we call!! the Mighty Morphing Power Rangers!!!*Plays intro song*

[Timolas]

Unless we call!! the Mighty Morphing Power Rangers!!!*Plays intro song*

Or unless we call Mnesthes! Mnesthes FTANG!
Wulf, I suggest you actively begin scrounging for more civilians!

[xie323]

That could take a week. Why don't you send your 'Zone Demons' to take the town south of you?

Excellent.

Move 500 men to the town south of us-Skissus.

[Kerrah]

Yuri is too badass for this forum.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i212/Kerrah_photos/Yuriposter.jpg

[xie323]

Well Im still gonna take over that town to get more income.

((P.S: Can we stop this spam and get back in-game?))

[Wulfang]

Finally, Fort Bradford is taken! I hereby annouce the renaming of said fort to "Fort Redwind", in honor of my most esteemed general.

And Ludditia shall tremble, for this marks the founding of the Republic of Waldstein! Ludditia should fear both Waldstein and The Confederacy, my now official alliance with the Zulian Empire.

About troop orders, continue to gather volunteers and train them at Waldstein Keep to become my Stone Eagles. After the training of this first unit is done, I want to know how many I have and how much another unit would cost.

Meanwhile, at Fort Redwind, have the troops rest for now and celebrate their victory. Redwind should gather any interested volunteers from the populace and those still loyal to Bradford should be "dealt with". Remind them that their Fort is now the center of my campaign, and that they should be proud for their cooperation will make them go down into the annals of history.

Also, have my current Soulforgers there train any non-Soulforgers into Soulforgers (complete training: since they already know how to fight, I hope it won't be as costly) and forge them into a loyal and dependable army. They should, thus, all be merged ito a singular First Regiment.

If possible, begin training a 1000 man heavy cavalry unit the closest to Fort Redwind as possible (in Fort Redwind itself would be best). If I can't afford a 1000 man unit, train as many as I can.

And finally, my Regiment C is to return to Greyport, reinforce the town as I commanded them and stay on the lookout for any attacks (I sent them some money before for this, right?).

I want a troop count later, if possible. Thanks in advance.

[Ashenmoon]

Late update, I'm afraid - possibly even delayed till tomorrow. School work >.>

[Fordragon]

I'm cool with that. I'm busy with the Super Bowl (watching it, not playing in it).

[Ashenmoon]

Turn 13!

Von Dunja certainly will be an interesting chapter in my book...

[Wulfang]

Oh, I didn't get any news about me...

Well, let's start the fun again. Send my new cavalry unit (keeping my trend of fancy names, we'll call them Regal Chargers, or Regals for short), Regiment 2 under Commander Marcus Grayson, across the plains towards Steadfast, to reinforce High Emperor Zula's hold on the region and to help fend off any attacks. Meanwhile, send the main force, under General Redwind, straight to Stavford. Show the locals that we mean no harm and are here to protect their lands. As usual, gather volunteers and execute dissenders.

Also, send some envoys to Star Thondr to spread word of the coming of the Soulforgers and to start creating dissent among the populace if possible and gathering volunteers to join my coming army.

Well, that's all for today. And put something about me in the news, please!

EDIT: Change of plans. Reverse these orders: General Redwind will march to Steadfast with the main army, while Commander Grayson (and only now have I remembered the Regals are still in training) is to march to Stavford and gather volunteers as soon as the training of his unit is finished.

Also, make sure the Regals also know how to rip souls. I have to keep the theme there.

[Zula]

Commadare Noyan(Standing infront of the armies at Steadfast): It was a long fight my friends but together we managed to seize Steadfast for the Emperor.... and for all of us!!!!! Now for the moment lets rejoice!!!

Commadare Tumen(Also standing infront of the armies): But don't rest long my friends since our crusade isn't done yet!!! Orders from the Emperor have already arrived!! So this morning after a good rest all of you that are under my command will march with me to seize Windsted for the Empire!!!


Orders:

-Commadare Tumen will march with his army towards Windsted, as always give them the chance to join pacefully the empire
-Commadare Noyan will stay behind to regain morale and as always spread progagand in favor of the Empire.

-The army at arbor will march towards Steadfast while the army at Keep Zula will join Mingan forces in Damyra, who for the moment will remain there.

-Regiment a will begin to explore the wilds near the town.

-Deduce 2000 of the gold from next turn already in the thing I told you in a PM.

[Fordragon]

Have the Fleet Heavy Infantry (4th Regiment) move to Swift.

Send the 6th Commonwealth Regular Infantry west to clean up those irregular troops lingering around and disrupting trade along the river. They infringe upon our people's right to prosperity, and must be dealt with.

Dispatch the following message to Sauna and its Garrison:

Your valor is to be commended. Even now you stand fast against the Commonwealth Army, though it closes around you from all sides at once. But we do not wish to harm you. The Duke-Colonel knows that deep down, you are only doing your duty.

He realizes you have been manipulated, and it's gone on for so long you don't even see it anymore! The Lord-Marshal Powergrabber and his cronies, and the Royal Family before them, played you for fools. You are not alone, though. Many throughout the old Kingdom did not even realize there was another way. But the Commonwealth has shown so many people that they CAN be prosperous, safe, and still be free!

Join us. Raise the mailed fist of the Commonwealth. Your people can keep their lands, your leaders their positions, and your troops, their ranks. No longer can you afford to be shackled to the wall of a castle as it crumbles down around you. Together, we shall clear the path to our destiny, for it is together that we prevail!

[Lon-ami]

((Time to send a message to the outside of my troops at Star Vana, just to calm them down))

I, Lon-ami, supreme commander of the Great Armada of Xaria, declares open the diplomatic relations with the reagent of Star Vana and the forces of the dead king, known as Royalists.

The death of the king, which has caused this civil war; a war that menaces not only Ludditia, but even those lands beyond; has enough proves of being a treacherous murder.

Until our research ends, no one will be allowed to be around Star Vana. We beg the peasants and inhabitants of Star Vana to stay at the city while the diplomats and researchers do their work.

The armies of the Great Armada of Xaria will watch over the city. Any attempt of injure to Star Vana or our army will be punished. The royalist forces are asked to calm down and don't worry.

Hidden enemies plot against us all. I beg the other military factions to stay alert, and send diplomats to solve the problems and manage to get a short truce. It's now when those hidden enemies move, and we'll be able to see their movements if everyone else keeps still.

Wishing a fast end for this conflict, I look forward your support.

Sincerely yours, Lon-ami.

PS: Diplomatic relations are approximately set to be ended for when this message arrives to the remaining forces across Ludditia. (2 days more?) (We'll inform of the conclusion of the relations as soon as possible)

Late update, I'm afraid - possibly even delayed till tomorrow. School work >.>

((The first, the first; don't worry about the game. If necessary, you could extend a turn to another day more, in order to leave it balanced. You're making a great job here, but there are more important things ;)))

[Timolas]

There is only one thing that can be done. Fight. Fight on!

All remaining forces in the countryside are to rally to the battlefield. The reward for martyrdom on the field of battle is eternal life.
Parisot is to hold his ground and draft the zealots and fanatics within Von Dunja into his ranks. Man the walls. Let Prince Triot be smoked out by the remaining fires in the city. Give him one last ultimatum. Help us secure the city against Manri or die; be it against Parisot's barricades and trained elite, or in the last fires which the fanatics did not quench due to the enemy.
General Parisot will hold the gate and rally the populace loyal to the Four Gods. Turn Von Dunja into a stronghold against Prince Manri outside.

Meryl and the Twin Princes may be cut off, but that only means that a section of the enemy forces are surrounded on both sides. Meryl is to rally the survivors and fight his way into Von Dunja. The Twin Princes will attempt to break through the thinned enemy line and protect the rear of Meryl's forces.

Turn Von Dunja against Prince Manri!

Meanwhile, in the southlands, the gathering of fanatics under Ambassador Mordred makes its first hostile move against the town of Windstedt with full intention of drafting many of its peasants to be shipped north for reasons unknown to the public eye.

[Ashenmoon]

Beep. Turn 14 brings with it a rewamp of my dear NPC factions, and some new colour codes. Bloody, but that took some time... >.<

News-section short-ish, aye. No mood.

[Kerrah]

Do you happen to have the previous maps in store? I'd love to watch them one after another.

[Timolas]

((Oh glorious success. I think I startled my family my triumphant cackle.))

But mere hours after the victory on the fields before the husk of the city of Von Dunja, the Prophet Meryl stood atop the battlements and looked upon his children with renewed pride.


Von Dunja is ours at last... and Star Thondr dares not oppose us.

The realm will be split to accomodate the new Order. Von Dunja will serve as the heart of our new faction; though Ulmat Thondr will remain the centre of holy worship.

General Parisot shall be awarded the city of Von Dunja which he has so rightly taken. The Twin Princes, Kariel and Mathredis, will learn to lord over their reward for betraying their comrades in arms. They will reign in Star Vana.

Now, it is time to turn our eyes to the southwest, to the capital of Ludditia.

We will rest for tonight. Ours is a hard earned victory. Many lives have been lost... But Von Dunja... is ours...

Prince Triot and Prince Manri... I hope you will enjoy being my guests in Ulmat Thondr. MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!

[Zula]

-Train one regiment of 500 peope at Steadfast
-Regiment 1, 3, and 4 under the command of Commadares Noyan and Tumen will march towards Threemeet and get onbar Commodore Fieayegas armada
-The armada has orders of goin out to the bay near Keep Zula.

[Wulfang]

The main host under General Redwind is to stay put and protect Threemeet, while Commander Grayson and the Regals gather followers in Stavford.

The Stone Eagles are to continue with their job under General Hoarfrost and my troops at Greyport will attack Dribble Delving directly at the command of Commander Auger. As always, give them the chance to surrender first.

[Timolas]

1000 muni to fund a small hunting expedition north. It is a quest of vengeance against those who entered this realm to assist Prince Manri. Burn any hamlets, farms or villages you find; take prisoners. Take them to Ulmat Thondr. Whoever goes on this expedition must know that there will be no coming home without a cargo of slaves. Return successful or die against the peasants who resist you.

[Fordragon]

It is with a heavy heart that I order General Reinhardt Steiner to begin Operation: Mjolnir. Know that the Commonwealth does not wish harm against the people of Sauna, but we seek to excise the tumor that is Royalist rule from our lands. General Steiner's First Army shall attack Sauna from the west, in conjunction with the 3rd Commonwealth Armored Cavalry and the 5th Commonwealth Regulars attacking from the North, and the 4th Swift Light Infantry from the East.

The Second Army shall move East to take up position at Steam, where they shall have 3000 muni allocated to them to increase their ranks with a new regiment.

The 7th Andersong Regulars are to move south so they can link up with the troops attacking Steam from the North.

The 8th Heavy Infantry head east to join their Light Infantry brothers-in-arms.

A new unit of Armored Cavalry is to be build and assigned to the First Army to increase their numbers.

Allocate 500 muni to scout west of the Southpass River. There are reports of a new faction building power there and I wish it investigated.

And perhaps most importantly, I would like to announce the founding of a new engineering academy in the city of Westwatch. While once our foes, this is intended to show that they are now brothers in the Commonwealth. Here, great minds in the technical sciences will create new inventions to improve our people's lives.

[xie323]

4000 for a face eating robot!

As for the population of Skissus. Kill them all and use their blood to power our Zone Demons!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!:evil:

[Lon-ami]

Do you happen to have the previous maps in store? I'd love to watch them one after another.

Same here, I only have the last four, and you remove them from your webpage :S.

[Ashenmoon]

Well, I suppose I could upload them on something like tinypic or whatever. Later, though. In fact, keeping to my penchant of the last few days, update will probably be late, too. Possibly even delayed till tomorrow. Aiah.

[Yuber8900]

So damn busy....

-Regiment 1, Regiment a, and Regiment 4 are to move to Dribble Delving.

[Lon-ami]

Don't worry Ashenmoon. Change the turn if you believe that would give you more time.

Wasn't you who told me this was a slow game? xDDD

[xie323]

Get 1000 troops and all my ships to Alixat!

[Ashenmoon]

Update. Turn 15, I think it is.

PMs and such later problem.

[Wulfang]

Generals Redwind and Hoarfrost (Regiments 1 and 3, respectively) are to keep following the orders I last gave them. Commander Grayson is to return to Fort Redwind taking with him all the new recruits from Stavford.

Meanwhile, at the battle front against the Thornbyan forces, have Commander Auger recruit any peasants willing to defend their homeland against the coming of the tyranical forces of Thornby, who have only brought war and death to these lands.

Also, have my ships near Alixat sink all of Xie's ships. No one attacks a peaceful town of the Confederacy and goes unpunished.

[xie323]

Course of Action:

-Train 1000 troops.

EDIT: 500 posts!

[Zula]

High Emperor: Today is a dark day for the Empire, across the bay the infamous troops from Ximenezak have attack the peaceful imperial town of Alixat!!!! And if it wasn't from the help of the armada from the Waldstein republic and the bravery of the Skissus volunteers that defended the town our dream will be all but ashes.

So today!!! I call all the might of the Empire to CRUSH this beasts, because they deserve no other name, and free the people from the grasp of injustice they represent!!!

-Commadare Noyan and Tumen(Regiments 1 and 3) will sail with the armada towards the land between Skissus and Ximenezak!
-Commadare Mingan(Regiment 2) shall march as fast as he can to Ximenzak to, bear in mind he goes in peace and doesn't want to enter in a conflict with the royalists forces.
-Regiment 4 shall march to Fyne wood as fast has it can and take it for the Empire!!
-Regiment 5 will follow it and meet them once they arrive at the target.

[Yuber8900]

Lord Commander Thornby: Ha! Spies report that the fools from across the ocean have claimed we bring war to these lands? They're the ones who come here, attack us for no reason, invade our towns and fight those who protect the peace! Even the rogues of the Southlands are smart enough to see through such lies! March! Drive these miserable wretches back to the sea they came from.

-Regiment 1, 4, and a are to group up and reclaim Dribble Delving.
-3000 muni to recruit new men in Thornbyopolis.

[Lon-ami]

These senseless battles can't be tolerated!

All those lives, lost by the wishes of merciless leaders! The unstoppable armies of the great good won't ignore those who lose everything for these stupid conflict.

Those who wish to help us will be welcomed. We promise them peace over anything.

The fear will strike on your hearths for when the lakes rise and swallows those who bring war and death!

[Timolas]

Star Vana will be mine. That is all I have to tell you, foreigner! We come...
Regiment 4 is to attack Fyne Wood.

The fate of heretical civilians and prisoners is the same as always.

[Lon-ami]

The fate of heretical civilians and prisoners is the same as always.

The people shall know yout true intentios, and they'll leave you, you true heretic!

If Star Vana falls, Ludditia will fall. I won't let that ever happen. You'll burn in hell and your slaves will run free once again.

Your plans won't success and your heretic temple will sank in the deepest waters.

And, if in the remote case they success, we'll just stop it. Or were you thinking you're the only one with the power of the gods at your side?

Those who aid you, Waldestein and Zula, shall not oppose the true great good, or they'll be considered as heretics as the followers of the dark cult.

You won't burn in flames... you'll drown in water!

[Timolas]

You don't actually know what I intend to do with the prisoners. MSN is OOC. =P

[Lon-ami]

Hm, true, partially, I shall edit it and hope no one has read it. Anyway, I had no proofs of it, it could be a lie!!

But I'll spy you and get the truth about that info and all the remaining secrets you hide!!

Anyway, I know you're gathering slaves... suspect for what, but need to spy to discover if it's real. MSN could lie too ¬¬.

Star Vana won't fall!!

[Timolas]

Hm, true, partially, I shall edit it and hope no one has read it. Anyway, I had no proofs of it, it could be a lie!!

But I'll spy you and get the truth about that info and all the remaining secrets you hide!!

Anyway, I know you're gathering slaves... suspect for what, but need to spy to discover if it's real. MSN could lie too ¬¬.

Star Vana won't fall!!

I shall see you on the field!

[Fordragon]

General Steiner is ordered to pull back and cease his siege. A diplomatic solution has been reached, and passage through Steam shall be given.

[xie323]

Send 1000 more troos to alixat!

Train 1000 more!

[Ashenmoon]

Well, xie323, your fleet is currently busy being pounded by Waldsteinian ships. You intend to let your troops take the land-route?

[Lon-ami]

I shall see you on the field!

O.O

You're a necromancer?

I didn't know you would be able...

To arrive the gates of Star Vana without dying against the wild fauna!

[xie323]

Well, xie323, your fleet is currently busy being pounded by Waldsteinian ships. You intend to let your troops take the land-route?

What are their numbers?

And oh how hard is the land route?

[Yuber8900]

What are their numbers?

And oh how hard is the land route?

Through me.

[Kerrah]

Through me.

How did you make that sound so badass?

[Yuber8900]

How did you make that sound so badass?

I'm just that damn awesome.

[Fordragon]

So, let's see here... I've been on the campaign trail a while now. I think I'll let my troops fall back and refit.

The First Army is going to take up station at Hardy, where they will train while their numbers are increased by new bike regiments coming up.

The Second Army is going to Fort Andersong. The 7th Commonwealth Regulars will continue on to Steam, where they'll keep an eye on the south.

The 4th Light Infantry will head to Swift, and the 8th Heavy Infantry to Fleet.

The 6th Commonwealth Regulars will head to Fort Andersong to incorporate in to the Second Army.

[Timolas]

Let it be known in the realm of Ludditia that the Confederacy is now official!
The entirety of the East is know united in its three factions, under one banner. Fear our coming!

[Yuber8900]

You have made an enemy of Thornbyopolis and of the people themselves! This is no confederacy! It is a Horde of evil!

[Timolas]

You have made an enemy of Thornbyopolis and of the people themselves! This is no confederacy! It is a Horde of evil!

Hear the voice of the people! They cry out for the old religions! Now is the time to publicize the worship of the Four Gods. All factions which do not officially declare allegiance to Mnesthes will feel the iron heel of Ulmat Thondr.

Declare the worship of the Four! All of you! Or face the consequences.

[Yuber8900]

Face the consequences of a man mad for power! Who would sacrifice man, woman, and child for his own selfish gains! Your evil shall not stand! When I march upon your city, your armies broken beneath me, you shall beg, trash.

[Timolas]

Face the consequences of a man mad for power! Who would sacrifice man, woman, and child for his own selfish gains! Your evil shall not stand! When I march upon your city, your armies broken beneath me, you shall beg, trash.

Thornby is a lie!

The Commonwealth must now hear the words of the Prophet!
Dismantle your government and rebuild it as a theocracy; or General Parisot himself, hero of the east and conqueror of the great city of Von Dunja, will lead a vanguard against you.

Orders -

In case of the Commonwealth's refusal or silence, all of my legions in the north are to fall upon Hardy without mercy. The iron-cage caravan I commissioned is to follow the army. The democratic citizens of the Commonwealth will make worthy blood sacrifices for my gods.
Convert, or die!
My imperative is clear! My intentions divine!

Begin the scholarship of a regiment of Priest-Magi at Ulmat Thondr, and a 500 man armed regiment along with it. Now is a time of war.

Soon, you will taste the bittersweet magics of the Four Gods through the military might of the Priest-Magi!

[Ashenmoon]

Turn 16. Pling.

[Timolas]

Turn 16. Pling.

Time for badass action baby.

[Wulfang]

Darn!

Regiments 1, 2 and 3 should continue with their orders. Have Regiment 4 regroup with C and the other forces loyal to me and retreat to Greyport.

[Timolas]

I also want regiment 2 of the Twin Princes to ignore Hardy and continue marching to attack Gettys.

My response to the missive is clear enough; if these foreign Xarians will not kneel to the first god, Mnesthes, nor to the other three, then he is just as guilty of being a heretic as Prince Manri or the other sinners in my iron cages.


And the time draws near.

A missive to Zula and Wulf.

Assemble all your prisoners and wheel them in guarded iron and steel caravans. The township of Swift will be the place where the ritual circle will be drawn. From there we can take Star Vana!

[xie323]

Now ill wait. You cant win Wulfang....

Now Ill raise the people of skissus as shells! YES SHELLS THAT ARE LOYAL TO ONLY ME!

[Timolas]

Now ill wait. You cant win Wulfang....

Now Ill raise the people of skissus as shells! YES SHELLS THAT ARE LOYAL TO ONLY ME!

Use your muni (since they are the resource for all actions) to use your Zone Necromancy to raise your armies!

[Fordragon]

An official statement from Fort Andersong and the Duke-Colonel, Chairman of the Commonwealth Council:

"Sic Semper Tyrannis."

I had hoped I was being mislead, that agents had been bought out by a man desperate for time to regroup as the fist of steel fell upon him. I had hoped we could be at peace in one part of the world. It was a decent truce we had, you were easy enough to accommodate, and if my people wanted to join some kooky religion... well, that was their choice, not mine.

But I see your people now for who they truly are: cowards who I should have crushed when I had the chance. Sadly, my desire for a secure front and threats from the Lord-Marshal blinded the Council, and for that I apologize.

The Commonwealth is at war with Ulmar Thondr and any who would aid them. Let it be known that they wish not to attack our garrisons, but to sweep in, pick our homes clean, and sacrifice our families in an orgy of terrible violence. The Commonwealth will not stand for this, and we will fight to protect ANYONE threatened by them.

As was said when the Commonwealth was founded, we must never acquiesce! We shall NEVER cede control of the Motherland, for it is together that we prevail! And prevail we shall, for through solidarity, we shall triumph. Even now, loyal Sons of the Commonwealth take up the sword in defense of their homeland!

I call upon all other leaders of the former Sovereignty: stand up and fight, and the Commonwealth will stand with you. Even now the call goes out for volunteers across our nation to fight the menace. Regiments are being raised. The Westwatch Institute has been given it's first task: researching the Regalia of Thornby to provide pieces of the legendary Armor. Meanwhile, the entire Commonwealth army gathers in Hardy to fight, and fight we shall! Even as we speak, all non-combatants are being evacuated from the city, for the fighting shall be like nothing that has been seen before.

For if this battle goes poorly, there may not be another chance. You see, we have received outside sources stating that they plan to sacrifice not only those they capture, but their own citizens in a mad bid to summon their god. Not even their own people are safe from their depredations!

[So, yeah, buy an infantry regiment, move everything but the 4th Light Infantry and the 8th Heavy to Hardy (those two go to Gettys). Send out a general call for peasant militia, 2000 muni to that. "Let us see what battle brings us" no?]

[Zula]

Commadare Noyan: This barbarians of Ximenezak will pay for their offenses!!! They have done enough and we see through their evil intentions!!!! So today we put an end to their reign of evil!! And free the people from their grasp!!!.

-Regiment 1(Including the heavy cavalry has part of regiment 1) under the orders of Commadare Noyan will march towards Skissus and free it from Xie's grasp, while Commadare Tumen and Regiment 3 will entrench themselves outside of Ximenezak and begin to siege it.

-Commadare Mingan and regiment 2 will march back to Damyra......

-Regiment 5 and 4 will join together at Steadfast.

[Yuber8900]

Lord Commander Thornby: So the alliances and terms have been set. Let's get to business.

---
Turn 16

-Regiment 1 and 3 to march on Greyport. Let no cowards of the east survive!
-3000 muni to gather 500 men in Thornbyopolis.
-2500 muni to spread the word that the east and west now fight. That the east kills all who oppose them, and that the west shall defy and triumph. Join the west so that we may push the enemies of the people back!

[xie323]

Commadare Noyan: This barbarians of Ximenezak will pay for their offenses!!! They have done enough and we see through their evil intentions!!!! So today we put an end to their reign of evil!! And free the people from their grasp!!!.

-Regiment 1(Including the heavy cavalry has part of regiment 1) under the orders of Commadare Noyan will march towards Skissus and free it from Xie's grasp, while Commadare Tumen and Regiment 3 will entrench themselves outside of Ximenezak and begin to siege it.

-Commadare Mingan and regiment 2 will march back to Damyra......

-Regiment 5 and 4 will join together at Steadfast.

Youll never stop us HAHAHAHAHAH!!!!:evil:

I have some new "alliences"..

They will kill the enemy... and Rita's minions(Well at least when PR was still
good)!"

Also send 500 of my troops east to Fordragon!

[Wulfang]

The might of Waldstein will not yield to the likes of you, Thornby!

Have my ships carry my entire army to Greyport. We'll crush these tyrants once and for all!

[Yuber8900]

Youll never stop us HAHAHAHAHAH!!!!:evil:

I have some new friends..

Bah, the only friends you could make with your random city purging attitude are attacking you.

The might of Waldstein will not yield to the likes of you, Thornby!

Have my ships carry my entire army to Greyport. We'll crush these tyrants once and for all!

More lies from the real Tyrant! The people know the truth! They know who would fight through an army to reach his people! They know who sacrifices people for evil purposes! The Golden Hand guides all evil one! He shall guide our blades into your neck!

[xie323]

Oh and Ill edit it to read temp allies.

[Wulfang]

More lies from the real Tyrant! The people know the truth! They know who would fight through an army to reach his people! They know who sacrifices people for evil purposes! The Golden Hand guides all evil one! He shall guide our blades into your neck!

Your deceit reeks like a corpse left in the sun for months! The people have witnessed both our deeds. They saw you invade a peaceful region and get violently pushed out due to their hatred for your bigoted policies! It was my Soulforgers who protected the peace in Greyport and who fashioned the townspeople into an army of righteousness to defend themselves from your foul invasion!

You may think your lies and gold will give you the upper hand, but in the end it will be I who personally rips your darkened soul from the decrepit husk you call a body!

[Yuber8900]

Your deceit reeks like a corpse left in the sun for months! The people have witnessed both our deeds. They saw you invade a peaceful region and get violently pushed out due to their hatred for your bigoted policies! It was my Soulforgers who protected the peace in Greyport and who fashioned the townspeople into an army of righteousness to defend themselves from your foul invasion!

You may think your lies and gold will give you the upper hand, but in the end it will be I who personally rips your darkened soul from the decrepit husk you call a body!

Lies, lies and more lies. None can trust the tongue of a liar such as yourself! Who was it that attacked old Fort Bradford? You and your ill-bred ilk! Your Soulforgers hold hearts as black as your own, the Golden Hand will deliver swift and brutal justice against your kind. I will take personal pleasure in giving your cowardly troops over to those they wronged for reprimands.

[Wulfang]

Lies, lies and more lies. None can trust the tongue of a liar such as yourself! Who was it that attacked old Fort Bradford? You and your ill-bred ilk! Your Soulforgers hold hearts as black as your own, the Golden Hand will deliver swift and brutal justice against your kind. I will take personal pleasure in giving your cowardly troops over to those they wronged for reprimands.

Who have I wronged? The Greyportians and all my current followers joined me of their own free will. Only for the location now known as Fort Redwind had my troops to fight at all, and I've led its inhabitants justly, like the ill General Bradford would have desired.

But you, Thornby? All your holdings are yours because your soldiers wet their blades in the blood of innocents and you bribe the corrupt to support you!

[Yuber8900]

Who have I wronged? The Greyportians and all my current followers joined me of their own free will. Only for the location now known as Fort Redwind had my troops to fight at all, and I've led its inhabitants justly, like the ill General Bradford would have desired.

But you, Thornby? All your holdings are yours because your soldiers wet their blades in the blood of innocents and you bribe the corrupt to support you!

Wronged? How about my men, who marched to aid the town of Greyport incase the people from across the seas would attack them! You, who would wage war and slaughter and make false claims!

The very same Lord Bradford who instead vanished into the wildlands instead of staying and being slaughtered like the animals you treat the people?

Innocents? Am I the one who grabs people in the night and sends them off to be sacrificed to dark gods? Your lies may paint me so, but the truth clearly paints you and your eastern side scum as the villains!

You claim I bribe but who is it that attacks me for no reason? YOU! Who also tries to get bandits to attack a peaceful town? YOU! You claim your lies over and over filth. You may spread your propaganda amongst your homeland of people who think far better of you then they should, but the men who know the truth live free in the west!

[Wulfang]

Wronged? How about my men, who marched to aid the town of Greyport incase the people from across the seas would attack them! You, who would wage war and slaughter and make false claims!

The very same Lord Bradford who instead vanished into the wildlands instead of staying and being slaughtered like the animals you treat the people?

Innocents? Am I the one who grabs people in the night and sends them off to be sacrificed to dark gods? Your lies may paint me so, but the truth clearly paints you and your eastern side scum as the villains!

You claim I bribe but who is it that attacks me for no reason? YOU! Who also tries to get bandits to attack a peaceful town? YOU! You claim your lies over and over filth. You may spread your propaganda amongst your homeland of people who think far better of you then they should, but the men who know the truth live free in the west!

Your men marched not for justice, but for conquest. They marched not to defend, but to attack. And never have I slaughtered anyone. Every settlement my troops have passed by has always been given the chance to surrender and join us instead of fighting. We fight not for glory or for megalomaniacal desires of expansion, but to bring peace in such troubled times as these.

Bah, Lord Thornby, your lies are so clear even a blind man would see through them! General Redwind and his troops stood for one week in front of Fort Bradford before atacking, and Lord Bradford was repeatedly given the chance to become my vassal instead of being completely stripped of his power. He chose to flee instead of joining me perhaps because he thought himself to great a man to bow before me.

And perhaps you're confusing me with the Prophet Meryl and his fanatics. I have never made slaves or secreted people away from their homes. I do admit to slaying all unrepentant bandits encroaching on my lands, but I'm a man who offers only one chance of redemption. Just because me and Meryl are allies doesn't mean we share the same policies.

And never have I bribed anyone or condoned the vile actions of bandits. I saw how the people of Shenaola despised you and revolted against your troops and I set myself to stop the same fate from befalling the innocent people of Greyport. If even some of the local brigands chose to side with me against you, it is clear who the lesser evil is, is it not?

[Yuber8900]

Enough. This senseless arguing with such an evil fool waste my time. When I crush your armies I shall take your head and hold it high to let everyone know that they are free of a true tyrant.

[Wulfang]

We shall see. But atleast I don't threaten my enemies you such gruesome procedures as you do.

[Yuber8900]

Says the man who allies with a child killer.

[Wulfang]

Desperate times ask for desperate measures.

[Lon-ami]

And never have I slaughtered anyone. Every settlement my troops have passed by has always been given the chance to surrender and join us instead of fighting. We fight not for glory or for megalomaniacal desires of expansion, but to bring peace in such troubled times as these.

Of course you haven't. Why would you slaughter them...

WHEN YOU ARE ENSLAVING THEM AND THEIR INNOCENT SOULS FOR THE WORST RITUAL LUDDITIA HAS EVER SEEN!!

You think we're blind. You think we don't see. I only regret not having destroyed your nation before reaching Star Vana. But I won't commit the same fail again.

The lament of the 20000 souls enslaved by you can be heard from the most isolated zone in the world. Same goes for Keep Zula and the false-prophet Meryl.

I knew there was a dark hand behind everything even before sailing towards Ludditia. I shall fight and die if necessary to stop this madness. I shall not fail. Mnesthes won't be summoned.

And, if he is, we'll kill him. Yeah, our souls could burn in the hell forever, but more will come after us. That demon-god of yours won't be able to stop us forever. And we have the support of the people of Ludditia.

Your kingdom of treachery and madness will end, and what you call your decrepit body will burn in hell forever.

[Timolas]

There is nothing... nothing that you can do to stop me now! The clockwork has been wound, the wheel is set in motion. The omnipotent Viridian God Mnesthes will set foot on Ludditia as he did thousands of years ago back in the zenith of the religion of the Four Gods!

The people in those dark ages; they heeded the whispers of the true masters of the world. They do so again. And for that, they will bear witness to the dawn of a new era.
Yet again, old enemies cast aside their paltry squabbles to band together against a common foe. Only this time, it is too late. You have bickered and crippled one another in the face of the sweeping euphoria that was the rise of the new order. Now, you limp along, wounded animals.

When Von Dunja stood and the young son of the late king, Prince Manri, stood as a free man to oppose me; that was when you had a chance. When Prince Triot held Von Dunja against me, that was when there was hope for Ludditia.

The Commonwealth? A fool's dream; a ragtag association of moral idealists without the true backbone to enforce their ambition!

The sons of Thornby? Nobility bows before the judge.

Shenaola? What has this young faction done thus far?

Now you will know that we are legion. The people have willed this. They pleaded for it. They fought for it. They died for it. They die for it still! But their deaths will not mark the end.
For I am the Prophet Meryl!

Now, look upon the face of your new king!

[Wulfang]

If you think you know the full scope of my plans, you're dead wrong. Emphasis on the "dead" part.

[Timolas]

If you think you know the full scope of my plans, you're dead wrong. Emphasis on the "dead" part.

It is time, old comrade. Against the united West we have only one hope; and you know what that hope is.
Your Soulforgers are the key. Time is of the essence.
The West as one is not something I can face alone.

Mnesthes ftang!

[Ashenmoon]

Oh dearie me, things are heating up quite nicely...

And just for that reason, I'd like to ask everyone to take particular care to make sure the essence of your orders is made clear to me. Oh, mostly, I can't complain, and I do appreciate those times when you take your time to explain the inner workings of this-and-that; but sometimes, it can be hard for me to distill your messages into orders conveyable on the map and in PMs.

No particularly-aimed critique to anyone, but to make sure your orders are carried out more precisely, it can never hurt summing up your orders in the end of your post, as condensed as possible.

Also, on agents and other off-the-map workings: in the future, try to specify the desired effect to come out of a particular agent. Or rather: what you expect me to do with it. Should you be sent a PM the next turn, detailing your spy's success or lack of it? Do add a request for a report-PM when you expect one.

Also, very good practice is to keep ordering your troops on their way, which basically everyone's already doing, but still: sometimes, if your troops are sent on a long march, they'll only get half-ways there in one turn. Reminding me to keep them moving on the next turn is very much appreciated.

And so on. In general, I do appreciate all the embroidering, but when it comes to making sure your orders work as expected, also give a short version of them.

[Timolas]

No problemo. Basically, use the surprise attack to my advantage, fall upon Hardy before the Commonwealth armies can arrive, take every living soul in sight prisoner, and fortify and prepare for the coming of Andersong's resistance.
The Twin Princes will also use this surprise to race to Gettys.

On a related note, Wulf gave me permission to borrow his Soulforgers to convert my prisoners into soulgem-jars; for easy transportation.
So I'll spend 1000 muni to safely escort my prisoners to Fort Redwind. They will be promised freedom and a new life outside of my theocracy.
Upon arrival they will be executed and their souls stored for use in the coming ritual.

+Training of a Priest-Magi regiment for 5000 muni as agreed,
and a 500 man regular regiment for the average 3000. If possible, the normal 500 regiment in Soori Donn (since I know that my academy for Priest-Magi is in Ulmat). Otherwise in the usual capital.

[xie323]

Once we conquer Alixat:

Sacrifise 500 and use then to summon Asmondus!!!

[Ashenmoon]

Asmondus, eh? As in Asmodeus, as in one of the Princes of Hell, the Demon of Lust? That Asmondus?

Are you sure? There are, after all, some dangers involved.

[Wulfang]

Once we conquer Alixat:

Sacrifise 500 and use then to summon Asmondus!!!

Conquer Alixat?! Summon a demon with just 500 sacrifices?!

Xie, this is an advice to you, get a better picture of the scale of the game. We're running around with armies that number in the tens of thousands, and you think 500 sacrifices can make a difference? You think you can conquer a defended town with just 1000 men?

[xie323]

Conquer Alixat?! Summon a demon with just 500 sacrifices?!

Xie, this is an advice to you, get a better picture of the scale of the game. We're running around with armies that number in the tens of thousands, and you think 500 sacrifices can make a difference? You think you can conquer a defended town with just 1000 men?

Im almost out of muni but Ill...



Asmondus, eh? As in Asmodeus, as in one of the Princes of Hell, the Demon of Lust? That Asmondus?

Are you sure? There are, after all, some dangers involved.

Yeah but not now!

Also everyone in Xiemezak will garrison in the fortress till reinforcement from my allies arrive!

Same with Skiriss we have to hold out the invasion as long as possible!

[Ashenmoon]

Yeah but not now!
I'll take it that means there'll be no summoning of Asmondus this turn, then.

[Lon-ami]

I was asking myself something...

Will you have victory?

I'm not speaking about successing or not. I'm just speaking about the postwar period. What are you going to do?

You won't control that demonic god. The lands will be ashes. You'll have no life. No food.

Such a goal... for peace? The peace of the grave?

What's the true objective of this mad quest?

Or is this just the megalomaniacal dream of a mad self-proclaimed-prophet?

You want to be king... but to be king, you need to have citizens. Living citizens.

...

I dare you tell the truth to your people... you don't dare, do you?

No need. I'll do it myself.

Action: Tell this all to the people of Ludditia. Those who wish to join the armies of the Great Good w¡ll be received with open hands.

Send this message to every man of Ludditia. Make this fact reach every home. Make every hearth feel there's hope. Make them see they are the hope.

Asmondus

Whaaat? Xie, for god's sake... Well, you can promise your demon a lot of enemies, if that can make him appear and destroy everything... Just try, I'm sure you have around a demon willing to enter this world to kill people. Just call him.

If he destroys you too... nah, that won't happen.

[xie323]

Also I reverse the decision to train 500 troops we need to give Lon as much muni as possible!

Also if our enemies are trying to summon their god we might as well summon a demon to do our work!

And oh I dont mean now. When I get more powerful it will begin!